The air between you and Mattheo was electric with tension, every word exchanged like a live wire. His dark eyes burned with frustration as his voice rang sharp and cutting.

"You are being ridiculous," he snarled, his tone dripping with exasperation.

Your fists clenched at your sides, words bubbling on the tip of your tongue. "I—"

Before you could retaliate, a smooth voice cut through the charged air.

"Hey," a guy drawled casually, his shoulder resting against the wall. His blond hair caught the dim light as he cocked a confident smirk in your direction. "You look like you could use a drink and some better company."

Mattheo’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant, his body tensing like a coiled spring. His jaw clenched so tightly you could see the faint tick of a muscle in his cheek. Without hesitation, he stepped in front of you, his broad frame blocking the stranger from view.

"Back off," Mattheo growled, the words dripping with unspoken threat.

Evan—you now recognized him as one of the bold, cocky types always hovering on the edges of parties—held his hands up in mock surrender, though the smirk never wavered. "Relax, man. Just making an observation."

Mattheo ignored him, turning his fiery gaze back to you, his eyes softening just slightly. But there was a fierceness in them that sent a chill down your spine. "You think I'm going to let some idiot replace me? Not happening, love."

You stared at him, your frustration warring with something else entirely. The sheer intensity of his presence, his unwavering determination, was intoxicating—and infuriating.

"Mattheo," you began, your voice steadier than you expected, "you don’t get to make that decision for me."

His eyes darkened, but before he could respond, Evan let out a low chuckle. "Maybe you should let her decide, mate. Doesn't look like she’s yours to control."

Mattheo’s head snapped in Evan’s direction. "Keep talking, and you’ll regret it."

The tension between the two men was palpable, the air around them crackling with hostility.