Guarded (Alpha Sigma Omicron #5)

Chapter Ten

First day ni Russle sa school niya, in-enroll namin siya ni Gotham para sa isang summer class na may kasamang estudyante. Sabay kaming papasok sa school sa susunod na pasukan.

Wala akong ideya kung paano siya makipag-interact sa ibang bata. He’s not surrounded by kids growing up, it was just mostly me, and our kind neighbor back then. Ngayon naman si Gotham at ang kanyang mga tauhan ang nakakasalamuha ng kapatid ko.

Wala siyang naging kalarong kasing-edad niya. Napag-usapan namin ni Gotham na bago siya sumabak sa school, susubukan muna namin kung paano siyang makihalubilo.

Tiwala naman akong mabait ang kapatid ko pero may parte sa aking natatakot sa magiging pakikitungo ng ibang bata sa kanya.

We want to give him a normal life, and part of that normal life is having friends his age. Ilang araw nang bukambibig ng kapatid ko ang tungkol sa pagpasok. Kitang – kita ko ang excitement sa kanyang mata kapag pinag-uusapan namin ang tungkol dito.

I packed his baon for merienda. Hindi naman buong araw ang pasok niya. It’s just half a day. Siya naman ang nag-prepare ng gamit niya sa school na gusto niyang dalhin.

When I looked at his bag, he got what I told him to bring. Iyon nga lang, may dala rin siyang laruan. Napailing na lang ako. Ibinilin ko na lang na hindi niya p’wedeng laruin sa oras ng klase.

“Ano nga uling bilin ni ate, Russle?” tanong ko habang papalapit ang kotseng minamaneho ni Gotham papasok ng school.

“Maging mabait kay teacher at kay classmates… tapos bawal maglaro kapag may klase…” He was seriously thinking. “Bawal mang-away ng kaklase… tapos dapat makipagkaibigan ako. Dapat marami…”

Inisa – isa niya ang sinabi ko. I have told those things quite a few times.

Gotham was chuckling beside me.

Naiinis ko naman siyang hinampas nang marahan. He was teasing me all night about my reminders to Russle. Mabuti na lang hindi naman naririndi ang kapatid ko sa mga paalala ko sa kanya.

Mas kinakabahan yata ako kaysa sa kapatid ko. My husband grabbed my hand and squeezed it gesturing for me to relax a bit.

“Everything’s going to be fine, right, bunso?” Russle nodded his head enthusiastically and gave us a thumbs up.

Pumarada si Gotham sa harap ng room ng kapatid ko. It was a school with few buildings, but have an enormous ground for recreational activities. Sigurado akong mae-enjoy ni Russle na maglaro sa playground. They offer a lot of fun things to do.

The school was prestige and expensive.

It was Gotham’s idea. He wanted Russle to have the best school. Nagkaroon pa kami ng munting away dahil sa pagtutol ko. The tuition was too much for me. I wanted the best for my brother, but he’s just starting school. P’wede ko iyong ipunin para sa college niya.

Hindi ko kaya ang ganoon kalaking halaga. That’s one thing Gotham hated, he argued so much about that. Hindi ko na raw kailangang mamoroblema sa usaping pera, I could depend on him when it comes to money.

Napapangiti na lang ako tuwing naaalala kung paanong umusok ang kanyang ilong.

Naunang bumaba si Gotham upang pagbuksan kami ng kotse. Inalalayan niya sa pagbaba si Russle at kinuha ang gamit ng kapatid ko.

Russle reached for my hand and intertwined with both of our hands. Ganoon din ang ginawa niya sa kanyang bayaw. He walked with us happily to his room.

We were greeted by Russle’s teacher. Si Russle ang bumati pabalik dito.

I looked at her from head to toe trying to examine her every move. I was trying to see if I can trust the teacher. I know I’m too much sometimes, but I can’t help it.

Pagdating sa kapatid ko, hindi ako kampante sa mga taong bagong kakilala ko lang. I just want to make sure he’s safe. Nagsisimula pa lang ang kanyang buhay bilang malaya.

“Are you excited, Russle?” tanong ng guro.

“Opo, teacher! Excited na po ako!” magalang na pakikitungo ng kapatid ko.

Binitiwan niya ang kamay namin para kumapit sa kanyang teacher. He looked at me with a big smile. “Ready na po ako, ate.” I nodded and smiled at him.

“Behave ka, ha. Iyong bilin ko…” Tumango siya bilang tugon.

Hinawakan ni Gotham ang kamay ko. He intertwined our fingers as we bid our goodbye to my brother.

