Kabanata 6
Happy Valentine's Day!!! We can buy ourselves flowers naman, 'di ba?🫣 HAHAHA! Watch out today for another Archer's Haven Budol featuring Sardinas Legacy!!!! And enjoy! Hehe. Tama na kakatanong paano ginawa si Twinkle, secret daw.
Warning: Graphic violence ahead.
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Kabanata 6
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
It felt so warm my skin was itchy. Maybe because I was too used to the cold it bothered me much I was uncomfortable.
I listened to the talk they had, carefree and happy. I watched them eat like normal people.
Zeijan Sandejas would occasionally clean the side of his daughter's lips, then would look at his wife. Napansin kong kapag paubos na ang pagkain ni Alyx Sandejas, miski kahit pa ang juice ay walang salitang nire-refill iyon ng huli.
I watched how he put foods on her plate while Alyx was talking to me about my education at para magpasalamat kapag natatapos i-refill ay hahaplos lang siya sa kamay ng asawa na ngingiti lang.
Twinkle was silent throughout dinner like a disciplined child unlike the chaotic one earlier but she was very attentive. Her eyes would watch people around her and listen to everything. Minsan ay inaangat niya ang pagkain niya para subuan ang mga magulang ng kinakain niya at kapag kay Zion ay bigla siyang didila sabay subo ng buo sa lumpia para mang-inggit.
The latter would scoff beside me and will make funny faces and like his father, I noticed. I noticed everything he's doing.
I was well-trained observing was my second skin but it's not like that tonight. It was the hyper-vigilance. The hypersensitivity of my skin whenever a part of our body would touch.
He refilled my drink without even a need to tell him. He noticed I'm into the deep fried chicken more than the others and he spared me the last piece—that was obviously for him since we all have our fair share.
I separated the crispy skin and the chicken meat and ate silently kaya nagitla ako nang ilagay niya ang piraso sa plato ko bago lumapit at bumulong.
"Maraming balat 'yan, crispy," he whispered. "Dad made sure the spices would linger. He's a chef, by the way."
That's why it tasted good...
Tumango ako, "thanks but I'm—"
"Are you eating desserts?" He asked.
Umiling ako, "I'm not into sweets."
"Hmm," he chuckled, "too bad. My family has a sweet tooth, but of course, ayaw naman namin na maging diabetic so we also have non-sweetened ones. I am—"
"Excuse me, but where's the bathroom?"
He stopped and looked at the right, pointing the direction.
Tumayo ako at nagpaalam na magbabanyo. When I got inside, I pushed the door closed and rested my back on the door.
My chest was heaving I couldn't explain why. Kanina pa 'to, simula nong hinawakan niya ang kamay ko sa ilalim ng lamesa and like an idiot I was, I squeezed his hand back.
What the hell was that, Bullet? You just met the guy! Your target, for Pete's sake! And now you are letting that man do things to you?
You weren't here for games or fun! You weren't here to observe how warm this house was. You are here to kill.
You are death, Scythe.
Naglakad ako at tumitig sa salamin. I brushed my blonde hair with my fingers, down to the black eyes staring right back at me to my cheek and lips.
This was just hormones playing with me. This beating on my chest? It's not real. It's just an organ pumping blood. Nothing else.
The boss' voice whispered in my ear as he touched my hair while looking at me from the mirror.
"Feeling is a farce, my dear Scythe. An illusion to fool you. A weakness." He'd whispered in my ear. "You belong to me...we are your family and those feelings, those people would do everything to take you away from us, darling."
Mission. I have a mission.
Feelings are farce. A manipulation. Weakness.
Wake up, wake up, wake up!
Napatalon ako sa katok mula sa pintuan.
"Hun? You okay?" Zion's familiar voice called from the outside.
"Y-yeah," I answered and fisted my palms. "I'll be out in a while."
I retouched my lipstick and make sure I was formal.
I got out and saw Zion resting his back on the wall across the bathroom's door, on his arms was Twinkle and they're watching me with two identical gazes. I froze on the spot.
"There you are," Zion smirked.
"Ate Bullet! Bang! Bang!" Inangat ni Twinkle ang daliri para pakitaan ako ng laruang baril na bubbles lang ang lumabas.
My throat tightened. My stomach was clenching.
Fuck.
"Ticia?" He called. The hollow inside my chest tightened.
