CHAPTER 2

I was still in a daze after we left the office. I had many questions about why Dad had chosen him and why he had agreed even if it wasn’t part of Ezekiel's job. From what I've known, Ezekiel chooses to be in the military couple years ago. Same year Damien and I fell apart.

I was shocked. I didn’t expect him to take up that kind of work considering their family was powerful and rich enough to live a comfortable life without lifting a hand.

I wonder, isn’t it illegal to be a bodyguard while you’re still a soldier?

"Goodbye, Ma’am," Manang Betty's greeting pulled me out of my reverie.

I turned to the her and smiled. My smile faded and my eyebrows clashed when I saw the expressions of the two women intern beside her.

Their mouths slightly parted and eyes twinkling as they feasted on Ezekiel. They might be drooling any moment now if Mang Betty hadn’t pinched their sides. Their face flushed when they realized I was looking at them. They greet me in embarrassment. Can’t even meet my eyes.

I glance at Ezekiel to see his reaction… or if he noticed how girls fuck him with their eyes. He only gave them a formal smile and nodded.

I entered the elevator while Ezekiel followed me quietly. He punched the button and damn it, I can’t help it. I checked him from head to toe. He was taller compared to when I last saw him. His body shape was more meatier and muscles more profound. He's fit and very athletic. It must be the years in military.

He’s wearing a formal suit. Sleek slacks that emphasized his long and strong legs and a black shirt underneath his black blazer. That all-black outfit made him look like a villain. A good-looking daredevil.

I glanced at the elevator door where you could see the reflection of its occupants. I meet his golden eyes looking through mine— boring my soul like they are trying to understand something.

It was as if I had been caught in a crime.

I wanted to step back but I resisted. Instead, I held my head high and bravely meet his intense gaze.

"So ... you are going to follow me around?" I asked, trying to fill the awkward silence.

"You heard your Papa. I'll follow and guard you wherever you go." He tucked his hand in his pockets and avoided my eyes.

"Even in my condo unit?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Yes,"

My eyebrows rose higher.

“Tito told me the unit in front of yours was vacant. He bought it for me so I can be close to you and guard you easier. I tried rejecting his offer, but he's persistent," he sighed.

Seriously?! I ran my hands through my hair and released a heavy sigh.

He suddenly turned to me. Our eyes locked for a while.

"Tell me if you're uncomfortable about it. I can make some adjustments and changes if you like." His eyes were full of concern.

And he is just so ... I sighed. This is not how I used to feel every time I look at him in Damien's house. So, what's the fuss now?

He was so quiet back then. Silent type and he only speaks briefly. I even thought he didn't like me. He was too snob and his answers were clipped every time I asked him about Damien before. Damien assured me that he it’s just the way he is — cold and serious.

Unlike now, he speaks with ease and confidence.

"No, that's not it." I shake my head. "All are just happening so fast. I'm the one who need to adjust." I smiled at him reassuringly.

There was a strange emotion in his eyes. It vanished quickly when he nodded.

"No offense but ... why did Papa choose you and why did you agree? I knew you're in the military, is this even legal?" I asked a series of questions.

He answered without hesitation. "Your Papa chose me because I am a soldier. I know how to fight and defend others. I know how to secure them and protect them from danger." His eyes were on mine as he spoke calmly.

“I agreed because I have a debt to your Papa that I needed to pay. And I'm no longer in the military, I got fired."

My mouth hangs open. "You got fired? Why?"

He stared at me again from the elevator door.

I shut my mouth. We’re still not that comfortable with each other. My questions were getting out of line. I can’t help it, he’s… intriguing.

"Because of my father." He sighed. “You know how much controlling he is. He’ll decide for you if he thinks that’s the right thing to do. We all know that Papa was opposed to me joining the military in the first place. I expected him to use his connections against me so that I could be expelled from the Military immediately. When he didn’t, I was surprised and glad that I was able to serve in the military for three years. But now, he finally done it," he explained, still deep in thought.

I kept quiet. I don't know what to answer.

Tito Alfonso was Damien's and Ezekiel's father. They are four siblings, three boys and the youngest was a girl. Damien told me that they were from different mothers.

Lorenz Fortez, the eldest was the son of Tito Alfonso to his first wife. Ezekiel was the son to his second wife. Damien and Natasha were children of Tito Alfonso to his third and current wife Tita Karina.

Tito Alfonso was no doubt very strict in disciplining his children. Tight and dictatorial. He gives tough love to them as a mean of taming them.

Except for Ezekiel.