Nakangiti lang ang teacher ni Russle sa nasaksihan at inakay ang kapatid ko papasok ng classroom nila. She assured me to take care of my brother. Alam naman nila ang naging kondisyon ng kapatid ko.

Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Gotham sa labas ng pinto. My heart felt a little heavy.

Gotham squeezed my hand again, I looked up to see him staring at me.

“Come on, Fili, we’ll have our bunso back later. You don’t need to worry much, he’ll be fine. He survived the operation at a young age, what can’t he survive?” Pinisil niyang muli ang kamay ko. Every time he does that, it’s like he’s assuring me.

Alam ko naman, ang kaso lang miss ko na agad ang kapatid ko.

Magkahawak ang kamay naming dalawang tumungo pabalik ng kotse.

“To ease your mind, let’s have a date?” Tumaas ang kanyang kilay niya.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko. “Marunong ka pala noon?”

“What?” Nagsalubong din ang kanyang kilay. “I always take you to places, we eat out, we drink, we do whatever you like and it’s still not a date for you?!”

Natawa naman ako sa panlalaki ng butas ng ilong niya. We have stupid arguments all the time. Tuwang – tuwa akong asarin siya.

Kapag siya ang napikon, tinatawanan ko siya. But if it was the other way around, hindi ko siya pinapansin buong maghapon. It would annoy him so much if I don’t talk to him, at para siyang asong ulol na nanunuyo sa akin.

“Edi date, hindi mo naman kinlaro sa akin gusto mo pala akong i-date.”

He rolled his eyes at me. “You’re already my wife, sweetheart. I don’t just like to date you, don’t you think?” Sumapi na naman ang likot ng kamay ko, pinitik ko ang kanyang ilong.

His lips pouted a bit. Hindi naman dangerous itong si Gotham, masyadong pabebe sa akin.

“Tara na, date. Ang arte naman ng asawa ko.” Sinundot ko siya sa tagiliran.

He was about to say something when we heard Russle’s voice calling us. Agad akong napalingon sa pinagmulan ng boses, humahangos siya nang makarating sa tayo namin. Pumantay ako sa kapatid ko.

“Anong nangyari? Inaway ka ba? Sabihin mo kay ate.”

He just put his hand on my face to calm me down. “Ayos lang po ako, may nakalimutan lang po ako, ate.” I sighed in relief.

Sumulyap ako kay Gotham. “May nakalimutan ba sa sasakyan? Pakitingin naman. Iyong baunan niya…”

Hindi kumibo si Gotham. He just stood there watching us. Kumulo na naman ang dugo ko sa lalaki. Tatayo na dapat ako ng pigilan ako ni Russle. He hugged me tightly.

“Naiwan ko lang iyong yakap at kiss ko, ate. Baka ma-miss mo ako para may baon ka rin.” He said grinning widely.

My eyes became a bit teary.

Russle’s the sweetest. Hinalikan niya ang buong mukha ko.

Ginulo ko ng bahagya ang kanyang buhok. “Ikaw ha, may alam ka pang ganyan. Thank you, bunso. Alam na alam mo ang kailangan ni ate. Sige na, balik ka na sa room niyo. ‘Wag masyadong tumakbo, nasa bag iyong towel. Punasan ang pawis.” I kissed him on the forehead.

Ngumiti lang siya at tumango, yumakap din siya kay Gotham na may ibinulong pa sa kapatid ko. Muli siyang nagpaalam bago lumakad pabalik ng room nila, inihatid lang siya ng tingin ko.

Inalalayan akong tumayo ni Gotham, kinabig niya ako palapit sa kanya para sa iyang yakap. “He told me to always hug you whenever you miss him when he’s in class. I’m here, sweetheart,” he whispered softly.

“Para – paraan ka lang para makayakap,” komento ko, hinayaan ko lang siya.

He just chuckled.

Nang bumitiw siya, hinaplos niya ang aking pisngi.

“Ready to go?” tanong niya.

Wala na ang iritado niyang ekspresyon kanina.

Mas gumaan ang pakiramdam ko matapos ang tagpo namin ng kapatid ko. That sweet boy could make me soft and this man right in front of me is making me feel all the things unfamiliar to me, yet it feels good.

Inirapan ko si Gotham, nauna na akong pumasok ng sasakyan.

When he slid into the backseat, he looked offended. I knew why. I didn’t let him open the car door for me. Napailing ako at nakangising nakatunghay sa bintana ng kotse. Walang imik niyang pinaandar ang sasakyan.

