Kabanata 4
Kabanata 4
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
I got the job. I got the job!
I watched as the girl watched me back with those pair of beautiful eyes. She was swaying her feet back and forth the hospital bench, naka-pigtails ang buhok at may hawak na ice pop habang nakikipaglaban ng tingin sa 'kin.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Tinaasan niya rin ako ng kilay.
What a feisty kid.
I almost scoffed but stopped myself. Tumikhim ako at pasimpleng sumandal sa bench at maliit ang boses na tumikhim din siya bago ginaya ang pagsandal ko, dahil nga maliit ay umangat ang paa niya sa ere at napansin ko ang ternong dilaw na shoes niya.
Humalukipkip ako. Pilit siyang gumaya pero hawak niya ang ice pop kaya sumimangot at ayaw ko namang mag-tantrums na naman kaya inalis ko ang halukipkip.
Nagkatinginan kami.
"Ginagaya mo ba 'ko, bata?" I asked.
"Sino bata?" She asked me in her tiny voice, "I'm not bata. I'm pwincess..."
My lip twitched, amused.
"Okay, little princess, are you mimicking me?"
Doon na siya lumabi at umiling-iling, "no po."
"Uh-huh," kinagat ko ang labi at nang nahuli niya 'yon at kinagat niya rin ang labi pero nahirapan siya at bungi ang isang ngipin sa harapan.
So adorable. I didn't press the issue and watched her closely, admiring her beautiful face and those eyes—the prettiest I've seen in my life.
"Alright, what happened to your teeth? Bakit ka nabungi?"
"Tooth fairy," she answered me, noting her twisting the letters while speaking. "Get ni tooth fairy po."
Po. Magalang na bata.
We are now in the hospital while the secretary's in labor. Binuhat pa ni Zion ang buntis, nawala ang gulat na napatahimik ko ang batang pasaway nang umirit na ang huli na nararamdaman na raw niya ang ulo ng bata sa pwerta niya.
It was really chaotic and loud I literally felt my head in the verge of exploding. When the HR staff came back and saw the little girl seated while voicing her barbie dolls, nanlaki ang mata niya sa 'kin.
I smirked proudly.
Sumunod na lang din ako. Ako na ang bumuhat sa bata na ayaw magpakarga sa HR at sumunod kami sa kanila. Zion drove to the hospital, precise, quick yet very careful considering we have child on board.
Our eyes met through the mirror once but he didn't smile at me and that's when I realized he's hot even when serious and probably nervous.
He was standing and talking to the doctor in the far left to the delivery room. Nakapamulsa at matayog ang tindig ng tayo.
While the kid was busy munching her ice pops and silent, kinuha ko ang oras na 'yon para obserbahan ang target ko. He was handsome, muscular and really really tall. Yakap na yakap ng puting shirt niya ang biceps. The way his slack glided down his strong thighs was incredible and sexy.
Sa unang tingin ay mabilis siyang makagaanang loob, palabiro at palangiti but I know that was his weapon.
His weapon for people to doubt he's dangerous. I've seen that look on his blue eyes a lot of times on mine. I saw how it would turn dark and serious every kill. Every mission. Every life I take away in the damned world.
I bet he was using his charms in his advantage. Sigurado 'kong hindi basta-bastang gagawin siyang acting director ng isang napakalaking agency kung mahina siya. That's not how it works.
For agencies like that to remain unshaken until now—they needed smart and strong people above and I'm sure Claudine and Jayden's assessment of this man was wrong.
I have noticed it. He looked so fun and vulnerable inside his office earlier but when we got out and the employees had seen him, ang halos doon ay nginitian siya't binati pero mas pansin ko ang alangan sa mata ng ibang 'di lumapit.
He's not a weakness. He's something more I'll have to find out.
But I'm Scythe, death's weapon of destruction and I'll do everything just so I could end them.
The black coat he was wearing earlier was with the small kid now. Nilamon tuloy ng coat ang maliit na bata na siyang binalingan ko na ngayon.
