05 | Fight

•••

“He's a doctor?”

Halos maibuga ko ang iniinom kong tubig nang marinig ko ang balitang hatid ni Amer. 

I was leaning against the kitchen counter, fresh from the shower and feeling a little more human in my tank top and short shorts. My hair was still damp, dripping onto my shoulders.

I felt like an unwrapped present as soon as I got out of that dress. It was damaged and soiled as hell, I'm not sure if I could still return it to one of the Ruka’s female sergeants. How much would that dress even cost? It was expensive enough to get me in the yacht—fuck, imagine how much I have to pay now.

The two guys returned after midnight, just as I was sprawled on the couch scrolling on my phone. 

“Where'd you put the hostage? I hope you kept him alive,” Bjorn asked the moment he stepped inside the apartment. Nagpunas siya ng pawis at pinandilatan ako.

“I did,” I said proudly, pointing a thumb toward the direction of the guest room. I didn't mention that I almost choked him with a glass of water, but hey, he was still breathing, right?

As expected, Yuvia was terrifyingly calm about the dent in the boat. She didn't really scream or throw things when Bjorn showed her a picture. Madam tapped her pen against her chin, and gave us the breakdown of the repair costs. 

Para iwas gulo at dahil wala naman kaming choice—like the “team” we were—we simply agreed to divide the total repair cost into three equal parts. Damn, wala na ngang kinitang commission, nabawasan pa yung savings ko. I could literally feel my bank account crying.

Now, we’re staring at two giant problems: a failed commission and a hostage we don't even need. According to Valgo’s protocols, we could technically cancel a commission that hasn't been fulfilled yet, especially if the situation has become "compromised." We make our own rules anyway. But the thought of letting go of the ten million dollars and the ransom... tangina, parang nakakapanghina talaga.

“Is there really no way to pull this off? Baka pwede pa nating ulitin. I already got his attention at the party, so it'll be easier for me to catch him again the second time,” I suggested, leaning against the counter.

I watched the two settle in the living room, halatang parehong pagod.

“How long will he stay here in the Philippines, Amer?” Bjorn asked.

“Based on his itinerary, he's staying at the Azure Sky for a week before heading to a private island for a summit,” Amer replied without looking up from his screen. “But that was before the raid tonight. God knows if he’s already flying back to Europe out of fear.”

“Another week to repeat the attempt, but that doesn't mean we can take it lightly. You may have gotten his attention the first time, but appearing again would make you suspicious, Raq.” Bjorn looked at me sternly. “Kahit sabihin nating wala siyang alam sa mga ganito, I think he's well aware of his current position and the dangers of it. He may be stupid, but his security isn't.” 

“So… what are we gonna do then?”

“We'll figure that out. For now, let's think about what to do about that… casualty we brought in.” Bjorn waved his hand as he cracked his back.

“He told me his name,” I blurted out.

“Yeah? Good for you. Finally making a friend,” Bjorn deadpanned.

I scowled. “I think he's afraid we’ll interrogate him harshly if he doesn't talk. Alam niyang iimbestigahan natin siya. Les-something daw ang name.”

“Amer?” Bjorn signaled.

“On it.” Amer sat at his computer, the blue light reflecting off his glasses. “What was that again, Rocky?”

“Didn't quite catch it. Fucking ugly name. Something Les Vander Gracia.”

Amer was about to type, when he suddenly froze. “Wait, I think I know that name,” he murmured. Saglit siyang nagtipa. “Holy shit.”

I raised an eyebrow and walked to him while nibbling on a piece of jerky.

Lestat Evander Arnoldi-de Gracia, M.D., Ph.D., FACS. I stood behind the chair as Amer scrolled through a series of restricted files. Actually, hindi naman kailangan talaga na magkalkal ng confidential documents. This man can probably be found in that link-app for white collar people. 

“Trauma surgeon and critical care specialist. An heir of the De Gracia pharmaceutical empire, his family owns half the private hospitals in Europe. But he also seems to have some link to the Valencias' personal healthcare. He's got a few private clinics and all,” Amer murmured. 

“So he’s another nepo baby…” I muttered, vigorously wiping my wet hair with the towel draped around my neck. “Makes sense why he's in that party.”

 Napasulyap ako sa guest room kung saan ko siya iniwan. That man is important, huh? Fancy titles and money to squander? And I left him in a mold-infested room to cry in. I felt proud somehow, kasi tama naman siguro na makaranas din ng hirap paminsan-minsan ang mga tulad niya. It would build his character.