***

“Like it?” nakakalokong tanong ni Gotham. “Of course, I know what you like, sweetheart,” he added, bragging.

Pinagmasdan ko ang paligid. Kinagat ko ang aking labi upang iwasan ang pagngiti. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction that he’s right. This is something I wanted for a date. Dinala niya ako sa isang firing range… I bet he owns the place.

Gotham has his own room for firearms and other stuffs in his mansion. But this one’s a lot bigger than what he already has and it has a proper firing range. Madalas ko iyong gawing tambayan. Russle wasn’t allowed there.

The tip of my finger touched different firearms on the long table. Kumuha ako ng isa at ikinasa iyon. Itinutok ko kay Gotham ang baril. There are no bullets I’m sure, if there are, ano naman?

“Fire,” He raised a brow.

Sinunod ko ang kagustuhan niya, I pulled the trigger. Wala namang balang tumagos sa kanyang noo.

“One-on-one?” tanong ko sa kanya.

“What’s the catch?” Pinagtaasan niya ako ng kilay.

Nagkibit – balikat ako. “The winner gets to torment the loser for a week. Bahala na iyong mananalo sa gusto niyang ipagawa sa matatalo. Why do you even ask? Do you think you stand a chance?” I stuck my tongue out.

Me and my conceited remarks.

“I love the confidence, sweetheart, but you’re up against me,” mayabang niyang turan.

His expression was full of arrogance. Siguradong – sigurado ang ngisi niya.

“For a week, bawal kang humingi ng halik. Bawal mo akong hawakan. Bawal mo akong landiin. Bawal tayong mag-sex.” I dropped my bomb to erase that smirk off his face.

Mas lalo akong napangisi ng bawiin niya ang mayabang na ngisi sa labi. He didn’t like my punishment if he loses our little game. For a moment, I could see him questioning his life choices.

Natawa ako. There’s an urge to kiss him fully on the lips. He’s cute being annoyed all the time.

He crossed his arms while contemplating things. Tinitigan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

“For a week…” he trailed off. “Change your wardrobe into something girly. I dare you to wear dresses, skirts, croptops and say goodbye to your pants and shirts.”

I lost my smirk hearing his desired punishment.

Wala naman akong problema sa dress at skirt, hindi lang ako sanay na ganoon ang suot lalo na’t malimit akong tumayong laging nakabukaka. It’s just a matter of comfort. He got me there.

Bumabalik ang inis ko kay Gotham. I hate how he was making me feel bare with all the knowledge he knows about me. He’s such an observant. Kilalang – kilala na niya ako sa maiksing panahong pagsasama naming dalawa, samantalang kabaliktaran naman ako.

He remains a mystery to me with a little bit of exposed information about him… alam ko lang na pagdating sa kapatid ko, maaasahan ko siya. Bukod sa matangos niyang ilong, makapal na kilay, mapupulang labi, defined jaws… his interaction with my brother makes him more attractive.

“I could pay millions to know what’s going on in your mind,” I heard him whisper.

“I’m just thinking of how to make you eat dirt.” I loaded the gun with ammunition.

Inilatag niya ang rules ng kompetisyon. It wasn’t that complicated. Just target the bullseye until the bullets run out. Precision and accuracy will determine the winner.

Our shooting competition will be fun. Kinuha niya ang noise-cancelling headphones sa mesa at isinuot iyon sa akin bago siya nagsuot ng kanya. We are going to target the bullseye.

Madali lang ba talaga?

Bahagya akong kinabahan ng kalabitin ko ang gatilyo. It didn’t hit the target at all.

When I glanced at Gotham, sumenyas siya kung kailangan ko ng assistance. I didn’t see his teasing smile. Subukan naman talaga niya, paduduguin ko ang bunganga niya. I shook my head and focused on the target.

Huminga ako ng malalim.

Once I gathered enough confidence again, I pulled the trigger and emptied the bullets — all targeting the bullseye. It was just one missed, but that one missed was critical to my win. Iyong unang hila ko sa gatilyo ang sumablay.

I wasn’t satisfied with my shooting skills knowing it was Gotham watching my every move. Ang yabang pa naman ng napangasawa ko. Ibinigay ko sa kanya ang baril na may kasamang pag-irap.

Hindi lang niya iyon basta inabot sa kamay ko. Pumulupot ang kamay niya sa akin mula sa likuran. Our position was intimate, he was giving me a back hug while pointing the gun at his target.

