TEASER

Honorable but deadly, Caston Villareal is decided not to get involved with any woman who can distract him from getting justice for his mom. But things change when he meets Zalanna Guerrera, the woman who unexpectedly makes him fall in love.

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A former soldier and police chief inspector, Caston Villareal is set to do everything he can to get the justice that his mother deserves. He is willing to go through hell and risk his life just to fulfill his tasks. But when he unexpectedly meets Zalanna Guerrera, he’s suddenly willing to set aside his dear job just to be with her. Now faced with different problems and the bitter truth, can Caston and Zalanna manage to trust each other no matter what happens? Or will the haunted past connecting them burn the love they failed to protect?

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

THE smell of sex, the loud moans, and the sounds that he made every time he pumped harder at the woman in front of him, filled the room.

Mariin ang pagkakahawak ni Caston sa balakang ng babaeng nakatuwad sa kanyang harapan, habang walang tigil ang paglabas-masok ng umiigiting niyang pagkalalaki sa entrada nito. He can see the red mark from his grip on the woman’s skin.

“Oh, Caston! Ohh, shit! Ang sarap! Sige pa! Ahh…” the woman wailed like crazy.

The bed was moving harshly because of his movements. Caston grabbed the woman’s hair, making her tilt her head and moan again when he pumped deeper.

Naramdaman niya ang panginginig ng babae ilang segundo pa bago nagpakawala ng mahabang ungol.

Caston closed his eyes tightly. He’s at the edge of his climax. He released himself and was ready to explode when he felt a mouth that covered his throbbing shaft after she quickly removed the condom.

He groaned at what the woman did. He looked down only to find out that she’s now swallowing and licking the hot liquid on his tip.

One more blink, he stared at the woman again. He cursed silently when he realized that he was thinking of a different face of a woman while fucking this one.

“Enough,” he commanded when she tried to give him a head.

Nagkibit ito ng balikat at gumapang na sa kama para mahiga. Alright, that was amazing but he still felt disappointed at himself for thinking about that beautiful woman he met at D’ Club a while ago, while fucking this one in front of him.

“Aalis ka na?” the woman asked after he took a quick shower and grabbed his clothes on the floor.

“Yeah.”

“Fuck and run?” She smirked. “Well, I don’t mind. I had an amazing night with you. Totoo nga ang balita, ’no?”

Sinulyapan niya lang ito na nang-aakit na nakadapa sa kama, hubo’t hubad. Caston zipped his pants.

“What?”

“That you’re a beast in bed. Kaya pala hindi ka makalimutan ng mga naikama mo. Pakiramdam ko, hindi rin kita makakalimutan kaagad.”

Caston chuckled then shook his head. He grabbed his car key at the side table.

“I had a good time,” he said before leaving the hotel room.

He was already driving when his phone vibrated. The caller was his father. He put the speaker on that’s connected to the stereo of his Audi.

“Yes?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch, son.”

“I’m busy tomorrow, Dad.”

Alam na ni Caston kung saan patungo ang usapan kung ipagpapatuloy niya, ngunit hindi siya mapipilit ng ama.

His mother was killed brutally months after he graduated in PMA. He was left with his father who found a new lover after a year of mourning.

Ngayon, ipinipilit ng ama sa kanya na tanggapin niya ang bago nitong kinakasama. Hindi naman sa hindi niya tanggap ’yon. Sadyang wala lang siyang interes na kilalanin ito.

That was his father’s life and he didn’t really care if he already found someone to replace his mother. Kaya lang, hindi niya gusto na ipipilit pa nito na pakisamahan niya nang maayos ang babaeng ’yon, kung pwede naman na hindi na siya magkaroon ng koneksyon dito.

Caston loved his mother so much. Ang pagmamahal niya ay hindi na mawawala pa. Ang hindi niya lang maamin sa ama ay ang pait na nararamdaman niya dahil sa mabilis nitong pagkalimot sa nangyaring pagpatay sa kanyang ina sa isang napakahindi katanggap-tanggap at makataong paraan.

Isang bagay na hindi niya kailanman magagawa. Isang bagay na nakatanim na sa kanyang puso’t isipan. Isang bagay na hindi niya matatanggap. Hindi katanggap-tanggap.

Maybe, people really had their own ways on how to recover from the things that pained them the most. His father has moved on after a year and found a replacement.

Samantalang siya, kahit ilang taon na ang nakalipas, hindi pa rin lubusang matanggap na gano’n lang nawala sa kanya ang ina. And after years of seeking for justice, he still failed miserably to get that one.

Madali niyang nakukuha ang hustisiya para sa iba dahil sa trabaho niya at pagpupursigi, ngunit hirap na hirap siyang kuhanin ang para sa sariling ina.

“Mariela is a good woman. She’s like your mother—”

“Please, don’t compare your mistress to my mother,” Caston cut his father off, vexed.

And the fact that Mariela was years younger than his father made him wince. Kung hindi siya nagkakamali, halos kasintanda niya lang yata ang babae. Nagsasama na ang dalawa kaya hindi na rin siya umuuwi sa kanila. Hindi na siya umuuwi noon, lalo na ngayon.

His father sighed. “Anak, hindi ka ba masaya para sa akin? Mariela makes me happy.”

Caston groaned. This topic was tiring and annoying. Paulit-ulit na lang at parang kinokonsensya pa siya ng ama.

“I’m happy for you, Dad. Huwag mo na lang akong ipagtulakan sa bagay na hindi ko gustong gawin.”

“At may kaibigan siya na sa tingin ko ay…” his father trailed off, “… puwede mong magustuhan.”

Impatient, Caston let out a breath. “I’m gonna hang up.”

“Still not interested to be in a serious relationship, son? Hindi ka na bumabata, Caston.”

Caston stopped his car when the red light flashed at the traffic light.

Ang sasakyan niya ay pinaggigitnaan ng kulay pula at itim na kotse. Napabaling siya sa kulay pulang sasakyan nang marinig ang hagikhikan ng grupo ng kababaihan doon habang nakatingin sa nakabukas na bintana ng Audi niya.

He had no time to flirt, lalo at napansin niyang ang babata pa ng mga ito. Not his type. Never. Para sa kanya, magiging sakit lang ng ulo niya kung papatol siya sa mga bata pa. He preferred twenty-five to twenty-eight years old, that’s fine with him.

Young girls were usually brats. The evidence was in front of him. Halatang mga lasing na at nakuha pang magmaneho? Maaga talaga siyang tatanda kapag pumatol siya sa mga bata pa.

“Hey, you’re hot!” The girls giggled.

Nilingon niya ang mga ito. Apat na babae ang sakay, dalawa sa harap at dalawa ang nasa likod. Sa apat na ’yon, isa lang ang tahimik at walang pakialam.

The lights inside their car were off but the lights from the post was enough for him to see each of them.

“Zalanna, look, was it that hot mysterious man?”

Caston heard someone ask the woman at the back seat. The one who was silent.

“‘Yong binigyan mo ng lap dance kanina sa D’ Club!”

Caston raised his brow, then he tried hard to have a clear view of the woman who’s now resting her head at the back rest. Her eyes were closed.

With her mermaid curled hair and cute upturned-nose on that angle, his eyes dropped down to her clothes. It was a black soft leather long sleeve with deep neckline that showed her cleavage. That’s very familiar to him!

“Shut up, my sister is already sleeping,” the girl beside her hissed. “Let’s go.”

Sunud-sunod na busina ang narinig niya na mariin na nagpapikit sa kanya. When Caston opened his eyes, the car was already gone. Putang ina. Pagkakataon niya nang sundan ang babaeng nakilala sa D’ Club kanina, tapos nawala pa.

The intersection made it worse. Kaya hindi niya napansin kung saan lumiko ang sasakyan o dumeretso ba.

Clenching his jaw, he drove to his condo in BGC.

CASTON’S men were ready for a buy-bust operation. Hating-gabi na at naghihintay lang sila ng signal galing sa mga tauhan niyang nasa mismong lokasyon na kung saan tutugisin ang drug lord ng lugar.

Sa buwan na ito, iyon ang pinagkaabalahan niya. Rocio surveilled the area and gathered enough information to do a buy-bust operation. They were wearing bullet proof vests and they were armed.

“Miyembro ng sindikato at kasama sa watch list. Armado rin kaya medyo mahihirapan tayo kung manlalaban,” ani Rocio na kasama niya sa sasakyan.

Caston puffed his cigarette then slowly let out the smoke. Nakabukas ang bintana at doon nakatanday ang kamay niyang may hawak na sigarilyo.

“May mga babae rin na kasama at menor de edad pa ang iba sabi ni Irina. Prostitution ang pangalawang pinagkakakitaan nila,” dagdag nito.

The radio on Rocio’s hand’s made a sound. One of his men spoke, giving them the cue.

Caston threw his cigarette and readied his gun. Sabay silang lumabas ni Rocio sa sasakyan na gamit nila sa operasyon na ’yon at nagpunta na sa makipot na kalye.

The location was inside the squatters’ area. Kung marami ang makikialam, marami rin ang madadamay na inosente.

Ang bawat hakbang niya ay tahimik at sigurado. Ang mga bahay ay masyadong dikit-dikit. Ang iba ay patay na ang mga ilaw; ang iba naman ay nakabukas.

His men followed his hand signal to keep going. Ang mga tambay sa kalye ay naalarma nang makita sila ngunit nagawa nilang patahimikin ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsenyas lang.

“Doon! Doon nakatira ang drug lord!” Itinuro ng binatilyong taga-roon ang isang kalye, tapos ay tumakbo nang mabilis palayo.

“Don’t shoot,” Caston reminded his men. “Unless, they did first.”

“Yes, Boss,” sagot ng mga ito at nagpatuloy.

Madilim ang daan. Mabasa-basa pa at maraming sinampay ang nakaharang. Ang mga tauhan niya ay napalibutan na ang dalawang palapag ng bahay na papasukin nila.

He can’t feel anything. Maybe because he had been in this field for years and this kind of operation did not make him flinch anymore. Even though his life was in danger.

Palagi niyang iniisip na araw-araw ay nasa panganib ang buhay niya dahil alam niya sa sarili na marami-marami na siyang nakabanggang mabibigat at maimpluwensyang tao dahil sa trabaho niyang ’yon.

Kaya naman kung dumating ang isang araw na bigla na lang siyang matagpuan na walang buhay o kaya’y nasa bingit ng kamatayan, hindi na iyon kataka-taka.

He expected the worst from all of this. His life was very private, but it didn’t mean he’s not in danger. He chose this path… he’s determined to continue this kind of job even if it meant… death for him.

Ang tahimik na lugar ay biglang umingay nang umalingawngaw ang palitan ng bala ng baril. They were already at the gate when another fire echoed again. Nasa loob na ang iba niyang tauhan at kung hindi sila makakapasok, tiyak na mas lalala ang sitwasyon.

“Tangina,” Caston cursed when the firing did not stop. “Get in! Get in!” he commanded.

Mabilis na nakapasok sila sa loob. Mausok na dala ng palitan ng baril at mga gamit na bigla-bigla na lang lumilipad sa paligid. Ang ibang tauhan niya ay nakita niyang nakahiga na sa sahig, kaya tinulungan ng iba.

Caston made his way to the second floor. He was being followed by Rocio. Rocio was his batchmate in PMA and a trusted friend.

Ang isa sa mga pintuan sa itaas ay biglang bumukas at iniluwa ang malaking katawan ng isang lalaki. Nakasukbit dito ang armalite.

Caston did not want any casualties in his every operation or mission, especially buy-bust because they need information from the drug lord. Nut seeing this man holding an armalite and ready to kill his men, he won’t allow that.

Nang mag-umpisa nang ratratin ng armalite ang buong paligid ay mas lalong gumulo ’yon at kitang-kita niya kung paano mabilis na nagsitago at bumagsak ang ilan sa mga tauhan niya.

Rocio never left his side. They were the best tandem because they can easily understand each other.

“Ikaw na bahala riyan, tangina.” Rocio chuckled.

Caston pointed his silencer towards the drug lord.

And right before the armalite reached their direction, he skillfully shot the arm of the culprit kaya tuloy ang mga bala ay sa kisame dumeretso. He targeted the stomach, then the leg, hanggang sa mapaluhod ito.

Caston quickly signalled his men to get near the drug lord. Rocio was quick and grabbed the man. Ipinadapa kahit sugatan na, bago pinosasan.

Ang mga tauhan niya ang nagdala sa presinto kasama ang iba nilang natugis. Napapailing siya nang makita sa labas ang mga menor de edad na babaeng kasama sa prostitusyon. Nag-iiyakan, ang iba naman ay itinatago ang mukha at may iilan na nakatapis lang ng kumot at tuwalya habang hila-hila ng mga tauhan niya at mga pulis.

It was exhausting. Kapag ganoon ang sitwasyon, madalas ay sa D’ Club siya dumederetso para aliwin ang sarili. He will drink to sleep. And if he’s in the mood, he will entertain those who flirt with him until they decided to go to the hotel just to fuck.

But because of his last memories in D’ Club, he can’t force himself to go there. Maaalala niya lang ang babaeng may nakakaakit na kulot na buhok at mapapanaginipan niya pa. The worse is, every time he dreamt about her, when he wakes up, he’s always left with a boner. That was not very good. It was very frustrating.

Caston went to the parking nearby where he parked his Audi. Madaling araw na rin naman kaya hindi na siya nagplano na dumaan pa sa Club. He better go home and sleep.

“Boss, pasabay.”

Nahinto siya sa pagbukas ng pinto nang marinig ang boses na ’yon. Sporting a sexy dress and high heeled sandals, Irina smiled cutely at him and waved.

Caston sighed and motioned the other door. Nang nasa loob na ay nag-umpisa nang magkwento sa kanya si Irina nang mga karanasan nito kasama ang drug lord.

She was their spy. An undercover agent. Nagpanggap bilang isa sa mga bayarang babae.

“Ang babaho, boss! Nakakasuka!” Irina almost spat. “Noong hinalikan ako, muntik ko nang masapak!”

Natawa siya, naaaliw. Irina was like a sister to him and Rocio. Matigas ang ulo nito at palaging determinado sa ibinigay na trabaho. Hindi sila pumayag ni Rocio na ito ang gawing spy bilang prostitute dahil alam nilang delikado talaga. Pwede naman silang mag-hire para sa trabahong ’yon, mapagkakatiwalaan, kaya lang ay mapilit ang isang ’to. Wala silang nagawa ni Rocio.

“At ang babata pa ng mga babaeng binubugaw nila. Hindi ko maatim tingnan at pakinggan ang iyakan nila kapag inaano na sila ng kliyente.” Napapangiwi ito, sabay tali ng buhok.

“Hindi ka ba nila pinilit?” kaswal na tanong niya.

“May namilit, pero hindi ko pinagbigyan. Mahal ang presyo ko kasi virgin pa ako. Mabuti na lang at ngayon ginawa ang buy-bust, kung hindi, baka bukas ay uuwi akong hindi na virgin!”

Irina always amused him. Madaldal ito at hindi nahihiya sa kanya, hindi katulad ng ibang babae na lumalapit sa kanya. He cared to his people and as much as he can, he would protect them.

Sa larangan kung nasaan siya, alam niya rin na minsan, hindi aayon sa kanya ang mga bagay na gusto niyang mangyari. Minsan, ipapakita niyang purong trabaho lang ang lahat, bilang lider ng mga ito. Pero kapag may nasusugatan at namamatay sa mga tao niya, lihim niyang iniisip ang mga ’yon, lalo na ’yong mga napalapit sa kanya.

Caston stopped his car in another stop light.

“Boss, may jacket ka? Pahiram.”

“Nandiyan sa likod, kunin mo.”

Malikot na gumalaw si Irina. Kahit nakikita niya ang legs nito, wala lang naman ’yon sa kanya. Halos tumalon-talon pa ito maabot lang ang jacket sa backseat.

“Ay! Kabayo!” Irina squealed when they felt a harsh move from behind, telling them that a car bumped into them.

Caston cursed, then looked at the rearview mirror.

Nakita niyang nakadikit ang bumper ng kulay silver na sasakyan sa likod ng kanya. Irina finally got his jacket and was already wearing it.

“Babain ko, Boss?”

“Ako na. Dito ka lang,” bilin niya sabay galit na labas sa kanyang sasakyan.

Mabibigat ang hakbang at iritado, nilapitan niya ang sasakyan at maiksi ang pasensya na tinapik ang bintana.

He was so ready to scold whoever the fuck was the stupid driver, but his words did not come out from his mouth when the window slowly rolled down and saw the stupid driver he was talking about.

That familiar mermaid curled brown hair, angelic pretty doe eyes, looked up on him with begging stares while biting her lower lip in a regretful way.

Kung kanina ay iritado siya, ngayon ay mas lalo pang nairita dahil natunaw nang gano’n na lang ang hinanda niyang galit!

“S-sorry po,” she whispered softly.

Mariin siyang napapikit.

Po? What? His jaw clenched.

This woman was very familiar to him! She was the one who gave him a sexy lap dance in D’ Club and left him with a massive hard on! The world was really small, huh.

Caston smiled evilly on his mind.

“I… I will pay for the damage, S-sir.”

“Give me your license,” he commanded coldly.

Inilahad niya ang kamay. Natataranta ito na kinuha ang bag sa katabing upuan. Nang yumukod ay tumaas ang dulo ng dress, kaya nakita niya ang maputi at makinis na hita. Tahimik siyang napaungol at iniwas ang tingin doon.

“Ito po,” sabi nito sabay bigay sa kanya ng lisensya.

Caston grabbed it, trying his best to appear angry as fuck so she won’t notice how she effortlessly melted his anger.

Zalanna Guerrera.

That’s her name. She wasn’t from Metro Manila.

He checked the date of her birth and fucking calculated silently how old she was. And damn, she’s only twenty-three!

Uminit lang ang ulo niya nang malaman niya ang edad.

“Nakainom ka,” paratang niya. Kanina pa niya napansin ang medyo pamumula ng pisngi nito at pamumungay ng mga mata.

“U-Uh, hmm, h-hindi!”

Caston’s brow shot up. Halata na, hindi pa rin umaamin?

“Really?” he mocked.

He was absentmindedly tapping the roof of Zalanna’s car. He’s enjoying his view and the way she bit her lower lips nervously.

“Y-yes!”

“Paamoy,” aniya sabay nilapit nang kaunti ang ulo sa bintana.

“W-what?!”

“Papalagpasin ko itong ginawa mo kapag napatunayan kong hindi ka nakainom.”

“P-pero… hmm, s-sige!” sagot nito sabay medyo lapit ng leeg sa kanya para maamoy niya.

Caston suppressed a damn smile. Why was this thing amusing him by the way?

Slowly, he lowered his head closer until the tip of his nose touched the soft skin on her neck. Ang mabangong amoy nito ay mabilis na bumalot sa kanyang pagkatao. Mariin siyang napapikit at lihim na napamura. Her scent that mixed with the alcohol suddenly made him aroused.

“You’re drunk,” he said with conviction.

“I am not!” tanggi nito, magkasalubong na ang mga kilay.

“Let me smell your breath,” he commanded again.

Zalanna’s lips parted, shocked. Mabilis lang din itong nakabawi at ngumuso. Caston leered when he found himself staring at the beauty in front of him. It was mesmerizing.

“Let me,” he whispered and lowered his face on hers. “Go on.”

He watched Zalanna how she bit her lips, then pouted after.

She slowly let out a soft breath. Caston tried his very best not to close his eyes when her hot breath hit his face. It smelled like strawberry, he could almost smell heaven from it.

“Ayaw pa-areglo?” boses ’yon ni Irina sa kanyang likod.

Tumayo siya nang maayos. Irina was going nearer. When he glanced at Zalanna, he saw how her forehead knotted while watching Irina who now standing beside him.

“Labas,” he ordered Zalanna, then showed his badge.

Nanlalaki ang mga mata nito. Sabay umiling-iling. She looked scared and he felt guilty for that. He didn’t mean to scare her that way, but… never mind. She needed to pay for the damage that she did.

“Babayaran ko na nga lang po. Please, don’t make this complicated. I am willing to pay.”

“I need your details about it. Sa akin ka sasakay.”

Para itong wala sa sarili na tumango at lumabas ng sasakyan, bitbit ang mamahaling bag.

Caston motioned Irina to get in Zalanna’s car. Mabilis namang nakuha nito ang gusto niya at pumasok sa driver’s seat.

Zalanna looked sleepy while walking towards his Audi. Pinagbuksan niya ito ng pinto. And when they were both already inside his car, watching her with her sad face amused him a lot.

“Where do you live?” he asked and roared the engine.

“Currently living in BGC,” Zalanna whispered lazily, then yawned.

At kung hinayaan niya itong magmaneho? Baka madisgrasya pa ito. Tama lang na ihatid niya. At putang ina, sino ba ang niloloko niya? He cursed himself silently for making excuses to hide his real motive.

“Hindi ba ako aawayin ng girlfriend mo?” maya-maya ay tanong nito sa mababang tono.

They were being tailed by Irina, driving Zalanna’s car.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” he answered coldly. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Wala.”

Good. He smirked.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER ONE

THE wind blowing from the North to the South made her mermaid curled hair dance with it. Sinikop niya ang kanyang buhok at muling pinagmasdan ang ganda ng paligid.

Sporting a high waisted elastic equestrian pants, white crop top, and boots, she closed her eyes to feel the fresh air. Isang ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang labi nang imulat ulit ang kanyang mga mata.

She’s at the top of the hill. Behind her was a horse stable made by wood and concrete. From where she was standing, Zalanna can see clearly the whole land of Guerreras. It always amazed her knowing that her family owns that huge land in Northern Luzon.

The coconut trees seemed endless. Her family business was a coconut plantation and it was all over the Philippines. Itong nasa hacienda ang pinakamalaki at pinakaunang itinayo. The land was about 800 hectares.

“I’m gonna miss this view when I leave,” she said and caressed Leticia’s white hair.

She’s with her white horse. Ang pang-umagang sikat ng araw ay mas nagpatingkad lang sa kulay puting balat ng kanyang kabayo. Nagmistulang kulay pilak ang mahabang buhok ni Leticia. Kumikinang-kinang.

Kapag nasa hacienda siya, ang pangangabayo ang unang pinagkakaabalahan niya. Inuubos ang buong araw sa pag-iikot sa buong Hacienda Guerrera. Ngayon na nakikita niya na ang tunay na ganda ng lugar sa kanyang harapan, napapabuntonghininga siya dahil talagang mami-miss niya.

But, she needed to go back to Manila to continue her studies. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration, but decided to get a master’s degree.

Sa kanilang dalawa ni Zakia, ang bunso sa kanilang limang magkakapatid, siya lang ang nakaisip at gustong dagdagan pa ang pinag-aralan niya.

Alam niyang puwede namang huwag na dahil ang mga kapatid nilang lalaki ang siyang talagang nakalaan na mamahala sa negosyo nila. Ngunit mas makabubuti pa rin kung gagawin niya ang gusto para mas marami siyang alam.

