Chapter 143 - uneasy truce

Uneasy Truce

Lawrence

"My hero!" Stella exclaimed, embracing me tightly. "Banishing my tormenters so decisively!"

I stroked her hair, privately warmed beyond words at her admiration. "You need fear nothing from that quarter again, little bird."

She tipped her face up, eyes liquid bright with emotion. "My faith never wavered in your power to protect me. Or willingness to punish enemies without mercy." Stella bit her lip pensively. "Perhaps I even misjudged James unfairly comparing to your steadfast strength."

I tensed involuntarily. The aspirant chef appeared harmless enough by her account. Yet subtle unease slithered recalling his opportune timing appealing vulnerable Stella post-accident.

Coincidence seemed unlikely given the revelation of her stepfather's extensive human trafficking network.

Stella continued innocently. "He came offering comfort when I had none those lonely days. Hardly the calculated actions you ascribed..."

My jaw tightened. "Wolves recognize opportunist jacka