Fortress Island Series 1: Alejandro, Love Just Ain't Enough

SEVENTEEN: Own

We let ourselves drowned into each other’s warmth. Now that I am hugging him, bakit tila bumuti ang aking pakiramdam na kanina lang ay masama at tila ako’y hihimatayin.

Alejando whimpered as he tightened his hold around me. Tila ba hindi ito makapaniwala na nayayakap niya ako ngayon. Well, the same goes with me. Kahit kahapon ng umaga ang huli pa naming kita, pero ilang araw kaming di nagpapansinan. Alejandro spent his days in his bedroom. Kaya ngayon, parang ayaw ko siyang kumawala sa mga bisig ko. Ngunit gustuhin ko mang manatiling nakayap at nakaupo sa kanyang kandungan, kailangan kong bumitaw. Lumayo ako nang bahagya sa kanya.

Alejandro brushed a few strands of my hair na tumatabing sa aking mukha.

“Ale….”

“Hmm…”

“Bakit ka nandito? Di ba ay Sabado pa lamang ngayon at dapat ay bukas pa ang balik mo galing Maynila? Paano na lamang ang therapy session mo?”

“Simple lang. Namimiss kita.” Prangka nitong sagot.

Ngumuso ako sa kanya. “Hindi sapat na rason yan para bumalik ka kaagad dito.”

“Hmm.” He rubbed his chin using his forefinger. “Should I blame the dots you’ve sent me? When I received that message, I could tell how much you missed me the same way I am missing you. I couldn’t wait for Monday, Bea. I have to see you now. I need to hold you. I want to tell you personally how much I missed you and how sad I was when I left the island yesterday morning. What should I do? You are my sunshine Bea, but I was covered with dark clouds when we parted like that.”

I pressed my forehead on his shoulder and rub against it like a purring cat. “Gusto kong pangatawanan ang pagtatampo ko sa’yo kasi katampo-tampo din naman talaga ang ginawa mo. Pero naiinis ako sa sarili ko kasi kahit anong gawin ko, namimiss pa rin kita at parang nag-sisisi akong di tayo nagpansinan ng ilang araw.”

“Can we talk about it later? Anong oras ka matatapos?”

I darted my gaze back to the ministage. “Pwede kaya akong mag-cutting?”

Alejandro chuckled as he poked my forehead lightly. “Wala ka sa school para magcutting, silly. Gawain mo yun?”

“Hindi. Napaka-dedicated ko kaya na estudyante to the point na ako lagi ang huling lumalabas sa classroom.”

“Really? Bakit naman ikaw lagi ang huli? Does your professor always ask you to stay behind?” Kumunot ang noo nito.

Umiling ako at ngumisi. “Kasi nakakatulog ako sa klase and then ang matitino kong mga kaibigan, iniiwanan nila ako habang tulog. Sabi ni Prof, wag daw akong gisingin. Tats ako kasi considerate sila sa akin.” I chuckled.

He gave me his boyish grin and pinched my nose. “Why are you so damn cute. Your cuteness is not good for my heart.” He caressed my cheek ngunit biglang naglaho ang ngisi nito nang inilapat nito ang likod ng palad sa aking noo. “You are burning, Bea! Are you having a fever?!”

“Kanina. Pero okay na ako. Kaya kong iraos ang gabing to, Alejandro. Ako pa ba. Malakas pa ako sa kalabaw.”

“Are you f*****g kidding me?!” He snarled.

“Hoy, bakit ka nagmumura? Over-acting ka Ser. Lilipas din ‘to. Nakainom na ako ng gamut kaya maya-maya lang ay bubuti na ang aking pakiramdam. Ngayon pa ba na nakita na kita at nayayakap.” I smiled and hugged him. I wiggled on his lap. “Ale….bakit miss na miss kita.” I whined while rubbing my face on the base of his neck.

He shuddered. “Baby, we are in public. And stop wiggling. Baka may kung ano na lamang ang tumayo diyan.”

Ngumisi ako. “Namiss ko rin yun.”

“Ang alin?”

Nilapit ko ang aking labi malapit sa kanyang punong tainga. “Maramdaman yung paninigas mo.”  

Alejandro groaned as he shut his eyes momentarily. “God baby…you’re f*****g killing me.”

“Ay, wag kasing magmura.”

