[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 125: People like you

Noah shoved Ryder away with all the strength he could muster, his hands trembling as he cursed him. "You already slept with me, you bastard! What more do you want?" His voice cracked with anger, but there was a touch of desperation in his eyes. "How heartless can you be, taking advantage of me in a situation like this?"

Ryder shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable for a moment before that familiar, arrogant smirk crept back onto his face. "I didn’t fuck you, doll face," he said, his voice low and smooth, almost taunting. "Believe it or not."

Noah’s breath hitched, but before he could respond, Ryder pressed his body against him, pinning him against the desk. The sudden proximity made Noah’s heart race, and the heat of Ryder’s body against his own sent an unwanted shiver down his spine. Ryder’s eyes gleamed with a dangerous hunger as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Noah’s ear, making his words even more chilling.

"You think I’d let an opportunity like that slip by?" Ryder whispered, his tone dripping with arrogance. "If I wanted to fuck you, Noah, you’d know. You wouldn’t forget something like that." He pushed his hips forward, grinding against Noah just enough to feel the tension between them. "And trust me, you were begging for it last night."

Noah’s hands clenched into fists, his whole body stiff with rage and humiliation. But Ryder didn’t stop. He pressed harder, his breath warm against Noah’s neck, his voice deep and sultry. "The thing is," Ryder murmured, his eyes darkening with desire, "I want to fuck you. But unless you agree to it."

His words were laced with arrogance, but there was an intensity there, an almost unhinged obsession that made Noah’s pulse quicken. Ryder’s hand trailed down Noah’s side, lingering over his waist before grabbing a fistful of his shirt, yanking him closer. "And don’t you dare act like you don’t feel it too," Ryder continued, his voice growing more heated. "I know you’ve thought about it. I can see it in your eyes, every time we’re alone."

Noah’s chest heaved as he struggled to push back against the surge of emotions overwhelming him. "You’re insane if you think I’ll want to do anything with someone like you," Noah spat, though his voice lacked the conviction he wanted. He couldn’t deny the pull Ryder had over him, but he refused to give in to it. "I hate you."

Ryder chuckled darkly, his eyes glowing with amusement as he gazed down at Noah. "Hate me all you want," he said, his lips brushing dangerously close to Noah’s. "But I know how badly you wanted me last night. And deep down, I think you still do, darling."

His arrogance was maddening, but there was no denying the lust in his gaze. Ryder wasn’t just playing his usual smug games—there was something more crude, more risky in the way he looked at Noah now. It was as if Ryder was teetering on the edge, barely holding back his desire, and Noah could feel it.

Ryder’s hand trailed up to Noah’s jaw, his fingers gripping it with a possessive force. "You can curse me all you want," Ryder whispered, his lips dangerously close, "but the next time I take you, you’ll be begging for more."

"Fuck you!" Noah left Ryder’s office fuming, his heart still pounding from the intensity of their last encounter. He cursed under his breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension Ryder always left him with. The man was insufferable. But what annoyed Noah more than Ryder’s arrogance was the fact that he couldn’t stop thinking about him.

He tried to move on with his day, convincing himself that Ryder was the least of his worries. But as soon as Noah stepped into his favorite coffee shop the next morning, there Ryder was, sitting at a table by the window, grinning like a cat that had just caught its prey.

Noah froze for a second, then groaned inwardly. He quickly ordered his coffee, hoping to get out unnoticed. But as soon as he turned around, there Ryder was, right in front of him, smirking as if he’d been waiting all day for this.

"Morning, beautiful," Ryder purred, leaning casually against the counter, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Noah glared at him. "Are you stalking me now?"

Ryder shrugged, still grinning. "Stalking? No, no. Just...being where I know you’ll be."

Noah huffed, trying to push past him, but Ryder smoothly slide in front of him, blocking his path. "You know, this could all be easier if you just admit you miss me," Ryder teased.

Noah clenched his jaw. "Move, Ryder."

"Aw, come on. What’s the rush?" Ryder stepped even closer, his breath warm against Noah’s face. "Don’t tell me you’re still mad about that little...misunderstanding?"

Noah pushed past him, muttering under his breath, "Asshole."

The next day, Noah was hoping for some peace while grabbing lunch at a small deli. He had barely taken a bite of his sandwich when a familiar voice interrupted him.

"Mind if I join?"

Noah looked up to see Ryder standing there, his usual smirk plastered across his face. Without waiting for a response, Ryder plopped down in the chair across from him.

Noah groaned. "Do you seriously have nothing better to do?"

Ryder leaned back, looking at Noah with an exaggerated pout. "Why do you always assume I’m here for you? Maybe I just love the food at this place."

Noah glared at him. "You don’t even eat here. I’m a regular and this is the first time I’m seeing you here."

Ryder’s grin widened. "Okay, fine. Maybe I’m here for the view."

Noah rolled his eyes and went back to his sandwich, but Ryder wasn’t finished.

"So," Ryder said, his voice dripping with innuendo, "what’s it going to take for you to admit you want me?"

Noah nearly choked on his sandwich, shooting Ryder a death glare. "You’ve lost your mind."

Ryder leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, eyes sparkling with amusement. "I’m not hearing a ’no,’ Noah. Just say the word, and I’ll stop."

Noah took a deep breath. "Fine. No. Absolutely no."

Ryder chuckled, as if that was the response he was hoping for. "Playing hard to get, huh? I like that."

The third time it happened, Noah was at a bookstore, hoping to find some peace and quiet. He was flipping through a novel when he felt a familiar presence looming over his shoulder.

