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And knowing this woman expects me to let her go soon might be the most difficult thing I’ll ever have to do.

Charlotte’s fingers curl around the edge of the marble tub as she leans against my chest, the warm water moving around us as her body fits entirely within my hold. My palm smooths around her rib cage as she rests her head on my shoulder.

I always thought having a bathtub was a waste when I prefer to shower. But now, I want to personally thank the interior designer who insisted I needed one. Specifically, one as big and luxurious as this one.

“You had a long day today.” I glide a warm cloth down her arm, squeezing her muscles. Water droplets slide down her body, caressing her skin. “How did therapy go?”

She lets out a breath. “It was actually nice. It was different, not something I’ve ever done before. But it felt good to talk to someone and get some things off my chest.” She waits a moment before saying, “I made another appointment.”

I grin. “That’s great.” I press my lips to the top of her head. “I know it’s not easy. Hell, I should be in therapy, so I’m no one to talk. But I’m proud of you.”

A shy smile twists her lips, a slight blush coating her cheeks.

I drag my fingers across her collarbone, my palm landing over her heart. “Thank you for taking care of Clara. I know I said it earlier, but I mean it. I don’t think there’s anyone I’ve ever trusted so much with her.”

She tilts her head to look up at me, her eyes saying more than I think she’s ready to reveal. “I’d do anything for her.”

“I know you would.” I kiss her temple. “I see it in the way you look at her.”

She smiles, turning into me, which causes water to slosh against the sides. “And how is that?”

“Like she’s the most perfect little girl in the whole damn world.” I laugh softly. “And not to be biased, but she is.”

She laughs, the sound shooting straight through my damn heart. “She really is.”

“It’s like…” I swallow hard, my heart beating faster. “It’s like you’d take a damn bullet for her without a second thought.”

She nods. “I would,” she says with no hesitation. She bites down on her bottom lip, facing forward. “Do you think…”

She pauses.

“What is it?”

Her head lowers, her fingers trailing through bubbles. “Do you think she’ll forget about me?” she asks so softly I barely hear her.

I gently grip her chin, angling her face toward mine.

Our eyes lock, and for a split second, I contemplate begging her to stay. Forever. Here with Clara and me. To be a…family.

I press our foreheads together, closing my eyes as I breathe in deeply, trying to keep my selfish pleas inside.

I promised her freedom.

I open my eyes. “That’ll be impossible.”

She swallows hard, her eyes glossing with tears. “And…you?”

A vise locks around my heart, her vulnerability rendering me temporarily speechless.

I shake my head. “Fiorellina.” I let out a defeated laugh. “How could you think I would ever forget about you?” I stab a finger over the center of my chest. “It’s not possible when you’ve…” I inhale deeply. “You’ve engraved yourself right here.” I watch as a tear escapes, slowly gliding down her cheek.

“Alex…” Her trembling fingers reach out and grip my shoulder. “I don’t… I don’t know what to say… I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I…” Her eyes pinch closed, her chest panting.

I see the war raging inside her.

Questions and fears circle her like a violent storm.

And it’s killing me that I can’t destroy them for her.