The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 61

Noella clammed up, looking a tad awkward! She had been up to her eyeballs these days with the whole former Polaris Star mission and whipping up remedies for Grandpa Sexton. She really hadn’t had a sec to think about Palmer,

Plus, he was a grown man for crying out loud. Did he really need her fussing over him?

Palmer caught the vibe from her face and knew what was up. He let out a chuckle, low and husky from his chest, that kind of laugh that tickles your ears and you just can’t help but itch. “Ah, forget it, you heartless little thing. Just don’t forget to miss me, okay?”

“Got it.”

Palmer grinned, satisfied, swaying with her in the dance hall. The cruise ship’s party was lit up like a Christmas tree, swarming with who’s who from all over, yet they all stepped aside to give Palmer and Noella the center stage to dance!

Off to the side of the cruise, a young woman in a sharp suit was helping an old man with snow–white hair to his seat, super careful–like.

“Take it easy. Mr. Horwich, I’ll go grab you some grub.”

“No need, I’m good just sitting here.”

This old–timer was none other than Merrick Horwich, a literary legend with a rep that crossed borders, bagging every top lit award you could think of. His name weighed a ton in the literary world.

“Who’s that dancing? Looks familiar, doesn’t she?”

“No clue, but if you’re keen. I’ll go snoop around.”

Merrick shook his head, but his eyes were glued to Noella who was dancing, her green dress fluttering like a sprite, every move a piece of art, a downright masterpiece!

The more Merrick watched, the more pumped he got. He ordered his Secretary, “Invite her here. would you? I wanna know if this young lady would be up for being the muse for my new book!”

“You got it. Mr. Horwich.”

Merrick couldn’t get enough. Seeing Noella seemed to pump him full of life and youth, like a blast from the past, breaking through his writer’s block in a snap!

“Miss, Mr. Horwich would like a word. Got a moment?”

Noella, a bit taken aback, looked over at Merrick bathing in the moonlight by the window.

of Harmonia Country Literature Newspaper every week? That’s her grandad! Sienna’s folks had bolted abroad for some

12:46

Chapter 61

Merrick too and, hand in hand

it’s been a while.”

ain’t you engaged to my granddaughter? What’s this, dragging another girl around? Listen here, don’t think you can push my granddaughter around just ‘cause you’ve got the big bucks! I’ll take you down a peg or

you bet he’s got a bit of a short fuse. The fact that he’s even talking is

said, “Grandpa,

Merrick was shocked.

What did this little rascal just call

your mom back in the day! Good thing you didn’t take after your dad, or it’d be game over. Your brothers, especially Stirling,

Stirling’s got the spitting image of Tristan, his face is

Noella something to munch on. The Pollack kid can

to Palmer, signaling him not to get. worked up over Merrick’s temper.

miss? I’ll get it right away.”

I already ate.”

all smiles, his wrinkles nearly vanishing.

Just by hearing it, I know you’re a Schnabel kid!” “It was my step–grandma.”

standing by the table, frowned and waved him over. “Sit down, why don’t you? Standing there like a sore

thank you, Grandpa

temper was a match for his own grandpa’s, and with his engagement to

over a bit; Merrick’s face unwrinkled, clearly

got smarts, and if Merrick ever found out Palmer was messing around and doing Noella

brings you here?”

“He did.”

Noella out for some fresh air, plus let the world get a glimpse

nod with a hmph through his nose.

Noella, I just got back. I’m sorry that I missed your birthday party. Don’t be

You’re looking well,