Chapter 10

I spent two days at Bangkok, exploring the city at day and exploring my boyfriend's body at night.

It feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest. I no longer overthink at night, especially when he wraps his arms around me and murmur dark promises to my ears until I was lull into sleep.

His lips pressing on my throat woke me up. I smiled at him, and hugged him back, clutching the white sheets to cover my naked body. Philodemus, ever since we've made love, became more possessive of me. Hindi niya ako hinahayaang mawala sa paningin niya at palaging napapagalitan kapag nawawala ako nang hindi nagpapaalam.

"We better get up or we'll be late for our flight." I murmured to his lips, kissing him.

His eyes exuded a mirthless look, before he grinned at me. "Or we could make love all day here."

I slapped his bare chest, and it hollowed with his throaty laughter. Tumayo ako, bagama't bahagyang nananakit ang katawan. I dragged myself to the shower and thankfully, the brute followed thereafter.

Inaasahan ko na ang pagdagsa ng mga reporters sa airport pa lamang pagdating namin ng Thailand. He prohibited me to read or watch the news in our two days at Bangkok. He said he wanted to enjoy those two precious days with me without the distraction from the media.

The hubbub from their shutters of camera and yelled questions made my ears bleed. A huge gaggle of journos attacked us as soon as we stepped off the plane.

"Philo, is that true that you are a drug addict?"

"What happened at your Thai concert, Philo?"

"Rumors has it that even Storm is using drugs too... is that true?"

I caught a glimpse of extreme anger flashed in his eyes, as he turned to the reported who boldly ask that question just to get our attention. His jaw clenched in a ruthless manner. Before he can open his mouth and fire back, I clutched at his arms and squeezed it, reminding him that he ought not to speak when showered with questions from the journalists. His publicist, Rena, would speak to all of them at his behalf.

"A press conference will be held this afternoon to formally answer your questions. Please." Rena said in a strong voice that screams professionalism. Some of the reporters started to step back while others are still desperate for our response.

I felt his strong arms tugging me closer as we were accompanied by a phalanx of security guards until we reached the people carrier safely. Pinauna ako ng pasok ni Philodemus bago siya sumunod at tinabihan ako. Some of his bandmates occupied the front rows of the van and his manager, Erickson, sat on the passenger seat.

"Take a rest, Storm." He said, squeezing my arms tenderly. "It's been a long day."

"No..." I said, typing on my phone furiously. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya at bahagyang itinaas ang aking cellphone. "Denver wants to meet me asap. We have an important meeting."

His lips tugged downward in disapproval. "Can't it wait? You still has to sleep."

I reached for his rough jaw and caressed it affectionately. "I'm going to be fine."

"Fine." He grumbled and then leaned back on his chair. The allegations of the reporters and fake news didn't bother him a bit. His temper, I noted, just rose earlier when my name and the word drugs were used in the same sentence.

I instructed the driver to drop me off the restaurant that we've agreed upon meeting. Kissing Philodemus goodbye, I climbed off the van with my sunglasses and head scarf off to meet my manager.

Our meeting took three long hours. Denver sat down and talked about the upcoming film that we're going to make with the director, script writer, and the producer. Nang kami nalang dalawa ay hindi man lang siya nagtanong tungkol doon sa isyu ng concert ni Philodemus sa Thailand. It's either he doesn't give a damn about it or he knows exactly what happened.

Siya na din ang naghatid sa akin pauwi. I watched the interview of the Memento Mori on the way home. The press conference is awful. Sensitive questions were thrown to them and Philodemus answered it skillfully, his tone always full of conviction and finality.

Tired to death, I opened the door of my condo unit and jumped in surprise when the shadow from the dark appeared out of nowhere.

"Stormie..."

Napapikit ako at sinapo ang dibdib, gulat na gulat. It's Philodemus. Ever since I gave him the spare key of my unit, he didn't stop surprising me by appearing out of the blue inside my place.

"Sana sinabi mo man lang na pupunta ka pala..." ani ko habang binubuksan ang ilaw.

"Why? Were you expecting someone else?" bahagyang umigting ang panga niya sa galit at iritasyon.

Nginisihan ko siya. I am amused when he's mad and I could see the stinging jealousy from his ruthless eyes. "No. But you never failed to give me a heart attack every time you appear out of nowhere."

"Uh-huh?" he said, eyeing me like a hawk, still not convinced.

"Would you like something? Coffee?" I asked instead and went straight to my small kitchen. Kung ikukumpara ang condo ko sa kaniya, masyado itong maliit. But I still like it, because it's mine and I'm not just renting. It's one of the properties I bought when I entered the world of showbiz and the feeling of security that it exudes, despite receiving numerous death threats from anonymous senders comforts me a lot.

"Have you had your dinner?"

"I ordered for us."

