Unexpected Desires

CHAPTER 12: Desires and Temptations

Chapter 12: Desires and Temptations

Mayari Calleope's Point of View

Amid the soft hum of office chatter, Amara's voice cut through the air, her eyes focused on me as she settled into the chair next to my desk. Her presence alone had a way of turning my attention away from my work.

"Mukhang napapadalas ata ang pagkikita niyo ni Riley ah," she observed, her tone casual but laced with intrigue. I couldn't help but nod, my fingers still typing away on my keyboard, though my thoughts momentarily wandered.

"Yeah, just casual hangouts," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Amara leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing slightly, and her words dripped with curiosity. "Casual hangout? Or more than that?" Caught off guard, I paused in my work. Napatingin naman ako sa kaniya at kita ko ang mga titig niya sa akin na para bang may gusto siyang ipahiwatig.

"What do you mean?" I replied, attempting to feign innocence, though I suspected she saw through it.

Amara, however, merely shrugged, her expression cryptic. "I know you know what I mean."

Hindi naman ako agad nakasagot. Mag-iisang buwan na kami rito sa Maynila at sa loob ng halos isang buwan ay aminado akong napapadalas nga ang pagkikita namin ni Riley. Well, it was just casual hangouts, but, on the other hand, there was more to it.

Urg! Miski rin naman ako ay hindi rin makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari sa amin ni Riley. Hindi ko akalain na ang simpleng one night stand ay masusundan pa.

The irony of the situation wasn't lost on me. I had run away from an arranged marriage, unwilling to be tied down by a man I barely knew, only to find myself in this complicated liaison with Riley.

At alam kong nakakahalata na si Amara dahil sa aming lima siya ang pinakamagaling mag-obserba. Tahimik lang 'yan pero palihim ka na niyang inoobserbahan.

My fingers stilled on the keyboard as I replied, "We're simply hanging out, Amara." I didn't want to lie to my friends, but I also didn't know what to call what Riley and I were doing. We were having casual s*x without a romantic relationship, and I wasn't sure how to define it.

Amara's gaze remained steady as she continued to press, "You're lying, honey. Sa akin ka pa talaga magsisinungaling eh kilalang-kilala kita mula ulo hanggang ingrown mo." Anito sa akin. Sinimangutan ko naman ito. "I know there's something between you and that young billionaire. I'm not naive, Mayari," she added.

I sighed, finally lowering my hands from the keyboard and meeting her eyes. With a somewhat melancholic gaze, I confessed, "I honestly don't know what to call what we're doing. This is all new to me, Amara. I don't even know why I'm doing it. Riley isn't forcing me; he's actually asking for my permission. The problem is me; I don't know why I can't say no."

Sa wakas ay nailabas ko rin ang saloobin ko. It's good to have someone to talk to about this goddamn feelings of mine.

Amara leaned back in her chair, studying me with empathy. "Because you like it too. You're into it, Mayari. You're attracted to him just as he is to you," she stated plainly.

Napayuko naman ako sa sinabi niya habang kagat ko ang aking ibabang labi. Hindi ko naman maitatanggi na attracted ako kay Riley. Halata naman eh. Pero naguguluhan pa rin ako kung bakit. Ano bang mayroon kay Riley at attracted ako sa kaniya? Bakit hindi ako makawala sa kaniya?

"You know, Mayari, this is the first time I've seen you like this," Amara continued. "We all know the real reason why we're here in Manila. It's ironic because you didn't want to marry a man you didn't know, yet you gave yourself to someone you barely know."

Hindi ko naman mapigilang hindi matawa ng bahagya sa sinabi niya. I know that and I couldn't agree more.

"I know. I know. How cliché, right?" Saad ko sa kaniya at pabagsak akong sumandal sa aking swivel chair. Tumingin ako sa ceiling, iniisip ko kung paano ako napunta sa ganitong sitwasyon.

