Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 840

She was completely adrift.

Seth grabbed her hand and pressed it against the grab handle above the door to brace herself.

Her head brushed against the roof liner with every intense movement.

As the absolute final firework exploded over The Esplanade, an explosion of color burst behind Noreen's closed eyes.

When the grand finale finally died down, a heavy silence fell over them both.

Seth gently brushed her sweat-dampened hair away from her face.

She had already fallen into a deep sleep, a beautiful flush still lingering on her cheeks.

Holding her tightly against him, his eyes were overflowing with profound tenderness.

***

The morning sun broke over the mountain, accompanied by the gentle chirping of birds.

The soothing sounds of nature made Noreen reluctant to open her eyes.

However, feeling a bit stiff from sleeping in the same position, she tried to roll over.

Instantly, she felt herself slipping into empty space.

A second later, a large hand locked securely around her waist, pulling her firmly back into a solid chest to keep her from falling off the seat.

Seth had been repeating this exact motion all night long.

He hadn't slept a wink.

He couldn't bear the thought of closing his eyes, absolutely terrified that he'd wake up and realize it was all just an incredible dream.

So, he had just held her.

Even though his legs had gone completely numb hours ago, he refused to let go.

In his arms, Noreen's eyelashes fluttered as she finally started to stir.

Seth knew what she was like when she drank.

Even blackout drunk, she never actually lost her memories of what happened the next morning.

To save her from sheer embarrassment, he quickly squeezed his eyes shut and pretended to be asleep.

Noreen's eyes peeled open.

She laid there in a fog for a solid minute.

Then, it registered that she was lying entirely on top of Seth Harcourt. The realization hit her brain like a bucket of ice water.

She shot upright, staring at the supposedly sleeping man in absolute horror, and gulped hard.

Last night...

What the hell did I do last night?!

"Your lips look really kissable."

"Do you want to kiss them?"

"We're both adults. We just gave each other what we needed."

Seth paused his rubbing. "So, let me get this straight. You're treating last night as—"

"A one-night stand!" Noreen blurted out, cutting him off.

He had been going to say "a casual fling."

But she was far more ruthless than him.

With just a few careless words, she completely trashed the emotional connection he had cherished all night long.

After everything he had done to please her...

When a woman decided to be heartless, no man could compare.

It painfully reminded him of the very first time they'd slept together after reuniting, when she had tossed out that indifferent line:

"It was just break-up sex. There's no need to make it all romantic."

Drunk Noreen was vastly superior. She was sweet and honest.

Sober Noreen was covered in spikes, making sure he bled the moment he got too close.

He finished massaging his arm and moved on to his deadened legs, speaking at a painfully slow drawl.

"So, you're planning on using me and ditching me again?"

The accusation made Noreen's eye twitch violently.