Brodie's POV."Is she still sleeping?""Yes," I sighed, looking at myself for the final time."How do you like your haircut?" Her brows narrowed."Perfect. Thank you, Vein." I stood up, composing myself for the final time."Are you sure you are not going to regret this? The organization is spying on you, Brodie. Sooner or later, they will find out about this, and you will know what will happen next.""I don't care, Vein. I'm ready for anything. I'm nearly there. Just a few steps away, and this will be over." I turned my back, grabbed my stuff, and got ready to exit the place."And what about Nicolle?"Napaigting ang panga ko at hindi ko nilingon si Vein. Itinaas ko nalang ang kanang kamay ko sa kanya.Bahagyang yumuko agad siya.---"Thank you, mahal. It felt like we were living in the dream." Carmella looped her arms around me, burying her face against my chest."Hmm, ang bango mo talaga? Ano ba ang gamit mong shave? Perfume? Sabon?"I scoffed and hugged her tightly. "Just the hotel
Brodie's POV . "Are you sure about that? Baka naman pagdating natin ng Italya ay magbabago ka." Naningkit ang mga mata niya sa akin at natawa agad ako. "Carmella, this is not you. When did you lose your confidence, mahal?" I shook my head. "I didn't lose my confidence, mahal. I'm just making sure. So, ano? Deal?" She extended her hand, and I looked at it. "What are you trying to play this time, mahal?" I sighed. She's full of surprises, and sometimes it does my head in. Noong isang araw nakipagpustahan siya sa akin at ang nakataya ang kalahating hectaria ng lupa ko sa kabilang bundok. Alam kong mananalo ako, pero para sa ikakatuwa niya ay kusa akong nagpatalo sa kanya. She got that share now. It's not a problem for me. She can get everything she wants as if she needs it. I know she's got more money than I have in the bank. "I'm betting my heart here, okay? So be responsible." Umikot siya sa likod ko at sa huminto sa harapan ko. Pilya ang pagtitig sa akin at saka naupo siya sa
Carmella's POV."Oh my gosh! Welcome back, Carmella, babe!"Halos idikit na ni Butter ang mukha niya sa akin. Kulang nalang ay magpalit kami ng mukha dalawa."Ew, bitawan mo nga ako! Hindi tayo close ano! At ano ba ang ginagawa mo rito?"Napailing si Betty at mabilis na yumakap sa akin."I miss you, Carmella. I'm glad that you are back in good health." Sabay titig niya sa kabuuan ko. Agad lang din na yumakap sa akin si Prince."Mi Zia! Mi manchi, Zia!" Yakap ni Prince at mahigpit din ang pag-yakap ko sa kanya. Bahagya akong napalunod para magtapat ang ulo namin."Ang tangkad mo na. This is unfair. You are getting taller and handsome." I pouted and squeezed his chunky cheeks."In no time, I will be taller than you, Zia! And I will be strong, too!" Pagmamayabang ni Prince. Ipinakita niya agad ang muscles niya. Natawa na ako."Yes, I know. You are like your father, you know?" Ginulo ko ang buhok niya at napatalon na siya."Like me? Or probably like my mi amore?" si Drake sa likod namin.
