Chapter 8

"Are you wearing panties?"

My entire cheeks burned as I turned sharply to Kirby. Inosente siyang nakatingin sa akin na para bang normal na itanong sa isang babae kung may suot ba siyang panloob.

"Why would I not be wearing panties?!" I hissed.

"Why are you wearing panties?!" he screamed back at me.

Sorcha, who is sitting at my worn-out rattan chair, sighed.

"Diba sabi ko sa iyo, huwag nang magsuot ng pant-"

I grunted in response. "Shut up, Kirb."

"I'm just helping you get laid. Rigor would be very pleased once he discovers that-"

"I discover what?"

Nagulantang kaming tatlo sa panibagong boses na biglang lumitaw sa may pintuan. Sorcha left the door ajar when she entered my unit earlier. Ngayon ay ino-okupa na ng matangkad na bulto ni Rigor ang pintuan.

My mouth dropped at the sight of him. He was standing hard and lean in his expensive suit. One look and you could tell that he's not only good in painting but also in sports for he has that athlete body. His hair, rich and thick in black, are so used to being a delightful mess that strands of protest fell into his forehead when he styled it just for tonight. The arrogant Roman nose, high sweep of cheekbones, and lips that are formed in a thin line added to his overall sensual appeal.

"Oh... uhm..." I stammered, sweating. "My friend here is just telling me that—uhm..."

"If this isn't the infamous Treveron." Kirby grinned wickedly. Sobra-sobra ang kaba ko nang nilapitan niya si Rigor at walang-hiyang tinitigan. He assessed him from head to toe, pausing shamelessly at the middle, before sweeping his gaze back to his head only to meet a hard look from him. "Oh, don't look at me like that. A murderer's stare turns me on."

Sorcha chuckled in her chair.

"Long time no see, Kirby." Rigor acknowledged him with a nod. "I didn't know you're friends with my date tonight."

"More than friends. That bitch is practically my sister so don't you dare pull your stick out on her if you're not serious-"

"Kirby!" I cut him off. Hiyang-hiya na talaga ako sa pinagsasabi niya. "I think Rigor has heard enough."

"Usapang-lalaki, Czarina." Biglang lumalim ang boses niya at binalingan si Rigor. "Pero seryoso ako sa pinagsasabi ko, Rigor. That dumb girl just got out of a toxic relationship. Don't make things too hard for her."

"Kirby!" I whined.

"Now go, little lovebirds. Remember to be safe, mmkay?" he winked and pushed the two of us outside. I stumbled upon the rocky pavement had it not for Rigor who quickly caught my arms.

"Are you okay?"

Namumula pa rin ang pisngi ko sa kahihiyan. I nodded without a word. Naghihintay na ang nakaparada niyang sasakyan sa harapan. I glanced at him once more and smiled shyly.

"I'm sorry about my friends. They are rather vulgar."

"Oh, you mean Kirby?" he chuckled. "Sanay na ako sa kaniya. He's my classmate at a private Taekwondo class when I was seven. He's always been like that."

"Riiiight." I drew in a deep breath as he opened the car door for me.

"Don't worry, the seatbelt has been fixed." Nagkamot siya sa batok na parang nahihiya. "Sorry about last time."

"Nothing to worry about." I grinned and slid inside as gracious as I can.

He closed the door and circled the car. My phone buzzed. Kirby is messaging our group chat.

Kirby: Remember to squish your boobs together!

Sorcha: Dala ka alak pag-uwi.

Kirby: typing...

Kirby: Dalhin mo na rin si Rigor bilang pasalubong! :D

I glared at the screen and quickly type a reply before Rigor could even get inside. Baka makita pa niya ang kabalastugan ng mga kaibigan ko.

Rigor started chatting me on the way to the hotel where the event is going to take place. I think he is doing it to put me at ease. And it's working... so far. Nakaramdam lang ako ng kaba nang makita ang hotel mula sa di kalayuan. The pink neon sign blinked softly. I bit my lower lip and glanced at my outfit. Kirby picked it especially for me. A soft pink backless mini dress with a front slit and plunging neckline. Even if I tried to argue with him that I think it is too much for a senior's ball, he wouldn't listen to me. Sorcha even gave her approval and told me that I look sufficient in this dress.

"Trust me, Rigor wouldn't be able to keep his hands off you with this dress!"

I cringed when I heard Kirby's voice inside my head. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga nang huminto ang sasakyan. Some of the seniors are already here, entering the hotel and going to the event hall while chatting with each other. Rigor got out of the car and opened the door for me. I murmured a silent thank you and glanced at glass door.

