Chapter Nineteen: Can't I worry about you?

*Vivienne*

I was literally drowning in a material that felt luxurious and comfortable.

But what jerked me awake from my peaceful sleep was the feeling of a strange, damp sensation on my cheek.

Reflexively, I reached out a hand, expecting to encounter a pillow or perhaps a stray lock of my own hair. Instead, my fingertips met a wet, cold nose that was far too close for comfort.

My eyes flew open, and I jolted upright, my heart pounding as a high pitched scream escaped my lips.

Looming over me, mere inches from my face, was the large, furry head of a golden retriever. The dog's warm, amber eyes were fixed intently on me, its tongue lolling out in an almost playful expression.

"Gah!" I exclaimed, recoiling in shock. "What on earth—?"

The sudden movement startled the dog, causing it to let out a surprised bark. I scrambled backwards, tangling myself in the bedsheets as I tried to put some distance between us. Where did this canine intruder come from? And how had it ended up so brazenl