Augustine instinctively pulled her closer, his stance protective as he glared at Denis.
Denis stiffened under Augustine's gaze. He was only minutes late. If he had arrived a little earlier, Anne would have been in his arms. He could have been the one to save her—the hero of the moment. But Augustine had stolen that role.
A mix of resentment and frustration burned inside him. Stretching out his hand, he demanded, "Anne, come here."
"Why are you here?" Anne snapped. "Did you come to see if I had been humiliated?"
Denis faltered, momentarily at a loss for words. "I can explain, but you have to come with me."
"She is not going anywhere with you," Augustine cut in firmly.
"You…" Denis jabbed a finger at him, his face darkening with rage. "Stay out of this. This is between me and Anne."
"She is my wife," Augustine stated with unwavering authority. "Her problems are my problems."
