TEASER

Known for being a notable and respected politician, Luke Fuentes is always focused on his work as the mayor of Buenavista and doesn’t have time for love. But when he crosses paths with spoiled heiress Zakia Guerrera, Luke starts to wonder if he has just met the one.

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As the youngest elected politician in the country, Mayor Luke Fuentes always gives his one hundred percent in serving his people. He is known not only for his excellent public service, but many admire him for his good looks, making them have high expectations for the love of his life. When he unexpectedly shares a steamy night with Zakia Guerrera, Luke starts believing he has found the one. With his ex-girlfriend entering the picture and the numerous challenges they continue to face, Luke and Zakia are suddenly put to the test, and the future of their relationship remains uncertain. Can the two acknowledge their love and keep it alive? Or will their relationship just be a heated moment and nothing more?

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

HAILED as the youngest elected politician. Received an award as the Most Outstanding Mayor in education, health services, livelihood, and agricultural programs. A notable leader with a clean and excellent record since he entered politics. A man with honor and dignity. He was labeled as a face of success. Alluke Fuentes achieved a lot at a young age.

He came from a very respectable family. He was raised by a public servant and a beautiful philanthropist.

He witnessed how people loved and admired his father and mother for their good deeds—giving aid, food, shelter, and everything that they could possibly do to help those in need.

His burning dedication to follow his parents’ legacy brought him to enter politics. If there were people he looked up to so much, those were his dearest parents.

Kahit na maagang kinuha sa kanila ang mahal na ina, nananatili ang paghanga niya rito at matinding pagmamahal.

It was hard to live without a mother, but they had to deal with it because they couldn’t bring her back again. It pained them a lot. They were devastated.

Luckily, despite the agony and heartbreaks, their father was always with them during the darkest days of their family. He was their strength.

Losing someone that you loved so much was like losing half of you. That’s what he felt when his mother died.

To see that your siblings were in pain was heartbreaking. But what really shattered his heart was to witness how his youngest brother, Zyron, suffered a lot because of that tragedy.

Ang kanyang ama, kasama ang tatlo pang kapatid, ay ang kasama niya nang masaksihan ang paghihirap ng isa’t isa noong hindi inaasahang kunin sa kanila ang pinakamamahal na ina.

At para lang makabawi sa lahat ng paghihirap at pasakit ng bunsong kapatid, ipinangako niya sa sarili noon na lahat ng naisin nito ay ibibigay niya. Kahit ano pa ’yon.

Kaya naman noong lumaki na silang lahat at nagkaroon ng kanya-kanyang karera sa buhay, naging matagumpay at kasalukuyang namamayagpag, naging mahirap para sa kanya na baliin ang pangako para sa kapatid kahit pa ito lang ang katangi-tanging tao na kayang dungisan ang pangalan nila.

But no matter how many conflicts, scandals, and disappointments Zyron would bring to their family, they’d always forgive him. Zy was really a spoiled young man.

And if there were a person that Luke would allow to taint his name, that person would be his youngest brother only.

He couldn’t afford any other controversy or scandal that would be linked to his name, especially since he plans to run for governor.

But in fact, life is full of surprises. He couldn’t control the things that were meant to happen. Like how he couldn’t control himself when he met Zakia Guerrera.

“When is it, Papa?” he asked, then grabbed the glass of wine.

Inside the library room of their mansion, Luke was talking to his father, who’s currently the governor, the Honorable Leonardo Fuentes.

Luis, his brother, would join the meeting too. He’d be late for a reason. He is a congressman, after all. Mostly, he’s in Congress.

“At the end of the month, son. I can’t be there, so I asked you to be my representative.”

His father asked him a favor to attend a birthday party that would be held on Palaui Island. He still needed to check his schedule before he agreed.

“Zyron could do that for you. He likes to party.”

Umiling agad ang ama. Tapos ay sumandal ito sa swivel chair.

“That kind of party is not for Zyron. Hayaan mo na ang kapatid mo roon sa Maynila magliwaliw. Ikaw na lang ang magpunta, Luke.”

Kung hindi lang kaibigan ng pamilya ang host ng birthday party na ’yon, hindi niya rin ito bibigyan ng oras dahil abala siya sa munisipyo. Ang dalawang kapatid na babae naman niya ay abala sa kanya-kanyang karerang tinatahak. Zyron was the only one who has a lot of time to party.

“Who’s the celebrant, by the way?”

“Xavier’s youngest daughter.”

Luke’s eyebrows furrowed. “They still celebrate her birthday?”

“Yes. We should understand their pain because we’ve been there before.”

Right. They suffered when they lost their beloved mother. So, a birthday party for a lost child was understandable.

“Even though your mother is no longer with us, I still celebrate her special days. Gano’n din ang mga Villamor. Kahit wala na ang bunso nilang anak, may selebrasyon pa ring ginaganap taon-taon.”

“That would be a very intimate celebration. I don’t think my presence is needed there, Papa.”

“Xavier invited me because he has a proposal to talk about. A business in a party. Abala rin ang mga ’yon kaya ipinagsabay na lang ang pag-uusap sa araw na ring ’yon.”

“What is the proposal all about?”

Umayos sa pagkakaupo ang kanyang ama. He removed his eyeglasses and put them down on the table near his wine glass.

“He wants to build an airstrip here. It would be a big project, Luke.”

It was indeed a big project. To boost tourism, they needed at least one airstrip. With that, the tourists could have an easy and convenient way to visit the island that is in Western Visayas. They could have options—travel by water and by air through motorboats and Cessnas.

Luke cocked his head to the side.

As a local government official, all the projects in town should get through them for approval whether it was under a private company or not, especially if the projects would benefit the town people. Mula sa gobernador pababa sa lokal na pamahalaan ang pagsusuri bago maisarado ang napagkasunduang proyekto.

“I know you are up to this. We need to boost our tourism.”

“Yes. I’ll go then.”

They cheered after his final decision.

Luis came late. Napapagod na naupo ito sa isang swivel chair doon. Ito ang panganay at siya ang kasunod. Then, Lilian, Zia, and Zyron. Lilian was done with her medical boards while Zia was preparing for bar exam. And Zyron? He’s making himself busy in Manila with parties and girls.

Pinag-usapan nila ang mga plano sa susunod na eleksyon. It was difficult because their father wanted to be in Senate. Hindi nila gustong pamahalaan ng kabilang partido ang buong lalawigan kaya dapat ay isa sa kanila ni Luis ang tumakbong gobernador.

“I believe in you, Luke. You are staying here, so it would be easy for you to connect with people. Besides, you have clean records. Madali kang ilakad sa mga tao.”

“You have clean records too, Kuya. Why don’t you run for governor?” Luke smirked.

“No. I’d be fine to go back as mayor. At kung ano man ang ongoing na project mo, ako ang tatapos. ’Wag kang mag alala.”

“Well, there is another project coming, Luis. And it will start as soon.”

“That’s good then, Papa. Is that the airstrip you talked about last time?”

“Yes, son. Your brother will be at Palaui Island to talk to Xavier about it personally. I won’t be there. It is also best to talk with Luke personally because the airstrip would be built in Buenavista.”

Luis made a slow clap while smirking.

“That big project would stop you from having a relationship, Luke. Hindi ka pa ba nakakahanap ng pangmatagalan?”

Luke snorted.

He admits, he had a fair share of secret relationships with decent women, but those didn’t last. Maybe because he was too busy, or he easily got bored. Besides, being a public servant meant being an open book too to the people who knows him. Kaya nag-iingat din siya sa mga babaeng nakakarelasyon niya.

He’s very picky when it comes to women. He preferred a mature one. She must understand the nature of his work, so it won’t be the reason of their misunderstandings.

He would avoid another headache as much as he could. Kung papasakitin lang ang ulo niya ng magiging girlfriend niya, mabuti pang tapusin na nila ang relasyon.

He liked an intelligent and kind-hearted girl, too. He easily gets attracted if one of her passions is to help those in need. One with a heart to open her hands to give peace and shelter. One who helps willingly without asking for anything in return.

He was so sure that he would fall in love with a woman who had the same characteristics as his mother. A philanthropist. His mother was his ideal girl.

It was the reason why most of his ex-girlfriends were beauty queens. They have the heart, beauty, and brain.

Hindi nga lang talaga nagtatagal ang relasyon nila dahil kung abala siya, abala rin ang mga ito. Kahit pa gano’n, sa maayos na paraan nagtapos ang lahat ng naging relasyon niya. Ang iba nga ay naging kaibigan niya pa at madalas maimbitahan kapag may ginaganap silang malakihang medical mission sa lalawigan.

He always preferred one who came from a good family. ’Di bale nang hindi mayaman. Ang mahalaga sa kanya ay galing sa matinong pamilya.

He never took advantage of women. He never bedded them unless they were in a relationship. He never cheated. None of them cried. Kung may mga umiyak man ay sa ibang paraan—hindi dahil nasaktan kundi labis na naluguran.

“I have no time for another relationship.”

“Your ex-girlfriend, Verika, was just crowned as Miss Intercontinental Philippines.”

“I know. I congratulated her already.”

Luis whistled playfully.

Luke was aware of why his brother teased him.

Verika was his last relationship. Hindi na ito nasundan at ilang buwan na rin ang nakalipas. They broke up because she was busy with that pageant. He’s happy though that she won the crown because he knew her hard work.

“Bagay kayo. Sayang lang at naghiwalay kayo,” ani ng ama niya.

“May pag-asa pa naman yata silang magkabalikan?”

Inubos ni Luke ang natirang wine. Handa na siyang iwan ang dalawa para magpahinga.

“We are both busy. At the right time, maybe? Who knows?” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Lilian and Zia likes Verika, too. Who knows, right? Eventually, kayo pala talaga?”

“Don’t worry about my love life. Worry about yours, Kuya. Baka maunahan ka pa ni Zyron.”

Luke gave his brother a smirk before he left the library.

The party was held on a yacht in the middle of the beautiful ocean of Palaui Island. It started before sunset, and now it was already dark. He could see the lighthouse from afar.

Standing near the railing, holding a glass of whisky, Luke simply roamed his eyes at the corner side of the upper deck, where a table of a group of young girls was located.

They were not loud. They giggled and laughed, but those didn’t sound annoying or scandalous.

Naipakilala na ulit siya kanina kay Bella Xaria, ang anak na babae ni Xavier. Xaria was sitting there together with three other girls. They were elegant and looked like real elites.

“Uh, I don’t wanna get drunk tonight. I’d like to wake up early and swim,” the girl, wearing a one-shoulder burgundy velvet dress, said in a tone that effortlessly caught his attention.

She was really a beauty. It was easy to spot her despite the crowd or being surrounded by people who belonged to their circle.

“It was just a shot of tequila, Zakia. Come on…”

These girls were probably Xaria’s friends or classmates. Halatang magkaka-edad lang ang mga ito.

Zakia crossed her arms above her chest. Then she crouched her head to the side, making her pretty, wavy hair dance together with that smooth move.

“I don’t like nga…”

“Ang arte, ha.”

“I’m not maarte. I just don’t like to drink tequila.”

“Don’t force Zakia na lang. She knows her body.” Xaria smiled.

“Yes. What if I get drunk, ’di ba? I don’t have someone with me to clean my mess.”

Then Zakia simply scanned the whole deck until her eyes stopped on where he was.

Sipping on his whisky without breaking that eye contact with the girl, Luke smirked when he saw how her lips parted as if she was caught off guard. Then she leered at him after.

He knew why she treated her like that. Their short encounter this afternoon gave him a headache.

Nakita niya pa na inisang tungga ni Zakia ang tequila bago siya nilapitan ni Xavier.

“My father didn’t make it here. He’s really busy.”

Xavier Villamor, a Filipino-American businessman, nodded his head.

“I understand, Luke. It’s fine, though. At least you made it here. This is a big project.”

They were both facing the dark ocean, in front of the railing, holding their glasses of liquor.

“The project proposal will be sent within this week. I am hoping for your father’s approval so we can start the construction as soon as possible.”

“If the project would benefit the province and town people, my father wouldn’t think twice about approving it, Sir.”

“You’re too formal. You’re successful and already achieved a lot at a young age. Call me Tito like how my children addressed your father.”

Marahan siyang tumawa at tumango.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit kahit nakatalikod ay hindi niya mapigilang lingunin ang gawi kung nasaan ang lamesa nina Xaria.

When he stole a glance on that side, he caught Zakia looking at him. Mabilis na iniwas nito ang mga mata nang mahuli niya.

“Who’s that man ba?” He heard Zakia’s voice.

“Which one?”

“The one with your dad, Xaria.”

“Oh. It’s Alluke. He’s a mayor and a family friend.”

The other girls started to tease Zakia.

“Crush mo?”

“Crush is for teens lang, ’no!”

“He’s hot, huh.”

“Too handsome for a mayor.”

Sumimsim ulit siya sa alak at parang nagugustuhan ang pang-aasar ng mga babae.

Luke shook his head when he realized that it was not right to feel amused. Obviously, Zakia was very young. She was not his type.

Yes. She’s stunningly beautiful. Her sultry curves were hard to ignore. Indeed, a bombshell. And she’s tall enough, probably, around five feet and eight inches. Still, if her age was the same with Xaria, then, it’s a no for him.

The night went on. After the short speech of Xavier’s wife, the guests continued to party.

Luke was introduced to different people. Nakakilala rin ng ilang babae na kapareho niya ng hilig. But he wasn’t there to find someone to date. He was simply there to clear things about the airstrip project proposal.

After a couple of glasses of whisky, Luke decided to go back to his cabin to rest. Though, he admits that his eyes silently looked for Zakia. Kaya lang, hindi niya na ito nakita pa roon.

He was on his way to his cabin when he heard a sound behind him as if someone fell off the ground or what.

The lights around were dimmed, but his vision remained clear when he saw the girl he was looking for, drunkenly kneeling on the carpeted floor.

Luke winced when Zakia was about to throw up, but it didn’t come out. Damn. Was she that drunk?

“Oops…” she said, then she giggled.

At dahil walang ibang tao roon, napilitan siyang lapitan ito at itayo sa pagkakaluhod.

He felt her flinch a bit when he held her elbow.

Slowly, Zakia turned her gaze on him with sleepy drunk eyes. A small seductive smile formed on her lips when she recognized him.

“It’s you again… Hi?” She gave him a very sweet smile.

Luke leered. What was that? Was she trying to flirt with him? Again? Or maybe, he was just mistaken.

“You’re drunk.”

“Not really.”

Sinubukan nitong tumayo ngunit halos matumba rin agad dahil sa kalasingan o nanghihinang mga tuhod. Kung hindi niya ito hawak sa may braso, tiyak na nadapa ito ulit sa sahig.

“Not really, huh…” he mocked and used force to help her stand up straight.

Zakia groaned.

When he glanced at her face, he could see that she was in pain. She wasn’t pretending or acting. There was no reason to do that, though, just for his attention because she had successfully caught it since the beginning of that day.

“I think I sprained my ankle, Sir…”

Sir? Why did it feel and sound different?

“Let me help you,” he said, carrying her in a bridal style.

Zakia squealed. She’s really drunk.

Luke raised his brow when she wrapped her weak arms around his nape. Her soft skin almost gave him goosebumps. He could feel the familiar heat when he felt her breast rub against his chest. That made him swallow hard.

“Suplado ka pero… gwapo ka pa rin,” she muttered in a naughty way.

“Where’s your cabin?” he asked, ignoring what she said.

“I don’t know. I can’t remember.”

Wala pa man din ay nararamdaman niya na ang problema sa gabing ’yon.

There were only two options. He would bring her to his cabin, and he would sleep on the couch? Or he would go back upstairs and ask Xaria where the hell was Zakia’s cabin?

The second option was the best one. But how could he do that if Zakia was already sleeping beautifully on his chest?

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER ONE

SEPIA was not just a color for her. It was something that gave her serenity whenever the greenish surrounding started to mellow down before sunset. That’s where she found and discovered that kind of shade.

It always felt like a reminder that before the skies would turn into a burning ember, there was this very special moment of the day that people used to ignore. O kaya’y dahil talagang natatangi, hindi na nabibigyan pansin na kabilang ang kulay na iyon sa paligid.

She was raised around grasses and greens, white and blue skies, golden and bronze sun rays with the sounds of chirping birds and horses’ neighs. But there was really this very rare moment in Hacienda Guerrera that she wouldn’t want to miss.

Sitting on the roots of a big tree, Zakia slowly blew away the dry leaf above her palm. Kasabay ng hangin ay ang pag-alon ng mga tuyong dahon sa nagkukulay putik na lupa. Sa likod ng malaking mansyon nila niya madalas masaksihan ang espesyal na sandali bago ang paglubog ng araw. Kaya naroon siya, naghihintay ulit.

Behind her were a lot of big trees. Kaya naman kapag humahangin, rinig na rinig niya ang tila pagyayakapan ng mga sanga at animo pag-uusap ng iba’t ibang ibong nakatira doon.

Sa totoo lang, malungkot siya. Iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit mas pinili niyang magpalipas ng oras sa likod ng punong ’yon.

Zalanna, her sister, was still in the hospital.

Zakia didn’t really know why. Galing sila sa beach house nila ngunit bigla na lang nawala ang kapatid niya. At nang matagpuan, dinala agad sa doktor.

She wasn’t used to being alone. Siguro, kailanman ay hindi siya masasanay na maging mag-isa. It was scary to live a life without your loved ones. The idea of her future without someone to spend time with worried her. She was too young, but her mind could already reach her future.

“Hindi pa natin dapat ito pinag-uusapan. Bata pa tayo, Zakia,” saway sa kanya ni Zalanna isang araw nang tanungin niya kung ano ang tipo nito sa isang lalaki.

Kahit noong grade school pa lang sila ay marami na ang nagkaka-crush sa kanila. Noong nag-high school na, dumami lalo kahit home-schooled sila. Their family was influential and popular kaya kahit madalang sila makisalamuha, marami pa rin ang humahanga.

Hindi niya maiwasang isipin kung ano ba ang tipo nila sa isang lalaki para magustuhan nila. It was her curiosity that urged her to know her sister’s opinion about boys.

Sa kanilang dalawa ni Zalanna, kahit mas matanda ito sa kanya, siya ang mas agresibo. Mas marami siyang alam tungkol sa mga crush at pagbo-boyfriend.

