Lucas shifted awkwardly beside me as I turned to face the newcomer. The man stood with a commanding presence, his arms crossed and a glint of authority in his eyes. A wave of tension surged through the air, thick enough to slice.
“I'm Gino,” he said, his tone calm and condescending. “And I suggest you let her go. You have no business making claims on something you so casually tossed aside.”
“What would you know?” I growled as Lucas stood between me and this guy with whom Harriet seemed to be smitten.
Harriet snuggled into the man and smiled up at him, she looked so happy. I saw the way that her eyes twinkled when she looked at him but at me she looked empty. “I am happy with my life now. There is nothing for you here.” Her words stung me.
I hated to see her so at ease with someone el
