Chloe's POV

"Where have you been for the past three days, uhn?" Mother was quick to swing her hand across my face and I winced at how painful the sting was. 

It was, however, nothing compared to the pain I felt when I thought I'd have to spend my birthday in a fivesome with total strangers. 

This kept me going, but knew better than to look her in the eyes now that her mood was this foul. 

"I'm sorry," I apologized as I stole a side glance at my stepbrother who was standing to ...