The blond widened his eyes slightly, feigning confusion as his brows rose. "Oh, r-right." He set the empty can down with deliberate gentleness before pushing himself to his feet. "I… I guess I should get going now. It's getting late."
A delicate, practiced smile curved his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "It must be… annoying, huh? Suddenly having one more person invade your space."
Before the words could settle, Leo's body reacted faster than his mind—his hand shot out, grasping Ryley's wrist firmly. His chest burned as if the blond had just struck a nerve. "You've got it wrong!"
"Huh?" Ryley tilted his head, pretending to be too slow, too innocent, his lashes fluttering in mock bewilderment.
Leo exhaled sharply, his frustration palpable as he closed the space between them. Towering over the smaller figure, his grip tightened on Ryley's wrist.
His voice broke into a harsh hiss, low and dangerous, as though dragged straight from the pit of his chest. "I meant the opposite."
