Love Just Ain't Enough (BOOK TWO)

SEVEN: ATTRACTIVE

Alejandro wrapped his hand around my wrist, pulling me closer to his side. Pero hindi ako tumabi sa kanya. Nanatili ako sa kanyang likuran. Nagpatiuna ito sa paglakad hila-hila nag kamay ko at tahimik na nakasunod lamang ako.

Walang pagmamadali sa kanyang mga hakbang. I took that as an opportunity to look at him. Even if it’s just his back view facing me, it still screams perfection.  He looks so handsome it’s almost illegal. I still can’t believe na ito ang Alejandrong minahal ko noon. His broad shoulders swaying gracefully with each step as we strode toward the lift. I glanced at his hand holding mine. His grip on it was tight but it didn’t hurt me at all.

He glanced back at me and gave me a small smile. I looked away. Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng aking magkabilang pisngi. He doesn’t have to smile at me like that. My heart made a backflip.

Napapahinto ang mga taong nakakasalubong namin and by the look on their faces, they’re judging me hard. Bakas ang kuryusidad sa mga tingin nila pero mas halata ang pangmamata. Had I known Alejandro would act like this, I would have chosen a better dress to wear today. My navy-blue straight cut dress looked like I was only planning to stroll in the mall.

I couldn’t look at them kaya minabuti ko na lamang ang yumuko. Bakit ba ang bagal maglakad ng lalakeng ‘to?

I pulled my hand from his hold. Kunot ang noong nilingon ako nito. He clicked his tongue as he reached for my hand again. “Don’t ever let go.”

“They’re looking at us, Ale.” I whispered just enough for him to hear.

“Because they have eyes?” He chuckled.

“Harhar. Nakakatawa.” Panunuya ko at umirap dito. Tinago ko ang palad sa aking likod.

He turned around to face me. Umatras ako ng bahagya. Alejandro is quite unpredictable. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang susunod nitong gagawin. Bumabaon sa buto ko ang malalim nitong mga titig. He sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

 “You have to understand that I’ve been missing you like crazy and although holding your hand is not what I wanted to do right now, kontento na ako doon. Because if I were to choose, I would’ve kissed you right here and then. But make no mistake, kissing you won’t be enough.”

I puffed my cheeks out and tilted my head to the side. I hope no one heard him. Okay lang sa mga bodyguards niya na nakasunod lang sa amin total mukha naman silang walang pakialam. Pinili kong hindi sumagot sa kanyang mga salita. Alejandro is starting to shake the wall I put around him. He reached for my hand again at hindi na lamang ako nagprotesta.

Banayad na pinipisil nito ang aking palad habang naglalakad kami patungo sa lift. I wanted to pull my hand dahil tila may kung anong kuryente ang gumapang doon. f**k that. I thought it had died a long time ago. Pati ang mga paru-paro sa aking tiyan ay nangabuhay.

Nilingon niya ako na may naglalarong ngisi sa kanyang mga labi.

“You felt that didn’t you?”

“Huh? Ang ano?” Patay-malisya kong tugon.

He chuckled and pinched my nose. “You’re such a bad liar. My baby is so adorable when she lies.” He winked at me.

Wala sa sariling pinaypayan ko ang sarili ko gamit ang malaya kong palad. “Mama mo baby.” Bulong ko and made sure na hindi niya iyon maririnig.

 One of his men pressed the button. I sidestepped so there’s enough space between us. Hindi ko kailangang lingunin ang paligid ko. Alam kong sa amin nakatututok ang mata ng lahat. I was getting anxious by the minute.

Nang bumukas ang lift, he held my elbow. Marahan niya akong hinila papasok. I thought his men will join us, but they remained standing there.

The lift door closed and we’re just alone inside.

I cleared my throat at pinakita ang hawak kong ID sa kanya. “I have an appointment sa 30th floor.”

“I know.” He tapped his own card on the side and when it beeped, he pressed the 30th floor button.

“Saan ang punta mo niyan?”

“Kung saan ka tutungo, doon din ako.”

“Ale, you’re not taking me seriously.” Napapailing ako.

“Bea, I take everything seriously when it comes to you. And my office is on the 30th floor.”

“Ewan ko sa’yo.” Nakatingin ako sa taas at tinatanaw ang bawat numero ng floor na nilalagpasan namin. Tumigil ito sa 10th floor. Bumukas iyon at may kumpol ng mga tao ang gustong pumasok. Palipat-lipat ang tingin nila sa aming dalawa ni Alejandro. I casted my gaze downwards and took a step back but Alejandro stopped me by draping his arm around my shoulder. He shook his head; they stepped back and bowed their heads. He pressed the close button again.

