Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 6
Kabanata 6
MY EYES SHUT the moment his lips touched mine. Kaagad akong nawala ako sa sarili—it was as if the conscious part of me vanished into thin air with a mere touch of his mouth.
I opened my mouth when he tilted his head further and bit my lip. I clung tighter to his shoulder as his kiss deepened. I bit his lip sensually, but his hands gripped my arms firmly, making me gasp when it hurt.
He pulled away, his brows furrowed, lips still parted.
He tilted his head to check my arm, but I caught his chin and pulled him back into a fiery kiss, trying to distract him. He looked intoxicated by our kisses, his brown eyes darkening, before he slowly moved away.
"Rai..." I murmured, leaning in to kiss him again, but he turned his head, my lips brushing his jaw instead.
My eyes fluttered.
"Rai..." I whispered.
Inabot ko siya para hagkan sanang muli pero 'di siya sumunod.
"No, baby," napapaos niyang tanggi.
My lips protruded. One of his hands slid down to my waist while the other brushed against my arm, pressing slightly.
I flinched. His jaw tightened at my reaction, and without hesitation, he took my arm to examine it. He squeezed lightly.
"Ouch!" piksi ko, umiiwas pero nahuli niyang muli ang braso ko.
"What happened?" His tone was sharp, annoyed.
"W-Wala..." Iling ko sabay tayo. Inabot niya ako.
"Serafine..."
"Ayos lang ako."
He shook his head and pulled me to the sofa. Nang maupo na ko'y dumeretso siya sa intercom.
"Please bring ice," he ordered, then returned to me. He took my arm, pulled out a white handkerchief from his pocket, and gently wiped my skin.
"Rai..." I tried to pull away, but he caught my hand again.
"Serafine!" he hissed. I froze, shutting my eyes tightly as the fading makeup revealed the violet bruise beneath.
"Fuck," he cursed.
"Ayos lang ako..." I tried to soothe him but he was obviously not buying it.
He didn't speak. The door opened, and his secretary entered, carrying a bucket of ice. He set it on the table.
"What happened?" ani Rai pagkaalis ng secretary. He wrapped the ice in his handkerchief. He pressed it gently against my arm.
"Sera..."
"Wala lang 'yan," I deflected.
He stared at me. I shook my head, smiled faintly, and saw his jaw tighten before he nodded quietly, choosing not to ask further.
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag kahit papaano. Ayokong pag-usapan ang nangyaring 'yan sa ngayon.
Tahimik niyang inasikaso ang pasa, 'di maiwasang mapatitig sa kanya. He was calm but I could see the fire in his eyes.
"Thank you," I whispered tenderly.
He glanced at me but said nothing. I lifted my hand, brushing the side of his lips where my lipstick had smudged.
"Stain," I said with a smile, and he let me wipe it away.
Slowly, he lowered my arm. My hand slid from his cheek to his shoulder, then to the back of his neck. I leaned closer, hugging him gently.
Malalim siyang humugot ng hininga bago ako niyakap, humahalik sa buhok ko.
"Are you hungry?" he whispered huskily.
"Uh-huh."
"Alright, let's eat."
I pulled away, and he stood up and offered me his hand. I accepted it, my grip sliding up to his arm.
Together, we walked out of his office. I noticed the stares of the people around us—they were probably curious about me—pero taas-noo pa rin akong naglakad katabi si Rai habang tahimik na nakabuntot sa amin si Lando.
We entered the elevator in silence, and Rai lifted his hand to my arm and gently brushed over the bruise.
"Lagyan mo uli ng yelo 'yong pasa mo pag-uwi," he said.
I saw Lando glance at us, puzzled. He was about to speak, but I shook my head at him, so he stayed quiet.
"I will." I smiled, glancing at Rai. I caught him staring at Lando, his forehead creasing before he looked back at me.
The elevator doors opened, and a noisy group of women immediately fell silent when they saw Rai—I recognized them from earlier. The woman with sharp eyes stared at me briefly, curious, before they stepped inside.
I saw a smile spread across her. "Good afternoon, Vioxx," she greeted sweetly.
"Good afternoon, Engineer!" the others chimed in.
"Good afternoon," he replied formally, his hand still resting on my arm.
I noticed how the women's eyes shifted to his hand on me. The woman with sharp eyes frowned and turned her sharp gaze on me, then it dawned on me—nagpapabaya na naman si Sera at nagpapadala sa kalandian niya! You're on public, bruha ka!
I slowly moved away from Rai's grip, but he immediately caught me and placed his hand firmly on my waist, pulling me closer to his side.
Nalukot ang mukha ng babae, ang mata'y tumalim at halatang nanghuhusga. Na-activate tuloy ang inner bitch ko. Yeah, bitch, I'm bitchier than you.
