Wattpad Originals Announcement

Dear Grainners,

I’ve always thought that as a writer my novels would not be as popular as others. But you guys have proved me wrong. You made me feel worthy and Wattpad have proven that my stories deserve the recognition and the opportunity they’ve given me.

I’m over the moon because ‘Paraíso de Solandis 1: Flame of Desire’ has been selected for Wattpad Originals. This is big for me.

As part of the transition to Wattpad Originals, ‘Flame of Desire’ will be temporarily unavailable while we prepare for its official release. Thank for your understanding and patience.

The thought of all of you, support me endlessly, ignites my creativity.

Love,

MissGrainne

PROLOGUE

If only she had another choice, she would rather do it than be in a room full of men and entertain them. Hindi ’yon ang buhay at trabaho na pinapangarap niya. But her destiny is really testing her patience, and it keeps on putting her into a situation that she doesn’t want to be in.

Valeska is really uncomfortable with the costume that the agency gave her. It’s daring red lingerie. The top has very thin straps and is made from lace. The size is too small for her that she felt like her breasts could pop out with a wrong and harsh move. The lacy mini skirt really revealed her lower bum even though she was wearing built-in underwear and black net stockings.

“’Wag kayong mag-alala, okay? Kasal na ang halos lahat ng lalaki na naroon. Iilan na lang ang hindi,” paalala sa kanila ni Welina.

Dalawa silang babae na papasok sa malaking box. Pero may kasama silang reserba kung sakaling mag-request ang kliyente ng dagdag na babae. Ang dalawang kasama niya sa silid na ’yon ay gano’n na talaga ang trabaho at halatang sanay na.

Samatalang siya, iyon ang unang beses niya at hindi alam kung kakabahan ba o magagalit dahil humantong siya sa sitwasyon na iyon.

Kung hindi lang sana sakim sa pera ang ina, tiyak na hindi siya kakapit sa patalim para lang kumita nang higit pa sa kinikita niya. There’s no one to blame but her mother. And how unfair that she’s the one who needs to suffer just to solve her mother’s problems.

“Pero malay natin? Kahit kasal na sila ay gusto pa ring tumikim ng ibang putahe nang palihim?” may pahiwatig sa tono ni Welina. “Nasa inyo na ’yon kung papayag kayo.”

Humagikhik si Ava sa tabi niya habang naglalagay ng blush-on sa pisngi. “Kung single siya, ayos lang sana. Pero kung kasal na? No way! Ayaw kong maging kabit, Welina.”

“I’m looking for a new sugar daddy, baka puwede ang isa sa kanila,” ani Lora naman at tumawa.

Valeska swiped the red lipstick on her lips, and she’s done with her makeup. Ayaw niyang makisali sa gano’ng klaseng usapan kahit pa sobra siyang nakaka-relate dahil gano’n ang kinalakihan niyang paligid.

She doesn’t really need to put too much makeup on her face for her to be beautiful because she already is. Her foxy eyes are so expressive that she can see from the reflection of the mirror that she’s not happy being there. Her plum lips, upturned nose, and high cheekbones made her face fierce and also . . . seductive. Her beauty is not the angelic type. If her life were a movie, one could mistake her for the antagonist.

“How about you, Valeska? If ever one of them offered you a dirty proposal, are you up for that?”

“No,” she answered coldly.

“Puwede kang makipag-negotiate ng halaga mo. Mayayaman ang mga kliyente natin. Sa ganda mong ’yan, puwedeng-puwede kang maging milyonarya ng isang gabi lang kung magiging praktikal ka.”

She had heard a lot of that even before. Kung papairalin niya lang ang angking ganda, sigurado raw na may paglalagyan siya at hindi niya na kailangang magpakapagod magtrabaho para buhayin ang sarili at ang ina.

“Oo nga, e! Kung kasingganda lang ako ni Valeska, siguradong humihiga na ako sa pera ngayon!” Ava dreamily said. “Mixed blood ka? Sino ang foreigner sa magulang mo?”

“My father.”

“Like usual. Ano’ng nationality ni daddy?” Mapanukso ang ngisi ni Lora.

“French.”

“Kaya pala medyo fierce ang dating ng beauty mo. Pero, girl, sa totoo lang at walang halong biro, iba ang ganda mo. Agaw-pansin talaga!”

“Kaya kung ako sa ’yo, Valeska, kapag may nagpakita ng interes sa ’yo mamaya, kagatin mo na. Ang mga kliyente ngayon ay talagang may sinabi sa lipunan. Anak ng may-ari nitong hotel ang groom-to-be. Guwapo at mayaman! Gano’n din ang mga kaibigan!” Mahaba ang litanya ni Welina, pero kahit ano pa ang sabihin ng mga ito, hindi siya gagawa ng bagay na pagsisisihan niya rin sa huli.

Ilan pang sandali ay natataranta na si Welina dahil malapit na silang mag-umpisa. Nasa hotel room na rin nila ang malaking box. Kapag pumasok sila roon, may mga hotel staff daw na magdadala sa kanila sa suite kung nasaan ang mga lalaki.

Ava is giggling. She’s wearing black lingerie. Pinag-usapan na rin ng mga ito kung ano ang gagawin sa pera na kikitain sa gabing ’yon. Maiiwan si Lora sa hotel room at maghihintay ng hudyat kung puwede na itong makisali sa kanila mamaya.

Valeska tried to focus. Kailangan ay magawa niya nang maayos ang trabaho para kahit papaano ay baka mabigyan daw sila ng tip. Malaking bagay ’yon sa kanya para pandagdag sa school allowance niya para sa buwan na ’yon.

Nang buksan ang pinto ng suite, umahon ang kaba sa dibdib niya na pansamantalang nawala kanina.

From inside the box, there’s enough hole for them to breathe and to see what’s in front of them.

There’s a bunch of handsome men inside that suite. The center table is full of different liquors. Nahinto ang tawanan ng mga ito nang dumating ang malaking box. She could tell how surprised they were. Hindi niya tuloy alam kung nagpapanggap lang ang mga ito o sadyang hindi inaasahan ang box na nagsisilbing regalo.

Despite the loads of handsome men, Valeska easily noticed the one that was arrogantly sitting at the corner, with a glass of liquor in his hand, while crossing his one leg in a very manly way, as if he was just waiting for his whores to come to him to fucking entertain him.

He has this dark and enigmatic energy around him that even though she doesn’t know him, she could almost judge him.

To watch him secretly felt like a sin, and she would be punished once he caught her. He seemed merciless and a kind of man that cannot be pleased easily. It felt like she needed to work hard so she could satisfy him.

But what the hell? Bakit ba sa dami ng lalaki roon, ang lalaki na iyon pa agad ang naisip niyang sayawan at paluguran?

Nagtatalo ang mga lalaki sa harap nila kung sino ang magbubukas ng box. Naririnig din nila na hindi sang-ayon ang iba at medyo nag-aalala na baka ang laman ng box ay maging dahilan ng pang-aaway sa kanila ng mga asawa.

“Sadly, most of them are married. Look at those rings on their fingers . . .” Ava muttered.

Curious about the fact, Valeska checked every man’s ring finger to see their wedding bands. Nang matapos siya sa hilera sa harap, natagpuan ng mga mata niya ang lalaki sa sulok at ang mga daliri nitong wala ni isang singsing na nakasuot.

She wasn’t sure why it made her a bit happy to know that he’s not married. Siguro dahil ayaw niyang sayawan ang lalaking kasal na. To give a sensual dance to an unmarried man is more acceptable than doing it to the married one.

“Ang guwapo lahat! Walang tapon! Sayang! Kasal na sila halos. Ang suwerte naman ng mga asawa nila.” Ava was amazed. “Ganyang mga klaseng lalaki ang masarap kasama sa kama.” At humagikhik.

Umirap si Valeska. Ramdam na ramdam niya sa sarili ang disgusto sa nangyayari. Wala siyang ibang hangad kundi matapos na ang gabing iyon at makuha niya na ang pera.

Isa sa grupo ng magkakaibigan ang matapang na tumayo para sa wakas ay buksan ang box. Kanina niya pa gustong kumawala roon.

Nang matanto ng mga ito na mga babae ang nasa loob ng box, daig pa ng mga ito ang nakakita ng multo! Mabilisan ang pag-iwas sa kanila na para bang may nakakahawa silang sakit.

To know that these men in front of her were faithful husbands to their wives made her smile a bit. It amazed her that they chose to avoid them rather than take advantage to have a hold on them. It means that they didn’t want to do things that could ruin their relationships with their loved ones. And for her, that’s the kind of husband that she wanted one day.

She wanted a kind of love that will stay true and faithful even in front of temptations. A love that is brave, strong, and deep enough that it will last for a lifetime.

Dahil inaayawan sila ng mga lalaki at tila takot na takot kapag lumalapit sila, nagdesisyon na lang si Valeska na lapitan ang misteryosong lalaki sa sulok na bahagi ng silid na ’yon.

The lights became dark, and suddenly sexy music filled the room.

Every move that she made toward the man made her heart beat harshly. Ang kaba niya ay nahaluan ng kakaibang damdamin nang sa wakas ay natagpuan siya ng mga mata ng lalaki.

Valeska swallowed hard when she felt the heat in the way he intently stared at her while she was nearing him. Her knees were quivering, and she couldn’t stop the wildness on her chest.

The man sipped on his whisky without breaking their eye contact, and that didn’t help her heart from beating wildly.

Even though she’s wearing a masquerade mask, it felt like he could see her full face. Half of her face was covered, revealing only her lips down to her chin.

Kailangan niya nang gawin ang trabaho sa gabing iyon para matapos na. Kakalimutan niya na lang ang sandaling iyon kinabukasan at magpapatuloy sa buhay.

Valeska took a deep breath before she started to sensually sway her hips in front of the man.

She saw how his sharp eyes were burning with desire and his jaw was clenching. At hindi niya mapigilan na haplusin ang panga nito habang patuloy sa nakakaakit na pag-indayog ng katawan.

He lifted his jaw a bit as if he got burned from her touch. Ngunit hindi iyon dahilan para alisin niya ang palad sa magaspang na panga nito. Bagkus, nang-aakit na hinaplos niya ’yon at unti-unting pinalibutan ito hanggang sa mapunta siya sa likod ng inuupuan ng lalaki.

“I’m sorry, s-sir, I’m just doing my job. I hope you wouldn’t mind,” she whispered behind his ear.

Valeska couldn’t help but shut her eyes when his expensive perfume filled her nose.

Without a word from him, he held her hand on his jaw and guided her to be in front of him again—na alam niyang mas gusto nito na nasa harap siya at nakikita.

“You don’t need to do this if you’re not comfortable.” His deep baritone echoed in her ears.

But what amazed her was his words for her. Hindi niya alam kung naramdaman ba nito ang kaba at panginginig niya o sadyang hindi lang ito interesado sa ginagawa niya.

Valeska doesn’t really know what to say. Kapag hindi siya sumayaw o gumawa ng paraan para ma-entertain ito, baka hindi siya bayaran. At isa pa, mahirap na magtiwala kay Ava at baka makita nito na hindi niya naman ginagawa ang trabaho at isumbong pa siya kay Welina.

Worried that Ava would see her doing nothing, Valeska made her way to sit on the man’s lap.

She heard him let out an English curse under his breath the moment she straddled him.

She placed her knees on his sides to properly accommodate herself. He has a wide, impressive build. She needed to part her legs more to be comfortable with her position. Iniyakap niya sa batok nito ang mga braso. Ang malakas na pintig ng puso niya ay halos marinig niya.

When she finally looked at him, she caught him swallowing hard, then gave her a sharp glare, as if he wasn’t pleased with her action, but also he couldn’t find the courage to throw her away.

“Bakit? Ayaw mo bang sayawan kita?” Matamis ang ngiti niya, pilit itinatago ang kaguluhan sa loob ng dibdib.

He raised his brow in a mocking way, and the side of his lips twisted. Then he placed his warm palm on her waist and caressed her there in a carnal way.

Halos huminto ang paghinga ni Valeska nang maramdaman ang pagnanasa sa haplos ng lalaki. She wanted to protest, but she couldn’t. Dahil sa totoo lang, medyo nagustuhan niya rin ang kiliti na dulot n’on. It was a strange feeling.

“You’re too anxious. I can feel it,” he muttered in a husky tone that made his breath tickle some part of her jaw. “First timer, hmm?”

His last words were like an insult, telling her that she was a newbie and that there was no way she would be able to please him.

Imbes na magdamdam at isipin ang dahilan kung bakit niya ginagawa ang trabaho na ’yon, mas pinili ni Valeska na maging competitive at ipakita sa lalaki na bagama’t unang beses niya sa larangan na ’yon, kaya niya pa rin itong paluguran.

“Aren’t you happy that you’re my first ever client?”

His sharp jaw with growing stubble clenched. Umangat ang mukha nito nang bahagya, animo’y hinahamon siya.

Now, his both palms on her waist made her feel aroused for some reason. Hindi niya alam kung dahil ba sa pahaplos-haplos nito, sa posisyon nila, o sa init na tila umaapoy sa pagitan nila.

He didn’t speak. He’s just being so difficult and in control. Para bang gusto nito na ito ang masusunod ngunit hindi siya papayag!

Valeska started to grind sensually above the man’s lap while staring back at him. Habang nakakaakit ang tingin at ngiti niya, madilim at tila nagpaparusa naman ang ibinibigay na emosyon sa kanya ng misteryosong lalaki.

“How much will you get for doing this?”

Those words cut deeper, and it ached her. Napalunok siya at na-distract.

“Why? Are you going to double the price?”

He smirked. “Do you think you deserve more?”

The sharpness in his words really affected her. Kailangan niyang tatagan ang loob niya. Bawal maging balat-sibuyas.

“I believe, yes.”

“Then prove it to me,” hamon nito.

Valeska’s lips parted. It was challenging, and if he really could double the price, then she might as well do her job excellently!

“Really? Are you going to double the price?” Kumawala ang pagkamangha at pag-asa sa kanya.

The man’s lips pursed, he looked puzzled. Ngunit panandalian lang iyon dahil umahon ito nang bahagya upang mas magkalapit ang mga mukha nila nang hindi inaalis ang mga palad sa maliit na baywang niya.

“It depends on how much I’d like your performance.” There’s a sexy, evil smile on his damn lips.

“Oh . . . okay. It’s a deal then?”

“Hmm.” His dark, seductive eyes traveled down her chest, and then he smirked at the sight of her impressive breasts.

Valeska felt like her throat ran dry with the heated stares from the man in front of her.

He arrogantly rested his back on the leather sofa. “Move,” he commanded.

Biting her lower lip and with the wild beating of her heart, she continued to grind seductively above him. Never minding the hard bulge that was poking her butt and inner thighs.

Pumikit siya at tumingala. Kahit siya ay hindi maintindihan kung bakit nagugustuhan niya ang kaluguran na nararamdaman.

The way he grips her waist is like he’s controlling something, like the way she dances or the way his body reacts to what she is doing.

Valeska rubbed herself against that hard thing, and when she felt it flinch a bit, she gasped.

“’Tang ina . . .” he cursed erotically.

That’s when she realized that she’s hitting his angry shaft. And to prove to him that she could please him, she continued to sensually rub herself against his throbbing hard member.

Namumungay na ang mga mata nito at ang paraan ng paghaplos sa baywang niya ay marahan na.

“Do you wanna go to my place?” His voice sounded like he would do everything so he could take her with him.

“Are you willing to double . . . or triple the price?”

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang pumasok sa isip niya at gano’n ang naging sagot. She’s being too desperate!

“Just name your price, baby,” he whispered hoarsely on her earlobe.

Kagat ang pang-ibabang labi, unti-unti siyang tumango bilang pagpayag. Tila iyon pagsuong sa dagat ng apoy at wala siyang ibang gagawin kundi ang hayaan ang sariling matupok.

CHAPTER ONE

Alam nilang pareho na apektado sila sa ginagawa niyang paggiling sa kandungan ng estrangherong lalaki. She could really feel his massive erection against her inner thighs. It made her arousal build up. She wouldn’t deny it. She was turned on.

Having boyfriends wasn’t new to her. Being kissed or touched when she was in a relationship was enough for her. She also felt turned on before, but at that moment, it was extreme. Na kahit gumigiling lang siya sa kandungan ng lalaki at hinahaplos nito ang baywang niya, she could feel that she was getting wet.

Para silang may sariling mundo sa gitna ng karimlan. Wala sila parehong pakialam kahit pa kinakantiyawan na ito ng mga kaibigan. His full attention was on her face even though he couldn’t fully see her.

Staring back at him made her heartbeat faster than normal. Kinakabahan pa rin siya kahit na ilang minuto naman na ang mabagal niyang paggiling.

“I need to see my agent first after this. I need to get the money. Then . . .” She pursed her lips.

Sasama ba talaga siya sa lalaking ito? Kapalit ng ano? Dobleng halaga ng pera na kikitain niya sa gabing ’yon? At magkano ba ang bayad sa kanya?

Ayon sa ninang Daria niya—na siyang nagpakilala sa kanya kay Welina—kaya niyang kumita ng higit pa sa suweldo niya sa gabing ’yon. The deal was she would earn fifty thousand pesos to dance in a bachelor’s party.

Hindi gano’n kalaking halaga ang kinikita ng mga normal na babaeng sumasayaw. Kaya lang, mayaman ang kliyente kaya malaki ang perang ibinayad sa agency. Bukod pa roon, pinili talaga ang pinakamagandang babae na ipadadala. Isa siya sa mga nagustuhan ng boss ng agency kaya pumayag na taasan ang fee niya kahit baguhan lang.

If she would spend time with the man in front of her, he could double the fifty thousand.

Ano naman ang gagawin nila buong gabi? She needed to know, and she would negotiate.

“Then you’ll spend time with me.”

Tumango siya. Her arms remained rested on his shoulders to his nape.

“Hindi mo ba ako tatanungin kung magkano ang sahod ko ngayong gabi?”

“How much?”

She could hear Ava casually talking to the men behind them. May mga tawanan at asaran din pero wala talaga roon ang atensiyon nilang dalawa.

“Fifty thousand.”

He looked disappointed. Then he sighed.

“For this?” He motioned their position, almost mocking it.

“I have no choice. I need to finish this job.”

He stayed silent. Napapailing at napapaisip.

Lumipas ang ilan pang sandali na nagkaroon ng komosyon sa loob ng suite. ’Tapos ay nagsialisan ang mga lalaki. Hindi niya na nakita si Ava at hindi man lang siya tinawag.

“Ano’ng nangyayari?”

“Not sure.”

Valeska awkwardly smiled before she stopped the slow dance.

Inalalayan siya nitong makaalis sa kandungan nito at sinigurong maayos ang pagtapak niya sa carpeted floor dahil na rin sa taas ng takong ng kulay pulang stiletto na suot.

“I need to go to my agent,” paalam niya.

“Sasamahan kita.”

Nang tumayo ito, natanto niya kung gaano ito katangkad. She’s already five and nine inches tall plus her three-inch high heels, but her eyes only leveled his divided chin. He’s literally towering over her. Not to mention his wide build, which is kind of intimidating.

He removed his jacket and put it above her shoulders.

Namamangha siya sa nangyayari. Pero kailangan niyang puntahan si Welina sa kabilang silid para makuha ang sahod niya.

“Hintayin mo na lang ako sa basement. Saglit lang ako,” aniya habang naglalakad sa hallway.

He didn’t say a word. He was just following her like a dog to his master.

Huminto siya sa tamang pinto kung nasaan niya iniwan sina Welina. Hindi pa siya kumatok dahil gusto niyang umalis ang lalaki. Ayaw niyang malaman ng mga kasama niya na may nabingwit siya.

“I don’t want them to see us. Can you leave for a moment? Or just go back to the suite.”

His eyes darkened.

She could tell that he wasn’t used to following orders because he seemed like he was the one giving them.

“Hindi kita tatakasan. I promise, I’ll meet you there.” She pointed to the suite.

Kakatok na sana siya sa pinto kaya lang ay nakita ang hotel staff na papunta kung nasaan siya. May dala itong mga panlinis sa hotel room at bagong bed sheets.

“Magandang gabi, ma’am, sir. Maglilinis lang po ako.”

Valeska stepped backward to give way to the staff.

Nang buksan nito ang pinto, kumunot ang noo niya nang makita na walang tao roon. Wala na rin ang mga gamit ng mga kasamahan niya. Isang bag lang ang natira at sa kanya ’yon.

“Excuse me, where are the guests in this room?” she asked curiously.

“Nag-check out na, ma’am, kanina. Nagbilin lang na may iniwan na bag.”

“That’s mine. That’s my bag.”

Kinuha niya agad ang bag at hinalungkat kung may iniwan bang pera si Welina. Pero wala siyang nakita. Naroon pa rin ang wallet niya na pamasahe na lang yata ang laman, ang cellphone, at mga personal na gamit.

Nanghihina na naupo siya sa dulo ng kama. Hindi man lang siya sinabihan ni Welina na aalis ang mga ito! Paano na ang sahod niya? Inaasahan niya ’yon!

“What’s wrong?” The man came in.

“Good evening, Sir Rashid,” the staff politely greeted him again, then walked toward the bathroom to clean.

“Umalis sila,” aniya, pinanghihinaan na ng loob. “I don’t know how to contact them.”

“How’s that possible? That’s your agent, right?”

“Ang ninang ko ang contact ni Welina. I need to call Ninang Daria.”

Kinuha niya ang cellphone at tinawagan ang ninang niya. After a couple of ring, he answered.

“Hello? Valeska? Kumusta? Tapos na ang event?”

“Ninang! Welina is not here. Puwede bang tawagan mo? Hindi ba ’to scam?”

Nag-panic ito at napapamura.

“Subukan lang ng Welina na ’yan na utakan ako. Punyenta siya! Teka lang, inaanak, tatawagan uli kita kapag na-contact ko na ang babaeng ’yon—” She paused. “Ano? May pamasahe ka ba pauwi?”

Kinuha niya ang wallet at binuksan gamit ang isang kamay. Hindi na alintana na tahimik siyang pinanonood ng lalaki sa tapat niya.

Valeska winced when she saw the remaining money inside her wallet. Ni hindi pa yata aabot ’yon pamasahe niya pabalik sa Pampanga.

“M-mayro’n, Ninang. Kasya siguro ’to.”

“Madaling-araw ka pa makakasakay ng bus diyan sa Cubao. Alam mo na naman, di ba? Tinuruan na kita.”

Tumango siya. “Marunong na po ako.”

“Itong mommy mo talaga! Naku! Teka nga lang, Tatawag uli ako sa ’yo. Tinatawag ako ng mommy mo.”

After the line was ended, Valeska tiredly put back her smartphone inside her bag with her wallet.

Nang mag-angat siya ng tingin sa lalaki, tinablan siya ng hiya.

Who would have thought that a face and body like hers are living a poor and complicated life?

“Tatawagan pa ang agent ko.”

“I’ll drive you home.”

Pumikit siya at malalim na humugot ng hangin sa dibdib.

He was still with her. What does that mean?

Was he waiting for her so they could do their deal? Wala namang ibang rason, di ba, kundi iyon lang?

Pero bakit ihahatid pa siya nito sa kanila? Hindi ba dapat ay sasama siya rito kung saan man siya nito dalhin?

“Hindi ako puwedeng umuwi sa amin nang walang dalang pera.”

“I’ll give you money. How much is it that you need?”

Valeska looked up again to see the man. His stoic face told her that he wasn’t playing around. He seemed determined to give her the money that she needed.

“Let’s just do our deal?” she said instead.

Tumitig ito sa kanya nang matagal. Halatang tinitimbang ang sitwasyon. In the end, he shook his head.

“I don’t wanna take advantage—”

“It’s me who wants to do the deal. Just cooperate, please.”

Tumayo siya at kinuha ang shoulder bag. She shamelessly snaked her arm around his.

“Let’s go to your place.”

The man left with no other choice but to obey her. They looked like a sweet couple while walking and even when they are inside the elevator.

Napapatingin sa kanilang dalawa ang mga kasabayan nila roon. Probably curious because her masquerade is still on her face. His jacket, though, is big enough to cover her body and thighs

“Saan diyan ang sasakyan mo?” tanong niya nang makarating sa basement at pawang magagarang sasakyan ang nakita niya.

He walked towards the onyx black car with a pair of wings as a logo, and at the center of it is a capital B.

Valeska was in awe, but she stopped herself. Even his car screams his status in life. Totoo talagang mayayaman ang mga lalaki sa suite na ’yon? Ang kasama niya ay isa sa patunay.

He opened a door for her.

“Thank you,” she muttered and buckled her seat belt.

He drove away from the hotel, and she had no idea where he was going to take her. Should she ask him? It was her right.

“Saan tayo?”

“Uuwi.”

“Sa bahay mo?”

“Hindi. Sa inyo. Where do you live?”

Naalarma siya. Hindi siya uuwi dahil kailangan niyang makita si Welina.

“I told you, I won’t go home.”

“Aren’t you scared? I am a stranger, miss.”

“I am Valeska. And you?”

He snorted. His eyes remained on the road.

“Sabihin mo sa ’kin ang pangalan mo para magkakilala tayo.”

“Rashid.”

“Okay. Nice to meet you, Rashid,” she said casually.

“Where do you live?”

“Pampanga. Ikaw?”

“Alabang.”

“Uh, doon tayo magpupunta?”

He licked his lips. He didn’t even dare to take a glance at her even though he could do it quickly.

“Do you wanna stay with me?”

“Wala ka bang girlfriend?”

“I’m single.”

“Wala namang magagalit?”

“Wala.”

“So, can I stay? Promise, one night lang. Bukas, uuwi rin ako.”

“You can stay.”

Valeska smiled. “Thank you, Rashid.”

She wasn’t familiar with the places in Metro Manila. She was born in France. When her father married another woman, she was forced to live in the Philippines with her mother. Doon na nagkagulo ang buhay niya dahil hindi na siya sinuportahan ng ama.

Valeska fell asleep right before they arrived at Rashid’s place. Nang magising siya, nakahiga na siya sa malambot na kama.

Hindi na nakapagtataka na nakatulog siya agad dahil madaling-araw palang ay bumiyahe na siya pa-Maynila. Maghapon siyang naghanda sa bachelor’s party. Nag-briefing din si Welina at tinuruan naman siya ng tamang sayaw nina Ava at Lora kaya pagod na pagod siya buong araw.

The dark walls, bed sheets, and even the carpeted floor were telling her that she was inside of a man’s bedroom. She could see the city lights from the glass wall.

She yawned and tried to remember everything. Bumalik ang iritasyon sa ginawang pag-iwan sa kanya ni Welina at ng dalawang kasamahan.

She couldn’t believe they left her without the money. What were they planning? Naniniwala siyang hindi scam si Welina dahil kilala ito ng ninang Daria niya. Baka may emergency lang kaya umalis bigla?

Bumukas ang isang pinto sa corner at iniluwa ang lalaking nawala saglit sa isipan niya.

He was drying his hair with a white towel, and at the same time, a small towel was dangerously wrapping around his torso. Despite the dim lights, she could still see how impressive his body was.

His shoulders and chest are broad. His stomach is ripped. And the muscles on his arms were protruding every time he moved them. Also, there are some tattoos on his body that are hard to ignore. Especially the one on the side of his stomach—it was like a gun surrounded by flame.

“You’re awake.”

Napaigtad siya sa boses nito. Valeska blinked and composed herself.

“Y-yes. Can I use your bathroom?”

“Sure.”

Mabilis siyang tumayo at naglakad papasok sa banyo. She undressed herself until she was all naked and turned on the shower.

She needed to think clearly. She would be sleeping with Rashid, right? What would they do all night? Sleep? That’s bullshit!

He looked like a man who doesn’t sleep with a woman without having sex. The question is . . . could she do that? Give herself to him? For what? For a damn money?

She lived in France for fifteen years. It was liberated there, and she witnessed her friends having relationships. Kaya noong manirahan sa Pilipinas, hindi na big deal sa kanya ang pakikipag-boyfriend o pakikipaghalikan. She was used to it. The only thing is, she’s still intact. A damn virgin!

How old is she now, by the way? She’s twenty-three already. She’s of legal age. An adult. Even though her surroundings were about sex and drugs, she still made sure that she wouldn’t be involved with the illegal doings of her mother. Kaya kahit ang pakikipagtalik ay hindi niya naman talaga iniisip.

Not until she met Rashid a few hours ago!

Valeska suddenly thought about spending a night with him, without thinking about the consequences of her actions and decisions.

Nakapikit ang mga mata niya habang malalim at gulong-gulo ang isipan. She’s torn between backing out or being brave enough to do their deal.

Paano kung umatras siya? Paano ang pera na kailangan ng mommy niya? Pareho silang malalagay sa kapahamakan kung pati siya ay sasablay. Iniisip niya pa lang ang magiging kapalit kung hindi nakapagbayad sa tamang araw ang ina, halos masuka siya sa pandidiri.

Sa lahat, ang maging kabayaran sa utang ang ayaw niyang mangyari sa kanya. Kaya naman, buo na ang desisyon niya. She will sell her body to Rashid, have him pay her, then forget about him and what will happen between them that night. That’s her plan.

Valeska took a deep breath before she opened the door. She intentionally wrapped the white towel around her body without wearing anything underneath.

Nakuha niya agad ang atensiyon ni Rashid mula sa pagiging abala nito sa harap ng itim na MacBook. He was only wearing dark boxer shorts, revealing his impressive upper body and his muscled arms.

“I don’t have clean clothes and underwear anymore.”

Wala naman talaga siyang intensiyon na magpalipas ng gabi sa Maynila. Ang plano niya ay uuwi agad sa Pampanga pagkatapos ng bachelor’s party. Napurnada lang dahil tinakbuhan siya ni Welina.

“Can I borrow your shirt?”

Rashid stood up and walked toward the walk-in closet. Pagkabalik, may dala na itong itim na T-shirt.

His eyes dropped to her chest right before he got near her. Suplado itong nag-iwas ng tingin pagkatapos ibigay sa kanya ang damit.

Sinuot niya agad ’yon at ibinalik ang tuwalya sa bathroom. She checked herself in front of the mirror.

The shirt is black, but it didn’t hide the shadow of her breast and nipples because the fabric is thin. Talagang pantulog lang at mapresko sa katawan. The hem reached her butt. It was enough to cover her private part. Pero kung gagalaw siya, makikitaan siya.

Pinalakas niya ang loob at muling bumalik sa kama.

Rashid was sitting on a sofa near the bed. He was busy with that MacBook. Sinulyapan naman siya nito pero ibinalik din ang atensiyon sa screen.

She slowly walked near him. Her heart started to boom inside her chest, especially when he glanced at her again because he noticed that she was nearing him.

Napalunok siya. Hindi maintindihan kung kinakabahan ba o nati-thrill.

“Ano’ng ginagawa mo?” kaswal niyang tanong at naupo sa armrest ng sofa.

The side of her leg touched his hairy arm. Her skin is so soft that a touch of his arm tickles her.

“Work?” She even tried to read what was on the screen.

Yumukod pa siya nang bahagya kaya marahan siyang napahawak sa balikat nito para hindi siya sumubsob.