“Right.” Amer nodded, his fingers still hovering over the keyboard. “I’ve actually heard his name before but never saw him in person. Kaya hindi ko siya nakilala agad. I thought he’d be… smaller. You know, like a nerd.”

“Yeah, I didn't think that hunk was a doctor,” I added, tossing the towel onto the counter. “No wonder he's giving the know-it-all vibes. May ibubuga naman pala...” I chuckled and reached for a cigarette. Sumandal ako sa counter at sinindihan yon.

Bjorn let out a dry, amused huff. “You haven't even met him for a day yet and you already hate him? Parang mainit ulo mo roon, ah.”

“Hate is a strong word, boss. I don't hate him,” I said, leaning back and blowing out smoke. “In fact, if we weren't in this mess, I probably would've tried to get him into bed just to see if he's as talented with his hands as his license says. Pero wala, eh—inunahan niya ako.” I smirked. “He appealed to my temper first before my g-spot.”

Amer let out a snort, and even Bjorn’s lips quirked up for a second. Sanay na rin siguro sila sa bunganga ko. I crossed my arms and moved to the couch.

“So… what do we do with him?” Amer asked, his expression turning serious again. “He’s a member of Vanguard too,” he continued. “Other than being their physician, the records suggest he’s actually close friends with the Valencia heirs. They grew up together.”

My eyes sharpened. “What? Then why are we even stressing? Should we use him as bait? You think they’re gonna come looking for him soon? A high-end doctor who’s also one of their best buds? That’s a lot of leverage.”

“That depends,” Bjorn said, crossing his arms. “As far as the records show, he’s not part of anything shady. Physician lang di ba? So, technically, not involved in the illegal trades or the money laundering. He’s 'clean' by association.”

“Oh, come on. There's no such thing as ‘clean’ for people like him. A clean profession doesn't excuse the fact that he works for dirty people…” Napapikit ako habang nilalasap ang amoy ng usok sa bawat buga ko. I felt the ache in my muscles disappear just a bit, replaced by a high-like sensation that tickled my neck.

The clock ticked and time seemed to have choked our senses. Naunang nagpaalam si Bjorn at umakyat na sa sariling kwarto niya, habang si Amer naman ay nanatili saglit para mag-ayos ng sala. I watched him, and the clock, then the guest room. 

“What do you think we should do?” I said slowly as I sat up, slinging my elbow on the backrest while flicking the ash of my cigarette. “Habang wala pa si boss, I need to hear your input, Aimee.”

Natigilan si Amer sa paghuhubad ng suot niyang polo, bago napayuko. He hung his shirt on the protruding nail by the door, at sunod naman ang pantalon niya. He didn't turn to me until he was left with his white undershirt and teddy bear boxers. Handa na yata ‘tong matulog.

“Well… I don't wanna say something that would make me the bad guy here…” mahina siyang sambit habang umuupo sa sofa kaharap ko. “But I don't think letting him go would be a wise choice.”

“Right.” I nodded. “I bet Bjorn thinks so too.”

“He knows the risks, yes. Pero pakiramdam ko balak niya rin talagang paalisin yun, like ASAP. He just can't do it cuz he has no assurance the doctor will stay quiet.” He pulled out a blanket from under the couch. “Our identities were exposed. And that raid was no joke.”

“We still have to figure out who did that.” My eyes darkened. “Nasira ang plano natin.”

“Hmm, we can talk to Yuvia about that. Tomorrow or some other day.” Unti-unti na siyang humiga. Aba’t… matutulog na talaga yata siya! He even had the blanket draped all over him as he hugged one of the plush cushions.

“Seriously? Matutulog ka na? Hello, I'm still talking to you?” Natatawa akong napatayo dahil papikit na talaga ang mga mata niya. 

“I'm tired. It's 2AM, Rocky. Go to sleep…”

“Do-drawingan ko ng tite ang noo mo,” I threatened, my hands on my hips as I looked down at him. Mahina lang siyang natawa at pinakyuhan ako bago bumalik sa tulog. Shit, he's really asleep.

I sighed and kicked the carpet off my feet as I turned off the small lightbulb hanging by the doorframe.

Napaunat ako ng braso at saglit na bumalik sa kitchen counter para kunin ang pack ng marlboro na naiwan ko. I put it in my pocket and left the living room. Hindi ako inaantok. Hindi ako makatulog. Not when the money is trapped somewhere and not flowing in my account. 

Every commission is actually more than just a job for me. I make sure to prepare myself mentally for anything that might happen—including my own death. Syempre, nahasa ko rin ang sarili ko na makaligtas mga ganyan, even going as far as to practice by going on missions by myself. This line of work is a contract that requires a lifetime of sacrifice to fulfill.

