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.”
own business,” Ryan snapped,
twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says let
stumbled back, his face contorting with anger. “Who
doesn’t like watching men manhandle women in parking lots.” James positioned himself between us.
look tough despite being several inches shorter than James. “This is between me and my
corrected, rubbing my wrist.
clearly married,”
finally reached us.
“This man was
flushed red. “I was just
arm?” James challenged. “That’s not how conversations
biceps bulging. “Sir, I need you to
isn’t over, Liv,” Ryan spat, backing away. His eyes burned with anger as he jabbed a finger toward me. “I’ll find out
only joke here is you,” James
look before turning on his heel. “This isn’t over,” he called over his shoulder as he
said, turning
me to make
“Please,” I replied.
followed Ryan’s retreating figure, I turned to
expression softening. “Happy to help. Are you
at the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be
James shook his head. “I was heading in for
entrance. She rushed toward us, her face pinched with concern. “I saw Ryan from
to make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here
“He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a grateful smile.
couldn’t stand by watching
he even doing here?” Emilia asked, linking her
about my marriage.” I sighed. “He seems convinced it’s all fake or
“Can’t believe you found happiness, so there must be
cleared his throat. “Well, I’m glad I was here to
I buy you a drink to say thank you? We
James
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