“We need to be ready. Siyempre, darating ang araw na papayagan na tayong mag-boyfriend kaya dapat alam natin kung ano ba ang gusto natin.”

“Kahit payagan na tayong mag-boyfriend, ayaw ko pa rin! Magtatapos muna ako ng kolehiyo at kukuha ng master’s degree.”

Umirap si Zakia at humalukipkip. Masipag si Zalanna mag-aral. Kabaligtaran niya.

Given the fact that they have three brothers to manage their family business, to study harder didn’t really matter to her. Basta, kapag natapos na siyang mag-college, ayaw niya nang mag-aral ulit!

“Once I finished college, I won’t study again.”

“What are you going to do then after college?”

“Enjoy my life?” Zakia shrugged. “I don’t have plans yet. I’d like to travel around the world, but I need to earn first. I don’t want to use our parents’ money for my caprice.”

“I’m glad you think about that. We need to study and work. Even though our parents are rich, it doesn’t mean we would rely our needs on them.”

“Okay. So, what do you like about boys?” she went back to their topic.

Zalanna rolled her eyes at her. Humiga ito sa damuhan sa burol at inilatag ang magkabilang braso.

Sa malayong gilid nila ay ang kanilang kabayo na tahimik na ngumangatngat ng mga dahon at halaman.

“Hmm, I like someone who would treat me special like how our brothers treat us. I like tall and manly. Most importantly, he has to be faithful.”

“How about the one who is good in bed?”

Her sister gasped. With wide, shocked eyes, Zalanna looked at her.

“Bakit pati ’yan kasali? Bakit? May balak ka na bang gawin ang bagay na ’yan? Tsk!”

“Wala, ha! Nagtatanong lang ako. Dahil may nabasa ako na fictional book na good in bed daw ang boyfriend niya kaya ayaw niyang pakawalan.”

“Basehan ba pati ’yon para magustuhan ang isang lalaki, Zakia?”

“Basehan lang ng nabasa ko ’yon. Pero para sa akin, ayos lang naman na hindi magaling sa kama? Basta marunong humalik?”

Nanliliit na ang mga mata ni Zalanna. Halatang disappointed ito sa mga pinagsasabi niya.

“Baka mauna ka pang magka-boyfriend kaysa sa akin, huh?”

“Depende? Kung gusto ko ang nanliligaw sa akin, sasagutin ko agad.”

“Hindi gano’n, Zakia. Kilalanin mo muna nang husto ang manliligaw mo para malaman mo kung mabuti ba ang intensyon niya sa ’yo. Paano kung liligawan ka lang niya para makahalik sa ’yo?”

“E di, papahalik ako! Huh! Tapos ako mismo ang makikipaghiwalay sa kanya. Uunahan ko na siya bago niya pa maisagawa ang plano niya.”

Tumawa si Zalanna at gano’n din siya.

Zakia lay down beside her sister. With wide arms like hers, they both stared at the pink and dark grey color of the sky.

Looking back at those days made Zakia smile. Indeed, Zalanna was her very best friend. To witness that her sister was in pain because of what happened during their summer vacation pained her too.

“Mamá, bakit po gano’n si Zalanna? Ayaw niya akong kausap. Gusto niya ay palagi lang siya sa loob ng silid niya.”

Zakia couldn’t handle her sadness and worries anymore. Her parents and even her brothers were always avoiding that topic. Alam niyang naglilihim ang mga ito sa totoong nangyari sa kapatid niya. Bakit hindi ito magawang sabihin sa kanya?

“Just give your sister more time alone, Zakia. Anyway, I already talked with your teachers. You and Zalanna will be home-schooled this coming school year.”

“W-what?” Para siyang nabingi. Napainom siya ng buko juice at pilit ibinalik sa pandinig ang sinabi ng ina.

“Why? We are good at school, Mamá. Hindi rin kami nagbo-boyfriend. Maayos din ang mga kaibigan namin.”

Kaya bakit gano’n ang desisyon ng magulang nila?

“Pasensya na, anak. Ito lang ang paraan namin ng Papá ninyo para masigurado na nasa maayos kayong kalagayan araw-araw.”

Kahit pa ano ang dahilan, hindi na rumerehistro sa utak niya ang sinasabi ng mahal na ina. At wala rin siya sa posisyon para suwayin ang nais ng mga ito.

Eventually, Zalanna recovered from the pain she had been through. They got back to normal. When they studied college in Manila, that’s when Zakia felt like she was really free.

They found a few friends who taught them that there was another kind of life outside Hacienda Guerrera.

“It’s my sister’s sixteenth birthday. My mom wanted to celebrate that in Palaui Island,” Xaria Villamor informed them.

Zakia wrapped the towel around her waist and sipped on her blueberry smoothie. They were in Villamor Hotel for a weekend staycation.

Xaria wasn’t her classmate. They were just studying at the same university and became friends.

“Count me in, Xaria.” Chandra Amberson winked.

At dahil ahead sa kanya ng isang taon si Zalanna, magkaiba rin ang naging kaibigan nila habang nag-aaral sila. Kahit naman ang dalawang babaeng kasama niya ay ahead sa kanya. Nagkakasundo lang talaga sila kaya palaging magkakasama.

“How ’bout our spoiled haciendera here?” Mallory teased her.

Zakia leered. For some reason, out of the three girls, the one that she didn’t really like was Mallory. She couldn’t really tell the reason why she disliked Mallory’s personality.

“I’m in. I’m curious how your family celebrates the birthday of your lost sister. I hope I don’t offend you, babe. I am just really curious.”

Xaria smiled warmly at her. “It’s more special. Despite her absence, my mom always made my sister’s birthday extra special.”

Honestly, she felt sad for Xaria and for her mother. Nalaman niyang nawala ang bunsong kapatid na babae nito noong dalawang taong gulang pa lang kung hindi siya nagkakamali. At kahit hindi pa rin nakikita, taon-taon pa ring ginaganap ang selebrasyon ng kaarawan nito.

“So, we are all going. How do we get to Palaui Island?” Mallory asked.

“We will use our Cessna to pick us up here. There.” Xaria pointed the upper part of the hotel where the helipad was located.

Matinis ang impit na tili ni Mallory na talagang nagpapairita sa kanya.

“Grabe! May pa-Cessna! Ang yaman!”

Nagkatinginan sila ni Chandra. Nangiti ito sa pagkamangha ni Mallory, habang siya ay pinipigil ang sarili na huwag maging kontrabida.

“Hindi pa ako nakakasakay sa Cessna, Bella Xaria. Exciting!”

“Really?” Zakia arched her brow. “That’s unbelievable.”

Chandra simply elbowed her, stopping her from simply roasting Mallory.

“Ah…” Humagilap ng mga salita ang babae. “Sa eroplano pa lang ako nakasakay.”

Zakia tried her best to stop herself from whatever she noticed about the way Mallory acted and talked to them. She really felt like this girl was not true to them. Malalaman niya rin ang totoong pakay nito sa huli. She would always follow her instinct.

Palaui Island was breathtaking. Sa itaas pa lang habang sakay ng Cessna ay namamangha na silang pagmasdan ang isla. What caught her attention was the lighthouse. It looked majestic from above.

From the Cessna, they transferred to a yacht. It was a one night and two days birthday celebration.

Zakia brought a Louis Vuitton Keepall. She was wearing beige flare pants, a white bandeau top, a layered gold necklace, and Hermès Oran. Then, she paired it with her big Prada sunglasses. She let her big, wavy hair fall on her back.

The party would start before sunset. They arrived around eight in the morning. There were already guests at the yacht, and the others were still on their way.

“Can we swim?” Chandra asked the moment they got inside.

May mga staff na kumuha sa bag na dala nila at ilalagay ang mga ito sa kanilang cabin. She left with her phone to take photos and sent them to Zalanna.

“Yes. There’s also a pool at the upper deck. We can also use that.”

Zakia took a photo of the lighthouse from afar. She was busy taking photos and videos when she accidentally bumped into someone.

A warm callous palm rested on her waist to stop her from losing her balance.

Mabilis siyang napaatras hindi dahil sa gulat, kundi sa tila kuryenteng dumaloy sa kanyang mga ugat dahil sa hawak na ’yon.

She never felt that kind of sensation. It was surprising.

When she looked at the man in front of her and met those hypnotizing Spanish eyes, her breath hitched.

His pointy nose, thick furrowed eyebrows, and lips that could make women beg for a kiss, were very attractive. His classic pompadour haircut, his vigorous frame, the way he carried himself, and the air of authority around him, didn’t only scream power. It was also commanding.

The short sleeve of white linen hugged the muscles on his forearms, paired with tailored sandy trouser, and expensive leather eye boat shoes. People could mistake them as a couple because of the matching tone of their clothes.

The man was holding a glass of welcome drink on his one hand. The other one was now slid inside his pocket. The view of his expensive submariner wristwatch and those protruded veins from his arms down to the back of his hand made her swallow hard.

“Are you alright?” His low voice was almost like a sensual growl.

Kumurap si Zakia. Did she just stare at him while he was watching her?

Sa kabila ng hindi maipaliwanag na kaba na nahalinhinan ng atraksyon para sa lalaking kaharap, nagtaas pa rin siya ng noo.

Ang dapat na pagsusungit ay hindi lumabas sa kanyang bibig. Sino nga ulit ang nakabangga? Siya, ’di ba? Bakit pala siya magsusungit?

“It was impossible that you didn’t see me coming…” Those words escaped from her mouth.

Hindi niya pala kayang maging mabait.

Ano naman kung gwapo itong kaharap niya? Kung hindi siya nito nahawakan sa baywang, baka napahiya na siya roon dahil tiyak na babagsak siya.

“Oh, was it my fault then?” He looked surprised, then eventually, the side of his lips curved up.

Kitang-kita niya kung paano gumapang ang nanunuring mga mata galing sa kanyang mukha pababa sa dibdib. When she noticed his gaze stayed on her chest part, she simply stood straight to emphasize her breast.

The man leered and lazily brought back his gaze to her face again.

Sa paraan ng bawat lapat ng tingin sa kanya ay tila ipinaparamdam na kaswal lang ang lahat at hindi man lang ito naapektuhan sa kung anuman ang nakikita.

It made Zakia annoyed. Men used to admire her beauty, and this man in front of her didn’t even show any interest.

Maybe he was already married? She glanced on his ring finger, but there was no ring there. Is he still single, then? May he has a girlfriend? At ano ba ang pakialam niya kung single o taken ito? Wala naman siyang balak na makipagkaibigan o makipag-igihan sa kahit kanino.

For the first time, she was lost for words. Walang pagdadalawang-isip na iniwan niya ang lalaki at bumalik kung nasaan sina Chandra.

“Let’s go swim?” aya sa kanila ni Mallory.

Lihim na sinuway ni Zakia ang sarili na huwag nang balikan pa ng tingin ang lalaki. Nagtagumpay naman siya at sumama sa dalawang kaibigan papunta sa cabin nila.

She picked the white cut out one piece bikini. It showed her flat stomach and the diamond piercing on her bellybutton. She had that when she turned eighteen.

Standing in front of the mirror, she tried to fully cover her breast with the bikini clothe, but she couldn’t. Talagang lumilitaw ito pati sa ilalim. Bumuntonghininga siya at hinayaan na lang ’yon.

Chandra and Mallory were already at the upper deck, laying on the bed loungers. The bar there was open, and some of the guests were there too.

“I wanna take a dip,” she told them.

“Go ahead. Susunod kami.”

Zakia removed her cover up, revealing her body.

“Totoo ba ’yan?” intriga ni Mallory sabay nguso sa dibdib niya.

“Of course.”

The size of her breast was bigger than the average size of girls, the reason why some were intrigued if her impressive boobies are real or not. Given the fact that they have mixed foreign blood, it was normal to have that kind of body and breast.

“Swerte ng magiging boyfriend mo.” Humagikhik ito.

Zakia blushed. Sa kapilyahan niya, ang utak niya ay hindi na inosente. Alam niya kaagad ang ibig sabihin ni Mallory.

“Swerte talaga siya…” She smirked before she left them.

Kaya lang… pababa na siya sa hagdan nang matanaw niya sa dulo ng swimming pool ang lalaki. He’s facing her and his eyes were on her too.

Kinunot niya ang noo nang makaramdam ulit ng kaba. To know that he’s there, watching her going down the water, made her thrilled.

Confidently, she swam towards the edge where he was. Who cares if he was there? That pool was for everyone. Nobody could stop her to do what she wanted.

Noong umahon siya sa tubig ay maagap niya ring sinuklay ang buhok gamit ang dalawang kamay papunta sa may likod niya habang nakapikit.

Damang-dama ang lamig ng tubig at sikat ng araw sa kanyang balat.

When she opened her eyes, she expected to meet his eyes. Kaya lang, naabutan niya na sa dibdib niya nakatingin ang lalaki. Zakia smirked. A naughty idea flashed her mind. She gently massaged her boobs and squeezed them… tila ba pinipiga ang tubig sa tela sa parteng ’yon. She was sure it would appear like that.

The man sighed. Suplado itong tumalikod sa kanya. Hindi niya napigilan at bahagya siyang tumawa. Was he affected? Finally?

“I forgot to put sunscreen…” she muttered to herself, making sure that he would hear her.

Nilingon siya nito. Nakaharap ito sa malawak na dagat. Habang siya ay nakasandal naman sa laminated glass pero ang katawan ay nakapaharap sa mga tao sa upper deck.

“I can tell…” was his short response urged her to speak more.

“Why?”

He gaze on her face down to her shoulders. Kung bakit para bang ramdam niya sa balat niya ang bawat lapat ng tingin nito ay hindi niya maintindihan.

Sinundan niya ang tingin nito at natanto na namumula na nga ang balikat niya. Ang level ng tubig ay nasa ibabaw lang ng dibdib niya. Kaya pati ang pamumula ay umabot doon. Gamit ang mga palad ay sumalok siya ng tubig at wala sa sarili na pinaliguan ang parteng ’yon.

“Do you think my breasts are real or fake?” she asked in a relaxed tone.

She felt bored that she needed to strike a damn conversation to the stranger in front of her.

Muli niyang nakuha ang atensyon nito. Suplado talaga. Dahil kung hindi siya magsasalita, hindi rin ito magsasalita. Kung hindi niya papansinin, gano’n din ang gagawin sa kanya.

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa dibdib niya at napansin niya ang pag-angat ng isang kilay nito. She couldn’t tell if he was impressed, or he was smirking. But the way he checked her breast made her face heated.

“I cannot tell without holding them…” From her breast, his gaze travelled up to her face.

Though their topic was kinda weird, she could still sense his formality.

“They are real.”

“If you say so…” He shrugged his shoulders, but his tone told her that he didn’t believe her boobs were real.

“Kahit hawakan mo pa!” medyo pagalit niyang sabi dahil hindi ito naniniwala.

Isang marahang tawa ang narinig niya galing dito. Tapos ay umiling ito at natatawa pa rin. Napanguso siya. Medyo iritado na pinapaliguan ng tubig ang ibabaw ng dibdib.

“No thanks. I am not here to find a hook up.”

Uminit ang pisngi niya na umikot hanggang sa batok.

What? Did he really think she was trying to hit on him? Bakit, Zakia? Hindi ba? Hindi!

“What are you talking about? You’re too full of yourself.”

“I am just being honest—”

“Excuse me? Hindi ikaw ang tipo ko. Ayoko sa suplado at tiyak na mas matanda sa akin ng ilang taon!”

Umawang ang labi nito, halatang nabigla sa sinabi niya. Umirap si Zakia.

With the way he talked and move, it was obvious that he’s not just an ordinary man. He’s formal and full of authority. He didn’t look old. He’s hot and very good looking, but to hurt his ego, she told him those sharp words.

To her surprise, with the fast beating of her damn heart, he moved smoothly to face her as if he lost his patience. He placed his arms on the thick laminated glass behind her. Those veiny arms where at the sides of her shoulders, completely jailing her.

Napalunok siya at hindi kaagad nakagalaw. She could almost feel her breast against his hard chest. Bumagsak ang mga braso niya sa magkabilang gilid. When he leaned closer, she gasped.

“What do you want? Hmm?” he whispered sensually between her ear and neck that made her knees tremble.

The way his hot breath hit her skin was giving her so many naughty images of a man trying to seduce a woman. What the hell was she thinking?

“You’re very young for my likes. Stop hitting on me,” he muttered in a husk. His breath really tickled her.

Zakia craned her neck a bit. She started to like the kind of feeling the man was giving her.

She was standing there like a little good girl. She needed to at least speak!

“I may be too young for your likes, but numbers shouldn’t matter. And I’m not hitting on you!”

She couldn’t believe she was affected by him not liking someone as young like her. Talagang sinusubok nito ang pasensya niya at kompiyansa sa sarili.

“Okay. You’re not hitting on me. Then, could you stop making a way to get near me?”

Zakia’s eyes turned into slits. Tapos ay ngumuso niya nang matantong talagang siya ang naunang gumawa ng paraan para makalapit dito. Bakit niya ginawa ’yon?

Was she that attracted? Impossible!

“I will do whatever I like!”

“Oh, yeah?”

She could almost feel him smiling but in a mocking way. His lips stayed near her neck, and the tip of his nose touched her soft skin there, giving her stomach an unfamiliar feeling.

“And if you get affected with my presence, it is not my problem!”

Bumuntonghininga ito. Kulang na lang sabihin sa kanya na binibigyan niya ito ng suliranin.

“Right. I shouldn’t be affected with your presence.”

“Besides, I am not your type. So why bother?” She raised her brow.

“Yes. You’re not my type…” Then he slowly let go of her and took a step backward.

Isang matagal na titig sa kanya ang ginawa nito na para bang kinukumbinsi ang sarili na umalis na pero hindi naman magawa. Inirapan niya ito at maarteng humalukipkip.

Who cares if she was not his type, by the way? As if it would break her heart? He’s assuming and arrogant!

CHAPTER 2 (SPG)

CHAPTER TWO

KATULAD ng parolang matibay na nakatayo sa kalayuan, malalaman ang tapang ng isang tao kung nakaya na nitong tumindig mag-isa sa gitna ng dilim nang walang takot na nadama. Para sa mga mandaragat, mahalaga ang parola bilang gabay sa malawak na karimlan. Hindi niya alam kung ang ibang tao ba ay gano’n din ang turing sa kahanga-hangang tore ng liwanag at gabay sa kalayuan.

