AUTHOR STUFF

Hi, babies. You know by now that I’m an indie author. I currently write full English novels for the international market, and I publish them  at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo. However, my heart will always have a special place for my Tag-lish stories.

When I left PHR, I started my own publishing house called Love Match. There, I was able to create an alternative flavor for the discerning romance readers who wanted extra spice in their Tag-lish novels. I can fairly claim today that Love Match was the first publishing house to publish VERY EROTIC Tag-lish romance novels even before 50 Shades came into the picture. In fact, I was met with extreme criticisms back then for daring to go beyond the norm of Tagalog pocketbook romance-writing during those times. Ask any Love Match reader out there and she will most likely agree.

Love Match’s brand of romance was quickly accepted and supported by my readers who followed me to my new journey as a writer and a publisher. LM’s readership multiplied through the years, and to this day, even if I’m already based in the US, the memories of LM still live in many LM readers’ hearts.

Dax was the second hero I wrote under my Men Of Valor Series. The first one was Raven. I decided to make Dax’s story available here on Watty, so that new readers will have the opportunity to read a Love Match-published book. LM books are still available from online sellers. If you want to buy, just go to my facebook page and click any of the sellers I’ve endorsed there.

Dax and Rianna’s story is erotic, funny, emotional and action-packed. I love writing military romance. Hope you will enjoy their journey to happy-ever-after.

Hope you will also support this story by voting and commenting on every chapter. That will inspire me to write more stories in the future.

Thank you so much, my darling readers. I appreciate all of you.  Always.

xoxo~~Evie

COPYRIGHT

DAX

Copyright © 2006 by Eve Montelibano

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

PROLOGUE

FITNESS MODEL MARIO RODRIGUEZ JR. is my inspiration for DAX. 

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DAX STARED SADLY  at his house. It was standing there, solitary, like him. Nobody was in there waiting for him. Nobody to hug…to kiss…to whisper love words to…to make love to…

Nobody.

Kung ang hayop ay namamatay sa kalungkutan, ganoon din siguro ang tao. He wondered why he was still alive at thirty-fucking-one. Dalawa lang siguro ang ibig sabihin niyon. He was an extremely lucky son of a bitch or some omniscient, perverse power up there had decided to punish him some more. He was sure it was the latter.

Ilang beses na ba niyang hinamon si Kamatayan? Kung ang pusa ay may siyam na buhay, siguro’y mas marami ang sa kanya. In his eight years of working for Stealth Unlimited as a field operative, not once did he land in a hospital. A seasoned warrior like him ought to have all the scars to prove his valor, but he had only sustained minor scratches from the most dangerous assignments.

Mayroong punto sa buhay niya na gusto na niyang wakasan ang lahat. Walk into the fangs of death willingly. Without a fight. Without regret. Just die. Evaporate. Disappear. Find oblivion at last.

He was still doing it. Every time he went on a mission the past two years, he had silently wished, even prayed, that he would finally die.

But he didn’t die. He was still fucking alive. And kicking like a bull, to boot! Maybe he’d just put a bullet through his head. That would only take a second. But he was a fucking coward. Besides, he didn’t like the idea of his gray matter splattered on some wall. It would be too messy. A bottle of sleeping pills? Nah, too easy. A veteran like him deserved at least a decent death in the field with the fatal blow inflicted by the enemy. No other death would do.

He shook his head at his morbid thoughts.

Bumuntong-hininga siya at binuksan ang main door ng town house. Pumasok siya.

Two steps inside and he couldn’t wait to leave again. He hated staying in this house, but he couldn’t find the guts to dispose it. He should have sold it already. Too many memories in this house, so vivid that he wanted to rant and rave at the heavens for making him remember still when he no longer should.

Everything in the house spoke of her .

Bone-weary as he was, he felt restless still. He couldn’t wait for another mission in the hottest spots in the world again, like Iraq. Yeah, bukas na bukas din ay kokontakin niya ang mga affiliates nila doon. Maybe one of those Iraqi insurgents will get him. That would be a good death.

Kadarating lang niya mula sa isang mapanganib na misyon sa Yemen. He was part of the team of commandos that was commissioned by Saudi Arabia to do a reconnaissance on the Huthi rebels. Napalaban sila sa mga rebelde at nalagasan sila ng isang kasamahang commando kaya mabigat ang loob niya pabalik sa Pilipinas. Kawawa naman ang mga naulila ng taong iyon. Sana ay siya na lang ang namatay. Wala naman siyang mauulila.

His plane touched down three hours ago at the NAIA. His pick-up truck was parked at a hangar owned by the agency he worked for. He went straight to his agency’s headquarters, filed his mission report and wearily drove home.

Halos anim na buwan niyang hindi nauuwian ang bahay niya. Prior to his Yemen mission, he was in Afghanistan as a back-up security for a Pentagon Army general visiting there.

Meron siyang katiwala na pumupunta sa kanyang bahay every two weeks para maglinis, bayaran ang kanyang mga bills sa kuryente, tubig at telepono, at ipasok sa bahay ang laman ng kanyang mailbox sa may gate upang mabasa niya pagdating niya galing sa kung saan mang misyon sa labas ng bansa.

He had been all over the world as an undercover operative for Stealth Unlimited, an agency that catered to security related problems. SU’s services were hired both by private citizens and government agencies locally and internationally. He had several identities when working undercover or on field missions. It helped that he had mixed blood coming from the east and the west, which gave him a Eurasian look. He had passports worthy of a powerful political diplomat, courtesy of course by the countries who frequently hired Stealth’s services.

In his North and South American missions, he was Zander Valderama. In Europe, he was Axel Theron. In his Asian and Middle Eastern assignments, he was Darius Alkobar. In the Philippines, he was Dax Ravago. In private life, he was Darius Alexander Alcuesa. To his comrades at Stealth, he was simply Dax. But he was actually born Dante Vergara. Ngunit matagal na niyang inilibing sa limot si Dante. Right now, he simply wanted to be a nobody, so he could get some rest before going to another mission again. He hadn’t had a decent sleep in the past two months.

He padded toward the kitchen, removing his shirt and tossing it carelessly on a chair on the hallway. Pagbungad niya sa dining room, nakita kaagad niya ang package na nakapatong sa dining table. Lumapit siya sa mesa at dinampot ang package. Binasa niya ang pangalan ng sender.

Atty. Wayne Defensor.

His heart slammed hard in his chest. It was a very familiar name. Nababasa niya sa newspapers ang pangalang iyon. Isang batikang abogado ng mga maiimpluwensiyang tao. He was also dating his ex.

Nag-alangan siyang buksan ang package. Ano ang laman niyon? Mukhang mga papeles dahil flat na flat. At mukhang isang linggo na mahigit nang dumating iyon sa address niya dahil nakatatak doon ang date kung kailan ito ipinadala sa kanya.

Inilapag niya ulit iyon sa mesa, tinungo ang ref at binuksan iyon. He had called his caretaker and informed him that he was coming home. Kaya naman may lamang pagkain at inumin ang ref. He took a can of Budweiser, popped it open. He drank from the can and looked at the package contemplatively for a few minutes.

He finally decided to open it.

Isang Manila envelope ang laman niyon.

He opened the envelope. He found a formal letter inside. Binasa niya iyon. His eyes stopped at a word and stayed there.

Annulment.

Pakiramdam niya ay huminto ang pagtibok ng puso niya. He swallowed repeatedly to remove the lump that suddenly lodged in his throat. He continued reading.

Nang matapos siya ay napatitig siya sa kawalan. He had difficulty taking in what he had read. The document was in fact a letter drafted by a lawyer requesting for his presence in a conference to talk about the annulment of his marriage.

It was noted and signed by his wife. The wife he had been estranged from for the past two years. It was a union that went bust even before it could take root. But it was legal. They were husband and wife. For six months, they spent every day as a newly wedded couple. They were very happy. So in-love.

Or so he thought.

His beautiful, spoiled, socialite, young bride soon discovered the reality of a marriage to a man below her stature in society, and it was something her privileged life had not prepared her for. She left their home and went running back to her family, to her old, charmed existence.

Now she wanted an annulment. She wanted their marriage dissolved as if nothing happened, as if it meant nothing to her, as if they did not spend days and nights fucking each other’s brains out until they could scarcely move or breathe, as if they did not share their emotions, their minds and souls!

He stared at her name and signature on the document. She used to write him love letters with that girlish handwriting. He had cherished her words. They made him feel alive. Loved. Now, her signature was like the black, final stamp of a death sentence. His death sentence.

He didn’t realize how this process of legality could actually affect him. Ilang beses na ba niyang hiniling na sana ay hindi na niya maalala pa ang dati niyang asawa, na sana ay hindi na lamang nag-kurus ang mga landas nila noon, na sana ay makawala na siya nang tuluyan sa mga alaala nito. He tried to forget her with all his might and with all his will. God, he did.

And now, his wishes would be finally granted, legally so to speak. The ultimate link that bound them together would be dissolved and with the help of her expensive lawyers, he’d bet his ass, in less than three months their marriage would be nothing but paperwork gathering dust somewhere.

He was not prepared for the sudden upheaval of feelings so long suppressed in the deepest part of his soul.

She wanted out of their marriage?

Fuck her! He wanted out, too!

He stared at her name on the document. He felt a huge vacuum inside of him opening up all over again, swallowing him up, shrouding him in cold, cold darkness.

Today was the official end of his marriage. Finally, here was the closure to an elusive dream that refused to die. Now, it would surely die, whether he liked it or not.

A tear fell on the document, wetting the spot where she had signed her name.

He was surprised to notice that his eyes were wet.

Rianna…

1 THE CHALLENGE

Two years ago…

RIANNA KNEW SHE WAS GORGEOUS. She worked hard, and spent a lot of money to look good. She was in the entertainment business, so it was a given. Hindi naman siya conceited, pero ngayon lang na-challenge nang husto ang vanity niya. Hindi pa niya nakikilala ang lalaking iisnab sa ganda niya. Ngayon pa lamang marahil at isa pang bodyguard lang?

This guy hadn’t given her as much as a glance, bagay na sobra niyang ikinaiirita. Napakasuplado!

His name was Dax Ravago, ang bagong security man ng kanyang Kuya Russel. Pero nahihinuha niyang hindi ordinaryo o pipitsuging bodyguard si Dax. For one, he had foreign blood based on his looks. Kung magsalita ito ng English ay parang Amerikano, pero fluent naman ito sa Tagalog. Napakapormal nga nitong managalog. He always had a laptop with him at palaging parang may nire-research doon. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa mapanuring tingin niya ang klase ng sasakyang gamit nito. It was a late-model, powerful pick-up truck. So, what lowly bodyguard could afford such expensive gadgets, and an American accent, to boot?

She was infinitely curious about him. Palagi itong kasama ng kanyang nakakatandang kapatid na isang matagumpay na negosyante. Malimit na nasa kanilang mansiyon si Dax, nakikipagkumperensiya kay Russel.

Tahimik na tao si Dax at mabibilang sa mga daliri ng isa niyang kamay ang mga pagkakataong narinig niya ang boses nitong nagsasalita. He was like a shroud of mystery. He looked dangerous, moved in this unhurried gait of a jungle beast, but she had the feeling he would be fast and swift when the situation called for it. His eyes were always blank and expressionless, and he had the demeanor of a robot. Nothing about him was nice or pleasant.

 Well, not that he was not easy on the eyes. In fact, he was very, very easy on the eyes. He was very tall, broad-shouldered, lean-hipped and long-limbed. His skin tone was on the tan side, his hair, a dark shade of brown. His face was ruggedly handsome — strong, aquiline nose, jawline that could cut stone, lips that were too fleshy for a man, and his eyes... they were brownish-grey, so piercing she'd shivered with nervous excitement every time they'd settled on her, albeit with always a bored expression. He usually wore a five o'clock shadow which gave him a disreputable look. He hated beard in men, but on Dax, it looked incredibly masculine. Super bad-ass look.

In short, the blasted man was scrumptious-looking from head to toe.

Hindi iilang beses na nagkomento ang mga kaibigan niyang sina Wendy at Shay tungkol sa kagwapuhan ni Dax.

Tulad ngayon, bukambibig na naman ito ni Wendy.

“Talk about smoldering testosterone appeal. Those biceps…parang kayang-kaya akong ibalibag sa kahit na anong posisyon,” pilyang sabi nito habang naliligo sila sa pool at natatanaw nila si Dax na nakaupo sa isang bench sa ’di kalayuan, abala sa pagtipa sa laptop nito at maya’t-mayang pakikipag-usap sa cellphone nito. Kanina pa topic ni Wendy ang lalaki na labis na niyang ikinaiirita. Parang ayaw niyang naa-appreciate ng ibang babae ang bagong bodyguard ng Kuya Russ niya.

"Ano bang ginagawa niya? Mas exciting ba ang laman ng laptop niya kaysa sa atin?" naasar nang litanya ni Wendy. "Kanina pa ako nagpapapansin, ni isang ngiti, zilch. Dumaan pa ako sa harap niya kanina in my string bikini, ni hindi ako sinulyapan. Hindi ko pinagpaguran sa gym itong katawan ko para isnabin lang nang ganyan ha! Supladito, hmp! Baka closet bading!"

"'Yang hitsurang 'yan na mukhang manyakis sa bed? Nope, he's straight. Saka bodyguard 'yan. May kilala ka na bang bodyguard na bading?" aniyang nakataas ang kilay. Parang may violent reaction sa kalooban niya sa isiping bading si Dax. Lord, what a crime kung sakali!

"Marami! Mga hard-core criminals nga ngayon eh mga gays. Sabi nila, bading daw si Hitler. Have you seen the movie Alexander? Gay rin 'yon. Pero tingnan mo naman, the greatest conqueror in  history. Si Achilles doon sa Troy, 'di ba gay rin? Hindi ibig sabihin na mukhang mga brusko at macho eh lalaking-lalaki."

Sumimangot siya. May punto naman ang kaibigan niya. Pero si Dax, gay?! No way! Hindi siya papayag! “Basta, hindi siya gay.”

“Uy, are you imagining him in bed with you, Rye?” nanunuksong sabi ni Shay.

Sinabuyan niya ng tubig ang kaibigan.  "Hindi, ah!"

"Hmm, why don't we put that to the test?" Nangingislap sa kapilyahan ang mga mata ni Wendy.

"Test?" naintrigang tanong ni Shay.

"Yeah. Since I think he's gay and Rye here is insisting he's straight, I challenge her to prove me wrong."

"Luka-luka, paano mo naman mapu-prove 'yan, aber?" si Shay.

"Hindi ka pwedeng sumali sa bet, girl, kasi baka patayin tayo ng bf mo. Kami lang ni Rye ang magpupustahan kasi pareho kaming unattached ngayon. Are you on, Rye?" 	

 "What's the bet?"

"Hmm, I promise to design your gowns for the whole year. Since nasa red carpet ka palagi, marami-rami 'yon." 

Si Wendy ay isang sikat na fashion designer at may-ari ng Trendy, isang signature boutique. Isa ito sa mga paborito niyang local designers. Wendy’s style suited her playful and sexy taste in fashion. “Okay, call!”

"What's your bet, Rye?" si Shay.

"Aba, imo-model ko na nga ang mga damit niya for free? Eh 'di nakatipid siya sa advertising." 

Ngumiti si Wendy. "Sabagay. Oy, promise me, you'll wear my gowns exclusively sa lahat ng parties at functions na dadaluhan mo, lalo na kapag ikaw ang host ng affair. Ida-drop mo muna si Dynno," anito patungkol sa karibal nitong sikat at established nang fashion designer.

"Hmm, magtatampo 'yon, pero he'll understand," Rianna said confidently. 

"Alright, call!" Tuwang-tuwa si Wendy.

Biglang na-excite si Rianna. Matagal-tagal na ring walang lalaking nakapukaw nang husto sa kanyang interes. Masyado siyang naging busy sa career niya.

She had established herself as one of the most stylish event organizers in the metropolis. Ginamit niya ang mga koneksiyon niya bilang isang Valdeverro. She was a society darling and her family’s wealth had made doors open and carpets roll for her everywhere she went. Her company, which she had called Party Animal, was the coolest and most glamorous in town. Siya rin ang paboritong kuning host sa mga parties ng mga malalaking kompanya sa Maynila.

Dalawang TV stations ang nag-offer sa kanya ng isang lifestyle-oriented show pero hindi pa siya nakakapag-decide kung tatanggapin ang mga iyon. Ayaw kasi niyang maging masyadong showbiz ang image niya. She liked to call herself as a style icon, a trendsetter of fashion, but she wanted to be versatile.

She actually didn’t need the money she was earning from her hosting jobs. Her family’s vast wealth had ensured her of an extremely comfortable lifestyle. Gusto lang talaga niya ang trabaho niya. She was a Mass Communication graduate of the Ateneo de Manila. Noon pa ay hilig na niya ang makiharap sa mga tao, ang mag-entertain sa pamamagitan ng kanyang wit and charm.

The Valdeverro ancestry could be traced back to several generations of Spanish hacienderos in Bacolod. Her brother, the business tycoon Russel de Valdeverro was the current head of their clan and a powerful figure in the business world. And she was the most popular Valdeverro heiress. Low profile kasi ang mga pinsan niya, lahat ay mga business-minded at napaka-conservative. They all found showbiz tacky. Tinatawag nga siyang baduy ng mga ito pero hindi na lang niya pinapansin. At twenty-three, her life was one huge party and she was having so much fun.

"So, when do we begin?" tanong ni Wendy.

Rianna smiled, full of anticipation. "Right now, girl."

UMAHON si Rianna mula sa swimming pool at nilapitan si Dax. She was wearing a very skimpy, two-piece string bikini that barely covered her private parts.

Rumampa siya sa harapan nito, naglakad-lakad na parang modelo. Pero ni hindi man lang ito nag-angat ng tingin mula sa laptop nito. Nakatayo na siya sa tabi nito ay hindi pa rin ito lumilingon sa kanya.

Naghuhuramentado na ang pride niya. She had always been confident and proud of her curvaceous body. She knew she looked great, and she was used to men appreciating her beauty.

But this…this hired, lowly bodyguard was ignoring her like a pest! Gosh, mataas ang market value niya sa sosyedad ’no! She shooed men away like flies! Now this nobody would scarcely give her a glance? How dare him!

Instead na lambingin niya ito para manalo sa pustahan nila ni Wendy ay iba ang lumabas sa bibig niya. Namaywang siya. "Pakikuha nga ako ng isang bote ng champagne sa bar. Iyong malamig na ha? Dalhin mo sa poolside," mataray niyang utos dito.

Hindi ito nagsalita o tumalima sa kanyang utos, nanatili lamang sa kinauupuan.

“Hey, kinakausap kita!” Kinudlit niya ng isang daliri ang batok nito. Her finger connected with his spiky hair. Electricity ignited from their contact point and traveled all over her body. It shocked her, the sudden bolt of sexual awareness.

He slowly turned his face toward her. He was wearing dark, aviator glasses that concealed his eyes, but that gaze seemed to penetrate her skin, making her tingle and shiver all over. Used to displaying her body for all men to appreciate, now she felt naked and suddenly shy. A first in her legendary, woman-about-town reputation! Never had a man made her feel modest about her physical assets.

“Hindi mo ako tauhan. Kunin mo kung gusto mo,” he said in a low but sarcastic voice.

“Aba’t hoy! Bodyguard ka lang dito, ha!”

“Tama. Binabayaran ako para magbantay, hindi para utus-utusan mo.”

Lalo siyang nanggigil sa inis dito. “Aba, ang yabang mo ha! Isusumbong kita kay Kuya Russ! Bastos!”

He shrugged as if he couldn’t care less.

She clenched her fists, tempted to punch his face. He just smirked at her. Tila nabasa pa nito ang laman ng utak niya. “Make sure they land correctly or you’ll just hurt yourself,” balewalang sabi nito.

She made a really pissed off sound before turning away and stomping back to the pool. 

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2 THE BET

AUTHOR’S NOTE: 

JUST TO AVOID TIMELINE CONFUSION, 

DAX’S AND RIANNA’S STORY HAPPENS A FEW YEARS AFTER LUCKY AND KATE GOT MARRIED. IN THIS STORY, DAX WORKS AS AN AGENT/FIELD OPERATIVE AT STEALTH UNLIMITED, LUCKY’S SECURITY AND PROTECTION COMPANY.

---

DAX WATCHED her retreating figure. His eyes were riveted on her shapely backside swinging sexily as she walked. Her sorry excuse for a bikini left nothing to the imagination. Kitang-kita niya ang katakam-takam na pang-upo ni Rianna Valdeverro, ang prinsesa ni Russel, ang amo niya sa kasalukuyang assignment niya.

He liked his job, loved it and he had no problem working for the powerful Russel de Valdeverro. There was just one drawback to his current assignment. Russel’s super-sexy, spoiled-rotten only sister. Little Barbie, he inwardly called her. She had blonde hair that traveled in soft curls down her back and she always wore frilly, skimpy, pink dresses that made her look like that billion-dollar doll. A blonde bombshell.

Absolutely not his type.

His body said otherwise. He shifted in his seat to adjust the angle of his fly which had gotten full to bursting. The moment he caught eye of her lush figure approaching him, his dick surged to full attention. Shit! He was a very sexually experienced man, not a trigger-happy teenager. He had learned how to practice sexual restraint, especially in his line of job where absolute self-control was paramount for survival. But now…damnit, he was a mass of trigger-happy nerves! The woman was so bewitchingly sexy his blood was constantly running hot and thick with lust.

And the worse part of it all was, he couldn't have her. She was absolutely off-limits.

Lucky de Angelo, his boss had a group of friends so close-knit that all would die for each other if necessary. Russel and Lucky were like brothers. He was part of that family now, in a way. There were times, like this, when he wished he had no moral obligations to anybody, where he could do everything he damned well pleased without thinking of the consequences. Like he used to do.

But his former life seemed so long ago now.

He liked his new life now. He had found a sense of belonging, a greater purpose for existing. Denying his baser instincts was a small price to pay for having that life. He would not lose a valuable friendship over some boner he could assuage with another woman.

Funny, though, he had been enduring this aching desire to fuck for the past two weeks now, since he first saw her. But he did not go to another woman to assuage it. He continued enduring it. What a stupid thing to do.

Nagmumurang pilit na ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa kanyang laptop. He had tons of reports to make for Russel. His investigation was taking shape. There was a mole at Valdeverro Group who was tipping information to rival companies. Ilang malalaking deals na ang naaagaw ng ibang kompanya mula sa MetroCom, isa sa mga subsidiaries ng RDVG dahil sa espiyang ito. He had to catch the culprit fast.

But it was hard to think when he had a bloody hard-on all the time. He wished there was a a pill that could sort of make one immune from a person. He would definitely take a full dosage everyday until he was done with his job. He was sure once he got back to the action in the Middle East, she would just be a weird memory.

But as it was, there was no such pill.

Hell!

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NAKASIMANGOT na bumalik sa swimming pool si Rianna. Nagtatawanan sina Shay at Wendy. “Losing your sweet touch, Rye, honey?” tudyo ni Wendy.

"My, my, ngayon ko lang nakitang no-effect ang beauty mo sa isang lalaki, girl. Amazing!" si Shay na tuwang-tuwa.

Inis na umupo siya sa mababaw na bahagi ng pool, katabi ng mga ito. "That was only Round One. Kilala ninyo ako. I don't give up that easily. Wala akong ginusto na hindi ko nakuha."

"Hmm, by the looks of it, Mr. Bodyguard is a tough quarry, dear. Baka mapahiya ka."

Lalong nasundot ang ego niya. "Wanna raise the bet?"

Ngumiti si Wendy. "Sure."

"I can make that guy fall hard for me within a month. If I win, I'll have your new Jag. If you win, I'll wear your label for the rest of my life."

"Is 'hard' the operative word here? I'm sure he'll have no trouble feeling that for you, dear," sarkastikong turan ni Wendy. "Nope. Give me something harder."

"I said fall in love hard!"

“How do I know he has fallen for you?”

“He would propose marriage to me, of course. Hard enough?”

Tumawa si Wendy. “Aren’t you getting way over your head, Rye? You want the guy to marry you? Are you serious?”

“I’ll turn him down, of course.”

