El Secreto 1: Buried Memories

Chapter 1 - Synopsis
El Secreto Series 1: Buried Memories - McLaren Lane

This is the book 1 of Lane Brothers stories.

Welcome back to Wattpad, love!

SYNOPSIS:

Living a life full of secrecy wasn't as easy as breathing, but McLaren Lane already
learned to deal with it and lived his life like what normal people do.

He's aware that he's surrounded with lies, he used to live with it, but for the
first time, he doubts himself when he started dreaming about a mysterious little
girl.

Those blurry images and unfamiliar voices always haunted him, until it became a
beautiful nightmare.

And to unfold the mystery behind the unspoken truth, McLaren secretly digs those
buried memories from the past.

Chapter 2 - Prologue
PROLOGUE

Erythros Skorpios Organization (ESO)

Sunday - 15:00
Room Letter: VWL

Name: McLaren Williams Lane

Age: 28
Status: Secret
Name of Father: Carlie Lane
Name of Mother: Valerie Williams-Lane
Siblings: Mazda Lane & Corvette Lane

Job: Private Investigator

Affiliation: Erythros Skorpios Organization

Skills:
Martial arts; Brazillian Jiu Jitsu
Hand to hand Combat
Computer Hacking
Knife Fighting
Surveillance

Hobbies and Interest:

Making women's moan
Sneaking at my girl's bathroom
Car racing
Singing
Solving other people's problems
Following my parent's rules
Celebrity Crush: Scarlett Johansson
Favorite character in movies: James Bond & Jason Bourne

Crush: Guess who?

What is Love?
Love is like a bullet, once you get hit, it will surely hurt you.

MAGKADIKIT ang mga labi ng tignan si McLaren ng ina matapos nitong basahin ang
pina-fill-up-an sa kanya.

"What are these, McLaren?" His mother irritatingly asked.

"About Me?" Alangan na sagot niya at tinatamad na naupo sa swivel chair ng mommy
niya at ipinatong pa ang paa sa lamesa.

Naiinis na tinabig ng ina ang kanyang paa.

"Get out." At pinaalis siya sa inuupuan niya na agad niya naman sinunod. Lumipat
siya sa katapat na upuan, visitors chair. "Kung anu-ano pa ang idinagdag mong
questions sa form. Look at your answer."

Iniharap nito sa kanya ang laptop kung nasaan ang About Me na sinasabi niya.

"I don't see anything wrong, mom."

Lalong nalukot ang magandang mukha ng ina at malalim na bumuntong hininga.

"You may go now. Ako na lang ang magfifill-up ng mga 'to."

"But you don't know my status."

"You're single, McLaren."

"No, its complicated, mom."

"Whatever, son."

"And you don't know who is my crush."

"Who told you?" Her mom lifted her eyebrow and grinned. "I know who is your crush."

McLaren grimace. "Ew mom, I am not a fucking teenager anymore."

"Pero inilagay mo pa ang Crush dito samantalang hindi naman iyon kasama sa form."

"Delete that."

"And now, you are asking me to delete that?"

"I'm damn serious,"

"Seems like you are not."

"Mababasa nila 'yan."

"Who?"
"Nang mga makakakuha ng identity ko."

"And now you're worried dito sa mga kalokohan mo."

"Come'on my beautiful mother, delete those shit."

"McLaren! 'Yang bibig mo nga!"

"Thank you, mom."

Tumayo siya at mabilis itong hinalikan sa pisngi bago patakbong lumabas ng opisina
nito.

Kung may pinaka pasaway at pinaka matigas ang ulo sa pamilya nila... Dalawang kamay
ang itataas niya at aakuin ang mga salitang iyon.

Pagkalabas ni McLaren ng opisina ng ina ay inilabas niya ang lighter at sigarilyo

na nasa gilid ng jacket niya, sabay nagsindi.

Hindi pa man din siya nakakatatlong hithit ng sigarilyo ay may umagaw na niyon sa
kanya at walang sabi-sabing itinapon iyon sa lupa at tinapakan hanggang sa madurog
iyon.

"No smoking." Itinuro ng Kuya Corvette niya ang simbolo na nagsasabing bawal
manigarilyo sa lugar.

"I know,"

"There." Itinuro nito ang cctv cameras sa bandang itaas. "Three... Two..."

"McLaren, bumalik ka dito!" Umalingawngaw ang boses na iyon ng mommy niya sa buong
hallway.

"No fucking way."

Akmang aalis siya ng pigilan siya ng kapatid, hinawakan siya nito sa magkabilang
balikat at tinapik-tapik.

"Go back to mom's office."

Ayaw niya munang marinig ang sermon ulit ng mommy niya sa kanya dahil sa
paninigarilyo niya.

"No, no, I have an important meeting to attend."

"Then tell that to her."

"Yea, I will call, mom... later." Panandalian muna siyang tinignan ni Corvette bago
nito itinuon ang mata sa cctv cameras at nagkibit balikat. "Thanks for saving my
ass, Kuya." At tuluyan ng umalis.

Sumakay siya ng elevator papunta sa ground floor ng building ng ESO kung nasaan
nakaparada ang iba't-ibang uri ng sasakyan nila.

Nagmamadali siyang pumasok sa white top down sports car niya at pinaharurot iyon
palabas ng gusali.

"Its nice to be back in the City! Hell yeah!"

Damn, he always feel free everytime he's outside of ESO building. No rules to
follow, he is free to do whatever the fuck he wants without what if's and buts.

ESO was built by his parents. It's a private organization mostly for securities.
They provide securities, especially to those high profile personality.

ESO has a lot to offer, it includes; Surveillance, spying, investigating,

disguising and even the kidnap for ransom thing, they accept that kind of job to
rescue the captive.

His father — their boss, also help the government to do the things they can't do
publicly, like, being their secret agent or spy. Pero hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon
ay pumapayag ang ama sa ganoong klaseng trabaho. Dealing and negotiating with
Carlie Lane wasn't that easy.

McLaren removed his jacket, revealing his black sleeveless shirt that shows the
sides of his stomach. Then he put his sunglasses on.

Ngayong nasa Siyudad na at malayang gawin ang lahat ng gusto, muli niyang kinuha
ang sigarilyo at lighter, sabay sinindihan iyon.

Top down ang sasakyan niya kaya ang usok at upos ay naiiwan sa kalsada.

Sinulyapan niya ang iphone na nasa dashboard ng mag vibrate iyon.

C is calling...

"Hey," he muttered coolly, using a wireless earpiece that is connected with his
iphone.

"You made me wait again."

"I'm on my way. Send me your room number."

"Ilan minutes pa?"

"Don't worry, babawiin ko ang mga minutong nasayang ko ngayong araw." Pilyong sabi
niya. He heard her giggled. "I wonder what is the color of your undies right now."

"I don't wear undies, McLaren." Her voice sounds like she's flirting on him.

"Fuck, you're making me horny."

"Come faster, baby M!"

"Yeah,"

Pinatay niya ang tawag habang pasipol-sipol dahil nag-uumpisa ng bumagal ang takbo
niya dahil sa traffic.

Sa kainipan ay nagpatugtog na lang siya. Pansin niyang may mga napapatingin sa

kanyang mga tao sa kalsada at sa mga pasahero ng pampublikong sasakyan.

"Gosh! Tignan mo 'yung tattoo niya sa braso paangat sa balikat. Ang hot!"

"Ang sarap!"

"Artista ba 'yan? Ang gwapo!"

Narinig niyang bulung-bulungan ng mga kolehiyala na pasahero ng jeep na nasa
kaliwang bahagi.

"Hi there, pretty girls." Bati niya sa mga ito ng nakangiti na dahilan kung bakit
naghampasan ang mga ito dahil sa kilig.

McLaren smirk, he can easily attract attention and honestly, it makes his job
harder. Mahirap talaga kapag likas na ipinanganak na magandang lalaki.

Gumalaw-galaw ang daliri niyang nasa manibela ng sabayan ang beat ng kantang
kasalukuyang tugtog ng sasakyan niya.

After a few moments, the music stop because it interrupted by incoming call.

C is calling...

McLaren answered but didn't speak.

"Where are you?" She asked softly.

"Five fucking minutes, baby." Then he cut the line.

Nang makakuha ng tiyempo ay pinahaharurot ang sasakyan papunta sa hotel.

PAGKABUKAS ni McLaren sa pinto ng hotel room ay kaagad na bumungad sa kanya ang

babae. She's already naked and damn, he easily turn on when it comes to her.

Nang-aakit ang mga tingin nito habang hinihimas ang malulusog na dibdib na talagang
nagpainit ng katawan niya.

McLaren slowly remove his clothes while walking towards the bed. He push her down
the bed and position himself above her.

He's not that very gentle. He want it rough and wild. It's more thrilling.

"Ohh!" Isang ungol agad ang umalpas sa bibig nito nang pasadahan ng daliri niya ang
pagkababae nito at nilaro. "McLaren..."

"Yes?" He whispered to her ear as he slowly rubbing her cl*t using his middle
finger. "Masarap ba?" Nakakahibong tanong niya habang naglalakbay naman ang labi
niya sa leeg nito.

"Y-yes baby—ohhh yes!"

He slid his two fingers and moved it inside and outside of her, making her moan
louder.

Bumaba ang bibig niya sa dibdib nito at pinaglandas ang dila ng dahan-dahan sa
ut*ng nito, na alam niyang nagugustuhan ng dalaga.

McLaren already mastered how to make women moan. Kabisado niya ang lahat ng parte
ng katawan ng babae pati na rin ang mga sensitibong parte kung saan mabilis ang mga
itong labasan.

"McLaren, baby... Fuck—oohhh..." Mahabang napaungol ang dalaga nang unti-unting

bumaba ang labi niya sa puson nito. "B-baby... I-I want you inside me."

Mula sa pagitan ng hita nito ay nag-angat siya ng tingin.

"Are you sure?" Marahan lang na tumango ang babae. "I wanna taste you."

"Later... P-please... I want you now,  McLaren."

"Sure," Hinawakan niya ang balakang nito. "Turn around,"

"Dog style, huh?" She giggled.

"Yeah,"

Bumaba si McLaren sa kama at kinuha ang condom na nasa ibabaw ng side table.

Isinuot niya iyon sa nag-uumigting niyang pagkalalaki na handang-handa na sumabak

sa mainit na labanan.

Mula sa likod, ay hinawakan niya sa magkabilang balakang ang dalaga at walang sabi-
sabing ipinasok ang pagkalalaki niya at inilabas ulit na nagpaungol ng sunud-sunod
dito.

"Ooohhh... McLaren, ohhhh!"

He keeps on thrusting from behind, he thrust deeper. Hearing her moans made his
moves rougher.

Humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa balakang ng ng dalaga nang maramdamang halos

maabot niya na ang sukdulan. Paulit-ulit at mabilis na inilalabas-masok niya ang
pagkalalaki sa basang-basang pagkakababae nito.

"Ohh fuck!" He moaned, he was breathless.

"Ohh, ang sarap niyan, ohhh..."

Ang mga ungol ng katalik ang siyang mas lalong nagpapainit sa kanya. He really
loves hearing women moan for him.

"M-McLaren... Ahhhh, oohhh, I'm c-cum—ohhh!"

Ibinaon niya ang kahabaan niya dito at dahan-dahan na inilabas ulit iyon.

Ilang ulit niya pang ginawa iyon hanggang sa maramdaman niya ang paglabas ng katas
mula sa unang orgasmo niya at ang pawis na dumadaloy sa buo niyang katawan.

Hindi pa siya gaano nakakabawi ng biglang humarap sa kanya ang babae. Nakatayo siya
sa ibaba ng kama at ito naman ay nakapaluhod.

She was facing her throbbing manhood, that is ready for another fucking round.

Maingat nitong inalis ang condom sa kanyang pagkalalaki. At mukhang alam niya na
ang gagawin nito kaya nagpaubaya na lang siya.

Napatingala siya sa sarap nang nang-aakit na dinidilaan nito ang buhay na buhay na
kahabaan niya.

"Tang ina, suck me, baby." He ordered in a husk voice.

The anticipation of wanting her to taste him is killing him.

McLaren let out a delicious groan she put his manhood inside her mouth, sucking the
hell out of him.
His lips were parted. He moved his hips forward to meet her beautiful mouth for a
long deep thrust.

"Tang ina..." Nahihirapan at nasasarapan na sambit niya habang dinadama ang

ginagawa ng babae sa kanyang pagkakalalaki.

"You like it?" She asked cutely, then suck his hardness again.

"Fucking yes, Celine. You're doing good..." he praised her performance and grip on
her hair, guiding her head to the pace that he wants.

Chapter 3 - 1 ~ Help
CHAPTER ONE

DALA-DALA ang mga sasakyan at baril-barilan na laruan ay nagpunta si McLaren sa

malawak na playground ng Village nila. Naupo siya sa bermuda grass at doon naglaro
mag-isa dahil ayaw naman siyang kalaro ng Kuya Mazda at Kuya Corvette niya.

"Can you help me find my dad?" Nag-angat siya ng tingin ng may magsalita.

Isang batang babae na halos kaedaran niya lang. A six years old pretty little girl
who has a cute pair of eyes.

"No."

"But why?"

"Because I don't know you and I don't know who is your father."

"But you can help me."

Inis na tinignan niya ulit ang bata kahit cute ito ay ayaw niya pa rin ng may nang-
iistorbo kapag naglalaro siya.

"I won't help you! Get out from my sight little girl!"

"Nooo!" Sigaw nito at pinagsisipa ang mga laruan niya. Mga laruan niyang binili sa
kanya ng daddy niya.

"Stop!" Balik sigaw niya rin at pinalo-palo ang paa ng batang babae na may suot na
magandang dollshoes na kulay silver at napapaligiran ang mga iyon ng mga maliliit
na batong kumikinang. "Stop it little girl!"

"Help me..." Tears were falling down to her cheeks. "Please..."

Huminto na ito sa pagtapak sa mga laruan niya at nangungusap ang magagandang mata
habang tinitignan siya.

"I don't like to help you. Sinira mo ang mga toys ko!" Tumayo siya at pinagpagan
ang suot na walking shorts. "I don't like what you did, that's why I decided not to
help you."

"Your parents could help me find my dad-"

"Andon 'yung bata!"

Sabay silang napalingon sa likod nito at bumalik ang tingin niya sa batang babae na
bakas sa mukha ang takot pero pinipigil na ang pag-iyak.

"Little girl come here."

Nakatingin siya sa lalaking nakaangat ang dalawang kamay upang kargahin ang little
girl sa harap niya. Nakasuot ito ng three piece suit kagaya ng daddy niya kapag may
espesyal na okasyon silang pinupuntahan.

"No! I hate you!" The little girl shouted at the man.

"Sumama ka na sa daddy mo, little girl." Ngumiti sa kanya ang daddy ng cute na bata
ng sabihin niya iyon. "And don't cry because crying is a sign of weakness."

"He's not my-"

Kinarga na ng lalaki ang little girl pero nagpupumiglas ito at pilit siyang
nililingon habang patuloy ang pag-agos ng luha sa mga mata.

Pumasok ang mga ito sa van na hindi tinted ang bintana. Nakatingin pa din sa kanya
ang batang babae na para bang gustong lumabas sa sasakyan, iyak ng iyak ito.

"Why she's still crying?" He asked himself innocently.

Pinapalo ng little girl ang bintana ng sasakyan at hindi siya nilulubayan ng

tingin.

Until little McLaren noticed something, she was shouting a words while sobbing, he
can't hear her... But he has this ability to read the way she shouted those words.

Those words that broke him at the age of six without his knowledge.

"Help me! Help me! Help me!"

NAPABALIKWAS si McLaren sa hinihigaan at tumingin sa buong madilim na paligid.

Kinapa niya ang kanyang dibdib sa biglaan paninikip niyon dahilan ng paghahabol
niya ng paghinga.

"Damn it! Damn it!" Paulit-ulit niyang mura. Walang humpay din ang kalabog ng
dibdib niya.

That dream! No! It wasn't a dream! It was a nightmare for him!

Madalas niyang mapanaginipan ang eksena na iyon at kapag napapanaginipan niya iyon
ay ganito ang nararamdaman niya kapag gigising siya... Masikip sa dibdib at
nakakaramdam din siya ng guilt na hindi niya alam kung bakit.

One thing he was sure about. Siya ang batang lalaki sa panaginip niya at hindi niya
na maalala ang itsura ng batang babae na umiiyak at humihingi ng tulong sa kanya.

Little Girl...

McLaren frowned and closed his eyes tightly, trying to remember the face of that
little girl who had been on his dreams for a quite years now.

"Are you alright?"

McLaren suddenly opened his eyes as he heard that sweet voice from behind.

He looked at Celine who was looking at him worriedly. He didn't answer her, telling
her just continue her sleep. Pero alam niyang hindi siya nito tatantanan lalo na ng
naupo din ito sa tabi niya.

"Just continue your sleep. I won't leave."

"Mind telling me what happened?"

He let out a frustrated sighed. See? Hindi siya nito titigilan kapag hindi siya
nagsabi. Gamay niya na ang ugali ni Celine, madali lang para sa kanya kumilatis ng
tao.

They had been together for almost one year now. Their relationship has no label.
They do sex anytime they want, pero pareho silang nag desisyon na huwag ng bigyan
ng pangalan ang relasyon na mayroon sila at nirerespeto nila ang desisyon nilang
iyon.

Muli ay nahiga siya sa kama. Nang hindi gumalaw si Celine ay marahan na hinawakan
niya ito sa braso upang mahiga sa dibdib niya.

"She was in my dreams again." He whispered.

"The little girl?"

"Yeah,"

Hindi niya alam kung paano nangyari na naibabahagi niya kay Celine ang panaginip
niya tungkol sa batang babae. Hindi man detalyado pero sapat na iyon para mabawasan
ang pag-iisip niya sa batang 'yon.

His family didn't know about his dreams. He didn't bother to all about it to them.
Animo may nagtutulak sa isipan niya na baka hindi iyon panaginip lang... Na baka
totoong nangyari iyon at hindi niya lang maalala.

"I wonder who's that little girl. Palagi na lang siyang laman ng panaginip mo." Ang
tinig nito ay may halong pagtatampo na parang nagseselos kaya mahina siyang natawa.
He found it funny.

"Don't tell me you are jealous?"

"I know where I stand, McLaren. So, jealousy was not on my vocabulary."

"I may not be able to see your eyes because of darkness, but your voice betrayed
you. You are freaking jealous, my angel."

"Hindi ako pwedeng magselos."

"Hindi talaga pwede."

Panandaliang katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila bago niya ulit binasag iyon.

"Hindi ka dapat magselos sa panaginip ko. Panaginip lang iyon. Ni hindi ko nga siya
kilala."

"Paano kung totoo pala 'yon? Paano kung totoong nangyari sa tunay na buhay 'yung
panaginip mo? Paano kung napapanaginipan ka rin ng batang babae hanggang ngayon?
Paano kung isang araw magkita kayo? Paano kung hinahanap ka pala niya-"

"Stop!" Mariin siyang napapikit sa pagdaan ng sakit sa ulo niya. "You're stressing
the hell out of me."
"I'm sorry." The sincerity over her voice is calming him.

It was so easy to Celine to calm him down but he will never ever tell her about it.

"Kung totoong nangyari iyon dapat alam ko."

"Wala na akong sinabi. I'm shutting my mouth na."

