The divorced military queen awakens novel

" Is that so ? " Harlan's gaze slipped past her, focusing on something - or someone - behind her . " So you found a new distraction to erase my uncle from your heart ? " Laura gave a self - mocking chuckle . " Back then , I had no time , no money . I was juggling lawsuits , scholarships , and odd jobs . Work kept me breathing . The grinding paid off . Now I have money , a career , and if 1 fancy a younger boyfriend , I can indulge ." She didn't regret the choice . That chapter with Weston had cured her of romantic tunnel vision , taught her to chase paychecks instead of daydreams .

" A younger boyfriend , huh ? " Harlan's smile twisted . " Then what's this thing between you and my Uncle Weston now ? " " Nothing serious . Call it a game ." Laura lifted her shoulders again , casual to the point of carelessness . " A game ? " Harlan looked downright perplexed . " So your feelings for him ... " " Died long ago . If love can't be earned , why fight for it ? People have to look forward ." She patted his shoulder . " Lose your fixation on Quinn and you might discover someone far more worthy . " " Enough . I'm hardly that easy to sway , so your effort may be wasted .

Still , it's funny you claim you feel nothing for my uncle anymore . " Harlan jerked his chin toward the shadow behind her . " Uncle Weston , you've been eavesdropping forever . Heard enough ? " Laura spun . Weston stepped out of the dim corridor , his figure sliding into the light as if he'd been carved out of the night itself . When did Weston get here ? So Harlan must have spotted his uncle long ago . Were all those questions a trap he set , baiting me to spill the words Weston needed to hear ? Laura's brow tightened , unease sliding beneath her skin .

Had Harlan really played me that neatly ? " Even if you hated me dragging you to this mixer , you didn't need to haul your uncle in as backup , " Laura muttered , voice pitched low so only Harlan could hear . " I never asked my uncle to show up , " Harlan answered , tugging once at his loosened tie . " And yes , I nudged you . I want Uncle Weston free of a love that will never be his . Laura , save your speeches for him . Help him look forward , not back ." Laura frowned harder . What on earth does that mean ? What hopeless feeling is Weston trapped in ?

1/9 Harlan straightened , smoothed his jacket , then rose from the table as though the conversation already bored him . " Anyway , I'm out . Have fun talking . And next time you plan one of these mixers , leave my name off the list . " With a casual wave , he strode toward the exit , not bothering to look back . " Harlan- " Laura had only opened her mouth when a tall figure cut across her line of sight , Weston planting himself squarely in front of her . " What's wrong ? Can't bear to see him go ? Still want to chat ? " Weston's usually refined features were shadowed by a stormy scowl .

" That's my business , not yours , " Laura shot back , rolling her eyes at him . " Not mine ? " He gave a cold laugh . " Don't forget our deal . For this entire year , you are my girlfriend ." She huffed . " I remember perfectly . Spare me the reminder . " " Then you also remember the clause that says no messy ties with other men . Even if you fancy Harlan , you'll wait until the year is up . Understand ? " He had told himself , before coming , that he was here only to find his nephew . Yet the moment he overheard Laura's teasing words to Harlan , anger ignited in him like a struck match .

" You're talking nonsense . Harlan is just a friend ! " " A friend ? He's younger than you , and you did say you were in the market for a fresh - faced younger guy . So he's your pick now ? Tired of an older brew like me - just using me for fun ? " Weston pressed in , voice low yet biting . Laura's mind went blank . Heaven help me ! How much of that ridiculous conversation did he hear ? Around them , heads began to turn . Laura , as the face of Azure Technologies , was hard to miss , and Weston's commanding presence drew eyes the way lightning splits a night sky . " Ms.

Wentworth , and this gentleman is ? " A curious executive from the partner company approached , smile polite yet probing . " Oh , he's my- " " I'm her boyfriend , " Weston said , cutting her off with effortless authority . A ripple of surprise swept the nearby crowd . Several senior managers even recognized Weston on sight . 2/2 Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.