"Hmm. Okay." I glanced at the clock hanging above my kitchen cupboard. Mag-aalas dyez na ng gabi. Anong oras na naman 'to uuwi?

I felt him wrapping his hands on my stomach and resting his chin on the soft skin of my exposed shoulders. Hinayaan ko siya habang nagtitimpla ako ng kape.

"What time do you usually sleep? Ang tagal ng meeting mo kay Denver, ah?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. He's back at it again. "I usually sleep around 12 in the morning."

He made a low growl of disapproval, and even as I poured the hot water from the kettle to the large mugs, he never let go of me.

"And your breakfast?"

"I order from the French cafe downstairs or just I'll just grab something on my way to the set."

"You don't cook for yourself?"

"Well, I'm a busy professional. But there's microwave oven, pressure cooker, and toaster to speed up the cooking time." Tuluyan ko nang inilapag ang mug sa lamesa at kumalas na siya sa akin. "Why are you grilling me of my everyday routine, Mister? Hmm?" bahagya ko siyang tinaasan ng kilay.

He sighed and raked his hands through his already messy hair. Pulling a chair for me, he let me sit first before answering my question.

"Sometimes, I hate how independent my baby is..." he crouched and pressed a kiss on my cheeks. Then whispered sensually on my ears. "I want you to need me."

"Oh, I do need you..." my eyes twinkled mischievously. Philodemus chuckled darkly.

"Stop seducing me or we'll not be able to eat tonight." Banta niya sa akin.

Tawa lang ang isinagot ko habang inihahanda niya ang pagkain sa aming dalawa. I like how comfortable he is in choosing the plates to use, not bothering to ask me and setting it on the stable in a graceful manner. The uncultured part of him is raw and palpable, with a tinge of elegance from the years of residing with the Treveron clan.

Humilig ako sa lamesa at nakangisi siyang pinagmasdan. I still can't believe that a notorious rockstar is serving me plates in my own kitchen right now.

We talked over the food, and the Chinese he ordered was great. Magkatabi kaming kumain kaya't maya't maya ay bumabagsak ang kaniyang kamay sa hita ko. I keep on teasing him and he keeps on glaring darkly at me.

After eating, he presented to wash the dishes. I nodded at him gratefully and then went to my room to change into my usual cotton wear when I'm home. Nang makalabas ako at nagsusuklay ng buhok ay nakita ko siyang nakaupo na sa couch ngayon at may binabasang papel.

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko at bahagyang napatigil nang makita kung ano ang mga iyon. My hunch is confirmed based on the angry expression on his face. His jaw clenched as he ripped the paper and threw it on the floor. Pulling himself in a brutal manner, he stepped towards me.

"You've been receiving death threats?"

"I... uh..." hindi ako nakasagot kaagad. I am too stunned by the virile pooling in his dark eyes, and his tensed body. His hands balled into fists. Despite the calmness, I could feel his entire body throbbing in anger. Kulang nalang ay ibato niya ang lamesa sa salaming pader dahil sa sobrang galit.

"Stormie?" untag niya sa akin.

Nagbaba ako ng tingin, hindi makasagot. Philodemus cursed.

"That's it. You are moving with me."

"What?!" gulat akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya. Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang galit nitong tingin sa akin.

"You are moving with me. In the penthouse. We're going to live together."

"But..."

"I can't leave you alone in this condo with these fucking death threats around!" he roared. "Bakit hindi mo man lang sinabi sa akin?"

I shrugged. "Those notes are nothing. Pangtakot lang ang mga iyan."

"Bullshit!" he growled again. I could tell that he is very angry, so I chose my words carefully.

"We're both in the showbiz world, Philodemus. You know that these things are normal."

"And? You want me to lose my mind thinking over you every fucking time with these notes suggesting something bad to happen?"

"It's not what I meant—"

"No. I want you to be where I could see you and protect you. Not in this condo. If I have to chain you and throw you in my penthouse, believe me Shortie, I will."

I frowned at him. The finality in his icy stare is piercing me. I know that even if I open my mouth, I wouldn't be able to convince him that I would like to stay, and that I'm okay here.

"Fine." I said, admitting defeat.

"Start packing tomorrow. I'll sleep here tonight."

Tumango ako at pumasok muli sa kwarto. Naupo ako sa maliit kong kama at pinagmasdan ang mga paintings na isinabit ko. I could still feel the joy of decorating my room before. It's small compared to the room I've got back in La Union, but for the first time, I felt a sense of peace—something I would never gain from the mansion.

Nahiga ako at tumitig sa kisame. I still can't imagine myself living with him. I love him intensely, yes. But I have yet to start loving the independence I've gained after being a prisoner of my mother for years.

I liked my condo, a lot. It's small and cozy. I could walk around naked if I want or binge-watch Netflix series whenever I desire. I could order a box of pizza for dinner and no one would react, or skip the gym today just because I'm feeling lazy.