Handa akong pumatay, kaya dapat, handa rin akong mamatay kahit anumang oras. My mind is set for every commission that this might be my last, but I'll make sure to survive anyway. Kaya hindi matahimik ang sistema ko sa nangyari. I risked it all again today, and it was all for nothing. Wala akong napala. I didn't bring anything back, and for that, I felt so useless. 

Ah, I need another smoke, I think. Nagkataon na napadaan lang ako sa harapan ng maruming guest room. The door was closed and locked from the outside. Wala nang de-susing kandado kasi nakatali naman ang bihag sa loob, and Bjorn had already reinforced the latch. I don't know what pushed me to step closer and press my ear against the wood.

​I heard groans and muffled grunts, some scratches against the floorboards… Ha! Is he jerking off or something? Nah, nakatali 'yun. Thank god for the bad soundproofing though, it's easy to tell if the guy is trying to escape.

I pursed my lips and turned the knob.

​The door creaked open. Sumilip ako sa loob at nakita siyang nakahiga sa maruming mattress, nakatalikod sa pinto. He was obviously struggling. His shoulders were tense and his face pressed against the fabric as he tried to shift his weight.

 Being tied with your hands behind your back while lying down is a special kind of torture since it puts all the pressure on your rotator cuffs. Pumasok ako at mahinang sinara ang pinto.

He stopped moving the moment he felt my presence, his breathing heavy and ragged. 

I reached down and grabbed his shoulder, flipping him onto his side so I could check his hands. The ropes were digging deep into his wrists, and his skin was already turning a nasty shade of purple-blue. Napangiwi nalang ako habang tinitingnan yon. Fuck, we can't damage him on our first night. 

“What are you doing here?” pagod niyang bulong habang sinisikap na iangat ang mukha niya.

“Checking on my merchandise,” I answered as I put my knee on the mattress, the foam sinking from my weight. “Ang ingay mo. Rinig na rinig kita sa labas.”

“Yeah? I wonder why,” he hissed. “First time being a hostage and I'm being treated like this,” bulong-bulong niya pa habang patuloy sa paggalaw. Like his useless wiggling would make it better? Kala ko ba doktor ‘to, parang tanga.

“You're called a hostage for a reason.” 

“Hindi porket bihag ako, tatratuhin na nang masama. Don't you think giving me better treatment would make me cooperate better? This kidnapping shit is already tasteless enough, at least make me comfortable.”

Wow. Okay, I've never heard that from someone before. I haven't done much hostage-for-ransom gigs to know how this works, pero sigurado akong hindi normal na mag-demand ang isang bihag na bigyan siya ng mas magandang lodging.

I let go of his hands and sat on the mattress, beside his thighs. “You should be begging us to let you go.”

“Like how?” Tumihaya siya nang konti para harapin ako.

“Ah, please, let me go. Gagawin ko ang lahat. How much do you need? Please set me free, ah! Like that.”

He rolled his eyes at me. “Yeah, that's not my thing.”

“Ay, ayaw mo mag-beg?”

“I don't beg.” Umusog siya nang konti palayo sa akin. “And I'm not stupid. You won't let me go even if I beg. That's just for dramatic effect.”

My eyebrow raised and I shrugged my shoulders. Yeah, that makes sense. At least he knows that much.

“So, a doctor…” I hummed. Nakita ko ang paninigas ng mga balikat niya sabay tingin ulit sa akin. 

“You already know?”

“Yeah.”

“That fast?”

“Uh-huh.” I once again reached for his hands and tugged, pulling out the small knife I kept in my pocket. “It wasn't hard, really. Bungad na bungad naman siguro ang profile mo sa google palang.”

“So what did you think?”

“Anong what do I think?” I mumbled as I started cutting off his restraints. 

“Impressive, right?”

Gumalaw siya nang konti para tingnan ang ginagawa ko. I scowled and slapped his shoulder. Pinagsasabi nitong gagong ‘to? Pinagmamayabang niya sa akin ang pedigree niyang galing sa generational wealth? The absolute fucking audacity. Impressive, my ass. 

“What is? Your daddy's money?” walang pakialam kong sagot nang tuluyan nang maputol ang lubid. I made sure not to cut in the middle para pwede ko siyang itali ulit.

I heard him click his tongue, probably annoyed by my response. Yeah, as if parading his PhD would save him right now. 

He sat up all of a sudden and checked his hands, then rubbed his wrists to soothe the slight irritation. He looked at me, the knife in my hand, and the rope I was still holding. 

