Chapter 172
Olivia
You’re embarrassing yourself,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Walk away before you do something you really regret.”
“Too late for that.” Ryan laughed bitterly. “I already let you go. Biggest mistake of my life, apparently. Should’ve known you were just waiting to trade up.”
I spotted a bouncer from O’Malley’s stepping outside, clearly having heard the commotion. Relief washed over me as the burly man started walking in our direction, his expression grim.
Ryan noticed him too, but seemed determined to finish what he’d started. “I’m not done talking to you,” he said, grabbing my wrist again.
“Let go of me,” I hissed, trying to pull away.
“Not until you admit what this marriage really is. Everyone knows you’re just-”
“The lady asked you to let her go.”
The deep voice came from behind Ryan. We both turned to see a tall figure approaching from the parking lot. The street lights illuminated his face as he drew closer, James Westbrook.
Ryan’s grip loosened slightly, but he didn’t release me. “This is a private conversation.”
James stepped closer, his expression hard. “Doesn’t look private to me. Looks like harassment.”
your own business,” Ryan snapped,
grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released
anger. “Who the
manhandle women in parking lots.”
several inches shorter
I corrected, rubbing my wrist.
married,” James
bouncer finally reached us. “Everything
I said firmly. “This man was
red. “I was just
arm?” James challenged. “That’s not how conversations work
biceps bulging. “Sir, I
eyes burned with anger as he jabbed a finger toward me. “I’ll
only joke here is
heel. “This isn’t over,” he called over his
said, turning to
bouncer nodded. “No problem. Want me to
“Please,” I replied.
I turned to James. “Seriously, thank you. That was getting
his expression softening. “Happy to help. Are you okay? Your wrist
at the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be
his head. “I was heading in for a drink when I spotted the situation. Couldn’t just
entrance. She rushed toward us, her face
gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped in
eyes widened as she noticed the red marks on my wrist. “He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a
nodded. “I couldn’t stand by watching
was he even doing here?” Emilia asked, linking her arm with mine
marriage.” I sighed.
eyes. “Can’t believe you found happiness,
“Well, I’m glad I was here to
sincerely. “Can I buy you a drink
like that,” James replied
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