Time for her to go home. . .

It was time for Chloe to go home. As painful as it was for her, it had to be.

Chloe stared at the man who had come to take her back home. Eyes like dark amber blinked at him.

" I have to make sure you are taken home safely, " Chad said tenderly.

She bristled. " Nobody is asking you to! "

He ignored that. " I will employ someone to arrange your home for you and keep watch over you, " he announced.

Tired golden eyes began to sparkle. " Home? If my dad is gone, my home is as well, " she rose stiffly. " I can take care of myself. You won't have anyone keep watch over me, " she told him. " It isn't your duty to fulfill. And if you don't find this acceptable, then you know what you can do! "

She was hurt; he could see it. Chad wanted to kick himself. He offered her a deep bow. " I have offended you, " he acknowledged. " I apologise. It wasn't my intention to____ "

" Y-you think I can't take care of myself because I have stayed in your comforting home for fourteen days? " she said, in