Guarded (Alpha Sigma Omicron #5)

Chapter Twelve

Gusto niya ako.

That thought has been occupying my mind for the longest time. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako mas natakot na ideya — iyong gusto ako ni Gotham o iyong posibilidad na pagbabalik ni Bernabe.

It was one of the things I know little about. I never cared about anything except my brother. I wasn’t prepared with the idea that someone likes me… admires me or cares for me. Because that supposed to be my responsibility, not the other way around.

Buong buhay ko, hindi ko iyon naramdaman. I wasn’t liked. I was a pest in the society. I only had a brotherly love, it was the purest form of love I could have from someone.

Kinagat ko ang aking labi. Kanina pa naglalakbay ang utak ko, hindi ako makapagpokus sa pagsasagot ng activities. I looked at Russle beside me, he was already coloring his coloring book.

Our night routine consisted of doing homeworks. Isa iyon sa bonding naming magkapatid.

Matalinong bata ang kapatid ko. He doesn’t really need much support from me. Kaya niyang magsagot ng assignments niya ng siya lang ang gumagawa. Minsan tinatanong niya ako kapag mayroon siyang hindi maintindihan. But it was a rare occasion.

Someone sat beside me, I felt his arms enveloping my waist. Naglapag siya ng snacks sa mesa. Russle was delightful with the snacks Gotham brought for the two of us.

“Ate, pahingi po ako,” He gave me a toothy grin.

Natatawa naman akong tumango. Hindi na niya kailangang humingi at magpaalam sa akin, pero natutuwa akong ginawa niya. My brother was so respectful and precious.

“Are you done, big boy?” Gotham asked.

Russle nodded.

Paunti – unti niyang inumpisan ang bowl ng berries. He loves fruits so much.

Nanindig ang balahibo ko kaya napakamot ako sa batok. I was more awkward with him the past days.

Tangina, binigla naman niya ako sa kanyang sagot. I wasn’t expecting a straight-forward answer from him knowing how Gotham teases me most of the time. Nakakainis na hindi ako mapakali tuwing nasa malapit siya.

It wasn’t me.

Hindi dapat ako tumitiklop kay Gotham. Si Gotham lang siya, ako si Agnes Filantropi, mas maangas ako.

I felt his lips travelling on my clavicle, kissing that sensitive spot softly. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from reacting to his touch and kisses.

“Gotham,” I warned.

He chuckled against my ears. “I could hear your heart, it’s beating hard for me, isn’t it?”

Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya. Pasimple kong inalis ang kamay niyang nakapulupot sa baywang ko. “‘Wag ka ngang istorbo, may tinatapos ako.”

“What’s that? I need attention.” Sumilip siya sa ginagawa ko.

“Papansin ka, eh.” Umirap ako.

I tried to read the paragraph once more, but I couldn’t even understand it. Marunong naman ako ng salitang ingles, nakakapagbasa ako at nakakapagsulat pero hindi pumapasok sa utak ko.

Maybe, Gotham’s presence has something to do with it.

“Are you tired?” tanong niya sa akin.

“Kailangan na ito bukas.”

“Did I ask when it is needed? My question is clear, are you tired, sweetheart?” Pinigilan niya akong sumagot. “Answer the question I asked.”

Napakamot ako sa ulo, inirapan ko siya at tumango.

“Okay, do you want to rest? I could finish it for you.” He offered.

Umiling ako.

“Kaya nga ako nag-aral para matuto. Anong matutunan ko kung ikaw lagi ang gagawa? Kaya ko na ‘to.” Ngumuso ako.

I was only given a chance for an education now, sasayangin ko pa? Muli akong bumalik sa textbook na binabasa ko kanina.

“I know you can, sweetheart. Let me just put Russle to bed, then, I’ll accompany you,” Tumayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo sa tabi ko. I wanted to complain when his hands weren’t suddenly touching me.

“Bunso, toothbrush ka muna bago matulog? Sama ka kay kuya Gotham.” Tumango siya.

He obliged happily and went with Gotham without protest. Tumungo muna sila sa banyo upang magsepilyo bago bumalik sa master bed. Madalas umabay sa amin si Russle, at may mga pagkakataong sa sariling kuwarto siya natutulog. Naipaliwanag na iyon ni Gotham sa kapatid ko.

