CHAPTER 36

VALENTINA IMARA MEADOWS

Mahina akong napadaing ng maramdaman ang kamao ni Oceanus sa sikmura. Napaatras ako habang nakayuko; hawak hawak ko pa rin ang t'yan kong sinuntok niya! I shot Oceanus a sharp glare as I lifted my head, habang siya? Ayon, nakangisi sa akin.

He outsmarted me there!

"That's what happens when you don't focus on your training," pang aasar niya pa sa akin.

Agad kong kinalimutan ang kirot sa sikmura ko at inayos ang aking postura. I need to ready myself for whatever Oceanus would do next. He just kept grinning, and I could feel my frustration with him building up again. Kuhang kuha niya pa rin talaga ang inis ko hanggang ngayon.

Hindi na ako nagsayang ng oras pa. Kumaripas ako ng takbo at sinugod siya ng sunod-sunod na mga mabibigat na suntok. I even kicked and elbowed him. At lahat ng 'yon ay na sangga niya naman pero nagpatuloy pa rin ako sa ginagawa ko. My body feel numb with adrenaline, he dodged every strike no matter how fast I moved!

I launched a high kick toward his face, but he ducked low and seized my leg, slamming me onto the mat. Mahina akong napadaing dahil doon, I wrenched my leg free and countered with a forceful kick to his face. Hindi niya inaasahan na gagawin ko 'yon kaya napaatras siya, but he swiftly regained his footing immediatley.

Napangisi na lang ako sa kan'ya bago siya muling sinugod. I closed the gap and kicked him in the stomach. Nang mapayuko siya ulit dahil sa ginawa ko ay hinawakan ko ang batok niya gamit ang dalawa kong kamay at tinuhod ang mukha niya. My body spun in the air freely as I lightly landed with hands up and ready to strike.

"Ayan ang masakit, hindi ba?" sarkastiko kong tanong sa kan'ya na may mapang asar na tono.

Halos ilang oras din kami nandito ni Oceanus sa underground gym ni Atlas. Actually, this was our usual routine: ang mag workout na magkasama at mag sparring. Sometimes I'd spar with Atlas, pero majority ay si Oceanus talaga ang nakakasparring ko.

At kung medyo hindi kami busy sa trabaho namin mas tumatagal kami rito. We spend more time for our training, hand-to-hand combat at a high-tech shooting range area, as usual isa sa mga pinarequest na naman ni Atlas 'to kay Pallas.

I rolled my eyes and turned to leave.

"Hoy! Where are you going? Hindi pa nga tayo tapos!" Oceanus called after me.

"Mauuna na ako sa 'yo. I'm tired; we've been at this for hours. We can do this again next time," sagot ko at naglakad na palabas ng gym.

Sa kuwarto ko agad ang punta, dumiretso ako sa banyo para makaligo na agad. I was drenched in sweat and I needed to rinse this off. Hinayaan ko na mabasa ang buong katawan ko sa ilalim ng shower nang mahubad ko ang suot kong damit. I tilt my head back and let the water run over my face.

A vivid memory flashed before my eyes the moment I closed my eyes. Si Helios, and birthday party, lalo na ang nangyari sa aming dalawa ni Helios noong gabing 'yon.

Nothing happened between us, it was just a make out... but I know we almost did it if Atlas doesn't call me.

Nakakabaliw lang isip na hanggang ngayon, I could feel the sensation of him pressing against me—a hard, insistent bulge in his dark slacks.

Mas mariin akong napapikit at ginagawa ang lahat na makalimutan ang bagay na 'yon! But it wouldn't leave! Bakit parang nararamdaman ko ang mainit niyang hininga sa balat ko? Especially his hot lips on mine, his body that was pressing against me that night.

Why couldn't I erase him from my mind?

It was wrong. A terrible mistake. But the heat of that night still lingered. His touch, his rough hands on my back, his grip on me—it had felt so right, so forbidden.

I couldn't understand why.

