Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 11
Kabanata 11
"BABY..." RAI WHISPERED as he dried my tears.
Napapikit ako nang mariin at suminghap, bago ko hinawakan ang kamay niya sa aking pisngi.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
I shook my head, pulled away from his hand, and discreetly wiped my tears.
"Nothing," I muttered, suddenly aware of how weak I must look in front of him.
I quickly stood from the bench, but Rai immediately rose as well, catching my elbow and holding it gently.
"Sera..."
"Ayos lang talaga ako." I forced a small smile. "S-Sumasakit lang ang mga mata ko."
Seryoso siyang tumitig, binabasa ang ekspresyon ko. This time, no matter how much I pretended, I knew he didn't believe me.
He held my arm again. I tried to pull away, but he caught me easily.
"Serafine," he called firmly.
"Ayos nga lang ako, Rai," I said calmly, even though inside I wanted nothing more than to embrace him.
"Sera! Baka p'wede nating pakiusapan—"
Someone spoke. I turned to the direction where the voice came from and saw Marco approaching—mukhang kalalabas lang niya galing sa opisina. He froze, biglang bumagal ang hakbang nang matanto sino ang kasama ko.
"Engineer Miranda?" Marco called.
"Mr. Flores," Rai acknowledged him, his tone stiff.
Marco looked at me again, his gaze lingering on Rai's hand gripping my arm. Lumayo ako.
"Sera, may dahilan naman kung bakit na-late ka, 'di ba? Pakiusapan na lang natin—"
"You were late?" Rai asked and glanced at me with a question.
I stepped back, but he immediately caught my waist and pulled me close.
"Yes, Engineer. Nakiusap si Sera sa HR kaso—"
"Marco," I warned. "Huwag na."
"Sera..." Rai's voice softened.
"Rai, I swear, ayos lang nga ako—"
"Serafine..." Kalmado pa rin ang boses niya, pero may diin na. I could already see the growing irritation in his eyes. "What the hell happened?"
I sighed. Marco's confused gaze lingered on me, but he said nothing.
"I... was just late," I said.
"And you didn't make it to the interview?" Rai's forehead creased.
"Yes..."
He closed his eyes and nodded, then glanced at the HR woman, who was now watching us with a bewildered expression. He released me and walked toward her, his expression serious. Nag-panic ako at nagmamadaling sumunod sa kanya.
"Rai!" I called.
He didn't look back, his stride determined. I quickened my pace, grabbing his wrist.
"Ephraim!" I exclaimed.
He stopped. I stepped closer, tugging his hand until he turned to face me.
"What?" Tunog iritado na ang boses niya.
"Let's go," I said firmly.
"I'm gonna talk—"
"No..." Umiling ako.
"Why? You need that damn interview, Serafine, and I'm not gonna stand here and do nothing."
I glanced around, noticing the stares of the people nearby.
"Not now, please," I murmured.
"Serafine—"
"Rai, please..." I whispered weakly.
He stared at me. Anger still burned in his eyes, but he shut them tightly, forcing himself to calm down.
I saw his jaw clench. Gently, I stroked his hand, trying to ease him.
"We don't have to make a scene here, Rai," I murmured. "Let's talk outside."
He opened his eyes. His once-fiery brown gaze flickered, frustration still simmering but restrained.
"Come on, baby..." I whispered.
Slowly, he nodded.
Relief washed over me as he gently clasped my hand, our fingers intertwining. "Let's go," he urged.
I smiled faintly, walking with him as he held me. Ni hindi na ako nakapagpaalam kay Marco sa bilis ng lakad ni Rai.
Inside the elevator, I stayed quiet. I glanced at the doors and met Rai's gaze. I tried to smile, but he only shook his head.
"Stop pretending, Serafine," he said coldly.
Tumungo na lang ako at tumitig sa mga kamay naming magkahawak. Kahit narating na namin ang ground floor, nararamdaman ko pa rin ang galit niya kahit ikubli niya iyon.
He held me firmly as we walked out of the elevator toward the exit, but I froze when I saw Alice, my chest tightening as our eyes met.
Her words echoed in my head: that I was Rai's whore.
Pain stabbed my heart as I remembered the articles I had once read—Vioxx Ephraim Miranda was rumored to marry Alice Tan after the investigation of Akisha's death.
I tried to pull my hand from Rai's grip, making him stop and frown at me.
"W-We can walk without holding hands," I murmured, tugging again, but his grip only tightened.
"Shut up, Serafine," he said firmly. He practically dragged me toward the exit. No matter how hard I tried, he wouldn't let go.
Napansin ko ang iritasyon sa mukha ni Alice sa kabila ng pekeng ngiting ipinakita kay Rai.
"Hi, Vioxx!" she exclaimed brightly. "Kailan ang dinner natin—"
To my surprise, Rai ignored her completely, walking past without a word. She was left frozen in place, but he didn't care—his only priority seemed to be getting me out of that place.
Rai opened the door of his car for me, and I slipped inside. He spoke briefly with Lando before joining me. He started the engine in silence, looking tired.
