Chapter 27: The Gathering Of Stormclouds, Part 5, Ryan's Games

Ryan pulls in to the underground car park of a block of apartments in the good end of town. Inside, the building is expensively carpeted, beautifully furnished and well decorated.

"I chose a place with a view over the park," he comments as he turns the key and then holds out his hand to let me in first.

The apartment is only half furnished, with cardboard boxes stacked in one corner.

"Sorry about the state of the place," he says. "I'm only half moved in yet. Wine?"

Already trembling, I struggle to keep my voice steady, but he's not fooled, watching me through lidded eyes as I respond. "Thank you. Yes."

Ryan has a bottle and glasses waiting. Pouring two ruby glasses, he passes one to me. "I would offer you something to eat first," he says, "but since it's not food that you're hungry for right now, I think we'll leave the dining until later."

Lost for words, suddenly bashful, I look up at him and then away again.

He chuckles, soft and low. "Just because I didn't react in t