Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Christina had not expected the two of them to be that close already.

"Andrew, you're going to regret what you've done!" she snapped coldly before looping her arm around Quinton's and striking a deliberately intimate pose.

Quinton smirked. He knew Christina was using him, but he did not care. For someone like him, the thrill was in the chase. When the thrill was gone, he would have no problem tossing her aside or forcing things if it amused him.

Quinton said with a smile, "Ms. Aspen, Christie's mentioned you before. But sticking with Andrew will only bring you down. Why not join me? Serve under the Wrights, and I promise you a spot among the capital's elite socialites."

It was a tempting offer, made with a wolfish grin. If he could really win Aspen over, having both Stevens beauties serve him would be a fantasy come true.

Especially since Aspen had a figure that made him burn with desire. Hell, she was playing housemaid for Andrew-that was practically a crime in Quinton's book.

"Mr. Wright, I appreciate your offer, but I already have a master. I only serve one, so I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

Her tone was respectful, but the message was clear. She could not afford to offend the Wrights, but she also was not about to stoop to Christina's level. More importantly, she believed that sticking with Andrew-despite his cruel ways-was her best shot at a real future, even if the man drove her crazy.

Quinton looked disappointed. "Just wait and see, Ms. Aspen. The man you're following will be crushed in this city. Someone will take him down eventually. When that happens, I might consider giving you a second chance to switch sides."

Aspen flashed a dazzling smile. "I don't think I'll need your pity invitation. No matter what happens to Andrew, I'll stay with him. Sure, he's a jerk sometimes-it makes me grind my teeth in frustration.

"But let's not pretend he's not a great man. Just ask Christina how in-demand Andrew really is!"

She tossed that last line out like a knife, right into Christina's pride. Then, she let out a cold laugh, hooked her arm around Andrew's, and strolled into the building.

Andrew raised a brow. "You say I'm annoying, but you still said all that back there. Why?"

Aspen rolled her eyes. "Because you are annoying. I really can't stand you most of the time. But compared to Christina and that creep Quinton? I'll take your unapologetic villainy any day."

Andrew nodded approvingly. "Exactly. I am a villain. Which is why tonight, when we get home, you're stripping down and warming my bed. That's your reward for having my back today."

Aspen's face furned scarlet. She leaned in, hissing through clenched teeth, "Andrew, are you insane? Doz you know where we are right now? How can you say stuff like that in public? You're such a jerk! I'll serve you as a maid or whatever, but not surrender my body!" noveldrama

Andrew gave her a playful look. "What you allow doesn't really matter, does it? You belong to me now. Asking you to keep me warm at night isn't that outrageous, is it?"

Aspen looked like she wanted to explode. "You're disgusting!"

Andrew shrugged like it was the most normal thing in the world. "Come on, it's the modern age. 'Warming the bed' basically means getting real cozy, you know Aspen, you've been around long enough to know the game. Don't act all innocent now."