“Bakit naman?”

I darted my gaze on his half-opened mouth. “Ang hot mong magmura, Ser. Kiss kita diyan eh.”

Alejandro clicked his tongue at sinalat ulit ang aking noo at leeg. “Now I am more convinced that you are sick.” Nag-igting ang panga nito at nilingon ang lalake sa bandang kanan.

“Secretary Kim.”

“Yes boss.” Tumalima agad ang lalake at lumapit sa amin. Yumuko ito nang bahagya para magpantay ang mukha nito kay Alejandro.

“I am taking Bea away.”

“I understand, Boss.” He replied as he sprinted hastily towards the Manager’s office.

“You are taking me away? What is that supposed to mean?” I asked in confusion.

“Meaning, we are leaving now.” Mariin nitong sagot.

Mabilis akong tumayo at nanlalaki ang matang nakatingin sa kanya. “I can’t do that! Hindi pa tapos ang trabaho ko, Ale.”

His eyes squinted into tiny slits. At one moment, nakaradamdam ako ng kaba sa paraan ng tinging ipinupukol niya sa akin ngayon.

“We are leaving this place, Bea. I will not let you perform again when you are burning like that!”

Kung hindi lang sa maingay na paligid ay baka napaigtad na ako sa lakas ng boses nito. He’s mad again. I don’t mind leaving the place, kaso nag-aalala ako sa mga kabanda ko. Ayokong mapahamak sila o masita ng aming manager dahil sa pag-alis ko ng biglaan.

“I can’t Ale. Hindi ko pwedeng iwanan sa ere ang banda at ang mga customer na sinadyang magpunta para makita at marinig kaming tumugtog.”

Alejandro heaved a sigh. “Let’s wait for my secretary.”

Napakamot na lamang ako sa aking ulo. Alejandro’s d**k mode is on again. This mood of his ang pinaka-ayaw ko pa naman sa lahat dahil wala akong choice kundi ang sumunod sa kagustuhan nito.

Nang makabalik na ang lalakeng tantiya ko ay nasa late 30’s ang edad na tinawag niyang secretary Kim, nakasunod dito ang manager ng bar. Agad na kumagat-labi ako. I can tell that something bad is about to happen. Sa gilid ng ministage ay nagsisilipan ang kabanda ko. Athena threw me a questioning look. I shrugged my shoulders, but my eyes are already asking her forgiveness for what is about to happen.

“Boss, this is the bar’s owner, Mr. Sarmiento.” Ani ng secretary nito.

Alejandro titled his head sideways. Malalim ang tinging ipinukol niya sa manager. Yung klase ng tingin na tila ba nagbabanta.

He cleared his throat. “Bea won’t be able to finish her gig tonight and she won’t coming back tomorrow.”

I gasped loudly. Anong pinagsasabi ng lalakeng ‘to?

The manager’ brows knitted together. “Ay hindi po pwede yun Sir. Kailangan ng bar ko si Bea. Paano na lamang ang mga customers na siya ang ipinunta? Paano ang banda? Malaking lugi sa parte ko, Sir. Pasensiya na.” Tumingin ng matalim sa akin si manager. “Pumunta ka na sa likod, Bea. Malapit na kayo mag-umpisa. Ikaw itong nagmamakaawa sa akin noon na kunin kang singer tapos ngayon ay bigla kang magdadala ng mga tao at aalis ka lang agad-agad kahit hindi pa tapos ang trabaho mo dito? Aba hindi naman yata tama yun!”

Alejandro clenched his jaw and brushed his long hair with his fingers. He is trying his best controlling his temper. I looked at him helplessly. Umiling ako sa kanya ngunit inirapan lang ako!

“Close your bar. I will compensate your two nights earnings. I’ll make it double. For the band, my secretary will pay them himself.”

It took seconds before the manager gave his ear to ear smile. I almost rolled my eyes at him. I side-eyed Alejandro. Hindi ko gustong basta-basta na lamang siya magpamudmod ng pera sa walang ka-importanteng bagay. Dodoblehin pa niya? Edi wow!

Secretary Kim spoke. “Kung maaari ay sa opisina nyo natin pag-usapan ang halaga, Mr. Sarmientro.”

“Sure, sure. Sige na Bea. Umalis ka na kung saan ka man pupunta. Mag-iingat ka. Balik ka na lang dito next weekend.” He grinned.

