Cursed Seduction

“I have to go now, Mr. Desiderio,” agap ni Stella sa lalaki bago pa siya nito mahatak muli sa kama nito. “May 7 PM class ako bukas, hindi puwedeng puyat ako kapag pumasok ako sa klase ko.” Andre got up from his bed, quickly turning on the bedside lamp to have a better glance on the wall clock hanging at the wall. It was midnight. Hindi na iyon mahalaga para kay Stella. Kailangan niya nang umuwi. Tapos na rin naman na ang service hours niya na nakabase sa kasunduan nila ni Andre. Bayad na siya para sa araw na iyon at wala nang dahilan pa para magtagal siya roon. “Hatinggabi na, Stella. Dito ka na lang matulog,” saad nito. “I’ll have the other room ready. I can drive you tomorrow to your university.” She softly laughed before glancing at him. “No, thanks. Tapos na ang trabaho ko, Mr. Desiderio. Kailangan ko nang umalis.” He stood up, heavy footsteps echoing through the room. Andre stood in front of her, his eyes almost pleading. “I... I just don’t want you to go home alone, you know. Mas maigi kung dito ka na magpapahinga.” Lalong lumakas ang tawa ng dalaga. “You don’t have to care for me, Mr. Desiderio. I’m just a stranger. Or rather, at this point, your employee.” “Are you?” Napatingin siya sa mga mata ng lalaki. She did not know if it was the dreamy moonlight, or if she was just needing some rest, but Andre looked... smitten. “Andre...” He reached out and took her hand. “Stay, Stella... Just for tonight.” Marahan niyang inalis ang kamay nito at tinapik ang pisngi ng lalaki bago nagawad ng isang maikli ngunit maalab na halik sa mga labi nito. “I’m sorry, Mr. Desiderio, but business is business. I have to leave... before you start loving me.”