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  She shook her head, obviously not listening. “You should’ve told me you saw those pictures. And now this.” She held up her phone. “I thought I could trust you.”

  “Trust goes both ways, Sariah,” he tried to say it gently but he needed to say it. “You’ve never trusted me with your secrets, so how could I gain your trust without you granting it?”

  “I tried to grant it last night,” she yelled at him. “And now I’ve been exposed again. I thought you loved me, but you’re just going to hurt me like Tyler and Denise did.” Whirling from him, she ran through the hotel room, grabbed her purse, and slammed out the door.

  Mack followed her. She rushed for the staircase and banged through that door, racing down the stairs.

  “Sariah, wait.” He didn’t have a shirt or socks or shoes on and he didn’t have a wallet, but he had to catch her. The grips on the stairs dug into his feet but he ignored it and pumped down the stairs after her.

  Sariah was still ahead of him when she burst out at the main level and then ran through the hallway to the main lobby. He’d almost caught her when a little boy darted in front of him in the main lobby. Mack dodged to the side and lost precious seconds avoiding the child. Sariah flew out the front entrance and onto the sidewalk. A man on a motorcycle pulled up and Sariah climbed on the back of his motorcycle.

  “Go!” she yelled.

  The man looked back at her in surprise.

  Mack was almost upon them. “Wait,” he hollered.

  The man glanced his way and the surprise turned to fear.

  “Go!” Sariah pounded at the guy’s back.

  The guy obeyed, gunning the motorcycle out of the circle drive. Mack ran after them but he had no hope of keeping up as the motorcycle raced down the road. Sariah glanced back at him once. The sadness on her face made him keep running, but they disappeared from sight and he finally accepted defeat. Pebbles were imbedded in his feet. He turned and hobbled quickly back toward the hotel. He prayed the man on that motorcycle would treat her with respect and that Sariah would come back to him. Somehow, someway he was going to find her, and explain better than he just had.

  Chapter Twenty

  The motorcycle guy was surprisingly nice. He wanted to report Mack as an abusive boyfriend and Sariah had to explain they’d had a disagreement, that Mack was not abusive. He’d hurt her, but she knew he hadn’t intended to. Everything hurt though and all she wanted was distance from the pain, the humiliation, and Mack. He’d known, he’d seen those horrific pictures Denise had taken and shared everywhere she could. She tried to force it all from her mind, but couldn’t.

  The motorcycle guy took her to the Greyhound in Gunnison, and luckily, the bus was only twelve minutes out. As she finally boarded it and rode toward Denver, she wilted into the upholstered seat. It smelled like moldy bread. At least Mack hadn’t found her. She felt bad for leaving him and being so dramatic about it, but she needed some distance from the pain right now and sadly he was entwined in that. She couldn’t believe how her dating Mack had exploded online. They’d been dating for months, why now? How did someone get a picture of her face and neck in the hot tub, the first time she pulled her hair back in who knew how long? There were so many questions firing in her head. She loved Mack and would expect that his family were good and honorable like him, but would his sister or brother have tipped off the media? How else would they find them and exploit them with the most horrific timing? She hated thinking ill of Mack’s family, but she couldn’t find another explanation. Unless Denise was coming after her again.

  She pulled out her phone and typed in her name, Tyler’s name, and Denise’s name. The images of Sariah after Denise and her brothers tried to drown her were still there and all the sickening memories returned with them.

  Tyler was four years older than her and she’d thought he was so mature, charming, and handsome. She had no idea he had a serious girlfriend in Boulder and had been two-timing both of them the summer after Sariah graduated high school. When Denise found out about Sariah, she’d attacked Tyler and his political aspirations, through attacking Sariah. She’d had her brothers almost drown Sariah in the lake by her house then rip her shirt off. When they discovered her scars, they’d laughed and taken all kinds of pictures of her. The pictures had been posted everywhere on the internet, with Denise claiming Tyler had burned Sariah every time she cheated on him. Sariah hadn’t even known about the other girl until she was attacked coming home from work late one night. Denise had served time for it, but Tyler had gotten through the lies, gone on his merry way to becoming a lawyer and was working into politics. Sariah hadn’t heard from him in almost four years. Sariah had been the one who’d had to carry the shame of it all. Over the years it seemed people had forgotten, but apparently it was still out there.