Zalanna decided to go home before lunch. She was already contented roaming around the hacienda.

Sa mahabang hapag-kainan, kumpleto silang pamilya. Her father, Don Patricio was sitting at the capital, and beside him was her mother, Donya Zarita.

Tahimik siyang siniko ni Zakia na nakaupo sa kanyang tabi.

“I’m excited!” Zakia whispered with a small giggle.

Zalanna knew why her sister was excited because Zakia will be with her tomorrow. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang idinahilan nito sa magulang nila para payagan na sumama sa kanya sa Maynila.

“Your condo is in BGC. Hindi na kayo roon sa Makati,” their father informed them. “Sasamahan kayo ni Paloma para naman maayos ang kinakain niyo roon. Antonio will be with you too, as your driver.”

Mabilis na tumango si Zakia, nauna pa sa kanya. Halatang-halata na gustong bumalik sa Maynila. They can’t complain. If they would, it was like breaking the rules of their father. Don Patricio didn’t like it. Even if they were his daughters, they still needed to obey.

“No monkey business there, you two,” pahabol pa ng ama sa seryosong boses.

“But, we can go to night clubs, right, Pa?” tanong ni Zakia sa marahan at nananantiyang tinig.

Zalanna sipped on the glass of her wine. Noong nasa Maynila sila para mag-aral sa kolehiyo, hindi naging madali para sa kanila ang magpunta sa mga night club dahil may mga bantay sila. Their father was very strict, especially to her and Zakia.

Now that they can call themselves young adults, that fact did not change on how their father protected and treated them. Their parents and brothers spoiled them, but they also knew their limitations.

“You can, but with Paloma or Antonio.”

Naging bahaw ang ngiti sa labi ni Zakia. Kalaunan ay nagkibit ito ng balikat.

“That’s fine.”

Though, Zalanna liked to go to the clubs there and experience dancing or drinking, she still respects what her parents only allow them to do. At kaya niyang manahimik at hindi magbigay ng komento, kahit na maraming bagay ang gusto niyang sabihin.

She’s the perfect opposite of Zakia. Her sister was very vocal while she was not. At dahil bunso ito, mas spoiled ito para sa kanya. She’s the ‘ate’ so she should protect her younger sister. She wanted to appear like a mature sister, but it’s kinda hard because she’s not used to it.

Kinabukasan ay bumiyahe sila papunta sa Maynila sakay ng itim na SUV. Antonio was driving and Paloma was in the front passenger seat. Sa likod ay ang mga maleta nilang magkapatid.

“Valeria will give us a welcome party tonight in D’ Club,” Zakia told her while doing something on her latest iPhone.

“Senyorita, bilin po ng Don na magpahinga raw kayo ngayong gabi,” ani Paloma.

“Saglit lang naman kami roon, Paloma. At huwag mo nang sabihin kay Papá.”

Napangiwi si Paloma. Nang sumulyap sa kanila ay parang humihingi ng tulong sa kanya. Kaya lang… lihim siyang napangiti dahil na-excite rin sa welcome party para sa kanila!

“Sumama ka na lang sa ’min, Paloma. Para hindi ka mag-alala,” aniya nang may banayad na ngiti.

“Naku, Senyorita, baka mapagalitan ako ng Don. Paano ba ’to, Antonio…” sagot nito sabay hingi naman ng tulong sa driver nila.

“Sumama ka na lang din sa amin, Antonio. Okay na?” desisyon ni Zakia, sabay pagod na sumandal.

Zalanna rolled her eyes. See? Zakia only wanted to go to Manila with her to party and have fun.

The sun was already setting when they arrived in front of the tall building in BGC. Inaasahan na rin ang pagdating nila roon kaya mabilis ang naging proseso ng pag-akyat ng mga gamit nila.

The three bedroom unit was wide enough to accommodate them. They have their own gym room, walk-in closet, and bathroom in each bedroom.

Ang pangatlong silid ay mas maliit nang kaunti. May shower room naman, at doon si Paloma matutulog. Antonio has his own apartment near BGC, para mas madali silang mapuntahan kapag kailangan nila.

They spent the rest of the day helping Paloma put all their clothes, bags, and shoes in their closets. Noong napagod ay natulog naman sila. Gabi na nang magising at naabutan nilang nagluluto si Paloma sa kusina.

“What’s for dinner?” she asked and opened the ref.

Kumuha siya ng isang pitsel ng tubig at nagsalin sa baso. Zalanna leaned on the marble counter, watching Paloma.

“Menudo, Senyorita. Request ni Senyorita Zakia.”

Mabuti na lang at kasama nila si Paloma. Kung hindi, kung saan-saan na naman sila siguro kakain at hindi pa masustansya.

Zakia’s bedroom’s door opened. Her sister was fresh from the shower, wearing a silk robe. Nang tingnan niya ang oras, pasado alas siete pa lang at alas nueve ang usapan sa D’ Club.

“It’s still early.”

“Better than late.” Zakia walked towards them and checked Paloma’s cooking. “Kapag ba may asawa na, required na marunong magluto?”

Pumangalumbaba si Zalanna sa counter, naghihintay ng sagot ni Paloma. Nasa trenta na ang edad nito at may isa na ring anak. Ang asawa ay isa sa trabahante sa planta nila.

“Mas maganda na marunong magluto ang babae, Senyorita. May asawa man o wala.”

“What if I don’t like to cook? Or I am not a fan of cooking shows?”

“Baka ikaw ang kainin ng asawa mo kung gano’n, Senyorita.” Sabay hagikhik ni Paloma.

Nanlalaki ang mga mata nila ni Zakia nang unti-unti nilang naintindihan ang sinabi nito. Pareho silang napahalgpak ng tawa at pareho ring namumula!

“How dare you, Paloma! You’re so…” Hindi na natuloy ni Zakia ang sinasabi at muling tumawa.

“Is that really… hmm, happening? You know, during your sexy time with your loved one then he’d go down on you?” Zalanna trailed off. She’s a bit hesitant with her question but she’s curious like a damn cat.

Inaayos na ni Paloma ang niluluto, tapos na ito at ililipat na lang sa bowl. Sila naman ni Zakia ay nakatayo at nanonood lang habang naghihintay ng mga maririnig galing kay Paloma.

“Oo, Senyorita. Masarap ’yon…” Sabay hagikhik ulit nito. “Naku, okay lang siguro na sinasabi ko sa inyong dalawa ang mga gano’ng klaseng karanasan para may ideya kayo tungkol sa bagay na ’yon.”

“So…” Zakia became more interested. “How does it feel? May asawa ka na at siguradong ginawa niyo na ang gano’n.”

“Masarap sa pakiramdam. Baka hanap-hanapin niyo kapag natikman niyo.” Sabay ngisi sa kanila ni Paloma.

“I doubt it!” Zalanna crossed her arms above her chest. “I won’t let anyone touch me down there.”

“Sa ngayon, sinasabi mo lang ’yan, Senyorita, pero kapag nakatagpo ka ng lalaking gagawin ’yon sa ’yo, hay, ewan ko na lang. Ang swerte ng lalaking magkakagusto sa inyo dahil ang gaganda niyo pareho at sexy pa!”

Her mind started to think about possibilities that one day, a man would go down and touch or worse kiss her private part! Wala pa ay isinara niya na ang mga binti. That would be very embarrassing.

“Let’s watch porn kaya?” curious na sabi sa kanya ni Zakia. Napangiwi siya. “So, we would know?”

“Pwede rin naman na manood kayo ng porn, Senyorita. Nasa tama na naman ang edad niyo para diyan. At isa pa, makakatulong sa inyo ’yon para mas lalo kayong mamulat sa mundong ito. Hindi naman porque nanood kayo ay gagawin niyo na,” mahabang litanya ni Paloma

“No need for that. Kung mangyayari, mangyayari,” aniya at naupo na habang naghahain si Paloma.

After they ate dinner, Zalanna took a shower and prepared for the party. She chose the soft black leather long sleeves with very deep neckline. It showed the front sides of her boobs.

It’s kinda daring but she liked it that way. Besides, the lights inside D’ Club were dimmed and most parts were dark. She paired it with a maroon tulip skirt, Jimmy Choo strappy sandals, and Chanel sling bag.

Zakia was sporting a maroon backless short dress, clutch, and stilettos. Zakia’s hair was in big curly waves, while hers remained mermaid curled. It’s her natural hair though.

Madalas napagkakamalan na artificial ang pagkakulot ng kanyang buhok, ngunit hindi. Likas ’yon at marami ang nabibighani.

It was already ten in the evening when they arrived in D’ Club.

“Dito na lang kaya ako, Senyorita? Parang pang sosyal diyan,” ani Paloma na biglang nagdalawang-isip.

Nakasuot ito ng blouse, jeans, at jelly shoes. Kahit sinabi nilang magbihis ng iba, hindi pumayag. Si Antonio naman ay tahimik lang na nakamasid sa kanila, parang bodyguard na rin nila.

“You should try. You can leave if you’re not comfortable,” she said.

“Ay, huwag na, Senyorita. Tingnan mo ang mga pumapasok, ang gaganda at guguwapo.” Sabay linga nito sa parking lot. “At ang mga sasakyan, pangmayayaman!”

Nagkatinginan sila ni Zakia at napabuntonghininga. Halatang ayaw nang paawat ni Paloma.

“How about you?” Zakia asked Antonio.

“Dito na lang din ako, Senyorita. Tumawag na lang kayo kapag kailangan niyo kami.”

Magsasalita pa sana si Zalanna ngunit nakuha na ang atensyon niya ng sasakyan na pumarada sa tabi ng SUV nila.

The black sleek Audi screamed elegance and at the same time, authority. The door opened and a tall man came out, wearing dark long sleeves. Even though it was not that fitted, the hard muscles on his arms behind the fabric was still noticeable.

Alam niyang hindi lang siya ang natahimik. Sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay napansin niya ang mangha sa mukha ni Paloma na para bang may nakitang artista o ano at hindi na nakuhang makapagsalita.

He clicked something on his car key then glanced at their direction like as if he felt like there were people there who were shamelessly ogling at him. Kaya lang, hindi niya inaasahan na mabilis na magtatama ang kanilang mga mata.

Those dark eyes, prominent jaw, and perfect angle of his nose made him look like an international model who doesn’t smile. His hair was in clean cut, neat but at the same time, she found him kinda rough and ruthless. At ang aura ay naghuhumiyaw ng matinding respeto at pagsunod sa kung ano man ang iutos nito. That authoritative air around him intimidated her.

Zalanna swallowed when the man’s eyes dropped down to her chest. Hindi niya alam kung bakit nakaramdam siya ng init sa loob ng kanyang katawan sa paglapat ng tingin nito sa kanya. And when the side of his lips curved up, she leered. How arrogant.

“Ang guwapo!” ani Paloma nang matauhan, sinusundan ng tingin ang lalaking papasok na sa entrance ng Club.

Zakia slightly elbowed her again. “Grabe, akala ko mahuhubaran ka na kanina noong tiningnan ka,” anito sabay bungisngis.

“Parang rumupok bigla ang garter ng panty ko kahit hindi naman ako ang tiningnan!” dagdag ni Paloma na nagpatawa sa kanila ni Zakia. “Sa dibdib mo nakatingin, Senyorita Zalanna.”

“Mahilig yata sa malaking dibdib,” segunda ni Zakia.

Zalanna looked down and checked her clothes. Hindi naman kalakihan ang hinaharap niya pero hindi rin ’yon maliit. Para sa kanya ay sapat lang. Medyo lumuluwa lang dahil sa suot niya.

They decided to enter in D’ Club after a while. Sa pinakasulok ay nakita nila ang pagkaway sa kanila ni Valeria. Nasa upuan na sina Lila at Aron, mga kaibigan nila at ka-edad lang halos.

“I’m happy to see both of you again after a month!” Valeria gave them a cheek to cheek kiss.

Lila stood up and welcomed them with the same kiss. Si Aron naman ay bahagya lang yumakap sa kanilang magkapatid. They were friends for years and both graduated in De La Salle.

The club was already full of people. The loud music filled her ears. Ang makukulay na ilaw ay malikot na gumagalaw, kasinlikot ng mga nagsasayaw sa dance floor. May mga inumin na rin sa lamesa nila, pulutan, at iba pang pwedeng makain.

“I thought you will be with Paloma and Antonio?” Lila asked.

“They did not want to go inside. They are in parking lot.”

Zalanna found her seat; her view was the dance floor. Sa pangalawang palapag ay may iilan na padaan-daan ngunit tila mas tahimik doon. The VIP rooms were there.

“So, wala kayong bantay rito sa loob? Pwedeng gumawa ng…” Lila beamed. “… kalokohan.”

Napairap siya. Si Lila ang pinakamaloko sa kanilang grupo. Valeria was prim and proper.

“What kind of kalokohan ba?” Zakia asked naughtily, making the two giggle.

“Let’s make this night memorable. Besides, we’re all gonna be busy kaya lubusin na natin.”

“Whatever, I’m in,” Zalanna said and sipped on her margarita.

“How about you, Valeria?”

“I’m in. I don’t want to be a kill joy in this group, ’no.”

Naghagikhikan sila at sa gitna ng tawa niya ay wala sa sariling lumibot ang mga mata niya at nahinto sa kabilang sulok kung saan medyo madilim. Nakita niyang prenteng nakaupo roon ang lalaking nakita nila sa parking lot.

His one hand was above the head rest of the red leather sofa, the other one was holding a glass of liquor. Nasa bibig nito ang bunganga ng baso habang ang mga mata ay madilim at derekta sa kanya.

Her heart suddenly pounded and she didn’t know why! Maybe his stares intimidated the hell out of her?

Dumaan pa ang ilang minuto at sinikap niyang huwag dalhin ang tingin kung nasaan ang lalaki. At dahil nauna na sila Lila roon, medyo tipsy na ang mga ito at maingay na rin.

Zakia was comfortably sitting and her eyes were roaming around. For sure, her sister was so tempted to dance.

“Let’s dance!”

Siya na ang nag-aya para lang ilibang pa lalo ang sarili at hindi na mahirapang iwasan na sulyapan ang puwesto kung nasaan ang lalaking ’yon.

Zalanna and Zakia danced to the beat of the loud music. Everyone was dancing and flirting. May mga lalaking nakisayaw sa kanila at pinaunlakan naman nila. Dahil sa malikot na ilaw at paligid, medyo nakaramdam siya ng kaunting pagkahilo.

“Restroom,” paalam niya kay Zakia na tumango lang at nagpatuloy sa pagsasayaw.

When she’s already in the restroom, she saw how her face turned a bit red because of the alcohol. Umiinom naman siya kaya lang ay mabilis siyang mamula kahit kaunting lapat pa lang ng alak ang nasa katawan niya.

Noong makabalik siya ay nagtutuksuhan na ang mga kaibigan. Saglit lang siyang nawala ay mukhang nakapag-umpisa na ang mga ito ng kalokohang sinasabi.

“It’s your turn, Zakia!” Lila was very tipsy.

Sa tabi ng kaibigan ay si Aron na napapailing na lang. Sanay na ito sa mga ganitong kalokohan nila.

“What am I gonna do?” Zakia asked innocently.

“Give someone a lap dance!” Inikot ni Lila ang daliri sa kabuoan ng Club. “Kahit sino ang gusto mo riyan! Three minutes lap dance!”

Sa totoo lang ay maraming guwapo sa club at marami rin ang magaganda kaya hindi mahihirapan ang kapatid niyang pumili. At sa likod ng kanyang isip, kung siya ang gagawa ng lap dance, alam niya na kung kanino siya pupunta.

Zalanna’s cheeks heated up when she realized what she’s thinking of! Damn her! Naisip niya pa talaga na ang lalaking ’yon ang sayawan niya? Kahit na kaba lang ang ibinibigay sa kanya?

“Easy.” Zakia smirked and her eyes stopped at the other corner of the club.

Zalanna watched her sister walked confidently towards that corner. Medyo madilim talaga ngunit aninag niya naman kung sino ang pupuntahan nito. The man was wearing white long sleeves polo that folded until his elbow. Too formal for her but still can fit in.

Halos takpan niya ang mukha nang mapanood kung paano gumiling si Zakia sa kandungan ng lalaki! Medyo lasing na ang kapatid niya kaya nadagdagan lalo ang lakas ng loob.

“Ikaw naman, Zalanna!” ani Lila, sabay bigay muna sa kanya ng isang baso ng margarita. “Lap dance rin, five minutes!”

“Huh?! Bakit five minutes? Three minutes lang kay Zakia, ’di ba?” reklamo niya, tapos ay tinanggap ang baso.

“Late ka, e! Pangalawang dare na ni Zakia ’yan. Noong una, may sinayawan siya riyan sa dance floor.”

Zalanna drank that margarita for her own good. Kailangan niya ng lakas ng loob para sa lap dance!

“Okay, fine!” aniya at tumayo. Nagsigawan ang tatlong kaibigan.

They cheered, giving her more confidence. Buo na kaagad ang loob niya na sa lalaking ’yon ang tungo niya.

Malakas ang loob na tinahak niya ang daan papunta kung nasaan ito. Ngunit nang mapansin siya ng lalaki at nakitang naglalakad papunta rito, parang umurong ang lakas ng loob niya.

His eyes bore into her like his prey. Sipping on his liquor, his eyes never left her.

Zalanna felt how her heart beats so fast and loud. Her fingers were trembling slightly but she needed to keep going. Ayaw niyang mapahiya sa mga kaibigan niyang tiyak na pinapanood siya!

“Hi,” she greeted him when she got closer.

But he remained silent and the intensity of his stares made her play with her fingers in front of her.

He carefully put down his glass and she saw him lick his lips sensually.

When his dark eyes dropped down to her body, his lips twisted in a seductive way.

Napalunok siya. Damn, she’s so tense!

CHAPTER 2 (SPG)

CHAPTER TWO

LUMAPIT pa lalo si Zalanna nang hindi nagsalita ang lalaki matapos ang pagbati niya. He shifted on his seat when he realized that she’s really coming to him.

He raised his brow; tila ba may paghahamon sa mga ito habang pinapanood siyang mas lumalapit pa.

Para siyang mahihimatay habang iniisip na sasayawan niya ito habang nakakandong siya! But there was no way to back out!

With all her might and the confidence that alcohol gave her, Zalanna put her knee on his side then followed with the other one.

“What the fuck are you…” Galit ang tinig nito ngunit nahupa rin nang matanto ang ginawa niya.

Biting her lips and closing her eyes tightly, she snaked her thin arms around his nape. Nakaluhod ang dalawang tuhod niya sa magkabilang gilid nito.

And since his frame was large, she needed to part both of her legs more just so she can accommodate herself properly above him.

Halos isubsob niya ang mukha sa leeg ng lalaki sa sobrang kahihiyaan. His manly scent invaded her senses. Para siyang nalalasing lalo.

“I’ll just give you a lap dance. G-give me five minutes…” she whispered, her voice suddenly became soft.

Sinilip niya ito at nakita ang pag-igting ng panga. Nanatili ang madilim na mga mata nito at bago pa nito ibaling ang tingin sa kanya ay isinubsob niya na ulit ang mukha sa leeg nito.

“Your friends are watching…” he muttered huskily.

Nakagat ni Zalanna ang labi nang padulasin nito ang kamay sa kanyang baywang. Ramdam niya ang init doon at ang kamunduhan.

She can hear Lila’s voice, cheering her despite of the loud music. Mariin na ipinikit niya ang mga mata at ibinangon ang ulo. She faced him and swallowed hard when his intense eyes met hers.

Kung magpapadala siya sa emosyon at kaba, hindi niya matatapos ang dapat na gagawin. Ang bawat pagdaan ng sedundo ay tila ba minuto. Kay tagal kumpara sa dapat na bilis.

Even though her heart was literally palpitating, Zalanna tried hard to do that lap dance. She slowly grinded her hips without even thinking that he’d be affected.

She can almost feel his belt on her thighs, but she ignored it and continued grinding sexily above him. Aside from his belt, she can also feel his hard stomach against the fabric of her lacy thong. It gave her body a foreign feeling… something hot.

Iniisip niya na lang na hindi naman na sila magkikita at hindi siya nito kilala kaya walang pag-alinlangan na ginalingan niya ang paggiling sa paraan na alam niya.

Naramdaman niya ang bahagyang pagdiin ng mga kamay ng lalaki sa magkabilang baywang niya. May diin ngunit tila nanghihina ’yon.

Sa totoo lang ay umiikot na ang paningin niya at mabibigat na ang talukap ng mga mata. Ang init na dala ng ginagawa niya ang nagpapabuhay sa kanyang mga ugat.

Zalanna absentmindedly rubbed that hard thing against the soft fabric of her inner thighs and it really made her body hot. It felt like something inside her was building up and she didn’t know exactly was that.

Hindi niya na rin alintana na nakaangat na ang skirt niya dahil abala na sa sariling nararamdaman.

Every time she moved, her breast was touching his hard chest. Mainit at malapad ang dibdib nito. Para bang ang sarap-sarap humilig doon.

With her sleepy and tipsy eyes, Zalanna looked down on him only to find out that he’s intently and silently watching her face.

Ang mga mata ay namumungay, ang labi ay nakaisang linya. Para bang kay hirap nitong pangitiin. The way he clenched his jaw was making her inner self giggle. Was he angry or what? Or maybe controlling his emotions?

“Do you know what I do to the bad girls?” he said hoarsely.

“What?” Her voice remained soft and sweet.

“I tie them in my bed and…” He lowered his head until it reached her ear. “…fuck them… so hard,” he whispered those words sensually then he breathed on her ear which tickled her.

Kinagat niya ang labi, pinigil ang sana’y mabining hagikhik dahil sa kiliting dulot ng mabango at mainit na hininga nito.

“Do you think I am a bad girl?” she asked with a seductive smile.

Hindi niya alam kung pati ba ang mapang-akit na ngiti ay dahil din sa alak na nainom.

“Yeah.” His eyes went to her lips.

Zalana grinded one more time so his attention would be back to her face and not to her lips, because she honestly wanted to kiss his damn lips! She’s tempted to do that.

Kung hindi dahil sa alak ang pag-iinit ng kanyang katawan, siguro ay dahil nahahawa siya sa init ng katawan ng lalaki sa kanyang harapan.

She’s closing her eyes while seductively grinding above him and caressing his nape. Ang kaninang kamay nito na nasa baywang niya ay humaplos na pataas sa gilid ng kanyang dibdib. Kung bakit gusto niya ang sensasyon ay hindi niya rin alam.

His calloused palm caressed her thigh, gently and lustfully. Tumataas ang balahibo niya sa katawan nang mabilis na maamin sa sarili na gustong-gusto niya ang paraan ng paghaplos nito sa kanyang hita. May kakaiba siyang nararamdaman sa pagitan ng pribadong parte ng kanyang katawan.

It felt like… she’s getting wet… or she must say, she’s already damn wet there!

