Chapter 14

Sunset

Alec processed everything for our civil wedding. Mas may alam siya sa legalities at dahil sa koneksiyon niya ay isang araw lang naproseso ang lahat para sa kasal. I did not even lift a finger. He just told me to be present at our wedding.

He offered we wed on the beach somewhere in Bohol. He had a private jet so flying there would not be a problem. I declined because I felt like it would be a hassle. Lalo na at minadali ang lahat.

Ang sinabi ko sa kanya ay sa opisina na lang ni Attorney Pelaez ang seremonyas. Si Attorney ang hiningan niya ng pabor na mag-officiate ng kasal namin.

I chose to have a much simpler ceremony. In the first place, a simple intimate wedding was what I wanted when our engagement was first announced. But of course, I didn't have a say. The elders decided.

At least sa kasal namin ni Alec na kami lang dalawa, natupad ang gusto ko.

Attorney Pelaez was a thoughful man. Imbes na praktikal na sa loob ng opisina niya kami ikasal, he took the initiative to officiate our wedding in his office's huge balcony. There, we could see the orange sky as the sun anticipated its setting.

The balcony was simply decorated where a hanging white curtains were put in place. Sumasabay ang puting tela sa ihip ng panghapong hangin.

I was wearing a white off shoulder lace dress which hugged the right curves in my body. It was one of the first clothes I've seen in my closet when I was rummaging through it as I was looking for something to wear for the wedding. I wore my mother's necklace from the auction. Through it, I felt like she was with me. I wanted her to witness.

My hair was in a sleek bun. My make up was very simple as I stood beside Alec. Ang matandang abogado naman ay nakatayo sa harap naming dalawa.

I faced Alec. He was clean shaven. He had his jet black hair slicked back. He was wearing a crisp white shirt which emphasized his broad shoulders. The first two buttons of it were undone. The sleeves were rolled with his cuffs. He paired it with dark pants.

"Jia Chen," panimula ni Attorney Pelaez, "if it's in your heart, please repeat after me.

"In the name of God...."

"In the name of God," I repeated in a soft voice. "I, Jia Chen, take you," I looked at Alec who was looking at me passionately, "Alec Von Cua, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse." I smiled at him. "For richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

"I, Alec Von Cua," Alec said in a clear voice, "take you, Jia Chen."Halos naging bulong ang pagbanggit niya sa pangalan ko. "To be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse. For richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish. Until we are parted by death." His eyes were intense. "This is my solemn vow."

Attorney Pelaez' secretary approached us with the rings on his hand which was given by Alec earlier.

Magalang siyang ngumiti kay Alec at pagkatapos ay ibinigay niya ang singsing.

"Can I please have your hand?" bulong ni Alec sa akin. Ngumiti ako at nagpaubaya.

The diamond glinted. He slowly slid the ring on my finger.

"I give you this ring," he softly murmurred, "as a symbol of my love and devotion." He looked at me intently as his jaw was set. "As a promise of my protection," he added. "With all that I am, and all that I have. I promise to honor and cherish you. I promise to be your family, Jia..."

I smiled as a single tear fell because of the last words. I believed him with all of my heart.

Using his thumb, he gently wiped the succeeding tears on my cheek.

It was my turn to put his ring with my own unsteady hands.

"I give you this ring," sabi ko sa boses na puno na ng emosyon, "as a symbol of my love and devotion. With all that I am, and all that I have. I promise to honor and cherish you..."

"By the power vested in me," si Attorney Pelaez. Nakangiti siyang tumingala sa papalubog na araw. "In the presence of this beautiful and promising sunset." He glanced at his secretary who quietly stood. "And in the presence of a friend as witness." And then he looked at us and smiled. "It is my great privilege to pronounce you finally a husband and wife." Ngumisi siya kay Alec. "You may now kiss your bride."

Alec took one step forward. Ang isang braso niya ay marahan niyang ipinulupot  sa beywang ko. His other hand gently touched my chin. Sumidhi ang titig niya habang domoble naman ang pagtibok ng puso ko.

"Earlier, you asked me how I've realized I've fallen in love with you," marahan niyang sinabi. "I could recite a hundred reasons to you, Jia." Ngumiti siya. "Pero baka isipin mo na pakitang tao na naman ako."

I could not help but smile.

He chuckled. "So out of a hundred, I'll just tell you one though." He turned serious. His eyes captured mine. "It's when I look into your eyes."

I gave him a questioning look.

"You have the most wonderful eyes," pagpapatuloy niya, sagot sa tahimik na tanong ko.

"The eyes I look into when I'm not sure if you love me and when I'm not sure if I love you." He's very honest. "But when I look at them, even right now, through your eyes, I see my own, and my eyes always say yes."

I swallowed the emotions in my throat.

"Alec..." I whispered his name.

"I love you," he whispered and slowly bent down to kiss me.

It was a slow kiss, filled with promises and adoration. I kissed him back. He took it as a sign and deepened the kiss. When it ended, I was almost breathless.

Attorney Pelaez congratulated us again after the short ceremony. We invited him for dinner afterwards which he declined because of his prior commitment.