Tumango-tango si Wendy. “Hmm, this, I gotta see to the bitter end.”

Rianna smiled, feeling confident of the outcome of their bet. “You’ve got a deal.”

Napailing si Shay. “God, Rye, you’re crazy! Hindi ba nakakatakot ’yang gagawin mo? Paglalaruan mo ’yong tao? Eh, kung mag-back fire ang plano mo, aber?”

She shrugged and glanced in Dax’s direction. “It would be my pleasure to play this one over. Arrogant ass.”

“Wala na akong sinabi.” Dinampot ni Shay ang kopita ng champagne nito na nakapatong sa gilid ng pool. “Let’s toast to that then.”

Sabay nilang dinampot ni Wendy ang kanilang mga kopita, itinaas.

“To breaking hearts,” sabi ni Shay.

“With pleasure,” sagot naman niya.

Ah, she couldn’t wait to make that asshole crawl.

NASALUBONG NI RIANNA SI DAX nang gabing iyon sa bukana ng kanilang mansiyon. Paalis siya para dumalo sa isang party, mukhang kararating lang ulit nito. Labas-masok ito sa kanilang bahay na akala mo ito ang may-ari.

Hindi pa siya nakaka-recover sa eksena nila sa poolside kaninang hapon kaya automatikong uminit kaagad ang ulo niya pagkakita rito. Not to mention other parts of her body.

Bwisit! Kung bakit kasi nuknukan ito ng pagkagwapo!

“Andito ka na naman?” salubong niya rito habang nakatayo sa may pintuan.

Medyo bumagal ito ng paglakad. Huminto ito sa paanan niya. Elevated ng four steps ang malapad na main entrance ng kanilang mansiyon kaya mas matangkad siya rito, lalo’t nakasuot siya ng 4-inch heels.

Nagtitigan sila. He was not wearing shades this time and his eyes were boring into her like twin orbs of fathomless mysteries. Hindi niya mabasa ang body language nito. Parang robot. She wasn’t used to not figuring out from the word-go what made a particular man tick. Lahat ng lalaki, kayang-kaya niyang i-manipulate kung gugustuhin niya. Well, except her brother, but he didn’t count in the list of men she considered fair game. Pero itong Dax Ravago na ito, kakaiba sa lahat. Hindi talaga niya ito mabasa sa kilos at tingin.

Sa wakas ay dahan-fahan itong umakyat…palapit sa kanya. Dapat ay lumihis ito dahil nakaharang siya. Pamamahay niya ito, matututo itong lumugar.

But Dax was right in front of her now, only a foot separating them. They were now on eye-level, kahit nasa mas mababang baitang ito nakatayo. He was so tall.

Nalanghap niya ang cologne nito. Shit, ang bango. Such a masculine scent. Fresh, a bit spicy, woodsy.

“Excuse me?” aniya dito na nanghahamon. Tumabi ka, hudas ka!

But he didn’t step aside.

“You’re blocking they way.” Sa wakas ay nagsalita ito. Mababa, mahina, pero puno ng awtoridad.

Goose bumps covered her skin. Hindi siya sanay na sinasabihan nang ganoon ng kahit na sino, lalo na lalaki. Palagi siyang may special treatment sa mga lalaki. She could manipulate them with just a charming look.

So, bakit hindi niya ginagamit ang charm niya sa isang ito? Proven and tested na ’yon. Ewan ba niya, hindi niya mapigil na magtaray dito. Para kasing nate-threten siya sa simpleng presensiya lamang nito. But she couldn’t help trying to invade his space, too, trying tp incite a strong reaction from him, to no avail, so far.

“This is my house. Tumabi ka,” giit niya sa may kataasang boses.

“That is the door behind you. Move,” kalmanteng sagot nito.

Aba’t…! Asshole! Ang kapaaal!

“Your brother is waiting for me. Get out of my way.”

Nakipagtitigan siya rito. His stare was unwavering, at naramdaman niya ang sariling parang natutunaw.

“What’s the matter, spoiled little princess? Do you want something from me?”

Nahigit niya ang hininga. Nabasa ba nito ang laman ng utak niya?

His gaze dropped to her chest. Nakasuot siya ng body-hugging bandage dress at litaw ang cleavage niya. Sanay siyang magsuot nang sobrang sexy at revealing na mga damit at confident siya sa katawan niya, pero habang tinititigan ni Dax ang cleavage niya, gusto niyang takpan ng mga kamay ang dibdib. Bigla siyang parang nahiya sa suot niya. Mas lalo siyang nainis. No man was going to make her feel ashamed and apologetic for what she chose to wear!

“Baka ikaw ang may gusto sa akin,” nasabi niya iyon bilang pagtatakip sa awkwardness niya.

He smirked, his eyes going back to meet hers. “Sino ba ang humaharang sa akin?”

Gusto ng umusok ang mga tainga at ilong niya sa inis. He was so insolent it was unbelievable!

“Bastos ka! Isusumbong kita sa kuya ko.”

He didn’t even blink. “Be my guest. Tell him binabastos kita because I’m not dancing like a poodle to your tune.”

Umigkas ang kamay niya. Hindi niya napigil. Natampal niya ang mukha nito. Hindi naman malakas, pero nagningas sa galit ang mga mata nito.

“Ikaw ang bumabastos sa akin, Miss Valdeverro. Ikaw siguro ang dapat isumbong sa kuya mo. You’re harassing me at work,” panunuya nito. “Your brother is not the coolest guy, but he’s fair. I’m sure your actions were caught on cam.” His eyes gestured to the CCTV camera attached to the ceiling.

Naramdaman niyang sobrang init na ang kanyang mukha. Malamang ay pulang-pula na siya sa hiya.

“Move,” he commanded.

Kahit nagpupuyos ang loob sa inis, napilitan siyang tumabi.

He walked past her, slightly brushing her arm with his arm. He went into the house.

Naiwan siyang nakatayo roon, hindi malaman kung saan ilalagay ang inis at hiya.

My gaaaahhh!

She ran her fingers through her hair, shaking her long locks to cool down her escalating temper. Ayaw niyang tuluyang masira ang gabi niya nang dahil sa lalaking ’yon.

Ilang minuto rin niyang kinalma ang sarili bago lumakad palapit sa nakahimpil niyang sports car.

Lumigid ang kanyang bodyguard na nagsisilbi ring driver niya, akma siyang pagubuksan ng pinto sa front passenger seat.

“I’ll drive,” yamot na sabi niya rito.

Remo, her bodyguard nervously stared at her stilettos, doubting if she could drive in them.

“I race cars for fun. You think I can’t drive in my damn heels? Follow me in another car.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Dali-dali itong lumigid at pinagbuksan siya ng pinto sa may driver’s side ng kanyang Jaguar.

She went in and pushed the start button. The engine purred to life.

She gripped the steering wheel, her ego still smarting from that little encounter with her brother’s arrogant bodyguard.

She had to regroup if she wanted to win the bet.

Obviously, hindi taray ang katapat nito kundi lambing. Lahat ng lalaki, iyon ang weakness.

Her insides cringed at the idea of being sweet to that asshole. But she’d win that bet at all costs.

DAX was cussing under his breath as he walked toward Russel’s office. Nanggaling na siya rito kaninang hapon, umalis siya nang mga bandang alas-kwatro para pumunta sa RDV headquarters sa Ayala Avenue. Nagtagal siya nang halos dalawang oras doon, kumuha ng data sa computer network ng kompanya.

Tinawagan siya ni Russel at pinababalik sa mansiyon nito. Ayaw sana niyang bumalik sa bahay nito at baka makita na naman niya ang kapatid nito, pero importante raw. Kaya heto ulit siya. Sa malas, naengkwentro agad niya si Rianna.

Gusto niyang takpan ng kumot ang katawan nito. Her sorry excuse for a dress made him really hot and bothered. Extra bothered knowing she’d be the object of men’s lust the moment she stepped out into the public. Pero ano ba ang pakialam niya rito? Wala!

Shit! That girl could get on his nerves faster than a bullet, and he was a hard to the core operative trained to withstand the most trying circumstances. But Rianna simply flashed her pretty eyes at him and boom, he was a mass of agitative nerves. Iyon ang lalo niyang ikinaiinis sa sarili. Bakit ganoon na lang ang epekto ng babaing iyon sa kanya? Hindi naman dahil sobrang ganda nito. He’d had the most beautiful women of all races back in his old life—

Shit, that she could make him think of his old life almost a decade ago made him gnash his teeth.

Kumatok siya sa pintuan ang opisina ni Russel.

“Come in,” anang tinig ni Russel mula sa loob.

Pumasok siya sa malawak na silid.

“Dax, come,” Russel gestured with his hand to approach his table. “Sorry to be calling you back here tonight. Importante lang.”

“No prob, Russ. What is it?”

“Look at this.” Iniharap nito sa kanya ang laptop nito. “I set up a bait last week. I gathered my top executives in a meeting. Nagbigay ako ng mga pekeng information about a medium-size company I was planning to buy. Ngayon ay nasa market na ’yong kompanya, inviting the public to bid for it. Triple na ang presyo kaysa assessment ko a few months ago. Only five people were in that room.” Pinindot nito ang ilang keys sa laptop nito. “Investigate these people. Isa sa kanila ang traidor sa kompanya ko.”

“These are you highest executives. Your VPs.”

Tumiim ang mga bagang nito. “People I’ve trusted and elevated to such powerful positions. And yet, one of them has betrayed me. Or maybe all of them.”

“I’ll look into each of them immediately.”

“Ayokong makahalata sila ng anuman. Stop going to the office. Dito ka na lang magtrabaho sa bahay. Naka-hook naman ako sa network ng kompany. You can pull any data you want from my computer here or my lap top. Baka kasabwat ng traidor ang mga humahawak ng network. Pati ’yon imbestigahan mo. I want you to drain the swamp, and flush the vermin. Hire all the experts you need to find the mole ASAP.”

“I will…” he said reluctantly.

“O, bakit alanganin ang sagot mo?”

“Hindi naman…” He’d be working here?! Shit! Ayaw na nga niyang pumunta rito dahil kay Rianna tapos heto ang nangyari. Inilipat ni Russel ang work place niya sa mismong bahay nito. Ibig sabihin ay araw-araw na siyang dito magre-report.

“May problema ba?” nakakunot-noong tanong ni Russel.

Umiling siya. “Nothing… Nothing.”

“Sabihin mo lang kung anong kailangan mo, I’ll provide. You can use this office anytime.”

Tumango lang siya.

“Okay, good. Kumain ka na?”

“Hindi pa.”

“Come on, masarap ang niluto ni Ally.”

Nahihiya siyang tumanggi. “Hindi na, Russ. Sa labas na ako kakain.”

“Ano’ng hindi na? Tatanggihan mo ang luto ng asawa ko? Lagot ka do’n. She knows you’re back here tonight. She’s expecting us to join her in the dining room. Halika na.”

“Okay…”

ALLYSSA, Russel’s wife was not only very beautiful, but very kind and had a vivacious personality. She sounded really smart, too. Ang swerte ni Russel, sa isip niya. At ease kaagad siya kay Ally.

Simple lang kasi si Ally, disenteng manamit, halos walang make-up sa mukha, hindi tulad ni Rianna na kung manamit ay napaka-sexy at revealing, wala ng itinira sa imahinasyon. Hindi naman sa hindi siya sanay makakita ng mga ganoong pananamit sa mga babae. He used to live the most decadent lifestyle—

Shit, ayan na naman. Maisip lang niya si Rianna, nanunumbalik na ’yong mga alaala ng dati niyang buhay na matagal na niyang ibinaon sa limot.

“May asawa ka na ba, Dax?”

Muntik siyang nasamid sa biglang tanong ni Ally. Uminom siya ng tubig.

“Wala.”

“Girlfriend?”

“Wala rin.”

“Talaga? Mahirap bang magka-girlfriend dahil diyan sa work mo?”

“Medyo.”

“Ilang taon ka na nga?”

Umubo siya. “Twenty-nine.”

Tumango-tango ito. “Hmmm.”

“Hon, you’re making Dax uncomfortable,” saway ni Russel sa asawa. “Pasensiya ka na dito sa asawa ko, Dax, ganyan ’yan, gustong malaman ang lahat, dadaigin ka sa pagiging imbestigador.”

Pabirong humampas ni Ally and braso ng asawa. “Hindi naman. Inaalam ko lang ang basic background ni Dax. Kumakain na siya ng niluto ko. I earned the right. ’Di ba, Dax?” malambing na baling nito sa kanya.

Napangiti siya. “Oo naman. Ask away.”

“Nasaan ang family mo?”

Iyon naman ang klase ng mga tanong na ayaw niyang sagutin. “Patay na ang parents ko.” Hindi na siya nag-elaborate pa, at uminom na lang ng tubig.

Mukhang nakahalata naman si Ally at iniba na ang topic.

“How long have you been a security expert?”

“Mga almost ten years na.”

“Do you love you job?”

“Oo naman. Hindi ako magtatagal kung hindi.” Ally knew him only to be a security expert that catered to urban- based companies, but his work extended way beyond corporate security problems that needed fixing. Alam ni Russel ang tunay niyang trabaho at understood na hindi nito dapat ipagsabi sa iba. Nasa kontrata iyon na pinirmahan ni Russel sa Stealth Unlimited, ang kanyang kompanyang pinagtatrabahuan. Sina Russel at ang boss niyang si Lucky de Angelo ay malapit na magkaibigan.

He was in fact a military contractor who’d been on classified missions all over the world. Nagpapahinga lang siya ngayon in between missions. Kagustuhan ni Lucky na bigyan siya ng break pagkatapos mapasabak sa isang delikadong assignment. Pang-decompress daw ng utak. Hindi naman niya kailangan ’yon. Sanay siya sa gulo mula pa noong bata siya. But Lucky would always insist, sabay bigay sa kanya ng corporate assignments sa mga kaibigan nito, tulad nitong kay Russel. Hindi naman siya makatanggi. Kagagaling niya sa Iran last month para sumama sa security contingent ng isang US senator na nakikipagnegosasyon sa mga rebelde na nasa Syrian border. Nagkakabombahan doon. Nakauwi pa naman siya nang buhay. Maybe he did need a short break bago sumabak ulit sa hot spots.

“Dax, kain ka pa.” Inilapit ni Ally sa kanya ang tray ng pork ribs na niluto nito. Napakasarap niyon, napakalinamnam.

Kumain pa siya. Masarap naman talagang magluto si Ally. He was relieved when the conversation switched to Rianna.

Nagrereklamo si Russel. “Umalis na naman? Halos gabi-gabi na lang lumalabas ’yon.”

“Sus, tumigil ka. May curfew nga siya eh. Ikaw nga noon, wala,” sabi naman ni Ally na natatawa.

“Lalaki naman ako, hon. Kababaing tao niyon hinahatinggabi sa labas.”

“Hayaan mo at nang mag-enjoy siya. She’s earning her own keep. Wala kang masasabi sa kanya diyan.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean she’d spend most of her nights clubbing.”

“Ano namang gagawin niya dito sa bahay, aber?”

“Marami. Mag-aral magluto. Tulungan ka sa mga ginagawa mo rito.”

“Napaka-throwback mo. Hindi porke nagluluto ako dito sa bahay ay igagaya mo na rin si Rye sa akin. I used to have a great career at RDV. I just chose to be a housewife now dahil maliit pa si Elle. Pero babalik ako sa work pag malaki-laki na siya.”

“Hindi ka na makakabalik dahil mabubuntis ka na ulit next year,” nakangising turan ni Russel.

Nagba-blush na hinampas ni Ally ang balikat ng asawa. “Shhh, nakakahiya kay Dax.”

Ngumiti siya sa mga ito. “Don’t mind me.”

“Seriously, tigilan mo si Rye, hon. Matanda na ’yon. She’s smart and independent. Alam niya ang ginagawa niya.”

Rusell sighed in resignation. “Nanalo na ba ako sa ’yo? Lagi mo namang kinakampihan ’yon.”

“Kasi wala na sa lugar ang paghihigpit mo.”

Tumingin si Russel sa kanya. “See what I put up with everyday? I’m outnumbered. Kampihan mo ako. ’Di ba hindi dapat hinahatinggabi ang isang babae sa labas?”

Dax was inclined to agree with Rusell, but he glanced at Ally and saw the expectant look on her face.

“Ahm, matanda naman na siya, Russ. Let her have fun. May bodyguard naman siya, di ba?”

“See, I told you! Ikaw lang ang OA, hon,” natatawang sabi ni Ally sa asawa.

Russel shook his head. “Whatever.”

“Time for dessert!” Tumayo si Ally at nagtungo sa kitchen.

“Magsabi ka sa akin nang totoo. Nakatikim ka lang ng luto ni Ally kumampi ka na sa kanya. My sister is out of control. She needs discipline.”

“Paano mo didisiplinahin ang hindi na menor de edad at kumikita ng sarili niyang pera?”

Russel sighed. “Ewan ko. I’m just worried about her, you know? Delikado na ang mga panahon ngayon.”

He’d be worried, too, if Rianna were his sister or whatever, but he kept that to himself. She would never be his anything, that was for sure.

Bumalik si Ally, inilapag sa harapan nila ang isang plato na dessert. “Creamy cookie tarts with strawberry, kiwi, mango and lemon toppings. Dig in, guys.”

Nagkatinginan sila ni Russel.

“Basketball tayo bukas ha,” sabi nito.

Nakangising tumango siya at halos sabay silang dumampot ng tarts.

Wala pang limang minuto ay simot na ang dessert ni Ally.

---

VOTES AND COMMENTS APPRECIATED:)

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION, BABIES.

YOU ALL INSPIRE ME. 

xoxo

3 THE PLAN

RIANNA wasted no time. She immediately went to work. Her mission: Break Dax Ravago’s heart.

But in order to do that, he had to fall madly in love with her first. Peanuts. He had men falling like tons of bricks at her feet since she hit puberty. This one would be very easy. A bit more elusive than the other guys, but easy nonetheless.

Nang gabing iyon, nadatnan niyang nakikipaglaro ng basketball si Dax kina Russel at sa mga bodyguards nila sa basketball court ng Valdeverro compound. Naroon sina Ally at Elle, cheering squad ni Russel. They were even waving red pom-poms. Natawa siya sa hitsura ng mga ito.

Hawak ni Russel ang bola.

“Daddy! Daddy!” sigaw ni Elle.

Russel gave his little daughter a flying kiss before he went for a three-point shot. Swak ang bola sa ring. Tuwang-tuwang pumalakpak si Ally. Ginaya ni Elle ang ina, pumalakpak din.

"Rye! Halika!" tawag sa kanya ni Ally. 	

Lumapit siya sa kinauupuan ng hipag at pamangkin at nakinood sa laro. Her eyes were riveted on Dax the moment she allowed herself to really look at him.

He was wearing a dark blue, sleeveless sports shirt, black, loose basketball shorts and black Nike sneakers.  He looked so tall, so strong, his ams and legs so powerful as he ran around the court. Basa na ng pawis ang pang-itaas nito and she could almost smell him. Masculinely musky. She sighed inwardly. Kahit ano yata ang isuot ng lalaking ito ay gwapo ito tingnan.

Dax was holding the ball now.

"Go, go, go, Dax!" biglang sigaw niya.

He threw the ball in the air. 

Mintis.

DAX cursed. He just missed his first shot in the game. Dumating lang ang babaeng ’yon, minamalas na kaagad siya! He wished hindi na ito nanood sa kanila. Pero kanina pa rin naman siya lingon nang lingon sa paligid, hoping for a glimpse of her. Para siyang gago. He didn’t like her presence, but he was craving to see her, too.

Ringo, Russel's head of security suddenly slammed against his side. Natumba sila sa hard court. Damn, lumampa siyang bigla! Kung saan-saan kasi lumilipad ang utak niya.

"Sorry bro," ani Ringo na tinulungan siyang tumayo. 

Nagpatuloy ang laro.

He tried to concentrate, but he failed. Kahit naglalaro, he couldn’t help but notice how great she looked in her baby pink formal suit and pink high-heels. Disente ang ayos nito, nakataas ang mahabang buhok. Mukhang Barbie doll pa rin pero natatakpan ang dapat matakpan sa katawan nito. Sana ay parating ganoon ito mag-ayos, nahiling niya.

He got the ball again, though he didn’t know how it got in his hands. Damn! Hinaharang siya ni Russell. He looked for an opening. He couldn’t seem to get one. He had trained abroad to be an ambidextrous guns expert. He could fire four different guns one after the other in seconds. Now he couldn’t even dribble a damned ball!

He leaped for a three-pointer. Natapal ni Russel ang bola, naagaw nito.

His boss took a three-pointer. Score!

Dax sighed. A girl should inspire him to be better, not worse.

RIANNA saw him sitting in the gazebo later that night, as usual, working on his laptop. Nagpahanda ng isang masaganang dinner si Russel para sa lahat ng mga tao sa Valdeverro mansion bilang blow-out sa pagkapanalo nito sa basketball kanina. It was like a party. Dax never came near her all night. He had avoided her like a plague. She still couldn’t get over the fact na total deadma siya sa lalaking ito.

She started wondering if he was really a bodyguard or some corporate exec who just loved wearing tough guy outfits. But the deadly-looking gun casually lying on top of the table within his easy reach erased her doubts. She had never been with the rough and tumble kind of guys. She always went out with smooth, sophisticated men-about-town types. Dax was the dark horse among her pack of golden stallions. Untamed. Yet, anyway.

But not for long. Before she was finished with him, he would be nibbling sugar from her hands.

"Hi," malambing na bati niya nang makalapit siya rito. Hindi makuha sa taray, pwes, lambingin.

"I'm busy, Rianna," he said curtly, not even giving her a glance.

She gnashed her teeth, insulted, pero nagtimpi siya. "I brought you some apple pie," aniya na itinago ang pagkainis sa likod ng matamis niyang boses.

"Busog pa ako."

Ngani na lang na isalpak niya ang apple pie sa ulo nito. Jerk talaga! Nagmumukha na siyang tanga. Wala pang lalaki ang pinagsilbihan niya nang ganito! Siya ang pinagsisilbihan ng mga ito! 

Nagtimpi pa rin siya. Maingat niyang inilapag sa mesa ang platito ng apple pie. "Baka mamaya gutumin ka, iiwan ko na lang ito dito."

Hindi ito umimik.

Nanatili siyang nakatayong parang engot sa tabi nito. He looked like he was not going to waste time exchanging idle talk with her. Patuloy ito sa pagtipa sa laptop nito. He was studying some colorful graphs on the screen and lots of numbers.		 

“Uhm, what are you doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” sagot nito as if istupido ang tanong niya.

Grrrr talaga!   “Okay, you’re working, I can see that. But on what?” Umupo siya sa katabing silya nito at nakitingin sa screen ng laptop.

"It's complicated. You won't understand."

"Try me." Bobo siya sa math, but she would pretend interest in what he was doing if he'd only look at her. And smile. Just one smile. Napakamahal ng ngiti ng lalaking ito. He was always brooding and scowling at her.

Noon siya nilingon ni Dax. His eyes were intense, but they had a wicked glint in them that made her heart palpitate faster.

Hindi na ito naka-shades ngayon dahil gabi na. His eyes were a rich shade of brown, and they seemed to smolder with fire as he stared at her. Para siyang napapaso.

Sumandal ito sa backrest ng kinauupuan at pinasadahan siya ng tingin mula ulo hanggang baywang, nagtagal sa kanyang dibdib. "Are you coming on to me, Rianna?"

Napasinghap siya sa tanong nito, natorete. Sobrang prangka naman nito! Apparently, subtlety didn't belong in his virtues, if he had any at all! His eyes challenged her. Her hackles rose all the more. "And if I am?" she retorted, he chin raised a bit.

Ilang segundo pa itong tumitig sa kanya bago nagsalita.  "Are you that easy?"

She blinked at him, shocked. 

Ano daw?! Her repertoire of smooth lines had not prepared her for such a blatant question. But she had the gift of the gab. She was making lots of money out of it.

Inhale and relax.

You can handle him. “Are you?”

Ngumisi ito nang nang-uuyam. “Believe me, you won’t have to be begging like a cheap broad if I were, honey.”

