Embracing Your Fire (SERIE FEROCI 13)

elyjindria · 34 chapters · 15,683 words

Wattpad Originals Announcement

Hi, Elies!

I’m thrilled to share that Embracing Your Fire (SERIE FEROCI 13) has been chosen for Wattpad Originals! This is a great achievement for me, and it has always been one of my dreams since this program launched. I know all this will never be possible without your love and support.

Serie Feroci was written without much thought and preparation, and I know it always shows. I wasn’t really proud of how I’ve written this series, but I’m always grateful to those who loved and supported this. You all gave me the strength to share this story with the world, even though I still doubt myself. I’m always thankful to all of you who gave this series a chance when I wasn’t confident at all.

I really hope you will respect my decision as this is a great opportunity for me as a writer. Salamat palagi. Salamat sa suporta at pagmamahal sa akin at sa mga kuwento ko.

I added Caitlyn and Yvo’s bonus chapters, and you can read them again. Thank you so much, Elies!

With all my heart, Elyjindria

Chapter 1

Althea Selene Santillan

“I will never marry her, Mom.”

Yvo’s words hit my heart, and it was… painful. I knew he never wanted to marry me. Bata pa lang kami, ipinagkasundo na kaming ikasal. I took that seriously, because I’ve liked him ever since.

“Yvo Ruis!” asik ni Tita Yvette, mommy ni Yvo.

Yvo stroked his hair and hissed. “Kahit pilitin niyo ako, hindi ko siya pakakasalan. If this is just because of your stupid agreement with her parents before… then leave me out of this shit,” mariing sinabi pa niya.

“Yvo! H’wag mo akong kausapin nang ganiyan. Hindi kita pinalaking bastos,” mariing sabi ni Tita Yvette.

I gulped and touched her arm gently. “T-tita… kumalma po muna kayo.”

Napabuga ng hangin si Tita Yvette at napahilot sa sentido niya saka matalim na tumingin sa anak. “Bakit ba ayaw mong pakasalan si Althea? She’s beautiful, smart, classy, and a future doctor. Ano pa ba ang hahanapin mo sa kaniya? She’s the perfect woman for you,” sabi niya sa kalmado nang boses, tila nakikiusap na kay Yvo.

“I don’t like her… as simple as that,” nakakunot-noong sinabi pa ni Yvo.

Napakagat ako nang mariin sa ibabang labi ko. He bluntly showed me his disinterest towards me but hearing that directly from him hurt like shit too. We didn’t really grow up together. Magkaibigan lang talaga ang mga magulang ko at si Tita Yvette. Nagkakilala kami noong mga bata pa kami. I started having a crush on him when I was a teenager. There was no particular reason, I just found him cool. He may be cold on the outside, but he actually has a soft side, especially on kids and animals.

He often ignored me and showed me how much he hated the fact of being with me. Mas lalong lumala ang disgusto niya sa akin noong sinabi ng mga magulang namin na nakatakda kaming ikasal pagtungtong namin sa tamang edad.

“You will marry her, Yvo… whether you like it or not,” mariing sabi ni Tita Yvette.

Yvo hissed and glared at her mother. “I have a girlfriend.”

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Hindi na lang ako nagsalita… Hindi naman imposible ang posibilidad na ’yon. Naisip ko na rin iyon. Yvo might have a girlfriend… May mga naging girlfriend din naman siya sa mga nagdaang taon. Even I myself had flings… but even if I tried to like someone else… no one lasted long. Si Yvo lang talaga ang gusto ko.

“I’m sure whoever she is, she’s just your plaything. I know you, Yvo. Wala kang sineryosong babae. Kilalang-kilala kita,” sabi pa ni Tita Yvette. “I know you’ll like Althea eventually. She’s the sweetest.”

Yvo looked at me and smirked. “I doubt that… Nasa loob ang kulo niyan.”

Napaiwas ako ng tingin at napakuyom ang kamao… So, he was aware. Maybe he saw me… or heard about my past flings. I admit, I wasn’t really innocent, pure, and sweet. I was not. For the past years, I really did my best to love someone else. I tried having relationship with other men… Ginusto ko rin naman na mawala ang nararamdaman ko para kay Yvo, lalo pa’t wala talaga siyang interes sa akin… Iniisip naman ni Tita Yvette na perpekto ako para kay Yvo. She thinks that I’m the perfect and ideal woman for her son.

“Walang kasal na mangyayari, Mom. You can hate me or disown me… but I won’t marry that bitch,” malamig na sinabi ni Yvo.

Agad na tumayo si Tita Yvette at malakas na sinampal ang anak. “Yvo! Don’t talk to a woman like that! Ipapaalala ko lang sa ’yo na babae rin ako na ina mo! Wala kang respeto!”

Nanlamig ang mga kamay ko at natigagal sa nangyari. Napahawak na lang si Yvo sa gilid ng labi niya saka matalim na tumingin sa ina.

“Nirespeto mo rin ba ang desisyon ko? Pinagpipilitan mo akong magpakasal sa kaniya kahit ayaw ko… tapos gusto mo ng respeto?” malamig na tanong nito.

Tita Yvette clenched her fists. Halos mamula ang mukha niya sa galit. Hindi na nagsalita pa si Yvo at basta na lang umalis at iniwan kami sa living room. Nanghihinang napaupo si Tita Yvette sa couch. Agad akong humawak sa braso niya at marahang hinaplos ang likod niya.

“I-I’m sorry about my son, hija… Manang-mana talaga siya sa ama niya,” mariing sabi pa ni Tita Yvette.

Right… Yvo’s father, I have never seen him before. Ni hindi nila napag-uusapan iyon kapag nandito ako. Ni wala ring pictures. I don’t even know his name. I just heard that he was a lawyer… and eventually became a judge. Nasabi ng mga katulong na pumupunta-punta rin naman daw iyon para bumisita kina Yvo, pero madalang. Isang beses sa isang taon lang daw yata ito bumibisita. Matagal na rin silang hiwalay ni Tita Yvette, bata pa raw si Yvo noong naghiwalay sila.

“Ano na? Pa-hard to get pa rin ba ang Yvo na ’yon?”

Napatingin ako kay Caitlyn na prenteng nakahiga sa kama ko habang nanonood ng K-drama. Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin at hinubad ang sandals ko saka humiga rin sa tabi niya.

“He said he has a girlfriend,” I sighed.

“Nakakaduda pa rin dahil baka hindi na naman ’yon seryoso. Hindi pa naman nagseseryoso sa babae ’yong si Yvo… pero siyempre, girlfriend pa rin,” sabi na lang ni Caitlyn saka yumakap sa ’kin.

“I know… I don’t want to ruin someone’s relationship din naman, seryoso man ’yon o hindi. I’m not that kind of woman,” bulong ko saka gumanti ng yakap kay Caitlyn.

“Pero wala kang choice… Baka mamaya may kumidnap na sa ’yo kapalit ng sandamakmak na utang na iniwan ng parents mo. ’Yung ospital niyo pa.”

Tila sinampal na naman ako ng realidad sa sinabi ni Caitlyn. Ayoko rin naman sanang ipilit ang kasal namin ni Yvo kahit pa mahal ko siya dahil hindi niya naman ako gusto… pero kailangan kong ikasal sa kaniya. Mabait sina Tita Yvette, pero matutulungan lang nila ako sa mga problema kung kasal na kami ni Yvo, kung magkapamilya na kami. Hindi birong pera ang ilalabas nila para sa akin kaya naiintindihan ko.

I came from a family of doctors. I’m an only child. My mother died ten years ago due to a car accident. Last year lang, si Papa naman ang nang-iwan sa ’kin matapos atakihin sa puso dahil sa sunod-sunod na problema… kaya naiwan sa akin lahat. We have a huge debt from my father’s business partners. Nalulugi na rin ang ospital na pag-aari namin. Hindi ko rin naman alam kung paano patatakbuhin iyon. Intern pa lang ako sa pagdodoktor, mabigat para sa akin ang buhatin din pati ang ospital.

Pagpapakasal na lang kay Yvo ang nakikita kong pag-asa. Last week lang, pinuntahan ako ng dating business partner ni Papa at sinisingil sa akin ang 50 million pesos na utang ni Papa sa kaniya. He even threatened to take everything from me, even my house. Natatakot na akong matulog sa gabi dahil baka bigla na lang sumulpot ang mga pinagkakautangan ni Papa at kung ano’ng gawin sa akin… Kaya rin palaging nandito si Caitlyn sa bahay para may kasama ako.

50 million pesos… at sa isang tao pa lang ’yon. Paano na lang kung isasama pa ang sa iba pang napag-utangan ni Papa? Kahit buong buhay akong magtrabaho, hindi ko mababayaran iyon.

“Maghanap ka na lang kaya ng ibang pwedeng pakasalan. ’Yung mayaman din… pwede na ’yung matanda. Ano? Game ka? Mukhang wala ka talagang chance kay Yvo, e,” sabi ni Caitlyn saka bumangon at inayos ang buhok niya.

Napabuga ako ng hangin. “I’m not sure… May mahahanap ba akong mayaman na handang ubusin ang pera niya para bayaran ang mga utang ng pamilya ko at isalba ang ospital?” natatawang tanong ko na lang.

“Suntok sa buwan.” Napangiwi si Caitlyn.

Napabuga ako ng hangin at bumangon. I fixed my hair and looked at Caitlyn. “Sa tingin mo ba dapat na ’kong magpapayat? Baka ayaw sa ’kin ni Yvo dahil hindi niya type ang katawan ko?” bulong ko.

Of course, I love my voluptuous body, and I’m proud of it. Pero kung kinakailangan kong baguhin ang sarili ko para sa preference ni Yvo, gagawin ko. I really need to marry him. Baka mamaya matagpuan na lang akong patay diyan sa gilid dahil sa mga milyonaryong pinagkakautangan ni Papa.

“No way, girl. You’re perfect the way you are… Fuck Yvo. Maghanap ka na lang kasi ng iba na pwedeng perahan,” napapailing na sabi ni Caitlyn, tila ayaw niya ng ideya ko.