  How could Mack have seen those pictures and pretended he didn’t know? Sariah hated that part of her life. She hated her scars. She hated feeling deformed. She really hated how dirty and disgraceful Denise’s attack and Tyler’s desertion had left her.

  She stared out the window at the mountains and trees. Her phone kept buzzing in her pocket. She finally pulled it out and read the numerous texts from Mack—apologizing, begging her to talk to him, wanting to make sure she was safe. Leaning her head against the seat, tears squeezed down her face. Yesterday had been one of the best days of her life, because of Mack, and now she was second-guessing seeing him again. She finally texted back that she was safe, riding the bus home, and she just needed some space for a little while. It was the best she could do right now.

  She should’ve texted Aunt Allie to pick her up from the bus station but she figured she’d get an Uber. She really didn’t want to talk to anybody right now.

  She watched the mountains slide by on I-70, alternating between cussing herself for treating Mack so horribly and questioning Mack and his family and everything she believed about their relationship and the trust she’d placed in him. Yet had she really? Trust goes both ways. Why hadn’t she trusted him with her secret sooner? It probably had just been a matter of time before he found out from someone. There were pictures of her and Mack from Lily and Hyde’s wedding. It was inevitable someone would show him the pictures of her scars. At least he hadn’t gone looking for them. Maybe if she would’ve trusted him sooner, they could be dealing with the negative publicity together, the way Hyde and Lily would.

  The bus finally pulled into the first station in Denver. She unloaded, clutching her purse. Walking through the terminal, she exited and stopped on the front sidewalk, pulling out her phone to get an Uber coming. The Uber driver confirmed quickly and she got a message to meet him in the south parking lot.

  Walking over there, she glanced around and saw no one but empty cars. She felt so alone and she missed Mack. Why had she left him?

  She heard from behind her, “Sariah.”

  She spun and her legs barely supported her. “Tyler?”

  He looked polished and handsome as ever in a black suit with his dark hair slicked back from his face. He had a very handsome face, but he was a snake underneath. Two-timing her and Denise, and deserting Sariah to the negative publicity after everything went south. Not that she would’ve wanted him once she found out about him cheating on both of them, but he’d turned tail and run before she could tell him where to go. He’d be perfect for the political career he was hoping to achieve.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, leaning against a nearby bench.

  He approached her slowly, staring at her. “I saw the media, about you and Mack Quinn.”

  “So now that I’m good enough for an NFL player I’m good enough for the future politician?”

  His dark eyes flashed at her. “Mack Quinn isn’t the right one for you, I am.”

  “Mack Quinn is one of the best men I know.” She jutted her chin out, knowing that was true. She wished she was back in that hotel room with Mack. She’d gone over the edge this morning when those pictures came out and let her fears and trust issues mess
up her thought process, but it was so clear now. Maybe she’d have to deal with some media exposure with Mack, but being loved by him was worth it. “And he doesn’t have a crazy girlfriend whose brothers tortured me and lied to the world about me.”

  Tyler came into her space. Sariah stood her ground, not willing to back down to him at all.

  “Are you ever going to forgive me for something I didn’t do?”

  “Two-timing Denise and I is something you did, Tyler.”

  “You have to forgive me. You know how crazy Denise was, the lies she spun. I was terrified of her so I lied to her that I loved her, but it was you I loved. Only you. You can’t hold her lies and psycho twisting of life against me.”

  “I can hold a lot against you.” Sariah blinked up at him. “Why do you even care? It’s been years and you’ve never so much as texted me.” She hated the way that had come out, as if she wanted him to text her.

  “I’ve always cared. I’ve never stopped loving you.”

  “Please.” Sariah laughed harshly then she pulled the hair away from the right side of her neck and tossed her long hair behind her back, exposing her neck and deformed ear. It felt liberating after so many years of her heavy hair covering her right side.

