Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

When a woman said no, she actually meant yes. When she said yes, she definitely meant yes.

Andrew could not remember where he had read that profound wisdom, but he always attributed such quotes to great philosophers.

After an intense session of passion, the two lay naked in each other's arms, breathing softly.

Andrew felt genuinely exhausted. Normally, he would not be this weak, but the underwater ordeal while carrying Chantelle had truly drained him completely.

The brief moment of pleasure had brought him physical and emotional satisfaction, but the fatigue was creeping back in.

Chantelle murmured, "Mr. Lloyd, I don't like it when you're too rough!"

Andrew managed a weak smile. "Ms. Garcia, you're too tempting. If I'm not a little rough, I can't release all this passion!"

Chantelle fought through the soreness below as she propped herself up on her arms against Andrew's solid chest, biting back, "Do you know this was my first time? I'm 30 years old this year-30! I'm officially an old maid."

She added, "I always imagined something like this would happen in a five-star hotel on a soft king-size bed. Never thought it would be out here in the wilderness on hard rock with such an unromantic man like you."

Andrew laughed in exasperation. "Heaven help me! Ms. Garcia, men as romantic as I am are truly rare! Trust me, it might hurt and be too rough for you now, but you'll want me to go harder next time."

Chantelle snorted coldly. "I'm not Aspen! That twisted girl who probably enjoys your rough treatment!"

Andrew looked surprised. "How do you know about me and Aspen?"

Chantelle looked slightly smug. "Ask her when you get back. I can see right through her mind."

Andrew chuckled. "Ms. Garcia, I didn't realize you had such stamina!"

Even with her cool temperament, Chantelle could not help but blush. "I couldn't let you conquer me in just a few moves-that would make you way too cocky!"

Andrew closed his eyes and said softly, "I want to rest for a bit. I suddenly feel pretty tired. Then again, I don't mind feeling tired because of this!"noveldrama

Chantelle's previously displeased expression finally turned happy, though she would not show it on her face. Looking at Andrew with his eyes closed and breathing growing

heavier, she realized that seeing this man up close, he was devastatingly handsome from every angle.

Though she was Derek's secretary and a government official who approached life

and work with meticulous precision, deep down, she still could not help appreciating good-looking men.

Andrew had always given off an air of mystery. When he was passionate, he would risk his own life to save hers and could make her feel pleasure that reached her very soul.

When he turned cold, he was decisive and ruthless. Throughout this treasure hunt, there had been countless dangerous moments While Chantelle had always prided herself on being an all-around talent whose beauty few could match, making her perfectly suited to be Derek's secretary, she had to admit that Andrew was the real all-around genius.

If only he were not so rough and rude sometimes, then he would be the perfect genius.

She blushed for some unknown

reason as a thought crossed her mind. 'Maybe I should shift my life's focus from work and career to personal life and dating. Being this guy's girlfriend and dating him might not be such a bad experience after all!'

However, as she thought about competing with someone like Aspen, a girl with serious psychological issues, Chantelle felt a headache coming.