"Don't."
Adam said it so casually, not threatening at all. In fact, with how small he was, it almost looked comical. Some of the diners who saw it seemed amuse, while most were just shaking their heads.
As for the young man, Erik, he just smirked and relaxed his shoulders when he saw Adam's clearly not-so-confident face.
"Relax, cowboy. I wasn't actually gonna hit her. Just messing around, right, Marianne?"
Marianne stepped forward, glaring at Eric but placing her weathered hand gently on Adam's arm.
"I'm alright, honey. This ain't worth the trouble." Her voice was steady, but Adam could feel her hand shaking on his skin.
Adam stood there in silence for a moment before finally releasing Eric's wrist and casually turning back to the counter. He placed the bills he owed there, smoothing them with his palm.
"Thank you, Ma'am," he said to Marianne before quietly turning to leave.