"Well, it's your life, and it's your decision to make," Amara said, her concern evident in her voice. "We can't do anything about it if that's what you want. I just don't want you to get hurt. I don't want you to go through the same pain I've been through."

Tumingin ako kay Amara and my eyes softened as I saw her looking at me with such concern.

I reached across the desk, taking Amara's hand. "I know, Amara, and I promise I won't let myself get hurt in the process. Thank you."

Amara's eyes softened, and she smiled in return. Amara may look and act bitchy sometimes, at kung hindi niyo siya kilala ay baka bansagan niyo rin siyang flirt, but she's a very kind and caring woman. Her concern for her friends was palpable. At alam ko, actually, naming lahat kung saan nanggagaling 'yung pag-aalala niya sa aming lahat. She's been through so much pain because of her damn ex-boyfriend at hindi namin siya masisisi kung ayaw na niya ulit magtiwala sa mga lalaki. Kaya naiintindihan din namin kung bakit ganito na lang siya kung ingatan kaming mga kaibigan niya dahil ayaw niyang masaktan din kami at mapagdaanan ang sakit na pinagdaanan niya.

At kung ako lang din ang tatanungin, ayoko ring masaktan. But yeah, kagaya nga ng sinabi ko, I'm still new with all of these things happening to me right now. I'm still exploring and learning. But I know I will figure this whole thing out someday and when that day comes, I promise myself I won't let myself get hurt.

...

Later that evening, our group decided to unwind and go out for drinks. It was a Friday night, and none of us had work the next day, making it the perfect opportunity to relax after a long, exhausting week.

Napagdesisyunan namin lahat na sa Paradiso na pumunta dahil iyon lang din naman ang bar na alam naming puntahan dito sa Maynila. Atsaka ito ang nearest bar sa location namin. Ayaw na naming lumayo pa dahil kami lang din naman ang mahihirapan sa pag-uwi.

As we entered the lively venue, the pulsating music and the sight of people dancing on the floor greeted us. The place was bustling, typical for a Friday night - a perfect setting to let loose and have fun.

Dumiretso na kami sa bar counter at agad na um-order ng maiinom namin. Hindi ko naman maiwasan kumunot ang noo nang mapansin kong wala si Riley ngayon.

"Looking for him?" Ashley teased, a mischievous glint in her eye as she noticed my unease.

"N-no. Why would I be looking for him?" I hastily denied, taking a sip of my drink.

Ashley laughed, her tone teasing. "Yeah, keep lying to yourself, Mayari."

I scowled at her. Hindi ko naman talaga hinahanap ang lalaking iyon. Nagtataka lang ako dahil wala ito upang mag-sideline ng pagiging bartender sa sarili niyang bar.

"Let's go, girls! Let's have some fun!" Alex chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious as she led the way to the dance floor. Eager to join the festivities, my friends followed her lead. However, I remained sitting at the bar stool, not quite in the mood to dance just yet.

As I watched my friends lose themselves in the music and laughter on the dance floor, my mind wandered back to Riley, kung bakit wala ito ngayon. Akala ko'y gabi-gabi siyang andito upang mag-bartending, given his passion for it. Halata naman kasing nag-eenjoy si Riley sa pagba-bartending kahit hindi naman niya kailangan dahil siya ang owner mismo. Nakakatuwa lang din na makita siyang masaya at malayang nagagawa ang gusto niya. There was something captivating about seeing him so carefree and in his element.

Hindi tulad ko na nagtatago. Kailangan pang umalis at lumayo upang takasan ang isang responsibilidad na ipinataw sa akin ng mga magulang ko. Upon remembering my parents, ay hindi ko maiwasang hindi makaramdam ng lungkot. Hindi ko maitatangging namimiss ko na ang mga magulang ko. Missing them was an understatement, and the same went for my older brother, Matthew, na walang tigil ang kakatawag at text sa akin upang tanungin kung nasaan ako.