Hindi naman mahirap patulugin ang kapatid ko. He just needed a bit of story-telling, once engaged, it would be easy for him to fall asleep. He loves it when Gotham does that more than I do, their bond is just strong.

I waited for him to finish the task. Paminsan – minsan akong sumusulyap sa kanila. Kumunot ang noo ko nang lumabas siya ng kuwarto matapos patulugin ang kapatid ko. Nakabusangot akong bumalik sa school activity na hindi ko matapos – tapos.

Nag-unat ako ng braso at paa.

Just like what he told me, bumalik siya para samahan akong tapusin ang activities at mga task ko. This time, he brought some drinks with him. Tumaas ang kilay ko sa alak at gatas na dala niya.

“Mine’s the wine, yours is the milk.” He smirked.

“Ano ako, bata? Pinatulog mo na iyong bata. Walang iinom n’yan.” I rolled my eyes.

“You can’t drink tonight, you have an early class tomorrow and you’re already exhausted.” Mas lalong nang-iinis ang ngisi niya. I would love to smack his godly-looking face to wipe that smirk off his lips.

“Sasapakin kita, tamo!”

“What? You’ll kiss me?” Humalakhak siya lalo nang magsalubong ang mga kilay ko. “Do you want another snack? I can get something for you, just tell me.”

Nagsalin siya ng alak sa kopita na ibinaba sa harap ko. He took the glass of milk.

Napailing ako.

Hilig mang-asar, pero tiklop naman. Kinagat ko ang aking labi upang pigilan ang pagngiti.

Naupo siya sa tabi ko, isiniksik pa niya ang sarili sa akin. He rested his head on my shoulders. “Let’s do your activity, sweetheart. You have to rest already. Maybe I can help?”

“I can’t focus,” Itinuro ko ang binabasa kong textbook.

“Okay. Let me read those passages for you.”

Binuklat niya ang libro. He was serious reading the texts for me. Nagsimula siyang basahin ang mga paragraph na kanina ko pa pinipilit intindihin. Uulitin niya iyon hanggang pumasok sa utak ko.

I was also fighting my sleepiness trying to consume me. “Sweetheart, wine’s not gonna help you with fighting your demons. Don’t you want to sleep already?”

Umiling ako. Kinuha ko ang baso ng gatas at ininom ko iyon. Tinapik tapik ko ang aking pisngi.

“Continue,”

Pinahid niya ang gilid ng labi ko. “You’re hardworking, Fili.”

He proceeded with reading me the passages again until I understood everything. His patience was something. Hindi naman niya ako kailangang samahan habang nag-aaral. He didn’t need to read my readings, but he still did.

“Let’s go to sleep, tapos na ako.” Inimis ko ang mga gamit sa study table. “I’ll just wash the glass and plates.”

“It’s fine, I’ll do it.” Inagaw niya sa akin ang mga gamit na ibababa ko sa kusina.

My stupid husband ran out of the room like it was a competition. I ran after him, smiling at his silliness. All of a sudden, I was wide-awake. Whenever I wanted to study, I was either having no energy or sleepy.

Naabutan ko siya sa kusina. He was already in the sink, I pushed him to the side to take over with washing the dishes.

“Aangal pa…”

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin pabuka pa lang ang kanyang bibig upang tumutol.

Humalakhak siya. “Damn, so feisty and ready to dominate me.”

Muling pumulupot ang kanyang kamay sa aking baywang habang naghuhugas ng pinaglagyan ng snacks at tasa ng gatas. Every time a part of our body touches, it was electrifying to the bone.

Hinahanap – hanap naman ng katawan ko kapag walang interaksyon. It has always been a rollercoaster whenever I am with Gotham.

Nakayakap lang siya hanggang sa matapos ako sa paghuhugas ng mga plato.

“Hm, what do you want to do after your exams?”

Huminga ako ng malalalim. Nakikiliti ang aking tainga sa bawat paghinga niya.

I still have a week before exam week. Kinagat ko ang aking labi.

“Magpahinga… ngayon pa lang kinakabahan na ako, baka wala akong maisagot. Kailangan ko nang mag-review.” Pinahid ko nang malinis na tuwalya ang aking kamay.