“If you’re seducing me, then it’s working,” he muttered with a smirk.

Valeska gulped when Rashid held her hand and then brought her to his lap.

“What is it that you want, huh?” His voice was raspy.

He angled his head to her neck while he was still holding her one hand pinned on her lap.

She was sitting above his lap in sideways. Her other hand remained on his shoulder.

“I need . . . money,” she shamelessly said.

He paused from smelling her neck. But he continued after a while.

“Tell me how much you need.”

How much that she needs? How much is her mother’s debt to that devil?

“Five hundred thousand.” She bit her lips when she felt him sensually suck the skin on her neck.

“Hmm . . .”

“But two hundred thousand is fine. If you can’t afford the—” She was cut off by his chuckle.

Papayag naman siguro na two hundred thousand muna ang ibabayad sa utang? Sa susunod na lang ’yong balance?

“I swear, after this, hindi na ako magpapakita sa ’yo. Hindi kita guguluhin,” aniya pa para talagang makumbinsi niya ito.

Tuluyan na itong huminto sa paghalik sa leeg niya at tiningnan siya sa mga mata.

“Paano kung gusto pa rin kitang makita pagkatapos ng gabing ’to?” May paghahamon sa tono nito.

“P-puwede naman.”

Wala naman sigurong masama kung magkita uli sila? Puwede rin ba silang maging magkaibigan?

“Kapag may maayos na akong trabaho, I can pay you back. If you could wait for that.”

“Where do you work?” He resumed kissing her neck and shoulder.

Valeska craned to give Rashid full access to her neck. She could already feel the coldness of the air-conditioner that caressed her thighs. At kung wala sa kandungan niya ang kamay niyang sinasakop ng malapad na palad nito, hindi siya makakaramdam ng init na tatabon sa lamig.

“I’m a graduating student. I have a part-time job in Pampanga. Sa club.”

“You work in a night club?”

“Yes. Sa front desk or cashier. Minsan I do hosting. Kapag may special event.”

“You are studying in Pampanga?”

“Y-yes.” She stuttered because he caressed her thighs.

His calloused palm made her shiver. Marahan ang haplos nito sa hita niya na nagpapasabik sa kanya sa di-maintindihan na damdamin.

“I have class tomorrow. T-tanghali pa naman kaya makakaabot pa ako.”

“Ihahatid kita,” napapaos na sambit nito habang mabagal na umaangat ang labi sa gilid ng labi niya.

“A-ayos lang kahit hindi mo na ako ihatid. Kaya ko namang umuwi mag-isa. Just drop me sa . . . Cubao? I think.”

“What will you do there?”

“Doon ang Terminal ng bus papunta sa Pampanga, di ba?”

He sighed, then stopped again from kissing her cheek. Ibinalik uli ang atensiyon sa mukha niya.

“You’re not gonna ride a bus.”

“Taxi is expensive, Rashid.”

His eyes dilated when she mentioned his name.

“I’ll drive you home.”

Valeska dramatically sighed. Mukhang hindi naman ito papatinag sa gustong mangyari kaya hinayaan niya na lang.

“Whatever you like.”

He stared at her for a moment before he continued to kiss her. And this time, he claimed her lips with his that made her shut her eyes.

It wasn’t her first kiss, but he kissed so well that she felt like she was drowning already. His lips moved slowly, but she could also feel the hunger from the way it glided against her soft lips.

“Mmm . . .” She softly wailed when she felt his fingers on her inner thighs, doing wonders on her femininity.

Napapaigtad siya sa sensasyon at napapayakap sa batok ng binata dahil unang beses na hinayaan niya ang sarili na magpakalunod sa makamundong pagnanasa. He moved fast, and he obviously knew what he was doing to please a woman.

“Ahh, Rashid . . .” malambing na tawag niya rito habang nilalasap ang paghimod ng daliri nito sa hiwa ng kanyang pagkababae. “R-Rashid . . . ohh, please . . .”

“You’re so wet.” He breathed on her ear, which made her knees tremble.

She only answered him with a soft moan.

“Let’s put you to bed.” He kissed her cheek. “I wanna lick you.”

Valeska was already drowned with what he was doing to her femininity. Kaya nang buhatin siya ni Rashid papunta sa kama at inihiga siya roon, nagpaubaya na siya.

CHAPTER TWO

Rashid positioned himself on top of her. His elbows were placed on both sides of her head to level his face on hers. Despite the lack of lights, she can see how his dark eyes were roaming around her face as if he’s memorizing every corner of it.

Hindi niya ipagkakaila ang pag-iinit ng katawan niya dahil sa posisyon nila at pagdidikit ng kanilang mga balat.

She’s still wearing his shirt. His upper body is naked, making her feel his chest pressing against her breasts. Isa rin ’yon sa mga dahilan kung bakit ramdam niya ang pagkasabik.

Valeska needs to forget that night, what will happen between them, and of course, she needs to forget Rashid. This won’t continue because she doesn’t have a plan to see him again. That’s the truth.

She doesn’t want to be attached to him or to be friends with him. Dahil kung gano’n ang gagawin niya, hindi niya ito makakalimutan at kung anuman ang pagsasaluhan nila sa buong gabi na ’yon.

She only needs money from him, and that’s all.

Kinagat niya ang labi dahil napapaso sa titig ni Rashid sa kanya. If he was mesmerized, she couldn’t really tell. It made her cheeks heat because she was thinking that he was really memorizing her face so that he wouldn’t forget her.

Hinaplos niya ang magaspang na panga nito upang kahit papaano ay mawala ang buong atensiyon sa mukha niya.

“Am I that enchanting for you to stare like that?” She chuckled softly.

“I wanna get to know you.” His eyes are always dark and blank. It was hard for her to read his mind.

She could only know what he feels when his body reacts because of her. That’s why she would use that secret technique to read him.

“What do you wanna know?”

“Everything.”

Instead of creeping out because he seemed interested. She smiled in a seductive way.

She already mastered how to get men’s attention whenever she wanted to. That’s what her mother and Ninang Daria taught her. Kaya naman sa club na pinagtatrabahuhan, siya ang may pinakamalaking tip palagi dahil marunong siya ng tamang pag-uugali at diskarte para kumita pa lalo.

“Let’s talk about that some other time, please?” Then she caressed his lips with her thumb while staring back at him with a sexy smile.

When he opened his mouth and sucked her thumb. She gulped. Wala pa ay para nang umikot sa ligaya ang mga mata niya sa paraan ng pagsipsip nito sa daliri niya. Nakakapanghina at nakakaliyo ’yon.

He expertly slid his palm under her shirt, and it crawled up to her breast. His fingers found her nipple, which made her bite the inside of her cheek.

Hindi siya sigurado kung saan siya nadadala. Was it because of what he’s doing to her boobs? Was it because of the way he sucks her thumb? Or was it his eyes that were staring at her? That made her think about so many carnal images of them.

She is really amazed with herself because of her bravery at the moment. She will lose her virginity with a stranger. And yet she seemed to be enjoying every bit of their moment together.

Rashid claimed her lips again, which stopped her from imagining erotic graphic images of them. This is the real thing . . . those images weren’t imagination anymore . . . it is happening . . . it is coming true right now.

Valeska wasn’t naïve about physical touch with the opposite sex because she had been through that with her previous ex-boyfriends. Ang ipinagkaiba lang sa gabing ’yon, she allowed Rashid to touch her private parts. Na hindi niya kailanman ginawa sa mga dating karelasyon. Kaya rin hindi sila tumatagal.

The main reason why she didn’t allow herself to be involved in premarital sex was because she was terrified to have an unwanted pregnancy.

Life in the Philippines made her think about herself and her future. To have another human being who will depend on her wasn’t on the list of her priorities.

She needs to establish a strong foundation for herself. She needs to finish a degree. She needs to find a job that could provide her with financial stability. Bago niya isipin ang mag-asawa o magkaanak, iisipin niya muna ang kapakanan ng sarili bago ang iba.

Valeska got distracted from all her thoughts when Rashid’s lips traveled down her jaw, neck, then shoulder. His wet kisses on her skin made her ticklish.

His other hand found its way to the hem of her shirt, then he pulled it up until her boobs were revealed. Yumakap agad sa kanya ang lamig ng buong silid.

He moved her head up a bit so that he could fully remove the clothes covering her body. She was all naked in front of him, but she couldn’t feel any embarrassment even if it was her first time.

Mula sa mukha niya, bumaba ang madilim na mga mata nito sa kanyang malusog na dibdib.

She noticed how he gets distracted with her chest every time she’s in front of him. Palagi itong napapatingin sa parteng ’yon ng katawan niya.

She has full, round breasts. They aren’t that big, but they are bigger than the breast size of Filipinas. It’s given because she has foreign blood. Hindi rin malaswa ang laki ng dibdib niya pero pansinin talaga ’yon.

Rashid is in between her legs. He parted it more before his head went down to the valley of her breasts.

Sinundan niya ang ginagawa nitong paghalik sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya at hindi niya mapigilan ang mababaw na pagdaing. She’s watching him planting a feathery kiss on the skin of her chest while his one hand caresses her thighs.

“Aahh . . .” She bit her lower lip when she felt his hot mouth claim her nipple.

Valeska wasn’t ready for the sensation. Pakiramdam niya ay mas naging sensitibo ang kanyang balat. The way he sucks her nipple is making her heart race. Nagtaas-baba ang dibdib niya na para bang gusto niya pang dagdagan ang init na nararamdaman.

Hinaplos niya ang matigas na balikat nito sa paraan na ipinararamdam dito na naliligayahan siya. Even her moans were a sign that she’s enjoying the pleasure.

He would roll his hot tongue around her nipple, then he would suck it. Paulit-ulit nitong ginawa ’yon sa magkabilang ut*ng niya kaya ang ungol sa labi niya ay umaalpas talaga.

“Umm . . . Rashid . . . mmm . . .”

His fingers found her wet flesh. Ikinalat nito ang likido pagkatapos ay hinimod-himod ang hiwa ng pagkababae niya na talagang nagpaawang sa labi niya at nagpaangat ng kanyang balakang.

“Oohhh . . . m-my . . . aah, Rashid . . . p-please . . .”

Para siyang napapaso sa nakakaliyong sensasyon. Maging ang kanyang mga hita ay agad na nanginig.

Her moans echoed in his bedroom. At sa tuwing lumalakas ang ungol niya, mas binabagalan nito ang paghimod upang maramdaman niya talaga ang daliri nito sa kanyang pagkababae.

Rashid continued to suck her nipples like a thirsty beast while his fingers were rubbing her womanhood. Her mind was going somewhere, and her body was burning . . . little by little.

She reached for his jaw and caressed him there. The growing stubbles there tickle her soft palm.

When he finished with her breasts, his lips traveled down her flat stomach.

Valeska kinda knew what he was about to do. She watched that on some porn films! At kahit pa may ideya na siya, nanginig pa rin siya sa antipasyon.

“Wider,” he commanded in a husky tone.

Her legs are already spread apart, but he wanted it wider. Nasa puson niya na ang mapanuksong labi ni Rashid habang hinihintay siyang gawin ang sinabi nito bago magpatuloy.

“T-this?” She tried to open her legs more.

Pakiramdam niya nga ay ayos na ’yon. He has a wide, impressive build. Kaya kailangan talaga ng tamang puwesto para sa susunod na gagawin.

Kinuha nito ang isang binti niya at ipinatong sa balikat. Habang ang isa ay medyo inilayo pa para bukang-buka.

As he angled his head towards her inner thighs, she gripped the sheet beside her. Para bang naroon nakasalalay ang buhay niya.

Halos dumugo ang kanyang labi sa pagkagat niya nang maramdaman ang mainit na dila ng binata na lumapat sa kanyang pagkababae.

He didn’t move yet. Ipinahinga nito ang dila roon na animo’y sinasanay siya. But she’s so hot already that she wants him to keep going.

“Rashid . . .” paungol na sambit niya at iginalaw ang balakang.

When he slowly moved his tongue, her moans continued.

Mabagal lang ang dila nito, ngunit may diin ’yon. He licked her in a slow and gentle way like he was tasting her until he got used to it.

She can see how his head moves with every flick of his tongue. He slid his palms in between her thighs until they reached her boobs.

Ang kaninang mabagal na galaw nito ay unti-unting bumilis. Kaya naman ang ungol niya ay lumakas din nang lumakas.

“Oohh, Rashid . . . oohhh . . .”

His aggressive tongue is magical, but at the same time, it feels like punishing her. Hindi ito humihinto kahit pa naramdaman na ang panginginig ng mga hita niya dahil sa sarap.

Napakapit siya sa matigas na braso nitong nasa dibdib niya nang tila hindi niya na kinakaya ang ligaya. Lalo na noong ibigay nito ang atensiyon sa pinakasensitibong parte ng pagkababae niya.

“Aahh! Rashid! T-that’s so . . . mmm . . . so good . . .”

He sucks her cl*t hard as if he gets something from it. Hindi nito iyon tinigilan na halos maramdaman niya na na namimintig na ’yon.

He pinned her down so she wouldn’t get wild in bed. Dahil sa totoo lang, para siyang mawawala sa ulirat dahil sa ginagawa nitong matinding pagsipsip sa parteng ’yon.

“Oohh, fuck! Oh . . . my—Rashid . . . aahh, I’m g-gonna . . . I’m gonna pee!”

He heartlessly sucked her sensitive bud until she squirted on his mouth.

Halos yakapin niya ang mga braso nito upang ’wag lang tuluyang mawala sa sarili. Taas-baba rin ang dibdib niya at malakas ang tibok ng puso.

She let out another soft moan when she felt the tip of his tongue on her entrance. He’s tasting her remaining juice.

“’Tang ina . . .” he cursed erotically. It sounded like a melody to her ears.

“Come . . . c-come here.” She weakly reached for his head.

Pinatakan nito ng halik ang pagkababae niya bago umakyat papunta sa kanya. Nanindig ang mga balahibo niya sa ginawa nito.

The smirk on his lips told her how satisfied he was.

Valeska felt vulnerable that she needed a damn hug.

Kaya naman mabilis niya itong niyakap para lang mapunan ang nararamdaman niyang ’yon.

Rashid gave her time to hug him even though he also needs his own time for his release. His erection is poking her inner thighs already.

“T-that was mind-blowing.” The softness of her voice almost made her wince. It was very womanly, like she had never heard before.

He got something from the drawer at the side table before he properly kneeled in between her thighs. She’s just lying in there, watching his every move.

He tore the silver plastic wrap of a condom using his teeth in a manly way. Then he expertly put it on his hard shaft. The way his hands and arms moved was so virile. He looked so hot in front of her that she could imagine them fucking again and again.

Rashid then pulled her legs until her butt reached the edge of the bed. He grabbed her legs and brought them to his shoulders while he was standing on the floor.

Valeska gasped when he pointed his hard tip at her entrance. He’s poking her there, teasing her, and trying to get in.

Pumikit siya at naghintay na makapasok ito sa loob niya.

They said the first sex is painful. She anticipated the pain. It would fade eventually, and she would get used to him. That’s what she knows about sex.

“When was the last time you had sex?” His voice was deep and dark.

Naguluhan siya nang bahagya kaya napamulat. Bilang sagot ay umiling siya.

Rashid did another thrust, but he couldn’t enter her. And he did another hard thrust that she felt the pain. His tip entered, but he paused. Then she heard him curse. He probably realized that she was a virgin!

It suddenly scared her because he might stop it. He shouldn’t! She needs him! She needs his damn money!

“You’re a virgin,” he muttered hoarsely.

Nang bumitaw ang isang kamay nito sa binti niya, para siyang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig. Akala niya ay ititigil nito ang ginagawa nila. Ngunit nagkamali siya.

She saw him remove his condom and resumed claiming her.

Muli siyang nabuhayan ng loob at naghintay uli ng panibagong hapdi. At hindi nga siya binigo ni Rashid. In one swift, hard thrust, he fully entered her. He broke her hymen. The pain continued to invade her femininity. Every corner of it feels like tearing apart.

Valeska gasped and covered her mouth to stop her sob. Nangilid ang luha sa mga mata niya ngunit hindi niya iyon ipakikita rito. It was just a one-time pain. Huhupa rin ’yon at gagaling kalaunan. She needs to embrace the pain because she would get benefit from it.

Rashid didn’t move, though. He’s giving her time to get used to his size. Or maybe he knew she was in pain, so he chose to stop for a moment for her to recover.

After a long while, she moved his hips to let him know that she’s ready. She’s ready to accept the pain.

He pumped gently at first. Sinasanay pa rin siya nito upang hindi siya mabigla. May hapdi siyang nararamdaman pero ipinagsawalang-bahala niya ’yon. She wants that night to end and never look back the next day.

Naririnig niya na ang mga ungol niya nang unti-unting humupa ang hapdi ng pagkababae niya. Napalitan ’yon ng matinding kaluguran na hindi niya akalaing mararamdaman niya sa buong buhay niya.

“Aahh! Aahh! Ahhh!”

Her sexy moans filled his bedroom again. While he’s pumping hard inside her, she’s massaging her breasts with her palms.

Rashid parted her legs in the air to give himself the right position to fully and deeply devour her femininity. She arranged her legs in a V shape, positioning them on both sides. It also gives both of them a view of each other.

His deep-hooded, dark eyes were flaming with so much desire, which surely mirrored hers. The yearning to have each other is extreme and irresistible. When the fire between them ignited, she knew that it could burn her. Ngunit hahayaan niya ang sarili na matupok ng mapang-angkin na apoy kasama ito sa isang paraisong siguradong babalik-balikan niya.

“Oohh . . . ooohhh . . .”

Her boobs are bouncing sexily every time he thrusts hard and deep.

His chest is turning red all the way up to his neck. The veins on his forearms corded while holding her legs. His muscles on it flexed with his aggressive movements. Just watching him turns her on.

Tumingala ito, pumikit, at umawang ang labi, habang inaararo ang pagkababae niya.

Ang pagnanasang nararamdaman niya ay talagang nag-alab habang pinagmamasdan ito. Para bang sa isang saglit lang, hahayaan niya itong angkinin siya nang angkinin nang paulit-ulit.

“Ahh! Rashid! Ahh! Ahh! Rashid!” Sa bawat ungol niya ng pangalan nito ay parang hawak nito ang buhay niya.

The bed is moving with them. The pillows were everywhere. The sheets have become crumpled. Their moans, heavy breathing, and groans were like her favorite melody.

Ang bawat marahas na pagdulas ng pagkalalaki nito sa loob ng pagkababae niya ay siyang nagpadala sa kanya sa isang napakagandang paraiso na sila lamang dalawa ang nakakaalam.

Valeska can feel the heat on her lower abdomen. The way Rashid thrusts deeply and rapidly, she knows that they are both at the edge of their destination.

“Oohh! Oohh! Rashid! I’m . . . ahhh!” Her long moan echoed in her ears before she felt her legs shake.

She came first before she felt him release his shaft and spread his hot semen above her flat stomach.

CHAPTER THREE

The original plan was, after Rashid gave her the money, she would leave him and go back to Pampanga. She would continue with her life and forget about him. Simple as that.

But Valeska couldn’t just escape with Rashid around. The next morning, he woke up first before her. He was fresh from the shower when she caught him preparing breakfast in his dining area.

Even though she’s still very sore, she needs to get up and face the problems of her reality.

What happened between them last night was like her escape. It was a wild, steamy, and once-in-a-lifetime moment. Kahit na sabihin pa niyang kakalimutan niya ang namagitan sa kanilang dalawa, alam niyang mahihirapan siyang gawin ’yon. But she’s hoping that she will forget eventually.

Rashid wasn’t gentle. He fucked her the way he probably fucked his women. It didn’t happen once. It happened like thrice. The last round was this early morning. Kaya naman naging mahimbing ang tulog niya dahil pagod siya.

“Morning,” she greeted first.

He glanced at her before he sipped on his black coffee.

“Eat.” He motioned her to the chair in front of him.

His condo unit is huge compared to a normal size. It wasn’t a penthouse type, but it has at least three to four doors in different areas.

Before she took the chair, she saw the check above the island counter near her.

He’s really gonna pay her for spending a night with him. It only showed that he’s true to his word. He won’t break the deal.

Valeska ignored the bitter feeling inside her chest with the fact that she was like Rashid’s whore. He pays her for a one-night sex. After that, he would forget her. And she must do the same!

She started eating casually. She doesn’t have any topics for them to talk about. Kung mayroon man siyang gustong pag-usapan, iyon ay ang cheque na nakita niya.

Her ninang Daria texted her last night. He couldn’t contact Welina. Sa text message pa lang nito, alam niyang nanggagagalaiti na sa galit. Hindi niya pa ipinapaalam dito na makakakuha siya ng mahalagang pera.

If there’s a person that she can trust, it’s her ninang Daria. Mas pinagkakatiwalaan niya pa ito kaysa sa sarili niyang ina.

“I prepared a blank check for you. Write down any amount you need.”

“Any amount?”

“What happened last night was priceless to me. I don’t know to you.”

Napasimsim siya nang wala sa oras dahil sa sinabi ng kaharap.

His stoic face in the morning is noticeable than when it’s dark.

His clean, slick-back military fade haircut made him look honorable but also dangerous. His aura is very intimidating. The reason why she was asking herself: how did she manage to spend a night with him when he doesn’t look inviting and approachable? He’s the kind of man she would ignore or avoid when she saw him in a different situation.

His olive complexion is very Mediterranean. She’s not fond of a man having a white or lighter skin color, though. It attracted her most when they were brown, tanned, or even darker shades. So, yes, she admitted, she’s attracted to Rashid’s coloring. It complemented her fair, warm skin tone.

Kahit ang mga ugat nito sa braso pababa sa likod ng palad ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng damdamin na hindi niya naman naramdaman sa iba niyang naging karelasyon.

Bagamat tila delikado o marahas ang pisikal na anyo ng lalaki sa harap niya, wala namang takot sa dibdib niya. Instead, despite being strangers to each other, he didn’t have any idea that he made her feel like she was protected and safe with him.

Nasasabi niya lang siguro ’yon dahil sa perang ibibigay nito? Because that money could save her and her mother from danger. That’s why she felt safe already? Her problem is solved because of him.

“Thank you,” she muttered sincerely when she realized how big his help was for her being away from any risk.

“Finish your food before we leave.”

Maganang kumain si Valeska. Gumaan ang pakiramdam niya dahil talagang alam niyang naresolbahan na ang problema niya dulot ng sariling ina.

Rashid gave her a paper bag after they ate. Inside of it was a pair of brand new underwear and a casual knitted dress. He said that his secretary bought it for her. Tama rin ang size ng mga ’yon.

This time, he uses a black Raptor. In the back seat is a black duffel bag.

“May lakad ka?” tanong niya nang makaalis sa basement.

“I will go to Zambales.”

“Oh, a weekend beach getaway?”

“No. I have a house there.”

Tumango-tango siya. Wala nang masabi.

Her smartphone vibrated for a text message. She opened it.

From: Ninang Daria

Talaga? That’s good news! Saan ka nakakuha ng pera?

She typed a reply.

To: Ninang Daria

Nakautang po ako kay Ivanka.

Kinagat niya ang pisngi sa pagsisinungaling. At para hindi siya paghinalaan, nag-text din siya sa kaibigan.

To: Ivanka

I have to tell you something. Call me when you’re not busy.

She has a couple of girlfriends that she met in a special place. They are four girls who can relate to each other. It was one of the reasons why their friendship became sisterhood.

From: Ninang Daria

’Wag na ’wag mong sasabihin sa mommy mo na nakautang ka sa kaibigan mo, Valeska. Alam mo naman ang mommy mo. User. Okay? Mag-ingat ka. ’Wag kang makikipag-usap diyan sa katabi mo sa bus at baka holdaper.

Ibinalik niya ang cellphone sa bag niya nang sulyapan siya ni Rashid habang nakahinto sa traffic lights.

“I texted my ninang and informed him—her—that I have the money.”

Even though Rashid doesn’t bother to ask what she will do with the money, she still told him. Para lang alam nito na hindi sa kung saan-saan lang napunta ang pera.

“My mother has a big debt . . . uh, kailangan niyang mabayaran. Kung hindi . . .” She couldn’t continue.

“Kung hindi? What?”

“Ang mahalaga, may pambayad na kami. Thanks to you.”

Rashid shook his head. Telling her that it wasn’t a big deal.

Really? Five hundred thousand was not a big deal to him? Was he that rich? Na ipinamimigay lang ang kalahating milyon sa babaeng nakasiping nito nang isang gabi?

Was that her price, though? Five hundred thousand for one night?

Valeska has learned to swallow her pride. She did that because she would rather not be in trouble like her mother. Di bale nang kay Rashid niya naibigay ang sarili, kaysa sa manyak na matandang pinagkakautangan ng ina.

They arrived in Pampanga before lunch. Ayaw niya na sanang ihatid siya ni Rashid sa bahay nila, pero mapilit ito.

They stopped at the guardhouse of the subdivision for Rashid’s ID. Nang makita ng guwardiya ang pagkakakilanlan ng kasama niya, kaagad itong naging sobrang magalang na kulang na lang ay ihatid ang sasakyan sa gate ng bahay nila.

“That guard is so sungit, eh! Ayaw niyang papasukin ang mga nanliligaw sa ’kin.” Di niya mapigilang sabihin.

Her father bought a house in an exclusive subdivision in Pampanga. Kahit malaki ang utang ng ina, hinding-hindi siya papayag na ibenta ang bahay na ’yon. It was from her father, and she would treasure it. Even though she used to hate him for abandoning her.

“He’s just doing his job.”

“But I know my visitors and suitors. He’s so sungit lang talaga.”

“No suitors for you. Finish your study first before having boyfriends.”

Valeska rolled her eyes. She suddenly felt like a teenager who’s being warned by an older brother.

“Excuse me? I’m not a kid for that kind of treatment, Rashid. I’m a grown woman.”

“Uh-huh,” he mocked.

“Turn right, there.” She pointed to the right direction. “And stop sa may mango tree. You will wait for me there.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He sounded like a military officer in some Hollywood war movie who talked to an ordinary woman in some random place.

“I don’t want my mother to see you. She has this strong instinct. Malalaman niya agad na sa ’yo galing ang pera. And she will use you. Okay? You wait here.”

Isang buntonghininga lang ni Rashid ang narinig niya bago niya ito iniwan sa sasakyan at naglakad sa kabilang kanto papunta sa bahay nila.

“Nandito na ang magaling mong anak, Amalia!” Iyon ang bungad sa kanya ng live-in partner ng ina. “Saan ka nagpalipas ng gabi? Sino ang kasama mo?”

Nilagpasan niya ito ngunit nahagip nito ang braso niya. Sa higpit ng hawak, animo’y babakat ang kamay nito sa balat niya.

“Kinakausap kita! Saan ka galing?! Sa boyfriend mo?!”

“Why do you care?! You are not my father! Get your hands off me!”

Pumalag siya para bitawan siya nito ngunit katulad ng palaging nangyayari, nasasaktan lang siya. He pulled her closer to him, but she was quick to cover her breast with her other hand so that it wouldn’t touch his body.

“Lumalandi ka na! Dapat ay ikinukulong ka dito sa bahay para hindi ka na makipagkita sa boyfriend mo!” Tapos ay kinaladkad siya nito papunta sa isang silid ngunit nagpumiglas siya at sumigaw.

“Mommy! Mommy! Where are you?! Stop! Asshole!”

Rodolfo tried hard to get her inside that laundry room, but she kicked his balls, making his grips loosen up a bit.

“Putang ina ka! Humanda ka sa ’kin!” Then he slapped her face. Namanhid ang pisngi niya at halos mahilo.

“Ano’ng nangyayari dito?! Rodolfo? Nasaan ka?! Dumating na ba si Valeska?!”

“Mom—” Rodolfo covered her mouth with his dirty hand.

“Subukan mo lang magsumbong. Tatamaan ka talaga sa ’kin—ahh! ’Tang ina!” sigaw nito nang kagatin niya ang kamay at tumakbo.

“Rodolfo! Anong—Valeska! Nandito ka na pala! Nasaan ang pera?”

Kabadong-kabado siya at hindi makapag-isip nang maayos. She panicked like what happened every time Rodolfo hurt her or tried to put her in a room.

“’Yang anak mo! Lumalaban na! Nagtatanong lang ako kung saan galing at bigla akong—”

“Tumahimik ka, Rodolfo!” sigaw ng ina niya at lumapit sa kanya. “Valeska, anak, nasaan na ang pera?”

“M-mom, h-he tried to—”

Nakita niya ang mabilis na paglalakad ni Rodolfo papunta sa kanya na para bang sasaktan uli siya. Sa takot na tuluyan siya nitong ikulong sa isang silid, nanginginig ang mga tuhod na tumakbo siya palabas ng bahay nila.

Valeska’s body was shaking. She doesn’t even know where to go or what to do. She just runs and runs until a warm hand holds her arm to stop her.

She got so alarmed with the thought that Rodolfo found her. Sumigaw siya at pilit na kumawala rito.

“Oh, fuck!” He heard a curse. “The fuck is happening with you—hey, hey . . .”

A warm embrace enveloped her body that could melt her.

Itinulak niya ito at tiningnan. Ngunit nang makita kung sino ang nasa harap niya, parang bumuhos ang lahat ng emosyon niya.

“R-Rashid? R-Rashid!” Mangiyak-ngiyak siya.

Pero bago pa tuluyang talunin ng damdamin. Mabilis niyang hinawakan ang kamay nito at nagmamadali na nagpunta sa Raptor na nakita niya.

Nang nasa loob na sila ng sasakyan, hindi pa rin siya mapakali.

“U-umalis na tayo, please. Please,” pagmamakaawa niya at hindi na napapansin ang panginginig ng mga kamay at labi.

Rashid stared at her sharply and darkly before she heard the roar of the engine.

“You’re shaking,” he muttered coldly.

Nakita niya ang mga kamay sa kandungan na sobra ang panginginig.

Nagpatuloy ito sa pagmamaneho hanggang sa makalayo sila sa subdivision. But he won’t let what happened slide just like that. Itinabi nito ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada at tinanggal ang seat belt.

When he covered her shaky, cold hands with his, she realized how much she needs that warmth from him.

Napatingin siya sa may likod nila. Nag-aalala na baka nasundan siya ni Rodolfo at kukunin siya.

“A-ayoko rito. G-gusto ko sa malayo.”

When he didn’t move and just stared at her, she begged.

“Please, Rashid. Ayoko rito. U-umalis na tayo. ’W-wag dito.”

Despite being in a panic state, she still noticed how his eyes dilated with anger when he saw her lips.

“What happened to your lips?” He was looking at them as if there was an invisible enemy there who he wanted to kill.

She licked her lips and tasted the blood on the side.

“And this.” He gently caressed her one arm, which made her flinch because it hurt.

Nang makita niya ay pulang-pula ’yon at may bagong mga gasgas. Marahil ay tumama siya sa kung saan kanina habang kumakawala sa kamay ni Rodolfo.

“I won’t let this pass, Valeska.”

Napalunok siya. Hindi na kayang magbanggit pa ng mga salita at piniling manahimik.

