Chapter 46

"Screw Jonathan, fill my glass to the brim," I muttered, amused by my own sudden boldness. Gordonathan's icy glare didn't deter me; I tipped my chin at Frederick.

Frederick looked my way before glancing between me and Jonathan. Suddenly, he produced a wooden box I recognized from behind the counter. "Since we're drinking," he said, "let's make it worthwhile."

He unwrapped the box, revealing a pink bottle—the very bottle of "First Love" I'd given him. I stared at Frederick in disbelief. Why would he bring that out here?

He suggested, "You gave this to me, but you've never had it yourself. Maybe now's the perfect time for your first taste?"

Before I could respond, Jonathan stood up, the tension in the room palpable. I'd never seen him so angry. His eyes were dark, like a storm brewing.

As Frederick reached for the bottle, Jonathan grabbed his wrist. His grip was so tight, the veins bulged on his arm, his temples throbbed, and rage blazed in his eyes.

He fixed his cold gaze on Frederick. "Where did you say you got this bottle?"

Seeing Jonathan's fury, Frederick chuckled. "You didn't catch that the first time? I'll repeat it: this was a gift from Elise. It's called 'First Love.'"

I saw the storm gathering in Jonathan's eyes. If his gaze had weight, Frederick would have been obliterated.

I shot Frederick a look. "It was a gift. You should keep it to yourself. Why are you offering it back to me?" Frederick sighed. "I'd be happy to give you a taste, but judging by his reaction, you might be out of luck." I steadied my breath and turned to Jonathan, though I truly didn't want to. It was meant for him. He needed to let go.

Jonathan stared at me with a glacial intensity; it felt like he was trying to burn holes through my face. "Do you even know what this bottle of wine represents?"

"What else could it mean?" I asked, furrowing my brows. "Isn't it just a bottle of wine?"

I yanked Jonathan's hand away and stood between him and Frederick. "Were you not listening, Jonathan? I stay out of your business, so stay out of mine."

Jonathan ignored me and clamped down on my wrist. The pain was excruciating; I thought he might break the bone, crying out in agony.

He ignored my protests, enunciating each word with deliberate emphasis. "I taught you how to make this. It was your very first bottle. So what?" I responded, "It's just a bottle of wine."

The light vanished from Jonathan's eyes. The air around him crackled with a sharp, cold, unnerving energy.

While we were all distracted, Frederick suddenly popped the cork.

All eyes turned to him. Alicja yelled, "What are you doing, opening Jonathan's wine as if it were yours?"

Frederick nonchalantly replied, "Elise gave it to me. I have every right to open it."

Alicja lunged for the bottle, but Frederick deftly moved it out of her reach.

Frederick mockingly asked, "Whether it's Elise's or Jonathan's, what business is it of yours?"

Alicja fired back, "How is it none of my business? That bottle belongs to Jonathan. He gave it to Elise. What gives you the right—"

Her eyes were bloodshot, burning with indignation for Jonathan's sake as she made another attempt to retrieve the bottle.

With an irritated grunt, Frederick shoved Alicja aside. She lost her balance and crashed into the bar, crying out in shock as a nasty cut opened on her forehead.

Jonathan instantly released my hand and rushed to Alicja's side. "Are you okay, Alicia?"

Alicia responded, "It hurts."

Tears welled up in Alicia's eyes as she looked at Jonathan. He helped her up, then glared coldly at me and Frederick.

Finally, I locked eyes with Frederick. "If anything happens to her, I'm coming for you."