"Halikan mo ako."

"W-what?" Nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya ang dalaga.

"I said, fucking kiss me, Celine."

Nag-aagaw ang pagsang-ayon at hindi pag-sang ayon sa mga mata nito na natatanglawan
ng kapirasong ilaw na nagmumula sa labas ng salamin na bintana ng hotel.

"Bakit?"

"Just kiss me."

"Tell me why first."

"Ang kulit mo talaga."

"Sabihin mo muna bakit kita hahalikan."

Natatawa na pinisil niya ang tungki ng ilong ni Celine.

"Kapag hahalik ba, kailangan my dahilan?"

"Oo naman! Lahat ng bagay ngayon may dahilan kung bakit."

"So when I said, I want to fuck you," He playfully trail his fingers on her bear
shoulder to her collarbone.

"Y-you want to fuck me because?"

"Because I'm fucking horny."

He saw her pouted her lips.

"Libog lang ba talaga, McLaren?"

Magkasalubong ang kilay nang nagbaba siya ng tingin sa dalaga. Nakatingin din ito
sa kanya ngunit wala naman siyang makitang kahit na anong emosyon sa maganda nitong
mukha.

"May iba pa bang dahilan kung bakit nagtatalik ang babae at lalaki?"

"Yes, when they love each other." Sagot nito at naging mailap ang mga mata.

"Oh!" Realization hit him. "You're talking about making love, Miss Villarica."

"Yes, making love nga."

"But we both know that fucking each other and making love are far way different. We
are on the stage of fucking each other. Ayokong umasa ka at ayokong paasahin ka sa
bagay na malabong mangyari, Celine."

"Malabong mangyari na ang fucking each other would turns out into making love?"

"You've got it."

Umayos ito ng pagkakahiga. This time nakapatong na ang baba nito sa kamay nitong
nasa dibdib niya. Pinagmamasdan siya.

"Are you seeing someone now to make love with?"

"Why are you asking?" He curiously asked her back.

Ang isang kamay niya ay ginawa niyang unan para mas umangat pa ang ulo niya at
makita ito ng maayos. Ang kabilang kamay niya naman ay malayang hinahaplos ang
likod nito.

"I wonder that maybe, you are seeing someone now who you will introduce to your
parents."

One thing, he doesn't introduce Celine to his parents but his brothers knew her. So
why introduce her? He hate complications.

And his parents? Probably, they already knew Celine. Knowing his parents... they
are the living cctv cameras, they have their eyes everywhere.

"If ever I see someone that's deserving enough to introduce her to my parents, I
will tell to you immediately. But right now, I'm not seeing someone other than
you."

"Hindi mo naman kailangan ipaalam pa sa akin ang bagay na 'yan, McLaren."

"Stop worrying, I won't just leave you just because I found someone special. I
respect you. I won't leave you hanging."

"Hindi ako nag-aalala-"

"We've been together for almost a year now, love. I know exactly what's going on on
you. You are very easy to read."

"You don't know me, McLaren." Naging seryoso ang boses nito.

"Unless ibang Celine ang ipinapakita mo sa akin." Mabilis na balik niya. "We knew
each other but I know something is up."

"Pareho tayong estranghero sa ibang bagay sa buhay natin at sana manatiling hindi
na lang natin malaman ang mga bagay na iyon tungkol sa atin."

Makahulugan ang bawat bigkas ng mga salita pero sinasang-ayunan niya dahil totoong
estranghero pa talaga sila sa ibang bahagi ng buhay nila.

He has a lots of secrets and it will remain as his secrets. And maybe Celine has
her own secrets too. Everyone has a secrets to keep. So it's normal for him. He
respect other people's privacy.

MABIGAT ang loob ni Celine nang maihatid siya ni McLaren sa tinutuluyan niyang
apartment galing sa Hotel na tinulugan nila buong gabi.

Kung gaano kabigat ang loob niya na mawawalay na naman siya sa binatang unti-unting
tinitibag ang pader sa dibdib niya... ay ganoon naman din kapagod ang katawan niya
dahil buong gabi siyang inangkin ni McLaren.

Pilya siyang napangiti nang maalala ang mainit na pinagsaluhan nila ng binata pero
napawi ang ngiting iyon ng tumunog ang cellphone niya.

Akiko is calling...

Nagdadalang isip siya kung sasagutin ba ang tawag o hindi. Nag-umpisa ang
pagkakaibigan nila ni Akiko halos dalawang buwan pa lang ang nakakalipas nang
pumasok ito bilang waitress din sa Viper Club kung saan siya nagtatrabaho.

The call was ended, after a few moment she received a text message from her.

From: Akiko

Someone is following me or baka napaparanoid lang ako, Celine.

That message alarmed her. She instantly dialed her number. Isang ring lang ay
sumagot kaagad ito.

"Hello Celine-"

"Where the hell are you?" Nag-aalalang tanong niya.

"Kauuwi ko lang dito sa apartment ko."

"Saan ka ba galing? May sumusunod na naman ba sa iyo?"

"Sa Mall. Kanina may nakita akong itim na van na sinusundan 'yung taxi na
sinasakyan ko pero nawala din naman agad. I don't know, Celine. Napaparanoid na
yata talaga ako."

Malalim siyang napabuntong hininga ng mahimigan ang takot sa boses ng bagong

kaibigan.

"Baka dala lang 'yan ng aksidente mo, what do you think?"

Ang alam niya kasi ay na-comatose ito at milagro na nagkamalay ulit makalipas ang
ilang buwan. Kaya siguro magaan ang loob niya dito dahil sa pinagdaanan nito.
Parang nakababatang kapatid na ang turing niya kay Akiko.

"Siguro kailangan ko na talagang magpatingin sa Psychiatrist, Celine. Ayoko na ng

ganito. Pakiramdam ko palaging may humahabol sa akin at nagtatangkang kunin ako.
Ang creepy."

"Susunduin na lang kita riyan sa apartment mo mamaya. Sabay na tayong pumasok sa

Club."

"I'll wait for you. Salamat ha?" Tila lumambot ang puso niya sa simpleng
pasasalamat nito.

"Not a big deal. Just wait for me. Gonna hang this up."

"Okay, okay." And the line was cut off.

Nanghihina na naupo si Celine sa mahabang sofa sa sala niya at inilibot ang

paningin sa maliit na apartment na tinitirahan ilang taon na.
Napailing siya. Namimiss niya na kasi ang tunay na bahay niya at may namimiss din
siyang tao.

BUONG maghapon siyang bumawi ng tulog at ng mag alas-sais pasado na ay nagpasiya

siyang umalis na ng bahay upang pumasok sa Club at daanan si Akiko sa apartment
nito.

Hindi na siya nagtangka pang magtext sa kaibigan dahil expected naman nito ang
pagdating niya.

Halos kalahating oras siyang nagmaneho papunta sa apartment ni Akiko. Ipaparada

niya na sana ang sasakyan sa tapat ng gate nang may pamilyar na kulay silver na
sports car ang nakaparada doon.

Bumaba si Celine ng kotse niya upang makasiguro na kung ang sports car na nakikita
niya ay pag-aari ba talaga ni McLaren. When she realized that the car is really
his, her heart started to beat rapidly.

"Anong ginagawa niya rito?" Mahinang tanong niya sa sarili. "Bakit siya nandito-"

"Hindi kita kailangan!" Halos mabali ang leeg niya nang marinig mula sa loob ng
apartment ang sigaw na iyon ni Akiko na animo galit sa kausap. "Umalis ka na. I
don't need your help, McLaren!"

Hindi niya alam kung bakit naglakad pa siya papasok sa gate kahit na alam niyang
malaki ang posibilidad na maaaring hindi niya magustuhan ang mangyayari.

"Ihahatid na kita." Mahinahon ang boses na iyon ni McLaren dahilan ng kung may
anong karayom na tumusok sa kanyang puso. Obviously, si Akiko ang kausap nito.
"Delikado ang mag-isa-"

Pinutol niya ang iba pang sasabihin ng binata sa pagtikhim niya.

Parehong napatingin sa kanya ang dalawa. Pilit siyang ngumiti kahit pa nakita niya
ang paghawak ni McLaren sa kamay ni Akiko.

Suddenly, jealousy hit her and it's not right. She shouldn't feel that way. It's
prohibited in the kind of situation that she have.

Chapter 4 - 2 ~ Safe

CHAPTER TWO

KAHIT medyo habol pa ang hininga dahil sa paglabas ng orgasmo niya ilang minuto pa
lang ang nakakalipas, Celine turned around to face McLaren who was standing proudly
in front of her.

His large roses and vintage clock tattoo on his right forearm and the dangerous
scorpion tats on his ribs, made him hotter even more.

She had seen him naked many times, pero ni isang beses ay hindi binigo ng katawan
nito ang mga mata niya. Kaya hindi na siya nagtataka kung bakit habulin ang lalaki.

McLaren is really a good catch. But, women have to be careful with their hearts,
because the man doesn't seem to give a shit about serious and long time
relationship.

Sa halos isang taon nila sa ganitong estado, napayuhan niya na ang puso na hanggat
maaari ay huwag ng mahulog dito.

Pero hanggang kailan ba siya kayang sundin ng puso niya?

Lihim siyang napanbuntong hininga at iwinaksi sa isip ang mga ideyang hindi niya
dapat maramdaman.

"Tang ina, suck me, baby." McLaren voice was raspy.

It seems like he was begging for her to taste him and it pleased her, just like
that.

Nag-angat si Celine ng tingin sa binata. His lips were parted and his head tilted
back.

Kitang-kita niya sa mukha ng binata ang sarap na dulot ng katatapos lang na

orgasmo.

Marahan na inalis niya ang nakabalot na condom sa nag-uumigting pa rin na

pagkalalaki nito. At nang tuluyan niya ng maialis iyon ay napalunok siya ng muling
makita ang bulitas sa ari nito.

NAG-IWAS si Celine ng tingin kay McLaren kasabay nanf pagkalas ng pagkahawak nito
sa kamay ni Akiko.

Ang nakakainis sa parte niya ay ang katotohanan na wala siyang karapatan na

masaktan at magselos kapag may kausap si McLaren na ibang babae, dahil wala naman
silang relasyon. They are just having sex anytime they want. Anytime they feel
horny and nothing more.

"Celine,"

Umirap siya sa hangin ng tawagin siya ni McLaren, tapos ay lumapit sa kanya.

"Why are you here?"

"Why are you here?" Balik tanong niya, nakataas ang isang kilay.

McLaren take a look at Akiko who's staring at them with unknown emotions on her
eyes.

"I was offering a ride to Akiko."

"Why?"

Nakakunot na talaga ang noo niya. Hindi niya na maitago ang nararamdaman sa mga
sandaling iyon.

"I just received a text message from her this afternoon-"

"Wrong sent 'yon." Maagap na sabi ni Akiko na mas lalong ikinataas ng kilay niya.

Hindi sa nagdududa pero malakas ang pakiramdam niya na maaaring may

nagsisinungaling sa dalawa at mabigat sa parte niya iyon.

Pareho niyang pinagkakatiwalaan ang dalawa at ayaw niyang masira ang kung mayroon
silang tatlo dahil lang may itinatago ang mga ito.

"Why do you have his number?" She asked Akiko.

Nakita niya na napatingin ito kay McLaren bago bumuntong hininga.

"Why not? Why asking, Celine?"

Naiinis man siya sa kaibigan pero wala naman itong alam sa estado nila ni McLaren.

"Never mind. Umalis na tayo." Akmang tatalikod na siya nang hawakan ng binata ang
braso niya. "Bakit?"

"Ihahatid ko na kayo."

"Kaya ko ang sarili ko."

"Paano si Akiko? Paano kung sundan kayo ng mga taong sumusunod sa kanya? Ayokong
mapahamak ka-"

"Eh di siya ang ihatid mo!"

Alam niyang nahimigan ang galit sa boses niya pero wala na siyang pakialam pa.

Nagpupuyos siya sa inis sa sarili nang lisanin ang apartment ni Akiko at bumalik sa
sasakyan niya.

Pinaharurot niya iyon palayo sa dalawa. She know her place in McLaren's life pero
kung ganito naman na nakakaramdam na siya ng selos, hindi na iyon magandang
senyales.

Maya-maya lang ay napansin niya na may nakasunod sa kanyang kulay silver na

sasakyan. It was McLaren sports car.

Her cellphone suddenly rang and when she checked who was the caller, she grimaced.

Calling McLaren...

"Bakit ka pa tumatawag? Asa ka na sasagutin ko 'yan!" Aniya at nagpatuloy sa

pagmamaneho.

Hindi niya pinapansin ang ilang ulit na pagtunog ng cellphone niya hanggang sa
huminto iyon.

Ang kaninang inis na naramdaman ay napalitan ng kaba nang bahagyang dumikit sa

passenger side niya ang sasakyan ni McLaren.

Nakabukas ang bintana niyon, nakikita niyang sinisenyasan siya nitong buksan ang
bintana niya pero hindi niya ginawa lalo at nakita niya sa passenger seat nito si
Akiko na prente lang na nakaupo. Tila walang pakialam sa paligid at malalim ang
iniisip.

Kung hindi niya lang siguro naging kaibigan ang babaeng iyon baka nasambunutan niya
na talaga! Pero ewan niya ba, hindi niya magawang magalit kay Akiko. May parte sa
dibdib niya na ayaw magalit dito. Kay McLaren lang siya nagagalit.

"My angel, open your window!" McLaren almost shouted, using that endearment.

"Bahala ka!"
Hindi lang siya sure kung naririnig siya ng binata pero nakikita siya nito dahil
hindi naman tinted ang bintana ng sasakyan niya.

"Talk to me! Huwag ka ng magalit!"

"Hindi ako galit!" Nakatutok ang mata niya sa pagmamaneho.

"Bakit ayaw mo akong kausapin?"

Inis na sinulyapan niya si McLaren pero hindi na nagsalita at mas lalong binilisan
ang pagmamaneho upang makaiwas sa binata, pero wala naman silbi ang ginawa niya
dahil natatapatan pa rin siya nito.

Celine let out a frustrated breath.

"Hay, ang kulit niya!"

Halos sampung minuto pa ang lumipas ng maiparada niya ang sasakyan sa parking lot
ng Viper Club.

Muling pinaikot niya ang mata nang itinabi ni McLaren ang mamahalin nitong sasakyan
sa kanya.

Nang makita niya itong mabilis na bumaba ay nagmadali rin siyang bumaba ng sasakyan
ngunit bago pa iyon ay nakapasok na si McLaren sa driver seat at siya naman ay
nalipat agad nito sa passenger seat niya!

What was just happened? He was too quick that she can't even make a protest when he
transfered her into a front passenger seat?!

"Ano ba!"

Pumalag siya nang ilapit ni McLaren ang mukha sa mukha niya. Ang isang kamay nito
ay marahan na nakapatong sa tiyan niya ang isa naman ay sa headrest ng kanyang
inuupuan.

Their lips were just inches away, she can smell his minty breath. Damn this man!

"Why are you acting like that?" He sounds frustrated. "Are you mad because Akiko
have my number or because I have Akiko's number?"

"Pareho lang 'yon!"

McLaren's eyes sparkle mischievously.  "You're jealous again."

"You wish!"

Kailangan niya mag deny. Hindi pwedeng malaman nito ang totoong nararamdaman niya
para dito.

"Huwag ka ng magselos."

Napapikit siya ng dinampian ni McLaren ng halik ang labi niya habang ang kamay nito
ay ekspertong gumagapang na sa loob ng suot niyang cotton blouse, pataas sa kanyang
dibdib at marahan na pinisil-pisil iyon.

"Ayoko sa selosa, Celine."

Ang halos pabulong na salita na iyon ang pumatay sa nag-uumpisa ng mag-apoy niyang
katawan dahil lang sa paghaplos nito sa dibdib niya.

Marahan na itinulak niya si McLaren palayo sa kanya. Hindi naman ito nagprotesta,
bagkos, naupo lang ng prente.

"Papasok na ako."

Akmang bubuksan niya ang pintuan ng may pinindot si McLaren sa gilid na pintuan
nito dahilan ng kusang pag-locked ng mga pinto.

"McLaren hindi na 'to nakakatuwa!"

"I received a text message from Akiko this afternoon, ang sabi niya may sumusunod
daw sa kanya. I dialed her number to confirm if it's true, but she didn't answer my
call, instead, she sent a message telling me na na-wrong sent lang siya." Bumaling
ang binata sa kanya. "The text message supposed to be sent by you."

Bakit ba ito nagpapaliwanag? Hindi niya naman hinihingi ang paliwanag nito. Pero
aminin niya man o hindi, medyo napanatag na ang loob niya.

"Hmm, okay."

"Are you still mad?"

Bahagya siyang umiling.

"Wala naman akong karapatan magalit,"

"Ayan na naman tayo sa walang karapatan karapatan na 'yan."

"Pareho tayong walang karapatan makaramdam ng galit, selos o sakit, McLaren. Dahil
hindi natin binibigyan ang sarili natin ng karapatan sa mga bagay na 'yan."

"Then why do you feel jealous? Why are you getting mad?"

Hindi niya kayang sagutin ang mga tanong na iyon dahil ipagkakanulo lang siya ng
isinisigaw ng puso niya... Na unti-unti niya ng minamahal si McLaren.

"Let's not talk about it."

"Susunduin kita mamaya."

"No need-"

"I insist."

"Si Akiko na lang ang sunduin mo tutal naman delekado para sa kanya ang mag-isa-"

"Tang ina, Celine!"

Napaigtad siya sa galit na boses na iyon ni McLaren at nang tignan niya ito ay
gumagalaw ang panga. Tanda ng matinding pagtitimpi.

Niyakap niya ang sarili sa takot sa nakikita niyang reaksyon ng katabi.

"P-papasok na ako. Buksan mo 'yung pinto."

"You are not going anywhere!"

Hindi niya ito nilingon. "Kailangan kong magtrabaho-"

"I said, you.are.not.going.anywhere!" Madiin ang bawat bigkas ng kataga.

Wala na siyang nagawa pa nang buksan ni McLaren ang makina at pinaharurot ang
sasakyan paalis sa parking lot.

Kaagad na nagsuot siya ng seatbelt dahil masyadong mabilis ang pagpapatakbo nito.

"Pwede naman na hindi mabilis ang takbo ng sasakyan." Mahinang sabi niya. "Hindi
naman pangkarera ang sasakyan ko." Napakapit siya sa gilid niya nangbmas lalong
bumilis ang andar nila. "McLaren! Ano ba!"

"You're safe with me, my angel."

"Saan mo ba kasi balak magpunta? Sa langit?"

"Pwede,"

Hindi man mahihimigan ang kapilyuhan sa sagot nito pero nakuha niya agad ang
pagsang-ayon nito sa sinabi niyang langit.

Langit ng kaligayahan.

"Ibalik mo na ako sa Club. Kailangan ako doon ngayon."

"No way,"

"McLaren please..."

He take a quick glance. "Please? What? Please you?"

Inirapan niya ito kahit hindi na naman ito nakatingin sa kanya. Kung anu-anong
kapilyahan na ang pumapasok sa isip niya dahil sa lalaking ito!

"Bumalik na tayo."

"Not now,"

Bumangon muli ang inis niya sa pinapakitang determinasyon ng binata sa desisyon

nitong huwag bumalik sa Club.

