36: Deserving

"Can you tell me?" I am now begging, I know. "Tell me your secrets."

"Talia, I can't," Zed refused to tell it to me. I already expected this but I can't help but to feel hurt. "I am sorry but this is my secret left. I want to tell it to you because we promised to each other, no hiding secrets. But this is for good."

I forced a smile and nodded my head. "It's fine, don't be sorry."

"It is our promise and I should not break it."

"I also have one secret left. I guess it will be fair."

He was surprised but ended up smiling at me. I guess this is a good understanding to the both of us. My only secret to him is that I had sex with Kiel and about his, I don't know. I should worry less because just like what he said, it was for good.

"Any plans to see him?" he diverted the topic. I already know who he is referring to.

"Nah, I will just stay here."

"You are out of the work again. You sure you would not back out being his secretary? You know, you don't have to assist and serve him for him to fall for you crazily. You can just visit him or him visiting you –"

"Hey, it's fine," I said with a laugh. "I am fine. We just had uh, misunderstanding."

"Oh," his mouth formed an "o". "Alright. I won't ask about that because I think that thing is about you and him. Anyway, until when will you stay here, doing nothing?"

"How mean of you."

"I am serious, Tal. I understand that you are tired and needed rest, but you can't just stay like this. You have to move, we have to move – before it's too late."

"Yeah, alright, Sir. I will do the right thing that will make myself busy, not that just doing nothing," I sarcastically uttered and went down from my seat. I headed to my room while I heard his laughs from the kitchen. I rolled my eyes because of amusement.

As I enter inside my room, I glanced at my phone. He did not call. Good thing, then. I might surprise him or something.

I just change my clothes into formal one and went off. I went early and waited for Kiel in the parking lot. I tapped my shoe against the floor, waiting for his car to stop from his usual parking area. I even bit my lower lip when five minutes pass, he has not arrive yet.

"Waiting for someone?"

And yep, a not so familiar man appeared beside me. I looked at Hanz Xiro Ramirez with my shot brows. "Excuse me? You talking to me?"

"No, to him," he sarcastically answered and pointed nowhere. I hissed and shook my head in disappointment. Why is he here, though? "Mind to have coffee with me while you wait for my brother?"

"No, don't bother me."

"Woah," he sounded amazed. "Just wow, woman."

"Why?"

"You were just the one who talked to me like that. You know who you are messing to, right?"

I stopped myself from feeling annoyed. "I don't care, okay? There is no bias nor unfair treatment. Kindly just invite another person to come with you."

He tsked. "Sorry to disappoint you but he is not coming."

I looked at him in horror. "W-Why?"

"Come inside the café and I will tell you why."

I have no other choice but to follow him to the nearest café. He know how to trap me at all that I could not have any choice but to follow him since the cat is curious.

"So, what about it?" I immediately asked as we sat on the chair.

"We have to order coffee first," he said, ignoring my question. I can't help but to stay still and be patient enough. I know he is kind of teasing me because I am too eager to hear something about Kiel.

I waited for the our coffee to be served in our table. Once the cup hit on the wood table, I leaned against my seat and looked at him with my questioning eyes. He sipped on his cup first and squinted his eyes on me.

"He's visiting you everyday, the day you wasn't around. He just come home midnight and he don't go to his office, busy with something. Just like what he is used to two days ago, he will not be around in his office."

I bit the insides of my cheeks. "Where do you think he is now?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why? Just tell me."

"With a favor," he insisted and I just nodded my head. "If you might get mad of him, don't reveal any of a thing that should be just a secret."

"What do you mean?" I feel so curious. A thing that should be just a secret? I don't even know someone's secret. But anyway, I know that secret should be just a secret. I am not the kind of person who will reveal it if I want to.

"Yes, copy that. So, where is he?"

"In our house."

I closed my eyes and heaved a sigh in annoyance. In his house? What the hell? I can't go there! "I will call him," I said and stood up. I left him there while he shook his head in disappointment.

I get my phone once I get off of the café. I did not hesitate to call Kiel. I want to talk to him. I want to see him. This is so annoying to admit but I miss him.

I called him for two times because he did not answer the first one. I almost jumped in joy when I already saw that he did not decline or ignore the rings. I bit my thumb out of nervousness.

"Hey," he greeted from the other line in his husky and hoarse voice. "You called."

