TEASER

REMINDER: Be aware of the grammatical error and poor delivery of sentences, dialogues, and so on that you will encounter while reading. The author is always trying her best to improve until she gets better. I did not proofread this story. This is raw and has a lot of flaws. If you can’t afford reading a story that is not perfectly written, this is not for you. Thank you for dropping by. I appreciate your time.

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The future of Grande Cruises and the first-born son of the billionaire shipping magnate–Clinton Grande has learned to carry and control the weight of the empire his father put on his shoulders.

In business world, he’s like a merciless shark in the middle of the vast sea; who beats and devours every kind of specimen that he thinks is a threat to his triumph. He’s known as a risk taker, sharp and a very intense man of his generation.

Despite of the power and success he has on his hands, his life would never be fulfilled if the only woman he desires ever since–Bella Xaria Villamor couldn’t be with him.

Fueled by passion to utterly tie her with him, Clinton does things that he never imagined he could. That even Xaria would have a hard time escaping from him.

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

“I’M… I’m pregnant.” Xaria’s lips trembled.

Clinton was not surprise with the good news that his girlfriend just told him. He expected it. He noticed it. He knew that she’s pregnant. He patiently waited for her to discover it herself.

They didn’t plan this. He didn’t expect that she will get pregnant the first time they made love.

This was not his original plan for them. It’s too early to build their own family. He just started working in Grande Cruises. Damn it! He needs more and more savings.

The millions on his bank weren’t enough for Xaria and to provide the lifestyle that she has. She could easily spend every penny in a blink. He would go bankrupt in a few years if he won’t work his ass off wisely. Kailangan niyang kumayod ng husto. Most especially now that he’s going to be a father.

But even if her pregnancy wasn’t part of his plans, he’s very willing to take all the responsibilities. He will marry Bella Xaria. He will work hard so that he could give her and their child a comfortable and luxurious life like what she has right now. Like what she deserved.

Handa niyang pagurin ang sarili niya masigurado niya lang na maibibigay niya ang lahat ng pangangailangan ng kanyang mag ina.

Watching the tears on her eyes while she’s sobbing cutely, made him pursed his lips.

Clinton gently wiped Xaria’s cheek using his thumb.

“I will marry you.” He whispered tenderly.

Xaria gave him a sharp glare.

The tip of her nose gets reddish because of crying. Her tears kept rolling down on her rosy cheeks. The thin veins on it were visible if the distance is that close.

She’s sitting at the edge of the bed of his condo while he’s kneeling in front of her. She’s wearing a white robe without anything underneath. They just made love and here she is, very emotional after she told him about her pregnancy.

“I’m just eighteen!” She hissed.

Clinton heaved a sigh.

Hinawakan niyang muli ang mga kamay ni Xaria na nasa kandungan nito. Her soft hands is fragile as her. Her skin is almost like a milk. Kahit hindi naman sobrang higpit nang pagkakahawak niya rito, mabilis na namumula ang balat. Paano nalang kung masobrahan niya? It will surely leave a mark.

“Don’t you wanna marry me?” He asked with a hope that she would agree to marry him.

She’s still studying. He’s aware that Xaria is not ready for this. She’s very young to be a mother. But here it is. They need to face the fact that they gonna have a child in a few months.

She pouted her lips. She slightly hold his fingers on her palm. Maingat nitong pinisil ang mga ’yon na para bang doon kumukuha ng tamang lakas para harapin ang mabigat na problemang pasan nito sa mga sandaling ’yon.

“I wanna marry you.” She whispered softly.

Clinton is very relieved to know that Bella Xaria wants to marry him too. It inspired him so much. He could almost imagined them in one roof; happily married. Tila pangarap ’yon na nalalapit nang mangyari.

“But I don’t think daddy would let us get married.” She let out a sigh.

“Listen,” he crouched and found her mesmerizing dark hazel eyes.

Maamo at nangungusap na mga mata ang sumalubong sa kanya; na palaging nagpaparamdam sa kanya na handa niyang kayanin ang lahat ng pagsubok masilayan lang ang mga matang ’yon sa araw araw ng buhay niya.

With that kind of stare from her, he feels like he could break anything in a blink… he could conquer everything with just a snap… he would do whatever the fuck she wants him to do and he will never ever complain.

Her seraphic eyes could be the end of him… those eyes would be the death of him… even so, he’s still very willing to obey every little things she told him, even her every whims just to satisfy her… just to make her happy.

“I will talk to your dad-”

“No.” Xaria cut him off. She panicked a bit. “I will be the first to talk to him about this.”

“And?”

“And…” she avoided his gaze.

Kinuha niya ang malambot na kamay nito at dinala sa kanyang labi.

“Baby, I wanna know what you’re thinking,” he muttered as he planted a gentle kisses all over her hand.

“We are both aware that my father is against our relationship, right?” She trailed off.

Clinton nodded his head as an answer.

That is one of the reason why it’s hard for them to see each other. Xaria’s security is tight. Her father is against his family. Kaya kahit siya na hindi naman dapat madadamay sa hidwaan ng pamilya nila, napasama pa. Pati ang relasyon nila, hindi nakaligtas.

“Do you think he would be happy if he finds out that I am pregnant and you’re the father?” She sounded like she’s planning on something but she doesn’t want to tell him.

He gets alarmed. He doesn’t want to over think but knowing the power that Villamors have, they could easily take away Bella Xaria from him without him realizing it. Damn it!

“I don’t think your father is that cruel to take you and our baby away from me.”

“You don’t know him enough, Clinton. He’s over protective. What if… he… takes me away from you?” Tears pooled her eyes again.

“Hush…” he stood up so that he can sit next to her.

Dinala niya si Xaria sa kanyang bisig habang marahan na hinahaplos ang likod nito.

“I don’t wanna be away from y-you.” She’s sobbing on his chest.

“It won’t happen, okay? I will talk to your father.”

“Take me nalang with you. Please… I am scared to go home.” The way she begs made him clenched his jaw.

He rested his lips on her forehead.

Gusto niyang matuwa na naiisip nito na magsama sila. But there’s a part of him that feels like it wasn’t right. He wanted to prove to her family that his intention is pure.

Kung tatakas sila, habang buhay din silang magtatago sa pamilya nito, hindi gano’n ang gusto niya para sa kanilang dalawa. He wants the two families to be in good terms again. O kung hindi man ang pamilya niya, kahit siya nalang sa pamilya ni Xaria.

“I will keep my pregnancy from my family. Sa’yo nalang ako, please…”

But hearing Xaria’s begging and willingness to be with him, shaken his decision. Pati ang prinsipyo niya ay talagang sinusubok.

Tila ba matinding temptasyon ang ipinapain sa kanya at kung hindi niya susunggaban kaagad, ay bigla nalang mawawala nang hindi niya namamalayan.

“Clinton… please…” her soft voice is really trying him. She cupped his jaw and made him look at her.

Namumugto na ang mga mata nito. Her bow-shaped lips gets reddish same as her cheeks. Her golden brown hair is in messy bun. Some strands are falling beautifully on the sides of her face.

“Let’s elope…” She begged again.

Clinton shut his eyes painfully and bit his lower lip.

Damang-dama niya ang unti-unting pagkatibag ng prinsipyo na sana’y sa mabuti at tamang paraan niya kukunin si Xaria mula sa pamilya nito.

Hindi niya kailangan tumakas. Hindi nila kailangang magtanan. He wants to face her family, especially her parents. So that they will know that his love for her is not shallow.

He wants to personally talk to them and tell them that he will take all the responsibilities. Despite the fact that her father—Xavier Villamor is against their relationship, Clinton still wants to show his respect for them. He wants to prove himself that he’s taking Bella Xaria seriously despite the odds.

Pero ngayong sinusubok siya ng babaeng mahal, natutunaw ang lahat ng dapat na gagawin niya para lang paluguran ang magulang nito at para lang mapatunayan sa sarili na kahit pa gaano siya pahirapan, handa niyang harapin para lang sa dalaga.

“Clinton…”

He let out a breath and brought her head on his chest.

“I thought you love me. Why does it feels like you don’t want us to elope? Aren’t you ready for the responsibilities? Hindi rin ako handa pero kakayanin ko. Kung ayaw mo—”

“No, baby. Of course I like to be with you.” He cut her off right before she changes her mind. “Let’s plan this carefully.”

Tang ina. Talagang itatanan niya na si Xaria. Hindi niya na papatagalin pa. Dahil nakakabahala na sa oras na umuwi ito, baka hindi na magpakita pa sa kanya.

The beautiful Bella Xaria Villamor gave him the sweetest smile in the middle of her tears.

“T-Talaga? We’re gonna elope? Like… tanan? Right?” Her face lit up just like that.

The side of his lips rose up. Maingat na hinawi niya ang mga hibla ng buhok nitong dumikit na sa pisngi.

“Uh-huh.”

He chuckled when he planted a light kiss on his lips. Tapos ay malambing na yumakap sa kanya. Ipinahingang muli ang mukha sa kanyang dibdib.

Ngunit maya-maya lang ay narinig niya na naman na humihikbi.

“Aw. My baby is crying again. What’s the problem? Hmm?”

He tried to look at her face to check, but she hides it from him by burying her face on his chest.

“I’m just h-happy.”

“Really?”

“And I think I get too emotional because of pregnancy hormones.”

He kissed the side of her head and embraced her tighter. Napangiti siya nang lalong isiniksik nito sa kanya ang sarili.

“I don’t wanna go home because I don’t wanna be away from y-you,” naiiyak na sabi nito.

Clinton pursed his lips. Goddamned it! Hindi niya mapigil ang pag guhit ng ngiti sa kanyang labi.

Tuwang-tuwa siya kapag naiisip na pinaglilihian siya ni Xaria.

She looked and sounded so cute when she’s this possessive.

“I feel like I will just cry all day and night if you’re away from me.”

“We can video call though-”

“No!” She seethed cutely. “I want a physical touch. I want your hugs and kisses. Not video calls!”

Marahan siyang natawa.

“Galit agad ang buntis ko,” he teased.

He caressed her waist until his palm found her stomach. He felt the warm from it. Hinaplos niya ’yon habang binibigyan ng magaan na halik ang noo ni Xaria.

“What if I crave for foods? I want you to buy it for me. Paano kapag nasa amin ako? You can’t go there pa naman.”

“Tell me your cravings. I will buy all for you. Kahit ano pa ’yon, Xaria.”

“Noong isang araw, sobrang extreme ng cravings ko. I cried during our class.”

“What did you do?”

“Nothing.” Malungkot na sagot nito.

Bumuntonghininga siya. He could imagine her crying because she’s craving so much and ended up eating nothing. Ah, his poor baby.

“Do you know the corn with cheese? We have manong outside the university who’s selling it, pero wala na siya no’ng tapos na ang class namin. I wasn’t able to eat that day. I was so miserable.”

Nangingiti siya habang nagkukwento si Xaria. She’s always vocal with her feelings.

“Do you still like to eat that corn with cheese?”

She shook her head. “Not anymore.”

“Well, you have me now. I’m gonna make sure I’d give you whatever you want to eat.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you have morning sickness?”

Xaria nodded her head. Nananatili na nakayakap sa kanya at komportableng nakahilig ang pisngi sa kanyang dibdib. She covered his hand with hers that is above her stomach.

“I had this morning and yesterday. That’s the reason why I took a pregnancy test and the result is positive.”

“We need to have you checked by the doctor. When is your free time?”

“Maybe this weekend. I can’t skip my class. Finals is approaching.”

“Don’t stress yourself, okay?”

“Don’t be away from me so I won’t be stress. Gusto kong palagi kitang nakikita.”

His lips travelled down to her cheek. “You have my photos on your phone.”

Umusli ang labi nito. “But that’s not enough.”

“I’ll see you no matter what.”

“How ’bout my security?”

“Leave it to me.”

“Dito nalang ulit tayo. I’m fine staying here.”

“Don’t you wanna go out for dinner?”

He has a lot of plans for them. He likes Xaria to experience the right way of dating or courting, but she’s too worried her father would discover that they are dating if they seen them in public together. He really wants to see her family to formally inform them about their relationship, but she’s been stopping him.

She knows her power over him and she always used it to her advantage. Alam na alam nito na hindi niya ipipilit ang gusto niya kung salungat sa nais nito.

“You can cook for me instead. How’s that?”

“Whatever you want, baby.” Then he kissed her lips.

Clinton’s decision of eloping with Xaria is already set. He was certain their plans would work out. He’s taking that risk because it’s her and their child. He doesn’t want to wake up one day that Xaria is no longer on his sight.

But no matter how much he wanted for them to be together, there were things in life that won’t happen the way you’ve planned it. There were unforeseen event that would test your patience, faith, and you can’t do anything but to go with its flow.

Bella Xaria didn’t show up on the night they were supposed to elope.

They lost their contacts. She was unreachable. She was nowhere to be found. She simply ran away from him. Even her shadows are hard to find. She left him with nothing but her sweet scent on his pillows.

It had been four fucking long years and still he hasn’t move on.

Her memories lingered. Her sweet voice, laughters and giggles were like a curse that replays every time he was alone. He had it real bad. He’s so fucked up.

He was praying so hard that once their paths crosses again, he will make sure she will pay him big time.

He spent those years helping his father running Grande Cruises. He managed to make his name known in business world. Not because he’s the son of a shipping magnate, but because he’s Clinton Grande. They are two different person with different technique and approach, but they only have one goal.

He met various people in the industry. He has learned so many things about their businesses; the system, methods, strategies, and even how their employees works under his wings. He has mastered all of them even the smallest details. He became keen, stern, and sharp like shark’s ectopic eruption.

He also tried to date women with the hope that he could get rid of Xaria from his system even just for a while if it’s possible. But it wasn’t effective.

He dated beauty queens, international models, philanthropists, but he always ended up alone and upset as he thought about her with their child, living without him. Away from him.

He even tried another strategy by taking women to the parties or events. He made sure their photos will go public. Baka sakaling makita ni Xaria, magalit sa kanya o magselos, at tuluyang lumabas sa lungga para harapın siya. Pero, hindi. Wala pa rin Xaria na nagpakita. She’s hiding very well without leaving any trace.

He’s so mad because she’s fucking irreplaceable. No woman could ever replace her. He can’t get rid of her. He can’t take her off his mind. His head is clouded by her memories. Only her. He has been cursed and possessed by her. And damn her for that.

He’s a miserable man who wakes up every morning to live even if his purpose in life became blurry since she left him.

Kaya noong mag krus muli ang kanilang mga landas, mas lalo siyang nagalit sa sarili niya. He just proved to himself that despite of what she did, he’s still that man who would go down his knees just for her. Just for her to get back to him. Just for her to be in his life again.

Clinton is sitting at the dark corner of D’ Club, while holding a glass of martini. His eyes were simply roaming around; watching women dancing to the beat of loud music. He is not there to fuck. He’s there to relax after being stressed all day.

“Hey, Clinton! I know, it’s you!” A pretty woman approached him.

“Hey,” he lazily lifted his glass for a cheers. He kinda remembered her face but not her name.

“Do you mind?” She pointed the space beside him.

He’s alone on his table. He wanted to be by himself but a company is fine too.

“Sure.”

She giggled and sat next to him. She’s holding a glass of cocktail.

“Do you always go here?”

“Not really.”

Clinton sipped on his martini. He noticed that the woman is watching him.

“Oh. Kaya pala ngayon lang kita nakita dito. Are you alone or waiting for someone?” There’s a tease on her tone.

He knows if women likes him. They are very easy to read. Their eyes and body language always gave them away.

A group of three women suddenly entered the Club. Behind is a bodyguard in uniform.

His eyes were glued on one of them. Hindi siya kailanman nagkamali sa pagkakakilanlan ni Xaria kahit gaano pa kalayo o kadilim.

His ex-girlfriend. No! They didn’t break up. So, technically, they are still in a relationship. Oh, damn him! Really? Was he that crazy over her?

Bella Xaria is stunning on her black fitted long sleeves dress that is above her knees. Her slender legs emphasized because of her red high heeled stilettos. Her hair is tied up elegantly. When she turned to face the bartender, her sexy back revealed because her dress is fucking backless.

It feels forbidden to see her this alluring. She really mastered how to wrap him around her fingers without even trying. This little enchantress has been testing his self-possession and bona fide.

How dare her looking exquisite and divine after all these years of hiding from him while he has been miserable and bitter since she ghosted him?

After they got their drinks, they searched a table for them. Her friends were all excited but she isn’t. Good. Because that is not the time to enjoy the night, Bella Xaria.

And when he noticed that they are walking towards his direction, Clinton shifted on his sit.

“Hey…” malambing ang boses ng babae sa tabi niya na nakalimutan niya nang naroon pala.

She placed her hand above his thigh. She started with her moves to seduce him. But his attention is already occupied by someone else.

Clinton knew that Xaria recognized him because her eyes stopped on him. Then dropped to the hand of the woman above his thigh. Her cold stares almost seeped through him.

“Bella Xaria!” Her friend called her attention.

His heavy gaze from her body up to her face, made her swallowed. His lips almost curved up with the fact that he can still affects her. Dapat lang! Hindi puwedeng siya lang ang apektado at hindi makalimot.

She was really a beauty way back then, but now, she’s more than that. There’s something on her eyes that changed. Her angelic face turned cold. She was like a careless, naughty angel who committed a sin and was thrown out in hell as her punishment.

Or it must be because of the dimmed lights or her make-ups that made her looked emotionless. Damn, she doesn’t even need to put anything on her face. She’s flawless.

Her body grown into a fine woman. She has this hourglass body type before. And now, her curves are more defined. The Brazilian blood that runs through her veins is very palpable on her features.

Clinton’s eyes sharpened as he scanned Xaria’s body.

He’s impressed, but at the same time it irked him so much while watching her from a close distance and couldn’t even lay a finger on her like what he used to.

Nilagpasan siya nito na tila hindi siya kilala. She followed her friends to their table next to his.

Clinton’s blood boiled. He didn’t expect her to greet him or what. Pero talagang nakakagalit na gano’n ang reaksyon nito na para bang wala silang nakaraan. Na para bang wala silang anak. At nasaan ang anak nilang pilit itinago at ipinagkait sa kanya?!

Tang ina! He won’t let that night pass without talking to her. He needs a fucking explanation. And she better be clear about what she did, otherwise, she will be punished real hard!

1 ~ LOVE (SPG)

CHAPTER ONE

EVER since Bella Xaria is certain about what she feels towards Clinton Grande. It wasn’t just infatuation, desire or admiration, it is love.

She’s in love with him and she always imagined her future with him. That’s one of her dreams for them; to get married one day and have their own family. Simple as it may seem but it’s fulfilling.

Villamors and Grandes had a very strong connection before. They were allied. But that kind of relationship between two families ended when her youngest sister—Bria Xania got lost during the celebration of her second birthday in one of Grande’s big yacht and that was long time ago.

Her father—Davis Xavier Villamor put the blame to the Grandes for the lacked of security to save his youngest daughter. The security that was provided by the Grandes failed to protect Bria Xania.

Memories from the past were vague. Xaria was still very young when that incident happened. She grew up with the feeling that even if her parents and brothers are with her, their family remained incomplete. It always felt like something was missing.

Her family couldn’t just be genuinely happy despite living in a very comfortable life. Especially her mother.

They always celebrated Bria Xania’s birthday every year. Most of the time, they spent her sister’s special day on an island. Her parents never lose hope. They believed that she’s still alive even until these days.

Hindi napagod ang kanyang magulang sa patuloy na paghahanap sa bunsong kapatid niya. Minsan, pakiramam niya ay gumagawa nalang ng sariling kwento ang mga imbestigador na inuupahan para lang mabigyan ng kahit anong report o detalye ang mommy at daddy niya.

If they weren’t wealthy and if they doesn’t have a businesses, they would probably go bankrupt for paying different private investigators for a very long years now.

Alam niyang hindi kailanman makukumpleto ang pamilya nila kung wala ang bunso. Ayaw na ayaw din isipin ng magulang niya na posibleng patay na ang bunso nila. Sa tuwing may nababanggit ang mga tao o ang mga imbestigador na baka hindi nakaligtas ng buhay si Bria Xania, naghi histerical ang mommy niya.

Her father cut their connections to the Grandes. Kahit silang mga anak, hindi pinapahintulutan na makipag kaibigan o kahit makipagkita man lang sa kahit na isang miyembro ng pamilyang itinuring ng kanyang ama bilang kaaway.

Xavier Villamor was devastated and desperate because he lost his beloved child.

But when she unexpectedly sees Clinton again after so many years of avoiding their family, Xaria cannot control her feelings. She’s really attracted to him. She can’t stop herself.

At nang nagparamdam si Clinton na interesado rin sa kanya, pareho nilang hindi na pinigilan pa na ipagpatuloy ang relasyon kahit na lihim lang ’yon.

Laying on the sofa, while her legs are wide apart, Xaria let out another moan when Clinton’s tongue glided on her femininity.

He’s holding her one leg while the other one is rested at the backrest of the sofa. She’s very naked but the cold air conditioner of his condo is not enough to kill the fire that burns her body.

Xaria lower down her sleepy eyes and see Clinton’s muscled back in between her thighs. His head is moving up and down as he licks her flesh. His one hand on her leg and the other one is playing with her nipple.

“Mmmm…” she bites her lips and arched her body to feel him more.

After her last subject that day, she decided to visit him since it’s Saturday and he doesn’t have work. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang ginagawa ni Clinton sa mga boydguard niya na hindi siya ini-istorbo kapag magkasama sila.

They can’t date outside. They can’t be seen together in public. She doesn’t want her parents to know about her relationship with a Grande. Dahil alam niyang pagbabawalan sila at paghihiwalayin lang. Baka pa ipatapon siya sa ibang bansa kapag nagkataon. At ayaw niyang umabot sa gano’n. They need to be very, very careful.

“Ohhh… Clinton…”

Ramdam na ramdam niya ang dila ng kasintahan na masarap na humahagod sa pagkababae niya. Walang sawa ’yon kahit pa halos mag kalahating oras na yata sila sa gano’n na posisyon.

She came multiple times already but he’s still not satisfied. He was always like that. He likes licking and tasting her femininity so much.

Kaya tuloy kapag mag isa siya sa silid niya, walang laman ang isip niya kundi kung paano siya paligahayin ni Clinton sa tuwing magkasama sila. It was like a curse that she will never forget.

When the tip of his tongue found her swollen nub again, she couldn’t help but to grip on his hair.

Mariin siyang napapikit habang kagat ang pang ibabang labi nang labis na maluguran habang sinusungkil-sungkil ng dila nito ang parteng ’yon ng pagkababae niya.

“Clinton! Ahhh! Mmm!”

He would play and tease her cl*toris, then he would suck it until she screams his name.

Naglikot siya at halos manginig muli ang mga hita nang kumalat ang kiliti sa kanyang puson dahil sa paraan nang pag sipsip nito sa kuntil na ’yon na halatang sarap na sarap talaga.

“Tang ina…” he cursed under his breath and pinned her down as he continued sucking her damn cl*t.

Xaria felt like her world stopped from spinning again when she tasted heaven after that long suck. Talagang pinanggigilan ni Clinton ’yon!

She can feel how it throbbed while his tongue is teasing her entrance. Habang lumalabas ang likido galing sa entrada niya, naka-abang naman doon ang dila ng kasintahan. He’s tasting every amount that came out from her.

Clinton was her first in everything.

She will never forget the first time they made love. He even had to call a doctor to check on her because of her fever and her femininity is swollen, bloody red and sore as hell!

Kahit siya ay matindi ang kaba sa mga oras na ’yon. Ni hindi siya makagalaw dahil talagang sobrang sakit ng pagkababae niya.

His lips travelled up to her flat stomach from kissing her legs and thighs. Tumataas ang mga balahibo niya sa katawan dahil sa paraan kung paano siya nito romansahin.

She had to parted her legs more to accommodate his wide frame. He’s kissing the sides of her boobs. Alam niyang pinagpapahinga lang siya nito bago siya angkinin.

Xaria caressed his dark brown hair. While he’s busy with her breast. Gusto niyang mangırı ngunit mas lamang na nalalasing siya sa sensasyon.

Her eyes dropped on him when she felt him grabbed her boob, squeezed it gently, then rolled his tongue around her nipple. Para siyang nilalagnat habang pinapanood ito sa ginagawa sa katawan niya.

“We will go to the island tomorrow. No kiss mark, please…” she reminded him.

Clinton smirked.

He looked up on her behind his thick lashes. His dark grayish eyes always mesmerized her. Parang may patibong sa mga matang ’yon at palagi siyang nahuhulog ng walang kamalay-malay.

He doesn’t always showed emotions. He’s stern and intense with commanding heavy aura that made people intimidated by him.

His lips were like the color of expensive wine, but it can’t be stretch for a smile; always in a grim line. It’s either he’s mocking or he’s taunting.

His smiles are very expensive. Palagi’y seryoso at hindi puwedeng mabiro. Kaya nakatutuwang isipin na nakakaya niya itong pangitiin at patawanin paminsan-minsan.

The 5 O’clock shadow of his stubble defined his jawline. It created an illusion of his maturity. It made him virile and devilishly handsome. His demeanor is like an aristocrat.

Gumapang ang malambot na palad niya sa panga nito at marahan na hinaplos ang gaspang sa bahaging ’yon. He kissed her palm then went back from kissing her breast.

There are wavy strands that falls on his forehead down to the sides of his eyes. The length of his hair is longer than usual. He could easily rock a top knot hairstyle if he wants to.

Sa tuwing ganito ang posisyon nila. Na nasa ibabaw niya ito, at nagugulo ang buhok, mas nagpapatunay iyon sa kanya na nakalulugod nga ang ginagawa nila.

Nahinto lang si Xaria sa malaya niyang paninitig kay Clinton nang maramdaman niya ang tumutukso sa entrada ng kanyang pagkababae.

“W-where’s the lube?” She panicked a bit.

“You’re soaking wet. Do you think we need that?” His lips found her jaw.

“Of course! You’re huge. We need that.”

He sighed and get up a bit to get the lubricant bottle just above her head where a mini table was located.

“Here…” inilahad niya sa harap nito ang dalawang palad niya.

His eyes squinted but he can’t do anything but to obey her.

He poured the right amount of oil above her palm. Ikinalat niya ’yon sa kanyang palad at nang matapos ay hinanap ang pagkalalaki ng kasintahan.

And for her convenience, he gets up a bit and kneel in between her legs.

Uminit ang pisngi niya habang marahan na ipinapahid niya ang oil sa matigas na ari gamit ang dalawang palad. She couldn’t even look at it!

She knows his size. It wasn’t a normal size in the Philippines. He’s gifted because of course he has Italian blood and his mother has foreign blood too. He’s mixed race like her.

She gasped when his shaft throbbed against her palms. It gets thicker and harder! She could almost feel the protruding veins of it on her fingers.

“What if I would try to have a taste of you?” She innocently asked.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea right now, Xaria.”

“Why not?”

Clinton shook his head. Hindi talaga papayag na titikman niya ito.

“We will do it maybe some other time-”

“Why nga?” She gripped his shaft, not wanting to let it go.

His eyes darkened with familiar desire on it. Then his lips parted when her other hand found his balls. They are full and hot like her breasts. He needs some release.

Matamis siyang ngumiti habang hinihimas ang ari nito. Tila pang aakit na payagan siyang tikman ’yon kahit na saglit lang.

“Tikhim lang naman, ah…” her voice softened.

Maging ang mga mata niya ay namumungay na rin. Habang si Clinton ay mariin na ang titig sa kanya. Ang panga ay tahimik na umiigting. Animo ilan pang sandali ay mapaparusahan na siya kung ipipilit niya ang gusto.

“Please… Clinton…”

He let out a breath. He seemed thorn between letting her do what she wants or stopping himself to get seduced by her voice.

Nang maingat na umalis ito mula sa pagkakaluhod sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita, para siyang nawalan ng pag asa talaga. Hindi niya magagawa ang nais.

She is pouting her lips as she slowly let go of his shaft. Dumulas ang kahabaan nito sa kanyang palad… para talaga siyang nalungkot.

“Turn around,” he commanded.

Hindi niya ’yon agad nasunod kaagad dahil nakahiga siya. Malambing na inangat niya ang kamay para kunin ’yon ni Clinton at matulungan siyang bumangon.

He’s standing very proudly. He’s naked and her eyes are really feasting his body. From his wide shoulders. His iron clad chest that matted with tiny hair. His ripped sweaty stomach. Even the veins on his forearms, gave her stomach so many butterflies.

Naka isang linya na ang labi nito nang kunin ang kanyang kamay upang gabayan siya.

Xaria wheezed when Clinton hold her waist and made her face the backrest of the sofa in front of her.

Napapikit siya nang kaagad na ipinagdikit nito ang katawan nila habang ang isang braso ay nakapalibot sa bewang niya. His body is hot as hers. The heat between them is slowly burning her.

“Kneel,” he whispered sensually behind her ear.

It feels like something inside her stomach exploded that made her femininity throbbed. Ang boses nito bagamat malalim at paos, mas lamang na nahalina siya… naliliyo. Tila siya tuyong dahon na sinigaan at hindi na maawat pa ang walang awa na pagkalat ng apoy.

Xaria slowly rested her knees above the black leather sofa. Her elbows were place above the head rest of it.

Clinton’s long fingers found her flesh. He rubs her there slowly and feverishly. Pakiramdam niya ay lalaganatin siya sa tindi ng kaluguran.

While his other arm is wrapped around her waist, the other one is in between her thighs. She feels his hard member poking her butt cheek.

When he felt like she’s ready for him, his manhood made its way to her entrance from behind.

Ipinikit niya ang mga mata at napaliyad nang unti-unting pumasok sa loob ng pagkababae niya ang nag uumigting sa tigas na ari ng kasintahan. Its thickness stretched her tight hole.

She almost tasted the pain because she’s still not used to his size but it’s bearable unlike their first time.

“Uuhhh…” She whimpered then made herself comfortable being filled by him again.

Clinton started to kiss her sweaty neck but he doesn’t move yet. Kapwa tila dinadama nila ang ligayang hatid ng kanilang pag iisa.

“You’re so tight,” his controlled voice and his hot breath tickled her neck.

“I’ll get to use to your size one day.”

“Uh-huh.” Hinalikan nito ang kanyang balikat. “We need to do this often.”

“For what? Para hindi na tight?”

He didn’t answer. Naramdaman niya nalang ang isang kamay nito na gumapang sa harap niya at huminto sa kanyang puson.

When he thrusted, her lips parted because she felt the tip on the depth of her.

“We need to see each other often to make love.” She said and tilted her neck so that he could have a freedom to kiss her there.

Lumipad ang isip niya nang nag umpisa na si Clinton na bayuhin ang pagkababae niya sa sunud-sunod na paraan na animo may hinahabol ito.

“Aaahh! Ahh! Ohhh…”

The pleasure and pain combined as she accepted every thrust he made wholeheartedly.

His hand on her lower abdomen moved down until his middle finger found her cl*t. While he’s taking her deeply from behind, he’s rubbing her swollen nub. Nagsama ang ligaya at walang mapaglagyan ang bawat ungol na umaalpas sa kanyang labi.

Their sweaty bodies, their heavy breathing, her moans, the sounds they made every time he thrusts, were like a melody that can make her heart beat fast.

“Clinton! Ohhh! Oohhh!”

Napakapit siya sa matigas na braso nitong nakayakap sa kanya nang maramdaman ang pag galaw nang mahabang sofa.

She’s not afraid to fall because she knew he wouldn’t let that happen. It’s just that the impact of his movement is too harsh that it made her boobs bounced.

Xaria even had to hold her boobs for support.

At nang mapansin ni Clinton na nadadamay ang mga ’yon sa mabawat marahas na pag ulos nito sa kanyang pagkababae, hinawakan nito ang dibdib niya habang marahan na nakapisil doon. Still, she knew, his grips will leave a mark to her skin.

“Mmm… aaahhh… ahhh… Clinton… oh… my…”

“Fuck!” He buried his face at the space between her neck and shoulder.

Naka-awang ang kanyang labi dahil sa labis na kaluguran. Ang paraan ng bawat pag labas masok ng pagkalalaki nito sa loob niya ay nagpapatirik ng mga mata niya.

Idagdag pa ang kiliting dulot ng daliri nitong walang tigil sa paghagod at paglalaro sa kuntil na ’yon ng kanyang pagkababae. Nahihibang siya at animo naliligaw sa paraisong nabuo sa pagitan nilang dalawa.

The protruding veins on his forearms that is wrapped just under her breasts looked sexy and at the same time, dangerous. Namamawis na rin ’yon ngunit dumagdag lang sa init na nararamdaman niya ang nakikita.

The creaking sounds of the sofa is bothering her. Alam niya naman na matibay ’yon pero ayaw niyang masira nila ’yon. Lalo pa at marahas na ang bawat galaw ng kasintahan niya.

“Clinton…. Mmm… the… so… sofa… mmm…Ohh… Ohhh…. I think… w-we… aahhh! Gonna break it… oohhh…”

“Sshh… I’ll just buy another one,” his breathing was heavy and it sounded erotic.

Ilan pang mararahas na ulos ng kasintahan ay naramdaman niya ang paglubog ng kanyang mga tuhod at naramdaman din nito ’yon!

“Tang ina,” he cursed and carried her to the bed without removing his hard member inside of her, making her feel his tip on her lower abdomen!

“Clinton!” Singhap niya nang padapain siya nito sa dulo ng kama.

Xaria is facing the bed. Naipit ang kanyang dibdib sa malambot na kama habang hawak ni Clinton ang palapulsuhan niya na nasa likod niya naman.

Her position was like a criminal who got caught by an aggressive hot police officer and pinned her down. The good thing is… it’s her boyfriend that caught her and pinned her onto the bed.

Bumagal ang paglabas-masok nito sa pagkababae niya. It made her feel him more inside. Napapikit siya sa kaluguran na tinatamasa. Ang paghinga niya ay muling bumibigat.

“Is this okay?” He asked gently.

Tumango siya ng bahagya. Medyo gusto niya rin ang posisyon na ’yon lalo at mas senswal ang galaw ng kasintahan niya.

Ang mga masasarap na ungol niya ang pumuno sa buong sillid habang malalim, mabagal at nakaliliyo siyang inangkin ng lalaking mahal.

She’s always willing to give herself to him. She loves him so much that she doesn’t care about the fact that she’s still very young to engage in premarital sex.

She doesn’t care if her father would get angry at her once he discovered that she has a relationship with Clinton Grande.

There’s nothing in this world could ever change her mind about planning her life with him. Because she knows that… that’s what he wants for them as well.

Clinton loves her. He will do everything for her. And that’s what matters.

The only thing that worried her at the moment is the fact that at the age of eighteen, she gets pregnant by him.

2 ~ SICK

CHAPTER TWO

TWO red lines. It means, positive.

Xaria gets very emotional. She’s still crying even if she’s done talking to Clinton about what she discovered that morning. She took a pregnancy test and found out she’s pregnant.

Hindi niya alam kung ano ba ang mararamdaman niya. Masaya? Natatakot? Nababahala?

She’s aware that they didn’t expect her pregnancy that early. The only thing that comforted her is the fact that Clinton will take the responsibility. He won’t run away. He will stay with her because it’s their baby. Because he loves her.

Kanina ay nakaupo sila at dahil napagod siya sa pag iyak, inihiga na siya ni Clinton sa kama nito. He never left her side. He stays there with her. Inaalo siya at pinapatahan dahil sobra talaga ang pag iyak niya kahit na sinabi na sa kanya nito na papanagutan naman siya.

Ang ikinakatakot niya ay kapag nalaman ng daddy niya na buntis siya at si Clinton pa ang ama. She’s sure he would get angry and only God knows what is her father could do just to stop her connection with a Grande.

Kaya tuloy ayaw niya na sanang umuwi sa kanila. Kung puwede lang talaga, gagawin niya. If only Clinton could take her away right now, she won’t think twice and let herself be with him wherever it would be.

“We need to do it as soon as possible. Kapag nalaman ni daddy na buntis ako, alam kong ilalayo niya ako sa ’yo.”

Xaria kinda feel that Clinton is not really impress about her suggestion to elope.

He wanted to do it the right way. He wanted to face her family and talk to them about her pregnancy. Tell them that he will take all the responsibilities. He’s willing to speak to her father even though he knew that Xavier Villamor hates Grandes so much and he’s against their relationship. Still, Clinton wanted to prove himself.

Ibang-iba sa naiisip niya.

Siya, ayaw niyang malaman ng pamilya niya ang pagbubuntis niya dahil siguradong-sigurado siya na paghihiwalayin silang dalawa. Gagawin ang lahat ng daddy niya mailayo lang siya kay Clinton.

Hanggat hindi pa halata ang tiyan niya at hanggat napipigil niya pa ang sintomas na nagdadalang tao siya, kailangan niya nang umalis sa kanila.

She could imagine herself being away from Clinton. Living alone in another country. Without him. And that’s already breaking her heart.

