《Her Raging Flame [English Version]》


 Chapter 1

    I surveyed the whole crowd from where I was standing on the second floor of the La Vida club, a famous brothel frequented by men of high social status who are looking for high-ss prostitutes, escorts and the highlight of them all-the virgins.


    I was looking down, my hands are gripping the icy-cold railings while my other hand held a wine ss which contained my favorite drink, Teso La Monja, a famous brand of wine imported from Spain.


    I am observing the ce and looking for someone among the throng of men seated on the high chairs worthy of myself. I¡¯m searching for someone different other than these men who shamelessly lust at me.


    Not that I¡¯mining. If I were to be asked, I couldn¡¯t find anything from these men that surround me. All of them are filthy rich. CEOs, politicians, athletes, name any rich guy and you will definitely find him here.


    When ites to physical appearance, you cannot ask for anything from them. Recently, a famous model from the Middle East who was dubbed as the most handsome in the world has personally came here to bid for me. He was deported from his country because people especially the female poption cannot concentrate every time they see him. He even bid me a million dors but I turned down his offer only because I did not feel anything for him.


    For my current position now, feelings and emotions should be the least of my concern but I am Feme Alcantara, the queen of all the ¡°nymphs¡± as they all call us. Just like how the great Zeus desire these Greek creatures, so does these men below me will do anything, bet anything to get a taste of us as if we are just products in a market on sale.


    If others were selling their grit and brain prowess, I chose to market myself, my body in short. Some boast their skills in academic fields but here, we go down and show these guys our bed skills. We hold them in the palm of our hands and y at them. Every moan, gasp and cry of pleasure is music to our ears.


    I have all the options in the world. No one can force me to give myself to anyone unless I find him worthy. One of the perks of bearing this surname.


    ¡°What are you doing here, pretty? The bidding will about to start in an hour from now and yet you are still not fully dressed,¡± said the voice on my back. The owner of the voice stood next to me and took the wine goblet from my hand.


    I snatched back the ss away from his hand and drank all the liquid in it. My eyes went back to the men below. ¡°Please let me be, Chino. You know me. It has been like some sort of ritual to me. I always do this in every auction.¡±


    ¡°Are you still looking for him? My, my dear Feme. When will you stop all this nonsense? You are restricting yourself from tasting all these delicious men with big and equally delectable dicks for what? For your stupid superstitious beliefs? Oh please! It¡¯s just absurd. You are absurd.¡± His long and colorful newly-painted nails flicked in the air.


    ¡°I know. I know my dear. I know I¡¯m pathetic. You don¡¯t have to stress it because I myself is aware of it. But Chino, I can smell it in the air. I know he is definitelying for me. I can smell him. Just another fraction of waiting and I will finally meet the man who deserves my freshness and tightness.¡±  I paired it up with a seductiveugh to make it more convincing.


    I saw him rolled his eyes at me. ¡°Whatever. It¡¯s your life. I don¡¯t care anymore if one day, your coochie stops producing mayonnaise. It¡¯s all on you. I warned you already. You can¡¯t possibly put the me on me when that timees.¡±


    I heartilyughed at what he said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I am a duly member of my beloved girl scoutmunity. I always bring something in case my rebellious pussy starts to act up. And besides, I am a very resourceful and creative individual. And I still have my saliva in case you forgot!¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    We bothughed in unison and yfully shook our hands together.


    ¡°You¡¯re so witty, Feme! You are really something. Had I not known that you have never been kissed and never been touched, no one will believe that you are as fresh as a freshly-caught fish in the sea. You do not speak like a typical inexperienced virgin!¡±


    ¡°Ah, stop it! There you go with your double standards again! Do you mean to say that there are sets of things that are expected for you to say if you are a virgin? Do you really have to act like a very gentle woman? Do I have to wear a specific type of clothing to prove that I am really one? And what¡¯s with that thinking? Do they think that all virgins are as demure and slow-witted who doesn¡¯t know how to use the Inte? Girl, stop saying that please! Don¡¯t put our federation in shame!¡± I eximed.


    ¡°I know, alright? You are too reactive. Okay, okay. I¡¯m sorry. You are now the epitome of a modern woman, the woman of the world,¡± he surrendered.


    ¡°Uh-uh. You forgot something.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not just a woman of the world. In fact, I call myself a hooker of the world.¡±


    ¡°And care to tell me why?¡±

 Chapter 2

    I looked at the grand chandelier hanging on the ceiling that is shining because of its own blinding embellishmentsing from the big expensive precious stones that are designed around it. The lights from the big circr bulb on each of the sides of the building also cast a glow on it.


    ¡°Because life fucks me big time,¡± I muttered softly.


    ¡°Ay! Holy guacamole cow! Feme! Herees the man that will tear away all of my collection of Victoria¡¯s Secret panty! Girl, look at him!¡± said Chino who I doubt if what I said registered to him. He did not look at me because he was so busy gawking at the guy who is meters away from us.


    Chino seemed like hyperventting because of his muffled shouts while moving his body in a very awkward manner. His hand is on his mouth while stomping his feet on the floor. I just rolled my eyes at his sight.


    Herees the most difficult and arrogant guy I ever know-none other than the great Maverick Fuentebe, the infamous business tycoon and a hotel magnate.


    ¡°Girl! He will make all the famous actors today quit their careers. He will give all those models and hunk actors a run for their money. I don¡¯t really know why you are still able to reject a man like him. I mean, look at his body. And don¡¯t forget to look at the thing between his legs! Girl, it¡¯s like you won in a lottery if you¡¯ll able to taste that perfection.¡±


    ¡°Can you please stop sexualizing every man you see, Chino?¡±


    At the back of my mind, I can¡¯t help but notice all he¡¯s pointing out about the virile man who is just meters away from us. He¡¯s gracefully walking through groups of people while wearing that certain air of confidence on his shoulders. Damn, the man got undeniable charms.


    He¡¯s wearing a casual jeans and ck shirts underneath the ck leather jacket paired with Versace sneakers. I saw him took off his jacket and casually put on the back of the high chair leaving me a view of his muscr arms. Those strong arms would surely make a perfect heat pack during cold seasons. He¡¯s hot. Period.


    When I first met Maverick during an auction, I thought he earned those muscles from going to the gym and working out just like most of the men here. I only get to know the truth when Chino told me about Maverick¡¯s way of things. Mr. Fuentebe is a daredevil. He does dangerous stuff for entertainment. He likes rock climbing, drag racing, off-road activities and the likes. I also heard he¡¯s into military trainings these days. No wonder he looks so fit and oh so yummy.


    ¡°Do you need a tissue? Girl, you¡¯re drooling,¡± Chino teased me.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m just admiring his physique, that¡¯s all,¡± I answered defensively.


    ¡°You are really stupid. Why did you even let that opportunity pass? You should have gripped it as tight as you can the moment it was given to you. Girl, he can take you to literal cloud nine and seventh heaven. Think about it, he¡¯ll give you multiple orgasms plus thousands of dors. What more can you ask for?¡±


    ¡°He is just like any man who offered me the same thing. In fact, Senator Vsco¡¯s bid is higher than him.  So why should I pick him over those men? Tell me Chino. What makes him different from all of them? He¡¯s just like all of them.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you came here for, Feme girl? You are here to sell yourself so why are youining? You know what kind of industry you are entering the moment you signed the contract. You better swallow hard because there¡¯s no turning back, pretty girl,¡± he reminded me.


    I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that? Of course I know what I came here for. As I¡¯ve said earlier, I¡¯m just waiting for the right time, the perfect opportunity-the best man whom I will give my all. Come to think of it, did you notice that not once did our boss force me to be with any man here unlike other virgins?  It is because I have be an attraction in this big precious club. The more I reject men, the more my value goes up as a nymph. Men continue to flock this venue to take a look at me, entice me with their money, and then try to lure me in their beds. It has be more of like a challenge; a kind of thrill these men are very willing to take head on and everyone knows that our boss is very much aware about it. She¡¯s a businesswoman for a reason, Chino and as far as I¡¯m seeing, she¡¯s loving every second of it.¡±


    I gave a meaningful look at the bar area of the club where our boss is seated on the high stool while talking to a bouncer. She¡¯s signaling the start of the program.


    ¡°You know Feme, sometimes I think to myself that you don¡¯t really belong in here. You¡¯re too intelligent for this industry. You are like a diamond in the rough. Why don¡¯t you leave this ce and find another source of ie? I¡¯m sure you can find a better job other than this.¡±


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong with being in the sex industry? Why would I leave when I know I¡¯m good at this? Seducing billionaire men is quite of a job, Chino.¡±


    He went silent for a second.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. If I maypare it, girls like you earn much more money whenpared to other professionals.¡±


    ¡°Nah, no need forparison. I salute all of them. We all have our own pieces of role we need to y in this system.¡±


    My gaze went back to the table. It¡¯s as if there is a maic attraction that pulls me back to the direction of Maverick. My heart skipped a beat when I caught him staring at me, too. He grinned and winked at me.


    I raised my ss as a form of greeting.


    ¡°But be honest with me, pretty. You are attracted to him the first time he approached you. You were just turned-off because of the way heid down his proposal.¡±


    ¡°Hmmmm.¡± I shrugged my shoulders and turned my back.


    ¡°Come Chino. Help me get dressed. The queen¡¯s about to im her throne again.¡±


    ¡°Right away, madam!¡±

 Chapter 3

    I nced back to the balcony part of the club where Feme was standing earlier. I still caught the sight of her sexy back before shepletely disappeared into the darkness. I bet she¡¯s getting ready for the biddingter.


    I drank the liquor in my ss in one gulp. Herees this very familiar feeling again every time I see Feme lingering around. The emotion is too strong I am certain that I have never felt this way to other women. Not until I saw her one day sitting inside one of the sses looking like a broken doll in her signature stoic cold face. It¡¯s precisely why I bid for her that night. She instantly caught my attention like no other people in my life has ever done. The feeling of longing, sadness, and nostalgia hovered around me when I caught a glimpse of her face.


    And why does she make me feel so warm inside? As if I can only feel this weird emotion whenever she¡¯s around. If only she epted my offer, then I don¡¯t have to keep on guessing. My curiosity and desire for her will be answered the moment I¡¯m done with her. It is just regretful that she did not wee my hearty arrangement. That could have ended this unnamed feeling I am having right now.


    It is still just a question in the air for me when the boss of the club cannot seem to do anything when Feme refused me out rightly. She just shook her head and closed the ss door.


    Damn that woman for rejecting my offer.


    ¡°Dude, you¡¯re shootingsers. You got any problem?¡± Cholo asked when he noticed my uncanny silence. He pressed the end of the cigarette into the ash tray, leaned on the chair, and threw me a look.


    ¡°He¡¯s just having tantrums because he just got dumped by Feme in his face. That girl even had the gall to p him right infront of everybody duringst month¡¯s bidding. If only you were here, you could have seen the look on his face after that resounding p is priceless. The best! The first I saw in ages that a girl rejected him,¡± Luther teased me.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°Whoa, man! That was unexpected! What a missed opportunity to record it. I could have seen that explosive spectacle!¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up, you two! She was just putting an act. Maybe she wanted me to raise my bid for her. She must be thinking I would pour more money on her but I¡¯m not buying it. She¡¯s not even special. What makes her different from the other girls here? There are far prettier and sexier girls than her,¡± I sneered.


    The shame I felt when she pped me in front of everybody is still fresh in my mind. The feel of her smooth hand on my face still lingers in my memory. The way it leaves soft tingly emotion in my being up until now just added to my annoyance.


    ¡°But damn, man. That girl is really a bomb. If only I have a different preference when ites to the kind of women I went to bed with, then I could have bid for her, too. I just don¡¯t really like virgins. They are a pain in the ass. They are far more emotional in the morning. I hate drama,¡± Luther added and reached for a bottle on the table and poured at his ss.


    ¡°Come to think of it, Maverick never liked virgins even we were in college. What happened now?¡± Cholo asked me curiously.


    I grimaced at his question. ¡°Are we really talking about my preference of women here? Did I ask why you prefer exhibitionist?¡± I asked him back.


    ¡°I like adventurous women in my bed, man. I liked to be dominated sometimes. I want mydy to be giving me the same pleasure as what I¡¯m giving her. Everything is fair in love and in bed.¡± Heughed tauntingly.


    ¡°I see you still have hang-ups for Karina.¡± I smiled to myself when I got the kind of reaction I wanted from him. Someone is still living in the past, I see. His face became dark and foreboding while drinking the liquor from the bottle itself.


    ¡°You hit a sensitive nerve, Maverick,¡± Luther reminded me.


    I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°So does he.¡±


    Cholo cleared his throat. ¡°Karina was never a sensitive spot for me. At least, she never did reject me just like how Feme did to you.¡± It¡¯s his turn to sh those annoying smile.


    I gritted my teeth.


    ¡°Woah, man. We¡¯re not here to fight. We¡¯re here to enjoy the night. You guys just chill,¡± Luther said to stop our bickering.


    I heaved out a sigh to control my temper. I know how bad would it go if I didn¡¯t rein my emotions. ¡°No, I¡¯m good man.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Cholo assured us.


    I gulped at my ss. I nced impatiently at the small elevated stage in the center of the club. I¡¯m getting quite impatient at the start of the bidding. I want someone novice tonight who could quench my lust and so much more. I can¡¯t wait to get my hands into someone who is deliciously beautiful, inexperienced, and timid. An image of the girl floated in my mind. No, not her. She is definitely beautiful, inexperienced but she is no timid. The woman in my head is feisty in a very strong way. I don¡¯t like her types. I prefer submissive women in my bed.


    Another moment passed before the lights concentrated at the center stage of La Vida club.  The spot lights became dimmed and the flirty music filled the air.


    My temperature rose up. The thought of another pure woman to warm my bed tonight turns me on instantly.


    ¡°The show¡¯s about to start. May the best bidder win, gentlemen.¡± Cholo stood up first who is then followed by Luther.


    I stayed in my seat and opened up another bottle. I raised it at their direction.


    ¡°Enjoy your turn. My favorite installment will be on thest minute. The best part of this show is indeed in thest part.¡±


    The two justughed before they left me to drink by myself. Those scumbags. They are too soft for a fuck. I tilted my ss and drank it one full fashion. The bitter burning taste traveled down from my mouth down to my stomach where it created a nice calming effect to help my nerves calm down for a bit. I stared at the little clear residue in the ss.


    ¡°You¡¯re so clear yet you make one¡¯s mind cloudy.¡±


    Sill holding the ss on my hand, I nced at the part of the club where I saw the woman earlier. I was hoping to see her again to my amazement. When did I be like this especially to a woman like her? And most importantly, when did a woman spelled trouble in my whole life?


    The balcony¡¯s empty. The woman is also not in sight. I sighed.


    No matter how hard I try to tell myself that I am not affected with her, but the ring truth that something deep within me has been awaken by the feisty woman is keeping my nights upied. It¡¯s not just pride or my macho bravado. I don¡¯t know what do I call this strange feeling because it¡¯s the first time I¡¯m feeling this. And it¡¯s not love at first sight and all that cheesy things woman believes. I know it¡¯s deeper than that.


    ¡°Just what the heck are you doing with me, woman.¡±

 Chapter 4

    I tugged at the helm of my see-through silver nightgown as I surveyed myself in the full-length mirror inside the exclusive room in the club that is intended for me. I look majestic with the way the flimsy material of the night slip hugged my curves in the right proportion.


    I let my ck hair down to cover my whole exposed back. The gown is a backless transparent halter-styled one and I¡¯m not wearing any bra inside so anyone can have a free viewing of my perky nipples beneath the gown which leaves nothing to the imagination of everyone. My breasts were in full view down to my waist and hips all and all the way down to my creamy thighs. I¡¯m wearing a redcy panty just enough to cover my femininity which is something my gown which reached my ankle failed to do. I put on a strappy ck sandals and as always, I¡¯m good to go.


    I reached for the ck coat in the dresser and pulled it on me. I went in front of the vanity mirror and sat down at the ergonomic chair. I studied my face. It is devoid of any make-up except for a bright red lipstick that is dabbed on my luscious lips. The clients prefer us to be bare-faced so that they will know if we are a great deal or not. They say looks matter but I never realized the extent of that saying until I came here. I puckered my lips and ran my tongue over it.


    ¡°This night will be fun. I can feel it.¡±


    I put a smug face before ncing on my appearance at the mirror and heading for the door. I quickly nced at Chino who is now leaning his back on the wall just outside of the room. His silence is questionable all throughout our travel unlike earlier where he practically froths and wriggles at the very sight of Maverick. Speaking of that man, will he bid for me again?


    I grinned. Well, he can bid for me again. Actually, he can always bid for me every time he got the chance so I can also make him taste the wonderful feeling of being rejected again and again. Come to think of it, I want him to try to bid for me so that he can bask in his second painful rejection in his life alling from the samedy. That would definitely feel great on my ego. Imagine having the privilege to smack his handsome face twice. Heaven.


    We went down the steps from the third floor to the second floor where the bidding usually takes ce. The whole floor is all filled with ss cubicles which are covered with ss panels which served as the main partition from one room to the other.  The boss designed the rooms this way for the sake of the clients and for our safety.


    When the boss signals, the clients can walk around and pick the girl they want. The boss will name the price of each virgin. The men will then start to bid for the woman. The highest money on the table will get the girl if ever more than one wanted the samedy. Whoever wins the bidding will have the right to enter the ss cubicle and talk to the girl. If all is settled, then the man can take thedy out of the ss.


    The cheque should be given first to the boss before any man could take out the girl outside the premises of the club. There are no private rooms in the club. No sex is allowed here.


    ¡°Chino, why the sudden drop of energy? Come on, my friend, indulge your mistress.¡± I mischievouslyughed.


    ¡°Feme I¡­¡±


    I stopped walking when I sensed the hesitation in his voice. I turned towards him.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Instead of answering me, he stepped closer and whispered in my ears. My eyes lit up when I heard about the news. My mouth gaped open as I think about the times I have to deal with that monster.


    ¡°Really? Then how can you exin what happened yesterday?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. The boss is in a tight rope right now so you should be extra careful. He is nning to trap you, Feme!¡±


    Iughed out the fear that is creeping in me. ¡°Chino, you have been with me from the very first time that I stepped my feet in this ce months ago. You should know by now how formidable and fearless I am. You can¡¯t scare me with that unfounded threats. I eat threats for breakfast. Now revert back to the bubbly Chino I know. I will need that. I heard Mr. Samontino is here again.¡±


    I almost vomited when I remembered the face of that nasty old freaking man who bid for mest month. Eww. I cannot even picture his face in my mind. He¡¯s just in disgusting. A pedophile on the look for another minors to stake. He even bid for me assuming that I¡¯m a minor. Sorry for him, but I¡¯m not buying any of his advances.


    With that thought in mind, I can¡¯t help but think of him again. When would that man who I have been looking for the longest time appear in this club? I am getting bored at waiting for him for months now.


    We reached the second floor of the club. I don¡¯t have to find my booth because it is the first one amongst the tens of booths that are lined alphabetically. It has my name stered on a golden namete which was pasted just above the door frame. I stared at the ss table inside with two ss chairs on both of the end. My hands trembled in mixed emotion as I tightened my hold of my coat.


    ¡°Chino?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Feme.¡±


    ¡°See you in the third floor.¡±


    Without looking back, I entered the ss door and sat on the ss chair. Gathering my so-called courage within my fingertips, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. I put my hands on the ss table with my palms on it feeling its seething cold surface.


    I breathed deeply for few more time to calm my raging nerves. I should have been used to it by now. I am doing it every week for months now but still, nothing has changed. My senses are still in haywire. Nothing will make me prepare for this. Not even my steel-like appearance I want to project.


    My attention went to the girl from the other room just adjacent to mine. The girl looks so young. She must have been in her early twenties. Perhaps she¡¯s eighteen or neen. The club doesn¡¯t ept underage. It is stipted in the contract that you have to be in the right age and in your own right mind to enter this world.


    Setting aside my own fears, I stared at her innocent face. She is very nervous. I can tell by how her eyes wandered around the ce and how her hands shook in herp. I¡¯m sure as hell she¡¯se from a wealthy family. Her skin, demeanor, and looks gave it away. I wonder how she got here.


    Ah, it¡¯s either her family got bankrupt and that she badly needed money or she ran away from her home to escape an arranged wedding. I knew it because that has been the constant reasons of the girls who came here knocking on the door at dawn.


    I stretched my arms forward and settled my face on the table. Iid my forehead on the table and the cold almost chilly feel of the ss sent me a nice memory from when the time that I would casually feel this familiar coldness by swimming in my favorite river. I shut my eyes and breathed another long one in the hopes that somehow, I could reconcile myself with what¡¯s about toe.


    My heart jumped from its cage when the very familiar buzz filled the air. The lights went off and the red, almost bloody light was turned on.


    The bidding is now starting. Time to kill another set of birds in one stone.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

 Chapter 5

    I straightened my back and arranged the hem of my gown to hide the overexposure of my skin though there is really nothing to hide given its cut and style. I just did it out of nowhere.


    I put on the mask of the clown and waited for the hunters. Here they go with their bloated ego again. These men hunt down a prey and then take it down as if it¡¯s the game of chase between a cat and a mouse. They are deliberately there with their proud muscled chest peering us down using their nk cheques.


    A secondter, I saw the first batch of men approaching us as if we were just pretty things inside a beautifully-crafted ss cages. Some are holding a ss of wine and a cigarette on their mouth. Some are walking around with their hands inside their pants and their piercing eyes on us.


    I caught the eyes of a man in his early-thirties. I studied his appearance. He¡¯s handsome. He¡¯s not like the other men in his ranks in terms of physical appearance. He¡¯s just your average handsome neighbor type of guy.


    Is he the one I¡¯ve been looking for? He¡¯s different. I don¡¯t feel any emotion from him. I don¡¯t feel threatened and aroused just like how I feel for that son-of-a-bitch.


    Maybe he is the one I have been waiting for. He is different from all the men on his side. He just looks like your regr male specie whom you can run down the street. He stands out in the crowd because of his simplicity in the midst of theserger than life men who no longer impress me. And now he has given me a glimpse of another recipe. Maybe with this guy, I can finally do it.


    I almost lost my cool when he dropped his eyes on me and moved on to another cubicle which revealed the man behind him. The man is casually leaning on the wall with his arms crossed on his chest. His eyes were on me so I stayed still and stared at him, too. I¡¯mpetitive. If he wants some staring contest, then I will dly give in to what he wanted. Without losing our game of stares, I saw him say something under his breath and then a man in a formal suit approached him. Maverick got something from his pocket and handed the thing to the man.


    I followed his hand when it went to his pocket to get something. A key. He gave his car key to the waiting man who in turn, gave it to a man on standby. Shocked crossed my eyes when I realized one thing. I just lost. I red at him out of annoyance. He just winked at me.


    He slowly walked to the cubicle as if he¡¯s taking all the time in the world. Hezily opened the door, sat on the chair, and crossed his legs. He eyed me curiously.


    I snorted. ¡°I thought men are prideful. Kudos for youing at me to receive yet your another rejection. Mr. Fuentebe, you won¡¯t have me. Period.¡±


    I crossed my legs in ce and folded my arms on my chest. His eyes traveled to my bosom down to my legs. He did not bother to conceal the lust on his eyes. I even think he¡¯s proud of it.


    ¡°What is it with you, Feme? What¡¯s inside that pretty head of yours? What¡¯s with your feisty personality? You think you¡¯re invincible? Then why are you in a brothel? You think you¡¯re special just because you¡¯re beautiful? Then why just spoil yourself here? What is it with you, huh?¡±


    I smirked. Without blinking, I put my elbows on the table and twined my hands and then settled my chin on top of it.


    ¡°What is it with you Maverick if you¡¯ll know what¡¯s inside my pretty head? Will you be satisfied if I tell you that I am here to show you men of power that you cannot get everything you wanted?¡± I taunted him.


    He didn¡¯t flinch in my hot words. ¡°Who said about men in power getting everything they want? Certainly, it¡¯s not me so I¡¯m technically out of that group you¡¯re referring to so I definitely have the chance to have you.¡± He shrugged his shoulders afterwards. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely have you, Feme.¡±


    The way he mumbles my name sends shivers down my spine.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I don¡¯t like about people like you. You talked as if the world revolves around you. You talked as if we, themoners, do not have the right to refuse the wishes of the kinds like you because guess what? Something will happen to us if we do. I hate people who impose their beliefs on others and I hate people who force their ways upon people.¡±


    ¡°And I have all the qualities you just mentioned. Great. Now look who¡¯s putting words on the mouth of others. I won¡¯t defend myself because that¡¯s beside the point why I¡¯m here. The logic is simple, Feme. You put yourself in sale and I¡¯m a willing buyer. Name your price and I  will buy you right away. Get your money which is the reason why you¡¯re here and then let me satisfy my cravings for you. That¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°And who told you that I¡¯m only here for money alone? Did it ever cross your mind that perhaps I¡¯m here for a higher purpose? Like reject you week after week? How¡¯s that, huh?¡± I smiled.


    Maverick froze for a second in his seat. It must have been only a product of my imagination because the next time I blinked, he is sporting that same flirty dangerous smile again.


    ¡°Reject me week after week, huh. That¡¯s how crazy you think I am for you? Well, you¡¯re absolutely right on the crazy part but I¡¯m not sure about the next week¡¯s rejection. You said it yourself. It came straight from your mouth that I force things to go my way. Now that¡¯s a good observation. Let me test if it¡¯s feasible and if it does, you¡¯re the first one to fall in the trap.¡±


    He stood up and went to me like how a predator stalks its prey. My mind wentzy for a second but when I realized what he¡¯s doing, I stood up to get away from him but it¡¯s toote already. He trapped me in my seat using his arms. My eyes widened as I meet his dark, brooding eyes that are looking at me as if he could ravish me in a minute. His lips were slightly open. I can already feel the heat emanating from him. can now smell his raspberry mouth and his fruity aftershave. Who the fuck smells this nice and colorful? I pushed him away when he crushed my body to his while still having an eye contact with me.


    I frantically looked to the door to ask for a help.


    ¡°Don¡¯t attempt. I paid for this. My Maserati won¡¯t be spared for nothing. Now let me get a taste of what I paid for.¡±N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    He leaned over to me to kiss me when the lights went green. The bidding is ending. He was frozen in his feet and then slowly, he retracted his body backward. I breathed a sigh of relief. I shot him a ring look. I really thought he was going to walk out of the room but then I went panicking again when he fished for my chin and gripped it tightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re scared.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± I said with conviction.


    ¡°Then why are you shaking, hmmm?¡±


    I tried everything to look him in the eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Our faces just inches from each other. His breath fanning my face.


    ¡°Still feisty and ready for another round of fire, woman? Maybe some other time. I still need to get my car. I don¡¯t want to walk home.¡±


    He slowly released me from his grip. I took three big steps backward to free myself form his arresting presence. I let out a breath. I just realized that I am holding my breath since he entered the room. Absentmindedly, I hugged myself. My hand sought my heart which is beating rapidly.


    ¡°See you next week, Fem.¡± I still heard him said in those annoying husky voice.


    His back is thest thing I saw before hepletely disappeared in my sight.


    ¡°Damn, what just happened. My calctions were wrong. This night was never fun at all.¡±

 Chapters 6

    Fast cars, fast women, fast life. This is the kind of life I¡¯ve been living since time immemorial. At the age of 27 years old, I pretty got everything money can buy. I got houses, cars, condos, properties here and abroad, yachts and other material things. Name a shy thing, I have it. I also have expanded my chains of hotels in every part of the country and in other parts of Asian countries. I am also nning to put up branches in Europe. It¡¯s a joint program with another Philippine-ownedpany. I need them because it takes a great maneuver to prate their market. Thepetition there is very tight and upscale. There are morepetitors there than here.


    ¡°Mr. Fuentebe, here¡¯s your car key.¡± The man who approached me earlier handed me back my keys. I epted it and put them in my pockets.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    I turned around towards the stairs that leads to the way out of the ground floor of the club. Ah, so much for promising myself to get some good fuck tonight. It all went out on the air when I saw that fierce woman again. And boy, the feeling  is explosive. I can¡¯t even take my eyes off of her for a fraction of second. She got me bewitched by watching her move gracefully, my eyes never leaving her dark eyes who could hold a number of secrets. My eyes were only fixated on her and her beauty alone. And when I saw her giving a look at the random guy, Ipletely lost it.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I don¡¯t want her looking at other men like that. I want her to only look at me with those burning eyes.


    When she found mine, I decided at that instant that she¡¯ll be mine. By hook and by crook. I¡¯ll have my hand on her. I¡¯ll have her for me until I get the satisfaction to quench this unbelievable thirst she has awaken inside me. I¡¯ll take her again and again until she screams my name.


    My patience was just a thread¡¯s thin while sitting across her in that dark room, her porcin-like skin only alights the ce. I sniffed her scent and she smells of peaches and cream that I¡¯m more than tempted to get a taste of her but her trembling body stops me from doing so.


    ¡°So the fiery temptress is scared.¡± I smiled at the thought.


    And that smile she made. She has transformed into an angel at that exact moment.


    ¡°What a face and a contradicting personality to match.¡±


    ¡°Maverick! Man! Where are you going this early? The fun is just starting! Do you want to miss the final show?¡±


    I stopped on my tracks on the door out when I heard the drunk voice of my pal, Cholo. He is seated on a couch on the side of the club in the middle of two club girls both wearing a dominatrix outfit. His arms were syed on either side of the waists of the girls while a bottle of liquor was lying on hisp. I remembered Feme¡¯s clothes earlier. Thank goodness she wrapped herself carefully. I might have lost all my control over my sanity had I saw her in these same clothes.


    ¡°Man, I better get going. Something came up. Have a wonderful journey in this wonderful ce.¡± I grinned at him as I signaled at the women on his sides.


    He just shrugged his shoulders and turned back his attention to his women. You can never make that man look at you twice when he¡¯s busy with his women.


    I shed first the ck membership card at the security team and swiped it on the identification machine before going out of the building. I went straight to the parking lot and dive in my car. I switched on the engine and drove away. The thoroughfares are still as busy as the time I passed here hours ago on the way to the club. It doesn¡¯t always happen to me. Usually, I go home on a road of a number of cars with a woman beside me, a bit of drunk and horny. I usually stay in the club until dawn.


    I decelerated my pace before Ipletely stop the car when the traffic lights went red at the intersection. Red. I remembered Feme¡¯s red lips.


    ¡°Shit, man! This is really different!¡± I leaned on the seat and stared at the ring fiery red on a distance. My mind drifted to that woman again. I smiled out of nowhere.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting crazy. So so crazy.¡±


    I shook my head tentatively then got myself back on the wheel when the lights turned green. A question surge in me. Whoever made the rules in La Vida bidding must have switched the concept of red and green colors.


    ¡°If only they abide to the rules of the traffic lights then that woman must have been in my bed right now.¡±


    I reached my hotel in record time. A guard at the entrance was surprise to see me but still greet me nheless. I rode the elevator until it opened into the top floor where I am temporarily staying for the night. I don¡¯t want to go home to the mansion or even in my condo for unknown reason. I felt suffocated by my family these days. I want some time alone.


    I opened the door and got in. I switched on the lights then went to the bar. I poured a bottle of my favorite whiskey into the ss and went to the living room. I took off my jacket and t-shirt and threw them on the waiting sofa. Sighing, I swiped the curtains open to see the night sky. The view is magnificent. I sipped on the ss.


    I stared out at the city lights and the skyscrapers. My life ever since has been in a constant pursuit for anything grand. Growing up in a family of achievers only made me hungry for approval. Each day is apetition you need to win. There is no enough time and ce for rest.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I don¡¯t like about people like you. You talked as if the world revolves around you. You talked as if we, themoners, do not have the right to refuse the wishes of the kinds like you because guess what? Something will happen to us if we do. I hate people who impose their beliefs on others and I hate people who force their ways upon people.¡±


    ¡°If only you knew, Fem. You will not be saying that.¡±


    Taking thest drop of liquor in the ss, I turned back the blinds and the curtains. I walked into the home office and settled myself in the swivel chair. I began to work. I read proposal papers and signed urgent documents. Whoever said I have it easy doesn¡¯t know how responsibility works. Sure, poweres with money but I don¡¯t exploit it.


    But I will make an exception this time.


    ¡°Fem, Fem, Fem, what are you doing with me? Why do I feel so crazy about you?¡±


    Iughed at myself. It¡¯s been a long time since I have talked to myself loudly. Maybe I should fast track my agenda. Maybe if I finally have her, this could all be stopped and I will go back to the kind of life before that angel-looking-but-sharp-talking woman barged unintentionally in my dreams.


    I closed theptop and stood up. I need another drink. While pouring myself another ss of liquor, I havee to a conclusion.


    ¡°One night. One night is all I need with her then I can go back to being me again.¡±

 Chapter 7

    ¡°I need the money as soon as possible if you want the investigation to start now.¡±


    I nced at Dave from my cup of espresso. The man is leaning back on the copsible chair outside a famous cafe while looking at his phone. Passers-by cannot help but throw us a nce from time to time. I can¡¯t me them. We are quite an eye-catching pair.


    Dave is wearing an old English-style outfit. He looked as dapper as an Englishman with his Victorian-styled hat, double breasted jacket and overcoat made in leather. He finished the countenance with his cane and dark brown spectacles on his head. I on the other hand is screaming in colors. I¡¯m literally in neons. My shirt is neon pink with a neon green scribble on the center paired with a striped yellow and red neon pajamas.


    ¡°How much?¡±


    He spared a look at me from his concentration on whatever he is reading from his cellphone. ¡°One million.¡±


    It¡¯s a good thing that I just put down the coffee on the table after sipping before he answered me. If it were a secondter, I could have been swimming in a spilled coffee. Coughing, I fumbled for a tissue which is unluckily not on my side. Dave offered me a handful to which I epted and wiped my wet thigh with a scowl in my forehead. When all is dried again, I gave him a sharp look as he got back to his business on his phone.


    ¡°One million?! Are you fucking serious?! I¡¯m looking for a fucking dog not a Yamashita treasure for crying out loud!¡±


    He sighed exasperatedly from him seat and abandoned his phone and whoever he¡¯s talking to.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just an ordinary dog, Feme. It¡¯s a Tibetan Mastiff dog, one of the most expensive breed of dogs in the whole wide world. It¡¯s a million dor dog and it¡¯s what we need to get the lead.¡±


    I stopped to munch the words in my head. ¡°No, I still think a million is too big for searching a dog, a freaking dog, Dave.¡±


    ¡°And I stand by my statement that it¡¯s not just an ordinary dog.¡±


    I squinted my eyes at him. What a ridiculously hardheaded being, I thought. ¡°Are you trying to y your tricks on me again, Dave Estre? Don¡¯t you dare do it again. I might not spare you this time. You don¡¯t know me.¡±


    ¡°Woah, Feme Alcantara! Are you threatening me now?¡± he asked grinning from ear to ear while sipping on his cup to hide his whole face in the process.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just telling you not to mess up with me because if you do, you¡¯ll not like it where you¡¯ll end up so you better not do your dirty games with me.¡± I crossed my arms and studied the smirking man across me.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re threatening me.¡± He smiled cockily.


    ¡°Why, you¡¯re scared now?¡±


    ¡°No, not all all.¡± He leaned back. ¡°Back to the business, I need a million or you would have to find me a recement to do the job.¡±


    I released a long sigh. When would this guy ever get that I¡¯m not ying around with him this time? I shoved all the errant strands of my hair back to my neatly restrained bun and threw a nk look at him.


    ¡°Dave, let me ask you a question,¡± I said impatiently.


    ¡°I hope it¡¯s not another threat. I¡¯m sick of talking to every client serving me their top-tier death threats. Now be different and don¡¯te at me with those most used lines.¡±


    ¡°Who rmended me to you?¡± I said ignoring his statement.


    A knot formed on his forehead. ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Rowald.¡±


    I nodded approvingly. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Mr. Rowald rmended me to you. Do you even have the slightest idea why?¡±


    The crease on his head just got another twist. ¡°Where are you heading up to?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Nothing. I have nothing to point out. Now, answer my question.¡±


    ¡°He said a client wanted a detective. He can¡¯t cater to you because he¡¯s had too many high-profile cases in his te as of the moment.¡±


    ¡°Uh-uh. I¡¯m hurt. So mine is not considered to be a high-profile one. Anyways, that¡¯s not the real reason why. You see, Rowald is too exposed in the detective scene so he¡¯s not a part of my choices. He can easily get detected that¡¯s why he slowly retired in the litigation industry. He gave me to you, no, practically he gave you to me to handle my very high-profile case because I need someone,a novice. A rookie, a neer in the world of con artists and you Dave is the perfect one.¡±


    He went silent for the rest of the minute. Dave just scribbled something on the coffee table while thinking about what I just said.


    ¡°And to add further to that obvious shock look you have, I have all your credentials in me.¡± I yed with my cup of coffee by twirling my finger on its handle.


    And just as I thought, his bulging eyes spell amazement. Shocked is stered all over his face.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°Yes way!¡± I smirked.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Mr. Rowald will not do that to me. He knows my conditions,¡± he said in a higher register, the smile on his face faded.


    I just leisurely shrugged my shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t know why he gave that to me. Maybe, just maybe, it¡¯s a proof that we were so so¡­¡± I raised my two middle finger and stick them together ¡°so close,¡± I finished my sentence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. If you¡¯re doing this to scare me so that I would give in to you then you¡¯re wrong. I could drop your case like a hot potato. It¡¯s not my loss.¡±


    I sensed that even he is not sure about his words. The tremor in his voice sent me a confirmation that he¡¯s just convincing himself.


    ¡°Really Johnny boy? You¡¯ll drop me like a hot potato? What if I tell your grandfather right at this moment that you are not really in America to study? All this time you were here in the Philippines trying to be like what, like Sherlock Holmes? Uhm, what do you say?¡± It¡¯s my turn to smirk.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    He turned pale the instant I mention his grandpa. Yes, the young man is just trying to hide his real age by wearing retro and baggy clothes.


    ¡°N-no, please. I don¡¯t want to go back to U. S. I don¡¯t like it there.¡± The kid bowed down his head.


    I grinned. ¡°Good. Now we¡¯re on the same wavelength. I¡¯ll give you half a million next week. I think it¡¯s time to up my game. Oh well, as if I have any other choice left.¡±


    I stood up and tapped his shoulders.


    ¡°Rowald gave you to me because he trusts your ability. Now I¡¯ll send the money to you and after that you¡¯ll find the dog for me. Understand? Okay?¡±


    He chuckled a little and met my eyes, a different twinkle is on his face. ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting the money. After that, I can guarantee you the information about the dog.¡±


    ¡°Good. I better go now. You know, I need to find myself a million pesos for you. Adios!¡±


    I left the ce and went back to the car which is just parked on the outskirts of the area. Chino opened the door for me when I knocked on the window.


    ¡°What happened? Is it a sess?¡± he asked right away.


    I sighed sadly and shook my head. ¡°Unfortunately, it didn¡¯t go as I nned.¡± I sighed again and sat on the seat. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to let me borrow some money.¡± I faked another exhausted breathing. ¡°I have no other choice Chino but to go with my bidder next week. I need the money so bad otherwise, someone will get killed if I don¡¯t give them the money.¡±


    ¡°But are you ready now? What if it¡¯s Mr. Samontina who will bid for you? I heard him talking with the boss the other night. He¡¯s eyeing for you, Feme. It should have been thest bidding but Maverick bought your time with his newest car. You really got him in the hook, girl. You are really something! It¡¯s not everyday that you will have the likes of Maverick under your palms!¡±


    The idea bothered me. If Maverick will bid me next week then I have no other choice but to submit to him. One night. It¡¯ll be just one night. He¡¯s not a bad lover I think. But if it¡¯s Mr. Samontino then¡­


    ¡°Chino, what is the probability that Mr. Samontino will bid for me next week?¡±


    ¡°Fem, we both knew the answer. Do you really have to ask that? Of course, 100 percent! That dirty old man is so crazy for you. I believe it¡¯s close to obsession already. I saw his car stalking you when we went to the mall together.¡±


    I leaned on the backseat of the car to think things through.


    ¡°Chino, do you have the names of the attendeesst week? I need them.¡±


    He threw me a guarded look. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I just want to know the cards on the deck. I have to y them to my own advantage this time.¡±


    He nodded apprehensively. ¡°Feme, be careful. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to do but I¡¯m not feeling good about it. Yes, I have the list. Now what will you do with it?¡±


    I turned to Chino who looked every bit worried about me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait anymore until next week. If the man I¡¯ve been waiting for the longest time will note then it¡¯s time to take the matters in my hands. I¡¯m going to sell myself now.¡±


    ¡°FEMELLA, c-can we go back to the club now? Are you sure about this? What if the boss finds out that you¡¯re trying to circumvent her? We¡¯re dead meat if she knows! It¡¯s against your contract!¡± Chino pulled me away from being able to push the doorbell button.


    ¡°She won¡¯t if you would just keep your mouth shut. Unless¡­¡± I deliberately did not finish my sentence while looking at his worried face.


    ¡°Hey! I will never betray you and you know that! I will never put you at a disadvantage!¡± he almost shouted.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to know, Chino, so if I were you, just stay mum and follow me. We need to hurry before the club management notices our disappearance. I only asked for an hour.¡±


    He did not protest when I yanked him back to the gate and rang the bell. I pushed the button thrice and waited until the gigantic entrance opened. A series of steps and then the nking of the metal followed. The gate finally opened to reveal a young-looking girl, almost in my age, in her uniforms.


    ¡°What do you need ma¡¯am and sir?¡± Her curious eyes fluttered from Chino to mine which stayed on me especially to my clothes.


    I gave her my sweetest smile and answered.


    ¡°Good morning. I¡¯m Feme Alcantara and this is my friend Chino Mason. Mind if I ask if Jason is inside? We are his friends. He is expecting us.¡±


    A look of doubt crossed her face but upon taking another nce at my smiling face, she widened the opening of the gate for us.


    ¡°Come in, ma¡¯am, sir. I will just call Sir Jason upstairs. I remembered he instructed us that he will be having his guests for today.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I winked at Chino who is still sporting the same troubled face to assure him that we¡¯re all set. Soon, the girl is leading us onto therge pavement of the property and into thewn where the swimming pool is situated. There are a couple of sets of chairs and tables sprinklered in the corners.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, sir, please take a seat first. I will inform Sir Jason right away.¡±


    ¡°Sure. We¡¯ll be waiting here. Thank you.¡±


    I sat on the chair, crossed my legs, and scanned the ce. Chino is still not settling anywhere and is pacing from back and forth.


    ¡°Oh,e on Chino. Chill out! You¡¯re making the situation more stressful that it already is. Sit down my friend and watch how I wrap this. Rx for god¡¯s sake. I have this under my control.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell would sit still with what you¡¯re doing, woman? Hello? Didn¡¯t you know that Jason and our boss are friends? What if he¡¯ll tell her about our visit? Then we¡¯ll be kicked out in a matter of seconds? What will happen to my kids, Feme? No, I can¡¯t lose this job! And what about you? What will the boss do to you? Your privilege in the club might get revoked. Let¡¯s go now Feme before Jason sees us. Come on!¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°He will never do that. If he is the type of person I assumed him to be then most probably he will ept my proposal. If he is not, well¡­ I¡¯ll just think that luck is not on our side for today.¡±


    His face now looked more concerned that I have ever seen him to be.


    I grinned. ¡°I¡¯m just joking. Of course, I know he will say yes the moment Iid down my n. Jason is someone you can easily toy with. Typical man with an overbloated ego. He¡¯ll do anything to feed it. Now back off Chino. He¡¯sing.¡±


    I stood up and stered my famous smile on the face and shot the man from across the pathway who is frowning a seductive smile.


    ¡°Jason Santos. I¡¯m Feme Alcantara. Nice to meet you.¡± I held out my hand to him which he reached and shook lightly.


    ¡°What brings the great Feme into my humble abode?¡±


    I breathed in relief when I heard his flirty tone while he led me back to the seat. Chino is still standing from my behind without acknowledging Jason¡¯s presence.


    I curled the ends of my hair using my fingers and hurled a seductive smile to the guy at the other end of the table. ¡°Well, I have a proposal to make.¡±


    A mischievous smile appeared in the corner of his lips. His eyes moved down to my fitted shirt and stayed there for a few seconds to stare at my cleavage.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡±


    ¡°I want you to bid for me, next week.¡± I said without inhibitions.


    Jasonughed mockingly. ¡°Oh yeah? Why?¡± He indulged me.


    I stood my ground and firmly answered. ¡°Because you want me.¡±


    The guyughed heartily. ¡°So all I have heard about you from the men you have rejected are true. Feme Alcantara is fierce, bold and straight-talker. Now I get to experience the real thing at hand. About your proposal, merely saying I want you doesn¡¯t sit well with me. You have to do more than that Feme. Convince me, maybe give me a demonstration?¡± His eyes grazed again to my chest.


    I leaned forward and intentionally squeezed my boobs in the process to give him a better look. Well, he didn¡¯t disappoint me because I easily read what his lustful eyes are telling. He gawked on them. He is a man after all.


    ¡°I guess they forgot to tell you that I¡¯m also good in convincing people. First, I¡¯m a good fuck. Ask why men pile on me? It¡¯s a simple logic. I¡¯m desirable. I¡¯m beautiful. Second, you want me. I learned that you also bid for mest week but you weren¡¯t able to at least talk to me because of Mr. Fuentebe which leads me to the third one. Getting me is a boost on your ego. Come to think of it, all these powerful and wealthy men are begging me to have sex with them but I chose you. Isn¡¯t that a very good raise in your superego?¡±


    ¡°Why me of all men who fancied over you, Feme?¡± Curiousity is written on his face.


    ¡°None of your business. Fourth, I¡¯m a virgin. I have documents to prove that. Fifth, you have a fetish for virgins. Don¡¯t deny. I did my little research. Andstly Mr. Santos, you clearly want me so I see no credible reason to reject me. Look, I came here just to offer myself to you so why think twice when you should be celebrating for finally winning the prize?¡±


    The guy just snorted. ¡°And what if I still reject you?¡±


    ¡°Which I doubt you will. But if you still refuse me, then I can always go to your brother and offer him the same proposal.¡± My heart beamed when his face grimaced.


    It took a long moment before I got his answer. He gawked on me first as if he¡¯s undressing me and when I surmised that he has decided, he slowly nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you resorted to this but call. How much do you need?¡±


    A smile formed in the corner of my lips. ¡°Now you¡¯re talking.¡±

 Chapter 8

    I stood up from my swivel chair and went to the mini bar in my office. I needed a drink. Five hours of sitting and getting down to business without a taste of my favorite cognac Camus Cuvee 5. 150 is not giving me even an ounce of pleasure.


    I forgot to bring one in the middle of an online meeting with our European counterparts whichsted for almost three hours. I couldn¡¯t leave the forum even just for a second because of seeding calls from the consultants in Japan. I was nning to take the famous capsule hotel to the Philippines and Japan being the pioneer of this is the perfect ce to start. Capsule hotel or pod hotel offers cheap overnight amodation for guests and tourists who cannot afford for expensive hotels. The room is small hence the name capsule.


    I know that the idea has been pitched in from left and right but I wanted to give it a bit of a twist. I¡¯ll make it into a more culturally inclusive concept to suit the taste of Filipinos.


    I reached the bar area and opened a bottle and poured it on the ss. I added two cubes of ice before gulping it down.


    Ah, heaven on earth.


    Holding the ss on my hand, I pulled the curtains opened in my current hub for today. I¡¯m still in my penthouse until now with no ns of going home.


    I looked at the scenery before me-the towering skyscrapers, the busy roads and crossings, and the people below who are always in a hurry. I can¡¯t help but remembered my conversation with my motherst night. She¡¯s nagging me again for grandchildren. As if it¡¯s as easy as counting three. Technically, it¡¯s easy to make a baby. The tricky and the hardest part is looking for a partner whom I could marry. I don¡¯t want a child out of wedlock. I might be a yboy in the eyes of many but I believe in our family¡¯s edict. It¡¯s also one of the reasons why I¡¯m camping in my hotel. I don¡¯t want to hear any more nagging from my very overpowering mother repeating the same topic every minute every time I¡¯m in our mansion.


    ¡°You¡¯re too old for that game of yours, Maverick. Settle now for God¡¯s sake! Look at your younger brother. He¡¯s happily married now with a very beautiful daughter!¡±


    I stifled augh at the thought. Marriage is not on my mind right now and definitely not in the nearest future. I¡¯m only 27. Too young to be caged, too ambitious to stop. She should have known about this. She should have seen iting. After all, she made us into like this, toopetitive and too thirsty for validation. It only changed when my father had died. My mother craved for apanion. Not another husband but grandchildren.


    ¡°Besides, I haven¡¯t got my hands on Feme.¡±


    My body felt the familiar ache on the virile organ between my thighs. It twitched at the thought of the feisty woman. I have not beenid for almost a month now. Another record breaking moment.


    No night will pass when I don¡¯t have a woman to warm my bed plus the weekly visits to La Vida club. You can¡¯t me me. I¡¯m a healthy man with a great appetite for sex. But something changed when I saw Feme. I can¡¯t give in to the obvious stares and interests of other woman now. Now I believed more than ever that she bewitched me.


    What could be the other reason why she¡¯s constantly barging in my mind?


    The woman has be a challenge I needed to ovee. She continued to test my patience and ego.


    I closed the curtains again when the sun has set. It¡¯s the only spectacle I¡¯m waiting to witness. Sunsets in the city are different. It brings serenity to my jam-packed day.


    I went back behind my desk to finish reading the papers. It¡¯s just mostly tying the loose ends of a billion dor contract for the looming Europe expansion of my hotel empire.


    My gaze shifted to my cellphone I put above my closedptop when it rang. A knot formed on my forehead when I saw the caller ID. It¡¯s the head of the security of hotel. I answered it right away knowing that it could be an emergency. The security barely calls on my personal number.


    ¡°Yes Carl?¡±


    ¡°Sir, sorry for calling without notice. I just want to report an incident. 7:23 PM. An unidentified assant was caught breaching our security protocol in our control room,¡± he answered.


    I sighed. This incident is not new to me. Last month, the same thing happened. Someone tried to break into our security again. It¡¯s not because our security is substandard. It was an inside job. A part of our security team broke the system.


    ¡°Another inside job? Call the legal department. They are the ones you should be calling first.¡±


    ¡°Sir, the suspect wants to see you. She said you know her.¡±


    Now this more warrants my interest.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    He said the name. I was shocked at first. What is she doing there?


    I stood up and pulled my coat at the back of swivel chair before I got back on the line.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°Hold her in. I¡¯ming.¡±


    I hurriedly walked out of the office and into the private elevator.


    Minutester, I was in the control room and opening the door. All the men stood up to recognize my presence. Carl walked to me.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sir, she¡¯s inside together with our security force,¡± he answered pointing to the other door in the room.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I stepped into the room and saw the woman sittingfortably in one of the chairs. She looked too rxed in her seat. Her expressions are so stoic I am having a hard time reading her.


    ¡°Leave us alone,¡± I asked the attending security guards which they quickly follow. So now it¡¯s only me and the woman who is looking at me smugly. I dragged a chair on the corner and sat crossed-legged.


    ¡°Look at you. What a very unlikely guest we have here. What brought the La Diva club¡¯s owner to my turf? Are you that bored in your club that you decided to y in my territory?¡±


    I did not get any reaction from her. She just sat there looking at me with her unreadable face. After seconds of fighting stares with me, she sighed and looked away. Her face became grim.


    ¡°I know we were not friends to begin with Mr. Fuentebe but can I at least ask for a favor this time? Can you at least let this pass through? Can you let me off the hook for now? Please?¡± she begged. The hard expression was no longer on her face. I thought she¡¯s even gonna cry. My curiosity heightened.


    I touched my chin and studied the woman.


    ¡°What did you do? I know I can have all the information I want from my staff but I want it to hear from you. Let¡¯s hear it and let me decide. After all, your club has been a really good addition in my life.¡±


    The fire in her eyes came back which fueled the intrigue I¡¯m feeling about what really transpired. Could it be?


    ¡°It was just out of desperation.¡± Her sped hands on herp trembled which she immediately hid inside the pockets of her jacket. ¡°My feelings and nerves got the best of me. I was so pumped up to get any evidence against him so I didn¡¯t think anymore.¡± She met my eyes defiantly. ¡°Room 901. Your guest there did something I badly want to have.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you came all the way here to get that footage. You know you can¡¯t do that. That¡¯s against our rules and policy of the hotel. Our guest in the room you mentioned is our exclusive member,¡± I added.


    ¡°I know that¡¯s why I did what I thought was the right thing.¡±


    ¡°What you did was stupid. You really believe you can pass all my security protocols unchecked?¡±


    ¡°So what would it be, Mr. Fuentebe? Are you going to put me in jail?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°Depends upon you.¡±


    I can tell she got confused by my answer. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Vida, you know exactly what I mean. You know who I wanted for so long now.¡±


    Her face hardened and shook her head repeatedly to emphasize that she will not be giving me what I badly need this time. ¡°You can¡¯t have her. She doesn¡¯t want you.¡±


    It¡¯s my turn to wonder. ¡°So what? She¡¯s supposed to be given to whoever bids the highest for her. I was really wondering now. What is it with Feme that you refused to bid her out?¡±


    ¡°You are also in the business world, Mr. Fuentebe so you should know the value of keeping the highest customer interest in your business. In my case, Fem is my greatest asset. I will give her in the right time. Just not now. I still need her.¡±


    ¡°I think you should be more worried about your situation Ms. Vida more than your business. Going to jail should be the least of your concern now.¡± I adjusted my seat and tapped on my knee.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I know that man in Room in 901. By now, he already knew what you did and I already have an idea on what he¡¯s going to do.¡±


    ¡°So what do you propose?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a simple man. Fate brought you here. I want that woman. Pick a struggle.¡±


    ¡°What would you give me?¡±


    ¡°The CCTV footage.¡±


    Vida fell into a deep thought.


    I nced at my watch impatiently. ¡°Decide now Ms. Vida. I don¡¯t have the luxury of time to wait for your decision.¡±


    A loud stinging tone interrupted us. The woman grab her phone on the small table and answered it.


    ¡°What?!¡± She jumped from her seat rashly while listening to the call which onlysted for a few seconds.


    ¡°Mr. Fuentebe, do you have a chopper?¡± the woman asked me in a determined tone.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± I rose up from my seat.


    ¡°You want Feme, right? Get your chopper now before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    Confused about what she meant, I asked her. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°The NBI is raiding my club.¡±

 Chapter 9

    Jason and I were just talking inside the ss cubicle in the first few minutes when the bidding resumed. The boss was not on sight and her assistant took charge. As expected, Mr. Samontino bid for me but as we had nned, I chose Jason. The old man was furious and demanded for the boss¡¯ presence but was instead escorted outside the establishment. I felt like a heavy object was lifted from my heart when I saw them dragging the old man away. Serves him right. I wouldn¡¯t want to be touched by him. Ever.


    My eyes went back to Jason who was talking about how his brother got insecure when he told him about our truce. I shook my head tentatively. Males are indeed really simple beings.


    ¡°Where would you wanna go after here? Do you want to be in my condo, yacht or do you want to be kinky and do it in my new car? What do you think, Fem?¡± His eyes wereced with lust and desire.


    I rolled my eyes at the obvious excitement in his voice. ¡°Wherever you prefer, Jason. You¡¯re the client so you have thest words. Anyways, it¡¯s just one night.¡±


    ¡°Well baby, I don¡¯t think you would ever want to cut your ties with me after this night,¡± he grinned and stared at my exposed cleavage.


    ¡°You¡¯re all just pure talk.  Show me instead then let me be the judge.¡± I stood up. This is it. I¡¯m going to give my body to this man. I would be lying to the grave of my parents if I say that I¡¯m not regretting jumping off the cliff and into thep of this man. I know I am and I will regret this but I have no choice. I need the money and Jason is willing to give me what I want. I may not like him but the idea that I picked him myself somehow gives me power over my choice. At least, I was in-charge of the man-picking.


    But Maverick was also very willing to pay you, the other side of my brain whispered to me.


    I tried to shake off the image of the man inside my head. Stop thinking about him. That man is dangerous for you.


    Jason also stood up and reached for my waist. He pulled me closer to his body. ¡°Sure, but first let me kiss you.¡±


    I slowly nodded. What more could I do? I even agreed into having sex with him. But still¡­ I felt trapped like it¡¯s not really what I wanted to do. Slowly, I raised my face to meet his lustful eyes. I¡¯m trying to trick my mind that I¡¯m ready for this, that it¡¯s the only way. But before he could im my lips, the door burst open and the panicking Chino ran to me.


    ¡°Feme! The police are raiding the club! Come on out! They¡¯reing here!¡± he shouted to my face and snatched my hand away from Jason.


    ¡°What?!¡± I hollered in fear. ¡°W-Why? I thought the boss made sure of our safety?¡± I asked in mixed perplexion. La Vida club is a known underground club among the elite. No way in hell would it be exposed like this. The names and the transactions of the biggest names of the country here and abroad are all stored and documented here.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know and we don¡¯t have time to know about that! We have to hurry! We have to leave now!¡± He was pulling me out of the room already.


    ¡°Wait! Where are you taking her? I already paid for her so she¡¯sing with me.¡± Jason dragged me back to his side away from Chino.


    ¡°I know. I know but please set it aside for now! We need to hurry! We need to leave this ce! They already caught some of our men!¡±


    I pulled free from Jason and drew Chino in my hands. I began running while keeping him close to me. We headed onto the fire exit of the floor.


    ¡°What about the other girls? Are they all okay?¡± I asked in the midst of catching breath.


    ¡°Some are already in safe rooms but others are already caught. Where is the boss? We need her here right now!¡±


    We passed through the array of ss cubicles. Thankfully, I see no woman inside. We continued running to the fire exit and used the stairs to the rooftop where Jason¡¯s car was parked. We just decided to escape with him. It¡¯ll be more dangerous for us to go downstairs where I know it¡¯s teeming with the operatives.


    Sweat dripping and our tears were about to stream down when we reached the rooftop. Jason left us in a corner to run for his car.


    I was on the edge waiting for what will happen next. I can almost hear and everything in the area. I¡¯m too sensitive in even the slightest sound that I would always jump up every time I hear something. The fear of being caught and being put in jail ate up all my inhibitions. Who said that you can¡¯t think clearly when panicking? Clearly that¡¯s not case here. I¡¯m even willing to leap to another floor just to save ourselves.


    A loud whirring sound of aing helicopter filled the air. My heart beats erratically while I put my hand upwards to cover my face from the blinding lights that areing from the aircraft. Chino is vibrating in fear beside me.


    ¡°Fem, we are going to jail!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I shouted. I looked back at Jason who was still running towards his car and then back to the helicopter which is nownding. Shit! Why does he have to put his damn car on thest rows?


    I¡¯m slowly losing my hope that we could get away from this situation so I just did the first thing my brain told me to. I pulled Chino with me and ran back to the fire exit but we were back to our frozen feet when we heard voices and then mming from the other back.


    ¡°Girl¡­¡± I heard Chino crying by my side.


    I pulled him away again this time to Jason¡¯s direction but a pair of strong arms caught me and imprisoned me in his metal-like embrace. I tried to break free from his grasp but the stranger is just too strong for my midget strength.


    ¡°Fem, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s us,¡± the Boss¡¯ voice stopped me from wriggling.


    I turned harshly at the Poncio Pte who is keeping me a prisoner in his arms. To say that I¡¯m shocked is an understatement. I felt like my eyes would burst out of their sockets when I saw the face of the smirking man. The image in my mind materialized. I came face to face with the man I detest.


    ¡°Let go.¡± I tried breaking free from him but he never lifted his arms on me. He even gripped me tighter than before.


    The man just smirked but didn¡¯t utter any word who then faced Vina.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he told her.


    ¡°No. Take Fem with you, Maverick. I¡¯ll stay here with Chino. I need to fix everything here. Go ahead before the police destroy that door. And thank you Mr. Fuentebe for the favor. I will be forever indebted to you.¡± Vida nced at my direction and sighed. My strength left mepletely as I read her final decision. I wanted to try one more time to break free but what for? He owned me now.


    ¡°Feme Alcantara, you are auctioned to the highest bidder tonight, Mr. Maverick Fuentebe.¡±


    While she¡¯s saying those, I felt like every brick of my carefully built walls just crashed one by one. I felt so small, so powerless. I can see in her eyes that she¡¯s silently asking for my forgiveness but I don¡¯t know if I can really ept it. I tried saying a word. I tried protesting but silence is all I have given.


    It¡¯s game over.


    ¡°Very well then. We should get going.¡± Maverick turned me over and seized me by my waist. I just stopped fighting and let him lead me to the waiting chopper. He strapped me in the seat belt and put the headset on my head before he wore his. When the chopper took off, I just helplessly watched Vina, Chino and Jason as they looked at our vehicle flying away.


    I casted an eye at Maverick who is busy on his phone. He looks so serious with those furrowed brows and tight lips. And the way his fingers move on the surface of his phone is so elegant. And his hair. His tousled hair looks so smooth as it dances with the air. My eyes went to his bulky muscled arms that even a pair of formal coats didn¡¯t conceal it enough.


    I almost jumped up on my seat when he caught my gaze and stared at me. I involuntarily shivered with the way his eyes roamed all over my body, especially on my chest area. I looked away and hugged myself. I¡¯m cold.


    ¡°You¡¯re cold.¡±


    I ignored him and continued to look outside. Being up in the air seeing all these views is an experience but I can¡¯t seem to appreciate it. Not when I just fell into this man¡¯s arms.


    I felt his warm hands take a hold of my cold arms. Sighing, I stared at his serious face as he put his jacket on my back and then zipped it up until my neck. He¡¯s only wearing a shirt inside.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. I might ravage you here.¡±


    I abruptly looked away and kept a distance from him.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± I asked after an ufortable silence.


    ¡°To myir.¡±


    ¡°And where is that?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Impatient, are we? You¡¯ll know when we get there, Fem.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that.¡± I sneered. ¡°We¡¯re not close.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on. We will be closer than what you are expecting, Feme. But on second thought, maybe you¡¯re right. We¡¯re not close. We¡¯re intimate.¡± He grinned afterwards.


    I rolled my eyes at him and tried hard to control the crazy beating of my heart with the view outside. After more than an hour in the air, I saw a strip ofnd below, a little ind in the middle of nowhere. Moments after, the choppernded on the makeshift runway.


    Maverick got out first carrying a small traveling bag on his shoulder while he helped me go down. I tensed a little when I felt him brushing my chest for a moment. It was just a very brief touch but it¡¯s enough to make me feel a tingling sensation.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Maverick held my hand as we walked in the deep of the night. My heart further sank into my stomach when I heard the helicopter leaving.


    ¡°Where to now, Fuentebe?¡± I asked to deviate my thoughts.


    ¡°Mav. You should call me Mav. I¡¯ll call you Fem and you¡¯ll call me Mav. I don¡¯t like the sound of my surnameing from your mouth. It¡¯s as if you¡¯re thinking murder.¡±


    I didn¡¯t reply. I can feel exhaustion in my bones already so I let him guide me the way across the ufortable silence in the night as we walk through the vige. The houses are typically made up of the usual bamboo and wood. Some are already built with cement and bricks but there are just so few of them.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a one night stand. No need to get familiar. Remember, you paid for my body. After you im it then it¡¯s the end. I will disappear from your sight and so will you are to me.¡±


    Maverick stopped in his tracks and faced me. The annoying smirk on his mouth is pestering me again.


    ¡°Who said it¡¯s just one night? One night is not enough for me, Feme. I paid for not just a night but as long as I want you. That¡¯s what your boss and I agreed on.¡±


    I was again floored by what I learned. I wanted to shout at him, curse him, and punch his handsome face. He is really a sneaky and clever guy. He¡¯s a businessman for a reason. But what would it change in my current situation now? Nothing. I will not be able to get away from this ce. The only remaining thing left for me to do is to swim back to the city. Another problem is I don¡¯t even know where the fuck this ce is. And also, I needed the money. If Maverick had paid for me already then Jason will obviously get his initial payment back.


    I sighed in resignation. ¡°Okay. As long as you lust for me then I have no choice but to stay here with you. As if I could do something against your wish, master,¡± I sarcastically said.


    He gave me a long hard stare and shrugged. I don¡¯t know if he believed me but that¡¯s not the problem here anymore. I¡¯m more concerned with what will happen tonight.


    ¡°Come on. I don¡¯t have the keys to my rest house so we have no choice but to spend the night at my Nanay Paz. Andy is not avable because his wife is inbor. Can you sleep in a pallet? There¡¯s no aircon there.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not a princess, Cholo. Of course I can.¡±


    ¡°Good. Come on.¡±


    He still held my hand while we¡¯re walking along the eerily quiet small vige. We stopped at a decent house at the end of the vige.


    ¡°Nay Paz! Anybody here? Nay Paz!¡±  Maverick howled out.


    A light was lit from the inside and the door opened revealing an old woman in her sixties.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± she called out.


    ¡°Nay Paz! It¡¯s Mabmab.¡±


    ¡°Mab Mab? Maverick Fuentebe? My child? Mab Mab, is it really you? My Mab Mab! Come! Come! Come in, children.¡±


    Maverick unlocked the bolts in the gate and gently pushed me inside thewn beforeing beside me again and closing the gate behind us just to get my hand and pull me to the house. He kissed the olddy¡¯s head and he motioned me to do the same which I reluctantly did.


    ¡°You sit down. Have you eaten dinner already? Why didn¡¯t you call me? You two stay here and rx first while I heat the food. Your Tatay Miguel cooked special adobo.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Nay.¡±


    She disappeared from my sight into the dark door on the right of the kitchen. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s a back door. Crossing my arms on my chest, I averted Maverick¡¯s eyes and stared hard at the floor as if it would start speaking to me.


    ¡°Are we going to do it tonight?¡± I asked to break the gnawing silence.


    Maverick looked at me and shook his head as if he didn¡¯t anticipate what he heard. ¡°Sex is thest thing on my mind right now, Feme. I¡¯m thirsty and hungry. Save your excitement for the next few days. I¡¯m sure you need lots of energy.¡± He winked at me.


