"There you are, Kuya! I've been looking everywhere for you!", the line sounded familiar.

The eye contact I've been having with the intimidating stranger was cut off when a very beautiful girl walked in- or rather out to where we were.

"I told you I was going to have a stick, Heather"

"I thought you stopped smoking, Kuya Luci?... I will tell Tita that you're back to killing yourself again..""

"There's a reason why stopped is in past tense, and don't you dare snitch on me."

I blinked a couple of times to stop the nausea from attacking me. It was like watching a tennis match. The woman sneered and stopped talking.

The girl named Heather looked shocked when she saw me standing behind the towering beast, "Oh my freaking- No way! Kuya, why are you hiding her?!"

I flinched at how loud her voice was. Her eyes were as wide as frisbees.

"I was not hiding-"

"She's Elyse-fucking-Tuazon!"

She then proceeded to run towards me- ignoring the strain of her stilettos, and attacked me in a tight hug. 

The beautiful man sighed as he watched the entire scene unfold.

"Hi!" she shook my hand, "My name's Heather! I'm a huge fan! That last episode of Fallen had me crying my eyes out. You were amazing! Oh, where's Ry-"

This time, it was him who didn't let her finish.

"Heather Eunice! You're scaring her..."

I shot the man a look of gratitude, and I was finally able to speak.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. If I'm not mistaken, you're Mr. Juancho's daughter?" nang hindi siya sumagot ay nagpatuloy ako sa pagsasalita, "He told me about you earlier, but he said you were MIA with your cousin."

She blinked a total of four times.

"Daddy knows you?", she asked with disbelief, sounding so disappointed as if I was a kept secret.

Was that the only thing she took from what I said?

"We met earlier at the ballroom, but he left to look for you. It was my first time to meet him in person."

She turned towards the brooding man, "Hindi ka nagpaalam?"

"I didn't."

"You're so annoying, Kuya!".

So, he's the said cousin. Interesting.

Umalis si Heather sa harapan ko para gamitin ang cellphone.

"I'm sorry about her. I told you she's a big fan."

I smiled, a genuine one. 

"She's a blessing..."

Our conversation was cut short once more when Heather came back, "Kuya, pinababalik na tayo doon."

"Go ahead, Heather. I'll stay here." he took a quick glance at me, "Just send me a text when we're leaving."

"Okay..", she brought her focus back to me, "I'm so sorry I have to cut our introductions short, but my dad needs me back. I hope to see you again soon.."

Heather then gave me the tightest hug known to mankind.

The supermodel hurriedly walked away without another word after the man gave her a threatening glare. 

I couldn't blame her. Even I was intimidated, and it wasn't for me.

"Finally... Some peace and quiet."

"Hey! Don't be a meanie. She's your cousin!"

He sighed, "I fucking jinxed it. And who the fuck says meanie? What are you? 8?"

"Assho-"

"Lucifer. My name is Lucifer."

I was left dumbfounded.

"Seriously? Like the devil?"

Then, he did the most unmanly gesture I've seen a man do. He facepalmed.

"No, superstar. Like the fallen angel..."

Fallen angel or devil, they're both one and the same. But, there was something about the way the word 'angel' slip through his lips that made me want to test just how 'fallen' he was.

I shut my eyes tightly for a second to chase away the thoughts.

"Your parents sure are creative people."

"Sin Nicholas and Hades Dominic sound dark, not creative."

"What about you?"

He frowned. That scowl seemed to be permanently etched on his handsome face.

"What about me?"

"Do you have a second name?"

He looked away, as if he was shy to answer the question. I never thought he'd look cute, but he did.

"Daniel."

Even his second name sounded hot.

What on Earth? I need to snap out of it.

"There you are!"

I turned around and was met with Rylie's walking figure.

Ginapangan ako ng hiya sa lalaking kasama namin ngayon dito sa garden. 

It was called "The Secret Garden", but it was not so hidden after all.

"Hey, sexy", Ry gave me a quick kiss on my lips before turning towards Lucifer, "Who's this?"

I just wanted the concrete to open up and swallow me whole. 

I knew why Rylie did that.

It was to establish that I was his- Rylie Allegre's property.

"This is-"

"Attorney Lucifer Gomez."

I was dumbfounded, again. 

He's a fucking lawyer! 

Well, that explained his quick comebacks.

The two men shook hands firmly, while Rylie maintained a tight grip around my waist. He brought back his attention towards me, specifically my undone face, "What happened to your make up?"

"Well.. My skin was starting to get itchy so I washed it off", I lied. 

