Chapter 3

"Thank you for coming, Maam!" Masiglang bati ko sa customer na kakukuha lang ng order saka umalis.

I sighed and watched the customers go in and out. It's my first time doing this kind of job and it really exhausts me.

"First day mo pa lang pero ang galing-galing mo na. You're making me admire you more, Kelsey." Puna ni Ashton, isa sa mga crew sa pinagtatrabuhan naming coffee shop. "Gan'yan ba talaga ang mga sikat?"

"Hay nako! Tigil-tigilan mo na si Miss Kelsey dahil wala kang pag-asa d'yan. Masyado na 'yang sikat para pagtuonan ka pa ng pansin!" Ang napadaang si Cayla na umiirap pang sininghalan si Ashton.

"What's your problem, woman?! Sinisira mo ang diskarte ko!"

"Ang pangit mo dumiskarte, tanga!"

Natawa na lang ako at hinayaan ang dalawang magbangayan. In my few days of working here, they're always fighting like a cat and dog placed together in a tiny little cage.

My mom's against of me finding a job. Ayos lang, hindi ko naman kailangan ang approval niya. I can do whatever I want as long as she wouldn't interfere. Isa pa, kailangan kong kumita kahit pa may ipon na naman akong sapat para buhayin ang sarili.

It's just that... I want to divert my attention.

"Grabe ka na! Edi ikaw na ang gwapo! Di ka naman gusto ni Miss Kelsey!"

Napabuntong-hininga ako. If I have to recall that exact moment of helplessness and pure evil, I would to say... it was unexpected. I didn't know he was capable of such thing. Alam kong ayaw niya sa akin, I can feel that. Pero hindi ko akalaing magagawa niya sa akin ang bagay na iyon.

Tandang-tanda ko pa kung paano ako nagmakaawa sa kanya. How I desperately begged for my life. How I saw the merciless his eyes held, the eagerness to ravish me, to taste my body, the lust and desire consuming him, and for a moment, I felt hopeless. Para bang wala akong pag-asa lalo pa sa lalaking tulad niya.

Funny how I considered him as my hero however arrogant and dangerous he is. Hindi ko lang alam na siya pa ang magtatangka sa akin. What a mockery.

"Two Chocolate Chip Frappuccino and Blueberry muffins, please."

Umingos ako. That bastard's really lucky I didn't told my relatives what happened. Ngayon pa lang na naiisip ko kung kani-kanilang reaksyon, ako na ang kinakabahan para sa walang-hiyang lalaking iyon.

"Hello? Miss?"

Although, at the same time, I can't help but be ashamed of myself. Ganoon ba kababa ang tingin niya sa akin para tangkaing gahasain ako? Isn't he an honorable man?

I should've feared the darkness inside him.

"Miss!"

Napatalon ako sa gulat nang sigawan ng magandang babae sa harap ko. Napapahiya naman akong nagbaba ng tingin at kinuha ang order niya. Naiinis niya akong inirapan.

"I'm sorry, Maam. I-I'll gonna process your order.. po."

She just rolled her eyes. Sinabi ko agad kay Ashton ang order niya at nang makuha iyon ay tinaasan ako nito ng kilay. I took a deep breathe, calming myself since this job is really challenging me. Pasinghal na kinuha ng babaeng iyon ang kanyang order pagkatapos magbayad sabay alis.

"That's rude." Ashton commented, laughing. "H'wag ka na kasing tumalala d'yan, sweetheart."

Ngumuso na lang ako. It's my fault. Masyado ko kasing iniisip ang lalaking iyon kahit hindi naman dapat! I swear, if I ever see his face again, no matter how attractive he may be, I will definitely strike him down! Those kind of people should know they aren't the rulers of this world!

Hindi porket mayaman siya, gagawin niya sa akin ang bagay na iyon. Nakakaasar.

Lumipas ang ilang oras na iniwasan kong isipin ang lalaking iyon. Natapos ang shift ko ng walang aberya. I tried my best not to think of him, even my mind's heading into the forbidden path he has invaded. Luckily, I was able to make myself fine as I focused on my goals, my intentions, as to why I worked this job.

Sumakay agad ako ng sasakyan, pagod at nangangalay ang mga binti. Ilang oras rin pala akong nakatayo. Damn, how I wish to lay on my bed right now. That would be so relaxing..