I just sighed and shook my head. “I couldn’t think of any way… aside from making Yvo like me and marry me.”

“Hindi ka nga kasi niya gusto,” napapailing na sabi niya. “Saka mga mature type yata ang bet n’on. ’Yung mas matanda sa kaniya at experienced… pansin ko lang. May naging ex din ’yon na single mom, ’di ba? Baka masyado kang bata para sa preference niya.”

Napaismid ako. “Mas matanda naman ako sa kaniya, ah.”

Natawa si Caitlyn. “Oo, beh… Mas matanda ka… isang taon,” tila sarkastikong sabi niya.

Yeah, I’m 26 while Yvo’s 25. Base rin sa na-observe ko, he preferred having relationships with women older than him by five years or so. Pero mas matanda pa rin naman ako kaysa sa kaniya kahit isang taon lang. Hindi ba counted iyon?

“Baka naman sa experience… Kahit naman marami kang nakalandiang lalaki, virgin ka pa rin. Baka hindi niya bet ’yung mga inexperienced,” sabi naman ni Caitlyn.

“I’m quite experienced though,” I muttered.

Well, yeah. I haven’t gone all the way yet, but I’m experienced with some stuff… making out and foreplay… Hindi pa ba sapat ’yon?

“Ay, ewan ko… ’Wag ka na kasi ro’n kay Yvo. Ano ba’ng meron do’n sa lalaking ’yon at nagustuhan mo? Gwapo lang naman ’yon, e, pero ang sama ng ugali.”

Napanguso na lang ako saka napahawak sa braso ko. Hindi naman talaga ganoon si Yvo dati. Nagbago lang talaga siya… sa tuwing nakikita ko siya, ’yung dahilan kaya ko siya nagustuhan pa rin ang nakikita ko. I still remember how he ran so fast to save a dying cat back then… I still remember how he gave all his food and money to the homeless kids when we were teenagers.

“Pupunta ako sa bar, magre-relax lang… sama ka?” tanong ko na lang kay Caitlyn.

Napangiwi siya. “No, thanks.”

Natawa na lang ako. Ayaw niya talaga sa mga bar at maiingay na lugar. Mas gusto niyang nagkukulong sa bahay at nanonood ng K-drama or anime.

Naligo na lang ako at naghanda na para pumunta sa bar. Napatingin ako sa salamin pagkatapos kong mag-ayos at magbihis. I wore a body-hugging mid-thigh black dress and white cropped cardigan. I let my brown wavy hair down. I wore light makeup and smiled in front of the mirror.

I looked hot as usual… My voluptuous body really suited me well. I have big boobs, wide hips, and thick thighs. Most of my past flings really found it hot about me. Despite having a sexy body, I have an innocent face. Some of my friends always say that I look younger than my age because of my face. I have almond shaped hazel eyes with long eyelashes, pointed nose, and pouty lips. They always say that I look even more angelic every time I smile.

I just shook my head and took my sling bag. Nagpaalam na ako kay Caitlyn bago umalis.

Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin at sumakay ng taxi. Naibenta ko na kasi ang mga kotse namin at idinagdag ang pera sa bank account ko. Kaunti na lang, pati ang bahay namin ibebenta ko na rin.

Dumeretso agad ako sa counter nang makarating sa bar. Napatingin ako sa dance floor… Nagpunta ako rito para mag-relax at magsaya kahit saglit, pero wala rin yata ako sa mood.

I was about to order drinks, but someone called my name.

“Althea…”

Natigilan ako nang lumapit sa ’kin ang lalaki. Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin nang makitang si Ian ’yon, ex-fling ko na doktor din. Nagtagal din kami ng two months last year. Itinigil lang namin dahil may gusto na raw siyang ligawan. Wala namang kaso sa ’kin ’yon noon. Bored lang naman kami pareho. Siguro nainip din siya dahil hindi kami nauuwi sa sex.

“Fancy meeting you here…” he said and sat beside me.

“Yeah,” tipid na sabi ko na lang.

Natawa naman siya. “Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago… Si Yvo pa rin ba ang gusto mo?”

Hindi ko na lang siya sinagot at pinaglaruan ang keychain sa sling bag ko.

“Hmm… Okay. How are you? Well, my girlfriend and I broke up last month,” sabi na lang niya.

“What will I do with that information?” I asked and raised my eyebrow at him.

He chuckled and stood up. Inilapat niya ang kamay sa tapat ko, sa may table saka ngumiti sa akin. “Well… how about we hang out again? Just like before, you know.”

I stroked my hair. “I’m not in the mood.”

Humawak siya sa braso ko saka marahang hinaplos ’yon. “Are you sure about that?”

Napabuga ako ng hangin at tumayo na lang saka iniwan siya roon. Isa rin talaga iyon sa ayaw ko kay Ian noon. Minsan, para siyang mahangin na hindi ko maintindihan.

Natigilan ako at napasinghap nang muntik na akong matisod. Napakapit ako sa unang nahawakan ko… at natigagal na lang ako dahil may mga butones na naglaglagan. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa nakapitan ko. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makitang damit pala ng matangkad na lalaki ang nakapitan ko. Nasira ang tatlong butones ng suot niyang button up shirt. His masculine chest was visible.

Napatakip ako sa bibig ko at napaatras. “Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry, Sir…” Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa lalaki.

Napalunok ako nang makita ang mukha nito. The man was tall, lean, and masculine all over. My jaw almost dropped… He’s the most attractive man I ever laid my eyes on. I almost got lost in his deep amber eyes. He has thick eyebrows and lashes, pointed nose, sexy lips, sharp jawline, and stubble beard. He has the manliest aura among all the men I’ve met in my life. He looked like a Hollywood actor or model. I bet he’s in his 30s.

Yes, I like Yvo, pero hindi naman ibig sabihin n’on na hindi ako na-a-attract sa iba.

My knees weakened when our eyes met. He has this cold look in his eyes that I couldn’t explain… as if nothing in this world excites him. Somehow… that challenged me. Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, pero palaging nagagandahan sa akin ang mga lalaking nakaksalamuha ko sa unang tingin pa lang. Even Yvo admitted before that I’m beautiful… but this man was looking at me as if I was boring for him.

I just shook my head… If my father was still alive, I would have made my way with this man. But well, I didn’t have the luxury to play and fool around anymore.

“I’m really sorry, Sir. I-I’ll just buy you another one. I’m sorry…” hinging paumanhin ko sa kaniya.

“No need. It’s fine,” tipid na sabi niya at tinalikuran na ako at umalis.

Napakurap ako at hinabol siya ng tingin. Napalunok na lang ako at nagsimulang maglakad nang mabilis para sundan siya… nasundan ko siya hanggang sa labas ng bar. Akmang papasok siya sa kotse niya pero agad kong hinawakan ang braso niya. Napalingon naman siya sa ’kin.

Damn. He looked… annoyed? Hell. It ignited the fire in me again. Did I say something about ‘not’ playing and fooling around? No. Forget it.

“Please, I want to buy a new shirt for you, Sir…”

He looked coldly at me. “I said it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine,” pagmamatigas ko pa.

He sighed and stroked his hair. “Do you want to have sex with me or something?”

Natigagal ako sa bulgar na tanong niya, bahagya pa akong napaatras… Wow, that was straightforward.

I just smiled sweetly at him and crossed my arms. “What if I do?” I made sure to show him my innocent but killer smile.

“What’s your name?” he asked and started removing his watch and threw it inside his car.

“Althea… How about you?”

“Arestov,” he said in his deep baritone voice.

Even his name was hot.

I just gasped when he grabbed my nape and pulled me closer to him. My heart felt like it would explode when he started sniffing my neck.

“Are you sure you’re not drunk?” he muttered in my neck.

His breath on my neck made my knees weaker.

“I-I’m not drunk, Arestov…”

He distanced his face from my neck and stared at me. I gulped when I saw a faint smirk in his sexy lips.

“How old are you? I don’t want to fuck someone who’s ten years younger than me…” he said and put his hand on the roof of his car. He stared intently at me. “I’m 40 by the way.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko… 40 years old na siya? My goodness. I didn’t expect that. He’s fourteen years older than me? Hell. He looked like he’s in his 30s.

“Uhm… I-I’m 31…” 30 would be too suspicious… kaya 31 na lang. I really didn’t want to lie about my age. This was a one time thing anyway. Hindi na rin naman kami magkikita pagkatapos. I just wanted experience, maybe? I was sure he’s just bored anyway.

“Show me your ID. I have to make sure… you look young,” sabi niya at inilahad ang kamay niya.

My goodness. Seryoso ba siya? Ano ’to? Interview?

“Wala akong dala… basta 31 na ako.”

Lumapit ako sa kaniya at kumapit sa batok niya saka siniil siya ng halik sa labi. I felt his hand on my waist. I gasped when he pulled me closer and pinned me against his car, then he kissed me back. It was a hungry and needy kiss… I moaned against his lips and touched his hard chest.

Oh goodness… I hope I won’t regret this.

Chapter 2

“Uhm… you have a wonderful place…” I muttered as soon as we went inside his house.

Arestov didn’t say anything. Nauna lang siyang maglakad sa akin papasok sa bahay niya. Napahawak na lang ako nang mahigpit sa sling bag ko saka nilibot ng tingin ang bahay niya. His house was not that huge… just enough for one person to live in. It has black, gray, and white color schemes. I also couldn’t sense any homely vibes in his house.

“I-I want to take a shower first, do you mind?” I asked and bit my lower lip.

Arestov looked at me and nodded. “Let’s take a shower together.”

I tilted my head and blinked. “Huh?” tanong ko pa. Tila nagkamali yata ako ng narinig.

Arestov started unbuttoning the remaining buttons on his button up shirt. “Let’s take a shower together… only if you want to.”

Napaiwas ako ng tingin saka tumango. “O-of course, it’s okay.”