He wordlessly nodded as a response.

"It's a blessing to have met you, Attorney. What do you say we talk a bit regarding restraining orders?"

It was my turn to butt in, "Restraining order? Sino?"

"That person who harassed you earlier was from JNT Entertainment. Galing sa partido ni Jea... He was sent for the sole purpose of ruining our event"

Lucifer cleared his throat, and his stance demanded our full attention. "I'm out of office, but I'll assume that you want this to be ex parte?"

"Ry, can we talk about this first please?"

But it was like I was invisible.

"Ex parte?"

"It means one party asks the court to do something without telling the other party."

They continued to talk like I wasn't there.

"Yes, Attorney."

I was a bit shocked when Lucifer turned to me, "Do you want to push through with the RO?"

"Do I need to answer that now?", I was seriously lost.

He shrugged, "It depends."- he turned back to Rylie, "On what grounds?"

"Stalking. It turns out that he wasn't invited, Ysabelle. He paid someone to enter."

Muling nilingon ni Rylie ang abogado, "The man gatecrashed and attacked my fiance with insulting questions.."

My breath hitched with what he called me. 

I thought we were going to keep it a secret for the mean time?

But Lucifer Daniel didn't look like the kind of guy to spread rumors around. I hope?

"I'm not an expert in that area, but I can refer you to someone who is", he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a calling card from his wallet, "Atty. Felice Anya is in her office every Monday to Wednesday, 7 am to 3 pm. If you come tomorrow, you'll catch her there."

"I'll give her a call. Thank you, Atty. Gomez."

Ry looked down at me and asked, "Let's go, babe?"

"Could you go ahead and start the car? I'll follow you down. Magpapasalamat lang ako kay Attorney."

He nodded and left, but not without another kiss.

"So, the beautiful superstar is engaged..."

I don't want to assume, but there was a hint of sadness with the way he said engaged.

"Please don't tell anyone.."

He raised an eyebrow at me, and he sported an amused expression on his face.

"Why not? You should be proud. Your future husband is everyone's dream guy", he tapped the tip of my nose with his finger, "Tell me, what's holding you back?"

It was crazy how much he made me want to open up to him. 

No one has ever done it before, not Diana, and not even Rylie.

"I... He's... I don't-"

"You don't love the guy."

He finished my sentence for me. He said it with such certainty that I felt lighter as if the statement came straight out of my mouth.

"Was it that obvious?"

He chuckled, "You tell me.. He stood here earlier, rubbing it in my face that you're his, but it looked like you wanted to run away from his grasp."

His profession suited him. His observing skills were phenomenal.

"It's that easy to tell, huh?"

Lucifer nodded, "No lies lie beneath crystal eyes staring up at starry skies.."

So, he's poetic too? 

"If you're wondering, it was from Rose Fuentes' book, The Fall. I can't take credit for that, my brother's going to kill me.."

I ended up in giggles. It was amazing how he could make me feel things that easily. I felt at ease around him, and we just met a couple of minutes ago.

"You should probably go, Elyse. Your fiance's waiting for you", he said the word fiance with a hint of bitterness.

Or was it just me?

"I probably should... Will I see you around, Attorney?"

"Maybe. But I know I'll be seeing you around, Superstar.."

That night, Rylie and I went home to his penthouse. From the moment I stepped foot in his car, we started having a heated conversation about the restraining order he wanted to file against JNT, the reporter, and Jea Navarro- his ex.

His crazy ex.

Hanggang sa makapasok kami ng condo niya ay nagtatalo pa rin kami. He went straight to the bar counter and pulled out a bottle of whiskey.

"I'm just saying that maybe you're a bit overreacting, babe.."

He scoffed, "So, should I wait for something like that to happen again? Paano kung sa susunod ay masaktan ka na, Ysabelle? What would you have me do? Huh?"

He quickly drank an entire glass of the alcoholic drink.

"But a restraining order is just too much.."

I flinched when he threw the glass on the floor. It shattered into tiny pieces and a few shards of glass hit my leg.

"You're not listening to me! What did I say about making decisions like this?"

"Whatever you say goes.." my words came out slurred. The nerves were making it a bit hard for me to speak properly.

"Exactly! You know better than to defy me.."

I stayed silent, scared of whatever he's going to do next if I continued arguing with him. His decisions have always been law. They were irrefutable.

It took him a couple of minutes to calm down, and when he did, he came to me.

He picked me up bridal style and sat me down on his lap. Rylie started running his hand on my bare leg that was revealed by the high slit of my gown. I winced when it landed on the part that was scratched by glass.

