Prologue

The whole hacienda was full of sorrow. What was once a happy and vibrant community had turned solemn as people gathered with long faces and tears. I could the heaviness around me pressing down my chest and I knew everyone felt the same way, too. His people mourned for him with utmost respect and affection.

Lolo Jaime lived a good life and he died a good death. I thank God that he did not suffer because he didn’t deserve it. He was in good health until the very last day of his life.  The night before he passed away, he was laughing, playing, and telling stories to his great-grandchildren, he danced Mom to the song they danced to on her 18th birthday, he drank with Uncle Tristan, Dad, and Kuya Coco, he’d pulled on my favorite magic trick even though I already knew the secret to it. I remembered the last thing he said before going to bed that night. It was as though he knew what was about to happen.

He told us how lucky he was for having a family like us. He told us to love one another and to always reach out whenever one of us needs help. 

‘If only Becca was here to see how happy our family is.’ I heard him say before he kissed everyone good night. 

Now, he was with Lola Becca and I knew he was happy with her now. Alam ko kung gaano niya kamahal si Lola Becca, he stayed faithful to her to their hacienda until his very last breath. 

I wiped away my tears. I shouldn’t be sad. Dapat maging masaya ako dahil natupad na ni Lolo Jaime ang hiling niya, ang makasama ang tanging babaeng minahal niya. I could easily imagine him running back to his wife’s arms. After so many years, magkasama na ulit sila ngayon. He’d gone home to be with her. 

His children stood in front of his grave and threw flowers on the casket as it was being lowered into the ground. Sa tabi ng puntod ni Lola Becca inilibing si Lolo, just like how he’d always wanted. Mom was in Dad’s arms, crying and sobbing while Uncle Tristan was in quiet tears with Aunt Andi’s arms wrapped around his waist. Ate Anais, Kuya Yvo, and Ate Monique openly cried as they threw the flowers on his casket and I was the last on to throw flower at him. The first sounds of dirt pounding on his casket made the people cry even harder. 

Memories of him began to play back in my mind. I remembered how he used to take me horseback riding with Ate Anais, how he’d spoil us with ice creams and cakes, how he’d take us around the farm to feed his animals. Lolo was not only a wonderful father and grandpa, he was a wonderful person as well. He was loved by many because of his good heart. He never once turned down anyone who asked for his help.

After Lolo was buried, Uncle Tristan and Mom invited everyone back to the hacienda for a post-funeral reception. They welcomed everyone, from the hacienda’s farmers to the elite peers of Lolo Jaime, just as he would if he was still alive. To Lolo, no one was above anyone. He treated everyone equally.

“Mom, are you okay?” I asked when we got back to the hacienda. The reception was held at the garden and everyone was being served food. Mom just stood there, her arms folded across her chest, watching everyone as if she was in a trance.

She shook her head as if shaking her mind out of the trance she was in. Her eyes began to water again. “I’m fine. It’s just that… masyadong mabilis ang nangyari. Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na wala na si Dad.”

We all knew that Mom had always been a Daddy’s girl. Lolo’s death hit her hard the most. Ramdam ko ang lungkot niya nitong mga nakaraang araw.

“I’m sure Lolo Jaime’s happy now with Lola Becca.” I tried to smile to uplift her mood.

“Hon…” Dad came up to us and wrapped his arms around her waist from her back. He kissed her on the side of her head. “Hindi ka pa kumakain simula kaninang umaga. Why don’t we sit and have lunch with the others?”

“I’m still not hungry.” Mom sighed.

“Hon, you have to eat something. Baka magkasakit ka sa ginagawa mo.” Dad said, concern in his voice.

“Mommy, I brought you food.” Toffie said, bringing a plate to Mom.

“See, pati ang bunso natin nag-aalala sa’yo.” Dad gently said.

Mom finally let out a smile as she took the plate from Toffie. She bent her head down to give our brother a kiss. “Thank you, baby.”

“Let’s sit down so you can eat.” Aya ni Dad.

“Señorita Valerie.” A man with a deep voice suddenly came up to us just as we were about to take a seat. My head turned to see who it was as the voice was unfamiliar. A tall, well-built man stood in front of us. “I offer my deepest condolences and sympathy for the loss of your father.”

“I appreciate that.” Mom answered and her eyes narrowed at him. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before. What’s your name?”

“Vito. Vito Gaviria.” He extended his hands to Mom. 

Mom politely took it and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Vito. Ito nga pala ang asawa ko, si Axel. Ang bunso namin, si Christoff at ang pangalawang anak namin, si Bryce. That woman over there with the little girl, siya ang panganay namin na si Anais at apo namin na si Pixie.”

Ate was busy feeding her daughter. Pixie was an extremely picky-eater, the total opposite of Cookie, her brother, who’d eat everything you shove in his mouth. 

“May apo ka na?” His brows shot up in genuine surprise. “You don’t look like a grandmother. You look like you’re just in your early 30s.”

“Well, thank you.” Mom replied, forcing a smile. Mom does get that a lot. People would tell us na parang kapatid lang namin siya ni Ate. Mom had always taken good care of her beauty. Kung anu-anong cream ang pinapahid niya sa mukha and she regularly sees her dermatologist. She said she wanted to give Dad something to look at para hindi siya ma-tempt na tumingin sa ibang babae. Dad would always tell her that he wouldn’t dare look at any other woman. That she’d always be the most beautiful woman for him.

Tumikhim si Dad, obviously uncomfortable with the man’s compliment. He possessively wrapped an arm around Mom’s waist. He gets really territorial when it comes to Mom, it’s crazy. But then I couldn’t blame him. There had been a few younger men who’d tried to make a move and flirt with Mom.

“I’m very pleased to meet you.” Vito shook Dad’s hand when he noticed the tension in the air.

“Pleased to meet you, too.” Dad said in an even tone. 

“Nakakalungkot nga lang na wala na si señor Jaime nang magkakilala tayo. Madalas kayong mabanggit ni señor kapag nag-uusap kami. You, your brother, his grandchildren.” He smiled brightly when our eyes met. I didn’t know why but the moment he looked at me, I felt nothing but disdain. I instantly hated him even though we hadn’t spoken a word to each other. His aura reeked of pride and arrogance. 

“That’s Dad.” Mom said with a slight smile. 

“How long have you known Dad?” My dad asked.

“We’d known each other for a short span of time. We had a very short but deep friendship.” Vito sighed and shook his head. “His passing is a deep loss to everyone who have ever known him.”

I didn’t know Lolo had a friend as young as him. Vito looked like he was in his 20’s or early 30’s at most and Lolo was like a gazillion years old. But then, Lolo gets along with everyone, no matter what status or age you are.

“Teka, ipakikilala lang kita sa brother ko at sa ibang mga bisita.” Said Mom before turning her head to Dad. “I’ll be back in a bit, hon.”

“Sure…” Dad answered, giving her a kiss on the forehead again. “We’ll wait for you.”

Vito glanced at me once more and I discreetly cocked a brow at him. There was just something about him that I didn’t like. Mom being the good hostess she was introduced him to the others and Uncle Tristan.

Dad let out a deep, tired exhale as soon as Mom left. “I’m worried about your Mom.”

“She’ll get around. Siya ang pinakamalapit kay Lolo. I can’t imagine how hard it is for her.”

“I know and I wish I could take away her pain.” Dad said wearily as she watched Mom. “It breaks my heart to hear her cry every night and I can’t even do anything about it.”

“Dad, everything’s going to be alright. Magiging okay din si Mom.” I assured him.

“I hope so.” Dad nodded his head. “For now, all we can do is be there for her. Your Mom’s in a very vulnerable and fragile state. You’ll help me make her feel better again, won’t you?” He looked at the two of us.

“Yes!” Toffie answered.

“Good job, son.” Tinaas ni Dad ang isang kamay for a high-five and Toffie high-fived him. Then Dad looked at me. “Bryce…?”

“Of course.” I answered.

Chapter One

We decided to stay at the hacienda for another week since it was the kids’ summer vacation. Mom had been in low spirit since Lolo’s burial yesterday. Alalang-alala si Dad kay Mom. The whole house was mourning for Lolo Jaime’s death, even his help and his workers. Ramdam sa buong hacienda ang lungkot. We could feel how much he was loved by his people and how big of a loss he was to everyone.

Everybody was still in a state of shock, nobody was expected this. Hindi man lang nanghina o nagkasakit si Lolo. He just slept and never woke up again. Hindi namin akalain na ito na pala ang huling summer vacation namin na kasama siya. But we were consoled by the fact that we were complete when he passed away, we were all here to spend time with him before he died. Nandito sina Uncle Tristan at Aunt Andi, si Kuya Yvo, si Ate Monique. Pati si Ate Anais at si Kuya Coco ay sumama sa amin para magbakasyon kasama ang mga anak nila. I was sure he slept with a smile on his face that night. 

“Is Lolo not coming back?” Asked Cookie as we ate together on the dining table.

“He’s gone to heaven.” Kuya Coco explained.

“Can we visit him to heaven?” Tanong ni Pixie.

“No, we can’t go to heaven.” Ate answered in a somber tone.

“Has anyone seen Val?” Dad asked as he walked into the dining room. 

“The last time I saw her was when we were having breakfast.” Sagot ni Uncle Tristan.

“Dad, baka naman nag-iikot lang sa hacienda. Baka gusto niya lang maglibang.” Ate told him.

“Well, she should’ve told me para nasamahan ko naman siya.” Dad’s brows crumpled.

“Maybe she just wants to be alone.” Aunt Andi said.

“Dad, hindi naman mawawala si Mom dito. Kabisado niya ang bawat sulok ng hacienda. Will you just relax?” I said.

“You know how she’s been these past few days. I just want to always be there for her.” Dad let out a stressed out huff. 

“She might just need some space… you know, some time alone.” I shrugged.

“Dude, parang hindi mo naman kilala yang asawa mo. She’s one tough cookie-”

“No, Kuya is Cookie.” Pixie cutely said, her brows furrowing.

It was like comic relief from the sadness the lingered in the air. Everyone laughed at what our little princess said. Dad walked behind Pixie’s chair and he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You’re one smart girl, aren’t you?”

“Have you tried contacting her?” Asked Uncle Tristan afte

“She left her phone in our room.”

“She’s probably just out there, somewhere. She’s mourning and maybe she just wants to do it in private. It’s all been hard on us but Val’s having it the worst. Alam naman natin kung gaano siya kalapit kay Dad. I’m sure she’ll be back later.” Uncle Tristan told him. 

Even though everybody was trying to go about their day, the melancholic atmosphere in the air was still there. We hardly spoke as we sat on the dining table. Even the helps, who were usually always chatting about something, were quiet. Just five days ago, this table was full of stories, laughters, petty fights, and Lolo’s corny jokes. But now, it was quiet. If a pin was dropped in this room, it would startle everyone.

“I miss Lolo.” Ate Monique’s lips tugged downwards at the effort not to cry.

“I miss him, too.” I could feel the lump forming in my throat as memories of him began to flash through my mind.

“Everyone misses Dad. But I’m sure he’s already happy with your Lola Becca. I’m sure he wouldn’t want to see us sad.” Uncle Tristan sighed deeply as if trying to get the heaviness off his chest.

“MOMMY!” Toffie ran up to Mom when he saw her getting out of a red unfamiliar pickup truck. Dad had been sitting on the front porch of the house since this afternoon, waiting for her. Toffie and I were going to call Dad in when the car pulled up in front of us and the door to the passenger’s side opened.

Mommy opened her arms to greet him with a hug and then she bent her head down to give him a kiss on the top of his head. “Bakit pawis na pawis ka?”

“We were playing tag inside.” Sagot ni Toffie.

“Hi, Mom!” I greeted her with a smile as I gave her a one arm hug . “Kanina ka pa hinihintay ni Dad. He was so worried about you.”

“Where have you been?” Dad slowly walked up to her.

“I’m sorry, hon. I just went to see Dad.” Her eyes lowered when she mentioned Lolo, her voice were softer and sad.

“Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin para nasamahan kita?” Dad gently asked.

“I guess I just wanted to be alone for awhile.” Mom shrugged.

“I was worried about you. Don’t you ever do that again.” Dad wrapped his arms around the small of her waist and kissed her on the forehead. 

“There’s nothing to worry about.” She cupped his jaw in one hand and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

The door to the driver’s side of the car suddenly opened and a man came out of it. I instantly recognized his as I’d seen him yesterday. Our eyes met and he flashed a smile my way. There was no denying that Vito was a handsome guy and I was sure, by the way he carried himself, that he was well aware of that.

“Good afternoon.” He said in a smooth tone, his eyes still on me.

“Oh, si Vito nga pala, hon. We met him yesterday, remember?” Mom said and turned her head to the younger man. “Dad’s car broke down in the middle of the road while I was on the way to the cemetery. Buti na lang napadaan siya, he accompanied me to the cemetery and offered to take me home.”

“I see…” Dad nodded his head, unsmiling as he looked at Vito from head to toe. “Thank you for keeping my wife company.”

He averted his eyes from me to my Dad. “It was a pleasure, Mr. Lavigne.” And then to Mom. “I enjoyed spending time with you, Senyorita.”

“I did, too.” Mom smiled at him. “Again, thank you so much, Vito.”

He gave her a nod before turning his head to me and giving me a nod, too. Our eyes locked again and he flashed another smile my way. There was something about his smile that made me blush and my heart race. It was a weird feeling and I didn’t like it.

“Hey young man, we’re having a barbecue in the backyard. Do you want to stay for a bit and join us for dinner?” Dad asked.

Muling humarap si Vito kay Dad. “I would love to.”

Mom and Dad invited him inside and we all went to the backyard. Uncle Tristan, Kuya Coco, and Kuya Yvo were already starting to grill the food we were going to have for dinner. I headed over to Aunt Andi, Ate, and Ate Monique who were busy setting up the outdoor table.

“Looks like we have a visitor today.” Aunt Andi said as she looked at Vito who were busy talking with the guys. 

I scowled. I didn’t know why my Dad invited him to have dinner with us when it was obvious that he didn’t like him. I knew my Dad long enough para makabisado ko ang bawat galaw niya. He wasn’t happy with some other guy taking Mom home. He was never happy sa mga umaaligid na lalaki kay Mom kasi alam niya na habulin talaga si Mom lalo na sa mga bagets.

“Ba’t nakasimangot ka na naman d’yan?” Ate noticed.

“Nothing. I just don’t like him…” I shrugged.

“Vito?“Ate asked.

“Mhmm.” I answered.

“Ikaw talaga. Wala naman gingawa sa’yo yung tao. Alam mo magka-ugali nga talaga kayo ni Dad. Pag ayaw mo sa isang tao, ayaw mo. You don’t even look for a valid reason.” She shook her head as she was placing spoons and forks on the table.

“I think he’s handsome. I wonder if he’s single. He’s not a bad catch, don’t you think so?” Aunt Andi said, jokingly nudging Ate Monique.

“Nanay…” Ate Monique whined.

“Kailan ka ba kasi magkaka-boyfriend? Huwag kang makinig sa Tatay mo, sa akin ka makinig. Ayaw kong tumanda kang dalaga.” Aunt Andi chuckled and looked at me. “You should hang out with Bryce and Ronnie para naman you get to meet other people, too.”

“Oo nga, Monique. Tignan mo si Bryce at si Ronnie, party dito, party doon. You shouldn’t miss out on that. Ako nga kahit may Cookie na ako noon, Coco still made sure I had time for myself. There were still so many things I wish I could’ve done before pero maagang dumating sa amin si Cookie. I have no regrets naman dahil masaya ako sa mag-aama ko. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Ate sighed contently as he looked at Kuya Coco was carrying Pixie on his hips.

“Nakakamiss din magkaron ng bata sa bahay. Sana si Yvo o si Monique din mabigyan na ako ng apo.” Aunt Andi said.

“Nanay naman. We have a lot of pets.” Sabi ni Monique.

“Iba pa rin yung kids.” Aunt Andi chuckled.

After preparing the table and the boys were through with grilling our food, we all sat on the long outdoor table and Vito of course, joined in. 

“Vito, how did you meet Dad?” Tanong ni Dad habang kumakain kami.

“My father and señor Jaime have been good friends as they were in the same business. My family had been in the plantation business for three generations. Nag-decide ang Dad kong mag-expand hanggang sa nalaman niyang may mga malalaking lupa dito. We opened up a plantation and señor Jaime helped us through. Sadly, pumanaw na din ang ama ko nitong nakaraang taon lang at tinulungan niya akong mamahala ng planta.” 

“I’m sorry about your father.” Mom said, sympathy in her voice. “It must be tough for you as our father’s passing to us.” 

“It really is.” He nodded his head and then a hint of sorrow flickered through his eyes. “Buti nga kayo kahit paano nandyan kayo para sa isa’t-isa. I only had Dad. I was left with nothing but a massive amount of inheritance and businesses I didn’t know how to run. Buti na lang at tinulungan ako ni señor na magpalakad ng planta, I would’ve been lost without his help.”

“Wala kang pamilya? Wala kang mga kapatid? Asawa?” Dad cocked a brow.

“Oh, no…” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t have any of those. My father had been pushing me to marry when he was still alive but I guess, I haven’t found the right one yet.”

“Ikaw na lang talaga mag-isa? What about your Mom?” Uncle Tristan asked.

“I haven’t met her. Dad wouldn’t talk about her when he was still alive.” He shrugged. 

Mommy issues. I instantly thought

“How old are you, anyway?” Uncle Tristan asked.

“I am twenty-eight.” He answered.

“You’re almost the same age as our Anais.” Sabi naman ni Dad. “I think finding a woman to marry is something you should worry about at your age . Bata ka pa naman.”

“Pero minsan hindi ko din maiwasan na maisip na mag-settle down na. I mean, I’m through with partying  and whatnot, and I have a huge farming business I need to run. At the end of the day, it’s still nice to come home to someone.” He said and glanced at me.

I suddenly stiffened to my seat and immediately looked away. I didn’t know why but I felt like electricity zapped throughout my body when our gaze met. I avoided looking at him the entire dinner and kept my eyes to my plate. 

Eventually, the dinner ended. We helped clean up the table and I took the dirty dishes to the kitchen. Even though we had a lot of helps, Lolo Jaime would always remind us, his grandchildren, to clean up after ourselves. He used to make Mom help out in the house when she was still a teenager and Mom hated household chores so she’d find ways to try to cheat out of it. Pagkakain ay tumatakbo na daw si Mom sa kwarto niya at nagkukulong para makaiwas. I started missing Lolo and his stories again. Kahit wala na si Lolo, nakasanayan na naming mga apo niya na tumulong sa pagligpit.

“Hey…” I heard a familiar voice from behind me that sent chills down my spine.

I automatically turned without thinking, it was like a reflex. I was holding a faucet hose as I was washing dishes in the sink and the water sprayed all over him.

“Shit!” Vito took a step back.

My eyes widened and it took me a second or so before common sense began to kick in. I turned off the sink but he was already wet all over. 

“I- I’m sorry.” Napakurap ako.

He took off his wet shirt in front of me and his well-sculpted and defined body glistened with water. “Why did you do that?”

“I… um… I…” For a few moments, I forgot how to human. “Ikaw naman kasi! Bigla ka na lang sumusulpot!”

“Instead of receiving an apology, I get blamed.” He laughed with dry humor.

“Bakit naman kasi nandito? Ano bang ginagawa mo dito?” Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

“I was going to ask where the toilet is.” He said.

“Mukha ba akong tanungan ng toilet? Ikaw ang bigla-biglang sumusulpot d’yan kaya huwag mo kong sisihin.”

“Sino ang sisihin ko? Sarili ko? Did you think I came up to you hoping I’d be sprayed on with water?” He sarcastically said. 

“Ano’ng nangyayari dito?” Mom walked in on us and then Vito quickly caught her attention. “What happened to you? Why are you topless and wet?”

“I got sprayed on by water.” He said and looked at me.

“Bryce!” Mom instantly knew.

“It was an accident.” I defensively said.

“Hold on. I’m just going to get you a towel and something for you to wear.” Mom said and hurriedly left.

Muli kaming naiwan ni Vito sa kitchen. He looked at me with a frown at tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Just who does he think he is? 

“Bakit ba ang taray mo? You’re the one at fault here.”

“O, sige. You want an apology, fine! I’m sorry.”

“Maybe an honest ‘I’m sorry’ would suffice.” He sneered.

“Ano bang apology gusto mo? Gusto mong sumayaw pa ako sa harap mo?” I put my hand on my hips.

“I don’t want to argue with you. I accept your half-assed apology. You know, I thought you’d be more like your Mom.” He shrugged. “You have her beauty but I guess not her personality.”

Lalong tumaas ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. I was going to open my mouth to say something but Mom walked back into the room before I could do so. 

“Here’s the towel. Kinuha din kita ng shirt, this is Axel’s but I think it would fit you.” Mom said, handing the towel and shirt to him.

“Thanks, senyorita.” Vito’s tone changed when he spoke to Mom. 

“I’m really sorry, Vito.” Mom apologized. 

“It’s fine, senyorita. I’m just going to change. Where’s the toilet again?” He asked.

Mom pointed him to the bathroom. She looked at me with arms folded to her chest as soon as Vito was out of the room as if waiting for me to explain.

“It was an accident. I already told you.” 

“Just be careful next time, okay?” She sighed.

“What do you think of Vito, Mom?” I curiously asked.

“He’s a nice young man.” Mom simply answered.

“Do you like him?” 

“Of course, I do. He was Dad’s friend. What’s not to like?” She shrugged.

Vito walked back in from the bathroom with my Dad’s shirt on. It fitted him just perfectly as Dad and Vito almost had the same height and built.

“My husband’s shirt suits you well. You look good in that.” Mom said with a smile as she looked at him. It was a brown long-sleeved tee that highlighted his muscular built. It indeed suited him.