"Yeah, are you in your house?" I asked and started to walk near a car. I leaned my back there because it was like in any minute, I will just fall.

"Why?"

"Are you?"

"Yes, why?"

I closed my eyes tightly. "Can you see me? Maybe I will go there and see you –"

"You said you do not want to see my parents? They are here."

"Kiel," I called him out. "I want to see you, okay? I... I miss you and I'm sorry."

He did not speak for a second. "I will go to you. Where are you?"

"In the building's parking lot. But you might be busy and –"

"See you," he cut the call already, making me to feel more nervous. He will get here in any minute. I should get ready? But how? 

You just have to calm yourself, Talia. Don't be too nervous like it is your first time seeing Kiel. You can do this, I know.

I shook my hands and talked to myself like an idiot. Most of the people passing through my area are looking at me like I am sort of a crazy woman. I have to look away to not mind them. Goddamn it!

And just like what is expected, he came. His car seemed in rush. When he saw me, he stopped his car in front of me and motioned me to enter inside, in the passenger's seat. He opened the door for me from inside. As I get in, I let out a breathe.

"H-Hey," I stuttered when I looked at him. He started the engine and did not even throw me a glance. "Kiel..."

"Yeah?"

"Are you mad?"

"I am not. Why?"

"Why are you so cold talking to me?"

"Talia, let's talk later. Someone is following us."

My lips parted in horror. I looked at the back mirror but Kiel stopped me.

"Rearview mirror will do. Don't look at them."

I nodded my head and just did what he said. I took a peek on the rearview mirror and saw a black car following his car. It was in a high speed and Kiel is also speeding his car up. I just reached his left hand that is resting beside. My action made him to glance at me again. I showed him a smile, making him to bit his lower lip.

"Don't smile like that."

"Why?" I chuckled.

"It makes me take your lips."

"Oh, really, dude?"

"Yes, fuck."

I can't help but to make fun of him. I should be worrying because someone is following us. I do not know what they want from Kiel. But I know that he can get off of them. We will be safe because he does not want us to be at harm and danger.

He went to right and left afterward. He glanced at the back and hissed. The car is still there. But when he turned right again, the car is already nothing. "They are gone," I told Kiel in monotone.

"Yeah, they might get tired chasing us."

"Us, huh?"

"We are their target but there is no way I will let your harm, Talia."

I nodded my head. "I know..."

"I am glad you were not nervous and getting upset."

"Where should we go now?"

He clicked his tongue. "In my unit."

"Would not they follow us there?"

"It is exclusive. If they will enter in the building without card, emergency alert will automatically turn. So, I will also make your card now."

"How?"

He get his phone and let me make my card. He told me to go to the website and so I did. I registered my account and name there. And yes, that means I will be living with him already. With Kiel. Sounds fun, is not it? I will be with him.

"You were happy," he commented when he caught me smiling. I chuckled and shook my head. I then looked at his phone wallpaper and my heart almost jumped in so much happiness.

"I did not expect to live with you this early," I said. "And hey, I look too good here," I then added, referring to his wallpaper.

"Yeah, you always look good."

"Yeah, right."

"And also, I hate it knowing that you were living with that person, Zed. Live with me instead, Talia. You are safe with me."

"Kiel," I warned him. "Tell me what you know about Zed."

"You can't know it yet," he said, refusing to my request. "This is not the right time for you to know, Tal. I need you to do something for me, for us. Especially to your safety."

"What it is?"

"I will tell you when we come home."

I have no choice but to just agree. I want to know about it. If this is for our safety, then I will do everything. Even if it will mean that the person I treasure in my life will be out of me. I will do the right thing instead of acting blind because I am not and I will never be, ever.

***

"Hey!"

Kiel closed the door and made me lean against it. He claimed my lips quickly that made me giggle. I thought he will discuss to me about Zed and his request to me? But why we ended up here, kissing each other wildly and is feeling ourselves?

Well, this is the best feeling, ever. I want him every time, everywhere. I will never get tired of him. 

"Ah!" I moaned when he sucked my mound. He then went up and chuckled near my neck.

"I miss you," he whispered and plant kisses in my sensitive skin. I was about to unbuckle his belt when he stopped me. I looked at him with confusion but he just took my lips.

"Remember, I am your suitor."