    I closed my eyes as I struggled to hide my blushing face. ¡°Stop it. I¡¯m not excited. I just want this to be done and over. And I¡¯m warning you, I don¡¯t have any idea how to pleasure a man. Don¡¯t expect me to go circus-like.¡±


    Heughed.


    ¡°Can you hear yourself? Of course I¡¯ll do the work because as you know, I¡¯m a very hardworking man.¡±


    ¡°Mab,e here and eat now! The table is ready!¡± Nay Paz called us.


    ¡°Come on.¡± He pulled my hand together with him as he stood up.


    ¡°Can you please let go of me for Pete¡¯s sake, Maverick,¡± I hissed. ¡°I know the way and just like you, I¡¯m also hungry and I already epted your upper hand in this situation so will you stop assuming that I might go sprinting away from here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better to be sure. I can¡¯t give you any leeway to run away.¡±


    ¡°As if I can escape this ce which I don¡¯t even have an idea of where in the goddamn map of the world. I did agree already, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Good. Now let¡¯s eat,¡± he said dismissively.


    He pulled a chair from under the table for the two of us and sat right next to me.


    ¡°What a beautiful woman you bring, Mab Mab. Is she finally your girlfriend? She¡¯s much more beautiful than the girls I saw you with.¡± The olddy kept telling us as she filled our sses with water.


    ¡°Yes, Nay. She¡¯s Feme, my girlfriend.¡±


    A sarcastic escaped my lips when I heard him utter it with such pride and mockery. I tried to object but his firm hand was on my hand under the table and squeezed it lightly after shooting me a look that says I will not like it if he didn¡¯t want my answer.


    ¡°Fem is naturally shy with people around. She¡¯s sometimes aloof with people she just met,¡± he added while still giving me a side look.


    Me? Shy? Wow! He seriously needs to rethink of another word to describe me.


    I red at Maverick before looking at Nay Paz who¡¯s smiling from ear to ear. I can clearly see through her smile like she¡¯s amused for witnessing a lover¡¯s banter.


    ¡°Mab is right, Nay Paz. I get especially cautious when I¡¯m with him because of our gap in everything. I mean he¡¯s rich while I¡¯m not. She¡¯s surrounded by many other equally wealthy girls in the same circle.¡± I put my eyes down and sighed. ¡°Sometimes I question myself if I¡¯m really enough for him.¡± I toned down my voice a little to make my acting more effective.


    ¡°Mab Mab! I didn¡¯t raise you to treat a woman like that! I was only away from the mansion for years and now I will know that you are being like this? You don¡¯t do that to a woman especially to your girlfriend. I didn¡¯t raise you to be a disrespectful man!¡±


    Maverick stiffened in his seat and then erupted into a softughter.


    ¡°You know how I love women, Nay. I wouldn¡¯t hurt them. Maybe Fem is just misinterpreting my possessiveness with her, right babe? Hmmm?¡±


    He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and nudged me while faking a smile. I returned the fake smile and stomped at his foot a little too harshly which earned a soft squeal from him.


    ¡°You two are already in your right mind. You know what you are doing. Just a little reminder to you Mab to never hurt a woman. Karma will get back to you badly. Believe me. I have lived long enough to see how men grovel to their feet. Now finish your food. I will just prepare the room for you. Fem, do you have some clothes in you? I could lend you some. My niece left some of her clothes.¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°I got none. Thank you.¡±


    She smiled at me and left us. We continued eating while throwing asional nces at each other. One time I caught him just staring at me at which I just shrugged. I didn¡¯t put much thought on how he¡¯s looking at me as if he¡¯s trying to remember something out of my face.


    ¡°You were quite a good actress.¡± He broke the silence.


    ¡°You too. You deserve an Oscar award.¡±


    I picked up the chicken using my hand, dabbed it in the chili sauce and put the whole meat in my mouth.


    ¡°I wonder why you didn¡¯t pursue it. You¡¯re good at acting. Why did you end up in the club instead of showbiz.¡±


    I chewed loudly and downed some water.


    ¡°If I do, then I will not be here and you will not be able to bring me into your bed because by that time, I¡¯ll be swimming in money so I won¡¯t be needing it.¡±


    ¡°Nice point there.¡±


    Nay Paz appeared from the door on the left.


    ¡°Mab, the bed is ready for the two of you. All the mattresses and the pillows are in the closet. Fem, the clothes are in the closet. If you wish to wash up then you can use the bathroom outside. Mab, you tell Fem where it is. I have to retire as early as now. My age is catching up on me. Goodnight, children.¡±


    She kissed our heads. I smiled sadly at myself at a memory. My grandmother used to kiss me in my head after saying goodnight.


    ¡°Alright. Goodnight.¡± We said in unison. She looked at us and smiled warmly before going off.


    I stood up carrying my te and started washing it on the sink. I saw Maverick in my peripheral vision cleaning the table. I can¡¯t help but raise my brows at his sight. I never thought he could be this domesticated. And it looks like he¡¯s treating the olddy as a family member, a far cry from his personality, at least the arrogant and so full of himself type of Maverick he¡¯s showing me.


    ¡°Our  room is on the farthest left of the hallway. I always use it every time I¡¯m here. If you want to freshen up, the bathroom is outside that back door. Left side. The switch of the light is beside the door. You go first. I¡¯ll smoke outside.¡±


    He turned his back on me.


    ¡°I could escape. It never crossed your mind?¡± I stopped him.


    ¡°You won¡¯t do it. I know you won¡¯t.¡± He said and walked out the front door.


    After finishing all the dishes, I went to the room Maverick told me about. It is simple just like the rest of the house. There¡¯s a small wooden bed in the center and an old closet in a corner. On top of the bed are some mattresses, towels, pillows, clothes, and some basic toiletries. There¡¯s also a fan on the other side of the bed. Aside from that, there¡¯s no other stuff inside it.


    I got the towel, the clothes, and the soap and went out of the house. After cleaning myself, I went into the backyard to find the man but he wasn¡¯t there so I just went back to the room and waited for him.


    I turned on the fan and made myselffortable in the bed I made out of the mattresses and some more I got from the closet. Pulling the nket up to my neck, I stared at the ceiling and started counting the lizards.


    I don¡¯t want to think anything about everything right now. I¡¯m too exhausted and spent. Maybe I¡¯ll just let it be for now. No overthinking. Just maybe after this stint we have, after I pay my dues to him. After all, I¡¯m used to not thinking extensively given how low I¡¯ve be because of my job.


    The door opened and Maverick came in with his travelling bag. He has changed into casual white shorts and a shirt.


    He put down the bag on the floor and climbed on the bed. Instinctively, I scampered to the farthest side and stayed there until he gave me enough space. I slowly went back to my original position and waited for his move.


    I hope we don¡¯t do it tonight. Please, we shouldn¡¯t.


    My eyes widened when he began removing his shirt.


    ¡°Hey, I thought you¡¯re tired¡­ D-do you want to do it now?¡± I asked nervously.


    He moved toy on his stomach and closed his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s hot. I told you there¡¯s no aircon here.¡±


    I breathed a sigh. That¡¯s a relief. It¡¯s embarrassing if they hear us doing the deed.


    Absentmindedly, my gaze turned to Maverick. He¡¯s really got a good body, I have to give him that. His arms were very toned, a product of his daily workout and his exhibition of extreme sports. His pecs and abs are on disy. My hunch is right when we were in the helicopter earlier. His pair of arms are really big, strong, and veiny. I wonder how it feels to touch it with my own hands. My eyes went back to his chest. This man is very clean-looking. No marks. No tattoos. There¡¯s nothing in there except his hard muscles. My gaze went lower and lower to his lower stomach where that bulge is. I gulped. Is it big? I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not the usual average size. Yes, I¡¯ve seen penises in videos and pictures but I haven¡¯t seen a real one.


    Even if it¡¯s big, which I¡¯m sure it is, my vajayjay can still handle it. I¡¯ve done my research. Women¡¯s vaginas are flexible.


    I gasped when he abruptly pulled me closer to his body. I fell on his chest. He encircled his arms around my waist and buried his face on my hair. I stopped breathing.


    ¡°Sleep, Fem. Stop drooling over my body. You¡¯ll taste it the soonest I regain my strength back,¡± he said in my ears.


    His hot breath fanned my neck which made all my hair in my body stand up.


    I tried to get away from his arms but he just tightened his hold around me.


    ¡°Let go of me. I can¡¯t breathe.¡±


    He slowly loosened his grip on me. I thought he¡¯s going to free mepletely from his arms but he just adjusted his embrace. He got my hand arm and snaked it on his waist and then he put his thigh on me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are doing with me. You don¡¯t know what I have done just to get you,¡± he whispered.


    He caressed my back gently while sniffing my hair. ¡°Sleep, Fem.¡±


    I don¡¯t know if it has something to do with his soothing voice or the way he possessively holds me or am I just too tired but I found myself giving in to his words. I sumb to sleep in an instant.

 Chapter 10

    I can hear the cackling of the chickens outside the house and the morning chattering of the birds but I still stayed still. This is what I missed about this ind. It gives me a different kind of serenity whenever I¡¯m here. But this morning I felt it was more special, especially with Feme¡¯s presence by my side.


    It¡¯s five in the morning ording to the worn-out wall clock on top of the closet. Any minute from now, the sun will rise. Nay Paz is also awake as evident by the voices outside.


    It¡¯s been more than ten minutes since I started just staring up at the sleeping beauty in my arms. Her head isfortably resting on my arm while her leg isying on the most sensitive part of my body. I gently removed her leg from my crotch and hugged her tighter. The feel of her smooth and delicate body as if it were made perfectly to mold in mine heightens my libido. Feme stirred in her sleep. I thought she¡¯s going to finally wake up but she only went back to her regr soft snoring.


    I lifted my hand to slowly brush off some strands of hair on her face and tucked it on her ear. The woman looks like an angel in her sleep. She¡¯s got a very innocent sleeping face. You wouldn¡¯t think that a face like this could hurl out the most creative and insulting curses on you. Her face is so small with big eyes, pointed nose, and luscious lips. I traced her face starting from her eyes, the bridge on her nose down to her slightly opened red lips.


    My fingers lingered on her soft lips and then to the gap between them. I have the sudden urge to wake her up with a wild kiss.


    ¡°Where were you lurking all this time, Feme? And what is it with you that makes me run to you all the time?¡±


    After hearing Vida that her club is being raided, I immediately ordered my chopper to be ready. Everything seems to not exist at that time and all I want to do is to get Fem out of the ce. It doesn¡¯t help that I learned from Vida that Feme epted the bid from Jason Santos. At that moment, I regretted for a second why I didn¡¯t try to learn to fly a helicopter.


    And when I saw her trying to act courageous just like she always does, I decided right away that I would exhaust all possibilities just so I could have her safe in my ce. I only realized now that I¡¯ve been too decisive, almost a careless kind of decisiveness. It¡¯s the first time that it happened to me. Even in making my corporate decisions, I studied everything first before I made the final call.


    ¡°One week. I¡¯ll give myself one week to be with you and have you all for myself. It will be enough for me to get my hands all over you and satisfy my curiosity.¡±


    The woman moaned in her sleep. The sound of it is enough for my arousal toe back.


    I blew out the air and buried my face on her hair. When did I ever be like this? I¡¯m like a teenager in heat now. And I¡¯m acting like I am a sex-starved maniac. Yes, I remembered. I was on a diet, a sex diet to be exact for the past month.


    Feme stirred in her sleep and moved to my side. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She blinked a couple of times and looked around. Her eyes registered confusion that instantly dissipated when she locked eyes with me. And then she smiled at me. That kind of sultry innocent smile that melts my insides.


    ¡°Good morning..¡±


    I didn¡¯t think any further and went on top of her, my hands pinning her down.


    Why would I even hesitate? Feme is here in his arms for his own taking.


    She didn¡¯t budge. I can see in her eyes that she¡¯s letting me. I lowered my face and kissed the bridge of her nose. She gasped while I caught a breath in anticipation. I smirked and yfully bit her lips before finally iming it. She jerked but didn¡¯t push me away. Finally, I have tasted the lips of the woman I¡¯m dying to have since the first time Iid my eyes on her. It felt like heaven. Hers is the sweetest and softest lips I have ever kissed.


    She responded to my kisses in her own ways. The woman doesn¡¯t know how to kiss. I smiled at what I¡¯ve found out. She¡¯s literally a newbie in this game and I¡¯m a lion who¡¯s very willing to teach her the tricks.


    I let go of her swollen lips and looked right into her beautiful eyes. I know she can read the lust and desire written in my eyes. I want her to know how much I need and want her.


    ¡°Open your mouth Fem,¡±I whispered before lunging in again. I bit her lower lip making her part it even more. My tongue went in and found its sweet counterpart. They danced in their own tunes while I explored her sweet mouth. Feme moaned and it was music to my ears.


    I pulled her soft body into my hard ridges. The fire has already been ignited and I will do everything for it not to be extinguished. I want it to burn me, burn her, and burn us. This me we¡¯ve ignited is not going to be killed any sooner.


    She wrapped her arms around my neck and responded to my kisses. My hands started roaming all over her body. I cupped her breasts and kneaded them alternately. I feel her nipples hardened at the tip of my hands.


    My lips went down to her neck and I tasted her sulent fragrance while my hands were busy massaging her breasts. I put kiss marks and bites in there. She clung to my neck with a bit of force and moaned against my ear.


    I looked up to see her eyes closed and lips being bitten by her own teeth to stifle her moans. I licked her lips and kissed her again. I felt like I couldn¡¯t get enough of her lips. It seems like a drug I¡¯m willing to get addicted to.


    I caressed her leg in an upward motion until I reached her inner thigh. I continued my ascent until I touched her where she aches the most. I teasingly touched it which made Fem whimpered in pleasure. I lifted her leg and wrapped it on my waist and rubbed his softness against me. My shaft is so hard I just want to strip her clothes and take her in but I wouldn¡¯t. Our first time should be perfect for the both of us.


    We both gasped for air as I momentarily released her lips from my assault. Eyes on each other and breathing panting, I lowered myself and whispered in her ears.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sloppy kisser.¡±


    She scratched my back as an answer. I justughed it off.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re being a tiger, kitten. What ate reaction.¡±


    She three me a wild look while still catching her breath.


    ¡°Oh stop it!¡±


    ¡°Stop what?¡±I teased her by grinding our hips together.


    I stared hard at her. She looks like a goddess in her position now. Her hair is scrambled on the pillow and her face is red in passion. Her lips were swollen and she looks like she¡¯s been thoroughly fucked up. Not yet.


    I growled and imed her lips again. This time, it¡¯s a wild, rough and hot kiss. My hands went inside her shirt and yed at the twin peak and the little bud there. I heard her moan again against our lips.


    My hands traveled down to the waistband of her pajama bottoms to feel her. I cupped her mound above her panty which is already wet already and elicited a louder groan from Fem.


    ¡°Mabmab! Mabmab!¡±Nanay Paz called outside the room.


    We both froze at the sudden interruption.


    ¡°Mab! Are you already awake? Andy is here. He brought the keys you asked for himst night. He has something to tell you, too. He¡¯s asking for some favors. Mab?¡±


    I sighed exasperatedly and hitched a breath to calm myself.


    ¡°Yes, yes. I¡¯m awake. I¡¯ll talk to him. Tell him to wait for a minute.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m sorry for disturbing you. Andy told me it¡¯s an emergency so I assumed he really needs to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡±I answered back l.


    A bit annoyed, I nozzled my nose on Feme¡¯s neck and kissed her. That wasn¡¯t such a great timing, was it?


    ¡°Hey, I think you should go out now,¡±she reminded me in between her catching breaths.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I looked at her flushed face and smiled. ¡°Yeah, I know but first¡­¡±


    I pulled her nape and kissed her again which I immediately pulled out the moment I felt the heat rising again.


    ¡°I should go now.¡±


    With heavy feet, I went down to the bed to pick up my shirt on the floor. But before Ipletely left the room, I backtracked, sighed and then with hurried steps went back to her side to cover her with the nket. Her face registered shock. Before, I could even think, I kissed her lips again before walking out of the door.

 Chapter 11

    I can still feel his lips on mine, still feel his hands all over my body. His heat is still addicting, and his touch¡­ how do I put it? His touch is unlike other guys who have touched me. Theirs is full of lust but Maverick¡¯s felt so genuine.


    The feel of his tongue against my skin still lingers in my memory. And his firm and hard body that was pressed against mine seconds ago sent all the doubts and fears in my mind away. It chased the remaining inhibition I¡¯m having the moment I saw his eyes staring hard at me.


    I hugged myself under the covers and shivered. I felt cold for no reason. I remembered how it felt like to be inside his arms, how his heat felt sofortable and safe.


    The way he held me felt so possessive. As if he doesn¡¯t want me to be free from him. It¡¯s like he¡¯s afraid I might go running away. And what does he mean by what he said before I fell asleep? Could it be? No. It¡¯s impossible.


    I reached for his pillow and smelled it. And then I closed my eyes and recalled how he kissed me.


    The man is an expert kisser. The way he used his tongue to pleasure me is telling of what he¡¯s capable of. I¡¯m really intrigued on how he¡¯s going to use it when he get down on me. Not that I think he¡¯s fond of doing it. I just knew he¡¯s an expert in pleasuring his lover. I got a taste earlier and I felt like I became addicted.


    ¡°At least my first would be with a great lover. I can¡¯t imagine giving myself to a lousy man who only wants his release. At least I can have an orgasm the first time I¡¯m doing it.¡±


    I covered myself with the nket and tried very hard to go back to sleep. I then buried my face in Maverick¡¯s pillow and smelled it.


    It smelled of fruits. I can¡¯t help but smile. His smell is the first thing I noticed about him. It smelled familiar. He smells of flowers and fruits and a grown manbined if that¡¯s even possible. I cannot mistake him for a gay, that¡¯s for sure.


    No gay man is that so good in kissing a woman. And the bulge. I felt it grow between my legs as he slowly thrust it against my femininity. He¡¯s big. Another fact.


    I felt my lips again. What I have read and studied on the inte is nothingpared to what I have experienced today. I seem to have forgotten all of the countless forums I¡¯ve spent my nights into. Now I really believe that theory in practice is more than the theory itself.


    I froze when I realized what I¡¯ve been thinking.


    Did I justpliment him? Am I starting to like the guy?


    I sat on the bed and straightened my messy hair.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just trying to be at ease with his presence. That¡¯s all. I don¡¯t want to push him or jump out when we¡¯re doing it.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at myself. Really, Feme? Is that the best reason you can give? You didn¡¯t even object earlier. You were just moaning and silently begging for more!


    My face turned red at the thought.


    Did.. Did Nay Paz perhaps heard us or the other people in the house? Shit!!


    Why couldn¡¯t that man wait? What will people now think about me? Embarrassing!


    I finally got up and made the bed. I folded the nket and bedsheet and ced them on top of the pillow. Ibed my hair with my hand and scratched my face for gound or dried saliva. Then I went out of the room and looked around. I¡¯m searching for Maverick. I heard voices in front of the house so I stepped towards it.


    I saw Maverick¡¯ back while talking to a thin tall man. It must have been some serious stuff they¡¯re talking about given the intensity in their voices and the worried expression on their faces. I saw Maverick tap the man on the shoulder before he ran away.


    Maverick turned in my direction. Our eyes met. I was quite stunned by what I read in his eyes.


    He¡¯s worried and so much more. He then approached me.


    ¡°Come on. We¡¯ll go to my house now.¡±


    He pulled me by the hand to the back of the house where the old woman was busy cooking. We said goodbye to Nay Paz who nodded immediately. Maybe she saw Maverick¡¯s worried face so she never bothered to stop us. He left me for a moment to get our things.


    I also said goodbye to the Paz who smiled at me sweetly before saying ¡°You are different from the women he had dated. Of all the women I have seen with him, only you have made me feel thisfortable. Take care of him, Feme. It looks like he¡¯s slowly returning to the old Mabmab I knew. ¡±


    I smiled back at her even though I was confused by what she meant. I also didn¡¯t have a chance to ask her about what she said because Maverick already came back with the traveling bag and pulled me by the hand again and said goodbye to Paz. I even caught a glimpse of herughing while she looked tenderly at us.


    Maverick helped me get into his rtively tall off-road car before he rolled into the driver¡¯s seat and started the engine. I looked at him. The worry and frustration are still on his face. I shrugged. None of my business.


    I concentrated on the asphalt road. The view of the ind is magnificent.


    I could feel the breeze of salty-smelling air from the sea that was just on my horizon. The road is lined with coconut and mango trees on both sides. There are also a few inders walking and carrying buckets from their sides which are full of harvested fruit and vegetable.


    I gathered my hair to the side and held it with my left hand. And then I extended the other hand to feel the air. I felt the strong breeze on my arm.


    I stared at the rising sun. I was kinda disappointed that I didn¡¯t get the chance to witness the sunrise. It would have been a perfect scene if the sun was only rising now. It would be like those in the movies. The hero and heroine are on the road driving their lover car on an ind. Their hands in the air, the sun is just rising from the east and the breeze is their music. Perfect. But the only thing I can rte there is the breeze, the ind and the car. Nothing else. Nothing more. I should not be forgetting who I am, what I¡¯m doing here and who is mypanion.


    I lowered my hand and turned to the man next to me. His face was a bit rxed now.


    His hair swaying with the breeze, his shirt dancing to nature¡¯s tune. Rays of light illuminated his face. The guy is really blessed with the looks. I stared at him, trying to make him say the things I wanted to know.


    He turned to me when he noticed my gaze.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not my business and you can always not answer the question but what happened earlier?¡±


    ¡°Andy¡¯ wife.¡± He took a sharp breath. ¡°His wife is in a life and death situation right now. I did tell you about his wife giving birth, right? There¡¯s been aplication. Apparently, she had given birth in their house. She bled so she needs immediate medical attention. But the medical facility here is not enough. His wife needs better medical intervention.¡±


    I took in what he said. ¡°And? What did you do to help him? I¡¯m sure you did. You¡¯ve got money. It¡¯s as easy as a wave of the hand.¡±


    ¡°I did. I already called my friend. On the way na ang air medical service.¡± He sighed again and focused his eyes on the road.


    ¡°Oh so Maverick Fuentebe did have a heart after all. I¡¯m surprised. I thought you¡¯re just another balloon in a circus ready to burst any moment. Well, with the amount of money in your bank ounts, I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll not be a big deal to diminish at least a mote from it, right?


    He snorted. ¡°You really think I¡¯m that bad, huh. I¡¯m a very kind man, Feme. It¡¯s not just obvious.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re really kind then let go of me now. Fly me back to the city. Only then would I believe that.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°No. I want you so much for myself to even think of doing that. One week. I need one week with you. Just think of me as another simple man within one week. I¡¯m the balloon. You¡¯re the needle. Whenever you¡¯re near. I could just burst at any second.¡±


    My face instantly turned cherry at his insinuation.


    ¡°Pervert.¡±


    Hisugh got louder.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing again. I liked it.¡±


    I didn¡¯t say a word and just looked outside again. The drive was smooth sailing and I¡¯m quite pleased that the road is already cemented. It¡¯s not as backward as I thought. A few moments passed and I saw arge gate in front of the road.


    It¡¯s a ck gate with a gold vine-like design on the upper part.


    Maverick stopped the car next to the gate and got out. He gestured to me to stay in the car. After opening the gate, he returned to the vehicle and masterfully parked it in the garage.


    I went down and looked around. There¡¯s a lone beach house on the front. It¡¯s a huge one. It¡¯s made up of wood and other indigenous materials to match the ce. A rocker chair was ced on the front porch.


    As soon as Maverick and I walked in with the key in his hand, the wind greeted us. It was blowing hard from the sea across the house. It¡¯s cold. Freshly cold.


    ¡°Come.¡±


    He opened the door for me. I went inside the house and looked around. The living room is quite big and spacious and isplete with modern appliances. The only difference is the wooden chairs with weird designs. Must have been an ind product. To the right is the kitchen. There is no division yet so you get all the view of the kitchen from the living room.


    And the one thing that left my mouth open is the floor to ceiling ss wall that directly offers you the breathtaking view of the sshing waves in the sea.


    ¡°Wow,¡± I eximed. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from saying out of admiration.


    ¡°They all say that after seeing the view from here. It¡¯s why I put the house in this strategic ce. I like the view from here.¡±


    I felt his arms wrapped around my waist and his tiny kisses on my neck.


    I shivered. And got conscious.


    I slipped out of his embrace and walked towards the refrigerator.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Do you have any supplies here?¡±


    ¡°No. I have only just returned to the ind after how many months and it¡¯s unannounced. No chance for the cupboard to be filled.¡±


    He leaned against the wall and stared at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. We could have stayed in Nay¡¯s Paz just for breakfast. You have no consideration. You¡¯re a billionaire and yet you can¡¯t let your sex ve eat?¡±


    His face formed a grim at the choice of my words. I didn¡¯t back out. I held my eyes on him and stood my ground. He nced at his wristwatch.


    ¡°The food will be here at any minute. Don¡¯t worry. As for the stocks, I ordered someone to buy the groceries. That too wille soon.¡±


    He turned and walked to the only door inside the house which I¡¯m assuming is his room.


    I opened the refrigerator. There¡¯s really nothing inside. It¡¯s empty. Not even water. I let out a sigh of annoyance. I¡¯m hungry. I¡¯m not used to eatingte, especially at breakfast. I followed Maverick into the room but he came out before I could turn the knob. He¡¯s wearing pants and a t-shirt. My forehead furrowed.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    ¡°Yup. I need to go to the city next to this ind to attend to Andy and his wife. You stay here. I¡¯ll be going.¡±


    I stopped his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll be going too.¡±


    He shook his head sternly.


    ¡°No. You stay here. I¡¯ll be busy. I can¡¯t keep an eye on you.¡±


    ¡°No need for you to do that. I can perfectly take care of myself.¡±


    ¡°And I will risk you running away. No sweetheart. You¡¯ll be staying here.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t it easier to run away now because you¡¯re not here?¡±


    He grinned and held my face. ¡°No. I have my people to watch you. I¡¯ll be going.¡±


    ¡°I hope you just left me with Nanay Paz. I must have been eating and enjoying myself by now.¡±


    ¡°Not a fat chance. You can easily lure her to help you. You stay here, Fem. I¡¯ll be backter in the day.¡±


    I took a deep frustrated breath. I can¡¯t seem to find a hole with this man. I shot him a look.


    ¡°You said you¡¯ll go to the city?¡±


    He nodded.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Buy me contraceptive pills.¡± He gave me a look. ¡°Men! What? Will you pull out or use a condom? Whatever it is, I can¡¯t take a chance. Buy me some undies too.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll buy it.¡±


    He walked towards me and pulled me. He gave me a full mouth kiss and then withdrawn himself. He gave me that hard stare again that dried my mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in no time and when I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll make all my fantasies about youe true,¡± he whispered.


    He let go of me and went out the door. I heard a car driving away after a minute.


    I thumbed my lips. He kissed me even when he knew I hadn¡¯t brushed my teeth yet. Ew, Maverick. And only now have I also realized that what he did to my mouth before is even worse. I put my hand close to my mouth. I smelled my breath through my hand. It didn¡¯t stink. Thank goodness.


    While waiting for the food to arrive, I first surveyed the whole house. I opened the bedroom door and entered. The king size bed immediately weed me. There is a side table andmp shade on top. There¡¯s also a closet at the other end of the room. Other than that, there is no other furniture in the room.


    The interior design is minimalistic. I opened the closet and rummaged inside. Just clothes. I sat on the floor and opened the drawers below. A shoe box caught my attention. It¡¯s a ck box with a unique pattern on top. It was like an inverted carved rose. I reached for it and was about to open it when I was interrupted by the ringing of the door bell. It must have been the food. I returned the box and closed the closet. I went out of the room and opened the door to the living room. There¡¯s a young girl holding a bag of stic in her hand. She is smiling shyly at me. I smiled back.


    ¡°Hi!¡± I greeted.


    She smiled innocently to me.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your food, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She handed me the stic bag which I immediately grabbed. My stomach growled at the sight and smell of food.


    ¡°Thank you?¡±


    ¡°Anna.¡±


    I smiled again at her.


    ¡°Thank you, Ana. Come on. Come in. Come eat with me. ¡±


    I opened the door wider for her. The child quickly shook her head.


    ¡°Not anymore ma¡¯am. I need to go home now. My mother needed me there. I just delivered what Sir Mabmab ordered.¡±


    She turned around and was about to run but she looked back at me and smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, ma¡¯am. You look like an angel.¡±


    She ran away after telling them to me.


    I just watched Ana from the door while smiling to myself.


    Youth. Innocence. When have I been like her? Have I experienced a life like Ana¡¯s? Contented, happy and hopeful. Did I? I don¡¯t know. Maybe. Maybe I¡¯ve forgotten about it too.


    I brought the food to the kitchen and served it. Fried rice, eggs, fried bangus and mango. I made a sauce using the condiments in the cupboard. I just hope they haven¡¯t expired yet. After eating and washing, I took a bath. I found a spare toothbrush in the man¡¯s toiletries so I used that. I also washed my undies and then turned on the air-conditioning system. I took Maverick¡¯s pajamas and shirt out of his closet and put it on. I went back to the living room and stretched out on the sofa. I ended up watching TV and falling asleep.

 Chapter 12

    It was alreadyte in the evening when I got back to the ind because I needed to make sure that Andy¡¯s wife was out of danger first.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I have to make contact every now and then because of the worsening condition of Andy¡¯s wife. It was a long day for me. After making sure that Andy¡¯s wife is properly taken care of, I immediately drove back to the office to check in there.


    I just suddenly left the wholepany under the management of my trusted administrative officer the day Vida barged and got caught. Though there has been constantmunication and I am also confident in the abilities of the staff, I am still restless.


    I used to oversee everything not too long before the woman named Feme happened and all I thought I couldn¡¯t do turned out to be just in my mind after all.


    What¡¯s even worse is I didn¡¯t even think twice before doing it.


    First, I gave the footage to Vida in exchange for Feme.


    What I did is clearly a breach of the contract I had with the client.


    Second, I left thepany for a week. My meetings with important business partners were canceled. Third and the most unbelievable thing I did was ask for help from thest person I would talk to. I needed to do it to ensure that Feme¡¯s name will never be dragged in the mess inside the La Vida Club. Speaking of the club, I heard that they are facing awsuit now. I don¡¯t care about that anymore. Vida and I are done with our business.


    Exhausted, I looked at the ind from the air. Arge part of it is already dark. The locals here are already resting in bed. It¡¯s one thing I liked about the ce. Quiet. You¡¯re away from the noisy and chaotic city. Here I find the security I can¡¯t get in the city. It¡¯s my hiding ce, my haven. It¡¯s also the first ce that came to my mind when I decided to take Fem away.


    The helicopternded on the wide clearing. I saluted the pilot beforeing down with the groceries both in my two hands. I bought pills for Feme. I grinned while thinking about her flushed face asking me to buy her the pills. I didn¡¯t think of that, ah. I lost track of the possible consequences. Using a condom didn¡¯t even enter my mind. Everytime I engaged with sex with the women in the past, I always make sure to use protection. It¡¯s my number one rule. But like the other rules in my life, I was able to break it all for the woman.


    I got in the car and started the engine. In a few minutes, I was already making my way to the resthouse. The road is empty of people. Understandable because it¡¯s about eleven o¡¯clock. Compared to the city where the nightlife is just starting at this time, people here are already fast asleep.


    I felt a tingly emotion inside while I¡¯m nearing the house. I was shaking my head when I realized that I¡¯m acting like a teenager. I tried to suppress a smile but I couldn¡¯t help it. I am excited to see Feme. I want to see her face.


    ¡°You must have really bewitched me.¡±


    I remembered the report I received from my staff. The woman never attempted to flee. She did not even leave the house. They said she just goes out to get the food they deliver.


    I stopped the car outside the gate and went down to open it. After parking the car and closing the gate, I silently entered the house. The lights inside the house are off. Maybe Feme is already asleep too.


    I took the key out of my pocket and opened the door. I didn¡¯t turn on the light. I justid the stic bags on the sofa and went straight to the bedroom. The light is also off. Only the dim light from themp shade illuminates the room.


    Feme is sleeping soundly on my bed. She¡¯s wearing my clothes. I stopped myself from going to bed and touching her. Instead, I took a shower first. After I stepped out of the shower, I unhurriedly fished out a brief and pair of pajama buttons.


    I was drying my hair with a towel while staring at Feme who was now lying down on her back. Her nket was rolled up to her thighs revealing her white shapely legs.


    I gulped at her sight. I am turned on immediately. She looked so sexy wearing my old football uniform without any bottoms.


    I finished what I was doing and climbed into bed. I fixed her nket to cover her up to the neck before crawling beside her. I put my elbow beside her pillow and rested my head on my hand. I stared at her sleeping contentedly. She looks so peaceful in her sleep.


    ¡°What a beauty,¡± I whispered.


    Ibed her hair tenderly before lowering my gaze to her parted lips. I swallowed a lump on my throat. Here I am thinking dirty thoughts again with this sleeping woman. It¡¯s twice in a row now.


    I straightened up and gently pulled her body. I put my arm around his waist and contentedly buried my face in her neck. Feme¡¯s arm moved and hugged my arms unconsciously. I was stunned for second. It was as if a warm hand caressed my chest.


    I lifted her face and slowly lowered myself to kiss her.


    It was just a fleeting kiss but it¡¯s enough to light up the fire. Secondster, I found myself on top of her fervently kissing her luscious lips. Her lips are so warm, soft and sweet that I had just to let myself be drawn into the feeling. Her mouth opened and weed my tongue. I heard a moan.


    I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s from her or me. That doesn¡¯t matter anymore.


    I continued my assault. My hands roamed all over her body.


    I put my hand inside her t-shirt and cupped her already hardened nipple. Feme¡¯s body arched and her arms clung to my neck.


    I pulled out from the kiss and watched her wriggled in pleasure as I continued to y with her breast.


    She opened her eyes and bit her lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I wake you up,¡± I said in a hoarse voice.


    She just nodded before biting her lower lip and staring at me. The little restraint I had left waspletely out of the hook.


    My body is burning and it¡¯s screaming for a release and this woman right here under me is the only one who could put off the fire.


    I tugged at the hemline of her shirt to pull it out from her.

 Chapter 13

    I was already awake as soon as Maverick entered the room. I just pretended to be asleep to find out what he was going to do.


    And when he kissed me, I knew right then that there¡¯s no going back. The way he frantically tangled his tongue with mine tells me he will not hold back this time. He¡¯s going to take me tonight.


    I raised my hand so he could take off his t-shirt. He tossed it on the floor then stared at my nakedness with full admiration in his eyes.


    His eyes traveled down to my breast, to my t stomach down to the triangle between my legs that is already moist with need. He stared back at my big proud breast and palmed them.


    He caught my eye as he lightly massaged my breasts.


    I tried to hold on to his stare but I couldn¡¯t help but shut my eyes when he started to y at my already hardened nipples with his fingers.


    Trickles of pleasure flooded me. I felt fluid gushed out from my womanhood. I moaned and wriggled my body.


    He lowered his face to me and reimed my lips.


    I responded with equal fervor trying to match his expert lips and tongue from surveying my mouth. I stick out my tongue to him and suck his lower lip. He groaned and pinned me harder on the bed, his body snaked with mine. His heat keeps the burning lust and his scent intoxicates me.


    His kisses went down to my neck where he suckled my sensitive skin there. I felt his warm tongue and teeth sinking on mine.


    I whimpered. I felt his moist mouth travel to my ear. He nibbled my ear and licked it while groaning.


    I heard him gasp violently as if something was holding him back. He turned to my neck and nted little kisses and bites. He went down further until he came face to face with the twin mounds. He caught my eye and grinned before his mouth covered one of my breasts while squeezing the other. He looks so sexy while suckling my breast. I was catching my breath and my moans were getting louder because of the mixed sensation I was feeling. I sped my hands around the man¡¯s naked body and hugged my legs around his waist to bring myself even closer to Maverick¡¯s blessed mouth. I could feel his stirring masculinity against the small of my stomach.


    He moved to my other breast and yed it with his tongue. I felt another gush of creame out of me down there. He abandoned my chest and started toe down. He trailed kisses to my stomach then to my navel. He shed out his tongue and used it to lick around my navel. I tossed and turned in bed. I no longer knew where to cling to because of the spinning sensation of electricity that possessed my body from my abdomen down to the center of my femininity.


    ¡°Shit.¡± I muttered when Maverick went down even further.


    Maverickughed. ¡°I see you¡¯re anticipating it. ¡±


    His breath is hard and uneven. I shivered at the feel of his breath against my skin.


    I didn¡¯t answer because he¡¯s right and I don¡¯t want to admit that he¡¯s getting it. I justy there waiting for his next move.


    He cupped my mound and traced my slit using his finger. My stomach churned in an anticipated feeling. I bit my lip harder. I don¡¯t care if it bleeds.


    I don¡¯t really know what to do with this crazy delirious feeling he¡¯s giving to my body other than to grip the bed sheets, cling to his body, bite my lips and silently scream for more. There¡¯s an itch inside me that needs to be scratched so badly.


    He kissed the top of my panty that¡¯s already soaked with my liquid and licked my slit. I almost screamed when he did that. Using his two hands, he slowly discarded myst clothing and threw it away so now my whole body is exposed to him. As if on cue, I tried to cover my femininity but he removed my hand.


    He looked at me with utter amazement.


    A guttural sound escaped his mouth and before I knew it, he already parted my legs and he¡¯s kissing me there. He parted my folds using his fingers and licked me. Hepped me, sucked me, and yed with that soft bundle of nerves of pleasure that brought me to edge. Napapikit na ako. He steadied me in ce and put my legs on her shoulders. He cupped my ass using his hands and squeezed them.


    I could do nothing but tweak Mab¡¯s hair and put up with his delicious intrusion. I¡¯m close to orgasm. I can already feel the coagtion of the explosion in my abdomen.


    Any minute now, if he continues to drive me crazy with his tongue alone, I will really explode. I felt his warm tongue enter me forming circles inside. I bite my lips and I can taste my own blood. I pulled his hair and then pushed him to me again.


    His tongue movements slowed down and I didn¡¯t like it at all so I opened my eyes and look down. I caught his dark eyes on mine. There¡¯s nothing more carnal sight than seeing a man eating you down there as if worshipping you with his tongue and mouth. And oh, the delirious feeling is everything. So, this is sex. Why did I keep myself from experiencing it all this time?


    The movement of his tongue quickened inside me and the feeling of chasing something came back. It felt like I wanted to reach for something I don¡¯t know. You feel like you¡¯re going to do everything just to get to the ce where you have no idea where.


    And then it happened. My muscles contracted and then a wonderful delicious feeling set in. Blinding lights exploded in my head followed by a sigh of relief. I just had my very first orgasm in the tongue of this man.


    Maverick kissed me there before crawling his way back to me. He captured my lips giving me a taste of myself. I encircled my arms around him and responded with equal wantonness.


    ¡°So? Rate my performance? Am I good enough to afford such silence from the great Feme?¡±


    He teasingly said and wiped the sweat on my forehead.


    ¡°I say you¡¯re good. For a starter like me with no point ofparison, I will rate you five out of ten.¡±


    I wiped his mouth while he let out a heartyugh.


    ¡°Five out of ten? I gave you an outstanding performance but then you gave me a poor score? What a standard you have there, sweetheart. Now let me show you another one, an excellent one to erase any possibleint inside that pretty head of yours.¡±


    He imed my lips for another wild, wanton kiss again. This time it¡¯s more raw, more wanting and more aggressive. He caressed my stomach where waves of pleasure enved me. It stopped at my center and gave it extra attention. He inserted a finger inside me and then yed with my clitoris.


    I pushed him away when I felt a sudden difort at my center. He sensed my fear andforted me.


    ¡°Hey, easy, easy. I got you. I got you,¡± he whispered to my ears. I rxed a bit.


    He kissed me again trying to keep my mind off of his hand. I kissed him back. I shifted my position to get used to his movement.


    ¡°Does it feel better?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s better.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    He covered my lips again and elerated the movement of his finger. His tongue mimics what his hands are doing with me. I groaned. I felt another wave of pleasure building inside. But he pulled out his finger to my disappointment.


    ¡°Sorry, sweetheart but I have to dy you now. I can¡¯t hold it much longer. I might burst in the sheets any moment from now.¡±


    He stood up and started removing his pajamas and briefs. His manhood springs out in the open ready for the impending action. My, it¡¯s really big. My hunch is right. He¡¯s got a big big dick. Fear crept into my system. Can I take it? What if I bleed all over? I can¡¯t take my mind into the embarrassment I will incur if I¡¯ll be hospitalized only because I can¡¯t take a dick in. But I am flexible. I can do it.


    I calmed myself down and looked back at Maverick¡¯s manhood.


    That long, thick shaft is gonna get me holed out for sure. I can also see a glistening white precum on its crown. Maverick stroked his shaft before he positioned on top of me. I opened my legs for him.


    He dipped his manhood to my juices first and tried to push it inside. The head went in. The first few inches is no big deal but the indescribable wincing pain shocked me when he continued pushing forward. He stopped and cupped my face.


    ¡°Tell me if it hurts. I¡¯ll pull out,¡± he said in a pained voice.


    ¡°Just shut up and kiss me. Maybe make me forget the pain, can you?¡±


    He smiled a jaw-dropping one.


    ¡°My pleasure.¡± He imed my lips for a searing kiss while his hands went to my breast and toyed with them. I momentarily forgot about the difort and moaned. He took it as a sign to push further inside and he filled me inch by inch. Another one swift thrust and he broke the barrier inside and he¡¯s seated on the hilt. I was overwhelmed with pain that was just drowned out by his kiss. He is really big, I have to give him that.


    I scratched Maverick¡¯s back and bit his lip. He didn¡¯t seem to mind though.


    He didn¡¯t move yet. He let me adjust to his size first. He kissed my shoulders and neck for a moment. I wrapped my legs around his waist and grabbed his head for a kiss.


    ¡°Now, move.¡±


    He no longer waited for me to finish before moving slowly. I winced in pain with the friction. He noticed the pain on my face so his hands moved to my bud and touched it. The delicious feeling I felt before returned.


    A few more minutes passed when I felt the pain slowly go away. Still painful but it¡¯s more tolerablepared to before. I noticed that it has been reced by a strange sensation, especially when our sexes touch.


    He pumped harder after a minute of slow thrusting.


    I rubbed my thigh against his leg urging him to go faster which he did. His thrusts be faster, his movements bing more precise and our moans getting louder.


    I clung to his neck when I felt the familiar rush of intense waves of pleasure again.


    ¡°Mav¡­¡± I whispered, gripping his ass and pushing it harder towards my body.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let go, Fem¡­¡± he whispered back and held my breasts.


    I threw my head back when I reached my orgasm. My body went rigid and I clung on to him for support. I closed my eyes as I went into the full liquefaction process. It was more intense this time as I felt fuller with him inside me.


    He let me rx a bit before satiating his own needs.


    He lifted my legs over his shoulders before elerating the movement.


    He moved faster and harder until I felt his warm seeds explode inside of me. Few more thrusts followed until hepletely emptied himself to me. Panting for breath, he copsed in my arms and buried his sweaty face on the crook of my neck.


    He slowly pulled his manhood out of me.


    He then reversed our position and settled me on top of him. He pulled the nket up to our necks and hugged me under the covers. I inhaled his scent and closed my eyes.


    When our breathing and heartbeat went back to normal and all I noticed was his strong pair or arms stroking my back, I realized one thing.


    I have been an alpha female all of my life so I love to put up a fight but in this arena, I know I¡¯m no match for Maverick. I¡¯d dly throw my towel in the air if it means I get to experience this again.

 Chapter 14

    I caressed Feme¡¯s back and then gave her a small kiss on her head.


    Their breathing is still uneven from the recent activity.


    I pulled the woman closer and buried my face in her hair.


    I cannot believe what I just felt. It¡¯s the best sex I had hands down. Sure, the woman is not a great kisser, heck she¡¯s the worst kisser I ever had but it was the most satisfying release I ever had in my entire life.


    I cannot understand what I¡¯m feeling now. There¡¯s something about the familiarity I felt with Feme that made me melt inside. I kissed her temple again.


    ¡°So? How was it? What¡¯s my rating?¡±


    I touched her arm yfully.


    Sheughed. Something tugged at me. I think it¡¯s the sexiest one I¡¯ve ever heard.


    ¡°Nope. Still five. You hurt me.¡±


    I got worried about what she said.


    ¡°D-did it really hurt that bad? Does it hurt until now? Hey, I did everything.¡±


    I bent down to inspect her face.


    ¡°You want to go to the hospital? Come on.¡±


    I was about to get up but Feme grabbed my arm and pulled me back to bed.


    Scandalized, she widened her eyes at me.


    ¡°What? Hospital? Of course not! It¡¯s thest ce I would want to go to at this time. Gosh, Fuentebe! It¡¯s natural for me to feel like this. It¡¯s my first time!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know but we¡¯ll go if you want to.¡±


    I wrapped my arms around his waist again.


    ¡°It stings, yes but it¡¯s not something that will get me hospitalized. Geez, I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m having this kind of conversation after losing my virginity.¡±


    I chuckled and hugged her even tighter. She squeezed herself against me. She put her hand on my shoulder and sighed. No one broke thefortable silence between us.


    ¡°Hey, Fuentebe.¡±


    She broke the silence eventually.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I began caressing her shoulder des.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to be doing this?¡±


    ¡°Doing what?¡±


    ¡°This. Cuddling. It felt off.¡±


    I buried my face in her neck and lightly bit her skin.


    ¡°You mean this?¡±


    I pressed my hard dick on her thigh.


    ¡°Or this?¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    A sound of protest came out from her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about this. You, hugging and kissing me as if we¡¯re lovers.¡±


    ¡°Why? We are lovers.¡±


    She shot me a disgusted look.


    ¡°You know we¡¯re not. This is just temporary. Maximum one week of fucking our brains out. That¡¯s just it.¡±


    The side of my mouth formed into a sly grin. I leaned in and nibbled her earlobes.


    ¡°Suits me well. If what you mean is having feelings then count me out. I said it to you and I will say it again. I only want your body, Fem. This is purely physical in nature.¡±


    I grabbed her chin to make her face me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mistake lust for budding love, Feme. I¡¯m not capable of that.¡±


    I swooped down to im her lips for a tight and warm kiss. She hesitated at first to respond or not but when my hands travelled to the swell of her breasts and started rolling my hands on her nipples, shepletely gave in and opened her mouth for me. I smiled while pushing my tongue in and deepening the kiss. The me has been reignited.


    My hand began to move all over her body. I touched her side down to her thighs and leg. I deliberately avoided the center part to tease her


    I felt her fingernails raking my back which sent sensations all over me. I pressed her harder on the sheets and snapped out from the kiss. I gave her a smirk.


    ¡°Your mouth may be my enemy but your body is certainly my friend.¡±


    Annoyance is already evident on her exquisite face. But it only added even more to Feme¡¯s appeal


    It only made her more beautiful. The stark fire in her eyes and the flush on her cheeks are the two things I realized I like to see every time she¡¯s under me.


    She grinned and pulled me to her. She snaked her arms to my neck and her legs to my waist. She kissed my neck and alternately licked it. I groaned at the kick of my blood.


    Her mouth went down from my mouth to my chest. She blew air before enclosing my nipple in her mouth all while looking straight at me. She licked her lips and began kissing my nipples. I clenched my teeth and felt my dick grow harder and bigger. I cursed under my mouth.


    Her hands went south until it reached my steely manhood. She gripped it and yfully stroked the tip.


    The goofy smile still lingered on her mouth when she bit her lower lip and let out a growl. I moved my hips as she pumped me slowly. Her soft delicate hands on my shaft felt so good I think I¡¯m gonna cum.


    ¡°You might be right, Fuentebe but so do I.¡±


    She continued to move her hand between us while still posting a mocking smile on her lips. I groaned yet again when she started it pumping faster.


    I grabbed her hand and lifted it up to head. Then I positioned my manhood on her opening that was already soaked.


    ¡°I doubt it, Fem. You¡¯re still a novice while I¡¯m a pro in the game. You still have a lot of catching up to do. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m an excellent teacher.¡±


    I positioned my cock in between her legs and pushed the tip. I thrust but did notpletely enter her. She lifted her body to mine but I kept it back on the bed. She lets out an annoyed voice.


    ¡°Easy, easy.¡± I teased her.


    I withdrew and angled my cock a bit to touch her clit every time I moved.


    She closed her eyes and held onto the headboard. She still tried to lift her body to meet my thrust but she couldn¡¯t because I was holding her waist tightly.


    ¡°Ah, stop torturing me,¡± she hissed.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re still sore.¡± I exined.


    I watched how my cock slid up and down through her dripping pussy. I relished at the sight of our bucking hips meeting at the juncture of our most sensitive private parts. The pressure is starting to build up on my groin and I know I¡¯m nearing the edge but she has to cum first.


    I let go of her hands and inserted my finger inside her velvety folds. Her hands immediately went back to my back and scratched it. Her cries went louder.


    I elerated the thrust of my finger inside her and adjusted my movement over her. The sound of our bodies heightens the pleasure. The smell of ourbined essence makes me heady. I don¡¯t know if I can take it any longer. I might cum any second now.


    Just when I thought I could hold on for more, her body convulsed and her muscles clenched in my finger. Her walls tightened beneath my digit, her eyes dting in basking through her orgasm. Few more thrusts before I let myself go on the brink. I literally disintegrated into nothingness as thepletely familiar but different feeling filled my being. My semen spilled onto her stomach as it shot up there.


    I took out my finger from her and brought it to my mouth. I licked it while staring down at Feme.


    Her mouth fell open.


    ¡°You¡¯re gross,¡± she said breathlessly.


    ¡°You taste so damn good,¡± I said while chasing my breath.


    ¡°Ew.¡±


    Laughing, I kissed her again. Ah, the taste of her damn warm lips is really sweet and addicting. I also let her go as soon as the soldier came back to life. I leaned over Feme and hugged her. His leg slightly touched my hard manhood again.


    ¡°You¡¯re insatiable. You just finished and yet you¡¯re hard again?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your fault. Now sleep before I ravage you again. I don¡¯t want to have sex with a vegetable.¡±


    ¡°Well what can I say other than thank you? I thought we¡¯re going to do it for the rest of the night.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You want? I could do this all the way tomorrow. Just say so when you¡¯re ready again but please don¡¯t me me if you¡¯ll faint while asking for more. ¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up.¡±


    She shut her eyes closed and adjusted her head on my chest.


    ¡°And Fuentebe?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s six point five.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My rating is 6. 5.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know if I wouldugh or feel insulted so I just chose the first one.


    ¡°How generous of you, huh? I¡¯m ttered I climbed a point and a half higher.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Her body rxed and her breathing became even. She fell asleep in an instant.


    I stroked Feme¡¯s hair and closed my eyes as well.


    I also shoved the strange feelings back to my mind that is now wreaking havoc in my being.

 Chapter 15

    I opened my eyes to the soft warmth of the morning. The first thing that greeted me was the sunlight prating from the ss window. I raised my hand to cover my face and moved to get up but an arm tightly coiled around my waist stopped me.


    I stiffened for a while and recalled everything.


    The events fromst night gradually came back to me. My face heated up with memories. Sighing, I slowly removed the legs that were holding me captive then slowly slipped out of Maverick¡¯s embrace. I got off the bed and looked for my t-shirt on the floor. I immediately put them on and walked to the bathroom. I took a shower first to soothe my aching muscles.


    I still hurt down there but it¡¯s not as painful asst night. My face went red again when images from what happened came running down to my mind.


    I tried to shake off the memories and started rinsing my body off.


    I wiped my body with a towel and covered myself before leaving the bathroom. Maverick was still asleep on the bed, he is on his back while his face is sunk into my pillow.


    He looks so magnificently handsome with his sun-kissed skin, small stubbles on his chin and a slightly open mouth that brought me to heavenst night.


    Gosh, Feme! You even got the nerve to insert that! I eximed in my mind.


    I blew air and opened the closet. I chose a big shirt with a fairly thick fabric. I don¡¯t have undies inside. I hope his conscience is working to be caring enough to buy me a pair of undies.


    And the pills! I need the pills.


    My monthly period is regr so tracking my fertile days is easier. I¡¯m not fertile yesterday but I still need the pills for precautionary purposes. No one wants to be pregnant during a one-week sex escapade with a man you don¡¯t trust.


    I took another nce at Maverick before going out of the room. I went to the kitchen to make coffee.


    Thank goodness there¡¯s coffee beans in the groceries he bought yesterday.


    I took it out from the cupboard and set the brewing machine.


    Moments passed and the aroma of pure coffee goodness filled the entire house.


    I poured it into the mug and positioned myself in front of the ss wall. I took a sip and closed my eyes as the heat and bitterness of the coffee warmed my throat.


    I opened my eyes and stared at the beauty in front of me. Ripples of shining waves hugged the white shoreline creating rxing sea patterns.


    The water level is low tide so the water is still a bit far. I looked out to sea. It looks so peaceful and serene. The waves gently caress the fine sand of the beach. It matches with the clear weather and blue sky which are adorned by birds flying under the gentle rays of the sun.


    Suddenly, it was as if I were back in the ce where the trees were proudly bustling and the only noise that could be heard was the gentle rush of water from the waterfall into the river. The twittering of the birds is like a short sweet song as well as the chirping of insects and small animals around.


    That ce is a paradise. It¡¯s where I became the happiest even when I¡¯m alone. It¡¯s also the ce where I¡¯ve witnessed the event that has changed my life forever.


    The flow of my memory was interrupted when the familiar warm arms embraced me from behind. I barely looked at Maverick who was just naked from waist up and only wearing boxer shorts. He parted my wet hair to the side and kissed me on the nape. His stubbles tickled my skin as he rubbed his chin against my neck.


    ¡°Good morning. Still sore?¡± he asked in a strained voice.


    I ignored his question and continued sipping.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    I raised my mug of coffee at him.


    ¡°Coffee? I brewed.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes. I need it.¡±


    He let go of me and walked towards the kitchen. I watched him as he poured the brewed coffee and cream into another mug. He nced at me before going back to my side.


    I skimmed his appearance. Broad shoulders, big muscled arms and another big deal bulge inside those boxers. All is big with this guy.


    My face turned red when our eyes met. I cleared my throat and pretended like nothing happened. A goofy smile is ying on his face. He obviously caught me checking him out. He leaned over me and sipped his coffee.


    ¡°The view here is magnificent,¡± he pointed at the view outside.


    ¡°I agree. I specifically added this ss wall to the design of the house. Waking up to this view every morning just hits different. It calms me especially when I¡¯m thinking about new business ventures.¡±


    ¡°Right. This ce is really wonderful. Virgin ind. I noticed there¡¯s not much of big establishments here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a tourist spot under the government¡¯s care. They want to preserve its natural resources so they limit the building of big establishments as much as possible. You see that part near that big rock formation? That area used to be a part of a remation project by a dredgingpany. The locals here did not like the project and asked for my help. I forwarded their cause to the government and the rest was history. The project waspletely scrapped.¡±


    He took a sip from his coffee mug and then winked at me.


    I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°How noble. It never crossed your mind to put up a hotel here? You can definitely exploit the ce. Imagine, all of the locals here will be your instant customers. After all, you are their savior.¡±


    ¡°It never crossed my mind. This ind is a haven for me from the first time I discovered this ce years ago. It¡¯s my favorite vacation home, my destressing staycation. Now if I put up a hotel here, this will no longer be a peaceful ce for me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll just get the key.¡±


    I followed his back as he wnrr back to the room. My gaze went to his round buttocks. Apple pie. I bit my lip when I blushed again. I averted my eyes and concentrated on drinking my cold coffee. He returnedter with a bunch of keys in his hand. I then went back to the kitchen to have more coffee.


    ¡°Come, Fem. Let me show you outside,¡± he invited me.


    ¡°Refill?¡±


    I tilted the cup I¡¯m holding.


    He smiled.


    ¡°Oh yes, please. We need that.¡±


    He came over and ced his own mug on the kitchen counter next to my mug. I poured in the liquid in his mug and reached for the cream to the side.


    ¡°Tell me if it¡¯s enough.¡± I started pouring in the cream.


    ¡°It¡¯s enough.¡±


    I returned the lid of the cream and picked up the mug. I took a spoon and stirred the solution and handed it to Maverick. I put coffee in mine and took it. He followed my gaze the entire duration.


    ¡°No sugar or cream for you?¡± he observed.


    ¡°Ahm, no. I liked it in and pure ck.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I met a woman who liked her coffee like that.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not the first man I know who liked his coffee with cream.¡±


    He gave me an amused smile.


    ¡°You got me there. Nowe on.¡±


    He walked toward the ss wall and pulled back the curtain to the very edge.


    ¡°This wall is not actually a wall. It¡¯s a ss door.¡±


    I went beside him to take the mug he was holding.


    ¡°Let me hold this for you.¡±


    He smiled at me and inserted the key into the keyhole. I heard a click and then a small handle appeared. Maverick pulled it and slid it in a horizontal motion. The strong, cold sea wind greeted us immediately. And boy, what a view. What it looks like from the ss wall is nothingpared to what I see now.


    ¡°Wow,¡± was the only thing I could say while gaping at the wondrous view before me.


    The rays of the sun turn everything I see sparkling. The sea is sparkling, the rocks are shining and the tiny ripples of white sand look like pearls from my point of view.


    ¡°Come on. The view is the best there.¡±


    He took back the mug from me and looked for my hand.


    I hesitated a bit because I¡¯m not wearing anything inside the shirt. The wind will probably blow my clothing off. But what is it now? He¡¯s seen me all naked. But still, I can¡¯t help but feel awkward.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, curious about my hesitation.


    ¡°N-nothing. Come on.¡±


    We went down to the sand barefoot. It doesn¡¯t hurt and you don¡¯t have to worry because the sand is very fine. I let go of his hand and pulled down at the hem of my dress. The wind is really strong. I pulled it down again to make sure it stays in ce. I turned to the man who was giggling.


    ¡°What?¡±


    I was really annoyed because of my situation and yet he still managed tough at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve bought you clothes. It will arriveter this morning. And you don¡¯t have to keep doing that. There¡¯s no people here aside from us. You can skinny dip all you want. I won¡¯t mind, promise.¡±


    He grinned at me and raised his hands in surrender.


    I red at him.


    ¡°How I wish I could gouge your eyes out.¡±


    Heughed at my reaction and pinched my cheek. He dragged me closer and held the hem of my shirt so that the wind wouldn¡¯t blow it away.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hammock there.¡±


    He pointed to coconut trees in the distance. We walked side by side, him telling me stories about the ce.


    Between the two coconuts hangs the rattan hammock. But my eyes were not focused on that but on the scene ahead. The long stretch of the wide blue sea is unhampered by any obstacle. I can see the green ind on the left as well as some rock formations next to it. I didn¡¯t see any sea vessel sailing which gives a very peaceful ambience in the area. The only thing that fills the morning is the sound of the sea crashing and the chirping of birds waiting for the fish.


    ¡°Wow,¡± I whispered. I surveyed  the whole scene before me and marveled at how this could even exist.


    Maverick gently tugged at me to sit on hisp and snaked his arms around my waist. I couldn¡¯t do anything when our bodies touched. What I did was to just straighten my clothes and drink my coffee. I even let his hands roam all over me as they traveled up and down my thighs.


    He drew small circles using his fingers on my legs. His other hand began to fumble my breast from the outside. I gasped for breath.


    My hands shook in the kick of sensation.


    ¡°Maverick,¡± I warned him when I felt him hardened under my butt.


    ¡°Hmmmm.¡±


    He pulled me even closer to his frame and fingered my hair to the side. He sniffed me first before bending down to kiss my neck. I tightened my grip on his arm and the handle of the mug. I bit my lip to keep myself from moaning.


    The two of us were already breathing heavily. His heart was beating so fast that I could feel it from the connection between our bodies. His hand also became more aggressive when he finally got inside my clothes. He started rubbing the side of my thighs up until he found my groin. He started caressing it using his fingers.


    I sighed at the rush of blood I felt. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from leaning against him to bring myself closer to his heat and touch. His warm, rough hands ignited the fire I knew was there all along just hiding from the inside.


    ¡°Your coffee. It¡¯s getting cold,¡± I said in a futile attempt to stop what he¡¯s doing.


    ¡°Let it be.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    He continued kissing and sucking my neck so I just closed my eyes and tilted my neck even more for him to give him better ess. My body is heating up with lust. The cold air did nothing to put off the fire that was slowly consuming my sanity. I moved my butt and pressed my body to him. He growled and answered me with a thrust.


    The movement caused the liquid on his mug to spill off on my arm. Good thing it¡¯s already cold. I moved away from Maverick.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked in a voiceden with desire.


    I showed him my wet arm.


    ¡°Your coffee spilled on me.¡±


    ¡°Did you get hurt? It¡¯s hot.¡±


    His face was full of concern as he inspected my skin.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. It¡¯s already cold.¡±


    I was about to wipe my arm on the t-shirt when he stopped me.


    ¡°Let me.¡±


    He took my arm and slowly dried it with his mouth and tongue. He¡¯s staring at me as he gently sucked my arm. I met Maverick¡¯s ming eyes. I could no longer restrain myself so I reached for his face and kissed him. He seemed surprised at what I did so he didn¡¯t readily respond.


    I closed my eyes and moved my lips against his. I tried mimicking his way of kissing mest night but I failed. His lips were still pressed close tight. I tried biting his lips but I did it a little too hard given the change in his grip on my hips.


    Frustrated, I ended the kiss and looked up at him. My gaze went to his reddened lip. I did hurt him.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t mean to hurt you.¡±


    There¡¯s no apparent reaction from him. He just sipped from his cup, snatched the mug from my hand and put it down on the sand together with his mug, took me by my nape and kissed me.


    I clung tightly to his neck as I opened my mouth to his punishing kiss. I tasted the sweet coffee from his mouth. I sucked his tongue to get more of the blended cream and coffee. I tasted the bittersweet coffee in his mouth but why does it seem like a wine to me which is making me drunk?


    I squealed as hey me down on the hammock without breaking the kissing of our lips. I straddled his hardness while he cupped my butt and squeezed them. I squeezed myself tighter into his embrace and moved my lower part to meet the man¡¯s stronger humping.


    He was about to put his hands inside me when we were interrupted by a growl in my stomach. He stopped kissing me and yanked down his head to see my face. I buried my face on his bare chest trying to pacify the erratic beating of my heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    Maverick¡¯s loudughter filled the surroundings. He fixed my shirt. and then caressed my back.


    ¡°Me too,¡± he answered and rubbed the hardness on me again.


    ¡°We¡¯re different. You¡¯re hungry for food. I¡¯m hungry for something else.¡±


    Heughed again. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Hebed my hair while swinging the hammock. I closed my eyes and savored the air.


    ¡°Where are we, Maverick?¡±


    ¡°Guess it.¡±


    ¡°Somewhere in the world. I just don¡¯t know exactly where,¡± I answered sarcastically.


    ¡°Hmmm. You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Why am I even talking to you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re not fair at giving me your proper rating. 6. 5? Seriously? I did better than that.¡±


    ¡°Why do men tend to have stratospheric egos?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not ego. It¡¯s called being honest and being grateful for the service we provided.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. I still think the same.¡±


    ¡°Well, I still have a few more days to change your mind.¡±


    ¡°Why bother?¡±


    ¡°Why would you want to know why I bother? Just think it¡¯s part of me having a stratospheric ego.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You know what I know now? I¡¯m famished. Better yet feed me now. You just brought me here to make out.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to cook?¡±


    ¡°No, I hate the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll cook for us.¡±


    ¡°You should! You dragged me in this ce so it¡¯s your sole responsibility. I didn¡¯t tell you to kidnap me.¡±


    He sighed.


    ¡°This is why I prefer you in my bed. You are not this sharp and noisy when you call for my name. Well, aside from your asional moans which I love to hear.¡±


    ¡°Fuentebe, I¡¯m really hungry.¡±


    ¡°Right, right.¡±


    He helped me get up and picked up the mugs on the sand and gazed at me.


    I took a step back when I saw the glint in his eyes again.


    ¡°I¡¯m really hungry.¡±


    He grinned.


    ¡°Me too but I¡¯ll satiate my hungerter after you¡¯ve eaten.¡±


    I gave him a finger and began walking away. I heard hisughter before he chased me and held my hand.

 Chapter 16

    ¡°Is Feme Alcantara your real name?¡±


    Fem lifted her head from her te and gave me a confused look.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly asking me that?¡±


    I swallowed what I¡¯m eating before answering.


    ¡°I just wanna know.¡±


    I followed the way she held the ss of water in her hand while drinking.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s my real name.¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Your age?¡±


    ¡°23.¡±


    ¡°You look younger than your age.¡±


    She shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Thank you. Everyone says that.¡±


    She looked down and yed at her food with the knife.


    ¡°Where do you live?¡±


    ¡°I used to live in an apartment near the club but I transferred in La Vida ever since I started working there.¡±


    ¡°How about your family? Where are they?¡±


    She stopped slicing the meat and lowered down the knife and fork and then looked at me suspiciously.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the questions, Fuentebe? Are you required to know the whole personal data of your hired whore? Is my personal information that important for a billionaire to know? For what reason?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t overreact. I¡¯m just simply asking. You can or can¡¯t answer them. Besides, they are harmless questions. The one a person usually asks to a stranger.¡±


    I put the meat in my mouth and began chewing them biding time to hear the woman who¡¯s frowning from saying something.


    The crease on her forehead adds to her sexiness. I grinned as I pictured her under me with that same knot on her head while I rammed her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t ask about the family of aplete stranger. That would make you weird.¡±


    ¡°Well, I did just now.¡±


    She rolled her eyes and started eating again.


