Page 56 of Fight from the Heart

“I never see her scars when I look at her,” Pam says, her voice still low. Sadly, I always see the scars, still feeling guilty that I’d brought a madman near my sister. “Sometimes scars are all we see on people, though, and they’re not even on the surface. They’re deeper than skin.”

I press a kiss to her temple, knowing she’s hinting at me. “Some people like to hide behind those scars, skin deep or not.”

Pam turns to face me. “You don’t need to hide from me. I think you’re beautiful.”

Her words almost hurt. They’re so raw and real. As Ethan said, she's real, and I want to be the beautiful she needs, but I’m not. I’m damaged inside and out.

“You should model something of Ella’s. Or better yet, just get undressed.” The tease is meant to change the subject.

“Jacob,” she whispers, a light laugh in her tone.

“I’m serious.”

“About the modeling or the undressing?” she flirts back.

“Both.”

She laughs and places a hand on my chest. I want her touch. I want it on my skin. She told me earlier she’d never be rough like Mandi, and I believe her. I want to know what that’s like. Then again, I had it the night we were snowed in, and I didn’t pay enough attention. It’s been weeks since that night, and I want her again.

Leaning forward, I press a soft kiss to her, but when she leans in for more, I struggle to keep it safe for the public.

A scuffle near the door interrupts us before we get too heated.

“I don’t need an invitation. I’m with Jacob Vincent.” The loud cry echoes through the place, which consisted of quiet chatter and subdued jazz music.

Shit.

My eyes lower to Pam’s, and her forehead furrows. Ethan rushes to the front door, but this is my battle.

“I need to handle this,” I say, pressing a kiss to Pam’s forehead as a sense of dread fills me.

This isn’t the type of fuss Ethan meant. And this isn’t the woman I should be making one with.

“Mandi,” I snap as I near the entrance, and Ethan turns on me.

“This is her?” Disgust fills his face as he eyes the woman who’s been in my life for years. I don’t have to see inside his thoughts to know he’s comparing Pam to her. There’s no comparison. Pam is my lilac. This woman is dead roses.

“Get her out of here.” Ethan’s hissing statement matches my sentiments, and I step out the door, dragging Mandi several feet down the street. The night is dark and misty as was last night when I danced with Pam in a quiet, vacant park off the busy street. This sidewalk is sensory overload with honking horns and shouts from walkers. Lights blare from businesses and vehicles. It’s chaos, and it’s symbolic of Mandi and me.

“Let’s get out of here,” I say, tugging her down the street.

.

Chapter 21

Coming Clean

[Pam]

Jacob disappears with her. After I try to give him a few minutes to handle her, as he said, he doesn’t return, and I move toward the front door where Ella’s been standing. Tender concerned eyes meet mine.

“He left with her, didn’t he?”

“He’ll be back,” she tries to assure me but doesn’t sound convinced herself.

“You need to get back to your guests. There could be buyers here,” I remind her. She has a duty tonight. I reach out and pull her into me.

“Don’t give up on him,” she whispers to me, but it isn’t me giving up. I’ve been here, solid and waiting for years. Maybe it’s time for me to stop waiting.