  Tyler visibly cringed but he didn’t back away. “You have to love all of a person, Tyler, and even without the Denise nightmare and your lies, you were always incapable of loving all of me.” Mack wasn’t. Mack had embraced her scars and would never ask her to cover them up. She wished he would’ve told her immediately he’d seen the pictures, but she understood why he was reluctant to, and he was right that she should’ve trusted him if she wanted to prove him trustworthy. He truly loved every part of her. Visions of him gently kissing her scars and then the way he’d taken her coverup off made her tremble. He thought she was beautiful and wanted her to share her beauty with the world. The contrast between him and Tyler was so stark she couldn’t believe she’d allowed herself to hurt for so long and shut herself off from healthy relationships because of this snake of a man.

  Tyler studied her. “Give me another chance, Sariah.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Get out of my face.” Walking away from him, she clicked on the Uber app to see how close the driver was. She wanted away from this lonely parking lot, and especially from Tyler.

  Tyler ripped the phone from her hand, dropping it on the cement.

  “Hey,” Sariah yelled, bending to pick it up.

  Tyler grabbed her around the waist and began dragging her around cars.

  “Let go,” Sariah screamed, hitting at his arm and fighting to free herself.

  “Calm down. I just want to talk to you alone.”

  “I’m done talking with you,” she yelled back at him.

  “Let her go.” The voice was soothing and familiar. Sariah felt weak when she saw Mack standing in their path. His blond hair was tousled, his blue eyes determined, and his muscular frame looked bigger and more intimidating than ever. Sariah’s heart leapt. He’d come for her, even after she’d treated him so horribly. Oh, how she loved him.

  “Back off, Quinn,” Tyler snarled.

  Mack moved so quick, Tyler didn’t even get his hands up. Mack grabbed Tyler’s arm, wrenched him away from Sariah, and threw him to the ground. Tyler screeched and put up his hands. “Don’t hit me.”

  “Don’t ever touch her again.” Mack towered over him.

  Seconds ticked by and Tyler must’ve realized Mack wasn’t going to hit him. He glared up at him. “I’ll sue you and turn you into the police for assault.”

  Mack’s eyebrows went up. “Really? I think Sariah’s assault and attempted rape suit will take precedence over yours.”

  “I wasn’t going to hurt her,” he whined.

  “Tell it to the judge. Your political career is over.”

  Tyler cowered before him. “I promise I’d never hurt her.” He looked to Sariah. “Don’t turn me in, please. I just wanted to love you.”

  “Never come near me again and maybe I won’t press criminal charges, but Mack and I will both be telling the media all about what a loser you are.” Sariah folded her arms across her chest. She wouldn’t mind Tyler serving time but she definitely wanted to make sure this man never represented her state in public office. She glanced up at Mack. With him by her side she could help spread the truth.

  Sariah stared down at Tyler. It was just too coincidental that he had found her now. “Did you pay someone to follow me and take pictures of us the past two days?” she asked.

  Tyler’s eyes widened with fear, finally he admitted, “You haven’t dated anyone since me so I thought someday we would be together again. When I heard you were dating Mack Quinn, and saw the pictures of you at Lily’s wedding, I knew I had to get you back.”

  “You have no chance of ever getting me back,” she said. “Go away and know that your political career is over.”

  “No,” Tyler protested. “You wouldn’t do that to me, Sariah. You have to still care for me.”

  Mack bent down closer to him. “The lady asked you to go away. Unless you want your nose broken, I suggest you leave … now.”

  Tyler’s face crumpled. He nodded and scrambled away from them in an awkward crabwalk like the insect he was, before jumping to his feet and running toward the bus station.

  Mack turned to Sariah. “Are you okay?”

  Sariah shook her head, tears pricking at her eyes.

  Mack stepped closer to her. “Did he hurt you?” He glanced at where Tyler had disappeared, as if he would go after him and truly smash his nose for hurting Sariah.