Naubos niya ang ice pop. She reached for another one but she couldn't open it but didn't ask for help. Pinanuod ko siyang pilit na binubuksan, namumula na ang mukha at nag-aantay lang na magpabukas sa 'kin pero hindi niya ginawa.
This girl is independent. Looking at her trying her best to do it herself instead of whining for help, I had a glimpse of myself at times when I do my best to be this tough just to avoid help because it's weakness—of course not with ice pops.
"Let me," I offered when I couldn't take her struggle anymore.
She glanced at me again with those beautiful pair of eyes, lifting her hand to give me the ice pops. Inabot ko 'yon, nilingon ang paligid at ang CCTV kung mayroon at nang masiguradong walang nakakakita ay inalabas ko ang pocket knife. I swiped the cap off in one move I heard the kid gapping.
Inabot ko sa kanya ang ice pops at inilagay ang daliri sa labi.
"Shh, secret lang,"
Sunod-sunod siyang tumango, namamangha ang kislap ng mga mata at nakalimutan na ata ang ice pops niya kung 'di lang tumulo iyon sa daliri niya.
I took my handkerchief and wrapped it on her hands, "come on, sip on it. Malalagkitan ang kamay mo."
She followed my lead and tasted her ice pops but her eyes won't let go of mine I got conscious and confused.
"Bakit ka nakatingin?"
"Wow..." she mumbled in amazement. "Marunong ikaw pow mag-" she then raised her other tiny hand to make slashing movements and sounds.
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko at binalingan saglit sina Zion na abala pa rin at tumango sa bata.
"I know how to used guns, too," yabang ko.
"Bang bang?" She mumbled and when I nodded, she squealed so loud Zion and the HR ended up looking at us.
Tinaas ko ang kamay ko at tinitigan si Zion, "we're okay," I said, my gaze never leaving his as he lowered his gaze back to the kid and back to me.
Muntik na naman akong mawala at malunod sa mga matang 'yon, mabuti na lang ay tinawag siya ng doktor kaya bumaling ang tingin niya pabalik doon at nakawala ako.
"Bang bang?" The little girl repeated.
"Yeah," magaan kong sabi, "why, princess? You know how to use those, too?"
She nodded at me enthusiastically, "opow! Play po kami sa house pow ng bang bang! May gun ako po na pink!"
I didn't see my almost smile coming at that. Surprised and amazed, I watched her closer this time.
"I'm Ate Bullet," I introduced myself. "You are?"
"Twinkle," she answered me the same time her beautiful eyes twinkled.
"What an adorable name. Suited you well, Twinkle." Inabot ko ang pisngi niya para alisin doon ang nagkalat na buhok. "Want me to play bang bang with you?"
"Wreallyyy?" The way her words twisted and her face lit up reminded me of Zion. I nodded.
"Yes, why not? Ate can teach you ways how to do it and we can play if you have no classes. May pasok ka ba sa school?"
Umiling-iling siya sa 'kin, "house lang po nag-study,"
Oh. That's interesting.
It brought back the question running inside my head.
Who was this kid? And was she the reason the interview was cancelled?
"You don't have classmates?" Marahang tanong ko.
"I have," she moved her tiny feet and showed me her fingers to count. "Daddy Pogi, Kuya Pangit."
Nangunot ang noo ko, "hmm? Who's your father—"
"Twila Klein..." I jumped out from my seat when I heard a voice. Sa pag-angat ng tingin ko'y ang seryosong mga mata ni Zion ang nasalubong ko.
"Pangit!" Twinkle called, "go home?"
He didn't answer the kid's question right away and observed me closely. Malamig ko lang din siyang pinanuod at 'di ipinahalatang nagulat ako sa biglang paglitaw niya.
That's weird. I didn't even heard his footsteps! If he's coming, I should've known but he was there before I knew it! What was he? A panther?
Or maybe I'm just preoccupied?
"You'll start tomorrow, eight in the morning to five," he said, a small smile on his lips.
Napalunok ako, "tanggap na 'ko?"
Binasa niya ang labi at tumango, inaangat si Twinkle na gumapang na sa braso niya. I watched in awe how easily he carried the small kid and how she fit so right on his arms.