    ¡°My parents are dead. I don¡¯t have a sibling and my rtives all lead fucked up lives so I know they can¡¯t take good care of me so I am practically alone forever. There, I already answered your question. Satisfied?¡±


    She reached for the ss of water and drank.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your parents.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. They deserved it.¡± She met my eyes with her cold stare. ¡°And before you sermon me about why I should not be holding grudges or saying bad things about dead people, let me tell you first that you were never in my shoes so keep your words to yourself. I don¡¯t need them.¡±


    I was caught off guard by the pain and bitterness on her face. I raised my hands in my air in the futile attempt to save the conversation.


    ¡°I perfectly understand.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°How did you get in the club?¡±


    She sighed.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not yet finished. Well, I need money. I want money and the fastest way to earn money is to sell my body.¡±


    I shook my head from her obvious lies.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hole in your story. Why didn¡¯t you go with the first guy who bid for you? We¡¯re talking about millions here. If you ept their offer then you would live a veryfortable life. Instant money. Instantly rich.¡±


    I looked at her intensely.


    ¡°If I did, then I would not be here.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but grin. This woman¡­


    ¡°Good point but that doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡±


    ¡°Well, who cares if it answers your question or not? It already came from you that I may or may not answer your questions.¡±


    She returned the grin.


    Iughed at that point. This woman is really a gem.


    ¡°You¡¯re an intellectual. I have to give you that. Good thing you¡¯re not my girlfriend or else¡­¡±


    I stopped my sentence midway.


    ¡°Or else what? Ah, I know. Males like you want their women to be submissive to them. You don¡¯t want to be overshadowed by women. You like to be on the top. Always. You wanted to be praised and worshipped by the female poption. Now I wonder what kind of girlfriends you have had? I don¡¯t want to insult other women but I presumed you like shallow ones? One who¡¯s only good in bed and nothing beyond that?¡±


    Ipletely lost my attention to what I was eating. I grabbed my chin and caressed it while smiling at Fem. I didn¡¯t like what she said.


    ¡°Careful about your insinuation. Remember, I worshipped you in bed.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a big difference.¡±


    ¡°Let me finish first. I¡¯ve been into rtionships where both of us are career-driven. We were both alphas in our own respective worlds. I¡¯m not bragging or anything. I just wanted to tell this to you because I know you have this prejudice against me. What I meant with what I said earlier is this.¡±


    I moved my chair towards her and rested my arms on the side of the table.


    ¡°Good thing you¡¯re not my girlfriend or else we could be married right now.¡±


    I winked at her.


    Her mouth fell open and her face turned red. She averted her eyes and nervously looked for her ss of water.


    I chuckled. I really loved the way her cheeks turned red everytime I caught her off guard. It¡¯s a rare sight I see in women these days and it¡¯s especially rarer to see Fem blush with her too-strong personality.


    ¡°You¡¯re too silent,¡± I teased her.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± she hissed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a joke. You¡¯re supposed tough.¡±


    She pointed herser eyes on me.


    ¡°That¡¯s themest joke I¡¯ve ever heard.¡±


    ¡°At least it¡¯s effective not to make youugh but to make you blush.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have any work to do? I think a man like you should be busy by now. Just do it. I¡¯m okay here. You don¡¯t have to keep mypany. Just call me if you¡¯re horny or what. In that way, we can limit our interaction and you can give me enough time to murder you in my mind.¡±


    The smile on my face fades. I didn¡¯t like the way her sharp mouth is making me inferior.


    ¡°For a paid woman like you, you sure have a sharp tongue. Bear in your mind that I spent millions for you. I own you because I bought you. You are mine for the rest of the week and I want you to discipline your tongue. Say those words again and you¡¯ll never like what I¡¯ll do to you.¡±


    My face went dark and my lips were pursed when I said them. Feme was stunned for a moment by what I said but she did not hold back her gaze. She still wore her defiant face while fighting her tears from falling. I was taken aback by her reaction. Suddenly I wanted to retract what I had said because I could clearly see the pain in her eyes.


    She slowly nodded her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I overstepped my boundaries. I¡¯m well aware of my position here. You don¡¯t really have to stress that.¡±


    She looked down and resumed eating as if nothing had happened. But I know that I hurt her with the way she held the spoon and fork with her trembling hands as if it would break at any moment. It did not escape my eyes as she bit her lower lip to stop herself from crying.


    I sighed guiltily. I might have gone too overboard.


    ¡°Look Fem, I am-¡±


    The sound of the doorbell interrupted what I wanted to say. Reluctantly, I stood up while not taking my eyes off the woman who was still bent over and chewing her food. I felt pity for her and loath for myself for saying those words. I let out another deep breath before heading for the living room door. I guess these are the ones I bought for Feme. I sighed as I remembered her expression earlier. She is really hurt. I hurt her.


    ¡°You should apologize, dude. You hurt her,¡± I said to myself and opened the door.

 Chapter 17

    I quickly wiped away my tears when Maverick turned away. Shit. It¡¯s not the best time to be emotional right now. Even though what he said is something that I know I will remember in my whole life, it was still not enough reason for me to show weakness.


    I sighed and got up and took the dishes to the sink to wash.


    I stopped myself from reying his words in my head because it only brings me back to that bitter past. That will only do no good. Sure, it hits her from the core but she promised herself that she will move on from it. No looking back anymore. I have to ovee this situation I¡¯m in right now for me topletely get over this phase and move on to the other.


    I have been suffering from the memories of yesterday for several years now and now that I have seen the light to get out of the situation that gues me every day, I will do everything to make it all work ording to the n.


    She just has to endure this one week with the man. After that, I will be free. With the money I will get from him, I will start a new life away from here, away from everything. I will return to the paradise I grew up in when I find the thing I have been looking for.


    I felt Maverick enter the kitchen. He didn¡¯t say anything but based on the goosebumps on my nape, I knew he was staring at me. I continued washing the dishes and ignored his presence. I then heard his violent breathing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for offending you earlier. I didn¡¯t mean them,¡± he started.


    I dried my hand using the towels and faced him. I gave him a dismissing look and then shrugged my shoulders.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get offended. Just a bit hurt. That¡¯s it. It¡¯s a natural reaction, isn¡¯t it? Anyway, let¡¯s just forget about it. What you said is the truth so I should just treat it as advice.¡±


    He did not speak. He just looked at me intently. Maybe he¡¯s trying to argue whether to believe me or not. He nodded eventually.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°I cringed when you sounded so apologetic. It¡¯s not like you. I mean, it¡¯s just my opinion. Don¡¯t be angry again.¡±


    I passed by him and went into the living room. There are lots of paper bags and shopping bags scattered on the sofa.


    I smiled and looked at Maverick who was leaning on the wall.


    ¡°This is what you call presents.¡±


    I opened a paper bag with the name of a famous brand. Actually all shopping bags are alling from signature brands. Dos Gardenias, Gi, Prada, Valentino, and Chanel. I whistled when I saw a pair of ck seersucker bandeau bikinis. In fairness, whoever he ordered to buy it got a taste. I checked the contents of the other bags. Shirts, shorts, negligee, undies and two summer dresses.


    ¡°I can see that you liked them,¡± he said and walked towards me. He sat down beside me.


    ¡°Every woman likes it when someone gives them luxurious products. If a man¡¯s best friend is a dog then a woman¡¯s besties are definitely clothes and jewelry. It¡¯s plural because the more, the merrier,¡± I said without looking at him.


    ¡°I will go swimming. Wanna go with me?¡± I offered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to waste the time I will spend here unless you want to¡­¡±


    I nced at his direction and caught him staring at me.


    He quickly shook his head.


    ¡°I still have a conferenceter this morning. I have to set up myputer in the room. You can go enjoy yourself.¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Okay. Can I ask for another favor if it¡¯s okay with you?¡±


    ¡°Sure. What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you have an extra phone? I want to take some photos. If it¡¯s okay with you.¡±


    I hopefully looked at him while waiting. A few moments came by before he slowly nodded.


    ¡°I have one. It¡¯s in the closet. First drawer. You can have it. I still need to make a call for myptop.¡±


    Excited, I got up and walked into the bedroom with my bikini set in my hands.


    ¡°Fem?¡±


    I stopped on my tracks after hearing him call me. I turned to him.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    It took a long time before he answered. He stared at my whole body and then stopped in my face.


    ¡°You look beautiful when you smile.¡±


    That caught me off guard.


    ¡°Come again?¡±


    ¡°I said you look prettier when you smile. Keep smiling. I might extend your stay here.¡±


    I shook my head in invigoration.


    ¡°No, thanks. It¡¯s thest thing I want. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll stop smiling starting now.¡±


    Maverickughed. ¡°Just kidding.¡±


    I put my hands on my hips and tried hard not to show my smile. ¡°I know.¡±


    He gave me a seductive look which I answered with a defiant one.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for telling you those words. I was a jerk earlier.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still a jerk until now.¡±


    He smirked. ¡°Yeah, I know.¡±


    I crossed my arms and eyed him. ¡°I have a question, Fuentebe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Mav or Mab. Drop your Fuentebe barrage. There are tons of us in my n.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the only Fuentebe in front of me now. But okay, Mav it is. Mav, I have a question.¡±


    He put his left leg on the other.


    ¡°Spit it out.¡±


    ¡°Why did you take me here? If we follow your logic, you can just always y with me in your house or in your condo in the city and not from whoever knows where this ce is. There will be no hassle. And you can still do your work.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have a weird brain functioning.¡±


    I didn¡¯t believe him. I mean, who will?


    ¡°Bad point and it doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡±


    He shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°Well, who cares if it answers your question or not?¡± he taunted me by copying what I answered him earlier.


    I squinted my eyes at him.


    ¡°I have a hunch that you will say that and I hate it. I hate it when I can follow your train of thoughts,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Same thing. I¡¯m starting to get a hang of you.¡±


    I crossed my arms over my chest and shifted my weight.


    ¡°I want to know your answer. Unlike your question earlier, mine is much more interesting and cogent. So please?¡±


    ¡°Wow. You said, please.¡± He learned on the sofa and grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I want to rest and the city is not the ce I want in mind. I have long been nning to take a vacation and you are just an essory. Who am I to refuse when you¡¯re a very wee distraction I needed?¡±


    I thought for a moment. He¡¯s got a point.


    ¡°Okay. My curiosity is satisfied.¡±


    I stepped forward to continue entering the room.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not ying fair. I answered your question now you have to answer mine,¡± he called me out.


    Instead of answering him, I raised my hand and waved it in the air.


    ¡°Five more days, Mav. You only have five more days left.¡±


    I heard nothing more from him so I opened the bedroom door and went inside. After immediately closing the door behind me, my smile gradually faded. My face grimaced in pain as I clutched my chest.


    ¡°Shit, shit, shit,¡± I cursed silently. I put my hand over my mouth to keep myself from crying.


    ¡°Same thing. I¡¯m starting to get a hang of you.¡±


    I shook my head violently to make Maverick¡¯s voice disappear. I stood up and paced back and forth to calm the throbbing in my chest.


    ¡°Rx, Fem. Rx.¡±


    I took a deep breath and forced myself to set aside what I had heard from him.


    ¡°I need the phone.¡±


    I opened the closet and knelt down to pull the first drawer open. There¡¯s the cellphone he¡¯s talking about with a charger on the side. I turned on the cell phone. It¡¯s not registering any clue that it¡¯s still functioning. Shutdown.


    I stood up and looked for a socket. After plugging in the charger I sat up in bed and buried my face in my hands. I closed my eyes and caught a breath.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m okay now,¡± I tried to pacify myself.


    I stood up and picked up the fallen paper bag on the floor. I went into the bathroom and locked the door. I turned on the shower and let the water gush on the floor tiles. I sat on the lid of the toilet bowl and stared at the door. The previously threatening tears were already dripping all over my face. At this point I just let them make their way down.


    ¡°Shit, shit, shit!¡±


    I banged my head against the wall while tears were still welling up from my eyes.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    The door of the room opened so I was a bit rmed. He can¡¯t see me looking like this. I stood up and turned on the faucet. I washed my face a few times before being content with the reflection in the mirror. My eyes are no longer red. I tried smiling. Perfect. Back to normal. I looked at the bathroom door when I heard a knock followed by a Maverick¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Fem?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    His voice rang through my senses.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be out for a while. Need to get myputer. You need something for me to buy?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Wait, tell me you know how to swim?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Fuentebe. I know how to swim. What do you think of me?¡±


    I pretended that I¡¯m annoyed even when all I want to do is just cry it all out.


    ¡°It¡¯s Mav for you.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Just get out and please, don¡¯t evere back.¡±


    Heughed.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t go back, you¡¯ll be stuck here forever.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, I know my way out.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know where in this world this ce is.¡±


    I sneered. ¡°Can you go now already?¡±


    Heughed again.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m tempted to shower with you now. Hearing your irritated tone turns me on, Fem,¡± he said in a low tone that is close to growl.


    ¡°You can¡¯t. I locked the door.¡±


    ¡°I have a spare key.¡±


    ¡°Fine, you won now. Thank you for ruining my day, Fuentebe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s, Mav.¡±


    ¡°Just get out!¡± I yelled.


    And then heughed again.


    ¡°I really love annoying you. Anyway, you don¡¯t want anything? Food? Any stuff?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± I refused.


    ¡°Okay. Be right back.¡±


    I heard his footsteps away and the opening and closing of the door. I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the engine of a car in the distance. I undressed and put on the bikini. I love the fit of it on my body. I open the drawers at the top to look for sunscreen.


    There¡¯s a bottle, thank goodness. I checked the expiry date. Can still be used.


    I exited the bathroom and headed to the closet. There were a few more t-shirts on the floor. I picked them up, folded them, and put them back inside. I also took tworge towels and slung them over my shoulders. Then I unplugged the cellphone and turned it on. It worked to my delight.


    I left the bedroom and went to the kitchen to get bottled water from the refrigerator. And then I went out from the ss door into the cool breath of air on the beach. Iid a towel on the sand near the hammock and sat down. I pulled out the sim card I bought from Anna when she brought me dinner the other night. I poked a long nail into the side of the cell phone and took the sim card there and reced mine. I dialed a number and waited for it to ring. A few secondster, the familiar voice answered.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you picking up the phone?!¡± I greeted him.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± said a voice on the other line who seems to be that of a person who has just woken up. ¡°Feme? Is this you?¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°The one and only, silly boy.¡±


    ¡°Why are you only calling now? Where have you been? I¡¯ve been waiting for your call for days now! Are we still doing this?¡±


    ¡°Of course we¡¯ll push through. There has just been some setbacks but we¡¯re going to do it.¡±


    He coughed in the background. ¡°When will I get the money so that I can start now.¡±


    ¡°About that, I have a proposition for you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    I yed with the edges of the towel.


    ¡°I¡¯m agreeing to your offer.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get a million from me.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡±


    Iughed. The boy definitely knew me by now.


    ¡°Start the investigation now. I still have five more days to stay here. Start scouring for any information now. As for the expenses, do whatever you need to do. I¡¯ll pay you when I¡¯m back. Do whatever you need to do to kick-start the investigation. I want a report days from now. And it better be a good lead.¡±


    The line went dead silent.


    ¡°Where are you? Want me to locate you?¡±


    I put the cellphone on my ear while my shoulder was supporting it and reached for the bottled water. I opened it and took a sip.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where I am. Don¡¯t look for me. I¡¯lle back when it¡¯s time. Just focus on the job.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    I put down the bottled water on the sand.


    ¡°Working to pay you. ¡± I paused ¡°So? What¡¯s your decision?¡±


    ¡°Call.¡±


    A grin crossed my face.


    ¡°Good boy. Just a reminder, don¡¯t call me. I¡¯ll be the one to call you. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Copy.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll hang up now.¡±


    ¡°Ahm, Fem?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you worried about me? Are you finally admitting that you have a crush on me? Spare me with your patootie love, Dave. I don¡¯t date minors.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not yet finished! Take care there because I need to be a million richer when youe back.¡±


    I let out a suppressedugh.


    ¡°Right. Whatever makes you sleep at night, Dave.¡±


    I ended the call and returned the original sim to the cellphone. I broke the sim card and buried it in the sand.


    I opened the bottle of sunscreen and applied it all over my body. And then I stood up and ran to the sparkling water to take a dip.

 Chapter 18

    ¡°Oh, boy. You¡¯re in trouble. You¡¯re in big big trouble,¡± I sighed to myself as I watched Feme emerge from the sea.


    The water dripping from her hair down to her neck to the crevice on her chest down even further to her t stomach and to her legs that seemed to extend for miles creates a magnificent golden streaks of light reflected by the sun which is surprisingly on a low mood today.


    She parted the wet hair on her face and adjusted her bikini string.


    My sinful eyes followed her every movement. Damn, the woman is really such a nice feast on the eyes. Creamy and wless skin, long legs, ample size of breast, tiny waistline and a big nice booty. She basically has an hourss body. I can imagine from now how delectably she would look like when I take her from behind while I squeeze her ass and scream my name. My dick begins to grow.


    ¡°30, 24, 32,¡± I calcted. ¡°No, I think she¡¯s 33 in the hip area.¡±


    Feme had already noticed my presence so she was approaching the hammock.


    I can¡¯t help but appreciate her graceful strides. She seemed to exude such elegance and unparalleled beauty that only she canmand attention. My gaze went into her angelic face. Big bright eyes embellished with thick and long eyshes, pointed nose and full luscious lips all adorned her small face. And her eyes. Her eyes got me first. She seemed to hide a thousand secrets but her eyes failed topletely go incognito.


    ¡°Like what you see, lover boy?¡± She smirked at me obviously catching how I ogled at her.


    ¡°Like is an understatement, I¡¯m loving what I see.¡±


    I picked up the towel hanging from the hammock and went closer to her. I dried his hair, neck, arms up to part of his abdomen.


    I gulped at the sudden switching on of the heat. The familiar ache on my groin instantly ravaged my being. I let out a low groan and wrapped her in the towel.


    Femeughed. ¡°I see the pain is killing you as well.¡±


    I can feel the rushing sound of my blood to my manhood just by the sound of her crisp sexyugh. ¡°Be a good girl and stop acting naughty, please. I still have a meeting in a minute.¡±


    I held her arm to help her sit on the nket on the sand.


    ¡°Then why bothering here? You could have at least spent your time wisely, like preparing perhaps to earn more millions?¡±


    My mind did not register what she said because I¡¯m busy looking at her legs peeking from the confines of the towel.


    ¡°Hmmm. I¡¯m already rich enough. It¡¯s just a matter of cementing my legacy for the next few years.¡±


    I picked a water jug from the food tray I brought and handed it to Fem. She took it and drank from it.


    ¡°How about marriage? You never think of that?¡± she asked after returning the jug to me.


    ¡°Marriage? Let me see. At this point? Hmmm. Not a fat chance. Maybe a couple of years from now if I find a suitable wife.¡±


    Come to think of it, Fem is the only other person aside from myself who I¡¯ve confided to with my ns in that department.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Suitable wife? What¡¯s that? Like a corporate application? An applicant? Shit, you guys really have a different mold of mind from the rest of us. For us humblemoners, when we want a husband or wife, we don¡¯t look for a suitable one. We let love lead us to them.¡±


    She smirked and looked at the distance stretched before us.


    ¡°You believe in love?¡±


    ¡°I used to.¡±


    My curiosity shot up to the sky.


    ¡°What makes you change your mind?¡±


    She brushed the sides of her hair to her ear.


    ¡°Something happened. Something terrible happened. Don¡¯t expect me to reveal the details. For now, I don¡¯t believe in it anymore. Lust, desire. These are actually the real emotions felt by people masqueraded as love to fuel their cravings for a thing that never existed in the first ce. A bunch of hypocrites.¡± She let out a deep sigh. ¡°And why am I saying this to you? You¡¯re not a friend, you¡¯re categorically my enemy. After this stunt we have, we will not see each other ever again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s maybe the reason why you¡¯re telling me this. I¡¯m aplete stranger and we will not see each other again after this so there will be no fear of judgement. But I would like to challenge your statement. I¡¯m not your enemy. I¡¯m actually your friend.¡±


    She gave me an unbelievable look. The corner of my mouth twitched into a smile.


    ¡°In bed,¡± I finished my sentence.


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Ew.¡±


    I had the sudden urge to pull her close and wipe those grin in her face with my kiss but I held off myself. I can¡¯t promise to just end this with a kiss. Given the obvious sexual tension we had starting this morning, I doubt it if I can let it end with just one round.


    I took the tray containing the food and ced it between the two of us to distract myself from the pleasant but torturing images.


    ¡°I brought you food. I picked it up after I got myputer. Eat. The chicken¡¯s good.¡±


    She just looked at it then looked back at me.


    ¡°Thank you but I¡¯m not yet hungry.¡±


    ¡°Up to you.¡±


    I returned the tray to where I had ced it earlier.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked because she definitely wants to ask me something given the looks on her face.


    ¡°I heard you¡¯re into daredevil stuff these days.¡±


    ¡°Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°Ugh. You¡¯re underestimating the power of being a fan. I¡¯m sure you know that you have a lot of admirers in the club more than you could ever imagine. They feast on you, always willing to get a piece of you. They¡¯re so rabid when ites to you so gathering this information about you is just chicken for them. It¡¯s a no sweat thingy. Every freakin¡¯ day, I always heard them fantasizing over your oh so existence like you¡¯re some god they praise. Now ask me again who told me.¡±


    A grin crept up in the side of my mouth.


    ¡°Easy. Easy. I was just bluffing. Of course, I know about my secret admirers in the club. Why did you bring it up?¡±


    I removed some sand on her shoulder while thinking about how she looked that one night in the club. She was pretty shocked by the contact but she immediately regainedposure and acted like it¡¯s nothing. I smiled secretly. So I¡¯m not the only one who feels this way. I¡¯m d I also have the same effect on her as she has on me.


    ¡°You¡¯re here for a vacation.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    The simple touch on her shoulder became a caress. I slowly traced the outline of her bare skin using the tip of my fingers. She shivered at our contact.


    ¡°It¡¯s either of the two. You¡¯re just so dense for a CEO or you¡¯re ying dumb to annoy me.¡±


    It was then that I let out an amusedughter. I cupped her face and gently pinched her cheeks.


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ll show you the best watersports on the ind. I can even teach you how to surf. You like that?¡± My thumb went to her lips and caressed them. ¡°On one condition, don¡¯t you ever try sneaking away from me.¡±


    She met my burning eyes.


    ¡°I already told you I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Good¡­¡± I whispered as I slowly bent down to capture her lips. She first gasped but gave up in a split second and weed my hot assault.


    I tasted her salty mouth and yed with her tongue. My hands went to her nape and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. She wrapped her hands around my neck and responded. Her warm moving lips felt so good against my expert almost calcting mouth. Moans of pleasure were drowned out by the roaring sea and wind. I almost snapped out when her hands went under my shirt and began their exploration. They went down to my stomach, stopped to pay attention to my hair under the belly button before it went down to the most dangerous area where the soldier is proudly waiting to give its salutation. I quickly stopped her hands frompleting its mission and moved back to break the kiss.


    ¡°Your kiss is improving. I¡¯m really a good teacher,¡± I said in between breathing.


    ¡°Credit grabber. I did it on my own. You¡¯re nothing but a mere instrument to further my knowledge,¡± she retorted while breathing for air.


    ¡°Oh yeah? What an ungrateful disciple I have here. Want me to punish you more?¡±


    I swooped down again for another kiss but my rm tone broke the hell out of me.


    ¡°Damn,¡± I muttered.


    Feme grinned. ¡°So ss dismissed, sir?¡±


    I stared at her cockily tilted face before releasing a frustrated smile.


    ¡°Yeah, ss dismiss.¡±


    I stood up heavily and began walking back to the house. From a distance, I can still hear her sexyugh as if mocking me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for itter.¡±


    I grinned first before turning off the sound of the annoying rm tone.

 Chapter 19

    It waste in the afternoon when I decided to go back to the house. All day I enjoyed swimming and I never thought that I¡¯d missed doing it so much.


    It¡¯s been years since I had a time to swim for hours without worrying about my ns in life.


    It was as if I was back to the times when I was still living in our province. I remembered back then when I would kill time swimming in the river. It felt nostalgic.


    I put away all the trash in the sand and got my stuff and cellphone before I walked back to the house. The whole living room and kitchen were quiet as I entered. Maverick¡¯s familiar presence is gone.


    I dried myself first and wrapped a towel around my head before entering. I threw the trash in the trash can, put the cellphone on the table and washed the used utensils on the sink.


    I¡¯m still contemting on whether to knock on the room to take a shower or not when the door opened and Maverick went out holding an empty cup of coffee. I scanned his clothes and bit myself fromughing. He¡¯s wearing a buttoned down white polo shirt, a polka dot tie, a basic ck men¡¯s zer and Mickey Mouse boxer shorts.


    ¡°I see you enjoyed yourself.¡±


    He put down the empty cup on the kitchen counter and smiled at me.


    ¡°Yes, I did. Uh, mind if I use the bathroom? I needed to take a shower.¡±


    He shook his head, opened the cupboard to take out an instant coffee.


    ¡°No, not at all. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Nice shorts by the way,¡± Iplimented him with a grin on the face.


    Maverickughed. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s my lucky shorts. I¡¯ve closed several deals wearing these shorts,¡± he muttered defensively.


    I turned to him when I was on the door


    ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s nice.¡±


    Smiling, I entered the bedroom and opened the closet to get a towel. I was surprised to see the clothes he bought for me were folded neatly. I opened a drawer and saw my undies there.


    ¡°Wow, he¡¯s neat and¡­ thoughtful.¡±


    I got panties, shorts, a shirt, and a towel. I no longer bothered to get a bra. Aside from the fact that I seldom use them, they would just be an extra thing to be discarded by Maverick.


    I nced at hisputer set-up by the window. The two side tables were arranged side by side to make a desk where the gadgets were ced. The Canon camera is connected to theptop. There¡¯s a feed ying so I didn¡¯t bother to check up on it. In the back, there is a stool from the kitchen.


    I went into the bathroom, took off my bikini and started taking a shower. Then I brushed my teeth and did my usual rituals. When I finished and got dressed, I rummaged through Maverick¡¯s belongings.


    ¡°He¡¯s not hospitable enough to forget to buy me the most friendly skincare.¡±


    Luckily, I found a Cetaphil face wash. I looked for the expiry date.


    ¡°It¡¯s still good.¡±


    After washing my face, I went out and immediately saw Maverick on his sses behind his portable desk. Gosh, he looks sexier with his sses tapered in his serious face while typing away words on his keyboard. I took my time watching him until he lifted his dark eyes on me and mouthed ¡®What?¡¯ but not before giving my body a quick scan.


    ¡°Lotion. Do you have a lotion?¡± I said in a low tone while drying my hair with the towel.


    He pointed at the closet. ¡°Second drawer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I mouthed back. I got the lotion and waved at him to let him know that I¡¯ll just be outside.


    ¡°Fem, there¡¯s food in the fridge in case you get hungry. Just heat it in the oven.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± I answered and opened the door.


    I went to the kitchen to brew coffee. While waiting for it, I started applying lotion to my body. When I¡¯m done making the coffee, I poured it on two big mugs, picked the bigger one and headed back to the room. I silently opened the door, approached Maverick and put down the mug beside his empty cup. He looked at me with a grateful expression.


    ¡°Hey, coffee for the CEO who still works during his vacation.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He took the mug and sipped on it.


    ¡°You know how I wanted my coffee to be. Nice.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not free. I will have to ask you a favor,¡± I said and took the empty cup of coffee on the desk.


    ¡°I love the taste of coffee so I am obliged to give you whatever you want. What is it?¡±


    ¡°nkets. Let me borrow some nkets. I¡¯ll sleep outside.¡±


    His nose formed into a knot.


    ¡°You can sleep here in bed. I won¡¯t mind. I¡¯m ending the meeting soon. Feel free to snuggle.¡±


    I hesitated at first while looking at hisptop.


    ¡°You sure? I don¡¯t want to disturb you.¡±


    ¡°I insist.¡±


    I nodded, giving in to my body¡¯s request to take a rest. So much for flexing my muscles for today. A wide smile appeared on my lips.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d never say that. It¡¯s really morefortable to sleep in bed. Alright , I¡¯ll just take this outside,¡± I said and gestured to the cup I was holding.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I finished my coffee first and continued drying my hair then went back to the room. Maverick is still on hisptop so I have toe to him to ask for it myself.


    ¡°Hey, you got a hair blower perhaps?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he answered without looking at me.


    ¡°Okay. I think I need to find ways this time.¡±


    I left the door open when I came out then pulled out the stool I found in the kitchen. I made sure it would make a scratching sound on the floor. I ced it below the aircon, climbed on the stool and there dried my own hair using the powerful blow of the aircon.


    After drying my hair, I dragged the chair back to the kitchen. I smiled to myself when I caught a scorn on his face.


    ¡°Be annoyed, please,¡± I wished while hiding a wicked smile.


    I also quickly went back deliberately mming the door and whistling while closing the curtains in the room.


    I heard Maverick sigh and said something under his breath.


    And then, I prodded myself into the bed, slid into the covers, reached for a pillow to hug and then closed my eyes. I adjusted the covers up to my head and thought about the rxing sound of the sea to help me sleep but there¡¯s just too much light in the room that¡¯s blocking all my sleep nerves.


    ¡°Hey Mav.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Can you turn off the lights? I can¡¯t sleep with the lights on if it¡¯s okay with you. If not, I can just go outside to sleep. The couch would be fine. I could just sleep there.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m almost done with the paper.¡±


    He stood up and turned off the switch.


    I grinned.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    It took me a few tosses and turns under the bed before I got the right position.


    I closed my eyes and let the goddess of sleep lead me the way. I barely registered when something warm hugged me from behind, his hands went inside my shirt and cupped my breast. I moaned while drifting to the dreand. It¡¯ll just be another wet dream, I guess.


    IT WAS a delicious and delirious dream. Almost on the edge of everything in between desire and pure raw animalistic passion. Someone is touching me everywhere in my body. The rough surfaces of the hands of the bastard are taking me to the cloud nine, giving me a taste of heaven on earth.


    I let out a soft scream when his big calloused hand part my folds and rubbed my cunt while his other hand is busy pinching my nipples. His wet lips are on its own making tiny circles on my nape and then back to my neck and vice versa. Hisrge arousal is between the break on my ass making tentative small thrusts.


    I grabbed the bedsheet tightly and buried my face even deeper on to the pillow. This is not just a part my dream. This is too good and sensual to be just a dream. I can¡¯t ept it if it was just a make believe. It better be real.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± I gasped as his finger slid into me and began pushing inside. It was an electrifying sensation that sent thousands of bolts to my body and an undeniable pleasure straight to my genitals. It felt good. Really good. A kind that makes good girls go bad.


    ¡°Oh.. yes..¡± I whispered as the movement began to take a faster pace. I bucked my hips to match the dizzying effect but it was not enough. I want more. I want to go there.


    ¡°So wet..¡± he murmured in my ear before licking my earlobe.


    I removed my face from the pillow and turned to my left. I reached for Maverick¡¯s face and crushed him with a hot kiss. His rough growing stubbles tickle my face which adds to the mood.


    I reversed our position so I was on top of him and deepened the kiss, his fingers still inside me. He growled and grabbed my butt and pushed it even harder to his finger.


    I pressed my breast onto his chest and put my hands on his shoulders. I began fucking his finger inside me. He slid another finger and I felt fuller. My mind went nk with lust. All I want at this moment is to reach my release.


    I released his lips and concentrated on the building pressure at my center. My breathing ragged while feeling his strong and long digits probing inside me, stroking the sensitive bud and sending me into a haywire of sensations and guilty pleasures.


    ¡°Ahh..¡± I moaned louder with every push and pull of his fingers in my sex. I bent down and sank my teeth into Maverick¡¯s neck and bit it softly. He growled, making me so turned on that another pool of liquid made me so drenched below. Soon my toes curled in impending breaking point and I shuddered above him.


    Breathing hard from my recent orgasm, I reached for his lips and nted a firm kiss on it.


    He slowly pulled his fingers out from me, spilling my liquid on his stomach.


    ¡°W-why does it feel so good?¡± I said, panting gazing at his shining handsome face.


    ¡°I know better ways to make it feel better.¡±


    He flipped me over in my back, slipped my panties out of my legs, removed his boxers and before I knew it, he was pushing his dick inside me. My fleshy folds open to the hard soldier and wee it with no resistance. I¡¯m so wet and ready down there but I still felt pain when he pushes his way into me. His was just so big in length and girth that it felt almost like the first time. But the pleasure overrides the little pain.


    I twined my legs on his back urging him to take me, fill me more with all of his cock. He didn¡¯t keep me waiting at bay as he slowly but surely plunges all the way to the deepest part of me he can reach.


    We let out a satisfactory sound, one that says this is what we¡¯re looking for when his root is touching my mound.


    He caressed my sweat -soaked face while not letting go of our eye contact.


    I stared back at his dark eyes gleaming with desire and then looked down to his parted mouth. Sexy and hot. Maverick is one hell of a walking hormone.


    ¡°Uhhm,¡± I murmured and closed my eyes as he began moving. He will pull out inches and then go all the way in making me scream for ecstasy, gasp for air and ask for more.


    ¡°You feel so good¡­ So tight,¡± he whispered as he kept pounding hard, precise and consuming. I raked my fingers on his back and moved my hips to meet his movement. The pressure is building again on my pelvis promising another mind-shattering orgasm. My body gets into a frenzy as the feeling is slowly enveloping me again.


    He slowed down his movements until his cock was just sitting inside me, hard but still. I shot him a frustrated look and gauged him to continue.


    ¡°Oh gosh, don¡¯t stop. Why are you stopping?¡± I said I was a bit disappointed.


    ¡°I set the pace, baby.¡± And then he started ramming inside like there¡¯s no tomorrow. The bed is squeaking as we move, the smell of sweat and sex is in the air.


    He kissed me, yed with my boobs inside my shirt, pinched my nipples while he¡¯s deep in me thrusting, making me crazy with all the rough but delicious feelings.


    I started moving on my ord. I caressed his chest, his shoulders, his back and the cheeks of his butt. I left no ridges of his body unturned.


    He lifted me up and carried me without separating our bodies. I wrapped my legs around his waist and moved slowly. I can feel all of him in this position buried very deep inside me. I can also feel it twitching inside me.


    He started walking to the bathroom. He opened the door, still kissing and pounding inside me. He pinned me to the wall and turned on the shower. In an instant, we were both dripping wet but this did not do anything to kill the fire.


    He broke the kiss and massaged my tits.


    ¡°You need to get rid of this,¡± he almost growled, tugging at my wet shirt that clung to my body.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I absentmindedly agreed and raised my hands in the air so he could remove them. I don¡¯t have the heart of moving any further because all my thoughts are in disarray. I just want to concentrate on how good the feeling is whenever he pounds inside.


    He took off my t-shirt and threw it on the bathroom floor. He then licked my breast and sucked as he squeezed the other. I moaned at the sensation of his hot tongue and hand on my body. The cold water did little to put out the fire. I hugged Maverick and elerated our movement.


    ¡°Faster Mav. I¡¯ming¡­¡±


    And then he stopped and grinned at me. My temper shot in my head.


    ¡°Oh, please¡­ what are you doing? Go on.. ¡± I pleaded.


    ¡°Such an impulsive kitty.¡±


    We abandoned the shower and went to the side of the bathtub. He lowered me down and turned my back to him. I deliberately raised one foot to the edge of the bathtub as he stood behind me.


    He¡¯s taking me from behind. He bent me over and teased my opening with the crown of his dick. I jolted at the intense gush of sensations.


    ¡°Stop torturing me you.. Ahhh¡­¡± He suddenly hammered himself inside me and go on another surge of smacking my ass and banging me. I don¡¯t have anything to hold on to because the walls are not within my grasp so I just sped his legs for support.


    ¡°You¡¯re still so tight¡­¡± he kept on saying while quickening the pace.


    I closed my eyes and met his thrusts. I¡¯m almost there. Really there. And then it finally happened. My muscles clenched around his dick and a considerable amount of hot essence came out from me.


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ Mav¡­ ¡± I let out a long moan after a wonderful mind-blowing release. Maverick stopped moving and kissed my back. He hugged me from behind giving me ample time to collect myself.


    ¡°You liked it? Hmmm?¡± he asked me, trying to divert his attention to his painfully hard membrane still stuck inside me.


    Instead of answering, I turned my back and snatched his face and devoured his lips. We stepped backward until my back is on the tiled wall and he is inside me again lighting the fire.


    His movements now became more ferocious, his touch became frantic. I spread my legs wider for him and put his hands on my boobs for him to squeeze. He didn¡¯t disappoint me even just for a bit. Maverick palmed my breasts and twisted my nipples in the process.


    I bit his tongue to keep myself from screaming yet again. He released my mouth and trailed kisses to my ear.


    I was tickled by his hot breath of air in my ear.


    ¡°Mav..¡± I called him as another impending release is washing on me.


    ¡°I know, I know. Come with me, Fem. Come for me,¡± he said almost grunting, his words iprehensible.


    He fastened his movement above me. I feel him bing longer andrger. One, two, five more long and hard pumps before he explodes but he kept on thrusting, nting all his seeds on me. I moved to chase him, to join him and I spilled all over him again.


    My whole body trembled with a mind-blowing orgasm. My mind went nk for a moment. Just his body on mine, his dick inside me, and his warm semen sttered all over my core. Breathlessly, Maverick hugged me and stroked my hair.


    ¡°Damn, that really feels good,¡± he softly said against my ear.


    ¡°Yeah..¡± was all I could say. I¡¯m still in the state of disintegration and I can¡¯t seem to pick up my words yet.


    ¡°Rating?¡± he licked my shoulder des.


    ¡°Ha?¡± Did he say something?


    ¡°How did I fare, sweetie? Hmmm?¡± He stroked my back while grazing at my corbone.


    ¡°8.¡±


    ¡°Not bad. I can take it. I see there are still rooms for improvements.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± The fatigue is starting to settle on me. I felt so tender and so sore down there. I don¡¯t know if I will ever be ustomed to his size. Is he really just too big or am I too small?


    He gently slides off me and we watch how ourbined juices oozed out from my opening down to my thigh until it reaches the floor.


    ¡°That was a lot.¡±


    He shrugged and pulled me for another kiss.


    I responded as warmly as fear and guilt welled up in my chest.


    I¡¯m sorry, Trish. I might just be enjoying this.

 Chapter 20

    ¡°This is really getting out of hand,¡± I whispered to myself while staring down at the sleeping beauty snoring beside me. Feme in all her glory is syed beneath the white sheets, her legs entangled on his thighs.


    ¡°Man, this is crazy,¡± I softly speak to prevent her from waking up.


    My heart was debating whether to analyze the strange feeling or just let it be.


    This has been bugging me for the past days that we were together and was only cemented after our literal heated encounterst night.


    I scooted over and brushed the sides of her hair.


    ¡°Feme Alcantara. Feme Alcantara.¡±


    The way her name rolls in my tongue seems so good to my ears. I stared at the woman who was still sound asleep in my bed.


    ¡°Why.. Why do I feel like I¡¯ve met you before? Why does it feel like I¡¯ve known you for years? Your touch, your smell, even your presence felt too familiar.¡±


    The woman moved and slowly opened her eyes. She seemed disoriented at first but when her eyes settled on mine, she rxed and smiled.


    ¡°Hi..¡± she said in her sweet sultry bedroom voice. Her voice and smile brought a certain warmth to his being.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I greeted her back and tucked the strands of her hair behind her ear. ¡°Rise now sunshine. It¡¯ll be a long day ahead. I¡¯ll take you on a tour around the ind.¡±


    Her eyes widened and excitement shed across her face. She sank back to the bed and closed her eyes. I can¡¯t help myself but stare down at her.


    ¡°Sounds fun.¡±


    ¡°You can rest for a couple of hours if you want to.¡±


    She shook her head and got up.


    ¡°No. We¡¯re only four days away from going back to the city so I might as well go sightseeing. I won¡¯t waste my stay here if I can¡¯t¡­ I mean we can¡¯t go around the ind. You told me you will show me around.¡±


    My face turned sour remembering our agreement. Right. That goddamn piece of contract is blocking my way.


    Your way to what? An obnoxious part of me asked.


    I watched her proceed to the bathroom and closed the door. I got up and found the cellphone on the side table that had been vibrating. I sat on the bed and answered my friend.


    ¡°Luther,¡± I answered him.


    ¡°Damn, man! Where have you been all this time? I¡¯ve been trying to call you for days now to make some arrangements but your sexy secretary won¡¯t even answer me. She always said it¡¯s confidential. Where are you now?¡± Luther¡¯s familiar annoying voice roared on the other line.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Christine to schedule our meeting next week,¡± I said and went out of the room to cook breakfast.


    ¡°Next week? I need to talk about our business partnership this week. I already got myself a few willing investors.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t, man. I¡¯m in the middle of a very important mission this time. I¡¯ll talk to you personally next week when Ie back.¡±


    I took the pasta out of the cupboard and boiled some water.


    ¡°Where are you now? I can go wherever you are right now. Are you on a vacation? Shoot! I badly needed to practice my skills in flying. Where are you? Egypt? Indonesia? Slovenia?¡±


    Iughed at what he said.


    ¡°I was just in Europest month. Slovenia was included in my itinerary. Indonesia is also great but I¡¯m not in the mood for rainforest trekking. I can do that here in the country. Egypt? I remembered traveling there five years ago.¡±


    I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bag of fresh shrimps.


    ¡°So you¡¯re here in the country. Let me guess, it¡¯s a woman. Maverick, you¡¯re still looking for her until now? Man, how many more women and countries you have to go to for you to ept that she doesn¡¯t exist?¡±


    I grinned.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking. I¡¯m not like you who can¡¯t even recall his lover¡¯s name in the morning. My life is in the line here, man.¡±


    My voice went serious.


    ¡°Okay, okay. I let you do your thing. Just be careful this time. You don¡¯t want to repeat what happened to you,¡± he warned.


    ¡°Thank you, man. I¡¯m so touched.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off!¡±


    He hung up on me.


    Laughing, I resumed cooking. I heard the door of the room open and the fragrant scent of Feme filled the entire living room. I stopped chopping the garlic and looked back at her.


    She¡¯s wearing my shirt again which I find to be appealing.


    Water was still dripping from her long hair which she was rubbing with a towel. No make-up. No fancy clothes and yet Feme looks the ssiest.


    She came to me and peered at the pot, her rich caramel-like scent assaulted my nostrils.


    ¡°What are you cooking?¡±


    She slung the towel over her shoulder.


    ¡°Fettine Alfredo with shrimp,¡± I answered while putting butter on the pan to cook the shrimp.


    ¡°Looks good.¡±


    She went to the brewing machine and started making coffee.


    ¡°After this, you¡¯ll take me around right?¡± she added.


    ¡°Yeah, the ind offers many water activities. We can try some of them since a day is not enough to cover them all. I¡¯ll teach you how to surf.¡±


    I took out the pasta using a strainer and put it in the pan and stirred.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Feme set down a mug of coffee next to me before making her own.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I picked up the coffee and sipped. Perfect. The taste is really good. Makes me wanna ask how she easily caught the right blend of my coffee.


    I looked at her while she was cing a te on the table while drinking coffee with her other hand.


    This feels too intimate. Me cooking while she is preparing the table.


    I suppressed a grin. It¡¯s like one of those scenes I saw with my brother and my sister-inw.


    ¡°Fem?¡± Her name slipped in my tongue before I could even stop myself.


    ¡°Yeah, what is it?¡± she asked without turning her back to me.


    ¡°If I ask you to be my girlfriend, will you say yes?¡±


    The woman turned to me violently. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. Then her shoulders moved to the tune of her sarcasticugh. She touched her stomach and looked at me tearfully.


    ¡°Seriously? Are you on some kind of drug now?¡±


    She wiped the tears off her eyes and sat down at the end of the table.


    I turned off the fire and faced her. ¡°No, I¡¯m fuckin serious. Will you be my girlfriend?¡±


    Sheughed again and then gave me a look like I was going crazy. Yeah, I know I¡¯m crazy for asking such a question to her but hey, it¡¯s been years since I asked a woman to be my girlfriend.


    ¡°Am I that good in sex? I didn¡¯t do anything! I justid there and let you do all the pounding and well I stood up when we did it under the shower. But is that enough reason for you to get crazy on me? Gosh, Fuentebe. You¡¯re asking a woman here a despicable question.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Mav once again.¡± I crossed my ankle over another, leaned on the counter, and sternly looked at her. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s only about sex that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you to be my girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    My mouth twisted into a grin. ¡°You¡¯re right. So? Yes or no?¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re a fuckin asshole, you know that right?¡±


    My grin widened even more. I really love the way she res up. When she is shy, blushing, angry, crying and moaning beneath me, I find her to be the most beautiful during those moments.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that given how many people shouted it in my face but you know what happened after? They all agreed and said yes afterwards. The end.¡±


    ¡°Of course! They were forced!¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Uh Uh. No, they did it on their own will. Never have to lift a finger and repeat my words. You know what I did? Negotiation. I gave them a deal they can¡¯t refuse.¡±


    She gave me an intrigued look. ¡°What¡¯s the deal for me?¡±


    I grinned once again. ¡°Whatever you want. House? Money? Fame? All of them? I¡¯ll give you everything you want.¡±


    ¡°Gosh! You talk like a sugar daddy!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m too cruel to be described as sugar though calling me a daddy will only spice up what¡¯s going on between us.¡±


    I got a te to transfer the pasta.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing going on between us except sex.¡±


    She went down from the table and poured more coffee into the mug.


    Holding the te of food, I went behind Feme and pulled her hair then kissed her nape. I can tell that she went uneasy for a moment by what I did but she recovered immediately and continued pouring the liquid.


    ¡°Yes, exactly the reason why I¡¯m asking you to be my girlfriend.¡±


    My kiss went down her neck while my free hand was wrapped around her waist.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Her icy cold voice stopped me from what I¡¯m doing.


    She moved away from me to put a distance between us. She bent down to take a breath before raising her head at me. I was stunned to see the determination on her face.


    ¡°No, I will not be your girlfriend. After this one-week stint we have and after getting your payment for me, I¡¯ll leave the club. You see Mav, people don¡¯t just plunge into the mud without any reason. Everyone has ambitions. You do. I do. It¡¯s only a matter of how people will go to great lengths to achieve it or not. This is my way of getting mine. The money I¡¯ll be getting from you is enough for my future ns in life so it¡¯s a no. I won¡¯t ept your proposal.¡±


    She turned her back on me and returned to the table before I could even speak. I stood there holding the te full of pasta and shrimps perplexed and left thinking about what she said.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Fine, I¡¯ll stop analyzing. I have to ept her refusal at a face value.


    I followed her andid the food on the table then upied the opposite chair.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    She looked up to me from her coffee, her brows slightly raised.


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°About what you said that you did nothing. You justid and stood there doing nothing.¡±


    Her lips parted and her eyes rolled.


    ¡°Asshole.¡± She gave me a finger.


    I justughed at her burning face trying to wipe off the feeling of rejection that is slowly settling in my heart.

 Chapter 21

    ¡°Wow! Just wow! It¡¯s so pretty! This ce looks unreal!¡± I eximed while admiring the breathtaking view.


    Before us is a very long breadth of immacte turquoise water.


    The white sand was so fine that there was not even a trace of trash from where we were standing.


    Along the way are all sorts of trees that give a mysterious path to the water. White glitters are everywhere. The sun is kissing the white sand, its light seething into the cracks and folds of the leaves from the trees.


    I turned to Maverick who had just gotten out of the car. Heughed and pinched my cheek lightly then put his arm around me. He raised the sunsses to his head and looked at me softly.


    ¡°You really love water, huh.¡±


    My smile widened as I can¡¯t help myself from containing the excitement to soak my body in the inviting water.


    ¡°Yeah, water is my firstnguage. My mother used to tell me stories about how I love swimming when I was only two years old. It¡¯s been years since I got to enjoy swimming like yesterday, thanks to you.¡±


    I smiled at Maverick.


    ¡°Years?¡±


    ¡°Years since I swam in real bodies of water. I¡¯ve hated swimming in pools. I can¡¯t just stand the smell.¡±


    He lowered his arm to hold my hand.


    He linked our fingers and we started walking slowly.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case then we better seize the entire day swimming. With that look in your face, I doubt if a week will be enough for you. If only you can see yourself.¡±


    Unable to erase the smile on my lips I let him pull me towards the water, my whole attention was still focused on the sea.


    We went to a small store by the shore. I looked around and I can¡¯t help but wonder at what I noticed.


    ¡°Hey Mav, are we in the right ce? I don¡¯t see anyone here. I thought the ind is a tourist spot and it¡¯s the peak season because it¡¯s summer.¡±


    I looked around to confirm my hunch.


    ¡°Did you rent the whole ce? What¡¯s the name of this resort?¡± I asked one question after another.


    He said something to the man who opened the store before turning to me again.


    ¡°The tourists are on the other side of the ind. This ce here, all this you can see is exclusive only for the residents of the ind.¡±


    He pointed his hand to the whole ce. My forehead furrowed.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯ll tour me around? If what you¡¯re after is privacy then we could have just stayed in your ce.¡±


    ¡°So impatient. We¡¯ll get thereter. Why don¡¯t you want it here? I presume you want me to tour you around. This is the first round of the tour. Wee to paradise.¡± He winked at me. ¡°The second paradise. We went to the first paradisest night,¡± he added.


    I cocked a brow at him. ¡°Oh, that was paradise? What a lousy one.¡±


    Maverick gave me a face. ¡°You¡¯re in denial as ever but your moans won¡¯t lie, baby.¡±


    My eyes automatically widened at what he said. My whole face flushed with embarrassment and I looked around the ce. I pped Maverick on the arm.


    ¡°Must you say that? Someone might hear you! It¡¯s embarrassing.¡±


    He gave me a shrug. ¡°Joshua¡¯s out to get my key. No one will hear us here and if anyone will, it should never be a thing to be ashamed of. When does telling the truth be embarrassing? Right, Fem? Hmmm?¡±


    I closed my eyes and exhaled. I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me wickedly.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing. You¡¯re trying to ruin my day as your way of revenge for my rejection.¡± I smiled at him sweetly. ¡°Lucky me because I won¡¯t let you have your way.¡±


    Maverick just came up to me and caressed the edge of my lip.


    ¡°You¡¯re hyperthinking everything.¡± He lightly shook my back. ¡°Rx, Fem. I won¡¯t do anything you wouldn¡¯t like.¡±


    My smile widened.


    ¡°Good. So now while you wait for your key, I¡¯ll walk around and enjoy the sight without your presence, okay? Bye!¡±


    I let go of his hold and marched into the sea. Ibed my hair to keep them in ce because of the strong wind and took off Maverick¡¯s t-shirt.


    Underneath is my red bow tie two-piece swimsuit.


    I stepped into the sparkling water and paused to take in its immense beauty.


    Unlike Maverick¡¯s private beach house, I could see a few people in front taking a bath. There are also some jet ski docked on the side. However, it did not take away any beauty of the ce.


    This even made it more fantasy-like.


    I was about to plunge right into the deeper area of the water when a strong hand grabbed my waist.


    I turned to see a half-naked Maverick.


    ¡°What?¡± I squinted at him.


    He raised his hands. ¡°You forgot to put on sunscreen. You¡¯ll be baked under the sun without protection.¡±


    I went with him when he nudged me to go back to the seashore.


    He opened the bottle, poured a huge amount of it on his hand and applied it on my arms, over my shoulders, on my back, neck and stomach. His warm rough hands touching my body send  tingling sensations straight to my gut and down to my core.


    I am definitely turned on especially when he¡¯s doing it while staring at me and making love with his eyes.


    Damn those flirty eyes for being too effective.


    I gulped when he knelt down in the sand and started smearing the sticky lotion into my butt cheeks, my legs down to my toes.


    He even put my foot on his thigh to make it easier for him to reach them.


    He¡¯s clearly enjoying it.


    I tried to ignore the fire he just ignited.


    ¡°There.¡±


    He stood up and tossed the bottle next to our t-shirts on the sand.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I coughed to try to take the lump off my throat. ¡°Come on. The water¡¯s nice.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± he stopped me again with my wrist. He took out a small bottle from the pocket of his swimming trunks and wriggled it in the air. ¡°You forgot to put sunscreen on your face. Let me put it on for you.¡±


    I almostughed at his suggestion. ¡°No, I¡¯ve put some in already. Maybe you haven¡¯t yet. Where did you get it?¡±


    I snatched the bottle from his hand and came closer to him.


    ¡°Joshua¡¯s. He offered to give it to me for you. He¡¯s got a crush on you. Wanted to talk to you. That boy.¡±


    He nodded his head in a childish way.


    In my head, a boy. Yeah, that¡¯s more like it.


    ¡°Ah, a minor. I¡¯ll meet himter.¡±


    I put an ample amount on my hand, threw the bottle to the sand, and tiptoed to apply it on his face. I dabbed a dash of cream on his forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and then massaged it all over his face. I did it while avoiding his scorching gaze. I know what will happen if I don¡¯t.


    ¡°You¡¯re so tall. Your height?¡±


    ¡°6 feet and 2 inches.¡±


    He circled his hands on my waist and tugged me closer.


    ¡°So your fans¡¯ information is incorrect. They said you¡¯re somewhere between 6¡¯3 to 6¡¯4. Your weight?¡±


    My hands went to his neck and applied the remaining sunscreen.


    Heughed softly and kissed my head. ¡°175 pounds, I¡¯m 27 years old and I live on the top floor of my hotel. You cane anytime sweetie.¡±


    ¡°No need to tell me that. I can just google that away.¡±


    I tapped his cheek and pulled my hand away from his.


    ¡°Come on. I want to swim now.¡±


    We ran out to sea to immediately dipped into the water. I let go of his hand and swam away. The water was still cold even when it¡¯s nearing noon.


    The water is so cool and refreshing.


    I swim and swim and swim until I¡¯m transported back to the days where I am still carefree at everything and all I have to worry about is that once a month visit to the mansion.


    There, I was free even when I¡¯m alone. There, I was still happy.


    I caught a breath before immersing myself in the water again.


    If only I could swim back to my life before that happened. If only.


    Someone pulled my foot under the water. I screamed while smiling to see him under the water. His head appeared in front of me.


    ¡°You¡¯re good. I had a hard time keeping up,¡± he said breathlessly while wiping the water on his face.


    I smiled proudly.


    ¡°I know. There¡¯s ake in my province where I always practice. I could be in the Sea Games, you know?¡±


    He came to me and pulled me towards him.


    ¡°No doubt. Now wrap your legs around me,¡± he ordered me.


    ¡°Ha? Why?¡±


    ¡°Just do it.¡±


    I wondered why but I still followed him. I grabbed his shoulders so I could feel the full rigidness of his body.


    ¡°Now what?¡±


    ¡°Breathe,¡± hemanded again, his eyes with a strange twinkle in them.


    ¡°Fuentebe, what are you nning to do?¡±


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°You talk too much.¡±


    He suddenly pulled me under the water and covered my mouth. My scream was drowned out.


    I immediately parted my mouth and responded. He cupped my ass and rub his hardness on my thigh. I moaned underwater in his mouth and closed my eyes. I think we were kissing for far too long now before we rose back above the water.


    I sucked for air when we broke the kiss. That was a literal wet kiss.


    Our bodies are still entangled. My hands on his neck and legs on his waist while his hands on my back.


    ¡°It¡¯s so salty,¡± heughingly joked while staring at my lips.


    ¡°Fool, of course we¡¯re at sea,¡± I gasped.


    ¡°I¡¯m regretting why we even went out of the house. I want you,¡± he said in a whisper and buried his face on my neck.


    I let out a throatyugh and gently held his chin to catch his eyes.


    ¡°I want to torture you more.¡±


    I closed our gap and met his salty warm lips. The kiss we shared is hot and demanding as if we can¡¯t get enough of each other. I crushed my lips against his and meshed my body with his hard physique. I felt his hand inside my bikini top palming my already firm protruding bud.


    I broke the kiss the instant his hand started untying my bra.


    ¡°Hey, stop,¡± I hissed at him and looked around. ¡°It¡¯s a public ce.¡±


    Heughed foolishly.


    ¡°Lesson number one. Don¡¯t bite off more than you can chew.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, Mav. Wanna race? It¡¯s a good exercise and an effective way to shun off your pervert thoughts. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I like that.¡±


    I looked around.


    ¡°Okay. You see that woman on that part?  Whoever gets to her first wins.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s at stake?¡±


    I thought for a moment.


    ¡°A question. The winner gets to ask the loser a question and he or she is obliged to answer it with utmost truthfulness. So, call?¡±


    ¡°One question and a true answer. Sounds good. Game.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Game!¡±


    I pushed Maverick hard and immediately swam towards the finish line. I justughed at him when he shouted that I was cheating.


    As expected, I won.


    ¡°Well, what do we have here? You have to answer my juicy and fishy question my dear Mabmab,¡± I grinned while he¡¯s frowning at me.


    ¡°No, let¡¯s start again. You clearly cheated,¡± he disagreed.


    ¡°Oops, we don¡¯t have any rules. We only agreed that whoever gets to the finish line first wins and I¡¯m the winner so I will be the one to ask you a question. Does it make sense? Of course it makes sense.¡±


    I crossed my arms and arched my eyebrows at him.


    He stared at me with amusement in his eyes first beforebing my wet hair.


    ¡°What a trickster. You¡¯ll go to ces.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I appreciate thepliment but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you have to answer my question.¡±


    He put his hands at the back of his head.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. Bring it on.¡±


    ¡°Okay. What was the most unforgettable moment you have?¡±


    ¡°What is this? A beauty pageant?¡±


    I frowned.


    ¡°Just answer it. A loser doesn¡¯t have the right toin.¡±


    ¡°Oh a dictator. Hmmm. Let me see. There¡¯s just too many. But I think I¡¯ll pick that one in college when dad told me he¡¯ll give his dying hotel for me to manage after I graduate. I was so ted that time. I¡¯ve been nagging him, no, I¡¯m actually forcing and ckmailing him to give the ce to me. I love the ce and I wanted to prove to the family that I can transform it back to its former thriving glory.¡±


    ¡°Did you seed?¡±


    ¡°No. The hotel went bankrupt after a year of managing it. I had to sell it off in the end. But here¡¯s an interesting thing. The money from that hotel became the starting capital for my empire now.¡±


    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re good!¡±


    He winked at me.


    ¡°I know. Come on, let¡¯s get back to the starting point. I will beat you. And I will add some rules. We have to count up to three before we start, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    We swam back to the starting point andpeted again. Maverick won.


    ¡°Ops, you can¡¯t say I cheated. I won fair and square.¡±


    He told me before I could even protest.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°I was just about to ask ¡®what¡¯s your question¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Good girl.¡± He paused to think. ¡°What was the most unexpected moment that happened in your life? Exin why.¡±


    ¡°An easy essay question. Yeah, too nd.¡±


    ¡°A loser doesn¡¯t have the right toment on the question.¡±


    He grinned. I sshed water on his face.


    ¡°Copycat. Well, an unexpected moment? Being here with you. It was so unexpected and sudden like never it has crossed my mind because I was so adamant in rejecting you. But look where I¡¯m now.¡±


    Maverick was silent and just observed me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back. This time, I¡¯ll make sure to beat you the second time around.¡±


    But he still won.


    ¡°You¡¯re an only child?¡±


    I was stunned by the question but I still posted a smile on my lips.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I turned around and avoided his gaze to hide my pain.


    It took us a few moreps back and forth  but I always lost so I quit the game.


    We just decided to spend the hours floating in the water and sometimes racing again.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired already.¡± My stomach growled. ¡°And hungry.¡±


    Maverick turned to me who was still floating in the water. He flexed his muscles and turned his back on me.


    ¡°Come on. It¡¯s time to go to the other side.¡±


    He motioned me to ride on his back.


    I climbed on his back and encircled my hands and feet to his body. I put all my weight on him. He started to swim towards the beach while I looked like a monkey clinging to him.


    When we reached the shore, there are already bottles of water and two towels that wereid beside their shirts. He took them and opened one bottle for me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I drank water then took the towel to dry myself. I shook the clinging sand off the t-shirt and put it on.


    And then Maverick is leading me to one of the jet skis. I got thrilled with the idea.


    ¡°Ready for the ride of your life, sweetheart?¡±


    I returned his grin.


    ¡°Aye, aye, boat driver.¡±


    Ourughter filled the ce. He supported my back while I climbed at the back of the boat and put my hands on his waist.


    ¡°Hold me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    He started driving and everything takes its own life. The pattern of wake lines materialized behind us as we crossed the waters. The wind on our faces blowing our hair away. The astonishing view of deep blue water surrounding us.


    I closed my eyes and felt the strong breeze all over my body and Maverick¡¯s sinewy body beneath my grip. I¡¯m trying to imprint everything in my mind making sure that they will stay there forever.


    Because I came here with only memories and I will leave here with only memories.


    I opened my eyes and kissed his nape.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered.


    Thank you for giving me a taste of freedom even for a short span of time.


    We disembarked at the shore where the difference from the other side was noticeable.


    The ce here is filled with more people, of tourists consisting of the majority of foreigners.


    There are also establishments you can see from the shore. There are souvenir shops, restos, bars, and hotels.


    ¡°So this is where all the people are hiding, huh,¡± I said after I reached for his outstretched hand.


    ¡°I wonder why you be so giddy all of a sudden. nning something, huh?¡± He muttered when we started walking.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Nah. I¡¯m not nning to escape. I need the money.¡±


    He went silent but its grip on my hand tightened.


    He led me into an open nipa hut cottage floating in the water.


    Someone immediately approached us to take out orders. We were each given a menu. After ordering, we just sat there in an awkward silence.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t bring your phone? What if some business emergencyes up that needs their CEO¡¯s intervention?¡± I opened up a conversation to try to get back our energy.


    He snapped from his deep thoughts and looked up to me. ¡°I have a verypetent team. If my intervention is highly needed then expect someone to be here by now.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    I averted my eyes. I have nothing more to say. Silence again filled the air until our meal arrived.


    It¡¯s a seafood luncheon. Chili crab in a big tter, oyster Rockefeller, garlic butter scallops, mussel chowder, grilled shrimps and squid and steamed salmon and watermelon shake in tall fruit sses and mango juice.


    We ate quietly. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m so hungry that I don¡¯t care if we didn¡¯t speak for almost an hour. I raised my head to Maverick as he ced shredded crabs and shrimps on my te.


    ¡°It¡¯s their specialty. It¡¯s one of the many things I keeping back to here on the ind.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    We almost finished all the food on the table so we justughed together when I burped out loudly.


    We chatted for hours until it¡¯s time to go back to water once again.


    We tried banana boat riding, kayaking, sea walking, and scuba diving. It was past five in the afternoon when we went back to the resto up for a snack. Then we sat on the sand and watched the people enjoying themselves in the sea.


    ¡°Did you enjoy the day?¡±


    He wrapped our hands and ced it on hisp.


    ¡°So much, especially scuba diving. That was the best experience.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s more exciting activity other than that.¡±


    He stood up and held out his hand to me


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s another one?¡±


    I took his hand and stood up.


    ¡°I saved the best forst.¡±


    He took me to a boat waiting from a distance with a crew in it.


    ¡°What are we doing, Mav?¡± I asked him when the boat started moving.


    ¡°Parasailing.¡± He looked at the sky. ¡°The sun is setting. Wait till you see the phenomenonter. You¡¯ll thank me for showing it to you.¡±


    We stopped in the middle of the sea. The crew started inting the parachute in the air and then they strapped us in the life jacket and into the safety harness.


    And when we were slowly hoisted up to the air, I felt my stomach churning from the inside.


    I couldn¡¯t help but panic as we slowly ascended.


    ¡°Oh gosh! It¡¯s too high!¡±


    I clung to Maverick¡¯s hand when I couldn¡¯t help myself but look down.


    ¡°Fuentebe!¡± I shouted when we were  up in the air. He justughed and then touched my chin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look down. Focus on the view from here. Look at the horizon.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay. Just don¡¯t let me go, okay? Hold me,¡± I begged him.


    I read something that crossed his eyes for a second before he easily hid it.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ll do it. Now see the view?¡±


    I turned at the horizon and gaped at the magic happening before our very eyes. The sun is setting.


    Red, orange and yellow hues were all over the blue sky.


    The ball of fire is setting in this part of the world and it feels more emotional when you¡¯re up in the air witnessing it as if it¡¯s within your grasp.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡­¡±


    I just stared enchanted at the sun as it slowly faded away. My grip on Maverick¡¯s hand tightened and the fear I had felt before disappeared like  I didn¡¯t wear it within my sleeves earlier.


    I turned to him with a smile but it was erased when I saw him staring at me.


    His gaze is so soft and intense at the same time I never want to look away.


    ¡°I want to kiss you,¡± he whispered.


    My heartbeat quickened and I suddenly felt thirsty.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    He slowly cupped my face and lowered his face on mine. I closed my eyes and waited, having only seen the colors of the sun setting reflecting on his dark eyes. And when his warm lips descended on me for an unhurried sweet kiss that  almost got me teared up, I knew in myself right at the moment that I will not leave this ce with only memories.


    There is something more. It¡¯s deeper than I thought, something I want to explore if only we were in a different world and circumstances.


    He grazed my lower lip with his tongue and deepened the kiss.


    Maverick Fuentebe, I think I¡¯m falling for you.

 Chapter 22

    It was alreadyte at night and Feme had been asleep next to me but I was still awake.


    My mind kept going back to our conversation earlier.


    ¡°My parents are dead. I don¡¯t have a sibling and my rtives all lead fucked up lives so I know they can¡¯t take good care of me so I am practically alone forever. There, I already answered your question. Satisfied?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an only child?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    It might have been a slip of her tongue or I just didn¡¯t hear her right. Maybe she¡¯s just bluffing because she remembered how she already told me about her having no siblings. And why did I even ask that question?


    Maybe because my dreams areing back.


    Vague memories of the past went back to haunt me again as if them being constantly in my head every now and then is not enough.


    They harass me even at night. The memories are clearer now more than before.


    What¡¯s even shocking is the more I think about Feme, the clearer the hazy memory gets.


    There is one particr woman in my dream.


    At first, I thought it was just a simple dream but as the years passed by and I kept having the same scenario in the same dreams, I knew then that it wasn¡¯t just a dream.


    It was a memorying back.