I desperately wanted to tell him where I was and reassure him that I was safe. Pero natatakot akong baka puntahan niya ako at sabihin niya sa parents namin ang location ko. Sa tingin ko wala pang alam si Kuya sa arranged marriage na ginawa ng parents ko at tiyak akong magagalit 'yun kapag nalaman niya and the last thing I wanted was to cause more trouble.

"Are you okay?" The voice startled me, and I turned to find Riley standing beside me, a genuine look of concern on his face.

"Riley..." I said his name almost reflexively, unsure why it felt like a sudden jolt of energy upon seeing him.

"Yes, baby? You okay? You've been lost in thought for a while," he asked, his worry palpable.

I nodded, offering a faint smile. "Yeah, I'm okay," I replied, taking a sip of my drink.

Pinagmasdan naman ako ni Riley na tila ba tinitignan niya kung talagang nagsasabi ba ako ng totoo.

"Riley, I'm okay. Stop looking at me like that," I said with a playful roll of my eyes, hoping to break the tension that seemed to hang between us whenever we were in close proximity.

Riley grinned at my attempt to dismiss his concern. "Why? Am I making you uneasy? Are my looks making you swoon?" he teased, his confidence evident.

I shot him a mock glare. "Hindi. Naiinis ako kapag tinititigan mo ko. Nakakasuya," I retorted, though beneath my words, there was a flicker of something more complex.

Tumayo na ako upang sundan ang mga kaibigan ko sa dance floor. Iniinis na naman ako ng lalaking 'to eh. Dapat talaga hindi na lang 'to dumating.

"Where are you going?" Habol ni Riley sa akin.

"Sa lugar na malayo sa'yo," I retorted. His laughter reached my ears, and I could almost feel his smug smile.

"Oh, but allow me to confess that I'll forever linger in your presence," he replied with an air of confidence. I swiveled to cast an exasperated glance in his direction. This guy is full of air in his head. Napailing na lamang ako.

I was mere strides away from reuniting with my friends when Riley, in an unexpected maneuver, seized me, reeling me back towards him. "Let's dance, Mayari. Let's have our own little world," he suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I was taken aback for a moment but ultimately allowed myself to be led away.

Nilingon ko naman ang mga kaibigan ko at sinenyasan nila ako ng isang thumbs up habang may ngiting nakaukit sa kanilang mga labi. Napailing-iling na lang ako.

Pumwesto na kami ni Riley at napasimangot ako ng hinawakan nito ang aking magkabilang bewang.

"Come on, baby, dance." He said, smiling.

"Kailangan ba talaga na may paghawak sa bewang ko?" Saad ko at nagsimula na rin akong sumayaw.

"Of course, so that people can tell that you are mine." He said as he winks at me. Inirapan ko naman ito.

"Mine your ass. No one's yours, Riley." Saad ko rito. I heard him chuckle pagkatapos ay yumukod ito kapantay ang tenga ko upang bumulong.

"You're wrong, baby. You are mine, Mayari, since day one," his voice was a velvet whisper that sent a shiver down my spine. Unable to contain it, a low growl escaped my lips as he softly nipped the top of my ear, setting my senses ablaze.

"What the heck, Riley!" My exclamation burst out as I shot him a disapproving look. Ramdam ko ang pamumula ng pisngi ko sa hiya dahil aminin ko man o sa hindi ay nagdulot ng kakaibang sensasyon ang ginawang pagkagat ni Riley sa tenga ko.

"Sorry, can't help it," he shrugged, his nonchalant demeanor at odds with the fire he'd ignited. I rolled my eyes at him, hoping he'd drop the teasing.

Akala ko'y titigil na ito sa pang-aasar sa akin ngunit nagkakamali ako dahil simula palang pala iyon. Moments later, his fingers danced along the curve of my waist.

Agad na kumunot ang noo ko rito.

My forehead creased in confusion. "What are you doing? Stop it," I hissed, my voice barely rising above the pulsating music.