"You're bleeding.."

I shook my head in fear, "It's nothing.."

"I'm so sorry, my love. I didn't mean to hurt you..."

"I... It's okay, Ry.."

He started peppering my exposed neck with sensual kisses.

"Don't fight me on things that concern your safety, okay?"

I whispered, "Okay"

"Now, let me make it up to you..."

His hand rode higher, and it stopped on my most sensitive area. My back arched at the pleasure his fingers were giving me.

"Rylie.."

"That's it, love. Moan my name... I'm the only one who can make you feel like this.."

I was pulled out of my trance. 

What he said had an underlying meaning, and I couldn't take my mind off of it.

He continued rubbing circles through my underwear, making me weaker by the passing minute.

I reached my high, and he stopped moving his fingers. He carried me to his bedroom, and there, we shared a night of scorching lust.

It immediately made me forget about the blaring alarms and red flags.

The following morning, I woke up completely naked alone in his bed. I stretched out and yawned. I stood up and went to the bathroom. From the full-length mirror, I saw how my wounds were all patched up. I smiled at the gesture.

Arms snaked around my waist and I closed my eyes. But I was swallowed by distress when I imagined a different man back hugging me in my head, so I quickly opened my eyes again.

What the fuck was that?

"Good morning, love..."

"Good morning, Rylie."

He kissed my cheek, "You were amazing last night."

I gave him a tight-lipped smile. I walked into the shower and took a much needed bath.

"Hey, babe?"

"Yeah?"

"Get dressed, okay? We'll be meeting Atty. Anya for lunch"

I sighed in defeat. 

Talagang itutuloy ni Rylie ang restraining order. 

I didn't want a replay of his outburst last night, so I decided to keep mum about it.

I settled for a smart outfit for the day. The meeting won't be too formal, but still formal nonetheless.

We had nothing scheduled for the rest of the day besides the meeting with the lawyer, who I'm assuming, was Lucifer's girlfriend.

I left my hair in it's normal, curly state, and wore a set of small jewelry to complement my white and nude outfit.

I was in the process of strapping my sandals when the news on the TV caught my attention.

"Atty. Lucifer Gomez has once again proven himself to be a beast in court. He was able to successfully vindicate Governor Hermosa of the allegations regarding a four-billion-peso drug transaction last April 15. Not only that, the young lawyer was also able to lure out the real mastermind-"

"Wasn't he the lawyer we met last night, babe?"

"He was."

"Well, what do you know? He's good. Sadly, he's not the one we need."

Rylie turned the TV off, and I stood up.

"How do I look?", I asked not really needing his input. 

I wanted to make him feel that I wanted his opinion. Just a little boost of ego.

"Hot as always," he exclaimed as he took his car keys off the table, "Let's go?"

I nodded and slid on my Wayfarers. I grabbed my Birkin from the center table and held Rylie's outstretched hand.

"Diana sent you our schedule for next week. We start shooting the movie on Monday. 5 am daw ang call time..", Rylie said while driving.

I opened my phone, and indeed, an email notification from my PA flashed on the screen. I made a mental note to myself to thank Diana later for organizing my schedule in a table.

"Where are we going, Ry?", I asked when we took a right turn towards a familiar restaurant.

"I asked Atty. Anya if we could meet her outside."

He took my left hand and gave it a kiss. I knew what he was doing. Rylie was trying to make this case visible to the public. It was always about publicity with the kind of life we're living.

Rylie parked the car in a reserved spot. It was beside a blue gray sports car I never thought I'd see here in the Philippines. Kahit si Ry ay saglit na napatitig sa katabi naming sasakyan. 

It was his dream car. A McLaren Senna.

"Damn, whoever owns that must be filthy rich.."

It was something coming from him.

He stepped out and opened the door for me, his eyes were still stuck on the super car.

I was about to ask him jokingly if he wanted to take a picture with the car when he pulled me out of my seat.

We walked towards the entrance and an old woman waved at our direction. Well, I wasn't expecting Atty. Anya to be this old.

"Good morning, Attorney", pagbati ni Ry.

I followed through, "Good morning po."

"Good morning sa inyong dalawa. Please, have a seat.."

Rylie pulled out a chair for me before sitting down. The female lawyer looked at us fondly.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Allegre?"

There was no beating around the bush. I guess that's how it is with busy lawyers.

Like how Lucifer was last night.

Why the hell couldn't I take him off of my mind?

"Elyse and I talked about it last night. We want to file a restraining order against JNT entertainment and Jea Navaro.."