    The face of the woman is unrecognizable but she feels familiar. I tried to think she¡¯s Feme but my instincts told me otherwise.


    Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve only been with a woman for a long time so something has changed in my perception.


    All my other interactions with women or ex-girlfriends are only brief sex nights and dinner dates. Never did I bring them on a vacation because I don¡¯t want them to feel attachment to me.


    Feme purred in her sleep and curled under the nket.


    Her mouth is slightly open while she¡¯s snoring. She looks really tired with all of the activities we did all day. I caressed her cheek and adjusted the nket. Then I slowly got off the bed and opened the closet.


    I sat down and opened thest drawer and took out a box.


    I opened it and a jewelry box was exposed to me. I opened it and picked up the gold anklet inside. I stared at it while trying to dig in my mind about its owner or what it had to do with my past.


    The investigator said I was holding it when they found me in the wrecked car after I was hit by a dump truck but I don¡¯t remember anything before the ident.


    Everything has be a mystery.


    I did every imaginable thing for my brain to remember the lost memories but still, nothing works.


    Everything is a nk te.


    Sometimes I think they¡¯re just my imagination. There was really none to be remembered of. Maybe it¡¯s just a result of my trauma because of the ident.


    But every time I stare at the anklet when Ie home here on the ind, it¡¯s as if something is digging into my brain with memories that want toe out into the open.


    They felt so important and precious to my existence that it almost felt like dying if I never recovered them at all.


    So I chose to leave the anklet here on the ind because I wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything if it always haunted my mind. It¡¯s making me crazy. It is debilitating to think that arge part of you is missing and you don¡¯t even know how to get it back.


    I felt so helpless. Even my money can¡¯t do anything about it.


    I tried hypnosis and all sorts of memory-enhancing programs to remember.


    The brain is a veryplex organ and there are many things we still don¡¯t know about it. Oftentimes, these are the statements I receive after myst sessions with experts.


    So I just chose to let it all go. If I can remember the past or if I can really bury it in oblivion, I give it to time..


    I just hope someone from that memory wille up to me. And Feme might be that someone.


    I carefully put the anklet back inside the jewelry box and ced it in the box.


    After putting it back inside the closet, I got my phone and dialed a number. Someone picked up in the other line after the first ring.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Staying upte again?¡± I said.


    He coughed before answering.


    ¡°You can¡¯t sleep again?¡±


    ¡°None of your business. I have a job for you.¡±


    He went dead serious after.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°Get all the information about Feme Alcantara of La Vida Club. All about her. Her past, her childhood, all you can gather about her. I want it on my desk one week from now.¡±


    ¡°Copy, boss.¡±


    I put down the cellphone and stared at the sleeping woman. Afterwards I averted my eyes and decided to go out. I scoured the kitchen and took out the wine from the refrigerator. I watched the sea from the ss wall while drinking. I have a strong feeling that Feme is rted to my past.


    It¡¯s maybe the reason why she¡¯s rejecting me profusely. Come to think of it, I can¡¯t think of another reason for her to continue to refuse me other than the fact that she knows something. She may not be the girl in my dream but she definitely knows something.


    That I intend to know.


    I finished the contents of the can and threw it in the trash. I went into the room and took off the t-shirt I was wearing before climbing on the bed. Feme¡¯s hand moved to my waist and hugged me.


    She said something inaudible before snoring back lightly.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel amused. She¡¯s cute and feisty.


    ¡°It¡¯s straight in a row that you sleep talk.¡±


    I adjusted her hug to me and closed my eyes.


    ¡°Goodnight, Fem.¡±


    She moved again to squeeze her face into my armpit. Iughed softly and kissed her lips.


    ¡°Stop by snoring, please. I like to think that it¡¯s because of your snoring that my nightmares areing back.¡±


    The woman just frowned as if she was protesting.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. I know. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    I kissed her again and hugged her tightly.


    I closed my eyes hoping that the dreams will be clearer this time.

 Chapter 23

    ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll go back in the house to get my cigarette.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I watched Maverick as he got up from sitting on the mat and walked back to the house. The man wasn¡¯t wearing anything on top. It¡¯s just his boxer shorts as usual.


    ¡°Tsk. The man¡¯s got a thick skin. He didn¡¯t feel any coldness.¡±


    I returned my eyes back to the violent waves of the sea and drank from the can of wine I was holding. The moon is bright in the sky illuminating the white sand and blue ocean. You can also hear the strong gusts of wind around.


    I have no idea what Maverick has eaten again to invite me for night swimming. I guess he¡¯s not satisfied with all the swimming and forcing me to surf all day.


    I shook the can of beer I was holding and looked out to sea.


    ¡°Maybe he wants to make the most out of the ce tonight. After all, it¡¯s ourst night here in this magical ce. It¡¯s ourst night together.¡±


    The strange sadness and regret that had been living in my heart for several days returned to me.


    Tomorrow, it¡¯ll be the end of everything between us. Our connection, our snide remarks, and our moments together.


    Tomorrow, everything will be back to reality.


    Tomorrow, I¡¯ll be back to being the errand girl.


    ¡°Will you be my girlfriend?¡± I remembered his question to me.


    It was a rhetorical one given our set-up. Nheless, it never failed to make me hope for a thing that I am very aware of that I will never have.


    ¡°How insensitive of you to ask me that. If only things were notplicated. If only¡­¡±


    I adjusted the nket on my body when I heard Maverick¡¯s footsteps. He sat next to me and lit a cigarette.


    ¡°Want a stick?¡± He offered it to me.


    I didn¡¯t answer and just took the packet right away. I put the cigarette in my mouth and brought my face close to Maverick¡¯s. He brought closer the lit part of his cigarette to me and lit my cigarette using his.


    I suck and then blow the smoke through my nose and mouth.


    ¡°Did you enjoy mypany for the past week?¡± I started the conversation. ¡°Cause I enjoyed yours.¡±


    He raised the canned beer at me asking for a toast. I squeezed our cans and we drank it together.


    ¡°I enjoyed you. I enjoyed talking to you and having sex with you. Especially the sex part. It was good.¡±


    ¡°Even though I didn¡¯t do anything?¡± I grinned at him.


    He also smiled at me and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, even though you didn¡¯t do anything. You¡¯re a good student.¡±


    It was then that Iughed out loud.


    ¡°Thank you, sir. Latin honors areing?¡±


    Maverick cackled and then got serious all of a sudden.


    ¡°My offer still stands.¡±


    ¡°And my decision is still the same. I will just be inviting a pain in the ass if you¡¯ll be my boyfriend. You¡¯re too big, too powerful, too rich for my own liking.¡±


    ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡±


    He turned to the side to ce the empty wine can on the sand.


    ¡°For me? Yes, it¡¯s a big deal. I can¡¯t handle you.¡±


    I tapped the cigarette on the sand while holding it against my index and middle fingers.


    ¡°Really? The great Feme I know will not say that thing. She is the most confident and strongest woman I have ever encountered, except my mother of course. So far, I think you¡¯re handling me well.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Nah. Maybe you just didn¡¯t know her.¡± I took in a long breath and exhaled the smoke. I averted my eyes and focused on the waves. ¡°Let me tell you a story, Mav. There was once a girl who was living in fear. She¡¯s scared and scarred¡­ and loneliness is all she ever knew in her entire life. She didn¡¯t experience being chosen. She never experienced being loved. Her parents have no choice but to choose the other weaker child for them to survive. In short, she was banished to a ce with no identity. She grew up lonely and always fearful for what¡¯s toe. She is always insecure to people who get to be prioritized just like her sister, something that she has never experienced.¡±


    I shuddered when Maverick wiped away the tears that I didn¡¯t realize had already escaped my eyes. I brushed away his hand and continued drying my tears.


    ¡°Sorry, I just got carried away with the story. It¡¯s so good. I considered it a masterpiece.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the author?¡±


    ¡°Just someone very dear to me.¡±


    I put the cigarette back in my mouth and immediately blew the smoke out and then stuck the stick in the sand. I stood up and let the nket fall on the mat. I held out my hand to Maverick wearing the familiar smile as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s swim. Let¡¯s just enjoy ourselves for thest time, okay?¡±


    Maverick looked at me as if he wanted to ask something but he eventually reached for my hand and stood up.


    I didn¡¯t realize what he¡¯s up to when he swooped me in my feet and effortlessly swung me in his shoulders. Then he ran out to sea and threw me into the water. I was paralyzed by a sudden rush of cold all over my body.


    Laughing, I swam to the bottom and pulled his foot but he was able to grab my waist and pulled me above the water.


    I removed the wet hair that covered my eyes and seductively stared at Maverick. The cigarette was still in his mouth.


    I bit my lower lip and ran my wet tongue over it. I moved my head to the side and gestured to him toe to me using my two fingers. He looked down at my exposed neck and swallowed. His Adam¡¯s apple moved in a very sensual manner.


    I approached him and without taking my eyes off him took the cigarette from him and smoked from it. I gathered the smoke in my mouth and grabbed his head. I clung to his shoulder and exhaled the smoke to his mouth.


    He parted his lips and willingly received it.


    Our eyes were still on each other as we puffed out the smoke.


    The side of his mouth moved into a smile. I grinned. And then without saying a word, we both grabbed each other and kissed like forever, like our lives depended on it alone.


    We kissed until our breaths almost ran out. We kissed until everything dissipated. It¡¯s just me and him kissing under the moonlight and drenched in cold salty water on this ind where no people know me and no past to drag me down.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not changing your mind?¡± Maverick fingered my swollen lip.


    ¡°N-no, I guess.¡± My lips quivering while looking at his red lips.


    He took the cigarette in my hand and threw it into the water..


    ¡°If I call you one of these days for an arrangement, will you not disappoint me with your response?¡±


    He wrapped my legs on his waist and started walking back into the shore. I wrapped my arms around his neck.


    I locked my eyes on him, never letting a single second leave us.


    ¡°Expect me to reject you¡­¡± His face tightened into a grim one. ¡°Or not, which greatly depends on what kind of arrangement I will receive.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Heid me on the mat and started unfurling the strings of my bikini.


    His face is filled with lust and something else I can¡¯t name while he caressed my neck down to my arm towards my undting stomach.


    I caressed his face and pulled him to me.


    ¡°You¡¯re too sweet and caring for someone like me. It¡¯s just a sex escapade and you paid for me. Why do you have to be like this, Maverick? Why do I have to see your other side?¡±


    My finger dropped to his lips and touched them.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m not doing it with that thing in my mind.¡±


    He cupped my face.


    I caught my breath at his revtion.


    ¡°Do you hear yourself now? Do you even know what you mean by now?¡±


    ¡°Like I told you over and over again, I¡¯m simple minded. If I like the person, I tell her right away. Life¡¯s too short to waste in running in circles.¡± He pressed his forehead to mine and closed his eyes. ¡°You make me feel things, Fem. Strange emotions that I never thought I would feel in this lifetime. So please, will you explore this crazy feeling with me?¡± His eyes are pleading, his gaze turning me into a molten rock.


    ¡°What if we won¡¯t work? What if the past will catch up with us? Our meeting is so unconventional. It¡¯s just in the beginning where everything feels so right,¡± I whispered, my voice full of doubt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t make empty promises, Fem. I¡¯m practical and pragmatic. When I see a potential, I do anything to make it work,¡± he groaned while slowly opening his eyes.


    I just smiled sadly before pulling him to me so that our lips met. I kissed him warmly and sweetly. I kissed him to say the things I could not say in words.


    Words felt underwhelming at this moment like anything I would say is never enough so I just did what I think is the best response.


    ¡°I take it as a yes,¡± he said after pulling out briefly, his eyes smiling


    He didn¡¯t give me a chance to answer anymore. He covered my mouth with his. The kiss was passionate. It¡¯s crazy. It consumes everything about us and burns our sanity.


    I groped his ass and lifted myself to meet his sweltering solid frame. My softness is a direct contrast to his firm and solid body.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    Maverick¡¯s confused eyes darted at me. His hands stopped in mid-air.


    ¡°Let me,¡± I speak softly.


    I left under him and pushed him to the sand. The man grinned.


    ¡°So you want to be in charge. Hurry up, babe. I¡¯m not in the mood for some teasing. I¡¯m fuckin¡¯ horny. We can save the slow danceter.¡±


    I put my finger on his lips. ¡°Shhh. Don¡¯t be a killjoy. Just enjoy the ride, master.¡±


    I rode on his stomach and started kissing his ear. I poked his earlobe with my tongue and intentionally spat on his neck. I felt Maverick¡¯s heave a sigh and his hands tighten around my waist.


    My lips traveled to his neck. I twirled my tongue over the soft skin and sucked it hard for seconds. I felt satisfaction swelled when I withdrew and saw my mark on his skin.


    I wasted no more time and kissed every inch of his body my lips had happened to pass by. I went down and down even further.


    Every groan, growl and howl of him is music to my ears.


    I continued what I¡¯m doing because of the pleasant sound thates from him. Every growl of it was a sign that he liked what I was doing so I was even more aroused. I didn¡¯t miss paying equal attention to his hard chest and stomach.


    I kissed and tasted every ridge and crest of his taut body imprinting and branding him as mine.


    Even if it¡¯s just only for tonight.


    Maverick rumbled and pulled me above him but I refused. I continued touching his body and giving appreciation to it.


    I traced my tongue across his stomach while fondling his erect nipples. Maverick gently tugged at my hair but I did not give in.


    I restrained myself even though I was already trembling with lust.


    I went down between his thighs to see his cock jutting to the waistband of his boxer shorts. I crouched to kiss it but Maverick yanked me to him and devoured my lips.


    He managed to flip our position in an instant.


    My hands went to her hair and pulled at them. I reciprocated his kiss with the same intensity. I closed my eyes and focused on the bewildering sensation.


    I shut down all the other coherent thoughts and concentrated on this temporary madness.


    I¡¯m trying to collect memories with him as much as possible and this one is a good addition to my growing collection.


    He tore the crumpled piece of my underwear and lowered it down. I gasped at his roughness but instead of feeling scared, my pussy dripped more juices. He opened his thighs, touched his erected manhood and finally imed me. Each thrust filled the sweet ache until I became full of him.


    I let out a sigh when he ispletely settled inside me. He didn¡¯t move for a while. He just stayed there with his teeth clenched while looking at me as if I¡¯m a fragile thing that needs protection.


    I ran my fingers on his face. He is such a beautiful sight to behold under the moonlight. More so when he¡¯s on top of me.


    ¡°Do you know that humans are at their most vulnerable state when they¡¯re having sex?¡±


    Maverick stripped the skimpy top off of me. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that.¡±


    ¡°Now you know.¡±


    ¡°You just made that up.¡± He released a guttural sound when I moved my hips.


    ¡°Maybe, maybe not but I can¡¯t think of anything else when we are so defenseless and helpless other than this act.¡±


    He ced my hands on his shoulders and started pumping slowly. ¡°I could agree on that but on one thing.¡±


    I bit my tongue when his movement went wild.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Look me in the eyes. Never close them until we¡¯re finished. Let me see your vulnerability, Fem.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°O-okay,¡± I stuttered in agreement andplied with him.


    I met his dark eyes, my fingers already wing over his back while we danced in the rhythm that is as old as time.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,¡± he murmured, his voice almost a growl.


    ¡°I know,¡± I replied which earned a smile from him.


    He took my hand and wrapped it around him. Under the moonlight on this paradise ind, we had unparalleled pleasure together. The moon and ocean witnessed how I gave up thest thing I owned.


    It¡¯s out of the question, not in my n, and especially out of my mind but I must admit that I havepletely fallen for this man I swore I would never like. I don¡¯t know what happened. I just woke up one morning staring at him while my heart seemed to stop beating. It was as if I could leave everything and forget my mission.


    Because being with him is pure happiness. Being with Maverick is going back to my years of joy.


    We reached orgasm together without taking our eyes off each other.


    He dropped to my neck and nuzzled his nose there.


    He¡¯s still gasping for breath like me. I stroked his back and kissed his head. I closed my eyes as I made a decision¡­


    A tear rolled off the side of my eyes.


    MAVERICK IS snoozing already on my side while I sat on the bed holding his spare cell phone.


    I¡¯m waiting for a text from Dave.


    The phone beeped. I opened and read it.


    Hello, Fem. I have the information we need. I already know the identity of the dog owner. Bad news. He is nning to go to the US together with the subject. You need to decide right away. Just one wrong step, they can hasten the departure immediately. I need to see you soon.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    I looked at the sleeping man beside me before sending a message. I stared at the ceiling for a moment before forming a n.


    I sent a text message to a number and then took out the sim card and went to CR to flush it. I put the cellphone back in the closet and went back to bed.


    I leaned over and smiled sadly at Maverick.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you,¡± I whispered.


    I hugged the man and immediately felt at peace.

 Chapter 24

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Feme turned to me from staring out of the car. She looked so distracted. She smiled at me without the usual glow and fierceness in her eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    I returned my focus to the road.


    ¡°Where will I drop you off? Will you go back to your apartment first?¡±


    I had noticed her strange silence earlier while we were at home and having breakfast. She is not responding to my questions which is making me worry. I tried to put on a conversation but she didn¡¯t seem to be buying it. She will just answer me with a small smile and a shrug. I wonder what went wrong.


    Did she change her mind? I gripped the steering wheel and squeezed my teeth at the thought.


    No way in hell I¡¯m going to let her go. I¡¯ve already decided to explore this new terrain I¡¯ve discovered.


    This was the first time I felt this so I just had to do everything to keep Feme with me.


    I elerated the speed of the car. I can already see the helipad and the propeller of my helicopter.


    I looked at Feme again. She didn¡¯t answer my question. She seemed to be too immersed in her own deep thoughts.


    She was still caught in a trance but the determined expression on her face was making me feel ufortable.


    I pulled the car in the corner and turned off the engine.


    ¡°Stay here. I just need to talk to someone.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for her reply and got out of the car. I saw my pilot and assistant talking to each other.On their back is my Bell 525 Relentless.


    I approached them and shook the hands of my pilot.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± I informed him.


    The pilot went back to the aircraft. I faced Ivan and nodded at him.


    ¡°Brief me about the recent updates about my deal with the Kurasakis.¡±


    He took out an Ipad to look for a file and then showed it to me.


    ¡°They are requesting another investor for a rmendation. I tried to argue but they wouldn¡¯t budge. What¡¯s the next step from here, sir?¡±


    I put my hands in my pockets.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Luther has some prospects in mind. We will set a meeting this week for that. Anything you wanted to report?¡±


    ¡°Your mother called me yesterday, sir. She¡¯s asking when will youe back but she didn¡¯t borate any further.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call herter. Anything else?¡±


    He stepped closer to me and lowered his voice.


    ¡°Mr. Butch came by this morning in the office. He told me to say hi to you.¡±


    My face became hard.


    ¡°Finally, some good news.¡±


    Ivan had something more to say but waspletely taken aback by the loud sound of a helicopter approaching our direction.


    ¡°Who could this be? Did you tell Luther about my location?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I didn¡¯t.¡±


    We waited for the helicopter to go down. The door opened and out came two big-looking guys. The man assisted the woman who was wearing an all-ck outfit with very big sunsses on her face.


    The woman took off the sses and walked to us.


    Just what the hell is Vida doing here? How did she know about our location?


    She stopped right in front of me.


    ¡°Hi there, Mr. Fuentebe. I thought we would not see each other for a long time after our very unlikely meeting.¡±


    She smiled but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    ¡°I thought so too. What brought you here?¡±


    ¡°The deal is over. Of course I¡¯m here to collect Feme. Where is she?¡±


    She began looking around the ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you don¡¯t have to do that. Feme and I have reached another agreement. This time, no third party involve.¡±


    She grinned at me.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Feme is cutting her ties with your club. She¡¯s mine now, Vida. Mine alone.¡±


    My thick ent gave out an imminent warning.


    ¡°Really?¡± Sheughed sarcastically. ¡°Where is she? I need to talk to her.¡±


    She stepped forward but I got hold of her arm. The two men immediately approached us but Vida just raised her hand to stop them.


    ¡°You heard what I said so leave her alone,¡± I warned her in between my gritting teeth. Anytime my temper could go berserk.


    What unlucky men if they try to do something I do not like.


    ¡°Rx, Mr. Fuentebe. It¡¯s so unlike of you to act like this. You sound so territorial. I just want to talk to Feme. Besides, aren¡¯t you curious who gave out your location?¡±


    I let go of her arms and ask with a frowned face.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Someone called mest night.¡±


    ¡°Who? Who called you?¡±


    ¡°Me. I called Vida to get me from here.¡±


    We both turned to the speaker. My head immediately heated up seeing Feme. Her face was devoid of the warmth I saw during our stay together. The walls are back. She¡¯s back being the woman on that auction night again.


    ¡°What? What did you say?!¡±


    My angry voice reverberated.


    Feme walked past me and talked to Vida.


    ¡°Can you give me a minute? I¡¯ll just have to sort this out.¡±


    Vida nodded and retreated. The men followed her. I also asked Ivan to leave us.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Tell me I did not hear it right,¡± I said in a cold voice.


    Feme met my burning eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. I did call Vida to get me.¡±


    I gritted my teeth.


    ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t we already patch things upst night?¡±


    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t. I never said yes.¡±


    I grabbed Feme by the arms and pulled her closer to me. I only have a thread of patience left in me.


    ¡°You¡¯re never a good liar, Feme. Tell me what happened so I can do something about it.¡±


    She struggled in my grip but I didn¡¯t let her get away.


    ¡°So I was right along. My observation about you was definitely right. You are just like anyone else who will get angry and act like a brat when things don¡¯t go your way.¡± She smiled painfully. ¡°For the record Mr. Fuentebe, I never said yes to your proposal. You just assumed it.¡±


    She pushed me with all her might so that she could get out of my grasp. I just let her even though it¡¯s against my will.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare deny it! You feel it too, don¡¯t you? There¡¯s something going on between us, Feme and you can never deny that.¡±


    ¡°So? What about it? I don¡¯t want to pursue any of it.¡± She breathed hard. ¡°Look, I admit that I enjoyed my stay here. Thank you for that but the contract has already ended just like my service for you so we have to end whatever we have between us if there¡¯s any.¡±


    I did not say a word. I just studied her entire face from her trembling lips and the reddened eyes that were already filled with tears. My eyes went down to her tightly sped hands.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said calmly. ¡°I am acknowledging the end of our contract, Feme. Thank you for your valued service. I enjoyed tormenting you.¡±


    I watched closely how she bit her lower lip to stop her tears from dripping. I leaned over to her and locked her face in my hands.


    ¡°Would I be a monster in your eyes if I say that I¡¯m happy right now?¡±


    She lowered her gaze.


    ¡°Because I know it¡¯s not just me who¡¯s suffering now. I don¡¯t know what your reasons are but I know that we both feel the same.¡±


    I carefully wiped away her tears as she closed her eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re a big mystery I want to solve, but unlike you, I¡¯m not a dictator so I won¡¯t force myself on you.¡±


    I took off the jacket I¡¯m wearing and put it on her shoulder and stared at her whole body.


    ¡°That¡¯s my favorite shirt,¡± I pointed at her t-shirt.


    I took a step back and put my hands in my pockets.


    ¡°It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Alcantara.¡±


    She looked at me after drying her tears.


    ¡°Likewise, Mr. Fuentebe.¡±


    She turned her back on me.


    ¡°But we both know it¡¯s not the end,¡± I promised.


    ¡°It is. It is the end. Thank you. I¡¯ll be going,¡± she said without looking back at me.


    She stepped towards Vida who hugged her. I even followed them until they boarded in the helicopter.


    ¡°Sir, there¡¯s an iing call,¡± Ivan interrupted me.


    I took another look at them before turning my back and ascending to my helicopter.


    The two helicopters rose into the air at the same time and traveled in the same direction.

 Chapter 25

    ¡°A boy named Dave called mest night and leaked out your location. Care to tell me what¡¯s going on, princess?¡±


    ¡°Stop calling me that!¡± I hissed at Vida.


    ¡°Then tell me what¡¯s this all about. Stop sulking in a corner acting as if you just broke up with your boyfriend. Oh wait!¡± She paused and inspected my face.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    I wiped her hand from my face and looked out of the car. Afternding the helicopter on a hangar, we boarded the waiting club car that would take me to my apartment.


    ¡°Gosh! Did you just fall in love with Maverick? Wow! I can¡¯t believe it! You have a horrible taste in men, Feme.¡±


    I nced at Vida.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m gonna shut up. I have to consider your feelings, I know. It¡¯s not easy to nurse a broken heart.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    I gripped Maverick¡¯s jacket on my body. I silently cursed myself for being vulnerable in front of him. He shouldn¡¯t have witnessed that.


    ¡°So? Who¡¯s Dave?¡± she asked, still not letting me sit in silence.


    ¡°A hired detective. He¡¯s the one I put in-charge of the investigation.¡±


    She crossed her legs and leaned on the leather seat of the car.


    ¡°I really thought you went crazy after you told me about your reason for entering the club. But seeing you now after rejecting that one hot man, I say you¡¯re crazier than I expected. I mean, who in her right mind would reject someone like Maverick Fuentebe? He¡¯s someone any woman would wish to have like a prince knight in shining armor straight out from a fairytale. Wait ¡¯till Chino hears this. Opportunity wasted.¡±


    ¡°I thought I have a horrible taste in men? Why would you want me to be with him now?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯d rather want you to move on in your life than to see youpletely ruin it to waste.¡±


    I sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already decided, Vida. No going back this time.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you forget about it and move on? They¡¯re gone. The living should continue living. Why are you letting the dead lead your life?¡±


    ¡°If only it¡¯s that easy to do. But you were never in my shoes. You were never the one being med the whole time. It¡¯s not you who needs to face the nightmare every fucking day. I only want peace in my mind but I can only have that if I will fulfill my promise.¡±


    I looked at Vida who was staring at me.


    ¡°So please, let me be.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay. I will let you. But if I see you one more time in this situation then, that¡¯s the time I will have to interfere. It¡¯s my duty. Just like you, I also have a promise to fulfill. That¡¯s my promise to my father.¡±


    Her voice became sad at the mention of her father.


    ¡°You have done more than enough, Vida. I owe you that.¡±


    The car stopped in front of my apartment.


    ¡°Thank you for fetching me.¡±


    I opened the door and got out of the car.


    ¡°Wait, Fem. Did I already tell you that I forwarded the payment to your ount.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Can I ask how much?¡±


    ¡°Fifty million.¡±


    My eyes widened at what Vida said that almost lost my bnce.


    ¡°Fifty million!?? Fifty million for just a week of fucking? Oh, he¡¯s really fond of flexing himself. He really loves to throw his money away.¡±


    She just shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°Perks of being a billionaire.¡± She waved her hand to me and pointed to her heart. ¡°If this speaks out then it¡¯s game over.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    I mmed the door shut and turned around.


    ¡°You two are a good match. An arrogant billionaire and a humble princess,¡± she teased me.


    I raised my middle finger in the air and moved it along with my back. I heard Vida¡¯sughter before the car finally pulled away. I then climbed the stairs to the second floor of the small apartment building.


    There are six rooms in total. Three rooms on the first floor and three on the second one.


    The apartment stood in a simple vige and is owned by a weird woman living upstairs next to my bedroom. Sometime in the wee hours in the morning, I will hear her chanting Latin phrases. She also always wore a ck dress and I never once did I see her smile. She is so creepy and different which is a good thing. For one, she is not nosy. Two, she is not nosy.


    I took from the pocket of the jacket the room key that Vida had given me earlier. I left my key to her every time there was a bidding at the club. I put the key in the keyhole but was surprised to realize that the door was ajar. My chest throbbed with fear and anger. I looked around for someone to ask for help in case something goes wrong.


    I mustered up the courage and slowly pushed open the door just to catch my breath when it suddenly opened out of nowhere.


    A pair of green eyes greet me. Anky boy is smiling from ear to ear while eating a pizza in his hand.


    ¡°Wee back, Feme. I¡¯ve been waiting for you for days now. Come in.¡±


    Without saying a word, I immediately entered the apartment and looked around. I almost screamed in frustration after seeing the mess before me. Empty junk foods and soda cans littered the floor. The whole sofa, which was full of papers, was also untidy. There is an open pizza box on the center table. I looked around the small kitchen. The sink is full of unwashed dishes and the leftovers on the table.


    ¡°Tell me the truth Dave, how many days are you camping here in my house?¡± I said trying to keep my cool together.


    I turned to the grinning young man who was scratching his head.


    ¡°I knew you would say that but before you sermon me and give me all your pent-up anger, can you please hug me. Didn¡¯t you miss me, Fem?¡±


    I red at him.


    ¡°And now you learned how to respect me. A hug? The fuck! You want me to kick you?¡±


    ¡°Five days. I stayed here for five days.¡±


    He knelt on the floor and began cleaning the area.


    ¡°You are staying here for five days,¡± I corrected him.


    I nced at my bedroom door.


    ¡°Where did you sleep?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t use your room. Promise.¡± He raised his hands in the air.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I looked at the sofa and found my most prized fleece nket sttered all over it.


    My mouth opened in shock while staring at the poor nket already stained with pizza sauce.


    ¡°O-oh oh my poor baby¡­¡±


    I put my hand over my mouth and angrily looked at the culprit who was guiltily looking like a five-year old boy with his peace sign.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep in your room but I borrowed your nket. It¡¯s very cold here especially at night and I didn¡¯t see any other nkets so you know¡­¡±


    I closed my eyes to prevent myself from punching him in the face. That is a child, Feme. That¡¯s a minor. Minor, I repeated that reminder in mind.


    ¡°Why did I even agree with Rowald to get this kid,¡± I whispered while massaging my temple.


    ¡°Because I have potential. I¡¯m a genius,¡± he proudly said.


    I picked up the nket and folded it neatly.


    ¡°Why did you even choose to wreck your havoc here? You have an apartment for fuck¡¯s sake!¡± I shouted.


    He sat on the other sofa and raised his foot on the chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m temporarily evicted from my apartment. I rented it out to my friend so that I could have something to spend while ying detective, madame. You told me to do something about yourck of professionalism on paying your trusted boy here so I decided to exhaust every means possible. Isn¡¯t that something you must be thanking me for? And thank God I¡¯m not that busy.¡±


    You¡¯re not really busy because I¡¯m your only client, asshole.


    ¡°How did you get in?¡± I asked instead.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sleuth¡¯s thingy, something you small-minded people won¡¯t understand.¡±


    I think my nerves exploded in my head at what I heard. Why am I still talking to this child? If only I didn¡¯t really need him, eh.


    I slumped on the floor and leaned my head on the sofa. I closed my eyes and spent a few moments before opening them.


    ¡°Okay, Dave. Tell me what you found out.¡±


    His face immediately turned serious and he picked up the papers on the sofa.


    ¡°After a series of hacking into the database of dog breeders here and abroad, I finally narrowed them down to three persons who all have Tibetan Mastiff dogs and a travel history here in the Philippines eight years ago. The first individual I identify is Kristine Han but I dropped her off because she only stayed here in the country for a day. Next is Hans Reeves. This one¡¯s fishy but I let him slide. He¡¯s from the US and only came here to give his puppy to ourst person of interest, Lagma Rey.¡±


    I straightened my back after hearing his name.


    ¡°Lagma Rey. Lagma Rey. His name sounds so familiar. Where did I hear that?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, Lagma Rey must be a new name for you but that¡¯s not really his real name. That¡¯s just what he uses every time he goes out.¡±


    ¡°Goes out?¡±


    ¡°Goes out to transact with his business partner niya.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s his real name then?¡±


    ¡°Levin Monaco.¡±


    I sank back into the floor.


    ¡°His name doesn¡¯t ring a bell for me. I¡¯m more familiar with Lagma Rey. I felt like I¡¯ve heard it before. Never mind, now proceed.¡±


    ¡°Now Levin Monaco is the man we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°How sure are you? What if it¡¯s Hans Reeves. He¡¯s the original owner of the dog.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m positive it¡¯s Levin.¡±


    He took a piece of paper and handed it to me. I picked it up and looked at it. I gasped at the sight.


    ¡°W-What does this mean?¡±


    I dropped the paper on the floor.


    ¡°It means he is exactly the man we¡¯re looking for. That ouroboros tattoo on his neck proves that he is the man or has a connection with the man you saw on that night.¡±


    I looked back at the paper. It¡¯s a stolen picture of the man inside a room. The man was naked while talking on the phone. A grim expression is on his face. I got chills while looking at him.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s the same tattoo.¡± I looked at Dave. ¡°Tell me more about him.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He gathered the paper in his hand before beginning to exin. ¡°He¡¯s Levin Monaco or Lagma Rey to his business associates. 31 years old. Not much is known about his background. All I know for now is that he is an emerging name in the real estate industry. His record is very clean. No matter how I dig deeper about his life, he¡¯s so clean which is so suspicious. He¡¯s too clean for a man of his caliber.¡±


    ¡°Maybe because you¡¯re digging on the wrong side of the house. Don¡¯t pry on Lagma Rey. Concentrate on unearthing the secrets of Levin.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about that. But even Levin Monaco is consistently clean.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Where is he now?¡±


    He stood up and threw the trash in the trash bin then returned to the sofa.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. No one knows. Apparently, Levin Monaco is a type of man who just vanishes in thin air. He is such a mystery.¡±


    ¡°Is there any trace of the subject? When will he fly to the US?¡±


    ¡°That is still my theory that I think will not be a theory anymore given the information I gathered. Wait, let me show you something.¡± He took out his cellphone in his pockets. ¡°As for your first question, I¡¯m positive that he is with the subject.¡±


    He gave me another batch of papers.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    These were just copies of the deed of sale.


    ¡°Lagma Rey is selling all his businesses and properties here in the Philippines. It¡¯s, let me say, a suspicious move considering thepanies are doing good in the business. No reported bankruptcy issues. I asked for a favor from my friend in the US and ording to a reliable source there, Rey is starting to build his start-up. He is also starting to transfer his money from the bank. This only means one thing. He¡¯s nning to move to America for good.¡±


    I angrily kicked the center table. The pizza box would have fallen if Dave hadn¡¯t caught it right away. I clenched my teeth and gave him a sharp look.


    ¡°If he is really the man I¡¯m looking for then it¡¯s better for him to leave this country for good. That would be one less criminal here. But I will make sure that he will leave whatever he needs to leave in the country. Dave, give me the action n.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    He handed me a small white envelope. I reached for it and opened it. There were two invitation letters inside. I read what was written.


    ¡°A g night?¡± I looked up at Dave. ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a celebration hosted by the Asturia n, a giant in high society. If you¡¯re into politics and old money then you¡¯ll know them. They owned hectares ofnd in different parts of the country. They were out in the limelight these past few years but they decided to finally expand their empire into the real estate industry. That¡¯s ourst chance, Fem.¡±


    I met his gaze.


    ¡°Because Lagma Rey will be there.¡±


    ¡°Right. This is our perfect chance to corner him and perhaps extract something from his ns.¡±


    I nodded as we still stared at each other.


    ¡°I got it. Thank you, Dave. You¡¯re really good.¡±


    His face flushed and averted his gaze from me.


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m only doing this for one million.¡±


    ¡°About that. I¡¯ll give you half of it now and then the other half after I sessfully have all the information I needed. You okay with that?¡±


    His whole face glowed.


    ¡°Really Fem? Now? As in now? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s a prank?¡±


    He pouted. I stood up and ruffled his hair. I smiled at him.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Smile more often. Act like a 15-year old. Enjoy your youth. Now send me your ount.¡±


    He punched the air before hurriedly looking for his cellphone. I went to the bedroom andy down on the bed. I closed my eyes and tried to push Maverick¡¯s face away.


    I could have surrendered right then to his charms, to his words and to his promise but if I do that, it will onlyplicate things.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to embroil you in this mess just like what happened in the past. This will only be between me and my mission.¡±


    I moved to the side and hugged the pillow.


    I¡¯m already missing you now. What more in theing days?

 Chapter 26

    I stopped the Te Model X car in front of one of my hotels and stepped out of it. I buttoned up my suit jacket and nced at my security team who also exited their armored vehicles. I nodded to Jex who was their head and walked ahead.


    I passed through the revolving ss door and into the turnstile where I swiped up my identification card.


    Every employee stopped in their tracks to greet me.


    ¡°Good day, sir.¡±


    I just nodded at those who greeted me as I walked to the private elevator.


    Anita, out hotel manager greeted me and apanied me.


    There wasn¡¯t any hint of weariness on her face considering it¡¯s a surprise inspection.


    ¡°How¡¯s the ongoing renovation of the 63rd floor?¡± I asked in a casual tone.


    ¡°Going well, sir. The interior designer you rmended is already on her finishing touches. The curated art pieces from Mindanao just arrived. They will be decorated ording to the preference of the guests. You cane byter to check it.¡±


    ¡°Good. On the day of the arrival of the royal family from Lanao, I want you to supervise them. Give them all they want. Make sure they experience the best amenities of our hotel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I stopped opposite the closed elevator door and slightly faced Anita.


    ¡°That¡¯s all. You can go back to your work.¡±


    She lowered her head.


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    I turned to Jex who was at my back.


    ¡°Jex, check the security system of the ce. Upgrade it if needed. We can¡¯t afford to gamble up the security of the guests. I don¡¯t want any ident in Branch 33 to happen again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    He backed out a few steps and led the men away.


    I pressed the button to open the doors and went inside. I then pushed the 70th floor and the doors closed before me.


    I loosened my neck tie then took the cellphone out of my pocket and stared at the empty screen.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know her number.¡±


    I frowned and nced at the cellphone I was holding.


    ¡°This is not my phone.¡±


    Well, technically it is my phone but I don¡¯t use it anymore.


    ¡°How did it get here?¡±


    I turned on the phone and the first thing that I saw was the smiling face of Feme as the lockscreen.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight of her beautiful face. Her tongue was sticking out and she intentionally wrinkled her nose.


    I leaned on the elevator and clicked the Photos icon. My smile widened even more when I saw that Feme had almost a hundred selfies and pictures saved here. There are pictures of her posing like a model and there were just photos of her smiling innocently in the camera. But my favorite of all are the photos of her frowning, out of angle pictures and silly shots. Seeing her like this seems different. She looks so happy, so human and so carefree, far from her crying face earlier.


    The door opened and I walked out whistling my way to the top floor of the building.


    Christine stood up from her desk outside my office and politely greeted me.


    ¡°Good day, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good day too. I see that you¡¯re here already.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Ivan informed me that you¡¯ll be here.¡±


    She already had the notepad in her hand and was ready to write my orders for this morning.


    ¡°Call Anita after an hour and ask her for our financial statements. And then call Luther. Tell him I¡¯m the entire day. I¡¯m in the office all day so he cane by anytime.¡±


    I noticed that her face turned red. She also tightened her grip on the ballpen.


    ¡°Are you okay, Ms. Salceda?¡±


    She smiled at me confidently. ¡°Y-yes, sir. ¡°Would that be all sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it.¡±


    I walked towards my office and pushed the door open.


    ¡°Ah sir? Coffee?¡±


    I stopped at the front of the door when Feme came to mind again.


    ¡°Yes, please. And make it two.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I closed the door behind me and walked into the swivel chair ignoring the presence of the standing man in front of the painting of Fernando Amorsolo.


    ¡°Your father told me before that you¡¯ll inherit everything he worked hard for. Thepany, the organization, the family. But your mother got in the way. I waited until you realize that it¡¯s your calling, Maverick but again, I failed to convince you. You asked me why I declined the post. It¡¯s because I believe you are the only one who is most capable of taking over your father¡¯s legacy.¡±


    ¡°Why would I ept the seat of the organization which killed its own founder?¡±


    I scanned the first document out of the pile of files on my table.


    Butch didn¡¯t say anything for a minute.


    ¡°I was surprised when you called me to ask for help. And I was even more surprised when you wanted me to investigate the same person you wanted to protect. Feme Alcantara. The name brings back memories to me. What is your connection to her?¡±


    I stood up to sit on the couch and motioned him to do the same. Butch sat on the armchair instead. He shook off the dirt on his faded jeans paired with a in ck t-shirt.


    ¡°Tell me about her.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to know about her?¡±


    ¡°Everything.¡±


    He snatched a piece of paper from his pocket and threw it at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s the only thing I managed.¡±


    I picked up the crumpled paper on the floor and looked at it. It is a picture of Feme¡¯s family portrait with what I think are her parents. They were standing outside a mansion holding a wine ss on each hand.


    ¡°Tell me more about her.¡±


    ¡°Feme Alcantara, thest known survivor of the Alcantara n. Her parents are Natividad and Napoleon Alcantara. They¡¯re old rich just like the Asturias when ites to wealth, influence, and power. You might not know them if you¡¯re too into technology and modernization. They¡¯re very conservative. They don¡¯t like being known and exposed. They liked to work behind the scenes to control their puppets. They are the kingmakers.¡±


    I can¡¯t believe it. ording to Butch, Femees from a wealthy and powerful n. If so, what is she doing at the club? Why is she selling herself? Butch seemed to read my mind right away because he continued on divulging what he found out.


    ¡°The Alcantaras mysteriously went down. Theirpanies went bankrupt and were entangled with sessivewsuits and scandals with the government. The patriarch, Don Fernando Alcantara died of a heart attack. That¡¯s where their loss started materializing.¡±


    ¡°How about Feme¡¯s parents? What happened to them?¡±


    ¡°Theymitted suicide.¡±


    I was shocked. What a tragic ending for a great family. Now I understand about the pain in Feme¡¯s eyes. What happened must have been very painful for someone like her. From the top, they suddenly plunged down to the bottom. Which is maybe the reason why she decided to enter the club. My heart swelled of pity for the young Feme who had to experience it.


    ¡°Thank you, Butch. That¡¯s all I needed to hear.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve sent the whole report to your email.¡±


    I stood up and shook hands with the man who had also been my number nemesis to my father¡¯s attention. He can stop visiting me here in person but I know he won¡¯t waste the opportunity to convince me again.


    Someone knocked on the door and Christine came in carrying a tray with two cups of coffee.


    Butch tightened his grip on my hand.


    ¡°We¡¯re still waiting for you, Maverick.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your service, Butch.¡±


    He can do nothing but look down. He tapped me on the shoulder and walked out the door.


    Christine set the coffee down on the center table.


    ¡°Sir? Isn¡¯t he going to have coffee anymore?¡±


    ¡°Who told you it¡¯s for him? It¡¯s all mine. I need lots of caffeine today to pump up my nerves. I need to finish tons of work today.¡±


    She giggled and then left. She was at the door already when I called her again.


    ¡°Yes sir?¡±


    ¡°Call Luther. Tell him he should hurry ining here or else I won¡¯t award him the contract.¡±


    She blushed again as her smile disappeared from her lips. She nodded reluctantly.


    ¡°Right away, sir.¡±


    I sipped coffee while shaking my head after Tine left. Maybe my very good friend in the name of Luther hit on her again. He must not make the same mistake of lining her up with the women he goes out with.


    I can never find a secretary that is as efficient and excellent as Christine. And he will be at the mercy at the hands of Cholo.


    I picked up the paper and stared at it. Feme is so cute in her SpongeBob pajama suit and pigtails. I took out my cell phone and took a picture with the paper. I sipped my coffee with a smile and savored the taste. Christine already knows my coffee blend but I seem to be looking for something else.


    I¡¯m craving for something different yet familiar. There¡¯s just something missing in my life right now.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I sighed. I could be slow at times. It only means one thing.


    I missed Fem.

 Chapter 27

    My whole body was covered in dust and dirt and I was also sticky because of the sweat from a few hours of cleaning the whole apartment but I still went on scrubbing the sticky dried rice on the floor tiles.


    In my mind, I had already killed a few hundred times and shredded into pieces, the green-eyed monster named Dave. If it weren¡¯t for him, I would be at the spa now and enjoying Maverick¡¯s money spending of forty-nine million.


    But no. I¡¯m here now almost scratching my face on the ckened white tiles. I can only imagine Dave¡¯s face as I leisurely brushed his face on the floor.


    When I was finished, I rested for a while while eating a watermelon. I nced at the wall clock. It¡¯s past ten o¡¯clock in the evening. I put my elbows on the kitchen table and ate the fruit while wiping my sweat. I want to take a bath right at this instant but I still need to rest for a few minutes.


    I looked over my ce and smiled. It¡¯s back to its tidy and order form as it should be. I stretched my arms in the air and yawned.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sleepy.¡±


    It¡¯s been two straight weeks that I haven¡¯t slept well because of watching Lagma Rey.


    I went to hispany posing as a client hoping that I would see him but I ended up waiting in vain. The next few days after that were spent trailing him ording to his schedule Dave gave me but again and again, I have not picked out a single clue that will lead me to the location of my subject. Dave is super right. The man is as clean as a white sheet. He¡¯s clever too.


    If I hadn¡¯t been good at disguising myself, he might have caught me a long time ago. I also couldn¡¯t just approach him because of his many bodyguards.


    I can¡¯t wait until the g night for some information about the guy. I¡¯m wasting time and I¡¯m running out of it. If I do not take a solid step now, I might lose the only little chance I have of finding what I was looking for. It will only cost me one wrong move and he will really leave the country with the subject.


    My efforts were just put in vain when I didn¡¯t see Lagma¡¯s shadowe out of the restaurant. What I had hoped for did not happen. I was so frustrated because things didn¡¯t work for me and there¡¯s no good development in my mission. I just decided to go home and clean the house. As of now, I¡¯m putting all my bets on Dave.


    I stood up to put the watermelon back in the refrigerator. Then I sat down on the sofa and started folding the washed clothes. I was stunned when I turned my gaze to see Maverick¡¯s jacket and t-shirt.


    I missed that obnoxious arrogant guy who drives me crazy with his touch and kisses. I missed our sharp conversations. I miss hugging him when we are sleeping.


    But all of that should be shoved in the corner for now.


    I got up and went into the room to get a paper bag. I carefully tucked the t-shirt and the jacket inside. I don¡¯t know when Maverick and I will meet or if we will have another chance to meet so that I can give it back to him but just in case destiny wants to y with us again and it decided that we should meet again.


    ¡°Tsk. When did I be so cheesy? Destiny my ass.¡±


    I put the other clothes in the closet then took a towel and went straight to the bathroom. I need a long warm bath to soothe my aching muscles.


    I came out of the bathroom feeling very fresh. I got a boyleg and a long faded t-shirt to wear. I also applied moisturizer to my face and lotion all over the body. I was in the middle of drying my hair when I heard a knock in the living room.


    My hands immediately froze in the air. My eyes became alert and I immediately grabbed the Swiss knife under the mattress.


    Who the fuck knocks on one¡¯s door at almost midnight?


    ¡°Ms. Alcantara? Are you still awake? Ms. Alcantara?¡±


    My heart beat returned to normal when I recognized the voice of myndy.


    Right. That weird girl from the other side of this room used to knock on my door in the dawn just to give me her newly baked dark ck cookies with red sauce. Maybe this disturbing action is no exception.


    ¡°What is it this time? Man, that woman has been giving me anything under the sun.¡±


    I left my room and removed the three padlocks on the door then slowly opened it.


    ¡°What-¡± I was cut off from the rest of what I was going to say when I smelled the familiar perfume. Fruits. It smelled of fruits.


    I looked up and met the eyes that were staring at me with the mischievous smile ying in the corner of his lip.


    The guy in his immacte navy blue three-piece suit is towering over me while his hands are in his pockets.


    ¡°Hi, Fem..¡± he said in a tired voice.


    I blinked to regain my lostposure at the sight of the very man I was just thinking earlier.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Fuentebe? Where¡¯s myndy? I heard her call me that¡¯s why I opened the door.¡±


    I looked around to find the woman. I was so sure she called my name.


    ¡°Ah, that girl? She is kind enough to help me. She said she¡¯s the only one who can summon you out like an angel out of heaven. I don¡¯t know what she meant by that but whatever her reason is, I appreciate her kind heart. So pure.¡±


    I grimaced at how he casually said those things while smiling at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really have any idea what you¡¯re saying and I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re here. So why are you here?¡±


    Maverick leaned on the frame of the door.


    ¡°I miss you.¡±


    I could not make out what he meant. For a moment it was as if I felt something digging into my stomach. Suddenly, my throat went dry and I felt like I was having trouble breathing. I averted my face and cleared my throat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this, Fuentebe. I¡¯m tired and I just want to rest so don¡¯t bother me now. Go home.¡±


    I was about to close the door when he stopped it and took big steps to enter inside. I backtracked at what he had done when I read the determination on his face. He also returned the padlocks one by one.


    I was shaken for a little bit. How bold of him.


    He stared at the whole house and then smiled at me. The whole ce seemed to be crowded because of the man¡¯s presence.


    ¡°What are you doing? I told you to go home already because I want to rest. I want to sleep.¡±


    He yawned and took off his coat andid it on the sofa, sat down, and crossed his legs.


    ¡°Me too. I¡¯m tired. Come now. Let¡¯s sleep.¡±


    I red at him.


    ¡°Spare me with your jokes, Fuentebe. Go home now. ¡±


    Instead of following me, he stood up and untied his neck tie as well as his belt.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking. And for the nth time, it¡¯s Mav or Mab. Quit calling me Fuentebe. And I will be sleeping here for the night. My body¡¯s too tired to drive.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t y your games with me. One call from you and the whole of your staff will race against time to get here. ¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m too tired to even make a call. Please, can you be at least hospitable enough to let me stay here for a couple of hours? We¡¯re enemies turned lovers right?¡±


    I frowned at thest thing he said.


    ¡°Whatever we had is all water under the bridge now. You¡¯re too tired to make a call? Give me your phone. I¡¯ll call them.¡±


    I held out my palm to him but he just shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the phone with me. I left it in the car.¡±


    ¡°Then give me your keys. I¡¯ll get it. Hurry.¡±


    He shook his head again.


    ¡°What a cruel woman you are. Okay, how about you let me borrow your bed for an hour and then you wake me up after. I¡¯ll just take a quick nap just to get my energy back. Is it okay with you?¡±


    I still frowned at him. I don¡¯t know what drama he is having in his life right now and why he does it.


    ¡°Nice. You¡¯re speechless, that means you are agreeing with me.¡±


    He started walking towards the bedroom. I could just do nothing while he casually slip into my room and disappear.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    I just screamed in frustration when I saw the dirt created by his shoes on the floor I had just cleaned.


    ¡°Why do men love to shit and then leave?¡±


    I rushed to get a rag and disinfectant to clean the dirt he left. I knelt on the floor and began wiping the traces of Maverick¡¯s shoes. I was devastated to see the dirt all the way into my room.


    I stood up and sighed in annoyance as I ran towards the room. I was ready to shout at the top of my lungs at the man and p the wet rag on him but all that was gone when I saw him sleeping peacefully. Mavericky on my bed with no top and hugging my pillow. He just fit himself on my little bed.


    He looks so out of ce with him snugglingfortably in my neon covers and SpongeBob pillow covers.


    ¡°Look at this big man sleeping like a child. Be thankful I¡¯m in the mood to be kind right now. Had it been on other days, I would have shoveled all these to you.¡±


    I wiped the floor and washed the rag. I went back to the bedroom to put away his dress shirt that had fallen on the other side of the bed. I folded it up andid it on the sofa with his belt and neck tie. I also took the paper bag containing his t-shirt and jacket andid it next to his clothes.


    I kicked his feet before taking off his shoes and socks.


    ¡°God! Never have I thought I¡¯ll be doing this to you. You¡¯ve dirtied my squeaky clean floor, you¡¯ve left your clothes anywhere, and now you¡¯re going to make me a babysitter. I wish you¡¯re awake so I could punch you in your gut.¡±


    I pped his ass which elicited a growl from Maverick.


    I put his shoes on the shoe rack in the living room and then returned to the room with a mug of coffee. I turned on the aircon before picking up the book about agriculture.


    I sat on the floor, put on eyesses, leaned on the side of the bed and started reading. When I finished my coffee, I took it out to the kitchen to wash it. Then I went back to the room, satfortably on the floor, and resumed reading.


    Sometimes I nce at the man sleeping next to me. Time passed quickly. If it weren¡¯t for a warm arm caressing my shoulder I wouldn¡¯t have let go of the book I was holding. Maverick pressed his face against my neck and whispered.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s sote. You should sleep now¡­¡±


    My hair stood on one end when I felt his warm breath on my neck. His ragged husky voice seems to seep through my skin.


    ¡°Yeah. I should.¡±


    But he didn¡¯t let me go. He took his time sniffing me and nuzzling his nose on the side of my neck. I gulped at how he made my body too sensitive to him.


    ¡°Mav.. Let go. Please.¡±


    He chuckled first before releasing me.


    I returned the book to the book shelf and faced him with my hands akimbo.


    ¡°Move over.¡±


    He didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°You cany on my chest. Your bed¡¯s too small for the two of us.¡±


    ¡°Not my problem. I didn¡¯t buy it to share with anyone. Or wait, your time¡¯s up. You can go home now.¡±


    Umusog ito sa kanang bahagi ng kama at tinapik ang espasyo sa tabi nito.


    ¡°Here it is. Come.¡±


    I didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Just go home already.¡±


    He suddenly pulled me by the hand next to the bed and hugged me. He put his finger on my lips and trapped me with his legs.


    ¡°Shhh. You should sleep now and let me also sleep in silence. I still have a flightter to Japan.¡±


    ¡°You have a flight and yet here you are messing up with my house and my life. Make up your mind, Mav. Stop hugging me!¡±


    I pushed his arm away from my waist and turned my back against him.


    ¡°I miss you, Fem. I miss you so bad..¡±


    He hugged me from behind and kissed my hair. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you have done to me. You¡¯re making me crazy.¡±


    I removed his hands from my body again.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°You just want sex. Maybe you should getid. Go get yourself a girlfriend and stop pestering me. Our contract has ended and I will never say yes to your proposal.¡±


    I heard no answer from him so I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. But then his hands went to my waist again under the sheets.


    ¡°It¡¯s you I only want. I don¡¯t want any other woman. I only want you. Just you. If I have to buy every second I spend with you then so be it. If I go broke buying your time all over again then I¡¯ll just reinvest again. That¡¯s how I want you to be in my life, Fem.¡±


    It was as if a warm hand had caressed my heart at what Maverick had said.


    ¡°What a sweet-talker. Just stop it. You¡¯re making my whole body cringe.¡±


    I touched his hand on my waist and caressed it.


    ¡°Sleep now. It¡¯s just yourck of sleep. It could make you hallucinate, think and say things you don¡¯t mean.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s you sweetheart, I¡¯m more than willing to take a risk. Always.¡±


    He leaned over to me and kissed me on the cheek. He kept a good distance between us and only held my hand.


    Maverick waspletely asleep holding my hand but I was still wide awake and was staring at the ceiling. His words kept reying in my mind. I turned to the man on my side who was sleeping peacefully. I could not hold back the tears because of what he said.


    ¡°We can¡¯t be together, Mav. We just can¡¯t.¡±

 Chapter 28

    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going smooth.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Come on, be honest to me, Feme.¡±


    She sighed on the line.


    ¡°I¡¯m suffering right now. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore! I hate this! I want to quit this and go somewhere else and change my identity! I feel so powerless. I¡¯m starting to doubt myself. I wanted to end this so badly, Rowald. I do not have anyone by my side. It¡¯s hard. Lagma Rey is not someone I should go against. Not with my current status now. I¡¯m poor. I have no money, no connection. I don¡¯t have my family by my side. We had long been in the gutter. So I think this mission is impossible.¡±


    I shifted in the wooden chair I¡¯m sitting in and drank some water.


    ¡°Stick to the n. Maverick has already fallen to you so you can now execute the n. It¡¯s the only way that can work. Remember, time is our worst enemy here. If Lagma finds out about you, it will be game over.¡±


    ¡°No. I have long discarded the n of using him to further my agenda. I will spare him this time. Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you know who Lagma is? If I didn¡¯t remember him during his visit to the mansion to talk to my father then I wouldn¡¯t have any idea of who he really is. All this time, I know that fuckin bastard.¡±


    ¡°Timing is everything, Feme. If I told you right away then you wouldpletely disregard Maverick in the board n. I can¡¯t allow that. He needs to fall for you for my own sake. After that, you can do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°I scrapped that n long ago, Rowald. That¡¯s why I did everything to avoid Maverick but that guy is persistent. I¡¯ve waited for the help my uncle had promised me but he didn¡¯te. Things happened and before I could even act, Maverick flew me into his ind. I admit the idea to get back to the original n is tempting but I can¡¯t risk earning his wrath.¡±


    I lit a cigarette and poured liquor into the ss.


    ¡°But you can risk the life of your sister?¡±


    Feme was silent so I continued.


    ¡°Maverick is your only hope and chance here. Let him go and you also let go of your sister¡¯s freedom. Don¡¯t kill your sister. Think about what you had promised to your parents before they died. Think about the fact that it¡¯s you who should have been suffering there, not her. You should have been in her ce.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Rowald! In the first ce, no one should be in that someone¡¯s fucking ce if it weren¡¯t for that fucking Lagma! This is never my fault or her fault. It¡¯s purely Lagma¡¯s.¡±


    I finished the entire contents of the ss.


    ¡°Can that stop what¡¯s bound to happen then? It won¡¯t, right? That won¡¯t erase the fact that Trisha has been suffering for eight long years in his hand. Give in, Feme. Do what is necessary.¡±


    Sheughed desperately.


    ¡°You know what Rowald, I¡¯ve been thinking these past nights. I¡¯ve been thinking about the possibility that if I were the one taken that night, would my parents kill themselves too? Will they ask Trisha the same favor they have asked me? Sometimes I think, if it¡¯s really worth it. I could just easily forget everything, move on, and live my life. Fuck! I¡¯ve already wasted fuckin¡¯ eight years of my life running after a nameless and faceless abductor. I¡¯ve sold myself. I¡¯ve been a prostitute just to do what they have asked me to do. And you know what, after all of this, whatever this fucked up life will lead me into, even though they¡¯re dead, I will never ever forgive them. Being an Alcantara has be a curse. I hate my life. I hate this.¡±


    I heard her sob. Something is telling me to stop this but lives are on the line here. I hardened my resolve and continued berating the woman.


    ¡°Fix yourself. Don¡¯t cry over spilled milk. This is not the time for you to think about that. Put yourself together. Back to the game n. I will give the information I gathered to Dave. And Feme, Lagma is nning to migrate to the US together with your sister this month. If that wouldn¡¯t do something to you then I don¡¯t know anymore what will. Think it over again. Maverick is your one and only chance to get Trisha.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to screw his mind. He has suffered more than enough.¡±


    ¡°Toote for that. You already did. When you decided not to tell him the truth.¡±


    I heard something shattered in the background.


    ¡°It¡¯s better for him to think that it¡¯s all just part of his dreams. Who cares if he can¡¯t remember me? I¡¯d choose his peace of mind over mine, Rowald.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re selfish, Feme. I would have understood you if it were just for your own personal life but how about Trisha? Would she choose to not be remembered by Maverick?¡±


    Another silence.


    ¡°Think about it very hard. It¡¯s time for you to take the matter into your own hands. Your little money wouldn¡¯t do a thing to Lagma. You need a solid offense and it¡¯s Maverick.¡±


    ¡°What a maniptive jerk you are, Rowald. I knew all along that you have a personal interest in helping me. You deliberately hid my existence in the crime scene so that you can use me for this.¡±


    ¡°Leave my personal interests to me. I¡¯m dropping this call. You have to decide now.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re doing this, Rowald. Maybe we have the same reasons but promise me, you¡¯ll be with Maverick when this is all over.¡±


    I sighed gratefully.


    ¡°Leave it on me.¡±


    I stood up after throwing the cellphone on the table then went into the bathroom. I took off my clothes and thought of the crying woman while I¡¯m the shower. I held the ouroboros tattoo on my neck.


    ¡°My loyalty is in El Draconem. Forever and ever.¡±

 Chapter 29

    ¡°Dave, I¡¯m in. How¡¯s your position?¡±


    I gave out my sweetest smile to the photographer who asked for my photo and gracefully shook my head to refuse. I made my way to the main area of thergest convention area in the country and got myself a ss of champagne from the passing waiter.


    ¡°I¡¯m in my ce and still looking for Lagma¡¯s room. The security here is so tight. I can¡¯t get in. I need more time.¡±


    I sipped on my ss and seductively smiled at the Korean gentleman across from me.


    I already noticed that he was staring at me the moment I walked in the door.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Go have all the time that you need. I will just enjoy here while I¡¯m fishing for some monkeys. Perhaps meet some old friends. After all, it¡¯s a g night organized by my n¡¯s number one enemy.¡±


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯m out.¡±


    I touched my ear and simply turned off the hearing device attached to my earrings. I walked over to an empty poseur table and ced the ss on it. I started to look for familiar faces. I am no longer new to events like this.


    When my n was still basking in its power and wealth, gathering like this is something we love. We love the attention from everybody and the scorn from the Asturia n.


    ¡°How happy they have been after our downfall.¡±


    I smirked and started checking the ce.


    There are more than half a thousand guests present that are scattered around the Pcio Royale as they mingle and socialize with fellow industry elites.


    High ceiling with some Renaissance-inspired painting on it and long artsy columns are being emzed by the lighting from the globe chandeliers.


    I see a number of spotlights stationed all over the ce.


    There is also arge LED screen on the stage that was decorated on the lower part with a variety of flowers. Just the right amount of it.


    There are tables scattered all over the ce with intricate table set ups.


    There are also uniformed waiters in the distance who are assisting with any needs of the guests.


    The entertainment and the introduction of the charity foundation of the Asturians were over earlier so almost everyone was in the cocktail area talking to possible investors and business partners while the melodious song soared around the area. The subdued ambient light also adds to the mysterious ambiance of the ce.


    All of this is just a cover with all the pledges about charity. Eventually, the real reason why it was organized by the Asturians will also emerge.


    It¡¯s a show of power and at the same time, a recruitment of new allies. After all, it is one of the most prominent business gatherings of the year.


    I took another sip of my drink.


    .


    My eyes darted around the venue, looking for former acquaintances. I don¡¯t see any Asturia in my line of sight.


    I spotted Senator Galleon talking with what I recognized as a high-ranking military official in the country on the other side of the table.


    Some handsome Chinese looking guys are also in a corner having a chat.


    I guess they¡¯re talking about the women based on how they look at the female socialites at the other table.


    ¡°Fem.¡±


    I was startled by his sudden intrusion.


    ¡°Yes, Dave.¡±


    ¡°Lagma ising in your area. I need to know his room number so that I could nt a bug there. It¡¯s too risky to hack into the ce¡¯s security system. They have a different main server there from the cameras in the convention and the rooms. Your man is good at his business. I can¡¯t get through.¡±


    ¡°Maverick is not my man. Give me his position.¡±


    ¡°Southeast of your position.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    I looked for Lagma among the few people behind me.


    I saw him walking towards my direction while talking to Luca Asturia. The man is surprisingly tall, ruggedly handsome and has a pair of savage eyes. You can tell by how he presents himself that he means business. He¡¯s wearing a burgundy tuxedo. His long hair is neatlybed and tied down. His face is formidably handsome with his trimmed mustache above his upper lip.


    He was so far from Lagma Rey that I remembered. I turned to hispanion who is a prominent member of the Asturias, Luca.


    The man is closer to Maverick in terms of the bulkiness of his body. He is the eldest son of the patriarch of the family.


    I left the winess on the table and mingled with the people. I smiled and exchanged pleasantries with thedies and gentlemen. I also gave in to a man¡¯s offer of wine. Throughout the duration I did not look away from Lagma who was now talking to someone else.


    ¡°I¡¯m closing in on him. What do I need to do?¡± I said in a low voice just enough for Dave to hear.


    ¡°He has an exclusive card which indicates his floor. It¡¯ll be easy for me to track his room after determining his floor.¡±


    I gasped in frustration. ¡°And how am I going to know the color? Shit! Okay, I¡¯m on it.¡±


    I turned off the device and smiled at a good looking man from a distance. He motioned me toe to him which I dly obeyed. His position is strategic. I can pass Lagma towards him. I grabbed another wine ss and adjusted my a-line thigh high-slit backless dress. I twirled a strand of my messy braided bun styled hair and tucked it back.


    I sipped from my ss of wine and started walking. I took my time thinking about what to do. I saw that Lagma was talking to a woman. I hurriedly walked to his direction.


    There were three womening my way who immediately squeezed themselves on the side of Lagma so I took it as an opportunity to step on the hemline of one of the woman¡¯s gowns and push the back of her leg with my knee. The wine she was holding was thrown all over the front of Lagma¡¯s clothes. The woman gasped and nced sharply at the woman behind her.


    I continued walking with a smile on the corner of my lip while drinking from my winess again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rey. I¡¯m sorry. Oh my God! I just ruined your suit!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s nothing. Excuse me a bitdies.¡±


    I nced at Lagma when he took out something from his suit jacket and rubbed it on his pants before hurriedly walking away.


    I stopped at an empty poseur table and pushed the button on my earrings again.


    ¡°It¡¯s gold.¡±


    ¡°As I thought. Bad news Fem, that¡¯s the VVIP floor. Maximum security on that part of the hotel. I can¡¯t ess that ce. There¡¯s no way we could bug Lagma¡¯s room in there.¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shit! So what would we do now?¡±


    ¡°Hold it. I¡¯m trying to do something. Be right back.¡±


    I emptied my ss and mmed it down on the table. I can¡¯t just go home empty-handed. I need to get something tonight. I was tired of waiting for eight years. I have to do something right now or face another year regretting what I didn¡¯t do.


    I looked up when someone ced a wine ss on my table and met a pair of small eyes.


    ¡°Hi!¡±


    He smiled charmingly.


    ¡°Hello there.¡± I gave him my seductive smile.


    ¡°Enjoying yourself?¡± He walked to my side.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    I shook the wine ss and sniffed at it.


    ¡°That was a bit of amotion there. I saw what you did there.¡±


    Heughed and gave me a meaningful look.


    Iughed nervously.


    ¡°Really? Then what are you going to do now? Will you let me slide or will you call a guidance counselor? Is that the reason why you approached me?¡±


    But you were quite frothing at me earlier.


