8. Jealous

"COFFEE for your thought..." Isang tasa ng black coffee ang nakapatong ngayon sa kanyang harapan. No sugar and creamer. Pure black the way he liked it. Marco looked up to see Vladimir's carefree face. Inayos muna nito ang lapel ng suot na blazer bago naupo sa katabi niyang director's chair. "Masyadong malalim ata ang iniisip mo. Very unusual."

"I thought so," pagsang-ayon niya. "By the way, where's Stefano? He should be here."

"Exactly he should be but he's not," humigop din ito sa sariling tasa habang ang mga mata ay nakatutok sa area kung saan pagdadausan ang shoot. Vladimir liked his coffee light, Espresso for example. "And don't bring up that bastard's name when its you and the missy over there I'm intrigued with," on preparation pa ang set at di pa naman talaga nagsisimula ang shoot. Wala pa rin si Cielo at si James na nagpapalit ngayon sa dressing room kaya may oras pa ang kaibigan sa usual pastime nito, to pry on everything that caught his interest. "So tell me what's the real score between you and Cielo?" Nagbaba-taas ang kilay nito sa kanya. All ears ang kaibigan.

Real score? His brow furrowed at the thought. "There's nothing going on between us," at parang tuksong bumalik sa isipan niya ang nangyari kahapon. He shifted his position away from the scrutinizing gaze of his friend.

"Anybody says its nothing but its actually something, my dear friend. I can clearly see through you," he said knowingly. "People talk, Marco and I see it also myself. Sabay kayong dumating ni Cielo. What would everyone conclude?"

"And why would anyone conclude about us? It's not their goddamn business." Vlad could only be the person who could find humor on what he said.

"May or may not be their goddamn business but the way you're acting says the opposite," he bit the middle of his forefinger as Vladimir continued to elaborate his thoughts, his eyes were fixed on the entrance were Cielo will come out anytime soon. "Ganito na lang bakit hindi si Poleen ang ni-recommend mo para gumawa ng pictorial? I bet she got modeling stints before. Habang iniisip ko iyon I think RedLine would like some hot blonde woman to wear their creations and she got everything, Marco..."

"She had priorities..." He reasoned out, unsure upon hearing Poleen's name.

"Everybody has but did she ever crossed your mind for this project?." He fell silent. Hindi sumagi sa isip niya si Poleen and his gut tighten as Vladimir pointed out his observation. "Hindi, di ba? Because you've set your eyes to someone and that someone is Stefano's fiance. Now tell me are you infatuated with her?"

Am I? Tanong niya sa sarili. Was Infatuation the right term for what he has for Cielo? He thought it's beyond that. He never regards her as just a passing fancy. She's...

She's more than words...more than that.

She's special that's why he had to refrain himself next time because deep inside Marco never knew what might happen.

"I guess that question was tough huh? Anyway, just a piece of advice," si Vladimir na nakatingin kay Cielo na ngayon ay nasa set na. She looked unsure of what to do but when her eyes saw his friend there's a relief etched on her beautiful face. Ni hindi man lang ito tumingin sa gawi niya which he find odd. Wala pang babae na hindi siya pinansin pero he'll give an exception. Just this one. "If everything gets rough, follow what your heart desire. Whatever you decide, make sure it makes you happy. Happiness is with the people we love the most."

"I'm sure...and certain it's with Poleen." Marco uttered. Vlad nodded.

"I hope so... I really hope so, Marco." At tumayo at iniwan ang kaibigan para lapitan ang director.

***

MARCO wasn't sure how much tolerance he could take at the moment.

He'd been sitting in the shoot for what felt like hours, staring at the not so progressive photoshoot ahead. But he still didn't know how to control the rising temper for those eyes that can't look away at the female model. In those seducing lacy bra and  g-string panty.

He remembered how hot Cielo looked, standing in his room in her underwear. And how much better she'd look without them... At hindi siya mangingiming bugbugin lahat ng lalaki sa shoot ngayon na tutok na tutok sa dalaga. They don't have any fucking right!

And you do? He didn't think he's having the same kind of thought he's having right now. He sounded possessive.

He'll never forget how his sentence trailed off as he as talking with the executives of RedLine as his mind registered what Cielo wears underneath the robe. Hell, she looked sin made flesh. He long, wavy hair tumbled over her shoulders covered only by a pair of thin straps of that hollow black lace bra. Her face was bare. Kung mayroon man itong make-up ay hindi halata.

