Chapter 28

Chloe let out a choked sound, her face suprised. "Mum!" she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.

But Mum didn't take it back. Didn't correct herself.

She squared her shoulders, eyes flashing with something cold. "I mean it."

"Well, It's all over now," I said.

Mum's gaze snapped to mine. "It's not over," she said. "Not until we make sure that bastard never breathes the same air as you again."

A chill ran down my spine.

Chloe was still gaping at her. "Mum, what has gotten in to you?"

Mum turned to her. "Your sister was almost raped!"

Chloe shut up.

A tense silence fell over the room.

Then, without warning, Mum exhaled sharply and pulled me into a tight hug.

I stiffened for half a second before melting into her embrace. She smelled like lavender and something warm—home. I hadn't even realized how much I needed this until now.