Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

At that moment, Hull glanced over at her and spoke up, his words cutting through the air like a cold blade. "You're not taking her with you."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Stella's lips twitched. "Hull, this is..."

"She might be connected to Black Gate."

Stella's mind raced. The name struck her like a punch to the gut.

Two years ago, Xander had some dealings with them from Black Gate. It was precisely because of those connections that she feared it would create messy problems for Ronald. She had compromised then, choosing to follow Xander's advice.

Upon hearing Hull mention it again, Stella's face visibly paled.

But when it came to Susanna...

She shook her head defiantly. "No, she can't be related to them."

Hull's eyes were cold as ice. "Whether she is or not, we'll know once we investigate."

Stella's shock was palpable.

sip from the water glass on the nightstand,

mouth to

exchange, understood the situation

in. "Hey, Princess Stella, let's talk it out. Mr. Miguel's

nothing to do with

things." Barnaby gently but

back down. "I'm taking her with

had called three times daily, clearly terrified. Leaving her here with Hull was asking for trouble, Stella thought. To her, Susanna

spinning, they would make

resolve didn't work on Hull's crew. Barnaby was blunt.

only fueled Stella's determination. She shook

Vl

"I'm not talking to you.

realized she couldn't reason with Barnaby. It all came down

as she turned, Barnaby

arm again. "Talking to him won't change anything. It is his decision. Once we've sorted everything

was frantic. "How long until

"That's hard to say."

frustration grew. Hearing 'hard to say' made her more terrified.

clearly, I'm taking