Napalunok ako at muling napatingin sa kaniya. Nakaalis na ang pagkakabutones ng damit niya, pero hindi niya pa inaalis iyon. I just bit the insides of my cheeks when I saw a glimpse of his firm and well-toned abs. I suddenly became more nervous and conscious… I never felt this nervous with my past flings before.

“Let’s go to my room. Follow me,” tipid na sabi na lang niya saka tinalikuran na ako at umalis.

Tumango na lang ako at sumunod sa kaniya. I guess he’s really a man of few words. If I were to judge him, I guess he’s someone who likes to get things done immediately… someone who hates nonsense talks and complications.

I just followed him up to his room. Malaki ang silid niya at may malaki ring kama. Wala siyang TV, pero maraming libro sa silid niya. May malaking shelf pa para sa mga ’yon. Natigilan pa ako nang mapansing puro law books ang mga ’yon.

“A-are you a lawyer?” I asked him out of curiosity.

“I’m a judge,” tipid na sagot niya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. “W-what? Judge? Seryoso?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko.

Mukhang big time pala ang lalaking ito.

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa at hinubad na ang suot niyang shirt. Nanuyo agad ang lalamunan ko nang masilayan ang matipunong braso nito. His arms, chest, and abs looked hard and firm. He has a few scars on his body, but that just made him look hotter. I just gulped and gripped my sling bag harder… I was so thirsty for this man. I never felt something like this before… maybe because he’s so attractive, handsome, and hot. Tila nawala na rin sa isip ko ang edad niya.

He looked at me when he noticed I was just standing here like an idiot while staring at him. Napalunok na lang ako nang maglakad siya palapit sa akin. He grabbed my sling bag and threw it on the bedside table. Nagbaba na lang ako ng tingin pero nagsisi rin ako agad dahil napatingin ako sa dibdib niya.

He started unbuckling his belt, it was harmless, but the way he did it seemed so sensual to me.

“I’m quite impatient, Althea,” he rasped. “Take off your clothes and follow me right after,” he commanded, then he went inside the bathroom first.

I bit my lower lip… I guess he’s a dominant type of man. He’s really far from my type. I don’t like controlling and dominant guys… but damn, being dominant looked hot on him. This was really bad.

I started removing my cardigan and dress. I also removed my brassiere and underwear, leaving me fully naked. I gulped and looked at the mirror on his wardrobe first. Will he find me attractive? I don’t know… Maybe he just went with the flow because I wanted to have sex with him. Baka hindi naman talaga niya gusto.

Napabuga ako ng hangin at napailing. Bahala na. I’d just go with the flow too.

I went to the bathroom. Pati bathroom niya, spacious din. Hinanap agad ng mata ko si Arestov. Nasa ilalim na siya ng shower. He’s now fully naked too. Both of his hands were pinned on the wall as the water from the showerhead ran down all over his body. He looked like a work of art. I gulped and touched my arm… Now, I was even more nervous.

He glanced at me when he felt my presence. “Come here.”

Sinunod ko ang sinabi niya at lumapit sa kaniya. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer to him. Napasinghap na lang ako nang magdikit ang katawan namin. Napapitlag pa ako nang maramdamang dumampi sa balat ko ang tubig.

Hindi ako makatingin sa kaniya. He’s so tall… Medyo matangkad naman ako, pero hanggang balikat niya lang ang height ko.

“Uhm… t-this feels great, right?” I asked, trying to lift the awkwardness between us… or maybe I was the only one who felt that way.

Arestov touched my jaw and made me look at his amber eyes. I gulped and smiled awkwardly at him.

He gently traced my jaw with his finger and smirked at me… Oh damn, my heart almost fell because of that sexy smirk. I guess he wasn’t that emotionless after all. He knows how to play… Damn, I’m sure he’s a veteran.

Gamit ang kaliwang kamay, humawak siya sa kanang balikat niya saka pinatunog ang buto niya sa leeg at pumikit. Marahang idinilat niya rin ang mga mata saka deretsong tumingin sa mga mata ko.

“Rough and mind-blowing sex after a tiring day doesn’t sound so bad…” he smirked. “I won’t hold back, Althea. I’m gonna devour you all night.”

I just gasped when he cupped my cheeks and crushed his lips on mine. It caught me off guard, but I immediately hugged his nape and kissed him back. Ayoko namang magpatalo.

I moaned against his lips when he started devouring my mouth. His warm tongue invaded the insides of my mouth. His hand went down to my jaw, he gripped it a little harder with one hand as if he’s choking me.

“Hmm….” I let out a weak moan when he started nibbling my lower lip, then he sucked it hard, like it was his source of energy.

His other hand went down to my waist. I just gasped when it went down… until it reached the womanhood in between my thick thighs. I moaned and gripped his muscled arms when his finger started teasing my slit. I heard him groan and bit my lower lip hard.

He slid his tongue inside my mouth and played with my tongue. I just opened my mouth for him and let him devour me just like what he said. His other hand went down to my boob. I moaned and arched my back when he started playing with my nipple.

His finger down there started teasing my clit. He rubbed it roughly with his finger. I didn’t know where to focus anymore… should I focus on his lips French kissing me, on his hand on my boob, or on his fingers playing on my wetness.

“Aahh…” I let out a soft moan when he suddenly pushed his finger inside my tight hole. I gripped his arm harder and unconsciously bit his lower lip.

He distanced his lips from mine and stared at me. I stared at him too with heavy lidded eyes and parted lips. I bit my lower lip and arched my back like a sex-starved woman.

“Ah… Arestov, please…” I moaned while staring at him.

He stared at me as if I was some kind of delicious prey. “That’s it… Damn. You’re fucking hot,” he whispered in a husky voice.

He started moving his fingers in and out of me… My legs quivered in pleasure as I felt his huge finger pleasuring me. I let out a soft gasp when he added another finger on my slippery core… I could feel a faint pain… but it felt so much better when he’s doing it than when I do it to myself.

“Ahh! Ahh…” My eyes dilated when his fingers started moving faster and deeper inside me.

He crushed his lips on mine again and kissed me sensually. His lips devoured mine as if it was the remaining food on earth… I was panting hard when his lips finally went down to my jaw, down to my neck. I let out a soft cry when he bit the sensitive skin on my neck, then sucked it.

“Ahh! A-Arestov… oohhh…” I moaned helplessly as his merciless fingers drilled me faster. My knees were about to give up… but I did my best to stay still.

Oh goodness. I’m about to come.

“Yes… Fucking come on my fingers,” he muttered and bit my neck again.

My body convulsed and writhed against the wall as I came after a few rough thrusts of his fingers. My lips were parted as I tried to catch my breath. He slowly pulled his fingers out inside me… then he put it inside his mouth while staring at me. My lips parted even more… I couldn’t even describe how hot it was.

I bit my lower lip and shook my head… No, hindi dapat ako magpatalo. What am I doing? I should make him lose his mind out of pleasure too.

I grabbed his arm and changed our position. Siya naman ngayon ang nakasandal sa pader. He didn’t complain or protest. He just raised his eyebrow, waiting for what I was about to do.

I turned the shower off, then kneeled in front of him. I almost stepped back when I saw his manhood in front of me… Goodness, this wasn’t entirely the first time that I’d do this, but his shaft surely did shock me. It was huge and hard… It made me nervous for a moment, but hell, I’m not backing out.

I touched his manhood and looked at him. He smirked and gripped my hair. “Ah… what a fucking glorious sight.”

I ran my tongue on the tip of his hard cock, and I did that without breaking eye contact with him. I started moving my hands up and down around the base of his manhood as I licked its tip in a teasing manner. He gripped my hair tighter and groaned… Goodness. He’s really the most attractive and the hottest man I’ve been with.

Also, I think it’s not just his appearance… There’s something about him that I couldn’t explain. His presence alone made my knees weak. His aura screamed dominance and I wanted him to dominate me. I didn’t mind.

I started putting his thick shaft inside my mouth. It’s just the tip, but my mouth felt full already. I even almost choked… so I just took it slow and bobbed my head slowly. I moved my hand around his cock faster and tried to put it inside my mouth deeper. Halos maluha ako dahil doon… I just looked at him… and his reaction did satisfy me.

He was biting his lower lip hard as he stared at me with heavy lidded eyes. He gave me a small smirk and gripped my hair harder. “That’s it. I want my woman to be hungry for my cock.”

His words made my knees weak. It felt like he was praising me. It made me want to do better… to pleasure him better.

I started bobbing my head a little faster when I finally adjusted. I moaned around his cock and sucked its tip, then licked it. I could taste the precum on its tip. He groaned roughly and started moving his hips. I just looked at him with teary eyes and pulled his shaft out of my mouth. I licked the base of his cock up to its tip while staring at him before I put it inside my mouth again.

“Ah, yes. Suck it… fucking good,” he groaned and moved his hips, burying his cock deeper in my mouth that I almost choked.

I could feel his manhood growing bigger inside my mouth. He’s about to come… that’s why I sucked him harder while moving my hands up and down. I moaned and gripped his hips when he grabbed my hair harder. He just pulled his manhood out when he finally came. His seeds spurt out of the tip of his manhood. I moaned when it landed on my lips and chin, down to my boobs.

I looked at him. He was catching his breath while looking down at me. He stroked his hair and grinned, as if he was more than satisfied.

“You should have come inside my mouth,” I muttered and parted my lips.

He sensually licked his lower lip. “Such a fucking tease.”

I gasped when he suddenly pulled me up. We started taking a shower for real. Halatang nagmamadali siya… Napasinghap na lang ako nang basta ako nito binuhat pagkatapos naming mag-shower.

I just gulped and clung on his nape as he carried me to the bed. How did he even manage to carry me like I weigh nothing? I’m heavy!

He carried me to his bed. Napatingin na lang ako sa kabilang direksyon nang marahan niya akong inihiga sa kama. Natigilan lang ako dahil humawak siya sa panga ko at pinaharap ako sa kaniya… I stared straight into his amber eyes. There’s really something about him that makes me want to follow his every command.

