FIVE: AFFAIR
2920 Words
The sound of the waves and the smell of the aquatic winds welcomed me as I snapped my eyes open. Nag-inat ako at hindi ko mapigilan ang hindi mapangiti. It’s been years since I slept this well. Sa kabila ng pananakit ng aking katawan, I felt so good.
I rolled on my back and found Matteo’s sleeping form beside me. Tanging ang puting kumot lamang ang nakabalot sa ibabang bahagi ng kanyang hubad na katawan. His chiseled chest and rippled stomach were on display.
He was indeed a fine sight to wake up to.
Anong oras na kaya? Sa pagkakaalala ko’y maliwanag na sa labas nang tuluyan ako nitong payagang matulog. I lost count how many times I begged him to let me have a rest, but the man was insatiable. He couldn’t get enough of me. Agad na kumalat ang pamumula sa aking pisngi. Images of our lovemaking flashed before me, and I could not help but to feel embarrassed. Last night, Matteo really did ruin me. All my inhibitions and self-control had been thrown outside the window. He took possession of me, and I let him.
“Hi.”
I almost jumped when he opened his eyes and smiled endearingly at me. “You’ve been staring, cupcake.” That raspy, bedroom voice of his made my stomach flutter.
“You’re awake?”
“I’ve been up for hours but I didn’t want to leave the bed. Gusto kong sa paggising mo ay malaman mong nandito lang ako sa tabi mo.” Casual na pagkakasagot nito. He shifted on his position and leaned over to kiss me, to my surprise.
It was just a peck on the lips, but it left me breathless, nonetheless.
Hindi maalis-alis ang titig ko sa kanya. Kumunot ang kanyang noo. “Why do you keep on staring at me? Do I have a dirt on my face?” Sinalat nito ang pisngi at noo.
I shook my head. “I’m just appreciating your handsomeness. You are really good-looking, Matt.” I felt shy after I said those words.
He smirked. “Must be the Salvatore blood.” But then, I could sense the bitterness in his voice. It was as if he wasn’t proud to be one. Pinili ko na lamang ang hindi sumagot.
“How are you?” Naglakbay ang kanyang mga titig mula sa aking mga mata, pababa sa aking labi hanggang sa aking kabuuan at binalik ulit ang atensiyon sa aking mukha. Umangat ang kanyang kamay para haplusin ang aking pisngi.
He grinned sexily. “Damn woman, you’re blushing.”
“Shut up.” Tinampal ko ang kanyang kamay at balak sanang talikuran ito pero mabilis nitong hinawakan ang aking baywang at hinapit palapit sa kanya. Dahil sa paghila niyang iyon, natabing ang kumot na nakatakip sa akin kaya ang aking dibdib ay literal na nakalapat sa kanya.
Bumaba ang kanyang titig doon at kumagat-labi. “Well, well, well.”
I could feel his manhood getting hard against my inner thigh. Tinukod ko ang braso sa kanyang dibdib at bahagya itong tinulak. “Matteo, I’m hungry.”
“So am I. I’m hungry for you.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he gave me a teasing smile.
I couldn’t help but to laugh at his cheesiness. “Please lang Matt, ha. Ang aga-aga.”
“It’s afternoon, Porsche.”
I gasped. “Oh, my God. Did I sleep that long?” I pulled myself up for sitting position. Nagpabaling-baling ako para hagilapin kung saan tinapon ni Matteo ang aking damit. Damn it, where did I put my pouch? I wanted to check my phone. But then, I remembered I ran out of battery since last night.
“Why are you such in a hurry?”
Bumaling ako sa kanya na ngayon ay nakaupo na at nakasandal ang likod sa headboard ng kama. “Matt, hapon na! Babalik na tayo ng Maynila!”
“Sinong may sabi?” He crossed his arms over his chest. The annoyance on his face was remarkable.
“Napag-usapan na natin ‘to, Matt.”
“We did but I don’t remember I made a promise. We are not going back to the city today.” He answered grumpily and with finality.
Natigilan ako at binaling ang buong atensiyon sa kanya. Pinaningkitan ko ito ng mata. The happiness that I felt a while ago was slowly vanishing. “Matt, tell me you’re not being serious.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “C’mon, Porsche. Ilang oras pa lang tayong magkasama. I need more time to be with you and to be inside you.”
I blinked. “Matt, have you gone nuts? You f****d me into coma, and you still haven’t had enough?”
“Uhuh.” He nodded like an honest man. “I want to get to know you better, Porsche. Hindi pa tayo nakapag-usap tungkol sa mga bagay-bagay.” He reached for my arm and pulled me towards him. With his gentle touch, I decided not to go against it. Pinaloob niya ako sa kanyang braso kaya aking tagiliran ay nakasandal sa kanyang matipunong dibdib.
“Matt, anong mga bagay-bagay ba ang gusto mong pag-usapan natin para mapag-usapan na at nang makagayak na tayong dalawa. Please, I want to tuck my kids to their bed.”
