Fortress Island Series 3: Matteo, The Bastard's Sweetest Downfall

FOUR: INSECURITIES

Matteo opened the passenger’s door of his sleeked black car. Tinitigan ko ng ilang segundo iyon bago ko binaling sa lalake ang aking tingin.

He was holding me by the elbow and ang kanyang buong atensiyon ay nasa akin. Kumurap ako para maitago ang kaba sa aking dibdib.

“Fortress Island? Where on Earth is that place?” I asked using an irritable tone.

He arched his eyebrow. “Somewhere in Palawan. We’re going to use one of the company’s private helicopters. Bago mag-alas onse ay nakalapag na tayo doon.” Kampante nitong sagot. “Are you just going to stare at the door?”

Umirap ako at hinila ang aking brasong hawak-hawak niya. Tuluyan ko itong hinarap. I’ve heard that island before. God knows how many times Bomi spoke about it every time she got the chance. I was aware it was owned by the Salvatores but one could play dumb and I chose to be that person tonight.

“Bago ako tuluyang sumama sa’yo, I want to make things clear, Matteo.”

He smirked as he shoved his hands into the front pockets of his dinner pants. “I’m listening, cupcake.”

“Bago dumilim ay kailangan nasa bahay na ako bukas.”

A triumphant grin stretched his lips. “Sure.”

“After this, don’t show your face again, Matteo. Kung gusto mong malaman kung attracted ako sa’yo, hindi ako magsisinungaling. I’m attracted to you pero aware akong hanggang dun lang yun. O siguro nga nagustuhan ko din ang nangyari sa balcony and if you really want me to be brutally honest, kahit nakakahiyang aminin sa parte ko, gusto kong mangyari ulit iyon. Sasama ako sa’yo at hahayaan kitang gawin ang nais mong gawin sa akin….”

“Pero…..” His eyes squinted his eyes.

“Pero nakiki-usap ako sa’yo, pagkatapos nito, don’t bother me anymore. Let’s forget each other and everything that happened and will happen between us.”

Kaya kong tumanggi sa plano niya. Kaya kong umayaw at alam kong hindi niya ako pipilitin kung sakali man. Pero alam ko sa sarili kong kailangan ko din ito. I need him physically and God knows I never needed a man as much as I needed him. It’s been years. And someone like him who’s very vocal and honest about his physical attraction towards me was somehow refreshing and it made me feel special.

But then, I was also aware that this affair needed an end as soon as possible. Perhaps, coming with him to the island would be our closure. That was all we needed to forget each other. I was planning to completely forget the man after this. Spending time with him would not hurt, maybe? He’s not that important. I barely knew him maliban sa background ng pamilya niya.

By the expression on his face, he wasn’t exactly liking the words I had said. His eyes turned darker and squinted into slits.

“Get into the car, Porsche.”

The hostility in his voice and facial expression was unnerving it almost made me jump. For a moment, I felt unsafe and scared. But the way Matteo put his palm on the small of my back and gave me a little push, it was gentle. I could only sigh as I got into the car.

I really had no idea where we were going, so I chose to tilt my head to the window and closed my eyes.

“Don’t sleep, cupcake. The building isn’t that far from here.” He said.

Oh. Did he mean the Salvatore building? Malapit nga lang yun kung nasaan kami. “Why are we going there? Akala ko ay gagamit tayo ng helicopter?”

He made a light laugh. “Saan sa tingin mo dapat tayo tutungo?”

Nilingon ko ito at laking gulat kong sa akin pala ito nakatingin at hindi sa kalsada. Using my fingers, I clutched his chin and turned his face to the front. But before I could let go, he was able to catch my thumb and sucked it. I could feel his teeth biting it.

Napaigtad ako nang maramdaman ko ang mainit nitong dila. I was too stunned to speak. He winked at me before he finally freed my moistened thumb. Dali kong pinagsalikop ang aking mga daliri at pinahinga sa aking kandungan. Just like that, my body was on fire. I swear I was red all over now.

“You didn’t answer my question, cupcake.” His voice was teasing me.

“Stop flirting with me, Matteo.” Kastigo ko.

“Oh, trust me. I am not even starting yet.”

“Shut up.”

“So where do you think we’re heading, Porsche?”

Pinagkrus ko ang aking mga braso sa aking harap. “I don’t know. Airport, perhaps?”