  “No.” Sariah wrapped her palms around Mack’s face and turned him back to look at her. “But I hurt you.”

  Mack’s blue gaze softened. “I understand why you did.”

  “Sorry I overreacted.”

  “It’s okay. And I might even recover … if you promise never to leave me again.”

  Sariah’s shoulders relaxed and she felt all lit up inside. Mack was here. They were back to their teasing. He was her hero.

  “I might be able to promise that,” she said, “If you can tell me you forgive me, and kiss me until I forget what state I was born in.”

  “That’s easy. I’ll always forgive you and kissing you is my favorite thing to do.”

  “Well then, get busy.” Sariah grinned.

  Mack laughed and wrapped his arms around her back, tugging her against him. Sariah arched up to meet him. His lips met hers and she was filled with love and acceptance.

  Mack pulled back and traced his fingers along both sides of her neck, pushing her long hair further back from her face. She trembled under his touch. “I like your hair this way,” he said.

  The last vestiges of horror from seeing Tyler and feeling like she wasn’t worthy of Mack disappeared. She could trust Mack and knew he’d embrace every part of her. “Do you now?”

  He nodded. “I like all of you, in every way.”

  “Well, that’s good because I love every bit of you too.” She looked him over. “Lots to love.”

  “That’s right.” He grinned and softly kissed her again. “I love you back.”

  No more words were needed as Mack lifted her off the ground and proceeded to kiss her until she was certain that he loved all of her.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “You ready for this?” Mack asked, squeezing her hand.

  “Bring it on.” Sariah winked at him, straightening her shoulders and pushing her hair behind her right ear. She’d broken the nervous habit of pulling it forward. The empowerment of loving herself was entwined in the beauty of how Mack loved her.

  Mack looked devastatingly handsome in a navy-blue suit. She was wearing a sleeveless floral dress that showed off her shoulders and neck and hit just below her knees. Instead of feeling exposed and awkward, she felt pretty and light, but she always felt that way with Mack by her side.

  Scarlett Lily approached them. She was on the show today as well.

  “Are you on next?” Sc
arlett asked.

  Mack shook the actress’ hand. “Yes, ma’am. This is my fiancée, Sariah Udy.”

  Sariah also shook her hand. “It’s fabulous to meet you. I love your shows.”

  “Thank you. So, you’re one of the smart women who snagged a Quinn boy.”

  “Lucky women,” Sariah corrected. She tilted her head. “I hear you’re going to whip Griff into line for us.”

  Scarlett gave a chortled laugh as Mack threw back his head and roared with laughter. “Nobody could whip Griff into line,” Mack said.

  “I’m afraid he’s right.” Scarlett smiled, but it was strained. Her clear green eyes looked so sad Sariah couldn’t help but hug her.

  “Are you okay?” Sariah asked, wondering if her angst was related to her disappearance a few months ago.

  Scarlett shook her head. “No, but I’m happy for you two.”

  Before Sariah could question her about whatever was going on, someone prompted from the side, “You’re on.”

  “I hope we see you again,” Sariah said to Scarlett.

  “Me too.” Scarlett waved.

  Mack lifted his chin to Scarlett and escorted Sariah onto the stage. The lights were bright and the crowd loud as they cheered them on stage. Nerves had her stomach rolling. She had to fight against the urge to wrap her hair around her neck. Mack holding her hand and being by her side was the only thing that gave her strength to keep walking forward.

  The host, Jessie, greeted them with air kisses and they took their seats.

  “Now, we’ll get to this lovely mass of muscles and his stats in a minute, but we want to hear about you, Sariah. You have a message you’d like to share with girls around the world?”

  “Yes.”

  Mack squeezed her hand, giving her that smile that said she was the most beautiful woman in the world to him.

  “You see, I used to think my scars were a deformity, but then I met the most amazing man and he taught me …” She had to swallow past the lump in her throat. “That I’m beautiful, not in spite of, but because of my scars. The hard things we go through in life give us character, and if we can keep on smiling through the pain, we’ll come out more beautiful on the other side.”