“You’re doing great, your hardwork will pay off.” Hinalikan niya ang pisngi ko. “Let’s celebrate after your exams. Both of you deserve it.”

Humarap ako sa kanya. I caressed his face and kissed him fully on the lips.

I was never vocal with how I felt and usually awkward with expressing myself, but that kiss would mean something. My heart was beating so fast, at the same time, it felt light around him.

“Is that how you admit your feelings for me? You have that silent rizz.” He was biting his lower lip.

When I looked at him, his whole face looked red. Napatawa ako nito nang malakas.

“Kinikilig ka ‘no?” I teased.

He glared at me. “That’s so…” Mas lalo akong tumawa. “You should take accountability for the things you make me feel, Fili. It’s not fucking healthy what you’re doing to me, sweetheart.”

“I’m not doing anything, Gotham. I’m just chill here. Hindi ko kasalanan na bawat galaw ko, tinitigasan ka na.” Nagkibit – balikat ako.

His jaw dropped on the floor. Umigting ang kanyang paa. “Pretty woman, your mouth is punishable by me. What the fuck.” Pinitik niya ang aking ilong. “That’s true, but still. Your frank mouth always caught me off-guard.”

“Hindi ka pa ba sanay?” Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay.

“You always have ways to surprise me.” He winked. “Kiss me again.”

“Inuutusan mo ako? Sabihin mo muna please master.” I laughed at the thought of him saying that.

Pinagpantay ko ang aming mukha, hinawakan ko ang kanyang pisngi.

“Plea—“

I cut him off by kissing him on the lips one more time. He closed his eyes while savoring my lips. We were both panting hard after that kiss.

“Sus, hahalikan naman kahit hindi mo sabihin.” Tumawa ako.

“Such a tease.” Pinaglapat niya ang aming noo. “Let’s stay her for awhile and savor the moment.”

So, we stayed a bit in the kitchen before going to bed.

Talking…

Kissing…

***

After the exams, my husband took us cruising for the weekend. Russle was so excited to be on a cruising ship. I was exhausted to even argue with Gotham with his pampering habits and I didn’t want to ruin my brother’s excitement.

Isa pa, gusto rin naman talaga ng katawan ko ng pahinga matapos ang exams.

Gotham wanted to have the cruise ship on our own, but I didn’t agree with that. Para sa kanya, tinatae lang ang pera. Napa-face palm ako.

Nagpaalam sa amin si Russle na imbitahan ang kanyang kaibigan sa school. I was a bit hesitant, but the two boys won their argument over my hesitation. Sagot ni Gotham ang lahat ng gastusin kasama ang mga magulang ng friends ni Russle.

I packed light clothes for the three of us. I didn’t prepare food, it would be provided in the cruise ship.

Nasa sasakyan pa lang kami, hindi na tumigil ang kapatid ko sa pagiging madaldal. Wala siyang ibang inatupag kung hindi lambingin kaming dalawa ni Gotham. Napangiti naman ako.

It was a right decision seeing how happy he is.

Sinundo ng mga tauhan ni Gotham gamit ang lamborghini ang mga kaibigan ni Russle. Halos yata lahat ng kanyang kaklase, kaibigan niya. He was just sad, some weren’t allowed to go with him for a little vacation treat.

Nagtagpo kami sa pier kung saan naghihintay ang cruise ship. My eyes widened seeing how enormous and luxurious the ship was. And he wanted to rent all of that? Napakagat ako sa pang-ibabang labi.

Pinagbuksan kami ni Gotham ng pinto ng sasakyan. Inalalayan niya si Russle bumaba ng sasakyan, patakbo naman itong tumungo sa bagong dating na sasakyang kapaparada lang hindi kalayuan sa amin.

“Don’t run, big boy,” pahabol ng asawa ko bago ako alalayang bumaba.

Umikot siyang muli upang kuhanin ang duffel bag sa trunk. One of his men was instructed with the car once we leave the premises. Bumalik siya sa tayo ko at pinagdaop ang aming mga kamay.

We walked towards Russle’s direction. He was talking with his classmates happily.

Mukha namang nakuha namin ang atensyon ng mga magulang at kasambahay na kasama ng mga bata.

