FALLING IN LOVE WITH HIM - HER FIRST LOVE

Guilt and regret would never let him live in peace if anything happened to his best friend because of him. Danny would never drag Hunter into trouble intentionally. Masking his worry under the guise of anger, Danny turned to face Hera. 

"Ace doesn't need to know anything, and I don't want his money either," Danny announced, much to Hera's disliking. "I didn't befriend him for his wealthy status, and I would never take undue advantage of our friendship," he said, demanding Hera to keep it a secret from Hunter. Hera stared at him in bewilderment. Hunter could help Danny. If only he let go of his pride and ego. 

Hera wanted to argue, but she understood Danny's point of view. Their friendship was too precious for him to gamble on it. Though Hera didn't want to hide anything from Hunter, she couldn't deny that Danny was also right in his place. Helplessly she pleaded with her brother to reconsider his decision. The latter only shook his head in refusal.. 

"Then let me help you," Hera was quick to offer. Danny frowned in confusion, and when he realised the meaning behind her sentence, he scowled in anger. "No, you're going with Ace. I told you I would take care of it," he snapped at her. Getting up from the chair, Hera covered the two feet distance between them and took Danny's hands in hers. 

"Danny, keep calm and please listen to me without losing your temper," Hera pleaded softly, desperation lacing her voice. "Why do you trust Abby so much? Why not me?" Hera questioned, and she couldn't hide the bitterness in her tone. Danny was surprised at her question. It wasn't that he didn't trust her. He was doing it to protect her, and it could be possible only if he succeeded in keeping her away from Jack. 

Hera released his hands from her hold and cupped his face with her palms, forcing him to look at her. Unshed tears spilt out of her eyelids when she blinked, and Danny's heart broke at the pain etched on her beautiful face. It was different from all that time he deliberately made her cry because this time, he was trying so hard to keep her away from any harm. Yet Hera was hurting, and Danny caused it unintentionally. 

"As soon as you got into trouble, you went straight to your cousin. No matter what, I'm your sister at the end of the day, Danny. I would do anything for you. All my life, I struggled to earn a place for myself in your heart. Please give me a chance to prove to you that I'm worthy of your love and trust," Hera begged him. Danny was startled when Hera pulled him into her arms, binding him with a tight hug. 

Abby shouldn't be the one saving her brother. It was Hera's right and her responsibility to help her brother. Danny couldn't say anything when Hera argued the same. She never let him go from her embrace. Danny could feel the dampness in his shirt caused by her tears. His hands moved on their own accord, winding around her. 

"Why should Abby suffer or pay for the consequences of your wrongdoings?" Hera asked. One of his hands moved up, his large palm cupping her head while Hera hiccupped against his chest. "Don't cry, Hera," Danny forced the words out as his throat constricted with pain. He swallowed the sob threatening to leap out. 

"Let's keep Abby out of it, Danny. We'll resolve whatever it is by ourselves. We're each other's family, right?" Danny heard her say. She was outright begging him to give her a chance. "Let me take Abby's place and help you," she concluded. Her voice quivered in the end, and it rendered Danny speechless. He didn't know how to say no and break her heart further. 

'I asked you for one favour, Abby, but you couldn't keep your mouth shut.'

Danny cursed inwardly. 

'If only I could tell you the truth, Hera.'

'If only you knew, I never did anything wrong.'

'I'm trying to clean up someone else's wrongdoing.' 

He never felt this helpless and worthless. All Danny wanted to do was keep his little sister safe, and he failed in his attempt miserably. Reflexively his hold on Hera tightened, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Tears poured out, and both brother and sister cried their hearts out. 

"It's okay, Danny. Don't be scared. I trust you, and I know you'll keep me safe," Hera said in assurance as if she could read his mind. 

"What will you say to Ace if he asks what we have talked about?" Danny asked, sounding unsure. Hera smiled through her tears, and Danny wiped her cheeks with his sleeves. "Don't worry about him. I've already spoken to him, and he won't ask if I don't want to tell him. Your secret is safe with me," Hera said confidently. Danny nodded in acknowledgement. 

Danny hoped his best friend would somehow convince Hera to leave the country with him. Hunter was Danny's last hope. 

'I'll never forgive you for what you did, Abby.'

Danny never thought Abby would turn out to be a selfish bitch. 

They spent the next few minutes in comfortable silence. Danny was now sitting on the counter where he had cleaned earlier. Beside him, Hera sat leaning her head over his shoulder. He had helped her climb the countertop. 

"I do trust you, Hera. You're important to me," Danny admitted, surprising Hera. Her eyes widened to their fullest, and her mouth fell open in disbelief. He smiled at the comical expression on her face. "I love you, little sister," he declared, and his chest swelled with happiness when Hera grinned, delighted at his admission. 

Hera wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes, letting out the joyful tears. "I love you too, Danny," she stated. At last, she succeeded in achieving what she had desired to have for all these years. She found the protective brother she longed to have. 

Danny walked Hera back to her dorm. 

Hera's thoughts were echoing in her subconscious mind. She was relieved that she finally convinced Danny to let her help him. Abby was out of danger now. Hera couldn't believe Danny finally accepted her as his family. When he said he loved her, she felt the happiest. 

However, Hera didn't know yet what her happiness cost her this time. 

Now sitting on her bed, staring at Hunter's beautiful face on her phone's screen, Hera smiled at him. The only problem she had to tackle now was to convince Hunter. She couldn't tell him the truth. She knew he would never let her dance in the strip club, and most importantly, she didn't want to ruin Danny and Hunter's friendship. 

She didn't know how to break the news to him. He would be disappointed to know she wouldn't be going home with him. 

'He was so happy when I said yes.'

Hera thought guiltily. 

But she had no other choice. Hera had to do it for Danny. She would gladly die for her brother to protect him if needed. With that decision made, Hera went to Abby's room to check on her. 

Meanwhile, Hunter called Jessica's number and asked to make arrangements for Hera to fly with him. 

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