I glanced at her proudly, leaning even closer into Rai's hold on my waist. I looked her up and down, and when our eyes met, I smirked.
Her mouth parted. I bit my lip, blinked innocently, and gave her a sweet smile.
Ha! Got you.
We reached the ground floor, and the women quickly exited, though the sharp-eyed one still looked at me with lingering curiosity and anger.
Rai quietly led me outside. Nang mapansin niya 'kong nakatingin kung saan ay inabot niya ang chin ko para hulihin ang tingin ko.
"Come on," he whispered and pressed a kiss on my cheek.
Naiwan sina Lando at Rai sa labas ng sasakyan habang naroon na ako kaya nakakuha ng tiyansang mag-check ng messages.
Messages from my friends popped up immediately, and I replied to Gino's.
From: Gino
I miss you.
I sighed and quickly typed a reply.
To: Gino
Hi, Gino! I miss you, too :)
"That boy again, huh?"
Rai's sudden voice nearly made me jump. I turned to the driver's seat and saw his scowling face. Hindi ko pala napansin ang pagpasok niya.
"Wala lang 'to!"
His jaw ticked but he didn't say anything and just avoided my gaze.
He started the engine, and I bit my lip, sighed, and showed him my phone.
Wow, selos ba 'yan, Daddy? I wanted to voice out but I don't want to piss him off further.
"Look, o! Hindi lang ako sa kanya nagsabi ng gano'n. I also told my friend, Jenny, that I missed her!"
He glanced at my phone but quickly looked away, rolling his eyes.
Wow...
I pouted and tugged at his sleeve. "Pansinin mo na ako," I whined.
He maneuvered the car silently and seriously, all the way to the mall.
I thought he would ignore me the rest of the day, but when he opened the car door for me, hope sparked that maybe he would soften.
"Salamat!" I beamed.
I clung to his arm, and he let me. Sabay kaming naglakad papasok sa mall.
"Rai," I called, but he only licked his lips and stayed quiet. Ayaw talagang lumambot! "Sorry na, Daddy. Wala lang talaga iyon, promise!"
He just glanced at me, his eyes narrowing, his expression cold as he stared ahead.
Napaisip ako kung paano ba manunuyo ng selosong Engineer pero hindi nagpa-process ng matino ang utak ko.
"Come on, Rai. Na-miss ko lang ang sila as friends. Hindi ko na kasi sila nakikita at busy kasi ako sa scholarship ko. Natanggap ako, kaya nag-aasikaso ako—"
"You got in?" he asked, interest spiking from his voice.
Finally!
"Yep!" I smiled brightly. "I can study again! Malay mo, by next year, engineer na ako at colleague na kita! How does Engineer Mendez sound?"
He chuckled. The spark in his eyes told me it sounded good.
I clung tighter to his arm, my eyes fixed on him. "Kaya pansinin mo na ako. Sige na," ungot ko.
"You only miss them as friends, huh?" His brow arched. "So... you probably miss me like that, too."
"Of course, hindi!" I rolled my eyes. "I miss you because you're my daddy!"
Napalingon iyong mga taong kasabayan namin. Rai sighed. I grinned, unapologetic.
My mouth parted when Rai suddenly pinched my cheek, making me gasp and swat at him in surprise.
"Rai!"
"Naughty baby. You should stop calling me that," he scolded, though a hidden smile tugged at his lips.
"Why? Papa dè Asukal kaya kita—"
"Serafine!" He caught my waist, making me squeal and laugh as I pulled away.
"Hindi na! Hindi na!" I said, in between laughter.
I spotted a bookstore, pointed at it, and tugged him gently.
"Rai, samahan mo ako. Bibili akong gamit para sa pasukan, malapit na kasi ang simula ng klase."
He nodded, his hand resting on my waist.
"Thank you, daddy!"
"I told you already, I'm too young to be your sugar daddy," he muttered.
"Eh, 'yong crush ko—"
"Yet I'm damn older and more mature than that asshole," sikmat niya at inabot ang cart.
"Oo na... oo na, gwapo kasi 'yon—"
"At ako hindi?" he snorted.
"S'yempre gwapo ka!" I exclaimed. "Ikaw pa ba? Walang tatalo sa perfect kong daddy," I teased, and when he tried to pinch me again, tinakbo ko na ang notebooks.
I couldn't help but smile as I shopped with Rai—this was fun. He followed me patiently, never complaining. I even caught him testing colorful ballpens by doodling on scrap paper.
"Here," he said, handing me a book about engineering. "This was useful for me. You should buy it."
