CHAPTER FOUR

THE golden rays of sunlight from the glass door of the balcony aesthetically struck against her face, making her wake up from a deep sleep. Zalanna yawned and stretched her arms.

Her eyes widened when she suddenly realized what happened last night!

She bumped into an Audi using Korbin's Subaru. Hindi niya na nasabi 'yon kay Korbin dahil nakatulog siya kaagad kagabi.

She needed to set a schedule to see him today to apologize and of course to pay for the damage. Pinahiram na nga sa kanya ay nagasgasan niya pa. Hindi niya iningatan. Nakakahiya talaga ang nagawa niya.

Zalanna got up and grabbed the silk robe on the rack to cover her thin sleepwear. She's not even wearing any bra, but it's fine, it's not that very obvious. And Paloma used to see her like that. She and Zakia.

Stretching her arms and neck, Zalanna walked out from her bedroom.

"Gising na ang magandang senyorita ko." Boses ni Paloma ang una niyang narinig.

Zalanna's eyes found Paloma in the kitchen, pouring juice in glasses. It's already eight in the morning. She used to have tea, not juice.

Inilibot niya ang tingin nang maramdamang parang may mga matang nakamasid sa kanya.

Her eyes went big when she saw who were sitting on the sofa of their living room. Panandalian lang ang pagkabigla niya at ang aga-aga ay nasira na ang araw niya dahil sa bisita.

Caston was sitting arrogantly at the single sofa, looking so fresh with his dark grey polo shirt that hugged his chest and his biceps. He's crossing his arms, the veins on his forearms corded sexily.

Inirapan niya ang sarili dahil pati ang mga ugat nito sa braso ay napansin niya pa talaga.

There's no sign of smile on his lips, too. Ano pa nga ba ang aasahan niya sa lalaking 'to? His smile was too expensive.

In front of him was Korbin, smiling at her like as if he's happy that he saw her again. Umirap siya kay Caston at ngumiti kay Korbin.

And with the way Caston looked at Korbin, it seemed like he's silently murdering her friend inside his head. How merciless!

"Are you alright?" Korbin stood up and went to her.

Sinikop pa ng kamay nito ang kanyang panga, sinisigurado kung ayos lang ba talaga siya. He's genuinely concerned. She can feel that.

"I'm fine, Korbin. Uh, sorry about your car." Nahihiya siyang ngumiti sa bagong kaibigan.

"No, there's nothing to worry about it. Nasa casa na. I was worried when I heard about that. Are you sure you're okay?"

Tumango siya. She gave him a smile with assurance. She's really fine. Mabuti na lang at hindi naman siya nasaktan sa biglaang pagkabangga niya kagabi sa Audi.

"Yes, I'm really fine. Hindi naman malakas ang pagkabangga. Allow me to pay for the damage of your car."

"Kahit wag na—"

"Please?" Zalanna used her puppy eyes at Korbin.

Napabuntonghininga si Korbin at tumango. Zalanna's smile grew wider. She's really aware with her effects on boys. Her eyes were very expressive.

When her gaze went back to Caston, he's looking darkly at them. Para bang kasalanan na naroon sila sa harap nito.

"I brought fruits," Korbin said and motioned the island counter.

"Ow, thank you." Then she glanced at the basket of fruits.

Paloma came out holding a tray of juice. Inilapag niya ito sa lamesa kung nasaan si Caston.

"Thanks," she heard him mutter.

"May date kayo, Sir?" medyo pabulong na tanong ni Paloma.

Caston only shook his head. May dumaang aliw sa mga mata nito at nang nakitang nakatingin siya, dumilim ulit ang mga mata.

"Uh, Paloma, where's Zakia? Umuwi ba kagabi?"

"Hindi, Senyorita."

Nagulat siya roon. Bumalik ang tingin niya kay Korbin na naabutan niyang nakatitig sa kanya. Napakurap pa ito nang makitang nakatingin siya rito.

"Where's Zakia? Kasama niyo kagabi, 'di ba?" she asked.

"May sumundo sa kanya. Hindi ba umuwi?"

"Sino ang susundo? Tss."