    He grinned.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child anymore.¡±


    I pouted my lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s his fault. What a yboy! And you know how fragile a woman¡¯s heart can be.¡±


    ¡°Lagma Rey is quite a charmer. I¡¯m not even surprised if you¡¯re one of the women he left hanging.¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother to deny what he thought. It would be better for him to think that I am one of Lagma¡¯s jealous fans.


    ¡°But he was never a yboy. I knew him. He¡¯s one of the men in the brotherhood known to be a one-woman man. He¡¯s very loyal to his wife.¡±


    I froze in my feet and stared with curious eyes at the man.


    ¡°Wife? He¡¯s married?¡±


    ¡°Had¡± is the right term. He had a wife. The rumor has it that he is still so much in love with her until now that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t have any serious rtionship after her.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    I lifted the goblet to my mouth and drank.


    ¡°He and I are very simr. We don¡¯t y with a woman¡¯s heart.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself from rolling my eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Because of your so much loyalty, you forgot to clean off the smudge of lipstick in your cor.¡±


    He looked down to his suit and smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°Damn, she¡¯s wild.¡±


    I smiled sarcastically.


    ¡°Men, men, men. Find someone other than me whom you can get through her pants tonight. I have some better things to do than fucking you.¡±


    ¡°Clever woman. And because of that, I will warn you of the men you shouldn¡¯t not get acquainted with tonight. First is that one, Luther.¡± He pointed at the man on the other side of the table with his hands all over the young actress on his side. ¡°The most yboy. No girlfriend since birth. All are flings. The very opposite of me. Second is Cholo.¡±


    I looked at the man he gestured at who looked so American.


    ¡°Notorious when ites to making women cry. I heard he¡¯s only serious at the start of the rtionship. He pampered his woman before breaking their heart into pieces.¡±


    ¡°And what are you? The national gossip boy of the elite circle?¡±


    He touched my chest and slightly bowed to me.


    ¡°Ouch! That hurts but I won¡¯t deny it. I enjoyed knowing everything on this side of the world. And before I forget, be also careful of that man, Maverick.¡±


    I spilled a little of the drink back into the ss because of the name he mentioned.


    ¡°Maverick who?¡±


    He smiled a knowing smile. ¡°Maverick Fuentebe. He¡¯s not as bad as the other two. How do I put it? Ahh, he¡¯s mild and distant.¡± He looked at my back. ¡°And very much taken.¡±


    I slowly looked at the same direction he¡¯s staring into and wished that I didn¡¯t. The view is distasteful. The man is dashing in his ssic ck suit and the woman beside him is equally gorgeous.


    So he hade back already, huh.


    I gaze at where the hand of the woman is clinging to Maverick¡¯s arm and I didn¡¯t like the jealousy that immediately erupted in my chest. I want to grab her hand away and rece her beside my man.


    I snatched Wil¡¯s ss and gulped it down. I red at him.


    ¡°Tell me about that girl.¡±


    ¡°Woah! Are you okay? You¡¯re turning red in a very very bad way.¡±


    He leaned to touch my arm but I avoided him and looked at him sharply. With a firm voice, I asked him again.


    ¡°Tell me about the girl.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Rx. I don¡¯t know the score between the two of you but okay woman, stop giving me death res. She¡¯s Cahil Asturia.¡±


    I took the empty ss and scratched it against another ss.


    ¡°Yes, an Asturia. Why am I not surprised? Talk about being in that n. Proceed.¡±


    My voice is thick with a considerable pressure in it. I followed the couple again who were now happily chatting with the other guests.


    ¡°She¡¯s Maverick¡¯s childhood sweetheart. She just came back from Europest week and rumors had it that she went to Japan with him.¡±


    ¡°Tsk. Are they together?¡±


    I grabbed the waiter and took three sses of wine. I stared at the sses one by one while my eyes were still following the movements of the two.


    ¡°Why are you letting that bitch hold your arm?¡±


    I gritted my teeth in annoyance.


    The man looked at me in surprise.


    ¡°Some say they¡¯re at it. They said Maverick is just waiting for her. Hey, hey, let go of me.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him and continued to pull him closer to me with his expensive necktie.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, kid?¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t call me that. I¡¯m not a kid anymore.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes. That¡¯s what everyone your age had told me, especially Dave. Very simr,¡± I said in gritting teeth. ¡°Now give me your name.¡±


    ¡°Wil Hayasa.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Wil Hayasa.¡± I held his face with both of my hands and stared wildly at him. ¡°Let me tell you one thing. This should be in one of your published books on the secrets of the elites. Your rumor mongering radar has picked up fake news. Maverick Fuentebe is not in any way romantically involved with that girl, you get it? That man over there is my man, okay? I¡¯m the only woman he¡¯s waiting for and no one else but me. He said he is willing to take any risk for me. Now who would say that other than my man?¡±


    I casually released him and turned over to the ss of wine.


    I drank it all down and left the astounded Wil with a smirk.


    ¡°Dave, stand by. We¡¯ll go to that VVIP floor.¡±


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. Trust me. Now tell me what I have to do when I¡¯m in the VVIP floor.¡±


    ¡°On your earring is an inactivated hearing device. Throw it anywhere on the floor. I¡¯ll take care of the rest. I already know his room.¡±


    I nodded in approval.


    ¡°Good. Now stay put.¡±


    ¡°Ahm, Fem. You sound so badass over there. I just want to say it.¡±


    ¡°What-¡± He already put off the device before I could even ask.


    I rounded out the column into thefort room and retouched my make-up.


    I also went back to the party right after to get what is rightfully mine. I no longer had a hard time finding Maverick. The man¡¯s presence is too immense to not be noticed. He also seems to have a ma that attracts your attention.


    ¡°Dave? Give me Maverick¡¯s phone number.¡±


    ¡°Copy.¡±


    I took the cellphone out from my clutch bag and called Maverick. I waited from a distance when he reached for his pocket and excused himself. Cahil chased after him but Maverick quickly walked away to answer my call.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    I almost jumped upon hearing his voice. It has a perfectbination of huskiness and sexiness in it which never fails to make me feel the familiar things.


    ¡°Maverick Fuentebe.¡±


    I watched in awe as his face turned from confusion into a very bright one.


    ¡°Fem? Is this you? How did you get my number?¡± He paused and breathed sharply. ¡°Hey, I miss you.¡±


    The way he spoke thest words made me feel as light as a feather.


    I can¡¯t help but grinned with the sudden kick of euphoria.


    ¡°Secret. Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m attending an event. After this, I¡¯m going to your apartment. I miss you.¡±


    My smile became triumphant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Turn around.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    But still he turned around and found me smiling at him mischievously.


    I waved my hand at him and turned off my phone.


    He stepped closer to me but I ran awayughing towards the crowd.


    My phone rang.


    I answered it while clutching the sides of my gown while asionally ncing at him to know that he is following me.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that girl?¡±


    ¡°What girl? Ahh, she¡¯s my friend.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t like her.¡±


    Maverickughed.


    ¡°She¡¯s not a threat, dear.¡±


    I reached the elevator car while counting the time before he would reach me.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your room?¡±


    He stopped for a moment. I heard him breathe a hard one.


    ¡°Top floor.¡±


    ¡°Can I get in?¡±


    The seconds felt like forever.


    I waited breathlessly for his answer. The elevator opened and I entered.


    ¡°I already told you. You¡¯re wee to all of my properties.¡±


    Relief flooded me.


    I thought he would reject me considering that a big event was being held at his hotel.


    I focused my gaze on the front where Maverick was standing with his hands in his pockets. Him being just so casual added to the longing I¡¯ve been feeling. A yful smile is on his devilishly handsome face.


    I put my feet forward emphasizing my thighs. I was not disappointed because as I expected, he looked down at my thighs with appreciative eyes. I ran my fingers on my knees up to the base of my thigh while staring at him and biting my lip. Maverick¡¯s chest went up and down. A surge of emotions washed through me. I¡¯m still not used to knowing and seeing that I have such a big impact on him.


    ¡°Very well then. See ya, Mav.¡±


    There was a tenderness to my words before I pressed the top floor button.


    I winked at him and elegantly sipped on my wine before the door closed between us.


    I turned off the cellphone and talked to Dave.


    ¡°Dave, I know you can hear me. If I told you to drop the device, you have to immediately turn off my listening device. I¡¯ll meet you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Copy.¡±


    I took a deep breath. This is it. There is no going back.

 Chapter 30

    As soon as the elevator opened, I immediately grabbed Feme and kissed her. I leaned her across the wall on the side of the elevator and pressed myself against her body.


    How I miss her soft skin against mine, the taste and warmth of her lips kept me awake every night while being away. Her heavenly scent is enough for now to quench my thirst for thest week.


    I squeezed her exposed thigh and snaked it to my waist.


    ¡°No one will look for you at the party?¡± she asked while catching for air.


    ¡°Who?¡± I traced the outline of her lips.


    ¡°Remember the woman you¡¯re with?¡± Her eyes are saying more things.


    ¡°Forget about her. You¡¯re far more important.¡±


    I wrapped her legs around her waist and started walking towards my room. She grabbed my shoulders and bit my neck hard. I moaned. My pants tightened even more in confinement.


    I scanned my palm over the door-lock and it automatically opened. I pushed the door shut with my foot before pushing Feme a little too hard against the door again. I feel so hot already. My manhood is throbbing beneath my pants.


    I kissed her roughly, savagely like there¡¯s no tomorrow. I want to crush her, own her and make her scream my name over and over again.


    She took off my coat and necktie. I stroked her wetness and smiled at her already moist center.


    She opened my fly, pulled the zipper down and touched my hardness. She gasped when I bit her lips. I pulled her thong down and inserted my fingers. Her back arched.


    The movement of her hand inside my pants fastened. My kiss went to the tip of her ear.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Mav¡­ Put it in,¡± she begged.


    ¡°Yeah.. Yeah..¡± Enough of the forey. She¡¯s more than ready to receive me.


    I lowered down my brief and released my manhood. I stroked it first before plunging it in her opening. She sighed when I was seated on the hilt.


    I tore her gown and caressed her chest. I started moving in and out of her. I put my hands on the wall on the side of her head and started pumping hard. Our growls and moans filled the whole ce. Fem joined my violent movements. She meets every thrust and blow I made. I could no longer restrain myself. I came hard inside her.


    One week of pure hell finallymenced to what I always wanted. This. With her.


    I hugged her and kissed her head tenderly. My half-aroused membrane is still inside her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She stroked my back whileughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. No big deal.¡±


    I grinned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re thinking the same thing. I¡¯m saying sorry beforehand because I want another round.¡±


    I was never a selfish lover. I make sure to make my partner happy and satiated, especially in bed. I don¡¯t get up until I make my girl cum. It¡¯ll be a big blow to my ego if it happens otherwise.


    I carried andid her to my waiting couch. Ipletely removed her torn gown from her body. She helped me undress my polo while I kicked off my pants and briefs. Her high-heels and my shoes remained.


    I began moving slowly while removing the bobby pins on her hair. I like to see her hair spread before me.


    ¡°Am I rough?¡±


    I raised one hand to the side of her head while the other held on to the back of the couch for support.


    ¡°Yes, but I liked it.¡±


    She touched me on the cheek then smiled and grinned afterwards and then she closed her eyes and gasped as she buried her nails on my arm.


    ¡°Open your eyes, babe. I like to see youe for me.¡±


    She obeyed me and opened her eyes. My gaze went down to her bruised lips from all my kissing and biting. There¡¯s a clot of blood on her lips.


    I lowered my head and took a dip to suck the blood out of her bitten lips. The metallic taste of the blood made my head spun in desire and need. Feme moaned, her hands pulling on my hair.


    ¡°What were you doing here?¡± I tentatively withdrew a few agonizing inches before prating into her again.


    ¡°I came here specifically for you. Gatecrashing has been my thing if I may share.¡±


    She tightened her legs on my waist.


    I buried my face in her neck while I held her in ce, pounding deep inside her.


    ¡°Is that so? Does it mean you are agreeing to my offer?¡±


    ¡°Oh that. What is it again? Care to refresh my mind?¡±


    I stopped moving and carefully studied her sweat wet face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y games with me, Fem.¡± My face turned into a grim one. I¡¯m clearly unhappy with her answers.


    I started fucking her for real. Wild primal sound of my thrusts reverberated through the room.


    ¡°Oh¡­Mav,¡± she called for my name. I know she was already on the edge, ready to sumb to her orgasm at any second.


    ¡°Come now, Fem. Let me see youe. Now.¡±


    Her whole body trembled followed by a sharp scream. Her tight muscles clenched around me causing me to be torn apart into pieces. My cock getting even wetter with my semen.


    I copsed at her neck and nuzzled it with my nose. She sighed contentedly and stroked my damp hair. I backed a bit to look at her body glistening with sweat. My cock went rock solid again. Feme groaned.


    ¡°You look ravishing.¡±


    She smirked and reached for my face.


    ¡°Yes, I certainly know. You just ravished me. Idiot.¡±


    I inhaled sharply at the sudden snap of emotions I felt.


    ¡°I miss you. One week of not seeing you is pure hell.¡±


    Her gaze softens at my words.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    I scooped her up beneath her arms and settled her head on the arm of the couch.


    ¡°I want you to say it.¡± I kissed her.


    She pouted. ¡°Demanding.¡±


    I pinched at her nipple and nibbled the other. ¡°Come on, say it.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± she gasped. ¡°I miss you, Mav.¡±


    A smile escaped my mouth.


    ¡°Good. It¡¯s settled then. Round three.¡±


    She opened her mouth to protest but I drowned out her words through my hot kisses.

 Chapter 31

    ¡°You¡¯re officially mine starting tonight.¡±


    I looked at Maverick from the reflection in his bedroom mirror. He is on the end of the bed drinking alcohol.


    I continued tob my hair. We just finished taking a shower together.


    He let me borrow his shirt and boxer again. It was like I was back on the ind again.


    ¡°And then what?¡±


    I saw him straighten up.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°What will happen after I say yes? Endless dates? Knowing stages? Unlimited sex? And then what? You¡¯ll dump me right after you¡¯re done with me. Why would we go through all that when we could easily end it this instant, Mav.¡±


    He drained the contents of his ss andid it on the side table. Maverick stood up and pulled me upright.


    We stood face to face with each other. The lighting from hismp shade casted a shadow on his strained face.


    ¡°What is it this time, Feme?¡±


    His voice is hard and the restrained anger is boring to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m just talking about possibilities. I knew you were never the type of a person to believe in love.¡±


    ¡°But so do you, so what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m having a change of heart, Mav and I¡¯m afraid you can¡¯t handle someone like me who wants something more than you could give to me.¡±


    He paused for a moment before taking my hands and bringing them to his lips. He kissed my finger one by one.


    ¡°I know and it¡¯s not just who¡¯s feeling something, Feme. I¡¯m starting to feel something for you. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s close to love or if it is already love. All I¡¯m certain is it¡¯s driving me crazy. Thinking about you drives me crazy. Kissing you, making love with you is driving me crazy. So please, will you take this chance with me? Let¡¯s explore this. Honestly, I don¡¯t know where this will take us. Let¡¯s just cross the bridge when we get there, shall we?¡±


    I can¡¯t take my eyes off him. I was overwhelmed by the things he¡¯s telling me. I withdrew my hands from his grip and took a few steps away from him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t cross the bridge with you when that timees. There might never be an existing bridge by then.¡±


    I met his confused eyes.


    ¡°But why did youe here? Isn¡¯t it to ept my proposal? You need what? Money? Sure! I told you, I am willing to spend all my money for you even if you don¡¯t ask me to.¡±


    I shook my head. I am hurt by the pain I could hear in his voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the reason. You don¡¯t know me yet, Mav.¡±


    ¡°Believe me when I say that I do. I had you investigated.¡±


    I gave out an emptyugh.


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised. That¡¯s the first option a sane person would do.¡±


    I turned to look at his room. A hanging picture of him on his college graduation caught my attention.


    ¡°Do you know why I entered the club?¡±


    ¡°You need money in order to live. You have a goal. You want your life back.¡±


    Tears began welling in my eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I never needed money. Sure, I need it to some extent but I can live without it. Unlike my parents and the rest of my n, money is never my motivation to live. I can live with a few pennies in my pockets. I didn¡¯t even get sad when all of our properties were sold. I was never after your money to live. I just needed it badly to get someone back. I needed to find the person who made me do all of this shit and craziness. I have to both fulfill a promise I made in a grave and pay a debt. My uncle promised to send me someone to help me so I declined all the men who looked at me with interest including you. But he didn¡¯te and you have been so persistent. The raid happened which was never in my n and so one thing led to another and before I knew it, we were flying off together.¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±


    I looked at him and my knuckles curled to keep them to myself.


    ¡°I want you to understand me first before hating on me.¡±


    He tried to hug me then but I avoided him. I sat in his seat earlier on the bed and with stared at him with pleading eyes


    ¡°I¡¯m not hating on you.¡±


    ¡°Hear me out first then we¡¯ll see if you¡¯ll still say that afterwards.¡±


    He took the chair in front of the mirror and sat down.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m hearing you out.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I took a very deep breath and started telling him everything.


    ¡°You had me investigated so you probably know what happened eight years ago. My parents killed themselves and to make the matters worse, I saw them both do it.¡± My lips trembled and my tears began pouring out. ¡°I can¡¯t do anything. I¡¯m powerless. I just stood there, eyes wide open while they¡¯re doing it. They forced me to witness them doing it to make a point. I can¡¯t go out of their room. It was locked from outside and unless someonees in, I can¡¯t go out. They took the pill and while theyy there almost breathless, they made me promise to get my sister back. Imagine the trauma I felt back then witnessing my parents kill themselves before my very eyes. They held me with their cold and sweaty hands while repeating the same old things, reminding me what I needed to do. Until their veryst breath, they still chose to be selfish.¡±


    Maverick stood up to approach me but I stopped him before he could even touch me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Let me finish first.¡±


    I dried my face and continued.


    ¡°So for the past eight years, I looked for the culprit to find my sister. I have no single clue. No idea about the motive, the face of the abductor and how to do it. For years, my life was spent looking for the unknown, searching for someone God knows what happened to her. I did everything. I looked for our rtives to ask for help. And when I contacted my uncle, he told me to enter the club. He will send someone to help me there.¡±


    He knelt in front of me and wiped my tears. He looked at me lovingly.


    ¡°We will find your sister. I¡¯ll help you in any way I can, Fem. Don¡¯t you worry. I¡¯m here for you.¡±


    I snatched my hands away from his and


    Sighed hard.


    ¡°Will you? Even if I¡¯ll be asking you to do it against your will?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He whispered in a restrained emotion.


    I closed my eyes and breathed to rack up for courage.


    I looked back at Maverick whose facial expression had changed.


    ¡°You have always been my target from the start, Mav. Half of the eight years were used up finding all the information about you.¡±


    We both fell silent after I let go of the words. I kept my eye on the carpeted floor. I was suddenly scared to read his face.


    ¡°Why?¡± He murmured after a while.


    ¡°For your connection.¡±


    ¡°What connection?¡±


    ¡°El Draconem.¡±


    He threw the chair on the floor creating a loud sound. I shuddered in shock but I tried hard to ignore it.


    I have to survive this encounter even if the pain in his eyes is killing me deep inside.


    ¡°Fuck, Feme!¡±


    I bit my lips and let the tears flow. He took a step between us and held me firmly by the chin. I quickly turned an eye away. I can¡¯t help to see the hatred in them.


    ¡°Why? Why!¡± he shouted angrily. His anger vibrated through his body to mine.


    ¡°Whether you believe me or not, I didn¡¯t pursue the n after seeing you happy with your life.¡±


    ¡°But you are pursuing me now, aren¡¯t you?¡± he said in a sarcastic tone.


    I nodded slowly.


    ¡°Yes, I am. Because I can¡¯t see any other person or someone or anything that could help me. I thought I could do it myself without using anyone but I¡¯m wrong. I don¡¯t have any power. No connections. I can save my sister if you help me, Maverick. I can save her now. I¡¯m so desperate right now so please help me. Please¡­.¡±


    My eyes were still closed the whole time I¡¯m crying. I reached for his hand on my chin but he kept it away from me. I almost burst into tears but I chose to make my sobbing as soft as I could.


    ¡°Why?¡± His voice is lined with bitterness and anger.


    I cleared my throat before I answered.


    ¡°You¡¯re powerful. Your connection with the organization is all I need to get my sister, Mav.¡±


    ¡°If you really know me then you know I don¡¯t want to do anything with that fucking group. They killed my father. They have the blood in their hands. Consider this conversation over. Get out.¡±


    I shivered at his cold icy demeanor. I opened my eyes. Maverick is slumped on the floor with his head down and hands on his knees.


    I felt my energy draining dwindling. I¡¯m drained. Is this it? Should I just stop?


    ¡°No, Mav. As the son of your father. You have the responsibility to help me.¡±


    He violently looked up to me and clenched his fists furiously.


    ¡°Get out, Fem. You are thest person I will hurt in spite of all I¡¯ve learned. Go now while I can still hold it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Go on. Hurt me if you want to. I¡¯ve experienced far worse things than that, Mav. Go ahead. p me, punch me and after that hear me.¡±


    He suddenly hit the wall several times while shouting at the top of his lungs. I sat there wide-eyed but I never dared avert my eyes. I winced at the sight of his bleeding hands and blooded walls.


    I went to the bathroom silently and searched for a first-aid kit. I avoided looking at myself in the mirror. I know I looked the worst.


    Maverick was still sitting on the floor when I came out. I sat next to him to treat his wounds but he pushed my hand away.


    ¡°Don¡¯te near me. I told you to get out, right?¡±


    I was hurt by his behavior but I did not flinch.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want me touching you then please¡­ Do something with your wound.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch. I went through much more than this.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about that car ident you had eight years ago?¡±


    He looked up at me suddenly.


    ¡°Yeah..¡±


    I got up and went back to sitting on the bed.


    ¡°Can I start now?¡±


    He didn¡¯t move so I continued.


    ¡°When I say that you have the responsibility of helping me, Mav. I mean it. The abduction of my sister happened during the time of your father by one of his trusted officials.¡±


    I still haven¡¯t gotten an answer from him. I also couldn¡¯t see his face properly because his arm is blocking his face while resting on his raised knee. After a while, he finally stood up.


    His jaws hardened, eyes glinting with anger, and a thinned lips out of concealed disgust.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Feme. I¡¯m not my father and I am in no way connected to that goddamn organization. Just the mention of it beats the hell out of me. Whatever happened in the past in the organization of my father under him during his time is not a part of my business. I don¡¯t have the knowledge or the participation of it so why the hell are you going to involve me in this? It¡¯s pure bullshit, Feme. I sympathize with your family and with what happened to your sister but I can¡¯t do more. I can¡¯t help you.¡±


    Although I expected his rejection, I still felt bitterness and pain. Do I really think Maverick will let himself be used?


    If that¡¯s his final decision then I have no choice but to use myst trump card.


    ¡°Okay. Then how about a bargain?¡±


    He turned to me waiting for my words.


    I looked up and met his glowing eyes with anger.


    ¡°Help me Maverick Fuentebe and I¡¯ll tell you about your non-existent past.¡±

 Chapter 32

    I had high hopes for tonight after spotting her in the crowd. I missed her. I wanted to go to her that instant and kissed her senseless. One week of being away from her is pure hell. I can barely concentrate.


    If I hadn¡¯t forced myself to finish a week¡¯s stay in Japan, I might have just flown in a jiffy and decided to go home. Cahil¡¯s presence didn¡¯t help either. She¡¯s just there to obviously annoy me all the time.


    She would always tease me about the girl in my lockscreen. I saved Feme¡¯s picture from my other phone to make it my lockscreen. Since discovering it, she¡¯s been nagging me to meet the girl who she said to be ¡®the one¡¯ for me.


    Feme just happened to be here. I nned all along to go to her apartment after I checked the event. The Asturia matriarch requested my presence for tonight. She is a dear friend of my mother so I was kind of forced.


    I also respect Cahil who has been my friend and childhood friend for a long time. But after what I found out tonight from Feme, it seems impossible to think that my ns will happen for the two of us.


    The only woman I have dotted this way turned out to be a great pretender, a liar and an actress.


    ¡°Please be honest with me, Feme. Why did youe here? Is it really for me? How did you know that I¡¯ll be here? Don¡¯t lie. Be honest to me.¡±


    My blood was dripping on the carpet but I didn¡¯t care. I need to get this over now.


    She averted her gaze from me before clenching her fists and stood up to face me. Her eyes were wet with tears. I wanted to reach for her and wipe them but my anger prevailed.


    ¡°I came here not for you. I came here for another person. But then I saw you and I thought to myself, maybe you can help me.¡±


    My jaws clenched as I stared at the woman I deeply cared about. Her hair was still wet and her eyes feigned courage.


    ¡°I had you investigated. Nothing came out that will connect you to my past. Stop fooling me, Feme. Go out before I call the security.¡±


    I turned around but she held me by my arm. I shook it away and faced her.


    ¡°No.¡± She shook her head in panic. ¡°No.¡±


    She got down on her knees, tears spilling down her cheeks. She lifted the blushing face to me then let out the words I never thought she could say.


    ¡°Will you marry me, Maverick Fuentebe? Please?¡±


    I looked down at her, unable to say a single word. I was beyond shocked to see her like this.


    ¡°You are the perfect one to protect me. Your name after mine is a security code no one would want to crack. Mr. Maverick Fuentebe, will you marry me? P-Please?¡± she repeated.


    Her trembling desperate voice unnerved me. She touched my toes with her cold shaking fingers while staring up at me.


    I could no longer restrain myself and held her in my arms to make her stand up. I can¡¯t bear to see her lowering herself this way. She is the strong head-on Feme I admired. She¡¯s not like this.


    She cupped my face.


    ¡°I know about your past, Mav. I can give you the answers to your questions. Only then will I let you go, Maverick. Help me and I will disappear from your sight for good. Please.¡±


    I did not answer. I just stared at her face as I held her trembling body.


    ¡°If you help me now, I will beying naked right before you. I¡¯ll be exposed to you but I don¡¯t care. Honestly, I don¡¯t care anymore. I Just want to secure her so I can free myself from these chains.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for too much. I wouldn¡¯t want to do anything with that past. Nothing.¡±


    I let go of her and started walking towards the bathroom.


    ¡°Liar. We both know you wanted so bad to know the whole truth about what happened that night. You are wishing to remember everything. I saw how far and wide you looked for clues. Back at the ind, Iy awake every dawn hugging you tight because of your nightmares.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re giving yourself too much credit. I will know it on my own. I will remember it on my own without the help of a liar like you. How low of you to use this against me to feed your agenda.¡± I paused to stop myself from looking at her. ¡°I will never let someone like you change the way I have been living my life. Leave. I wouldn¡¯t want to do anything with you.¡±


    ¡°But I can give you your peace of mind, Mav. You will not have nightmares. You will not be searching for anyone from your past to tell you the truth. You will be whole again,¡± she convinced me.


    ¡°How can I have that peace of mind you¡¯re talking about if you will entangle me with those murderers? And also, I don¡¯t believe in you. Get out.¡±


    ¡°O-okay.¡± Her voice again broke into sobs. ¡°I get you. I-im sorry¡­I¡¯m sorry for not telling you earlier. If¡­ if after a while, you decided to think it over, you can contact me. Forget that I asked for your help. I¡¯m still willing to tell you the truth I¡¯ve deprived you for how many years.¡±


    I heard the door open and close. She¡¯s gone. For good. And I wouldn¡¯t want to do anything with her anymore. Instead of continuing to go to the bathroom, I changed my mind and headed to the mini bar of my unit. I poured wine into the ss and gulped it. Bottoms up.


    I looked at the couch where we¡¯ve been earlier drunken with passion and desire. Her gown and purse were on the floor together with my clothes.


    I sighed and drank another gulp. Who cares if she left her purse? She¡¯s not my responsibility anymore.


    ¡°Right but what if she doesn¡¯t have any money with her? Damn.¡±


    I went back to the room in a hurry and picked up the cellphone. I called the security panel of the hotel.


    ¡°Good evening Mr. Fuentebe.¡± Jex answered right away.


    ¡°I had my female guest leave my unit just now. She¡¯s wearing a white shirt. Escort her home.¡±


    ¡°Copy, sir.¡±


    I ended the call and went out to go back into drinking. She had my night punched out. Who knows Feme has known me ever since? Who knows if she¡¯s telling me the truth or not?


    Did I just fall into her trap? What if this is just another of her acts?


    But regardless if she¡¯s telling the truth or not, I can¡¯t help her on her own terms.


    I ended the call and went out to go back to drinking.


    I looked at the tall buildings outside. This side of the world here is so lively and colorful but I felt nothing. I did not feel the usual peace of mind every time I looked out into the beauty of the city skyline. My head is heavy with thoughts.


    ¡°There¡¯s a missing link to all of these.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    My cell phone rang. It¡¯s Jex.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Sir, your guest was with a man just now. They¡¯re in a lobby. How do I proceed, sir?¡±


    I froze. My mind was debating whether to just let it go or not and go after her. In the end, I still couldn¡¯t stand the thought of another man beside Feme.


    I muttered a curse under my breath. Damn you Fem for making me this weak.


    ¡°Be alert. Don¡¯t let him get my guest inside the car. I¡¯ll go down now.¡±


    I ran back to the room and grabbed a t-shirt then ran out to the elevator. I walked out in a parking lot where Feme and a tall petite man were being held by my bodyguards. Their backs turned on me and the man was discussing something with Jex.


    I interrupted themotion and faced the man who was only a few inches taller than me. He looks so young but his eyes are too cunning for me. I should know because this is the face of Butch every time he tricked me into doing something when we were teenagers.


    I looked at Feme who was shocked to see me but she also immediately averted her gaze. Her eyes are so red from all the crying. I fought the urge to hug her and tell her it¡¯ll be alright, that I¡¯ll make it alright. It¡¯s over between us now.


    ¡°Thank you, Jex. Go back to your post,¡± I said while not taking my eyes off the man who now had a strange smile in the corner of his mouth.


    I don¡¯t like his guts. And I don¡¯t like the way he holds Feme¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Jex left with the five other bodyguards. Three were left nearby to watch over me. The man temporarily backed out from our staring fight to help Feme get into the back of the car. As if in reflex, I immediately came forward to stop him but he tactically got in my way. He blocked his body on the car seat and looked at me seriously.


    ¡°Not this time, Mr. Fuentebe. Let the woman breathe first. I don¡¯t know what happened but did you know it¡¯s unmanly to make a woman cry?¡± He grinned. ¡°It¡¯s in the number one list of being a gentleman.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way, kid.¡±


    We stood there just staring at each other. I think I have developed a particr dislike of this kid. I don¡¯t like the way he said my name. He seemed to know things about me. I don¡¯t like the intelligence in his eyes as if he knows things more than me.


    He giggled when he looked down at my bloody hand.


    ¡°I think you should do something about your hand, dude. Treat your wound, man. Let us through. I can assure you that Feme is safe with me. For one, I don¡¯t make girls cry.¡±


    My face got grimmer and my lips thinned into anger.


    ¡°You better be. I will know if you drive her home safely. If you don¡¯t, just hide somewhere, kid and you better hide effectively or else.¡±


    I emphasized myst word to make a point. It looks like he got what I meant because he just smiled and nodded. I got the urge to hit his face but I held back.


    ¡°I think we¡¯re done here.¡±


    He carefully closed the door and went to the driver¡¯s seat. He even saluted me before opening the door and then maneuvering the car away.


    I stood there still stuck in Feme¡¯s image. I sighed after remembering her swollen face. Afterwards, I waved at the bodyguards who immediately approached me.


    ¡°Follow them. Make sure he gets my girl home,¡± I ordered.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I turned and headed for the stairs. Maybe I could go to my gym to ease this tension in my muscles.

 Chapter 33

    ¡°Stop staring at me Dave. With my state right now, I don¡¯t need your questions.¡±


    I wiped the tears from my cheeks and looked out of the moving car.


    My mind is going back to Mav¡¯s unit and to the scenes after that. How I wish I could erase the pain in his eyes but as far as I want to do it, my responsibility stops me.


    I think Maverick¡¯s angry face will be nted in my head. Gone is the warmth in his eyes as he looked at me. Suddenly, the care and the passion I always read in his eyes since we were on the ind are lost. It was reced by anger, bitterness, and disgust. His eyes became cold to me. Earlier, I saw no sign that he believed me.


    It¡¯s all doubt all over his face. I can¡¯t me him for that. I did it to myself. I did it to us.


    He looked at me from the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°I actually quite have an idea. I turned on the device when you know.. You know.. You guys are so noisy so for the sake of my well-being, I turned it off again. I don¡¯t know why you guys want to end up this way after you know. Love is thatplicated, huh.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. Instead I asked him about his mission.


    ¡°I got some important information. I happen to know about his schedule. I believe his assistant is discussing it with him. I only have audio, that¡¯s why it¡¯s hard to know who he¡¯s talking to. We could use the identity of that person. It¡¯s a good nudge that we were able to ess the security pool on the floor. Anyway, two days from now, there will be a luncheon party at the house of.¡± He stopped for a while and looked at me.


    ¡°Go on,¡± I urged him.


    ¡°Yes, there will be a luncheon party hosted by Mrs. Fuentebe inside their mansion and Lagma is invited. I¡¯m doing everything to get an invitation.¡±


    I was not surprised anymore. It seems that destiny has no real intention of diverting Maverick¡¯s path from mine.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    ¡°Are you really okay with this? Maverick will surely be there. With what I witnessed, you guys are not in a good rtionship now,¡± he reminded me.


    ¡°Maverick is not part of my n, Dave. This mission is the number one reason why I¡¯m here. With Maverick¡¯s presence or absence, nothing will change. I messed it up big time. It didn¡¯t go as well as I thought. It¡¯s only me and you right now.¡±


    He sped up the car.


    ¡°I take it as apliment. By the way, I¡¯ve forwarded the information Mr. Rowald sent me in your email. Just read itter and then tell me what to do. I didn¡¯t look at it, I swear. He told me he didn¡¯t have time to meet you and it¡¯s a security concern if he¡¯ll send it to you via electronic means.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    My chest is still heavy due to how the events unfold. I didn¡¯t say a word until we got to my apartment. After saying goodbye to Dave, I went straight to bed to lie down. I was not drowsy enough but the strange weight due to what had happened made my eyelids heavy.


    I slept with his shirt on and his face lingering in my head.


    I also woke up an hour and a halfter because of a nightmare. My parents and my sister are angry at me. They kept on telling me of mymitment. They looked and felt so real in my dreams. I want to hug them but their furious faces stop me.


    Chasing my breath, I went out of the room to drink some water. I gasped for air. I sat on the floor and leaned my head on the sofa. I looked at the wall clock. It is past two in the morning. It¡¯s toote for me to go back to sleep.


    I wiped the sweat on my face and straightened my hair then stood up to get myptop. I opened the e-mail and started reading the information Rowald had sent. It was as if I had lost strength in the discoveries.


    As if what happened before wasn¡¯t enough, I should really know these new things by now. I stood up again and got another bottle of water to drink. Then I slumped on the floor and leaned my back against the refrigerator. I closed my eyes and let the tears flow. I now get why Rowald did all this. It¡¯s all about that fucking group again. I wanted to be angry with him but I still didn¡¯t have the strength. I felt like a puppet being yed around. First, my parents and now Rowald.


    So I have already decided. With Maverick¡¯s help or theck of it, I will continue it. I¡¯m so tired from all of this. I just want it all to end. Whether I¡¯m going to cryter orugh, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m going to do nothing.


    With that thought in my head, I wiped off the tears in my face and went to my room. I have to prepare.


    Whatever the result is, I know it can easily make or break me¡­and Maverick.


    I took off my sunsses a bit to catch a glimpse of the guests at the exclusive luncheon party organized by Maverick¡¯s mother at the Fuentebe¡¯s mansion.


    Luckily, Dave had managed to clone an invitation letter for me to prevent any security personnel from intercepting my n for the day.


    The theme is just casual so I know I¡¯m not out of ce with my mustard yellow puffed sleeve square neck dress, summer hat, and diator sandals. Ipleted my look by wearing a pair of hoop earrings.


    The Fuentebe¡¯s house is a revtion of how opulent the family is. It¡¯s a modern-day mansion. It¡¯s far from the Philippine architecture a Vigan-style of our mansion in Monte Vega. This piece of magnificence before me has a wonderful fa?ade of full ss exterior design.


    When we entered through the private gate and into the patterned driveway, I knew right then that I¡¯m dealing with a family of great money.


    I was greeted earlier at the entrance by Maverick¡¯s mother. There is no denying her resemnce to her son. Mrs. Fuentebe has softer features than his son but her eyes really reminded me of him. Dark, brooding, and piercing. She is a woman of warmth, power and elegance and of timeless beauty. It is obvious by how she is given the highest respect by the guests. No wonder. She once held the highest position in her maiden family¡¯s business empire.


    She looked at me for a second as if asking who I was before deciding to move on to another guest behind me. If she had asked me, I would have answered her with my alibi that I¡¯m invited by her business associate.


    I was led into the spacious living room with warm wood panel ents and a custom spiral woodcase stairs as the first things that will catch your eye. We were led again by the uniformed woman into a backdoor where the luncheon party is happening in a massive gazebo. About fifty guests were scattered on thewn. Others are already having fun in the pool. I chose to sit in the sitting overlooking the lush greenery of the garden mpit sa buffet area. A waiter offered me a refreshment which I dly epted.


    The weather is windy. Perfect weather for a good get-together. I saw Maverick¡¯s younger brother, Gideon, with his wife Sheri who are busy entertaining the guests.


    I recalled the information I have with him while sipping my strawberry limeade drink. Gideon Fuentebe is 25 years old, a painter and a music enthusiast who married Sheri Estre, cousin of Dave.


    I smiled as I remembered that clever boy camping in my apartment again. What kind of hocus pocus did he do to get the invitation? I¡¯m betting my newly manicured fingernails and toenails that he used Sheri.


    I looked around the ce. The notorious Luther and Cholo are nowhere to be found so no one will know me now except Maverick if he is here. Compared to the g night with more visitors, they probably won¡¯t recognize me here.


    My senses red at his familiar presence. I don¡¯t have to ask why I am feeling this way. There is only one human in this world who has this effect on me. I turned toward the other side and saw Mavericking out from the back door. I raised my brows when I saw that he¡¯s not alone. On his right and holding him possessively is a woman I knew from a magazine. A socialite and a runway model, Monica Santabe. My lips pursed. Yeah, this is the true Maverick. A great yboy.


    But where is Cahil Asturia?


    I focused my gaze on Maverick. He still looks as dapper as ever even with his ck Bermuda shorts and very casual white shirt showcasing his strong pair of arms and legs. I hate to admit it but the girl beside him also looks good with her summer dress and flirty smile.


    I drank heavily from the ss I was holding when I saw Maverick ce his hand on the woman¡¯s back to support her as they went to a group of people. I couldn¡¯t stop the tightening of my chest at the sight. A lump formed in my throat. He looks so happy and rxed with her that I wonder if he is hurting now as much as I do.


    ¡°You should be wary of that girl. From day one, she had her eye on Maverick.¡±


    I quickly turned to the voice of a woman who was sitting on the other side of my seat. I arched my brows at Cahil Asturia who is every inch a ss of her own in her white racerback dress.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why would I?¡± I tried to keep off my eyes on the pair but the rumble in my head wouldn¡¯t let me.


    Cahilughed which made me look back at her.


    ¡°Monica is one sly girl, a desperate one I think. She will do anything just to get whatever she wants and your man is her number one target. Did you know she stalked Maverick for more or less two years now? Even when she is in amitted rtionship, she can easily break up with her current boyfriend if she finds out that Maverick is single again. The girl is creepy.¡±


    I chuckled.


    ¡°Well, would it make you say that I¡¯m creepier than her if I told you I stalked Maverick from day to day for thest four years? I can even make his coffee with my eyes closed.¡±


    I took off the shades I was wearing and stared at her shocked expression.


    ¡°Why? Can¡¯t believe it? It¡¯s what desperation does to people.¡± I put a finger beside my ear and draw a circle on it. ¡°It makes them crazier.¡±


    I looked back at the couple who were now sitting with Maverick¡¯s mother and talking happily.


    ¡°But I still don¡¯t like her. Makes my blood boil.¡±


    ¡°Me too. So what are you gonna do about it?¡± Cahil responded.


    I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°Nothing. I didn¡¯t bring her here so I don¡¯t have any right.¡±


    I tasted the bitterness in my words.


    ¡°Uhm no. If you think Maverick invited her to be here, then you¡¯re wrong. She invited herself in.¡±


    I turned to her.


    ¡°Why would I believe you?¡±


    ¡°Girl, you should be. Maverick and I didn¡¯te here together. Hey, don¡¯t look at me like that. I don¡¯t have any romantic feelings for your guy. We¡¯re like siblings for Pete¡¯s sake! Just the thought of it makes my insides curl!¡±


    Ew!¡±


    I smiled at her. ¡°I like you.¡±


    Cahil smiled back at me.


    ¡°I like you too but I¡¯ll like you more if you take Maverick out of his misery now. My ears are hurting already from all the calls from his mother because apparently, that man has been out of the zone for a while now. I know it¡¯s all about you so please, make him happy again.¡±


    My attention was caught when Lagma entered thewn. He is a bit overdressed for the event. He was wearing a polo shirt and cks as if he was trying to wrap himself around it. I slipped the shades into my bag and stood up and looked at Cahil.


    ¡°You know what, I never really liked Asturia but you might be an exception. But sorry to disappoint you, I did note here for Maverick. My petty jealousy is not my number one concern now. But I might hit two birds with one stone.¡±


    I strutted my way across the well-mowed grass and approached the long table where the food is being served. Instead of taking food, I asked for another drink after handing over the ss.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I winked at the waiter and crossed the direction towards Lagma who was sitting near the poolside area. I sat beside him and held out my free hand.


    ¡°Hi!¡± I excitedly said to mask my real emotions.


    I smiled at Lagma who was now looking at me with a nk face. The man had a formidable force in him. He¡¯s really scary when you see him face to face. I¡¯m feeling the exact feeling I feel when I¡¯m with Maverick. Under his eyes, I felt so weak and so small.


    ¡°Hello,¡± he formally responded after epting my hand.


    His hands were calloused which reminds me of my cousin¡¯s hands. This is the hand of someone who had pulled countless triggers.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± he said.


    I grinned.


    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t remember me Mr. Lagma Rey? How sad. Look at me. I¡¯m sure you will remember someone who looks like me. Come on.¡±


    I watched as his expression turned dark.


    ¡°Okay. Let me refresh your memory. My name is Feme Alcantara, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Napoleon Alcantara. And yes, I¡¯m thest of the n of Alcantara. My pleasure to finally meet you, Lagma. I used to only see you in my father¡¯s office and now, you hold one. I¡¯m more than ted to see how far you¡¯vee. Never thought I¡¯ll see you in flesh here. Atst, after eight years of searching for you, I¡¯ve finally found you.¡± I smiled a lethal one. ¡°Aren¡¯t you d to see me too?¡±


    I got no reaction from him. That¡¯s what I feared. The more he refuses to admit, the more it will get difficult. That¡¯s why I was shocked when the man grinned and squeezed my hand tightly. His face startled me. If I just didn¡¯t know there were so many people in this area, I might have run out of fear.


    ¡°Congrattions Feme. I have hoped to see you again. How are you?¡±


    The way he said it pisses me off. As if he didn¡¯t do something to me and my family. As if he didn¡¯t steal someone away from us for too long.


    I pulled my hand from him and drank from the ss. I shot him a disgusted look.


    ¡°Really? You have the gall to ask me that? Of course my life has never been good. I feel like living inside hell every day since what you did eight years ago. Ever since you abducted Trisha, my world has never been the same.¡±


    He did not budge from sitting. He just stared at me looking like the most innocent man in the entire country.


    ¡°Trisha? Who¡¯s that?¡±


    My teeth chattered in anger. It was as if everything around me had turned red. I tightened my grip on the ss. I had the urge to break the ss against his face but Maverick¡¯s stare from the distance distracted me. I let our eyes connect for a moment to calm myself before turning my attention back to Lagma who was also staring at Maverick.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t it been enough that you¡¯ve benefited from her for eight years? Do you really have no conscience? Are you still human, Lagma? Give my sister back to me. Give Trisha back to me.¡±


    I fought off the urge to cry. Not in front of this man. I will not cry in front of him. I will not show any weakness in the face of this demon.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Ms. Alcantara. You are mistaken if you think I had anything to do with the loss of your sister. I am indebted to your father so I cannot do what you are using me of. I will let this one slide because I understand you. But let me warn you, do this again and taint my reputation, I will not spare you anymore.¡±


    I can¡¯t believe what I heard. What a liar!


    Oh well! Lest I forget, there is no thief in this world who will admit that he is a thief so why would a kidnapper confess he¡¯s one?


    ¡°Yeah. Keep on denying. Someday, your ws will bite back at you. And I swear, it¡¯ll be just around the corner. I will make sure that your beloved organization will cause you your biggest heartache yet. Choose, Lagma. El Draconem or Trisha?¡±


    I smiled triumphantly when I got what I wanted from his expression. A sudden sh of darkness crossed his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you,¡± he warned me dangerously.


    A weary smile appeared on my face.


    ¡°Sure, be my guest. Kill me by all means. I will dly choose death than live this life without any inch of happiness thanks to you. But make sure you do it fast and easy. I might convince Maverick any moment to take what¡¯s rightfully his. Where will you be if that happens?¡±


    He grabbed me by the arm and held it tightly. It was as if my arm was about to be torn apart by the pressure he put but I did not show any pain. Instead, I faced his raging eyes and said my piece.


    ¡°I¡¯ve tailed you for weeks. I saw how much you treasure the organization. Now I wonder, would you let it go for my sister?¡±


    ¡°Is there any problem here?¡±


    I didn¡¯t blinked from staring at Lagma even though I knew Maverick was in front of us. Gradually, he loosened his grip on me.


    ¡°No. There¡¯s no problem here. I was just catching up with an old friend,¡± I said when he finally let me go and without saying a word stood up and took big steps towards the house.


    I let out my held breath and then looked up at Maverick who was frowning.


    ¡°Hi! Fancy meeting you here. Oops, don¡¯t say anything nasty please. I¡¯ve already had enough for the time being. I can¡¯t take it anymore if you¡¯ll say something you know¡­ sad and painful to me now. Just save it for another day.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I adjusted my seat and stared at him. Longing kicked in me instantly while looking at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here for you, Fuentebe.¡±


    He paused for a moment before bursting intoughter.


    ¡°So now it¡¯s Fuentebe again? What happened to Mav?¡±


    ¡°Will you listen now to whatever I have to say?¡±


    He gritted his teeth. ¡°Stop it, Feme.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I should. Sorry for that. Are we back to strangers now?¡±


    Iughed to hide the bitterness in my voice.


    ¡°Mab,e on. I want you to meet a friend.¡±


    Monica suddenly appeared behind Maverick.


    It took quite a good amount of restraint in me to not roll my eyes when Monica gripped Maverick¡¯s hands while giving me a side look. I was still focused on their hand when Maverick cleared his throat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be with you in a sec. I¡¯ll just escort a visitor out,¡± he said to Monica.


    I stood up and wore my sunsses. I stered a fake smile on my lips.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯m leaving on my own. I had fun. Enjoy the rest of the day.¡±


    I took a step forward and kissed him on the cheek before my lips dropped to his neck and lightly bit his skin on it. He gasped and held my waist. I smiled again at the revtion.


    He still wants me.


    I smirked at Monica. I


    Her face was very red as she stared at me sharply. I turned around and gracefully walked away. My disappointment grew when Maverick didn¡¯t even bother to go after me.


    I lost the confidence I had felt before. Maybe he just didn¡¯t want to embarrass me so he didn¡¯t push me away. With a heavy heart, I walked to the driveway and got inside the car. The driver quickly started the engine.


    When we were on the highway, I got off and took a taxi. It¡¯s up to the driver to return the vehicle to the car rental shop along with the substantial tip I gave him.


    I ordered the taxi driver to just drive around the city. When I got bored I went to a restaurant to eat. I spent the day thinking about what to do next between my meals. I¡¯m sure I already got Lagma¡¯s eye from now. I have to be careful from now on.


    When it got dark already, I decided to go home. I called Dave to tell him not to cook anymore. I ordered something for the both of us. I went down to the entrance of the vige and walked towards the apartment. The taxi driver had an emergency so I voluntarily got off. I was turning to the second corner of the street when I bumped with a man.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry-¡± I froze in my feet when I felt a needle pierced through my arm.


    It happened so fast that I couldn¡¯t move. I was not able to struggle anymore because the man was holding me with iron force. My eyes widened in panic when I tried to wriggle away from him. I can¡¯t see his face. There was a ck cloth covering his whole face. It also didn¡¯t help that he was wearing a cap.


    ¡°The next time you do something again, I will blow off your head by then,¡± he whispered and pulled out the syringe from my skin.


    The man was gone but I still couldn¡¯t move. My knees are shaking with fear. I can still feel the needle in my arm and whatever substance he put in my body.


    I tried to take a step but I could no longer feel them. I let go of the stic bag I was holding and its contents exploded on the road. I shouted for help while crying but I couldn¡¯t seem to hear my voice either. My legs wavered and my vision failed. The surroundings danced at the same time as the darkness embraced me.


    ¡°Mav¡­.¡±

 Chapter 34

    ¡°Mom.¡±


    I held my mother by her shoulder while she¡¯s happily ying with her granddaughter in the living area. Her face is filled with joy while rocking the five -month -old baby in her arms. I smiled when I saw the contentment on her face.


    Who knew the great Isabe Andrado-Fuentebe will retire to business just to solely tend her years in pampering her grandchildren? Surely not the young me who witnessed how tight and disciplinarian she is.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    She was even more cruel than my father. He never dared to go against my mother. She is the rule of the house. No one can say otherwise. I still remembered how we shivered because we didn¡¯t reach our quota grades in elementary.


    Those were the days. When we were in our high school years, Gideon and I would always top the ss. But I lost it all out when I¡¯m in college. I became a rebel son before ultimately knowing my way back home.


    My mother drastically changed when dad died. Her views in life took a different turn. She lie-low from the business industry and lived a contented life as a grandnanny as what she wants to be called, to her grandchild and future grandchildren. Sometimes she still loves to throw parties like the luncheon earlier.


    I thought she was going to end her ludicrous interference in our lives, especially mine, but it only got worse when Gideon got married. She continued to convince me almost every day to also tie the knot.


    She had set-up countless of blind dates for me which I specifically prioritized not to attend. Thetest is inviting me to a family dinner with a very willing woman of her choice without me knowing about it.


    She looked at me first before looking back at my cute little niece.


    ¡°Mav, I want another grandson from you. Please give this family another one. My wish is for this house to be full of my grandchildren. Get married already. Stop ying with women around.¡±


    I just shook my head. Here she goes again. I sat down next to her and stroked the baby¡¯s cheek with my finger. I smiled when she made a sucking sound.


    ¡°See? Even baby Puffle agrees with me. Right baby?¡±


    She rained kisses on Puffle.¡±


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t pressure me. We¡¯ll get there just not this time. And Puffle is here for you. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll make you upied forever.¡±


    The babyughed. She reaches for her gold ne and tugged at it.


    ¡°Oh, you like my ne? When you¡¯re old enough, grandnanny will give you everything you want. You are really my granddaughter, baby. Always the fashionable one.¡±


    I smiled as I watched them. I¡¯m happy that mom is happy. I¡¯m happy that I¡¯m finally seeing her shed her formal and strict self. What I just don¡¯t like is that her uncalled attention towards my single life.


    ¡°I still think you have to get married and have kids to stop your phndering,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°Mom, even when a man is married and has kids. If he wants to cheat, he will cheat.¡±


    She raised her brows at me.


    ¡°Your father is not like that. He didn¡¯t have any other woman during our marriage years.¡±


    I sighed at the memory of my mother nting spies all over dad¡¯s team back then.


    Almost all of my father¡¯s personal bodyguards are from the Andrados¡¯ security team. I no longer wonder why she is so certain that dad never betrayed her in their entire marriage life.


    ¡°That¡¯s because dad is a great man and a very loyal husband to you.¡±


    She smiled at the memory of herte husband.


    ¡°I know. I picked the right and honorable man.¡± She stood up and danced with the baby in her arms. ¡°And I know you are also an honorable man, Maverick. Both of you and Gideon. Remember when you were in college? You kept telling Paz about this girl you love. What¡¯s her name again?¡±


    A hazy memory is trying to materialize in my head but it¡¯s just too vague. I shrugged my shoulders.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Can¡¯t remember. Why?¡±


    ¡°You loved that girl, whoever she is. Paz would let me eavesdrop over your call. You were not talking to me back then because you¡¯re still angry at me for forcing you to study in a boarding school. You came back to your senses after that. Now back to this girl. I still remember how you would say so many good things about her. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard you say those things about a girl. You were so in love then. I guess she is also the reason why you wouldn¡¯t want to go back to us when we wanted you to.¡±


    I thought about what mom said.


    ¡°Really? And here I am thinking I¡¯d been immune to love virus all my life.¡±


    Not anymore. I thought while thinking about Fem. That woman changed everything in me. I thought I would finally get over my madness over her when I got her in my bed but it only got worse. She¡¯s like a drug and I got addicted to her. I look for her presence every day. I want to see her. Always


    Thank god I got her pictures but still, they aren¡¯t enough. I want to touch her, feel her smooth warm skin against mine. I want her to always be by my side forever.


    I just keep myself from going crazy by watching her from afar. I make sure to pass by her apartment every morning just to try my luck if I can see her. I gotta see her only once. I came back on the same day, stayed for another hour and got to see her. I went home with a big smile on my face.


    One of these days I¡¯ll see her again.


    My cell phone reminder rang. I stood up and kissed her on the cheek.


    ¡°I better go. I can¡¯t have this conversation again with you knowing that I¡¯ll be bombarded with countless blind dates after this. Stop it already, mom. I better go. I still have an empire to run.¡±


    I reached out and kissed Puffle on the cheek. The baby cooed. Iughed.


    ¡°All the hard work and yet, you still consider having a family,¡± my mother snided.


    My phone beeped. My heart automatically leaped at the sound of the call tone I specially designated for Fem. Smiling, I pulled out the gadget and read the message.


    Can I call you?


    ¡°You can be right or wrong, mom.¡±


    Her face brightened. It was like she heard some very good news.


    ¡°Really? Then bring her here as soon as possible. We will schedule the wedding now.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯ll go. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be here next week for your event.¡±


    ¡°You better be. Better yet bring the lucky one with you,¡± she persisted.


    I was still shaking my head when I left the living room. I met Sheri carrying two empty cups of coffee.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving already, Maverick?¡±


    ¡°Yes, where¡¯s Gideon?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in the garden. Talking with a client on the phone.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I followed the path to the garden and saw my brother putting his phone down.


    ¡°Hey bro! Are you going home early? Come on! We¡¯ll stay the night here. Sparring?¡±


    ¡°Next time, bro. I have work to do. Can I ask for a favor?¡±


    ¡°Shoot.¡±


    I grinned.


    ¡°Make a baby again so that mother will stop forcing me to get married.¡±


    My brother also grinned.


    ¡°I like that. I¡¯ll tell Sheri about your suggestion.¡±


    We bothughed.


    ¡°Good! Now I really have to go. See you next week. You better prepare your body bro if you don¡¯t want to be beaten.¡±


    My brother justughed. When I got in the car, I called Feme first. She picked it up on the first ring.


    ¡°Hi, Mr. Fuentebe?¡± A man answered it instead.


    A knot formed on my head.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this? Why do you have Feme¡¯s phone?¡±


    ¡°She gave me this. Man, can I ask for a favor? Feme badly needs your help. Just don¡¯t tell her about this. Please.¡±


    I turned on the engine and started driving. I was suddenly nervous.


    ¡°Where is Feme?¡±


    The big gate opened and I went straight out.


    ¡°S-she¡¯s with me.¡±


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong? Give her the phone. I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±


    I elerated the car. I have a different feeling about this.


    ¡°She¡¯s unconscious. I mean, she was conscious when she called me but she¡¯s sleeping again now.¡±


    That¡¯s when my emotions exploded.


    ¡°Fuck! What did you do to her?! What happened?! Where are you? I¡¯ll kill you if something happens to her!¡± I shouted.


    I clenched my teeth and gripped the steering wheel. My heart was beating so fast. I was driving way beyond the speed limit.


    ¡°Man, I didn¡¯t do anything to her. I just saw him lying on the road unconscious. I was still talking to her when she called me. I took her to the hospital but she still insisted on going home when she regained consciousness.¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡± I repeat the question again. I took a deep breath to control the emotion.


    ¡°We¡¯re outside your building.¡±


    ¡°Stay there. I¡¯m on my way. Don¡¯t turn off the phone.¡±


    I don¡¯t know how I got there in just fifteen minutes. As soon as I parked the car, I went straight to a white Sedan in the parking lot and knocked on the window. The door to the backseat opened and I saw Feme. Her condition almost knocked me down. She¡¯s very pale with her eyes closed, and hunched over the chest of the man who had followed her to my hotel. It was as if my heart had been stabbed at the sight of her. I carefully picked her up and motioned at my men. I red at the man who looked down.


    ¡°Come with us.¡±


    I entered the entrance and was immediately surrounded by a security team led by Jex.


    ¡°Jex,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Sir.¡±


    ¡°Call Dr. Cruz immediately.¡±


    ¡°Right away sir.¡±


    ¡°And interrogate him.¡± I¡¯m referring to the boy whose name I still don¡¯t know. ¡°I want to get to the bottom of this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    We rode the elevator with a female staff member. Feme moved into my arm and moaned as if in pain. Her face is riddled with pain. She was so pale that it brought too much fear to me. My heart was pounding with so much fear and worry.


    ¡°Shhh. It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here, babe. I¡¯m here,¡± I said to soothe her.


    I immediately deposited her on the bed upon entering my unit. The staff took care of her immediately while I was restless as I paced back and forth in the room to check if Dr. Cruz had arrived. My cell phone rang. I didn¡¯t realize that I was shaking. I calmed myself before answering Jex who informed me that the doctor wasing up. The doctor was also informed about the diagnosis from the hospital where Feme came from.


    I waited for the doctor to arrive and delivered him right to the room. I went out first to get some wine. I downed out a full ss. I sat on the couch and shook my head. I cursed while silently ming myself. If I had been there by her side, this wouldn¡¯t have happened. I didn¡¯t talk to her for a few days so it happened.


    It seems ages had passed before Dr. came out. I stood up and waited for his diagnosis.


    ¡°Doc, how¡¯s Feme?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Maverick. The patient is in a stable condition. It was a barbiturate overdose. It¡¯s good that she was taken immediately to the hospital for the medical intervention. It could have been fatal. I rmendplete bed rest for the patient. I also prescribed medication.¡±


    I breathed a sigh of relief at what the doctor said. I closed my eyes and exhaled.


    ¡°Thank goodness.¡±


    After thanking the doctor, I went back to the room and sat down next to Feme. With my still cold hand, I caressed her pale cheek. My hands went to her palms and brought them to my lips. I nted a kiss on her hand.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never suffer like this again, Fem. I promise.¡±


    I stayed up all night looking at her, holding her hands, kissing all her pain away, and making sure to ward off the bad dreams.


    I decided that night that no one will be able toy a hand on her. Never as long as I¡¯m alive.

 Chapter 35

    I felt so heavy. Something is weighing me down. My lips were dry. I tried to swallow saliva. I opened my eyes and studied the ce. White ceilings and pendant chandeliers were the first things that immediately popped up in my sight. I squinted. The light hurts my eyes. I moved my hand but something stopped me. I looked at my side and saw Maverick¡¯s face. He sat in a chair next to the bed and rested his head on the mattress. He¡¯s holding my hand.


    I closed my eyes and mentally pinched Dave. That kid is such a brat. I already told him not to inform Maverick.


    I looked up and examined the sleeping man. His position is really ufortable. His eyebrows are slightly raised and his forehead is furrowed. I smiled while reaching for the crease on his forehead and straightening them out.


    I then straightened his eyebrow and spent a few minutes just staring at his face. He is definitely troubled. I can tell by his expression that something is really bothering him.


    I stroked his soft hair as I recalled what had happened. I really thought I was at my end. But when I woke up in the hospital and found Dave in tears, I knew what I needed to do. The child could not be involved in the mess so I immediately decided to be released from the hospital. Who knew if they would get me back there.


    And now that I¡¯m here with Maverick, all my fears have dissipated. He¡¯s thest person in my mind before everything went ck and he¡¯s also the first person I woke up to now.


    I am so thankful to God for giving me another chance to see the man I love again. Yes, I had long admitted to myself that I loved him. And this time, I promised to myself that I¡¯ll make it right. The man moved and finally opened his eyes. He turned to get up when he saw that I was awake and held my face.


    ¡°H-Hey, Fem. How are you feeling? Are you still in pain? Do you need anything? Say it. I¡¯ll get it for you,¡± he said in a haste, not knowing what to do next.


    ¡°Water,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Yes, water. Yes.¡±


    He got the water bottle from the side table and poured it into a ss.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    He put the ss on my mouth and assisted me while drinking it. After returning the water and the ss, he turned to me again.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Just tired and groggy.¡±


    I yawned.


    ¡°Of course. The doctor said you need aplete bed rest.¡± He fixed my nket around my body. ¡°Sleep. I¡¯ll just be here. I¡¯ll watch you over.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I whispered. ¡°But I can¡¯t sleep with all the lights.¡±


    ¡°Right. Sorry for that.¡±


    He stood up and turned off the main switch. He also returned immediately to the seat after opening themp shade.


    ¡°Mav..¡±


    ¡°Yes, babe.¡±


    ¡°Come here. Hold me, please.¡±


    I looked at him, begging, amidst a torch of the dim light. Heplied and took off his t-shirt and then climbed into bed beside me. He slid inside the covers and put his arms around me. I ced my hand on his bare chest and felt the inviting hardness and warmthing from him.


    I closed my eyes and heed his heart beat. The sound he makes, the heat he emits, and the hardness pressed against me, all remind me that I¡¯m alive. That I¡¯m still given a chance to be with him.


    I buried my face in his neck and wept. I poured out my fears and uncertainties through crying. He hugged me tightly and I felt him kiss me on the head as he caressed my back.


    ¡°Let it out. I¡¯m here for you, always. Just cry it all out and please know that I¡¯ll always be here for you starting now. I¡¯m sorry for failing to protect you, Fem. But that will be the first and thest. I promise you that.¡±


    Concern and anger mingled in his voice. He kissed my temple and gently rocked me. My tears flowed even more as I remembered what had happened to me. A chill ran down my spine when I made a mental note of what that man told me.


    ¡°I¡¯m really scared, Mav. I thought I wouldn¡¯t make it. I thought I wouldn¡¯t see you again.¡±


    I sniffed.


    ¡°Shhh. Let it out of your mind. You¡¯re safe now. I will not let you get hurt again. Now sleep. You need to regain your energy.¡±


    He wiped away my tears.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Dave? Is he safe?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯s okay. He¡¯s sleeping in the next unit.¡±


    I sighed in relief. ¡°I¡¯m d. I¡¯m also d that I¡¯m here with you.¡±


    He kissed my nose. ¡°Me too. More than you could imagine.¡±


    I squeezed myself into his body and closed my eyes.


    The rain is now over but there¡¯s still a storming that will change everything. I really hope that we can still weather until then.


    The next time I opened my eyes, Maverick was no longer beside me. The smell of him was left on the pillow I¡¯m hugging so I inhaled it.


    The sun was high outside. It prates the drawn curtain. I stretched and smiled to myself. I felt better than yesterday.


    I got up and went to the bathroom. I still hesitated which of the two doors should I open.


    It turned out that the other one was a walk-in closet. I entered the door and washed my face. I smiled when I saw a drawer full of women¡¯s toiletries. How thoughtful of him.


    I started taking a quick hot shower. Then I went to the closet wearing the bathrobe and draped the towel over my head. The clothes are neatly lined up from office wear, casual clothes and more. It was even color coded. There is also a rack at the end that is full of expensive shoes.


    Drawers were also filled with expensive watches, cufflinks and other jewelry. This closet is worth millions already.


    I noticed some shopping bags on top of a cab. These were the same brands Maverick brought for me when we were on the ind. I opened it and was startled by the sets of panties, brassiere, nighties and other casual clothes inside.


    I got a pair of panties and a bra and put them on. Instead of taking a shirt inside the bag, I opted to scavenge through Maverick¡¯s clothes. I picked out a ck shirt with a logo of hispany printed on the front. I don¡¯t know why but sharing clothes with him felt so intimate.


    I stepped out of the closet and looked around the room. The room is bigger than his previous unit. Same minimalistic style and design but just bigger and more spacious.


    I made the bed first before looking for Mav. I found him facing the stove and cooking. He¡¯s topless again, his muscr back is showing and did I say that he¡¯s got one hell of a fine ass?


    I leaned on the wall and watched his performance of kitchen acrobatics.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    He immediately turned to me. He smiled at me but his facial expression quickly changed. He left the stove and ran to me to help me sit on the stool near the kitchen counter.


    ¡°Good morning, gorgeous. Why did you suddenly get up without calling for me? You should be in your bed now. How are you feeling? Still dizzy?¡± he asked one question after another so I took his hand on my chin and squeezed it.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Mav. No need to fret. I¡¯m not as weak as you think I am. Just like you, I¡¯ve survived more horrible attempts other than that yesterday. So far, I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    What I said made his face darker.


    ¡°There are worst cases? God Feme! What have you been doing? Don¡¯t answer me. You¡¯re still pale. I¡¯ll take you back to bed.¡±


    ¡°Not before I taste your cooking,¡± I stopped him from carrying me. ¡°Please?¡±


    He sighed.


    ¡°Okay but you should just stay here.¡±


    I smiled sweetly at him. ¡°Promise.¡±


    He went back to stirring a pot of soup while ncing at me.


    ¡°Where are you going again?¡±


    He asked me using that parental tone again when I tried to stand up.


    ¡°Coffee. I¡¯ll make coffee.¡±


    He raised his finger to me.