I glanced at the backseat and saw his travel bag. "Kararating mo lang?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied coldly. "I was planning on surprising you, but you surprised me instead."
"Huh?" Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.
"I expected to see your smile the moment I arrived, but you were crying, Serafine. Sinong hindi masusorpresa doon?"
Kumalabog ang dibdib ko. Napapikit ako't humigpit ang hawak sa seatbelt.
"I was late kasi for the interview, kasi..." I looked away from him. "Naligaw kasi ako... nakalimutan ko kung nasaang floor ang HR office."
He turned to me, his eyes sharp. "They didn't interview you just because of that?"
"Yes, but I understand them. Ginagawa lang nila ang trabaho nila, Rai."
"I could have talked to them for you, Serafine."
"No..." I shook my head. "Ayokong gumawa ng eksena."
He stayed silent.
I sighed. "Sayang naman. It would have been nice to do my internship with you at your firm..."
"They'll be accepting another batch of applicants," he informed me. "You should apply again—you'll get in."
"As if naman makakapasok ako." I laughed bitterly.
"You can get in, Sera," he said.
"Sa tulong mo? Ayaw ko nga, Rai." Tanggi ko. "Maybe I am not meant for your firm."
"You are damn well meant for me!" he retorted, surprising me. "You are meant for my firm."
Tumikhim siya at humigpit ang hawak niya sa manibela.
"Paano kung hindi?" I asked. 'Di na napigilan ang sarili. Iritado na siya, kinokontra ko pa.
I can't help it. Sometimes, when I think of him getting angry and annoyed like this, it makes me fascinated. I don't know. Actually, kahit anong gawin ng lalaking 'to ay gano'n lagi ang epekto sa 'kin.
"You are. Kapag sinabi kong oo, oo 'yon, Serafine!"
Nangiti ako dahil sa sinabi niya, kahit na ayaw ko.
"Hindi lahat ng bagay ay posible—"
"I will make impossible things possible for you, Serafine!" he exclaimed, frustrated.
Heat rushed to my face and despite my raging heartbeat, I spoke. "Rai, ikalma mo—ang BP..." Hinawakan ko siya.
"Fuck," he said lowly, a realization dawning. "I'm fucking whipped."
Natahimik kami nang ilang segundo bago napabughalit ng tawa sa realisasyon ng usapan.
"Damn! What are you doing to me, woman?" he complained.
"Ah, ganyan ka pala ka-patay na patay sa akin, Rai," I teased.
"Damn, confidence!" he said with disbelief.
Natahimik kami uli, pero unlike kanina, mas magaan na ngayon ang ambiance.
"I bought you presents," he suddenly said.
"Ano?"
"Uh... a dress." He cleared his throat.
"What? Totoo?" Umawang ang mga labi ko.
"Para saan? May okasyon ba?" natatakang tanong ko.
"Nothing." His lips protruded. "I just thought it would look good to you."
Hindi ako makapaniwala sa sinabi niya. Nailing na lang ako.
"What? I was being thoughtful!" he defended himself.
"Eh, kung walang okasyon aanhin ko 'yon?" natatawa kong tanong.
"Wear it on our dates."
Nasapo ko na lang ang noo ko.
We went to a mall to eat and watch a movie. My sadness still remains, my mind wanders away when I'm with him, hawak-hawak niya ang popcorn at drinks habang namimili kami movie na papanoorin.
"What movie do you like?" He asked. We both glanced at the horror movie. I grinned.
"I like this one."
"Alright." He chuckled. "Thought you'd like romantic comedies?"
"Hmm, I prefer watching horror today," I said, an evil plan forming in my mind.
Umpisa pa lang ay nagpapanggap na akong natatakot. Of course, I wasn't. I'm a fan of horror movies!
Seryoso si Rai sa panunuod. He was still in his dark blue dress shirt and slacks, looking like he had just come from a board meeting, earning money but had no choice but to accompany his spoiled baby girl.
I giggled.
"Why are you giggling?" he asked, noticing.
I bit my lip, pretending to be scared.
"Natatakot kasi ako!" I even faked a shiver.
I screamed when the people around shrieked. Hindi ko nga alam kung saang banda sila nagulat, pero nakisabay ako.
I lifted the armrest separating Rai and me and pressed myself closer to him. He immediately held my arm.
"What's the matter, baby?" he asked, whispering.
"I'm scared," I said in a small voice.
He slowly caressed my arm, as if trying to calm me. 'Di niya lang alam sa kanya talaga ako nangangatog at hindi sa movie!
I bit my lip to suppress a grin and buried myself against his chest.
He lifted his drink and brought it to my lips. Smiling mischievously, I took a sip, my attention no longer on the movie.
"Rai, subo," I whispered after a while, then I opened my mouth.
He chuckled. "Popcorn?" he asked, staring at me gently.
"No." I grinned, my gaze dropping to his slacks. "Subo 'yong susi mo—"
I nearly choked when he shoved popcorn into my mouth.
"Rai—"
He stuffed another mouthful of popcorn between my lips. Natawa ako at sa kabila ng dilim ng sinehan ay 'di niya maikukubli ang pagkalat ng pula sa kanyang buong mukha.