“You're letting me go?”

“Yeah, go ahead and run outside and swim all the way home,” sarkastiko kong sagot. He pursed his lips and glared at me.

“Great. Thanks, Raquel.”

My hands twitched. “Shut your ass.”

“Oh, you hate it, Raquel?”

“Stop it.” Tinulak ko ang balikat niya. “It's two in the morning. I suggest you start doing that when the sun is up para makaladkad kita sa labas. Shut the fuck up,” irita kong bulong sabay hablot ng dalawang kamay niya. 

“What is it now, Raquel? Need my hands for something?”

At this point, I was really starting to get annoyed. Hindi ko pa natatapos ang pagtali sa mga kamay niya ay tumigil ako bigla. 

“Y’know what?” Bumuntong-hininga ako at binaba ang patalim sa sahig. His eyes followed the movement, a smirk on his face. Ah, ganoon? Tuwang-tuwa ka? 

I smacked his face so loud I bet it woke up Amer outside. Hindi niya inaasahan 'yon. I raised an eyebrow in challenge as I continued tying his hands—I pulled hard para mabara lahat ng ugat niya. He groaned. Saka palang siya napatingin sa akin sa gulat, his face now slightly red.

“What the hell?”

“What the hell?” I mockingly mimicked him before letting go of his hands. “I was nice enough to move your hands in front so you could sleep comfortably, so don't test me.”

“Do you have anger issues?”

“Malalaman mo ang sagot kapag sinapak kita ulit.” I kicked his chest lightly, making him fall down the mattress again. I huffed and picked up my knife from the floor before walking to the door. 

“Wait, Raquel—”

Sinara ko na ang pintuan at kinandado ito. The lock is not needed but I felt the need to do this to spite that annoying fucker.

Sana makagat siya ng ipis, or better yet, I hope the resident rat gives him a visit. Two fucking AM in the morning and I'm pissed instead of sleepy. Raquel, Raquel, can't he just shut up? Bakit ba siya feeling close? He needs to be reminded of his place. 

I'll show him. Tomorrow, I'll show him.

I wish I didn't have to wake up early to witness this shit. What do you mean the hostage—our hostage, was sitting in the living room and drinking from—is that my cup? That's my fucking cup!

“Amer!”

Natapatalon siya sa sobrang lakas ng sigaw ko. He was standing by the kitchen counter, reading some cookbook while facing the stove. Kita ko ang kilabot sa mga mata niya nang marinig ang pagbaba ko mula sa hagdan. Oh, he better be fucking scared!

“G-goodmorning, Ro—”

“Bakit nandiyan yang putanginang yan?!” I shouted, pointing at the abomination on the couch. “Hostage yan! Why'd you let him out of the guestroom?!” 

Parang matutumba na siya sa takot at luminga-linga sa paligid, probably looking for anyone, or anything, the could save him from my fury. Aba, ang aga aga tapos ito ang makikita ko! 

“I-I didn't… Bjorn told me to.”

“He's not even here!”

“Sumaglit lang siya sa Coven para magcheck ng supplies! H-he’ll be back, Rocky. Please, calm down.” He shielded himself with his hands. “Don't beat me up.”

Sinamaan ko lang siya ng tingin at napabaling sa couch. Lestat was leaning back comfortably, his long legs crossed at the ankles, looking way too relaxed for a guy whose hands were still bound in front of him.

Niluwagan pa nga yata ang pagkakatali, cuz I'm sure I tied that up tight last night. His white dress shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up, and he was casually blowing on the steam of the tea in my favorite ceramic mug. He looked too fresh! This is not right

I marched over to him and grabbed his collar, pulling him upward til his tea spilled a bit on his chest.

“Careful, Raquel. This tea is hot—”

“Ang kapal ng mukha mong umastang VIP dito."

“They let me out. How is that my fault?” Mas uminit lang ang ulo ko kasi kalmado ang mukha niya, pero kitang-kita ko ang mapang-asar niyang ngisi. This ass!

“I don't know what you did but you should at least have the decency to stay in your room. Bihag ka! You're not a guest.”

“Decency? Fancy word, ah…” He took another sip, eyes never leaving mine. Mas nairita ako lalo at hinablot ang kamay niya, ready to drag him back to that dusty mattress.

“Stop sipping. That's my cup,” I hissed, pinching his hand so hard, he winced. 

“Ouch, stop that. Come on, what's your problem?” Kumunot ang noo niya at nilipat ang baso sa kabilang kamay keeping it just out of my reach. I tried grabbing it again, my face inches from his.

