FEMALE LEAD SERIES BOOK 1: HIRED GUN

Chapter 30 - Catching Feelings (EDITED)

ANDRIETTE LOUISE DE VERA

"Side step, right, left, to my beat.." I sang softly as I turned off the car's ignition. Everyone was already outside the car, sluggishly leaning against the metal doors their energy burned up like mine is.

Today has been hectic. And I couldnt blame Madeline when she suddenly jumped, a squeak making its way out of her parted lips when I slammed the car door shut. I quickly shot her a smile apologetically which she brushed off, giving me a blinding smile despite her tired self.

"Let's head in." I gestured for them to go in first, not wanting to turn my back on them. Anything can happen at this point, and you can never be too careful.

I opened the door for them, and warmth instantly enveloped my freezing body. A soft breath eased out of my lungs when I heard the soft chatter inside. Its a huge relief every time I go home to see my family safe and sound. It's becoming an unhealthy fear, to be honest. The fear of suddenly coming home to an empty, cold house.

And I swear on my life that I would never let that happen.

I entered last, closing the door softly behind me. Just as I was about to turn around, a bundle of black and tan skin entered my line of vision and I was suddenly tackled, my back colliding with the door in a harsh thump.

"Loui!"

"Aria." I gasped in a laugh, the impact that my body made with the door taking my breath away.

"Why are you back late?" I resisted the coo that was at the edge of my throat, prompting for a hug instead. I swayed our bodies together as I held my sister close to me, not questioning her clinginess. She always had separation anxiety, so I made sure to assure her every now and then that I won't be going anywhere, that we'll always be by her side. Be that a simple hug or a whole out cuddle session with her the whole day.

"I had some stuff to deal with. Did you guys have dinner already?"

She shook her head slowly, backing up from the hug but not letting go entirely, her hands still on my waist "Not yet, they just started making food."

"Ari, is that your sister?" I heard Mama call from the Livingroom.

"Yes, mama." Aria called back.

"Oh right! Loui, Christopher is here." oh shoot. My eyes widened a bit, guilt nipping at my insides. I forgot he was going to drop by. He must have waited hours.

"He's with everyone." Aria pulled me towards the chattering voices, right through the living room. Mr. De Leon and the others were already there when we rounded the corner. Andrei, Jay, Jake, and Jaquil were currently trapped in an interesting conversation, with the looks of it. And my client is staring at Cris with a blank face. But his eyes gave it all away. Cris, weirdly enough, was also staring at him intensely. Like a silent conversation was passing between the two.

"Louise, Christopher said he has something to tell you." I grasped my parent's hands and pressed it to my forehead, Mr. De Leon doing the same to his parents. With Cris' name being mentioned, he snapped out of his silent glaring match with Mr. De Leon, his eyes meeting mine.

"Yes, mama. He told me earlier that he'll stop by." Cris shot me a small smile, standing up as he did so.

"Okay dear. Have fun." Mama and Aria exchanged secretive smiles.

Not this again.

"Yeah we will." I muttered, gesturing for Cris to follow me upstairs.

"Are they together?" I heard Mr. De Leon ask right before we disappeared out of earshot from them. His question oddly made me smile.