Kahit nasa ilalim ako ng shower ngayon, pakiramdam ko nangingibabaw pa rin ang init na nararamdaman ko sa katawan ngayon. I bit my lower lip as my hand found its way between my thighs. It was a new sensation... exploring myself like this. Each stroke I did to my folds sends shivers of pleasure through me.

Hinihingal na ako. I was panting as I moved my finger after. I could feel myself getting wet, hindi dahil sa nabasa na ako tubig dahil sa shower head. My fingers were slimy because of my own wetness, and the memory of Helios flooded my mind. The image of him from our night together ignited a fire deep within me.

Walang silbi ang malamig na tubig ng shower head dahil sa nararamdaman ko ngayon. The heat inside me was too intense. I arched my back as I moved my hand even faster, my teeth sinking into my lip. I could almost see Helios' face; ang mala abo niyang mga mata na nandidilim dahil sa ginagawa namin noong gabing 'yon. I even heard his soft moans and his grunts of pleasure.

It felt like there was something I was reaching for, something I needed. Hindi ko na ma-kontrol ang sarili ko sa pinaggagawa ko ngayon. Maya-maya ay hindi ko na rin napigilan ang sarili na mabanggit ang pangalan niya habang abala sa pagpapaligaya sa sarili ko.

"Helios..." I moaned.

As I finally reached my peak, malakas akong napasinghap at nanlaki ang mga mata ng may narealize. I just had something I shouldn't have! And the worst part is that I'd thought of him!

It's Helios!

It felt wrong—sobrang mali 'to.

I could still feel the heat and throbbing between my legs. Nanginginig pa binti at hita ko dahil doon. I touched myself, at si Helios pa talaga ang iniisip ko habang ginagawa 'yon! This is so wrong!

I couldn't believe how turned on I still was. I can still feel my wetness between my thighs; it was so slippery. I quickly cleaned up, feeling a mix of shame and satisfaction.

I'm fucked up, and this is wrong.

▄︻デ══━一

Walang emosyong inaayos ko ang buhok sa harap ng salamin. I carefully comb my clean bun with a boar brush. Kailangan ko lang ayusin ng kaunti 'yon at tapos na ako. Inayos ko lang ang buhok ko ng high ponytail para maiba naman ang hairstyle ko ngayon.

"Are you done?"

Malakas akong napasinghap at napahawak sa dibdib ng marinig ang boses ni Atlas sa suot kong earpiece. Nakalimutan ko na kanina pa pala kami na nag uusap gamit ang earpiece, masyado akong naka focus sa pag aayos ng buhok ko.

"Malapit na," sagot ko ng pindutin ang earpiece para makapagsalita.

Once my hair was in place, I straightened up to check my full reflection. I was wearing a black sleeveless fitted top with a low turtleneck, paired with black leather cargo pants. Napangiti na lang ako ng makita ang ayos ko ngayong gabi, perfect!

Mabilis kong kinuha ang black combat shoes sa gilid at sinuot agad 'yon. Nang matapos ay saka ko kinuha ang cropped leather jacket ko na nakapatong sa kama.

"I'm ready, Atlas. On my way up," I said after pressing the earpiece.

I picked up my phone and slid my pocketknife into the back of my pants. Sa ngayon ito muna ang dadalhin ko at iiwan ko muna si Saf.

"Okay," Atlas replied briefly.

I walked and made my way out of the warehouse. Naabutan ko na siya na nasa loob na siya ng kotse ni Oceanus, as usual ang may ari nitong kotse ay missing in action na naman, he's probably somewhere and running errands for Atlas.

"Tara na," ani ko nang makapasok sa loob.

Isang tango lang ang binigay niya sa akin bago pinaandar ang kotse. I adjusted my things and placed my phone on the dashboard, sinuot ko muna ang jacket ko at napalingon sa kan'ya. As usual, suot niya na naman ang mask niya.

"Where are we going?" I asked Atlas as I glanced over at him.