"Of course, that's what Jackie promised you," bumaling siya sa HR na nakapamaywang sa malayo at may kausap na isang lalaki.
Tumango ako.
That easy?
"It wasn't easy," mukhang nabasa niya ang iniisip ko, "I bet she thought it'll be impossible to make this little princess stop from her whining."
"Why so?" Binalingan ko si Twinkle sa braso niya na nakikinig lang sa 'min habang sumisimsim sa ice pops niya. "Twinkle is an adorable kid, I'm sure sumusunod 'to kapag sinabihan. Right, Twila?"
"Opow!" Twinkle showed me a toothless grin.
Suminghap si Zion at binalik-balik ang tingin sa aming dalawa.
"What? You two just met and you're close?"
Tumaas ang kilay ko at mayabang na tumayo para mang-asar. I find it amusing pissing Sandejas off. Mukhang gano'n din si Twinkle dahil tumango-tango ang bata at mukha pang masaya.
"Seriously?" He moistened his lower lip. "Why? Princess, you're betraying me? Mas matagal mo na 'kong kasama. Bakit si Mommy, si Ate Sib lang ang madalas sinusunod mo? How 'bout me naman?" Inarte ni gago.
"Hmm..." Twinkle touched her chin, "because..."
"Because?" He demanded like he's in court.
Now, I'm invested with this drama.
"Mommy, ganda. Ate Sib, pretty. Ate Bullet, gorwgeousss!" She emphasized. "Zion? Pangit!"
Napabughalit ako ng tawa.
Nanlalaki ang matang binalingan ako ni Zion kaya nilamon ko ang tawa at biglang nagseryoso.
What the fuck, Bullet? What was that? Are you fucking serious? Did you just laughed?!
Zion blinked at me.
"What are you looking at?" I spat, serious this time.
He blinked his eyes continuously before glancing at me and Twinkle again, "know what? You two are so mean to me."
Twinkle giggled. I pursed my lips to suppress a grin. His lips protruded.
"Sayang naman ang kagwapuhan ko kung 'di n'yo naman ina-appreciate, don't you know na in demand ang presence ko tapos hindi n'yo lang papansinin—"
"Pangit, hungwry..." pinunas ni Twinkle ang malagkit niyang kamay sa mukha ni Zy.
Zion pouted. I was expecting him to lecture the small kid to not do it but he didn't. Sa halip ay hinalikan niya lang ang ilong ng bata at inayos ng buhat.
I can't help but wish I had the same. But it's okay. Lucky for this innocent soul to be experiencing a love and patience like this.
"Alright, how many lumpia?" He asked gently.
"Payb!" She squealed, her eyes the brightest shade I've ever seen.
Beautiful...so, so beautiful.
"Alright, five," he nodded before glancing back at me. "Nandito na ang asawa ni Nelia, we're going home. Where are you staying? I'll take you home."
I was surprised, wanting to say no to control this feeling started rooting inside my chest but didn't let the opportunity pass.
I can use this to pry more about his private life. Baka ito pa ang una't-huling makakalapit ko siya ng personal at 'di dahil sa trabaho.
"Sure," I nodded my head. "Let's go?"
Zion nodded. I watched his eyes feasting on my face I couldn't help but be confident. I know I looked gorgeous today—everyday, that is. I prepared so well in this interview my outfit was screaming CEO material already.
Hinawi ko ang buhok. His eyes fell on my chest peeking from my vest. Sinadya kong ipakita sa kanya 'yon, muling sumagi sa utak ang nangyari sa bar. I observe the way his throat bobbed. The way he avoided looking at my chest and pressed his lips together.
He's attracted to me.
I can use that to my advantage.
"Let's...go," umiwas siya at tumalikod habang buhat si Twinkle sa braso niya.
He whispered something to her and she nodded. May inabot si Zion sa huli at napangiti ako nang magsuot ang bata ng kulay dilaw ding sumbrero na halos takpan na ang buong mukha niya.
I followed them silently and from behind, even from afar, I felt guards following us secretly.
Twinkle was clinging on his nape like a koala, parang hindi gumulong na parang burrito kanina sa carpet. She was humming the familiar lumpia song she's singing earlier while looking at me with those beautiful eyes.
