At midnight, holding the key I had secretly copied in advance, I released Jamie, who was bruised and battered.

I had expected them to hurt him, but seeing the lash marks all over his body, I couldn't stop my tears from falling.

"Don’t cry."

Jamie gently cupped my face, kissing away my tears.

I choked out, "I'm sorry. After all these years, I still haven’t learned anything."

His pupils contracted, filled with pain. "You've already done more than enough for me."

I shook my head, indicating that it wasn't enough.

Under the cover of darkness, I led Jamie out through the back door.

At the last moment, we were discovered...