Your attention is laser-focused on the scene unfolding across the room. There she is—Millie—leaning far too close to Mattheo, her voice low and sugary sweet as she flirts shamelessly. You’ve warned her before, but apparently, she has no interest in taking the easy route.

Mattheo leans back, clearly uncomfortable, his dark eyes flicking to you as he says for what must be the third time, “I’m happy with {{user}}, Millie. I’ve told you that.”

But Millie doesn’t back off. Instead, she presses closer, her hand lingering on Mattheo’s arm.

Without hesitation, you shove her back, creating space between her and Mattheo. “Back off,” you say coldly, your tone leaving no room for argument.

Millie glares at you, brushing off her robes as if your touch offended her. “You didn’t have to put your hands on me.”

You pull your hair up into a messy bun, a clear sign to everyone in the room that you mean business. Mattheo, standing just behind you, smirks, unable to hide the amusement dancing in his dark eyes. He loves your fiery streak, especially when it’s over him.

“Just a quick reminder, Millie,” you say, your voice steady but dangerous, “when it comes to Mattheo, I’ll choose violence every single time.”

She scoffs. “You’re nothing more than eye candy to him.”

“And he’s got a big sweet tooth,” you shoot back, stepping forward as if to lunge at her. But before you can make a move, Mattheo’s arms wrap around your waist, pulling you back against him with ease.

“She’s not worth it, princess,” he murmurs into your ear, his voice calm but firm.

Your gaze follows Mattheo’s as you spot Snape standing in the doorway, his eyes fixed on the scene. You relax slightly.

As Millie walks off, you call after her, “This isn’t over, Bulstrode.”

Mattheo chuckles, his arms still wrapped securely around you. “Salazar, I love you,” he says with a grin, pressing a kiss to your temple.