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

ONE: PROPOSAL

“This dress is killing me.” He whispered as he brushed a few strands of my hair out my face. I shivered at his touch. He moved a few inches closer until I felt his hard erection against my fluttering belly. My hands instantly went to grab his biceps while he held my hips on place. Although my head was reeling from alcohol, I still noticed how tight his muscles were. Somewhere at the back of my mind, I was wishing to see his bare chest. I bet my whole life; it was as solid as rock.

“You were dancing seductively down there.”

“Were you…were you watching me?” Nagawa kong itanong sa kapos na hininga.

“You bet.” His face lowered, brushing the tip of his nose against my blushing cheek. “Hmmm…as I was watching you, I felt like you were dancing for me. Did I mention that you are so f*****g sexy in this black dress? You are as beautiful as sin, cupcake.”

Kumawala ang ungol mula sa aking lalamunan nang bumaba pa ang kanyang mukha patungo sa aking leeg. Napatingala ako. I fought the feeling of closing my eyes as I felt his hot tongue tracing my sensitive skin.

Stars in the sky were shining like diamonds. The crescent moon was like peeking at us.

“You…who are you? What are you doing to me?”

“Don’t you think it’s too late to ask that? Don’t push me away. You can’t. I won’t let you. When I saw you, the first thing that came in my mind was to take you in every way possible.”

“Why me?” My voice shook a little.

“Why not you?”

“I’m not like…”

“I know, cupcake. You’re not any other woman. There is something special about you.” He grabbed my chin with his fingers.

“Look at me.” He commanded.

I had no choice but to look at him straight in the eyes.

I was captivated by his godly features. His strong, chiseled jaw seemed like it could cut me in two. God, this man was breathtakingly beautiful. He was dangerously attractive that I thought for a second, he was unreal.

“You are aware what I am about to do to you, aren’t you?”

“I….” I licked my lips. What the hell was wrong me? At the back of my mind, this was so wrong but why I couldn’t push him away? This was all because of the alcohol. All the sanity left in my system had been washed away.

“I need your permission, sweetheart. I don’t force someone into something they don’t like. But I promise you, you will be satisfied. I could see the hunger in your eyes from afar. And I want to be that man for you. Mark my word, you won’t regret it. No strings attached, cupcake.”

Sex. He only wanted s*x with no changing numbers and names afterwards. I guess, that was better for us. s*x with a stranger was something I did not expect I would do but the earthly needs my body had been longing to experience again was screaming at me. And I never knew I was this thirsty to touch and be touched by a man. I guess, I was starting to lose my mind. Or maybe Zuri’s premonition triggered something in me.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanyang mga kamay na nakayapos sa akin. No signs of wedding rings. Parang nabasa nito ang laman ng aking isipan dahil bahagya itong tumawa. And sweet lord, the way he chuckled made my spines tingle.

“I’m not taken, no. I don’t even have a girlfriend.” His sheepish smile made me blush. “God, tell me you’re not married.”

I bit my lower lip. I was. At hindi ko alam kung bakit sa oras na iyon ay naipagpasalamat ko na tinanggal ko ang singsing bago magtungo dito.

Umiling ako. Hindi na nito kailangan pang malaman na isa na akong balo. Ni hindi na namin kailangan pang alamin ang pangalan ng isa’t isa dahil tiyak akong pagkatapos ng gabing ito, hindi na kami magtatagpo. Tiyak din akong pagsisisihan ko ang mangyayari ngayong gabi, pero mas pagsisisihan ko kung palalampasin ko ang pagkakataong ito. There was something about this man that got me hooked. He made me want to do bad things. Things I never did in my whole life. Well, there’s always a first time. And my first time would be with him.

And I was thrilled by his presence. I was intrigued by his masculinity and mysterious personality.

I swallowed the lump behind my throat. “If we are about to do what I think we are about to do, I’m going to walk away if you are in a relationship. Dahil kahit hindi kita kilala at pinapayagan kita sa nais mong gawin sa akin, hindi ako ganung klaseng babae. I respect relationships.”

