An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Harper and Cody exchanged bewildered glances, completely thrown off by Ethan’s strange behavior. They silently questioned, “Is it really wise to respond to hostility with kindness? Are those high-society types really willing to risk their honor?”

Dustin smiled faintly. “I’ve patched things up with the Langford family. Let’s put our issues on the table.”

Harper and Cody couldn’t help but notice that Dustin’s smile seemed rather insincere. Cody tried to lighten the mood. ” Dustin, this mess isn’t my doing. I’m a victim here, too. I’ve been waiting by the door, worried about your safety.”

But deep down, he couldn’t help but think, “This guy’s nuts! He even dared to face off with Hugo. I’d be in for trouble if I crossed him.”

Dustin added, “We can deal with our stuff later. Right now, I need to talk to her.”

He pointed toward Harper through the car window. Growing anxious, Harper urged, “Cody, let’s get out of here, now!”

“You want to run?” Maximus snorted. He punched through the car window. Then, he forcefully yanked the steering wheel and sent it flying and crashing into the Langford residence wall. Cody stared at his now-wheel-less car, nearly in tears. He muttered, “My brand -new car!”

wonders if anyone

expression, Dustin turned to Harper. “Harper, I rarely resort to violence against women, but

me out with a phone call, only to spring a trap with Cody. I might be dead now if it weren’t

“Why blame me? I have done nothing wrong. It’s your fault!” Dustin sneered in response. “My fault? Someone like you defies reason, and I’m not here to

just want to know one thing: What’s the story behind Mr. Shaffer? If you tell me the truth,

difficult, turned her head away

don’t, I’ll make you disappear from

not someone to mess with. Lay a finger on me, and you’ll regret it!” Dustin turned to Maximus

reaching inside to grab Harper’s hair and forcefully

Let go! Let go!” Harper struggled and screamed