Para siyang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa naisip, ngunit mabilis ding bumalik sa nakakahibang na sensasyon nang maramdaman ulit ang daliri nito na naglakbay sa manipis na tela sa ilalim ng kanyang skirt.

“Umm…” She couldn’t help that small moan.

“Like it?” he whispered with pure lust on her ear then skillfully slid his finger on her flesh.

Mahinang daing ang lumabas sa kanyang bibig nang maramdaman nang tuluyan ang mahaba at malaking daliri nito sa kanyang pagkababae. Halos mahilo siya sa pagsibol ng hindi pamilyar na damdamin.

Zalanna tried hard to stop him from doing it but she couldn’t voice it out. Ang sana’y pagprotesta ay nasapawan lang ng mahina niyang pagdaing lalo at marahan na nitong hinahagod ang kaselanan niya. Halos manginig ang kanyang mga hita.

His long finger was soaked with her wetness. Damang-dama niya ang daliri nito na animo may mahika na kayang magbigay ng kaluguran sa kanya.

“Tangina,” he cursed under his breath as he continued rubbing her there with his fingers. “Do you want me to lick this…” He pinched her clit slightly, making her gasp because of the sensation. “Kakainin ko… hangga’t gusto mo…” nakakaliyong bulong nito.

Naramdaman niya ang pagpintig ng kanyang pagkababae. Natukso at naakit. Her body seemed to like what he said, but her mind was screaming not to.

Nagmulat siya ng mga mata sa narinig at sa naramdaman sa kanyang kaselanan. Doon na yata siya tuluyang bumalik sa reyalidad.

“W-what?” taranta na sagot niya, napakurap.

“Let’s go to my car.” He crouched again and planted a wet kiss on her neck.

Unti-unti na siyang natatauhan dahil ramdam na ramdam niya na ang malabakal na tigas na kanyang inuupuan. He’s already erect, so erect. Turned on and hard like a damn steel!

“Over time ka na, girl!” Narinig niya ang boses na ’yon ni Lila sabay halakhak. “Balik ka na rito!”

“Fucking remove your hand…” She glared at him.

She was now back to reality. Nawala yata bigla sa kanyang katawan ang alak na nainom niya.

“Alright.” He released his finger down there.

And damn her because she felt disappointed and annoyed for some reason. Pakiramdam niya may kulang… may mali… o baka nasarapan lang talaga siya sa daliri nito, kaya wala sa sarili na nanghina nung inalis na nito.

What the fuck was happening to her? Bakit parang lugi pa siya na nawala ang daliri nito sa pinakapribadong parte ng katawan niya?

Mariin na napapikit si Zalanna at umikot ang init sa mukha niya papunta sa batok nang dilaan nito ang daliring kanina lang ay nasa kaselanan niya.

“Sweet,” he whispered and his eyes were dilated with burning desire. “Are you sure you don’t want me to…”

“Shut up!” Sabay hampas niya sa balikat nito.

Noong gumalaw siya para umalis sa kandungan ng lalaki, ngumisi siya nang malaman kung gaano katigas ang sandata nito na nagtatago sa madilim na pants na suot. Now, it’s time for her to get even.

“It’s obvious that you enjoyed my lap dance.” She smirked then looked down at the massive bulge between his thighs.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to leave me like this…” His brows shot up, amused and at the same time ballistic.

“It’s not my fault if you got affected!” Tapos ay umalis siya sa kandungan nito.

But he’s quick to hold her hand. He remained on his seat. Galit na nilingon niya ang lalaki.

“What? Are you going to beg for me to continue until you reach your climax?”

“No.” His voice is icy.

“Then what?!”

He sighed. “I’m sorry.”

Zalanna leereed. Sorry? For what? For touching her private part? Kung kanina ay galit siya, mas lalo na ngayon dahil ipinaalala pa nito ’yon! She felt like she’s so easy to get!

Sexy lap dance lang naman dapat ang gagawin niya at hindi niya naman inasahan na aabot sila sa gano’n! Mabuti na lang at natigil dahil kahit siya ay nabigla kung bakit hinayaan niyang hawakan siya nang gano’n na lang ng lalaking hindi niya naman kilala!

Pahamak talaga ang dulot ng alak sa kanya kahit kailan!

“Ang hot!” sabi ni Lila nang makabalik siya sa lamesa nila.

“He looks familiar,” Valeria said.

Wala na siya sa wisyo at sa mood. Gusto niya nang umuwi. Gusto niya nang magpahinga at umiyak!

“W-where’s Zakia?”

“Uh, I don’t know? Sa restroom lang daw siya, e. Hindi na bumalik.”

Zalanna grabbed her Chanel sling bag and took out her iPhone. She dialed Zakia’s number but there was no answer. Ang sinunod niya naman ay si Paloma, mabuti at sumagot.

“Nandiyan ba si Zakia?”

“Oo, Senyorita. May kaaway na guwapo!” At binuntutan pa ng halakhak.

“Okay. Lalabas na ako. Uuwi na tayo.” She ended the line.

“Uuwi na rin kami.” Sabay tayo ng mga kaibigan niya. “I had a good time!”

Sabay-sabay silang lumabas sa D’ Club at hindi niya na nilingon pa ang lalaki kanina, ngunit ramdam niya ang titig sa kanya. Alam niya ’yon, kahit hindi niya tignan.

Nang makarating sa parking ay umirap siya nang makita na naroon pa rin ang itim na Audi. Si Zakia naman ay nasa harap na ng SUV, nakasimangot.

“What’s wrong?” Lumapit siya sa kapatid.

“I’m so annoyed! He’s so arrogant and uhh!” Hindi na nito natapos ang sasabihin sa sobrang gigil at hindi niya rin alam kung sino ba ang tinutukoy.

Zalanna didn’t know how they managed to make this thing happen, but she found herself in Aron’s car with Zakia and Valeria and Lila’s the driver.

Si Aron ay sa SUV nila sumakay. Nakasunod lang sa kanila ang mga ito. Nag-road trip pa sila at kumain ng ramen sa isang hotel pagkatapos. Medyo nawala ang kalasingan niya pero pagod talaga siya dahil na rin sa biyahe nila galing hacienda.

Zalanna fell asleep while travelling home and took a shower when they arrived. Ilang minuto siya sa ilalim ng tubig, paulit-ulit rumehistro sa kanyang isip ang nangyari kanina.

Ikinahihiya niya ang sarili! Bakit ba hinayaan niya ’yon? Pwede niya namang pigilan!

Totoo yatang nadala rin siya? The way he whispered sensually, the way he caressed her, those were pure lust. She got carried away. Hinding-hindi na talaga siya pupunta sa D’ Club! Sana ay hindi na magtagpo ang landas nila ng lalaking ’yon!

GANOON nga ang ginawa ni Zalanna. She made herself busy preparing for school. She already enrolled herself in De La Salle. Sa susunod na linggo ay pasukan na at handa naman siya roon.

Zakia and their friends always invited her to go to D’ Club but she declined. The idea of seeing that man again horrified her. Pagkakamali ang ginawa niya at hindi na ’yon dapat madagdagan o maulit.

Isang araw ay talagang kinulit siya ni Zakia. Hindi naman sa D’ Club gaganapin pero kinakabahan pa rin siya.

“Magtatampo ’yon sa ’yo, Zalanna,” dugtong pa nito.

Dalawang taon lang ang tanda niya kay Zakia at hindi nito nakasanayan na tawagin siyang ate. Dahil parang magkasing-edad lang sila kung titingnan.

“Ayoko nga. Kayo na lang.”

It’s Aron’s birthday. It will be held in Aron’s family house in Makati. May party, siyempre may inuman. Ayaw niya nang uminom. Never!

“Bakit ba? Matagal pa naman ang pasukan, ah! Aren’t you getting bored here?”

Si Paloma ay pinapakinggan lang silang dalawa. Naghahain na ito para sa tanghalian nila.

“Not really. I have other things to do. I don’t wanna go to a party.”

“You are no fun!” Sabay irap nito sa kanya. “If you don’t want to drink, then don’t. Just go there.”

Pinag-isipan niya pa muna ang desisyon. Pwede naman siyang magpunta, huwag lang siyang iinom. Masama ang tama sa kanya ng alak.

“Alright, I’m coming.”

Zakia’s smile grew wider and hugged her. Umirap siya at hinayaan ang kapatid.

Paloma turned on the TV after a while. Mahilig itong manood ng mga telenovela at balita. Wala naman silang hilig ni Zakia roon.

“Manliligaw mo ba ’yon, Senyorita Zakia?” usisa ni Paloma.

“No,” masungit na sagot ng kapatid.

Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. Zakia was not very vocal when it came to her relationship or suitors, so she didn’t know if this one was serious or maybe a fling.

“Mayor ’yon, ’di ba?”

“Yeah,” Zakia answered lazily.

“Bagay na bagay kayo. Ang sarap sigurong maging asawa ng mayor!”

“Shut up, Paloma.” Zakia glared at the poor woman. “Fling lang kami ni Alluke!”

Tumawa siya at napailing.

Fling.

That sounded funny and cool though. Mas maganda siguro ang ganoon kung hindi naman seryoso talaga na pumasok sa isang relasyon. No high expectations from both sides.

“Ikaw ba Senyorita Zalanna, nakita mo na ba ulit ’yong binigyan mo ng lap dance?”

Siyempre, hindi makakaligtas kay Paloma ang pinaggagagawa nila sa D’ Club.

“Hindi na at sana hindi ko na siya makita kailanman!”

“Ang bitter, girl!” Si Zakia, sabay simsim sa wine. “Alam mo ba kapag pinapangarap mong hindi makita, doon pa talaga nagpapakita.”

“Sang-ayon ako riyan, Senyorita. Inpernes, guwapo ’yon ha. Matangkad at halatang batak ang katawan sa eksersays. Naghuhumiyaw ang muscles sa braso, ’di ba? Daks siguro ’yon Senyorita Zalanna!”

Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya sa sinabi ni Paloma. Si Zakia naman ay humagalpak ng tawa.

Daks meant big, right? Oh my God! She can imagine his boner! Sobrang tigas niyon at halos kumawala sa pantalon! From that, she can say that he’s indeed daks!

“Ano ka ba, Paloma! Yung mga iniisip mo, masyadong mahalay!”

“Pasensya na, Senyorita. Talaga naman halatang daks ’yon. Pati nga si Mayor ni Senyorita Zakia, e.”

“Hoy Paloma!” Pinanlakihan ng mata ni Zakia ang babae. “Wag kang titingin kay Alluke kapag nagpunta rito, ha?! Doon ka lang sa kwarto mo!”

“Grabe naman si Senyorita, napakaselosa.” Ngumuso-nguso pa si Paloma.

Aron’s birthday came. Si Valeria ang nagsundo sa kanila kaya hindi na kailangan magpunta ni Antonio. Dalawang palapag ang bahay nina Aron at sa gilid ay ang malaking swimming pool. Doon ginaganap ang kaarawan nito.

It’s a pool party, so, they brought their own bikinis. Noong dumating sila ay may mga bisita na at medyo maingay na rin dahil sa tugtog. Aron’s father was her family’s business associate. Kaya kilala rin sila ng pamilya nito.

“Happy birthday, Aron!” bati niya at ibinigay ang paper bag na may lamang regalo nila ni Zakia. It’s a wrist watch.

“Oh, thanks. Nag-abala pa kayo.”

Lila was already there, wearing a green one piece. Lumapit ito sa kanila at humalik.

“Let’s party!”

“We need to change,” Zakia said, making Lila roll her eyes.

“Alright, samahan ko pa ba kayo?”

“No need,” sabi niya.

Iginaya sila ni Aron sa loob ng malaking bahay kung saan sila magpapalit. Ipinakilala sila sa ilang kaibigan na nakilala. Ayos lang din pala na sumama siya, mukhang masaya talaga.

The night went on.

Zalanna was wearing a black backless one piece, while Zakia was on her printed stringed two piece.

Umiindayog lang sila, sinasabayan ang tugtog doon. Ang iba ay naliligo sa swimming pool, ang iba ay nag-iinom naman.

“Hi.” A man at her age approached her.

Siya lang mag-isa sa lamesa dahil sina Valeria at Zakia ay lumubog na sa tubig.

“Hello.” She gave a friendly smile.

“I’m Korbin, and you?”

“Zalanna.” Tinanggap niya ang nakalahad nitong kamay.

“Aron’s friend?”

Obviously!

“Yeah.”

Nag-usap sila ni Korbin nang ilang sandali. He’s polite and friendly too, kaya hindi niya nagawang mainis o madismaya.

Juice lang ang iniinom niya. Kapag bibigyan siya ng mga kaibigan ng alak, mariin niyang tinatanggihan, pero noong si Zakia na ang namilit, napapayag siya ng kapatid ngunit isang shot lang ng tequila!

After an hour of staying, Zalanna got bored and felt sleepy. Napansin ’yon ni Korbin.

“Sleepy?” He chuckled.

“Yeah, I wanna go home.”

“I can give you a ride.”

Mabilis siyang umiling. Tatawagan niya na lang si Antonio para sunduin siya pero nang natanto na malayo ang panggagalingan, nag-alangan siya lalo at hating-gabi na. Si Zakia ay halatang wala pang balak umuwi, gano’n din ang ibang kaibigan.

“Hindi na, salamat.”

“Or if you like, you can borrow my car? Kukunin ko na lang bukas sa inyo.”

That offer was tempting. Gusto niya nang pumayag dahil gusto niya nang umuwi!

“Are you sure?”

“Why not?”

Korbin shrugged his shoulder like as if it’s not a big deal. Come on, they just met!

“Sigurado ka talaga?” ulit niya, naninigurado.

“Yes, Zalanna. Feel free to use my damn car.”

Unti-unting sumilay ang ngiti sa kanyang labi at tumango. Nakita niya rin ang saya sa mukha nito noong pumayag siya. Nagpaalam siya sa mga kasama at tinukso pa siya dahil sasakyan ni Korbin ang gagamitin niya.

“Pasensya ka na, malalakas talagang mang-asar ang mga ’yon.”

Korbin massaged his nape a bit, he looked shy. His face was red because of the alcohol. Hinatid siya nito kung saan naka-park ang sasakyan. It was a silver Subaru.

“Are you sure you can drive?” sabi pa nito, nakahawak sa nakabukas ng pinto ng driver’s seat.

“Of course, I only had one shot of tequila!” Natawa siya. “Give me the key.” Inilahad niya ang kamay.

“Alright, drive safely.” Pagkabigay nito ng susi ay hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

Medyo nagulat siya roon pero hindi naman nagreklamo. It was just a friendly kiss, not a big deal.

Zalanna roared the engine and waved at Korbin. Kumaway ito at sinundan siya ng tanaw. She turned on the stereo and listened to the music to stop herself from feeling sleepy. Hindi naman kalayuan ang BGC sa bahay nina Aron at kabisado niya naman na ang daan.

Kaya lang ang tugtog sa sasakyan ay nagpapabigat sa talukap ng kanyang mga mata. Sunod-sunod na nakakaantok ang tugtog na nilalakihan niya pa ang mga mata para malinaw na makita ang kalsada.

Tequila was also the reason why she felt like that. Malakas ang tama sa kanya kahit isang shot lang ang ginawa niya.

Sa unahan ay nakikita niya na ang stop light, nakakulay green pa at kaya niya pang makatawid bago magkulay pula. She stepped on the gas, making her pace faster than usual, but what she did not see was a black Audi in front of her!

Huli na nang maapakan niya ang preno dahil tumama ang nguso ng Subaru sa likod ng Audi! Malakas siyang napasinghap at nawala nang tuluyan ang antok niya!

Inihanda niya na ang sarili sa mga gagawing excuse kapag bumaba ang driver dahil alam niyang hindi papalagpasin ang ginawa niya.

Her eyes widened when she saw a familiar built come out from the driver’s seat of Audi!

Hindi niya alam kung magagalit siya o mas lalong matatakot lalo at nakita niya ang napakadilim na mukha ng lalaki habang naglalakad palapit sa kanyang sasakyan. Para siyang aatakihin sa puso sa sobrang kalabog ng kanyang dibdib!

Kinatok nito ang bintana niya at lalo lang siyang nabalisa! Ilang ulit siyang humugot ng hangin sa dibdib para lang pakalmahin ang pagwawala ng kanyang puso.

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER THREE

CAREFULLY, Zalanna opened the window. Inihanda niya na ang malamlam niyang mga mata na nagpapaawa at kinibot ang labi. She made sure that when this man saw her, he’d pity her and she would get his sympathy.

Though, his aura was already dark and dangerous, it won’t hurt her if she tried to pretend and act like a beautiful angel that unexpectedly committed a sin.

Malay niya, lumambot ang loob nito kapag nakita na pinagsisihan niya kaagad ang pagbangga sa mamahalin nitong sasakyan.

Hindi siya puwedeng magmataas lalo at siya ang may kasalanan kahit pa sabihin na hindi naman sinasadya.

The fact that she’s a bit tipsy and sleepy would only give him a concrete proof that she shouldn’t drive with that state. Kaya pakiramdam niya, matatalo talaga siya sa nakaabang na argumento.

When the man saw her, his brow raised. Surely, he recognized her. She could almost see the smirk on his lips.

Napalunok si Zalanna at sinikap na suklian ang mga mata nitong nanghugusga at naiirita kahit pa nakakapaso iyon. She can feel the invisible sweats on her forehead.

“S-dorry po.” Pinalungkot niya ang kanyang boses. Hindi niya dapat tapatan ang galit nito dahil siya ang may kasalanan.

She saw how his jaw clenched after she said those two words.

Dalawang salita na nga lang ay nautal pa siya! Like the first time she saw him in D’ Club, the beating of her heart got wild again. His presence was too strong that even if he’s silent, she felt really intimidated. Kaya tuloy ang bilis ng pintig ng kanyang puso.

Nag-sorry na nga siya pero halatang hindi pa rin nawala ang iritasyon sa mga mata ng lalaki. This was expected because who would be happy if someone bumped into your expensive car?

“I… I will pay for the damage, S-sir.” At sana ay pumayag ito para matapos na ang usapan.

Kaya lang sa matigas na itsura ng kausap niya, para bang hindi siya gano’n kadaling papatawarin.

If she was in his shoes, she will really get mad and she’s probably already shouting at the stupid driver who bumped her expensive car. But this man remained cold and strict. Tila ba kailangan niya pang ipagpasalamat na hindi siya nito sinisigawan.

What if he chose to file a case against her for being a reckless driver? Baka makuha pa ang lisensya niya at siguradong malalaman ’yon ng magulang niya. Baka imbes na sa De La Salle siya magpapatuloy ng pag-aaral, ibabalik siya sa hacienda!

That idea terrified her! Kailangan niyang makumbinsi ang lalaki na areglo na lang at ’wag nang dumaan pa sa pulis. She’s very willing to pay for the damage. Ayaw niyang madungisan ang kanyang pangalan. She didn’t want her name to be in a long list of police report!

“Give me your license.” His voice was stern that it almost made her gasp.

Mabilis na hinalungkat ni Zalanna sa bag ang wallet niya na nasa katabing upuan at kinuha ang kanyang lisensya. With her shaking fingers, she handed it to him.

She watched how he carefully checked her license. He has dark eyelashes, and she noticed that since he was looking down. His jaw was clenching a bit, and there’s no sign of any smile on his lips. Kahit kaunti, walang ngiti roon. He’s not pleased to what he’s seeing.

“Nakainom ka,” paratang nito kalaunan na lalong nagpakabog ng kanyang dibdib.

Kapag napatunayan nitong nakainom nga siya, mas magiging kumplikado ang sitwasyon niya. She sprayed a strawberry flavored breath freshener after she changed her bikini. Hindi siya sigurado kung natakpan ba niyon ang tequila. But, she needed to prove that she did not drink alcohol!

“U-uh, hmm, h-hindi!” medyo tarantang sagot niya.

Paano kung inamin niya na lang kaya? At hindi na nagsinungaling? Magiging maayos ba ang usapan nila?

“Really?” he mocked.

Obviously, he did not buy her answer. Bakit ba siya nagsinungaling? This man in front of her looked like someone who will mock you once he discovered that you’re lying in front of his face. Pakiramdam niya nga ay hindi pa siya sumasagot, alam na nito ang isasagot niya.

“Y-yes!” But she needed to stand with her answer!

“Paamoy,” anito sabay lapit ng ulo sa bintana. Kumabog nang husto ang kanyang puso.

Alright, he looked wise and he can’t be fooled, but did he really ask her to smell her? Just to prove that he was right and she was just fucking lying?

Maybe lying wasn’t really a good decision she made tonight. But she won’t back down. Bahala na kung malaman nito ang totoo. Ipagsasawalang bahala niya na lang ang kahihiyan na siya rin ang may pakana.

“W-what?” She stuttered again. Damn!

“Papalagpasin ko itong ginawa mo kapag napatunayan kong hindi ka nakainom.”

It was a good deal. It’s tempting, pero alam niya rin na… matatalo siya. Umaasa na lang siya na natakpan ng strawberry spray ang amoy ng alak sa kanya. Pero may isa pang paraan. Hindi naman kailangan na amuyin nito ang bibig niya…

“P-pero… hmm, s-sige!”

Zalanna craned a bit for him to smell her neck. There.

The man slowly lowered his head closer. Halos hindi siya makahinga. Why the hell was she so nervous?

When the tip of his nose touched the sensitive skin of her neck, Zalanna absentmindedly bit her lower lips. Inamoy lang naman siya nito pero bakit siya nakikiliti?

“You’re drunk,” may diin na paratang nito na nagpabalik sa kanya sa wisyo na pansamantalang naglakbay.

“I am not!” mariin ding tanggi niya, magkasalubong ang mga kilay para lang ipaalam dito na nagsasabi siya ng totoo kahit halata na nagsisinungaling lang siya.

“Let me smell your breath,” hamon nito.

Umawang ang kanyang bibig. Naisip pa talaga ng gagong ito ’yon? Hindi talaga papalagpasin hangga’t hindi napapatunayan ang paniniwalang nakainom siya?

“Let me.” Then he lowered his head again. “Go on,” he urged her.

Siguro sa inis at pagkabigo, pumayag na siya. Alam niyang talo na siya at wala siyang ligtas sa isang ’to. She slowly let out a breath when his face was almost an inch away from hers.

May hamon sa mga mata ng lalaki, kaya mas nairita siya lalo. Para bang alam na nito ang sagot sa pagtatalo nila, pero naghanap pa rin ng matibay na ebidensya para idiin siya.

“Ayaw pa-areglo, Chief?”

Isang boses ang narinig niya sa labas at umangat ang isang kilay niya nang makita ang babaeng palapit. She’s wearing a large jacket and probably that jacket was from this man beside her. Probably his girlfriend? Who cares by the way?

That’s why he’s so angry that she bumped into them? Dahil may kasama naman palang babae. Nakaistorbo pala siya.