Her cool demeanor evaporated like smoke. "How dare you! You flatter yourself! I'm not begging! I never beg!"

"Oh yeah?" He eyed the apple pie skeptically. "Then what are you doing? Rianna the princess serving me, the hired help? Are you that desperate?"

Tumayo siya, nanggagalaiti na sa inis. "Nagmamagandang-loob lang ako! Kung ayaw mo, 'di  h'wag mo!"

He sat there relaxed as he casually shredded her ego to pieces. "You got that right. Ayaw ko. Sa 'yo." He enunciated the last words firmly. "Save your honey, sweety, I ain't tempted."

Hindi nakaimik si Rianna. Her confidence suddenly took a deep nosedive. No man had ever dissed her so brutally and so bluntly like that! It was so humiliating she wanted to cry right there and then. She swallowed hard and blinked her eyes rapidly. Wala pang lalaking nakapagpaiyak sa kanya maliban sa namatay niyang ama at ang Kuya Russell niya! 

I won’t cry! I won’t!

Dax suddenly picked up the fork and took a slice of the apple pie and slowly brought it to his mouth. He watched her as he chewed leisurely. "Masarap pala."

Sari-saring emosyon ang lumukob sa kanya habang nakatitig sa lalaki. She had never felt the urge to slap someone's face before and kiss him senseless at the same time. The man was so infuriating and so damned...sexy! She fought to regain her composure. 

Don’t get mad. Get even! She smiled at him seductively, unleashing her legendary charm that no man before had ever managed to resist.

“I am much better than that,” she said boldly. She had never used that line before. She never had to. Men had always been so easy.

He raised a brow. "Credit me for more taste."

Pakiramdam niya ay binigyan siya nito ng mag-asawang sampal. But the more he insulted her, the more she was challenged to prove him wrong. Iniliyad niya ang dibdib. "You don't know what you're missing."

"Dumb blondes have absolutely no appeal to me. Specially fake blondes."

My God! That, she could never take! Blonde ang color ng buhok niya. She was known in Metro Manila's A-list crowd as the most glamorous blonde for ages!

"Most especially hysterical, fake blondes," he added with a sneer.

Absolutely no filter, this man.

Inside, she was an erupting volcano. 

Ang kapal!

Grabeh!

Feeling God’s gift to women na animo langaw kung pitikin palayo ang mga babae kung ayaw! Ang mga lalaking ganito ay salot sa mundo niya bilang modernong babae. Dapat sa mga ito ay tirisin, dikdikin at gawing feeds ng mga hayop!

“I’m not dumb, you idiot,” she was screaming at him inside but her voice came out really soft.

"Then stop acting like one," anito at nilantakan pa ang apple pie na tila sarap na sarap talaga.  

Namaywang siya. Pinantasya niya kanina na kakainin ni Dax nang ganoon ka-enthusiastic ang apple pie pero ngayon ay gusto niyang mabulunan ito o sumakit ang tiyan pagkatapos. Magka-LBM ka sana, hudas ka! “You’re a jerk, you know that?” she said, her voice saccharin sweet.

"And you're a cheap tease. But thanks for the pie. If you'll excuse me, I wanna go back to work."

He turned back to his laptop, finished his food and shoved the plate away from him. Muli siyang parang tangang nakatayo at nakatanghod dito.

He only looked at her again, but only to ask, "Nagdala ka ng pambara, wala namang pantulak."

Doon nasagad ang temper niya. “Ano’ng akala mo sa akin, maid mo?!”

“Hindi ba? Lubus-lubusin mo na, ikuha mo ako ng tubig. Bilis!” Pinitik pa nito ang mga daliri na para siyang alipin nito na susunod kaagad sa utos nito.

She stomped away, fuming madly. “You wish, you asshole!”

DAX sighed in relief when Rianna left. He was glad he was able to drive her away. He hoped she wouldn’t come near him again. Ever!

The sight of her sexy belly button peeking from her tiny, pink knitted blouse made him so uncomfortably hard. God, she was so unbelievably sexy she could arouse a corpse! It took a lot of restraint in him not to grab her and... he wanted to do everything to her. Kiss her, fondle her, lick, suck her, fuck her. 

Hard. Fast. Furiously.

Shit, shit, shit!

No woman had even made him pant with need like this. He was actually imagining the apple pie to be her soft flesh as he ate it. Every time he’d see her and think about her, he’d think of sex. Nothing else.

Lord, take me to Afghanistan, to Syria! The hotter spot, the better! Just get me outta here!

PABAGSAK na naupo si Rianna sa isang malambot na chaise lounge sa isang bahagi ng malaking sala ng kanilang mansiyon. Bubulong-bulong siyang parang bubuyog sa sobrang inis. “Akala mo kung sino. Sobrang yabang talaga! Humanda ka sa akin, unggoy ka!”

"Mainit yata ang ulo mo, sis? May problema?"

Nilingon niya ang kanyang hipag na lumapit sa kanya. She had always envied Ally's sunny disposition. Parang walang bagay sa mundo ang makaka-ruffle sa composure ng kanyang hipag, maliban na lang kung nagiging pasaway ang asawa nito. Pag umandar ang topak ng kanyang Kuya Russel, si Ally lang ang nakakapagsermon dito at himalang parang maamong tupa na makikinig ang kanyang kuya. Not even their mother could chastise Russell the way his wife did.

"Paano, may mga mayayabang at mga bwisit na unggoy na naliligaw dito sa paligid," aniyang humalukipkip.

Umupo sa kaharap niyang chaise lounge si Ally. "Ha? Nasaan?"

Inginuso niya ang gazebo na kinaroroonan ni Dax. "Saan ba nadampot ni Kuya 'yan?"

Tumawa si Ally. "Actually matagal nang kaibigan ng Kuya mo si Dax. Tauhan siya nina Kuya Lucky at Kuya Jett mo. He's a security expert."

"Ah, security guard lang pala, akala mo general kung umasta."

"Hindi siya isang ordinaryong security guard," amused na pagtatama ni Ally. "Security experts are involved in private investigations and protection. They're like troubleshooters."

"Whatever. Mayabang pa rin siya!"

Naiintriga na ngayon ang tingin ni Ally sa kanya. "Bakit, ano ba'ng ginawa ni Dax sa 'yo?"

Hindi siya kaagad nakaimik. Hindi naman niya masabi kay Ally na nagpuputok ang butse niya dahil hindi siya pinapansin ni Dax. Magmumukha siyang petty niyon. 

“Sinabihan ba naman akong dumb blonde! Hindi ko talaga ma-take ’yon! Dumb blonde?! I’m earning seven figures from having this hair, that jerk! Ni hindi pa nga siguro mangalahati ang sweldo niya buong taon sa kinikita ko sa bawat hosting job ko ’no! Ang kapal talaga! How dare him! Pasalamat nga siya pinansin ko siya eh. Sino ba siya, ha? Tauhan lang naman siya ni Kuya!”

Nakita niyang pinipigil ni Ally ang matawa.

Pinandilatan niya ng mga mata ang hipag. "Hindi siya nakakatawa ha." 

 "Nakahanap ka yata ng katapat mo, Rye."

"Siya, katapat ko? Please naman, sis, he's way below my league. I won't be caught dead dating a guy like him. Yuck! A security guard, for God's sake!"

"Hindi siya security guard, sabi."

"Whatever! I only date classy and sophisticated guys. Hindi siya classy. Taga-bundok ang ugali niya. He's crude and rude and...and...basta, bwisit siya!"

Biglang sumulpot mula sa library si Russell. "Sinong taga-bundok?"

"Iyang security guard mo, taga-bundok! Ugaling taga-Paleolithic period, may lahi pa yatang Homo-Erectus! Kainis!"	

“Huh? Sino?” puzzled na sabi ni Russel.

“Si Dax,” amused na sabat ni Ally.

Kumunot ang noo ni Russel. “Pati pa ba si Dax eh pinagdidiskitahan mo ha, Rye?”

Nandilat ang mga mata niya. “Ako? Ako na ngayon ang masama, eh ako na nga ang binastos?!”

“Paano kang binastos?” tanong ni Russel sa medyo protective na tono.

“Sinabihan ba naman ako na dumb blonde!”

Her brother snorted. “Ahh. Eh tingnan mo naman ’yang itsura mo. Kahit sinong lalaki ay iyan ang magiging impression sa ’yo.”

Padabog siyang tumayo. “Hay naku naman, Kuya, magkalahi yata kayo ni Dax. You’re stereotyping women based on the color of their hair. Napaka-throwback niyo! Hmp, diyan na nga kayo! Goodnight!”

“Rye, tawagan mo raw si Mama. Miss ka na raw niya,” pahabol ni Ally sa kanya.

“Opo!” Wala kasi roon ang Mama nila, umuwi sa Bacolod para dalawin ang hacienda nila roon. Ayaw ng kanilang ina ang Maynila pero nang isilang si Elle, ang kauna-unahang apo nito ay malimit na itong nasa Maynila.

Nakairap na iniwan niya ang mag-asawa.

Hindi siya halos nakatulog nang gabing iyon sa kaiisip sa hudas na lalaki.

Lalo tuloy sumidhi ang determinasyon niyang manalo sa pustahan nila ni Wendy.

NANGANGALUMATA si Rianna sa meeting niya kinabukasan with the producers of a grand festival in Boracay. She would be hosting the big event. Kahit nasa meeting siya ay si Dax ang iniisip niya. He had the last word in their last encounter. Sisiguruhin niyang kanya ang huling salita sa susunod na engkwentro nila.

Pasimple siyang siniko ni Jaz, ang kanyang manager-publicist. “Makinig ka,” bulong nito.

The Marketing Manager of Silver Gin, the host of the Boracay event was talking. She smiled and pretended to listen.

“We already know your style, Rye. Bilib kami sa galing mong magdala ng crowd. Alam naming kaya mong dalhin ang buong show. But we want to get another host para maging partner mo.”

“Uhm, is that necessary? Gaya ng sinabi niyo, kaya ko namang mag-isa.”

“The majority of Silver Gin consumers are men. Kailangang may strong representation ang mga lalaki. If you can recommend somebody na nakatrabaho mo na at komportable kang makatrabaho ulit, mas maganda. We’re thinking of Derek, Mark or Borgy. Take your pick,” banggit nito sa mga celebrities na dati na niyang nakatrabaho.

She liked Borgy, nagkasama sila noon sa isang TV commercial. Si Derek, hindi sila swak ng personalidad. Si Mark ay host ng isang lifestyle show na kung saan ay na-feature siya bilang isang car enthusiast. That show had yielded two major endorsement contracts for her. One for Jaguar, the other for Omega Precision Watches.

“Okay, si Mark na lang,” sabi niya.

Sumang-ayon naman sa kanyang choice ang management ng Silver Gin.

Tumawag si Wendy sa kanyang cellphone. Nag-excuse siya sa mga ka-meeting. Lumabas siya sandali sa conference room. “O girl , bakit?”

“Don’t forget Gutsy’s grand opening tonight. Doon na tayo magkita, okay?”

“Oo nga pala. Tonight na pala ’yon, ’no? O sige, see you guys later.”

Matapos kausapin si Wendy ay napangiti siya. Bumalik siya sa meeting na inspired na.

---

VOTES AND COMMENTS APPRECIATED

4 THE BODYGUARD

RUSSEL invited Dax to join the Valdeverro family for dinner. Napilitan siyang magpaunlak kahit iyon ang huling gusto niyang gawin nang gabing iyon, ang makasalo sa hapag-kainan si Rianna.

Russel was seated at the head of the eight-sitter dining table in one of the informal dining rooms of the Valdeverro mansion. He was sitting on Russel's left side while Ally was seated on her husband's right side. Russel's beauteous and bubbly wife had served her best recipes again.

Rianna entered the room late.

"Evenin' guys," bati nito at humalik sa pisngi ni Russel at bumeso kay Ally.

Dax concentrated on his food, but her fresh, expensive scent wafted towards him, and the signs of an arousal started manifesting inside his pants again. Suddenly, he couldn't wait to leave. 

God, ano bang dusa ito?

"Hey, Dax," bati ni Rianna sa kanya.

Tumango lang siya. He prayed that she wouldn't sit beside him. Tough luck. The little brat smiled sweetly at him,  sauntered to where he was sitting and settled on the chair next to him. 

Napainom siya ng tubig. He thought of the bloody carnages he had witnessed in Afghanistan to ward off her tantalizing scent, not to mention her mouth-watering sexiness. As usual, she was dolled up in a too tight, too short, too thin outfit. Trust this woman to be always underdressed.

Kumunot ang noo ni Russel, gumuhit ang disgusto sa mukha habang nakatingin sa kapatid nito. "May lakad ka ba? Gabi na ah."

"I'm meeting my friends at a bar in Greenbelt."

"Hanggang ano'ng oras ka na naman sa labas?"

"Kuya, hindi ka na nasanay sa akin. Ally o, he's acting like a killjoy Dad again. Awatin mo, please, bago masira ang gabi ko," baling nito sa hipag sa tonong nagsusumbong na bata.

Hinaplos ni Ally ang braso ng asawa. "Basta umuwi ba siya sa curfew, okay lang, 'di ba honey?"

"Speaking of curfew, pwedeng paki-extend ng 3 AM, Kuya? Alanganin naman ang 12 midnight eh. Hindi pa nangangalahati ang party niyan. Bitin ako palagi."

"Kababae mong tao, inuumaga ka sa labas? Dinaig mo pa ako noong binata ako, ah."

"Hindi ka inuumaga ng uwi kasi doon ka natutulog sa mga girls mo. 'Di ba Ally?"

Napahagikhik si Allyssa.

Pinaningkitan ni Russel ng mga mata ang asawa na para bang sinasabing, 

Don’t open your mouth. But Ally didn’t look intimidated by her husband one bit. “Oo nga. Doon sa condo niya noon sa Makati siya nagpapalipas ng gabi.”

“Twelve midnight or stay at home, maliwanag, Rye?” matigas na sabi ni Russel.

"Ally o..." Rianna whined.

"I agree with your brother, Rye. Kumain ka na," pagtatapos na ni Ally sa diskusyon.

Lumabi si Rianna. "Kainis! Para naman kayong hindi dumaan sa pagiging single. Daig ko pa si Cinderella. Ang corny! Pinagtatawanan na nga ako ng friends ko. May escort pa ako pauwi na para bang mawawala ako sa daan!"

"Delikado ang panahon ngayon. Ayokong nagda-drive ka sa labas nang dis-oras ng gabi na walang escort o ka-convoy."

Magsasalita pa sana si Rianna pero binara ito ni Ally. "Dax, kumain ka pa, o. Tikman mo itong baby back ribs."

Nilingon siya ni Rianna. He caught her eyes gleam with a sudden idea. He groaned inwardly. Damn, bakit naman nabaling sa akin ang atensiyon ng mga ’to? He could have listened to them discuss about the most trivial things if only they didn’t involve him. Pero kung siya si Russel, nungka niyang ito-tolerate ang sungay ng kapatid nito. Kay tanda na ni Rianna pero mukhang wala pa ring pinagkatandaan. Mukhang kulang sa disiplina noong bata pa. She badly needed a mean spanking.

"Eh kung samahan ako ni Dax tonight, Kuya, puwede bang hanggang three AM ako?"

Nabitiwan ni Dax ang hawak niyang steak knife. It cluttered onto his plate noisily. He picked it up, embarrassed. "Sorry..."

Natigilan si Russel, tumingin sa kanya. Umiwas siya ng tingin. 

Oh shit, don’t even think about it, man!

“Oh, that’s great! Oo nga naman, Dax. Puro ka trabaho. Why don’t you unwind a bit? Samahan mo na si Rye,” agad na pagsang-ayon ni Ally.

Dax bowed his head and feigned utmost interest in his food.

 "Tama si Ally, Kuya. Kawawa naman si Dax na laging ikaw na lang ang kasama. I'm sure sukang-suka na 'yan sa company mo. Give him a break, will you?"

He looked at Russel. Ilang Segundo itong nag-isip habang dahan-dahang nginunguya ang pagkain sa bibig. Uminom ito ng tubig. 

No, man, don’t sic the she-devil on me, por favor!

"Kuya, pleeeeezzz!"

Nagkibit-balikat si Russel. "I don't know. Ask him if he wants to go. Okay lang sa akin kahit umagahin ka basta siya ang kasama mo."

Napalunok siya. Sabay na tumingin sa kanya sina Rianna at Ally. Their expectant, excited eyes made him break out in a sweat kahit centralized ang aircon ng Valdeverro mansion.

"O, sige na, Dax, samahan mo na si Rye. Have fun tonight," pangungumbinsi ni Ally sa kanya. He wanted to shout a vehement 'no' but Ally's sweet, sincere smile prevented him. Kaya niyang tanggihan si Rianna pero hindi si Ally na napakamaasikaso sa kanya. Russel's wife had an innate charm that was irresistible. 

"O-okay," aniyang ni halos hindi lumabas ang boses. Start counting down your descent to bedlam, old boy, he thought morosely.

Pumalakpak si Rianna. "Great!" 

Magana na itong nagsimulang kumain.

"O, honey, makakatulog ka na nang mahimbing niyan, ha? Rye is in safe hands," sabi ni Ally sa asawa.

"Yup. But I gotta warn you, Dax, numero-unong purwisyo 'yan. Ikaw na ang bahala sa kanya. Iuwi mo rito sa bahay sa oras ng curfew niya, okay? Kapag pumalag, ipasok mo sa sako at ilagay sa trunk ng kotse pauwi."

"Kuya, you're so mean talaga!" 

Russel smirked at his sister. "Sweetheart, I'm not mean, you're just uncontrollable. Hindi puwede ang demokrasya sa 'yo. Kailangan, martial law."

Masama na ang tabas ng mukha ni Rianna. “Ally, o, sumosobra na ’yang asawa mo.”

Bahagyang tinapik ni Ally ang braso ng asawa bilang pananaway. “Enough, honey. Eat.”

Russel shook his head and continued eating.

Dax, on the other hand, sighed inwardly. Nawalan na siya ng ganang kumain. He knew he was in for a long, tortured night.

“SAAN ba ang lakad mo ngayon?” Hindi itinago ni Dax ang inis at impatience habang naglalakad sila ni Rianna papunta sa malawak na garahe ng Valdeverro mansion. Nakahilera roon ang mga mamahaling mga sasakyan nina Russel at Rianna. Parehong mahilig sa sports cars ang magkapatid.

"Magkikita kami ng friends ko sa Greenbelt. Kabubukas kasi ng bagong bar and restaurant ni Gutsy. Opening night ngayon," sagot nito at tiningnan isa-isa ang mga sasakyang naka-park roon, waring namimili ng modelong gagamitin nila. 

If she wore designer clothes, she sure drove designer cars, Dax thought, almost shaking his head at the extent of her privilege, which she obviously took for granted. BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Jag, Maserati, Mustang… He’d willingly camp in this garage all day just staring at these hot babes!

She finally pointed at a red Ferrari. “There, we’ll use that one.”

Dax stared at the sleek model of a mechanical beast. It was an Enzo, the limited model only the rich-as-Croesus could afford, and one of the fastest Ferrari models ever built. He loved Ferrari. It was his favorite car brand before. He used to have his own bevy of sports cars. He could afford them then, but not anymore. Iba na ang buhay niya ngayon.

Rianna looked at him challengingly. “Can you handle that car?”

He almost snorted. He could successfully make an emergency landing of a plane on EDSA—yes, he had some mad skills— itong ganitong sasakyan lang ba ang hindi niya kayang drive-an? But he kept his thoughts to himself.

“The keys,” aniya.

"Freddy, where are you?!" sigaw ni Rianna sa malambing na tinig.

Sumulpot mula sa kung saan si Freddy, ang professional mechanic na nagme-maintain sa mga kotse ng mga Valdeverro. Graduate si Freddy ng Mechanical Engineering at nag-aral sa ibang bansa kung paano mag-alaga ng mga ganitong sasakyan.

“Ma’am?”

“Gagamitin namin si Enzo.”

May dinukot si Freddy mula sa isang bulsa ng overall uniform nito.

Inabot ni Dax ang susi, pinindot ang remote control na naka-attach doon. The car’s security locks made a sound.

“Thank you, Freddy dearest,” nakangiting sabi ni Rianna sa mekaniko.

Nagba-blush na tumango ang binata at magalang na nagpaalam. Bumalik ito sa likod ng garahe.

Naglakad sila ni Rianna palapit sa Enzo. Nauuna ito sa kanya. Her swaying hips and long, shapely legs were driving him crazy. “Opening night pala, eh ba’t ganyan ang suot mo?” hindi niya mapigilang sabihin. He could have bitten his tongue. Ano ba ang pakialam niya sa suot nito?

Huminto ito sa paglalakad at hinarap siya. “Hmm, why, what’s wrong with my dress? It’s designed by my couturier friend, Wendy.”

"Kung lahat ng gawa niya ay ganyan ang tabas, then I don't like her designs," he said curtly.

"Bakit, don't I look sexy in this dress, Dax?" nakakalokong tanong nito, namaywang at iniliyad ang harapan. She spread her legs in a sexy, casual stance of a woman very aware of her beauty.

He was sure the word 

tease was invented by this woman. Pinasadahan niya nang masamang tingin ang suot nitong black dress na malalim ang uka sa likod, kay-iksi ng laylayan at hapit na hapit sa katawan nito. She looked absolutely stunning, but the thought of her scantily dressed figure parading in public didn’t sit well with him. All men would be visually devouring her all night. Malamang na papantasyahin pa ng mga ito ang babae nang ilang linggo! He felt a strange possessiveness — Aw, shit! Stop right there, you idiot!

“Showing too much skin isn’t sexy. You leave nothing to a man’s imagination. Walang thrill. Lahat luwa na, walang ka-challenge-challenge. Pero kung gusto mong magmukhang prostitute, bahala ka,” kunwari’y balewalang sabi niya saka pinagbuksan ito ng pinto ng kotse.

"Alam mo, pareho kayo ni Kuya Russ, walang sense of humor. You're both throwbacks to the Medieval Ages! New millennium na tayo ngayon, 'no! Women can now wear whatever they want and the hell with men's opinions! You can no longer tell us what to do, least of all what to wear!"

“Point taken. But you still look like a prostitute. Get in, we don’t have all night.”

She rolled her eyes. “God, you’re insufferable!” she said exasperatedly and climbed into the front passenger seat. He closed the door, walked around to the driver’s side and got in.

A few minutes later, they were on the road.

NAKAILANG STICKS na ng sigarilyo si Dax habang naghihintay kay Rianna sa parking lot ng bar na kinaroroonan nito. Kanina pa siya pinapapak ng lamok. Sinapak na naman niya ang kaliwang braso nang may maramdamang kumakagat doon. Shit, pag nagka-Dengue siya dahil sa malditang babaeng ’yon, dugo nito ang gagamitin niyang dextrose!

Nakaupo siya sa driver’s seat ng sport scar nito. Bakit ba itong letseng astig na sasakyang ito ang napili nitong gamitin? Lagi tuloy siyang nakaalerto at baka bigla itong carnap-in o baka may gumasgas sa kaha nito. Para tuloy siyang nagbabantay ng mina. The driver’s door was flipped open para makahinga naman siya. That he had to choose between mosquito bites and breathing made him grit his teeth in resentment. Bakit ba siya nagdurusa para sa babaeng iyon? Dalawa tuloy ang binabantayan niya. Ang magarang kotse at ang lagalag na may-ari ng kotse. He sighed wearily.

It was already 2 AM. Mukhang sasagarin na ni Rianna ang curfew nitong 3 AM. Batong-bato na siya sa kahihintay dito. By God, this would be the first and last time he’d babysit this little brat!

He could see her laughing with her friends inside the bar dahil salamin ang buong façade ng building. Marami itong kasama, mukhang puro mga anak-mayaman. Nakahilera ang mga mamamahaling sasakyan sa parking lot ng bar. 

He clenched his jaw as he saw Rianna stand up for the nth time to dance with a man. She was a great dancer, her movements, feminine and sexy. Medyo lasing na ito, alam niya dahil medyo mabagal na itong kumilos at napapansin niyang nagte-take advantage na ang lalaking kapares nito sa sayaw.  Clearly, she was a woman of the world. Maybe that guy was her boyfriend? They were certainly very sweet with each other. 