Bumusina ako bago kumaway sa mga katrabaho. They all waved back at me before I started to drive heading to my home.

I don't want to go to the mansion. Not yet, not in my current situation. Tuwing nakikita ko anv hardin, ang pangyayaring iyon lang ang naiisip ko. It's traumatizing, really, that a tear fell through my cheek as I reminisce the moment he almost raped me.

"Oh my goodness..."

I immediately wiped my tears out. Hindi dapat ako umiiyak dahil lang sa lalaking iyon. He's not worthy of my every single tear! He doesn't even give a damn about me!

Ipinarada ko agad ang sasakyan sa harap ng bahay ni Daddy. Actually, I'm claiming it as mine. Attorney Santos updated me yesterday regarding the transfer of my father's property to me, including this one. Isa iyon sa mga bagay na hindi ko pa rin mapaniwalaan. Dad's gone for a month now. Still, it's so hard to move on.

"Hi, there, Caliber." Bati ko sa pusang nakaupo sa harap ng gate. I smiled and carried him. He yawned. "You must be tired. Sa'n ka na naman ba nagsusu-suot?"

It's a wonder to me why this cat can freely ramble around in a forest like this. Sigurado akong maraming mababangis na hayop dito. I haven't encountered one, though. But this cat, he must be really fearless.

"Where the hell's your master? Bakit ba hinahayaan ka lang niyang pagala-gala dito?"

He just meowed. It seems to me he's waited for me to come home and now I did. Antok na antok pa siya, sa paraan pa lang ng pagsiksik niya ng sarili sa aking mga bisig.

I started to hum a song to make him more comfortable. Sa totoo lang, may kasalanan pa sa akin 'tong isang 'to, e. He's the reason why I'd seen a live show! Mabuti na lang talaga at mabait ako. Not to mention he's so cute!

I opened the gate while carrying him. Pumasok ako sa loob ng bahay nang may ngiti sa labi. Ngunit gano'n na lang ang pagkagulat ko nang makita ang pamilyar na lalaki sa loob, nasa kusina at nakahubad, dahilan para mapatalon ako sa gulat.

"W-What are you doing here?!"

Agad nagdilim ang paningin ko. I stared daggers at Thaddeus while he was evidently shocked to see my presence here. Mabibigat ang hakbang na nagtungo ako sa kanya at saka siya sinuntok ng pagkalakas-lakas.

He didn't even flinched.

"You rapist! How dare you come here after what you've done to me?! You attacked me!" My eyes welled up. Galit ko siyang idinuro habang nakatitig siya sa akin na tila ba walang pakialam. I wiped my tears away, hearing him sigh.

Ito na naman ang pakiramdam ko noon. I feel so damn helpless, again. I can't help but feel scared everytime I recall that moment. H-He was above me.. forcing me, attempting to ravish me just so I'll be his.. just so he could finally do what he wanted..

I tried to be tough, really, but I guessed the word doesn't suit me well. Mahina ako. It's really traumatizing that it makes me shiver just by being touched by any man, it didn't happen once but already twice.

"Hm.." he cleared his throat. Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ang luha sa aking mga mata. I immediately wiped them out. "I came to... apologize for what.. I did.."

Napabaling ako sa kanya. Right away, I felt irritated. Hindi ko alam kung tunay ba iyon o hindi pero alam kong ang mga kagaya niyang tao, hindi marunong humingi ng tawad.

Nakakagulat na sa kanya ko maririnig ang mga salitang iyan.

"What? Am I hearing you right?" Sarkastiko ang pagkakasabi ko.

He sighed, looked away then. "I know what I did was.. unforgivable. That's why I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just that... I was fueled by my anger and lust."

"So you're saying it's my fault?"

He growled. "No, I didn't say that."

"Kakasabi mo lang! Indirectly!" Suminghap ako. He was unbelievable! "Kung libog ka, maghanap ka ng babaeng maiikakama! Hindi 'yung nanghaharass ka ng kung sino-sino lang!"

"No, no. What I mean is, I lost control. I didn't know I could do that to you. So please. forgive me... Sefira."

It's the utter shock to hear my name came out of his lips that made me stunned for a moment. Agad nag-init ang ulo ko at agresibo siyang nilapitan.