“I think I’d be fine living in a not so big house. I… I think I could.” She winced when she realized that they couldn’t stay on Grande’s mansion in Cebu.

Kung magtatanan sila, dapat ay hindi sila matutunton ng pamilya niya.

He has savings, but would it be enough? Are they gonna buy a house or rent? Where would it be? In the Philippines or outside the country?

If they live together, while she’s pregnant, she wants him to be with her all the time. Pero paano ang trabaho nito sa Grande Cruises?

Nanlumo siya sa ideyang ’yon.

Kung hindi magtatrabaho si Clinton, paano na silang mag ina? Paano ang pangangailangan nila?

Hindi siya sanay sa mahirap na buhay. Hindi siya sanay kumilos para gumawa ng mga gawaing bahay. Palagi ay may mga taong nariyan para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan niya sa buhay.

“Uh, we need helpers…” she said in low voice.

He’s laying beside her while his warm palm is above her stomach. Under her robe.

“Of course, we will have helpers.”

“Where are we going to live? Here or abroad?”

Clinton smells her hair. He seemed like in deep thought.

Siguro kung hindi siya magsasalita at walang mga tanong, patuloy lang itong mag iisip at tahimik na magpaplano para sa pagtatanan nila.

“My family has an access to all the airlines here. They would know if I leave the country.”

“We will use our yacht. We will leave in an island away from everybody.”

A smile formed her lips. She doesn’t mind living in an island. She likes ocean. So, it’s fine with her. Basta kasama niya si Clinton, kahit saan ay siguradong magiging maayos siya at masaya.

“Doon din ako manganganak?”

“It depends. I need to see first the hospitals. Otherwise, we may need to go to the city.”

Tumango siya. It calmed her whenever she heard his plans for them. She wants to hear more.

“Whenever I think about giving birth, I get nervous.”

Hinaplos nito ang buhok niya at dinampian ng halik ang kanyang sintido.

Palagi siyang panatag at may payapa sa dibdib kapag kasama niya si Clinton. Especially if they talks about their life and future together. Gustung-gusto niya ang gano’n na klaseng topic nila. It’s dreamy and it makes her heart happy.

“I’ll be on that day. I’ll make sure you are safe and our baby.”

Xaria’s heart pounded against her ribcage.

Kanina lang ay iyak siya nang iyak. Ngayon naman ay nagdidiwang ang puso niya at sumusugat sa labi niya ang mga ngiti.

“We will get married before you give birth,” he whispered tenderly.

His lips near her ear, he made sure that she clearly heard what he said.

Nag angat siya ng tingin kay Clinton kaya naman dumampi ang labi nito sa kanyang pisngi.

“I’ll be Mrs. Bella Xaria Grande?”

He chuckled heartily. “Uh-huh.”

Ngumuso siya. She can’t really suppress a damn smile.

“How can you work if we are living in an island?” She curiously asked. “Grande Cruises main offices are here in Manila and Cebu.”

Clinton can’t just leave Grande Cruises. Not now that his father will give him the CEO’s chair of that largest shipping company in the country anytime this year. He needs to be personally there. His position will demand his attention and time.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“But you’ll be the CEO of Grande Cruises. They will need you there.”

As everyone expected, the eldest son of Sebastian Grande will be the next to run their businesses. And it’s Clinton. How could he properly do his job if he’s in the island with her?

“Don’t think about it. Ako na ang bahala.”

“But…”

“Xaria, lets just focus with you and our baby. I want a list of what you need.” He told her instead, changing their topic just like that.

“Hmm, I’ll write it down. I could use my card to buy some for my pregnancy and for the baby.”

“No. I’ll give you my card and you will use it.”

She pursed her lips. Shopping! She’s always excited to go shop and buy her needs and caprices. But this time, she would shop for their baby!

“Right. I can’t use my card to buy that kind of materials. Our accountant would check it and it would be a disaster if she found out where did I spend all the money.”

Kahit ayaw niya pang umuwi sa kanila, kailangan.

Xaria embraced Clinton. Sa sobrang higpit ng yakap niya rito, marahan itong natawa.

He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

“We are going to sail tomorrow. I hope I could get a signal to call you. Kapag hindi, pagkabalik nalang namin kita tatawagan. Okay?”

“Alright. Send some photos of you if you can.”

“Sure! Wearing a bikini?”

“Naked.”

That made her slap his chest slightly. Her cheeks heated up.

“Baka hindi ka makatulog kapag nag send ako sayo ng naked photos?”

“I’m just kidding. I better look at your naked body in person than in photos.”

“Mas maganda sa personal.”

“Of course.” He caressed her waist in a sensual way. “Call me when you get home.”

Mabait siyang tumango. “I will.”

Xaria tiptoed to kiss Clinton’s lips.

Hirap na hirap siyang lumabas sa pintuan at para siyang maiiyak. Kaya naman nang nasa labas na siya at nakasunod sa kanya ito para ihatid siya sa elevator, muli niya itong hinarap at niyakap.

Maybe, it’s the pregnancy hormones that made her emotional. Maybe it’s the reason why suddenly, she just wanted to stay with him, hug and kiss him. Bumabalik ang kaninang pakiramdam niya na manatili nalang sa bisig nito at hanggang sa mapanatag ulit siya.

Clinton heaved a sigh when he noticed that she started crying again. He kissed her temple and brought her head to his chest.

“I don’t wanna go home,” napahikbi siya.

“Baby, just tonight, okay? When you get back tomorrow from sailing, I’ll see you.”

Alam niya naman na hindi siya puwedeng manatili kay Clinton ng buong gabi. Hahanapin siya sa kanila. Baka pa imbes na matuloy ang plano nila, hindi na. Dahil nalaman na na magkasama sila. Kailangan niyang mag tiis!

“Are we gonna leave on Monday night?”

“Do you want it to be that night?”

Xaria can’t decide yet.

There’s so many things inside her head. Her studies, her exams, and the needs to prepare for her things before she leaves. She can’t just leave their mansion without bringing even just some of her clothes to use.

“I’ll prepare some of my things first. Then, hide it. Or maybe I’ll bring the bags to Damaris’ condo. And we will just get it from there.”

Eventually, Xaria made up her mind that she really needs to go home first. Bago pa makahalata ang magulang niya. Pinilit niyang umalis sa building na ’yon at sumakay sa Lexus na naghihintay sa labas lang ng lobby.

The next morning was like hell. Umikot ng matindi ang sikmura niya kahit sobrang maaga pa kaya dumeretso siya sa sink para dumuwal.

Hinang-hina siya pagkatapos. She wasn’t able to answer Clinton’s call because of it.

“Ma’am Xaria, handa ka na raw ba? Aalis na kayo.” One of their helpers knocked on her door.

“I’m getting ready! Give me a minute!’

Xaria packed her things to bring for their trip. She doesn’t have time to choose what to wear. She just grabbed the clothes, bikinis and undies then put inside her Louis Vuitton keepall.

“Xaria, we are ready to go. What are you doing? Open the door, sweetheart.” That was her mommy behind her door.

She swiped a pink lipstick on her lips. Ang putla niya at malalim ang mga mata. She grabbed her keepall and opened the door.

Her mother scanned her face down to her body the moment she revealed herself. Lumiit ang mga mata nito kaya agad siyang kinabahan.

“You looked stressed. Hindi ka ba nakatulog ng maayos?”

“I’ve been stressed, mom. You know, quizzes and activities.” She answered which is true.

Pero alam niya rin na hindi lang ang mga ’yon ang dahilan kung bakit mukha nga talaga siyang stress. Pregnancy makes her ugly.

“You need to relax, Xaria. Hindi nakakaganda ang sobrang stress.”

“I’ll be fine, mom.”

Lumapit si Nadia para kunin sa kanya ang keepall niya at dalhin sa sasakyan nilang nag aabang na.

The grand staircase of their modern mansion screams luxury. Every paintings, the chandelier, the vases, and every details inside cost fortune.

Xaria is wearing a white Versace stretch crepe strapless minidress. Her big Prada sunglass almost covers her small face. Her YSL Icare tote has enough space for her cookies and sweets.

She kissed her father’s cheek who’s waiting for them. Before she hopped inside their white Alphard.

In front of them is a black SUV and another black behind them. Inside of those cars where the security. Her parents doesn’t leave their mansion without security.

They are going to the Villamor Air heliport and ride a chopper that will bring them to Palaui Island. It’s her parents favorite island to go.

“You didn’t eat breakfast,” her mom noticed her while she’s eating a cookie early in the morning.

“It’s too early for breakfast, mommy.”

“Nadia, did you bring the fruits I told you to bring?” Tanong ng mommy niya sa kasambahay nila sa likod nakaupo.

“Yes, Madame.”

“Can I have some? Xaria, anak, I think, your cookies is better if you eat with some fruits.”

Tumango nalang siya. Anyway, she’s kinda hungry.

Her mom handed her a banana. Kinuha niya agad ’yon at kinain.

“Where’s our twins, Xavier?”

“They will be late. Branth has an early meeting this morning. Brenth is still out of town.”

They arrived in Villamor Air’s ramp after a few more minutes.

Naroon ang mga eroplano at chopper nila. It’s only seven in the morning and yet their employees are busy working with maintenance and so on.

On the far end, where the airport apron is located, she saw people boarding their commercial plane. The color of it is a combination of royal blue and white. It was like the color of the skies before it turned orange and dark. Written on the side is Villamor Air.

The slogan says: Flying with wings… we’re going places in a glimpse.

“Good morning, Sir, Ma’am, Xaria…” The cute pilot greeted them.

“Morning, Zayd. How’s your dad?” Her father asked the young pilot.

“Enjoying his retirement, Sir.”

Xaria sighed. Lumapit siya kay Nadia para kunin sa bag niya na dala nito ang iPhone.

Clinton called her twice and she missed it.

“Mom, are we leaving? Or not yet?” She asked her mom who’s talking to Zayd.

“Not yet, hija. In ten minutes.”

“Okay. I’m going to Kuya Brant’s office.”

“Go ahead.”

Xaria walked towards where her brother’s office. Nakasara pa ’yon pero mas okay na doon siya pumuwesto dahil walang makakarinig sa kanya kapag kinausap si Clinton. The problem is, he didn’t answer her calls. Instead, she sent him a message.

To: Clinton We will leave in ten minutes. I’d like to hear your voice but you seem busy.

She sent it and type another one.

To: Clinton I didn’t sleep good. I woke up very early to vomit. It made me weak. I ate cookies and banana. Mommy noticed that I’m stressed. I think, I’m getting ugly. Look…

After she sent it. She took a selfie while pouting her lips. Then sent it to Clinton.

Nadia called her after a while.

Xaria heaved a sigh and left the office.

They are already inside the chopper when Clinton replied.

From: Clinton My baby is not ugly. You always looked beautiful to me.

That one message made her morning already.

From: Clinton I went outside to jog. Please, eat a full meal. Cookies and banana ain’t enough for my babies.

Her cheeks burned. Uh, imbes na hindi siya kakain, gusto niya na tuloy kumain ng marami.

Xaria quickly typed a reply before she lost a signal.

To: Clinton Okay. I’m gonna eat a lot today. I hope I won’t get fat. Would you still like me if I get fat? Hmm?

Hindi niya alam kung hindi ba talaga nag reply si Clinton o nawalan na agad siya ng signal.

When they arrived in Palaui Island, Xaria already felt sick.

Sa himpapawid palang ay para na siyang masusuka dahil sa pagkahilo. Now that they are inside a moving yacht, nadagdagan lang ang pagkahilo niya!

Sa cabin niya siya dumeretso at humiga. Masakit ang ulo niya at talagang umiikot ang paningin. Kahit mabagal ang takbo ng yate, wala pa ring tulong ’yon sa pag kalma ng nararamdaman niya.

Baka maselan siya mag buntis? Nakakatakot. Kabadong-kabado siya na baka bigla nalang siyang mawalan ng malay doon.

Ipinikit niya ang mga mata at sinubukang matulog. Baka sakaling hindi niya maramdaman ang matinding pagkahilo. But it didn’t help! Naiiyak na siya at gusto nalang lumabas para humingi ng tulong.

“Xaria, anak, your breakfast is ready. Hindi ka pa ba kakain? I thought you’re hungry?”

“I need to rest mommy. I feel sick.”

“Huh? What? Do you want me to come in?”

“N-no. No. I just need to sleep, I think.”

“Are you sure, Xaria? Ano ang nararamdaman mo?”

“Nahihilo lang ako, mom.”

“I’ll give you medicine. I’ll be back.”

Xaria closed her eyes. Napahawak siya sa tiyan niya dahil parang sumasakit ’yon. Baka nagugutom lang siya. O kaya ay nadadamay pati ang tiyan niya sa labis na pagkahilo.

“Uhh!” She screamed and rolled above her bed when she felt her head throbbing so bad already.

Unti-unti ay nagdidilim ang kanyang paniningin ngunit pilit niyang nilalabanan ’yon. Hindi puwede! Hindi siya puwedeng mawalan ng malay! May kasama silang doktor doon na kaibigan ng mommy niya! It would be easy for them to find out that she’s pregnant!

Madalas silang mag sail at sumakay sa chopper. Pero hindi siya kailanman nahilo. It would be a big mystery if all of sudden she felt sick just because she flew and she’s sailing.

After a few minutes of struggling, Xaria felt like she’s really gonna lose her conscious. It scared her so much. She’s trying her best to open her eyes but her eyelids gets heavier every seconds.

“Xaria! Anak! Oh my… goodness! Xavier! Come here! Bella Xaria… sweetheart…” That was her mother’s panicking and worried voice before the darkness invaded her senses.

3 ~ ANGEL

CHAPTER THREE

XARIA opened her eyes when she heard some commotions somewhere. Then she closed them again when the bright sunlight dazzled her. She’s still on her cabin. Still inside the yacht. It’s not moving anymore and she’s thankful for that.

“Don’t worry, Briella. I think she just passed out because of exhaustion.”

“Hun, let her rest. Our daughter needs it.” She heard her father’s voice.

“She looked very fragile and it hurts me seeing her this stressed because of her studies. I always told her that she doesn’t need to impress me or her father with her grades. Kahit tres pa ang makuha niya sa lahat ng subject niya, I don’t care. Sinabi ko sa kanya na di bale ng mababa ang grades niya, as long as she remained pretty and happy. Who cares about that high grades? Hindi naman ’yan basehan kapag nag trabaho na siya o kaya’y magtayo ng sarili niyang negosyo. It’s her skills and talents that will always mattered.” Her mommy spouted her lament.

“Maybe she’s just pressured, Briella? Because her brothers are already successful. And they received a latin honor when they graduated. Right? Maybe your Bella Xaria’s goal is to get at least A.” That was one of her mother’s amigas.

“She doesn’t need to feel pressure. Ako nga, I had a hard time din with my studies before. I even failed some of my subjects! But I still managed to reach my dreams because of hard works. It is about hard work and perseverance to get a victory. And that high grades or honors are just a bonus. People could even cheat to get a high grades!”

“I agree. But what really mattered is you get Xavier din ’no with your hard works?” The other voice of woman teasing her mom.

“Excuse me? He was the one who pursued me and not the other way around.”

Xaria heard her father’s chuckled.

Sinubukan niyang bumangon nang makaalis na ang mga tao sa cabin niya. It’s already ten in the morning when she checked her phone. Kaya pala nagugutom na siya. The good thing is, they prepared a meal for her.

Xaria walked towards the table and started eating. She’s having a garlic butter salmon, soup, rice, pasta, and some side dish. She honestly doesn’t like the smell of garlic but she wants to eat salmon so bad.

Kahit na medyo naduduwal na naman, sinikap niyang kumain ng marami. Clinton will get worried if she told him that she did not eat enough. Besides, she and her baby needs to be full.

Nang medyo gumaan ang pakiramdam pagkatapos makapagpahinga at kumain, lumabas si Xaria sa kanyang cabin.

She’s wearing a one piece Versace and a cover up. Sa upper deck ay naroon ang mommy niya at ang mga amiga nito. Sa railing naman nakatayo ang daddy niya na may hawak na beer habang kausap ang ilang lalaki na pamilyar na rin naman sa kanya.

“Sweetheart, how are you feeling?” Her mother motioned her to come where they are.

Xaria took a deep breath and forced herself to smile.

“I’m fine now, mom.”

“You made me worried, anak.”

“Xaria is really a beauty. Do you have a boyfriend, dear?” One of the amigas gave her a playful look.

“I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Of course, she has a boyfriend. Kaya lang ay sekreto lang ’yon. She can’t tell the whole world that she’s in a relationship with Clinton Grande.

“I told you. She’s not pregnant. You were just assuming.” She heard them murmured shamelessly.

Xaria felt awkward and nervous. She likes some of her mother’s amigas and not all of them. Some are really nosy.

“Oh, shut up you two,” pagalit ng mommy niya sa dalawang nagbulungan. “My daughter is not pregnant. She’s just stressed and exhausted.”

“I’m sorry, Briella, Xaria, I didnt mean to be this insensitive. Akala ko kasi ay buntis. Ganyan din kasi ang anak ko bago namin nalaman na nagdadalang-tao pala.”

Xaria ignored the apology and looked at her mother—who’s stunning with her one shoulder yellow long summer dress. Jewelries to match. She has a high cheek bone, full lips, celestial hazel eyes, and with a face card that used to be featured in some high ends fashion and cosmetic magazine. She’s a full blooded Brazilian who was raised in the Philippines.

People said that she looked like her mother a lot. It’s just that her eyes are darker compared to hers, but more seraphic. Tila ba palaging nangungusap at hindi makakatanggi ang sinoman na hingian niya ng pabor dahil mabilis na mabibihag ng kanyang mga mata.

She’s blessed with naturally cute plump cheeks. Her hair is in big waves and in golden brown. She never had a problem with her face and body. She loved every little thing about it. She always made sure that she’s pampered, treated right, and have her peace of mind no matter what.

Kaya lang medyo nagulo ang isip niya nang malaman na buntis siya. She can really feel that her stress was because of her pregnancy.

It was already late in the evening when they got back home. Kahit pagod na pagod, kailangan niyang tawagan si Clinton dahil sobrang namimiss niya ito.

Xaria is laying on her bed while holding her phone. On the screen is her boyfriend.

He’s sitting at the swivel chair of his office. Behind him is a glass wall and the city lights outside.

“I passed out when we arrived at the island.”

He paused from unbuttoning the third button of his dark long sleeves polo. Despite of the dimmed lights, she can still see how his jaw clenched.

“But don’t worry, I’m really fine now. I ate a lot today but when we get home, I felt hungry again. I asked our cook to make sopas for me. I’m waiting here for it.”

“Baby, we need to have you checked. Tomorrow. Please?”

“Tomorrow? No. I can’t. We have activities and I need to be there.”

“After your activities then. Anytime tomorrow.” He looked and sounded serious.

“Can we do it after my class?”

“Yes. I will set an appointment with a doctor to check on you.”

“Pero baka ma-late ng tapos ang activities. Baka gabihin.”

“It doesn’t matter. I need to make sure that you and our baby are healthy. I can’t stand living a day without seeing you. I have to see you.”

Xaria pursed her lips.

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He tiredly rested his back on his swivel chair. Tumingala at hinilamos ang mukha gamit ang mga palad.

“Tired?” She asked.

It’s already late in the evening and he’s still on his office? And it’s Sunday!

“I didn’t know you work on Sundays.”

“I needed to.”

“Why? Can’t that wait on weekdays?”

Xaria paused when she heard a knock from her door.

“Oh, my sopas is here! Hold on.”

Mabilis niyang iniwan ang kama para buksan ang pinto. Ngunit hindi niya inaasahan na ang mommy niya ang makikita niya na dala ang tray na may sopas. There’s also a glass of water and milk.

“Mom,” she croaked.

She left her phone above her bed. The video call are still on. Lihim niyang ipinagdadasal na huwag magsalita si Clinton. Kung hindi, baka katapusan niya na!

“Can I come in?”

Niluwagan niya ang pinto at pinapasok ang mommy niya. Inunahan niya ito bago pa makalapit sa kama niya. She got her phone and ended the video call.

Her mother put the tray above the round glass table on the mini living area of her bedroom.

The silence stretched for some reason. Nakatitig ang mommy niya sa kanya at ayaw niya ang klase ng titig na para bang alam nito ang sekreto niya.

“Xaria…”

“Mommy, I’m kinda tired but I wanna eat first.”

“Go ahead and eat. Here…”

Lumapit si Xaria sa lamesa at nag umpisa ng kainin ang mainit-init pang sopas. Hindi na nagpaliguy-ligoy pa dahil nagugutom naman talaga siya.

When her mother sit at the single sofa in front of her, she knew that she’s really gonna stay there.

“Sweetheart, you know that you can trust me, right? Magkakampi tayo.”

No. She doesn’t like this kind of conversation with her mother. Pakiramdam niya talaga ay alam nitong buntis siya! Aamin ba siya? Kapag ginawa niya ’yon, siguradong sasabihin nito ang balita sa daddy niya. Iyon ang pinaka iniiwasan niyang mangyari.

“Yeah.”

“Do you wanna tell me something?”

“What would I tell you, mom?”

“Umm, about why you passed out this morning?”

Sumimsim siya ng tubig. Hindi niya gusto na magpadalos-dalos ng desisyon. She’s not the only one who needs to decided. She wants to know Clinton’s opinion too.

Sa palagay niya, papayag naman ang boyfriend niya na ipaalam kahit sa mommy niya ang kondisyon niya. But, she can’t just admit it right now. She needs to be very careful. Otherwise, their plans about eloping will be compromised.

“Mommy I told you I was just stressed and exhausted.”

She can’t look at her mother’s eyes.

Sigurado siya na kahit anong tanggi niya, ang mga mata niya naman ang magtataksil sa kanya. Her eyes are very expressive. Her eyes are the ones that always betrays her. Those pairs always gave her feelings away.

“Wala ka namang boyfriend, di ba?”

“W-wala po.” She bit the inside of her cheek when she stuttered.

“Kinabahan kasi ako kanina, anak. Nakita ko ang sarili ko sa’yo tuwing nagbubuntis ako.”

Nanlamig siya. Hindi lang buong katawan niya, pati ang kalamnan niya. Tila gustong umikot ng anomang nasa loob ng kanyang tiyan.

“Sobrang selan ko kapag nagbubuntis. Kaya sobrang alaga ako ng doktor ko noon. Sana’y hindi ka magmana sa akin. You know, to carry a baby for nine months is not very easy. But with the help of your love ones and doctors, you can get the right strength to continue without worries.”

Xaria blinked when she felt her tears pooled her eyes. She can’t just be emotional. Not now that she’s in front of her mother.

“The first trimester of pregnancy is delicate. That’s where you need to see a doctor…” her mom informed her. “And the hardest part of pregnancy is giving birth.”

Naisip niya na hindi pa siya bumibisita sa doktor. Kung hindi siya pinilit ni Clinton kanina, hindi niya pa ’yon gagawin! She’s so careless!

“Mommy, ano po ba ’yang sinasabi mo. I am not pregnant.” She sounded defensive and she hates it!

Her mother sighed. Lumapit ito sa kanya at hinawakan nito ang kamay niya at para siyang nanlalambot na hindi maintindihan. Nang magaan nitong pinisil ang palad niya, animo umakyat ang emosyon niya sa gilid ng kanyang mga mata kaya muling namuo ang mga luha.

“Sweetheart, hindi ako magagalit kung buntis ka. Kakausapin ko ang daddy mo. Maybe you’re afraid that he would get angry, but I assure you right now, I promise you, ako ang bahala sa kanya.”

Kabadong-kabado si Xaria. Malakas ang bawat pintig ng puso niya.

Kung sana gano’n lang kadali ang sitwasyon niya, na sasabihin niyang buntis siya at si Clinton ang ama, hindi ba talaga magagalit ang magulang niya?

She knows how much her father hates the Grandes. It is impossible he would accept Clinton just because she’s pregnant.

“Mommy, hindi mo naiintindihan,” medyo naiiyak niyang sinabi.

“Then, make me understand, Xaria…” her mom is almost kneeling on the carpeted fur floor, she’s in front of her while holding her hands.

Umiling siya. Nahulog ang mga luha sa kanyang kandungan. Walang puwedeng makaalam na buntis siya kahit ang sariling ina.

“It’s okay. It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m s-sorry…” Briella’s voice cracked a bit, then she cleared her throat.

Tahimik siyang umiyak habang pinapanood siya ng mommy niya at hinahagod ang kanyang buhok.

“Mommy’s always here for you, you know that, right?”

Xaria’s nodded her head weakly.

Her mother tucked her to bed and kissed her head after a few minutes of crying. She even turned off the lights before she left the bedroom.

Xaria can feel that she easily gets tired. She’s on her way to Clinton’s condo building for her check up. It’s already eight in the evening.

Nang sinabi niya sa driver niya na kay Clinton sila magpupunta, sumunod agad ito. Nakapagtataka na hindi siya sinusumbong sa daddy niya.

Clinton is already at the lobby when they arrived. He’s sporting a black long sleeves that slightly hugs the muscles on his forearms. He paired it with dark pants. Even though he’s not wearing tux, he’s still looked intimidated. His aura remained heavy and gloomy.

He kissed the side of her temple after he did some hand signal to her driver.  Nang lingunin niya ang Lexus nila, paalis na ’yon.

“They have a clinic here. Let’s go…” he brought her to the elevator.

Napayakap siya kay Clinton nang makaramdam ng pagkahilo nang umakyat ’yon.

“What’s wrong?”

“Medyo nahihilo ako.”

He’s holding her one hand and he used the other one to bring her head to his chest. Naramdaman niya ang magaan na halik nito sa kanyang ulo.

“I get worried when you told me that you passed out yesterday.”

“But I’m fine now.”

“Even so.”

Lumapag sila sa tamang palapag. Pumasok sila sa clinic doon. Walang ibang pasyente dahil gabi na ’yon.

“Good evening, Mr. Grande…” the doctor greeted him then glanced at her. “And Miss Villamor.”

“Good evening, doc.” She greeted back.

The doctor motioned her to the vacant chair in front of her table. Naiwan naman si Clinton sa mahabang sofa na malapit lang din sa kanila.

The doctors asked her questions about her monthly period, the symptoms she’s experiencing, if she takes any medication, about her taking a pregnancy test, and any thing that is related to it.

She gave her another pregnancy test and the result is still the same; two red lines. She did some test too; blood and urine.

After that, they proceeded inside where she sees a monitor and ultrasound bed.

Napalingon siya kay Clinton na naglalakad na palapit sa kanila. Marahil ay nakita sa mga mata niya ang kaba.

“I’ll be with you,” he muttered and placed his hand at the small of her back.

Xaria lays on that bed to do the dating ultrasound.

Clinton is silent beside her. Hindi naman pala nakakatakot ang gano’n. Lumakas ang loob niya dahil hawak nito ang kamay niya habang nakikinig sila sa sinasabi ng doctor at sa itinuturo na images sa monitor.

Napalunok siya at lumakas ang tibok ng puso niya dahil sa nakikita. It’s their baby and the size is like a grown bean. So cute… so adorable, and it made her eyes watered.

Nag angat siya ng tingin kay Clinton habang namumuo ang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata. He crouched his head to kiss her forehead. Pansamantala nitong ipinahinga sa noo niya ang labi.

“That’s our baby…” she gets emotional. “… our angel…”

His lips traveled down her ear.

“I love you,” he whispered tenderly and kissed the side of her head.

Another days had passed and they finally set the date to leave.

It supposed to be the night she and Clinton would elope. Xaria made herself ready to be with him. She even had her duffel bags prepared and stored them in Damaris’ condo. She was so ready to spend her life with him.

She doesn’t care about what other people say or what her family’s opinion about it. She’s going with him and live happily with their baby.

But a terrible scenario took place… it was awful… it was unforgivable… it was unacceptable.

Her plan to elope with him… didn’t happen.

Her dreams to spend the rest of her life with him together with their baby, will never happen anymore. At siguro kahit sa panaginip niya habang natutulog, hindi na rin mangyayari pa. Kahit ang pag dalaw ay imposible.

Ang mga imahe na nabuo niya sa kanyang isipan kasama ang lalaking mahal, siya, at ang magiging anak nila sa isla ay unti-unting nabura… naglaho… at masakit na tinangay ng hangin palayo sa kanya.

Tila mga larawan nilang gawa sa papel na mariing isinikil sa kanyang nakakuyom na palad… hanggang umalpas ang maliliit na himaymay sa pagitan ng kanyang mga daliri dahil sa tindi ng higpit… animo mag isang naghihintay upang pag masdan kung paano ang mga ’yon magka lamat, lumabo, at walang kalaban-laban na mapunit ng pira-piraso… bago tuluyang mabura ang mga pangarap na madamdamin niyang iginuhit, kinulayan at maingat na inalagaan sa kanyang ala-ala.

4 ~ TALK

CHAPTER FOUR

GOING Abroad became Xaria’s routine after that dreadful night of her life. She couldn’t stay in one place for a long time because the memories from that hours of darkness kept haunting her.

Kahit gising o kaya’y tulog man, walang pinipiling lugar o oras ang pagbisita sa kanya ng mga ala-ala mula sa masalimuot na nakaraan niya.

Whenever she was in the Philippines, she always chose not to be seen in public. She cut her ties with the people that could only remind her of her past.

Except, Damaris. Her friend knew what happened. She knew her relationship with Clinton Grande before. Sinuportahan siya nito kahit pa magagalit ang pamilya niya sa oras na malaman ang ginawa nila.

She lived in States and continued her studies there even if it was hard to be alone. Then, moved in Europe. In between those years, she visited Philippines. That’s when she met her new friends.

Some times she stayed longer and nobody would notice it even Clinton. Xaria doesn’t know how her father managed to keep her hidden the way she wanted.

She didn’t miss special occasion as well. Most importantly, the birthday of her youngest sister. Now, she’s planning to go back to the Philippines for good and to make things clear.

Alam niyang hindi habang buhay ay magtatago siya at tatakasan nang tatakasan ang nakakatakot na multo ng nakaraan.

It wasn’t easy to be brave… to be fearless and to stand by your own when you know that you’re not the same person anymore.

Everything has changed since that night. It feels like she was not that Bella Xaria anymore. Para siyang dating anghel na tumiwalag nang bigla siyang maparusahan dahil sa kasalanang hindi niya alam na nagawa niya.

Sometimes, life can be brutal. You never know how long it will be your ally. You never know when it will hit you from the back, because you are too focused with the good things in front of you. Without realizing that behind you was a hurricane that would make you go down your knees.

Hindi masaya maging mag isa. Iyon ang lubusan niyang natanto sa bawat araw at gabi na malayo siya sa kanyang pamilya. At malayo sa taong kailanman siguro ay hindi na mapapa-sakanya.

Sa tuwing dinadalaw siya ng mga ala-alang pilit niyang isinikil sa kanyang mga palad, unti-unti siyang naliliwanagan na kahit gaano niya pa gipitin ang bawat piraso ng nasirang larawan, a-alpas at a-alpas pa rin ang mga ’yon sa siwang ng bawat daliri niya sa kabila ng higpit na palaging nag iiwan ng sugat sa balat niya.

Ang sabi niya, hindi na siya lilingon pa sa nakaraan niya dahil masasaktan lang siyang muli. Paano niya magagawa iyon kung ang nag iisang tao sa nakaraan na pilit niyang kinakalimutan, ay ang parehong tao na gusto niya rin makasama sa hinaharap?

Tears pooled on Xaria’s eyes when she unexpectedly saw Clinton in flesh after four years.

She knows herself so much when it comes to him. Isang pasada lang ng tingin sa kanya gamit ang galit na mga mata kanina, ay para nang sinasaksak ng punyal ang puso niya.

They are in D’ Club. She’s with Zakia and Chandra.

Sa paglabas at pagpasok niya sa Pilipinas sa nakalipas na mga taon, nangarap siyang magkaroon pa ng mga tao sa buhay niya na puwede niyang masandalan sa oras na hindi niya na kaya ang mga bumabagabag sa kanya.

She met Chandra Amberson first because they shared the same passion. Followed by Zakia Guerrera.

She wasn’t very friendly. Her three friends are enough for her. Wala nga lang doon si Damaris dahil nasa ibang bansa.

Their table is just next to where is Clinton’s. He’s with a pretty girl. Who’s obviously his new fling.

“Do you wanna dance, babe?” Zakia Guerrera is a spoiled haciendera and the most naughty woman she has ever known.

“Maybe later.”

“Okay. Kami nalang ni Chandra. Let’s go.” Hinila ni Zakia si Chandra papunta sa dance floor.

Xaria can’t look at Clinton’s table. Pilit niyang iniiwasan dahil ayaw niyang makita itong malapit sa babae. Ngunit ramdam niya ang mabibigat na titig sa kanya na nanggagaling sa gawi nito.

She sipped on her cocktail. Then smiles as she watched her friends flirting with handsome men on the dance floor.

Ilan pang sandali, may lalaki na tumawag sa kanyang atensyon. He’s holding a glass of liquor and there’s a playful smile on his lips.

“I think I’m lost,” he said to strike a conversation.

Hindi bago sa kanya ang ganitong pakulo ng mga lalaking gusto siyang makilala. Even abroad, men tried to be friendly at first and eventually they would ask for more. Commitment, sex, or relationship, those kind of things that she couldn’t give.

Isang tao lang talaga ang kaya niyang pag bigyan ng mga pangangailangan na ’yon. Sadly, that person is out of reach.

Katulad niya, nagbago na rin si Clinton. Kung dati, wala pa itong mataas na posisyon sa kumpanya ng mga ito, ngayon ay mayroon na. Kagaya ng inaasahan niya at ng mga tao sa mundo ng pagnenegosyo.

Clinton Grande is the CEO of Grande Cruises and the Chairman of El Grande Shipping Lines.

His father—Alessio Sebastian Grande remained the President of that largest shipping company in the Philippines. Their ships that is located in Italy are managed by his Italian relatives.

El Grande Shipping Lines recently acquired a brand new RORO passenger Vessel called ‘MV Cambria’ and it costs around $13 Million.

She doesn’t have idea how many vessels, cruise ships, and yacht Grandes have. Some of the details about it were never disclosed in public. They are very keen with the informations about their businesses.

Xaria put down her glass and looked up at the man. Hindi nawawala ang ngiti nito. He seemed friendly but she’s not there to find a new friends or to flirt.

“You’re old enough to get lost.” She smirked when he gasped in awe with her answer.

“Oh, I like that attitude.”

“I know right.”

Lalapit pa sana ito sa kanya lalo kaya lang ay natigil.

Xaria’s heart almost skip a damn beat when she saw Clinton beside the man; towering and overpowering the stranger with his massive frame, height, and his powerful air.

“Fuck off,” his baritone is icy and terrorizing.

The man left without looking back. Humalo ito sa mga tao sa dance floor.

Nanginig bahagya ang kanyang mga kamay nang abutin ang baso sa lamesa. She swallowed before she took a sip.

He’s still standing like a Greek God clouded by wrath because he had been betrayed by a Goddess who doesn’t have a power like his. He couldn’t accept defeat.

Matagal na taon niyang hindi nakita si Clinton kaya kahit papano gusto niyang paluguran ang sarili na sulyapan man lang ito kahit na hindi magkandamayaw ang kalabog ng kanyang dibdib.

From his expensive leather shoes, black slick slacks, her eyes went up to his leather belt that wrapped vigorously around him.

She tried so hard to ignore the shadow of his bulge in between his thighs.

Damn her. Ang sabi niya nagbago na siya, hindi pa yata talaga, ah? Or maybe, she just missed him so much that she can’t help but think of what’s behind his slacks and how it pleased her during their lovemaking before.

“I wanna talk,” his cold voice made her stopped from secretly fantasizing him.

Lihim siyang humugot muli ng hangin sa dibdib.

Alright, Bella Xaria. Stop with your naughty behavior. This is not the right time to picture him as a sex god that is willing to take you in heaven and hell with him.

Handa ba siya na mag usap sila? She didn’t even expect to see him there.

Inubos niya ang cocktail. The small amount of alcohol on her drinks was not enough to give her strength and confidence to talk to him.

“Bella Xaria, let’s talk,” he muttered, a bit impatient because she was ignoring him.

She’s scared to look up on him and see his eyes. May bahid na ng galit sa boses nito, nakatitiyak siyang pati sa mga mata.

“Not here.”

“Then let’s get out of here.”

Ipinaling niya ang ulo sa lamesa nito ngunit wala na roon ang babae.

“Where’s your girlfriend?” She innocently asked.

Nang mag angat siya ng tingin para sa sagot, naabutan niya na mariin ang titig nito sa kanya habang mariin din na kagat ang pang-ibabang labi. He is annoyed and mad but he’s good in controlling himself.

“The fuck you’re talking about?”

“The woman you were with-”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” He cut her off sharply.

The last time she stalked him on social media and some magazines, she discovered that he had been with different women in different events. Magaling din itong pumili ng mga babaeng isasama sa mga pagtitipon. Lahat ay puwede talagang ibalandra sa media at madla.