Tumaas ang kilay nito pero may naglalarong ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. “Hmm. I learned another nice trait about you, cupcake. But rest assured, I don’t have a girlfriend. The last time I had was way back in high school and it only lasted for a week.”

“Good enough.” Sagot ko kahit ba hindi ako naniniwalang hindi ito nagka-girlfriend pa buhat noon. With a face like Adonis? Unbelievable.

“Any more questions before I ravish you?”

Before I ravish you… Good heavens, that sounded so sensual and carnal. I shook my head slowly with a nervous smile. Heck, did I just smile?

“Enough with the talking then.” He then pulled me away from the baluster only to be pushed against the wall on the side.

He grabbed my face as his lips softly brushed against mine, tasting me. He pulled my bottom lip with his teeth, and I moaned. He parted my lips with his tongue to give him full access of my mouth. Christ, this man knew how to kiss.

My tongue met his and we both sighed as we sucked each other. I forgot what it felt like to kiss and be kissed. It’s been ages since I last kissed a man, I almost felt like it was my first time all over again.

My hands went up to rake his hair, letting my fingers slid through it. He angled his head to deepen the kiss and I responded wholeheartedly, giving him full control. I completely abandoned all my reservations and let the loud moans and whimpers escape my throat.

I was aware that I was being stupid but like I said, saka ko na pagsisisihan ang lahat. I’m not some teenage girl na takot mapagalitan ng magulang, na takot magkamali. Sa tanang buhay ko, I was a good child, a good daughter and a good wife. Wala nang mawawala sa akin kung gumawa man ako ng isang pagkakamali. I don’t even consider this a mistake. We are two consenting adults here.

“Pay attention to me, cupcake.” His hands hiked up my dress and trail the inside of my bare thighs. His fingers going up until it reached the length of my panties. He cupped my s*x and my back arched from the sensation.

His eyes met mine and I got hypnotized by staring at them. Mabilis ang pagkilos ng kanyang kamay. Binaba nito ang underwear ko at nang matanggal ng tuluyan, he tucked them into his pants pocket.

My jaw dropped to the floor as my eyes widened.

“We need to be quick before someone comes up here. We don’t have time to get naked even if I wanted to.” He pressed his forehead against mine and I cried out when he slid his two fingers inside me.

“Oh!” That was hot and uncomfortable at the same time.

“So wet for me cupcake, huh?” His lips went along my jaw. I was panting hard against his touch. “You’re tight.”

“Please….” I begged.

“Please, what?” His mouth latching my now exposed breast. I did not know when he unzipped my dress and pulled it down.

“I need you. Now.” I was aching for release. I badly needed my release now.

“f**k, yes.” He grabbed something from behind his pants. He pulled a condom out from it and handed it to me. He let go of me to work his buttons and zipper. I gulped down when I finally got the final view of his length. Damn it, he’s big.

Kinuha nito ang condom sa akin and ripped the wrapper with his teeth and slid the condom down to his full erectness. Our heavy breathing filled the entire balcony. I was fascinated just by looking at him. He was really beautiful and even though he looked at me with lustful eyes, the hurt in them was still peeking from behind. I wondered who hurt him and made him sad.

I snapped back to reality when I felt his fingers working inside me again. And when he pulled them out, he put them in his mouth, licking them shamelessly.

“My suspension was correct. You taste sweet, cupcake.” He said in a strained voice. He looked so damn hot I almost climaxed.

“I need to be inside you, my sweet. I can’t wait any longer.” He wrapped his arms around my thighs.

Parang may sariling isipan ang katawan ko. He lifted me up and I locked my legs around his torso as he continued to ravage me with his demanding kisses.

We kissed savagely until I felt him entered in me with one deep thrust, I screamed.

“Christ! Please, slow down!” Loud groans escaping from our throats.

He was being vicious at me. His thrusts were deep and quick I couldn’t keep up. He didn’t give me time to adjust to his length. I was holding onto his neck for my dear life.

Our eyes met and he started to slow his movements, going in and out of me.

