Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Finley strolled over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of red wine. Just as he took a sip, Ronald emerged from the lounge. Finley couldn't help but cough as Ronald shot him a disapproving glance. "What's got into you? Seen a ghost or something?"

Finley patted his chest. "You, uh, you were fast."

Ronald was left speechless.

Nearby, Idris was busy working on his laptop. He overheard Finley's comment and quietly decided it was time to relocate to another lounge area.

He had figured it out by now - keeping his distance from someone like Finley was a smart move. Get too close, and you might end up in a messy situation.

As Idris moved away, Finley realized he might have spoken too hastily. "I didn't mean - well, you know..."

He had heard some noises coming from the lounge earlier and had wisely decided to make himself scarce. But he'd barely had time to enjoy his wine before Ronald approached.

"Do we have any more of those ointment around for there?"

Finley was puzzled. "Huh?"

Ronald explained, "It's a bit severe."

The poor girl had been quite distressed during the examination, and he hadn't anticipated causing such a fuss.

Finley's eyes widened in realization. So that was what Ronald and Stella were up to in the lounge; he was checking on Stella's injury.

What the...

Finley almost blurted out something else but caught Ronald's warning glare and swallowed his words. He turned to the first-aid kit, found a couple more meds, and handed them to Ronald. "Use these with what I gave you before." Ronald took the meds and was about to leave when Finley couldn't help himself. "I get you're in a hurry, but..."

Ronald turned back with a frosty look, cutting him off.

Finley got the message and quickly shut his mouth. "What I'm trying to say is, take it easy on her. Girls are delicate. At least wait until she fully recovers." Ronald gave Finley one last icy glance before exiting without another word.

Left alone, Finley raised his glass, finishing the wine in one gulp. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Xander thinks he can compete? Not a chance."

Ronald had practically wrapped

Stella in a bubble of protection. Xander wouldn't stand a chance. Finley recalled the time Xander had tried to take Stella away, and Ronald had looked ready to tear Shawn apart.

BUMS

Inside the lounge, Ronald gently coaxed Stella out from under the blankets.

She resisted, wriggling away. "No, I don't want to..."

"It's just for the injury. No need to be shy," Ronald reassured her.

Stella was still hesitant. It was embarrassing enough to be injured there, and now he wanted to apply the ointment himself? She felt like she had no privacy left.

"I can do it myself."

"You..."

"Please, I don't want to."

Her voice rose in desperation, loud enough that Finley, still savoring his wine outside, nearly dropped his glass.

...

After a couple of hours' flight, Stellanoveldrama

was fast asleep on the plane, exhausted. Thankfully, Ronald hadn't disturbed her this time, only applying the ointment once more while she slumbered. Too tired to protest, she'd felt his gentle touch but

couldn't summon the energy to object.

"Sir, it's time to wake Ms. Quinn."

The plane had been on the ground for an hour, and noticing Stella still hadn't emerged, Idris knew she was still sleeping.

With their scheduled meeting approaching, they couldn't afford any more delays.

Ronald glanced at his watch and nodded, rising to head back to the lounge where Stella was still asleep.