Frederic's smile faded as he leaned in close to Gavin.
"Who are you really, and what's your deal with Joey?"
Gavin smirked, sipping his drink slowly. "Take a wild guess!"
Under the table, Frederic pressed his leg against Gavin's, forcing a smile while clenching his jaw.
"I won't let you take Joey away. She's mine."
"We'll see if you can. I promised to protect her for life."
"Are you still hung up on those childhood promises? Joey's forgotten all that. Don't you think you're being ridiculous?"
"Want me to remind her who I am and see if she remembers our past?"
Frederic grabbed Gavin's wrist, eyes flashing with a warning. "Don't even think about it!"
The tension between the two men was palpable, their smiles hiding a brewing storm.
Dinner went on, but beneath the surface, a battle