“Thanks, senyorita.” He smiled at her, the corner of his eyes crinkling. 

It made me feel queasy. Senyorita was my Dad’s endearment for Mom. Pag naglalambing si Dad kay Mom, he would often call her that. It sounded so wrong coming from some other man’s mouth other than my Dad’s. It almost sounded as if he was flirting with Mom.

“Are you okay now?” Paniniguro ni Mom.

“Yes, perfectly okay.” He answered. “It was nice having dinner with you and your family. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a dinner like this. I really had a wonderful time.”

“I’m happy to have you here, too. Kung gusto mong bumisita ulit, welcome na welcome ka naman dito. You’re my Dad’s friend, you are our friend.” Sabi ni Mom.

Definitely not mine, though. I had a bad feeling about him. 

“Val?” I heard my Dad’s voice.

“I’m here, hon.” Mom shouted back at him.

Maya-maya ay pumasok si Dad. His eyes instantly snapped at Vito and I noticed the slight furrowing of his brows when his eyes lowered to his shirt. Dad wrapped his arms around Mom, hugging him from her back without his eyes leaving Vito.

“Hon, pinahiram ko muna yung shirt mo kay Vito. It looks nice on him, don’t you think so?” Mom turned her head to Dad.

“Mm…” Dad said in a low, unenthusiastic tone as if trying to voice out a yes up his throat but he just couldn’t.

“Nabasa kasi nitong anak mo si Vito.” Dagdag ni Mom.

“It was an accident.” My face crumpled.

“Ibabalik ko na lang, Mr. Lavigne.” He said.

“It’s alright. You can have it.” He said in a low mutter before bending his head down and kissing Mom on the side of her head. Then he cupped Mom’s jaw and made her turn her head to him, giving her a kiss on the lips. Not a peck but a full blooded this-is-my-woman kiss. 

“Hon, there are people here…” Mom chuckled, pulling her head away.

“Thank you for inviting me to dinner. The food’s good and your family has been nothing but wonderful.” Sabi ni Vito bago lumingon sa akin. “It was nice having to meet and get to know the family of one of the men I admire. I think it’s time for me to leave, it’s getting late already. “

“Thank you din, Vito. We’re happy to have you here. Our Dad’s friend is our friend, too.” Mom warmly said.

“Thank you, Señorita, Mr. Lavigne, Bryce.” He said and gave each one of us a polite nod of goodbye.

“Hahatid  ka na namin sa labas.” Mom offered, just as she would to other guests because it’s the polite thing to do.

Sumama na din kami sa paghatid kay Vito sa labas kung saan nakaparada ang kotse niya. Dad and I stood there with scowls on our faces as we watched them say goodbye to each other. I didn’t like Vito. He obviously didn’t like Vito, too. 

My Dad was very territorial. Hindi lang kay Mom pati sa amin magkakapatid. Even to Ate Anais who was already married and have two kids. 

“What do you think of him?” I asked Dad.

“I don’t think of him at all.” His face twisted in a snarl.

Chapter Two

Mom had been pretty withdrawn lately. We all knew she was still struggling to accept that Lolo Jaime was gone now. She always wanted to be alone. She wouldn’t open up even to Dad. Uncle Tristan told us to give her a little space and time. Alam ko kung gaano din nahihirapan si Dad sa sitwasyon ngayon. He wanted nothing but to be there for Mom and comfort her but he didn’t know how.

“Senyorita…” Our help came up to Mom as she was watering the flowers in the garden and I was sitting on the patio, chatting with my friends on the phone.

“Yes?” She answered back.

“Hinahanap po kayo ni sir Vito. Pwede daw po ba kayong makausap?”

My hearing went on full alert when I heard his name. Nawala ang atensyon ko sa pakikipagchat sa mga friends ko. My brows furrowed in irritation. Why does he want to talk to my Mom? Ano naman ang pag-uusapan nila?

“Sige, sabihin mo I’ll be there in a few seconds. Offer him a drink.” Mom said, putting the water pot down.

I watched as Mom went inside and I followed her in. Umakyat si Mom sa taas at pumunta naman ako sa living room kung saan naghihintay si Vito. Right next to him was a basket of beautifully decorated fruits and boxes of chocolates and a bottle of expensive champagne.

“Hi, Bryce.” Vito politely stood up from his seat when he saw me walk into the living room.

“Hey.” I coldly shrugged, my arms folded across my chest. 

“Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot yesterday. I think I deserve a chance to redeem myself.” His eyes gleamed in amusement and his lips curved into a light smirk. “I hope we can be friends, Bryce.”

“I’m sorry. Marami na kong friends. I don’t need more.” I gave him a sarcastic smile.

His brows shot up, obviously surprised by my answer and then an amused smile broke across his lips. “It wouldn’t hurt to make one more, would it?”

I looked at him from head to toe, nakataas ang kilay ko. “You’re not the kind of person I’d want to befriend.”

“Ano bang klaseng kaibigan ang gusto mo?” He took a step towards me which made my heart beat fast. His eyes shimmered in the most wicked way I could ever see in a person’s eyes reflect. I wanted to take a step back as he got closer and closer. There was something about him that intimidated me. “This sounds like a challenge to me, Bryce. And I love challenges.”

He was getting so close I could already smell his cologne. His cologne smelled to good to be this close. I started taking a slow step back until I tripped over my own foot. Mabilis akong nasalo ni Vito, one arm wrapping around my waist. 

I took in a sharp inhale as his scent overwhelmed me. I could feel the warmth of his body against me. My body tingled everywhere getting this close to him. I put both my hands on his chest and pushed him away. 

“Careful. You don’t want to fall, do you?” He chuckled deliciously.

“I… get away from me.” I feigned annoyance, stumbling on my own words. I quickly regained my composure and stood straight up. “I don’t want to be your friend. Do I need to spell it out for you for you to understand?”

“What do you want us to be, then?” His smile grew wider.

“Nothing. I don’t want anything to do with you.” I said and let out a taunting smile. “Why? Are you having a little crush on me? That’s cute.”

“I didn’t know you have sense of humor. You’re so funny, Bryce. Good one.” He laughed a hearty laugh. 

My face wanted to crumple in annoyance but I had to put on a confident front. “It’s okay, Vito. There’s nothing wrong with a little crush. You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“You’re beautiful, Bryce.” He said in a serious tone as he looked at me. For a moment, my brain stopped function. Okay, I wasn’t expecting that kind of response. I could feel my cheeks slowly heating. “I think I would’ve liked you if it weren’t for your attitude.”

I swallowed, feeling my throat dry. He let out a wide smile as he watched my baffled reaction. He knew exactly what buttons to push.

“Vito.” I heard my Mom say as she walked in.

“Senyorita.” His face glowed instantly. “I brought you and your family something.”

He went to get the basket and brought it to Mom.

“Oh, you shouldn’t have, Vito.” Mom smiled.

“It’s just a little sympathy gift. The fruits were from our farm.” 

“Thank you so much. This is so thoughtful of you.” She said and asked the help to put away the basket. I’d been here for a good ten minutes or so, kung para sa amin talaga yan why didn’t he hand it to me? Bakit kailangan kay Mommy pa?

“What is it you said you want to talk about?” Mom asked.

I marched out of the living room, apalled by everything that was happening in front of me. Akala mo umaakyat ng ligaw itong Vito na ’to sa Mommy ko! Where’s Dad when you need him?

If Dad knew about this, he wouldn’t be happy about this. Dad went with Uncle Tristan, Kuya Coco, and Kuya Yvo to the farm to get fresh fruits and vegetables for dinner later. I went upstairs and hang out with the women who were looking after Ate Anais’ kids and Toffie. Sa dami-rami ng babae dito si Mom pa talaga ang gusto niyang makausap? 

After about an hour, the guys finally came home. May dala-dala silang prutas, gulay, at meat and fishes that we were going to have for later. Nang bumaba kami ay wala na si Vito at si Mom sa living room kung saan ko sila iniwan kanina.

“Daddy!” Toffie ran up to Dad. 

“Hey, buddy.” Dad raked his fingers through his hair. 

“Did you get a lot of food from the farm? Cause I’m really hungry.” Sabi ni Toffie.

“Yes, I did.” Dad smiled at his only son. “We’ll just have to cook the food.”

“Is it going to take long?”

“For you, I’ll cook it a little faster.” Dad answered and then looked around. “Where’s Mom?”

“I don’t know…” Toffie shrugged.

“Kanina nandito siya kasama si Vito?” I answered.

Awtomatiko naman nagdilim ang mukha ni Dad. His brows began to contract into a frown. “Eh nasaan na ngayon ang Mommy mo?”

“I don’t know. Umakyat ako, pagbaba namin wala na sila.” I answered.

“Baka naman namasyal lang, Dad. Let her have her space.” Ate Anais rolled her eyes.

“Manang, nakita mo ang asawa ko?” He asked the help who was passing by.

“Ay sir, kasama po ni sir Vito. Nakita ko silang sumakay ng kotse.” The help answered.

Dad’s jaw clenched at what he heard. We both exchanged looks as if we’d read each other’s mind. We both knew that that Vito was up to no good. 

“Oh, he also gave Mom a little ‘sympathy gift’. Nagbigay siya ng fruits and chocolates and champagne.” Sumbong ko kay Dad.

“Ooh, I want the chocolate!” Sabi ni Toffie.

“I want it, too!” Sabat naman ni Cookie.

“I’m going to call your Mom.” Naiiling na sabi ni Dad bago umalis para kuhanin ang phone. He went back with the phone pacing back and forth while waiting for Mom to pick it up.

“Dad, kanina pa nagriring yung phone ni Mom sa patio.” Anais informed, peeking her head into the living room. Mom didn’t bring her phone with her.

I could see Dad’s frustration as he clenched his fingers around the phone in his hand. 

“Alam mo ba kung saan sila nagpunta?” Dad asked.

“I already told you, I went upstairs. We were all upstairs. Si Mom lang at si Vito ang naiwan dito kanina.” I told him.

Mom and Vito got back just in time for dinner. Mula sa bintana ng living room, I could see his red pick up truck pulling up in front of the house. I stood up from the couch and hurried to the front door. Mom got out of the car and Vito soon followed after her.

“Vito, I don’t know what to say.” Mom said, unsmiling. “I… I never expected this…”

“I understand.” Vito nodded his head. 

“Sana walang makaalam nito. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko ipaliliwanag sa kanila ang lahat.” Mom’s face fell. “Ayaw kong magbago ang tingin nila sa-”

“I promise I’ll keep this a secret. You don’t have to worry about anything.” He rubbed Mom’s shoulder. 

“Thanks, Vito.” Mom’s eyes fell to the ground. “This shouldn’t have happened.”

“But it already did and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin anything. Ayaw ko din guluhin ang pamilya niyo.” Vito let out a heavy sigh. 

I could see how hard Mom was trying to hold her tears in.

My face instantly paled. What happened? Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan nila? Bakit magugulo ang pamilya namin? What was going on?

Dad suddenly walked in and went directly to Mom. He greeted him with a hug and kissed. I noticed kung gaano ka-ilag si Mom kay Dad ngayon. She didn’t react when Dad wrapped his arms around her or kissed her.

“Where have you been, hon?” Dad gently asked.

“Doon sa farm ni Vito. He showed me his priced horses.” She couldn’t even look Dad straight in the eyes.

“I found out that she’s fond of horses.” Sabi naman ni Vito.

“I see…” Dad just nodded his head, his face stoic. 

“I think I have to go. Gabi na.” Vito forced a smile as he looked at Dad and then turned his attention back to Mom. They exchanged a very odd look, as if they had a secret together. Mom quickly looked away from him.

Hindi kumibo si Dad. Does he also feel the thick tension in the air? Dad and Mom started walking in and I remained glued to my spot. I wanted to tell Dad what I just heard. I wanted to find out what was happening. What they were talking about pero parang umurong ang dila ko. 

“Bryce, dinner’s ready. Let’s go.” Aya ni Dad nang lumagpas sila sa akin.

I quietly observed everything. Mom seemed so detached as we were having dinner. Halos hindi siya kumain at halos hindi siya makatingin sa amin. Hindi naman manhid si Dad para hindi mapansin iyon. I knew he noticed Mom’s aloofness towards everyone. 

I guess he was just afraid as I was to know what had happened while she was with Vito. Sometimes it’s best to not know things.

Chapter Three

Dad was being extra today. He was tending to her every need, treating her with so much deference (way too much) that it was starting to make Mom uncomfortable. He was trying really hard to keep Mom entertained and happy. Mom, on the other hand, remained lukewarm. She had become even more withdrawn since she went out with Vito. Even Toffie, Cookie, and Pixie couldn’t lift her mood up.

I still couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation she had with Vito. Alam kong mas lalong nakaapekto ito kay Mom. She hadn’t been herself since yesterday. Wanting to unwind and get away from the drama going on in the house, I decided to go out. I went to the horse stables and took out my favorite horse, Pepper. She was the most beautiful horse in the stable for me. Pepper was a pure black Friesian horse, her coat was as black as the night and her long hair was much darker. She was so dark that when you look at her it’s like staring at nothingness, like looking through a blackhole. 

Pepper was my own personal horse. I never let anyone ride my Pepper. They were allowed to take her out for walks but I never allow anyone on her. Lolo Jaime gave her to me when I turned 18, the same age he gave Mom her own personal horse. Our Mitsy, who we all miss very much. Mom and Dad used to tell us that Mitsy was their love child before Ate Anais was ever born. For the longest time, I really thought she was our sibling. My love for horses goes back as far as I could remember. Growing up with an equestrian for a mother, I’d always been amazed watching my Mom ride her horses. Tuwang-tuwa ako kapag sinasakay niya kami ni Ate Anais kay Mitsy. Kaya nga pag malapit na ang summer vacation namin noong nag-aaral pa kami, I would always look forward to going to Hacienda Zamora. Kapag uuwi na kami sa Manila tuwing matatapos ang bakasyon namin sa hacienda, umiiyak na ako. I’d be begging to stay a little longer. I wanted to stay here forever. I’d even tried to convince Mom and Dad to let me spend a whole school year with Lolo but they wouldn’t let me. Lolo Jaime would always tell me I was a bonafide haciendera. I got a little teary-eyed when I remembered Lolo Jaime again. 

“Hi, my little bambina. We’re going to go out for a walk.” I stroked her nose 

She made a neighing noise, already excited.

I got on top of her. Her bright eyes stood in contrast with her dark coat. She was indeed a black beauty. When I took her outside and the sun shone on her, her coat shone like silk. I rode her around until I decided to go into the woods with her. Mataas ang sikat ng araw sa labas dahil tanghali na at naiinitan na ako. The air was cooler in the woods because it was surrounded by a dense covering of trees.

Lolo Jaime owned this land, too. They used the trees planted here to make papers and furnitures.  I know I was fairly safe. Ilang beses na din naman akong nagpunta dito na ako lang ang mag-isa. This easily became my favorite spot kapag gusto kong mapag-isa.

“Pepper, slow down.” I pulled her reins to make her stop as we neared the falls. Malayo pa lang ramdam na ang malamig na mist na nanggagaling sa talon. I’d always loved this certain spot. 

I got down from Pepper and tied her to a tree. The water in the pool below the falls was as clear as a crystal, you could see the rocks in the bottom. The cool mist coming from the falls was so inviting. I really wanted to go for a swim dahil mainit ang panahon ngayon. I decided to give in and took off my clothes. Ako lang naman mag-isa dito, eh. It would just be a quick dip.

I felt like I was in an enchanted paradise and I was a water nymph as I stood there completely naked. Dahan-dahan kong inilubog ang katawan ko sa tubig. I started swimming to the falls and I was already halfway there when I saw a figure standing under it.

He, too, was as naked as me. Hinahayaan niya ang tubig galing sa falls na bumaba sa kanya habang nakatingala siya at natatamaan ng sinag ng araw ang balat. It was as if the gates of heaven had brought him down. His tanned skin shone in the sun and his body looked as if it was chiseled by the Gods on the sole purpose to please the eyes. My eyes traveled further down and I gasped at what I saw. Bigla akong napatutop sa bibig ko. He has a dong the size of an elephant’s trunk. I kid you not. Well, maybe I was exaggerating a bit but he was well-hung.

Gumalaw siya at nag-panic ako. I swam away and hid behind a large rock in the middle of the pool. I didn’t how I’d get out of here without him seeing. Sumilip ulit ako mula sa likod ng malaking bato at nakita siyang tumalon sa tubig. Umahon siya and I had a clear view of him. My eyes widened when I recognized who it was. 

That bastard, Vito! What was he doing here? Hindi porque kilala niya si Lolo he could invade our private property.

I could hear the splash of water getting closer and closer as he swam around, my heart pounding so loud I was almost hyperventilating. I didn’t know what to do. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako tatakbo o magtatago.

I let out a shrilling scream, hugging myself nang umahon ang ulo niya sa mismong harap ko. 

“Aahhh!” I started splashing him with water. The water was so clear, I was sure he had a good view of my body from under.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Kunot ang noong tanong niya sa akin bago siya ngumisi. “Sinisilipan mo ba ako?”

“Feeling mo!” Sabi ko habang naglalakad patalikod at nakaharap pa rin sa kanya. I had my arms crossed over my chest, trying to cover my boobs. “I- ikaw nga ang naninilip sa akin.”

“I didn’t know you were here. Akala ko kasi may underwater cave dito.” He said with a cheeky glimmer in his eyes, a playful smile breaking across his face. “You know exactly what I like, Bryce. Au naturale. Never really had a thing for bald ones.”

My cheeks suddenly felt hot. I didn’t know if it was out of embarrassment or anger. I splashed him with more water. “Bastos ka! Kapag nalaman ito ng Dad ko, he will kill you.”

He let out a laughter that echoed throughout the whole wood. “Ikaw nga ang naninilip d’yan. You didn’t think I’d see you peeking at me? Ikaw naman kasi. Bakit kailangan mo pang magtago dito sa likod ng bato? Papayagan naman kitang manood. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m very proud of my body, I worked hard for this. Now that I’ve seen yours and you’ve seen mine aka naman pwede na tayong maging magkaibigan niyan?”

“Hah! You wish!” I snarled at him.

“Oh, Bryce…” He shook his head, chuckling. “Bakit ba ang taray mo sa akin?”

“Because I don’t like you!” My eyes narrowed into slit. “Aahon na ako. Tumalikod ka.”

“Okay, madali naman akong kausap.” He turned his back to me. “I’m not a voyeur, Bryce. Hindi kita sisilipan katulad ng ginawa mo sa akin.”

“Ang kapal mo! Hindi kita sinisilipan!” I said as I walked backwards, my eyes on him to make sure he wasn’t looking at me. “Don’t you dare turn around. Kapag ikaw tumingin sa akin, supot ka.”

He roared in laughter. “Bryce, we both know I’m circumsized. I’m sure you’ve seen it.”

“Ewan ko sa’yo! Ang pangit mo!” I said, finally getting off the water. It generated a louder laugh from him.

 I grabbed my clothes and hastily started putting them on. Just a few feet away from where I was, nakita ko ang damit niya. A menacing smile broke across my face when I thought of what to do with them.

It’s payback time.

I grabbed his clothes and walked away. 

“Vitong supot!” I called him, his back still turned to me. “Look!”

He slowly turned around and looked at me. I raised my hand and showed him that I was holding his clothes. 

“I hope you’ll have no problem going home naked. Hindi ba proud ka naman sa katawan mo? You’ve worked hard for that. Buh bye!” I let out a hearty laugh of triumph.

“Bryce!” His eyes widened in shock. I couldn’t help laughing as I began to run with his clothes with me. Akala niya! He didn’t know who he was messing with! I am Bryce Charlotte Lavigne. I wouldn’t let a man treat me like that and get away with it. “Fuck, Bryce! Get back here! Give me back clothes!” 

I went back to the tree where I’d tied Pepper. Suddenly, my laughter died down and my heart felt like it had been swallowed by my stomach when I saw no horse there. All that’s left was her tie strap that I’d used to tie her to the three. 

“PEPPEEEER!” I screamed bloody murder.

“Bryce! Goddammit!” Narinig kong galit na sabi ni Vito mula sa di-kalayuan.

Sa taranta ko, I hid his clothes in the bush.

“BRYCE!” His voice boomed like thunder. And then I saw him walking towards me in all his glory. His penis flapping back and forth as he marched to where I was standing. I gasped, my eyes widening.

“Nasaan ang damit ko?” Salubong ang kilay na tanong niya. “Eyes up here!” 

I blushed and looked up at his face. “S-si Pepper, I don’t where my horse is. Nakawala si Pepper.”

“I don’t give a damn about your horse. Akin na ang damit ko.” He demanded, angrily.

“N-no.” I blinked.

“What do you mean no?” His frown grew deeper and then suddenly, he was grinning. “Ah, you’re playing a game, aren’t you? Masyado ka naman nag-enjoy sa view, Bryce.”

I quickly composed myself, straightening my spine. “You will help me find Pepper. Kapag nahanap natin si Pepper, ibibigay ko sa’yo ang damit mo.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He groaned.

“Help me find Pepper or uuwi kang hubo’t hubad.” I stubbornly crossed my arms over my chest. 

“You’re going to make me look for your horse naked?” His eyes widened in disbelief. 

“Yes.” I answered.

“You know, just stop making up excuses. I know you enjoy looking at my body but please give me back my clothes. I’ll let you enjoy it elsewhere.” He grinned, wiggling brows up and down.

My lips pursed in annoyance and my eyes squinted spitefully at him. “Alam mo, you’re so full of yourself. As if naman na magkaka-interest ako sa… sa vienna sausage penis mong supot.”

“Vienna sausage? Supot?” Vito chuckled. “Oh, Bryce, you’re going to kill me. Have you even seen a real penis before?”

