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,
grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says let go, you let
back, his face contorting with anger. “Who the
like watching men manhandle women in parking lots.” James positioned himself between us. “I suggest you leave.
trying to look tough despite being several inches shorter than James. “This is between me and
corrected, rubbing my
married,” James
reached us. “Everything alright
“This
flushed red. “I
grabbing her arm?” James challenged. “That’s not how conversations work
“Sir, I need you to
jabbed a finger toward me. “I’ll find out what’s really going on with you and Carter. Everyone knows this marriage
is you,” James replied
heel. “This isn’t over,”
said, turning to James.
nodded. “No problem. Want me
“Please,” I replied.
retreating figure, I turned to James. “Seriously, thank
“Happy to help. Are you
the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be fine.
“I was heading in for
She rushed toward us, her face pinched with concern. “I saw
I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped in when things got
“He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a grateful smile. “Thank
“I couldn’t
doing here?” Emilia asked,
sighed. “He seems convinced it’s all fake
you found happiness, so there
his throat. “Well, I’m
said sincerely. “Can I buy you a drink
that,” James replied with
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