"Magpapakasal pa rin naman kayo ulit, hindi ba?" he asked.

"Susunod pa rin kami sa plano ng pamilya," si Alec ang sumagot.

"You could not wait?" Nginitian kaming pareho ng matandang abogado.

"He probably felt threatened when you mentioned your son, Attorney," panunudyo ko.

Natawa si Attorney Pelaez. Alec smirked as he wrapped a possessive arm around my waist. He did not even deny it.

Nobody knew about the wedding ceremony. Inilihim namin ito ni Alec. The short preparation was so private we were sure it wouldn't catch the attention of the media who had eyes on us.

Habang bumibiyahe kami patungo sa kanyang condo pagkatapos ng casual dinner sa isang exclusive resto ay dumagundong na ang kaba sa dibdib ko. Hindi naman ako ganoon ka-inosento. Alam ko sa sarili ang kasunod na mangyayari.

With Alec's calibre and reputation with women, I knew he wouldn't let the night pass without the consummation. I felt hot all over.

Tahimik kami sa loob ng sasakyan. May driver na kinuha si Alec kaya magkatabi kaming dalawa sa may backseat. He was quiet as well. But he would glance at me from to time.

I almost stopped breathing when we finally arrived in his building. He took my hand and held it as we went out of the car. His condo was on the 24th floor of the high tower building. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ko nang nasa loob na kami ng elevator.

"Are you nervous?" bigla niyang tanong.

"Oo," pag-amin ko.

"Don't be." His thumb sensually grazed the back of my hand.

The elevator pinged. Bumukas ito sa floor niya. We stopped in front of his room and he took a key card from his pocket. He swiped it and the door opened. As we entered, the lights were already turned on. I knew that there was no turning back.

Sinuyod ko ang tingin sa loob ng kanyang unit. It was sleek and neat. It was very spacious. Everything was a shade of black and white.

"Can I use your bathroom?" tanong ko bigla.

"Of course." Tumango siya at binitiwan na ang kamay ko. He pointed a finger at a black door. "That's the bathroom. I'll wait for you here."

"Okay." Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi at iniwan na siya para rito.

Saka pa lang ako nakahinga nang maluwag nang nakapasok na sa loob ng bathroom. I looked at myself in front of the huge mirror above the sink. Tumaas baba ang dibdib ko.

Bead of sweat formed just below my collarbones. I turned on the faucet and dab some of the water from my palm onto my neck.

"Calm down, Jia," bulong ko sa sarili.

Tumayo na ako ng deretso at huminga nang malalim. I turned towards the door and opened it.

Nadatnan ko si Alec na nakaupo sa armchair. Tumayo siya nang nakita ako.

Nilapitan ko siya. Pinisil ko ang mga daliri. It was my habit whenever I felt nervous.

"Where's your bedroom?" My voice was hoarse.

He nodded and then walked towards a hallway. We turned right. Itinuro niya ang nakasarang pinto sa may hindi kalayuan.

Tinatagan ko ang sarili at humakbang na papunta rito. Ramdam ko ang tahimik na pagsunod niya sa likod.

Nang nasa harap na ng pintuan ng kanyang kuwarto ay gumilid na ako. He took the hint and turned the knob.

Pagbukas ng pinto ay tumambad sa akin ang malawak na kuwarto niya. Pumasok na kaming pareho sa loob. Tinitigan ko ang malapad na kama. Its black headboard was wide as well. The bed frame was also black in color. Only the sheets were white.

Kabado akong napasulyap kay Alec. He licked his lower lip as he studied me.

"If you're not ready we don't have to do this yet," paos na sambit niya.

"But I'm your wife now," pagklaro ko habang inaalala ang mga napag-aralan tungkol sa kung paano maging asawa. "It's my responsibility to satisfy you in all aspects..."

Banayad niya akong tiningnan at marahan niyang kinuha ang kamay ko. His manly hand was warm. His  palm made even the hairs on my body stood.

"You don't have any responsibilities when it comes to me," he carefully said. "I don't want you to feel obligated in any way."

I was enamored by his thoughtfulness. Sa dami-dami ng expectations ng pamilya ko mula sa'kin, halos hindi ko na alam kung paano ang magpaubaya lang.

I tiptoed and gave him a feathery kiss on the lips. Once, twice, and before I could pull away, his hands were already on my back, caging me.

He kissed me back, taking what I gave and giving what I needed.

We kissed for a long time. A combination of tiny feathering touches and deep soul kisses that sent shock waves of arousal in our flesh. His hands were restless as they roamed my back.

We moved, as if we were dancing. My legs stumbled on the edge of the bed.

His hands on my back ignited the fire within me. They went down to grip my hips and pressed me against him.  Without even an inch of distance, I discovered that he was turned on.

I felt his urgent need in every pull and tug. The kisses which started teasing became intense. It screamed promises of more to come.

"I want you," he murmured in between our kisses. "Will you have me?"

My only response was a moan. He took this as my permission.

With his expert hands, he brought my zipper down. He unclasped my bra and brought it down together with my dress. In a matter of seconds, I was naked except on the waist down.