“What was that? Dapat ay hinayaan mo silang sumakay sa lift, Ale. Baka kung ano ang isipin nila sa ating dalawa.”

“I didn’t stop them. Umiling lang naman ako.” Ngumungusong sambit nito.

“You were probably glaring at them!”

“I didn’t.” He said in a nonchalant voice.

“Alam mo ikaw, hindi porke ikaw ang pinaka-boss dito aakto ka ng ganyan sa kanila. Dapat walang diskriminasyon sa kompanya mo, Alejandro. Dapat ay pantay-pantay ang tingin at trato mo sa kanilang lahat.”

Alejandro laughed na mas lalong ikinainis ko.

“Anong nakakatawa, Ser?”

“I miss your nagging. I miss your scolding. Pakiramdam ko’y bumabalik tayo sa nakaraan. I was such an asshole before, yeah? But this asshole’s heart screams only your name.” His smile faded and he became serious. Lumamlam ang mga titig nito sa akin.

Nagtitigan kami sandali bago ko binawi ang aking palad sa kanya. “Hindi mo na ako madadala sa mga salita mo, Alejandro. They’re not as effective as they were before.”

“You took me into your life when I was at my darkest point. You fell in love with me even at my worst self. Now that I’ve gained back what I lost before you came into my life, Bea, mas madali na lamang sa akin na suyuin ka ulit.”

I scoffed bitterly. My heart winced at his words. Did he think I’m just an easy lay? Did I come too cheap for him to utter those words? “What did you say? Madali na lamang sa’yo na suyuin ako? Aren’t you being conceited? Bold of you to assume that Alejandro. Just because you came back as a new person, stronger and healthier, opposite of how you were before, madali na lamang kitang tatanggapin. It won’t change the fact that you’ve hurt me. You. Left. Me. I had loved you before, how sure are you that I still do now? Kung nagawa mo akong saktan sa kabila ng pagiging imbalido mo noon, paano pa kaya ngayon? No. I don’t think makukuha mo ang gusto mo ngayon sa akin, Ale. Quit playing around. Let’s not fool ourselves and pretend that we are okay, because we are not.”

Humugot ito ng malalim na hininga at tumingala. He was massaging his nape. “I apologize for my choices of words, but I didn’t mean it that way, Bea.  I will never mean it that way.”

Tumunog ang elevator hudyat na nakarating na kami sa 30th floor. The door opened and I stepped out.

A pretty woman came near us. She gave Alejandro a concerned look. “Goodness, Alejandro! Daig mo pa ang babae kung magbago ng isip. I thought you wouldn’t come today but here you are arriving straight from America! Binulabog mo ang buong building. Nakatulog ka ba niyan? Have you had your lunch yet? Palagay ko ay hindi pa. Dumiretso ka na lang muna sa penthouse mo total mamayang gabi pa naman ang Annual Company Party. My gosh, I really thought you’re not coming. Panay ang contact ko sa mga Alcantara kung may available sa kanila to attend on your behalf.” Maktol nito.

Alejandro smiled and ruffled her hair. “I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused. Pinauwi ko muna si Jeff para makapagpahinga. He will be here later kaya makakapagpahinga ka na rin sa mga trabahong naiwan niya. Thank you for your help.”

“Tcchh. What made you change your mind though?”

Alejandro threw me a glance saka nito binalik ang tingin sa babae. “I just need to see someone.”

Humalukipkip ito at nagtaas ng kilay. “Sinong someone ito para takasan mo ang mga doctor mo sa America, Alejandro? Is this the girl who caused you de—”

“Please, Ma. Let’s not talk about it.”

“Tita said you’ve been a pain in the ass! Ang tanda mo na pero pasaway ka pa rin!”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. America? Did she mean Alejandro literally just came back from America? Kung ganun, sa mga araw na wala ito sa Davao ay dahil nagtungo ito sa America? At bakit niya tinakasan ang mga doctor?

Alejandro cleared his throat. “By the way, this is Ms. Samaniego from VIP Agency. Kasama ang agency niya sa mga binigyan natin ng invitation.”

