Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Aspen gracefully leaped through the air, kicking against the falling dagger. The blade gleamed in the light, bouncing up again. Then, she snatched it mid-air with her other hand and thrust it toward Andrew again.

Andrew casually brushed aside the sweat-soaked Aspen's attack, jumped back, and laughed. "Let's stop!"

Aspen looked dejected and asked, "We're stopping? Am I not good enough?"

Andrew chuckled and flicked her forehead. "Not good enough? You're really amazing! You and Lauren both have what it takes to reach the top of the Titan List someday!"

Francesca pouted unhappily. "What about me? Am I the only one who's not good enough?"

Andrew smiled. "No way, Fran. You're excellent too! Just keep training, and you three ladies will become legendary martial artists before you know it!"

The three girls immediately brightened up with excitement.

Natasha watched from the side, her eyes showing both happiness and envy. Nonetheless, she hid her feelings well. She turned her head away and focused on her training again, throwing punches and strikes.

She still remembered Andrew's advice that hard work would compensate for lack of genius. Since she was not naturally gifted, the only way forward was through hard work and discipline.

Suddenly, a warm hand caught her arm, steadying her.

Natasha turned around in surprise, blurting, "Darling, you..."

Andrew smiled and said, "The last move was a bit off. Let's try it again!"

Her heart warmed. She quickly corrected her form, her chest feeling sweet and fluttery inside.

At last, this man was not brushing her off like she was invisible.

Meanwhile, Andrew himself had mixed feelings. He could open his heart freely to Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen, spoiling them as he pleased. Yet, Natasha was different.

He knew just how deeply she felt for him. If she did not, she would not have followed him all the way from Jayrodale to Blumedale.

With her strength, she could have stayed in Jayrodale, ruled the scene, and lived like a queen. However, she left it all behind without hesitation, just to follow Andrew.

Sure, Natasha had dreams of growing stronger too, but her feelings for him were the real reason. Honestly, the hardest debts to repay had always been a beauty's favor.

If Andrew had been heartless, he could have just taken Natasha into his bed She might not have the same stunning looks as Lauren and the others, but her body was every bit as alluring.

She was sensual, teasing, skilled, and knew exactly how to tease a man. Hence, she was absolutely the best kind of partner in bed, capable of giving any man the ultimate pleasure.

Moreover, if Andrew did sleep with Natasha, Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen would not even bat an eye. They understood her situation and never treated her like an outsider.

If Andrew really did get intimate with Natasha, at worst, they would just have another friend sharing the bed, making things even more lively.

Nonetheless, Andrew could not bring himself to do it. His pants might be eager to act on impulse, but he refused to be ruled by desire.

After all, his own father had already been a living, breathing cautionary tale.

Victoria and Tiana were

understanding enough not to tur love into hate. However, Andrew knew Reginald had nearly lost his life more than once in Chetvine, all thanks to troubles with women. noveldrama

One time, a violent heiress from an old noble house almost castrated him on the spot, and this was back when Reginald was already a martial saint, a man who could crush steel balts with his bare hands.

He had gone around claiming he was the strongest in the world, chest puffed out proudly.

Yet, even a powerhouse like that got chased halfway across the country by angry lovers, just because he could not keep it in his pants.

Fooling around would lead to trouble, and Andrew could not agree more.