Ezekiel's a rebellious son, per se.

In Damien's story, Tito Alfonso laid his hands on Ezekiel several times before to inflict physical pain, to teach a lesson. It’s because Ezekiel was the only one who had the courage to oppose his father.

Ezekiel can't be tamed by his father. Or anyone so easily.

He follows some of his father’s words but when he knows he’s on the right and his father on the wrong, he resists. Ezekiel has his own principles and even his own father can't shake him up.

The elevator opened in the parking lot and Ezekiel led me outside. "I'll drive you. We'll use your car going to your condo," he said and followed me to my car.

"Will you start working now?” I stopped in front of my car.

"Yes,"

I cocked my head to the other side and bit my lower lip. He's about to start.

"Do you know my address?"

"Yes,"

Of course, he already knew. Maybe he's done moving all his things to his new condo.

I threw the key at him without warning. His reflexes were truly fast and impressing. He caught it without difficulty.

He really is a soldier— I mean 'was' a soldier.

He smiled when he looks at me. For some reason, I can feel myself smiling back.

This is insane: Us, smiling to each other.

We were quite during the drive. Both were lost on our own ocean of thoughts. It seems like the silence is awkward only on my part. I want to entertain him but I felt shy ... more like intimidated.

Papa's company building was a bit far from the building where my condo unit was located. The trip was quite long.

Plus, the fact that it's traffic! But when did traffic ever disappear in Manila?

I was in the middle of counting the trees that we're passing by when Ezekiel’s deep voice rang out.

"How are you?" he casually asked.

I only stared at him for a moment before answering. "I’m fine."

He nodded and a long silence prevailed again.

"What about you? How's life in the battlefield?" I asked back.

Even in sideview he was still a fine sight to look at. All of them, Ezekiel’s siblings, were all beautiful and gorgeous. Only now did I really notice that Ezekiel was different from all of them.

His brothers were loud and approachable, Ezekiel was the opposite. He’s quiet and intimidating.

Specially those eyes. All his siblings have pure black eyes similar to their father. Ezekiel seems to be the only one who have the golden orbs.

I wonder if his eyes were from his mother? His mother's face was suddenly becoming intriguing, too.

"It's hard,"

"How hard?"

He turned to me for a moment and looked down the road again before answering. "You’d witness all kinds of violence there. I have experienced all kinds of pain." He maneuvered the steering wheel as we turned left. “Still, no regrets afterall. I was glad and grateful. I've learned a lot of lessons and that alone— was priceless." With every word he utters, you can hear the truths.

He really means it. He's sincere about it.

"You've changed a lot," I whispered.

I thought he didn't hear me but he gave me a sideway glance. He never speaks again all throughout the trip.

I stopped in front of my unit and then looked at the opposite unit. "Have you already moved all your belongings inside?" I nodded at his new lodging.

"Yeah, I just finished yesterday,"

I thought so.

"By the way, I need to come with you inside. We installed security devices and I need to brief you about it."

"Excuse me?" My eyebrows clashed. "You entered without my permission?" I could no longer contain the annoyance in my tone. I crossed my arms and glared at him.

"That's your father's order. I only obeyed," he calmly replied. "It's for your own safety. Especially since your Papa said you haven't been here for a few months. We checked if there were any bugging devices. Thankfully, we found none." He tucked his hands inside his pockets and roam his eye across the hallway.

"That's good." He nodded at the top, farthest corner of the wall.

I followed his vision and saw the CCTV attached there. I returned my eyes at him with narrowed eyes.

"So, you've decided to put things in my unit to monitor me without me knowing it?" I asked, still annoyed.

"It's your father who decided it, not me." His golden eyes hold mine intently.

I can't fathom what emotions are deep within those secretive yet gorgeous eyes. Just like him, his eyes were mysterious.

I ran my hands through my hair and took a deep breath. I took the key card from the satchel I was carrying and swiped it to open the door.

"Come in."

I entered and it was as if no one had checked, searched and placed security devices inside this unit. Everything was just as it was when I left them here months ago.

The living room furniture were still in the same exact place. The memorabilia, paintings and landscapes hanging on the wall were still arranged properly.

It looks like nothing has been touched.

Huh. He must be expert in this field.

"Sit down. I'll prepare something to drink. What do you want?" I put my satchel down on the sofa and took off the stiletto I was wearing.

"Sparkling water please, if you have," he replied and sat down comfortably.

He looked so calm and at ease, unlike the men I meet and socialize with. Most of them were obviously trying to impress me, or desperate to get the attention of women around them.

