I stopped to look at him. His mouth was still and his face was dark. And I can't even say anything to defend myself. Because I knew I had made the wrong decision. It wasn't just my life that was in danger. As well as the life of Rita, my staff and her staff. I was just thinking that there might have been a casualty among his staff, I was already cold with so much guilt.
"But was it even worth risking your life? Is that how you just throw away the value of your life?"
"This is how I protect you. This is how I love. Don't question my decisions. Because I have no regrets for what I did other than let you go."
I gritted my teeth. My chest tightens at what he says. The burning sensation was there, silently consuming me little by little.
"Then I must say you have a bad way of loving. Do you think I'm glad you put yourself in danger to protect me? If you're mad, I'm mad too! I'm angry because I didn't tell you to hit the gun! I'm angry because you don't have to
"Here ..." Sage dropped my luggage on the sofa."Thanks." I stood up and opened it, first checking to see if the phone was there. I wasn't really expecting to find it, though. I 'm just hoping. When someone remembered I sighed. The cellphone fell on the floor of the van when it hit a tree."I'll just get dressed," I said after getting dressed.Leaning on the sofa, he nodded.Honestly, I'm not sure what to do to solve my problem. I want to solve this my way but it looks like Sage is determined to keep me safe here while letting his men investigate. From what he heard from Sandro earlier, I'm sure he's doing something to find out what's behind it all. As much as I want him to step aside and let me handle my problems alone, I know his words are unbreakable this time.Though, at some part, I am thankful that he was there. Without him I would not have known what had happened. Maybe I was already killed. But I don’t regret what I told him earlier.
I slept for about three hours. When I came down, the men in black were already outside, watching. It seems that the security here is tighter than the resort's. I should be grateful for that. By the way, I was a little annoyed because even on the first floor of the mansion there were guards on each side."Uh, Sage?" I asked a man."In the kitchen, Ma'am," was her polite reply without even looking at me directly. I nodded and walked towards the kitchen.Like what the man said, Sage was there. I was momentarily stunned to see him wearing a black apron and in front of the frying pan. I was used at seeing him with those formal attires, but not this way. Only now have I seen him cook again. It’s been ages, so I can’t help but be amazed."You're awake ..."I straightened up when he suddenly spoke. He turned his back on me so I didn’t know how he knew I was coming. Or maybe he knew I was the only one going here because the staff wouldn't
I sighed and remained staring at the ceiling. No matter what I do, I can't sleep. If I only knew this was going to happen I would have been able to bring sleeping pills. I am alone in this huge, unfamiliar room and it's uncomfortable.The room is not scary at all. In fact, the interiors look medieval and it's actually nice. But when I innovate it's really like this. According to the Doctor, it's just like that when you experience trauma. She said it will change eventually, when I'm already fully recovered. But I no longer have hallucinations so why is it still here?I sighed and rose up. Maybe it's also a result of my sleep this afternoon so I'm not sleepy now. A glass of milk will help, perhaps? Right. I will drink milk to sleep. Maybe Sage is asleep now? Or maybe not. Maybe he's entertaining some calls ...I slowly opened the door and looked down the hallway. There was no sign of anyone there. I briefly looked at the other room, where Sage was. My lips protrud
"Are you sure about that?"I dropped the wineglass on the counter. I changed position and now addressed him properly. I'm still sitting on the high chair, but this time, my whole body is facing him. My legs are almost touching his. But I didn’t care about that. I want to test myself.I was just thinking to say that I was getting cold. But then, I should try this one. It's about time. So before I became discouraged I spoke again."Can I ask a favor?"His forehead furrowed. He looked through my eyes but I made sure he won't see my inner thoughts."What is it?" he asked gently, it seems like whatever I ask he will give. The wineglass landed as well and gave me full attention. I was even more nervous about what to say."Kiss me." I swallowed hard after I said that. I drained the wine from my glass, thinking that it would ease the embarrassment.His lips parted slightly. His hooded eyes grew darker by the second. When his lips met ag