She was wondering what they were doing inside his Audi before she bumped into them? Maybe making out? Tapos nabangga niya ang likod kaya parehong nabitin?

And when she remembered him having a massive boner when she left him in D’ Club after she gave him a sexy and sensual lap dance, it made her realized that he did not like the idea of ‘nabibitin’ when it came to sexual activities. Mabuti na lang talaga at iniwan niya ito noon. Well, at least she got even through that.

“Labas,” he commanded like as if his command shouldn’t be broken then he showed his badge.

Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya nang matanto na hindi lang ito ordinaryong lalaki na pakalat-kalat kapag hating-gabi.

Zalanna panicked. She can’t even recognize the symbol on his badge because he was fast to put it back to where he got it. But she’s sure that it was not just a normal badge! Damn!

Hindi niya na maproseso nang maayos dahil talagang dinaganan na siya ng kaba. She blinked and tried to calm down the crazy beating of her heart.

“Babayaran ko na nga lang po. Please, don’t make this complicated. I am willing to pay.” She panicked.

Zalanna has enough money to pay. Bukod pa roon, madadamay ang sasakyan ni Korbin kapag hindi niya naareglo ang problemang ito. Hiniram niya lang ang sasakyan, hindi pwedeng madawit ’yon sa pagiging careless niya!

“I need your details about it. Sa akin ka sumakay.”

Sa sinabi nitong ’yon ay nabuhayan siya nang husto. Kahit hindi siya sang-ayon na sa sasakay siya sa sasakyan nito, pumayag na siya para lang matapos ang usapan.

Saglit lang silang nag-usap ngunit nakakapagod ’yon. Medyo bumalik ang antok niya. She just found herself sitting at the front seat of his Audi. The man was driving silently.

Ang mga mata ay nakatuon lang sa daan. Seryoso at wala pa rin sa mood. Sino ba ang matutuwa kung mababangga ang mamahalin na sasakyan?

The lights inside his car were off. Ang tanging liwanag lang ay ang mga ilaw sa labas na nadaanan nila at ang headlights ng sasakyan. But despite of the lack of lights, she can still see him clearly.

His aura remained dark and authoritative. Mas lalo lang nadepina ang mabigat na hangin na nakapaligid dito dahil tahimik ito. Kaya tuloy kahit wala naman nakakakaba, ramdam niya pa rin ang kalabog ng puso. She felt uneasy being with him.

His narrow nose in that angle defined his mixed foreign blood. Lips in grim line and he has this divided attractive chin. From his chiseled jawline, her gaze drifted to his neck.

Zalanna absentmindedly shifted her weight to have a closer view of the tattoo that she saw on the side of his neck. It seemed like an eagle’s wings. Nakayakap ang halos dulo ng pakpak sa gilid ng leeg nito, na sa palagay niya, ang kabuoan ng tattoo ay nasa batok.

She had it confirmed when he moved his head on the side to have a quick view of the car beside his door and she took the chance to have a look on his whole tattoo.

It was an eagle’s wings that powerfully but beautifully embraced his nape.

And there’s a short phrase below the right wing that’s written in Franktur Bold. At dahil bumalik agad ang tingin nito sa harap, hindi niya na nakita kung ano ba ang salitang nakasulat. But she’s sure, they were Spanish words.

Napanguso siya nang matanto na gusto niya ang tattoo nito at ang paraan kung paano yumakap ang matikas na agila sa balat nito sa batok.

To stop herself from secretly admiring his tattoo, she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms above her chest. She shouldn’t feel that way… that she found him extremely hot with his tattoo!

“Hindi ba ako aawayin ng girlfriend mo?” tanong niya upang magkaroon ng ingay ang katahimikan at ’wag nang isipin pa ang panandaliang paghanga.

Sumulyap siya sa rearview mirror. Nakasunod sa kanila ang Subaru na minamaneho ng girlfriend nito.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” he answered coldly. Umirap siya sa hangin. What a liar. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

Zalanna arched her eyebrow a bit. Hindi sana niya sasagutin, but she didn’t want to be rude. Kaswal lang naman ang tanong nito. Siguro ay para na rin may iba silang pag-usapan kahit papano.

“Wala,” she drawled, then shed looked outside the window.

The silence stretched again. Pumasok na sila sa BGC at nakahinga na siya nang maluwag.

“There.” Turo niya sa street na papasukan nito.

Zalanna sighed in relief when the car was going to the basement. Tiningnan muna ng guard ang ID ng lalaki, tapos ay sinabihan na kasama nila ang nakasunod na Subaru. Tumango naman sa kanya ang guard dahil kilala na siya nito.

“Give me your number.” The man handed her his latest phone when he parked his Audi.

Para bang kahit ayaw niya, wala siyang magagawa dahil nakalahad na sa kanyang harap. Kung magmamatigas siya, baka magbago pa ang isip nito at magpa-police report. He can easily do that though. She better be wise in making decisions next time.

Zalanna lazily typed her number, then she leered.

“Akala mo naman tatakbuhan kita,” nasabi niya dahil sa inipon na iritasyon.

“Mahirap na. Maraming manloloko ngayon,” he said while lazily unbuckling his seatbelt.

What? ’Wag nitong sasabihin na ihahatid pa siya nito hanggang sa pinto ng unit niya?

“A face like this?” Zalanna pointed her pretty face. “Tingin mo manloloko?”

He only gave her a bored glance. “Maganda ka, pero hindi ako nagpapadala sa mga magaganda. That beauty won’t work on me.” Sabay labas nito ng Audi.

Bago pa siya nito pagbuksan ay inunahan niya na. The Subaru was already parked near his Audi. Napangiwi siya nang makita ang gasgas doon at pagkayupi. Nakakahiya kay Korbin!

Lumabas ang babae, sumandal sa hood ng Subaru, nakahalukipkip.

“Yung girlfriend mo.”

Ngunit hindi man lang nito nilingon ang babae. Sa kanya lang nakatuon ang mga mata na para bang kapag kumurap ito ay bigla siyang mawawala sa paningin nito.

Dapat nga ay gano’n na lang. Isang kurap lang nito ay wala na siya sa harap nito. Kung puwede lang.

“I’ll wait for you here,” the woman said.

Hinagis nito ang susi ng Audi at mabilis naman na nasalo ng babae. Talagang maghihintay? Ibig sabihin ba niyon ay sabay talaga silang uuwi at sa iisang bahay lang nakatira? Ano ba’ng pakialam niya?

Tinalikuran ni Zalanna ang lalaki at dumeretso sa elevator. Kaagad naman itong nakasunod. Akala talaga ay tatakbuhan niya? This man was annoying!

“You don’t need to know where I live. You have my number. We can still communicate for my payment.”

“What if you gave the wrong number?” he fired back. “I need to know where you live. Hindi ka makakatakas sa ’kin.”

Umirap na lang siya at nagmartsa palabas ng elevator. Sana lang ay tulog na si Paloma para hindi na maging mabait at baka i-entertain pa ang lalaking ito. His presence was suffocating!

“This is where I live,” aniya nang huminto sa pinto ng unit.

“Open the door,” he commanded.

Nanliliit ang kanyang mga mata, kanina pa napapansin ang mga pagmamando nito sa kanya. Balang araw, makakaganti rin siya sa lalaking ito!

Zalanna swiped her key card. Nang buksan niya ang pinto ay si Paloma ang sumalubong sa kanya, pupungas-pungas pa at biglang lumaki ang mga mata nang makitang may kasama siya. Oh no!

“Senyorita Zalanna, may kasama ka. Good evening, Sir, pasok ka!” At niluwagan pa nito ang pinto.

She glared at the insensitive Paloma. Hindi man lang napansin na ayaw niyang papasukin ang lalaki. Ang lapad-lapad ng ngiti nito.

“Natatandaan kita, Sir. Ikaw ‘yong lalaki sa D’ Club? ’Yong sinayawan ni Senyorita Zalanna?”

Mariin siyang napapikit, gustong takpan ang bunganga ni Paloma.

When she looked at the man, he’s smirking. He didn’t confirm it, but he did not also deny.

“Mas guwapo po pala kayo kapag malapitan.” Paloma even had the guts to praise this arrogant man?

He chuckled. Then she felt his warm palm at the small of her back, slightly pushing her to go inside.

Tinampal niya ang matigas na braso nito at pumasok sa loob. Napaatras si Paloma sa pagiging agresibo ng kanyang kilos.

“LQ?” Paloma asked.

“Paloma, pumasok ka na nga sa silid mo!” iritado niyang sinabi.

“LQ nga,” Paloma murmured and waved at the man before leaving them.

“Umuwi ka na,” taboy niya.

“Magkita tayo bukas.”

Zalanna narrowed her eyes. She can’t believe she will see this annoying man again! Kung puwede lang takasan niya ulit at ’wag nang magpakita, gagawin niya talaga!

Sa huli, tumango na lang siya para lumayas na ito sa harap niya at nang makapagpahinga na siya.

“Susunduin kita,” he said with finality like as if she didn’t have a choice but to obey.

Pakiramdam niya ay ilang sandali na lang, bubuga na siya ng apoy sa iritasyon. How dare he stay so calm while she’s so agitated with him and his presence?

“I will just wire the payment to your bank. Just text me your bank account and how much you need—”

“I don’t need your damn money,” he cut her off. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Good night.”

Umirap siya. Masyado nang pagod para makipagtalo pa. Pero sisiguraduhin niya na sa muli nilang pagkikita, may sapat siyang lakas para makaganti!

“Whatever.” Then she closed the damn door.

Her iPhone vibrated and the message was from an unknown number. Alam niya na agad kung sino. Maisip niya pa lang, umiinit na ang dugo niya!

Unknown Number:

Caston.

Iyon lang ang laman. Kahit sa text, halatang malamig at seryoso. So, Caston was his name. She did not reply and did not even save his fucking number. Annoying ass!

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER FOUR

THE golden rays of sunlight from the glass door of the balcony aesthetically struck against her face, making her wake up from a deep sleep. Zalanna yawned and stretched her arms.

Her eyes widened when she suddenly realized what happened last night!

She bumped into an Audi using Korbin’s Subaru. Hindi niya na nasabi ’yon kay Korbin dahil nakatulog siya kaagad kagabi.

She needed to set a schedule to see him today to apologize and of course to pay for the damage. Pinahiram na nga sa kanya ay nagasgasan niya pa. Hindi niya iningatan. Nakakahiya talaga ang nagawa niya.

Zalanna got up and grabbed the silk robe on the rack to cover her thin sleepwear. She’s not even wearing any bra, but it’s fine, it’s not that very obvious. And Paloma used to see her like that. She and Zakia.

Stretching her arms and neck, Zalanna walked out from her bedroom.

“Gising na ang magandang senyorita ko.” Boses ni Paloma ang una niyang narinig.

Zalanna’s eyes found Paloma in the kitchen, pouring juice in glasses. It’s already eight in the morning. She used to have tea, not juice.

Inilibot niya ang tingin nang maramdamang parang may mga matang nakamasid sa kanya.

Her eyes went big when she saw who were sitting on the sofa of their living room. Panandalian lang ang pagkabigla niya at ang aga-aga ay nasira na ang araw niya dahil sa bisita.

Caston was sitting arrogantly at the single sofa, looking so fresh with his dark grey polo shirt that hugged his chest and his biceps. He’s crossing his arms, the veins on his forearms corded sexily.

Inirapan niya ang sarili dahil pati ang mga ugat nito sa braso ay napansin niya pa talaga.

There’s no sign of smile on his lips, too. Ano pa nga ba ang aasahan niya sa lalaking ’to? His smile was too expensive.

In front of him was Korbin, smiling at her like as if he’s happy that he saw her again. Umirap siya kay Caston at ngumiti kay Korbin.

And with the way Caston looked at Korbin, it seemed like he’s silently murdering her friend inside his head. How merciless!

“Are you alright?” Korbin stood up and went to her.

Sinikop pa ng kamay nito ang kanyang panga, sinisigurado kung ayos lang ba talaga siya. He’s genuinely concerned. She can feel that.

“I’m fine, Korbin. Uh, sorry about your car.” Nahihiya siyang ngumiti sa bagong kaibigan.

“No, there’s nothing to worry about it. Nasa casa na. I was worried when I heard about that. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Tumango siya. She gave him a smile with assurance. She’s really fine. Mabuti na lang at hindi naman siya nasaktan sa biglaang pagkabangga niya kagabi sa Audi.

“Yes, I’m really fine. Hindi naman malakas ang pagkabangga. Allow me to pay for the damage of your car.”

“Kahit wag na—”

“Please?” Zalanna used her puppy eyes at Korbin.

Napabuntonghininga si Korbin at tumango. Zalanna’s smile grew wider. She’s really aware with her effects on boys. Her eyes were very expressive.

When her gaze went back to Caston, he’s looking darkly at them. Para bang kasalanan na naroon sila sa harap nito.

“I brought fruits,” Korbin said and motioned the island counter.

“Ow, thank you.” Then she glanced at the basket of fruits.

Paloma came out holding a tray of juice. Inilapag niya ito sa lamesa kung nasaan si Caston.

“Thanks,” she heard him mutter.

“May date kayo, Sir?” medyo pabulong na tanong ni Paloma.

Caston only shook his head. May dumaang aliw sa mga mata nito at nang nakitang nakatingin siya, dumilim ulit ang mga mata.

“Uh, Paloma, where’s Zakia? Umuwi ba kagabi?”

“Hindi, Senyorita.”

Nagulat siya roon. Bumalik ang tingin niya kay Korbin na naabutan niyang nakatitig sa kanya. Napakurap pa ito nang makitang nakatingin siya rito.

“Where’s Zakia? Kasama niyo kagabi, ’di ba?” she asked.

“May sumundo sa kanya. Hindi ba umuwi?”

“Sino ang susundo? Tss.”

“Her boyfriend?” Korbin shrugged.

Boyfriend? Walang boyfriend ang kapatid niya. Baka fling? Was that Luke? Oh, damn.

“Paloma, pakitawagan si Zakia.”

Tumalima naman si Paloma. Tatlo na lang silang naroon. Ramdam niya ang pamumuo ng tensyon lalo at hindi pa nila binabalikan si Caston sa sala.

“Who’s that man?” Korbin asked, then he glanced at Caston who’s sitting like a boss.

“Sasakyan niya ’yong nabangga ko kagabi.” Mahina ang boses niya. “May meeting kami ngayon para pag usapan ’yong damage.”

“Sasamahan kita,” ani Korbin, halatang duda sa katauhan ni Caston.

“Kaya ko na ’to. Babalitaan na lang kita pagkatapos naming mag-usap.”

“Saan ang meeting niyo?”

“Hindi ko pa alam. Pwedeng dito na lang din.”

“Mas maganda kung dito na lang. Mas mapapanatag ako.”

Nang mapansin niyang parang naiirita na ng husto si Caston dahil sa bulungan nila, kahit labag sa loob ay lumapit siya rito.

“Maliligo lang ako,” paalam niya bilang respeto na rin.

Kahit naman inis siya sa lalaking ’to, dapat ay may respeto pa rin siya lalo at siya naman talaga ang may kasalanan. Isang tango lang ang ginawa ni Caston sabay binigyan ng matalim na tingin si Korbin na sa kanya naman nakatitig, tila nabibighani sa kanya.

Iniwan niya ang dalawa. Pagpasok niya sa silid niya ay napatalon pa siya nang makita si Paloma roon. Kunyari ay nagliligpit pero alam niyang kakalap lang ng impormasyon.

“Guwapo rin naman si Sir Korbin, pero mas bagay kayo ni Sir Caston, Senyorita.”

See? Alam niya kaagad ang takbo ng utak ng isang ’to.

Zalanna continued choosing what clothes to wear, ignoring Paloma.

“Nakita mo ba, Senyorita? ’Yong braso niya? Maugat at matigas ang mga muscle. Para bang kayang-kaya kang baliktarin sa kama sa posisyon na gusto niya—”

“Paloma!” histerya niya at pinanlakihan ng mga mata ang kasambahay na pigil ang hagikhik. “Will you shut your mouth? Baka marinig ka at ano pa ang isipin ni Caston.”

“Soundproof itong silid mo, Senyorita, ’di ba? Hindi tayo maririnig. Kapag naging kayo na ni Sir Caston at napili niyang matulog dito, kahit umungol ka nang malakas ay ayos lang dahil hindi naman—”

“Paloma!” Sabay hampas niya ng dress dito. “Labas!”

Nag-iinit ang pisngi niya dahil bigla niya talagang naisip na uungol siya at kasama si Caston sa kama niya!

“Grabe naman si Senyorita,” bulong-bulong nito, pero hindi naman lumabas at nagpatuloy sa pagliligpit ng kama niya at iba pang kagamitan na hindi naman kaligpit-ligpit.

Parang nadagdagan ang edad niya bigla sa kunsumisyon.

Zalanna closed her eyes tightly to erase that dirty, erotic, and very graphic image of her and Caston above her bed.

“Nasaan na si Zakia?” tanong niya kalaunan nang makapilit ng susuotin.

She chose a high waisted lace skirt and white sweetheart neck rib knitted top. She will pair it with beige Bottega Veneta woven leather mules.

“Kasama niya raw si Sir Luke.”

Huminga siya nang malalim. Mas agresibo pa sa kanya ang kapatid niya, ah? At kasama si Luke buong gabi?

“Ano?” Magkadugtong ang kilay nang balikan niya si Paloma. “She’s with Luke until now? They spent a night together?”

“Gano’n na nga po, Senyorita.”

“Paano kung…” Itinigil niya ang pag-iisip. Napakarumi ng iniisip niya. Hindi tama!

“Alam mo, Senyorita, pwede na naman kayong mag-boyfriend, ’di ba? At mahirap iwasan ang tawag ng laman…” Napangiwi si Paloma nang panliitan niya ng mga mata pero nagpatuloy ito, napakagaling talaga! “… kaya lang kung ayaw niyo pang mabuntis, dapat ay may contraceptives kayo.”

Paloma thinks too much, and it’s so advance. Hindi ba pwedeng boyfriend at girlfriend lang? Dating and so on? Without sex? It’s possible. Right?

Sex was just a bonus to a relationship, but it was not the only way to build a strong foundation.

Love and trust is the key to stay strong… to keep the relationship intact and unbreakable.

And, sex? For her, that’s not the answer to have a long last thing relationship. Let’s be clear and let’s be real.

“You’re thinking too much, Paloma,” sabi niya sabay tanggal ng roba.

“Hindi naman sa nanghihimasok ako, Senyorita, pero parang gano’n na nga. Siyempre, concerned ako sa inyo. Sa itsura pa lang ni Sir Caston, para bang bihasa talaga sa kama. Kaya nakakasiguro ako na kapag naging kayo, malaki ang posibilidad na may mangyari sa inyo.”

“Paanong magiging kami? Hindi naman ’yon nanliligaw. We just met last night. I only know about him is his name. But thanks for your concern, Paloma. I’ll keep that in mind too.”

After Zalanna took a shower, blow dried her hair, and put some light make ups, lumabas na siya sa kwarto niya. Naroon pa rin ang dalawa, tila ba tahimik na nagpapaligsahan.

Korbin stood up and he flashed a smile.

“Hinintay talaga kitang matapos. Aalis na rin ako.”

“Hindi ka na dapat naghintay, Korbin.” Umikot ang mga mata niya at natawa sa ginawa nito.

Napakamot ito sa batok. “Aayain din sana kitang mag-dinner, Zalanna.”

At dahil pakiramdam niya ay may utang siya kay Korbin, mabilis siyang tumango.

“Sure, just text me the address.”

“No, I’ll pick you up tonight.”

“I thought your car is in the casa?”

“I will use my other car.”

“Okay.”

Korbin kissed her cheek before he left. Hinatid niya pa sa pinto ang kaibigan.

Nang balikan niya si Caston ay para bang ubos na ubos na ang pasensya nito. Tumayo ito, hinilot ang sintido, bahagyang tumingala, at mariin na ipinikit ang mga mata.

She could not help but watch him in that angle.

His Adam’s apple moved when he swallowed. His chest and shoulders were broad. His stomach was obviously flat and hard. And when her eyes traveled down to the bulge between his thighs, her cheeks heated up so bad.

Mabilis na sinaway ni Zalanna ang sarili at nag-angat ulit ng tingin. Napanguso siya nang naabutan si Caston na mariin ang tingin sa kanya.

Did he just catch her looking at his damn bulge? Oh my! She’s embarrassing herself in front of him!

“Saan ba tayo?” Halos hindi lumabas sa bibig niya ang sariling tanong.

Pinasadahan ni Caston ang kabuoan niya. Parang gusto niyang mapaatras dahil sa init at lagkit ng bawat lapat ng mga mata nito sa kanyang katawan. Tapos ay muling bumuntonghininga na para bang pasan ang mundo.

“Do you have a problem with my clothes?” She arched her brow.

Maayos naman ang suot niya. Medyo kita lang ang cleavage at hindi naman masyadong maiksi ang palda.

“Nothing.” His voice was cold.

“Then let’s go.”

“Ingat kayo sa date niyo, Sir Caston and Senyorita Zalanna!” pahabol ni Paloma na nagpamanhid ng ulo niya sa kahihiyan. Why don’t she fire Paloma instead?

“At tuwang-tuwa ka naman,” sita niya kay Caston nang makita ang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi nito.

A black Range Rover was parked near their black SUV. Caston clicked something on his key, making the car alarm shortly. Pinagbuksan siya nito ng pinto bago umikot sa driver’s seat.

His manly scent automatically filled her nose. His car was neat. Sa backseat ay nakita niyang may naka-hanger na parang uniporme at may itim na duffel bag din doon.

“Saan tayo mag-uusap?” aniya nang makalabas sa BGC. “We can talk in the restaurant or coffee shop, Caston.”

Sinulyapan siya nito, may aliw sa mga mata ngayon. Bakit? Dahil ba sa binanggit niya ang pangalan nito?

“Who’s that boy?” instead, he asked.

Umikot ang mga mata niya. Really? Did he think about Korbin all the time? Was it bothering him?

“Sabihin mo muna kung saan mo ako dadalhin bago ko sabihin sa ’yo—”

“Tagaytay,” he cut her off.

Ano ba ang pag-uusapan nila at sa Tagaytay pa talaga? Hindi ba ito busy?

“Bakit doon pa?”

“Who’s that boy?” ulit nito, mariin ang titig sa mga sasakyan sa unahan nila.

She can see the protruded veins and the thin hair that matted on his forearm that was placed on the steering wheel.

His nose was pointed and his lips were in grim line. Kahit na hindi ito ngumingiti ay guwapo rin talaga. Hindi niya na itatanggi. Medyo suplado nga lang ang dating sa kanya.

“Korbin.”

“Manliligaw mo?” Sabay sulyap nito sa kanya.

“I borrowed his Subaru. Now, I need to pay for the damage like what I will do to your Audi.”

“You are not going to pay me in cash.”

Napaahon sa inuupuan si Zalanna. What the hell did he say?

“At ano ang ipambabayad ko sa ’yo?”