“Of course, I have!” I exclaimed. Noong mga maliliit pa si Cookie at Toffie ako minsan ang nagpapaligo sa kanila. “This isn’t about me! Enough with the chitchats! We need to find to find my Pepper. Baka kung saan na siya nakapunta. Baka kung ano ang mangyari sa kanya.”

“Then give me back my clothes.”

“Tapos ano? Aalis ka? Iiwan mo ako? Hindi ako tanga ’no!” 

“God, you’re difficult.” He raked his fingers through his wet hair. “Fine, we’ll look for your damn horse!”

Tumalikod siya sa akin and I couldn’t my eyes from lowering they’re gaze to his butt. Holy freaking hotness. Even his butt had muscles. His body was like the sculptures of the Greek God I’d seen in Louvre when we visited Paris. Well, except for the penis part because most of the sculputures had small weenies. Vito was massive.  I quickly shook the thought away and turned my head away.

Stop it, Bryce. Stop acting like a thirsty bitch in heat. I scolded myself. 

“Hoy… hoy! Saan ka pupunta?” I said as I ran after him.

“Pharaoh!” He whistled and then I heard a horse’s neigh nearby. Nakita ko ang isa pang kabayong nakatali sa hindi kalayuan. It was a white pinto horse with light brown patches and it was gorgeous. 

He untied his rope from the tree and got on top of the horse. I tried hard to keep my eyes away from his naked body. He looked majestic naked and on top of his horse. Like a God that had descended to heaven on a pegasus.

“Sandali. Where are you going? Are you seriously going to leave me here?” Natatarantang tanong ko. 

“I’m going to find you your horse.”

“And you’re going to leave me here alone? Sa akin lang sumusunod si Pepper. You might scare her away! Sasama ako.” I told him.

“Be my guest.” He said and scooted further back, giving me a room in front of him.

I just looked at him and blinked. I’d have to sit right in front of him with his dick just hanging out there like it was nobody’s business.

“Are you scared?” A sly grin appeared on his lips.

“Saan ako matatakot?” I straightened up. “Sa vienna sausage mong supot? Hah! You wish!”

“Then come up here.” Naghahamon na sabi niya, still wearing that grin.

If he thought that would scare me then he was wrong. I am Bryce Charlotte Lavigne and I don’t back out on anything. I climbed up his stirrup and he was taken aback for awhile. I even heard him say a soft cuss.

“So, cowboy, where do we go from here?” I asked nang makasampa ako sa kabayo. I could feel how tensed he was behind me.

“Oh, we’d go far. Really far.” He said in a low growl before tugging on his horse’s rein. “Pharaoh, run, boy! Let’s find this brats missing horse.”

When his horse started galloping, our bodies moved causing my back to rub against his chest. I bit my bottom lip when I felt his thingamajigs against my lower back. What have I gotten myself into? If Dad finds out what I was doing right now, he’d cut Vito’s dick off. 

“Admit it, you just want me this close to you. You don’t have to make stories up about your lost horse.” Vito said, i could his breath on the back of my ear. “But you know what? I like your style, Bryce. Magsusungit ng konti, you’re going to play hard to get so you get men to chase you.”

“Ang kapal ng mukha mo!” I exclaimed. “I wasn’t playing hard to get. I just don’t like you.”

“You like me and it’s scares you kaya palagi mo akong tinatarayan.” I could sense the arrogant smile in his voice.

“You are one conceited son of a bitch, aren’t you?” Singhal ko.

“Why do you make everything…” He said and he lowered his lips to the shell of my ear. “hard for me?”

Napasinghap ako. His wordplay stirred something up in the pit of my stomach. I quickly collected myself. He was playing me. I knew he was. He wanted me me flustered and I’d never give him that satisfaction. It was like a dominance game to see would come up on top. One would have to be the playing predator and one was the prey. And I was no prey. 

“Oh, do I?” I said after awhile. “Did I make it hard for you? Really hard?”

I could him hear the sharp intake of breath behind me. I suddenly felt something poking against my back. Lumayo agad siya sa akin. He scooted further away from me and then he was quiet. 

“I did, didn’t I?” I said with a low chuckle.

“Stop it, Bryce.” Mahinang sabi niya.

“Oh, Vito. If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the fire.” 

“I can stand the heat, Bryce. I just don’t have protection with me right now.” He said. 

Napalunok ako. I thought what if he did bring protection? Would I let him have his way with me? Of course not! This wasn’t how my parents had raised me. I was raised to be a fine lady. I made a promise to myself and to my Dad that I would wear white wedding dress on my wedding day. 

“Pepper!” Agad na sigaw ko when I saw her figure from afar. “That’s my Pepper!”

“Run, boy!” He tugged at his horse’s rein, making him go faster. Bumaba agad ako ng kabayo nang ihinto iyon ni Vito.

“PEPPER!” I shouted and whistled. My Pepper looked at me and trottled towards me. She stopped right in front of me and I wrapped my arms around her neck and petted her nose. “Saan ka ba nanggaling? Bakit umaalis ka ng walang paalam? I was so worried about you.”

She nickered in response.

“You want to go home? Let’s go home.” 

“Hey!” Agad na bumaba si Vito mula sa kabayo niya. 

“What?” I asked as I tried to keep my eyes above his neck. 

“Where are my clothes? I’m not going to let you have your horse without you giving my clothes back.” He said and then he held Pepper’s bridle. “Your horse for my clothes.”

“Ibabalik ko naman sa’yo ang damit mo. Let me have my Pepper!” I said.

“Ibalik mo muna ang damit ko. I just want to make sure hindi mo ko iiwan ng hubo’t hubad dito.” He said and he dragged Pepper by her briddle. 

He made me ride his horse and he rode Pepper. Habang nakasakay siya kay Pepper ay hawak niya din ang strap sa briddle ni Pharaoh and our horses walked side by side. We went back to the falls and I gave him back his clothes.

He quietly put on his clothes and I stood there in silence. Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na mapatingin sa kanya habang nagbibihis siya. His back was turned to me as he was putting on his boxers and I got a good view of his buttock. 

That ass, tho.  I shook the thought away.

He gave me back my Pepper after he was all dressed up in a tattered pants and a simple white shirt. Ibinalik ko na si Pepper sa stables niya and I was walking back home when a pickup truck started driving by me. I immediately knew who it was. The window rolled down and I saw Vito sitting on the driver’s side.

“Get in.” He said. “It’s hot out here and the sun’s going to toast you alive.” 

It was, actually. Normally, I would’ve enjoyed sunbathing but the sun was high up that it was starting to burn my skin. Lolo’s house was a few minutes walk away from here. Madadaanan ko pa ang barrio. I was thirtsy as heck and if I walk any further, I wouldn’t make it back to our house because I’d die of dehydration.

“Sa inyo rin naman ako pupunta. Come on, get in.” He opened the passenger’s side for me.

“Fine.“Hindi na ako nakatiis. I got in. The cool air from the airconditioner felt good on my skin.

“Does this mean we’re friends now?” Nakangising tanong niya.

“No.” I simply answered.

“After what we shared together in the woods?” His brows shot up in fake amusement.

“Shut up!” I said, crossing my arm over my chest. “Bakit pupunta ka na naman sa amin? What’s your business there?”

“I’m just going to drop by to say hi to everyone.” He said.

“Bakit? Kakandidato ka? Tatakbo kang mayor?” I rolled my eyes at him.

The car filled with his laughter. “Oh Bryce, you and your mouth. Señor Jaime had been like a father to me since Dad died. This is the least I could do for his family.”

We pulled up in front of Lolo Jaime’s house and pushed his door open.

“You’re welcome.” He sarcastically said as I got out. Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagtuloy-tuloy ako. I walked up to the door and he followed behind me. 

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” He asked.

“No.” I answered.

“Ang sungit mo talaga, ano? You’re very different from your mother.” He commented.

Tumaas ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. Does he have a weird obsession with my Mom? 

“Bryce.” Bumungad agad si Mom pagbukas ko ng pinto papasok. “Where have you been?”

“Hello, Senyorita.” Vito greeted her. “We just went horseback riding.”

“Oh…” Mahinang sabi ni Mom. I saw a hint of something I couldn’t put my finger on flashed across Mom’s face as she looked at Vito. “That’s good.”

“I just came here to say hi to you.” 

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “I’m just going to get myself a glass of water.”

Dumiretso ako sa kitchen at kumuha ng isang malamig na baso ng tubig. From the window, I saw Dad playing with Toffie, Cookie, and Pixie. They put up a large pool frame in the vast backyard and it seemed like they were having a pool party. I wanted to join in pero naalala ko si Vito at si Mom.

I quickly got back to the living room. I stopped nang marinig ko ang mahinang pag-uusap nila sa living room.

“I hope you didn’t say anything to Bryce.”

“I would never do that to you, Val.” He said. Not it’s just Val.  “She’s a handful, isn’t she?”

“Well, she’s her father’s daughter.” Kibit-balikat na sabi ni Mom.

“About what happened…”

“Please, Vito, I don’t want to talk about it.” Her eyes lowered. “Baka may makarinig sa’yo.”

“I’m sorry. Pumunta lang naman ako dito dahil gusto sana kitang ayain sa bahay.” He said. 

“I can’t. Not right now. Ayaw kong maghinala sila. I think my husband’s starting suspect.” She bit her bottom lip and then her eyes began to water. “Masama ba ako, Vito? Am I a bad woman?”

“No… no, of course not.” He quietly said. 

She wiped the corners of her eyes and looked back at Vito. “Bukas. Bukas na lang tayo magkita.”

Chapter Four

“Mom…” I quietly said as I saw her walking in after she walked Vito to his pickup truck. “What do you think of Vito?”

Ayaw kong mag-isip ng masama kay Mom but I couldn’t help it after overhearing the conversation they had earlier. What were they hiding? Ano bang binabanggit ni Vito na ‘nangyari’? Was my mom having an affair with a younger man? 

“I think he’s a nice young man. Bakit mo naman na tanong?” Her brows crumpled.

“Oh, nothing…” I shrugged. I didn’t want to just come up to her and all of a sudden, accuse her of having an affair with Vito. I didn’t even want to believe it was true. Iniisip ko na lang na baka mali ako ng pagkakaintindi. Mom was still in the process of grieving and Vito was kind enough to help her through it because he himself had gone through it before with his father. Iyon ang gusto kong paniwalaan.

I still wanted to believe that Mom loved Dad so much to even look at other men. I’d always loved their fairytale love story. I’d always believed in that. A city boy and larger-than-life playboy  falling in love with an equestrian haciendera. I’d heard of their story from Mom over and over. How Dad spent a week at the hacienda and got jealous of David, her ex-boyfriend, how she followed him to the city and did everything to win his affection. Si Mom ang nanligaw kay Dad. They eventually lived together until she found out about Dad’s then estranged wife. Nagalit si Mom at bumalik sa hacienda at si Dad naman ang sumunod sa kanya. Nagtrabaho siya sa hacienda at napatawad din naman siya ni Mom and Lolo Jaime. And after that, they lived happily ever after. I remembered how Mom’s eyes would sparkle with sweet nostalgia everytime she tells me their story. Mom and Dad loved each other so much and they would never cheat on one another. 

“Bakit? Do you like him?” There was a change in Mom’s tone as she quietly looked at me, waiting for my answer. Was she jealous?

“N-no! Of course, not!” I exclaimed. 

“So, what happened in the woods?” There was sterness in Mom’s tone as she folded her arms over her chest.

“Nagkasalubong lang kami… Nilabas ko lang si Pepper at nakasalubong ko siya kasama ang kabayo niya. “ I told her. 

“Yun lang ba talaga ang nangyari?” Mom asked, unsmiling. It was so not like her to pry in our personal business. That was Dad’s job. 

“Yes… Why?” 

There was a short pause before she took in a deep breath and exhaled.

“Vito is a handsome young man and I understand that you’re now a woman. And sometimes when a man and a woman spend time alone together, something else happens…” Her hand reached up and tucked some loose strands of my hair behind my ear. Why was she telling me all these? Dahil  ba ‘something else’ happened between Vito and her when they were alone kaya akala niya ginagawa ko din iyon?

“I’m not as strict and conservative as your father when it comes to raising you but I don’t want you fooling around with someone you just met.” Sabi ni Mom.

“Mom, what are you talking about? Fooling around? With who? With Vito?” My eyes felt like it would pop.

“Honey, your shirt is inside out.” She cocked a brow.

My eyes lowered to my shirt and I was baffled for awhile.“I… no, it’s not what you think! Nag-swimming ako sa falls. You know, that place where you and Dad used to take us? I don’t even like Vito, Mom!”

“Why don’t you like him? He’s a nice man.” Mom’s brows furrowed.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “He’s just… he’s just… he look stupid. Napaka-presko niya, Mom. Baka akala niya he’s God’s gift to women.”

“You know, he actually reminds me of your Dad in his youth. Confident and adventurous.” A slight nostalgic smile broke across her face.

Napataas ang isang kilay ko sa sinabing iyon ni Mom. My imagination started going haywire again. Vito reminded her of Dad when he was young and now that he was not… maybe… maybe Mom wanted someone like young Dad at kay Vito niya nakita iyon.

“Hon, who are you texting?” Dad asked as we were having breakfast.

“Oh, wala naman. Cassie just texted me, nangungumusta lang.” She lowered her phone down and forced a smile. Then she turned her attention to Toffie. “Kumain ka ng kumain. Stop playing with your food.”

“Say hi to Cassie for me.” Sabi ni Dad.

“I will.” Mom answered back.

“Mom, can we go horseback riding later?” Asked Toffie.

“I want to go horseback riding!” Cookie said.

“Me too, Mama Val!” Sabi naman ni Pixie.

“Oo nga, ipasyal naman natin ang mga bata sa hacienda. We only got a few more days to spend here before we go back to Manila.” 

“Honey, next time na lang.” Mom said. 

Ipinatong ni Dad ang kamay niya sa ibabaw ng kamay ni Mom. “Hon, I know Dad’s passing is tough for you and believe me it is as tough for us, too. We love him as much as you do. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.”

“I know and I thank you for that, hon.” Mom gave Dad a weak smile. 

Dad nipped Mom’s chin between to fingers and gave her a kiss on the lips. 

“Ew!” Toffie and Cookie both reacted almost at the same time. 

“Oooh! Papa Axel kissed Mama Val!” Pixie giggled.

“No looking, Pixie!” Kuya Coco half-jokingly covered Pixie’s eyes with his hands.

The two of them laughed at everyone’s reaction.

“Baka naman masundan pa si Toffie niyan, Mom ah.” Biro ni Ate Anais.

“Kung makakahabol pa, bakit hindi?” Dad wiggled his brows up and down.

“Ew! No! You guys are old!” I exclaimed.

“Excuse you.” Mom’s brows crumpled as she chuckled.

“Ano’ng old, Bryce? Your Mom’s only 50! Hindi pa menopaused ang Mommy niyo.” Sabi ni Dad.

“Okay, now that’s TMI.” Sabi naman ni Ate Anais.

I fake gagged. “I think I just lost my appetite.”

“Kayo talagang magkakapatid. You always bully me and your Mom.” Kinabig ni Dad si Mom at hinalikan sa 

“Pwede pang ihabol yan, dude. Baka maka-dalawang lalaki ka pa.” Uncle Tristan joined in.

“Stop it, Tristan. Baka humirit na naman yan.” Mom rolled her eyes at her brother.

We had a relatively nice breakfast together. Until the men decided to go to town to get something. I was left with Mom, Aunt Andi, Ate Anais, and Ate Monique. That afternoon, the kids wanted to watch a movie so we took them to the entertainment room. Nagbantay kami nina Ate Anais at Ate Monique sa mga bata habang gumagawa naman si Aunt Andi at Mom ng snack sa baba.

But Aunt Andi was the only one who came back in the entertainment room with a plate of sandwich and she had the help bring a pitcher of juice and glasses. 

“Where’s Mom?” I asked.

“Umalis muna. She said gusto niya munang mag-ikot-ikot. I offered to come with her but she insisted on going out alone.” Kibit-balikat na sabi ni Aunt Andi.

“Baka pupuntahan si Lolo sa sementeryo.” 

“Bakit kailangan mag-isa siya?” My brows crumpled suspiciously.

“Because she’s grieving, Bryce. Kayo ni Dad, stop smothering her too much. She needs space.” Sabi ni Ate Anais.

She didn’t understand what was going on. She doesn’t know about Vito but I do! 

“When did she leave, Aunt Andi?” I asked.

“Just a moment ago. Bago ako umakyat. Tumulong pa siyang gumawa ng sandwiches.” Aunt Andi answered.

I quickly got up from the couch and went out. Bumaba ako at tinanong sa help kung nakita nila si Mom. One of them told me she’d seen her drive away in Lolo’s car. I got the keys to Dad’s car and tried to find her. I was almost sure who she’d be seeing.

Ilang minuto lang ay nakita ko ang kotse ni Mom na nakaparada sa tabi ng stables. I was relieved when I saw her car parked there. At least, I know she wasn’t with Vito. Baka naman nangabayo lang si Mom. I got out of my car to check if she was in the stables.

“Ah, Senyorita.” I heard a groan from inside. The voice was of a man’s and it sounded very familiar. 

Dahan-dahan akong lumapit. Each step I made added to the ever increasing weight in my chest, each step felt like my heart slowly sliding out of its place to my stomach. I heard another groan. 

“Fuck!” He cussed.

I swallowed before taking a peak in, afraid of what I was going to see. I saw Vito standing there while Mom was kneeling in front of him, her head turned to me. My eyes widened and I covered my mouth as a gasp escaped from my throat. 

Parang nanghihinang napasandal ako sa wooden wall ng stable. Parang umikot ang paningin ko. My head felt like it was pounding against my skull. My stomach churned in disgust. It wouldn’t take a genius to find out what Mom was doing to Vito.

I wanted to throw up. Dad loved her and I was a witnessed to that. Alam ko kung gaano siya minahal ng Daddy ko at ito pa ang igaganti niya? After collecting myself, I ran back to Dad’s car and drove off.

I couldn’t help but cry as I drove back to Lolo Jaime’s house. Bumaba ako at sakto naman papasok si Dad sa bahay.

“Dad…” Humihikbing habol ko sa kanya. 

“Hey…” Dad turned his head to me, looking worried.

I ran to him and hugged him, crying and sobbing. “Dad… si Mom…”

Dad’s body tensed, he cupped my face in his hands and looked at me. “What happened to your Mom? Where is she, Bryce?”

“Mom’s cheating on you, Dad.” Humihikbing sabi ko.

A flashed of something crossed his face. “What? What are you talking about, Bryce?”

“Mom’s cheating on you. I saw her. She was cheating on you with Vito.” I cried even harder, my words barely coherent.

“Bryce…” Dad shook his head as he let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Bryce, ano bang pinagsasabi mo? You stop this right now. Hindi magandang biro yan. Hindi magagawa ng Mommy mo sa akin yan. Enough with your joke. It’s not funny.”

“I’m not kidding. I saw them at the stables. Mom was on her knees-”

“Bryce, tumigil ka na, ha!” Dad’s voice boomed in anger. I had never heard him shout at me like that. “This is not a good joke. I don’t want to hear that from you. She is your mother and you have no right to disrespect her like that.”

I saw how Dad’s face hardened but I also saw the flash of hurt in his eyes. He was indenial. 

“Dad…”

“Enough! I do not want to hear more nonsense from you.” Dad’s voice quivered at the end of his sentence.

He walked in and left me there, completely baffled by his reaction.

Chapter Five

“Dad, maniwala ka sa akin. I know what I saw!” I exclaimed, in desperate need to alleviate the pain in my chest. I had witnessed my mother’s infidelity and my own father wouldn’t believe me. Dad just quietly sat in Lolo Jaime’s lazyboy in his study, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand.

“Tama na, Bryce. Just stop.” He leaned back in his seat, his shoulders sagging. “What your saying is impossible. Okay kami ng Mommy mo. Wala kaming problema. She loves me. Hindi ako magagawang lokohin ni Valerie. Hell, that Vito is just a kid. Bakit naman doon pa papatol ang Mommy mo? When your Mom and I started living together, he was still probably swimming in his father’s nutsack.”

“You know what Mom said the other day? Vito reminds her of you when you were young. She’s re-living her youth through him. Sino ba ang palagi niyang kasama nitong mga nakaraang araw? Nasaan siya ngayon? Kasama niya si Vito, she’s giving him the best blow-”

“Stop it, Bryce!” Dad shot up to his feet and threw his glass on the floor with so much force that it shattered into million pieces. “Hindi ka ba titigil sa pinagsasabi mo? Kung anu-anong kalokohan ang pumapasok diyan sa utak mo! What do you think you’re doing? Gusto mo bang masira ang pamilya natin sa pinagsasabi mo? Don’t you make any accusations about your mother like that.”

“Hindi ka ba talaga naniniwala sa akin, Dad?” My voice shook as tears welled up my eyes. “Bakit naman ako magsisinungaling?”

“Because I know your mother more than anyone. Hindi ako lolokohin ni Valerie. That could be any woman for all we know. Hindi ba sabi mo, nakatalikod ang babae?”

“Dad…” I looked at him with pity as I shook my head. “I can’t believe this.”

“Ayaw ko na marinig na banggitin mo ito kahit kailan sa kahit sino, naiintindihan mo?” His expression hardened.

I marched out of the room and slammed the door close, tears began to fall from my eyes as I was walking. I locked myself in my room and cried my eyes out. Mom and Dad’s love story had always been my favorite fairytale. I once dreamt of a love like their’s and now everything I believed in about them kind of just blew up in my face. This was the day I found out that my Mom was nothing but a cheating whore and my Dad was a spineless fool.

After locking myself up for hours in my room, I decided to get myself something to eat as I was already getting hungry. Sakto naman sa dating ni Mommy. I was ready to confront her and tell her that she was a disgusting excuse of a wife.