Staring at the white ceiling, I couldn’t decide whether to get up or just stay in the room. I clearly remembered what happened last night. The way his lips touched mine ... The way he made me feel the warmth I was longing for many years. The way he controlled himself from going beyond his limits.I close my eyes and sigh.The same reactions. The same feelings. Everyone is coming back. Or maybe it's not right to say come back because it's not really gone. The truth is, it was only buried by pain, concealed by the time. It was caged in a frozen bastille, and now awakened, once again.Now I regret why I didn’t listen to him first. If I only let him speak first, he won't suffer from my wrath for years. I wish he was by my side when I needed a companion.Now, after all I’ve discovered, after all the things I realized, I realized the love I had before was too shallow. I was drowned in my
"I expected that.""Uh-huh," he drawled lazily like he found the topic very uninteresting."Won't you ask about me?"It was as if my heart was pounding at his weak question. For a moment, even how my heart beats wildly, I felt the urge to face him and watch his expression. I want to caress her face and say how much I want to ask, how much I want to say.But as always, I was driven by fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of being hurt again. Fear that the love I think is right will also lead to crying. The fear I don't know if I will ever overcome.But then, like people say, love is a risk. If you want what you've never had, you have to do what you've never done.Should I let the emotions rule me? Would it be worth risking for?"Why didn't you try to talk to me before?" I asked, finally had enough courage.He didn't mo
The plan was very clear. I will be giving the tape on the night of Sage’s birthday celebration. I didn't have the money to buy an expensive gift so when Rose gave me the idea I did. She helped me in it, and I paid for the burning of the tape. The idea of giving it to him was so fulfilling, I still worry.They say, a hard -earned gift is worth more. I held onto that belief, so I was complacent that Sage would like that. I was so ready that night. I rehearsed how I will greet him, how I will greet his family. The idea made me nervous, and at the same time, it felt surreal."How ... how did you get it?" my voice was so weak that I could hardly hear it.He licked his lower lip. Slowly, he closed the distance. He stood in front of me and took the tape. He stared at it and gently traced his fingers to the initials I had written. And the way he held it with so much care, the way he looked at it with those dark eyes, it
After dinner, Sage took me to the room. I slept late because I was preoccupied of the things that will happen. I am glad that Lyka and Antonio will finally get caught. That would mean, I'd be safe, and so as Luke. But that would also mean I have to go back to Manila.I don’t know why the cold spread to my stomach at the thought of me going back there. It wasn't a bad idea. In fact, that was the plan, right? I was so anxious to go home then, wasn't I? But thinking of it now ... there'd be no more place as peaceful as El Fuego. No more Sage cooking for me. No more Sage sleeping in the room next to mine. No more him.It didn't feel right.The next morning I realized why that was the last thing Sandro said. The news of Lyka and Antonio's connection to Zeus' death spread like a wildfire. They were also arrested in Cavite. I was shocked after watching the news. I don’t know how to react if only a
I almost shivered when his hand touched my waist. Every flick of his tongue was full of ardor. I was so close to his shoulder when he lifted me off the bed. Crouching in front of me like a dominant hunter ready to end his long famine, he pulled my nape aggressively as he gave me an alluvion of intoxicating kisses. A strange heat flared up in my body. His hand skillfully found the zipper of my dress and maneuvered it, while his hot kisses were traveling down to my jaw. I flinched at the caress of his hand on my back. My body was shaking and it feels like I couldn't hold on to my precious sanity any longer. My inhibitions and rationality were all thrown out of the window, leaving my mind empty. With my kind of lifestyle, I could have easily gave in to my past boyfriends who asked me for it. I’m not ready yet, that’s what I always say. But the truth is, I was searching for the man who could make me feel like this. I can’t give that to past boyfriends because I c
Holding my books, my props rather, I went in, and the chatterings were silenced.It wasn't long though, when I heard soft murmurs."Grace? So she's the one who will help Mrs. Rellis present the topic? Pero first year lang siya. Don't you think that's a bit off?" the girl on the third row whispered to her seatmate."Ah. It's a good thing I didn't continue to be absent. I wouldn't miss this," the man in the back said. His group looked at me as if I'd be pleased with their smug smiles."Yeah, bro. Grace's beautiful. I really don't know why so many are afraid of her. I mean, why would they be scared of an angel's face?"I could feel my lips almost twitching. Angel? I wonder if I'd let them see my fangs, would they still think the same?"Pabida. Isn't this an insult to us? We're in our third year and then we will be taught a first year without even taking a course?"Jealousy. One of the emotions very common among humans. Nothing new.
