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.

tried to explain herself. “Dustin, I’m sorry! It was

into trouble! You don’t know them like I

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

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

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

shook his head in disappointment. He had considered Eleanor a friend, offered

in return? An unexpected bottle to the head. Now, he understood that Eleanor didn’t hold him in the same

and gasped for air. His hand clutched his throat, struggling

okay, Ezra?” Eleanor asked, concern evident as she rushed to check on him. Her actions revealed that her feelings for Ezra weren’t rooted in

had clouded her judgment. She was genuinely worried about Ezra

a smile. “I’m fine. These are just minor injuries. As long