Follow My Lead Waking Up to Trouble

Waking Up to Trouble

Warm sheets. Soft pillow. Unfamiliar ceiling. The scent of sandalwood. Ria’s lashes fluttered open — confused, dazed. Where was she?

Ria

*looking at the unfamiliar man*

Ria

Wh-where… am I?

Joel

Oh good. Sleeping Beauty wakes. I was starting to think you'd never open those big, innocent eyes.

Joel

*winking at her*

Ria

*staring at him warily*

Ria

Who are you!? What happened?!

Joel

Name’s Joel. Handsome, charming, and your accidental savior. You fainted like a wilted flower in the middle of the road. Lucky me — I picked you.

Ria

I... I don’t remember anything… Wait—my clothes!? Why am I wearing this shirt!?

Joel

*looking at her with mischief*

Joel

Oh that? Yeah, about that... I might have changed them.

Ria

You WHAT?! You saw—?!

Her cheeks turned crimson. She clutched the oversized shirt against her chest like armor.

Joel

*chuckle*

Joel

Relax, country girl. I said might. Maybe Grandma did. Maybe I did. Guess you’ll never know.

Ria

*glaring at him*

Ria

You—! You’re shameless!

Just then, the door burst open. A cane struck Joel’s head.

Grandma

SHAMELESS INDEED! Changing a girl’s clothes while she’s unconscious? Did I raise a wolf!?

Joel

Ow, ow, OW! It was a joke, Grandma!

Grandma

*glaring at him*

Grandma

Out! Get the doctor. Bring Liam here. Right now!

Joel grumbled as he rubbed his head and walked out. The old woman sat beside Ria, her sharp eyes surprisingly kind.

Grandma

Don’t worry, child. You’re safe here. My idiot grandson has a big mouth, but he means well.

Ria

Thank you… I-I didn’t mean to trouble anyone.

Liam

*entering*

Liam

*low voice*

Liam

What’s her condition?

Ria turned… and stopped breathing. The man in the doorway wasn’t just handsome. He was dangerous. Cold. Intense.

Liam

Fever. Dehydrated. She needs fluids, rest… and peace.

His hand brushed her wrist as he checked her pulse. His fingers were cool. But her skin burned.

Ria

(Why… does a stranger’s touch feel safer than my lover’s ever did?)

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