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.”
Ryan snapped, turning back
speed, grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says let go, you let
contorting with anger. “Who the hell do you think
in parking lots.” James
straightened, trying to look tough despite being several inches shorter than James. “This is between me and
corrected, rubbing my
clearly married,”
bouncer finally reached us. “Everything
I said firmly. “This
“I was just
James challenged. “That’s not how conversations work where I’m
crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Sir, I need you to leave
he jabbed a finger toward me. “I’ll find out what’s really going on with you and Carter. Everyone knows
only joke here is you,” James replied
“This isn’t
intervention,” I said, turning to James. “Both of
bouncer nodded. “No problem. Want me to make sure
“Please,” I replied.
followed Ryan’s retreating figure, I turned to James. “Seriously, thank you. That
to help. Are
down at the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be fine. Just an ex
head. “I was heading in
entrance. She rushed toward us, her
to make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped in when
“He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a grateful smile. “Thank you for helping
couldn’t stand by
here?” Emilia
about my marriage.” I sighed. “He
“Can’t believe you found happiness,
I’m
I buy you a drink to say thank you? We were
James replied with a
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