"You saved my life, yes, but that doesn't mean you have the right to do that to me!" Sigaw ko sa kanya saka siya binigyan ng isang suntok. "Gago ka! You're a piece of shit!"

Tinanggap niya iyon. Nanatili siyang nakayuko, marahil ay naguguilty sa ginawa. Mabibigat ang paghinga ko habang puno ng poot na nakatingin sa lalaking ito, lihim na isinusumpa sa aking isipan.

Damn, I wanted to erase him from existing!

I calmed myself down. I went to the room to take a bath and changed. I glared at him at last before I went inside to do my routines. Inisip ko ang magagandang bagay na nangyari sa akin simula ng magpunta ako rito sa probinsiya. So far, there is none. Lahat ay puro kamalasan!

I went to the kitchen to see if he's still here. Unfortunately though, he is, preparing whatever he cooked using my own stove. Masama ang tingin ko sa kanya hanggang sa maupo sa lamesa, medyo gutom na.

He cleared his throat.

"I cooked something for you." Pormal niyang sabi.

Tumaas agad ang kilay ko. "What's that? How can I sure you didn't put poison in that?"

He rolled his eyes, annoyed. "If wanted to kill you, you'll be dead by now. I don't poison my enemies. I rip out their hearts."

"M-Malay ko ba kung anong nilagay mo d'yan? You already attempted to rape me. I'm just thinking about my safety." Kinabahan ako bigla para sa sarili kong buhay.

Umupo siya sa harapan ko. He even took off his apron giving me a glimpse of his toned body with perfect muscles on the right places. Madilim ang titig niya sa akin bago tinignan ang kanyang iniluto.

"Take this as my way of saying sorry. My actions are unacceptable but I hope I can make it up to you."

"Why? Because the guilt's consuming you now? Cuz you can't accept you almost raped a girl who did nothing to you?" His jaw clenched. I saw the immediate danger rising through his eyes, making me frightened a bit. Nang-uuyam akong ngumisi. "If you want my forgiveness, beg for it."

"My intentions are pure, to apologize. Be thankful I'm being nice to you. Stop testing my patience, woman." Madiin ang pagkakasambit niya ng bawat salita, paulit-ulit na umigting ang panga, halatang galit na. He started eating in a mad mood, like a furious lion glaring at me most of the time.

Sinira ko yata ang mood niya.

Umiwas ako ng tingin at nagsimula na ring kumain.

Wala nang nangahas na kumibo sa amin. I was tensed. Ni hindi sumagi sa isip ko ang posibilidad na makasabay ko siyang kumain. Why he's here anyway? How did he know I leave here? Sinusundan ba ako ng isang 'to?

Nagkatinginan kami. For a brief moment, I appreciate his gestures to really make it up to you. Talaga ngang bumabawi siya. Ako lang itong masyadong pinaiiral ang galit lalo na't muntikan na niya akong gahasain.

"Try this one," he cleared this throat and put some carbonara on my plate. Tumaas ang kilay ko ngunit hinayaan lang siya sa gagawin. "I heard it's your favorite."

"Sino naman nagsabi?"

My forehead creased. Lalo akong nagtaka nang madilim ang mga matang tignan niya ako at sa huli'y umiwas din. I tilted my head being suspicious of him as I eyed his whole face.

"It doesn't matter." He uttered with utmost finality. Seryosong-seryoso siya.

"It does matter... para sa akin." Kumalabog ng matindi ang puso nang magtagpo ang aming mga mata.

Kung hindi ko lang talaga kilala itong gago na 'to, sigurado akong isa ako sa mga babaeng todo ang paghahabol sa kanya. He's whole being says it well. His dominating aura, like a wild and dangerous lion, the ruthlessness of his deep set of green eyes, it made me admire that God's created some people that are too perfect. Flawless. Splendid.

"H-How do you know this place? Masyadong tago ang lugar na ito para mahanap ng kahit na sino." Lumunok ako. "Are you stalking me?"

The side of his lips rose. Para bang may nakakatawa akong nasabi. Nanunudyo ang tingin na iginawad niya sa akin at ang sunod niyang sinabi ay halos tanggalan ako ng hininga.

"It's mine."

Hindi ko alam kung nagbibiro lang siya o ano. But the looks in his eyes says it all. He owned this place. I don't know how is that even possible when Atty. Santos said it was my father's. Paanong sinasabi niyang sa kanya ito?!

