Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 867

With just a casual “You’ve got a pretty sharp mind,” Ronald didn’t exactly admit he had Susanna. But to Xander, that was as good as a confession.

He was convinced—Ronald had whisked Susanna away!

Xander let out a short, dry laugh. “So, what’s caught your eye at Black Gate, huh?”

Taking Susanna from his own sister’s hands—stirring up a whole storm and getting his sister all riled up at Black Gate. Xander knew Ronald would never risk all that without wanting something in return.

So what on earth did Black Gate have that Ronald wanted so badly… that he’d even use his own sister and right-hand woman?

Ronald’s tone turned ice-cold. “What I want from Black Gate is none of your business.”

Xander blinked. “That’s not—”

Before he could finish, Ronald hung up.

If Xander had any doubts before, they were gone now. Susanna was definitely with Ronald.

No wonder Stella wasn’t worried anymore—her husband was the one who’d taken Susanna.

Yvonne came out of the bedroom, changed into jeans and a T-shirt, and found Xander brooding on the beanbag chair by the big window. Sunlight spilled over him as he swirled a glass of red wine, his profile all sharp lines and shadows.

She had to admit, the guy was annoyingly good-looking. Like, movie-star good-looking. Not a single bad angle.

“Had enough staring?” he said suddenly, making her jump.

She rolled her eyes and strode over. “Get over yourself.”

Noticing her change of clothes, Xander asked, “Heading out?”

Yvonne grabbed her bag. “Yeah. I need to figure out exactly which scumbag at Black Gate has Susanna.”

Stella’s phone call had left her feeling even guiltier about her little sister.

Xander frowned when he saw she meant to go herself. “Forget it. Don’t go.”

Yvonne paused. “Excuse me?”

He grabbed her and pulled her down onto his lap. His legs were strong, his chest warm against her back—uncomfortably so.

Yvonne, who was never touchy-feely, squirmed. “Let me go…”

Yvonne’s mouth twitched. “If you want them, go ahead and take them. Why are you telling me?”

He hesitated, then scowled.

Damn it, why was he even asking her this? Since when did he care what Yvonne thought? Whether she still had feelings for Dan or not, it wasn’t his business. Was he actually… insecure?

“Or what?” Yvonne prompted.

He shot her a look. “Afraid if I go too hard, you’ll come crying to me, begging to give it all back?”

This was Black Gate they were talking about. If things went south, it’d get ugly—fast. He’d have to throw everything he had into the fight. No way he’d give anything back once he took it.

Yvonne snorted. “Me? Cry to you? Who are you kidding?”

“Hey, you said it,” Xander shot back.

She rolled her eyes again and wriggled out of his arms. “All I want is Susanna back.”

At that, Xander fell silent.