Chapter 51

• Harper’s POV
• The bathroom is quiet, lit only by the soft golden glow of the wall sconces, the air warm and thick with steam. Theo sets me down with careful hands, like I might break if he moves too fast. My bare feet touch the tile, cool and solid, grounding. But he doesn’t step back, not right away. He stays close, his presence a steady heat against my skin.
• He reaches around me, twisting the shower knobs gently until warm water streams from the head, misting the space in a gentle hiss. The sound is soft, soothing, like rainfall. I watch the droplets slide over the tiled floor, unable to speak, unable to look at him just yet. Shame still clings to me like a second skin.