“Your time,” he answered casually and glanced at the side view mirror, making her see his tattoo again.

“What? My time? Enlighten me!”

She’s a bit distracted with his tattoo. She absentmindedly wanted to see the whole design.

“You’re going with me.”

“Where?”

Zalanna shifted her sitting position, facing him more.

Sumulyap lang ito sa kanya, tapos ay sa hita niyang medyo hantad.

Hinayaan niya na ganoon ang ayos niya. Hindi niya kasalanan kung maapektuhan ito, ’no! Napakarupok naman nito kung sa hita niya lang ay maaapektuhan.

“Wherever I want.”

How crazy! Whom did he think he was? He seemed like he’s expecting that he can manipulate and dominate the people and things around him, but not her!

“Excuse me?” Zalanna cocked her head. “I am not a robot. You can’t tell me what to do. I won’t obey you!”

“That’s the payment that I want.”

“Siraulo ka naman pala.”

Medyo natawa ito sa sinabi niya. Siya naman ay nag nagngingitngit ang kalooban.

“You’re a reckless driver. Driving while drunk. I can confiscate your license for that. You should be thankful because I did not sue you and bring you to the police station.”

Pinigil niya ang sarili na huwag magsalita. Baka biglang magbago ang isip nito at gawin nga ang sinasabi.

She can’t afford losing her driver’s license and give her family name a stain just because she’s a reckless driver. Her family was respectable. Hindi siya ang maglalagay ng dumi sa pangalan nila kahit pa simpleng problema lang ang nagawa niya.

“Now, you better do what I want and—”

“Oo na!” gigil na sambit niya. Kulang na lang ay suntukin ang katabi.

Hindi siya bayolenteng tao pero magiging yata kapag nagpatuloy na kasama niya ang lalaking ito. Daig niya pa ang naglilihi sa sobrang pangit ng mood niya.

Zalanna glared at Caston even more when she saw him pout his lips a bit, like as if he was suppressing a damn smile. Uh, this annoying ass!

“Happy?” she mocked.

“Yeah,” ganti nito na nagpairita lalo sa kanya. “Why are you so mad?”

Now, he’s obvious that he’s making fun at her. She could almost see a ghost smile on his lips.

“Sinong hindi?! Iniipit mo ako! You gave me no choice! Fuck you!” Then she kicked his leg, pero hindi ito natinag. Imbes na magalit ay isang halakhak ang pumuno sa loob ng sasakyan.

Mariin siyang napapikit. Ang hinayupak, tuwang-tuwa sa kamiserablehan niya.

“Damn. I never thought that a face like that could be violent.”

“Sa ’yo lang!”

“Senyales na ba ’to na ganyan ka kapag naglihi?” Sulyap nito sa kanya, may ngisi sa labi.

Uminit ang buong mukha niya at halos takpan niya ng mga palad ito.

Paano nito nagawang ipasok ang gano’n sa usapan nila? Pangalawang beses pa lang nilang magkasama pero alam na kaagad nito kung paano siya gagalitin.

“Shut up!”

“Well, I can still deal with that.”

“Tumahimik ka!” Sabay tampal niya sa braso nito, iritado na talaga. “Bababa talaga ako kapag hindi ka pa tumahimik!” banta niya.

Umangat lang ang mga kilay ni Caston pero hindi na rin naman siya inasar pa. Mabuti naman at marunong sumunod.

It’s already lunch when they arrived in Tagaytay. Caston brought her to a restaurant where the view was the beauty of Taal Lake. Nawala nang bahagya ang iritasyon niya dahil sa tanawin.

They ordered food and waited for a long while. Hindi siya nagsasalita, ito naman ay gano’n din. May mga napapatingin sa gawi nilang mga babae pero hindi niya pinapansin. Alam niya naman kung sino ang tinitingnan at hindi siya iyon.

“You’re not from Manila,” he started a conversation casually.

“Yes, I’ll just stay there for my studies.”

Caston shifted his seat. “So, you’re still studying?”

“For my master’s degree.”

“Where?”

“La Salle.”

Napatango lang si Caston. Gusto niya sanang magtanong din, but her pride would never allow her. Kaya roon natapos ang usapan nila at tahimik na silang kumain. At least, their lunch was peaceful.

“I have a meeting tonight,” Caston said, then he sipped on his wine.

“Meeting? Where?”

“Dito lang din.”

“Don’t tell me you are planning to make me wait until you’re finished with your meeting?”

Zalanna narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“You can roam around while waiting for me.”

“So, do you think I am patient enough to wait for you?”

“Baby, you have no choice.” Then he put down the glass carefully. All of his attention was on her now.

Siya naman ay natahimik pansamantala dahil sa tawag nito sa kanya. Baby? Was that his fucking endearment? She’s torn between liking it and hating it at the same time.

Zalanna cleared her throat. Alright, she will let it slide for now.

“There’s horse riding here, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m gonna try.”

“You know how?”

Napaahon ito sa inuupuan at sumenyas sa waiter para sa panibagong wine.

“Yes,” she proudly said. “I was raised having horses around me. So, yes, I am good at it.”

“Ihahatid kita roon kung gano’n.”

“Hindi na,” tanggi niya. “I can manage myself. You can do whatever you want and I’ll do whatever I want. Understood?”

“Ihahatid kita,” pinal na sabi nito na nagpaikot ng mga mata niya.

“Hindi kita tatakasan.”

“Hindi ka rin naman makakatakas, Zalanna.”

She swallowed when she heard how her name slipped on his lips. It sounded so sensual, so erotic.

“I DON’T have clothes!” histerya ni Zalanna nang sabihin sa kanya ni Caston na sa hotel sila tutuloy habang nasa meeting ito at doon siya maghihintay kapag gabi na.

“It’s in my car. Paloma prepared it for you because you were still sleeping when I arrived.”

Hindi niya na nasundan ang mga sinabi ni Caston dahil sa ginawang ’yon ni Paloma. Bakit pakiramdam niya ay ipinagkanulo siya ng kasambahay? Gusto yatang masisante!

“And what time will you go back?”

Nang nilingon siya ni Caston, nakita niya ang multong ngiti sa labi nito. What was he thinking? Nagtatanong lang naman siya kung anong oras ito babalik, baka hating-gabi na? E ’di hindi sila makakauwi? She didn’t want to be with him all night!

“I don’t know yet.”

“Bakit hindi mo alam? What kind of meeting is that, huh?”

“Work,” simpleng sagot nito at kinuha ang LV back pack niya sa likod ng sasakyan.

Ito na rin ang nagbibit niyon kasama ang duffel bag nito nang pumasok sila sa lobby ng hotel kung saan sila kumain ng tanghalian.

“Here’s your keycard, Sir.” The hotel staff smiled politely at Caston, then to her.

Sinundan niya kaagad si Caston sa elevator nang makitang isang key card lang ang hawak nito.

“Don’t tell me we are going to share a room?”

“Yes.”

“Caston!” Zalanna stomped her foot.

Nagtaas ito ng kilay, tapos ay bumaba sa kamay niyang nakakapit pala sa braso nito dahil bahagya niyang niyuyugyog.

“Why are you worried that we’re going to share a room?” he asked like as if it was not a big deal.

“Of course! We are not in a relationship, we are not even friends! It’s not appropriate to share a room with you.”

A memory of them in D’ Club suddenly popped her mind. Ang mga maiinit na haplos nito, ang pag-amoy sa kanyang buhok, at kung paano masarap na humagod ang daliri sa kaselanan niya… Lahat ng ’yon ay rumehistro sa kanyang isipan.

Hinampas niya si Caston sa braso sa sobrang kahihiyan. He looked so surprised though, but she only leered at him. Nagmartsa siya palabas ng elevator.

And to her horror, Zalanna found out that the bed was only one!

Hinarap niya si Caston sa nanliliit na mga mata.

“What are your plans, huh? Bakit isa lang ang kama! ’Wag kang tatabi sa akin!”

Caston lazily put down their bags. Para bang napapagod na ito sa mga reklamo at hampas.

“Will you calm down?” He sat at the edge of the bed.

She was standing in front of him, fuming mad. Handang-handa na naman siyang magbuga ng apoy sa kaharap niya.

“You should have at least booked two rooms.”

“They are fully booked.”

“Then find another hotel—”

“I like it here.” He gently grabbed her hand. “Masyadong mainit ang ulo mo…”

Nagtaas-baba ang dibdib niya. Hindi siya sigurado kung dahil ba sa mga pinagsasabi niya o dahil sa kadahilanang hawak nito ang isa niyang kamay at marahan na pinipisil-pisil, tila ba iyon ang kakalma sa kanya.

“… hindi ka pa naman naglilihi,” dugtong nito kaya sinamaan niya ng tingin at binawi ang kamay.

But Caston did not let her. Imbes, walang kahirap-hirap na hinatak siya nito. Her body bounced on his chest. And in one swift move, she’s already sitting on his lap. She needed to calm down!

“I swear, I am not kidding.” Her voice suddenly softened.

Aba, kanina lang ay nagupuyos siya sa galit, bakit bigla yata siyang naging maamong tupa naupo lang sa kandungan ni Caston?

“Wala naman ako rito mamaya.”

“Anong oras ka nga babalik?”

Para alam niya? Para makapaghanda siya at ilalagay ang ilang unan sa pagitan nilang dalawa? O kaya ay sofa na lang ito matulog? That’s a good idea.

Bakit niya ba iniisip na magtatabi sila sa pagtulog? Hindi naman yata aabutin ng madaling araw ang meeting nito?

Caston slightly massaged both of her hands above her lap using his thumb. Ang isang kamay nito ay nasa baywang niya naman, marahang nakapirmi.

“Maybe before dawn.” His voice was gentle.

“Ang tagal naman ng meeting niyo.”

“I believe you’d rather be alone here than having me around.”

He’s right though. It’s better that way. Hindi na siya mag-aalala pa kung wala si Caston sa tabi niya. Mas makakapaghinga siya nang maayos.

“Ibig sabihin, bukas na ang uwi natin?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, text me when you are on your way back here.”

“I will.”

Dumaan ang katahimikan. Zalanna felt awkward, but she didn’t have enough strength to stand up, especially now that he’s smelling her hair and caressing her waist. Para siyang nakaramdam ng pagod dahil nanghihina siya.

Ngunit kailangan niyang labanan ang kung anoman ang pumipigil sa kanya na umalis sa kandungan ng binata.

“U-uh, I am going to take a shower.”

Ayaw pa sana siyang pakawalan ni Caston, pero walang nagawa nang umalis siya sa kandungan nito. Deretso ang lakad niya sa shower room.

Noong nasa loob na siya, doon niya lang naramdaman nang tuluyan ang malakas na tibok ng kanyang puso at ang paghabol niya ng hininga.

“What the hell, Zalanna…” she murmured, then she placed her palm on her chest, feeling the fast beating of her heart.

CHAPTER 5 (SPG)

CHAPTER FIVE

ZALANNA was cursing herself while taking a shower. Why did she let herself sit on his lap? At gustung-gusto niya pa talaga? Nababaliw na ba siya? Dapat ay hindi na maulit ang pagkandong niya kay Caston.

She’s already done when she realized that she did not bring her underwear with her! How stupid. Kinastigo niya ulit ang sarili. Masyado siyang nataranta at nakalimutan pati ang panty niya!

Without any more choice, Zalanna went out from the shower room with only a bathrobe that covered her nakedness. Kinakabahan siya dahil… sila lang dalawa ng binata sa silid at ayaw niyang makita siya nitong nasa gano’n ang ayos.

Ang laking pasalamat niya nang makita si Caston sa may balkonahe, may kausap sa cellphone. He glanced at her from there, while listening to whoever he was talking to.

She ignored him and walked towards her bag. Binuksan niya at hinanap ang underwear na si Paloma ang naghanda.

Zalanna’s cheeks burned when she saw a red Victoria’s Secret lace thong. She just bought it with other colors, but she did not think about wearing it while she’s with Caston! Tapos ay wala pang bra sa bag! Halos murahin niya si Paloma sa kanyang isip.

“What’s the problem?”

Napaigtad siya nang marinig ang boses ni Caston sa kanyang likuran. Mabilis na naupo siya sa kama. Nakapamaywang ito tapos ay naglakbay ang tingin sa hawak niyang thong. Zalanna simply hid that thin fabric behind her.

“Paloma did not prepare an extra bra.” Her voice was almost a whisper.

“Oh. Can’t you use the one that you wore instead?”

“May pawis na ’yon!”

“I mean, wash it?” he trailed off. “I can wash it for you though.”

Pinanliitan niya ito ng mata. Hindi pa rin napapagod na galitin siya?

“Wala nga akong gagamitin ngayon.”

Ang laki-laki ng problema niya. Kung hindi niya kasama si Caston, mabubuhay siya nang walang bra maghapon sa loob. Pero iba ang sitwasyon niya.

Bukod pa roon, Paloma prepared fitted tops and a dress. Her nipples will be so obvious if she wore those! May malilintikan yata talaga sa kanya.

“’Wag ka munang gumamit. I will wash it,” anito sabay talikod nito sa kanya at deretso sa shower room.

Hahabulin niya sana si Caston dahil nakakahiya ang gagawin nito pero pinigil niya ang sarili dahil ang utak niya ay naglakbay na sa mga mahahalay na pangyayari sa pagitan nilang dalawa sa loob ng shower room!

So, following him was not a good idea. She can’t be careless. Not this time that she was only wear nothing but a damn bathrobe!

Pasilip-silip si Zalanna sa pintuan ng shower room, medyo nakabukas naman ’yon pero hindi siya nagtangkang lumapit kahit na may saplot na siya.

She’s wearing navy blue silk cocoon nighties. The chest part was a bit loose kaya hindi masyadong halata ang umbok ng kanyang dibdib, or even the shadow of her nipples.

Kahit hindi pa gabi ay iyon na ang sinuot niya pansamantala dahil ’yon lang ang pinakakatanggap-tanggap sa kanyang paningin.

She’s sitting in front of the vanity mirror now, blow drying her hair when Caston came out.

“Done,” anito sabay halik nito sa gilid ng ulo niya.

“Kailan ’yon matutuyo?” tanong niya, inignora ang paghalik na ginawa sa kanya.

“In a bit. I have it dried. They have a drier there.”

Hindi niya ’yon napansin kanina. Masyado siyang abala sa mga iniisip niya.

“I can’t go out without a bra.” She pursed her lips.

“I won’t allow that too.”

Umikot ang mga mata ni Zalanna. Was he being possessive or what?

CASTON made sure that she’s safe with the men and horses before he left her. Nagbilin din na bumalik siya sa hotel bago bumaba ang araw.

Sumakay si Zalanna sa kabayo papunta sa pinakatuktok ng lugar para mas makita nang malapitan ang Taal Volcano.

May mga turista at marami ang nagpapa-picture doon. Mag-isa lang siya kaya ang mga tanawin at kabayo na lang ang kinuhanan niya ng litrato.

At dahil nalibang siya sa mga magagandang tanawin, hindi niya kaagad namalayan ang oras na mabilis na lumipas. Pababa na ang araw nang nasa bangka na sila pabalik sa kung saan siya hinatid ni Caston.

He left his car there so she didn’t need to use public transportation to go back to the hotel. At hindi niya pa nasusubukan na gawin ang bagay na ’yon. Maybe he noticed that she didn’t want to be in a public vehicle that’s why he left his car?

Hindi siya sigurado kung anong sasakyan ang ginamit ni Caston, baka nag-rent o ano? Hindi niya alam at ayaw niyang alamin. It’s his business. She’s out of his business.

Zalanna ate her dinner alone. It felt weird because she was absentmindedly missing Caston’s presence.

Her iPhone vibrated above the table and she got excited with the thought that the message was from Caston, pero umusli ang labi niya nang nalaman na hindi.

From: Korbin

Are you ready?

“Oh my God.” She gasped when she remembered that Korbin will pick her up for dinner.

Zalanna typed a reply quickly.

To: Korbin

I’m sorry Korbin but I am out of town right now. Maybe let’s try tomorrow? Babawi ako.

She’s tapping the table while waiting for his reply. Isang tawag ang ginawa nito na kaagad niyang sinagot.

“Where are you?”

“Tagaytay. I’m sorry talaga—”

“Who’s with you?” His voice sounded a bit annoyed or what.

Hindi niya pwedeng sabihin na si Caston ang kasama niya dahil baka kung ano pa ang isipin nito. Mabilis siyang nakaisip ng excuse. Salamat sa mahal niyang kapatid na si Zakia na talent ang pag-imbento ng mga dahilan.

“I’m alone. I’m having time with myself.” She bit the side of her cheek.

“Oh, alright. I am on my way to BGC actually to pick you up. I’ll go to D’ Club instead.”

“Okay, drive safely, Korbin.”

“Kailan ang balik mo?”

“Hmm, bukas din.”

“I’ll visit you then. Have a good night, Zalanna.”

“You too.”

Then the line was cut off.

NAKAILANG balikwas na si Zalanna sa malaking kama na ’yon pero hindi pa rin siya dinaratnan ng antok at ang mas nagpapaalala sa kanya ay hindi pa rin nagte-text si Caston simula noong umalis.

Where the hell was he? Was he that busy? He can’t even make a single text for her?

At bakit pa siya kasi naghihintay ng text? Sino ba siya? Hindi naman sila magkaano-ano. Muling nag-vibrate ang iPhone niya at hindi na umasang si Caston ’yon. It was her sister.

From: Zakia

You’re with Caston?

Zalanna typed a reply. Hindi sila nagsisinungaling sa isa’t isa. ’Yon ang isa sa gusto niya bilang magkapatid sila.

To: Zakia

Yes. But we will go home tomorrow.

Zakia was quick to reply.

Zakia:

Do you think it’s better if we follow Paloma’s advice about contraceptives?

Nang mabasa niya ang huling salita ay parang hinalukay ang kanyang tiyan. Hindi naman ’yon nakakakaba pero bakit kinabahan siya? At hindi niya kailangan ’yon, ’no! Hindi naman siya makikipag-sex kay Caston!

For a clearer and easy conversation, Zalanna dialed her sister’s number.

“I did not call you because I don’t want to disturb the both of you,” bungad ni Zakia, medyo malisyoso ang tunog.

“He’s not with me. He’s in a meeting.” Umirap siya.

“What? Isinama ka sa Tagaytay para lang maghintay sa kanyang matapos ang meeting niya?” Zakia sounded disappointed. “Alright, he’s hot. But, I will bawas a point because he made you wait for him.”

Zalanna could imagine her sister rolling her eyes right now. But, she’d rather be alone there than have him around.

“Hindi ka umuwi kagabi,” pagbabago niya sa topic. “And you were with Luke all night? Ano? Virgin ka pa ba?”

Zakia giggled. She was not sure if her sister was confirming it or denying it. What the hell? Did Zakia really give herself to the man she just met?

“Why are you changing the topic, huh? Kayo ni Caston ang subject dito sa usapan na ito.”

Lumiit ang mga mata ni Zalanna. Bakit pakiramdam niya naglilihim ang isang ito?

“That’s why you were thinking about us getting a shot? Hmm?” she probed.

“You’re overthinking, Zalanna. Tss. Hindi ako gano’n ka-easy, ’no!”

Naging aww ang tunog ng kanyang buntonghininga. Hindi sila magkaharap pero ramdam niya naman na nagsasabi ng totoo ang mahal niyang kapatid.

“… pero may nangyari,” dagdag ni Zakia na nagpasinghap sa kanya.

“What?” Halos mapaahon siya.

“I don’t wanna tell it over the phone. You better go home, then I’ll tell you.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Hindi ka na virgin?”

“Oh my God, Sis!” Maarte itong bumuntong hinga sa kabilang linya. “I’m still intact… I guess.”

“What the fuck, Zakia?!”

“Do you think a finger is enough to break a woman’s hymen?”

Gumulong siya sa kama sa sobrang kahihiyan para sa kapatid niya. Kung pwede lang burahin sa pandinig niya ang sinabi nito ay ginawa niya na! Zakia and her mouth!

“I guess… not?” she trailed off and thought about Caston rubbing her femininity with his finger. Damn her!

Bakit niya pa naisip ’yon? What an embarrassing moment in her life!

“Then, I’m still a virgin,” Zakia said proudly.

“Why did you let him do that?”

“Why not, Sis? He’s hot! Isang haplos niya pa lang sa ’kin ay para na akong nauupos na kandila. Though, nakakahiya ang karupukan ko, but what can I do?”

Napahilot si Zalanna sa kanyang sintido. Were they really talking about that stuff over the phone?

“What else did he… do?”

“Do you really wanna know?” Zakia’s voice was getting naughty. “I better not tell you, baka bigla kang magkaroon ng idea kapag dumating diyan si Caston.”

“I’m not marupok like you!” Then she leered, but with a smile on her damn lips.

“Wanna bet?” hamon ni Zakia.

“Sure!”

“Dapat pagbalik mo rito bukas, virgin ka pa rin, huh?”

Easy! It was like a piece of cake! She will win this bet.

“I can do that. I’m gonna win this bet, Zakia,” she confidently muttered.

“And if you lose… you will sell Leticia.”

Umawang ang bibig ni Zalanna. Halos ma-imagine niya ang mala-demonyitang ngiti ng kapatid niya. Alam na alam ang kahinaan niya.

“Not my horse! You’re such a bitch, Zakia.”

Tumawa ang kapatid sa kabilang linya kaya nahawa siya. They were really crazy sometimes.

“Alright, the deal is closed. See you tomorrow.”

“Okay, have a good night.”

Akala ni Zalanna ay makakatulog na siya pagkatapos makipag-usap sa kapatid, pero hindi. Umulan na at lahat-lahat ay gising na gising pa rin siya. Pasado alas dos na ng madaling araw at wala pa rin si Caston!

Pinipigil niya ang sarili na huwag itong i-text at napagtatagumpayan naman niya.

Lumipas ang isa pang oras at doon niya rin naramdaman ang antok at… doon din kaagad nawala nang marinig ang pagtuog ng pinto, tanda na may pumasok.

Hindi niya rin alam kung bakit siya na-excite. Mabilis siyang bumangon, hindi na alintana ang suot na nighties dahil medyo madilim naman ang silid.

She saw Caston’s silhouette coming towards their bedroom. Nakatayo lang siya sa pinto, naghihintay ng paglapit nito na para bang asawa na nag-aabang sa pagdating ng mister.

Medyo hindi maayos ang paglalakad nito. Was he drunk? Ang isang kamay ay kinakapa-kapa ang panga at labi. When he got closer, that’s when he finally noticed her presence.

“Oh, you’re still awake.” May aliw sa boses nito.

Hindi naman mukhang nakainom, pero… mukhang napalaban sa labas dahil nakita niya ang kaunting pagdurugo ng gilid ng labi. There’s also some cuts on his face.

“I waited for you.” The words naturally slipped from her lips. She did not mean to say that out loud.

Medyo natawa si Caston. Tapos ay pinadulas ang isang kamay sa kanyang baywang at naglakad papasok sa silid.

