Captured and Tainted (SERIE FEROCI 2)

Chapter Five

I know this is foolish and crazy, and I bet Chan was shocked as hell with what he saw earlier. I'll just explain to him later. Pero ang isa sa mga pinag-aalala ko ay ang mga nakakita ng tagpo kanina.

Ano ba kasi ang trip nitong si Zakarius at umeksena ng gano'n? Is he that desperate to find Jaze? That he didn't mind having a chaotic issue with me? I thought he wants a peaceful life as a director that's why he doesn't attend award shows and rarely show himself in the public... Well, whatever. To be honest, I'm more confused with myself right now.

Bakit ako sumama sa kanya?!

“Zakarius, you should be aware that what you had done will cause a big issue. Why the hell did you do that corny and creepy--whatsoever earlier?! Nasisiraan ka na ba ng bait?”  I asked frantically and threw my sling bag on the couch.

Ako yata talaga ang nasisiraan ng bait sa aming dalawa dahil sumama ako sa kanya. Well, I'm not in my right mind right now. Maybe he just... he just put spells on me or what. This is not me, Zakarius ‘f*****g’ Cavalcante cursed me!

“I told you earlier, we're doing this for Jaze. I thought you already agreed since you're here in my house again... willingly this time,” he said while he was removing his black leather jacket.

I turned my gaze away from him when I saw his muscled arms again. He really looks ten times better without his leather jacket. His body is perfectly built that I can't take my eyes of it most of the time... What the hell am I thinking right now?

“I'm just tired, okay? Wala na akong choice kundi ang sumama sa 'yo because I'm really tired. Wala na akong energy makipag-argue sa 'yo,” I said and raised my eyebrow.

“Okay,” tipid na sabi niya at umakyat na lang sa hagdan at iniwan ako sa sala.

I bit my lower lip and stomped my feet on the floor. Damn that man. Matapos-tapos niya akong dalhin dito basta na lang niya akong lalayasan. He's bwisit to the highest degree!

Nagpunta na lang ako sa kwarto ko para magshower. The shooting drained my energy but Zakarius drained it more. Halos wala na siyang itinirang enerhiya sa pagkatao ko dahil sa mga pinaggagawa niya.

After taking a shower, I wore my white nightgown and did my skin care routine. I missed my vanity mirror at home, I should tell Zakarius about that too... But wait, why do I have to? I'm not living here for f**k's sake.

I sat on the bed and took my phone on the bedside table. Good thing Zakarius finally gave me my phone.

Agad kong binuksan ang twitter account ko, and as I expected I'm on the trending tweets right now. Kahit sa f*******: at i********: ay kumalat ang picture namin ni Zak sa parking lot. Sabi na nga ba at may paparazzi ro'n kanina.

I just shrugged and read popular opinions about Zakarius and I weird dating scandal.

Angel Mendoza is dating a well-known movie director?

Angel Mendoza has a good taste. Lol, crush ko si Director Zakarius Cavalcante. Pighati *crying emoji*

It's her life, she can date whoever she wants. Tao rin naman siya at nai-in love.

In my opinion, maghiwalay na lang sila. Lol. Director Cavalcante is too reserved for Angel Mendoza. Angel got into a lot of dating scandals and has an attitude problem. Nah, he doesn't deserve her.

I bit my lower lip when my phone rang. I closed my eyes tightly when I saw Cassian's name on the caller ID. I just sighed and answered his call. Damn it.

“What the hell are you thinking, Angelica Louise?!”

Agad kong inilayo ang cellphone sa tainga ko nang sumigaw si Cassian. Akala ko mababasag ang eardrum ko sa lakas ng boses niya.

“Don't shout at me! Ang sakit mo sa tainga!” ganting sigaw ko at napairap kahit hindi niya ako nakikita.

“Ikaw na babae ka, pinapasakit mo talaga lagi ang ulo ko! Bakit hindi mo man lang sinabi sa 'kin na nagde-date kayo ni Direk?! Sinasabi ko sa 'yo, pilitin mo siya na kuhanin kang artista sa movies niya. Magjowa naman pala kayo, e. Bakit hindi niya--” I cut him off immediately.

“No, we're not dating, Cassian. It's just a misunderstanding and don't call me again! I'm tired. Ikaw na ang bahalang umayos ng issue ko ngayon, bye,” I said and instantly ended the call.

