Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Because this man, without a doubt, had the power to make her life a living hell.

Barnaby: "With all these suspicious things going on, you're obviously the one I'm watching."

Susanna: "."

Damn it...

She was really starting to lose her patience.

But she had to hold it in. She'd seen Barnaby's mean side before, and knew better than to push him now. So all Susanna dared to do was shoot him a look.

Anything else? Out of the question.

They reached the study.

Susanna walked in, her cheeks still puffed with leftover anger.

Hull was lounging with a cigarette, and when he heard the door, he flicked his eyes up at her, cold and sharp. "Call Star yet?"

Listen to that-classic Hull, the kind of guy who's lived on the edge for years, calling Ronald's right-hand woman just "Star." Little things like that made it obvious: Stella had a serious standing in Ferrowland.

She nodded. "Yeah."

Wait. "How'd you know I called Star?"

Really, calling Star was no big deal. She did it all the time, some days more than

once.

But Hull had never asked about it before. And now, the first thing out of his mouth? What was that supposed to mean?noveldrama

"You don't think Star's my inside source, do you?"

Susanna eyed him warily.

If Hull started suspecting even Star, then she was really in trouble.

If he didn't trust Star, who in Ferrowland could she count on?

Hull snorted. "You? You think you could bring someone like her in?"

Susanna swallowed hard.

Okay, fine, maybe she really didn't have what it takes. But still, the way he said it -couldn't he be a little nicer?

"As long as you're not doubting Star, then whatever. What is it you want from me? I'm telling you now, I'm not doing anything."

The whole "informant" accusation? Susanna was honestly over it.

Ever since she'd heard Barnaby was sniffing around, she'd stopped worrying

about the outcome.

Because, well, what could she do?

Hull took another drag. "So, you've

your head around

eing the former boss

Gate?"

"What else am I supposed to do?"

Susanna's fire fizzled out in an instant.

If Star said it was true, then it probably was.

But honestly, Susanna still couldn't figure out how her mom-who'd always been a straight-laced businesswoman, never even ran that big of a shop, always the model of honesty-could possibly be the infamous ex-head of Black Gate.

Hull flicked his cigarette ash. "Want to see her?"

"Huh? Yeah, I do."

Wait a minute. She'd just said that to Star on the phone. How did Hull know?

Was Star running things by Hull before helping her?

So after all that, it all came back to the people right around her?

And especially Hull? That was...well...something.

Susanna was honestly at a loss for words.

Hull let out a quiet laugh. "People in Black Gate aren't exactly easy to get a meeting with."

"So... can I or can't I?"

Susanna shot him a look, frustrated. Was he just messing with her?

Hull stubbed out his cigarette, laced his fingers together, and looked her eye. "You can."

in

belongs to w

Susanna: "..."

Okay. And...?

"I'll set it up for you."

Wait, what?

So after all that, it turned out she needed Hull's help anyway? Seriously?

She met his intense gaze and couldn't help but sniffle. "You'll really help me?"

Hull nodded. "Yeah. But my favors? They don't come cheap."