NINA “Happy Birthday, Yu!” Yu stands there, stunned, trying to process his mind before he laughs. “Well, damn, it’s a huge surprise for me, indeed.” “Heather and Olliver were the ones who decided this party,” Luca says as he shrugs. Yu immediately nudges his side . "Okay, asshole, at least say that you are involved in this plan," Yu turns to face him with a smile.“But, I knew something was up when you decided to pick me up at the airport.” Luca’s jaw clenches as he nudges him back. “Well, they ask me, their boss, to pick you, my partner, to the airport.” They only laugh in unison as they keep cheering about their banter. “Welcome back, Yu,” the Japanese owner comes back to the counter, I unconsciously duck and hide under the stools. Luckily, the lights here are dim so they can’t notice me unless I make a sound. But as to why I decided to hide from them? T-that’s still a debatable topic I’ve been wondering about. “We prepared your favorites: Tom yum soup especially and
“You look happy.”“What? Isn’t it wrong to be happy on your birthday?” My so-called boss says, defensively.“Nope, I haven’t seen you smile like that since…” the kid arrived. Yet, I won’t let those words slip in my mouth. It looks accusatory for both Nina and Luca.Apparently, my boss reads my mind and sighs. “She hates me, Yu.”I just laugh grimly as I lean on the railing, taking another puff of smoke. Bad habits don’t die even though my biological father died due to these cancer sticks.But work is fucking stressful and that includes babysitting my best friend slash boss. They are just temporary relievers.Luca, on the other hand, doesn’t like smoking, yet he enjoys the scent each time we have some serious conversations like this. We decide to go outside, have a chat at the backdoor railing, getting away from the noise you call my birthday party.“She said the same thing, Luca. Didn’t I tell you to start talking to her? You can even just ask about her day at school.”He sighs
“What the heck is going on here?!” Unable to control my own temper, my bellowing anger stops my friends from their so-called fun. Some of my colleagues show utter disappointment and others finally realize the situation and are now guilt-ridden from my anger. Now, it’s utter silence. And they should be. I scan the room, glaring eyes as each of them mutters a sorry. “Now, who in the right fucking mind let a minor drink beer? What if she gets alcohol poisoning?!” Well, technically, I drank a lot more when I was her age BUT that’s not the fucking problem! “Yu?” I turn to see a dazed look of Nina as her lips curled into a grin. “Happy Bir’day, Yu! Cheers!” She says as she grabs the beer-filled mug next to her empty one and almost, ALMOST attempts to chug another shot if it weren’t for a hand gripping hers. Luca, who finally snaps from his thoughts, is gripping the kid’s hand. They stare at each other. Dazed brown eyes staring at the fierce grey eyes. “That’s enough, Nina.” Auth
YU “You kids are doing well there?” I continue to tease, trying to hide my laughter. Glancing on my side, my best friend slash boss is adjusting his seat, uncomfortably as he decides to let Nina sit in the small space between them. The drive back to Luca’s place is not an issue, thank goodness. Usually, there should be some traffic jams but the Thursday evening drive is going smoothly so far. “Stop moving,” she mutters, irritably. Apparently, it makes it worse since Nina insists on sitting comfortably on his lap as her head leans on his shoulder. “Don’t move her a lot, Luca. She might become nauseous. Just hold her waist or something.” Hopefully, she won’t vomit. The last thing I need for tomorrow’s birthday is to clean the puke and replace the seats. “This is getting uncomfortable,” he mutters, finding the experience torturous. Nina, on the other hand, slowly closes her eyes as she presses her face on Luca’s neck. Her hand is gripping on his clothed dress shirt. “Seems like the
NINA My head really hurts a lot. I regretted chugging down every last bit of alcohol when it was my first time drinking it. But it helped me a lot. As to why I was drinking alcohol? I don’t know...maybe I forgot about it. The taste didn’t feel great at all. In fact, it has this strange pungent scent that hits on my nostrils and I almost puked at my first attempt. But later on, people circled around me, they encouraged me to have a drinking competition and I dare to give it a challenge. After all, they were nice and supportive as I drank...how many was it? Three or five mugs? If I were my normal self, I would squirm and slowly run away but their cheers motivated me. I didn’t realize I was so easy to please. Halfway through the drinking game, I saw a silhouette of two familiar men. It was blurry, really. But when I heard that familiar voice, I immediately knew who it was. So, I greeted him for his birthday. I almost forgot to tell him that he was the best brother I ever had. Bu
NINA “No,” I answer, firmly as I glare at him. I do hope my glare can give him the signal to leave me alone. But instead, Luca remains calm, he slowly lets go of my wrist as he touches my shoulders. I don’t know why but when he started touching me, my whole body heats up. Is it because of the alcohol? Or his confident gaze has already made me feel this indescribable feeling that I have been experiencing each time we do? “I want to continue our talk,” he says, carefully. “It might sort everything out if we try. So, can we go back?” He doesn't look away, nor does he feel awkward with our close distance. His strong gray eyes show warmth that I've never seen before. I can't stop staring at them and the sight comforts my aching heart. He is serious, that I can tell. So after a while, I reluctantly nod, ignoring my embarrassment and the nauseating feeling I have right now. Luca turns as he observes me but I tumble on my two feet before he grabs me around my waist. The action makes