Last year, he was with a beauty queen. A title holder. Before that year, he was seen with a Brazilian international model. They were in a yacht here in the Philippines. Ang babaeng iyon ang pinagselosan niya ng husto at iniyakan pa. Hindi niya ’yon makakalimutan!

Habang siya ay malungkot at nagdudusa, si Clinton naman ay nakikipag date o baka nakikipag relasyon pa sa iba’t-ibang babae! Hindi niya ’yon matatanggap! Kung miserable siya, dapat ay ito rin!

Xaria’s mood changed like that.

Isang litaw lang ng imahe ng mga babaeng nakasama nito sa mga nakalipas na taon, nagpapakulo na agad sa dugo niya.

Naaalala niya pa ang mga araw at gabi na umiiyak siya dahil sobrang niya itong namimiss. Ang gagawin niya, babalikan niya ang mga larawan nito kasama ang iba’t-ibang babae para magalit siya. Para mawala ang panibugho at mapalitan ng poot para rito at sa babae nito.

She grabbed her Céline clutch angrily. Tumayo siya at tila ba handang-handa nang magsaboy ng apoy sa lalaki sa harap niya.

“What a rake.” She wheezed at him.

Clinton shifted his weight. His sensual grayish eyes stayed on her face. His lips in a grim line.

She’s standing just meter away from him and realized how he changed so much.

His physique is bolder, massive and threatening. The muscles on his forearms behind his white dress shirt were eye-catching and appealing. It added to his manliness.

He cuts his hair and even though it looked good on him, she still prefers his hairstyle before.

Sa ilang taon, iba-iba ang haircut nito. Hindi na muling ibinalik ang ayos ng buhok apat na taon na ang nakalipas. Gustung-gusto niya pa naman ’yong dati.

“What did you say?” His luscious brows furrowed.

Xaria leered.

Kailangan ay panatilihin niya ang galit niya dahil kung hindi, manghihina lang ang mga tuhod niya sa paraan ng pagtitig sa kanya ni Clinton.

“You’re rake. You don’t need to hide your women from me.”

He smirked. “I didn’t hide them.”

Ang kaninang tila nagbabaga lang na galit ay biglang nag apoy. Kumalat ’yon sa sistema niya at ang init ay umabot sa magkabilang gilid ng kanyang mga mata.

How dare him admit that in front of her? For what? Huh? To hurt her? To get even?

Then he won!

Because honestly, she knew that news. He got women. He surely bedded all of them too. Kung hindi nga siguro nag krus muli ang mga landas nila, baka tuluyan na siyang nakalimutan ni Clinton.

Funny how she continued loving him even from afar and still hoped for them. When in fact, he already moved on. He already forgot about her and their past. Siya lang tangi itong nakulong sa nakaraan at hirap na hirap pakawalan ang mga ala-ala noon.

But, does she wants to forget those memories in the past?

Kahit pa gaano kasakit ang mga ala-alang ’yon, hinding-hindi niya hahayaan na makalimutan niya. Kahit na nakakatakot, nakakapanghina, at talagang nakakadurog ng puso, hindi niya kailanman buburahin sa balintataw niya ang mga imahe na minsang nagpasaya sa kanya ngunit pumatay din sa puso niya sa huli.

Xaria stood straight despite of the loud beating of her heart. Despite the pain it gives her because of every beat of it. Still, she needed to compose herself.

“As if I care,” she gave him a disgusted look.

“Let’s go.” He tried to hold her elbow but she avoided his hand.

He sighed and motioned her to lead the way.

Her bodyguard was about to walk towards her but she signal him not to.

Lumabas sila sa D’ Club. Sa tapat lang ay ang parking area. Wala pa silang ilang minuto doon ay may huminto ng sasakyan sa tapat nila.

The black Bugatti is dark as the night.

Lumabas mula roon ang lalaking unipormado at magalang na tumango sa kanila ni Clinton bilang pagbati.

Clinton opened the shotgun door for her. She hopped in. Buckled her seatbelt and crossed her arms above her chest as she waited for him to get inside.

The smell of his sports car is almost same as his. Halatang-halata na siya ang may ari.

When his hand hold the gear stick to shift it, she couldn’t help but to feel the heat on her stomach. Hindi siya sigurado kung ano ang espesyal sa ginawa nito pero para talagang siyang naakit.

Umirap siya at ibinalik ang tingin sa harap nila. Madilim sa loob ng sasakyan. Ang tanging tanglaw ay ang mga ilaw na nanggagaling sa kalsada.

“Where are we going?” She asked when she noticed that he’s leaving the City!

“Batangas.”

“What?” She faced him in disbelief. “Why in Batangas? Puwede naman sa penthouse mo or sa hotel mag usap!”

Sinulyapan siya nito sa mariin na paraan. Ibinalik ang tingin sa kalsada. His jaw moved in a controlled way.

What’s wrong with her suggestion, huh? Mag uusap sila at hindi gagawa ng milagro! They need a privacy because… of course, she doesn’t want other people to see her crying when she started telling him what happened.

“Are you out of your mind, Clinton?” She let out a harsh breath.

“Oh… finally, my name…” he sighed, relieved.

She rolled her eyes and chewed her lips.

Mabuti nalang at hindi na gano’n kahigpit sa kanya ang daddy niya. Well, she just turned twenty three. She was not eighteen and stupid.

“I don’t have spare clothes!”

“I have them ready for you.”

“What?” She snapped. “How’s that possible, huh?”

Hindi ito nagsalita at kalmado lang na nagmamaneho.

“I don’t wanna use your women’s clothes. No way…” she muttered and made him heard how disgusted she was.

“Take a rest.”

“How can I rest? I can’t stay in this dress all night! How about my night and morning skin care? Huh? Did you have them ready too?” She asked sarcastically.

“Just write it all down. My secretary will buy all of them for you.”

“And do you think he could buy right now? Malls are closed!”

Pakiramdam niya, tumataas ang dugo niya. She can’t tell if she was thrilled that she’s gonna spend a night with Clinton or she’s just worried that she doesn’t have anything with her aside from her clutch bag.

“Then tomorrow.”

“How about my night cream nga? Like… how would I clean my face? I have make up on!” She’s already problematic.

Hindi niya alam kung naka ilang buntonghininga si Clinton dahil sa mga reklamo niya at kapritso.

Well, he has to deal with her. This is what he got for taking her away from the City without asking her opinion about it.

“Just use warm water tonight to wash your face-”

“That’s not enough! I need at least cleanser!”

“How ’bout local brands just for tonight?” He asked carefully.

Nagsasalubong na ang mga kilay niya na para bang nakakakita ng kaaway sa daan. She’s very meticulous when it comes to the products that she’s gonna use especially for her skin and face. She has all kinds of luxury brands that works on her. Cheap products doesn’t good on her.

“If my skin gets irritated you’ll be the one who gonna pay for my derma.”

“I don’t mind paying for all your caprice and whims.”

Galante talaga! Ganito rin kaya ito sa mga babae nito?

Nakakanginig ng kalamnan kapag sumasagi sa isip niya ang mga babae ni Clinton noon.

He parked his car in front of the drugstore. It’s 24hours open.

Sa likod ng sinasakyan nila ay pumarada rin ang itim na SUV na ang lulan ay mga tauhan ng kasama niya. He’s that big time to travel with a convoy full of security.

“What am I gonna do in drugstore? I don’t need meds!”

He let out a sigh and unbuckled his seatbelt. He turned his body a bit to face her.

“They are selling skincare products here. Buy some cleanser or whatever it is that you need.”

Napilitan siyang lumabas sa sasakyan at pumasok sa drugstore.

Tahimik si Clinton na nakasunod sa kanya. Ilang minuto na sila roon pero isa palang ang napipili niya. Binabasa niya ng maigi ang nilalaman ng bawat produkto masigurado niya lang na akma ’yon sa balat niya.

Inilagay niya ang lotion sa maliit na basket na hawak nito para sa mga bibilhin niya.

She got a cleanser, facial foam, moisturizer, night cream, lotion, lip care, sunscreen, and anything that she could use for her skin and body.

He’s the one who go to the cashier to pay. Natataranta pa ang babae sa harap ni Clinton.

Bumalik sila sa sasakyan pagkatapos at nagpatuloy sa byahe papunta sa Batangas. She’s tired but not sleepy. Her mind is wondering where he would take her?

“I don’t wanna stay in one room with you.” She told him that. “I’ll have my own room.”

“Okay.”

His answer was just right. But it irked her.

Bakit ayaw nitong matulog kasama siya? Akala niya ba walang girlfriend? Or he’s just hiding his woman? She will know.

“Siguro bukas nalang tayo mag usap. I’ll be tired when we arrived in Batangas.”

“Whenever you like.”

Huh! Talagang susunod lang sa gusto niya? Paano pala kung ayaw niya itong kausapin?

Xaria rested her head at the backrest and closed her eyes while crossing her arms.

Naramdaman niya ang pag sulyap sa kanya ni Clinton.

“Recline your sit so you can lay properly.” His voice was calm and soothing like the mellow sounds inside the car.

She tried to recline it, but she can’t do it right.

“Uh, I can’t…”

Bumagal ang takbo ng sasakyan hanggang sa ihinto ’yon ni Clinton sa gilid.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and moved forward to get near her.

Parang kakapusin ang hininga niya nang maramdaman ang katawan nito halos sa ibabaw niya para ayusin ang posisyon ng inuupuan niya.

His arm are is above her breast and he seemed like he doesn’t care. But she’s affected with the way their body touched. Daig niya pa ang napaso sa pagdidikit ng kanilang mga balat.

Mariin siyang pumikit nang mapahiga ng bahagya ang inuupuan niya. Napahawak pa siya sa braso ni Clinton dahil nabigla.

And when she opened her eyes, his handsome face welcomed her. He’s staring down at her. She saw him swallowed hard and his eyes travelled to her lips.

The fast beating of her heart is embarrassing. She’s hoping that he won’t hear it or he won’t feel it.

“Drive.” She muttered softly.

Inilagay niya ang palad sa dibdib nito para sana itulak palayo sa kanya. Kaya lang ay hindi nangyari. Namahinga ang kamay niya na para bang nanghihina.

She can almost feel his minty breath that mixed with alcohol on her face. They are just inches away. Isang yukod lang nito, mahahalikan na siya. At maisip pa lang niya ’yon ay para ng may kuryenteng dumadaloy sa mga ugat niya.

“Clinton…” she called his name so that he would stop with that stares because she’s so thrilled about the kiss.

Umigting ang panga nito. Bago marahan ngunit masakit na ipinikit nito ang mga mata.

Tila may matalim na bagay na tumusok sa puso niya. Mabilis na naramdaman niya ang hapdi.

“I missed my baby so bad,” he whispered painfully.

Xaria blinked. The hot tears formed her eyes quickly.

Dapat ay masaya siyang malaman ’yon ngunit nabigo lang siya nang marinig ang sakit sa boses nito.

Clinton stared at her with longing on his eyes. Para itong nanghihina ngunit pinanlalabanan upang mapanatili ang tibay na siya lang tangi tila ang kayang makatibag.

“I miss you too…” her voice cracked when she felt the sharp pang inside her heart as those words escaped from her lips.

She closed her eyes and let her tears rolled down her cheeks. Damang-dama niya ang kirot at pangungulila na bumalot sa puso niya.

At mas lalo siyang naiyak nang maramdaman ang masusuyong halik ni Clinton sa pisngi niya, sa noo, sa gilid ng labi, at muling babalik sa pisngi na luhaan. He’s taking her tears away with his soft gentle kisses.

5 ~ SPOIL

CHAPTER FIVE

AFTER all those years of being away from him, after those long lonely nights of longing for him, following with tears and sorrow, she knew to herself that once they see each other again, there’s no way she won’t be emotional.

Clinton is the main reason why she decided to go back to the Philippines and stopped herself from hiding. Alam niya na ang bigla niyang pag alis noon ay isang maling desisyon ngunit iyon lang din tangi ang tamang paraan para talikuran ang sugat na hindi na yata kailanman maghihilom.

The wound that her past left her remained like a fresh gash even until that moment. It didn’t heal. Ang hapdi na dulot ng malalim na hiwa sa puso niya ay nawawala lang ng pansamantala ngunit babalik din na para bang isang paalala sa kanya na hindi niya na ’yon kailanman matatakasan pa.

Ang sugat na ’yon ay mananatli sa kanya. Palagi niyang dala-dala kahit saan man siya magpunta. Tila inukit na marka na hindi kailan man mabubura kahit ano pang gawin niya.

Xaria stopped from crying but her sobs were shamelessly echoed inside Clinton’s car while he’s driving.

Hindi na siya nakatulog. Buhay na buhay ang diwa niya habang iniisip kung paano niya sisimulan na sabihin sa binata ang lahat. O kung kaya niya bang buksan ang paksa na ’yon?

They arrived in Grande’s port in Batangas after an hour where their ships and yachts were docked.

Xaria took a deep breath and unbuckled her seatbelt. She couldn’t look at Clinton even though his gaze were always went down on her.

He was silent the whole ride after her emotional breakdown. He would just hold her hand and kissed it as if his kisses would comfort her. It did. Sadyang hindi lang talaga tumitigil ang mga luha niya na sinasamahan pa ng mga munting hikbi.

One of Grande’s men opened a door for her.

The salty breeze embraced her. Her lips trembled when the wind seep through the skin of her bare back. Nayakap niya ang sarili.

The horns and deep rumbling noise of the ships from Batangas Port were heard. It was located on the other side where she can see from afar.

She’s never been on that place. It was her first time. Her family liked to go to the beach or island, but they never set their foot in Batangas or anywhere that have a tight connection with the Grandes.

Nag angat siya ng tingin sa katabi niya nang maramdaman ang pagpatong ng kulay itim na suit sa kanyang balikat. It is enough to cover her bare back and to make her feel warm.

A group of uniformed men—probably their bodyguards, approached Clinton. They talked a bit about the yacht before they leave them. One of the guards drove Clinton’s car away.

“Let’s go inside.” He placed his large callous palm at the small of her back.

Ramdam niya ang init na dala ng palad nito sa kanyang balat. Hindi niya sigurado kung iyon ba ang nagpanginig sa mga tuhod niya o ang malamig na hangin.

Nobody welcomed them when they entered the extravagant yacht. The lights on the decks where dimmed. Sapat lang para may munting tanglaw sa malalim na gabi.

Clinton brings her to the yacht bedroom suite. Nang pumasok siya, nagpaiwan ito sa may pinto.

She looked at him with question on her eyes. She expected them to talk. But he doesn’t look like he would go inside with her.

“I’ll just talk to the Captain,” he said when he realized the question on her eyes.

Marahan siyang tumango.

“Do you wanna eat something? Or something to drink before you go to sleep?”

“Hmm, milk?”

Like her usual drink before going to bed. He’s aware of that too.

His brow shot up. The smirk on his lips is a sign that he remembered something from the past then his eyes travelled down to her chest.

Xaria felt like her face heated. Especially when she saw him swallowed hard as he stared on that part of her body.

Her dress is very modest at the front but scandalous at the back. Pero kahit na nakatago ang dibdib niya, hindi pa rin maipagkakaila na talagang mapapansin ang mga ’yon.

“You’re not wearing a bra,” his raspy voice made her hold her breath for a seconds.

“I… I don’t need to.”

His exhaled sharply. Iniwas nito ang tingin sa dibdib niya at bumalik sa kanyang mukha. Mariin siyang tinignan na parang dinagdagan niya ang kasalanan niya rito.

Lumamlam ang mga mata niya at gustong mapanguso.

“I want my milk,” she said softly.

Nagtagis ang bagang nito at habang tumatagal sila sa gano’n, tila mas umiiksi ang pasensya. Kung hindi lang magaling mag kontrol ng emosyon, baka kung ano na ang gawin sa kanya doon.

“I’ll get you milk.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you here.” Her tone was like inviting him and damn her for making it sounded like that.

Pinakawalan niya ang naipong hangin sa kanyang dibdib nang makaalis si Clinton at maisara niya ang pinto. She can’t still believe that they are together!

At talagang mag o-overnight siya kasama ang ex boyfriend niya?

But, did they break up though?

They didn’t break up. So… does it mean they are still in a relationship?

Kaya ayos lang naman kung matulog sila sa i-isang kama? Hindi naman ’yon ang unang beses na matutulog silang magkatabi. They used to sleep together after they made love. Gigisingin lang siya ni Clinton noon kapag kailangan niya nang umuwi.

Her heart ached at the thought of their memories in the past. It gives her a bitter feeling but at the same time, it made her smile.

Gustung-gusto niyang sariwain ang mga ala-ala noon na kasama niya si Clinton. It gave her pain but it also made her happy. Dalawang klaseng pakiramdam na nagsasabay sa isang pagkakataon na ito lamang ang kayang makapagbigay sa kanya.

Xaria pulled out her iPhone and send a message to her mother.

To: Mom

Mom, I am with Clinton. Don’t worry about me. I’ll go back tomorrow.

Sa mga nakalipas na taon na malayo siya sa pamilya niya, naging dahilan din ’yon para hindi na ang mga ito masyadong mag higpit sa kanya. Especially her father, he’s not that very strict anymore.

While waiting for Clinton, she decided to take a quick shower. She brought the skincare products that they bought inside the shower room. Habang naliligo, naramdaman niya rin ang pag andar ng yate.

She wrapped the white robe around her body without anything underneath. While drying her hair using a short towel, she came out from the shower room and almost jump on her feet when she saw Clinton, sitting at the edge of the bed.

His both elbows were place above his knees. His forehead is resting on his intertwined fingers. When he heard the door opened, his intense eyes immediately found her… then moved down to her body.

Kaagad na naramdaman niya ang bigat at init sa paraan ng pag haplos ng mga titig nito sa kanya. She couldn’t deny the familiar heat between them.

Kanina palang sa D’ Club noong unang mag tagpo ang kanilang mga mata, sa gitna ng dilim at ingay ng paligid, gumuhit agad sa balat niya ang gano’n klaseng titig ni Clinton.

Maybe because they had history. And to feel that way was normal. Or maybe despite being away for years, their feelings remained.

But, it’s impossible to think that Clinton’s feelings for her never changed. May mga patunay na nagsasabi sa kanya na hindi na. He had been dating and seeing women within those years that she was away. Kaya hindi na dapat siya magtataka na wala na itong nararamdaman sa kanya.

Mas gusto niya pang paniwalaan na galit ito sa kanya dahil umalis siya nang walang paalam. Hindi nagpakita ng ilang taon at umasta na nakalimutan na ito. Siguro ay iyon ang dahilan kung bakit gusto ni Clinton na mag usap sila. He wanted an explanation why she left him… why she ghosted him.

Xaria’s lips pursed when she thought about the fact that she dumped and ghosted Clinton Grande.

She could imagine those women who would flock on his feet for his attention. Samantalang siya, iniwan niya lang at tinakasan ng wala man lang pasubali.

The table was located at the other side of the bed. Kailangan niya pa munang daanan si Clinton bago niya makuha ang isang baso ng gatas.

With her heart beating wildly already, Xaria made herself composed and took a steps to get near the table. Kaya lang, nang nasa harap na siya ni Clinton, napahinto siya nang hawakan siya nito sa palapulsuhan.

Ang malakas na pintig ng puso niya ay naghumerentado ng todo. Kulang nalang ay malagutan siya ng hininga sa tindi ng damdamin na ipinaparanas sa kanya nito. She can’t believe herself. She’s very affected and she couldn’t stop it.

“I’ll just get my milk,” marahan ang boses niya na tila ba nagpapaalam dito tapos ay babalik din pagkakuha ng gatas niya.

Clinton sighed and slowly let go of her wrist.

Hindi siya sigurado kung bakit tila may tumusok sa dibdib niya at bigla nalang humapdi ang puso nang pakawalan siya nito at hindi ipinilit ang gusto.

She doesn’t like the feeling that he easily let go of her… it doesn’t feel right.

Kaya nang makuha niya ang gatas ng baso, sumimsim siya doon at mabagal na humakbang pabalik kay Clinton.

He’s watching her with weary on his eyes as he waits for her to come back to him.

Habang humahakbang siya, mas lalo niyang natatanto kung gaano kabilis ang pintig ng puso niya. Habang nagkakatitigan sila, mas lalo niyang napapatunayan na sa kabila ng lahat nangyari, lumipas man ang panahon, nakatitiyak siya na isa lang ang hindi magbabago sa kanya.

Her feelings for him will never changed. Like the wound that never left her body, her love for him will remained. Her love will never fade. Parang mga larawan na iginuhit niya sa kanyang ala-ala na kasama ito, siya at ang munti nilang pamilya… hindi kailanman mabubura kahit ano pang sakuna ang dumating sa kanya.

Napalunok siya sa tindi ng nararamdaman niya. Para siyang maiiyak. Ang mga tuhod niya ay sadyang nanghihina. Gano’n din ang kanyang mga kamay. The milk on the glass shaken a bit from her hold.

And when he extended his arm, as a sign of him urging her to come back to him, made her heart twinged badly.

Ang braso nitong naghihintay sa muli niyang pagbabalik habang marahan siyang pinagmamasdan ay tumunaw ng tuluyan sa kanya. The hope and longing on his eyes while he patiently waits for her to get closer is what made her eyes watered.

She felt like a lost sweet child who finally found her home again after so many years when he wrapped his strong arms around her while she’s standing in front of him.

When he buried his face on her chest, she knew that like her, he found his home too. Again.

They stayed like that for a long moment. There were no words. Just her loud heartbeat and sigh of relieve.

While holding the glass of milk using her left hand, she uses the right one to caress his hair.

Napangiti siya nang maalala ang mga sandali noon na ganito ang ginagawa niya kay Clinton. He would always buried his face on her neck or chest, then she would caress his hair. It’s soothing… and probably, that’s what he felt too.

“I like your hairstyle before,” she muttered lightly.

He kissed her chest before he looked up on her. She continued to caress him and he let her.

He’s a grown man, successful, financially stable and powerful. But here he is, looking powerless in front of her. Tila ba susunod nalang sa lahat ng gagawin niya at hindi magrereklamo.

“I like your hairstyle when we were still in a relationship-”

“We are still in a relationship,” he cut her off harshly.

Xaria sipped on her milk to stop herself from grinning.

Napansin niya kung paano sumunod ang mapupungay na mata ni Clinton sa ginawa niya at tumagal sa kanyang labi.

Gusto niyang matawa o magdiwang ngunit alam niyang hindi ’yon ang tamang oras para doon.

Isa pa, tama naman si Clinton, di ba? Hindi naman sila nag break? Umalis lang siya pero hindi ibig sabihin no’n ay break na sila?

Goodness! She’s really holding on to that bullshit, yeah?

“You’re a cheater then?”

His mesmerizing grayish eyes squinted. Then he bit his lower lip impatiently.

“You’ve dated different women while I was away and we were in a relationship. It’s cheating, Clinton.”

He weakly rested his forehead at the valley of her breast. His hands on the sides of her waist remained there. Sakop na sakop ng palad nito ang maliit na bewang niya.

“You probably bedded them too. So, for me, you are not my boyfriend anymore.”

He sighed.

But what she didn’t like is… he didn’t deny that he bedded those women!

Ang itinatagong galit niya sa mga naging babae nito ay muling umusbong. She stepped backward but he was quick to grip her waist and made her stay still.

“Really? You bedded them?! You didn’t even deny it!”

Handang-handa na siyang ilabas ang naipon na galit. Hindi niya talaga yata matatanggap na sa loob ng apat na taon, may mga babae si Clinton at naikama pa! Samantalang siya, halos lunurin ang sarili sa pag aaral, sa kung anu-anong bagay, para makalimot at sumaya kahit pansamantala.

While she was miserable, he was dating and fucking women!

“Akala mo hindi ko alam? You even dated that Brazilian model and took her in a yacht!” She bursted out the most scenario that made her jealous and cried when she saw the photos.

Muli niyang sinubukang umalis ngunit mas malakas sa kanya si Clinton. He even managed to put her on his lap and pinned her down there.

Xaria gritted her teeth while sharply looking at Clinton. Nakakabahala na baka sa galit niya ay bigla nalang siyang maiyak sa harap nito. But the fact that he dated women is really hurting her.

“And what did you do, huh?” She sarcastically asked him.

Tahimik lang siya nitong pinagmamasdan na para bang hindi pa rin makapaniwala na naroon siya sa harap nito. Wala man lang pakialam na nagagalit siya.

“You probably fucked her-” Clinton covered her mouth with his palm.

Naiirita na iniwas niya ang mukha sa kamay nito at matalim itong tinignan ulit. Nag iinit ang gilid ng kanyang mga mata dahil sa panibugho.

“It was true, right? You even brought those women in some parties and events!”

His luscious eyebrow shot up. Animo may nakakamangha itong nakikita o naririnig mula sa kanya.

“I did-”

“You, womanizer!” Itinulak niya ang panga nito ngunit marahan lang itong natawa dahil sa ginawa niya.

Habang natutuwa ito, para naman siyang bulkan na hindi na mapigilan ang pag a-alboroto.

“And how dare you dated women when you know that I was pregnant and we had a child!” Her tears formed her eyes as the mentioned of their angel.

Napayuko siya at biglang nanghina. Tumingin siya sa baso ng gatas na nasa kandungan niya. Hawak ’yon ng isang kamay niya at nakapatong din doon ang kamay ni Clinton.

“How dare you dumped me like that without leaving a trace, huh?” He countered back with sharpness on his tone.

Kinabahan siya. Alam niyang hindi na siya makakawala pa sa usaping ’yon. Kailangan niyang harapin kahit pa hindi niya yata kakayanin.

His lips travelled up from her shoulder to her jaw. Then it stayed on her cheek. While waiting for her answer to his question.

Pakiramdam niya ay hindi nito matatanggap ang sagot na hinihintay galing sa kanya. Gusto niya nalang matunaw sa kandungan nito.

“How dare you ghosted the father of your child, huh?” His voice was gentle and menacing at the same time.

Xaria’s heart beat so loud and wild that it hurts her. Sumisikip ang dibdib niya at animo umaakyat ang hapdi sa lalamunan niya. She couldn’t just say a word because she’s scared she would cry hard and break down.

“I waited for you that night…” he whispered bitterly, then planted a feathery kisses on her cheek. “I was so ready to build our own family, Xaria.”

“I was too.” she croaked.

He pulled her closer to him as if their distance wasn’t enough. Ang braso nitong nakapalibot sa kanya ay tila bakal na nagsasabing hindi na nito hahayaan pang makawala siyang muli mula rito.

“But you left me with our child. Why?” He was confused, in pain and desperate for an answer.

Gamit ang dalawang kamay, hinawakan niyang mabuti ang baso pati na rin ang isang kamay nitong naroon din.

She couldn’t look at him. She doesn’t want to see his eyes because she knows that she hurts him. Aside from that, his lips stayed on her cheek. Marahan siyang hinahalikan sa parteng ’yon.

His other palm found her stomach. It made her took a deep breath.

“What happened to my babies? Hmm?” His tone was gentle that it poked her heart so much.

Muling namuo ang mga luha sa gilid ng kanyang mga mata. Kinagat niya ang labi upang pigilan ang sakit na tumutusok sa bawat parte ng puso niya.

“I’m s-sorry…” nabasag ang boses niya kasabay ng pagkabasag ng namuong mga luha.

Clinton kissed the tears that flowing down her cheeks. Like what he did when they were inside his car.

“I… I am sorry I left you like t-that… I was c-careless… I… I d-didn’t mean t-to…” she couldn’t finish her sentence because she’s already crying and her heart aches really bad.

Pinanood nito ang mga luha sa pisngi niya na tila ba gusto nitong malugod. Ngunit sa huli, napamura ito at tinahan siya.

Tuluy-tuloy ang pag iyak niya at nasamahan na ng mga hikbi. Sobrang babaw talaga ng mga luha niya kahit kailan. Nagtataas-baba ang dibdib niya dahil talagang labis ang pag iyak.

At nang muli siyang mapahikbi, she heard him chuckled softly.

Galit niya itong tinignan sa kabila ng panglalabo ng mga mata gawa ng walang tigil na daloy ng luha.

“Still a crying baby,” he whispered lightly and brought her head to his chest.

Napapagod na nagpadala siya rito at sa dibdib nito siya umiyak. Naramdaman niya ang mga halik nito sa ibabaw ng ulo niya papunta sa kanyang sintindo. Para siyang hinehele.

“You really know my weakness.” He accused her tenderly.

Xaria just pursed her lips and buried her face on Clinton’s chest. Her eyelids got heavier.

“Alam na alam mo talaga na ang mga mata mo at ang mga luha mo ang kahinaan ko…” He said that like she was using her advantage to trap him.

“I can still t-talk…”

“I won’t let your tears stop me next time…” he then kissed her cheek again.

Ipinikit niya ang mga mata. She suddenly felt exhausted and sleepy.

“… I’m not gonna spoil my baby again,” it sounded like he’s reminding himself instead of her.

6 ~ DEVOUR (SPG)

CHAPTER SIX

WHEN Clinton’s feathery kisses got near her lips, her heart raced more. She’s so tempted to kiss him back. She misses him so much that his kisses is melting her. His caresses on her stomach, down to her revealed thighs is burning her skin.

Halos mabitawan niya ang pagkakahawak sa baso ng gatas nang sinadya nitong ipasok ang palad sa ilalim ng roba na suot para lang madama ng malaya ang tiyan niya. Mainit ang palad nito na dumadagdag sa pag aalab ng katawan niya.

Ang mga luha niya ay natuyo na sa kanyang pisngi. Kung kanina ay hindi matawarang sakit ang bumalot sa kanya, ngayon na naglalakbay ang labi ng binata sa leeg niya habang hinahaplos ang tiyan niya, paikot sa bewang niya, pamilyar na init na ang lumukob sa katauhan niya.

Xaria moved her face a bit when his kisses travelled up to her lips again.

Their eyes met and she knew by then that nobody could stop them doing what their bodies wanted. Namumungay ang mga mata nito na tiyak na sumasalamin sa kanya.

She rested her one hand on his shoulder when he used his other hand to remove the ribbon of her robe. Lumuwag ang telang sagabal sa katawan niya hanggang sa sumuot ang lamig. The valley of her breasts was revealed to his eyes.

Kahit na halata rito na gusto pa siyang titigan, hindi pa rin naiwasan na ibaba ang mga mata sa dibdib niya.

Napapikit siya nang hawiin ni Clinton ang roba dahilan kung bakit lumantad sa harap nito ang kanina’y nakatago lang. His large hand cupped her boob before he returned his gaze on her.

Tila simbolo ’yon na kahit ilang taon pa silang hindi magkita, mananatili pa rin na ito lang tangi ang nagmamay-ari sa kanya… sa katawan niya… at siguradong pati ng puso niya.

Xaria’s eyes shut closed when he claimed her lips with his. Para siyang nahilo agad at tinangay ang wisyo sa unang lapat palang ng labi nito sa kanya. Masyado siyang nasasabik at hindi na na kontrol pa ang pagsaboy ng apoy sa balat niya.

His gentle and shallow kisses made her asked for more. She gets aggressive that she was the first who entered her tongue inside his mouth, stopping him a bit with the way he kissed her.

Clinton groaned under his breath when she hotly twirled her tongue against his. She’s really, really heating up and all that she wanted is to feel him again. All of him. This is what he made her. She seemed like a wanton woman who was so eager and hungered to be kissed… to be fucked.

He massages her breasts alternately and his thumb would play with her hard nipples. He would pinched it until she whimpered in between their kisses.

Nakapikit ang mga mata niya habang nalulunod na sa malalim at agresibong labanan ng kanilang mga dila sa loob ng kanilang bibig. His minty breath that mixed with alcohol is making her tipsy and thirsty.

She removed her hand from the glass of milk to place it on Clinton’s shoulder. Dalawang kamay niya na ang nakapatong sa magkabilang balikat nito na para bang naroon nakasalalay ang buhay niya.

“Mmm…” she moans when he sucked her tongue that almost made her lose her breath.

Clinton couldn’t use his other hand to caress her because he’s the now holding that damn glass above her thighs. Dahil kung hindi, matatapon ’yon sa kanya. Naisip niya pa talaga ’yon. Alam na alam nito na palagi siyang umiinom ng gatas sa gabi bago matulog.

Mabibigat na ang talukap ng kanyang mga mata at tila nalalasing habang pinapanood ang binata na bumababa ang labi papunta sa leeg niya… balikat at sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya.

Ibinalik niya ang isang kamay sa baso sa kandungan niya at naging dahilan ’yon kung bakit bumitaw doon si Clinton. He used that hand to tease her inner thighs. While the other one stayed on her breast.

Xaria gasped softly and her lips parted when she felt his hot mouth covered her nipple. Para siyang tuyong dahon na natupok ng apoy at walang kalaban-laban na dinama ang init.

“Clinton…” tawag niya sa pangalan nito na para bang dinadasalan niya.

She parted her legs a bit for him to have a complete access to her femininity. Ngunit sa ginawa niya, natapon ang gatas sa may hita niya.

He paused from sucking her nipple to look down and his jaw clenched at the sight of the milk dripping sexily on her inner thighs.

“Uuhhh…” muli siyang napa ungol nang ekspertong humagod ang malaking daliri ni Clinton sa hiwa ng pagkababae niya. Nanginig ang hita niya sa hindi inaasahang sarap.

“I will devour this pussy till dawn,” he whispered sensually.

It was also sounded like a threat for her. Na tila ba tototohanin ang sinabi at wala siyang magagawa kundi hayaan itong gawin iyon sa kanya.

It was a shame to admit that when she heard him muttered those bold words, she felt how her womanhood throbbed. Nagtaasan ang mga balahibo niya sa katawan at aaminin na nakaramdam siya ng excitement.

She knew how expert he was in oral sex. She how he moved whenever his head was in between her thighs. She knew exactly what he would do for her to moan loud. At maisip niya palang na gagawin ulit ’yon ni Clinton sa kanya, para na siyang nawawala sa ulirat.

“How about tomorrow morning?” That flirty tone escaped her mouth.

She saw how the side of his lips curved up. Umawang ang labi niya nang mainit na pasadahan ng daliri nito ang hiwa niya at ipinahinga roon. Ramdam niya ang pagbuka ng gitna niya para lang mapaunlakan ang bisita.

“I’ll wake you up with my head in between your thighs,” he said darkly and rolled his tongue around her nipple.

Masarap siyang napapikit. Hindi na yata kakayanin isipin na sa gano’n na paraan siya muli gigisingin ni Clinton. Ilang beses niya nang naranasan ’yon noon at nakakasabik na mararanasan niya ulit.

While he’s licking and sucking her nipples, her eyes flew to the glass she’s holding. Kanina pa ’yon nakakaabala sa kanilang dalawa. And when she thought about on how to get rid of it, she can’t help the heat on her face.

Itinaas niya ang baso at mabagal na ibinuhos ’yon sa kanyang dibdib. Kitang-kita niya kung paano matalim ngunit malagkit na dumapo ang mga mata ni Clinton sa puting likido na tila nang aakit dito.

He carelessly closed her thighs so that the milk would go straight to her femininity.

“Mmmm… ahhh…” another sweet whimper echoed when he started to lick the milk on the skin of her breasts.

Her body is heating up but it’s also shivering. Kakaibang ligaya ang muling dumampi sa balat niya habang pinapanood at dinadama kung paano siya paligayahin ni Clinton.

Kinagat niya ang pang ibabang labi nang gigil na sinipsip nito ang ut*ng niya. Talagang naramdaman niya ang hapdi bago ang sarap.

“Ohh… Baby…” her voice was seductive as she caressed his rough jaw with her soft palm while he keeps on sucking her nipple in that way.

Napapikit siya at hindi alam kung paano ipapaliwanag ang kaluguran na nahaluan ng tila parusa sa kanya. Pakiramdam niya kung may gatas lang na lalabas mula roon, ay talagang lalabas dahil sa pagsipsip ng binata.

“I… have no milk there,” she pouted her lips.

He didn’t listen. He’s so drowned with her breasts. Pagkatapos ng isa, ay ang isang ut*ng niya naman ang pinag-initan.

Habang ang malaking daliri ay mariin din na humahagod sa hiwa ng pagkababae niya. She’s soaking wet already. At pakiramdam niya, ilang pang hagod nito doon ay makakamit niya na ang dulo ng paraiso na matagal niyang hindi na-bisita.

“Clinton…” she gasped because he’s really punishing her by sucking hard her nipples!

She’s literally giving a breastfeeding to a grown man. Sumimangot siya at hinaplos ang panga nito.

He stopped after a while.

“I’m sorry…” he gently kissed her both nipple. Tila pampawi sa hapdi na ginawa nito.

Nang magbaba siya ng tingin sa dibdib niya, uminit ang pisngi niya sa nakita. Her nipples gets really pink, swollen, and there’s already red marks around her boobs. Halatang-halata ’yon dahil maputi ang balat niya.