Napailing na lang ako at muling tumingin ng comments. Some of them are positive comments but there negative ones too. Buti na lang talaga at sanay na ako sa ganyan. I have a lot of bashers too because of my attitude problem. Madalas talaga ay hindi ko nakokontrol ang sarili ko sa mga bagay bagay lalo na ang pagmamaldita ko.

I just shrugged my shoulders and decided to go out of my room. I suddenly want to eat fruits. Naii-stress ako sa mga nangyayari simula ng guluhin ng Zakarius na 'yon ang buhay ko.

Natigilan ako nang makarinig ng sunod-sunod na putok ng baril sa living room. I immediately rushed to the living room to see what's happening. Is there a thief again or what?

My forehead creased when I saw Zakarius standing on the couch, sahig ang pinapuputukan niya ng baril. Ano'ng nangyayari sa lalaking 'to?

“Zakarius!” I shouted and walk to his direction. He didn't bother to look at me and continued firing on the floor with his gun. What the hell is his problem?!

Medyo lumayo ako sa pwesto niya dahil baka tamaan pa ako ng bala niya. I sighed and closed my eyes tightly. I took a deep breath to prepare myself.

“Zakarius ‘f*****g’ Cavalcante! What the f**k are you doing?!” I shouted and gave him a deadly stare.

Natigilan naman si Zakarius sa pagbaril sa sahig at napatingin sa 'kin.

“Don't bother me, there's a cockroach,” he said and pointed the floor.

My lips parted and blinked thrice with his remark. I took a deep breath once again to calm myself. Is he f*****g serious?!

“You're being like that... because of a cockroach?” I asked in disbelief.

Hindi niya ako pinansin at muling pinaputukan ang sahig. Napatili ako at napatakip sa tainga ko dahil sa gulat.

“Zakarius! Stop! Stop it!” I shouted and stomped my feet on the floor.

Zakarius stopped firing his gun and sighed. I immediately ran to his direction and look for the cockroach. Napailing na lang ako nang makita ang kawawang ipis sa ilalim ng mini table.

“Shoo, go away, run for your life,” I murmured and gently kicked the cockroach. Agad namang tumakbo ang ipis.

“That f*****g cockroach,” Zakarius murmured and he was about to point his gun at it but I immediately stopped him.

“For heaven's sake Zakarius! Ipis lang 'yan! Wala ka ngang pakialam sa ahas, e. Ipis lang 'yan, hindi ka naman kakainin nang buo niyan!” naiinis na sabi ko at tiningnan siya nang masama.

I held Zakarius' hand and pulled him down from the couch. Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi ko nang mapagtantong nasa itaas pa talaga siya ng couch habang binabaril ang kawawang ipis.

“Takot ka ba sa ipis?” natatawang tanong ko nang makababa na siya sa couch.

“I'm not afraid of anything, but cockroaches are filthy. I hate them,” he said in a cold tone and put his gone back in his pocket. I bit my lower lip again to stop myself from laughing.

I couldn't believe someone like him is afraid of cockroaches. He can kill someone without a blink of an eye... tapos takot siya sa ipis? My goodness, Zakarius Cavalcante is surprising me in his own ways.

“Don't look at me like that, I'm not afraid, I'm just disgusted,” he said, defending himself.

Natatawang nagtungo na lang ako sa kusina. Habang buhay ko yatang maaalala ang tagpong 'yon sa buhay ko. Zakarius tried to kill a cockroach using his gun while he was on top of the couch, like a scared cat. Damn, I should have took a picture of that. Sayang.

Zakarius followed me in the kitchen. I took my fruits in the ref and sat on the chair. Pasimple akong tumingin kay Zakarius na kumuha ng meat sa ref. I noticed that Zakarius is a meat and fish lover. I think he rarely eats fruits and vegetables. Nakakapagtaka lang because he's in a good shape, I mean, he's body is still in a good shape even though he always eat meat. Siguro binabawi lang talaga niya sa exercise.

I was just staring at his back while he was cooking. Kumagat ako sa strawberry ko nang maamoy ko ang niluluto niya. Nagluluto ba siya ng steak? Damn, my f*****g favorite.

No, hindi dapat ako magpaakit sa amoy no'n. Hindi ako nakain ng meat sa gabi at paninindigan ko 'yon.

Zakarius sat in front of me after cooking the steak. I cleared my throat and turned my gaze away from him. Kumain na lang ako ng strawberry. Strawberry is way better, Angel. Right.

“Do you want steak?” Zakarius asked while he was slicing the yummy and juicy steak.

