Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

In the Car.

As soon as Stella Quinn climbed into the car, she scooted to the far side, pressing her cheek to the window and staring out into the night.

Ronald Quinn didn't need her to say a word he could tell she was upset.

"Hey, Star."

His voice was low and a little rough, like he'd swallowed gravel.

Stella didn't answer. She just kept gazing out the window, her eyes shining with stubborn hurt.

Tonight's dinner party hadn't been that long, but a lot sure had happened. The gossip from those two women had said enough, and Melissa... well, it was obvious she hadn't given up on Ronald. Not since the Norton family's second son had become governor of Rhodewell. Melissa saw her chance and she was clearly still interested.

Ronald watched her for a moment, then reached over and pulled Stella into his lap. "Are you jealous?"

Stella huffed, not even trying to hide her feelings. "You tell me have you been seeing Melissa these past two years?"

Her tone was pure, pouty accusation, and the whole car seemed to fill with the scent of jealousy.

Any other woman would be terrified of looking petty or childish in front of Ronald. But not Stella. Every little bit of her annoyance was written all over her face.

Ronald gently caught her chin and pulled her in for a kiss-firm, possessive, but still somehow gentle.

"Mmph, let me go-" Stella protested, trying to wriggle away, but Ronald's warm hand cradled the back of her head, leaving her nowhere to escape. The kiss was overwhelming and sweet all at once. Eventually, Stella's resistance faded, swept away by his touch.

It wasn't until she was breathless that Ronald finally let her go, his voice low and teasing, a rough edge that always made her heart skip. "You're such a little rookie. Can't even handle a kiss."

Stella sulked, burrowing into his chest, her cheeks red. Ronald ruffled her hair. "Stop squirming."

The air in the car was growing warmer by the second.

"You're still snapping at me," Stella grumbled.

"I'm not." He smiled, his voice softening. "How could I ever be mad at you?"

For once, Ronald was all gentle affection. Stella blinked, a little surprised he was usually all tough love, like a mountain: protective, solid, but hardly ever this sweet. Even with Stella, moments like this were rare.

She softened, her attitude melting away. "Then what about Melissa?"

He rolled his eyes. "What about her? There's nothing going on."

"But they said..." Stella started, her voice small and wary, "the Norton family wants to set up a marriage alliance with you."

Stella had never been the type to hide her feelings. If something bothered her, it showed up right on her face-or spilled out of her mouth.

Ronald laughed at her jealous tone. "Who are 'they'? Am I supposed to live my life by their rumors?"

Here in Ferrowland, there wasn't a single soul who could tell the Quinn family what to do.

Stella pouted.

Ronald gently pushed her back so he could look her in the eye, pinching her cheek. "You, honestly..."noveldrama

"Has Melissa tried to get close to you these last few years?" Stella pressed, still not ready to let it go.

Up front, their driver, Idris, was doing his best not to burst out laughing. Only Stella could get away with grilling Ronald like this. The whole of Ferrowland knew the Quinn family's boss didn't take lip from anyone-except the girl he'd raised like a princess.

Ronald squeezed her hand, patient and sincere. "She hasn't had a chance." Idris chimed in, grinning. "Miss Stella, you can relax. Nobody's been around the boss these years. The only female who's gotten close is a mosquito."

Stella huffed, crossing her arms, still bristling at the thought of Melissa.

Ronald pressed her head gently to his chest and called up to Idris, "Call the Norton family. Tell them we're not interested in any extra arrangements."

Idris nodded. "On it, boss."

The "extra arrangements" were the under-the-table benefits the Nortons wanted to split with Ronald-nothing official, but still a juicy deal for them. Ronald didn't really care, but for the Nortons' second son, the new governor, those side benefits were a big deal.

By turning the deal strictly professional, Ronald was shutting down any chance for those secret perks—and making it clear where he stood.