The sound of his laughter filled the car. Inabot nito ang aking pisngi at bahagyang pinisil. “My adorable cupcake. Aren’t you the cutest thing ever?” His tone was bright and light.

Inis na pinalis ko ang kanyang kamay kasabay ng panlalaki ng mga mata ko sa kanya. But the truth was his sweet gestures were slowly melting my insides. I did not want to find him sweet or romantic, but he was, somehow.

“Apparently, the helicopter is already waiting for us.”

“In your building?” My eyes grew wide. “How?”

He chuckled again. “On the top of the building, sweetheart. There’s a helipad there.” He bit his lips to suppress from cracking of laughter.

I wanted to hide under the chair or from anything but since it was impossible, I covered my face with my palm instead. “I’m such an idiot.” That was embarrassing. Why didn’t I think about it?

“C’mon now, don’t be shy, cupcake. I had a good laugh.” He teased.

“Ewan ko sa’yo.”

“You are just probably hungry.”

And as if on cue, my stomach rumbled so loud. Nagtinginan kaming dalawa ni Matteo. Hindi nito napagilan ang sarili at tuluyang humalakhak. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ko ipapahiya ang sarili ko sa harap ng lalakeng ‘to.

Kumagat-labi ako at yumuko. My face was burning from embarrassment. Parang gusto ko na lamang magpalamon sa lupa kung sakali mang bumuka ito. O baka ang tanda ko na kaya hindi na gumagana ang utak ko? Hindi ko alam kung bakit naluluha ako. Kasi ang tanda ko na kaya hindi ko alam paano kontrolin ang emosyon ko.

Ang tanda-tanda ko na. What the hell am I doing here sitting beside one of the most prominent bachelors in the county?

Hindi ko napansin ang paghinto ng sasakyan. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at luminga sa paligid. Nakahinto ang sasakyan sa tabi ng kalsada.

I glanced at Matt. “Why are we—”

My sentence was cut midway and it was replaced by a gasp when Matteo suddenly unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned towards me, grabbing my chin with his thumb and forefinger.

His other arm snaked around my back as I felt it tightened. And the next thing I knew, his lips were planted on mine.

Involuntarily, I put my hands on his shoulders for support because the way he’s attacking my mouth as if he was hungry for it made me nearly fell off my seat. Literally.

Matt changed his way of kissing. They became gentle. The way his tongue took a swipe across my lips followed by gentle nipping made want to burst into tears yet again. Why is he being like this?

“I’m sorry if I upset you, cupcake. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Matt cupped my cheeks with his large hands. His eyes were soft as he looked at me intently.

“I’m just a fussy old woman, Matt, kaya ako ganito.” Sinabayan ko iyon ng magaang tawa para ipaalam sa kanya na okay lang ako kahit ang totoo, punong-puno ako ng insecurity.

“Ah. That’s debatable. You’re a middle-aged woman but you don’t look like one. And trust me, you can make a man crazy with just a crook of your finger, cupcake. Ano sa tingin mo bakit ako ngayon nandito sa tabi mo?”

I gnawed my lips as I avoided his deep-penetrating stares. “Because…..”

“Because I’m crazy about you.” He continued as he dipped down to reward me another heart-stopping kiss. “We better get going. I don’t want us to end up at the back of the car.” He groaned as he let me go.

Umayos ito ng upo at ganun din ako. Binaling ko ulit ang atensiyon sa labas ng bintana. He’s right. Kung hindi ito titigil sa paghalik sa akin, hindi ako papalag kung sakali mang hilahin niya ako sa likod ng sasakyan at buong puso kong hahayaan ang nais nitong gawin sa akin. I was really this desperate for a man’s touch and I don’t know if I should be proud of it.

*********

“Wow.”

I could only utter one word as I set my foot to the ground of The Fortress Island. I was speechless the entire helicopter ride that I fell asleep. But now that we’re here, the island was absolutely stunning. Malayong-malayo sa mga pictures na nakita ko sa internet minsang gi-noogle search ko ang pamilya Salvatore. The pictures didn’t do justice compared to the real view in front of me.

The whole island was breathtaking and magical.

“You okay?” Matteo appeared in front of me.

I grinned at him. “Yes.”

Before coming here, nagtatalo ang isipan ko kung tama o mali ba ang desisyon ko sa pagsama sa kanya pero ngayong nandito na ako, mukhang alam ko na ang sagot.