"What did you call me?" I snapped, my fucking heart racing.
It's just an organ pumping blood!
"Ticia?" He grinned and walked closer to me, his pace silent and large.
"Bullet," I emphasized, "ang layo-layo—"
"Bevurleigh Leticia," he pointed out. "Hmm, anong mas gusto mo ba, hun? Leti?"
I frowned and glanced at Twinkle watching me with her wide beautiful eyes.
"Twila Klein, cover your ears," I commanded.
She nodded and covered her ears.
"I'll strangle you," I spat at Zion.
His sexy lips curved, "oh, honey. I didn't know you're kink—"
"I'll twist your neck and I'll happy watch the blood draining your face," I smiled coldly.
He whistled and gave me a maliciously look and he smiled again. That annoying gentle smile. I wanted to wipe it off his face one of these days.
"What's funny?" I snapped.
He grinned, "nothing, beautiful. Here," he then dumped the kid still covering her ear on my arms.
"What..." sinalo ko si Twinkle na kumapit kaagad sa batok ko.
"She wanted to watch some cartoons about some pink haired telepath—"
"Anya!" Twinkle blurted.
My brows furrowed, "who?"
"Anya!" She repeated, her beautiful eyes twinkled. "'Yong Papa niya spwy! Mama niya pow is asin!"
"Asin?" I asked.
"Oo, 'yong maalat," Zion answered. "Sinumpa kasi siya kasi bitter. Wala siguro love life kaya kung ako sa 'yo, hun, jowain mo na 'ko kung ayaw mong maging asin."
What?
I gave him a blank look and noticed Twinkle did, too. Ang ngisi niya'y nahulog at napapikit na habang tinataas ang kamay para ilahad kaming dalawa.
"Ang hirap maging funny kapag walang sense of humor kausap mo," bulong-bulong niya sabay kamot ng kilay.
"Funny 'yon?" I asked.
"Funny yown? Ha-ha!" Twinkle mimicked and laughed sarcastically which clapping her hand.
Doon na tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko at nang-uuyam na sumulyap kay Zion na nakatitig sa 'ming dalawa.
"Assassin kasi," in the end, he gave up from trying to defend his joke. He smiled lazily while watching us both, admiration feeling his blue eyes.
My body tensed. Tumikhim ako at inayos sa braso ko si Twinkle na pinapakita na sa 'kin ang laruang baril niya.
"Was that for kids?" I asked, glancing at Zion. "I don't think it's suitable for her age."
"It's cartoons, I think," ani Zion at namulsa, sumabay ng lakad sa 'min palabas. "And don't be worried, she liked watching horror movies, anyway."
"Horror?" Gapping, I glanced at the kid. "You liked watching ghosts, Twinkle?"
"Opo!" She grinned at me.
"Me too," I added. She giggled and hugged my nape. My chest tightened more.
"Yay! Same kay Twinkle! Tawa ako po nga kapag shout si Daddy at pangit..."
"Oh...someone's scared of horror movies," I gave him a side eye. He pouted.
"I'm not scared," umiling siya. "Honestly, I'm pretty into watching horror these days. Napanuod ko 'yong bago sa sinehan lang month kasi pinirata ni Crest—"
Tumigil ako pagkatingin sa tabi niya nang madaanan namin ang madilim na pasilyo. Zeijan Sandejas put his finger on his lips to tell us to be quiet while hiding in the dark.
He's about to scare the shit out of his son and I'm here for it.
"Who's that?" I asked and pointed at the darkness.
"H-huh?" He stiffened too beside us.
"S-sa tabi mo, pangit!" Pagsali ni twinkle.
Good girl...
I gave Zion a blank look, masking my amusement. I watched him tensing, how his shoulders squared and his breathing became shaky.
"What...anong mayro'n sa tabi ko?" He asked us pointedly, not even looking at the direction I pointed.
"Zion..." I called.
"Pangit..." Twinkle called.
"What?" His jaw clenched, "what is it?"
I gasped, "h'wag kang mabibigla..."
"H'wag kaw magbibigla..." Twinkle mimicked me with her small voice.
"Ano nga?" His voice sharpened, "hindi ako nakikipagbiruan."
Bigla akong tumakbo habang buhat si Twinkle at narinig ko ang sigaw ni Zion at ang alingawngaw ng tawa ni Zeijan Sandejas sa likod pagkagulat sa anak.
