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 snapped, turning

my business.” James moved with surprising speed, grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says

face contorting with anger. “Who the

manhandle women in parking lots.”

tough despite being several inches shorter

I corrected, rubbing my wrist.

clearly married,”

bouncer finally reached us. “Everything

firmly. “This man was harassing

face flushed red. “I was just talking to

challenged. “That’s not

bouncer crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Sir,

anger as he jabbed a finger toward

joke here is you,”

before turning on his heel. “This isn’t over,” he called

intervention,” I said,

problem. Want me to make

“Please,” I replied.

followed Ryan’s retreating figure, I turned to James. “Seriously, thank you. That was getting

expression softening. “Happy to help. Are

glanced down at the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be

don’t understand boundaries.” James shook his head. “I was heading in for a drink

her face pinched

decided to make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped

noticed the red marks on my wrist. “He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a

“I couldn’t stand

he even doing here?” Emilia asked, linking her arm

marriage.” I sighed.

you found

throat. “Well, I’m glad I was here to

you a drink to say thank you? We

that,” James replied

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