Matteo stretched out his hand to me. “Are you mine for the taking, Porsche?”

His question sent shivers down my spine. The way he looked at me with those intense and burning eyes made my stomach twitch with anticipation.

Sa nanginginig na kamay, inabot ko ang kanyang palad na nakalahad sa akin. “I’m all yours, Matteo.”

Umihip ang hanging panggabi at sinayaw nito ang maalon-alon na buhok ni Matteo. He smirked at me as he pulled me towards him.

One thing I realized though. The beauty of the island was nothing compared to the beauty of the man who’s holding me close by his side.

Matteo Sigrid Salvatore was beautiful beyond compare. And being noticed by him was probably a blessing. A blessing that has to end soon.

**********

The castle was dark as we entered. Oh well, it’s almost twelve midnight. Umakyat kami sa magarang hagdanan na sa mga TV shows at movies mo lang makikita. The sound of our footsteps was muted because of the floor carpet as we reached the hallway of the castle.

Hindi ko mabilang kung ilang pinto ang nandaanan namin. Kung ilang paintings ang nakadisplay sa mataas na pader ng kastilyo. Gusto ko mang tumigil at pagmasdan ang mga ito ay hindi ko magawa dahil walang balak ang lalakeng huminto sa paglalakad.

There was a left-wing and right-wing corridor. Matteo guided me as we took the direction to the right. We stopped at a certain door which I believed was his bedroom door.

He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open. “Welcome to my bedroom, cupcake.” He said in a darkly tone.

I gulped as I took a step forward. There was only a faint light coming from the lampshade of his side table but surprisingly, the room wasn’t that dark.

Umihip ang hangin at bumaling ako sa pinanggalingan niyon. Nakabukas ang pintuan ng balcony at napatigil ako sa paghinga.

The moon was shining brightly. Kaya pala maliwanag sa loob ng kwarto ay dahil sa sinag na nanggagaling sa buwan. Pero hindi iyon ang nakaagaw ng aking atensiyon.

Dahan-dahan akong lumapit patungo sa balcony at hindi ko mapigilang hindi mapasinghap.

The balcony was decorated with flowers and candlelight. Rose petals scattered everywhere on the floor and a faint sound of an instrumental song was playing somewhere.

At the middle of the huge balcony was a table for two. It was perfectly set-up for a romantic date.

My eyes full of wonders and questions found his. How did he manage to pull this off in such a short notice? My mind was about to get blown by all this. I silently uttered a prayer for my heart. It has been beating abnormally for hours now. I was worried it would stop beating any time soon. I don’t want to die because of the stunt this man just pulls off.

A proud smirk formed at the corner of his lips. “I want to make it up to you. I hope you like it.”

“Are you insane? This is beautiful, Matt! But why?”

His brows smashed together. “What do you mean by ‘why’?”

“I mean, you don’t have to do this. Don’t make me feel special because I am not. Don’t make me feel like I am important to you because who are you kidding? You brought me here for the f*****g—”

In just one stride, Matt held my waist as he pulled me tight against his body. His jaw clenched. The anger in his eyes was visible it made me regret the words I just said but I knew deep down, I was telling the truth.

“You think too low of yourself, Porsche. I hate it. I did not bring you here just to f**k you all through the night and day. Yes, f*****g you was the main purpose, but I also want to take care of you. To do things like this to you. And yes, I want to make you feel special because for the love of God, you are!”

“I don’t want you to do things like this, Matt. We are going separate ways after tomorrow. Please, don’t make me feel special.”

“Oh, baby. But your eyes tell me so. Every time you look at me, I can see the sadness and longing in there. You need my attention. You need my body. You need my tender loving care and I’m gonna give them all to you, no hold barred. Allow me to, Porsche. I promise to let you go after tomorrow. I won’t bother you anymore.”

Tears escaped my eyes. Matteo Salvatore saw me. He saw right through me, and I didn’t know what to feel. Should I feel embarrassed about it, or should I be glad that the man who saw me was also the man I was attracted to?

“This is our first real date, and I already made you cry. I’m sorry, Porsche.”

“Oh, Matt.” I conceded. Why is he such a sweetheart? This version of him caught me off-guard. I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face on his solid chest. Just thinking of not seeing him again made my heart constrict in pain. I may be liking him, but I was glad we both knew that us is never going to happen.