“Fascinating, isn’t it?” Bella Xaria said while watching the lighthouse.

The darkness of the sky made the crescent moon and stars like the master of the night. The sounds of the calm waves and the way the salty breeze embraced her were very relaxing.

“It is.”

“I remember a boy that I’ve met when I was ten…”

Zakia sipped on her wine. To hear someone’s story always interested her, especially if that someone was a part of her life. Like Xaria Villamor.

“What ’bout him?”

“He reminds me of a lighthouse.”

“That sounds romantic…”

A small smile formed on Xaria’s lips.

“I didn’t care about the use of a lighthouse before, but when he told me the importance of it, I started to realize that I was too insensitive of my surroundings.”

“Your family used to travel the world by air and sea. To know that you didn’t care about the lighthouse is ridiculous, Xaria.” Zakia chuckled.

“I know.” Her friend laughed softly. “But I was just ten that time. I was too young to give a damn about everything around me.”

“Understandable. So, what did you learn from that mysterious boy?”

Xaria was glowing beautifully in her royal blue silk dress with high slit.

“The lighthouse is like a strong person. Despite standing alone, it remained steady and intact. It serves as a guide to the sailors, a protector of the people and the land nearby.”

“Like a fearless person who’s still willing to help despite the danger in the dark,” Zakia muttered as she realized that’s what she wanted to be—a brave one.

“Yes. People only recognize the brave person after the catastrophe without knowing what they had been through before they became one.”

It was a meaningful conversation with Bella Xaria.

The night went on until Mallory dared them to do a game before going to their cabin to sleep. Ang ibang bisita ay nagpahinga na ang iba naman ay naroon pa rin at nagsasaya sa pormal na paraan—kwentuhan, tawanan, at mabagal na sayawan.

Apat sila sa isang lamesa. Zakia had a couple shots of tequila already. She’s not a drinker. Her tolerance was weak when it comes to alcohol. Kaya nga kapag nagpupunta sila sa club or bar, moderate lang ang alak na iniinom nilang magkapatid.

“Just a simple truth and dare. We don’t need to be scandalous here. Nakakahiya sa ibang bisita., Mallory told them.

“Just one round. I’m kinda sleepy already.” Chandra massaged her temple sleepily.

“Crush ko talaga si Brenth,” pag-amin ni Mallory at ngumisi.

Brenth is Xaria’s brother. He has a twin, Branth. Naroon din ang dalawa kaya lang ay abala sa pakikipag-usap sa mga bisitang negosyante. Nakilala na ito nina Chandra noong mga unang buwan na naging magkaibigan sila ni Xaria. Kanina ay kaswal lang silang nagbatian.

“Crush? He’s like our brother, Mallory,” Chandra said as if having a crush on Brenth Villamor was funny to think the fact that he’s older than them.

“Why not? I like that kind of man. Silent and serious.”

“Tss. Hindi ka papansinin niyan.”

“Paano mo nasigurado na hindi ako papansinin ni Brenth, Chandra?”

Zakia smirked at Chandra. She knew the reason why her friend said that to Mallory.

“Because he doesn’t like young girls. Ask Xaria. That’s her brother anyway. She may be aware of her brothers’ preferences when it comes to liking women.”

“Well, my brothers are very private when it comes to their relationships. All I know is they like a woman, not a girl. So, you need to be a woman.”

“Huh? So, they wouldn’t like us?” Mallory pointed to her and Chandra. “Because they think we are like their little sisters?”

“Exactly.”

“You better stop assuming that Brenth would like you, Mallory. Unless, of course, he sees you as a woman and not his little sister.” Chandra smirked mischievously.

It was as if that night was heartbreaking for Mallory. She really drank a couple of consecutive shots of tequila while telling them that she really has a crush on Brenth and she could not control it.

Umiinom naman din si Zakia paminsan-minsan pero sadyang mahina siya sa alak at mabilis na inantok at nahilo. Noong magsawa si Mallory sa drama nito, nagpasiya na si Chandra na dalhin ito sa cabin nila.

“Do you need some help?” Xaria patted her cheek lightly as if waking her up.

“No, thanks. I’ll go to our cabin in a bit.”

“Are you sure?”

Zakia beamed at her friend. “Yes. You better go and sleep. Don’t worry about me.”

“If you need help, just call our guards or the cabin crews.”

“Sure. Thank you, babe.”

“No problem. Have a good night.”

“Sweet dreams…”

Matagal pa muna siyang pinagmasdan ni Xaria bago siya iniwan doon.

Nang masigurado ni Zakia na kaya niya nang maglakad nang hindi kumukuha ng atensyon ng mga bisita, nagpasya na siyang bumaba papunta sa cabin nila na hindi niya na maalala kung saan banda o anong numero!

“You, crazy bitch. Next time, don’t take the shots… alright?” She was talking to herself while slowly walking down the stairs.

Kaya lang, noong humawak siya sa railing ay dumulas ang kamay niya, dahilan kung bakit deretso siyang nahulog sa huling baitang at napangiwi nang sumakit ang balakang dahil sa pagkabagsak. Hindi lang ’yon, ramdam niya rin ang bahagyang kirot sa ankle niya.

Wearing high-heeled strap sandals while tipsy was not a good idea. Sana ay hinubad niya muna iyon para masigurado niya ang kaligtasan niya. But it was too late to blame herself. Crying over spilled milk was useless.

While wincing and cursing silently, she felt a warm hand on her elbow. The unfamiliar touch became familiar because she had already felt it under the broad sunlight that day.

To see the man in front of her made her smile inwardly. He was the same man who rejected her. Rejected was the right term, right? Because she was not his type.

The dimmed lights just gave justice to the beauty of the man in front of her. He’s really eye catching. He was easy to spot on despite the crowd. She proved that because her eyes had been searching at him all day. And yes, she’s a good spotter because she always found him.

Zakia didn’t exactly know why he easily got her attention. Was it his face? His air? Or the way he stared at her as if he didn’t find her interesting?

Napangiwi siya ulit nang maramdaman ang kirot sa bukong-bukong. Hindi siya nag-iinarte lang. Talagang may tila namilipit na ugat sa bandang ’yon.

Nang buhatin siya ng lalaki, halos mapugto ang paraan ng paghinga niya. He carried her in a bridal style. She already felt comfortable being that close to him. His scent invaded her senses. She was too tipsy and sleepy to give a damn about his smell.

“Suplado ka pero… gwapo ka pa rin,” she couldn’t help but mutter sleepily.

Trying so hard to stay awake, she rested her face on his broad, hard chest.

“Where’s your cabin?” His voice was soothing.

Where was it by the way?

“I don’t know. I can’t remember.”

Zakia yawned and allowed herself to sleep for a while. Baka kapag nahimasmasan siya ay maalala niya na kung nasaan ang cabin nilang magkakaibigan.

Nang maramdaman ang malambot na kama sa kanyang likod, imbes na ipagpatuloy ang pagtulog, hindi niya iyon ginawa. Bagkos, pilit niyang iminulat ang mga mata. She couldn’t just sleep without brushing her teeth and at least take a brisk shower.

She forced herself to get up. Then, a pair of hands helped her by supporting her waist.

“What the…” He didn’t finish his words.

“I wanna take a shower!”

Narinig niya ang mahinang pagmumura nito gamit ang wikang Ingles. Tapos ay ipinasok siya nito sa shower room.

“Help me undress…” she said with a sleepy voice, trying so hard to stay awake.

Napatili siya nang maramdaman ang pagragasa ng tubig galing sa itaas. Kahit nabigla ay nakatulong naman ’yon para magising siya kahit papaano.

The man was standing behind her. His one hand was still on her waist to support her. The other one was on her hair, making sure that her hair would be all wet.

Pinilit niyang abutin ang zipper ng dress na nasa likod ngunit hindi niya kaya.

Chandra was the one who helped her zipped that. And now, she couldn’t unzip without help from someone.

“Can you unzip? I couldn’t reach the zipper…”

Kahit na maingay ang lagaslas ng tubig, narinig niya pa rin ang tila iritadong pagbuntonghininga nito. Ni hindi niya na napapansin na pati ito ay nababasa na rin.

Napatayo siya nang tuwid nang maramdaman ang mga daliri ng lalaki sa kanyang likod at marahang ibinaba ang zipper na ang hangganan ay ang kanyang gulugod. Even the way his fingers touched her skin gave an unfamiliar sensation.

Zakia helped the man by removing her dress until it dramatically fell to the floor. She closed her eyes when the cold water rolled down her naked body.

Standing in front of the blank wall, with only red thong on, she closed her eyes when she felt those warm palm rested on her waist. She bit her lower lip when he caressed her there.

“’How are you feeling now?” he whispered huskily above her shoulder.

Napalunok si Zakia. Kakaiba ang init na nararamdaman niya habang hinahaplos ng lalaki ang baywang niya papunta sa kanyang tiyan.

She looked down to see the back of his veiny hands on her flat stomach. His fingers almost reached her navel piercing.

Kahit nasa ilalim ng tubig ay para pa ring nililiyaban ang katawan niya. Mariin siyang napapikit at pilit iwinawasto ang isipan. Dahil sa totoo lang, nadadala siya sa senswal na haplos sa kanyang balat.

“I’m still sleepy,” she croaked.

She rested her back on his chest, making her feel that his suit was already wet. Her hand weakly grabbed the body wash. Muntik nang mahulog ’yon kung hindi lang nahawakan ng lalaki sa likod niya.

Inilahad niya ang dalawang kamay at ito na mismo ang naglagay ng likidong ’yon na ipapahid niya sa buong katawan. Zakia started with her neck down to her breast. Marahang minasahe niya ang dibdib at nakagat ang labi nang gumapang ang dalawang palad ni Luke sa tiyan niya pataas.

Biting her lips to stop a damn moan, she just watched his palms on her boobs. He gently massaged her there with the body wash. She craned her neck to give him access on that area. While his hands were busy on her chest, he’s giving her feathery kisses on her neck. Bawat haplos at halik ay tila dinadala siya sa paraiso na bagama’t hindi pamilyar sa kanya, nais niya pa ring tuklasin kung ano ang mga bagay o pakiramdam na kayang ibigay sa kanya.

“Are you that drunk?” he muttered behind her ear.

“N-no. I’m just tipsy and sleepy.”

It was true. She wasn’t drunk. She’s still aware on what’s going on between them. And believe it or not, her body liked every bit of it. Was it strange?

“Are you sure?”

Zakia nodded her head while watching how his thumb played with her nipple. Her face rose up at the sight.

Was it really happening? That a man was doing that to her body?

She had a few boyfriends, but what they only did was kiss. She never allowed them to even touch her stomach because she knew what would happen next. And now, she was with a man who did things that she prohibited his ex-boyfriends?

“Yes. I am still aware with what you’re doing. No worries. I won’t look for you tomorrow.”

“I won’t take advantage of women whether they are drunk or not.”

Wala na siyang pakialam pa sa mga sinasabi ng lalaki. Unti-unti na siyang nalulunod sa hindi maitangging kaluguran.

“Okay… I’m not drunk.”

“So, this is okay with you?”

Kumunot ang noo niya. What? Did he have plans to stop this? Inumpisahan at hindi tatapusin? Dahil lang iniisip na baka lasing siya at hindi alam ang ginagawa nila?

Wow. He’s very gentleman then. Dahil kung ibang lalaki ’yon, tiyak na kanina pa may naganap nang mahubaran siya.

“I can wash myself, but if you want to help, I don’t mind,” she said, then rolled her eyes.

“I want to help.”

“How thoughtful.”

He chuckled sexily on her ear that made her smile like a beautiful evil.

“More please…” Her voice was seductive.

Kinuha ulit nito ang body wash at naglagay sa palad. Sa pagkakataong ’yon ay sa tiyan niya naman pumuwesto ang mga palad nito. His thumb then glided on her piercing with gentleness.

“This looks sexy on you,” he praised.

Ngumuso siya para pigilan ang ngisi. “Really?”

“Uh-huh.”

Zakia didn’t know that the man noticed her diamond piercing on her navel. Nakita nito ’yon noong nasa swimming pool sila.

“Do you wanna see my piercing clearly?”

“Clearly and closely.”

Huh! What the hell she was doing?

Kapag humarap siya rito o kaya ito ang magpunta sa harap niya, magkakakitaan na sila. Wala pa man ay para na siyang mahihimatay sa kaba at matinding kahihiyan. Talagang hindi siya lasing dahil gumagana pa ang hiya sa kanya.

“Do you want me to face you?”

“Do you know what will happen once I get a closer look of your piercing?” His voice was making her stomach flutter.

“What will happen?”

“I’d kiss it…”

Kinagat ni Zakia ang loob ng pisngi. The image of a man kissing her piercing while kneeling in front of her gave her so many naughty ideas.

“Kiss? That would be fine.”

His low growl made her pout her lips. Para itong nahihirapan sa kung ano.

“I hope you don’t have a girlfriend.”

Gumapang ang isang palad nito pataas hanggang natunton ang kanyang utong. He played with it again and resumed his kisses on her neck and jaw. Halos manginig ang kanyang mga tuhod dahil sa sensasyon.

“I won’t do this on you if I was in a relationship.”

So, he didn’t have a girlfriend. He was not in a relationship. They were both single then.

“I am not in a relationship, too.”

“That’s good,” he murmured in between his kisses behind her ear.

In one swift move of his hand on her waist, he made her face him. Their eyes met and she could see the burning desire in his. And that surely mirrored hers. He held her waist and pulled her closer to him before he angled his head for a kiss.

Zakia felt like her world had just stopped when she felt his delectable lips on hers. With the electrifying sensation that was building up on her body, she wrapped her arms around his nape and answered his kisses.

Gumapang ang isang kamay nito sa kanyang dibdib habang ang isa ay nanatili sa kanyang baywang. When he inserted his tongue inside her mouth, she gasped softly.

His tongue urged her to do the same. She inserted her tongue into his mouth until they both drowned by the way they torridly kissed. Naglalaban ang mga dila nila sa mainit na paraan na nagbibigay ng kakaibang kaluguran sa kanya.

Zakia felt lost with his kisses. Ang pagkamangha sa sariling nararamdaman ay nag-umigting pa nang tinapos ng lalaki ang mainit na halikan nila at bumaba ang labi nito sa leeg niya.

She placed her arms on his shoulders and craned her neck to feel his kisses there. But what made her swallow was when his kisses went down to her throat.

While palming her breast, his kisses went down until his lips reached the valley of her breasts. His dark sensual eyes looked at her, then he stuck out his tongue and tasted her nipple.

Para siyang tuluyang nawala sa sarili habang pinapanood ang lalaki na paulit-ulit na pinapasadahan ng dila ang magkabilang utong niya hanggang sa manigas ang mga ’yon.

“Uhhh…” A soft moan echoed when he started to suck her tit.

It was the very first time that happened to her. There was something on her lower abdomen that seemed to be building up. She absentmindedly closed her thighs as if prohibiting something to come out from her insides.

Watching the man alternately suck her nipple like a hungry beast was satisfying. Medyo may kirot siyang nararamdaman, ngunit mas nananaig ang ligaya sa bawat kagat at sipsip sa dunggot niya.

His kisses travelled down to her stomach. Wala pa ay nanghihina na naman ang mga tuhod niya. Kaunti na lang ay tila babagsak na siya.

He was kneeling in front of her as if praising her. He was really good looking. No wonder he caught her attention easily.

Zakia bit her lower lip as she watched him giving her piercing a gentle kiss, like a husband who was giving their baby angel inside her womb a kiss.

“Did you like it?” she asked softly.

He looked up on her with his mesmerizing eyes. “Yeah.”

Zakia closed her thighs again for some reason. Nakagat niya ang loob ng pisngi nang mapatingin sa thong niya ang lalaki. It has a lacy fabric and it really looked sexy on her.

His eyes darkened as if controlling himself to do something that he wanted to do. She saw him swallow hard, making his sexy Adam’s apple move.

Daig niya pa ang nalasing at nanghina nang dampian nito ng halik ang puson niya. Umawang ang labi niya at ramdam na ramdam niya ang pag-alon ng tiyan.

She placed her hands on his head, as if allowing or urging him to continue the kiss. Her moves were so easy to read. He kissed the fabric of her thong that made her hold her breath.

“I’d love to taste you.” His voice was low but very sensual.

“H-how?” Her heart was beating violently, and she couldn’t stop it.

He planted another kiss on her thong that really made her breathing hitch. Her knees were already weak. The sensation he was giving her was making her body burn because of the invisible fire.

“Just moan, and I’ll do the rest.”

He then placed one of her legs above his shoulder, and then he moved the thong to the side using his fingers before he angled his head. Zakia gasped and her eyes widened when she saw how his tongue sensually glided on her femininity. Isang pasada pa lang ng mainit na dila nito sa kaselanan niya ay nanginig na ang mga hita niya sa sarap.

“Oohhh…” Her moans came out while his tongue continued to taste her flesh.

CHAPTER 3 (SPG)

CHAPTER THREE

THE memories from last night were crystal clear. They had fun. They danced and had a couple shots of tequila and wine. They played a game before they decided to go back to their cabin. That was the last memories that she could still remember. The rest was vague.

Kaya laking gulat ni Zakia noong magising siya katabi ang isang lalaki. Kulang na lang ay mahulog siya sa kama sa sobrang kalituhan. Kung hindi niya naagapan ang sarili, tiyak na nangyari nga ’yon at malaking eskandalo kung nagising ang kasama niya.

Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya at tuluyang nagising ang kanyang diwa. Wala siyang panahon alalahanin ang lahat ng kaganapan. Ang mahalaga sa kanya sa mga sandaling ’yon ay makaalis doon at makauwi.

Zakia gasped when she realized that she wasn’t wear anything. Her naked body was covered with a thin blanket and the man’s forearm was placed just under her boobs. That view made her heart beat violently.

With her shaky fingers, she carefully removed that heavy forearm that was matted with thin hair. She really tried her best not to make any sound or move that could wake him up. She didn’t want to confront him. She didn’t want to bring back the memories that they have probably shared.

Talaga bang may namagitan sa kanila ng lalaki? What was his name again? Luke? Right? And he’s a politician? Did she just sleep with an honorable man?

Before everything could be out of her control, Zakia got up from the bed. Naghanap siya ng roba at ipinilupot ’yon sa hubad niyang katawan. She quickly found her folded dried dress just above the table. She grabbed that and took her high-heeled sandals on the floor then left.

