Spice looks just like my late cat Willow. I have never seen another cat, till today, that had those distinct almost pink markings. She, too, was a rescue and it would appear had been abused. She had a lot of behavioural problems but had a lot of love in her. Friends were trying to pursuade me to give her away but I would not give up on her and she rewarded me with unconditional love and a heart of courage as she battled various illnesses. Sounds like you, too, have been lovingly rewarded.