Chris, the Macho Lawyer (FREE to READ)

TWENTY: MET

Hindi ako mapakali habang kinakagat-kagat ko ang kuko sa aking hintuturo. “Chris, paano ako lalabas na nakaganito? At paano ako papasok sa lobby ng hotel na ganito lang ang suot ko?” Puno ng pag-alala ang nasa tinig ko.

Tapos na kaming kumain at nakapagligpit na rin kami sa aming pinagkainan. Ang problema ko na lamang ngayon ay ang aking suot.  I can't go out in the open wearing a man's shirt and boxers, can I? At paano naman ang sapin ko sa paa gayong VS pumps ang sinuot ko kagabi?

Hinihimas ni Chris ang kanyang baba at taimtim na tinitigan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. “You look good with my shirt. I don't see any problem with that sweetheart.” He smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “I'm serious Chris.”

He chuckled lightly at may kung anong hinalungkat sa kanyang plastic na cabinet. Mula doon ay may hinugot itong isang bestida na kulay asul. Inabot nito iyon sa akin. Nanliit agad ang mata ko at humalukipkip. Hindi inalintana ang paninikip ng aking dibdib.

“Kanino naman galing yan?” Hindi pa man ay mukhang alam ko na agad ang isasagot nito.

He took a sharp breath. Tila hirap itong sagutin ang tanong ko. Hindi ito tumingin sa akin nang magsalita ito. “That's for her. Natapon ko na lahat ng mga gamit na naiwan niya dito sa bahay mula noong pinaayos ko ito. Yan nalang ang natira. Nasama sa mga damitan ko.”

What a lame excuse he got there. “Talaga lang ha? Nasama o sinadya mong isama? Bakit hindi mo tinapon nang nakita mong may naiwan pa palang gamit niya dito?”

“Hindi pa niya yan naisuot. That's supposed to be my birthday gift for her.” He answered me drily. His face impassive but I could see fear in his brown eyes.

“Oh okay. So bakit mo ipapasuot sa akin ngayon? Regalo mo pala sa kanya yan eh. Now that she has returned, why don't you hand that to her? It's been long overdue.” Sabi ko at nagtungo sa pandalawahang sofa at naupo doon. Inabala ko ang sarili ko sa panonood ng TV. Siya naman ay nakamata lamang sa akin. Isang buntong-hininga pa ulit ang pinakawalan nito bago ito lumapit sa akin.

He swiftly pulled and hugged me tightly I couldn't even breathe. He buried his face on my neck. “Nagseselos ka ba?” Malambing na tanong nito.

“Ah hindi. Ang saya saya ko nga, e.” I said mockingly. “What do you expect me to feel, Chris?"

“I'm sorry. Hindi ko intensyong pagselosin ka. Ang tanging naisip ko lang ay kung paano masolusyunan ang problema mo. Kung ayaw mo sa damit na yun, I will throw it, sweetheart. I just couldn't throw it before because I was trapped with her memories. But things are different now. You've completely changed my life, Veronica. The first time I looked at you, I knew that I have got you under my skin. You physically and emotionally altered me, and I have never been like this before, not even with Rosalie.” He said huskily while looking at me with eyes full of emotions I couldn't name.

Okay. Maybe I overacted. But I just can't help it. I was jealous, alright. “Isusuot ko ang damit, Chris. Isipin na lang natin na kaya nakatabi pa ang bestida na yan ay dahil sa pagkakataong ito. Maybe, it was meant for me, after all.”

Chris held my cheeks and gave me a lingering kiss. “Right. Baka nga para sa'yo talaga ang damit na yan.” He smiled.

Kahit mabigat pa rin sa kalooban ko ay pinagwalang bahala ko na lamang. Kinuha ko ang bestida na nakapatong sa itaas ng drawer at nagtuloy na ako sa banyo. I changed my clothes. The dress fitted me. Kahit na medyo may kaiksian ito pero tamang-tama lamang ang hapit nito sa aking katawan. Ang tela ay halatang mumurahin at ang pagkakatahi ay hindi gaanong pulido. But then again, the effort he put to buy a dress is enough to make my heart swells with love for him. Kahit ba hindi ito talaga nakalaan sa akin. Still, I appreciated it. I think I will wear this all day.

