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Finally, Eve pulls back slightly, though she doesn’t leave the circle of my arms. “I should get cleaned up. I probably smell like smoke and God knows what else.”

I brush a kiss across her temple, breathing in the familiar scent of her beneath the ash and gunpowder. “Come on. I know just what you need.”

As I guide her out of the bedroom, I glance back one more time at Leo’s sleeping form.My nephew.My family. The thought settles something inside me, a piece I didn’t know was missing finally clicking into place.

I close his door quietly, leaving it open just a crack—the way he likes it. In the hallway, Eve leans against me, exhaustion evident in every line of her body. But there’s something else there too—a tension that speaks of unfinished business.

We need to talk about what happened today. About the choices I made and the lines I crossed. About the bodies we left behind and what it means for our future. But for now, all I want is to take care of my wife. To wash away the evidence of this terrible day and remind us both we’re still here. Still together.

Still fighting.

The rest can wait until morning.

Eve’s fingers find mine in the darkness of the hallway. She squeezes gently, a silent acknowledgment of everything we don’t need to say.

I squeeze back, leading her toward our room where I can properly tend to her needs. Where I can show her with actions what I’m still learning to express in words.

That she’s mine to protect. Mine to cherish.

Mine to love.

The thought should terrify me. Maybe tomorrow it will. But for now, with Leo safe in his bed and Eve warm and alive beside me, I let myself believe in the possibility of happy endings after all.

Even for someone like me.

Steam risesfrom the large garden tub, curling in lazy tendrils through the dim bathroom. The only light comes from a dozen candles scattered across marble countertops and window ledges, their flames dancing and casting flickering shadows across Eve’s bare skin.

My fingers trail down her spine, savoring each subtle dip and curve. She shivers despite the warmth of the room, and I smile. The slightest touch from me affects her so viscerally.

“Into the tub, love,” I murmur, guiding her with a gentle hand at the small of her back.

The water ripples as she steps in, disturbing the thick layer of bubbles I’ve created. The subtle lavender scent filling the air comes from her favorite bath oil.

And today has certainly qualified.

She sinks into the water with a soft sigh that goes straight to my core. “This is heaven.”

“We’re just getting started.” I strip out of my clothes and grab the soft washcloth I’d set aside. “Lean forward.”

She complies, drawing her knees up to her chest. I slide into the tub behind her. Water sluices down her back as I begin at her shoulders, using the cloth to spread warm water across her skin. I take my time, watching goosebumps rise in the wake of my touch.

“You’re too good to me,” she murmurs, voice already growing heavy with relaxation.

I press a kiss to her wet shoulder. “Impossible.”

The washcloth glides lower, tracing the elegant curve of her spine. I pay special attention to the knots of tension I feel beneath her skin, applying gentle pressure until they begin to release. A small moan escapes her when I hit a particularly tight spot.

“Right there?”

“Mmm.” She lets her head fall forward. “Don’t stop.”

I work the area until I feel the muscles finally surrender, then continue my journey downward. The cloth dips below the waterline, following the flare of her hips. Her breath catches when I brush the sensitive skin of her inner thighs.

“Patience,” I whisper against her ear, though my own control is already fraying. The sight of her like this—wet and pliant and trusting—makes me want to take her right here, right now.

But tonight isn’t about that. Tonight is about showing her exactly how precious she is to me.

I guide her to lean back against the opposite end of the tub, then lift one of her legs from the water. Starting at her ankle, I work my way up slowly, massaging as much as washing. Her toes curl when I hit a sensitive spot behind her knee.