May kung anong kirot ang gumapang sa kanyang dibdib sa isiping iyon. Hindi niya mapigil. Lalo siyang nagngitngit sa sarili. He didn't only want her. He was starting to covet her for his own. Which was the most stupid thing he'd ever do!

He looked at his watch again. Should he go in there and take her home now? Justified naman kasi pasado alas-dos na. Specific ang bilin ni Russel sa kanya. Not beyond 3 AM.

Nakita niyang masyado ng dikit ang katawan ni Rianna sa partner nito. The man's hands were touching her ass now...

Hindi na siya nakatiis.

RIANNA’S heart lurched when she saw Dax enter the bar. He looked so pissed. Good! Talagang sinadya niyang paghintayin ito nang matagal. Puwede na sana siyang umuwi nang mas maaga dahil umuwi naman ng bandang ala-una sina Wendy at Shay. Pagod daw ang mga ito at may maagang appointments kinabukasan. She could have left with them, but she chose to stay. Alam niyang atat na atat ng umuwi si Dax. Puwes, magdusa siya! Bodyguard lang siya, mag-antay siya kung kelan matapos ang lakad ng amo niya!

Ipinulupot niya ang mga braso sa leeg ni Gutsy. The guy was gorgeous and he had always been great company. Lately ay masugid ang panliligaw sa kanya ng lalaki. He was a great catch. In fact, type niya ito. Gorgeous, brainy, Ivy League graduate, CEO ng family business nito. She was going to start dating Gutsy seriously when Dax entered her universe, and everything changed. Nairita siya sa huling naisip. Her universe didn’t change. Dax was just a bet, nothing more!

“Rianna…”

Nilingon niya ito. Her eyes involuntarily scanned his frame appreciatively. He was rugged-looking as usual, but he was the most gorgeous guy in that room. “Yes?”

“Let’s go,” mariing sabi nito.

“Oh, come on, Dax. The party is just heating up. Martini, gusto mo? Kuha ka lang sa bar, sagot ko,” aniyang nairita sa kabruskuhan nito. Hindi siya sanay sa lalaking nagmamando sa kanya. Si Russell lang ang nakakamando sa kanya.

He grabbed her arm firmly. “I said, let’s go.”

“Hey, man, let go of her!” sabat ni Gutsy.

Tinitigan ni Dax nang matalim si Gutsy. “She’s going home. Now.”

“Teka nga, Rye. Who’s this? Bakit ka niya iniistorbo?”

“He’s just my bodyguard,’ kaswal na sagot niya sa kaibigan. ’Come’n Guts, dance with me.”

---

VOTES AND COMMENTS APPRECIATED:)

5 THE SPOILED HEIRESS

DAX’S patience reached its limit when Rianna turned her back on him, and led her boyfriend to the other side of the dance floor.

He acted on instinct. Sinundan niya ito at binuhat na parang sako ng bigas sa kanyang balikat. She screamed, causing everyone to look in their direction. Balewalang tinungo niya ang entrada ng bar.

“Put me down, you jerk! Ano ba!”

He smacked her bottom. “Shut up.”

“Aww!” she yelped.

His hand encountered naked skin and the soft material of her lacy undies. Shit, her ass was exposed! Sinisi niya ang maiksing damit nito. He saw Gutsy and the guard’s eyes widen in appreciation. He smacked his palm back on Rianna’s rump to cover her.

“Aw, aw!!! You pig! Put me down!” she shrieked, bludgeoning his back with her small fists. They felt like Shiatsu massage.

“Hoy, ibaba mo siya!” sigaw ni Gutsy na humabol sa kanila. Humarang ito sa pintuan ng bar. “Ibaba mo siya kung ayaw mong masaktan!”

Pati ang gwardiya sa bukana ng bar ay umalerto rin. Hawak na nito ang punuan ng baril nito. “Sir, ibaba n’yo po siya!”

Hindi niya pinansin ang guwardiya. “Awatin mo ’yang boyfriend mo at baka manghiram siya ng mukha sa aso,” aniya sa mababang boses.

Rianna stopped flailing. “Put me down! Nakakahiya, ano ba!” impit na angil nito.

“If you promise to go home with me now without any fuss.”

“I promise, damn you!”

“Sinabing ibaba mo siya!” Akmang susugurin na siya ni Gutsy.

NATARANTA si Rianna. She knew instinctively that Dax was just waiting for Gutsy to attack first, so he’d have a reason to beat him to a bloody pulp. Savage Neanderthal! She knew that Gutsy would be no match against Dax in a brawl. Gutsy was so refined while Dax was a…what was the apt word? Oh yeah, a thug! He was an uncivilized thug! No civilized man would do what he was doing right now!

“Guts, it’s alright! He’s really my bodyguard and we’re going home!”

Natigilan si Gutsy. “But…”

A camera flashed. Oh no! She had been caught on cam with her ass in the air over some thug’s shoulder like a sack of potato! “Put me down!”

Ibinaba siya ni Dax. Inayos niya ang sarili, apologetic na ngumiti kay Gutsy. Lahat ng mga tao sa bar ay nakatunganga na sa kanila ni Dax, tila hindi makapaniwala sa eksenang nasaksihan. She was sure, magiging laman siya ng mga gossip blogs bukas. Malamang, nasa social media na ang kasalukuyang nangyayari. God, how could she show herself in public again after this? Grrrr talaga! Makikita ng unggoy na ’to! Naku talaga!

“Are you sure? I can take you home, Rye,” sabi ni Gutsy na hindi pa rin kumbinsido.

Hindi na siya nakasagot dahil hinila na siya ni Dax palabas ng restaurant. Nagpumiglas siya. “Ano ba! Why did you do that? Nakakahiya! They’d talk about me for weeks!”

“Yeah, good for you, then. You’d be famous,” balewalang sabi nito.

“Excuse me, I’m already famous, you jerk! Bitiwan mo nga ako! Isusumbong kita kay Kuya! You’re manhandling me!”

Binitiwan naman siya nito. He pushed her none too gently inside the sports car and slammed the passenger door shut. He climbed into the driver’s seat and maneuvered the car out of the parking lot.

“Hoy teka! Ihinto mo nga ang sasakyan! Wala pa namang 3 AM, ah!” asik niya rito.

“Wala pa ngang alas-tres pero lasing ka na.”

“Eh, bakit ba?! Naroon ka para bantayan ako! Responsibilidad mong iuwi ako kahit lasing ako! Saka hindi ako lasing ’no! Nakainom lang!”

Hindi na siya sinagot ni Dax, nakatuon ang atensiyon nito sa pagmamaneho na lalo niyang ikinagalit. Mukha siyang luka-luka na nagtatalak pero para siyang nakikipag-usap sa pader.

Sinapak niya ito sa balikat. “Ano ba, ibalik mo ako sa party!”

“Rianna, I’m driving,” kalmanteng sabi nito.

“I don’t care! You’re a bully! Ibaba mo ako!” She punched his arm again.

Biglang nagpreno si Dax. Halos mangudngod siya sa dashboard ng kotse. “O sige, baba,” utos nito.

Natigilan siya. They were along Ayala Avenue. Madaling araw na kaya hindi na busy ang daan. Maliwanag ang paligid dahil sa street lamps pero may kakaibang katahimikan na nagbababala ng panganib. She had always been in relatively safe places. “You can’t drop me here! Take me back to Greenbelt! Magpapahatid na lang ako sa mga friends ko later!”

“I’m tired, I wanna go home. If you wanna party some more, go back on your own.”

“You can’t be serious! This is my car!”

“Not tonight.”

“You…you…!” She emitted a frustrated growl.

“Bababa ka ba o ano?”

Galit na binuksan niya ang pinto ng sports car at bumaba. The moment she’d slammed the door shut, he sped off.

Hindi siya makapaniwala. Iniwan talaga siyang mag-isa sa daan! My God, the gall…the nerve…the…kapal!

She needed to call Gutsy to pick her up. Noon niya na-realize na wala siyang purse. Naiwan sa kotse! Nasa purse rin niya ang kanyang cellphone. She had no money either! She stamped her foot in helpless fury. “Great! Just great!”

Luminga-linga siya. Here she was, dressed like this…and a car suddenly slowed down beside her, a black sedan. Bumaba ang tinted na salamin ng kotse. “Hey, babe,” bati ng lalaking nagmamaneho nito. He looked like an executive, disente ang porma, but he was looking at her rather obscenely. “Need a ride?” anitong nakangisi.

Doon niya na-realize, napagkamalan siyang hooker ng lalaki! Oh my God! This can’t be happening to me! Ginapangan na siya ng takot. Hindi siya kailanman nakaranas ng ganitong sitwasyon. Binilisan niya ang paglakad. Oh, I will kill you, Dax Ravago! I swear, I will!

Isa pang kotse ang biglang lumapit sa kanya. Dalawa na ngayon ang bumubuntot sa kanya.

Oh God, Oh God…!

DAX was cursing the woman who was causing him this unbelievable headache. As he sped off, he looked at the rearview mirror and immediately saw a car following Rianna.

He cussed harder as he stepped hard on the gas and made a mean U-turn. That he had to take drastic measures to teach her a lesson was simply unbelievable! He had never met anybody as spoiled as Rianna Valdeverro. She would be the death of any man. This little brat was more than a handful!

He overtook the two cars and stopped the Ferrari on the curb some ten meters ahead of her. Lumabas siya ng kotse at agad itong nilapitan.

She looked terrified, and so relieved. When she saw him, she practically ran straight into his arms. "Dax!" She clung to him like a leech.

He embraced her. She was shaking like a leaf. He felt like a rotten bastard for scaring her like this. Ang bilis talaga ng mga babaero sa Makati. He hadn't been gone thirty seconds and they were already on her like horndogs!

"Hoy, I saw her first!" galit na sigaw ng lalaking nasa isang kotse sa tabi nila.

He simply pulled his 9mm from inside his jacket and aimed it at the man. That shut the guy up. Mabilis nitong kinabig ang manibela nito at pinaharurot ang sasakyan nito palayo. Hindi na rin lumapit ang isa pang kotseng nakabuntot kay Rianna.

Pasimple niyang muling isinukbit ang baril sa likuran niya, ingat na hindi makita ni Rianna.

"Shhh...Come on, let's get out of here."

Doon ito mukhang nahimasmasan. Bigla itong kumalas sa kanya at nagbabaga ang mga matang hinarap siya. Her hand moved. 

He had it coming. He took it, though he could have evaded it easily. A whack in the face that nearly dislocated his jaw. Man, this chick could make money in boxing!

She angrily wiped her face of her tears. “Walanghiya ka! Iniwan mo akong mag-isa rito!”

He rubbed his injured jaw. “I didn’t. I just rounded a block.”

“Muntik na akong ma-rape, hudas ka!”

“Oh yeah? Magtataka ka pa ba, eh mukha kang call girl sa suot mo.”

“That is beside the point! You deliberately put me in danger!”

"No. I could see you all along in the rearview mirror. Tinuturuan lang kita ng leksiyon. Sobrang tigas ng ulo mo."

Her eyes were huge with furious incredulity. "Leksiyon?! At sino ka para turuan ako ng leksiyon?! Tatay ko?! Ang kapal mo talaga! Bodyguard ka lang namin! Kaya kitang ipakulong sa ginawa mo!"

"Okay, sige, bukas idemanda mo ako. Umuwi na muna tayo at mahamog na," aniya at hinila na ito patungo sa kotse.

Nagpumiglas ito.

"Rianna, I swear, if you don't get in the car, I'll put you in the trunk just like what your brother told me to do."

Lalong nanlaki ang mga mata nito. "You wouldn't dare!"

He advanced towards her. "Dare me."

Kung nakamamatay lang ang tingin ay sampung beses na siyang nangisay sa talim ng titig nito sa kanya. "You'll pay for this! I swear you'll pay for this, you pig!" Nakakuyom ang mga palad at nanggagalaiti ito sa galit. Damn, she looked magnificent in her fury. Little Barbie in one of her childish tantrums. He detested hysterical women, but this particular display of hysterics, he was perversely enjoying. 

Geez, I’m turning into lame Ken!

“One…two…in the car…” he counted menacingly, slowly walking towards her.

Tumakbo ito at sumakay sa kotse.

He heaved a sigh of relief. Kung nagmatigas pa ito ay baka napahiya siya. Hindi naman niya kayang ilagay ito sa loob ng trunk ng kotse, pero mukhang naniwala si Rianna na gagawin niya ’yon. Na-guilty siyang bigla pero kinonsola rin niya ang sarili. Tulad ng sinabi ni Russel, hindi puwede ang demokrasya kay Rianna kundi Martial Law. His conscience pacified, he got into the car, as well.

Natahimik na si Rianna sa passenger seat pero naniningkit pa rin ang mga mata nito.

Hinubad niya ang suot na jacket at iniabot dito. Nang hindi nito tinanggap ay inilagay niya sa kandungan nito. "Isuot mo, maginaw na," utos niya.

"Fuck you!"

"No, thanks. Seatbelt," he said.

"Go to hell!" 

Dumukwang siya at ini-strap ang seatbelt dito. "Believe me, I'm already there." 

Pinasibad niya ang sports car.

THE MOMENT they arrived at the Valdeverro mansion, Rianna bolted from the car and went into the house shouting her brother’s name at the top of her lungs. Dax massaged his temple. God, a fire-breathing little dragon in the wee hours of the morning. Great, just what everyone needed.

Bumaba siya ng kotse at sinundan si Rianna sa loob. Kabababa lang nina Ally at Russel sa grand staircase, parehong naka-roba at halatang nabulahaw mula sa pagkakatulog.

"What the hell is this all about, Rye? Ano'ng problema?" galit ang tono ni Russel.

"Him! 'Yang magaling mong security guard! 'Yan ang salot sa buhay ko!"

The couple's eyes both settled on him. Pinagsalikop ni Russel ang mga bisig sa harapan ng dibdib nito. "What did he do?"

"Iniwan ba naman akong mag-isa sa Ayala Ave?! Napagkamalan tuloy akong call girl ng mga lalaki do'n! Ang hitsura kong ito, mukha ba akong pok-pok?! Napaka-iresponsable niyan! 'Di ba ang bodyguard, taga-bantay? Eh iniwan ako do'n at muntik na akong ma-rape!" Her tone had adopted a terrified feminine lilt now.

Dax winced. She was not only a spoiled brat, the little witch was also a drama queen! Hindi naman ito talagang nameligro. He would have ripped those bastards to pieces with his bare hands if they so much as touched a hair on her body. But he didn't have to tell her that. Lalo lang itong magmamalaki sa kanya.

"Iniwan mong mag-isa sa kalye?" Mapanganib ang tono ni Russel. Alam niyang napaka-protective nito sa kapatid.

Napalunok siya. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "You know me, Russ. I just gave her some taste of danger. Masyado siyang kumpiyansa at mapagtiwala. With all her supposed wild ways, she's so naïve."

"Excuse me! Who are you calling naïve?!" Rianna yelled at him. 

He just gave her a bored look. 

"Don't interrupt him, Rianna. Go on, Dax," si Russel.

"Para malaman niya na hindi lahat ng pagkakataon ay safe siya. Paano kung ang bodyguard niya ay tatanga-tanga? She could be raped anywhere, even in a bar, within the company of her friends, among the people she trusts," matatag niyang sagot at sinalubong ang titig ni Russel.

Namaywang si Rianna. "Don't tell me you'd buy that bullshit, Kuya! He did it to spite me! Pinagtripan ako ng hayop na 'yan!" she ranted, terrified-female-act forgotten.

Russel sighed. "Okay, so ano ang gusto mong gawin ko sa kanya, Rye?"

"Anything!"

"Like what? Tell me."

"Fire him!"

"Can't do that. We have a contract. He's good at his job."

"He breached it!"

"Don't think so. You're still in one piece."

"Puwes ipakulong mo!"

"On what grounds?"

"Ano...kwan...Reckless endangerment?"

Russel raised a brow. "Resulting in what?"

"Well... He had not been guarding me well! He purposely put me in danger! I was so scared!"

Noon ngumisi si Russel. "Really? Great! I think I'll give him a bonus instead. Why didn't I think of that before, hmm? Brilliant!"

Livid was a tame word to describe Rianna's face in the next instant. 

Oh maaaan…! Tsunami coming.

Inakbayan siya ni Russel. “Halika, nabulahaw na rin lang ako, join me for a drink. Honey, go back to sleep. Rianna, go to bed.”

Ally gave him a sweet smile. He didn't look at Rianna. He knew he had already been incinerated for the 500th time as of this hour. Napilitan siyang sumunod kay Russel sa dining room.

Moments later, he heard the most blood-curdling scream that ever emanated from a woman. "I hate you! I hate you! I hate youuuuu!!!" She was shouting all the way to the second floor like an Indian warrior about to make a scalping.

"Who do you think she hates more?" natatawang tanong ni Russel sa kanya.

He sighed for the nth time that night and shook his head wearily. "I'd better start wearing a helmet and a Kevlar vest around here."

THE FOLLOWING morning, Rianna’s phone was flooded with calls and text massages. Inaantok pang binuksan niya ang message na ipinadala ni Jaz sa kanya. May kasamang attachments iyon.

Nawala ang antok niya. 

Oh my God! There she was on the home page of Elite Insider, the most notorious gossip blog in the metropolis, dangling like a fish over Dax’s shoulder! Kitang-kita sa picture na hawak ni Dax ang kanyang pang-upo. Ang sabi ng headline ay: Heiress Ass, Exposed!

Binasa niya ang article sa ibaba ng larawan. 

Rianna Valdeverro, the glamorous heiress and host of the hottest events in the city had a rough and tumble episode at the opening of her current beau Gutsy Ynarez’s new bar in Greenbelt. The tipsy socialite refused to go home with her bodyguard. A hunky bodyguard, we might add. Like drop-dead-gorge hunky! Apparently, this was one employee who wasn’t afraid of his boss’ legendary temper. He hauled her over his shoulder like a sack of potato, smacked her bottom as if he would chastise a child having a tantrum, and then exited the bar, leaving all mouths gaping in shock, and later, in awe. We love this guy! It’s not every day that the bitchy heiress (Hello, Tory Urdaneta, you should be BFFs!) gets her comeuppance this way.

Nasapo niya ang mukha. 

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Pumailalim siyang muli sa comforter. Hindi siya lalabas ng bahay ngayong araw. 

NAPAMURA si Dax nang iabot sa kanya ng isa sa mga guwardiya ni Russel ang isang tabloid. Nakabalandra ang mukha niya roon at ang pang-upo ni Rianna. His hand was on her ass, his fingers spread possessively over it.

Ang sabi ng headline ay: Ass-grabber Extraordinaire! Binasa niya ang caption sa ibaba ng larawan. The golden globes, er… the pretty landscape you’re seeing above belongs to the stylish heiress Rianna Valdeverro. Now, we all know her. But who is this lucky dude? Sources say he is Ms. Valdeverro’s bodyguard. All we can say is, lodi!

Shit! Lagot siya kay Russel.

True enough, Russel summoned him to the library that morning. Ilang tabloids ang nakalatag sa ibabaw ng mesa nito, pare-pareho ang larawang nakalagay sa front pages.

“Nakaligtaan mo yatang sabihin sa akin kagabi ang tungkol dito,” seryosong sabi nito.

“Ahm…ayaw niyang sumama pauwi, so, binuhat ko siya.”

Ilang saglit siyang tinitigan ni Russel.

“Maiksi kasi ang damit niya kaya nagkaganyan…” pangangatwiran niya.

Maya-maya’y tumawa si Russel, napailing. “My sister is a handful, huh?” he said.

Dax wasn’t sure if Russel was referring to his sister’s behavior or his hand on her rump.

Napailing din siya. “You have no idea, man.”

“Actually, I do. I’ve been putting up with her shit for years. Glad I’m getting a hand in taming that hellcat.”

They ended up laughing good-naturedly about it.

6 THE LITTLE RED BOOK

RIANNA was reading a little red book called How To Lead a Man To Temptation , a humorous, satyrical account of a femme fatale of the twenty-first century.

Naintriga siyang bilhin iyon kanina sa bookstore dahil sa catchy title nito. Naisip niya na baka makatulong iyon sa mga plano niya kay Dax. Pero na-shock siya sa laman ng libro. She was a modern woman, but her liberal lifestyle was a novice compared to the author’s.

The book said: All men have three greatest fantasy women. 1. Lady Boss. 2. Vamp 3. Innocent virgin.

A Lady Boss was a strong-willed woman, confident, always holding the upper hand, and in-control. A woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it. A woman who could run the ship while the captain was away, so to speak.

A Vamp was uninhibited, bold, would try anything once first before saying no. In short, a very sexually experienced woman.

And lastly, the innocent virgin, a motherly, nurturing, submissive, housewife material who would willingly wait for her husband to come home with a clean house, delicious meal and great, old fashioned sex for dessert, and who would willingly become his broodmare, too.

She could identify with the first two, but number three was simply unthinkable. Though she partly qualified in its criteria, at least, on the virgin part, which had long been overdue for disposal anyway, but that was it. She could never be any man's housewife or a broodmare. Yikes! 

She continued reading. Be a Lady Boss, but play it cool. Be a Vamp, but never easy. Be the Innocent Virgin, but never predictable.

The book further said: To attract the most elusive man, you must play his very game. Be elusive yourself. Nothing turns a man off more than a desperate woman. Men are predators by nature. They like to do the chasing. So dangle the bait, but let them do the hunting. Make them wait. Make them pant. Make them hunger. Make them feel frustrated. Then suddenly reverse the situation. Turn around and meet them head on. Let them catch you. Chances are, he’d be all over you like a conquering warrior. All his passion would be centered on you and you alone. The trick is, make him think like he’d won the battle. Make him taste sweet victory. You’re his grand prize, and a hard-won victory is always savored and cherished. The end game is, let him win the battle, but you win the war.

She smiled. Why, she was fully qualified to fulfill those fantasies! After all, it was only a game. A game she wanted to win. And time was running out on her.

Natigilan siya sa iniisip. Was she ready to take this game to the highest level? She was dubbed as a playgirl party girl by the media, but in truth, Dax was right on the money. She was the biggest tease this side of the universe. She was a master of wrapping men around her little finger with no more than a smile, a few sweet words and strategically calculated pats on selected parts of a man’s anatomy to get his attention. She could actually author a book that would talk about how a woman could enslave a man without having to sleep with him.

But she had been toying with ordinary men, she supposed. With all her initial advances, Dax was able to evade her charms successfully. Her ego was suffering a really bad blow now. Nagsisimula na siyang magduda sa kanyang sarili.

All the men she’d wanted became putty in her hands the moment she batted her eyelashes at them. She had never encountered a healthy, young man who didn’t show interest in her. So, she didn’t quite know how to deal with Dax and his outright rejections. Doon niya na-realize, wala pala siyang masyadong alam sa mga lalaki.

Muli niyang dinampot ang libro. This time, binasa niyang mabuti ang bawat pahina.

Napangiti siya nang malapad sa bandang Chapter Eight. It said: Signs that a man wants you even if he’s shouting buzz off!

Pagdating niya sa Chapter Ten ay mabilis na ang tibok ng puso niya sa excitement. Ang titulo ng Chapter Ten ay: How to tempt the untemptable man.

Sabi ng libro, huwag daw masyadong magmadali. She had to practice the art of detachment and indifference para nasa kanya ang upper hand. Showing a man how badly she wanted him was a major turn off. He would resist until he was ready to obey his own needs. But she wouldn’t leave a lasting impression by being easily taken.

Minutes later, her mind was working fast, setting her latest plan to hook Mr. Hard To Get. Yup, hook him, then dump him!

She was so glad she bought the book.

Now it was definitely war between them. The stakes were definitely on the all out high now. Hindi na lang ito basta simpleng pustahan. Nakataya na rito ang pride niya na never niyang isinuko sa kahit na sinong lalaki!

An Eye for an eye, Dax Ravago.

“WELL, how’s the seduction of Mr. Hard To Get? May progress ka na ba?”

Pinilit ni Rianna na maging kaswal ang kanyang sagot sa tanong ni Wendy. Naroon sila sa paborito nilang beauty salon sa Ayala Center, nagpapaganda. A stylist was doing her hair while Wendy was having a foot spa. "Okay lang. He's almost in the bag."