"Rigs!" a tall, dark man approached Rigor. He is one of the seniors and I see him a lot. Hindi ko nga lang alam ang pangalan niya. "I thought you weren't coming. Who's this hottie?" he whispered.

"Keep your stupid ass off my date." Rigor hissed. I pretended not to hear anything and smiled politely when the man glanced at me confusedly.

"She's your date? I thought she's dating Max-"

"We're busy, Adam. I'll see you around."

I put my hands around Rigor's arms when he offered it to me and shyly walked towards the entrance. Most of the girls are wearing long, conservative gowns. I could only spot a few who are dressed in mini dresses. Mas lalo tuloy akong na-conscious.

"Don't you think my dress is inappropriate-"

"You look beautiful, Czarina. Stop worrying." He said and flicked my forehead. Napapikit ako. I clutched my reddening forehead and glared at him.

"Hey!" I protested.

Humigpit ang hawak ko kay Rigor nang makapasok na kami sa event hall. Tables were covered with white and red linen and roses were set everywhere. The MC is already talking in front. One of the staff gave us the number of the table reserved for us.

"It's actually my first time on a senior's ball." I tip-toed a little and whispered to him.

"I'm a lucky man, then."

I chuckled. I've been invited to senior's balls before, when I was in my first year. Sorcha has been sneaking into senior's ball of her department as well, but this year she declined all offers. Maybe it's because of Thyron. I don't see her fooling around with other guys since she started seeing him.

The table accommodates four people, and a couple is already seated when we arrived. Rigor acknowledged them and introduced me to his classmates. Megan, a tall, dark-skinned woman with a pixie-cut hair looks intimidating, opposite to her partner, Justin, a bubbly fair-skinned guy who smiled goofily at me when we were introduced.

I directed my gaze at the stage when the MC caught my attention. He cracked a joke and the audience laughed. Then he started dictating the flow of the program.

"It gets boring here. Do you want something to drink?" Rigor leaned closer and whispered.

I nodded shyly. Tumayo siya para ikuha ako ng inumin, leaving me with his classmates.

"Sooo... Czarina, right?"

Napalingon ako kay Bri. She's looking at me with a blank expression on her face.

"I never took Rigor to be cleaning up someone else's garbage..."

"Meg!" the guy scowled.

"What? It's true." She smiled sweetly at me. "Beginnings are always exciting, honey... the way he makes you special, the man sure knows how to spoil a woman and oh... the most exciting part... Rigor is quite talented in bed." She whispered the last words to me.

"Megan, that's enough." Justin said and turned to me with an apologetic look in his face. "Please don't mind her."

"Ex?" nagtaas ako ng kilay sa kaniya.

"I wouldn't use that word." She took a sip from her wineglass. "But I know him better than you do, that's for sure."

"I have all the time in the world to get to know him, Megan." I faked a smile.

She snorted. "No, you don't. You only have the time until he gets bored of you and toss you out." She glanced at her partner. "Justin, why don't we dance? I think a need a breath of fresh air."

The man silently nodded and accompanied her to the dancefloor. Rigor appeared from the crowd, carrying a tall glass of vodka tonic.

"Here." Inilapag niya ang inumin sa harapan ko. "Are you okay, Czarina?"

I nodded and reached for the glass. Rigor watched me in silence, still standing. When I finished drinking it, I grinned at him.

"Aren't you going to ask me to dance, Treveron?" I said slyly.

The corner of his lips lifted into a smirk. Nakasiksik ang isa niyang kamay sa bulsa, habang ang isa naman ay inayos ang takas kong buhok saka ako tinanguan.

"Let's dance."

Lorde's Ribs never sounded more sensual when we reached the dark dancefloor. He led me swiftly with his hand placed at the small of my back. I ignored the sensation of his hands touching my skin and instead put my hands in his neck when we were settled.

The drink you spilt all over me

'Lover's Spit' left on repeat

My mom and dad let me stay home

It drives you crazy getting old

His eyes are more alluring than now. The forest is on fire. The pink neon lights flashed in and out of his mismatched orbs, truly a sight to behold. I could see the authority in his eyes, feel the demand of his fingers, and the restrained urge to drew me closer. Getting giddy, I stepped closer to him and craned my neck to him.

"What would the seniors think, seeing the two of us like this?" I asked lazily.

Yumuko siya nang konti, inilapit ang mga labi sa tainga ko, at bumulong. "They'd be fucking jealous of me, cherié."

I chuckled. Hindi naman marami ang nainom pero nalalasing na kaagad ako sa halo-halong sensasyon na nararamdaman.

"What do you want from me, Treveron?"

His hands traced my spine and rested just above my bottom, before dragging me closer to him.

