Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1186

"If you called me here just to ask something this ridiculous, Mrs. Rhodes, then I'll be going now," Andrew said flatly as he turned toward the door.

He did not dare stay a second longer, worried Tiana might start acting crazy like she did last time. If things spiraled out of control and someone like Jameson walked in on them, not even a hundred confessions could clear his name.

"Stop right there!" Tiana snapped, her brows raised in defiance. "What's the matter? Are you that scared of being alone with me?"

Andrew paused and looked back, his brows still tightly furrowed. "Mrs. Rhodes, you and I both know this isn't appropriate."

Tiana stepped forward with a graceful sway, a trace of perfume trailing in her wake as she stopped right beside him. Her lips curled in a playful smile. "What's not appropriate? Can't a mother-in-law spend a little one-on-one time with her future son-in-law?"

Andrew fell silent, exasperated. "You said you weren't feeling well. If you need help, I'll take a look. But if not, I'm going to find Lauren."

Tiana's eyes sparkled as she stared directly at him. "Always thinking about my precious daughter the moment you walk in, huh? Tell me, Andrew—between me and Lauren, which one do you like more?"

Andrew's tone dropped. "Mrs. Rhodes, that's enough. Don't you think this kind of question is beneath you?"

Tiana scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Boring. You're way too uptight. You're nothing like your father was back in the day. When he wanted to make me smile, he'd lay on the sweet talk like a pro. That's why I gave myself to him; to this day, I don't regret it."

Andrew replied coolly, "If you enjoy hearing sweet words, that's your thing. But I'm not my father."

Suddenly, Tiana lunged forward with one hand, trying to tug at his shirt.

"Take it off," she said boldly. "I want to see that Black Dragon tattoo of yours."

Andrew grabbed her wrist mid-motion, gripping it with enough force to make her wince. "Sorry, Mrs. Rhodes. If you want a peek, go find my dad. I'm not in the mood to humor you."

Tiana's face twisted with pain, her voice sharp. "Let go! Are you seriously hurting me right now? Do you want me to scream and get everyone's attention?"