"Her boyfriend?" Korbin shrugged.

Boyfriend? Walang boyfriend ang kapatid niya. Baka fling? Was that Luke? Oh, damn.

"Paloma, pakitawagan si Zakia."

Tumalima naman si Paloma. Tatlo na lang silang naroon. Ramdam niya ang pamumuo ng tensyon lalo at hindi pa nila binabalikan si Caston sa sala.

"Who's that man?" Korbin asked, then he glanced at Caston who's sitting like a boss.

"Sasakyan niya 'yong nabangga ko kagabi." Mahina ang boses niya. "May meeting kami ngayon para pag usapan 'yong damage."

"Sasamahan kita," ani Korbin, halatang duda sa katauhan ni Caston.

"Kaya ko na 'to. Babalitaan na lang kita pagkatapos naming mag-usap."

"Saan ang meeting niyo?"

"Hindi ko pa alam. Pwedeng dito na lang din."

"Mas maganda kung dito na lang. Mas mapapanatag ako."

Nang mapansin niyang parang naiirita na ng husto si Caston dahil sa bulungan nila, kahit labag sa loob ay lumapit siya rito.

"Maliligo lang ako," paalam niya bilang respeto na rin.

Kahit naman inis siya sa lalaking 'to, dapat ay may respeto pa rin siya lalo at siya naman talaga ang may kasalanan. Isang tango lang ang ginawa ni Caston sabay binigyan ng matalim na tingin si Korbin na sa kanya naman nakatitig, tila nabibighani sa kanya.

Iniwan niya ang dalawa. Pagpasok niya sa silid niya ay napatalon pa siya nang makita si Paloma roon. Kunyari ay nagliligpit pero alam niyang kakalap lang ng impormasyon.

"Guwapo rin naman si Sir Korbin, pero mas bagay kayo ni Sir Caston, Senyorita."

See? Alam niya kaagad ang takbo ng utak ng isang 'to.

Zalanna continued choosing what clothes to wear, ignoring Paloma.

"Nakita mo ba, Senyorita? 'Yong braso niya? Maugat at matigas ang mga muscle. Para bang kayang-kaya kang baliktarin sa kama sa posisyon na gusto niya—"

"Paloma!" histerya niya at pinanlakihan ng mga mata ang kasambahay na pigil ang hagikhik. "Will you shut your mouth? Baka marinig ka at ano pa ang isipin ni Caston."

"Soundproof itong silid mo, Senyorita, 'di ba? Hindi tayo maririnig. Kapag naging kayo na ni Sir Caston at napili niyang matulog dito, kahit umungol ka nang malakas ay ayos lang dahil hindi naman—"

"Paloma!" Sabay hampas niya ng dress dito. "Labas!"

Nag-iinit ang pisngi niya dahil bigla niya talagang naisip na uungol siya at kasama si Caston sa kama niya!

"Grabe naman si Senyorita," bulong-bulong nito, pero hindi naman lumabas at nagpatuloy sa pagliligpit ng kama niya at iba pang kagamitan na hindi naman kaligpit-ligpit.

Parang nadagdagan ang edad niya bigla sa kunsumisyon.

Zalanna closed her eyes tightly to erase that dirty, erotic, and very graphic image of her and Caston above her bed.

"Nasaan na si Zakia?" tanong niya kalaunan nang makapilit ng susuotin.

She chose a high waisted lace skirt and white sweetheart neck rib knitted top. She will pair it with beige Bottega Veneta woven leather mules.

"Kasama niya raw si Sir Luke."

Huminga siya nang malalim. Mas agresibo pa sa kanya ang kapatid niya, ah? At kasama si Luke buong gabi?

"Ano?" Magkadugtong ang kilay nang balikan niya si Paloma. "She's with Luke until now? They spent a night together?"

"Gano'n na nga po, Senyorita."

"Paano kung..." Itinigil niya ang pag-iisip. Napakarumi ng iniisip niya. Hindi tama!