“Saan ka galing?” I asked, my arms crossed over my chest as I looked at her from head to toe.

“I went horseback riding.” She answered and then her gaze lowered, a tell-tale sign that she was lying.

My eyes narrowed. “Really? Sino’ng sinakyan mo?” Si Vito?

“Val, honey…” Dad suddenly walked in, swerve-walking.

“Axel?” She quickly caught Dad in her arms and tried to keep him steady. “Have you been drinking?”

“Nagkatuwaan lang kami ni Tristan.” He chuckled and cupped Mom’s face. “Where have my honey been? Bakit late ka na umuwi?”

“I was just at the stables.” She answered and reached up to touch Dad’s face. “Hon, nasobrahan ka yata ng inom. Magpahinga ka na.”

“Who were you with?” Dad asked.

“I- I was by myself.” I could hear the quiver in her voice as she lied to my own father, her husband.

“Ganon ba?” Dad chuckled and hiccuped. “I was waitung for you to come home. I love you so much, Val.”

“I’m sorry, hon.” Iyon lang ang nasabi ni Mom.

“Oh, I forgive you. You know I always will. I love you, Val.” He cupped his face and kissed her.

I wanted to vomit at what I was seeing. That mouth had sucked another man and my father was kissing that filthy thing.

“Dad!” I harshly exclaimed.

Dad broke away from the kiss. “We’ve already talked, Bryce.”

“Ano na naman ba pinagtatalunan niyong mag-ama?” Mom rolled her eyes. “Sandali nga lang at pagtitimpla ko ng kape itong daddy mo. Nang mawala naman ang lasing kahit konti. Bakit naman kasi nagpakalasing ka ngayon?”

“Sunod na lang ako sa kitchen, hon.” Dad gave her a nod.

“Are you sure? Kaya mo pa ba ang sarili mo?” Mom stroked Dad’s cheek.

“Of course. Your daughter and I just need to have a word.” He said.

“Nagdinner ka na ba? Do you want something  to eat, too? Ipaghahanda kita ng makakain.” Mom said.

“I still haven’t. We’ll have dinner together.” Dad kissed her forehead.

“Ikaw, Bryce, kumain ka na ba?”

“Wala akong gana.” I said with sharpness in my tone, my arms crossed over my chest.

“Alam mo naman itong anak mo. Nagtetemper tantrum na naman. Ang laki-laki na tinotopak pa rin.” Dad chuckled. 

Mom headed to the kitchen and I couldn’t help but glare spitefully at Dad. Why didn’t he confront him? Why was he letting this go? Wala ba siyang natitirang delicadeza o awa man lang sa sarili sa ginawa sa kanya ni Mom?

“You better stop your nonsense, Bryce. Hindi na nakakatuwa ito.”

“I was there. I saw everything!” I said, my hands balling into fists on my sides. “You should’ve heard how Vito moaned Mom’s name-”

“Tumigil na sabi, Bryce Charlotte.” Dad said in a low growl. He was slurring just earlier and now his voice was deep with warning.  

“Bakit ba ayaw mong maniwala sa akin? What would it take for you to believe.” I desperately said, my eyes watering with tears. “Pareho natin alam na alam at nararamdaman mo that there’s really something going on between her and Vito. Just admit it, Dad…”

“No…” He said in a soft tone, almost as if in resignation. “Hindi ako maniniwala dahil asawa ko si Val. We’d been married for decades and I know she’s not capable of cheating on me. You must’ve misinterpreted what you saw or heard.”

“Dad, Vito was moaning while Mom was on her knees-”

“Bryce, hindi ako maniniwala sa sabi lang. I won’t believe until I see it with my own eyes. Hindi magagawa ni Val iyon sa akin.” He said and walked away to the kitchen.

I heard a small ‘ting’ coming from somewhere in the living room and then my eyes caught Mom’s purse on the couch where she’d put it down. I turned my head to the kitchen arch, checking to see Mom was anywhere near. I tiptoed to the couch to get her purse and hastily rummaged through it. My hand got a hold of her iPhone, the one that made a tinging noise earlier. Sure enough, it was a message from Vito.

Thank you, Valerie. I had an amazing time with you and you were wonderful. 

My fingers tightened around the phone I was holding as tears burned my eyes. 

“Bryce.” I heard Mom’s voice calling me. Panicking, I quickly shoved the phone into her bag.

“Y-yes?” I answered back.

“Nasaan si Toffie?”

“N-naglalaro kasama si Cookie.” I tried to keep my voice steady.

I thought of our family. Of Toffie. Ate Anais and I grew up in a very loving home with Mom and Dad. If Mom continues on her affair with the younger man, masisira ang pamilya namin. Toffie was just a little boy. I didn’t want him to grow up with a broken family. And Dad would go crazy if he loses Mom. Kahit nga ngayon nagbubulag-bulagan pa rin siya. 

“Vito!” I smiled, waving at him when I saw him on top of his horse. “Hi, Vito!”

He slowed his horse down and his brows drew together as he neared towards me. He was probably weirded out because I was smiling at him which I never did before. I felt like I needed to thread the corners of my lips up so as not to drop my smile. Nakakadiri na itong ginagawa ko. I was smiling when inside, I wanted nothing more to do with him but spit on his face. But I’d do anything to save whatever was left to save of my parents’ marriage. I had to divert Vito’s attention to me para hindi niya na guluhin si Mommy. 

“Hi…” He said, sounding unsure when he stopped in front of me. 

“Nice horse you have here.” I said, petting the horse’s nose. I was genuinely fascinated with his horse. Everytime the light’s on the horse, it gives out a blue tint on its silky coat. “Did you dye the coat?”

“Datu is a blue roan. It’s his natural coat.” He answered.

“He’s beautiful. You really like horses, don’t you? Ang Mommy ko din mahilig sa horses. But I’m sure you already know that.” I cocked a brow at him.

“Indeed.” He nodded his head and then one corner of his lips lifted into a smirk. “Do you need anything? I know you’re not here to check out my horses. Do you want to check out something else?”

“Well, what if I do?” I asked with the most seductive smile I could muster. “Do you mind if I ride your…” My eyes lowered to his crotch. “horse with you?”

“You came here to ride my horse?” He chuckled, unconvinced.

“I heard you have a collection of pedigree horses. I thought I should come and check it out.” I said, biting my bottom lip.

“Very well.” He nodded his head. He scooted a little to give me space in front of him. “Hop on.”

VITO

Bryce climbed up Datu and then positioned herself in front of me. I caught a whiff of her flowery cologne and had to choke in a gasp. Damn! She smelled nice. There was no scent of sharp perfume I absolutely hated on a woman, just pure freshness. 

Naglapat ang katawan namin at naramdaman ko ang init mula sa kanya. Her body gave off a curiously delicate heat that made me shiver. As much as I hated to admit it, she had an effect on me the first time I saw her. Her beauty was regal beyond dispute. The stunning features of a woman who could steal the breath of any man. She clearly took after her mother. But damn, she was Valerie’s daughter!

“So, where are we heading, cowboy?” She asked in a very seductive tone as she rubbed her body against me. She was a tease. Such a goddamn tease who’d surely make me go insane with her tactics. I could’ve said no when she told me she wanted to ride Datu with me but I couldn’t will myself to do so.

I swallowed as I remembered how her naked body looked. She looked like a nymph, a beautiful creature from another world. She had curves in all the right places. Her breasts were round and full, the kind of breasts you’d wonder if they were genuine as it was too perfect. Even now, her breasts were straining the fabric she was wearing. She was indeed gifted in that department.

“Cat got your tongue?” She chuckled, playfully.

I was zapped back from my thoughts. “What exactly do you want, Bryce? I know you’re not here just to see my horses. Perhaps, you want to see something else?”

“What could that something else possibly be?” She giggled.

I lowered my lips to the shell of her ear. “You’re a tease, you know that, Bryce?” 

“I still haven’t done anything. I didn’t know it was this easy to turn you on.” I could hear the smile in her voice.

“Oh, I know your game and I’m too old to be playing games.” My hands held the either side of her tiny waist and I started stroking it, stoping just below her breasts. “You’re probably missing all your boytoys in Manila, aren’t you?”

“Maybe…” She said in low laughter. “Ikaw ba? When was your last lay?”

I stiffened at her bluntness. Hell! Binabaliw talaga ako ng babaeng ito. I could feel beads of sweats forming on my forehead. I knew exactly what she wanted now. I had never met a woman who openly asks me about my sex life without wanting me to fuck her. I took in a deep breath to quickly recollect myself. “Not too long ago.”

“Was it good?” She asked.

“You just want me to scratch that little itch of yours, don’t you?” I said through ragged breath. My hand travelled from her waist to her thigh. I looked around, making sure no one’s anywhere around the horse field. “I’m a less talk, more action type of guy, Bryce. I don’t tell, I show.” 

My hand cupped her sex between her open thighs. She let out a gasp. “V-vito…”

“Fine. I’ll help you out of your misery. I’ll help you get off.” I began to stroked the very middle of her crotch with my fingers. “Isn’t this what you came here for?”

I began to stroke her clit through her jeans, circling around it. Napakapit siya sa braso ko at ibinigay ang buong bigat ng katawan niya sa akin. I pressed my fingers harder and I could feel my own pants get tighter as my cock sprung to life.

“Do you want me to go faster?” I whispered in her ear and she nodded her head.“I bet you miss having a cock buried in this pussy. There’s not a lot of options of men here. No clubs, no bars, no parties.”

“Mmm…” She answered back, her body now extremely relaxed against me and her eyes closed. 

I pressed a little harder, rubbed faster. It felt wrong as she was Valerie’s daughter but I told myself that I wasn’t really touching her physically. It was just the fabric rubbing her and wasn’t this what she was after? My chest started to heave up and down as I watched her in fascination.

“V-vito! Vito, I’m going to…” Her lips parted.

I turned her to her side and crashed my lips against her as I rubbed myself against her back. She tasted like heat and every fantasy I’d ever had. My tongue darted into her mouth and she answered back, her tongue curling around mine. 

She shivered against me, letting me know that she had already reached her orgasm. After a couple of while, she pushed my hand away and pulled away from the kiss.

“Did you come?” I asked, my lips tugging into a smirk. 

“Bababa na ako.” She said in a slow voice.

“That was fast…” I chuckled.

“I said I want to get off!” She screeched.

“You don’t want to be with me anymore after I gave you your orgasm? I didn’t know you were a wham bam thank you sir kind of girl.”

“Bababa na sabi ako!” She exclaimed, her voice more firm and loud.

I pulled Datu’s reins to keep him steady and Bryce climbed down him. Her face was as red as a tomato, probably from the orgasm I just gave her.

Chapter Six

BRYCE

My legs were still wobbly from the orgasm I just had as I hastily walked back to Dad’s car. I still felt tingly between my thighs, where he had touched me. I slipped behind the wheels and suddenly erupted into tears as soon as I closed the door. My mother’s lover just gave me an orgasm. It felt so wrong and disgusting. Gusto kong masuka habang iniisip ko na nagawa niya din iyon kay Mom.

I floored the gas and sped the car back to Lolo Jaime’s house. I felt the urge to slam my head against the stirring wheel. Ang tanga-tanga ko. How could I let him do that to me? I wanted to tease him but I never planned on getting that far with him.

“Where have you been, Bryce?” Si Mom ang una kong nakasalubong. The last person I wanted to see now. This was her fault!

I didn’t answer and continued walking in. I was scared something really bad might come out of my mouth if I talk to her. Something she wouldn’t want to hear and I didn’t want to say to my own mother.

“Bryce, honey!” I heard Mom calling me but I ignored her.

I ran to my room and took a shower. I had already taken a shower this morning but I felt like I needed another one. I felt dirty. I had let the very same man who Mom was cheating on with touch and kiss me. It played in my mind over and over. The way he kissed me. The way he touched me. The feel of his warmth against me. I couldn’t help but feel hot when it flashed back in my mind but a bigger part of me was hot with anger.

Hindi ko naman ipagkakailang magandang lalaki at matipuno si Vito. That was probably what drew Mom to him. He was sex on legs, for Christ’s sake! Given my somewhat naive understanding of sex, of course. I’ve had a boyfriend in college but we never went beyond kissing as I was afraid Dad would go nuts if he ever finds out. We lasted for a month or so before he got tired of me because I never let him go beyond simple kissing.

So yeah, I just received my first orgasm from the man my mother was probably fucking. I mean, that was an orgasm, right? It was something I had never felt before. It felt so overwhelming and good at the same time. I shivered at the thought of it and tried to swat it off my mind.

“Hon, kain na tayo.” I quietly watched as Mom walked up to Dad and sat next to him on the chaise lounge chair in the garden. The helps were already taking out the food that Aunt Andi, Ate Anais and Mom had prepared for us.

Dad had been quiet and aloof today. Parang wala sa sarili. I noticed the dark circles under his eyes when I saw him earlier. It seemed as though he hadn’t gotten any sleep.

Mom hugged him from behind, her hands snaking to the bottle of beer he was holding in one hand. She nuzzled her face into his neck. “Hon, tirik na tirik ang araw tapos umiinom ka. Hindi ka pa yata kumakain. I don’t think you even had breakfast earlier.”

“I did.” Dad answered, turning his head to face him. “Val, I love you. Ayokong mawala ka sa akin.”

Mom smiled and left a kiss on his jaw. “Aw. Why are you being sweet all of a sudden? Are you drunk already?”

“Come on, love birds. We’re all hungry here. Baka mawalan pa kami ng gana.” Uncle Tristan teased them.

“Halika na…” Mom pulled him up from his seat and to the table. 

I could see how affected Dad was about what I’d told him. As a huge Daddy’s girl, it broke my heart seeing him this way. I could feel how hurt he when he tried denying it. I kind of wished I didn’t tell him. Mom was acting as though nothing had happened. Like she didn’t give some man a blowjob. And that’s what angers me the most. How could she act sweet and cuddly with Dad like this after what she had done? 

We quietly ate our lunch together and Dad barely touched his food. 

“May bisita po kayo. Si Sir Vito po.” One of the help came up to us. 

I stiffened when I heard his name. Memories of what had happened earlier started flooding me. At that moment, I wished I had amnesia. Sana pwede ko na lang kalimutan ang nangyari sa amin.

“Well, why don’t you let him in?” Sabi naman ni Uncle Tristan.

The maid left and after awhile came back with Vito. I tried not to look at him. It just felt so awkward seeing the man who’d given you an orgasm just hours ago.

“Good afternoon.” He politely greeted.

“Good afternoon, Vito.” Aunt Andi greeted him. “Why don’t you join us for lunch?”

“Thank you. I would love to.” He gave Aunt Andi a charming smile. He was invited to our table and coincidentally, the only seat left was right in front of me. 

“Vito, what brought you here?” Agad na tanong ni Mom.

“Gusto ko lang kayong bisitahin. It’s kind of been a habit of mine to stop by Señor Jaime when I pass by the hacienda or when I’m bored.” He said.

“Aw, Vito. You’re such a sweet heart.” Sabi ni Aunt Andi.

“Man, thank you for keeping our father company while we were gone.” Uncle Tristan warmly said.

My gaze lifted up at him and our eyes locked. I instantly blushed. One corner of his lips lifted into a knowing smirk as if he’d just read my mind. There was something in the way he looked at me that sent tingles down my spine throughout my whole body. 

“Wala ka bang ibang pinagkakaabalahan sa inyo?” There was an undertone of hostility in Dad’s voice.

“I have at least a hundred workers at our plantation. Minsan tumutulong ako pero madalas ay nagagawa na nila ang mga dapat gawin. I get lonely here, too.” He chuckled.

“Kaya  ba humahanap ka ng aaliw sa’yo dito?” Dad’s voice was strained. 

“Not exactly. Maybe just someone to keep me company. Hindi kasi ako sanay sa ganitong buhay. I’m used to hustle and bustle of the city until I was forced to stay here to manage our plantation.” He answered.

“So I guess you’re not getting any action, huh?” Uncle Tristan joked. 

“Tristan.” Aunt Andi jabbed his side.

“Oh, I’m getting it alright.” He chuckled. From my Mom, of course.

He looked at me again and gave me a subtle wink. I almost choked on the food in my mouth at what he did. I quickly looked away, embarrassed. Damn him! Vito knew how to play his game well. How could he tease me like this in front of my mother who he’d been fooling around with? 

“Vito…” I caught the small scolding tone in Mom’s voice. “It’s not a busy day, I guess?”

“No, ma’am.” He let out another one of those charming smile. “We’d already finished packing all the rice we’d harvested. We’d exported all the fruits and vegetables for this season. All we have to do now is wait for the next harvest.”

“Why don’t you have a little drink with us later? Wala ka naman gagawin, hindi ba?” Said Kuya Coco. Even though Lolo Jaime had passed away, we tried to keep the spirit of this whole house alive. Whenever we’re at the hacienda, every day was a celebration. Si Lolo Jaime, he was happy seeing us happy. Pag kumpleto kaming pamilya, halos every night ay barbecue night. Dad and Uncle Tristan would drink and chat. Naglalaro ang mga bata sa hardin. Nagkukuwentuhan sina Mommy at Aunt Anais. The whole house was always alive and happy. 

“I can’t pass on to that. Señor Jaime used to always invite me to have a drink with him.” He chuckled. 

When the cat is away, the mice will play. They didn’t know it but I was observing them. Dad had just stood up from his seat and went inside when Vito came up to Mom. Lumayo sila nang konti mula sa mga tao at nag-usap. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about as they were pretty far from me but it looked serious.

Mom was unsmiling, her arms crossed over her chest and Vito stood in front of her with a can of beer in his hand. It took a couple of minutes before Dad got out from the house. He paused right next to me as soon as his eyes caught them.

“Look at them, Dad.” I told him, my face twisted into a disgusted grimace.

“Stop putting malice on everything your mother does. Nag-uusap lang sila.” He said.

“Bakit kailangan nilang mag-solo? Can’t they talk around the others?” I cocked a brow. 

Dad just shrugged and walked up to Mom. I followed behind him. He wrapped his arm around the small of her back and pulled Mom against his side, as if telling Vito that he owned her. 

“What are you talking about?” Dad asked, unsmiling. His gaze never left Vito.

“Um… business.” Nag-iwas ng tingin si Mom.

I could feel the tension rising in the air as we stood there in silence. Nagtama ang mga mata namin ni Vito. There was an unmistakenly naughty glint playing in his eyes as if he was taunting me. I swallowed, feeling my throat dry. 

I had to put on an act. I was now successfully getting Vito’s attention. Inisip ko na lang si Daddy. Ayoko nang masaktan pa siya. Kung hindi niya kayang maniwala sa mga sinasabi ko, ako na lang ang gagawa ng paraan para hindi sila maglapit. Gusto kong putulin kung anuman ang namamagitan sa kanila if I had to use myself to do that then I will. 

I gave Vito a meaningful smile, one corner of my lips naughtily lifting up. I had to act like a vixen starving for a man. If he wanted someone like Mom then I’d give it to him. Dad dragged Mom away and I was left here alone with Vito.

“So, what’s your business here? Ano’ng business ang pinag-uusapan niyo ni Mom?” I tried hard not to sound accusing.

Vito just gave me a sexy smile. “It’s none of your concern. Do your parents know how much of a tease you are?”

I put my finger over my lips. “Shh… It’s our dirty little secret.” 

“You’re what surprised me the most, Bryce. I never thought there’d be a sexy temptress under your stuck-up facade.”

“Don’t you like surprises?” I teasingly asked.

“I do… but I’ll still haven’t forgiven you. You’re a selfish lover, Bryce. After I got you off, you’re just going to run away like that?”

I tried hard not to let my shame surface. I was supposed to be a vixen. A well-experienced woman. I walked up to him, running my fingers against his sharp jaw. “Oh, poor thing. Did you get off to the thought of me?”

“You bet, I did.” He said, his voice husk and quiet. “I imagined how wet I made you. I bet your panties were soaking with your cum, aren’t they?”

“My panties were damp, Vito. From front to back.” I was legit feeling the familiar burn in my stomach, the same feeling I felt earlier when we were on top of the horse. 

“Don’t make me imagine it.” He groaned in frustration. 

“You can only imagine what I’m capable of doing in bed.” I smiled a little, feeling proud of myself. He was turned on and I hated admit it but I was turned on as well. Suddenly, the temperature seemed to have dropped. My family was just a few feet away from us and here I was, getting turned on by dirty talking with this guy.

I thanked God when Ate Anais called me to help her with taking care of Pixie while she makes milk for her daughter. Vito went back to where the boys were and had a drink with them. I caught Vito silently staring at me when I looked at me. He raised his glass at me when our eyes me.

When Ate came out, that was when I decided to come inside the house. I still felt hot and bothered from the conversation I had with Vito. I went to the kitchen and got myself a glass of water.

“Bryce…” My heart seemed as though it had leaped out of my chest when I heard a man’s voice speak behind me. 

I instantly knew who it was and I was having second thoughts whether I should turn and face him. After battling with myself, I slowly turned to him. 

“W-what are you doing here?” My voice shook a little. I wasn’t prepared for this.

“Just seeing if you need any help.” He shrugged.

“I don’t.” I answered him.

“Are you sure?” Suddenly I was caged in between his arms as his palms leaned against the edge of the counter top. He lowered his face to me until I could feel his breath. “You look thirsty. Are  you thirsty?”

“I… I just drank water…” I faltered. 

“Perhaps you need to drink a little more.” He took my glass of water from the counter top and drank it. Then he lowered his head to mine. He crashed his lips against my lips and then I felt a surge of liquid enter my mouth. I gulped it down my throat and my arms encircled around his neck. There was just something irresistable about Vito, something that made me lose control and sanity. Was this how Mom felt when she was with him? 

