Duty and Distraction ( 197 )

Liana stirred awake when faint sounds from the next room caught her attention. Instincts on high alert, she turned to her young master, Javier, and froze. Another hand was draped over his body—Gloria's.

Narrowing her eyes, Liana sat up quickly, her heart racing. She carefully peeled away Gloria's hand and lightly slapped it. "At least tell me when you're sleeping next to him! You gave me a heart attack!"

"Hmm? Oh, Liana... morning," Gloria mumbled sleepily, blinking as she stretched lazily.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Liana replied with an exasperated sigh, rubbing her temple. "Just don't do it again without warning me."

"Ara... but it was cold," Gloria teased, a playful smirk on her lips. "And young master is so warm and comfy to hug."

"Haaa... Gloria..." Liana muttered, although she couldn't hide a faint smile. "Just get up and prepare yourself. Morning's already here."