“f**k, cupcake. You’re amazing. f*****g amazing.” He continued his slow torture as beads of sweats fell from his forehead to his jaw. He darted his tongue out, licking my neck and I could only moan in ecstasy.

“Give it to me, my sweet. Give it all to me.” He whispered hoarsely. I rocked my hips into his thrusts, and I could feel him getting deeper and deeper in me. My eyes fluttered. I was so close from coming but I wanted to come with him.

“I’m…I’m close.” My eyes rolling to the back of my head. I couldn’t hold it anymore.

“f**k!” He moved faster and deeper and I gasped with the intensity I felt like he would split me in two.

“Oh, Goooddd!” I cried out.

“Fuccckk!” A groan erupted in his throat as we both reached our climax, his eyes never left mine.

I dropped my head helplessly on his shoulders as he held me in his arms. Pakiramdam ko’y lahat ng lakas ko ay tumakas sa aking katawan.

Sandali kaming nanatili sa ganoong ayos hanggang sa marahan niya akong binaba, pulling himself from me. He removed the condom and threw it in the rubbish bin I saw on the hallway.

Nanghihinang napasandal ako sa pader. I was still panting heavily.

“Are you okay?” He asked, lifting my chin up. I bit my lower lip as I nodded.

“I am.”

His eyes narrowed as he studied me under his lashes with scrutiny. He took a breath before he spoke. “Good.” Parang may gusto itong sabihin pero pinili na lamang na hindi.

“Let’s get you decent before someone sees your after-s*x glow which should be for my eyes only.” He traced my swollen lips with his finger.

Napalunok ako sa kanyang sinabi. Why does he sound so possessive of me? Hindi na ako nagsalita at hinayaan ko siyang ayusin ang dress kong naipon sa akin baywang. My legs, no, my entire body was still shaking but I didn’t want him to know it.

Nang sa tingin ko’y disente na akong tignan, I looked up to him. Naglaban ang aming titig.

Silence passed between us until I decided to open my mouth to speak but he beat me. “I must go, cupcake.” He planted a soft kiss on my forehead. “Goodbye.” He said using an apologetic tone.

My eyes avoided his stares. “Bye.” Matigas kong tugon. Should I say thank you for f*****g me? Nah.

Tumango lang ako at naunang umalis sa balcony na iyon. Malalaki ang mga hakbang ko. Sinalubong ako ng maingay na musika nang makarating sa baba. Tinahak ko ang daan patungong washroom. I locked myself in one of the cubicles and sat on the toilet seat. I hugged myself as I was trying to catch my breath. I wasn’t aware I was holding it for a long time. Ngayong unti-unti nang bumalik ang katinuan sa aking isipan, hindi ko alam kung ano ang maramdaman.

Do I feel used? No.

Do I feel dirty? Certainly not.

Do I regret it? No, I don’t.

Do I feel empty? Yes, I do.

At hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ang kahungkagang ito.

Like a struck of lightening, napasabunot ako sa aking sariling buhok nang maalalang wala akong undies na suot sa ilalim ng dress. Matteo Salvatore shoved my freaking underwear into his pocket, and he didn’t even return it back to me!

*********

“Porsche? Porsche? Natameme ka diyan?” Pukaw ni Zuri sa naglalakbay kong diwa.

I blinked my eyes and dragged my gaze from the man in front of me to my friend beside me. “I’m…I’m tired, Zuri.” Ani ko. “Gusto ko nang umuwi.” Bukod sa wala akong sapat na tulog at sa buong araw na pagkabusy. Dumagdag pa ang nangyari sa taas at ngayo’y ang kaalaman na ang lalakeng iyon ay isang Salvatore pala, I felt so drain I felt like I would collapse any

Kumapit ako sa bisig ni Zuri dahil sa panginginig ng aking tuhod. “Gusto ko na talagang umuwi.”

“Girl, you look so worn-out.” Bomi made a tsk sound. “Ako rin. I badly need a massage. Daming ganap mula pa kahapon. Umuwi na nga tayo. Inaantok na rin ako.”

