Derek instinctively grabbed Atlas's arm as the man seized the lower part of his face.
"Shut it." Atlas's eyelids drooped dangerously, his grip tightening. He listened in the brief silence and nodded in satisfaction. "Just like that."
Lola's jaw dropped upon hearing Atlas's remarks. She was darting her wide eyes between Atlas and Derek. For a moment, she couldn't believe what had just unfolded and how quickly things had escalated.
"Where did those guys go—"
Suddenly, Justin's voice echoed as he emerged from the private dining room. Derek had stepped out earlier, but hadn't returned until now. Justin wondered why, but as soon as he stepped out, he caught sight of three figures a few feet away from the door.
His brows furrowed as he stared at Atlas's back, then at Lola, and finally…
"Derek!" Justin gasped, taking a step forward, only to freeze as Atlas's eyes briefly flicked in his direction.