A woman, probably the same with my age, approached us.

“Hi!” She greeted with enthusiasm, but her eyes solely focused on my husband. “Oh my gosh! Thank you for inviting us! Ashley Paige, I’m Ashton’s single mom! It’s nice to meet you!”

She offered her hand for Gotham to take, but both of his hands were occupied with mine and the duffel bag he was carrying. Para naman hindi bastos sa babae, ako ang nakipagkamay sa kanya.

“Walang anuman, masaya si Russle na kasama ang friends niya. Ako nga pala si Agnes Filantropi, kapatid ko si Russle. S’yempre, ang asawa ko, si Gotham.” I smiled at her. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Ashley.”

Ngumiti naman siya pero hindi abot sa langit kagaya ng pagngiti niya sa asawa ko.

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Gotham. His eyes were sparkling with that teasing expression. Pasimple ko naman siyang inirapan.

Tumakbo sa amin si Russle kasunod ang mga kaklase niya na ipinakilala sa amin one by one. All their names sounded expensive. Halos lahat naman mayaman sa school na pinapasukan niya.

We were interrupted by the staffs instructing everyone to follow them which we obliged. The kids ran towards the cruise ship with supervision. Nakasunod naman kaming matatanda sa kanila.

“He’s so happy,” Gotham commented pertaining to my brother.

I nodded, smiling.

“Excuse me, can you help me with our luggage?”

Nang lumingon ako sa gawi nang nagsalita, it was Ashton’s mom. She was specifically seeking Gotham’s attention to help her. Pinuntahan siya ng staff upang tulungan pero hindi niya tinanggap ang assistance nito.

Our eyes met, she smiled at me. Nginitian ko rin siya pabalik. “Kailangan mo ng tulong?” tanong ko matapos niyang tanggihan ang staff.

She nodded.

Kumalas naman ako sa pagkakahawak ng kamay naming dalawa ni Gotham. He looked taken aback. Nagsalubong ang kilay nito.

Pinuntahan ko ang babae, binuhat ko ang luggage nitong dala. It was heavy. Pang-isang linggo yata ang damit na nasa luggage. Mabuti na lang sanay akong magbuhat ng bagay na mabibigat.

I jogged towards Gotham. Kinuha ko ang kanyang kamay at muli kaming nagsabay sa paglalakad.

“Give me that luggage, I’ll carry that for you.” His forehead was creased.

“Ayos lang, kaya ko namang dalhin.”

He didn’t say a thing, but he looked annoyed.

I wouldn’t let him carry the luggage. Nakaramdam ako ng inis sa hindi ko maipaliwanag na dahilan. I just found it weird that the woman refused the staff’s service and wanted my husband to carry her luggage.

Imbes na si Gotham ang magdala, ako na lang ang nagpresentang dalhin ang bagahe ng babae.

I want this weekend to be memorable for my brother. His happiness is our top priority.

As much as possible, I want to be a decent human being with our guests. Kaya ko namang itago ang inis ko. I would contain my annoyance with her attempts of flirting with a married man — married to me.

“Dean, carry that luggage. It’s not my wife’s responsibility,” utos ni Gotham sa isa sa mga tauhan niya.

Before I could even react, the luggage was taken away from me.

“Kaya ko namang buhatin iyon,” Ngumuso ako.

He stared at me with a serious expression. “I know, sweetheart. I let you carry your things because you’re stubborn not to let me most of the time even if I don’t want to. I wouldn’t let someone think it’s okay for them to take you for granted. We have people to help them.”

To lessen his annoyance, I tiptoed to kiss him on the cheek. Nagbuhat lang ako, galit naman agad siya.

Pinagmasdan ko kung paanong nabura ang pagkakakunot ng kanyang noo. He looked away to hide the redness of his face. Safe to say, my kiss was effective. Mas lalo niyang hinigpitan ang magkahugpo naming mga daliri.

My free hand travelled to his lower muscled abdomen to tickle him, but he was unaffected and looked smugly at me. Inirapan ko siya, hindi ko na napigilan ang pagngiti ko.

We were ushered to our cabins. Each of our visitors have their own cabin in the cruise ship.

