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personal.” I normally wouldn’t tell Grant something like that,
but he needs to know this isn’t just some regular job, this is my
life.
    “I can see that.” He straightens up,
adjusting his shirt. “You’re lucky you’re paying me so much,” he
mutters.
    “Consider it doubled,” I say, as a peace
offering.
    Grant looks mollified. “I’ll head back to
the police precinct, see if I can’t catch one of the detectives on
a break. Nose around for information about this witness. That Bates
guy looked like he knew his shit, but maybe the kid he had with him
will crack.”
    “Good.” I nod. At least it’s a plan. “Call
me later with any updates.”
    Grant exits, leaving Jake and I alone.
    He strolls over to my wet bar in the corner
and pours himself a shot of whiskey. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen
you lose it like that,” he notes, giving me a knowing look. “This
girl means a lot to you, huh?”
    “She means everything,” I say shortly.
“Which is why there’s no way she’s spending another night in
prison. I don’t care what I have to do.”
    Jake nods. “Understood.”
    I take another couple of breaths, still
trying to calm down. “I can’t shake the feeling that Brent is
behind this somehow. He wants revenge on her for leaving him. He
was the one who brought the police last night.”
    “You think he could have dug up this
witness, too?” Jake flips open his notebook.
    “Maybe. I don’t know. But the timing, it’s
all off. What witness waits almost ten years before coming forward?
We need to find out who they are. Grant is working the police
angle, so you keep digging into Brent,” I instruct him. “Find out
what he’s been doing these past weeks, where he’s been. If we’re
lucky, he’ll lead us straight to the information we need.”
    “Got it.” Jake stands. “I’ll be in touch.
And Cam?” he pauses by the door. “You need to keep it together.
Outbursts like that, they won’t help Isabelle. She’s depending on
you.”
    He closes the door behind him with a sharp
click.
    She’s depending on you.
    Does he think I don’t know that? I’ve never
felt so powerless as watching her get taken away in handcuffs.
Never felt like such a failure as when she fell, shaking in my arms
after her night in jail.
    I’m her Master. She’s mine to protect. But
even I have to admit it goes far deeper than that. I’ve never given
this much to anyone, never wanted to. And now, the thought of not
seeing her every day… It’s unthinkable.
    Our relationship is more than what happens
in the bedroom. It’s taken over everything, every part of my life.
My heart. She means more to me than I ever imagined, and now
there’s nothing I won’t do to save her.
    No line I won’t cross.
    I just pray it doesn’t come to that.

FIVE:
ISABELLE
    Keely has lunch with me, and stays long
enough for me to pull myself together after the terrible police
interview. But she can’t stick around all day, she has a life and a
job to get back to.
    “I’m so sorry I can’t push these meetings
any later,” she says, as I walk her to the door.
    “I’m fine!” I say, trying to smile. “I don’t
need babysitting, I’m OK, really.”
    Keely looks reluctant to go.
    “I mean it,” I tell her. “I’m so tired, I
think I’ll just take a nap. Cam will be home soon, and the
doorman’s right downstairs. I’m perfectly safe on my own.”
    “OK,” she agrees, then gives me a hug. “But
call if you need anything. To talk, or hang out. I can’t imagine
what you’ve been through, but I’m here to listen if you need.”
    “Thanks.” My words catch in my throat. Keely
is being so sweet and supportive, but the truth is, I’m not ready
to talk about it just yet. “I’ll let you know.”
    She leaves, and then I’m alone in the vast
apartment. Olivia has been texting me to check in and give
reassurances, but even her kindness adds to my anxiety, so I turn
off my phone and wander the hallways, feeling out of