"Alam mo, Senyorita, pwede na naman kayong mag-boyfriend, 'di ba? At mahirap iwasan ang tawag ng laman..." Napangiwi si Paloma nang panliitan niya ng mga mata pero nagpatuloy ito, napakagaling talaga! "... kaya lang kung ayaw niyo pang mabuntis, dapat ay may contraceptives kayo."

Paloma thinks too much, and it's so advance. Hindi ba pwedeng boyfriend at girlfriend lang? Dating and so on? Without sex? It's possible. Right?

Sex was just a bonus to a relationship, but it was not the only way to build a strong foundation.

Love and trust is the key to stay strong... to keep the relationship intact and unbreakable.

And, sex? For her, that's not the answer to have a long last thing relationship. Let's be clear and let's be real.

"You're thinking too much, Paloma," sabi niya sabay tanggal ng roba.

"Hindi naman sa nanghihimasok ako, Senyorita, pero parang gano'n na nga. Siyempre, concerned ako sa inyo. Sa itsura pa lang ni Sir Caston, para bang bihasa talaga sa kama. Kaya nakakasiguro ako na kapag naging kayo, malaki ang posibilidad na may mangyari sa inyo."

"Paanong magiging kami? Hindi naman 'yon nanliligaw. We just met last night. I only know about him is his name. But thanks for your concern, Paloma. I'll keep that in mind too."

After Zalanna took a shower, blow dried her hair, and put some light make ups, lumabas na siya sa kwarto niya. Naroon pa rin ang dalawa, tila ba tahimik na nagpapaligsahan.

Korbin stood up and he flashed a smile.

"Hinintay talaga kitang matapos. Aalis na rin ako."

"Hindi ka na dapat naghintay, Korbin." Umikot ang mga mata niya at natawa sa ginawa nito.

Napakamot ito sa batok. "Aayain din sana kitang mag-dinner, Zalanna."

At dahil pakiramdam niya ay may utang siya kay Korbin, mabilis siyang tumango.

"Sure, just text me the address."

"No, I'll pick you up tonight."

"I thought your car is in the casa?"

"I will use my other car."

"Okay."

Korbin kissed her cheek before he left. Hinatid niya pa sa pinto ang kaibigan.

Nang balikan niya si Caston ay para bang ubos na ubos na ang pasensya nito. Tumayo ito, hinilot ang sintido, bahagyang tumingala, at mariin na ipinikit ang mga mata.

She could not help but watch him in that angle.

His Adam's apple moved when he swallowed. His chest and shoulders were broad. His stomach was obviously flat and hard. And when her eyes traveled down to the bulge between his thighs, her cheeks heated up so bad.

Mabilis na sinaway ni Zalanna ang sarili at nag-angat ulit ng tingin. Napanguso siya nang naabutan si Caston na mariin ang tingin sa kanya.

Did he just catch her looking at his damn bulge? Oh my! She's embarrassing herself in front of him!

"Saan ba tayo?" Halos hindi lumabas sa bibig niya ang sariling tanong.

Pinasadahan ni Caston ang kabuoan niya. Parang gusto niyang mapaatras dahil sa init at lagkit ng bawat lapat ng mga mata nito sa kanyang katawan. Tapos ay muling bumuntonghininga na para bang pasan ang mundo.

"Do you have a problem with my clothes?" She arched her brow.

Maayos naman ang suot niya. Medyo kita lang ang cleavage at hindi naman masyadong maiksi ang palda.

"Nothing." His voice was cold.

"Then let's go."

"Ingat kayo sa date niyo, Sir Caston and Senyorita Zalanna!" pahabol ni Paloma na nagpamanhid ng ulo niya sa kahihiyan. Why don't she fire Paloma instead?

"At tuwang-tuwa ka naman," sita niya kay Caston nang makita ang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi nito.

A black Range Rover was parked near their black SUV. Caston clicked something on his key, making the car alarm shortly. Pinagbuksan siya nito ng pinto bago umikot sa driver's seat.

His manly scent automatically filled her nose. His car was neat. Sa backseat ay nakita niyang may naka-hanger na parang uniporme at may itim na duffel bag din doon.

"Saan tayo mag-uusap?" aniya nang makalabas sa BGC. "We can talk in the restaurant or coffee shop, Caston."

