Chapter 1: Enjoy the Night

Odette’s POV

"Odette! Kuya Eldrich opened a new bar near the university. We must come and have a party tonight! To celebrate our survival for the third semester na rin, kasi we totally deserve to have fun naman!"

The loudness of my cousin's voice forced my eyes to shut open. I straightened my back before breathing deeply. Nagulat ako nang makita ang oras. Gabi na?

I didn't notice that I fell asleep while spending the entire day studying. My hands ache from writing so much notes, and my lower back hurts from holding this uncomfortable position for so many hours.

I stretched my arms and yawned in somnolence. "Huh? Why so noisy?"

She gave me a little pat on the cheeks to rouse me. "Wake up! Why are you still studying? Tapos na ang first semester kaya magpahinga ka naman! Being too studious is not hot at all! Hindi mo ba na-mi-miss ang lumandi?"

Ilang beses akong kumurap bago tiningnan ang pinsan kong si Danica. She knows my passcode so she can come here whenever she pleases. Istorbo!

She's already dressed in an orange outfit that goes well with her morena skin tone. Nakakulot din ang maikli niyang blonde hair na bumagay naman sa buong ayos niya. She's already prepared for the party and now she's bugging me to come with her?

"Syempre miss ko na, 'no!" I responded and rolled my eyes. "But we're already in our fourth year. I need to ace everything to graduate with flying honors. One mistake can cause problems that will ruin everything I sacrificed this year."

I always went out to parties when I was in my freshman year, causing my grades to get low. I had been a party-goer for as long as I could remember but I stopped because I knew that I had to buckle down and study if I wanted any chance of success.

Of course, I want to accept her invitation, but I'm afraid that I might get lost on my path again once I go back to partying. I don't want to fall back into the same old habits and risk getting poor grades again.

"You study all the time! Partying is the perfect way to release some of the stress that had been building up through the week of studying, so come with me!"

"Mhm..." I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes to pretend that I'm sleeping.

"Maria Odette! I will hate you if you refuse again!" Yinugyog niya ang balikat ko kaya hindi ko napigilan ang pagtawa.

"Fine, fine! But I'm not drinking. Dad will definitely kill me once he finds out that I'm going to bars again."

"Kami ni Kuya El ang bahala sa'yo. Now get up, dress up, and apply some make-up!"

I grinned when Danica pulled my arms to force me stand up. Tinampal-tampal niya pa ang dalawa kong pisnge para tuluyan na akong magising.

Dumeretso ako sa bathroom para maligo nang saglit at paglabas ko ay may nakalatag na agad na damit sa kama. It's a blue off shoulder dress that Danica personally picked from my closet, and I laughed when I saw that she also prepared a pair of underwear for me. Mas excited pa siya saakin!

She dried and straightened my long black hair while I was doing my makeup. Ito ang unang bar ko ngayong taon-- and probably will be the last---kaya napagdesisyunan kong bonggahan ang ayos ko. I applied glittery blue eyeshadow to my eyelids with a touch of purple lipstick on my lips. Medyo kinapalan ko rin ang foundation at ang blush ko. I put on false lashes and contact lenses that made my thin eyes look brighter.

I finally wore the beautiful blue dress that perfectly hugged my curves. She also told me to wear a few pieces of jewelry to add some sparkle to my outfit. To complete the look, I wore a pair of glittery, dark blue high heels. I could not help but smile when I looked in the mirror. I looked beautiful and extravagant!

Inabot kami ng isang oras para makapaghanda ng ayos ko bago kami naalis sa condo. I feel the excitement that I always feel when I go to a party.

Danica is the one who drove the car, and damang-dama ko naman ang pagiging passenger princess ko. Malapit lang ang lugar sa condo ko kaya hindi natagalan bago kami makarating doon.

As we walked into the dimly lit bar, the familiar smell of alcohol and loud music hit me. It had been so long since I had been out and the atmosphere instantly lifted my spirits. Marami rin ang taong pumunta dahil bagong bukas ang lugar kaya mas masigla at maingay ang paligid.

