NINE
HARPER
Harper's body hummed with restless energy as she paced the guest room the next day, her bare feet silent against the polished hardwood floors. Sleep had been impossible—each time she'd closed her eyes, she saw Dorian's face in the firelight and felt the heat of his mouth claiming hers with devastating precision.
What the hell is wrong with me?
She pressed her palms against her flushed cheeks, trying to ground herself in the present moment. The kiss had been a mistake—a spectacular, earth-shattering mistake that could destroy everything she'd come here to accomplish. Harper had built her entire career on professional boundaries, on maintaining emotional distance from clients and their families. She didn't get involved. She didn't blur lines. She certainly didn't kiss her teenage client's devastatingly attractive older brother.
But God, the way he'd looked at her.
Like she was salvation and temptation wrapped in one dangerous package. Like he could see straight through every wall she'd constructed around her heart.
Harper caught her reflection in the antique mirror across the room and winced. Her dark hair was tossed from running herhands through it, and her green eyes still too bright with desire she couldn't quite suppress.
Focus,she commanded herself firmly.You're here to treat Lila. Nothing else matters.
But even as she repeated the mantra, that strange pulsing sensation under her skin persisted—a magnetic pull that seemed to orient itself toward wherever Dorian might be. When she'd heard the front door slam early that morning, the tension in her chest had eased slightly. At least she wouldn't have to navigate around him today, wouldn't have to pretend that kiss hadn't turned her world completely upside down.
A soft knock interrupted her spiraling thoughts. "Harper?" Lila's voice carried through the heavy wooden door. "Are you ready for our session?"
Harper smoothed her sweater and opened the door to find Lila standing in the hallway, looking more engaged than she had yesterday. The girl's blue-gray eyes held a spark of anticipation that made Harper's heart lift despite her own emotional turmoil.
"I'm ready if you are," Harper said, forcing her professional demeanor back into place. "Would you like to meet in your room again, or somewhere else?"
Lila shifted her weight, glancing toward the grand staircase. "Actually, could we go downstairs? Maybe sit on the porch swing? I need some fresh air."
"That sounds perfect," Harper agreed, grateful for the suggestion. "I could use some fresh air too."
They made their way down the impressive staircase together, Harper's fingers trailing along the smooth banister that she was certain Dorian had crafted himself. Everything in this estate bore his touch—the careful restoration, the modern updates seamlessly blended with historical charm. It was beautiful and overwhelming, like the man himself.
The October air was crisp and clean as they settled onto the wooden porch swing, the chains creaking gently under their combined weight. Mountains stretched endlessly in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow that caught the sunlight like scattered diamonds. Harper could see why Lila might find peace out here—the view was breathtaking enough to quiet even the most restless thoughts.
"Are you excited about tonight?" Harper asked, studying Lila's profile as the girl gazed out at the forest. "Hanging out with Sophie and Courtney?"
A genuine smile transformed Lila's face, erasing the worry and trauma. "Yes. We're meeting at the diner for burgers and shakes, then going to the boys' basketball game at school." She turned to Harper with obvious relief. "You really won't hover, will you? Like Dorian or Marty would?"
"I promise I'll give you plenty of space to enjoy your friends," Harper assured her. "I remember what it was like to be seventeen and a senior in high school. That was probably my favorite year of school."
Lila's expression dimmed slightly. "I hope this year will be fun, but it's already October and I feel like I've missed out on so many events already. My mental health has made everything complicated."
Harper's chest tightened at the defeated tone in Lila's voice. "There's still plenty of time. Lots of opportunities to make this the best senior year possible."
"You really think so?" Lila's doubt was palpable as she stared off into the distance.
"Hey." Harper's voice gentled. "Just take it one day at a time, okay? There's no pressure. You'll heal on your own timeline, and the important thing is that you're willing to let me help you."
Lila nodded slowly, some of the tension escaping her shoulders. "I was really doubting anyone could help me after sixdifferent people couldn't reach me. But you're totally different, Harper. I know this is only our second session, but I actually feel hopeful."
The admission sent warmth spreading through Harper's chest. "That's wonderful to hear. I feel like we have a good connection forming already."
"Yeah, we do." Lila's gaze sharpened suddenly, becoming almost uncomfortably perceptive. "Do you have a connection forming with my brother too? I notice the way you two look at each other. It reminds me of Sophie's parents. They're fated mates, and there's this intensity between them that's just like what I see with you and Dorian."
Harper's chest tightened. The directness of the question left her feeling exposed, as if this seventeen-year-old girl could see straight through every defense she possessed. Heat crept up her neck as she scrambled for a professional response.
"Dorian and I are certainly getting to know each other," she said carefully, "building a relationship that will help you succeed in therapy. His trust in me as your counselor is important for your healing."
Lila gave her a look that clearly said she wasn't buying the deflection, but Harper quickly redirected before the girl could press further.
