Chasing the Forbidden (SERIE FEROCI 3)

Chapter Six

I won't give up. Hindi ako magpapasindak sa mga sinabi ni Xanthos last night. I'll make sure to make him surrender; he'll be at my mercy. That's for sure.

“Smells good,” I muttered while inhaling the scent of brewed coffee.

Natigilan ako nang makitang lumabas na si Xanthos ng silid n'ya. He's now wearing his typical work attire, three piece suit. I unconsciously bit my lower lip while staring at him. He's sinfully handsome face and manly physique is too much to handle for this morning. Ang aga aga kung ano-ano'ng tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon kahit pa kumpleto naman ang damit na suot n'ya.

Nakaayos ang buhok n'ya at hindi nakabagsak, he looks neat and professional that way but I like his disheveled hairstyle more. Sa bahay lang n'ya yata hinahayaang nakabagsak ang buhok n'ya.

“I hope you're aware that you're shamelessly showing your admiration to me right now.”

That woke me up from my reveries. I cleared my throat and drank my coffee. Napaiwas na lang ako ng tingin sa kanya saka hinawi ang buhok ko.

“Do you want coffee?” I asked and smiled at him. “or do you want me?”

Hindi pinansin ni Xanthos ang tanong ko at kumuha ng tubig sa ref saka uminom. Napaismid na lang ako at umupo sa mesa.

“Are you going out?” Xanthos asked and glanced at me. Saglit n'yang hinagod ng tingin ang kabuuan ko.

Oh right, I'm wearing a peach skater dress and flat sandals. Hindi ako makapagsuot ng heels dahil medyo masakit pa ang paa ko.

“Yeah, I need to buy some necessities.” Lumapit ako sa kanya at humawak sa necktie n'ya. “Will you accompany me?” I asked and gave him my sweetest smile.

Xanthos just slightly pushed me. Napaismid na lang ako at inirapan siya. Allergic ba siya sa 'kin? Para namang may nakakahawa akong sakit.

“I'm busy and even if I'm not, I still won't accompany you. I don't like wasting time over small things,” he said and fixed his necktie.

He really doesn't filter his words. Sasabihin n'ya ang gusto n'yang sabihin. Hindi pwede ang sensitive sa taong 'to.

Akmang aalis na siya ngunit agad kong nahawakan ang braso n'ya. Hinila ko siya paupo sa isang upuan saka umupo sa kandungan n'ya. Halatang natigilan siya sa ginawa ko.

“What the hell are you doing?” he asked and was about to push me but I encircled my arms around his nape.

“Wait lang kasi.” I cleared my throat and unbuttoned his coat and waistcoat. He tried to stop me but I immediately slapped his hand. Sunod kong inalis ay ang necktie n'ya.

“Are you out of your mind?” mariin tanong pa ni Xanthos.

Muli kong sinuot sa kanya ang necktie, halatang natigilan siya at nagtatakang napatingin sa ginagawa ko. I somewhat felt satisfied when I saw him showed his emotions. Minsan lang siya mag-react ng ganyan kaya talagang satisfying. Mukhang litong lito talaga siya sa ginagawa ko at nakakunot pa nang maigi ang noo n'ya.

“From now on, ako na ang magsusuot ng necktie sa 'yo, okay?” I asked and smiled sweetly at him again. Muli kong binalik sa pagkakabutones ang waistcoat n'ya.

Umalis na ako sa kandungan n'ya. Xanthos cleared his throat and stood up too. He fixed his coat and turned his back on me. Hindi na ito nagsalita pa at basta na lang umalis ng kusina. Agad ko namang kinuha ang handbag ko sa mesa at hinabol siya.

“Xanthos, wait!” I shouted but he continued walking as if he didn't hear me.

Hanggang sa makalabas na ng bahay ay hindi n'ya ako nililingon. Agad kong hinawakan ang braso n'ya at pinaharap siya sa 'kin.

“Ihatid mo ako sa mall. I can't drive,” I murmured and bit my lower lip. Xanthos sighed; he didn't say anything. Pumasok na siya sa kotse n'ya. Napangiti na lang ako at pumasok na lang din sa kotse n'ya. Sa shotgun seat ako umupo, katabi n'ya.

Natigilan ako nang makitang nag-text si Abi.

Abilene: Where the hell are you, b***h?! Kanina pa kami naghihintay ni Cadence dito!

I just put my phone inside my bag. I don't want any disturbance while I'm with Xanthos. Napatingin ako kay Xanthos na seryosong nagd-drive sa tabi ko. Napangiti na lang ako at sinundot ang braso n'ya... Hard.

“What?” tila iritadong tanong n'ya.

“You look hot while driving,” I mumbled and smiled like a crazy woman.

Hindi na lang siya nagsalita. Napaismid na lang ako at napatingin sa buhok n'ya. I missed his disheveled curly hair. Hindi na ako makapaghintay na umuwi siya galing sa trabaho.