    ¡°Stay there. I¡¯ll make you coffee.¡±


    I just watched his back as he made me coffee.


    ¡°Nice view.¡±


    I whistled as he turned at me. I licked my lips. He just winked at me and jokingly moved his ass.


    ¡°Nah, yours is nicer, plumper, softer, and creamier.¡±


    I put my hand on my cheek. ¡°Really? Nicer than Monica¡¯s?¡± Hw turned to me again with a funny face. I raised my brows. ¡°Why? I¡¯m just asking.¡±


    He stared at me for a long time before a smile slowly formed in the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯re jealous,¡± he said matter of factly.


    ¡°Do I need to be jealous?¡±


    ¡°No. Of course not. Monica is just a friend.¡±


    ¡°A friend who loves you, who obsesses over you.¡±


    He walked to me with a cup of coffee in his hand.


    ¡°And it happened to be that the man you¡¯re talking about obsesses over you.¡± He brushed my chin after setting the mug on the counter. ¡°So get over it.¡±


    I was caught off guard by his sudden confession. My cheeks burned and I felt the familiar tightening in my stomach. I sipped on my coffee to hide my blushing but it didn¡¯t go unnoticed to Maverick.


    He went back behind the stove and continued stirring whatever he¡¯s cooking. My eyes remained on him. Awe and gratefulness are written on my face.


    ¡°Did I pass?¡± He broke the silence.


    ¡°Pass what?¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do I pass as a husband to you now?¡±


    Iughed loudly. For some reason, he looks more like a yboy who¡¯s role-ying as a chef than a husband for me. I bit my lips at the image in my head. Good lord.


    ¡°Hmmmm, if you¡¯re a houseband then I must be the housewife? Does that even make sense?¡±


    ¡°I see you have a dry humor. Let¡¯s work on that.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and drank coffee.


    ¡°Fem, your belongings from the apartment will arrive soon. I have already sent my staff over there. They¡¯ll be here anyter today.¡±


    My smile faded and I mmed down the mug on the table. I don¡¯t like everything he said.


    ¡°What did you say? You decided on behalf of me without even consulting if I agree on this?¡±


    My nostrils red because of annoyance.


    Maverick sighed. ¡°I only want what¡¯s best for you. You cannot go back there. You¡¯re not safe there anymore.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know. Do you think I don¡¯t know that? But it¡¯s a different story when you try to decide for me.¡±


    His face became serious. ¡°Your safety is my number one business. I won¡¯t let you get back to that ce.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not for you to decide, Fuentebe,¡± pinal kong saad.


    He shot me a nk look.


    ¡°There is no argument here. I won¡¯t let you go back in there. Now let¡¯s eat.¡±


    He put the cooked food on the table and then came back to lift me to sit on the chair and came back for the mug of coffee. He quietly served me before he sat down next to me to eat. He picked out his cellphone and typed something on it.


    As I look at the dishes he cooked for me, I can¡¯t help but feel guilty and bad. Here I am being too narrow-minded for the man who has all the right to be angry at me. But instead of him using it against me, here he is. All caring and protective of me. I reached for his hand and squeezed it. He turned to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I misinterpreted your actions. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been too used to making the decisions on my own. It¡¯s the first time after a long time that someone did it for me. I really do appreciate all of this though. I hope you understand, Mav.¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness the Mav is back.¡± He returned my smile. ¡°No need to say sorry. I understand. It¡¯s my fault because I didn¡¯t inform you first. I¡¯ve already cancelled it.¡±


    I gently brushed my fingers on his knuckles in a yful manner. ¡°I still felt bad. What can I do to make it up to you?¡± I asked suggestively.


    He picked up the ss of water and drank it all up.


    ¡°Stop it, Fem. I might forget the fact that you¡¯re still sick.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re not kissing me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you like to be kissed now? My pleasure.¡±


    He reached out to me and kissed me on the forehead but before he could take his face away I locked it in my hands and reached for his mouth. I kissed him long and hard until we both ran out of breath.


    ¡°Would that be enough, hmmm?¡±


    I asked after I released him. I don¡¯t know if I shouldugh or what when he suddenly stood up.


    ¡°Wooh! So hot! I need ice.¡±


    He went to the fridge.


    Laughing, I returned my focus on my te.


    ¡°It¡¯s delicious!¡±


    After eating, we watched a movie and then he cooked again for our lunch. He insisted that I should go back to sleep but I don¡¯t want to go to bed again. It makes me feel weak and sick, the two things I hate feeling the most.


    He wasn¡¯t able to force me to go back to the room so he justid a nket in the living room. We watched another movie before I fell asleep. I just woke up to the faint sound of typing. I opened my eyes and saw Maverick on his sses typing on hisptop. His back is leaning on the sofa while his lower body is under the nket with me. Theptop is on hisp.


    In my half-awake state, I managed to snuggle closer to him. I pressed my face to the side of his stomach and hugged my arm around his thigh. I felt his caress on my head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare me again like that. I might blow up an entire building the next time.¡±


    He kissed my head and went back to his work.


    I sighed contentedly. This feels heaven on earth.

 Chapter 36

    ¡°Sir, we have him already,¡± Jex informed me.


    I stopped pouring the milk in the ss when I heard what he said. I nced at Feme who has put all her focus on building the puzzle. She crashed to the floor wearing my t-shirt. It¡¯s been three days since she¡¯s been with me and so far, she¡¯s recovering fast.


    ¡°Did you file the necessary charges? I want him forever locked.¡±


    The contents of the milk carton were thrown away by the tightness of my grip on it. Feme¡¯s appearance that night yed on my mind. She¡¯s pale, almost lifeless in my arms. That image will keep me haunted forever and it¡¯s all because of that man. He¡¯s going to pray to whoever his god is because I¡¯m just not going to stop here. I know this is deeper than this. I strongly believe that the conversation I witnessed between Lagma and Fem had something to do with what happened.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Already taken care of.¡±


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    I ended the call and wiped up the clutter on the counter. I took out another carton of milk out of the fridge again and poured it into the ss. I brought it and the te of cake to Feme who was squinting while staring at the scattered puzzle pieces. She was like a child sitting on the floor biting its lip. I sat down next to her and patted her thigh.


    ¡°Eat first. These won¡¯t run.¡±


    I straightened her messy hair and pinned it to her ear.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯splete? Maybe there¡¯s something left in the box or did you hide the other pieces?¡±


    She nced at me in disbelief.


    Iughed softly.


    ¡°That¡¯splete. I even finished it earlier, remember?¡±


    She bit her lip again.


    ¡°But why can¡¯t Iplete it?¡±


    She stared at the puzzle pieces before picking up one and cing it on the board to form the ear of the figure. She looked at me and gestured to the generated image then showed me her arm and caressed it. A proud smile is etched on her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not really that rusty yet. I used to enjoy solving puzzles way back in college.¡±


    I lifted one knee and ced one of my arms on it.


    ¡°Really? What degree did you take up in college?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I thought you had me investigated?¡±


    She took the ss and drank from it.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t read the full report. I want you to tell me about yourself.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair? I already know almost everything about you.¡±


    I took a puzzle piece and glued it to the right side of the puzzle board.


    ¡°You only know the physical details about me. The basic ones. You only know me from afar. You still don¡¯t fully know me. I am more than the person the media projects me to be. In the four years you¡¯ve been monitoring me, do you really think you have known the real me? ¡±


    She looked me in the eyes and shook her head.


    ¡°No. The information I gathered from you didn¡¯t do you any justice at all. You¡¯re much more arrogant than I thought you were.¡±


    She grinned.


    I smiled too.


    ¡°You know you have a sharp tongue, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I obviously know. I also know it¡¯s one of the reasons why you fancy over me. You attract good stuff and I happen to be the cream of the crop.¡±


    The corner of my lip rose.


    ¡°My, my. What do we have here? An arrogant man and a woman who¡¯s so full of herself.¡±


    She rolled her eyes on me before taking the spoon and starting to eat the cake. I just watched her enjoy the cake.


    ¡°So answer my question,¡± I coaxed her.


    She swallowed the cake first and drank the milk before she answered me.


    ¡°Journalism. I took Journalism in college so I know how to ask the right and controversial questions.¡±


    ¡°Cool. Now I know that I have a girlfriend with excellent journalistic skills. Sounds scary but I can bear with that. Do you still talk to your friends in college? Hang-out? We could probably arrange you to meet with them. ¡±


    She gave me an amused eye.


    ¡°Mav, the kind of life I¡¯ve been living for years doesn¡¯t warrant me to have friends. I can barely get through studying in an exclusive university thanks to a college trust fund without students asking about my connection with Alcantaras. Of course, I denied any rtionship with them. It¡¯s what I thought to be the only way to survive back then. To be invisible. So no friends. ¡±


    Feme is just smiling the whole time she¡¯s telling me those at me as if it didn¡¯t matter to her at all. But I know better. In just a short span of living with her, I¡¯ve been able to read her. I know when she¡¯s really happy, sad or angry. I have been able to register even the slightest change in her behavior. Her lips are smiling but her eyes say otherwise. I don¡¯t know what to think first. The fact that she¡¯s trying to hide her emotions to appear tough is one thing. Feme refusing to trust me with her feelings is another.


    I pulled her closer to me and kissed her. I want to erase the sadness in her face. I want to rece the unpleasant memories with great ones. She was caught off guard but responded immediately. I kissed her hard, nipping his lower lip in the process. I tasted the creaminess of the milk and the sweetness of the cake in her mouth. My hand went down to her ass. and gentlyid her on the carpeted floor without interrupting the kiss. Our bodies are moving in a rhythm, seeking for the familiar rush of emotions that got us burning in desire.


    I looked down at her. Her eyes mirrored mine. She wants me as much as I want her.


    ¡°Do you still want me?¡± she asked, quivering. ¡°You know you haven¡¯t ¡­ we haven¡¯t ¡­ oh geez this is embarrassing! Forget I asked you that.¡±


    She averted her gaze from me and covered her face.


    I rubbed my obvious arousal on her thighs, took off her hands on her face and lunged at her lips again for a sweet agonizing kiss. She wrapped her arms around my neck and responded as passionately.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever doubt the way I want you, Fem. It¡¯s an insult to my loyal friend down here.¡±


    The two of us looked down at the soldier who wanted to get out of its confinement already. She giggled while blushing. She pulled me by the neck and kissed me sweetly. I was not satisfied with what she did so I pressed my lips on her for a deeper kiss. A moan came out of her mouth. I began to undress her, not minding the ringing of my phone. I ignored it and kept kissing her but it won¡¯t stop. Laughing, Feme pushed me away before she took the cellphone out of my pocket and showed me the rm. The fucking rm once again.


    Annoyed, I sat down and helped her to sit down as well. I exhaled sharply and turned off the phone.


    ¡°I better go.¡±


    I stayed still.


    She grinned at me.


    ¡°Yeah, you should.¡±


    I rubbed its cheek.


    ¡°You won¡¯t ask me where I¡¯m going?¡±


    ¡°No. I trust you.¡±


    I smiled while I reached for her chin.


    ¡°I hope you can also trust me with your past, present, and future. Your fears and sadness. All of it. I can deal with them for you. Be bare with me. At this point, it¡¯s not just your clothes I want to take off. I want your mind and soul naked before me. ¡±


    I kissed her temple and stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    When I came out of the unit, Jex was already waiting for me. We rode the elevator down the parking lot. We convoyed to the precinct. Along the way, I carefully analyzed the situation. I didn¡¯t rule out the possibility that someone from the group is toying on us. I clenched my jaws. Bad move. He messed with the wrong person


    The vehicle stopped at the police station followed by my men in the back. We were greeted by the police chief who took us to a room where the suspect was temporarily detained. I gestured at Jex to remain outside.


    I took the envelope he gave me and entered the door. I saw the man in handcuffs sitting in a chair in the middle of the room. He looked up upon hearing the door open. I studied his appearance.


    The man was tall, dark -skinned andrge in stature. Feme wouldn¡¯t have a stand with him in case a struggle happened. I gazed at him with pure contempt.


    I unbuttoned the man¡¯s cor and counted the scales of his tattoo. Three. I smirked. I took a chair and sat in front of him. The guy has no reaction. I took the key inside the envelope and released her. He seemed surprised.


    I opened the envelope and read what was written. I took a deep breath.


    ¡°Fron Jacinto, 25 years old, no girlfriend and wife, and a member of El Draconem for three years. t information. Useless.¡±


    I barely looked at the man who still had no reaction.


    ¡°I know you wouldn¡¯t talk. Years of training taught you that. My father, may he rest in peace, made sure of the quality of El Draconem men. So how about this.¡±


    I took the other paper inside the envelope and handed it to him. He just stared at it but he didn¡¯t take it.


    ¡°Oh, now you don¡¯t want to see your mother? But ording to reports, you were looking for her? Would your mother be proud to visit you in a penitentiary?¡±


    I grinned at him.


    ¡°How about your sister? Would she be happy if she saw her hero brother inside the jail?¡±


    The guy¡¯s face went dead murderous at the mention of her sister. He snapped and before I knew it, he was lurching on me with his fist. I quickly dodged his blow and punched the man in the face. His jaw started to bleed immediately. I¡¯ve been meaning to do that ever since I entered the door. I just don¡¯t like an enemy without any challenge.


    I unbuttoned the first button on my shirt and stepped forward. I rarely engaged in a fistfight outside my training schedule and matches with Gideon but I could definitely bring down this guy. I¡¯m not the son of the founder of El Draconem for nothing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never liked violence but you crossed the line the moment you touched Feme.¡±


    I took another calcted step and tactically locked him using my arms while kicking his sheen. He managed to free himself but not before epting my punch on his face.


    I was still not satisfied and even punched him in the stomach and kicked his thigh. The bleeding guy was forced into the floor in a matter of seconds. I approached him and grabbed him by his cor.


    ¡°Who?¡± I dangerously asked.


    He justughed along with the blood flowing in his eyes and mouth. I got pissed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me to cut your tongue. I¡¯ll make sure to record a video of it and who knows who I have in mind to send it to?¡±


    I dragged him across the floor into the chair and put him again in the handcuffs. Then I went back to the chair andzily sat down.


    ¡°I only want a name, Fron. One name. Please, don¡¯t test me. I don¡¯t have my father¡¯s patience.¡±


    He looked at me intently.


    ¡°My sister is not a part of this.¡±


    ¡°I am not negotiating. Give me the name.¡±


    ¡°Themand came from above. Who? I have no idea.¡±


    I adjusted my seat and studied his face. I can¡¯t see any hint about him lying.


    ¡°Who told you to tell her about those words?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. That¡¯s all that¡¯s written on the paper. I didn¡¯t intend to kill her. The order was just to scare her.¡±


    My eyes lit up in anger at what she said.


    ¡°Listen to me, Fron. I don¡¯t care who you are and what your reason is for joining the organization. All I know is that you touched my girl. Whoever instructed you picked the wrong guy to mess with. He dared to hurt one of the most important persons in my life. That was the worst decision he ever made in his whole life. ¡±


    I got up.


    ¡°I have no intention of getting involved with you. I don¡¯t care anymore who will assume the leadership among the factions. The group could be disintegrating already and I will just watch from a distance. But it¡¯s a different matter when you do something against my people and my loved ones. ¡±


    I stared at his tattoo proudly sticking out from his skin.


    ¡°You¡¯re afraid of them but not of me? This time, this mark, I¡¯m telling you, won¡¯t save you.¡±


    I turned my back on Fron and went out. Jex met me in the hallway.


    ¡°Do what I told you to do. Keep him locked as long as possible. Inform me if someone tries to bail him out.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I thanked the chief first before finally leaving.

 Chapter 37

    I¡¯ve been staring at my cell phone for a few minutes now but I¡¯m still not moving from standing in the middle of the living room. Dave¡¯s call had ended earlier but I was still looking at nothing. My heart is heavy with my choice.


    I nced around Maverick¡¯s unit. On a corner is a disy of his family pictures. There¡¯s a picture of the Fuentebe family and another picture of him on his graduation in college.


    I walked over to the area and picked up the picture frame. I caressed Maverick¡¯s smiling face. His smile is so wide that it radiates out from the picture. I didn¡¯t realize that I just smiled too.


    I remember what he told me earlier. He wants me to open up to him. But how am I going to do that if he still doesn¡¯t want to hear me about what I know about his past? I know that I can¡¯t fully share my past with him without touching that memory.


    I sighed. ¡°Mom, Dad. Why did you put me in this dilemma?¡±


    The ring of the phone broke the silence of the night. I put the picture frame back and walked back to the living room. I frowned as no name was registered on the screen. Just an unknown number. I pressed the answer button and answered whoever was calling.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hi, Ms. Alcantara. This is Christine Salceda of Fuentebe Group of Companies. Mr. Maverick Fuentebe has instructed me to inform you that a package for you is already under way.¡±


    My forehead furrowed. ¡°A package? For what?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Fuentebe didn¡¯t borate further, ma¡¯am. He said and I quote ¡®I hope she¡¯ll love it''¡±.


    I don¡¯t know whether tough or not at the formality in the woman¡¯s voice while saying those sentences but I just let it. I was more curious about the package she¡¯s referring to.


    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡±


    When I put down the cellphone, someone knocked on the door. I opened the door and saw Jex outside holding a big white rectangr elegant ck box with a gold ribbon wrapped around it. I met a very quiet man yesterday when Maverick introduced me to him.


    ¡°Ms. Alcantara, a package from Mr. Fuentebe,¡± he said seriously.


    ¡°Yeah. I was informed just now.¡±


    I took it from Jex and thanked him. Jex just bowed to me. I carried the box to the living room andid it on the floor. I untied the carefully knotted ribbon and opened the box. There¡¯s a note on top of it. I picked it up and read.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±


    Astonished, I picked up the contents of the box that was still wrapped in a dust coat. I opened it to reveal a fire red halter cut out satin dress. The dress has a slit on the left side. It has an open back style and a line of golden rhinestones are running down from the nape across the spine to connect it to the fabric just above one¡¯s waist. On another package is a pair of ck strappy stilettos from a Jimmy Choo brand.


    With a wide smile, Iid them on the carpeted floor and stared at them.


    ¡°What are you, Mav? A godfather?¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I took the note card inside the package again and flipped it on the back. There is another message written there in Maverick¡¯s handwriting.


    ¡°Meet me at 8ter. Your obsessed man, Mav.¡±


    I bit my lower lip then shuddered as I arranged the package before carefully bringing the clothes and shoes into the room. I nced at the digital clock on the bedside table. I still have two hours before eight o¡¯clock.


    I took off my clothes and went to the bathroom. I want to take a dip in the bathtub first. I adjusted the temperature of the water and applied a bubble bath and essential oils on it. I also lit scented candles to set an ambience.


    ¡°And a good wine is the knockout.¡±


    I put on a bathrobe and went to the kitchen. I took out a wine from Mav¡¯s collection and got myself a wine ss. I went back to the bathroom, undressed and immersed myself in the fragrant and bubbling water. My one hand is holding the brimming ss of wine.


    I closed my eyes and inhaled the smell of the candle that had already mixed with the smell of soap. They smell heavenly. For a moment my thoughts vanished because of thefort that enveloped me.


    After soaking myself in the tub for almost an hour, I rinse myself and put on the robe. I styled my hair first before moving on to dab a make-up on my face. I decided to put my hair in a low ponytail with some strands falling off the side of my face. As for the make up, I opted for a smokey eye kind of effect, nude blush and my trademark red lipstick. You can never go wrong with it.


    I used Maverick¡¯s newly bought make-up for me. A day ago, that guy went super bored and since he swore not to leave me alone meaning he can¡¯t go outside, he went on a shopping spree. Almost everything he buys online is for me. I just woke up from my usual nap on hisp shocked to see shopping bags all over the ce.


    I put on the dress and marveled at myself. I just shook my head as I looked at myself in the full-length mirror. The dress fit my body like a second skin. The cut on the chest area is just enough and the slit on the thigh is just right. My back is the revtion. Its openness makes me more confident.


    ¡°You¡¯re good at choosing this, Mav. You¡¯re really good at calcting a woman¡¯s body proportions, huh.¡±


    I wore the diamond earrings that he also gave me and then sprayed perfume. I put the essentials in the Gi purse and put on the shoes. I puckered my red lips in front of the mirror, walked some more and then headed for the door. I walked to the elevator and punched some code Maverick taught me. The door opened and I slid in.


    When I reached the ground floor, Jex was already waiting for me in the lobby. He gestured to me at the exit of the hotel where a shining ck limousine was waiting.


    The private chauffeur opened the door for me but I steadied my eyes on the cold emotionless face of Jex.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Maverick?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Fuentebe will join you shortly, Ms. Alcantara. Mr. Lacierda will take you to him.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Jex.¡±


    I slipped into the open door. Soon we started traveling. We stopped at a hotel with arge Fuentebe insignia outside. I saw Maverick in the entrance talking to a blonde woman. Not that she¡¯s foreign or something. Her blonde hair is definitely bleached.


    A feeling of possessiveness kicked in.


    ¡°I¡¯ming down.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    The chauffeur opened the side of the door and I emerged out of the car. With my hand on my gown and the other holding my purse, I gracefully climbed up the stairs. The wind blew my hair but my eyes are only pointed at my man who looks every inch perfect in his all ck ensemble. It was as if there was a ma connecting us that Maverick couldn¡¯t help but turn his gaze in my direction. His mouth carefully opened up to silently utter the word ¡®wow¡¯ before he left the girl and met me halfway. She whistled as he stared at me.


    ¡°Like what you see, hmmm?¡± I reached for his tie and touched it softly.


    ¡°More than you could imagine. You¡¯re gorgeous, babe.¡± He touched my face and was about to kiss me but I avoided him.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± I asked him while looking up at the front steps where the girl stood also looking at us.


    Maverick chuckled. ¡°Devon, a friend.¡±


    My eyebrows rose. ¡°A friend? Let me guess, another obsessed friend of yours?¡±


    Maverick justughed at me as he led me down the stairs.


    ¡°No, she¡¯s just a friend. No intended adjective. Besides, even if she¡¯s obsessed with me or not, it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m too whipped for you. Now give me my kiss.¡±


    I blocked his hand on my face as he slowly descended on me.


    ¡°Not my lips. My lipstick will stick on you.¡± I pointed to my neck. ¡°You can kiss me here.¡±


    I angled my head and offered him my neck. He kissed me there and bit my skin.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to make me a vampire. Come on. We have a reservation for dinner.¡±


    He grabbed me by the waist and held me down.


    ¡°You won¡¯t even say goodbye to her?¡±


    ¡°We finished talking the moment I saw you.¡±


    I secretly smiled at what he said.


    He first put me in the car before he followed. He ordered the driver to go and then pushed a button to activate a division between the driver¡¯s seat and the backseat. He took my hand again and kissed it. I leaned on his shoulder.


    ¡°Did you like it?¡±


    I smiled and adjusted my face so I could smell him better.


    ¡°I love it. The dress and the shoes are perfect fit. How did you do that huh?¡±


    ¡°I know your body. As simple as that.¡±


    ¡°Hmmmm.¡± I smelled him again. ¡°Did I tell you I love your scent? Reminds me of the meadows and the fields and all the flowers in it. Is it your shampoo?¡± I sniffed his hair. ¡°No. I think it¡¯s your perfume.¡±


    Maverick pulled me to sit on hisp in front of him. It¡¯s his turn to smell me. My legs are on either side of his body. He buried his face in my neck, wrapped his hand around my waist and ran his nose under my chin.


    ¡°And you smelled of vani and peaches and cream. My favorite vors in ice cream.¡±


    His growing stubble grazed my skin and I can¡¯t help but let out a moan. My skin started tingling and I felt feverish. I closed my eyes and bit my lip to prevent letting out another growl.


    I feel like a nt that has not been watered by what I am doing now.


    I grabbed his hair andbed it. I could feel the heat of Maverick¡¯s body. I heard him sigh. There is definitely no denying the sexual frustration in the air. I tried to go back to my seat but she just stopped me. He positions himself on me and grinds himself against me. His hand entered my dress and caressed my thigh. His mouth went down to my chest and licked the top of it.


    ¡°Uhm.¡± I put my hand over my mouth. I heard himugh. I pulled his hair in return.


    He brushed the fabric of my gown that covered my chest to the side and carefully traced his finger across my nipple tapes and tried to remove it. I smacked his hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother them. It hurts to get rid of them, okay? Better yet stop seducing me you big bad wolf. We¡¯re supposed to have dinner.¡±


    He stopped what he was doing and just kissed the surface of my chest. My nipples became hard and rigid.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m having some appetizer here.¡±


    He hugged me tightly and buried his face on my neck.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m burning for you.¡± I heard the suffering and longing in his voice. I was also feeling the same so I moved my hips against his steely manhood to alleviate the itch. I was so wet down there. He gripped my waist to keep me from moving.


    ¡°Stop. You¡¯re killing me.¡±


    I giggled and rubbed his red cheek. His eyes became really dark, almost feral in my eyes. It¡¯s really hard to control it. I showered kisses on his face.


    ¡°How many more minutes before we arrive at the resto?¡±


    He looked out. ¡°With the rate we¡¯re going and given the traffic, more or less 20 minutes.¡±


    His fingers have already prated my thong and are now conducting its own exploration.


    ¡°Okay then. We should stop torturing oursel-¡± I couldn¡¯t finish what I was going to say when he suddenly kissed me.


    I responded immediately and wrapped my arms around its neck. The kiss was not enough so our hands went into each other¡¯s body. He squeezed my chest and inserted his finger inside me. I screamed in our mouths as he skillfully pushed in and pulled out his digit. I pushed his face away to open his polo. I yed with my hands on his hard chest muscles.


    ¡°Fem, I can¡¯t take it anymore.¡± He took the hand from inside of me. The movement created a suction sound. He grabbed the garter of my thong and was about to tear it but I stopped him immediately.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! I ain¡¯t going to that dinner without my panty on.¡±


    I took off my thong and gave it to Maverick who immediately smelled it while staring at me. He pocketed my panties and removed his belt. He lowered his zipper and the brief. His proud veiny dick sprang out. There is also precuming out of it.


    ¡°Come here, babe.¡±


    He reached out to me and helped me position myself. I moved a little to help him and then I slid myself into an inch of him. We both groaned in approval. I was wet but I still had a hard time epting him fully. He¡¯s really big.


    I was feeling a little difort when he told me to move. I followed. I moved in circr motion and then I pushed myself down topletely take him in. I could feel his throbbing maleness deep inside me. I can feel all of it. The width and the girth.


    We both sighed in approval.


    He didn¡¯t move at first. He let me adjust first. He touched me on the cheek and kissed me on the forehead, down to the nose and going down again to cover my lips. I did not give up. I alsopeted with a more intense kiss I awarded him.


    Suddenly, a lighted billboard crossed my sight. My eyes widened as I remembered. I broke the kiss and I looked at him with frantic eyes.


    ¡°Mav, maybe your driver heard us. Are we soundproof? The ss of this car is tinted but what if your driver finds out we¡¯re doing this? It¡¯s embarrassing! Hey, don¡¯tugh at me!¡±


    My whole face was blushing at the possibility. I don¡¯t want to bebeled as an exhibitionist!


    He held my waist and guided my movement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He won¡¯t hear us. Rx and just enjoy this ¡­¡± he looked at our joined bodies ¡°the ride.¡±


    I rxed with his assurance. I ced my palms on his chest and began to move. He caught my mouth again as we elerated our movement. We were breathing heavily and I felt like I was about to reach climax.


    Maverick buried his face in my neck and sucked it. I was overwhelmed by the insane sensation. I don¡¯t know where to turn my head. I just chose to stare at the busy road.


    To think we are inside the moving vehicle having a quickie while the world goes on outside is enough to heighten the build up towards my orgasm. Excitement, fear, and need.


    I put my hand over my mouth again as I became louder. I can not take it anymore. Any second now, I¡¯ll be blown into pieces. The sensation I feel is too much.


    I caressed Maverick¡¯s face and kissed him to confine my scream. I reached my orgasm. I mmed into his chest afterwards and chased my breath.


    He also held my waist tightly. His movement is already violent. His muscles flexed and became terse. I looked up and met his hot burning eyes. A sweat trickled down his head. I didn¡¯t cut out our connection until he finally climaxed.


    I was even overwhelmed by the volume of his release. But more than that, seeing how his eyes glow right after he reached the climax felt enchanting. It was as if we were back on the ind again under the moonlight.


    This is more than just physical joining of bodies. What we have right now is a connection of both souls.


    ¡°You¡¯re hot,¡± I whispered.


    With a sigh he straightened my curly hair.


    ¡°You¡¯re hotter.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re way hotter.¡±


    He kissed me. ¡°We¡¯re both hot. How¡¯s that?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Better.¡±


    Maverick took a tissue and cleaned me before himself. He returned my thong and helped me put it on. I arranged my clothes and hair and then took wipes from my purse. I wiped the lipstick on his mouth.


    ¡°I told you not to mess with my lipstick.¡± I scolded him.


    ¡°If this is always the case, you¡¯ll expect me to mess with you every day.¡±


    When the lipstick was removed, I took care of myself. I retouched my make up while Maverick held the mirror.


    ¡°How many minutes do we have?¡± I asked him as I put thepact mirror back in the purse.


    ¡°Here we are.¡±


    He got out of the car and opened the door to my side. In front of us is the most popr fine dining restaurant in the city.


    ¡°Shall we, mydy?¡± he asked, his eyes sparkling.


    I glued myself to him and he immediately got what I meant. He put his hand over my bare back and led me the way.


    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯ve just been fucked up?¡± I asked after we were greeted and opened by the uniformed staff.


    ¡°I have a better term, Fem. You¡¯ve just been made love to. Regardless of ce and time, it¡¯s the intention and feelings that count. We just made love.¡±


    I blushed at what he said. Made love. Love.


    I stopped talking and we just kept walking. An attendant escorted us into a less crowded part of the restaurant. It was strategically situated to offer the customers a scenic view of the city through the ss wall. I noticed that the attendant didn¡¯t ask any more questions so I deduced that Maverick was a frequent customer here.


    We passed a couple at a table who greeted Maverick. I looked up and saw no more than a respected billionaire phnthropist in the country waving his hand to Maverick. My gaze shifted to his venerable wife whom I could even see looking at me from head to toe. Her eyes lingered on my chest. I saw disgust formed on her face.


    I blushed out of embarrassment. I also suddenly shrank into myself. I don¡¯t know but memoriese back to me when our friends found out we were bankrupt. It was the same look they threw at us. I looked down and removed my hand on Maverick¡¯s arm. It was only now that I felt we were too awkward for each other.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look down. You¡¯re beautiful.¡± Maverick whispered in my ear. He grasped my hand and intertwined our fingers.


    Maverick politely returned the greeting to the couple and then led me to our table. He held a chair for me before he sat on his.


    I took a deep breath and regainedposure. I have nothing to be ashamed of. Maverick Fuentebe is even proud of me. With that thought in mind, I met his worried eyes. I smiled sweetly at him to assure him.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry, wolf guy. Feed me now.¡±


    The worry on his face disappeared. He gave me a meaningful smile.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s skip the appetizer. Let¡¯s go straight to the main course. I¡¯m famished.¡±


    ¡°Good. We need it so bad after we ¡­. Stop teasing me!¡±


    He raised his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. Let¡¯s just call the waiter now. You might still be in beast mode. You won¡¯t give in to meter.¡±


    ¡°Is your knee still strong? I felt it shaking earlier.¡±


    ¡°Ah, a challenge. I love challenges.¡±


    Iughed. Maverick stared at me.


    ¡°You should beughing and smiling more often. It suits you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°If I do, then you might not be able to work.¡±


    He shifted at his seat at what I meant. He cleared his throat before hesitantly taking the menu to the table.


    ¡°Let¡¯s order. I don¡¯t like where this is heading.¡±


    I giggled. Maverickughed as well. Ourughter filled the quiet ce.

 Chapter 38

    I got up from the bed and scratched my head. I¡¯m sweaty and breathless as I¡¯m having those episodes of nightmare again.


    My nightmare now was strangepared to the previous nights. I haven¡¯t woken up in the middle of the night for a few days. I usually wake up in the morning, and all I remember is the dream.


    I thought about my dream. The same girl in every dream is calling my name. She¡¯s asking for my help while a big man is dragging her out of the dented car. I tried to reach for her to help, but I couldn¡¯t move my whole body, which was stuck to the steering wheel. I was numb from the pain caused by our collision with a concrete barrier.


    I feel like I was so worthless during those times. I could do nothing but listen to the woman¡¯s faint cry. And then silence. I fought the urge to fall into sleep, but the numbness in my head is throbbing. I closed my eyes and weed the deafening silence. And then I woke up, gasping for air.


    ¡°You¡¯re having a nightmare again.¡±


    I jumped when a hand reached out to touch my bare back. I turned to Feme, who had a worried expression on her face. My gaze went to the book she was holding.


    How long has it been since she¡¯s awake and watching over me? Does she do it every night? Is this the reason why she always wakes upte because of me?


    ¡°Why are you still up? It¡¯ste, ¡°I said instead, and wiped away the sweat.


    I could see the pain that went through his eyes. She feels rejected. It would have been a good time now for us to talk about what she said in the past that she knew, but I refused again.


    Her face went nk.


    ¡°I¡¯m just finishing reading something. The book is so good I can¡¯t put it down. ¡±


    I looked at the digital clock. It¡¯s one o¡¯clock.


    ¡°You can continue that tomorrow. Go to sleep. ¡±


    ¡°Okay, but not before I get you water.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said, stopping her. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll go out too. I have something to finish for work. ¡±


    She froze. Pain shed in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it by smiling.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I got out of bed and put on the t-shirt. I went to the bathroom to wash my face. When I came out of the door, I found Feme sitting on the bed, looking like she was waiting for me.


    She stared at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re still doubting me.¡±


    I froze in my tracks. Her words were like knives that pierced through me. I have no answer because it is correct. I still doubt it. I didn¡¯t want to hear what she had to say about my past first because I knew I would believe her. I want to first remember what happened before I listened to her.


    Feme smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mav. That¡¯s only natural. I have a history of lying and cheating people. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re cautious. But I assure you that everything I know about you in the past is true. Don¡¯t worry that I will force you to listen to me. I will just wait for the time when youe to me and ask me about it. ¡±


    I stared at Feme. I can read the understanding in her eyes. I approached her and kissed her head.


    ¡°Rest. I¡¯ll join youter. ¡±


    I went out of the room and got some wine. I went straight to the home office to finish reading a business proposal. The capsule hotel is already in its interim phase. I just have to review some papers.


    I opened theptop and started working. My dream still lingers in my memory. It¡¯s disturbing me, so I made a decision. It¡¯s high time I went to see my neurologist again.


    I went to my unread emails to find another hotel design proposal. I scrolled through a bunch of messages when something caught my attention. I still have the report sent to me by Butch. I¡¯m contemting whether to read it or not, but I still find myself clicking on it.


    I just wanted to stop in the first part of the report. It recounts Feme¡¯s life after the death of her parents. She worked at a fast food chain as a part-timer while studying in college. She lived in a slum with no family and no money. She has no one to protect her.


    I hovered over the old pictures of Feme. She was obviously suffering from them. She was so skinny and had a lifeless face while mopping inside a fast food chain. I stopped reading and turned off theptop. I can no longer afford to continue reading. My heart is aching with pity for her.


    I finished the wine and left the home office. I stood in front of the window and looked out at the bright buildings outside.


    The dream came back to my mind. I sigh. Maybe it¡¯s time for me to talk to Feme about this. I have to give her a chance.


    I left the window andy down on the sofa. I closed my eyes and started remembering the face of the girl in my dreams. But I don¡¯t really remember anything. I sighed again. I need to see my doctor at the soonest possible time.


    The cell phone rang in my pocket.


    Hello, Jex, ¡°I replied.¡±


    ¡°Sir, your suspicion is correct. Mr. Lagma Rey is a member of El Draconem.¡±


    I sat up straight at what it said.


    ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Levin Monaco is his real name. He was recruited by your father ten years ago to be his second in arms in the organization. He is also the current leader of one of the factions fighting to get the chairmanship of El Draconem. ¡±


    I stood up again to get some wine.


    ¡°Did you check on his base? Did you see anything suspicious? Perhaps he¡¯s hiding something? ¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re concentrating on his real estate business as of now, sir.¡±


    I drank the wine straight from the bottle before returning it to the wine storage.


    ¡°Okay. Keep me posted, Jex. Thank you. ¡±


    I went back to lying on the sofa after putting the cellphone on the table. I put my arm around my forehead and blinked. I didn¡¯t realize that I had fallen asleep.


    I woke upter. I moved to go back to the room, but I was shocked to notice Feme sleeping on top of me. Her face is resting on my chest while her hands are inside my shirt. Her lower body is enclosed in my legs. There was also a nket that fell on the floor.


    I watched Feme sleeping. Her mouth was open and her long hair was all over the ce. Ibed away her hair and kept staring at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you did it, but I¡¯m d that you kept strong. You did ovee the trials. If you had given up, then I wouldn¡¯t have met my match. You made me more alive, Fem. I promise to keep you happy, always. ¡±


    I caressed her face. She moaned and squeezed herself even harder on me. I reached for the nket on the floor and wrapped it around the two of us. I tightened my hands on her back and kissed her head.


    ¡°What did you do to me? I don¡¯t know how to exin what I¡¯m feeling right now. I don¡¯t believe in love given how little time we have spent together, but what else can be the exnation here? ¡±


    I kissed her head and whispered. ¡°I love you, Ms. Alcantara.¡±


    I closed my eyes and smiled at the fact that I had finally admitted it to myself. I just shook myself.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m confessing to a sleeping woman.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 39

    ¡°Mav.¡±


    I held him by the arm just as it was time to go down after the valet opened the limousine door. I nced at the red carpet below us.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong? ¡±


    This prompted the valet to close the door again. Mav gave me his full attention. He took my cold hand and rubbed it on his hand.


    ¡± Hey, look at me. What¡¯s wrong? ¡±


    I first swallowed the blockage in my throat and fixed my perfectly made hair before responding.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared. Can you just go ahead? It¡¯s like I¡¯m going to throw up in here. Please?¡± I pleaded.


    He gave me a reassuring smile that sent his message that he understood me.


    ¡°Nonsense. You don¡¯t have to worry. My family is kind, especially my mother. They will love you like I do.¡±


    He cupped my face while his fingers were caressing my cheek.


    ¡°And besides, I¡¯ll here all night for you. I won¡¯t leave you. Hell, I¡¯ll go with you, even in the powder room. ¡±


    His hand went down to my neck and massaged it.


    ¡°Rx. I won¡¯t leave you. I¡¯ll be with you the whole night. You just have to trust me on this, okay? Hmmm? ¡±


    I hugged him and leaned my face on his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m nervous. I mean, this is the first time that people will see us together at the same event. The news will go out. They¡¯ll dig into who I am and my past. You¡¯ll also be embarrassed eventually. ¡±


    He released myself into his embrace and locked my face in his hands again.


    ¡°We can never control the opinions of other people towards us, but we can always choose to ignore them. Youe from a great family, sweetheart. I found out from mom that your family is somehow acquainted to the Fuentebes. She said something about Bernandino Alcantara being the best man at their wedding.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my uncle.¡±


    He nodded and held my hand.


    ¡°Yes, all I¡¯m saying is that there¡¯s nothing to be ashamed of. Money, power, and social statuse and go. What is important is what we have. You get it? ¡±


    I stared hard at his eyes long enough to understand what he meant. Maverick is asking me to trust him on this so that he can trust me as well. The edge of my eyes warmed at the realization.


    ¡°¡±How did you be someone like this? Act like that arrogant guy again who is full of himself and who doesn¡¯t ept rejections. Come on, bring him back,¡± I joked, shaking my head.


    He caught my hands and pinched my nose.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know that guy. Who¡¯s that, huh? ¡±


    I smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Smile more often. I¡¯ve waited for that before. You look more beautiful when you smile. ¡±


    I blushed at what he said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say you¡¯re just lying to make me feel good because I know I¡¯m really beautiful.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Maverick smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Feme I know. How are you feeling now? Still cold and scared? ¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Not anymore. Just don¡¯t get me out of your sight tonight. Can you do that? ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing that since our time in La Vida, Fem.¡±


    I pouted. ¡°Stalker.¡± I adjusted his navy polo suit and ran my hand over his growing beard.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t shave. That¡¯s itchy. ¡±


    He touched my chin. ¡°You think so? I¡¯d prefer it to grow some more before I cut it off. ¡± His hand went to my thigh and caressed me. ¡°Did you shave for me?¡± He asks in a rough and seductive voice.


    I pinched his ear and stared at his face. I also removed his hand from my thigh.


    ¡°There you are again. I don¡¯t like that look of yours ¡¯cause I know where it will end up again. Let¡¯s go down. Let¡¯s go.¡± I stared at him without moving. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Shall we, mydy in red?¡±


    My smile peeked at what he called me because I am wearing a red gown again. No skin this time. Long sleeve turtleneck is the design of the gown made of crepe material. The style is body fitting is that is up to my heel length. I looked taller with it with my four inch-heel.


    I nodded. ¡°Yes, Mav.¡±


    His wide smile was still on his face until he came down and he held out his hand to me. I reached for it and I went straight down. We were immediately greeted by the sh of the camera. I can¡¯t help but feel ufortable. Why did I forget that it¡¯s a charity gathering? The media is really involved in this.


    I turned to Maverick who understoodly squeezed my hand then held it tightly as we walked the red carpet to the convention hall. He pressed his lip to mine and whispered.


    ¡°Smile Fem. I haven¡¯t forced to marry me yet.¡±


    I smiled at the way he said it. Laughing, I pped him lightly on the shoulder.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Hurt me. Show the whole world that I¡¯m under your mercy.¡±


    Iughed some more.


    ¡°Stop it. With the two of us, you are the more dominant.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I know what you mean.¡±


    He puts his hand on my back when we finally entered through the massive revolving door. The space is so huge. Carpeted floor covered the whole area while the guests are busy talking in their perfectly pleated and designed tables.


    The whole ce glows because of the gowns and jewelry worn by the guests. Expensive chandeliers are dangling from the ceiling down the hall. The diamond ne on my neck courtesy of Maverick is as equally as expensive as the jewelry of everybody. It also spreads light to anyone who can see it.


    Now this brings back some good memories when our ns will held parties and soirees like this.


    I tightened my grip on Maverick¡¯s hand as I looked at his mother. His mom is elegantly garbed in a silver gown and a pair of red ruby earrings. Her fashion statement and the way she carries herself greatly remind me of my mom. I shook my head to get rid of the sadness I felt and put a smile on my lips.


    ¡°Let me warn you about mom, babe. She¡¯s a bit excited to meet you though she doesn¡¯t really know a thing about you yet. I just told her to be her best tonight because she¡¯s about to meet one of the best woman I know. ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m nowhere near your mom, Maverick. Comparing me to her is hyperbole.¡±


    He kissed the side of my ear. ¡°Well, for me you are.¡±


    Raising my gaze, I was greeted by the smiling face of the beautiful Isabe Fuentebe. A sh of recognition crossed her eyes when we were finally in front of her.


    ¡°Hi, darling,¡± she immediately greeted his son who kissed her cheek but her attention was more focused on me. ¡°Care to introduce me to this lovelydy beside you?¡± She said as her eyes blinked at me.


    ¡°Right. You¡¯re really my mother.¡± Maverick held me by the waist. ¡°Mom, I want you to meet Feme Alcantara, my girlfriend. Babe, meet the number one nagger of my life, my mother, the great Isabe Fuentebe.¡±


    My smile spontaneously came out for thedy. I was also entertained by the way Maverick introduced her. I lost my bit of nervousness.


    I held out my hand to her mother. ¡°Good evening, ma¡¯am. It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡±


    But instead of reaching for my hand, thedy suddenly hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. I looked at Maverick who was also smiling looking at us.


    Suddenly my chest tightened because of the strange impulse. It was such a motherly love and touch that I have never received for all of my life. I reciprocated with a hug here. Maverick¡¯s mom was still smiling when she let go of the hug and stared at me.


    ¡°Look what a beautiful woman you brought, Maverick. I can see that you¡¯re strong and bold, hija. Take it from a woman who has meet countless of people in her lifetime.¡±


    I smiled shyly. ¡°So I have heard, ma¡¯am. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Oh no! Don¡¯t call me ma¡¯am. Call me mom instead. Ma¡¯am is for oldies. I live like I¡¯m still in my early twenties but with a beautiful grandchild,¡± she beamed.


    The fun and energy is contagious so my smile widens even more. This is not as bad as I thought it will be.


    ¡°Noted mom. I¡¯ll keep that in mind. First in the checklist.¡±


    ¡°What do we have here?¡±


    We all turned to a couple holding hands and approaching us. Gideon and Sheri are such a great pair with oozing appeal. Love is both in their eyes. It seems that the two are even on the honeymoon stage considering that they have been married for two years.


    ¡°Your brother is finally bringing his girlfriend to meet us,¡± Isabe replied and led me to meet the couple. ¡°This is Feme. Fem, this is Gideon, my youngest son and his lovely wife, Sheri.¡±


    ¡°Wee to the family, sis.¡± Gideon shook my hand while grinning. I blushed at what he said and turned to Maverick just shrugged as if to say he couldn¡¯t do anything about it. I bet he¡¯s enjoying this.


    ¡°Hi, Feme. Nice to meet you. I¡¯m d that Maverick finally found his match. Isn¡¯t it, hon?¡± Sheri said after kissing me.


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll finally see how Maverick will be bent under Feme. Oh, it¡¯s really good and I¡¯m done with that phase, isn¡¯t it sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°Really? Wait till we get home. You¡¯ll see how I deal with you.¡±


    Sheri stared at him sharply.


    He quickly kissed her on the cheek. ¡°Just a joke. We¡¯re good, right? I just finished cleaning the whole house earlier as you ordered. I didn¡¯t ask any of our helper to help me, promise.¡±


    Their conversation was interrupted when Isabeughed at them.


    ¡°Your father and I used to be like that. We¡¯re like dogs and cats when ites to bullying each other. Anyway, you boys should take care of your respective business while wedies will waltz the night away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mom. I saw Mrs. Divina Amor earlier. She asked me if you have a spare time,¡± Sheri said holding my arm.


    ¡°Certainly,¡± replied their mother and also held me by the other arm. ¡°Come Feme. I will introduce you to our circle.¡±


    I turned to Maverick who was right behind me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with youdies,¡± he said and pressed me to his waist.


    ¡°Nonsense. It¡¯s a women¡¯s thing,¡± her mother protested.


    I smiled at Maverick to ease him. ¡°It¡¯s okay, really. I would like to go with them.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? No, I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±


    My cheeks turned red when I caught their teasing stares at us.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, Mav. I¡¯ll be alright. Do your business.¡±


    He¡¯s still hesitating to leave me but when he made sure that I really meant it, he agreed but not before whispering to my ear.


    ¡°I¡¯ll always look at you.¡±


    My entire face blushed when they were able to lead me to a group of women holding champagne sses and talking. His whole family just heard what he said so they always threw me a knowing smile and looked at me the whole duration.


    They introduced me to friends and business associates of the Fuentebes. Every time I introduce myself as an Alcantara every time I shake hands, I am so nervous that someone might mention about my family or someone might ask. So far there is no one so I rxed in thepany of Tita Isabe and Sheri.


    They are so friendly and weing that I found myself getting along with them. His mother kindly introduces me as Maverick¡¯s girlfriend to everyone we meet. I also realized that I miss attending events like this without thinking about my n or what but to just enjoy and mingle. It was as if I had returned to the times when we were still thriving as one of the most powerful ns in the country.


    I never thought I¡¯ll say it but I missed those times.


    I also found out that this charity g was organized by the wife of a politician who advocates helping children in conflict with thew.


    Sometime in our chat with a well -known fashion designer who is based in Dubai, I simply looked around to find Maverick but I didn¡¯t have to do that because his eyes were already focused on me. He is standing among a group of dignified men while holding a ss of wine on his hand. He caught my eye and winked at me. I bit my lips as a response and then turned to the conversation again.


    The smile never left my face until the program started. Maverick went back to my side and assisted me into a seat in the same table his family is sitting.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked after twining our hands together on hisp.


    I gave him a sweet smile. ¡°Yeah, never been better. I thought it was scary but it wasn¡¯t when you were there. Thanks to your mom and Sheri. No one asked either, thank God.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d.¡± He kissed my hand and rested his arm on the back of my chair.


    We concentrated on listening to the speakers. The dinner was served after and then came the dancing. He invited me to dance as the ssic song soared.


    ¡°So what do you think about my family?¡± he asked as we slowly move into the rhythm of the music.


    ¡°Hmm, let me think.¡± I dragged my hands over his neck and caressed his nape. ¡°Your mom is a revtion. She¡¯s so kind, warm-hearted and very fun to be with. I didn¡¯t expect that because I prepared for the woman I saw in TV and business section of the newspapers. Sheri reminds me of my cousins while Gideon is like the less-aggressive version of you. I like him. You¡¯re both funny but he¡¯s far from your arrogance. ¡±


    He chuckled.


    I buried my face in his chest and smelled his fruity scent.


    ¡°Well, you won¡¯t have a hard time adjusting just in case.¡±


    He kissed me on the hair and pulled me even closer to it.


    I was stunned at the implication of what he said. Surely, he wasn¡¯t thinking about it.


    When the song change again, I told him I¡¯ll go to bathroom. He would have apanied me if I hadn¡¯t justughed off his suggestion. When I came out of the powder room I was surprised to see a woman waiting for me at the door. Her whiteplexion is very evident in the emerald gown she is wearing. She looked up at me with a jealous expression on her face and then scanned my appearance.


    Monica Santabe.


    I stayed on my position and do the same to her.


    ¡°Girlfriend? You?¡± She sips from the ss she is holding. ¡°That¡¯s why you look familiar the first time I saw you. I know you, Feme Alcantara. You¡¯re the only daughter of the eldest son of the patriarch of the Alcantaras. You are the heiress. I know that because we¡¯ve been invited to your ce when you were still a princess. ¡±


    She approached and red at me.


    ¡°Even if you dress up expensively with all your million pieces of jewelry, I can still smell your pitiful ass. As if being in a family who has been pped with countlesswsuits is not enough, you chose to go lower.¡±


    My teeth gritted and my fists clenched. My family is my exposed scale anyone should never dare poke fun at.


    I raised my brow and crossed my arms.


    ¡°I know where you¡¯re heading. That I worked inside a club and I sold my body. Well, guess what? You¡¯re right. But you know the best thing that happened because of that? Maverick, the love of your life, just bought me and made me his girlfriend. And sweetheart, it felt heaven with Maverick. He loves me, protects me, and showers me with everything, something the likes of you can¡¯t ever ever have with him. He epts me for who I am now as well as my past. ¡±


    I felt pleasure to see the pain materialize on her face. She drained the contents of the ss and looked at me calmly. Her voice was soft when she spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re like all of them. He¡¯s just ying on you. Eventually, you two will also break up and Maverick will go back to his old ways. I¡¯ll just let him be until he realizes that the one he¡¯s looking for has been on his side all along.¡±


    ¡°I pity you, Monica. As a woman I sympathize with how you feel but please , stop that stupidity of yours. Suppose we broke up today, does that make you think he will love you? No, he won¡¯t. There wille another one like me that he will want and that will never be you. Girl, stop obsessing about my man. He only considers you a friend. I know better, okay? ¡± I smelled her. ¡°Fix yourself. You look like you¡¯re drunk.¡±


    I turned my back and started walking away.


    ¡°You¡¯re just going to hurt him.¡±


    My steps faltered. She approached me. There¡¯s an unreadable emotion on her eyes.


    ¡°Your baggage will keep him from being happy. No matter what you will do, you can¡¯t escape the sin of your n, Feme. Don¡¯t be selfish. Let go of Maverick. I can see that you love him and even if it hurts to admit it, everyone here can see that he feels the same way about you. But what can you offer other than your love? Nothing. Let him go and I swear, I¡¯ll take care of him. ¡±


    After saying that, she walked towards the CR. I was left out of breath and staggering. The woman has a point.


    I looked around then I looked down to myself. My dress is expensive and so is my shoes, my jewelry and make-up but my life? It¡¯s far from being morous.


    Suddenly, I felt so out of ce. Monica is right. I don¡¯t belong in this world anymore. Our era is long over. We have long been defeated by the Asturians. We have copsed.


    What can I offer for Maverick then?


    Nothing.


    I saw Maverick and his family having a warm conversation. They look so happy and contented.


    Who am I to disturb their silence?


    I felt somewhat better for a moment. I know I made the right decision.


    ¡°But I¡¯m two steps ahead, Monica. Always two steps ahead.¡±


    I calmed myself and posted a smile on my face as if nothing had happened as I walked back towards Maverick.

 Chapter 40

    I immediately started to maneuver my Ford Mustang when Luther lowered the race g. Cholo did not give up and his Porsche also fired up and apanied me on the race track.


    We have a close fight. There are times when he overtakes me, but I easily get the advantage again.


    I grinned when he lowered the window and shouted at me. ¡°Dude, just chill! Don¡¯t take it too seriously! You might even burn your car. You¡¯ll have to pay me for that!¡±


    ¡°Keep on dreaming, man!¡± I shouted back.


    I changed my gears and elerated my speed. Just a few turns and downs before we see the finish line. In the distance, I saw Luther sitting on the ground while taking pictures. The guy is into photography these days. Tomorrow, maybe his hobby will be different.


    Just anotherp is remaining before the finish line, so I¡¯mfortable that I¡¯ll win. Cholo is close behind me, but I can still widen our gap.


    The ringing tone of my cellphone on the dashboard distracted me in a good way. I immediately smiled at the thought of Feme. Using my other hand while the other was on the steering wheel, I picked it up and read her message. It was just a smiling emoji in reply to my statement earlier, but it was as if I was floating in the sky in joy.


    I shook my head. ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Maverick.¡±


    When Cholo suddenly overtook and got ahead of me in line, I justughed and stroked the car I had just bought.


    ¡°Goodbye, friend.¡±


    I was still shaking my head when I crossed the line and parked the car next to Cholo¡¯s.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re in rust, pal,¡± Cholo yelled at me as I approached them at the finish track of the race. He leaned against his Porsche next to our grand marshal, Luther. Instead of being annoyed, I just shrugged it off.


    ¡°Today is not my day.¡±


    I took the key from my pocket and threw it at him, which he immediately caught.


    ¡°As we agreed, my Ford Mustang is already yours.¡±


    He rotated the key with one finger.


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll take this baby tomorrow to an event.¡±


    I grinned. ¡°With the number of cars you have in the garage, this is what you¡¯re going to brag about.¡±


    He just grinned before looking at the car with pleasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s different, man. It¡¯s a trophy. I got this because I beat you. I finally got my revenge for my Ford that you gotst month.¡±


    I smiled and remembered my friend¡¯s sad face as he handed me the key to his custom-made car. With regret, I looked at my newly purchased car.


    ¡°What happened there, man? You suddenly slowed down,¡± Luthermented.


    I remembered the emoji Feme sent me. It was as if I could still see it throwing a heart sign at me.


    ¡°I just received a very important message, so I need to respond.¡±


    ¡°In the middle of a race?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yup. That¡¯s how important it is.¡±


    Cholo elbowed Luther. ¡°Have you heard about the hottest news?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Luther strapped the camera strap around his neck.


    ¡°Maverick brought his girl to an eventst night. Almost everyone already knows that. Where are you hanging out at this time? In La Vida again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m from Japan to take care of our joint project with Maverick.¡± Luther turned to me. ¡°That¡¯s why you are distracted. Who¡¯s the girl?¡±


    ¡°Feme Alcantara,¡± Cholo replied before I could answer his question.


    I was punched in the stomach by Luther.


    ¡°Woah, that¡¯s why you¡¯ve been going crazy these past few days. You¡¯re a different man! Finally, you got her.¡±


    My face darkened at what it meant.


    ¡°What do you mean got?¡±


    He raised his palms as if surrendering to a police operation.


    ¡°Chill, man. I don¡¯t mean anything bad there. What I mean is that you finally got her as your girlfriend, and it looks like you¡¯ve been hit by the love virus as well. Is that true?¡±


    No doubt, I nodded.


    ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯m already nning to propose to her.¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Last night while Feme was sleeping in my arms, I made my decision that I would propose to her. I might have no idea how she will react, but I need to let her know that I respect and treasure her. My intentions towards her were clear. I don¡¯t want her to think that I¡¯m taking advantage of the fact that she¡¯s living with me. I want it to legally bind to her. I can¡¯t wait for her to be a mother to our children.


    ¡°Woah, my man! Congrats right there! Now I have to look for the grandest gift ever.¡±


    Cholo justughed before falling silent again.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask for this car as a gift so take care of that,¡± I joked.


    ¡°No chance, bro. I¡¯ll take this baby home with me.¡± He went inside the car. ¡°I¡¯ll just do some tests on this baby. Congrats, man! Your honeymoon¡¯s on me.¡±


    And then he sped away like a child who had his first toy.


    Luther and I just followed him with a sigh.


    ¡°Maverick, about the construction of the capsule hotel, did you like the design my team submitted?¡± Luther asked as we walked towards the bleachers of the stadium.


    ¡°I have yet to make a decision. So far, I liked the ns you have sent me. I¡¯ll ask my assistant to contact you if I have the final decision.¡± I sat down and opened the bottled water. Luther also took a drink.


    ¡°Which assistant are you referring to?¡±


    My forehead furrowed at the hint in his voice. ¡°Of course I¡¯m talking about Ivan. Who are you thinking of?¡±


    He grinned and shrugged. ¡°Well, I have a particr person in mind.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, man. Don¡¯t mess with Christine. She¡¯s innocent. Don¡¯t y with her.¡±


    He tapped me on the shoulder before standing up.


    ¡°Your secretary is an adult, man. She can decide for herself.¡±


    He parted his hair and showed me the cut on his forehead.


    ¡°Did you see that? She did it to me. That vixen. So aggressively innocent. You know me, Maverick. I like a challenge.¡±


    The corner of my mouth rose. ¡°Remind me to give her a raise. She deserves it by tainting your face. I didn¡¯t really make a mistake in hiring her.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a real friend, Maverick.¡±


    I just grinned at him.


    Our conversation came to a halt when my cell phone rang again in my pocket.


    I stepped aside and answered it.


    ¡°Hello, Jex.¡±


    ¡°Sir, the security force that you assigned for Ms. Alcantara has lost her. They reported that she can¡¯t be found in the dressing room of the mall, sir.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    My chest throbbed with worry and fear.


    ¡°Check the ce. Check every CCTV. Call me right after.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    My mind came into a race when I looked at Luther.


    ¡°What was that?¡± he asked.


    I sighed in frustration before answering.


    ¡°Feme¡¯s missing. Can I ask for a favor, Luther?¡±


    He nodded and immediately took out his cellphone.


    ¡°Do you have a connection with Interpol?¡±


    My cellphone rang again. ¡°Wait a sec. Hello.¡± I didn¡¯t even bother to see who was calling.


    ¡°Maverick.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± I read the name before putting the cellphone back to my ear. ¡°What is it Butch? It¡¯s not the best time, man. I¡¯m having an emergency.¡±


    ¡°I know where Feme is.¡± He said it so calmly that it was as if he had just told me what he had eaten earlier. I see red immediately.


    ¡°You fucking! Where is he!¡± I screamed. I grabbed the key from Luther¡¯s hand and ran to his car. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt her. If it¡¯s rted to-¡±


    ¡°Rx. She¡¯s not with me.¡± He cut me off.


    I saw Luthere over and take the key from me. He motioned for me to the car. Iplied. With my state now, I will definitely met an ident on the road.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I asked, trying to calm myself.


    ¡°Before I tell you, I just want to remind you that this is your chance to take over the management of the group. Then coerced him to give back Feme¡¯s sister. It¡¯s the only way I see, Maverick. For the safety of your loved one.¡±


    I didn¡¯t ask him about the fact that he knew about Feme¡¯s sister. It¡¯s more important now that I know where Feme is.


    ¡°You¡¯re not my father, Butch. Don¡¯t decide for me. When I find out you have something to do with this, I will make sure you will pay for this. I can¡¯t forgive you if ever. Where is she?¡±


    He answered me. I turned off the call and threw the phone.


    I hit the dashboard and closed my eyes. ¡°Damn. I¡¯ming for you, Feme.¡±


    Luther elerated his drive. Minutester, I¡¯ve made a hundred calls to save her, to save the other piece of my life.


    ¡°Hang in there, Fem.¡±

 Chapter 41

    ¡°So what do you think, Lagma? Do you ept my proposal?¡±


    He just watched me from his while leaning on the swivel chair. His face didn¡¯t change even a bit when I told him about the proposal.


    Finally he stood up, lit a cigarette and went back to his seat in hisvish office in a high-rise building.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just repeat what you said earlier because I may be deaf. Maybe it¡¯s an effect of my few days staying at the construction site.¡±


    He inhaled the smoke and puffed it to the side. ¡°You want me to release Trisha in your ce. You want to take your sister¡¯s ce in exchange for her freedom, am I right?¡±


    I smiled at him and folded my arms. ¡°Right. You got it too. So? What do you think? Besides, I really should be your target, right? Not Trisha.¡±


    He emitted smoke again, this time on my face. I covered my nose.


    ¡°Yup, it¡¯s a very good proposal, I must admit. But I can¡¯t trade anything for you because I don¡¯t have Trisha.¡±


    I yawned at his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s it again? Are you going to deny it again? Mr. Lagma Rey, who do you think I am? Have you forgotten that I should be the one to rece my father¡¯s throne in the businesses of Alcantara? It¡¯s a pity that I don¡¯t have a kingdom to rule over now. Anyway. ¡±


    I pulled out the sealed envelope and tore it in front of him.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t deny that Trisha is not in your care. Here¡¯s the evidence.¡± I stood up and one by oneid down the photos of my twin at a resort with Lagma. ¡°Hey, she looks hot in here,¡± I pointed to the picture of Trisha in a bikini. ¡°Oh my, you guys looked good together! Why did I piece it just now?¡± Smiling, I nced at Lagma¡¯s expressionless face while looking at the photos. ¡°What? You¡¯re still going to deny it?¡±


    He pressed the inte and angrily instructed his secretary. Rowald entered the office in a second.


    ¡°What does this mean, Rowald?!¡± He angrily growled at the man.


    Unmoved, Rowald¡¯s gaze met Lagma.


    ¡°It¡¯s high time you return Trisha to her family, Rey. Eight years is enough. She¡¯s not really the one you¡¯re supposed to take so I wonder why you haven¡¯t let her go until now,¡± Rowald said.


    I smiled broadly as I took a picture of the two of them smiling at each other.


    ¡°Idiot. I can answer that.¡± I stared hard at Lagma while my brows were raised. ¡°He has fallen in love with her. But ¡­¡± I paused for a while. ¡°She can¡¯t seem to reciprocate the feelings because ¡­¡± I shifted my gaze to the two men and smiled innocently. ¡°She loves someone else.¡±


    The two fell silent at what I said so I took the opportunity.


    ¡°But if you really love her, you¡¯ll let her go, Lagma. Take me as her recement. Of the two of us, I¡¯m more useful to you. Isn¡¯t the reason why you thought of kidnapping me is for my blood? I¡¯m an Rh negative and so are you. Given your condition, hemophilia, which means you have to take in blood transfusions, I could be of great use to you. So what are you waiting for? Take me, Lagma. I¡¯m all yours. ¡±


    I opened my arms andughed at them.


    Suddenly, the door opened which was followed by footsteps. And then a powerful but familiar voice echoed inside the room.


    ¡°Touch even a strand of her hair and I swear you¡¯ll never make it out of this room alive, Lagma.¡±


    I closed my eyes tightly when I heard Maverick¡¯s voice. How could he ruin such a perfect moment for me?


    I felt his grip on my arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Feme.¡±


    I pushed his hand away with all my might.


    ¡°Don¡¯t interfere here, Fuentebe. I¡¯m still not done negotiating with him. Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Well I say you are! Come on!¡±


    He touched my hand again but I quickly backed away and looked at him sharply.


    ¡°Stop getting involved. You have no right.¡±


    Pain and rejection crossed his eyes but I pretended like I never saw them. I returned my focus to Lagma who was sitting down again.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? What do you say?¡± I ask here.


    ¡°Feme!¡± Maverick shouted but I ignored him. I paid full attention to Lagma.


    ¡°Call. When do you want to change?¡±


    I breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Tomorrow would be the best time.¡±


    Lagma nodded and picked up the cellphone. But before he could call someone, a gunshot rang out in the whole room. The phone was shattered into pieces. My eyes widened as I turned to Maverick whose face was very dark while holding the gun.


    ¡°Do that and I¡¯ll give thest will and testament of my father to Butch,¡± he dangerously threatened. ¡°Surely you wouldn¡¯t want to be on my wrong side, right Lagma?¡±


    He handed the gun to Jex who immediately handed it to a man behind him.


    ¡°The exchange will happen tomorrow, Lagma Rey. The will of my father and Feme¡¯s sister will be duly exchanged tomorrow.¡±


    That was all and he just pulled me out. We even passed Rowald leaning against the wall while staring hard at Jex.


    Even though I¡¯m shocked and scared because of what happened, I still noticed the number of men Maverick brought. They were lined up in the hallway like soldiers in an operation. We  passed them until we reached the elevator. In the parking lot, there are still a few vans waiting.


    I was unable to speak even when he forced me to ride in the back of the car. He didn¡¯t drive. Jex is in the front of the driver¡¯s seat.


    I was reeling from the mishaps of today when the car stopped outside his hotel.  Maverick opened the door to my side and held out his palm to me.


    I swallowed my fear and epted his hand. I almost withdrew the hand because of his tight grip. We didn¡¯t ride the elevator. He took me to a function room on the first floor of the hotel. After closing the door, he faced me with those fiery eyes again.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    Instead of showing my fear, I chose to pretend to be brave. I know this will happen so why should I prolong it.


    Waiting for the abomination to happen is more ruthless than the abominable itself.


    ¡°Do I still need to exin? You heard all of them. Do I still need to go into detail?¡± I looked up to him so I could clearly see how his eyes zed in pain of betrayal.


