Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen's ears and neck turned bright red as she glared at him. She snapped, "I-I'II never sleep with you, Andrew! You can make me do anything else, but not that. My body is off-limits!"

She blurted, nearly shouting, "I'm still a virgin! I made a vow years ago I'll only give myself to my future husband!"

Andrew stared at her like she had just grown wings. After all, she had to be in her late 20s. With how long she had been in the game, always networking, always flirting with powerful men-he never would have guessed.

But now? Turned out this wildcat had never been touched. It was like walking into

a chicken coop and finding a hidden phoenix-ridiculous, but rare as hell.

Aspen noticed the way he was looking at her and instantly blew up.

"The hell's that look for? I'm telling the truth, you bastard!" Aspen snapped, misreading his stunned silence.

Andrew leaned in and whispered by her ear, voice full of mischief. "All the better. Every man wants to be the first, you know that, right?"

Aspen clenched her teeth, furious, but could not argue back. For one, they were already inside the event hall, and people were everywhere. For another, she instantly regretted saying anything.

If she had known this would be his reaction, she would have just lied and told him she had been around, had a few wild years, maybe even picked up something contagious—just to throw him off. She silently scolded herself for being stupid for not thinking about it through.

Meanwhile, not far behind, Quinton and Christina followed them in.

"You saw that, right? Flirting like a couple of horny teenagers in the middle of a formal event," Quinton said, his tone lazy but laced with irritation. "Looks like your dear cousin's already in bed with Andrew."

Christina was unfazed. "A good man will attract women no matter where he goes. I'll admit that Aspen was right about one thing-Andrew is in high demand these days."

Quinton scoffed. "High demand? Please. I don't see it. One thing's for sure, though he doesn't have you. You're with me now."

Christina calmly released his arm and shook her head. "Mr. Wright, I think you're misunderstanding something. We're business partners-that's it. No romance, no feelings involved. I made that clear the moment we left Jayrodale."

Quinton's face darkened immediately. He had never taken Christina seriously- not as a real partner, and certainly not as someone to respect. To him, she was just another pretty toy to be played with and discarded when bored.

Yet, now that Andrew was in the picture? He was pissed. Both Stevens beauties had their eyes locked on Andrew.

What about him? Was he just some side character in their story?

Hell no. He was Quinton Wright, and there was no way Andrew outshined him.

"This charity event? Let's see if he even makes it out in one piece," Quinton said solemnly. "Between the Golding family's bounty and the assassins already crawling through this city waiting for him to show his face, he's living on borrowed time. He won't survive the week."

Christina did not reply right away. Her voice was quiet when she finally spoke. "If you'd said that a year ago I would've agreed. But now? No matter what happens... Andrew always ends up winning. I'm starting to think the guy's invincible.

Quinton sneered. "That's only because all his opponents so far have been small- timers from Jayrodale-useless clowns. But here in the capital? Guys who could end him are on every street corner."noveldrama