I shouldn't be amused. It's shitty. It's wrong.
I have watched that cartoon movie with Twinkle that night, she was introducing me to the characters and the mother—an assassin in the series and it reminded me of me. In the killing part but other than that? No. I have no brother to protect.
I have no family...
"We're your family, Scythe," Wyatt smiled in my memory again while combing my hair, his reflection showing a gentle father. "And those people, they're trying to take you away from us. They want you to lose your family. Gusto mo ba 'yon?"
I shook my head.
"No,"
"Good girl," his voice soothed. "Now, you're not gonna leave witnesses. Kill them...all."
Tinawag ni Zeijan ang anak at may pag-uusapan daw sila, Twinkle braided my hair kahit magulo ang naging ending.
"Favorite ipit," she showed me a pink ponytail with glitters and flowers na ginamit niya sa buhok ko.
The unknown feelings rushed through me again while she's touching my hair. This is wrong. I have to leave.
Paglabas ni Alyx para batiin kami ay bumaling na ako sa kanya.
"Ma'am," I called. "I'm sorry but I have to go."
"Agad?" She glanced at the clock, "can you wait for another five, Bullet? My son would take you home, it's late—"
"It's okay, Ma'am," tumayo na ako at ngumiti kay Twinkle na malungkot na nakatingin sa akin.
"Uwi na ikaw, Ate?" Her gentle beautiful eyes watched me.
"Yes, baby," I nodded. "Ate have some things to do and I'll rest early since I'm working as your brother's secretary."
"Secwetawy..."
I chuckled, my eyes softening.
"Yes, darling. Secretary." I reached for my hair to give her back her favorite ponytail but she shook her head at me.
"No! Gift!" She exclaimed.
"What?" Umiling ako, "no...this is your favorite, right? Then..."
"No...gift!" Umiling siya ulit sabay baling sa ina na ngumiti at tumango sa 'kin.
"Take it, Bullet," she said gently, her eyes filled with gentleness and kindness. Very different from the aura she's giving off in media.
She looked so intimidating and snob but what I'm seeing now told me I wasn't the only one wearing a mask in this world. Everyone does.
"But it's her favorite..."
"It's okay," ngumiti siya, "marami naman siyang pang-ipit sa buhok. Zion bought it for her and she have other colors so..."
I watched Twinkle again and her pleading beautiful eyes then back at Alyx. Sighing, I reached for Twinkle's cheek for a caress.
"Thank you for the gift, Twila," I told her. "I will keep this safe, 'kay?"
She nodded happily. I took a step back to retrieve my purse.
"Ma'am, thank you for having me tonight,"
"Oh, it's a pleasure," tumayo siya bago binuhat si Twinkle at sinabayan ako sa paglalakad. "Are you sure you don't want to wait for Zy? Ihahatid ka niya."
"Ayos lang po, I'm used to commuting."
"Alright, how 'bout kahit ipahatid kita sa guard hanggang sa may sakayan? Will it be alright with you?"
I wanted to refuse. I could handle those idiots who'd try to take advantage of me before they could even do anything but I don't want to raise suspicions so I nodded.
Nagpaalam na ako. One of the guards walked with me, he's a bit old but very kind. Tumayo pa siya sa tabi ko habang naghihintay ng taxi na masasakyan.
I used that opportunity to pry. I wasted too much time in that house and done nothing.
"Sir, ilang taon na po kayo kina Sir Zeijan?" Mayuming tanong ko pa.
"Ay, matagal na po, Ma'am. Bata pa sina Zion ay nand'yan na 'ko."
"Hmm, kumusta naman po sila bilang boss?" I watched his expression softening and to not cast any doubt, I added, "bago lang kasi akong secretary ni Sir Zion."
"Ang s'werte mo, hija! Napakababait na mga tao ang pamilyang 'yan kaya tignan mo't hanggang ngayon ay nandito pa rin ako nagtatrabaho. Ang mga anak ko? Lahat nakatapos ng pag-aaral ng libre! Lahat ng mga trabahador nila secured na ang pamilya, ang panganay ko nga nasa ibang bansa na."
What he said surprised me. I didn't know people are still able to extend charity not just to their workers but to their family!
Or maybe...it was just their front.