His eyes traveled farther down, noticing her collarbone etched out a line that he had run his mouth over. Her breasts, though covered with that flimsy piece of clothing, lay just out of eyesight. And those shapely, creamy legs he'd once held and wrap on his waist. What he's wearing leaves nothing to the imagination. The knowledge of it all was all he needed to kick his lust awake.

Tumaas ang kanyang tingin at natagpuan niyang nakatitig din ito sa kanya. Those almond eyes defied her rationale thinking. He saw fire in it.

She couldn't it any more than he could. They had a huge thing going on far from what he thought of strong attraction---a thing that he needed to rein in and redirect.

"Guys, di tayo uusad ng puro ganito," Huminga ng malalim si Paolo, ang photographer, nang lumapit kay na James at Cielo. He's reviewing the shots then shook his head disapprovingly.  Someone gave Cielo her robe to cover up."I need to see the intimacy between the two of you. I don't have problem with James dahil hindi naman siya ang main model dito. He's an accessory. It's all in you, Cielo. Halatang naiilang ka. If you want this to become successful, you have to become fire itself. You're sexy, gorgeous alright but I need you on fire."

"Di kaya masunog ang set?" James loosen his tie as he tried to lighten the mood. Wala naman natawa sa banat nito. He then cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment. "Kidding aside. I think we all need a break. We'll figure things out tutal kami naman ang magpartner." Paolo sighed in resignation.

"Maybe you're right." Anito na sinenyasan ang crew na break. "I'll give you 15 minutes. That's all we've got and we're ready to shoot." And off he went to mingle with the others.

Nasaksihan at narinig ni Marco ang lahat a kahit pa kilala niya si James Coronel na faithful sa fiance nito ay di niya maiwasang magngitngit ang damdamin habang naguusap ang dalawa. James was easy to be with kaya siguro palagay na ang loob dito ni Cielo. They were discussing some things that could improve the shoot and while he knew she's listening, hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata niya ang pagaalinlangan sa mukha nito. Ang kanang kamay nito na nakahawak sa kabilang braso ay humigpit. She had the impression that she'd been battling her fear the whole time. Her body was tense and Marco knew about this from the start.

His eyes were trained to watch her every move, even the slightest change in the mood was known to him. 

"Tapos na ba?" Si Vladimir na biglang sumulpot sa set. Nagpaalam ito kanina na tatawagan ang isang Samantha Aubry. He's planning to meet the woman one of this days. Umupo ito sa binakanteng director's chair. "That fast? Ni hindi ko man lang nakita?"

"Hindi pa," he massage his nape to control the urge to swept Cielo away from the crowd. "They're having trouble and I don't think they'll end anytime soon."

"Any plans?" He schooled his features and turned to face his friend who didn't hide that mischievous glint in his eyes. He stalled for a second, thinking about what plan he was saying all about. "I'm thinking...you should replace James as her partner. They just don't have the chemistry and you do. The two of you have. It's a win-win situation to all of us, you see," umayos ito ng upo tila naglatag ito ng blue print sa harap niya. "RedLine won't reject you, that's a fact. And who would if the Marco Antonio Fuentebella will endorse their brand. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity man!"

"I don't need fame..."

"Of course..." Hindi paaawat si Vladimir. "But you doing this brief stint will do you two things; one is you'll have your peace of mind and two, Cielo can finish the shoot."

"She can finish it. May tiwala ako sa kanya..."

"There's no doubt about that but clearly is not happening..." Vladimir thought of something crazy. He cleared his throat and wanted to provoke his straight lace friend to do what he must do. "Do you think Cielo could finish the shoot with all the male eyes staring admiringly at her? Man, kung ako ay babae at nasa kalagayan niya maiilang talaga ako. Imagine all eyes are on you..."

"It will happen. Now. Lend me you coat." Matigas nitong sabi at tumayo sa kinauupuan. Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Marco sa isiping matagal na pagpapantasyahan ang dalaga ng mga kalalakihang naroroon. 

Lihim na nagbunyi si Vladimir. "Sure...sure buddy!" Natatawang hinubad niya ang suot na coat at ibinigay sa kaibigan. Marco wears it with ease. He's seeing his old friend back on the days. "Slay the shoot once more!" He encourages as Marco walked with that confident stride to the crew.

Now on his dress shirt, sumandal sa kinauupuan si Vladimir, ang mga kamay ay inilagay sa likod ng ulo. He enjoyed watching the view in front. Marco literally dominates the scene. Walang nagawa ang crew kung hindi ang sumunod dito. James even laughed as he vacant his position for him. Alam kasi nitong kapag alinman sa kanilang tatlo ang nagdecide ay iyon ang masusunod.

