Kai moved so fast I barely saw it. One second Marcus was talking, the next Kai had him pressed against the wall, forearm across his throat.
"Say another word," Kai said quietly, "and I will end you."
The party stopped. Everyone staring.
Marcus laughed, even with Kai's arm crushing his windpipe. "There it is. The real Kai Thornton. Not the protective boyfriend. The violent"
Kai's fist connected with the wall beside Marcus's head, leaving a dent in the drywall. Marcus flinched.
"Kai," I said, touching his shoulder. "Let's go. He's not worth it."
For a long moment, Kai didn't move. Then, slowly, he released Marcus and stepped back.
"Stay away from her," Kai said. "Last warning."
He took my hand and pulled me toward the door. Behind us, I could hear Marcus laughing, saying something to his friends.
We made it to the car in silence. Kai's hands were shaking as he unlocked it.
"Kai"
"Get in."
I did.
