From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 473

“She really is too naive,” Tanya said, shaking her head. “Does she ever stop to consider what it means to bring Adolphus back safe and sound from some total mess of a place? A girl who can pull that off isn’t just any simple kid. Anyway, we promised not to meddle in their business, so let’s leave it at that. As long as she stays true to herself, I’ll be happy.”

Tanya never expected much from her youngest daughter. In a family like theirs, just living a quiet, normal life was already rare.

***

Laurinda woke up at the crack of dawn. She headed down to the dining room, munching on breakfast as she waited for Teddy to show up. But instead, Irvin shuffled in first, looking half asleep.

“Morning, Laurinda.”

She gave him a raised eyebrow, noticing the dark circles under his eyes. “Did you not sleep last night?”

He shook his head with a sleepy grin. “I slept, but way too late. Teddy wouldn’t let me go until we finished his game. Now I’m just… dead tired.”

Laurinda hadn’t even realized they’d been up playing. After Seraphina left last night, she’d gone straight to bed herself, barely even remembering when Adolphus called it a night.

Just then, Josh the butler walked in carrying a box. Laurinda glanced at it, suddenly remembering the package she’d brought back from Lunaria Lakeside. She forgot to mention it to Adolphus.

“Oh, Josh, that’s for Adolphus. Just set it over there in the corner. Hand it to him when he gets up. And by the way, can you check if Teddy’s awake? Tell him if he doesn’t hurry, I’m leaving without him.”

As soon as she finished talking, Teddy stumbled in, his hair a mess, still looking half asleep.

Laurinda narrowed her eyes at him. She knew he loved video games, but letting it mess up his sleep really wasn’t something she could support.

“You sure you’re up for coming with me today? You look like you could fall back asleep any second.”

Teddy dropped into a chair and tried to wake himself up by rubbing his face. “Give me a second to get it together. Josh, can I get a black coffee? Please?”

Adolphus picked her up effortlessly and set her on the closet counter so they were face to face. His gaze drifted to her already flushed lips.

“Sorry… I just couldn’t help myself.”

Laurinda let out an annoyed little snort. She pushed his face away, giving herself some space as she scooted back. “You need to stop. I’ve got to change. And you need to focus on getting better, okay? Don’t go anywhere unless you really have to.”

Adolphus had been hurt not long ago, and she still felt anxious whenever he so much as looked like he might overexert himself. Egan and Sam were already swamped, but she wanted Adolphus to get back to full strength before diving back into anything.

Adolphus braced his hands on either side of the counter, leaning in so she was surrounded by his arms. His voice softened.

“Or, how about I go with you to the exam?”