Chapter 617 Meanwhile , Andrew neither knew nor cared whether Simon was alive or dead .


    He was too preupied with Francesca , who hadpletely lost her mind .


    Let go of me ! Please , I need you ! Im going to die if you dont help me please ! Francesca cried out .


    Her flushed , naked body squirmed helplessly as Andrew had her bound and ced inside arge tub of ice water to reduce the intense heat radiating from within .


    The icy water helped cool her down temporarily , but it was only a surface level solution .


    The powerful drug , Enthralling Essence , was still wreaking havoc on her organs , tearing through her from the inside .


    If she did not find relief soon , she might not survive the night .


    Fran , calm down , Andrew said firmly , gripping her shoulders to keep her from thrashing .


    Im working on it .


    I promise Ill save you ! His mind raced as he searched for a way to neutralize the effects of the drug .


    Simon had gone too far .


    Enthralling Essence was not a substance anyone used lightly it was exponentially stronger than regr aphrodisiacs .


    Even animals exposed to it could go into a dangerous frenzy .


    As Andrew pondered , he made the mistake of loosening his grip for a split second .


    Francesca suddenly broke free , lunging out of the ice water and wrapping herself tightly around him .


    Her soft , overheated body pressed against him as she locked her arms around his waist and captured his lips with a feverish kiss .


    Andrew tensed but held back from using force to push her off , fearing he might identally hurt her .


    He was caught in a dilemma .


    Andrew … please , Im begging you , Francesca whispered , her tears mixing with her desperate kisses .


    Dont hold back anymore .


    I need you help me ! She sobbed as she clung to him , overwhelmed by the sensation of what felt like thousands of tiny ants crawling and gnawing inside her body .


    The shame and embarrassment had long faded she just wanted Andrew to end her torment .


    Fran , I cant , Andrew replied , turning his head away .


    If I do that with you , what happens afterward ? What would this mean for us ? I want to be your woman , Andrew , Francesca whispered softly .


    Im not afraid .


    Let this be the moment its what I want .


    Do you even know how I feel about you ? she continued , her voice trembling with emotion .


    I … I like you , Andrew .


    Just like Lauren does .


    I want to be with you .


    Please dont push me away , Im willing .


    She grabbed his hand and guided it over her body as her legs wrapped tightly around his waist .


    Andrew felt a wave of frustration and temptation rising within him .


    Any man in his position would have struggled to resist , and Francesca was undeniably a stunning woman .


    Her figure was breathtaking , her skin radiant with an alluring flush , and her innocent , teary eyes brimmed with an irresistible mix of purity and desire .


    His mind screamed at him to give in .


    The voice in his head roared louder with each passing second , Take her ! im her now ! Several times , Andrew nearly lost control .


    However , each time , he forced himself to stop .


    He reminded himself 1/2 Chapter 617 that Francesca was not acting of her own free will at least not entirely .


    Though she had opened her heart to him , the drug was still influencing her .


    He refused to take advantage of her in such a vulnerable state .


    Then , there was Lauren .


    Andrew knew that if he gave in to Francesca now , he would never be able to face Lauren again .


    He could not betray her like that .


    With an iron will , Andrew shook his head and spoke firmly .


    Fran , I cant .


    Im sorry .


    I wont do that to you .


    Ill find another way to help you .


    Just hang in there a little longer .


    Trust me .