Paglabas ko sa banyo ay nagsalubong agad ang mata namin ni Chris. He didn't blink, his jaw dropped to the floor at tila ba isa akong aparisyon sa kanyang harapan. Tumikhim ako. “Do I look fine? You don't look pleased.”

He cleared his throat and looked away. “You are beautiful, Veronica. The dress suits you impeccably.”

“Bakit hindi ka makatingin?”

“I can't. Baka mag-iba ang plano ko. I might tear that dress and make love with you endlessly. Hindi magandang ideya.” May diin sa kanyang pagkakasabi.

Pinilig ko ang aking ulo para maalis ang mahahalay na eksenang naglalaro sa isip ko. I grinned wickedly. If only I had a choice, I will choose whatever he's planning to do with me right now. When did I start having these carnal desires for him?

Kakatapos lang naming mag-lunch na tatlo. Ewan ko ba kay kuya Lawrence na tila hindi maka-usap ng matino. Bigla na lamang nito tinawagan si Chris kanina at pinadiretso niya kami sa restaurant ni James. My brother is up to something. I can sense it.

When the taxi stopped at the main lobby of the hotel, Chris got off first. He walked to the other side para ipagbukas ako ng pinto. Naglahad ito ng kanyang palad at tinanggap ko iyon na nakangiti. Pero nang makalabas na ako ng tuluyan, marahan din nitong binawi ang palad. Kumunot ang noo ko.

“Why?”

“People are watching us. Ayokong mag-isip sila ng masama tungkol sa'yo.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Anong masama ang maaari nilang isipin Chris?”

“You know what I mean, Veronica.”

Bumuntong-hininga ako. “You are a lawyer and a part of this company, walang malisya kung magkasama o magkahawak man tayo ng kamay, Chris.”

“You are an heiress, and I am just a striving lawyer who works at your empire. It doesn't make sense, Veronica.”

“It's you who are not making sense, Chris. Let's stop this argument.” Naiinis kong tugon dito. His insecurity is totally out of this world. Nauna akong maglakad sa kanya at kahit nakasunod ito sa akin, he made sure he's keeping his distance from me.

Tumigil ako saglit sa front desk. Three receptionists were busy doing their jobs, but my eyes stuck at the young lady who was busy taking a phone call. Lumapit ako sa counter at huminto sa mismong harap nito. Her emerald eyes grew wide and I saw her lips quivered. She bowed her head as she greeted me. “Good morning, Miss Dela Vega.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. Binasa ko ang nameplate na naka-pin sa kaliwang dibdib nito. ‘Emerald.’

“Intern ka dito?” I asked in an intimidating tone.

She nodded politely. “Yes, Miss.”

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

Eighteen eh? Tumango lang ako. May gusto sana akong sabihin pero minabuti na lamang na sarilinin. “Work hard.”

“Yes, Miss.” She looked past me, and I could see the horror in her pretty face. Nilingon ko ang kanyang tinitignan. Chris was standing behind me as he was politely waving at the girl. He was smiling contagiously.

“Tss.” I hissed as I made way to the employee’s lift. Nang bumukas iyon ay pumasok ako. Si Chris ay tahimik lamang na nakasunod sa akin. He stood behind me again. I pressed the top floor.

“Bakit ba lagi ka sa likuran ko? Hindi kita bodyguard. Stand here beside me.” Wika ko sa naiinis na tono.

“I did something wrong with that girl sa bar. Ian challenged me to flirt with her and get her name. I think I scared the young lady.”

“Like I'm asking for your explanation?” Pagtataray ko.

“I'm trying my best to suit myself in your world, Veronica. I mean, partying and all.”

“And what did you find out in my world, Chris?”

“It's boring without you.”

“I showed myself last night.”

“Yeah? And trouble came in the way with you. Are you always in trouble whenever you party?”

“I'm used to that.” I sighed.

“Used to be held by men?”