I pursed my lips as bitterness masked the light trying to peek. I barely know them but I'm almost fooled. Almost since they couldn't brainwash me into thinking they're such a respectable family.
They aren't. That's for sure.
"Hmm, ang bait nga nila, Sir," pakikisakay ko. "Bago lang akong secretary pero tignan mo at sinisigurado pa nilang maayos akong makakauwi."
"Wala kang masabi sa pamilyang 'yan, Ma'am," aniya. "Simula kina Ma'am Lena at Sir Ejercito? Hanggang kaapo-apuhan inulan sila ng kagandahang-loob!"
Leona and Ejercito Sandejas. The grandparents.
I heard they're from old money. Starting from the Abello's and Sandejas'. Mas pinalago nga lang no'ng mag-asawa but I'm sure this family won't be wealthy like this now if they don't have any underground activities.
It's hard finding anything dirty about this family. The slate was fucking clean from the inside. Everyone was so fucking good it's questionable.
Kung sa pamilya nina Inigo Sandejas, maiintindihan ko pa. They're in the law—even if law was bullshit. A world-class lawyer. Top notcher and most sought, isama pa ang panganay nilang si Alchiel Sandejas.
Dash Sandejas' family was into aviation. They're managing the biggest airport in the country. Their airlines—Sandejas Air is the leading one these past years.
Zidney Valderama's rising in the world of Architecture-Engineering firm and the general psychiatric facility her husband was managing won multiple international awards last year.
It was all so clean.
But Zeijan Sandejas' was the more questionable one.
Zeijan Sandejas, a retired Navy Seal. He's now a freelance business owner. Restaurants, bars and DEA. Doon lang umiikot ang mundo niya.
Si Alyx Sandejas naman ay artista. Sibyl is, too. Zirena is a freelance journalist and Zion Sandejas, bar owner, race car champion, active army.
"Sila-sila lang po ba madalas sa mansyon?" I asked innocently.
"Yes, Ma'am," aniya. "Pero madalang lang sila sa bahay kasi may mga condo naman ang mga anak. Atsaka busy si Ma'am Alyx sa taping para sa soap opera..."
I nodded, "ah...kakatuwa nga po at ang bait-bait pala ni Miss Alyx sa personal kasi maldita siya sa palabas."
We both chuckled.
"Anyway, Kuya, si Twinkle bunso nila, ano?" I asked.
He stiffened. Nawala ang ngiti niya.
Shit...careless, Bullet!
"O-oh, sorry, did I..."
"Ma'am, kung maaari sana h'wag nating pag-usapan sa labas ang tungkol sa bunso." Sumeryoso siya.
"Alright," I softened my expression to show him I was sorry. "Pasensya na, Sir. Hindi ko alam na bawal pala..."
"Wala po tayong alam," aniya at ngumiti sa 'kin. "Ang alam lang po natin, kahit anong mangyari. Tatlo lang po ang anak nina Sir Zeijan at Ma'am Alyx."
"Yeah, right," I agreed. "They're only three..."
Doon na bumalik ang ngiti niya, "salamat, Ma'am. Sana maintindihan mo na gusto ko lang maprotektahan ang pamilyang 'yan. Marami na silang pinagdaanan, gusto ko lamang na maging masaya sila at ligtas."
Now, this is bigger than I thought.
We both heard a honk. When I whipped my head from where it originated, Zion came into view riding a bike, in his arm is a helmet.
"Sir Zion, good evening!" Sumaludo ang guard.
"Good evening, Kuya!" He smirked then looked my way, "thank you for taking care of my secretary, I'll take it from here."
My throat dried. My eyes feasted on the black shirt he's wearing, the jacket on his one shoulder, to the biceps flexing as he tuck the helmet under his arm and noticed the black ink peeking. Down to his powerful leg and how it gracefully rode the big bike.
My foolish mind wondered. How his fingers would flex in and out of me in the light. How the veins would protrude because he couldn't stop himself from pumping. His legs. My mind. It imagined what would those legs look like spreading while I suck him off.
"Tish...?" I blinked and realized he's out of the bike with his helmet off, walking closer to me now.
Damn it. I'm a pervert. Fuck. I should get laid!
Nilingon ko ang tabi. Wala na ang guard.
"I'm really okay, boss," I told him and folded my arms on my chest. "You see we're already waiting for the taxi."