    ¡°After everything Fem? You still can¡¯t trust me? If you want your sister back, you could have asked for my help! Why would you go to him of all people?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already asked you Maverick but you refused to help me.¡±


    ¡°Just give me time! It¡¯s not  easy to do what you¡¯re asking. My father¡¯s memory and my sanity depend on it. But even before this, I¡¯ve started investigating. Why can¡¯t you wait for another week?¡±


    He faced her with a look of resentment on his face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for you anymore. I don¡¯t want to wait. I¡¯m tired. This is it. Please, see the reason, Maverick,¡± I pleaded.


    He turned around and violently ran his hand through her hair.


    ¡°I can¡¯t for fuck¡¯s sake see any reason about you trading yourself! How about me? How about us? Didn¡¯t you feel the same way for me, Feme? Didn¡¯t you even think of that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just saying that because you have a choice. I don¡¯t. All my life was dedicated to this.¡± I sobbed. ¡°I¡¯m tired too, Maverick. I can¡¯t sleep every night because I always dream of them. Every day, my conscience eats me up because I should be in Trisha¡¯s position now. I should be the one without freedom now. I don¡¯t seem to have the right to be happy. I shouldn¡¯t be happy because someone suffered for me. Do you understand me?¡±


    I turned around and wiped away my tears.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s all the fault of that fucking Lagma!¡±


    ¡°But we can¡¯t do anything, can we? Yes, it¡¯s all his fault. He¡¯s a criminal, a kidnapper. Yes, that¡¯s him and everything. But what can I do? I¡¯m just an ordinary person. I can¡¯t do anything other than what I did earlier. ¡±


    He grabbed me by the shoulders to make me face him.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m helping you. I¡¯m here for you. My men are already in the field. If Lagma doesn¡¯t fulfill the agreement tomorrow, I¡¯ll be the one to fight him.¡±


    I pushed his hand away from me and walked away. Suddenly I felt so cold.


    ¡°In expense of what? Will you give thest will and testament to that fucking killer? That¡¯s against the will of your father. The legacy your father worked so hard for will be wasted. You don¡¯t want that and certainly, your mother wouldn¡¯t want that. You can also marry me then you assume the leadership of the group and then get my sister back. But what will happen then? You will hate me. Because of helping me, you will be the person you hated so much. We¡¯ll part ways and then we will both be miserable. I don¡¯t want that to happen to the two of us, Maverick. Our memories together are the most precious thing in my entire life. So let me be. ¡±


    He smiled bitterly. ¡°How about me? Do you think I¡¯ll be happy knowing that I lost the chance of being with you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to forget me. It¡¯s not like we¡¯ve been for years already. Time does heal everything.¡±


    ¡°If time heals everything then why are you here? You¡¯re here because you¡¯re still hurting. That¡¯s a fact. Sometimes wounds are too deep, they never heal.¡±


    Heughed bitterly and sat on the edge of the table. I averted my eyes so I could not see the pain on his face.


    ¡°You don¡¯t really trust me that I can do it my way? You do realize I just did right?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here now so let me tell you about your past. How yours was connected with mine. How that freaking ident you¡¯re talking about is the same ident Trisha is involved in.¡±


    He stood up and raised a palm to stop me. I bit my lips to prevent a cry from escaping.


    ¡°See? You can¡¯t really listen to me. How can you question my trust in you if you couldn¡¯t give it to me too?¡±


    ¡°Because you lied to me! All along you knew me. You even have the n of using me. Of course I¡¯ll really doubt you.¡±


    I cried.


    ¡°Then why would you help me?¡± I ask him in a low voice. ¡°Why would you still put up with me if you know I¡¯m a liar?¡±


    ¡°Because I love you!¡± he erupted. ¡°I care for you. Even if sometimes I think you¡¯re just using me, still I keep on believing about us. I still believe there is still a future for us Feme. So I can¡¯t believe what you did today. Why does it seem like it¡¯s so easy for you to throw away everything we¡¯ve been together? Why does it feel like you¡¯ll leave me at any instant? Am I the only one who loves the two of us? Tell me. ¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I can¡¯t contain my feelings anymore so I just let it out through crying. I never thought his confession would be as ugly as this.


    ¡°You already know the answer there, Maverick. But I can¡¯t let it blur my mission. I c-can¡¯t love you.¡±


    I heard his violent breathing as if he was just holding back from throwing things. He took a long time before he said something.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked in a whisper as if he¡¯s asking himself rather than asking me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know the answer tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m insulted at how little you think of what I can do, Feme. You put so little of your faith on someone who is willing to do everything for you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. I focused my blurred gaze on the marble floor. I did not have the courage to look up.


    ¡°How did we get here? We were so happy thest time,¡± he muttered. ¡°I never thought that happiness could be this vtile.¡±


    I closed my eyes and let the tears flow first. I didn¡¯t open my eyes even though I heard the door open and close.


    I lost my strength gradually and like a fading candle, I fell to my knees on the floor. I put my hand over my mouth and let out a cry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mav. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

 Chapter 42

    As we were on our way to the airbase, I could feel the distance between the two of us. She is on the far side of the car seat while I was on the other. None of us talked to each other during the drive until we reached the destination. Almost at the same time we also got off and walked near the runway.


    Behind us were my men who were positioned in their ces. I also have a security force all over the ce in case the worst happens.


    I¡¯m still angry at her for what she had decided to do without even saying it to me. And I will never allow her to do what she wants to happen. I have no intention of prolonging our quarrel today. I just wanted to give ourselves some space to think things out. What I can guarantee is the fact that there¡¯s definitely no break-up that will happen.


    ¡°Even if you reject me now, I¡¯ll still tell you the whole story about the past. I don¡¯t care if you don¡¯t want to listen. It¡¯s now or never, Mav.¡±


    I slightly turned to Feme who was standing next to me. I can¡¯t read her face because of her sunsses but I can certainly sense her steadfastness.


    ¡°I¡¯ll provide the details that no detective can give you.¡± She took a deep breath before continuing. ¡°Our n is known for wealth and power but as much as possible, we keep it low key. That¡¯s just who we are and that¡¯s how our ancestors survived so we keep on the tradition. Our rivals, the Asturias are not that hidden from the public knowledge. We were on top of every field and industry in our town. We practically ran the whole ce. Politicians first consulted us on what they were going to do before they implemented it. But we didn¡¯te that far easily. The tradition is strict and ourw. We were a very conservative family who believed in every superstition. We have a funny belief inside the n that if any of the women in the family will conceive twins, we would fall.¡± Sheughed hysterically. ¡°Imagine that! It¡¯s so funny isn¡¯t it? But we were also a family of crazy and too traditional people so that idea floated on until the next generations. And finally, our mother gave birth to us. My parents were so scared that she hid her other child from all of the family. If that news got out, we would have been killed instantly by our own rtives. Yes, that¡¯s how crazy they are.¡±


    She sighed.


    I remained silent and just let her tell the story.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it. My mother couldn¡¯t hide that she was pregnant so what they did is, she separated Trisha from me. I was the weaker one so they chose me. They sent Trisha to our staff in a distant province. One day, they realized that they chose the wrong one. I don¡¯t even have a single musical talent. I always break any instrument I touch. I don¡¯t know how to sing. I can¡¯t y any musical instrument. For an Alcantara, that¡¯s a big shame. Music runs in our blood but I guess it skipped me. On the other hand, they heard that Trisha won a musicalpetition. They were so ted to know that. They n to swap us again but it¡¯s unlikely that no one will notice. We were not identical twins. I live every day inparison to them with me to Trisha. Not that it matters that I excel in business. I¡¯m just a woman. I can¡¯t hold one because ording to our tradition, our grandfather¡¯s eldest son will rece the father.¡±


    She paused for a moment to catch her breath.


    ¡°One day, our parents decided to visit Trisha. I tag along. I also want to see her because I can only see her in the pictures. The one day visit ended in a few weeks. I loved the ce that¡¯s why I did everything to beg them to let me stay for a while. It was only there that I felt truly free. No rules, no musical sses and no parents who will alwayspare me to my sister. Trisha and I never got close to each other. She spent her time envying my privileged life while I do the same because of her talent. And then you came along. ¡±


    I gasped at what she said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked.


    We heard above the roar of aing helicopter. We both looked up in the air while Feme answered my question.


    ¡°Your parents deported you to the province in yourst year of college. It¡¯s the same province Trisha lived in. It¡¯s also the same time that I lived there. You and Trisha fell in love with each other. It¡¯s the reason she¡¯s in the same car with you during that ident. Lagma crashed into your car that night. We were just caught by the former but I still saw the dog he was carrying and the tattoo he had on his neck before he finally put Trisha in the van. I called 911 to save you. The ident didn¡¯t make the news because they did everything to hide the fact that I have twins but it¡¯s toote for our family. It created an internal turmoil which caused our downfall. ¡±


    It was as if I became deaf to what I heard. I stood my ground while still mentally processing all these things.


    The helicopternded and blew away Feme¡¯s hair. Her sses flew off revealing her cold hurting eyes.


    ¡°You always ask why you¡¯re so crazy with me? You ask why you loved me for a very short time? You ask if it¡¯s even possible? But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s me you loved, Mav. You just felt that to me. Because you remember her. You are reminded of her through me. Your subconscious recognized our simrity,¡± she said in a controlled voice.


    ¡°I never believed for once about your love for me, Fuentebe. Never,¡± she added.


    I clenched my teeth at her words. How dare she doubt my love for her? When I am more than ready to forgive her, forget about everything, and offer her everything I got?


    Our attention was caught when the car door opened and a woman came out.


    ¡°Remember about that story I told you on ourst night at the ind?¡±


    Though shocked and unable to believe her confessions, I still managed to remember that night. Heck, I remember everything about her. I remember everything we did together and everything rted to her.


    ¡°What about it?¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    My eyes are fixated on the girl descending from the chopper.


    ¡°You¡¯re about to meet her. That girl.¡±


    She started walking to meet the woman.


    I remained still on my feet. I try to see the woman¡¯s face. When I realized that her face looked like her, I felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach.


    Suddenly, the woman in my dream had a face. I couldn¡¯t move and just waited for what would happen. Feme and the woman talked for a while before Trisha¡¯s eyes came to me.


    She smiled and then she came running towards me. She suddenly hugged me very tightly while crying. I didn¡¯t respond. I can¡¯t respond because I don¡¯t know how to sift through this happening.


    My gaze flew to Feme who averted her eyes from us. Without expression, she turned around and got into the car I didn¡¯t realize had arrived.


    I removed the arms of the woman who hugged me to chase the woman I loved but she held me tighter and she cried harder.


    I looked back at the helicopter and saw Lagma staring hard at us. I saw Jex handing an envelope to a Lagma staff.


    What just happened?

 Chapter 43

    Her eyebrows were raised and a fake smile was ying on her lips when I greeted Trisha. I breathed a sigh of relief to see that she was in good condition. In fact, she got a lot better than I remembered her years ago. It looks like Lagma takes good care of her because her beautifulplexion, hair, and expensive clothes cannot be mistaken.


    Who would have thought that she was kidnapped? It¡¯s like she¡¯s justing back from an out of the country vacation.


    She looked at me sharply as I stopped in front of her.


    ¡°I see that you look well,¡± I said and looked at her from head to toe.


    She reciprocated by also looking over me.


    ¡°Why did you just let me out now? Eight years, Feme! You left me for eight years! It¡¯s good that you even thought of making a way to save me. I thought I was going to rot inside,¡± she said in an annoyed tone.


    I crossed my arms and gave her a bored look.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t changed. Try harder, Trisha. Act some more. Come on, you¡¯re stillcking in acting! Hug me. Didn¡¯t you miss me? Aren¡¯t you thankful? Who would believe that you¡¯ve been neglected by Lagma? That man is so into you so I think and I presumed that he made your life in his cute little prison a paradise. ¡±


    Her expression went berserk. ¡°And you¡¯re still not changing. You¡¯re still the same as before who doesn¡¯t care how others feel. You¡¯re still insensitive. Just because I¡¯m wearing this and looking like this, I have no right to be hurt for the eight wasted years of my life? ¡±


    I was moved by what she said but I did not show it. I have to keep this fa?ade no matter what.


    ¡°Who said you were the only one who suffered? Both of us suffered, Trisha. We¡¯re just the same so you don¡¯t have the right to criticize me. Why did you go with Maverick that night? If you didn¡¯t then he could have sessfully got me. Not you.¡±


    She gasped and tears rolled down her eyes.


    ¡°Really, Feme? I¡¯m still really at fault here? Why are you like that?¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± I eximed. ¡°This is going petty. It¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m so kind to beg and ckmail your boyfriend who doesn¡¯t remember you to help me to get you out of here because that Lagma has no intention of letting you go.¡±


    Her face flushed and the longing immediately registered on her face.


    ¡°Maverick? Where is he? Is he with you?¡±


    I tilted my head to where the man was. Trisha¡¯s gaze followed me and the look of excitement on her face was evident. She was about to run in Maverick¡¯s direction but I suddenly stopped him by the arm.


    I stared at Trisha¡¯s face for a long time. We are unmistakably simr except for a few striking differences. Her face is innocent while mine is sophisticated. Something she used to envy. She wanted to be me and to look like me. Many say we¡¯re like morning and night in difference. I say we¡¯re not as different as they said. From then until now, we both loved the same person.


    This is what we both have inmon.


    Right now I¡¯m looking at a total stranger. Our gap was even worse than before because of our distance. I don¡¯t see any hint that this is my sister. I feel nothing at all while looking at her face.


    I caressed her cheek and gave her a small smile.


    ¡°I ept your gratitude if you don¡¯t ask. But even if you don¡¯t give it to me, I¡¯m still happy you¡¯re finally free. Your freedom means my freedom too.¡± I tapped her on the shoulder. ¡°As we go on our separate roads, live your life from now. Go, get your man.¡±


    She was stunned by what I said but quickly discarded it and raised her face to me.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just ask for his help? Why not before? I knew Maverick would make a way to get me if he found out about what happened to me.¡±


    I smirked. She really is spitting facts on my face.


    ¡°You really want to go there huh. Well, sister, I¡¯m not a saint. I¡¯m just a human being too. Losing you was a good thing for me back then. I just realized that I wanted to be a hero and save the distress princess that needs my saving. ¡±


    She stared at me for a few seconds to confirm if I was serious about what I was saying.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said and ran over to Maverick.


    I took a deep breath and looked up. Lagma and I caught sight of each other inside the helicopter. He is wearing his mask again.


    I looked at the couple who¡¯s hugging each other. Maverick caught my eye so I looked back at Lagma who was looking back and forth between me and the couple.


    I grinned at Lagma before finally leaving that ce. I can¡¯t forgive the human in me for forgiving the guy. I will forever curse him into pieces for ruining us.


    Dave immediately pulled the car away as I boarded. I didn¡¯t bother to look back anymore.


    This is the end of my eight-year suffering. It¡¯s time for me to focus on my life even though it seems so impossible for everything to be back to normal. I was seriously wounded in the fight. Just a little push and I¡¯m going to die in pain and misery.


    It seems like a huge thorn has been pulled out from my chest. Finally, I finished my mission. But what I didn¡¯t prepare for is the growth of another thorn inside me.


    It hurts. It hurts so much. It was as if my heart was being squeezed into pieces. It was as if thousands of needles were piercing my heart right now. Seeing them together like they were meant for each other hits different. It reduces me into a mere intermediary, a spectator who has finally delivered the princess to her prince.


    I am the wicked twin sister who fell in love with Prince Charming who is destined to marry the princess. In the end, I have my redeeming factor and brought the two to their happy ever after.


    I bit my tongue to prevent myself from drying hard but I let therge beads of tears drip down.


    I needed them to fall for me to rise from this horrible pain.


    I¡¯m happy. I am so happy because I have freed Trisha. I fulfilled my promise to my parents. I wanted to hug her earlier but I restrained myself when I saw the hatred on her face.


    I thought it¡¯s better this way. Her thinking is the worst in me. She can think all the bad things about me. That mother chose me, that I enjoyed afortable life, and that I should have suffered for eight years and not her. Heck, she should add that I slept and fell in love with her boyfriend because that¡¯s true as hell.


    But she wouldn¡¯t know that despite the fact that I will always be just in her shadow. With the love and attention of our parents and in Maverick¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    I ignored Dave¡¯s question and looked outside the moving vehicle. He fell silent and did not speak.


    I jolted out of my sadness when Dave suddenly hit the brake causing me to almost crash into the front of the car seat. Someone cut the car in front of us. The owner came out with a dark expression on his face like he knocked out the car window at any moment. I wiped my face first before getting out of the car to face Rowald.


    His eyes narrowed in anger. He sighed and put his hands on his side ready to confront me.


    ¡°You¡¯re still a coward until now. Why didn¡¯t you fight for him? I thought time has toughened you?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. But so does it let me see the other side. Sometimes, it¡¯s better to keep it to myself.¡±


    I leaned on the car to bnce myself.


    ¡°It¡¯s never right, Feme. You¡¯re twisting everything. Who are you to decide on Maverick?¡±


    ¡°Really? It really came from you, Rowald? I know you¡¯re just helping me so you can use me to convince Maverick to take the position in the group. Obviously you failed and now Lagma has the leadership. You lost so I can¡¯t understand why you¡¯re still convincing me now. Let¡¯s stop this. Do your part. Be with him all the time. I better go. ¡±


    I opened the car door.


    ¡°I¡¯m not what he needs now.¡±


    I tightened my grip on the door. ¡°I do not care.¡±


    ¡°Running again?¡±


    ¡°No, not anymore,¡± I whispered. ¡°This time I¡¯m here to stay ¡­ away from them.¡±


    I got in the car and ordered Dave to get me out of here.


    We arrived at Vida¡¯s pad feeling the exhaustion from everything.


    I immediately hugged Vida and cried on her shoulder. She patted me in the back and helped me into the living room. We sat on the sofa while she wiped away my tears. Dave was in the doorway and just staring at us.


    ¡°You want to talk?¡± She asked amidst my silence.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I shook my head. ¡°No. I want to be alone.¡±


    It sure took a long time before she answered me.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll take care of something at La Vida, too.¡±


    She stood up and led Dave out. When the door closed, my tears flowed again. I could no longer hold my voice and like a child, I hugged my arm to myself. Iy down on the sofa while the tears went on.


    I closed my eyes and let my memories of the past pass for thest time before I finally closed this chapter of my life.


    shback


    Water was dripping from my whole body down to the floor as I entered the medium -sized room that Trisha and I shared. I came from the stream to swim again. Since mom and dad allowed me to stay here in Sta. Barbara in the care of Letty, it has be my habit to go to the stream every day to take a bath.


    When I first saw the river, I was fascinated by its beauty. Our Olympic size swimming pool in the mansion has no match to its natural and stunning view. It¡¯s like a ce straight out from a jungle story. It was literally inside the forest that was included in the property they bought for Trisha. The wateres from a waterfall situated just a few meters from the stream. Here I found another sanctuary of mine. One is in Monte Vega, the ce where our family, the Alcantara n, reigns. We also have a hiding ce there in the forest together with my cousins.


    I frowned when I saw Trisha rummaging through the suitcases in my bed. I didn¡¯t have the time yet to transfer them into the closet.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    She looked at me with her widened eyes and then went back to being guarded when she saw me.


    ¡°You want to borrow my clothes? Do you like my style? Sure, just choose there. I don¡¯t like your clothes. So unfashionable. I know mom¡¯s been sending you your allowance so why the hell are you buying those freaking horrible shirts and jeans?¡±


    I reached for the towel hanging on the rack and dried my hair.


    ¡°Do you really have to insult me? You can say it in a nice way. Look at what you did on the floor. I just finished cleaning it,¡± she spurted and went back to the suitcase again.


    I got some clothes and went to the bathroom to get dressed. When I came out, Trisha was already in front of the mirror and trying out my mini ck dress. I sat up in bed and picked up my skincare pouch.


    ¡°Where are you going? Is there like a party in a small town like this?¡±


    I plugged the hair blower into the socket and started to dry the hair.


    ¡°I have a date with my boyfriend,¡± she replied and turned around to look at herself in the mirror.


    I stopped what I was doing and paid attention to her.


    ¡°Boyfriend? Hello? We¡¯re still fifteen for Pete¡¯s sake, Trisha. We can¡¯t have a rtionship yet. The n forbids it, don¡¯t you know that? We¡¯re too young for that!¡±


    She stared at me from its reflection.


    ¡°Maybe you forgot that I¡¯m not part of your family. I¡¯m not part of Alcantara. I carry Nanang¡¯sst name,¡± she said, referring to Manay Letty. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m out of those trivial rules. If you still feel sorry for me, we can exchange lives.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s impossible. Who is he? How old is he? Maybe he¡¯s a pedophile.¡±


    She took off his clothes and then measured my Valentino purple dress which I bought from Europe from my recent trip.


    ¡°He¡¯s neen.¡±


    ¡°Neen?!¡± I eximed. ¡°And he¡¯s dating a minor?!!¡±


    ¡°Can you stop?¡± Her face was irritated when she turned to me. ¡°The age gap isn¡¯t a big deal, okay? Besides, he doesn¡¯t know. He thought I was 18. It¡¯s not obvious that I¡¯m still 15.¡±


    She¡¯s right. With our height and body proportions, no one will suspect us for being minors.


    ¡°Wow. And here I am thinking this is a ce for conservative mindsets.¡±


    She ignored me and resumed modeling in the mirror.


    After Trisha left, I got bored so I decided to go to the main za of the town. This is only the third time I will be going to center town. The first was during the vige festival and the second was to apany Manay Letty to the market. In all those events, I took extreme caution. I always wore a hoodie and sweatpants. As much as possible, I need to disguise myself. Even though the percentage of people knowing about Trisha being my twin is vague, still I won¡¯t take the risk. It was the rule my parents gave me.


    I circled around the ce with my hoodie on my head. The ce is too peaceful to the point of being boring. No clubs, no entertainment hubs and no big malls. Typical ce in the province so my parents thought it would be safe to leave me here.


    I passed the area market to go to the few eateries avable in the area. It is close to amunity college that is inside apound. I heard from Manay that it¡¯s an all boys school set up by an organization.


    I was looking for something to eat when I saw Trisha¡¯s familiar bulk inside a restaurant. I stopped and looked at the person she was talking to. I leaned over to a part of the ss wall to see the man.


    The guy is a manifestation of my ideal man physically. He¡¯s manly, very very manly. He¡¯s tall, dark-haired and with a face straight out from a magazine. He is practically crowding the space. He smiled and his jaws became more defined. Golden skin on top of lean, not so bulky muscles. Perfect nose, red lips, thick brows and a pair of yboy eyes just like most men of the Asturias.

 Chapter 44

    That¡¯s when my senses red up. Danger. This man spells danger.


    He raised his hand and brought the cigarette he was holding to his mouth. He blew off the smoke but I didn¡¯t feel any sort of repulsion. Instead, I viewed it as sexy just like my sister who is looking dreamily at him.


    A knot formed in my stomach. Jealousy struck me like lightning.


    I knew immediately what was happening based on my reaction. I just had a crush on my twin sister¡¯s boyfriend.


    I went straight home after that and just ordered take out food from a fastfood chain.


    ¡°Feme, is your sister home already?¡± Manay Letty asked me when she passed me sitting on the sofa in the living room. ¡°It¡¯s almost seven o¡¯clock. There¡¯s no ss today because it¡¯s Saturday.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe she did some projects or whatever,¡± I lied.


    ¡°Is that so? All right, I¡¯ll pick her. up from her ssmates I know. Are you hungry already? Do you want me to cook for you?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°No, please don¡¯t bother. I¡¯m still full. You can go now.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    I got up to go to the bedroom. I am toozy to go to the stream to take a bath. I decided to sleep first. I was about to close my eyes when I was interrupted when the door opened and Trisha entered with a bouquet of flowers and choctes on her hand. A smile reached her ears as she carefullyid the flowers on her bed.


    She even looked at me and smiled while caressing the flowers. I rolled my eyes at her and forced myself to sleep. I had to go back to Monte Vega¡¯s house the next day for my assessment.


    The next day, I went back to Sta. Barbara to spend my vacation. As soon as Trisha opened the door for me, I knew then that she didn¡¯t like my return. I was puzzled because she is not as hostile as this during our first meeting.


    The morning after, Maverick visited my sister in the house. They were in the yard talking and even though it was against my will to see them together I still couldn¡¯t help but steal a glimpse of Maverick. I decided to go to the stream to pass some time. When I returned to the house, they were already gone.


    A few days passed and Maverick was always visiting Trisha unbeknownst to Manay Letty who was always at the hospital to take care of her rtive¡¯s medical operation. Whenever the man visits, I stay by the river to avoid the two of them. I pack food and read my books there.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I became alert to the voice from my back. I immediately lowered the book I was reading on the mat and looked at the man who was now sitting on the grass next to my mat.


    He¡¯s intently looking at me with those yful eyes and a glint of frolic smile on his mouth. I didn¡¯t know what to do. My mind went nk at his sight. My young heart leaped and sang a colorful song.


    He¡¯s more handsome this up close. All his assets were magnified in person. I blushed when I realized that I hadn¡¯t spoken anything and was just staring at the man.


    ¡°Sorry, what did you say again? I got lost in my thoughts,¡± I said to try to salvage myself.


    The manughed. My heart beat faster. For a teenage girl who has never been this close to a total stranger who is a very attractive boy, I am not so sure how to react at the very male sound of his voice. This is my first encounter of his kind with my guards down.


    ¡°I¡¯m Maverick. Your name, lovelydy?¡± He held out his hand to me.


    I just looked at it but I didn¡¯t reach for it so he took it back and. Laugh.. ¡°Feisty, huh.¡± His gaze drifted to the rows of books on the mat. He picked up one and read. ¡°Fundamentals in Business Ethics.¡± He got one more. ¡°Economics, Politics. Woo-hoo. Pretty serious in life, meh?¡± He chuckled.


    I snatched the books from him and ced them on myp. ¡°I¡¯d rather study than live a life like a bum like what I think you¡¯re doing.¡±


    Instead of getting angry at what I said he justughed at me.


    ¡°Fierce. I like that.¡± He looked at the gentle river then whistled. ¡°What a beauty! I can understand your fascination here. So this is where you¡¯re staying when I¡¯m at your house.¡±


    ¡°I think you better go. Maybe Trisha is already looking for you.¡±


    ¡°No, she won¡¯t.¡± He stood up and was about to take off his t-shirt. I froze and immediately closed my eyes.


    ¡°What are you doing?! Can¡¯t you see that I¡¯m here?! How inappropriate! Didn¡¯t your parents teach you proper manners?!¡± I shouted while closing my eyes tightly.


    ¡°Hey easy, easy! Okay, I¡¯m not doing it. Geez! I just want to take a bath. I don¡¯t know you¡¯ll freak out. You can open your eyes. I¡¯m still fully clothed.¡±


    I slowly removed my hand from my eye just to see the smile on his face. I was so annoyed by him that I stood up and started picking up the books and mats and then silently left him.


    ¡°Hey, hey! I can take a bath here now!¡± he shouted but I didn¡¯t answer him.


    Maverick continued to tease me every time he came to our home. The former silence I get from being alone in the river is suddenly gone because the man always followed me there.


    I¡¯m always pushing him away because I don¡¯t want a fight. Last night, Trisha threatened me not to take Maverick away from her. Of course I find it pathetic that she¡¯s taking it against me.


    ¡°Hey Fem, do you have a boyfriend?¡±


    I looked up at Maverick from the book I was reading. He is here again in the ce as if he had already taken it. He put distance between the two of us because he smoked and I don¡¯t like it.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in boys,¡± I replied and returned the focus to the book.


    ¡°But are you interested in men?¡±


    I closed the book and began to put away the mat. When it was over I looked at Maverick who was still busy smoking.


    ¡°Not either, especially those who smoke like there¡¯s no tomorrow.¡±


    I turned my back on him and quickly made my way home. I felt him following me but he never spoke to me again. At the entrance of the yard, Trisha, who had a dark face, was waiting for us. She deliberately bumped me on the shoulder before she met Maverick. I never went out of the room that night.


    When Maverick went home, the door opened and the angry Trisha entered.


    ¡°You¡¯re a flirt!¡± She screamed at my face and forced me to stand up.


    ¡°What?!¡± I shouted back.


    ¡°Do you think I didn¡¯t notice that you also like Maverick? What a shame Feme! You already have everything and you¡¯re going to take my boyfriend too?¡±


    Her chest went up and down with anger.


    ¡°Ew Trisha. How low can you go? I understand that a lot of teenagers are into stuff like this but for you to liken myself to you is just eww. I don¡¯t have boyfriends at my age! And correction , that boyfriend of yours is the one hitting on me so you should be talking to him instead. Do it if you don¡¯t want me to report you to daddy. ¡±


    I went back to lying down and covered myself with a nket.


    The day after, I went back to Monte Vega for another assessment and reviews for my college entrance examination. I nned to study in America but the family wanted it to be in Europe so Europe it is.


    All that time, my young heart longed to see Maverick. So when mommy decided to visit Trisha, I went with her. They brought with them a set of musical instruments for Trisha. There is a grand piano, violin, cello, and other instruments. They built a musical room in the house for her alone.


    While they were busy inside the house I ran into the stream. I miss the ce because I haven¡¯t been back to it for over a month.


    But more than the river, I was more surprised by what I saw. The man who¡¯s been a regr visitor to my dreams was lying and sleeping on the grass. His two hands were raised to his head and his mouth was slightly open. His rtively long hair is swaying in the gentle breeze.


    I seemed hypnotized as I just stared at Maverick as he slept peacefully. I ignored the erratic beating of my heart. I don¡¯t want to admit it but I missed him so much.


    I turned to leave when he suddenly spoke. I jumped in shock.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re back.¡±


    I turned to him , who was now sitting while his hand was on his face. Then he looked and smiled sweetly at me. My heart somersaulted in its cage.


    ¡°Here is the real owner of this ce. I¡¯m sorry for intruding again in your private ce. It¡¯s just really beautiful.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    He stood up and approached me. ¡°Do you mind if I say that I want to be your friend?¡±


    I stepped back when I felt a little. Overwhelmed by his presence. ¡°Trisha will be angry,¡± I replied weakly.


    The manughed then put his hand on his neck.


    ¡°No, she won¡¯t. What made you say that? You¡¯re her sister unless it¡¯s you who won¡¯t want to be friends with me.¡±


    I shake my head automatically. ¡°No, I won¡¯t mind.¡±


    His face lit up.


    ¡°Really? Then how about we sit together now and maybe talk about things. Are you cool with that?¡±


    He smiled at me expectantly.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    We sat together on the grass and stared at the river. I was very tense. I can almost feel my heart out.


    ¡°So what did you do in a month? That was a pretty long time to be away, huh.¡±


    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s just mostly about school stuff. Studying, exams and other assessments.¡±


    ¡°Reminds me of myself so much. It¡¯s what good girls do.¡±


    He took off the jacket he was wearing and made me stand up. Heid it on the grass and made me sit down again.


    ¡°You? What did you do for the past month? Did you uhmm?¡± I was hesitant to ask him what he and Trisha were doing.


    ¡°Me? Well the days have been so boring. The ce is boring, especially when you¡¯re gone. I don¡¯t have someone to annoy anymore.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at him. He just chuckled.


    ¡°You¡¯re not really from here right? Why are you here?¡±


    His face went serious. ¡°Typical story. My mother threw me here. I think she¡¯s tired of all the good things I¡¯m doing so she thought of giving me away.¡±


    ¡°A rebel, huh. I¡¯ll also guess you have many girls you love to hurt . You¡¯re bad.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that girls are drawn to me.¡±


    ¡°Tsk. Excuses for the conceited men.¡±


    Heughed.


    The sound of his cell phone broke the silence. He hesitated at first but he still read the message. He was still hesitant when he stood up and held out his hand to me. I shot him with a startled look.


    ¡°I have to go and I can¡¯t possibly leave you alone here. Come, I¡¯ll take you home.¡±


    ¡°No, my parents are at home.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll just watch you from a distance. Come on.¡±


    He moved his outstretched hand so I could do nothing but reach for it. We walked home holding hands. When I saw the house I deliberately withdrew my hand from him and said goodbye.


    I even saw him just standing at the entrance of the forest until I entered the gate. When I entered the house, I was immediately greeted by Trisha¡¯s p. I cried in pain when she pulled out my hair.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± I asked after freeing myself.


    ¡°Are you still asking? Didn¡¯t I warn you not to talk to Maverick again? You¡¯re smart but why can¡¯t you understand?¡± Her eyes zed over at me.


    I couldn¡¯t answer especially when I saw mom in the kitchen looking at us. I don¡¯t know if she saw what Trisha did or not but she didn¡¯t do anything.


    ¡°Girls, what¡¯s happening?¡± My father asked us when he entered the living room from the music room that they¡¯re building for Trisha.


    ¡°Nothing. We¡¯re just talking,¡± I replied and immediately went to the room. I heard daddy calling me but I ignored him. I went into the bedroom and opened the books.


    Since then, I have avoided Maverick again. I also don¡¯t go to the river anymore. Even though my chest ached from being so jealous of the visible love and care my parents had for Trisha, I endured it. When my parents went back to Monte Vega, I stayed despite Trisha¡¯s protest. I took a week off before I flew to Europe.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for two weeks here. You finally showed up as well.¡±


    I took a deep breath and turned to Maverick who was sitting next to me. I noticed his hair is now longer. His face was tired as if he hadn¡¯t slept well for days.


    ¡°Busy. There¡¯s a lot to study.¡±


    I stumbled away from him to put a distance between us.


    ¡°Really? You¡¯re not avoiding me?¡±


    I yed with the weeds with my finger.


    ¡°Why would I avoid you?¡± I still didn¡¯t look up.


    ¡°Because I notice that when I visit your house you always lock yourself in the room. Did I do something?¡±


    It was then that I met his eyes. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. I just don¡¯t want my mother to give me another reason to force me toe back to the city. She doesn¡¯t want me to talk to strangers here. Don¡¯t ask why. I can¡¯t tell you. You really did nothing wrong. In fact, I¡¯m starting to get a hang of you. ¡±


    I bit my tongue at myst remark. I shouldn¡¯t have said that. He may even have a suspicion that I like him. That is forbidden. He is my twin¡¯s boyfriend and I am too young for that.


    I tried to ignore it at first but I really couldn¡¯t stop myself from missing him and longing for his presence.


    ¡°You¡¯re so mysterious, Fem. But you know what. Same thing. I¡¯m starting to get a hang of you.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    My cheeks burned. He pinched my cheek.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing. Cute. Wait, I have something for you.¡±


    He snatched something in the pocket of his jeans and put it in my open hand. I held it in the air.


    ¡°A bracelet?¡±


    It was a gold band with cute little chunks of celestial bodies adorning it. I smiled at the beauty of the jewelry. I don¡¯t know why it looks cheaperpared to my collection of jewelry. Maybe because of the person who gave.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s an anklet. Come, let me put it on.¡±


    I immediately refused when he knelt down.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I can¡¯t handle it. I hope you understand. Sorry ¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh .. Sorry for touching you earlier. It¡¯s okay. The important thing is you liked it. Do you like it?¡± he asked in a pleading tone.


    I smiled sweetly at him.


    ¡°Yeah, I really like it. Thank you.¡±


    He was stunned for a second while staring at me before grinning


    ¡°You are most wee.¡±


    Before I went home, he asked me if I would go with him to a simple dinner with Trisha and their friends. He didn¡¯t let me go until I said yes.


    We agreed to meet at three o¡¯clock in the za. At two, I was already scrambling to find the anklet he gave me. I just put it inside my suitcase pocket but I can¡¯t find it now. I just decided to leave and I will look for itter when I return.


    Trisha had already left me. I ran to our rendezvous hoping that they would be there waiting for me. I know Trisha was even upset with me for going with them.


    I turned to the side of the church to reach the row of benches at the foot of the za. I adjusted my red. Off-shoulder dress before finally approaching Maverick. But I was unable to take another step because of the next scene I witnessed.


    Trisha received a bouquet of flowers from Maverick and then the two hugged. Trisha kissed him on the cheek and then they went on to ride a luxurious car parked nearby.


    And then they left me with only dust and tears on my face. I was wallowing with self-pity for experiencing my first heartache in my entire life.


    That evening, as I was waiting for the pickup to go home to Monte Vega, I heard an explosion in the distance. I hurriedly went there to only witness the kidnapping of Trisha. When I regained my senses, I called for help.


    That is when my parents arrived panicking. When they found out what happened to Trisha they panicked even more. It was then that they made me promise that I have to save Trisha before they took their own lives.


    My life after then became dark all over.

 Chapter 45

    ¡°Sir, Ms. Trisha is outside. She said she wants to talk to you,¡± Christine informed me when I answered the phone.


    I put down the cell phone I had been staring at. It was a photo of Fem and I with our tongues out. She insisted on taking it after we failed in attempting to bake some cookies. Flour was all over our faces while we posed for a shot. I never knew it would be ourst memory together. After that stint in the airbase, she disappeared like a bubble without even a single trace. It¡¯s been two weeks and I can¡¯t reach her. No calls and no texts.


    I went home on my pad with a hollow feeling. No one will meet me to argue with me on why she can¡¯tplete the puzzles. No more snoring every night and I no longer have someone I can debate with anything under the sun.


    All because of something I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°What is it that she wants this time? Tell her I¡¯m busy.¡±


    I shook my head remembering Feme¡¯s sister. Trisha has been insisting to get back where we started eight years ago. She wants me to take her back as my girlfriend. I find it incredulous. I can¡¯t even remember the events of those years and I can¡¯t feel anything for her. One more thing, if we really were in a rtionship back then, it was a very long time ago and we both should have forgotten our feelings. Eight years is a long time. A man¡¯s heart changes and we have no interaction and I also don¡¯t remember her even though I found out that she was with me in the car that night.


    I also did the math and I was shocked to know that if it¡¯s true that we had a rtionship, then I dated a minor back then. It was unthinkable on my part. Yes, I knew I was a yboy until before I met Feme but I knew it would never get to the point where I would date a minor.


    ¡°Sir, she insisted on talking to you. She just wants to give you something.¡±


    I sighed. What else does she need from me? I gave her a ce to stay because she said she has no money. I¡¯ve given her a hundred thousand pesos because she said she needed to buy things. I did that because she was Feme¡¯s twin and not because I wanted to add to whatever we had before.


    ¡°Alright. Let her in.¡±


    I massaged my temple and then nced at the phone. I was waiting for updates from Jex about his search for Feme.


    ¡°Where are you, Fem?¡±


    The door opened and Trisha entered with a big smile on her face. She rolled around on my desk and reached out to kiss me on the cheek but I raised my hand to stop her. Disappointed by my behavior, she moved away from me and sat down in the chair.


    ¡°This is thest time I¡¯m talking to you, Trisha. Now say your piece.¡±


    She crossed her arms and looked at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you really remember me, Maverick?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No. I don¡¯t have any recollection about you. If that is what you only want to say then you may go.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I turned my attention back to the papers I should have finished yesterday if only I hadn¡¯t been too distracted in finding Feme.


    ¡°You mean you don¡¯t remember Feme either, am I right?¡±


    ¡°Why? Is there a part of Feme and me that I need to worry about?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer immediately.


    ¡°Nothing. Nothing. I¡¯m just asking because I introduced her to you once.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any memory of that particr part of my life other than the ident itself.¡±


    I studied Trisha¡¯s face. The woman is beautiful. She has some resemnce to Feme. She is also a little bit taller than Feme.


    ¡°What do you really want, Trisha?¡±


    She shot me a serious look. ¡°You. You¡¯re the one I want, Maverick. Did you know you¡¯ve never left my mind and heart for eight years? I¡¯ve cherished the memory of the two of us. I think of you every day. You¡¯re the reason I¡¯m not discouraged by all that has happened to me. ¡±


    I let out a sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t want to appear cruel but I don¡¯t feel a thing for you anymore. It¡¯s useless for us to get back to that kind of rtionship if I can¡¯t even remember what happened back then. One more thing, I love Feme. Forget about me, Trisha. ¡±


    A pain cut off her face. Her tears flowed. I averted my eyes. I feel sorry for Trisha but I can¡¯t just say yes to her.


    ¡°Feme again.¡± She wiped away the tears. ¡°What I¡¯m doing is embarrassing but what can I do? I can¡¯t forget you. Can I ask Maverick?¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°Let me live in your unit for a week so I can find time to move. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll pay you with my money. Just give me enough time.¡±


    I breathed a sigh of relief. I also realized something from what she said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about the money. It¡¯s okay. And Trisha, I believed you needed to hear this. I know if a woman has feelings for me. I can read in her gesture, how she looks at me and the emotion in her eyes. It¡¯s the way Feme looks at me. It¡¯s as if I¡¯m all that she¡¯s got. And I don¡¯t see that in you. Stop pretending that you still feel something for me. The more you do, the more you hurt yourself. ¡±


    She grimaced in pain but immediately hid her reaction. She stood up and shot me a sharp look.


    ¡°It¡¯s my feelings and they¡¯re valid so you have no right to tell me that. It¡¯s true that I still love you up to this day Maverick. Believe it or not. Don¡¯t deny me that.¡±


    She turned her back.


    ¡°Your sister loves you, Trisha. Live your life now. Don¡¯t waste her sacrifices for you. She¡¯ll be happy to know that you¡¯re happy.¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond. She just opened the door and mmed it. I was left wondering how Lagma could handle the woman. Just like Feme, she is also stubborn.


    ¡°They¡¯re really twins.¡±


    With that in mind, I picked up the cell phone again and went to the gallery to look at the photos of Feme and me again. Looks like I can¡¯t finish any work for today.

 Chapter 46

    ¡°Feme ¡­¡±


    I bit my lip and closed my eyes when I heard the baritone voice behind me. I want to stand up and greet him with an eager hug. I also endured a week of not seeing him or hearing his voice. I¡¯ve been dying to see him and be close to him like what we used to be but everything¡¯s changed now. The one he truly loves is back so I have no more space in their lives.


    I slowly stood in front of Maverick whose face was now full of longing.


    ¡°Fuentebe, I¡¯m d you¡¯re here. You may take a seat.¡±


    His face got confused with the tone I used. I uttered the words so coldly and without any emotion like we did not know each other.


    It was hard for him to sit in the chair and just stare at me. I went back to sitting and took the wine ss and brought it to my mouth. The alcohol helped a little to calm the nerves in my body.


    I carefully set the ss down on the table and looked around the elegant restaurant.


    ¡°This ce I chose is nice, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Maverick casually reached for the wine and poured it into the ss in front of him. He finished it and then dropped the ss on the table.


    ¡°Yeah, this is nice but it¡¯ll be nicer if you cut this off already. I know our whole two weeks haven¡¯t been good because of what happened but now that it¡¯s over, we could go back where we left off.  You just disappeared suddenly without me knowing. I was looking for you but I couldn¡¯t find you. What happened, Fem? ¡±


    I feel like I want to melt into his tenderness and caring heat I hear. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s willing to ept anything I¡¯ll say as long as we¡¯ll be okay in the end. I clenched my fists in myp and drew all my strength to look at Maverick.


    ¡°I agreed to see you Fuentebe not to fix what we have now but to ask you to stop looking for me. I don¡¯t need you anymore. You are of no use to me. I got what I wanted. You also got what you wanted from me so we¡¯re fair. We¡¯ve reached the end of our contract. We¡¯ve both served our purpose to each other and we both got what we wanted so it¡¯s time we end this. I don¡¯t want to know again that you¡¯re asking for me to get investigated or you order someone to follow me everywhere.¡±


    I smiled at him sincerely.


    ¡°Thank you for what you did. I am now free and you are also free to continue your love. If I only knew that everything is that easy, I would have approached you before to ask for help. Tell Trisha she doesn¡¯t have to worry that I will be the one to ruin your rtionship. Tell her what we both did is just nothing. It was just purely physical or you can say nothing at all. Promise, I have nothing to say- ¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± He shouted and punched the table. His mouth is very tight and his fists are clenched. His face was very dark and his eyes glowed with anger. His red face and ragged breath gave away his obvious anger. For a moment, I thought he¡¯s gonna do something to me but he just stayed in his seat, pain and anger on his tired face.


    I regained my posure I lost for a while because of his reaction. It was very simr to how he reacted when he found out about my n.


    My eyes widened as I looked around the ce where we were already getting attention.


    ¡°Now you want to make a scene. Go ahead. It¡¯s okay with me because I¡¯m used to it for a long time but it¡¯s a different thing on your part. Don¡¯t mess with your name just because of me. Don¡¯t risk your family¡¯s reputation just because of me. ¡±


    He suddenly stood up and moved around in my chair. Holding back the anger, he whispered to me.


    ¡°Thene with me. I can¡¯t control my temper here. What you said triggers the hell out of me, Feme.¡±


    He straightened up, reached for the table napkin on the table and wiped his mouth and tookrge steps out of the restaurant.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I tried hard not to cry and keep myself from crumbling.  I picked up the bag with my shaking hands and followed Maverick.


    I saw him leaning against a pole in the parking lot and smoking. The light of his cigarette casted a glow on his grim face.


    I could barely move my feet towards Maverick. It was as if I had just been nailed there while looking at the man. I smiled bitterly.


    I started looking at him from afar which will end now in another painful memory. Now that he is within my reach and only a few steps away, I want to go back to the time I was just looking at him.


    It¡¯s easier to hide feelings then. It is easier to restrain oneself from craziness. And it¡¯s easier to forget when you know you¡¯ll never reach him.


    I forced myself to approach Maverick who had already fallen into deep thought. He turned to me slightly and then put out the cigarette. I took a deep breath.


    ¡°Do I have to reiterate what I said inside? Okay. Maverick¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll believe you?¡± Hr cut to what I have to say and turned to me. ¡°I can already read you, Feme. Just one look at you, I know very well what¡¯s ying there in your brain. I know the reasons behind your smile, your intent when you look at someone. I know you very well from head to toe. How? I spent every night that we¡¯re together looking at you, memorizing your face, studying every change in your emotion. So why are you lying to me now? What¡¯s your reason again? ¡±


    I even managed to smile despite the fact that it was like an arrow had pierced my heart with his every single word.


    ¡°If you really know me then you know that I am a woman who knows what she wants. I am not weak and I do not tend to hide my feelings. Take my words for what they are. You don¡¯t have to read my mind to know that I don¡¯t want you anymore. I want out. That¡¯s what I want now. ¡±


    Heughed bitterly.


    ¡°You¡¯re one hell of a woman. And here I am thinking that I know you already.¡±


    He bowed his head andughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding. How do you get to know someone in just a few months? Even couples in several years of rtionship turn out that they don¡¯t know their partner at all.¡±


    He ran his hand through her hair before lighting a cigarette again. ¡°I don¡¯t know but I feel like I¡¯ve known you for a long time. Tell me Feme, are you more than your twin¡¯s sister in the past? Aren¡¯t you telling me something?¡±


    The encounters back then shed through my mind. It¡¯s just simple conversations.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t have a deeper rtionship then. We don¡¯t even talk that much. I can only count on my fingers the conversations we had then. I¡¯m not lying this time. Why would I do that if I can¡¯t get anything? Sooner orter, you¡¯ll remember too. I don¡¯t want to know someday that you¡¯re taking it against me.¡±


    I leaned on the pole to support myself as I watched Maverick puffed out another smoke.


    ¡°I told you earlier that you couldn¡¯t get me. I used you.¡± I smirked. ¡°Look at you. You look like a willing dog to me. I¡¯m proud of myself. I got you burned with my fire.¡±


    I froze in fear when I saw the heat in Maverick¡¯s eyes. He threw away the cigarette and took only one step to reach me.


    He pulled me on the nape and crushed my mouth with a punishing kiss. I did not respond. I kept my mouth closed as he deepened the kiss. I stayed still with my eyes wide open just staring at his pained face.


    He let go of me and backed away. He turned on me and hit the wall. I could see his bleeding hand but I didn¡¯t show any concern about it.


    ¡°You want a closure sex? Sure, let¡¯s do it. Let¡¯s get done with it. Where? In your car? In your unit? We can do it in the CR if you can¡¯t wait. That would be an adventure, right? A farewell sex in the bathroom. That¡¯s gross but I can deal with it. I liked it.¡± Iughed sarcastically.


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting.¡±


    ¡°I know that¡¯s why you should stop seeing me as if I¡¯m an angel. I¡¯m not, Maverick. I¡¯m selfish and cunning. I go about my life breaking people¡¯s hearts. I used people to achieve my ns. I don¡¯t think twice before dropping them after I¡¯m done with them. ¡±


    He looked at me with understanding eyes. He approached me again and gently touched me on the shoulder. He looked me straight in the eye. I almost cried at the visible worship I¡¯m receiving from him.


    How could he still look at me like I am all that he needed?


    ¡°I¡¯m not an angel as well, Feme. Like you, I also did wrong things. I also hurt other people¡¯s feelings. I kicked and beat people. I can¡¯t even count how many women I¡¯ve made to cry. But I didn¡¯t use that as a reason not to ept happiness in you. Why are you keeping yourself from being happy? Is it because of your past? ¡± He wrapped his arms around my face and gently stroked my cheek. ¡°Stay with me. Be with me. Please? I¡¯ll make you happy,¡± he begged.


    I could no longer restrain myself. My tears are gushing again. I pushed him away to get hold of myself.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. My conscience can¡¯t.¡± My voice weakened. ¡°I also wouldn¡¯t be happy if I thought every day about what I did to  use you. I can¡¯t look your family directly in the eye, Mav. No matter what angle you look at it, I¡¯m still using you. I manipted you. I will never forget the doubt and insecurity in my mind. Maybe you loved me because you¡¯re seeing Trisha in me.¡± I wiped away my tears. ¡°You just thought I was strong, with nothing to fear about but the truth is, I¡¯m very weak. It¡¯s the real me, Mav. I¡¯m weak.¡±


    I heard no words from him so I looked at him. His eyes were empty.


    ¡°All right. Go back to Trisha. She needs you. You are her happiness. I may not get along with that bitch but I still care for her. Go now before I be selfish and keep you for myself.¡±


    ¡°I want you to be selfish. Keep me for all I care. Even if you reject me now, there¡¯s no way that I¡¯ll get back at her. She¡¯s not the one I love. And you don¡¯t get to decide about my life. Right now, all I want is you, only you. It¡¯s you, I love Feme. ¡±


    He stepped towards me but I backed away. He stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want you at all, Maverick,¡± I whispered. I felt my heart breaking into pieces while saying those words. ¡°I want to start over with a clean te without you.¡±


    My face wrinkled from the pain but no matter what happens, I will stand by my decision.


    ¡°What did you tell me that night in La Vida? I¡¯m not a patient man as you can see. When I want something, business or woman, I always make sure I get them. By hook or by crook Feme, you¡¯ll be mine. Make no mistake about that. That¡¯s exactly what you said. And I replied, I¡¯m not an ordinary girl, Mr. Fuentebe. My breed cannot bepared to your women of choice who throw themselves at yourp . You¡¯ll never get me. Period. But if you kneel and kiss my feet then maybe I could change my mind. You see, I don¡¯t back out with my words, Mav. So please, will you let me go?¡±


    I stared at his face while saying those words.  Pain is written all over him but I can¡¯t do anything about it. I needed to do this.


    We were just staring at each other for minutes. Our eyes aremunicating the things that words alone cannot convey.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop chasing after you if that¡¯s what you want,¡± he finally said.


    I smiled warmly, tears blinding me already.


    ¡°Thank you and I¡¯m sorry for everything, Mav. I really do.¡±


    He wiped away my tears. His hands were too cold against my hot cheeks. He cupped my face and lowered his lips to mine. It was a bittersweet kiss. My tears burst again when I felt his sweet kiss.


    ¡°Kiss me back for thest time, Fem.¡±


    I obeyed and responded with the same warmth. I¡¯ve poured everything into it even if it¡¯s toote.


    I didn¡¯t open my eyes when he ended the kiss. I could feel him watching me but I kept my eyes shut.


    ¡°Have a good life, Fem.¡±


    He kissed my head for thest time before walking away.


    I covered my face with my arm and turned away. I can¡¯t bear to see him leave. I heard the roar of a  car as it sped away, leaving me behind.


    I clung to the pole and let all my tears flow. I sat down on the floor and leaned my forehead against the cold cement. I let myself disappear momentarily in the pain I¡¯m feeling. I cried silently while hugging myself remembering how warm his embrace felt.


    Sometimes, love is not enough Mav.

 Chapter 47

    I looked up from the papers I¡¯m reading when I heard a knock on the door. I saw Christine reluctantly standing in the doorway. I didn¡¯t even realize she¡¯s been there the whole time.


    ¡°What is it Christine?¡± I said before immediately returning the focus to what I was doing.


    ¡°Ahm sir, can I go home now? I already asked for your permission earlier so that I¡¯ll be out by nine.¡±


    I nced at the watch. I didn¡¯t even notice the passage of time.


    ¡°Go ahead. Just make sure to submit first thing in the morning, the minutes of the meeting with Mr. Kazuki.¡±


    I picked up the mug of coffee while I¡¯m still busy reading but I put it down when I realized it¡¯s empty. I was about to get up to make another cup but Christine immediately approached me and took the mug.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it sir.¡±


    I just nodded.


    Sheid the steaming coffee on the table minutes after.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said after taking a sip. ¡°You may go.¡±


    ¡°Ahm sir, do you want me to order food? I didn¡¯t see you go out to eat dinner.¡±


    ¡°No, I can manage. Go home, Christine.¡±


    She didn¡¯t seem to want to leave me yet so I stopped reading and turned my attention to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Christine. Thank you for your concern. Go home. You said it¡¯s your parent¡¯s anniversary and they¡¯ve been waiting for you. Go home already.¡±


    For a moment I saw more hesitation on her face but she nodded and went out. I looked back at the pile of papers on my side and the coffee mug on the other side.


    I took off my sses and leaned back in the chair. I squinted my eyes and sighed. I haven¡¯t been able to focus on what I¡¯m doing so until now I haven¡¯t been able to do half of my job.


    I took the cellphone out of my pocket and opened the gallery. I was surprised not to see pictures of Feme. I sighed when I remembered that I bought a new one and threw out the old cellphone.


    With a sigh, I put the cellphone back in my pocket and immersed myself again in the work. It¡¯s the only way I know to keep my mind from wandering back into the woman who begged me to let go of her. I don¡¯t tend to push myself on the person who doesn¡¯t like me so I let her go. It¡¯s not beneficial if you go after the person who doesn¡¯t want you anymore. Sometimes, you have to know when to let go. Maybe Feme loved me too but that wasn¡¯t enough for her to ept me into her life.


    To this day I still wonder how to deal with the pain because of what happened to us. This is the first time I¡¯ve felt like this. My brain is out of order. It¡¯s hard for me to finish the job so I have to go back to the documents over and over again. I can¡¯t sleep unless I¡¯m drunk and even in a dream Feme is still there. I¡¯ve dreamed about holding her near me and then only to wake up the next day to an empty side of the bed.


    Now I understand the grief felt by the women I used to flirt with. Some begged, others inly cursed me while many epted the end of our rtionships though all of them said a line about karma.


    I let out a violent sigh. This is probably what they call karma. I have to pay for my yfulness with women.


    I¡¯m trying to get everything back to normal. I went out with friends, did the usual things I did before she came into my life but I can¡¯t find happiness in them anymore.


    So I avoided attending functions and gatherings to avoid questioning. Even the mother who often teases me in marriage miraculously didn¡¯t ask me a single question on why I didn¡¯t include Feme in the gathering we held at home.


    The clock struck at midnight but I didn¡¯t move in my seat. I¡¯m not tired enough to go home. I only need a few bottles to go to sleep.


    It was already two in the morning when I got up and took my coat to go home.


    The hallway is very quiet. The executive building is also empty of people. I leaned inside the elevator and stared at the changing number on the floor panel.


    It seems like it just happened yesterday. I remembered how we rode here every day together. Little did I know that she was nning to leave me in those moments.


    That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t gone to my penthouse since Feme left me. There were too many good memories there. I am staying now at one of my condominiums after spending a whole sad day at work and trying to drive away a little bit of memories.


    But at the end of each day I painstakingly live after she left is a wish that she¡¯lle knocking on my door to tell me she¡¯s sorry and that she¡¯s back for me. I want her toe for me on her own ord.


    I don¡¯t want to chase her anymore.


    I went down the lobby and some staff and loyal customers greeted me on the way. I nodded in response to their greetings.


    ¡°Sir, good morning.¡±


    I smiled at the guard at the entrance who never failed to greet me day and night before exiting the revolving door.


    Jex opened the car door for me. I called them we were on the way. It took five more rings before he answered.


    ¡°I want the chopper on the 25th branch in twenty minutes.¡±


    I never heard his answer because I immediately dropped the call. When I arrived at the condo, I went straight to the room to get a few pieces of clothing. Then I went to the mini bar and started getting drunk.


    I stood up when the two bottles ran out. I carried the traveling bag up to the helipad where I would wait for the helicopter. Some timeter, I heard the sound of it. I waited for it tond before I started walking.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Ivan came down from the aircraft still wearing his nightgown. I averted my gaze from Spongebobs funny face that was curled up right in front of his crotch area. I remember Feme¡¯s room. She has that same smiling pineapple on her pillows.


    ¡°You¡¯re five minutes,¡± I rudely interrupted whatever he wanted to say.


    ¡°My apologies, sir. It took me a while to get a taxi. The service car is broken-¡±


    ¡°Stop. Same thing again. Call me only when it¡¯s urgent or if there is an emergency. I¡¯ll be staying on the ind for now. You¡¯re the only one who knows I¡¯m leaving so if anyone finds out where I am, I¡¯ll take it against you. ¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°One more thing.¡± I snatched the key from my pocket and handed it to him. ¡°Use this car for now until the service car is reced.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    I red at him again, especially at the cartoon character on his bottom.


    ¡°You like SpongeBob that much?¡±


    He went red in embarrassment.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he answered.


    I snorted.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    I got on the helicopter and instructed the pilot. With nk eyes, I looked at the colorful light below. It was a spur of the moment decision. I¡¯m tired of always camping in the office and in the unit. I have to breathe and there is only one ce which enters my mind whenever I seem to have no control over what is happening. It¡¯s only on the ind where I found peace and some answers to my questions.


    We were on the ind after half an hour. There are already many boats at sea but there are still a few fishermen on the shore who are also preparing to set sail. Their life begins at this time. They live a very simple lifepared to mine and yet they are more content and happy than me.


    ¡°Thank you, Carl. I¡¯ll call you next week,¡± I said to the pilot before getting off.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± he replied.


    Andy and I, who drove my car, met for a while. He had earlier received the call from Ivan. He was very grateful for the help I gave to his wife so I was automatically taken as a godfather to his child. I agreed because I thought there was nothing I could do on the ind other than rx and forget Feme.


    The sky was still dark when I parked in front of the rest house. I mmed the door open and headed to the kitchen where I could see the strong pounding of the sea waves.


    I stood up, picked up the bottle of wine, opened it and gulped. I looked around the whole house. We made so many memories together here. From quarrels, to more quarrels and a whole lot of other hot scenes.


    My fists clenched as Feme¡¯s face appeared in my head when she rudely told me I had no space in her life anymore. My tears stung in the corner of my eyes.


    I picked a bottle and threw it across the wall. The broken bottle created a noise in the silence. The ss was scattered on the floor and the walls but I didn¡¯t care. I took another bottle and drank from it.


    I n to get myself drunk until I no longer feel like I do every night. Maybe it will somehow fill the hole left by Feme.

 Chapter 48

    ¡°Feme, are you really sure with your decision? Maybe we can change it? Is there nothing to lose?¡± the surprised Chino asked when he heard what I told Vida that I was leaving this afternoon.


    He had juste out of the toilet and was in the midst of washing his hands. There were still residues of foam in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure about it, Chino. My time hase to retire. You¡¯re alone again to fantasize about yummy abs at the club.¡±


    I regretted saying it then looked at Vida who was sitting on the floor like me.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    I called them to say goodbye properly. Chino was also in his apartment so I told him to stay here. I want to personally say goodbye to the man who made my time at La Vida fun and tolerable.


    I had already packed up my bags ready to leave. My suitcases are already in the trunk of my old car. I really just went here to say goodbye.


    ¡°Or maybe Adam¡¯s descendants won¡¯t even look at me anymore. We know they¡¯re just trying to pay attention to me because of you.¡±


    He snorted and rubbed his hands with soap.


    ¡°Then do it your way this time. Why, I shared my beauty with you for free for how many months.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how you hook Maverick. If it were not for you then I could have had him.¡±


    My smile faded when I heard the man¡¯s name. I tried to hide the pain byughing.


    ¡°You¡¯re dreaming again!¡±


    He returned to the bathroom so I was forced to face Vida¡¯s curious eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re still hurting,¡± she said, staring at me intently.


    I drank water.


    ¡°Of course. One month is too short for moving on from the love of your life, especially when you know you hurt him.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to move on. Maverick loves you. You love him too so what¡¯s the problem? Two people who love each other should be together. You¡¯re the only one whoplicates everything.¡±


    She leaned back on the sofa and stretched her raised leg.


    ¡°After all I¡¯ve done? I don¡¯t deserve to be happy with him, Vida. I don¡¯t deserve him. I will only hurt him. I don¡¯t want to drag his family¡¯s name to the stench of the Alcantara. They are so nice to me, especially his mother. ¡±


    ¡°And they¡¯ll be nicer to you if you go back to him. I talked to Luther and Cholost week. They said Maverick is acting like a zombie. The guy is burying himself in tons of work. Maverick is now a certified super workaholic. He¡¯s also killing himself through alcohol. I heard that his collection will beat the entire bar area of ??La Vida with the amount of alcohol he buys every day. You broke his heart Fem and I find it absurd that you¡¯re both suffering when you feel the same way! I don¡¯t understand you guys. You don¡¯t see reason sometimes. ¡±


    I blinked a few times to let go of the tears that were starting to form again. I don¡¯t want to cry now. I¡¯ll do itter when I¡¯m alone.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m doing this because my mind is still working. If I let my heart decide, Maverick and I will still be together today,ughing while cooking my favorite dish. But no. I¡¯m here and I¡¯m letting you know because I know no future awaits for the two of us. ¡±


    ¡°So you never doubted for once his love for you? You didn¡¯t mean what you said when you told him about how he must have loved you because of Trisha?¡±


    I was surprised by what she said.


    ¡°How did you know it?¡±


    ¡°Dave. He put a device in your pocket. He told me the other day.¡±


    I was shaken when I remembered that green-eyed young man.


    ¡°That boy. Sometimes I also get confused as to who his loyalty is with. Last time, I told him not to tell anyone what happened to me but then he called Maverick. He evenined about how exploitative I am when ites to his time. And now he¡¯s spying on me and he¡¯s got a knack for telling people about my personal conversation. Wait till I see you, Dave. I¡¯ll really smack you.¡±


    Vidaughed.


    ¡°Dave is a wonderful boy. Now answer the question.¡±


    I took a slice of pizza and topped it with chili sauce.


    ¡°Sometimes. When he said he loved me, I really felt that he meant it for me, that I was the person he was referring to. But ¡­ every time I caught him staring at me, I get hurt. He looks at me as if he knew me for a long time. I know him. The way he looks at me reminds me of the way Trisha looks at him.¡±


    I smiled bitterly and bit into the food I was holding.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight. Your twin is his past. You are the present.¡±


    I swallowed the food first even though I couldn¡¯t taste it before answering.


    ¡°I don¡¯t deserve him. I love him, that¡¯s why I¡¯m letting him go so that he¡¯s free to meet the woman who deserves him. I¡¯d rather choose that he be angry with me than love me.¡± My voice went a little too low. ¡°Because Vida ¡­ I feel guilty. It¡¯s too much.¡± I wiped away my tears. ¡°I can¡¯t ept his love because my guilt eats me up. Because of us, he had an ident, so he lost his memories. And then I nned to use him for my ends. I felt his sincerity during our stay on the ind. He made me happy there but what did I do? I still left him. He chased me and even when he found out that I nned to use him, he still cares for me. See, even though he was angry with me when I met Lagma, he still helped me free Trisha. I used him and he knows it. He never forgets to tell me how much he loves me every night before we sleep. Then I would wake up with his shaking and having nightmares. I feel so horrible. I entered his life with only chaos. I didn¡¯t contribute anything to him. So I don¡¯t deserve him. ¡±


    Silence ensued.


    ¡°Looks like you made up your mind and you¡¯ve thought about it through and through. No matter what I say, you won¡¯t ept. It¡¯s useless if I force you to change your mind,¡± she said.


    I managed to smile. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± I nced at the watch. ¡°I think I better go, Vida. I n to arrive in Sta. Barbara before dusk.¡±


    I stood up and hugged my friend. I have never found anything like it in my entire life. I might not be close to my sister but fate gave me another sister in the form of Vida.


    She rubbed my back. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you.¡±


    I smiled and reciprocated with a massage on her back. ¡°Me too. Visit me there. Take Chino with you. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    ¡°Hey sisters! Why is there a hug going on when I¡¯m not involved?¡±


    Laughing, we pulled Chino and hugged him tightly.


    ¡°How long have you been inside? What miracle did you do?¡± I teased him.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He pped me on the arm. ¡°You¡¯re being dirty minded again. It¡¯s a bad habit. I¡¯m having diarrhea. Maybe it¡¯s because of the flower I atest night.¡±


    ¡°Chino! Are you eating flowers now?¡± Vida eximed.


    ¡°Are you crazy! I¡¯m looking for a jumbo hotdog. Besides, there¡¯s an edible flower.¡±


    He released me from our embrace and turned to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to visit your kingdom next week as long as you ask our boss to allow me to leave. I¡¯ve been stressed every day. I have to breathe or I might force those hunks to love me too!¡±


    He. parted his imaginary hair with a pping hand.


    ¡°I got it. Bring house presents okay?¡±


    They led me out of the apartment.


    ¡°Take care okay? Call me anytime. I can leave everything for you, se?orita.¡±


    It was as if a warm hand had caressed my chest with what Vida said. Even when we were still in Monte Vega, she preferred to harass me with that name.


