Chapter 118: Let me keep you with me
Noah stormed away from the mall, his heart pounding with fury and adrenaline. He didn’t want to think about Ryder—he didn’t want to see his face or hear his voice.
But as he increased his pace, hoping to put as much distance between them as possible, he heard Ryder calling after him.
"Noah, wait!" Ryder’s voice was desperate, but Noah didn’t slow down. If anything, he quickened his stride, refusing to give Ryder the satisfaction of a response.
But Ryder was persistent. He caught up to Noah, grabbing his wrist. The sudden contact sent a shock of anger through Noah’s body, and he yanked his hand away furiously, whirling around to glare at Ryder with a look that could kill.
"Don’t touch me!" Noah’s voice was sharp, laced with venom. "Why the hell are you following me? Just leave me alone!"
Ryder stood there, silent for a moment, his face a mask of regret. He could see the wrath in Noah’s eyes, the way his whole body trembled with barely contained rage.
Ryder knew he deserved it—after everything he had done, he had no right to expect anything else. "Noah, I know what I did was wrong," Ryder finally said, his voice low and sincere. "I’m really sorry."
Noah fought the overwhelming urge to punch him right then and there. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to keep control. "Stop wasting your breath," Noah spat. "Just leave me alone."
He turned to walk away again, but Ryder grabbed his arm, pulling him back. People in the mall started to glance in their direction, sensing the tension between them. Ryder didn’t care—he couldn’t let Noah go, not without trying to make things right.
Ryder dragged a struggling Noah to a quieter, more secluded area. Noah pushed and yelled, but Ryder didn’t let go until they were out of sight, away from prying eyes.
"Just listen to me," Ryder pleaded. "Please, Noah, just give me one chance to explain. After that, you’re free to leave."