Without another word, Barry turned and fled the room, the door slamming shut behind him. The sudden silence was almost deafening, the weight of what had just happened settling over the room like a heavy blanket.
Kate's expression softened almost instantly, the cruel edge melting away as she turned to me. Her arms wrapped around me tightly, her body pressing against mine as if seeking warmth, comfort, or maybe just the reassurance of my presence.
"Jack..." she murmured, her voice suddenly small, vulnerable—almost tender. She nuzzled against my chest, her breath slow and steady as the adrenaline of the moment began to fade.
I could feel her heartbeat against my skin, her body still trembling slightly from the intensity of everything that had just unfolded.
Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, my own exhaustion catching up to me.
