All Chapters of Paperwork and Hearthbeats: Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

Olive can feel the weight of Seraphina’s stare. She is looking at Harper with a sort of– no, it is not interest. It is amusement. Like she is watching a cat swat at a ball of yarn. “Hank,” Seraphina repeats the name as if testing its weight. “Right. A ‘precise’ man. How lovely for you.” She turns back to Oliver, her expression shifting into something more casual, more– dangerous. “You have grown quite the protective streak, Oliver. It is endearing,” Seraphina says, her voice dropping an octave. She takes a step toward the table, closing the distance. “Though I have to wonder– is it the secretary you are protecting, or just your own pride? You always did hate it when someone else even glanced at your territory.” Thomas and Julia are not visible uncomfortable. Julian shifts his weight, staring intently at his notepad as if the blank pages are the most fascinating thing in the world. “Seraphina, l

“You are still here,” Marius noted, his voice dropping. He glanced past Harper toward the elevator back where Seraphina had just disappeared. “Was it… was it a normal meeting?” he was not even trying to hide his hesitation. “It was a normal meeting,” Harper said studying his face. “Why?” “It is nothing,” he said quickly, but the lie tasted like ash. Marius studied Harpers face– the way she was reading him, that observant stillness that always made him feel a little too exposed. He released her arms and stepped back, his hands finding his pockets. “I just… I saw someone. Someone I did not expect to see.” He looked at the elevator doors, then back at her. “Was anyone else in there with Oliver? Any woman? Tall, red hair, maybe a bit more… commanding than your usual–” he cut himself off, realizing he was being vague on purpose.“You mean Seraphina?” Har

Harper’s metallic silver pointed toe high heels click clack across the warm-toned wooden planks. Her shoes have narrow, pointed toes, slim high heels, polished metallic finishes and has a cool silver colour that complements the pale blue mini dress she is wearing. Thin spaghetti straps sit over her shoulders, and the neckline of the dress is a soft draped cowl neckline, with fabric gathering gently across the bust. The bodice is closely fitted through the torso and waist. The waist narrows naturally before the skirt follows the contours of her hips. The skirt is short, ending well above the knees. The lower hem is slightly curved and softly draped rather than stiff and heavily structured.Knox looked up as Harper approached, his eyes sweeping over her dress with a precision of a seasoned observer. “Blue! he declared, his voice cutting through the thumping disco beat of Sommons, along island iced tea in front of him. “Harper, darling, that shade is absolutely

Around seven PM Harper sent Oliver a message: ‘Almst at ur place.’ Olivers phone buzzes on his nightstand. He picks it up, reads the text, and a slow grin spreads across his face. “Almst at ur place,” he murmurs, reading the misspelling aloud to himself. “You are drunk already, are you not?” He knows Knox is a charming guy, but he also knows Knox’s ability to talk– to get people loosened up. The thought of Harper, usual so composed and professional, being a little loose sends a sort of thrill through him. he starts to type a reply: "Drive safe, beautiful. I will have the bath ready.’ He hesitates. He has never actually seen her drink before. usually, she is the one bringing him water and reminding him to ear. The idea of a slightly tipsy Harper is– well, it is something he is looking forward to.The Uber Harper ordered stopped in front of Oliver apartment building. She steppe

“Harper,” he breathes her name like a prayer and a command all at once. His lips find the sensitive skin behind her ear, his teeth grazing it lightly. “You have no idea what you do to me.” He moves with a slow, deliberate rhythm each motion calculated to maximize the sensation, to draw out the tension until it is almost unbearable. His hands never leave her– one gripping her hip, the other tangled in her auburn hair, anchoring her to him. the world outside– the deadlines, the office politics, the ghost of past relationships– has completely dissolved.Harper plants a quick kiss on Oliver’s cheek and down his jaw line. “I love you,” she mutters before placing an open mouth kiss on his neck. They have said those words to each other before, but even in the dark, even with the alcohol blurring the edges of her voice, the words land with their weight of a tectonic shift. He freezes for a split second, his entire body tensi