"Saan mo ba talaga balak magpunta, ha?!"

"Ikukulong kita."

"Ano?! Saan mo ako ikukulong? At bakit mo ako ikukulong?!"

"Ikukulong kita sa kuwarto ko buong araw kasama ako para hindi ka na magselos. Para
maramdaman mong sayong-sa'yo lang ako."

Celine pursed her lips to suppress a smile. Ewan niya ba, pero kinikilig siya!
Goodness! Hindi dapat siya magpa-apekto sa mga salita nito kung hindi baka tuluyan
na siyang mahulog.

"Gustuhin ko man na makasama ka palagi, hindi pwede. Alam mo naman na kailangan

kong magtrabaho para mabuhay."
"So, mas mahalaga ang trabaho mo kesa sa akin?"

Para bang sa pandinig niya ay nainsulto ito, o mali lang siya ng interpretasyon?

"We have priorities in life, baby M. My job is my priority but that doesn't mean na
mas mahalaga 'yon kesa sa iyo."

"I'm not contented with your answer."

Mariin siyang napapikit at inihilig ang ulo sa kanyang inuupuan. Ayaw niya ng
makipag-argumento pa dito. Suko na siya dahil kahit ano pang gawin niyang protesta
ay ipipilit pa rin naman nito ang gusto nito.

WALANG ideya si Celine kung nasaang lupalop sila ni McLaren sa mga sandaling iyon.
Basta nagising na lang siya nang maramdaman niyang huminto na ang sasakyan. Medyo
madilim pa sa labas.

"Mind telling me kung nasaan parte na tayo ng mundo?" Bagkos na sumagot ang binata,
in-adjust lang nito ang inuupuan upang makahiga ito at pumikit. "Baby M!"

"Not now my angel. I'm tired."

"Wala bang ibang mapagpahingahan dito?"

"Come here." Nakapikit na inabot ni McLaren ang kamay niya at marahan na

inaanyayahan na lumapit siya sa bisig nito. "Come closer."

Nahihipnotismo na natagpuan ni Celine ang sarili na nakahilig ang ulo sa dibdib ng

binata. Malaya niya tuloy na napapakinggan ang tibok ng puso nito na tila musika sa
kanyang pandinig, doon sa tahimik na paligid na kinaroroonan nila.

"Ano bang ginawa mo maghapon bakit ka napagod?" She asked softly while caressing
his chest.

"Pinagod mo ako kagabi."

Celine let out a short laugh. "Ikaw kaya ang pumagod sa akin."

"Nakapaghinga ka ba ng maayos kanina?" Malambing na tanong nito.

McLaren being sweet by his words and actions as ever.

"Opo,"

"Good. Now, let me rest."

"Sure ka? Dito? Makakapagpahinga ka ba ng maayos dito? Makakatulog ka ba ng maayos

dito?"

Kung siya kasi ang tatanungin, hindi, hindi siya makakapagpahinga ng maayos kung sa
loob lang ng sasakyan.

"Why not?"

"This is not a comfortable place for you to sleep."

"Having you here with me, inside my car, is more way comfortable than sleeping in
my bed, alone."
McLaren embrace her, making her feel safe and secure.

Chapter 5 - 3 ~ Peace

CHAPTER THREE

"WHY do you have to cover my eyes?" Celine worriedly asked McLaren.

He was holding a silver silk blindfold and was about to cover her eyes when she
complaint.

"What's that for?" She was referring to that silver thing.

Palabas na ang haring araw nang pareho silang magising ni McLaren na magkayakap sa
sasakyan niya. Ngayon ay kasalukuyan silang nakaparada sa gilid ng kalsada sa lugar
kung saan ay hindi siya pamilyar.

Pilit na gustong takpan ni McLaren ang mata niya ng telang hawak nito sa hindi niya
malaman na kadahilanan.

"Just for fun, my angel. Wala naman mangyayaring masama sayo kung tatakpan ko ang
mga mata mo habang papunta tayo sa lugar ko."

Nagsalubong kaagad ang kilay ni Celine at nananantiya na pinagmasdan ang binata.

Mula sa nakabukas na bintana ay tumatama sa gilid ng mukha nito ang sikat ng araw.
Pinapatunayan lamang sa kanya na ang lalaking kaharap ay biyaya talaga mula sa
langit para sa mga kababaihan.

Ang matitigas na muscle sa braso nito ay tila perpektong hinulma ng panahon. Ang
mga pilyong kislap sa mga mata na palaging tumutunaw sa kanya sa tuwing tinititigan
siya ay ebedensya lamang na hindi niya ito kayang hindian.

Ang mga bahagyang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi nito sa tuwing may lihim na binabalak
sa kanya ay hindi niya napapalampas, ngunit gano'n pa man ay hindi mababago ng
kapilyuhan ng mga mata nito at mapanglinlang na mga ngiti ang katotohanan na namuo
na ang nararamdaman niya para kay McLaren.

"Tititigan mo na lang ba ako, Miss?"

Napakurap-kurap si Celine sa swabeng boses na iyon ni McLaren at napagtantong

harap-harap na siyang ipinapahiya ng sarili sa lalaki.

"Ayoko ng blindfold."

Nangilabot siya sa ideyang nakapiring ang mga mata niya habang umaandar ang
sasakyan! Hindi! Ayaw niya!

"Why?" He's curious. "Takot ka sa dilim?"

Mariin siyang napapikit nang may mga malabong imahe ang bigla na lang lumitaw sa
kanyang balintanaw. Imahe na ngayon lang lumitaw sa mahabang panahon.
Those blurred images when she was a kid... Together with other kids, but it was
really hard for her to decipher the scenarios and the faces because of the
blurriness of it.

Sasakit lamang ang ulo niya kapag ipinagpatuloy niya pa ang pag-iisip sa mga
pangyayaring hindi pamilyar sa kanya.

Idinilat ni Celine ang mata upang lamang mabungaran niya ang mukha ni McLaren na
nakatitig sa kanya. Napalunok siya sa intensidad ng titig na iyon. Palagay niya ay
binabasa na naman siya nito.

"I hate darkness-"

"But you are working on a night Club. Every night. It's dark."

Tama ito pero hindi niya makuha ang sarili niyang punto kung bakit may takot siya
sa dilim? O ang ikinatatakot niya ba ay ang ideyang hindi niya makikita ang paligid
kapag nakapiring ang mata niya?

"Hindi ko rin maintindihan ang sarili ko. Hindi ko na matandaan kung kailan nag-
umpisa 'yung takot ko sa dilim, dati-rati naman ay hindi ako ganito. May mga
pagkakataon na kapag mag-isa ako, pakiramdam ko hindi naman talaga ako nag-iisa."

Nakakatakot pakinggan pero may eksenang ganyan sa buhay niya. Nababahala lang siya
dahil bigla na lang niyang nararanasan ang mga ganoong pakiramdam.

"Hindi naman siguro ligaw na kaluluwa 'yang tinutukoy mo?"

Gusto man niyang pagtawanan ang tanong nito ay hindi niya magawa. Bagkos,
napatingin lang siya sa hawak nitong tela.

"Ayoko lang na takpan mo ang mga mata ko, McLaren. Natatakot ako. I hate the idea
of being unable to see the things around me. It suffocates me."

"Let's face your fear then." Kaagad na umiling siya tanda ng hindi pagsang-ayon sa
suhestiyon nito. "Nandito lang naman ako, Celine. Hayaan mong tulungan kitang
alisin 'yang takot mo sa dilim."

"Ayoko!"

"Trust me with this." McLaren voice softened but his face darkened.

Magkalungat ang boses nito sa nakikita niya sa gwapong mukha. His voice and his
aura always puzzled her. Hindi niya kailanman tinangka na basahin ang tumatakbo sa
isip ni McLaren dahil mapanlinlang ang mga emosyon na ipinapakita nito sa kanya.

Kaya nga hindi siya umaamin sa nararamdaman niya para dito dahil natatakot siya sa
magiging resulta sa oras na malaman nito ang damdamin niya.

"I could trust you with other things, baby M, but please, not with this." Umiling-
iling siya. "Saka, itago mo na 'yang blindfold. Hindi maganda ang pakiramdam ko
kapag nakikita ko 'yan."

"Ano ang nararamdaman mo?"

"Parang hindi 'yan magdudulot ng maganda sa akin."

McLaren sighed.
"This blindfold thing ruined our road trip."

"As much as I love the silver color, I still don't like being in the dark with
that."

"You like silver color?" And now, he seems so interesting about that color.

Nasisiyahan na tumango-tango siya. "Yes, I love silver!"

Well, favourite color niya iyon pero hindi naman ibig sabihin niyon ay lahat na
lang ng gamit niya ay kulay silver.

"I love that color too."

"Talaga? Pareho pala tayo!"

"Hindi lang halata sa akin."

"May mga bagay pa pala na hindi natin alam sa isa't-isa."

"Like that we care about to know it."

Natupok agad ang excitement niya sa sagot ng binata. Maraming bagay ang hindi pa
nila natutuklasan sa isa't-isa... Bagay na wala naman pakialam si McLaren na
malaman pa.

"Is that a tunnel?"

Itinuro niya ang deretsong dereksyon na malamang ay tutumbukin nila kung

magmamaneho na ang binata.

"Yes it is,"

"Sa iba na lang tayo dumaan."

"There's no other way other than that, unless you want us to come back in the
City."

"Let's to back to the City then."

"Pati ba naman sa tunnel takot ka?"

"Ako na lang ang magmamaneho pabalik."

"No,"

"Ayokong dumaan sa tunnel!"

"Maaga pa. Hindi madilim diyan."

Panandalian muna niyang tinitigan ang binata. Humihingi ng kompirmasyon kung

nagsasabi ba ito ng totoo o nililinlang na naman siya ng mata niya.

"Sigurado ka?"

"101% sure, my angel. Ilan taon na akong dumadaan sa lugar na ito. Kahit magmaneho
ako ng nakapikit ay hindi na ako mababangga."

"Umatake na naman 'yang kayabangan mo." Aniya, sabay irap dito. "Let's go."
"I will ask you one favor before we leave."

"Ano 'yon?"

"Close your eyes while we are passing in that tunnel."

"Why?"

"Or else I will cover your eyes with this silver blindfold." The silver thing was
on his lap.

"I'd rather close my eyes."

"That's my girl!"

McLaren gave her a peck on her lips, making her close her eyes. Funny how he can
make her heart beating fast just by a simple kiss from him.

He started the engine and drove away. Nanatili lang na nakapikit ang mga mata niya
habang umaandar ang sasakyan.

"Sabihin mo sa akin kapag pwede na akong dumilat."

"Just close your eyes and don't cheat."

"Ikaw lang ang cheater dito." And that made him laughed amusedly.

"Do you really think I am a cheater? Huh?"

"Marami ang babaeng gustong magpalahi sa iyo. So, why I shouldn't think about you
being a cheater?"

"Hey, hey," Maagap na reklamo nito. "For your information Miss Celine Villarica,
the day you gave yourself to me was the last day I stopped bedding other women,
except you. Meaning to say, halos isang taon na akong kumakain ng isang putahe
lang."

Uminit ang pisng niya. Ano siya ulam?

"So, stop accusing me being a cheater. Masakit sa tenga. Hindi ko matanggap."

Ngumuso siya. Gusto ng maniwala ng puso niya sa sinasabi ni McLaren pero masyadong
malisyoso ang isip niya na mag-isip pa na baka paminsan-minsan ay sumasawsaw pa ito
sa ibang babae.

"Sigurado ka ba na hindi kumalat ang lahi mo bago mo ako nakilala?" Curios na

tanong niya.

"I'm selfish enough to give my semen away."

"McLaren!" Napatakip na lang siya ng mukha sa kahihiyaan na gawa ng kausap. "Yang

bibig mo talaga!"

"You know, sometimes, you are a bit like my mom."

Gusto niya man imulat ang mata dahil sa narinig ay hindi niya ginawa. Papanindigan
niya ang pabor na hiniling sa kanya ni McLaren na pumikit lang.
"P-paano mo naman nasabi 'yan?"

She haven't meet his parents yet. She tried to search their names on Google but she
always failed to see their faces.

McLaren told her their first name and nothing more about them. And now, she's
wondering what kind of parents he has.

"She doesn't like when I curse, when I am being bold and brutal with my words."

"Kahit naman siguro ikaw ang anak ko ay hindi ko gugustuhin na marinig ang mga
ganoong klaseng salita mula sa iyo."

"Ayoko naman na maging nanay kita."

"Ayoko din-"

"Mas maganda kung anakan na lang kita."

Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya nang balingan si McLaren sa pagkabigla.

"Nababaliw ka na!" Aniya upang patayin ang kilig na dumaan sa katawan sa sinabi
nitong iyon.

Aanakan siya nito? Goodness!

Bumaling ito sa kanya. "Oh, I did not tell you yet to open your eyes, my angel."

Inirapan niya lang ito at tinignan ang paligid. Wala na sila sa tunnel pero hindi
pa rin siya pamilyar sa lugar. Mahabang kalsada ang binabayabay nila, sa
magkabilang gilid ay mga punong kahoy lang ang nakikita niya. Tila ba pribado ang
lugar na iyon at hindi binibigyan permisong daanan ng ibang sasakyan.

Ipinarada ni McLaren ang sasakyan sa tapat ng magarang bahay. Hindi iyon kalakihan
pero sapat na para magkasya ang isang pamilya.

"Bahay mo 'to?" Tanong niya nang makababa siya ng sasakyan.

"Just one of my properties."

"I like this place. Relaxing ."

Inililibot ni Celine ang paningin sa malawak na lupain na napapaligiran ng mga

punong kahoy at halamanan. Napakatahimik na lugar. Perpektong pahingahan para sa
mga taong ayaw sa maingay na syudad.

"I'm glad you like it here."

"Wala kang kapitbahay?" Tanong niya ulit nang mapansin na wala naman siyang ibang
nakitang bahay pa na naroon.

"My brothers house were just 200 meters away from here."

"Si Kuya Mazda at Kuya Corvette may bahay din sila dito?"

"Yes, baby."

Namamangha na pinapanood niya kung paano buksan ni McLaren ang pintuan sa

pamamagitan ng pagdikit ng mga daliri nito sa scanner na nakadikit sa gilid ng
metal na pintuan.

"Wow!" The security of his house amazed her.

Passcode activated.

Puno ng paghanga na napatingin siya kay McLaren nang may marinig siyang magsalita.
It was a robotic voice of a woman somewhere.

"Who's that?"

McLaren lifted his eyebrows, looking at her, amuse.

"My lady guard."

"Lady guard? Invisible?"

"Yeah, I think so."

Nang unti-unting bumukas ang pinto, pataas, ay saka lang niya tuluyang napatunayan
kung gaano kaganda sa labas ay wala rin pinagkaiba ang loob ng bahay na iyon.

The four sides of the house were made by thick glasses walls, which the people from
inside are free to see the beautiful views from the outside. It's like a hidden
paradise.

"Suit yourself, my angel. I will just take a shower." Paalam sa kanya ni McLaren.

Nakita niya sa gilid ng mata niya na umakyat ito sa hagdanan roon, papunta sa
pangalawang palapag.

Hindi magkandamayaw si Celine sa nakikita niya mula sa labas. Pumatong siya sa

mahabang sofa at tinanaw ng maigi ang isang malawak na karagatan mula roon na
payapa ang alon ng tubig. Ipinapakita sa kanya na nasa mataas na bahagi ang bahay
kung nasaan siya.

"Saan bahagi ng Pilipinas 'to?"

Hindi niya akalain na salamin pala ang mga dingding dahil hindi naman halata iyon
kapag nasa labas. The architect and designer of the house must really good and so
creative.

Naputol lang ang pagliliwaliw niya sa mga tanawin ng mag vibrate ang cellphone sa
bulsa ng suot na skinny jeans.

Nang tignan niya ang caller ay kaagad na gumuhit ang ngiti sa kanyang labi.
Sinulyapan niya muna ang silid na pinasukan ni McLaren, sinigurado kung hindi pa
lalabas ang binata.

Celine swiped the green button when she made sure that McLaren is still inside
bedore she place her phone on her ear.

"Avia," Grandma.

"Please go home, my grandchild."

There's a hint of urgency on her grandma's voice from the other line.

"Quare?" Why?
"Your father is dying. I'm sorry to say this to you, but he badly needs you here
because he has something to discuss with you."

The news wasn't really shock her. Her father was diagnosed of stage four brain
cancer. Ang ipinagpapasalamat lang nila ay maraming pera ang ama, isa itong mayaman
na negosyante. Ang dahilan kung bakit nadagdagan ng isang taon ang buhay nito sa
pamamagitan ng therapies na ginagawa sa iba't-ibang bansa.

The news may not be shock her, but she has to admit that her heart was in agony
already, thinking about she wouldn't see her father anymore when he die.

Celine took a deep breath to calm her senses. She was in the verge of crying, but
she was holding it back, might afraid that McLaren would see her.

"Indica mihi ministrabat ei." Please tell him to wait for me.

Her family were living in Russia right now. Siya lang naman ang gustong manirahan
sa Pilipinas. Siguro dahil mas nananalaytay sa kanya ang dugong Pilipino na sa ina
niya nakuha.

"Ero." I will.

"Thank you, avia."

Celine turned off her cellphone and almost jump in surprise when she saw McLaren
standing proudly on her side. He's topless and damn boy, his hard ripped stomach
makes her drool.

"Sino ang kausap mo?" Hindi mababakasan ng kahit na anong emosyon ang boses at
mukha ng binata.

Naging mailap ang kanyang mga mata.

"My f-friend." Now, she's lying. Great.

"Sino.ang.kausap.mo?" May diin ang bawat salita.

Kanina pa ba ito naroon? Narinig ba nito ang pag-uusap nila ng Lola niya?
Naintindihan ba siya?

"Kaibigan ko nga." She shifted her standing position.

Muli niyang tinanaw ang magandang paligid sa labas upang iwasan ang matinding
intensidad sa mga titig ni McLaren.

"I am asking you for the third time, Miss Celine Villarica." He said, telling her
to stop lying. Iyon ang dating sa kanya ng paraan ng pagkakasabi nito ng mga
salita. "Sino ang kausap mo?"

"Huwag ka ng magtanong kung hindi ka naman naniniwala sa sagot ko."

"How could I believe in you? When I know that you're lying?!" Nanatiling tikom ang
bibig niya. Hindi pa man din ay alam na nito ang pagsisinungaling niya at bakit ba
ito nagagalit? "Right in front of me? Inside of my damn house? Really Celine?"

Napapikit siya sa nanunuyang boses na iyon ni McLaren. Ayaw niyang malaman nito ang
tungkol sa pamilyang mayroon siya. Gusto niya ay maging pribado lang sa ibang tao
ang buhay niya. And McLaren Lane wasn't an exception for that.
"You're stepping on the line, McLaren. Pareho tayong sumang-ayon na walang
makikialam sa pribadong buhay natin. Why did you suddenly ask questions about who I
was talking to? Why did you suddenly care?"

Sinasabi niya iyon nang hindi nakatingin dito, kundi, sa malawak na karagatan na
malayang humahampas ang alon.

"I hate liar." His words is like a slap on her face.

Celine can't control her emotions at that moment. Maybe because of the sad news she
received awhile ago and it hurts her. All that she needs at the moment is someone
to lean on. But it seems like McLaren wasn't the right person for that and it made
her feel frustrated.

