Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

The man had a neat crop of short hair, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes seemed to speak volumes.

His rebellious and proud demeanor was a stark contrast to Ronald's stern nature, making him a memorable figure in Stella's mind.

She had only met him three times, and the fourth encounter was the devastating news of his death, that shattered Yvonne's heart.

Ronald said, "It might not be him."

Stella replied, "I hope for a miracle."noveldrama

Her heart ached for Yvonne, for the deep emotions she had poured into that man.

Ronald fiddled with her slightly cold hands. "Are you cold?"

"I'm not cold," she insisted.

Without another word, Ronald fetched a fuzzy cardigan. Knowing Stella disliked heavy layers in winter, preferring her arms free, her wardrobe was full of various cozy cardigans.

Stella protested, "I'm really not cold."

"Just be good," Ronald said with a tender voice, and Stella reluctantly slipped it on.

...

As the snow piled up outside, Stella indulged in her favorite winter pastime: cooking a hearty meal. The pot on the table bubbled merrily. Even without the usual spicy kick, Stella found the meal thoroughly satisfying. Ronald busied himself with the cooking.

"You should eat too," Stella urged.

"Why do you like eating this way?" Ronald asked, not quite fond of soupy dishes.

"It's warm," Stella replied.

"Are you cold?"

"Not really. But with the snow outside, eating like this just feels right."

Ronald chuckled. "You and your feelings."

"Where are Finley and Hull?" Stella asked, noticing their absence.

"Finley went to find Skye," Ronald replied. "As for Hull, I have no idea."

Stella swallowed a piece of carrot, her mind turning to Finley and Skye. "You gave Finley quite a scare today."

She was startled too.

After all, Jaxon had caused quite a stir in Mist Bay earlier. Who would dare to mess with Ronald at a time like this? "Scared? I only asked Idris to kick her out of Portis City," Ronald shrugged.

Stella blinked.

Kick her out of Portis City? For a girl?

Stella twitched the corner of her mouth. "No, wait, that's not right. Are you planning to have Idris beat up Skye? I'm telling you, Skye's just a girl. This isn't right."

People always say you should be gentler with girls.

Ronald raised an eyebrow. "Skye's a girl? News to me."

Stella paused, remembering Skye's tomboyish style. Truth be told, standing next to Yvonne, Skye did seem like they made an interesting pair.

"Just tell Idris to go easy. She might not look it, but she's still a girl."

"At most, a few bruises," Ronald assured.

Stella hesitated, picturing Skye's sun-kissed complexion. "Isn't it a bit hard to bruise her, given her skin tone?"

Skye was a sun worshipper, always

soaking up rays at the beach in

summer, on the balcony in winter. Her tan was deep, not quite tropical but still enough to make bruises less visible.

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Just then, Idris returned. "Sir," he greeted.

"What's the situation?" Ronald inquired.

Idris reported, "We've located all our people, but Skye wasn't with them."

Ronald raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Idris.

"They said she ditched them right after getting off the plane."

Finley burst in from the cold, catching Idris's words and feeling a chill run through him again.

Wait, she'd ditched Yvonne's crew? What was she up to?

Finley felt a wave of panic wash over him, cursing Skye's ancestors in his mind.

Wait... he sensed something was off but unable to put a finger on it.