Nang maupo sa kama ay nasama siya. Nakakandong na naman siya!

Zalanna rubbed her eyebrow with her finger. She’s watching him and his damn face.

“What happened?” She tried to have a hold on his face, and he winced when she caressed the cut on his lips. “Nakipag-away ka? Akala ko ba meeting?”

Bakit ang tunog niya ay parang asawa talaga na pinapagalitan ang lalaking asawa?

“Wala ’to.”

“Gagamutin ko ang labi mo.”

“This is nothing.”

Umismid si Zalanna at umalis sa kandungan ni Caston. She went inside the shower room and got the medicine kit. Ito naman ay nanatili sa puwesto, naghihintay lang sa pagbalik niya.

She put ethyl alcohol on the cotton. May betadine naman doon pero alcohol ang pinili niya.

“Humarap ka sa ’kin,” utos niya, medyo nakayuko sa harap ni Caston.

She was not even aware that her boobs were showing because she was not wearing a damn bra. Natanto niya lang ’yon nang bumaba ang mapupungay na mga mata nito roon at napaungol.

“Ang bastos mo,” aniya sabay sampal niya sa balikat ni Caston at inangat ang strap ng kulay maroon na nighties dress na suot.

“Big enough,” he muttered huskily, making her blush.

Caston held her waist and made her sit on his lap again. Maybe this position was much better so he won’t see her boobs freely.

Nakatingin lang ito sa kanya habang marahan niyang dinadampian ng bulak ang gilid ng labi nito. Medyo napapangiwi ito dahil alam niyang mahapdi ’yon. At bawat pagdampi niya ng bulak sa sugat ay siyang bahagyang pagpisil nito sa kanyang baywang.

“Bakit ka may sugat? Hindi mo pa sinasagot ang tanong ko.”

“Let’s talk about your day without me.”

Ang galing mag-iba ng usapan? But she’s really curious what happened to him. Kung lasing ito, maniniwala siyang may nakaaway sa bar kaso halatang hindi nakainom at hindi niya rin amoy ang alak.

“Bumalik din ako rito bago magdilim. I ate my dinner alone. Zakia called… and Korbin, too.”

Kumunot ang noo nito. “At ano ang pinag-usapan niyo ng manliligaw mo?”

“I cancelled our dinner. Sabi ko bukas na lang.”

“Bukas…” ulit nito, medyo patuya. “We’ll have dinner tomorrow. I’ll pick you up.”

“Hindi pwede! Naka-oo na ako kay Korbin!”

“Cancel it,” he demanded.

“No way!” aniya sabay diin ng bulak sa labi sa binate. Halos mapamura ito dahil doon.

Nagsisi naman siya at napanguso. Caston gave her a warning look, but she remained using her paawa-effect face. He groaned when he saw her like that. Then, he buried his face at the space between her neck and shoulder.

“Hindi ko pa tapos gamutin ang labi mo. I still need to clean some cuts on your face.”

Sinakop ng isang kamay niya ang panga ni Caston. Nakagat niya ang labi nang maramdaman sa palad niya ang kiliti dala ng magaspang na parteng ’yon. His stubbles tickled her.

“I’m tired. Can we sleep?” His voice was now raspy.

“I thought you’re going to sleep on the sofa?”

“I will later,” sagot nito tapos ay pagod na humiga sa kama at nadala siya!

“Caston!” histerya niya nang maipit ang dibdib na nakapagitan sa kanila

The heat from his body was making her body in heat too. Wala lang dito ang bigat niya. Ang mabibigat na braso ay nakapalupot na sa kanya.

“I’ve been thinking of you all day…” he muttered hoarsely. “What did you do to me…”

“I bumped your car,” sarkastikong sagot niya, pilit sinusupil ang pag-usbong ng kakaibang pintig ng kanyang puso.

“Yes, my reckless girl.”

Zalanna chose to zip her mouth for a while. Funny how she felt at ease with their position. His arms were possessively wrapping around her. His heart was beating in a normal pace. She could almost hear every beat of it.

Gumalaw siya nang bahagya dahil naghahanap siya ng mas maayos pa na puwesto. Mabigat na ang talukap ng kanyang mga mata.

“Baby, don’t move,” he whispered.

“But I’m sleepy,” she said then she moved again above him, making him moan painfully.

What’s his problem? Kung nahihirapan ito sa posisyon nila, pwede naman siyang pakawalan.

“I wonder what is your job,” she drawled.

“Hmm…”

He’s caressing her hair now, but his other hand was still wrapping her. She felt so small. His large frame made her like that.

Umayos ulit siya ng higa sa ibabaw ni Caston dahil talagang naiipit ang dibdib niya.

“If you don’t wanna tell me, okay.” She gave up. It seemed like the topic did not interest him.

Sinilip niya si Caston. Nakapikit na ang mga mata nito pero gising pa dahil patuloy sa marahan na paghaplos sa kanyang buhok. Siya ang inaantok dahil sa rahan niyon.

Inaantok na nabitawan niya ang bulak na hawak.

“Sleepy already?” His sexy baritone filled her ears.

Ang antok niya ay nawala nang biglang kumidlat. Medyo napatili siya at napayakap kay Caston, halos isiksik ang sarili sa malapad nitong dibdib.

Marahan itong natawa at medyo hinigpitan ang yakap sa kanya.

“Scared?” he teased.

“No, nagulat l-lang.”

“Okay, we better sleep,” he said then he switched their position.

Without breaking their embrace, he rolled over, making him on top of her.

Nakakapit siya sa batok nito, medyo nagulat pa sa mabilisang kilos. His eyes were intense and dark. The yellow dim light from the lampshade was the light that illuminated their bedroom.

Malakas ang tibok ng kanyang puso. At nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa labi ni Caston, tila ba bigla siyang natukso.

Hindi alam ni Zalanna kung paano nangyari na natagpuan niya ang sarili na mabagal na sumasabay sa bawat galaw ng labi ni Caston.

His kisses were not gentle. His kisses were aggressive and he seemed so thirsty.

When Caston suckled her lips, she let out a small moan. Humihigpit din ang pagyakap niya sa batok nito na kulang na lang ay idagan niya ang katawan nito sa kanya upang mas maramdaman niya pa ang init.

The heat started to lord her body. Ang biglang pagbuhos ng ulan ay tila ba nagbigay lamang ng dahilan para ipagpatuloy ang mainit na halikan nilang ’yon.

“Caston…” She’s still gasping when his lips travelled down to her jaw.

His calloused palm was already under her silk nighties. He skillfully found her hard peak with his finger. It’s still sensitive because of the heat she’s feeling. Kaya hindi niya napigilan ang mahinang daing nang maingat na pinaglaruan ng daliri nito ang kanyang utong.

When Caston’s lips went to her throat, she gasped. Para bang pinipigilan ng halik na ’yon ang tamang pagkuha niya ng hangin.

Binuksan ni Zalanna ang mga mata at pinanood ito kung paano halikan nang marahan ang ibabaw ng kanyang dibdib.

Under that thin fabric, she watched how his fingers moved to please her hardened nipples.

He parted her legs with his. Wala siyang nagawa at nanghihina sa halik na ipinapamalas sa kanya ni Caston, kaya hinayaan niyang nakabuka ang mga hita habang ito ay nasa pagitan niya.

“Mmm…”

When he reached the hem of her nighties dress and pulled it up, her breast was revealed. Nakagat niya ang labi nang magkatinginan sila ni Caston. Madilim ang mga mata nito ngunit punung-puno ’yon ng pagnanasa.

Without him breaking their eye contact, he let her watch him how he wetly flicked his tongue on her pinkish bud.

Unang lapat pa lang ng mainit na dila nito sa dunggot niya, isang masarap na daing kaagad ang ibinigay niya.

He grabbed her boobs with both of his hands, then he started to lick each nipple alternately, making her body in complete fire.

Habang pinapanood niya si Caston sa ginagawa, para siyang nalalasing at unti-unting nawawala sa katinuan. Ang kiliti at sarap ay naghahalo.

“Umm, C-Caston…”

Ang kamunduhan ay bumalot sa kanya. Zalanna arched her body to let him know how much she loved the way he pleases her.

Mahihina ang daing na kumakawala sa kanyang labi, at napapasinghap sa tuwing kakagat-kagatin ni Caston ang dunggot niya. Ang hapdi na dulot niyon ay nahalinhinan ng sarap.

“I’ve been dreaming of this…” he whispered, but she was not in the right mind to understand him. “… I’m gonna finish what you started, baby.”

Halos mawalan siya ng hininga sa kakapigil habang mabagal na bumababa ang halik ni Caston. Pakiramdam niya ay mahihimatay siya ilan pang sandali.

From her breast, his lips went down to her flat stomach.

Nang iyakap ni Caston ang kanyang mga hita sa batok nito at bumaba pa ang mukha sa pribadong parte ng kanyang katawan, halos mapugto ang paghinga niya nang matanto ang nais nitong gawin sa kanya.

Zalanna looked down and gasped when she felt his minty hot breath hit her thighs. Animo tumaas ang mga balahibo sa kanyang katawan dahil sa pagbalot ng matinding pananabik na hindi niya rin inaasahan.

When Caston moved his head closer to her femininity, she moaned because of the way he licked her there even though she’s still wearing her thong. She can feel how her womanhood throbbed because of what he did.

Gamit ang daliri ay hinawi nito ang manipis na tela na ’yon, dahilan kung bakit napakapit siya sa bedsheet sa magkabilang gilid niya.

Kagat-kagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi upang pigilan ang sarili na umungol dahil sa nararanasang kaluguran sa mga sandaling ’yon.

Caston placed both of his palms above her stomach and pinned her down a bit onto the bed so she’d stop from moving.

Nang maramdaman niya na ang mararahan na halik nito sa gilid ng kanyang hiyas, halos mapaahon siya sa hinihigaan at ang protesta na sana’y lalabas sa bibig ay hindi na nangyari.

Imbes ay isang halinghing ang lumabas sa kanyang labi nang maramdaman ang mainit na dila na mabagal na humahagod sa hiwa ng kanyang pagkababae.

“C-Caston… mmm….” she whimpered softly and lowered down her hand until it reached his head.

CHAPTER 6 (SPG)

CHAPTER SIX

EVERY wet flick of his tongue against her femininity made her body arch. Nakailang baling na ang ulo ni Zalanna sa kama. Hindi na niya maintindihan kung paano panghahawakan ang kaluguran na nararamdaman sa mga sandaling ’yon.

She was like a dry leaf that easily got burned because of the heat.

Zalanna lowered down her other hand so she can have an enough hold on Caston’s head. Hinawakan niya ang ulo nito na para bang doon nakasalalay ang kanyang buhay.

She’s already sweating and very wet down there. His hot saliva was mixed with her juice.

“Ohh, Caston!” She moaned again when his tongue’s pace went faster than usual.

Inangat niya muli ang balakang sa ere, nahihibang na talaga at hindi na mawari ang tamang gagawin. The way he gripped both of her thighs told her that he won’t let her go.

Damang-dama niya talaga ang bawat mainit na paglapat ng dila nito sa kanyang pagkababae. Nakakaliyo ito at nakakapanghina.

Zalanna lips parted and she let out a scandalous long moan when Caston started to suckle her sensitive bud. Sa pagkakataong ’yon, alam niyang lalabas na ang anomang naiipon na kiliti sa loob ng kanyang puson. The heat and sensation was too much.

“Umm! Uhhh!”

He’s in military clean cut that it’s hard for her to grip on his hair. Kaya naman mahigpit na ang pagkapit niya sa ulo nito pati na rin sa magaspang na panga at hahaplusin ’yon. Kung saan-saan na lang umaabot ang kanyang mga kamay, wala na sa sariling katinuan.

“I’m… I’m gonna pee! Caston…” Her voice was in a begging tone.

But the brute did not stop from flicking and sliding his skillful tongue in every corner of her wet flesh.

Hanggang sa naramdaman niya ang matinding panginginig ng kanyang mga hita. Mababaliw na yata siya nang tuluyan sa sarap na nararanasan.

Ibinaon ni Zalanna ang mga kuko sa balikat ni Caston at napaungol nang malakas nang walang pahintulot na lumabas ang kanina lang ay nagbabadya.

“Tangina,” he cursed breathily, then she felt the tip of his tongue on her entrance, licking the liquid that came out from there.

Zalanna’s still out of her right mind. Her chest was moving up and down. Ang noo at buong katawan niya ay pinagpapawisan na kahit pa malakas ang ulan sa labas.

Hindi niya na alintana ang malamig na panahon dahil ang katawan niya ay nababalutan ng makamundong init. Nag-aalab ito at patuloy ang pananabik.

Caston started to kiss her thighs and legs after he made sure that he drank all of her juices.

Gustuhin niya man magsalita, walang lumalabas na kahit ano sa kanyang bibig kundi ang kanyang paghinga at mararahan na pagdaing. Nanatiling nakapikit ang kanyang mga mata ngunit ramdam ang pagtaas ng labi ni Caston sa kanyang tiyan.

His skillful hand effortlessly found her peak and started to play with them. She really expected him to stop and let her rest, but she was wrong.

Mariin na nakagat ni Zalanna ang labi nang maramdaman ang mainit na bibig nitong sumakop sa isang utong niya. Muling nagliyab ang apoy sa kanyang katauhan.

All her rational thoughts were gone. Her mind and body was filled with pure lust. She forgot who she was and who was he in her life. Pinagharian na ng matinding pagnanasa pati ang kanyang kaluluwa.

“One more,” he whispered hoarsely under her ear, then his finger found her femininity.

When Caston breathed on her earlobe, Zalanna felt that her world was spinning. Masyadong nakalulugod ang ibinibigay na damdamin ng binata sa kanya… nahihirapan siyang tanggihan man lang.

Her body betrayed her big time. Like a traitor that only wanted selfishness for own self.

Isang hagod lang ng mahaba at malaking daliri nito sa kanyang hiwa, muli na naman siyang nagpadala sa tawag ng laman.

“L-last na…” maliit ang boses na sabi niya, Hindi naman siya nakainom ng alak pero daig niya pa ang lasing.

“Hmm, let’s see.”

Caston started to plant wet kisses on her jaw down to her neck. Nanghihina ang kanyang mga braso na ipinulupot niya sa batok nito.

His manly scent was stuck on her nose. Pakiramdam niya, pati ang katawan niya ay gano’n na rin ang amoy. And it’s crazy because she didn’t give a damn. She liked his scent. It smelled so erotic… smell like sex. A good one.

“Tuwad,” nakakaliyong bulong nito sa ilalim ng kanyang tainga.

Zalanna’s face went scarlet. Bago pa siya makapag-react ay umalis na sa ibabaw niya si Caston. He kneeled down between her thighs like as if waiting for her to follow his command.

Gusto niyang takpan ang mukha gamit ang unan na hindi niya alam kung saan na napunta. Even though the lights were dimmed, she can still see how his eyes were dilated with pure lust while staring at her. He seemed like he was craving for her. An endless craving that won’t stop in just one night.

Pouting her lips, Zalanna rolled over above the bed until she faced the white sheet. She grabbed the pillow and buried her face there.

“What the…” She almost cursed when Caston slapped her butt cheek!

He carelessly held her ankles and pushed them up until her knees touched the bed.

Shutting her eyes, she waited for him to do whatever the fuck he wanted to do. At gusto niyang sambunutan ang sarili dahil nakaramdam siya ng excitement.

The heat from his body was very evident, she can feel it from behind. When he poked her ass with his manhood which was hard like a rock, she whimpered. He’s still wearing his damn pants but she felt how hard he was at that moment.

Naalala niya ang gabing sinayawan niya ito sa D’ Club. He’s got a boner and boy, he’s huge and it terrified her so much.

Natigil sa paglalakbay ang kanyang isip nang hawakan ni Caston ang kanyang balakang. May diin doon at sa wari niya ay mag-iiwan ng marka. Her skin was creamy white and soft, madaling mamula.

Nang sinilip niya ito ay nakaluhod ito sa kanyang likuran. She couldn’t imagine how she looked like in front of him. She’s damn naked and her femininity and ass was free to his eyes to see. Lumubog ang kama nang unti-unti itong yumuko.

Zalanna gripped on the pillow and buried her face against it when she felt Caston kissing her butt cheek.

Ang isang kamay nito ay humihimas sa pang-upo niya. Magaspang ang palad nito at nakakawala ng lakas. Nahihilo siya, nalalasing na yata talaga sa kaluguran.

And when his lips got closer to her butt hole, Zalanna gasped.

“N-no, n-not there—”

“Not for you to decide,” he cut her off with his erotic voice.

It was already too late for her to speak again because her mind left her when she felt Caston lick her damn ass hole!

Pinigil niyang huwag mapaungol at umasa na isang beses lang nitong gagawin ’yon, ngunit nagkamali siya!

“Caston!”

He licked that part wetly and continued doing it again and again until she could not help it anymore and she let out a long delicious moan.

Iba ang dating sa kanya… Para na siyang mawawala sa ulirat lalo at ramdam talaga niya ang dila nito roon, paulit-ulit at nanunukso. Halos magdugo na ang kanyang labi sa sobrang pagkagat niya.

Zalanna tried hard to get a hold on his arm. Nang mahawakan niya ay doon niya sa braso nito inilabas ang kakaibang kiliti na ipinapamalas nito sa kanya.

“Umm, C-Caston…” Then she giggled because it tickled her.

Sinubukan niyang ilayo ang pang-upo ngunit hindi siya nito hinayaan. He made sure that he was the master of that night. He was the dominant and she’s his submissive.

“N-no, please… s-stop…” she begged softly.

She heard him curse like a wild beast in the forest. He stopped then gave her butt cheek a slap. It did not hurt her but it felt like a punishment.

Naramdaman niya ang muli nitong pagyuko at ang sumunod na nangyari ay nagpalabas ng kanyang mga halinghing.

From behind, while gripping on her butt cheek with his calloused hands, Caston deliciously licked her femininity. Tumirik ang kanyang mga mata, nasa sukdulan na ang sarap.

“Ohh! Ahhh… umm! Caston! Caston!”

Hindi siya nito tinigilan. His tongue was like a punishment that she would never forget. Paulit-ulit na humagod ang mainit na dilang ’yon sa kanyang kaselanan hanggang sa maabot niyang muli ang rurok ng kaligayahan.

Zalanna felt so exhausted, sleepy, and very satisfied when Caston finally stopped.

Nakalupaypay siya sa ibabaw ng kama, wala pa sa tamang pag-iisip. Kulang na lang ay tumulala siya roon.

Caston went to the shower room and came out with only a small towel that hung dangerously on his torso. She’s right about his body. He has a large frame and the muscles were in the right places. Even the ripped muscles on his stomach screamed power and ruthlessness.

His hair was wet and there was something on his aura. Para bang maliwanag ’yon. Kahit hindi naman nakangiti, medyo nababanaag niya ang gaan sa mukha nito lalo na nang sulyapan siya.

“I’m gonna wash you.”

He did not even wait for her response. Caston carried her to the bathroom at maingat siyang ibinaba sa bath tub. May tubig na roon at mahalimuyak ang amoy, lalo tuloy siyang inaantok.

The bath tub relaxed her more. Dahil doon, bumalik na siya sa katinuan at kinain ng labis na hiya nang matanto na ang lahat ng nangyari ay totoo at hindi guni-guni niya lang.

She indeed allowed him to kiss and lick her private part nonstop!

Napasambunot si Zalanna sa sariling kabaliwan at impit na tumili dahil sa sobrang iritasyon sa padalos-dalos niyang dahilan. Masyado siyang nalunod sa kaluguran at kinalimutan ang mga maaaring kapalit ng lahat ng ito.

Nang ibinalik siya ni Caston sa kama, pareho pa rin silang tahimik. He let her wear his shirt, it’s more comfy. Pagod siya ngunit hindi naman makatulog lalo na nang tabihan siya nito. Para siyang napapaso.

Akala niya ba sa sofa ito matutulog? Paano kaya kung paalisin niya?

At may gana pa siyang gawin ’yon? Pagkatapos ng pagpayag niya sa ginawa nila kanina? Ngayon niya pa ito papaalisin? Well, he seemed like he won’t sleep on the sofa especially when he snaked one arm on her waist and pulled her closer to him.

Zalanna was castigating herself silently because she didn’t have a voice to protest. The warmth that he gave her body was enough for her to zip her mouth and let them have a peaceful night.

IT WAS still dark inside their bedroom when Zalanna woke up from her deep sleep. She didn’t have enough strength to check the time because her attention was now with a tingling sensation that she’s feeling on her chest.

She’s laying on her side. She opened her eyes a bit but did not see Caston. Inangat niya ang comforter na nagtatabon sa kanyang hubad na katawan at napakagat na lang sa loob ng pisngi nang makita roon ang binata.

He’s sucking her nipple while caressing her waist in a gentle way. Nakapikit ang mga mata at tahimik sa ginagawa. She’s literally giving an adult man a damn breastfeeding!

“You’re such a big baby,” she sleepy whispered and placed her hand on his shoulder.

Zalanna tried to sleep again but she can’t focus because his hand was going everywhere. Bukod pa roon, nasasarapan siya sa pagsipsip nito sa magkabilang dunggot niya! Nabubuhay na naman ang malalanding ugat na nagtatago sa katawan niya.

She groaned when she realized that she can’t still get over with what Caston did last night. He just licked her but she felt uncomfortable down there.

“Please, no licking this morning…” Her voice was almost a moan.

Kahit nakapikit ay umikot ang mga mata niya nang halatang hindi ito magpapaawat sa gustong gawin.

Even though she’s laying on her side, Caston still managed to lower his head until his face reached her femininity.

He held her leg and lifted it a bit so he can have complete access on her inner thighs.

Napatalukbong na lang siya nang mag-umpisa na itong igalaw ang dila sa pagkababae niya, na para bang hindi sapat ang ginawa sa kanya kagabi.

FOR the first time in her life, Zalanna managed to stay silent while traveling back to BGC inside Caston’s car. He’s also silent and serious at the same time. Maayos naman ang naging takbo ng umaga nila, nag-breakfast sila bago umalis.

She tried hard not to think about what happened between them last night and this morning. Kapag iniisip niya ay kahihiyan lang para sa sarili ang nararamdaman niya. She’s so easy to get! Hindi niya man lang pinahirapan si Caston!

And every time she stole a glance on him, she didn’t see any emotion on his face. Tila ba wala lang dito ang nangyari. Well, the way he pleased her, she can now tell that he was well-experienced in bed.

Iyon marahil ang dahilan kung bakit hindi malaking bagay para dito ang init na pinagsaluhan nila kagabi. Habang siya ay naiirita na dahil iyon lang ang laman ng isip niya. Ito naman ay wala man lang pakialam!

“Tss,” Zalanna hissed and her brows were furrowed.

Sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay nakita niyang sinulyapan siya ni Caston. Tapos ay inilapag ang palad sa ibabaw ng kanyang hita. Sa likod ng palad nito ay namumutiktik ang mga galit na ugat. Even his large hand can make her thigh so small.