"It's not okay for me," lumapit siya at sinuklay ang nagulong buhok ng daliri. "It's late and it's just Zion. Don't start me with the boss now, honey."
I squinted my eyes at him, "I'm your secretary, stop calling me with your corny endearments."
"We're out of the office," aniya. "And tomorrow's your first day. Today's an exception."
"So tomorrow, I gotta call you..." nahulog ang mata ko sa labi niya, I took a step closer. He stiffened. "Sir...?"
He swallowed. I watched how sexy it was. Hinuli ng daliri ko ang dog tag na suot niya at mahinang hinila palapit sa 'kin. He stepped closer our breaths mingled. I breathed in his scent and locked our gazes.
Inilapit ko ang labi sa kanya at bumulong sa tapat ng labi niya, "stop calling me Ticia...or Tish, Sir."
His hand found my waist. He touched me down my hip I felt the warmth on it against the clothes I'm wearing as he moved his nose to touch mine.
"Why not, Tish?"
I scoffed and challenged his gaze, "tunog garapata."
His lips curved for a lazy grin, "no, it wasn't. Bullet is too mouthy. What do you like? I call my cousin Macky-beybe? You know? P'wede rin 'yong inuulit gusto mo? How about Bulbul—" tinulak ko ang nguso niya.
"Fuck you."
He cackled and caught me back until I'm slammed on his chest, "ang ganda mo talaga."
"I know," I shot my brow up and walked towards his bike.
He whistled, "confidence is fucking sexy."
"But being overconfident isn't," sabat ko, tinutukoy ang walang katapusang pag-emphasize niya ng kagwapuhan.
Which is true. He's fucking handsome but I'll get shot first before admitting.
"Ang sakit mo namang mahalin, hun!" Reklamo niya.
Mahalin? I bit my inner cheek to stop thinking more about it. Seems like this man had no idea what love was to say it to me—a stranger. Not that I have any ideas, too.
Love is bullshit. Just some feelings with a name to justify being stupid.
Sumunod siya sa akin at pinagmasdan akong ikutin ang bike niya.
It's just like my first bike, Zion. Ducati Panigale but in red.
This man likes flashy things. First, the orange McLaren and now, this.
"Can I touch you?" I asked.
I heard a loud gasp. Nahuli ko ang gulat sa asul na mata ni Zion sabay takip sa bibig niya.
"Hindi ba masyadong mabilis, Tish?" Niyakap niya ang sarili, mukhang naeeskandalo. Kung 'di lang ako tinatamad baka hinablot ko na ang sandals ko para tusukin ng takong ang mata niya.
"Not you, idiot," I rolled my eyes. "This...big boy..." hinaplos ko ang bike ang windshield.
"Hi, baby," I whispered.
"Hello," he purred.
Umiling ako. Tumawa siya at tumayo sa likod ko.
"Wanna drive, honey?"
I haven't whipped my head that fast, "can I?" Mabilis kong sagot.
He nodded.
"Why not?" He took the jacket off his shoulder and tied it around my waist. Pinanuod ko lang siya, ang sikmura'y may ibang pakiramdam.
Inangat niya ang helmet pagkatapos no'n para isuot sa 'kin nang mahuli ng tingin niya ang ipit sa buhok ko.
"She gave it to you?" He smiled, his eyes lingering on my hair tie.
"Yup, she said it's her favorite."
"It was," he reached for it at the end of my hair. "You got my favorite hair tie, too."
I gave him a questioning look, he cocked his head to the side.
"The hair tie you took when you fisted my hair, honey," he reminded. "When I ate you,"
Doon na nag-init ang mukha ko sabay iwas pero hinuli niya ang balikat ko at marahang iniharap ako sa kanya. Nagkatitigan kami.
"Did you keep it? And how 'bout the gold necklace? It's my favorite, too." He chuckled sexily. Mas nag-init ang mukha ko. I tried getting away but he was too strong I couldn't even move away.
"Zion!"
"It's okay, it's yours, my gift, too." He smiled gently and finished fixing my helmet. "You drive, Tish,"
Nanahimik na ako at 'di na lumaban. This man have a lot of ways to keep me tongue tied. He's acting like we're very close! Like we knew each other for so long when in fact the first time we saw each other was at the bar! And today!
