The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 209 Shifting Loyalties Quinn shot a glance at Marley , whose face had gone ashen , then nodded . Turning toward Harlan , who lounged against the wall , she asked , " What about you ? " " Need the restroom . I'll be back in a minute , " Harlan drawled . Quinn said nothing more and followed Julius toward their private dining room . But instead of heading for the men's room , Harlan strolled straight up to Marley . Marley shrank back two steps , unease flickering in her eyes .

" W - What do you want ? " Harlan smiled and , without warning , pinched Marley's chin . " You're the woman who tripped up my sister Quinnie at the ancestral hall and kept her from entering , right ? You even ruined an eye for Julius , didn't you ? " His lazy , teasing tone slithered like a viper's hiss . His fingertips pressed the skin right next to her eye , as though they might plunge inside at any moment , sending shivers across her whole body . " Care to test me ?

Say one more bad word about Quinn and you won't keep the other eye either ." As his words fell , the pressure of his fingers increased , as if he truly meant to gouge . Terror flooded Marley's gaze . " If you do that , you'll go to prison ! " " Feel free to find out whether I blind you faster than the police can cuff me ," Harlan said . Marley's teeth chattered uncontrollably . This man is even more unhinged than Julius . " P - Please … spare me .

I - I won't say another word about Quinn , " she pleaded , finally surrendering . She knew he wasn't bluffing . Only then did Harlan let go . With an expression of distaste , he walked to the sink and washed his hands . " Don't forget what you promised . " Grinding her teeth , Marley slunk back toward the private room where her friends were waiting . Yet , when she pushed the door open , those friends were no longer eager ; they stared at her with open mockery instead .

" So , Marley , turns out you've already lost Julius as your safety net , huh ? " " I kept wondering why you've been glued to us these past few days - does the mighty Bridger Group have that much free time ? Now I get it : you've fallen from grace ." " That's why you're scrambling to launch some new project , right ? Planning to use us as your stepping- stone ? What a slick little scheme ! " The crowd jeered in chorus . One of the women rose and sauntered over to Marley .

" Sorry , Marley , but I overheard your chat with Julius in the restroom hallway and told everyone the moment I got back . Honestly , why didn't you let us know earlier ? " 1/2 Chapter 209 Shifting Loyalties +10 Free Coins Marley looked at her . It was her best friend , Pamela , a woman who normally followed her lead without question . " Pamela , I- " Before she could finish , Pamela snatched a wine bottle from the table and upended it over Marley's head .

Marley froze , wine dripping past her ears , while Pamela's voice rang out , " If you'd told us sooner , we wouldn't have wasted time buttering you up ! " " You … what did you just say ? " Marley stared at her friend in disbelief . Pamela curled her lip . " Marley Bridger , do you know why we ever bothered to stay around you ? Surely you don't think an ex - illegitimate daughter has enough charm to rule our circle . We humored you only because Julius backed you .

Now he's publicly distanced himself , so how do you still have the nerve to sit with us ? " Laughter erupted on every side . Hair plastered with wine , Marley stood wretched and dripping ; in the eyes of her former friends , she had become a clown . Quinn examined the lingering swell on Julius's cheek , the split at his lip , and even pried his mouth open to be sure no teeth were loose . After all , Harlan's punch had been anything but light .

" Next time someone swings at you , don't just stand there . At least dodge , " Quinn advised . " Okay , " he agreed . " But if it's you throwing the punch , I won't move - I'll let you hit me as long as you like ." Quinn chuckled . " And why would I want to hit you ? " " Maybe … because I'll have done something wrong ? " he ventured . She arched a brow . " Such as ? " His lashes quivered ; how could he explain that " such as " ? " Quinn ! " He suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist .

Seated while she stood , his face pressed naturally against her abdomen . " If one day I mess up and make you angry , you can hit me , curse me , do whatever you want - just don't leave me . Please ? "