"You hate when I get jealous! You hate when I get mad! And you hate when I lie! Why
are you like that, McLaren?!"

"I hate all of the above! Ayokong maramdaman mo ang mga 'yon!"

Nahihimigan niya na rin ang pagka-desperado sa boses nito kahit pa walang mababakas
na kahit anong emosyon sa gwapong mukha.

Alam niyang pareho lang silang nagtitimpi upang hindi tuluyang sumabog, pero siya
ay malapit na malapit ng bumigay dahil sa bigat ng dala sa dibdib!

"Hindi ko na alam kung saan ako lulugar at kung ano ang mararamdaman ko! You always
tried to manipulate me. You are so domineering! Why do you have to made me feel all
of these when we have nothing but a damn sex-"

"I like being in peace when I am with you! And I will surely stop liking you if you
continue feeling those things that I don't like. Naiintindihan mo ba, Celine!?
Gusto kita! Gustung-gusto kita!"

Chapter 6 - 4 ~ Lies
CHAPTER FOUR

UMAWANG ang labi ni Celine sa mga huling salitang binitiwan ni McLaren. Gusto siya
nito? Hindi lang gusto. Gustung-gusto pa! Parang may nagrarambulan na kung ano sa
loob ng tiyan niya sa mga sandaling iyon.

"G-gusto mo ako?" Nanantiya ang tanong niya.

Mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin sa kanya ang binata. Tila nadulas ng hindi sinasadya.

"Hindi mo na dapat 'yan tinatanong dahil mas malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw ang mga
binitawan kong salita."

"Gusto ko lang makasigurado. Baka kasi pinaglalaruan na naman ako ng tenga ko."
Umirap siya. "Kailangan ko ng umalis."

"What?" Napangiwi siya sa gulat na boses ni McLaren. "Kadarating lang natin tapos
aalis ka agad?"

"I'm sorry, McLaren. I badly need to go."

Hindi na nga dapat siya nagsasayang pa ng minuto sa mga sandaling iyon dahil ayaw
niyang mahuli ng dating at hindi na maabutang buhay ang ama.

"Hindi mo man lang ba na-appreciate 'yung ginawa ko?" Naguguluhan na tinignan niya
ito. Magkasalubong na ang makakapal na kilay.

Ang naka-expose na malapad na dibdib nito at ang matigas na mga muscle sa tiyan ay
binabagabag siya kaya naman muli ay nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"Dinala kita sa isa sa pinaka mahalagang lugar sa buhay ko. Wala lang sa iyo?"
Mahina itong natawa, may pagkaaliw na nahalinhinan ng inis.

Of course! She appreciate the beautiful view and his effort for bringing her here
and if she ever had a chance to visit here again, she will. But, she badly need to
fly in Russia as soon as possible.

"Pwede pa naman tayong bumalik dito sa ibang araw, McLaren. Kailangan ko na

talagang umalis. Sige na naman oh, magbihis ka na."

Hinawakan niya pa ang kamay nito, halos magmakaawa.

"Tell me why?"

Natahimik siya bigla. Kailangan niyang makaisip ng dahilan na kakagatin nito.

She gulped. "My friend-"

"Stop lying, Celine. Just tell me the truth."

"Kung ayaw mong umalis kasama ako, bahala ka. Basta kailangan ko ng umalis!"

Handa na sana siyang lagpasan ito ngunit hindi pa man din siya nakakahakbang ay
marahan ngunit may diin na napigilan na nito ang kanyang braso.

"Do you really think that I am stupid enough for you to fool me?" A venom laces on
McLaren's voice, giving chills to her body. "Do you really think I would bite your
lies?"

Hindi man niya kayang tignan ang mukha ni McLaren pero sa intensidad ng boses nito
at sa paraan ng pagtindig ng malaking katawan sa gilid niya... ay alam niya na
matindi ang pagtitimpi ng emosyon nito.

Minsan, pakiramdam niya ay maraming katauhan si McLaren na unti-unti niya ng

nakikilala. He can easily switch his emotions in just a blink of an eye.

"You gave me no choice." Halos pabulong ang boses niya. "I'd rather choose to feed
you with lies than telling you the truth."

Para na rin siyang kriminal na umamin ng kasalanan sa pulis sa sagot niya. Mas
mainam na rin siguro na alam nitong nagsisinungaling siya. Darating din naman ang
araw na malalaman nito lahat ng tungkol sa kanya, nabisto nga lang siya ng maaga.

"You don't trust me?" Malumanay na ang boses nito, tila sinusundot ang konsensya
niya.

Sa halos isang taon nilang nagkasama ni minsan ba naibigay niya ang tiwala sa
binata? Hindi. Dahil kung oo, matagal na nitong alam ang kwento ng kanyang buhay.

"I trust no one."

"Just last one question, Celine, then I will let you leave here." His voice was
cold as ice. His grip tightened, but not enough to hurt her. "Sino ang kausap mo?"

"My friend." Pinal na sagot niya.

Panandalian itong natahimik. Ang unti-unting pagluwag ng kapit nito sa kanyang

braso ay tila ba pagsuko... pagpapalaya.

"Mag-iingat ka."

Marahan lang siyang tumango kasabay ng tuluyan na pagkalas ng kamay ni McLaren sa

braso niya na nagpabigat lalo ng kanyang dibdib. Pero hindi niya na muna iisipin
ang nararamdaman. Ang mahalaga ay makakaalis na siya at makakalipad na patungo sa
Russia.

"G-give me the key."

"Ipapahatid kita sa chopper."

"Huwag na. Kaya ko naman magmaneho pabalik."

"Madilim sa tunnel."

Napamulagat siya bigla. "Ang sabi mo kanina maliwanag do'n!"

"Sinabi ko lang 'yon para hindi ka matakot." Natunaw agad ang puso niya sa sagot
nito. Iniisip pala siya. Nagsinungaling na siya lahat-lahat, kalagayan pa rin niya
ang iniisip nito? Pakiramdam niya tuloy ang bad girl niya talaga. "Ayaw mo ng
blindfold kaya pinapikit na lang kita kanina."

"McLaren..."

"Ilang araw ka mawawala?"

Naguluhan siya bigla sa tanong ni McLaren.

"Huh?"

"Are you going to visit your friend, right?"

Oh! He was talking about her grandma!

Humagilap siya ng isasagot. Sa totoo lang ay wala siyang idea kung kailan siya
makakabalik pero may nagtutulak sa kanya na mabigay ng petsa dito kung kailan.

"I'll be back after one to two weeks, I guess."

McLaren stare at her for a moment. Tinumbasan niya rin ang mataman na titig ng
binata sa kanya. Galit ito kanina alam niya iyon, pero mukhang hindi na ngayon.
Malamlam ang mga mata nitong tumutunaw sa kanya.

"Mamimiss mo ba ako?"

Nakagat ni Celine ang pang-ibabang labi ng wala sa oras dahil sa walang kagatol-
gatol na tanong ni McLaren. Mamimiss niya ba ito? Oo!

"S-syempre naman." Goodness! She's stuttering!

"Mamaya ka na umalis."
"B-bakit mamaya pa?"

"Payakap muna ako."

Naalarma siya nang hapitin siya ni McLaren sa bewang at pinatalikod. Muli ay

natanaw niya ang malawak na karagatan sa harap habang ang mga braso nito ay
nakayapos sa kanya. He was hugging her from behind.

Nararamdaman niya na inaamoy nito ang buhok niya at paminsan-minsan ay hinahalikan

ang kanyang ulo. McLaren's sweet side.

Kung sana hindi niya lang kailangan umalis, hahayaan niya ang sariling malunod ng
paulit-ulit sa ka-sweet-an na ipinapakita sa kanya. Handa siyang magsayang ng ilang
oras na kasama ito kahit sa ganoong posisyon lang nila. Kuntento na siya basta ito
ang kasama niya. Pero kailangan niya umalis. Kailangan. For the sake of her father.

Ilan minuto ang nagdaan na wala ni isang nagsalita sa kanila. Pareho lang nilang
pinagmamasdan ang naghahalong kulay asul at berdeng tubig dagat na malayang
humahampas ang mga alon.

Sana kasing laya niya na lang din ang alon... Kasing laya niyang mahalin si McLaren
ng walang aberya.

"Matagal pa ba 'yung chopper?" Basag niya sa katahimikan.

Naramdaman niyang hinalikan ni McLaren ang balikat niya bago siya sinagot.

"Bakit? Naiinip ka na ba? Ayaw mo na ba akong makasama?"

"Wala naman akong sinabing ganyan."

Pinigil niya ang huwag mapangiti. Nahimigan niya kasi ng pagtatampo ang boses nito.

"Ilang linggo tayong hindi magkikita kaya sinusulit ko lang ang mga minuto na
kasama pa kita." Humigpit ang yakap nito sa kanya. McLaren's chin is rested above
her shoulder. "Sigurado ka bang babalik ka?"

His embrace tightened. She can feel the hardness of his chest. She felt so small
whenever she's lock on his arms.

"O-oo naman! Babalik ako."

May dahilan ba para hindi?

"Pwede kitang samahan-"

"No," Mabilis na hindi niya pagsang-ayon na ikinasisi niya. Masyado na siyang

napaghahalataan sa inakto niya. "I mean, ayokong istorbohin kita. Kaya ko naman
mag-isa, eh."

"Ihahatid na lang kita."

"Huwag na rin."

McLaren sighed in defeat.

"Okay. Hindi ko na ipipilit ang sarili ko sayo. Masyado akong guwapo para gawin
'yan."
Naman!

Naglalambing na bahagya niya itong binalingan. Hindi niya inaasahan na magkalapit

na magkalapit na pala ang mga labi nila at huli na para umiwas pa siya dahil
nahipnotismo na naman siya ng magaganda nitong mga mata.

Wala sa sariling umangat ang kamay ni Celine at marahan na hinaplos ang pisngi ni
McLaren. Tipid niya itong ngitian. Ang perpekto naman ng pagkakagawa ng magulang ni
McLaren dito. Kahit saan dumako ang mata niya sa parte ng mukha nito ay wala siyang
makitang pwedeng ipintas. Hindi patas para sa iba.

"Miss, baka ma-inlove ka na sa akin niyan." Anito sabay mabilis na hinalikan siya
sa labi na ikinatawa niya. Patuloy niya lang itong pinagmamasdan, kinakabisado ang
bawat parte ng mukha ng lalaking kaharap. "Miss, baka matunaw na ako kakatitig mo.
Mababawasan ang gwapo sa mundo."

Umatake na naman ang kahanginan ng isang 'to.

"Hindi ko naman hahayaan na matunaw ka." At pinisil ang tungki ng matangos nitong
ilong na ikinangiwi nito. "Bakit ang gwapo mo parin kahit nakangiwi ka na?"

"I can't answer you right now, my angel. I need to ask my parents first."

"Siguradong maganda ang mommy mo."

"My mom is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." The sounds of his voice told
her that he is a proud son.

"And your dad, I'm sure sobrang gwapo niya!"

"Saan pa ba ako magmamana ng kwapuhan kundi sa kanya lang naman." And now he is
being boastful again.

Kinakain na naman tuloy siya ng curiosity niya about McLaren's parents. Mabibigyan
kaya siya ng pagkakataon na makilala ang mga ito?

"I hope to meet them one day."

"Hmmm..." Iyon lang ang naging tugon nito.

Maya-maya lang ay nakatanaw na siya ng helicopter na papunta sa direksyon nila.

Iyon na ba ang chopper na sinasabi ni McLaren?

"Is that the chopper?"

"Yeah," Kumalas ng yakap sa kanya si McLaren. "Let's go upstairs."

Hinawakan nito ang kamay niya at naglakad sila paakyat sa pangalawang palapag.

"E-Elevator?" Manghang tanong niya ng tumapat sila sa metal na pintuan at bumukas

iyon. "Elevator nga."

"Yeah, elevator." Huli na ang sagot na iyon ni McLaren.

"Ang astig ng bahay mo!"

Natatawa na hinalikan ni McLaren ang kamay niyang hawak nito.

"Thanks."

Bumukas ang elevator kasabay ng malakas na hangin dahil sa malaking elesi na

umiikot sa nag-aabang na chopper na may pangalan na MLane sa helipad na nilapagan
nila.

Inalalayan siyang makasakay ni McLaren at ng masigurado na ayos na ang pagkakaupo

niya ay panandalian siya nitong pinagmasdan.

"Mag-iingat ako." Sabi niya na lang at siya na mismo ang humalik sa labi ng binata.

Tumango lang si McLaren bago nilapitan ang piloto. May sinabi ito pero hindi niya
na narinig dahil sa lakas ng hangin at ingay ng tunog do'n.

"Call me! Okay?" Bilin ni McLaren sa kanya na sumenyas pa na tawagan ito habang
papataas ang chopper.

Nginitian niya ito at tinanguan bilang tugon bago ito tuluyang nawala sa paningin
niya.

INIWAN niya ang sasakyan ni Celine sa garahe ng bahay niya at pumili sa mga
nakahilerang sasakyan na gagamitin niya pabalik sa syudad. Lahat na halos ng klase
ng sasakyan ay mayroon silang magkakapatid. Their babies!

McLaren went inside his silver Aston Martin and drove away outside the garage. He
get his cellphone on the dashboard, he pressed something on it making all the doors
and gates closed.

Papalayo na siya sa itinatagong bahay niya nang maalala si Celine at kung bakit
kailangan nitong magsinungaling sa kanya.

Maybe the woman thought he don't understand Latin. Hell, he speak and understand
different languages!

The car is entering the tunnel when his cellphone vibrated. When he saw who's the
caller, he answered immediately.

"Yes, mom?"

"Sino ang babaeng kasama mo?"

"Mom," Agad na reklamo niya.

See? Hindi siya talaga makapagtago sa magulang niya. Palaging may nakasunod na mata
sa kanya.

"At dinala mo pa sa bahay mo. May balak ka na bang magpakasal, anak? Sabihin mo
lang sa amin ng daddy mo. Okay?"

"I did not break the rules, mom. I just brought her to my house, that's it. Hindi
pa ako magpapakasal."

"Hmm,"

"I'll hang up-"

"No!"

McLaren almost sigh.

"Mom, I didn't do anything stupid."

"Wala naman akong sinasabing may ginawa kang masama ah."

Alam niya ang uri ng tunog ng boses na iyon. Painosente!

"So, why calling?"

"Baka gusto mo lang mag-dinner kasama kami ng daddy at mga kapatid mo."

"Sure mom-"

"Tutal naman iniwan kang mag-isa ng babae mo pagkatapos mo siyang dalhin sa hidden
paradise mo." Nanunudyo na sabi nito.

"Mom!"

"Sa guwapo mong 'yan, anak? Hindi ko matanggap na iniwan ka niya ng gano'n lang."

"Babalik siya."

"Sabi niya?"

And now, his mother is being sarcastic and let out an annoying laugh, she's trying
to annoy him.

"I'll hang up."

"No, no, my son."

"I'm driving," It's time for him to make an excuse to avoid getting annoyed.

Knowing his mother, hindi sila nito tinatantanan hanggat hindi nila ipinapakitang
naiinis na silang magkakapatid sa mga pananadyang pang-iinis nito sa kanila.

"Not an excuse, my son. You can drive while your eyes are close. 'Yan pa kayang
kausap lang ako?"

"I know you, mom, you were trying to annoy me."

"And I can see you from here, my son. I'm not yet convince with your looks."

Mabilis na hinagilap ng mata niya ang secret camera na naitanim sa sasakyan niya!

Nakita niya sa rear view mirror ang maliit na kulay pulang ilaw na patay-sindi. He
sighed and shook his head.

"Why did you have to plant a camera inside my car?"

"To make sure that you're okay?"

"Lahat ng sasakyan ko?"

"Hmm,"

"I will know, mom."

"Why bothered, son?"

Muli ay bumuntong hininga siya. Ang mommy niya talaga!

"Paano kung makipagsex pala ako sa loob ng sasakyan ko? I'm sure I will look like a
porn star."

"Ayokong magkaroon ng anak na porn star. Hindi namin pinangarap ng daddy mo 'yon sa
inyong magkakapatid."

"Then, I will remove all the cameras you guys planted in my cars."

"Ang sasakyan ay hindi lugar pakikipagtalik, anak."

"You're no fun, mom. Mas mahirap, mas masarap. So yeah, I'd rather choose to have a
steamy sex inside my damn car than in bed."

"But always remember the Rules. Respect Women. Wether you talk about sex or not."

"I respect them. I even respect their privacy." Parang tinamaan siya sa huling
sariling salita.

He still respect Celine's privacy even though she lied to him. He respect her not
just because he was following the Rules from his parents, but because he feels like
Celine needs some respect, especially about her private life, that he was starting
to get curious about.

Tuluyan nang nakalabas si McLaren sa mahabang tunnel na iyon. Binabaybay niya na

ang daan patungo sa ESO.

"I see. You respect her decision for leaving you."

"She have her reason." He answered factly.

"And the reason is what?"

"She didn't tell me."

"Are you not going to make a move to know her reason? Hahayaan mo siyang umalis na
hindi mo alam ang dahilan?"

"Why bother, mom? I respect her decision. I should respect it."

"You respect her too much, huh?"

"No matter how much I tried to avoid meddling with her private life, I still did.
You know what I've got? A sweet lies from her." McLaren sarcastically said, almost
laughing at himself. "I hate hearing more lies from her, so I gave her freedom to
leave. I don't like to be a villain, mom. I want her free."

Natahimik ang kabilang linya ng ilang sandali. Using his free hand, he removed the
camera on the rearview mirror.

Nagtagumpay na naman ang ina sa pagkuha ng impormasyon sa kanya tungkol sa babae

niya.

"So, she lied to you?"

"Yeah, but that's fine. I understand her —"

"— I don't like her." Her voice may sounds smooth, but the way she said those
words, it bothers him. "At kung isang araw ay sasabihin niyang mahal ka niya, ako
ang unang hindi maniniwala sa kanya."

"My mother is a villain now." Biro niya pero hindi bumenta sa ina dahil seryosong
nagsalita ulit ito.

"Hindi mo man lang nakuha ang tiwala niya? I can't believe, McLaren."

"Mom, we have to accept the fact that we can't please all people. And people don't
trust easily, right? Besides, we already talked about this, we both agreed to have
our own privacy. Hindi siya makikialam sa buhay ko at gano'n din ako sa kanya
pero... parang hindi ko na kayang gawin 'yon ngayon." Nahimigan niya na ng
pagkabigo ang sariling boses. "Her lies is starting to fuck the hell out of me."

Chapter 7 - 5 ~ Crazy

CHAPTER FIVE

CELINE silently took a deep breath before she started licking the tip of the erect
manhood of McLaren. A smile form her lips when she heard him moan. Using the tip of
her tongue, she licked the silver pierced there.

"Fuck!" McLaren suddenly gripped her hair and guide her to move her head. "You're
killing me, C-Celine." His voice was hoarsely "Give me a deep throat, baby."

Unti-unti niya muling isinubo ang mahaba at matigas nitong pagkalalaki. Iginalaw-
galaw niya ang dila habang ang kamay ay nagtataas-baba sa kahabaan nito.

"Y-yes, baby, t-that's it. Yeah..."

Napapikit si Celine nang bahagyang gumalaw ang balakang ni McLaren dahilan kung
bakit damang-dama niya ang pagkalalaki nito sa loob ng bibig niya. He's really
huge.