"Jea Navaro? Your former loveteam?", the lawyer clarified. She was obviously shocked with how things turned out between Ry and Jea.

They used to be everyone's favorite loveteam. But one mistake of putting me and Rylie together in a movie changed everything. It was like John Lloyd, Bea, and Sarah all over again.

Rylie pulled out his phone and opened the messaging app. Displayed on a screen was a conversation.

"Jea has been sending me texts- threats, telling me that she won't stop until Elyse falls. Here's my evidence..", he slid the phone across the table and Atty. Anya caught it.

She spent a couple of minutes reading the conversation.

"Well, this is a solid evidence. We can push through with filing an RO against them, on grounds of stalking and sending messages that threatens to jeopardize Elyse's safety.."

I reached for Rylie's hand under the table, and he turned to me. His expression was a bit softer, "Yes, babe?"

"Why didn't you tell me about the messages, Ry?"

"I didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm with you all the time. I'm sure they won't try anything to harm you when I'm around.."

The old woman cleared her throat, "Atty. Gomez informed me that you want this to be an ex parte, is that correct?"

He did?

"Lucifer informed you about this case?" I assumed he would only refer us to the female attorney.

"Yes, he did. In fact, he also gave suggestions regarding the provisions na ilalakad namin sa korte." the woman chuckled, "Hindi ko nga rin alam kung bakit ipinasa pa niya sa akin ang kaso mo. He's the best lawyer in the firm..."

I was hit by a sudden flashback of Lucifer telling us that this wasn't his expertise. 

Why did he lie to me?

"He must have a lot on his plate", sagot ni Rylie.

The bell chimed signaling that the door was opened. Sabay sabay kaming napalingon sa may entrance.

Behold. Looking more handsome in his all black ensemble was Atty. Lucifer Gomez.

"I almost forgot, magkasama nga pala kaming pumunta rito. My husband is out of town for a convention, so I asked this young man to drive me here.."

Lucifer sat down next to her, barely sparing me and Rylie a glance. He was the only person who could make me feel that I wasn't someone important. 

That I was just like everybody else.

"Hello po, Ms. Elyse! Pwede pong magpapicture sa inyo ni Kuya Ry?", I tore my gaze away from Lucifer and smiled at the fan.

"Sure.."

The girl stood in between me and Rylie and her mom took a photo.

Ang dalawang abogado ay nanatili lamang na tahimik sa aming harapan. Sa unang pagkakataon, nakaramdam ako ng hiya bilang isang artista.

"So, let's eat?" Atty. Gomez broke the silence.

Rylie was the one who responded, "Of course."- hinarap niya ako- "What do you want to eat, love?"

I saw Lucifer smirk from my peripheral view.

"Sausages and mashed potato will do.."

He and the brooding lawyer said our orders to the waiter, and I stood up.

"Excuse me, I'll just go to the bathroom.."

I walked straight down the small hallway where the washrooms were located. I went inside a vacant stall and released a big breath of air.

Halos hindi ako makahinga sa presensya ni Lucifer, at hindi ko maipaliwanag kung bakit.

His presence bothers me for reasons I have yet to find out.

I washed and dried my hands. I was about to head out when the door opened revealing the man I was dreading to be in one room with. I swallowed a lump in my throat when I saw him lock the door.

"What the hell are you doing, Lucifer? This is the women's bathroom!" I yelled in a hushed manner.

"This is a cheap restaurant, they don't have CCTVs."

"And? That doesn't give you the permission to enter!"

He chuckled, "It does, Superstar."

I huffed and crossed my arms, still annoyed by the fact that he was here. And that I was locked in here with him.

"Why are you here?"

"Why do you sound like a nagging girlfriend?"

I punched his arm in irritation, "Just answer the question!"

"Atty. Anya asked me if I could drive her here. Weren't you listening?", he said while massaging the area I landed a hit on.

"You lied to me last night about not knowing things regarding restraining orders.."

He raised an eyebrow at me, "I didn't lie. I was telling the truth when I told you that I'm not an expert with ROs, especially with women.."

"Really? That's why you suggested permissions-"

"Provisions"

"Yes, that one."

He sighed and tapped my nose. 

It reminded me of last night, "I have my priorities, Elyse"

Humakbang ako paatras at matalim ko siyang tinitigan.

"Your girlfriend wouldn't appreciate what you're doing right now."

"Who said I have a-"

He was cut off by a knock on the door.

"Babe? Are you still in there?"