Tiningnan siya nang may pagdududa ni Wendy. "Hmm, nahihirapan ka yata sa kanya?"

She sipped from her four seasons drink, courtesy of the salon. "Hindi ah. Before the month ends, he'd be my slave," confident na sabi niya

Tumawa si Wendy. "Hindi kaya baliktad?"

 "What do you mean by that?"

"I've never seen you so driven to get a guy," sabi ni Wendy na sinulyapan ang ginagawa ng hairstylist sa kanyang buhok.

She shrugged. "Probably because they've all been too easy."

"Careful, girl. You might have met your match."

It was her turn to laugh. "Nope. He'd be passé on my list next month. I just can't turn down a challenge, that's all."

"I'll be watching. By the way, your bare ass looked really cool on the front pages. You're über-hot right now, girl."

"Puwede ba, huwag mo ng ipaalala sa akin 'yan. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin ma-take ang hitsura ko sa mga pictures na 'yon."

Tumawa si Wendy. "Well, ayaw mo pa no'n, milyon-milyon na ang market value ng derriere mo. Ang dami kayang nabentang tabloids and gossip magazines last week dahil sa mga pictures na 'yon. Ipa-insure mo na 'yan. Gayahin mo si J-lo."

"Heh!"

Tinawanan lang siya ni Wendy.

Makalipas ang kalahating oras ay tiningnan ni Rianna ang sarili sa salamin ng parlor. Nanibago siya sa kanyang hitsura, pero nasiyahan siya sa nakikita. It was time she changed her blonde bombshell look into the tough, little cookie look. Mukhang mas type ni Dax ang mga babaing palaban ang hitsura, iyong sporty. She would go shopping for leather outfits next, and more jersey, denim and khaki pants, and boots and sneakers, too.

She flipped her head and shook her newly dyed brunette tresses. It had been ages since she had worn her hair in its original color of dark brown. Pinalagyan lang niya ng konting highlights na copper.

"How do I look?" tanong niya kay Wendy.

"Desperate," natatawang sabi nito. "Changing your trademark look for a guy? I think you're falling in love, girl."

"Luka-luka! Ayoko lang magsuot ng label mo forever, no! Nakakasawa kaya!"

Nagtawanan sila.

"Sabagay, yummeh nga namang talaga ang lalaking 'yon. Tall, dark and oh-my-goodness! He's so mysterious, and I do hate easy guys.  May lahi bang Latino 'yon? Ibang klase ang beauty."

"Sabi ni Ally, taga-US daw si Dax pero sumama kay Kuya Lucky sa Pilipinas some years ago. May lahing Mexican yata pero may halo ring Caucasian. Iyon lang ang alam ko. I need to know more about his background."

“Hmm, in case you fail, ako naman ang hamunin mo. I’d like to sample his…assets. He looks quite…fully endowed.”

"I won't fail," she said a bit loudly, her insides going uncomfortably tensed at the thought of Wendy seducing Dax. Tulad niya, maganda at sexy ang BFF niyang ito, pero mas malayong may alam ito sa lalaki kaysa kanya. Hmm, that, she had been trying to remedy. Chapter Eleven's topic was her inspiration. 

A man’s total undoing. The chapter had listed at least a dozen major ways to enslave a man carnally.

"We'll see, girl. We'll see."

DAX THANKED his aviator glasses when he saw Rianna approaching because he couldn’t take his eyes off of her if his life depended on it.

If he thought at first that she was beautiful even in her expensive, flashy Barbie outfits, she was a total knockout in her tight, leather pants, tiny black top and Doc Marten boots.

And her hair! God almighty, did she do this for him? Her hair was now gorgeously dark, luxurious and shiny, cascading freely down her back. She looked very sophisticated, tough and utterly sexy. Classy too, for his personal taste, at least. Not that she didn't look great in her blonde hair, but she just looked perfect to him now. Just perfect. His fantasy woman. 

Fuck!

“Hi. I brought you some ice cream,” malamyos ang boses na bati nito.

Noon lang niya napansing may hawak itong bowl na may lamang ice cream. Now, why was she being so nice to him again after their last unsavory episode in that Greenbelt bar? Rianna was like a roller coaster ride. A man could develop manic depression from being in constant exposure to this woman. Akala niya’y nagtagumpay na siyang i-discourage ang babae. The truth was, he really hated being mean to her, but the woman couldn’t take a simple no.

“Thanks. Pakipatong na lang sa mesa,” maikling sagot niya.

He meant to dismiss her, pero nanatili itong nakatayo sa tabi niya. Her fresh, sweet scent was all over him, driving him nuts. He’d bet his ass she’d be fresh and sweet all over, too. He cursed inwardly at the usual direction of his thoughts where she was concerned.

“Kainin mo na. Matutunaw ’yan.”

God, how did one dissuade a very determined female? And why the hell was he resisting her like a saint? Palay na ang lumalapit, tatanggi ba ang manok? If she had been a different person, he would have had her fill of her in his bed weeks ago the first time she came on to him. He cursed at his hellish predicament. Honor could be a real bitch sometimes.

He reluctantly reached for the ice cream, tinikman iyon. Paano nito nahulaan na paborito niya ang coffee crumble flavor? Napakain na tuloy siyang talaga.

Umupo si Rianna sa kaharap niyang silya at pinagmasdan siya habang kumakain. "Sarap?"

Muntik na siyang mabilaukan sa tanong nito. He could think of things more delicious on her body than the ice cream he was eating. His jeans suddenly felt like it had shrunk three sizes smaller. Again.

Tumango lang siya.

Kumilos ang kamay ni Rianna patungo sa baril niya na nakapatong sa ibabaw ng mesa.

"Don't touch it. It's loaded," babala niya rito.

She smiled at him impishly. "I like 'em loaded." She looked at the gun. "But it's not cocked."

He swallowed. The conversation had definitely turned phallic. "You know how to fire?"

"Russel taught me when I was in my early teens. Nauso kasi ang kidnap noon. As if makikipagbarilan ako sa mga kidnappers," anitong bahagyang natawa.

Her slim and elegant fingers touched the dark metal of his M9 Beretta pistol. As though hypnotized, his eyes followed the way her forefinger traced the silhouette of his gun, passing through the contours, circling the trigger, all the way to the tip, and then finally enclosing her palm on the handle. She picked the gun up and emptied it of its magazine. She did it like a pro, effortless.

He suddenly looked at her in a whole new light. It seemed that little Barbie knew certain tricks that would impress a man, outside of the bedroom, at least, because he had no doubt that she would be absolutely dynamite in the sack. The way she was holding his gun, sheesh, he envied the damned thing!

"Do you wanna go firing with me some time?" kaswal na tanong nito sa kanya.

He cleared his throat. He would like to fire a different kind of load in her some time. "No."

She put the gun near her nose, as if inhaling its clean, oily scent. "Why not?"

"It's not part of my job."

"What if I make it a part of your job?"

"I have a contract with your brother."

She smiled at him sweetly. "Hmm, clause number eight: Accompany Russel and any member of his family wherever and whenever the situation calls for it."

He clenched his jaw. She got him there. "In that case, I will also amend my conditions. I'd get to whack your butt if you start being a pain."

"Oh yeah. You're pretty famous now for whacking my butt on cam," she said teasingly.

His nostrils flared in annoyance. "What do you want from me, Rianna?"

She pointed the gun at him. "You, Dax. I want you."

Motherfff....

He had difficulty swallowing. He didn't dare move or she'd know how much she was affecting him. The way she was sitting there, casually pointing the gun at him was like a visual aphrodisiac, a bondage fantasy any man must surely have, because he had it. With her.

"Careful what you wish for little girl or you might just get more than what you can swallow."

She grinned. She picked up the magazine and inserted it in the gun again. She carefully put the weapon back where she took it. So smooth.

Tumayo na ito. "Finished with the ice cream?"

Disoriented by her question, he nodded. Dinampot na nito ang bowl.

"If I get it darling, I promise to swallow."

She walked away, swaying her hips sexily, leaving her sweet scent in the air.

The implication of her parting shot left him stunned beyond words. 

The little tease! She's playing with me!

And he badly wanted to play with her. 

Nahilot niya ang sentido. He had read once that constant state of unsatisfied arousal was bad for one's physical and mental health. He needed to review his contract with Russel. Maybe he could renege on it.

Shit, pati trabaho niya’y nadadamay na!

7 BREATHTAKING

KANINA pa hindi mapalagay si Rianna. Mag-iisang oras na siyang naghihintay kay Dax, at habang lumilipas ang bawat minuto, lalo siyang hindi mapalagay. Malapit na ring sumabog ang kanyang temper. Hindi siya sanay na pinaghihintay!

Talagang nananadya ang hudas na ’yon!

Isang oras ang lumipas bago niya narinig ang pamilyar na ugong ng sasakyan ni Dax sa driveway ng kanilang mansiyon.

Para siyang sundalong nagmartsa papuntang foyer. Raratsada na sana ang maaanghang na salita mula sa kanyang bibig pero pansamantala niyang nalulon ang dila. 

She was arrested, as usual, by his breathtaking masculine appeal. Nakasandal ito sa passenger seat ng pick-up truck nito. Napalulon siya. He was wearing khaki cargo pants, brown climbing boots, black military shirt that showed his sculpted torso and muscled biceps, and a mean scowl. If this kind of appeal could be bottled, he would be a very rich man.

“Ready?” impatient ang tono nito, halatang napilitan lang na magpakita sa kanya.

Nahimasmasan siya sa pagkatameme. "Ready?! I was ready an hour ago! You're late!" 

He shrugged, unapologetic. "I had tons of work to do. More important than attending a damn gala."

His blasé tone infuriated her, pero ayaw niyang masira ang gabi niya kaya nagpigil siya. "For your information, this gala is no ordinary one. It's the grand opening of The Pointe, the newest, tallest, grandest condominium building in Makati. I'll be hosting the event."

“Yeah? So, what do you need me for? I hate parties. Of any kind.”

“I need an escort.”

Lalong nagdilim ang mukha nito. “Alam mo, minaliit mo na nga ang trabaho ko bilang bodyguard, huwag mo namang lalong i-demote sa pagiging escort lang.”

“You’re my bodyguard, but I don’t want you lurking in the shadows like Jack the Ripper. I want you there beside me, so you might as well be my escort.”

“I’m not your personal slave, Rianna,” he grated dangerously.

Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. "But you're still OUR bodyguard. You're under my brother's payroll," she pointed out, using her position as Russel's sister to manipulate him. 

Lady boss power. Ah, I can feel it! “Kuya Russ knows you’re going with me today.”

“Sangkaterba ang bodyguards n’yo. Bakit hindi mo dalhin sina Remo at Arnold? Sila naman ang dati mong bantay. I have a specific job description, and it doesn’t include babysitting a party-going spoiled brat.”

Mapipikon na talaga sana siya pero ni-remind niya ang sarili. He was definitely showing positive symptoms. Resistance. He wants you even if he’s shouting buzz off. Namaywang siya at ikiniling ang ulo sa seductive na anggulo. She pushed her chest out, fully knowing that her cleavage was a spectacular sight in her designer gown. “Well, I want you, Dax. May reklamo?”

Nagsukatan sila ng tingin.

“Do you want me to call my brother?” she asked when he didn’t say anything.

It took him a few beats to answer. Umiling ito. “He already called me.”

She smiled smugly. “That outfit won’t do.” Bumaba siya sa steps ng foyer at lumapit dito. He was so tall and big she felt small despite her four-inch heels. “Let’s go. Dadaan tayo sa isang shop. I’ll buy you a suit.”

Akala niya ay papalag pa ito pero walang imik itong pinagbuksan siya ng pinto ng sasakyan. She winced. “Can we use my Enzo?”

“No,” he said emphatically, his words, final.

Napilitan siyang sumakay sa sasakyan nito. Normally, she liked arriving at important venues in her sports cars or luxury sedans. First time niyang dadalo sa isang grandiyosong pagtitipon na pick-up truck ang sasakyan. All her friends would find that weird, pero kapag ipinilit niya ang kanyang gusto ay baka hindi niya maisama ang hudas na ito kaya itinikom na lamang niya ang bibig.

DAX clenched his jaw for the nth time in extreme agitation, but he was careful not to show it.

Rianna was fixing the lapels of his coat. Her sweet, fresh scent enveloped him like a cloak of pure bliss laced with torture.

"Okay na 'yan," aniya. He wanted to put distance between them. Her feather-light touches on his chest and neck were driving him crazy. Her breath was warm on him, clean and fresh. He was glad the three-piece formal suit she had him wear covered his fly. Damn this woman! Didn't she know what she was doing to him?

Lumayo si Rianna nang ilang metro mula sa kanya at pinasadahan siya ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. Her eyes lingered on parts of his body appreciatively, the look of a woman who wanted him. What the hell was he doing rejecting her? He was one stupid fool! Honor sucked!

"Perfect!" anito at ngumiti nang malapad. "One last thing. Jean, bring me some mousse, please."

Tumalima ang magandang staff ng mamahaling lugar na iyon na pinaghalong shop ng men's suits at men's salon. Dinala siya roon ni Rianna at binihisan ng formal attire. Hindi na siya nakatanggi. Alam niyang importante ang dadaluhan nitong event at malaki ang parte nito sa pagtitipon. She looked ravishing in her red, body hugging, shimmering gown. Ayaw naman niyang maging pasaway at magmukhang out of place sa rugged attire niya. Kahit asar siya na pumorma nang ganoon ay pumayag na siya.

Iniabot ni Jean kay Rianna ang isang canister ng hair mousse. She put some on his hair, styling it to her satisfaction. Nagsayaw ang mga daliri nito sa kanyang anit. 

God, did you create this woman for the sole purpose of torturing me? I know I have committed grave sins, but this is way too much punishment.

"You have nice hair...soft...and yet rough..." she murmured softly as though enjoying her task immensely.

"Okay na 'yan," muling sabi niya sa asar na tono.

"Relax," malamyos ang boses nito at ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa. 

He endured her ministrations for a few minutes more. He exhaled a breath of relief when she was finally finished.

He drove them to The Pointe. The building was along Makati Avenue.

Heads turned as Rianna alighted from his pick-up truck. All the men were looking at her admiringly. Raw possessiveness attacked him again, stronger this time. He held her elbow firmly as she was greeted by people from left and right like a celebrity. It was only then that he realized, Rianna was quite famous. 

The gala was attended by the A-list crowd of Metro Manila. Rianna hosted the affair with wit, savvy and flair that had everyone laughing or gazing at her admiringly. She was both beautiful, funny, and intelligent.

Given a different situation, she could have been his dream girl. But there was no different situation. She was elite, he was...trash. Just wearing an elite badge, but deep inside, still trash.

He wondered what was he doing here in this gala with her. It was not his world. This multitude of people with charmed lives were not his kind. He lived in the jungle of constant danger.

This was Rianna's world. She was the queen of it. She held great power here. It was a glaring fact of their differences in life. 

But that didn't diminish his desire for her.

PASADO hatinggabi na natapos ang gala. Uumagahin pa marahil ang party pero nagyaya ng umuwi si Rianna. Pagod na siya.

Nasa bukana na siya ng gusali ng The Pointe, hinihintay na pumarada ang pick-up ni Dax sa driveway ng gusali nang may lumapit na mga lalaki at babae sa kanya, may mga dalang camera. She sighed. Mga reporters ng tabloids. Paano nakalusot ang mga ito sa security ng gala? Na-guilty naman agad siya sa pagiging discriminating niya. Malaki ang naitutulong ng mga tabloids sa career niya.

She flashed the reporters a charming smile despite her tiredness. They were all over her at once.

“Miss Valdeverro, sino ang lalaking kasama mo ngayon? Bodyguard mo nga ba siya?”

“Siya ba ang current boyfriend mo?”

“Ano ba talaga ang score between you and Gutsy Ynarez? Nanliligaw ba siya sa ’yo? Kayo na ba?”

“What about Basti Ortigas? Ikaw ang date niya noong nakaraang MTV Awards sa US at sweet na sweet kayo. Naging kayo ba talaga?”

“Inaway ka raw ni Ricci Tuazon dahil inagaw mo raw si Basti sa kanya. Totoo ba ’yon?”

“Sinulot mo rin daw ang BW cosmetics endorsement mula kay Ricci. Ano ang masasabi mo diyan?”

Dahil kay Basti na sobrang sikat na lead singer ng banda nito, nahila na siya sa intriga ng showbiz at nadamay pa sa love triangle nito at ng ex-GF nitong si Ricci na isang ex-beauty queen at ngayon ay isa na ring aktres. Magkaibigan lang naman sila ni Basti. Close ang mga Valdeverro at mga Ortigas. Hindi rin niya kasalanan na sa kanya ibinigay ang BW contract sa bandang huli. Si Alexis Benedicto ang may-ari ng naturang higanteng cosmetics company at ito mismo ang kumuha sa kanya upang maging brand endorser ng kompanya nito. Malapit na kaibigan ng Kuya Russ niya si Alexis.

Halos mabingi na siya sa sunod-sunod na mga tanong sa kanya. Nang hindi siya sumagot ay lalo siyang pinagkaumpukan ng mga reporters, halos isaksak sa bibig niya ang mga hawak na video recorders at cellphones. Nasisilaw na siya sa mga flashes ng mga camera na halos isang dangkal lang ang layo sa mukha niya.

She turned to flee, pero wala siyang malusutan. She was totally surrounded. She panicked like a prey trapped by rampaging predators. Her long hair snagged on something, and she yelped when she pulled to free it. Nabunot yata ang ilang hibla ng buhok niya! She felt suffocated! In her struggle to get away, someone elbowed her ribs and hit her eye!

Biglang may mga brasong yumakap sa kanya. His strength instantly made her feel protected.

“Come on, let’s go,” sabi ni Dax.

Ito naman ang binalingan ng mga reporters.

“Sir, may we know your name, please?”

“Bodyguard ka bang talaga ni Ms. Rianna?”

“Taga-saan ka?”

“Nanliligaw ka ba kay Ms. Rianna?”

“Kayo na ba?”

Dax scowled at the reporters. “Back off!” mapanganib na angil nito.

Nahintakutang medyo lumayo ang mga ito sa kanila. Dax led her away from the pack. Pinasakay siya nito sa pick-up nito na nasa driveway na. Cameras were still clicking furiously around them. Nang makapasok sila ng sasakyan ay agad itong pinasibad ni Dax. Nagmumura ito.

Nilingon siya nito nang makalayo na sila sa venue. "You okay?"

"Yeah," nanghihinang sagot niya, hinihimas ang tagiliran niya na aksidenteng nasiko kanina at ang left eye niya na tinamaan ng kung ano.

"You're hurt," concerned na sabi nito.

"Konti lang. I'll be fine."

"Ganyan ba talaga ang mga press sa 'yo?"

She sighed. "Yup."

"How can you live with all that?"

She shrugged. "Sanayan lang."

NANG marating nila ang Valdeverro mansion ay inalalayan siya ni Dax na bumaba ng pick-up.

"Halika, lagyan natin ng ice ang mata mo, baka mamaga 'yan bukas."

Pumasok sila sa kabahayan. Pinaupo siya ni Dax sa sofa sa may living room. "Wait for me here. I'll go get an ice pack."

She watched him walk away and disappear into a corridor leading to the ground floor kitchen. 

Wow, biglang napaka-sweet naman ng mokong. Naninibago siya.

Nang bumalik ito ay may dala na itong ice pack. Umupo ito sa tabi niya.

She sat there in total bemusement as he slowly applied the ice pack on her injured eye. His fingers were light and so gentle on her skin as he tucked some tendrils of her hair behind her ears. 

Oh my goodness, the beast suddenly turned into a softie, all for my black eye! She savored his ministrations, inhaling his clean, woodsy scent. Ang bango talaga ng kumag. Sarap singhutin.

"You're gonna have a bit of a shiner tomorrow," komento nito maya-maya.

"Nothing that a concealer won't fix."

"Hindi puwedeng ganoon sila sa 'yo, Rye."

She sighed. "Ano'ng gagawin ko sa kanila eh gano'n na talaga sila?"

"You can threaten to sue them."

"For what? Libel? I'm a public figure. People are curious about me, and so they write about me. That's a given. Kung papansinin ko lahat ang mga write-ups about me, lalo na sa tabloids, maloloka ako. I just laugh them out."

"Hindi libel. Intimidation, stalking, harassment. Marami kang puwedeng ikaso sa mga 'yan."

"Kung regular person lang ako, puwede ko silang idemanda sa ginawa nila, pero since I'm public property and I'm always exposed, it comes with the territory. That's one of the consequences of my job. Tanggap ko na 'yan."

He sighed, hindi na nakipagtalo. "Which side 'yong nasiko sa 'yo?"

Itinuro niya ang kaliwang ribcage.

He gently put the ice pack on her side. His head was bent as he concentrated on what he was doing. Siya naman ay abala sa pag-appreciate sa close-up na kagwapuhan nito. 

My gosh, ang haba ng mga pilik-mata niya, parang pang-girl.

Sinalat-salat nito ang tagiliran niya, pinisil-pisil nang marahan. "Saan masakit? Dito?"

"Diyan. Hindi naman masyadong masakit. It's just a bit sore."

"Sa susunod, tuturuan ko ng leksiyon ang mga 'yon."

Natawa siya. "Ano'ng gagawin mo, aber? Uumbagin mo?"

"Tatakutin ko lang."

"Hay naku, pag ginawa mo 'yan, hindi lang ass-grabber ang itatawag nila sa 'yo."

Umasim ang mukha nito. His face flushed in embarrassment. "Don't remind me of that."

She giggled. "Congratulations. You just became an instant celebrity yourself," she said teasingly, enjoying his obvious discomfort. Sa sobrang pagkasuplado nito, alam niyang mabubwisit talaga ito kapag kinukulit ng mga reporters. Dax was a very private man.

"Yeah, thanks to you," he said sarcastically.

"Ass-grabber! Some title you have there," she said, giggling.

"Shut up," anito pero nangingiti. Then he actually chuckled.

She was mesmerized. My Gosh, kaya  naman pala mahal ang ngiti ng lalaking ito dahil sobrang oh-so-gorgeous!

Then he became formal again. "Magpahinga ka na, gabi na." 

Just like that. He left her.

Despite her black-eye, she went to sleep with a silly smile on her lips that night.

---

COMMENTS AND VOTES APPRECIATED

8 CRACK SHOT

AUTHOR NOTE: Dax and Rye’s story happens a few years after Lucky, Russel and all the other guys of Batch one got their happy endings. 

KATULAD ng inaasahan ni Dax, nagawa ni Rianna na maniobrahin si Russel para utusan siya nitong samahan sa isang firing range na pag-aari ng Crackshot Club. Miyembro si Russel ng club na ’yon. When it came to being manipulative, Rianna would take the grand prize hands down, he thought with burning resentment. Mabuti na lang at exclusive ang naturang firing range, walang non-members na basta nakakapasok. 

Isa ’yon sa ikinaaasar niya. Nadamay na siya sa magulong showbiz life ni Rianna. Pati siya ay pinagpipistahan na ng publiko sa mga tabloids at internet blogs. Hindi siya mahilig sa social media. Wala nga siyang social media account. He had a love-hate relationship with the internet. Kailangang-kailangan niya ito sa trabaho, but he hated the invasion of privacy.

"Teach me the right stance again. Medyo nakalimutan ko na," Rianna told him.

Napilitan siyang turuan ito. Iba ang asta nito lately. Pormal na ito at seryoso. Hindi na ito naglalandi sa kanya. Parang empleyado lang siya kung tratuhin nito. Naninibago siya rito.

He stood behind her and guided her hand in holding the gun. He was practically embracing her, which was a major bitch because she smelled so damned good. Their proximity was making his head swim, his entire body taut with tension.  

"Okay, squeeze the trigger...softly..." he murmured behind her.

She pulled the trigger.

All her bullets hit vital parts, mostly on the head and chest regions of the human-like target.

He couldn't help it. He was awed by what he saw. Ngayon lang siya napahanga ng isang babae. Kaya siya nitong sabayan sa pagiging asintado! A Barbie doll with a deadly aim. Lethal combination.