“You children.” He spoke. “I want to know their names and what they look like. I had seen them once, but I didn’t get the chance to see them clearly.”
Because you suddenly turned your back and walked out? I wanted to voice out.
I sighed. “My children are off-limits, Matt. I don’t want them to know you just like I don’t want you to know them.”
“Why is that? I’m not a bad person.” I felt his soft hand gently caressing my arm. I found it sweet.
I smiled and looked up to him. “No, Matt. You’re not a bad person. It’s just that…you know.” I lifted my hand and let my fingers run through his soft and unruly hair.
“I don’t know. You tell me.” He dipped down and kissed my forehead. Napapikit ako. Why do I find his gestures sweet and loving?
“Do you really want me to stress the obvious, Matt? We are not in a relationship. And I don’t want to be in any relationship, Matt. I’m not looking for a boyfriend or husband material. I’m not searching for a lifetime partner. What we have…it’s just basically all about s*x. Our physical attraction towards each other.”
He looked down and stared at me for a moment as if he was trying to process the words I said. Something flickered in his eyes that I couldn’t name.
“Matt?” I called his attention because he’s been staring for too long.
He then blinked and sighed. “The private helicopter will be here before seven o’clock. We just have like five hours left before leaving the island.” His voice was monotonic.
He sounded hurt. Hindi ko alam bakit naguilty ako bigla. I mean we already drew the line before coming here. I had no intention of us getting to know each other on a much more personal level.
“Matt, you agreed that after this, we both forget each other.” The words I spit left a bitter taste on my tongue.
He sighed and looked away. “Why don’t you take a shower while I call our butler to prepare us something to eat. I’m sure you’re famished.”
“Yes, I am.” Hinila ko ang kumot at tinakip sa hubad kong katawan bago ko piniling tumayo. I winced a little. I was sore. This man wrecked me last night, but it was a wonderful night, nonetheless.
He nodded as he reached for his phone and played it with his fingers. His eyebrows are slightly smashed together, and his lips were pouty.
“Matt….” I called his attention using a softer tone that I usually used when I talked to my kids.
He looked up to me and his gaze held mine. When did he become so needy? He was sulking like a baby. I never thought that a man like Matteo Salvatore would act like a child right in front of my eyes.
“Want to join me in the shower? We didn’t make it there.” I wiggled my eyebrows as I intentionally dropped the covers on the floor. I stood there naked. Inhibitions be damned.
He stopped. His eyes squinted as he looked me up and down. I saw his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down against his throat.
“How sore are you?” His tone was dark and salacious.
Sandaling nagdiwang ang aking kalooban. His mood has changed in a split second, and I realized I liked him better like this.
“Oh, I’m sore alright but I can manage one more orgasm if I may. Depends on how you work on me, too.” I answered nonchalantly.
“One orgasm? You ain’t that weak, cupcake. Let me give you three.” He stood up naked in broad daylight. He came near me, at ganun nalang ang tili ko nang bigla niya akong binuhat at sinampay sa kanyang balikat na para ba akong sako ng bigas.
He slapped my butt and squeezed the cheeks after. “You’re as light as a leaf.” He said as we were heading to the bathroom.
“Feed me, then.” I answered.
“I’m gonna feed you, cupcake. That’s for sure.” His teasing voice was obvious.
“I’m talking about food, Matt.” I pinched his back.
“Food? Why are you talking food when you can devour me, Porsche.”
“Why, you slut.” I laughed when he started tickling my side. When we reached the bathroom, my laughter died down when he kneeled on the tiled floor and started to…yeah…. eat me.
***********
Matteo toured me around the castle and we walked barefoot along the beach of the magnificent Fortress Island. The view was mesmerizing. The whole time I spent with him was one of the books.
We laughed like kids and held hands as we looked at the sun setting on the west.
“What a beautiful sight.” I held my breath.
“Yes, it is.” He answered.
“What’s the most beautiful thing or place you like in the island, Matt?”
He tilted his head and looked at me. “This spot.”
“Really? Well, I have to agree. This spot is perfect. Kita mo talaga ang paglubog ng araw.” Tinuro ko pa ang direksiyon ng araw.
“I like this spot because you’re standing next to me, Porsche. You’re the most beautiful thing I saw here in the island.”
Natigilan ako. Nilingon ko ito at babarahin ko na sana pero ang kanyang sinserong mga titig ay halos nagpahina sa aking tuhod.
I cleared my throat. “Matt, that’s…that’s so sweet of you. That was smooth.” Pabiro kong binangga ang kanyang braso para kunwari hindi ako apektado sa kanyang sinabi.
Namulsa ito at humugot ng malalim na hininga. “Are you ready to go back?”
