“I love you too.â€? Chloe whispered back, tears rolling down her cheeks. When she didn’t bother to wipe them away, Alex’s hands glided gently down her face. “But I don’t deserve you.â€?

“What are you talking about?â€? Alex asked sharply but his voice was still low, somewhat sweet. “You deserve it all. And I’m sorry about everything. But I know it’s going to work out.â€?

Chloe looked down at the floor. Her voice was so low; Alex had to lean in a little to hear her. Almost inaudibly, “I feel dirty.â€?

“You’re not. You’re still the same person, Chloe.â€? She stood up suddenly, glaring down at him.

“No I’m not! I’m a completely different person! I was raped!â€? Her face was beet red as she screamed, tears rolling quicker.

“Chloe, calm down.â€? He whispered. “And you may be a different person but you are still the Chloe I love. My Chloe.â€? Her body trembled as Alex said these words and she collapsed into his arms, crying. He held her body against his, whispering in her ear. “You are the Chloe I’ll love always.â€?