Invitation

***POV NOAH***

The bathtub was almost full when I held Isabela’s hand to help her step into the water. White foam gathered along the edges, and the scent of lavender filled the bathroom.

She placed one leg first, then the other, slowly sliding into the hot water. I watched every movement she made, wanting to memorize every second by her side. She closed her eyes the moment her body sank completely into the water, letting out a deep sigh—one that carried years of exhaustion.

“Come,” I heard her murmur, eyes still closed as she reached a hand back to me.

I didn’t think twice. I stepped into the tub behind her and immediately pulled her onto my lap. Isabela fit against me like she belonged there—like it was her favorite place in the world—and God, I hoped it was.

Her back rested against my bare chest, her head on my shoulder, and my hands settled on her waist beneath the water.

For a few minutes, we just stayed like that, enjoying the silence. It was so intimate that it spoke for us.

“You’re really quiet…” I murmured against her ear.

“I think I forgot what it feels like… to relax,” she whispered back.

Her honesty cut straight through me.

I slid my hands along her arms, slowly moving up to her tense shoulders. I began to massage her, feeling every tight muscle, every little knot of someone who had spent days living in fear.

“You don’t have to be strong right now,” I whispered. “Let me take that for a while.”

She opened her eyes slowly and turned her face toward me. There was so much in her gaze that I felt an ache in my chest—a desperate need to shield her from the whole damn world.

“Noah…” My name left her lips like a plea. “I’m so tired…”

I pressed my forehead to hers.

“Then rest on me.”

And she did. Completely. She let her weight fall into me—really fall. She had never done that before. Furthermore, she always held something back, always built invisible walls. But right then… she broke. And I caught her.

My hands moved slowly up and down her back, over the curve of her waist, then back up. Every touch seemed to ease a little more of the pain she kept buried.

Isabela tilted her face toward me, just enough for our eyes to meet. They were shining—not with tears, but with vulnerability. I’d never seen it in her before, and I knew she only showed it to me… because she trusted me.

I touched her cheek with my fingertips, brushing aside a wet strand stuck to her skin.

“You’re beautiful,” I said. It was the truth. She was beautiful, even broken. That bastard was dimming her light. She was strong, but she was hurting. And here, in my arms, she was whole.

She gave a small smile, her cheeks reddening.

“You always say that when I look awful—like a mess.”

“First, you never look awful. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world. Second, I know exactly when you need to hear it the most,” I replied.

Isabela closed her eyes and leaned in, brushing her lips lightly along my jaw. The soft kiss made my breath hitch for a moment.

I slid my hands down her arms again, caressing slowly as I felt the tension melt from her muscles.

“I love you,” she whispered.

My chest tightened.

“Repeat it,” I asked quietly.

She opened her eyes, turned to face me, wrapped her legs around my waist, and held my face in her hands.

“I. Love. You,” she repeated.

I shut my eyes tightly, letting the three words sink deep.

“I love you too. And fuck, you have no idea how much…”

My hand rose to the back of her neck, pulling her in slowly until our lips met.

The kiss had no rush. It was slow, deep, and full of the kind of tenderness that only exists when you truly love someone. I felt her breathing steady against me. Her hand spread across my chest, as if she needed to feel me—real, solid, present.

When our lips parted, she rested her head on my shoulder.

“I didn’t want to drag you into this chaos…” she whispered. “You don’t understand the mess this is going to create.”

I intertwined our fingers, holding her hand firmly.

“You didn’t drag me anywhere. I walked in… and I’m staying until the end.”

She sighed. She knew nothing she said would change my mind.

I’m not giving up on her. I’ll fight for us against anyone and everyone.

“Let me ask you something,” I said, brushing my nose against her neck.

“Go ahead.” She looked at me, curious.

“I want you at the game with me. The decisive match,” I said, meeting her eyes. “I want you there. I want to look into the stands and see you. I want to score and dedicate it to you. Furthermore, I want you to wear my jersey. Besides, I want to share that moment with you.”

She blinked slowly, surprised.

“Noah…” she bit her lip, hesitant. I traced her lips with my thumb, feeling my heart pick up. “Thank you for inviting me. I’ll be cheering for you…”

My smile faded. I knew there was a “but” coming.

“But… I’ll be working that day.”

I tried not to show disappointment. Likewise, I wanted her there more than she knew. It’s the match of my life.

“I get it.” I forced a smile, brushing her cheek.

“I’ll be doing the coverage…” she explained. “I’ll be on the sidelines, cheering for you.”

A real smile broke through.

“Fuck yes.”

She kissed me quickly, laughing softly.

“When the game ends, we celebrate together,” I said.

“Doesn’t the team have an after?”

“Yes,” I answered honestly. “But I want to celebrate with the only person who matters to me. You.”

“After the game… I’m all yours,” she whispered.

My hand slid up her neck, slow and deliberate.

“I’m going to hold you to that.”