Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

"So, what exactly does Hull want?”

Stella mumbled, her tone making it clear she was less than thrilled about Hull demanding some sort of payment.

It wasn't just that he wanted something in return-what really bugged her was that he wanted something she couldn't even give.

Well, Stella was dying to see what that could possibly be.

Ronald let out a sigh. "To be precise, he only wants something Susanna can give him."

"Huh?" Stella blinked.noveldrama

"Anyway, from now on, just leave it alone. Given how things are for Susanna right now, sticking with Hull is probably the safest option."

"Are you kidding me?!" Stella nearly shrieked.

Seriously, what the hell kind of payment was Hull after?

Now that Ronald had said it like that, she was even more confused.

It wasn't money.

And it was something only Susanna could give-not just anyone? What on earth was that?

Maybe it was the pregnancy brain, but Stella just couldn't figure it out. She used to be so sharp, but with Ronald talking in circles, she wasn't getting any closer to

an answer.

"I get that Susie needs to be with Hull for now, but this whole 'payment' thing... what is it?" she pressed.

Especially with all the drama between Lacey and Black Gate still unresolved. Susanna's situation was precarious-no matter where she went, it wasn't exactly safe.

Even if things did get sorted out, a peaceful life seemed like a pipe dream. Lacey had been away from Black Gate for years, and now she was dragged back in-it was obvious something huge was going down.

Ronald was starting to look exasperated with Stella's fixation on Hull's so-called payment. He reached over and pinched her nose, grinning.

"Let Susanna figure it out for herself."

Stella gaped. "...Again with the 'let her figure it out' thing!"

That was exactly why she was asking Ronald-because Susanna couldn't figure

it out! And now he was just repeating himself.

Stella shot Ronald a look full of resentment, sulking like a kid denied dessert.

He just shrugged. "It's something only Susanna can give. It's not money. So what do you think Hull wants?"

"Susie herself?" Stella's voice was barely above a whisper.

Ronald made a noncommittal sound.

Stella's jaw dropped. "Wait, wait—are you saying that's what he's after?!"

No way. Hull wanted Susie, just like that?

"That's not gonna work," Stella said flatly.

"Hull lives on the edge, always one step from disaster. If Susie got mixed up in his world... well, she'd lose it."

Ronald just shrugged again. "Susanna's future isn't going to much different from his anyway. They're two peas in a pod at this point."

Stella's heart skipped a beat. "You can't mean that."

Making Susanna live like Hull? That was insane.

"And besides, didn't Susie already propose to him? He didn't even say yes-so there has to be something else."

Ronald glanced at her, amused. "Susanna proposed to Hull?"

"Yup," Stella nodded, looking exhausted. "Susie's always trailing after him, and everything that happens is just a mess."

Her head was spinning.

"Oh, by the way—what do you know about Black Gate? The way you're talking, it sounds even worse than I thought."

Ronald's phone buzzed. He checked the screen, then ignored the call. "Time to go."

Stella stared at him, incredulous. Everything was always so mysterious with these guys.

Did Hull actually want Susie? Was she supposed to bring a dowry or something?

If that was the case, wouldn't Hull have just said yes when Susanna offered? Why

all the runaround, making everyone's head hurt?

And honestly, the idea of Hull

wanting Susanna... well, Stella wasn't totally convinced. Compared to the other gorgeous women Hull had been with-tall, leggy

types Susanna was, well, definitely on the petite side.

Weren't guys supposed to like long legs?

She chewed on that thought, following Ronald to the car. He glanced over at her, noticing her fuzzy little jacket.

"Nice-finally dressing for the

weather, see," he teased. "I

half-expected you to show upi

some cocktail dress, freezing just to look perfect."

Stella snorted. “Hey, these days I put my own comfort first, thank you very much."