Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

With Stella's words echoing in her mind, Susanna couldn't shake the feeling that Hull was nothing but trouble.

"Can you joke about someone's mom?" she muttered to herself, thinking about how her own mother had been restless and sleepless for days now.

Even though Stella had mentioned that the previous person in charge was someone named Lacey, Susanna needed to be sure.

Stella had assured her, "Yeah, I'll help you confirm."

If it turned out that Susanna's mother was involved, things could get messy. After all, the current leader's rise to power was anything but honorable.

After exchanging a few more words over the phone, mostly Stella trying to soothe Susanna's nerves, they finally hung up.

Susanna sat curled up on her little couch, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. Hull told Mr. Quinn he liked her? Why on earth would he do that? Was he really trying to pull one over on Mr. Quinn?

If so, he had to be pretty bold to try and deceive Mr. Quinn.

Lost in thought, Susanna was startled by a noise from the balcony window. Her eyes widened in shock.

Before she could react, the sound of the sliding glass door opening reached her ears, followed by the swish of curtains being drawn back.

At that moment, her gaze met Hull's dark, intense eyes, and her mind went completely blank.

Looking between Hull and the glass door behind him, she stammered, "You, you..."

Had this guy really climbed through the window? The balcony was right outside, but still, it felt like he'd just waltzed in.

Hull stepped towards her, his tall and imposing figure bringing an unspoken sense of intimidation.

Feeling the weight of his presence, Susanna instinctively tried to shrink back, but the couch offered no escape.

"Don't come any closer," she pleaded, clutching a throw pillow to her chest.

Surely, just because she hadn't opened the door for him, he wasn't going to... eat her or something, right? She was terrified.

Hull glanced at the cabinet blocking the door, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "You've got some strength."

The cabinet wasn't exactly light.

Susanna felt a pang of insecurity, her eyes watering as she looked at him pitifully. Just one look, and she felt the need to lower her head in defeat.

Seeing her like this, Hull felt an odd sense of satisfaction. Stepping forward, he effortlessly lifted her off the couch as if she were a feather.

Susanna, feeling weightless in his grasp, was thoroughly frightened. "Put me down!"

Ignoring her protests, Hull set her down near the door. "Go on, show me how you moved it."

She was expected to move the cabinet back? Seriously?

With no real choice, Susanna gave Hull a helpless glance and began to push the cabinet back to its original spot.

It was heavy, and Hull's watchful eyes didn't make it any easier. She struggled, using all her might to move the cabinet.

Finally, with the task done, she turned to Hull, who was standing with his arms crossed, a faint chuckle escaping him. "Not much strength at all. Did you really think you could keep me out?"

Susanna didn't respond, but the thought echoed in her mind: Yes, she'd thought it could.

Especially after what Stella had told her Mr. Quinn said.noveldrama

Before she could voice any reply, Hull pulled out his phone and called Silas.

Silas picked up quickly, "Hey, big guy."

"We need new furniture," Hull stated matter-of-factly.

"Uh, did something break?" Silas asked, puzzled. The stuff they had was top- notch; he could believe they were tired of it, but breaking?

Hull's next words left Silas speechless. "Too light."

Silas was stunned. Susanna was just as shocked. Did he mean he wanted stuff she couldn't move? That seemed a bit unfriendly.

Was Hull really suggesting she shouldn't try to keep him out? That seemed unreasonable, especially since having some safety measures in place when alone with a man was perfectly normal for a woman. Why should she feel guilty about that?

Susanna kept her thoughts to herself, not daring to show any dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile, Silas on the other end was reeling. "What did you say?" Too light? What did that even mean?

"Are you deaf?" Hull's voice carried a hint of irritation.

"No, no, I'll get on it right away," Silas hurriedly replied. Whether or not he understood the bizarre request, when the big guy said jump, you asked how high.

"Okay, I'll sort it out, no need to worry," he said, quickly ending the call. He couldn't afford to upset Hull; he liked having his ears the way they were.