It was a huge one with a fantastic view. Sigurado akong iyon ang pinakamalaking cabin ng cruise ship, I know Gotham well. He also had a cabin for the kids to share if they wanted to have sleepover on one room.

There were lots of complimentary goods on the bed. Dumako ako sa glass wall ng kwarto, hinawi ko ang kurtina at naglakbay ang mata ko sa kabuuan ng tanawin.

Nawala ang agam – agam ko nitong nakaraan pati ang stress ko sa exams. Gotham’s decision to bring us here was totally right.

“Like it?” Pumulupot ang kanyang kamay sa aking baywang.

I nodded and turned around to face him. “Thanks, handsome.”

He shook his head. “Don’t tease me like that.”

“Like what?” pagmamaang – maangan ko. As much as I was naive before, I knew exactly what he meant.

Bago pa siya nakasagot, umalingawngaw ang doorbell ng cabin. I saw a glimpse of disappointment on his face that made me laugh. Tinanggal ko ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa baywang ko, naglakad ako patungo sa pinto ng cabin.

I was greeted with a familiar face, it was Ashley, Ashton’s mom, together with other parental figure of Russle’s classmates.

“Hi, what do you need?” I asked in a friendly manner. Ngumiti ako sa kanila.

“We haven’t formally met, my dear!” A middle-aged woman kissed both of my cheeks. “I’m Sophie Sullivan, Jared’s my grandson. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Oh, it’s my husband you should thank.”

I was never conscious with my English speaking accent before, but meeting these wealthy parents and grandparents made me wonder.

“I’m Wynona,” the other woman introduced herself.

Nakipagkamay naman ako at nagpakilala din.

“Can we come in?” Ashley asked me.

“No, sorry. We haven’t settled in yet, medyo magulo pa ang kuwarto.”

“Right. Give them some privacy, Ash.” Mrs. Sullivan smiled. “We’ll leave you for now. Let’s have lunch later together with the kids, and of course, your husband.” She winked at me.

“Sure, we would love that.” I waved at them as they turned back from our suite.

Isinara ko ang pinto at napangiwi ako.

“Do I sound trying hard whenever I speak the foreign language?” tanong ko sa asawa ko nang makalapit ako.

His face grimaced. “What’s wrong with trying hard? Did they tell you that? You sound perfectly good, Fili.”

“Hindi naman. I just wondered, you know.” Nilakad ko ang munting distansya sa pagitan naming dalawa. Hinawakan ko ang magkabila niyang pisngi. “Stop being annoyed. Mag-enjoy tayo, okay? No one was messing with me. If they do, I can handle them just fine.”

He sighed and nodded.

“Your call, sweetheart.”

“Nakalimutan mo yatang gangster ako.” I said and he chuckled.

***

Lunch time came.

Sila ang pumili ng restaurant. The kids were already having a blast. Agad na kumaway sa akin si Russle nang makita niya ako. The other kids also greeted me. Gotham was still sleeping in our room, I didn’t bother waking him up knowing he was tired after taking me to heaven several times.

My brother was busy the whole morning to even disturb us in the cabin, we had it for ourselves tasting each other.

I was tired as well, but I already agreed to lunch.

Nag-iwan lang ako ng note sa bedside table sakaling magising siya at hanapin ako.

Tumakbo si Russle sa direksyon ko. He was grinning widely, I just knew how much he enjoyed with his friends. Masaya akong masaya siya. Palagi.

“Sobrang enjoy ba?” I asked him.

“Opo, ate! Saan si kuya bayaw?”

“Natutulog pa, pagod.” Ginulo ko ang kanyang buhok. “Sige na, kumain na kayo.”

I just dressed casually with my shorts and loose shirt. It was definitely out of place seeing how well-dressed the ladies were. Ashley was wearing a sexy, backless dress. Mrs. Sullivan was sophisticated with her summer-themed outfit. Hindi rin nagpatalo si Wynona.

Maybe, I should have wore something nice. In my defense, I just woke up. Nagmadali pa ako upang kitain sila.

“Hello! Asan ang iba?” I asked as I approached them.

They all looked at me from head to toe. Sophie cleared her throat.

“What do you mean about others, dear?”

“Iyong kasama noong ibang kids, hindi ba natin sila iimbitahin?”