My eyebrows rose."In that case, why are you still here?"His lips parted a bit and gave me a critical look. He didn't speak immediately as if he knew I would be offended by what he was going to say."Tita suddenly ordered something so Cesar left on my motorbike. I will take you home.""What ?!""Yes, Chanelle."Lintik!"What is Mommy's order and all of a sudden ?!""I don't know. Cesar never said that."I sighed and rolled my eyes. Push me into the back seat. Why is it that he was not the only one ordered instead of my driver.Mommy and Daddy took a long time to get home that night. It's often like that. So every time like that, often, I deliver dinner to teresa or say to eat later. I don't even want to keep up with Euan.I rehearsed the lines of my audition piece before going to sleep. With my effort, I'm sure there's a good chance I'll get it. So the next day, I was really positive."Good luck, Ch
Of course! Why would I prioritize anything else if I knew my family was falling apart? I would have booked the earliest flight the moment I heard the news."Of course, I also don't want to ruin a special event in your life. Especially since you announced you had a big endorsement offer in the States."I sighed. Coming back to Philippines was supposed to be just a short vacation. And even before going home, I decided to accept the offer. While I was studying my film degree, I also accepted some modeling jobs and catwalks.At first, I only accepted the offer because I was bored and wanted to try. Eventually, I realized it's fun and I was actually good at it. So I started accepting offers one after another. My parents didn't have problem with it.Mommy even offered to help me land in good offers, since she was also a model before, and many acquaintances. But I declined because it seemed unfair to others who eeffort to go to go-sees. I don't want to be chosen
I was a little terrified when we looked at each other. I immediately turned to Mommy."Mom, he looks unpleasant. He's too thin, pale and has very dark eyes. He looks like the nerd and malnourished version of Dracula–""Chane!"I stopped and bit my lower lip."He's a very kind boy. He's poor and has no relatives. He has nowhere to go. Can't we help him a bit?""Then, bring him to the orphanage?"Mommy greeted me."We're not planning to adopt him, okay? We'll just help him a bit. You'll remain our only baby, Chanelle," she assured me and kissed my forehead.I pouted. I looked at the boy again and when I saw that he was also looking at me, I hid a little from Mommy. I'll remind Daddy later to double the locks on my door. Maybe later it's Dracula's slave and he's planning to suck my blood at night.With another person living in our house, it was really hard to adjust at first. I got used to just the three of us Mommy s
"What ?! You're just suddenly popping up there! What are you? Ghost?"His brow raised."How about you? Why are you standing there in the middle? You're even modeling in the car park?"This idiot!"What do you care? Mind your own business!" once turn away from him and walk away.Though, it's not long when I heard his voice again. He followed me."Where are you going, Chanelle? You've already passed your car."I closed my eyes tightly, not looking back at him."I know! I won't use that car. Froilan already has the key so how can I use it?""And what car are you in?""Cinderella's carraige?" my sarcastic answer."Very funny, Chane.""Oh, I'm glad I humored you!"A tug on the wrist stopped me. In shock I even released the clutch. I glared at Euan. If I could just blow out the fire, he would have been cooked for a long time."You're being dragged! You've been here before, ah? What the hell i
"Chane Estrella?"I smiled at the acquaintances. They were shocked that I came."Chane! You're back! When else?""Just hours ago," I replied and looked around. It's just that I couldn't find Daddy because there were other acquaintances to greet him."Hello, hija! Are you here to accompany your Daddy?"I smiled at the old woman. Family friend so I let go."Yes. Actually, my Mommy should be with her now. But something urgent came, so I'm here on her stead.""Oh! But I thought ..." she trailed off and laughed a bit.The malicious glint in her eyes told me what she's thinking. I plastic smiled and passed him. Supposedly friendly, but really just want to gossip.The whispers of the envy did not escape me, the ones who can never reach my level, so the envy just goes through the motions. I continue walking without looking at them, unbothered by whatever they're talking about behind my back.An actor greeted me. I would h
"She offered me and my father's campaign team to stay here for the campaign. She promised a comfortable place and good accommodation. Is that what you're saying?""She didn't promise anything else?" His lips stretched in doubt. The look is stinging."What else would she promise?""Like marrying me?"There was a ghost of smile on his lips."She brought you here. She won't do that just to help. It's obvious that she's pairing us."I grinned and shook, laughing. I never thought he could humor me that way.Her eyes narrowed as if wondering why I was reacting that way."Why? You're afraid to be tied up?" I taunted."So you know Mama has such a plan? You want to marry me?"This brute! Very arrogant too really. Is he thinking that every woman in the world is dying to marry him? Ridiculous."Don't worry. I'm sure your Mama has no plans to marry us. And I don't want to marry you as well."Her smile faded. For
The first courses and drinks were served. I was expecting that we'll talk about family issues that night, but since Tita Glesilda was there, if not the business then the campaign is in question."Actually, Leandra wants him to lead the campaign there in Antique this summer.""Really?" Tita Glesilda looked at me."Yes, Glesilda. She's that passionate to help her father's campaign," Mama said proudly."That's good! If so, where will she stay in Antique during that time?""We have a mansion in San Ardiente. She can stay there with the campaign staffs.""But who will take care of them there? Do you have househelps there?""Ah. Right! We haven't been there since Mama died so only the caretaker was left. But ... I think we could just send househelps ...""Oh, that's too hassle, Ramona! How about this ... I'll house them in our mansion in Vida Riqueza?"Lucius and I looked at each other. He raised an brow and smirk."Are