On the chaise lounge by the window, Susanna was in the conversation with Stella on the phone. Just as she was about to speak, the door swung open, and there stood Hull, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

His face was a storm cloud, dark and brooding, and Susanna was so startled that her phone slipped from her hand, landing with a soft thud on the carpet.

She gasped silently, her mind reeling. Hadn't she locked the door?

Already on edge, her fear only intensified as she took in Hull's menacing presence. Her eyes welled up with tears that she couldn't hold back, and she hugged her knees tighter, retreating as far into herself as she could.

Hull's gaze was a mix of frustration and something she couldn't quite decipher. Slowly, he approached, bending down to pick up her phone and handing it back to her.

But Susanna couldn't bring herself to reach for it. Memories of Hull's violent past flashed in her mind, and she couldn't help but tremble.noveldrama

Hull narrowed his eyes, observing her shivering shoulders. "Really? You're this scared?" he asked, almost incredulously. "It's just one incident. You gonna fall apart every time something happens?"

Susanna pressed her lips together, her eyes silently pleading with him, too afraid to speak.

Hull tossed her phone onto the coffee table, and then sat next to her. The sudden proximity made

Susanna shrink back even more, but there was nowhere left to go.

With a swift movement, Hull pulled her closer. "What are you hiding from, huh?"

"Ah-" Susanna's startled cry escaped before she could stop it.

Hull's expression darkened further, and his voice was a threatening whisper. "Scream again, and I might just throw you out without a stitch on."

Susanna froze at his words, tears welling up once more. The closeness was suffocating, his presence overwhelming. They were from two entirely different worlds, and she felt so out of place.

Hull's eyes met hers, filled with tears, and he commanded, "Stop crying."

She sniffled, trying to steady herself.

"Let me go," she pleaded softly, wanting nothing more than to escape his oppressive aura and return home.

His gaze narrowed slightly.

Sensing the intense danger from the man, Susanna resigned, "Fine, I'll stay put."

With that, she clutched the neckline of her dress defensively, fearing he'd actually throw her clothes once he got riled up.

She was aware now that this dangerous man was a law unto himself, even away from Ronald's watchful eye. He wasn't bound by anyone's rules. Even though Ronald personally warned him to take care of Susanna, Hull's behavior was barely recognized as someone listening to the advice.

Hull chuckled at her timid demeanor. "How did Stella end up with a friend like you?"

Stella was anything but timid. Influenced by Ronald over the years, she turned bold, the kind who took

no nonsense from an

Susanna blinked in confusion at his remark, unsure of his meaning.

Hull released her and stood up. "Go take a shower and change into something fresh."

The mention of that made Susanna's nerves jangle even more. "Why do I need to change?"

Her clothes were slightly disheveled,

but the idea of changing at his suggestion seemed off, especially

after everything that had happened.

IMS

Hull shot her a cold glance. "We're heading somewhere else soon. Move it."

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