His face was ashen as he raised his head, looking at Joanna as if she was something disgusting, gritting his teeth and roaring at her, "Wretch, why are you still standing there? Get out!"
"You've done enough damage to Rose and Annie. What, do you want someone to hurt me, too?"
"Just leave, I don't want to see you ever again. Don't ever come back, I'll pretend I never had a daughter like you."
Joanna's hands hanging by her sides clenched tighter.
She pressed her lips together, took a deep breath, lifted her slightly pale face and was about to speak when a hand gently placed itself on her shoulder.
She froze for a moment and turned her head, only to be gently embraced by the man beside her.
Ashton Heath hugged her and his other hand stroked her head gently, whispering softly, "Baby, we really should leave. There's no reason to stay in such an awful place."
The man's embrace was warm.
The large hand that stroked her head continuously was also warm.