Ang panganib sa mga mata nito ay tahimik na nagbabaga habang gumagapang ang tingin sa buong katawan niya na tila ba naghahanap ng bakas doon ng pang-aapi o pananakit sa kanya.

Valeska blinked to stop her tears when she felt how he easily discovered what was happening to her without her telling him.

Nagpatuloy ito sa pagmamaneho. Buong biyahe ay tahimik silang pareho. Ni hindi sila huminto para kumain ng lunch. Wala siyang gana at hindi naman siya nito pinilit pa.

He parked the Raptor in front of a private hilltop house that views the mountains.

“Sir Rashid!” A girl in her early twenties came out from the main door.

Bumaba si Rashid sa sasakyan, at bago siya nito pagbuksan, naunahan niya na.

Napahinto ang babae nang makita siya. Nawala ang ngiti sa labi nito.

“Olga, this is Valeska.” Rashid introduced her using his usual cold tone.

“Magandang hapon, ma’am.”

“Magandang hapon din,” balik na bati niya kahit hindi pa maganda ang pakiramdam.

“Nagluluto na si Inay ng hapunan, Sir Rashid. Gusto n’yo ba ng maiinom?”

“Do you want something to drink?” he asked her and held her hand.

Sinundan ni Olga ng tingin ang kamay ni Rashid.

“Black coffee.”

“Ikaw, sir?”

“Same.”

Nagpahila siya kay Rashid na para bang alam nitong wala siyang lakas. Ipinakilala rin siya sa nanay ni Olga na siyang caretaker sa magandang bahay na ’yon. Aalis din daw ang mga ito pagkatapos ng hapunan.

He brought her to the master bedroom. The view from the balcony is greenery and mountains. The place is peaceful, and it reminded her of a special place that she knows.

“Olga will bring your clothes here. I’m gonna take a shower.”

Luckily, Rashid’s secretary bought her a couple of pairs of undies, blouses, shorts, and dresses. Nasa backseat ng sasakyan ’yon at hindi niya nadala nang umuwi siya sa kanila.

Ang katok sa may pinto ang nagpatayo sa kanya sa upuan sa balkonahe. Binuksan niya ’yon at nakita si Olga na may dalang isang tray. May dalawang tasa ng kape at cookies.

Dere-deretso ito sa balkonahe na halatang sanay na sanay na roon.

“Salamat.”

“May kailangan ka pa?” Medyo mataray ang dating ng tono nito.

“I need my clothes. Pero ako na ang kukuha sa sasakyan—”

“Ako na.” Tapos ay tinalikuran siya.

Valeska enjoys her coffee that helped her calm her senses. Nang marinig niya ang pagbukas ng pinto ng bathroom, hudyat na lumabas si Rashid. Napalingon siya.

Muntik siyang masamid nang makitang maliit na tuwalya lang ang nakatapis sa ibabang bahagi ng katawan nito. He wasn’t erect, but the shadow of his private part is very obvious.

Napapalunok siya. Parang hindi makapaniwala na ito ang nakauna sa kanya. Hindi naman ’yon big deal. Sadyang distracted lang siya sa nakikita.

When she heard a knock, she quickly stood up.

“Ako na!” awat niya kay Rashid nang papunta sana ito sa pinto upang buksan.

He raised his eyebrow when she held his arm.

“Go back inside,” turo niya sa bathroom. “You can’t just open the door with that towel . . .” She leered at the towel and his bulge.

Itinaas nito ang isang kamay bilang simbolo ng pagsuko at pagsunod sa gusto niyang mangyari. She waited for him until she was inside the bathroom before she opened the door.

Call her rude, but she didn’t let Olga go inside. Kinuha niya lang ang mga paper bag, nagpasalamat, at isinara na ang pinto.

She doesn’t like how Olga treated her. It’s not very welcoming.

Rashid was already wearing a white cotton shirt and grey sweatpants when he came out from the bathroom.

Her eyes couldn’t stop from scanning his body, and she would pause in between his legs.

“Eyes up, baby,” he said in a light tone.

Her face heated when she realized that he caught her staring at that part of him. Dahil naka-isang linya ang labi nito habang mariin ang titig sa kanya.

“You’re still sore, right?”

She nods her head because it’s true. Hindi niya lang iniinda dahil kaya niya namang tiisin.

“Then stop your naughty stares. It made me think that you want me to fuck you again.”

He walked near her until they were inches away. He lifted her chin using his forefinger. His eyes found her lips, but he wasn’t pleased to see it. Instead, the darkness of his stares could make people shiver.

“We still need to talk.”

“I don’t w-wanna talk.”

“You will tell me what happened, or I will find out myself.”

She placed her palms on his chest. “I’m tired and hungry. Can we just eat?” She smiled sweetly at him.

He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. His shower gel and minty breath filled her nose.

When he angled his head, she parted her lips and waited for a kiss.

Rashid didn’t fail her. He claimed her lips for a feverish kiss that made her smile. When he opened up her lips with his to have an access inside her mouth, she allowed him and gave in with his kisses.

CHAPTER FOUR

Valeska found herself leaning against the wall, moaning, while Rashid was kneeling in front of her. He’s licking her femininity sensually and gently. Kakaumpisa pa lang nila pero basang-basa na agad siya.

The hem of her dress is on her waist. Her underwear is on her feet. Hinawakan niya ang ulo ng binata at minasahe ang buhok nito. Animo’y nahihibang na at ayaw nang magpaawat pa.

“Rub it,” he demanded huskily.

He stuck out his tongue and waited for her to rub herself against it. He’s looking up at her with an obvious lust in his eyes while she was rubbing her flesh on his tongue. The view is very erotic. Nakakapang-init. Nakakapaso ang bawat sandali.

Kitang-kita niya sa mga mata nito ang nag-aalab na pagnanasa na alam niyang sumasalin sa kanya. They are both aware of what they feel, and they don’t stop themselves from giving what they want.

Isinasayaw niya ang balakang sa senswal na paraan upang mas madama ang sarap at kiliti na bumubuhay sa bawat himaymay ng kanyang mga ugat.

Napapawi ng kaluguran ang kanina lang ay bumabagabag sa kanya. All her problems and worries suddenly disappeared. Her mind and body were clouded by pleasure. It seemed like there was no room for negativity. All that she wants to feel at the moment is satisfaction, rapture, and comfort. That’s all she needs, and Rashid was giving her that.

“Mmm . . . ahhh . . . ahh . . .” She tried hard to lower down her moan despite the intensity of the way he licked and suckled her cl*toris.

She grips on his hair and buries his tongue on her inner thighs when she feels that she is close to reaching her climax.

Valeska lost her energy, and her knees trembled when she moved. Kung hindi siya inalalayan ni Rashid, matutumba talaga siya.

She’s sitting at the edge of the bed, and he’s standing in front of her. Nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa pagkalalaki nito, parang nanuyo ang lalamunan niya dahil sa matinding pagkakaumbok doon. He’s very erect again, and she can imagine how his hard member looks under his sweatpants.

She reached for it with her palm. It flinched at her touch. It showed how sensitive it was. Kahit pa galit na galit na ’yon.

When she heard the knock on the door, her eyebrows furrowed.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin kay Rashid na naabutan niyang sobrang namumungay na ang mga mata at animo’y naghihintay lang sa gagawin niya upang paluguran ito.

She couldn’t stop just because Olga knocked on the door. She couldn’t just abandon him while having a massive boner.

“Sir Rashid, Ma’am Valeska, handa na ang hapunan.” Boses iyon ni Olga.

“We will be there in five minutes or so!” She raised her voice a bit for Olga to hear her.

Nakangiti na ibinalik niya ang tingin kay Rashid.

“I’ll have my appetizer here first.” Then she winked at him.

The smirk on his lips boosted her confidence for some reason. Para sa kanya, nagustuhan nito ang sinabi niya. He’s impressed and amused at the same time.

“Are you sure you wanna do this . . .” It wasn’t even a question. He’s just making sure that she can.

“I know how to do this. I’ve watched this in porn videos.”

“You’ve watched . . . what?”

“You heard me. I don’t wanna say it again.”

She reached for the garter of his sweatpants and removed it down. Her eyes widened when his hard member almost slapped her lips when she freed it.

There’s a pre-cum on his tip that is waiting to be licked. The veins on his shaft are making her gulp. His size is very impressive, that’s all she can say.

Medyo nasindak siya dahil unang beses niya pa lang makakita ng ari ng lalaki sa personal. Madalas ay sa adult videos sa Internet lang siya nakakakita.

Valeska tried to remember what she watched before when an adult actress gave a blow job to the man. At first, she licked it. And that’s what she did to Rashid.

He groaned when her tongue touched his tip.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin dito at inulit ang ginawa niyang pagdila sa ulo ng pagkalalaki nito sa senswal na paraan. Katulad ng napanood niya.

His jaw was clenching, and his eyes were pitch black, but they were also burning with nothing but pure lust. She likes seeing him like this—controlled. Hindi kaagad binibitawan ang emosyon kahit pa nalulugod na.

She paused for a brief moment when he pulled up his shirt from his nape. That was very, very sexy, and every woman would drool at that sight.

She got distracted, but she quickly recovered from it. Dapat ay mas ito ang ma-distract at hindi siya. She needs to give her best so he will constantly look for her. He would always want to see her.

But wait, that wasn’t part of her plan!

Valeska did another lick on his tip to distract herself from thinking. And when he carefully grabbed her hair from her nape and guided her to what he wanted her to do, she let him.

“Suck it,” he commanded, and it made her feel like she was submissive.

She doesn’t like to be submissive. She had her own way to please him. Hindi nito kailangan na turuan pa siya. Unless she asked for it.

Valeska found his balls and massaged both of them with her one hand. Her other hand is doing a job on his shaft.

Rashid was patient, though. He was watching her do her own thing without being asked. Eventually, he let her do her job because that’s what she made him feel.

She opened her mouth and slowly claimed his hard member with her own will. Kahit na kalahati pa lang nito ang nasa loob ng bibig niya, para na siyang mabibilaukan.

Hindi siya puwedeng huminto. She will please him the way he does to her. He won’t stop until she reaches her climax. That’s what she will do to him. She wants to be fair.

His heavy breathing and the way he grips on her hair told her that she’s doing a good job. Kaya naman mas ipinasok niya pa ang matigas na pagkalalaki nito sa bibig niya hanggang sa tila makalabit ng dulo ang lalamunan niya.

“’Tang ina,” he cursed hotly.

Valeska was choking herself with Rashid’s hard-like-a-steel manhood. That’s the consequence of her aggressiveness. She’s ready for that.

She sucked his shaft and twirled her tongue around it. He kept on breathing hard and murmuring a curse while she’s taking all of him inside her mouth.

It wasn’t easy, but the satisfaction of the fact that he was pleased was something that made her powerful. Gusto niya ang gano’ng pakiramdam. Kakaiba ang ligayang hatid n’on sa kanya.

“Valeska.” His warning tone was a sign that he would go crazy if she continued sucking his cock.

Paulit-ulit na inilabas-pasok niya ang nag-uumigting na ari nito sa bibig niya. Pagkatapos ay isasagad hanggang sa lalamunan niya. Kahit pa naluluha na ang mga mata niya dahil nabubulunan na talaga.

“Oh, fuck!” It was a sharp curse as if he was at the edge.

She already knew what drove him insane. It was when the time came that she fully claimed his manhood that the tip almost reached her throat. Kaya gano’n uli ang ginawa niya.

That’s when his throbbing shaft flinched inside her mouth. At doon niya rin naramdaman ang mainit na likidong pumuno sa bibig niya.

His strong legs shook a bit because of the intensity of his orgasm. He released himself even though his semen was still flowing. The reason why some amount of it dropped on her lips.

He looked so vulnerable. Namumungay pa rin ang mga mata at nakaawang ang labi. He’s looking at her face, then to her lips.

Without breaking their eye contact, she licked her lips where she tasted him. He’s satisfied and contented by the way he smirked.

She’s very pleased to know that she can give him pleasure. The power that she holds right now is priceless.

They spent the night on the balcony. Naiwan si Olga dahil ito raw ang magluluto ng almusal nila. She will be sleeping in the maid’s room downstairs.

“I don’t have contact with my father. Hindi na rin ako umaasa na kukunin niya uli ako.”

Rashid is having a beer while she’s sipping on her red wine.

Umilaw ang cellphone niya at nakita sa screen ang text message ng kaibigan.

From: Ivanka

What is it? Can I call?

Napatingin siya kay Rashid. Gusto niyang makausap si Ivanka pero ayaw niyang putulin ang usapan nila ng binata.

“I’ll just reply to my friend.”

He didn’t say anything.

She typed in.

To: Ivanka

Can we talk tomorrow instead?

From: Ivanka

Sure. I have so many things to tell you, babe. Let’s catch up soon.

Binuksan niya ang ibang mensahe na galing sa ninang Daria niya.

From: Ninang Daria

Inaanak, nag-aalala na ako sa ’yo. Nasan ka ba? Bakit bigla kang umalis? Pinag-initan ka na naman ba ni Rodolfo? Tarantado talaga ’yang jowa ni Amalia! Isusuplong ko na talaga ’yan sa mga pulis! Mag-text ka kung ayos ka lang, Valeska, para makatulog ako nang mahimbing.

From: Mom

Anak! Where are you? Akala ko ba may pera na? Pinaglololoko mo lang yata ako. Gusto mo yatang pareho tayong madisgrasya. Mag-text ka o hihintayin mo akong mahanap kita! ’Wag mo akong ginagalit Valeska Leigh!

From: Mom

I told you, ha! I need the money. Alam kong nakakaintindi ka ng Tagalog. Binigyan ako ng isa pang linggo ng hinayupak na kumpare ni Rodolfo. Kapag hindi pa ako nakabayad, baka matagpuan mo na lang akong patay. Ayaw mo naman sigurong mawalan ng nanay. Umuwi ka na. Mag-uusap tayo nang masinsinan.

From: Mom

Bakit hindi mo sinasagot ang mga tawag ko!? Totoo ba ang sinabi ni Rodolfo na may boyfriend ka na? Sino?! Ipakilala mo sa akin ’yan at huwag mong itago! Sa kanya ka ba natulog? Ibinigay mo na ang sarili mo? Humanda ka talaga sa ’kin, Valeska. Makikita mo! Ikukulong na naman kita!

Her fingers were shaking while reading her mother’s text messages. Her threats are terrifying. Kahit hindi niya na masyadong maintindihan ang iba, alam niyang puwedeng gawin uli sa kanya ng ina ang mga sinasabi.

“Are you okay?” Rashid’s voice was like a shield that protected and stopped the negativity from invading her again.

Mabilis na inilapag niya ang cellphone sa lamesa at umiling. Pinilit niyang ngumiti para ipakita rito na ayos lang naman siya kahit pa pati ang labi niya ay nanginginig na.

“Who was it?” His head motioned to her cellphone.

“My m-mom.”

“Why are you scared?”

Napatitig siya rito nang wala sa oras.

He’s really reading her. Her actions and movements. O baka sadyang sobrang halata lang ang sobrang kaba niya kaya gano’n?

“Did you give her the cheque?”

Valeska shook her head. Paano niya ibibigay kung si Rodolfo ang naabutan niya? At wala na siyang oras na ibigay sa ina dahil natakot na siyang ikulong uli!

“I’ll give it to my ninang Daria na lang.”

“Why not give it to your mom?”

Umiling siya. “I don’t wanna see her.”

“Did she do something to you?”

“W-wala naman.”

“Why were you running from home then?” he asked casually. It sounded like whether she answers or not, it doesn’t matter to him. He wouldn’t force her. He wouldn’t judge her.

“Her live-in partner was there . . .”

“Then?”

Tiningnan niya si Rashid. He looked like he doesn’t give a damn. He was just asking for them to have a topic. Kaya tuloy kahit sensitibo ang pinag-uusapan nila, medyo magaan sa kanya na magkuwento.

“He l-lives with us and always acted like he’s my biological father. He’s very strict and . . .” Humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib. “. . . I don’t like him because he’s bad. He’s an addict.”

She looked at Rashid again to see his reaction, but there was none. He is comfortably sitting on the chair as if he’s just having a normal conversation with a friend.

Nagpatuloy siya dahil mabigat din sa dibdib niya na kinikimkim ang lahat.

“He taught my mother to use illegal drugs. Minsan, I caught them using it inside our house.”

“What did you do?”

Pinaglaruan niya ang mga daliri na naglalaban sa ibabaw ng kanyang kandungan.

“I told them that I will report them to the police, but . . .”

Valeska felt uncomfortable when the images of that day flashed in her mind.

“But you didn’t . . .” he continued.

She nodded her head. “Because my mom . . . uh, locked me up.”

Ngumiti siya upang ipaalam na ayos naman siya kaya lang ay napawi ang ngiti niya nang umigting ang panga nito.

“I’m f-fine.” She chuckled nervously. “Matagal na ’yon. I’ve moved on.”

Rashid sipped on his beer. Kung kanina sobrang kalmado nito, unti-unting natibag ’yon nang nabanggit niyang ikinulong siya ng ina.

“And your ninang Daria? Do you like how she—he treats you?”

Valeska nodded abruptly. “Ninang Daria is kind. He’s like a father-mother to me. He’s gay. He has a beauty salon, the Daria Bonita. Ninang always gave me a free hair treatment.”

Nang malaman ’yon ni Rashid, medyo kumalma ito.

“How ’bout your family? Do you have siblings?” she casually asked him.

“I have a sister.”

“Only two of you?”

“Yes.”

“You have a happy family.”

Rashid smiled lazily.

“Hindi happy?” usisa niya. “Where is your sister?”

“She’s happy living her life with her daughter.”

“You have pangkin na.”

“ Pamangkin ? Was that what you meant?“

Her cheeks heated. Tumango siya.

“I’m sorry. I’m not yet fluent in speaking Tagalog. But I do understand most of the words. Ayaw ng mommy ko na nagsasalita ako ng English kasi, uh, hindi niya ako maintindihan. Ako raw ang mag-adjust at hindi siya. So, yeah, I tried my best to learn Tagalog since I moved here.”

“You can always speak English when you’re with me. But, yes, you need to learn Tagalog also.”

“Sige. I’ll speak both languages.”

That night, they didn’t have activities in bed. Pareho silang mas nagpahinga hanggang sa makatulog. Kaya lang, kinabukasan, hindi maganda ang pakiramdam niya.

Her body is hot, which awakens Rashid. Pero siya, gustong ipagpatuloy ang mahimbing na tulog kahit pumapasok na ang liwanag sa kuwarto.

“You have a fever.” His voice was like a whisper to her cheek.

She’s sleeping on her side, and he’s behind her—checking her forehead and neck with the back of his hand.

“I’ll be fine. Let me sleep, please.”

He sighed. “Okay. But I’ll make you breakfast.”

She weakly nods her head and tries to sleep again. Hindi niya alam kung ilang oras pa siyang nakatulog. Nagising siya nang marinig ang tawa ni Olga sa kung saan.

“Na-miss kita, Rashid. Bagong girlfriend mo ba ang kasama mo?”

Valeska didn’t hear Rashid’s voice.

“Akala ko, bumalik ka dahil sa ’kin.”

Babangon sana siya upang hanapin ang boses ngunit hindi kaya ng katawan niya. Her whole body is sore. Nabigla siguro sa ginawa nila ni Rashid.

“She’s seductive. The kind of beauty that she has is fierce and sophisticated. Katulad ng mga tipo mo. Not angelic. But can she please you like I do?”

Pinilit ni Valeska na bumangon kahit pa nahihirapan. She’s curious about what she heard.

Where’s Olga? Where the hell is Rashid? Are they flirting behind her back? But why does she care?

“Rashid!” She called him for the reason that she doesn’t know.

Walang Rashid na dumating kaya napilitan siyang lumabas sa silid. Sa hallway ay umi-echo ang tila ungol ng isang babae.

Valeska’s eyes widened with realization. Sinundan niya ang tunog na ’yon hanggang sa makalapit sa medyo nakabukas na pinto ng isa pang kuwarto.

There, she saw a naked Olga lying above the table, legs parted, and in between was Rashid—who is fucking her.

CHAPTER FIVE

When Valeska opened her eyes, Rashid’s handsome face welcomed her. Dahil sa sama ng loob, itinulak niya ang mukha nito. Mabigat ang dibdib niya sa huling scenario na nasaksihan niya.

“What the—” Then he let out an amusing short laugh.

“You!”

He distanced himself a bit. Itinaas ang dalawang kamay na para bang hindi lalaban sa kanya.

“You were growling. I had to wake you up—”

“Where were you?!”

“Oh, I cooked breakfast for you. Did you forget what I told?”

“You were with Olga! You were fucking her!”

His eyes widened in fraction. Then, a bark of laughter filled the room. He was astounded that he found her ridiculous.

“Was that your dream? What a nightmare, huh?”

Mariin siyang pumikit at sinikap na alalahanin kung totoo ba ang nakita niya o panaginip lang talaga. But it felt so real. The moans almost echoed in her ears. The images of them were so clear.

“Where is she?!”

“She left early.”

“Y-you two were not in a relationship?”

Rashid’s lips twisted in a smug way. Then he goes back from sitting at the space beside her.

“I don’t do relationships.”

“Fuck buddy?”

He rubbed his thick eyebrow with his finger. Tila ba hindi nito alam kung matatawa o makakaramdam ng disgusto.

“No.”

“Nothing is special between you and Olga?”

He lazily shook his head.

Matagal pa ang titigan nila bago siya nag-iwas ng tingin.

“Are we clear now?” He made sure they were.

“Maybe it was just a dream. Hmm.”

“Yeah, it was a bad dream. A nightmare.”

Tumango siya at naniwala na pangit na panaginip lang pala ’yong nasaksihan niya. Kahit na parang totoo talaga.

Valeska had to inform her professors about her absences. Mabuti na lang at hindi naman masyadong importante ang huling activities dahil na rin halos patapos na ang klase at nalalapit na ang graduation.

The things that worry her were her mother and Rodolfo. How can she go back home and deal with them if they treated her badly?

At saan naman siya makikituloy kung pipiliin niyang huwag umuwi sa kanila? Hindi puwede sa ninang Daria niya dahil madali lang siyang mahahanap ng ina.

Those were the things that clouded her mind and kept her awake. While Rashid is on the balcony in front of his MacBook, Valeska can’t stop her mind from thinking.

Napilitan siyang bumangon dahil hindi niya na maatim ang gumugulo sa isip niya. Rashid needs to go back to Manila tomorrow, and that was like a nightmare for her because she would be back home too.

She caught his attention right away. Tahimik siyang naupo sa katabing upuan nito. Pareho niya, nakikita niya rin kung ano ang nasa screen ng MacBook.

Those were moving rifles with descriptions. It looked like he was watching the launch of a new firearm.

He turned off his MacBook, then glanced at her.

“Aren’t you sleepy?”

Valeska sighed dramatically.

Paano niya ba uumpisahang sabihin ang nilalaman ng isip?

And why was she opening herself to him? Did he just earn her trust? Or probably she likes sharing personal matters with him because he’s still a stranger for her. She’s absentmindedly telling herself that he won’t judge her.

“Do you like . . . guns?” Her curiosity kicked in just like that.

“Yeah.”

“So, do you know how to shoot?”

“Uh-huh.”

A smile crept across her lips. He was catching her interest.

The thing is, she had been thinking about how she could protect herself from bad people. She wanted to learn even the basic self-defense. She needed that so much. Because she cannot trust those people around her.

“Can you . . . teach me?”

Rashid paused from sipping on his whisky. Marahan na inilapag nito ang baso sa lamesa na hindi man lang niya naringgan ng kahit kaunting kalansing. His move was precise, calm, and silent, like a tiger planning to attack his target.

“I . . . I already told you what kind of people I am dealing with at home. G-gusto kong protektahan ang sarili ko—uh, if ever they try to . . .” She couldn’t finish her words because the intensity of his stares was making her nervous.

“They try to what?”

She tried to avoid his gaze by looking at the glass of whisky. Kailangan niya yata ng dagdag lakas ng loob para masabi niya kay Rashid ang mga bumabagabag sa kanya.

He seemed to notice her uneasiness, so he grabbed the glass and gave it to her.

Napakurap siya at agad na tinanggap ’yon. She sipped the bitterness of the liquor until it flowed down her throat.

Ibinalik niya sa lamesa ang baso sa hindi katulad ng paraan kung paano nito ibinalik ’yon kanina. Gumawa ng kaunting ingay ang kanya. It’s impossible to put down the glass on a glass table without a sound, but Rashid did it perfectly a while ago.

“If you’re too busy to teach me, I’ll just find a shooting range—”

“I’m going to teach you, but I need to know your reasons why you want to learn how to shoot.”

“For self-defense,” she snapped.

His eyes lingered on her face, then he nodded his head for confirmation. He’s going to teach her!

Valeska smiled. “Thank you for understanding.”

Rashid turned on his MacBook again. He opened a folder there, which she saw had his schedule, some addresses, and some marks on the calendar. He dropped it and created a new one. Then moved the MacBook in front of her.

“Create a schedule . . . for us.” His deep baritone made her stomach flutter.

Tumayo ito at dinala ang baso. He’s going to get another whisky, she guessed.

In front of her is a membership form, which she needed to type in her personal details.

When Rashid came back with the same glass, she paused from typing to ask him questions.

“Do I really need to be a member of . . .” She double-checked the name of a private organization. “Los Oculto?”

“You don’t need to, but we need your details.”

“What is Los Oculto about?”

Rashid is now comfortable sitting. Mas gusto niya kapag kalmado ito at hindi madilim ang itsura.

He pressed something on the keyboard, and the details about Los Oculto showed up on the screen.

Los Oculto is a private security agency, headed by Rashid Montecarlo. Its main purpose is to provide security to high-profile people. Like politicians and businessmen.

They have their own training center and headquarters for their employees. They have their own firing range too, where members and non-members can use it.

Los Oculto has its own company where they make and sell firearms. It is also ruled by Rashid Montecarlo.

Valeska cleared her throat after she discovered who the man beside her is. She’s impressed but couldn’t voice it out.

Los Oculto’s logo is intriguing, though. It was familiar to her because she saw it in one of Rashid’s tattoos. The flames and guns.

Valeska clicked the details about Rashid and read them shamelessly even if he was watching her. It was more on his entire career in the military, his job after he served, and his future plans for Los Oculto.

It didn’t mention his personal life and family. Which she understands. To know some information about him, especially what he does, made him earn her trust.

He looked dangerous and enigmatic, but he wasn’t a bad man. Instead, he provides protection for people who are looking for security and when their life is in danger. Like her . . . she needs protection, and she needs a man like him.

While she’s filling out the form with her details, Rashid is busy with his expensive phone. She’s wondering what he’s doing or who he’s texting with.

“I’m gonna write down your name for . . .” she said while typing his name. “. . . in case of emergency . . . and who to contact for verification.”

“Okay.”

“How much is the membership fee, by the way?”

“You don’t need to pay.”

“Libre mo?” Her eyes twinkled.

Rashid leered at her reaction.

“Libre mo, ha? I’ll pay you back once I get a job after my graduation.”

“When is your graduation?”

“A month from now.”

After she filled out the form, she moved the MacBook in front of him to also stop him from using his damn phone.

Rashid takes a look at her details without any emotions. He was just making sure if she did it right.

“Okay na?”

“Yes.”

“I can create our schedule na?”

He clicked another folder for the schedule.

“Valeska and Rashid,” she murmured as she typed the title of their activity. “Is this in Manila? The shooting range?”

“We have in Manila and Bulacan.”

“Saan tayo?”

“Bulacan.”

“Why Bulacan?”

“It’s better there. The place is huge.”

“Okay. Valeska and Rashid will practice in Bulacan.”

Hindi niya na namamalayan na lumalalim na ang gabi. Nakakaramdam na rin siya ng antok pero nauudlot sa tuwing iniisip ang kinabukasan.

Ang desisyon niya na hindi muna uuwi sa kanila ay sigurado na. She also texted her ninang Daria to meet her on a bank to get the money. She trusts her ninang enough to give it to him, then he will give it to her mother.

From: Ninang Daria

Anong five hundred thousand?! Niloloko ka lang ni Amalia! Two hundred thousand lang ang utang niya!

That was her ninang’s last text message that night. Kaya tuloy naisipan niyang dalawang daang libo lang ang ibigay sa ina. Kung kulang pa ’yon, ibibigay niya rin ang natitira. Gusto niya lang masiguro na mababayaran ang utang ng mommy niya.

From: Mom

Anak, umuwi ka na. Hindi kita papagalitan. Pasensiya ka na sa ’kin. Stress lang ang mommy. Please, my daughter, go home. I can’t sleep because I’m thinking of you. Pinalayas ko si Rodolfo. Nag-away kami dahil sa ’yo pero ikaw ang pipiliin ko dahil anak kita.

Napabangon siya nang mabasa ang text message ng mommy niya. Alas-dos na ng madaling-araw ay gising pa rin siya.

Rashid is already sleeping beside her. His heavy arm is wrapped around her. He looked so peaceful beside her.

Valeska’s heart melted just like that. Even though her mother treated her badly sometimes, she’s also good to her most of the time. Besides, she’s the only family that she has. She can’t just stay angry at her mother.

Their heavy breathing filled the room the next morning. Rashid is behind her while she’s lying on her side. His hard shaft inside of her was the reason why she’s so awake and ready to face her day.

She hugged his arm around her waist when she felt that she was near her climax. He’s kissing her nape and shoulders. His morning soft groans tickle her ears.

“Aahh . . .” Her eyes shut closed when she reached her end.

Rashid released himself a bit. But she still feels the liquid from him that flows behind her inner thighs.

He made her face him so they could kiss.

Nangingiti siya habang mabagal silang naghahalikan. His palm is all over her boobs and nipples.

When they stopped, she stared at him. His lips were still red and wet from their sensual morning kiss.

“I’m going back home,” she informed him. “Mommy texted me. She apologized.”

Bumaba ang palad nito sa ibabaw ng tiyan niya at doon humaplos. She likes it, though. His gentle caress there gave her stomach butterflies.

“I need to do some activities in school. Then, I’ll see you on weekends.”

He didn’t speak. He’s just staring at her face, and it’s making her heart race.

“She dumped her live-in partner. So, I’ll be fine with my mom.”

“I’m not convinced.”

She smiles to let him know that she’s really gonna be fine without him. Kahit na ilang araw pa lang silang nagkakilala at nagsama, medyo na-attach siya kaagad. Hindi ’yon ang plano niya. Kaya mabuti rin siguro na magkalayo muna sila.

“I’ll let you know if I’m in trouble.”

“You should.”

Hinaplos niya ang panga nito at walang pag-alinlangan na hinalikan sa labi. But what made her whimper was when his fingers skillfully found her flesh. Isang hagod lang nito roon, para na siyang tuyong dahon na natutupok ng apoy.

And when Rashid’s head goes down to her body, Valeska automatically parts her legs to accommodate him in between her thighs.

That was their morning routine that day.

They traveled back to Pampanga after a late breakfast. Even though Rashid was hesitant to leave her, he didn’t have a choice but to do so.

