"Dionysus!"

I shrieked in delight when I spotted one of the Rigor's labradors crawling around the pool area. His ears instantly perked up in alarm and scanned the surroundings. When I went closer to him, he automatically recognized me and wagged his tail like crazy.

"I missed you!" I said, showering the dog with kisses.

Tuwang-tuwa ko siyang niyakap. Rigor's been stolen from me by his friends. Binulungan niya rin ako kanina na mauna na ako sa pool. He'll get us some drinks. I wasn't expecting to see my furry friend here.

"Hindi ko alam na nandito ka pala..." I petted him and signaled the dog to sit. Nakaluhod ako sa harapan niya habang siya naman ay hinihingal dahil sa pag-atake sa akin kanina. "You're such a good boy."

A dark shadow fell on me. Dionysus didn't flinch, so I expected Rigor but when I turned, I saw Thyron. He looks pissed. On his hand is a bottle of tequila. Nagtaas ako ng kilay.

"I hope you don't mind me gate-crashing your little party..." he said with dead sarcasm as he plopped next to me. Tinungga niya ng bote at tumingin sa kawalan.

"Huwag mong sabihin sa aking brokenhearted ka, tatamaan ka sa akin." Banta ko sa kaniya.

Hindi siya umimik. His legs are soaked in the water as he inclined his head up to the dark sky. Rinig na rinig pa rin namin ang malakas na musika. They must be playing some sort of a game because I heard howls of laughter and cheers.

"Who's that weirdo, by the way?" he turned to me, genuinely curious.

I shrugged. "Ngayon ko pa siya nakilala. Gulat rin ako."

"Parang napulot lang sa basurahan..." he mumbled, playing with the lips of the bottle like a kid.

I chuckled. "You're an idiot, Thyron."

"I know."

"A big, bulky idiot." I said, moving closer to him. "You had all the time in the world to confess to her about... what you feel." I cleared my throat, waiting for a protest, but it didn't come. "But you didn't bother."

"Heh. Huwag na... mukhang naubusan na talaga ako ng pagkakataon."

I bit my lower lip. I don't want to judge Collin. He could be a good guy, for all I know. Alam ko namang hinuhusgahan ko lang siya base sa hitsura at una kong naramdaman sa kaniya pero hindi ko talaga alam ang ugali ng lalaki. I have yet to talk to Sorcha about it. She's been fooling around with guys for ages, it's highly unlikely of her to announce herself in a public relationship all of a sudden.

"For what it's worth, I think Sorcha sees you more than a bed warmer."

"Aray. Bakit parang ang pangit ng dating? Mukha akong ginamit!" he clutched his chest dramatically. I chuckled.

Dionysus sniffed Thyron and growled at his cheek. The guy flicked the poor dog's forehead. They both glared at each other. Thyron sighed.

"Even the dog doesn't like me..."

"It's okay, Thyron." Ginaya ko siya at inilubog din sa tubig ang paa ko. "I don't like myself too.."

Both of us went silent, contemplating. He with Sorcha, and me with Rigor. After a few moments, Dionysus excitedly jumped from my side and greeted his owner.

"May namatayan ba?" tanong kaagad ni Rigor. He handed me a tall glass of a pale pink vodka. Itinuro ko si Thyron.

"Tanungin mo kapatid mo."

"Ah, si Collin." He chuckled. He harshly pushed his brother away at pumagitna sa aming dalawa. "Yosi?"

"Pass." Thyron grumbled under his breath. Rigor studied the thin stick before putting it back into his pocket.

"Why don't you see her?" Rigor suggested.

"I don't have a death wish, Rigor."

"No. Just keep an eye on her. I don't trust Collin very much and you know that's rich coming from a man."

Thyron contemplated for a moment, then took a gulp of his drink before rising. He gave the two of us a side-glance.

"I guess I'll go take a look. See you around, lovebirds."

I pouted and waved goodbye. Hindi ko talaga gustong isatinig ito pero ngayong sinabi na ni Rigor, hindi na talaga ako mapakali.

"Anong ibig sabihin mo dun? O sinabi mo lang ba yun para iwan tayong dalawa ni Thyron?"

Rigor scratched at his rough jaw, then turned to me.