"What do I want?" he whispered.

We can talk it so good

We can make it so divine

We can talk it good

How you wish it would be all the time

The drink you spilt all over me

'Lover's Spit' left on repeat

My mom and dad let me stay home

It drives you crazy getting old

The drink you spilt all over me

'Lover's Spit' left on repeat

My mom and dad let me stay home

It drives you crazy getting old

"No one would associate with a stained woman like me." I said in silence, but still smiled despite the waves of loneliness washing over me. "So, what do you want?"

He scoffed, and flashes of hot anger appeared in his eyes. Instead of being afraid, I was amused. He's a man who can control his temper, that I know. He's not a spitfire, at least not with women.

"Cherié, it pains me that you regard so lowly of yourself..."

"Pero... totoo naman diba?"

He just stared at me. I prefer not warping the truth. A lie, when adored by many, becomes the reality. I simply could not afford to live in a delusional life. I need to know where I stand, and not be blinded by this emotional whiplash.

"Let's say it's true..." umigting ang panga niya, pero swabe pa rin ang paggalaw. The only indication of his rising temper is the tensed shoulders that only improved his posture while we were dancing. "Do I look like a give a fuck?"

The dream isn't feeling sweet

We're reeling through the midnight streets

And I've never felt more alone

It feels so scary getting old

We can talk it so good

We can make it so divine

We can talk it good

How you wish it would be all the time

I've been dancing with a wolf all alone. I've sinned before, but it never felt so liberating right now, getting drunk just by staring at his eyes. He certainly knows how to make a woman feel special. Megan, no matter how I hate the woman right now, is right.

"I think I know why Eve ate the forbidden fruit..." I whispered, half-drunk. Isinandal ko ang ulo sa dibdib niya. I sighed.

"And why is that?"

I chuckled despite my clumsiness. "It's because of you, Treveron." I pressed an accusing finger at his chest. "You're the forbidden fruit..."

A manly chuckle vibrated from his throat. "Is that so?"

"Hmm." I moaned lazily. "I wish the room would stop spinning."

"Let's go back, then."

"Excellent idea."

Justin and Megan are still on the dancefloor, to which I am grateful. My head is aching. I don't know why when it's just a single glass of vodka!

"Well, there's that. The ball gets boring from here on..." Rigor commented when the MC announced they'd be conducting set of games for the attendees.

I chuckled. "You don't like games, Treveron?"

"I don't." his jaw set. "Do you want me to take you home?"

My brows drew in together. The last thing I want tonight is Kirby's disturbing comments on top of my blaring headache.

"I'd like to get out of here, yes. But not home."

He raised a brow. I stared at him with a grin. He grunted. "Oh no.."

"Come on! Just take me to the beach or somewhere. Anything is better than this godforsaken place."

Ilang segundong nag-isip si Rigor bago siya dahan-dahang tumango.

"Alright. Come on."

I grinned and followed him outside. He's already removing his black coat while walking and then handed it to me.

"Baka lamigin ka." Yun lang ang tanging sinabi niya.

"Thanks!" I cheerfully put on the coat and followed him. He's loosening his neck tie while the other hand fished for the car keys. Nang makapasok ay bukas na ang tatlong butones ng suot niyang putting dress shirt. Isinabit ni Rigor ang pulang necktie sa likod ng rearview mirror at pinaandar ang sasakyan.

Soft music blasted inside while we were driving. It seemed peaceful now that it's approaching midnight. Rigor entered the alley where night clubs and bars were built next to each other.

"We're going to a bar?"

"You're not drinking, cherié." He said in a firm tone.

"Then there is no need to tempt me!" I lifted my chin in defiance.

He sighed and then slowly parked the car in front. Sinilip ko ang signage ng rustic-themed bar. Orca. I didn't wait for Rigor to open the door for me. Lumabas ako hinigpitan ang coat niyang naka-akbay sa akin nang umihip ang malamig na hangin.

"Let's just get something to sober you up. Hopefully, my cousin is here."

"Elton?"

"Yeah, the band sings here and there. I'm not really sure about their schedule."

I followed him inside. A soft music is playing in the background while the folks chatter in low voices. I could barely make out the faces because the entire area is poorly lit except for the occasional neon signages here and there.

Dumiretso kami sa counter na gawa sa kahoy at pininturahan ng pula. The girl behind the counter is wearing a red cropped top with the bar's name embroidered in it and black high-waisted shorts. She whistled when she saw spotted Rigor.

"Missed me already, babe?" she batted her eyelashes at him.

"Shut up, Stella." Rigor gestured to a wooden stool chair for me to sit on. "I need some coffee."