But then again, Ezekiel was different.

I headed to the kitchen and grabbed two glasses of cold water. I handed Ezekiel his glass when I came back.

Our skin accidentally made contact and electricity flowed through my veins. I ignored it and tried to hide that I'm affected by it. When the truth is, my heart almost pops out from my cage from the wild beating of it.

What the hell is wrong with me?

 A mere touch from a man and my body is reacting this way? I wasn't like this before with Damien or any other man.

Maybe it’s the jetlag?

I was about to sit down when I remembered I needed to know where the security devices were. I remain standing.

"Where are they?" I asked impatiently.

It sounds rude but I want him to leave right away. His presence was affecting me in strange ways. It's a foreign feeling. I don’t like it.

So, this is what it feels like to be in Ezekiel's presence?

We rarely see each other even though I often visit Damien's house. Every time we bumped to one another; all we did was look at each other. We didn’t initiate small talks or even exchange greetings.

Is this how the women he hangs out really feel ... or is it just me?

He sighs and stood up. He drank all the water in his glass first. My lips parted as I watched how his Adam’s apple bobs up and down. That was so undeniably sexy.

Damn it. Get a grip of yourself! It's your ex's step-brother!

I shut my eyes tightly. I heard the glass clink on the center table. I opened my eyes and he was looking at me— intently. His golden eyes were dark and there were emotions in there I can't name.

"What?" I whispered.

He just cleared his throat and point out the upper part of the main door. I followed it with my eyes.

"There's a hidden camera there. Too small for the human's naked eye to see. Unless you looked closely. We put it there to see who enters and exits your condo," he said.

He pocketed his hands and started walking towards the master bedroom.

Even in my bedroom? What about my privacy then?!

He opened it but did not dare to enter.

"We also installed a small video camera on the balcony. Don't worry, only your balcony is monitored, not your entire room. We must not intrude a lady's privacy, after all," he explained calmly.

He continued. "See your lamp? Under the switch, there's a small red button. If you're in danger or in case you feel something’s off, just press it and I'll come to you,"

"There's also one at the back of the upper part of your bed's headboard." He then closed the door after all his instructions.

"We also installed to other bedrooms. Red buttons are in the same locations. Two buttons per room,"

He really looks like a soldier. In posture, in tone, and in his aura. He moves like a soldier and spoke like a general.

"We also installed it in the living room. The one is under your center table, the other is at the side of your cabinet, the other is at the back of that landscape." He nodded at the picture of the setting sun plastered on my wall.

"There's also in your kitchen. Under the counter island, in the upper right drawer, and on the side of your refrigerator. Just one click away— and I'll come running to you," he said it like it was nothing but it was as if someone had touched a sensitive part inside me.

Papa was right. You’ll feel secured with him.

With every word he utters, I feel at peace. You'll feel assured because you know he's the kind of man who take responsibility very seriously. He walks his talk. You don't need to worry because you know you're protected.

Now, I'm starting to really admired him. Not just his looks— although it is really admirable, but also his sense of responsibility.

He wasn’t just a man on physical appearance, but he’s really a grown-up man in action.

"O-okay," I stuttered in response.

I feel the heat crawled my neck and cheeks. I’m well aware I’m flushed and blushing now.

"If you don't need anything I'll leave." He was about to leave when I asked something.

"Do you have a salary for this job?" He stopped and looked at me.

"I don’t," he replied simply again. As if he didn’t care that he’ll exert effort and attention to this for free. As if he didn’t think his life would be in danger for this.

"What? So, your service is free?" Curiosity and shock laced my voice.

Then he briefly smiled at me and I was caught-off guard. He's a million times handsome when he smiles!

"Like I told you, I have a debt that must be paid to your Papa. And I can only pay by keeping you safe. That debt can't be paid by money, "he said a matter-of-factly.

Now, I wonder what debt could it be?

I restrained myself from asking more questions. I don’t want him to feel like I’m prying.

He was about to leave when I stopped him again. "Would you like to stay for dinner?"

Stupid! You're inviting him now?

I want to slap myself. I groaned subconsciously. Since when did I start inviting men to have dinner with me?

I quickly made an excuse. "I mean, since you don't have a salary, it's my way of saying thank you for all of these," I said and waved my hand, referring to all the security devices he put in my unit.

He stared at me with his amber eyes for a moment. It's really nice to look at.

"You shouldn't thank me because it's a debt I'm trying to pay to your father. But I don't want to decline this because honestly, I'm starving," he said then gave me a shy smile.