Carmella's POV."Ang arte ah. Ayaw mo talagang ipakilala sa akin? And why? Come on, Carmella. I'm not gonna judge you." Venette looked at me suspiciously.After a careful consideration of what Butter had told me. I came to visit Venette. Brodie is getting his townhouse ready for us. At last, Papa agreed for us to live separately.Ayaw nga niya noong simula, dahil gusto niya lang na sa bahay kami ni Brodie. Pero ang hirap huminga roon. Nakikita ko palagi si Drake at Betty at ang mga bata.I sometimes can't stand how harsh Drake is to Prince, and it breaks my heart. I wasn't going to grab the little boy, as I only want to play with him. But Drake wasn't happy with that. Mas mabuti na raw na mag-anak na ako at nang sa ganoon ay may kalaro ako kaysa sa inisin ang anak niya.Huh, ang babaw niya talaga!"What is it, Carmella? Hindi ka pupunta rito sa kaharian ko na walang plano."Naupo si Venette sa upuan niya at hindi parin ako makasagot. Naglalaro kasi sa isipan ko ang sinabi ni Butter s
Brodie's POVMore than two weeks have passed, and Carmella has quickly adjusted to our living type. She liked the house that I have here. It was a simple one and not much as big back in Victoria. She made it more comfortable with the designs and types of furniture that we bought.Malapit lang din ang tahanan namin sa mansyon ng ama niya at minsan ay madalas kami roon tuwing weekends para magtipon. Carmella loves the kids. She spent more time with them during her free time without me."Finally, it's nice to catch up with you, Brodie." Silveztri patted my shoulder, and the two of us sat down in our usual spot."The same as usual, Mauve. Thank you," I ordered.Naiwan kaming sandali ni Silveztri sa puwesto. Ang pub na ito ay isa sa mga paboritong tambayan namin noon, noong mga kabataan namin. We hang out here together with our friends and with my brother Axton. The things around has improve through the years. But the environment and the ambiance stays the same."Thank you, Mauve," I said
Brodie's POVShe's pissed off. I know that. Damn.I took a deep breath, and I felt nervous. I didn't mean to be rude, but I just can't bring myself to smile and be authentic.I'm tired. I want to do something for Carmella today, but the news of Axton being here in Italy gives me the chill already.That damn bastard. He just likes to give me a headache."Did you give it to her?" Nathaniel asked in the line. I looked at the time, and I was not sure if Carmella was still awake at this hour."Not yet.""What the fuck, Brodie? Be a man! Go and do your job, mate."Bahagya akong napayuko sa sarili at pumailalim ang kamay ko sa kanan na bulsa. Maingat konng nilabas ang maitim na box at tinitigan ko itong mabuti."It's nearly twelve o'clock there, right? Matatapos na ang anniversarry ninyo. May bumabagabag ba sa isip mo?" tanong ni Nathaniel galing sa kabilang linya."Axton is here and it's doing my head in.""Really? Damn.""Yes," I sighed. "I will see him this weekend. Silveztri has already
Carmella's POV.I looked impatiently at the door, gawking at the first person to enter. I've made up my mind, and no matter what happens, I will never surrender Brodie to her. Kahit na bumaliktad ang mundong kinatatayuan ko, ay wala akong plano na bitawan si Brodie para sa kanya.Palaban ako. Alam nilang lahat iyan. I can quickly kill my enemy without mercy, and I play a lot with the boys to escape my boredom. I don't give a damn shit about fucking them because I don't do that.Yes, I kissed a hundred more lips because I was looking for my prince charming. And yes, I have found him. He made my heart fluttered to the fullest and made me excited, but that was it. I thought he was the right one. In the end, he ended up leaving me alone after knowing who I was.I didn't expect anything from Brodie. I found out a lot about him before I married him. It was my father's order. It was easy, but I never thought that this marriage would build a strong connection in my heart to Brodie. And now t
Carmella's POVI will never be affected! Huh, akala siguro ni Nicolle susuko ako? No way! Wala ito sa bokabularyo ko ano!I hum as I prepared our food. Brodie will be here anytime soon. I called Nathaniel in Australia, asking for advice about Brodie's likes when it comes to food. I will do my best to get his heart. I know I'm getting there."Mahal?" Ang baritonong boses ni Brodie ang nagpatigil sa akin. Nilingon ko siya mula sa pinto at agad akong tumakbo para mayakap siya."I miss you!" I said and slammed my body against his. Pinalupot ko ang kamy sa leeg niya at mabilis ko siyang hinalikan sa labi. Tumugon din naman agad siya sa halik ako at pumalupot ang kamay niya sa katawan ko."Are you hungry? I cook something," I twinkled my eyes."Oh? You cook?""Yes! I'm sure magugustuhan mo ito! Come here!"Mahigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay niya at hinili siya patungo sa kusina. Hindi ako magaling magluto at alam niya iyan. Mas magaling pa mag luto si Brodie kaysa sa akin. Pero kahit papaano ay