“Mom texted me last night, her business trip might last for two weeks... Destiny is on our side, isn't it?” I giggled.

Xanthos remained silent. Napaismid na lang ako at tumitig sa kanya. Simula ng ayusin ko ang necktie n'ya, hindi na siya nagsasalita. Ano ba'ng problema n'ya?

Tinigil na n'ya ang kotse nang nasa tapat na ng mall. Napairap na lang ako at isinabit ang handbag sa bisig ko. Feeling ko gusto na n'ya akong sipain palabas ng kotse n'ya.

“Hmm, Xanthos, do you want to--” he immediately cut me off.

“No. Get out.”

“Psh!” Napaismid ako saka agad na lumabas ng kotse n'ya. “Magpapakasaya ako at hindi uuwi! I'll screw up with any men I want. You're so boring, ang sungit pa,” naiinis na sabi ko saka padabog na isinara ang pinto ng kotse n'ya.

The only good thing about him is that he's overly handsome... bukod do'n, wala na.

“Wow, ikaw pa talaga ang nakasimangot, e kami na nga ang pinaghintay mo rito nang matagal,” nakapamaywang na bungad sa akin ni Abi pagdating ko sa coffee shop na hintayan namin.

“Don't start with me,” I mumbled and clenched my teeth.

“Ay, mukhang failed na naman pang-aakit n'ya sa future step-dad n'ya kuno,” natatawang sabi ni Cadence. Napahagalpak naman ng tawa si Abi at nakipag-apir pa kay Cad.

“That man is really something. He got my respect,” natatawang sabi ni Abi.

I glared at them. Napahawak silang pareho sa labi nila at tumahimik na. They're making fun of my struggle, ang sasama ng ugali.

“Oh siya, let's go shopping!” Abi exclaimed and raised her hands. 

“Teka, bakit kailangan kasama palagi ako sa ganito?” tanong ni Cadence nang hilahin na kami ni Abi palabas ng coffee shop.

“Okay lang 'yan, let's go!”

Nagsimula na kaming mamili ng kung ano-ano. Todo reklamo si Cadence pero panay naman ang lagay ng items sa cart n'ya. Ililibre daw kasi siya ni Abi kaya pumayag na siya... kapag libre talaga, ginaganahan palagi si Cadence.

“Wait, Kiara, is that your future step-dad kuno?”

Agad akong napalingon sa tinuro ni Abi. I gasped in disbelief when I saw Xanthos inside a jewelry store. What is he doing there? Balak n'ya bang regaluhan si Mom no'n? Ang corny.

“Saan?!” tanong ni Cad saka napatingin sa tinitingnan namin ni Abi.

Cad's eyes narrowed while staring at Xanthos' back. Nakatalikod na kasi si Xanthos sa pwesto namin.

“Medyo pamilyar 'yung likod n'ya. Tawagin mo nga, Kiara, para makita ko 'yung mukha,” sabi ni Cad at tinapik pa ang balikat ko.

“Abi, bayaran mo muna ang mga 'to for me. Magkita na lang tayo sa same coffee shop later, okay? Bye!”

Hindi ko na sila hinintay sumagot at agad silang iniwan doon. Agad kong pinuntahan si Xanthos sa jewelry shop, naabutan ko siya na nagtitingin pa ng mga kwintas.

“Xanthos,” I mumbled and tapped his back. Agad naman siyang napalingon sa 'kin.

“What are you doing here?” he asked as his forehead creased. I just shook my head and smiled at him.

“I should be the one to ask you that. I thought you're busy, why are you here?” I asked and clung my arms around his hard one.

Hindi na siya nag-abala na itulak ako at tumingin na lang sa mga kwintas. Mukhang reregaluhan n'ya nga talaga si Mom.

“I think I'm not obligated to answer your questions,” tipid na sabi n'ya at lumabas na lang ng jewelry shop habang nakayakap pa rin ako sa braso n'ya.

“Are you planning to give my Mom a gift? You can ask me, I know what she likes... ahm, kinda.” Mas close nga pala ako kay Dad, hindi kami masyadong magka-vibe ni Mom.

“I think I know what she likes more than you do,” Xanthos muttered. I just rolled my eyes at him.

“How about you? I'll give you a gift. Sabihin mo lang kung ano'ng gusto mo, ibibigay ko. Basta kiss ang kapalit,” nakangiting sabi ko saka hinigpitan ang yakap sa braso n'ya.

“Hmm, really?” he asked and looked at me.

I was kinda taken aback when our eyes suddenly met. Ang ganda talaga ng mga mata n'ya. His long eyelashes contrast the manly features of his face which I found cute. I can stare at his eyes like this for hours, I won't complain.