Napalunok na lang ako nang pumwesto siya sa paanan ko. He held my knees and started spreading them apart. I just hardly bit my lower lip as embarrassment crept in my system. Sa kaniya ko lang yata naramdaman ang ganito katinding consciousness.

He smirked at me and planted a soft kiss on my inner thigh. I let out a soft whimper as I felt his lips on my soft skin. He was staring intently at me as he continued planting soft kisses on my inner thigh. I bit the insides of my cheeks when he suddenly bit my skin there. I was sure it would leave a mark.

His eyes went down in between my legs. I whimpered and tried to close my legs because of embarrassment, but he immediately stopped me and just spread my legs wider with his muscled arms.

“Damn. You’re fucking hot,” he muttered, then ran his tongue on my inner thigh that made my knees weaker. “I’d never been this turned on in my life…”

Chapter 3

“Arestov!”

I arched my back and gripped his hair when I felt his warm and soft lips in between my legs. I convulsed on the bed as waves of unexplainable pleasure crept in my system. I tried to push his head… because the pleasure was so unbearable. It felt like I was about to lose my inhibitions.

“Ahh! Aahhh…” My eyes dilated when I felt his tongue teasing my clit. He gripped my thighs harder and sucked my aching clit. My knees quivered and arched my back more that it almost broke in two.

This man made me forget all the making out and foreplay experience that I had with my past flings. Pakiramdam ko walang-wala pala ang mga naging karanasan kong iyon. Arestov really knew how to please a woman. No other man had gone down in between my legs to eat me out like this.

“Ahh… A-Arestov! Ohh! Oohh!” I gripped his hair harder but he didn’t seem to mind. He ran his tongue up and down my slit, then licked and sucked my clit again. My legs trembled even more when his finger accompanied his expert lips and tongue.

I let out a soft cry and let go of his hair when his thumb started playing with my clit. He rubbed it gently at first, then harder and rougher as his tongue teased my tight pussy hole. I gasped and gripped the sheets when he started thrusting the tip of his tongue in and out of me… then it went deeper. I was literally writhing on his bed, moaning so loud with tears in my eyes because of the overwhelming pleasure.

He moved his tongue slowly, in a teasing and sensual manner, as his thumb continued to play with my clit. My legs were trembling hard. Hindi ko na rin alam kung saan ibabaling ang tingin ko o kung saan kakapit. Nanghihinang napabitiw na lang ako sa bedsheet at muling humawak sa buhok ni Arestov.

“Aahh! Ah! I-I’m coming… oohhh…” I clenched and tried to close my legs but Arestov spread them wider. He licked me faster… and rougher. Pakiramdam ko kaunti na lang ay mawawalan ako ng malay rito. The pleasure was too much and it was consuming me whole.

After a few licks, I finally reached my climax. My back arched and my toes curled as I came… My knees were trembling with pleasure too. Arestov caught my juices with his tongue and mouth as if it was the best delicacy. I bit my lower lip so hard and looked at him with half-closed eyes.

“A-Arestov…” I moaned his name while panting so hard.

He stared at me as he licked my womanhood… then he finally stopped and smirked at me. “Spread these sexy thighs for me… Spread them… wider,” he whispered and started kissing my inner thigh again.

I did what he commanded. I bit my lower lip and spread my legs wider for him. His eyes went down to my wet core… and then he bit the soft skin of my inner thigh. I was sure my thighs have kiss and bite marks all over.

“Aahhh… A-Arestov–oohhh!” I couldn’t help but moan and shout his name when I felt his lips and tongue on my clit again. I gasped and arched my back when his finger started penetrating my core. I bit my lower lip and gripped his hair harder.

He put another finger again and started ramming my pussy with his fingers. He continued licking and sucking my sensitive clit as he finger-fucked me. I cried softly because of the overwhelming pleasure. I was still sensitive after that mindblowing orgasm that he just gave me.

“Aahhh… P-please, aah! Ahh!” My eyes rolled back when he sucked my clit harder.

Arestov stopped sucking my clit and looked at me. “Please what, babe? Want me to stop?” he asked in an unnecessarily sexy voice. His fingers didn’t stop thrusting in and out of me.

I looked at him too with slightly parted lips. I didn’t drink anything at the bar but it felt like I was so drunk.

I shook my head and bit my lower lip. “P-please… harder… Aahhh,” I moaned. “D-don’t hold back…”

Arestov planted a soft kiss on my inner thigh before he started licking and sucking my clit again. I just convulsed and squirmed on his bed as he finger-fucked me faster and deeper. I cried his name a lot of times before I had my orgasm again… He didn’t waste time. He pulled his finger out of my pussy and caught all of my release with his mouth and tongue.

“A-Arestov…” My eyes rolled back when he started teasing my pussy with his tongue and lips again right after I had my orgasm.

He continued eating me out and finger-fucking me until I couldn’t remember how many times I came in his mouth anymore. My legs were already trembling hard and I couldn’t even move them anymore. My pussy was already too sensitive because of overstimulation.

“Aahhh… P-please, I c-can’t… aahhh…” My toes curled when I reached my climax again.

He was about to lick me again but I immediately gripped his hair. He looked at me and licked his lips. I sniffled and bit my lower lip hard. “A-Arestov… stop that… P-please, fuck me now.”

He just kissed and bit my inner thigh before he finally distanced his head from my womanhood. I gulped when he stared intently at me and caressed my legs.

“What a fucking temptress…” he muttered while staring at me like a hungry predator.

I just watched him when he got out of bed. Lumapit siya sa bedside table. He opened the drawer there and threw packs of condoms on the bed. I just bit my lower lip when he took one and ripped it open with his teeth. He positioned himself between my legs and spread my knees wider. My mouth agape when started putting the condom around his huge shaft… It was one of the hottest sights I’ve seen in my life.

“A-Arestov…” I muttered and hugged his nape when he crawled up to me until our faces were facing each other. I stared straight into his amber eyes… He touched my jaw and gently caressed it before he crushed his lips on mine.

I kissed him back… coaxing each other’s lips and mouth. I moaned when I felt his tongue invading my mouth. I could taste myself on him… but it didn’t bother me. I whimpered when he started rubbing the tip of his manhood on my slit.

“Ah…” I moaned and bit his lower lip when he started penetrating inside me. My forehead creased when I felt a pang of pain as he went a little deeper.

Arestov groaned and stopped kissing me. He stared at me and bit his lower lip. “Damn… a virgin, huh.”

My lips parted… I stared at him. I let go of his nape and gripped the sheets instead. “D-does that bother you?”

“No… virgin or not, I’m still gonna devour you,” he smirked and traced my lips with his thumb.

“Hmm…” I bit my lower lip hard and gripped the sheets harder when he slowly went deeper. I felt so stretched and full… If he didn’t finger-fuck me a lot of times, I think we would be having a harder time right now.

“Oh, fuck…” Arestov groaned and buried his face on my neck.

I let out a soft cry as he slowly moved his manhood in and out, as if he was letting me adjust to his size. He kissed and nibbled my neck, he was also biting my skin there. His other hand went on my boob and fondled it, then played with my nipple using his thumb and index finger. I grunted when he went deeper again.

He moved really slow and gentle at first. It was a little painful at first too… He has a huge manhood… and I felt being stretched more than my body could take every time he went deeper… but it became bearable after a few thrusts… then he started going a little faster.

“Aahhh… Arestov…” I moaned his name and clung on his broad shoulders.

He kissed me sensually, then he nibbled my lower lip before he bit it in a teasing manner. He murmured something in my ear when he finally freed my swollen lips. “You look a hundred times hotter when being fucked…” He let out a sexy chuckle.

I panted and bit my lower lip. “Y-you think so? W-well… I hope the next man I’ll have sex with will also think that way,” I giggled.

I stopped when he gripped my waist harder. “Who said I’ll let you have sex with another man aside from me?” he whispered in my ear.

I looked at him and gulped… What? Did I hear him wrong? Yeah, right. Mali nga lang yata ako ng narinig. He couldn’t be, right? I mean, kakakilala pa lang naman namin.

“Aahh! Arestov… Ahh!” I gripped his shoulders harder when his thrusts became faster, and deeper… He also spread my knees wider and shoved his cock deeper inside me.

“Ah, fuck…” Arestov moaned on my neck and rammed his manhood faster.

“Ares! Ohh! Ohh!” My toes curled in pleasure. Arestov gripped my thighs and thrust deeper… My eyes dilated and my back arched as he kept on hitting something inside me that made me lose my inhibitions. I didn’t even care if I was moaning too loud anymore.

“Fuck, yes, Althea…” He was staring at me as he fucked me hard. He bit his lower lip and stroked his wet hair, then smirked… as if watching me writhe in pleasure underneath him pleased him even more.

I bit my lower lip and gripped the sheets on the sides of my head. I saw how he sexily ran his tongue on his lower lip while staring at me. I whimpered and tried to move my hips to meet his deep and hard thrusts.

“Arestov… Ahh! Ahh! Aahhh…” I wailed desperately… I never thought this kind of pleasure was possible.

I sniffled and bit my lower lip harder. I could feel Arestov staring intently at me, so I stared back. I put my hands on my boobs and fondled them while staring at him with heavy lidded eyes. I felt hotter… and bolder. His satisfied look and his amber eyes darkening with desire made me feel even hotter… I wanted him to praise me. I wanted to satisfy him.

Arestov bit his lower lip and touched my jaw and gently gripped it. “You will only make that face in front of me,” he muttered in a rough voice.

“Hmm…” I groaned and touched his chest with my shaking hands. “W-what do you mean?”

Instead of answering me, he just rammed his cock faster. My mouth agape as I tried to catch my breath. My legs clenched and trembled when I felt the orgasm building up in my stomach. I grunted and clung on his nape. I desperately moved my hips against him…

“I’m coming, Arestov… Aahhh…”

My whole body trembled as I writhed out of pleasure. My lips parted and my fingertips dug on his hard back when I waves of pleasure cascaded in my system. I moaned helplessly, and Arestov continued his rough thrusts as I was having my orgasm. I bit my lower lip. My eyes rolled back as my juices coaxed around his shaft, making it wetter and more slippery inside me.

