Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Barnaby chuckled, "You think Boss will scare you to death one day?"

This little thing had Susanna all worked up, but Hull had seen way scarier stuff than this. Being with him, she'd definitely have to toughen up or risk getting scared out of her wits regularly.noveldrama

Tears of frustration welled up in Susanna's eyes, no longer within her control.

Already nursing a headache from Barnaby's laughter, Silas snapped, "Enough with the laughter. It's getting on my nerves."

Still grinning, Barnaby slung an arm around Silas's shoulder. "Come on. Let's go. Wouldn't want to be held responsible if she gets scared to death, hahaha."

Susanna stood there, shocked into silence.

Barnaby had known Hull was fine the moment Silas walked out, but he didn't expect Susanna to be such a riot. Getting scared in front of Hull was one thing, but in front of them too? Hilarious.

"Let's go, Mr. Silly," Barnaby called out, his teasing voice fading as they walked away.

Susanna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she sniffled, her mind racing as she turned to peek into Hull's room to check on him.

Just then, Enzo emerged with the doctor. He paused, noticing Susanna's tear- streaked face. "No need to worry, Ms. Tucker. The boss is alright."

"He's really okay?" Susanna asked, her voice small.

Enzo nodded. "Yeah, he's fine now. You might want to make him some soup... Actually, never mind, I'll get someone else to do it."

He recalled her last cooking attempt, where pasta ended up as congealed dough, and figured it was best not to risk it.

Upon hearing that, Susanna's heart sank further. It hit her just how out of place she felt in this world around Hull. She seemed to fumble at everything.

Once Enzo and the doctor left, Susanna stood alone in the hallway, pacing back and forth. It took her over ten minutes to muster the courage to knock on Hull's door.

"Come in," a deep voice called from inside.

Susanna pushed the door open cautiously, her fingers twisting nervously. "Mr. Miguel, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"Come here," Hull's cold and commanding voice interrupted, leaving no room for hesitation.

Her heart pounding, Susanna sniffled, "I swear, it wasn't intentional."

"Come here. Don't make me repeat it," Hull repeated, his tone brooking no argument.

Reluctantly, Susanna shuffled

as

forward and stopped three feet away from him. His presence so overwhelming that she dared not move closer.

Hull's long arm reached out instantly, pulling her into his embrace before she could even gasp in surprise.

"You, you..." Susanna stammered, her words trailing off.

Now she could feel the heat radiating from his body, his breath warm against her cheek. There was a feverish intensity to his temperature.

nove

"Were you worried about me?" Hull asked, his voice softening.

Susanna hesitated, "I..."

"Were you scared?"

She nodded nervously. "Yeah, I was."

Hull chuckled, "Is that all the courage you've got?"

He tightened his hold just a bit, making Susanna's heart race even more. His broad hand rested on her waist, and it suddenly hit her that she was in Hull's arms.

"Mr. Miguel, um, are you hugging me right now?" Susanna stuttered. Her eyes

widened with nervous anticipation as she looked up at him.