Nasalubong niya ang isa sa staff na nagdala ng bag nila sa cabin nilang magkakaibigan.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” magalang na bati nito at pasimpleng tingin sa likod niya kung saan siya galing.

“Where’s our cabin again?”

“Dito po, Ma’am.” The girl led the way.

Mabuti na lang at malayo ang cabin nila sa pinanggalingan niya. Noong makapasok siya ay natutulog pa ang dalawang kaibigan. Pakiramdam niya ay ang laking kaginhawaan na hindi malalaman ng mga ito na sa ibang kama siya napadpad kagabi.

Zakia hurriedly went to the shower room. Mabilis ang ginawa niyang pagligo na para bang may hinahabol na oras. Hindi niya na muna inisip kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari at bakit kasama niya si Luke. She fucking needed to leave Palaui Island as soon as possible.

She packed her clothes and things, then went out from their cabin, leaving her friends who were still sleeping. Ibig sabihin, hindi lang siya ang nalasing, pati rin ang mga ito.

Noong nasa lower deck na siya ay nakita niya na may ilang bisita na nag-aalmusal na. Sa gilid ng yate ay may isa pa na medyo maliit kumpara kung nasaan sila. She saw that some of the guests were going there. Probably, they would be back earlier than the other guests.

“Uh, can I go there? I need to go home,” she told to one of the guards of Villamors.

“Sure, Ma’am.”

Tinulungan siya nito sa dala niyang Keepall. She followed the guard, and she was really relieved to know that she’s leaving that yacht. She would just call Xaria about her unplanned departure.

“Xaria is still sleeping, but can you tell her that I left earlier when she wakes up?”

“Wala pong problema, Ma’am. Sasabihin ko.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Zakia didn’t enjoy the whole trip from Palaui Island until they arrived in Manila through the Cessna. Her head was aching because of the fact that she slept with a man.

Though, she was sure she’s still intact. She’s still a damn virgin. She didn’t feel any pain on her inner thighs. But she noticed that there’s a lot of red marks on her breast.

Napangiwi siya nang may malabong imahe na nabuo sa isipan niya. Para siyang mahihimatay kung magpapatuloy na lumitaw ang maiinit na eksena kasama ang lalaking ’yon.

She was standing on that shower room, naked, while Luke was licking her nipples. He was still on his suit. She could almost hear her moans because of what he was doing to her breast.

Gumulong si Zakia sa kama niya at tumili. Tinakpan niya ang nag-iinit na mukha gamit ang unan. Kung kaninang umaga ay mabagal ang pagrehistro ng mga imahe kagabi na kasama si Luke, noong nakauwi na siya at nagmumuni-muni ay saka siya inatake ng mga malalabong alaala.

Drowned by his touch and kisses, her body asked for more. Kneeling in front of her was Luke.

“Stop!” She castigated herself to stop from thinking what happened next.

Zakia groaned scandalously when an image of Luke pleasing her femininity with his hot tongue flashed her mind. Napabangon siya at talagang nabibigla kung talaga bang nangyari ’yon o pinaglalaruan lang siya ng isipan.

Mariing ipinikit niya ang mga mata at napangiwi nang ang imahe niya naman na nakahiga sa kama ang nagpakita. Luke was in between her parted legs. She was moaning in ecstasy while his tongue was expertly exploring her flesh.

Zakia closed her legs when she felt like his invisible tongue was still in that part of her body. She growled hopelessly.

Ayaw niya nang ipikit ang mga mata dahil kinakabahan na baka may iba na namang imahe ang lumitaw. Parang hindi niya kakayanin na makita ang sarili na sobrang nalulugod habang may isang lalaki na masarap na sinasamba ang pagkababae niya.

A knock on the door made her shake her head to erase all the images with Luke.

“Heard you arrived.” It was Zalanna’s voice.

“Yes. Come in.”

Bumukas ang pintuan at iniluwa ang magandang kapatid. All smiles while holding a pint-sized ice cream, Zalanna strutted excitedly towards her bed.

“I went to the convenience store and bought this for you.” Ibinigay sa kanya ng kapatid ang ice cream. Ngumuso siya at tinanggap ’yon. Totoong masakit ang ulo niya. Marahil isa sa dahilan ang hangover. She needed that ice cream.

“I appreciate this. Thanks.”

Zakia scooped a small amount and brought it to her mouth.

“So, how’s the party?”

“We had fun. Palaui Island is breathtaking.”

Pinag-iisipan pa niya kung sasabihin ba sa kapatid ang tungkol kay Luke o huwag muna. Dahil sa oras na magsambit siya ng pangalan ng lalaki, tiyak na magiging interesado si Zalanna at pipilitin siyang magkwento. Mabuti pang sekreto muna ang tungkol kay Luke.

“Were they emotional? I mean, they celebrated the birthday of their lost daughter. It was very special to them.”

“Xaria’s mom was emotional. A normal reaction of a mother who lost her beloved child.”

There were people who always underestimated women’s strength and capabilities. But what they didn’t realize is that women are the strongest. Emotionally and physically.

To carry a human being inside your body for nine months would take a strong body and mind. To give birth was another tough situation that she needed to get through to survive. Not only for herself, but for her child. To lose your own child, to know that he or she would never be with you again, was probably the most painful part of being a mother.

So, to question women’s power was a big insult. Unforgivable.

Dahil kung sa kanya mangyari na mawala ang anak niya o mamatay, ikasisira iyon ng ulo niya. And she’s sure that’s what Zalanna would feel too.

“I don’t want my future child to be gone or to get lost. I’d surely lose my mind,” Zakia muttered.

Zalanna’s eyes turned into slits as if she was in deep thought.

“I don’t know but hearing you say those words felt like it already happened before. I just can’t figure out when or where.” Zalanna looked confused.

Zakia scooped an ice cream and brought it to her sister’s mouth. Umikot ang mga mata ng kapatid at tinanggap naman ang inihain niya sa bibig nito.

They were really, really close kaya mahirap sa kanya na maglihim. Sinigurado niya naman na sasabihin din dito sa tungkol kay Luke kalaunan. Kailangan niya lang munang siguraduhin kung totoo ba talaga ang mga imahe na naglalaro sa isip niya.

A call from Xaria the next day made her feel more curious about the rest of the vague memories she had with Luke.

“I don’t know. He looked for you. I just said that you went back to Manila earlier than what we’d plan.”

Really? Why did he need to look for her?

“What else did he tell you?”

“Nothing much.”

Mabuti na lang at hindi hiningi ang numero niya. Ang isipin na makikita niya ulit si Luke ay talagang nagpapakaba sa kanya. To run away from him was the best thing she’s done.

“Didn’t he ask for my number?”

“Why would he do that, Zakia?” Xaria’s voice sounded like she was smelling something fishy with her question.

Umiling siya at nagsisi kung bakit gano’n ang naging tanong niya. Bakit nga naman hihingiin ni Luke ang numero niya? She was not his type anyway. She needed to always keep that in mind.

Zakia always found a reason to refuse Xaria’s invitation for her sister’s seventeenth birthday. Iniisip niya na posibleng naroon din si Luke at ayaw niyang makita ulit ang lalaki. Pinilit niyang kinalimutan na lang kung ano ang nangyari sa pagitan nila.

But indeed, life has its own way to surprise people. Because after two years of avoiding all the parties that she thought could bring her towards Luke, a night in D’ Club ended her from keeping herself away from him.

Zakia was having fun with Zalanna and their friends. After they graduated from college, they went back to Hacienda Guerrera to spend their summer vacation there. And since Zalanna wanted to get her master’s degree, Zakia talked to their parents that she wanted to be with her sister.

As a welcome back party, their friends invited them to D’ Club.

“The last time I got drunk was two years ago!” Zakia laughed and lifted her glass of margarita.

They partied and drank, but she knew her limit. Natanto nilang magkapatid na mabilis lang talaga silang malasing kaya kapag ganitong nasa party, alam na nila kung hanggang saan lang sila.

While sipping on her margarita, Zakia’s eyes darted at the man who just entered D’ Club. Behind him was probably his bodyguard who wore a casual outfit and not a typical bodyguard in uniform.

Sa kabila ng malikot na mga ilaw, pag-alingawngaw ng musika at maingay na paligid, mabilis pa rin niyang nakilala ang lalaki. Nasamid siya at halos lumabas sa may ilong ang ininom.

“Hindi ka na sanay uminom?” tukso ni Valeria.

Kahit na ayaw niya namang sundan ng tingin si Luke, hindi nakikisama ang kanyang mga mata. His bodyguard went to the island counter, while one of the waiters guided him to the corner of the club. He’s alone in that table, sitting confidently on that black leather club chair.

Umalis ang waiter pagkatapos makuha ang order ni Luke.

Zakia couldn’t focus anymore on her friend’s conversation. Her heart was beating abnormally just by secretly staring at Luke. He’s really alone there. His bodyguard stayed at the island counter.

So, he was there to party? But he didn’t look like a man who liked going to a club and dance. He’s too stiff and serious for that kind of thing.

“It’s your turn, Zakia!” Lila’s voice stopped her from ogling at Luke.

“What am I going to do?”

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

She could do that lap dance to whoever she wanted, but to know that Luke was there thrilled her. Wala pa man ay gusto niya nang ngumisi sa sariling naiisip.

“Easy.” She smirked and darted her eyes to her target.

With full of confidence, Zakia stood up and walked towards where Luke was sitting. Ang akalang mataas na kompyansa ay mananatili ay hindi nangyari. Dahil noong magtama ang mga mata nila ni Luke, umurong ang tapang niya at ang puso ay pinangunahan ng matinding kaba.

He was wearing a white long-sleeved polo that was folded up to his elbows. Too formal for her but it still could fit in to where they were. His Spanish eyes felt like punishing her with the way he stared at her face down to her body. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang init sa bawat lapat ng mga mata nito sa kanya.

The margarita that she had gave her enough confidence to do the dare, but to be in front of Luke was enough reason to burn all the determination she had before she went to his table.

She noticed that he was the only man who could make her feel that way. She was always confident in front of men, even in her teenage years. But with Luke? She felt like she wanted to just run away from him because he made her feel like she was not that attractive.

Ngunit naisip niya rin na kung hindi talaga siya attractive para dito, bakit nito nagawa sa kanya ang ginawa nila noon sa yate? At hinanap pa siya kay Xaria kinabukasan? Were those enough reasons to prove that Luke was attracted with her?

Ang kaba ay nahalinhinan ng iritasyon. Kaya kaagad na sumagi sa isip niya na iyon na ang tamang oras para iparamdam sa lalaki na hindi naman ito naging kawalan sa kanya at wala rin siyang pakialam sa nangyari sa kanila noon.

Zakia swallowed and ready her seductive smile.

“Hi, do you still remember me?” She made her voice sweet.

Luke’s emotion didn’t change even though she was already standing in front of him. He remained stoic and annoyed at the same time. Zakia’s knees trembled, but she needed to finish the dare. Palagi siyang palaban sa kahit na anong bagay at hindi niya hahayaan na si Luke lang ang makakapigil sa ugali niyang ’yon.

“Yeah,” his said in a husky tone.

The waiter arrived and put the liquor on his table, then left them.

Luke grabbed the glass and put that on his lips. He sipped on it without breaking eye contact. There was really something on the way he stared as if she really did something that he didn’t like. At narito ito para singilin siya sa kung ano man ’yon. The thought of him punishing her really thrilled her.

Hindi na siya nagpatumpik-tumpik pa. The moment Luke put down the glass above the table, Zakia took a step forward and noticed how his eyes widened a bit because of her aggressiveness.

She placed her knees on his sides, then wrapped her forearms around his nape. She’s straddled him and started to grind her hips sexily.

“Don’t worry, this is only for three minutes,” she informed him with a seductive voice.

Zakia could hear the loud beating of her heart. Talagang ayaw paawat ng kanyang puso. At nang maramdaman niya ang mga palad ni Luke na umakyat sa baywang niya, daig niya pa ang napaso sa hindi nakikitang apoy.

He leaned closer and stopped behind her ear. His breath tickled her. She could still remember their steamy night from two years ago. Kahit pa ilang beses niyang itanggi na hindi nangyari ang ginawa nila, alam niya sa sarili na totoo ’yon. Hindi lang guni-guni.

“You’re good at this, huh…” His lips touched the soft skin on her neck.

Zakia started to feel the heat on her body especially when she felt her nipple against his hard chest. Para siyang giniginaw at nagtataasan ang mga balahibo niya.

“What do you mean?”

She buried her face on his neck when he slid his hand under her short dress. Napalunok siya at walang sapat na lakas na magreklamo o ano pa man. Lalo na nang maramdaman niya ang daliri nito na ekspertong nakapa ang tela ng kanyang thong.

“You like to grind…” he trailed off, then slid his finger to touch her femininity.

Zakia whimpered at that sensual touch. Kulang na lang ay mahilo siya at mawala sa mundo nang mabagal na humimod ang daliri nito sa hiwa ng pagkababae niya. Napaayos siya sa pagkakaupo at nanghina kaagad.

Her parted legs gave him enough access to rub her flesh until they both felt the wetness from it.

Isang mahinang mura ang kumawala sa labi ni Luke nang malaman kung paano niya nagustuhan ang ginagawa ng daliri nito sa kanyang kaselanan.

“Did you like the way I grind above you?” Nanatili siyang palaban kahit pa alam niyang sa kanilang dalawa, natalo kaagad siya dahil kumakalat na ang likido sa daliri nito.

“Yes.” He breathed on her neck again, whichich gave her butterflies. “Especially when you grind above my face…”

Mariing ipinikit ni Zakia ang mga mata nang bumuhos sa alaala niya ang imaheng ’yon. Luke was laying on the bed while she was on top of him. Her legs were placed on the sides of his head while she was rubbing her femininity against his tongue. That was fucking hot.

“The memories that you left me were like a tattoo in my mind,” he muttered huskily while his finger was sensually exploring her flesh.

Zakia could no longer understand what Luke was saying because she was already drowned with the way he pleased her with using only his damn finger.

“You were so good, though…” She bit her lower lip.

“Hmm…”

His thumb then found her clit and played with it in a circular motion. Kulang na lang ay lumabas ang malakas na ungol niya nang labis na makiliti dahil sa ginawa ng binata. Ibinaon niya lalo ang mukha sa may leeg nito at ipinagpatuloy ang mabagal na paggiling.

Kung titingnan silang dalawa, nakakasigurado siyang hindi malalaman ng mga makakakita kung ano ang ginagawa ni Luke sa pagkababae niya. Dahil mukha lang silang magkasintahang nagyayakapan doon.

“I can’t forget the way you pleased me with your tongue…” she whispered softly.

She could almost hear her moans that night when he didn’t stop from licking her femininity even though she just came. She didn’t expect that he was a beast in bed.

“I can do it again, Zakia.”

A sexy smile curved on her lips. “When?”

“Tangina…” he muttered under his breath that made her bite her lips.

He continued rubbing her sensitive nub a little bit harder that made her moan on his neck. Mabilis na nanginig ang mga hita niya dahil sa ginawa ni Luke. Yumakap siya nang mahigpit dito at hindi akalaing lalabas ang likido sa kanya nang gano’n lang kadali.

Slowly, he released his fingers from her femininity and put them inside his mouth to taste her. To see him doing that made her cheeks heated. Ang pintig ng puso niya ay walang tigil. Hindi niya alam kung dahil sa sa katatapos lang na orgasmo o may iba pang dahilan.

“Let me drive you home,” he said after a long while.

At para bang nabuhusan siya ng malamig na tubig nang makaahon sa ibabaw ng ulap. Napasinghap siya at natauhan bigla sa pinaggagagawa. It was supposed to be a lap dance, but she ended up moaning?! And did she just come?!

Nakita niya ang gulat kay Luke nang bigla siyang tumayo.

Tuluyan na siyang nahimasmasan. Mali ang ginawa niya! Mali na nga ang ginawa niya noon, tapos ay dinagdagan niya pa? Gano’n na ba talaga siya karupok pagdating sa lalaki sa harap niya?

“Zakia!” tawag sa kanya ni Luke pero hindi niya ito pinansin.

She went back to their table and told her friends that she would just go to the restroom.

Zakia washed herself while cursing. She really got wet. Damn her!

Nawalan na siya ng ganang ipagpatuloy ang party. Lumabas siya sa restroom at nagulat nang makita sa hallway si Luke, halatang naghihintay sa kanya.

She had no other words for him. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang paglalakad at hindi ito pinansin kahit pa tinawag siya nito. At dahil kagalang galang ito at hindi uso ang gumawa ng eksena na kukuha ng pansin ng ibang tao, tahimik itong sumunod sa kanya sa labas.

Naiirita talaga siya hindi lang sa sarili niya pati na rin kay Luke. Kaunti na lang ay sasabog na siya!

“Zakia…”

Vexed, she faced him with her sharp eyes. “What else do you want?!”

Nasa labas na sila ng D’ Club. Patuloy pa rin ang pagpasok ng mga tao, tiyak na magpa-party hanggang hatinggabi.

Luke’s brow shot up because of her reaction. He looked amused or what, but she didn’t care at all. She didn’t want to see him because he was the reminder that she was easy to get!

“I just want to—”

“Ayoko nga. ’Wag mo na akong ihatid. May sasakyan kami!”

He sighed, then nodded his head. Kalmado lang ito, samantalang siya ay galit na galit.

“At kung iniisip mo na hahabulin kita, hindi ’no!” dagdag niya pa. “Hindi ako naghahabol sa lalaki!”

Luke shifted his weight, and his brows furrowed. He looked formal and respectable. To hear that a woman like her was shouting at him would make her look stupid. Pero talagang naiinis siya at hindi kayang magpigil ng nararamdaman.

“I don’t chase women—”

“I know!” she cut him off.

Talaga namang hindi ito naghahabol. Dahil kung gano’ng klase ito, e di sana hinabol na siya pagkatapos noong nangyari sa kanila sa Palaui Island. Iyon marahil ang puno’t dulong dahilan marahil kung bakit siya sobrang iritado. He didn’t chase her. What a bruise to her ego.

“You could’ve done that before, but you didn’t. You don’t need to say that in front of my face!” Then she left him there with a heavy heart.

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER FOUR

“WHAT did you say, Paloma?!” Zakia’s voice volumed up that made Paloma’s step back.