“C’mon, let’s eat before the food gets cold. I don’t want the chefs to scold me after disturbing their sleep.” He chuckled and just like that, the atmosphere became lighter.

Matt grabbed his coat and put it around my shoulder to cover my back. “It’s cold out here. I don’t want you to get sick.” He said as he guided me to the table. He pulled a chair for me.

“Thank you. I never knew you could be this sweet. I thought you’re a complete asshole.” I smiled at him.

He sat across my seat. “It depends on the situation and to the person I’m dealing with.”

“Ah. That’s why you were being an asshole to me back in the office.”

He scrunched his face. “It was just a façade. If I didn’t act like that, I would have grabbed you right there and then and pushed you to the table and f****d the living life out of you. You were wearing casual clothes but God, you were so sexy. Especially when you’re annoyed as hell.” He chuckled again.

I blushed. He was so straightforward I don’t think I could handle him.

“Were you thinking the same thing when I arrived at the restaurant tonight?” I casually asked as I shoved the fork with steak into my mouth. I was practically flirting with him. I didn’t look up because I was afraid to see the expression of his face.

“Do you remember what I said back in the restaurant, cupcake?” He put his cutlery back on the plate and grabbed the napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth. He took the wine glass to his lips and sipped on it.

I swallowed the food quickly I thought I was about to choke. I grabbed my water glass and drank from it. “I don’t remember. Please remind me again.” The fact was, I remembered.

“I need to get my tongue between your legs, Porsche.”

Those words kept ringing on my head for quite some time now.

“Hmmm.” He hummed. He stood up and rounded the table to come to me. He stopped beside me and turned my chair to face him. “You’re playing a very dangerous game, Porsche.”

I was shaking but I managed to shrug my shoulder. I wiped the side of my mouth and carefully placed the napkin beside the plate.

“Please tell me you’re full.”

I waved my hand. “Oh, I’m still hungry alright. But I realized, I’m not really hungry for food. I’m hungry for something else.”

“Fuck.” He muttered under his breath.

That’s when I looked up to him and oh Lord, the way his pupils dilated as he looked back at me. I bit my lips way more scandalously.

“Porsche, Porsche, Porsche.” He called my name like a litany. He was having a hard time to breathe. “Same here, sweetheart. Same here. Now why don’t you spread your legs so I could eat the food I’ve been dying to taste again since that night?”

I didn’t think twice. I did what I was told. Matteo kneeled in front of me, and he was such a fine sight to behold. He took my sandals off my feet and threw them somewhere. If it flew outside the balcony, I didn’t give a damn.

He pulled my leg and my back arched instantly when he sucked my toes one by one. I held tight on the chair for my dear life.

“Matt…” I moaned as I threw my head up. If he kept doing it, I would come soon. I could feel my panties soaking with need for him.

Speaking of panties, Matteo glided his fingers up and reached for them only to pull them down brutally. Then, I remembered something.

“You did not return my undies from that night.” I said between breaths. “Are you going to keep my undies again this time?”

“Your undies are keeping me company at night. I like smelling them.” He answered with no inhibitions.

The heat on my cheeks became intense. I chuckled at his honesty. “You are shameless, Matteo Salvatore.”

“Only for you, baby. Only for you.”

When he successfully slid down my undies and shoved them in the pockets of his pants, he placed my left thigh on his shoulder.

He inhaled deeply as he came closer to my s*x. “Ah. You smell so good, cupcake.”

I prepared myself from what he’s about to do but then, the feeling of his hot tongue on my bared skin was something I could never be prepared for.

I gasped as I felt him took a swipe on my s*x. My body shook from the friction of our skin. The table was shaking as I held on to the edge of it because of the intensity that was Matteo.

He was practically eating my p***y and the wet sound he’s making only made me feel so high than I already was.

“Matt….” I moaned and begged., I was so close from coming.

Using his fingers, he spread me wide and buried his hot tongue inside. I trembled.

I worried that the table would topple down if I kept pushing it. Even the chair I was sitting might break soon. I could not keep my hands to myself. Matt got one of my hands and placed it on his shoulder. The other one was on his head, my fingers threading through his soft, sulky hair.

“I need it, Matt.” I squirmed. I f*****g need my release now.

He found my c******s and sucked right at it and that was the last straw.