"Ganda!" I glanced at the book—it looked good. I considered buying it until I saw the price. "Ay, hindi pala."
Maganda lang tignan pero kapag nakita mo ang presyo pangit na pala.
"Why?"
"Mahal." I shook my head, returning it to the shelf. "Notebooks lang ang kasya sa budget ko."
"I'll pay," he said casually.
"Hindi na kailangan." I shook my head. "Ayos na sa akin na mga gamit lang na kailangan—"
"I insist," he said, pulling out his wallet from his pants pocket.
My mouth parted when he handed me a sleek black card, his name written in gold letters.
Vioxx Ephraim Miranda
"You should get it—and get other things too necessary for your classes," he added, placing the book in my cart. "I have other reference materials in my bedroom. You should visit sometime... to check."
He cleared his throat, looking away.
"Okay?" I said slowly, staring at the card in my hand.
Pumunta ako sa counter at nanlaki ang mata ng kahera pagkakita sa hawak ko.
"Uh... Ma'am? Sa 'yo?" she asked.
"No." I shook my head. "Ano, hmm... sa dad–I mean, sa boyfriend ko."
She nodded. Tinuro ko si Rai na busy sa storybooks sa children's section.
"'Yon oh, boyfriend ko," I lied to feed my delusions.
"Yaman, Ma'am," she whispered. "Black card."
I pursed my lips but smiled.
"Ganyan talaga si daddy, galante sa akin," I joked.
Umawang ang labi niya. Natawa lang ako, inabot ang paper bag at lumapit kay Rai na busy sa pagbabasa ng The Little Mermaid. Naaaliw ata siya sa picture. Natatawang pinalo ko ang puwet niya.
"Tara na, Daddy!"
He immediately looked around. When he realized no one was watching, he narrowed his eyes at me.
I giggled and handed him back the card. "Thank you! You're the best!" I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
He froze, stunned by my sudden gesture, but I just grinned and clung to him.
'Di siya nagkomento pero namumula ang mukha. Tinusok ko ang pisngi niya.
"Huwag ka masyadong kiligin."
"Shut up, Serafine," he said without enthusiasm, grabbing the paper bag from me.
I just laughed. Asar-talo pala ang supladong engineer.
Pauwi na sana kami but he dragged me to the boutique to buy shoes for school.
"P'wede ko pa namang gamitin 'yong lumang sapatos ko from two years ago—"
"Marupok na 'yon, Serafine. Paano kung mahulog ka sa hagdan?" he said, frowning as he scanned the rows of shoes.
"It won't. Magaling naman akong maglakad saka—"
Imbes na pansinin ang sinabi ko, tinawag niya ang isang sales lady. "Miss, can I get this in size?"
"Eight..."
"Eight," he said, pointing at an elegant pair of black shoes.
"Sure, Sir!" the saleslady replied, disappearing quickly.
I pursed my lips, glancing at the shoes he picked and I discreetly checked the price. Para akong napaso nang nakita ko ito—six thousand!
What the hell? Ano ito? Glass shoes ni Cinderella?!
I swallowed hard, carefully returning the shoe to its box, afraid I might damage it.
"Ito na po ang sapatos." The saleslady returned after a moment with a box containing the exact pair of shoes in my size.
Rai set down another pair of shoes on the shelf. He said something to another saleslady, then walked toward me.
I sat on the soft couch inside the boutique as the saleslady presented the box she was carrying. I reached for the shoes and lifted my feet slightly to remove the sandals I was wearing—but froze when Rai suddenly knelt on one knee in front of me.
Oh my God!
The sight made me feel... things. Hinawi ko ang buhok at ikinalma ang sarili.
He gently took my foot and slipped off my sandals himself. Like Cinderella, the prince charming placed the shoes on me—and they fit perfectly. I stood up, moving my feet slightly and walked around.
Nakasunod ang mata ni Rai. He looked like he was satisfied with what he was seeing.
"Are you comfortable?" he asked.
I nodded.
Comfortable in fit, yes—but not in price!
"Sir, ito na po 'yong sandals." The other saleslady suddenly appeared just as I removed the shoes. My eyes widened as Rai took the box she was carrying.
What?!
He opened the box, and I nearly fainted at the sight of an elegant pair of shoes. It was a new design, popular these days! I only knew about it because my friends kept talking about it.
My lips parted as Rai slipped the shoes onto my feet. My eyes sparkled—this was, after all, the first time I'd worn original designer shoes.
I was elated, but at the same time, nervous as I fumbled and started computing in my head.
What the heck, Rai?! Tell me, paano ko 'to babayaran?!
He helped me stand up. Habang sinusubukan kong maglakad ay pasimple akong lumapit sa kanya at kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran niya.
