From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 522

Adolphus didn’t give Laurinda any room to refuse. He wrapped his arm around her and steered her toward the checkout.

The cashier spotted them and immediately flashed a warm smile. When she glanced at what they were buying, her smile turned a little sly. In her mind, she couldn’t help but think they were the hottest couple she’d seen all week. Laurinda felt the weight of the cashier’s gaze, and her cheeks burned. She nudged Adolphus’s palm with her fingernail, hoping speed things up.

Adolphus caught on right away. He turned, cleared his throat, and looked straight at the cashier. “Keep the change.”

Snapping out of her daydream, the cashier laughed nervously. “Thank you.”

Adolphus picked up their shopping bag and laced his fingers with Laurinda’s as they headed out.

As soon as they stepped into the open air, Laurinda let out a shaky breath. Buying this kind of stuff online sounded like a much better idea. This was way too embarrassing.

Across the parking lot, Egan stubbed out his cigarette. He watched Laurinda, noticing the look of pure relief on her face, and couldn’t help but tease.

“What, did you two rob the place or something?”

Adolphus tossed him a glance that said, Don’t even start, but didn’t bother replying. He walked Laurinda to the car and held the door open for her.

Egan, still grinning, moved in beside Adolphus and reached for their shopping bag. “Did you at least grab some water? Hand me a bottle.”

Laurinda reacted instantly. “Don’t touch it!”

Before Egan could even get close, Laurinda had snatched the bag and hugged it to her chest like it was priceless.

Egan stared at her, totally thrown off. “What’s in there? Is it dangerous? Since when do you guard snacks with your life? What’s going on here?”

Adolphus understood right away. He squeezed her hand a little tighter and couldn’t hide the new, tangled feeling that ran through him.

Egan, focused on driving, hadn’t quite heard what Laurinda said, but he didn’t ask. He just changed direction and headed toward the manor.

When they finally pulled in, Adolphus glanced down to see Laurinda asleep in his arms, her hand locked tightly around the shopping bag. With a helpless sigh, he tried to gently take it from her grip.

The second he touched it, Laurinda’s eyes fluttered open and she pulled it closer.

Adolphus smiled. He lowered his voice. “Hey, relax, it’s me. We’re home now. Let me have the bag. I’ll help you out of the car.”

Laurinda shook her head, still hugging the bag close. “I’m good. I’ll carry it. I can get out myself.”