She can still remember the day he took her virginity. Kinabukasan ay talagang iika-
ika siya sa paglalakad dahil pakiramdam niya ay wasak na wasak siya at ang luwag-
luwag niya. But McLaren keep telling her that she's still tight. She doubted it.

Habang gumagalaw ang balakang ni McLaren, sinasalubong niya naman iyon. Pinag-
igihan niya ang pagpapaligaya sa binata, katulad ng kung paano siya nito
paligayahin.

Ang paghigpit ng kapit ni McLaren sa buhok niya at ang pagsagad ng pagkalalaki nito
sa bibig niya ay dahilan kung bakit napaungol siya. His pierced tip was literally
reached her throat, making her chocked.

"C-Celine," Nahihirapan ang boses na iyon ng binata, tanda na malapit na ito sa

rurok ng kaligayan, kaya naman habang sinasagad nito ang kahabaan sa bibig niya ay
ginalaw-galaw niya ang dila at pinaikot-ikot sa pagkalalaki nito.

"Tang ina!" He cursed sharply.

She reached for his balls and massage it lightly making him moan, while her tongue
hurriedly licking his hardness, helping him to reach his orgasm.

Naging mabilis ang paglabas-masok ng pagkalalaki ni McLaren sa bibig niya. Tapos ay

isasagad hanggang sa lalamunan niya. Hindi niya alam kung bakit nakakayanan niya
ang kahabaan nito pero isa lang alam niya. She always wanted to pleasure McLaren,
especially in oral sex. Maybe because she's afraid that one day he'd find another
woman who could please him the way she doesn't.

Ayaw niyang iwan siya ni McLaren dahil hindi siya good in bed. Alam naman niya na
kaya lang sila nagtatagal ay pareho nilang nagpapaligaya ang isa't-isa sa kama.
Hindi dahil may pagtingin sila sa isa't-isa.

Mula sa mabilis na paglabas-masok ng kahabaan nito sa bibig niya ay bigla iyon

huminto at isinagad iyon ng todo hanggang sa lalamunan niya kaya siya nabilaukan at
maluha-luha!

"Oohhhh,"

Isang masarap na ungol ang umalpas sa labi ni McLaren bago nito mabilis na inilabas
ang ari sa bibig niya at ipinutok sa kanyng dibdib ang mainit na katas nito. He
collapsed above the bed and hold her hand.

"Wait for a minute my angel, then I'll wash you."

"H-how was it?"

Mula sa pagkakapikit ng mata ay nagmulat ito at ngumiti sa kanya.

"You sucked the shit out of me. That was amazing."  And kissed her hand.

Napapagod na nahiga siya sa tabi ni McLaren. Umunan siya sa braso nito. Napangiwi
siya nang umagos patagilid ang mainit na katas mula sa dibdib niya.

"I'm gonna wash you."

Maingat na inalis nito ang braso sa ulo niya tapos ay binuhat siya papunta sa
shower room.

Wala silang imik dalawa habang nasa ilalim ng shower... not until McLaren fingers
dropped down to her wet womanhood.

"McLaren!" She used her warning tone.

"Why?" Inosenteng tanong nito habang marahan na hinihimas ang hiwa ng kanyang
kaselanan.

Pinipigil ni Celine ang sarili na huwag umungol dahil alam niya na ang mangyayari
kapag narinig nito ang ungol niya.

"You don't want me to touch you here?" He gently pinch her cl*t making her bit her
lower lip. This man!

"H-hindi naman pero magpahinga muna tayo kahit ilang minuto lang."

"Paano kung ayaw ko?" Bumaba ang labi nito sa leeg niya at dinilaan siya paangat sa
ilalim ng tenga niya. "Paano kung sabihin ko sayong nagugutom ako. Papakainin mo ba
ako?" Ang daliri nito ay patuloy na binabaybay ang kanyang hiwa, dahilan ng unti-
unting pagkabuhay na naman ng pag-iinit ng katawan niya.
"N-nagugutom ka?"

"Yes, can I lick you?" He was seducing her. "Or do I need to kneel down and beg for
you? Before I could have a taste of you?"

"McLaren!" Napatayo siya ng tuwid nang lumuhod ito sa harap niya. "Please!"

"Please what, baby?"

She felt his breath hit her femininity.

"P-please, s-stand up."

Napapikit siya nang mas lalong lumapit ang bibig nito sa ibaba ng puson niya.

"Do you want me to stand up?" She could feel the tip of his tongue teasing her
cl*t.

"N-no, no!" Nagtaas-baba ang paghinga ni Celine sa paghihintay ng maaari pang gawin
ng binata sa maselang parte ng katawan niya. Knowing McLaren for a over a year,
he's expert in eating and licking a puss*. She experienced it many times!

"That's my angel." Anito at nag-umpisa ng dilaan ng marahan ang pagkababae niya na

agad na nagpaalpas ng ungol sa kanyang labi.

McLaren slowly encircled his tongue on her cl*t. Nang-aakit ang mabagal na galaw ng
dilang 'yon, kinakapos siya ng hininga dahil sa pag-aabang ng susunod nitong gawin.

"You like it when I lick your cl*t?"

"Yes, so much!" Walang pag-aalinlangan na pag-amin niya. Walang dahilan upang itago
pa ang nararamdaman.

"I will make you go crazy with my tongue, Celine."

"B-Binabaliw ako ng dila mo... McLaren..."

"Good girl."

Ang kaninang mabagal na paggalaw ng dila ni McLaren sa pagkababae niya ay nag-

umpisa ng maging mapusok at mapag-angkin.

Tila uhaw na uwaw ito sa pagdila at paghigop ng maselan niyang kuntil na

napapasigaw sa kanya sa labis na sarap.

"Oohhh, ohhh! M-McLaren, oohh!"

Ang kamay niya ay napahawak sa ulo nito habang hinihimod ng binata ang basa niyang
pagkababae. Bumabagsak man ang tubing sa kanila ay hindi iyon nakakatulong upang
patayin ang apoy na sumusunog sa katawan niya.

"Y-yes, yes! Oohhh,"

Nang hindi ito makuntento sa nakabuka niyang mga hita, ay dinala nito ang isang
hita niya sa balikat nito at ipinatong doon. Bago ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain sa
kanya.

McLaren's thumb was playing the upper part of her cl*t, while his tongue licking
her wetness.

Mariin siyang napapikit at napatingala dahil sa sarap na dulot ng dila nito do'n.

"Ooohh, McLaren! McLaren!" Nababaliw na paulit-ulit niyang binabanggit ang pangalan

ng binata. Ang namumuong pagnanasa sa puson niya ay malapit ng lumabas.

"Ooohhhhh!" Mahaba siyang napaungol nang parang hinihigop ni McLaren ang kuntil
niya doon ng paulit-ulit.

Tila alam na nito na malapit na siya kaya iyon ang ginawa nitong target para
tuluyan niyang mailabas ang orgasmo.

"McLaren!"

Mahigpit na napahawak siya sa ulo nito at pilit na inilalayo ito sa pagkababae niya
dahil hindi niya na kaya ang sarap na lumulukob sa kanya!

Pakiramdam ni Celine ay babagsak na ang mga tuhod niya. Hindi nagpatinag sa kanya
ang binata, bagkos, mariin na kinapitan nito ang mga hita niya at mas lalo pang
inangat ang isa na nasa balikat nito dahilan kung bakit mas bumuka ang mga hita
niya at malaya nitong gawin ang paghimod sa madulas na likidong lumalabas.

"Oohh, baby! S-stop! Ohhh, I'm gonna cum!"

She was begging him to stop but McLaren didn't listen. He keeps on licking her
wetness.

Nanginig ang katawan niya nang ipagduduldulan ng binata ang mukha sa hiyas niya at
naglumikot na naman ang dila do'n. Mahigpit siyang napakapit sa ulo nito nang
rumagasa ang sarap palabas.

"M-McLaren... Ooohhhh," she moan sensually and squirted in McLaren's mouth.

Isa na namang hindi malilimutan na sarap ang ipinaranas sa kanya ng isang McLaren
Lane.

Hinahabol pa ni Celine ang hininga nang maramdaman niya ang mabagal na pag-galaw na
naman ng dila nito do'n.

PAPASOK pa lang si McLaren sa gate ng mansyon nila ay natanaw niya na kaagad sa

garahe ang dalawang mamahaling sasakyan. One is matte black and the other one is
titanium.

"Am I late? Or my brothers are just fucking early?" He asked himself as he parked
his car next to his brothers' car.

Bumaba siya ng sasakyan at bahagyang natawa nang makita ang mga pangalan nilang
magkakapatid sa sahig kung saan nakatapat ang mga sasakyan nila. Mayro'n talagang
naka-alot na espasyo sa garage nila ang bawat isa sa kanila.

McLaren was about to touch the titanium sports car but paused when someone spoke
from behind.

"Don't fucking touch my baby." It was his brother, Mazda, then he patted his
shoulder. "Not my baby, okay?"

"Wala pang gasgas, Kuya. Bagong-bago!"

"Yeah,"

Mazda open the driver side's door, he hop in to get something. When he went out,
he's holding his iphone.

"Kanina pa kayo?"

"I've been staying here for two days now. Kuya Corvette just arrived."

"Why are you staying here?"

Mazda frowned at him.

"Its none of your business, McLaren."

Naglakad ito papasok sa mansyon. Hinabol niya ito.

"I plan to stay here for a week."

"Tell that to mom and dad, not to me."

"Aren't you gonna ask me why?"

Mazda suddenly stop and annoyingly look at him. "I don't give a damn with your
reason." Then continue walking.

"Kuya Mazda!" Tuluyan na silang nakapasok sa mansyon. Naabutan niya ang magulang sa
sala. "Dati may pakialam ka naman sa akin."

"Dati 'yon, hindi na ngayon."

Alam niyang hindi naman totoo iyon, inaasar lang niya ang kapatid. Mazda tiredly
rest his back on the sofa, he made himself busy with his damn phone.

"Mom," McLaren kissed his mother's cheek.

"Oh, ang bunso ko nandito na." Then kissed his cheek back.

"Dad," Nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya ang ama.

"Mabuti naman at dumating ka."

"Of course, dad!" Sumalampak siya sa isa pang single sofa. "I miss mom's chicken
and pork adobo." And winked at his mother. "Besides, I will be staying here for a
week."

"Ano ang nangyayari sa inyong magkakapatid at sabay-sabay pa kayong mananatili

dito?" Ang ama niya ang nagtanong. "Mazda been staying here for two days now. Your
Kuya Corvette have a plan to stay here, then you. What's happening?"

"Baka brokenhearted ang mga anak natin, Carlie."

Ang kaninang tahimik na kapatid na panganay ang unang nag-react.

"I'm not. I just missed the ambiance here. And I took a short leave from ESO. I
need some rest."

Ang Kuya Mazda naman niya ay hindi man lang nag-react. Matiim itong nakatingin sa
cellphone na hawak na parang gusto ng durugin iyon.
"Hindi ako brokenhearted. And I will never be." Mayabang na sabi niya na ikinataas
ng kilay ng ina. Hindi naniniwala sa kanya.

"Yes, son. Coming from a man who was left by his woman just a few hours ago?"

Nahilamos niya ang palad sa buong mukha at nahahapong sumandal sa inuupuan sa

sinabi ng ina.

His father sarcastically chuckled. "Hindi ko man lang dinanas na iwan ako ng babae
noon."

Alam niya na kung kanino siya nagmana ng kahanginan.

"Iniwan kita."

"You never did, love."

"Ay, oo nga pala. Hehe." Pinigil niya na lang ang matawa sa mommy niya. Ito talaga
ang ilaw ng tahanan. Literal na nagpapa-ilaw sa kapaligiran nila. "Maghahain na ako
para makakain na tayo."

"Nasaan ang mga kasambahay?" Tanong ni McLaren.

"I gave them a break. Alam ko kasing darating kayo at mag-i-stay dito, anak."

"Oh-okay, I'll help you, mom."

"Huwag na, tatawagin ko na lang kayo kapag handa na ang lahat."

"Mom," Pagpupumilit niya ngunit pinandilatan lang siya ng ina kaya wala na siyang
nagawa.

"MAZDA, hindi lalaban 'yang cellphone sayo." Puna ng ama na hindi man nakatingin sa
kapatid ay napansin pa rin ang matinding intensidad ng pagtitig sa bagay na 'yon.

McLaren got his iphone from his pocket to check if there's a message from Celine,
but none. Ibinalik niya ulit 'yon sa bulsa.

Maybe she's already travelling to Russia. He silently took a breath. Maghihintay na

lang siya na kontakin siya nito. That's the only thing he can do for now.

"She didn't answer my call and text messages for fucking two days now."" Mazda
sounds very annoyed.

Malamang, nag-away ito at ang kasintahan nito, si Liberty Wilson.

"Then stop calling her. Stop sending her a message." Payo ng ama sa kalmadong
boses.

"I can't, dad."

"Throw your cellphone or turn it off."

"I still can't."

"Then marry her. Para wala ng kawala."

Napasipol siya sa payo ng daddy niya. Iba rin!

"Oo nga, Kuya Mazda. Elope with Liberty and marry her. We will help you with that.
Right, dad?"

"Yes, son."

Tila nahimasmasan ang kapatid nang balingan sila. Siguro ay tama naman ang
ipinapayo nila sa Kuya Mazda niya? Ang ama niya naman ang nagsabi.

"Then make her the mother of your first child." Corvette suddenly spoke. "Para
tapos na ang problema mo."

Muli ay napasipol na lang si McLaren.

"Like what you did to ate Lexy, huh, Kuya?"

"Fucking right." Corvette stood up. "You do know now the technique on how to claim
a woman, McLaren." Then smirked at him.

"Yeah, impregnate her." Tumango-tango siya habang nakangisi.

Balang araw, ma-i-a-apply niya rin ang teknik na iyon sa babaeng mamahalin niya,
sigurado.

Then an image of Celine having a big tummy suddenly popped up his mind. McLaren
shook his head to erase it. What the fuck?

"Pero siguraduhin niyo na siya na talaga ang babaeng makakasama niyo hanggang sa
tumanda kayo. Ayoko ng magulong lahi." Tumayo na rin ang ama at tinapik ang balikat
ng Kuya Mazda niya. "We will support you, son."

"Thanks, dad. I know that."

They went to the dining area when his mother called them. They used to stay at
their mansion at least twice a month, his parents wanted it and it's like a family
rule that they need to obey.

Isa pa, magaan ang pakiramdam ni McLaren kapag nasa poder siya ng magulang at
kasama pa ang mga Kuya niya.

That's also the reason why he didn't think twice in going home because he don't
want to waste his time thinking about Celine and their distance.

He would go crazy.

Chapter 8 - 6 ~ Untold

CHAPTER SIX

KASABAY ng paggalaw ng mga paa niya upang habulin ang van na sinasakyan ni Little
Girl ay ang pagbitaw niya sa laruan na hawak.

"Wait! Wait for me!" Little McLaren shouted as he run towards the van.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit kailangan niya pang habulin ang sasakyan, but seeing her
crying like that makes him cry, too. Bumagal ang takbo ng van at ng tuluyan itong
huminto ay lumabas ang daddy ni Little Girl.

"Gusto mo bang sumama sa amin?" Pinakatitigan ng batang McLaren ang mukha ng

malaking lalaki. Nakatingala siya dito bago dahan-dahan na tumango. Nakita niya ang
pagguhit ng nakakatakot na ngiti sa labi nito. "Halika na."

Hinayaan niya na buhatin siya ng lalaki at ipasok sa loob ng van. Hinanap agad ng
mata niya ang batang babae.

"Little girl..."

"Bakit ka sumama?!" Galit na tanong nito sa kanya. "They are bad guys"

Itinuro ni Little Girl ang dalawang lalaki na nasa harapan. Sinilip ng batang
McLaren ang mga iyon, mukhang hindi naman sila naririnig o wala lang talagang
pakialam sa kanila. Muli niyang ibinalik ang atensyon dito. Naguguluhan.

"Why are you still crying?"

"Because I want to go back home!" Little girl was sobbing. "I asked help from you,
pero ayaw mo kasi... kasi inapakan ko ang toys mo!"

Naalarma ang batang McLaren nang hindi mahanap ang laruan niya na regalo sa kanya
ng daddy niya!

"My toys... Where's my toys?!"

"Wala ka namang dalang laruan nang dalhin ka dito ng bad guys!" Hinanap ni McLaren
ang isa pang boses na iyon ng bata.

Lumuhod siya sa upuan ng van upang tignan sa likod na upuan ang may-ari ng boses.
Isang bata na nakapatagilid na higa sa upuan ang nakita niya, ginawang unan ang
maliliit na kamay nito.

"Who are you, little girl? Dalawa kayong little girl dito?"

"Yes, little boy." Ipinikit ni little girl number two ang mga mata. "Sana paggising
ko... kasama ko na ang mommy at daddy ko." Isang butil ng luha ang kumawala sa mga
mata nito at dumaloy pababa sa pisngi. "I missed them so much."

Then she started sobbing while her eyes were close.

PINILIT ni McLaren na alalahanin at ipagpatuloy pang sariwain ang mga kaganapan na

iyon ngunit hindi na kaya ng utak niya. Pabalikwas siyang bumangon. McLaren
frustratedly brush his hair using his finger.

What the fuck is going on? Why those images became blurry?

"Good morning, bunso ko." Malamyos na boses ng ina ang nagpabalik sa kanya sa
katinuan.

"Mom..."

She smiled warmly at him.

"Masakit ba ang ulo mo? Heto, dinalhan kita ng gamot at almusal." She put the tray
on the side table, then sit at the edge of the bed. "Pwede kayong mag-inom na
magkakapatid pero huwag naman 'yung tipo na hindi na kayo makabangon sa
kalasingan."

Lalong sumakit ang ulo ni McLaren nang maalala ang pag-iinom nilang tatlo kagabi.
Hindi na nga niya alam kung anong oras sila natapos at kung paano siya nakarating
sa silid niya.

"I'm sorry about that, mom. I can't remember anything from last night." McLaren lay
his back on bed again and closed his eyes. "I'm not hungry though." Ilan sandali na
hindi umimik ang ina. "I swear, I will eat that later. Huwag lang ngayon, mom."

"Hindi parin ba siya nagpaparamdam?"

McLaren wanted to open his eyes but he chose not to. Ayaw niyang mabasa ng ina na
binabagabag siya ni Celine dahil hindi parin nagpaparamdam ang dalaga. Kaya siguro
napainom din siya kagabi upang hindi masyado mag-isip tungkol sa bagay na iyon.

"Hindi pa."

"Kaya pala mukha kang brokenhearted diyan, anak."

"Mom..." He grimaced. "It's not really all about her, okoy?"

"Then, what?"

An image of a crying little girl number two suddenly popped up his mind, but it
quickly faded away. His eyes went open, then he sat on the bed.

"What's happening, McLaren?"

His eyes wide a bit when he glance at his mother.

"Damn..."

Hindi niya alam kung paano o ano ang sasabihin niya. What the hell was that?

"Anak,"

Akmang hahawakan siya ng ina niya ng umiwas siya.

"No, no, mom. Don't go near me. Don't touch me. Please..."

McLaren felt like he's being vulnerable that he don't want to be touched, even with
his own mother.

"Anak, may masakit ba sayo?" Puno ng pag-aalala ang boses na iyon.