Nakaparada ang sasakyan nito sa kabilang kanto ng bahay nila. Panatag siyang umuwi dahil na rin naghihintay roon ang ninang Daria niya. Gusto rin nitong siguruhin na magbabayad nga talaga ang mommy niya sa pinagkakautangan.

“I’ll stay here for a while,” he told her.

Maybe he’s thinking that something bad might happen to her—and if it ever does, he will be there to rescue her. Again.

Napangiti siya. Unti-unti niyang natanto na palaging sakto na nariyan si Rashid tuwing nagigipit siya. He came into her life unexpectedly and helped her with her problems.

“I won’t invite you yet to our house. I am glad that you’re understanding.”

“Yeah. You like to keep me a secret. I understand that.” There was a sarcasm in his tone.

She only smirked at him. It wasn’t like that, though. But it thrilled her to know that he likes to be invited even if they just met.

One kiss on his lips and a playful wink before she opened the door of the Raptor.

She even waved cutely at him while she was walking towards the right direction.

“Bakit ang lapad ng ngiti?” Namamaywang ang ninang Daria niya sa harap ng gate nila.

Medyo may kalakihan ang tiyan nito na parang siyam na buwan na buntis. He dressed casually and neatly, which earned respect from the judgment of the people who are against his gender preference.

Valeska smiled more. “Hindi ako puwedeng maging masaya, Ninang?”

“Aba, siyempre, puwede! Pero bakit masaya? Totoong may jowa ka na?”

“Wala, ’no?”

Sabay silang pumasok ng bahay at agad niyang naamoy ang pamatay na lutong ulam ng mommy niya. Ang walang katapusang pork adobo with potato.

“Anak! I miss you, my daughter!”

Mabilis na lumapit sa kanya ang ina at niyakap siya bago hinalik-halikan sa pisngi.

“Ang ganda-ganda ng anak ko na ’to! Mas maganda ka pa sa mga artista at model dito sa Pinas!”

“Sumali ka na kasi sa mga beauty pageant! Pang-Miss Universe ang peg, oh!” udyok ng ninang niya at tinapik-tapik ang ilalim ng chin gamit ang likod ng kamay bilang diin sa sinasabing angking ganda niya.

“Kung ako sa ’yo, sasagutin ko na ’yang anak ni Gov o kaya si Cong., para mabayaran ko na lahat ng utang ko, anak.”

“Ano ka ba, Amalia? Let Valeska have her freedom to choose the man that she likes.”

“Be practical. Ganyan dapat, anak. Okay? Kumain ka na ba?”

“Nag-almusal lang pow.”

“Oh, maupo ka diyan. Ipaghahain kita ng tanghalian. Nagluto ako ng paborito mo.”

“Ang walang-kamatayang adobong baboy ni Amalia Travena!” Sabay halakhak ng ninang niya.

Valeska felt lighter. She’s glad that her mother is in a good mood.

Her phone vibrated in the pocket of her jeans. Kinuha niya ’yon at tiningnan kung sino ang nag-text.

From: Rashid

Is everything okay there?

She can imagine him—still in his car, waiting for her assurance that she’s in a good place.

She typed in quickly.

To: Rashid

I’m fine here. Mom is in a good mood. He cooked my favorite pork adobo. My ninang Daria is here too.

Isang tikhim ang ginawa ng ninang niya at nilakihan siya ng mga mata. Then she realized her mother was behind her and being nosy.

“Mom!” she hissed and hid her phone.

“Ipakilala mo sa amin ’yang si Rashid! Sinagot mo na ba, anak?”

See? Her mom is very nosy! Nakita agad ang pangalan ni Rashid!

“Pangalan pa lang, ang guwapo na! Siya ba ang kasama mo? Ilang gabi ka rin wala, ah,” tukso ng ninang niya.

“Siguro, hindi na birhen ang anak ko.”

“Tama lang ’yan. Kaysa ikaw ang makinabang, Amalia. Mag-aaway talaga tayo kapag pati si Valeska ay ibubugaw mo.”

“Hindi ko ibubugaw ang anak ko, Daria! Ano ka ba? Gustong-gusto lang ’yan ng kumpare ni Rodolfo kaya gusto na siya ang kapalit sa utang ko.”

Valeska swallowed hard. She wasn’t comfortable with the topic because it was true.

Her mother served her the food. Nag-umpisa na silang kumain ngunit hindi natigil ang bangayan ng dalawa na naging normal na sa kanya.

“Sinabi ko nang makakabayad ako. Di ba, anak? May nakuha kang pera? Magkano pala ang nakuha mo o kinita mo?”

Agad na tiningnan siya ng Ninang Daria niya na huwag sabihin sa ina ang tunay na halaga ng pera na mayroon siya.

“Two hundred thousand.”

“Huh, puwede na ’yan. Gagawan ko na lang ng paraan ’yong naipon na interes.”

Valeska’s phone vibrated again. She’s really tempted to see Rashid’s text message. Hindi lang siya makakuha ng tiyempo lalo at nasa hapag.

“Ligtas na ba ang inaanak ko sa manyakol na ’yon, Amalia? Gusto kong makasiguro.”

“Oo naman. Siyempre, may pambayad na ako. Kung gusto niya ng sex bilang kapalit sa interes, ako na ang bahala roon. Isang buka lang ng mga hita ko, papayag na ’yon.”

Napangiwi siya. She understood every word, and they were disgusting.

“Amalia! ’Yang bunganga mo naman, lagyan mo ng preno. Nasa hapag tayo, oh! At nasa harap ng anak mo.”

“Sanay na ’yan si Valeska. Dapat lang na alam niya ang nangyayari, ’no? Alam niyang puta ang ina niya. Ano pa’ng itatago ko sa kanya?”

Valeska lost her appetite.

Her mother was her father’s whore. Nabuntis ito at ibinigay siya sa ama niya. She didn’t have an idea who her mother was before. Noong lumipat siya sa Pilipinas, doon niya lang din nalaman kung anong klaseng babae ang mommy niya.

“Anak, ’yong pera, ha? ’Wag mong kalimutang ibigay sa akin. Pagkatapos nito, malaya ka nang sumama sa boyfriend mo, pero dapat ipakilala mo muna sa akin. Nasaan na ba? Bakit hindi mo inimbitahan man lang dito nang makilatis? Mayaman ba?” usisa nito.

“He’s not my boyfriend, Mom.”

“Oh! Bakit ka sumama sa kanya kung hindi mo boyfriend? ’Wag mong sabihing nagpaka-puta ka rin? Masasampal talaga kita—”

“Amalia, shut up. Tinatakot mo naman ’yong bata, eh!”

Humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib. Hinalungkat niya ang bag at ibinigay niya ang isang check sa mommy niya.

Nagbago agad ang anyo nito. Sumigla. Nabuhayan ng loob.

“Naku! Mahal na mahal ko talaga itong napakagandang unica hija ko.” Tumayo at niyakap pa siya.

Her ninang Daria is making a face. Parang hindi na tumatalab dito ang pang-uuto o papuri ng ina. Dahil ginagawa lang naman nito ’yon kapag nakuha na ang gusto o kaya’y kapag may nahihita sa isang tao. And she’s not an exception. Her mother only cares and appreciates her when she does things that benefit her. Like this . . . she gave her the money to pay her debt.

The money that she got from sleeping with a stranger. The money that she got for letting Rashid Montecarlo fuck her. The money felt like a sign of her being a . . . whore.

After she gave the check, she locked herself inside her room. Humiga siya sa kama niya at tiningnan ang text messages. Bumigat ang loob niya dahil apektado na sa mga salitang narinig kanina lang.

From: Rashid

Okay. I’m gonna stay for more minutes. Eat your lunch.

From: Rashid

You seemed busy. I’m leaving now. I’ll text you when I get home.

She lazily typed a reply.

To: Rashid

Drive safely.

Binitawan niya ang cellphone at tumulala sa kisame.

Her mother’s words a while ago were like a realization to her. She slept with a man who wasn’t her boyfriend. Nagpaka-puta raw siya. Which is somewhat . . . true. Right?

CHAPTER SIX

They withdrew the two hundred thousand pesos the next day. Katulad ng bilin ng ninang Daria niya kay Valeska, hindi niya sinabi sa mommy niya na may natitira pang pera. It’s either she would give it back to Rashid or she would use it for emergency purposes.

Mabilis na naguluhan ang isip niya tungkol sa kanila ng binata. May parte sa kanya na ayaw na sanang ipagpatuloy pa ang komunikasyon nila. May parte rin na gusto niya.

All her plans after the bachelor party didn’t happen the way she planned all of them. Wala siyang plano na sumama sa kung sinong lalaki sa party na ’yon at magpabayad pagkatapos ng isang gabi. It just happened that Rashid was like a temptation to her who gives her benefits. She could stay away from him and leave him after that night, but it didn’t happen. She didn’t do it.

Why the hell does she stay?

Did she like the way he fucked her? Did she like his kisses? The way he touched and caressed her skin, did she fall for it? That suddenly, it was hard to just forget him?

Nang makabalik sila sa bahay nila na dala ang pera, nasa labas na agad nag-aabang ang grupo ng mga lalaki. Nakasakay sa puting SUV.

“Ang mga hinayupak, hindi makapaghintay. Akala yata ay tatakbuhan ko,” her mother murmured.

“Ibigay mo na agad ang pera para umalis na ang mga ’yan, Amalia. Hindi ko gusto ang tingin niyang kumpare ni Rodolfo kay Valeska.”

Hinawakan siya ng ninang Daria niya sa braso at mabilis na nilampasan ang grupo na ’yon.

“Daria, hindi mo man lang ba hahayaan na batiin kami ni Valeska. Aba, hindi yata magandang asal ang itinuturo mo sa inaanak mo.”

Valeska jumped on her feet when the old man quickly blocked their way. She doesn’t want to look at him because she’s disgusted by the way he smiles at her. He’s creeping her out.

“Hi Valeska. Kamusta ka na? Matagal-tagal kitang hindi nakita. Napakaganda mo pa rin—”

“Amalia! Ibigay mo na ang pera at nang makaalis na ang mga buwisita mo.” Daria snorted disgustedly. “Let’s go, Valeska.”

The old man whistled, which made the other men laugh.

“Oh! Ito na ang two hundred thousand, kumpare.”

Isinara ng ninang niya ang pinto. Sa bintana nila tiningnan ang transaksyon na nangyayari sa labas ng gate.

“Kulang ang mga ’to, Amalia! Ilang buwan kang hindi nakapagbayad at tumutubo ang interes—”

“Magkano pa ang kulang ko?”

“Kukuwentahan kita. Pero dapat mabayaran mo agad. Malulugi na ang negosyo ko.”

“Bakit? Mahina na ba ang bentahan?”

“May biglaang raid no’ng isang gabi. Hindi man lang naabisuhan ang mga tao ko. Magkano rin ang nakulimbat ng mga hayop na pulis na ’yon. Hindi ko mga kilala at hindi mga nagpapalagay.”

“Sana nga at ma-raid pa uli ang ilegal na droga na negosyo ng gago na ’yan. At sana din, makulong na ’yan. Ang dami nang napapabalita na manyakis ’yan,” bulong-bulong ng ninang niya sa tabi niya.

“Mga tanga naman pala ’yang tauhan mo. Mahihina ang radar. Amoy na amoy ang mga pulis kapag nasa malapit, hindi pa nila naiwasan.”

“Nagtataka nga ako dahil biglaan. Nasama nga si Rodolfo sa mga nahuli.”

Her mother’s shocked face is a sign that she’s still into Rodolfo.

“Ano? Nakalaya ba?”

“Susubukan kong ilabas sa kulungan mamaya kaya kailangan ko itong pera. Hindi naman siguro kakanta si Rodolfo sa mga pulis.”

“Sana hindi na makalabas sa kulungan si Rodolfo. Lalong naging user si Amalia dahil sa kanya. Baka kapag nakalaya ang hayop na ’yon, babalik ’yon dito at magiging impiyerno na naman ang buhay mo. Naku. Valeska. Kung puwede lang, ilalayo talaga kita rito.”

Naupo sa sofa si Valeska.

Nasa kulungan si Rodolfo at na-raid ang pagawaan ng ilegal na droga na pag-aari ng matandang lalaki sa labas. Kahit hindi naman siya ang nagsumbong sa mga pulis, pakiramdam niya ay sisisihin siya ni Rodolfo.

Nagkaroon bigla ng takot sa dibdib niya sa mga posibilidad na puwedeng mangyari sa oras na makalabas iyon sa kulungan.

“Eh, ’tang ina mo pala! Nagbayad na nga ako, ayaw mo pa ring umalis. Ano pa ba’ng gusto mo?” Mataas ang boses ng mommy niya kaya napabalik siya sa bintana.

“What happened, Ninang?”

“Wala namang English-an, Valeska.”

“What nga pow ang nangyari? Bakit biglang nagalit si Mommy?”

“Ayaw pang umalis ng matanda. Patingin-tingin dito. Ikaw yata ang tinitingnan. Go to your room muna, inaanak. Lock the door. May number ka pa ba ng pulis na nagpakilala sa ’yo dati?”

“I deleted his number.”

Nasapo nito ang noo. Tapos ay sinenyasan na siyang umakyat sa kuwarto niya. Nagmamadali na pumasok siya sa silid at ni-lock agad ’yon.

Kahit nasa itaas na siya, naririnig niya pa rin ang eskandalosang tinig ng ina. She’s still not used to it. Sa tuwing nag-aaway ang mommy niya at si Rodolfo, palaging maingay sa loob ng bahay. Nagsasakitan din ang dalawa.

Kapag gano’n ang sitwasyon, nagkukulong siya sa kuwarto niya at pinipilit na abalahin ang sarili. The situation also made her heart palpitate. She’s so worried that a loud voice, curses, and physical fight scared her.

“Hindi nga puwede! Putang ina mo! Hindi ko ibinubugaw ang anak ko! Lumayas ka na bago pa ako tumawag ng pulis!”

With her shaky fingers, she dialed Rashid’s number.

Hindi siya sigurado kung bakit ang binata ang gusto niyang makausap sa mga sandaling ’yon. All she needs is assurance and protection. And it felt like she would get those needs from him. He would give her what she needs even though he’s away from her.

“Answer, please . . . p-please . . .”

It took a long while before he answered.

“R-Rashid? H-hello?”

“I’m here. What’s wrong?”

Valeska blinked when the sides of her eyes watered from hearing the concern in his tone.

“S-Something is going on here. Mm, my mom is . . . the man is outside and . . . and . . . t-they are . . .”

“Baby, take a deep breath . . .” His voice was soothing.

Sinubukan niyang sundin ang sinabi ni Rashid.

Dalawang beses na magkasunod ang pagkuha niya ng hangin sa dibdib. Kahit papaano ay kumalma siya nang bahagya.

“Alis! Layas! ’Tangina n’yo! Akala n’yo, natatakot ako sa inyo?! Mga ulol kayo!” Patuloy ang mommy niya sa sigaw sa ibaba.

“The old man is . . . h-here. O-outside. My mom is angry. Pinapaalis n-niya sila . . .”

“Let’s switch to video call.”

Maagap naman na ginawa niya ’yon.

She saw his sweaty face down to his neck. He’s topless, and there’s a black towel around his nape. He’s inside a gym room.

“Where are you?” His eyes were cold. Para bang galit ito pero hindi sa kanya.

“Inside my room. I double-locked the door.”

“Good. Now, let me see what’s going on outside.”

Mabilis na naglakad si Valeska sa bintana at hinarap ang camera sa ibaba kung nasaan pinapalayas at sinisigawan ng mommy niya ang matanda at grupo nito.

“Zoom in,” he muttered gently.

She did zoom in for a larger and closer view.

He’s leaving the gym room, and then he opened another door. It was familiar to her. He entered his bedroom and turned on his MacBook immediately.

“Are they armed?”

“I . . . think so. I saw them with their g-guns before.”

“I wanna see the car’s plate number. Zoom in.”

Sa mga sinasabi at inuutos ni Rashid, nawawala pansamantala ang matinding kaba niya. He’s really her best distraction.

“The old man said that Rodolfo is in jail now . . .” kuwento niya.

Rashid nods his head. His attention is on his MacBook, but he’s still attentive and listening to her.

“And there was a raid daw. Kaya he’s angry.”

“Okay. Why are they fighting now?” he asked calmly.

Animo’y nababasa siya sa pagiging kalmado ng binata. Which is a big help for her.

“I’m not sure, but I heard that . . . the old man wants . . . to . . .” Napatingin ito sa kanya.

“What?” Halos malukot ang guwapong mukha nito.

“. . . he wants to see me. He’s creeping me out. I don’t like him.”

He murmured a curse. Hindi na maipinta ang itsura.

“Did you talk to him?”

“No. I avoided him, but he blocked our way—”

“What an asshole.”

Huminahon ang mommy niya nang may pumaradang police mobile malapit sa gate nila. Bumaba ang pulis.

“Ano ho ang problema rito?” tanong nito.

“Ah, eh, wala naman, sir. Naniningil lang ng utang,” ang sagot ng matandang lalaki.

“Hindi, sir. Ayaw pang umalis. Binayaran ko na nga.”

“Ito na nga, aalis na. Babalik na lang sa makalawa para singilin ang balance mo, Amalia.”

Mabilis na nagtago si Valeska nang biglang tumingin sa bintana ng silid niya ang matanda.

“There are cops outside,” she informed Rashid.

“Did they leave? The old bastard and his gang?”

Sumilip siya sa kurtina at nakitang sumakay na sa sasakyan ang nakakatakot na mga lalaki.

“Yes.” She let out a sigh of relief.

“Ma’am, pumasok na ho kayo. Masyado kayong maingay at nakakaistorbo sa mga kapitbahay,” anang pulis habang ang isang kasama nito ay may katawagan.

When she looked at Rashid, his other phone was on his ear. May katawagan din.

“Sanay na sa akin ’yang mga kapitbahay ko. Sa barangay sila magreklamo ’ka mo.”

Kakamot-kamot ang ulo ng pulis bago ang mga ito umalis.

“Valeska, puwede ka nang lumabas diyan. Wala na ang mga demonyo.” Boses ’yon ng ninang Daria niya.

“How do you feel now?” Rashid asked quietly.

She smiles at him. “I’m not . . . scared anymore. Thank you for answering my call.”

“Does your mom treat you good?”

“Yes. Okay naman si Mommy. She’s been in a good mood since yesterday.”

“Valeska, anak? Ayos ka lang ba? Natakot ka ba?” Boses ’yon ng mommy niya habang kumakatok sa pinto.

“Mom is here. Hold on,” paalam niya kay Rashid at iniwan saglit ang smartphone sa bedside table.

She walked towards the door to open it.

Her mother dramatically sighed at the sight of her.

“Mukhang ayos ka naman. Kausap mo boyfriend mo? Medyo naririnig ko, parang may kausap ka.”

“I was talking to . . .” She’s hesitant, but there’s no need to hide him. “ . . . Rashid.“

“Papuntahin mo nga rito ’yang si Rashid na ’yan. Kung totoong mabuti ang intensiyon sa ’yo, magpupunta ’yan dito.”

“He’s living in Manila—”

“Whatever, my daughter. Gusto kong makilala si Rashid. Baka in love ka na, ha? Baka magtanan kayo?”

“Tamang hinala ka na naman, Amalia!” sabat ng ninang niya sa ibaba. Nasa sala.

“Si Rashid ba ang naka-virgin sa ’yo? Dapat ay pakasalan ka niya, anak! Aba—ay, teka . . .” Pinilit niyang sarhan ng pinto ang ina dahil kung ano-ano na naman ang lumalabas sa bibig.

Valeska went back to her bed and got her phone. Sigurado siyang narinig ng binata ang pinagsasabi ng mommy niya kaya hindi maiwasan na uminit ang kanyang mukha.

“Gumamit ba siya ng condom no’ng nagtalik kayo?” Malakas ang boses ng mommy niya sa labas ng pinto.

Tinakpan niya ang isang tenga at sobrang kahihiyan na ang ginagawa.

“Paano kapag nabuntis ka, Valeska?! Ipakilala mo sa akin ’yang si Rashid mo na ’yan! At kung hindi siya gumagamit ng condom, ikaw ang mag-pills! Makinig ka sa ’kin! Nanay mo ako! Alam ko ’yan—”

“Please, Mom! Stop it!”

“Okay. I stop. Shut up na ako! Lumabas ka diyan pagkatapos mong kausapin ’yang boyfriend mo.”

Valeska rolled her eyes and looked at Rashid on the screen.

“Did you hear her?”

“Everything.”

“She’s annoying, but she’s also my mother.”

The silence stretched between them until it became awkward. Wala rin siyang masabi. Ito naman ay nakatingin lang sa kanya na animo’y kontento na makita lang siya.

Her mother’s last words echoed in her ears. The one that’s about contraceptives. And how the hell did her mother know that she had sex with Rashid? Hindi naman siya nagkuwento kahit na kanino! What a strong instinct of a mother, huh?

If she continues to see Rashid, would it be better if she used pills? Because he won’t use a condom? He even removed it when he discovered that she was a virgin. Ilang beses ding may nangyari sa kanila at hindi ito gumamit ng kahit isa.

Kung gusto niyang iwasan ang di-inaasahang pagbubuntis, dapat lang na gumamit na siya ng birth control habang hindi pa huli ang lahat.

Friday night came. That’s the time when Rashid would pick her up. Saturday morning is their first schedule at the shooting range.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Nakapamaywang ang mommy niya.

Valeska is done preparing her clothes and personal stuff. Rashid is on his way.

“I already told you yesterday, Mom. I have things to do in Manila.”

“With Rashid?” pagdududa ito.

“Yes.”

“At saan ka tutuloy? Sa kanya?”

“Hmm, opow.”

“Pero hindi mo siya boyfriend?”

“What’s the matter? We are friends.”

“Friend-friend ka diyan. Hindi ako naniniwala.”

“I will also meet Ivanka there. We have an upcoming event for Solandis.”

“No English!” sita nito sa kanya.

“Okay.”

“Solandis? Gusto mo na namang bumalik doon, anak?”

“I’m not babalik like the reason before. I’m babalik because I want to help. You know that, Mom.”

“Hay! Bahala ka sa buhay mo, Valeska. Sabihin mo kay Rashid na dito dumeretso. At kung hindi, hindi ka aalis. Okay? Naiintindihan mo?”

Valeska made a face. “I’ll tell him.”

“Very good.” Then she left.

She typed a text message to tell Rashid what her mother just told her.

To: Rashid

My mom wants to meet you. Kung hindi ka magpapakita ngayon, hindi niya ako papayagan sumama sa ’yo. You have no choice. Otherwise, you will go back home without me.

He didn’t reply until she forgot about it.

She took a shower and did her routine. When she heard a car park outside, her brows furrowed.

Sumilip siya sa bintana, at gano’n na lang ang kalabog ng dibdib niya nang makita ang Raptor doon.

Her phone rang for a call, and she saw Rashid’s name on the screen.

“I’m here.” His voice was calm.

“Yes, I see. Wait for me.”

“Valeska! Si Rashid na ba itong dumating? Mamahalin ang sasakyan! Big time naman pala talaga ’tong boyfriend mo. Bumaba ka na rito, anak! Dali!”

“That’s him.”

Sumunod agad sa kanya ang ina nang maglakad siya sa gate. Lumabas si Rashid sa sasakyan nito.

Damn. He’s a very good-looking man. He’s wearing a long black sleeves that hugs the muscles on his arms and paired it with khaki pants. His expensive wristwatch is eye-catching.

“Naka-Rolex ba, anak?” Parang bubuyog ang mommy niya sa tabi niya.

“Hi,” she greeted with a smile.

“Good evening.” He greeted both of them.

“Magandang gabi.” Umeksena ang mommy niya. “I am her mother. Amalia Travena.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He’s disciplined like a soldier. “Rashid . . .” They shook each other’s hands.

“Ang guwapo mo. Lalaking-lalaki, matikas at matipuno,” manghang sambit ng ina. “Pero! Napakaganda rin naman nitong anak ko. Kaya bagay kayo.” At binuntutan ng halakhak.

Valeska gave Rashid an apologetic glance and small smile for her mother’s behavior.

“Pasok ka. Halika.” Hinawakan ng mommy niya ang kamay ni Rashid kung nasaan ang mamahaling relo at hinila papasok sa bahay nila.

“I’ll just get my things,” she told him.

“Do you want drinks? Coffee?” Her mother tried to speak English to him.

“Just cold water. Thank you.”

Binilisan ni Valeska ang pagkuha ng bag dahil baka kung ano-ano ang sabihin ng mommy niya kay Rashid.

“Hindi naman ako mahigpit na nanay, Rashid. Kaya lang, siyempre, graduating student pa lang si Valeska. Ayaw ko sanang mabalitaan ko na lang bigla na buntis ang anak ko at hindi kasal . . .”

Pababa na siya ng hagdan nang marinig ’yon.

“Sinusubukan ko namang magbagong-buhay na dahil ayaw ko nang maulit ang nangyari sa anak ko ilang taon na ang nakakalipas. Kaya lang, sobrang dami ko talagang utang at hindi ko na talaga alam saan ako kukuha ng—”

“I’m ready!” She cut her mother off with a fake smile.

Tumayo si Rashid at kinuha sa kanya ang duffel bag niya.

Umismid ang mommy niya na halatang naudlot ang tila panimula nang panghuhuthot nito sa binata.

“Anak, may pera ka pa ba? Iwanan mo naman ako ng pang-grocery ko. Para pagdating mo, may makain tayo.”

Ang init sa mukha niya ay umikot sa batok niya.

When she saw Rashid pull out his wallet to get some cash, she stopped his arm.

Pinanlakihan siya ng mga mata ng mommy niya. Pera na, magiging bato pa.

“I have money here.” Mabilis na kinuha niya ang isang libo sa sling bag at ibinigay sa ina.

“Naku. Kulang ito, anak. Hay, sige, uutang na lang ako sa ninang Daria mo—ay, nakakahiya naman, Rashid . . .” Kinuha nito ang malulutong na ilang libo na inabot ng kasama niya. “Salamat, ha? Ingatan mo ang anak ko. Mahal na mahal ko ’yan!”

Valeska massaged her temple while they were walking.

Malapad ang ngisi ng ina nang ihatid sila sa gate. Hinalikan pa siya nito sa pinsgi na hindi naman talaga ginagawa nang normal. Nagpapakitang-tao lang dahil kaharap si Rashid.

She sighed when they were already inside his Raptor.

“Dapat hindi mo siya binigyan. Baka ipansugal niya lang ’yon or she’s gonna buy illegal drugs!”

Kinabitan siya nito ng seat belt at pagkatapos ay dinampian ng halik sa labi, na tila pampawi sa iritasyon niya.

“She said, it’s for groceries—”

“She just said that. My mom is a user. You know, she likes to fool people. She likes to take advantage of people. She can be the best actress.”

Ibinaba ni Rashid ang salamin ng bintana para magpaalam at magkita silang mag-ina. Inirapan niya ang mommy niya na hindi maalis ang ngisi sa labi dahil nakakuha na naman ng pera.

“Anak, buy pills! Don’t forget!” bilin nito na nagpainit sa pisngi niya.

“Damn. Nakakahiya talaga ang mommy ko. I can’t believe she’s my mother!”

Rashid placed his warm palm above her thighs and drove away.

“Do you wanna buy pills?” he asked after a while.

Nakagat niya ang labi at tumango.

Of course, she needs that. Hindi niya na kailangang magpaligoy-ligoy pa. They are both aware that they are going to have sex again, and she needs a damn contraceptive.

“Unless, uh, you will use . . . condoms?”

Rashid shook his head. “Not with you. Let’s just buy you pills.”

He stopped the car in front of a drugstore to buy birth control pills for her safety and peace of mind, too.

CHAPTER SEVEN

They checked in at the hotel near the shooting range in Bulacan. It was a good decision,, though. Because they wanted to practice early. Kung sa Alabang pa manggagaling, maraming oras ang masasayang dahil sa biyahe.

They ate a late dinner on the road. Para pagdating sa hotel, maliligo na lang at magpapahinga.

Valeska didn’t think that they would have sex that night because he was probably tired from work, then he traveled to Pampanga just to pick her up. He doesn’t want her to ride on a bus or van. She can imagine the disagreement on his face when she told him that she was going to use public transportation to get to Manila.

Sakto naman na habang hindi sila magkasama ni Rashid, dinatnan siya sa buwan na ’yon. That night is also the right time to take her first pill.

Valeska is done taking a shower and with her night routine. Nasa harap siya ng salamin at pinagmamasdan ang sarili habang nakasuot ng puting roba.

People always admired her physical appearance. Parang wala naman siyang nakasalamuha na napangitan sa kanya. Lahat ng lumalabas sa bibig ng mga nakakita o nakaharap niya ay pawang magaganda.

Ang mga papuri sa pisikal niyang anyo ang isa sa nagtutulak sa kanya na huwag niyang sayangin ang buhay niya kahit pa mahirap ’yon.

She has a fierce beauty: bold and stunning. Her foxy eyes were her best asset, and she always received compliments about how expressive and mesmerizing they were. Her perfectly proportioned lips were natural. One thing she doesn’t like having is people who used to judge or think that she did some filler, but she didn’t. She never had surgery on any part of her face and body. She’s all natural.

Maaaring perpekto siya sa paningin ng iba o kaya’y pinapangarap ng kababaihan ang klase ng ganda na mayroon siya, pero lingid sa kaalaman ng mga ito, minsan niya nang isinumpa ang ganda na mayro’n siya.

She has her own weaknesses and flaws. She has her own struggles and difficulties. She wasn’t perfectly made. Her beauty didn’t save her from troubles and dangers. Instead, it put her in her own grave.

Valeska gently caressed her face through her reflection in the mirror.

“I am not mad at you,” she whispered with a small smile.

The sides of her eyes watered, and she doesn’t want to stop that. She wants her emotions to be free.

“I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you again. I’ll save you. You won’t be in the dark anymore. Because . . . I’ll save you.” She promised to the woman in front of her.

Valeska jumped a bit when she heard a light knock on the door.

Parang napaso na inalis niya ang kamay sa harap ng salamin at napakurap. Nasapo niya ang dibdib dahil sa biglang kaba na dumagan do’n.

She composed herself before she opened the door.

Rashid’s worried and handsome face welcomed her. Nang makita siya nito, naglaho ang kaninang pag-aalala.

“It took you so long inside,” he said, then looked above her shoulder as if somebody was inside with her.

Kunot-noo na sinundan niya ang tingin nito. Tapos ay muling ibinalik dito ang maang na mga mata niya. The way he intently stares at her is like a fire that burns her skin.

“I did my night routine and blow-dried my hair.” She gave him an apologetic smile for keeping him waiting.

He’s in his boxer shorts only. He’s so confident walking around and topless. It made her think that he’s already comfortable having her around him.

Valeska walked towards the cabinet to get her sleepwear. It’s a pair of silk spaghetti straps tops and short shorts. She removed her robe until it slowly fell down on the floor.

When she glanced at Rashid, he was still standing just meters away behind her. He’s watching her with his usual dark and cold eyes.