I swallowed as I averted my eyes. I focused my attention to the disappearing sun. Kanina, bago kami bumaba dito sa dalampasigan, pinahiram ni Matt sa akin ang kanyang cellphone kaya nagawa kong tawagan si Bomie at kinumusta ang mga bata. She assured me that my children were in good hands and they’re having the best time together. I spoke with my kids for a while, and I felt guilty while lying to them. As much as I wanted to spend another night with a great man like Matt, I knew it shouldn’t be.
“I’m ready, Matt. I’m missing them already.”
“Of course, you do.” Mapait nitong sambit.
“Thank you for today, Matteo. I really enjoyed my time with you.” I said, glancing up to him. “In all seriousness, this is one the best days of my life. One of my favorite days ever.”
He smiled a little. “It’s a privilege to me. You’re a great woman, Porsche.”
“And if you were going to ask me the same question, I would say you’re also the most beautiful thing I saw today, Matt. The sunset and the island got nothing on you.” I chuckled.
Matt held my elbow, and we were standing face to face. My heart was racing crazily against my ribcage as we stared at each other. I so wanted to take him to my arms and kiss him. I’m going to miss him.
“Don’t look at me like that, Porsche. I might change my mind again.”
I smiled at him as I reached for his cheek. I caressed his smooth skin. “No, you won’t. You respect me. I know you respect my decision, Matt.”
“But I have to be honest with you, Porsche. You’re going to live rent-free in my mind for a while. I don’t think I will ever stop thinking about you.”
“Oh, Matt.” I hugged him. I buried my face on his chest. Why does it seem like we’re breaking up even though we’re not in a relationship yet.
“Me, too. Me, too.” I murmured as I sashed the tears away from my eyes. Why does it feel so heavy? Why am I feeling like this?
**********
When we landed at the helipad of Salvatore building, an expensive car fetched us. The driver got out and opened the passenger seat.
I was then reminded of who he is. A Salvatore. Matteo is a Salvatore, and I am nothing but a widow with two children. I felt so insecure all over again.
Reality began to seep through my skin. This was it. The end of our short escape from reality. An end to an affair.
Matt was unusually quiet during the car ride. He kept his attention to the side of the window. Panay naman ang buntong-hininga ko at piniling manahik din sa sulok.
The car pulled in the dark corner of the street. Ayokong sa mismong tapat ng bahay tumigil ito. I looked outside. It’s almost twelve o’clock midnight. Alam kong sa mga oras na ito ay tulog na ang mga bata. Wala na rin gaanong mga tao ang naglalakad sa kalye.
The driver stepped out of the car to probably gave us some privacy.
“Pakisabi kay Bea salamat sa damit, Matt. Lalabhan ko ito at ipapadala ko sa opisina nyo.” Magaan na pagkakasambit ko.
“Stop talking nonsense, Porsche. You can keep or throw it. Do whatever you want with that dress. It doesn’t matter.” The sharpness of his tone made me wince. He didn’t even look at me.
I gritted my teeth. I need to control my emotion. Why is suddenly acting like this? Why does he look so mad and become cold?
“Okay, Matt. Thank you, again.” I answered plainly. I grabbed the door handle and sighed. Ayokong maghiwalay kami sa ganitong paraan. Nilingon ko ito. “Matt, I want to say my proper goodbye to you.”
“Goodbye, Porsche.” He answered almost painfully.
I scooted closer to him. I gently held his forearm. He almost jumped on his seat when we finally touched. “Will you look at me, please?” I said, almost begging.
He inhaled sharply as he turned his head to me. We stared into each other’s eyes as if we wanted to say something, but our tongues didn’t want to.
“I was happy, Matt. Thank you.” I said with all the honesty I could give.
He groaned. He grabbed my chin as he pulled me for a kiss. It was long, deep and emotional kiss that it brought tears to my eyes.
He held my face with his both hands. “You have my number. Call and text me if you have time and if you miss me.”
Umiling ako. “We can’t do that anymore, Matt.”
“You are really putting an end between us, huh.” He scrunched up his face.
“It has to be.”
He nodded as his jaw clenching. “As you wish. Goodbye, Porsche Madrigal.”
I swallowed the lump behind my throat as I replied. “Goodbye, Matteo Salvatore.”
One last peck on the lips, he let me go and I climbed out of his car.
It took all my willpower not to glance back at him because I knew if I did, I would probably run back to his arms.
I walked along the pavement as I finally let the tears to flow. I knew deep inside me; Matteo Salvatore is so damn special at hindi na siguro ako makakatagpo pa ng isang tulad niya. At tiyak kong hindi ko ito makakalimutan sa tanang buhay ko.
When I heard the roaring engine of the car, that’s when I looked back. I smiled sadly. There goes the man who made me truly happy. Who made me feel that I was a woman. That I was beautiful and special. Probably the only man who would find my stretch marks and cellulites sexy.
Our affair was short, but I was happy, and I had never been this happy since my husband passed away.
But God, why am I hurting? Why am I sobbing?
- Writer