I looked at him with my brows furrowed. “Hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon, Chris. Maayos ko silang napapaalis.”

“Oh.” Pekeng gulat pa nito at namulsa. “So, I overacted last night?”

“No. You just overdone it. You almost killed the foreigner.”

“I've killed a man before.”

“What?!” I was appalled.  

“You heard me. That was a long time ago. I didn't intend to. It was a clean fight until he collapsed. He got internal bleeding in the head that caused him to death.”

Wala sa loob na napahawak ako sa aking dibdib dahil sa samut-saring emosyon. Hindi ko mabuka ang bibig ko and I couldn't utter a single word. I was too shocked.

“Now that you knew another bad side of me, mababawasan na ba ang nararamdaman mo sa akin?” His voice clipped; the insecurity was there.

Does this man really think that it would shake me just because of that? Yes, I was shocked but who wouldn't? But again, it was all in the past. It has nothing to do with what we have now. I swallowed to find my tongue.

“Mula ngayon, ayokong malalaman na nakikipag-bugbugan ka, Chris. Last night will be the last, understand?”

“Are you scared of me now?”

“Yes, I'm scared. Pero hindi ako takot sa'yo, Chris. Takot ako sa maaaring mangyari sa'yo. Paano kung ikaw naman ang magkaganun? Paano kung mas malala pa ang mangyari sa'yo? My god. I won't let you fight again Chris, not on my watch.”

Nang tumunog ang lift hudyat na dumating na kami sa top floor, nauna akong lumabas roon. I was supposed to go to kuya's office, but Chris held my arm and tenderly dragged me to the exit. He leaned me against the door.

Nag-igting ang panga nito habang nakayuko ang ulo. I looked up to him. Puno ng pagtataka ko siyang pinagmasdan. Hi eyes were closed but I could see the glitters of his unshed tears.

“What's the matter, Chris?” I asked him softly.

“I wish I had met you earlier in the past. Maybe, just maybe, I didn't crumble too much. I didn't destroy myself too much. Na kung nakilala kita agad noong mga panahong masalimuot ang buhay ko, baka matagal na akong gumaling. At baka napigil mo akong gumawa ng mga bagay na labag sa kalooban ko pero wala akong nagawa. If I had met you earlier, my wounds would have been completely healed by now.”

I smiled genuinely at him. “Then just let me heal your wounds, Chris.”

“How?”

I snaked my arms around his neck and I deliberately pressed myself to him. “Let me love you, my way.” Wika ko bago ko inabot ang kanyang labi. The moment our lips touched, we both moaned. His tongue seek entrance and I welcomed him. He captured my tongue and sensually sucked it. I groaned. His hands went to my right breast, kneading it carefully but erotically. I couldn't help but to whimper with his touch. Kung hindi dahil sa braso nitong nakakapit sa aking baywang, baka nabuwal na ako. My knees were wobbling now.

“Veronica...” He whispered my name like a litany. Tanging ungol lamang ang ginawa ko lalo na nung bumaba ang mukha nito sa aking leeg. Napatingala ako dahil sa init na dumaloy mula sa aking likuran hanggang sa gitna ng aking hita. This feeling is so foreign to me pero nagugustuhan ko ito.

I gasped when he lifted my dress up. Pinigilan ko ang kanyang kamay. He looked at me with eyes burning with passion and desire. Lumunok ako. “I..... I.....I didn't wear anything underneath.”

Nagsalubong ang kilay nito. “You're not wearing an underwear?”

Umiling ako at kumagat-labi. “I took off your boxers kasi bumabakat ang garter sa dress.” I crumpled his long-sleeve shirt nervously.

He groaned like a wounded wolf. “So mula sa bahay hanggang dito, wala kang suot na kahit na ano sa ilalim ng bestida na'to? We even had lunch in that restaurant!” May galit na kalakip sa boses nito.

Mas lalo akong kinabahan. Tumango ako bilang sagot ngunit hindi ako tumingin sa kanyang mga mata. I kept on looking down at the floor. He's definitely going to scold me.