I bit my lower lip and groaned. Yeah, right. I almost forgot. But I want him so bad! "Uh, maybe fuck me right now and let's forget about this later? Just go back to being suitor after this."

"You are funny," he said and went away from me. He then dragged me towards the sofa in the living room. He sat on the soft seat while I settle myself in his lap. I kissed him again and tried to grind on him but he held my waist to stop me. "Stop it, please?"

"Yeah, right. What about Zed anyway?"

Since he respect me being the woman he court, I will respect him also. I just stared at his eyes while my hands were around his neck, playing his hair. He hugged my waist and leaned on the backrest.

"The way you utter his name," he uttered, sounding pissed. "But anyway, he is no good for you."

"How do you say so?"

"Just trust me, Tal. I can't tell you about him right now."

"How can I trust you?"

He creased his brows. "Trust me because I love you." He get my right hand and pressed it on his chest, in the area where his heart is. "This is honest and genuine," he added with so much emotion in his eyes.

I smiled. "I believe you."

"Good." He wagged his head and stared at me more serious now. "We have to be safe. My request for you, I want you to get more close to that friend of yours so that he will not hurt you. I don't want him around you, Tal. But this is for good. I want you to get away from him, but if getting more near him will make him not to hurt you, then alright, let's take the risk because I know what the consequences will be."

"How much I wanted to know about him," I muttered sarcastically. "Why can't you just tell me about it, Kiel? Don't you trust me?"

"It's not that –"

"Well, it sounded that way."

"Talia, if you knew, you will hate that man to death."

I closed my eyes and just hide my face in his neck. I then slowly nodded. "Okay. I will wait for the right time." I do not want us to get ruined. I do not want to lose Zed.

"Good." He kissed my forehead and caressed my back. "Are you fine with it? To get along with your friend even more?"

"Yes," I said sincerely. "I will if you will be honest with me when I ask one thing."

"Sure, Talia. I will tell you everything."

I sighed heavily. This is final. I want him to tell me the truth. "Did you killed my parents?" I asked in hesitation. I expect him to get shocked but he ended up chuckling in disbelief.

"Really, Talia? You think?"

"You know, I am sorry. I am mad at you because you were the one who killed them –"

"Shush," he pressed his index finger on my lips to stop me from talking. "I did not, okay? I am not a killer. Your friend is really a demon."

"What do you mean? You did not kill them? I mean –"

"I did not," he cut me off, wanting to laugh but this is not the right time to do so. "They fooled you, Talia. Don't worry, I know who the real killer is."

"Will you tell me?"

He forced a smile. "Not this time."

"Kiel –"

"You are under your friend and that cop Deguzman. You are trapped, Talia. I know everything. The best thing to do is to be with me. You are safe with me, baby."

"Kiel, please! Don't call me that way in this situation!"

"Oh, sorry."

I glared at him. He is making me feel butterflies. But then, I am too occupied with the thought of me being trapped. I am under Zed and Mister Deguzman, about making Kiel surrender but then, there is this man telling me to do the same with Zed for good. Getting near to the both of them.

I do not know who to believe. Is it the man I know years already? Or Kiel I have just known for just almost three months? I want to test the both of them and I feel pity of myself. I did not expect to be this trapped. It was like I am inside a cage and two doors were beside me. I am struggling which door to choose... but then, if I open one, I might did a wrong decision. But if to the another one, still a wrong decision. Where to choose, really?

"Kiel," I called him later on. "I am confused. But you loving me is already enough for me to believe in you."

"Thank you for believing." He caressed my forehead and kissed my chin. "I don't have the heart to lose you, Tal. I want you to the fullest. And I will help to remove the wound inside your heart. You parents' death is like hell, I witnessed it all and I feel sorry because I did not have the courage to comfort you."

"H-How did you know about my parents? Why do you know everything?"

He licked his lower lip and looked away. "You know, I've been eyeing you since the day I first saw you. You made me crazy just by your beauty. That is when I fell in love again, Talia."

"W-Woah, when is that?"

"Maybe six months ago?" he chuckled. "I love you."

"So, you like me already six years ago?"

"Love," he corrected. "I know that you were the one I want. I love you since then."

"I don't know why a person like you fell in love with me. Nothing is special in my being, you know."

"You yourself is special more than anything, baby."

I smiled. "I will make myself deserving of your love, babe."