She’s still very upset about what happened in D’ Club. Masaya sana ang welcome back party ng mga kaibigan niya sa kanila ni Zalanna kung hindi niya lang nilapitan si Luke at binigyan ng lap dance.

Sa isang banda, gusto niyang sisihin ang sarili kung bakit sa dami ng lalaki sa club, si Luke pa talaga ang pinili niyang sayawan nang gano’n? Sinayang niya lang ang dalawang taong pag-iwas kung siya lang din pala ang lumapit nang kusa sa lalaking ’yon.

“Akala ko kasi magkakilala kayo, Senyorita. Kaya ibinigay ko ang numero mo kay Sir Luke para—”

“Kilala ko siya pero hindi mo dapat ibinigay ang number ko!”

“P-pasensya na, Senyorita Zakia—”

“Tss!”

Inis na inis siya habang pinapagalitan si Paloma. Ang kawawang kasambahay ay hindi makatingin sa kanya. Alam na alam nito ang ugali niya kapag galit.

“Mukhang tipo ka niya. Halata naman sa mga tingin niya sa ’yo kanina…” Nahinto ito nang tignan niya nang masama.

“I wasn’t his type.” That’s what she knew or that’s what she made herself believe.

Kung talagang tipo nga siya ni Luke, noon pa sana ito gumawa ng hakbang para magkalapit sila. But he didn’t. And she knew what that meant. She’s not his type and he told her that.

“Kapag tinext ka niya o tinawagan, ibig sabihin ay type ka niya, Senyorita.”

Nanatili ang iritasyon kay Zakia kahit pa medyo umasa nga siya sa sinabi ni Paloma. After all, Luke would refuse getting her cellphone number if he didn’t have plans to get in touch with her.

She’s a bit tipsy but not yet sleepy. She took a shower and lay in bed. Nang sulyapan niya ang cellphone sa gilid ng kama at nakitang walang kahit anong mensahe o missed calls doon, bumuntonghininga siya. Did she really absentmindedly wait for him to contact her?

Zakia decided to sleep after a long while of waiting. At kung kailan antok na antok na siya, doon pa talaga nag-vibrate ang cellphone niya para sa isang tawag.

Without looking at the screen, she sleepily grabbed her phone, answered the damn call, and placed on her ear.

“Yes?”

“Did I wake you up?” The voice from the other line made her eyes wide open.

Napabalikwas siya at agad na tiningnan kung sino ang caller. The number was unregistered, and she already knew who was on the other line.

Kinalma niya ang sarili kahit pa hindi nakikisama ang mabilis na pintig ng kanyang puso.

“Yeah. I was about to sleep.”

“Oh, I’ll let you sleep then—”

“Why did you call?” Her tone was cold.

She heard him sigh his frustration.

“I just wanna hear your voice.”

Ikinunot ni Zakia ang noo. Wala siyang ideya kung bakit imbes na matuwa, nairita pa siya.

Hearing Honorable Mayor Luke Fuentes’ say that he wanted to hear her voice felt real but also unbelievable.

“Oh, do you want me to sing for you?” The sarcasm on her voice was evident.

Luke chuckled huskily and that made her stomach flutter. Lalo lang siyang nagalit dahil sa sariling naramdaman.

“I know you’re upset. I’d like to make things right for both of us, Zakia.”

Ngumuso siya para pigilan ang pagguhit ng ngiti sa labi. Wala namang nakakatawa pero bakit hindi niya mapigilan na maging masaya? Nababaliw na yata siya?

“How can you do that?”

“I could come and visit you tomorrow, if that’s okay with you.”

Nataranta siya kaagad. Ayaw niyang papuntahin si Luke sa condo unit nila. Hindi pa siya handa sa mga tanong na ibabato sa kanya ni Zalanna sa oras na malaman nito na nakikipagkita siya sa isang lalaki. At tiyak na magsasabi si Paloma sa kapatid niya, kaya hindi pwede ang gusto ni Luke.

“Where are you staying?”

“Altaraza Hotel. Why?”

“I could go there for lunch.”

“It’s not a good idea, I think.”

Umangat ang isang kilay niya.

Did that mean he didn’t like to be seen in public with a girl? That thought annoyed her more.

“Why not?”

“Do you really want to go here?”

“Yes. I like the foods there.”

“Okay then. I’ll send a car to pick you up.”

“Do you know where I live?”

Isang marahang tawa ang narinig niya ngunit hindi naman sinagot ang tanong niya.

“I’ll let you go now.”

Zakia leered. So, he knew where she lives? Or Paloma told him? Paano naman masasabi ni Paloma? Unless Luke got Paloma’s number too?

“Okay.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good sleep.”

“You too.” She was the one who cut the line.

Zakia sighed. She was not sure if she made the right decision to meet Luke. At bakit gusto rin nitong makipagkita sa kanya? Para saan? Ano ang dahilan? Marami pang tanong ang bumuhos sa kanya hanggang sa nakatulog siya. Kinabukasan ay masiglang Paloma ang bumungad sa kanya.

“Magandang umaga, Senyorita. Nakapagluto na ako ng almusal.”

“Morning. What’s for breakfast?”

“Fried rice, beef tapa, and egg. May toast bread din.”

Naghain si Paloma ng pagkain sa hapag habang pasulyap-sulyap sa kanya. Halata sa mga mata ang lihim na pag-uusisa.

“Ah, eh, Senyorita, tumawag ba sa ’yo si Sir Luke?”

Iniwas niya ang tingin at kinuha ang baso ng orange juice.

“I don’t wanna talk about him.”

“Hindi siya tumawag? Ibig sabihin hindi ka niya type? Kung gano’n—”

“He called last night, okay?”

Kumislap ang mga mata nito at napapalakpak pa.

“Sabi na nga ba, e. Halata talagang type ka ni Sir Luke. Nakita ko kung paano ka niya tingnan nang malagkit kahit pa sinisigawan mo siya kagabi.”

“He told me that I was not his type. So, whatever is in your mind, forget it, Paloma.”

“Pero, Senyorita—”

“And stop talking about him. Understand?”

Mabilis itong tumango at hindi na nga talaga nagtanong ng tungkol kay Luke.

Sporting a sage tank dress, strappy heeled sandals, and a Bottega Veneta chain handbag, Zakia strutted confidently towards Altaraza Hotel’s restaurant. She ignored all the eyes that were looking at her.

Luke stood up from his chair when he spotted her. He’s effortlessly handsome that even though he didn’t try to get the attention of the people there, most of the girls couldn’t stop from ogling at him.

He pulled a chair for her that showed how gentleman he was. His scent invaded her senses and his eyes that watched her every move made her heart beat rapidly.

“I didn’t expect you to come, but I am glad you’re here.”

“I didn’t expect to be here, too.”

Dumating ang waiter para kunin ang order nila kaya nahinto ang maiksing pag-uusap. It didn’t feel awkward, but she’s really lost for words. Hindi niya alam kung kinakabahan lang ba siya o sadyang ayaw gumawa ng isip niya para mapahaba pa ang usapan.

“I want to apologize about what happened last night. I shouldn’t do that. I am really sorry.”

Zakia sipped on the glass of cold water.

He didn’t need to apologize though, but it amazed her that he did. Kung hindi naman niya nilapitan si Luke, hindi rin naman mangyayari ang nangyari habang nasa kandungan siya nito.

“Was that the reason why you invited me here?” She arched her brow.

Luke shifted on his seat. He’s wearing a designer polo shirt, expensive leather belt, and dark pants. The way the sleeves hugged the muscles on his forearms caught her attention. Even the protruded veins on his arms down to the back of his hands were hard to ignore.

“Not exactly.”

“Was there another reason then?” She smirked.

When Luke smirked back, she kinda figure out what he meant. It was embarrassing to think about what happened between them two years ago, but she couldn’t stop herself. Especially when she’s facing the man who made her feel a woman and brought her to paradise.

“You left something that night…”

Zakia’s cheek heated up when she realized what Luke was talking about.

“I’d like to give it back personally.” The smirk on his lips stayed while staring hotly at her.

“What is it?” she innocently asked as if she didn’t know what he’s talking about.

“It’s a red piece that always reminded me of you, Zakia.”

“I don’t know what you were talking about, Luke.”

His thick eyebrow shot up after she said his first name. Nakita niya ang pagkaaliw sa mga mata nito.

“But you can give it to me now.”

“I left it in my room.”

Umirap siya. Kahit na medyo nakakahiya ang usapan nila, natutuwa pa rin siya dahil may topic sila.

Their foods were served, and they started eating. Hindi pa nangangalahati ang pagkain nila ay may lumapit na isang babae at alam niya kaagad kung ano ang nais nito noong makita niya ang hawak na media recorder at ang lalaki ay camera naman na nakatutok sa kanila.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your peaceful lunch with this beautiful woman, Mayor Luke. But can you give us a minute for a short interview?” The girl approached politely.

Zakia wasn’t used to it. Their family was very private. They didn’t like to be on the spotlight. Kung may kailangan mang malaman ang mga tao tungkol sa pamilya nila o sa negosyo, mayroon silang tao na pinagkakatiwalaan para sumagot ng mga tanong. Though, her brothers could also entertain the press and medias if it involved their family business.

Luke’s eyes roamed around the restaurant, probably searching for his bodyguard. Hindi man sabihin, nakita niya sa mga mata nito na hindi komportable na may mga taong dahilan kung bakit pareho silang natigil sa pagkain.

“Excuse me, Miss, may I know who you are? Are you two dating?” intriga ng babae habang ngiting-ngiti.

Nang makita ng mga ito na parating ang dalawang unipormadong lalaki, nagmadali rin sa pagtatanong.

“Mayor Luke, what can you say about the ongoing project of the Villamors in your town? People can’t wait to finish it so they can easily visit the island.”

“It will be finished soon. We are getting ready to welcome everyone to the island,” Luke answered with a warm smile.

“Thanks, Mayor. Mas gwapo ka talaga sa personal! You two look good together, by the way.”

Isang ngiti lang ang isinagot ni Luke sa babae at sa kanya naman tumingin na para bang sinisigurado kung ayos lang ba siya.

“Miss, may I know your name? Are you a model? How did you meet Mayor Luke?” Sa kanya naman ang atensyon ng babae at ang camera ay nasa kanya rin.

“I am not a model,” she said casually, stopping herself from being agitated because she couldn’t eat properly.

“What do you do for living then?”

“Does it matter?” She said those words with a fake smile, but deep inside, she really wanted them to leave her alone. Kung hindi niya lang kasama si Luke, tiyak na tinarayan niya na talaga ang dalawang intruder at pinaalis.

“It does. Most of Mayor Luke’s ex-girlfriends were models and beauty queens. You must be a family friend?”

“I am not.”

“May I know who you are?”

Zakia put down the glass of wine then looked at the girl with a sweet smile.

“Are you aware that you’re interrupting our lunch?”

“Oh.” Napaatras ito at naging hilaw ang ngiti. “I am sorry. We will leave now. Thank you for your time, Miss and Mayor Luke.”

Humugot ng hangin sa dibdib ang kaharap niya na para bang nagkaroon bigla ng malaking problema.

“I’m sorry about that. I’ll make sure it won’t happen again.”

“I don’t mind them having an interview with you, but I hope not when we are eating. It was disrespectful.”

“I understand. And yes, you’re right.”

“I know you are used to it, but I am not, Luke.”

His lips parted a bit as if he’s panicking or what. He seemed like he wanted to explain something but ended up sipping his wine.

“I don’t want to be in tabloids, magazines, or social media, but I know you cannot really stop them from publishing that unexpected interview. I hope people won’t talk about me having a lunch with their favorite mayor.”

She realized her actions towards the girl a while ago. She may be smiling and being casual, but she’s sure it would appear that she was not really nice. Wala pa man ding nangyayari pero naiisip niya na kaagad na huhusgahan siya ng mga tao.

But who cares, right? She’s being true to herself. She didn’t like that interview especially when she’s eating.

“I’ll try what I can do to stop them. I don’t want to be a trouble to your privacy.”

Ipinagpatuloy ni Zakia ang pagkain. She’s just hoping that Luke could really do something about it. Pwede naman sigurong ang interview lang kay Luke ang ilabas at huwag na ang kanya.

“Maybe next time, let’s just meet in a place where we could have our privacy. What do you think?” She stared at him while waiting for his answer.

The side of his lips rose up. He darkly stared back at her that made her gulp.

“Sure. That’s a good idea.”

Huli niya nang natanto na siya pa talaga ang nagbigay ng ideya na magkikita ulit sila. At siya pa talaga ang nagdesisyon kung sa anong klaseng lugar dapat sila magkita?

Zakia cleared her throat. She needed to open up a new topic. Kailangan niyang tabunan ang suhestiyon niyang iyon.

“Are you from here?”

“No.”

“Uh, what are you doing here then?”

“I had to attend a business meeting and some seminars.”

“About politics?”

Luke smiled warmly. “Yeah.”

“Kailan ka babalik sa inyo?”

“This weekend.”

Kung gano’n, paano sila magkikita ulit?

“Would you like to visit my hometown?” he asked as if he had read her mind.

Matagal siya bago sumagot. Tinapos niya muna ang pagkain at sumimsim naman sa juice.

Was that an invitation? And to his hometown? Did it mean she would be able to see where he serves, where he lives, and probably his family? Hindi ba masyadong mabilis ang pangyayari?

“I’ll think about it. I have work here.” She bit her lips for lying.

Work? Really? She didn’t even work! She just parties and spends her parents’ money for her caprice!

“I see. Where do you work?”

“We have a family business. I work there.” Tumango-tango si Luke. Para bang na-impress. Natuwa siya na gano’n ang naging reaksyon nito.

“I started working there since I was twenty. And I am twenty-five now,” dagdag niya pa sa mga kasingungalingan niya.

Lumiit ang mga mata nito. Nakita niya na naman sa mga mata nito na hindi ito naniniwala sa kanya. But she needed to stand with her words. Naalala niya pa na ayaw nito sa mas bata rito. Kaya baka okay na siguro ’yung edad na sinabi niya? Compared to her real age?

“I thought you were the same age with Xaria…” Luke trailed off that made her nervous.

Napainom si Zakia ng malamig na tubig at naubos niya pa ’yon. Hindi naman mainit ang paligid ngunit pakiramdam niya ay pinagpapawisan siya nang husto. Ang tibok ng puso niya ay bumilis pa. Dumagdag lamang sa kaba sa dibdib niya.

“Oh, I am so full. I really like their chef here!” pag-iiba niya sa usapan.

When he sighed, she knew he’s trying himself to ask more questions.

“Are you free tonight?”

“Hmm, yes. Why did you ask?”

“We could have dinner somewhere private.”

Nagkibit siya ng balikat. Wala rin naman siyang gagawin sa gabi. Isa pa, lulubusin niya na rin ang pakikipagkita kay Luke dahil aalis din naman ito kalaunan at hindi niya alam kung magkikita pa ba sila o hindi.

“Wala ka bang girlfriend?”

Marahan itong natawa. Tapos ay umiling, halatang nagustuhan ang tanong niya.

“Wala. Ikaw ba?”

“I have a fling.”

“A what?” He looked bewildered.

“Fling. ’Yung parang kayo pero hindi naman talaga. Technically, I am single.”

“But you two were dating?”

“Sometimes. If we want to.”

Ang kaninang ngiti sa labi nito ay biglang napawi.

“You cannot date another man if you’re already dating someone else, Zakia.”

“As if I don’t know that? The reason why I like flings is because I can still be free to do whatever I want.”

“Well, baby, I am not here for flings.”

Umirap siya sa hangin.

Bakit ba humatong sa gano’n ang usapan nila? Flings nga lang ang gusto niya. It was not her problem if Luke didn’t like what kind of relationship she preferred.

“I am too old for that.”

“What do you prefer then?” She rested her back and played with the glass of her wine.

“You talked about flings. Does it mean you allow your fling to do what I did to you?” he asked instead and ignored her question.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. Mabilis siyang umiling. Of course, she wouldn’t do that again with another man! Kaya nga hindi nagtatagal ang mga ka-fling niya dahil hindi niya napagbibigyan.

“No. You were the only one and the first man who did that to me.”

Luke let out a breath. Pumikit ito na animo nagpipigil ng kung ano o kinakalma ang sarili. She couldn’t read what’s on his mind. But he looked hot when he’s mad or stressed.

“And hopefully I will be the last,” he murmured that she didn’t really understand.

“Say it again?”

He shook his head. “Break up with your fling.”

Zakia almost rolled her eyes. He’s being possessive, e?

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Then, I’ll make you do it willingly.”

“How?”

A ghost smile formed on his lips. “You’ll find out soon.”

But the truth was, she didn’t have a fling at the moment. To know that he would do something for her to break up with her fling made her smirk. What would he do then?

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER FIVE

THE moment she lied about her age and job, Zakia knew she was already fucked up. Sa kagustuhang paluguran si Luke, nagawa niya pang gumawa ng kwentong barbero. Ano na ang gagawin niya sa oras na magtanong ito tungkol sa trabaho niya? O kaya’y hanapan siya ng katibayan tungkol sa edad niya?

After their lunch date or if it was a date, Zakia went back home. Si Paloma kaagad ang sumalubong sa kanya.

“Senyorita, kumusta ang date ninyo ni Sir Luke?”

Zakia tiredly sit on the sofa. “It was fine.”

“Ah, ano, mauulit ba?”

Inirapan niya ang kasambahay. “Can you give me something to drink instead of being nosy, Paloma?”

Mabilis itong tumango at tumalima na. Paloma was always nosy. Ngunit kahit pa gano’n, hindi naman talaga nakakairita. Alam din naman kasi nito ang hangganan sa pagtatanong. Medyo nasasanay na siya lalo at matagal niya na rin naman itong kilala simula pa noong sa hacienda ito naninilbihan sa kanila.

Sa tuwing naiisip ni Zakia ang mga sinabi niya kay Luke, parang sumasakit ang ulo niya. Kailangan niyang mag-isip ng paraan upang mapatunayan na may trabaho pa talaga siya. Para kung sakaling magtanong si Luke, may isasagot siya.

“Where’s Zalanna, by the way?”

Inilapag ni Paloma ang orange juice sa lamesa bago siya sinagot. “Lumabas lang po, Senyorita. May bibilhin daw siya sa mall.”