"To Colosseum," he replied briefly.

I frowned. "Colosseum? Ano 'yon?" I asked, confused.

"It's an illegal underground fight club. I have a business meeting there, and there's also a betting event happening later. They have great prizes, so I'm going to try and win," he explained.

Mahina akong natawa at napailing na lang. "Kanino ka pupusta?" tanong ko sa kan'ya.

"You'll see when we get there," he replied quickly, giving me a brief look.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at hindi na nagtanong pa. Dahil alam kong sasabihin niya lang ay doon na sa mismong lugar namin makikita.

I couldn't help but wonder what prize he was after this time. Napailing na lang ako at inadjust ang upuan ko para makatulog man lang ako kahit saglit lang.

Paano ba naman kasi, 10 pm na ngayong gabi, at nagpapasama pa siya sa tinatawag niyang the Colosseum na ngayon ko lang din mapupuntahan.

▄︻デ══━一

Awtomatikong dumilat ang mga mata ko ng maramdaman na tumigil na ang kotseng sinasakyan namin. I quickly got up from where I had been lying and stretched a bit. We both removed our seatbelts and got out of the car at the same time.

My brows furrowed as I realized we were in the middle of some tall grass. Kunot noong nilingon ko si Atlas, ilang beses ko siyang tinitignan at ang kotse ni Oceanus.

"Did the car break down?" I asked him. "Mayayari na naman tayo kay Oceanus n'yan—"

"The car didn't break down, Hexia. Nandito na tayo," he cut me off.

"Huh? Saan yung sinasabi mong Colosseum?"

"Follow me."

Tahimik ko lang siyang sinusundan, I kept looking around, trying to spot this Colosseum he mentioned. At sa hindi kalayuan ay may nakita akong isang lumang, abandonadong building.

"Is that it?" kunot noo kong tanong sa kan'ya.

"Yes."

When we reached the front of the old, abandoned building, I paused for a few seconds to take it all in. Parang anytime magigiba na yung building habang pinagmamasdan ko. Some of the walls are already crumbling and it looks dangerous if anyone lives here.

"Atlas! Long time no see! Mabuti at nakapunta ka pa rito. Parang ilang taon din ang nakalipas noong huli tayong nagkita. Mukhang totoo nga ang nababasa namin sa website natin, medyo busy kana sa asawa mo."

May isang lalaki ang nag salita, napalingon ako sa gilid ni Atlas ng makita na may naglalakad na lalake papalapit sa amin galing sa entrance nitong building. He had a cigarette wedged between his index and middle fingers. The guy was big, with a rugged, muscular build.

Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan na taasan siya ng kilay sa huli niyang sinabi. Hindi ko alam na hanggang dito ba naman ay makakaabot ang tungkol doon?

"Nice to meet you too," Atlas greeted. "And this is He—"

"Mrs. Collazo! Nice to meet you," sambit ng lalaki na may tobacco na nakaipit sa daliri niya. Nakangiti siya at mahinang siniko si Atlas ng lapitan niya 'yon. "She's beautiful, Atlas. Totoo nga ang nababalita sa website natin."

"Hindi niya ako asaw—" hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko ng bigla akong sikuhin ng mahina ni Atlas.

Parang nauubos na ang pasensya ko ngayong gabi. It was clear from my expression that I was annoyed right now. Sinsisi ko talaga si Helios dahil sa mga kumakalat na rumor sa amin ni Atlas!

And right now, many people think I'm married to Atlas, kahti na hindi naman! Hindi ko alam pero sa nararamdaman kong inis ngayon parang gusto kong sakalin si Atlas. Dahil imbis na sabihin na lang ang totoo ay sinasakyan niya pa talaga ang mga nababalita tungkol sa aming dalawa.

Minsan hindi ko rin maintindihan kung anong utak ang meron siya o baka may mga oras lang na may topak 'to o ano?

"Just go with the flow," bulong niya sa akin.

