Chapter 5 Lila
FIVE
LILA
Lila settled into the plush armchair by the panoramic windows of her guest suite while her mind still reeled from the encounter with Draven.
The twin suns cast crimson light across the volcanic landscape beyond the glass, but she barely noticed the breathtaking view.
Her thoughts remained fixated on those piercing golden-brown eyes and the way her entire body had responded when their hands touched.
What the hell was that?
She’d worked with attractive clients before—handsome CEOs, charming politicians, even a few Hollywood types who’d wandered into her Santa Monica clinic. But nothing had prepared her for the raw magnetism that radiated from the dragon king like heat from molten lava.
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.”
“That sounds perfect. Thank you again for all your help, Jarek.”
“Anytime. We want you to feel at home here.”
After he left, Lila stood alone in her suite, turning the communicator over in her hands while her thoughts churned. The weight of what she’d undertaken was beginning to settle on her shoulders like a heavy cloak.
This might be the toughest case of my career.
And not just because of Draven’s complex psychological condition. The real challenge would be maintaining her professional boundaries while every instinct told her to get closer to the enigmatic king who’d awakened something dangerous and wonderful in her heart.
Another sharp knock echoed through her suite, jolting Lila from her increasingly inappropriate thoughts about Draven.
Get it together, Lila.
She crossed to the door, grateful for the interruption before her imagination wandered into truly dangerous territory. A young woman stood in the corridor—petite but confident, with striking auburn hair and intelligent hazel eyes that seemed to assess everything at once.
“Dr. Reyes? I’m Nyra Solace, your personal assistant while you’re staying with us.” Her smile was warm but professional. “I hope you don’t mind the late hour, but I thought we should get acquainted before tomorrow.”
“Please, call me Lila. And not at all—I was just settling in.” She stepped aside to let Nyra enter. “Though I have to say, I don’t really need a personal assistant.”
“King Draven insisted.” Nyra’s tone carried subtle notes of respect and protectiveness. “My job is to help you navigate the castle, to get you acquainted with our clutch ways and Nova Aurora, and coordinate with His Majesty’s schedule during your stay.”
His Majesty.
The formal title reminded Lila of the vast gulf between her world and Draven’s. She was a trauma psychologist from Santa Monica; he was a dragon king ruling an entire alien territory.
“Speaking of his schedule, I need to discuss reducing his workload significantly while we work together.” Lila settled into the sitting area, gesturing for Nyra to join her. “His condition requires minimal stress and intensive therapy sessions.”
Nyra’s expression grew skeptical. “I can certainly convey that message, but King Draven isn’t exactly known for stepping back from his responsibilities.”
“Then we’ll have to convince him that his health is the kingdom’s priority right now.”
Something flickered in Nyra’s eyes—approval mixed with concern. “You don’t know him very well yet, do you?”
“I know enough to recognize someone on the verge of a breakdown.” Lila’s clinical instincts sharpened. “And I know that stubborn patients require creative approaches.”
Nyra chuckled. “Well, you’ll certainly need creativity with him. Shall we grab dinner? I can fill you in on what you’re dealing with here.”
Twenty minutes later, they were seated in an elegant restaurant overlooking the pink sea.
The establishment buzzed with quiet conversation and the soft clink of crystalline glasses.
Lila marveled at how the interior seamlessly blended high-tech conveniences with organic dragon aesthetics—molten glass fixtures that seemed to flow like lava, obsidian tables veined with gold, and furniture that looked carved from volcanic stone yet felt surprisingly comfortable.
This place feels ancient and futuristic simultaneously.
“So,” Nyra began, cutting into something that resembled beef but tasted richer. “What exactly did Gerri tell you about our king?”
“The basics about his condition, but not much about the man himself.” Lila sipped her wine—Sidaii, Nyra had called it—and tried not to wince at the unexpected potency. “How long has he been struggling?”