Mabuti pa ang kapatid niya, hindi namomroblema sa lalaki. Palibhasa, sobrang pihikan. Magtatangka pa lang mangligaw, basted na agad. Samantalang siya, kapag tipo niya ang nanliligaw sa kanya, sasagutin niya. Kung gaano niya kadaling sinagot, gano’n niya rin kabilis hiwalayan. Walang nagtatagal sa kanyang relasyon. Kaya naman mas pinili niya na lang ang fling. Sa tingin niya kasi ay mas okay ’yon.

Sa sumunod na imbitasyon sa kanya ni Luke, gumawa siya ng dahilan para hindi ito paunlakan. Zakia was not ready to face him especially when she thinks about her lies. Wala pa siyang nakukuhang trabaho at baka maging iyon pa ang topic nila kapag nakipagkita siya.

Umuwi na lang lahat-lahat si Luke sa kung saan ito nakatira nang hindi siya nagpakita. Ang tanging komunikasyon lang sa pagitan nila ay sa pamamagitan ng text messages or tawag paminsan-minsan.

It was one of their friend’s birthday, Aron, and she really wanted to party. Kaya lang noong sinabuhan niya si Zalanna tungkol doon, kaagad itong umayaw.

She kinda knew why her sister doesn’t like to party anymore. Ilang beses niya na rin itong inaya sa D’ Club pero labis ang pagtanggi. Zalanna was not really open about her reason, but she knew there was. Nariyan si Paloma para pagkuhanan niya ng impormasyon na piniling ilihim sa kanya ng kapatid.

“The man in D’ Club? What about him?”

“Basta, Senyorita. Hindi mo ba napansin na simula noong nagpunta kayo sa D’ Club para sa welcome back party, hindi na umulit si Senyorita Zalanna na sumama sa inyo?”

Parang bubuyog si Paloma habang nagkukwento at sumasagot sa mga tanong niya.

“’Yon bang binigyan niya ng lap dance? That man?”

“Oo. Siguro.” Medyo lito ang kausap. “’Yong guwapo at matipuno.”

“So, my sister is avoiding parties because of that man? Hmm…”

“O baka abala lang talaga si Senyorita Zalanna dahil naghahanda sa pasukan sa unibersidad.”

Hindi niya na pinakinggan si Paloma. Ang isip niya ay nilukob na ng mga ideya tungkol sa kapatid niya at sa lalaking binigyan nito ng lap dance noon. Hindi naman gano’n kadali maging apektado si Zalanna patungkol sa mga lalaki, pero mukhang kakaiba itong nangyayari sa kapatid. She seemed affected with that man.

“Magtatampo ’yon, Zalanna,” subok niya ulit dito para lang sumama.

“Ayoko nga. Kayo na lang.”

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

Paloma, on the other hand, was preparing their lunch. Pero alam niyang nakikinig ito.

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

“You are no fun!” Medyo iritado na siya kaya inirapan ang kapatid. “If you don’t want to drink, then don’t. Just go there.”

Tama naman siya, ’di ba? Ang mahalaga ay magpunta si Zalanna dahil kaarawan ’yon ni Aron. Kahit hindi na ito uminom. Her presence was enough.

“Alright. I’m coming.”

Lumawak ang ngiti sa labi niya dahil sa narinig. Dahil sa galak ay niyakap niya si Zalanna. She wouldn’t get bored at the party but to have her sister with her was more fun.

Pagkatapos maghain ni Paloma sa lamesa, nagpunta ito sa living area para buksan ang telebisyon at manood ng telenobela.

“Manliligaw mo ba ’yon, Senyorita Zakia?” biglang tanong nito at hindi siya nakapaghanda roon.

Umangat ang isang kilay niya. “No.”

Obviously, Paloma was talking about Luke.

She saw Zalanna raise her brow. Kagaya ng sinabi niya, ayaw niya munang ipaalam sa kapatid niya ang tungkol kay Luke.

“Mayor ’yon, ’di ba?” usisa ni Paloma.

“Yeah.”

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

“Shut up, Paloma.” She almost cut Paloma off. “Fling lang kami ni Alluke!”

Hindi talaga mapagkakatiwalaan si Paloma tungkol sa mga fling niya. Palagi siyang ibinubuko kapag nariyan si Zalanna.

Sana naman ay huwag na nitong banggitin na in-stalk nila si Luke sa social media kaya alam niya na ang buong pangalan nito, ang background ng pamilya, mga babaeng na-link, at higit sa lahat ay ang mga achievement and award na nakamit.

Knowing that he’s intelligent and very successful made her more determined to find a damn job so she could at least impress him.

At dahil wala siyang magawa noong makauwi galing sa lunch date nila ni Luke, naisip niyang hanapin ang pangalan nito sa Google. When a person is popular, it will be easy to find them. Zakia typed Mayor Luke in the Philippines on the search bar. And to her surprise, his pictures and a lot of articles about him popped. Ang unang-una niyang pinagtuunan nang pansin ay ang biography nito.

‘Alluke “Luke” Fuentes is a Filipino politician serving as the mayor of Buenavista. He was raised by a public servant and a philanthropist.’

That’s the first introduction of his biography, followed by his achievements, siblings, parents, and future plans.

“Ang gwapo!” ani Paloma na hindi niya alam na nakadungaw pala sa may likod niya.

Huli na kung itatago niya pa rito ang tinitingnan niya. Umirap na lang siya at nagpanggap na walang pakialam habang patuloy na nagbabasa.

So, Luke was on his last term as the mayor and there were rumors that he would run as the governor of the province. Ang ama nito ay ang current na gobernador doon, ang kapatid na lalaki ay congressman naman. It was a political dynasty, but it seemed like nobody complained. Marahil ay talagang magaling mamuno ang mga Fuentes at mahal ito ng mga tao.

“Grabe! Papalit-palit lang sila ng posisyon sa gobyerno at mahirap talunin ang pamilya nila,” sabat ni Paloma na nakikibasa rin.

“Tingnan mo naman ang mga kapatid, lahat ay propesyonal! Doktor at abogado ang dawalang babae. Ang mama niya naman ay namatay na at dating beauty queen. Ang ganda…” patuloy nito n namamangha.

Binasa ni Zakia ang tungkol sa ina ni Luke. Ayon sa artikulo, ang ikinamatay nito ay tama ng baril. Bilang pagpupugay Rito dahil sa kabutihan sa mga tao, ipinangalan dito ang farm house na nakatayo sa mango plantation na pag-aari din ng mga Fuentes.

Casa Eulalia is a farmhouse dedicated to Eulalia Monterozza by her husband Leonardo Fuentes. The mango plantation or known as ‘Los Querido’ is the biggest plantation in Western Visayas.

“Hindi kaya dahil sa politika kaya namatay ang ina ni Mayor Luke?”

Napaisip siya sa haka-haka ni Paloma. It could be the reason, right? Because Luke’s father had been ruling the province for over a decade. Tapos, sumunod sa yapak nto ang dalawang anak pa na lalaki. Paano kung tungkol sa politika nga ang dahilan nang pagkamatay ng ina ni Luke?

Zakia couldn’t deny how she felt nervous at that thought. Wala siyang masyadong alam sa politika, pero may nababalitaan naman siya na madumi ang politika sa Pilipinas.

Paano kung magkatuluyan sila ni Luke? Magkakaroon din ba siya ng bodyguard? O baka mas humigpit pa sa kanya ang magulang at magpadala rin ng bantay niya kapag nagkataon? Dahil lang sa politician si Luke?

Ipinilig ni Zakia ang ulo. Sobrang advance niya namang mag-isip!

“Ang dami niyang achievements and awards! Ang hirap pantayan niyan. At…” Medyo lumapit pa si Paloma sa screen ng cellphone niya. “Mahilig pala si Mayor Luke sa mga beauty queen.”

Zakia then visited the link about Luke dating a beauty queen. Nakatatlong article siya at ang huli ay na-link ang binata sa isa na kapapanalo lang bilang Miss Intercontinental Philippines. Verika Winfield is model and beauty queen. Pati ang background ng babae ay tiningnan niya rin.

Noong matanto na halos perpekto ang mga babae ni Luke, nairita siya sa hindi malaman na dahilan. So, he likes beauty queen? How come he would like her? She’s not a beauty queen and not a model. She’s a damn spoiled brat and jobless! Surely, not his type. She did not even pass his standards for women.

Zakia put her phone above the table and rested her head on the sofa. Imbes na ang paghahanap lang ng trabaho ang iisipin niya, dumagdag pa ang mga tipo ni Luke isa isang babae.

Maybe he just invited her for lunch because he’s bored? So, while he was in Manila, he had to find someone to entertain him and that’s her? Gano’n ba? Kaya magkikita lang sila kapag nasa Maynila ito? Habang iniisip ang mga bagay na ’yon ay mas lalo lang siyang naiinis.

Whenever she received a text message from Luke, she always chose not to reply. It’s all because she’s annoyed at herself. Wala rin naman yatang patutunguhan kung ipagpatuloy niya ang nasimulan nila. Magsasayang lang siya ng oras. Hindi rin naman sila palaging magkikita. She didn’t want a long-distance relationship. It’s a big no to her.

“Happy Birthday, Aron!” they greeted the celebrant.

Zakia was already tipsy. Ilang oras na rin naman silang nasa party. Lumusong siya sa tubig sa swimming pool para mahimasmasan. May ilang lalaking lumapit sa kanya at nakipagkilala. Ipinagtakhan niya na kahit na tipo niya naman, wala siyang interes. She likes boys, she likes to flirt with them, but she felt like she was not in the mood to do that.

When she looked at where Zalanna was, she saw her sister talking to a guy. Siniko niya si Valeria.

“Who’s that?” She pointed the guy with her lips.

“That’s Korbin. Aron’s friend.”

“Do you think he likes my sister?”

“If I were you, I’d tell Zalanna to stay away from Korbin if she doesn’t want to be in trouble.”

“Thanks for the warning, Valeria. I’d surely tell that to my sister.”

Kalaunan ay umahon na siya sa tubig. She grabbed the robe and covered her body with it. Nang may dumaan na waiter ay kumuha siya ng dalawang glass ng tequila.

“Here, take this one,” walang nagawa si Zalanna nang inabot niya iyon. Zalanna only glared at her but took the shot.

Zakia looked at Korbin from head to toe. He seemed a nice friendly guy. Probably the same age as them. Kung tama si Valeria na mapapahamak ang kapatid niya kapag nakipaglapit dito, kailangan niya na itong balaan agad.

“Zakia! Zakia! Your phone kept on ringing.” Lila caught her attention and showed the screen of her phone.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makita kung sino ang tumatawag.

Fling 1 is calling…

And that’s Luke!

Naglakad siya kung nasaan si Lila at kinuha rito ang cellphone niya.

“How many flings do you have?” her friend teased.

Ngumisi lang siya at nagpunta sa loob ng malaking bahay kung saan medyo mahina ang tugtog bago sinagot ang tawag.

“Hello?”

“Hi, did I disturb you?”

“I’m at a party.”

“Oh, where is it?”

At bakit niya naman sasabihin? Hindi niya naman ito boyfriend.

“Why did you call?” she asked instead.

“I’m in Manila.”

Umangat ang kilay niya. “So?”

Luke sighed on the other line.

Nang may dumaan na waiter ay kumuha siya ng wine. Sumimsim siya roon habang naghihintay ng isasagot ni Luke.

“I wanna talk with you.”

“About what?”

“Zakia, let’s just talk. Where are you? Pupuntahan kita diyan.”

Ngumuso siya upang pigilan ang nagbabadyang ngiti.

Bakit ba gano’n umasta ang lalaking ’to? Pwede namang hindi siya puntahan. Pwede namang sa ibang araw na sila magkita o mag-usap?

“I’m still partying…” Kaagad niyang binawi ang sagot nang maisip na dapat ay umakto siyang matured. “…but yes, I’m going home soon. May pasok pa ako bukas.”

Mariin siyang pumikit. Pasok? Saan? Sa imaginary work niya? Come on, Zakia!

“Okay. Send me the address. I’m gonna be there.”

“Alright.”

Pagkatapos ng tawag ay inubos niya ang wine. Ano ba ang isasagot niya kapag nagtanong si Luke ng tungkol sa trabaho niya?

Zakia couldn’;t enjoy the party anymore after she sent the address to Luke. Alam niyang ilang sandali pa ay dadating na ito kaya naman nagbihis na siya. Zalanna, on the other hand, already went home using Korbin’s car.

After she sprayed some perfume and double checked her face in front of the mirror, she picked up her phone from her sling bag to answer Luke’s call.

“Yes?”

“I’m outside.”

Wala pa man ay nataranta na siya. Nagmamadaling kinuha niya ang bag at lumabas sa restroom.

“Okay. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Nilapitan niya ang mga kaibigan at nagpaalam na uuwi na. Wala namang naging tanong ang mga ito dahil abala rin sa ibang kausap.

The black Maserati was parked across the gate. Naka-hazard iyon kaya mabilis niyang nalaman na si Luke bukod pa sa ibinaba nito ang bintana ng driver’s side. Lalabas sana ito sa pinto upang pagbuksan siya ngunit umiling siya kaya hindi na ito tumuloy.

Zakia hopped inside his car and his familiar scent invaded her senses just like that. The feeling of being with him was something that she did not know she missed and longed for.

When he unbuckled his seatbelt and glanced at her, Zakia felt the rapid beating of her heart. Lumunok siya at muling nairita sa biglang naramdaman ng puso niya. Alam niya ang epekto sa kanya ni Luke, pero hindi siya sanay na pati ang tibok ng puso niya ay nadadamay.

Tiningnan niya ito pabalik. He’s wearing a black polo shirt, dark pants, and expensive leather belt. He’s really good looking despite the lack of smile on his lips. He moved closer and her heart was at it again.

She was not sure what he wanted but it felt like he was trying to steal a kiss from her. Like a boyfriend who just picked up his girl and asked for a welcome kiss. Uminit ang pisngi niya nang maisip pa ang tungkol doon. Baka siya lang ang nag-iisip na gusto siyang halikan ng binata.

“How’s the party?” His manly voice almost made her gulp.

“It’s fine. I had fun.”

His eyes then travelled to her body from her face. She’s wearing a cut out dress and it was not revealing for her. Hindi niya lang alam sa mga mata ng kasama niya.

“Buckle your seatbelt.” He moved his eyes back on hers from her chest.

Tahimik siyang nag-seatbelt at pasimpleng tiningnan ang suot lalo sa bandang dibdib dahil kagagaling lang ng mata ni Luke doon. Her cleavage was showing up but like what she said, it did not reveal all of it.

“Hmm, until when are you gonna stay in Manila?” she opened a conversation while he’s driving away from the village.

“I need to go back home tomorrow morning.”

Sandali lang pala talaga ito rito? Kailan naman sila magkikita ulit?

“Why do you want to talk with me?”

“Because I’d like to know your answer about my invitation.”

Zakia looked back to when the last time they talked about it. He invited her to his hometown. That’s it!

Isinandal niya ang ulo sa headrest. Hindi niya naman talaga pinag-isipan ang tungkol doon dahil mas nag-focus siya kung paano sila ni Luke balang araw kung sakali? Nakalimutan niyang nasa ‘getting-to-know-each-other’ stage pa lang sila kaya dapat doon muna niya ilaan ang atensyon niya.

“Uh, I can go with you tomorrow.”

Nilingon siya ni Luke pero ibinalik din ang tingin sa daan.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“How about your work?”

Halos mapangiwi si Zakia. Oo nga pala! May trabaho siya! Napaayos siya sa pagkakaupo at mabilis na nakaisip ng dahilan.

“I can have a day off. Mabait naman ang boss ko.”

Tumango-tango naman si Luke na para bang mas kinukumbinse ang sarili. Nag-isip pa tuloy siya ng pwedeng dahilan na mabilis nitong paniniwalaan.

“Besides, I am friends with my boss. He would understand.”

“He?” Para bang sa mga sinabi niya, iyon lang ang narinig nito.

“Yes, he,” confident na sagot niya.

Nang tiningnan niya ito, medyo nakakunot na ang noo at daig pa ang may kaaway sa daan.

How come he became a mayor when he looked snobbish when he was not smiling? The people love the kind of politician who has a light aura, unlike Luke. She didn’t know though. Baka sadyang sobrang galing nitong mamahala kaya hindi mabitawan ng mga tao.

“There would be no problem. I can have my short vacation,” pag-aalo niya pa na para bang kahit siya ay hindi rin mapaniwalaan ang mga sinasabi niya.

“Alright, then. You’ll come with me tomorrow.”

Zakia smile inwardly and closed her eyes to get some sleep.

CHAPTER 6 (SPG)

CHAPTER SIX

ZAKIA managed to wake up when she felt a warm hand lightly caress her cheek. Nang tingnan niya kung nasaan sila, umayos siya sa pagkakaupo. They were in front of Altaraza Hotel, and the valet went to her side to open the door for her.

Wala pa siya sa tamang wisyo nang lumabas siya sa sasakyan. Luke extended his hand in front of her, so she sleepily took it. They walked inside the lobby, but despite her current state, she still managed to notice how the people there looked at them until they entered the elevator.

She yawned and rested her back against the cold metal wall. Silang dalawa lang ni Luke ang naroon. He’s still holding her hand and his other hand was holding her bag that she left inside his car because she was too sleepy to even think about it.

Wala rin naman siyang balak kunin dito ang bag niya. Sa katunayan pa nga ay natuwa pa siya habang pinapanood itong bitbit iyon. It’s a Valentino tote bag. It’s kind of heavy because of the clothes and her personal stuff inside but the way he held it seemed like the weight didn’t bother him at all.

Bumukas ang elevator at naglakad sila papunta sa isang suite. Dapat ay kanina pa siya nagtatanong at nagrereklamo, pero hindi niya magawa. Talagang inaantok siya, pagod, at medyo lasing dahil sa ininom na alak sa pool party kanina.

“I’ll just get my things, then we’ll leave,” Luke said as he stared at her.

Kung gano’n, hindi sila mananatili ng buong gabi sa engrandeng suite na ’yon? Parang nawala bigla ang antok niya. Did she really expect that they would spend a night together in one bed? Really? Gano’n ba talaga siya karupok na babae? Hindi man lang ba siya magpapa-hard to get?

“I’m too tired to travel.” She rested her head at the back rest of the sofa.