Damn, I could stare at them for days and won't get tired.
She waved her tiny hand at me my heart flinched in confusion.
What was it, Bullet?
Taking my personal thoughts off my head, maliit ko siyang nginitian at mas lumapit sa kanilang dalawa.
People's eyes were on us as we got into the lobby. I caught some girls' eyes watching Zion and Twinkle with fascination, at kahit ako? Kung normal ako nanunuod sa malayo'y iisipin kong normal silang mag-ama.
A very handsome caring father and his bratty child obsessed with lumpia.
"Naks, kung 'di ko lang alam iisipin ko mag-ama kayo," a voice came from somewhere when we're about to reach the parking.
I took a peek from Zion's shoulder and saw a very familiar handsome man in white doctor's coat and glasses.
"Kuya Dei!" Twinkle squealed. He kissed her cheek.
"Hello, princess," he winked and glanced at Zy. "And to you, too, princess."
Zion made a face and mouthed fuck you.
"What?" Dei asked.
"Saan kiss ko, Kuya Dei? Bakit si Twinkle lang?" He offered his cheek that they started laughing again.
"Therapy wasn't too late, Zy," napailing ang doktor at nag-fist bump silang dalawa.
"What are you two doing here? Alam ba ni Tito na lumabas kayo?"
"Told him already," Zy answered. "It's an emergency, nanganak na si Nelia."
"Oh? What gender?"
"A girl," I caught the smile on his tone. "She's a beauty, saw it on the way to the nursery. Saktong nasa akin naman itong makulit na 'to," she pointed Twinkle gawking at the doctor with a large toothless smile.
"Makulit? Behave kaya ang baby Twinkle namin, right, princess?"
"Behaved!" She nodded.
Zy made a face but was replaced with a smile when Twinkle glared at him.
"Oo, behave," um-oo na lang siya. "Sa sobrang behave ipapasok ko na 'to sa maleta—"
"I want pink maleta," she mumbled. "With glitters! Barbie stickers! Like...like Sunny!" She demanded.
The two boys laughed until the doctor's gaze caught mine. He was stunned, namilog ang mata niya sa 'kin sabay sulyap kay Zy.
"Wasn't she your first lov—"
"Shh!" Sinipa ni Zy ang huli na dumaing at napatalon pa sabay tawa.
"What?!" He cackled while still limping on his foot.
Hindi sumagot si Zy at umiling-iling sa kanya, ang mga mata'y may babala sabay tingin sa akin, mukhang binabasa ang reaksyon ko. I noted the blush spreading on his face.
I was confused but didn't show anything. Mukhang nakahinga naman siya ng maluwag at tumalim ang tingin sa doktor.
"Isa pa, Deion-babe, at magbi-break na tayo talaga," he threatened.
"Alright..." the handsome man grinned and glanced my way, recovering from the kick. "I believed we've already met, Miss Bella."
Oh...alright. He's the man we played beer pong with that night!
"Hello," I accepted the hand he's offering me.
"Deion," he introduced. "I'm a psychiatrist here."
"Bella—I mean Bullet," his lip twitched, observing me quietly and to not make any wrong move to raise suspicions, I offered a little smile. "Nice to meet you, doc."
The handshake took a while and I knew he's been watching my expression. I became anxious, suddenly skittish if he'd find anything about me with just his look.
What if he found out I have an agenda coming here? He's a psychiatrist for damn's sake!
I couldn't help it when my hand trembled. Mabilis niya iyong napansin at maliit siyang ngumiti at pinakawalan ang palad ko bago nagpamulsa.
"I'll go back inside, I'm doing rounds," paalam niya, ang mata'y tumitig pa sa 'kin ng ilang segundo bago umalis.
We quietly went to his car at doon ko lang naobserbahan nang mas malapit ang sasakyan niya.
It was a very flashy orange McLaren 720S.
Oh, what a big boy. I stopped the urge of caressing the beautiful car and caught Zion's blue eyes after securing Twinkle on the backseat.
"McLaren," he said.