Sinulyapan siya nito, may aliw sa mga mata ngayon. Bakit? Dahil ba sa binanggit niya ang pangalan nito?

"Who's that boy?" instead, he asked.

Umikot ang mga mata niya. Really? Did he think about Korbin all the time? Was it bothering him?

"Sabihin mo muna kung saan mo ako dadalhin bago ko sabihin sa 'yo—"

"Tagaytay," he cut her off.

Ano ba ang pag-uusapan nila at sa Tagaytay pa talaga? Hindi ba ito busy?

"Bakit doon pa?"

"Who's that boy?" ulit nito, mariin ang titig sa mga sasakyan sa unahan nila.

She can see the protruded veins and the thin hair that matted on his forearm that was placed on the steering wheel.

His nose was pointed and his lips were in grim line. Kahit na hindi ito ngumingiti ay guwapo rin talaga. Hindi niya na itatanggi. Medyo suplado nga lang ang dating sa kanya.

"Korbin."

"Manliligaw mo?" Sabay sulyap nito sa kanya.

"I borrowed his Subaru. Now, I need to pay for the damage like what I will do to your Audi."

"You are not going to pay me in cash."

Napaahon sa inuupuan si Zalanna. What the hell did he say?

"At ano ang ipambabayad ko sa 'yo?"

"Your time," he answered casually and glanced at the side view mirror, making her see his tattoo again.

"What? My time? Enlighten me!"

She's a bit distracted with his tattoo. She absentmindedly wanted to see the whole design.

"You're going with me."

"Where?"

Zalanna shifted her sitting position, facing him more.

Sumulyap lang ito sa kanya, tapos ay sa hita niyang medyo hantad.

Hinayaan niya na ganoon ang ayos niya. Hindi niya kasalanan kung maapektuhan ito, 'no! Napakarupok naman nito kung sa hita niya lang ay maaapektuhan.

"Wherever I want."

How crazy! Whom did he think he was? He seemed like he's expecting that he can manipulate and dominate the people and things around him, but not her!

"Excuse me?" Zalanna cocked her head. "I am not a robot. You can't tell me what to do. I won't obey you!"

"That's the payment that I want."

"Siraulo ka naman pala."

Medyo natawa ito sa sinabi niya. Siya naman ay nag nagngingitngit ang kalooban.

"You're a reckless driver. Driving while drunk. I can confiscate your license for that. You should be thankful because I did not sue you and bring you to the police station."

Pinigil niya ang sarili na huwag magsalita. Baka biglang magbago ang isip nito at gawin nga ang sinasabi.

She can't afford losing her driver's license and give her family name a stain just because she's a reckless driver. Her family was respectable. Hindi siya ang maglalagay ng dumi sa pangalan nila kahit pa simpleng problema lang ang nagawa niya.

"Now, you better do what I want and—"

"Oo na!" gigil na sambit niya. Kulang na lang ay suntukin ang katabi.

Hindi siya bayolenteng tao pero magiging yata kapag nagpatuloy na kasama niya ang lalaking ito. Daig niya pa ang naglilihi sa sobrang pangit ng mood niya.

Zalanna glared at Caston even more when she saw him pout his lips a bit, like as if he was suppressing a damn smile. Uh, this annoying ass!

"Happy?" she mocked.

"Yeah," ganti nito na nagpairita lalo sa kanya. "Why are you so mad?"

Now, he's obvious that he's making fun at her. She could almost see a ghost smile on his lips.

"Sinong hindi?! Iniipit mo ako! You gave me no choice! Fuck you!" Then she kicked his leg, pero hindi ito natinag. Imbes na magalit ay isang halakhak ang pumuno sa loob ng sasakyan.

Mariin siyang napapikit. Ang hinayupak, tuwang-tuwa sa kamiserablehan niya.

"Damn. I never thought that a face like that could be violent."

"Sa 'yo lang!"

"Senyales na ba 'to na ganyan ka kapag naglihi?" Sulyap nito sa kanya, may ngisi sa labi.

Uminit ang buong mukha niya at halos takpan niya ng mga palad ito.

