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.

glass on the nightstand, his every movement exuding an intimidating aura that brooked

her mouth to

exchange, understood the situation all too

talk it out. Mr. Miguel's tired and

argued, "Susanna has nothing to do with the Black

know you trust her, but trust and reality are two different things." Barnaby

down. "I'm taking her

Portis City, Susanna had called three times daily, clearly terrified. Leaving her here with Hull was asking for trouble,

spinning, they would make mistakes.

on Hull's crew. Barnaby was blunt.

words only fueled Stella's determination. She shook off Barnaby's hand and turned

Vl

"I'm not talking to you. I'm going to talk to

she couldn't reason with Barnaby.

as she turned,

"Talking to him won't change anything. It is his decision. Once we've sorted everything out, we'll discuss

"How long

"That's hard to say."

grew. Hearing 'hard to say' made her more terrified. What if something

clearly,