“Talaga? Kaya pala ang harot mo sa dancefloor kani-kanina lang, inaantok yern?” Pang-aasar ng kakambal. Bomi glared at him. He sighed afterwards. “Sige na nga, umuwi na tayo. Nakuha ko na rin naman ang number ni Jason.”

I rolled my eyes. He was probably talking about the waiter he was flirting with a while ago.

“Naku, mag-ingat ka. Sabi pa naman sa balita, lahat ng pangalan na nag-umpisa sa letter “J” ay manloloko.” Si Bomi na sinampay ang braso sa akin.

“Talaga? Pakihanap ng paki ko? Tsaka sino may sabing makikipagrelasyon ako sa kanya?”

“Ewww…You only want s*x with him? Ang cheap mo ha.”

Napaubo ako sa sinabing iyon ni Bomi. Damn it. I felt cheap suddenly.

“I don’t care. Ang mahalaga, nakuha ko ang gusto ko. To each his own. Duh.” Zuri retaliated.

Habang papalapit kaming tatlo sa exit ng banquet hall, nilingon ko sandali ang stage na iyon.

Matteo was still there, standing as his eyes wandered around the huge room, as if he was searching for something…someone.

Binawi ko ang tingin at napailing na lamang. Nah, he was certainly not looking for me. He was probably thinking I was just some cheap girl passing by.

Don’t worry, Matteo Salvatore, I won’t be thinking of you.

********

I was humming a song from the radio while I was working on the cake for my client’s wedding. Napapangiti akong pinagmamasdan ang cake dahil sa tingin ko’y ito ang pinakamagandang cake na nagawa ko.

Dahil hapon ang kasal, minabuti kong gawin ang cake ng madaling-araw. Namewang ako nang sa tingin ko’y nailagay ko na ang lahat ng detalyeng sinabi ng bride sa akin para sa kanilang wedding cake.

“Ang ganda naman ng cake na yan. Pwedeng matikman?” Bulabog ni Bomi sa aking ginagawa.

Hindi ko namalayan ang pagdating nito. “Kailan ka pa dumating? Bakit hindi ko narinig ang pagbukas ng pinto.”

“Malamang busy ka. At isa pa, ang lakas ng tugtog mo. Hindi na ako magugulat kong mabingi ka na sa susuod na mga araw.” Reklamo nito.

Pinagulong ko ang aking mata. Alam kong nagbibiro lang ito. Tiyak akong sa bakery sa harap ng bahay ito dumaan. Malamang ang helper kong si Myrna ang nagpatuloy sa kanya.

“Anong ginagawa mo dito? Wala akong time para makinig sa mga chismis mo.”

“Naku, naku, naku. Ang dala kong balita ay hindi tsismis! Confirmed ito!” Nagtitili ito sa aking gilid at ang kanyang boses ay mas malakas pa keysa sa volume ng aking speaker.

Pinakita ko sa kanya ang disinterest sa aking mukha. Pinagpatuloy ko lamang ang paglalagay ng mga edible flowers sa paligid ng three-tier cake.

“Gusto kang makilala ng personal nila Ma’am Bea at Ma’am Mira. They want to propose an offer to you.” Nagngising aso sa akin.

Sumikdo ang dibdib ko. “The Salvatore wives? May idea ka kung ano ang kailangan nila sa akin?” I side-eyed her.

“Well…..” She trailed off. “They have a business proposal for you, beshywaps!” Nagtatalon sa saya ang bestfriend kong lumuwag na naman siguro ang turnilyo sa utak.

Tumikwas ang aking kilay. “Business proposal? Mapapaniwala mo naman ba ako? Sa tingin mo, pagkakainterisan nila ang isang tulad ko?” Lumayo ako sa mesa at nagtungo sa sink para maghugas ng kamay. Nakasunod ang kaibigan ko sa akin.

“Hay naku. Ayan ka na naman sa pagiging nega mo. Paano natin malalaman kung anong proposal iyon kung hindi mo aalamin?” Mataray nitong sambit.