Anong just go with the flow? Pikon na pikon na ako ngayong gabi dahil sa kanilang dalawa.

Napairap na lang ako sa ere at pinagkrus ang braso sa dibdib habang tahimik na pinagmamasdan sila. The guy with the tobacco must have noticed my sour mood because he laughed awkwardly and quickly looked away after I shot him a sharp glare.

"That's enough. You can call her Hexia. I'm sorry she's not in the mood right now. Is our card ready? Kailangan na naming makapunta sa Colosseum," Atlas said.

I saw the man scratch his cheek. "Pasensya na Atlas, dapat maaga kang nagsabi na pupunta ka pala sa Colosseum. Nasa ibang lugar na ang underground fighting natin. Maganda naman pinaglipatan kasi malaki at malawak na. Balita ko kay bossing ay marami na rin ang nakakapunta roon dahil mas maraming tao na rin na ang naaaccomodate roon."

"Where is the Colosseum now?" Atlas asked.

"Sa Isla de Brawl na ngayon, Atlas."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Isla? Like, an island?"

Napalingon ang lalake sa akin at tumango ng maraming beses. "Oo, Ms. Hexia."

Marahas na lang ako napabuntong hininga. I could've been resting by now instead of coming here, ang kaso ano pa nga ba ang magagaw ako eh nandito na kami.

"Puwede ko naman kayong ihatid doon, Atlas. Nasa rooftop ng building yung helicopter ni bossing. Tara?"

Atlas nodded. "Let's go. The fight might have already started, and I don't want to miss my chance to bet," Atlas said.

Atlas grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the back of the building. Sinundan ko na lang sila, muhkang alam niya naman kung saan kami pupunta kaya ang lalaking nagbabantay sa lugar na 'to ay nasa likuran namin.

I casually took my pocketknife from my leather jacket pocket and flicked it open. I glanced back at the man and aimed the knife at him, locking eyes with him, habang ang matalim na titig ko sa kan'ya ay sisiguraduhin ko mararamdaman niya.

I passed the knife on my neck and acted like I was going to slit his neck because of the I felt towards him earlier. I grinned at him when I saw how his eyes widened at what I did.

"Hexia, what are you doing?" I heard Atlas ask as we kept walking.

Mabilis kong tinupi ang pocket knife at tinago sa bulsa ng jacket ko ng marinig ang boses ni Atlas. +

"Nothing," I answered quickly.

When we reached the back of the old, abandoned building, Atlas motioned for me to go ahead and climb the scaffolding, at nang sumilip ako sa ibaba ay sumunod din nama pala agad sila sa akin hanggang sa makarating kami sa itaas. Doon ko na rin agad nakita ang itim na helicopter na naghihintay sa amin.

The man was the first to enter the helicopter, and Atlas and I followed right after. Dahil ako ang pinaka malapit sa pintuan, ako na ang nagsara no'n. We fastened our seatbelts and put on the ear protection to shield ourselves from the noise.

"Okay na kayo d'yan?" tanong ng lalaki habang nakaupo na sa driver seat ng helicopter.

"Yes."

"Okay. Aabutin lang tayo ng sampung minuto papunta sa isla na 'yon kaya mabilis lang ang byahe natin."

Lumingon pa siya sa amin para makasigurado na maayos na kami rito sa kinauupuan namin. Parehas kaming tumango ni Atlas para ipaalam na nakabit na namin ang seatbelt.

Maya maya ay unti-unti ng umangat ang helicopter papunta sa Isla de Brawl kung saan naka locate ang sinasabi nilang underground fighting na Colosseum.

▄︻デ══━一

"Welcome to the new Colosseum."

I leaned out of the window, and from above, I could clearly see the not-so-large Colosseum. Bahagyang napaawang ang aking labi ng makita ang nasa ibaba, the stone used there was quite old-fashioned and in the center, there was a large area that I assumed would be where the fights would take place.