Luke was inside his bedroom and since the door was open, they could hear and see each other. He’s picked his suitcase and leather backpack, then went to her.

“The chopper is waiting for us. It’s gonna be a short trip.”

Nanliit ang mga mata niya. Chopper? So, whenever he visits Manila, he uses a damn chopper? Sabagay, mas convenient iyon. Especially that before he gets to his hometown, he needs to take a plane and travel by the sea.

“Are you really that tired?” When he sat next to her, she felt like her senses got back to normal.

Despite his effects on her, Zakia remained her position.

“Did you drink?” His eyes never left her face.

Para bang binibigyan nito ang sarili ng kalayaang titigan siya upang makabisado ang bawat parte ng kanyang mukha.

“I did. But I am not drunk.”

“Are you sure?”

She could almost see the smirk on his lips as if he did not believe on her. Palagi na lang tila may pagdududa ito sa kanya at kahit pa gano’n ay naaaliw ito.

“Alam ko pa ang ginagawa ko, Luke. Hindi ako lasing. I’m just tired and sleepy.”

“Okay. Let’s just leave tomorrow morning—”

“No,” mabilis na agap niya. “It’s okay. Let’s just go.”

Kaya niya pa naman bumiyahe. Matutulog na lang siya sa chopper. Sayang din ang oras kung ipagpapabukas pa nila ng umaga ang pag-alis. Dalawang gabi lang siya pwedeng mawala at kailangan niya pang kausapin sina Zalanna at Paloma na huwag iyon sabihin sa magulang nila. Kung hindi, tiyak na ibabalik siya sa hacienda.

Matagal pa siyang pinagmasdan ni Luke bago ito tumango. Inilahad ulit nito ang kamay sa kanya at inabot niya naman ’yon. Outside the door was a familiar bodyguard of him who took their things and led the way.

The helipad was located at the rooftop of the hotel. Before they walked towards it, Luke wrapped his jacket around her which she did not expect. Kaya napatingin siya rito, ngunit hindi niya pa rin nagawang makapagsalita o makapagpasalamat man lang.

His eyes always mesmerized her and that could make her speechless. At hindi pwedeng gano’n palagi! Dapat ay hindi siya magpadala sa magaganda nitong mata. It should be the other way around.

The beauty of Manila from the evening sky was spectacular. Though they were wealthy, her family didn’t really live in luxury in front of the public’s eyes. They could surely afford buying a chopper or use it every time they wanted to travel, but her parents chose not to. Instead, whenever they travelled abroad, they just took a business or first-class seat.

Now, she’s wondering what else was Luke’s source of income aside from being a mayor? Because honestly speaking, the salary of a mayor according to her research was just the same as the cost of one of her luxury bags.

How the hell could he afford a chartered chopper? Unless he was using the people’s money for it?

Based on his looks, he didn’t seem like a kind of person who would take advantage of those unfortunate just to be fortunate. And having a clean record while being a public servant was really an achievement. He was never involved in corruption or any anomalies about politics.

She didn’t want to judge him, but she’s curious what else does he do for living? Dahil sa pag-iisip niya kung ano pa ang mga ginagawa ni Luke bukod sa pagiging mayor, nawala tuloy ang antok niya.

Then, she remembered that the Fuentes owned the largest mango plantation in the whole region of Western Visayas. If she dug deeper, she would probably know how many plantations they have and how he really earns.

At bakit ba parang importante sa kanya kung magkano ang kinikita ni Luke? Samantalang wala naman talaga siyang pakialam sa pera. At kung dumating man ang araw na maging sila sa huli, tiyak na hindi rin tututol ang magulang niya dahil maayos na tao si Luke at galing sa matinong pamilya.

Money was never a problem for her family. She and her siblings could choose whoever they wanted to marry. Their parents wouldn’t stop them as long as they knew that their children were happy being with that person.

She realized how lucky she was to have that kind of parents and to have siblings who were easy to be with. She’s blessed to have a kind of life that everyone was dreaming of. Kahit hindi siya magtrabaho, mabubuhay siya at mabibili ang mga gusto. And because she’s the youngest, it was not hard to ask for something from her parents or brothers. Palagi siyang pinagbibigyan ng mga ito.

Gano’n pa man, alam niya rin ang hangganan niya at ayaw niyang samantalahin ang kabaitan ng mga tao sa paligid niya.

Kaya siguro pagdating sa isang relasyon, mabilis din niyang pakalawan ang isang lalaki dahil lumaki siyang dala ang katotohanan na palagi siyang makakahanap ng kapalit. Kung mawala ang laruan niya noon o ang gamit, mabilis siyang nabibilhan ng bago. Gano’n din tuloy siya sa mga lalaki. Kapag ayaw niya na o ayaw na sa kanya, hindi niya masyadong dinadamdam dahil alam niyang marami pa ang magkakagusto sa kanya. She let them go easily.

The chopper landed at the helipad, which was probably part of the huge land of the Fuentes. The fresh breeze, the endless mango trees that she was seeing from afar, and the lights from the big farmhouse made everything unfamiliar to her. But she also felt lighter that she was there.

“Magandang umaga, Mayor,” bati ng sa palagay niya ay isa sa mga tauhan, tapos ay bumaling ito sa kanya. “Good morning, Ma’am.”

“Morning,” she greeted back with a small smile.

Naghihintay ang kulay puting sasakyan sa kanila at doon sila dumeretso pagkababa sa chopper. Nananatili siyang tahimik at pinagmasdan lang ang mga puno ng manggang nadaraanan nila sa magkabilang gilid ng kalsada.

Para bang hindi kaagad pumapasok sa isip niya na naroon nga siya sa lugar na ’yon at si Luke ang kasama niya. Kanina lang ay nasa party siya sa Maynila. Ngayon ay nasa probinsya na at mayor pa sa lugar na ’yon ang kasama niya. What a privilege , Zakia.

They were greeted by a woman who she thinks on her early fifties. Alam niyang hindi ito ang ina ni Luke. Kahit papaano, nakatulong talaga ang pang-i-stalk niya sa binata.

“Luke, may gusto ba kayong kainin o inumin?” Pagkatapos ng tanong na ’yon ay sa kanya naman bumaling.

Zakia tried to fake a smile even though all that she wanted was to rest. Hindi siya pwedeng magpaka-senyorita sa lugar na ’yon dahil dayo lang siya. Hindi rin siguro pwedeng magmaldita dahil makakaapekto ’yon kay Luke.

See? Hindi pa nga sila matagal na magkakilala, naiisip niya agad na kapag gumawa siya ng hindi maganda, magre-reflect ’yon sa binata. At kapag nalaman ng mga tao na maldita pala ang bagong kinagigiliwan ng mayor ng mga ito, baka magmukha pa siyang kontrabida.

“Hindi na, Pilar. Magpapahinga na kami.” Luke then placed his hand on the lower part of her back. “This is Zakia, by the way.”

“Good morning, Ma’am Zakia.”

“Zakia, this is Pilar, the head of the helpers here.”

“Hi.” She smiled cutely.

Nang ngumiti si Pilar, pakiramdam niya ay boto ito sa kanya para kay Luke. Kaya tuloy mas ginanahan pa siyang ayusin ang ugali niya habang naroon siya sa lugar na ’yon.

“Nakahanda na ang silid ni Ma’am Zakia.”

Napatingin siya kay Luke. Gustong umangat ng isang kilay niya. Talagang iniisip niya na matutulog siya sa kwarto ni Luke, eh?

“What’s with that look?” he said and raised his brow in an amused way.

Ngumuso siya at biglang nahiya sa mga naiisip. Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. Bakit ba gano’n ang laman ng utak niya? Nabahiran na agad ng kamunduhan wala pa man.

“I’ll take you to your room.”

Zakia was pouting while going upstairs with Luke.

The house was inspired by a Spanish Colonial house. She wasn’t wondering why because she knew that the Fuentes has Spanish blood. Even the furniture, chandeliers, and paintings on the walls could bring her back to Spain.

Huminto si Luke sa isang pinto at binuksan ’yon. The room was spacious, carpeted, clean, and comfy. The queen-sized bed at the center was inviting her. There’s also a balcony. The curtains, beddings, sofa set, and walls were in earth colors. It made her feel like she’s home.

“Did you like your room?” He’s standing behind her and she could feel his breath on her neck.

Imbes na maglalakad tuloy siya papunta sa balkonahe, napako ang mga paa niya sa tapat ng kama. Para bang hindi niya na kayang gumalaw.

“Yes. I like it. Where’s your room?”

“My room is just next door.”

“So, if I need anything, I can just go there?”

“Of course.”

Luke moved even closer that she felt his hard chest against her back. And when he wrapped his arms around her waist, she held her breath for a second. Napalunok siya at parang nanghihina ang mga tuhod. Having him behind her and that close made her heart beat wildly.

“Hmm, what are we gonna do tomorrow?” she opened a new topic so she could focus on it and not with the way he smells her hair.

“I can tour your around.”

Nang bumaba ang isang palad nito sa kanyang tiyan, daig niya pa ang kiniliti na halos mapaigtad siya. The fabric of her dress was not that thick, the reason why she could still feel the warmth of his palm.

“What’s in here?” tanong niya kahit pa alam niyang mango farm ang naroon.

“You’ll see tomorrow.”

“Wala ka bang trabaho bukas?”

“I’m free tomorrow morning, but I have a lunch meeting.”

“Iiwan mo ako rito?” Nanliit ang mga mata niya.

Pilit niya itong tiningnan kaya lang ay muntik na maglapad ang mga labi nila dahil napatingin din ito sa kanya. Siya lang ang unang umiwas.

“Luke, you cannot just leave me here.”

“I won’t leave you if you don’t like to stay here. Pwede kang sumama sa ’kin.”

Pwede ba ’yon? Hindi ba nito iniisip ang magiging opinyon ng mga tao kung sakaling makita silang magkasama?

People would surely think that they were a thing. Hindi niya tuloy alam kung matutuwa siya o ano.

“Saan ba ang meeting mo?”

“Sa bahay ng vice mayor.”

“Sino ang mga nasa meeting?”

“I’ll be with counselors. My father will be there too.”

His father was the current governor of the province. Masyado pa yatang maaga para ma-meet niya ang ama ni Luke. Pakiramdam niya tuloy ay may kulang sa kanya at hindi pa siya sapat para masabing karapat-dapat nga siya kay Luke. Naiisip niya ’yon kahit na wala pa naman silang label. Ni hindi nga sila magkaibigan.

“Uh, matagal ba ang meeting mo?”

“You don’t wanna come with me?”

Mabilis na umiling si Zakia. Nakapagdesisyon na agad siya na hindi sasama.

“I can stay here. Nandito naman si Pilar. May kausap ako. Hindi ka naman siguro aabutin ng gabi?”

“No, I’ll go home after the meeting, Zakia.”

“Siguraduhin mo lang, ha? Kapag ginabi ka, uuwi ako sa Maynila.”

Luke chuckled that made her smile for some reason.

“Was that a threat?”

“Yes. I was threatening their beloved mayor.”

“I’m scared you’d leave,” he whispered under her ear that gave her a different sensation. “But I won’t let that happen.”

Zakia craned when Luke’s lips travelled to her neck. His palms started to move. Mula sa tiyan niya ay humimas ’yon sa baywang niya. Para siyang napapaso ngunit gusto niya ang sensayong ibinibigay ng bawat haplos nito.

“I like your smell.” His voice was low and sensual.

“I know…” She smirked. “I can tell by your actions.”

Luke then cupped her jaw using his hand and made her face him. The moment she turned her face was the same moment their lips met.

He planted light kisses until she was the one who ask for more. Humarap siya rito upang magkaroon pa ng mas maayos na posisyon para ipagpatuloy ang sinimulang halik.

She knew how they could affect each other. She knew how they wanted each other. By looking through their eyes, she could guarantee that their feelings about it were mutual.

Zakia gasped when Luke attacked her with another kiss. Napapikit siya at hinayaan ang sariling malunod sa marubdob na halik.

Ang utak niya ay parang nasa ibabaw na ng ulap. Kahit ang paraan ng paghaplos nito sa kanyang katawan ay nagbibigay ng matinding init sa kanya. Kay hirap ipaliwanag ng damdamin niyang ’yon. Ang tanging sigurado siya ay gusto niya ang halik. Gusto niya ang haplos. Gusto niya ang nararamdaman sa tuwing nagdidikit ang kanilang mga balat.

Her moaned escaped when he inserted his tongue inside her mouth and urged her to do the same. And she did. Naglaban ang kanilang mga dila sa nakakahibong paraan. Tila walang gustong magpatalo. Walang gustong tumigil. Animo kay tagal na panahong hinintay na mangyari ’yon kaya kapwa sila uhaw at sabik.

Napasinghap siya sa gitna ng mainit na halikan nang gumapang ang palad ng binata sa ilalim ng dress niya at walang kahirap-hirap na sinakop ang isang dibdib niya. He massaged her breast that made her body heated more.

“Uhh…” She paused from the kiss to catch some air, but after a while, they resumed.

Dahil marahil sa nadala na siya at nanghina ang mga tuhod, bumagsak siya sa kandungan ni Luke nang maupo ito sa paanan ng kama. Ipinagpatuloy nila ang halikan, ang espadahan ng kanilang mga dila, at ang pagmamasahe nito sa kanyang magkabilang dibdib.

Zakia tried to open her eyes to see what he was doing with her body. Gumagalaw ang kamay nito na nagtatago sa tela ng kanyang damit habang ang isang palad ay senswal na humahaplos sa hita niya pataas.

She could feel him teasing her inner thighs and that’s really her weakness, she could tell. Alam niya agad sa sarili na sa oras na dumampi ang daliri ni Luke sa parteng ’yon, bibigay siya at magpapaubaya ulit.

“Luke…” she whispered his name softly when his fingers stayed at the fabric of her thong.

Banaag sa mga mata nito ang kamunduhan na tiyak na sumasalamin sa kanya. His lips parted a bit while slowly rubbing her femininity against her thong. Umawang din ang labi niya dahil nasasarapan siya sa ginagawa nito sa kanya.

Isinubsob niya ang mukha sa mabangong leeg nito at nagpaubaya. What she could only do was to feel the pleasure and moan.

She bit her lips when he skillfully slid his middle finger until they both felt it got soaked by her wetness.

“Tan ina…” he cursed under his breath the moment he knew that she was very aroused.

Mabagal ngunit sigurado ang bawat pagdulas ng daliri nito sa hiwa ng kanyang pagkababae kaya naman halos maputol ang hininga niya sa sobrang pagpipigil na huwag umungol nang malakas.

“Aahhh…” She buried her face more on his neck and wrapped her arms around his nape.

He even made her legs part a bit so he can rub her fully. Nakapikit siya habang mahinang umuungol. Wala rin sa sarili na iginagalaw niya ang balakang upang sabayan ang daliri nito.

“I wanna taste you.” His voice was sensual.

Uminit ang buong mukha niya nang rumehistro sa isip ang imaheng nangyari noong unang beses silang magkita. Sa loob ng yate. Sa gitna ng karagatan. Halos mabaliw siya sa sobrang kaluguran.

“I am so wet…”

“You are, baby.” He kissed the side of her head.

She gasped when he gently pinched her clit that made her thighs shake. Parang tumaas ang mga balahibo niya sa katawan sa kakaibang kiliting naramdaman.

“Shit…” She bit her lips again.

“Did you like it?”

“Yes. So much.”

“My tongue is way better.”

She couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I forgot the feeling of your tongue.”

But truth was, she would never forget it. She was just testing him on what he was going to do or what was his opinion about it. Because surely, he wouldn’t accept she had forgotten the way he pleased her before.

“Well, I’d like to get this chance for you to remember the feeling again.”

A seductive smile formed on her lips. “What is it that you want to happen, Mayor?”

Luke raised his brow and shook his head, but there was a hidden smirk that played on his lips.

“Just lay down and part your legs for me, Zakia. That’s all I want.”

Parang kung may anong pumintig sa pagkababae niya na para bang nasabik siya lalo na mangyari ang nangyari noon sa pagitan nilang dalawa.

Luke claimed her lips again and made her lay on the bed. While they were kissing hotly, he started to undress her. Another moan echoed when his lips found her nipples and sucked them alternately.

She’s aware on what’s happening, and she didn’t want to stop him. She wanted that. She wanted him. Her body was aching because of his touch. Ni hindi niya na naisip ang kahihinatnan ng lahat ng ’yon pagkatapos. All that she wanted was to feel him again on every part of her skin.

“Luke…” she moaned his name when his hot tongue finally made its way to devour her flesh.

CHAPTER 7 (SPG)

CHAPTER SEVEN

IT was like a wildfire that burned the woods. The feeling of being in a dreamy paradise where nobody was there but her and the man that brought her there was like the world only revolved around them.

Every flick of his tongue against her flesh, every gentle squeeze on her breast, every sweat, and every sound of satisfaction inside that room was making her body in so much fire that it felt like every bit of her turned into beautiful, withered flowers.

Her thighs were shaking already as he continued to suckle her throbbing nub. Bawat marahang pagsipsip nito sa kuntil na ’yon ay talagang nagpapadaing sa kanya sa matinding sarap na nahalinhinan ng hindi maipaliwanag na kiliting namumuo sa ibaba ng kanyang tiyan.

“Ohh… Luke… s-shit… that’s… that’s so good…” She reached for his head and raked her fingers on his hair and pulled him closer to her femininity as if she would lose her mind if he ever stopped.

Pabaling-baling ang kanyang ulo sa hinihigaan. Ang isang kamay ay mahigpit ang kapit sa bedsheet na animo doon nakasalalay ang natitirang mga oras niya sa mundo at kung bibitawan niya ’yon at ang pagkakahawak sa ulo ni Luke, tila ba katapusan niya na dahil lalabas ng walang pakundangan ang kanina pa namumuong kaluguran na naipon sa kanyang kaloob-looban.

She started to grind her hips against his tongue. And for him to fully devour her, he lifted her butt and made his palms as a support to her weight.

Lumakas ang ungol niya dahil talagang nararamdaman niya ang paglalaro ng dulo ng dila nito sa naninigas na kuntil ng pagkababae niya na para bang may masarap na katas na nakukuha roon kaya hindi tinitigilan hangga’t hindi nauubos.

“Ohh, Luke! Luke! Please… w-what are you d-doing…” She couldn’t even recognize her own voice.

