The man's guiltless tone sparked a flame within the blond's chest, driving a strong force of anger that his pretty face darkened in an instant.
"And you still dare to ask me that?" Ryley sneered as he pulled back his hand from Clyde's grasp and pushed his chest, seating himself away from the Alpha. "What do you think I am, huh? You think you can lock me up here like some kind of a pet?"
Clyde saw the pain escaping the blond's eyes as he said it. Indeed the impulse took over him when he ordered Lucas to lock down the mansion. Now that he realized his fault, the Alpha tried to reach out to take Ryley's hand again.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"Don't touch me!" Ryley hissed as he slapped the man's hand. "I'm tired of your apology, Clyde. I know they never meant anything to you."
His voice choked when the man stared at him with an inexplicable gaze. And at that moment Ryley realized just how weak and helpless Clyde was towards his own feelings.