“These got bigger…” he squeezed her breast lightly.

Totoo naman din. Medyo lumaki ang dibdib niya. Mas lalong na-depina ang hugis ng mga ’yon na sakto lang sa tindig ng katawan niya.

“I’m wearing 34C now.”

“Hmm…” he nods his head a bit, impressed and amused at the same time.

She used her fingers to touch her tip. Hindi niya naman intensyon na kunin ang atensyon nito dahil sa ginawa niya, pero bumalik doon ang tingin ni Clinton.

“I missed sucking your tits,” he muttered and crouched again to have another suck.

Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi at medyo umayos sa pagkaka-upo. Doon ay tuluyan niyang naramdaman ang matigas na kanina niya pa inuupuan. She smiled inwardly when she realized he’s already hard and ready to devour her.

“I can tell…” she smirked. “You’re like a big baby.”

Xaria winced when he slightly bite her nipple. Talagang ayaw pa siyang tigilan sa parteng ’yon. Sinusulit ang mga taon na hindi sa kanya iyon nagawa.

Namimigat na ang kanyang mga mata ngunit buhay na buhay pa rin ang mga ugat niya sa katawan. Lalo pa nang sa wakas ay tumigil si Clinton sa dibdib niya at inalis ang daliri na kanina lang ay nakababad sa hiwa niya.

She blushed when she watched him deliciously licked the fingers he used on her femininity without breaking their eye contact.

Talagang ipinapakita sa kanya kung gaano ito naluguran nang matikman siyang muli sa pamamagitan ng daliring binalot ng likido niya.

“I want my tongue on your pussy,” he whispered in a rasp tone that made her body shivered.

“N-now?”

“Yeah,” his lips went to her neck. “Stand up…” he commanded.

Xaria felt like she was hypnotized by his eyes and by his voice. Na kahit nanghihina ang mga tuhod, umalis pa rin siya sa kandungan nito para gawin ang inutos sa kanya.

He’s still sitting at the edge of the bed while she’s standing just in front of him. This time, she’s flushed and naked. Her boobs leveled his handsome face.

Malakas ang tibok ng puso niya kahit pa lamang na ang pag iinit ng buong katawan niya.

Nang hinagod nito ang hiwa niya gamit ang malaking daliri, para na siyang mabubuwal kaya napahawak siya sa balikat ni Clinton para suportahan ang sarili niya.

He let her moved closer then brought her one leg at the edge of the bed just near his left side. Habang ang isang paa niya naman ay nanatili sa sahig.

Clinton started to kiss her breasst, down to her stomach… until he knelt in front of her. Saktong-sakto ang mukha nito sa pagkababae niya.

“Open it for me,” his minty breath hit her femininity and it made her swallowed hard.

Wala pa man ay gumagapang na ang kiliti sa bawat himaymay ng ugat niya.

Using her forefinger and middle finger, she tried to open the lips of her womanhood for him.

Clinton’s jaw clenched while watching how she opened herself in front of him.

“More…” he demanded in a husky tone.

Muli siyang napalunok. Kinagat niya ang pang ibabang labi habang sinisikap na buksan pa ang pagkababae niya. She can’t look at it but she’s sure that it’s already opened, enough for him to be satisfied.

Nakita niya sa mga mata nito kung gaano katindi ang intensidad ng pagnanasa habang mainit na pinagmamasdan ang tila imahe na palagi’y nagpapabaliw dito.

His thumb found her sensitive nub that made her knees wobbled. Ang nagbabagang apoy ay kumalat ng tuluyan sa kanyang katawan. Para siyang mawawala sa wisyo kung hindi niya mahahawakan ang sarili ng maayos.

When he stuck out his tongue and tasted her cl*t, she felt like she’s gonna lose herself. At nang ipinagpatuloy nito ang marahan na paglalaro sa parteng ’yon, na tila ba ninamnam ang sarap, hindi niya na napigilan ang mga daing na umalpas sa kanyang labi.

“Mmm… mmm…”

“Bare with me, baby. I’m gonna suck your cl*t real hard.” He warned her before he angled his head and buried his face on her inner thighs.

Gumapang ang init sa mukha niya paikot sa batok ng walang pasintabi na pumintig ang kung ano sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita. Pakiramdam niya ay may biglang lumabas sa entrada niya dahil sa matinding kiliti.

Clinton didn’t waste even a second to devour her femininity. He did really sucked and suckled hard that it made her moans came out scandalously.

“Mmm… aahhh… ahhh… ahhh…”

She gripped on his shoulder using her one hand and the other one is above his head. Nangatog ang mga tuhod niya at alam niyang mabubuwal ang mga ’yon kung magpapatuloy pa ang kaluguran na ipinapamalas sa kanya ng lalaking magpa sa hanggang sa mga sandaling ’yon ay laman pa rin ng puso niya.

Xaria’s head fell back and her mouth parted when she felt how he intensely sucked her soft swollen nub.

Ramdam niya ang gigil at diin ng bawat sipsip na tila ba walang katumbas na ligaya ang anomang nakukuha nito sa maliit na bahaging ’yon ng pagkababaae niya kaya binigyan ng labis na atensyon.

“Ohh! Clinton! Ooohhh… Please… f-fuck! Mmm… y-yeah… aahhh…”

The way her fingernails dug on his shoulder was a sign that she’s really closer to the brink and any moment she will taste heaven.

When her thighs shaken to get ready for her release, and he easily felt it, he sucked her harder. That’s when she tasted the sweet and mind-blowing pleasure only him can make her feel.

She let her squirt came out freely without thinking that his mouth is still on her flesh.

“Aahhh…” she whimpered while her eyes were closed and suddenly lost her balance because.

“Fuck!” He cursed under his breath and held her so she won’t completely fall off the ground.

Inihiga siya ni Clinton sa kama. Nakapikit pa rin ang mga mata niya at medyo nawalan na lakas dahil iyon ang pinaka matinding ganap niya simula nang magkahiwalay sila.

Mababaw ang halik nito sa hita niya paakyat sa kanyang tiyan. She needs a little more time to recover from that orgasm. She could do a one round before they go to sleep. Hindi siya papayag na siya lang ang maligaya sa gabing ’yon. Dapat ay si Clinton din.

“I want you to fill me,” she told him with a seductive voice.

He’s on top of her and planting a light kisses on her shoulder and neck.

“Are you sure?” He breathed on her ear which tickled her.

Xaria nodded her head. “P-please?”

Umalis ito sa ibabaw niya at gano’n nalang ang kiliting umikot sa kanyang tiyan nang mag umpisa itong maghubad.

He’s standing at the edge of the bed just near where her heels were placed. He’s staring darkly at her while he’s unbuttoning his white dress shirt. The veins at the back of his hands made her gulped. His disheveled hair, his reddish lips, and the intensity of his gaze gave butterflies to her stomach.

And when he removed his leather belt without breaking their eye contact, she felt like he’s going to make her taste heaven and hell tonight.

His chiseled chest is matted with thin hair that added to his muscularity. He looked virile and robust. The kind of ripped he has is like someone who’s gonna push you against the wall and fuck you real hard.

Her femininity throbbed as the thought of that.

And when an images of him and his women suddenly popped her mind, she quickly got jealous. Those bitches… how dare them fuck her man?!

Xaria hold her breath when she saw him wrapped his hard member with his hand, played himself a bit while staring at her with sharpness and darkness on his gaze.

Lumakas ang pintig ng puso niya nang lumapit pa lalo si Clinton sa kama. Pakiramdam niya ay gigibain siya nito at hindi makakalakad kinabukasan.

He pulled her ankles until the edge. She gasped when he knelt above the bed—and positioned himself in between her thighs. Tapos ay kinuha ang magkabilang binti niya para ipatong sa balikat nito.

She’s so open in front of him… so naked… blushing and burning.

She’s ready for him. She knew that she will still get hurt but she can endure the pain. She never had any sexual intercourse with another man. Si Clinton lang ang una’t huli niya.

Xaria gripped on the bedsheet on her sides as she anticipated him to enter her. Humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib nang unti-unti niyang madama sa entrada niya ang panunubok nitong makapasok.

She’s sure that they doesn’t need a lube. Because she’s dripping wet. Umaasa siya na hindi niya pagsisisihan na hindi siya humingi n’yon. O kung nag request ba siya, mayroon kaya no’n si Clinton do’n?

With his one swift thrust, he fully entered her and only her will know how painful it was to be filled by him after four long years.

Natanto niya agad kung paano bumuka ang muscles sa loob niya para lang bigyan ng daan ang pagbabalik ng nag-iisang bisitang pinapasok niya.

Pinigil niya ang mapasinghap sa kirot na bumalot sa pagkababae niya. Instead, she moaned the pain that mixed with satisfaction.

“Aahhh!”

She didn’t exactly know if his size got bigger or she’s just too tight. She wasn’t virgin but she’s still feel that the muscles inside her vagina is tearing apart just to fully accommodate him.

His breathing became heavy. Nang tignan niya ito, nagkaroon bigla ng kakaibang saya sa puso niya.

Habang medyo nakaawang ang labi, nakapikit din ang mga mata at nakatingala. Kitang-kita niya ang kaluguran na bumalot sa pagkatao ng lalaking mahal. He swallowed hard that made his sexy Adam’s apple moved.

The protruding veins on his forearms, the veins on his neck, and the way he twitched inside of her, is already satisfying. Because she knew that despite what happened in their past, he’s still into her. She can still affect him like what she did before. He’s still long for her. He’s still want her.

Nang mag umpisa itong umulos, sinikap niyang mas damhin ang sarap ng kanilang pag iisa kaysa ang hapdi na sumasali sa ligaya.

Clinton doesn’t seemed to think about taking her in a gentle way. Tila ba nalulunod na rin ito sa kaluguran at matinding pananabik na maangkin siyang muli kaya ang bawat paglabas-masok sa pagkababae niya ay mariin at hindi nagpapaawat.

“Aahh! Aaaahhh! Yes! Y-yeah… oohhh… ohhh…” Her loud sexy moans echoed the suite.

Daig pa nilang dalawa ang hinahabol sa bilis ng galaw sa loob niya. Ang kaninang kirot na nararamdaman ay napawi na ng tuluyan.

Ang init, pananabik, at pagnanasa  ay nagpapakita nila sa pamamagitan ng mga ungol, mabigat na paghinga, at malayang pag akin sa isa’t-isa.

Xaria’s boobs were bouncing in each hard and harsh pump from Clinton. The bed is already moving and they both doesn’t care about it. All that they wanted is to feel each other again after years of being separated.

“Mmm… oohhh… C-Clinton… f-fuck… ohhh yes…”

She cupped her boobs to stop them from moving. Ipinikit niya ang mga mata at buong puso na tinanggap sa loob niya ang pagragasa ng matigas na ari ng binata.

He pushes her to the brim. His every pump was deep and harsh. Tila ba ginigiba ang pagkababae niya bilang parusa sa kanya dahil sa tagal na hindi siya nagpakita rito.

She can almost feel his tip poking her lower abdomen every time he went deeper. Tumitirik ang mga mata niya sa tindi ng kaluguran.

“Tang ina…” he cursed hotly and his pace went fast and uncontrolled.

His heavy breathing sounded so sexy… tila siya nahahalina.

Xaria can feel it again. The heat that building up inside of her. Hindi niya rin ’yon kontrolado.

At nang maramdaman niya na bumilis na ng husto ang pag ulos nito sa pagkababae niya, doon niya rin natanto na makakamit niya na ulit ang langit na binuo nila… kasama ito.

His grip on her legs tightened then he kissed one of it… before he buried himself deeper and spilled everything inside of her.

Kumalat ang init sa tiyan niya at para siyang nahibang sa ibang klaseng kasiyahan na dulot nang ginawa nito. Her heart is beating wildly and her body gets frail.

“Ohh… Clinton…” Mariin siyang napapikit at halos maging emosyonal nang maramdamang sabay silang nagpakawala ng sarap ng kanilang pag iisa.

7 ~ SOLACE (SPG)

CHAPTER SEVEN

EVEN though her body was worn out and aching, her muscles were sore, and her femininity is in pain as if it was wounded, she can’t still suppress the satisfaction that she’s feeling while Clinton’s head is in between her thighs.

Xaria had no idea what time they dozed off. After their first round, he brought her to the shower room and while they were under the water, he took her from behind.

Nakaidlip siya pagkatapos nilang maligo ngunit nagising nang maramdaman ang kiliti sa dibdib niya. He sucked her nipples that built her arousal. It ended with her moans and his heavy breathing because he fucked her again.

Nang buksan niya ang mga mata, maliwanag na sa labas. Ang kulay asul na tubig dagat ay pinapaulanan ng mala diamanteng sikat ng araw. The large glass window is enough to lit the suite.

“Ohhh…” she moaned softly when he poked her entrance using the tip of his tongue.

She’s still naked. Natulog siyang walang saplot at nagising na wala rin. The mirror on the ceiling gave her the full view of them above the king sized bed.

Her wavy golden brown hair is messy but it looked sexy. Her sleepy eyes and parted plum lips were a sign that she’s really enjoying the pleasure that Clinton is giving her. The kiss marks all over her breasts made her bite her lips.

Umakyat ang matitigas na braso ni Clinton sa kanyang dibdib at sinakop ng malapad na palad nito ang mga ’yon. Habang abala ang dila sa marahan na paglalakbay sa bawat sulok ng pagkababae niya.

The muscles on his arms and the veins made her swallowed. She’s aware that he really has that kind of ripped that could make women drool, but to watch those arms against her milky skin is gratifying.

She traced the tattoo on his right arm with her fingers. It was new to her eyes. He never had ink before. Kagabi niya pa ’yon napapansin ngunit hindi niya magawang tanungin ito dahil abala sila sa pagtatalik.

It was a Celtic knot band that was exactly placed on his biceps. It looked hot on him. Parang ang sarap, sarap haplusin.

“Aahhh… Clinton…” masarap na hinaplos niya ang tattoo nito na umakit sa kanya.

Umalpas muli ang ungol niya nang hinimod ng mainit na dila ang hiwa ng pagkakababae niya.

Umaga na o baka nga’y tanghali na pero tila ayaw niyang umalis sa kama at hayaan nalang ang binata na paligayahin siya maghapon. That’s how tigang she was!

When she felt him tried to insert his finger, she gasped because of pain.

“Uhh, I’m very sore.”

He removed his finger right away and kissed her entrance.

Parang namanhid ang ulo niya dahil talagang naramdaman niya ang paghalik ni Clinton sa entrada niya. Sana ay hindi nito nakita na may pumintig ulit sa kanya dahil sa ginawa nito.

“I’ll just massage you,” he said using his morning raspy voice.

“Yes… p-please…”

Xaria can’t count how many times she reached her climax while Clinton was massaging her femininity using his hot expert tongue.

Ang alam niya lang, nalulunod siya sa kaluguran at tila nawawala na sa reyalidad dahil talagang binalot ang katawan niya ng apoy ng pagnanasa.

“Ahhh… mmm… mmm…”

She arched her hips and met his tongue. She also grinds to feel him even more.

He doesn’t mind though. Kung nasaan ang pagkababae niya, hahabulin lang ng dila nito at ipagpapatuloy ang pagmamasahe.

Nanginig ang katawan niya sa nakakabaliw na sarap nang madiin na ilapat nito ang dila sa pagkababae niya at madiin din na hinimod siya roon.

She can see the way his head was moving up and down erotically with his tongue on her flesh.

Tumirik ang mga mata niya at mahigpit na napahawak sa may tattoo nito sa braso at ang isang kamay ay nasa ulo ng binata na tila ba naroon nakasalalay ang buhay niya.

“Ohhh! Baby!” She screamed her moan when she let out another sweet release.

“Fuck…” he cursed and immediately place his tongue on her entrance to taste her juice.

Mariin siyang nakapikit, naka awang ang labi, taas baba ang dibdib, habang dinadama ang dila nito sa namimintig niyang pagkababae.

“Tang ina,” napapaos na sambit nito animo nababaliw sa ginagawa sa kanya.

It was already late in the afternoon when Xaria woke up again. This time, Clinton gave her time to rest. Her body is still inflamed and burning. Hindi niya na ininda ang sinat niya dahil nagugutom na talaga siya. She needs to eat!

Nakahanda na ang pagkain sa lamesa pero wala doon ang binata. Kahit na nahihirapan gumalaw at maglakad, sinikap niyang bumangon.

I-ika ika siya at napapangiwi dahil hindi biro ang pananakit ng pagkababae niya. Pakiramdam niya, gano’n na gano’n noon ang dinanas niya nang unang beses na may nangyari sa pagitan nila ni Clinton.

Xaria is enjoying the rice, grilled fish and seafoods. There’s also sliced of watermelon and yellow mango that she eats after.

She’s sipping on her mixed fruits smoothies when the door opened and Clinton came in.

Muntik na siyang mabilaukan nang makita ang itsura nito.

He was topless, giving her a clear view of his upper bod. The salty water from the tip of his hair is cascading down to his massive chest and his abdominal muscles. His black board short was wet too. The shadow of his masculinity at the center of his thighs was visible as well.

Clinton cleared his throat.

Nang mag angat siya ng tingin dito, nakita niya ang talim sa mga mata nito.

Umirap siya.

Hindi niya naman sinasadya na tumagal ang tingin niya sa parteng ’yon. Ngayong natanto niya na gano’n nga ang ginawa niya, bigla niya tuloy naramdaman ulit ang pananakit ng pagkababae niya pati na rin ng mga muscle sa binti.

“How do you feel now?” He asked and walked towards her while drying his hair with a white towel with a striped of royal blue.

“I feel like my whole body is inflamed.” She sighed. “ I have fever too.“

He gently placed the back of his hand on her forehead then to her neck.

Napaigtad siya dahil malamig ang kamay nito.

“But I need to do some phone calls. Do you have a reception here?”

“Yeah. You have to go to the upper deck to make a call.”

Xaria continued with her fruits and smoothies. She can feel the heat on her body. Pati ang magkabilang tenga niya ay tila umuusok.

“Can you walk?” He carefully asked.

Nag iwas siya ng tingin. Kaya niya naman maglakad kaya lang siguradong masasaktan siya lalo at sa upper deck pa siya makakakuha ng signal.

“Never mind. I will just carry you. Wait for me. I’ll just take a shower.” He kissed the top of her head before he walked towards the shower room.

Bumalik siya sa higaan nang matapos siyang kumain. Habang tumatagal, mas nararamdaman niya ang panghihina at pananakit ng buong katawan. She needs to take any medicine to make her feel better.

Clinton is already wearing a white shirt and khaki shorts when she saw him near the bed. Idinilat niya pa lalo ang mga mata para malinaw ito sa paningin niya. Nakaidlip siya ng gano’n gano’n lang!

“I’ll get you meds,” he muttered and caressed her hair.

Tumango siya at muling ipinikit ang mga mata.

He covered the duvet on her before he left.

Sinusubukan niyang matulog ulit ngunit gising na ang diwa niya. It’s just that her body is exhausted all that she wants is to lay in bed all day and all night.

“Here. Take this.” Clinton helped her get up for her to take the medicine he got for her.

Napilitan siyang umupo at kinuha ang gamot dito. Pagkatapos ay uminom siya ng tubig.

“I’m sorry. Last night was rough…” he heaved a sigh and planted a kiss on the side of her temple.

“It was my first after four years… so…”

“I know.”

He knew that she was very tight. Halatang apat na taon na walang bumisita sa loob niya at tila nagsara tuloy ang pinto do’n.

Nag iwas siya ng tingin dito.

Now that they are talking about what happened between them, what’s next? Hmm? Are they gonna talk? Totoo na bang mag uusap sila at hindi na magtatalik?

“I can ask the captain to go where we could get a better reception. So you don’t have to go upstairs.”

“Thanks.”

The silence stretched. Wala siyang maisip na topic nila. Ayaw niya namang unahan ito na pag usapan ang ginawa niyang pag alis. Aside from that, she’s sick. She can’t just talk about that kind of sensitive topic with her current condition.

Clinton closed the distance between them. He’s sitting at the space beside her. Kinuha nito ang kamay niya at dinala sa labi.

“What is it in your mind? Hmm?” He asked tenderly.

Kinabahan siya agad nang maisip na baka tanungin siya nito ng kung anu-ano tungkol sa ginawa niya. Handa man siya ngunit may parte pa rin sa puso niya na hindi sigurado kung tamang pagkakataon ba ’yon.

“When are we going back to Manila?”

“We will go back there after we are done talking.”

Xaria pursed her lips.

Talk your ass, Clinton Grande.

They fucked each other instead of talking. Really?

“But we didn’t talk. We just fucked.”

“We can talk now. Go ahead…” he urged her.

She shook her head and pouted her lips. She even gave him her begging sad eyes.

“I don’t wanna talk right now.” Ang boses niya ay kagaya ng kung ano ang emosyon ng mga mata niya.

Umahon ang malapad na dibdib nito para sa paghugot ng hangin. Bago unti-unting pinakawalan. Animo nag ipon ng maraming pasensya para hindi maubusan.

“Then, we won’t go back yet.”

Lalo siyang sumimangot. Ramdan niya ang pag iinit ng pisngi at pati ng labi niya. Pumipintig din ang sintido niya. Nakakamanghang isipin na hindi pa siya nagrereklo ng nararamdaman niya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

“This is kidnapping…” she accused him with her soft voice.

“I called your mom.”

Ang malamlam niyang mga mata ay biglang nanlaki.

Kung kanina ay sintido niya lang ang pumipitik, ngayon ay pati ang puso niya. Napalunok siya.

“You… what?”

“I called your mom this morning. I told her we are together.”

Xaria went speechless. Hindi naman siya mabagal maka pick up pero parang gano’n na nga ang nangyayari. She’s still processing what Clinton just told her.

He kissed the back of her hand.

“W-what did she tell you?”

“She said that… we need this time to talk. To clear things out between us.”

Sa lahat nang maririnig niya galing kay Clinton, ang hindi niya pinaka inaasahan ay ang pagkakaroon nito ng koneksyon sa pamilya niya. He sounded confident too when he told her that he called her mother. Para bang walang lamat sa kanilang pamilya.

“I should’ve done that from the beginning. Hindi na sana tayo naghiwalay.” There was a regret on his tone.

Nanginig ang mga kamay niya at naramdaman ang lamig na sumaboy bigla sa kanyang katawan.

“I obeyed your decision for us before and it fucked up, Xaria. I don’t want that to happen again.”

She swallowed the bile on her throat. Para bang umiikot ang paningin niya. Hindi niya alam kung kabado ba siya o masaya na dahil kahit papano, nagawa na nitong pumasok sa pamilya niya. Na mahigpit niyang ipinagbawal din noon.

Maybe, he was right. He allowed her to decide for them and obeyed her decision of eloping. But it indeed fucked up.

Instead of living her life with him in an island with their supposed child, she ended up leaving him. Leaving the memories and pain behind. Including the man that she loved dearly.

Nag iinit ang kanyang mga mata at tila may mga luhang nagbabadya. She can almost hear the wild beating of her heart.

Sinikap niyang maging matatag at huwag na munang maging emosyonal.

Dapat ay masaya siya dahil pakiramdam niya, hindi na nila kailangan pang magtago sa pamilya niya. She liked the fact that he made his own way to contact her mother. She appreciated that so much.

“I let you rest until you feel better.” He muttered after a long while of just staring at each other.

Napansin din siguro nito ang pagsisikap niya na manatiling alerto kahit pa gusto niya na nga talagang magpahinga.

Madilim na nang magising si Xaria. Umayos na rin kahit papano ang pakiramdam niya kaya sa upper deck niyang inaya mag dinner si Clinton.

The yacht was docked just near the small island. Napansin niya pa ang ibang tauhan doon na nag iihaw ng kung ano at may mga inumin din para sa mga ito.

While waiting for their dinner, Xaria dialed her mom’s number.

“Xaria? Sweetheart, how are you? Are you still with Clinton?” Her mother was obviously excited.

“Mom, we are still in Batangas, I think. Here sa yacht nila. We haven’t talk yet-”

“Why not? Ano lang ang ginawa niyo, huh?” The malice on her voice was obvious. “You spent a night with him. It doesn’t worry me because I know you have your shot-”

“Mommy!” She cut her off. Bago pa kung anu-anong paghihinala ang lumabas sa bibig nito.

Sa gilid ng mga mata niya, nakita niya ang paglalakad ni Clinton palapit sa kanya. Agad na lumukso ang puso niya at napahugot ng hangin sa dibdib.

“What? I’m just saying. But you know what, Xaria before I forgot, Clinton called me this morning and I was so tensed! Oh, goodness! I didn’t know it was him because his number wasn’t registered! I panicked a bit… and… I am glad Nadia was here to calm me down. I can’t forget what I felt! It was embarrassing!”

Ngumuso siya habang na-i-imagine niya ang magandang ina na natataranta dahil biglang tinawagan ni Clinton.

Suddenly, a warm arms enveloped her as she expected. Hinawi nito ng bahagya ang buhok niya bago siya pinatakan ng halik sa leeg. He then rested his chin above her shoulder.

She gulped and composed herself.

“He told me that he called you,” sa marahan na boses niya ’yon nasabi dahil medyo nanghihina sa magagaan na halik ni Clinton sa balikat niya.

She’s standing near the railings and wearing a sweetheart neckline straight white dress. It gives him an easy access to her skin.

Gamit ang isang kamay na malaya, hinaplos niya ang tattoo nito.

“I told your dad that Clinton called me… and he was not surprise! I think Clinton called him first. Hindi lang sinasabi sa akin.”

Ngumiti siya. It’s possible that he called her father.

Talagang pinapanindigan na ang matibay na prinsipyo nito na siya lang tangi ang tumibag noon.

“I’ll ask him that. Anyway mom, I’ll call you tomorrow. We’re gonna have our dinner in a bit.”

“Okay. Enjoy the night. Say hello from me to Clinton. Tell him that I saved his number so that I won’t panic when he calls again.” Then her mom laughed.

“Okay, mom. Good night.”

Xaria cut the line. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath.

When she opened her eyes, she was welcomed by the dark skies full of stars. The ocean is pitch black too but it didn’t scare her for some reason. The waves were calmed and tamed.

“Did you call my dad too?” She asked casually.

“I did.”

Kinagat niya ang labi at niyakap ang mga brasong nakayakap sa kanya.

Xaria doesn’t want to be nosy about his conversation with her father. Kuntento na siyang malaman na gumawa ito ng paraan para maka usap ang magulang niya. At masaya rin siya na hindi na gano’n kahigpit sa kanya ang mga ito lalo at patungkol sa lalaki sa likod niya.

She caressed his tattoo and got curious again about it. Nagbaba siya ng tingin doon para mas makita niya pa lalo. Ang tamang ilaw sa paligid ng yate ay sapat para hindi manalo ang dilim.

“When did you have this tats?”

Clinton’s lips that teasing her neck and shoulder was making her knees quivered.

“Four years ago.”

That’s when she left. But she doesn’t want to assume that it’s connected to her or to their past. Maybe not.

“It looked hot on you.”

He chuckled against the skin of her neck. It tickled her.

“Why did you have this tattoo?” She curiously asked and caressed his inked again.

“It’s mandatory for the brotherhood.”

“Brotherhood?” She tried to look at him but her cheek was welcomed by his lips.

“Uh-huh.”

“What kind of brotherhood it is?”

Sa apat na taon na wala siya, ang dami niyang hindi alam kay Clinton. Huh, it was because she spent most of her time stalking him and his women. Great. She missed a lot of things happened on him.

He embraced her tighter. “It’s a blue blooded brotherhood.”

She was like a curious cat who checked his tattoo to see if there’s any sign that would tell her its meaning or what it really symbolized.

On his inner arm, on the inner side of his ink, she saw the words written on it in using a Fraktur font.

Potentia Invicta

“Oh, Latin…”

“Yeah.”

“I missed a lot of things that involved you,” she pouted a bit.

“Ditto, baby.”

She embraced him tighter as well and rested the back of her head on his warm chest. She’s calmed like the ocean. She liked that feeling so much.

“You will never be away from me again. I promise you that.” He whispered and it gave her solace.

8 ~ LOST

CHAPTER EIGHT

THEIR paths crossed again out of the blue. It wasn’t her plan to meet him on that night. It just happened. That’s when she realized that it could be a sign of reuniting with him and to clear things out between them.

Maybe it could also an indication that she might find forgiveness somewhere in the dark with him this time.

Xaria is getting herself ready to strike a conversation that will lead them to the past. Their past.

She carefully took another small amount of a blueberry cake. Clinton is still having a glass of wine while his eyes remained on her.

Nasa kalagitnaan sila nang pag uusap tungkol sa imbitasyon na natanggap nito at sa plano nitong pag dalo. It seemed to him that he doesn’t want to miss that important event.

The invitation was from Potentia Invicta to celebrate its anniversary.

“If it’s a blue blooded brotherhood, does it mean women weren’t allowed?”

Clinton shifted on his chair. He’s slightly playing the wine on the glass.

The yellow romantic lights around the upper deck, the salty breeze and the calmed sounds of the waves, the ambiance itself is really soothing her.

“Yeah.”

“So… even if it’s Potentia Invicta’s anniversary, the Patriarch won’t allow a female guest?”

“No. When they celebrated the 30th anniversary, the Patriarch invited some empowered women.”

Xaria nodded her head.

Honestly, she’s only interested about the brotherhood because Clinton is a member. If he wasn’t involved, she won’t give a damn.

“And again, this time, the organization allowed some members to bring a female date…” He trailed off.

She sipped on her cold water and just waited for him to continue whatever he wants to tell her.

“And I’d like you to be there. To be my date.”

Kahit na medyo inaasahan niya na gano’n nga ang sasabihin ni Clinton, na apektuhan pa rin ang sana’y normal lang na pintig ng kanyang puso.

Ibig din sabihin n’yon, magkikita ulit sila. May dahilan na ulit para magkita sila.

“Why… me?” She asked in a way that she was simply curious why despite giving him heartaches and leaving him, he still wanted her.

“Because you’re my girlfriend,” he answered confidently before he sipped on his wine without breaking their eye contact.

Tila ba nag aabang ito ng reaksyon niya sa pagdedeklara nito na girlfriend siya nito.

Sumaboy ang init sa pisngi niya at medyo nairita sa sarıli. Dahil kahit pa gusto niyang pabulaan ang deklarasyon nito sa relasyon nilang dalawa, ayaw man lang umalpas ng kahit anong salıta sa bibig niya.

“I’ll talk to your father about bringing you to the party.”

Xaria purses her lips. Wala pa man din siyang sagot ay may plano na agad ito.

“I am not a teenager, Clinton. Hindi mo kailangan magpaalam kay daddy.”

“I will still do it.”

The way he said that sounded like he will really do it no matter what. Hindi kailangan ng approval niya.

Maybe, he really wants their relationship to be known by her family. Katulad nga nang sinabi nito, ayaw na nitong maulit ang nangyari sa nakaraan nila. He blindly followed her decision to elope instead of talking to her parents about her pregnancy. But their plans fucked up. He doesn’t want to repeat the same mistake.

“From now on, I want your family to know about us, Xaria.” He added with determination on his tone.

Pasimple siyang humugot ng hangin sa dibdib. Tila ba lahat nang magiging plano ni Clinton sa relasyon nila ay walang reklamo niyang susundin. Because he knew what’s best for them.

And this time, it seemed to her that he wants to be the brain of their relationship. He wants to dominate it. Just to make sure that everything between them will be in good place. Just to make sure that they won’t make another wrong decision that would lead their relationship break.

Habang natatanto niya na tila pursigido si Clinton na mapabuti ang relasyon nila, hindi niya rin mapigilan na makaramdam ulit ng ng pagsisisi.

Alam niyang kasalanan niya talaga ang nangyari at kailanman ay hindi niya na mababawi pa ang nawala sa kanya. Ang nawala sa kanilang dalawa.

“Hindi ba at masyadong mabilis?” Medyo nag aalinlangan siya.

Maingat na ibinaba nito ang kopita sa lamesa. Kahit dumilim ang mukha, banaag niya pa rin ang tila pinipigil na pag alma roon.

“Uh, we just met. We haven’t clear things yet about our past.”

“Then, let’s talk about it now. I don’t want to delay this relationship just because we are both stuck in the past.”

Xaria took a deep breath. Her heart beat agonizingly.

He’s right though. Kahit pa apat na taon na ang lumipas, hindi pa rin sapat ang mga panahon na ’yon para mag hilom ang sugat na dulot ng masakit na nakaraan.

And maybe, for her, one of the ways to get heal is to tell him everything. Kahit papano, siguro, o sana ay mababawasan ang bigat na ilang taon niya ring dala-dala.

“Tell me why you didn’t show up that night…” he urged her, a bit aggressive this time.

He’s simply putting a pressure on her. Para talaga hindi niya na iwasan pa ang sensitibong paksa na matagal nang nag aabang para isiwalat niya.

Xaria swallowed hard when a lucid images flashed her mind. Pa unti-unti ang litaw ng mga larawang kailanman ay hindi lumabo.

Dark street.

Cars headlights.

Loud buzzing.

Tire screeching.

Mariin na ipinikit niya ang mga mata. Mabilis na ibinalik siya sa nakaraan at hindi niya alam kung kaya niya ba talaga o nagmamatapang lang siya dahil gustung gusto na na makawala ang lahat ng ala-ala sa memorya niya.

“I… I was on my way to meet you that n-night…” her voice shaken at the end.

She can feel the heaviness on her chest already. Kaya ilang ulit siyang humuhugot ng hangin para lang pakawalan sa huli.

Clinton’s cold eyes made her agitated.

Sa paraan ng titig nito sa kanya, alam niyang hindi na nito hahayaan na lumipas na naman ang isang gabi na hindi nila napag uusapan ang dapat na sana’y ginawa na noong unang gabi palang nila.

Another images popped her mind again and this time, she can’t help but to feel the painful and rapid beating of her heart and the way her fingers shaken. Kahit ang mga tuhod niya ay nangangatog dahil sa tindi ng emosyon na ipinaparamdam sa kanya.

“I swear, I was ready. I have my bags with me. But when…” she paused and placed her hands above her lap.

Doon niya pinaglaruan ang mga daliri na nanginginig. Nanlalamig ang buong katawan niya at hindi nakakatulong ang simoy ng hangin.

Ayaw niyang ipikit ang mga mata sa takot na magpakitang muli ang mga imaheng naging dahilan ng ilang taon niyang pag hihinagpis.

“But?” He urged her.

Her lips trembled. She even have to pinch her palms and at the back of her hands so that she would stay composed… so that she would tell him every details clearly.

The headlights of the car blurry her vision.

The loud buzzing made her panic.

And the next thing she knew… that car was going near her. It was fast and uncontrolled.

Nangilabot si Xaria at mariin na kinurot ang palad nang tila ba maramdaman niya ulit ang pisikal na sakit na bumalot sa buong katawan niya.

“B-But…” nanginginig ang boses niya.

Ang mga luha sa mga mata niya ay nagbabadya nang umagos na animo naghihintay lang sa mga susunod na imahe na lilitaw sa harap niya.

Mariin na ipinikit niyang muli ang mga mata at kahit sobrang nahihirapan, pinakawalan niya ang madilim na mga larawan na pilit niyang ikinulong sa kanyang mga palad.

It was tormenting. The physical pain was like a torture.

The car hit her.

Everything went black right away.

And when she opened her eyes from that terrifying darkness, she was welcomed with lights but with a very heart-wrecking news.

The voices echoed her ears while telling her what happened to her angel.

“… I l-lost our b-baby…” her voice broke so much and her tears blurry her vision.

Para siyang namimilipit sa sobrang sakit ng puso niya. Para bang pansamantalang tumigil ang tibok n’yon upang muling ipadama sa kanya ang parehong pighati na naramdaman niya nang malaman na nawala sa kanya ang anghel sa sinapupunan.

Clinton cursed painfully

He stood up and embraced her. He brought her face on his chest.

Lalong umingay ang pag iyak niya. Lalong nadurog ang puso niya.

“I am s-sorry… I lost our b-baby… it was m-my fault.”

“Sshh…” he hushed her tenderly.

“I was c-careless, Clinton! If I didn’t run, t-the car won’t hit me and o-our angel will be s-saved!”

Patuloy ang pagtangis ni Xaria. Walang humpay ang pag agos ng mapait na luha sa kanyang pisngi.

“No, p-please,” his voice cracked.

He then kneel down so that he could see her properly.

Sa nanlalabong mga mata, pinilit niya itong tignan. Ginagap nito ang kanyang mga palad na nasa ibabaw ng kandungan niya.

His eyes were already misty, that made her heart breaks even more.

To see his agony because of their lost was a sign that started that moment, she would never feel the pain alone. Because he’s there. Sabay nilang dadamhin ang sakit nang pagkawala ng anghel nila. Hindi na siya muling mag iisa.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” he muttered in so much regret and in despair.

Xaria got really emotional that all that she does is cry until the pain subsided.

It took them a long while before she calmed down.

