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,
and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says let go, you
anger. “Who the
who doesn’t like watching men manhandle women in parking lots.” James positioned himself between us. “I
tough despite being several inches shorter than James.
rubbing my
clearly married,”
us. “Everything alright here?”
I said firmly. “This man
flushed red. “I was just
James challenged. “That’s not how conversations work where I’m
“Sir, I need you to leave
finger toward me. “I’ll find out what’s really going on with you and Carter.
is you,” James replied
a venomous look before turning on his heel. “This isn’t over,” he called over his shoulder as he stalked away
the intervention,” I said, turning to
problem. Want me to make sure he leaves the
“Please,” I replied.
the bouncer followed Ryan’s retreating figure, I turned to James.
his expression softening. “Happy to help. Are you okay? Your
left. “I’ll be fine. Just an
was heading in for a drink when I spotted the situation.
Emilia’s voice called from the entrance. She rushed toward us, her face
explained, gesturing
you? That
couldn’t
even doing here?” Emilia asked, linking her arm with
I sighed. “He seems convinced it’s all fake or
Emilia rolled her eyes. “Can’t believe you found happiness, so there must be
throat. “Well, I’m glad I was here
sincerely. “Can I buy you a drink to say thank you? We were
like that,” James replied with
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