“Damn… Ah, yes…” he moaned and rammed faster. I could feel his manhood getting bigger inside me… He shoved his cock deeper for the last time before he finally came.

He rested above me for a second before he slowly pulled out.

“Ahh…” I let out a soft grunt when he finally pulled out.

He removed the condom on his cock. I just gulped and slowly closed my legs as I watched him. I was still breathing heavily… I was so drained, but it felt so good… No, it felt amazing. I still felt euphoric until now. My mind was still clouded with pleasure.

I looked at Arestov when he took a pack of condoms and ripped it open. I blinked when he started putting it around his hard cock…

“A-again?” I muttered.

Arestov stroked his hair and touched my knee. “Ride me, Althea…”

He sat on the bed and leaned his back on the headboard. He tapped his lap, as if he was telling me to sit on it. Napabangon naman ako saka nanginginig ang kamay na inayos ang magulo kong buhok.

“W-what? A-are you sure?” I hesitantly asked.

I mean, yeah, he’s strong and all… but I was quite heavy, though I’d admit, I really had fantasies about that position…

I just gasped when he gripped my arm and pulled closer to him. I just bit my lower lip and nodded, then sat on his lap. I touched his hard manhood with my shaking hand and positioned myself there. I groaned as it swiftly went inside me. I touched his chest… I didn’t know where to grip as his manhood continued to penetrate deep inside me.

Humawak si Arestov sa kamay ko saka pinakapit ako sa balikat niya. I just nodded and gripped on his shoulder, then slowly moved my hips against his. He let out a sexy groan and held my waist, trying to guide my movements on top of him.

“A-Arestov… Aahhh–hmm…” I bit my lower lip and ground my hips. Arestov stared at me and held my waist tighter.

“That’s it… good girl,” he whispered in a husky voice and sexily bit his lower lip.

This position was quite tiring, but it seemed to be pleasing to him… and I wanted to please him so bad… as if I was his mere follower… like I was his and I should follow and do everything he wanted. But oddly, I liked that feeling.

“Ares… Ohh! Ohh! Hmm…”

My knees weakened when I reached my orgasm… that fast. I collapsed on top of him and buried my face on his neck. I knew he hadn’t reached his climax yet, but I couldn’t move my legs and hips anymore. I just gasped when he carried me and positioned me on the side of the bed… on all fours.

“A-Arestov–aahhh…” I gripped the sheets when he suddenly rammed his manhood inside me from my behind.

I buried my face on the mattress and helplessly moaned his name. He was ruthless… He didn’t slow down. He rammed fast, deep, and hard as if it would be the last time. I just squirmed and gripped the sheets as if my life depended on it when I felt his manhood getting bigger inside me. My eyes rolled back as I came once again together with him.

I groaned when he pulled his manhood out. I felt him removing the condom on his cock. Napalunok na lang ako at humiga sa kama, nanghihina. I closed my legs and avoided Arestov’s burning gaze. Even though my legs were shaking, I tried to crawl up to reach the pillow, but I gasped when Arestov suddenly grabbed my ankle. I looked at him and bit my lower lip.

“W-why?” I asked in a soft voice.

“I want another round before we sleep…” he muttered and touched my knee.

I was helpless against his touch and couldn’t do anything… I just found myself spreading my legs for him again.

I WOKE UP with an aching body, especially my womanhood. I just groaned and looked at the man sleeping peacefully beside me… Damn. He was so ruthless in bed. He looked so peaceful and harmless while sleeping… but he’s one hell of a monster in sex.

I looked at his wall clock. It’s still 5:30 a.m. in the morning. Mukhang nasanay na talaga ang katawan ko na gumising nang maaga.

I bit my lower lip and gently removed his arm on my waist. Dahan-dahan naman akong umalis ng kama pagkatapos, pero napangiwi na lang ako dahil ang sakit ng katawan ko. I looked at myself… I was wearing a white t-shirt. Mukhang isinuot niya ito sa akin nang makatulog ako. I didn’t remember wearing this before I fell asleep.

I picked my clothes and went to the bathroom. I took a quick shower and put on my clothes. Gusto ko na agad makaalis.

Napasinghap na lang ako paglabas ko ng bathroom dahil wala na sa kama si Arestov. I saw him on the balcony, smoking. He’s topless and just wearing black PJs. He looked at me and puffed on his cigarette. I just avoided his gaze and took my sling bag from the bedside table.

“Uhm… thanks for last night, Arestov. I-I really enjoyed it,” I muttered awkwardly.

“Leaving already, huh?” he asked and slightly tilted his head while staring at me.

“Y-yeah… Uhm, well, there’s no reason for me to stay here any longer.”

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa at muling humithit sa sigarilyo niya saka bumuga ng usok. Isinukbit ko na lang ang sling bag ko saka napalunok. Bumuga ako ng hangin at umiling… I admit, I was quite disappointed. I was sure I’d never meet someone as charismatic as him… and someone who’s as great in sex as him. But well… this was just a one time thing. I just wanted experience.

“Althea… I’ll never forget that name.”

Napatingin ako kay Arestov nang magsalita siya. Napakurap na lang ako saka napakapit nang mahigpit sa sling bag ko. “You don’t have to… Hindi na rin naman tayo magkikita ulit… Uhm, thanks for the experience by the way.”

I didn’t know if it was just imagination… but it felt like his eyes darkened and his forehead creased a little. He puffed on his cigarette and stared intently at me.

“You don’t have to thank me… This won’t be your last experience anyway.”

I chuckled awkwardly and nodded. “Y-yeah, of course. May mga susunod pa. Well, I know what I’m gonna do next time with my future flings or boyfriend, thanks to you… I guess.”

He licked his lower lip and stroked his hair. He let out a sexy chuckle. “As if I’ll let you do that with another man…” he muttered.

“H-huh?” I asked. I felt something in my stomach that I couldn’t explain… but one thing’s for sure… It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

“I’ll make sure we’ll meet again, Althea,” he said and gave me a faint smile.

I only saw him grin and smirk, but that’s probably the first time I saw him smile.

I didn’t say anything and just left after that. I knew he was just bluffing or something. I should be bothered… but for some reason, the thought of meeting him again someday… excites me.

Chapter 4

“Saan ka naman galing, aber?”

I closed my eyes tightly when I heard Caitlyn’s voice as soon as I entered my room. I saw her casually sitting on the bed while eating a toast. I didn’t expect her to wake up early. Palagi naman kasing tanghali na nagigising ang babaeng ’to kakanood ng anime or K-drama. Work from home kasi ang setup niya sa trabaho kaya palagi siyang nandito sa bahay. Dito na nga siya nakatira, e.

Matagal ko na ring best friend si Caitlyn, mga bata pa lang kami. Lumaki siya sa mahirap na pamilya at pinag-aral siya ng mga magulang ko. Protective siya sa ’kin noon dahil pakiramdam niya may utang na loob siya sa ’kin. Pero para sa ’kin, wala naman ’yon… My parents gave her a scholarship because she’s smart and hardworking. Wala siyang utang na loob sa ’kin o ano man. Hindi ko naisip ’yon ni minsan.

“Uhm… Actually, I had sex with a stranger last night,” kaswal na sabi ko na lang saka inilapag ang sling bag ko sa bedside table.

Napatayo si Caitlyn sa sinabi ko saka napasinghap. Komportable akong magkuwento sa kaniya ng kahit ano… kahit pa personal at pribadong ganap sa buhay ko, kinukuwento ko sa kaniya. Ganoon din naman siya sa ’kin.

“W-wait… Sex? As in sex talaga?” tanong ni Caitlyn saka inilabas-masok ang isang daliri niya sa isa niya pang nakaikot na daliri.

I nodded and did the same. “Yes, bestie. Sex… like this.”

She covered her mouth in shock. “Wow. Congrats… Ano? Masarap ba?” tanong pa niya saka nagtaas-baba ng kilay.

Tumango ako. “Masakit nang kaunti sa una, pero masarap.” Sobrang sarap.

“Wow… sabi ko okay na ’kong mamatay na virgin pero may inggit pala akong nararamdaman, slight lang,” nakangusong sabi ni Caitlyn.

No boyfriend since birth din itong kaibigan ko na ’to. Sa kakanood ng K-drama at anime, wala na tuloy makapasa sa standards niya kahit marami namang nanliligaw sa kaniya.

I just took my robe and went to the bathroom. Caitlyn immediately followed me. Hindi ko na lang isinara ang pinto sa bathroom dahil siguradong magpapakuwento ’yang babaeng ’yan.

Sumandal si Caitlyn sa pintuan. She crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at me. “Make kuwento pa, bestie. Details, please.”

“Ano ba’ng gusto mong malaman?” natatawang tanong ko na lang saka inihanda ang bathtub.

“Ano? Kumusta ’yung guy? Gwapo ba? Malaki ’yung ano?” tanong pa niya.

Napataas ang kilay ko saka nilingon siya. “Malaki ang ano?”

“Yung ano… ’yung puso,” palusot niya pa.

Naghubad na ako ng damit saka lumublob sa bathtub. Lumapit naman si Caitlyn saka umupo sa gilid ng bathtub at pinaglaruan ang mga bula roon habang naghihintay ng kuwento ko.

“He’s really handsome… very handsome. He’s charismatic, manly, smells so fucking good, has a sinfully hot body, and an overwhelming talent in pleasuring a woman,” I muttered while playing with the bubbles too.

Napaawang ang labi niya sa sinabi ko. Napasinghap pa ako nang bigla niya akong sabuyan ng tubig sa mukha. Napaismid ako saka sinabuyan din siya ng tubig. Hindi na lang niya pinansin ang nabasang damit.

“Gaga ka, dapat hiningi mo ’yung number… o kaya jinowa mo na! Saan ka ba naman makakakita ng ganoong lalaki, ’di ba? Shunga ka talaga,” napapailing na sabi niya.