"720S," I finished and amusement filled his eyes as he nodded his head.
"I see you're into cars," he mused. "Anything to your liking?"
"Loved the color," I praised. "Nice eye, big boy."
Lumiwanag ang mukha niya. He leveled my gaze with a challenging one.
"I'm a car racer," he shared.
I know, handsome. It shows in the way your tongue moved in my pussy when you ate me.
But I didn't voice it out. Tumango lang ako at nagkibit-balikat.
Fuck, I'm becoming a pervert. I have to get laid, damn it! My damn vibrator won't be enough after this!
"Okay," sabay tayo ko sa harapan niya. He stiffened, I stepped closer until his breath's fanning my face.
I watched his shoulders squared, his breathing slowed. Hindi inaalis ang tingin ko sa kanya'y inilapit ko ang mukha.
I am aware the effect I had with men that he wasn't new to me but the way his throat bobbed and the way I'm hypersensitive and aware of small things about him told me otherwise.
When his eyes dropped closed. I breathed in his scent. The smell of expensive perfume mixing with his aftershave. My heart thundered inside my chest.
Fuck.
I took a step back and washed my face off any expression as I crossed my arms on my chest and cleared my throat.
"Excuse me,"
Napamulat siya at napatitig sa 'kin, "hmm?"
"Hinaharangan mo 'yong pintuan," I said and that brought him back to his reality.
Embarrassed and blushing, he touched his nape and took a step back. He opened the door's car and offered it to me.
"Thanks, hun," I nodded and walked closer to him, kissing his cheek briefly, leaving him stunned outside.
Nakapasok na 'ko lahat-lahat pero nanatili siyang nakatayo ro'n at nakatingin kung saan.
Twinkle knocked on the window.
"Pangittt! Hungwryyy! Naaa! Akooo!" She exclaimed in a sing song, demanding.
"Y-yeah," tumango si Zy at isinara ang pintuan bago tumakbo sa driver's seat para paandarin ang sasakyan, ni hindi na tumingin sa akin sa buong biyahe.
I didn't glance his way either.
May pambatang kanta ang tumutugtog sa stereo ng kotse niya. Twinkle was singing along with it and lifting her hand to sway with the song since she was strapped for safety behind.
I have noticed the cars following us from behind, distant but observable for people with keen eyes.
"You have guards?" I asked Zion who was startled with me starting a conversation.
"Hmm..." he nodded his head, glancing at the side mirror. "You know, for safety."
I understand but that massive security's too much...
Mukhang nabasa niya ang mukha ko dahil nagsalita ulit siya.
"You know marami kasing threatened sa kagwapuhan ko kaya balak akong ipatumba," he added.
My eyes dropped, exhausted. Tumawa siya sa tabi ko at nagsalita na naman.
"Why? Can't you believe it, Bella? Hmm?" He asked me, his voice playful and husky.
"Alam mo, kung wala lang tayong kasamang bata rito baka ako na ang magpapatumba sa 'yo."
He burst out laughing, that sweet tone sent shivers down my spine. When I took a peek at him, his fingers are tapping the steering wheel.
"What? Hindi bata si Twinkle, what are you, baby?" Bumaling siya sa likod.
"Pwincess..." Twinkle stopped from singing to point it out. "Twinkle no bata. Twinkle is pwincess! Very bwutiful and gowgeous princess..."
I frowned and rolled my eyes at Zion's playful one.
"What? Just admit I'm handsome—"
I raised my finger.
"Shh..." I warned.
"Bella—"
"One word from you again and I'll push you out of this car," I said simply with a timid smile on my face.
He watched my face briefly, then looked away. Then back at me again before he whispered something under his breath I didn't hear.
"What was it?" I asked.
"Nothing," umiling siya, ang seryosong mga mata'y nasa daan ang tingin.
We got inside an exclusive looking village and the security saluted at the car as we passed.
I stared at Zion intently. He wasn't looking at me. His jaw remained clenching. His gaze focused.
I shot my brow up, not giving up. Doon na humigpit ang hawak niya sa steering wheel at sa pagtigil ng sasakyan sa tapat ng isang malaking gate ay siyang lapit niya ng mukha sa akin para bumulong.