Brielle.Nakaraos din ang gabi at heto, tulala ako sa sarili.His mother and brother, Glenn, left about an hour ago. Morris and I stayed because this restaurant also provides overnight accommodations for those who wish to stay longer than a day.Hinintay ko lang na matapos si Morris sa banyo at ako na ang kasunod. Wala ako sa sarili kanina at pilit akong nakikisama sa ina niya.She asked many questions as if she were one of my teachers in school. She seemed classy, as she came from a good family, the Monteverde.Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na hindi basta-basta ang pamilya ni Morris. May pangalan siya. May pinangangalagaan. May sari-saring negosyo sa buong Asya at Amerika and mga magulang at kapatid niya. Si Morris lang ang naiiba at hindi ko alam kung bakit. Ang alam ko lang ay may negosyo rin naman siya sa Italya, pero hindi raw kalakihan ito. Hindi raw tulad ng kapatid niyang si Glenn at ng mga magulang niya."Are you alright?"I spun, and there he was, standing a few feet from me, a
Morris."Just meet them. That's the only way. Glenn is doing everything he could. He is in a tight sport, Mors. Hindi ko ito sasabihin sa 'yo ngayon. Pero ginagawa ni Glenn ang lahat para sa 'yo. He might be heartless, but he loves you as his brother."I shut my eyes while listening to Reeve in the line. Wala siya rito at nasa Amerika. Pansamantala, ay si Glenn ang humahawak sa negosyo niya na nasa parehong Isla."I already gave Glenn the details, and your mother will be there. Meet them for once," he added.I gritted my teeth. "I hate the old man," I uttered under my breath."He is not around the country at the moment. It's a good opportunity, Mors. And with the deal Glenn made with your father, it saves you."I inhaled deeply and shook my head.That lunatic Glenn, really? How many times I told him not to worry about me. He needs to worry about himself first! Ang tigas ng ulo niya."I know what you're thinking, Morris. Glenn is your brother. You and him are the same, bro. Hard heade
Brielle."All of the sudden? Akala ko ba hindi ka seryoso sa relasyon na ito? Hindi ba sinabi mo sa akin na wala kang maipapangako?" I looked at him, confused, thinking of the other way around. Excited ako, at kabog ang pintig ng puso ko habang dikit ang tingin ko sa mga mata niya. Napaigting siya, at nakuha ko agad ang ibig niyang sabihin.I sighed, feeling disappointed. "Okay lang, Morris. You don't have to force yourself to introduce me to your parents. I'm not ready for this." Inunahan ko na. I shook my head and turned away from him. I know I should be celebrating because most woman looks forward to this... To introduce them to the parents of the person they love. But Morris is different. We already had a deal. He doesn't want any lingering promises, and I don't like this. I don't want a commitment. Kahit pa sabihin na natin na sabik ako at gusto ko naman, ay puno naman ng pag-aalala ang puso ko. Kaya mas mabuting wala na."Hey, Bree. Listen to me." He followed me.I paused an
Morris."Did you stuff it up?" Bryce asked in the line."No. I did not, asshole. I'm not as sick as you," I laughed while connecting the line to Linus."Fuck. You know you're an asshole, too, at times, Mors. You almost give me a heart attack, bro." He chuckled. His line came back clear now, and I can see him better than before."Yo, looks great! What did you do to yourself, Mors? You're finger-licking good, man," Linus spat. He can see me better, too.My face flushed, and I shook my head."Psst, keep quiet, gentleman. Let me remind you that our big black bear is in love." Diezel uttered."What? Damn. Are you serious?" Bryce's mouth parted. "I can't believe it." He shook his head."Oh well, who's the lucky girl?" Linus smiled."Let me guess? Is it Brielle? Siya lang naman ang magtitiyaga sa isang katulad mo, Mors," kantyaw ng walanghiyang Diezel."Stuff you." I cursed and growled at him, and the rest of them laughed."Ibang klase… So, this Brielle what she's like?" Linus asked."Oh, u