He held my thighs as I screamed his name with great intensity. Goodness gracious, I came so hard I was sure the chair was soaked from my c*m.

I was still high from the climax and eyes still closed when I felt him picking me up.

I automatically snaked my arms around his neck as I buried my face on his shoulder, inhaling his intoxicating scent.

Dinala niya ako sa loob ng kwarto at binaba sa mismong paanan ng malawak nitong kama. Pareho kaming nakatayo at nakatingin sa isa’t isa.

“You are so beautiful, Porsche.” He cupped my chin and kissed the side of my head.

I fluttered my eyes and cupped his cheeks. “You don’t look bad yourself.” I teased. “You are perfect, Matt. So beautiful and perfect.” My voice was raw and almost breaking. “I did not know what you saw in me, but I knew that I really did not deserve your attention. You are out of my league. I’m the exact opposite if the women you should be dating, you know.”

“I have no preferences when it comes to the women I want to date. And to make things clear, I haven’t taken a woman to a date before. Romantic and dinner dates and business dates are two different things, sweetheart.”

“Oh!” The surprise on my face could be seen. “But surely, you have bed partners?”

“But that doesn’t mean I need to date them.” He looked annoyed.

“Ibig mong sabihin….”

“This is my first date with you. You are my first, Porsche.” He smiled.

My heart skipped a beat with the way he smiled at me. He seemed so proud of it. But knowing he wasn’t my first in everything made me feel sad and unfair to him.

He really doesn’t deserve someone like me. He needs to find someone else that will give him her first in everything life has to offer.

“Now, where were we?” He slid my dress off my body, and I stood before him in my bra only. He unhooked my bra and let it drop to the floor. His eyes dropped down my body and then back up to my face as he bit his lower lip sexily.

I suddenly felt embarrassed. “Please don’t stare at me for too long, Matt.”

“Why is that?” He eyed me questioningly.

“Because…” I looked down at myself. “My body is not perfect. This is far from the women you normally bed with.”

“What makes you say that? You mean these lines?” He ran his fingers along my belly and thighs. “Cellulites and a few stretch marks.” He said matter-of-factly. His hand went up to cup my large breasts which are slightly saggy from breastfeeding.

I hung my head low. He practically pointed out all my insecurities.

“Lift up your head and look at me, Porsche.”

I didn’t move.

“Look at me, please.”

With hesitation, I slowly lifted my head up and looked at him.

“Tell me, do I seem uninterested with the way I am looking at you now? Do you think I don’t like what I am seeing?”

I did not answer. He grabbed and pulled my hand and placed it on his hard erection. I could feel his thing twitching under my touch.

“Answer me.” He commanded.

“No, Matt.”

He nodded. “In my eyes, you are beautiful. You called these imperfections? I f*****g adore them, Porsche. I want to lick and touch every line of your body and I don’t want to leave a single inch of your skin untouched. Do you understand? When you’re with me, never ever feel ashamed because everything about you drives me crazy. You have no idea how beautiful you are, Porsche.”

I choked on my sobs as he came down to capture my lips. His kisses were gentle and soft and full of care. This wasn’t what I expected from him. I guess, I misjudged him.

He slowly pushed me towards the bed. He stood at the end slowly undressing. I wanted to undress him myself but looking at him stripping wasn’t a bad thing at all.

And when he’s naked in all his glory, I swallowed hard. I knew then he was large, but it was dark before. Now that I could see him completely in brighter light, his full erection made my mouth run dry.

He climbed onto the bed and crawled over me.

“Please take it slow this time, Matt. Last time, you were being rough at me. You are aware that I never had a man for like, uhm, years.”

His eyes flickered with arousal. “I don’t know but it makes me happy, Porsche. Although, I cannot guarantee that I’ll be gentle with you. It’s been two weeks since that night happened and trust me, I’m on the edge now. I’ve been dying to be inside you again.”

I chuckled as I ran my fingers through his hair. “We have all the night and day, Matt. Let’s take our time.”

“We will, cupcake. We f*****g will.” He was about to dip his head to kiss me, but I stopped him.

“Matt?”

“Yes?”

“I changed my mind.” I bit my lower lip as I looked at him with fire in my eyes.

His eyes narrowed dangerously.

“What do you mean, Porsche?”

I lifted my head to whisper on his ear. “Ruin me.”

He groaned the moment he understood what I just said.

And God, did he ruin me.