The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 256 Broken Illusions Chapter 256 Broken Illusions Jacinda's words left Trent exposed and floundering . At the start , he hid the marriage only because he did not want Sidonic to learn of it . He had confessed , been turned down , and then , almost at once , wed another woman ; admitting that would have made him look frivolous . As the company expanded and success numbed his conscience , the secrecy became second nature .

He fooled himself into thinking that as long as he kept the ring off his finger , he was still a single man . " Let's be honest , Trent , " Jacinda pressed on . " Mom cares about appearances , but so do you . You thought Quinn wasn't presentable enough , so you kept her in the shadows . Now you're pouring the bitterness of that divorce onto us . " Her accusation landed like an invisible slap , leaving Trent's cheeks burning and his tongue tied .

" Yes , " he whispered after a long silence , " it's me - only me . I - failed Quinn . I wronged her ." " What are you talking about ? " Jacinda asked , baffled . Penelope chimed in , " Son , don't tell me Quinn has come begging you to take her back . You must not remarry that jinx . I will never let her step into this family again . " " Enough , Mom ! " Trent glared at her . " Don't ever let me hear you speak ill of Quinn again . That so - called jinx saved my life .

Without her , I would have drowned in the river years ago . " With that , he ignored them both and strode up to the second - floor bedroom . The room greeted him with an icy hush . He went into the bathroom , splashed his face with cold water , and stared at the haggard stranger in the mirror . The once confident man had been stripped away , leaving only exhaustion and despair . Grafton Technologies was in shambles , and to make matters worse , Sidonie was carrying his child .

Why did she have to become pregnant now of all times ? No matter what , I cannot let this child be born . Julius escorted a tipsy Quinn back to her flat . She had drunk far more than usual ; when she climbed out of the car most of her weight sagged against his steady shoulder . He felt a tug of something unfamiliar in his chest .

Quinn had always been fiercely self - reliant , yet now , drunk and slumped against him , she seemed to believe he was the only harbor she had , the sole pillar in her world . " Let me carry you upstairs , " he murmured . " No need … I can walk on my own , " she mumbled , the words thick on her tongue , and somehow that only made her seem more endearing to him . 1/2 221 Chapter 256 Broken Illusions Julius didn't argue . He simply swept her into his arms and started for the stairs .

" Indulge me , " he said . " I want to carry you . " Quinn laughed softly , looped her arms around his neck , and nestled against his shoulder . Once inside the apartment , he laid her gently on the bed . " I'll find something to help you sober up , he said . " Don't ," Quinn whispered as she caught his wrist and , with surprising strength , tugged him onto the mattress until he was pinned beneath her . " Quinn ? " Julius arched a brow . " Do you have any idea what you're doing ?

" " Of course I do . I'm drunk , not delirious , " she murmured , letting her lips graze his in a slow , teasing sweep . She slipped the tie from his collar , her fingers nimble despite the haze , and unfastened his buttons one by one until his cool chest lay bare before her . Her fingertips ventured inside , savoring the contrast between his chilled skin and the warmth burning through her . Julius ' Adam's apple bobbed , desire surging like wildfire through his veins .

" Quinn , I want- " he tried to rise , but she flattened him with a firm hand . " Don't move . Tonight I'll be in charge , " she said , eyes bright with mischief . " When you take the lead things tend to … get a little out of hand . I'd rather spare my body another near - catastrophe ." Julius chuckled , helpless but amused . " All right , you're in charge . How do you want me ? " " Just lie there and behave , " she said , her gaze flicking to the discarded tie .

She looped it around his wrists , crossed them , and knotted the silk into a neat bow . He let her bind him without protest . " You honestly believe a single tie can hold me ? " he asked . " If you truly want to break loose , it won't be that easy , " Quinn laughed , her cheeks flushed rosy from the wine . " And besides , " she added , lowering her voice to a playful whisper , " Laura says tying a man to the bed can be … exhilarating . I thought I'd test the theory .

" Hunger flared in Julius ' eyes , bright and uncontained . He wondered whether she would recall these words once the alcohol had burned off - and what sort of nonsense Laura usually whispered in her ear . " Then promise me this , " he said , gaze never leaving her . " The only man you will ever tie to a bed is me . " 2/2