Underground Legends: The Hunt (BWWM)

Chapter 11 - Abella

Abella Sterling (Female P.O.V)

October 14, 2074

After entering my apartment, I shut the door and sagged against it. All I wanted was to collapse in a boneless heap in my bed for a few hours and forget my troubles. Spending most of the day searching for my father had depleted my energy.

But the same couldn't be said for my brain. It seemed to have an infinite supply. I wouldn't have minded if the thoughts running a mile a minute through my head were a solution to fix the Luther problem, but they weren't. Each one was of Saint.

Guilt pricked at my conscience for him taking priority. When instead, Logan should be my focus. I needed to devise a plan to save his life, but I was helpless against my train of thought.

The memory of me blubbering against Saint's chest made me shudder. It was totally out of character and something I never thought I would do.

Since losing my mom, I needed to be strong. For my brother, my father, and myself. Which meant my feelings went disregarded. It was the only way to keep my family from falling apart.

For years and years, the pressure of being everyone's rock had weighed heavily on me, and it seemed today was my breaking point. I couldn't be sure whether or not it was a curse of blessing Saint had witnessed this moment. But I couldn't deny he helped relieve some of my burdens.

His comforting me was unexpected but surprisingly pleasant. I couldn't explain why I felt so comfortable with him even though we hadn't spoken in years. I just was. And that terrified me.

What made things even worse was that I knew there was no chance he reciprocated my feelings. Therefore letting Saint break down the walls safeguarding my heart would only result in unrequited love.

But his promise to keep my brother and me safe tempted me to throw caution to the wind. An...

No, no! Stay strong, Abella!

Saint's promise was just a part of his job. Logan and I were only an assignment. Nothing more. And once he completed it, he would move on to the next one.

A sharp pang began in my chest, but I ignored it. The pain would be nothing compared to if I let myself fall for Saint and he rejected me. I couldn't let that happen. It was better to keep things strictly professional. Expecting more would only hurt me in the end.

Someone sliding my purse off my shoulder brought me out of my thoughts. I looked up and met Cris's concerned gaze.

"Where's Logan?" I asked as she hung my bag on the coat rack beside the door.

"He's asleep." She whispered even though it was completely unnecessary.

My apartment walls weren't paper-thin, and my brother was a heavy sleeper. Nothing shy of a natural disaster would elicit a stir from him.

I started to inform her of this, but she spoke first.

"He passed right out after eating."

I nodded, intending to follow suit after sending Cris on her way. "Thank you for staying, Cris."

"No problem."

"I hope Josh won't be too mad I kept you."

"Of course not. I already called him and explained the situation. He even offered to help if you need anything."

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind." Smiling, I pushed off the door and headed toward my bedroom.

But before I could take one step, she gently grasped my arm. "Uh..."