The divorced military queen awakens novel

r 511 Never Forget Me Back when his sister needed protection most , Rowan had been half a world away . The regret still sat in his chest like a splinter he could never dig out . He swore that if he ever crossed paths with Trent , the man would feel his fist before he heard a single word . Quinn let out a small laugh , watching Julius still held by the collar while Everett lectured on , the scene curiously tender beneath its rowdy surface . Out in the world , Julius wielded life and death with an icy , unquestioned authority .

Yet tonight , he sat pliant beneath Everett's brusque lecture , throat tipping back each time a fresh glass touched his lips . Quinn understood the change at once . Everett was family , her mother's brother , and Julius would bend himself in knots before letting her kin feel slighted . " Have you honestly decided to marry Julius ? Or is this only because you're pregnant and think the baby demands a rushed license ? If it's merely the child , I want you to think twice . Marriage isn't just about babies , Quinn ," Rowan said . " I was already planning on coming home to marry him .

The pregnancy only moved the paperwork up a little , that's all . " Quinn smiled . Her eyes tracked Julius in the distance . " Rowan , if I didn't love him , pregnancy wouldn't chain me . I could raise a child alone , no complaints . Love is the reason I want marriage , to walk beside him . The future is a fog . I can't guarantee he's the perfect choice , or that his feelings will stay unchanged . Life is long . Even so , I choose him . Missing this chance would haunt me forever . " She had no desire to live with regrets . Rowan lifted his glass in salute . " Then I wish you happiness .

Remember , our parents may be gone , but you still have me . No matter what happens , I've got your back ." Tears blurred Quinn's vision ; for an instant , she swore she saw their parents standing behind her brother , half shadow , half memory . " I will , " she whispered . When Quinn finally steered Julius into the bedroom , the man was so drunk his feet slid out from under him every other step . 1/3 " We fly home tomorrow , and you got this drunk ? We might miss the flight , " Quinn scolded , taking in the wine - glossed glaze of his eyes .

Julius ' eyes snapped wide , his face swooping close to hers . " Quinn , I was wrong . " Wrong ? What on earth does he mean ? " Wrong about what , exactly ? " Quinn blinked at his unfocused gaze . " I ... I shouldn't have let you get pregnant so quickly ... shouldn't have skipped protection ... I was wrong ... " The usual chill of his fox - shaped eyes melted into drunken warmth . Yes , he was definitely drunk . his " Did Uncle Everett scold you again ? You could have told him I forced you - that I wouldn't let you use protection .

" As she spoke , her fingers slipped each button free , preparing to swap shirt for sleepwear . Head lolling , Julius watched her through a haze , obedient as a child while she undressed him . Once she stripped off his shirt and reached for pajamas , he caught her wrist , voice husky . " Still , I'm glad ... that night you pinned me down ... wanted me first ... " His chin tipped up , vulnerable . " Will you do it again ? When I'm anxious , when I hesitate ... will you take me , force me , so I can breathe easy ? " Quinn laughed under her breath . " Do you actually enjoy being forced ?

" He shook his head , guiding her palm to the rapid thrum beneath his sternum . " Only when it's from you ." Quinn had to concede - no one else on earth would dare force Julius Whitethorn . " You know ... when you came looking for me , I felt joy and fear . I didn't know how to face you , " he murmured , the words stumbling out . " But you chose for both of us again and again , and I believed you wouldn't throw me away . " Under her palm , Julius ' skin burned ; through it , she could feel each hammering beat of his heart . " I won't abandon you , " she promised , softer than a breath .

" That's ... wonderful . " His voice cracked , and the drunken glow in his fox - eyes clouded with sudden moisture . 2/3 Is he about to cry again ? Every time he cried , Quinn's composure scattered like startled birds . " You ... please don't cry , " she said , panicking . Julius steadied his breathing , forcing a watery smile as he cupped her cheeks . " All right . I won't shed a tear , " he promised , voice soft yet firm . " But you have to keep loving me . When the baby arrives , cherish me just as fiercely .

Love our child , yes , but never forget me ." 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.