The Queen's Back

Chapter 11

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Mona lay in bed, watching Maxwell huddled on the couch. He looked so pitiful, like a big dog abandoned by its owner. Her heart ached, and she wanted to pull him into her arms. After what felt like ages, Mona whispered, "Maxwell, are you asleep?" "No." Maxwell's deep voice came from the darkness.

"I'm having trouble sleeping," Mona said softly. "I just can't seem to fall asleep."

"Close your eyes, clear your mind, and take deep breaths," Maxwell suggested. He turned his back and glanced at the bed. In the dim light, he could just make out Mona's silhouette under the covers.

His heart warmed with a strange feeling. Mona was lying in his bed-the very bed he usually slept in. The faint scent of her perfume hung in the air, a soft fragrance that made it hard for him to sleep as well.

With a sigh, Mona said, "It's no use, I still can't sleep. Are you sure you don't want to come up here? My sleeping position is pretty good."

In the dark, her courage grew. Despite Maxwell turning her down once, she found herself asking again. Feeling a bit shy, she remembered that the closest they'd ever been was the kiss Maxwell gave her at their engagement party. They hadn't had much chance to get close since then.

Suddenly, Mona felt the bed shift slightly as Maxwell lay down next to her, and his deep voice said, "Go to sleep" The warmth of his body and his masculine scent made Mona's heart race. She slowly moved closer to him, drawn by his heat.

Mona thought about everything Maxwell had done for her in her past life, and a wave of love filled her chest. She wanted to tell him the truth, but who would believe such a strange story? He'd probably think she was crazy.

ease, and she soon drifted into a deep, restful sleep. Maxwell, however, couldn't sleep at all. The soft scent of her filled the air, wrapping

he looked at her, now curled into his arms. So much for her claiming she had a

plush lips close

her, other thoughts started to creep in. He reminded himself

With Maxwell beside her, she slept through the night without waking up from that unsettling feeling of weightlessness that had been frightening her for the

next to her. Mona wondered if she'd done anything embarrassing in her sleep last night but quickly shook off the thought. She'd always

the bed last night, she was relieved to see he didn't seem annoyed. Come on, Mona, be braver. Maxwell's practically

admit, that Maxwell had great taste. The light blue dress

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15.16 Sat, Chapter 11

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was made just for

the couch. She greeted him with a smile

calmly, "I'm glad you like it." But even as he spoke, his eyes couldn't help but linger on her. The dress, which seemed

to leave, still fuming about how Gordon had been eyeing Mona with that sleazy grin. "Want me to drop you home?"

please," Mona said, sighing at the thought of

soon as Mona walked in, Barbara was there with a sugary-sweet smile, fawning over her. "Mona, how was your time with Maxwell? I'm so jealous! He must spoil you so much-he's perfect! How lucky you are!" Barbara gushed, clinging to Mona's side.