Paano nito nagawang ipasok ang gano'n sa usapan nila? Pangalawang beses pa lang nilang magkasama pero alam na kaagad nito kung paano siya gagalitin.

"Shut up!"

"Well, I can still deal with that."

"Tumahimik ka!" Sabay tampal niya sa braso nito, iritado na talaga. "Bababa talaga ako kapag hindi ka pa tumahimik!" banta niya.

Umangat lang ang mga kilay ni Caston pero hindi na rin naman siya inasar pa. Mabuti naman at marunong sumunod.

It's already lunch when they arrived in Tagaytay. Caston brought her to a restaurant where the view was the beauty of Taal Lake. Nawala nang bahagya ang iritasyon niya dahil sa tanawin.

They ordered food and waited for a long while. Hindi siya nagsasalita, ito naman ay gano'n din. May mga napapatingin sa gawi nilang mga babae pero hindi niya pinapansin. Alam niya naman kung sino ang tinitingnan at hindi siya iyon.

"You're not from Manila," he started a conversation casually.

"Yes, I'll just stay there for my studies."

Caston shifted his seat. "So, you're still studying?"

"For my master's degree."

"Where?"

"La Salle."

Napatango lang si Caston. Gusto niya sanang magtanong din, but her pride would never allow her. Kaya roon natapos ang usapan nila at tahimik na silang kumain. At least, their lunch was peaceful.

"I have a meeting tonight," Caston said, then he sipped on his wine.

"Meeting? Where?"

"Dito lang din."

"Don't tell me you are planning to make me wait until you're finished with your meeting?"

Zalanna narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"You can roam around while waiting for me."

"So, do you think I am patient enough to wait for you?"

"Baby, you have no choice." Then he put down the glass carefully. All of his attention was on her now.

Siya naman ay natahimik pansamantala dahil sa tawag nito sa kanya. Baby? Was that his fucking endearment? She's torn between liking it and hating it at the same time.

Zalanna cleared her throat. Alright, she will let it slide for now.

"There's horse riding here, right?"

"Yeah."

"I'm gonna try."

"You know how?"

Napaahon ito sa inuupuan at sumenyas sa waiter para sa panibagong wine.

"Yes," she proudly said. "I was raised having horses around me. So, yes, I am good at it."

"Ihahatid kita roon kung gano'n."

"Hindi na," tanggi niya. "I can manage myself. You can do whatever you want and I'll do whatever I want. Understood?"

"Ihahatid kita," pinal na sabi nito na nagpaikot ng mga mata niya.

"Hindi kita tatakasan."

"Hindi ka rin naman makakatakas, Zalanna."

She swallowed when she heard how her name slipped on his lips. It sounded so sensual, so erotic.

"I DON'T have clothes!" histerya ni Zalanna nang sabihin sa kanya ni Caston na sa hotel sila tutuloy habang nasa meeting ito at doon siya maghihintay kapag gabi na.

"It's in my car. Paloma prepared it for you because you were still sleeping when I arrived."

Hindi niya na nasundan ang mga sinabi ni Caston dahil sa ginawang 'yon ni Paloma. Bakit pakiramdam niya ay ipinagkanulo siya ng kasambahay? Gusto yatang masisante!

"And what time will you go back?"

Nang nilingon siya ni Caston, nakita niya ang multong ngiti sa labi nito. What was he thinking? Nagtatanong lang naman siya kung anong oras ito babalik, baka hating-gabi na? E 'di hindi sila makakauwi? She didn't want to be with him all night!

"I don't know yet."

"Bakit hindi mo alam? What kind of meeting is that, huh?"

"Work," simpleng sagot nito at kinuha ang LV back pack niya sa likod ng sasakyan.

Ito na rin ang nagbibit niyon kasama ang duffel bag nito nang pumasok sila sa lobby ng hotel kung saan sila kumain ng tanghalian.

"Here's your keycard, Sir." The hotel staff smiled politely at Caston, then to her.

Sinundan niya kaagad si Caston sa elevator nang makitang isang key card lang ang hawak nito.