His breath was tingling in my nape. Kinagat ko ang labi ko. I looked straight following the gun as he fired the bullets without missing the bullseye. Parang sumuot lang sa isang butas ang mga bala.

That was… his precision and accuracy… was hella impressive.

After those perfect shots, he kissed me on the cheeks.

“Hm, you lose, sweetheart?” Umarangkada na naman ang baritono niyang boses.

Ibinaba niya ang baril sa harap na mesa, pinaikot niya ako upang paharapin sa kanya. Nakapulupot pa rin ang kanyang braso sa akin.

G’wapo at arogante.

“Alam ko, may mata ako, Gotham.”

He chuckled, it was sending vibration to my system.

“Are you mad at me? Are you mad that I defeated you?” Mula sa pagiging arogante, lumambot ang tono ng kanyang boses animo’y nanlalambing.

Umiling ako. “Bakit naman ako magagalit?” Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay.

Wala namang kaso sa akin kung manalo siya. He earned it. Mas magaling siya sa akin sa shooting.

Madali akong mapikon sa maraming bagay pagdating kay Gotham, pero imbes na mainis sa kanyang natalo niya ako, bakit parang mas lalong lumakas ang appeal at dating niya sa akin?

Nakakainis.

“If you’re not mad, kiss me, then.” Hindi ako kumibo, tinitigan ko lang ang labi niya ng ilang segundo.

I have this urge to bite it whenever his lips touch mine. Mas mapula pa iyong labi niya kaysa sa akin at malambot kapag hinahalikan. Nakakapanggigil minsan parang gusto kong kagatin na lang.

“Don’t stare at my lips, claim your prize…” he groaned. “You lost, but you still have my lips to claim. Kiss me na, sweetheart. My lips are longing for your kisses.”

Nag-angat naman ako ng tingin. “Tiklop naman pala sa mga halik ko, nahiya ka pang iyon ang gawing premyo.”

I encircled my arms around his nape. Tumingkayad ako para magpantay ang aming mukha. Unti – unti kong idinampi ang labi ko sa kanya. Panaka – naka ang halik na dumadapo sa kanyang labi.

“You’re such a tease,” he said in between kisses.

“Energized?” It was my turn to be arrogant.

“I can do this all day with you,”

“Malandi ka, e.”

“Just for you.” Kumindat pa ang loko. “Another round? I want you to regain your loss.”

Pinisil ko ang magkabila niyang pisngi. Wala siyang angal, hindi rin pumalag sa ginawa ko. Kahit magpaalipin sa akin hindi niya tatanggihan. Napailing ako. Palibhasa magaling siyang kumuha ng loob.

Pumayag ako kahit alam ko namang talo ako sa shooting competition. Hustler ang kalaban ko. I can shoot decently, but it’s not as precise and accurate as my husband’s shooting skills.

Malinis at walang palya.

The shooting range also has a neighboring restaurant. Nang matapos kami sa ilang rounds na firing, iyon ang sunod naming pinuntahan.

I was a bit famished after our hardcore date that I devoured a plate for two. Libre naman iyon ni Gotham. As always.

He didn’t go to work to accompany me. Hindi naman kailangan pero siya itong mapilit, hinayaan ko lang. When it’s almost noon, we headed back to the highway. Kailangan pa naming sunduin si bunso.

Masyado akong nawili sa shooting kanina, I want to go back again some other time.

“Do you want one near our home?”

Napalingon ako sa gawi ni Gotham ng bigla na lang itong nagsalita. Magkahawak ang aming kamay samantalang nasa manibela ang kabila. Naguguluhan ako sa kanyang tanong.

“Do you want a firing range near our home?” paglilinaw niya. “I could see how you enjoyed our fun date.”

Nanlaki ng bahagya ang aking mata. Hindi iyon sumagi sa isipan ko. I was only thinking of coming back there.

“Magpapatayo ka ba ng firing range?” I asked in disbelief.

“If you want,”

Nagbukas – sara ang aking bibig. He laughed seeing my reaction. Umiling naman ako ng matauhan.

“P’wede bang bumalik na lang tayo sa ibang araw?” I asked. “Ayokong maging playground ni Russle ang firing range. Hindi iyon ang gusto kong kalakihan niya. Mabuti nga hindi masyadong nangungulit na tumungo sa espasyo mo ng firearms.”

“Whatever you want, sweetheart. You’re the boss. I’m just wondering, you know.”

“Ano…” Napakamot ako sa ulo.

“What?” he asked softly waiting for my response.

