Chapter 22

I open my eyelids when Ryle gets up. He dresses in his comfortable-looking outfit and then turns on the television and turns its volume down. The news tackles something about anti-virus vaccines and whatsoever. I sit straight and then later get out of bed to wrap a towel around my naked body.

Ryle looks at me with an interrogative expression on his face before speaking up. "You're heading out now?"

I look down at my wristwatch — it's already six in the morning — and then nod at Ryle. "Yes. I have to work in the morning and I've got a very important meeting in the afternoon," I explain even though it isn't needed, really.

Ryle rises to his feet and then crosses his arms. "Let's have breakfast first." I'm about to respond in self-disappointment and disagreement when he says in addition, "Please?"

I then nod, unable not to accept his invitation because he's acting like a puppy who hasn't had treats for some days. I bite my lower lip before going heading for the bathroom. "I'll just take a