I just cleared my throat and avoided his gaze when my heart starts beating faster. I gulped and tried to calm my heart and myself. I took a deep breath and looked at him again.

Is he bewitching me?

“Ahm, yeah. I'll buy anything you want.” I smiled at him.

Xanthos sighed and held his chin. Nilibot n'ya ang tingin sa paligid.

“If you want my kiss, buy this whole mall and give it to me,” he said and looked at me. Napakurap naman ako sa sinabi n'ya.

“You want this whole mall?! My goodness, sa ginto ba gawa ang labi mo ha?!” naiinis na tanong ko at tinulak siya.

“I don't settle for less, Kiara,” he said and gave me an evil smirk. Napaawang na lang ang labi ko nang maglakad na siya at iniwan ako ro'n.

* * *

“Wow, Xanthos is really a faithful man. Rare na ang mga katulad n'ya sa panahon ngayon,” sabi ni Abi sa kabilang linya.

Napairap na lang ako at umupo sa kama.

“What the hell is his problem, Abi? No man can resist someone like me. Well, I know my Mom is beautiful but still... how can be resist me? Hindi na ba ako maganda?” Napahawak ako sa pisngi ko.

“Of course you're beautiful. Baka sadyang hindi ka lang talaga n'ya type. May mga gano'n naman kasi, girl. If I were you, sumuko ka na lang. Hayaan mo na ang Mom mo, mukhang hindi na rin naman sila magkakabalikan ng Dad mo, e.”

Natapos na kaming mag-usap ni Abi pero bumabagabaag pa rin sa isip ko ang mga sinabi n'ya. Am I just really wasting my time here? Wala na ba talagang pag-asa na magkabalikan ang parents ko?

Hindi ko na maalala kung gaano katagal akong nakatulala habang nag-iisip. Ngayon ko lang yata ginamit  ang utak ko sa pag-iisip ng mababaw na bagay.

Tumayo ako at huminga nang malalim. Lumabas ako ng kuwarto at agad na dumiretso sa living room. Natigilan ako nang maabutan ko si Xanthos doon.

Wait, bakit may dala siyang maleta?

“Xanthos!”

Agad akong lumapit sa kanya. Natigilan siya at napatingin sa 'kin.

“What are you doing? Are you going somewhere?” I asked with a hint confusion. I don't know why he's doing this. Sobra na ba siyang naiirita sa 'kin?

“I'll follow your Mom in Vietnam,” tipid na sagot n'ya. Agad na napakunot ang noo ko.

“Mom clearly said that you don't have to do that. My goodness, Xanthos. Kaya na ni Mom ang sarili n'ya. Wala ka bang trabaho rito?!” nakapamaywang na tanong ko.

Ito na lang ang pagkakataon na meron ako tapos aalis pa siya?

Xanthos sighed and stared at me.

“I'm not obligated to answer your question.”

Here we go again with his favorite line.

“Just tell me, please. I'll let you go if you have an acceptable reason,” I said and crossed my arms over my chest.

“I want to be with your Mom, I miss her so much. It's an acceptable reason, right?” he asked and put his hand inside the pocket of his jeans.

Natigilan ako sa sinabi n'ya. I avoided his gaze and bit my lower lip. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nakaramdam ako nang kaunting sakit sa dibdib ko dahil sa sinabi n'ya. Masyado ba akong na-carried away sa pang-aakit ko sa kanya kaya nakakaramdam ako ng ganito?

Hindi ako nakagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. Hindi ko na alam ang dapat kong sabihin... wala naman akong karapatan na pigilan siyang umalis.

I thought everything is working fine. Ayos pa naman kami sa mall kanina, may nagawa ba akong mali para maging ganito siya?

“Kung wala ka ng sasabihin, I'll go ahead--”

He was about to turn his back on me but I immediately grabbed his wrist. Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi ko at nanatiling nakatungo.

“What are you doing?” Xanthos asked and removed his hand from my grip.

Dahan-dahan kong inangat ang tingin ko. Muli akong napalunok nang magtagpo ang tingin naming dalawa. Wala akong makitang emosyon sa mga mata n'ya, hindi ko mabasa ang iniisip n'ya ngayon.

“Wala ba talaga akong epekto sa 'yo? Am I really not seductive nor attractive in your eyes?” I asked, my voice almost came out as a whisper. Pati boses ko nanghihina na rin dahil sa hindi ko matukoy na dahilan.

I don't want him to leave. I don't know why but I want him to stay here with me... and it's not because I have to seduce him, it's because... I just want him to stay. Gusto ko lang siyang makasama.

My mind went blank. I held both of his cheeks and crushed my lips on his. Halatang natigilan siya sa ginawa ko dahil hindi agad siya nakagalaw. Halos magwala ang puso ko nang dumampi ang mainit n'yang labi sa labi ko.

