Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

She took Yvonne's favor and then just disappeared?

Finley mused, shaking his head in disbelief.

His sister truly hadn't changed a bit. She just grabbed whatever she could from Yvonne and bolts.

He chuckled wryly, knowing full well that Yvonne wasn't someone whose favors you could just take and run. Skye clearly hadn't learned her lesson after all these years.

Ronald lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag.

"So, where's Yvonne now?" Finley asked, a hint of concern in his voice. He was worried about Skye's whereabouts after leaving Portis City. Heading back to Ferrowland was like asking for trouble with Yvonne on her tail. Ronald replied, "She's probably in Sands City by now."

"Thank goodness," Finley exhaled, relieved to know Yvonne wasn't in Ferrowland, "Don't tell her anything for now."

He didn't want Yvonne knowing that Skye had duped her again. If Yvonne found out, all hell would break loose between them.

Yvonne's truly unbelievable. Star is right there beside her brother; there's no way Star could flee this time! And yet, she still managed to partner up with Skye.

"Ms. Yvonne will find out sooner or later," Idris interjected.

"Please, Idris, just... don't," Finley sighed, knowing Idris's words only ever added to his anxiety.

His sister was quite the handful, and Yvonne was just as stubborn. The two of them were like cats and dogs.

He wondered what Yvonne had given Skye that was worth the trip. It certainly wasn't just a trifle if Skye was willing to make the effort.

...

Meanwhile, Stella woke up around ten, reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand.

The bed was empty, Ronald's warmth long gone. Clearly, he had gotten up early.

She sat there, feeling a little disoriented, Growing up, she'd been close to Ronald, but sharing a bed with him now felt entirely different, especially with the way his body responded when he held hero noveldrama

"Awake?" Ronald's deep, charismatic voice cut through her thoughts.

She looked up to see him standing in the doorway, dressed casually inca sleek gray lounge set. Even in such relaxed attire, his presence was commanding, his innate elegance unmistakable.

Still half-asleep, Stella mumbled, "Hey, Ronald."

Ronald walked over, pulling her close against his chest. "Say my name again," he urged softly, a flutter rising in his chest.

"Hmm?" Stella blinked at him.

"Go on, say it."

"Now?" She was baffled.

It felt strange.

Suddenly, she yelped, "Ronald, what are you doing?" as a sharp pain shot through her neck. She tried to squirm away, but he held her firmly.

"You little rebel," he chuckled against her neck, causing her to bristle.

"Did you bite me? We're going back

to Ferrowland in two weeks! How am I supposed to explain this?" she fretted, recalling previous marks that took forever to fade.

Seeing her flustered like a little tigress, Ronald kissed her forehead tenderly. "You don't have to explain anything."

"Why not?" she asked, perplexed.

"I already called Mom," he replied with a smirk.

"Oh?" Stella was taken aback.