I shrugged. “But it’s just a one time thing. Na-challenge lang din naman ako sa kaniya… Okay, na-attract din naman talaga ako sa kaniya… pero wala akong balak mag-boyfriend ngayon. Pinoproblema ko pa nga ’yung pera, e. Gusto ko lang din talaga makalimot last night…”

Napanguso si Caitlyn sa sinabi ko. “’Wag mo muna isipin ang mga ’yon… Mas mahalaga ang paglandi. Teka nga… dapat inalam mo muna kung mayaman. Kung mayaman, e ’di sana ’di mo na talaga binitiwan.”

Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi ko saka tumingin sa kaniya. “He’s a judge.”

Tila nasamid si Caitlyn sa sinabi ko. “Tangina? Judge? As in ’yung sa korte? ’Yung naghahatol ganern?” Napasinghap siya saka napatakip sa bibig niya. “Gwapo, hot, magaling sa kama, tapos judge din? Tangina. Swerte mo, girl. Sa K-drama mo lang mahahanap ang ganiyan.”

Napatango na lang ako saka hinuli ang bula sa kamay ko. “Yeah, he’s almost perfect… pero hindi rin naman siya papatol sa akin that night kung hindi pa ako nagsinungaling about my age.”

“Bakit? Ano bang bet niya? Mas bata?” Napataas ang kilay ni Caitlyn.

Umiling ako. “No. He told me he doesn’t want to fuck someone ten years younger than him… He’s 40 years old, bestie.”

Napasinghap si Caitlyn at napasapo sa dibdib niya. “W-what? 40 years old? E, anong sinabi mong edad mo?”

Napanguso ako. “Sinabi ko na 31 na ’ko…”

Natawa si Caitlyn. “Tama naman… 31, pero minus 5. Gabe, gano’n mo ba kagusto maka-sex siya at talagang nagsinungaling ka pa tungkol sa edad mo?”

Inirapan ko siya. “H-hindi naman sa gano’n… Basta. Wala naman akong magawa, e, sa ayaw niya nga raw sa mas bata sa kaniya ng sampung taon.” Napanguso ako.

“Bakit? Hindi ka naman mas bata ng ten years sa kaniya ah… mas bata ka ng fourteen years–pft!” Nagpigil siya ng tawa sa sinabi ko.

Naiinis na sinabuyan ko lang siya ng tubig. Tinawanan lang naman niya ako nang tinawanan.

“Wow… you just had sex with a stranger who’s more than a decade older than you. Ikaw na, bestie,” sabi niya pa saka nag thumbs up sa akin. “Pero teka… 40 na talaga? Nawindang pa rin ako, ah… Baka kaya magaling magpasarap ng babae kasi beterano na?”

Napatango na lang ako. “Maybe…”

Muli na namang pumasok sa isip ko si Arestov. Ito na ang huling araw na iisipin ko siya. Starting tomorrow, I will focus on finding a way to survive from my family’s debt. I still want to hold on to Yvo. Sa ngayon, wala talaga akong makita na ibang paraan kundi ang kumapit sa pamilya niya.

“By the way, tatanungin kita, bestie… Sino ang mas hot? ’Yung naka-one-night stand mo o si Yvo?”

Natigilan ako sa tanong ni Caitlyn. Napakurap ako at napatitig sa mga bula… nag-isip nang malalim.

“Wow, ang tagal sumagot. First time ’to, ah. Kapag tinatanong kita ng ganiyan, si Yvo agad sinasagot mo, e.” Pinaningkitan ako ng mga mata ni Caitlyn.

I bit my lower lip and looked at her. “Bestie… the man that I had a one-night stand with… was hotter than Yvo,” I muttered.

Napasinghap si Caitlyn saka napatakip sa bibig, tila hindi makapaniwala. “Wow… First time ’to, ah. You actually found someone hotter than Yvo in your eyes. Naku, bestie. Ang dami mong first time sa lalaking ’yon ah. Wow, grabe. Curious talaga ako. Sana na-picture-an mo man lang para mahusgahan ko,” napapailing na sabi na lang ni Caitlyn. “Si Yvo pa lang, ang hot na, e. Kung sinasabi mong mas hot iyong naka-one-night stand mo… Aba, ibang level na yata ’yon… Teka, alam mo ba ’yung full name niya? Search na lang natin.”

“Basta ang alam ko lang, Arestov ang pangalan niya,” bulong ko na lang.

“Arestov. Wow, tunog Russian ang name,” tila namamanghang sabi ni Caitlyn.

Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin saka pumikit… Arestov… bukas, wala ka na sa isip ko.

BALIK NA AKO sa internship sa ospital pagkatapos ng mga ganap na ’yon. Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas simula nang naka-one-night stand ko si Arestov… Hindi ko pa rin siya maalis sa isip ko. Inisip ko na lang na baka natural lang ’yon dahil siya ang una kong naka-sex at hindi na rin naman nasundan.

“Ma’am Althea…”

Natigilan ako sa pag-check ng patients’ list nang lapitan ako ng isang nurse. Ngumiti ako sa kaniya saka inilapag ang form sa table ko.

“Yes? May problema ba sa ward?” tanong ko saka agad na lumapit sa kaniya.

“Wala naman po, Ma’am. Uhm, gusto ko lang po itanong kung… maipapasara na po ba talaga itong ospital?” tanong niya sa mahinang boses.

Natigilan ako. Hindi siya ang unang nagtanong sa akin niyan… Kapag naipasara ang ospital, marami rin sila na mawawalan ng trabaho kaya talagang nag-aalala ako. Gustong gusto ko maiahon ang ospital dahil naaawa ako sa mga mawawalan ng trabaho.

“Wala akong maipapangako… pero gagawin ko ang lahat para hindi maipasara itong ospital,” sabi ko na lang saka humawak sa braso niya.

That was a big word and a big promise to carry on my shoulder. I’m just 26 and have no experience handling a hospital. Nagpapasalamat na lang ako at tumutulong ang mga dating kaibigan ni Papa sa akin.

Ang dami ko ring iniisip. Next month, matatapos na ang isang taon na internship ko at kailangan ko nang maghanda para sa board exam. I was also planning to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology… Hindi ko lang alam kung magagawa ko pa bang mag-focus sa mga ’yon dahil sa dami kong iniisip ngayon.

Nang matapos ang shift ko, sakto na tumawag sa akin si Tita Yvette. Agad ko namang hinubad ang lab coat ko saka sinagot ang tawag niya.

“Hello, Althea…”

“Hello po, Tita… Bakit po kayo napatawag?” tanong ko saka kinuha ang sling bag ko at lumabas na ng office.

“I have good news for you, dear. That punk is lying to me. Walang girlfriend si Yvo ngayon… I knew it. That asshole was just fooling around.”

Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi ko. Hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman. Kahit pa wala namang girlfriend si Yvo… siguradong ayaw niya pa rin na maikasal kami.

“Hindi ka ba busy right now, dear? I want to invite you for dinner sana. Pag-uusapan na natin nang maayos ang magiging kasal niyo ni Yvo. Don’t worry. Ako ang bahala kay Yvo.”

Tipid na ngumiti ako. “Pupunta po ako, Tita.”

Umuwi muna ako para mag-ayos at maghanda. Naabutan ko si Caitlyn na nakatutok sa laptop niya, mukhang abala sa trabaho.

Tumingin na ako sa sarili ko pagkatapos kong mag-ayos. I wore a mid-thigh beige flowy dress. Flat sandals na lang ang sinuot ko at hinayaan ko na ring nakaladlad ang buhok ko. Umalis din agad ako pagkatapos magpaalam kay Caitlyn.

Napabuga ako ng hangin habang nasa taxi papunta kina Yvo. I knew that dinner wouldn’t turn out well again. Madalas nauuwi lang sa pag-aaway ng mag-ina ang nangyayari, dahil nga ayaw talaga ni Yvo na maikasal sa akin. I really don’t like it… forcing Yvo into this. Kung hindi ko lang kailangang-kailangan, hindi ko naman siya pipilitin kahit pa may nararamdaman ako para sa kaniya.

“You’re here again.”

Natigilan ako nang makita ko sa hallway si Yvo, nakasandal sa pader habang malamig na nakatingin sa ’kin. I just bit my lower lip and gripped the sling bag harder.

“Hello, Yvo…” I still greeted him.

Naglakad siya palapit sa akin. Napaiwas na lang ako ng tingin nang nasa tapat ko na siya… I felt cornered. Nasa likod ko ang pader, tila wala siyang balak pakawalan ako o ano. Napalunok na lang ako at nag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya. He slightly tilted his head and touched my chin.

“Why are you so desperate to marry me?” he asked in a deep voice. “Money? Or… do you really like me?” he grinned.

“O-of course, I honestly need money… b-but, yeah… I like you too. You don’t have to like me back… I will even allow you to have… t-to have girlfriends even if we’re married. I just need your help. Pagkatapos, pwede naman tayong maghiwalay… palilipasin lang natin ng ilang taon,” bulong ko.

“So… you’re just planning to use my family’s money for your own gain?” he asked and smirked at me. “What a cunning woman.”

I bit my lower lip. “C-call me cunning, a bitch, an opportunist… call me whatever you want… but I really need this.”

His eyes went down on my lips… Agad din naman siyang tumingin sa mga mata ko saka mas lalong napangisi. “Okay… but what will I get in return? Honestly, I don’t give a shit about who I’m gonna marry… it can be anyone… but I want to gain something too. Now I’ll ask you again… What will I gain in marrying you? Because for sure… you will gain a lot from me. Gusto ko lang malaman kung ano’ng mapapala ko kung papakasalan kita.”

Napalunok ako sa sinabi niya. Tama naman siya… Marami akong mapapala sa magiging kasal namin… pero siya, wala.

“Uhm… I-I will do anything you want me to. I can’t give you money though… but I’ll promise, I will give you anything that I can give for this marriage to happen,” I mumbled.

I gulped. I don’t know if it was just my imagination, but I felt him gently caressing my chin.