“You'd better go up to your penthouse and wear a damn underwear, Veronica! Now!” He yelled.

“Please don't get mad.”

“Do you expect me to be happy with that? Ang iksi ng damit mo tapos wala kang suot na kahit na ano sa ilalim niyan. At naglalakad ka na parang wala lang? f**k! Gusto mong masilipan? Gusto mong makita ng ibang tao ang parte ng katawan mo na ako lang dapat ang makakita? Kung nagkataong nasilipan ka, tatanggalan ko sila ng mata!”

“I'm sorry, okay? Aakyat na ako sa taas ngayon din, Chris. Please, just calm down. Wala namang ibang nakakaalam eh.”

Pumikit ito ng mariin at menasahe ang sentido. “Jesus. You are testing my limits. Just go, Veronica.”

I nodded at nagmamadali akong kumawala sa kanya. Lakad-takbo ang ginawa ko habang ang mga kamay ay nakadikit sa magkabilang gilid ng aking hita. Ang mga empleyado ng Finance and Audit ay nagtatakang nakasunod ng tingin sa akin at tanging alanganing ngiti lamang ang ginanti ko sa mga pagbati nila.

When I reached the penthouse, saka pa lamang ako nagpakawala ng hininga. Chris was scary back there. Mabilis akong nagtungo sa aking silid and decided to take a quick shower again dahil hanggang ngayon ay ramdam ko pa rin ang init ng haplos ni Chris sa katawan ko. If I didn't stop him there, itutuloy niya kaya?

 Sinuot ko ulit ang bestida after I wore a set of fresh undergarments. I was in the living room when my cell phone rang. I frowned when Travis' name appeared on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hi babe!”

Umismid ako at sumalampak sa sofa. “Napatawag ka? How are doing there in Australia?” The last time we talked, he mentioned that he needed to go home dahil nagkasakit ang ama nito.

“Australia? It's still a country, babe.” He chuckled. “Why don't you get your ass down here and meet me?”

“What?” Napatuwid ako sa aking pagkakaupo. “What's that supposed to mean?”

Medyo magulo ang background nito na tila puno ng tao sa paligid. “I'm here in the lobby and apparently, kinukuyog ako ng mga tao. Damn media. I discreetly left the airport pero nasundan pa rin talaga ako.” Reklamo nito.

“I'll be there in a minute.” I answered as I turned off the call. Travis was one of my schoolmates and yes, he became my boyfriend. In fact, he was my first. At pareho kami ng mundong ginagalawan. We were both into modelling at sa Paris kami mas napalapit sa isa't isa. Travis is one of the famous models internationally at malawak ang fanbase nito sa buong mundo.

I used the private lift. Nang makarating ako sa lobby, nasapo ko ang aking noo dahil sa dinagsa ng tao ang malawak na lobby ng hotel. Hindi magkamayaw ang mga guests and he was surrounded by medias as well. Ang mga guards ay hirap na hirap na hinarang ang mga sarili para maprotektahan ang lalake. I somehow managed to get in dahil na rin siguro sa kilala ako ng mga tao kaya nagbigay daan sila.

“Travis!”

“Oh! There you are!” Nang makita ako ay hinigit na lamang ako nito ng basta-basta at hinalikan sa labi. Nanlaki ang mata ko. I tried to push him, but his body is made of steel and he held me possessively. Flashy cameras kept on clicking and blinding us.

“I missed you.” He breathed only to claim my lips again. He has done this many times before at tuwing ginagawa niya ito ay nagpapatangay na lamang ako. After all, this is an example of our publicity stunt. Pero iba na ngayon. I pushed him forcefully at may ngisi na nakapaskil sa aking labi, to cover up. Dahil nakangisi ako, hindi na mapapansin ng mga tao ang pagtulak ko kay Travis.

Kumunot ang noo ng lalake but just like me, there's a smile on his lips. “What are you doing here?” I asked while smiling at the cameras. I am starting to hate this job.

“Because you are here.” He murmured behind my ear. Kung wala lang sigurong mga tao, baka nasikmuraan ko na ang lalakeng ito. This guy is up to something.