McLaren closed his eyes again. Then an image of the silver doll shoes of a little
girl number one popped up his mind, making his head hurt so bad.

McLaren groan loudly, trying to erase those memories that could give him a fucking
goosebumps.

"Who the hell are you? Who the fuck are you?"

"McLaren!" Naramdaman niya ang mainit na palad ng ina na marahan na dumapo sa

magkabilang panga niya. "Anak, open your eyes. Si mommy 'to."

That sweet familiar voice calmed the shit out of him. Ang boses na para bang iyon
ang tutulong sa kanya sa madilim na lugar upang makaalis siya.
McLaren hold those hands and slowly open his damn eyes. His mother's beautiful face
welcomed him, there's a glimpse of sadness on her eyes.

"Mom,"

His mother nodded her head.

"Yes, son, it's me. Your mommy."

McLaren was about to close his eyes again but his mother didn't let him.

"Huwag mo nang ipikit pa ang mga mata mo kung hindi mo gusto ang nakikita mo,
McLaren."

"It's dark."

"You're not afraid of darkness, right?"

"Hindi." At bakit naman siya matatakot sa dilim? Ang tanda-tanda niya na.

Si Celine lang ang takot sa dilim. Speaking of that woman. Where the hell is she
now? What she's doing?

They both eyed the door when it's opened, his father came in, his eyes were held
darkness.

"May problema ba dito?"

"None, babe. McLaren head is aching, that's it."

"And that made him groaned loudly?" His father asked sarcastically like as if
that's a very lame reason to groan like that.

His mother rolled her eyes at his father.

"My head hurts so bad, dad, mom. I want to be alone."

"You're acting like a brokenhearted man, McLaren." It was his father.

"You know that I don't. There's just something that bothers me."

"Like what?"

McLaren remain his mouth shut. Wala siyang balak na sabihin ang mga panaginip niya
o panaginip ba talaga iyon.

Kung may lubos man siyang pinagkakatiwalaan iyon ay ang dalawa niyang kapatid at
ang magulang niya, pero hindi niya magawang sabihin ang mga gumugulo sa kanya. Kung
bakit? Ayaw niyang sagutin.

"I don't like to be rude, dad, but I can't tell it."

"We understand you, son." His mother gave her a warm smile again.

"I know and thank you."

Eventually, his parents left the room.

At that moment, McLaren only wanted one thing... and that is to be alone while
thinking about those untold stories

VALERIE'S POV

PABALIK-BALIK siyang naglalakad sa harap ng asawa. Nababahala. They are in the

backyard, in the swimming pool area. Natutulog pa sina Corvette at Mazda nang
daanan nila ang kuwarto ng dalawa pagkagaling sa silid ng bunso nila.

"Valerie..." Carlie called her to get her full attention. Tinignan niya ang asawa,
tapos ay nahahapo na naupo sa tabi nito. "Tell me, what happened awhile ago?"

"Masakit daw ang ulo niya."

"That he needed to groan like that?" Carlie still didn't buy that lame reason.

"I feel like McLaren is hiding something from us." Valerie took a deep breath.
"Kanina, ayaw niya na lumapit ako sa kanya at ayaw niya na hawakan ko siya. Hindi
kaya dahil 'yon sa-"

"Stop." Carlie checked the surrounding quickly. "Don't think about it again and
don't talk about it again, Valerie."

"Pero, Carlie-"

"Please?" Nangungusap ang mata nito. "Let's just forget about it."

"We need to know what's going on to McLaren. Alam kong hindi lang simpleng sakit ng
ulo ang nararamdaman niya, Carlie. Hindi iyon dahil sa alak o sa hangover. It was
something I wasn't really sure about."

Carlie hold her hand and squeezed it gently.

"We will figure it out, okay? Hindi dapat ito malaman ng mga kapatid niya."

"I feel guilty."

"Why would you?"

"Pakiramdam ko may itinatago tayo sa mga anak natin."

"Parte 'yon ng buhay ng tao." Wala lang na sagot ng asawa.

"Pero anak natin sila!"

"Yes, and we are doing this for their own sake."

"Ang bunso ko..." Nasapo niya ang mukha gamit ang dalawang palad. "Kailangan niya
tayo, Carlie."

"I know, love. We will help McLaren in a way that he wouldn't notice."

Tumingin siya sa asawa. Nagtatanong ang mga mata niya.

"What's your plan?"

"Just trust me with this and cooperate."

Kailan ba siya hindi nagtiwala sa asawa? Marahan siyang tumango dito, tanda na
ibinibigay ang buo niyang tiwala.

NAMUMUGTO ang mga mata ni Celine habang tinititigan ang larawan ng ama sa picture
frame na hawak. She's still in Russia, but tonight, he will be back in the
Philippines to face a big responsibility that her father gave her before he died.

Ilan araw na rin siyang nagmumukmok sa loob ng kuwarto niya. Hindi maiwasan ang
pagdadalamhati.

"Dad," Celine was sobbing and silently crying in pain. "Dad..."

Her father passed away one week ago. Akala niya ay kakayanin niya na na mawala ang
ama at hindi na makita pa pero nagkamali siya.

Ang sakit sakit pala talaga sa pakiramdam na mawala ang nag-iisang taong dahilan
kung bakit pinipilit niyang mabuhay mag-isa upang may patunayan lang dito. Ngayong
wala na ito, mabubuhay parin siya para sa huling habilin nito sa kanya.

"Hija," Tawag pansin sa kanya ng personal nurse ng ama at nagsisilbi rin bilang
kasambahay na isang pinay, si Ramona.

Mabilis na pinunasan ni Celine ang luha sa pisngi pero hindi ito nilingon.

"B-bakit?"

"Naayos na ang flight natin mamayang gabi patungo sa Pilipinas." Napagdesisyunan

niyang isama ito, tutal naman ay wala na ang ama niya na binabantayan nito. "May
ipag-uutos ka pa ba?"

"Wala na, pero pwede bang dito ka muna?"

"Walang problema."

Naupo ito sa bakanteng upuan hindi kalayuan.

"Si dad, totoo ba na hinahanap niya ako nung mga panahon na nahihirapan na talaga
siya sa sakit niya?"

"Oo, hija."

"Matagal akong nawala. Akala ko nga nakalimutan niya na ako." Inilapag niya ang
picture frame sa side table. "Masaya ang buhay sa Pilipinas. Simple lang ang
pamumuhay ko do'n. I wanted to prove to him that I can live without his help.
Nagawa ko naman di ba?"

Tumango si Ramona bilang tugon.

"Habang wala ako, naaalala niya ba ako?" Naging mailap ang mga mata nito at hindi
nakasagot. "So, hindi niya ako naaalala. Naalala niya lang ako nung maramdaman niya
na hindi na siya magtatagal dito sa mundo." Mapait ang boses niya. Pilit tinatakpan
ang pinaghalong pait at sakit sa dibdib. "Hindi naman talaga ako mahal ni dad."

Nararamdaman ni Celine ang pagdaloy ng luha sa kanyang pisngi.

"Huwag mong sabihin 'yan. Mahal ka ng daddy mo. Siguro ay galit lang siya sa
nangyari noon pero mahal ka niya, Celine."

Paulit-ulit siyang umiling. Hindi sumasang-ayon at hindi naniniwala na mahal talaga

siya ng ama.
"Ako ang sinisisi niya sa lahat nang nangyari sa kapatid ko! Bakit ako? Wala naman
akong maalala sa nangyari! I don't understand him no matter how much I tried." Puno
ng frustrasyon na tinignan niya si Ramona. "Matagal ka ng naninilbihan sa amin.
Sigurado akong may alam ka. Please, sabihin mo sa akin bakit galit na galit siya
sakin?"

Lalong naging mailap ang mata ni Ramona. Halata na may itinatago sa kanya.

"Hija, pasensya na pero wala ako sa posisyon para sabihin sayo ang tungkol sa bagay
na 'yan."

"Please, Ramona."

"Pasensya na talaga, hija. Maiwan na kita."

Akmang tatayo na ito nang magsalita siya.

"Bakit mas mahal ni daddy ang kapatid ko? Nasaan ba ang kapatid ko? Sino ba ang
kapatid ko?"

'Yon ang mga tanong na matagal nang panahon na bumabagabag sa kanya. May kapatid
siya pero hindi niya alam. Isinisi sa kanya ng ama nang mahabang panahon ang isang
kasalanan na hindi niya alam na nangyari pala.

Her life is full of secrecy and untold stories.

Masyadong magulo ang buhay niya kung ikukumpara sa iba. Sa sobrang gulo ay
tinakasan niya ang katotohanan na may nakaraan siyang hindi niya kayang pangalanan.

Chapter 9 - 7 ~ Meal

CHAPTER SEVEN

NAUPO si Celine sa sofa nang maipasok na nila ni Ramona ang mga gamit nila sa
apartment na tinutuluyan. They arrived at exactly eleven in the evening from
Russia. The travel hours didn't make her tired, but the thought of the
responsibility that her father gave her did.

"Hija, gusto mo bang kumain? Ipagluluto kita."

Umiling siya. "Ayokong kumain. Magpahinga ka na. Alam kong nakakapagod ang byahe
natin." Itinuro niya sa bandang gilid ng apartment ang isa pang silid. "Do'n ka na
lang matulog."

"Magpahinga ka na rin."

Tumango siya at pilit na ngumiti dito. Pansamantala muna siya nitong tinignan bago
umalis sa harap niya.

Celine get her cellphone inside her bag and type a text message to McLaren. Sana ay
hindi ito galit sa kanya dahil hindi niya na nakuha pang kontakin ito noong nasa
Russia siya.
To: Baby M

Hi, are you free tonight?

She sent that message. After a few moment her phone vibrated. Her heart thump
loudly when she saw the caller's name.

Baby M calling...

Celine pressed the green button and placed her phone on her ear.

"Hello baby-"

"Where are you?" McLaren's voice is flat, there's no emotion on it.

"I'm in my apartment-" She almost curse when her cellphone shut down, making the
call ended. It's battery empty!

Celine rested her head on the headrest of the sofa and closed her eyes. She badly
need to rest but she can't. Her mind is too occupied with so many thoughts.

Kung ilan minuto siyang nakapikit ay hindi niya alam basta narinig niya na lang ang
sunud-sunod na katok sa pinto. She get up tiredly and walk toward the door.

Her heart almost skip a beat when she saw McLaren Lane standing in front of her
door, his eyes were dark and menacing.

"McLaren..."

Celine's knees turned in to jelly when McLaren pulled her closer to his for a tight
embrace. He made her feel how much he missed her. Kahit walang salitang lumabas sa
bibig, solidong naiparamdam nito sa kanya ang pangungulila sa paraan ng pagyakap
nito sa kanya.

"I missed you too." She whispered and hug him back.

"I didn't say that I miss you."

Pinaikot niya ang mata. "The way you hug me, it seems that you missed me."

Kumalas ng yakap sa kanya si McLaren at galit na tinignan siya. Ngunit hindi niya
iyon pinansin, bagkos, lumabas siya ng pinto at isinara iyon.

"What do you think you were doing, Celine?"

Hinawakan niya si McLaren sa kamay at hinila papunta sa nakaparadang sasakyan nito.

"Please, dalhin mo ako sa lugar na makakapagpahinga ako."

"You have a lot of things to explain to me."

"Opo, mag-e-explain ako." Nayayamot na sabi niya at binuksan ang pinto ng front
passenger seat. Si McLaren naman ay umikot papunta sa driver seat.

Nakahinga si Celine ng maluwag nang umaandar na ang sasakyan. Wala siyang pakialam
kung saan siya dadalhin ng binata, basta kasama niya ito, sapat na sa kanya 'yon.

"When did you exactly arrive?" McLaren asked.

"An hour ago, baby."

"Saka mo lang ako naalala?"

"Kung alam mo lang..."

I always thought about you while I was in Russia. I always wish that you were there
so I could have someone to lean on, but it's something that I can't do.

Sinulyapan siya nito. "Kung alam ko lang na ano?"

"Na... Miss na miss na miss kita- ay!" Impit na tili niya nang biglang nagpreno si
McLaren. Nanlalaki ang mata sa gulat nang tignan niya ito na nakatingin sa kanya.
Mabuti na lang at gabi na, wala na masyadong sasakyan sa daan. "May problema ba?"

"You've missed me?" Celine nod her head as an answer. "Pero hindi ka nagparamdam ng
sampung araw?"

So, bilang nito ang araw na wala siya? Samantalang siya ay hindi niya na nabilang.
Sampung araw lang pala 'yon pero bakit parang ilang buwan siyang nawala?

"Sampung araw lang 'yon, McLaren. Buti sana kung sampung taon."

"At tingin mo papaabutin ko ng ilang taon na hindi kita nakikita?" Matalim ang
boses nito, sumusugat sa kanyang balat sa mabuting paraan.

Celine's stomach fluttered. Hindi niya dapat maramdaman ang tila kilig, pero hindi
niya maiwasan.

"H-huwag ka ng magalit. Sorry na." Malambing na sabi niya at bahagya itong niyakap.

She stay like that for a few moments before McLaren took a loud breath, a sign of
defeat. And that made her smile.

Inayos niya muli ang pagkaka-upo bago ito nagmaneho ulit. Ipinikit ni Celine ang
mga mata upang umpisahan ang pagpapahinga. Panatag ang kalooban niya kapag kasama
si McLaren, para bang nagsisilbi itong matibay niyang sandalan.

MARAHAN na iginalaw ni Celine ang katawan nang maramdaman ang kung anong mabigat na
bagay na nakapatong sa tiyan niya na umaabot sa dibdib.

She reached for that thing above her stomach and breast with her hand, only to
realized that was McLaren's arms. Nakayakap sa kanya ang binata at ang mainit na
palad nito ay nasa isang dibdib niya.

Kahit ang lampshade lang ang nagsisilbing liwanag sa buong paligid, alam niya nasa
silid sila ni McLaren. Ang hindi lang siya sigurado kung nasaan lugar sila dahil
unang beses niya pa lang nakita ang kuwartong 'yon. Sa sobrang pagod niya at
kakulangan sa tulog ay hindi niya na namalayan kung saan siya dinala nito.

"It's too early to get up, my angel." It was McLaren's sleepy voice.

Maaga pa pero pati ang inaantok na boses ni McLaren ay nagpapamangha sa kanya,

masarap sa tenga, nakaka-akit.

"How did you know?"

Madilim oo, pero paano niya naman malalaman kung maliwanag na sa labas kung
nakatakip ang malalaki at makakapal na kurtina sa bintana?
"This is my room." Inaantok pa rin na sabi nito na para bang nando'n na lahat ng
sagot sa tanong niya.

"Y-your room?"

Sumiksik pa lalo sa kanya si McLaren kasabay ng paghigpit ng yapos nito sa bewang

niya.

"Yeah."

"Bbahay mo 'to?"

"You'll know later. Let's continue our sleep first, baby. Sampung araw akong walang
maayos na tulog dahil sayo."

"Kasalanan ko?" Natatawang sabi niya at gumanti ng yakap dito.

"Yeah it's your fault. You should be punished."

Her eyes widened when she felt the hard thing poking the side of her thigh.

"I'm in control, don't try my patient, Celine. I really want to be inside you right
now."

"McLaren!" She gasped.

"Then let me sleep or else I would punish you until you beg for me to stop."

Sumasang-ayon na tahimik niya itong niyakap at ipinikit ang mga mata. Hindi naman
sa ayaw niyang maparusahan, pero mukhang kailangan pa talaga nila pareho ng mahaba
pang tulog at pahinga bago sila mag-ubos na naman ng lakas sa parusa na tinutukoy
nito.

NAKAKATAWANG isipin na mas nauna pa talaga siyang nagising kay McLaren. Totoo nga
yatang ilang araw itong walang tulog dahil sa kanya. Dahan-dahan siyang umalis sa
tabi nito at nagtungo sa banyo.

Pagkatapos niyang magshower ay nakialam siya sa closet ng binata at kumuha ng

cotton tshirt do'n, sapat na upang matakpan ang kaunting bahagi ng hita niya dahil
na rin wala siyang dalang ekstrang underwear. Nilabhan niya iyon at kasalukuyang
pinapatuyo, siguro naman bago magising si McLaren ay tuyo na ang panty at bra niya.

Celine went outside the bedroom. She gets amazed when she realized where they are.
It's McLaren vacation house! He brought her there again.

Through the thick glass large wall, she can see the beautiful view of ocean, the
sun is bright.

"I'm here... again. Beautiful." She spoke to herself, smiling. "But this time, I
won't leave him alone. I'll stay here... with him."

It was like a promise to herself.

Celine went to the kitchen and cooked their breakfast. Halos katatapos niya lang
magluto at maghahain na sana nang may biglang yumapos sa kanya mula sa likuran.

"Good morning." McLaren greeted her and kissed her nape, making her body shiver
silently.
"Tanghali na kaya."

Inabot niya ang dalawang plato kahit pa nakapalupot pa rin ang braso ni McLaren sa
bewang niya.

"I don't mind."

"Kumain na tayo."

Naglakad siya sa lamesa ngunit hindi parin siya pinapakawalan ng binata. Pinaikot
niya ang mata at tinapik ang braso nito. He's being clingy.

"Magdamag na tayong magkayakap, hindi ka parin nagsasawa na yakapin ako?"

"Hindi."

Inihilig ni McLaren ang mukha sa balikat niya kaya napatingin siya dito. Ang daya
din talaga ng genes ng magulang ng lalaking ito, ano? Bagong gising na lahat-lahat,
ang guwapo guwapo pa rin! Nakakagigil!

Ngumuso siya kasabay nang paglapat ng labi nito sa kanya at ang pag-angat ng
dalawang kamay nito sa dibdib niya sabay parehong minasahe. Inatake kaagad siya ng
init.

"Umm," Celine moan when McLaren bite her lower lip. Halata na nanggigil ito.
"McLaren..."

Huminto ito sa paghalik sa kanya. Tinignan siya ng may halong kapilyuhan at surpera
sa mga mata.

"You aren't wearing any underwear?

Nakagat niya ulit ang pang-ibabang labi sabay tumango.

McLaren's hand went down to her inner thigh. Napatayo siya ng tuwid ng himasin nito
ang pagkababae niya. Napapikit siya sa sarap.

"McLaren..."

"Damn... You're hot."

Hinalik-halikan ni McLaren ang batok niya pataas sa tenga habang ang isang kamay
nito ay minamasahe ang malulusog niyang dibdib. Ang isa naman ay marahan na
hinahaplos ang pagkababae niyang nag-uumpisa ng mabasa.

"McLaren... umm,"

Bahagya niyang ipinaghiwalay ang mga hita upang bigyan laya pa ang binata sa
paglalaro ng daliri nito sa kanyang hiyas.

"McLaren, ahhh..." masarap na daing niya nang dahan-dahan na ipinasok nito ang
dalawang daliri sa butas niya habang ang hinalalaki ay mahibong nilalaro ang
clit*ris niya.

"You're wet, hmm." McLaren whispered sensually.

"I-I want you."

His lips formed a smirked while kissing her neck.

"Say, please, my angel."

Napahawak siya sa braso ni McLaren nang isagad nito ang dalawang daliri tapos ay
dahan-dahan na inilalabas-masok. Napapatingkayad siya, nag-uumpisa ng mahibang.

"Oohh, p-please..."