I couldn’t remember what happened yesterday.When I woke up, the first thing that registered to me was pain. Excruciating pain in my head that has been throbbing until now.Then enters nausea, the worst kind. How do I describe it? I feel like bile is stuck in my throat but it isn’t actually there. But at the same time, I feel my stomach grumbling, reminding me to eat. Wait, have I eaten anything yesterday?Now I feel really thirsty. I groan as I slowly get up from my bed, the bright light illuminates the sky which is a rare sight especially during autumn, so I cover my eyes with my hand. Slowly, I get out of my bed, trying to find my phone on my bed. Then when I look at my own clothes which were from last night's clothes, my eyes widen.Wait, why haven’t I changed clothes last night? I always make sure to wear my pajamas before going to bed.“Ugh,” I groan again as I massage my temples. I think I need some water, first. And hopefully, something to eat. I thought to myse
Once I am completely feeling better after one or two smoothies, Luca explains to me the events that happened last night. After everything finally sinks in, I try to cover my face behind the loveseat cushions, realizing that all the things I said and had done were unforgivable and that he has every right to throw me in the sea of sharks.“What are you talking about? You seriously thought that I could kill someone, huh?” his voice doesn’t sound forced or even with any intentions of coercion. In fact, I just realize that I’m now talking to Luca who is finally released from the burden of his own pride.“A-at first, yeah.”“Well, if throwing you to the sea of sharks will make you happy, I could arrange that.” If it weren’t for the glint of amusement showing in his face, I would have thought that he was serious.“No, thank you. I’d rather write 5,000-word essays instead,” I quickly answer. I value my life, after all.“Then, brace yourself, because I’m going to tutor in my free tim
NINA“Are you sure you’ll be okay, Nina?”I nod as I squeeze his hands. “What’s more important is that you have to check up on her. She needs a friend.”“Thank you, babe,” he says, showing off his dazzling smile. “Should I call Yu to catch up with you?”He shakes his head. “It’s best not to let him know yet. Heather wouldn’t be pleased if I inform Yu about…this.”“Why?”He gives a sheepish smile. “Let’s just say Yu and Heather have some kind of history.”I guess that would mean it is something Luca has no right to intervene between them. “Well, I don’t want to take your time. I h-hope she’s fine, Luca. I really do.”There is a pregnant pause before he gives an upheave sigh. “I sure hope so.”I get off from the car as I am greeted with the apartment that I go to every single day. I know it’s been a week since I’ve seen the place but it brings a nostalgic feeling compared to my home in Freedomville.After I bid Luca goodbye, I head straight upstairs without any luggage as they are all
NINAIn the end, we didn’t leave the ship to see the islands Luca spoke fondly of. Instead, we overstayed in the private suite, enjoying the feeling of sex as I continue craving for it more.I don’t know what got me to do this. I’ve never considered sex as something I would enjoy. Those talks among my peers should repulsed me but now after experiencing it for the first time with the first man I’ve been infatuated with, I relish every single moment of our lovemaking.Because both of us know once we end our week vacation, we have to return to reality. And as time flies fast, we are now at Luca’s private jet heading straight to Dawn City. It will take seven hours to reach there, so we spend our time fooling around inside my room.And after the days spent with our whirlwind of sexual intercourse, we are sprawling on the bed, snuggling under the bed sheet cover as we view the night sky outside of Europe.“From the scale of 1 to 5, how would you describe our trip?” He asks while stroking m
LUCAShe’s so beautiful. Hot.Amazing.And so right for me.Men in Freedomville are foolish enough to break her self-esteem, rendering her oblivious to her own beauty. Because all the flaws I’ve seen in her—her shyness, her clumsiness, everything about her are endearing. She brings the light to my mundane, busy life. Who could have thought that my goal for perfection means nothing when I’m content with her by my side?Nina Caulfield, the original source of my conflict with my family.Yet, here we are: naked, shamelessly exposed under the bright light of the bedroom VIP suite as our bodies entangled together. I continue devouring her lips—to entice, nib, bite and suck–while not letting go even before undressing her.“Hn!” She breaks off the kiss, pulling herself away the moment I bite her lower lip hard. I unlatch our embrace as her heated body drops back on bed, her swollen lips gracefully sunder, catching her breath. As she takes a moment of rest, I take this as an opportunity t