She’s wearing a cream zip-up bodycon dress that Paloma prepared for her. Ang babaeng ’yon, sa dami ng damit na pwedeng ilagay sa bag niya, ang mga maiiksi pa ang pinili.

“What’s wrong?”

Hindi siya kaagad sumagot. Iniisip niya pa kung bakit ba talaga siya naiinis. Dahil ba wala itong pakialam? He acted so normal like as if nothing happened between them!

Guminhawa ang pakiramdam niya nang makita na tumatawag si Zakia.

“Yes?” she answered.

“How’s your night with Caston?” May panunukso sa boses ng kapatid.

“Fine.”

“Walang nangyari?” usisa pa nito.

Zalanna leered. Caston was now caressing her thigh slightly. Hinayaan niya lang kamay nito roon.

“I will tell you once I get back home.”

“So, mayroon?”

She can imagine Zakia’s face going closer to hers to see if she’s lying or not.

“I don’t wanna tell it to you right now.”

“You lost the bet!”

She smirked. “No, I won the bet.”

Caston glanced at her again, but she ignored him.

“Are you still a virgin?” Mangha si Zakia.

“Y-yes!”

Yes, right? She’s still a virgin! Caston did not put his thing inside of her. So, she’s still a virgin!

“Ang hina ni Caston!” Sabay halakhak ng kapatid na parang nasisiraan na ng bait.

“Mahina rin naman si Mayor,” tukso niya sabay irap.

“At least, Luke inserted his finger. You know…”

Napangiwi siya sa mga salitang lumalabas sa kapatid niya.

“Hindi ka talaga ginalaw? Ang gentleman naman pala…” dagdag pa ni Zakia. “Pero hindi halatang maginoo siya. Iniiisip ko nga kagabi na baka binabalibag ka na niya sa kama—”

“Zakia!” histerya niya at napahilamos sa mukha.

At ang magaling niyang kapatid, humalakhak lang sa kabilang linya.

“Let’s talk later. We are on our way home now.”

“Okay, I’m gonna wait for you and Caston here!”

Sa boses ng kapatid, para bang alam niya na ang gagawin nito mamaya kapag hinayaan niyang ihatid siya ni Caston sa unit nila. It’s better if he just dropped her off.

“You can just drop me off in front of the mall. I need to buy something,” dahilan niya para huwag nitong mahalata na ayaw niya itong ihatid siya.

“Sasamahan kita.”

Kinalma ni Zalanna ang sarili. Take a breath, then slowly let it out.

“Kahit hindi na. I can do it by myself.”

“Ihahatid kita sa inyo,” pinal na sabi nito kaya nagpuyos na naman siya sa iritasyon.

“I said no! Just drop me off!”

But he remained calm and he pursed his lips slightly. Was he suppressing a damn smile again?

When they arrived in BGC, Caston dropped her off in front of the mall. Akala niya ay aalis na ito pero nagkamali siya dahil sumunod sa kanya! Imbes na wala naman talaga siyang bibilhin, napabili siya ng kung ano-ano.

He’s following her like a personal bodyguard. She’s glaring at those girls who were giggling shamelessly every time Caston passed by.

Her phone beeped and the message was from Zakia, telling her that lunch was ready and she should bring Caston with her.

After half an hour of roaming around, Zalanna decided to finally go home. She knew that her decision of bringing him there was a big mistake especially that Zakia was there, not to mention Paloma!

Malapad ang ngiti ng dalawa nang pagbuksan sila ng pinto. Daig pa ang nanalo sa lotto kung makangiti.

“Caston, I want to talk to you later after lunch.” Zakia suddenly made her voice formal.

“Sure.”

“This is the first time that my sister spent a night with a man,” Zakia trailed off.

Pasimple niyang pinanlakihan ng mga mata ang kapatid na pinanlakihan din siya ng mga mata na para bang sinasabi na hayaan ito sa mga sinasabi.

They were already at the dining area. Paloma was in the kitchen, preparing their lunch.

“Are you still a virgin?” Zakia asked her.

Zalanna’s eyes widened a bit, then she narrowed it. Makakaganti rin siya rito sa kapatid niya!

“Of course!”

Sa tabi niya ay si Caston na alam niyang sa kanya nakatingin. At nang ilapag nito ang isang kamay sa braso niya, kaagad na sinundan ni Zakia ang galaw na ’yon. Nanunukso ang mga mata ng kapatid nang tumingin sa kanya, tapos ay muling pumormal nang ibalik kay Caston.

“Handa na ang pagkain,” anunsyo ni Paloma kaya naputol ang usapan.

“I can’t wait for Luke to visit here,” Zalanna murmured beside Zakia.

“He’s kinda busy, so baka hindi pa. Let me interrogate Caston for now.”

Umirap lang siya sa kapatid at nagpatuloy na sa hapag-kainan. The lunch was peaceful. Zakia managed to keep her mouth shut while eating.

“You have a dinner date with Korbin tonight, right?”

Halos maubo siya sa tanong na ’yon ni Zakia pagkatapos nilang kumain. Right, this one won’t really stop. Ngumisi ito sa kanya. What a brat.

“Yes.”

Nilingon siya ni Caston, nakaangat ang kilay. He looked like someone just insulted him.

Kalaunan, nagpaalam na si Caston. Hinatid niya ito hanggang sa labas ng pintuan. She even closed the door behind her so Zakia and Paloma will stop being nosy.

“So, you’re really going to date that boy?” Caston’s voice held sarcasm and bitterness at the same time.

“It’s just a dinner. It’s normal.”

“After all that happened between us last night and this morning?” He raised his brow.

At bakit gusto niyang magdiwang nang matanto na iniisip pala nito ang nangyari? Was it also big deal to him? Zalanna forbid herself to smile. Bakit ba siya nangingiti kasi!

“You can forget that. It’s not a big deal!” She lowered her voice, scared that someone would hear what they were talking about.

Halos ma-imagine niya sina Zakia at Paloma na nakadikit ang mga tainga sa dahon ng pintuan. Kaya para mas safe, hinila niya si Caston palayo. Walang lakas na nagpahila naman ito, tila ba ayos lang dito kahit saan niya dalhin.

“Not a big deal, huh,” he mocked.

Zalanna pressed the elevator button. Hindi niya na pansin na hawak niya ang braso ni Caston. Sabik na sabik na siyang paalisin ito.

“You bedded so many women. I’m sure what happened between us is not a big deal to you.”

When the elevator’s door opened, Zalanna pushed Caston inside, but to her surprise, he pulled her closer to him kaya pareho silang nasa loob at kulang na lang ay yakapin niya ito!

Hindi niya alam kung magpapasalamat siya na walang ibang tao roon. O mas maganda kung may kasama sila? Naglakbay na naman ang isip niya sa mga maiinit na sandali nila.

She can’t be with him in a room without other people. She might lose herself again and give her body.

He pressed something on the elevator, making it stop. Then he pinned her against the cold metal wall. Her heart was hammering inside her chest so bad!

Nang sinilip niya si Caston ay mariin ang titig nito sa kanya. He did not even blink. Iniwas niya ang tingin, natatakot na matunaw siya roon.

His one arm was territorially wrapping her waist, the other one was placed at the right side of her head.

“I’ll be there…”

Sumimangot siya. He will be there while she was having dinner with Korbin? Ano ba ang nakain ng lalaking ito at panay ang sunod sa kanya?

“Though, I hate seeing you with another man, but I need to fucking deal with that for now,” he whispered. His voice was raspy and deep. “Sisiguraduhin ko na sa huli… sa akin ka lang, Zalanna.” Tapos ay unti-unti nitong idinampi ang labi sa kanya.

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

ZALANNA closed her eyes to feel Caston’s lips on hers. Marahan ang halik na iginagawad nito sa kanya ngunit mapang-angkin din ’yon. Iba sa kagabi. Last night was lustful and he was thirsty.

His kisses right now was making her knees wobble. Kung hindi siya nito hawak sa baywang ay baka nawalan na siya ng balanse. Humawak siya sa dibdib ni Caston nang ipasok nito ang dila sa loob ng kanyang bibig.

Zalanna whined breathlessly when their tongues started to move and zealously explore in each other’s mouths.

He’s rubbing himself against her lower abdomen and that made her body heat up. His other hand was now grabbing the hair on her nape, then he continued kissing her torridly and hotly.

When Caston heard another small moan from her, he stopped kissing her and cursed.

Nagbaba siya ng tingi sa labi nito, pulang-pula ’yon, marahil ay kagaya rin ng sa kanya. Tila ba nananabik pa rin.

Namumungay ang mga mata nito na nakatuon sa kanya, tapos ay masakit na napapikit.

“U-umuwi ka na.” Halos hindi lumabas ’yon sa kanyang bibig.

Kahit ang ginawa niyang pagtulak dito palayo ay walang lakas. Caston held her hand on his chest.

“I’ll pick you up tonight,” he decided.

“Korbin will pick me up.”

Nang sambitin niya ang pangalan ng bago niyang kaibigan ay parang uminit lang ang ulo nito kaya napanguso siya.

“Tell him that you’ll meet him at the restaurant instead.”

Zalanna did not want to obey, but she did not also want to argue right now. Lalo at katatapos lang ng halikan nila, hindi pa siya masyadong nakaka-recover.

Umismid siya at bumuntonghininga, ipinapakita rito na napipilitan lang siya.

“Okay!”

Mukha naman itong napanatag sa sagot niya. Umayos ito ng tayo at may pinindot na ulit sa elevator kaya umandar.

His car was parked at the basement. Parang boyfriend niya ito na hinatid niya pa talaga hanggang do’n.

Caston kissed the side of her head before he finally hopped in.

Nang makalabas na ang sasakyan sa basement, doon lang siya bumalik sa elevator. Inihanda na ni Zalanna ang sarili sa mga nakaabang na panunukso ng dalawa noong makabalik siya.

“Lumayo pa talaga kayo para mag-usap?” patuyang salubong sa kanya ni Zakia. “Hinatid mo hanggang sa basement?”

“Yes,” she lazily answered.

“Senyorita, pasensya ka na pala at hindi ko nalagyan ng bra ang bag mo,” ani Paloma.

Nang marinig ’yon ni Zakia ay lumaki ang mga mata nito sabay upo sa kanyang tabi. Her sister even snaked her arm on hers.

“Hindi ka nag-bra? I know you, hindi mo inuulit suotin ang bra mo.”

“Oo nga pala! Naku!” Kunyari ay nagsisisi pa si Paloma pero pakiramdam niya ay sinadya!

Pinanliitan niya ito ng mga mata na kaagad nag-iwas ng tingin. See? Paloma was so easy to read.

“Don’t do that again, Paloma! Lalo at lalaki ang kasama ko!”

“Sabi kasi ni Senyorita Zakia ay ’wag na lagyan ng bra—”

“Shut up, Paloma!” And Zakia glared at the poor Paloma.

“Uh-huh, ikaw pala ang nag-utos!” baling niya sa kapatid at bahagyang kinurot ang tagiliran nito.

Naghagikhikan sila roon dahil ginantihan siya ng kurot at kiliti ni Zakia.

It was a funny and childish moment for the both of them. Their bond as sisters was strong enough not to be destroyed. Kahit na may pagkamatigas ang ulo ni Zakia, hindi niya pa rin kaya na wala ang kapatid niya.

They were best friends. May mga bagay na hindi nila nasasabi sa iba nilang kaibigan, ngunit kaya nilang sabihin sa isa’t isa.

It’s the trust and loyalty that made their relationship as sisters stronger and unbeatable.

Kaya alam niya na sa pag-ibig, hindi tawag ng laman ang kailangan sa matibay na pagsasamahan. Trust should strongly be built not only in a romantic relationship, but also in friendship.

That day, they both decided to have their shot next week. Paloma was so concerned about them and they really appreciated that.

“Maganda ang gano’n, Senyorita, para hindi kayo mabuntis nang hindi inaasahan,” patuloy nito. “Every three months naman ’yon. Kapag hindi hiyang ang katawan niyo, pwede naman na pills na lang.”

Magkahawak ang kamay nila ni Zakia. Though they were still virgins, the both of them already experienced something that could take their virginities away if they continued doing that. Mabuti nang ligtas sila sa mga bagay na hindi pa naman talaga sila handang mangyari.

“Pero hindi naman din ako sang-ayon na makikipagtalik kayo sa mga lalaking mahal o gusto niyo. Mas maganda pa rin na kasal na kayo bago niyo ibigay ang katawan ninyo. Kaya lang, sa panahon ngayon, masyadong agresibo ang mga tao. Bihira na lang ang lalaking marunong maghintay.”

When it came to this thing, Paloma was very sincere about telling them her opinion. She can be funny and at the same time mature too.

“Noong may nangyari sa inyo ng asawa mo, kasal na ba kayo?” curious na tanong ni Zakia, nakasiksik sa kanya at yakap ang braso niya.

Mahiyaing ngumiti si Paloma na nagpaikot sa mga mata nilang magkapatid.

“Hindi pa. Hindi ko kayang labanan ang pang-aakit sa ’kin ni Baldo kaya hindi pa kami kasal ay isinuko ko na ang bataan!”

Naubos ang hapon sa kakatawa nila sa mga kabulastugan, kalokohan, at pagpapatawa ni Paloma.

Zalanna felt at ease. Kahit papa’no ay nakalimutan niya si Caston at ang maiinit na sandali kasama ang binata.

True to Caston’s words, he arrived at their condo unit that evening to pick her up.

Sporting a black full-sleeved T-shirt that hugged his ironclad chest, khaki pants, and leather shoes, he still looked formal and virile. His aura was always authoritative. Hindi natitinag.

“Napakaguwapo! Ang sarap paglihian!” bulong-bulong ni Paloma sa gilid niya na parang bulateng binudburan ng asin.

Zalanna was on her cacao slinky cross neck dress, open toes stiletto, and clutch. Her hair was on her back that made her curves more defined.

“Ingatan mo ang senyorita namin, Sir Caston,” pahabol ni Paloma nang makalabas na sila sa pinto.

“I will.”

Caston placed his hand at the small of her back as he guided her to the elevator. Then he territorially snaked his hand on her waist when they were already inside with two handsome foreigners whom he caught glancing at her.

“Hindi pa ba maayos ang Audi mo?” tanong niya nang makita na Range Rover ulit ang dala nito.

Para naman may pag-usapan din sila. Not that she’s complaining with this one though. His ride was cool and very manly.

“Not yet.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to stay in the restaurant?”

Inayos ni Zalanna ang seatbelt niya bago pa siya unahan ni Caston.

They were now leaving the basement. Ang restaurant na tinukoy ni Korbin ay nasa BGC lang din kaya malapit lang.

“I have a meeting there,” he simply answered.

Zalanna’s phone vibrated. She opened the the message.

From: Korbin

I’m on my way.

Nag-type siya kaagad ng reply.

To: Korbin

I’ll be there in a minute. See you!

When she put back her phone, Caston’s face held annoyance. Kulang na lang ay matunaw ang mga sasakyan sa harap nila sa itsura nito.

“’Wag kang lalapit sa ’min, ah!”

“Why not?”

Napaahon si Zalanna sa inuupuan. What were his plans, huh? Ruining her dinner date?

“You shouldn’t go there. Mind your own business, Caston.”

“But you are my business, Zalanna.”

Umismid siya. Hindi ba man lang ito matitinag kahit kaunti dahil sa pinagsasasabi? He did not even stutter when he said that.

“Kapag lumapit ka, magagalit talaga ako sa ’yo!”

Isang buntonghininga ang ginawa ni Caston, tila ba sumakit ang ulo bigla.

Humalukipkip si Zalanna at hindi na ulit ito pinansin hanggang sa makarating sa restaurant. Korbin already booked their table. It was at the corner. Naupo na siya roon.

Caston was on the other side. Ang puwesto nito ay saktong-sakto na malayang nakikita ang lamesa nila. Nagkakatinginan sila tapos ay iirapan niya ito.

Zalanna stood up when Korbin arrived. He kissed her cheek. He looked fresh and he was all smiles.

Hinatid na ang pagkain nila at ang wine. Nag-usap sila tungkol sa mga bagay bagay. Maayos naman kausap si Korbin at halatang palakaibigan.

When a familiar woman sat at the vacant chair on Caston’s table, Zalanna’s attention got divided.   

The woman was on dark jeans, high heeled sandals, and thin straps satin top. The same woman he was with when she bumped his Audi. His girlfriend!

“I’d like to invite you for a road trip with my friends. This weekend, are you up?”

Vexed, Zalanna sliced the meat and chewed while eyeing Caston and his woman.

How dare him hold his dinner date there? Pwede naman na sa ibang restaurant ang mga ito, ’di ba? Doon pa talaga napili?

She was mistaken when she assumed that Caston was just being possessive for being there. ’Yon pala ka-date rin ang girlfriend!

A realization suddenly struck her.

He has a damn girlfriend and yet he still had the guts to bed her? Hindi naman sila literal na nagtalik, ngunit pagtataksil pa rin ang ginawa nila! Why the fuck did she forget that he has a girlfriend?!

“Zalanna? Are you listening?”

Napakurap siya at natauhan bigla. Ibinaba niya ang kubyertos at sumimsim sa wine. She needed to fucking calm down or else this night will be ruined.

“What is it again?” balik niya kay Korbin.

“Road trip.” He smiled boyishly.

“Oh, when?”

“This weekend.”

Inisip niya muna kung may gagawin ba siya sa araw na ’yon. Usually, she and Zakia goes to shop and have a good time together. She can go with Korbin, but she was hesitant since she still didn’t know who were his other friends.

“I’ll think about it, Korbin.”

“Aayain ko rin sana sina Aron para may kilala ka.”

Good idea! Kung sasama sina Aron, Lila at Valeria, then, she will come.

“Let me know their decision then.”

“Alright.”

They continued eating.

Zalanna’s eyes kept coming back to Caston’s table. Nang balingan siya ng babae roon, iniwas niya kaagad ang tingin. They seemed like they were talking about her. Siguradong natanto na nito na siya ang bumangga sa Audi.

Nakuha lang ulit ni Korbin ang atensyon niya nang hawakan nito ang kamay niyang nasa ibabaw ng lamesa. When she looked at him, his eyes were pure of sincerity and admiration while staring at her.

She’s not stupid. She knew that kind of stare from men. They were into her.

“Gusto kitang ligawan, Zalanna,” sabi nito at hindi na siya nabigla roon.

Wala sa sarili na bumalik na naman ang tingin niya sa kabilang lamesa. Caston’s eyes darted at Korbin and his hand that was on hers. Mariin ang titig na para bang mapuputulan ng kamay ang kasama niya kung hindi niya ilalayo sa kanya.

With a shy smile, she simply moved her hand away from his. But Korbin was being insensitive. He did not let her hand, instead, he used both of his hands. Ikinulong nito ang mga kamay niya tapos ay unti-unting dinala sa labi.

Zalanna panicked when she saw Caston stand up.

His every step made her heart go wild. Tahimik ang bawat hakbang ngunit animo may pagbabanta. At bago pa ito tuluyang makalapit sa lamesa nila ay nakuha niya na ang kamay kay Korbin.

She forced a smile to Korbin. She was about to speak, but Caston’s baritone filled her ears.

“Baby, are you done?”

Uminit ang pisngi niya. What the hell?!

Si Korbin naman ay medyo namangha at natawa kalaunan. Nanunuya ito nang iangat ang tingin kay Caston na madilim ang mukha, sa kanya nakatingin. Hindi man lang sinulyapan ang kasama niya.

“Excuse me, Sir? You’re in the wrong table,” Korbin croaked.

But Caston did not speak. Inilahad lang nito ang isang kamay sa kanya, senyales na inaaya na siyang umalis doon. But she just can’t leave there just because he said so. Who did he think he was?

Nakita niya kung paano tahimik na gumalaw ang panga nito nang hindi niya inabot ang kamay at noong tumayo si Korbin na tatawa-tawa. Korbin seemed like he was insulting Caston intentionally.

“Zalanna,” Caston almost whispered her name but in a commanding tone.

“Don’t force women to—”

“Will you shut up, boy?” Caston cut Korbin off in a rude and dangerous manner.

He looked so impatient. Pakiramdam niya ay isang salita pa ni Korbin ay magkakagulo bigla.

“Who do you think you are?! Kung ayaw sumama sa ’yo, wag mong pilitin!” Korbin continued. It looked like he’s ready for a fight, too.

Caston closed his eyes tightly. Tila ba hinahatak nito ang maiksing pisi ng pasensya para lang huwag tuluyang maputol. He swallowed hard, trying his very best to stay calm, even though he was already running out of patience.

“Zalanna, let’s go!” Korbin tried to hold her hand, but Caston stopped him with his hand too.

Kinakabahan siya dahil halatang nagpipigil lang si Caston na maging kaswal lang sana ang lahat. They were already catching attention.

At kung magkakagulo, alam niya kung sino ang labis na mapupuruhan! Caston’s large frame was hard and strong. Tignan niya pa lang ang mga hitik na ugat sa ibabaw ng palad nito, pakiramdam niya ay kaya nitong dumurog ng matigas na bato.

Korbin’s life would be in deep trouble in Caston’s hands if this silent war would continue.

Ngunit tila nag-uugat naman ang mga paa niya sa inuupuan, nahahati kung kanino ba siya sasama. Mas magandang wala na lang siyang samahan sa dalawa!

“Baby…” Caston’s gentle voice suddenly hurt her damn heart.

It sounded like he’s begging… begging for her to hold his hand… to come with him.

“Zalanna! Let’s go!” Korbin tried another attempt to get near her and tried to hold her hand, but Caston was brisk and grabbed the collar of Korbin’s shirt!

Nasaksihan niya kung paano nag-atrasan ang ilang naroon pati na rin ang mga waiter. Doon ay napatayo na si Zalanna dahil kitang-kita niya kung paano marahas na gumuhit ang mga ugat sa braso ni Caston, habang mahigpit na kapit ang kwelyo ng damit ni Korbin, na halos mapatingkayad na at masakal!

“Boss, “ a voice of a woman said, then she patted Caston’s shoulder lightly.

Ngunit hindi natinag si Caston. His large frame and his height was towering Korbin in a very intimidating way. He knew how to use his advantage. He’s like a heartless predator who’s so ready to attack his prey.

Korbin was smirking, trying to annoy him more. Siya ang mas kinakahaban sa kakahinatnan ni Korbin, ngunit nagawa pa nitong magmatigas!

“Hindi mo yata kilala kung sino ang binabangga mo,” Korbin muttered.

Caston stayed silent. And his silence felt like it could kill someone. Ayaw niya ang katahimikan nito dahil nakakatakot ’yon!

Naghuramentado ang kanyang puso nang maisip ang mga kaguluhan na maaaring mangyari kung hindi niya aawatin si Caston.

And it’s hard to believe this, but she felt like she’s the only one that could stop him… that could tame the beast inside of him.