She smiled and blew imaginary smoke from her gun. "Another round?"

"Magaling ka pala," simpleng sabi niya.

"Impressed?"

"Your brother taught you well." He took her gun and gave it to the guy assisting them for a reload.	

"Yeah, itong bagay lang na ito ang pinagkakasunduan namin. Otherwise, he's a thorn on my side every time."

"Protective lang sa 'yo ang kapatid mo."

"Pero hindi na siya nakakaaliw. Twenty three na ako, feeling ko menor de edad pa rin kung tratuhin niya. I'm like three breaths from being grounded pa rin."

He shrugged. "Can't blame him. Isip-bata ka pa rin naman."

Namaywang ito. "Ano?!"

"Marami pang mas mahalagang mga bagay dito sa mundo kaysa pagpa-party hanggang madaling araw. Kung magkawanggawa ka kaya para mas may saysay ang buhay mo? Puro ka good time, gastos at sakit ng ulo sa kapatid mo."

He almost laughed at the expression on her face. Kumurap-kurap ito, umawang ang bibig na mukha na namang raratsadang parang Uzi, pero himalang itinikom nito iyon.

Bumalik ang lalaking nag-reload ng baril. Kinuha niya ang baril at tsinek, saka iniabot kay Rianna. "Okay, pwesto na."

Tumalima naman ito. Muli niya itong inalalayang umasinta. Despite his resentment, he couldn't get enough of her scent. Nakaka-addict ang bango nito.

"Hindi ako isip-bata." 

She pulled the trigger three times. Three in the head, almost in the same spot. 

Hot damn!

"Hindi ako dumb blonde."

Three bullets lodged on the target's belly, the groin area! 

Uh-huh…

"At hindi walang saysay ang buhay ko."

The remaining four bullets went to the left chest. If the target were a live one, it would have been dead before it hit the ground. 

I'm fucked. She's gonna be my bullet in the head, I know it.

PAGKATAPOS

nila sa firing range, nagyaya si Rianna na magmeryenda sila sa isang café. Halatang ayaw ni Dax pero hindi naman ito umalma. Ayaw pa niyang maghiwalay sila. Kahit nuknukan pa rin ito ng pagkasuplado, she had to admit, she was really enjoying his company. Kakaiba pala ang appeal ng lalaking hindi niya basta napapaikot sa mga palad niya. She was really digging the challenge.

Walang kaimik-imik si Dax habang iniinom ang kape nito at nilalantakan ang chocolate moist na in-order nito. So, the grouchy beast had a sweet tooth, and damn, it was so damned sexy. Gusto na tuloy niyang mag-enroll ng baking classes  para siya na lang ang gagawa ng sweets para rito. Naiinggit pa yata siya sa cake na sarap na sarap na kinakain nito. 

Gosh, kung anu-ano ang pumapasok sa kukote niya. 

You’re gonna make him bleed, girl, not fat like a king, remember?

Right.

But her eyes were following his every move. He held the little spoon a bit awkwardly between his fingers. He had long, lean digits and they looked strong and very capable of doing just about anything. His hands and arms were delineated with lean muscles and some protruding veins. Utterly masculine.

He caught her staring at him, but she didn't look away. She willed herself not to blink and blush as their eyes clashed heatedly. 

"You gonna eat or what? Kanina mo pa nilalaro lang ang pagkain mo," bruskong sabi nito.

"May girlfriend ka ba?"

Medyo natameme ito sa tanong niya. "Ano naman sa 'yo kung meron o wala?" sagot nito kapagdaka.

She shrugged. "Wala lang. So, meron o wala?"

Seconds passed before he answered. "Wala."

Tumaas ang isang kilay niya. "Dates?"

"Wala rin."

Tumaas nang sabay ang mga kilay niya. "Really?" Pinaglololoko ba siya ng hudas na 'to?

Sumandal ito sa malambot na armchair na kinauupuan nito. "I don't date. But I have certain R 'n R schedules with women," he stated matter of factly.

"You mean screwing schedules."

He shrugged and licked his lips. Muli nitong nilantakan ang cake nito. 

Lord, those lips are illegal!

“What about you?” buweltang tanong nito.

"What about me?"

"Boyfriends? Dates?"

Uy, fishing! She slowly traced the rim of her coffee mug with her forefinger. “Well…I have R ’n R schedules with men,” she said, then grinned at him seductively.

His scowl was back. "Good for you."

"Yeah. So...what turns you on in a woman, Dax?" she asked him in a low, husky voice.

His eyes widened. "I can't believe you're asking me that here," anitong medyo namula.

She grinned. Was he blushing? 

Hmmm. “Relax. It’s just a question. What’s the matter? Are you going shy all of a sudden, Mr. R ’n R Sched?”

He carefully put his fork on his saucer and pierced her with a sardonic stare. "I'll tell you what turns me off in a woman. One, cheap. Two, forward. Three, promiscuous."

She licked her lips. "Hmm, at least hindi na kasali ang dumb blonde sa listahan. You wanna know what kind of man turns me off?" 

He didn't answer.

"One, a chauvinistic pig. Two, a crass and crude airhead. Three, an unromantic jerk. Men like these bore me to death. They think they're God's gift to women when in fact, they don't make much sense and are full of insecurity, always saying the wrong words, and they're definitely lousy lovers."

He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. She could have taken a snapshot of his face at that moment. He looked so comical in his shock. She stood up. "Let's go."

Ilang minuto pa'y palabas na sila ng café. May kumaway sa kanyang mga babaing teenagers, sabay tutok ng mga cellphones nito sa kanila ni Dax. Dax grabbed her hand and hastily lead her to his pick-up truck in the parking lot. Na-amuse siya. Ayaw na ayaw talaga nitong mabandera ulit sa tabloids at sa mga gossip blogs. Sabagay, hindi naman ito taga-entertainment industry na tulad niya. Nakunsensiya tuloy siya.

Hindi na umimik pa si Dax hanggang sa maihatid siya nito sa kanilang mansiyon.

He sped off in his pick-up truck without even saying goodbye. But she felt like floating the rest of the day. That round was definitely hers. She could really kiss that little red book!

NAGNGINGITNGIT si Dax habang nagmamaneho pabalik sa headquarters ng SU. He had tons of reports to do, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Rianna’s pet peeves in men.

Chauvinistic pig? Lousy lover? Crass? Crude? Siya ba ang pinapatamaan nito nang ganoon? Obviously ay siya ’yon. Sino pa ba?

First of all, hindi siya isang chauvinist. May respeto siya sa mga kababaihan. Kung wala ay matagal na niya itong pinatulan. She had been asking for it from day one. In fact, she was the one who was sexually harassing him by making those teasing innuendos!

Secondly, hindi siya lousy lover. Lahat ng mga nakaniig na niya sa kama ay humirit ng encore. Maraming encores! And she had no business judging his sexual prowess because she had no first-hand basis whatsoever.

Thirdly, he would admit that he had been really crass and crude to her, but it was for her own good. Kaya lang naman siya nagiging rude ay para lubayan na siya nito for good.

Shit, kung tutuusin, nagpapakamaginoo siya rito. Tapos ito ang mahihita niya, puro sakit ng ulo! And now, he was labeled by the press as an ass-grabber! Ass-grabber?! It sounded like he was some lewd, undersexed maniac!

Damn her, hindi pa niya natitikman kung paano talagang bastusin! Kung patusin ko kaya siya? Subukan niyang maglandi ulit sa akin at makakatikim na talaga siya ng hinahanap niya, honor be damned! Makikita niya ang mas matinding ibig sabihin ng ass-grabber!

VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE:)

THANKS FOR READING!

9 LITTLE GAMES

RIANNA  approached Dax one night in the magnificent garden of her family’s mansion. She was going to test Fantasy #2.

The Vamp.

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/6fd9c276e754319abdfdc13ea989c3686f0156bb/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f32493838756e6a514b634e7954513d3d2d313131333236313933322e313639396561323938376439343937383831313935323532303130322e706e67)

Well, she would have no trouble playing this one. In fact, she had made the vamp move on Dax a lot of times already, all to no avail because she was doing it the wrong way. But this time, she knew how to play her vamp cards like a real pro. The book said, like poker, she had to keep her cards to herself until the kill was ensured. Then, she would pull the rug from under his feet.

Alright, it’s showtime, bastard .

The moon was up and the stars were twinkling. It was a very romantic evening, and she saw him sitting on a bench, alone, staring in the darkness. Dax and darkness seemed synonymous.

“Hi,” she greeted him.

Nilingon siya nito. The garden was dimly lit and his face was shrouded in shadows, but his eyes gleamed, focused on her like a predator in the dark waiting for a hapless prey to pass by.

Hindi ito sumagot.

“May I join you?” She indicated the bench.

“It’s your bench,” he said simply then looked away, his action obviously dismissive.

Namagitan ang katahimikan. He was not going to entertain her, as usual. She bit her lip to calm the irritation that she immediately felt at his outright rejection.

Umupo siya sa tabi nito. “What exactly do you do for my brother?”

“Heard of the saying curiosity killed the cat?”

“Must you answer my question with a question?”

Muli siyang nilingon nito. He leaned back indolently against the backrest. “Ano’ng ginagawa mo rito? Hating-gabi na. Matulog ka na,” utos nito sa maawtoridad na tono. Daig pa nito si Russel kung makamando sa kanya.

“Nasa pamamahay kita. H’wag mo akong manduhan. Sagutin mo ang tanong ko,” sagot rin niya sa Lady Boss na tono.

Pwede rin pala ang combination. Hmm. Vamp and Lady Boss. Baka mas effective.

“Talk to your brother, not me. I only answer to him and no one else.” Bored ang tono nito na para bang batang makulit ang kausap nito.

“Why do you do it?”

“What?”

“Be rude to me?”

“I’m not being rude. Just answering your question. Ayoko lang na kinukulit ako.”

“There you go again. Ganyan ka ba talaga sa ibang babae? You’re the rudest man I know.”

“I am? Then why are you talking to me? You’re tolerating my rudeness pretty well.”

Her heart was now racing madly in her chest, her skin feverish from the combined ire and excitement he had elicited. She wanted to walk out in a huff, and yet, she wanted to be in his presence much longer. Much, much longer. She was always having contradictory feelings where this man was concerned.

Clearly, he would not play in her hands like the other guys she had dated. This one had a game of his own, and he controlled it. Exasperating as it may be, but she dug that obstinate expression on his face.

She had never felt this kind of rush for a man before, this fever that ran in her veins, making parts of her body throb and yearn for things yet undiscovered. She had thought she was weird for not feeling the supposed ‘high’ all her friends usually harped about the guys they really liked. She had always wondered why that so-called feeling merited such ecstatic praises. She had not experienced any ‘high’ for any guy before or anything remotely related to that still theoretical concept.

But now, oh now, she felt…high! Hindi niya ma-explain ang nararamdaman. That was probably why they called it simply ‘high’, she realized now, because this very unique experience was really hard to describe.

“Why are you still up? It’s late.” His low, husky voice intruded into her thoughts. He was looking at her rather intensely now.

“Hindi pa ako inaantok. I wanna be with you.”

She heard his sharp intake of breath. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I do. I want you. I’m absolutely sure of it.”

A few beats passed before he spoke again. “What do you want me to do about it?”

Electricity seemed to crackle between them. The stillness of the night was punctuated by his shallow breathing and the thunderous beating of her heart. Her clothes seemed suddenly too tight on her skin. She was shivering, and yet she was warm all over.

“I want you to tell me that you want me, too.”

Total silence.

Then he moved.

He took her hand and brought it to his crotch, pressing it squarely there.

Her eyes widened, her lips parting in combined shock, awe and nervous curiosity.

Oh. My. Goodness!

She felt him. Hot. Alive. Pulsing. Huge. Very hard.

“Satisfied?” he rasped, an edge to his voice.

She wet her lips nervously.

You’re a vamp. Keep your poise, even if you’re a vamp who has never touched a man’s dick before.

“Oh no. Not by a long shot,” she answered huskily.

He removed her hand from his fly. “Go back to the house, Rianna,” he said almost harshly.

She knew the moment when the tables had been turned. She saw the signs described by the book. She had felt it. How could his body react to her like that and reject her at the same time? He wanted her, too. He was just disguising it with a put-on indifference. His brusqueness meant he was mightily fighting the attraction, and the harder he fought it, the more he wanted her.

She wanted to party with the author of her little red book. She knew she was in control now.

She crossed her legs. The hem of her robe split open, exposing her legs.

“What’s the matter, Dax? Can’t take the heat?”

“You’re a tease.”

She smiled, confident in her allure. “Aren’t you tempted still?”

“What’s the matter, sweetheart? Nobody available to scratch your itch tonight?”

Blood rushed to her head. In a flash, her cool evaporated. Despite her well-laid plans, hindi niya yata mapapalagpas ang sinabi nito.

Tumayo siya. “How dare you!”

“I always dare. It’s my job.”

She was tempted to whack his smug face again, but her ego demanded she stood her ground and face him measure for measure. She squared her shoulders. “Well then, I dare you.”

“To do what?”

“To make love to me. Here. Now.”

She saw him swallow. “With your war freak brother around? No, thanks.”

She smiled knowingly. “What’s the matter, darling? Can’t perform under pressure?”

He stared up at her for a full minute, making her more and more nervously excited. “You smell so good, like strawberries,” he murmured lazily.

“My shower gel.”

“You smell like that everywhere?”

“Why don’t you find out for yourself?”

“Are you sure it’s what you really want?”

“Yes.”

“I won’t play your juvenile games. I’m too old for that.”

“I’m 23, hardly a juvenile.”

“I’m 29, is that okay with you?”

“Are you experienced in the sack?” she challenged. Boy oh boy, am I taking this vamp experiment too far?

“Yes. Are you?” he answered with the certainty of a man who was definitely no novice in bed.

She wet her lips again. “You’ve got six years on me, but we’ll see, huh?”

Tumayo ito. “I’ll be back. Don’t move.”

Lumakad ito palayo, nawala sa kanyang paningin.

She smiled triumphantly.

Gotcha, asshole!

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DAX’S heart was thudding so hard and fast in his chest he felt like he might explode any moment. A man could only take so much. He couldn’t think straight anymore. He just wanted one thing at that moment, his cock inside Rianna’s juicy pussy.

No more denying himself. She wanted it, he would damned well give it to her! He would think of the consequences later.

He turned the lamps off on some parts of the garden, plunging the surroundings in a play of deeper shadows.

Then he walked back to where he had left her.

But she was no longer there.

He looked around, but he was alone.

His phone suddenly rang. He answered it without looking at the caller. “Yeah?” his voice was angry, but he didn’t care.

“Sorry, I changed my mind. I’m no longer in the mood for fun tonight. Maybe next time, darling. If you’re still…up to it.”

The line went off before he could utter a word.

He stared at his phone like an idiot.

He knew he had been played.

DAX saw Rianna the next day, looking fresh and sexy in a too tight baby-tee and too tight jeans, a sight he didn’t want to greet him after spending a sleepless night.

It was hellish, having a hard-on that showed no signs of subsiding any time soon, and a temper at boiling point. And he had no relief from both all damned night.

“Hello, guys. Good morning!” masayang bati nito sa kanila ni Russel saka humalik sa pisngi ng kapatid nito.

He looked at her, but she evaded his eyes.

“What do you want, brat?” tanong ni Russel sa kapatid.

Nilaro-laro nito ang susi ng kotse nito sa mga daliri. “Ahm, busy ba kayo ni Dax?”

Dax knew what was coming. His mind said no, not again , but a stronger part of him shouted yes, go get the little tease!

“Kita mo na ngang kanina pa kami nagtatrabaho rito sa library,” sagot ni Russel.

“Mamayang hapon, magkasama pa rin ba kayo?”

“May lakad kami ni Ally mamayang hapon. Ewan ko kay Dax kung busy siya mamaya.”

Bumaling sa kanya ang mga mata ni Rianna.

She was cheerful, looking like an innocent angel when she’d just dealt him a major blow-off last night. His pride was still reeling from the shock and frustration.

Bitch, I’ll play your game this time. You want it, you will get it. But on my terms.

“Uhm, busy ka ba, Dax?”

“Bakit, magpapasama ka na naman?” kaswal na tanong niya.

She smiled at him sweetly. “Sana.”

“Saan ka na naman pupunta?” sabat ni Russel. “Kelan ka ba pipirmi rito sa bahay? Puro ka lakwatsa.”

“Shower party ng isa kong friend, si Tracy. Doon kami sa resthouse nina Wendy sa Club Punta Fuego.”

“Hindi pwede. Masyadong malayo ang Batangas.”

“Kuya, ano ka ba. Two-hours ride lang ’yon eh. Saka hindi ako pwedeng mawala do’n. Ako nga ang nag-organize niyon eh. Magagalit sa akin ang lahat ng friends ko.”

“Do I look like I care?”

“Kuya naman eh!”

“No, Rye. End of discussion.”

“Ang KJ mo talaga!” mangiyak-ngiyak na pagmamaktol nito.

Dax was amused by the exchange. Halatang mahal na mahal ni Russel ang kapatid at ganoon din si Rianna sa kuya nito, pero sadyang hindi magkatugma ang mga ugali ng mga ito. Russel was a control freak and over-protective while Rianna was a free spirit. He actually felt sympathy for her at that moment.

Pumasok si Ally sa library. “Kayong dalawa, kay aga-aga pero ang mga boses n’yo dinig hanggang sa second floor,” parang nanay na saway nito sa asawa at hipag.

“Ally o, ayan na naman siya,” sumbong kaagad ni Rianna rito.

Humalik si Ally kay Russel. “Ano na namang siya?”

“Ayaw akong payagang um-attend sa bridal shower party ni Tracy.”

Ally looked at her husband. “Honey naman, payagan mo na.”

“Sa Punta Fuego raw ang party. Nope.”

“Bakit naman napakalayo ng venue?” baling ni Ally kay Rianna.

“Eh basta, iyon ang napagkasunduan ng barkada eh. Safe naman doon.”

“Malay ko kung sino-sino na namang mga durugista ang kasama niyo do’n,” si Russel.

Rianna rolled her eyes. “Kuya, you know me. I’d never do such a thing.”

Ally caressed her husband’s back. “Payagan mo na. Pasamahan mo kay Dax. Okay lang ba, Dax?”

This time, Dax didn’t balk at the job being presented to him. He shrugged. “No prob.”

Russel sighed in resignation. “O siya, sige.”

“Yay! Can we stay overnight?”

“Abusado ka na, Rianna.”

“Eh kasi gagabihin din naman kami ng uwi, we might as well stay overnight. Safe naman doon. Saka kasama ko naman ’yan kaya sino namang siraulo ang manloloko sa akin, aber?” anitong ininguso siya.

“Oo nga naman, honey,” sang-ayon ni Ally.

“May gagawin pa kami ni Dax nang maaga bukas.”

“No prob. Maaga kaming aalis mula roon bukas. I’ll be here at eight AM,” he assured Russel.

Russel was finally convinced. “Okay.”

Masayang humalik sa pisngi ng kapatid si Rianna. “Thank you, Kuya. You’re only half as bad today. Sana lagi kang ganyan.”

Russel looked at Dax seriously. “Remember what I told you.”

“If she misbehaves, put her in a sack like a piglet, drop her in the car trunk and drive home,” he said with an amused twitch on his lips.

Namaywang si Rianna. “Ang mean niyo talaga! Pareho kayong twisted ang sense of humor!”

Nagtawanang muli sina Russel at Ally.

Even Dax could not contain his laughter. The thought of her in a sack screaming like a piglet was too hilarious.

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10 OUT OF CONTROL

DAX WAS SHAKING his head as he was driving. He should have seen it coming. He should get used to Rianna having underhanded plans all the time.

The brat rode with Gutsy all the way to Nasugbu, Batangas. Nakabuntot siya sa mga ito. Dala niya ang kanyang pick-up truck samantalang naka-Jaguar si Gutsy. Si Rianna ang nagmamaneho sa kotse ng boyfriend nito. Ilang beses na muntik mawala sa paningin niya ang Jaguar dahil napakabilis magpatakbo ni Rianna. Nagmumura na siya. A pick-up truck was not designed for drag-race speed.

Nagtataka siya kung bakit kasama nito si Gutsy eh bridal shower party ang pupuntahan nito. He had a feeling the brat was up to no good.

Nawala sa paningin niya ang Jaguar. Binilisan niya ang takbo ng pick-up, pero hindi na niya makita sa highway ang sports car. Saan nagsuot ang mga ito? Nagpreno siya at luminga-linga. Wala namang detour. Nag-U turn siya at binalikan ng ilang kilomentro ang pinanggalingan, pero hindi niya nakita ni anino ng Jaguar.

He cussed and grabbed his cellphone from the glove compartment. Galit na tinawagan niya ang mobile phone ni Rianna. Hindi ito sumasagot.

He decided to proceed to Club Punta Fuego, sa address ng kaibigan nitong si Wendy. The exclusive resort was a vacation hideaway for the very rich. Ayaw pa nga siyang papasukin ng gwardiya dahil hindi siya kilala nito. The guard had to call Wendy’s resthouse to verify his identity. Saka lang siya pinapasok ng gwardiya.

Naroon na si Rianna sa resthouse, waiting for him at the front porch, arms folded across her chest.

She was wearing a skin-tight biker outfit, black from head to toe, her dark hair wind-blown over her shoulders. Badass sexy.

That smirk on her face was infuriating. “About time you got here. Saan ka ba dumaan?” nanunuya nitong tanong. “Ang bagal mo namang magmaneho.”

He was tempted to throttle her. They both knew she deliberately disappeared from his sight.

“O, nasa’n na ’yong boyfriend mo?”

“Oh, he met up with his own friends at his Las Terrazas condo nearby. Stag party rin ng groom eh.”

“You didn’t mention this little info to your brother, did you?”

She smiled impishly and shrugged. “Ano ako, hilo? Eh, di lalong hindi ako pinayagan.”

Napailing siya. “Matindi ka. Wala akong masabi.”

She snickered. “Buti alam mo.”

Lumabas ang mga kaibigan nito mula sa resthouse. Puro magaganda at sexy.

“Hi, Dax!” bati ng isa sa kanya. He had seen her a few times at the Valdeverro mansion already, swimming in the pool with Rianna. He was never introduced to her, but how come the lady knew his name? They probably gossiped about him.

Women!

Iniabot ng babae ang kamay sa kanya. “I’m Wendy,” malapad ang ngiting pakilala nito.

He shook the woman’s hand. “Hey.”

Curious eyes scrutinized him from head to toe. He started to feel uncomfortable.

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RIANNA SAW HOW   her friends were ogling Dax. Nairita siya. Iritang agad na naging inis. Inis na naging ngitngit.

The feeling was instantaneous.

Possessiveness.

It was pretty obvious that all her friends found him gorgeous, too, and the jerk seemed to be enjoying the collective attention he was getting.

“Ipakilala mo naman kami sa kanya, Rye,”

Rianna cleared her throat and glanced at Samantha absently. “Huh?”

Si Wendy na ang sumabat. “Dax, meet our friends, Samantha, Macy, Charlene, Kyrie, Dara, and Anya.”

Dax flashed his rare killer smile. “Hello, ladies.”

Lalong nainis si Rianna. How come he’d never smiled at me like that?

“Girls, this is Dax,” ani Wendy at ikinawit ang mga braso nito sa isang braso ni Dax.

“The bodyguard!” halos magkakasabay na bulalas ng mga kaibigan niya.

“Wow! Finally, we met you, Dax,” ani Dara na mukhang nagkainteres na kay Dax. “Do you carry a gun?”

“Uhh…” Bantulot si Dax, nagkamot ng batok na parang nahihiya.

Rianna groaned inwardly. Didn’t he know that a super masculine guy scratching his nape self-consciously like a shy, little boy was a major turn on for women?

“Ikaw talaga, Dara, of course! Halika, Dax, I’m sure gutom ka na. Maraming food sa loob.”

Hinila ni Wendy si Dax papasok sa loob ng resthouse. Nagpahila naman ito.

Gustong magprotesta ni Rianna, pero nakapasok na ang mga ito sa bahay. Agad na nagsipagsunuran ang mga friends niya sa mga ito.

