Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

"Here. For you."

Stella shook her head. "I don't need it."

She really didn't-money wasn't something she was short on.

Lola raised an eyebrow. "What, you think it's dirty?"

Stella shook her head again. "No, it's not that."

It wasn't about being dirty. From the way Lola was talking, it was obvious she needed this much more than Stella did.

Lola pressed the envelope into her hand. "If you don't think it's dirty, just take it. I got this for you anyway."

She'd split her cut from the cash she hustled from Jaxon back in Portis City, and she'd meant to give this share to Stella then. Things got complicated, one thing led to another, and she'd missed her chance. Now, running into Stella in Ferrowland, it seemed like fate giving her another shot.

Stella frowned at the words "for you." "Why are you doing this for me?"

They'd only crossed paths a handful of times, barely exchanged more than a few words. Why go out of her way?

Lola's mind flashed back to a grim night-she'd thought she was done for, cornered by a bunch of creeps in a dark alley. Then, out of nowhere, a beer bottle shattered nearby, scattering the guys. Someone had draped a warm, soft coat over her shoulders. It smelled of fresh laundry and comfort. She'd never forgotten that.

She didn't answer. Instead, Lola took a step closer and shoved the envelope into Stella's hand.

Before Stella could react, Lola turned on her heel and strode away. Stella had the urge to run after her, to shove the money back, but as she looked at Lola's retreating figure, she caught a glimpse of something-loneliness, maybe.

Yvonne emerged from the house. "Star!"

Stella turned to see her friend marching over. "What are you even doing out here? What if you ran into more drama queens like earlier?"

Honestly, Yvonne was still a little impressed by Stella's performance inside, but she couldn't help worrying. To the whole Quinn family, Stella was basically the baby everyone was scared would get hurt if she stepped outside.noveldrama

"It's fine," Stella said, rolling her eyes. "If someone tries something, I'll handle it. Besides, after what happened in there, I doubt anyone's in the mood to start anything else."

Earlier, the scene inside had been chaos-two women had been thrown out, wailing like banshees. Stella had made quite the name for herself tonight. By breakfast, she'd be the talk of the town: the girl the Quinns kept wrapped in cotton wool.

Ronald appeared in the doorway. "Hey, sis," Yvonne called. Stella looked over too.

He didn't say a word, just pulled Stella into a quick hug. "Let's go home."

"Okay."

They'd barely taken a few steps when a woman's voice called out, "Ronald!" Stella sighed as they paused.

Ronald glanced over his shoulder, and there she was-Melissa Norton, the very woman the gossip queens had been talking about inside. She'd apparently had a thing for Ronald since high school.

Melissa stepped up, her tone businesslike. "Maybe you should reconsider my father's proposal. It'd benefit...her, too."

Her? Stella raised an eyebrow, recognizing the implication.

Ronald's eyes narrowed, danger flickering in their depths. "And why would she need your family's 'benefits'?"

Melissa's composure slipped. "If you weren't with her, maybe you'd still consider it. But now—"

He cut her off, voice cold as winter. "Not interested."

It was final. Four words, no warmth.

Melissa's face went pale. Ronald didn't wait for a response—he just wrapped his arm tighter around Stella and walked away. Melissa watched their backs, her glare sharp as a knife.

Yvonne sauntered up beside Melissa, a smirk on her lips. "The Nortons must be losing their touch, thinking you can trade women and feelings for power and reputation."

Melissa shot her a look. "You know who Stella is in Portis City. Maybe the Nortons are foolish, but don't pretend the Quinns are any smarter. If something like three years ago happens again, she won't be able to help you."

५

Yvonne didn't miss a beat. "Only a weak man sacrifices love for his family's sake.

Are you saying my brother's one of them?"