More Than Scars Quotes

“What do you want from me?" he asked hesitantly.
"Your trust," i answered without any hesitation.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“There are greater things than want and lust, Nerissa," he whispered. "I can't afford those things.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I believe in a world where love can still catch you off guard and where the best part is the falling stage. Those shy glances, the racing heart, flushed cheeks, and the butterflies? That's magic.
~Sarah Brocious on More Than Scars”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Nerissa Meadows, will you please put me out of my misery and be my wife? Marry me…take my name…take my money…my time…distract me…wear me out…I am begging you!”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I will be a gentleman,” he whispered. “You’ve always been,” I whispered back. “I need time to think.” I nodded. The visible lips turned up in a smile. “Now will you please come back here before you freeze to death? I promise you I will not bite you…as long as you do not bite me.” “Daddy says biting is bad,” Amelia mumbled sleepily. “I bited Bri once and got put in the corner.” I chuckled. “Thanks for the warning.” I adjusted Brianne so that she was comfortable between Liam and me, and then leaned back.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Attraction is a funny thing, isn’t it? You have never looked my brother in the eye, but you are drawn to him. He doesn’t get it. He doesn’t want to admit that the draw is there because it is so unbelievably ridiculous to him that a pretty, sweet, girl like yourself with all the options in the world would choose him.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“The song was familiar. I’d heard it many times. It was “Lullaby” by Billy Joel. And I would bet any money he could play it splendidly on the piano, as well. A lump grew in my throat as he sang to his daughter. The love he had for her was evident, and it was a love I recognized. My own fathers love. It was a love that made men lay down his life to defend and protect. I thought of Liam standing in the way when someone tried to harm his daughter, his wife. Had he done as my father had? Did he fight off a man so out of his mind he would slash an innocent?”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Daddy, what if the monster comes tonight?” “He wouldn’t dare! Not with Miss Meadows and her magic,” he teased. I smiled. “Ok,” Brianne whispered trustingly. “Sweet dreams, my loves.” “Night, Daddy!” There was a pause, then another cause for a smile tonight. “Goodnight, Miss Meadows. Sweet dreams.” My heart fluttered at hearing his farewell called through the adjoining rooms. Had he known I was listening? “Good night,” I called back. His soft chuckle made a thrill go through me. It was followed by the closing of the girl’s door.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I am so happy you are here,” I sighed. I smiled up at him as he drew back.             “Will you come home with me then?” He smiled back.             I reached up and touched his face reverently. “Maybe,” I teased.             He frowned. “I will give you anything…anything that is mine is yours, just ask me for it! Just come home with me today…please, Nerissa!”             “Anything?”             He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me gently into his warmth. “You belong with me and the girls.”             I smiled. “Anything?” I lifted an eyebrow.             He grinned and nodded.             I kissed him tenderly then. “These I already claimed.” I kissed him again for good measure and didn’t know if I wanted to pull away or stop. He tasted quite lovely. “I already have your love…which is too much.” I grasped the collar of his coat and tugged. His eyes softened on me. “Maybe I could ask for Zosimo?”             He chuckled. “He’s yours already.”             I mocked shock. “Your most prized possession?”             His eyes grew serious. “Other than my daughters…you are my most prized possession, Nerissa,” he whispered. His eyes held mine.             “Me?”             “You are mine?”             I nodded dumbly.             “Then, yes.”             I wanted to take him down in the snow right there and kiss him senseless. “And you are mine?” Yes, I heard my own voice tremble, damn it!             He groaned. “No one else’s…ever.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I whispered.             “You wanted me here.” His warm brown eyes with their shades of sienna and gold lifted to mine and my heart faltered.             “I did.”             “I’m not hiding,” he whispered.             “No, you’re not,” I said in a halting voice. Oh, Lord, the tears.             “I’m not going to let my girls hide, either. They wanted to see you, too…they were done waiting.” He smiled and reached for my hands.             