With her shaky fingers, Zalanna held Caston’s arm. He stiffed, but it was just quick. His muscles were tense. Matigas at parang hindi kakalma nang ganoon na lang.

“Caston…” Her voice was small. “Stop…”

Nanatili ang labanan ng tingin ng dalawa. Medyo nairita siya dahil hindi man lang ito natinag. Kung hindi madala sa matinong usapan, pwes, handa na ang apoy niyang bumuga!

“I said, stop! Bitawan mo siya!”

Sa inis at galit ay tinampal niya ang braso ni Caston! Dahilan kung bakit pabalya nitong binitawan si Korbin na halos mapaupo sa sahig.

Isang hampas pa ulit ang ginawa niya sa matigas na dibdib nito na sa sobrang nerbyos at iritasyon ay para na siyang maiiyak, ngunit hindi man lang nito ininda ang hampas niya. Ang kamay niya pa ang nasaktan!

Then, she walked out with teary eyes.

CHAPTER 8 (SPG)

CHAPTER EIGHT

SUMASAKIT na ang mga paa niya dahil sa haba ng nilakad ngunit nagpatuloy siya para lang makalayo sa restaurant, kina Korbin at Caston.

Nagpupuyos ang kanyang damdamin sa sobrang iritasyon at kabiguan na halos bumagsak ang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata. Magkakuyom ang mga kamao, sinikap niyang ignorahin kung sino ang sumusunod sa kanya.

Zalanna pretended to be deaf and continued to ignore Caston who’s behind her, following her. She wanted to escape from him and here he was, tailing her like a dog to his master.

Ang plano niya ay uuwi na siya pagkalabas niya sa restaurant kaya lang ay nagkamali siya ng liko. Napalayo tuloy siya!

“Zalanna.” Caston grabbed her elbow, making her stop from walking.

Humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib. Hindi pa rin humuhupa ang pinaghalong galit, kahihiyan, at iritasyon niya sa nangyari kanina at sa ginawa ng lalaking ito! They caught attention and that’s very embarrassing!

That dinner should be peaceful. Bakit kailangan pa nitong lumapit sa lamesa nila at kulang na lang ay ihagis si Korbin palabas? The stunt that Caston made was not right and very disappointing.

“Will you stop following me?!” she hissed at him, vexed.

The lights from the posts on the side illuminated their surrounding, aside from the lights from the car that passing by. Dumoble ang hingal niya dahil bukod sa emosyon ay pagod na siya.

“Ihahatid na kita,” marahan ang boses na sabi ni Caston.

Zalanna shook her head in disappointment. Hindi na siya makapaghintay na makaalis sa hawak nito at baka sakaling bumalik ang kalayaan na mayroon siya noong hindi pa nagtatagpo ang landas nilang dalawa.

Caston was too much for her. She can’t handle him, his presence, him being territorial, and all of him. Hindi siya sanay na may taong nariyan lang para manduhan siya. His imposing attitude was so hard to deal with.

She was raised and she lived her life that the only commands she always obeyed were the commands from her parents and that’s for her own good.

Most of her life, she’s the one being followed. She’s the one giving orders and the people around her obeyed her, not the other way around!

And then, unfortunately, Caston came to her peaceful life and started giving commands and even invading her personal life and decisions!

She completely understood that he may be doing that because he wanted her to pay him for bumping his luxury car, but he’s really too hard to handle. She can’t stand his bossiness, his commands, and his power over her!

She wanted this over! She wanted to get rid off him! Right now!

“I don’t understand why do you need to be always around me or why do you keep on following me! You can just stay away and just text me if you need my damn time! Give me my own time, Caston!” she almost shouted at him because of her mixed emotions.

Iwinaksi niya ang kamay ngunit hindi naman binitawan ni Caston ang kanyang siko. Kung pipilitin niyang hilahin nang hilahin palayo rito ang braso niya, mapapagod lang siya.

The way he gripped her may be in a gentle way but it’s also stern at the same time.

Isang matalim na tingin ang ipinukol niya kay Caston nang humakbang pa ito palapit sa kanya kahit nakatingala na siya.

He’s damn tall. Her five and eight inches height could never level his, even if she’s wearing damn high heeled stilettos.

“That bastard shouldn’t kiss your hands.”

Naipikit ni Zalanna ang mga mata, sobrang dismayado sa dahilan ng lalaki sa harap niya. Who cares if Korbin kissed her hand? It was just a fucking kiss and he reacted like a mad beast!

“Siguro mas maiintindihan ko ang galit mo kung sa labi ako hinalikan at nakita mong labag sa ’kin!”

At tiyak na pati siya ay magagalit din kung hinalikan nga siya ni Korbin sa labi, pero hindi naman. Kaya ano ang dahilan nito bakit ganito umasta?!

“Magkakagulo na talaga kapag gano’n.” Napapaos ang medyo galit na boses nito.

Pero kahit sino ang humalik sa labi niya ay wala dapat itong pakialam! Wala naman sila nitong relasyon! He looked like a jealous boyfriend. Damn him!

Ayaw niyang isipin na nagselos si Caston dahil imposible ’yon. Sobrang imposible! The reason why she can’t understand why he’s so mad and did that stunt in the restaurant in front of other people!

Nang padulasin ni Caston ang palad galing sa tiyan niya papunta sa baywang niya, habang ang isang kamay ay nanatiling hawak ang kanyang siko, sinamaan niya ito ng tingin para malaman na hindi siya natutuwa sa pagiging malapit na naman nito sa kanya.

She can feel the heat from the sides of her eyes because of her emotions. At dahil ngayon na nakalapit na sa kanya si Caston at hawak pa siya, nabibitin sa mga mata niya ang luhang dapat ay kanina pa bumagsak.

Napapasulyap sa kanilang dalawa ang mga ilang dumadaan at nagdya-jogging doon. He’s being touchy even in public.

They looked like a real couple and she was the girlfriend who’s having tantrums, and the man in front of her was her boyfriend who’s very willing to give all her whims so he would win her back.

“You’re not my boyfriend! Stop acting like you are!” she blurted out.

“Hmm…”

“Kaya wala ka dapat pakialam kung makipag-date ako!”

“Now tell me, how to be your boyfriend?” His husky voice was solemn.

Zalanna narrowed her eyes. She can feel the heat on her cheeks. He looked serious and sincere when he asked that. At habang nakakatitig sa kanya, marahang hinahaplos nito ang kanyang baywang. Natutunaw ang kanyang mga tuhod.

Sa takot na baka biglang bumagsak doon, humawak siya sa matigas na braso ni Caston.

“Why are you asking that? Noong isang araw lang tayo nagkakilala!”

She’s still aggressive because of her emotions and now, the fast beating of her heart was making her annoyed at herself.

Hindi katanggap-tanggap na gusto agad siya ni Caston. Maybe yes, because they shared something? And it could be the reason. Siguro ay nasarapan sa kanya? Kaya gusto siya?

Uminit lalo ang pisngi niya nang maisip ang kahalayan na ’yon. What a lame reason to like her. Mas katanggap-tanggap na nabighani ito sa ganda niya, katulad ng ibang lalaking nagkakagusto sa kanya.

She needed to stop herself from thinking about dirty stuff. Her mind suddenly became corrupted with naughty and erotic images.

“Let’s say… I’m interested…” he trailed off, without breaking their eye contact.

“O baka naman nasarapan ka sa ’kin kaya gusto mo ako?” taas noong tanong niya at huli niya nang natanto ’yon!

Zalanna bit the inside of her cheek when she saw how Caston’s lips curved up. He has a ghost smile on his lips.

He lowered his head until his lips reached her ear.

“You can say that too,” he whispered sensually, making her gulp. “Hmm, hindi ba halata na gano’n nga? Na nasarapan ako sa ’yo… kaya ilang beses kong inulit kahit natutulog ka?”

Sa kahihiyan ay kinurot niya ang matigas na braso ni Caston dahilan kung bakit mahina itong napamura.

Sumimangot siya. Tila namamanhid ang ulo niya dahil sa narinig. Biglang nawala ang iritasyon niya at kumakalma siya kahit papa’no. He’s that good in diverting their topic to another one so she would calm down.

“Hindi na ’yon mauulit!” pagalit na sabi niya nang maramdaman na nawala ang iritasyon niya bigla.

“Uh-huh.” May aliw sa tono nito. “Okay then, let me take you home.”

“Ayaw kong maglakad! Masakit ang mga paa ko.” Humalukipkip siya.

Caston stared at her for a while and in one swift move, he carried her in a bridal style. Zalanna gasped and her eyes widened because of his move.

“Sana all binubuhat!”

“Ang guwapo!”

“Maawa naman kayo sa mga single!”

Narinig niya ang mga salitang ’yon sa isang grupo ng kabataan na nadaanan nila tapos ay naghagikhikan ang mga ito.

Leering at herself, Zalanna buried her face on Caston’s chest, hiding like a scared kitten.

Kahit na nakarating na sila sa lobby ng condominium, hindi pa rin siya ibinababa ni Caston.

He’s obviously familiar with the streets that he found a short cut to their building by just walking. He did not even bother to go back to the restaurant for his car.

Deretso ang lakad nito sa elevator. Nanatili namang nakatago ang mukha niya dahil may mga kasabayan sila sa loob. She’s also smelling his scent. Palagi itong mabango, gusto niya ’yon.

When Paloma opened the door for them, she heard a squeal from her.

“Parang bagong kasal!” ani pa nito sabay binuksan nang malaki ang pinto. “Bakit parang pagod ang Senyorita? Nauna ba ang honeymoon, Sir Caston?”

“Paloma!” May gigil sa boses niya.

Marahan lang na natawa si Caston. Ibinaba siya nito sa mahabang sofa. Si Paloma naman ay aktibo at naghanda kaagad ng maiinom.

Caston squatted in front of her and held her feet. Hindi na siya nagprotesta nang alisin nito ang sapatos niya. She can see the redness on her heels and all over her feet.

“Okay lang ’yan. Mawawala rin ang pamumula mamaya…” mahina ang boses na sambit niya.

Caston continued to massage her feet. She tiredly rested her back. Napapapikit din siya dahil sa paraan ng pagmamasahe nito sa kanyang mga paa. He knew how and where was the right spot. It relaxed her and at the same time tickled her but it was bearable.

Zalanna glared at Paloma who was dreamily watching them. Para bang botong-boto ito kay Caston, kulang na lang ay ipagsigawan pa. Sinenyasan niya itong pumasok sa silid nito. Paloma was disappointed but she obeyed.

Pagkatapos ng ilang sandali ay tumabi na si Caston sa kanya ngunit ang mga binti niya ay nasa kandungan nito. Sa ganoong posisyon ay ipinagpatuloy nito ang marahan na pagmasahe.

“Masakit pa?” Banayad ang boses nito, para siyang hinehele.

“A bit.”

His hand from her feet traveled up to her legs. Hantad na ang kanyang hita dahil umuurong na pataas ang dulo ng kanyang dress.

Caston’s tanned skin was perfectly combined with her creamy white skin. Even his skin looked so virile.

Dumulas pa ang magaspang na palad nito pataas sa hita niya at umirap siya. Though he was massaging her legs, her mind was wandering again about them doing what they did last time.

“Caston.” Pinanlakihan niya ito ng mata nang umabot sa hita niya ang palad nito.

“What? I’m just doing a massage,” he innocently said with his low tone.

Then he continued massaging her legs up to her thighs like it was normal for him. Baka normal lang talaga rito ang ginagawa at siya lang ang nag-iisip na hindi ’yon normal? Siya lang yata ang mahalay mag-isip.

Kalaunan ay lumakas nang bahagya ang loob ni Zalanna dahil pinatay na ni Paloma ang ilaw sa kusina bago ito pumasok sa silid.

There’s only a dimmed light in living room where they were sitting. At kung bigla ngang lumabas si Paloma, hindi rin naman agad sila mapapansin kung may ginagawa man silang kababalaghan doon.

At bakit niya iniisip na may kahalayan nga silang gagawin? ’Di ba ay galit siya sa ginawa nito kanina? Nasaan na nga pala ang galit niya? Nilayasan siya bigla?

“Umm, Caston…” halos paungol niyang sinabi.

He raised a brow and his hand remained near her inner thighs. His fingers slightly touched her lace thong. Ang isang kamay naman nito ay nasa paa niya, marahan lang ang pagpisil sa parteng ’yon.

“Are you teasing me?” She squinted her eyes suspiciously.

“No.”

“Massage lang,” she reminded him. “Stop your fingers from going somewhere.”

Marahan itong natawa, pero hindi naman din siya pinakinggan. Bagkus, mas lalo pang pinag-igihan ang paghaplos sa kanyang hita at paminsan-minsan ay dumdaplis ang daliri sa manipis na tela na nagtatakip sa kanyang kaselanan.

Masyado siyang pagod para sa panibagong argumento kaya hinayaan niya na lang si Caston, lalo at nare-relax naman siya sa ginagawa nito sa kanya.

Nanghihina na halos isandal ni Zalanna ang ulo sa sandalan ng sofa. Caston pulled her closer to him until she’s almost on his lap.

Malambing na isiniksik niya ang ulo sa may leeg nito. His scent attacked her nose again that made her sleepy and satisfied too.

“I have a question,” she drawled.

“What is it?”

“Can a finger break a hymen?”

Naisip niya si Zakia. At bakit ba sa ganoon pang pagkakataon? Sa dami ng pwede niyang itanong, bakit ’yon pa talaga?! It was a shame but she’s very curious like a wild cat.

Natigilan pansamantala si Caston sa paghaplos sa kanyang hita. Napaisip din siguro sa wala sa lugar niyang tanong.

“It depends,” he whispered hoarsely.

“What do you mean?”

Caston groaned, then he slid his finger under her thong. Medyo napaahon siya sa pinaghalong pagkabigla at kaluguran. Lalo siyang sumiksik kay Caston. Ngayon ay nanghihina na talaga siyaat daig pa ang uminom ng alak dahil tila nalasing siya kaagad.

“It depends on how deep and strong you insert a finger,” he said that on her ear.

“D-did you finger me last night?” Kahit siya ay hindi na halos marinig ang napakahinang boses niya.

She did not notice if he ever did? Masyado siyang lunod sa sarap at hibang sa init, hindi niya alam kung ginawa ba ni Caston ’yon sa kanya? Wala siyang maalala. Ang tanging alaala niya lang ay ang dila nito na paulit-ulit na humagod sa pagkababae niya.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Well, I tried to insert my tongue.”

Kinagat ni Zalanna ang labi at bahagya itong hinampas sa dibdib na marahan na nagpatawa rito. She remembered that! He tried to tease her entrance and tried to go in. Kinikilabutan siya kapag naaalala niya dahil hanggang sa mga sandaling ’yon ay apektado siya.

Zalanna let out a small sweet moan when Caston started to slide his long finger on her femininity. Wala sa sariling ibinuka niya nang kaunti ang hita, hindi rin alam kung bakit. Her body was dominating her again.

“This will make you sleepy.” He kissed her head and continued with his slow pace.

Wala pang ilang minuto ay nararamdaman niya na ang pagkabasa ng daliring ’yon dahil sa likidong inilalabas niya nang paunti-unti. She’s very aroused.

“Are you going to insert your finger on me?” nakapikit na tanong niya, medyo umaawang ang labi.

“Do you want me to?”

“Your long finger could break my hymen.”

“Hmm, let’s try?”

Why was his voice so tempting?

Zalanna closed her eyes when she felt his finger tried to enter her, while his thumb was doing circular motion on her clitoris.

Nahahati tuloy siya. Hindi niya alam kung saan ba ang mas masarap—ang marahan na pagsubok nito na ipasok ang daliri sa entrada niya o ang paglalaro nito sa sensitibong kuntil niya.

“Caston…” she almost begged when almost half of his finger finally made it to her entrance.

“Does it hurt?” Pinatakan nito ng halik ang kanyang noo.

“Not really, but it’s kinda uncomfortable?”

“It’s normal.”

Zalanna contented herself with that. Kinakagat niya ang balikat ni Caston kapag sobra nang nasasarapan sa paraan ng paggalaw ng daliri nito sa pagkababae niya para hindi umalpas ang halinghing niya.

Her toes curled when he focused to rub her clitoris with his thumb. Medyo dinidiinan nito ang hinlalaki roon tapos ay napakarahan na papaikutin, na nagpapabaliw sa kanya sa tahimik na paraan.

Hindi nito ipinasok ang buong daliri sa loob niya dahil na rin sa kagustuhan niya. Nakapirmi lang sa loob habang ang hinlalaki nito ang gumagalaw upang paluguran siya.

Nahihibang sa sensasyon, nakagat ni Zalanna ulit ang balikat ng binata at pinakawalan ang likido na naipon sa kanyang puson.

Caston chuckled and kissed her forehead. “My baby is so hot…”

She’s damn fertile. She just realized it. She came just like that? He really knew how to please her even only using his fingers.

Caston brought her to her bed. Nawalan siya ng lakas dahil sa ginawa nilang kababalaghan.

“Please, lock the door when you leave,” inaantok na bilin niya.

Nakaupo ito sa gilid ng kama niya habang nakatanday naman ang isa niyang braso sa hita nito. Kung titingnan, para bang ayaw niya itong umalis at doon na lang sa tabi niya.

“I’ll see you this weekend,” he said that made her open her eyes.

Sa weekend pa? Bakit parang gusto niyang magreklamo bigla? Kumunot ang noo niya, iwinaglit sa isip na hindi dapat siya madismaya kung ilang araw niya itong hindi makikita. Mabuti nga ’yon para hindi na ito aaligid sa kanya kahit ilang araw lang.

“Okay.”

“But we’ll keep in touch.”

Of course. May atraso siya rito kaya hindi ito papayag na wala silang komunikasyon. Mukhang takot itong takbuhan niya.

“Takot ka bang takbuhan kita?”

“Hindi.” Mataman ang titig ni Caston sa kanya. Hindi niya naman masuklian dahil kumakalabog lang ang puso niya kapag nagtatama ang kanilang mga mata. “Hindi mo ako matatakasan, Zalanna, kahit saan ka pa magpunta.”

“Talaga, ha…” medyo mayabang niyang sinabi.

“Uh-huh. You should know by now that you cannot escape from me.” He lowered his head until his lips found the side of her lips. “… understand?” Then he claimed her lips, making her close her eyes.

It was just a quick kiss, like a good night kiss. Naiwang nakaawang ang labi niya nang ilayo nito ang mukha nang bahagya. Ikinahihiya niya ang reaksyon niyang ’yon.

“I’ll text you when I get home.”

Inayos nito ang kumot niya, tinitigan siya nang matagal… tapos ay bumuntonghininga.

“And I’m sorry for the trouble,” he sincerely whispered.

Gusto niyang mangiti ngunit pinigil niyang huwag. She did not realize how his apology mattered to her not until he apologized for what he did in the restaurant. He knew his mistake and he admitted it.

Zalanna chose to stay silent. When he realized that she did not want to speak anymore, he stood up like as if he did not really wanted to go but he had no choice.

Nang makaalis na si Caston ay gumulong si Zalanna sa kama niya na para bang nababaliw na habang sapo ang dibdib dahil sa lakas ng tibok ng kanyang puso!

Hindi niya akalain na nakaya niyang kumalma at magpanggap na wala lang ang lahat! She’s really a good actress.

She wanted to call Zakia so bad to tell her what she feels about Caston, but she also needed to take this slow.

Maybe she’s just overacting or being assuming? Baka naman walang kahulugan ang lahat ng ito? Hindi siya dapat umasa nang gano’n lang.

After a few minutes, Zalanna rolled over to get her iPhone on the side table.

Nakita niya kung sino ang nag-text at sa totoo lang, medyo nakaramdam siya ng saya. Kung para saan ay hindi niya rin alam!

From: Unknown Number

I’m home. Are you still awake?

Nilagay niya sa dibdib ang iPhone. Nangingiti siya. This was madness!

Bakit ba parang boyfriend niya si Caston? Ayos lang naman sa kanya kahit hindi ito mag-text. Bakit ba nagte-text pa rin ito?

Sa huli, isinantabi niya ang lahat ng tanong sa isip at nagtipa ng reply.

To: Unknown Number

Yes.

Kahit isang salita lang ang reply niya, at least nag-reply siya! It was rude if she did not reply, right?

Kaya lang para siyang nalulungkot nang hindi na nag-reply si Caston. Maybe he’s not really into text thing? Well, he’s mature. Maybe it’s not really his thing.

“Or maybe he’s with his girlfriend?” she asked herself.

Zalanna shook her head to stop from thinking about that. The woman he was with in the restaurant seemed like not his girlfriend by the way.

How did that woman address him again? Boss? Or maybe it was their endearment? It could be!

Napabalikwas si Zalanna nang mag-vibrate ang iPhone na nasa ibabaw ng dibdib at halos mapigtas ang paghinga nang makitang si Caston ang tumatawag!

Torn between pressing the red or green button, in the end, she chose the latter.

“Hello?” aniya sa malamyos na boses.

Caston remained unresponsive, so she spoke again.

“Why did you call?”

“I just wanna hear your voice,” Caston said with huskiness on his tone.

Kahit ang boses nito sa tawag ay ang guwapo pakinggan! How unfair.

Zalanna played with her lips using her finger.

“You’re hearing me now…” Naging malambing ang boses niya. Hindi niya alam kung paano nangyari ’yon. “Happy?” medyo pasarkastiko niyang sabi, may bahid na ng ngiti sa labi.

“Very.” Then he chortled heartily.

“Are you going to be busy until weekend?”

“Yes…”

“Work?” hinuha niya.

“Yeah, and other stuff.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll be busy next week for my masters.”

“Let me know your schedule then.”

“I’ll text you my schedule.” She paused. “What’s your work schedule?”

It was too late to realize her question. Bakit siya nagtanong ng gano’n? Dapat ay wala siyang pakialam, ha!

“It depends on the situation. Mostly, busy on weekdays.”

Tumango siya. Medyo natuwa dahil kahit papa’no, alam niya ang tungkol sa bagay na ’yon kahit maliit lang.

“Is your job risky?”

“Not really,” he answered casually.

He appeared like he’s uninterested with that topic about his job. Wala na siyang ibang maisip kaya nagpaalam na siyang matutulog na.

“I’m going to sleep.”

Caston sighed on the other line.

“Alright, baby.”

Ngumuso siya para supilin ang ngiti na gustong kumawala sa labi. That endearment was not bad at all.

“Good night… Caston…” his name escaped her lips softly.

CHAPTER 9

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 10 (SPG)

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17 (SPG)

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 18

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 19

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 20 (SPG)

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 21(SPG)

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 22 (SPG)

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 23

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 24

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 25 (SPG)

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30 (SPG)

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 31 (SPG)

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 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

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 36

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 37 (SPG)

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 38 (SPG)

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 39

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 40

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 41

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 42

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 43 (SPG)

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 44

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 45

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 46 (SPG)

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 47 (SPG)

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.