Ryan blinked, not getting a chance to explain himself before she walked away. She hadn't been a burden to him, but tonight had simply made him realize that some things were not as they should have been.

He drew another deep breath, pushed himself away from the wall, and closed the front door of the apartment.

Alistaire was inside. He could pick up the pieces.

At least, he could if he could manage doing so without breaking Alisa further.

Shaking his head - this had become a surprisingly rough night - Ryan left the premises, dumping the seafood stew and taking to the sky.