Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew chuckled. "I was just kidding. It was just a friendly spar, so there was no

need to talk about winning or losing. Come on, I'll take you inside to patch you

up."

Andrew's tone shifted casually, dropping the whole 'black tights' thing. Then, he

turned to lead the way.

As he walked off, he glanced back at the trio and barked, "You three, keep

training! No slacking off. If I catch anyone slacking, your training's getting

doubled!"

Lauren and the others immediately got serious and picked up the pace.

Chantelle followed Andrew reluctantly, clearly in a foul mood. "My injuries are fine.

I don't need treatment. I only came here to inform you that I'll be investigating the

parasite poison situation with Hank starting today."

Andrew raised a brow. "With Hank, that scumbag? Whose genius idea was that?"

Chantelle looked disgusted. "Relax, I know exactly what kind of trash he is.

Besides, men are all the same anyway. I don't care whose idea it was, but I'm not

giving him an ounce of respect."noveldrama

Andrew nodded. "That parasite poison situation isn't minor.. Since Special Ops is

getting involved, it makes sense for you to join the investigation."

They walked into the first-floor living room, but Andrew did not stop. Instead, he

continued straight upstairs.

Chantelle found it a little odd but followed anyway. Then, they reached the second

floor, and Andrew still did not stop. He kept climbing.

She grew suspicious and halted. "Wait a minute. Why are we going up to the third

floor? Isn't that your private space?"

Andrew turned with a casual grin. "Exactly. The third floor is my private floor.

That's why it's the perfect place for you to change into those black tights for my

viewing pleasure."

Chantelle was dumbfounded. "What? You called me here not to treat my injuries,

but because you're still thinking about those black tights?! Andrew, do you have

no shame?"

She was close to losing it.

Andrew stayed calm. "Don't make a fuss. A bet is a bet. You agreed to wear black

tights for me, remember?"

Chantelle clenched her jaw. "I'm warning you! Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen are

all downstairs! You want me to change into that in front of you? You seriously think

that's appropriate?"

Andrew shrugged. "Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be? I told them to focus on

their training, didn't I? Don't worry, my star pupils are all very obedient. No one's

going to interrupt your performance."

Chantelle instantly blushed, and her legs started to tremble as reality sank in.

This was way too humiliating.

She had never worn something like that in her entire life, and now, she was

expected to wear it in front of Andrew?

Just imagining it made her want to dig a hole and disappear.

"I-I'm not wearing it!" Chantelle stammered, already trying to back out.

Andrew did not push. He just smiled

faintly and said, "That's fine. But if

you refuse, don't come begging

when you want to have some fun, I'll

say no."

Chantelle was livid. "Andrew, don't flatter yourself like I'm hooked on you! I don't

care if we do or don't. I'm not addicted!"

She thought he was petty for threatening her with that.

Andrew frowned. "So you're breaking your word? Going back on the bet?"

Chantelle had had enough. She

threw away all pretense and went

full defiant. "Yeah, I'm backing out.

I'm not wearing black tights! I've

never worn them before, and I'm not

about to start now!"

Andrew chuckled. "That's alright. You're not used to them the first time. But the

second or third time? You'll warm up to it."

Chantelle scoffed angrily. "In your dreams. There's no second time!"

She turned sharply, ready to head back downstairs. Before she could even move,

her arm was suddenly yanked tight.

Andrew had grabbed her.

"Andrew, let go of me!"

She started struggling, but it was useless. Andrew was rough and pulled her along

toward the stairs.

Chantelle's face twisted in shock

and rage: She gritted her teeth as

she struck back with a palm straight

toward Andrew's shoulder.