"What?! No!" I aggressively responded. "My father owned this place! He built it for him and my mother. Anong sinasabi mong sa iyo ito?"

Nanatili ang nakakaasar na ngisi sa kanyang mga labi.

"He sold it to me, I bought it. In a triple price. End of discussion."

"Wala kang pruweba sa mga sinasabi mo!"

He massaged the bridge of his nose as if losing his patience for me. Napamaang ako.

"I have the title. I'll present it to you tomorrow morning if you want."

I glared at him. Still, I'm not convinced. What if he's just lying? What if this man's trying to deceive me in the hopes he'll succeed? Pero hindi ko rin maitatangging may parte sa akin na nanlulumo dahil sa nalaman.

Here I thought I finally found my safe haven. The only space where I'd found the peace I was longing. Saka pa sasabihin na hindi naman sa tatay ko ito. My hopes had just crashed by him.

That means... I can no longer stay here.

"You're lying." I nonchalantly uttered.

Umirap siya. Masama ang loob ko na sumubo ng carbonara habang matalim ang titig sa kanya. He levelled the same intensity of my eyes, making me gulp for a moment.

"Let's make a deal." Aniya nang matapos siyang kumain. He stared at me as if I'm the most boring person he'd ever met! Todo irap naman ang ginawa ko sa kanya. "Something that both of us will benefit.."

"Are you asking me to be your fuck buddy?" I gasped exaggeratedly. Umigting ang panga niya.

"Shut up, woman. That's not what I'm talking about. I have a plenty of women to satisfy my needs and you don't qualify to be one." I scoffed but I felt the pain thrown directly at my heart. He's too harsh. "But I want you... to be my girlfriend."

"What?! Nababaliw ka na ba?!"" Kung nakakagulat na ang matagpuan ko siya rito, mas nakagugulat ang balitang ito. I looked at him in disbelief while his stern expression remained. Walang pakundangan niyang ipinatong ang mga braso sa lamesa at pailalim na tumitig sa akin. "The answer's no! Kapal rin naman ng apog mo para alukin akong maging girlfriend mo!"

"Don't be exaggerated. It's just a play pretend, for a month. My mother wants me to introduce someone and I think you're the perfect fit for the role." He uttered in the most formal way I could ever imagine. Nalaglag ang panga ko. "In return, I'll let you stay in this house. Might even own it for good. I will also talk to my father regarding the ownership of your family's land. It's like hitting two birds in one stone."

"P-Pero..."

Napaisip ako. I must say, his offer is tempting. Aside from the fact I can stay here in this house how long I want, it will also benefit my family. Hindi na namin kailangang magmakaawa sa mga Trimarco para lang huwag kunin ang lupa sa amin.

But in exchange, I need to be his girlfriend. The man who tried to rape me..

"Just say yes or no." Saad niya, nababagot na.

"P-Pag-iisipan ko..." Iwas na iwas ang mga mata kong sagot. Kahit ganoon, hindi pa rin nakaligtas sa akin ang malademonyong ngisi sa kanyang labi.

Natapos ang gabi ko nang hindi ako mapakali. Even in my bed, I can't help but think of possible consequences that will be the cause of my decision. Kung papayag ba ako, paano ako makasisigurong tutupad siya sa usapan? Hell, I don't even trust him.

He tried to assault me! It's something I can't just bury down.

"Hoy, kanina ka pa tulala d'yan." Kalabit sa akin ni Gemma.

Napabaling ako sa kanilang dalawa ni Ruby. We're here at the coffee shop since the two decided to pay me a visit at my new job. Lunch break ko ngayon kaya malaya akong makipagkwentuhan sa kanila.

"What were you saying?"

"Wala. Sabi ko maganda sana kaso minsan kingina ka." Natawa ako.

She rolled her eyes. Tinignan niya kami ni Ruby na parang may nakahahawang sakit. Napatingin rin tuloy ako sa kaibigan. She's been on her phone since the moment they entered the shop. According to what I've heard, she met someone and completely got drawn over him. Sinusundan-sundan pa nga daw niya sa kung saan. Now she got his number.

Hindi naman sa wala akong pakialam. It's her life, her decision, and I'm out of it. But I'm here to support her, to make sure every steps she takes will lead her into happiness and success, not her destruction. Because that what friends do.

