Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 323

Nadine patted her granddaughter-in-law's hand and chuckled. "I'm going to head to the kitchen right now and have the chef make all your favorites."

"Thank you, Grandma, but you can just have Larry do it. You've had a terrible shock. Go back and get some rest. Lisa, come help Grandma to her room."

"Right away, Mrs. Blackwood," Lisa said, stepping forward to assist the older woman away.

Julius and Stella returned to their bedroom.

He had finally placed it. Stella's flying kick was the exact same move the girl in the mask and braids had used to send Steve flying at the Recess Club.

That girl in the braids had to be Stella. And Stella had to be the one who had saved him two years ago.

He had asked her about it that night he was drunk at Ember Bar. Why had she denied it?

"Julius, what are you thinking about? You completely spaced out."

Julius snapped out of his daze. "Stella, I have a question for you. Can you answer me honestly?"

"Why so serious? Go ahead, let's hear it."

He placed his hands firmly on her shoulders. "That kick you just used to send Wade flying... It's the exact same move the girl in the braids used to kick Steve at the Recess Club three months ago. You're that girl, aren't you?"

Stella hadn't expected him to bring that up. There was no point in denying it anymore, so she just came clean. "Yeah, that was me. Sylvie Jennings invited me to the club that night.

I couldn't stand Steve's arrogant attitude, but I didn't want anyone to know who I was, so I threw on a mask, got in the ring, and kicked his ass."

"Then why didn't you admit it when I asked you before?"

Julius pulled her hands away from his face and pressed them flat against his chest. "Feel for yourself. I've got a solid chest, an eight-pack, and phenomenal stamina.

Even though I'm eight years older than you, I promise I'll keep working out and staying in shape. I'll make sure you're entirely satisfied for the rest of our lives. Just promise me you won't ask for a divorce, okay?"

He had known her little secret for a while now; he had seen the collection of male model photos saved on her phone.

Stella gave his chest and abs another appreciative squeeze and nodded in satisfaction. "Deal. No divorce. But you'd better not let yourself go and turn into a greasy old man. If you do, I'm tossing you out."

Hearing her agree to stay, Julius let out a huge sigh of relief and quickly made his vow. "I promise I will never become a greasy old man. If anything, I'll become a silver fox."

For the sake of his marital bliss, he mentally resolved to up his gym sessions from three days a week to five, and to start waking up early for a morning jog. He absolutely could not afford to get a beer belly.