“Fancy seeing you here,” he says, looking a little disheveled like he hasn’t slept in days.

I nod and turn away, hoping to avoid this confrontation. But he tugs at my arm, stopping me. “So, is your plan to ignore me on the phone and in real life too?”

“You broke up with me, remember?” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I’ve been texting you,” he says, shoving his phone in my face. The screen shows a bunch of messages I’ve never seen. “You’re ignoring me because you’re riding some loser’s cock?”

I almost slap him. “Who I date is none of your business, Ryan.”

“It is my business. I refuse to be accused of dating a puck bunny.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, my voice trembling with anger.

“I saw you on that pathetic video with the Chicago Icebreakers,” he sneers.

“It’s not like that,” I start to explain, but he grabs my arm, pulling me close. The fury in his eyes scares me.

“Let me go,” I say, trying to pull away, but his grip tightens.

“You heard her,” a voice behind me says. I recognize it immediately. Declan.

Ryan turns to face him. “Stay out of this.”

Declan steps closer, pushing Ryan away from me and pulling me to his side. He’s bigger, taller and more muscular than Ryan, but he doesn’t seem to care. Ryan still looks like he wants a fight.

“Back off, Ryan,” Declan warns.

“This is between me and my ex,” Ryan snaps back.

“She already said she wasn’t interested in talking to you. Read the room, idiot,” Declan growls.

“Shut up!” Ryan says.

“I’m not arguing with a fool,” Declan says, then he pulls me into his side with one strong arm, making my heart race. “It’s okay Millie. You’re okay. I’m here. You’re fine.”

I’m trembling, the fear mixing with relief.

Ryan’s eyes flash with anger as he directs his gaze from Declan to me. “I knew it, you slut!” he shouts.

Declan moves to punch him, but I grab his arm. “Please, Declan. I don’t want a scene.”

Declan glares at Ryan, then turns to me. “Let’s go.” He leads me outside, his hand on my back, keeping me close.

We step into the cool evening air and I finally exhale, realizing I’ve been holding my breath. “Thank you,” I say, my voice shaky.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.

“Yeah, just...shaken up,” I admit, leaning against him.

He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. “You don’t have to deal with him alone, Millie.”

“I know. I just didn’t expect to see him,” I say, trying to steady my breathing.

“Let’s get you home,” Declan says, guiding me to his car. The drive is silent, but his presence is comforting.

Once we’re back at the apartments, he walks me to the door of Chase’s apartment. I know Chase won’t be home for a while.

“Do you want me to stay?” he asks softly.