“Oh.” She looked me up and down, curious about my presence. “Hi. I’m Mariel. Ikaw nalang ang hinihintay para masimulan na ang meeting. The head of the marketing department is already there at the conference room waiting for you. Diretsuhin mo lang ‘tong hallway then kumaliwa ka. Makikita mo ang conference room.”

Tipid na tumango ako. I suddenly don’t want to attend the meeting. I’d much prefer to confront Alejandro. Pero maalala kong wala nga pala akong karapatang kwestyunin ang kanyang mga desisyon sa buhay.

“Salamat. If you’ll excuse me.” Ani ko at iniwan silang dalawa doon. I wonder kung sino ang babaeng iyon sa buhay niya? The woman called him by his first name. They are probably close. Bagay sila. Maganda at halatang may pinag-aralan ang babae. Hindi ito magmumukhang alanganin kung itatabi kay Alejandro.

“I’ll show her the way. Would you mind making sweet tea for me? Thank you, honey.”

The woman scowled at him. “I’ll make sandwiches for you.” Sagot nito at pagkatapos ay napatitig sa akin. “Wait. You look familiar. Where did I see you?”

“C’mon, Mariel. I’m starving.” Reklamo ni Ale.

She glared at the man at mabibigat na hakbang ang ginawa nito habang papalayo.

Alejandro chuckled while looking at her retreating back. Hinawakan nito ang palapulsuhan ko at giniya sa tahimik na hallway. “Are you not going to ask me who she is?”

“Wala akong pakialam kung sino man siya sa buhay mo.”

“But you’re jealous. I have seen that jealous face of yours before.”

“Asa ka pa. Teka nga.” Tumigil ako sa paglalakad. “Galing ka pa niyan sa America? Did you even sleep? Kaya pala mukha kang pagod. Kumain ka na ba?”

Ngumiti ito. “Is that concern I’m hearing from you? It warms my heart.”

“Ale, the last time we talk, I asked you a favor. I asked you to take care of yourself, yes?”

He nodded. “I’m good, Bea. Don’t worry about me. How about you? Are you really okay? You look tired as well. You can skip the meeting if you want to. I’ll drive you back to the hotel.”

“Ale stop caring about me. Kaya ko ang sarili ko.”

Matigas na umiling ito. “Not gonna happen. It’s you who should stop caring and worrying about me. You took care of me before, Bea. I want to take care of you this time around.”

“Then who will take care of you?” My voice raised up a notch. I’m pretty sure his parents are not living here in the Philippines anymore.

He reached and touched my face. “Just feeling the touch of your skin against mine is all I need, Bea. This is simply what I need. Masilayan ka lang, tanggal na lahat ng pagod ko. Marinig ko lang ang boses mo, para na akong nasa langit.”

“Ale…”

“Shhh…” He put a finger across my lips. He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against mine. My breathing hitched.

“Hindi mo ako maitataboy pa. Kung gaano katigas ang ulo mo noon para manatili sa tabi ko kahit anong taboy ko sa’yo, ganun din ang gagawin ko para manatili sa tabi mo. Insult me all you want, shove me away, hurt me if you must, but I’m not giving you up just yet. The only way for you to stop me is to kill me. If you don’t love me anymore, that’s okay. I will make you fall in love with me again. And harder this time.”

I was lost for words. My eyes got misty as I gazed at him. The sincerity of his voice and honesty in his facial expression made my heart swell.

Alejandro’s eyes lingered on my lips. Without hesitation, he tilted his head and captured my half-opened mouth. I was taken aback. Napapakit ako. I barely breathe. The air was caught behind my throat. My heart was pounding hard against my chest it’s almost painful. His lips were warm, but a simple touch sent shivers down my spine. Wala sa loob na napahawak ako sa kanyang braso. My mind went foggy and I could feel my knees shaking.

“Baby, you really need to stop trembling because I’m a breath away to press you against the wall and God knows what will happen next.” His strained voice sounded so sexy in my ears. God, what is wrong with me?

He stepped back at hinawakan ang magkaliwang balikat ko. Inikot niya ako patalikod sa kanya.

“Get inside now before I change my mind. I will see you tonight, my miraculous…”

That made me snap back to reality. Hinarap ko ulit ito at pinanliitan ito ng mata. Tumawa ito at inangat ulit ang kamay. I thought he was about to cup my cheek again, but it didn’t happen. Alejandro flicked his fingers on my forehead, katulad ng ginagawa nito noon.

Napahawak ako sa aking noo at akma itong susuntukin. “Masakit yun, ah.”

Ngumisi lamang ito sa akin. “Pumasok ka na. I will see you tonight.”

