AN: My first White Collar fic. Just a one shot. Would love your thoughts. Thanks for reading!
"He took her, my wife…" the realization of the phrase focused his rage on one person and before he could regain even an ounce of composure he had his hands around Neal's neck.
Neal reached up instinctively to try and force his hands away but all he could do was stare directly into Peter's eyes.
Jones was the first to try and pull him off. "Boss, come on…"
Peter loosened his grip around his neck, but was still holding him there. "After this is over…you and me…we're done!" He took in a long breath before removing his hands from Neal's throat, and moving them to his chest. "If she's hurt…if she's…" He couldn't finish and let his expression speak for itself before stepping away.
"Peter, I'm…"
"Don't!" He put his hand up. "It should be you…he should have you, not her. Not El."
"I'll do it. Peter, I'll do an even exchange, he can have me."
"He doesn't want you. He wants the treasure you don't have, right?" He took another step towards him in fury but this time Jones anticipated it. "If I didn't need you…"
Neal nodded towards him. "I didn't have to come, but I'm here. I'm here because I realized something."
"Oh really, what are ya gonna con me into believing now? That you care?"
"Wouldn't be here if I didn't."
Peter paused to take in the scene of his home a second time. "You did this."
"I know."
"If he hurts her…"
Neal swallowed at the tears in his eyes. "I'll kill him myself."
Peter took a step towards the door . "You won't have to."