She gave another sweet, seductive smile at him as she bent a bit to wear her underwear. His eyes dropped on her butt, and she knows exactly what he’s looking at there. Umigting ang panga nito.

Hindi niya na itinuloy ang dapat na pagsusuot ng pantulog na damit. She casually walked towards the mini bar area with only her lacy panties. Nagsalin siya ng tubig sa baso at kumuha ng isang pill na naroon na.

She leaned on the table, holding a glass of water and a pill. She even showed the pill to him to let him know that she’s really gonna take it. And slowly, she put that on her lips and drank from the glass of water without breaking their eye contact.

Halos masamid si Valeska nang maglakad si Rashid palapit sa kanya at ang mga mata ay tila mapagparusa.

He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, making her breasts press against his hard, hairy chest.

Maingat na ibinalik niya sa lamesa ang baso habang hindi inaalis ang nakakalokang ngiti sa labi niya.

What’s he up to, huh? Akala niya ba ay hindi sila magtatalik? O siya lang ang nag-aakala n’on?

“We will leave at 7 a.m.,” she said softly and trailed her finger on his chest. “It’s already midnight, Rashid. Aren’t we going to sleep?”

Mula sa mukha niya, ibinaba nito ang tingin sa daliri niyang tila nang-aakit na naglalakbay sa matipunong dibdib nito.

“You’re so good at seducing me, huh?” He’s in control, and it thrilled her.

“I didn’t seduce you.”

“Yeah?”

Inosente siyang tumango. “I didn’t even think about us fucking tonight. Because you’re probably tired and need to rest—”

“Oh, wanna bet?” He cut her off with a smirk that told her he could still fuck her all night no matter how tired he was.

She flashed a soft, seductive smile. She let her finger trail his prominent jaw. He stayed stiff as if her touch didn’t affect him. But his warm, large palms on her small waist say different. It gives her heat.

“I’d like to tell you something.”

“What is it?” He lowered his head and started to kiss her neck.

Napalunok siya at saglit na nakalimutan ang sanang sasabihin. Lalo na nang hinaplos nito ang baywang niya at naramdaman niya ang pang-aakit nito sa pamamagitan n’on.

“I am g-going to meet—mmm . . .” She breathed softly. “My friend. Ivanka. I . . . w-we have a meeting on Sunday.”

Valeska gasped and snaked her arms around Rashid’s nape when he lifted her and made her sit above the table behind her.

Tumigil ito pansamantala sa paghalik sa leeg at balikat niya. Nanatili ang mga palad sa magkabilang baywang niya habang ang atensiyon ay nasa mukha niya na.

“Where’s your meeting place?”

“She wants to meet me in BGC. Is it close here?”

“I’ll bring you there.”

“Hindi ka busy sa Sunday?”

“I’m not.”

“Sa Wednesday pa ang pasok ko,” she informed him. “But I have work on Monday and Tuesday night sa club. Kaya kailangan kong umuwi.”

“How ’bout I give you a job?”

Valeska’s eyes felt like stars that twinkled.

“Instead of you working on a night club, I’ll just give you other work. Para hindi ka na magpupunta doon.”

“Anong work naman?” Hinaplos niya ang panga nito.

His lips parted a bit. Then he gave her a sharp glare.

“What?” she innocently asked.

Rashid avoided her gaze for a moment and then clenched his jaw.

“Ayos lang sa akin kahit anong trabaho. I can even clean your condo or cook for you—”

“There’s no way I’d let you do that.” He snapped.

“I’m not maarte. I swear, I can do that. As long as I earn, I’ll do it. Marunong ako doing house chores. I’ve learned hard from my evil mom.”

“No. I’ll give you paper or online works.”

“So I can still work even if I’m home?” Her smile grew wider.

He licked his lips while watching the smile on her face.

“I need to know your class schedule first.”

“I’ll be real busy in the coming weeks for my graduation. After that, I’ll be free.”

“Good. You’re hired.”

Valeska rolled her eyes, then chuckled. “Hindi naman ako nag-apply sa ’yo, ha?”

“I’ll give you works that is related to your course.”

“And how did you know my course?” She raised her brow.

“It’s in your membership application.”

“Hmm! While I’m here with you, give me some work to do after our practice tomorrow. How’s that?”

“Yeah, sure. But for now, let’s do something else.”

And his “something else” is kissing her to continue what they stopped a few moments ago.

His tongue twirled around hers, which made her whimper. He would suck her tongue that drowns her. It wasn’t her first kiss, but damn, he’s really a good kisser. Nalulunod siya sa paraan na gusto niya.

It was a long, heated, torrid kiss that when they stopped, they were both panting. She couldn’t suppress her smile.

“What’s with that smile?” He gently bit her lower lip, which made her groan.

“I like your kisses.”

“Uh-huh.”

His both palms traveled up to her breasts. Pinanood niya kung paano sakupin ng malapad na palad nito ang mga ’yon . . . marahan na minasahe at pinisil-pisil.

Valeska held Rashid’s head and brought it to her breasts.

Tumingala siya at dinama kung paano umikot ang dila nito sa gilid ng ut*ng niya. Nanunukso at nagpapasabik sa kanya.

“Hmmm . . . ohhh . . .”

She winced when she felt him suck the skin on her boobs. Nang ibaba niya ang tingin, nakapikit ang binata habang ginagawa ’yon. He would really leave red marks around her breasts.

Biting her lips, she helped him remove her panties. She giggled when he parted her legs carelessly and placed both her heels at the edge of the wooden table.

“Rashid . . .” malambing na tawag niya rito nang bumaba ang labi sa kanyang puson.

He looked up on her behind his thick eyelashes. Banaag sa mga mata nito ang pamilyar na pagnanasa at kasabikan na paluguran siya.

He stuck out his tongue, and it felt like her world stopped from spinning when she felt it glide sensually against her femininity.

Tila apoy ang init na bumalot sa kanyang katawan. Wala nang ibang mahalaga sa kanya kundi maabot ang paraisong inaasam-asam.

Valeska moved her hand above the table but accidentally touched the glass that fell off the ground. Kahit na pareho nilang alam na may nabasag, patuloy pa rin si Rashid sa walang tigil na paglabas-masok ng matigas na ari sa pagkababae niya.

“Aahh! Ahh! Ahhh!”

Her moans were like his energizer. Na sa tuwing naririnig nito ang mga ’yon, mas tumitindi ang bawat pag-araro sa kanya na para bang nagpaparusa. Pero alam niyang hindi. He was just so wild and ruthless while fucking her at the moment.

The way he grips on her waist would surely leave a mark after. But she didn’t complain. She liked it so much when he thrust harder and deeper. The pleasure is incomparable.

“Rashid! Oohh! Ooohhh! P-please! Oohhh!”

Even the veins on his neck and arms protruded because of the intensity and pace of his every pump. He looked so hot in front of her, and that helps her reach her climax.

When he goes deeper, her mouth opens because she feels his tip on her lower abdomen. That’s when, at the right moment, she let herself free whatever was boiling inside of her.

Rashid hugged her, which made his hard member buried deep in the depths of her, before his body stiffened, and she felt him shoot his juices inside of her.

There were already people on the shooting range when they arrived. It was located at the undiscovered area of the province, which is Norzagaray.

“Morning, boss.” That’s how people there greeted the man beside her.

Binati rin siya ng mga naroon. Gustuhin man siyang makausap, hindi nagagawa dahil kasama niya si Rashid. She realized most of them are the members of Los Oculto.

Tavio is the head of the branch in Bulacan. He’s also close with Rashid. They are friends, she can say.

From a square-neck tank top, Rashid made her change that before they left the hotel.

Valeska is now wearing his black T-shirt, her skinny jeans, and sneakers. Itinali niya lang ang dulo ng T-shirt sa likod dahil malaki ’yon sa kanya. Nagtalo pa muna sila bago siya napapayag.

“Why would I change?” she asked curiously.

Rashid glared at her chest.

She checked herself and saw that her cleavage was a bit revealed. Kung hindi siya yuyuko, hindi naman ’yon makikita.

“Change.” He handed her his black tee.

“Ganito naman ang suot ng girls sa shooting range, ha! Why can’t I wear this?”

“Let me see the shooting stance I taught you,” he commanded.

She shamelessly did the shooting stance he just taught her this morning. Where she bent her knees a bit and straightened her arms forward as if holding an invisible gun.

“I can see your breasts. Change.” Sabay patong ng T-shirt nito sa ibabaw ng ulo niya kaya natakpan ang mukha niya.

Nakasimangot na tiningnan niya si Rashid na nakahalukipkip sa harap niya na halatang hindi sila aalis doon kung hindi siya magpapalit ng damit.

Inisip niya na lang na sobrang conservative ni Rashid na ayaw nitong makita ang dibdib niya. Pero sino ang niloloko niya? He liked her breasts so much. The truth is, he left red marks on her boobs.

Wala sa sarili na inulit niya ang shooting stance kahit pinapanood pa siya nito. She then realized that her boobs popped up a bit, which also showed his kiss marks.

“I know now why you wanted me to change.” She’s watching him now dismantle the gun.

Silang dalawa ang naroon. Para sa kanila lang ang puwesto na ’yon nakalaan. Nasa harap sila pareho ng isang lamesa, at seryoso si Rashid sa pagtuturo sa kanya ng basic parts ng isang baril.

“. . . and this is the magazine.” He showed her the magazine of the gun where bullets are.

His long fingers found a bullet to put in the magazine. Her mind going somewhere at the sight of his fingers. A bold image flashes in her mind immediately about his long fingers pleasuring her flesh like what he always does.

“And this is the proper way to put the bullet . . .” He showed her how.

Valeska shook her head and tried to focus on what she really wanted to say.

“Because when I bent, I saw my boobs and the red marks—”

“Baby, let’s talk about your breasts later.” He cut her off gently.

Valeska’s face heated. Napatayo siya nang tuwid.

Sinulyapan siya ni Rashid na nasa gilid niya lang pero hindi niya ito tiningnan. Nag-focus na siya sa baril at mga bala sa lamesa sa harap nila.

“I love your breasts, though,” he said that before he kissed the side of her head.

“Talaga?”

“Uh-huh.”

Watching Rashid being so passionate with guns made her admire him.

How does it feel to do the things freely that you loved?

Rashid even did a quick test for her to see if she really memorized the parts of the gun. Mabuti na lang at nagawa niyang ibigay ang atensiyon sa mga parte kahit pa pansamantalang tumakbo ang isip kung saan-saan kanina.

He put earmuffs on her, and after some briefing, he gave her the gun.

The thrill is making her blood aggressive already. Ikinalma niya ang sarili para magawa nang tama ang pagbaril.

Her target is not moving, which is good for beginners. It is a few meters away from where they are. Behind her is Rashid—who is not very kind to her even if they know each other. He taught her professionally, and he’s also strict.

Kaya hindi siya puwedeng maglaro lang din. Dapat ay seryoso rin siya.

She wanted to think that her target was the face of the people who have hurt her. Pero una pa lang kanina, sinabihan na agad siya ng binata na hindi sa kanya makakatulong kung may galit siyang papairalin habang hawak ang baril. Lalo at unang beses niya pa lang. She might lose her focus, and that’s not good.

“Look at the target closely.” His baritone is like her sign that she’s really in reality and not somewhere else.

He strictly tapped her arms, which made her pout.

“Your arms are too stiff. Loosen up a bit.”

She did what he told her until he approved the proper angle of her arms.

“Take a deep breath and focus . . .”

His voice behind her is what kept her active and focused. Having him around her at the moment boosted her confidence that she forgot the heavy feeling inside her chest the first time she looked at the unmoving target.

When she thinks she’s ready to pull the trigger, Rashid moved closer until she felt the heat of his body behind her. She was so easily distracted that her arms shook a bit.

“Your arms.” He strictly warned her again.

There’s no reason to let him know that he made her distracted a moment ago. He would surely have noticed it, that’s why he took a step backward.

“Aim at the target. Shoot when you’re ready.”

Valeska took another deep breath.

She properly held the gun while her arms weren’t stiff anymore. She aimed at the target and forgot about Rashid’s presence temporarily.

Then, when she made sure that she could now shoot without hesitation, she slowly pulled the trigger. Her arms were shaken because of the impact, but she stayed composed.

Then a smile crept across her lips when she hit the target! It wasn’t a bullseye, but at least she hit it! That’s what matters the most for her.

Ibinaba niya ang baril at malapad ang ngiti na hinarap si Rashid. He’s crossing his arms on his chest. She didn’t realize that he was just behind her. Akala niya ay lumayo sa kanya nang tuluyan kanina.

“I hit the target! I made it!” Then she hugged him because of how proud she is of herself.

He chuckled and caressed her hair.

“Good job,” he praised, and it poked her heart.

Valeska’s emotions were mixed. The joy and satisfaction were there, but also, the braveness she suddenly felt is worrisome.

But why is she worried? When in fact, she has been brave all this time. So, it’s normal. Nadagdagan lang siguro ang tapang niya dahil sa alam niyang mas kaya niya nang protektahan ang sarili laban sa masasamang tao sa paligid niya.

“I want to shoot again,” she told him with a big smile.

“Go ahead. I’ll be right here behind you.”

Because of overwhelming joy, she cupped his jaw with her palms and kissed his lips.

“Okay. Watch me,” she confidently said and went back to her position with determination to learn more.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The shooting practice, the bullets, the targets, and Rashid’s words of encouragement and his praises lingered on her mind. That even though they are back to his condo in Alabang, she couldn’t stop talking about it.

“How’s my shooting stance? Do you think it’s enough?” she asked with enthusiasm. “Did I do it the way you taught it?”

Rashid is preparing their dinner. Inaya naman siya nito kung gusto niyang sa labas sila maghapunan pero mas pinili niyang magluto na lang. She can cook, but he can cook, too. Kaya ito ang nasa kusina at siya naman ay nanonood dito.

“Your stance is fine. Just relax your arms next time.”

Valeska stretches her arms.

That’s the issue that Rashid saw after her practice. Nakailang tapik ito sa mga braso niya kanina dahil masyado raw ’yong matigas at parang hindi makagalaw nang malaya. It affects the flow of her blood properly, which could cause her to miss the target.

She ran her fingers on the screen of her smartphone to see their next shooting schedule. She was the one who made it. May practice sana sila bukas dahil Linggo, kaya lang ay importante rin ang pagkikita nila ni Ivanka. She moved the practice to Monday instead.

“Ayos lang sa sa ’yo na mag-practice uli tayo sa Monday?”

Rashid is in his comfortable white shirt and black shorts. He’s slicing the potato to put on her pork adobo, which she requested him to cook.

“We will do it in Manila.”

“Wala kang trabaho sa araw na ’yon?”

“I need to check some things first before we do yours.”

“What time do you need to work?”

“I’ll be free in the afternoon.”

Even if he answered indirectly, she could still get the answer that she needed.

“Do you have to go to work? I mean, do you need to visit the office or headquarters of Los Oculto?”

After he settled the pork, he washed his hands. Then he faced her by leaning against the sink.

She’s sitting on the high chair of the island counter. Behind her is the line of expensive bottles of liquor.

Pumangalumbaba siya habang pinagmamasdan ito at naghihintay ng sagot. She liked the feeling when she wasn’t nervous around him. Maybe she’s started to get used to his presence and menacing stares.

“Yes.”

“Paano ako?” nag-aalala niyang sambit.

When he walked towards her, she tried hard not to sit properly. Sinikap niyang panatilihin ang ayos para naman hindi halata na apektado siya na lalapit ito nang husto sa kanya.

“You can stay here while waiting, or do you wanna go shop?”

“I don’t have money to shop.”

“I’ll give you my card.”

Dalawang kamay na ang inilagay niya sa chin at malumanay na tiningnan ang lalaki sa harap niya. He’s very, very good-looking, but his aura is really heavy. Sometimes, she can’t take him. Kaya siguro lumalakas ang pintig ng puso niya dahil na rin do’n.

“I know you’re rich, but giving your card to me, I think, is . . . too much, Rashid.”

“It’s not too much. I just don’t want you to get bored here.”

“I enjoyed material things, but I’d like to buy them using my hard-earned money.”

He gently removed her hands under her chin and moved closer. Umangat ang isang kilay niya dahil pakiramdam niya ay ipipilit nito ang gusto.

“I understand. But for my peace of mind while working, I want a guarantee that you’re enjoying yourself while waiting for me.”

“Me spending your money for my caprices is not the answer to having your peace of mind. You’ll be more at peace if you know that I’m here. I’ll just clean here.”

Rashid groaned. Tapos ay umiling. Halatang ayaw sa ideya niyang maglilinis.

“Kahit wala namang dapat linisan, aabalahin ko na lang ang sarili ko dito. If that’s fine with you.”

“I’ll still leave you my car just in case you want to order something online.”

“Oh! May naisip ako!” Her smile reached her eyes.

“What is it?” He pinched her chin lightly while his eyes were roaming her face again.

“I’ll do groceries na lang. You write down all you need or what you want me to cook for dinner or what, and I’ll buy all of it.”

His dark eyes softened. He then pursed his lips as if he’s suppressing a smile.

“You write down all we need here, and you buy all of it. How ’bout that?”

Mabilis siyang tumango dahil excited siyang mag-grocery na para bang ang tagal ipinagkait sa kanya na gawin ang bagay na ’yon.

So, while Rashid was cooking, Valeska scanned his fridge and started to write down what was missing there. She also asked him what he wants or needs, but he’s cool with letting her decide for him.

“I think you need to buy for yourself, too. Like clothes . . .” He trailed while they were in the middle of eating.

“What do you mean by that?”

He cleared his throat and then sipped on his juice.

“So you don’t need to bring clothes whenever you come here. Just buy yourself what you need and store them here.”

“Like . . . clothes and personal stuff?” She raised a brow.

“Yeah,” he coolly said like it was as simple as that.

Medyo napaisip si Valeska kung makatwiran nga ba ang suhestiyon ni Rashid o tila bitag ’yon sa kanya.

“My walk-in closet has a lot of space. You may want to fill it with your stuff.” He sounded so inviting that if she didn’t think right, she would say yes to him.

“You’re right. I’ll think ’bout it.”

Besides, she will stay more in Manila after she graduates because she wants to learn shooting and self-defense. So, having her clothes and personal stuff in Rashid’s condo is a practical thing to do.

Valeska met Ivanka in a café the next day.

Nang makaalis si Rashid pagkatapos niyang ipakilala ang kaibigan, kaagad na binomba siya ng tanong nito.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you’re with Rashid? Oh my! How did you meet him?”

Ivanka’s status in life is different from hers. They are rich, and she’s a socialite. But there are things that they can relate to each other, and that made their friendship special.

“You sounded like you know him. You know him?”

“Of course! Only a few people really know him because he keeps his life very, very private.”

Dumating ang in-order ng kaibigan kahit wala pa siya kanina. Valeska got her macchiato, and Ivanka is espresso. Then a slice of cake for both of them.

“I just met him. Remember, I was here last time? When I texted you. I was with him.”

“Yeah, yeah, I remember that night. Why were you here pala?”

“I danced in a bachelor party, and that’s when I met him. He was there.”

Ivanka showed interest in what’s happening with her life. Kaya pinagbigyan niya ang kaibigan dahil siya naman ang magtatanong mamaya.

“He helped me with the money that I needed because of my mom.”

Umismid ito nang banggitin niya ang ina pero hinayaan naman siyang magpatuloy.

“He was like my savior. He suddenly and unexpectedly came when the time I was losing my hopes.”

It’s one of the realizations she wants Rashid to know, but she couldn’t find the right moment to tell him.

Ivanka held her hand and smiled at her.

“I am relieved to know that he helped you. It’s so rare to see Rashid Montecarlo around, kaya I am still surprised that you’re with him.”

“I am staying with him,” she added. That made her friend’s eyes widen.

“Really? You two are living together?”

“No. Uh, kapag nandito lang ako sa Maynila, sa kanya ako tumutuloy.”

“Gano’n na rin ’yon at baka sa gano’n na rin kayo mauuwi. Sana lang, ’no? Huwag makialam ang tatay niya.”

Valeska’s brows furrowed while sipping her macchiato. Ibinaba niya uli ang tasa sa lamesa.

“Paano mo nasabi ’yan? Are they that strict?”

“First of all, do you know who his father is?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Oh dear! You didn’t search his name on Google? Well, Rashid doesn’t have social media, but when you search his name, it will always link to his father, which is Senator Ramesh Montecarlo.”

Siya naman ang lumaki ang mga mata at nasamid sa iniinom. Ivanka is quick to give her water, though.

“Rashid doesn’t have an issue so far. Probably because he didn’t allow the public to meddle with his personal life. Kaya wala ring mabalita tungkol sa kanya. But his father? Tss. His name is on the hit list of those government officials who are involved in illegal drugs.”

Those news and information that she gets from Ivanka are big and unexpected. She didn’t even have the idea that Rashid is a senator’s son!

“I didn’t know that.”

“My apologies for not keeping my mouth shut, Valeska. Alam mo na, I have a lot of kuwento, and this one was not on my list. But I need to say all these for your knowledge na rin about his family background.”

“It’s okay. I’m relieved to know some information about him. We just met, kaya hindi ko pa siya masyadong kilala at gano’n din siya sa ’kin.”

“He didn’t know?” Ivanka asked meaningfully, referring to her dark past.

“I didn’t tell him. I don’t think I need to tell him.”

“Too early to tell him, though. But you don’t have to, Valeska.”

Their conversation kept going.

From: Rashid

Don’t forget to text me when you’re done. I’ll pick you up.

It was just a reminder text from him. Of course, why would she forget him? Samantalang doon siya uli uuwi sa condo nito.

“This was my mother’s idea. Tita Visha already agreed to this. It’s a jewelry and arts auction. All the money will go to Solandis. That’s why they want us to invite at least one person to join the auction. You know, a prospect.”

Valeska is attentively listening.

It is a charity auction that Solandis organized. She really wanted to help financially. If only she had money, she would surely buy a piece of art or jewelry. But for now, all she can do is find a person who she thinks can buy anything in the auction.

“I’m in. By the way, what kind of arts will be in the auction?”

Ivanka gave her a sweet, meaningful smile.

“Guess what?”

“I’m not sure, but . . . it’s impossible if they would auction our paintings.”

“Well, it’s possible, dear. Our paintings will be in auction!” Ivanka informed her merrily and excitedly.

Valeska’s eyes widened, and her lips parted in surprise. She couldn’t believe it! Her paintings will be in auction!

“Really? Oh my!”

“Yes! Yes! It’s happening!”

Nagyakapan sila sa sobrang galak, ngunit hindi niya rin maiwasan na baka walang magkagusto ng paintings niya at hindi mabili.

“Oh, what’s wrong? Ang bilis ng change of mood, huh?”

She sighed. “What if . . . walang bumili?”

“Kaya nga kailangan nating mag-invite ng kaibigan o boyfriend, o kahit sino pa na may posibilidad na bilhin ang arts natin.”

Mabilis niyang naisip si Rashid. Pero agad ding itinigil ’yon dahil sobra naman yata kung pati ang pagbili ng paintings niya ay iaasa niya sa binata. He already helped her a lot. She can’t stomach asking another favor from him.

“Ask Rashid to come with you to the auction.”

“No. I don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

“It’s too much, Ivanka. He helped me enough.”

Her friend rolled her eyes. “Then, don’t tell him that your art will be in the auction. It’s up to him if he wants to buy or not. Just invite him.”

Valeska is still hesitant to invite Rashid. But why doesn’t she give it a try? Para naman makahanap siya ng ibang isasama kung hindi ito puwede.

“Anyway, I called the girls.” Ivanka referred to their other friends. “But they are out of town. Kaya hindi nakapunta ngayon.”

“Freja texted me last night, she has some work to do in Pampanga. We will set a schedule to meet there.”

“That’s good. Ako na ang bahala kay Rivka. I might visit her in Ilocos. Not sure where she’s staying at the moment, though.”

“Maybe she’s staying with her boyfriend?”

Ivanka smiled creepily. “Like you? Living with a boyfriend, eh? Is that the trend ba nowadays?”

“Rashid is not my boyfriend.”

“What lang? Fuck buddy?”

Valeska gave her friend a sharp look, but Ivanka only giggled.

“Hindi lugi si Rashid sa ’yo, ha! Ang ganda-ganda mo, sexy at mabait pa. ’Wag kang papayag na pangkama ka lang! Demand for a damn label, Valeska. We deserve a label!”

She winced. She didn’t even think about that. Dahil para sa kanya, hindi sila aabot sa isang seryoso at normal na relasyon dahil nagsimula sila sa mali.

“It’s too early for a label. We just met.”

“What if he got you pregnant?”

“I’m on pills.”

Ivanka whistled. “You really thought of that?”

“Of course. It’s for my safety.”

“Alam niya?”

“Oo. He was there when I bought my pills.”

Tumango-tango ang kaibigan na animo’y naliwanagan na.

“So, matagal pa akong magiging ninang. Sino kaya sa ating magkakaibigan ang unang mabubuntis?”

“For sure, not me.”

“Freja doesn’t have a boyfriend. Rivka has a boyfriend. And me? I don’t have a label yet.”

“Kung sino ang may boyfriend, baka siya ang unang mabuntis.”

“What if Rivka is using pills din? Ah! I’ll ask her that. Wait . . .” Ivanka grabbed her iPhone and typed in.

Nangingiti siya sa ginagawa ng kaibigan. Kaya habang nagta-type ito, she replied on Rashid’s messages.

To: Rashid

Hi, I think we will finish soon. Are you close?

He replied quickly, and that was kind of surprising.

From: Rashid

I’m just around. Take your time.

“She replied!” Ivanka showed her the screen of her iPhone.

From: Rivka

I’m not on pills. Why did you ask?

Ivanka typed faster.

To: Rivka

Because our friend right here, Valeska, is using pills. May boyfriend na.

“Not my boyfriend nga,” she leered.

Tumatawa ang kaibigan niya habang nagta-type. Tapos ay umiba ang itsura bigla.

Ivanka sighed. “Mommy texted me. I need to go to Pontevedra Scapes.”

“Okay. I’ll see you again soon.”

“Yes. I’ll email you the details about the auction.”

They embraced each other before Ivanka left.

After a few minutes, Rashid arrived.

“Were you around here while I was with Ivanka?”

“Yes. I met some colleagues.”

Rashid drives back to Alabang.

“How’s the meeting with your friend?”

This is it! She would let him know, but she wouldn’t invite him yet. She wanted to see his reaction first.

“There will be an auction in two months. I’m part of it.”

“Where will it be?”

“I don’t know yet the location. Ivanka will email me the details later.”

“Did you girls organize it?”

“No. We will just help to . . .” She paused because she couldn’t find the right words for what she wanted to say. “. . . Uh, we can talk about this next time when I have the full details.”

“But you’ll be there, right?”

“Yes.”

“I wanna know the details.”

That made her glance at him.

His eyes remained on the road, though.

Slowly, a small smile formed on her lips.

Does it mean he’s interested? Was that a hint from him that he wants to be there too?

“Sure. I’ll let you know. Do you go to auction?”

“No.” Parang nawala ang pag-asa niya sa sagot nito.

“Oh.”

“But my mom likes it. She might be interested.”

Rashid placed his palm on her thighs. She’s only wearing a black romper, kaya ramdam na ramdam niya ang init ng palad nito sa balat niya.

“Talaga? Maybe we could invite her? If she has time.”

He didn’t speak.

Kaya inisip niya na baka sobra naman yata ang sinabi niya? Huli niya nang natanto kung sino nga ba talaga si Rashid. He’s a senator’s son. And his mother is not just an ordinary rich woman, she’s a senator’s wife. So . . . she really indeed asked for too much.

“I’ll tell her about it when I have the details,” he said after a long while and caressed her thighs that comforted her.

“Okay. But there’s no pressure, ha? Ayos lang din naman if she wasn’t available that day. I’ll find someone else to invite na lang.”

He didn’t say anything again. He always seemed like he wouldn’t speak without thinking about it. Sometimes, his words and thoughts were too precious to give even to her.

Valeska realized it wasn’t the right time to invite him. His mother could be her prospect too. That’s a good sign.

She’s just happy to help Solandis. Maybe she would set aside her pride and worries for it and just let Rashid know that her art will be auctioned. If he’s interested, which she is not sure yet, he could buy it. After all, the money will go to Solandis. It’s really a big help.

CHAPTER NINE

Valeska opened her sleepy eyes when she felt a gentle kiss on her face. She’s lying on her side. Sitting in the space in front of her is Rashid, who’s kissing her cheek and the side of her lips.

“I’m leaving,” he whispered.

Inaantok na tumango siya. Aside from her body being tired from all the practice, their activities in bed all night made her really wanna sleep more.

Rashid didn’t bother to open the thick dark curtains on his bedroom. Hinayaan lang nito na madilim ang kuwarto para na rin makatulog pa siya nang mahimbing kahit wala ito.

“I’ll have my lunch here.”

“Okay. I’ll cook.”

His lips formed a smirk on her cheek.

“I’ll let you sleep.” He then kissed her lips before he distanced himself from her.

When Valeska woke up, Rashid wasn’t beside her anymore. Ang huling naalala niya lang ay nagpaalam ito na aalis na at ang iniwang mga halik sa kanya.

She gets ready to go to the grocery. She chose to wear denim shorts and just borrowed a white tee from Rashid’s closet. She doesn’t have much clothes with her, and she is starting to think about what he told her last time. That she might want to shop for her clothes and leave them there.

In front of the mirror, she sees how she still looks like a woman who was established and financially stable despite the simplicity of her clothes. Her skin, her face, her posture, and her body are the reasons why she appeared to be rich even though she wasn’t. Indeed, those looks can really be deceiving.

From: Rashid

The driver is waiting at the basement.

Valeska arched her eyebrow. Did he really provide a personal driver for her? When in fact, she can ride a taxi because the shopping malls are close to where he lives. She has cash to pay for the taxi because Rashid left some for her together with his black card.

To: Rashid

I’m leaving in a bit. Do I really need a driver?

After she sent the message, her phone rang for a call.

Sinagot niya ’yon kahit pa medyo kumabog ang dibdib sa ideya na maririnig ang boses nito.

“Yes?”

“Yes, Valeska. You need a driver.” Even his voice on the other line sounded cold, but it affected her in a way that made her stomach twitch.

“Okay. I’m leaving now.”

“I’ll have my lunch with you.”

Parang narinig niya nang sinabi nito ’yon kanina bago umalis at nakalimutan niya lang nang magising.

“What do you want me to cook?”

“I’ll be fine with any foods you could offer.”

“Ako na ang bahala. Let me know when you’re on your way back home later.”

“I will.”

“Alright. Bye.”

Rashid didn’t say anything.

“I’m gonna leave now. I’ll text you when I’m done with the groceries.”

“Okay.”

Valeska cut off the line and left to go to the basement.

Another white SUV was waiting there. With a driver who opened a door for her.

“What’s your name pow?” she asked politely to a man who’s probably in his forties.

“Maricio, ma’am.”

“Are you gonna wait for me? Hanggang sa matapos?”

“’Yon po ang bilin ni boss.”

Balak pa naman sana niyang dumaan sa mall at tumingin ng mga damit, pero hindi niya na lang isinama sa gagawin niya ’yon dahil ayaw niyang may naghihintay sa kanya.