Natauhan lang ako nang hawakan ni Xanthos ang baywang ko at bahagya akong itinulak palayo sa kanya.

“What the hell are you doing, Kiara?” he asked as his jaw clenched.

“You have to prove me that you don't find me seductive before I let you leave. You have to prove me that--”

Ako naman ang natigilan nang siya na mismo ang sumiil ng halik sa labi ko. Mas lalong nagwala ang puso ko kaysa kanina dahil siya ang nag-initiate ng halik sa pagkakataong 'to.

I didn't waste time, I clung my arms around his nape, closed my eyes, and responded to his sensual kiss. Xanthos held my waist and carried me. I instantly encircled my legs around his waist and let him carry me. Dinala n'ya ako sa malapit na table at iniupo ako ro'n habang patuloy akong hinahalikan.

I missed his lips, I've been craving for this ever since the first time we kissed at Cad's bar. It feels heavenly. I forgot everything around us for a moment, all I want to focus on is his warm and soft lips against mine.

Xanthos sensually moved his lips and tongue together with mine. He gently nibbled on my lower lip while his tongue is caressing it. I almost lost my sanity when he pulled me closer to him, making me feel his hardness in between my legs. I let out a breathy moan and moved my hips against his hard bulge.

I gripped his hair when he put his tongue inside my mouth. His warm and moist mouth demanded a response and I voluntarily gave it to him. I kissed him back with equal passion. My knees weakened as his tongue explored the insides of my mouth, tasting my saliva, and playing with my tongue.

His hand reached the hem of my dress. I gasped for air when he put his hand inside my dress and caressed my thigh. I hugged his nape tightly and arched my back. There was a tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach and my heart jolted as my pulse pounded. The feeling he's giving to me is too overwhelming... I can't take this anymore.

Tila naghahabol ako ng hininha nang ilayo na n'ya ang labi sa akin. Dahan-dahan kong idinilat ang mga mata ko. Matiim na tumitig siya sa mga mata ko at marahang hinaplos ang pisngi ko.

“Fine,” he muttered and kissed my neck lightly. He buried his face there, my heart raced faster because of his hot breath on my neck.

He continued stroking my thigh with his calloused hand. I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes.

“I'll give you what you want, I'll f**k you. You'll leave me alone after I give you a good f**k, right?” he muttered against my neck. “Tatantanan mo na 'ko pagkatapos, 'di ba?”

Natulala ako nang walang pasabing pinunit n'ya ang dress ko... pero hindi iyon ang nagpatigil sa akin. Tila binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig dahil sa sinabi n'ya. Agad akong napadilat at itinulak siya palayo sa 'kin.

My hands as well as my lips instantly trembled. My vision became blurry and my whole body shivered. I tried to gulp but there's suddenly a lump in my throat. Napakagat na lang ako sa ibabang labi ko nang may maramdaman akong kakaiba sa dibdib ko na hindi ko maipaliwanag.

“L-leave,” I mumbled and pointed the door.

Xanthos didn't move. He's just staring at me with an unreadable emotion in his eyes.

“U-umalis ka na. I will finally stop bothering you. Just leave as soon as possible. 'Di ba iyon naman ang plano mo? A-ano pang tinutunganga mo riyan?”

I don't know why my voice is shaking like this. Halos hindi ko na rin maaninag ang mukha n'ya dahil sa nanlalabong paningin ko.

Am I about to cry? Why? I shouldn't be crying over this. I threw myself at him, normal lang siguro na mababa ang tingin n'ya sa 'kin dahil do'n... kung iba ang magsasabi no'n sa akin, galit ang mararamdaman ko. But hearing it from Xanthos makes me feel pain instead of anger... Mas nangunguna ang sakit na halos natabunan na ang galit na siyang dapat nararamdaman ko ngayon.

I avoided his gaze when my tears finally fell. I immediately wiped my tears and bit my lower lip, trying to stop myself from sobbing.

“I will never bother you again. J-just... just leave me. Hindi ko na kayo paghihiwalayin ni Mom, b-basta umalis ka na at h'wag na h'wag ka ng magpapakita sa 'kin ulit. P-please.”

Nanginginig ang mga kamay na napayakap ako sa sarili ko dahil napunit ang dress ko. Umalis ako sa mesa at bahagya siyang itinulak palayo sa 'kin.

“Kiara,” he murmured and tried to hold my arm but I immediately pushed him away with all the energy I have left.

Kahit nanghihina ang mga tuhod ko, pinilit ko pa rin na maglakad at agad siyang iniwan do'n saka dumiretso sa kuwarto ko.

I'm sure he'll be gone tomorrow. That man doesn't give a f**k about me anyway. For him, I'm just an annoying insect that keeps on pestering him. I don't know why it feels like something is pierced in my heart and it's giving me a different kind of pain I never felt before... Xanthos Archante is dangerous indeed.