"I said...you're damn hot," his breath touched my ear that I had goosebumps all over my skin, my breath slowing to cherish that warmth.
I wanted to show him I'm feeling the same. That I could feel the tension in between us. That I'm only stopping myself to not start the fire.
I fisted my palms, wanting so bad to give in to this warmth and pull his collar for a kiss when I the car door from behind opened.
Iniwas ko ang tingin kay Zion at mabilis na hinawakan ang seatbelt para kunwari'y ayusin. I caught the smirk on the side of his lips as he looked behind us.
"Careful, princess," he called.
Bumaling din tuloy ako sa likod at nakitang may lalaking nagtatanggal ng seatbelt ng bata.
"Good evening, Daddy pogi," Zion greeted.
What?
"Good eve, gwapo, na-late kayo, ah? Hindi ba makulit ang prinsesa?" He chuckled and looked at our direction, locking gazes with me.
He froze. I didn't look away and watched him carefully. Hindi niya inalis ang tingin sa mga mata ko, tila may hinahanap doon.
Hindi man magsalita'y alam kong may malalim na iniisip.
Zeijan Sandejas.
That serious glint faded after a few moments, replaced by a friendly look. His lips rose for a small smile, his gaze intense and playful.
Charming. But dangerous.
"Seems like you have a beautiful visitor, gwapo?" Bumaling siya sa anak.
"This is Bullet, Dad," he introduced me. "My new secretary."
"Good evening, Sir," I greeted with a kind and practiced smile. "Nice meeting you."
He nodded, "nice meeting you, too, Bullet. Nice name, huh?"
"Thanks, Sir,"
"Why don't you go out? Come on. Son, go with her. Your Mom helped in cooking tonight."
"Hindi na po," I shook my head, "I'm on my way home—"
"I insist," he shook his head. "You're my son's new secretary, why not give you a proper welcome, right, Zy?"
"Yup," Zion caught my gaze and grinned. "Let's go, dine with us."
Doon na binuhat ni Zeijan Sandejas si Twinkle palabas at siya ring paglabas ni Zion sa sasakyan. He ran to my side to open the door.
I unlocked my seatbelt and glanced at the palm he's offering. Hindi ko iyon pinansin at mag-isang lumabas.
He whistled, his blue eyes glistened amusingly. Not even embarrassed na 'di ko tinanggap ang palad niya.
"Independent. Sexy." He whispered and closed the car.
I narrowed my eyes at him. Ngumiti lang siya at kumindat bago inilagay ang palad sa bulsa.
Malakas ang hangin sa labas ng gate, dahilan kaya kumalat ang iilang hibla ng buhok niya sa kanyang pisngi.
Men with long hair wasn't really my type. I don't like it whenever I see them wild and unkempt. I have noticed the scruff on his jaw, imagining it feeling rough if he'll kiss me. I don't like it, thinking this way and being with Zion now and silently admiring how hot he looked with it destroyed my preferences and types.
Everything about this man was a destruction. This wasn't good.
Get a grip, Bullet!
"Don't get overwhelmed with the introduction, Bella," he said. "My family seems to be a bit...welcoming."
"Lumpia? Daddy pogi?" I heard Twinkle asked.
Daddy? Oh...fuck. The realization dawned to me.
Why wasn't this on the file? Why?
"Yes, anak," Zeijan nodded. "Daddy cooked you lumpia. I heard, kinain ni Kuya mo ang baon mo?"
"Opo! Bad! Pangit!" She mumbled loudly and even glared at us from behind.
Zion ran behind me to pretend to hide when Zeijan scoffed at him.
"Help me, Bella—"
"Later, princess, papagalitan natin si Kuya," Zeijan cuddled the kid. "Ang laki-laki na nakikipag-agawan pa ng lumpia sa prinsesa!"
"What? I didn't! Akala ko pabaon sa 'kin 'yon ni Mom! Sa kanya pala! Bakit wala ako? 'Di n'yo na ba 'ko anak?" he fought, massive behind me as if hiding at my back would be any help. He wasn't touching me but I could feel his presence immensely like that night I could almost taste his warmth.