Groaning, I pulled the blanket to my face and closed my eyes. I should be thrilled, right? Living with the man I love in an expensive penthouse should send me partying all night because of delight. Tumagilid ako at hinarap ang bukas na bintana, nag-iisip nang malalim. I was lost in my thoughts when I suddenly heard heavy footsteps walking quietly towards my bed.

Then the weight shifted when someone heaved down. His manly scent revealed him, and with a strong wrap of arm around my stomach, Philodemus pulled me to his side and murmured on my ears.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier, baby." He said, kissing the crown of my head. "I was frustrated and worried."

Hindi ako kumibo. Medyo masama pa rin ang loob ko. And then realization sunk in. This is our first fight as a couple ever since we've been together. That fateful night at the La Union is excluded, because it concerns both of our families.

This time, we're really fighting as a couple. With the clash of our independent perspectives and idiosyncracies, and an issue as petty as moving together with him got me acting like a teenage girl.

"Please do understand..." iniharap niya ako at hinalikan muli ang mga labi. He searched for my eyes. "For years, I have nothing to lose and I've played with the odds my entire life. I go with the flow. But not with you. God, I would lose my mind if something bad happens to you. The thought that the sender of those threats is just lurking around, waiting to attack, terrifies me a lot."

He licked his lower lips and cupped my face. Unti-unti na akong nakaramdam ng hiya sa inakto nang mapagtanto ko ang ibig niyang sabihin.

"Do you understand, Stormie? I could lose everything but not you. God, not you..." he said painfully as he pulled me closer and gave me a warm hug.

My heart melted. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata at niyakap siya pabalik. Tumango ako nang halikan niya ang tuktok ng ulo ko at nagpaubaya. Philodemus traced my spine with his long fingers up and down, and then laid me on the bed.

Masyadong maliit ang kama ko para sa aming dalawa, kaya naman dikit na dikit kami sa isa't isa.

"Go to sleep now, Stormie. You're tired."

He need not to convince me. I started to relax in his arms and within minutes, fell asleep with him breathing hot on my temples.

Nang magising ako ay wala na siya sa kama. Suddenly, the bed feels so cold. I gathered the blanket around me and squinted my eyes at the rays of sun streaming through my little window.

A few minutes of deliberation passed and I pulled myself up and checked my appearance in the mirror. After cleaning my teeth and brushing my hair, I went outside and was greeted by the smell of freshly cooked pancakes.

Sumandal ako at pinanuod siyang seryoso sa ginagawa. He'd taken his top off, revealing strong muscles flexing at his every move. A faint glint of sweat had trailed the muscle indentions on his chest, and his jeans hang loosely around his long hip bones.

"Morning, sexy..." I mused out loud.

Napalingon sa akin si Philodemus. Running his gaze at me from head to toe, as if seeing me in a cotton wear for the first time, desire invaded his dark eyes.

"Mornin'..." he lazily answered. Iminuwestra niya ang upuan. "Take a seat. Malapit na 'tong matapos."

I happily obliged his order and my eyes feasted on the pancakes on the table, the chocolate syrup, the coffee, and some eggs. Naglapag pa si Philodemus ng isang plato na may lamang pancake, bago niya ako dinaluhan sa lamesa.

He's always been a good cook. From the first time I saw him marinating the meat for barbeque in his party, until now that he's serving me pancakes for breakfast. The thought of cooking as sexy and sensual never occured to me until I saw him half-naked and occupying my kitchen like some world-class chef.

Oh, his fans would die if they learn that Philodemus is not only good in singing, but also in bed and in cooking.

I giggled. Knowing that the information couldn't just be googled by his die-hard fans, it made me feel very special. Seryoso akong tinititigan ni Philodemus habang iniinom niya ang kaniyang kape.

"I'll just have someone to pack my things here. May shooting kami ngayong umaga."

"Hmm. Okay."

"Ikaw? Wala ka bang gagawin?"

"Meeting." Sagot niya at inilapag ang tasa sa lamesa.

I nodded happily. My mood was improved since last night. After eating breakfast, I showered and change. Inihatid muna ako ni Philodemus sa set bago siya umuwi sa sariling penthouse upang makapagbihis din.

During my break, I called Nick and told him what happened. Nag-aalala pa rin siya sa akin, dahil kung anu-ano nalang daw ang nababasa niya lalo na sa tabloid. I laughed at told him it's just sensationalized titles that does not justify the content.

"Ayos lang ako. In fact, I am moving to his penthouse suite."

"Really?" he didn't bother hiding the surprise in his voice. "Living with a Treveron, already?"

Ngumuso ako nang bahagya at tinitigan ang sarili sa vanity mirror. "Yes. He wants me to move with him."

"I take it something happened at Thailand." Pilyo niyang wika sa akin.