Patay-malisya na tinignan naman ako ni Riley. "What?" Pagmamaang-maangan nito. Pinandilitan ko naman ito ng mga mata.

"Stop what you are doing right now, Riley. For Pete's sake, we're in a public place," I admonished him, urgency lacing my words. But it was as if Riley had gone deaf to my pleas, his actions persisting. His hand traveled further, tracing the curve of my thigh.

I'm wearing a short fitted halted black dress kaya naman litaw ang mapuputing mga hita ko. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit mabilis na nahawakan ni Riley ang legs ko.

Riley's gaze fell upon me, and a furrow creased his brow as he remarked, "Your dress is quite short, isn't it?"

Annoyance flashed across my face as I swiftly responded, "No, it's not. Take your hand off, Riley," my tone demanding compliance. Yet, Riley, unyielding, persisted in his sensual exploration of my legs, defying my command.

Alarm bells rang in my head as I felt his hand inching upward. Tinignan ko si Riley at patay malisya pa rin ito.

"Riley, your hand..." Bulong ko rito, my breathing became ragged. I quickly scanned our surroundings, wondering if anyone had noticed our clandestine encounter. For Pete's sake, were in a crowded bar, a public place filled with patrons lost in their own worlds. Yet, here we were, crafting a secret moment amid the chaos.

"Oh..." A soft moan escaped me involuntarily as Riley's fingers ventured higher, now beneath my underwear, cupping the most sensitive part of my body. I clung tightly to Riley's muscular arm, my knees threatening to give way under the electrifying sensations coursing through me.

"R-Riley...oh... stop..." I whimpered, but Riley remained undeterred, intensifying his ministrations. His fingers expertly explored the most sensitive part of my being.

"Do you want me to stop, baby?" Riley's voice was a husky whisper, his warm breath tantalizingly close. Tuluyan ng ipinasok ni Riley ang kamay niya sa loob ng underwear ko, and I bit my lower lip, moaning softly as he continued to play with my deepest desires.

"P-please..." My voice trembled as I pleaded with Riley, my body quivering with anticipation.

"Please what, Mayari?" His voice, dripping with seduction, sent shivers down my spine. I bit down on my lower lip, trying to contain the whirlwind of sensations as he resumed his tantalizing exploration of my most intimate places. My heart raced, and I fought to steady my breathing.

"Please, don't stop..." I moaned, my voice a soft, desperate plea. Every nerve in my body seemed to be on fire as his fingers continued their sensual dance, unlocking sensations I had never known before.

Malamlam ang mga mata na tinignan ko si Riley and I can see his eyes burning with desire.

I locked eyes with Riley, the intensity of his gaze driving my heart into a frantic rhythm. "Riley, what are we?" I blurted out, my question piercing through the maelstrom of sensations. Ewan ko kung anong pumasok sa isip ko at natanong ko iyon sa gitna ng ginagawa namin.

"What are we, Mayari? We're practically strangers who harbor desires for each other," he replied, unwavering in his seductive touch.

I closed my eyes momentarily, a soft "oh" escaping my lips as I struggled to comprehend the overwhelming sensations swirling within me.

"Now, Mayari. Answer your own question. What are we?" Riley's fingers quickened their pace, and I clung to his shoulder, teetering on the precipice of something intoxicating.

"What are we, Mayari?" He whispered tenderly into my ear.

"F-friends..." I managed to whisper, my voice quivering. Damn! I couldn't hold back any longer. It felt like an explosion was imminent.

"Friends? Friends do not do this to each other," Riley countered. I bit my lower lip, my eyes meeting his, realizing that I could resist this no longer.

"Friends with benefits," I whispered, and without hesitation, I seized the nape of Riley's neck, pulling him closer for a searing, passionate kiss.

As our lips met, the world around us faded, and I felt myself drowning in a tempest of desire. The night had taken an irresistible turn, and there was no turning back.