Ace's POV
My body moved before my mind could catch up—muscles coiled, instincts flaring. One swift step and my arms were around Ovelia, catching her just before gravity could drag her down. Her weight settled against me, warm and unsteady.
"Ovelia, are you really okay?" My voice came out rougher than I intended, laced with a protectiveness that surprised even me.
She blinked up at me, her pupils dilated, a dreamy smile playing on her lips. Her hand rose, her fingertips brushing my cheek with startling tenderness. "Hmmm, I'm okay, Ace," she murmured, her laughter light but unmistakably slurred.
I glanced at her nearly empty beer mug and groaned internally. "She's drunk," I muttered, realization dawning. "One mug, and she's already like this?"
Across the table, Ann and Ray exchanged knowing looks, their amusement palpable.
"Ann, take Ovelia—" I began, but Ray cut in, his grin wicked.