Clinton remained kneeling while embracing her. Kahit ito ay nanghina at nagdadalamhati dahil sa nalaman tungkol sa sinapit ng anghel sa sinapupunan niya. His face stayed on her stomach. He looked vulnerable like her.

She caressed his hair. As if she’s caressing a little boy.

What happened to their angel was the hardest part of her existence. She can never ever describe how she felt when she heard that she lost her baby. Hindi kayang ng kahit anong salita ang sakit at pighati na bumalot sa puso niya nang mga sandaling ’yon.

That was the same day she understood her beloved mother—when they lost her youngest sister. Na kahit ilang taon na ang lumipas, ang pagkadurog ng puso ng ina ay tila hindi na naibalik pa sa ayos.

Gano’n na gano’n ang eksaktong naramdaman niya. Animo winasak ang puso niya at literal niyang naramdaman ang pagka piraso-piraso n’yon.

The deep cut that killed her heart the day she lost her angel can’t never be healed. At hindi niya alam kung kailan ba talaga hihilom ang sugat sa puso niya. Siguro, habang buhay niyang dala-dala ’yon.

“I was terrified to face you and tell you that I lost our angel,” her throaty voice was taken away by the whistles of the wind.

He took a deep breath. Then slowly nodded his head. He easily understood her and her situation.

“Hindi ko akalain na mawawala siya sa akin ng isang iglap lang,” muling nanginig ang boses niya.

“I’m sorry because you had to go through all that… alone and… without me.” He miserably muttered.

“S-sobrang hirap noong una. I had to consult with the professionals because I can’t take the devastating pain.”

Clinton cursed. He buried his face more on her stomach as if that’s the only place that has the power to calm him down.

“Baby, I am so sorry,” he planted a kiss on her stomach. …“If only I knew…” he’s full of regrets and it was aching to hear.

When he looked up, she saw his eyes were bloodshot and misty.

“I deserved to feel the pain too. Please, pour everything to me. Give your pain, heartbreaks and tears to me.”

Xaria bite her lower lips to stop a sob as she watched Clinton begging for her to give what’s hurting her, what’s making her unhappy, and what’s made her incomplete.

“So that the burden you have been carrying for that long years will lessen its weight. Please, let me take all the pain this time, baby.”

With teary-eyed, she embraced his neck, taking him to her chest, and nodded her head. She’s hoping that she could do that… to give him all her pain inside… to pour everything that made her cry… because honestly, it was exhausting. This time, she will share her pain with him.

So far, that was the most peaceful night she had after four years. They just kissed and cuddled in bed until they both fell asleep.

Xaria can’t stay another day because she needs to meet Damaris in Manila. While Clinton needs to go back to work too. That’s why they decided to leave Batangas the next day after they talked.

Kahit naman sinabi niyang ayos lang sa kanya na hindi siya ihahatid ni Clinton sa kanila, ipinilit pa rin nito ang gusto.

“I’ll arrange a dinner with your parents.” He informed her while driving.

This time, he’s on a neutral color long sleeves. The soft fabric defined the hard muscles on his arms. His left hand on the steering wheel looked hot with the veins at the back of his palm and that Rolex wrist watch.

“I have plan to move out though.”

Clinton gave her a quick glance. Ginagap nito ang kamay niya at marahan na pinisil.

“I have a penthouse-”

“I am not gonna live with you,” she cut him off right away.

“When is your plan to move out? Did you already find a place to stay?” He sounded so interested.

“I have checked some units but I think it’s best if I stay around BGC lang.”

“That’s where my penthouse is located.”

She doesn’t know that. Was this another coincidence? Of all places.

“I want to stay in that area because that’s where my clothing line boutique is located.”

Nilingon siya ni Clinton. “Stay with me.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because you’re my girlfriend.” He simply answered.

Talagang pinapanindigan na may relasyon sila.

Kung wala. Then, what’s the score between them?

Uh, that’s kinda stressing to think about their label. When in fact, he already gave them a damn label. Siya lang itong hindi kumbinsido na nagkabalikan na nga sila.

“I don’t always stay here in Manila. You can occupy my penthouse anytime you want. Even if I wasn’t around.” He sounded so convincing.

Napanguso siya nang maisip na tila patibong ang mga suhestiyon nito na tumira siya sa penthouse. She knew what will happen whenever they are alone. Baka araw-araw lang silang mag talik kapag pumaya siyang kay Clinton siya titira!

“Don’t push it, Clinton. I’m not gonna stay in your penthouse.”

“Why not?”

And he really asked that question?

“Because I know what will happen if I stay with you in one room.”

A sexy chuckled echoed.

“What will happen? Hmm?” He inquired innocently.

Her cheek rose up. Siya lang ba talaga ang nag iisip na may mangyayari sa kanila kapag napag isa?

“Stop playing innocent.”

“I was asking, Xaria. So I will know what’s running inside your head.”

“No. You are just trying to corner me to live with you.”

“We have wasted four years. I just want us to spend more time together this time.”

“We can still spend time together even if I am not living with you.”

“I think it’s better if you live with me.”

Hindi niya alam pero talagang umiinit ang pisngi niya dahil halatang halata rito ang kagustuhan na tumira sila sa iisang bubong.

“Besides, this was part of our plans before, right?” He squeezed her hand gently.

“What?”

“To live in one roof together. We will make that plan work this time.”

At bakit para siyang naaakit sa pinagsasabi ng lalaking ’to? Na tila ba kaunti pang anyaya sa kanya, papayag na siya… mapapa oo na.

“I’ve been alone since you left me…” he trailed off, then glanced at her again.

Hindi niya tinignan pabalik si Clinton. Nanatili sa kalsada sa harap ang mga mata niya habang palihim na pinagsasabihan ang sarili na huwag masyadong mabilis sa pag gawa ng desisyon. Especially that he will be part of her decision.

“…I missed my baby’s scent on my pillows,” he whispered gently.

Pumikit siya at mariin na kinagat ang labi. She’s worried to herself because she feels like she would just agree to live with him any moment and that would be a careless move. She needs to think straight. Damn it!

“I… I’ll think ’bout it.”

Clinton let out a breath. Parang ginanahan ito sa sagot niya. He even slow the pace of the car so that he could at least see her face if she’s serious or what.

“But… I will have a penthouse rules.” She informed him so he won’t assume so much.

“I’m ready for your rules, baby. Anything you want.”

Xaria pursed her lips. Gusto niyang magalit sa sarili dahil wala naman nakakatuwa sa sinabi ni Clinton, pero nangingiti siya. This is madness!

And imagine, she demands for a rules on his own penthouse? Really?

Siya na nga lang itong makikitira, siya pa itong may alituntunin na dapat nitong sundin?

At ang Clinton, hindi man lang nag reklamo. Mukhang sumaya pa nang malaman na may rules silang susundin.

“I’ll write down all the rules and we will talk about it next time.”

“I hope sleeping beside you won’t be in your rules,” he sounded hopeful.

Sinadya niyang ikunot ang noo para magmukhang nag iisip. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi niya naisip na isama sa rules niya ang pagtatabi nila sa pagtulog.

“Oh, thank you for mentioning about that. That would be the first rule.” She said merrily.

“No, you’re not gonna do that, Bella Xaria.” He even shook his head for disapproval.

Natawa siya dahil masyado nitong sineryoso ’yon at talagang nagkakasalubong ang mga kilay.

Clinton brought her hand on his lips to kiss.

“How many bedrooms do you have in your penthouse?”

“The only available is the master bedroom. You don’t have a choice but to sleep with me.”

Her hearty laugh echoed his car.

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa dahil kahit sigurong anong rules ang gawin niya, hindi papayag si Clinton na hindi sila magtatabi sa pagtulog. Gusto niya rin naman itong makatabi. Hindi lang siguro gabi-gabi para maiwasan na rin ang tukso.

But, does she really wants to live with him?

Of course, that was part of her plans before the tragedy happened to her and their angel.

If ever, she needs to continue her shot. Lalo pa at mainit sila pareho sa kama. She really needs to be extra careful this time.

9 ~ PENTHOUSE

CHAPTER NINE

AS expected, her mother bombard her with questions when she gets home. Hindi niya na inaya si Clinton na pumasok sa mansion nila dahil alam niyang may meeting ito na kailangang puntahan. Besides, he told her that he’s going to set a dinner with her parents. She will just wait for that time to formally introduce him to her family.

“Bella Xaria, I am asking you, what happened in that yacht? Nagalit ba siya? What was his reaction? Did you two talk properly by the way?”

Xaria sat on the soft couch. Sumunod naman kaagad sa kanya ang mommy niya. It was so obvious that her beautiful mother won’t let that day pass without hearing anything from her.

“We are done talking mom.”

“So… he knew about your… you know. About what happened to the…” she couldn’t finish her sentence.

Marahan siyang tumango bilang sagot.

“What did… he say?”

Clinton didn’t say much. Or maybe she was just crying hard that she can’t focus on him.

“He was sorry about what happened to me and to our unborn child. He was emotional too.”

“Did he cry?” Her mom was intrigued.

“I think so. Hmm, yes. His eyes were misty.”

“It must be painful for him as well.”

“Yes, mom. I saw his eyes. I saw pain and despair.”

Lumapit sa kanya ang mommy niya at bahagya siyang niyakap.

That put a smile on her lips.

Her family knew about what happened to her past. They have witnessed her desperation, her agony and the way she mourned. They were also devastated when the doctor told them first that she lost her angel. Nang magising siya noon, naabutan niya ang pag aalo ng daddy niya sa mommy niya habang umiiyak.

Her brothers mourned with her too. Madalas din siyang bisitahin ng alin man sa kuya Branth or Brenth noong nasa ibang bansa siya.

“I am relieved now that you and Clinton got the chance to meet again and talk.”

“It was unexpected, mom. I just saw him in D’ Club.”

“It was meant to be, Xaria. You can’t just meet people by accident or unexpectedly. There’s always a reason why your paths crossed again. And this is the reason; for both of you to have a closure.”

That’s not even a closure for her.

Paano magiging gano’n? Samantalang inaya pa siya ni Clinton na tumira sa penthouse nito. Maybe, there would be no closure because he wants to continue what they have started before.

“I don’t think it’s a closure. It’s more on giving him the rights to know what happened to our angel because he was part of our unborn child.”

“If it’s not a closure, then, does it mean… you know…”

Xaria took a deep breath. Now, she can feel the exhaustion from traveling from Batangas to Manila and of course their quickie in the shower room before they leave.

“Mom, right now, I am not sure what is the score between us. But you know that I am not gonna hide my relationship anymore from you and dad, right?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Besides, you’re an adult. You are free to do what you want as long as you know your limitations.”

Does she knows her limits when it comes to Clinton Grande?

“But, I want you to be careful this time. If you’re not ready yet to have a baby-”

“Mommy!” Natatawang agap niya at hindi maiwasan na uminit ang pisngi niya. “I suggest you to stop overthinking.”

“I can’t help it!” Bumalik ito sa kabilang sofa at madrama na sinapo ang noo. “Basta, ha, continue your shot.”

“I will.”

“You can stop it kapag gusto mo na ulit mag anak.”

“Mommy, I don’t want to have a baby again. I already told you that.”

Losing her first child traumatized her so much.

She always thought that she doesn’t deserve to be a mother because of what happened. She always blamed herself because no one is to blamed but her. She got the opportunity to be a mother but she wasted it that it ended her child’s life. She doesn’t want to experience the same pain it gave her because she doesn’t know if she could still take it or it could probably end her life.

Kaya ipinangako niya sa sarili na hinding-hindi na siya mag aanak pa. Dahil sa sobrang takot na mawala ulit ’yon sa kanya. Alam niyang hindi niya na kakayanin pa kung gano’n nga ang mangyari.

Her mother sighed and nodded her head. Hindi na muling ipinagpatuloy ang topic sa pagkakaroon niya ng anak.

Suddenly, she felt sad when she thinks about Clinton. She’s certain that he wants to have a children. But she can’t give that kind of blessings anymore.

She was now torn if she’s going to tell him that she doesn’t want to have a baby anymore or keep it a secret from him.

But one thing is for sure, she will continue her shot to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

The soft opening of Bella Xaria Clothing Line was successful. She and Damaris made sure that everything was organized. The main boutique is located in Bonifacio Global City. They also have online shop because nowadays it is a convenient way to shop.

“I found a one bedroom unit nearby. How ’bout you? When do you plan to move out?” Damaris asked her during their lunch.

Her friend just got back from Columbia to visit her mother’s family.

“I haven’t choose yet which one I like.”

“Do want some help about it?”

’No, thank you, Damaris. I am not in a hurry though.“

“Well, it’s up to you. Care to share your escapade with daddy Clinton?” She said in a playful tone.

Xaria rolled her eyes but she couldn’t hide the smiles on her lips.

“Woah, woah, the cold Xaria Villamor is smiling! Something is up! Spill the beans, please!”

“We just talked. Okay?”

“Talk lang?”

Xaria avoided Damaris’ gaze who is really interested to know the details about Clinton. It’s normal that she’s curious because her friend knew their past.

“At least, I made things clear between us.”

“He knows na about the…”

“Yes. I told him that I lost our angel.”

Nagbuntonghininga ang kaibigan. Damaris looked relieved that Clinton already knew it.

“What was his reaction? May I know?”

“He wants me to pour all the pain on him. To share the pain with him. He was in pain when he discovered what happened.”

Damaris hold her hand. “You’re so brave, Xaria.”

After their lunch, Damaris’ bodyguard came inside the boutique.

“What do you want?” Damaris asked, a bit annoyed.

“Just making sure if you eat on time.”

“I’m done eating.”

The bodyguard leave the boutique like nothing happened.

“I feel suffocated!” Damaris hissed.

“Hindi ka ba sanay?”

“I am not like you, babe. I am not use to have a bodyguard.”

“Then tell your father that you want Vejar to be invisible. That’s possible. My bodyguard is like that most of the time.”

“My dad would only ignore me.”

“Just try, Damaris.”

“At least, Roux is handsome,” tukoy nito sa bodyguard niya.

“Vejar is good looking din naman.”

“Huh! He’s not! He’s emotionless man that made him ugly.”

Natawa si Xaria at napailing.

They entertained people who came in. They also allowed some who wanted a photo with them. Kaya lang, nang medyo umingay ang grupo ng kababaihan, nakita niya ang pagpasok ng dalawang unipormadong lalaki. Alerto at pinukol agad ng tingin ang mga nakatabi sa kanila.

“Stay there. I’m good,” she mouthed at Roux and shook her head, telling him not to get close to them.

Nakita niya naman ang matalim na tingin ni Damaris kay Vejar para lang huwag pakialaman ng bodyguard.

In the end, their bodyguards went outside the boutique. At wala siyang ideya kung saan nagpapalipas ng oras si Roux habang naghihintay sa kanya.

That day, Xaria and Damaris decided to stay in the boutique. May mga tao na naman sila na pinagkakatiwalaan na mamahala kung wala sila. Aside from that, she has nothing to do on their mansion.

Clinton called her while Damaris is checking the inventory.

“Hi,” that was her first word when she answered his call.

“Are you still in your boutique?”

Xaria can feel the fast beating of her heart eve though it’s just a phone call and he’s not around him. Indeed that what she feels for him never changed even one bit.

“Yes.”

They have been exchanging messages since last night. Doon niya rin natanggap kahit papano na nasa buhay niya ulit ang binata. Kahit pa pigilan niya ang sarili, alam magwawagi pa rin ang isinisigaw ng puso niya.

“I’m gonna pick you up at 5 o’clock. Is that fine?”

“Yes. I’ll just wait for you.”

Where are they going by the way? Or he will just pick her up to bring her home?

“Let’s have dinner together.” The raspiness on his baritone made her bite the inside of her cheek.

“Oh. Okay.” She’s lost for more words!

“And if we still have time, you can check the penthouse.”

Xaria can feel the warmth on her cheeks. He’s really gonna push them living together.

“We’ll talk about it later,” she muttered, so that he won’t notice that she’s also curious to see his penthouse.

Damaris left at four with Vejar. While she send a message to Roux that she’s gonna have dinner with Clinton. Siguro naman ay puwede nang umuwi ang bodyguard niya dahil ligtas naman siya kasama ang binata.

Siguro nang hindi nakuntento sa mensahe niya lang, nakita niyang pumasok ang walang emosyon na si Roux sa boutique.

“Your work is done now for today, Roux. You can go home na.”

“Ipapaalam ko pa ito kay Sir Xavier, Xaria.”

She told Roux not to address her like he addressed her parents and brothers. He’s polite but he’s also very reserved man.

“Ikaw ang bahala.”

Then she remembered she left him in D’ Club when she went with Clinton in Batangas.

“About last time in D’ Club when I left with Clinton, pinagalitan ka ba ni daddy?”

“Hindi naman.”

“Because you told him that I was with Clinton?”

“Yes.”

“Kapag si Clinton ang kasama ko, you don’t have to follow me. He has his own security.”

“You can request that to your father.”

“I’m gonna have dinner with Clinton tonight. You can go home. Spend your time with your family or girlfriend.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” He answered coldly.

“How about nilliligawan?”

Hindi ito sumagot.

“How ’bout your family?”

“I don’t want to answer your question.”

“Why?”

“It’s personal.”

“Are you really like that ba? Secretive? Is that one of the characteristics of a bodyguard?”

Roux didn’t answer. He just standing there like a statue. He didn’t even dare to look at her.

Xaria gulped when she saw Clinton’s car parked in front of the boutique.

“He’s here na. You can leave na, Roux. I’ll text dad about this.”

Roux sighed. Then turned his back to her.

Nasalubong nito si Clinton at may haunting pag uusap ang dalawa na hindi niya naman na inintindi dahil kinuha niya na sa opisina niya ang hand bag niya.

Xaria sprayed her perfume and did some quick retouch on her face. Then she brushed her wavy hair using her fingers. She’s wearing a high neck asymmetric midi dress in beige and paired it with Jimmy Choo ankle strap sandals.

Holding her Hermes Birkin bag, she walks towards Clinton.

His intense eyes scanned her face down to her body. And that made her hyperventilate already.

He’s wearing his white dress shirt the folded until his elbows, showing the veins on his forearms. With his black slacks, black leather shoes and heavy aura, he screams elegance and power.

She will never forget how she fell in love with him before. At sa mga sandaling ’yon, ipinaparamdam din sa kanya ng puso niya kung gaano siya nito nakuha pa rin sa paraan na hindi niya kayang iwasan.

When he placed his palm on her waist, she felt like her damn heart skip a beat. Nag humerentado ’yon lalo nang halikan siya sa labi ni Clinton.

“Beautiful,” he whispered near her lips.

She placed her hand on his chest and pushed him a bit. May mga empleyado pa sa boutique at ayaw niya namang masaksihan ng mga ito na gano’n sila kalapit ni Clinton.

He gently grabbed her hand from his chest, hold it and walked with her outside.

Clinton brought her to a restaurant inside a five star hotel in BGC. They are at the corner part of the restaurant where nobody could disturb them. After they ordered their foods, the drinks and wine were served.

“How long are you gonna stay in Manila?” She strike a conversation.

His eyes always roaming around her face. Tila ba siya lang talaga ang gusto nitong tignan.

“I’ll stay in a month.”

“Then?”

“I’ll be back in Cebu.”

Paano na sila kung sa Cebu na ito mananatili pagkatapos ng isang buwan?

“Okay.”

She doesn’t want him to know that she’s worried about them once he stays in Cebu. She knows how busy he was. Probably, they won’t see each other anymore or she would just wait until he goes back to Manila again.

“I will still see you,” he muttered as if he reads her mind.

Xaria sipped on her wine. She couldn’t look at him. Pakiramdam niya kasi kahit hindi siya magsalita, nalalaman ni Clinton ang mga naiisip niya dahil mga mata niya ang nagpapahayag ng mga salitang hindi niya masabi.

Hinawakan nito ang isang kamay niya.

“What is it? Hmm?” He squeezed her hand gently, urging her to speak her mind.

Talaga yatang halata sa kanya na medyo nag alala siya na uuwi na ito sa Cebu at magiging malayo sila sa isa’t isa.

Bakit ba? Apat na taon niyang hindi nakita at nakasama si Clinton, dapat wala lang ang lahat ng ito sa kanya. She was able to live without him for years. Kahit mahirap naman, kinaya niya. Dapat hindi na malaking bagay sa kanya kung magkakalayo man ulit sila.

“Tell me what you want. I wanna know what’s worrying you.”

She pursed her lips.

Para siyang bata na kailangang suyuin at paluguran para lang mawala ang anomang bigat na nararamdaman. She can only feel that with him. Kapag mag isa naman siya, ang mature mature niya. Pero kapag nariyan na si Clinton, talagang parang palagi’y gusto niyang sinusuyo at nilalambing.

“Uh, I’ll be alone in your penthouse then,” that words slipped from her lips.

He heaved a sigh. It sounded like he suddenly has something to think about. A problem that needs a quick solution.

“How about I’ll visit you here in Manila during weekends?”

And weekdays? She will be alone.

“How ’bout that long weekdays?” Her voice softened.

Clinton bite his lower lip. Para itong biglang nahirapan sa tanong niya.

“Baby, let me fix my schedule first so I could at least visit thrice or four times a week.”

Imagine, he’s a very busy man. She doesn’t know how busy he was but she’s sure he has a lot on his table. Then he would find ways to visit her in Manila. Paano ito makakapagpahinga man lang?

“Or I could visit in Cebu.” She suggested and swear, she didn’t expect herself to even think about that possibility!

Kailangan niyang bawiin ang sinabi niya kung hindi, baka makita niya na lang ang sarili na palaging nasa Cebu!

“I am not sure if I could visit, I want to focus with my boutique,” bawi niya.

“It’s fine. I’ll just visit you here.”

“But if I have time, I can visit you.” She said casually.

“I would love that.”

Their foods were served after a long while. Maayos silang kumain at paminsan minsan ang pag uusap. Hanggang umabot sa party na dadaluhan nila.

“Don’t worry about my evening gown, I have a friend who can help me with that.”

Clinton nodded his head. Then sipped on his wine.

When they finished eating, they went back to his car. Hindi niya alam kung bakit malakas ang tibok ng puso niya samantalang sa penthouse lang naman ang punta nila. She will just see it and probably will decide wether she likes to live there or not.

Xaria was surprised when she realized that his penthouse building is just ten minutes walk from her boutique.

He parked his car at the basement and they entered the lift. Clinton placed his palm at the small of her back.

Napalunok siya. Talagang ayaw paawat ng puso niya. Iba yata ang iniisip niyang mangyayari kapag napag isa na silang dalawa. Kaya gano’n nalang ang kalabog ng dibdib niya.

His penthouse is impressive. It is huge as expected and the interior designs were minimalist and it’s obvious that the owner is a man. The combination of dark and light colors of the walls, those expensive paintings and the elegant cove lights were spectacular.

Clinton’s hand on her waist gives her body a heat because he’s slightly caressing her there.

“Do you like it?” He whispered near her ear.

“I do. It looked very manly. It suits you though.”

“if you like you can change the-”

“No, it’s fine.” Maagap na sambit niya dahil medyo kinabahan dahil ang tunog nito ay tila binibigyan siya ng permiso na baguhin ang anomang parte ng penthouse sa paraan na gusto niya.

She looked up on his beside her and it was a wrong move because his lips touched her cheek. Mabilis niyang naramdaman ang pamilyar na init sa pagitan nila.

His palms were now rested on her waist as he made her face him completely.

Their eyes met and she knew by then that like her, he also felt the heat and arousal that building up.

Xaria bite her lips because she can’t deny what she feels. Lalo pa nang nakakaliyo nitong haplusin ang bewang niya. Para siyang natunaw at handa na naman na magdarang sa apoy.

“Clinton…” his name escaped from her in a sensual way. Animo pang aakit ’yon.

“What is it?” He planted a feathery kisses near her lips. Teasing her until she couldn’t take her emotion anymore.

She placed her palms on his hard chest. She’s trying her best to stay calm and sane. But it won’t happen anymore because he claimed her parted lips for a feverish kiss.

She closed her eyes when he carried her in a bridal style while they are kissing heatedly.

Mabilis na kumalat ang apoy sa katawan niya. Lalo pa noong gumapang na ang palad ni Clinton sa katawan niya.

He sat at the couch while she’s straddling him. They couldn’t even pause from torridly kissing each other. Parehong naglalabanan ang mga dila nila at tila ayaw patalo.

“Mmm…” she moans in between their kiss when he slid his callous palm under her dress and caressed her inner thighs.

She shut her eyes tightly and parted her lips when his finger found her femininity. It was the reason why their kisses was interrupted. Because she needed to moan to stay sane with his touch on her private part.

“Aahh…” her breathing gets heavy.

Clinton was watching her face being aroused and gratified while rubbing her flesh.

Kinagat niya ang labi nang ikalat ng daliri nito ang likido na galing sa kanya sa pagkababae niya.

“I want my head in between your thighs,” he whispered sensually on her lips.

10 ~ BABY (SPG)

CHAPTER TEN

THAT is the reason why she was hesitant to live with Clinton in one roof because she knew that they would always end up naked and moaning. Now that she has the freedom to see him and do what she wants with him, she only proved to herself that he remained the only man that she would like to spend her life with. It didn’t change.

Clinton helped her to undress. They moves like as if they were in a hurry even if they both know that they have the time to do whatever they wanted to do that night. The adrenaline and the heat combined, and they both experiencing it.

His lips traveled to her throat when she finally get rid of her dress, leaving her with her lace sexy black lingeries while still wearing her ankle strap sandals.

He had to pause from kissing her to stare at her body with pure sexual desire on his grayish eyes. Hinaplos nito ang kanyang bewang na nagpainit sa kanya lalo.

His hair is a bit messy. The first three buttons of his dress shirt were loosen enough that revealed a bit of his hard hairy chest. Nakasandal ito sa couch at medyo nakapatingala sa kanya, tila nanghahamon ng kung ano. Namumula ng bahagya ang labi dahil sa mapusok na halikan nila kanina lang.

Xaria rested her arms on Clinton’s shoulders. She’s confidently straddling him with her sexy lingeries and eyes that’s yearning so much to feel his kisses and caresses. Her body is aching hotly.

She’s completely aware with her body and her curves. She was never insecure when it comes to it. She has a kind of face that can’t just be ignored. And the man in front of her, seemed like mesmerized by her again.

From her waist, his palms moved up until her breasts. Sinakop ng malapad na palad nito ang dibdib niya at marahan na minasahe. Napaawang ang kanyang labi.

His thumb then expertly found her hard tip behind the thin fabric of her lingerie. That made her arch her body to let him know how affected she was with his touch.

“Uhh,” she groaned softly when he pinched her nipples.

When he moved his head closer to her breast, she chewed her lips.

Her fingernails on his shoulders dug a bit when he licked her tip behind the lace clothe. Naramdaman niya pa rin ang lalo paninigas ng dunggot niya dahil sobrang manipis lang ang suot niya. And she’s aware that he knew how turned on she was.

He looked up on her and sensually twirled his tongue around her tit.

“Suck it…” she almost begged.

The side of his lips curved up. Before she felt him unhook her bra and throw it somewhere.

The cold air-condition made her feel the coldness on her bare chest. Ang malusog na dibdib niya ay nagmamalaki sa harap mismo ng mukha ng binata.

“Damn,” he cursed under his breath as the sight of her impressive boobs.

Kinagat niya ang pang ibabang labi nang mag angat ulit ito ng tingin sa kanya habang ang hinlalaki ay pinaglalaruan ang ut*ng niya.

“I know, they got bigger.” Her cheeks rose up.

Back then, during her teenage days, she was already gifted with round boobs. She got those from her mother. It’s also normal that her breast is bigger than the average size of Filipina because she has a mixed foreign blood. Now that she’s a young adult, her breasts became round and full. Tamang tama lang ang mga ’yon sa taas niya at sa kurba ng kanyang katawan.

“Uh-huh.”

“Do you still like my breast?”

“Baby, of course,” he chuckled sexily. “I love these,” and he planted a gentle kisses around her breasts.

Of course, Clinton Grande loves big boobies!

He continued kissing her there until she felt her nipple covered by his hot mouth.

Umakyat sa buong katawan niya ang init at rumagasa sa bawat ugat niya ang kaluguran. Wala ng dahilan para awatin pa ang sarili na huwag makulong sa apoy ng pagnanasa.

She gripped on his shoulders when he continued to twirled his tongue around her tit alternately, then he would bite and suck after.

“Ohhh…” her sweet moans escaped her lips.

Xaria gulped and got a bit aggressive because of the way his callous palm caresses her thighs. Nanunukso ’yon at siya naman ay tila nananabik na mahawakan siya nito sa paraan na gusto niya.

“Clinton…” malamyos na tawag niya sa hindi tiyak na dahilan.

She’s watching him sucking her nipple like a hungry baby. Gustung-gusto talaga nito na sinisipsip ang ut*ng niya at kakagatin ng marahan pagkatapos. Para na siyang tuyong bulaklak na sinindihan kaya unti unting natupok ng init.

“Uhhh… Clinton…”

He let out a low growl after she called his name again.

She saw how he pulled her nipple using his teeth that made her gasped. Hindi ’yon masakit talaga ngunit para siyang nakuryente.

She arched her body and bite her lower lips tightly when his fingers found her wet femininity. Kaagad na hinagod nito ang hiwa niya dahilan kung bakit tila siya nawala sa ulirat.

“Mmm…” she started to grind against his fingers.

“Get up,” he whispered huskily.

“Why?”

Clinton held her waist so that she would get up from straddling him. He then rested his head at the headrest of the long couch.

She’s standing in front of him, she’s still high with the way he touched her. He’s in between her legs. Kaya naman nang hinaplos nito ang mga hita niya, nanindig ang mga balahibo niya.

He removed down her thong making herself so naked in front of him.

He really looked like some Greek God but this time he wasn’t raging, instead he’s now waiting for his Greek Goddess to pleasure him until he’s satisfied.

Hinawakan siya nito sa magkabilang hita at inusog palapit pa lalo sa mukha nito. Malakas ang kalabog ng dibdib niya dahil nakikita niya na kung ano ang gustong mangyari ni Clinton.

Xaria hold on Clinton’s head when he moved his face closer to kiss her femininity.

“Now, rub it,” he demanded darkly and stuck out his tongue.

She’s already clouded with desire and lust, but when he told her what to do, it felt like she lost herself and she will just follow whatever the fuck he wants her to do.

Slowly and carefully, she moved herself more until she felt his tongue on her flesh. Hindi pa man siya gumagalaw ay nawawala na agad siya sa wisyo. Maisip niya palang ang gagawin niya ay namimintig na ang kung ano sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita.

While she’s griping his hair, she started to rub her womanhood against his hot tongue.

Kaagad siyang napapikit nang dumaloy sa katawan niya ang init at matinding kaluguran.

“Ohhh… baby…” her voice sounded seductive and at the same time, like she was begging.

At first, her moves were slow and careful, but when he urged her to keep moving, her pace went faster and she seems greedy to find the heat that he’s the only one can give her.

“Mmm… mmm… aahhh…”

Her moans echoed around the penthouse while she’s rubbing herself against Clinton’s tongue. She felt like she’s out of control and he seemed to like it when she’s aggressive. Animo tuluyan siyang nawala sa mundo habang pinapaluguran ang sarili.

Xaria is already so wet and every time she moves, she would hit his nose as well. While gripping on his hair, she’s grinding and swaying her hips until she tastes the victory that she deserves.

“Ahhh! Clinton! Hmmm! Clinton!” Her breathing gets heavy when he pinned her femininity down his mouth and felt him sucking her entrance as she let out her sweet juice.

Nangangatog ang mga tuhod niya sa sobrang ligaya. Halos takasan siya kaluluwa niya habang dinadama ang agresibo at gigil na pagkain ng binata sa pagkababae niya.

“Fuck!” He hissed after and held her waist.

Clinton put her down his lap, making her straddle him again. Her body gets weak but she won’t let that night end without giving back the pleasure. Kaya kahit nanginginig pa ang buong katawan niya dahil sa matinding orgasmo, hinanap ng mga kamay niya ang umbok ng pagkalalaki nito.

He let lout a hot growl when her palms found his hard member. With her shaky fingers, she unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his pants aggressively.

“My baby is too hot.” He smirked devilishly.

Namumungay ang mga mata nito habang pinapanood siyang nananabik na makita ang pagkakalaki nito.

Uminit ang pisngi niya nang mahawakan niya ’yon at agad na nanlaban sa palad niya. Para bang kung bibitawan niya, mapaparusahan siya ng husto.

Clinton allowed her to do what she desired. Pinagmamasdan siya nito sa namumungay at naghahamon na paraan. He’s taunting.

Hindi na siya nagpatumpik tumpik pa. Habang hawak ang ari nito gamit ang isang kamay, iginaya niya rin ang katawan niya at unti-unti ’yong isinentro sa entrada niya.

“Uhh!” She gasped right away when his tip entered her.

Clinton’s hands on her waist moved and pulled her down until she’s filled with his long and thick shaft. That made both of them growl breathlessly.

Being filled by him satisfied him so much. Na kahit hindi ito gumalaw, kahit na wala silang gawin doon, ay ayos lang sa kanya. Tila kuntento siya.

Medyo napangiwi siya nang maramdaman ang kaunting hapdi. The muscles got stretched again and at least, she’s starting to get use to his size.

Xaria started to move up and down in a gentle pace, making herself comfortable with his throbbing manhood before she changes her rhythm.

Even though she doesn’t have much energy, she still wants to go back home. Clinton wanted her to stay but she can’t just allow herself to do that. Maybe next time. But for now, she needs to dominate herself. Kailangan kahit papano ay kaya niyang hawakan ang sarili niya.

“When are you gonna move here?” He asked while kissing her neck and shoulders.

She’s laying on his king sized bed with sheets in dark colors. He’s beside her, embracing her. Halata naman na ayaw siyang pakawalan.

“Shall I start moving my things? Even just some of my clothes and other personal stuff.”

“Yeah. We better start moving your things here.”

Kapag naiisip niya na sa penthouse nga siya ni Clinton tutuloy, hindi niya maiwasan ang pag iinit ng pisngi. Ngayon pa nga lang na unang pag bisita niya, may nangyari na sa kanila. What more if she’s already living with him?

That’s why she wants a penthouse rules!

“What time do you mostly leave for work?”

“It depends. Six or eight in the morning.”

“And what time do you finish?”

“I used to stay a little bit longer in my office, but once you’re here, I might leave earlier.”

Tumango siya. She’s now thinking about their daily arrangement.

“How about you?” His hand travelled up to her breast.

Napairap siya. He’s really comfortable being with her. Samantang siya, pakiramdam niya ay nag a-adjust pa rin siya.

“It’s up to me if I want to go to boutique or not. But since we are just starting, I want my presence there. Nine in the morning is my preferred time.”

“And what time do you wanna go home?”

His breath on her neck tickled her and at the same time, it build another arousal.

“I don’t wanna go home if you’re not home.” She almost whisper the words.

Clinton heaved a sigh. Then embraced her tighter.

“I should cancel all my evening and late night meetings then.” He murmured.

“Y-you don’t have to do that.”

“But I don’t want my baby to wait for me that long.” Malambing na sabi nito.

Parang natunaw ang puso niya. Kung sa boses ba nito o sa mismong sinabi, hindi niya matukoy. O baka pareho.

“You can just inform me that you can’t have dinner with me because you have a late night meetings. Para I will eat alone nalang here.”

He groaned.

“I don’t think I can focus with my meetings when I know that you’re here and eating alone.”

“I am used to it. I lived abroad. Remember?”

“But you are here with me now, Xaria. I don’t want you to be alone anymore.”

“Ikaw din ang mahihirapan, sige ka.”

“Kung ikaw naman ang kapalit ng mga paghihirap ko, kahit gumapang pa ako sa hirap, gagawin ko.” Napapaos at pabulong na sabi nito tapos ay hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

Now. She was speechless again. She let her heart speak for her. Ang bawat tibok n’yon ay malakas at matindi. Na kailangan niyang yakapin ang matigas na braso ni Clinton na nakayakap sa kanya para lang hindi nito maramdaman ang kalabog sa dibdib niya.

Nang makauwi siya sa kanila, naroon na ang daddy niya. Humalik siya sa pisngi nito.

“Dad, I told Roux to go home before evening. Did he inform you?”

“Yes. You were with Clinton.”

Tumango siya agad. Magaan ang pakiramdam niya dahil alam na ng magulang niya ang nakaraan nila ni Clinton at ang muli nilang pagkikita nila nitong nakaraang araw lang.

“Is that fine ba? That Roux won’t follow me whenever I am with Clinton? He has his own security, dad.”

“I need to talk to Clinton about it.”

“So, you two talks na?”

Her father walked towards the grand staircase. Sumunod naman siya dahil paakyat na rin siya sa silid niya.

“He called me when he brought you to Batangas.”

“And?”

“Nagpaalam lang na magkasama kayo.”

“He didn’t call you again?”

