Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2648

While driving toward the Advanced Medical Institute, Eric kept one hand on the wheel and turned to glance at Andrew. He asked, "Hey, you and Luna almost crossed the line in that little room at Medicine God's Covenant, didn't you?"

Andrew shot him a look. "Just focus on driving. Grown-up business isn't for kids to gossip about."

Eric scoffed. "Andrew, we're both men. I think you're full of it. You clearly have feelings for Luna, so why not just bring her into your little harem already?"

Andrew's temper flared. "Please, you're the last person who gets to lecture me about men. Don't make me laugh. Besides, I don't fully understand what's going on between Luna and me."

He paused, lost in thought for a moment because the truth was, Luna surprised him. Only after she opened her heart did he realize how steady, mature, considerate, and incredibly gentle she was.

She had the kind of presence successful men usually dreamed of. She had strength and status, but more importantly, once she trusted you, she gave herself wholeheartedly. At the same time, she was not naive or someone who gave endlessly without boundaries.

When Andrew tested her, Luna refused and told him it was not right. In the end, he could not bring himself to tease her further.

She carried her pride well. However, after a few intimate moments together, especially after Andrew risked his life to save her, her heart had quietly fallen into his grasp.

Even earlier, during their heated moment, if Andrew had pushed a little more, he could have taken things all the way. He just needed a different place, somewhere private, and he could have had her.

Nonetheless, he held back and forced down the desire racing through him. Luna was willing, yet he could not take her that casually.

Andrew shrugged. "Say whatever you want. The truth is, I really didn't dare cross the final line with Luna."

Eric snorted. "What's there to be scared of? She already gave you her whole heart. You have no idea how worried she was during your duel with Conrad. Sure, Valerie and Isabelle were worried too. But Luna's worry was different. She was scared you'd actually kill Conrad."

He added, "After all, they're fellow disciples under the same mentor. If Luna only cared about you and turned a blind eye to Conrad dying, then I'd honestly look down on her. A woman who abandons basic decency just because of a man… that's not loyalty, that's cruelty.

"But Luna wasn't like that. She feared for you, but she was also terrified you'd lose control. Andrew, if you killed Conrad, you'd be declaring a blood feud with the Cunningham family."

He continued, "And that was only one part of it. The real issue is that you'd carry the stain of killing a former friend and teammate, and that would ruin your future in ways you can't even imagine."