"Again." He commanded and keep on thrusting his finger inside her.

"P-please, baby."

Lumuwag ang paghinga niya nang tumigil si McLaren sa ginagawa at bahagyang lumayo
sa kanya.

"Turn around."

Kaagad niya naman itong sinunod. Dahan-dahan siyang pumihit paharap sa binata. He's
shirtless and only wearing boxer shorts that revealed his erection between his
thighs. Halatang-halata na galit 'yon sa kanya.

"Take off my shirt, baby."

"S-sorry kung sinuot ko."

"No, no, it's fine. I like seeing you wearing my shirt but you have to take that
off. I wanna see you naked."

Mahina siyang bumuntong hininga at dahan-dahan na hinubad sa harap nito mismo ang
tshirt na suot. Pagkatapos ay hinayaan iyon na mahulog sa sahig.

Ang lamig ng paligid ay dumampi sa buo niyang katawan ngunit kaagad din na
napalitan ng init ang nararamdaman sa paraan ng pagtitig ni McLaren sa hubad niyang
katawan. Para siyang napapaso sa bawat galaw ng mga mata nito, kinakabisado ang
bawat parte ng kanyang kabuuan.

"S-stop looking at me like that." She avoided his gaze, ashamed.

"Why?"

"N-nag-iinit ako at ang katawan ko." Pag-amin niya.

Sino ba kasing hindi mag-iinit kung hubo't-hubad siya sa harap nito tapos ay
titignan siya ng gano'n? Mainit at malagkit.

"What do you want me to do to you?"

Bumalik ang tingin niya sa tanong na 'yon ni McLaren.

"W-what?"

"You want me to kiss you? You want me to lick you? You want me to eat you?"

"I want you to eat me... McLaren." Her voice softened.

Biting her lips, Celine stare at McLaren. Pareho niya ay nag-aapoy din sa pagnanasa
ang mga mata nito.
McLaren's eyebrows shot up, amused.

"Tell me why do you like me to eat you."

"I love it... I love every time you eat and lick me here."

Gamit ang isang daliri ay pinaglandas niya iyon sa gitnang bahagi ng katawan niya
na sinusundan naman ng tingin ni McLaren.

Kahit pinamumulahan na siya ng mukha ay wala siyang pakialam. Hindi niya naman
kailangan pang itago ang nararamdaman.

Ang pagmamahal niya lang kay McLaren ang hindi niya kayang ipagtapat. Isa pa, hindi
naman niya priority ang saloobin para dito. Siguro darating din 'yung araw na aamin
siya pero hindi ngayon... Hindi ngayon na may malaki siyang responsibilidad na
kailangan gawin at unahin.

Bahagyang napaatras si Celine nang inisang hakbang ni McLaren ang pagitan nila at
impit na napatili nang buhatin siya nito at ilapag sa island counter.

Without a further ado, McLaren wide her legs, he pulled a one chair, he sit on it
and position himself between her thighs.

"McLaren..." Masarap na daing niya nang maramdaman ang mainit na hininga ng binata
sa kanyang pagkababae.

The anticipation is killing her already. She badly wants to feel his tongue licking
her puss* right now. This man always makes her feel insane!

McLaren kissed her cl*t, making her eyes dilated in pleasure.

"I will surely enjoy my meal."

Inilabas ni McLaren ang dila nito at inumpisahang sabik na himudin ang hiwa ng
kanyang pagkababae, dahilan ng pag-alpas ng masarap na ungol mula sa kanyang labi.

Chapter 10 - 8 ~ Inside

CHAPTER EIGHT

PABALING-BALING ang ulo ni Celine dahil sa

sarap na dulot ng dila ni McLaren sa maselang bahagi ng kanyang katawan. Ito ang
gusto niya, ang kaligayahan na ang binata lang ang kayang magbigay sa kanya.

Ramdam niya man ang lamig ng tiles sa likod ngunit hindi niyon napawi ang init na
lumalapat sa katawan niya sa mga sandaling 'yon.

"Oh, fuck! Baby...." Pinilit niya ang sarili na pigilan si McLaren sa ginagawa
dahil ramdam niya na ang mabilis na paglabas ng orgasmo. "B-baby... Come'on... S-
stop... Ohh."

McLaren groaned when he stopped licking her. His chin is placed above her lower
stomach. He was staring at her.

"I thought you like to be eaten by me."

"Y-yes, but I was running out of air. You are so..." Celine inhaled. She was
gasping from air.

"What, my angel?"

"You are so good." Inabot niya ang ulo ni McLaren at marahan na sinuklay ang buhok
gamit ang daliri. "And I can't stand with your expert tongue for long."

McLaren pursed his lips.

"Am I not good?"

"You are so damn good that I cannot even handle you while licking me down there."

"That's enough, then."

Tumayo ito sa upuan at pomosisyon. Nanlaki bigla ang mata ni Celine nang makita na
walang nakabalot na condom sa nag-uumigting nitong pagkalalaki at ang silver na
bulitas sa dulo ng ulo ay tanaw niya.

"B-baby... Your piercing. W-Where's your condom-"

"Hakuna matata. I'm safe, Celine."

"But-"

"I won't do it inside you, if that's what you want."

McLaren face darkened for some reason.

Celine bit her lower lip. Hindi na siya nagsalita at tumango na lang. Not that she
don't want to have a kid, but having another responsibility was not on her mind
right now.

Mabigat pa masyado ang responsibilidad na nakaatang sa balikat niya at hindi niya

kaya kung madadadagdagan pa 'yon.

Mas lalong dumiin ang pagkagat niya sa labi nang maramdaman ang dulo ng matigas na
pagkalalaki ni McLaren sa entrada niya.

"Umm..."

Celine closed her eyes when she felt a small hard metal poking her entrance. That's
a round style pierced.

"Does it hurt?" McLaren asked gently while slowly entering inside of her.

"No, it's good."

Napakapit siya sa braso ni McLaren nang dumulas sa loob niya ang sandata nito at
ramdam niya ang bulitas nito sa loob niya.

This is the first time they have sex without condom. She can say that is much
better than having one. She can feel how McLaren filled her. It's so good, it made
her lips parted again.

Mas nakakakiliti at nakakapang-init ng katawan ang bawat pagdulas ng ari nito

papasok sa bukana niya. Idagdag pa ang bulitas sa bandang butas ng pagkalalaki nito
na talagang kakaibang sarap ang dulot sa kanya.

"Ohh! Ohhh! McLaren!"

Lumakas nang lumakas ang ungol niya at ang pagtawag niya sa pangalan ng binata ng
bumilis ang pagbayo nito sa loob niya at ang pagsagad nito na pakiramdam niya ay
umaabot na sa puson niya.

"McLaren! Ohh... Ohhh..."

He was gripping her hips while he thrust deeper and rougher inside her. Her boobs
were bouncing every time he moves. She can literally feel the small hard metal
sliding to her wetness.

Mas nakakahibo ang dulot niyon sa kanya. Nakakakiliti at napakasarap sa pakiramdam

sa tuwing tumatama ang metal na iyon sa loob niya. Hindi niya maiwasan ang malakas
na pag-ungol at pagsambit sa pangalan ng kaniig.

"Oh baby! Yes! Yes! Harder baby! Ohhh...."

Wala na siyang pakialam kung mamaos man siya pagtapos nila. Habang lumalakas ang
pag-ungol niya ay mas pinagbubutihan naman ni McLaren ang paglabas-masok ng
kahabaan nito sa loob niya.

"Ohhhh.... Fuck!"

Hindi na ni Celine napigilan pa ang sarili nang nakakaliyong pinaikot ni McLaren

ang pagkalalaki sa kanyang loob dahilan kung napapasinghap siya sa sarap.

"Fuck... Fuck... ahh, ahh, McLaren..."

Celine's moan get louder as she felt McLaren's body pressed against her and thrust
deeper inside her. She could even hear his soft seductive moan, he buried his face
on her neck.

"Tang ina..." Bumagal ang pagsagad nito sa loob niya, damang-dama niya kung gaano
ito kahaba at kalaki. "Ang sarap... mo..."

Napangiti si Celine at napapikit sa sarap ng pakiramdam sa mga oras na iyon.

Yinakap niya si McLaren at tinanggap ang bawat pagragasa ng kahabaan nito sa loob
niya.

His length and his pierced that is located above the tip of his manhood gave her
too much pleasure that she won't forget.

Hindi siya nagkamali na sumama kay McLaren dahil kahit papano ay nakalimutan niya
na hindi niya pasan ang mundo. Kahit man lang sa mainit na pagtatalik nila ay
mabawasan ang bigat sa balikat niya.

Ilan pang sagad at mabilis na paglabas-masok ng pagkalalaki ng binata ay naabot

niya na ang rurok ng kaligayahan.

Bumaon ang mga kuko niya sa likod ni McLaren habang dinadama ang pag-agos palabas
ng kanyang katas. Hindi pa man din siya nakakatapos sa masarap na orgasmo ay
sinundan na iyon ni McLaren.

Celine embraced McLaren's tightly when he buried himself inside of her, she could
almost feel the tip of him below her abdomen. She moan deliciously when a hot
liquid squirted inside of her.
"McLaren..." she whispered softly.

It feels so fucking good to be filled by his hot semen for the first time.

"BABY..." McLaren desperately called Celine's attention.

Kanina pa siya hindi pinapansin matapos ang mainit nilang pagtatalik sa island
counter sa kusina ng bahay niya.

"What's wrong with you?"

Celine is sitting in a carpeted floor of his living room. She's busy with his
Macbook, it's place above the glass center table. She seems like searching for
something.

"Wala nga." Malamig na tugon ng dalaga. Hindi man lang siya tinapunan ng tingin.

"Why do you have to do this to me?" McLaren dramatically asked, making Celine
glance at him.

"May hinahanap lang ako. Huwag kang magdrama diyan."

Nilapitan niya si Celine at umupo sa espasyo sa likod nito bago malambing na

yumakap mula sa likod.

McLaren simply eye the Macbook. She's in a private website of an agency who gives a
private service.

"What are you searching?"

"Are you a private investigator, right?" She asked, taking a glance at him above
her shoulder.

There lips are just inches away. He's tempt to kiss her, but she looks busy.

"Yes. May ipapahanap ka ba? I can help you."

"Tell me the name of your agency." Naghihintay ang mga daliri nitong tumipa na nasa
ibabaw ng keyboard. "Ano?"

"Give me a details that you have. I will work on it."

"No," she disagreed quickly. "I want someone who will work on this. Not you, baby."

"You don't trust me."

Celine took a deep breath.

"I trust you. Pero hindi ako komportable na ikaw ang ta-trabaho dito. So please,
tell me the name of your agency."

Alam naman ni McLaren na may itinatago sa kanya si Celine, pero bakit ayaw pa
nitong siya na ang trumabaho?

Wala ba talaga itong tiwala sa kanya o sadyang ayaw lang nitong tuluyan siyang
papasukin sa pribadong buhay nito? Kung anoman ang dahilan ng dalaga, malalaman
niya rin 'yon sa tamang panahon.
"I will just send your phone number to them so they could personally contact you."

Celine paused for a moments, probably thinking if she would agree to him or what.
Eventually, she nodded her head.

"Okay, I will wait for them. Please make it as soon as possible, McLaren. I badly
need this to be done."

Kahit hindi bukal sa loob ni McLaren na tanggapin na hindi sa kanya ipinatrabaho

ang itinatago nito ay tahimik na lang siyang tumango.

Isa pa, kayang-kaya niya naman pakiusapan ang agency na ibigay sa kanya ang
trabahong iyon na hindi nalalaman ni Celine. He will work on it so he would know
her secret.

McLaren slid his hand inside Celine's shirt, it's his shirt, but she patted his
hand.

"Isa!"

"Why?" McLaren asked innocently, he lower down his hand until it reached her flat
stomach, he caress her there.

"May kasalanan ka sa'kin baka nakakalimutan mo!"

"What?"

Ano ang kasalanan niya? Ito nga ang may kasalanan sa kanya dahil sa hindi nito pag-
contact sa kanya ng nasa Russia ito.

"S-sabi mo hindi mo... Argh!" Naiinis na idinikit ni Celine ang likod sa dibdib
niya. "Y-you did it inside me!"

That was the reason why she waa ignoring her? Because he did it inside of her?

Didn't she realize the heavenly feeling when he filled her with his semen? Damn,
he's very willing to do it again and again, but he knew their limitations. Malabo
na mangyari 'yon ng madalas kung ganito ang estado ng relasyon nila.

"Are you afraid?"

"Who wouldn't?" Her forehead knotted cutely.

"Sa dinamirami ng gustong magpalahi sa akin, ikaw lang ang nag-iisang may ayaw."

Celine gasped and elbowed him. She was about to leave, but he was quick to pin her
down. Niyakap niya ito, ang klase ng yakap na hindi makakaalis basta-basta.

"Hindi mo ako naiintindihan, McLaren."

"Then make me understand you."

Muli ay narinig niya ang mahinang pagbuntong hininga ng dalaga. Tila ba may
pumipigil dito na magkwento sa kanya.

"I want to be honest with you." Celine hold his both hands that wrap around her. "I
am not yet ready for another responsibility. Marami pa akong bagay na dapat gawin
at unahin kesa sa pag-aalaga ng bata. I know it sounds selfish but this is the
reality. Kaya sana sa susunod, huwag mo ng uulitin 'yon. I'm scared to have an
unwanted baby. Not right now."

There's a hint of sadness in her voice that affects the shit out of him.

Ipinaramdam kay McLaren ng malungkot na boses na iyon na mali ang ginawa niya. As
much as he wanted to apologize to what he did, he couldn't do it. Walang namutawing
salita sa labi niya, bagkos, ang mga kamay niya ang gumalaw upang ikulong ang
dalaga lalo sa kanyang mga bisig.

TATLONG araw na silang nagsasama ni McLaren sa bahay bakasyunan nito ng makatanggap

si Celine ng tawag mula sa hindi nakarehistrong numero.

Nagtataka man ay sinagot niya pa rin ang tawag. McLaren is in the garage, washing
his sports cars, his babies.

"Hello? Who's this?"

"Hi, is this Miss Celine Villarica?" A female voice from the other line asked.

"Yes, speaking."

"We are inviting you for a private talk with one of our bosses for the service that
you want from us."

"W-wait, wait. Who's this?" She asked curiously.

When her eyes went to the door, McLaren is already walking towards her, topless.

Ang matitigas na muscle nito sa tiyan at braso, ang nakakaakit na mga tattoo nito
sa katawan ay nagbigay patunay na wala talagang tulak kabigin ang isang 'to. Walang
tapon, kain lahat. Sa pagtingin palang niya kay McLaren, nabubusog na siya.

"Sino ang kausap mo?" Ang tinig na iyon ang nagpabalik sa kanya sa katinuan.

"Ha? Ahm," Tinignan niya ang cellphone na hawak, ongoing pa rin ang call kaya muli
niyang ibinalik iyon sa tenga niya. "Hello?"

"Yes Miss Villarica, I'm still here. We will send you the address once we settled
this talk."

"Who are you?"

McLaren walk closer to her, he grab her iphone and place it on his ear.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Napangiwi siya sa malamig at seryosong pakikipag-usap ng binata sa kabilang linya,

pati ang mukha nito ay sumalamin sa boses nito. Pero kaagad din nawala ang
nakakakabang ekspresyon na 'yon nang tila magsalita ang kabilang linya.

Sino ba ang nasa kabilang linya?

PAPASOK pa lang si McLaren sa loob ng bahay nang matanaw si Celine na nakatayo sa

unang baitang ng hagdan. She's on her phone. She looks curious. Inilang hakbang
niya ang pagitan nila upang masiguro kung tama ba ang hinala niya.

"Sino ang kausap mo?" Napaigtad ito sa boses niya.

"Ha? Ahm..."
McLaren's lips almost twitch into smirk when he saw how he can affects her when
he's just around. She can't even speak properly. He's happy to know that his
presence affects her that much.

Celine put back the phone on her ear. "Hello?"

Hindi na napigilan pa ni McLaren ang sarili at marahan na kinuha dito ang aparatong
'yon upang makausap ang kabilang linya. Without looking at the caller, he spoke
using his very intimidating voice.

"Who the fuck are you?"

But it looks like the other line doesn't seem to bother with his cold voice,
instead, the caller answered him with smile on her tone. Even he can't see her, he
could feel the sarcasm from her!

"Hello, anak, your cold voice doesn't bother me anyway." It was her mother! He's
right! "I wanna talk to Celine again, please give her back the phone."

McLaren didn't speak. Hindi dapat malaman ni Celine na ang mommy niya ang kausap
nito.

"I told her that I will send her the address once she agreed to talk to us, whether
it's your tita Natalie, me or maybe your dad. What do you think, anak? Ako na lang
kaya ang makipag-usap sa kanya ng personal? Gusto kong malaman ang itinatago niya
sayo."

McLaren gripped on the poor phone. Heaven knows how hard he tried not to mutter any
single words.

He's controlling not to call her 'mom' as disagreement, but he can't do it, Celine
will hear him, she will know that they are the owner of that private agency.

"Sino daw siya?" Mahinang tanong ng dalaga na tumingkayad pa upang marinig ang
kausap niya sa kabilang linya.

"What can you say son-" He cut his mother off.

"Okay, we will wait for the address. Bye." Then he ended the call.

He put back the phone to Celine.

"Sino daw?"

"Our secretary." McLaren lied. "She will send you the address for a private talk."

A smile crept in Celine's lips. There, she's prettier when she smile.

"Thank you, baby!" Celine kissed her on the lips, making him groan silently.

He really needs to talk to his mother right now!

Chapter 11 - 9 ~ Name
CHAPTER NINE

"WHERE is your duplicate key?" McLaren asked her while they are waiting for Ramona
to open the door of her apartment.

Pagkagaling nila sa maiksing bakasyon ay dito sila dumeretso. Maayos ang naging
pahinga niya kasama si McLaren. Gumaan din ang pakiramdam niya, nakalimutan ang
responsibilidad pansamantala.

"Naiwan ko sa loob."

Akmang hahawakan na nito ang doorknob nang biglang bumukas iyon at iniluwa si
Ramona.

"Come in." Aya niya kay McLaren na halata ang pagtataka dahil kay Ramona na ngayon
lang nito nakita. "Have a seat."

She left McLaren and went to the kitchen to get a cold water. When she came back,
he and Ramona are staring at each other carefully. Tinitimbang ang isa't-isa.
Umirap siya sa hangin at ipinakilala ang babae.

"McLaren, meet my aunt." Wala siyang nakitang pagprotesta sa matanda. Nabasa kaagad
nito ang nais niyang ipahiwatig. "Auntie Ramona."

"McLaren," Inilahad ng binata ang kamay na kaagad namang tinanggap ni Ramona. "Nice
to meet you, Auntie."

Celine almost smile on how McLaren addressed Ramona. Nakiki-auntie.

"Nice to meet you too, hijo."

Naupo siya sa tabi ni McLaren at sinalinan ito ng tubig sabay abot dito. He looks
fresh. Katulad niya ay maayos din itong nakapagpahinga. Nakatulong din ang madalas
nilang pagtatalik, pakiramdam niya ay blooming din siya.

"Thanks."

"Auntie, pwede po bang ipagluto niyo kami ni McLaren? Nagugutom na kasi ako."

Bahagyang yumukod si Ramona bilang paggalang na ikinangiwi niya.