I chewed the popcorn, giggling. "Why? Gusto ko lang namang—"
He suddenly leaned down, capturing my lips to silence me. Natigilan ako.
He touched my chin, lifting my face so he could kiss me properly. I slowly closed my eyes, gripped his shoulder, and kissed him back.
I bit his lip when he bit mine, welcoming his tongue into my mouth.
His hand slid to my waist, caressing it sensually. We kissed like drunk lovers, oblivious to the horror movie playing around us.
I opened my eyes and saw his forehead creased with intensity. My heart pounded wildly.
Hindi ko alam, Rai. Ano bang ginagawa mo sa 'kin?
I found myself touching his nape, deepening the kiss—hanggang ang sigawan ng mga nanunuod ang pumailanlang dahilan kaya naghiwalay kami.
We pulled away, both breathless, staring at each other.
Slowly, I licked my lips and smiled.
"Lasang cheese." I giggled.
He chuckled, shaking his head, then leaned in to steal another quick kiss before reclining in his seat and closing his eyes.
Lumapit ako uli sa kanya. "Ang bango mo, Daddy," I whispered, sniffing his neck.
He seemed troubled. I wrapped my arms around his waist and looked up at him.
"Why?"
"Ang sakit mo sa ulo, Serafine," he muttered.
"Huh? Why? What did I do?"
"I was trying to control my urge to kiss you like a mature person, but you keep testing my patience."
I pouted, teasing. "Oh, just admit it, Daddy. You love kissing your baby girl too much."
He shook his head, looking disappointed in himself.
"You're right," he said, giving up.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
"SAAN TAYO PUPUNTA?" I asked Rai as we reached the top of the mall building, the sky painted in sunset hues.
"Basta."
I nodded, still curious, gazing at the sky glowing in shades of yellow and orange, fading into the looming dark.
"Engineer!" I turned, startled, as Rai's secretary approached.
"June," Rai called.
June glanced at me, smiling shyly. "Hello, Ma'am Sera."
"Hi!" I waved at him.
"Where is it?" Rai asked his secretary.
"Malapit na po, Engineer," June said.
Before I could figure out what they were talking about, the sound of an engine roared. The wind picked up, and Rai held my waist, steadying me as my lips parted in shock when a helicopter descended slowly from the sky.
Gulat na sinulyapan ko si Rai na nakahanda na ang ngiti sa 'kin. He looked fascinated and contented with my reaction!
"How..."
"Surprise, baby," he said, kissing my hair.
I was left speechless as he walked toward the helicopter. The pilot stepped out and began speaking with him.
"Tara na, Ma'am," June said.
I blinked rapidly, still stunned. "S-Saan?"
"Sasakyan po kayo sa helicopter," he explained.
Still in awe, I walked forward. Sinalubong ako ni Rai at inalalayan paakyat sa helicopter.
Rai climbed in after me, smiling warmly. He brushed a few strands of hair away from my face, slid a headphone over my ears, and adjusted my seat. He put on his own headphones—and before I could even process it, we were already flying through the sky.
"We're flying..." Rai's sexy voice came through the headphones. "This is Engineer Vioxx Miranda—your daddy pilot for the day, my lady."
Napatili ako, at nagsitaasan ang lahat ng buhok sa katawan ko, pati 'ata 'yong sa ano!
"Rai! Ano ba, bakit ang husky ng boses?!"
He laughed.
"Yes, baby?" he teased.
Nangilid ang mga luha ko nang mas tumaas pa ang lipat ng helicopter. I gazed outside.
The sun was sinking into the horizon, its colors burning fire, while the darkness slowly wrapped around the sky—it was breathtaking. It was my first time riding a helicopter—my first time ever flying!
May pa-VISA pa akong dahilan sa kanila, e, never ko pa ngang naranasang mag-eroplano!
The sky had darkened, but the stars were beginning to shine, adding beauty to the night.
"Hey, baby, look down," ani Rai na kaagad kong sinunod.
"Wow!"
Amazement filled every part of me when I saw the dazzling city lights. They looked like tiny stars scattered beneath us.
"You like it?" Rai asked.
I nodded happily. "Yes... Thank you so much, Rai. I love this so much!"
"You deserve it," he said. "I know you had a tough day. I hope this made you smile."
"Of course!" I exclaimed. "I'm so happy, I can't even explain what I feel. Sobrang ganda. I never expected this. Rai, thank you!"
"Yeah?" He chuckled. "Can I get a sweet message from my baby girl?"
"Hmm," I hummed, rummaging through ideas in my head until a silly joke popped into my head. "I've got a pick-up line for you," I said.
"Uh-huh?" He looked thrilled. "Okay, baby. Impress your daddy."
I leaned back, staring at him.
"Roses are red, violets are blue," I started.
He cocked his head, waiting for the rest.
"Gusto kong cash, 'yong kulay blue." I grinned. Natigilan siya at napatili ako nang bahagyang gumalaw ang helicopter. I smacked him playfully as he cursed under his breath.
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