"Tsk..." umiling si Zeijan. "Bad Kuya. Kawawa naman ang princess namin, inagawan ng lumpia ni Kuya?"
The princess nodded her head adorably before glancing our way and waving. I nodded my head at her, watching her clinging on her Dad.
Dad...this wasn't on the file.
Zion. Sibyl. Zirena.
Those are the only children we knew from Zeijan and Alyx Sandejas.
"It's a secret," ani Zion na nasa tabi ko na.
"Secret?"
"Her existence," he answered me. "We're in a very dangerous line of work, Bella. The sudden appearance of another child will be dangerous for her safety. Won't taint that childhood with violence. Never."
Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko pero pinalis ko iyon at sumunod ng lakas sa mga nauna.
"Then...why are you telling me? If this was a secret?"
He smiled.
"You're my secretary," he answered me.
"Is that enough?" I asked, "what if masama pala akong tao?" I challenged.
"May mabuti pa ba?" Sinuklay niya ng daliri ang buhok na magulo para ayusin sa ponytail niya. "There was no pure good and evil these days, hun."
I didn't answer and just watched him.
"We have two sides, Bevurleigh Leticia," he stated.
Umawang ang labi ko, "how—"
"Your resume," his lip twitched, "saw your file earlier before the interview started. I was looking forward into interviewing you but some little princess had her tantrum episode. You know."
I nodded firmly.
"Back to what I'm saying," he continued. "We have two sides. The good and the bad. Nothing's pure good and evil now, honey. You can be good...and bad at the same time."
His voice lingered and when I looked at his way, he was staring at me intently. Observing. Intense. Intimidating. Dangerous.
"It wasn't enough reason," I whispered. "You have to be extra cautious these days if you want to take care of the kid's welfare. You just can't trust someone you met. Me."
"Was it the first time we met?"
My breath hitched. I glared at him sideways. He hid a a malicious smile.
"Baka gusto mong ipapaalala sa 'yo ang nangyari no'ng gabing 'yon?" Tukoy ko sa paghampas sa kanya ng telepono.
"Which part?" He asked, "can't remember much from that night. If it was the kiss, I forgot. Maybe it'll be good for a remake—"
Sinikmuraan ko siya. Walang pakialam.
He growled but his laughter echoed as he clutched his stomach. Napasulyap tuloy sa amin si Zeijan Sandejas na bumaling sa anak.
His face softened upon seeing his son laughing. When he reached my gaze, he grinned at me playfully. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at nag-init ang mukha.
Damn you, Zion Schauffer!
"Abs ko naman, Bella!" Pabirong daing niya.
"Isa pang paalala sa gabing 'yon at sa sunod na sapak ko sa baba na ng abs mo," he made a very scandalous gapping sounds.
Ang sarap-sarap patulan ng halik—I mean sapak!
He grinned at me with mirth, "nah, I told you because I knew you won't do it."
"Won't do what?" My brows furrowed.
"Betray me. I trust you won't," he moistened her lip. "Twinkle likes you. I do, too."
My lips parted in shock, "how can you be so sure? She just met me. We didn't even talk much that night, too. We were drunk—"
"Don't be nervous," he chuckled huskily, "I'm not asking for anything. I'm just telling you I like you. So you won't be shock if it showed."
I only drank a cup of coffee earlier but why the hell am I feeling like I drank three times? I fisted my palm and endured the delicious stung lingering on my chest.
Hindi na ako umimik at nirespeto niya ang katahimikan na 'yon. When we reached the foyer, Zeijan spoke.
"Ree! Misis ko!" He called, "may bisita tayo!"
"Mommy! Twinkle is homeee!" Twinkle sang happily and jumped off her father's arms to run.
"I'm coming!" The familiar voice I've heard from the television countless times echoed in the large mansion and Zion stood in front of me and offered the door when I didn't step in.
"Welcome to our humble abode," he offered heartily, his eyes glistening and sparkling like Twinkle earlier.
They welcomed me in their house...didn't even have a clue that it was death they're inviting in.
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