She grinned and turned to me, resting her elbows at the wooden surface. "Alam mo bang ikaw ang pangatlong babae na dinala niya dito ngayong linggo?"

"Stella!"

"But I'm right. First, it's Silver. And then some distant cousin of yours, then her." Pambawi nya kaagad. "I supposed you're not a relative?"

Umiling ako.

"Good. You're making progress, Rigor. You really should stop dating your sister, loser."

Rigor just glared at her. I stifled a laugh. So, these are his friends outside campus? I can relate to the second-hand embarrassment that friends always cause.

"Stella, at your service." She winked and extended her hand out to me.

"Czarina."

"What a pretty name for a pretty face." She studied my face for a moment then smiled some more. "I'll get your coffee going."

"Sooo... where's your cousin?"

Biglang kumunot ang noo ni Rigor sa tanong ko.

"Kakarating lang natin dito, siya agad ang hinahanap mo?" I could hear the bitterness in his voice.

I chuckled. "Alam mo bang crush ko siya noon?"

"What?" his face darkened.

"Come on!" I rolled my eyes. "Philo is hot, talented, and I heard he is also intelligent. Sorcha said herself that the guy has some appeal."

"Forget it. He's obsessed with that Stormie girl."

"I know... but a girl can dream, right?" I said, sighing.

"Stop talking about him."

"Why?"

"It pisses me off."

"But he's your cousin..." I said, confused.

"Being related by blood doesn't make him an exception when I am fucking jealous." he said, leaning closer to me. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I opened my mouth but quickly closed it. He glanced behind. "Nagbago na pala ang isip ko, Stell. Rum for me, please."

"Get a room, you two." She rolled her eyes but was smiling when she left the two of us.

I swallowed and quickly reached for the coffee, trying to still my beating heart. Imbes na kumalma, mas lalo lang akong ninerbyos. He is watching me intensely through the rim of his own cup. It's hard not to squirm when he looks at a woman that way. I wonder if he's aware of this?

His rum arrived not a moment later. I pouted and directed my eyes instead to the crowd. Some of them are seniors who also escaped the ball tonight. I was beginning to calm down but a pair of dark eyes caught me off guard.

Muntik na akong mahulog mula sa kinauupuan nang makitang nakatitig si Max sa akin. He is sitting three tables away from us, surrounded with his friends. They look drunk to me. The nervous waitress obviously wanted to get away from them, but was being patient in taking their orders.

A lump formed in my throat. Hindi ako mapakali at hindi iyon nakaligtas sa paningin ni Rigor.

"What's wrong?"

Hindi ako sumagot. I casted my gaze downwards. My body started trembling. I thought I had gathered enough courage to finally confront him. I hate him so much. But it doesn't erase the fact that I'm also... afraid of him.

"Czarina?"

I bit my lower lip. I'll never cry in front of him. Not here. Not now. Lumunok ako nang gumuhit ang hapdi sa dibdib ko. Rigor fell silent, too. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin, nakita kong nakikipagtitigan din siya kay Max.

"What is this motherfucker doing here?" he grunted under his breath.

"Rigor-"

"Do you want to get out of here? I can take you home..."

I stared at him, my heart sinking. He's done me a favor by escaping the ball when I got uncomfortable earlier, and now...

"No." I said firmly. "Let's stay here."

"Czarina, if you are uncomfortable-"

"Rigor..." I dragged him closer and pressed my forehead against him. He opened his mouth in protest. Nakahawak na ang kamay niya sa braso ko. "Shut up..." I whispered.

"You really want me to shut up?"

I nodded slowly. His eyes darkened in desire and before I knew it, he was dragging me closer until I felt his hot mouth cover over mine. It wasn't the soft, gentle kiss that I was expecting. It was hard, demanding, hot. He dominated every corner, every crevice, leaving everything he touched on fire. My neck is craning backward with his brute force, as he cupped my face and savaged my mouth. He tasted like mint and rum. Expensive and pleasant. Something powerful, unexplainable, vibrated between the two of us.

The kiss lengthened, deepened, demanded some more from me. Something inside my head exploded. I was almost out of breath. As an artist, I thought I understood heat and passion. Blood and lust. But now, I am almost foreign to these feelings as my head whirled from the kiss.

It almost felt like a regret when he drew back from me with his strained breathing. His eyes are dark, heated, and dangerous. I lick my lower lip, still tasting him in my mouth.

"There, I shut up." Rigor reached for the remains of his rum and took it in a gulp, leaving me dumbfounded in my chair.

Thrill run up to my spine as I stared at him. My whole body shook. I wanted him to shut up... again.

-

#HanmariamBFLChap8