“Well, I don’t see how that’s gonna happen,” J.T. finally drawled. “I told you we’re not gonna call you. And the bad guys aren’t gonna call you, either.”

“We couldn’t call you regardless,” said Rosalie. “You’re practically a member of the team.”

I see.

Another look between the lawyers.

“Is there something we should know, Jenna?” asked Rosalie.

It was like standing on the edge of a cliff, wondering what it would be like to—

“No,” she said. “Just a crazy idea.”

Back at the hotel, she opened the vial of Valium, then closed it. She wanted the calm—wanted it badly—but she needed to think clearly. Once before, she had saved herself through a deception, and it had cost the life of someone she loved. Could she go through that again? There was still time. She could just stand up in court. But no, they would shut her up, and no one would believe whatever she managed to blurt out anyway. After all, the whole world thought she was Malik’s lover. God, Jenna, how did you end up in this three-ring circus?

She could call a press conference. They wouldn’t shut her up. No, indeed.

The jackals would want their feast. She couldn’t—just couldn’t, that was all. Besides, Malik thought that he would be acquitted. So did J.T. and Rosa- lie—didn’t they?

And there was Karim to think about.

Whatever she did or didn’t do would be wrong—and she had done so much wrong already. She thought longingly of the Valium. Maybe even a drink. Sleep.

There was a tap at the door. Toni and Jabr.

“Someone wanting to see you, boss,” said Jabr. Through hard effort, he had trained himself not to call her Highness. “Not a reporter, I think.” “From Boston,” said Toni. “Says you know him. Here’s his card.” But Brad was already standing behind her in the hall.

“Yes, it’s okay,” Jenna heard herself saying. “Yes, I know him. It’s fine. Come in. Come in!”

Toni and Jabr hesitated for the briefest moment before standing aside and closing the door behind Brad, who had never taken his eyes off Jenna.

“I had to see you,” he said. “I couldn’t leave things the way they were. I had to tell you I was wrong to try to force you. I don’t care what else has happened, Jenna.”

“Shut up,” she said. “Just hold me. God, just hold me!”

The world became his arms around her, what she had wanted, what she had needed through it all.

“I love you, Jenna. I’ll always love you. Always.” “I love you, too.”

O