I thought him and Mom doing the same thing and that was enough to turn me off and slap me back to reality. I pushed him away and he looked at me, confused. 

“Someone might walk in on us.” Dahilan ko.

“Doesn’t that make it more exciting? I like dirty, forbidden things, Bryce. It turns me on. This feels so wrong, it almost seems right. I know I shouldn’t be having you but I can’t get enough.” He whispered sexily as he held me by my waist, pulling me to his body. I took in a sharp inhale when I felt something hard poking on my stomach. “Do you feel what you’ve awakened? You need to take responsibility for that. You can’t tease me like this and leave me dry.”

“This is not an appropriate place for this. Maybe we should just take it somewhere else.” I said, my fingers playing on his nape. 

“Vito.” I heard Mom’s voice.

Agad humiwalay sa akin si Vito as if he’d touched something hot. Mom walked in and looked at the both of us.

“They said you’re leaving already?” She asked.

“Oh, yes. I’m just saying goodbye to Bryce.” He tried to keep his composure. 

“Thank you for stopping by to visit us.” Mom wore a smile on her face. 

“It was an absolute pleasure, Senyorita.” He charmingly said. 

“Hahatid na kita sa labas.” Mom insisted.

“That would be great. There’s something I need to talk with you about.” Sabi naman ni Vito bago lumingon sa akin. “Have a lovely evening, Senyorita Bryce.”

I didn’t say anything nor did the muscles in my face move. Mom and Vito left the room. It took me awhile before I could think straight and followed after them. Vito and Mom were already outside. I hid from their view and listened to what they were talking about.

“I feel guilty, Vito. I don’t know what to do. We can’t hide this forever.” Mom sounded as if she was about to cry.

“I know.” Vito took Mom in his arms. “But in just a few days, you’re going to go back to Manila and you just have to act like nothing happened.”

“I don’t know if I’m just being paranoid but I feel like my husband’s starting suspect. He knows something’s going on and I feel guilty for hiding this from him.” 

I heard footprints right next to me. I turned and saw Dad standing there, his face void of any expression. But his eyes looked as though he was looking deep into a chasm only he could see. He gulped down the beer he had in one hand.

“Kanina ka pa nandito, Dad?” I asked, my brows furrowed.

He gave me a quiet nod.

“Tignan mo yan and tell me again that she’s not cheating on you with another man.” Tagis ang ngipin na sabi ko.

He didn’t say anything, he just turned and started walking back in again. Nagmamadaling sumunod ako sa kanya.

“Dad, what are you doing? Hahayaan mo na lang iyon?” I asked as tears coated my eyes. I felt sorry for him. I grabbed him the arm and tried to pull him. “Don’t walk out! Confront them!”

“Bryce, stop that.” He said in a quiet growl.

“You know what you are? A coward cuckold!” My voice shook with tears.

I gasped when he lifted his palm up as I thought he was going to slap me. He paused as if he’d realize what he was doing and lowered his hand to his side. I had never had my Dad hurt me in anyway. I would be lying if I say it didn’t scare me. 

“Be careful with your words, Bryce. Baka nakakalimutan mong ama mo pa rin ako.” He said.

“Wala kang gagawin? Hahayaan mo lang silang gaguhin ka?” I tried to sound brave even though I was shaking inside. “Why can’t you do something?”

His eyes lowered. “Because I don’t want your mother to leave me.”

“Dad…” I softened.

“Paano kung sumama sa lalaking iyon ang Mommy mo? He’s much younger than I. Paano kung mas piliin siya ni Val? Ayaw kong masira ang pamilya natin. I love your mother and I want Toffie to grow up with a complete family.”

“So, you’re just going to let her sleep with him?” I couldn’t hide the anger in my voice as tears began to spill from the corners of my eyes.

“We’re going to go back to Manila first thing tomorrow and we’re going to forget about this. Do you understand?”

Chapter Seven

BRYCE

Dad made me promise to never speak of Mom and Vito’s affair ever again. It broke my heart to do so but he forced me to. He was genuinely scared of losing Mom. He thought if someone opens up about it magkakaron ng lakas ng loob si Mom at lalo siyang magkakaron ng dahilan na sumama kay Vito dahil hindi niya na kailangan itago ang kung anuman ang namamagitan sa kanila. 

“Ganon na lang yun, Dad?” I asked with tears flowing from eyes. “You’d let what she did to you go? Hahayaan mong iputan ka niya sa ulo? Bakit hindi mo sila harapin? I’ll talk to her!”

“Bryce!” He firmly held me by my shoulders as I tried to walk away. He looked me straight in the eyes, trying to stop his tears from falling. “No, don’t do that! Listen to me. Your mother had been a wonderful wife to me and a mother to you and your siblings. She may have made a mistake, she’s at her most vulnerable right now. Siguro may pagkukulang din ako.”

“No, Dad…” I shook my head. I’d seen how hard Dad tried to get into Mom’s head since Lolo’s death.  Wala akong nakikitang pagkukulang. He’d always understood and tried to comfort her the best he could. “Dad, she was the one who cheated on you.”

“Bryce, I don’t want to believe your Mom could ever do that to me. We’ve had a wonderful marriage and a beautiful family. Gusto kong kumapit sa paniniwala na maayos pa rin ang lahat sa amin. Pwedeng nagkamali lang tayo ng akala-”

“I know what I saw, Dad.”

“Maybe your mother did make a mistake. But sex isn’t love and love is not perfect.” He let out an exhale as his voice quivered. “I know this is hard to understand for you. Masyado ka pang bata. Pero hindi ko bibitawan ang Mommy mo dahil lang sa isang pagkakamali. We’ve already been through a lot. Kung aamin siya sa akin, I will forgive her. Kung hindi, kalilimutan kong nangyari ito. I can’t afford to lose her. Please, don’t make any move that could possibly ruin this marriage. Hindi ko makakayanan kapag nawala sa akin ang Mommy mo. I’d rather die than live without her.”

An overwhelming sense of pity and sadness washed over me. Dad’s eyes were already red with unshed tears. Seeing the man I’d always looked at as my superhero crying was the worst thing in the world, nothing had ever broken my heart more than that.

He held me by my shoulders. “Bryce, honey, you have to promise me tayo lang ang makakalaam nito. Whatever they had, it will be forgotten once we go back to Manila.”

“I… I promise…” My voice croacked.

“Thank you, Bryce.” He forced a smile.

I could not stand even the sight of my own mother as it reminds me of her unfaithfulness. Ako na mismo ang lumalayo sa kanya. I was afraid of what could possibly come out of my mouth whenever I was around her. Nangako ako kay Dad na I would never open that up to anyone. Even to Ate Anais who I share everything with.

“Do we really have to leave so soon, Axel?” Mom said in a sad tone when Dad told her about us leaving. “Can’t we stay here for a little while?”

“Hon, I know it’s hard for you to have to leave the hacienda but we have to. I have work waiting on me. Isa pa, malapit na ang enrollment ni Toffie. Kailangan na natin ayusin iyon.” Dad gently explained.

Mom’s face fell. “I understand.”

“I’m sure Dad would understand, too.” Dad brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Babalik naman tayo. Bibisitahin natin si Dad, I promise.”

How could he even bare to be with her knowing that she’d been with another man? I wondered if Dad ever feel disgusted when kissing her, she’d given another man head a few days ago.

“Thanks, hon.” Said Mom with a slight smile.

“We’ll stop by Dad before we head home so we can say goodbye to him.”

She nodded her head. 

I went up to my room and started packing my things. Everyone did the same. Aunt Andi and Uncle Tristan decided to stay until the weekend just as planned. Ate Anais and Kuya Coco with their kids are going back to the city with us.  Dad went out to look for her, thinking she’d gone to Lolo’s grave but Dad came back alone and with a dark expression on his face.

“Dad, where have you been” Tanong ni Ate Anais nang makabalik si Dad. “And where’s Mom?”

“I looked everywhere. I even asked around but no one saw her.” Dad shook his head disappointedly as he got out of the pickup truck.

“Baka naman nasa stables. Why don’t we just go inside and wait for her?” Ate suggested. “Aunt Andi cooked lunch for us. Kumakain pa naman ang mga bata.”

Ignorance was indeed bliss. Dad and I exchanged a knowing look as if we’d read each other’s mind. We were having the same feeling of who she was with right now. After Dad went inside, I went into the pickup and drove it. 

“Good afternoon, is Vito home?” I asked when a stout middle-aged woman opened the door. I was standing in front of the Casa Gaviria as the locals would call it. My eyes wandered around the inside of the house as I spoke to the lady. It had a very rustic Spanish colonial feel to it, the kinds you see in a typical Spanish Telenovela. I heard the Gavirias’ ancestors were Spaniards, they were originally from Madrid so this that explains the style of the house.

“Ma’am, sino po sila?” Tanong ng babae.

“I’m his friend.” My eyes stopped wandering around and went back to the lady standing in front of me. “Kilala ako ni Vito. Nandyan ba siya sa loob? Umalis ba siya? May kasama ba siya?”

“Ah, ma’am…”

“Bryce…” Lumingon ako sa likod ng babae kung saan ko nakita si Vito. For some reason, he was sweating like hell. His shirt was open, all buttons undone, sweat dripping from his forehead down to his chest, abs, and… I swallowed as my eyes followed trails of sweat from his chest to his tight abs. 

“My face is right here.” He chuckled, brushing his fingers through his sweaty hair. Then he turned his attention to the stout woman as he starts buttoning his shirt. “Thanks, Manang. Ako na ang bahala sa kanya.”

Umalis na ang babae at lumapit sa akin si Vito. I swallowed to put moisture in my throat as I tilted my head up to look at him, my arms folded protectively to my chest as if it would hide my awkwardness and embarrassment.

“What are you doing here?” He leaned against the door frame. 

“Have you seen my Mom?” I asked with a straight face. 

 “Senyorita Val?”

“Yes.” I tonelessly said.

“I’ve seen her, yeah.” He nodded his head. 

“Nasaan siya?” My lips tightened.

“I don’t know. Nagkita lang kami kanina.” He answered, his eyes wandering away from me. She could be hiding inside and they could be doing God knows what. Maybe that’s why he was sweating like hell. 

“I see…” I nodded my head, unconvinced. “Well, aren’t you going to invite me in?” 

“You want to come in?” He seemed surprised, standing upright. 

“Yeah, maybe you can tour me around your casa. You’re single naman, hindi ba? Walang magagalit?” The seductress in me was taking control. My arms wrapped around his neck. I could smell his natural scent, his sweat and musk. He reeked of testosterone by which I mean women could get pregnant just from sniffing his sweat. 

“Wala.” He answered and sighed. “Bryce, do you know what you’re getting yourself into?”

“Yes.” I answered, trying not to let a squeak out of my throat. 

Sandali kaming nagtingin, mata sa mata. I felt him squeeze my waist as he held it in both hands. “You are slowly killing me, do you know that?”

“Am I?” I asked.

“Shit, Bryce. Why do you always do this to me?” He said in a frustrated tone. “Stop being a little tease.” His tone was harsh and jagged.

“It’s my last day here today, we’ll be going back to Manila tomorrow morning. It’s a shame that we haven’t gotten to know each other well. Ayaw mo bang mas makilala natin ang isa’t-isa?” I said with a wry smile.

“I would love to get to know you more, Bryce. I really would.” He said, pulling me harder against him. “I’ve been wanting to get to know you the first time I laid my eyes on you.”

Hinila niya ako papasok bago isinara ang pinto sa likod namin. I felt like a prey in a lion’s den as I was walking in with him. Parang gustong kumawala ng puso ko sa dibdib ko. Would I even be able to come out of this house a virgin? Surely, he wouldn’t force himself on me, would he? Paano kung gustuhin ko rin? I couldn’t trust myself when I’m with him.

“Vito.” I paused mid-step as he walked two steps ahead of me.

He paused and turned his head to me. “What? Is there any problem?”

“W-wala naman.” I said. “I just want to know where you’re going to take me.”

“You said you want me to tour you around.” Sabi niya bago tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi na para bang nabasa niya ang laman ng isip ko. “Bryce, I’m not going to do anything you won’t approve of. I’m not that kind of guy.”

“Really?” I tried to sound like I was daring him but in truth, I was looking for reassurance.

He took a step towards me and stopped a few inches away from me. Inangat niya ang kamay niya at hinaplos ang pisngi ko. 

“I promise. Everything I would do to you, you will like.” There was a dark promise in his voice that made something tingle between my legs. “Shall we?”

He showed me around the house just as he said he would. I had been completely absorbed in his company that I forgot why I was here in the first place. He was a charmer. He carries himself with pride and had the charisma that made you listen and follow. 

“This is my sanctuary.” He said, pulling the lever knob down one of the double door and pushing it open. It looked like an entertainment room. There was a television the size of a small cinema’s, a mini bar in the far corner, and a billiard pool. Kind of like my Dad’s ‘man cave’. 

Vito closed the door behind us as soon as we walked in. I swallowed, clenching my hands that was hanging to my sides. 

“Maybe I should leave.” I chewed on my bottom lip. Wala naman siguro dito si Mom. 

“Changing your mind?” He chuckled and stepped closer to me, a playful glint playing in his eyes. He held my chin in between two fingers and tilted my head up to make me look at him. “Are you scared of me, Bryce? Wasn’t this what you want?”

“D-don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m not scared of you. Bakit naman ako matatakot sa’yo? Sino ka ba?” Bryce Charlotte Lavigne doesn’t back down to anything.

“I…” He leaned down to me, his mouth touching my ear. “am the guy who’d given you an orgasm two days ago.”

I took in a sharp inhale, feeling the shivers down my spine. I wanted to clench my legs together when I felt a weird sensation between them. He makes me feel things I’d never felt before. 

“Let’s take it slow. We’re getting to know each other, remember? I’m not a whore.” I said, trying to mask my real emotions.

“I like your game, Bryce.” He laughed quietly, shaking his head. “You’re a bit of a devil, you know? You know how to drive a man insane.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I giggled, acting like a ditz. My eyes wandered around the room, looking for something else to do or an excuse to get away from him. “You play polo?”

“Yes,” He answered, he was now behind the counter of the bar mixing drinks. “That was in Argentina, I played for World Polo Championship for some years.”

“I see.” I nodded my head.

“You want a drink?” He asked.

“No thanks.” 

“You were just a teen when I first saw you.” He said with a smile in his voice as he looked at me, one hand holding a glass and one hand in his pocket.

Agad akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. “Nagkakilala na tayo?”

“Oh, no.” He shook his head. “We weren’t introduced to each other, bago pa lang bili ang plantasyon namin noon. I just saw you strolling around with your horse. You were already a beauty back then.”

I wanted to blush at his compliment. He thought I was beautiful? Well, he was not the first guy who’d ever told me that. I should be used to this by now but why does it feel different coming from him?

“And now, look at you.” His eyes grazed at me from head to toe. “What about you? What do you do?”

“I work for our company.” I answered.

“You like it there?” He asked.

I shrugged. “It’s okay.”

“Palagi kang kinukwento ng Lolo mo sa akin, alam mo ba iyon? He said you were a true born haciendera. You were made for his hacienda.” He said.

“He said that?” I asked, feeling my heart swell.

“Yes. Out of all his grandchildren, ikaw ang nagpakita ng totoong interest at pagmamahal dito. He loved his hacienda like it was one of his kids, he said the memories of your grandmother lives on with his land.” Kwento niya.

“He used to tell me that, too.” I said with a nostalgic smile. “I love our hacienda.”

“But life here isn’t as exciting as it is in the city.” He cocked a brow as if he was trying me. 

“I don’t mind.” I shrugged.

“You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?”

“No.” 

“Good girl.” He said, looking rather pretty pleased. He took in another sip bago niya ibinaba ang baso niya sa end table. He, then, walked up to me and held me by my waist.

“Vito…” His name left my lips, my voice squeaking.

“I like it when you say my name.” One corner of his lips. 

My breathing started to become a bit shallow, my heart pounding against my chest. 

“Everytime I see, I can’t help but think of how you moaned for me while I was getting you off. You want that again, Bryce? You want me to get you off?”

“V-vito.” My voice shook as excitement welled up inside me. He was irresistable.

“Tell me how much you loved it when I made you come. You were soaking wet weren’t you?” 

“Yes.” I admitted as if I was being hypnotized while I was looking at him.

“You don’t know how many times I had to jack off to the thought of you. You didn’t let me sleep that night.” He said, cupping my buttocks with his hands and pulling me against his body. I could feel his erection on my tummy. “You want this, don’t you? You came here for this.”

I bit my bottom lip. 

“Touch me.” He took my hand and placed it on top of his jeans. “I want you to feel what you did to me.” 

I could feel his erection through his pants. He was big. It amused and scared me at the same time. He started guiding my hand, moving it, before finally unziping his jeans and taking his thing out.

His thing was bigger when erected. It was huge and veiny. This was the first time I had seen a man’s erect penis in person. Ilang segundo akong hindi nakagalaw. I just stared at it, amused. He guided my hand back to his penis, wrapping my fingers around it. 

“I’ve been thinking about this a lot. You touching my dick. Move your hand. Please, Bryce, I want you to jack me off.” He begged.

I was clueless on what to do at first but he started guiding my hand up and down his shaft. He let out a soft groan and then he pushed me down the couch and got on top of me. He covered my mouth with his and we kissed with so much passion. His tongue delved inside mine and I welcomed him in, tilting my head so that he could have more access. I continued stroking him while we were kissing. His hand started roaming around my body.

“Jerk me as hard as you fucking can.” He groaned against my mouth. 

And I did as he told me to do, my hand moving vigorously. All the while, his hands were already unbuttoning my shirt, revealing my bra to him. His kiss trailed down my jaw and further down my neck before moving to my chest. I took in a sharp breath when I felt the cold air brush against my nipples when he pulled the cup down.

My whole body shivered at the same sensation when his mouth closed around one of my breasts and he tongued my nipple.

“Vito…” I moaned.

“Keep saying my name.” He said, gently biting me then he got a little rough. He nibbled on my nipple as his hand played with the other. I could feel the heat between my thighs. My waist bucking against his body, my legs tightening around him. I had never felt this kind of pleasure before. 

“Vito, it feels so good.” I wasn’t myself anymore. He’d turned me into something else. 

His hand snaked down my stomach and he began unbuttoning my pants. His hand went inside and he touched my sex with his bare hand. It was like electricity shot from there throughout my whole body. This felt 100 times better than when he touched me against my cloth. Then I thought of why I was here and him doing this to my Mom.

No… 

I quickly pushed him away as if I’d come out of a dream. I shouldn’t have let myself get this far. 

“Vito, ayoko na…” Mahinang sabi ko at napaupo ako. I started fixing myself, buttong my pants and my shirt. 

“Are you serious?” His voice was rough with frustration.

“Baka hinahanap na ako sa amin.” I swallowed past a dry throat. 

There was a short pause before he nodded his head and let out a deep exasperated sigh. “I just need to finish this.”

Tumayo siya at nagtungo sa pinto sa isang sulok ng kwartong iyon. Bigla naman may naramdaman akong nagvibrate sa upuan. My brows furrowed and I looked under the throw pillow.

It was my Mom’s phone. I had made out with Vito in the very same couch they’d probably had sex in earlier.

Chapter Eight

BRYCE

I didn’t wait for Vito to get out of wherever the hell he was. I hurried home with my mother’s phone with me. I cried non-stop as I drove home, imagining what they could’ve possibly done in the very same room where he almost took me.

I marched out of my car and into the house. Nakikipaglaro si Ate kay Pixie nang makapasok ako sa living room. Her attention was quickly diverted to me when I walked in.

“Bryce, are you okay?” She worriedly asked.

“Where’s Mom?” I tried hard to keep my voice from quivering.

“She and Dad are upstairs. May problema ba?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head and began marching toward the stairs. I didn’t want to get Ate involved yet. Nangako ako kay Dad na kami lang ang makakaalam ng pagtataksil ni Valerie. He was probably ashamed that his wife was cuckolding him and he couldn’t do a damn about it.

“Bryce, we’re leaving later. Ayusin mo na ang mga gamit mo. Don’t make us wait on you again.” I heard Ate Anais said as I stomped my way up the stairs. 

I went straight to Mom and Dad’s room and banged my fists on their door. Within seconds, the door swung open and Dad stood in front of me. 

His brows were crumpled as he looked at me. “What are you doing? Kulang na lang gibain mo itong pinto.”

“Where’s your wife?” I almost roared.

“Your mother ’s in the shower.” He said, emphasizing the word mother as he squinted his eyes at me. “What is your problem?”

“What? He didn’t want you to smell Vito on her.” I could literally feel smoke coming out of my nose as I huffed. I took out the phone I found at Vito’s house. “This is your wife’s phone. Do you want to guess where I found it?”

Hindi kumibo si Dad. I watched as his jaw clenched and his body stiffened. 

“Under Vito’s pillow.” I chuckled. 

“Ano’ng ginagawa mo sa bahay ni Vito?” He asked in a dark tone. 

Shit. I cussed to myself. I should’ve thought of an excuse before I went to Dad. What was I supposed to say? I’d jacked off Vito in the same couch he probably fucked my mother.

“I… I was looking for Mom.” I stammered a bit but regained my composure. “And then I saw her phone.”

“I found your Mom at the stables, riding her horse. Stop this already, Bryce. Nothing happened between them. Trust me, I would know if she’s been with another man. We just… we just made love, okay? I would know.” 

Dad’s confession made my stomach somersault. Ew! That was a detail I didn’t want to know. I tried to ignore what he said and focused on the evidence. “Well, how do you explain this? Paano mapupunta kay Vito ito?”

“I don’t know. I just want to get through this. This vacation has been a real hell and I just want to leave this behind. Aalis na tayo. I don’t care what about whatever happened between them and I don’t think I want to know.” Dad’s eyes lowered to his feet as if in shame. 