She honestly did not know how many times she reached her climax, but that time, it felt like her world shattered when she reached her peak one more time as he kept on sucking her clitoris. Nanginig ang mga hita niya pati ang buong katawan dahil sa matinding pagragasa ng likido na hindi niya na napigilan pang lumabas galing sa kanya.

Zakia’s heart was beating loudly that she can hear it. Her breathing was heavy, and it felt like any moment, she would be out of breath. Pati ang mga kamay niya ay nanghihina at bumagsak ang mga ’yon sa gilid niya. Nananatili siyang nakapikit habang dinadama ang ngayo’y marahan na lapat ng dila sa pagkababae niya.

She could feel how wet she was, and Luke was making himself more satisfied while sticking his tongue on her entrance because of the honey that was coming from it.

“Luke…” Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang maramdaman na tila ipinapasok nito ang dila sa butas ng pagkababae niya.

Muli ay napaigtad siya dahil nakikiliti siya sa panunukso nito sa entrada niya. She gulped and waited for him to do whatever he wanted to do with her femininity.

“Are you trying to…”

“Insert my tongue inside,” he continued what she was trying to say. Uminit ang pisngi niya sa sobrang kahihiyan. Ngunit wala naman siyang lakas ng loob para pigilan ito sa nais dahil ’yon din ang isinisigaw ng katawan niya.

Thankfully, Luke let her rest for a couple of minutes. Zakia was really exhausted. It was a really long day, and she should be sleeping already. Nakahiga nga siya ngunit inubos naman ng binata ang natitirang enerhiya niya. She’s burned out and she needed damn sleep.

Umahon ito hanggang sa dumampi ang labi sa kanyang pisngi.

“I guess it’s time for you to have some sleep.” His voice was low and rasp.

She couldn’t even look at him in the eyes. She’s just hoping that the dimmed lights were enough to hide her rosy cheeks.

“How about you?”

Though she was not really looking at him, she could tell that he’s staring at her. Even the desire from his eyes could affect her skin.

“Let’s just sleep in my bed.”

With those words, Luke got up and carried her in a bridal style. She’s all naked and the idea of him going outside that room with her terrified her.

“Luke—”

“Sshh…” He smirked and turned to the door next to the bathroom. At dahil buhat siya nito gamit ang mga braso, siya na ang nagpihit ng pinto. He kicked it a bit that made it wide open.

Zakia rolled her eyes when she saw the master’s bedroom. Even though it was dark inside, the lights from the posts outside helped guide them to the king-sized bed with darker sheet.

“I need to wash first,” she told him right before he put her on his bed.

Luke brought her inside the shower room. The next door was where the bathtub was located. Gusto niya sana roon ngunit masyado na siyang inaantok para magbabad pa.

“Do you need some help?” he asked casually.

An image of her with him helping her to wash her body made her face heated. Baka kung saan na naman humantong ang dapat pagligo lang kapag pumayag siyang tulungan nito.

“Uh, I can do it myself.”

Luke’s gaze from her face down to her body was affecting her so much. Now that she’s standing naked in front of him, it only meant she did not need to hide her body from him.

Ito ang nagbukas ng shower at napatalon pa siya nang bahagya noong dumaloy na ang tubig mula sa ulo niya pababa sa katawan.

Though her world-shattering climax happened a few minutes ago, the impact of it remained. Napansin niya ang panghihina ng mga tuhod pati na rin ng mga braso. Kaya nang abutin niya ang body wash, halos mahulog ’yon.

She heard Luke sigh before he grabbed that body wash.

Tahimik si Zakia habang hinahayaan ang binata na pahiran ang katawan niya ng body wash. From her shoulder, arms, chest, stomach, thighs, until her legs, he’s gently rubbing that creamy liquid all over her body.

Humawak pa siya sa balikat ni Luke nang medyo lumuhod ito sa harap niya para maayos na malagyan ang hita niya. Hindi niya alam kung iniiwasan ba nitong tamaan ang pagkababae niya pero hindi nito ’yon binibigyan ng atensyon. Seryoso ito sa ginagawa at tahimik.

His callous palm against her soft skin was giving her stomach so many butterflies.

Naisip niya bigla kung gano’n din kaya ang nararamdaman ng mga babae kapag nakikipagkamay si Luke sa mga ito? Bukod sa napakagandang lalaki at may matikas na tindig ng katawan, sino kaya ang hindi makakaramdam ng atraksyon sa lalaking kaharap?

“Can you get my feminine wash?” she said in a very womanly voice.

Tumingala ito sa kanya sa namumungay na mga mata. Umawang ang labi nito na para bang ang hirap-hirap ng ginagawa nito sa katawan niya ngunit hindi magawang magreklamo.

“N-nasa bag ko.”

Luke nodded his head before he stood up. “Wait here.”

Mabait siyang tumango na akala mo talaga ay masunurin. When he left, that’s when the time Zakia let out a breath. Ni hindi niya napansin na kanina niya pa pinipigil ang paghinga.

She washed her hair and body using whatever was in there. To know that there’s no other stuff there for women made her smirk. Did it mean he did not bring his women there?

“Here.” He came back but stayed behind her. He’s wet too, but he didn’t mind.

Kukunin niya sana sa kamay nito ang feminine wash ngunit iniwas nito. Bagkos, ito mismo ang naglagay ng tamang amount sa mga daliri nito.

“Part your legs a bit,” he whispered sensually behind her ear that made her swallow.

Ipinaghiwalay niya nang bahagya ang mga hita at humawak sa magkabilang braso nito bilang suporta sa tila panghihina ng kanyang mga tuhod. When he slid his fingers between her folds and rubbed her gently there, she felt like her world stopped from spinning again. She rested her head on his chest and craned slightly for him to kiss her neck and shoulder.

She heard him cursing under his breath while sensually rubbing her femininity. Para bang pinipigil lang nito ang sarili na gawin ulit ang ginawa sa kanya sa kama dahil alam nito na pagod na siya at kailangan nang magpahinga.

“I’d like to lick you all night…” His sexy voice on her ear was giving her goosebumps.

“I like it too…” She smiled naughtily when he cursed again. “But I like to sleep, too.”

Marami pa naman silang pagkakataon na gawin ulit ’yon? At talagang gusto niya na maulit? Hindi talaga siya susuko? Magpapaubaya talaga siya?

After he washed her femininity, he covered her body with a robe and put her to bed before he washed himself. Everything went black from exhaustion and Zakia woke up with a tingling sensation from her chest.

Nakapatagilid siya ng higa at nang tuluyan niyang imulat ang mga mata, nakagat niya na lang ang pang-ibabang labi nang makita si Luke na ipinapaikot ang dila sa utong niya, habang ang daliri ay pinaglalaruan ang isa.

“Luke…” Her sleepy voice sounded sensual.

“Mornin’, baby.” He smirked then continued to lick her nipple while his eyes were on hers, telling her how much he liked what he’s doing.

Sumulyap siya sa balkonahe. Alam niyang maliwanag na sa labas kahit pa natatakpan iyon ng makapal na kurtina. Bumalik lang ang atensyon niya kay Luke nang sipsipin nito ang magkabilang dunggot niya.

Zakia released a sigh of satisfaction. Napapikit na lang ulit siya at dinama ang ligayang gumising sa kanya.

“Don’t suck too much, ahh…” She massaged his hair. “Ganyan ka ba kasabik sa akin?” Sabay tawa niya.

Luke chuckled between sucking her nipples. “Uh-huh.”

When his hand traveled down to her waist and thighs, she gulped. Her soft skin seemed softer because of his callous palm.

“W-what are you doing…” Medyo nataranta siya nang tumigil ito sa ginagawa at bumaba ang ulo sa kanyang tiyan.

She remained laying on her side. When he lifted her thigh and buried his head in between, Zakia couldn’t help but groan deliciously. Isinubsob niya ang mukha sa unan habang dinadama ang mainit na dila ng binata na humihimod sa pagkababae niya.

Hindi na mawala sa isip ni Zakia ang ginawa sa kanya ni Luke. Para bang nababaliw na siya at handang ulit-ulitin ang gano’n kung may pagkakataon. She did not even think about their label. Animo naging alipin siya ng kaluguran.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone nang makita ang text messages ni Paloma.

Senyorita, magandang umaga. Nasaan ka? Bakit hindi ka umuwi kagabi? Sino ang kasama mo?

May dalawang lalaking bisita rito si Senyorita Zalanna. Ang isa ay medyo ka-edad ninyo at Koribin daw ang pangalan. Ang isa naman ay si Sir Caston. Ang sabi ni Sir Caston ay mag-out of town sila ni Senyorita.

Zakia typed a reply.

I’m with Luke. I know Korbin, but I don’t like him for my sister. Kung may lakad sila ni Caston, ihanda mo na ang bag ni Zalanna. Gandahan mo ang mga damit na ilalagay mo, okay? ’Wag ka nang mag-abala maglagay ng bra. :)

The last words were just a joke and she’s sure Paloma would get it.

Speaking of clothes and undies, she just realized that she did not have extra clothes. Dahil biglaan lang ang pagsama niya kay Luke, hindi siya nakapaghanda.

Luke was at the balcony to call someone to bring her clothes. She only had her cut out dress and a pair of bikinis. Hindi niya naman pwedeng suotin ’yon. She’s just wearing Luke’s long-sleeved polo to cover her body without underwear kaya tuloy hindi sila bumaba para mag-almusal. Ipinadala na lang sa silid.

Bumalik si Luke sa silid. Sumimangot naman siya dahil gusto niya nang lumabas kaya lang ay wala siyang underwear.

“I’d like to walk outside.”

“Let’s just wait for an hour or two for your dress and…” He did not finish his sentence and just sighed.

“Where did you put my thong last night?” aniya nang maisip ’yon.

He jerked his head to the door which was supposed to be her room.

“I can use that, but it needs to be washed.”

“Alright. I’ll get it.”

Sumilip si Zakia sa balkonahe at nangiti nang makita ang napakaraming puno ng mangga. It’s like the endless coconut trees in Hacienda Guerrera, the only difference was they were mango trees. Noong makita ang nagkukulay dilaw na bunga, mas umigting ang kagustuhan niyang lumabas at manguha ng prutas.

When Luke came back, her cheek went scarlet when she saw him holding her black lacy thong. The veins at the back of his hand and the way he held that little piece was making her stomach flutter so much.

The image of him was like a male lead in an erotic movie scene who was ready to punish his girl in a very pleasurable way. The fact that he’s barefoot felt home, but she also found it sexy in a way that she’s craving for him.

“I won’t use it again if not—”

“I’ll wash this, okay?” It was like an assurance that she didn’t need to worry anymore.

Bumuntonghininga siya at tumango kalaunan. Ibinalik niya ang atensyon sa balkonahe at binusog ang mga mata sa tanawin.

Huli niya nang natanto na si Luke pa talaga ang maglalaba ng thong niya? She did not even offer that she’s gonna wash it? O sadyang nasanay siya na may mga bagay na gumagawa para sa kanya? Nasanay siya na pinagsisilbihan siya.

“He’s a public servant, so, it’s okay, right?” kausap niya sa sarili. “Besides, it’s just a piece of thong. Hindi naman ’yon nakakapagod.”

Nang may kumatok sa pinto ay halos mapatalon siya. Luminga siya at nasa loob pa rin ng banyo si Luke.

Kung siya ang magbubukas ng pinto, malalaman ng mga ito na naroon siya sa silid ng mayor? Na dapat ay nandoon siya sa kabilang silid kung saan ang para sa mga bisita?

“Uh, Luke…” Pinuntahan niya ito.

“Yeah?” He looked at her through the reflection of the mirror.

“M-may kumakatok.”

Tiningnan niya si Luke kung paano maingat na kusutin ang maselan na telang ’yon habang marahan din ang bagsak ng tubig sa sink.

Ngumuso siya at uminit ang pisngi habang pinapanood ang ginagawa nito. She can surely wash that piece of cloth, it’s just that she did not think of doing it with the thought that there’s always someone who could do things for her. Besides, he was the one who offered, right?

Pati ang paraan ng pagpiga nito sa thong niya ay maingat na para bang kung bibigyan nito ng pwersa ay masisira ’yon. Umalis ito roon at siya naman ay nanatili sa loob sa pag-aalala na may makakita sa kanya.

Luke opened the door. Nakasilip siya at nakikinig. Nakita niya sa labas si Pilar na may dalang tray na may laman na orange or mango juice, she was not sure. Nang bumaba ang mga mata ng babae sa kamay ni Luke, para itong nagkaroon biglang ng kasalanan dahil sa nakita.

When she checked what Luke’s holding on his other hand, her eyes widened when she saw her thong! Nakapaloob naman ’yon sa kamao nito ngunit lumaylay ang manipis na garter.

When Pilar walked in, Zakia quickly hid behind the door of the bathroom. Daig niya pa ang magnanakaw na nagtatago dahil sa kalabog ng dibdib niya.

“What are you doing there?” Luke’s voice made her jump.

Umirap siya at lumabas sa pinagtataguan.

“I don’t want your helpers see me inside your bedroom.”

Zakia poured the glass of mango juice. Dalawang baso ’yon kaya nilagyan niya rin ang isa.

“Make it dry na…” She pointed to her thong on his bare hand.

Luke looked at it and nodded his head. Kumuha pa ito ng hanger at isinabit sa malapit sa electric fan. Mabilis naman ’yon matuyo dahil manipis lang ang tela.

When he sat next to her, she smelled his scent. He’s only wearing his white shirt and dark shorts. He looked and felt home.

“Come…” He tapped his lap.

Halos mapairap siya dahil hindi niya man lang naramdaman ang pagrereklamo na huwag itong sundin. He held her hand and brought her on his lap.

Holding a glass of mango juice, she crouched her head to have a better view of the man in front of her.

He has thick eyelashes, a nose that fit perfectly on the shape of his face, reddish lips, and a defined jaw. Though the Spanish blood was very evident, she could also tell that he has a mixed foreign blood. Probably, he got it from his mother.

“Hindi ka pa ba maghahanda para sa meeting mo?”

“No. I’ll send my secretary as my representative.”

Umangat ang kilay niya. Change of mind, eh? Bakit naman kaya? Samantalang kagabi, mukhang sigurado na ito na magpupunta sa meeting.

“Bakit hindi ka pupunta? Ayos lang naman sa akin, ah.”

At talagang inisip niya na siya ang dahilan kung bakit?

“I’d like to spend my time with you while you’re here.”

Hinaplos nito ang hita niya. Hindi naman senswal ang pagkakahaplos nito pero naapektuhan pa rin siya. His other hand was around her waist.

“Well, that does make sense. I am here because of you, and I don’t really want to be away from you while I’m here. Pero, I can manage naman. Kung talagang importante ang meeting mo, hindi naman kita pipigilan.”

She has no idea how busy he was or how his job worked. Isa lang naman ang sigurado siya—hindi niya pipigilan si Luke sa trabaho nito o sa kung anoman ang gustong gawin lalo patungkol sa pagiging mayor nito. Gusto niyang sabihin iyon sa binata pero parang maaga pa para roon.

He stared at her, and she did the same. The more the stares got longer, the more she could feel how her heart thumps loudly. Kaya naman siya ang unang umiwas at napainom siya ng mango juice.

“How many days do you need to go to work?” he inquired.

Halos mabilaukan siya sa tanong ni Luke. Napaubo siya at natawa sa sarili. She was just caught off guard!

“Three times a week. Then I can do online too,” she confidently answered.

“How ’bout weekends?”

“I don’t have work every weekend.”

“So, you’re free?”

Parang alam niya na kung saan hahantong ang usapan nila.

“Hmm, sometimes…” she trailed off.

“Would you like to visit here every weekend?” He delivered his question with a hope in his voice.

Was that the time that she needed to play like a hard to get girl? Pwede namang sabihin niyang pag-iisipan niya o kaya ay hindi siya pwede dahil malayo. Pero, bakit mas lamang ang kagustuhan niyang sumang-ayon sa tila imbistasyon?

“I don’t know how to get here by commercial plane.”

“We could use a chopper to pick you up in Manila.”

Nanliliit ang mga mata niya. Gano’n ba talaga siya ka-attractive kay Luke na handa pa itong gumamit ng chopper para lang masundo siya sa Maynila? At akala niya ba ay hindi siya nito type? Bakit nag-iba yata ang ihip ng hangin?

“I thought I was not your type. What is this behavior, Mayor?” She raised her brow at him.

Luke leered. He slightly squeezed her thigh as if something was stressing him out and he needed to control himself from saying something that would reveal his real intention.

He started to kiss her shoulder up to her neck, then smelled her hair.

“It’s a lot better when you’re here…” he whispered under her ear.

“Why?”

“The fact that you’re away from me drives me nuts.”

“So, your solution is to get me here, so you won’t get crazy thinking of me?”

He laughed huskily in between his feathery kisses on her neck. Napapaliyad siya sa nakakahibong sensasyon.

“It’s a yes or a no?” He then slowly slid his hand under the hem of the polo shirt until he found her breast.

Para siyang biglang nanghina at namungay agad ang kanyang mga mata. Pilit niyang nilalabanan ang init ngunit tila imposible ’yon lalo at magaling mang-akit ang lalaking kasama niya. Halatang sanay sa ginagawa at alam ang kahinaan niya.

He kissed the side of her lips, urging her to say something, and if she wouldn’t, he would stop whatever he’s doing. That’s how he could easily dominate her body.

“A-alright. Every weekend, if possible,” she finally said before he claimed her lips for a feverish kiss.

She wrapped her arms around his nape and made herself drown again with his kisses and get burned with the heat between them.

CHAPTER 8 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 9

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CHAPTER 10

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CHAPTER 11 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 12

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CHAPTER 13

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CHAPTER 14

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CHAPTER 15 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 16 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 17

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CHAPTER 18

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CHAPTER 19

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CHAPTER 20

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CHAPTER 21

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CHAPTER 22

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CHAPTER 23 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 24

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CHAPTER 25 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 26

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CHAPTER 27

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CHAPTER 28

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CHAPTER 29 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 30

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CHAPTER 31

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CHAPTER 32

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CHAPTER 33 (SPG)

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CHAPTER 34

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CHAPTER 35

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CHAPTER 36

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CHAPTER 37

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CHAPTER 38

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CHAPTER 39

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CHAPTER 40 (SPG)

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EPILOGUE

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