The warmth shot through my veins the instant he touched me. It was not imagined. “This is big for you,” I whispered.                             “I will do anything for you.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I don’t care if you have a big mansion with all the comforts! I am Mom, and I know what is best! You can have her back when she is all better! I know that you miss her and you want nothing more than to hover over her…but that is my job. You just settle yourself, mister, and do what you do best and I will do what I do best! I have done a good job of it for thirty-two years!” I sat up, biting my lip when she grew silent, obviously listening to him. I wished I could hear the rough and lovely voice on the other end. “And she loves you too, Liam…she is safe here…and I will tell her you called. If she is up to it I will even let her call you,” she teased. “If you will behave yourself and not get her worked up! She’s in healing mode now. No…I am not bringing her there! You want to see her…you bring your little tush here. Oh, you don’t like that idea? Well then, you will just have to be patient! The doctor said she needs to rest for a few days. The wound is fine…but after the shock she went through she doesn’t need added stress…so stop your pushing!” I covered my mouth to stifle my laugh. My mom had never been afraid of anyone…not even powerful billionaires! She laughed at something he said now. “I really like you, you know that? I’m glad she has you!” She was silent for another moment. “I will make sure she is awake in an hour to receive the package Stewart brings over,” she promised. ”Take care!”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Just tell me you love me,” he murmured softly against my lips. “Tell me you love me!”               I held onto his shoulders and fought for a thought. I lifted my eyes to his and they were pleading with me. I hadn’t said I love you yet? How was this so? Oh, yes…that mask was still in place.               “Show me you trust me.” My hands reached to cup his beautiful face. I love you was on the tip of my tongue because I did love him. With every fiber of my being I loved him. My body…my soul…my mind…everything about me loved Liam. “I need your trust.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“May I kiss you?”               I pulled in a breath. “You have to ask?”               He chuckled softly and shook his head. “You like me bold?” he asked and his voice was rough and lovely. I nodded. “You like “business Liam”?” I again nodded looking up into the warmth of his eyes. “Then let’s make a deal. You hold up your end…I will hold up mine.” His voice had deepened now to that register I recognized as no nonsense. “I’m going to kiss you.” My heart raced. He smiled and tipped my chin. “But you are going to ask me to kiss you…because I like you bold, too, Nerissa.” I shivered and bit down on my lip, nodding. His dark browns rose as he waited and there has never been a handsomer sight. “Will you please kiss m…” and his mouth fell upon mine before the words were even out of my mouth.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“He’s stubborn. I’m stubborn. It’s our Irish blood,” he teased.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I hurried past Liam, wanting to give him his moment. I was at the door when it was closed by a hand from behind, and I was pulled back against him. His lips were against my throat and he was drawing in a deep breath as though to calm himself.               I laid my hand over his as it rested on my waist. His other arm wrapped around me now and held me like a vise. I could feel the wetness of his lashes on my skin. He was kissing my neck again and again, and drawing in breath as though he couldn’t form words.               I smiled and turned my face into his hair, breathing in his scent. “You are welcome,” I said softly, knowing what he was trying to say, but unable to say.               “God, I’m not just thankful,” he choked out. He drew in another breath and gently lifted my hand to the scarred side of his face.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“You’re okay, Nerissa,” he said softly. “Not just from what I’ve heard but what I’m seeing too. Don’t be embarrassed by Ian’s remark. I hope you kiss my son again…good and thoroughly. He needs it.”               Brianne and Amelia were a mess of giggles once more.               “Dad,” Liam growled.               I blushed again. My face was on permanent scarlet.