“You’re pathetic.” I shook my head.

The door to their bathroom opened and Mom came out in her pink silk robe. “Hon, have you seen my–” Her eyes quickly darted to me and she smiled. “Oh Bryce, what do you need? Nakapag-ayos ka na ba ng gamit mo? Need me to help  you?”

“No.” I mumbled. My eyes went back to Dad and he looked at me as if pleading not to say anything that could possibly hurt his beloved’s feelings. I bit my inner cheek.

“Naiwan mo yata itong phone mo, Hon. Nakita ni Bryce.” He took the phone from my hand. I couldn’t believe he was covering up his own wife’s infidelity… from himself!

“Oh, thank God! I’ve been looking all over for it. Akala ko nahulog ko kanina when I was in the woods.” She let out a sigh of relief, walking towards us. She threw her arms around Dad’s torso and rested her chin on his shoulder. “Bryce, will you be a dear and check on your brother. See if he has everything he needs before we leave. Mag-aayos lang kami ng Daddy mo.”

I just stared at her, my lips tightening in contempt. Skank! That was a smart move she did. Have sex with my father to cleanse her from the guilt.

“Listen to your mother.” Dad told me. 

I turned and marched my way from them and the door closed behind me. 

We had been back from the hacienda for a week now. Life carried on like how it should be. Maaring malayo na nga sa amin si Vito but it would never be the same again. I could never look at my Mom and Dad the same way again. My own mother was a cheat and my dad was a spineless enabler. 

“Where are you going, young woman?” Dad asked as I walked past him and Mom in the living room.

“I’m going out with my friends.” I lazily answered.

“In that clothing?” Dad cocked a brow. 

I rolled my eyes at him. Dad had always micro-manage his daughters. Kahit na nga may anak na si Ate Anais noon ay kontrolado niya pa rin ito. We always had to dress properly and not show too much skin. Even when she already had Cookie, may curfew pa rin kami pareho. Ate could not stay out over 9pm and I needed to be home by 7pm or 8pm when he’s in a good mood. 

“What’s wrong with this?” I asked, looking down at what I was wearing. It was a body con two piece dress. A Gucci printed silk backless halter crop top and a nice tight skirt to pair it with. Normally, I would hide it to my Dad, maybe throw on a sweatshirt and pants but why would I bother now?

He was letting his wife loose, screwing a younger man. Bakit si Mom pwedeng gawin ang gusto niya? Bakit ako hindi pwede? I’d lost respect for both them. 

“You know I don’t like you wearing that. Saan ka ba pupunta? Gabi na.” He said in a dark tone.

“I already told you. I’m going out with my friends.” I said in an annoyed tone.

“No, you’re not.” He shook his head. “Not at this hour and not while wearing that.”

“Nakausap ko na ang mga friends ko. I said I was going. Hinihintay na nila ako sa club.” 

“Bryce Charlotte, you are not going out in that outfit.” There was warning in his tone.

“Watch me.” I said, defiantly. It only took a couple steps before I felt his strong hand on my arm.

“Bryce!” He held me.

“Axel, Bryce stop it you two.” Saway ni Mom sa amin. “Just let her go, hon. Let your daughter have fun once in awhile.”

“Yeah, Dad. Hindi dapat ako ang binabantayan mo.” Sabi ko bago tumingin kay Mom. I saw how he tensed when I looked back at him and he loosened his hold. 

I quickly marched out of the house and went straight to the garage to get my car. I felt so much fury like I had never felt before. I wanted to rebel. I wanted to do everything Dad had taught me not to do since I was young. 

Who knows? I might even end up having sex tonight with a random dude. 

VITO

I was sick of playing cowboy. This was my world. The one I’d left behind a year ago after my father died. The music was so loud it felt like the room had a pulse of its own, the body grinding, the hot women, the booze. It was a far cry from my life in the province. 

I’d had a province girl or two in my bed. They weren’t virgins but they were much tamer than the ones I was used to having. The kind of women who wanted the lights off while we were fucking, the kind that was only comfortable in fucking in missionary. They just weren’t dirty enough. I wanted hot, wanton, up-against-the wall sex. I wanted balls deep action. I was sure there were some who knew what they were doing, maybe I just wasn’t lucky enough to find one. 

Well, not until Jaime’s family came. The man had been a father figure to me since I lost my father. He’d been a better father than my own. I almost felt guilt doing what I’d just done. I shook my head, pushing the thought away. 

“Vito, come on… let’s dance…” The woman I was with took my hand and pulled me to the dance floor.

This chick had a nice pair of racks. I’d had already cupped a feel of them and was a bit disappointed when I felt the silicone. Once you’ve had a taste of authentic melons, anything else pales in comparison. I may not like her silicone boobs but hey, she still had a pussy. And that was where I’d be buried in later.

“Hey, I’m with him!” Another woman shouted over the loud music, taking my free hand. The woman who was pulling me to the dance floor shot her head to the other one. 

“I don’t think so.” The other one tugged me harder.

“Tell her, Vito. Hindi ba tayo ang magkasama kanina?” She frowned.

“Hey, no need to fight. I got two arms.” I smoothly said, trying to diffuse the tension.

“Well, you only have one dick!” Said the woman who was tugging me to the dance floor earlier.

I couldn’t help a chuckle. “Touche. But sharing is caring.”

“I don’t share and I don’t care. Come on, Vito.” The other woman tried to pull me.

“What are you doing? Stop being pathetic. Nakita mong kami ang magkasama dito.”

I didn’t want to deal with this. I don’t want to be a rope on this little tug of war they were having with each other. I just wanted to fuck. I shook their hands off mine.

“I’m just going to take a leak.” But really, I just wanted to get away from these two before this even escalate into a catfight. I would’ve suggested a three-way pero nawalan na ako ng gana. Something seemed off.

I headed toward the bar and what I saw there almost made my heart jump out of my chest. I thought I was just imagining it at first but the closer I got there, the clearer she was to me. There she was in this tiny clothes she was wearing. She was still as beautiful even under the dark lights.

Bryce was with a guy. I didn’t know what they were talking about but it seemed as though she was enjoying his company. He wrapped an arm around her tiny waist and his mouth brushing against the shell of her ear. My jaw clenched.

Damn! After leaving me high and dry, here she was having the time of her life with another man without knowing that I’d jacked off to the thought of her soft hands stroking my cock for the past few nights. 

I tried to play it cool, walking to the bar and sitting next to them.

“You want to hang out at my place?” I overheard the man ask.

“Oh, no. I’m with my friends.” She giggled, her voice slurred. Was she drunk? “Aren’t you having fun here?”

“I am but it will be more fun if it’s just you and I?” 

“When the lady says no, it means no.” I tried to control the anger in my tone.

Bryce’s brown eyes darted up at me, it widened as if she’d seen a ghost.

“Do you know this guy?” The man she was with asked.

She narrowed her eyes at me and drank the alcohol in front of her, her eyes never leaving mine. “I don’t know him at all.”

The white heat in my chest burned even more. What a fucking kick to my ego! After I’d fiven her orgasm twice, she’d tell this asshole that she doesn’t know me. At least, acknowledge me, woman!

“We have to go. There’s a lot of nosy assholes in here.” He swiped his nose down her slender neck. 

I broke down in cold sweats as I watched her giggle, probably tickled by the sensation. I wanted to pull her away from the man. Fuck! Does Valerie even know what her daughter was doing here?

“You don’t know me but do you at least remember how hard you came on my fucking hand.” I said with a snide before tapping on top of the counter to catch the bartender’s attention.

“Fuck off.” She growled. “Leave me alone.”

“Narinig mo ang sabi niya?” The guy he was with said. “Leave her the fuck alone. Ano bang gusto mo, ha?”

Tumayo ako mula sa kinauupuan ko. I towered over him, intimidating him. “Ikaw? Ano’ng gusto mo? Tell me. “

He stared up at me and leaned back a little. Then he grabbed Bryce by the arm. “I don’t want any trouble. Ikaw ang lumapit ang nanggulo sa amin.”

“Shh… don’t mind him. Ignore him. He’s just a scum.” She giggle, caging his head in her fragile hands. The same hands that jacked my dick off. She drew her head to the guy’s and I was ready to land a punch before they could kiss when I heard a belching sound.

Bryce vomited all over the man’s shirt. Agad napaurong ang lalaki habang patuloy pa rin sa pagsusuka si Bryce. 

“You fucking bitch!” The man said, looking down at his shirt. 

I caught her before she fell to the ground. If Bryce wasn’t in my arms right now, I would have punched him in the face. After vomiting her guts out, her body collapsed against me. And she was out. I stared down at her.

She reeked of alcohol, vomit, and had vomit splatter all over her pretty dress. But God, she was still beautiful. I carried her in my arm and brought her out of the club to my car. 

“Bryce, are you okay? Do you want to go to the hospital?” I worriedly asked as I settled her limp body down the backseat.

“No…” She moaned, her eyes still closed.

“I’m going to take you home.”

“No! No! I don’t want to go home. I don’t want…” She shook her head and began sobbing. “I don’t want to see them. Please, I don’t want to go home…”

“Okay, okay. Shh… relax.” I told her as I stroked her soft hair. 

I felt a strong sense of protectiveness toward her, seeing her in a weak and vulnerable state. But wasn’t that what I was supposed to do? She was Valerie’s daughter and she needed me now. When I was sure she was calmed down, I took off my blazer and rolled it so that she could use it as pillow for her head. I made sure she was comfortable before I got to the driver’s side and began to drive off.

I decided to take her to my condo. She said she didn’t want to go home. I thought she was having problems at home, why else would she be out drinking past her limits? I took her to my bedroom and began stripping her clothes off. I didn’t want her to sleep in her vomit.

I soaked a small towel in cold water and began giving her a towel bath. I had never done this in my life before. Damn this woman for giving me a hard time. My hand lowered from her face down to her neck. The neck where the idiot from the bar was rubbing his nose at. I rubbed it until I was certain there’d be no trace of him left on her. Then when I had to go a little lower, I could feel my throat constrict. 

Those tits were the same titties I’d sucked. I had never seen nipples as rosy as hers. Then my eyes lowered to the place between her thighs. She liked to keep it natural, huh? Those cute triangle curls covered the pussy I’d fingered. Christ! She was drunk, unconscious, and smelled of vomit and my dick was springing to life. How fucked up was that? I felt like a fucking psycho. I could already imagine Jaime’s ghost shaking his head in contempt as I ogle at his drunk granddaughter. 

I gently wiped off the rest of her body. It was quick. I had to make it quick before I lose my mind and start doing things I shouldn’t… to an unconscious body. It wouldn’t be right. 

That woman, she was making everything hard for me. Really hard.

BRYCE

I moaned, feeling like my skull was cracked open. Bakit ang sakit ng ulo ko? I opened my eyes to see an unfamiliar room. I was certain this was not my room but what was I doing here? I closed my eyes and opened again, hoping that this was just a dream and I be transported back to my own room. But I was still here.

The room had a very masculine feels to it. Everything was in charcoal wood and black and brown leather. The sheets I was on was grey and the duvet I had covered on me was black. I slowly sat up and tried to remember what I’d done last night.

I re-traced my memories. I went to the club as an act of rebellion, met a cute guy, and now I was here. I felt cold air brush against my nipples and I looked down to see my naked body. I pulled the sheets off and I was naked. NAKED!

Have I lost my virginity? Paano ko ba malalaman kung virgin pa ako? Oh my God! What have I done? Who did I have sex with? I couldn’t even recall his name. I wanted to cry. This was so stupid of me!

I didn’t feel anything down there. There must be some kind of pain, right? Sabi ni Ate Anais when she lost her virginity, she bled a lot and wasn’t able to walk comfortably. It wasn’t something we should be talking about but you know, we were having girl talk and I just wanted to know what to expect when I lose mine. 

I moved my legs. No pain. No anything. It feels normal. It still feels like my good old vajayjay. I bit my bottom lip. Well there was one more way to find out if my hymen was still intact. I hoped it was. I hoped we never got to the penetration part. 

My hand went between my thighs and I pushed a finger in to check if the cherry was still there. It still felt… normal. Nothing out of the ordinary. There was no soreness or anything. 

My whole body shook when the door opened. Vito walked in in white pajama bottom and no top on. He looked at me and then he looked down. His jaw dropped. It was as if time froze. When my mind was finally able to process what was happening, I threw the duvet over my body. 

“I’m sorry. I just want to check if you’re already awake” He said and then grinned. “Don’t let me spoil your fun. Carry on.”

“I wasn’t… It wasn’t what it looked like.” I stammered. I was so embarrassed, I felt like my face was sunburnt. I knew what he was thinking. I’d never done that. I’d heard about girls doing it but I’d never done that before.

“Sure. I mean, I don’t really care. It’s not something to be embarrassed about. Everyone masturbates.” He shrugged.

“I wasn’t!” I exclaimed.

“If you say so.” He said, unconvinced. “Just fix yourself when you’re ready. I don’t mind you coming all over my covers. Go wild.”

He said and walked out of the room. I stared at the door where he walked out, dumbfounded.

Chapter Nine

I didn’t know how I was going to face him after he just walked in on me naked with a hand between my legs. I wasn’t stupid. I knew what he thought I was doing which I totally was not doing.

I looked myself in the mirror one more time after I had fixed myself. I looked myself dead in the bloodshot eye and closed them, taking a huge breath in. Then I opened my eyes again. I could do this. I had seen my Mom giving him head. What could possibly be more worse than that? Mas nakakahiya sila. Mas nakakasuka ang kababuyan nilang dalawa. I could feel anger burning in my throat at the thought pf that.

I walked to the door and quietly pushed it open. The high floor-to-ceiling window was the first thing I ever saw when I opened the door. It had a beautiful view of the city with soft morning light bathing over it. He had a loft pad, three doors on the second floor and you could see the living room below from here when you look over the glass railings.

I slowly walked down the stairs and Vito was there, having breakfast on the dining table. He lifted his eyes up to me and our gaze met. The corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled at me.

“Good morning, I thought you’d never get out of bed.” He said with a grin before lifting his mug to his lips and taking a sip from it. “Enjoyed yourself?”

I could feel the heat burning from my cheeks to my ears. “I wasn’t- you know what I don’t even care!”

“It’s natural. Men do it, women do it. Besides, I like my women wild.”

“Of course, you do.” I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over to my chest. “Ano ba ang ginagawa mo dito?”

“Well for one, this is my house.”

“That’s not what I meant! Baka nandito ka ngayon sa Manila? Are you stalking me?”

“Business. I wasn’t stalking you. I just happened to see you in a bar, drunk beyond sane comprehension. You don’t really seem happy to see me.”

“Because I’m not. You’re not supposed to be here. Did you… did you touch me? May ginawa ka ba sa akin? Don’t lie.” I was trying hard not to let my voice squeak.

“Why? Did you want me to?” He said in a mocking tone.

“Just answer me, damn it!” I shouted, my voice shook with so much intensity. I already feel disgusting enough with all the alcohol I had I couldn’t clearly recall what had happened last night and how I ended up here, but the fact that I had done something with the man who my mother was cheating on my Dad made me feel even more filthy.

He pushed himself away from the table and got to his feet. He slowly walked up to me, taking his time, before stopping in front of me. Vito was a tall man, I had to slightly tilt my head up to look him in the eye as I swallowed back the lump in my throat.

“Walang nangyari. I did not touch you inappropriately. I wouldn’t do that to a drunk woman. But who knows what could’ve happened if you were taken home by another man? You could’ve taken advantage of by some man. You can’t be careless with yourself like that.” He looked at me, his tone between gentle and scolding.

“What do you care? You’re not my dad.” Yet. I scowled.

“What? Is this some kind of weird hobby of yours? You get drunk and sleep with random men?” He asked in an accusing tone and took another step to me, closing the small gap we had between us. He pulled me to him and kissed me. His lips were as soft as I remembered it to be and it still tasted good.

“How often do you do that?” He asked in a gluttural tone while his lips were still on mine, pressed hard, gnawing, sucking, biting. I felt as thought he wanted to consume me. “How often do you sleep around with random men?”

“As often as I want to…” I moaned. I was a wanton woman in front of him, it was like an alterego I created especially for hi’. He didn’t need to know that before him, I was as inexperienced as a curious pre-teen going through puberty.

“Yeah?” He took a step forward to me and I felt intimidated and took a step back. He was looking at me as though I’d done him wrong. I continued to walk back as he tried to get near me and then my back hit the wall. I felt like a gazelle being cornered by a hungry lion. I inhaled and the scent of coffee and aftershave lingered in my nose.

“Is this what you want?” He groaned as he crashed his lips. My arms involuntarily encircled around his neck. I didn’t know what it was about him that made it hard for me to resist him. Maybe it was the fact that he was a good kisser. I’d kissed men before but no one had gotten anywhere near how good his kisses were. He was an expert, that I was sure of.

I wanted to hate him. God knew I wanted to. But my hate for him was as strong as the passion between us. And because of that I knew I would end up hating myself later on.

I felt the bulge of his pants growing against my stomach. I gasped inwardly and it emmited a chuckle from his throat. The little relationship we had was pure sexual. Hell! I couldn’t even remember a time when we had a proper conversation. How could this feel wrong and right at the same time?

“Feel what you do to me. Fuck! This have been here since last night.” He took my hand and placed it on top of his bulge. I rubbed it from outside his cotton sweat pants.

I took a bold move and slipped my hand inside his pants and underwear. He was engorged and hard in hand, my fingers wrapping around his warm length. Vito’s kiss deepened as he tilted his head to one side to get more access. I moaned when he probed his tongue even more deeper. When he had enough his lips trailed down to my neck.

“Vito, please…” I moaned his name while he gently nibbled and sucked my sensitive flesh, my fingers raking through his soft, dark hair. He lifted both my legs to his hips. I could now feel his hardness against my crotch. I grinded myself on him, trying to scratch away that sensation between my legs.

“I want you. I want to fuck you. I want that little pussy so bad. You’re going to kill me.” His voice was tight as he groaned with his mouth now against my chest. He pulled my top down and started sucking on my breast, his teeth grazing my nipple. He gave my other breast the same attention.

I pulled myself away after awhile and then we looked into each other’s eyes. And then there was a silent understanding between us. We both knew what we wanted.

He cupped my face and his eyes were gentle on me. “You’re beautiful. You’ve always been beautiful.”

I could feel the swell in my chest as he uttered those words. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa pagitan namin. He was as hard as a pole, I could see it through his sweatpants. I slowly knelt down in front of him and he tried to stiffle a gasp but I heard it. I swallowd when my face leveled to his crotch. I kept my hands steady as I untied the black strings in front of his grey sweatpants. I had only seen this in movies. Would he be able to tell? It would just be sucking, right? That’s all I had to do. Suck. But what if I suck at this?

“Bryce,” He held me by my arm and tried to pull me up but I shrugged his hand away. I took a bolder move and pulled his pants and underwear down.

I came face to face with the elephant’s trunk. It jerked as if it had a life of its own when I touched it. It was so fascinating as I had never seen it this close. It was as though the veins on it would pop at any moment. I opened my mouth and took him in. First the head but when I tried to take it further in, I gagged.

“Shit, Val.” He whispered under his breath. It was barely inaudible but I caught what he said. He then pushed me off him as if he’d touched something hot. I stood right up and tears stung my eyes as I looked at him.

He’d said my mother’s name while I was giving him head. It was disgusting. I felt disgusting. My hand went up and I felt the sting on my palm as it landed on his cheek.

“Bryce.” He tried to get near me but I pushed him away. He was bigger and taller than him but the rage and humiliation and disgust that I felt was greater that it sent him toppling a few steps back. “Bryce, I’m sorry.”

“Do not fucking touch me! Huwag na huwag mo akong hawakan. I hate you!” I stormed out of his condo. Narinig ko siya nang tawagin niya ako. Sumunod siya palabas pero tumakbo ako papunta sa elevator. I furiously pressed the down the button and the door opened before he could even get to me. Agad akong pumasok sa elevator at nakita ko siya habang lakad takbo ito papunta sa akin. I pressed the close button hard and the door closed, the elevator moved. Napasandal ako sa dingding ng elevator at pilit na pinipigilan ang mga luha ko.

I hailed a taxi outside the condo building and after a few minutes I was already outside the gate of our house. I just had my yaya pay the cab as I hadn’t had time to bring my things with me.

“Bryce!” Agad na lumapit sa akin si Dad at Mom pagkapasok ko pa lang.

“Saan ka ba nagpunta? We were so worried about you.” Mom cupped my face in her hand. “What happened to you?”

I looked at her in the eye and rolled my eyes. I sucked your lover’s cock. That’s what happened.

“I’m tired. I just want to go to sleep.” I said in an apathetic tone as I pulled her hand away from me. Disgusting. My eyes watered as hot anger welled up in my chest.

“Oh, honey. Ano na ba ang nangyayari sayo?” Mom had a mixture of pain and pity as she looked at me. It was as if she was holding back her tears. “What’s happening to my baby girl? Tell us. Does this have anything to do with your Lolo Jaime being gone? I know it’s hard but life goes on.”

“Bryce, young lady, I already had search teams looking for you. Hindi mo ba naisip na may nagaaalala sayo dito?” Dad reeked of alcohol. He seemed to have been drinking… agaib. Surprise. Surprise.

“The search team! I- I need to call them. Sandali lang!” Mom hurried to where the phone was and dialed a number.

“Nandito si Vito.” I told him without a flich, without any emotion. I just felt numb.

For a moment, Dad’s face fell. Within just seconds, he had managed to compose himself and his face hardened back up. Nagulat ako nang hawiin niya ang buhok na na nasa balikat ko. His eyes fell to my neck.

“What the hell is this, Bryce?” He asked, holding my neck. “Is this a…? What did you do? Did you…? Oh God!” He massaged his temples.