He blinked innocently. "What? You don't like those shoes?"
"I love the design, but I can't pay for these," I whispered. "Ibalik na natin at hindi ko bibilhin."
"You wouldn't pay it," he said firmly, brows furrowing as if my word offended him. "I will."
"H-Huh?" My jaw dropped.
"Hindi kita pinagbabayad." He pinched my nose, held my waist, and guided me back to the couch.
"Rai, you really don't have to—"
"Let me, Serafine," he said, turning to the saleslady. "We'll take both shoes."
Still frozen in awe, I remained seated as Rai paid for the shoes.
It's freaking fifteen thousand pesos! For just two pairs of shoes!
Bumalik si Rai sa kinaroroonan ko na may bitbit na paper bag, kausap ang saleslady. Mukhang binebentahan niya nito ng isa pang pares ng sapatos.
"Waterproof po ito, Sir. Kung maulan, hindi mababasa ang mga paa ng girlfriend n'yo."
Rai nodded, inspecting the new pair of shoes.
"Can I have this in size eight—"
"Taympers!" I quickly butt in, grabbing Rai.
"P'wede mong gamitin kapag tag-ulan—"
He couldn't finish what he was saying, because I covered his mouth with my hand.
"Next time na lang, Miss," sabi ko sa saleslady.
Rai pulled my hand away to speak. "But that's waterproof—"
"Shut up, Miranda!" I hissed.
He stopped, helpless, as I dragged him out of the boutique.
"Sera—"
"This is too much already, Rai!" I exclaimed, glancing at the paper bags he was holding.
He pouted. "Ayaw mo ba sa mga binili ko?" he whispered sadly.
I sighed.. "Of course, I love them," I answered. "Pero ang mahal ng mga iyon, Rai."
"The price doesn't matter as long as you like them," he said. I melted.
"'Di naman kasi kailangan," I explained.
Nagtitigan kami. I smiled and touched his chest, inaalo at hindi napagbigyan. He gave up and nodded, licking his lips before looking around. "Anyway, where do you want to eat? I'm starving, Sera."
I let out a small laugh and pointed at a nearby fast-food restaurant. "There."
He frowned, glancing at it. "Sobrang daming tao. Baka hindi na naluluto ng maayos ang pagkain—"
"Of course not!" I chuckled. "Puro ka kasi restaurant. Try fast food too! It's one of my favorite foods."
He let me pull him inside the fast food restaurant, and luckily, we found seats quickly. He looked so out of place in this kind of setting, but he looked adorable—like a confused kid.
I made him sit down. "Dito ka lang, Daddy. I'll order our food."
He nodded, reaching for his wallet, but I quickly shook my head. "My treat! Ako na ang bahala." I smiled cheekily.
He stared at me, then chuckled, setting the paper bag down beside him.
"Alright," he said.
"Let your sugar baby treat you tonight," I said playfully, winking at him.
He froze, his mouth parting. Ngumisi lang ako.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
SA UNANG ARAW ng pasukan, sobrang saya ko habang naghihintay sa pagdating ng professor. It had been a while since I last went to school, and I was genuinely excited to be learning again.
"Hi! P'wedeng makiupo?"
I looked up and smiled as a handsome man approached.
"Hello! wala naman."
He nodded and sat beside me.
"Engineer Magkaya won't make it to class today. Check n'yo sa Canvas," a girl nearby announced, glancing at her phone.
At her words, several students exchanged looks. I, however, had no idea what they were talking about, since I hadn't set up an account yet with the registrar.
"Nice," the man beside me said, staring at his phone.
I glanced at him, and he smiled as he showed me the announcement.
I smiled back. "Kung gano'n, p'wede na kayang umuwi? Ito lang kasi ang subject ko today."
"Usually kapag wala si Engineer Magkaya, nagpapadala siya ng substitute instructor para magbigay ng activity."
"Oh." I nodded. "Thank you for letting me know."
"Welcome. By the way, I'm Marco Flores. You're Serafine, right?"
My eyes widened slightly, surprised, but I nodded.
"Yeah. How did you know?"
"The seniors heard about you already... Nag-apply ng ka scholarship, 'di ba?"
Oh?
Nagtataka man sa sinabi niya, hindi ko na ito pinagtuunan masyado ng pansin.
"Nice meeting you," I said.
"Nice meeting you too," he replied, and we shook hands.
We both nearly jumped when a loud thump echoed from the desk. The entire class fell silent, and I turned to see a tall man dropping papers at the front.
"Good afternoon po, Engineer!" the students greeted him.
As the man straightened and our eyes met, my jaw nearly dropped at the sight of him.
"D-Daddy..." I whispered, startled.
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