The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 321

He tilted his head, dark eyes steady, and asked in a low, courteous voice, “Miss, can I help you with something?”

Quinn’s eyes flooded at once, tears shimmering like city lights caught in rain.

That voice—deep, protective—sounded exactly the way her brother used to speak to her.

Rowan? Could it truly be Rowan?

This was no dream conjured in midnight loneliness; the man stood in full, undeniable flesh before her. Without meaning to, she lifted a trembling hand, reaching for his face, desperate to feel the warmth of living skin and prove she was awake.

Yet just before her fingertips brushed his cheek, another hand slapped hers away with sharp force. A young woman clinging to Leander’s arm snapped, “Who do you think you are, touching my brother?”

Stunned, Quinn stared at the woman and stammered, “He... He’s your brother?”

With a curl of contempt on her painted lips, the woman shot back, “Who else would he be—yours?”

One of the hangers-on laughed. “Everyone knows Mr. Fane has only one sister—our Serena.”

Another scoffed. “This woman thinks rich men are that easy to cling to.”

A third sneered. “She should look in a mirror before dreaming so high.”

The jeers piled up, echoing in Quinn’s ears like stones hurled at glass. Scornful eyes swept over her, stripping away what little composure she had left.

Quinn ignored them, her gaze locked on the man. “Leander Fane, my name is Quinn Bridger.”

She offered her name like a key, watching his face for even the smallest flicker of recognition.

But his eyes remained distant, as though she were nothing more than another passing guest.

A dull weight crashed through her chest; she felt herself sinking fast, breath by breath.

Is it possible... he really isn’t Rowan?

Someone laughed behind a manicured hand. “Told you—she came prepared, knows his full name, even introduces herself.”

Another voice chimed in, “Shameless.”

“Ah! That hurts!” Serena yelped, her poised composure shattering into raw panic.

Leander’s free hand closed around Quinn’s wrist, steel hidden beneath velvet. “Whatever game you’re playing, remember this—you can’t afford to mess with the Fane family.”

Pain blossomed where his fingers dug in, and reflex loosened Quinn’s grip.

Freed, Serena snatched her hand back and thrust it toward Leander like evidence. “Leander, she hurt me. Break her hand for me—now.”

A spear of agony knifed through Quinn’s wrist, hotter, sharper than before.

“You would really do that for her?” Quinn asked, meeting his gaze with a sorrow too deep for words.

If he were truly my brother, he would never stand idle while she struck me, nor threaten my hand because she asked. In the past, any hint of someone bullying me sent Rowan barreling in, reckless of consequence. He once nearly lost half his life saving mine. A brother like that would sooner bleed than see me bruised. Yet... what if there is a reason behind this cruelty? What if the coldness in his eyes is a shield, not a sword?

Suddenly, Quinn twisted her arm, disengaging the pressure on her wrist and stepping back, cold resolve settling over her.

If he is not Rowan, I will never let him touch me. If he is Rowan, I must protect him from the guilt of hurting me. Either way, my pain would only break his heart.