“No, I only eat fruits and vegetables,” I said and rolled my eyes at him. He just shrugged and eat the steak in front of me.

I gulped and looked at him while he was chewing the steak. His jaw looks sexy while eating, and damn, the steak looks good and delicious. Why is he seducing me with my favorite food?

“Are you sure you don't want this?” he asked once again and pointed his steak.

“Oo nga! H'wag ka ng magtanong nang magtanong,” naiiritang sikmat ko saka sumubo ng cherry.

“Okay,” he said and continued eating his steak.

Hindi ako mapakali dahil napapatingin ako sa kinakain niya. Pupunta na lang ako sa kuwarto ko para hindi na ako ma-torture nang ganito.

“Zakarius,” I mumbled and bit my lower lip.

Zakarius looked at me and raised his eyebrow. I sighed and rolled my eyes, damn it.

“Fine, I want steak.”

I can't believe I gave up just like that. I'm determined to go to my room earlier but the steak is seducing me with its smell. This is all Zakarius' fault!

Zakarius remained silent and gave his plate to me. Napakagat na lang ako sa ibabang labi ko at tinikman ang steak. Pakiramdam ko nagkantahan ang mga anghel sa langit nang tikman ko 'yon.

Damn this steak, so f*****g good.

Zakarius stood up and leaned closer to me. My eyes widened, my pulse raced when our faces are just few inches away from each other. I inhaled deeply, trying to stop myself from breathing.

Zakarius took a piece of strawberry from my fruits and took a bite while he was staring at me. I blinked twice, my heart is not in its normal pace, it's beating crazily as if it wants to go out of my ribcage.

His blue eyes are making my whole body tremble with unknown emotion. I felt that my cheeks are literally burning right now. My eyes go down and looked at his sexy lips while he was nibbling the strawberry. Nanunuyo ang lalamunan ko habang nakatingin do'n.

“Why do you like this so much? It's f*****g sour,” sabi niya saka lumayo na sa 'kin. Tila nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makalayo na siya. I didn't know how long I stopped myself from breathing.

I clasped my chest when he finally left the kitchen. I licked my lower lip and tried to calm myself. What the hell? Why am I being like this towards him? What is he doing to me?

* * *

“No, Zakarius. Hindi mo ako ihahatid sa agency, I'll go there on my own,” I said and glared at him.

“Just wear a mask, I'll go there anyway. I have something to talk about with Cassian. We'll go there together,” he said while he was tousling his hair. I just rolled my eyes and stomped my feet.

“No! Just let me borrow one of your cars. Nakita ko sa likod, ang dami mong kotse, I want the red one,” I demanded and crossed my arms over my chest.

Zakarius didn't say anything. Napaawang ang mga labi ko nang lumabas siya ng bahay at iniwan na lang akong basta.

“Damn you, Zakarius,” I mumbled and followed him.

Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang sumakay sa kotse niya nang sumakay siya ro'n. Walang hiya talaga ang lalaking 'to, ginagawa niya ang gusto niya palagi.

I just wore my shades and combed my hair using my fingers. Hindi tuloy ako nakapagpaganda nang bongga dahil parang may lakad itong si Zak at pinagmamadali akong maigi.

I'm just wearing a white tiered long sleeve mini smock dress, I paired it with black knee high platform boots. Kung hindi niya lang sana ako minadali, baka mas bongga pa rito ang suot ko. He's annoying to the highest degree.

Nakarating din kami sa Aingeal Agency makalipas ang ilang minuto. Sa VIP parking space nagpark si Zakarius para walang masyadong tao.

I immediately get off his car. I fixed my long hair bago pumasok sa loob. The guards greeted me as well as the other employees, I just gave them my toothpaste-like commercial smile. I waved my hips confidently as I walk inside the building. Hindi ko alam kung nakasunod ba sa 'kin si Zakarius at wala akong pakialam, bahala siya sa buhay niya.

I go straight to Cassian's office. Naabutan ko siya na may kausap sa telepono habang hinihilot ang sentido niya. I just smiled sweetly at him when he turned his gaze at me and sat on the couch. Pumasok din si Zakarius sa opisina ni Cassian, I removed my shades and rolled my eyes at him.

“Let's just wait for their respond, okay? Bye!” Cassian ended the call with whoever he was talking to.

Cassian seems so stressed out, he's always stressed out when it comes to me anyway. Hindi pa ba siya nasasanay?

