The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 696 The Call Home +16 Free Coms Quinn pressed the phone closer , lowering her voice . I'm sorry .. I meant to fly back and see you in person first , " she whispered , feeling the apology scrape on the inside of her ribs . She had kept her friends in the dark on purpose When her body finally stopped feeling like wet paper , when her smile could hold its shape , then she'd call - only then , so they wouldn't taste her fear . Laura's voice crackled through the speaker , soft but frantic . " They told me you were out for five years . Are you fragile now ? People who lie that long ...

their muscles - everything - turns to glass , right ? " Quinn drew a steadier breath so Laura could hear it . " I'm fine , really . The doctors ran every test . You know my body never let me down before ; even after the coma I'm ahead of most patients . " A muffled sniff reached Quinn's ear . " Good , good . " Laura cleared her nose , trying for bright . " Did Julius pick you up , too ? " Quinn hummed an affirmative , the sound small but certain . " So he , now , with you ... " Laura's words drifted , as though afraid a full sentence might hurt .

Quinn understood the unfinished question before it fully formed . " I know . Julius doesn't remember what we had , " she said , fingers tightening around the rail . " But that's all right . I'll help him find every piece , slowly . " Even if the hypnotic wall stayed in place , there were other doors . Memories hid in scents , touches , unguarded laughter ; she would tap each one until they opened for him . " Then right now he treats you ... how ? " Laura tried once more , as if the shape of the answer might let her breathe easier . " Tolerable , I'd say . " Quinn allowed a small laugh .

At least he doesn't pull away when I stand near him . " " If nothing works , just seduce him , " Laura blurted . " Trap him under you , ride him a few times . The body remembers love before the brain does . " Quinn let out a startled half - laugh , half - groan , heat blooming across her cheeks . Only Laura could package disaster as advice . The image alone nearly made Quinn choke on air . My body can barely climb stairs , let alone Julius , she thought , feeling the ache in her still - stiff 1/4 13:03 Mon , Feb 2 GOD . Chapter 696 The Call Home limbs .

Desire was willing : muscle and bone refused to cooperate . Laura hadn't seen her pale face or the wheelchair shadowing every step : distance let optimism bloom unchecked . If she witnessed this frailty , those words would never have left her mouth . in Free Cams " Are you even listening ? " Laura persisted , now outlining tactics with unnerving enthusiasm . " I hear you ." Quinn's smile softened ; that outrageousness was exactly , comfortingly , Laura . She missed those reckless back - and - forths , nights when laughter drowned out the future . " Enough strategizing .

We'll talk properly when I'm home , " Quinn said . " I'm on Mr. Wooley's phone and shouldn't keep the line . I'll buy a new one once I land . " " Deal . I'll be waiting ! " Laura chirped , the smile audible . The call ended , and silence pooled around her . Quinn studied the phone cradled in her palm , a soft smile curling before she could stop it . She had just lifted it toward Fabian when Julius's voice sliced the quiet . " Another call from Harlan ? " Julius asked , tone sharp enough to draw blood . " What ? " She turned . His eyes , darkened by something storm - colored , fixed on her .

" Harlan's calls make you this happy ? " he hissed . " Quinn , remember - you are my wife . " He closed the distance in one stride , fingers clamping around her jaw , tilting her face upward . Quinn searched his eyes , something almost amused flickering behind her own . " Are you ... jealous ? " " I'm not , " he snapped . " I just despise people who keep one foot in each boat . " Quinn watched the way his gaze snagged on the memory of her post - call smile , as though the brightness had burned his retinas . She kept her gaze on Julius , curiosity prickling beneath her calm facade .

His shoulders were set at an awkward angle , something she had rarely seen ; the sight felt almost endearing in its clumsiness . " Remember , you're my wife . You can only love me . If you dare think of another man , don't blame me for what happens . " His words slid across her skin like cold steel . 2/4 13:03 Mon , Feb 2 G D Chapter 696 The Call Home She blinked once , a silent acknowledgment , nothing more . * .55 % D +10 Free Coins The instant his fingers left her chin , she seized his silk tie and jerked , yanking him down to meet her eyes . " Are you really that unsure of yourself ?

" His pupils narrowed , as though she had slapped him . " What do you mean ? " She softened her tone but kept his tie tight . " I mean you could trust me more . Husbands as handsome as you are rare . With you beside me , why would I even glance at another man ? " " Not even Harlan ? " Suspicion coiled tight behind his question . " No. " Had she wanted Harlan , she would never have married Julius . " Then why did you smile like that just now ? " The unhappiness on his face was plain , almost childish . " Smile ? " Confusion flickered ; she rewound the memory .

" You mean while I was on the phone ? " " What else ? " Restlessness churned through him so violently she almost felt it . " If I told you the call was from my best friend Laura , not Harlan , would that cool your jealousy ? " Heat shimmered behind her easy smile . " Laura ? " Doubt unknotted beneath the single word . Fabian stood at attention . " Sir , the call was indeed from Miss Wentworth . " Color drained from Julius ' face as understanding landed ; he had misread everything . Quinn offered the phone back . " Mr. Wooley , here . Wait outside , please .

" Fabian accepted the device and slipped out , closing the door with diplomatic care . Still gripping Julius ' tie , Quinn leveraged the silk to haul herself upright , legs trembling after years of dormancy . It was her first time standing in five years ; her calves buzzed as though filled with sparks . Julius ' shock flashed . Before he could steady her , her balance wavered and she pitched sideways . He yanked instinctively , but momentum toppled them both onto the nearby sofa . 3/4 Chapter 696 The Call Home She ruded up sprawled across his chest , his body cushioning the fall .

" Did you stand only to pin me down ? " His voice ank , half growl , half marvel . 55 % 0 +10 Free Coins 4/4 admin Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia's stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.