It was a rough day after Jess stabbed herself. Brandon worked his medial magic and was able to get her into stable condition but that didn't mean her mind was stable.

I sent Brandon and Zach away and drowned myself in guilt and bottles of rum at her bedside. How could I have left her alone? I knew it wasn't my fault. It was that bastard Derek's fault, but blaming him did nothing to ease my pain. This world had simply become too much for Jess and to be honest I didn't blame her at all for what she did. I would have done the same too.

"You rang, sire?" Miles knocked me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, sorry. I need you to get a car ready for me, but drive it down the road and park it there." I know what I need to do to help Jessica. It's going to make everyone furious but it's what she needs. Hell, I think I need it too.

"Of course, sire. I'll get right on that." He began to walk out of the room.

"Oh and Miles, keep this between us at all costs."

"Yes, sire."

I caressed her cheek with my hand. "I don't know if you can hear me, and if you can I'm sorry I've been talking your ears off. I promised myself I wouldn't get attached to you, but fuck, here we are. As soon as we get in this car our relationship is no longer just professional. I don't know what it will be but I do know that I will be disobeying my father's direct orders."

I bit my lip. "This is stupid. Am I insane? I have to be going insane. This isn't me. I don't care about humans. Not since Brynn—" I stopped. That was the first time I've ever been able to say her name out loud since she died.

That settles it. I'm not crazy or just too into keeping her safe for my father. I really do care for Jessica Dysart. She looked so peaceful now laying in bed. This can't happen again. I won't let it.

"Everything is ready for you, Mr. McClain." Miles was back at the doorway holding a set of keys.

"Thank you, we will be right there."

I lifted her into my arms. "I'm never letting you go again. That's a promise."