Help me Dear Lord for that smile was a delight in my eyes.

I ran my hands through my hair and glanced sideways to divert my attention from that fucking smile. My knees are shaking!

"I'll take a shower first, is that okay?" he asked politely.

"Go ahead. I'll just get ready," I agreed and smiled slightly.

I went to kitchen to prepare dinner after he left. I decided to cook seafoods with tomato sauce since I have all the ingredients available for this menu. I also added my specialty carbonara and baked a Chocolate Flavored Muffin for dessert.

I have stocks of wine so I opened one of it. When I finished all the cooking, I prepared it on the dining table.

 Ezekiel was still out so I decided to take a shower first. I took off all my clothes and went straight to the bathroom.

After taking shower, I snatched some clothes and quickly put it on. Maybe Ezekiel was already waiting for me. I wasn’t able to blow-dry my hair. I just took a towel and wrapped it around my wet hair.

I went back to the kitchen and found him already sitting at the dining table. He’s talking to someone on his phone. That black T-shirt and denim jeans hugged every harsh part of his body.

Fuck that shit. Even if he wears rags, he will still look ... yummy.

He raised his golden eyes and our eyes met. His eyes glanced down on my body.

"I know... I promise I'll catch up. If I have time..." He openly roamed his eyes all over my body and back to my face.

Those golden eyes darkened for a moment, like a predator watching his prey. My cheeks warmed. The warmth then spread in every part of my body. I felt hot under his gaze.

What ... is this I’m feeling?

It makes my knees weak again. It’s terrifying and exciting at the same time.

"Yes, yes...  when I'm free, I'll make sure ... okay, yes ... have to eat, I'm hungry now..." He looked at me with those tantalizing eyes of his. "Very hungry," he whispered.

He's hungry. I don’t know if he’s hungry for the food but there’s a part of me whispering, he’s not referring to foods.

"Bye," he said and put the phone down.

I stepped closer and acted unaffected by his stares even if my legs were trembling.

Seriously? What the hell is wrong with me? It's just Ezekiel. It's just a man, Aurora!

"I'm sorry for making you wait. I just took a shower." I informed him and sat opposite his seat. I laid my arms on the table.

"I should be the one saying that. I’m sorry it took a while. There were emails I have to take care of," he explained and stared at the food served.

I swallowed hard as his tongue ran across his upper lips.

Pleading insanity.

I’m a hypocrite if I say that what he did was not damn hot. I'm sure every girl would swoon when they've seen Ezekiel licking off his pinkish, thick lips.

"These looks good. I'm sure it's delicious," he assumed, still staring at the food.

You look good, too. And I know you taste good, too.

I wanted to bang my head on the table just to erase the thoughts running on my mind.

Is this me being horny? I didn’t realize how dry my sex life is until now.

"Let’s eat." I smiled and he grinned mischievously while nodding.

He dug in to the food heartily. I didn't notice I was also hungry. I almost moaned after having my first bite.

We stole glances from each other as we ate. I can feel his eyes on me every time my focus was on the food I’m eating. But I can’t stop myself from looking back at him when I know he’s marking me with his eyes. Every time our eyes met, he’s the one who quickly cut our staring contest.

He blushed every time I caught him stealing glances. He’s adorable.

We enjoyed the meal in a comfortable silence. It was the first time I’ve been with a man that I didn’t feel awkward just because we’re not talking. Even my exes always filled the silence with all their talking for our dinners not to be boring.

Ezekiel offered to be the one to wash the dishes after we finished.

"But—"

"No buts, Aurora." I unconsciously bit my lower lip on how my name rolled from his tongue.

How he says my name makes me realized how beautiful it is. I never appreciate my name up until he was the one saying it.

"Dry your hair. You might get cold from that."

I pursed my lips and nodded. I went to my bedroom to dry my hair and brush my teeth as well. I went back to the kitchen to see if Ezekiel was still there or he already left.

I passed the living room and stopped on my tracks. I found him checking the books on my bookshelf on the side of my TV console.

He didn’t face me but I knew he felt my presence. Maybe that's natural for a soldier. To feel and seek presence around their surroundings.

"You like books?" Ezekiel asked. He pulled a book and opened it.

"I love them." I walked closer and stopped beside him. I skim my eyes in all the book spines in my shelf.

"You want to borrow?" I offered him.

From my peripheral vision, I saw that he returned the book to its place.

"I would. But I don't know what to read. Would you recommend me something?" He turned to me and put both hands in his pants pocket.