Ang nagtatanging nagbibigay ng ilaw sa buong kapaligiran no'n ay ang apoy lang. Especially in the central part, it was surrounded by a fire in a circular space. That's where your attention would really be drawn to the fighters in the middle.

Sa labas naman ng Colosseum ay mayroon mga nagkalat na mga shops. Dahil bukod sa isang illegal underground fighting ang meron sa islang ito, may mga nightclubs din na available rito. Sa bandang dulo no'n ay nandoon ang isang maliit na pier; kita ko rin na may mangilan-ngilan din na maliit na yate ang nakapwesto roon.

When we landed, Atlas and I got out as everything was ready.

"Call me when you're done, Atlas. Ako ang magbabalik sa inyo doon." Tukoy niya sa lugar kung saan kaming tatlo nag kita kanina.

"Okay. Thank you."

Dumiretso agad kami sa main office ng Isla de Brawl. As we entered, the person guarding the door immediately greeted Atlas as soon as they recognized him. The design outside was black, and the same went for the interior.

"How's it going, Atlas? I thought you wouldn't make it," the man greeted Atlas.

"It was almost a problem because you didn't mention that the Colosseum was moved here. Give me the ticket so we can place our bets. Ipapadala ko sa bangko yung pera."

Mahinang natawa ang lalaki bago may kinuha sa loob ng drawer ng desk niya. "Sure. here's the ticket." Inabot niyo 'yon at napatingin sa akin. "Asawa mo?"

"I'm leaving. Nagsimula na ba sila?" tanong ni Atlas at hindi pinansin ang tanong ng lalaki.

Atlas and I turned around at the same time, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes upon hearing his voice. Why do they have to talk so much?

"There's a newcomer, Atlas. He's here only on Saturdays. Want to bet on him? He's been fighting in the arena for hours now. Ngayong oras ang huling laban niya bago siya umalis sa isla."

"What's his name?" Atlas asked, still not looking back.

"Alejandro," the man replied quickly.

"Give me another ticket. Hurry up," Atlas ordered.

I heard the man chuckle softly as he grabbed another ticket from the drawer and handed it to Atlas when he turned around. Hindi na namin nagawang magpaalam pa dahil parang madaling madali 'tong si Atlas.

"You know a lot of people here," I said as we walked.

Sa totoo lang ay habang pinagmamasdan itong Isla de Brawl ay masasabi mong parang ordinary na isla lang siya at binibisita ng ibang tao, and you wouldn't think there were illegal activities going on. I even guessed there were small hotels here for people who wanted to stay overnight.

At kahit na sabihin ko na sobrang lalim na ng gabi ngayon, buhay na buhay pa rin ang isla ngayon. There were people out, and especially women, who were still swimming in the sea, even though it was already dark.

"Yes. The truth is, he's my cousin. He just doesn't know me because I wear a mask," Atlas replied.

Nanlaki bahagya ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. May pinsan siya!? Pero sabagay, wala rin talaga nakakakita ng mukha niya bukod sa mga tauhan niya sa warehouse at sa close nito. Because everytime that Atlas have these kind of meetings or agendas, parati niyang suot ang mask niya.

"Why do you always wear that mask?" I asked him, but he didn't bother to answer me.

Nang makapasok kami sa Colosseum ay dinig na dinig ko agad ang mga hiyawan ng mga tao sa loob. There was a mixture of sounds that made it feel like we were truly in an ancient Colosseum arena. Napagdesisyunan naming dalawa ni Atlas na maupo sa bandang harapan, sa ibaba no'n. We didn't bother to go higher up because it would be a waste of time.

"Looks like they've already started earlier," I said to Atlas.

Our seats were soft, and the backrest was comfortable. Dahil open area itong napasukan namin ay medyo nakaramdam na ako ng init. Hinubad ko ang suot kong leather jacket at pinatong 'yon sa aking hita. Katamtamtaman lang din naman ang init na nararamdaman ko ngayon dahil malamig ang simoy ng hangin sa pwesto namin ngayon.

