The night air was cool, but the heat from the bubbling water wrapped around Isabella like a warm embrace. She leaned back against the edge of the hot tub, exhaling slowly as the tension in her body melted away.

Roman sat across from her, his arms draped over the sides, watching her with that unreadable expression of his. The soft glow from the pool lights cast shadows on his face, making his features look even sharper in the dim light.

"I forgot how nice this was," Isabella admitted, swirling her fingers through the water.

Roman smirked. "We haven't done this in a long time."

She glanced at him, her lips twitching. "Last time, I seem to remember you pushing me in."

Roman chuckled. "You fell in."

Isabella scoffed. "You pushed me."

Roman shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself. "Maybe a little."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.

For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence, the steam rising around them. The music from inside the house played softly in the background, blending with the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Roman tilted his head. "You look relaxed."

"I am relaxed," she admitted. "It's been a while since I let myself just... be."

Roman nodded slowly. "You deserve it."

Isabella sighed, leaning her head back. "I don't even know how to do this anymore."

Roman frowned slightly. "Do what?"

She hesitated before meeting his gaze. "Let someone take care of me."

Something flickered in Roman's eyes-something deep, something raw.

"You don't have to do everything alone, Bella," he said quietly. "I know I wasn't there before. But I'm here now."

The weight of his words settled between them.

Isabella's throat tightened. "I don't want to get hurt again, Rome."

Roman pushed off the edge, moving closer. He stopped just in front of her, his knees brushing against hers beneath the water.

"I know," he murmured. "And I won't rush you. But I want this. I want you."

Isabella's breath hitched.

She didn't stop him when he reached up, brushing a damp curl away from her face.

Her skin tingled under his touch, and for the first time in a long time, she didn't pull away.

Instead, she let herself lean into it.

Just a little.