He pulled his phone on the pocket of his trousers when it vibrated. Sumilay ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi ng mabasa ang text ni Sam.

Meet me at The Lounge. 3pm sharp, she sounded strict in his mind. Feisty!

"You got yourself a date, Ma'am," he replied before returning his gaze to the shoot.

***

NAGUGULUHAN si Cielo. After pointing out some changes, Marco stepped up to her and his left hand reached for her face. He took her elbow in his other hand and looked down at her, taking her breath away.

"What are you doing?" She asked, her heart was beating so fast she felt light headed. Marco looked serious. "You're not supposed to be here."

"Change of plans," anito. He caressed his face before kissing her forehead. Napapikit siya sa sensasiyon, felt relieved from all the tension she's feeling for the shoot. "I'll be your partner now. I need you to relax." She nodded in answer. And all her worries instantly fade away.

Muli siya nitong binitawan at kinausap si Paolo, ang photographer. The crew began to change the set. There's an added couch aside from the huge bed.

"It's nice to work with you again, Marco," ani Paolo na kinamayan ang binata. "It's been a long time. Should I bet that you've got rusty now that you're a corporate man?"

"We'll see. Just take the shots the way you wanted but I'll decide what to do," anitong tiningnan ang buong crew. "Let's do this." Before he walked past her and settled at her back. "Let's give them a show, baby." Bulong nito sa kanya at ito na ang kumalas ng kanyang roba. 

He slid it down then guide her hands, one at his nape and the other touching his jaw and the middle of his neck. She caught her own breath as his head angled with the impression that he's kissing her cheek. "Eyes on the lens, Cielo. Make love with the camera..." At hinapit nito papalapit ang kanyang katawan. And she did what she was asked for. And the lights of the camera flashes continuously on their direction.

"Love it! Perfect!" Si Paolo na hindi magkamayaw sa pagkuha ng litrato nilang dalawa. "I need more of this, Marco."

"You have it." Marco pushed her to the wall and corner her. Their eyes met and she felt fire all over. "Look downright, give an impression that you wanted your lover to touch you," inayos nito ang buhok niya at tinipon sa kanang balikat. Inilapat nito ang kanang kamay sa pader malapit sa kanyang uluhan at yumuko na aktong hahalikan ang kanyang balikat.

Cielo realized she's becoming more aware of this man, more attached to him on another level. And she hated that her whole body sizzled at his masterful actions.

A few shots and he took her face in his hands, holding her still. Her heart skipped as those eyes held emotions as deep as hers.

"Breathtaking," Marco breathe approvingly just before he turned her again and this time, nakasandig siya sa katawan nito. He held her waist as his head touched the side of her temple. Dama niya ang hininga nito sa kanyang punong tenga. "Eyes on camera once more and just let me do my thing."

A few more standing shots and he led her on the couch. She felt the familiar rush of adrenalin as Marco settled himself on it, extending his long legs in front of him. As she watched him Cielo acknowledge that he's incredibly talented as a model. He commands attention wherever he goes.

He was stunning, blinding. Mesmerizing.

"Sit on me," he tapped his lap. Alanganin man, naupo siya sa kandungan nito. She gasped as he pulled her body to his. Napahawak siya sa sandalan, imprisoning him. "That's right..." he said as he grabbed her bottom and slightly squeeze it. Dahil sa gulat ay napahawak siya dito.

His eyes grow all dark, voice dropping and low. "Look at me, Cielo. What do you think of us?" he murmurs the words against her lips. His hands are shaping her waist. Something within her leaped to see his eyes flare and his cheeks darken in color.

Cheeks flaming, "I think that's unnecessary," breathless she said.

"I need to know. It's driving me crazy that these men are all looking at you. Bet half of them already fantasize you." He holds the side of her breast, feeling it. "Is that what you wanted? To make me jealous?" His hot gaze swept her up and down. "God! You're perfect..." He said throatily.

"You're saying... you're jealous?" He nodded.

"I am. Nagseselos ako." Her heart picks up a pace. She tensed in his arms. He drew back slightly, dragging in a breath. "I just figured I'm a very jealous man, Cielo, and I don't have any intention to share what's mine." Marco pulled her hair over one shoulder, baring her neck. He bent his head and pressed his mouth to the soft skin under her ear. "Why do you have to be this beautiful?" he dragged her waist tighter.

"Marco..."

"I need some individual shots, Marco," pukaw ni Paolo sa kanilang dalawa. Cielo blushed. She almost forgot they're not alone in this room, pairs of eyes are watching them. How could she lost in time.