They are already at the second floor when her father faced her. The foreign blood is evident on his physique. He’s tall with authoritative aura. Matikas pa rin ang pangangatawan na halatang hindi nagpapabaya sa pag aalaga sa sarili.

“He called this morning.”

“What did he tell you?”

Her father sighed. He squinted his eyes.

“I’ll see both of you at the party. Good night, sweetheart.” He kissed the side of her head and went to the master bedroom.

After she took a shower, she video call Clinton.

“So, you talked to my dad about the party?”

“Yes.”

He just finished swimming at the pool on his penthouse. He’s drying his hair with towel while walking towards living room.

“Is he invited too?”

Clinton paused for a moment. “He’s a senior member.”

Xaria’s eyes widened a bit. She’s in awe!

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

“Check Potentia Invicta’s official website if you have time. You’ll see your dad’s name there.”

“Oh! I have time now. I should look it up.”

“Okay, baby. Call me when you’re done.”

When the video call was ended, Xaria immediately brown on the internet to see the mysterious brotherhood where Clinton and her father were members.

The website was exclusive that she had to sign up to get through it. At first, it looked like a normal profile for an organization. Though the dark theme appeared like it was full of mystery, hidden secrets and confidentiality.

She clicked the history of Potentia Invicta but it was long for her to read so she skipped it and opened the folder with name of Notable Members.

There, she saw her father’s name and his photo with a little bit of details about of who he was and what he does.

MSgt. Davis Xavier Villamor

Former Master Sergeant US Air-force

Business Tycoon

President of Villamor Air

CEO of Villamor Hotels

The other names were also widely recognized in the Philippines. One of it was the former Vice President of the Philippines.

As Xaria browsed with other members profiles, she realized that Potentia Invicta was that big because its members are either business tycoon, politician and a person that has a high position in the government.

She was surprised to see that Clinton’s father is also a member!

Other than those Notable Members, the website doesn’t show another name of members. There was no option to get to know who they are. She browsed more and see who was the founder;

Thalmus Royle Vanders III

Widely recognized as “Headhunter.”

Known as the deadliest sniper in Southeast Asia and Middle East.

Reading the bio of the founder gave chills to her body.

The only photo that was displayed was a man wearing a ghillie suit with sniper rifle, but face was hide. And based on the quality of the image, it was obvious that it was taken a long time ago.

Xaria typed a message for Clinton.

To: Clinton

I saw the website but I didn’t see your name.

A call from him made her panic a bit. Her damn heart reacted violently.

“Members details were highly confidential.” His baritone on the other line made her stomach twisted.

“But what about dad?”

“He’s belong to the senior members and acknowledged as part of the brotherhood. Together with other notable members.”

“The founder was scary though.”

“He was a patriot.”

“He’s a deadliest sniper.” She said factly.

“If I were you I won’t read the history why Potentia Invicta was built. Baka matakot ka lang. Okay?”

“Now that you mentioned it, I won’t read na tuloy the history. I was about to though.”

“No. You better sleep, Xaria.”

Umusli ang labi niya. Why does it feels like he was treating her like a child? Like what he did when she was eighteen. She’s an adult now!

“Clinton, I am not a child, ha! Don’t forget that. I am not eighteen anymore.”

“But you’re still my baby.”

Hindi niya napigilan ang pag sugat ng ngiti sa labi niya. Inirapan niya ang sarili.

Their sweet memories in the past flashed her mind just like that. Sobra siyang naglalambing noon kay Clinton at ngayon para bang hindi na niya masyado magawa. Dahil iniisip niya na hindi na siya ’yong dating siya.

“I am not your baby.” She pursed her lips.

“You are my baby.” He insisted.

“I am not eighteen na nga!”

“That doesn’t change the fact that you are my-”

“Baby!” She cut him off that made him laughed shortly.

Her smile grew wider hearing him laugh because of that conversation.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. I’ll see you.” Malambing na sambit niya. “I’m gonna sleep soon.”

“I miss you beside me here.” He whispered longingly.

She embraced her bolster. Suddenly, she missed his presence beside her. His kisses and hugs.

“I can smell your scent on my pillows.” His voice was raspy.

She could imagine him hugging the pillow that she used. Would he really do that though?

“Don’t worry, I’ll live with you soon.” She said that like a promise.

He cursed under his breath that made her smirk. He was so affected that they gonna live together. Parang hindi siya makapaniwala.

But looking back to their past, she knew how ready he was to build a family with her. Kaya bakit niya pa ba pagtatakhan kung ganito ang ipinaparamdam sa kanya ni Clinton? Samantalang, kahit noon pa man, handang handa na ito para sa kanya.

Naudlot lang ang plano nila noon. At ngayo’y nakakamanghang isipin na matutuloy na ang mga ’yon. Tila mga pangarap nila noon na bagamat hindi natupad, gumawa pa rin ang tadhana na maisakatuparan nila sa tamang panahon.

And hopefully this is the right time to finally fulfill those dreams they both had in a wrong time and in a wrong circumstances before.

Indeed that only time can tell your future.

11 ~ SHOT

CHAPTER ELEVEN

XARIA was surprised when Chandra and Zakia visits her boutique without telling her. They also shopped some dresses and tops. And she’s really happy because her friends supported her. She was also the one who assisted them while having chit-chats as well.

Damaris left after lunch to shop for her new condo. Kaya naman nabuhayan talaga siya nang dumating ang dalawa pa niyang kaibigan.

She and Zakia almost have the same body type. That’s why she knows what’s kind of designs or cuts is good for her. It’s just that Zakia’s wardrobe is more revealing than what she wears.

“We almost have the same size of boobs. This will fit, you think?” Zakia showed her the brown sweetheart neckline top.

Nakita niya na napatingin si Chandra sa dibdib nito. Tapos ay hinawakan pa.

“What are you doing, Chandra?” She asked her friend, while laughing amusedly.

“Hindi naman maliit ang boobs ko, di ba?” Kyoryoso na tanong nito.

Kaya tuloy pareho na sila ni Zakia na napatingin sa kaibigan nila. Chandra is wearing a v-neck fitted long sleeves that showed her cleavage. Her breast size is proportion to her body. Not too big and not too small.

“Hindi naman.” Sagot niya dahil ’yon naman ang totoo.

“Tss. You’re just confused with the size of your boobs because we have big boobies, Chandra.” Zakia said as if that’s nothing.

“Right.” Xaria agreed.

“Yours are not small, babe. That’s big na rin naman compare sa average size ng boobs here sa Pinas.” Zakia added then glanced at Chandra’s chest. “Oh, your cleavage is showing without using a push up bra. ’Yung iba nga wala eh. Kaya don’t be sad, okay?”

“Okay. But men like big boobs.”

“Maybe some of them.” Xaria muttered then picked a red halter dress for Zakia.

“Yes. Gusto kasi nila nalulunod sila,” pilyang sabi ni Zakia sabay tumawa.

Nagtawanan silang tatlo.

Then she suddenly remembered how much Clinton loved her boobs. Whenever she watched him kissing or licking her breast, he would also buried his face on the valley. Kusang nilulunod talaga ang sarili sa dibdib niya.

Nagpatuloy ang dalawa sa pamimili ng mga damit. Xaria also asked her assistant to order snacks for them. Sa opisina niya nalang sila magmemeryenda para mas markapag kwentuhan pa ng maayos.

“That’s part of our plans. We will add swimmers and summer clothing.”

Silang dalawa ni Damaris ang talagang bumuo ng clothing line niya. Her friend is good with suggestions and she also learned fashion like her. Noong college palang sila ay ito na talaga ang plano nila. Medyo na delayed lang dahil sa nangyari sa kanya.

Her cousin, Ayesha Villamor-Altaraza showed interest about having her own lingerie and swimwear line. She’s a former international model that’s why she’s quite popular. It would be easy for her to market anything that she would endorse. Maybe a partnership with her cousin is a good idea. They need to meet and talk about it.

“I wanna be busy rin like you girls,” Zakia sighed dramatically.

“Then find a job. Sa kumpanya niyo?”

“What I am gonna do there? I don’t want to spend my whole day inside that four corner of the office. That would be very boring.”

Xaria winced. They are wealthy but she is not that very spoiled unlike Zakia.

Palagi niya lang din sinisigurado na nakukuha niya ang gusto niya. She also knows what she likes and she makes a way to achieve whatever it is. She’s just twenty three but some times she felt like she was on her thirties because of the way she thinks when it comes to achieving her goals.

She also realized that since the night she lost her angle, she has changed so much. Maaaring pinatibay siya ng mga sugat ng nakaraan, ngunit iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit pakiramdam niya minsan, hindi niya naman na enjoy ang pagkadalaga niya talaga. Her age doesn’t match with her maturity.

There’s always a hollow inside her chest that was hard to fill in.

She can remember her younger version of her who’s very vocal with her feelings. She even had the confidence to talk with Clinton about every little things that happened to her before. Pero ngayon, parang hindi niya na magawa ng lubusan. Palaging tila may nagkokontrol sa kanya. Para bang dapat mature na siya dahil sa karanasan niya.

Kaya minsan, kahit gusto niyang lambingin si Clinton, pakiramdam niya hindi dapat. Samantalang dati, palagi siyang nakadikit o nakakandong sa binata. That’s how confident she was back then. But right now, she couldn’t do that without hesitation.

That’s why she feels happy every time he called her with his endearment to her or whenever he treated her like she’s still that young Bella Xaria. Dahil doon niya lang ulit nararamdaman kung paano alagaan at ingatan ng taong mahal niya. She always missed their moments together before the misfortune took place.

“You need to figure out what you really want to achieve, Zakia. I’m sure you can get the support from your family. We are here too for you.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Their went inside her office for their snacks. That’s when she mentioned about the party and she needed an evening gown.

“Sure, babe! I’ll email you my designs and once you pick the one you like, you can visit my shop for fitting.” Chandra’s enthusiasm made her look cute.

Hapon na nang umalis ang dalawang kaibigan niya. Clinton said he has a meeting until seven in the evening. She doesn’t want to disturb him and decided that she will just go home with Roux.

Since she and Clinton got a little busy, she couldn’t get the time yet to transfer some of her things on his penthouse. But she’s already done packing. She will bring three large suitcase first. He was patient though.

They usually see each other for dinner. Some times, he will drop to her boutique to eat lunch with her. She appreciates his effort to come and see her despite of his hectic schedule.

This time, Xaria was scheduled to do the fitting at Chandra’s gown collections showroom. She already saw the designs and she has chosen two. She will just choose which one she really likes to wear.

Chandra Amberson always looked like she’s going to a fashion week in Paris whenever she will be out in public. Her sense of fashion and style is a combination of chic and classic.

Her friend is wearing a black sexy bralette under the neutral color blazer that paired with a mini skirt when she welcomed her with a hug.

“I can’t wait for you to fit those evening gowns, Xaria.”

“Me too. I can now choose which one I like the most.”

Chandra lead her the way to the showroom. There are different type, styles, and colors of gowns inside the room. Some were on the mannequins, and others were hanging properly.

Kinuha nito ang dalawang kulay itim na gown na napili niya.

The theme of the party is Silver Ball. Black or ivory evening gowns for the female guest. While dark suit for the members of the brotherhood.

Xaria got the first gown and went to the fitting room. It’s a halter strap and an a-line cut that shines elegantly because of the sheer fabric. She looked good but she kinda not satisfied.

After a few more minutes of checking herself, she opened the door and almost jumped on her feet when she saw Clinton, sitting arrogantly at the couch.

He’s still on his navy blue suite, looking dignified with heavy aura that made her knees wobbled for a seconds. His intense grayish eyes scanned her whole body. Then went up to her face.

“Y-you’re here na pala,” she chuckled, a bit nervous with his sudden presence there even though she expected him to come.

When he stood up and took a step forwards to get close to her, she swallowed anticipated for him. It was a shame to admit that her heart is beating violently because of him.

He placed his large palm on her waist then crouched to kiss her lips.

Napanguso siya ng bahagya pagkatapos siya nitong dampian ng halik.

She pushed him lightly when she saw Chandra coming. Hindi naman ito natinag, nakatitig pa rin sa kanya.

“Clinton,” she gave him a sharp glare to stop being clingy.

Chandra cleared her throat. May panunukso sa ngiti nito kaya napairap siya.

“Well, that one is modestly sexy compare to the other one.” Lumapit sa kanya ang kaibigan kaya bumalik si Clinton sa inuupuan nito.

In front of the mirror, Xaria saw her reflection. Chandra is right. The gown is modest but sexy in away that shows a bit of her cleavage and the high slit shows her right leg.

Behind them is Clinton. He’s silent and his eyes are all over her.

“What do you think?” She asked Clinton through the reflection.

“You looked stunningly sexy.”

Her cheek heated when Chandra giggled beside her.

“He’s very handsome pala talaga in person. He has this heavy aura lang that made him intimidating,” her friend murmured like a bee.

So what she feels were normal? He’s just really intimidating and very intense the reason why her heart is beating wildly and violently.

“I’ll try the other one na.”

“Sure. Here…” Chandra handed her another black gown. “Call me if you need help.”

“Okay.”

“Mr. Grande, how about coffee? Tea?” She heard Chandra before she went inside the fitting room.

The second gown was the one she really liked. It is a black sparkly mermaid gown and the v-neck cut is deep. It showed her cleavage but it didn’t look awkward or too revealing.

Xaria smiled when she felt satisfied with the one she’s wearing. Nang lumabas siya, kaagad na nahuli niya ang atensyon ni Clinton. He carefully put down the cup of tea on the table and looked at her from head to toe. Then his brow shot up.

Pumalakpak si Chandra sa gilid.

“Oh my! You looked like an alluring goddess!” Her friend hissed in awe. “That one is perfect for you, Xaria!”

Ngumiti siya. “I think so.”

Lumapit ulit siya sa harap ng salamin para sipatin pa lalo ang gown.

Chandra is also checking every details of it to make sure that everything is fixed and secured.

Nang nasa harap na ang kaibigan niya. Itinuro nito ang dibdib niya.

“What?”

“Hindi naman siya conservative ’no?” Tukoy nito kay Clinton sa likod.

Xaria shook her head. “Hindi naman.”

“Then, this is fine. Ang sexy mo!” Then she slightly pinch her waist.

Natawa siya. “Babe, all your creations are fabulous and splendid. I’m very proud of you.”

Chandra dramatically grip her chest where her heart located.

“That’s so sweet. Thank you so much for the support ever since though. You and Zakia means so much to me. Alam niyo naman ’yon.” Chandra got teary eyed.

Xaria poked her friend’s cheek to tease her and also to at least lightens up the mood again because the beautiful woman in front of her is starting to get emotional.

Naglakad siya palapit kay Clinton nang umalis si Chandra para asikasuhin ang dumating na kliyente.

“Come…” he patted his lap.

Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi dahil parang may kung anong kuryente ang dumaloy sa kanya sa paraan kung paano siya nito palapitin dito.

He held her hand and bring her to his lap. Then he wrapped his one arm on her waist. While the other one is still holding hers. Nasa kandungan niya ang mga kamay nila.

Clinton kissed her shoulder. “This gown took my breath away. You looked elegant and at the same time alluring.”

“But you like this gown, right?”

“Yeah,” he breathed on her neck.

Mahina siyang napasinghap ng makiliti sa ginawa ni Clinton. Para tuloy naghihina ang mga tuhod niya. Natutunaw sa mabababaw na halik nito sa may leeg niya at balikat.

His attention was divided when he checked the chest part. He groaned as the sight of her cleavage. The front sides of her boobs flaunting seductively behind the skin tone mesh fabric.

“This is fine. What if I wear bikinis, huh?” She wheezed lightly. “Baka hindi mo na ako palabasin.”

She saw him pursed his lips then buried his face on her neck.

“Let’s sail after the party.”

“Batangas?”

“Do you wanna go to Cebu?”

If that so, that would be her first time to visit Cebu with him. Ang mga bagay na hindi nila nagawa noon, tila ba ngayon nila ginagawa.

“Yes.”

“Cebu then.”

Tumahimik sila pagkatapos ng usapan na ’yon. While Clinton is kissing her shoulder and arms, she’s playing with his long fingers with hers.

The only accessory he has is his wristwatch that cost fortune.

She’s wearing a Cartier bangles and Bvlgari rings.

His thumb then found her rings. Hinaplos nito ang mga ’yon. At hindi niya alam kung bakit may dumaan na hapdi sa dibdib niya sa ginawa nito. Especially when his thumb gently glides on her bare ring finger.

Sumakit ang puso niya nang tuluyan habang bumabalik sa isip niya ang plano nitong pagpapakasal sa kanya noon. Na hindi na natuloy.

She’s wondering if he’s still wants to marry her? Maybe not anymore.

Thinking about that he has changed his mind about marrying her pained her.

Who would want to marry a woman who left and broke his heart anyway?

“Uh,” she cleared her throat. “Where do you wanna have lunch?”

His hot breath on the space between her neck and shoulders melting her body. Kulang nalang ay tuluyan siyang magpatunaw sa kandungan nito.

“I booked us a table in Altaraza Hotel.”

“I’m gonna change then we will leave.”

Aalis na sana siya pero pinigil siya ni Clinton. Napabuntonghininga nalang siya.

He’s kinda clingy when they are alone though.

“We can get your things tonight and bring to the penthouse.” He muttered tenderly.

“You have time na for that?”

“I want you to move with me before I go back to Cebu.”

“I’ll go back to our mansion while you’re in Cebu.” She informed him. “I am not yet done with my rules.”

He chuckled. “Maybe let’s just follow your rules once we have a fixed arrangement.”

“Gano’n? Not right now that you have to leave soon?”

“I’m worried you’re going to let me sleep on the couch and not beside you.”

That made her laugh. He’s really thinking about that? Akala talaga ay seryoso siya?

“So, what are we going to do? No cuddling after sex because you need to sleep on the couch?” She asked ridiculously.

“Hindi ako papayag.” He said sternly against her neck.

Muli siyang natawa. “Ayaw ko rin ng gano’n. I like cuddling a lot.” Malambing na sambit niya.

“I know,” he planted a gentle kiss on her shoulder.

They stayed like that for a few more moment before Clinton finally let go of her to change.

Xaria felt lighter while having lunch with Clinton at the restaurant in Altaraza Hotel.

“No worries. I have my shot.” She said in a casual tone, before she drinks her juice.

Clinton carefully put down his utensils as he stares at her. She can’t read his emotion because he’s usually stoic, dark or intense.

“And I will continue to have it especially once we live together.”

He shifted on his sit. His lips parted a bit but there were no words that came out.

“I don’t want to get pregnant.” She said honestly and pouted.

He was silent for a moment as if he’s processing all the words that she has said. Until his hand found hers. He squeezed it gently.

“I understand.” He said quietly.

Probably, he’s thinking that she doesn’t want to get pregnant because she’s still not yet ready. But the truth is, even if she’s ready, still, she doesn’t like to be pregnant again. She doesn’t like to carry a baby anymore.

Hindi niya alam kung paano niya iyon ipapaliwanag kay Clinton. Wala pa naman ay nasasaktan na siya agad para rito.

“Continue your shot if that makes you feel secure.”

Tumango siya at medyo sumaya na hindi nito binubuksan ang topic na gustong magka anak. Dahil hindi pa yata siya handa na tapatin ito sa plano niya.

“When you’re ready, we will have a baby.” His low tone held sincerity and hope.

Halos mabilaukan siya sa iniinom. Damn! She expected him to demand for a child, but hearing it coming from his mouth is making her hyperventilate. She can’t speak. Her heart is forcefully beating against her ribcage.

12 ~ DESTINED

CHAPTER TWELVE

AFTER they got her three big suitcase from their modern mansion in Makati, Clinton drove to his penthouse. Behind them is a black SUV with her things and his security.

Her parents were not home. Ang sabi ni Nadia, may business dinner daw sa Villamor Hotel. Kaya hindi nag pang abot ang mga ito at si Clinton.

“I’ll call mom later about this, Nadia. She expected that I will move some of my things to Clinton’s penthouse.” Xaria told Nadia so she won’t worry.

“Ah sige, Ma’am. Mag ingat kayo ni Mr. Grande.”

She nodded her head and hopped inside Clinton’s Bugatti.

After he shifted the gear, he held her hand.

Humugot siya ng hangin sa dibdib. They are really going to live in one roof. She wasn’t supposed to feel nervous, but she really is. Masyadong malikot ang mga imahe na lumilitaw sa isip niya kaya tuloy nagbabago ang normal na pintig ng puso niya.

“Uh, what time you are going to leave tomorrow morning?” She asked causally.

“I have an early meeting. I’ll live at six in the morning.”

That’s too early! Siguradong tulog pa siya kapag umalis ito. But, how about his breakfast? Was she supposed to cook for him? At bakit niya ba ’yon iniisip? Hindi naman sila mag asawa, ah!

“I don’t cook.” She croaked.

Nilingon siya ni Clinton ngunit nanatili ang mga mata niya sa harap. They are waiting for the green light.

“I have a cook. Don’t worry about it.”

“Your cook is going to make you breakfast then?”

“I don’t eat breakfast if it’s too early. A coffee will do.”

“So you’re not going to eat before you leave tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. I am not a morning person like you. Sigurado I am still sleeping when you leave.”

Clinton brought her hand on his lips after awhile.

“It’s fine. I won’t disturb your sleep.”

Xaria can’t stop thinking about doing her duty as Clinton’s girlfriend.

Talagang tinanggap niya na ba talaga na may relasyon ulit sila?

They can’t just live in one roof without a label, right? And if she tells him they are just friends, it would be ridiculous.

Her three suitcase were directly put inside the master bedroom. Wala nga talaga siyang ligtas.

When they are already alone, Xaria watched Clinton brought her suitcase to the walk-in closet.

Napairap nalang siya dahil talagang determinado ang binata na doon talaga siya matutulog sa silid nito na pati ang mga gamit nila ay magkasama na.

She crosses her arms and faced the glass wall at the right side of the bed where she can see the Manila Golf Club, then far beyond it is the skyscrapers.

Clinton’s arms wrapped around her from behind. He didn’t bother to turn on the other lights. The cove lights on the ceiling were enough.

They were both silently watching the view and inhaling the peace of having each other again without worries about the time because they were not in the same situation anymore. She doesn’t need to check the time frequently and thought about going back home, because this time, her home is with him.

A small smile formed her lips when that realization sank in.

Gusto niyang maging masaya dahil ginagawa na nilang dalawa ang mga dati ay plano at pangarap lang. Kulang nga lang sila ng isa.

Ang tatlong imahe na iginuhit niya sa kanyang ala-ala ay hindi na magkakatotoo pa. Ito na ang bago niyang reyalidad. Hindi man nasunod ang mga larawan na pilit niyang ikinulong sa kanyang mga palad, masaya pa rin siya dahil hindi na siya nag iisa.

“What are you thinking?” He whispered and kissed her shoulder.

“Hindi na ako mag isa,” malamyos ang boses niya. “Hindi na ako matutulog ng mag isa.”

“Hindi na,” he tightened his embrace. “You are with me now. You have me now.”

“I’ve been dreaming of this,” her eyes watered just like that. “I always thought that this will never happen anymore because maybe we are not really meant to be. Maybe you were just a part of me but I couldn’t just really have you.”

Funny how after all these years, there was always this side of her when she yearned to be with him again even though she left him. There was always a part of her that hoped for them even though she knew they would never be the same again.

Palaging may maliit na bahagi sa puso niya na umaasa ngunit sa huli ay masasaktan lang dahil ang malupit na tadhana na mismo ang pumipigil na magkasama sila.

“Do you think we are really destined to be together?” She asked softly and hugged his strong arms.

“We won’t be here if we aren’t.”

“What if this is just another trial for us. Magsasama na naman tayo tapos maghihiwalay din sa huli?”

“No. You are not going to slip away from me again. I won’t let that happen this time.” His voice is a bit angry and also held with determination.

Tahimik siyang tumango. Nahihirapan na siyang magtiwala ulit sa klase ng buhay na naranasan niya. Kung sana lang ay may kapangyarihan siyang makita ang hinaharap, sa una palang ay ginawa niya na.

The next morning, she wakes up from Clinton’s sweet morning kisses on her cheek and lips.

“Mornin’ baby,” his morning voice sounded erotic.

He’s sitting at the space near her. Nakatunghay sa kanya habang marahan siyang pinapaliguan ng halik. His other hand is under the duvet and caressing her stomach.

He’s dashing on his dark suit. He smells so good that it made her want him to just stay and cuddle with her.

Xaria is still very sleepy. Hating gabi na sila parehong nakatulog pagkatapos nang mainit na pagtatalik.

“You’re leaving na?” She sleepily asked and grabbed his one hand to hug.

She heard him chuckled at what she did. Then he kissed her forehead.

“I don’t want to disturb you with my kisses but I can’t help it.”

Nakapikit ang mga mata niya habang yakap ang kamay ni Clinton. Kung titignan, para bang ayaw niya itong paalisin.

“Beautiful,” he murmured against her cheek.

“If you continue kissing me, I might ask for more…” she pursed her lips. “You are gonna be late with your meeting.”

“Yeah. I’ll see you at lunch?”

She nods with her heavy lidded eyes.

Isa pang halik ni Clinton sa may labi niya, bago ito umalis.

It was already ten in the morning when Xaria arrived on her boutique. Nanunukso ang ngiti ni Damaris nang salubungin siya. They went straight to her office and her friend followed her.

“So, you two are living together na?” Damaris was very intrigued.

“For now, yes.”

“For now lang?”

“He will go back to Cebu at the end of the month. I don’t want to live on his penthouse without him.”

“Paano ’yan? Babalik ka sa mansion niyo?”

“Yes. While he’s in Cebu, I’ll go back to our mansion.”

That’s her plan and Clinton knew that. Aside from that, they both decided she would visit Cebu if he gets too busy to go to Manila.

“You know what, why don’t we build a branch in Cebu?” Damaris suggested.

Umangat ang kilay ni Xaria. It was a good idea. They need to add more branch in some big Cities to make her clothing line known.

“Since Clinton is from Cebu, he might have idea where to build your boutique. I am sure he will help you, Xaria.”

“I will think about this, Damaris. But I like your idea.”

Napapalakpak ito sa galak. “Okay. I will do my research as well. Anyway, I can’t have my lunch here today.”

“That’s fine. I’ll have my lunch with Clinton. Where are you going by the way?”

“I have to meet my father again.”

“Is everything okay?”

Damaris smiled at her. “Yes. No worries.”

“Hey, you know that you can talk to me, right?”

“Oo naman! Really, I’m fine, Xaria. I know I can talk with you and I’m happy that I have you.”

Tumayo si Xaria mula sa pagkakaupo sa swivel chair para yakapin ang kaibigan.

“You were with me during my darkest days, I want to be there with you as well if things went rough with your life.” She said sincerely.

Damaris embraced her back and heaved a long sigh.

“Thank you. I appreciated this kind of support a lot.”

They both laughed after their short emotional moment.

Xaria used the rest of her time doing a research about the possible location for her clothing branch in Cebu. She haven’t decided yet but it’s helpful to get familiar with the place. Ayan tuloy nagkaroon siya ng dahilan lalo na bumisita sa Cebu. At least, Clinton was not the only reason why she would visit the island.

She also sent a message to her cousion—Ayesha for a meeting about the partnership of their businesses. She’s confident that Ayesha would agree.

It’s already twelve thirty in the afternoon when Clinton arrived at the boutique. She doesn’t want to go outside to eat and that’s fine with him. They just ordered their lunch and waited inside her office.

Lumapit siya sa couch kung nasaan si Clinton. He immediately lifted his hand for her to hold it.

Halos umikot ang mga mata niya nang dinala siya ng binata sa kandungan nito.

She helped him loosen up his tie. His suit is already placed behind the headrest of another couch. She removed the necktie from him and put it above her lap.

“How was your meetings?” She caressed his jaw.

The roughness from his stubble tickled her soft palm. There’s a gentleness on his eyes while staring back at her.

“Fine. How was your morning here?” He crouched to kiss her neck.

Medyo napaangat siya ng kaunti dahil nakaliti. Lalo pa at nanatili ang labi nito sa parteng ’yon. Habang ang isang braso ay nakapalibot sa kanya, ang isang kamay naman ay humahaplos sa tuhod niya.

She’s wearing a light blue boat neck bodycon strap midi dress and paired it with beige stiletto. Her wavy hair is in a half ponytail. At dahil nakaupo siya, lumantad ang tuhod niya paangat sa may hita. His large palm on her knees made her stomach twitched.

“Damaris was here this morning and we talked about having another a branch in Cebu. Do you think it’s a good idea?”

Clinton paused from kissing her shoulder when he heard her but he resumed after.

“It is. I can help you.”

Ibinaba niya ang kamay na nasa panga nito at inilipat sa balikat nito. She can’t stand staring back at him for a long moment. Pakiramdam niya ay manghihina ang mga tuhod niya hanggang sa matunaw siya.

“How can you help me?” She arched her eyebrow.

“Tell me how can I help you? What do you need?”

Probably, it would cost another millions to build a branch especially in that big city. Her family is wealthy but she is not. The funds that she had used to build her clothing line was from her parents. It was the money that they gave her on her 18th birthday.

The money that she used to buy the land of her factory in Bulacan was from her brothers. They gave a large amount of money as well just to support her passion and business.

“Or maybe I won’t do it yet. Sa susunod nalang siguro, uh…” bawi niya nang maisip na mauubusan siya ng funds kung itutuloy niya ang plano sa Cebu.

“Why not?”

Nag iwas siya ng tingin. It was embarrassing to let him know that she’s worrying about her finances. See? She’s not yet stable like him. She’s not yet successful like him.

“I think it’s too early to have a branch. Besides, I still need to save to build another one.”

“I can finance your branch in Cebu.” He said as if the cost was nothing to him.

For sure, he knew that it will cost millions but probably he’s really financially stable now that he could spend millions for her in a blink of an eye.

“I know your have a lot of money but I don’t want you to be involved with my business.” She squinted her eyes on him to tell him that she’s serious with what she said.

“Maybe you need an investor instead?” He’s taunting.

Sinimangutan niya ito. Huh! Talagang gagawa ng paraan para lang makasali sa mga plano niya.

“And who’s the investor? You?” She sarcastically probed.

“Why not? I know the place, I know the nature of your business, I am sure my money will double.” He even used his business-like tone but she knew his real motive.

Hinaplos ni Clinton ang tuhod niya paangat sa kanyang hita. Tila ba hinihikayat siya na pumayag sa sinasabi nito sa kanya. At kung pumayag siya, hindi niya naman pera ang mawawala kung sakaling malugi ang negosyo niya. He’s really a risk taker.

“I don’t want to waste your money. What if malugi?”

“That’s part of the business.”

See? He has answers to all her questions. He’s wise and intelligent.

Imagine, he’s sitting on his swivel chair, with other businessmen, or with their employees, and you have to impress him with your reports and works. Baka kung siya ang empleyado, panghihinaan siya ng tuhod makita palang si Clinton na tila palaging nanunubok at madilim na nangangastigo.

“You have to see the place first. I’ll tour you around.” He said that as if she already agreed to his business proposal.

Malambing na inihilig niya sa balikat ni Clinton ang mukha niya.

“And if you like, we will build a branch for you.”

Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. Tahimik na pinaglalaruan ang tie sa kandungan niya.

Hinawakan nito ang kanyang mga kamay para kunin ang atensyon niya. Tapos ay pinatakan ng halik ang noo niya. Tila natunaw ang kung ano sa kanyang puso. She likes it when he kissed her forehead. She felt special. She felt loved. She likes that feeling very much.

“It will cost you millions.” She muttered quietly.

“That’s nothing.”

Ngumuso siya. “Pag-iisipan ko.”

His response was his feathery kisses on her cheek and lips. Kaya tuloy napaahon siya dahil medyo naaakit.

When their eyes met, she knew that they both want what she wants.

She placed her palm on his jaw and crouched to kiss his lips. She closed her eyes when he devoured her lips with a passionate and light kisses. It felt like her body was put on fire especially when his large palm expertly found her breast.

“Mmm…” a small moan echoed when he inserted his tongue inside her mouth.

Nadadarang siya sa gitna ng mainit at nakakalugod na halikan. Kung magpapatuloy ’yon, alam na alam niya kung saan sila mauuwi.

A knocked on the door made her gasped. She immediately stopped the kiss, scared that her employee went inside and caught them kissing. Nasa kandungan pa talaga siya ni Clinton.

He cursed and tiredly rested his head at the backrest of the sofa. Namumungay ang mga mata nito habang nakatitig sa kanya. His lips were reddish and shiny because of the kiss. He sensually caressed her waist. Halatang nabitin.

“I’ll get our lunch,” she told him.

“Let me…” he was about to stand up but she pushed his chest back.

“Ako na. Stay here.”

She doesn’t want any of her employees to see Clinton Grande with his erotic eyes and sensual lips. His dress shirt was even crumpled slightly. Doon yata talaga siya nakakapit kanina. Nagusot niya na ’yon. Natanggal na rin sa pagkakabutones ang ilan kaya nakita and itaas ng malapad na dibdib nito.

Nakasunod naman agad sa kanya si Clinton nang tumayo siya. When she got the paper bag from her female staff, she shuts the door. But what made her rolled her eyes is when he locked it!

Xaria brought the foods on the table. Kaya lang nang mailapag niya na, marahan siyang hinila ni Clinton pabalik sa kandungan nito. Kahit ang paraan ng pagkakahawak sa kanya ay mainit.

“Did you really lock the door?” She asked with amusement on her face.

He just smirked before he devoured her lips again and she can’t complain because she likes his kisses so much.

13 ~ MEMBER

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

INSIDE the restaurant of Villamor Hotel, Xaria waited for her cousin. She’s sitting at the corner to give themselves more privacy to talk about their business.

Medyo marami ang guest kaya naman ayaw niyang makaabala sa ibang empleyado na palaging tila tensyonado kapag may Villamor sa paligid.

Most of the employees knew her because they used to dine there or stay. Aside from that, the owner of the Villamor Hotel is her father’s brother and when her uncle died, her brother Brenth Villamor became the Vice President.

Clane Altaraza–Ayesha Villamor’s husband is currently the President.

They have their own businesses but her father can’t just set aside the Villamor Hotels especially now that they have plan to build a branch in the island. Mas magiging abala ang kuya Brenth niya dahil ito ang katuwang ni Clane sa pagpapatakbo ng hotels.

Channelling a blazer dress in ivory, red pumps, and a Birkin bag on her hand, Ayesha Villamor-Altazara graced the restaurant like a supermodel in a runway. Her long hair is in neat and high ponytail that emphasized her small face, sexy and softer jawline, and her red lipstick.

Ayesha was greeted by the hotel staffs and some guests. She nodded then go straight to where she was.

“Hey there, my goddess,” Ayesha teased her with what she used to addressed her.

Bella Xaria rolled her eyes then gave her cousin a warm hug and a cheek to cheek kiss.

Hindi naglalayo ang taas nila. Mas balingkinitan ng bahagya si Ayesha kumpara sa kanya kahit pa nanganak na ito. She’s still looked like a woman who doesn’t give birth.

Xaria wore a blazer suit and wide-leg pants in almond. She paired it with high heels open toe strappy sandals. Her hair is in a low ponytail that elegantly fell her back.

“I am so excited for this meeting! Anyway, congratulations with the success of your clothing line. I ordered dresses online and you got the perfect fabric and designs!” Ayesha’s enthusiasm made her smile.

“Thank you, cuzz. But really, you should’ve told me, I can send some designs for you.”

“It’s fine. It helps with your sales. Business is business.”

Pareho silang natawa dahil totoo din naman ’yon. They can’t just be careless and mindless when it comes to running a business.

The waiter arrived with their lunch and drinks. While eating, they started the conversation about their partnership.

“I already have a name for my swimwear line. Since you mentioned that you want us to collaborate, I think it’s better if we start it as soon as possible.”

“We could do that. I already have the designs and the right materials to use. What I need is models. I think you can help me with that.”

“Sure! Sure! I have a good taste with models. I can recommend some girls to model your bikinis.”

“My factory is in Bulacan. My team there is just waiting for my go signal to start manufacturing. One of these days I will visit them and see it myself.”

She’s just starting with her business and she wants to focus on that. That is one of the reason why her attention was divided. Sa gano’n na paraan, nakakalimot siya sa nangyari sa nakaraan. Her business helps her as well aside from the fact that it is also her passion.

Designing, drawing, choosing the best materials, fabrics, but most importantly is how it made her feel after the handworks and stressed. She feels satisfied and fulfilled.

“Oh, you are ready na pala. What else do you need?”

“I need to hire more teams to help me with the photoshoots, model casting, location manager, and any work in the field department.”

“I will recommend you the most efficient teams. I’ll email you their details.”

Ayesha is making her job easy. That is a big help.

“Anyway, my husband will be here anytime soon. He will go here after his meeting.”

“That’s fine. Clinton will pick me up later.”

“Clinton Grande?” Ayesha was intrigued.

