I nodded, closing my eyes as he shut the door. I kept them closed as he drove. But the words from Derek’s statement taunted me. The ugly images they invoked. The way my parents and their lawyer had sliced me to bits without a second thought.

But it was Derek that hurt the most. The pictures that filled my brain now were worse. Us cuddled on the couch in his new apartment, making plans for what our future would hold. Tossing names back and forth for what we’d call our children someday. The tender way he’d frame my face in his hands and tell me that he’d love me forever. That he’d always protect me.

“Pull over!” I jerked up in my seat.

Mason cursed but brought his Range Rover to a stop at the side of the road. My seat belt was already off, and I leapt out of the car. My knees buckled as I landed in the dirt. And then I was heaving. Emptying whatever meager contents remained in my stomach.

Mason was by my side in a matter of seconds, pulling my hair away from my face and rubbing my back. He didn’t stop as I continued heaving until there was nothing left to empty, but my stomach continued to revolt. I didn’t know how long it took for me to will my body under control, but I was gasping for breath when I did.

“Nice and easy,” Mason said as he kept rubbing my back. “You want some water?”

“Yes,” I croaked.

He released his hold on my hair and stepped away. I felt the loss instantly. And I wanted his touch back so badly it terrified me. I leaned back on my heels, trying my best to get my breathing back to normal.

Mason reappeared, handing me a bottle of water and some napkins. “I’ve got a travel mouthwash, too. When you’re ready.”

“Boy Scout,” I muttered and then washed out my mouth. Wetting one of the napkins, I patted down my face, as well.

He handed me the mouthwash. “Boy Scout?”

“You’re always prepared.” The minty flavor was everything I needed, and I rinsed out my mouth twice.

Mason helped me to my feet, his hands remaining on my elbows to make sure I was steady. “Are you okay?”

Something about the earnestness in his gaze broke me. The tears came fast and hard. “No. I’m not okay.”

17

MASON

The tears might as well have been daggers to the heart. I’d never seen Anna cry. Not once. I’d seen her fight back tears. But not even when she’d gotten the call about her sister had Anna let those tears fall.