Sana naman ay may pogi at masarap dito! It's been so long since I last went to party, and I want to find a guy I can enjoy the night with. Wala akong balak magkaboyfriend but I deserve to kiss a hot guy this time. That is also a good way to release stress, isn't?

"Oh my God, Odette is here?"

Napalingon ako at nakita ang grupo ng mga babaeng kilala ko. They are my party ladies! Mga kaibigan ni Danica na nakilala ko na rin dahil palagi nila akong inaaya mag-party.

I grinned. They are very surprised to see me. "Hi guys! Missed me?"

They smiled widely and hugged me. "Gaga! Akala namin ay tuluyan ka nang nagbagong buhay kaya hindi ka na pumupunta sa bar!"

"I'm still me! Masyado lang akong nag-focus sa studies ko, 'no!"

They asked me a lot of questions about why I suddenly stopped going to night outs, and I explained the reasons further. Mga college students din sila kaya naiintindihan nila ang rason ko at hindi na nagtampo pa.

It is stressful to talk about studies so they decided to introduce me to new people na lang. Bilang isang social butterfly, gustong-gusto ko naman ang makakilala ng iba't ibang tao. The music got louder, making the whole place more lively and exciting. Hinila ako nila Danica papunta sa dance floor at hindi na ako tumanggi.

We enjoyed the music with the waves on our hips. My body moved effortlessly to the beat, with my hips swaying and my arms reaching up towards the ceiling. Danica's short blonde hair was flying as she twirled and spun. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the dance until I noticed that several minutes had already passed and I'm starting to feel a little tired.

Nagulat ako nang mawala si Danica sa paningin ko. Paglingon ko sa kaliwa, nakita ko na lang siya na nakipaghahalikan sa isang foreigner habang sumasayaw. Ang gaga, yinaya pa ako para makapag-release raw ng stress pero iiwan lang din pala ako!

Ipinagpatuloy ko na lang ang pagsayaw. There are some men who approached me but they weren't able to get my interest so I refused to entertain them. Sumayaw lang ako sa dancefloor kasama ang mga taong nag-eenjoy hanggang sa tuluyan na akong nakaramdam ng pagod.

Nilibot ko ang paningin ko para makita si Danica at ang iba naming mga kakilala, pero isang lalaking estranghero ang nakapukaw ng atensyon ko. Natigilan ako at napatitig sa taong iyon.

The first thing I noticed was his sharp and dark pair of eyes. It looks so deep, and I feel like I could drown in darkness if I stared at it for much longer. Nakakahumaling din ang manipis ma mamula-mula niyang labi. His thick eyebrows and black hair make him look strong and intimidating. Sobrang tangos ng ilong niya habang matalim naman ang jawline niya. Fvcking hot guy!

Katulad ko, may pagkamestiso ang balat niya kaya in-a-assume ko ang posibilidad na may lahi siya.

He's so hot at aaminin ko na nakakalaglag panty at panga ang kagwapuhan niya. I also noticed the girls who look at him with grins, but it seems like they are too shy to approach him. He has a scowl on his face and his dark features give off an intimidating aura. My interest is immediately piqued.

He's sitting on the bar stool while drinking a glass of whiskey. Nakapatong ang kanan niyang kamay sa countertop habang hawak niya ang glass gamit ang kaliwang kamay. Oh, gosh! Damn those biceps! Mukhang alaga ng gym!

He's staring at a blank space as if he's thinking hard about something. Kapansin-pansin kung gaano kaganda ang katawan niya kahit simple lang ang kasuotan niya.

Artista ba siya? I doubt. Pamilyar ako sa mga sikat na aktor dito sa Pilipinas at sa ibang bansa dahil mahilig ako manood ng movies. If he's an actor, I would definitely know him because his appearance is something that will never be forgotten! At kung artista man ang isang katulad niya, siguradong pagkakaguluhan siya sa internet dahil sa kagwapuhan niya at palaging magiging viral sa social media. He's a model, perhaps?