NINA “He disappeared?” I repeat his words as a cold sweat drops from my cheek. The noise of the gym has long in deaf ears as the news slowly absorbs in my mind. “Then his company?” He shakes his head. “His company is being operated by the one which was being sold by Lucille. I don’t know which one, as the Milano family hide everything for the sake of their reputation.” Oh God. All of these happened to Luca before I met him. And to top it all up, my mother’s involvement with his dad took a huge toll on him. “Why are you telling me this, Anton?” Unfortunately, he ignores me as his attention is elsewhere. Anton’s eyes flicker as soon as his eyes wander back to the exit. As I turn, both of us can see Luca’s figure heading back to us. “Anyway, it’s best not to ask him unless he brings it up. But then again, it’s up to you, Nina. If you want to continue dating him, you have to consider all of these…” He pauses before he gives me a worried smile before patting my shoulder. “If his
NINAJust as suspected, Anton is at the sports center playing soccer with other men of different ages. When he sees me, his face brightens as he beams.“NINA!” He bellows. He excuses himself in the middle of the game as he makes a beeline from the crowd of sweaty men as he runs closer to see me.However, when his eyes wander to see the tall figure next to me, he stiffens and his legs unconsciously wobble and step backwards.I shoot Luca a glare. “Are you glaring at him?”“No, but you’re obviously scaring the poor lad with yours,” he says while giving a toothy grin. I sigh as I step forward and get closer to Anton. “Hi, Anton. Luca has something to tell you, if you don’t m-mind hearing him out.”Anton remains hesitant but hasn’t left his spot. It’s a good sign, I guess? But it gives Luca an opportunity to step forward with his long leg, stretches his hand and smiles. “We got off the wrong foot due to my poor judgment the other day, so I am here to apologize for my words.”With reluct
NINA“Are you listening, Nina?”I absent-mindedly nod as I smile, sheepishly. "C-can't we take a break, Luca?”"Not until we solve this formula. It's not that hard."“E-easy for you to say! This one has no numbers at all!”“Quadratic equations is being taught in middle school, we need to learn this first before you dive into Calculus.”Once again, Luca is in his teacher mode. He has been aching to lecture me about it since he has sworn an oath to Yu not to skip lessons while we’re on our trip. Besides, he’s more than happier to retake the mantle as my tutor.The tutorial session is the same as usual. We talk like we used to and he has been both strict and patient during today’s session. Well, except for one thing.Luca's arms wrap around my waist—which I notice he enjoys doing,as his lips give playful kisses on my neck. I shiver the moment his breath touches my skin and moan a bit as his lips touch there."L-Luca! I thought we weren't going to have a break!" The blush on my cheeks be
CLARENCE“Gene Sullivan? I’ve heard that you’re looking for me.” He’s all skinny bones.The first thing that comes to my mind the moment he turns, facing me with bandages nearly covering up his face.Seeing him in a dire state, I visibly flinch, and upon closer inspection, the bruises, especially the cut lip, the dampness of his bandaged head and a visible black eye on his left, are pretty much recent.His uninjured eye gazes at me and I’m visibly surprised that there is this intensity of his stare—instead of a victim of violence and abuse, he has the air of a soldier combating his enemy. A fighter, to sum it up. “Clarence, right? Nina talks about you from time to time.”Ah, this answers my speculation, all right. He is the “fake boyfriend”.I smile before giving an affirmative nod. “Well, I’m glad my name is mentioned from her very own lips. It’s an honor especially that she values you as her best friend. Pleasure to finally meet you, Gene Sullivan.” I extend my hand, implying comm
NINA If there is one way to phrase out how I am feeling, it should have been the feeling of bliss. Pure happiness of experiencing lovemaking from the man whom you were attracted to for a long while. Or so I thought. Sore from down below, I couldn't get up after waking up in the morning. My back even aches and the different positions Luca suggested during the second round was the cause of this. It was a miracle that I could adjust to his size and his stamina but…oh dear Lord, why the heck is he so big? Speaking of Luca, he wasn't around when I woke up. But he has cleaned me, seeing that I am wearing an oversized dress and my body is no longer drenched with sweat and err–semen. Okay, no more dirty thoughts, Nina. You’ve already done the deed last night. And seriously, how did he manage to change the bed sheets? Was I really that deep in my sleep to be unaware of my surroundings? There is a knock before Luca returns with a tray of breakfast and a plastic bag hanging on his wr
NINA It was so sudden. Earlier we were arguing, an unreasonable banter that riled me up until I wanted to be alone due to this sour mood. But now, after his revelation and his desire for me, I couldn’t lose this chance. I would be too embarrassed to admit that since I caught his lovemaking with Heather, I…was envious. And that desire outgrew my envy as relief washes over my guilt. This desire that I wanted from Luca, the man who could bring these emotions within me. Not Yu, not Clarence and not even Gene. Luca is the only one who could challenge me, who could bring out these foreign emotions bottled up in me. My greediness to have him as mine. As we lie on the bed, our passionate kisses heighten the heat right through between my legs. It’s different when I had my first kiss with him—his drunken self not too long ago. This isn’t a drunken mistake anymore. I am being embraced by the sobered Luca right now. His hands wander around my skin, exploring as his warm fingertips