"I'm just watching over your friend, Czarina. Hindi ko kilala ang lalaki. Ngayon ko pa lang siya nakita."

I ran a tongue over my lower lip, trying to kill the worry gnawing inside my chest.

"But he could be a good guy," he shrugged. "Don't worry. Thyron might be a dork, pero alam kong hindi niya pababayaan nang ganun si Sorcha."

Still unconvinced, I nodded and finally took a sip of my drink. It burns my throat and tastes a bit sweet. Agad ko itong itinabi at nilingon si Rigor.

He's staring aimlessly at the blue waters, deep in thoughts. His eyes looked incredible in the moonlight, and I gathered all my will not to reach for him and caress his cheeks. I couldn't even remember the night when we got into an agreement that we'll never kiss or touch, but it seemed ancient history. As much as I deny it, I am definitely aching for this guy.

"Done checking me out?"

I pouted, and never looked away. "Kapag nilabag ko ang rules natin, kasalanan mo 'to..."

Rigor chuckled, taking a sip of his own drink.

"Bakit kasalanan ko?"

Because you are unbelievably hot and aesthetically pleasing. I am aching to get my hands on you so I could memorize the texture, the feel, the structure of your entirety and translate it into a bronze statue.

Clearing my throat, I licked my lower lip. Humiram muna ako ng tapang sa inumin bago siya sinagot.

"You're already acting like my boyfriend."

"I will be. Soon."

Nagtaas ako ng kilay. Hindi ba marunong mahiya ang lalaking 'to? Anong nilalagay niya sa scrapbook kapag tinatanong siya ng most embarrassing moment of your life? He is so full of confidence! Maybe the fact that he's been worshipped for his godly looks and insane artist skills made him so full of himself?

"Yabang." I said, finally realizing that I have always wanted this man more than I allow myself to admit.

The night went on slowly, as if there's just the two of us. I could still hear the laughter and the curses but it faded into background noise. Rigor refilled our glasses twice and, in the end, he decided to just bring the entire vodka bottle with him. Inilapag niya iyon sa gitna namin.

"Rigs! Is that your girl?" a tall, staggering man approached us. Magka-akbay silang dalawa ni Elton. They both looked drunk. "No wonder you're MIA all night. Busy ka pala."

"Busy nga kaya magsilayas kayong dalawa." Aniya sabay inabot ang bote at tinungga. I swallowed, my fingers tracing the mouth of the glass. Rigor drove us here. If we're both drunk, who is going to drive me home? I'm sure Thyron is dead drunk too.

"Huwag na natin silang disturbuhin. Mainitin ang ulo ng pinsan ko..." Elton commented, his face flushed. I saw him getting yelled at earlier. I'm not sure if the redness of his cheeks is caused by the alcohol or the slap he received from the angry Shantel earlier.

Kinulit pa siya ng lalaki na samahan sila sa baba para mag-video games ngunit hinila na siya ni Elton palayo. Rigor is serious. The tips of his ears are getting red. This is the only indication I can find that the alcohol is starting to affect his system.

"Sinong maghahatid sa akin?" I moaned and tipped my head a bit. Nilingon ako ni Rigor. "I'm starting to get drunk."

"Bold of you to assume that you're going home tonight."

I sharply turned to him with an arched brow. "Excuse me?"

A dry chuckle vibrated from his throat. Inirapan ko ang lalaki at pinilit ang sariling tumayo kahit na ang totoo ay nahihilo na ako.

"Kukuha lang ako ng tubig."

Rigor stood with me, swiftly grabbing me by the waist. "Czarina..."

My stomach is now twisting under the warmth of his palms. Hindi ko alam kung nang-aasar ba ang DJ dahil bigla nalang pinalitan ang malakas na electronic music ng Mabagal. When someone is drunk, I think everything becomes suddenly romantic...

Gusto kitang isayaw ng mabagal

Gusto kitang isayaw ng mabagal

Hawak kamay, pikit-mata

Sumasabay sa musika

Gusto kitang isayaw nang mabagal

Rigor's hand slowly traveled to my rib, resting just beneath my breasts. I am pretty sure he could feel the wild pounding of my heart but for some alcohol-related reason, I didn't move. I didn't protest nor flinch. I just let him hold me like that while his other hand is tracing lazy circles in my arms.