"Interesting choice. Not as interesting as you, though."

Noah spun around, his patience officially gone. "Ryder!" he hissed, trying to keep his voice down in the quiet shop. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Ryder grinned, completely unbothered. "What? A guy can’t enjoy some good literature?" He gestured to the book in Noah’s hand. "Besides, I’m curious. Do you read romance? Because I’ve got some ideas for our next Chapter."

Noah glared at him. "I swear to God, Ryder, if you don’t stop this—"

"Stop what?" Ryder’s voice dropped into a playful whisper, his eyes glinting with wicked amusement. "I’m just trying to spend some quality time with you."

Noah turned away, trying to ignore him, but Ryder wasn’t done.

"You know," Ryder said, leaning in close again, his breath warm on Noah’s ear, "you can only run for so long. Eventually, you’re going to give in."

Noah shot him a look of pure annoyance. "You are the most obnoxious, irritating man I’ve ever met."

Ryder beamed as if that was a compliment. "I do my best."

With a huff, Noah shoved the book back onto the shelf and stormed out of the store, Ryder trailing behind him with that infuriating grin.

By the fourth time Ryder showed up—this time at a local gym while Noah was mid-workout—Noah was convinced Ryder had some kind of sixth sense for finding him.

"Looking good, doll face," Ryder teased, leaning against the wall as Noah lifted weights. "Need a spotter?"

Noah didn’t even look at him. "Go away."

Ryder chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "You know, all this running around has me thinking...why don’t we just settle this once and for all?"

Noah set down the weights and turned to face Ryder, his patience finally snapping. "What will it take to get rid of you?"

Ryder’s grin widened. "One night."

Noah blinked, thrown off guard. "What?"

"One night," Ryder repeated, a playful glint in his eye. "I’ll back off—for a while—if you just agree to one night with me."

Noah stared at him, a mixture of disbelief and annoyance on his face. "You’re insane."

Ryder shrugged. "Maybe. But you’re curious, aren’t you?"

Noah huffed and grabbed his towel, wiping the sweat from his brow. "In your dreams."

Ryder watched him walk away, his eyes lingering on Noah’s form. "Oh, believe me, you’re in all of them," he called after him, chuckling to himself as Noah shot him one last annoyed glare before disappearing through the gym doors.

Next day, Noah was minding his own business, walking down the cereal aisle, when he heard a familiar voice from behind.

"Shopping for two now? I could’ve sworn you were waiting for me."

Noah groaned internally, already knowing who it was. He didn’t even bother turning around as Ryder casually strolled up beside him, an annoyingly smug grin plastered on his face.

"Do you follow me everywhere?" Noah muttered, tossing a box of cereal into his cart.

"Not everywhere," Ryder replied, leaning over Noah’s shoulder to inspect his cart. "But I gotta admit, watching you do mundane things like grocery shopping? Kinda cute."

Noah rolled his eyes, determined not to engage. But then Ryder made a ridiculous comment about Noah’s choice of frozen pizza, something about it being a "tragic culinary decision," and to his own surprise, Noah let out a soft laugh.

It caught him off guard. He quickly shut his mouth and straightened his expression, but it was too late. Ryder had noticed.

"Aha!" Ryder grinned wider, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I knew it! You can laugh at my jokes. I’ve been working hard to get that out of you."

Noah’s face heated up, and he scowled. "Don’t push it."

But before Ryder could tease him any further, a voice called out from behind them.

"Noah?"

Noah froze, his whole body stiffening at the sound of that voice. He turned around slowly, and his heart nearly stopped. Standing there, tall and broad-shouldered, was a man Noah had hoped never to see again. His senior. His dark eyes bored into Noah’s with a mixture of surprise and something else...something colder.

"Damon," Noah said quietly, his throat tightening.

Ryder glanced between Noah and the newcomer, raising an eyebrow. "Who’s this?"

Damon’s gaze flicked dismissively toward Ryder before focusing back on Noah. He sneered, taking in the sight of them together. "So, this is what you’re really into now, huh? Our friends were right that you were gay in college."

Noah’s heart pounded in his chest. He said nothing, unable to muster the words.

"What the hell’s that supposed to mean?" Ryder asked, his tone sharp.

Damon ignored Ryder and continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "Always knew there was something off about you. Guess I was right to stay away. Don’t want people thinking I associate with...that kind of crowd."

Noah flinched at the cruel words but remained silent, his gaze dropping to the floor. Ryder, however, wasn’t having any of it.

"What did you just say?" Ryder asked furiously, stepping forward slightly.

Damon smirked, his eyes shifting from Noah to Ryder. "What? Didn’t like hearing the truth? It’s pathetic. You two...seriously? Man with man eww."

Ryder’s temper flared instantly, and before Noah could react, Ryder had grabbed Damon by the collar, yanking him forward with a force that made the man’s eyes widen in shock.

"Say that again," Ryder growled, his voice cold, "and I’ll make sure you regret it."

Damon tried to pull away, his expression turning fearful, but Ryder’s grip was iron. People in the store began to glance over.

Noah’s heart raced in panic. "Ryder, let him go!" he pleaded, rushing to Ryder’s side.

Ryder’s eyes didn’t leave Damon’s. "Not until he apologises."

Damon’s face twisted in fear, his bravado crumbling under Ryder’s icy stare. "Look, man. Let me go or else."

"I said apologise!" Ryder repeated, his voice like steel.

Noah tugged on Ryder’s arm, his voice urgent. "Ryder, please. Let him go."