Nang makaalis na ito at si secretary Kim, hinarap ko ang lalakeng ngiti ng ngiti sa akin. “What was that for?” Namewang ako sa kanya.

His smile faded and flickered his eyes on me. Oh, stop acting cute on me, Alejandro!

“Grab your things, baby. We are going home.” Alejandro kissed the back of my hand, eyes never leave mine,

I sighed deeply. Hay! Bakit ba hindi ko magawang magalit sa kanya ng lubusan!

“Kukunin ko lang ang bag ko. Hindi ako magtatagal. Dito ka lang. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I can’t walk, baby, kaya dito lang talaga ako.” He grinned sheepishly.

Nga pala. “Right.” Aisssht!          

Hindi ako nagtagal sa pagkuha ng bag. Sinabi ko na lamang sa mga kabanda ko na need kong magpagamot dahil masama ang aking pakiramdam. Tinanong nila kung sino ang mgat taong kausap ko. Sinabi ko lang na mga kaibigan ko.

Sa labas ng bar ay nakaabang ang isang malaking itim na sasakyan. Ang isang lalake na ang katawan ay kasingtulad ng mga bouncer sa mga nightclubs ay inalalayan si Ale na makaupo sa back seat. Tinupi ko naman ang wheelchair nito at nilagay sa loob bago ako umakyat at tumabi sa kanya.

The bouncer-look guy made his way to the driver’s seat and got in. He started cranking the engine.

“Iiwan natin si secretary Kim?” Tanong ko.

Alejandro simply nodded. “Another car will fetch him once he’s done talking to that asshole manager of yours. Kung kaya ko lang iangat ang mga binti ko, I would have kicked him the moment he gave you that dirty look. What a scumbag!”

“Kahit ganun yun, nakatulong siya sa akin, Ale. I was able to save money pantustos sa matrikula ko nung pumayag siyang kumanta ako sa bar niya. Hindi naman siya masamang tao. Strikto lang. Ganun lang talaga siguro kapag manager at may-ari ka ng bar. Natatakot din atang malugi. Marami din kasi siyang pinapasweldo.”

Alejando sighed in recognition. His hard expression softened, and he held my hand. “Come here. I miss you.”

Agad namang sumunod ako sa gusto niyang mangyari. Actually, mas gusto ko na nga na tuwing magkasama kami ay sa kandungan niya ako uupo. Bukod kasi sa mas malapit kami sa isa’t isa, gustong gusto kong maramdaman ang init ng kanyang katawan at mabilis na t***k ng kanyang puso.

“Hindi ba nakakahiya kay manong bouncer-driver?” Bulong ko sa kanya kasabay ng pagsulyap sa harapan.

His chest vibrated when made a tiny laugh. “Uh. Oh. You are being cute again. Sarap mong ibulsa, Miss.”

“Kasi naman Ale. Baka magreport yan sa parents mo. Naku, paniguradong papagalitan na naman ako ng Mama mo dahil sa ginawa mong ito.”

Alejandro held my shoulders and pushed a little away from him. “Pinagalitan ka ba ng Mama ko? Kailan at bakit? Bakit hindi ko alam na pinagalitan ka niya, Bea?” Nagsalubong ang kilay nito.

Tumawa ako at minsahe ang pagitan ng kanyang mga mata. “Wrong choice of words, Ale. Baka pagalitan niya ako sa pag-uwi mo dito sa Palawan pagkatapos ay ako pa ang una mong pinuntahan. Yan ang ibig kong sabihin.”

“Ikaw lang naman ang rason ng pag-uwi kong ito at wala ng iba pa. They both knew it. Dad gave me permission, in fact, he was the one who prepared my trip going home.”

“Sana all madali lang mag-book ng ticket pauwi.”

“You didn’t know? My family owns the biggest airline company in Asia. Does Salvatore Airlines ring a bell?” He smirked.

Suminghap ako. “Really? Akala ko ibang Salvatore yun. Real estate lang ang alam kong negosyo ng pamilya nyo. Yun lang din kasi ang sinabi ni lola. I didn’t bother to google your family dahil wala naman akong interes.” I wrinkled my nose.

“Wala kang interes sa akin?” Nag-taas ito ng kilay.