"Sure!" I answered giddily and roamed my eyes once more to all the book spines where I can read their titles.

I found one of the favorite books of mine that I thought he might like. It's at the very top of the bookshelf. I knew I'll have a hard time reaching it.

I’m a model so I’m quite tall. But my bookshelf was taller. I still had to stretched my arms to reach the book. All my tiptoeing wasn’t enough because the top shelve was really damn high.

"Let me," I heard Ezekiel before standing behind me. Close. So close I can feel his chest on my back. His hot breath on my neck

He propped his other hand beside my shoulder for leverage and effortlessly reached for the book with the other hand.

I turned to face him but immediately regretted it. I pressed my back eagerly to the bookshelf for some space between us.

Our bodies were so closed. The distance were only few inches. So little space and my breasts will touch his chest if he moved a little bit closer. My body was strumming with heat and tension and if he come closer, he’ll know it and get burn.

It wasn’t just me. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, too. My heart wants to drop from my chest any moment now from its aggressive beating.

His breath smells like mint.

And his lips, help me. That beautiful lips of his that ... I had the strong urge to taste. It’s inviting me to have a lick, to bite it.

So, fucking tempting.

I imagined myself cupping his jaw, exploring his mouth and pinning him on the wall as the books fell on the floor.

His jaw clenched repeatedly. I dragged my eyes up to his eyes and allowed myself to drown in it. It's as if I'm losing myself and clinging to a thread of sanity.

My mouth parted as I read the emotion swirling in his eyes.

His eyes were wanton. I'm not blind and I'm no innocent. I know that he's turned on. And so am I. I’ve seen this look with all the guys I’m grinding my body with every time I go clubbing.

I always see that kind of emotion in the men I meet at clubs and parties. I also saw this back when Damien and I make-out.

His eyes reveal what he truly wants.

And he wants me ... or maybe not? I don't know anymore. I don’t want to assume. Assumptions will only lead to disappointments.

I can feel the intensity and electricity between us. A fire that will burn wildly if we only make the right moves. It was as if our bodies were whispering something at each other.

Whisper to cave in to our desires.

This is what I’m talking about. If something happens between us, I'm fucking done.

If I'll be tempted, that's game over for me.

Because if I just give myself up, it wouldn’t be Damien's brother.

I stared at him very hard. I didn’t know if I was going to push him because I knew where this is going or I would stay and be enslaved to my body’s need.

He closes his eyes tightly then distance himself away from me. I should’ve melted on the floor if it wasn’t to me leaning on the bookshelf for support.

I let out a deep breath and swallowed hard. I didn't know that I had been holding my breath for the longest of time.

He straightened his back and took a few more step backwards. He wants to get away from me. "Email me your schedule for the rest of the month so I’ll know when and where you'll be," Ezekiel said as if nothing had happened.

The emotion in his eyes were already gone. A new sense of calm and coldness settle on it.

"O-okay," I stammered and nodded at him.

I tightened my grip on the bookshelf to draw strength from it while meeting his gaze. His golden eyes that shine like burning fire. It has the power to petrified me in my position. I can’t believe this.

"I'm leaving. Thank you for the dinner," he paused. "And for this," he said and waved the book I had lent him.

I cleared my throat and gave him a weak smile. "No problem."

He stopped and looked down at my lips for a moment. He nodded then turned around and walked out of my unit.

I heard the door open and close. That’s when I allow myself to slide down on the floor.

No doubt— I am sexually attracted to him.

I was never the horny or the physical one. A lot of my friends says that sex was good but I wasn’t really that thirsty to get laid. Maybe because I never desired someone that much ... until I saw Ezekiel Fortez.

I don't know if he felt the same thing. But the look on his face and the carnal hunger in his eyes tells me that we are somewhat sharing mutual feelings.

I slapped my forehead and closed my eyes tightly. "I must be crazy. You must be fucking crazy, Aurora!" I whispered to myself.

I don’t know what the consequences of this attraction will be.

My mind becomes a mess every time I remember how close Ezekiel’s body was to me a while ago.

In just a span of one day... we've only been in each other's presence for one day… and it’s already too much for me. I can’t handle it. So, what the fuck will happen in one week? One month? I don’t even want to think about it.

I must not let my guard down. I must be in control at all times. Because if not, I’m going to get in trouble. I’m going to do something that I’ll surely regret for the rest of my life.

I have to be very extra careful now that there's a big possibility we're mutually attracted to each other.

One wrong move, a taste of it— and we can ignite the fire ready to burn between us. Ready to burn the two of us.