Rigor stepped closer and pressed his mouth against my ears. "Let's dance."

Heto na ang kantang hinihintay natin

Heto na'ng pagkakataon na sabihin sa 'yo

Ang nararamdaman ng puso ko

Matagal ko nang gustong sabihin ito

I turned to him, my eyes still serious. Dahan dahang inalis ni Rigor sa kamay ko ang hawak na baso. He placed it somewhere else and then brushed his lips against my cheeks, whispering something.

My head is swirling with alcohol and I didn't understand anything, but I know it was something sweet and sincere. I let him guide me by swaying slowly with his forehead pressed against mine.

A small smile touched my lips. The butterflies in my throat and the twisting muscles in my stomach are long gone. It must be the alcohol. Or my heart. Or just Rigor... but I feel at peace. I can't remember the last time I felt at peace like this. For someone who grew

Suminghap si Rigor. My pulse raced. It looks like a scene ripped straight from a romance novel. It made me feel important... for once.

Gusto kitang isayaw nang mabagal

Gusto kitang isayaw nang mabagal

Hawak-kamay, pikit-mata

Sumasabay sa musika

Gusto kitang isayaw nang mabagal

Ilalagay ang iyong kamay sa aking baywang

Isasabay sa tugtog ng kanta ng ating katawan

At dahan-dahang magdidikit ating mga balat

Matagal ko nang gustong mangyari 'to

I wonder what he's thinking right now? We are both under the influence of the alcohol but I am certain... with or without the alcohol, I am smitten by this guy. Craning my neck, I looked up at him, half-drunk, half-grinning.

"Talo na yata ako, Rigor..." bulong ko sa kaniya at ihinilig ang ulo sa dibdib. I sighed deeply.

"I didn't realize we were playing, cherié."

I looked up at him, frowning. Nakangisi siya. He knows it. judging from the smug expression on his face, he definitely knows it. for some strange reason, relief washed over me. I've heard horror stories of unrequited love and I want it to remain like that. A shitload of stories. I don't need a firsthand experience.

"I think we should cool our heads..." I smirked, an evil plan forming in my mind.

"What—"

With all the strength I've got, I pushed Rigor's body into the pool but let out a squeal myself when he managed to drag me with him by grabbing my waist. I managed to close my mouth the second we hit the water, our bodies still close to each other. The cold made me froze, and I clung to him tightly, letting my dignity sink to the bottom of the pool.

"Rigor!" I gasped for air when we surfaced. Nakapulupot ang kamay ko sa leeg niya. When I thought of pushing him into the pool, I wasn't expecting that he'd drag me and that my plan will backfire on me! Now we are in the middle and I... don't know how to fucking swim!

He chuckled. "My baby girl thinks she can outsmart me..." he gently placed back the wet hair sticking to my face. "Cute."

Agad akong pinamulahan sa sinabi ng lalaki. I looked around, desperate and my heart still pounding. Nanginginig din ang buong katawan ko dahil sa lamig at dahil na rin sa magkayakap kaming dalawa.

Nahimashimasan nga ako sa biglaang pagtalon namin sa pool dahil umakyat na ata sa lalamunan ko ang kaba.

"Balik na tayo," parang bata kong wika. Nakapulupot pa rin ako sa kaniya na parang tarsier. If anyone sees us, they would probably think that I look like an idiot.

"And let you go like that?" he cocked an arrogant brow. "No way."

"Rigor!" I complained. I know, I know. Karma really is a bitch. Nagsisisi na kaagad ako sa ginawa.

I felt him closing his arms around me, pulling me closer. Although it made me feel safer, an alarm went off in my head. Masyadong malapit ang mukha niya sa akin. Ramdam ko ang bawat paghinga niya at ang init ng bawat buga. Kinakabahan din ako na baka maramdaman niya na nag-aalburuto ang puso ko ngayon at parang sasabog na. I turned away, biting my lower lip.

His other hand snaked to my face, gently tipping my head so I could look back at him. His finger traced my bottom lip, and I bit harder. Rigor tenderly unfolded it for me, tracing the shape of my mouth with a serious face.

"Stop teasing me..." he said in a low voice, still with his fingers on the corner of lips. "I am on the verge of breaking the rules, Czarina."

