Page 64 of Bling

“OK. But you’re taking it easy at Solitaire this weekend. I won’t stop you from fulfilling your house sub duties, but you’re not doing any extra.”

She sighed. He didn’t get that the things she did at Solitaire were fun for her, but she wasn’t in the mood to argue or continue the discussion, so she stood and squeezed his hand.

At her desk, she sorted through personnel folders, looking for people who fell in the window Garrett was looking for. The third folder she pulled was her sister’s. Carmen had worked there after she got out of jail the first time but had been let go a short time later. She typed the employment dates into a spreadsheet she’d created and looked at the reason for dismissal. It was vague.

A knot formed in her throat as she saw the entry light up red to indicate it fell in the date range Garrett was looking for. Had her sister been a target for Darren’s set up? Talking about her sister with Garrett was the last thing she wanted, but it looked like she didn’t have a choice.

She put it off until she finished the stack of folders. At lunch, Garrett ordered lunch for both of them and she went over everything she’d found.

“Do you think he framed your sister for one of the thefts?”

Isabelle blew out a breath. “I’m honestly not sure, but the dates line up. Not long after she quit working here is when she started having legal trouble for the second time. Something like being framed for stealing money might have been enough to tip her over the edge again.”

Garrett nodded and studied Carmen’s folder.

“I hate to ask, but how would you feel if I went to visit her with my attorney or a private investigator?”

“Does it matter how I feel?”

Garrett frowned. “Of course it matters. I have to send someone to talk to her but if you don’t want me going I won’t. I can just send my lawyer or something.”

She relaxed her shoulders. “I appreciate it. I can come with you. I love her, but she can be a bitch if she thinks you’re trying to get something from her. You’ve seen how my family feels about rich people.”

“I’ll let you set something up then.”

After lunch, Garrett insisted on taking her home.

“Can I snuggle with you in the backseat?” she asked as she gathered her things.

“That’s a highly inappropriate question to ask your boss,” he said sternly, though there was a twinkle in his eye.

Isabelle giggled. “But is it an OK question to ask my Dom?” she asked.

His eyes became heated as he held his hand out to her.

“Very appropriate. Though, you don’t need permission to snuggle with me.”

In the car, Garrett wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.

“What do you need, Doll?” he asked as he kissed her hair.

“Nothing. Just this. You’re solid and I like that. Things are a little crazy in my world right now.”

By the time they pulled into the safe house driveway, Isabelle had nearly dozed off.

“I’ll call you when I’m done with my meeting. I assume you’re working tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes, Sir. As long as Master Hunter doesn’t change his mind and fire me.”

“He wouldn’t do that. You’re a valuable asset for him.”

“You don’t have to call me you know.”

He let his hand tangle in her hair. “Why would you say a thing like that?”

When she didn’t answer, he tightened his grip on her hair. “Communication, Isabelle.”

“I just… We… You…”

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