I looked at his veiny hands to see if there is a ring on his finger. Napangisi ako nang mapansing wala. He wouldn't come here alone if he has a lover, would he?

Inayos ko ang medyo magulo kong buhok. I looked at myself through my phone's front camera to make sure that I still look good. Nag-reapply rin ako ng purple lipstick bago lumapit sa kanya.

I sauntered over to him, my hips swaying in my tight blue dress. I flashed him a seductive smile and slid onto the stool next to him. Ipinatong ko ang kamay ko sa countertop bago siya hinarap.

"Hey there. Are you alone?"

He glanced at me with a bored expression. Shit! He truly is a hot guy! Mas guwapo siya sa malapitan!

"Does it look like I have someone with me?" he grumbled, taking a sip of his drink.

Napataas ako ng kilay dahil sa suplado niyang tugon. I couldn't help but feel more intrigued. I am used to getting any man I want with just a smile but this one seemed immune to my charms.

Mukhang hindi maganda ang mood ng lalaking ito ngayong gabi. He must be grateful that a beautiful woman is here to make his night beautiful.

"What's your name?" I asked, batting my long lashes.

"I don't give my name to weird strangers."

"Okay, but I do! My name is Maria," I purred, running my fingers through my long, dark hair.

This is not a lie. My name is Maria Odette Montazon. People just call me Odette because I am more comfortable with that name and that is what I use on my social media accounts. Mas safe kung ipapakilala ko ang sarili ko sa pangalang hindi ko madalas na ginagamit.

I usually use fake names when I introduce myself to boys in the bar, but I guess telling him my real first time is not bad... since he's very hot.

"Sounds like a holy name. Doesn't suit you at all."

Umawang ang labi ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Why is he being so masungit? I feel like he's not one to be swayed by flattery.

I'm not used to being rejected. I was used to men falling at my feet, begging for my attention. But something about him intrigued me so I'm not going to give up just yet.

Well, I like that. Dealing with a man like him is more challenging.

I tried to suppress my frustration so I decided to face the bartender. "One Margarita, please."

I know I said that I wouldn't be drinking tonight, but I couldn't stop myself after seeing a hot guy doing it. I want to impress him by showing him how well I can manage my alcohol.

"Are you in college?"

I didn't expect him to ask me a question. It seems like he's interested in talking to me after all.

Hinintay ko munang maibigay saakin ng bartender ang margarita bago ko siya sinagot.

"No, I already graduated." I lied and sipped my drink.

He seems older than me and I bet he doesn't want to hook up with someone who is still studying. I also want to look more mature whenever I go to places like this. I never tell boys my real age.

Hinintay ko siyang magsalita muli pero nanatili lang siyang uminom. I even made a hot and seductive pose while holding my glass but he won't even give me a single glance anymore. Normal men would definitely make the first move and ask me for a kiss, but this guy is different. He's cold and doesn't care. Napapahiya lang ako dito and what he's doing is hurting my pride!

Wala pa ring effect ang kahit na anong pasimpleng pang-aakit ko sa kanya kaya bumuntonghininga na lang ako at nagsalita. I will do the first move again na nga lang! I really want to have a taste of him tonight, so I will never let him go! Siya na lang ang price sa pagsisipag ko sa pag-aaral, please!

"You're so quiet and doesn't seem to enjoy this place that much. Hindi ka ba na-bo-bored?" I coaxed, hoping to break through his tough exterior.

I finally gave up and spoke again pero muntik akong mapamura sa inis nang hindi niya nanaman ako pinansin.

"How about we play a game?" pambawi ko.

"Let's drink more... and whoever gets drunk first is the loser," I suggested, a mischievous glint in my eye. Akala niya ba titigilan ko siya? 'The loser has to answer the truth and do a dare chosen by the winner."

"That's ridiculous," he growled, not bothering to look at me.

"Ridiculous? O baka naman natatakot kang matalo?"

Kumunot ang noo niya at tumingin saakin. He's looking at me, finally! He glared at me for seconds but I didn't let myself be intimidated.

