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.

had done. She tossed the remaining bottle fragment aside and tried to explain herself. “Dustin, I’m sorry! It was an accident.

family. I was worried you’d get into trouble! You don’t know them like I do, and I was

suspicious. Dustin hastily wiped away the alcohol stain from his head, his furrowed brows, looking

ambush had taken him completely by surprise, a blindside assault directed at the back of his head.

Eleanor placed Ezra above him in her priorities to the

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

An unexpected bottle to the head. Now, he understood that Eleanor didn’t hold

grip, and Ezra slumped to the ground Ezra coughed and gasped

check on him. Her actions revealed that her

that had clouded her judgment.

injuries. As long as you can forgive me, I’d risk my life, and it