Valeska takes her time buying all the foods and goods that she wrote down. Those weren’t a lot, but it could last for a week. Especially that she would stay with him for another two days. He could use the rest when she leaves.

“Hello, I’m sorry to bother you.” A woman approached her.

Valeska stopped from walking with her big cart.

“Yes?”

“Your beauty is stunning, like a beauty queen. Are you interested in ramp modeling?”

She smiles. The truth is, when she entered the exclusive superstore, she caught almost everyone’s attention. She’s used to it. She just didn’t expect them to be so obvious.

“I’m not really into modeling.”

“How ’bout a commercial model? I could help you.” Then she gave her a calling card.

Tinanggap niya naman ’yon. Medyo naging interesado sa alok nito.

“Your beauty can pass as an endorser of high-end beauty products and makeup.”

“Thank you. I’ll think ’bout this.”

“We are also looking for a new face for a liquor brand. You might want to consider it, miss?”

“Valeska,” she said.

“Yes, Miss Valeska, I’m lucky to meet you. I’m Alyona. I’m a talent manager.”

They casually shook hands. Alyona couldn’t take her eyes off her. She’s obviously stunned by her beauty.

“You’re really perfect for this liquor brand. Maraming artista ang sumubok pero hindi pumasa. Sigurado ako na malaki ang chance mo, Miss Valeska.”

She started to feel awkward that she needed to cut their conversation.

“If you don’t mind.” She showed her cart in a manner that it won’t offend Alyona.

“Sure. Sure. I’ll wait for your call. Huh? Don’t miss this chance. They pay a lot.”

Nang marinig niya ’yon, napahinto siya saglit. Dahil alam niya sa sarili na kapag usapang pera, ’yon ang uunahin niya naman talaga. Lalo na at nalalapit na ang auction. She wants to donate some money to Solandis.

Kahit na tapos na siya sa pamimili, naiwan pa rin sa isipan niya ang sinabi ni Alyona tungkol sa pagbabayad nang malaki ng liquor brand na ’yon. Nakatitig siya sa calling card na ibinigay sa kanya. Naroon ang detalye ng agency at ang contact information ni Alyona.

Puwede niyang subukan. Kung papasa siya, malaking bagay ’yon sa kanya. Habang wala pa talaga siyang permanenteng trabaho, kailangan niyang maghanap ng part-time job. In Manila, they pay a lot more than what she earns from working in a club. Even though modeling wasn’t her thing, she would want to give it a try.

Valeska already informed Rashid that she’s done with the groceries, and they are on their way back to his condo.

From: Rashid

Mind telling me who the woman was who approached you in the store?

Napatingin siya agad kay Maricio na naka-focus lang sa daan. Nakuha niya agad na ito ang nagparating sa binata.

To: Rashid

I’ll tell you later.

Ibinalik niya sa sling bag ang calling card ni Alyona.

From: Rashid

You should.

Even though it sounded like he demanded to know all the things that were happening to her, she also thinks that he is just concerned and she’s his responsibility since she’s living with him.

Hindi na siya nakapag-reply sa binata dahil malapit na sila sa condominium building. Maricio helped her with the bags and dropped them in front of the door.

“Salamat pow,” aniya at binigyan ito ng cash bilang ganti sa pagmamaneho, paghihintay, pagbabantay, at pagtulong.

“Hindi na po kailangan, ma’am.”

“Just accept it. Pera naman ’to ng boss mo, eh.”

Napakamot ito sa ulo at walang nagawa kundi tanggapin ’yon tapos ay umalis na.

Valeska typed the code for the door. Nang bumukas ’yon, ay napangiti siya.

Imagine how much Rashid Montecarlo trusts her.

He gave her his card and the code of the door of his condo. Didn’t he think that she might steal something valuable inside? Or take away his black card and spend the maximum limit of it?

While cooking the chicken curry, Valeska is listening to music. She was dancing to the beat and enjoying what she was doing.

Why does it feel so good to cook and to know that Rashid will come home, and then they will eat together?

From: Rashid

I’m on my way home.

Reading his message poked her heart in a way that made it melt.

To: Rashid

I’m almost done cooking. Drive safely.

Ibabalik niya na uli sana ang cellphone nang mag-pop up ang text message galing sa ina.

From: Mom

Anak, how are you there? Are you still with Rashid? Puwede kayang makautang sa kanya? Pandagdag lang sa pampiyansa ni Rodolfo. Sige na, anak, baka puwede.

Valeska’s mood changed right away.

No. She would never ask for money again from Rashid. She still has the blank check. Kung makapal lang ang mukha niya, puwede niyang gamitin ’yon para maresolba ang mga suliranin niya, lalo na ng ina. Pero hindi. Ibabalik niya kay Rashid ’yon. Sapat na ang dalawandaang libong piso bilang kabayaran sa utang ng mommy niya.

From: Mom

Alam kong galit ka kay Rodolfo. Pero, anak, nakausap ko siya at gustong humingi ng tawad sa ’yo. Magbabagong-buhay na daw siya at babawi sa ’yo. Maawa ka naman, Valeska. Tulungan mo naman ako. Alam kong mayaman ang boyfriend mo. Hingian mo ng pera.

Muntik pang masunog ang niluluto niya dahil nawala na roon ang atensiyon. She quickly turned off the high-end electric range.

From: Mom

Mag-reply ka! Alam kong may nangyayari sa inyo ni Rashid! ’Wag mong hayaan na libre mong ibubuka ang mga hita mo, Valeska! Kailangan mong maging praktikal! Ang bawat gabi dapat may bayad! Hindi naman ibig sabihin n’on ay pokpok ka na. Praktikal lang.

Valeska took a deep breath and ignored her mother’s stressful text messages. Mabilis siyang naapektuhan sa sinabi ng ina at medyo nahirapan siyang pagaanin ang loob. Kaya naman nang dumating ang binata, nahalata agad nito na may bumabagabag sa kanya.

He kissed her lips and lightly pinched her chin after as he stared at her.

“What’s wrong?”

Valeska tried hard to give him a sweet smile.

“M-medyo nasunog ’yong niluluto ko. But I think it still tastes good.”

“No worries. I will still eat whatever you cook, no matter how bad it would taste.”

That made her laugh shortly. It’s strange how his words can lighten her mood.

“Okay then. You wait here.” She grabbed him toward his chair.

Naupo naman doon si Rashid habang pinagmamasdan siyang asikasuhin ang pagkain nila.

Sa gano’ng paraan lang ay makabawi siya rito sa mga naitutulong sa kanya. She couldn’t pay him back yet, so . . . she will just cook for him and be a caring friend? Are they friends, by the way?

She served a plate of rice, a bowl of chicken curry, sliced fruits, cold water, and juice.

“Lunch is ready!” She clapped her hands merrily in front of him.

She saw how his dark eyes turned gentle as he watched her happy face after she served the food.

Naupo siya sa katapat na upuan nito. She even tried to put some rice on his plate, but he held her wrist, stopping her from doing it.

“Let me do it,” he muttered.

He was the one who put some rice on her plate before on his. Sa ulam naman, hinintay niyang ito muna ang makatikim para makita niya ang reaksiyon nito.

When his spoon touched his lips with the sauce of chicken curry on it, she felt her heart pound as she waited for his reaction.

He licked his lower lip after.

“How was it?” she asked, a bit thrilled.

“Good. Tasted good.”

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi niya at ginanahan nang kumain dahil nalaman na ang reaksiyon ng binata tungkol sa niluto niya.

In the middle of them eating casually while talking about their morning being apart, their conversation goes to Alyona.

“Ah, yes. She said she’s a talent manager. She asked me if I was interested in ramp modeling . . .” She sipped on her water.

Rashid paused from adding rice.

“What did you say?”

She added rice on his plate first before she looked at him again.

“I’m not interested in ramp modeling. So, she told me about being a commercial model or a liquor endorser.”

“Do you like to do it?” His tone was low and reserved.

Yes. Mainly for Solandis. But she won’t tell him about it.

“I’d like to give it a try.”

He sighed but didn’t say anything.

“As my part-time job. Para hindi na ako magtatrabaho sa club. At baka mas madalas ako dito . . . sa Manila.”

She wasn’t sure why she wanted to hear his opinion about it. Although she wouldn’t stop if he told her he didn’t like her idea, it seemed to her that his opinion mattered.

“How ’bout the job that I’d give you?”

A small smile appeared on his lips. “I am also interested in working under your supervision.”

“It would take your full time.”

Does it mean she couldn’t get a part-time job once he hired her?

“I’m fine with it.”

“How ’bout the modeling and endorsing?” He arched his brow.

Para bang ’yon naman talaga ang pinupunto nito kanina pa at hindi lang direktang binanggit.

“I might do it soon. Then after, I’ll work full time on you.”

“Just be careful before signing any contract.”

Valeska couldn’t suppress the smiles on her lips that reached her eyes.

Does it mean he is not against her doing modeling or endorsing a brand? Was he fine with it?

To know that Rashid doesn’t stop or discourage her from entering the modeling industry gave her the confidence to try it, and it encouraged her to go for it.

She was always independent when making a decision in life. But this time, she felt the need to hear somebody’s opinion about her plans.

“Y-yes, sure. I’ll read the contract first before I sign.”

“No, you will give me the contract and have my lawyer explain it to you.”

“Is that necessary?”

Rashid put down his utensils. Uminom ito ng tubig nang hindi inaalis ang mataman na titig sa kanya.

“You’re new to that kind of industry. It should be a one-time project contract only. After the project, you can freely leave without the agency or company tied to you.”

Ni hindi sumagi sa isip niya ang tungkol sa kontrata kung sakaling siya nga ang mapili na maging bagong mukha ng liquor brand.

“But Alyona would be my talent manager. How about my tie to her agency?”

“You’re not going to be part of any talent agency. Tell her, you’re a freelancer.”

Yes. So, she can escape after the project and work with Rashid. Unless she would realize that she liked modeling? Then, she would want to be part of Alyona’s talents and models.

“Okay. Hmm, I’ll text her once I have the time to talk about all of these with her.”

“What’s the name of the agency?”

“Nasa bag ko ang calling card na ibinigay niya.”

“Let’s see if it’s legit or just a scam.”

After they ate, Valeska cleaned the table, and Rashid was the one who washed the dishes.

“Here.” She gave him Alyona’s calling card and sat beside him on an L-shaped leather sofa.

He typed the name of the agency on his MacBook. There was a site that could prove that it is legit. Nakita niya na parte ang talent agency ang ilang sikat na artista at modelo. Alyona’s photos are all over the Internet also with the artists that she manages.

“What did she offer you?”

“A liquor brand.”

Rashid was so keen that he found the liquor brand that is connected with Alyona and some actresses and actors that are part of her agency.

Photos of sexy women appeared on the website of the known liquor brand. Calendar girls, commercials, and endorsements. Every model was alluring and hot.

“Is this the one you want to do?” he asked quietly while looking sharply at the screen.

Napaayos sa pagkakaupo si Valeska. Sure, she can wear lingerie and swimsuits, but she wasn’t sure if that’s what she really wants to model or endorse.

He clicked on one of the videos for her to watch the behind-the-scenes of the previous shoot for that same liquor brand. The model was a famous actress.

Wala sa sarili na isinandal niya ang ulo sa balikat ni Rashid at inilapag ang isang palad sa hita nito. Damn, he still smells good even though he worked early in the morning.

She felt him take a sigh as they both watched how sexy the model and the theme were.

“I can do that.”

“Uh-huh,” he mocked.

“Alyona didn’t tell me that it’s too sexy, though.”

Because of the coldness from the air conditioning, she wrapped her arm around his and moved closer to get body heat from him. Never minding her breasts that touch his arm.

“Think about this first before making a decision.”

“I’m fine with that. Isang beses lang naman.”

Hindi niya na mabilang kung ilang beses tila problemadong napapabuntonghininga ang katabi niya.

“I’ll try my luck. Hindi pa naman sigurado kung magugustuhan ako.”

On the screen at the moment were the calendars for that year and previous years. Models were wearing swimsuits and some were thin fabric cover-ups, which showed their curves.

“This suits you too.” He showed her a beautiful face of a woman who endorsed beauty products.

“I’ll try it too. Whichever they think suits me better, I’d go for it.”

Rashid carefully removed her arm and guided her to sit on his lap.

She’s sitting on the sideway, and both her legs are on the floor. His palm fell on her thigh, the other one is on her jaw.

“I thought you weren’t into modeling,” he said and narrowed his eyes.

“Yes. But I’d like to try. Who knows? That’s where I belong pala?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, you wouldn’t know unless you tried.”

“Exactly! Kaya susubukan ko kung ’yon talaga ang gusto ko. Kapag hindi, eh, di, sa ’yo na lang ako magtatrabaho.”

“You will stay here while working.”

Valeska pursed her lips.

“Ayos lang sa ’yo? Na dito ako tutuloy?”

He nods as an answer. It seemed to her that he doesn’t mind her being around him every day and invading his privacy.

“Parang . . . uh, live-in naman tayo niyan.”

Lumiit ang mga mata nito na tila ba natanto ’yon. Then a sexy smirk formed on his lips.

“Is that how you see us?”

“Yes. Because we’re living together here.”

“I’m cool having you here.”

He didn’t think the way she thinks about their situation. Kaya tuloy, bigla niyang naisip na siya lang ang nag-iisip na parang nagli-live-in sila. Maybe he’s thinking that it’s normal? Since they are not really in a relationship? They have no label. Like . . . living with a friend only.

“Ikaw ang bahala. I’ll just help you with your bills here once I get the job.”

“Our bills, you mean?”

He trails his finger on the side of her lips. His eyes scanned her whole face again. Like what he always does when they are that close to each other.

“Yes. Our bills.”

“No need for that—”

“Well, we are living under one roof, so I think we should consider each other’s decision. And!” She emphasized the last word to get his attention because he was mesmerized. “. . . if I say I want to help you with our bills, you shouldn’t go against it.”

“Whatever you say, baby,” he muttered hoarsely, and slowly teasing her lips with his.

She smirked before she kissed him back and placed her palm on his jaw.

CHAPTER TEN

A call from her ninang Daria wakes her up. Gumalaw si Rashid sa tabi niya pero nanatili namang nakapikit ang mga mata habang yakap siya.

Nang makita niya ang oras, ay ala-singko palang ng umaga. Natapos ang tawag na hindi niya nasagot. A follow-up text message popped up after the ring.

From: Ninang Daria

Valeska! Ang mommy mo nagwawala! Nandito kami sa barangay dahil nireklamo na ng mga kapitbahay n’yo. Kailan ka ba uuwi? Pasensiya ka na, inaanak at maagang istorbo ito sa ’yo.

Humiga siya patagilid para hindi ma-istorbo si Rashid sa ilaw ng screen ng cellphone niya. His heavy arm remained on her waist.

She could imagine her mother being scandalous even if she’s in the barangay and surrounded by authorities. Nawala na ang antok niya at hindi maiwasan ang mag-alala.

From: Ninang Daria

Sa itsura ni Amalia, halatang nakabatak. Pati ako, parang hindi na kilala. Kapag hindi pa siya tumigil, ikukulong siya dito sa barangay, sabi ni hepe.

Valeska heaved a sigh.

Her mother is her pain in the ass. Her mom made her life miserable and problematic most of the time. Malimit lang siyang makaramdam ng kasiyahan kapag nasa bahay siya nila kaya mas pinipili niyang huwag na lang manatili roon hangga’t puwede sana.

She typed a reply.

To: Ninang Daria

Uuwi po ako ngayong umaga. Puwede po bang ’wag mong iwan si Mommy? Wait for me, ninang.

Ang plan niya sana ay magpa-practice muna uli siya ng shooting bago umuwi ng Pampanga. Kaya lang, hindi niya naman kayang ipagsawalang-bahala na lang ang nangyayari sa ina.

From: Ninang Daria

Hindi ko naman kayang iwan itong si Amalia. Kahit na ganito itong mommy mo, kaibigan ko pa din naman. Hinahanap ka nga e, kaya napatawag ako sa ’yo. Naghihintay ng pera na ibibigay mo daw. Totoo ba? O isa lang sa mga ilusyon ni Amalia?

Napapikit siya at muling humugot ng hangin sa dibdib. Hindi siya nangako sa mommy niya na magbibigay siya ng pera at nakakasama ng loob na umaasa ito at nagwawala pa dahil lang yata sa pera.

Rashid moved behind her. Inaantok na sinilip siya nito at huli na para itago ang cellphone niya.

“What are you doing?” His bed voice was raspy and, at the same time, sexy.

“I need to go home.”

His embrace tightened. Their body heat under the duvet is what keeps her calm and composed. Baka kung hindi siya yakap-yakap ni Rashid, magpa-panic na naman siya at aalis agad para puntahan ang ina.

“Why so sudden?”

She doesn’t want to tell him her real reason because it’s too early for bad news. Besides, it isn’t his concern anymore. It’s her problem that she needs to deal with.

“We have an important meeting about our graduation. B-bukas pa sana ’yon, but they moved today.” She bit the inside of her cheek for lying.

“Alright. I’ll drive you home—”

“H-hindi na. I can just ride a taxi from here. And you have a meeting this morning, di ba?”

He grunted and hugged her more.

His action put a small smile on her lips. She just discovered that he likes cuddling in bed. He’s very touchy too. But he wasn’t when they were in front of other people. Baliktad naman sila. She likes a physical touch when they are outside, and she does it absentmindedly.

“Maricio will drive you home.”

That’s fine with her. Sa labas ng subdivision siya magpapahatid.

“Okay.”

They stayed in bed for a couple of minutes. Alam niyang gusto pang matulog ni Rashid kaya nagpaalam na siyang mag-aasikaso na dahil ayaw niya nang magsayang pa ng oras bago makauwi.

After Valeska took a shower, she grabbed her sling bag with her. Iiwan niya na ang duffel bag doon at mga damit. Babalik din naman siya sa weekend.

Rashid was on his phone while sitting on the bed. He’s resting his back on the bed headrest while the duvet is covering his lower body. He’s topless, and he looks obscenely handsome. And if she wasn’t in a hurry, they would surely already be moaning while doing morning sex. Na palaging nangyayari kapag magkasama sila.

Lumapit siya rito at naupo sa tabi nito. A part of her is sad for the reason that she needs to leave him. Sometimes, the strange feeling inside her chest of being away from him scared her. Para bang ayaw niyang umalis sa piling nito. Pero wala siyang magawa dahil kailangan.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He stared intently at her as if he were reading her mind.

Valeska tried to give him a light, sweet smile just to convince him that everything is fine.

“I’m perfectly fine, Rashid. I’m just sleepy . . .” She yawned a bit to prove her point.

“You can sleep while traveling back home.”

Home.

It felt like it wasn’t a home from the start.

Because she believed that a home should give you comfort and peace. It supposed to protect you from storms, and it should make you feel grateful that you have it. But the home that she shares with her mother? Wasn’t like that.

That home gives her so many problems, worries, and miseries. That she wanted to just leave and never come back.

When her cellphone beeped inside her back, Valeska felt the heavy feeling on her chest even though she didn’t know yet who texted her or what was the message. Is just that . . . she expected that it’s either from her ninang or mother.

Para siyang nanghina nang dinala siya ni Rashid sa dibdib nito at hinagkan sa noo.

“Do you trust me?” he asked gently.

Of course. She trusts him. If there was someone who really earned her trust, it’s him.

“I trust you,” she whispered softly.

“Would you come back?”

“Of course.”

“I want a guarantee.”

Kumunot ang noo niya. Ano ang ibig nitong sabihin?

“I want to know what’s going on with you while you’re away from me, and I’ll do the same to you.”

“How?”

“Give me your phone.”

Valeska lazily opened her sling bag and handed him her cellphone, forgetting about the text she’d received a while ago. She told him her PIN code too.

It took a moment before he moved. Hindi niya na pinanood kung ano ang ginagawa ni Rashid sa cellphone nilang dalawa. She’s just taking her moment being with his arms.

When he gave it back, she saw the unread messages on the screen.

From: Ninang Daria

Ikinulong na sa barangay si Amalia dahil hindi tumigil sa pagwawala dito. ’Wag kang mag-alala, inaanak, hihintayin kita dito.

She hid the messages when she felt Rashid’s stares on her. Hindi na siya sigurado kung nabasa nito ang mensahe. Pero sa tingin niya ay oo.

“This special app.” He showed her his phone and the app that he talked about. “You have this on your phone too.”

She curiously checked the applications on her phone and saw the same with him.

“You need to create your own account and a strong password before you can use it.”

“For what is this app?”

The logo of it is almost the same as Los Oculto with different colors and fonts.

“It’s our way to locate each other,” he told her with honesty.

Interesting!

Tuluyan na siyang lumayo nang bahagya kay Rashid para mas maliwanagan pa lalo. She started to create an account because she’s intrigued.

He’s just watching her and patiently waiting until she’s done.

“Add my code to your private list.” He showed her how.

When she already added his code, he did the same to his phone with her code.

Rashid taught her how to use that app if she wanted to know where he was. The red dot on the map shows their location at the moment.

“This is cool!”

“Don’t tell anyone ’bout it.”

“Why not?”

“It’s for us only.”

Valeska nodded her head.

“So, if I want to know where you are, I’ll just press this . . .” She trailed while busy looking at the screen. “. . . here you are. I got you.”

He chuckled. “I got you, too.”

Sumilip siya sa screen ng phone nito at nakita na naroon ang code niya katabi ng kay Rashid dahil magkasama sila.

“What is this?” She pointed the camera icon near the map.

“It’s used for CCTV cameras.”

“Huh?”

He seemed hesitant to explain, but for some reason, when he looked at her, he sighed and forced himself to tell her.

“I’d know if . . . fuck,” he cursed, he obviously wanted that information hidden from her. “This is crazy.”

“Ano nga?” She even squeezed his hard arm for him to let her know what the CCTVs were for.

“If you’re in a place where a CCTV camera was installed, I could get access to it to see you if I want to.”

Valeska narrowed her eyes at him.

“You can do the same. If you wanna see me.” He smirked.

“Hindi mo ako mami-miss kung gano’n.”

Tumawa ito. “Gusto mo bang ma-miss kita?”

A naughty smile formed on her lips. “Gusto.”

“I doubt that. You wouldn’t like what will happen when you make me miss you.”

“I wonder what will happen?”

The sly smile on his lips told her that he’s thinking of something that he would do to her once she made him miss her. At para bang alam niya agad ’yon dahil sa paraan kung paano namungay ang mga mata nito.

“You’re going to fuck me?”

Rashid groaned. “Fuck . . . hard. Yeah.”

“But we always . . . fuck.”

“Baby, your mouth.”

Her heart raced because of his endearment. There’s something special the way that word escaped from his lips that she liked. It comforts her.

Nagkatinginan sila at siya ang unang bumitaw bago pa kung saan pa sila mauwi.

Valeska didn’t have coffee or breakfast when she decided to leave. Inihatid siya ni Rashid hanggang sa basement kung saan naghihintay na si Maricio.

He kissed her lips before he opened the backseat’s door for her. She’s watching him and the driver talking outside for a moment. Para bang may ibinibilin si Rashid kaya lang ay hindi niya naman marinig.

After more two hours, they arrived at the gate of the subdivision.

“Dito na lang pow. Okay na ako dito.”

“Sigurado ka ba, ma’am?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Hindi na ipinasok ang sasakyan sa loob ng subdivision. Hinintay niyang makaalis si Maricio bago pumasok sa gate at nagmamadaling nagpunta sa barangay.

Nakaupo sa sulok ng maliit na kulungan ang mommy niya, nakayukyok ang ulo at mukhang tulog.

Nilapitan siya agad ng ninang Daria niya. Halata ang ginhawa sa itsura nito nang makita na naroon na siya. Halata rin ang pagkapuyat. Talagang nanatili roon, ayon na rin sa pangako sa kanya.

“Haay. Mabuti naman at dumating ka na, inaanak. Tingnan mo ang mommy mo, ngayon lang ’yan kumalma dahil sinabi kong malapit ka na.”

“Salamat, Ninang. Gusto ko sanang makausap si hepe? Kung puwedeng palabasin si Mommy?”

“Nagkakape si hepe pero alam n’on na darating ka. Puwede naman daw lumabas ang mommy mo kung mananatiling kalmado.”

“Valeska? Anak?” Boses ’yon ng mommy niya.

Nang tingnan niya ito, nakatayo na, nakahawak sa rehas, habang tila nanlilisik ang mapupulang mga mata at may ngisi sa labi na . . . nagpapakaba sa kanya.

The redness of her eyes, the dark circles under her them, and the creepy smiles of her mother were very familiar to her. Alam niya agad ang nangyayari dito kung pagbabasehan niya ang itsura ng mga mata at madalas na paggalaw ng malalim na mga panga.

Her mother wasn’t that slim when she met her. Kaya lang dahil na rin siguro sa problema at hindi maiwasang paggamit ng bawal na gamot, naapektuhan ang katawan nito. Maganda ang mommy niya lalo na noong kabataan nito. She had that Filipina beauty and awesome darker skin tone. It’s just that it has ruined through the years because she didn’t take good care of herself and allowed other people to destroy it.

“Mommy.” Kaagad niya itong nilapitan.

Her mother reached for her and held her both wrists. Then pulled her closer carelessly, making her wince because she didn’t expect that sudden move. Tumama ang katawan niya sa mga bakal at nasaktan.

“Nandito ka na pala, anak! Ilabas mo na ako dito at puntahan natin si Rodolfo.”

“Mommy, wala pow akong pera.”

Iniyugyog siya nito at kulang na lang at ipasok sa makipot na seldang ’yon.

“Anong walang pera?! Di ba, sinabi ko na sa ’yo na manghingi ka sa boyfriend mo?!”

Valeska already felt the chills on her spine that traveled to every corner of her body because of her mother’s violent reaction.

“Hindi ka talaga marunong makinig at umintindi! Kasiyahan mo lang palagi ang inaatupag mo! Punyeta kang bata ka! Walang hiya! Walang utang na loob!” At pinaghahampas siya nito at kinalmot-kalmot dahil sa sobrang galit.

“’Tang ina! Amalia! Anak mo ’yan! Tumigil ka!” awat ng ninang Daria niya at pilit na inaalis ang isang kamay ng ina sa palapulsuhan niya para makawala siya.

Naramdaman niya ang hapdi sa braso at pisngi. Pero pilit niyang isinawalang-bahala niya ’yon dahil gusto niyang magpakamanhid na lang pansamantala. Kagaya nang ginagawa niya noon . . . sa tuwing ganitong nagiging bayolente ang mommy niya.

“Amalia!” Dumagundong ang boses ng hepe.

Dahil sa tulong nito, nakawala siya mula sa mga kamay ng ina. Nanginginig ang mga tuhod niya nang dalhin siya sa opisina ng kapitan.

“Akala ko magbabago na si Amalia,” anito habang nalulungkot siyang pinagmamasdan.

Their neighborhood knows about her mother. Siyempre, eskandaloso ang ina. Pati itong babaeng kapitan ng barangay, alam ang istorya.

“Sabihin mo lang kung gusto mong dalhin sa rehab ang mommy mo, Valeska. Tutulungan kita.”

Valeska couldn’t think straight. Naririnig niya pa rin ang sigaw ng ina at pagmumura. Binubulabog ang buong barangay.

“Hindi pow ako makapag-desisyon, Kap. Natatakot ako kay Mommy,” pag-amin niya.

“Natatakot ako para sa ’yo, hija. Kung hindi mo ito gagawan ng aksyon, paano ka na?”

She couldn’t speak. Her lips and fingers were trembling.

“Kung iniisip mo na magbabago ang mommy mo o kung naniniwala ka sa kanya na gano’n ang gagawin niya, pakiusap, ’wag kang magpapaloko. Marami na ang nagsabi niyan pero hindi naman nangyari. Kung ako lang ang masusunod, gusto kong dalhin sa rehab si Amalia habang hindi pa huli ang lahat. Pero kailangan ko ng kooperasyon mo, Valeska. Pag-isipan mo itong mabuti.”

Tumatak sa kanya ang payo ng kapitan. Ilang sandali pa ay lumabas na siya sa opisina.

“Ikaw! ’Wag na ’wag kang magpapakita sa ’kin kapag nakalabas ako dito! Mabubugbog talaga kitang hayop ka!” Banta sa kanya ng ina habang nanlilisik ang mga mata at nakaduro sa kanya. “Makikita mo! Pagsisisihan mo itong pagtataksil mo sa ’kin! Ikukulong din kita! ’Tang ina mo! Umalis ka sa harap ko!”

Sobra na ang pangangatog niya na kailangan pa siyang alalayan ng ninang Daria niya palabas ng barangay. But before she exited, she saw a CCTV at the corner that recorded everything that happened.

“Valeska, mabuti pa siguro na ’wag ka na munang mag-stay sa inyo. Tatawagan na lang kita kapag bumalik na sa tamang wisyo si Amalia. Natatakot ako na totohanin niya ang pagbabanta sa ’yo, eh. Alam mo na . . .” Malungkot siyang tiningnan ng ninang niya.

Only a few people knew her dark history, and her ninang Daria is one of them.

Her phone beeped inside her sling bag, but she ignored it.

“May aasikasuhin lang pow ako sa eskuwelahan. Sana mawala na ang tama ni mommy.”

“Naku. Ilang araw pa siguro bago mawala ang tama ni Amalia. Sa ngayon, mas makabubuting dumistansya ka muna, inaanak. Sayang naman ang ganda mo kung pag-iinitan lang ng mommy mo. Tingnan mo nga, oh.” Sabay turo sa mukha niya at braso kung saan may mga gasgas at kalmot.

“Ninang, salamat talaga. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin kay Mommy kung wala ka.”

“Ayos lang. ’Wag mo akong alalahanin. Nasanay na ako kay Amalia. Ang ayaw ko lang ay kapag sinasaktan ka. Para na kitang anak at nagdurugo ang puso ko kapag ikaw ang nagiging biktima niya.”

The sides of her eyes watered. She’s been overwhelmed with her ninang Daria’s concern for her since her first day in the Philippines until that very moment. Niyakap niya ito at gano’n din ito sa kanya.

From: Rashid

I’ve been thinking of you.

His message made her smile. Late niya nang nabasa dahil abala sa barangay at sa ilang activities sa eskuwelahan.

She’s having her snacks at the canteen with some of her classmates. Doon lang siya nakapag-reply.

To: Rashid

Miss mo agad ako?

She sent that message and then faced her classmate again.

“Ano’ng nangyari nga diyan sa mukha mo? Ba’t may mga kalmot?”

“Kinalmot nga ng pusa,” sagot niya uli.

“Pati ’yang mga kalmot sa braso mo? Pusa din ang may gawa?”

“Oo.”

“Hindi kapani-paniwala, Valeska. Siguro minamaltrato ka ng nanay mong adik.” Sabay tawanan ng mga ito. “Palagi ka pang may pasa sa katawan o kung hindi man ay mga kalmot. Ano ’yon? Palagi kang kinakalmot ng pusa n’yo?”

The words and laughter offended her so much. But she didn’t defend herself. How would she defend something that’s true?