"Fine. But I warn you, I don't lose.'"

Namilog ang mga mata ko sa tuwa nang marinig ang sagot niya. I knew I could get his response.

I smirked and ordered two glasses of one of the strongest drinks I knew. Binigay ko sa kanya ang isang baso at agad niya namang ininom'yon habang deretso ang tingin saakin-- as if he wants to end the game as soon as possible and see me cry after being lost.

Oh, hindi lang siya masungit. He's competitive as well.

Too bad for him. Matagal na akong hindi nakakainom pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang talento ko. I can drink different kinds of alcohol without getting too drunk. Mahihilo lang ako, but I will never lose my soberness. Having a high tolerance for alcohol is a wonderful talent I got from my dear father so I always win at challenges like this.

Pinagpatuloy namin ang larong binuo ko. He doesn't like it but he quite enjoyed competing with me, I see. Nag-aalala na ang bartender dahil sa sunod-sunod namin na pag-order ng drinks pero wala naman itong magawa dahil alam nito na pinsan ko ang may-ari ng bar.

We spent several minutes just drinking and looking at each other with challenging stares. Hindi nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi habang nananatili naman ang seryosong tingin niya sa mga mata. We went back and forth, each taking a shot and trying to outdo the other. As the night went on, the drinks kept flowing, and the atmosphere grew hotter.

After a while, he finally put down his glass.

"You're something. How are you still sober after so many drinks?" aniya at napahawak sa sintido.

His eyelids are starting to be droopy and his whole face is now flushed. I've met a lot of drunk people, but he's the hotest person I've seen in this state!

"You look tough, but it seems like you can't handle alcohol very well." I laughed and shook my head. "Now, you owe me a truth and a dare. Which one should I use first?"

He bit his lip while looking stiffly at me. "Hurry up, lady. I need to go home."

Does he want to go home because he's still uninterested? He was a man of few words, and I am finding it difficult to get a reaction out of him. Pero hindi ako susuko!

I smiled triumphantly. "For the truth... I would use the chance to ask your name."

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "So you challenged me just to do this, huh? You're pretty smart for someone who seems to be partying all the time."

I also rolled my eyes as I chuckled. Masyado namang judgmental ang isang 'to. Ihampas ko pa sa mukha niya ang mga high academic achievements ko!

"Joseph Develrick Abrevelo Flores," walang gana niyang sabi kaya napangiti ako. I didn't expect that he would give me his full name.

"So you also have a holy first name, huh?" I smirked, and he just looked away. "It doesn't suit someone who is hot as hell."

"What's with the nonsense? Just hurry with the dare."

I put the tip of my finger on my lips with an amused smile. "I dare you to make out with me."

Nagsalubong agad ang kilay niya. "The fvck?"

I bit lip my lower lip playfully. "Ugh... you sound so hot when you curse. Isa pa nga--"

"This is stupid. I'm going out."

He was about to stand up and leave but I stopped him by holding his hand. I am not one to back down from a challenge. I want to continue to tease and taunt him while slowly chipping away at his defenses.

"Why, mister? Can't handle being lost to a young lady? Baka naman hindi ka marunong humalik. Or maliit ba 'yan kaya ka nahihiya?"

Mas naging matalim ang tingin niya saakin. Naramdaman kong nalalaglag nanaman siya sa patibong ko.

"Why are you glaring at me? Did I hit the bull's eye?" I put my fingers to my lips and laughed. "Too bad--"

I was so determined to continue crushing his ego but he sealed my words with a sudden kiss. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa gulat pero agad ko rin itong ipinikit para mas damdamin ang halik niya. Ipinulupot ko ang kamay ko sa batok niya bago siya hinalikan pabalik. A few seconds later, he let go of my lips.

"Am I a bad kisser to you?"

"Well... I need to experience more to find out," I whispered with a husky voice. Develrick's eyes darkened but he still didn't budge.