“Sa pamilya mo, wala. Sa’yo…hmm..pag-iisipan ko.”

I giggled when he made a puppy face with pouty lips. I squirmed inside. My heart is dancing with happiness! Marahang hinampas ko ang kanyang balikat. “Ya! Wag kang magpapa-cute ng ganyan sa ibang tao ha. Sa akin lang.”

“Wala kang interes sa akin?” He reiterated.

“Hmm…” Wala sa loob na pinaglaruan ko ang kanyang manggas. “Mamaya ko ibigay ang sagot.”

He pinched my nose. “Alright. Later then.” Alejandro reached something behind me at ang kaninang maliwanag na paligid ay biglang dumilim.

Our eyes met and heavy silence lingered between us. s****l tension becoming thick I thought I groaned. Alejandro’s breathing hitched as he slid his hand on my thigh. Napalunok ako kasabay ng pagpikit ng mata. Bukod sa ugong ng sasakyan, tanging ang mabibilis na paghinga naming dalawa ang maririnig.

Alejandro raised his hand and seductively traced the outline of my lower lip. I gasped because his fiery gazes are burning me I almost whimpered.

Alejandro held my chin in place, and he dipped down to kiss me savagely. We both groaned. My arms clung around his neck and I titled my head to the side urging him to deepen the kiss. And he did.

Our kisses were rough this time that I could not help but to whimper in delight. Alejandro ran his tongue in the corners of my mouth, teasing me.

I felt him getting hard down there. “Ale…you’re hard.” I said in a whisper.

“Only for you, my miraculous virgin.” He chuckled lightly. Using his thumb, he wiped the outside of my mouth and kissed my forehead afterwards. He pulled my head and buried on the base of his neck.

I sighed contently. Ang init ng katawan ko. Pero hindi dahil sa lagnat. Dahil ito sa ginagawa ni Alejandro sa akin. He sets my body on fire. Mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang yakap ko sa kanya. I don’t want to let go of him.

Kung pwede lang…. kung maari lang….

**********

“Nasaan tayo?” Laking pagtataka ko dahila ang akala ko ay didiretso na kami sa pantalan, hindi pala.

Pagbaba ko sa sasakyan, napatingala ako sa tatlong palapag na bahay. Pansin kung ang unang palapag lang ang maliwanag at ang pangalawa at pangtalo ay hindi. Kanina lang ay may pinasukan kaming mataas na bakal na gate pero hindi ko na ito matanaw ngayon. Ang haba yata ng driveway nila.

“Our house here in the city.” He answered with nonchalance.

Tumango ako at patuloy pa ring nakanganga ang bibig. Inikot ko ang tingin sa buong paligid. “Ito ba yung tinatawag na mansiyon ng mga mayayaman na nakikita ko lang sa TV?”

“I don’t know, maybe.”

“Ilang bahay meron kayo?” Ani ko at pumwesto sa likod ng kanyang wheelchair. I held the handle.

“Dito sa Pinas o pati sa abroad?”

Umubo ako. “Sobrang honest ng pagflex mo. Ang smooth pa pero sige, sa buong mundo na.”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I owned a few houses around the globe. Ganun din si Romano. My parents own a handful of houses too. Lalo na sa mga bansang paborito nilang pasyalan.”

“Okay dude, keep on flexing.” Natatawa na lang ako. As if I can relate.

Magaan na tumawa ito at tiningala ako. “I’m just telling the truth, baby. I am sorry.”

“Okay lang. Naiintindihan ko. Kung kasing yaman mo ako, baka mas honest pa ako sa’yo.” Wala sa loob na hinaplos ko ang kanyang pisngi.

Pagpasok namin sa nasabing bahay, mas lalong namangha ako. Grabe, wala na akong masabi. Gusto kong magsabi ng… magagandang words, pero wag nalang. Sasakit lang ang ulo ko.

Alejandro pointed out a certain door. “That will be our room.”

I clipped my hair behind my ear. “Our” is the operative word, okay Ser. Noted.

“Okay.” I answered straight away at dumiretso na doon. Sympre, common sense. Hindi namin pwedeng ikupahin ang mga kwarto sa taas dahil hindi naman nakakalakad si Ale. Maliban na lang daw if they will reconstruct the house and install a lift.

“Walang katulong?” I asked again.