Nerbyos na tawa lang ang isinagot ko sa kaibigan.

"Well, you better get used to being the rocktar's girlfriend now, Storm. And now that you're moving together with him... shall I expect a baby anytime soon? Ninang ba ako?"

"Sira!" tumawa ako at pinamulahan ng mukha. My periods are regular so I didn't bother taking pills, and it didn't occured to me even when we got back together. Every time we make love, I noticed, that he'd been really careful not to blow it inside of me. I am too embarassed to ask, but for my point of view, a baby wouldn't be a problem at this age and in our situation right now.

I'd be damn happy to carry his child and leave or take a break from showbiz.

Gusto ko na sanang umuwi nang maaga pero nadawit pa ako sa isa pa uling meeting. I sat patiently and listened to the exchanging of ideas amongst the directors and producers for tis new film. I nodded my head and sipped on my tea. I could feel my phone vibrating, but dare not to pull it out in front of them.

By the time we were finished, I ordered my driver to return me home. The brown plain boxes are now neatly organized at the middle of the room with Pia, demanding the helpers to organize my things. She smiled at me when I entered.

"Malapit na po kaming matapos, Ms. Storm. Kaunti nalang po ang kailangang..." she trailed off, and the smile on her face faded. It was replaced with a look of surprise, before she flushed and then cleared her throat.

I furrowed my eyebrows and turned. Philodemus had already his arms wrapped around my waist. He smelled of aftershave and his usual minty perfume. I smirked internally. Kaya pala...

"Hey..." he gave me a quick kiss and pulled the aviator glasses on the top of his head. He examined the people moving my things inside the box. "Everything settled?"

"Malapit na p-pong matapos, Sir..." mautal-utal na wika ni Pia.

"Good."  Hinila ako ni Philodemus palapit sa kaniya. Then he buried his face on my neck and inhaled my scent. "Let's go? I'll have your things delivered to the penthouse tonight."

I nodded my head. I gave Pia some last instructions before we went to the basement parking. Pinunan ko ang passenger seat at inayos ang seatbelt habang si Philodemus naman ay pinaandar na ang sasakyan.

While we're on our way to the penthouse, I called Denver and informed him that I've moved together with Philodemus. He gave me his approval and assured me that all mails and addresses will be changed as quickly as he can.

Nang makarating kami sa kaniyang penthouse ay nagsimula na akong atakihin ng kaba. Sa hindi malamang dahilan ay hindi ako mapakali. Even as I stepped out of his car, I bit my lower lips and as we took the private lift that would lead to the suite.

The young housemaid greeted us again. I smiled warmly at her and then followed Philodemus inside.

"Tell Martin to have our dinner ready, Lisa."

"Yes, Sir."

Philodemus let go of my hands while taking the contemporary-styled stairs and started removing his leather jacket. Isinabit niya iyon sa kaniyang kamay at binuksan ang pintuan tungo sa kaniyang kwarto.

I let myself took in the sight of what's going to be now my bedroom. The red silk on his king-sized bed screams royalty, as well as the expensive lampshade, dresser, and small table. His black marbled Macbook rested at the middle of his bed and a pair of white earpods attached to it. On the east is his floor-to-ceiling glass window with only the blinds covering to reveal the beautiful view of city at night.

I noticed, as I scanned the room, that he took down some of the paintings he hung the last time I had been here. I turned to Philodemus, my eyes questioning.

He squeezed my arms gently. "You can put your paintings wherever you want. The walk-in closet can be yours. I don't have much clothes with me."

Bahagya akong ngumuso, nahihiya. Tumatama na sa akin ang reyalidad na magkasama na kaming titira sa iisang bubong.

"I want you to be comfortable, Stormie." He pulled me closer as his hot tongue traced the shape of my thin lips. I breathed his scent and sighed heavenly. I could get used to this. "What's mine is yours, baby. Any fruit borne from my hardwork is meant to be yours."

I gazed at him, getting lost at his dark eyes. Oh, I couldn't be more inlove with this man. The intensity of my love for him is both frightening and thrilling. He is dangerously beautiful and he held every piece of me in his hands. I couldn't ask for more.

I tip-toed and reached for his lips. Philodemus' hands went to my waist to steady me, and I smiled between our kisses. Nababaliw na talaga ako sa kaniya.

"Don't get me so addicted to you, baby..." he murmured as he gently pushed me to his bed. "I couldn't get enough of you..."

"Then don't." I answered simply as my eyes twinkled seductively. "I want it. I want you..."

Philodemus' smirk grew as he hovered on top of me and started unbuttoning my button-down polka-dot dress. He pressed his lips on the hollow of my throat, as my body arc to him and sighed back.

"Consider this your welcome party..." he said in a husky voice as his rough hands started roaming my body.

I laughed softly. Oh. I could get used to this.