Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1389

As Andrew entered the warm-lit room, a fragrant, towel-clad figure crashed into his arms.

"Andrew, tonight… I'm taking what's mine," came the breathy whisper against his ear.

Andrew turned around and grabbed Lauren by her slender waist. The usually composed seductress now trembled against him, her gaze shyly averted, cheeks burning crimson.

This was it—the night she would surrender her virginity to him.

"L-Let's… move to the bed first?" she stammered, fearing he might claim her right there against the door.

Andrew chuckled. "Patience! Though I have to ask… How did you escape Mrs. Rhodes' watch tonight?"

Lauren huffed. "Why? Don't you want me here?"

Andrew's gaze softened as he took in her radiant, blushing face. "Of course, I do! I love having you here. But Mrs. Rhodes always feared leaving us alone together. Did you sneak over here tonight?"

Lauren giggled mischievously, slipping free from Andrew's arms as she bounced onto the bed. She glared at him, pouting.

"Mom's done interfering in our private matters. She said if she kept holding me back, Francesca and Aspen would snatch you away, and that was absolutely unacceptable. So, I'm claiming you tonight!"

Andrew was caught off guard by the reply. So, Tiana had only allowed Lauren to come over out of competitive spite, not some sudden romantic enlightenment. He thought she had finally stopped playing the stern chaperone.

Sliding under the covers, Lauren shyly tossed her towel at him. "You jerk, I'm going to sleep. Enjoy standing there like an idiot!"

If Andrew missed that invitation, he deserved eternal bachelorhood.

Heat flashed in his eyes as he moved to pounce, only for Lauren to press a palm against his chest, her snow-white shoulders trembling.

"W-Wait," she pleaded, doe-eyed. "Let me… undress you!"

Even though she was obviously shy, Lauren proved to be surprisingly attentive. She carefully undressed Andrew, folding his clothes, even unbuckling his belt with deliberate slowness.

However, when her shy gaze accidentally dropped to his "formidable friend", she gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

Andrew feigned helplessness. "It's… quite big. Try to endure."

If ever there was a time for masculine bravado, this was it.

Lauren burst into laughter. "Andrew, yours isn't the largest I've seen!"

Andrew's expression darkened instantly. "You little devil—you've been looking at others? I'll have to punish you thoroughly!"