Naiwan siyang mag-isa sa porch.

“Now what!” gigil na sambit niya sa ere.

Nagbilang siya hanggang isang daan para kalmahin ang pagpuputok ng butse niya.

Nah-uh.

Hindi ako nagseselos. No way. No, no no, no, no!

Maya-maya’y pumasok na rin siya sa resthouse.

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DAX FELT trapped

in the kitchen, surrounded by gorgeous trust fund girls.

They were simultaneously serving him all kinds of foods and drinks, vying for his attention. They reminded him of those hot Vegas girls he used to hang out with, only with better pedigree.

These women had only known extreme privileges all their lives, tulad ni Rianna. Ergo, spoiled rotten. And right now, he knew he was the target of their fascination.

They were asking him all kinds of questions. Provocative, silly questions.

“How old are you, Dax?” si Dara.

“Twenty-nine.”

“Ooooh, just the right age. Not too young, not too old,” she said with a sexual innuendo.

Hagikhikan.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” si Kyrie.

He cleared his throat. “No.”

“Really? I find that hard to believe,” si Wendy.

“Yeah? Why?”

“You’re young, good-looking, single…”

He grinned sheepishly and shrugged. “So many women, so little time?” he said in an attempt to be glib. Not very original, man.

More giggles.

He wasn’t the type who’d have to flirt and drop pick-up lines to get in the sack with a woman. They were always the ones dropping the stupid lines.

“Ooooh, poor baby. Is your job too demanding?” ani Macy na dumikit sa likuran niya.

“Kinda.”

“You must be so tired all the time,” si Charlene.

“As a matter of fact, yeah.”

“Oooh, come to Mama, baby. I’ll take care of you,” sabi ni Macy sabay pulupot ng mga braso nito sa balikat niya.

Giggles again.

He felt like suffocating now.

The kitchen door opened with a crash. “Okay, party’s gonna start now. He needs to go.”

A chorus of feminine whines.

“Awww, Rye! Can’t he join us?” si Macy.

“Nope. It’s a shower party. No men allowed, remember? Get ready. Tumawag na si Tracy. Parating na siya.”

“But we hired strippers. They’re men, too. He can stay,” katwiran ni Charlene.

Strippers? Napatayo si Dax mula sa kinauupuan. “I’m going. Ladies, I’ll see y’all later. Thanks for the food.” There was no way in hell he’d stay there with male strippers prancing around naked.

Then the implication of that sank in. Rianna would be seeing naked men.

Napamura siya . Idiot! She had probably seen a hundred. This would be nothing new to her. The thought was extremely aggravating. Definitely time to split.

He paused to whisper to her on his way out. “Behave.”

“Ha-ha,” she replied mockingly.

He headed for the beach. Babalik na lang siya maya-maya to check on Rianna.

Rianna totally lost control of the party.

Tracy, the bride-to-be, had brought with her five girl friends. Bumaha na ang inumin. Nang dumating ang mga male strippers, her friends went totally bonkers. Na-scandalize si Tracy, pero game din at pinanood ang show.

Rianna, however, decided to go out of the house.

Nag-pretend siyang magpapahangin sandali sa labas, pero ang totoo, she felt squeamish about the whole thing. Hindi siya sanay sa ganoong trip. It was Wendy’s idea to hire those strippers, not hers. Nakiayon na lang siya dahil lahat ay umayon sa ideya nito. Porn videos would have sufficed for her as their form of naughty entertainment. But men parading in their birthday suits no matter how gorgeous they looked was just too much for her. Of course, she didn’t dare voice out her opinion or she’d shoot her reputation down to pieces.

To make matters worse, Gutsy’s group crashed their party. All hell broke loose. They booted the strippers out at nagkanya-kanyang partner ang mga friends niya at mga friends ni Gutsy. They were making out all over the house! This, she never anticipated.

Noon niya naisip si Dax.

Nasaan na ba ang lalaking iyon? She wanted to get out of there. She needed to call him. Where was her damned phone?

She went looking for her handbag, pero hindi niya iyon makita dahil nagkagulo na ang mga gamit sa bahay. Hinalughog niya ang mga kwarto at naeskandalo siya sa mga nakita.

My gosh, time to split na talaga!

Saan ba niya naiwan ang bag niya? Maybe she had too much to drink at nagka-amnesia na siya.

Nasa kitchen siya nang matagpuan siya ni Gutsy. “Hey there, I’ve been looking all over for you, kitten. Bakit ka nagtatago rito sa kitchen?”

Kitten? Ugh!

“Uhm…” Ngumiwi siya. “Ang gulo na nila eh.”

“Sorry about the party. I didn’t mean for this to happen. Nagkatripan bigla ang barkada na pumunta rito. I was against it, but everybody wanted to, so…” he said apologetically.

“No, no, it’s okay. Hindi mo naman sila mapigil sa kung ano ang gusto nilang gawin.”

“Care for a drink with me at the beach?” He was holding a bottle of Vodka Martini and two wineglasses.

“Uhm…” Nag-alangan siya.

“Please?” He gave her a dimpled smile.

She shrugged. “Sure.”

She felt safe enough with Gutsy. Medyo namumula na ito nang konti, pero hindi pa naman mukhang lasing. He had never shown her any prior disrespect.

Okay, hindi naman siya iinom nang husto. She’d spend some time with Gutsy habang hinihintay niyang bumalik si Dax.

Dax

spent the past uneventful hours at a beach resort to pass the time. Nakaupo siya sa isang lounger sa tabing dagat, nakatingin sa paglubog ng araw at sa mga tao sa dalampasigan. Napakaganda ng sunset, pero hindi niya nae-enjoy iyon dahil sa kaiisip kay Rianna.

Bagot na bagot na siya sa paglipas ng mga oras. Parang ang bagal-bagal niyon. He had dinner alone at the resort’s al fresco bar. He even graciously blew off two sexy women clad in bikinis who approached him earlier. They were looking for a threesome fun and the invitation was right there in their seductive eyes. He was just not interested.

Pagkatapos ng dinner niya ay naghintay siya ulit sa tabing-dagat. Napabili tuloy siya ng beer.

He shouldn’t be drinking while on the job, but he was so damned bored. Hindi naman siya madaling malasing. He could hold his bottle really well.

Normally, he was a very patient person. In the field, patience was a useful weapon. But patience with Rianna was simply equivalent to a tedious, torturous hell. Paano siya nasadlak sa ganoong sitwasyon? He’d rather be in the Middle East helping some elite American and British operators locate an ISIS high-value target than in some beach babysitting a spoiled brat while she was happily participating in a wild party. Man, the men at SU would laugh their asses off if they found out about his latest activities.

Panay ang tingin niya sa kanyang diver’s watch. Maghahating-gabi na. Ano na kaya ang ginagawa ng babaeng iyon? Was she busy staring at hotdogs, drinking like a fishwife and getting wild, too?

The thought only aggravated his ire.

He decided to check on her.

Dax went inside the resthouse and got a huge shock. The whole place was in shambles! May riot bang nangyari rito? Kulang na lang ay makakita siya ng dugo at mga bangkay dahil mistulang dinaanan ng bagyo ang kabahayan. Abot-abot ang kaba niyang hinanap si Rianna. Everyone seemed to have disappeared. Where?

Umakyat siya sa second floor. Binuksan niya ang isang pinto roon. He saw a couple on the bed, kissing.

“Oh, hi, Dax, wanna join us?” namumungay ang mga matang anyaya ni Macy. By the looks of it, she’d had too much booze already.

He slammed the door shut.

He opened another door and saw Anya and a guy, naked on the floor. He closed the door. If I catch her with some guy… Hindi niya maituloy ang iniisip. It was simply unthinkable. Kahit alam niyang liberated si Rianna, ayaw niyang makita ito sa akto na nakikipag-sex sa ibang lalaki.

Ahh, just with you? tudyo ng konsensiya niya.

Hindi niya natagpuan sa alinmang mga silid sa second floor si Rianna. He ran downstairs and scoured the entire lower level.

“Rianna! Rianna!” he called out angrily, the fear gripping him becoming stronger. He spotted her handbag on a sofa in the entertainment room. Dinampot niya iyon.

He went to the back of the resthouse. Makikita na roon ang dalampasigan.

He heard a sound. A woman’s voice.

Then he saw her. In Gutsy’s arms.

She was laughing.

Gutsy’s hands were on her rump, rubbing…

Rage unlike any other he had felt before hit him with the force of a twister.

“Guts…stop…”

“Hmm, we’re having fun, kitten.”

“Yeah…” She giggled. “I think you’re drunk already.”

“Nah. Just enjoy, okay? You’re so beautiful…You’re driving me crazy.” Gutsy nuzzled her neck.

She giggled again. “Uhm, Guts, you’re drunk….no…stop…I can’t…”

“I think the lady said ‘no’ already.”

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ENJOY THIS CHAPTER, MY LOVES! NEXT HOT SCENE CUMMING RIGHT UP!

11 BREAK EVEN

PARANG BINUHUSAN nang malamig na tubig si Rianna nang marinig ang boses na iyon. Naitulak niya palayo si Gutsy.

“Dax!”

His eyes were blazing in the semi-darkness.

“Let’s go,” malayelong sabi nito.

“Putsa, ikaw na naman?” si Gutsy.

“Halika na, Rye.”

Galit na nilapitan ni Gutsy si Dax, medyo sumuray. “Teka nga, pare, nakakalalaki ka na, ah! Nakakaistorbo ka rito. Umalis ka na!” Itinulak nito sa dibdib si Dax.

“Guts, please, stop it. He’s with me,” tarantang awat niya. Hindi nakinig sa kanya si Gutsy.

Binalingan niya si Dax. “H’wag mong patulan,” babala niya rito.

“Putsa, alis sabi!” Muling itinulak ni Gutsy si Dax.

Iniwasan ito ni Dax at hinila siya sa braso.

“Aba’t ang gagong ’to…!”

Napatili siya nang hablutin ni Gutsy ang kwelyo ng jacket ni Dax.

Hinarap ito ni Dax.

Umigkas ang kamao ni Gutsy.

Umiwas si Dax sabay Karate chop sa bandang leeg nito. Parang tinibang saging na bumagsak sa buhangin si Gutsy.

“Oh my God! Gutsy!” Agad niyang dinaluhan ang lalaki. He was out cold.

Tiningala niya si Dax. “You killed him!”

He snorted. “Lasing lang ’yan kaya tulog agad. Mahihimasmasan ’yan maya-maya. Halika na. Umuwi na tayo.”

“Ano ka ba! Napaka-war freak mo talaga! Sinabi kong h’wag mong patulan!”

“Rianna, it’s past freaking midnight, and I have an early appointment with your brother in a few hours. Magda-drive pa ako. Let’s go,” he said impatiently.

“Ayoko pang umuwi.”

He grabbed her hand and dragged her all the way to the front of the house.

“Ano ba, nasasaktan ako!” Nagpumiglas siya, pero napakalakas nito, hindi siya makawala.

Saka lang siya binitiwan nito nang nasa tabi na sila ng pick-up truck nito.

He wrenched the front passenger door open. “Sakay.”

Kahit gusto na talaga niyang umuwi ay nagbago ang isip niya dahil sa pagka-bossy nito.

This man needed to be repeatedly put in his damned place. Amo siya nito at hindi sila magka-level ’no!

“Bukas pa tayo dapat uuwi.”

“Ngayon na.”

“Teka nga, hindi ikaw ang magde-decide ng schedule ko, ha! Your job is to accompany me here, that’s all!”

“H’wag mong ubusin ang pasensiya ko.”

Namaywang siya. “Or what, Mr. Bigshot?”

“If you don’t come willingly with me, I’ll truss you up like a little pig.”

The threat was so ludicrous, and she doubted if he could actually carry it out.

The bastard bared his teeth in an evil smile. “I’m just dying for you to dare me, baby. Come on, make me do it.”

Makikipagmatigasan ba siya rito? Gustong-gusto niya itong subukan, pero natatakot din siya. Baka nga gawin nito ang banta. After all, si Russel mismo ang nagsabi niyon.

My God, the man was the devil incarnate!

If she had a gun right now, he would have been dead ten times in five seconds.

He slammed his palm on the hood of his truck, creating a booming sound.

“In the truck, now!”

Nahintakutan siyang sumakay sa pick-up.

They were on the highway back to Manila.

Sinulyapan ni Rianna ang dashboard ng pick-up. Mag-aalas-dos na pala nang madaling araw.

Nag-aalburuto pa rin ang kalooban niya. Hindi pwede ang ganito! Sino ba ang lalaking ito at mukhang mas malakas pa ito kay Russel kaysa kanya? Siya ang kapatid ni Russel, pero mas kinakampihan pa ito ng kuya niya kaysa kanya!

“Bakit mo naman ginano’n si Gutsy? You had no right to do that to him. Ano na lang ang sasabihin niya sa akin later? Na pinabugbog ko siya sa bodyguard ko?”

“Binabastos ka niya,” simpleng sagot nito.

“Hindi niya ako binabastos. We were dancing. We were having fun until you showed up and ruined everything.”

Bigla nitong inihinto ang pick-up sa tabi ng daan at binalingan siya. “Having fun? Eh nagwawala ka na kanina. Hindi ka ba nahihiya? O sanay na sanay ka nang mabastos?”

Nagpanting ang mga tainga niya. “Hindi niya ako binabastos sabi! For your information, Gutsy had always been a gentleman!”

“Bullshit! His hands were practically on your boobs, and he was pawing your ass!”

She raised her brows at his display of temper. Kakaiba ang dating niyon sa pandinig niya. Hindi naman gawain ng mga bodyguards niya na manghimasok sa buhay niya nang ganoon. At bakit ba galit na galit ito kay Gutsy? Hmm, hindi kaya…?

She dared to imagine he was actually jealous.

That made her feel so good. Kinikilig siya.

“He did? Hmm, I didn’t notice.” ’Coz my mind was on you, you jerk.

“Yeah, you looked like you were really enjoying it, too” he said with distaste.

She smiled and reclined in her seat seductively. Boy, he did sound jealous! “Naiinggit ka yata kay Gutsy.”

“Don’t push me, Rianna.”

His stare was so hot she felt warm all over despite the cool temperature inside the truck. This scenario definitely belonged in the pages of her little red book.

The signs that he wants you even if he’s shouting buzz off!

She relaxed in her seat, turning sideways towards him, flexing her legs. “And if I am? What are you gonna do about it, Dax?”

His eyes focused on her legs. She had changed into a sexy dress during the party, and her legs were bare. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed.

“You think all men are crazy about you,” he rasped huskily, meeting her eyes again.

She licked her lips, scorched by his burning stare. “Most I know are. Aren’t you?”

He didn’t answer her. Instead, he bent towards her and unstrapped her seatbelt. She smelled him, clean and fresh, even at this hour.

Oh God, she wanted him so much!

His forefinger traced her lips slowly. She went weak all over.

The alcohol had heated up her bloodstreams and nerve endings, and now, he was stoking them into a blaze.

His finger traveled to her neck like a feather, caressing the pulse beating there…down to her chest…dipping into her cleavage. She held her breath, waiting…

Then he was circling her nipples one after the other through her silk dress. Napaliyad siya.

He bent his head, taking her nipple into his mouth, sucking the bud through the material of her dress. She gasped as she was blasted by a hot, melting sensation.

Sharp tentacles of pleasure seemed to flow from her nipples, pooling between her legs.

It felt unbelievably awesome!

He went to her other breast, doing the same.

Pretty soon, she wanted his tongue on her bare skin.

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Molten heat swirled between her legs, making her swell and throb down there. She clamped her legs together in reflex.

It felt incredibly good and alarming at the same time, the sweet fullness and the aching need. It was a very delicious ache and a need that was quite peculiar. But she knew what it was. Ramdam niyang namamasa na ang kanyang kaselanan .

My God, this is what being horny for a man is all about.

The real deal. Finally, I’m feeling it!

“Dax,” she called his name, feeling faint with all the sensations bombarding her senses.

His hand went lower, caressing her abdomen and shaping her hip and leg, and then snaking under her dress. Mainit ang palad nito sa kanyang balat. Lalo siyang namasa. She couldn’t help the soft moans that escaped her lips.

“Open your legs,” he commanded softly.

She did his bidding eagerly.

He leaned closer to her until his face was inches from hers. She could smell his warm, minty breath. She wanted to taste him.

He licked the seams of her lips slowly as his fingers crept between her thighs, inching closer to where she was hot and aching. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang mas masarap lasapin, ang mahalikan nito o ang maramdaman ang mga daliri nito sa pinakapribadong parte ng kanyang katawan na wala pang lalaking nakasaling, maliban ngayon.

Napakapit siya sa braso nito, habol ang hininga. “Oh Dax…please…”

His lips finally fused with hers.

Oh God…

Delicious. He was delicious!

He kissed so wonderfully, slow but deliberate, unhurried but tantalizing. Her tongue snaked out to lick him, to draw him deeper into her mouth, but he held the back of her head and controlled the kiss. God, she could kiss him forever.

His fingers continued to caress her inner thighs. Pakiramdam niya’y binabaha na siya roon. She had never felt like this before. These wicked and bone-melting sensations…and she wanted him to touch her there so badly.

“Tell me what you want,” he murmured in her lips.

She definitely wanted more. She opened her legs wider, silently telling him what she wanted. “Dax, please.”

“Tell me, baby.”

“Touch me.”

“Where?” His tongue went to her ear. It laved and darted in and out of her earlobe as his fingers traced the edge of her panties.

“There… Please…!”

“Guide my hand.”

She didn’t need to be told twice. She grabbed his hand and pulled it hard between her legs. Right there where she was throbbing with need.

She closed her eyes and moaned as he cupped her possessively, squeezing her flesh. “Oh, God…”

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His fingers were magic. One moment they were rubbing over her silk panties, the next they were rubbing on her bare skin.

She thought she’d expire from the pleasure of his touch. In another time and place, she would never have allowed anybody to touch her like this, but she lost all semblance of time and space.

“Fuck, babe, you’re so wet…so hot…” She heard his low, sensual voice as he kissed her lips and manipulated her embarrassingly wet sex. But she didn’t have the mind to confront her shame yet.

Her nails were biting into his arms as he rubbed her slippery folds, his fingers finding the most sensitive spot, focusing on it.

“Dax…Please…please…I can’t bear it!” She begged him to release her from the unbearably sensual torture.

She clung to him, the incredible pleasure making her weak, yet exhilarated. She wanted it to end and go on at the same time.

His fingers moved faster, strumming that little spot harder.

The wicked sensations churning inside her womb were so intense now that it frightened her, but she wanted it desperately. Whatever it was that she needed had to come now… Oh my God, now!

Suddenly, the escalating pleasure stopped. But the wicked sensations continued.

Dazed, she realized that he was no longer touching her. “Dax…?” she called his name, confused, her whole body screaming with unsatisfied need.

“Sorry, I need to drive. It’s really late. Marami akong trabahong naghihintay bukas,” he said casually, settling back into his seat.

Parang sinampal ang pakiramdam ni Rianna. Words failed her.

She watched him lick his fingers, tasting her. “Sweet.” Then he slowly wiped his wet hand on his shirt.

Gusto niyang mag-disappear sa hiya. But her body was still hyper from frustration.

He smirked. “What, little princess? I’m not your boytoy. I’m your bodyguard. My responsibilities don’t involve getting you off. Tempting, but no, thanks.”

Her hands struck for attack, aiming at his face, but he grabbed them and rendered her immobile.

“I really don’t care what you do with your life, Rye, pero ibinilin ka sa akin ni Russel, kaya pwede bang ireserba mo ang pagwawala mo sa ibang araw para hindi kita responsibilidad?”

He dropped her hands none too gently and angrily strapped the seatbelt around her.

Nanghina si Rianna, tinakasan ng lakas.

This humiliation, she’d probably never live down.

Oh God, why, why, why? Bakit ko pinayagan na mangyari iyon?

His hand was between her legs, and she was panting helplessly, wanting him so badly, while he…

He was just watching her, playing with her. In total control.

He did it to drive a point. And he drove it so hard and precise like a nail on her coffin.

She didn’t stand a chance.

Her chest felt like it was going to explode with the pain and shame. She had never been dealt this kind of rejection.

Tumulo ang kanyang mga luha.

Ibiniling niya ang ulo palayo rito at mariing ipinikit ang mga mata. Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi upang hindi mapahagulgol.

The drive back to Manila felt like a journey to hell.

She didn’t look his way again.

She didn’t say a single word.

Neither did he.

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12 CATCH 22

RIANNA didn’t feel like getting up or going out that day. Halos isang linggo na siyang ganoon, ayaw niyang lumabas ng kwarto. Nagmumukmok lang siya roon buong araw at nagpapahatid lang ng pagkain kapag gutom siya.

Makailang beses ng pumasok si Ally sa silid niya para tanungin kung may sakit siya. Nagkunwari siyang pagod. Minsan ay sumilip si Russel sa kanya. Sabi nito ay limang taon sana siyang ganoon para limang taon din itong makapagpahinga sa kunsumisyon. Natawa na lang siya sa kapatid imbes na mainis sa pang-aalaska nito.

She played and listened to the recorded calls on her phone. Wala kasi siyang tinatanggap na anumang tawag, kahit pa mula sa mga kaibigan niya. Ipinaubaya na lang muna niya sa manager niya ang pamamahala sa Party Animal. She didn’t have the energy for anything.

Hanggang ngayon ay hiyang-hiya pa rin siya sa sarili. It had been a week, but the humiliation she had felt was still there, like it just happened yesterday.

That last encounter with Dax was a major blow to her entire system. He did not only stamp on her pride, he had mercilessly ripped her dignity to pieces. All her defenses were wiped out.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nasaktan siya nang totoo at ganoon katindi ng isang lalaki. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, siya ang nalamangan ng isang lalaki. Ni hindi siya nakapanlaban. Hindi niya alam kung paano tapatan ang lakas nito. He had totally dominated her.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, iniiyakan niya ang isang lalaki. She had finally met her match.

And the painful truth was, she was no match to him.

She didn’t live up to her arrogant, self-expectations. Nilamon niya ang lahat ng kanyang mga sinabi.

Hindi pala niya kayang makipagsabayan kay Dax, lalo na talunin ito. Nakalamang lang siya noong hindi ito kumakasa sa laro niya. Nang pinatulan na siya nito, wala siyang panama. He was too strong, too experienced, too in control.

She was the one who was hooked.

And dumped in the most humiliating way.

Talo siya. Talong-talo.

Ibinasura na niya ang little red book. Wala naman palang kwenta iyon.

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HE FELT so fucking shitty inside.

Dax needed real action. Kailangang mai-focus niya ang utak sa ibang bagay maliban kay Rianna.

What happened with them on that highway was eating him up inside. He couldn’t sleep at night. He couldn’t think properly by day.

What he did to her was so low. God, he didn’t mean to reject her like that. She was so sweet, so passionate, so responsive.

He could still remember how she smelled, how she felt, how she tasted. He had wanted her so damned much he could have taken here right there and then.

He didn’t know how he had found the strength to stop himself from taking her after going that far. But he did. And it damned nearly killed him.

He didn’t know how he was able to drive back to Manila with a boner the size of a rocketship and the sound of her sniffles. Though she had tried to hide it from him by pretending to sleep, he knew she was crying. He felt like crying himself, so angry he was at their situation.

How he hated himself. For wanting her. For denying himself. For pretending to be indifferent to her when he couldn’t bear a single day of not being with her, of not seeing her in her baby pink designer clothes that he hated, of not experiencing a moment of her bratty, exasperating antics, of not hearing her shrill, sing-song voice ranting at him.

The realization hit him with a force of a supernova hitting the earth on sudden impact.

Hell…no…!

But he could no longer deny it.

He missed her. For the first time in his life, he was missing a woman. Terribly.

A week of not seeing her felt like forever. Alam niyang nasa bahay lang si Rianna, pero hindi ito lumalabas ng silid nito. Ally told him that Rye was simply resting, but he knew better. He had really hurt her.

He wanted to go see her, pero ano naman ang sasabihin niya rito? He felt so many things for her, powerful feelings, and he didn’t know how to articulate them properly.

These feelings were so new, and they had disrupted his equilibrium so badly he couldn’t think straight anymore.