“T-thank you.” Halos magkandautal – utal ako. “Dumagdag na naman ang utang na loob ko sa’yo. Masyado nang marami.”

“Am I counting? I like doing things for you, it just comes off naturally. No chemical added.” He even winked.

Bihasa sa paglalandi.

Umirap ako at ngumuso. I was holding back a smile.

“Sige nga, pa-transfer naman ng isang milyon sa akin…” pabiro kong turan.

“Just a million?” His brow raised.

Tinampal ko ang kanyang braso gamit ang isang kamay ko. “Bobo ka ba? At bakit naman papayag ka? Gotham, sasapakin kita! Palibhasa barya lang sa’yo ang isang milyon.”

Tumawa lang ito nang tumawa. “Why not? You’re not just anyone, Fili. You’re my wife. You are entitled to everything I have. My money. My properties. My influence. And myself. You have the rights to demand and next time you’ll demand something, make it higher.” Binuksan niya ang compartment at may inilabas mula roon. It contained small envelope with cards. “It’s yours. Spend it however you like.”

“Baka ma-bankrupt ka kapag inubos ko ito sa isang araw,” may halo kong pananakot.

S’yempre, hindi ko naman kaya kahit mag-asawa kaming dalawa at legal akong may karapatan. He didn’t even setup a prenuptial agreement. Basta na lang niya akong pinakasalan.

“I’d be happy if you’d even spend a cent knowing you,” He shook his head. “Claim your benefits, sweetheart. I’m even willing to be used, and more than happy to oblige.”

Tangina.

Agad akong nag-iwas ng paningin. He was making me feel something, I was having a difficulty in breathing. Isabay pa ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko. Kinagat ko ang aking labi.

Those weren’t good signs.

My attention went back to reality when the car stopped. I glanced at Gotham who was observing outside. The tension in the car radiated, I was able to feel there was something wrong.

We heard several taps in the window of the car. Dumako ang paningin ko sa ilang lalaking armado. Hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa kamay ko. I knew he was trying to reassure me everything’s fine when it’s not.

We were cornered by those armed men, what’s fine in that situation? Sigurado akong isang pakay lang ang nais nila.

“I have to meet someone, sweetheart. Stay here while I talk to those fuckers.” Hinalikan niya ang likod ng aking kamay.

Tinapunan ko siya ng tingin. My whole focus was on him. “Bilisan mo, kapag ako nainip, makikisawsaw ako sa gulo.” I squeezed his hand forcefully. “Kapag tinamaan ka ng bala mula sa mga kamukha ni Bernabe, tatadtarin pa kita.” I threatened with a smile.

“What if… I got killed?” Gotham asked with a serious expression.

Nabitin naman ang ngiti ko. That didn’t even occur my mind. Hindi p’wede. Hindi ako p’wedeng mabiyuda ng maaga. Hindi ako makakapayag. He can’t die. I can’t die yet. We’re both bad, and bad people live longer.

“Double dead ka sa akin, tangina.”

He chuckled. “Don’t you have a little bit of faith in me?”

“Utang na labas, sinagot ko lang ang tanong mo.” Inirapan ko siya.

“In this moment, what I needed most is your kisses. How about you grant my wish?”

“Saka mo na ako landiin kapag bumalik kang walang gasgas,” Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata.

Akala niya makakahalik siya sa akin sa bingit ng kamatayan. Sa susunod na ang halik kapag hindi niya ako ginawang biyuda.

The tapping on the car window intensified. Hindi naman kami kita ng mga ito mula sa labas. It was heavily tinted.

Kusa na akong bumitiw sa pagkakahawak niya. Inginuso ko ang pinto at mga lalaki sa labas na naghihintay sa kanya.

Kilala ko na agad ang bituka ni Gotham una pa lang, halos pareho lang naman kaming halang ang bituka at kaya siya ang natipuhan kong pagnakawan ng sasakyan. It wasn’t surprising that the likes of Bernabe would haunt him down.

I watched from a distance. Dinala niya sa medyo malayong parte ang mga lalaki. They were surrounding my husband with guns. I wasn’t pleased with my view. Naiinip na ako.

As I blinked, some of the men were already passed out on the ground. Gotham got the skills.

He’s only standing one-on-one with the man who served as the leader of the group.

Bumaba ako ng sasakyan sa kagustuhan kong manood ng malapitan. Once I got out of the car, I felt a tingly, cold metal on the back of my head. Someone dared pointing a gun on my nape.

“Move!” A voice hissed.