Am I annoyed? Yes? Did I like it? Fucking yes. And that's what irritates me.
He played with the strands of my blonde hair and the hair tie. Nahulog ang tingin ko roon.
"They said it was your gift to her, ayos lang ba na nasa sa 'kin?"
"Hmm, what my princess likes, Kuya likes." He caught my eyes. "What I want, she wants, too. Kaya secret muna na crush kita, ah? Baka agawin ka sa 'kin."
I elbowed his stomach. Tumawa siya at humawak doon.
"Why are you so brutal, Tish?"
"Fuck off, boss," sumampa ako sa bike at inunat ang braso.
Zion then rode on the pillion seat behind me and took a peek on my face.
"Takot ako sa motor, Miss, p'wedeng payakap?"
I showed him my dirty finger. Mas lumakas ang tawa niya at nang walang warning na pinaandar ko ang bike ay nabitin iyon at napalitan nang sunod-sunod na pagmumura habang nagdadasal para sa buhay niya.
He hugged my waist. That night.
That night, for the first time in a long time, I slept without the darkness lingering. Without the cracks above the ceiling. That night, I slept in peace.
But I know for a fact that's just for the show.
Bullet was a pretender. Bullet was the mask and maybe the only human left in me.
Scythe was death. She had no feelings. No weakness. She's the weapon.
My disguise went on for a long time. While I was working as a secretary, I managed to have a complete list of their chain of commands. Some was known for the public but some are not.
Kilala ko sila. During the meetings I have joined Zion, I memorized their faces. I extended the information to Claudine who did her research to find these people's weakness. Which we could use against them once the plan clicked into place.
I met with his family. Lahat pa nga sila dahil get together nila no'ng araw na 'yon. They seemed like normal people. Laughing, joking and getting drunk.
I memorized the layouts of their house whenever I was there for some files to let Zion sign. That man has always been absent. Minsan ay dalawa hanggang tatlong araw sa office at inuutos lang na dalhin sa mansyon o kaya ipaabot sa driver.
I don't know what were his reasons. Kung tamad lang talaga siya magtrabaho o may ibang ginagawa—the bitter taste spread on my tongue.
Why do I care if he's doing something else? What? Girls? It's his life, I don't give a fuck what he does during his free time or whenever he's out of reach. Who knows maybe he's having fun with girls.
I don't care. Me and my toys are just doing fine.
In the office, I looked over their files. Pero wala pa rin akong kahinaang makuha sa pamilyang Sandejas.
Zion hid on his dumb facade. He hid behind his charms and witty remarks but that aura screaming danger since the first time I met his was still there and even that, he won't show me.
He's attracted to me, that, I am sure. I see the way he look at me with longing. I see the way he'd walk beside me during office hours and ask me dumb questions.
I'd shrug it off, o kung nasa mood ako'y babarahin ko siya. But aside from that, he didn't make a move.
Didn't kiss me. Just this lingering tension in between us. My blood rushing whenever he's close. My pulse quickening with even just a glance from his blue eyes.
He likes me. He's attracted to me. He wanted me but something was stopping him and I can't blame him. If I'm him? I would stop myself from wanting me, too.
Maybe I was just a passing fancy for him. Thrilling because he couldn't get me.
That's what I noticed in all those years I'm working in this field. Boys crave for something they couldn't have and when they already did? They'd lost the thrill and find something challenging again.
"Nobody wants a broken woman, Scythe," Wyatt would smile gently. "Nobody would accept such deranged people but this family. You are a family. We only want what's best for you. You understand, darling?"
"Boss' asking for updates," umupo si Claudine sa harapan ko hawak ang tablet niya.
"I gave you the updates," sagot ko.
"Is that it? You've been working for some time now, Bullet, and that's what you've only got?" Marahang tanong niya.
"They're good at hiding, Claudine. What was our timeline for this mission? Months to years, right? If you're too eager to find something, bakit hindi na lang ikaw ang pumunta?"
"Bullet..." Jayden's voice filled the room.
Hindi ko siya nilingon at malamig na pinagmasdan si Claudine na kagat na ang labi niya at inaayos ang salamin.
"Stop being grumpy, you're hurting our friend—"
"Friend," I scoffed. "There's no such thing as friends, Jayden. Was knowing the target was the man I am with fun?"