Hindi niya alam kung paano niya nasikmura ang pumasok sa ekuwelahan kahit pa wala naman talaga siyang kasundo roon. She just goes there, studies, and goes home for years. And she’s relieved to know that it will end soon.

Bigla niya ring naisip na huwag na sigurong um-attend sa graduation day niya. She doesn’t want her classmates to bully her with her mother being known as a drug addict. Her diploma is enough.

From: Ninang Daria

Valeska! Nasaan ka? Kung nasa eskuwelahan ka, umalis ka na diyan! Nakatakas ang mommy mo dito sa barangay at hindi namin alam kung saan nagpunta. Baka puntahan ka diyan! Umalis ka na, please! Kinakabahan ako. Juiceko!

Nang mabasa niya ang text message na ’yon ay mabilis niyang kinuha ang bag niya at umalis sa canteen.

Her mother is really getting aggressive, and she doesn’t want her violence thrown at her again. She needs to be away from trouble!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Valeska won’t allow her mother to see her. Dahil alam niya na ang mangyayari. Lalo na’t wala pa sa tamang wisyo ang mommy niya. She doesn’t want to deal with her. The only thing she can do is hide or stay away.

Paano ito nakatakas sa kulungan sa barangay? Wala bang nagbabantay? O baka naman nagpanggap ang ina na maayos na ito at naniwala naman ang kung sinong bantay. She’s just hoping that her mother didn’t hurt anyone there.

Wala siyang ibang mapupuntahan sa lugar na iyon dahil wala naman talaga siyang kaibigan na maituturing.

She distanced herself from her classmates because most of the time, they bullied her through her mother’s addiction, and some were insecure with her. She’d rather be alone than be with people who weren’t true to her.

Lakad-takbo ang ginawa niya nang makalabas sa eskuwelahan. Panay din ang tingin niya sa paligid dahil baka bigla na lang sumulpot sa harap niya ang ina.

The fear and panic that she experienced were caused by her mother, who always treated her badly most of her life. Hindi niya alam kung paano niya nakaya ang gano’ng sitwasyon nang ilang taon.

Her phone rang inside her sling bag, but she had no time to answer it.

She needs to find a safe place where her mother couldn’t find her.

Nasa terminal na siya ng mga bus patungo sa Maynila nang mahagip ng mga mata niya ang mommy niya. Para itong nawawala pero para ring may hinahanap.

Mabilis na nagtago si Valeska sa gilid ng pader malapit sa tindahan ng mga pasalubong.

Patuloy ang pag-ring ng cellphone niya kaya napilitang kunin ’yon para tingnan kung sino ang tumatawag. Nawala sa atensiyon niya ang mommy niya nang mabasa sa screen ang pangalan ni Rashid.

It was like a sign to her that he’s the one that she needs at that moment. Na hindi niya na kailangan pang mag-isip kung saan siya pupunta para maging ligtas. He is the answer to all her worries to disappear.

“H-Hello?” Her voice shook.

“Where are you going?”

Wala na sa isip niya kung bakit gano’n ang naging tanong sa kanya ng binata dahil nawala bigla sa paningin niya ang mommy niya!

“Huh?”

“Bakit nasa bus station ka?”

She kept on looking everywhere to find her mother, but she couldn’t!

“I . . . I need to hide.”

“Why do you need to hide?”

Luminga si Valeska sa paligid dahil kinakabahan na baka nasa malapit lang ang ina.

“My mom . . . I n-need to be away from her.”

Rashid cursed on the other line. Para bang alam agad nito ang nangyayari sa kanya kahit hindi niya naman direktang sabihin.

“I can see you.” his voice was low and raspy.

Mabilis na hinanap niya kung may CCTV cameras ba na malapit sa kanya. Kaya lang ay talagang nahahati ang atensiyon niya sa paghahanap din sa mommy niya.

“Listen, okay, I’ll help you escape without your mom seeing you.”

Ang kaba sa dibdib niya ay pabigat nang pabigat. Natataranta siya. Natatakot na baka hablutin na lang siya bigla ng ina at saktan.

“Leave that place right now. And listen carefully to what I’ll say . . .”

“B-But my mom . . . she’s j-just around here.”

“That’s why you need to leave. Come on, baby. Try to focus.”

Unti-unti siyang umalis sa puwesto niya at naghihintay sa mga susunod na sasabihin ni Rashid.

“Cross the road together with other people.”

“O-Okay!”

Patakbo siyang nagpunta sa tawiran sa malapit at nakihalo sa ilang tao.

“I’m going to cross na. W-what’s next?”

“Go to the hotel that you’ll find on the next street.”

There were few hotels near there, and she doesn’t know which one he talked about.

“Which one?”

“Baby, just enter any hotel on the next street. You’ll be fine.”

Nagmamadali siyang tumawid at hinanap ng mga mata ang pangalawang kanto. Kaya lang nangatog ang tuhod niya nang marinig ang pangalan niya.

“Valeska!” That was her mother’s voice.

Pagtingin niya ay nasa tawiran din ito kung saan siya galing at halata sa itsura na gagawin ang lahat para lang makalapit sa kanya!

“M-My mom found me!”

Rashid’s sharp curses on the other line told her that he was fucking stressed with her situation.

“Damn it! Baby, you better run fast and follow what I told you.”

Even though her knees were trembling badly, Valeska tried hard to run as fast as she could just to get away from her mother’s sight.

Hingal na hingal siya nang makarating sa isang hotel. Tumingin pa siya sa may pinanggalingan niya kung nasundan ba siya ng ina.

“I’m h-here.”

Pinapasok siya ng guwardiya kahit pa nagtataka ito dahil galing siya sa mabilis na takbo.

“Ayos ka lang, ma’am?” nag-aalalang tanong nito.

“Yes.”

One of the staff approached her.

“Mrs. Valeska Montecarlo?” he asked with a smile.

Kahit nalilito, tumango na lang siya.

“Here, ma’am. Wait here for a moment. Your husband made a booking just a while ago. Kukunin ko lang po ang key card.”

Pinaupo siya sa waiting area sa may lobby at may nagdala naman agad sa kanya ng maiinom. She’s so thirsty that she drinks the juice immediately.

The hotel staff went back to her after talking to the front desk. He had the key card for the room.

Parang wala pa rin siya sa sarili kahit na nasa loob na siya ng magarang silid. She made sure that the doors were properly locked. She also closed the thick curtains of the glass window to make sure that nobody would see her from outside.

Valeska sat at the edge of the bed. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Unti-unting kumalma ang panginginig niya kasabay nang pagdaloy ng mga luha sa kanyang pisngi.

She always tried hard to stay brave because she didn’t want to be in the dark again. Ni ang pag-iyak ay ayaw niyang gawin kahit na nahihirapan at nasasaktan na. Dahil para sa kanya, simbolo iyon ng kahinaan. And she’s not weak. Or she must say she always tried not to be one. She wasn’t frail. Kaya lang, talagang paulit-ulit na sinusubok ang tatag niya.

She fell asleep while crying. Nagising lang nang maramdaman ang masusuyong halik sa kanyang pisngi.

Akala niya ay nananaginip lang siya nang masilayan ang guwapong mukha ni Rashid nang magmulat ng mga mata. Then she remembered while she was crying, he texted her that he was on his way there.

Parang kay tagal ng panahon na hindi niya ito nakita at kay tagal niyang nangulila. Kaya naman mabilis niya itong niyakap.

Ang panghihinang nararamdaman ay nagpapasakit sa kanyang puso. Alam niya sa sarili kung bakit sobra siyang emosyonal at tila babasaging bagay na may lamat. Na kaunting pagkakamali lang, ay tuluyan siyang bibigay at bibitaw.

“I’m here. I’m here. You’re safe now,” he whispered tenderly.

He’s hugging her back while kissing her hair and head to calm her down.

Isiniksik niya ang mukha sa leeg nito at doon tahimik na umiyak.

“Let’s g-go back to Manila. P-please . . . I d-don’t want to be here anymore.”

“We will. Take a rest first.”

Umiling siya sa may leeg nito. Hindi na siya makakatulog uli dahil gising na naman ang diwa niya na puno ng takot at pangamba.

He sighed in defeat.

Rashid tried to see her face again, and she allowed him.

Namumugto pa ang mga mata niya, ngunit kitang-kita niya ang pag-igting ng panga nito habang nakatitig sa mukha niya.

His menacing eyes looked so ruthless to the point that she could feel how much he controlled himself to stay calm. Kahit pa tila hindi na nito maatim na tingnan ang mukha niya. Na sigurado siyang bakas pa ang sariwang mga gasgas at kalmot. Pababa sa may leeg niya at magkabilang braso.

The way he clenched his jaw and the way his sharp eyes scanned her wounds told her how much he wanted her to willingly tell him what happened to her. Animo’y naghihintay lang din ito na sabihin niya rito na parusahan ang may gawa n’on sa kanya, at walang pag-aalinlangan nitong papahirapan ang may sala.

“Okay l-lang ako.” Halos hindi lumabas ang mga salita sa bibig niya.

From anger, his eyes softened, then he ended up painfully watching her. And that hurts her, too.

Does he pity her? He shouldn’t!

“This is nothing. Gagaling din ’tong mga gasgas. ’Wag k-kang maawa sa ’kin. I don’t need your pity.”

Mariin itong pumikit na para bang gustong-gusto nang maghiganti, ngunit hindi kayang gawin nang walang pahintulot niya.

Rashid let out a breath and pulled her closer again to him. Niyakap siya nito sa paraan na para bang mas kailangan nito ’yon para pakalmahin ang sariling emosyon.

They stayed hugging each other for a long minute. And she’s fine with it. She likes the warmth of his body. His embrace, his gentle kisses, and the beating of their hearts against her chest were soothing.

It was midnight when they traveled back to Metro Manila. Malalim na ang gabi nang makarating sila sa condo nito. They took a shower together and lay in bed after.

Valeska fell asleep in Rashid’s arms—where she felt safe.

He didn’t go to work the next day. Kahit na sabihin niyang ayos lang siya na maiwan mag-isa sa condo. He works at home instead.

“I forgot to take one last night,” she said before she brought the pill to her mouth and drank water.

Nasa living room sila. Rashid has been in front of his MacBook for hours now. Habang siya naman ay naghahanda na ng lunch nila.

“Just put your pills in our bedroom. It’s easier for you to see before bedtime.”

Sumang-ayon naman siya kaya doon niya sa silid inilagay ang pills. Sa bedside table para makikita niya agad. Nasa bag niya lang kasi ’yon palagi. Minsan niya nang nakaligtaan uminom. Mabuti na lang at isang araw lang dahil naalala niya agad.

It’s peaceful to stay in his condo with him. She temporarily forgot what happened yesterday. She feels safer there than anywhere else.

Bumalik siya sa tabi ni Rashid at niyakap ang matigas na braso nito. Hindi naman din ito nagrereklamo kahit pa abala sa tinatrabaho.

He kissed her head. “Are you feeling better now?”

“Better than yesterday.”

She couldn’t find the courage to tell him what happened. O siguro, ayaw niya lang din sabihin dito. Hindi siya komportable na magkuwento lalo na at sobrang pag-eeskandalo ang ginawa ng ina.

“Hmm, thank you for helping me yesterday,” she whispered. “I’m so relieved that y-you called in at the right time.”

What if he didn’t call her? Ano na kaya ang nangyari sa kanya kung gano’n nga ang nangyari? Baka nakita na siya ng mommy niya at kasalukuyang hindi pinapalabas ng bahay.

“Sana . . . ayos lang sa ’yo na d-dito muna ako hanggat hindi pa ako puwedeng bumalik sa amin.”

“Did you really have a plan to go back there?” He sounded sarcastic and also pissed off.

He turned off his MacBook and faced her. Madilim ang mga mata nito dahil nakatingin na naman sa mukha niyang may mga bakas ng kalmot.

“That’s where I live—”

“You’re living in hell.”

Napalunok siya.

He’s right. She’s living in hell. Does she really want to go back there and experience hell again?

“I have no right to stop you, but please, make up your mind, Valeska. I don’t want you to be hurt.” Then he painfully stared at her face again. “Damn it! Look at your face.”

Para itong nanghihina sa panggagalaiti. Hindi maatim na makita ang mga kalmot sa pisngi niya at leeg.

He even touched the wounds on her arm with his thumb, which made her wince.

“Itong mga ’to ang nakakuha mo kapag nasa inyo ka? Tapos naiisip mo pang bumalik do’n? Tangina. Masisiraan ako ng bait sa ’yo,” he hissed. He’s starting to get stressed again.

“Dito muna ako,” aniya habang nakayakap sa braso ni Rashid.

“Dito ka lang talaga.”

“I’m sorry for stressing you—”

“No. Don’t be sorry. I just want you to clear your mind.”

“That’s why . . . I am not going back yet there. Hindi na rin ako magpupunta sa graduation namin.”

He heaved a long sigh. “I’m sorry that you’re experiencing this kind of violence,” he kissed her head.

Violence caused by her own mother.

“I don’t wanna see women being abused. Please, don’t allow other people to hurt you again.”

Ipinikit niya ang mga mata. Sinisikap niyang maging matatag pa. Gusto niya rin bigyan ang sarili ng pahinga. Kaya, hindi nga talaga siya uuwi sa kanila. Hindi niya rin alam kung kailan ulit. She just wants to rest and to be away from any pain.

Valeska’s graduation day is tomorrow. Mabilis lang na lumipas ang mga araw. Nasabihan niya na ang ninang Daria niya na hindi siya makakapunta. Hindi siya nagre-reply sa kahit anong text message ng mommy niya. Baka sa susunod, magpapalit na rin siya ng numero.

They are in Los Oculto’s headquarters in Manila. Rashid brought her there for the second time. Madalas kasi ay nasa Bulacan sila.

“Ganda mo talaga. Nakakatomboy!” biro sa kanya ng isa sa nagti-training doon.

Today, Rashid will teach her unarmed combat.

Valeska is wearing a pair of black leggings and a sports bra. She messily tied up her wavy hair because she was in a hurry a while ago.

“Ang sexy pa!” The other woman said. “Dati, si boss lang ang crush ko, eh. Parang ngayon, si Ma’am Valeska na.”

Nagtawanan ang grupo ng mga babae na patapos na sa training sa araw na ’yon. Pag-alis ng mga ito, sila naman ni Rashid ang gagamit ng boxing ring. He went to his office first to sign some documents.

“Sobrang bagay kayo ni Boss Rashid! Medyo istrikto siya, pero kapag sa ’yo? Parang palagi ka niyang pagbibigyan kahit ilang beses kang magkamali.”

“Hindi naman. Strict din siya sa akin. Hindi n’yo lang nakikita.”

“Puwede kaya kaming manonood habang tinuturuan ka niya, ma’am?”

“Of course.”

“Baka hindi pumayag si boss. Quality time n’yo ’yon, eh!”

Valeska shook her head with a smile.

“We always have quality time together. Magkasama kami sa condo kaya . . .”

Nakita niya ang panlalaki ng mga mata ng grupo ng babae sa harap niya.

“You two living together, ma’am?”

She didn’t mean to say it. Pero nadulas siya. Sana ay hindi magalit si Rashid.

“Masarap ba, Ma’am Valeska?” Humagikhik ang mga ito. “Pero halatang masarap . . . kapag tumitingin ako sa mga braso niya, halatang kayang-kaya bumuhat ng babae at tatagal sa nakatayong posisyon.”

She knows what these women talked about, and she couldn’t help the heat on her face. Because she imagined their sex position just last night, where Rashid carried her. Her legs wrapped around his waist while he was fucking her.

“Ikaw lang ang babaeng dinala ni boss Rashid dito. Halatang gustong-gusto ka.”

They never talked about feelings, though. They’re just living together, fucking, hugging, kissing, and both are contented with each other’s company. Kaya hindi niya rin maisip ng gano’n na lang kung may nararamdaman na ba siya kay Rashid o ito sa kanya.

When they saw him walking in their direction, mabilis na nagpaalam sa kanya ang mga babae. Sinalubong ng mga ito ang binata at magalang na binati.

He’s sporting black sweatpants and a drop-arm tee—where she sees both sides of his ripped stomach and his tattoos. He looked hot, so she had to bite her lower lip to stop herself from being sexually attracted to him.

His eyes dropped to her body. Kahit na palagi silang magkasama, palagi rin niyang napapansin ang malagkit na tingin nito sa katawan niya. Na para bang alam nitong hindi na siya hahanap pa ng iba . . . na dito lang siya paulit-ulit na magpapa-angkin.

He walked closer until they were just inches away. He held her waist and pulled her to him.

The invisible fire that comes from each other’s body is burning her skin. She always felt it . . . they always had it . . . the flame of desire between them was irresistible.

She couldn’t beat it. It was too strong to avoid. Reason why she always allowed herself to get burned by it . . . over and over again.

He angled his head for a feverish kiss. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang gigil nito sa kanya kaya napahagikhik siya.

“We are not alone here,” she reminded him.

She looked around and saw some people who started to leave the area where they are. Baka mamaya lang, sila na lang ang matira roon.

Hinalikan ulit nito ang labi niya habang namumungay ang mga mata. Medyo nadadala siya dahil na rin sa haplos ng palad nito sa may baywang niya.

“You forgot to take your pill last night,” he whispered in a raspy tone.

Ngumuso siya. “I’ll take it when we get home.”

His lips travel to her cheek, then to her ear. “Don’t keep on missing it. Kung ayaw mong mabuntis kita agad.”

Her cheeks burned. As she remembers him, he always cum inside of her. Wala man lang mintis.

“I s-swear. I won’t forget na.”

He sensually breathed on her ear, which tickled her so much. Napadaing pa siya dahil doon.

“Mabubuntis ka talaga sa ’kin . . .” It sounded like a warning for her, but it’s ridiculous because it doesn’t scare her one bit.

CHAPTER TWELVE

They are already in the middle of the boxing ring. Rashid will teach her how to throw a proper jab, which she really needs so much. He was the one who put the boxing gloves on her. Then he has the boxing pads.

He made her run first, and she did some basic warm-ups. Doon palang, parang napagod na siya agad at natanto na kulang siya sa exercise.

There’s no wonder why he’s physically fit. He even has his own gym room in his condo. Baka puwedeng doon na rin siya mag-practice kapag wala siyang ginagawa.

Rashid taught her how to throw a jab properly, and that’s what she’s doing at the moment. She’s already sweating so badly that her heart is beating loudly.

He is also sweating, but it’s unfair because he still looked so good and attractive. Lalo pa at seryoso ito habang tinatanggap ang bawat suntok niya at papagalitan siya kapag nakikita na mali ang pagkuha niya ng pwersa.

His stoic face and the way the hard muscles on his arms flexed while catching her every jab were a distraction to her. Hindi niya maiwasan na tahimik na mamangha at mapalunok dahil talagang para siyang nababaliw na naaakit dito sa maling sitwasyon.

Valeska did another couple of jabs, then a cross and a hook, but she was late to do the uppercut. Because she’s tired already and a bit hungry.

“Faster!” he commanded and gave her a sharp glare.

Napalunok siya ulit dahil kahit na medyo iritado ito, ay ang guwapo pa rin. Parang ayos lang sa kanya kung maghapon siya nitong pagalitan.

“Five more minutes, and then we will have a break.”

Valeska wiped the sweat off her forehead using her arm because she couldn’t use her hands. Nakita niya na sumunod ang mga mata ni Rashid sa ginawa niya, hanggang sa bumaba ang mga ’yon sa pawisan niyang leeg.

“Are we going to eat our lunch here?”

“Do you wanna eat outside?” He asked as if he would just follow what she wants.

“I’m fine eating here. Sa office mo?”

He seemed distracted with the sweats on her neck. Bumababa talaga ang tingin nito sa parteng ’yon ng katawan niya. Hindi niya alam kung siya lang ang nakakaramdam ng pananabik na maangkin siya nito o pareho sila ng isinisigaw.

“Yes.”

Valeska smiled in a seductive way that made his eyes dilate. Tapos ay nag-isang linya ang labi nito ng tila matanto ang pasimple niyang pang-aakit.

“Baby, five more minutes, then we’re going to do whatever you want,” his voice was raspy.

“I just wanna . . . eat.”

“Me too,” he meaningfully said, which made her blush.

Kaya naman nang matapos ang isa pang set, pinilit niya ang sarili na huwag ipahalata ang pananabik niyang mapag-isa sila sa opisina nito. Lalo na at nakapalibot ang CCTVs doon. Mahirap na kung bigla niya na lang hahalikan si Rashid at makagawa sila ng hindi karapat-dapat na apoy.

The moment he locked the door behind him was the same moment he pinned her against it and attacked her with thirsty and hot kisses.

Iniyakap niya ang mga braso sa batok ng binata at agresibong sinagot ang bawat mapusok na halik nito.

“Uhh . . .” she whispered sexily when he removed her leggings together with her panties.

The door behind her is what protected her from staying still because of his aggressive move and torrid kisses. Para na naman siyang nahihibang. At kahit pagod pa sa training nila, handa na naman siyang mapagod sa ibang paraan.

Valeska giggled when he lifted her and wrapped her legs around his waist. She felt his massive erection, and that amazed her so much.

Naiwan na nakaawang ang labi niya nang ibaba nito ang halik sa leeg niya. At isang masarap na ungol ang umalpas sa bibig niya nang itinutok nito ang ulo ng pagkakalaki sa entrada niya.

He’s teasing and poking her there, that made her wet quickly. Tila ba matagal na siyang nananabik dito kaya gano’n na lang ka-bilis ang reaksiyon ng katawan niya.

“Baby . . . please . . .” she breathlessly whispered and ground her hips to let him know how excited she was to feel him inside.

Rashid groaned and traveled his lips up to hers. He slightly bit it and stared sensually at her. Kapareho niya, sobrang namumungay din ang mga mata nito. Na kaunting panunuyo pa, a-angkinin na siya sa paraan na gusto niya.

“What did you . . . call me?” His voice was husky, and it gave butterflies to her stomach.

She bit her lower lip while staring back at him. Tapos ay nanghahalina na hinaplos niya ang batok nito. Dahilan kung bakit masarap itong napapikit. Ramdam na ramdam na nag-iinit talaga siya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

“Baby . . .” Her voice softened so that it sounded like she was begging.

He purses his lips, trying so hard not to be affected by the way she called him by his endearment to her.

Hindi niya rin alam na kung bakit kung kailan siya nasa kalagitnaan ng pananabik at sarap, doon niya ito natatawag sa gano’ng paraan. It’s just that . . . it’s her way to let him know that she’s already in the middle of heat and she wants him to light the fire.

His hands squeezed her butt cheek and lifted her a bit more, which made her feel his tip slowly entering her.

Masarap siyang napapikit nang tuluyang nag-isa ang kanilang katawan. Maligaya siyang nagpa-angkin at walang pag-alinlangan na ipinaramdam dito kung gaano siya nalulugod na handa palaging magpatupok sa nag-aalab na apoy.

“Oohh! Oohhh! Ooohhh!”

Valeska’s moans filled Rashid’s office. His every thrust made their private parts make heavy breathing and sounds, telling them they liked it—when their bodies became one.

She removed her sports bra, which revealed her breasts. At kahit na galing siya sa pawis, hindi ’yon naging hadlang upang paluguran ng binata ang dibdib niya gamit ang bibig nito habang itinataas-baba siya sa matigas na pagkalalaki nito.

“Aahh . . . ahhh! R-Rashid—mmm! Y-yes! Mmm!”

She watches him suck her nipple like a thirsty beast. It was one of the reasons why she’s so turned on. Lalo na kapag naiisip ang ginagawa nito kapag nasa kama sila.

He would suck her nipple every morning or night. At doon talaga siya sobrang nasasarapan hanggang sa pati ang pagkababae niya ay maapektuhan sa sarap. That’s the time he would go down between her thighs and devour her femininity.

Pakiramdam niya ay nawawala siya sa katinuan sa labis na ligayang ipinaparamdam sa kanya ni Rashid. It was so strange, but she likes to go crazy with him because of so much pleasure.

Valeska felt weak but satisfied after a round inside Rashid’s office. He didn’t bring her to his bedroom thereafter. Instead, he put her above his table, and then he sat on his swivel chair.

Kinagat niya ang labi nang ibuka nito ang nanginginig niyang hita.

“I thought we were going to eat our lunch?” She teased with a smile.

“Yeah. I’d have mine first.”

Valeska tried so hard not to moan loudly when she felt his tongue on her flesh. He’s really unbelievable. Parang hindi napapagod. Halatang tatagal kahit ilang rounds pa ’yan.

And after Rashid had his “lunch” through licking her femininity. He called his secretary to bring their real lunch to his office.

Nasa loob siya ng shower room doon nang dumating ang sekratarya. Hindi niya na naabutan dahil medyo tumagal siya sa paglilinis ng katawan.

She blushed when she saw some red marks on her boobs and inner thighs. Nanginginig pa ang mga hita niya dahil sa ginawa ng binata sa kanya. She can’t believe him! He really liked oral sex so much.

Bigla siyang nakaramdam ng takot na baka isang araw ay hanap-hanapin niya si Rashid at ang klase ng kaluguran na ibinigay nito sa kanya.

She’s starting to get attached to him, and she doesn’t know if it’s right or if she should stop herself. While it’s still early?

Staying with Rashid under one roof for a long while now is like living a married life. She was his wife, and he was her husband. It was really like that. They do things that married couples usually do.

She knows his work schedule and when he’s too busy. Kapag sobrang abala ito, hindi siya nito isinasama. Kaya ang ginagawa niya, tumutulong siya sa organizers ng auction online.

Ilan beses na rin siyang nakipagkita kay Ivanka para sa mga importanteng detalye para sa nalalapit na auction na gaganapin sa Makati. At the moment, she has an online group meeting with her girl friends.

Ivanka, Freja, and Rivka are on her screen.

“Where’s Rashid?” Umpisa pa lang ay tinutukso-tukso na siya ni Ivanka.

“He’s at work nga.”

“You two were like a married couple—living under one roof. Tapos, walang label?” Si Freja habang itinatali ang buhok.

“That’s a trend yata nowadays. Kahit mag-girlfriend or boyfriend pa lang, nagli-live-in na. How ’bout you, Freja? Wala bang guwapo diyan sa bagong mundo mo?”

Freja gave them a meaningful smile that made them giggle because they knew what it meant!

“Take a photo of him! Let us see!” Ivanka was so eager to know their love life.

“Something that I won’t do. His family is influential here. I don’t want to be in trouble.”

“Just a stolen shot, dear. Guwapo talaga?”

“Oo nga. But he’s too much for me. Anyway, let’s start with our meeting na.”

“Wait. Let’s ask Rivka first. How’s life in Ilocos?”

“Peaceful. All I can say.”

Marami pa munang kuwentuhan ang nangyari bago sila nag-umpisa sa talagang dapat na pag-usapan.

“I’ll bring Thiago with me,” Rivka informed them.

“Okay. I’ll put his name on the VIP guest list. How ’bout you, Freja and Valeska? Nakahanap na kayo ng makakasama sa auction?”

“I’m still looking for a prospect. I’ll let you know once I already have someone to be with me,” Freja said straightforwardly.

“I didn’t ask Rashid yet,” she trails off. “But, I already mentioned the auction to him. Ang sabi niya lang, his mother might be interested.”

“Right. His mother was living in a shadow, and we barely saw her in social or political events. But I heard from my mom that Tracia Montecarlo is a very private philanthropist. Sa kanya nagmana ang dalawang anak niya sa sobrang pagiging pribado ng buhay.”

Ivanka was feeding them information about Rashid’s mother. She knows because her family is very socialite. Especially her mother.

“I think if you asked Rashid to come with you in the auction, he would say yes to you, Valeska.” Rivka simply encouraged her to invite Rashid.

“I agree. He obviously likes you.” Freja sounded confident with her belief about Rashid’s feelings for her.

“And I can tell that you liked him, too. Hindi ka naman siguro tatagal sa kanya kung hindi mo siya gusto?”

Valeska started to think about what she really feels for Rashid Montecarlo.

She admitted she’s attracted to him. She found him hot and mysterious. She liked that he was private and reserved. She admired him having Los Oculto and its members, who respect him so much. The leader is not kind, but you can tell he wants the people to be brave, fearless, and skilled.

He wasn’t selfish. He shares with her anything that he thinks she needs. Like how he shares his skills and knowledge with people who are part of his organization. He’s admirable in a way that she feels like she also wants to protect him and be his strength.

When it comes to bed, he might be a beast, but he always prioritized her release before his. He’s great, and she always had a mind-blowing orgasm with him. He’s perfect in that department. He’s the kind of man that women would surely die to have in bed.

For her, she doesn’t mind if she ever falls for him one day. He seemed a good man. He’s patient and always chose to understand her.

Most of all, he respects her choices for keeping her problems with her even though she knew that he wanted her to tell everything to him. She just couldn’t do it. Not yet. Maybe one day, she would tell him everything.

“He treats me good. I think that’s what made me stay.”

Nakita niya ang ngiti sa labi ng mga kaibigan niya. A kind of smile that they understood her reason why she stayed with Rashid.

“You deserve the way he treats you, Valeska. Sana ’wag magbago si Rashid. Kung palagi siyang mabait sa ’yo, iniintindi ka, at hindi ka sinaktan ni minsan, then it’s a sign that he’s really a good man,” Rivka said. “Talking by experience.”

“But when you meet Rashid Montecarlo, his dark aura would tell you that he wasn’t that kind. I felt bad that I judged him.” Ivanka pursed her lips.

“Was that your first impression of him?”

“Paano naman kasi, matikas ang katawan niya at matangkad din. Basta, his aura is heavy. No’ng nakita kong magkasama sila ni Valeska, naisip ko agad na baka binabaliktad na itong kaibigan natin sa kama.”

Valeska gasped, but her other friends laughed at Ivanka’s statement.

“In a way that, of course, Valeska would like.” Ivanka giggled. “Binaliktad ka na ba ni Rashid sa kama?”

Umikot ang mga mata niya at pinilit na huwag sumagot sa pilyang tanong ng kaibigan.

She’s living with him, so she can say that they already explored some different sex positions. Alam niyang marami pa ang hindi nila nagagawa ni Rashid at medyo umaangat ang kilay niya kapag naiisip na magagawa nila ang lahat ng posisyon.

“We are not here to talk about my sexcapade with Rashid,” she leered, but she has a smile on her lips.

The girls giggled. Because she just confirmed that she was really having sex with him! Which is given, though, because she’s living with him.

“Mukha pa namang magaling sa kama . . .” Sabay halakhak ni Ivanka. “Kaya hindi na umuwi sa Pampanga itong kaibigan natin.”

Uminit ang pisngi niya. “Stop na, Ivanka. Magaling talaga siya. Kaya stop na. Let’s start the meeting na.”

The girls giggled and laughed. Kaya nahawa na rin siya. It felt good to laugh with the people who understand her and who she can relate to.

“I already emailed you girls the details of the auction. Please check. Attached were the program, guest lists, and invitation.”

Valeska checked her emails and saw what Ivanka talked about. There was a long guest list that she will review after the meeting.

“They don’t really write down some big sponsors names, eh?” Freja muttered.

