The moment she’d laid eyes on him in his office, something primal had awakened in her. He was devastatingly attractive in a way that belonged in ancient myths rather than modern day therapy sessions. That shoulder-length black hair gave him an untamed quality that contradicted his regal bearing, while those intense eyes seemed to see straight through every defense she’d ever constructed.
Professional boundaries, Lila. Remember why you’re here.
But when their palms had connected during that simple handshake, every rational thought had scattered like leaves in a wildfire. The jolt of recognition that had shot through her system defied all logic—a soul-deep certainty that she knew this man, had always known him.
That’s impossible. You’ve never been to Nova Aurora.
Yet the electric chemistry crackling between them felt more real than anything she’d experienced in her thirty-one years. Even in her seven-year relationship with Trevor, even in the beginning when she’d foolishly believed they’d build a life together, she’d never felt this raw heat and attraction that made her want to do things she definitely shouldn’t do with a client.
This is exactly the kind of thinking that will get you in trouble here.
Lila pressed her fingers against her temples, fighting the tension headache building behind her eyes again. Draven was her client. She was here to treat his psychological condition, not to fantasize about running her hands through that wild black hair or discovering if his lips were as sensual as they looked.
Her clinical assessment had been deeply concerning, though she’d tried to mask her alarm when he’d suffered that panic attack right in front of her. The frequency and severity of his episodes suggested someone on the verge of a complete breakdown. In her professional opinion, he had no business running a kingdom—or even leaving his chambers—until they stabilized his condition.
How do you tell a powerful dragon king that he needs to step down from his throne for awhile?
That conversation would require delicate handling. Kings—or in her experience, politicians—didn’t respond well to suggestions that they were unfit to lead, even temporarily. But Draven’s well-being had to take priority over his pride.
Though something tells me he’s going to be the most stubborn patient I’ve ever treated.
A sharp knock interrupted her spiraling thoughts. Lila smoothed her hair and crossed to the door, opening it to find Jarek standing in the corridor with a small device in his hand and an expression that seemed far too knowing for comfort.
“Dr. Reyes.” His green eyes sparkled with barely contained mischief. “I brought your communicator so you can call your family back on Earth.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the sleek device, noting how warm it felt against her palm. “And please, call me Lila. We’re going to be working closely together.”
“Okay, Lila, how are you adjusting so far?” Jarek stepped slightly closer, his voice dropping to a more confidential tone. “I know this place can be overwhelming for outsiders.”
“Well, this suite is more luxurious than any hotel I’ve ever stayed in.” Lila gestured toward the opulent sitting area with its rich tapestries and crystalline fixtures. “It’s really generous of Draven to let me stay here while I treat him.”
Jarek’s expression grew serious. “We’re all really worried about him, Lila. His condition is bad and getting worse by the day.”
The genuine concern in his voice made her chest tighten. “I could tell during our session. I really hope my work with him can provide some relief.”
Something shifted in Jarek’s features—a flash of satisfaction that made her wonder what he wasn’t saying. “I think you’re exactly what Draven needs.”
That’s the second person to say that.
First Gerri with her cryptic remarks, now Jarek with that look that suggested he knew secrets she didn’t.
“So, is there anything specific I should know about his condition right now?” Lila asked, her professional instincts overriding her confusion.
“He’s been under tremendous pressure lately. The responsibility of the crown, the political tensions... it’s all weighing on him.” Jarek paused, choosing his words carefully. “He thinks his health struggles make him weak somehow. Like he’s failing as a king.”
Textbook shame spiral. No wonder his anxiety is through the roof.
“Thank you for that insight. I’ll work with that issue specifically.” Lila hesitated, then plunged ahead. “Speaking of which, I think Draven should be taking it easy for the next two weeks. Maybe you could pick up some of the slack? He needs to limit his stress while we work through his intensive therapy.”
Jarek chuckled. “I can try my best, but Draven is pretty stubborn.”
“I gathered that much.” The understatement of the century, probably. “But someone needs to get through that thick skull of his soon.”
“You know what? I think you have exactly the right personality for that job.” Jarek’s grin widened. “This should be interesting to watch.”
“It may be tough at first, but I’ve dealt with some pretty stubborn people in my line of work.” Though no one quite like the intense dragon king who made her pulse race just by existing in the same room. “Although Draven seems like he might be the most stubborn yet.”
“Now that’s the truth.” Jarek laughed outright. “Oh, and Nyra will be by shortly to take you to dinner and help you get more acclimated to Nova Aurora. She’s going to be your personal assistant while you’re here.”