Tumango ako at pinihit ang doorknob. Lahat sila sa loob ay napatingin sa akin.

“Ms. Samaniego? Please take a seat.” Ani ng may katabaan na lalake sa gitna ng room.

Nakakailang hakbang pa lang ako nang bumukas ang pinto sa aking likod. Alejandro came inside, a shy smile on his lips.

“On second thought, I’d rather stay and watch.” He uttered.

I almost rolled my eyes on him kung hindi lang nagsalita ulit ang speaker.

“Mr. Salvatore! What are you doing here?” Lumapit ang head sa kinatatayuan namin.

“Am I not allowed?” There was a hint of warning in his voice.

The department head scratched his nape. “Hindi po sa ganun, Sir. I just didn’t expect you to be here. I thought you’re in America. Ipapakilala ko kayo sa kanila.”

“No need. I will just sit at the corner and watch. Don’t be too worked up. It’s okay.”

“Alejandro Salvatore.” Mariel, the girl I met outside was fuming mad when she entered the room. “I’ve been looking for you all over the place at dito lang pala kita matatagpuan. Lumamig na ang pagkain mo’y wala ka pa rin sa iyong opisina. What’s taking you so long?” Namewang ito.

“I’m heading out.” Sagot ni Ale. Tinapunan niya ako ng panandaliang tingin. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Who?” Mariel looked at me and to the department head.

Alejandro rolled his eyes at inakbayan ang babae. “I’ll see you all tonight, okay na? C’mon, let’s get out.”

“You are acting weird, cousin. You are all over the place.”

Ah. Cousin. A sigh of relief escaped my lips. Alejandro looked back and smirked at me. He had probably heard my sigh. Tss. Kumagat-labi ako at inalala ang halik niya. He kissed me. I’m officially doomed.

*********

Isang oras lang ang ginugol namin sa conference room. Bukas pa pala mag-uumpisa ang three-day seminar ng kompanya. The marketing head only did a few introductions about this project we were about to do. Pahapyaw lang din nitong ipinaliwanag kung ano ang key points na hinahanap nila para sa proyektong ito. Each team needs to prepare a short video ad format and a catchy slogan. Kinakahaban ako dahil hindi saklaw ng agency namin ang ganitong klase ng trabaho. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit napiling imibitahan ang agency namin na lumahok dito.

Napabuga ako sa hangin nang ipinaliwanag ang kontrata kung sakaling kami ang mapili for the final review. Isang milyon lang naman ang ibibigay ng SGC bilang initial fee bukod pa doon ang pagkakaroon ng exclusive contract na hindi pa dinidisclose kung magkano ang offer. Malaking tulong na iyon sa VIP agency kung sakali man.

“By the way, tonight is the Annual Party which will be held at The Pavilion. Nasabihan naman siguro kayo na imbitado kayo? Show this pass when you arrive at the reception.” The head distributed a piece of paper sa aming lahat.

Nakanganga ako habang nakatigin sa admission slip. Hindi ako na-informed na imbitado pala kaming lahat? Walang binanggit si Dette tungkol dito. Hindi ko rin naman binasa ang email na pinadala ng SGC sa amin.

I checked the time on my wristwatch. Mag-aalas tres na ng hapon. May oras pa ba akong maghanap ng dress? At isa pang tanong, may pambili ba ako?

Pagbalik ko sa aking hotel room ay ganun na lang ang gulat ko nang may maabutang kahon sa ibabaw ng aking kama. Kinuha ko ang card na nakadikit doon.

Bea,

I am trying my luck. If you have nothing to wear tonight, please accept and wear this. Please know that your personality and good manners alone are immensely attractive to me. But baby, do me a favor. Please don’t be too beautiful tonight. I don’t want to throw daggers at everyone.

Yours,

Alejandro

P.S. Just so you know, I will kiss you again tonight.

                 I smirked as I folded the card. Conceited jerk. I opened the box and was in awe while looking at the red dress. It screams expensive! Kinuha ko iyon at sinuring mabuti. This dress is just perfect for my size. It’s a knit halter dress na paborito kong style ng damit dahil maikukubli nito ang cleavage ko at hindi ko kailangang magsuot ng bra. Hanggang tuhod ang haba nito. Sa gilid ay isang pares ng black sandals.

Napangisi ako. Alejandro failed to understand that making myself beautiful is one of my greatest strengths. He would probably go nuts tonight. Oh, he’d better be.