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Thank you for leaving the flowers. I’ve meant to mention them before now.” He frowned. “The white rose…on my pillow? In my purse? Did you leave them?” The corner of his mouth turned up. “When would I have done that?” I thought for a moment. He had said goodnight with me before we had gone downstairs to play cards that first night. I worried my lip. He grinned. “I wonder who could have gone into your bedroom after we went down the stairs?” He peaked over his shoulder to make sure we weren’t being observed. “Maybe someone saying goodnight to his little ones?” “But this morning…he didn’t know we were leaving…” “Stewart did…Stewart does a lot for my brother.” He shrugged. I blushed. “Really? Why would he do this?” His grin grew. My cheeks felt like they were on fire. “What does the white rose stand for?” “I always thought it was purity…a new beginning…reverence.” His blues danced. “Maybe my brother is a romantic after all.” I drew in a breath. Getting flowers from Ian was one thing…getting them from Liam was a whole other matter. “I’m going to tell him you thanked me for the flowers and I took credit for them. If that doesn’t get his competitive spirit revved up…I don’t know what will!” He gave me a wink. “Ah, this game is fun! Good night, sweet friend!”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“But I know what you mean, baby girl. I know you care about him. I know he cares about you. I know you both think this is really fast. But I am going to tell you what I told my brother. When you find someone who gives you the reaction that the two of you have for each other under the circumstance that the two of you have…you jump on it. ‘Cause it ain’t going to happen like that again…ever!”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Don’t give him space,” he growled. “What?” “Don’t give him space,” he repeated the words I had heard clearly the first time. “Ian.” “Nerissa,” he mocked my tone as he always did. “I really think I should.” “And I really think you shouldn’t.” “What is another week?” “It’s another week for him to talk himself out of being happy! Hug him, kiss him, and back his ass into a corner until he gives in. I love my brother and he needs to stop being so stubborn. You already have the girls won over! You just need him.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“He took our entwined hands and set them on his chest…which forced me to have to scoot closer to him, eating up space between us. I felt his heart beat under the back of my hand. I could hardly breathe. I didn’t want to move and break the contact. “Are you comfortable?” he murmured. I bunched the blanket at my head to make a better pillow and drew in a breath for my thankful lungs. “Yes.” His forearm was trapping my forearm against his side at the angle he held our hands. “And this…” he rubbed his thumb along mine. Again…electricity ran through my veins. “Is okay?” My heart hitched in my chest. “Yes.” He repeated the action and he could have asked me anything and I probably would have said yes. He sighed out a breath. “I’m glad,” he whispered. “I don’t think I could let go if you asked me.” His fingers contracted. His face turned toward me, but I did not look up into the hood. I studied our hands on his chest. “Nothing has felt this good…this right, in a long time, Nerissa.” He said it so softly I thought I had imagined it. I smiled, afraid to say anything. Knowing me…I would burst into tears. His other hand reached to touch my cheek and I felt him lean in…his breath was on my face. I closed my eyes. “I think he’s going to kiss her,” Amelia crowed. “Yuck!” His nearness was taken away…but my hand remained in his. “What are you two little monkeys cackling about?” Liam chuckled. Amelia smiled innocently. “Uncle Ian says…” “We don’t want to hear what Uncle Ian has to say,” Liam growled playfully. “Now lie down here and watch for those shooting stars you were hoping for. Daddy needs one to wish on tonight.” Brianne giggled. “You going to wish for a kiss, Daddy?”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I tugged Amelia into my lap and whispered something to her. She smiled, and gave a nod, crawling up her dad’s long legs. “Come find the stars with me, Daddy,” she insisted. “Lay in the hay with me.” She was tugging on his hands. “Come on…you can’t see as good sitting up!” “Amelia…” I tilted my head to Brianne to help her sister. “Daddy, come on,” Brianne chimed in. “Lay down!” She went for his other hand and pulled until Liam was scooting down between them and lying on his back, peering up at the stars. The girls were lying on either side of him. “Do you see now, Daddy?” “Yeah,” he grumbled. “I see now!” The girls giggled at his grousing. I smiled and turned, biting my lip against a laugh. “I see Miss Meadows is still sitting up! She needs to get over here and look at the stars, too.” He sat up quickly and I yelped in surprise. His grip was firm. His tug was strong and I was soon flat on my back in the wagon as well…night sky above me. The girls were laughing so hard it made me laugh. I didn’t fight to sit up; I just lay there. His fingers were still around my wrist and he squeezed. I felt the warmth run up my arm…it was like electricity. Could he feel that, too? His thumb pressed my pulse. Yes, he could. Amelia was right between us. Our arms made a teepee above her. She clasped both of her little hands one over