My heart started racing, "Yes, love! I'll be out in a minute!"

"Alright! I was just making sure you're okay."

"I'm okay, Ry! Just struggling with my pants.."

Inirapan ako ni Lucifer, "Really? That's the best you've got?", he said with a scoff. 

"Bakit? Anong paalam mo para makaalis ka do'n?"

He shrugged, "I told them I was going to have a stick."

He even waved a box of expensive cigarettes in front of my face to make his point.

"Also.. Love? Really? Ang corny.."

I slapped his hand away.

"That's none of your business. Again, baka malaman ng girlfriend mo na-"

"I don't have a girlfriend."

"Your wife then.."

He deadpanned, "Do I look like I'm married?" 

No, you look like a hot bachelor any woman would dream of hooking up with. But you didn't have to know that.

"Between the two of us, you're the one who's about to be tied down.."

"Then, do you mind explaining why the hell you're here?"

"I came here to apologize..."

His answer confused me. "Apologize for what?"

"For this.."

It took me one full second to realize what was happening. And before I could even react, the handsome lawyer grabbed me by my waist and smashed his lips against mine.

Ang mga labi na napanaginipan ko lang kagabi ay inaangkin na ako ngayon.

His kiss was wild, rough, and raw. It was rushed, and it left me breathless. Quiet moans escaped my lips, and he groaned at the sound making his chest vibrate under my touch.

It took every ounce of my strength to push him away. Just for the mere reason that i needed to catch my breath or else I'd faint.

"What the fuck, Lucifer?! I'm engaged!"

He sneered, "Sure. Keep convincing yourself, and maybe one day it would work.."

"Why did you do that?"

He looked at me with a conflicted expression.

"Because after last night, I found myself craving you, Elyse.."

My legs buckled at what he said.

"I.. I have to go back"

"I know...So, if you do not want this, please tell me now. I'll be content with admiring you from the other side of the screen, Superstar.." 

I opened my mouth to speak, but no sound came out. This scene was painted in all shades of wrong, but I can't find the courage to tell him no. In the deep and dark recesses of my brain, I knew I wanted him too.

And he probably found the answer on my face.

He tipped my chin and gave me another lingering kiss.

Fuck. I didn't say no.

"What's your phone number?"

"What?", I stupidly asked.

"What's your number? Recite it for me.."

"Even if I tell you, you wouldn't be able to memorize it"

Why the fuck was I okay with this?

He fixed my hair for me. Dapat lang, siya rin naman ang gumulo.

"Try me, babygirl.."

Hindi ko na pinansin ang itinawag niya sa'kin, at ibinigay ko ang hinihingi niya.

"Got it. I'll call you later, so you better make sure that fiance of yours wouldn't be anywhere near you around 6 pm.."

I nodded and went out, leaving him inside. I plastered a fake smile on my face and sat down behind the oblivious Rylie.

"You took your time.."

I kissed his cheek, "I'm sorry. My zipper got stuck and the toilet took its time to fill up with water. Let's eat?"

We all dug in, and right in the middle of eating, Lucifer came back. He smelled like cigarettes and mint.

Palihim ko siyang sinamaan ng tingin na nagpalaki sa ngisi niya.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I was enjoying and lost track of the time.."

He passed me a knowing look and started eating his own food.

Nang matapos kaming kumain ay sabay sabay kaming lumabas ng restaurant. A crowd was starting to form, because the girl who asked for a picture earlier posted the photo on Instagram, and our fans immediately found out where we were.

"Which one is yours, Atty.?" tanong ni Rylie.

Lucifer didn't answer. Instead, he smiled and pressed on his remote. The beautiful roaring sound of a car engine stole our attention.

Ry's jaw dropped when he saw that it was the McLaren that he was marveling at earlier.

"We'll go ahead, Rylie and Elyse. I'll just send you an email regarding the case."

I smiled at the female attorney and gave Lucifer a nod. The two lawyers left us behind.

Isinakay na ako ni Rylie sa sasakyan niya. He dropped me off at the studio where I was scheduled to have my first photoshoot this afternoon.

"Diana's here. I'll pick you up at 7:30, okay?"

"Drive safe, Ry.."

He gave my lips a smack, "Will do. I love you.."

"Love you..."

I watched as his figure retreated down the hall and completely disappeared.

My phone vibrated in my hand.

+63xxxxxxxxxx

Don't forget what I told you. 6 pm. Sharp.

I typed in a reply asking who it was. In just a couple of minutes, my phone vibrated again.

+63xxxxxxxxxx

It's me, Superstar.