The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Noella felt the sudden weight of a well-defined hand on her slender waist, as if it could encircle her with an effortless ease, setting a flutter in Palmer's chest.

Following her gaze, Palmer caressed her hand and murmured, “That’s Lavinia Richardson, Grandpa Lucian’s daughter. She's been under the weather, so it's not odd you don't know her.”

“Is she married?”

Palmer had never seen Noella so keen on gossip before. Amused, he smiled indulgently, “Nah, she's been single. She had a rough bout with illness years ago, and has been recuperating. Never heard any wedding bells for her.”

Unmarried. Maybe Noella's odd hunch was off the mark.

As Noella turned away, she was suddenly enveloped in Palmer’s arms, her svelte figure pressed tightly against his in her form-fitting gown, eliciting a muffled gasp from her.

Her hands braced against him, feeling the defined contours of his abs beneath her palms, each one distinct, heating her touch.

A blush crept onto her face, and she frowned, "Palmer! What are you doing?"

Palmer secured Noella's waist, halting her squirming.

To onlookers, it seemed like Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack were simply sharing an intimate moment - nothing unusual for an engaged couple. Most gave them space; some even felt a pang of envy for their PDA.

Palmer's voice was a deep rumble in Noella's ear, “Just letting them know you're mine.”

He knew his fiancée didn’t realize her own allure; so many eyes had followed her as they entered!

Those brazen gazes irked him!

Palmer tilted Noella's chin, gazing into her alluring face, her eyes shimmering pools he was drowning in.

“Noella, I don’t mind taking all the time you need to come around to me. But until then, I can’t have others coveting you! Unless you say you don’t fancy me, then maybe I'd reconsider my tactics of chasing you.”

His handsome face loomed close, his eyelashes and a hint of jealousy clearly visible in his eyes. Was he...jealous?

Palmer leaned in closer, their noses brushing, breaths entwining.

“So, tell me, do you fancy me?”

Noella was tongue-tied, unsure why he’d ask such a thing at this moment.

Did she fancy him? She wasn’t even sure herself!

She thought for a moment, looked into Palmer’s expectant eyes, and replied honestly, “I don’t know.”

Not knowing wasn't a “no”, nor a “dislike”! It meant there was a place for him in her eyes, even if she hadn’t realized it yet. One day she'd be won over!

Joy surged in Palmer's heart as his voice echoed softly by her ear, “One last question, may I kiss you?”

Before she could react, a quick kiss grazed her lips, leaving a trace of Palmer’s scent.

Maybe it wasn't so bad. Noella looked up into Palmer’s tender gaze.

“So, what was that? Marking territory?”

“No, I was stamping my claim! Just to show that you are the one I belong to - even if you don't care, I wouldn’t want you stumbling on nasty rumors about me.”

After all, it hadn't been easy to catch his fiancée's eye. If those pests fluttered too close to Noella, all his efforts might be undone!

Their public display of affection already sent a clear message to back off, especially to those with designs on his betrothed!

Anyone with eyes would know better how to behave. But some were blind.

Walden Gruber approached, holding a glass of red wine, “Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack’s love is truly enviable. Us singles are green with envy.”

Palmer’s eyes were frosty as he regarded Walden; he said mercilessly, “Seems any mutt can yelp in my presence now. The Gruber family must not be able to train their strays.”

Noella added coolly, “Indeed, someone from the Gruber family was bold enough to assault my staff yesterday. Shamelessness must be a family trait.”

Walden’s smile froze. He had come over in good spirits, hoping Noella would introduce him to Master Killian, considering the unpleasantness between him and Master Killian earlier at the gallery was related to Ms. Schnabel.

Due to Master Killian’s regard for Ms. Schnabel, if he could curry favor with her, he might mend the rift between Master Killian and the Gruber family!

At the thought of it, Walden clenched his teeth and forced a smile, “Ms. Schnabel, I apologize for any offense. I'm here to make amends, and Grandpa also wishes to express his regret. Just tell me how to appease you. Whatever it is, I'll not shirk it!”

His eyes were resolute as he appraised Noella - her beauty, her lithe figure like a willow in February's breeze, her cool, untouchable air making his heart itch.

Before Walden could continue, his knees buckled under a swift kick, and he found himself kneeling before Noella!

Another kick landed on his back, and he howled in agony, the sound of his bones snapping all too clear.

Palmer had moved too fast; Walden had no chance to dodge and lay face down on the floor.

“If you ever look at her that way again, you can say goodbye to your eyes.”

Walden felt like crying! Meeting Palmer’s murderous gaze, he nodded frantically, unable to utter a word.

Noella's gaze was icy, her stiletto heel pressing down on Walden's face as she nudged him with a kick.

"Really, Walden, there's no need for such formalities. Even if you groveled at my feet, I wouldn't forgive you. And let's not forget, you're the Gruber family's little secret, their illegitimate child. How shameless can you be, dragging the Gruber name through the mud?"

The bystanders were gobsmacked at the scene unfolding before them!

“Who would have thought Mr. Pollack has such a soft spot for Ms. Schnabel? He actually got his hands dirty just because Walden showed Ms. Schnabel disrespect.”

“Walden is indeed the black sheep of the family, his actions bringing nothing but disgrace!”

Hearing the whispers around him, Walden felt a rush of panic. The reputation he had been carefully rebuilding was about to crumble.

No, it couldn't end like this. He had ambitions to be the Gruber heir, it was all meant to be his! Biting back the pain, Walden addressed Noella.

"Ms. Schnabel, it’s my fault! Let bygones be bygones. Please forgive me, or tell me what to do, and I'll do anything!"

Noella's lips twisted into a smirk as she looped her arm through Palmer's, her eyes cold and detached.

"Oh really? Poor Walden, I'm not one to kick someone when they're down. I suppose I could forgive you, but there's a condition. The yard's got a mess left by the dog. Go clean it up with your mouth!"© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.