Chapter 4

Fast cars, fast women, fast life. This is the kind of life I've been living since time immemorial. At the age of 27 years old, I pretty got everything money can buy. I got houses, cars, condos, properties here and abroad, yachts and other material things. Name a flashy thing, I have it. I also have expanded my chains of hotels in every part of the country and in other parts of Asian countries. I am also planning to put up branches in Europe. It's a joint program with another Philippine-owned company. Kailangan ko sila dahil hindi madaling ma-penetrate ang market doon. There are more competitors there than here. 

"Mr. Fuentebella, here's your car key." The man who approached me earlier handed me back my keys. Inabot ko ito at ibinulsa. 

"Thanks."

Tumalikod ako at nagsimulang tahakin ang daan pababa sa ground floor ng club. Ah, so much for promising myself to get some good fuck tonight. Nawala na lang bigla ang isiping iyon nang makita ko uli si Femella. And boy, the feeling is explosive. Ni hindi ko magawang tumingin sa ibang babae sa taas. My eyes were only fixated on her and her beauty alone. And when I saw him giving a look at the random guy, I completely lost it. 

I don't want her looking at other men like that. I want her to only look at me with those burning eyes. 

When she found mine, I decided at that instant that she'll be mine. By hook and by crook. I'll have my hand on her. I'll have her for me until I get the satisfaction to quench this unbelievable thirst she has awaken. I'll take her again and again until she screams my name. 

Gahibla na lang talaga ang pagpipigil ko lalo nang nasa loob na ako. I sniffed her scent and she smells of peaches and cream that I'm more than tempted to get a taste of her but her trembling body stops me from doing so. 

"So the fiery temptress is scared." I smiled at the thought. 

And that smile she made. She has transformed into an angel at that exact moment. 

"What a face and a contradicting personality to match."

"Maverick! Man! Where are you going this early? Nagsisimula pa lang kami, aalis ka na agad?"

Napatigil ako sa aktong paglabas ng club nang marinig ang boses ni Cholo. Lumingon ako at nakita itong nakaupo sa couch. May bote ng alak sa kandungan at nakaakbay sa dalawang babaeng nakasuot ng dominatrix na outfit. I remembered Femella's clothes earlier. Buti na lang talaga at balot na balot ito kanina. Baka ano pa ang nagawa ko kung nagsuot din siya ng ganito. 

"Mauna na ako, pare. May lakad pa ako."

Tumango lang ito at bumaling na sa mga kasamang babae. You can never make that man look at you twice when he's busy with his women. 

Ipinakita ko ang membership card ko sa club sa security team bago ako nakalabas. Dumiretso ako ng parking lot at hinanap ang kotse. I got in and drove away. Marami pa ang sasakyan sa kalye. Himalang napagpasyahan kong umuwi ng ganitong oras. I usually stay in the club untik dawn. 

Nagmenor ako ng nag-red ang traffic lights. Red. I remembered Femella's red lips. 

"Shit, man! Iba na talaga ang tama sa iyo ng babaeng iyon!" Isinandal ko ang likod sa upuan. My mind drifted to that woman again. Napangiti ako ng wala sa sarili. 

"I'm getting crazy. So so crazy."

Napailing ako then got myself back on the wheel when the lights turned green. Kumunot ang noo ko. Baliktad yata ang ibig-sabihin ng red at green na color sa La Vida. 

"If only they abide to the rules of the traffic lights then that woman must have been in my bed right now."

I reached my hotel in record time. Sumaludo pa ang night shift guard na tinanguan ko lang. I rode the elevator until it opened into the top floor where I am temporarily staying for the night. Ayokong umuwi sa mansiyon o kahit sa condo for unknown reason. I felt suffocated by my family these days. I want some time alone. 

Binuksan ko ang pinto at pumasok. I switched on the lights then went to the bar. Nagsalin ako ng alak sa baso at dinala sa sala. Hinubad ko ang jacket at t-shirt na suot at basta na lang itinapon sa sofa. N*******d-baro na kinuha ko ang alak at hinawing ang kurtina sa malaking bintana. The view is magnificent. Sumimsin ako sa baso.

I stared out at the city lights and the skyscrapers. My life ever since has been in a constant pursuit for anything grand. Growing up in a family of achievers only made me hungry for approval. Each day is a competition you need to win. Walang oras at panahon para sa pahinga. 

"Iyan. Iyan ang ayaw ko sa mga tulad mo. You talked as if the world revolves around you. Para bang wala na kaming karapatang mga commoners na tanggihan kayo kasi guess what? Something will happen to us if we do. I hate people who impose their beliefs on others and I hate people who force their ways upon people."

"Kung alam mo lang, Fem. You will not be saying that."

Inubos ko ang likido sa baso bago tumalikod. I walked into the home office and settled myself in the swivel chair. I began to work. I read proposal papers and signed urgent documents. Whoever said we have it easy don't know how responsibility works. Sure, power comes with money but I don't exploit it. 

But I will make an exception this time. 

"Fem, Fem, Fem, ano ba ang ginagawa mo sa akin. Bakit ba baliw na baliw ako sa iyo? Kinulam mo ba ako?"

Natawa ako sa sarili. Kung anu-ano na ang pumapasok sa kukote ko dahil sa babaeng iyon. Maybe I should fast track my agenda. Baka sakaling kapag naangkin ko na siya ay mawala na rin ang gulo sa isip ko. 

Isinarado ko ang laptop at tumayo na. I need another drink. While pouring myself another glass of liquor, I have come to a conclusion.

"One night. One night is all I need with her then I can go back to being me again."