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, turning back
with surprising speed, grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says let go, you let
anger. “Who
manhandle women in parking lots.” James positioned
several inches shorter than James.
corrected, rubbing my wrist.
married,” James
us. “Everything alright here?”
“This man was
“I was just
arm?” James challenged. “That’s not how
crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Sir, I need you to leave the
Ryan spat, backing away. His eyes burned with anger as he jabbed a finger toward me. “I’ll find out what’s really going on with you and Carter. Everyone knows this marriage
here is you,” James
heel. “This isn’t over,” he called over his shoulder as he stalked away toward the
the intervention,” I said, turning to
“No problem. Want me to make sure
“Please,” I replied.
retreating figure, I turned to James. “Seriously, thank you. That was
his expression softening. “Happy to help. Are you
fingers had left. “I’ll be fine. Just an ex
his head. “I was heading in for a drink when
rushed toward us, her face pinched with concern. “I saw Ryan from
make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped in when
on my wrist. “He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with
“I couldn’t
doing here?” Emilia asked, linking her arm with mine
marriage.” I sighed. “He seems convinced it’s all fake or
rolled her eyes. “Can’t believe you found happiness, so there must
throat. “Well, I’m glad I was here to
you a
like that,” James replied
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