“Direk, pasensya na sa abala at pinapunta kita rito,” sabi ni Cassian at tumayo pa saka iginiya si Zakarius paupo sa couch. Muli akong napairap. What's so special about Zakarius? Takot naman siya sa ipis.

“It's fine, what are we going to talk about?” Zakarius asked, emotionless, as usual.

“Direk, aminin mo nga sa 'kin, ginulo ka ba ni Angel kaya kayo na-issue? Angel can be prideful sometimes, hindi niya matanggap na hindi mo siya kinukuhang artista sa mga palabas mo ni isang beses. Kung ano man ang ginawa sa 'yo ni Angel, ako na ang humihingi ng tawad. I'm sure na siya ang may kasalanan sa nangyari, I know you're aware that she has an attitude problem and--”

“The f**k, Cassian?!” I asked in disbelief and threw him the pillow beside me. “Hindi ako ang may kasalanan dito kundi ang lalaking 'yan! He was the cause of that stupid dating scandal! Bakit ako ang sinisisi mo?!”

I can't believe him, parang gusto ko tuloy i-terminate ang kontrata ko sa Aingeal agency sa sobrang inis ko.

“So, direk, ano ba ang plano niyo ni Angel? Nagtatanong na ang mga tao, e,” Cassian said and scratched his nape. Ni hindi niya man lang pinansin ang pagwawala ko rito.

“Just tell the media that Director Cavalcante offered me to be the star of his new movie and we're not dating!” I shouted and stomped my feet.

“Direk, ang sasabihin mo ang mahalaga. H'wag mong pansinin ang babaeng 'yan,” pambabalewala ni Cassian sa sinabi ko.

I groaned and threw another pillow at him. Damn this man, sana ay hindi na siya makapag-asawa habang buhay!

“Tell the media that I offered her a role in my new movie. Her suggestion isn't that bad,” Zakarius said. I smirked and raised my eyebrow at Cassian.

“That's a good idea, Director. We'll go with that,” Cassian said and clapped his hands.

My lips parted in disbelief with his remark. Walang hiya talaga ang Cassian na 'to!

IT'S ALREADY 11 pm but I'm still reading the comments about my agency's respond on my dating scandal with Zakarius.

Good thing that most of the feedbacks are positive. Siguro inayusan ni Cassian pang-uuto sa media, doon naman siya magaling.

Lumabas na lang ako ng kuwarto pagkatapos kong magbasa ng comments. I can't sleep, I'll just drink warm water.

Natigilan ako nang makita ko si Zakarius na nakaupo sa upuan at naka-ub-ob sa mesa ang ulo. Is he sleeping? Why the hell is he sleeping here in the dining area?

Lumapit ako sa kanya at umupo sa tabi niya. Nagdadalawang-isip ako kung gigisingin ko siya o hindi.

I was taken aback when he suddenly stood up. Napatingin ako sa mukha niya at gano'n na lang ang gulat ko nang makitang nakapikit pa rin siya.

Oh my goodness, is he sleepwalking?

Zakarius started mumbling something I couldn't understand while his eyes are still closed. Tumayo ako at sinubukang amuyin kung lasing ba siya o ano, pero hindi naman siya amoy alak.

My goodness, Zakarius is a sleepwalker... Nagsasalita rin siya kapag tulog.

I covered my mouth to stop myself from giggling. I don't want to wake him up, I still want to see this weird side of him.

Akmang maglalakad na palayo si Zakarius pero agad kong nahawakan ang kamay niya. Iginiya ko siya paupo sa upuan at dahan-dahang in-ub-ob ang ulo niya sa mesa.

“Baka naman kung saan ka mapunta,” bulong ko na lang.

Zakarius started murmuring something again. I just smiled and stared at his cute sleeping face. I didn't know he can be this cute.

Pakiramdam ko kusang gumalaw ang kamay ko upang hawakan ang buhok niya. Just like I expected, his hair is soft, it feels good to touch and caress.

Um-ub-ob din ako at tinitigan ang mukha niya. His long eyelashes are to die for, I didn't know that a man with long and curly eyeslashes can be this attractive, but still managed to look manly. His thin and pinkish lips is slightly pouted, it makes him cuter.

I was taken aback when I noticed that my heart is pounding faster than usual while staring at him. Agad akong napatunghay at napaiwas ng tingin sa kanya.

What the f**k am I doing to my best friend's boyfriend? Hindi ko dapat nararamdaman 'to, hindi dapat.

It feels like I'm betraying Jaze... this is not right.