Dapat ay masaya siya. It seemed that he had finally succeeded in discouraging her from pursuing him. But he felt like the lowest heel.

He needed to go away.

Running away, fucker? tudyo ng konsensiya niya.

Indeed, he was. He had to regain his balance. Habang magkalapit sila ni Rianna, hindi mangyayari iyon.

Pumunta siya sa headquarters ng Stealth Unlimited nang araw na iyon upang isumite ang progress report niya sa trabaho niya kay Russel.

Nagkita sila ni Lucky. Nagkape sila sa lounge ng SU.

“Kumusta?” tanong nito.

“Okay lang. I have certain leads . . Mukhang may nagta-tandem sa Accounting at Finance departments ng RDVG sa pagsasabotahe ng kompanya. Matataas ang pwesto ng mga suspects, pero malinis magtrabaho. They know how to cover their tracks well. Kailangang mahuli sila sa akto para malaman kung sino ang mga contacts nila sa labas.”

“Good. Take your time there. Linisin mo nang husto ang kompanya ni Russel.”

“Ah, Luck…” bantulot na sabi niya. Uminom siya mula sa mug na hawak.

“Problem?” matunog na tanong ni Lucky.

“Pwede bang makipagpalit ako kay Jado dito sa RDVG account? I want an assignment abroad. The classified stuff.”

“Akala ko ba’y magpapahinga ka muna?”

“Nakapagpahinga na ako. Okay na ako.”

Tinitigan siya ni Lucky. “Talk to me, man.”

Bumuntong-hininga siya. “Wala lang. I feel restless. Tutal identified na naman ang moles, kayang-kaya na ni Jado na tapusin ’to,” paiwas niyang sagot.

He didin’t feel like discussing his dilemma concerning Rianna with his boss. He felt it was too intimate to share with anybody, not even to the man who was like his older brother already.

“Please, if you can get me out of the account, I’d really appreciate it. I’m sure, Russel won’t mind.”

“Does this have anything to do with that ass-grabbing thing?”

“What?”

Lucky grinned knowingly. “The men showed me some tabloids.”

He was so embarrassed. Subukan lang ng mga itong kantiyawan siya.

“Kakausapin ko si Russel,” ani Lucky at tinapik siya sa balikat, hindi na nangulit pa ng mas malalim na dahilan sa naging desisyon niya.

“Thanks, man.”

BUT RUSSEL   did mind.

“I want you to finish this job, Dax. No other man will do,” mariing tanggi nito sa mungkahi niya.

“I’ve got a new assignment, Russ. Halos tapos na ang trabaho ko sa ’yo. Si Jado na ang tatapos. He’s an expert at catching a target in the act,” pangangatwiran niya.

“Hindi ’yon. I need you for another job. Importante.”

“What kind of job?”

“Gusto kong samahan mo si Rye sa Boracay ng tatlong araw.”

This time, he objected vehemently to Russel’s wish. “Boracay? With her? Ano namang gagawin ko roon?” may kataasan ang boses na protesta niya.

Russel looked a bit guilty. “Pasensiya ka na, Dax, pero makikiusap ako sa ’yo ngayon. Rianna had signed a contract behind my back to host a huge festival in Boracay. It’s too late to break it dahil next week na ang event. Silver Gin Corp. ang major sponsor ng event, pag-aari nina Jonty, kaya nakakahiya kung umurong si Rye.”

“What’s this event gotta do with me?”

“I need you to look after her there.”

“Russ, matanda na siya, bakit kailangang gwardiyahan mo pa siya nang ganyan?”

“You don’t know my sister. She’s wild. Hirap akong patinuin ’yan kahit noon pa. She’s always running around with her equally wild friends.”

“Wala ka kasing tiwala sa kanya. Kaya hindi nagtatanda ’yan eh, over-protective ka.”

Hindi niya napigilang ilabas ang saloobin.

Bumuntong-hininga si Russel. “Hindi sa gano’n. Gusto ko lang masigurong hindi siya mapapahamak. You know how men are at laging napapaligiran ng mga putsang lalaki ang batang ’yon. Parang dick magnet. Nakita mo naman ’di ba? Hindi ako nakakatulog sa gabi sa kaiisip sa kalagayan niya kapag lumalabas siya. Walang bodyguard na makatagal sa kanya, papalit-palit. So, please, I trust you. Keep her safe for me, okay? Kahit dito lang sa Boracay event.”

Umiling siya. “ I don’t know…“

“I’ll triple your service fee.”

Hindi siya umimik.

“This guy she’s been dating lately, I don’t like him. Si Gutsy Ynarez.”

He didn’t like Gutsy either. But he didn’t like any other man hitting on Rianna. Period. “Bakit?”

“He’s eyeing my sister’s trust fund.”

Natigilan siya. “Paano ka nakakasiguro? Mukhang bigatin naman ’yong gagong ’yon. Bagay naman sila ni Rye,” he said grudgingly kahit abot hanggang impiyerno ang inis niya kay Gutsy.

“His family just went bust. Their stocks crashed. They’re looking for a way out. Given that, I don’t trust Gutsy’s intentions towards her, at all. Do you have any idea how rich my sister would be when she turns twenty-five? That’s in two years. Her husband would be one really lucky SOB.”

He shook his head. He had no idea, but if Russel was so protective of his sister like a lion to its cub, then she must be one helluva rich babe.

“Then ask her to make a prenup,” he supplied.

“I did. She got pissed. When she marries daw, hindi niya kailangan ng prenup. It would be forever daw.”

That surprised him. Rianna the romantic? That was as far-flung an idea as finding a living thing in Mercury. But he was intrigued nonetheless. “She said that?”

Russel grunted. “She can be so naïve.”

Personally, Dax found the idea of a prenup mercenary, a lack of trust from the very beginning. Like a prelude to an eventual end. But who was he to judge? Marriage was anathema to his system.

“Bakit, may prenup ba kayo ni Ally?” hindi niya napigilang itanong. He may have overstepped his boundary, too.

Hindi nakaimik si Russel nang ilang segundo. “It’s different. I love her. I trust her.”

“What if Rye falls in love?”

“Are you kidding me? She’s been falling in love since she was sixteen. She’s only twenty-three, too young to recognize the real deal. I don’t want my sister to fall for a good for nothing opportunist. So you see, man, what I’m asking you to do is not a simple job. It’s a huge, important job, actually. It’s Rianna’s future.”

He sighed, not convinced. “Don’t you think her future is hers to decide, Russ?”

Russel shook his head. “Not until she’s twenty-five. By then, baka mag-mature na ang ugali niya. Right now, I don’t trust her decisions, at all.”

“Bakit ako? Marami namang iba sa payroll mo na pwedeng magbantay sa kanya?”

“Lahat sila ay kayang-kayang paikutin at patiklupin ni Rianna. If you haven’t noticed, she’s a major ballbuster. Pero ikaw, napansin ko…” Russel looked at him with a hint of admiration. “Hindi ka niya kaya.”

That’s what you think, man.

“Okay, Dax? I’d owe you big for this.”

He sighed in resignation. “Basta ikaw, Russ.”

“Good, good.” Tinapik siya nito sa balikat at lumayo na.

Naiwan siyang napapaisip nang malalim. Three days in Boracay. A virtual paradise. Only he didn’t have the right to taste paradise.

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This time,

Rianna objected to being with Dax again. Mariin ang pagtanggi niya sa kagustuhan ni Russel. “Ayoko siyang makasama!”

“You go with him or you don’t go at all,” balewalang sabi ng kapatid niya.

“Si Ringo na lang ang sasama sa akin.”

“Busy si Ringo dito sa Manila.”

“Kahit sino basta ayoko kay Dax!”

Makahulugan ang tingin sa kanya ni Russel. “Bakit biglang ayaw mo na sa kanya? Last week lang ay panay ang kulit mo na siya ang bodyguard mo. Hindi na nga nakakatrabaho nang maayos ’yong tao sa kakulitan mo.”

Umiwas siya ng tingin. “Basta.”

Tumayo na si Russel mula sa executive table nito. “Bahala ka. Kung hindi si Dax ang sasama sa ’yo, hindi ka aalis ng Manila, maliwanag? Huwag mo akong suwayin dito,” seryosong babala nito.

“Pero Kuya…!”

“I have to go to the office.”

Russel dismissed her and went out of the library. Naiwan siyang nagngingitngit.

Nang lumabas siya ng library ay nasalubong niya si Dax sa hallway. She immediately tensed at the sight of him. So ruggedly handsome, so overpoweringly male. It was so unfair that she still found herself admiring his looks despite what he did to her last week.

Saglit siyang namatanda. Nang makabawi ay nagdudumali siyang lumakad upang lagpasan ito.

He caught her arm. “Sandali lang, Rye.”

“Bitiwan mo ako,” she said frostily.

“We need to talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“About what happened…”

“I don’t wanna hear anything about it. It didn’t happen. Gusto ko ng kalimutan ’yon.”

He sighed. “I…I’m sorry…”

She forced out a phony laugh. “Don’t be. It didn’t mean anything to me.”

His eyes became dangerous. “Really?”

She raised her chin. “Yes. But I can definitely find another man who’d finish what you started if I so desire. Just a snap of my fingers and they’d be lining up at my door.”

He clenched his jaw, his eyes going hot and cold in seconds. “Gusto kong malaman mo na pagkatapos kitang samahan sa Boracay ay tapos na ang trabaho ko sa kuya mo.”

“I’m so happy to hear that. Good riddance.”

Hindi ito nakaimik, muling bumuntong-hininga nang malalim.

Hinablot niya ang kamay mula sa pagkakahawak nito at nagmamadaling lumayo.

MY DEAR READERS, IF YOU WANT A COPY OF DAX, IT’S AVAILABLE ON PAPERBACK AT AMAZON. JUST TYPE MY NAME ON THE AMAZON SEARCH BOX. XOXO–EVE

13 THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

RIANNA  was sipping

four seasons while taking a break.

Kahapon ay maghapon siyang nasa harap ng kamera bilang emcee ng Beach Babe, a bikini contest. Today was another show, a celebrity challenge. Buong araw rin siyang nasa harapan ng kamera. Right now though, si Mark ang nakasalang sa kamera.

The Silver Gin Bottoms Up Festival was the biggest event in Boracay this year. This was the first Silver Gin Fest kaya all-out ang budget ng Silverio Holdings, ang may-ari ng Silver Gin. Three major TV networks were covering the festival, and the sponsors were nothing short of the biggest brands in the business.

Rianna was very tired. Reporters were all over her the whole day asking her about her bodyguard.

Apparently, the press had come up with a love triangle story about her, Dax and Gutsy. Sila ni Dax ngayon ang hottest couple na pinag-uusapan ng publiko.

The Heiress and Her Gallant Bodyguard: a blossoming love story,

sabi ng headline ng isang glossy showbiz magazine na lumabas sa stands last week.

A panicking Jaz had bought it and had her read it. Naroon ang mga pictures nila ni Dax mula sa bar ni Gutsy, pati pagpasok nila sa firing range at noong palabas sila ng lobby ng The Pointe. It was complete with a speculative article, about how they met and how their relationship developed.

Bilib naman siya sa press sa pagtahi-tahi ng istorya na base lang sa mga haka-haka. Basta lang kumita ng pera, kung anu-ano na ang isinusulat. Mabuti pa ang mga ito, positive ang tingin sa relasyon nila ni Dax. Kung alam lang ng mga ito ang tunay na score between her and her bodyguard, they’d be sorely disappointed. Pero lalo namang lumala ang mga tsismis dahil magkasama sila ngayon ni Dax dito sa Boracay. Lalo at narito rin si Gutsy.

Gutsy had been charming to the reporters, actually dropping hints that they were making sweet music together. Lihim naman siyang naiinis sa ginagawa ng lalaki.

Alam niyang takot ang mga reporters na lumapit kay Dax. Mukha kasing mang-uumbag ang hitsura nito, laging nakasimangot, kaya siya na lang ang binubwisit ng mga ito. Pagod na pagod na siya sa kasasabi ng ‘no comment’.

Her eyes scanned the people around her. Her make-up artist and stylist were waiting for her to finish her drink, so they could do a retouch on her face and hair. The director was busy briefing the celebrities involved in the show. The celebrity challenge was a take-off from the hit reality show, The Amazing Race.

Natagpuan ng mga mata niya si Dax sa di-kalayuan, nakasandal sa isang puno ng niyog, matamang nakamasid sa kanya. He was in a plain white shirt, khaki capri pants, dark shades and beach slippers. He looked like a fitness model, but he lacked the flashy air of a celebrity. Ganunpaman, hindi iyon nakabawas sa sex appeal nito. Lalo pa yatang nadagdagan ang appeal nito dahil sa mysterious aura nito.

Nilapitan nga siya ng isang talent scout kanina at nagtanong tungkol kay Dax. The woman was looking for the next endorser of a popular men’s jeans at interesado itong kunin si Dax bilang model. Sinabi niyang si Dax na lang ang tanungin nito.

The woman told her later that she was turned down flat by Dax. She knew it. For all his boldness, he would never want to be out in the open for the public to scrutinize. He would always prefer to be mysterious.

It was their second night in Boracay and he had kept his distance from her while she worked. They had scarcely exchanged words with each other, but she was somehow comforted by the fact that he was just around, watching her discreetly.

“Rye, we’ll resume in fifteen!” sigaw ng director sa kanya.

She quickly finished her drink.

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“Girl, I see the signs.”

Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Rianna. Kausap niya si Wendy na sumama sa kanya sa Boracay. Trendy was sponsoring her wardrobe for the entire Silver Gin Fest. “Ano’ng signs?”

“You’re losing it.”

“What, the bet?”

“Uh-huh.”

Ngani na lang na sabihin niya sa kaibigan na talo na nga siya. Hindi umubra ang mga ginawa niyang pagpapa-cute at pangse-seduce kay Dax. Galit na rin siya sa author ng librong nabili niya. Puro palpak naman ang mga tips na naroon.

Meron lang sigurong mga lalaking grabe ang self-control tulad ni Dax. Meron talagang untemptable man.

Sige na nga, tanggapin na nga lang niya sa sarili, hindi talaga siya type ni Dax. She would probably smart from that fact in the next hundred years. Bakit ang sakit-sakit ng katotohanang iyon?

Pero ayaw naman niyang sabihin sa kaibigan na suko na siya. Baka landiin ni Wendy si Dax dito sa Boracay. Baka makuha nito ang lalaki. Tripleng tadyak kaya iyon sa pride niya kung sakali.

Saka na niya sasabihin kay Wendy ang lahat, kapag wala na si Dax sa empleyo ni Russel. Something pricked her heart at the thought of not seeing him again. Lalo at nalaman niya kay Ally na tapos na ang trabaho ni Dax para sa Kuya Russ niya.

She was feeling a rising panic inside. Pagdating ba nila sa Manila, she would never see him again?

“You’re falling for him, aren’t you?”

“Huh?” She feigned innocence.

“You’re in love with your bodyguard.”

“Aw, come on, Wends, gimme a break. Of course not.” She tried to sound nonchalant.

Wendy rolled her eyes. “Hindi mo yata napapansin, dear, makailang beses ka ng lumingon sa kinauupuan niya. Your eyes follow his every move.”

“I do not!” mariing tanggi niya.

“Liars go to hell.”

She sighed and plopped back in the lounger.

“Aw, girl…” sambit ni Wendy.

She could not lie to her friend. Or to herself. She had never felt this upheaval of emotions with any other man before. Only with Dax.

“I don’t want to, Wends. I hate him.”

“Love. Hate. Aren’t they the same powerful emotions that move us to do the things we never even dream of doing? They’re often one and the same.”

“How could I love him?”

But her own question only taunted her feelings.

“How could you not? Look at him. I love everything about him. His skin tone, his lips, his eyes, those brawny arms and chest, his firm ass…”

“Wends!” protesta niya.

“Uyy, at possessive ka na sa kanya, girl. Never kang nagkaganyan sa isang lalaki. Masamang senyales na ’yan.”

“Shut up. You’re imagining things.”

“Okay, if you don’t love him, tell me, is the bet still on then?”

Hindi siya nakasagot. Natahimik siya ng ilang saglit. Was she really in love? She didn’t want to. Wala iyon sa plano niya.

She looked for Dax in the crowd. She found him talking to a sexy foreigner clad in a string bikini. Ang landi ng ngiti ng babae rito at mukhang enjoy rin si Dax sa pakikipag-usap dito.

She gripped the arms of the lounger to stop herself from marching up to them and snatch him away from the woman. “Ang walang-hiya, sabi niya ayaw niya sa blonde!” she hissed, fuming with jealousy.

Ganoon na lang ang tawa ni Wendy. “Trendy on you forever, dear,”

“Yes!” biglang sabi niya.

“What?”

“The bet is still on!”

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The bonfire was raging that night, the culmination of the three-day Silver Gin Fest. Everyone was partying around the fire blazing some ten feet high like an inferno. They were celebrating like crazy. Drinks were pouring endlessly, food was abundant. It seemed that all the people billeted at the numerous first-class resorts had gathered in that party.

Rianna felt like a gypsy of the olden times, dancing seductively around the flames. She was in the most happening place in the whole country tonight, surrounded by the most beautiful people, being adored by them. She used to enjoy these moments so much. But not tonight.

Hinanap ng mga mata niya ang taong laman na yata ng utak niya sa bawat minuto. She found him sipping beer while seated on a coconut trunk. Nilalandi ito ng tatlong models na nanalo sa Beach Babe contest. She couldn’t blame them. Dax was simply sumptuous. He was shirtless and wearing a pair of black boardshorts that most guys wore tonight.

Even if he was trying to be low key, he was a standout. He was tall and well-muscled like those fitness models roaming around the beach, but she knew Dax’s muscles were not acquired for show. It was acquired for the kind of job that he did, whatever it really was. Hard to admit, but to her, all men simply paled in comparison to Dax.

And he was hers, dammit! He was hers. No other woman could have him. She would not let that happen.

The possessive claim made her stomach flutter as if a million butterflies were flapping crazily inside her.

For a while she lost her resolve. She almost gave up on him. But now, she knew what she really wanted.

Him. All of him. And the bet had nothing to do with it.

She was about to go to Dax when Gutsy suddenly appeared.

“Dance, kitten?” nakangising anyaya nito.

She was so relieved that he didn’t seem to have a recollection of what happened to him in Punta Fuego. Tama si Dax. Lasing na ito noon kaya natumba at napatulog agad ng karate chop nito.

Nginitian niya ang binata at hinayaan niyang hapitin nito para isayaw. Hip-hop ang music na tumutugtog kaya slow and sexy ang moves nila.

She hoped Dax was looking at them. Sana magselos rin ito. Lugi siya at siya lang ang nagseselos sa mga babaing lumalandi rito.

Obviously, sinundan siya ni Gutsy sa Boracay para bisitahin kahit na sobrang busy ito sa trabaho sa Manila. Last night, Gutsy told her that he was seriously going to court her. He had mentioned settling down. Alam niyang nagpaparinig ito sa kanya na gusto siya nitong maging asawa.

She should have been flattered, pero naging manhid ang puso niya sa atensiyong ibinibigay ni Gutsy. Her mind was somewhere else. With another man.

The man she hated. And wanted. And needed.

The man she wished to be with more than anybody else in this world. The man she would like to spend the rest of her life with.

Oh God. The admission meant everything to her.

Even now, as she was dancing with a gorgeous, eligible bachelor who came from her circle, her heart already belonged to someone else. To someone who didn’t belong in her world. To someone who refused to belong to her.

She finally acknowledged to herself then.

She was in love. Madly, irrevocably in love.

And feeling like this, the thought of not having Dax was simply unthinkable. Unbearable.

She would not give him up.

Never.

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Dax saw her approaching, so breathtakingly sexy in her red, two-piece bikini.

Rianna had wrapped a white, fishnet material around her hips, but it didn’t hide her voluptuous curves. In fact, it only emphasized her killer curves.

May sinasabi sa kanya ang mga babaeng kausap niya, pero hindi na niya naririnig. All his senses were focused on the goddess walking towards him. Some five meters away, she crooked her finger at him, beckoning him to go to her. Her eyes were issuing a challenge. Bossy queen, as usual, he thought, half amused and more excited.

He stood up. “Excuse me,” aniya sa mga kausap at nilapitan si Rianna.

“Dance with me.”

“What’s the matter? Got tired of your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Really? What is he to you then?”

Ipinulupot nito ang mga bisig sa leeg niya. His whole body tensed. From being a totally cold Rianna the past week to the seductive Rianna again tonight. The hot and cold treatment was driving him nuts.

God, this woman will be the death of me.

“Wouldn’t you rather wanna know what you are to me, Dax?” she replied huskily.

They stared at each other. He didn’t answer. He didn’t want to hear what she thought of him. He already knew. An absolute ass, the plague of her life.

She smiled teasingly. “Come on, ask me. You’re dying to know.”

“I already know.”

“Really?” She leaned closer to him, rubbing against him from chest to legs. He gritted his teeth at the contact. She was warm, and soft…

“Yeah.” His hands encircled her tiny waist, loving the feel of her hot, smooth skin against the roughness of his palms.

God, deliver me from this temptress, he prayed, dreading the rapid evaporation of his self-control. He could feel it slipping away as she continued to look at him like that.

“Hmm, did you know that I want you?”

He inhaled sharply. “Rianna…stop it.”

She traced his lower lip with her forefinger. “That I really, really need you?”

God, help me. He gripped her hips to move her away from him, but changed his mind. He had grown so hard he’d embarrass himself royally if he moved away from her.

“And I can feel how much you want me…” She rubbed her belly against his now distended fly and smiled wickedly. She raised herself on tiptoe, so that her lips were only a few inches from his. “You need me as much as I need you.”

Her breath smelled of a strawberry drink, sweet, intoxicating.

“You’re playing with fire, Rianna. Be careful.” He tried to sound menacing.

But she was not intimidated. “Yes, I am. And I don’t care. I wanna be with you tonight. Forever.”

What the hell was she saying?

“We can’t.”

“Yes, we will.”

“Your brother will kill me.”

“Is that why you’ve been avoiding me? Because of Russel?”

“Yes…No…”

“Why, Dax? Tell me.”

“I…I can’t offer you anything.”

“Offer me yourself. All I want is you. Just you, nothing else.”

“Rye, please. Don’t do this.”

“Marry me.”

He gripped her hips hard, stilling the seductive movement of her body against him.

He stared into her eyes. Really stared.

He knew, she was no longer playing with him. He could feel it in every fiber of his being.

Vulnerability was in her eyes. “Please, don’t turn me away again. I can’t take it, Dax,” she said like a little girl.

“Rye…dammit…” He uttered the expletive, but devoid of bite.

“I love you.”

He froze. Everything seemed to stand still around him. Only his heart moved in his body in slow, jarring beats that shook him to his very soul.

“I love you. Marry me, Dax. I’ll give you everything you want. I’ll be your anything.”

It was a promise from a goddess no god could ever resist. Certainly not him, a mortal who was totally nuts about her.

He prayed for divine intervention, because for all his strength and cunning in the battlefield, nothing had prepared him for the great force that was Rianna Valdeverro.

God, what should a man do after receiving a marriage proposal from the woman he was in love with?

Motherffffff…! He was in love?

Suddenly, lightning split the sky. It was so powerful it lit the universe like a giant, jagged electric bolt.

Everyone ducked in fear.

Thunder cracked and exploded, reverberating like a detonating bomb all around them. It was a terrifying sound.

A gust of wind followed. It howled and swept in all directions, taking lighter objects flying everywhere. The fire raged even more, alarming everyone.

“Put out the fire! Baka magkasunog tayo!” sigaw ng isang lalaki.

That sent everyone into a panic. People scrambled in every direction.

The party was definitely over.

He grabbed Rianna’s hand firmly. “Let’s go. Storm’s coming.”

He took the lead. She followed him.

Just as they reached the door to his cottage, the heavens opened up. Rain poured down in torrents, hammering like a heavy waterfall on the roof. In a few minutes, there was zero visibility.

It was one of those weird weathers that occasionally hit the usually calm and sunny island.

CONNECT WITH ME IN MY NEW FB ACCOUNT: SHAZKA VERGA. I’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. XOXO–EVE