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.

That’s her grandad! Sienna’s folks had bolted abroad for

12:46

Chapter 61

hand with Noella, made his

it’s been a

my granddaughter around just ‘cause you’ve got the big bucks! I’ll take you down a peg or two! Out with it, what’s your deal. with this pretty young lady? I saw you, hand in hand, even had your arms

the day. Merrick did a stint as a war correspondent, so you bet he’s got a bit

sweetly said, “Grandpa, how

Merrick was shocked.

What did this little rascal just

Good thing you didn’t take after your dad, or

his face is

Oran, grab Noella something to munch on. The Pollack kid can stand; he’s probably no good, just like his granddad!”

tried to keep a straight face, apologizing to Palmer,

miss? I’ll get it

fine. I

onto Noella’s hand, was all smiles, his

for you? Just by hearing it, I know you’re a Schnabel kid!” “It

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

thank you, Grandpa

a match for his own grandpa’s, and with his engagement to Noella, Merrick’s cold shoulder

things over a bit; Merrick’s face

messing around and doing Noella dirty, he’d break his legs

brings

“He did.”

chimed in, “Grandpa Merrick, the view’s not half bad on the high seas. Thought I’d take Noella out for

approving nod with a hmph through

sorry that I missed your birthday party. Don’t be mad, okay?”

not. You’re looking well, Grandpa.

at Noella, chuckling, “Your mom told you? I’m much better. Your grandma’s been buried in some big experiment lately, total lockdown, I can’t

his