Brielle.Mainit, pero hindi masakit ang sikat ng araw. Naka two-piece swim suit ako at tinutulungan ako ni Morris sa paglagay ng sunscreen.Nasa gitna na kami ng dagat at may dalawang fishing rod na nakatambay na para sa isda. Hinihintay na lang ni Morris na may kumain sa pain niya."All done, babe. You are well covered and protected from sunburnt." He puts back the lotion on the side bench."Thank you, babe," agap ko at kinuha ko na ang sombrero. "Hmm, gaano ba katagal ang isda?" Titig ko sa dalawang fishing rod sa harapan."In a second… here we go." Pumwesto agad si Morris at hinawakan ang fishing rod. May isda na. Pero gumalaw rin agad ang isang fishing rod. May isda na rin ito."Take that one, babe.""Okay… paano nga ba?" Pinuwesto ko ang dulo ng fishing rod sa tagiliran at saka hinatak ko ang reeling pabalik sa akin. "Ang bigat!""Just hold still. I won't be long with this, and I will help you with that," he says and quickly maneuvered his move.Steady lang ang hawak ko at reeli
Morris."Done and dusted. All sorted, boss.""Motlo bene, Blue. Very good. And please don't call me boss, especially in front of Brielle." I whispered because I could see Brielle ahead, smiling, approaching me."Va bene, capo."I smirked a little. Still, he called me boss in the Italian language. Asshole."Morris, baby!" Brielle hugged me, and I hugged her tighter. Blue sharply looked at her, and by the time his eyes glanced at me, I growled. He then dipped his head."Y-you have someone with you?" Nakatingin na si Brielle kay Bleu, at nakayuko pa rin ang gago."Yes. This is Blue, baby. He is my dear friend," I introduced. "Say hello to my girl, Bleu."Tumitig muna si Bleu sa akin at maamo na ang mukha niya. At saka kay Brielle na siya ngumiti."È un piacere conoscerla, signora." Nilahad niya ang kamay kay Brielle."Huh? Ano raw?" Brielle looked at me in confusion. I gritted my teeth, giving Bleu an ultimatum."Fanculo. Parla in inglese, Blu." I fucking swore, asking him to talk in En
Brielle.The air crackles between us. It's intense, hot, and demanding.Sa totoo lang, simula nang maibigay ko ang sarili ko kay Morris ay nakalimutan ko na ang lahat ng pait at masasamang ala-ala na pinagdaanan ko.I'm not a virgin to this, and I'm not a prostitute either. However, I am close to that because of my job, as I used to tame dangerous people, and when they got drunk and naked in front of me, a killer who was on standby would take over the job and kill them.That wasn't a bad job, and I earn a lot of money from it. Hindi man kalakihan ang pera na kinikita ko noon, ay iyon lang din naman ang nakikita kong paraan para makapag-ipon at nang sa ganun ay makatakas kami ni tiya sa imperyno.There was no escape, honestly, in that hell as they held me by the neck. I thought I could easily escape that hell, but I was wrong. But luck was on my side, and here I am with tiya, living on this remote Island.Walang nakakakilala sa amin at walang maghahanap sa amin dito.I bite my lower l
Morris."And what are you planning, Morris? Are you sure you are going to be okay on your own?"I scoffed and shook my head in disgust. Does he really think I can't do it alone?"Do you want me to cut off your head, Dez?" I scowl."Yeah, yeah, I know, bro. I'm just worried." He chuckled."Don't be worried. You don't know what you're dealing with, Dez. Worry about yourself. You are about to enter your world now, and you will be forbidden from seeing us for a while. Can you handle that?" I smirked."Oh well, I have no choice. I can handle it, Mors. I'm a big boy you know. Limang taon lang naman ang kailangan nila sa akin, at bibilisan ko ito. Sisiguraduhin ko na sa loob ng tatlong taon o dalawa ay makukuha ko na ang market target, at isa na ako sa pinakamayaman tao sa buong mundo. Fuck." Malutong na mura niya at natawa akong bahagya."I know you can do it, Dez. I will wait for you after five years, okay? Suit yourself to everything, and you know where I am. I am a phone call away. And
Brielle.Nakakapagod. Balot sa pawis ang boung katawan ko at hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako ngayon. Ramdam ko ang sakit sa paa at balot ito ng dugo at putik. Mabilis kong pinunasan ang luha at saka matapang na inayos ang damit ko.Tapos na akong umiyak, at ubos na yata ang luha ko. At kahit pa iiyak ako ng dugo ay hindi maawa sa akin ang mga iyon. Mga hayop sila! Wala silang awa!Hindi ko naramdaman na pumutak ang katiting na luha sa pisngi at mabilis kong pinunasan ito. Kinagata ko ang labi at namuo ang galit sa loob ko.Babalikan ko si tiya. Babalikan ko siya.***"Bree, baby. . ." Ang mainit na dampi na halik ni Morris sa tainga ko ang nagpamulat ng mga mata ko ngayon. Nanaginip na naman ako, pero iba ito at hindi kagaya nang mga nakaraang panaginip ko.Humikab ako at ramdam ko ang konting kirot sa hita. Napa-ungol ako nang maramdaman ko ang kamay ni Morris sa bahaging ito."I'm sorry, I made you tired, baby, and I know you want to sleep more. But we have to go." He rested his face