"Narinig ko ang bali-balita tungkol sa lupain niyo, Kels. I feel sorry for your family." Si Gemma sa malungkot na boses. "I wish you and your family luck. Dahil kung titignan pa lang, wala na kayong laban sa mga Trimarco. They're ruthless when it comes to bussiness! So be careful, Kelsey."

I shook my head. "Don't be." We don't need it. The last thing my family wanted is to be sympathized.

"Mga Trimarco ba naman kasi ang makalaban niyo. Talagang mawawalan ka ng pag-asang mabuhay."

"Bakit naman?"

"Hay, I'm thankful I'm not part of your family, Kels. Kasi kung nagkataon, baka hilingin ko na hindi na lang ako mabuhay dito sa mundo."

Kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya at pilit na lang na ngumiti. Ang dating kasi sa akin niyon ay wala nang pag-asa ang pamilya namin na makaahon sa krisis na hinahanap. Not to mention the tone of her voice that made me a little irritated. Who the hell said we're giving up?

"Sa counter lang ako." Bahagya akong nawalan ng gana. Pumunta ako sa counter dahil tapos na ang break ko. I haven't eaten yet but I suddenly lost my appetite.

Why do people think that way? Lalo na ang kaibigan ko. I don't need to hear words coming from them, nor anyone else, stating my family's near downfall. We're not Lafuentes for nothing.

Kaibigan ko ba talaga sila?

"Ayos ka lang, babe?" Si Ashton nang mapansing wala ako sa mood. I pouted. "Gusto mo ikiss kita para di ka na malungkot?"

"Sira. Tumigil ka nga d'yan." Natatawa kong singhal bago inasikaso ang kadadating lang na customer. "Hi, Sir. Welcome to Café Royale! May I take your order?"

"O-One Iced Camarel Macchiato. Pasama na rin ng red velvet c-cheesecake para sa boss ko." Anas niya. He looked tensed. Mukha siyang kinakabahan kaya nang magawi ang tingin sa akin ay ngumiti ako.

"I'll gonna process your order, Sir."

"Pakibilisan, Miss. N-Nag-aalburoto na ang boss ko." I just smiled to assured him. Inabot niya sa akin ang bayad at masaya ko namang tinanggap iyon.

I saw in my peripheral vision that Ruby left. Gemma' eyes met mine so I nodded assuringly to dismiss her. Umalis na sila habang ako ay kailangan pang magtrabaho.

"I received one thousand pesos-"

"What's taking it so long?"

Kusa akong natigilan nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses na iyon. Tila bagot at iritado. I looked up just to see Thaddeus dominating aura enveloped the atmosphere. Bahagya pa siyang nagulat nang magkatinginan kami ngunit agad ding nakabawi.

I cleared my throat and continued my job. Ibinigay ko na rin ang order ng lalaki habang damang-dama ang mariing titig sa akin ni Thaddeus.

Pero ang talagang ikinagulat ko ay nang sa kanya dumiretso ang lalaki. My lips parted in awe as the man gave the order to him but he was too focused on me.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses na akong tumikhim. I even need to gasp for air since he was really intimidating. Not only me, but everyone. May bumabati sa kanya pero mukhang wala naman siyang pakialam. Biglang sumagi sa isipan ko ang napag-usapan namin kagabi.

"Sir, 'yung pinabili niyo po."

"Leave." Aniya pagkatapos kunin ang order.

Ano bang ginagawa niya rito? I wasn't expecting to see him here. Bilang customer pa. Is he here to ask me what my decision is? I haven't decided yet! Pinag-iisipan ko pa. Damn, this is stressing me out!

"You work here." He stated the obvious. Malalim ang boses, bahagyang nakakahalina.

I scoffed. "Obviously? Nakikita mo naman, diba?"

"Let's talk." Aniya na parang obligado akong sumunod!

"May trabaho pa ako. I can't just leave here to talk with you."

"I'll talk to the manager-" he was persistent.

"That wasn't necessary. May trabaho pa nga ako."

"Then I'll wait. What time does your shift end?"

"Mamaya pa." Medyo naiirita na ako sa kanya. I glared at him. "Bakit ba ang kulit mo? Hindi ka naman gan'yan sa akin dati, a?"

Umigting ang panga niya. Hindi na siya sumagot at naupo na lang sa isa sa mga table malapit sa counter. I chose not to mind him, but well, I pretty suck at that part.

