Chapter 25; Acting Scene 1; Creepy Director

Warm light streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden hue over the soft white sheets. Claire stirred, her brows twitching slightly as consciousness returned. Something felt... unfamiliar. Her hand brushed against a firm chest, and her breath caught as she realized—this wasn't the bed Leon had assigned her in his apartment. This was his bed.

Leon's arm was securely wrapped around her waist, his body pressed against hers as if even in sleep, he refused to let her go. Before she could pull away, Leon shifted, still asleep. But his grip around her waist only grew firmer. Then, with a quiet murmur, he buried his face in her neck and his lips brushed against the back of her neck. Then, slowly, he whispered against her skin, "Good morning, beautiful."

Claire felt heat rise to her cheeks instantly. Her body stiffened, uncertain how to react to this overwhelming sense of comfort.