“Sounds tempting,” he whispered while staring intently at me. “But it’s not enough for me… so, no. I won’t marry you, Althea Santillan.”

I stared at him too. I clenched my fists and gulped. “I will make you like me too,” I mumbled.

Yvo chuckled, then nodded. “Okay. Good luck.”

Pagkasabi n’on ay agad na rin niya akong tinalikuran at naunang magtungo sa dining area. Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin at napasapo sa dibdib ko… I just said it out of nowhere. I hope I’ll succeed… I’d do anything even if it means seducing him… I got experience anyway…

Natigilan ako nang maalala si Arestov. Napailing na lang ako at nagtungo na sa dining area para sundan si Yvo.

“Althea, my dear…”

Napangiti na lang ako nang lapitan ako ni Tita Yvette saka bumeso sa akin.

“Hello po, Tita. Thanks for inviting me here,” magalang na sinabi ko.

“You’ll be a part of the family rin naman, hija. Dapat nga ay dito ka na tumira simula ngayon,” nakangiting sabi niya.

“Mom,” nakakunot-noong sabi ni Yvo, tila hindi niya nagustuhan iyon.

Tita Yvette just glared at his son. “Shut up… Si Althea ang kausap ko… at isa pa, bahay ko ’to kaya ako ang masusunod.”

Hindi na nagsalita pa si Yvo pagkatapos no’n. Napabuntonghininga na lang ako at hindi na rin nagsalita pa.

Umupo na lang kami saka nagsimula nang maghain ang mga katulong ng pagkain… Sana naman maging maayos ang takbo ng usapan na ’to. Kahit ngayon lang.

“Sir Ares! Magandang gabi po. Nandoon na po sila…” Narinig ko ang boses ng maid.

“The devil is here,” napapailing na sabi na lang ni Tita Yvette.

Napatingin ako kay Yvo na mas lalong sumama ang mukha. Napakunot naman ang noo ko, walang ideya sa nangyayari.

Napatingin ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Natigilan ako nang sumulpot ang katulong, nasa likod niya ang matangkad na lalaking nakasuot ng black three piece suit… Natigilan na lang ako nang mapatingin sa mukha niya dahilan para manginig ang mga kamay ko… Nabitiwan ko ang hawak kong kutsara dahil sa gulat.

“Buti naman at naisipan mong magpunta, Arestov,” sinabi na lang ni Tita Yvette saka napailing.

Mas lalong nanginig ang mga kamay ko. Tama… siya nga. Ang lalaking naka-one-night stand ko… Si Arestov. Bakit siya nandito?

He looked in my direction… He didn’t show much emotion, but I could see in his eyes that he didn’t expect to see me here too. My hands trembled, but I just gulped and tried to calm myself.

Kamag-anak nila? Ibig sabihin, nakipag-sex ako sa kamag-anak nina Yvo? My goodness!

“Oh, this is probably the first time that you saw her. Hindi ka naman kasi pumupunta rito kapag sinasabi kong ipapakilala kita sa kaniya,” nakataas-kilay na sabi ni Tita Yvette. “She’s Althea Selene Santillan… siya ang babaeng ikakasal kay Yvo.”

“I never agreed, Mom,” mariing sinabi pa ni Yvo.

Hindi ko nagawang pansinin iyon dahil nanatiling napako ang tingin ko kay Arestov… Ganoon din naman siya sa ’kin. Matiim na nakatitig lang siya sa ’kin na parang wala siyang pakialam sa paligid.

Yvo hissed and looked at Arestov. “What are you even doing here, Dad? This situation is fucking pissing me off.”

Mas lalo akong natigagal… Did I hear him right? He called Arestov… his Dad?

“Althea. I’m sure you haven’t met him yet. That man right there…” Tita Yvette pointed to Arestov. “He’s Yvo Ruis’ father… Arestov McKaile.”

Chapter 5

I should have asked his full name the first time we met.

“Althea… you haven’t met Yvo’s father before, right? Well, I’m sorry about that… Simula nang maghiwalay kami, napakadalang na niyang pumunta rito,” napapailing na sabi ni Tita Yvette.

Tipid na ngumiti na lang ako at pinaikot-ikot ang pasta sa tinidor ko. I couldn’t bring myself to eat while Arestov McKaile was sitting across from me. I could feel him staring at me… but I wasn’t planning to look back at him. Baka lalo akong manginig dito sa kinauupuan ko ngayon.

The night I spent with him was great and unforgettable, but after knowing who he really was, I regretted that it ever happened. Nagsisisi pa rin ako na hindi ko nagawang itanong ang buong pangalan niya… but I couldn’t even blame anyone aside from myself… Bakit sa lahat ng pwede kong maka-one-night stand… tatay pa ni Yvo?

Is he really Yvo’s father? Mukha lang silang magkapatid… Kung mag-ama sila… ibig sabihin lang no’n, 15 years old lang si Arestov nang maging anak niya si Yvo… same goes with Tita Yvette. She told me once that she had Yvo when she was just a teenager. Kaya rin maaga silang naghiwalay ng tatay ni Yvo dahil masyado pa silang immature that time… Kung gano’n… she was talking about Arestov.

“By the way, Ares… pagsabihan mo nga itong si Yvo. Usapan na namin ng mga magulang ni Althea na ikakasal sila… Pinapunta talaga kita rito para tumulong ulit sa akin na kumbinsihan iyang anak mo,” napapailing na sabi ni Tita Yvette.

Yvo glared at Arestov. “Wow… you went here for that. You’re such a fucking worthless father, Dad—”

“Don’t talk to me like that, Yvo Ruis,” sabi ni Arestov saka malamig na tumingin sa anak.

Tita Yvette shook her head. “Here we go again,” she muttered.

Yvo hissed and drank his wine to calm himself. “Damn this fucked up family.”

“Ares… talk to your son. Sa lahat ng hiniling ko sa kaniya, wala siyang ginawa… Lahat sinuway niya. I just want him to marry Althea. Noon pa sila pinagkasundo at isa pa, kailangan ni Althea ng tulong. I want her to be an official part of the family. Delikado na sa kaniya ang mag-isa lang dahil sa mga pinagkakautangan ng tatay niya,” sabi pa ni Tita Yvette.

Napalunok ako at tumingin kay Arestov. He looked at me… and it made my knees weak again.

He took the wine glass and drank his wine. “Don’t force Yvo if he doesn’t want to get married.”

Nakita ko kung gaano natigilan si Tita Yvette sa sinabi ni Arestov. Maski si Yvo ay halatang natigilan at napatingin sa ama niya.

“Damn… What happened to you, Dad?” Yvo asked in disbelief. “I’m expecting you to threaten me about my fucking inheritance again or something.”

Napahampas si Tita Yvette sa mesa. “What are you doing, Ares?! Pinapunta nga kita rito para kumbinsihin at takutin iyang anak mo!”

Arestov looked at Tita Yvette. “I will support your ways in parenting Yvo… I’m a worthless father who only provides financially for this asshole anyway…” He pointed at Yvo. “…but marriage is a serious issue, Yvette. Don’t force your son to marry someone if he doesn’t want to.”

Tila hindi makapaniwalang napahawak si Tita Yvette sa noo niya. “Wow… Ngayon na lang ulit kita narinig na nagsalita nang ganiyan kahaba, pagkontra pa sa akin ang sinasabi.”

Napalunok na lang ako at nanatiling tahimik. Nanlalamig pa rin ang mga kamay ko dahil sa mga nangyayari… Mas gusto ko pa yata kung wala na lang sa kanila ang papansin sa ’kin. Gusto ko na lang yata maglaho o umalis.

“Great… You became a good father for once, Arestov fucking McKaile,” Yvo murmured and drank his wine.

Arestov fixed his necktie. “Fucking shut up, Yvo… or you won’t get a fucking single penny from me.”

“Ah… inheritance talk again, huh. Well, thank you, Dad. I hope you fucking die early so I can have my inheritance now,” Yvo said and glared at him.

“I still have a long way to go, asshole… and I hope you die first so I no longer need to give my fortune to my shitty son,” Arestov said and looked coldly at Yvo.

Napakagat na lang ako sa ibabang labi ko… Ganito ba talaga sila palagi kapag nagkakasama?

“Tama na nga, magtigil na kayo… At ikaw, Ares… sinabi ko sa ’yo na kumbinsihin mo ang anak mo. I’m sure he’ll like Althea eventually. She’s sweet and perfect…” Tita Yvette said and looked at me.

Arestov looked at me too. “I can see that.”

I felt my stomach churning, but I just bit my lower lip and drank my wine. I did my best to act calm and composed… but I’ve been screaming inside my mind. Hindi na ako makapaghintay na makaalis dito.

“Basta… matutuloy ang kasal sa ayaw at sa gusto mo, Yvo Ruis. Ipapaalala ko lang sa ’yo na malaki rin ang mana na makukuha mo sa ’kin,” pananakot ni Tita Yvette kay Yvo.

Arestov looked at Yvo. “I will double your inheritance, son. You can do whatever you want. You don’t have to marry someone if you don’t want to.”

Yvo grinned and touched his father’s shoulder. “Damn, you’re becoming less of a shitty father, Dad. You should have done this before, you fucking old man.”

Arestov grabbed Yvo’s hand and gripped it hard… Napadaing naman si Yvo dahil halatang masakit iyon. “I said… don’t talk to me like that, asshole,” malamig na sabi pa ni Arestov saka binitiwan na ang kamay ni Yvo.

“Damn you, Dad… I hope you fucking die,” sabi na lang ni Yvo saka humawak sa kamay niyang muntik na yatang baliin ni Arestov.

Napabuga ng hangin si Tita Yvette at napahilot sa sentido. “I don’t know what your problem is, Ares. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla kang sumasalungat sa ’kin sa unang pagkakataon…”

Natahimik na sa mesa pagkatapos no’n. Mukhang problemado si Tita Yvette dahil kinampihan ni Arestov si Yvo, pero hindi na siya nagsalita pa.