Xaria sipped on her juice before she answered. “Yes.”

“You two are dating?”

“Uh, we are in a relationship.”

Ayesha’s smile grew wider. Her eyes twinkled. Halata na masaya na malaman ang tungkol sa love life niya.

She’s not very vocal and showy when it comes to her private life. She has social media but she is not really active. But she’s aware that her family is known especially in high society.

“New relationship lang?”

Paano niya ba sasabihin na matagal na silang magkakilala ni Clinton at matagal na rin na magka relasyon? Nagkahiwalay lang ng apat na taon at ngayo’y kababalik lang sa pilling ng isa’t isa.

“Yes.”

“I guess so. I heard rumors about him before when you were abroad. He dated different women. Beauty queens, models, and so on,” Ayesha informed her with the fact that she knew already.

See? Clinton really dated women even her cousin knew about that. He went to the parties with his flings or fuck buddies and it wasn’t even privately kept. His escapades with his women before were probably written in some magazines as well or online news because he didn’t hide them.

“Hindi naman daw babaero pero lapitin talaga,” dagdag pa ng magandang babae sa harap niya.

Napainom si Xaria ng malamig na tubig. Maayos at masaya naman sila ni Clinton pero ngayong naririnig niya ang tungkol sa mga babae nito habang wala siya noon, hindi niya maiwasan na magalit at makaramdam ng pait.

“At least, Clinton is not same with his brother—Kielton. That man is a notorious playboy.”

Right. Kielton Grande is Clinton’s brother and a famous band vocalist. And yes, he’s known as a womanizer and he didnt even deny it.

“Oh, my husband is here na…” Ayesha suddenly said and gazed at the entrance of the restaurant.

Clane Altaraza is still on his dark gray suit. He looked grim, solid and robust. With a commanding and menacing air around him, his eyes were directly darted to his wife. Like a target that he skillfully locked.

When Ayesha stood up to welcome her husband, there were some whispery commotion with awe from the guests and also hotel employees.

Clane placed his hand on Ayesha’s waist, then he crouched a bit to kiss his wife’s lips.

The naughty grin on her cousin’s lips were displayed when the two walked back to the table. Their happy marriage was shown on Ayesha’s face. Even though her husband looked stoic.

Xaria stood up to acknowledged the presence of the President of Villamor Hotels. Nakipag beso rin siya kay Clane bilang normal na pag bati.

“Clinton will be here daw,” Ayesha informed her husband.

“This table is too small for us.” Clane said and his sharp eyes scanned the restaurant.

Nagmamadali at tila natataranta na lumapit sa kanila ang restaurant manager at ang tatlong waiter na nakasunod dito ay tila pilit na nagpapakatatag dahil halata ang pagiging kabado sa harap ng mga amo.

“I want a table for six.” He commanded, almost making the employees shiver.

“S-sure, boss. I’ll prepare a table.” The female manager stuttered. Then she simply glared at those waiters to do the move.

Pakiramdam ni Xaria ay mas lalong naging tensyonado at pinagpawisan ang mga empleyado dahil nandoon si Clane. Halata rin na hindi na inform ang mga ito na darating ang boss kaya tuloy sobrang taranta na at pressured para lang mapaluguran sila.

Habang inihahanda ang lamesa para sa kanila, doon naman din dumating si Clinton.

Doon din may kumalansing sa dulong lamesa at nagkaroon pa ng tensyon dahil talagang animo nawawala sa sarili ang mga naroon sa pagdating ng mga hindi inaasahang malalaking tao sa lipunan. Employees are very pressured.

Clane’s security was the one who opened a door for him.

Clinton is looking dignified and vigorous on his white dress shirt that folded until his forearms. She can see the hard hot muscles behind the fabric. His massive frame is potent and forceful. His black leather belt is cultivated and at the same time it feels illegal to look at it. It gives her different impression; erotic and very sensual.

His grayish eyes immediately found her and only her can understand the violent beating of her heart. His heavy steps towards her excited her and it suffocated her at the same time. Her chest is booming loud that she had to sip a water to calm her senses.

Xaria composed herself to give Clinton a proper welcome. She forced a small smile and stood up before he got near her.

His large palm automatically placed at the small of her back. When he angled his head for a kiss, her face heated badly. He kissed her lips in front of Ayesha and Clane and in front of everyone there.

“This is my cousin, Ayesha,” she introduced Ayesha formally.

“You’re handsome than your brother,” Ayesha playfully wiggled her eyebrows and shook Clinton’s hand.

Nakatayo na rin ang mag asawa para sa mas maayos na pagpapakilala kahit pa alam niya na naman na magkakilala na ang dalawang lalaki.

Clinton and Clane shook hands firmly and shortly.

Seeing the first-born of Grandes and Altarazas in one frame felt like the world became heavy but in high-powered. They are both stern, formidable and influential. Both possessed success, wealth and power.

They moved to the table for six and it’s much better.

Clane and Clinton are both massive, tall and muscular. Matangkad sila ni Ayesha at pareho pang naka high heels, pero nanliliit pa rin sila dahil kasama ang dalawa.

Clinton’s warm palm on her thighs made her glanced at him.

“Did you finish eating?” He asked in a low tone.

She nods her head. “Yes. But I’m gonna have sweets while you’re having your lunch.”

Ayesha faked a cough to get her attention.

“I know na what to do about the photoshoots. We can do it in an island or in a yacht. I believed your boyfriend can help you with that, cuzz.” Then Ayesha beamed to the man beside her.

Clinton shifted on his chair. “Sure.”

“You can do it in Cebu. So you can see then the location of the branch that you want to build there.” Ayesha kept on talking but she’s glad about it.

Hindi niya alam kung anong klaseng approach ang gagawin niya kay Clinton ngayon nasa harap sila ng ibang tao. Mas nasanay yata siya na silang dalawa lang ang makasama, sa silid, o opisina, habang naka-kandong siya rito. Damn, they need to date more. Outside of course.

“I’m going to make a plan about it, cuzz. I will inform you though.”

“Kielton Grande is dating a freelance model now. She’s really pretty and I think open for a swimwear project.”

“How did you know that kind of details?” Clane snapped at his wife with furrowed eyebrows.

“Of course, I know your friends escapades and whoever they are dating. Hindi kayo makakatakas sa ’kin!”

Clane squinted his eyes but there’s a sly smile on his lips as he stares at his beautiful wife.

“And a swimwear?” Patuloy si Clane sa tila pag imbestiga sa asawa.

“Yes my husband. A swimwear line. I told you that I wanted to extend my business and that is having a swimwear line. And my cousin here, wanted it too. So… we are going to collaborate. A partnership of pretty Villamors.”

Clane just nodded his head and started talking to Clinton. They are having this kind of conversation about businesses and security that doesn’t interest her.

Humaba pa ang kwentuhan at namamangha siya sa pormal na usapan ng dalawang lalaki. She didn’t hear them laugh even though the conversation is funny, they just smirk or chuckle and shakes their heads. They’re not loud. They are formal and taunting at each others sometimes.

“Can I tell Xaria about the party?” Ayesha asked permission to her husband.

“What party?” Clane’s thumb gently glide on the side of his wife’s lips to wipe off the sweets they’re eating.

“About Potentia Invicta?” Her cousin’s voice toned down but she’s still heard it.

Naramdaman niya ang sulyap sa kanya ni Clinton. Nanatili ang kamay nito sa kandungan niya at paminsan minsan ay humahaplos doon.

“Are you going back to your office?” Malamyos ang boses niya.

“Yes. I have a meeting at four in the afternoon.”

“I don’t have anything to do in my boutique because Damaris is there. I might go home nalang after this.”

Clinton gave his full attention to her this time.

Abala rin naman sa pag uusap ang mag asawa sa harap nila kaya kinuha niya ang oportunidad na ’yon na kausapin ang kasintahan.

“Do you wanna go with me after this?”

Xaria’s eyes gleamed. Suddenly, she feels excited to see his office or to even walk with him in front of their employees.

“Is that fine?”

“Yeah. I will stay in my office until four.”

“Sabay na tayong uuwi?” She gave him a warm smile.

His gaze dropped to her lips. Then back to her eyes.

“Do you wanna wait for me?”

Wala talaga siyang gagawin kahit sa penthouse. Mag isa lang siya roon. Kaya mas mabuti pang sumama nalang siya sa opisina ni Clinton at doon nalang maghihintay.

“I don’t mind. I’d rather wait in your office than be alone in your penthouse.”

There’s a relieve on the way he sigh. Para bang kumalma ito ng lubusan sa hindi niya tiyak na dahilan.

“Okay then. I’ll bring my baby to my office,” he muttered huskily.

Pareho pa silang apat na halos natapos sa pag uusap kaya bumalik ang atensyon niya sa pinsan.

“He’s a member din pala of Potentia Invicta,” Ayesha pointed Clinton with her lips.

“Yes. He told me.” She was confused though why her cousin knew about the brotherhood.

“Well, I’ll see you at the anniversary then?”

Napaayos si Xaria sa inuupuan. Medyo nanlalaki ang mga mata at namamangha na magkikita sila ni Ayesha sa anniversary ng Potentia Invicta. Malapit na pala ’yon!

What does it mean? Clane Altaraza is a member of the brotherhood as well?

“Are you going to that party too?” Xaria was surprised and her smile formed her lips.

Tumango-tango ang pinsan niya habang magiliw na nakangiti rin.

“My husband is a member.” Ayesha informed her and winked at her.

She glanced at Clane who’s sipping on his wine while listening to Clinton’s opinion about their newly acquired passenger vessel.

It’s a blue blooded brotherhood. Meaning to say it is exclusive only for elite and aristocracy. And the men that they are with are both possessed the qualifications to be a member of Potentia Invicta.

14 ~ PARTY (SPG)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

A LOW heavy growl escaped from Clinton while she’s sensually grinding above him. He’s sitting immaculately on his swivel chair. His dress shirt was crumpled already, and eyes were full of endless desire for her. Behind him is the thick glass wall with the view of skyscrapers at night.

He just finished his last meeting for that day and when he went back to his office, the sun is already set. She didn’t get bored waiting for him because while doing it, she was also researching about the possible location of her branch in Cebu. She was also responded to the emails.

Ayesha already sent her the details of the teams that will help her. She called Damaris to contact them.

When Clinton entered his office, he looked tired but when he saw her, he gets dynamic and they both suddenly felt the aggression and tension between them. She was the first who attacked him with her hungry kisses.

At sa tuwing naiisip niya na gano’n siya kasabik kay Clinton, talagang nahihiya siya. She shouldn’t be because it’s normal to express herself through kissing him. Kaya lang talagang hindi niya maiwasan ang ganoong klaseng pakiramdam. The good thing is, he doesn’t tease her for being aggressive, hot and greedy.

“Aahh…” she gasped and craned her neck to give his lips access there.

His large palms were caressing her waist up to her breasts. She’s already naked while he’s still on his dress shirt and slacks. She just unbuckled his belt and unzipped his zipper a few moments ago, then freed his hot long shaft with her hands.

Talagang siya ang nauna sa kanilang dalawa para magawa ang milagro sa opisina nito. They can’t do it inside her office. Kaya tuloy doon nila nagawa ang tila tukso na ilang araw din nilang tinikis.

Nang bumaba ang maiinit na halik ni Clinton sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya, doon ay napatingala siya at pumikit habang dinadama kung paano nito sambahin ang parteng ’yon ng kanyang katawan.

“Mmm… Clinton…”

His thumb found her nipple before he sucked the other one.

She couldn’t focus on grinding above him because she liked it so much whenever his mouth found her tip. Binabalot ng matinding pagnanasa ang kabuuan niya sa paraan kung paano romansahin ng kasintahan ang katawan niya.

Hindi niya makakalimutan ang ginagawa nila sa penthouse nito bago matulog o kaya ay pag gising sa umaga. That morning, Clinton woke her up with his tongue on her femininity. Kaya tuloy ang aga aga ay gising na siya at buhay na buhay ang mga ugat niya sa katawan.

He bites her nipple slightly that made her winced. Nang ibaba niya ang tingin dito, animo nalalasing habang patuloy sa paglalaro sa dunggot niya gamit ang bibig o ang dila. Tumataas ang mga balahibo niya sa katawan at talagang nawawala pansamantala sa wisyo.

Xaria moved her hips seductively and bite her lips when she felt him throbbed inside her. She’s fully and intimately filled by his thick, long and very hard shaft.

And since she’s sitting on it, she can feel his tip poking her lower abdomen. That’s what made her gasp and whimper most of the time. Talagang punung-puno siya. Halos masakal niya ang kabuuan nito na nakababad sa loob ng pagkababae niya.

Xaria continued to grind and rock him until they both feel that the swivel chair was moving with them. She’s too drowned with the sensation and she doesn’t care with anything else as long as he’s inside of her, she knew that he won’t let her fall.

“Ahh! Ahhh! Clinton… oohhh…”

The way he grips on her waist told her that he’s at the edge too. He couldn’t focus much with her breasts because they were bouncing as she moves and sways her hips against his impressive erection.

And when he pinned her down, her eyes dilated and her head falls her back when she felt his tip poked her lower abdomen. Her body quivered and anticipated a spasm inside of her as he spit his seeds.

While filling her with his hot semen, he’s breathing heavily and hotly against her neck.

The anniversary party of Potentia Invicta will be held in Altaraza Hotel.

Xaria keep in touch with Ayesha because they both planned to talk more when they are already at the party. Kaya rin excited siya dahil nga naroon ang pinsan niya. Kahit papano may kakilala siya at makakausap kung sakaling maging abala si Clinton sa ibang tao.

The black sparkly mermaid gown that has a deep v-neck cut she’s wearing made her looked like a sultry royalty. Her hair is styled in a wet slicked back that highlighted the beauty of her face. Her daring plum lipstick was perfectly match with her flawless no-make-up looks.

They are inside a suite of Altaraza Hotel and getting ready to leave. She’a in front of the large mirror when she saw Clinton walked towards her.

He’s dashing and striking with his dark charcoal three piece suit that is suitable with his grim expression. His heavy aura and the intensity of his stares always made her heart raced rapidly.

Clinton embraced her from behind and rested his chin above her shoulder.

In front of the mirror, they looked like a normal couple who’s being touchy and sweet to one another. But honestly, she found him cute being this clingy despite of all the power and influence that he has.

At least, she can say that Clinton Grande is very different in private. It made her smile whenever she thinks that he can only be like that with her.

He planted a kiss on her neck then his gaze went to their reflection. Their eyes met and she couldn’t hide the smile on her lips anymore. As crazy as it may seem, but he’s making her ecstatic. What she feels is euphoric.

“You’re breathtaking,” he whispered.

The smile on her lips stayed. Talagang sumusugat ang ngiti niya na umaabot sa paraan ng pag kislap ng kanyang mga mata.

“You are too stunning. I just wanna keep you here.”

That made her laughed softly. She caressed his strong arms that wrapped below her breasts.

“You’re so fine and striking. I am glad majority of the guests are male.”

He groaned. “I’ll just greet them and we will leave.”

“What? You are no fun. Ayesha is there. I’d like to talk to her about our business.”

“Okay then. Stay with your cousin.”

“I’ll be fine as long as I am with her. You can roam around and greet other members.”

Ilang sandali pa silang naglambingan sa tapat ng salamin bago niya inaya si Clinton na lumabas na. Dahil baka kung saan pa mauwi ang halikan nila.

The Altaraza Hotel was packed with security. Every corner has men that can intimidate any person that is not used having a tight security.

“Why do the brotherhood needs this tight security?” She curiously and innocently asked Clinton.

They are walking at the hallway towards the grand ballroom where the party is held. They already passed the body scanner and the security. He doesn’t mind being checked as if he was used to it or it was really a protocol whenever Potentia Invicta hosted a party.

They didn’t have any gadgets with them. It was prohibited even if Clinton is a member. They are very keen. It was kinda strange though.

“The founder will be here after two decades of his absences. Clane made sure his place was secured and loaded with armed men.”

“What? I have read the highlights of Potentia Invicta’s history. So, he’s still alive pala talaga? Thalmus Royle Vanders?”

Clinton squeezed her hand tenderly when they entered the large door of the grand ballroom.

“He’s still alive but living in a shadow.” He responded casually.

The combination of silver and black theme is magnificently arranged. There’s no trace of other color. It screamed elegance and mystery. At sa isang banda, ang hangin sa paligid ay nagbibigay ng kakaibang ibig sabihin ng dilim na nahalinhinan ng kaunting kinang ng liwanag.

Ayesha is radiant with her tube black sequin evening gown and hair is in French twist when she waved at them cutely.

Clinton was immediately greeted by some old aristocrat men in the high society. Some of them are familiar faces but most are not.

Ang ibang lalaki ay may kasamang babae at mas lamang ang wala. Medyo marami na rin ang naroon bago pa sila dumating. May kanya kanyang grupo rin sa isang lamesa na sa palagay niya ay talagang magkakakilala na.

“Clinton, this must be Xavier’s daughter?” The old man with beard assumed.

“Yes, sir. This is Xaria Villamor.” Clinton introduced her formally to the group of old men who obviously high-powered but remained humbled and friendly.

“No shake hands, dear. Men in this generations are very territorial,” the other man grinned and teased Clinton.

Medyo natawa siya at hindi na itinuloy ang sana’y pakikipagkamay.

“And I told you don’t call us “Sir”. That’s too formal, Clinton.“ Napa-iling pa ang isa.

But she noticed how polite is Clinton in front of these men. They must be the pioneer of Potentia Invicta. A senior members, probably.

After their short encounter with that group, they passed them until they get to their table. Mabuti naman din at nasa i-isang lamesa lang sila ng pinsan niya.

“I insisted to give this table for us. Wala naman nagawa ang organizers.” Ayesha said and they kiss cheek to cheek.

“Hi, it’s hard for you to smile din ba?” Her cousin noticed Clinton beside her.

Nahihiya na nag angat siya ng tingin sa boyfriend niya.

His face remained stoic but he’s done greeting Ayesha through a slight cheek to cheek kiss. Siyempre, ang pinsan niya, sobrang taas ng kompyansa sa sarili kaya kahit hindi sila talaga malapit ni Clinton sa isa’t isa at minsan lang magkita, magagawa pa rin nitong biruin ang kasama niya.

“I’m fine here,” she assured him.

Clinton sighed before he let go of her hand so that he can greet the other members.

Naiwan sila ni Ayesha sa lamesa nilang pang animan na tao. The members around them were busy talking and chatting with other members. There’s a stage but the only thing in there is the stand microphone. Madilim din doon kaya hindi naman talaga pinapansin.

“This is the only event that made my husband very pressured.” Ayesha started her lament while sipping on her wine.

Xaria poured her own glass of wine. She noticed that there was no waiters or hotel staff. At kung kailangan nila ng pagkain or maiinom, they will just go to the buffet there. It’s self service. They both need to be independent for that moment.

“Why is that?”

“I just know that he’s been anticipating to meet the founder of Potentia Invicta. Have you heard about him by the way?”

“Yes, a bit. I came across to their website and got the opportunity to know the history of this brotherhood. I didn’t finish reading because Clinton warned me about it.”

“I finished reading their history. I think my husband wanted to meet Thalmus Royle Vanders because he is a living legend. And in Military, he’s recognized as the deadliest sniper. It’s terrifying actually.” Ayesha scanned the place, maybe searching for her husband.

“And he will be there, right? After decades of being in a shadow.”

“Exactly. That is why this hotel is loaded with firearms and armed men. Because the founder is the most precious person of Potentia Invicta. Now, I am intrigued.”

“Me too. I honestly feeling nervous right now to know that we have this kind of opportunity to meet the man behind the brotherhood in flesh. I heard he’s been living in a shadow for decades now.”

“Because he doesn’t want to die. Rumors said that Thalmus still has a bounty on his head.”

Xaria’s eyes widened in fraction. She can’t believe she’s hearing all these details from her cousin.

“Are you serious? That is why they have this solid and tight security?”

“Absolutely. And once Thalmus’ safety was compromised, my husband would fuck up. He doesn’t want that. Hindi na siguro mapakali ang asawa ko ngayon. Where is he kaya?” Sabay hanap ulit ng mga mata nito sa asawa.

Inilibot din niya ang tingin sa kabuuan at kahit hindi naman si Clinton ang talagang sadya niya, mabilis na nahanap niya ito.

He’s standing with other group of old men again. This time, he’s with his father—Sebastian Grande. The men were holding a glass of liquor on their hands while talking formally.

“Are you okay?” He mouthed at her.

Ngumiti siya at itinaas ang wine glass niya rito.

“Yes.” She mouthed back.

After a long while, Xaria saw her father looking dignified on his dark tuxedo entering the large door. He’s with another batch of men his age and probably a member as well.

“Do you know that most of the pioneers of Potentia Invicta are not publicly announced? And I guess most of their members are hidden and the profiles are confidential.” Ayesha kept feeding her with the informations.

Muli niyang ibinalik ang atensyon sa pinsan niyang halatang maraming alam. Bakit pa nga ba siya magtataka? Clane Altaraza has a very wide connections. Sa kulit siguro ng pinsan niya, baka walang hindi naitatago ang asawa nito mula rito.

“I only see their notable members and surprisingly, dad is a member here.” She said and eyed her father who’s now on his way to their table.

“They just announced it though. This brotherhood is very keen and intriguing.” Ayesha covered her mouth when her father got closer.

Pareho silang tumayo para humalik sa pisngi ng daddy niya at bumati na rin.

“Dad, you’re not with mom?”

“Your mom would rather have her spa than be with me here.”

“The reason why tita Briella’s beauty remained timeless.” Her cousin proudly muttered. “It’s good to see you again, Tito. I suddenly missed my dad tuloy.”

Xavier Villamor gave Ayesha a warm small smile and patted her niece’s shoulder.

“I missed him too sometimes.”

“Was my father a member as well?”

“No.”

“Okay. So, Thalmus will be here, Tito?”

“I hope so.”

Over her father’s shoulders, she saw Clinton walking towards them.

Xaria straightened her posture as she anticipated his presence again.

Tila ba napansin ng daddy niya ang pagiging alerto niya kaya tuloy napalingon ito sa may likod na bahagi.

“Good evening, Sir.” Clinton greeted her father formally and politely.

The two shook hands firmly.

Sa ipinapakita ng dawalang lalaki sa harap niya, bagamat pormal, para bang walang naganap na hidwaan sa mga pamilya nila kung maka-asta. At para rin bang walang lamat ang samahan ng mga ito.

Lumapit sa kanya si Clinton at inilapag ang palad sa kanyang bewang.

Napalunok siya dahil hindi naman din sanay na magkalapit silang dalawa ng husto lalo at kaharap ang daddy niya.

Sabay-sabay silang napalingon nang muling bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa ang dalawang lalaki na hindi pamilyar sa kanya.

“Oh, they’re here,” her father muttered.

“Thalmus must be the old one with beard and tobacco.” Ayesha assumed.

“Who’s the other man, dad?” Xaria asked curiously.

“That’s Diablo.”

Pareho nilang nilingon ulit ang daddy niya sa sagot nito.

“Diablo? I can feel the eerie around him. Uh, terrifying.” Nayakap ni Ayesha ang sarili.

Staring at the old Thalmus Royle Vanders is bearable than Diablo.

Her cousin is right, that Diablo has an air that gave chills to her spine. Kaya tuloy medyo napayakap siya kay Clinton.

She felt his lips at the top of her head as he pulled her closer to his chest.

“Are you scared?” There was a tease on his tone.

Narinig iyon ng daddy niya kaya bumaling sa kanila. “Don’t be, sweetheart.”

“Where’s my husband na ba?” Ayesha seemed in a panic mode

“There.” Her father pointed the large door and Clane Altaraza in black suit came in.

Ayesha waved at her husband and his eyes effortlessly found his wife.

“I have to greet them.” Xavier told them before he left their table.

“How ’bout you?” She asked Clinton.

“I’ll stay here.”

“You are not gonna greet the patriarch?”

“I will later.”

The real party has started. On that round table for six, they are with Clane and Ayesha.

“I like to eat sweets.” She softly said to Clinton.

Nagbaba ito ng tingin sa kanya galing sa pakikinig mula sa nagsasalita sa stage. It was one of the pioneer members.

“I’ll get you some.”

Tumayo ito at nag punta sa buffet para kumuha ng pagkain na gusto niya.

“What took you so long?” Ayesha kept on questioning her husband.

Clane was very patient though. He looked uninterested but he was also giving his wife the answers that she wants.

“Because I had to make sure the security won’t fuck up.”

“They entered the premises safely. So, I think, they are fine now.”

Tumango lang si Clane at medyo inilapit ang labi sa tenga ng asawa. Probably he whispered something scandalous that made Ayesha blushed.

When Clinton came back, he has a sliced of cake and vanilla ice cream for her.

“Thank you.” She smiled sweetly.

“Anything for my baby,” he kissed the side of her head before he settled down beside her.

15 ~ BROTHERHOOD

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A MEN like Thalmus and Diablo can’t just be disregarded. Especially, all the men in that crowd showed their respect to the patriarch despite that they are also people who are belong to the high society, with wealth and influence.

The founder of Potentia Invicta—Thalmus Royle Vanders chose to stay on the ground and be surrounded with high-powered men in the country instead of going to the stage for his speech and introduction.

His hair is gray and almost silvery with some black strands that were seemed waiting to turn gray. The length is longer than usual. His beard, trimmed mustache and sideburns were grey as well. Having a mixed foreign blood is very noticeable on his hard feature. He looked like a respectable villain in some Hollywood action films.

The back of Thalmus’ hand while holding a glass of whisky has a tattoo; a half face of a woman she couldn’t recognized.

Knowing that he’s on his probably early seventies, to see him this mighty, strong and alert was astonishing.

On the other side was Diablo. Around him was a group of men his age; including her father and Clinton’s father too. They have this animated conversation and even though he speaks, his mouth barely move.

Half of his face was covered by a black phantom of the opera mask. His hair is in a long man bun and there’s tattoos around his neck. His air remained eerie and too heavy to carry.

“So, you’re in a relationship with Clinton Grande and you’re living with him too?” Ayesha showed her interest towards her relationship with a Grande.

Wala na sa lamesa nila sina Clinton at Clane. Nakikipag-usap na ang mga ito sa mga iba pang miyembro na naroon. Bilang lang di ang mga babaeng imbitado at pareho sila ni Ayesha na walang kakilala ni isa.

“For now we are living together. But once he goes back to Cebu, I’m going back to our mansion.”

“He seemed very busy. Are you not a jealous type girlfriend? Kasi ako dati, palagi akong nagpapapansin sa asawa ko kapag sobrang busy niya sa trabaho.” Sabay hagikhik pa ng magandang pinsan niya.

She can’t tell yet if even his job could make her jealous. But she’s sure, she’s a jealous type girlfriend and Clinton most likely knew it.

“I am a jealous type and I am glad I don’t see him yet with another woman.”

“Hmm! Kailangan mong masigurado kung sinu-suno ba ang mga kasama niya araw-araw. How about his secretaries? Are they males or females? And how about his female employees? Business associates?”

Sa mga sinasabi ni Ayesha, nagkakaroon tuloy siya ng ideya tungkol sa mga taong nakakasalamuha ni Clinton araw-araw sa trabaho.

Ano bang alam niya? Wala masyado. Bukod lang sa mga naging babae ni Clinton noon at sa posisyon nito sa kumpanya ng pamilya.

They just got back together. She had missed a lot about him. Nag uumpisa palang sila sa isang panibagong relasyon at hindi niya akalain na pati ang mga nakakasama ni Clinton kapag hindi sila magkasama ay kailangan alam niya o kilala niya.

“All I know is his secretary is male.”

“Bakit? One lang ba ang secretary niya? That’s impossible, Xaria.”

How many secretaries Clinton Grande has by the way? Damn. She doesn’t know the answer!

“He probably has three or four!” Ayesha pursed her lips and paused as if she’s thinking on something.

Ibinalik ni Xaria ang tingin kay Clinton at naabutan niya itong nakatingin din sa kanya na tila ba kanina pa naghihintay na sulyapan niya.

Nginitian niya ito habang tumatakbo sa isip niya ang mga ibabatong tanong sa kasintahan mamaya.

“My husband has four male secretaries. Working under Altaraza hotels, Villamor Hotels, Villa Altaraza, and… what else? Uh, I am not sure now how many secretaries he has. I need to ask him to make sure.” Sabay hanap ng mga mata nito kay Clane na para bang kung makikita ang asawa, pupuntahan agad upang magtanong lang.

Clinton and Clane are now currently included in Diablo’s group. May mga lumalapit na miyembro sa lalaki para lang makipag kamay at bumati pero hindi nagtatagal sa pakikisalamuha.

“This is also the right time to formally announce that…” it was Thalmus’ voice.

Napalingon ang lahat kung nasaan ang matandang lalaki. Maging sila ni Ayesha ay binigyan iyon ng atensyon.

“… I appointed Diablo as Potentia Invicta’s new Patriarch.” Then the old man lifted his glass with booze for a cheers.

That’s what other members did too, lifting their glasses to show their respect and support to the new Patriarch of the blue-blooded brotherhood. Others also clapped their hands and congratulated Diablo for the high position.

Diablo stood at the center like a tough soldier amidst the bloody war. He’s surrounded by all the members.

“It had been more than three decades of perseverance, patience, and a heavy dedication to stay unconquered.” Diablo’s icy baritone echoed.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Ayesha. Pareho yata talaga silang natatakot sa lalaking nagsasalita kahit na wala namang ginagawang masama sa kanila.

“I have been breathing the cruelty of living since the day our beloved family were brutally taken away from us. And this brotherhood was the reason why I had endured the misery, and swore that the barbaric tragedy that happened to our family will never happen with our new ones.”

The members clapped again and lifted their glasses with boozes and wines.

“Morior Invictus!” Diablo declared and lifted his glass.

“Morior Invictus!” The members chanted in unison.

“What’s the meaning of that Latin phrase?” Xaria and Ayesha are both curious like a cute kittens and also out of place.

“I don’t know.”

Pagkatapos ng isa pang oras, silang mag pinsan ay nakaramdam na nang pagkabagot.

“Maybe we can go back to our suite?” She suggested.

“I think I’d like that. Beside my husband will wait for the party to be done. He couldn’t just leave those men.”

Gano’n nga ang ginawa nila ni Ayesha. Habang ito ay nagpunta sa asawa, siya naman ay lumapit kay Clinton.

He immediately noticed her presence for some reason even if he’s talking to one of the senators in the Philippines. He excused himself.

Ang palad nito ay kaagad na humaplos sa kanyang bewang.

“What is it?” He asked gently.

Mabuti nalang at wala namang pakialam ang mga tao roon kahit na ganito kalapit sa kanya si Clinton. Siguro dahil sanay na ang mga ito at halos lahat naman ay mukhang pamilyado na.

“I wanna go back to our suite.”

“Oh, let’s leave then.”

“No,” she placed her hand on his hard chest. “You can stay. I’m going back with my cousin. Nagpapalaam lang sa asawa niya.”

“I can leave now. The chopper will be ready at eleven,” he then checked the time on his Rolex.

She forgot that they are going to sail tomorrow. She just don’t know where.

“Is that fine that you’re gonna leave already?”

“Of course. I’d rather spend the rest of the night with you.”

She pursed her lips. She can feel the rapid beating of her heart just like that.

“Magpapaalam lang ako kay daddy.”

“Go ahead. I’ll meet you there.”

Xaria scanned the whole area and found her father talking with Clinton’s father. That made her forehead knotted.

Were they in good terms? Bakit hindi niya alam na nagkaayos na ang dalawa? Kailan pa? O baka dito lang ang mga ito civil sa isa’t isa? At kapag nasa labas na, may hidwaan na ulit?

“Dad,” she called, a bit shy for the interruption.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

Napatingin na rin tuloy sa kanya si Sebastian Grande. Does he knows that she’s in a relationship with his son?

“I’m leaving with Clinton.”

Sebastian roamed his grayish eyes around. “Already?”

“Yes, tito… Uh, sir…” she doesn’t know how to properly address Clinton’s father.

Natawa ang daddy niya. Kaya saglit na uminit ang pisngi niya.

“Tito, Xaria.” Sebastian Grande told her.

Naramdaman niya ang pagdating ni Clinton nang hinawakan siya nito sa kamay. He even intertwined their fingers in front of their fathers! Damn. He’s that touchy even in front of other people.

“Still too early to leave, son.”

“Xaria is tired.”

She’s not! Oh, a little bit. But that’s not reason why they are leaving. She’s bored. Also, they will leave tonight.

They went back to their suite without seeing Ayesha. Hindi na tuloy siya nakapagpaalam sa pinsan niya.

“We still have one hour,” Clinton carefully grabbed her with him while he’s sitting at the edge of the bed.

“I know but I want to change and prepare.”

Nakatayo siya sa harap nito at napapanguso. Hindi pwedeng may gagawin ulit sila dahil tiyak na mapapagod siya at makakatulog kaagad. Hindi siya dapat magpa-akit sa kasintahan.

“You don’t have to.”

Puwede rin naman. She’s comfortable wearing her evening gown.

“Alright. Where are we going by the way?”

She caressed his hair with her fingers. Napatingala ito sa kanya, tila nagpapalambing.

“Cebu.”

Umawang ang labi niya. Pagktapos ay tinaasan ito ng kilay.

“Cebu? Really? Akala ko sa Batangas lang ulit tayo.”

“It’s better to sail in Cebu. You can explore the City after.”

Iyon ang isa pa sa dahilan kaya hindi na siya nag reklamo o tumanggi. She wanted to visit Cebu. Napa-aga lang dahil doon din pala sila maglalayag ng binata.

Nang hindi na makayanan ni Clinton ang posisyon nila, maingat siya nitong hinila pababa para lang maka-upo sa kandungan nito. At wala pa man, para bang matutunaw siya sa simpleng paglalambingan na naman nila.

She couldn’t even look at his eyes for so long because her heart is beating violently. Kaya tuloy kung wala sa leeg nito ang mga mata niya, nasa kandungan niya naman.

“What is Morior Invictus?” She casually asked and hold his hand that placed on her lap.

“Death before defeat.”

That made sense now. That’s very deep though.

“Hmm, does your father know about our relationship?”

Sinulyapan niya ito. Doon niya lang din napansin sa malapitan na namumungay na ang mga mata nito dahil sa alak na nainom kanina. She can’t help but feel arouse with the way his eyes lingered on her face.

“He knew.”

“You told him?”

“He knew ever since.”

Xaria arched her eyebrows this time. Itinagilid niya ang ulo para mas makita ang mukha ng kasintahan. Ngunit nang maabutan na nasa labi niya ang tingin nito, medyo napanguso siya.

It was clear that he was tempted to kiss her but since she’s asking random questions he can’t do it because he doesn’t want to cut her curiosity.

“He knew that I left?”

“Yeah.”

Now, she’s wondering again if… Clinton tried to find her?

Nakikibalita rin ba ito sa kanya noon? Paano? Kanino ito nagpupunta para makasagap ng tungkol sa kanya?

Malalim siyang napabuntonhininga. Medyo natatakot siya na magtanong kay Clinton tungkol sa bagay na iyon dahil siguradong masasaktan siya kapag nalaman niyang hindi man lang siya nito hinanap.

His thumb found her bare ring finger again and caresses her there languidly.

“I wonder if… did you ever tried to find me?” Her voice was almost like a whisper.

His chest waved as he took a deep breath. Paunti-unti nitong pinakawalan ’yon na tila ba binabalanse ang kung anong tensyon na biglang bumalot sa kanilang dalawa.

“Don’t answer—”

“I did,” he cut her off while his thumb was busy with her ring finger.

Gusto niyang mangiti dahil sinubukan nitong hanapin siya noon ngunit napigil ang saya nang maisip din kung gaano kasakit para rito ang bigla niyang pag alis.

She could imagine his frustration and desperation to find her but he can’t.

“Did you really think that I would easily forget about us just because you left?” He sounded bitter, annoyed and amused all the same time.

Gumuhit ang talim sa puso niya ngunit mabilis niyang isinantabi iyon.

“Hindi gano’n kadali makalimot, Xaria.”

Napayuko siya at ayaw na nga talagang tignan ang kasintahan.

“I’ve waited for you that night…” he trailed off. “Like a stupid boy waiting in vain.”

Nang hindi niya na nakayanan ang lungkot kapag naiisip na naghintay nga ito sa kanya noon, iniyakap niya ang mga braso sa batok nito at isiniksik ang mukha niya sa mabangong leeg ng binata.

“Kaya dapat sayo pinaparusahan,” he said sternly.

She pouted her lips. “Talaga? You can afford to punish me?”

He kissed her cheek and rested his lips there. “I’m gonna tie you and make sure you won’t slip away from my hold again.”

“Where are you going to tie me then?” She innocently asked.

She felt his lips formed a smile on her cheek. “With me.”

Umirap siya nang iba ang naiisip sa ibig sabihin ni Clinton. Masyadong mahalay ang mga larawan na gumuguhit sa isip niya at kailangan niyang kastiguhin ang sarili para matigil.