“Oh, the maids? Do we have to invite the maids?” Wynona’s eyes widened. “We’re fine to ourselves, Agnes. Right, girls?”

They nodded looking horrified with a bit of disgust with the idea.

I felt a searing flavor in my mouth. Parang nawalan ako ng ganang kumain o makihalubilo sa kanila.

“We’re just really waiting for you and your husband. Oh, by the way, where’s Mr. Arkinson?” Ashley was the one who asked me.

“He was sleeping.” Maikli kong sagot.

“Oh, a shame. I was looking forward — I mean, we’re looking forward to meet him.” She laughed. “Shall we order? I’m getting hungry.”

“Sure,” I nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go to the restroom.”

Tumayo naman ako ng hindi hinintay ang kanilang sagot.

I walked towards the restroom for the time being I was thinking of how to ditch them. They are not the type of people I want to associate myself with. Hindi na ako bumalik ng table nila matapos kung tumungo sa restroom.

Nag-ikot ikot ako sa kabuuan ng cruise ship ng mag-isa. I was able to really enjoy the scenery on my own. Everyone’s spirits was lively that added to my mood.

After enjoying a time for myself, I went back to our cabin to invite my husband for lunch. If he was still asleep, I would just wait for him to wake up. It was already a bad idea that I went on my own to meet with the ladies.

Nakasalubong ko ang ibang guardians ng mga bata, binati ko ang mga ito at pinaalalahanang kumain nang lunch. Sagot naman ni Gotham ang lahat ng expenses sa ship, hindi nila kailangang mag-worry.

I opened the cabin using my keycard. Naabutan ko ang asawa kong nakatapis ang tuwalya, kagagaling lang nito sa shower. His brow rose seeing me back in the room.

Hindi ko na itinanggi ang paninitig ko. It was obvious I was eyeing him from head to toe.

“I thought you’re having a lunch with the other parents and guardians of Russle’s friends, did something happen?” He stopped in the middle of what he was doing to question me.

Umiling naman ako saka ngumiwi. “I don’t want to pretend I like them anymore, or I want them to like me. Is that bad?” Naupo ako sa gilid ng kama. “Magkaiba kami ng interest sa buhay, hindi kami magkakasundo,” dagdag ko pa.

“Not at all, sweetheart.” He smiled sheepishly. “You don’t have to like them. You don’t need to please them. They don’t have to like you. But I do, I like you.”

“Hindi ko akalaing cheese corn ka.” Hindi ko na pinigilan ang pagngiti ko. “Imbes na sayangin ko ang oras sa kanila, let’s have lunch. Nagugutom na ako matapos mo akong pagurin kanina.”

He chuckled and removed the towel covering his glorious shaft. Itinapon niya iyon sa gilid ng cabin at itinulak ako sa ibabaw ng kama upang paibabawan.

“Do you want a part two? I’ll make sure you won’t walk after.”

Ang yabang ng ngisi niya!

“Eh, sino ba sa atin ang tulog na tulog pagkatapos ng ilang rounds? Talo ka nga.” I stuck my tongue out, and let out a victorious laugh.

Sumabay naman siya sa pagtawa ko. We laughed like it was the funniest thing we heard. He didn’t even defend his glory. Tumawa lang kaming dalawa. It was therapeutic for me.

“Isa lang, Gotham. Tapos kumain tayo ng lunch pagkatapos,” sinabi ko sa kanya.

“No, sweetheart. You have to eat first. My desire to take you can wait until I know you’re full and have the energy to withstand my thrusts.” Kumindat pa ang loko.

Umayos siya ng tayo at inalalayan naman ako paupo. His fucking cock was hanging in between his thigh, fully erect. “I’ll get your clothes, anong gusto mong isuot?”

“Up to you, sweetheart. Dress me something that matches with your outfit.”

“Ayos lang sa’yo ang shorts?” tanong ko.

He nodded.

I got him a short and a polo shirt. Terno ang kulay ng suot naming dalawa.

We really looked like a couple with a matching fit. We looked nice in the mirror and he asked to take a couple of shots. Pumayag naman ako. We took the boring shots with boring poses and the silly ones. The next thing I knew, it was already his wallpaper.

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