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
James moved with surprising speed, grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says
anger. “Who
parking lots.” James positioned himself between us.
several inches shorter than James. “This is between me and my
I corrected, rubbing my wrist.
clearly married,” James
bouncer finally reached us. “Everything
“This man was harassing
“I was just talking
her arm?” James challenged. “That’s not how conversations work
his arms, biceps bulging. “Sir, I need you
with anger as he jabbed a finger toward me. “I’ll find out
is you,”
a venomous look before turning on his heel. “This isn’t over,”
intervention,” I said, turning to
Want me to make sure he
“Please,” I replied.
retreating figure, I turned to James. “Seriously, thank you. That was
to help. Are you okay? Your wrist
at the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be fine. Just an ex who can’t take a
head. “I was heading in
She rushed toward us, her face pinched with concern. “I
make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely.
widened as she noticed the red marks on my wrist. “He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a grateful
couldn’t stand by watching
even doing here?” Emilia asked, linking
my marriage.” I sighed. “He
rolled her eyes. “Can’t believe you found happiness, so there must be something suspicious about
throat. “Well, I’m glad I was
buy you a drink
like that,” James replied with a
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