He groaned as he stared at my exposed breasts.

"You have no idea how many times I've imagined them."

I blushed profusely. Napasinghap ako nang idinampi niya rito ang mainit niyang palad. With his thumb, he drew circles around my nipple. Nag-aapoy na sa init ang buong katawan ko.

"I want you naked, Alec," I said as I tried to unbutton his white dress shirt.

He kissed me again as his hand started its own hot torture. I lost my footing. Napaupo ako sa edge ng malapad na kama.

" 'Di mo kailangang magmadali," he murmured. "We have the rest of our lives together."

My hands were trembling. Nahirapan ako sa pagkakalas ng mga butones niya.

"Here. Let me," aniya sabay pansamantalang distansiya sa'kin. Siya na ang mismong nagtanggal ng mga butones. His moves were swift. As if he's so used to it.

I wondered how many women he'd bedded. I temporarily pushed this thought in the corner for the mood not to be spoiled.

Nang tuluyan niyang nakalas ang mga butones ay mabilisan niyang nahubad na dress shirt. In all his mighty glory, he was naked in his upper body. And oh boy was he fit. His being adventurous certainly paid off.

Hindi ko na matanggal ang masidhing titig sa katawan niya.

I bit in my lower lip.

Kinain niya ulit ang maliit na distansiyang nakapagitan sa aming dalawa. Yumuko siya at tinitigan ulit ang katawan ko.

"Now let me take the rest of this dress off," he said as he tugged it down.

He resumed his intoxicating kisses. I heard myself moaned once more. My back hit the mattress.

Nang nasa paanan ko na ang damit ko ay kailangan ko pa itong sipain dahil sagabal. It landed on the floor. I took my shoes off as well. I heard him chuckle.

My gaze landed on the bulge in between his thighs.

"Take your pants off," utos ko.

"Let me kiss every inch of you first."

He resumed covering my body with his own. Ramdam ko ang init ng katawan niya. He captured my mouth. He claimed every corner of it. I tried to return the passion he was giving. But the intensify he was indulging me was too hot to handle.

His kisses went down my neck.

I tilted my head to side to give him more access. He trailed kisses until he reached my twin peaks. His mouth captured one while his expert fingers played with the other. I writhed on the bed with the intense pleasure he was giving me.

Hindi na ako mapakali nang unti-unting bumaba ang mga labi niya sa tiyan ko. I anticipated his every kiss. I bit my lip so hard I thought it would bleed.

I gasped so loud when I heard a tearing sound. He tore my panties off. And before I could react, his mouth covered me below.

I opened my eyes and looked down at him. He still had his pants on while I was completely naked. His eyes looked drunk as he looked at me while his tongue was doing its wonders.

I couldn't help but raised my hips a bit. I wanted his tongue deep inside me. He groaned and indulged me.

"Oh, God..." ungol ko.

Flicked. Plunged. Flicked.

Repeat.

I felt the spasm of my release.

Tumaas baba ang dibdib ko. Sa hingal ay para akong umakyat ng bundok. My eyes were tightly shut.

I felt him retreated for a bit. And then I heard the rustling of clothes. Kahit bumigat na ang talukap ay nakuha ko pa ring dumilat.

I saw him completely naked. His huge member stood proud.

As if cold water splashed on my face. He would never fit. Napausog ako sa kama na parang umaatras.

"Oh no. You are not backing out on me now," he stated. Nakita niya siguro ang takot sa mukha ko.

"It won't..." I shook my head as I stared at it.

"It will," he assured me as his body covered me once more. "I made sure you are wet and ready."

He diverted my attention with his sensual mouth as it landed on my neck. As he buried his face in my neck, I felt him enter. He was blocked. The veins on his neck corded.

A groan escaped his mouth. And then he plunged.

My scream was mixed with a loud moan.

I felt a cold tear slipped from the corner of my eye.

Ang sakit.

For a second, I forgot the pleasure. It was all pain. Alec's entire body froze.

Hiningal siya. As if he had ran a mile.

He ran his huge palm on my stomach. His long index finger touched me. Coaxing my bud gently. His mouth covered mine. His tongue was mimicking what his finger was doing.

It was all too much that one intense pleasure returned. I moaned so loud, it was the only noise in the room.

He started to move and slowly the pain subside. There was nothing else but pleasure.

He pulled out but only to push back deeper. I wrapped one leg around his waist. His hand held my other leg, holding me in place. It made his every push much deeper that he hit a spot.

"Fuck..." His voice was ragged.

The noise of my moans was joined by the sound of the loud smacking of our skin.

I wrapped my arms around his neck when I felt that I was nearing my peak. I felt like I would fly and I was afraid to let go.

And when I finally reached it. I hold onto him tightly.

His push became more intense. He was on the edge and he wanted to climb some more. He wanted it to last.

After a while, his series of plunge became sloppy. He moaned. And then I felt his warm release. Hot liquid gushed down my thigh.

It was too late for me to realize that neither of us used protection. Yes we were married, but why was I suddenly afraid?