The deafening sound of shouting reached our ears when the man wearing a balaclava knocked his opponent to the ground. Wala siyang suot na pangitaas at tanging maluwag na black pants lang ang suot niya, medyo naging gray na nga 'yon dahil nadikitan na 'yon ng buhangin. The sand mixed with the action of the fight. His broad chest was covered in sweat, and it seemed like he wasn't satisfied yet because he repeatedly punched the man in front of him.

I couldn't understand it, but my heart started racing when I noticed that his body shape seemed familiar, now glistening with sweat. Hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko habang pinagmamasdan siya, na imbis na mandiri dahil pawisan ang katawan niya, somehow it made him seem even more attractive in my eyes.

"5-win streak! The winner again is Alejandro!" I heard a man's voice shout through the speaker.

The cheers and shouts from the people in the arena echoed loudly. I felt Atlas stand up from his seat.

"That newcomer looks good. I'll go get my additional winnings, and I'll be back here after we talked about the business meeting. Stay put—"

I stood up. "Huh? Sasama ako sa 'yo, Atlas. Mukhang tapos na rin naman ang laban, eh—"

"And next up to fight is..."

We both turned our attention to the arena when we saw someone else entering, pero ang Alejandro na lalaki kung saan kami pumusta ay wala na roon.

"Watch for a bit, and if you want to place a bet, gamitin mo muna yung ticket ko," he quickly said, handing me two of his tickets.

Hindi na agad ako naka-react sa sinabi niya dahil basta na lang siyang naglakad papalayo at iniwan akong nakatayo rito. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at naupo habang tulala sa hawak kong ticket. Merong isa ay nakapangalan na Alejandro habang ang isang ticket naman ay wala. It seemed that the blank one was for betting.

"Let me see your ticket, Miss."

Umangat ang paningin ko ng makitaa ng isang lalake na nakatayo sa harapan ko. He had a large build, and the guy with him was holding an open box.

Agad kong pinakita ang ticket ko sa kanila, at kinuha lang ang isang ticket na may pangalan ni Alejandor. The man rummaged through the open box and handed me a stack of thick money—more than ten.

"I'll wrap this up for you, miss, gusto mo ba?" tanong ng lalaki sa akin.

"S-sure," I stammered, surprised by the offer.

They wrapped the money in black plastic and handed it to me. Nilapag ko na lang muna 'yon sa kinuupuan ni Atlas kanina at akmang mauupo na sana ng magsalita ulit siya.

"Pupusta ka ba ulit? You can still use your ticket—"

"She's not betting anymore. It looks like the last two players backed out. The fight might continue tomorrow. Puwede na kayong umalis," a familiar voice interrupted from behind me.

Sa boses niya pa lang ay kilala ko na agad kung sino 'yon. My heart began to race so fast that it felt like it was about to leap out of my chest.

Hindi na nagsalita ang lalaki sa harapan ko, basta na lang silang umalis kasama ang isa pang lalaki kaya kaming dalawa na lang nitong nasa likuran ko ang nandito ngayon.

"Hindi ko alam na nandito ka," natatawa niyang sabi sa akin. "Good choice to bet on me, Hexia."

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at hinarap si Helios na nakatayo sa harapan ko. He had already taken off his black balaclava and was now sitting in the vacant seat next to me.

"You're Alejandro?" kunot noo kong tanong sa kan'ya.

"Uh-huh," he replied seriously.

"And for your information, hindi ako ang pumusta sa 'yo," iritable kong sagot sa kan'ya.

Natigilan siya sa sagot ko. Maya maya ay napangisi siya, kitang kita ko pa kung paano niya tinusok ang dila sa loob ng pisngi niya dahil doon.

"Oh, mukhang yung asawa mo ang pumusta sa akin. Next time, tell him to raise the stakes a little, para kapag nanalo ako malaki ang pera na maibabalik sa kan'ya," natatawa niyang sabi sa akin. "Or maybe he's out of money; kaya mababa lang ang pinusta niyang pera."

