The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 262 Kiss Me Marley screamed . One smack split the corner of her lip . "Continue ," Julius murmured , never lifting his eyes from the book in his hands .. Smack ! Smack ! Each blow landed harder than the last until her mouth filled with the copper taste of blood . " Please … spare me , Julius … please , " she gasped between strikes . She had heard tales of Julius ' cruelt and had felt perversely proud , certain she was different .

As long as her desires were not outrageous , he humored them . ver She had watched him torment strangers and intervened , standing by while their screams echoed . She even mocked the fools who dared provoke him . But now that the victim was herself , the terror tasted bitter and real . When the slaps finally stopped , her cheeks and lips were little more than throbbing numbness . " Marley Bridger , do you understand now ? " Julius ' voice sliced through the room .

" Yes , " she rasped , though resentment blazed hotter behind her swollen eyes . She could not believe that , for Quinn , Julius had turned his cruelty on her . Marley lifted her head . " Do you really believe Quinn will stay true to you forever ? No matter what wrongs you commit , will she always forgive and embrace you ? " Julius ' answer was calm . " She will forgive me because I will never do anything she truly loathes . Quinn and I will grow old together .

As for you , extinguish those unworthy fantasies ." Marley's laughter was hollow , her eyes glittering with jealous hate . Would Quinn still forgive him if the day came when everything he had once done - everything she would surely despise -was laid bare ? I'm looking forward to that day ! " He returned from Whitethorn Manor just after dusk and found Quinn asleep on the couch , one hand curled protectively around a photograph . Bending closer , he recognised it at once .

It was the family portrait of four that Quinn always kept close . " As gently as lifting a feather , Julius eased the picture from her slack fingers . His gaze fixed on Caleb . Caleb , are you still alive ? No. You must be , you have to be . " If I bring you home , do you think Quinn will forgive me ? " Julius whispered . He set the photograph on the coffee table , then leaned down to carry Quinn to bed .

Before his arms could 1/3 O 1501 Sun 24 Ju Chapter 262 Kiss Me slip beneath her , her lashes fluttered open and she stared straight at him . " When did you wake up ? " Julius asked , his body suddenly rigid and the question quivering on his lips " I woke up when you started muttering to the photograph . What's the matter , Julius ? Are you feeling lif Quinn asked , pushing herself upright to study him . " No ," he said . She tugged him down beside her and pressed a palm to his forehead .

" Hmm , your temperature is normal , yet your face looks pale . " " The company's been hectic these last two days . I haven't slept well ," Julius replied , offering the first excuse that came to mind . " Then what exactly were you muttering to that photograph a moment ago ? " Quinn pressed . Julius watched her face carefully and felt a flicker of relief . She obviously had not caught his whispered confession , or she would not be asking .

" I was only saying that I hope we find your brother soon , " he answered . " Thank you ," Quinn said , knowing he had already set the entire Whitethorn family information network in motion for her . " He's your brother . It's the least I can do , " Julius replied , pushing the guilty weight in his chest even deeper . If he had reached out to help Caleb back then , the siblings might have been reunited long ago . " All right , if you're tired , go nap in the bedroom ," Quinn urged , rising .

Julius ' hand shot out and caught her wrist . " Kiss me , will you ? " Julius said suddenly . " What ? " Quinn blinked , wondering if she had misheard . " Just kiss me . One kiss from you and I'll be fine , " he insisted . She was bemused ; the request was absurd and endearing in equal measure . Still , Quinn cupped his jaw and answered , " All right ." The words had barely left her mouth / before she leaned in and pressed her lips to his .

He released a low sigh and parted his lips , an unspoken invitation for her to venture deeper . She kept the kiss gentle , but his left arm curved around her waist while his right hand slid to the back of her head , drawing her impossibly close . Just as Quinn was about to pull away , Julius seized the moment and deepened the kiss with sudde hungry intensity . He kissed her with a fierce , consuming hunger , as though determined to swallow her whole . A muted whimper slipped from Quinn when she tried to draw back , but Julius only pressed harder , unrelenting 2/3 Chapter 262 Kiss Me She knew she could have pushed him away if she truly wished .