Chapter 145: I’ll give you a chance
Ryder leaned against the wall, his eyes trailing over Noah as he lay on the bed, clearly trying to avoid further conversation. Ryder couldn’t help himself, his natural urge to poke, prod, and push was taking over.
"Why are you so uptight?" Ryder teased, his voice low and suggestive as he moved closer to the bed.
Noah groaned, rolling his eyes. "I’m not in the mood for your bullshit." He shifted uncomfortably, his leg still aching, but the irritation in his voice was unmistakable. "Can’t you ever just stop being an ass for five minutes?"
Ryder smirked and sat on the edge of the bed. "You’re no fun when you’re not yelling at me."
Noah scoffed, glaring at him. "Stop annoying me."
Ryder leaned in, his face inches from Noah’s. "Is that so?" he whispered, his breath warm against Noah’s face. "Seems like I’m already under your skin." He grinned, his voice dropping an octave, taking on a more seductive tone. "Maybe I just want to see how far I can get under it."
Noah’s eyes widened, his face flushing as Ryder closed the gap between them, their proximity suddenly far too intimate for comfort. "What the hell are you doing?" Noah muttered, shifting backward on the bed, but his voice wasn’t as firm as he wanted it to be. He could feel Ryder’s presence enveloping him, his scent, his closeness—it was all too much.
Ryder chuckled softly, enjoying Noah’s discomfort far too much. "Relax, I’m just talking," he murmured, his hand moving to rest beside Noah’s head on the bed. "Unless...you want me to do more than talk."
Noah’s breath hitched, and he glared up at Ryder, his heart racing. "Stop messing around, Ryder. I swear to god—"
"Or what?" Ryder cut him off, his voice daring, eyes locked on Noah’s.
Noah’s face burned red as he tried to push Ryder away, but Ryder was faster, grabbing his wrist and pinning it gently to the bed. "Let go of me, you asshole," Noah cursed, trying to wriggle free, but the effort was half-hearted. His mind was reeling, battling between frustration and the confusing heat Ryder’s closeness ignited in him.
