RC.

Ch9 ........ H

I sit on the couch and look at the beach. By night, it's so soothing ... I understand that this can help reflection.

As my gaze drifts back to the small living room, something attracts my attention.

The light from his phone's screen pierces through the night. Without wanting to spy, I see a message appear.

The phone is only a few centimetres from my knees and I can easily read the contents of the text.

Unknown Sender:"You have 24h."

My blood turns to ice! 24h for what? And who's the message from?

I don't have time to see who the sender is before the screen turns black again.

(Ryan's still inside. I wonder...)

(Take the phone.)

As I bend over to pick up the phone, Ryan appears, with two glasses of water in his hand.

I pretend to arrange a lock of my hair and I smile. I look as guilty as the day is long.

He hands me the glass and sits by my side.

I drink a sip, preoccupied. When The message reappears, I can't help but look at it insistently.

He grabs his phone a little nervously. But it's too late, he knows I've seen.

T:"Ryan ... what's going on?"

R:"It's nothing ... Work in progress ..."

T:"At three o'clock in the morning?"

R:"There's no rest for the weary ..."

I look at him dubiously.

His face relaxes and he regains his characteristic control.

R:"I'm not the only businessman to have ever had insomnia."

He winks at me before taking a sip.

I'd like to believe him, but ... something's wrong ... The message isn't very courteous to be from a business partner ...

But, obviously, I'm gonna have to content myself with this explanation.

I'm worried. The latest events come quickly back to mind. What if it was another threat.

Is Ryan negotiating with his aggressor?

(Perhaps... )

It wouldn't be surprising coming from him ... I've known him for long enough now to know that he's capable of getting involved directly in order to solve a problem.

No... I have known him for long enough now to also know that ... He wouldn't be taking uncalculated risks.

T:"Why did you want me to come here secretly, Ryan? Why didn't you tell at least Stewart about it?"

R:"I told you, I wanted us to get some peace and quiet."

He puts the phone in the pocket of his trousers.

R:"Why are you talking to me about Stewart?"

His tone of voice is suddenly a little cold. My questions seem to have gotten him annoyed.

T:"Because he's supposed to protect you and because I care about you."

In front of my anxiety, Ryan softens.

R:"Listen, everything's all right, we're safe here, and this whole affair will soon be settled."

I stare at the glass of water a little sadly. I would like him to tell me the whole truth. Despite everything, despite the fact that he brought me here, that we shared our demons, he's still keeping me apart.

(It's to protect me.)

He puts a hand on my bare thigh. It's warm and soft. I shudder a little.

R:"Don't torture yourself over it, okay? I've got everything under control, I would never have brought you here if it were at all dangerous."

T:"I know ..."

He passes a hand over my cheek and lays a delicate kiss on the corner of my lips.

R:"You should go back to bed I need you to be in good shape tomorrow. I've planned a surprise."

He gets up and gives me an enigmatic look. He holds out his hand inviting me to follow him.

R:"If I have to, I'll tuck you up in bed myself, but I may want to take advantage of the situation a bit, and I don't want to exhaust you ..."

His eternal smile makes its appearance. His playful playboy air makes me chuckle.

I challenge him.

T:"Exhaust me? Really...? I'd like to see that..."

All of sudden, he lifts me from the ground carrying me like a princess in his arms.

Though I always think I have a few extra pounds, in his arms I feel as light as a feather.

R:"Go to bed, little temptress! Tomorrow you'll need your strength!"

I huddle up against him and I let out a slight yawn. I'm beginning to feel sleepy ...