Barrett was biting down hard, not saying a word.
Chloe had been watching from outside for quite a while before she walked in. "Need a hand? I've got a knack for dealing with the stubborn," she quipped.
Barrett, sprawled on the floor, shuddered at her words. But Connor spoke up, "It's okay. I've got this." Chloe glanced at Barrett, who looked half-dead on the floor. "What's the plan for him now?" Connor replied calmly, "I'll handle it. He's still useful." Chloe didn't doubt Connor's abilities. She knew he wasn't the type to go easy on anyone.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe shot a quick look at Barrett and then said, "Cwith me. We need to talk." Connor followed Chloe to the room where Diana was resting. Chloe had already changed Diana into fresh clothes.
"I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?" Chloe asked.
Connor frowned slightly. "Bad news." "Barrett was pretty ruthless. Diana's got multiple injuries," Chloe said.
Connor's frown deepened. "And the good news?" Chloe smiled and glanced at Diana. "The good news is I arrived just in time. Barrett didn't get to finish what he started. She's still unharmed." Connor's tense face softened a bit. "Thank goodness." Chloe sighed with relief. "Yeah, Diana's such an innocent girl. If anything worse had happened, I can't imagine the trauma it would've caused her." Her voice trembled as she finished speaking.
Connor knew she was recalling own darkest days. He stepped forward and wrapped Chloe in arms realizing only then theshe had been trembling slightly.
This time, Chloe didn't push him away. Though she had made peace with her past and stopped blaming herself, the memory of her ordeal still made her shudder.
Having been assaulted before, she couldn't remain indifferent if Diana had suffered the sfate. Barrett was lucky to be alive.
Connor gently stroked Chloe's back, comforting her. "Don't think about it anymore. It wasn't your fault. Without you today, Diana would've faced the snightmare. You've been her shelter in this storm Chloe. You're amazing, truly remarkable."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmConnor's voice was soft, almost as if he were soothing a child. Chloe om caught his unique, cool scent, which calmed her and allowed her to fully relax. After a moment, Chloe gently pushed Connor away.
"Uncle Connor... Uncle Connor..." Diana murmured in her sleep, still ve calling out for him.
Chloe said, "You should stay with her. Explain everything to her tomorrow. No matter what, she's been hurt, and only your comfort can truly console her." Chloe didn't want to get involved in their issues. This was between them and Claire. How they handled it was up to them. With that, Chloe turned and left.
Connor pulled up a chair and sat by the bed.
"Uncle Connor, don't leave me. I'm so scared..." Diana murmured.