"Don't tell me we are going to share a room?"

"Yes."

"Caston!" Zalanna stomped her foot.

Nagtaas ito ng kilay, tapos ay bumaba sa kamay niyang nakakapit pala sa braso nito dahil bahagya niyang niyuyugyog.

"Why are you worried that we're going to share a room?" he asked like as if it was not a big deal.

"Of course! We are not in a relationship, we are not even friends! It's not appropriate to share a room with you."

A memory of them in D' Club suddenly popped her mind. Ang mga maiinit na haplos nito, ang pag-amoy sa kanyang buhok, at kung paano masarap na humagod ang daliri sa kaselanan niya... Lahat ng 'yon ay rumehistro sa kanyang isipan.

Hinampas niya si Caston sa braso sa sobrang kahihiyan. He looked so surprised though, but she only leered at him. Nagmartsa siya palabas ng elevator.

And to her horror, Zalanna found out that the bed was only one!

Hinarap niya si Caston sa nanliliit na mga mata.

"What are your plans, huh? Bakit isa lang ang kama! 'Wag kang tatabi sa akin!"

Caston lazily put down their bags. Para bang napapagod na ito sa mga reklamo at hampas.

"Will you calm down?" He sat at the edge of the bed.

She was standing in front of him, fuming mad. Handang-handa na naman siyang magbuga ng apoy sa kaharap niya.

"You should have at least booked two rooms."

"They are fully booked."

"Then find another hotel—"

"I like it here." He gently grabbed her hand. "Masyadong mainit ang ulo mo..."

Nagtaas-baba ang dibdib niya. Hindi siya sigurado kung dahil ba sa mga pinagsasabi niya o dahil sa kadahilanang hawak nito ang isa niyang kamay at marahan na pinipisil-pisil, tila ba iyon ang kakalma sa kanya.

"... hindi ka pa naman naglilihi," dugtong nito kaya sinamaan niya ng tingin at binawi ang kamay.

But Caston did not let her. Imbes, walang kahirap-hirap na hinatak siya nito. Her body bounced on his chest. And in one swift move, she's already sitting on his lap. She needed to calm down!

"I swear, I am not kidding." Her voice suddenly softened.

Aba, kanina lang ay nagupuyos siya sa galit, bakit bigla yata siyang naging maamong tupa naupo lang sa kandungan ni Caston?

"Wala naman ako rito mamaya."

"Anong oras ka nga babalik?"

Para alam niya? Para makapaghanda siya at ilalagay ang ilang unan sa pagitan nilang dalawa? O kaya ay sofa na lang ito matulog? That's a good idea.

Bakit niya ba iniisip na magtatabi sila sa pagtulog? Hindi naman yata aabutin ng madaling araw ang meeting nito?

Caston slightly massaged both of her hands above her lap using his thumb. Ang isang kamay nito ay nasa baywang niya naman, marahang nakapirmi.

"Maybe before dawn." His voice was gentle.

"Ang tagal naman ng meeting niyo."

"I believe you'd rather be alone here than having me around."

He's right though. It's better that way. Hindi na siya mag-aalala pa kung wala si Caston sa tabi niya. Mas makakapaghinga siya nang maayos.

"Ibig sabihin, bukas na ang uwi natin?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, text me when you are on your way back here."

"I will."

Dumaan ang katahimikan. Zalanna felt awkward, but she didn't have enough strength to stand up, especially now that he's smelling her hair and caressing her waist. Para siyang nakaramdam ng pagod dahil nanghihina siya.

Ngunit kailangan niyang labanan ang kung anoman ang pumipigil sa kanya na umalis sa kandungan ng binata.

"U-uh, I am going to take a shower."

Ayaw pa sana siyang pakawalan ni Caston, pero walang nagawa nang umalis siya sa kandungan nito. Deretso ang lakad niya sa shower room.

Noong nasa loob na siya, doon niya lang naramdaman nang tuluyan ang malakas na tibok ng kanyang puso at ang paghabol niya ng hininga.

"What the hell, Zalanna..." she murmured, then she placed her palm on her chest, feeling the fast beating of her heart.