An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Ezra’s scream pierced the air, only to be silenced abruptly by Dustin’s unyielding steel grip. He squeezed Ezra’s throat, forcing the scream back down. Ezra’s face turned crimson as he flailed helplessly.

The terror of imminent death filled Ezra, who managed to croak, “Let go… please …”

Dustin dryly remarked, “Fighting with a knife because your fists aren’t enough, huh? Aren’t you ashamed?’

His fingers tightened, making Ezra’s eyes roll back. “Stop hurting him!” Suddenly, a scream cut through the tension between them.

It was followed by a loud crash as a bottle struck the back of Dustin’s head. Glass fragments erupted into the air like fireworks, and the scent of spilled alcohol flooded the room.

Dustin scowled, turning to face Eleanor. She stood there, still holding the shattered bottle. Fear and guilt painted on her face.

She tossed the remaining bottle fragment aside and tried to explain herself. “Dustin, I’m sorry! It was an accident. “I was just trying to stop you from hurting Ezra, and things got out

worried you’d get into trouble! You don’t know

gaze darted around, and her attempts at clarification only looked suspicious. Dustin hastily wiped away the alcohol stain from his head, his furrowed

by surprise, a blindside assault directed at the back of his head. Had he been an average person, he’d likely be sprawled

Dustin realized that Eleanor placed Ezra above him in her priorities to the extent that she would willingly sacrifice him

Dustin shook his head in disappointment. He had considered Eleanor a friend, offered his help many times, and even

to the head. Now, he understood that Eleanor didn’t hold him in the same high regard as she did

Dustin loosened his grip, and Ezra slumped to the ground Ezra coughed and gasped

rushed to check on him. Her actions revealed that her

her judgment. She was genuinely worried about

minor injuries. As long