Harper runs away

“I—I need some air,” Harper stammers, her voice trembling. She rushes out of the bathroom, leaving them all behind.

She makes her way through the penthouse, an absolute mess. She reaches the rooftop with its blaring music and bright lights. The heat of the crowd is just one more source of stress. She steps out onto the rooftop, moving through the mass of people toward the pool. She gazes down at the water, hoping it can help her regain her composure. But she can’t think of anything but what’s behind her. The image of Elena is burned into her mind. She can’t help but wonder what the three of them are doing now. The thought of their intimacy, the way Elena had so effortlessly stripped down, and the way Jacob’s hands had felt on her body all swirl together in a confusing and exhilarating mix.

Harper dips her toes into the water, the cool sensation offering a slight reprieve from the flush on her skin. She looks around, trying to distract herself, but fails. She tries to convince herself that she made the right decision.