Natahimik sila. Claudine lowered her face.
"Sorry..."
Bullshit.
Hindi ako umimik at sinulyapan lang ang daliri ko, nag-iisip ng panibagong kulay na gusto ko for the manicure tomorrow.
"But we needed more than this, Bullet," ani Jayden. "Boss was demanding more. You've been working for some time now and it's not worth the resources."
"Then why sent me?" I stared at him coldly. "If you all wanted quick answers, if you all wanted so bad to wipe them off, why not hire a sniper? Didn't I gave you layouts of their house? Of the office?"
"Hindi gano'n kadali," ani Claudine. "We checked and they're stricter than we thought. The security was heavy to infiltrate kaya ikaw ang inaasahan namin. Wala bang kahit anong p'wedeng magalit sa kanila? A secret?"
Twinkle...
No one knows about her but me in this place. Only me.
She's my leverage. My last card for this.
Her small smile flashed on my head, those beautiful eyes watching me with admiration and peace. Then Zion's smirk and teasing smiles.
No. They're my leverage. Just my leverage once this mission went south.
Before I could even utter a word, the door slammed open. Napatayo ang dalawa pagkakita sa boss habang ako'y nanatiling nakaupo at pinapanuod ang galit at kulubot niyang mukha habang naglalakad.
He was walking with his cane and one whipped of it towards the door, Claudine and Jayden left quietly.
"Stand," utos niya sa 'kin.
Sumunod ako at pinantayan ang tingin niya.
"Any updates, Scythe?" Nakatiim pa ang panga niyang tanong.
"No, boss," I answered firmly.
"Any secrets we could use against them?"
"No, boss,"
He sighed. His forehead creased, showing his wrinkled skin. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkening like demons in my closet.
Demons like his son. Wyatt Anderson Junior.
Good thing he's rooting in maybe some dumpsite somewhere with worms feasting on his now skeleton remains.
But they're family, Bullet.
"Nothing?" He repeated, pissed.
"Nothing, boss,"
Umigkas ang kamay niya. I showed no reaction when he slapped me across my cheek I almost lost my balance. Umayos ako ng tayo at muli siyang hinarap.
"Still nothing?"
"Nothing," another slap and this time, I fell and crashed on the glass table. Nabasag iyon napapiksi ako nang may tumusok na bubog sa palad ko.
Lumapit siya sa 'kin at itinaas ang chin ko gamit ang tungkod niya.
"You were inside the house and hadn't had the chance to even install cameras?"
"They have CCTVs everywhere, Claudine can't hack it. I won't risk—" hinampas niya ang tungkod sa mukha ko.
Nasapo ko ang pisngi at mariing pumikit, manhid.
"And risk what? Risk your mission?! I did not train you for nothing! Don't give me that bullshit! It's impossible not to find a secret! It's impossible they didn't have one!"
Twinkle...
He whipped me again. I kept my lips shut. He repeated the questions again and again and slapped me, pulled my hair and hurt me but I was too used to it, it just felt hollow.
"That asshole likes you, right?" I stiffened at that.
Fuck. No. No.
He grabbed me by my hair, "I know you'd met him in the bar. I saw the cameras you requested to delete. He probably fucked your cunt, right?"
Fuck him. Fuck him.
Hindi ako umimik at nanatiling nakatitig ng malamig sa kanya.
"Boys wanted damsel in distress, Bullet," he fisted my hair and stared at me directly. "That's what you're doing, right? To scam those boys for their money? Do it. I'm sure your superhero would go come and rescue you."
"He didn't like me," matigas kong sabat.
The side of his lips quirked as he watched me with amusement. As if he was watching a scene he couldn't wait to unfold.
"What a clueless cunt," he chuckled. "Still like the old, foolish girl."
I was confused but I didn't let him see. Tinulak niya ang ulo ko kaya tumama iyon sa upuan.
Umayos siya ng tayo at inayos ang tikwas ng buhok na kumalat bago ako binalingan.
"Now, you do what you're good at. Ask for help. Romance the bastard, fuck him. Marry him if you must. I want a good intel the next time." Then, his eyes softened, bahagya siyang pumantay sa 'kin at hinaplos ang pisngi ko. "I'm so sorry, darling."
I just watched him.
"You have to do this for our family," he soothed. "We're the only one you have..."