“Althea, right?”

Napapitlag ako nang marinig ang boses ni Arestov. I looked at him and gulped. I was about to answer but Tita Yvette interrupted.

“Yes, Ares… She’s Althea Selene Santillan. She’s a future doctor. She’s really smart, and kind, and classy, and the most perfect woman for our son. I told you, right? Wala ka nang mahahanap na mas mabuti para kay Yvo kundi si Althea lang… So, please… help me convince Yvo.”

Arestov just stared at me. I gripped the hem of my dress harder. I could feel the intensity of his stare.

“How old is she?” he asked again.

“Oh, she’s 26. Perfect, right?”

I gulped and closed my eyes tightly… Damn.

Arestov chuckled. “31, huh…”

Damn. This was so embarrassing. Mas lalo ko nang gusto umalis.

“Huh? Anong 31?” tanong naman ni Tita Yvette.

“Nothing… I just remembered the naughty woman I met who lied to me about her age,” Arestov said and drank his wine.

“What are you talking about? May girlfriend ka ba?” tanong ni Tita Yvette.

Napalunok ako at tumitig kay Tita. Hindi naman siya mukhang nasaktan. Mukha rin siyang walang pakialam… Nakahinga naman ako nang maluwag doon.

Natigilan ako… Bakit naman ako nakahinga nang maluwag? Damn. What was I thinking?

“Si Dad? May girlfriend?” Yvo chuckled. “Walang magkakamaling pumatol diyan.”

Hindi naman nagkomento si Arestov at nanatili lang na matiim na nakatitig sa ’kin.

“Wala akong pakialam kung magkaka-girlfriend ka o asawa, Arestov… pero ’yung mamanahin ni Yvo sa ’yo, bawal mahatian ’yon,” nakataas ang kilay na sabi na lang ni Tita Yvette.

Hindi naman kumibo si Arestov at nanatiling nakatingin sa ’kin. Napalunok na lang ako at napaiwas ng tingin dahil naiilang na ako sa pagtitig niya.

“Is she really that quiet?” tanong pa ni Arestov, tila si Tita Yvette ang tinatanong niya pero nasa ’kin ang tingin niya.

“Baka nahihiya lang kasi ngayon ka lang niya nakita… Naku, Althea dear… You don’t have to be shy, sweetie.” She smiled at me.

I just smiled at Tita Yvette and looked at Arestov. Damn… I needed to show respect to him. Baka magtaka sina Tita at Yvo.

“Uhm… H-hello, Sir. I’m sorry, I was just—”

“Ano ka ba, hija? Just call him Tito Arestov. You don’t have to be too formal. Magiging pamilya ka rin naman namin,” nakangiting sabi pa ni Tita.

“I said I will never marry her,” nakakunot-noong sabi pa ni Yvo.

I gulped and looked at Arestov. “I-I’m sorry, Tito Arestov,” I mumbled. “I-I was just… tired.”

I saw how his forehead creased. “Just call me Arestov…”

“Why? You can’t accept that you’re already an old shitty man?” Yvo grinned.

“Don’t make me punch you again, Yvo Ruis,” malamig na sabi pa ni Arestov.

Napabuga ako ng hangin saka tipid na ngumiti kay Tita Yvette. “Uhm, Tita… I’m sorry, but I really have to go. Uhm, naalala ko po na may kailangan pa po akong asikasuhin. We can talk some other time na lang po. Pasensya na po talaga,” sabi ko na lang saka agad na tumayo at sinukbit ang sling bag ko.

“Is that so? Wait, ipapahatid na kita sa driver…”

“No, Tita. ’Wag na po. Kaya ko na naman po. Salamat po ulit. Babalik na lang po ulit ako next time,” nakangiting sinabi ko saka lumapit sa kaniya para bumeso.

“Okay, sweetie. Ingat ka sa pag-uwi, ha? Tatawagan na lang kita kapag nabago ko na ang isip ng walang hiya kong anak,” sabi niya saka tiningnan nang masama si Yvo.

Ngumiti na lang ako saka nagmamadaling umalis, ni hindi ko na binalingan ng tingin si Arestov.

Pakiramdam ko nakahinga na ako nang maluwag habang naglalakad palayo sa mansyon nina Tita Yvette. Napasapo ako sa dibdib ko… Para pa ring nagwawala ang puso ko ro’n. Pakiramdam ko binibitay ako buong oras na nasa hapag ako.

This was the worst shit that happened to me. This was even worse than when someone almost killed me because of my father’s debts. I still couldn’t believe it. Tatay ni Yvo ang naka-sex ko… Bakit napakamalas ko?!

Pakiramdam ko wala na ’kong mukhang ihaharap kay Tita Yvette. Kahit na hiwalay na sila, hindi ko pa rin maiwasang mahiya sa nangyari. Tatay pa rin siya ni Yvo… Nakipag-sex pa rin ako sa tatay ni Yvo… Natatakot na agad ako sa iisipin nila sa ’kin sa oras na malaman nila.

Napatigil lang ako sa malalim na pag-iisip nang may tumigil na kotse sa gilid ko. Napapitlag pa ako nang mapagtantong pamilyar ang kotse na ’yon. I gasped and stepped back when I saw Arestov get out of the car. He looked at me… He removed his suit and vest, then threw it inside his car, leaving him with a white button up shirt. He walked to my direction and held my wrist.

“A-ano’ng ginagawa mo? B-baka may makakita,” bulong ko saka tinanaw ang mansyon nina Tita Yvette na medyo malayo na naman… pero kinakabahan pa rin ako dahil baka may ibang makakita.

He opened the car door on the shotgun seat. “Get in,” he commanded.

I bit my lower lip and shook my head. “W-what are you doing? Let me go…” I muttered and tried to remove his grip on my wrist, but he was too strong.

He looked coldly at me. “I said get in, Althea…” he said in an authoritative voice. “We will talk.”

I just sighed. I looked around and made sure no one was around before I got inside his car. Agad din namang umikot si Arestov at pumasok sa kotse saka pinaharurot ’yon… Sa tingin ko dapat din talaga kaming mag-usap. Marami akong gustong sabihin sa kaniya. Sa tingin ko nga ay dapat naming mapag-usapan ’to.

Tahimik lang kami buong biyahe hanggang sa dalhin niya ako sa bahay niya. I tried my best not to remember what happened when I first got here. Damn. Why was this even happening to me?

I gripped my sling bag and looked at Arestov. He stared at me too as he removed his watch… and I hated my mind because I thought he looked hot while doing that. My goodness. I should stop these indecent thoughts… He is Yvo’s father for heaven’s sake!

“Let’s just… let’s just forget what happened that night… Please,” I said and bit my lower lip hard.

“Why would I do that?” he asked and put his hand in his pocket.

“W-well, of course. It’s awkward. I’m gonna marry your son. H-hindi ka man lang ba nahihiya?” nauutal na tanong ko.

“If that shitty son of mine likes you, of course, I will be embarrassed… but thank heavens, he doesn’t,” he smirked. “He’s fucking stupid,” he whispered.

“H-he will eventually like me. K-kapag nagustuhan na niya ako… kakalimutan mo na ba?” tanong ko saka napalunok.

“Hell no.”

Napakagat ako nang mariin sa ibabang labi ko. “Please, Arestov… That was just a one time thing anyway. Y-you just wanted a one time sex with me that time… and I just wanted experience, so—”

“Damn. Do you want a fucking experience that time… because of my son?” he asked in a cold tone that I almost shivered.

“H-huh?” I asked. “U-uhm, y-yes… of course. I’m gonna marry your son, so please… just forget it. I know it will be awkward… p-pero ’di ba hindi ka naman palaging pumupunta sa kanila? Bumalik na lang tayo sa normal at kalimutan na nangyari ’yon,” bulong ko pa.

“And then what? You’ll marry my shitty son? No fucking way…”

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Napalunok ako at nagtatakang napatingin sa kaniya. “W-why are you making things complicated, Arestov? All we have to do is forget it and never talk about it again… Para sa ’tin din naman ’to. Ikakasal ako kay Yvo—”

“I don’t like you for my son, Althea,” agad na sinabi niya saka humakbang palapit sa ’kin.

Napalunok ako. “W-why? Do you think I’m not good enough for him?” I muttered.

“No, it’s the opposite. You’re too good for my shitty son,” sabi niya hanggang sa nasa tapat ko na siya.

Napalunok ako at nag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya. “K-kung gano’n… bakit ayaw mo? You said it yourself… I’m good enough for Yvo.”

Arestov let out a low chuckle. “Don’t feign innocence, Althea… You know why.”

I bit my lower lip hard. “S-stop this. Y-you’re out of your mind… Isang beses lang may nangyari sa ’tin. It’s just a one-night stand… Why are you acting like this just because of that? Kalimutan na natin ’yon. Wala lang ’yon. How many times do I have to tell you that it was just a one-time time thing?” I clenched my fists.

He said and started unbuttoning his shirt cuff while staring at me. “Really, huh?” he smirked. “Then stop looking at me as if you want me to fuck you again.”

I gasped with his blunt words. “W-what?” I asked and stepped back.

Humakbang ulit siya palapit sa ’kin. Napalunok na lang ako nang humawak siya sa braso ko saka marahang hinaplos ’yon. It felt like I easily melted with his touch. Damn this… I should just run, but I couldn’t move my feet.

“See? You can’t even resist my touch…” he whispered and touched my cheek and planted a soft kiss on the side of my lips.

I gulped and gripped his shirt… He was teasing me. “A-Arestov…”

I grunted and gripped his shirt harder when his soft lips went down to my jaw… down to my neck. I even felt him gently bit my skin there.

“You won’t marry anyone… not even my son… You’re mine, Althea.”

“I-I’m not yours… Y-you’re really out of your mind.” I whimpered when he planted a soft kiss on my lips.

“Hmm… I think so too. I’m fucking out of my mind…” he whispered before he sealed my lips with a deep and sensual kiss that I couldn’t resist.

Chapter 6

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