“Stop it.” Mahinang sita ko sa kanya. Sinenyasan ko ang mga guards na manatili sa harap namin para hindi na makalapit ang mga reporters. Hinila ko si Travis sa front desk area. “May available ba na suite room?”  

The receptionist quickly checked through the computer. “Yes Ma'am.”

“Okay thank you.” I said, bigo sa sagot ng receptionist. Kung fully booked sana ang hotel, mapipilitan ang lalakeng lumipat ng ibang hotel at nawalan na sana ako ng sakit ng ulo.

I took the key card from the reception at binigay iyon kay Travis. Ang isang bellman na dala-dala ang isang di kalakihang maleta nito ay nakasunod sa aming likuran. I pressed the lift button nang may mahagip akong imahe sa gilid ng aking mata.

Chris was standing at the corner, his eyes full of remorse. Sa klase ng tinging binigay niya ay tinambol na ng kaba ang puso ko. s**t. He must have seen the stunt Travis just pulled a while ago. Tumalikod si Chris at naglakad papalayo hanggang sa malakabas ito ng lobby.

Nang bumukas ang pinto ng lift, tinulak ko si Travis papasok sa loob at nilingon ang bellman. “Please take care of him for me. May aasikasuhin lang ako. Travis, something came up. I'll just see you later. Bye.”

“Babe!”

Hindi ko na hinintay pa ang sagot nito at basta ko na lamang tinakbo ang direksyon ni Chris. Lumabas ito ng lobby pero hindi ko na alam kung saan pa ito nagtungo. Sa parking area kaya? Sa garden?

Umikot ako sa hotel nang mamataan ko ang kotse ni kuya Lawrence. Mukhang kakarating lang din nito mula sa kung saan papaalis pa lang siguro.

“Kuya.”

“Anong ginagawa mo dito?”

“Did you happen to see Chris? Nakita ko siyang lumabas ng lobby pero hindi ko na alam kung saan ito nagtungo.”

Kuya Lawrence looked at me na tila may hinahanap sa aking mga mata. “You like him that much, huh.”

“I don't like him. I love him.” I said matter-of-factly.

He heaved a sigh at umiling. "Baka nasa storage room. He used to go there pag gusto nitong mapag-isa.”

“Sto....storage room?”

“Yeah. The same storage room na ayaw mong ipagalaw. Seriously, anong mayroon sa storage room na yun? Bagay talaga kayo ni Chris. Both of you are weird.”  Sabi nito at nilagpasan na ako para tumungo sa front lobby.

Ako naman ay tila napako sa aking kinatatayuan.

Nica......

Tanging sa isang Chris mula sa kahapon ko lang binanggit ang pangalan na yan. At ang Chris ngayon ay tinawag ako sa ganyang pangalan....

Hindi kaya........

“Oh my god...”

Tumakbo ako patungo sa pinakalikod ng hotel. Abot-abot ang kaba sa aking dibdib.Tila pinipiga ang puso ko sa posibilidad na ang Chris noon at ang Chris ngayon ay iisa. How did I not figure that out sooner?

Isang malalim na hininga ang pinakawalan ko bago ko pinihit ang seradura ng pintuan. It's now or never.

“Chris?” I called him.

The room was dark pero dahil magtatanghali na, sumisilip ang liwanag mula sa maliit na nakasarang bintana sa taas ng sementadong pader.

I almost jumped when I felt a hand grasping my arm. Sinandal ako nito sa pintuan.

“We did meet before, Veronica. Lamang ay hindi tayo nagkaroon ng pagkakataong makilala ang isa't isa.”

“You knew?”

“It was a hunch, but I was right all along. We did meet, sweetheart. And I was glad I was your first kiss, and all hell will break loose if I won't be your last.”

The next thing he did made me tremble and shook my world into bewilderment. He ripped off the dress I was wearing!

“Akin ka. Noon. Ngayon. Magpakailanman.” He whispered before pulling me and crashed his lips against mine. Savagely. Selfishly. Madly.

Pumikit ako. Yeah......take me.... all of me.....