Chapter 497

"Your stepmother's methods are too clumsy," Luna twirled a strand of hair around her finger, lips pursed in disapproval. "If it were me, I wouldn't be so foolish."

Andrew arched an eyebrow, the towel draped casually over his shoulder. "Oh? What would you do instead?"

"Pamper you into ruin, of course!" Her eyes sparkled like a cunning little fox. "Spoil all three brothers rotten until you become good-for-nothing playboys. Meanwhile, I'd raise my own child to be exceptional. Effortless reputation-building."

A low chuckle rumbled in Andrew's throat, the sound curling around her heart like a feather's caress.

"What's so funny?" Luna glared. "Think I'm too devious?"

"On the contrary, it's brilliant." He leaned closer, the contours of his muscles visible beneath his military shirt. "I'd do the same in your position."

Luna nearly slid off the bed. This man—all chiseled jawline and righteous demeanor—was saying such things with perfect composure.

"Scared?" His hand steadied her.

"Not at all!" She righted herself. "Just didn't expect this side of Colonel Smith. Quite the character deviation."

Andrew's gaze burned intense. "This is the real me, Luna. Does it... frighten you?"

No more masks between them. Marriage demanded raw honesty.

Suddenly, Luna laughed. She draped an arm over his shoulder, feline eyes gleaming. "Better this way. If you stayed perpetually perfect, I'd never dare misbehave." Quick as lightning, she pecked the corner of his mouth.

Andrew's expression softened. "Lie down," he murmured. "Let me massage you."

She obeyed, wincing when his palms met her sore calves.

"Relax." His fingers worked with precision, kneading upward from her ankles with perfect pressure.

Gradually, Luna's tension melted. His technique was professional, each movement targeting exact pressure points. Pleasure coaxed kittenish whimpers from her throat.

"Stop..." Her cheeks flamed, trying to stifle the embarrassing sounds.

But drowsiness overpowered her. Under his ministrations, she purred like a contented cat, eyelids growing heavy until they finally closed.