Page 33 of Draven

Bruce nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable.

"I see," Bruce said simply, nodding as if Draven’s answer satisfied him.

"Speaking of which, Red Vine is hosting its annual Wheelbarrow Festival next week," Bruce said. "It's a tradition here, full of fun contests and competitions. You should definitely check it out. It's always a good time."

I wondered if Bruce changed the topic to lighten the mood. Probably but at the very least, he didn’t seem to consider Draven a threat.

Tim stepped up and explained the repairs done on my car. When he presented the bill, I felt a knot form in my stomach.

The numbers were higher than I had anticipated, and I knew it would take me some time to pay off the entire amount.

Beside me, I could sense Draven's frustration, his jaw clenched tightly.

"I... It would take me a while to pay the whole amount," I admitted to Tim, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

Tim nodded understandingly.

"That's fine, Tobias. We have an installment plan that can help spread the cost over time,” he said.

Before I could respond, the bell above the shop door chimed, and a familiar scent filled the air, making my heart sink.

I turned to see Justin strolling into the shop with a swagger, like he owned the place.

I exchanged a wary glance at Draven, knowing Justin's presence could set him off.

Justin approached us, wearing a smug smirk , and I immediately knew he was going to stir up some trouble.

"Hey, Tim, crashed my new Lamborghini again last night," Justin announced loudly.

I had hoped he would ignore Draven and me altogether, but it seemed my hopes were in vain. My heart sank as Justin's gaze landed on me.

"Tobias Anderson," he drawled. "I heard you made a police report. Didn't you know my dad has the sheriff on his payroll?"

I stiffened. He glanced dismissively at my car, chuckling as if reveling in some private joke.

"Looks like Tim managed to fix your junk of a car," Justin remarked, his tone dripping with disdain. "A pity that it might get ruined again...soon."

I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my composure in the face of Justin's taunts. It was clear that he was here to antagonize me.

Before I could even formulate a response, Draven acted with a speed and force that left me utterly stunned.

In the blink of an eye, Draven had Justin pinned against the nearest car, his hands wrapped tightly around Justin's throat.

The pressure was so intense that the car window shattered under the strain.

I could only watch in shock as Draven's normally calm demeanor was replaced by a fierce intensity.

Justin struggled and gasped for breath, futilely pounding at Draven's arms in an attempt to break free.

"Tim, help me!" I called out.

Tim rushed forward, but Draven effortlessly shoved him aside as if he were nothing more than a mere obstacle.

Desperate to diffuse the situation, I reached out and grabbed Draven's arm, but it felt like I was gripping steel.

"Draven, stop!" I pleaded.

Despite my efforts, Draven's grip remained unyielding.