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Vin regards Alex, appearing confused. “Four to six weeks? The last time you had to create a new identity, it took you—”

“It’s a new system,” Alex answers quickly. “Very thorough, but slow.” He clears his throat. “It’ll take at least a month.” He casually lifts one shoulder. “Give or take.”

A brief grin tugs at Vincenzo’s lips before abruptly falling. “And what about your new nanny? The one starting tomorrow.” His tone turns serious. “How do you expect her not to say anything to anyone about this?”

“Cazzo.” I glance over my shoulder and see Alex rub his jaw. “I forgot all about her.” He tugs at the collar of his shirt. “Maybe I could take a few weeks off from work?”

Vincenzo lets out a dark chuckle. “Not happening. We’d fall apart if you did that.”

“I know.” Alex adjusts his glasses, his mind racing as he stares at a spot on the desk. “Maybe Madeleine would consider—”

“I can do it,” I blurt out.

Their gazes shift to me.

Vincenzo leans forward in his seat, placing his forearms on his desk. “Do what?”

“I could be Clara’s nanny.” I look up at Alex, his brows knitting together.

“No,” he immediately answers, shaking his head. “I couldn’t ask you to do—”

“Do you have experience?” Vincenzo asks.

“I used to babysit when I was younger,” I answer. “And I’m CPR certified.” I steel my spine, inhaling deeply. “I know my being here puts your family at risk.” My gaze drops for a moment before finding theirs again. “I’m sorry for bringing this to your doorstep, but…you’re the only people powerful enough to help me disappear.” I glance between them. “I don’t want to be a burden, so let me do something useful while I’m here. Let me help you while you help me.” I can see the gears turning in Alex’s eyes, so I give it one more push. “Taking care of Clara while I wait for my paperwork won’t be a hardship. If anything, she’ll give me something else to focus on.”

The brothers regard one another, engaging in a silent conversation before Vincenzo turns his attention to me. “Alright.” He grins, leaning back in his seat. “Looks like that’s settled then.”

Alex dips his chin and then looks at me. Our eyes lock, and there’s something in his stormy-grey eyes that flickers, reminding me of the small light that swayed on the dock, symbolizing my freedom. He gestures a hand toward the door. “Let’s go home.”

“This is my room,” Alex tells me as we reach the end of the long hallway, pointing at a closed door. “And this one is yours.” His finger shifts to the door next to his. A sleek black panel is positioned beside the doorframe. “Press your hand against that.”

Hesitantly, I do. A soft vibration travels through my palm, and after Alex taps something on his phone, the door unlocks and swings inward slowly.

“Every time this door closes, it locks automatically. You can get out, but no one can get in.” He slips his phone back into his pocket. “It only recognizes my handprint and now yours.” His eyes meet mine. “I’ll never come in unless you ask me to.”

Heat creeps over my cheeks, and I look away.

I know he didn’t mean it sexually, but the thought still catches me off guard.

I nod, following him inside.

The room is spacious, clean, and inviting. Tranquility settles around me as I step farther into the space. My backpack sits on the enormous bed. Crisp white linens stretch across the mattress, appearing softer than any I’ve ever seen. I gravitate toward it, wishing I could collapse onto it and slide beneath the covers. Plush armchairs sit beside a stone fireplace, and moonlight spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake.

“I had some clothes brought over for you.” He gestures toward the dresser and closet. “You’ll find everything in there.” He walks across the room and opens another door. “This is the en-suite bathroom.” White marble and soft coastal-blue accents make the space feel more like a luxury spa than a bathroom. A freestanding porcelain tub sits beneath a picture window overlooking the moonlit water. “The essentials are already stocked, and if there’s anything else you need, just tell me.” He steps toward the counter, pointing at a few items. “There’s a heating pad and some ibuprofen for you as well. But if that’s not enough to help with the pain, please let me know.”

“I will.” Warmth swarms my chest as tears blur my eyes. I quickly blink them away, not letting them escape as I avert my gaze. “This is…” I slowly turn in a circle, taking it all in. “More than enough.” I step back into the room, my fingertips brushing the edge of the bed. “I’ve never stayed in a room this nice.”

Alex frowns slightly, sliding his fingers through his hair. “Well, I’ll let you get some sleep. Clara is usually up around seven… Which reminds me.” He steps into the hallway for a moment, then returns with several things tucked beneath one arm. He sets a baby monitor on the dresser, then hands me a phone and a laptop.

“These are for you.”

“Oh, I couldn’t—”

“You can.” He grins. “I want to make sure you’re able to get ahold of me anytime you need me.”

I take the items and cradle them against my chest. Before I can thank him, he reaches into his wallet and slides out a matte black credit card.

“And this.” He places it in my hand. “Use it for anything you or Clara need. There’s an unlimited balance.”