“Yes. It’s for their privacy. May iba naman na gusto na nasa sponsors list. You know, for public promotion. Especially those politicians. They really love to see their names as one of the sponsors or donors.”

Valeska saw some names of the sponsors, and Ivanka was right because most of them are in politics. The other is the name of the company instead of the owner. Then some celebrities and beauty queens were on the sponsors list too.

“Oh, girls, Tita Visha told me that we need to make some introductions about our experiences in Solandis. Hindi naman daw sapilitan pero mas maganda na kahit papaano ay malaman ng mga guest ang mga kuwento sa loob. Just a bit of a story from us will be enough.”

“Paano kapag ayaw ko?” Si Freja.

“It’s fine. Tita Visha doesn’t force us to tell our story. It’s on us. If we are willing to share our experiences being part of Solandis.”

“If Rashid was with me, I don’t think I could tell my story.”

“You don’t need to if you’re uncomfortable.” Rivka smiled warmly at her. “Besides, Tita Visha will understand us if we want to keep our story a secret from other people.”

“Yes. And lastly, we need to tell them what our art is about. Why we chose to paint or draw it. Para naman alam ng bibili kung anong klaseng art ang bibilhin nila. ’Yan lang naman ang bilin ni Tita Visha at ni Mommy.”

“Well, I can do that. I’m okay with that,” she agreed.

“Girls, how many paintings did you make while in Solandis?” Freja asked curiously.

“I think . . . I had at least three?” Valeska answered and thought about the paintings she made during her stay in Solandis.

“Mine is only one. I’m not good at painting, eh. I did more drawings.” It was Rivka.

“I finished two paintings. Then I made a portrait of myself.” Ivanka giggled.

“I got one. That was my first and last painting.” Freja sighed.

They talked more about the upcoming auction. Then before they ended their meeting, they talked about each other’s lives while being away.

The truth is, she is not only looking forward to the auction. She also wants to spend time with her friends. Her friends that she met at the time that the girls were also trying their best to escape from the toughest chapter of their lives.

Knowing that they were free from what had imprisoned them is one of the reasons why she chose to keep moving forward no matter how rough and pitch-black the roads would be.

Patuloy siyang maglalakad palayo sa madilim na daan. At kung lumingon man siya sa nakaraan, palagi niyang sinisigurado na hindi na niya iyon babalikan sa kaparehong dahilan.

She will look back because she wants to be an inspiration to the people who once lost their hopes, their faith, and even their own selves while walking through the darkest paths of their lives.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Valeska cooked dinner after she took a shower. Rashid is usually home around eight in the evening, but he said he will be late, but she still cooked. Iyon lang naman din ang ginagawa niya kapag mag-isa sa condo. The good thing is, she liked cooking and baking. She enjoyed doing it.

From: Rashid

Don’t wait for me. I’ll be really late.

To: Rashid

Oh. I already cooked dinner. I will eat alone na lang.

Hindi naman ’yon nakakatampo pero parang hindi niya maiwasan. Inisip niya na lang na talaga sigurong abala si Rashid sa trabaho kaya gagabihin talaga ng uwi.

From: Rashid

I’ll visit my mom. I’ll tell her ’bout the auction.

Pakiramdam niya ay lumiwanag ang mukha niya. At mas lalong nawala ang tila pagtatampo sa dibdib ng tumawag si Rashid. Agad niya namang sinagot ’yon.

“I’m sorry. I can’t have dinner with you tonight.”

She smiles. He doesn’t need to apologize, but she’s happy that he did.

“Okay lang. Are you really going to see your mom?”

“Yes. Just a quick visit, and then I’ll go home.”

“Uh, I hope it’s all good,” she said, lost for words.

“I’ll let you know when she agrees to be in the auction.”

“Thank you, baby.” Her face heated. Hindi pa siya sanay na tawagin ito sa endearment na ’yon lalo at wala sila sa kama.

He chuckled sexily on the other line.

“But what if my mom doesn’t want to go? Hmm?”

And why did it sound like he low-key wanted her to invite him instead?

“Then, um, I would invite someone else?”

“Who is that someone else?”

Valeska pursed her lips. Damn it! Why the hell can’t she invite him directly? And what the hell is the problem with her heart? It pounded hard against his chest.

She dramatically sighed to let him know that he’s giving her a hard time deciding.

“I . . . if . . . if it’s fine with you. I’d like to invite you.”

There. She finally said it!

Rashid’s breath of relief filled her ear. He didn’t speak yet. It took them a while to break the silence and their soft breathing.

“Kung ayaw mo—”

“Gusto ko.” He cut her off in a low, raspy tone.

Sumilay ang ngiti sa labi niya. “Be my date then.”

“We will talk about it when I get home.”

“Okay.”

“Are you done taking a shower?”

Natawa siya. “Yes.”

“Good.”

Lalo siyang natawa. Palagi naman siyang naliligo tuwing gabi at minsan ay sabay pa sila. But his question was funny. Nakakaisip tuloy siya ng kahalayan na mangyayari pag-uwi nito.

“Uh! I should’ve waited for you.” She made her voice regretful.

“Oh, yeah.”

“But I can always take a shower again and with you.”

“Nah. Just lie in bed, naked, and I’ll be fine.”

Valeska laughed, that made him laugh too. If that was a joke from him, then it was ridiculous!

“I’ll wait for you in our bed. Naked,” she teased.

“Sure, baby. Can’t wait to go back home and devour you.”

“Fuck me . . .” she naughtily whispered. “With your tongue and . . .” She paused and giggled.

Rashid cursed. Kulang na lang ay umuwi na ito agad sa kanya dahil sa panunukso niya.

“I’m driving,” napapaos na sambit nito.

“I’m not gonna be naughty na. Drive safely.”

He didn’t say anything again. Probably busy on the wheel and road.

“I’ll eat and then go to the bedroom. I might already be sleeping when you get home.”

“Just stay naked.”

She laughed again. “We are always naked when we sleep. So, yes, I’ll be naked.”

He sighed. Talagang parang gusto ng umuwi sa kanya.

After her night routine, she took a pill. She removed all her clothes and underwear before lying in bed. She quickly fell asleep.

And when she felt a warm caress on her skin, that’s when she realized that Rashid was already home. Sleepily, she reaches for his head that is going down between her thighs.

Valeska’s sweet moans escaped her lips while massaging Rashid’s wet hair as he licked her femininity. What a way to wake her up in the middle of the night, huh?

“Rashid . . .” Her lips parted when he poked her entrance using the tip of his tongue.

Tuluyan na siyang napamulat, ibinuka pa lalo ang mga hita at nahihibang na iginalaw ang balakang upang madama lalo ang dila na naglalabas-masok sa entrada ng pagkababae niya.

Her moans echoed in their bedroom again. He really knows her body and the best time to wake her up.

Gumapang ang mga palad nito sa tiyan niya hanggang sa umangat sa dibdib niya. He found her nipples with his fingers and started to play with each of them.

She’s soaking wet with his saliva that she can hear the sounds of every flick of his tongue against her flesh.

“’Tang ina.” Napapamura ito na halatang sarap na sarap sa pagkain sa pagkababae niya.

“M-masarap ba talaga?”

She winced and gripped on his hard arms when he sucked her cl*toris. Her thighs shook, and her breathing became heavy. Tumitirik ang mga mata niya at parang nawawala sa ulirat. He knew that . . . that spot was her weakness.

“B-baby . . . you sucked too much, ahhh . . . but, m-masarap . . . mmmm . . .”

He did a long suck until she couldn’t handle the pleasure anymore. She squirted on his mouth, and her body collapsed.

“Kahit gabi-gabi kitang kainin, hindi ko pagsasawaan,” napapaos na sambit nito habang hinihimod ng dila pagkababae niyang namimintig pa.

“I . . . know . . . you liked it so much when you were in between my thighs.”

“Uh-huh,” his lips traveled up to her flat stomach and kissed her there. “Did you take your pills today?” He kept on planting kisses there.

“Y-yes.”

“Scared of being pregnant?”

“No. J-just . . . not ready.”

“What if I got you pregnant?” His kisses on her stomach is making her body melt.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. She can’t believe they are talking about pregnancy when she just had her organs through his tongue.

“You won’t. I’m on pills.”

“I saw your pills. You perfectly kept on missing it. Do you think you’re still safe?”

“I’ll have my shot.”

“Let’s just do withdrawals.” His lips went up to her boobs.

Nawawala na siya sa pinag-uusapan nila dahil abala si Rashid sa dibdib niya. Bukod pa doon, ramdam niya ang pagkalalaki nito na unti-unti siyang inaangkin.

“Do . . . y-you think we can trust that . . . mmm . . . w-withdrawal?”

“Yeah. Just trust me.”

Valeska sighed and caressed his hair while he was busy kissing her breasts.

“Kapag ako nabuntis . . .” She bit her lower lip. She was about to warn him, but she just couldn’t because of the sensation.

“Kapag nabuntis ka . . .” He trailed the tip of his nose at the valley of her breasts.

“Mmmm . . .”

“. . . I’ll take all the responsibility.”

Her lips curved into a smirk. “Convince me to believe you.”

“Let’s get you pregnant first, and you’ll see,” he teased, as he kept on kissing her neck. And she gasped when he entered her after saying those words.

Umawang ang labi niya at nagpakasasa sa nakakawala sa sariling kaluguran. Habang mabagal at malalim ang ginagawang pag-ulos ng binata sa loob ng pagkababae niya.

Rashid finally gave her paperwork while she was in the condo. He works in a field. The reason why she can’t come with him. At para hindi siya mabagot, hiningian niya na ito ng trabaho.

“You just have to double-check the details of all the members and employees. If it’s not updated, email them and send a new form. Everything is attached there.”

Valeska was checking the files while Rashid was talking and explaining to her what to do.

“Should I call them if they didn’t reply to my email?”

“Give them two to three days. If there was no response after that, you could call them.”

“What would I tell them? If they asked me, who am I?”

“Tell them you’re their boss’ girlfriend,” he said, then slowly put the glass of water on his lips as he watched her reaction.

She felt how her face heated badly. Hindi niya sigurado kung seryoso ba ito o gi-nu-good-time lang siya. But the way he stared at her, it seemed like he was damn serious.

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin kay Rashid dahil sa lakas ng pintig ng puso niya. She even had to clear her throat to properly breathe.

“I’m serious,” she muttered after a long while of battling with her wild heartbeat.

She’s standing behind the island counter while checking the files. Ni hindi nga pumapasok sa isip niya ang tinitingnan dahil sa sinabi ni Rashid.

When he took a step forward, her breathing became heavy. He placed his veiny hands above the marble counter, near the files. Then he leveled their heads and tried to catch her eyes.

Ngunit nagpanggap siyang abala sa mga papel sa harap niya para lang huwag makipagtitigan dito.

“Let’s talk,” his baritone made her swallow.

He covered the files with his large hand, making her look up at him. Nagtama ang kanilang mga mata. Sinimangutan niya ito.

“What?” She furrowed her eyebrows.

“I want a fucking label, Valeska.” He muttered frankly, but he’s also frustrated.

That label.

They never talked about it. Ngayon lang. At hindi niya rin naman iniisip pa ’yon kaya medyo natuwa siya na malaman na . . . nasa isip ni Rashid ang tungkol do’n.

Honestly, she’s fine and happy being with him even though they don’t have a label. She never imagined she would need to put a label on them. He also doesn’t look like someone who’s into romance and love kind of relationships. Kaya nakakamanghang isipin na gusto nitong may label sila.

All this time, she thought that they were both agreed to have a sexual relationship only. Nothing too personal. No feelings involved.

Hindi nila pinag-uusapan ang tungkol sa namamagitan sa kanila kaya tuloy ang akala niya, hanggang doon lang sila. That’s why she didn’t ask for more . . . she didn’t demand a label. Dahil una palang, parang alam na nila pareho kung ano lang ang gusto nila sa isa’t-isa. At hanggat naibibigay nila ’yon, magpapatuloy sila.

“Hindi puwedeng ganito lang tayo. Ayoko ng wala akong pinanghahawakan,” patuloy nito, tila ba kailangan magpaliwanag nang husto para makuha niya ang nais nito para sa kanilang dalawa.

Valeska couldn’t say a word. Gusto niyang marinig ang mga gustong sabihin ni Rashid para malinaw sa kanya.

“We need to make our relationship clear. I don’t want you to stay with me just because I gave you good sex. Or just because you have nowhere else to stay.”

Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi.

What, by the way, was her reason for staying with him?

When her friends asked her before, her answer was . . . because Rashid treats her well. And even until that moment, her answer was the same.

She didn’t stay because he fucked her so good. She didn’t stay because she had nowhere else to stay. Ivanka could surely help her with accommodations in Manila. She could find a job and rent an apartment there, too.

She stayed because he’s treating her the way she wanted to be treated . . . the way she deserved. He made her feel special, secure, and strong. He never judged her. He never said or did things that could hurt her. He was generous and patient. He always helped her and encouraged her so she could do better.

“You’re wrong,” she whispered.

Their eyes met. His stares told her that he’s very willing to listen to whatever she will say.

“I chose to stay with you because you never hurt me. You always treated me like I am a delicate flower: special, rare, and cherishable. Which is something that I was yearning for to feel.”

Her eyes watered while staring back at him, and her heart was thumping rapidly.

“I don’t know you that much, but you made me feel safe when I was with you.” Her voice cracked, she tried hard not to be emotional, but she just couldn’t.

His gentle eyes were watching her tears slowly flowing down her cheeks.

“Sa ’yo ko naramdaman ang lahat ng pakiramdam na gustung-gusto kong maranasan sa buhay ko. Na hindi naibigay ng sarili kong pamilya.” Malungkot niya itong nginitian.

He wiped her tears using his thumb.

“I don’t think you’re a delicate flower,” he muttered with a sly smile on his lips. “You’re more like a wildflower.”

Valeska purses her lips when she realizes how he looks so enchanted by just staring at her.

“You’re a warrior. A brave, delicate, and alluring flower who isn’t afraid of darkness. Like a wild vine that crawled up to the corner of the dark, you are mesmerizing yet untamed.”

“Thank you,” she smiled through her tears.

“And you’re my girlfriend.”

Natawa siya at umirap.

That’s what really matters to him, eh? To insist that she’s now his girlfriend.

“So, this brave, delicate, and alluring flower is . . . Rashid Montecarlo’s girlfriend now?”

“Absolutely.”

Rashid held her hand and brought it to his lips.

The marble table between them suddenly annoyed her. Kaya naman siya na mismo ang naglakad para makayakap sa binata.

He leaned against the island counter and welcomed her to his chest. Hinalik-halikan nito ang ibabaw ng ulo niya habang yakap din siya.

“This feels so good,” he whispered.

“I don’t want this feeling to end.”

That feels indeed so good to be in his arms; where she knows she’s safe, protected, and accepted.

“I hope you know now that I didn’t stay just because you fucked me so good.”

“If I didn’t fuck you on our first night, I don’t think you’d want to see me again.”

He’s kinda right. What else would be her reason to see him again if nothing happened between them?

Kung sakaling walang nangyari sa kanila at binigyan pa rin siya ng pera ni Rashid, she would surely run away the next morning after she got the money and forget about him. Kaya nga lang, hindi nga gano’n ang nangyari sa kanila.

He crouched his head, and she lifted hers a bit for their lips to meet.

His slow, gentle kisses are heartwarming.

She grips on the clothes on his chest to feel his kisses more. Marahan din ang haplos nito sa may braso niya. Para tuloy siyang unti-unting natutunaw nang wala man lang kalaban-laban.

“Maybe you only stayed because I was a virgin.” Her voice sounded seductive while they were both breathing softly after that long kiss.

“Even if you weren’t a virgin, I’d surely stay.”

“Bakit?”

He angled his again for another kiss. “Because . . . I like hearing your moans.”

“That’s all?”

“Especially whenever I licked your p*ssy, your sexy moans drove me insane.”

Rashid pushed himself to her, making her feel his erection on her lower abdomen. She swallowed hard because she felt turned on to know that he’s damn having a boner even though they are just kissing.

“Who wouldn’t moan loud when you licked like that?” She pouted her lips.

“Like what?”

“Like you won’t just stop unless you see it swollen and getting red because of your tongue. That’s why I moan.”

“Let me hear that moan again.” Then he removed her short shorts together with her panties.

She reached for his hard member with her hand and caressed him there, that made him groan.

“My boyfriend is huge. I am so proud.” She giggled.

Then she seductively bit her lower lip while staring at him, and at the same time, her palm was doing wonders on his massive erection.

Napasinghap siya nang maramdaman ang mahahabang daliri ng kasintahan sa pagkababae niya. He started to rub her there while they were kissing torridly.

Rashid switched their position, making her gasp. He made her face the island counter while he was behind her.

“Bend over,” he whispered hotly on her earlobe.

Valeska shut her eyes closed and obeyed what he told her. She felt his tip on her entrance, and in one swift move, he fully entered her, that made her whimpers and moans echo around.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Valeska couldn’t stop the smile on her lips. Kahit na mag-isa lang siya, para siyang lumulutang sa ulap sa tuwing naiisip na may malinaw na silang pag-uusap ni Rashid tungkol sa kanilang relasyon.

Sa totoo lang, hindi niya inaasahan na ang binata pa mismo ang maghahangad ng label dahil wala sa itsura nito ang pumasok sa isang klaseng relasyon na puwedeng humantong sa pagmamahalan.

Which is possible for her to feel. Because—why not? When he always treats her special, he is always there to help her with almost everything, to teach her how to be strong, and most especially, he never hurts her. Kaya sino ang manhid na hindi mahuhulog sa gano’ng klaseng lalaki?

A call from Freja was the reason why she stopped for a moment with the paperwork that Rashid gave her.

“We are going to Manila this weekend. Can I see you?”

“Sure. Sure. Sino ang kasama mo?” kuryosong tanong niya.

Freja let out a breath, which told her that her friend wasn’t ready to answer her question, but she had no choice.

“I’m with the man I was talking about last time.”

“Here I thought . . . that you don’t like him?”

“I need to be with him for a business meeting.”

Valeska arched her eyebrow.

“So, you’re working with him?”

“Not yet, but I have a plan to work on their company.”

“Okay. I got it. Pero, ayos lang ba sa ’yo na bumalik ka dito sa Manila?”

Freja paused for a moment.

“Ayos lang naman. Saglit lang naman kami diyan. Mas tatagal kami sa Pampanga. Kaya lang wala ka naman na do’n.”

“Let’s catch up na lang here in Manila. Did you call Ivanka ’bout this?”

“She will call me later. She was out of town when I texted her last night.

“And Rivka couldn’t come?”

“I think she’s with Thiago. Alam mo naman ’yon, hindi nakakaalis kapag kasama ang boyfriend niya. Nagkukulong lang yata sila sa kuwarto.” Sabay tawa nito kaya natawa rin siya.

“Sa susunod, ikaw na ang magkukulong sa room kasama ’yang magiging boss mo.”

Freja snorted. “I am trying my best not to be marupok pero mahirap.”

They both laughed. Hindi siya sigurado kung nagbibiro ang kaibigan o may halong totoo na nahihirapan nga itong hindi madala sa anomang tukso.

“Isa pa, business trip naman ang gagawin namin. So, I think I’ll be fine being with him again.”

“And you would stay with him?”

“I told him to book me a hotel room. Hindi puwedeng magsasama ulit kami sa isang kuwarto.”

“Woah! Did you sleep with him?”

“Yes.”

“Are you still a virgin?”

“You guess,” Freja teased with a laugh.

“I’ll know if I see you with him.”

“Bakit?”

“It’s a girl’s instinct, I think. Like, Ivanka, when she saw me with Rashid, she immediately assumed that we were fucking—”

“Valeska, your mouth nga.”

“You sounded like a virgin, Freja.”

Nagtuksuhan pa silang magkaibigan bago tinapos ang usapan.

Valeska continued her paperwork while she still had time. Nagplano kasi sila ni Rashid na sa labas na lang kakain ngayong gabi. Hihintayin niya itong makauwi galing trabaho, mag-a-asikaso, bago umalis.

The auction is approaching, and that’s what made her busy too. Tumutulong sila sa organizers kung paano magiging maayos ang daloy ng auction nang hindi nagugulo ng media press.

Kahit hindi naman kailangan ipaalam sa publiko ang tungkol sa charity auction, napilitan pa rin na mag-imbita ng ilang media reporters, press, and some social media influencers dahil na rin request ng ilang big-time na sponsors. Katulad ng mga politicians at celebrities na may planong tumakbo sa susunod na eleksyon.

The idea of having reporters around the auction makes her uncomfortable already. She doesn’t want everybody to know her story. If she could keep it to herself, she would. Pero, ano ang magagawa niya kung pumayag na ang founder ng Solandis na magkaroon ng ilang media reporters?

Sa huling pag-uusap nilang magkakaibigan, lahat sila ay hindi gusto ang nangyari. Kaya nag-isip sila ng puwedeng gawin upang hindi tuluyang lumabas sa publiko ang pagkakakilanlan nila.

“Let’s just ask Tita Visha if we can cover our face?” Valeska suggested during their online meeting with her friends.

“That’s a good idea! For us, we could use masquerade.”

“I agree on that. I don’t want to be trending again on social media. I better hide my face on that day,” Freja said.

“Ivanka, tell Tita Siofra also that we are not comfortable talking on the stage while reporters are around us,” Rivka said with a sigh.

“Okay, girls, sasabihin ko ang lahat ng napag-usapan natin kay Mommy. Maiintindihan naman siguro nila na hindi tayo sanay magkuwento ng mga experience natin sa Solandis o kung bakit tayo doon napunta sa harap ng mga tao.”

“That’s our only request. I hope Tita Visha will grant it.”

“I’ll let you girls know their decision. For now, let’s make sure that our dates will be in the auction with us.”

“I’ll bring Thiago with me. Put his name next to mine.” Rivka smiled playfully.

“Copy that. And you? Freja and Valeska?”

“I’ll be with Rashid. He’s my date.”

“And your boyfriend.” Freja teased her, making the girls giggle.

“Finally! May label na kayo ni Rashid. Hindi na puro sex lang—”

“Tss. Stop talking about sex, Ivanka. We are on the meeting,” pagalit niya sa kaibigan ngunit nginisian lang siya sa paraan na nanunukso.

“Ikaw ba Freja? Nakausap mo na ’yong crush mo na sumama sa ’yo sa auction?”

“Crush ka diyan!” Salubong ang mga kilay ng kaibigan. “He’s not my crush. Hindi ako teenager ’no.”

“Oo na, hindi mo na crush. Pero, sinabi mo na ba sa kanya ang tungkol sa auction?”

“Hindi pa. But I’ll tell him when I see him this weekend.”

“Let me know agad para maayos ko na itong guest list.”

“And how ’bout you, Ivanka? Who’s your date?” Rivka smirked.

Ivanka rolled her eyes. “That Theon Monserrate is being hard to get. But! I’ll put his name on the guest list para wala na siyang kawala sa ’kin.”

“Alam siguro ni Theon na may gusto ka sa kanya kaya pinapahirapan ka?” tukso ni Freja.

“Hindi ba tumalab ang charm mo, dear?”

“Baka kulang sa lambing si Theon kaya mainit ang ulo sa ’yo?”

“Saan ulo kaya niya ang umiinit kapag nakikita niya ako?” Pilyang tanong ni Ivanka sabay humalakhak.

Their laughter and giggles filled her ears. That’s one of the best feelings when she talked with her friends. It made her feel lighter. Kahit pa madalas na kapilyahan at tuksuhan ang ginagawa nila.

Rashid brought her to Okada. That’s where they gonna have their first ever dinner date since they made their relationship official.

Valeska is wearing a black bodycon satin dress and paired it with ankle strap high-heeled sandals. She let her wavy hair beautifully fall on her back and put on some makeup that would match with her outfit.

“You look stunning,” he said and gave her a bouquet of flowers.

Valeska bit her lip, and then she smiled warmly at him.

“This is so sweet. Thank you.” Then she kissed his lips.

He’s sporting black long sleeves, khaki pants, and his expensive watch. He’s effortlessly attractive. He can easily catch women’s attention just by walking or just being there.

They have an intimate dinner date. He really made sure that they were away from other people or couples.

“I would feel uneasy when I knew that I was being recorded while talking,” she said after their last course was served.

Rashid sipped on his red wine.

“What is that auction all about, by the way?”

Nag-angat siya ng tingin dito. Oo nga pala, hindi niya pa binabanggit sa boyfriend niya ang buong detalye ng auction. What she told him was the date and the location only.

“Oh, it’s a charity auction.”

If it’s a charity auction, she doesn’t need to tell him that he must purchase whatever is in the auction. It’s easy to understand. No need for further explanation.

“My mom knows about it.”

Valeska put down her utensils because it amazed her that his mother knows about it, but she didn’t see any Montecarlo on the sponsor’s name or even in the VIP list.

“About the auction or about Solandis?”

Rashid gave her a confused stare, then he grabbed his glass of wine again to take a sip. He looked like he’s in deep thought.

“Both.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. She became so curious why his mother knows about Solandis unless she’s been there or probably one of the private sponsors.

“How c-come?”

Solandis wasn’t known in public because the founder wanted it that way: to stay as private as possible.

“My mom is a philanthropist. If it’s a charity auction, hindi ’yan makakalampas sa kanya.”

“So, do you think she’s one of the private sponsors?”

“She is.”

Valeska is so stunned. She couldn’t even find the right words for them to continue the topic. It’s just astonishing to know that Rashid’s mother is also part of Solandis.

“Did she tell you ’bout Solandis?”

“She didn’t,” he answered without breaking their eye contact.

Para bang may gustong ipaalam sa kanya si Rashid, pero gusto rin nito na siya mismo ang makadiskubre kung ano nga ba ’yon.

Valeska let out a breath of relief.

Once Rashid discovered what Solandis is about, he might get an idea about her being part of it. And that is something she can’t tell him yet. It was her deepest secret.

Suddenly, she felt uncomfortable with the silence, and the silent question in his eyes was why she was very secretive about Solandis.

“She said, she respects the privacy of the members. She asked about you.”

“W-why?” Napalunok siya, medyo kinabahan.

Rashid held her hand. Maybe he noticed that she’s nervous.

“She asked me, how did you know about the auction for Solandis?”

“And?”

“I told her you’re one of the organizers, right?”

She winced but nodded her head.

“And most of the organizers are part of Solandis. So . . .” He trailed off.

He simply wanted her to be honest with him and to tell him what Solandis is about. Kaya lang, hindi nga siya handa na sabihin dito ang tungkol sa bagay na ’yon.

“Uh, I’m a member of Solandis,” she gave him a small smile.

“I’m relieved to know that.”

“I’m still amazed that your mom is one of our private sponsors. She must be really kind.”

At ang pagkakaalam niya lang naman, ang tatay lang ni Rashid ang masama. Mukhang kailangan niyang malaman ang ilang impormasyon tungkol sa pamilya ng kasintahan para naman hindi siya nahuhuli sa balita.

After eating their dessert, Valeska went to the restroom to retouch. Tiningnan niya rin ang cellphone kung may message ba ang mga kaibigan. Pero nang makita kung sino ang nag-text, agad siyang nag-alala kahit hindi pa naman nababasa ang buong mensahe.

From: Ninang Daria

Valeska, musta ka diyan? Tinatrato ka ba nang maayos ng boyfriend mo? Siya nga pala may umaaligid sa bahay n’yo pero hindi ko kilala. Hindi pa rin bumabalik ang mommy mo simula nung isang araw. Ang sabi niya dadalawin lang si Rodolfo sa kulungan. Tinatawagan ko ayaw naman sumagot. Oh sige na inaanak. Ibinalita ko lang sa ’yo. Good night.

Mamaya niya na re-reply-an ang ninang niya. Nagpalit na siya ng number at dito lang ipinaalam iyon. Di bale nang magalit sa kanya ang ina basta lang wala silang komunikasyon para hindi na siya nababahala at natatakot sa mga banta nito mismo sa kanya.

When Valeska went back to their table, Rashid gave her a paper bag from a luxury brand. Lumaki agad ang mga mata niya dahil pamilyar siya sa mga brand na totoong mamahalin.

“You deserve a gift because you’ve been a good girlfriend to me.” He smirked.

Hindi na siya naupo sa upuan niya. Bagkus, niyakap niya si Rashid habang nakaupo ito.

“Thank you so much,” she kissed his cheek. “Hindi naman kailangan ng gift. I’m happy being your girlfriend even without expensive gifts.”

He brought her to his lap and urged her to open his gift.

Nakangiti siya nang buksan niya ang paper bag at kunin sa loob ang magarang box. Sa bigat no’n, parang alam niya na kung ano ’yon at gusto niyang ibalik na lang. Dahil alam niyang hindi biro ang presyo kung tama nga ang hinala niya.

When she opened the box, her lips parted, and she looked at him in awe when she saw what was inside.

It’s a Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas watch!

“Rashid, t-this is so expensive. I can’t accept this—” he cut her off with a soft kiss on her lips.

“My baby deserves this.” He then gently grabbed the watch on her hand and put it on her left wrist.

Namamangha na medyo itinaas niya ang kamay para makita ang ganda ng relo na tila ba inilaan talaga para sa kanya dahil bagay na bagay ’yon sa palapulsuhan niya.

Her heart felt like it’s melting. She never felt this special her whole life—until he made her feel that she was.

She cupped his jaw and gave him so many kisses on the lips that made him chuckle. Her heart was pounding wildly while doing it.

“Thank you for cooking for us, for being understanding whenever I was busy, for taking good care of me, and for simply being with me,” he whispered tenderly in her ear.

Napangiti siya. Totoong natutunaw ang puso niya. This is just purely heartwarming.

“Because that’s how you treat me. Kaya aalagaan kita kahit na alam kong kaya mo naman ang sarili mo.” She playfully pinched his divided chin.

“I’ll make sure you’re safe with me.”

“Safe ba talaga?” Umangat ang kilay niya dahil iba ang nasa isip.

Hinaplos nito ang hita niya at dinampian ng halik ang pisngi niya.

“I already told you. You’re safe even without pills. Hindi ka mabubuntis,” napapaos na bulong nito sa leeg niya.

“But baby, how can I be so sure? Baka sa susunod lang na buwan I’m pregnant na.”

Natawa ito. His hot breath tickled her neck.

“Let’s just take our time. Tayo lang muna. Too early to make you pregnant.”

“Totoo ’yan?” Duda niya.

“I still have so many things to do at work. Gusto ko kapag nabuntis ka, nasa ’yo lang ang atensiyon ko.”

Malambing na niyakap niya lalo ang mga braso sa batok ni Rashid.

“Okay. I believed you na.”

“No pills?” He made sure.

Tumango siya. “No pills.”

His lips curved into a sexy smirk.

“Do you wanna go home now?” he asked in a tone that she knew what he wanted.

“Yes.” She giggled because she knew what would happen when they got home. Damn! Their sex life is really active!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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CHAPTER NINETEEN

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CHAPTER TWENTY

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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

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CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

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CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

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CHAPTER THIRTY

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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

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CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

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CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

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CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

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CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER FORTY

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

EPILOGUE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.