each of ours. “No, you do it wrong,” she sighed and undid Liam’s grip around my wrist. She placed our hands together palm to palm. “Like this.” I shivered as he completed the hold, lacing his fingers with mine. “Like that?” His voice was low and soft. “Yes!” Amelia laughed. I let my fingers twine with his. He had to feel them trembling. Brianne sat up and smiled over at me. I saw something in that little face. It was kind of like when she was petting Zosimo. There was a little bit of awe…but a lot more love. She lay back down in the crook of her daddy’s arm. Amelia crawled over us to join her sister. She was dragging a blanket with her to cover up. “Bri, Rissa and Daddy are holding hands,” she said in a loud whisper. Brianne hushed her. “I saw!” They scooted over and started whispering.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“He had been betrayed and he still fought to save her. This man was so beautiful on the inside. And he had been so badly hurt…physically and emotionally. Could I ever even begin to deserve to be the one to try to heal him? I wanted to be. More than ever I wanted his trust.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I hefted Amelia up into the softness of the blankets and the hay. I was glad I had put her in thermals when the cold breeze blew through. I turned to Brianne as she exited the stable and swung her up beside her sister. “You ready?” I asked them, watching their excited faces. I went to step up myself, when my waist was grasped firmly and I was lifted without effort over the side. I didn’t even have time to react or gasp. I didn’t have to ask whose strong arms had placed me here. Jack was already at the helm. Liam Byrne was climbing in right behind me, and if I wasn’t mistaken, he was chuckling at the fact that I was flustered. “Daddy is so strong,” Amelia sang. I blushed. “Indeed he is,” I played along with her hero worship.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“I went through what you went through, too, Bri. We can help each other.” I pushed the curls from her eyes. “Whenever you are sad and missing your mommy you just have to ask for a hug. We will talk about it. And when I miss my daddy…”               “You can give my daddy a hug,” Amelia cut in. She was smiling ear to ear and nodding as if she were a genius.               I laughed and reached an arm for her, so I now held the both of them. “No, I think I will just hug you two instead!” I squeezed them tight.               “My daddy gives good hugs,” Amelia argued.               Oh, I knew!”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Bri, look at me. What do you see?” “My Daddy.” He had to have smiled. I was smiling. “What do you see in my face?” “Brown eyes?” I almost hiccupped on a sob. Oh, to be without guile like a child! “What do others see?” “Your mark?” “Not many can see past my mark.” “Rissa could,” she whispered. “I know she could, Daddy. Rissa is good.” I folded my knees up to my chest to hold in any cries that wanted to escape me. “I don’t want her to have to look past me,” he said softly. “If…that is…if we…if she and I were…if it were that she and I…” He drew in a breath. “I don’t want anyone to ever have to get use to me. I don’t want anyone to have to just settle for me.” “Daddy!” “You will understand when you are older, Bri,” he sighed.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“You fought with Rissa?” Brianne’s voice was indignant. “It’s all in the past,” he assured her. “We made up.” “Did you kiss and make up?” Brianne was teasing him. I still blushed. “Hmm, no…didn’t know that was an option,” he teased back. “Daddy…” Brianne’s voice lifted with uncertainty. “Will you marry Rissa?” I did gasp this time and slapped a hand over my mouth. “Bedtime,” he announced. “Daddy!” “No more questions tonight. You had a busy day and it’s time to get some sleep.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“What happened today, can’t happen again,” he murmured into my hair. I nodded against his chest. “I will pack tonight.” His whole body tensed against mine. “Why?” I drew in a breath and with it his scent. The soft cloth of his coat brushed my cheek as I pulled back, but did not look up. “I thought you would want me to leave after what I did.” I felt him draw in a breath. “No,” he whispered. “I don’t want you to leave me, us, the girls.” I sensed him shake his head. “That’s the last thing I want. You are what's best for them. I have watched Amelia blossom and Brianne smiles all the time…it is good with you here.” Damn! Here came the tears! They began their trickle. I was breaking his rules. “I’m sorry to cry…” I felt my tummy explode with butterflies when one of his scarred thumbs brushed a tear from my cheek. It felt like a brand and again I was holding my breath and trying to breath at the same time. “If I ever talk to you again like I did in my office this morning…you have my permission to slap me across my face. You are not just under my employ, Miss Meadows. You feel like family.” His fingers made quick work of the other tears. “Can I get that in writing?” I choked on a laugh. He chuckled, too. “You can’t hide anything anymore from me…about the girls. I have to know certain things,” I said softly. “Is there anything else I should know?” “I will tell you if there is.” “Are you sure?” “You will stay?” I smiled and swallowed hard. “So, I’m not fired?” “Just don’t do it again,” he growled. He leaned down in his signature manner and his lips were at my ear. “I may not be able to fire you…but I may have to find a way to punish you.