"As I thought," parang magaang bagay lang na binuhat siya ng binata at dinala sa kama. It's not the romantic bridal style but she carried her how lovers do, her legs are wrapped to his waist while he supports her back. She bit her lip, embarassed.

Maingat siya nitong inihiga sa gitna ng kama. His voice rough he said to her, "Show them your sexy side."

Don't think, Cielo. It will finally end soon. She breathed before finally facing the camera with that seductive look.

***

"GEEZ! That was one hell of a photoshoot!" Lumapit kay Cielo si Vladimir at ito na ang naglagay ng roba sa kanya. Agad naman niyang itong ibinalot sa sarili. He gave her two thumbs up that made her cheeks flush. "It's a job well done."

"Thanks..." She shyly replied. May mga ilan pang bumati sa kanya na tinugon niya pabalik. "Well, actually I didn't do anything. It's all of Marco's directives that this become successful." She said honestly habang tinitingnan ang mga crew na inaayos na ang set.

Vlad clicked his tongue. "He is Marco after all. The Boss." Proud na sabi nito."Do you wanna change na? Come on, I'll walk you to your dressing room."

"O-Okay," with one last glance to Marco ay nagpaakay siya kay Vladimir.

The shoot ended successfully. Salamat kay Marco na siyang parang naging direktor ng mga sandaling iyon. She couldn't have done it without him. It's him that pushed her to her limits. He brings out the best in her when no one even herself can.

At ang buong akala niya ay abot kamay niya ang binata. He seemed near yet definitely far, far from her reach. Habang pinagmamasdan niya ito kanina kausap ang mga crew ay doon niya napagtagtanto na magkaibang mundo ang ginagalawan nila.

He's the limelight itself kahit pa wala itong gawin and she's just someone with a gift of art. He drew the crowd's attention effortlessly while she works at the silence of her station.  Flashes of camera are all over him while paints and oils are her life. Their lifestyles are completely opposite.

"Don't you worry, Marco will come around. I know him," Vlad looked at her with that teasing smile. Nasa hallway na sila and they're taking their time walking. "He'll come to you in a flash, believe me."  

That shut her thoughts. "Oh..." Wala siyang maapuhap sabihin kundi iyon lamang. She almost forgot who she's with. 

"That's okay. I'll forgive you. Sa unang pagkakataon ay may hindi tinablan ng karisma ko. You know they fall for me fast than to those two," he said humouredly as he opens the double door for her. "After you," and she went thru. He closed the door as he went in.

She walked to where her clothes are and was about to change when she remembers he's still inside the room. Vladimir was now sitting on a high stool facing the large mirror. He's inspecting the lipstick when his eyes met hers. She cleared her throat and said in a demure manner, "Ahmm...I guess you can go now,". She's expecting him to leave at once but contrary to her thoughts he turns around and looks at her closely.

His eyes probing hers. "How long have you been with Marco?" He pointed the lipstick to her direction. Tila naman siya na estatwa sa biglang tanong nito.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about,"

"Yes, you do." He but in. "At alam mo naman siguro ang ginagawa niyo? Please, don't take it negatively dahil ang gusto ko lang malaman ay kung sigurado kayo sa pinapasok niyo. I'm not man from the past and I knew something is going on between the two of you," she felt cornered suddenly and got lost of words to answer his findings.

What should she tell him? Na-oo mayroon nga na namagitan sa kanila ni Marco? Na-oo may nangyari na sa kanila at napagkasunduan pa nilang ipagpatuloy iyon?   And what would Vladimir think of them? Of her? Na pumayag siya sa ganoong kasunduan na alam niyang siya ang dehado? And they have fiance's at bay to think about...

"Sa reaksiyon mo pa lang, nakita ko na ang lahat. I just want all of you to be happy, okay? Always, always choose happiness Cielo and everything will follow," Vladimir stood up, hated to see how his words shook Cielo apart. She's clearly thinking hard, of the pros and cons of her or rather their actions. He didn't want that. Gusto lang niyang masiguro nang dalawa na alam ng mga ito ang pinapasok.

He kissed her cheeks and hugged her not so tight. "If you need anything, you can always count on me. Pwede rin si Beatriz. She could give tons of advice for you. You have us," and with one last look at her, he decided to leave her at peace in the room.

Sakto namang nasa labas na si Vladimir at sinasara na ang pinto nang humahangos na dumating si Marco. Nag-iba ang awra ng kaibigan nang makita kung saang pinto siya galing. Huminto ito may isang metri mula sa kanya.