I stared at him, my heart pounding. How else can a woman resist a man who was made to seduce? There's no need for him to memorize practice words of seduction when his eyes could talk like this. This forbidden fruit in front of me...

God, I am really a sinful Eve.

My breasts are pressed against his chest. I could also feel him down there, but he's not doing anything about it. Mas lalo lang akong kinabahan. But I do not have the courage to let go of him and let myself sink.

"Cherié—"

"Ahoy! Ahoy!"

Napalingon kaming dalawa nang marinig ang boses ng pinsan. A very drunk Thyron is heading towards us quickly in staggering steps. May kasama siyang ibang babae. He was grinning and pointing at us.

"Fuck this imbecile." Rigor cursed under his breath.

Mabilis na hinubad ni Thyron ang suot niyang shirt. The girl who was with him is obviously drunk, too. My eyes widened when she easily stripped off her dress and revealed a matching muted pink underwear.

Sabay silang tumalon sa pool, splashing water on the both of us. Thyron surfaced, laughing like an idiot. Natawa nalang din ako. The four of us agreed to play. Sinasamaan ng tingin ni Rigor and kapatid pero oblivious naman ito sa nararamdaman. I climbed on Rigor's broad shoulders with my wet dress sticking to my body.

"I'm Kenna, by the way..." the girl who was with him smiled at me when we met mid-air. She doesn't look like a pure-blooded Filipino with her creamy complexion and violet-bluish eyes. Her hair is long and wavy in ink black with no trace of chemical treatment.

"Czarina," ngiti ang iginanti ko sa kaniya. Well, she seems nice. She's also hot, and she knows it. Her underwear is a bit sheer and now that it's wet, I am almost drooling. There's really nothing to hide with a body like hers. "Hindi ka taga-rito..."

"Nope." She smirked and when our hands met, I was thrown off guard because she is surprisingly strong! Mabilis niya akong naitulak kaya diretso sa tubig ang bagsak ko. I could hear her muffled laughter underwater. Rigor went down with me. panicking, I quickly surfaced, sputtering water from my mouth. Pabiro ko siyang sinamaan ng tingin. "Ops."

"That's my girl!" Thyron laughed. "Kierra, sweetie, let's go!"

"That's Kenna but whatever." She rolled her eyes, still smiling.

Parang gusto ko tuloy sipain si Thyron. Why is it so hard for this guy to remember anyone's name?

We played several rounds and I was very determined to push her back into the water, just once, to regain my dignity. Rigor also loosened and became very competitive as well. I tried to ignore the tingling in my skin each time he tightens his grip on my legs.

By the time we went back to the edge of the pool, all of us are weary. My legs and shoulders are sore. The boys left us to get some drinks while I pulled off my wet dress. Piniga ko ito sa harap ni Kenna.

"Polcadots. Classy." She commented, staring at my black underwear. Bigla tuloy akong nahiya at kaagad na isinuot pabalik ang basang damit. The woman laughed. "I'm just kidding, Czarina, loosen up."

"Pagkatapos mo akong ihulog nang paulit-ulit, magtatanim na siguro ako ng sama ng loob, Kenna."

She grinned, running fingers through her wet hair. "What a party. I can't believe I managed to drag myself here. I don't even know houseowner." She chuckled.

Curious, I stared at her. Nope. Hindi nga siya taga-rito. Unlike that grumpy Eros, Kenna is really an outsider. Isang tingin pa lang alam mo na kaagad.

"Boyfriend mo yung kanina?"

"Uh... uhm..." napakamot ako sa batok, hindi alam ang isasagot. I was really thinking about it earlier but Thyron really ruined the moment.

"No need to answer if it's too complicated," she winked.

I nodded, sitting down at the plastic recliner and still staring at her. Sobrang ganda niya talaga. She radiates a gypsy soul, like a wild and carefree woman who wants to do whatever she wants.

"Where are you from, then?"

Before she could answer, I heard loud noises and footsteps coming towards us. Ngayon ay kasama na ng magkapatid si Elton at dalawa pang lalaki na mukhang classmates ata ni Rigor. They were carrying a case of beer. Inilapag nila iyon sa gilid ng pool. Rigor's classmates were nudging each other upon seeing Kenna. Nag-unahan pa na makaupo sa tabi niya nang pumwesto na kami. Thyron didn't mind. Mukhang kakakilala lang niya sa babae. In fact, he is spacing out. Kanina pa siya palingon-lingon na para bang may hinihintay.