“Sa umaga lang sila nandito para maglinis pagkatapos ay uuwi na rin sa kani-kanilang bahay. My secretary and his staff prepared everything after I notified them that I will be arriving.”

“Ah ganun pala yun.”

Pinihit ko ang seradura ng pinto. Miangat kong tinulak si Alejandro. Bukas na rin ang mga ilaw dito. Lahat ata ng ilaw ay nakabukas sa unang palapag.

“Should I prepare something light for your dinner. Medyo late na sa scheduled time mo.” I said.

“I want to take a shower first, please. And I am not hungry. I’d rather want us to take a rest, unless you’re hungry. The kitchen is packed with food. You can prepare something light if you still want to eat.”

Umiling ako. Mas gusto ko nang matulog. Gusto kong bumawi sa ilang gabing pagpupuyat ko dahil sa tampuhan namin. “Can I shower first?” hindi ko na rin naman babasain pa ang aking buhok dahil matagal matuyo. Ayokong gumamit ng hair dryer dahil sumasakit ang ulo ko sa ganun.

“We can take a shower together, if you want.” He smirked devilishly at me.

Umirap ako. “Nope.” Umalis ako sa kanyang harapan at binukan ang malaking built-in cabinet. “Woaah! Bakit my nighties dito!” They feel so smooth against my skin.

“I especially requested. Bring those back to the island. Those baggy T-shirts of yours need to be thrown away.”

I snorted. “But I love my T-shirts!”

“Wear my T-shirts then.”

Lumabi ako sa kanya at hinarap ulit ang cabinet. Our relationship is going beyond what we are acquired to do. We have crossed that boarder and honestly, wala na akong pakialam pa.

“You take a shower here and I will use the common washroom outside.” I said. Inabot ko ang isang black nighties at sa first drawer naman, I grabbed a pair of underwear. Oh, but Ale prefers me braless. Binalik ko ang bra sa loob at panties lang ang kinuha.

“Can you manage?” I asked hesitantly.

He huffed. “I am not a baby, Bea. Please, don’t treat me like one.”

I smiled. “See you later, then.”

Hinintay ko muna itong makapasok sa bathroom bago ako lumabas sa kanyang silid. Pagpasok ko sa common bathroom, I removed my clothes immediately. I tied my hair in a bun at tumapat sa dutsa. Hindi ako maaaring magtagal at baka maunahan pa ako ni Alejandro matapos.

When I am done drying myself, inabot ko ang lotion na nakadisplay sa sink. Ubos talaga bilib ko sa yaman ng pamilyang to. Lahat ata ng supply meron sila. A poor ass like me can never ever relate.

Mabilis na nagbihis ako at ang malambot na tela ay humahapit sa aking balingkinitang katawan. I looked at my reflection at kumagat-labi. I don’t see a girl. What I am seeing is a woman, a blushing woman.

I put my used clothes in the laundry bag at dinala pabalik sa kwarto ni Alejandro.

When I opened the door, Ale is already lying in the bed, shirtless. His long hair gracefully fell on his shoulders. His piercing eyes raked my whole body and then his gaze met mine.

Nanatili akong napako sa aking kinatatayuan. I don’t know what to do, suddenly.

“You are breathtakingly beautiful, baby.” He whispered.

“Tha—thank you.” I stammered.

“I know you’re not feeling well, but once you decide to sleep beside me, I don’t think we will be sleeping any time soon. Are you okay with that?” He asked huskily. I saw him swallowed.

I bit my inside cheek. “I don’t care, Ale. All I want from you is to hold me tonight.”

“We might do more than holding, baby.”

“I’m fine with it.”

“Baby, I want you so bad.” He drawled raspily.

“I want you too.”

He smirked dangerously. “Come here and let me feel you.”

I didn’t hesitate. As I was walking towards the bed, I let the nighties fell off my shoulders. My bare chest exposed; cold wind engulfed my body.

Alejandro bit his lower lip as he darted his gaze on my exposed chest. “Straddle me.” He commanded and I hovered on top of him, both legs folding on both sides.

“My miraculous virgin…hmmm…I’m gonna brand you mine before the night ends. And I f*****g mean it.” He whispered in conviction before he lowered his head and captured my surprised mouth.

I can’t wait you to own me, Alejandro….