“Let me kiss you,” he whispered seductively and caressed her jaw.

Medyo umahon siya para magkaroon sila ng tamang posisyon at magawa ang kanina pa tila pinigilan na mangyari.

Her eyes shut closed when he attacked her lips with a feverish kiss. She can almost taste the alcohol on his mouth and it made her tipsy already. Tila siya nalalasing at nalulunod habang nakakaliyo na naglalaban ang mga dila nila sa loob ng bibig ng isa’t isa.

His large palm found her breast against the fabric of her gown. Kahit gano’n pa man, ramdam niya pa rin ang kamunduhan na umaapoy sa pagitan nila. Kung hindi nila ititigil ang naglalagablab na halikan, mauuwi talaga silang kapwa hubad sa ibabaw ng kama.

“Mmm…” she whimpered when he sucked her tongue that she had to hold her breath to keep her sane.

Napakapit siya sa balikat ni Clinton at talagang nadadarang na kahit pa alam niya naman na kontrolado nito ang ginagawa nila. He would only kiss her torridly and massage her breast but his hand won’t go on her thighs.

Alam na alam nito na sa oras na lumapat ang mainit na palad nito sa hita niya, bibigay siya ng husto. Gano’n siya kasabik! Nasasabik pa rin siya kahit na halos araw-araw silang nagtatalik!

“Uhh…” her sexy moans echoed while they are kissing and that’s when he stopped.

She suddenly felt embarrassed because he knew where to stop her. Sa pagkapahiya ay isiniksik niya ulit ang mukha sa leeg ni Clinton. She can feel her cheeks heating up.

He let out a chuckle.

Hinaplos nito ang bewang niya tila pinapakalma ang biglaan niyang pag iinit.

“If you don’t have a shot, you’re most likely pregnant by now,” he muttered to tease her for being aggressive and easily get hot.

“I’m glad I have my shot.”

“When that will end?”

“Next month. And I will have another one.” The determination on her low tone was heard.

“You better,” he traces her cheek with the tip of his nose. “You’ll get pregnant if you stop it.”

Alam niya ’yon. Their sex life is too active. Baka ilang araw palang na wala ng bisa ang contraceptive niya, mabuntis agad siya dahil sa sobrang aktibo nila pareho sa kama.

16 ~ MILK

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

SA chopper sila sumakay papunta sa Cebu. It landed at the helipad of Grande Cruise’s building near the port. It was already late midnight but it feels like she’s still very energetic.

Hinawakan ni Clinton ang kamay niya habang paakyat sa yate na naghihintay sa kanila. Their duffel bags were carried by his security and brought to their suite. She can’t tell if those men will sail with them or what. Pero sa tingin niya, ang ilan ay sasama talaga. They won’t allow Clinton Grande to travel or sail without security with him.

Matagal na siyang sanay na may nakikitang mga lalaki sa paligid niya bilang tagapag-bantay niya. Ngunit iba pa rin kapag alam niyang seguridad ni Clinton ang pinag-uusapan.

The men are obviously skilled even if she doesn’t really see them with guns. Sa tindig palang at hulma ng mga katawan, masasabi niyang kayang lumaban kahit pa walang armas.

Xaria suddenly remembered Roux—her personal bodyguard. His built was almost same as Clinton’s security. Tila may pare-parehong hangin na nakapalibot sa mga ito at hindi niya matukoy kung may pagkakaiba ba.

The salty breeze embraced her when they get to the upper deck. Malalim na ang gabi ngunit pareho sila ni Clinton na gising na gising pa. It supposed to be their bed time, but for some reason she doesn’t feel sleepy and tired.

Umandar ang yate kalaunan palayo at doon ay mas naramdaman ni Xaria ang pagyakap sa kanya ng malamig na hanging dagat.

Clinton brought her to the couch that is meters away from the railings. She sat beside him and rested the side of her face on his shoulder.

Walang ibang tao sa upper deck kundi silang dalawa lang. Ang mga tauhan na kasama nila ay malamang na nagtago na sa kung saan o baka nagmamatiyag lang sa paligid ng yate na malayo sa kanila.

“Do you always have your security with you wherever you go?”

Hinawakan ni Clinton ang kamay niya. “Yes.”

“How about when you go abroad?”

“I bring some.”

“You can’t leave without them?”

“My mom can’t sleep soundly without making sure her children’s are safe.”

Gano’n din siguro ang nararamdaman ng magulang niya kaya kahit noong bata palang silang magkakapatid, matindi na ang seguridad nila. Lalo pa noong mawala ang kanilang bunso.

“So, even your sister and brother have their own security?”

“Yeah.”

After all, they are the Grandes. They are one of the wealthiest family in the country. Hindi lang din talaga mahilig magpapansin sa publiko ang pamilya nito. Ngunit kung sa ligal na paraan titignan, nakatitiyak siyang hindi biro ang yaman ng mga ito.

“Kielton is a public figure. How does your family deal with that?”

“I don’t mind. But my father is very cautious about it.”

Dinala ni Clinton ang kamay niya sa labi nito para masuyong hagkan.

Nangiti siya. Kahit pa nakaupo lang sila roon, ramdam niya ang pagbalot ng kapanatagan sa kanyang puso. It took her another few years before she felt that kind of peace within her. At talagang nakakamangha na sa parehong tao niya pa rin nakukuha ang gano’n na klaseng pakiramdam.

Umihip muli ang hangin kasabay ng ugong ng yate. Habang papalayo sila, mas nangingibabaw ang lamig at dilim sa paligid. Ang tanging panglaw lang nila roon ay ang mga liwanag mula sa loob na bahagi at ang mapusyaw na mga ilaw na nakapalibot sa ilalim ng railings.

Ang langit ay kasing itim ng tubig dagat. Bagamat may mga bituin, mas kinakain pa rin ng dilim ang maliliit na pag kislap sa malayo.

“Do you wanna go to our suite?” He asked when he noticed that she moved closer to him to feel the warmth from his body.

Umiling siya. Kung puwede lang ay ayaw niyang tapusin ang katahimikan at kaginhawaan na namamayani sa dibdib niya.

She wants to treasure that moment. Minsan lang dumating sa kanya ang mga gano’n na uri ng damdamin at ayaw niyang mawalay sa kanya kung may pagkakataon naman na kaya niyang malayang damhin.

She can stay there for a long time without saying anything. Maybe he felt the same because he doesn’t speak too. It seemed that they were both embracing the serenity that enveloped them.

His thumb started to draw a circle on her palm. It was soothing… like the calmed waves amidst the darkness.

“I wanna know if you ever felt in love again while I was away?” She whispered the most astonishing question that has been running on her mind since the day she had discovered various type of women.

That made Clinton paused from what he was doing on her palm. She can almost feel like he was offended with her question.

“I just wanna know. I’m curious.”

At kung sasagutin nga ni Clinton ang tanong niya at malalaman mula rito na may pagkakataon na nagmahal ito ng ibang babae habang wala siya? Ano naman kaya ang mararamdaman niya?

Xaria swallowed hard when she felt a sharp stab on her chest.

Gusto niyang magsisi na hinayaan niya ang sarili na isawalat ang dapat ay naglalakbay lang paminsan minsan sa utak niya. She needs to be more careful next time if she asks him question again especially if women were involved.

“Xaria, you left me while you were pregnant with my child. Did you really think that I could love someone that’s not you?”

Mariin siyang pumikit. Dapat ay masaya siyang malaman na hindi nagmahal si Clinton ng ibang babae habang malayo siya. Pero ang sana’y kaluguran sa puso niya ay mabilis na napalitan ng pait.

“At kahit pa hindi ka buntis noon, hindi pa rin ako magmamahal ng iba kung hindi lang din ikaw,” mariin na sabi nito at tunog nagagalit sa kanya dahil tila ba malaking insulto para rito ang tanong niyang ’yon.

Ang malakas na pintig ng puso niya ay halos marinig niya. Kinagat niya ang pang ibabang labi at kinuha ang kamay nitong nasa kandungan niya para lang dalhin sa dibdib niya. Hindi para ipadama rito ang matinding pintig ng puso niya, kundi upang kahit papano ay kumalma siya.

“Tang ina, kung alam mo lang kung gaano kadilim ang mundo ko no’ng wala ka…” he sighed impatiently.

Namuo ang luha sa magkabilang gilid ng mga mata niya. Nakakainis! Dapat hindi na talaga siya nagtanong. Ayan tuloy, naging emosyonal siya bigla.

“But I am here now…” she whispered tenderly and hugged his hard hand on her chest.

Naramdaman niya ang labi nito sa kanyang sintido. Tapos ay malalim na bumuntonghininga.

“Madilim din ang mundo ko noong wala ka…” patuloy niya. “Pero kinaya ko naman kahit mahirap… kahit masakit… at kahit mag isa lang ako.”

Reminiscing the past only gave her pain. Ngunit hindi niya rin maipagkakaila na ang mga malalim at madugong sugat ay naging dahilan kung bakit tila ba kahit papano ay tumapang siya.

Totoo nga talaga na ang mga karanasan natin sa buhay—inilagay ka man sa dilim o liwanag, hindi maaaring malampasan iyon nang walang idinulot na aral.

Totoo na walang pag subok sa malubak na daan na hindi kayang hakbangan. Palaging may paraan para malampasan ang dagok na tila naging kaakibat na ng buhay ng isang tao.

Sa ilalim ng madilim na langit, sa gitna ng karimlam ng tubig dagat, at sa tabi ng lalaking mahal niya, lihim niyang ibinulong ang mga hinanakit… umaasa na dadalhin ang mga ’yon ng alon sa pinaka ilalim na bahagi ng karagatan at hindi na muling babalik pa sa kanya.

The next day, Clinton woke her up with his morning and sweet kisses until her moans echoed their suite.

Xaria was still panting after her first morning release through her boyfriend’s tongue on her femininity when he lays beside her and entered his hard shaft from behind her. She couldn’t stop the pleasure invaded her senses being filled by him.

His heavy arm was on her waist and his large palm was cupping her breast. His hot breath on her nape was giving her butterflies on her stomach. Talagang nananalaytay sa bawat ugat niya ang kaluguran sa umagang iyon.

After that morning sex, she fell asleep again.

Sinugurado ni Xaria na maayos siya nang maka-akyat sa deck para kumain ng almusal kahit na pasado alas dies na ng umaga.

Under her crochet cover ups is a Versace Greca swimsuit. She has a plan to take a dip after she eats.

Clinton was on the railings with his phone when she arrived there. Tinapos lang nito ang tawag bago siya nilapitan.

He looked fresh with his white shirt and black board shorts. His strong long legs that’s matted with tiny hair were revealed. Every part of his body has muscles and she was attracted.

Xaria sipped on her banana smoothies and started eating. She’s hungry though. Paanong hindi, ang aga na may nangyari sa kanila at sa sobrang pagod niya, mas pinili niya nalang matulog.

Samantalang ang boyfriend niya, animo wala lang dito na nagpainit sila sa kama. He was always energized and recharged. It was hard to beat his stamina. He could even bang her three times in a row and yet he would still ready for the fourth.

His graying eyes drifted on her body. Umangat ang kilay nito.

She knows that her boobs were impressive and it was his problem if he was affected. O baka rin hindi naman talaga ang hantad niyang dibdib ang nagpaangat sa kilay nito. Kundi ang mga pulang marka roon na ito ang may gawa.

“I don’t have time to conceal your kiss marks. So…” she trailed off. “I wanna take a dip.”

“Let’s do it after you eat.”

Even though he won’t eat, he’s still pulled out the chair in front of her and settled there.

“I have found three different locations for your branch. We could check tomorrow.”

Her eyes gleamed. “Sure. Are you going to tour me around the City too?”

“If you like, yes.”

She won’t miss that chance.

Pagkatapos niyang kumain, nagpahinga lang ng ilang minuto bago niya hinubad ang cover ups niya.

Ang mainit na tingin ng kasintahan sa katawan niya ay halos pumaso sa kanya. He’s sitting at the couch and she’s in front of him, stripping.

“Come…” he motioned her to come closer to him.

Napairap siya sa sarili niya dahil kaagad na lumapit kay Clinton.

Kaagad na dumapo ang mga palad nito sa magkabilang bewang niya at hinila pa siya hanggang sa ibaon nito ang mukha sa gitna ng dibdib niya.

Her cheeks heated just like that. She felt his face on the valley of her breasts. Hinaplos pa nito ang bewang niya kaya tuloy para siyang nag iinit na naman.

“Clinton… I’m gonna swim,” she said and caressed his hair.

“We will.”

“We can cuddle later. You know…”

Naramdaman niya ang marahan na paghalik halik nito sa balat ng dibdib niya. If he would continue doing that, she would feel aroused and would ask for more!

Nakagat niya ang labi nang kagatin nito ang ut*ng niya kahit pa may telang nakasagabal doon. Tila kung may anong gumuhit na init sa pagitan ng mga hita niya.

“Uhh…” mahina siyang napaungol nang hawiin nito ang tela at kaagad na sinakop ng mainit na bibig nito ang dunggot niya.

She embraced his head to also cover what he’s doing. Nagpapasalamat lang siya dahil walang tauhan na umaaligid sa upper deck kapag naroon sila.

“You’ve been sucking my tits since last night…”

His other palm traveled down to her butt and squeezed her there. Halatang nang gigigil sa kanya. Kulang nalang ay dalhin siya nito sa suite nila at ipagpatuloy ang pag aalab ng apoy sa pagitan nila.

Nang magsawa, ang isang ut*ng niya naman ang pinagdiskitahan. She watched him sucking her as if he was that thirsty to have a taste of her. Samantalang palagi rin naman nitong ginagawa iyon sa kanya kahit noon pa.

Paano nalang pala kung natuloy ang pagbubuntis niya noon? Baka ito pa ang mauna sa gatas niya.

Thinking about that suddenly made her sad because it won’t happen again. But also, there were some images of her giving their baby a breastfeeding. Hindi nga lang sumagi sa isip niya na puwedeng si Clinton talaga ang mauna bago ang anak nila.

Napasinghap siya nang gigil pa nitong sipsipin ang ut*ng niya na akala mo ay may nakukuha roon na nagpapagana lalo rito. She can feel the wet on her inner thighs.

“Baby…” she called him in a sweet begging tone.

Napahinto ito at nag angat ng tingin sa kanya gamit ang tila nalalasing na mga mata.

“What did you call me?” His tone was very raspy.

Uminit ang pisngi niya. She would only call him that whenever they’re in the middle of having sex or if she’s too aroused.

“Mmm, you’re such a big baby…” she pouted. “I have no milk there…”

“I know,” he breathed sensually. Then kissed the side of her hard pink nipple. “Maybe one day…”

Ngumuso siya lalo at bumalik sa ala-ala ang bagong imahe na ito ang nakikinabang muna sa gatas sa dibdib niya.

“What? Are you gonna have my milk if I had it?” She blushed.

“Why not?” His thick luscious brows furrowed.

Nag init ang buong mukha niya at umabot pa hanggang sa may batok niya. Damn. She can’t believe she felt turn on just by thinking about it!

“Ako ang mauuna sa gatas mo, Xaria…” he whispered territorially.

And when he said those words, the images of her giving him a damn breastfeeding flashes her mind. Parang may kuryenteng dumaloy sa ugat niya at huminto sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita kaya halos naramdaman niya ang pag pintig sa bandang ’yon.

“Uhh… uunahan mo pa si baby?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You will be the first… hmm… you’re the daddy so… daddy’s first to have my milk before our baby?” Her voice softened more, almost seducing him.

“Absolutely. Daddy’s first…” he smirked devilishly and continued to kiss her breasts while caressing her waist.

17 ~ PILLS

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

XARIA didn’t expect that Clinton will bring her to his family’s mansion in Cebu. She didn’t even know that she will meet Karrah Grande again after so many years. Simula nang mawala ang bunsong kapatid niya, hindi niya na rin nakita pa ang sinoman sa miyembro ng pamilya Grande. Except, Clinton.

When she saw her father and Sebastian Grande at Potentia Invicta’s party being civil to each other, she felt relieved. Akala niya ay habang buhay na magkakaroon ng alitan ang pamilya nila. Hindi niya rin inaasahan na nagka-ayos na pala ang mga ama nila. Wala siyang ideya kung kailan, saan o ano pa ang posibleng dahilan kung bakit bumalik sa tila pagkakaibigan ulit ang dalawang pamilya.

“Hija! You’re so gorgeous!” Clinton’s mom praised her and gave her a warm welcomed embrace.

Binitiwan ni Clinton ang kamay niya para mayakap niya ng pabalik ang mommy nito—na hindi rin naglalayo ang edad sa mommy niya. At ang ganda ay nananatiling kahanga-hanga. Hindi nga lang namana ni Clinton ang pagkakaroon nito ng mas magaan na aura.

Clinton got his heavy aura and snobbish look from his father. Tila ba mahirap ang mga itong paluguran. Hindi basta-basta makukuha ang loob.

Kahit pa matagal niya nang kilala si Clinton, sa tuwing nakikita niya ito o kaya’y medyo malayo ang agwat sa kanya, ang opinyon niya sa lalaki ay hindi nagbabago. Suplado at halatang hindi mamamansin kung hindi sa kanila mahalaga ang tao. His attention is hard to get. Kaya naman gusto niyang magmalaki na nakuha niya ng buo ang atensyon ng isang Clinton Grande.

“Tita, it had been a very long years, I’m happy to see you again.”

“Right,” kinuha nito ang kamay niya at dinala siya sa malawak na sala. “You were very pretty way back, but now, you grown beautifully, Xaria. Very stunning!”

A smile formed her lips.

To be praised by a woman who is also very good looking was an honor for her. Hindi na rin siya nagtataka kung bakit magandang lalaki sina Clinton at Kielton. Dahil ang mga magulang ay parehong mas lamang ang dugong banyaga. Halatang-halata sa pisikal na anyo.

Especially Sebastian Grande who very much looked like a pure Italian. Kung hinding magsasalita ng Tagalog, hindi mo malalaman na may lahing Filipino.

Nawala na sa paningin niya si Clinton nang naging abala ang mommy nito sa pakikipag kwentuhan sa kanya. She’s thankful that Karrah Grande is very welcoming. Xaria doesn’t feel any awkwardness.

“I told your mom to meet me when I go to Manila. I can’t still believe that my husband and your dad are now in good terms. Ang tagal ng hidwaan nilang dalawa. Pati tuloy tayo ay nadamay.”

Nilapag ng kasambahay ang meryenda at inumin sa magarbong lamesa sa malawak na sala. Even the sofas, the carpet and the decorations around the mansion screamed luxury.

The Italian extravagant staircase is very noticeable inside Grande’s home. Aside from the chandeliers and the paintings of their family on the walls on the second floor.

“My mom would surely love to meet you again, tita. Buti nga po at maayos na ulit sina daddy at tito Sebastian.”

“Aside from that, hindi na kayo mahihirapan ni Clinton na itago ang relasyon ninyo.” Makahulugan ang naging ngiti nito sa kanya.

It wasn’t hard to understand the message. Alam marahil na magandang babae sa harap niya ang relasyon nila noon ni Clinton. She’s wondering if his mother knew about her pregnancy and what happened to their baby angel?

“I didn’t mean to open this topic, dear. But I can’t help it. I hope you don’t mind.”

“It’s okay. Ang mahalaga po ngayon ay nagkabalikan na kami ni Clinton.”

Tumango-tango ito. May munting ngiti sa labi. Tila ba ang daming gustong sabihin sa kanya kaya lang ay nagpipigil.

“When I discovered his relationship with you before, I felt happy but also very worried because of our families issue. But still, we supported him. But when you suddenly disappeared, that’s when I realized that Clinton’s feelings for you wasn’t shallow.”

Napasimsim siya sa orange juice. Hindi niya naman inaasahan na darating sila sa topic na ’yon. At ang nakakamangha, alam ng magulang ni Clinton ang tungkol sa kanila noon.

“I didn’t know your reason why you left my son, all I know was he’s ready to leave the company so that he could give all his time to you and the baby…” Karrah paused then gave her an apologetic glance for opening that sensitive topic.

“I wanna know more…”

Xaria gave the Karrah a warm smile to also let the woman know that she’s interested about what happened to Clinton when she left. And this time, it will be from other person’s point of view.

“I hope my son won’t scold me once he realized that I’m telling you all of these…” then she chuckled.

“No worries, tita. This conversation will be between you and me lang.”

Karrah heaved a long sighed before she continues.

“When I found out that Clinton refused the position as the Chairman of El Grande Cruises that year,  I immediately talk to him ’bout it, Xaria. That’s when he told me his plans for you and for the baby. I was happy to know that you were both gonna have your own family. Also, I am very proud of my son because he chose to prioritize his family before anything else. Kaya lang, nawala ka bigla…”

Xaria had no idea before that Clinton chose her and their baby over his position in their company. At ngayon na nalaman niya ang tungkol doon, hindi niya rin maiwasan ang maging emosyonal. He was able to sacrifice important things just for her and their supposed child.

“My husband supported our son. Nakakadismaya lang na may mga pangyayari sa buhay natin na hindi natin kontrolado. Nakakapanghinayang na hindi natuloy ang plano ninyong dalawa para sa pamilya ninyo. But dear,” Karrah held her hand. “This time, I am really, really praying that both of you can have a stronger relationship. Ayaw kong magkahiwalay na naman kayo. My son was devastated when you left him. I don’t want him to suffer again like that.”

Nagbanta ang mga munting tubig sa gilid ng kanyang mga mata. Napakagaan sa pakiramdam na malaman na may mga taong suportado ang relasyon na mayroon sila at ipinagdadasal pa na sana ay tumibay pa hanggang sa hindi na sila mapaghiwalay dalawa.

“We are trying our best to make our relationship stronger this time,” she croaked. “Thank you po for supporting us. This means a lot to me, tita Karrah.”

Mas nauna pang mahulog ang luha ng mommy ni Clinton kumpara sa kanya at pareho silang medyo natawa dahil talagang mabilis silang naging emosyonal.

“I don’t want to open another sensitive topic about your angel. But Xaria, I am proud of you and your bravery is what made you stronger.” Niyakap siya nito.

Tila natunaw ang puso niya nang maintindihan agad ang nais nitong ipahiwatig sa kanya. Malaking pagsubok ang kinaharap niya noong mawala sa kanya ang unang anghel nila. Wala na sigurong mas bibigat pa sa sakit na idinulot niyon sa kanya. At kung hindi niya pinili ang maging matapang, hindi niya alam kung saan na siya dadalhin ng buhay niyang ’yon.

Naabutan sila ni Clinton sa gano’n na posisyon kaya naman nang mag angat siya ng tingin dito, nakita niya ang pag-aalala.

Xaria pouted her lips a bit. “I’m fine.”

Kumalas naman ng yakap sa kanya si Karrah Grande. Pagkatapos ay hinarap ang panganay na anak.

“Son, we are just having our girls talk. And girls are normally emotional. So…”

Clinton didn’t say anything, making his mother sigh dramatically.

“Xaria, did you ever see my son smiles?”

Natawa siya ng bahagya. “Minsan po.”

“That’s good to know. Hindi ko naman siya pinaglihi sa sama ng loob pero palagi siyang tila galit-”

“Mom,” he cut his mother off.

Umirap ang mommy nito at tumayo. “Well, I’ll leave both of you now. I will meet some of my friends in town. Are you two gonna stay here tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Humalik sa kanilang dalawa si Karrah Grande bago sila iniwan doon.

Clinton brought her back to the sofa. Tinabihan siya nito at marahan na inayos ang siguro’y medyo nagulo niyang buhok dahil sa yakapan kanina.

“We still have time to see two properties in the City. Do you wanna go there or just rest today?” He asks while he’s caressing her cheek using the back of his hand.

Sa ginagawa nitong paghaplos sa kanya, para tuloy siyang umaamo at gusto nalang na doon sila—para maglambingan lang kaysa umalis.

“I kinda wanna take a nap.”

“Are you tired already?”

Nag iwas siya ng tingin nang maisip na hindi naman talaga sila natulog ng maayos kagabi dahil parehong mainit sa kama. Tapos ay manga rin nagising dahil sa takbo ng yate pabalik sa port.

“I didn’t sleep good. Remember…” she leered at him.

The side of his lips curved up in an arrogant way. “Yeah.”

“Maybe we can visit the property when I woke up.”

“Sure.”

“How ’bout you? Aren’t you tired?”

Umiling ito. Tapos ay inilapag ang palad sa ibabaw ng hita niya.

“Saan ka pupunta kapag natulog ako kung gano’n?”

“I’ll stay in our bedroom. And do some paper works.”

“Am I gonna sleep in your bedroom?”

Tumaas ang isang kilay nito na tila ba nakakatuwa ang tanong niyang ’yon ngunit nakakaloko rin.

At saan pa ba siya matutulog? Surely, the mansion has a lot of guest rooms, but she’s also certain that Clinton won’t allow her to sleep in one of those. Sa silid nito ang bagsak niya sigurado.

“Sa akin ka matutulog.”

Ngumuso siya at gustong irapan ang sarili dahil hindi man lang makaramdam na gusto niyang mag reklamo. Dahil gusto niya rin na tabi silang matutulog.

Clinton brought her to his bedroom. The king-sized bed was located at the center of his huge room. The view from the window is the blue ocean from afar.

Pumasok siya sa walk-in closet para kumuha ng pamalit na damit. Maayos na nakasalansan doon ang mga damit na dala niya pati na rin ang mga damit doon ni Clinton.

He’s already in front of his MacBook when she finished washing her face and body. She’s wearing a cotton short shorts and a white top with thin strap without wearing a bra making her nipples very noticeable.

When Clinton looked up to see her, his jaw clenched at the sight of her chest.

“What? I don’t sleep with bra on.” Inirapan niya ito at komportable na gumapang sa kama para mahiga.

Narinig niya ang pagbuntong hininga ng kasintahan. Gusto niyang mangiti dahil mukha itong problemado na akala mo naman may ibang makakakita sa kanya. O baka naman naaakit?

Uminit ang pisngi niya nang maisip ’yon. She can’t tell if she’s naughty or not. But there were times that she likes to tease Clinton. Hindi lang halata sa kanya pero epektibo ang mga minsan niyang pang-aakit.

“I think I need to buy a new bra…” she trailed and held her breast casually.

Napatingin ulit sa kanya si Clinton. He’s sitting on his swivel chair at the other corner of the room. Ilang metro lang din ang layo sa kanya.

“We will buy later.”

“I mean, I think I’ll be more comfortable to wear 36C or 34D…” she innocently said. “…now I get confused with my breast size.”

When Clinton flipped his MacBook and stood up, she pursed her lips to stop herself from grinning.

He’s already on his white shirt and black shorts. His strong hairy legs moves to get closer to the bed. Hindi niya alam bakit labis na excitement ang naramdaman niya ngayong palapit sa kanya ang kasintahan.

When he crawled to the bed to get near her, she silently took a breath and waited for his skin to touch hers.

“Clinton!” She gasped when he slid his palm under her top and found her breast.

He chuckled with her reaction. Then kissed her cheek.

“These gets bigger… I noticed.” He whispered as he massaged her boob.

“You think so?”

“Uh-huh.”

“My boobs will get even bigger once I get pregnant…” she murmured.

“Yeah. Because you’re gonna have milk.”

Ang init sa magkabilang pisngi niya ay umikot sa kanyang batok.

“But really, I want to buy a new bra. Medyo tight na ang mga ginagamit ko.”

Clinton moved even closer to kiss her cheek and jaw. While his hand remained on her breast.

She’s aware that he’s just teasing her with his hand and kisses but if he continues doing that, her body might as for more. Baka imbes na matutulog siya, hindi pa matuloy.

When his lips captured hers, she couldn’t control herself but to kiss him as well.

Napakapit siya sa may braso ni Clinton nang ipasok nito ang dila sa loob ng kanyang bibig. They love kissing and even until that moment, it’s still surprise her every time his kisses became aggressive and hot.

“Mmmm…” a soft whimpered from her echoed while their tongues were exploring inside each other’s mouth.

His fingers found her nipple and he started to play with it. Kaya naman nababahiran ng muli ng makamundong pagnanasa ang buong katawan niya. Animo siya nahihibang sa klase ng halik na ipinaparanas ng kasintahan sa kanya. Bagamat mapusok, nahahalinhinan pa rin ’yon ng rahan at emosyon.

When another moan escaped from her lips, Clinton stopped the kiss.

Nakaawang pa ang labi niya nang buksan niya ang mga mata para malaman kung bakit nito itinigil ang masarap na halikan nila.

“I thought you’re going to take a nap?” He whispered with his husky voice.

Nakatingin ito sa kanyang labi na tila ba nauuhaw pa rin na matikman ’yon.

“And you are still sore, right?” His palm travel down her navel.

Umahon ang kanyang dibdib dahil sa antipasyon. Ngunit ang mainit na palad nito ay nanatili lang sa tiyan niya. Umasa siya na ibababa pa nito ’yon.

“Right.”

“I better let you rest.”

Ngumuso siya at nakaramdam ng pagkabitin. Hindi niya alam kung maiinis siya sa sarili o kay Clinton.

Hinalikan nito ang labi niya na medyo naka-usli dahil talagang gusto pa niyang ipagpatuloy ang halikan kaya lang ay tumigil ito.

“Do you want me to continue?” He asked as if he read her mind.

Ipinaling niya sa kabilang gilid ang mukha niya para lang hindi na nito malaman pa na naiirita nga talaga siya. But when she heard him laughed a bit, her face heated.

Galit na ibinalik niya ang tingin kay Clinton. Nanatili naman ang pagka aliw sa mga mata nito habang pinagmamasdan ang mukha niya. There was a sly smile on his lips too.

“I’m gonna take a nap na.” Masungit niyang sabi.

She saw how his lips pursed to suppress a damn smile.

Medyo itinulak niya si Clinton sa dibdib para lumayo sa ibabaw niya. Ngunit hindi naman ito nagpatinag. Mukha pang tuwang-tuwa sa inaasta niya.

“If you wanna make love with me, you need to tell me…” his voice sounded like he was just teasing her.

Since she moved in with him, she realized how much she likes making love with him. Dahil noon, hindi naman talaga palaging may nangyayari sa kanila. Bukod sa mahigpit ang seguridad niya, mahirap din ang naging sitwasyon nila noon na kailangan pang itago kung magkikita sila.

Ngayon na hawak na nila pareho ang oras nila at malaya na gawin ang mga gusto nang walang inaalala, natanto niya kung gaano kagaan sa pakiramdam na magkaroon ng kalayaan na makasama ang taong mahal mo.

Now that they have each other, now that they are in an official relationship, she must think of how to be a good girlfriend and how to make their relationship stronger. Dapat ay gano’n din si Clinton. Dapat ay pareho silang walang itinatago sa isa’t isa. They need to be open to each other and be honest to what they really feel.

Bumuntonghininga si Xaria nang sumagi sa isip niya ang mga ’yon.

Nag angat ulit siya ng tingin kay Clinton para lamang maabutan ito na nakatitig sa kanya. Tila ba naghihintay lang ng sulyap niya.

“Tingin mo ba hindi na tayo maghihiwalay ulit? Tingin mo wala nang pagsubok na darating sa atin?” Marahan ang naging tunog niya.

“Sisikapin ko na hindi na tayo magkakahiwalay,” nahimigan niya ng sinseridad ang boses nito.

He gently caressed her hair while his eyes roaming around her face. It seemed like he’s memorizing every inch of her face even though she knew that he already memorized every little thing about her. Especially her face and body.

“If one day, our relationship put to the test again, I’m going to make sure that I will have you no matter how much it would cost me…” he muttered tenderly.

Xaria’s heart raced and she can feel how his heart beat fast as well because her palm was place on his chest where his heart is located.

“But what if I can’t handle the challenges again?” Her voice broke a bit.

“You are not alone, Xaria. You have all me.”

Lumalakas ang loob niya kapag iniisip na hindi na nga pala siya nag iisa. Kasama niya na si Clinton palagi. At kung sinubok na naman siya o sila ng tadhana, dapat ay ilagay niya sa kanyang isip na sabay na nilang haharapin kung anoman ang delubyong dumating sa kanila.

“Hindi na ako papayag na mawawala ka ulit sa akin,” animo pangako nito ’yon sa kanya at sa sarili nito mismo.

Kumurap siya upang pigilan ang luha na dala ng pagiging masaya ng puso niya sa mga sandaling ’yon. Nawala bigla ang takot niya na hindi niya maharap nang mag isa ang pagsubok, dahil nakakatiyak siya na nariyan lang sa tabi niya ang lalaking mahal.

“Hindi mo ako pakakawalan?” inosenteng sambit niya.

He licked his lips and his jaw clenched.

Parang kung may anong tumalon sa puso niya at hindi maintindihan kung bakit sa kabila ng madamdamin na pag uusap nila, naakit niya sa kasintahan. Gusto niya itong halikan, pinipigil niya lang ang sarili.

He lowered his lips until it reached her ear. When he breath, she craned because it tickled her.

“Hindi ka na makakawala sa’kin,” his raspy voice made her stomach fluttered.

“Talaga?”

“Itatali kita…” he kissed her neck wetly.

“Itatali mo ako?”

His lips stayed on her neck. Magagaan ang mga halik na inaalay nito sa parteng ’yon. Naliliyo siya at talagang napapakapit sa damit ni Clinton sa may bandang dibdib nito.

“Dito sa bed mo?”

Clinton’s short hearty laugh against her neck made her smile.

“Baby, I know you’re innocent, but… never mind…” his lips gets closer to her throat.

Napalunok siya. Tapos ay marahan na hinaplos ang dibdib ni Clinton. Hindi niya intensyon na maging tila nang aakit ang haplos niya. Sadyang apektado lang ang kasintahan dahil napatingin pa sa ginawa niya.

“Saan mo nga ako itatali?” Pilit niya pa.

He breath on her neck which tickled her again.

“Itatali kita dito sa kama at hindi papalabasin.” May pagbabanta sa tono nito na mukha naman hindi seryoso pero napasinghap pa rin siya.

Then she pouted her lips. “Hindi ka rin lalabas kung gano’n. Magkukulong tayo dito.”

“I don’t mind.” His palm went back to her breast.

“Really? How about your work?”

“I can work here. With you.”

“How ’bout me? Are you gonna make me stay here with you talaga?”

“Uh-huh.”

“But baby… I need to go back to Manila for my shot.” Malambing na sabi niya, sabay haplos muli sa matikas na dibdib nito.

He paused for a moment. She could almost feel him shutting his eyes close and murmuring a curse inside his head.

He weakly buried his face on the space between her neck and shoulder.

“Oh, I need to make sure the date when I need my next shot. Baka magkamali ako.”

“Is there any way aside from having a shot? How ’bout pills?”

“Pills is okay. Pero baka makalimutan ko.”

“I’ll remind you then?” He sounded so convincing.

Ikinunot niya ang noo. Taking a birth control pills was also on her option. Kaya lang sigurado siyang makakalimutan niya ’yon kung iyon ang ginawa niyang contraceptive.

“You’re too busy to remind me taking my pills every day.”

“Let’s have your pills on our bedroom then. So that we won’t forget it.”

Sa sinasabi ni Clinton, para tuloy nagbabago ang isip niya na mag pills nalang.

“I’ll think about it.”

She felt his lips formed a smirk against her skin.

“And maybe, if I started using pills, you must do withdrawals. To make sure…”

That made him groaned. Tila ba bigla itong nahirapan.

Umirap siya sa hangin.

Paano ba naman, palaging sa loob niya nagtatapos si Clinton sa tuwing nagtatalik sila. Kung wala lang siyang pangontra, siguradong kakabahan na siya ng husto.

“No shots. No pills. Just withdrawals. How ’bout that?” He negotiates.

He even looked at her face so that they can see each other. To also know that their topic is important to both of them. Talagang kailangan ay masinsinan ang pag-uusap nila.

Nanliit ang mga mata niya. Hindi kaagad makapag desisyon. Hindi pa nakakatulong na magaling si Clinton manghikayat.

In the end, she pursed her lips.

“I don’t know what’s in your mind, but Clinton, being pregnant is not my priority right now.” She said with honesty.

He sighed. “No baby yet for my baby. Understood.”

Iniyakap niya ang mga braso sa leeg nito at inabot ang labi para sa isang matamis na halik.

“We both know that I easily get pregnant. Baka kapag hindi tayo nag ingat, kahit ayaw ko, mabubuntis ulit ako.”

Tumango lang ito at tuluyang nahiga sa tabi niya. Maingat na dinala ni Clinton ang ulo niya sa ibabaw ng dibdib nito para roon siya magpahinga para tuluyang makatulog. She placed her palm above his chest too.

He didn’t say anything. He just kissed the top of her head while caressing her arm.

She’s happy though. Because he didn’t insist or didn’t ask her to have a baby. Because she knew, she won’t be able to give it to him. Yet. Maybe… one day. Who knows.