“I am the least bit of your worry right now.” I told him as I looked at Mom who was just a few feet away from us, talking over the phone.

Tatalikod na sana ako nang bigla niyang haklitin ang braso ko. He harshly turned me to face him again, his fingers were like steels digging into my skin.

“I did not raise a whore!” He said through gritted teeth.

“I learned it from my Mom.” I mockingly smirked at him.

Tumaas ang kamay ni Dad. I held my chin up to him. “Sige! Sige, sampalin mo ako! Come on! Come on! Hurt me! See if it would do anything.”

Dahan-dahan ibinaba ni Dad ang kamay niya. Agad na tumakbo palapit sa amin si Mom at nagpalit-palit ng tingin sa amin dalawa.

“I leave for one minute and you two are yelling at each other! Ano ba ang nagyayari? I don’t know what’s going on anymore.” She brushed her fingers through her hair and then she looked at me. “What is happening? Hindi ko na kayo maintindihan. Mula nang umalis tayo sa hacienda, you’ve been like this. It’s like I don’t even know you two anymore.”

“I’m going to my room.” I looked at them with a stoic expression and then slowly walked away.

“Vito called earlier. Nandito na daw siya.” I heard Mom say as I walked into the dining room. There was a sliding door that seperated the dining room from the veranda and it happened to be slightly open. Mom was sitting there having a brunch mimosa with her three bestfriends, Tita Amy, Tita Trina, and Tita Venus.

“Magkikita ba kayo?” Tita Amy asked.

“I’m going to pick up Toffie from school and drop him off his sparring class later. Habang nasa sparring si Toffie, I’m going to sneak out to see him at Manila Penn. I’m so excited to see the boy again. That’s all I’ve been looking forward to this week. I need a break from everything that’s happening here in this house. Bryce is acting up and Axel…” She huffed out a heavy breath. “Parang hindi ko na kilala ang mag-aama ko. Toffie is the only one keeping me from going crazy.”

“Oh, Val…” Tita Trina’s voice was full of pity. “Sometimes that happens. You grow tired of each other and before you know it, you don’t know the man lying beside you in bed anymore.”

“Trina!” Tita Venus scolded.

“I know whay I’m saying. I’ve been divorced three times.”

“I just want to feel desirable and young again! Masama ba yun? I want to feel wanted again. I feel old and ugly and…” She shook her head in frustration, her voice quivering with tears.

“You still haven’t had sex with him, have you?”

She slowly shook her head. “I gave him oral but that’s just that.”

I swallowed back my own puke. So, they knew all along that my Mom was a cheating whore. What do I expect? They weren’t saint themselves. Tita Trina was thrice a divorcee, Tita Amy had four kids with four different fathers, Tita Venus had a lover young enough to be her son. Birds with the same feathers…

“Hindi na ako hinahawakan ng asawa ko. He hardly even sleep beside me anymore. Everytime I attempt to initiate, he blocks me off na para bang diring-diri siya siya sa akin. I just miss the intimacy, the cuddles, the kisses. It just hadn’t been the same lately. I miss the way he makes me feel when we were younger. I just want to feel that again…” I could hear the sob in her voice. I wanted to pity him but I couldn’t get myself to do so. Hindi iyon excuse para pagtaksilan niya ang daddy ko.

“I understand you, girl. I really do.” Tita Venus said.

“You’re still beautiful, Val. You didn’t let yourself go. You still have that hourglass figure and you don’t even look a day older than 30.” Then it was Tita Amy.

“Hello! We all spent a fortune for those anti-aging facials, pills and keeping our body fit. If someone tells me I look 40, I would sue our dermatalogist, trainer, and dietitian.” Natatawang sabi Tita Trina and everyone laughed along.

“Val, hindi ba the other day we bought a sexy lingerie? Why don’t you wear it tonight? See if it would make your night a little better-”

I pushed the sliding door open and came in. “Hello, Titas!”

“Bryce!” Agad na napatayo si Mom sa kinauupuan niya.

“Don’t mind me. I’m just going to sit here.” I said, grabbing the chair right beside Tita Amy.

Mom slowly sat back down. The three lifted their glass of mimosa to their lips habang nagpapalit-palitan ang tingin ko sa kanila.

“Mga Tita, ano ba ang pinag-uusapan natin? Dumating lang ako parang may dumaan na na anghel sa sobrang tahimik niyo.” I chuckled. “So, what’s the latest scoop?”

“Nothing. We’re just talking about adult stuff.” Answered Tita Venus.

“I’m an adult now. Maybe I can join in the conversation.”

“No, you can’t, Bryce. We’re all women with partners and kids. You won’t be able to relate, darling.” Tita Amy said.

“Okay.” I raised both my brows and shrugged sarcastically. “I’m going to get out of here. Baka nakakaistorbo na ako sa inyo.”

And I did. I rode my car and drove to Dad’s office to tell him that Mom was going to meet up with Vito tonight at a hotel. He’d see with his own eyes his own wife’s unfaithfulness.

We’d been sitting here for half an hour now. I looked at the time on my phone. It was already 4:38 PM. Mom had probably already taken Toffie to his sparring class. I was sure Mom would be here any minute now. Dad sat on the driver’s side. Ilang beses sa loob ng kalahating oras na nag-aya siyang umuwi na. He thought what we were doing was silly. He didn’t believe me. He was still indenial about this whole thing but I knew it was getting to him. He’d been drowning himself with alcohol. Walang gabing I wouldn’t come home to the smell of alcohol on him. He’d lock himself in the study after work and just drink. Naaawa na ako sa Dad ko dahil iniiputan na nga siya sa ulo, ginagawa pa siyang tanga ng asawa niya.

I saw Mom’s car passing by in front of ours. Alam kong nakita din ni Dad iyon dahil agad siyang napaayos ng upo. He stiffened against his seat and his neck stretched out. Mom parked her car and got out. Vito got out from one of the cars that were parked there and he walked up to her.

They hugged and started walking to the hotel. Tinignan ko ang reaksyon ni Dad. He was as red as a human could possibly be but he remained quiet. Then his breathing became erratic, his chest heaved up and down.

“Dad, a-are you okay?” Nag-aalalang tanong ko.

Without saying anything, he reached over to the glove compartment in front of me and pressed it open.

“D-dad…” My voice squeaked when he took out a gun.

“I’m going to kill them!” He said, looking as though he was in a trance. “I’m going to fucking kill them!”

He reached for the door but I pulled him back in.

“Dad, no… please, don’t…” I begged him as tears began to stream down my cheek. “Please, don’t do that. Ayaw konh makulong ka. They’re not worth it.”

He let out an agonized scream as he punched the steering wheel with his fists. “Why would your Mom do this to me? I’ve given my everything to her since we got married! Why? Why, Valerie? Ikaw lang ang babaeng minahal ko!”

“Dad…” I tried to calm him down. We were both already crying. I had never seen him this helpless before.

After letting his anger out, he let his head fall to the steering wheel and cried some more. The most horrible sound of all was hearing the man you’d looked up to all your life crying in despair.

“Dad, it’s going to be okay. You may have lost Mom-”

“No, Bryce. No…” He lifted his head up and shook. With his free hand, he combed his fingers through his hair. “I can’t lose your Mom. Hindi pwedeng mawala sa akin si Val. I wouldn’t be able to bear it. I’d rather… I’d rather die than lose her.” Then he looked down at the gun he had in his right hand. Lalong lumalim ang paghinga niya. Bumilis bigla ang tibok ng puso ko.

“Dad, no…” My lips quivered as I looked at him knowing what he was thinking right now. I tried to get the gun from him pero mabilis niyang inilayo ito sa akin. “Dad, please…”

“Bryce, mahal na mahal kita. Sabihin mo sa Ate Anais at kay Toffie na mahal ko din sila. Tell them I’m sorry.” His face was soaked with a mixture of sweat and tears.

He opened his mouth and put the muzzle to his mouth. And then I heard the click of the gun.

“Dad!” I screamed so hard that I thought the sound of my voice would burst my blood vessels.

Chapter Ten

VITO

Valerie and I walked to the entrance and were greeted by the hotel staffs that stood by the door in their all white uniform. We were just a couple of steps in when we heard a loud bang coming from outside.

“What was that?” Valerie’s head turned in surprise.

“It’s probably nothing.” I shrugged.

“Sounds like a gun shot.” There was deep worry in her face. “I’m having a bad feeling about this, Vito. Sa ibang araw na lang-”

“But we’re already. Just relax, okay? I got you.” I gave her a reassuring smile.

Then then were men in security uniform hurrying out. Valerie tensed up and stopped ton watch them while chewing on her bottom lip. Bryce had the same lips as hers. Full and pillowy. Damn it! Thinking of her made me feel shittier. I’d never thought of myself as a good man but shit, what I did with Bryce… Valerie would kill me if she ever finds out. She’d often refer to Bryce as her baby girl whenever we talk about her. She had no idea how much that baby girl had grown and how much of a tease she was. I wanted to stay away from her but something just pulls me in. I couldn’t resist her even if I wanted to.

“I’m… I don’t know why but I’m feeling anxious all of a sudden. I know that’s a gun. Ano bang nangyayari?” She asked.

“Look, I know you’re nervous about this whole thinh. I understood but I don’t want you to back out now. Nandito na tayo. You’ve been wanting to do this, didn’t you?” I told her.

She bit her lips again and slowly nodded her head. “But what if…?”

“Shh… no more what ifs. We’re going to do this today. It’s going to be fine.” I smiled.

She nodded again and then took a deep breath. Muli kaming nakasalubong ng isang grupo ng securities. They seemed to be in a hurry like the first batch we’d seen.

“What is happening outside?” Valerie asked.

“Ah, ma’am, may nagbaril po sa may parking lot.” One of the men answered.

“Oh, God.” Napahawak si Valerie sa dibdib niya. “Are we safe here?”

“Opo, ma’am. Under control na naman. Hinihintay na lang ang pulis at ambulansya.”

“See, everything will ne alright. We have nothing to worry about.” I said.

We walked to the elevator and pressed the floor to our room. Valerie looked visibly nervous as we stood next to each other. Despite her being twice my age, Valerie was a stunning woman. She wore this flowing pale pink floral dress that moves with her when she walks. Even her figure doesn’t look her age. It was as if this woman had discovered the fountain of youth. I had adored Valerie the first time I had saw her at señor Jaime’s wake, she had this timeless beauty that knows no age. Bryce had indeed gotten her mother’s beauty, I knew she’d age beautifully as her mother in the future.

I swallowed at the thought of what had happened yesterday at my pad. Bryce kneeling in front of me, her warm mouth around my cock. I had to take a deep breath in to calm myself and my buddy down there at the thought of her. Jesus Christ! Maybe I really was sick in the head. I was thinking of all the things we’d done yesteday while her mother was just standing beside me. And then, guilt assaulted me. Unti-unti akong napailing, pinapalis sa isip ang iniisip at nararamdaman ko ngayon.

The elevator opened to our floor and we walked down the hallway stopping in front of our door.

“Vito?” She said as my hand reached the door lever.

“Yes, senyorita?” I stopped to face her.

“Thank you.” She said with a soft smile. “Thank you for doing this for me.”

“Senyorita, siguro ngayon ay pag-aalinlangan kayo but I promise you, after this you’d feel better about yourself.”

“Why are you doing this?” She asked, crossing her arms over to her chest.

“Because I want to help.” I said and her brow cocked as if telling me she was unconvinced. “And you have something I want.”

She chuckled. “That’s what I’ve always liked about you, Vito. You’ve always been honest.”

I lowered my gaze. Well, maybe I wasn’t as honest as I should be. I had mouth fucked her baby girl yesteday. Damn it!

“After you, senyorita.” I said as I opened the suite.

I watched as she walked in, her hips swaying back and forth.

BRYCE

I was almost on the verge of a nervous breadown as I paced back and forth. Even though it was over my nerves were still pumping up adrenaline and my stomach was still knotted that I felt like I could throw up at any minute now. Or maybe it was because I was moving around so much? I didn’t know but I shouldn’t care because I had so much to think about other than this. It was as if my mind had been diverting its attention to something more trivial as this to keep myself from going crazy.

“Bryce.” A man in white lab coat pulled me from my thoughts. “Ikaw ba si Bryce?”

“Yes! Yes, I’m Bryce!” Natatarantang sagot ko. I wanted to ask if he was okay but I couldn’t find the words.

“Let’s go in.” He quietly said before turning his back to me and walking through the door again. I quickly followed behind him and we stopped in front of one of the white curtains.

Hinawi ng lalaki ang kurtina and then there was my Dad in bed. Agad akong tumakbo sa kanya at napayakap. I cried so hard I couldn’t breathe.

Daddy…“ I nuzzled my face into his neck. “I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“Shh… you have nothing to apologize for.” He said, rubbing my arm that was wrapped around him. “I’m sorry, Bryce. I am so sorry you had to see that.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay. Dad, don’t ever do that again. Hindi mo ba kami naisip? Who would give Pixie a piggyback ride when you’re gone? Sino na lang magdadala kay Cookie at kay Toffie sa paintball? Kapag nawala ka who would spoil me?” My voice were shaky with tears.

“I’m sorry, Bryce.” I could tell that he was trying hard to keep the tears at bay. “I wasn’t thinking straight. I had a few drinks in the office.”

“You were drinking even at the office?” I lifted my head from his chest to look at him.

His gaze lowered as if humiliated. “Bryce, I couldn’t take it. It’s driving me mad. The thought of your Mom with another man. As much as I didn’t want to believe it back then, it was eating me alive. Tuwing pipikit ako iyon ang nakikita ko. Sa tuwing makikita ko ang mommy mo, iyon ang naaalala ko. I just wanted to forget.”

“I’m sorry, Dad. Hindi ko akalain na hahantong sa ganito. I just wanted you to believe me. I hated the thought of anyone making a fool out of you.” I sobbed.

“I’m willing to be a fool for your Mom. Wala akong pakialam kung kailangan kong magmukhang tanga o magbulah-bulagan. I’ve loved her for almost 3 decades and I don’t see myself ever stopping.”

“Dad, lalo ka lang masasaktan…”

“But it would kill me to be apart from her. Bryce, mamatay ako kapag wala si Val sa buhay ko. Do you understand?”

“Dad…”

“I can’t live without her. She’ll come to her senses, you’ll see. She will realize that I’m the only man for her. Magsasawa din siya kay Vito.” Dad closed his eyes and tears fell on the corners of them. It killed me a little inside seeing him this distraught.

“She doesn’t know how lucky she is to have a husband like you but I know I’m lucky to have you as my Dad.” Muli kong hinilig ang ulo ko sa dibdib niya.

I felt him kiss me on the side of my head. “Thank you, Bryce. Thank you for always understanding.”

“Promise me you won’t do that again. You won’t do anything that could possibly hurt you.”

His chest expanded as he took a deep breath in and then slowly breathed out. “I’m already hurting. Sometimes, I wish I never knew about her affair. Sometimes I wish I could live in oblivion.”

I bit my bottom lip and it slowly dawned me that I almost killed my father. Ako ang may kasalanan kung bakit muntikan na niyang barilin ang sarili niya. If I hadn’t taken him there it wouldn’t have happened. I pushed the gun away from him before he fired it and it shot through the roof of his car. Mabilis naman na rumesponde ang mga securities sa parking lot. Dad wrestled with the securities because he wouldn’t let the gun go until finally he was tazed. It sent him cold to the ground and then he was unconscious. They had to rush us to the hospital only to find out that his blood alcohol was enough to get a whole small island drunk. When I came to his office, he’s already had a hint of alcohol on him but I didn’t know he had that much alcohol. I thought since he was at work, he probably just had a shot or two. He was good at hiding him being drunk.

We were eventually released by the doctor. The police came over to talk to us to find out what had happened so that they could have a record of it but no charges were dropped against him.

I had Dad’s secretary drop off my car to the hospital so we could use it to get home.

“Bryce…” I heard Dad say as I was driving, my eyes focused on the road.

“Yes, Dad?” I took a quick glance at him.

“Promise me won’t mention this to anyone. Not to Ate Anais and especially you’re Mom.”

“But Dad-”

“Bryce.” His voice was low and strained.

There was a sudden silence between both of us. It hung heavy in the air, it was so palpable that it was almost suffocating.

“You know, your Mom and I never planned you…”

“Well, thanks for letting me know, Dad.” I sarcastically said, rolling my eyes.

“No, listen to me. We never planned you. You happened after the first big fight we ever had as husband and wife. I got jealous of her boss, flew to another country and she went after me. Her stubborn love for me saved our marriage and you are the beautiful reminder of that.” He said with a nostalgic smile etched on his lips. It was almost to painful to see.

“Now it’s my turn, Bryce. Ako naman ang gagawa ng paraan para masagip ang relasyon namin. I don’t give a fuck if she’s having an affair with a younger man. I would have my wife back. I would love her so stubbornly, without an ounce of pride im my body, I would love her. Wala na akong pakialam kahit magmukha akong gago sa mata ng iba. What’s important is her and our family.”

I felt a squeeze in my heart at his words. Even though he was hurting about what Mom did, he still spoke of his love for her.

“Dad, I’ll help. I’ll do everything to help you save your marriage.” I said, swallowing back the lump in my chest.

“Oh, Bryce… I thought I’d already lost you. First your Ate Anais, I’d already lost her to Coco and then you’re Mom. And you were slowly changing…”

“No, Dad! You’d never lose me. I will always be your girl.” I forced a smiled despite the tears burning in the corners of my eyes. I had always been a daddy’s girl even more than Ate Anais. I had always looked up to my Dad, I’d always thought of him as the best man in the whole wide world. Kahit anong mangyari, hindi magbabago ang tingin ko sa kanya, even now when he was at his weakest.

“Thank you, Bryce. I love you, baby girl.” He uttered like he always did since I was little.

I pulled up in front of the house and Dad and I walked in. We could hear Toffie laughing and then he was runninh towards us.

“Hi, Daaaad!” He wrapped his arms around him.

“How was your sparring practice?” Dad asked him, kissing the to of his head.

“It was okay. Where did you and Ate Bryce go? Mom’s been calling you but you won’t pickup the phone.” He said with brows furrowed.

“Ate Bryce and I just finished some work.” He said and looked around. “Where’s Mom?”

“She’s in the living room with Kuya Vito.”

Dad paused for a while, his jaw and fingers clenched, his muscles recoiling.

“Kuya Vito has a really cool car but Mom won’t let me ride with him. It’s parked right outside.” He pointed with his fingers. “He said he also did sparring when he was young and he showed me some cool moves. He’s the coolest, Dad!”

“Hon.” Suddenly Valerie was walking up to hin and wrapping her arms around him. Dad remained stoic as she kissed him. “Late ka yata ng uwi ngayon. Hinintay ka namin for dinner.”

Then Vito was behind them, walking towards us with hands in his jeans. She even brought his lover here. Ang kakapal ng mukha nila.

Nagtama ang mga mata namin ni Vito. He gave me a meaningful look, I blushed and looked away.

“Hon, nandito nga pala si Vito. Remember him? He was my father’s friend.” She pulled away from Dad and turned her head to Vito.

“Yes, I remember.” There was no emotion in Dad’s tone and then he lowered his mouth to my ear. “Act normal. Please, Bryce, I don’t want your Mom to know.”

“Nalaman ko kasing nandito siya sa Manila so we decided to meet up. Inimbita ko na din siya magdinner dito. Saan ba kayo nanggaling mag-ama?” Mom was smiling as her eyes averted from Dad to me. “Did you have a daddy-daughter date?”

“Yes, we did.” Dad said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

“That’s good that you’re bonding again. You two have been fighting like cats and dogs for the past few weeks.” Sabi niya.

It’s all because of you.

I tried my best to keep my eyes from rollling.

“Can we just eat? I’m starving.” I sighed.

“Halika na. Everything’s ready. Kayo na lang talaga ang hinihintay namin.” Mom took Dad’s hand and pulled him to the dining.

Vito and I were left standing there. Tinitigan ko si Vito at umarko ang kilay ko sa kanya habang nakatingin din siya sa akin.

“Bryce, can we talk?”

“We have nothing to talk about?” I pursed my lips in annoyance.

“What happened yesterday-”

“Kuya Vito, don’t even bother talking to her. She’s always grumpy. She’s not as cool as you.” Toffie said. If this were any other situation, I would’ve nudged his freaking head but I was just thankful he was here to break the tension between Vito and I.

“Come on! Let’s go to Mom and Dad kung ayaw mong tayo ang mag-sparring ngayon dito.” I said, putting my hand over his shoulder and dragging him to the dining room.

“Ouch!” I said when I gave him a soft slap on the back of his head. “Mom! Dad! Ate Bryce hit me!”

He came running to the dining room and I got scolded by Mom before I could even sit on the dining table. Vito joined us, sitting next to me.

“How has your day been, Hon?” Mom said in a happy tone as if she hadn’t fucked another guy earlier.

“Busy.” Dad answered. “Been through 2 meetings today.”

“Maybe a little massage will help you relax later.” Ew! I knew her tone meant something more than a massage.

Tumikhin si Dad bago binaling ang atensyon sa lalaki sa tabi ko. “Vito, ano ang ginagawa mo dito sa Manila?”

“May mga inaayos lang akong personal business.”

“How long are you going to stay?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, sir. Honestly. I’ve missed the city life. I need a vacation from the hacienda, it wasn’t the life I grew up in. I missed the hustle and bustle of the city. The party and everything.”

“Is that what you really missed?” I whispered, my lips lifted into a smirk as my hand snaked to his thigh. I stroked his inner thigh up and down.

He suddenly stiffened to his seat and swallowed back a groan.

“Bryce…” He muttered.

My hand went up, almost touching his crotch. Nalasinghap siya sa ginawa ko which made me smile. I could feel him getting hard as I bumped against his crotch.

