chapter ninety-six

I stepped into the house with a frown on my face. The tension in the air was palpable, and I knew Killian was waiting for me. As I closed the door, his voice echoed through the hallway, a little bit worried. "Catalina! Where have you been? I've been worried sick!" His concern was evident, but the edge in his tone sliced through me. I couldn't blame him entirely; I had abandoned my security and headed outside. I bet he would lose his shit if he finds out I went to see Zack. "I'm sorry, Killian," I sighed, my tired eyes meeting his intense gaze. "It's been a hectic day." He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his worry shifting to a different kind of frustration. "Hectic doesn't begin to cover it. I thought something happened to you." The guilt settled in my chest as I looked down. "I should've called, I know. I just..." I trailed off, unable to find the right words. His concern gave way to anger, and he raised his voice. "You just what, Catalina? You can't just disappear without a