Chapter 172
Chapter 172
Olivia
667
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.”
“Mind your own business,” Ryan snapped, turning back to me.
“I’m making it my business.” James moved with surprising speed, grabbing Ryan’s arm and twisting until he released my wrist. “When a woman says let go, you let go.”
Ryan stumbled back, his face contorting with anger. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
“Someone who doesn’t like watching men manhandle women in parking lots.” James positioned himself between us. “I suggest you leave. Now.”
Ryan straightened, trying to look tough despite being several inches shorter than James. “This is between me and my girlfriend.”
“Ex–girlfriend,” I corrected, rubbing my wrist. “Very ex.”
“And clearly married,” James added.
The bouncer finally reached us. “Everything alright here?”
“No,” I said firmly. “This man was harassing me.”
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Chapter 172
Ryan’s face flushed red. “I was just talking to her!”
“By grabbing her arm?” James challenged. “That’s not how conversations work where I’m from.”
The bouncer crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Sir, I need you to leave the premises.”
57
“This isn’t over, Liv,” 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 is a joke.”
“The only joke here is you,” James replied calmly.
Ryan shot James a venomous look before turning on his heel. “This isn’t over,” he called over his shoulder as he stalked away toward the street.
“Thanks for the intervention,” I said, turning to James. “Both of you.”
The bouncer nodded. “No problem. Want me to make sure he leaves the area?”
“Please,” I replied.
As the bouncer followed Ryan’s retreating figure, I turned to James. “Seriously, thank you. That was getting ugly.”
James smiled, his expression softening. “Happy to help. Are you okay? Your wrist looks red.”
I glanced down at the marks Ryan’s fingers had left. “I’ll be fine. Just an ex who can’t take a hint.”
“Some men don’t understand boundaries.” James shook his head. “I was heading in for a drink when I spotted the situation. Couldn’t just walk past.”
“Liv!” Emilia’s voice called from the entrance. She rushed toward us, her face pinched with concern. “I saw Ryan from the window. What happened?”
“Ryan decided to make a scene,” I explained, gesturing vaguely. “James here stepped in when things got physical.”
Emilia’s eyes widened as she noticed the red marks on my wrist. “He grabbed you? That bastard.” She turned to James with a grateful smile. “Thank you for helping her.”
James nodded. “I couldn’t stand by watching that.”
“What was he even doing here?” Emilia asked, linking her arm with mine protectively.
“Apparently harassing me about my marriage.” I sighed. “He seems convinced it’s all fake or something.”
“Classic Ryan,” Emilia rolled her eyes. “Can’t believe you found happiness, so there must be something suspicious about it.”
James cleared his throat. “Well, I’m glad I was here to help.”
“Me too,” I said sincerely. “Can I buy you a drink to say thank you? We were just heading inside.”
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Chapter 172
“I’d like that,” James replied with a smile.
As we started walking toward the entrance of O’Malley’s, I rubbed my wrist where Ryan’s grip had left faint red marks.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” James asked, noticing my movement.
“I will be,” I assured him. “Some ex–boyfriends just don’t know when to move on.”
57
The sound of tires crunching on gravel made us all turn. A sleek black Aston Martin pulled into the parking lot, its headlights sweeping across us before it parked in a spot near the entrance. The engine cut off, and Alexander stepped out, looking impossibly handsome in dark jeans and a navy button–down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
My heart did that ridiculous flutter it always did when I saw him unexpectedly. How did he even know I was here?
“Liv!” Alexander called, striding toward us with purpose. His eyes quickly assessed the situation, taking in the three of us standing there, my slightly disheveled appearance, and the redness on my wrist.
He reached us in a few long strides and immediately took my hands in his, examining my wrist with a frown. “Are you okay? What happened?”
“Alexander, what are you doing here?” I asked, surprised by his sudden appearance.
His eyes narrowed as he gently ran his thumb over the reddening marks on my wrist.
His gaze shifted to James, and his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
“Well, looks like I’ve managed another win,” James said with a smirk, crossing his arms. “Saved your wife before you could even arrive. You’re slipping, Alexander Carter.”
Alexander’s eyes flashed dangerously as he straightened up, though he kept his tone casual. “James Westbrook. What a coincidence finding you here.”
“No coincidence,” James replied. “Just good timing. Your wife was being harassed by some ex–boyfriend who couldn’t take no for an answer. Had to step in when things got physical.”
“Ryan grabbed me,” I explained quickly. “James intervened before it escalated.”
Alexander’s expression darkened. “Where is he now?”
“The bouncer escorted him out,” Emilia supplied, pointing toward the street. “Told him not to come back.”
Alexander nodded, his eyes still fixed on James. “I appreciate you stepping in. Though I’m sure Olivia could
have handled herself.”
“Maybe, but why should she have to?” James replied. “Besides, I’m always happy to help a damsel in distress, especially when you’re running late.”
There was something in James’s tone that was deliberately provocative, and Alexander was clearly picking up
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Chapter 172
on it.
:
Tim here now.” Alexander said firmly. “Thanks for your assistance.”
“Just doing what anyone would do,” James replied with a casual shrug.
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