Morning light leaked softly through the half-opened curtains, brushing the room in gentle gold. Mio stirred, her lashes fluttering as the warmth reached her cheeks. She turned, burying her face deeper into the pillow for a brief second—until she sensed a presence. A heavy, quiet presence. Too close. Too still.
Her brows pulled together.
Something… or someone… was beside her bed.
Slowly, Mio pushed herself up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. And then she froze.
There—right beside her mattress—was a broad, bare back. Shoulders so solid they looked carved from stubborn marble. Muscles shifting slightly with every slow breath. And beneath the dim morning light… he was kneeling.
Kneeling.
Without a shirt.
Mio's heart lurched into her throat.
"What—" The word died as she blinked rapidly. "W–Wait. Claude?"