"Si Thaddeus ba iyon, Giselle? Ang pogi! Tara magpapicture tayo!"

"Ano ka ba, nakakahiya kaya! Baka maihi lang ako 'pag lumapit pa tayo."

"Wow, he really is something. Napakagwapo!"

"Grabe namang panga 'yan, nakakainlove!"

I snorted, continued to give the change to the customer before I sighed. He's causing attention! Ano ba naman kasing naisipan ng lalaking iyan at nagpunta ba rito?

"Is that Thaddeus Trimarco?" Tanong ni Maam Miray, ang owner ng coffee shop. "It's the first time he went here! Kelsey, please assist him. Entertain him. Marami pa akong ginagawa kaya hindi ko na siya maaasikaso. Mukhang kanina pa bagot na bagot, o."

Agad akong umalma. "Hala, Maam, bakit ako?"

Pinandilatan niya ako ng mata at itinuro ang lalaki. "Sige na. I caught him staring at you for many times. Mukhang type ka yata."

"Hala si Maam, bugaw!" Si Cayla.

"Psh. Mayaman lang naman 'yan kaya lamang sa akin." Nakangusong saad ni Ashton.

Agad nagtawanan ang mga katrabaho namin. "Insecure 'yarn?"

Ako ang binalingan ni Maam Miray. "Kelsey, go."

"Pero hindi naman kami close-"

"Ako na lang, Maam!" I was interrupted by Kimbherly, one of my co-workers, volunteering to serve the man. Napatingin kaming lahat sa kanya at sa huli'y bumuntong-hininga na lang si Maam Miray.

She took Thaddeus' orders. I could see the steamy stares she's giving him and he's even flirting with her, in a mocking way! If that's even possible, anyway. Inentertain niya rin ang lalaki at lagi siyang nakaassist, bagay na hindi ko na naman pinakialaman pa.

True enough, he waited for me. My shift ended almost eight in the evening. Madilim na ang kalangitan, kanina pa nawala ang naghaharing araw. I already bid my goodbye to them and was about to enter my car when a hand stopped me.

"I said we will talk. Where are you going?" Madilim na tingin ang iginawad niya sa akin.

I swallowed, real hard. "W-Well, going home.. akala ko lang kasi nakalimutan mo na."

"How would I forget that? I waited for seven fucking hours just to talk to you!" He growled. Nanunumbat ba ito?

"E, bakit kasi naghintay ka pa? No one told you to wait for me. You just did. Tapos ngayon isusumbat mo sa akin? Kapal, a."

He massaged the bridge of his nose losing his patience as he glared at me before he pulled he somewhere. Nandoon ang kaba, pero nang makitang nasa open space kami ay napatanag ako.

Nasa park kami katabi ng coffee shop. He raised a brow, ordering to sit beside him in the bench. Umirap ako bago napipilitang umupo. I kept the distance between us, though.

"I want to know your answer." He uttered menacingly. "Ayoko nang pinaghihintay. I told you the terms and conditions, now I want to know your answer. It's up to you to decide for your own fate, your family's as well."

"Ang bilis naman yata? I thought it will take few days, even a week, before you ask for my answer." Damang-dama ko ang pagdagundong ng puso ko sa pinaghalo-halong emosyon.

"No one told you that." Pang-uuyam niya.

I took a deep breathe. If I'm going to agree, I will technically be his girlfriend for a month. It was as if I'm a girlfriend for hire. Sa dinami-dami ba naman kasi ng babae, bakit ako? Because he wants to own me since he failed once? I don't know. It's killing me to overthink sometimes.

"Well?" He arched his thick brow.

"Uh.." will I consider it? Para naman sa pamilya ko ito. But if I do, what will happen to me? It's fucking making me so damn nervous!

Tinitimbang niya ang reaksyon ko. I could sense how he observe every move I make, as if it's something funny. I then took a deep breathe, ready to give an answer when he stood up.

"You're wasting my time."

Nataranta ako kaya't agad kong hinawakan ang kanyang kamay para pigilan. His insulting eyes eyed me, raising a brow, then to my hold on him, looking at it with so much disgust through his eyes. Napapahiyang binitawan ko iyon.

Tumikhim ako bago nagsalita.

"When... when will I be your girlfriend?"

Shandreev