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“Nope.”

Fueled by Forde’s support, I added, “And I didn’t tell her she’s a terrible mother. I asked her why there’s always been a distance between us, and she replied by telling me I was a drama queen and that’s why I went to the police about Greig because I’m a drama seeker and now I’ve made our whole family a target, which is unfair to you and Taran.”

My brother sucked in a breath. “There’s no way she fucking said that.”

“I believe it.” Forde crossed the room to stand behind the couch, behind me. “You didn’t see it because you have a good relationship with Janice, but I saw it. Cameron did all her growing up on her own, no help from your mum, and frankly you and your mum have gone too long letting your sister handle everything on her own. Just because she’s capable of it doesn’t mean she should have to.”

“I have always been there for Cammie, unlike you.” Quinn’s glowering softened as he turned from Forde to me. “You know that.”

“I’ve always known I could come to you, Quinn. But not Mum. I’ve never been able to go to Mum, and she’s never come to me. And the fact that you believe the crap she just spewed at you, and you came here after everything I’ve been through to yell at me in her defense …” I shook with the strain of holding back tears. “Well, you can go fuck yourself too, big brother.”

His features tightened with anguish as my last words caught on a sob. “I’m sorry. Sweetheart, I’m sorry.”

I turned away, too angry and hurt to look at him, frustrated he’d made me cry.

“Quinn, mate, I’m going to ask you to leave. Cameron doesn’t need this right now. This is her first night in this house since the break-in.”

“Don’t make it out like I don’t give a shit. I’ve been worried sick about my sister for months. I don’t even want her staying here.”

“I know. But this isn’t about you.”

As hurt as I was, I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude toward Forde for sticking up for me against the one person in the world he loved most.

“Cammie, I’m sorry.”

I sniffled and nodded but didn’t look at him.

“Quinn.”

“I’m leaving, all right. Look after her.”

“Always have, always will.” A few seconds later, I heard my front door close, and I felt Forde’s hand on my shoulder. “Baby, you okay?”

I let out a teary huff. “Even the people you love the most can disappoint you. I already knew that.”

He squeezed my shoulder. “He feels like shite for it, babe.”

“I know.” I covered his hand with mine. “Thanks for having my back.”

“Your mum will feel like shite too.”

I winced. “Nah, she’s been stewing on that for a while.”

Forde rounded the couch and squatted to my eye level. He searched my face, his expression tightening at whatever he saw. “Then feel sorry for her, Cameron. Feel sorry that she wasn’t born with your kind of bravery and sense of right. That she would have chosen to protect herself rather than put herself in harm’s way to save other people’s lives.”

Emotion thickened my throat and all I could do was nod in gratitude.

He smoothed a hand over my knee. “Want to eat? I brought food.”

As I looked at his handsome face, into his kind dark eyes, I allowed myself to give into the feeling of peace that had come over me in his presence. Then I thought about Taran’s words from earlier. And my own accusation to my mum. How I didn’t know her really because she’d never let me into her thoughts. Even though that hadn’t gone so well for me, I trusted it would go differently with Forde.

“I … I’m too scared to stay here.” I grimaced. “Not very brave, I know.”

If Forde was surprised by the admission, he didn’t reveal it. “It’s not about bravery. It’s still too soon.” He stood. “I’ll pack a bag. You can stay in my guest room.”

Relieved, I felt I had to continue being honest with him. He deserved it. “I don’t want to confuse you. I’m still not sure … about …” I gestured between us.

Something worked behind his dark eyes. “I know. It’s not about that. I won’t confuse anything. I promise.”