From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 523

The alcohol was definitely starting to hit her now.

Laurinda felt a little lightheaded, but she insisted on getting out and walking to the house herself.

Adolphus could only sigh and go along with her. He got out first, walked around the car, and half-supported, half-lifted her as she stepped onto the driveway.

As soon as she found her balance, Laurinda clutched his hand tighter, shopping bag swinging in her other hand. She led him straight toward the manor, practically dragging him along.

Egan lounged behind them, watching the strange pair with amusement. “Want me to make you some coffee?” he called out.

“No need, just go to bed!” Laurinda shot back without even glancing at him. She kept tugging Adolphus with her, speeding up as they crossed the yard.

By the time Egan made it inside, they’d already vanished. He dropped onto the sofa, glanced up at the staircase, and shook his head at how weird those two were acting.

In the bedroom, Laurinda pulled Adolphus in behind her, shut the door, tossed the shopping bag onto the bed, and immediately started working on his clothes.

Adolphus looked at her flushed cheeks and impatient hands and couldn’t help letting out a soft laugh. He caught her wrists, gently stopping her. “Wait, slow down.”

He barely got the words out before Laurinda looked up at him, pouting, her eyes hazy and sleepy from the wine. It was obvious she was tipsy.

He held onto her hands and pulled her into his arms, voice low and serious. “Are you sure you won’t regret this after you’ve sobered up?”

“I won’t. And I know you’d never let me regret it either.”

Laurinda stretched up to kiss him, her lips finding his. Suddenly, there was nothing left—no restraint, no hesitation. Just the heat building between them.

Adolphus lifted her up and carried her straight toward the bathroom…

Later, Adolphus looked down at her sleeping in his arms, curled up like a kitten. He reached out, brushed away a stray tear from the corner of her eye, and kissed her flushed lids. Sweetness flooded through him.

She stirred in her sleep, let out a little unhappy whimper, and pressed her face against his chest, drifting off again.

“Um—”

“What are you so shy for? Weren’t you the bold one last night? Today…”

“Stop! Don’t say another word!”

Just remembering her own actions made her face burn. She never thought she had that in her.

She quickly pressed her hand over his mouth, avoiding his eyes while murmuring, “I’m hungry. I want breakfast.”

“Alright. Come on, let’s get you washed up, then we’ll eat.”

Adolphus pulled the covers away, scooped her into his arms, and strode into the bathroom. Laurinda squeezed her eyes tight, trying not to peek, but she couldn’t help being amazed at how calm and unbothered he was, walking around completely naked like it was nothing.

Once they finished washing up, Adolphus walked her to the closet to find clothes for both of them. Only after they were both fully dressed did they finally head downstairs together.