“Mukhang alam ko na kung ano ang iaalok sa akin. They probably want to hire me to work in their company. Siguro baker ng kompanya. Kung tama ang hinala ko, pasensiya nalang pero hindi ko tatanggapin. I have a bakeshop to run. At kahit hindi naman famous ang bakeshop ko, hindi naman ito naghihingalo. Nakakaraos pa rin naman kami ng mga bata.”

“Well, kung ganun man, at least alam mo na yun nga ang sadya. Kaso, paano kung hindi? Paano kung mas maganda pa sa inaasahan mong offer sa’yo? Isipin mo ang kapakanan ng mga bata. Magkokolehiyo na si Ahreum. Malaki-laking halaga ang kailangan mo para tustusan ang pangangailangan ng mga anak mo. Wala naman sigurong mawawala kung susubukan mong alamin, di ba? When opportunity knocks, don’t let fear hold you back. Open the door and embrace the opportunity that has come forth.”

I looked at her knowingly. “Ganda ng quote na nakuha mo sa Pinterest, Bomi.” Sinabayan ko yun ng magaan na halakhak even though I knew that Bomi had a point. Paano nga kung maganda ang offer at higit pa sa kinikita ko buwan-buwan ang magiging kapalit?

I cleared my throat, giving her a poker face. “How, where and when?”

She instantly got my point because her face lit up. Pumalakpak ito. “Tutulak ang buong pamilya sa Fortress Island sa susunod na araw kaya bukas na bukas din ay kailangan mong magtungo sa Salvatore Main Building.”

I sighed. “Okay.” Ang totoo ay kinakabahan akong tumuntong sa territory ng mga Salvatore. Isang linggo na rin ang nakakalipas buhat nang mangyari ang gabing iyon at hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin iyon maalis-alis sa aking isipan lalo na kapag mag-isa na lamang ako sa gabi.

Laman ng mga balita ang pamilya Salvatore buhat nang inanunsiyo ng Senyor ang pagkakaroon ng anak nito sa labas. Bagaman malaking eskandalo iyon sa mundo ng business, it did not rock the boat because Salvatore empire is not a boat to begin with, it is a submarine. They are untouchable.

Bahala na kung ano ang mangyayari bukas.

*********

As I walked into the sleek foyer of the top building, I felt embarrassed for I was underdressed. Tunog ng heels ng receptionist and maririnig sa marbled floor na iyon at hindi ko maiwasang manliit dahil sa simpleng get-up ko na akala mo’y namamasyal lang sa Luneta Park. I cursed myself inwardly for not giving time in choosing the right outfit. Bakit skinny jeans at white button up shirt ang napili ko pang soutin? At kahit sapin sa paa ay ang luma pang Converse shoes ang kinuha ko mula sa shoe rack gayong may ballet shoes naman ako dun at flat sandals. Napapailing nalang ako sa pagkadismaya ko sa aking sarili.

“This way, Ma’am.” The kind receptionist smiled at me as she was pointing a certain door.

“Thank you.” I replied as I smiled back.

She knocked three times and then clicked the doorknob open.

She titled her head, signaling me to go on in the room. Nahihiyang tumango ako sa kanya. I held the doorhandle and gently opened it and stepped inside only to be stumbled at the sight of the man behind the massive desk.

His eyes were focused on the computer screen and when he felt my presence, they slowly came up to mine.

I swallowed. Now that I finally saw the man in broad daylight, all I could say was he’s absolutely perfect it’s insane.

His lips quirked up as he narrowed his eyes. Goddammit, why must he look this hot?

Sandali kong pinilig ang aking ulo. I need to focus. I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry for barging in. I think the receptionist made a mistake. I’m not supposed to be here.”

“Oh, no. You’ve come to the right place at the right time, cupcake.” He sat back as his gaze raked up and down my body. “Are you ready to hear my business proposal to you, Miss Porsche? Or shall I address you as Mrs. Madrigal?” His expressions hardened when he added the question.

There was something in his voice that made my hair stand up. His tone was sharp and maybe a bit of disappointment. Wait. Why would he be disappointed at me?