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I chuckled. He couldn’t really give up an investigation. He’d probably always have it in the back of his mind, just like I would. Just like I’d always have Amber in the back of my mind.

And then I was thinking about his text. Why would she want anyone to think she was indebted to Vilanakis as his servant? Especially when she wanted Reeve back. What would she have to gain from that?

Nice try, Joe.

I set my water and phone down and started to the living room. Halfway there, I stopped. If he thought she was in danger, Reeve would want to protect her.

It was actually an excellent way to try to win him back. To be vulnerable, like he liked.

But it was silly to think she would be that manipulative.

Except… was it? She’d manipulated me. More than once. And I’d seen her exploit many men over the years. “Forget who you are… be who he wants.”

So, what if Joe was on to something?

I sank onto the sofa, playing a possible scenario out in my head. Amber had run to Vilanakis willingly, but when she’