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.

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

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

attempts at clarification only looked suspicious. Dustin hastily wiped away the alcohol stain from his head, his furrowed brows,

back of his head. Had he been an average person, he’d likely be sprawled on the ground by

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

had considered Eleanor a friend, offered his help many times, and even shielded

to the head. Now, he understood that Eleanor

ground Ezra coughed and gasped for air. His hand clutched his throat, struggling to catch his

you okay, Ezra?” Eleanor asked, concern evident as she rushed to check on him. Her actions revealed that her

her judgment. She was genuinely worried about Ezra getting

As