The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

She almost ground the words out through gritted teeth.

Remington observed their “intimate” exchange, his expression darkening.

“Miss Moore, I haven’t had the chance to ask-how is your father doing?”

“He hasn’t woken up yet.” Hannah shook her head, her smile fading.

“The situation isn’t improving, but there’s no bad news.

We’re taking it as a small blessing for now.”

At that moment, Conor entered the room and whispered something into Remington’s ear.

Though Remington’s expression didn’t change, he stood up and addressed Hannah and Maloney.

“I have some matters to attend to.

Please, make yourselves at home.”

A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y

“Of course.”

After they left, Hannah turned to Maloney and smacked his arm.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Maloney started to tell her what Peterson had mentioned earlier but then hesitated, unsure how to continue.

“What were you going to warn me about?” Hannah pressed, frowning when he fell silent.

“Can you just finish your thought?”

“It’s nothing,” Maloney said, rubbing his nose.novelbin

“I just think Peterson might have a crush on you.”

Hannah blinked in surprise, then rolled her eyes, pressing a hand to her temple.

“Maloney, are you serious? Peterson’s only 18.

You’re not running a fever, are you? Why on earth would he Like me?”

This was one of those things that was hard to put into words.

Maloney just shrugged, a little defeated.

“Fine, pretend I didn’t say anything.”

Hannah gave him a skeptical look.

“But your cousin got beaten up by me.”

“What? How could that be? When? And why?” Maloney asked, startled.

“He was asking for it.

He wouldn’t stop bothering me, so I gave him what he deserved.” Hannah casually flexed her wrist.

“But don’t worry, I didn’t do any permanent damage.

Your grandfather won’t come after you because of it.”

Maloney couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.

“So..

how bad is it?”

Hannah thought for a moment.

“Not too bad.

You’ll probably see him tonight.”

When dinner time came, Maloney saw just how “not too bad” the situation was.

Leif’s face was swollen, with a black right eye.

Despite his injuries, though, he seemed much more well-behaved.

Upon seeing Maloney, Leif managed a pained grin and greeted him.