The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 187

Lance was almost right in front of them, but Nathalie acted like he didn’t even exist.

“We met at the gala,” Nathalie said to her friend, keeping her voice calm. “I told you all about it, remember?”

“I remember, I remember,” Damaris replied, lowering her voice. “I just thought you two were regular work acquaintances. Turns out it’s way more complicated. He actually came to pick you up!”

She latched onto Nathalie’s arm, tugging her toward Freddy. “Come on, introduce me. Freddy’s actually kind of cute.”

Nathalie let out a breath and allowed herself to be dragged along.

That’s when Lance caught up, his face turning stormy the second he saw the scene. He reached out and grabbed Nathalie’s other hand.

“Nathalie,” he said quietly, but there was something sharp beneath it.

Damaris threw herself between them without hesitation, all fierce energy, her eyes narrowed. “What do you think you’re doing? If you’ve got something to say, then say it. No need for the hands-on routine.”

Lance’s good looks were darkened by a scowl.

Damaris shrank back just a little, but she wasn’t about to let him intimidate her. She couldn’t just stand by and let him bully her Nathalie.

“What do you want?” Damaris demanded, standing as tall as she could, right in front of the police station. “You should watch your attitude here.”

Lance turned that icy stare on her. “I’d like to know where you’re planning to take my wife.”

“Your wife?” Damaris shot back. “Nathalie’s been trying to divorce you forever. If you were any kind of real man, you’d give it a rest. Nobody likes the desperate act.”

Lance barely glanced at her. “Whether I’m a man isn’t your business,” he said. “Nathalie knows the answer to that.”

A warm, mellow voice cut through the tension. “Excuse me, sorry to interrupt.”

They turned to see Freddy approaching, all calm and composed. “It’s getting late. I think we should take Ms. Blair out to eat.” Then, with an easy smile, “Lance, you should come with us.”

Damaris rolled her eyes, wishing for all the world she didn’t have to bring that jerk with them.

Lance just stared at Nathalie, something unreadable simmering in his eyes.

Nathalie frowned and looked at Freddy, who just smiled kindly at her. “Let’s get in the car.”

It was a clear, beautiful day, the sun blazing overhead, but somehow the air felt heavy, a chill creeping in and settling cold against her heart.