Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew and Aspen walked out of the airport and made their way to the curb.

Andrew glanced at the sky, realizing it was already 10.00 p.m. He suggested with a smile, "How about we take a walk?"

Aspen bit her lip, cheeks slightly pink. "I don't mind."

Their hands remained clasped the entire time, like a couple lost in the glow of new love.

After a few minutes of strolling in silence, Andrew glanced at her and asked, "Your parents left. Are you going to miss them?"

Aspen responded softly, her voice like a breeze. "Of course I will... How could I not? But I want to be with you even more."

Warmth surged through Andrew's chest, and he tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her a little closer.

He said, "Aspen, I heard most of what you said earlier. I never realized my little servant girl was bold enough to secretly fall in love with me."

Aspen flushed scarlet and quickly shook her head. "Ugh, can we not bring that up again? I didn't mean to... It just happened, okay? And now that you've said it out loud, it sounds so embarrassing."

Andrew looked at her seriously. "Well, I don't think it's embarrassing at all. Actually, I'm really happy you feel that way."

Aspen lowered her gaze, suddenly too shy to meet his eyes. "Well... what about you? Do you like me?"

Her voice was soft and uncertain like she was afraid of the answer.noveldrama

Andrew grinned. "Does it matter whether I do or not? Either way, you're mine. From now on, you're sleeping in my bed-for the rest of your life."

Aspen's entire face turned crimson, the blush reaching down to her neck. Her whole body heated up, and her voice turned sticky-sweet.

She said, "Andrew, I know. I've always known. I'll always be yours. But I still want to hear you say it. Just once. Do you... Do you like me?"

Andrew chuckled and answered softly, "I guess... I do. A lot, actually."

Aspen's eyes lit up as she looked up at him, glowing with joy. "Really?" "Really," he replied, smiling.

The moment the words left his mouth, the weight in her chest vanished.

She confessed, "I never thought I'd end up with you like this. That one day, I'd fall for you so deeply, so hopelessly. I was such an idiot back in Jayrodale... I should've loved you from the very beginning."

Her tears welled again, glistening in her eyes as she looked at him like he was the only thing that mattered.

Andrew gently wiped away her tears, his voice warm. "No crying. You don't look pretty when you cry. You, Fran, and Lauren are all gorgeous women. You shouldn't waste that pretty face crying."

He teased, "Besides, back in Jayrodale, you were so smug. Always giving me a hard time. I never even considered dragging you into my bed. I figured you'd bite me!"

Aspen giggled shyly, then whispered, "Master, I want it now..."

Andrew glanced around with surprise. "You're serious? Right here on the street, and you're already thinking that?"

Aspen gave an exasperated laugh and swatted his arm. "That's not what I meant, you perv! I meant... I was thinking you'd kiss me."

It was nearly 10.00 p.m., and the

streets around the airport were

quiet, almost empty. Staring at

those soft, pink lips of hers, Andrew could not resist and leaned in,

kissing her without hesitation.

Aspen let out a delicate gasp, her hands instinctively clutching at his shirt as she closed her eyes. She let him take over, let him taste her, own her-every

movement sent tremors through her legs.

Her body quivered, overwhelmed, and Andrew's own fire surged to the surface, tempting him to take her right then and there.

Aspen finally pulled back, her breath shaky, her eyes glistened. In a voice barely above a whisper, she

murmured, "Master... let's wait till we get back to Serenity Villa. Then, you can have me all you want."