“Oops?” I said as I pushed my spoon from the table and it dropped to the ground on Vito’s side. “I’m sorry. So clumsy of me.”

Yunuko ako para kunwaring kunin ang spoon ko. I lowered my head until it was right at his crotch.

“Bryce, honey, we’ll just get you a new one. Hayaan mo na yan.” Mom said.

“Sit properly up, young lady.” Said Dad with a faint hint of scold.

Tumaas ang mga mata ko kay Vito as I slowly raised my head back up. He was trying to be casual about it but his eyes said differently. He was looking at me as if telling me to stop what I was doing.

The dinner was fueled by strained small talks and I was glad when it ended.

“What were you doing?” Mahinang anas niya when we were able to have the time alone. We were on the living room while Mom was getting Vito’s keys and Dad and Toffie were still in the dining talking about his sparring class.

“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to sound innocent.

“You know what I mean, Bryce.” He said and then he pinned me to the wall behind me. “Fuck! Do you know how bothered I am since yesterday? You’re all I can think about with that mouth of yours around me.”

He was so close I could feel his breath against my face. I just stared at him as our bodies ground against each other.

“Were you, Vito? Were you imagining me? My wet pussy around your cock, you want that don’t you?” I said in a seductive voice as I ground my body againt his even more. Even with the pants getting in the way, I knew he was aleady hard.

“Fuck! Why are you torturing me like this, Bryce?” He said in a gluttural tone before crashing his lips to mine.

“Vito…?”

Parang nataranta siya nang marinig ang boses ni Mom. He tried to pull away from me but I held him and wouldn’t let him go for a few seconds. I knew it scared him shitless and I laughed to myself. Binitawan ko na lang siya nang marinig ko ang yabag ng heels ni Mom. Frankly, I couldn’t care less if Mom walked in on me with her lover. I would love her to see this but I had plans for her. I wanted to leave her broken just as she did to my Dad. I bet there’s nothing more painful than to find out your lover left you for your young daughter.

“Vito, here’s your key.” She said with a smile as she walked in.

“Thanks, senyorita.” He said, trying hard to hide his labored breath.

“Sure. If you need anything, huwag kang mahiyang lumapit sa amin.” Mom said.

“Bye, Vito. See you.” I bit my bottom lip and winked at him.

“Bye, Bryce.”

“You two seem to be hitting off good.” Malawak ang ngiting sabi ni Valerie. We walked Vito out, I stopped in front of the door and watched as Mom walked him to his car. They stood there and talked for awhile before Vito waved again. I’d realized he was waving at Dad who was standing beside me.

“What were you doing, Bryce?” Dad said in a low tone, his eyes fixed on Vito.

“What?” I asked.

“I’m a man. Alam ko ang ikinikilos niyo ni Vito habang nasa dining table tayo. What was that all about?”

“Dad, trust me on this.”

“Trust you on this? So, you’re not even going to deny? You were playing hanky panky with him under the table.” Dad growled.

“I’m doing this for you.” I said, my voice shakibg with unshed tears, and then I walked into the house.

Sumunod sa akin si Dad. I knew by just the sound of his footsteps that he was mad. “You’re fooling around with that boy for me? How does that make sense?”

“If you’re not man enough to take Mom back, I’m willing to do the dirty work for you.” I faced him, tryinh hard not to let the pain and anger bubble up. “Hindi ko kayang umupo na lang dito at panooring kitang magmukhang tanga.”

“Bryce…” His face mellowed down and bore a look of guilt and shame.

“Ako ang gagawa ng paraan para lumayo si Vito sa kanya. I will do everything to keep him away.”

“By what? By whoring yourself to him? You think I’d let my daughter whore herself out?”

“You don’t want to lose Mom, do you? Kapag lumalim ang kung anuman ang relasyon nila, that will happen. She will leave you for him. And then what we’ll happen to you? You’re going to drown yourself in pity?” I knew what my Dad was capable of doing to himself. Kung hindi man niya mapatay ang sarili niya with his gun, he surely was capable of slowly killing himself with alcohol.

“You’re my baby girl. I don’t want you to…”

“Dad, I got this. Alam ko ang ginagawa ko. I will just seduce him, lead him on. Nothing more. Trust me on this.” I said as I looked him in the eye.

He looked back at me with a raging battle with himself. He was seriously considering it. Dad had always been strict to Ate Anais and I when we were growing up, especially with out interactions with boys. Him considering what I’d said told me that he was that desperate.

“Dad, isa lang ang gusto kong gawin mo. Ayusin mo ang sarili mo. No more alcohol, no more wallowing in self-pity. Maybe then you can win her back.” I told him.

“Bryce, I don’t know what to think…” He brushed his fingers through his hair.

“Just let me do this, Dad.” I forced a smile and kissed him on the cheek. “Everything will be okay soon.”

Chapter Eleven

Dedicated to  ferlinwp  

ito na ang update na halos 1 year mo ng nirerequest lol

BRYCE

Over the past days, I noticed that something had changed with Valerie. She started dressing more sexier now and she had recently gotten a new hairstyle. It was pretty obvious that it was an attempt to look young again, which did not fail. Valerie had always been beautiful, that I couldn’t deny. That was how she made her way in the world. She worked hard to look good. But now she had been working harder than the devil and I knew the reason why.

“God, Mom, I really love your new look.” Ate said as they sat on the living room couch with their glass of wine. She, Kuya Coco and her kids would always drop by on weekends. Although their house was just a couple of street away from ours, they still make it a point to spend some family time with us and the Cordovas.

“Venus and I went to this new hair salon. Kaya ito, nagpa-perm na din ako.” She said, twirling her fingers in a strand of loose curl that fell on her face and a fringe to match. “Does it look good on me?”

“Super. It makes you look younger and sexier.” Ate smiled, teasingly. “And I like your new outfit. I’ve never seen you wear something like that in ages.”

My eyes lowered to Valerie’s body. She was wearing something that a woman my age would wear. It was a peach summer clasp halter dress with a v-neckline that ended mid-thighs. Even with three kids, Valerie still had her curves in all the right places.

“Well, I figured all the strict diet and excercise with coach Kelly are finally working. I lost an inch off my waist kaya naisip kong magpalit na ng wardrobe.” She answered before taking a sip from her wine glass.

“Why the sudden change, Mom? Who are you trying to impress?” One corner of my lips curled up. I wasn’t sure if they’d sense the mocking in my tone.

“Sino pa ba? Of course, it’s for Dad.” Ate rolled her eyes, still smiling. “Are you not taking the hint, Dad?”

“Huh?” Dad was on the other couch with Pixie cuddled to his side as she watches cartoons on the tv. Cookie and Toffie were doing God-knows-what with Kuya Coco in the backyard.

Dad had sunken further into the depths of misery. Hindi man siya magsalita, I could tell from how withdrawn he had been lately. Kahit ngayong kumpleto kami at kasama niya sina Pixie. It felt as though he was far away. He just hadn’t been the same.

“It’s time for another honeymoon, don’t you think so?” Ate giggled. “Ilabas mo naman si Mom o hindi kaya mag out of country trip kayo. Ako na ang bahala kay Toffie at kay Bryce.”

The awkwardness was palpable as Dad just stared at Ate. She had no idea what was happening with our family. She had not a single clue that our mother was having an affair with a man the same age as her. Gusto kong isigaw sa kanya kung anu ang pinaggagawa ng ina niya but I made a promise to Dad.

“Ikaw talaga. Your Dad’s been very busy with the company.” Sabi naman ni Mom.

And you’ve been very busy with Vito. I bit my tongue to keep the words from coming out of my mouth.

Hindi na kumibo pa si Dad. Nagtama ang mga mata namin, he had probably seen the spite in my eyes and gave me a warning look. Then he pretended to shift his attention back to the tv. I felt sorry for Dad and mad at him at the same time for allowing this to happen. For not doing anything at all while his wife sees a younger man. Vito was still in Manila and they were to see each other tomorrow. I had pried into my Mom’s phone earlier when she was busy with the kids and skimmed through the messages. The past messages were deleted and only today’s message was recorded in her phone. If there was really nothing to see, why would she delete their past conversation? Of course, I did not tell Dad what I had seen. He was already in a fragile state. Ayaw kong madagdagan pa lalo ang bigat na dinadala niya.

Kaya siguro todo pagganda siya dahil magkikita sila ni Vito bukas. I wondered if Vito was as dirty as he was with my mother. I had put in my mouth what my own mother had put in hers and he moaned her name while I was doing so. The thought alone made the hairs on my back stand.

Noong sinabi ko kay Dad na gagawin ko ang lahat huwag lang masira ang pamilya namin, I meant every word of it. Even though I was starting to hate my mother, I wanted to protect our family and I wanted Toffie to grow up with a complete family (even when he’s a pain in the ass).

I took Vito’s number from Mom’s phone and texted him. I just said that I was Bryce and I wanted to say hi to him. It had been half an hour since I sent the text message and he still have not replied yet so I just did my usual thing, scrolling through my social media feeds while Ate and Valerie talk about girly things. Ate was closer to Mom than I was, I had always been a Daddy’s girl. Yun din ang isa pang dahilan kung bakit hindi ko magawang masabi sa kanya. There was a possibility that she would not believe.

“Ikaw ba, Bryce, you’re still not dating anyone?” Ate asked. I wasn’t following their conversation. If it weren’t for Pixie and Dad, I wouldn’t even spend a minute in the same room Valerie was in. I could not stand her. “Pwede naman na siya magboyfriend ano, Mom, Dad?”

“I don’t know about your Dad pero ako, okay lang sa akin.” Mom answered. “As long as matino ang lalaki at saka maayos mong ipakikilala sa amin. Kaysa naman itago ni Bryce, hindi ba?”

My eyes averted from my phone screen to Mom’s. I smiled a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Maybe one day I’ll surprise you.”

“I wonder how will the guy deal with her hardheadedness.” Natatawang sabi ni Ate.

“Probably the same way I dealt with yours.” Sumingit si Kuya Coco as he walked inside our indoor patio through the glass sliding door and gave Ate a kiss on the side of her head. “The kids are killing me. Pagod na pagod na ako kakahabol sa kanila. I can’t keep up with them.”

“Tapos gusto mo pa ng isa..” Ate rolled her eyes at her husband.

“Dada, watch Pony with Papa Axel!” Pixie lifted her head up from Dad’s chest as she clutched onto her My Little Pony stuffed toy.

“Dada, what are you doing here? Let’s go outside and fly the kite!” Cookie walked in with Toffie.

“Yeah, Kuya! We wanna fly the kite!” Sabi naman ni Toffie bago lumingon kay Dad. “Dad, let’s go out.”

“Tama na kayong dalawa sa kalalaro. Look at you two. You’re all sweaty.” Mom told them.

“Aw, but we really want to fly a kite.” Toffie pouted.

“Can we hang out at Arthur’s instead?” Cookie asked.

“Yeah, let’s go to Arthur!” Toffie smiled again.

“Mamaya na. Uminom muna kayo at magpalit kayo ng damit. Pawis na pawis kayo.” Mom shook her head.

“I’m going to get the kids something to drink. Dad, I’m grabbing a beer. You want one?” Tanong ni Kuya Coco kay Dad at tumayo siya mula sa couch.

“Sure.” Sagot naman ni Dad.

“Dad, I told you no alcohol.” I said in a scolding tone.

“Oo nga naman, hon. Dahan-dahan naman sa pag-inom.” Mom said.

“A bottle won’t hurt.” He reasoned.

I was about to open my mouth to scold him but before I had the chance, my phone rang. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa screen. It was Vito’s number. He was calling me. I left them and hurried up the stairs to get to my room. I pressed the answer button as soon as I closed the door behind me and jumped to my bed.

“Bryce?” I heard him say.

“Vito.” I forced an enthusiasm out of my voice. “How are you?”

“How did you get my number?” He asked.

“I have my ways.” I faked a chuckle. “Bakit? Don’t you want to talk with me?”

“No, it’s not that.” He immediately said. “I was just surprised. What do you want to talk about?”

“I don’t know.” I rolled to my stomach. I tried to push the thought that this was my mother’s lover I was flirting with. “Busy ka ba?”

“No. I just got out of a meeting. I closed a deal with a logistic company that’ll export all the goods from the farm to other countries.”

“I see. So, how long are you planning to stay here in Manila?”

“I can’t tell. I’m actually liking it here. I’ve been stuck in the farm for far too long, I missed the city life. Besides, I still have businesses to take care of.”

Like my mother.

“So, magtatagal ka pa pala dito.” I tried to hide the annoyance in my tone.

“Most probably.” He answered and let out a sigh. “Bryce, about what happened at my place… I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean to push you away. I just… I didn’t have any condom at that time. If I didn’t stop you there, I know I wouldn’t be able to stop myself.”

I swallowed when my throat began to dry. Suddenly, I could taste him again in my mouth. Salty, heady, with a little tinge of sweetness. I shut my eyes, trying not to think of it. This was the same cock my mother had blown. Did he not know that I heard him moan my mom’s name?

“But you liked it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice from quivering from disgust.

“Hell, I think about it all the time.” His voice suddenly sounded strained.

“You imagine my mouth around your big cock?” I winced at the words that came out of my mouth. I felt so dirty by just saying it.

“Bryce, don’t do this to me. I’m at my office.” His voice was now labored with hitched breathing. He was aroused and it made me feel like I was in control here. At this moment, I knew I had him wrapped around my fingers.

“Are you alone?” I deliberately tried to make my voice sound seductive.

“Yes.” I could still feel the tension in his voice.

“What are you wearing?” She asked.

“You’re not being a good girl, Bryce.” He groaned.

“I don’t want to be a good girl.” I feigned a giggle. “So tell me, Vito. What are you wearing?”

“A trouser and a shirt.” He answered. I could tell in his voice that he finds this ridiculous but he was cracking. I knew he would cave.

“Sexy.” I said in a whisper. I could clearly picture him in my mind in his swivel chair with a white shirt and a trouser and under his trouser was his engorged member.

“Bryce…” He groaned deep in the throat. It felt as though the temperature in my room shot up a few degrees. I could feel the familiar heat between my legs. “What about you? I want to see what you’re wearing…”

And then he was suddenly inviting me to go in a video call with him. I chewed on my bottom lip, my chest, feeling hot blood running throughout my body as I stared at the screen of my phone. Damn it! Why hadn’t I thought that this would happen.

“Are you playing me, Bryce?” I heard him say.

I bit my lip a little harder. Having a hard time deciding, whether I shoud answer the video call or not. I thought of Dad… of Toffie… of our family. Didn’t I say I’d do anything to save our family… or whatever was left of it.

I held my breath as I pressed the answer. His face appeared on the screen. He looked immaculate with his otherwise ruffled hair neatly combed and his face clean shaven. But one thing that really caught my attention was the burning look in his eyes. The same shivering, shuddering passionate need his eyes bore when I gave him a handjob back in the province.

“Let me see what you’re wearing…” He said.

I showed him through the front camera the little striped cotton slip dress I was wearing. It wasn’t sexy but it revealed a good amount of my legs as the clothing end mid-thigh. It hitched even further up with one of my knees bent, my foot planted on the bed. Only a few more centimeters and my panties would show.

“You like what you’re seeing?” I asked him in a sensual manner as I swayed my knees from side to side. It looked like a playful gesture but in truth, I was just trying to cover up how much I was shaking right at this moment.

“I do… You want to be a bad girl, don’t you? Are you going to be one for me?”

“Yes…” I tried to keep my voice from trembling.

“Tell me what you want, Bryce. What do you want?” He said in a gluttural tone.

“I… I want you.” My voice caught in my throat as I clenched my legs together, trying to put a stop on thr growing heat on the part between them. I was supposed to be the one seducing him, not the other way around. I tried to get back to my feigned sexual confidence. “I want you stretching my mouth with your big cock. I want it hot and hard, just like the last time…”

“God, you’re killing me, Bryce…” He moaned. “Show me more. Show me what’s underneath that pretty dress.”

“Show me yours and I’ll show you mine.”

He pointed the camera at his crotch. I could see his arousal through his pants and it sent a shiver throughout my body. I knew how big that thing could get when aroused, I had seen it…

“Pull your dress up. Let me take a peak…” He asked as he rubbed himself through his pants.

I pulled my dress a little higher up until it revealed my white panties. I watched in wide-eyed fascination as he began to unbuckle his belt and unbutton his pants. My breathing became even more erratic when he took his manhood from his pants and and held in his hand. I remembered how warm and big and veiny it felt. I could feel the dampness between mg legs. I wasn’t supposed to get this turned on. I wasn’t even supposed to like this.

“See what you do to me, Bryce.” His voice rough with intense lust. “Do you see how hard you made me?”

“Stroke yourself for me.” I told him. “Imagine my hot, wet mouth around you. You like that, don’t you?”

“Fuck, Bryce…” He groaned he began to move his hand up and down. “Take your dress off, Bryce… Let me see more.”

I inhaled a sharp breath before lifting my dress up to my head and throwing it to the floor, completely submitting myself to the game. There was no turning back now and there was nothing to lose anyway. I was stretched out on bed with nothing but my bra and panties on and I made sure he sees everything.

“Your body’s a fucking mastepiece, do you know that?” He asked, his voice hoarse and panting as he continued stroking his manhood. I could see how hard and big and veiny it had been and I couldn’t look away even if I wanted. “What I’d do to that sweet body once I get my hands on you.”

The velvety texture of his voice made me damp in between my legs as I imagined what he could possibly do to me if he was here. I was burning, all the while being filled with delicious shame. I kept clenching and unclenching my legs, trying to find release but found none.

“I’d fuck you real good until you’re coming all over this cock.” He said in a gruff tone.

What he said gave me goosebumps but it was a good, sweet kind. My nipples were painfully hard against my bra and I was soaking between my legs.

“Show me those breasts, Bryce.” He demanded. “Help me get off.”

I gave him what he wanted and pulled the cups of my bra down. I gave him a good view of my pink, hard nipples. It felt good having to free my aching breasts. He was so hypnotizing, pulling me deeper into his depravity and my own, that I forgot about anything else but my want… no, need to relieve the gnawing heat.

“Touch them for me…”

“Vito…” I whimpered, closing my eyes as I cupped my breast with one hand while still holding my phone in the other.

“Yes, Bryce, that’s it… you’re fucking hot, you know that? Make those nipples hard for me.” His breathing short but his voice still rough with intense need.  “I want to suck on those tits, Bryce, touch then, roll my fingers over your nipples. You remember how I did it back at the hacienda?”

“Yes…” I said in a soft mewl.

“You liked it, didn’t you? You liked me sucking on those beauties?”

“Mmhmm…” I sighed, clenching my legs together even harder.

“Now, I want you to take your panties off.” He said.

My eyes fluttered wide open when he said those words. Para akong nahimasmasan sa ginagawa ko. I wanted to cover my breasts from his view but I stopped myself from doing so. I wanted to keep the act. I didn’t want him to know that I was ashamed.

This was where I draw the line. That part of my body, I wanted to protect from him. It was the only part that he had not corrupt yet.

“No…” I said in a small squeak.

“Bryce…” His brows furrowed

“N-not yet.” I tried to recover from the shame that suddenly assaulted my whole being. “This is all I can give you for now. I want you to work hard for it, Vito…”

“Fuck, Bryce! It sounds so good when you say my name.” He began to stroke himself furiously.

“Vito, oh, Vito… come for me. Imagine you coming in my hot pussy.” I said, hurrying him to finish as I wanted to cover myself up.

“Bryce…” He panted and the his whole body stiffened. I saw how he came, I heard how he moaned my name over and over as his essence came spilling out of his manhood. Him, looking dignified in his business suit with his manhood out and coming for me was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.

He collapsed against his swivel chair, his chest heaving up and down. It took him half a minute before he was able to recover and lent me enough time to cover myself up with a blanket. He, then, reached over his table, his hand disappearing from the camera’s view and pulled out a bunch of tissue to wipe his sperm off. He tucked his manhood inside his pants and zipped it close.

“Bryce, what are you dong to me? You’re making me act like a hormonal teenage boy.” He shook his head as though he couldn’t believe what he had just done.

“Nagustuhan mo ba?” I bit my bottom lip, teasingly.

“I’m not going to lie, that was amazing. But I don’t want this to be a one-way street. I never leave a woman unsatisfied.”

“Who said I was unsatisfied? I liked what I saw, Vito.” I let out a smile. “I like seeing you come for me and hearing nothing but my name on your lips while you do so.”

I wondered how many times he’d moaned my mother’s name in the throes of passion. Muling nanumbalik ang galit ko sa kanya, sa kanilang dalawa ni Valerie. I was doing this to get back at them. Gagawin ko ang lahat para masira at mapaghiwalay sila. Taking Vito from my mother was a good start.

“I want to make you come, Bryce.” The passion in his eyes resurfaced

“I get off at the thought of you wanting me so bad you it hurts you. Maybe the next time we see each other again, I’ll be more willing to give and show you more.”

“When can we see each other?” He asked almost eagerly.

I pretended to think but it my mind I had already planned it all.

“Tomorrow I’ll be at The Mint with my friends. I’m hoping to see you there.” I finally said and then ended the video call. Ibinaba ko ang phone and looked blankly at the ceiling for a couple of minutes. I didn’t even know I was capable of doing what I just did with Vito but as I have said over and over, wala akong hindi gagawin para mapaghiwalay si Valerie at ang kabit niya. Even if it means throwing my dignity out of the window.

I wondered who would Vito choose. The mother or the daughter. He’d be seeing my mother tomorrow, that was what it said on the text message I read, they had already scheduled a dinner at the hotel’s restaurant where Dad and I had seen them together. If he shows up tomorrow at the club, it meant he chose me over Valerie.

I headed to the bathroom and took a shower, trying to douse the residue of heat that still hadn’t left my body from the video call I had with Vito.