"Are you crazy?" I asked. "Kailan pa naging mababa ang isang milyon?"

Mahina siyang natawa at napailing na lang. "Don't settle for less, Hexia. You're okay with the fact that your husband isn't financially stable? In the end, you're the one who'll suffer."

Hindi ako nakasagot ng maayos sa kan'ya dahil sa mga pinagsasabi nito. Pakiramdam ko parang sumakit lang ang ulo ko lalo na sa part kung saan sinabi niya ang asawa at hindi financially stable si Atlas. Baliw ba siya?

Napailing na lang ako at kinuha ang itim na plastic kasama ang leather kong jacket para iwan siya. The fire in the arena that had been serving as the light source was slowly dying down, and I figured it was time to go.

Nang makarating ako sa arko ng Colosseum kung saan ang exit ay biglang may humiklat sa akin sa gilid at dinala ako sa isang maliit na kuwarto na parang dalawang tao lang ang kasya! It was dim inside because there was no lighting, only a small lamp hanging outside, casting a faint glow.

I think this is where the guards were stationed every morning until the arena matches ended.

"Running away from me?" His hot breath fanned against my ear, sending a jolt of fear through me.

Napalunok ako ng marinig ang malalim na boses ni Helios. It was low and menacing.

My heart pounded in my chest as an all-too-familiar heat crept over me. Every time he was near I felt a strange pull, a dangerous attraction that I couldn't quite explain. Mismo ang sarili kong katawan ang nagsasabotahe sa akin ngayon, why do I even crave his touch?

Helios leaned on my ear. "Does your husband know you're cheating on him?" he asked in a low voice, his breath warm against my ear. "Does he know about what we did at Hyperion house?"

His words were a dangerous drug, and I was hopelessly addicted. Pakiramdam ko nanghina ang kamay ko; I dropped the things I was holding as he pulled me into him. His arms wrapping around me. Parang nanghina ang tuhod ko kaya napakapit ako sa matipuno niyang braso para hindi tuluyang bumagsak sa lapag.

"Does he know how I kissed you that night? How I touched you and made you cry out my name?" He nipped at my earlobe. Mahina akong napasinghap dahil doon, my breath catching in my throat as my lips parted involuntarily.

He leaned in much closer to me. "Your husband doesn't know everything, Hexia. Maybe he can't handle everything I do to you."

I tried to protest, but my voice was weak and trembling. "Hindi nga ako asa—"

Impit akong napatili ng maramdaman ang kamay niya sa likuran ko at paharap na pinahiga sa lamesa habang nakatayo pa rin. And right now I was bending in front of him. I don't know why, but instead of being scared, I'm excited about what he's going to do next. He was behind me now, and he pulled my ponytail to the left. Maya maya ang naramdamam ko na ang malambot niyang labi sa leeg ko; he slowly kissed my neck a couple of times.

"Did he even know how to please a woman?" mapangakit niyang tanong sa akin.

"Fuck you, crazy bastard," hinihingal kong sagot sa kan'ya. .

I could almost feel the smirk on his face as he bit down gently on my neck.

"I guess the answer is no," he murmured, his voice laced with satisfaction. "Don't worry, I'll show you how a woman should be pleasured."

Kumunot ang noo ko roon. "H-huh? Anong ibig mong sabihi—"

I couldn't finish what I said when he pulled down my leather cargo pants, along with my thong underwear. I closed my eyes tightly when his finger touched my wet core. Exploring my womanhood and teasing me.

"You're wet," he softly whispered to me. "I like it very much, Hexia. You should only be like this to me and not to anyone else."

Mariin kong nakagat ang ibabang labi ko ng maramdaman ang daliri niya na unti-unting pumasok sa akin. Because it was slippery, he quickly inserted it. After a few heavy breaths escaped my lips because I could feel his finger on me.

"You're so tight. Relax."

"Helios..."

