Chapter 652
Natasha’s mood finally improved after the compliment. She crossed her arms and smirked. “Of course! I never half-ass anything I do. That being said, I have no interest in running a pasta shop. Unless, of course, the owner is a certain coward who likes to stare but doesn’t have the guts to act. Then, I might consider retiring and settling down with him!”
Andrew’s face darkened. “And who exactly are you calling a coward?”
“You!” Natasha shot back without hesitation, even puffing out her chest to taunt him.
Andrew immediately raised a white flag. “Okay, fine. You’re right about everything. Can we drop this and get to business now?”
Natasha ground her teeth in frustration. “Andrew, don’t forget–there’s something you promised me, and I haven’t forgotten!”
Andrew feigned ignorance. “Oh? What promise? I don’t remember agreeing to anything.”
Natasha leaned in close, her voice cold yet playful. “You promised to make me your woman. Don’t even try to deny it–I know you’re just trying to back out!”
Andrew winced as if he had a toothache. “Natasha, aren’t we already on the same team? Does it really matter who’s who between us anymore? Our relationship is solid enough, don’t you think? Just tell me if anyone dared to mess with you, wouldn’t I be the first to take them down?”
Natasha hugged her toned arms and snorted. “That’s different. You’re my boss; protecting me is part of the job.”
She argued, “But I’m not just looking for protection. I want you to be mine. I need to know I have my mark on you—something that’ll give me peace of mind.”
Andrew rubbed his temples. “So your ‘mark’ involves stripping down and going at it for hours, huh?”
Natasha burst out laughing, swatting at him playfully. “You’re such a pervert! Who said anything about going at it for hours? Just one would be enough for me. I’m not greedy!” she teased, biting her lip and tugging at the hem of her dress flirtatiously.
The move was so bold that Andrew accidentally caught a full glimpse under her dress. He quickly turned his head, face flushed. He could not handle this—not even a little.
“Alright, alright. Let’s focus on business. Why did you come to the West End? What do you want from me?”
Natasha chuckled but reined herself in. She knew she couldn’t push him too far. Andrew was still a reserved guy at heart, and while he was technically her boss, he was also a bit of an innocent. As for Natasha, she was a master at the game of seduction. She knew that reeling Andrew in required patience—slow and steady wins the race.
Andrew cleared his throat, “You know the Driscoll family in Blumedale, right?”
Natasha’s playful demeanor vanished as her expression turned serious. “Oh, darling, please tell me you haven’t gotten yourself tangled up with the Driscoll family!”
Andrew shrugged calmly. “Not yet. But judging by how things are going, it won’t be long now.”
Natasha’s eyes narrowed in concern. “Let me give you some advice while you still can back out. Don’t mess with them. The Driscoll family is practically at the top of the social ladder, just a step away from becoming a full-blown aristocracy. Even Marvin—the richest guy in Jayrodale—doesn’t hold a candle to them.”
Andrew scoffed. “And what if I can’t avoid conflict?”
Natasha was silent for a long moment before letting out a resigned sigh. “If things escalate… then what choice do I have? Of course, I’ll stand behind you without hesitation. But darling, I’m serious. Try to steer clear of them if you can. The Driscoll family isn’t the kind of enemy that Jayrodale’s underground scene can afford to cross.”