The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 308

Chapter 308 Reckless Display

Chapter 308 Reckless Display

The unexpected kiss turned Weston rigid, shock crackling through his veins like live current. Yet seconds later, he melted, drowning in the softness of her lips and that once–familiar scent of wild jasmine.

How long had it been since she last kissed him like this? The question ignited a hunger that clawed at his restraint, urging him to demand more.

But after a heartbeat, the kiss broke, leaving the air raw and wanting.

Laura straightened, lips still glistening, then cast a challenging glance at Serena. “Satisfied now?” she asked. “You saw it with your own eyes.”

Color drained from Serena’s face, leaving it a mask of stunned fury.

Weston’s heart sank. So the kiss had been nothing more than theater–for her, at least. The only one treasuring it

was me.

. Julius opened his eyes to find himself in a private hospital suite, walls humming with sterilized quiet.

“Where is she?” were the first words to leave his cracked lips.

Fabian, standing guard beside the bed, cleared his throat. “Ms. Quinn knocked you out, had us rush you here, then left without another word,” he explained.

Julius lowered his gaze to the three splinted fingers of his right hand, the white bandage stark against his skin.

Even after I begged, even after I tore myself open in front of her, she still insists on cutting me away.

She would not so much as brush the back of her hand against his.

He understood–that was Quinn Bridger all over. She carried love the way a soldier shoulders a rifle: ready to lift it high, just as ready to set it down.

Once she had resolved to divorce Trent, she had marched forward without a single backward glance. And now If she chose to end things with me, would her spine remain just as straight, her steps just as unyielding?

No.

Julius clamped his jaw until his teeth creaked. Even if she refused to turn around, he would force the heavens and the earth to pivot until she faced him again. D

A few days later, Laura accompanied Quinn through the sliding glass doors of the airport, the ceiling lights gleaming off endless rows of polished tile.

Laura reached out and smoothed the zipper on Quinn’s carry–on. “Have you got every last thing, darling? You haven’t left a single sock behind, have you?”

Quinn hitched the bag higher on her shoulder, the wheels of her suitcase clicking over the polished floor. “Nothing’s missing. Even if I did forget something, I can buy it once I land. I’m flying to Riverpoint- Doria’s second largest city, not some back–country village.”

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19:51 Wed, 13 Aug

Chapter 308 Reckless Display

Laura’s worry refused to loosen its grip. “When you get there, promise you’ll call me every single day–no exceptions.”

Quinn’s smile was soft but sure. “I will.”

She turned toward the departure gate, ready to step into the stream of travelers, when a lean silhouette came striding across the marble, wheeling a suitcase that hummed against the quiet morning air.

Harlan closed the distance in a few purposeful steps, his voice cutting through the airport murmur. “Quinnie!”

Quinn blinked in surprise, a laugh slipping out. “Well, this is a stroke of luck. I didn’t expect to run into you here. Where are you off to?”

Harlan’s grin carried the easy confidence of a man with a plan already set. “Not luck–I’m flying with you to Doria.”

Quinn froze, suitcase handle halfway raised. Beside her, Laura’s eyes went wide. “You’re heading to Doria as well?”

Harlan shrugged, breezy but determined. “That’s right. I’m keeping Quinnie company. I haven’t taken a proper vacation in ages, so I figured I’d give myself a long one.”

Quinn started to protest, worry creasing her brow. “You don’t need to tag along–I can handle-”

Before she could finish, Harlan raised a hand, cutting in with a gentle firmness. “I’m coming. Maybe there’ll be something I can help with, maybe not–but my leave is approved, and I’d only be wasting it at home. If my break ends and you still need more time in Doria, I’ll simply fly back alone. No fuss.”

He knew that framing it this way was the only chance of easing the weight she always carried on her shoulders.

Quinn sighed. “All right then. Thank you.”

Harlan’s eyes softened. “Quinnie, between us, there’s no need for thanks.”

Laura–gave Harlan an approving nod, relief smoothing the lines around her mouth. “Good. With you there, I can breathe a little easier. Now, get moving–don’t miss your boarding call.”

Harlan tipped his head toward the security lanes. “Let’s go.”

Quinn’s answering smile was small but genuine. “Sure.” Side by side, they rolled their suitcases toward the metal detectors, wheels ticking like a shared heartbeat across the gleaming floor.

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