A wave of sensation washed over me as his finger began to move within me. Mahina akong napasinghap ng maramdaman na parang bumilis ang paggalaw ng daliri niya roon, and each stroke sent a jolt of pleasure through my body. This was new to me, at pakiramdam ko para akong mawawala sa sarili ko.

Maya maya ay naramdaman ko ang matipuno niyang braso sa aking baywang; I felt his body pressed against his. I gasped as he placed me on the small table, the dim light casting an ethereal glow on his form. His silhouette... dark and imposing, filled my vision. The tension between us was clear, and I found myself pulled to him like a moth to a flame.

Bakit... bakit parang ang sarap niya sa paningin ko ngayon?

I looked up as pleasure washed over me again, and Helios' finger slowed its pace inside me. Mahina akong napakagat sa ibaba kong labi at natagpuan na lang ang sarili na dahan-dahang gumagalaw ang baywang para salubungin ang bawat pag-ulos ng daliri niya.

I felt a sharp object against my neck while his finger continued to move inside me. I didn't know how to react because the pleasure I was feeling was overpowering.

"Do you want this, Hexia?" Helios asked me. "Would you rather have my finger or your husband's?"

"W-what...?" napapahingal kong sagot sa kan'ya.

Hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin ko. Takot ba dahil sa kutsilyong nakatutok sa leeg ko o itong nangiinit kong nararamdaman dahil sa ginagawa niya sa akin!?

"I'll slit your throat if you lie to me. I want a real and straight answer, Hexia. Me... or Atlas?"

"Did you just blackmail me while your fingers are inside of me?" hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong sa kan'ya habang habol ang sariling hininga.

Does he really expect me to answer his question while he's soaking his finger inside me? Ni hindi nga ako makapag-isip ng maayos dahil sa nangyayari ngayon! And all I want to do is feel his finger more and thrust it deeper inside me!

"Why not?" he whispered as his finger continued to play with my wet core.

"None of the above..." mahina kong sagot. I squeezed my eyes shut as his finger moved faster inside me while his thumb rubbed my clit.

Fuck, why does it feel so good? I need more!

"Hmm. Again, Hexia. Helios or Atlas?"

"I said none of the above—"

Napahawak ako sa ulo niya ng bigla siyang lumuhod at binaon ang ulo sa pagitan ng aking hita. I gasped loudly when I felt his tongue slowly gliding across my wetness while his finger continued to move inside me.

Millions of volts of electricity shot through me every time he spread his tongue across my clit, sometimes licking it rapidly. Hindi ko maiwasan na masabunutan siya habang pinapakiramdaman ang bawat galaw ng dila niya sa akin.

When I felt something building inside me, I couldn't help but grind my hips against Helios, calling out his name.

"Helios!"

I gasped when I looked at him, and even though it was a little dark, I saw how he wiped his mouth with his hand, and when he cleaned his finger, that was used on me with his mouth.

"That's right. The right answer is Helios. Nice choice," he said arrogantly and seemed proud of what he did to me.

I felt my cheeks heat up at what he said. Tinuwid ko ang aking tayo at napahawak sa lamesa ng maramdamang parang nanghinga ang tuhod at hita ko. Mabuti na lang at nakahawak agad si Helios sa baywang ko para maalalayan ako. I pulled up my leather cargo pants along with my underwear.

"Walang tamang sagot! Gago!" singhal ko sa kan'ya.

I raised my fist to hit him in the face. He didn't seem to expect what I was going to do, so he didn't dodge immediately.

Nagmamadaling kinuha ko ang mga gamit ko kanina at iniwan siyang mag-isa. My pace was fast and sometimes even slowed down because my leg and thigh were getting wobbly on the way back to Atlas' cousin's office.

Pero ang sinabi niya habang tumatakbo ako papalayo sa kan'ya ay hindi nakatakas sa akin.

"You're always running away from me, Cinderella. No matter what you do, I know you'll still come back for me."

Siraulo ba siya!? What has he even talked about?! Fucking bastard

SHANGPU