Chapter 10 - THE KISS HE WAS AFRAID TO GIVE
After the attack, Clare moved with Maya to a secure apartment arranged through her attorney.
Dante respected the decision.
He didn't argue.
Didn't insist.
Didn't make promises he couldn't guarantee.
But he visited whenever Clare invited him.
And every visit changed something between them.
One afternoon, he arrived carrying a small paper bag.
Maya ran toward him.
"Did you bring cookies?"
Dante smiled.
"Possibly."
She inspected the bag.
"Chocolate?"
"Naturally."
Clare watched from the kitchen.
It was becoming increasingly difficult to pretend she didn't love him.
Not because he was wealthy.
Not because he was powerful.
But because she had watched him change.
He was learning to listen.
Learning to apologize.
Learning that protecting someone didn't mean controlling them.
After Maya went to sleep, Clare and Dante sat on the balcony.
Rome glowed beneath the evening sky.
"Richard's attorney contacted Lucia," Clare said.
Dante looked at her.
"What happened?"
"He's agreed to temporary custody arrangements while the courts review everything."
"Is that good?"
"It's a beginning."
Dante nodded.
Clare studied him.
"You didn't ask what you could do."
He smiled faintly.
"I'm learning."
She laughed.
Then silence settled between them.
Dante looked at her.
"Clare, I need to tell you something."
Her heart accelerated.
"I know."
"You do?"
"Yes."
He hesitated.
"I never expected to feel this way again."
Clare's eyes filled.
"Neither did I."
He reached for her hand.
"You're the first person who's made me believe my life doesn't have to remain what it was."
She looked down.
"Dante, I'm afraid."
"Of me?"
"Of needing someone."
He nodded.
"I understand."
She met his eyes.
"I won't survive another relationship where I disappear."
"Then don't disappear."
His voice was gentle.
"Stay exactly who you are."
Clare leaned closer.
Dante waited.
Giving her the choice.
She kissed him first.
May you like
And for the first time in years, love didn't feel like surrender.
It felt like freedom.