Using my arms that are wrapped around his neck, I pulled him closer to me so I could kiss him better. I started feeling hot so I decided to playfully bite his lower lip. He groaned sexily, and I used that opportunity to enter my tongue inside his mouth.

I noticed that he froze when I used my tongue to kiss him. Akala ko ay wala na siyang gagawin pero hindi ko inaasahan na papatulan niya ang ginagawa ko. He also used his tongue and I felt fireworks popping in my heavy head with the pleasure he's giving me. It's warm, and he's twirling it on mine. This is crazy!

Fvck. This is the best kiss I've exchanged with a guy.

Pareho kaming hinihingal nang naghiwalay ang labi namin. We opened our eyes and stared at each other with... and the desire to do more.

"You're too uninocent for someone whose name is Maria."

I licked my lower lip with a smirk. "I can do more. I can show you more."

I used my finger to touch his red, thin lips. I teasingly slid it down to his neck, to his broad chest, to his stomach, and finally, down... there. I could see the desire in his eyes, and I know I am getting close to winning him over.

Develrick's eyes flew open in shock. His face flushed with both arousal and embarrassment. This is a sight I never knew I would see in him.

"Hngh..." Hindi niya napigilan ang maglabas ng ungol. I was surprised because not all men would moan like that. "Where do you think you're touching?"

"Don't you want to prove to me that what I've said is wrong? O talagang maliit talaga 'yan?"

"You really do know how to provoke a man, don't you?" he said with a heavy breathing.

Ngumisi ako. "Talaga?"

I tightened my grip on his area, which made his breathing go heavier. Napapikit siya sa paghimas na ginagawa ko kaya mas lalo kong binilisan ang paghimas ko.

"Fvck, Maria. Stop..."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko para pigilan ako sa paghawak sa kanya. His hands are shaking and his whole face is red.

I leaned closer, my lips almost brushing against his ear. "Do you really want me to stop, Mr. Develrick? Don't you want to let me show you what you've been missing?"

"Maria..." he stammered, trying to regain his composure.

Mas nabuhayan ang kagustuhan kong akitin siya. From his ears, I lowered my lips to his neck and gave it a kiss. His body is shaking a bit, but he's going still, so I'm assuming that he's enjoying what I'm doing.

Pinaupo ko siya sa bar stool at saka kumandong sa kanya. There are a lot of couples making out, so I don't mind being seen kissing someone. Sa lugar na ito, walang pakealam ang mga tao sa kahit anong gawin ng bawat isa hangga't walang pangmamanyak at pamimilit na magaganap.

The kiss left a lipstick stain on his neck but it wasn't enough for me. Lumipat ako sa kabilang gilid ng kanyang tenga at nararamdaman ko ang mabigat niyang paghinga habang ginagawa ko 'yon. I licked and sucked his neck, making sure that it would leave a purple hickey. He groaned and closed his eyes. Nararamdaman ko rin ang pag-umbok ng ibaba niya kaya natukoy ko na nagugustuhan niya ang bawat galaw ko.

"This is fvcking embarrassing." mariin niyang saad gamit ang malalim niyang boses. Nanghihina na ang boses niya at nagmumukha siyang nahihiya na bata.

I chuckled. He's trying to hide his flustered face with his hand and I find it very cute!

"Should we get a room?"

I have met a lot of men in my life but I never let myself go further with them. Molmol lang at hindi na ako lumalagpas doon kahit gaano pa sila kagaling.

But something is different about him. Nagwawala ang isipan ko sa labis na kagustuhan ko sa kanya. He looks adorable and I want to tease him more. Is it the alcohol that made me too bold tonight?

"No..."

Bumagsak ang balikat ko dahil sa sagot niya. My pride got hurt when I heard him say no. Hindi pa ba sapat ang pang-aakit ko sa kanya? I did very well on seducing him, so why is he not giving up yet?

"Let's go to my car instead. It's tinted."

Umawang ang labi ko nang marinig ang bulong niya. I smiled and grinned, feeling a sense of victory and satisfaction.

Looks like I'm really having fun tonight, after all.