Imbes na inuman ay interview session with Kenna ang nangyari. The boys took turn asking her questions that I myself is curious. She's not from here. She's just on a short vacation with her parents and she's going back soon. Her answers are a bit vague. Ni hindi niya sinabi kung taga-saan talaga siya. She smiles seductively at Rigor's classmates and easily doges a question with her doe eyes and cute smile. Mukhang nahumaling na talaga sila. Elton and Rigor are talking to each other separately.

Kinalaunan, naramdaman ko ang mahinang pagtapik sa akin ni Rigor. I turned to him, my eyes are a bit hazy. Every time it's my turn to drink, Rigor drinks it for me. He's aware that I couldn't hold my alcohol that much, and I'm not in the mood to be drunk tonight. A certain amount of alcohol makes me dreamy, but too much makes me do embarrassing things in front of everyone. I prefer the former as I have much control with myself.

"Pwede na tayong umalis kung pagod ka na..." he whispered on my ears.

Relief washed over me. kaagad akong tumango. I wanted to talk to Kenna more, but I am really tired and I want to rest.

"You can use the guest room downstairs," Elton said, sipping from his glass. "It's clean and hasn't been used by anyone tonight."

I turned to Rigor, silently protesting.

"I can't drive you home, Czarina. And I don't trust anyone in this party to drive you. Hindi rin ako papayag na mag-isa kang uuwi. Don't worry, I'll make sure that you won't be disturbed."

Too tired to even argue, I nodded and went with him. Kenna cheerfully waved good bye while Thyron looks like a sore loser in the corner, silently sulking. Bumaba kaming dalawa ni Rigor na magkahawak ang kamay. There are some couples that are making out in the couch and some are dirty dancing on the kitchen table. Mukhang walang kapaguran ang mga ito.

Rigor silently led me to the narrow hallway and opened the door to the second room. I stepped inside the carpeted floor. The room smells clean and fresh but it's so dull. Guest room nga talaga. The sheets are white, the walls bare, and a lonely flower vase is on the side table as an excuse for a decoration.

Nakatayo lang ako at nagmamasid kay Rigor na pumasok sa isang maliit na pinto. When he stepped out, he's already carrying a white towel. Inabot niya ito sa akin.

"You can take a shower and dry yourself first before sleeping. I'll be outside if you need anything..."

"Outside...?"

"We can't be alone together, remember?" he flicked my forehead and then gently pushed me inside the restroom. "Go on. Baka sipunin ka pa n'yan."

Pouting, I stepped inside the restroom and sighed in pleasure as I took a hot shower. Kahit na basa pa rin ang damit ay isinuot ko ito pabalik at ibinalot ang towel sa buhok ko. I cleaned my face and shamelessly used the new toothbrush inside the box.

I was feeling a bit better when I stepped out. Pinatay na pal ani Rigor ang ilaw. The room is cold and dark. I sat on the edge of the bed and looked around, not knowing what to do.

Sighing, I plopped down and stared at the ceiling. So much has happened tonight. It's definitely a night to remember.

The door slowly opened. Alerted, I got up and was relieved when I saw Rigor in the doorway.

"Gusto mo ng tubig?"

Realizing that my throat is dry as sahara, I quickly nodded. He disappeared and after a few minutes, came back with the glass of water. Nakaupo pa rin ako sa kama. He stepped inside and handed it to me.

I quickly gulped it down and then placed the glass in the side table. I turned to Rigor expectantly.

"Matulog ka na." He must've showered too because his hair is wet and he's changed into a new shirt already. He tucked his hands into his pockets. "Good night, Czarina."

Tumango ulit ako at isiniksik ang sarili sa makapal na comforter. Rigor headed outside. When his hand reached for the doorknob, I got up again.

"Rigor..."

He turned to me, looking so illegally handsome in the dark. Half of his face is hidden by the shadows. Swallowing, I spit out the words I've been dying to tell him the entire night.

"If anyone asks you again who's your girl..." my fists clenched the white comforter as my heart pounded erratically inside my chest. "Tell them it's me..."

-

#HanmariamBFLChap15