My hands became twitchy it craved for something to slap. To punch. Something to hurt.
"Don't think of hiding secrets from me, Scythe," aniyang malambing. "I'll find it no matter what. You understand?"
I didn't answer. His grip tightened.
"You. Understand?"
"Yes, boss,"
"Good, I'll take care what you're gonna do with those bruises. It's punishment for not following orders, Scythe. You should know better but you're tough today. You know what would happen." Tumayo na siya, dahan-dahan siyang naglakad papunta sa pinto at binuksan iyon.
Two large men met him and he glanced my way and nodded. The two men entered. New men. His bait.
I knew what they're gonna do. I knew the hunger on their eyes. The familiar disgusting hunger as they pulled their shirt up.
Lumapit sila sa akin.
"Sa 'kin 'yong bibig," tawa no'ng isa.
My stomach clenched.
In your fucking dreams.
Umatras ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa may sahig sa sofa. The two stupid ogres walked closer at me and at first attack, I got the piece large shattered glass and stabbed his eye with it.
He screamed. Nagulat ang isa pero pilit na nagmatapang.
"A-anong ginawa mo..." he cursed and attacked but I quickly evaded his advances.
He tried again when I pushed the screaming man I stabbed in the eye towards him. I twisted my feet up and sneaked from his behind while he's distracted and from the back, I slit his throat.
Blood splashed on my face as he fell on the floor, choking on his own blood.
The other man watched me in horror and rage with his other eye.
"Bitch!" Tinakbo niya ako. I didn't move first until he's closer. I evaded him, making him stumble on the floor and that's when I attacked.
I fisted his shirt and slammed him on the ground. Tumama ang ulo niya sa mga bubog at umuubo na habang sinasapo ang mukha.
"What did you say, sa 'yo ang bibig?" I asked.
"P-please...sorry...sorry..." he choked, "h-hindi na..."
I lifted the glass on my bleeding hand and slashed his lips from the corner. He screamed. I felt nothing.
"H-h'wag, s-sorry! S-sorry..." I slashed the other side, splitting his cheek apart while he's alive and choking on his own blood.
"Oh, why are you crying now?" Marahan kong tanong at matamis na ngumiti, "what does your blood tasted in your mouth?"
He choked and choked and I watched in awe and while watching him lose his life, I've never felt so alive.
"You don't play with death, darling," bulong ko bago tumayo at lumabas ng kwarto.
The silence was deafening when I got out with my face splattered with someone else's blood. My shirt was drenched, too. My hair messy. My face blank.
I noticed how tension heightened. Large men avoided looking at me, their hands tightening on their guns as I walked past them towards the office.
I saw Wyatt talking to new investors, in their clean pressed suits. Nagtatawanan pa sila at nagkakamayan.
Naglakad ako papalapit doon hanggang sa matahimik ang mga taong kasama niya. I heard collective gasps.
Natigilan si Wyatt sa pakikipag-usap nang marinig iyon at umikot para makita ako. Shock and anger flickered on his black eyes.
"Oh, sorry, gentleman, did I interrupt something?" I smiled sweetly.
"Scythe," Wyatt called formally, his tone silently threatening. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, sorry if I disrupted something. I just have a gift. Here," inangat ko ang may dugong kamay para ipakita ang basag na salamin sa kanya. "We're just playing but unfortunately, I accidentally killed them?"
Tension filled the place. Tumikhim ang mga lalaki at nag-iwas. The old women started leaving. I heard them uttering silent prayers.
"Oh...the devils are praying now?" Sinulyapan ko ang matandang babae at nginitian. Nanginig siya.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Wyatt at mababang boses na nagsalita.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Bullet? I have an important meeting!"
"Oh, are you now?" He gripped my arm tightly and with composure, hissed on my ear.
"Quit it. Leave."
"Why, boss? I thought I'm your weapon? They should be scared, right? So they won't go against you?" He stiffened and looked around. Everyone was quiet and tensed.
They're scared...
Oh, what a sweet, sweet sight.
"Shut up," nanginig ang kamay niya. "Don't give me that bullshit. They're V.I.P.'s, you don't scare them—"
"Aww, too late," his grip shook more on my arm. He glared at me angrily.
I watched him innocently as I leaned in.
"Look at those intimidating large men, scared. Maybe you should be, too, boss." The death whispered.
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