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.”
business,” Ryan
arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman
back, his face contorting with anger. “Who the hell do you think
men manhandle women in parking lots.” James positioned himself
several inches shorter than James. “This is between
rubbing my
clearly married,”
reached us.
said firmly. “This man was
face flushed red. “I
“That’s
bouncer crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Sir,
a finger toward
only joke here is you,” James replied
his heel. “This isn’t over,” he called over his
the intervention,” I said, turning to James. “Both
Want me to make sure
“Please,” I replied.
turned
softening. “Happy to help. Are you okay? Your wrist looks
“I’ll be fine.
was heading in for a drink when I spotted the situation. Couldn’t
toward us, her face pinched with concern. “I saw
make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped in when things
marks on my wrist. “He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a grateful smile.
couldn’t
here?” Emilia asked, linking her arm with mine
marriage.” I sighed. “He
Ryan,” Emilia rolled her eyes. “Can’t believe you found happiness, so there must
his throat. “Well, I’m glad I was
you a drink to say thank you?
James replied with a
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