"Ano ang ginagawa mo sa loob?" Marco asked in a stern voice. Vladimir fought hard not to punch the man in front. 

Vlad bit the side of her cheek and with an amused look, he said. "And here I thought you felt something special about her. Malaman ko lang talaga na ginagago mo si Cielo, Marco, pinapangako ko bubugbugin talaga kita. Gago na nga 'yung isa, gagayahin mo pa? Ano? Gagaguhin niyo pareho si Cielo?" Hindi nakapagpigil si Marco at naisalya niya sa pader ang kaibigan.

Nanggagalaiti si Marco na bangasan ang maganda nitong mukha. His jaw harden as he eyed Vladimir. "You don't know anything! Huwag kang magsalita na para bang alam mo ang lahat!" He spat thru gritted teeth. Humigpit pang lalo ang kapit niya dito ng tumawa ito na mapang-uyam.

Vlad raked his hair in amusement. "Alam mo bang kamukha mo ngayon si Stefano? Speaking of that son of a bitch, do you even know he's fucking married for almost 10 years and he's obviously in love with Blaire then malalaman ko na engage siya kay Cielo? Then you..." Learning taekwondo really helps in this kind of situation. He made a brief arm swing that causes Marco to lose his grip then pushed him hard on the chest. Marco stumbled a few steps away from him. "You do have a fucking fiance and you want Cielo beside you? Naisip mo ba kung ano ang mararamdaman ni Cielo while plotting this absurd arrangement of yours? Feeling ko hindi dahil ang iniisip mo lang ay ang sarili mo!" He blurted out with condemn. His forefinger pointing at Marco's direction. "Don't you fucking say that it's both you wanted you manipulative jerk kasi hindi iyon ang nakikita ko!"

"I need to see her," there's a need in Marco's voice to see the woman at kahit pa nakakakuha na sila ng atensiyon sa mga empleyado ay hindi iyon ipinahintuloy ni Vladimir. Muli niyang itinulak si Marco. "Goddamit, Vladimir! I need to see her now! Don't go heroic on me dahil hindi ka ganoon! Stay out of this mess and just fix yours!"

"Ako nga itong maraming kalokohan pero kayo pala itong magiging gago sa huli!" tinulak niya muli si Marco nang magpumilit nang lalapit uli pinatunog niya ang mga knucles sa kamay at binigyan si Marco ng isang right jab sa mukha na nagpatumba dito sa sahig. "Don't worry. I already did the same to Stefano at bibigyan ko pa siyang muli..."

"Damn you!" Hawak ang nasaktang pisngi ay tumayo si Marco. Patayo na siya ng sahig at iyon ang natunghayang eksena ni Cielo pagbukas ng pinto.

Instinctively ay dinaluhan ni Cielo si Marco. Bumakas ang pagaalala sa kanyang mukha nang makita ang pisngi nitong tinamaan ng suntok ng kung sino. Hindi na niya pinansin pa ang mga braso ni Marco na yumakap sa kanya possessively. She's more worried about him that she turns around to see who'd done this to him.

Her eyes go wide at the sight of Vladimir, "But why?" Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin niya sa dalawa. "Bakit kayo nag-aaway?"

"Don't mind him," ani Marco na niyakag na siya sa opposite direction. Kahit naguguluhan ay nagpaakay siya sa binata. "I'll get you home..."

"Cielo, remember what I said,"  she stops and turned to see the back of Vladimir. He's waving his hand to her. "I'll see you around. Keep safe."

"What did he tell you?" She was drag back from her reverie and see Marco's questioning gaze. Nang hindi siya sumagot ay hinawakan nito ang parehong siko niya. "Did he tell you to stay away from me?"

"N-No," tanggi niya dahil hindi naman talaga but remembering what Vladimir said earlier she looked away. "No. Wala siyang sinabi na ganoon. He need not to." Because I've decided to end this, aniya sa sarili na nakagat ang labi at humigpit ang hawak sa dalang bag. 

"What do you mean?" His heart tugged at the thought that flash in his mind.

"You were not thinking..." hindi na natuloy pa ni Marco na sabihin ang nasa isip ng tumunog ang telepono nito sa bag. Tinanggal ni Cielo ang mga kamay niyang nakakahawak rito at dama ni Marco habang papalayo ito at sinagot ang tawag ni Stef na unti-unting nawawala sa kanya ang dalaga.

She's slowly drifting away. He could feel it.

And it pained him to know he's the one that causes it.