    ¡°I will. Be careful too.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you telling me that?¡± Chino asked incredulously.


    ¡°No need, Chino. They should take care of you.¡±


    I opened the car door and boarded inside. I waved at them before turning the car on. I saw them looking at me from the rear view mirror.


    I put on the sunsses and picked up the cellphone.


    ¡°Dave?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I got it. He had a meeting at exactly 10 am at the 33rd branch of the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Even though it¡¯s not included in my payment to you, you still did it for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re my longtime crush.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t return the feelings. I¡¯ll wait for you three years from now then I¡¯ll be your lover.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for that.¡±


    I smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you so much. Thank you for everything, Dave. Goodbye for now. Take care.¡±


    I ended the call and nced at my wristwatch. I still have half an hour.


    I was just parking the car in front of the Fuentebe Hotel when Maverick got out of his car followed by the uniformed men. He unbuttoned a part of his coat and adjusted his tie, a sign that he¡¯s being confident. I followed how authoritative he was when talking to Jex who was next to him.


    He was wearing an aviator so I couldn¡¯t read what was in his eyes. His strides were long and sure. An obvious air of presence and excellence on his appearance.


    Maverick entered the building already but I was still staring in his direction. I wiped away the tears that I didn¡¯t realize were already dripping. I took a deep breath and controlled myself.


    ¡°Thank you for everything, Mav. Goodbye, my love. Live a happy life, please.¡±


    My chest tightened when I started the engine and sped the car away from Maverick. Away from the first andst person I will love in my whole life.


    Iforted myself while on the road to Sta. Barbara. I just yed a song to distract myself. After more than two hours of driving, I stopped at a gas station to refuel. I also looked for a ce to eat for lunch.


    Four hours on the road helps me rx. I was already smiling at the sight of the scenery before me. The trees on the road are recing the buildings that I¡¯vee to get used to for years.


    I opened the window and smelled the fresh air. This is what I wanted from the very start. A new fresh reset in the province.


    I entered a curve with an arch that says ¡°Wee to Sta. Barbara¡±. I looked around. The growth of the area is still sluggish. Only a few establishments were added. I passed the za in front of the big church.


    It¡¯s even better, I thought. Trees grew more and the scattered concrete benches were newly painted where many children were ying. I have also seen some branches of famous fast food chains.


    Other pedestrians stopped and looked at my car. Sta. Barbara is a small town. Almost everyone will get to know each other, so people here are curious about new faces.


    At the far end of the ce stood a few estates ofnd that, to my great surprise, were named after me. I thought it¡¯s in Trisha¡¯s name since she lived here. I was shocked when thewyer announced after the burial that it¡¯s under my name.


    It was empty for a few years because I didn¡¯t have any money to fix it, so when Vida offered to lend me money, I didn¡¯t hesitate to ept it.


    I demolished the whole house and built a small cabin house in the middle of it. It¡¯s small because I¡¯m the only one who will live here while I¡¯m still thinking about what to do with my life from now on.


    I entered the car on private property. I can see the little house already. It¡¯s just really cute to look at in the middle of the yard full of colorful flowers. I n to till thend here and apply some of my knowledge about nting.


    I got out of the car and stretched my aching body. I took out the key and opened the door to the house. The very clean living room and the polished floor that had just been scrubbed weed me. I called Manay Letty¡¯s daughter who is the caretaker of the property to clean the house this morning.


    I have already put the luggage in the closet and the grocery supplies in the refrigerator. When I felt tired, I went to sleep.


    I woke up to the sound of crickets and other night animals. I moved to the side of the bed.


    ¡°Mav,¡± I whispered.


    A different emptiness filled me when I had nothing to touch beside me. And then reality hits me. Maverick is no longer in my life. I chose to leave him.


    My eyes warmed as I buried my face in the pillow. I cried. The emptiness that has been gnawing since that night when we separated ps me again.


    My mission is over so I have no more reason to pretend to be brave and fearless. It¡¯s exhausting.


    I hugged the pillow and buried my face in it. I¡¯m looking for his scent. I miss his warm embrace. I sobbed as I hugged myself in the middle of the darkness. I feel so lonely and sad.


    It¡¯s the truth I have to live from hereon.

 Chapter 49

    ¡°Why did youe back? Man, you should have stayed there forever in your cave. It was so much fun here when you were gone.¡±


    I threw a crumpled paper at Luther, who was sitting on the edge of the desk and tampering with the stacked papers.


    ¡°You¡¯re just happy because you¡¯re free to flirt with my secretary. I heard from Ivan that you¡¯re starting your dark n. I¡¯m warning you, man. Leave Christine alone. She¡¯s like my sister. Don¡¯t line her up with your women. ¡±


    I signed the finalized design for the capsule hotel that Luther and I would be building.


    ¡°Woah! You¡¯re really a different person now, man. You seem to be a saint now. Looks like Feme did something good to you other than break your heart.¡±


    My hand stopped on its own at the mention of the woman¡¯s name. Our separation still hurts me until now. I sighed and diverted the conversation.


    ¡°It looks like we¡¯re going to have a problem with the acquisition of some properties. A few families have refused to sell theirnd.¡±


    Luther stood up and sat in the chair in front of my desk.


    ¡°We can double our offer to them. I¡¯ll call the legal department about this. You didn¡¯t raise it during our meeting.¡±


    I took the fountain pen and yed with it by hand.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t pose a problem during that time. The head of the family agreed during our first negotiation. But just this week, our team was called to pull out of the agreement.¡±


    I sipped on a cup of coffee.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. You¡¯ll take care of the construction.¡±


    ¡°Leave it to my expertise.¡± He stood up. ¡°I need to go. I just passed by here to say hello. I haven¡¯t seen you in a month because you just disappeared. I came back from Japan when you came homest week so I wasn¡¯t able to visit you.¡±


    I shook my head. He¡¯s treating me like I have some sort of terminal illness.


    He tapped me on the shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a woman. Don¡¯t miss our trip next week. Let¡¯s go back to Indonesia. I miss rock climbing. Don¡¯t refuse this time.¡±


    I stood up and apanied him to the door. Christine immediately stood up upon seeing us. She blushed and averted her gaze when Luther winked at her.


    ¡°Do I have any appointment for this afternoon?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°You have a meeting with Mr. Hauyingco at three o¡¯clock, sir,¡± she replied politely.


    Christine only looks at my direction as if it¡¯s a sin if she considers looking at Luther¡¯s way.


    ¡°Okay. Remind meter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Bye, Tine.¡±


    Luther waved at her.


    ¡°Bye, sir,¡± she replied.


    I pulled Luther away because he might melt the girl with his stare. We went down to the lobby together. We already agreed to eat out to discuss other details about the projects.


    ¡°Maverick!¡±


    I stopped from getting into the car and turned around. I sighed when I saw Trisha. Luther stopped from opening his car and frowned at us.


    ¡°What do you want, Trisha? I thought we¡¯ve talked it all through. I have no intention of giving any more if you ask for more money.¡±


    She looked down, sighed, then looked up at me again.


    ¡°I just wanted to talk to you for a moment. It¡¯ll be thest one, I promise.¡±


    I nced at my wristwatch.


    ¡°Make it fast. I don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°In private, please.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s get inside.¡±


    I was about to enter back into the hotel but she stopped me. I looked at her.


    ¡°Just here in your car so you won¡¯t be disturbed too much. It will only take a few minutes.¡±


    I turned to Luther who was still looking at us.


    ¡°You go first. I¡¯ll just deal with this.¡±


    He looked at Trisha and then back to me before nodding and getting into the car.


    I turned to Trisha and then stepped aside to let her inside the backseat.


    ¡°Talk.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you still remember anything?¡± she reluctantly asked.


    I blew air. The rest of my patience is running out.


    ¡°If this is about that fucking issue again then cut it off. I don¡¯t want to hear anything from you. Get out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said. ¡°Let me finish first, please.¡±


    I took a deep breath.


    ¡°Go. Talk.¡±


    ¡°First of all, I¡¯m not doing this for her. I¡¯m doing this for you. For the guilt in my heart topletely disappear. I¡¯m sorry, Maverick.¡±


    She sobbed.


    A knot on my forehead formed when I saw the tears on her face.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For lying to you and Feme. We also had a rtionship back then so I feel really guilty now. I only did that because I really love you. But when you helped me and you let me live in your unit and gave me money, that¡¯s when I realized that no matter what I do, you still won¡¯t be able to love me. ¡±


    ¡°If this is your another ploy to get something from me then I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t take it anymore. Go home, Trisha.¡±


    I pushed a button and the door to her side opened.


    But she did not budge from the seat. She looked at my arm with determined eyes.


    ¡°The bracelet. Do you still have it?¡±


    I was puzzled by her question. Bracelet? What bracelet? My heart started beating erratically.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°The gold bracelet. I took it from Feme¡¯s bag to se but I found out it was fake. You saw me wearing it when we were on our way home so you went angry.¡±


    I clenched my fists at the extreme tension I felt. There are also scenes and memories ying in my mind. I gripped her hand on my arm and forced the words out of my mouth.


    ¡°What about it?¡±


    I can already feel my nerves throbbing in my head because of the anticipation of what she will say next.


    She seemed scared because she pulled her hand that I was holding tightly. I let her go but I pushed the button again to lock back the door. She turned pale.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything to you if you tell me everything.¡±


    I took off my necktie and threw it on the seat.


    ¡°Go on,¡± I said in a hard voice and rubbed my aching head.


    ¡°You gave that to her.¡±


    ¡°Why would I give her a bracelet if you were my girlfriend back then?¡±


    I closed my eyes because of the intensifying headache.


    ¡°I lied to her. I told her that you¡¯re my boyfriend back then. She believed me because we became friends even before Feme came to Sta. Barbara. I was the first one so I can¡¯t ept that you liked her more than me. I pretended to be an adult so that you¡¯ll like me. You said you like her so I made a way for you not to confess to her first. I did it so that she would stay away from you. I¡¯m sorry, Maverick. I was young then so I didn¡¯t really know the consequences. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I angrily grabbed her arm and my eyes zed with anger as I looked at her.


    ¡°Suppose that what you are saying is true, why did you still lie when I met you?¡±


    She turned even paler with my reaction but she still chose to answer me.


    ¡°Feme told me you don¡¯t remember anything so I took advantage of that. If for a long time you don¡¯t remember, there¡¯s a good chance you¡¯ll never remember again.¡±


    ¡°And if the fool in me believed you, would you lie to me all throughout our lives? You guys are sick.¡±


    I let her go and sighed frustratingly. Shit. Why are they doing all these to me? First, Feme lied to me. Now, even her sister also intends to y me on her palm?


    ¡°Get out, Trisha. Your confession is useless. We¡¯re not together with your twin anymore. If what you only wanted is to clear your conscience then consider it done,¡± I said coldly.


    I unlocked the door and signaled her to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Maverick. I hope you find in your heart to forgive me. And if you ever meet Feme, please let her know that I apologize to her. I¡¯m blinded with so much envy. I hope you fix your rtionship.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just really funny how you love her until now. She¡¯s still the one you wanted to be with,¡± she said in a sad voice. ¡°Feme is really lucky.¡± She wiped away the tears before they came down. ¡°Goodbye, Maverick.¡±


    She closed the doors but I didn¡¯t flinch on my seat. I¡¯m still shocked about Trisha¡¯s confessions. So all this time, Feme, whom I used to love, was referring to herself. Iughed bitterly. Destiny is really yful.


    But what do I do with this information? Will she be back in my arms if I tell her that? Will this erase the fact that she has already ended our rtionship?


    ¡°Damn!¡±


    I got out of the car to move to the driver¡¯s seat and drove away before calling Luther.


    ¡°Eat alone, man. I have an emergency.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for him to answer. I ended the call to call Jex.


    ¡°Jex, give me Vida¡¯s address.¡±


    ¡°Right away, sir.¡±


    When I got Vida¡¯s address, I elerated the car. I knew Feme had left her apartment. The bodyguard I assigned to look out for her was able to report for me right before I could pull him out of his duty. She left the night we broke up.


    ¡°This is thest time I¡¯m going to chase you Fem,¡± I whispered against my lips.


    I parked beside a white Ford inside a posh apartment building. I walked into the reception desk where the attendant stood up with a sweet smile on her face.


    ¡°Good day sir-.¡±


    ¡°Give me Vida Corales¡¯ floor and unit number,¡± I cut to her greetings.


    ¡°Sir, we do not give the renter¡¯s information upon request. It¡¯s against our security protocol. I will call Ms. Corales right now if you have business with her. Would that be okay, sir?¡±


    ¡°No need Sia,¡± said a voice behind us. I turned to see the woman I was looking for standing and carrying a few stic bags.


    ¡°Good day, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Good day, too. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse us.¡± Vida turned to me then motioned for me to follow her.


    ¡°You¡¯re looking for Feme?¡± She motioned me to sit in the lounge area of ??the apartelle.


    ¡°I am. Where is she?¡±


    She shrugged and took out the chewing gum from her mouth and yed with it with her finger.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    She leaned on the seat and grinned at me.


    I clenched my teeth and curled my hands into a fist. I¡¯m not here to y games with her. I took a deep breath then wrapped my hands between my thighs. I smiled at Vida.


    ¡°Okay, tell me anything you want. I owe you one this time.¡±


    I got her attention given her wider grin.


    ¡°Really? Shoot! But ¡­¡± She stopped, face became serious. ¡°Why should I tell you? Feme is my friend. If I tell you her location, I¡¯ll be betraying her. You should start deploying your minions because a long search will happen if you really want to find her. She¡¯s in Europe and it looks like she¡¯s going to live there forever. ¡±


    I sighed at what I learned. Europe is too big for my search. I looked up at the woman who¡¯s busy chewing her gum.


    ¡°That will do.¡±


    I can tap my resources in the Immigration.


    I stood up and washed my hand over my face. Sometimes I get angry with myself because I¡¯m really doing whatever I want impulsively. I¡¯ve been a risk-taker all my life. I do everything I set my eyes on. Just like today. I knew Feme wouldn¡¯t like it. She could hate me for this. I promised to let her go for good but here I am, ready to search every nook of every country for her.


    ¡°Thank you, Vida. I owe you.¡± I turned my back and started walking away.


    ¡°Just wait.¡± She held me by the arm. ¡°I¡¯m just joking. I¡¯m just making sure your reaction is authentic. So far, if you¡¯re lying, your characterization is good.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I frowned. What does she mean?


    ¡°You know I¡¯m not kidding. Say what you have to say. Please, let me know her location.¡±


    She examined me from head to toe and folded her arms.


    ¡°On one condition.¡±

 Chapter 50

    ¡°Anything,¡± I answered right away.


    Her face became serious.


    ¡°Take her away from her misery. Please. I hope you can do what I can¡¯t do. I thought that afterpleting her mission, she would let herself be happy but she still thinks she doesn¡¯t deserve to be loved.¡± She looked me in the eyes. ¡°Please save her, Fuentebe. Let her realize that she can never be happy without you, please. If you do that, you have paid off your debt.¡±


    Something stirred inside me at the thought of Feme crying in her solitude. I nodded at Vida.


    ¡°I won¡¯t promise anything. Most of all, I¡¯ll still respect what she wants. Now, I want her location.¡±


    ¡°Sta. Barbara.¡±


    I was momentarily surprised upon hearing that ce. Sta. Barbara. Something familiar clicked inside me at the mention of the ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m positive you¡¯ll get her again. You must not forget that she chose to go back to the ce where you two first met.¡± She bent over to pick up the grocery bags. ¡°Good luck.¡±


    Minutes after, I was on the road to Sta. Barbara. I got off from the helicopter in another vige next to Sta. Barbara. I wanted to see the ce first. A strong force tells me to tour the ce so I can remember.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I go back here after the ident?¡± I silently questioned myself.


    If I came back here then is there a possibility I would remember right away?


    I also immediately retracted the thought. During those times, tragedies upon tragedies befell my family one after another. That same year, dad was killed so I didn¡¯t pay too much attention to what happened to me. I have my mother, my brother, and thepany to manage. I transferred back into the city to finish my studies and then manage the hotel I asked my father to give me. My mother took over the management of thepany while she¡¯s training me.


    I stopped the car in front of the arc of Sta. Barbara. I got out of the car and looked up at it. I didn¡¯t care about the scorching sunlight or when my stomach growled in hunger.


    A scene yed in my head. It¡¯s when my parents dropped me off beside this arc.


    Mom threw me the small traveling bag which I immediately grabbed.


    ¡°It¡¯s thest straw I have to deal with, Maverick. If you still continue to be stubborn here, then I¡¯ll actually enlist you in the military. I don¡¯t care if your dad manages thepany for the rest of our lives. We can¡¯t give it to someone like you. ¡±


    I begged my father for help but he just avoided looking at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t dare make any chaos here. We have staff deployed here who will watch your every move whether at school or outside. You won¡¯t leave Sta. Barbara until you finish the whole semester without any failing grade. No alcohol, no cigarettes, and please no visits to the jails. ¡±


    She turned back to the car. Dad and I were left alone. He tapped me on the shoulder.


    ¡°You can do it, son.¡± He smiled at me reassuringly and messed up my hair.


    I could do nothing but walk to the dormitory of the all boys college at the entrance of Sta. Barbara.


    I smiled at the memories tickling my head. I remembered now the months I stayed here. Of course I didn¡¯t immediately change my ways. I still had a few shots of alcohol and cigarettes then.


    I got back in the car and continued driving. I saw Sta. Barbara Community College and my memories of that school shed in me. I turned left towards a string of restaurants. I scanned every establishment. I smile with joy every time a new scene enters my mind.


    I stopped in front of the church. It was as if someone was pushing me to get off so I got out of the car and sat on a concrete bench. The strong wind blew along with the return of my precious memory.


    ¡°Man, who¡¯s that chick?¡±


    ¡°Chick? Where?¡±


    Jeff¡¯s gaze followed the woman I pointed to who was sitting on one of the benches in the za and staring at the entrance of the church. Her hair was swaying with the wind. Her hood is lowered so her beauty is disyed to all of us. She¡¯s skinny with an angr face and has a strange aura around her. She reminds me of the women I met in social parties.


    ¡°Ah that? Isn¡¯t she beautiful? She¡¯s like a goddess but she¡¯s rude. She doesn¡¯t want to be stared at.¡±


    I looked at my friend who seemed to know the woman very well. I put out the cigarette.


    ¡°You know her? Who is she?¡±


    He snatched the cigarette I had extinguished and lit it again.


    ¡°That¡¯s Trisha¡¯s older sister. But don¡¯t tell people about it. It¡¯s just a secret. They seem to have a problem within the family. Only now did I hear that Trisha has a real family. She just arrived yesterday from the city. She¡¯s actually more beautiful when you get to see her face to face. ¡±


    I looked again at the woman who was already staring at the children ying. She exudes mystery and elegance. It was as if I wanted to approach her and discover the secret behind her sad eyes.


    ¡°You say Trisha? Why didn¡¯t she tell us? We were here together yesterday.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯re close. They seem to be angry at each other.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±


    He jokingly punched me on the shoulder.


    ¡°You like her? Well, you¡¯re both rich. Feme. That¡¯s what Manay Letty told us.¡±


    ¡°Feme,¡± I repeated her name.


    Her name sounds nice in my mouth.


    When she saw that the crowd in the za was increasing, she immediately raised the hood on her. head and quickly left. Even her steps are graceful.


    In the days that followed, I was always waiting in the za and waiting for Feme to appear. When she didn¡¯t show up, I asked Jeff where she¡¯s staying. He said she¡¯s always at home.


    I met my friends at the usual hangout but instead of seeing Jeff, I found Trisha waiting.


    We talked about her sister. She said they are not close. I said I¡¯m interested in her sister. Trisha just smiled and told me she would take care of it.


    ¡°Feme is different. She¡¯s very innocent. My parents are very protective of her. She¡¯s also aloof with men around so I¡¯ll build you up with her first.¡±


    I bought flowers and choctes for her which I would give through Trisha. I am so self -conscious. I used to tell a woman directly that I like her but now I seem to be losing my touch.


    I waited for the results but Trisha said that Feme doesn¡¯t want to meet me. That¡¯s the time when I started going to their house. Her avoidance is obvious to me. She didn¡¯t even try to nce at me as if I had a contagious disease.


    But it waspensated for with her presence. She¡¯s definitely more beautiful up close. Her eyes are full of emotions and mysteries I am itching to know. I want to get to know her more.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I followed her to the river where I see her always staying. Unbeknownst to many, I watched her every action. She¡¯s awkward when I¡¯m around but when she¡¯s all alone in the river with her books, she¡¯s the most peaceful.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I awoke her in her solitude and sat down on the grass next to her.


    She jumped in surprise and lowered the book she was holding on the mat before she turned around. I was greeted with a pair of intelligent but cold eyes and a face that is iparable with the other women I met. Suddenly a strange heat flooded my heart.


    She studied me for a moment and I got caught up in her appreciative stare.


    ¡°Sorry, what do you say again? I got lost in my thoughts,¡± she said with flushed cheeks.


    Iughed. So I wasn¡¯t the only one who felt like I¡¯m melting when I¡¯m graced with her presence.


    ¡°I¡¯m Maverick. Your name, lovelydy?¡±


    I held out my hand to her. She just looked at it so I put it down shortly andughed.


    ¡°Feisty, huh.¡± I looked at the books and picked one up to read. ¡°Fundamentals in Business Ethics.¡± I picked the other one. ¡°Economics, Politics. Woo-hoo. Pretty serious in life, meh?¡± I chuckled.


    The first time I looked at her, I knew that she was serious in life. Something which I¡¯m not. Maybe I¡¯m serious during my high school years but I¡¯m tired of the book. I¡¯ve had enough theories so I¡¯m thirsty for application. I just went too far and got a little lost in the journey.


    She snatched the books from my hands and ced them on herp.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather study than live a life like a bum like what I think you¡¯re doing.¡±


    Just as I thought. Iughed because for the first time since I was immersed in my rebellion era, I wanted to go back to the former academic achiever and the consistent top student Maverick.


    ¡°Fierce. I like that.¡± I looked at the clear water and whistled. ¡°What a beauty! I can understand your fascination here. You stay here when I¡¯m at your house.¡±


    I have to lie. If she finds out I watch her every day, she will panic.


    ¡°I think you better go. Maybe Trisha is already looking for you.¡±


    ¡°No, she won¡¯t.¡±


    I got up and was about to take off my t-shirt but was shocked when she screamed uncontrobly and covered her eyes with her hands.


    ¡°What are you doing?! Can¡¯t you see that I¡¯m here?! How inappropriate! Didn¡¯t your parents teach you proper manners?!¡± she cried while her eyes were tightly closed.


    ¡°Hey easy, easy! Okay, I¡¯m not doing it. Geez! I just want to take a bath. I don¡¯t know you¡¯ll freak out. You can open your eyes. I¡¯m still fully clothed.¡±


    Her reddened cheeks were lined with visible annoyance and anger. She looks more beautiful to me when she¡¯s angry.


    I was rmed when she started gathering the books and stood up to leave.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Can I take a bath now?¡± I teased her.


    ¡°Cute,¡± I whispered to myself while looking at her back.


    Since then, I made it my agenda to always tease her. I like to see her all red and ready to fight before I leave. I thought I was also doing a good tactic because she was also talking to me somehow.


    But the next day, she left Sta. Barbara. I asked Trisha but she said she didn¡¯t know the exact date of her return. I started being restless and hotheaded. I skipped sses just to stay by the riverbanks. It¡¯s hard to admit that in just a few days of talking with her, I¡¯m already craving her presence. I just think that she wille back any other day.


    There was never a woman who made me this way other than Feme.


    In my spare time after ss, I hang out at a market stall making and repairing broken jewelry. The owner, June, has be my friend. I bring him food in exchange for him teaching me how to make a bracelet. I nned on making one for Feme.


    I slowly stood up with a sore head. The return of the memories is overwhelming me. I don¡¯t know how to feel. I¡¯m torn between being happy because my heart remembers what my brain has forgotten or ming myself for not trying hard enough to remember all of these before.


    I got back in the car and continued driving. I¡¯m looking at every house, tree, and even the dogs in the streets that will trigger more memories to materialize.


    In front of the road there is a warning sign. There is an advisory for motorists to be careful because many have reportedly had idents in this area. I stopped the car as I passed arge tarpaulin warning motorists of the area.


    This is the site of the ident. I have memorized the whole look of this road because I have repeatedly seen it in photographs during the height of the investigation. We never catch the culprit which turned out to be Lagma. My face went dark in memory of the man. Someday, I¡¯ll deal with him soon.


    They immediately cleared up the evidence. It was just dered an identter on. My mother would have appealed but we have to face the murder of my father then.


    I got out of the car and leaned on its hood as my eyes focused on the sign. Another batch of memories came in.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you with Feme? She agreed toe with us.¡±


    Trisha¡¯s face was sad.


    ¡°Feme has left. She went home to Monte Vega. She said I¡¯ll just let you know.¡±


    I lowered the bouquet I was holding. Like a moon, the excitement I had felt earlier when it epted the anklet and agreed to join us for a walk at the open amusement park on the other side of the vige suddenly disappeared. I even used all my monthly allowance to rent a car.


    ¡°Is that so? When will she be back?¡±


    She took the bouquet of flowers in my hand and hugged me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Maverick. I don¡¯t know when she¡¯ll be back. Maybe not. She needs to go to Europe for college.¡±


    My shoulders sagged with so much sadness and disappointment. Why didn¡¯t she tell me earlier? She was happy and even smiling when she epted my offer. Is this her way of saying that I don¡¯t have any chance with her?


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Trisha. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    I opened the door for her, rolled over in the driver¡¯s seat and pulled it away.


    I was silent the whole time when we arrived in the park together with our other friends. I was just around the corner, smoking. Feme is on my mind.


    It waste in the evening when we went home. Trisha is the only one left for me to drop on our way home because she lives at the very end of Sta. Barbara.


    ¡°Maverick, do you know if this jewelry is real or not? I was going to sell this to a pawn shop but they said it was fake. Look. It¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    She took something from her bag and put it on her wrist.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I nced slightly at her hand and then immediately looked back at the road. I paused and stared back at her wrist. I pulled her arm and looked at the anklet I had given earlier to Feme.


    ¡°Where did you get it?¡± I asked with inherent anger.


    ¡°It¡¯s mine. Mom gave it to me. I was even surprised because it¡¯s fake. She doesn¡¯t give me anything that isn¡¯t real.¡±


    My face darkened because of her obvious denial.


    ¡°It¡¯s obviously fake because I made that myself. Now how did you get that if I gave that to Feme earlier?¡±


    Trisha was silent in her seat. She took off the jewelry and handed it to me.


    ¡°Tell me Trish, did Feme really leave?¡±


    She could no longer answer my question because a strong force bumped into my car. My reflexes kicked and I immediately tried to regain control with the car. But it¡¯s toote. We had already hit arge concrete and steel barrier on the road due to the force of the impact. I hugged the screaming Trisha and my body epted all the shock. I jolted in pain when arge rock hit the side of my head. Blood flowed from my head down to my face.


    ¡°Maverick! Help me! Maverick!¡±


    The sounds of Trisha¡¯s screams faded until the surroundings became quiet. My eyelids were heavy and only the sounds of crickets were thest I heard before I fainted.


    I sighed then returned to the car in the present. I immediately turned on the engine and headed in the direction of the ce I was so familiar with. Now that I have regained all my lost memories, I will do everything to get Feme back. I will carry out the long -held n of my heart. I can¡¯t for the third time lose her again.


    From then until now, he was the only one who was able to feel love for me. I will beg him to ept me again. I was ready to break our agreement just to be a part of her life again.


    I don¡¯t want to feel empty anymore. I need her as much as I need her touch and love.


    I entered the car on a private property after opening its barbed wire gate. The ce didn¡¯t seem to change based on my memories. The side of the road is still surrounded by various kinds of trees.


    I parked the car next to an old Toyota Coro. The old house I remember is gone. It was reced by a medium -sized cabin house.


    I took a deep breath before getting out of the car. I climbed the stairs to the cabin terrace and knocked on the door but no one answered me.


    ¡°Feme! Open the door, babe! Fem!¡±


    I called again but I didn¡¯t hear even a crack from inside. I looked around thewn. I have a strong feeling that she¡¯s just around.


    I looked down the road to the forest. Maybe she was there.


    I ran all the way to the river. I was not disappointed. There was a mat lying by the river. On top of it was a book next to Feme who was unaware of my presence.


    I was about to call her name but my feet stopped moving on their own. I end up staring at her pained face. Feme was staring at nothingness and her whole face was blurred with tears. She¡¯s staring at nothingness while hugging herself. Its whole body was shaking. When he got up, he cried and buried his face in his hands.


    My heart ached at the agony I witnessed. I almost forgot how it¡¯s hard for both of us. I¡¯m not the only one hurting right now. We both carry the weight of pain of being apart.


    Feme stood up, stripped her clothes one by one, and slowly walked towards the river.


    I heard a sound of sshing water from a distance and then Feme¡¯s head rose out of the water. She caught for air before returning under the water.


    I didn¡¯t think anymore. I took off my polo shirt and cks as well as my shoes and jumped into the water.

 Chapter 51

    It¡¯s crazy to force yourself to forget the person who reminds you of everything you do. I would wake up in the morning on the other side of the bed thinking that Maverick was there and sound asleep.


    I would cook a meal then would just stare at the thin air while contemting his absence. Before I knew it, I needed to make another breakfast because my food was already burning.


    I¡¯ll eat alone, sleep alone, and cry alone. I have experienced being alone for a long time but I was not as sad as I am now. I felt like I lost a part of myself and I can only be happy and content if I take it back.


    It¡¯s been over a month now but I¡¯m not coping well. The loneliness I feel only gets worse.


    Adding to the emptiness I experience is living here in the ce where Maverick and I first met. Everything in this ce reminds me of him. When I go to the za and to the proper town, he is always the one I remember, especially when I choose to spend the whole day by the river like today.


    He first talked to me. He also gave me the anklet here that I hadpletely lost. I have regretted it a lot because it¡¯s the only thing that connects us but I can¡¯t find it anymore.


    I wiped the tears from my face and stood up. I took off my t-shirt and shorts and just left my panties and bra. I jumped into the river and started swimming. Through swimming, I get peace. This is where I get a sliver of pleasure.


    I went up for a moment to catch some air before I immersed myself again under the water. If it¡¯s only possible to stay here forever, I¡¯ll do it. I want to stay underwater forever. What is my life for if it doesn¡¯t matter to me anymore?


    I smiled as I slowly ran out of air. It¡¯s better this way. Maybe there¡¯s no more pain out there.


    Suddenly out of nowhere, a pair of strong arms caught my waist and pulled me up above the water. I gasped as I stared at Maverick¡¯s wet and worried face. He looked so real that I began to tear up again.


    I smiled at him. Have I gonepletely crazy to see the man in front of me? Am I really this pathetic to hallucinate and convince myself that he owns the arms that wrap around me? I can even hear the sound of his heartbeats and his warmth against my cold body.


    I reached for his cheek and caressed it. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s just my hallucination or what. I¡¯m too distraught to identify what¡¯s real from not. My tears flowed as I reached for his nape. I kissed him with all the longing in me. My tears welled up even more when Maverick responded.


    How strong is my imagination to conjure Maverick to be kissing me the same way I¡¯m kissing him?


    He pulled me closer so I could feel his hardness in my thigh. My eyes widened and I immediately moved my lips away from him because of the realization.


    I cupped his face and stared at him bewildered.


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re real?¡± I asked, stunned.


    He did not answer me. He pulled me again to him and captured my lips for a searing kiss. I suppressed my emotion and pushed him away but he didn¡¯t let me. Instead, he steadied me and grind his hips against mine. I moaned and sped my hands around his neck as I responded to the kiss.


    I can¡¯t fight against my body when ites to Maverick. He knew my body more than I did.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push me away again, Fem. Don¡¯t fight us please,¡± he said while drying off my tears through his kisses.


    I did not answer. I pulled him over and kissed him again. My hand went down under the water and rubbed his body. He pulled my bra off and threw it into the water.


    He squeezed me in the ass and pushed his bulging hardness even harder into my softness. My head spinned in sensation.


    He briefly ended the kiss and began to walk out of the water. All the time I did not take my eyes off him for fear that he would just vanish in thin air. Even if there is no denying the warmth of his hold on me and the hard membrane that¡¯s hitting my thigh.


    He lowered me to the mat. I opened my legs to him. We wasted no more moments. He trailed kisses on my neck down to my two turgid peaks and even down further in my most sensitive part where it aches the most.


    He hurriedly took off my ck panty and threw it away. He slung my leg on both of his shoulders and began kissing me on the most sensitive part of my body. He licked me and sucked my clit which drove me crazy. I screamed softly when he inserted his tongue inside me.


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± I whispered. His highly skilled mouth is giving me again that pleasure I have been deprived of for months.


    ¡°Mav, please ¡­¡± I pulled his hair to convey my message to him. He got my message and positioned himself on top of me. He lowered his brief to his thigh and moved his foot to remove itpletely. He strokes his maleness while looking hard at me.


    I could no longer hold back. I pulled Maverick down on me and kissed him. I took his hand from down there and put my hand on him. I stroked it slowly and teasingly until he began pumping in my hand.


    He released me from the kiss and grabbed my hands and lifted them above my head. He held his dick and slowly pushed it inside me. I held my breath until he was fully inside me.


    Maverick looked at me with a blush. He didn¡¯t move at first and just caressed my face. I close my eyes to the overflowing emotions that have been engulfing me.


    He kissed my closed eyes tenderly and began moving at a very slow pace.


    ¡°I miss you so much. I miss being inside you, your tightness and wetness. I¡¯m going crazy the whole time that we¡¯re not together, Feme.¡±


    Crying, I buried my face in his neck and followed his rhythm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mav. I¡¯m really sorry,¡± I whispered.


    He hugged me tighter as his movement quickened. He stopped for a second, rubbed the back of my head and moved even faster. I clung to his shoulder and met the intensity in his eyes.


    He lowered himself to kiss me and I responded wholeheartedly. I bit his lip when I reached the climax. He slowed down again to give me time to recover.


    Still panting from my orgasm, I urged him to go on by initiating the movement.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± he muttered.


    Sweat trickled down his red face to mine as he pumped harder and faster. I felt him getting close so I touched his face. I always love to look at him when he¡¯s about to fall into pieces. Something magical is in his expression every time he achieves orgasm and ejactes inside me.


    He gave one long thrust before I felt his seeds spilled inside me. Chasing his breath, he pressed his face to my neck as his other hand continued to caress my breast.


    I leaned over and rubbed my thigh against his waist as he started toe in and out again. Heat and need enveloped my body again.


    ¡°Mav ¡­¡± I sobbed as he quickened his pace.


    He was already running over me so he raised his elbow to my side while confining my whole body from my chest with his body. I can feel that I¡¯m nearing the edge again. His every move was tearing me apart, his jaws were locked and his eyes were red from tears and desire.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I reached for him and kissed him tenderly. I convey with a kiss my months of longing for him. He responded as sweetly and as affectionately.


    I felt that inviting feeling again as if you were being lifted up in the air to the sky.


    And in seconds, Maverick and I reached the glory together.


    Soften and exhausted, I held Maverick¡¯s arm. My whole body was wet and we were both chasing our breath.


    ¡°I love you, Feme. From then until now please, don¡¯t ever leave me. Don¡¯t ask me to let go of you again because the next time you say that, I¡¯ll never be able to fulfill your wish. I¡¯ll do anything you say as long as you don¡¯t just ask me to leave you,¡± he whispered as he showered little kisses on my face.


    I was not able to answer him so I just cried again. He¡¯s right, it makes no sense to be separated from each other.


    Maverick got up and picked up our scattered clothes on the grass. He never bothered to conceal his naked body. We got dressed and helped fix the mat.


    No one was talking to each other on the way home. He just held my hand while squeezing them sometimes. When we got home, I immediately faced him who went straight to the fridge to look for food. He nced over me while picking out a canister of leftover food.


    ¡°I know you want us to talk but let¡¯s save thatter. Take a shower first. I¡¯ll cook. I didn¡¯t have my lunch yet.¡±


    I did not budge from standing. I just stood there like a statue while staring at the man like he was some sort of an apparition. Heughed from kneeling in front of my small red and then hugged me. I responded with a tighter hug while crying again.


    ¡°Hey, hey.¡± He cupped my face and wiped off my tears. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m real, okay. I¡¯m not your imagination. I¡¯m real.¡±


    He kissed my lips.


    ¡°See? Feel that? You want us to repeat what we did before so you won¡¯t have any doubts? Hmmm?¡± He teasingly licked my neck.


    Still blurred with tears, I pushed him away.


    ¡°You¡¯re really crazy.¡±


    He chuckled.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get sick if you just let your clothes dry on your body,¡± he reminded me.


    I wiped my face then nodded.


    ¡°I know. I¡¯ll just be quick.¡±


    I ran into the bedroom and took a quick shower. After I got dressed and wrapped the towel around my head, I went out immediately. I caught him mixing something on a stove. There was also a ck traveling bag on top of the wooden table.


    He turned to me before turning off the fire. He caught me staring at his bag.


    ¡°I¡¯m a boy scout,¡± he exined and picked up the bag. ¡°Can I take a shower first before we talk?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ll talk after you eat.¡±


    I prepared the table while he¡¯s showering. He cooked my leftover tunast night and put different sorts of greens on it. I sat down in the chair and fell into deep thought and was just awoken from the sound of the bedroom door opening.


    Maverick is walking towards me in his low waist shorts and white shirt. He winked at me before sitting down in the chair next to me and starting to eat. He ate so enthusiastically that it looks like he hasn¡¯t eaten for days. I stood up and took the towel over my head and began to dry his hair.


    ¡°Your cupboard is full of processed foods. That¡¯s bad for your body. Let¡¯s go to the grocery store tomorrow to rece those junk foods of yours,¡± he whispered in silence between his delicious mouthfuls.


    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s do that.¡±


    After he ate, he led me to sit on the sofa in the living room to talk. He hasn¡¯t started yet but my eyes are already clouded with tears. He hugged me and kissed my forehead. I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes. I relished the moment of being wrapped in his arms again.


    ¡°My memories have returned.¡±


    It was as if I heard a bomb explode at what he said. I was stunned. Does it mean that his love for Trisha has returned as well? If so, is it really just closure sex that he came here for?


    I pulled myself away from him but he wouldn¡¯t let me. My lips quivered so I averted my gaze as he attempted to meet my eyes. I couldn¡¯t bear to see him telling me that he was going back to Trisha. Why does he have toe here? I hope he just keeps everything to himself.


    ¡°¡­ and I have returned to you,¡± he added.


    I looked up at him. ¡°W-why? Why do you have to be here when we know you¡¯re going to leave me?¡±


    I bowed my head as my tears continued to fall.


    He grabbed me by the chin and lifted my face so he could look at me.


    ¡°Who¡¯s going to leave? Definitely not me. Why would I leave here if the person I loved from then until now is here? Who¡¯s the foolish one to go? Certainly not me. I¡¯m too greedy to let you go.¡±


    My tears stopped falling. What the hell is he talking about?


    ¡°I thought you remembered everything?¡±


    He leaned forward in his chair and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°So why are you here? Shouldn¡¯t you be there with Trisha?¡±


    He reached for my cheek and pinched it.


    ¡°With memories or not, I don¡¯t have any feelings for her. But we won¡¯t have that problem because I remember since then that it¡¯s you I like.¡±


    His hand moved to my other cheek and pinched it.


    I pped his hand away from me.


    ¡°Be serious, Maverick. Is this your way of revenge? By ying tricks on me?¡±


    My mood changed when I walked out to the terrace.

 Chapter 52

    I followed Feme outside. She¡¯s wiping away her tears. I hugged her from behind and nted a kiss on her exposed shoulder. She shrugged me off but I did not attempt to leave.


    ¡°No one is ying tricks on you, sweetheart. What I told you is true.¡±


    She sniffed.


    ¡°You should go now, Maverick. We¡¯re done. We¡¯re done so why are you still here looking for me?¡±


    I held her to face me and touched her swollen eye.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that I respect your decision to leave me. So now, I¡¯m going to ask you for a favor to respect me for my decision toe back for you. Let¡¯s stop torturing ourselves, shall we?¡±


    I led her to sit on the first rung of the stairs and took her hands.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like being indebted to anyone. It¡¯s bad for business. So I have to bring you back into my life so I don¡¯t owe anything to your weird friend.¡±


    She looks at me with her puffy red eyes, red cheeks, and red nose that I can¡¯t help but dip a kiss on her nose. She looks so adorable.


    ¡°I asked her for a favor. I asked her about your location after Trisha talked to me. She said, I can only pay her for providing information on your location if I can make you confess that until now you are still into me. And it turned out that you are. ¡±


    She went silent.


    ¡°Did you talk to Trisha?¡±


    I lifted my shirt and wiped away her tears.


    ¡°Yes. She said sorry for lying to you, to us. She also said something about the past which I confirmed to be true when I regained my memories.¡±


    She turned to me with questioning eyes. I held her hand and started telling her everything. Mixed emotions passed through her face as she listened to me. Her eyes turn from longing to sadness and then shock and finally anger.


    ¡°That girl!¡± she shouted in an angry voice. ¡°How could she do that? All along I¡¯ve lived with the guilt inside me knowing that I¡¯m having a rtionship with you.¡± Her face grimaced in pain. ¡°Trish, how could you?!¡±


    She cried in my arms. I rubbed her back and let her release the resentment into my arm.


    ¡°I know, Fem. I was also angry when she first told me the truth. And you have all the right to get angry because you remember everything.¡±


    She slipped into my embrace and wiped away her tears.


    ¡°But I shouldn¡¯t be that angry at her. She was young then and she was just driven by her envy for me. She¡¯s the less privileged onepared to me. She¡¯s the one who grew up without parents. Her life is sad, Maverick. She¡¯s alone,cking in the things I enjoy. She¡¯s also just a victim of our parents¡¯ selfishness. It¡¯s just sad how her lies hurt both of us.¡±


    I smiled at what she said. This woman, in all her perfections and ws, never failed to amaze me.


    ¡°You know what, even if you keep insisting that you¡¯re a bad person, that you¡¯re a user, I know you¡¯re a good person, Feme. Even if you don¡¯t ept defeat during our argument and you always use me of hiding the puzzle pieces, I know you¡¯re kind. It¡¯s natural to make mistakes. What¡¯s more important is what you do with the lessons you learned aftermitting your mistakes. That¡¯s the most important part. I admit I¡¯ve made countless mistakes but I wear them like a badge of honor. I don¡¯t walk out of a scene without getting something that will make me a better person. That sounds so good and noble for someone who had a bad track record but that¡¯s true. Like our situation now. What will we make of it?¡±


    I took her hands and brought them to myp.


    ¡°Am I angry at Trisha? Yes, I am. But will we burn more lines now? I don¡¯t think that¡¯s right. Like you said, she was young then. She¡¯s just as affected like us with the consequences back then. Let¡¯s leave it in the past and make use of what we get from it in living in the present and in the future. ¡±


    I took a deep breath. I am also bing emotional like Feme. I lifted up her chin and caught her eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try again, please. Give us another chance. And this time, no more goodbyes. Let¡¯s make it work, Fem.¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking for a second chance? It should be me. I¡¯m guilty as hell Mav for all I¡¯ve done. And I¡¯m guiltier for entertaining these negative thoughts. I¡¯m itching to see you. .. to ask for a second chance to you. I¡¯m just being held back by shame because I¡¯m the one who ended everything and left you in the end and then I¡¯lle back and mess you up again just to make me happy. Isn¡¯t that a bit too much? ¡±


    ¡°I remembered when you told me that you had scrapped the n of using me to get Trisha when you realized that you don¡¯t want me to get involved anymore. But fate had a different n for us, Fem. Little did you know that we¡¯ll meet in that same ce. I just saw you for the first time and you woke up to something inside me. Behind your fa?ade, I could see the real you. You got me so intrigued that¡¯s why I did everything I could think of just to have you. I witnessed how you avoided me but that only made me want you more for myself. Did you know I ckmailed Vida to get you? When her club was being raided, she was caught in my hotel red handed. That¡¯s when I bargained. I¡¯ll release her in your ce. See? It¡¯s destiny that makes the way for the two of us toe closer. I have loved you since then and I will love you forever, ¡°I said passionately.


    I don¡¯t know how I can say these cheesy lines but maybe this is what love makes you do. What you feel is so strong and beyond words you can¡¯t help but use the sweetest and cheesiest line just to describe your feelings. But even that is not enough.


    She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.


    ¡°I used you, Maverick. Can you still trust me despite everything? I don¡¯t want to get to the point where we no longer trust each other. I hate to end up that way.¡±


    I sighed. She¡¯s really hard headed at times.


    ¡°I also used you. I used you to satisfy my physical needs. We¡¯re even.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different. You paid for me.¡±


    I pulled her to sit on myp and gave her a kiss on the bridge of her nose. It¡¯s better this way. I would convince her more if we were this close and we felt each other¡¯s warmth.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°How about this, babe. I love you, you love me. Let¡¯s be together and have a family,¡± I sang.


    Her serious expression remained on her face so I just scratched my head.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t for once feel that you used me, Feme. I did it because I wanted to and I wasn¡¯t just forced. Do you really think someone can force me? That¡¯s what I¡¯m telling you.¡± I kissed her on the lips. ¡°Come back to me so you can get to know me better. No one can force me to do things I don¡¯t want to do, not even my family. That¡¯s why they threw me here so get rid of the thought that you used me. You didn¡¯t and if there are times you felt like you did then don¡¯t feel bad about it. I let you use me during those times because I adore you. Got it? Hmm?¡±


    The doubt on her face was gone so I secretly celebrated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a family anymore, Mav. The only blood rtive I left doesn¡¯t want to be with me. I¡¯m broke. The rest of the money you paid me has been donated to an orphanage. Thisnd and this house, this is all I have left. So technically, I don¡¯t have anything to contribute. ¡±


    I hugged her by the waist and caged her face in my palms.


    ¡°I¡¯m here. My family¡¯s here for you. Mom, Gideon and Sheri want you. I¡¯m sure Puffle will like you too. Come with me. Be with me and we¡¯ll make one big happy family, Fem . I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re as poor as a rat. I can finance you. If what you¡¯re thinking is that contribution stuff, well, no one is asking for that. Just love me and don¡¯t ever fall out of love with me. ¡±


    Her tears flowed again so I hugged andforted her. I caressed her back as her hands wrapped around my neck. She nodded afterwards.


    ¡°Yes, Mav. Let¡¯s start over again.¡± She raised her face to me. ¡°I¡¯m really deeply sorry for everything. I¡¯m sorry for lying to you, for using you, and for leaving you. I¡¯m sorry I just realized when I left you. I can¡¯t live without you. I¡¯m really sorry. ¡±


    Relief flooded all over me.


    ¡°Come home with me. I feel sorry for your eyes. They¡¯re so swollen and red. I never knew that a tiger is a crybaby.¡±


    I didn¡¯t add that I like this side of her. Sometimes I wonder if she is made of steel. Now I don¡¯t have to keep on wondering.


    ¡°I will listen to you and you will listen to me too. No more secrets and lies.¡±


    She smiled. Finally.


    ¡°I liked it,¡± she replied between sobs.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re mine again.¡± I kissed her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m always yours to begin with Mav,¡± she said.


    I blushed. I wasn¡¯t prepared for what she said. I hid my expression when my face heated up.


    But she held my face and inspected it.


    ¡°Oh! Did you just blush?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just so hot here.¡±


    I grinned and looked at her smiling. I palmed her face and chuckled.


    ¡°You sure know how to make a man¡¯s heart flutter. It¡¯s good that you love me.¡±


    ¡°And who told you I love you? You are iming that without any evidence?¡± her tempting eyes shone on me.


    A warm feeling flowed in my heart. The fact that she¡¯s been able to tease me now means that all is well already.


    ¡°Really? So who is that beautifuldy by my side saying ¡®I love you¡¯ to me every morning?¡± I indulged her.


    She pped me on the shoulder. ¡°Hey! I don¡¯t talk in my sleep.¡±


    I grabbed her hand and kissed her.


    ¡°Just kidding. But can you say it? Can you say it, please?¡±


    She just smiled and stared at me. She seems to be searching for something on my face. I presumed she found whatever she¡¯s looking for because she gave me her signature sweet smile. And then sheughed while crying. I just stared at her the whole time. It was as if I was enchanted that I couldn¡¯t look back.


    I gently pinned her hair to her ear when she stopped crying and just stared at me, quietly touching every corner of my face.


    She looked at me straight in the eyes and grinned.


    ¡°I love you, Fuentebe. I loved you when I was fifteen, never stopped loving you in the eight years that we¡¯re apart and now that I¡¯m a full grown woman, that love found its way back to you. It¡¯s worth it. So so worth it, my love. Thank you for making me realize that. ¡±


    A lump formed in my throat at her revtion. No words could describe what I¡¯m feeling right now so I just uttered the things I would always want to do to her.


    ¡°Kiss me ¡­¡± I whispered.


    She dly obliged and rewarded me with her sweetest kiss.


    Something warm and wet trickled down our faces. We were both crying for a rekindled past and renowned love for the future.


    I smiled against her lips before lifting her up in my arms.


    Mother, I¡¯m finally getting married.

 Chapter 53

    I opened my eyes and looked around. Darkness immediately dawned on me and sadness immediately enveloped me. I moved to the other side of the bed in case Maverick was there. I touched a hot and hard flesh moaning. I heaved out a sigh of relief. So what happened earlier is all true. I¡¯m not delusional or just dreaming. Maverick is really here by my side.


    I opened themp shade before crawling to lie back next to the sleeping man. I crouched under the nket and propped my elbow on the pillow. I leaned my head on my palm and caressed Maverick¡¯s chest. He automatically squeezed my waist as he sank into my chest.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he muttered.


    He also put his leg on my thigh so I can¡¯t move any further from him. I pushed his lower torso away and adjusted my body so I don¡¯t get crushed by his immense weight. My bed is just enough for the two of us in terms of space but I just don¡¯t know if it won¡¯t give up especially if Maverick thinks of railing me again.


    Ibed his hair while not leaving my eyes on this sleeping giant who sleeps like a baby. His mouth is a little open, a sign that he is really tired. Who wouldn¡¯t get tired with all that he¡¯s doing with me. The man is really insatiable. I think we baptized almost every corner of my little cabin except the bed because I¡¯m concerned about its durability. He agreed not to do it in bed because he also doesn¡¯t want to sleep on the floor.


    My body is also sore and tender from all the lovemaking but I can¡¯t let this moment pass. I miss watching him while sleeping. I used to do this back on the ind and in his penthouse. This little pleasure was the one I missed the most when I left.


    I kissed his head while massaging his temple.


    ¡°I love you Mav,¡± I muttered.


    He groaned in his sleep. ¡°Love ya, Fem.¡±


    My eyes squinted and I lightly punched his forehead.


    ¡°You are such a liar, Fuentebe. I don¡¯t really talk in my sleep. You¡¯re not obviously that crazy for me, are you? ¡±


    He just moaned again as if he wanted to protest before he moved closer towards me. I straightened up and closed my eyes with a smile on my face. All is well with my life now with him beside me.


    I woke up to the sound of giggles. I just ignored it because I¡¯m still so sleepy. I tightened the hug on Maverick¡¯s arm and gave in to my tiredness.


    The next minute, I was awoken again by a muffledughter. That¡¯s when I opened my eyes. I saw Maverick stiffened while holding his camera near my face. It took me a few more seconds to finally register what he¡¯s doing.


    I red at him and grabbed a pillow and repeatedly hit his face. His shoulder was shaking from my blows.


    ¡°Erase that,¡± I ordered him and grabbed his cellphone which he quickly took away.


    ¡°Not a fat chance, dear. I worked hard for those angles.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at him and went back to bed. I covered myself with a nket. A few momentster, someone poked at my side.


    ¡°What?¡± I pretended to be annoyed while secretly smiling.


    He removed the nket from my head and hugged me from behind. He kissed my neck and shoulders before whispering hoarsely.


    ¡°It¡¯s just for my personal consumption. No one will see this aside from me of course.¡±


    He ran his finger down my exposed arm. I gulped at the sensations his touch was giving me.


    I turned to him. ¡°Let me see.¡±


    We looked at the badly taken pictures of me. There are a few shots with my mouth open with a dried saliva on the side of my mouth.


    ¡°Ew, I look so gross here,¡± I pointed out in thest picture.


    He quickly kissed me on my mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I liked it. Proof that I really exhausted you. Sorry not sorry.¡±


    He even winked at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re really that into me. I had no idea that what I thought were your simple actions back then had a different meaning. Just a question, if you knew I was only fifteen then, would you still approach me? ¡±


    Heid on his back and put his hands above his head. I moved andy on top of him. His hands immediately went to my back and caressed it.


    ¡°Maybe not. I¡¯m a yboy but I¡¯m not into minors.¡±


    ¡°So you won¡¯t ever talk to me then?¡±


    She shrugged.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t know.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Cradle snatcher.¡±


    Iid my face on his bare chest and ran my hand over it. His muscles tightened with what I did. I smiled mischievously.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to sleep,¡± I said as I continued to caress his skin.


    ¡°You go first. I¡¯ll look at you. Maybe if I sleep, you¡¯ll disappear in my sight.¡±


    I kissed his chest.


    ¡°You won¡¯t lose you again unless the timees when you don¡¯t want me anymore.¡±


    ¡°Uh no. That will never happen. We¡¯ll work this out every second, every hour of every day.¡±


    I pouted.


    ¡°Now that I am set in this mostfortable position, I can get to say this. Now that I think about it, we haven¡¯t even gone through the normal courtship. Hell, you didn¡¯t even court me.¡±


    The edge of his mouth rose.


    ¡°Nah, sweetie. I don¡¯t believe in courtships. I¡¯ll court you forever once I have you and now that you¡¯re here in my arms again, the courting starts again until forever. You deserve more than the flowers, choctes and teddy bears in the world. You deserve my time and attention. If you want, we will build flower shops or let me buy a flower farm for you. You like that? ¡±


    It wasforting to just watch him like this.


    ¡°No, I liked it more when we¡¯re like this, talking about things. I¡¯m learning a lot from you.¡±


    I yawned then kissed his chin.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back to sleep. Go to sleep too. It¡¯s only past three am.¡±


    He pats my back.


    ¡°Have I told you already how thankful I am to have you here, Mav?¡± I said in between falling asleep and staying awake.


    ¡°Countless times already for tonight.¡±


    ¡°Have I told you that I easily get jealous and I¡¯m possessive and territorial?¡±


    ¡°So am I sweetie. We¡¯re good at that.¡±


    I pped his hand when he grabbed my ass.


    ¡°I¡¯ll add something more. Contrary to what you¡¯re saying, I¡¯m not really that kind. I¡¯m irritated most of the time, insensitive at times, proud, sharp-talker, I hate losing an argument and I can think of a thousand ways to kill a man if I caught him cheating. In short, I¡¯m not your stereotypical type of woman. Can you live with that? ¡±


    He justughed.


    ¡°Feisty. All the more I love you for being you, Fem. Can you also live with mine?¡±


    ¡°We will adjust and strive to be better individuals, that¡¯s for sure.¡±


    ¡°Good answer.¡± He kissed my head. ¡°Sleep now. Stop talking already.¡±


    I smiled.


    ¡°I really love your scent,¡± I murmured.


    ¡°Just my scent?¡±


    I tapped his rock solid frame.


    ¡°And your body. I love it.¡±


    ¡°Just my body?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it, Mav.¡±


    ¡°If only I could get through.¡±


    ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Sleep now.¡±


    Chuckling, he kissed my head again. ¡°I love you more.¡±


    I smiled as I fell asleep while he¡¯s hugging me.


    I woke up to the heat of the sunshine. I haven¡¯t moved yet move. It felt so good to be trapped in Maverick¡¯s warm arms. When another minute passed, I opened my eyes and found him lovingly staring at me.


    He smiled at me while tucking my hair behind my ears.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    I returned the smile and squeezed myself to his side. ¡°Morning. What time is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost 12 in the afternoon now, sweetie.¡±


    My eyes widened and I suddenly got up. I looked out the open window. The sun is already high. My stomach growled. We both smiled before weughed.


    ¡°I cooked breakfast already. I was just really waiting for you to wake up.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡±


    I got out of bed and grabbed a towel.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a shower. Wannae with me?¡±


    ¡°You want to get tired again? If yes, I¡¯lle with you.¡±


    He was about to get off the bed but I immediately stopped him.


    ¡°Just a bath, Maverick. You want the extended version right away. Stay there.¡±


    I quickly opened the bathroom door and immediately closed it. I even heard hisugh behind me.


    When I came out of the room I saw Maverick serving food at the table. He sensed my presence so he looked up at me and winked at me.


    I thought of something enjoyable to do.


    ¡°Mav, you want to go have a pic at the river?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± he agreed immediately.


    I took the pic basket from the cupboard and handed it to him. I plugged in the electric kettle to heat the water. While Maverick was busy putting food in the basket, I was busy making our coffee.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He smiled at me while drinking his coffee. ¡°Ah! Your coffee really tastes amazing.¡±


    ¡°Well! That¡¯s years in the making!¡±


    We walked out of the house. On each hand is our cup of coffee while Maverick carries the basket while I am the mat. When weid the mat and the basket on the side of the river, we silently ate our brunch.


    ¡°Sleepy again?¡± Maverick asked me when we were lying on the mat, my head on his arms. We had just finished eating when I said I was drowsy again. Kinda bad but I can¡¯t help myself. It invites me home but I prefer the air here.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I answered with my eyes closed. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I¡¯ve been so emotional and sleepy these past few days. It¡¯s also easy for me to cry and get hurt.¡± I sniffed his armpit. ¡°And I¡¯ve been craving for your smell.¡±


    I put my head inside his t-shirt and sniffed his smell again.


    He peered at me inside while smiling widely.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go to the doctor first thing in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Are we leaving here right away? Can¡¯t we stay for another day or two?¡±


    ¡°W-will you reallye with me?¡± he asked, startled.


    I sat on the mat and looked at him.


    ¡°What do you mean by that? Of course I wille with you? Why will you leave me here?¡±


    He also got up andforted me.


    ¡°Of course not. I just thought you might not want to leave Sta. Barbara. I¡¯m sure you like it here so I¡¯m not taking it away from you. What I have in mind is this. I can work in the city for the day and then stay here for the night and the weekends. ¡±


    ¡°But I like you more than this ce. And it¡¯ll be a hassle to travel from the city and back here. I have to be by your side to shoot the likes of Monica and that fake blonde I saw you talking with.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but sharpen my eyes as I thought of the two women.


    Maverickughed. ¡°I favor your decision, sweetheart.¡± He pulled me back into his embrace. ¡°Go to sleep now before you think of another vile thing to throw at me.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    I savored the delicious touch of the air on my skin and the fact that I was in the arms of the man I loved so dearly.


    ¡°This ce is like a paradise,¡± hemented.


    ¡°I agree. But do you know I have another ce I know like this? I¡¯ll take you there someday.¡±


    I felt a mixture of sadness and nostalgia when I thought about the ce.


    ¡°Where is that, babe?¡±


    I squeezed myself into his neck. The beautiful scenery of my birthce shed through my mind.


    ¡°Monte Vega.¡±

 Chapter 54 (last chapter)

    I¡¯m already bathing in my own sweat and my dress has been wet already but I don¡¯t care. All I want is to take out everything I ate this afternoon. I clung to the toilet bowl and for thest time vomited. I sat on the bathroom floor while clinging to the bowl.


    I cried in extreme frustration. Is it really this hard to be pregnant?


    I heard someone open the door and enter. I did not move. I just kept crying. Maverick sat down beside me and wiped my face with a towel. He also flushed all of my vomit down.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± He rubbed my back.


    I nodded. ¡°A little.¡±


    He caressed my growing belly. ¡°You guys are really torturing mommy. Behave children. Don¡¯t make it harder for mommy, okay? ¡±


    I red at Maverick. He always talk to my stomach every day since we came from the doctor days ago. Maverick shouted with happiness upon hearing it. I was moved to tears by mixed emotions. I¡¯m happy and at the same time scared about this new chapter of my life.


    I remembered being so scared and always asking him if I¡¯m really fit to be a mother.


    ¡°Will I be a good mother, Mav? Can I protect my children, Mav?¡± I asked with full of doubt.


    I remembered him giving me a tight hug and kiss.


    ¡°Yes, of course. You are a good person Fem and you will be a good mother if not the best one to our children, okay? Don¡¯t be scared. I am here for you. We¡¯ll be together every step of the way, okay honey? ¡±


    I also remember how I clung to him and believed in his assurance. He¡¯s been consistent all the way through. We immediately went back to his penthouse in the city. He can hardly go to his office and just stayed to take care of me. His family also visited us to learn about my condition.


    They have been so understanding, especially Mav¡¯s mother who insisted that I call her mom. She also asked when we will get married which Maverick just answered with a meaningful look.


    My only concern was how his family would react when they found out the truth. Maverick coaxed me into thinking of it. He said I should trust him when ites to that matter. I did. I will always do.


    ¡°You are ganging up against me again. These are my babies so they should be closer to me,¡± I joked and put my hand on his hand on my stomach.


    He didn¡¯t reply. He just stared at me like he didn¡¯t see anything except me. Like nothing exists except us. He kissed my head and murmured


    ¡°Will you marry me, Fem? Will you spend the rest of your life arguing with me, loving me and our children, and keeping me under your palm? Will you?¡±


    My tears fell in a mixture of joy and annoyance. Joy because he finally had the courage to propose to me. I know about his impending proposal but I kept it a secret. I wanted to know what he¡¯s going to do so when we flew back to the ind, I knew then that he¡¯s gonna ask me. I¡¯m just annoyed because there are so many ces here in the house that he can ask those words but he did it right here in the bathroom.


    Frowning, I pushed him away.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to propose, then at least do it in our bed. I still smell of vomit. You could have done this in a more romantic ce.¡±


    I pped my forehead.


    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. You don¡¯t have any romantic bones in your body. ¡±


    It was as if the sky had fallen on him with how his shoulders slumped.


    ¡°A-Are you rejecting my proposal, Fem? I-I¡¯m sorry if I said it right away. I just couldn¡¯t help myself when I saw you earlier having a hard time bringing up our children. There was a voice inside saying I should say that. You know I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you since the day I saw you in that river back in Sta. Barbara. ¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    His forehead furrowed.


    ¡°You know?¡±


    ¡°I know that you¡¯re nning your proposal. It¡¯s just too obvious.¡± I raised my hands to him. ¡°Help me get up.¡±


    He helped me stand up. I immediately brushed my teeth and washed my face. He¡¯s just standing behind me, too frozen to utter a single word. Afterwards, I hugged him.


    ¡°Now, ask me again and I might say yes.¡±


    I was shocked when he suddenly lifted me and went out. Heid me on the bed while he took a box out from his pocket. He got down on his knee on the carpeted floor and opened the box. It revealed a ring with a Moussaieff red diamond as the center stone. I covered my mouth with my hand and sobbed.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? I know you¡¯re going to propose after you mentioned it before but I still can¡¯t stop myself from crying. Do you find me ugly every time I cry? ¡±


    He shook his head, tears were visible on his eyes.


    ¡°No, never as long as it¡¯s happy tears.¡±


    ¡°Good answer.¡±


    I took a deep breath before nodding weakly. Why should I prolong it? This is what I wanted from the very start when I saw him inside that restaurant.


    ¡°Yes, Mav. I¡¯ll marry you¡­ ¡±


    I saw him bend down to wipe away the tears before standing up and sitting next to me on the bed. He took the ring in his trembling hand and put it on my finger. We both looked at it. The fit of the ring is perfect. It seems like there¡¯s no other worthy bearer of this but me.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± I murmured while staring at the ring on my finger in awe. Crying I turned to Maverick who was also looking at me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I have to thank you more. Thank you foring into my life, for loving me, and for bearing our children. I know you¡¯re too young to get married but whatever your dreams are, I will always be here to support you.. ¡± he caressed my stomach ¡°¡­ and our children. We still have many trials to go through. There are times when we will fight, we will get hurt but that will be fixed through conversation.¡± He kissed my lips.¡± I can¡¯t wait for you to be my wife.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Feme Fuentebe. Nice name.¡± I stared at the finger ring. ¡°Mav, why red?¡±


    ¡°It best describes you and what you¡¯ve be in my life. You¡¯re my fire, my me, my raging me. When ites to your fire, I always melt. ¡±


    I pped him on the shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s too cheesy.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Cheesy but you like it.¡±


    He stood up and went to the closet. He took something and came back next to me and opened his hand.


    ¡°This belongs to you.¡±


    My eyes widened in shock as I took the anklet in his hand.


    ¡°W-what? How did you get it? I thought I really missed it.¡±


    My heart was filled with joy as I inspected the anklet. Nothing has changed. It still looks the same as I remembered it to be.


    ¡°I got it from Trisha before that ident happened. You know I didn¡¯t want to let go of that even when I lost consciousness and even when I was in the hospital, I didn¡¯t want to let go of that anklet. It served as my lifeline but now that the real owner is here, I have to let it go. May I? ¡±


    I gave him the anklet. He dropped to the floor and knelt down. He put the anklet on me then kissed my foot.


    ¡°I want to see you wearing this, love. Only this.¡±


    He grabbed me and pushed me gently to the bed.


    ¡°Shut whatever you¡¯re thinking right now! Your family is just outside.¡±


    As if on cue, someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°Children,e out now. Save it forter,¡± said his mother¡¯s voice.


    He groaned.


    ¡°Yes, mom.¡±


    He buried his face on my neck when the sound of the footsteps were gone.


    ¡°What a nuisance. Don¡¯t mind them. Let¡¯s not go out. Maybe our baby¡¯s anatomy isn¡¯tplete yet. Let¡¯splete them.¡±


    I rained kisses on him.


    ¡°I love you, Mav.¡±


    He gazed at me lovingly and traced my lips with his fingers.


    ¡°I love you more, Fem. Let¡¯s love each other forever, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mav. Forever.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, forever.¡±


    His lips captured mine and I responded wholeheartedly.


    END


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