“That's my cup!”

“Oh, is it?” Tumaas ang kilay niya. He smirked and deliberately licked the rim of the glass, his tongue tracing the ceramic slowly as if to insult me more. Gago!

 I grabbed the cup forcefully before kicking his knee. Pero pareho yata kaming nagulat ni Amer when he actually kicked me back!

It wasn't a heavy blow, but the disrespect of a hostage fighting back made my vision go red. Parang pumutok bigla ang pasensya ko at agad na tinakbo ni Amer ang distansya para hawakan ang braso ko bago pa ako sumabog.

“Rocky, Rocky, calm down. That's a doctor, okay? That's an expensive merchandise,” he reminded me in a low voice that was already nervous for the hell that would unravel. 

I put my cup down on the table and squinted, looking at the piece of shit who didn't look scared at all. In fact, he looked so proud na sinipa niya ako. I took a step forward.

“Rocky, calm down. Come on, man, wag ka namang ganyan. He doesn't know. It was an accident.” Halos manginig na ang mga kamay ni Amer habang inaawat ako.

“It wasn't an accident,” Lestat admitted with a shrug. 

Napatingin sa kaniya si Amer, his face pale with horror, and then back to me. Before he could react, I pushed myself forward and grabbed Lestat's collar, dragging his heavy ass off my couch.

“Rocky!” Amer yelped, trying to wedge himself between us.

“You mad? Aw, is Raquel mad?” Lestat taunted, his voice dropping into that deep, arrogant tone. Talagang nananadya siya.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” I roared, shoving him against the armrest.

Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. “No! What the fuck is your problem?! You brought me here and you're acting like it's my fault?!”

“I wasn't even supposed to take you! Bakit ka kasi sumapaw, tangina mo! You cost me my money! You ruined my life’s work in one night!”

“Rocky! Doc! Stop!” Amer was frantically pulling at my waist, but I was already mad as hell.

“Well, I didn't know you were some fucking kidnapper! I thought you were pretty!”

“Kasalanan ko, ha? Kasalanan ko 'yan? Bobo ka kasi! That's what you get for thinking with your dick!”

“Yeah, well…” he sneered, his face inches from mine. “You're probably a slut who can't do her job without sleeping with her target! Is that the only way you know how to work?”

That was the last straw. Hindi ko na kailangan ng baril para sa isang ‘to. I lunged at him with my bare hands, and we both went down. The living room went into full-on chaos. I was livid.

Lestat struggled despite his tied hands, using his weight to pin me down, while I used my elbows and knees to find every soft spot I could reach. We rolled across the floor, knocking over a side table and sending my favorite rug bunching up against the wall.

“Rocky! Fuck! Tama na yan!” Hinihila ni Amer ang likod ng damit ko, trying to get me off Lestat's lap as I was swinging at his face. Hindi ko rin naman matamaan nang maigi kasi nakaharang ang mga braso niya. “Mahiya ka naman! That's not a street thug! He's a licensed professional! Pagpasensiyahan mo naman!”

“He started it! This asshole!” I gritted as I tried pushing Amer away. “You probably paid your way into med-school!”

“Enough!” Lestat spat out, his breathing ragged as he tried to catch my wrists with his bound hands.

“Fuck you!” I barked back, ready to go for another round.

“What is going on here?!” The booming voice from the doorway hit us like a bucket of ice water. 

Sabay kaming napatigil sa paggalaw at hinihingal na napatingin sa may hamba ng pintuan. The tall and bearded old man stood there, looking at us in disgust. I was still practically on top of Lestat, my hand fist-deep in his expensive collar, and he had his knee hitched up to keep me from crushing his ribs. 

Sinulyapan niya si Amer na nakatayo sa gilid at nakaangat agad ang dalawang kamay, as if to say he has no part in this. Bjorn stayed quiet, holding a gear case while staring at the wreckage of the living room. He looked at the overturned table, the spilled tea, and finally, at… us.

Napalunok ako at parang hindi na makagalaw. I didn't move on top of Lestat, and he didn't move either. But in that sudden, suffocating silence, where the only sound was our heavy breathing, I became painfully aware of how we were tangled together.

My thighs were framing his hips, and as the adrenaline began to dip, I felt it—something hard pressing against my inner thigh.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. What the fuck? I froze, my eyes widening as they locked onto him. Walang pinagbago ang mukha niya. Mukha paring galit, but I'm sure of it. I can't be wrong. This fucking perverted doctor!

“Get the fuck up, both of you!”

The silence that followed was deafening.

______