Help! I Became A Guy In A BL Novel!-Chapter 27: Escorted

"How could you leave me?"

Riven did not take Julius seriously at all. He said, "Like this." And started to move away.

With a quick twist, he broke free from Julius’s hold, using the moment of surprise to shove him backward just enough to slip past him. Julius tried to grab him again, but Riven was faster. He spun around, reaching for the door handle as he glanced back, grinning.

"Nice try, Jules," he purred. "But you’re a little late."

And with that, he was gone.

Riven let out a slow breath as he walked down the hall, still feeling the ghost of Julius’s touch on his wrists. He lifted a hand, brushing his swollen lips, his smirk lingering despite himself.

Well, that was something.

Julius had always been a bit of a pain in the ass, but that? That was new.

Riven’s steps slowed slightly as he thought about it. There was no doubt in his mind that Julius still wanted him—whether out of jealousy, pride, or something deeper, Riven wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered. He had no plans of sticking around to find out.

He needed to leave. Quickly.

Because if Julius reacted that strongly just from the scent of Ronan on him, then what would he do if he found out what actually happened?

Riven shivered. Yeah. Not sticking around for that.

With a deep breath, he straightened his clothes, ran a hand through his hair, and plastered on his usual cocky grin. He had places to be.

And hotter men to find.

Riven stepped out of the house, inhaling the fresh air like a man escaping from prison. Freedom. Sweet, sweet freedom.

If you ignored the part where he was being escorted straight to Ronan’s mansion like some runaway pet.

He sighed dramatically before spotting Troy waiting by the carriage, arms crossed, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. How typical.

"Ah, Troy, my ever-faithful companion." Riven grinned, sauntering toward him. "How lucky I am to have you by my side during these trying times."

Troy didn’t even glance at him. "Get in the carriage."

"Such passion! Such devotion!" Riven pressed a hand to his chest as he climbed in. "I don’t deserve you."

Troy sighed, looking up at the sky as if begging for patience, before following him in. The moment he sat down across from Riven, he regretted it. He could already see the way Riven was eyeing him, mischief dancing in those eyes.

The carriage began to move.

"So," Riven drawled, stretching out, his gaze locked onto Troy. "Since my darling Alpha has abandoned me, how about you take responsibility instead?"

Troy’s grip on his coat tightened. "No."

Riven gasped dramatically. "You wound me! Am I truly so undesirable?" He leaned forward slightly, propping his chin on his hand as he smirked. "I mean, let’s be honest, Troy. If you had the chance to have someone like me, would you really turn it down?"

Troy shut his eyes. He physically shut down. His body went stiff, his ears were visibly red, and instead of answering, he turned his head to the side, looking out the window with all the interest of a man watching paint dry.

Riven laughed. "That’s not a no."

Silence.

"Oh, come on. I know you’re listening. I mean, how could you not listen to me? I’m practically irresistible." He leaned forward slightly. "Admit it, Troy. If you weren’t so uptight, you’d be all over me."

Troy kept his eyes shut, his lips pressed in a thin line. He was refusing to engage. Completely ignoring Riven’s existence.

Riven grinned.

"You’re so cute when you’re flustered," he continued, tapping a finger against his lips. "I wonder—have you ever even been with anyone, Troy? You seem so...inexperienced."

Troy inhaled sharply. His fingers twitched, but he still refused to respond.

Riven hummed. "No comment? That tells me everything."

Troy clenched his jaw.

"Oh, don’t be embarrassed." Riven flicked his hair over his shoulder. "If you ever need guidance, I’d be happy to—"

"Shut up," Troy muttered.

Riven smirked. "Make me."

Troy inhaled deeply, exhaled through his nose, and kept his mouth shut. He was not going to give Riven the satisfaction. Nope. Not today.

Riven sighed, sitting back. "Fine. I’ll behave."

Silence.

For about ten minutes.

As they neared Ronan’s mansion, Riven suddenly shifted. Before Troy could react, he slid over and plopped himself right next to him.

Troy immediately stiffened. "What are you—?"

A warm hand landed on his thigh.

Troy froze.

Riven’s fingers casually drummed against his leg as he leaned in slightly, voice a husky whisper. "You know, Troy, I think we’d make a great pair. You’ve got that responsible thing going on, and I’m—well." He smirked. "I’m me."

Troy was a statue. A statue. His whole body went rigid, his hands clenched into fists on his lap, and his ears were now so red they could probably signal ships at sea.

"We have reached!" Troy shouted. He shot up so fast he nearly knocked his head against the carriage roof. Without a second thought, he bolted out the door, practically running into the mansion without looking back.

Riven blinked. "Wow. He didn’t even pretend to be subtle." He chuckled to himself, stepping out of the carriage at a much more leisurely pace.

He looked up at Ronan’s mansion. It was as grand and intimidating as he imagined it would be.

He slung his single bag over his shoulder and walked toward the entrance. Unlike a certain someone who acted like they were running from a demon, Riven took his time.

As he walked, his tail flicked behind him absentmindedly. His belongings were laughably few—just four shirts, four pairs of pants, and that was about it. He had never been a pampered rich boy with an overflowing wardrobe. If he needed clothes...

His tail swished again at the thought.

Maybe he’d just borrow some from Ronan.

He grinned to himself. Oh, the thought of wearing the Alpha’s clothes was deliciously amusing. It wasn’t like Ronan would even notice—he probably had more shirts than he knew what to do with.

He could not help it, he craved Ronan’s smell.