Sinunod ko ang kanyang sinabi. Lumakad ako ng hindi hinaharap ang lalaki, kalmado at walang halong takot. I can end him and send the man to hell anytime I want. I was trained to be bad and match the bad guys.

Gotham glanced at my direction with an unfamiliar expression. Lumapit ako sa kanyang tayo, kinapkapan ako ng lalaki mula ulo hanggang paa. Hindi naman ako nagbitbit ng patalim at baril.

“Take your hands off her,” Gotham’s warning was evident on his voice.

I looked at him with fascination… that’s not the flirty husband I had been bantering in the car. It’s another dangerous persona. I cleared my throat to hide my smile.

Muling gumawi ang paningin ko sa harapan, mas lalo akong natawa. Medyo jump scare. I bit my lower lip to prevent myself from laughing. Dapat mayabang ang dating ko, asawa ako ni Gotham e.

“Look what we have here,” The man walked towards our direction, I still refused to look at him. “You have a beautiful wife, Mr. Arkinson.”

“She is. She’s fucking gorgeous, but she’s not part of this.”

Baritono. Malagom. Sexy.

Teka — may panganib pala sa harap, literal na mukhang panganib.

“Is there something funny? What’s your name, Mr. Arkinson’s wife?” I almost lost my composure. Huminga ako ng malalim.

Sinubukan kong salubungin ang tingin ng lalaking nasa harap ko. Hindi ko magawang makapagpokus, ewan ko ba, ang panget kasi tapos kontrabida pa ang role ng gunggong.

“P’wede mo akong tawaging Mrs. Arkinson,” seryoso kong sagot.

Nanlisik ang kanyang mga mata. Mas lalong inilapit niya ang kanyang mukha sa akin. “Do you want to play a game?”

He was trying so hard to intimidate me, it wasn’t working. Malamang ay na-offend ang lalaki sa muntikan kong pagtawa kanina. Who would even take him seriously? He doesn’t even need to crack a joke, he’s funny-looking enough.

Lumingon ako kay Gotham.

“Sweetheart, play daw kami…”

Sinenyasan ko siya gamit ang tingin, I was trying to convey a message with my eyes as the messenger.

With a single step, I grabbed the hand of the man with the gun pointing at me from the back and kicked his balls. Siniko ko ang baril sa gawi ni Gotham. We needed fast reflexes to time with their shock and confusion in order to pull off the stunt.

Hinablot niya ang baril at itinutok sa lalaking nasa harapan. Wala pang ilang segundo, umalingawngaw ang putok nito. Huhugot pa sana ng patalim ang lalaking inagawan ko ng baril, hindi iyon pinalampas ni Gotham.

“You shouldn’t have left the car,” his tone was cold.

“Nakakainip maghintay sa kotse, hindi mo pa itinumba lahat,” reklamo ko.

Naglakad ako pabalik sa kotse, nakasunod naman siya sa akin. He dialed a number and made a call to clean the mess. I looked around to see if there are more enemies waiting for us.

I couldn’t spot anyone.

Napatigil ako sa paghakbang ng may kumabig sa akin mula sa likuran. His arms enveloped my chest into a hug.

“Are you alright, Mrs. Arkinson?” I heard him whisper against my ear.

“Baka hindi,” I rolled my eyes.

Sa dami nang pinagdaanan ko at ilang beses nang nabugbog, it was nothing. Ni hindi nga nadaplisan ang kuko ko. Humarap ako sa kanya para mag-inspeksyon kung may natamo itong sugat.

Good thing, there was none. Naglaho ng parang bula ang pag-aalala ko.

He’s safe and intact.

“May I claim my kisses from you?” Umamo ang kanyang ekspresyon.

Gone the dangerous man, my husband whom I always bully is back.

“D’yan ka magaling.”

“Truth,” he smirked and wet his lips. “My tongue is expert.”

Pumulupot ang aking kamay sa kanyang batok. Pinagbigyan ko na, kawawa naman. I kissed him fully on the lips. Sinunod ko ang galaw ng kanyang labi. Our lips moved in rhythm and in perfect sync like it was made just for one another.

“Thanks for the reward, sweetheart. Kalmado na ako.”

Ako… ako ang hindi kalmado. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. I was feeling conscious he would hear my heartbeats. Laging ganoon, laging mabilis, laging may karera.

Hindi makampante kapag malapit siya. I was starting to notice. I was starting to realize.

In the game called love, heart’s the most vulnerable, it should be guarded.

But I think, I’m failing… falling…

It can’t be. It must stop. “What did you call me earlier? Did you just call me sweetheart?”

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