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“Nerissa, Jade was murdered.”               The gasp caught in my throat and I had to rub at the pain in my chest that was suddenly there. “H..how?”               “She was stabbed.”               “Stabbed?” Sudden flash backs whirled through my head. My father’s face came into view. His voice and the sounds and the smells of that night were everywhere.               Ian nodded. “I thought you knew because of your brother’s research…”               “No, he was protecting me…” I tasted bile in my mouth and felt a little dizzy.               “Liam nearly died trying to save her…his scars…Nerissa? Are you okay?”               “I thought you weren’t giving away his deepest darkest?”               Dark! It was dark but the snow that night! The snow was stained in red…blood, my father’s blood!               “Nerissa?”               I slumped onto Baxter’s neck. “You told me his darkest…” I heard hooves pounding toward us now. Who was coming? Why were they in a hurry? The hooves faded as a ringing began in my ears.               “That is not his darkest! I thought you knew about the murder…how it had happened. The scars…your own story…Nerissa?”               I gripped Baxter’s mane with weakening fingers. Murder…stabbing. The sound of a blade slicing, my father’s scream, pain, fear…loss. My sight blurred.               Ian cried out to someone. I had cried out that night. No one had heard me. No one had come! Not until it was too late!               I heard someone jump to the ground. I felt hands at my waist and strong arms surrounding me. I smelled him. A wild sense of comfort surrounded me. Liam! Why was he here? Did I care? I was happy he was here. I needed him here. “Ian, what did you say to her?” His voice rumbled through me. “Were you following us?” Thoughts of my father were fading a bit until Ian barked in anger. “I told her about the murder! Why?” Liam growled. “Never speak to her of it again!” “Because her father was…” I buried my face into the sweet comfort of Liam’s scent and let the world go dark.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“A buzzing from my phone did catch my attention. It was Alonso for the fiftieth time in one week. I ignored it and continued reading. He was too protective for his own good.  When it buzzed again, I growled and answered. “You know, if you keep pestering me with your little qualms, I may just never speak to you at all! Ever again!” A pause on the other end, and I thought I had my brother speechless! I was so proud of myself. “Well, then that would just be a shame, Miss Meadows,” a yummy baritone voice chided me. I almost dropped the phone. I did succeed in dropping my book. “Mr. Byrne! I’m so, so, so sorry! I thought you were my brother.”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars

“How often do you get to see Mr. Byrne?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. Mary chuckled. “I was just talking about what a gorgeous boy Ian Byrne is, and you are asking after Liam?” I blushed. She smiled. “Not often the last few years. I see him rarely, actually. I see Ian more often.” I bit my lip. “Oh.” “That’s an awful forlorn oh,” she said softly. “What is up with you, little one?” I shrugged. “I am just…intrigued I guess. The few times I’ve sat down in the office…the way he’s with his girls. I like him. I’d like to know him.” Mary seemed to like my confession. “But that’s silly! He’s just my boss.” I shook my head and poured juice for the girls. “Liam needs more people around him like you, Nerissa. They see his way as strange…people are afraid of him! So no one tries.” She kept her eyes on the breakfast before her. “An attempt to know him can’t hurt. If he says stop, you stop. If he opens up a bit, and makes a friend…all the better for the both of you.” I ducked my head. “I can’t. How would I do that? No, it’s silly.” Mary smiled. “You are in charge of the two most important people in his life, and you ask how?” I shook my head. “I won’t use them.” She shook her head back. “I never said that. No, you incorporate them. You blend being with the girls with being with him.” I blushed. “Nice thought, but I will just respect his wishes and leave him be.” Mary rolled her eyes. “Who ever said he wanted to be left be?”
― Sarah Brocious, More Than Scars