"Masusunod,"

"Salamat po." Putol niya kaagad dito na halatang nabigla sa pagpapanggap na kamag-
anak niya ito. Nang makaalis si Ramona ay saka lang nagsalita ang katabi niya.

"Weird."

"Huh?" Sumimsim siya ng tubig, patay malisya sa simpleng puna ni McLaren sa inaasta
nilang dalawa ni Ramona.

"I mean, you were with her when you arrived here from your friend's house
somewhere?"

"Yes,"

"For vacation? Or for good?"

"For good."

Celine shrugged her shoulder to cut that topic. Nangangamba siya na baka madulas
siya kay McLaren. Inilibot nito ang tingin sa paligid.
"Masyadong maliit ang apartment na ito para sa inyong dalawa." Kaagad na
nagsalubong ang kilay niya at nakita nito 'yon. "No offense meant, Celine."

"Wala akong panahon maghanap ng bagong matitirahan."

"May alam ako."

Tumaas ang isang kilay niya pero nakuha nito ang interes niya.

"Saan naman?"

"Near my condo." Nanunudyo na sinundot niya sa tagiliran si McLaren na ikinaigtad

nito. "What was that?"

"Umamin ka, gusto mo ako laging makita 'no?"

McLaren let out a short amusing laugh, shaking his head. She like it when he laugh,
he looks genuinely happy. He seems like he really enjoy being with her and the
feeling is mutual.

"Yes my angel, I always wanna to see you. What's the big deal on it?" He's straight
forward that made her speechless. "Ikaw ba, gusto mo ba akong laging makita?"

"Ahm..."

"It's a yes, I know." Buong kumpyansa nitong sambit tapos ay inakbayan siya. "Bukas
na bukas din ay aayusin ko ang paglilipat niyo ng matitirahan."

"McLaren!" Protesta niya.

"What?" His forehead knotted innocently.

"Hindi mo kailangan gawin 'yon."

"Sabi mo kasi wala kang oras maghanap ng bago niyong matitirahan kaya ako na lang
ang gagawa ng paraan." Sumandal ito sa sofa. "Mas safe ang lugar na 'yon at isa pa
mas malapit sa akin."

"McLaren..."

"Ayokong pakialaman ang buhay mo pero hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko, Celine."
Naging desperado ang tinig nito.

"Pakiramdam ko ay nababaliw ako kapag wala ka. I went to my parents house to cool
down and it helped. But there were times that I was longing for you. I don't know
what you did to me for me to feel that way."

Celine became speechless again. She didn't expect McLaren to burst out his feelings
towards her while she was away. But she should've always remember that this man in
front of her is always straight forward when it comes to his feelings.

Alam niya na gusto siya ni McLaren, masaya siyang malaman iyon dahil lihim niya
itong minamahal. Sa ganoong kaisipan, kahit papano ay nasusuklian nito ang
pagmamahal niya.

Ang hindi niya maintindihan ay ang katotohanan na bakit natatakot siyang magtapat
ng nararamdaman para dito? Animo may malakas na hangin na pumipigil sa kanya na
isarili niya muna ang pagtingin para sa binata.
"I didn't do anything."

"That's the frustrating point, Celine. Wala kang ginagawa pero binabaliw mo parin
ako."

She pursed her lips. She can see the frustration on McLaren's face. For some
fucking reason, she likes it when his expression is like that. And admit it or now,
he looks hot when mad.

Umayos si Celine ng upo at inihilig ang mukha sa dibdib ni McLaren. She could feel
his body still a bit. Naaapektuhan din ba ito kapag malapit siya dito?

"Oo na, pumapayag na akong lumipat ng bahay para mas malapit sayo." Mahina itong
napabuntong hininga. Maya-maya lang ay naramdaman niya na na hinahaplos nito ang
buhok niya. "Tama ka, maliit ang bahay na ito para sa dalawang tao."

"Exactly."

"I'm sorry pala."

"For what?"

Pinigil niya ang huwag mapangiti bago sumagot.

"Kung binabaliw kita."

"I should've not tell you that."

"Pero nasabi mo na." Binigyan niya ito ng halik sa dibdib. "Masaya akong malaman na
gano'n ang epekto ko sayo."

"You might use that for your advantage."

"How would you know?"

"Let's see then." Bumaba ang isang kamay ni McLaren sa braso niya at hinaplos siya
sa parteng iyon. "Gusto mo bang samahan kita sa pakikipag-usap sa boss ko?" He
quickly changed the topic. "I can accompany you."

"I think, I can handle it alone." Her voice is whispery. "I don't want to disturb
you, McLaren. Alam naman natin pareho na busy kang tao. Hindi mo lang
ipinapahalata."

"Speaking about being busy, yeah, I will be busy next week. I have my new
assignment."

"Ilang araw ka na naman kayang mawawala?"

Natatandaan niya pa noon na ilang beses itong nawala ng halos isang linggo at wala
man lang paramdam sa kanya. Dahil wala siyang karapatan magreklamo kaya hindi niya
na ito nagawang tanungin ng bakit.

Kung mawawala ulit ito ng ilang araw, hindi niya na alam kung kaya niya pa ba na
itikom ang bibig niya upang huwag itong usisain kung anoman ang ginawa nito.
Trabaho?

"Hindi ko pa sigurado. Bakit?"

"Para naman maihanda ko ang sarili ko na wala ang presensya mo ng ilang araw."
Marahan na hinaplos niya ang dibdib ni McLaren. "Baka kapag hindi ka nagparamdam ng
ilang araw ay magaya ako sayo..."

"Like what?"

"... Na mabaliw din dahil hindi ka nagpaparamdam."

Natawa ito na ikinangiti niya rin. "Gusto ko nga na mabaliw ka sa'kin."

Mahina na kinurot niya ito sa dibdib. "Grabe ka!"

"I will try to contact you so you wouldn't miss me."

"Pangako?"

Nag-angat siya ng tingin kay McLaren. Mapungay ang mga nito ngunit wala namang
tiyak na emosyon.

"Hindi ako nangangako, Celine. Ginagawa ko."

"Yeah, that's my man!" She kissed him on the neck.

Ilan sandali pa lang silang magkayakap at walang imik nang tumunog ang cellphone
niya na nasa center table. Unregister number ulit ang caller pero pamilyar siya sa
numero. Kaagad niyang sinagot iyon.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Miss Villarica, are you free tomorrow night for a talk?"

Napatingin siya kay McLaren na tahimik lang siyang pinagmamasdan.

"Yes, I'm free."

"Okay, cool! I will send you the address tomorrow once I settled the location."

"I will wait. Thank you."

"Have a good night." And the line was cut off.

Inilapag niya ang cellphone sa lamesa at binalingan si McLaren.

"I will going to meet one of the investigator of your agency tomorrow night."
Imporma niya na tinanguan lang nito. "Ahm, gabi pa naman 'yon kaya pwede pa tayong
maghanap ng malilipatan namin."

"I will pick you at eight in the morning, okay?"

Tumayo ito. Hindi niya inaasahan na aalis na. Gusto niya pa itong makasama.

"A-aalis ka na?"

"We have a rehearsal for tomorrow night's gig." He took a glance on his expensive
wrist watch. "And I will be late if I stay here for another couple of minutes."

Sinundan niya si McLaren palabas ng pinto. Hindi na ito magpapaawat pa at wala rin
naman siyang balak. Katulad niya, ayaw niyang ipagkait ang oras nito sa ibang
bagay.
"Mag-iingat ka."

Pumihit si McLaren paharap sa kanya at binigyan siya ng magaan na halik sa labi.

"I will."

Nang makaalis na ang sasakyan ni McLaren ay isinara niya na rin ang pinto tapos ay
dumeretso sa kusina.

"Celine... hija," Naghahain na si Ramona. Naupo siya sa bakanteng upuan do'n.

"Umalis na ang kasama mo?"

"Yes, may gagawin pa kasi siya." Pinagsilbihan siya nito. "Ahm, pwede bang huwag ka
ng yumukod at maging sobrang magalang sa'kin? Hindi na ako sanay sa gano'n."
Panandalian na tinignan siya ni Ramona.

Pakiramdam niya kasi ay masyado siyang importanteng tao para sa gano'ng klaseng pag
trato. Ayaw niya na itinatrato siyang parang prinsesa dahil kahit nagmula siya sa
mayaman na pamilya ay hindi pa rin niya kayang panindigan ang pagiging mayaman niya
lalo at hindi niya pinaghirapan ang yaman na 'yon.

Isa lamang siya sa tagapagmana ng yaman ng ama. Yaman na minsan sa buhay niya ay
hindi niya pinaghirapan. Ngunit wala na siyang magagawa kundi tanggapin 'yon.

"Ayos lang naman, kung 'yan ang gusto mo. Wala na rin ho at po?"

"Oo, lalo at kaharap natin si McLaren." Tinignan niya sa mga mata si Ramona. "Call
me Celine. Okay?" Tumango ito. "Matatapos din itong pagpapanggap natin. Ayoko lang
talaga na malaman ni McLaren ang lahat ng tungkol sa'kin."

Naupo si Ramona sa katapat niyang upuan at naiintindihan na tinignan siya.

"Alam kong may malalim na dahilan kung bakit pinaglihiman mo ang binatang 'yon
Celine. Kung ano man 'uon ay nandito lang ako para sumuporta sayo o sa lahat ng
gagawin mo."

Tipid siyang napangiti. "Salamat, Ramona, I mean Auntie Ramona." Pareho silang
mahinang natawa sa pagkakamali niya.

"Oh siya, kumain ka na at magpahinga pagkatapos."

Mag-uumpisa na sana siyang kumain nang may maalala.

"Anyway, aalis pala ako bukas para maghanap ng bagong malilipatan natin. May
itatanong lang sana ako sa iyo."

Muli ay bumalik ang atensyon ni Ramona sa kanya. "Ano 'yon?"

"Pwede mo bang sabihin sakin ang pangalan ng kapatid ko?"

Kagat-labi na nagbabakasali siyang madadagdagan ang impormasyon niya sa nawawalang

kapatid.

"Celine..."

"That was my father's last wish before he died. He wanted me to find my sister and
I promise to him that I will find her no matter what happen. I don't want to
disappoint him." Nangungusap ang mga mata niyang tinignan ito. "Please?"
Malalim na bumuntong hininga si Ramona. Nakikita niya ang pagdadalawang isip sa
mukha nito. Hindi niya alam kung bakit tila may pumipigil dito na magbigay ng
impormasyon sa kanya.

"Her name is Miyaka Villarica."

Celine let out a loud breath, she was surprised!

"Our name are almost same."

"Yes, Miyuki."

A smile crept on Celine's lips after hearing her real name.

"I missed hearing my real name."

"It's been a very long time, Miyuki."

"McLaren didn't know that." She said sadly and play with her foods using fork. "Ang
dami kong hindi sinasabi sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ko kayang
magtago. Ayoko siyang masaktan."

Nananatiling tahimik si Ramona pero alam niyang nakikinig ito kaya nagpatuloy siya.

"Sa totoo lang natatakot ako sa maaaring mangyari sa aming dalawa kapag nalaman
niya na ang mga kasinungalingan ko. Sigurado akong iiwasan niya ako... At hindi ko
alam kung kakayanin ko na tuluyan na siyang mawala sa buhay ko. Iniisip ko pa lang
ngayon na malalaman niya rin ang lahat ng 'to, nasasaktan na ako. Paano kaya kung
mangyari na talaga? Gaano kaya kasakit na kamunhian niya?"

"Naniniwala ako na kung totoong mahal ka ng isang tao, maiintindihan niya ang lahat
sayo o kung ano pa 'yang ginawa mo."

Marahan siyang umiling. "Ang kaso... Hindi niya ako mahal."

"Hindi ko masabi kung hindi o oo."

"He likes me, but he doesn't love me. That's a different thing. Okay sana kung
mahal niya ako, maniniwala ako na kahit papano ay maiintindihan niya ako kung bakit
ko nagawa ang lahat ng ito... Pero hindi, e." Umiling siya. "Hindi niya kailanman
sinabi na mahal niya ako. Ako lang kasi 'yung nagmamahal sa aming dalawa."

Mahina siyang natawa sa katotohanan na iyon. Kahit anong pigil niya na huwag
mahulog kay McLaren ay wala rin silbi dahil matagal na siyang nahulog sa binata.

"Kung dumating man 'yung araw na malaman niya ang lahat at nagalit siya sayo,
kailangan mong tanggapin 'yon kahit masakit."

Kumurap-kurap si Celine upang pigilan ang luha na gustong kumawala sa mga mata
niya. Ito na nga ba ang ayaw niya at pilit niyang iniiwasan, ang masaktan ng walang
karapatan at hindi nalalaman ni McLaren.

"Handa ko naman tanggapin lahat ng sakit na darating dahil alam ko na aabot kami sa
punto na 'yon. Hindi ko lang maiwasan na huwag masaktan para sa kanya. Minahal ko
si McLaren kahit alam kong sa huli ay masasaktan ko lang siya."

Chapter 12 - 10 ~ Job
CHAPTER TEN

MCLAREN parked his car in the garage and hurriedly went inside their mansion. He
wanted to talk to his parents but he didn't see them when he entered. He badly
needs to talk to his mother about Celine's case.

He respect his mother a lot but he don't want her to meddle with Celine's private
life, though it's their job. The situation is getting complicated.

"Where's my mom and dad?" He asked the helper.

"Sir, nasa swimming pool po sila."

Mabilis na nagpunta siya sa likod na bahagi ng mansyon at do'n niya nadatnan ang
magulang na mukhang masinsinan na nag-uusap.

He was facing their back. Hindi pa man din ng mga ito naaamoy ang pabango niya o
nakikita ang kanyang anino pero sabay na bumaling sa kanya. They can easily feel
someone's presence  that's around them. One thing that he admired from his parents
until that day.

"Anak..." It was his mom. He walked towards her and kissed her on the cheek. Ang
ama niya naman ay bahagya niya lang niyakap. "Hindi ko na tatanungin kung bakit ka
nandito. Hmm?"

"Tell me, who will be handle Celine's case?" McLaren asked directly.

"Hindi mo saklaw ang bagay na 'yan, McLaren."

He almost leer. Just because he's their son it doesn't mean he can have all the
access inside ESO. May mga bagay parin na hindi nila pwedeng pakialaman, katulad
nalang nang pagpili at pagtanggi sa trabahong inatas sa kanila dahil lang sa
personal na dahilan.

But mostly, ESO's bosses don't give them a job that is related to them. Like
Celine's case, he's sure that his parents wouldn't allow him to take that job, but
he will try to negotiate to get it.

"Mom," McLaren lazily sit down at the vacant chair in front of his father. "Give
that job to me."

"No, son. I will give you another job. Not with that Miss Villarica's case." His
father said with finality on his tone, making him growl.

"Pwede kong pagsabayin 'yon, dad."

"No,"

"Dad-"

"I said no" His voice was stern, showing to him that when he said, it's a no and
that's fucking final. No one could break it.

McLaren sighed, it's a sign that he accepted and respect his father's decision. He
glance at his mother who's arching her eyebrow, showing to him that she's serious
in that matter.

"Then tell me who will handle her case?"

"Wala pa. Parehong nasa trabaho ang mga Kuya mo. Maybe I will give it to... Alex."

Alex is one of the agent in ESO.

"How about tomorrow? Sino ang makikipagkita kay Celine?"

Nagkatinginan muna ang magulang niya. Tila binabasa ang takbo ng isip ng bawat isa
bago muling itinuon ang atensyon sa kanya. Funny how they can communicate by using
their eyes.

"It's either me or your dad."

Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo ni McLaren. Hindi makapaniwala na pati ang ama ay
napapayag ng mommy niya sa gano'ng klaseng pakikipagkita lang sa kliyente. His
father is very hard to please, only his mother can do it easily.

"Are you serious, mom?"

"Mukha ba akong nagbibiro, anak?"

Umiling si McLaren. Hindi alam kung ano ba ang mararamdaman, matatawa o mababahala
ba dahil ang ina ang makikipag-usap kay Celine. They never meet the client
personally. All the transaction with the clients are done by ESO's private website.

Kung may makipagkita man ng personal sa kliyente at pag-uusapan ang gustong ipagawa
ng mga ito, hindi ang mga boss ang magagawa, kundi silang mga agent lang.

"Bakit ikaw or si dad pa? Pwede naman na si Alex na para derekta ang pagbibigay ng
impormasyon."

"Hmm..." His mother play with the juice in the glass. "I'm curious, okay? I want to
know her secrets." Desidido talaga ang ina na malaman kung ano nga ba ang itinatago
ni Celine. "At sa oras na malaman ko ang sekreto niya kung anoman 'yon... Huwag
kang umasa na sasabihin ko sa'yo, McLaren."

"Mom-"

"You have to figure it out with your own, my dear son." She smiled at him. "Isa pa,
nasa rules and regulations ng ESO na mananatiling pribado at confidential ang bawat
kaso na hahawakan natin. I am not a rule breaker. We should follow the rules,
anak."

"I know and I understand." He gave up. Alam niyang hindi niya mapipilit ang mga ito
lalo at connected siya kay Celine. "I am just worried."

"Saan?"

"Celine might discover that you are my mother."

"I assure you that she will not. Okay?" Nginitian siya ulit ng ina. Ngiti na may
assurance. He's contented with that. "Lahat naman tayo nagsisinungaling, McLaren.
Lahat tayo may kanya-kanyang sekretong itinatago. Kung isang araw malaman niya ang
totoo mong pagkatao dapat ay tanggapin ka niya kung tunay kang mahalaga sa kanya."

Hindi siya nakapagsalita bigla. Alam niya naman na malaki ang tiyansa na
madidiskubre ni Celine kung sino o ano talaga siya kaya inihanda niya na ang sarili
sa kung anoman ang kalabasan kapag nangyari na ang bagay na 'yon.

"I know I'm important to her." It's because Celine makes him feel how important he
is to her, that's why.

"Maniwala ka lang na mahalaga ka sa isang tao kapag nagawa niya ng tanggapin ka sa

buhay niya ng buong puso, kahit hindi ka na katanggap-tanggap." Sambit ng ama.

Ano nga ba ang kayang gawin ng tao para lang malaman kung gaano tayo kahalaga sa
kanila? Na hanggang kailan nila tayo kayang tanggapin kapag dumating na ang araw na
hindi na tayo katanggap-tanggap? Hanggang kailan nila tayo handang patawarin sa mga
kasalanang nagawa natin?

McLaren knew it wasn't easy as breathing, his father has a point, if you are really
important to someone they will accept you no matter what. Kahit gaano pa kasakit
ang idinulot natin sa kanila, palaging may lugar sa puso natin ang kapatawaran.

"Hindi sa salita lang binabase ang tunay na nararamdaman ng babae't-lalaki, dapat

pati sa kilos niya ay maramdaman mo rin na mahal ka niya." Muli ay nginitian siya
ng ina, napaka gaan ng awra nito kumpara sa daddy niya. "Kaya huwag ka ng mag-
aalala kung isang araw matuklasan man ni Celine ang mga itinatago mo. Call it
quits, McLaren. Dahil hindi lang naman ikaw ang may itinatago sa inyong dalawa,
kundi pati siya ay may sekreto rin na hindi sinasabi sayo."

McLaren brushed his hair using his fingers, suddenly Celine's beautiful face
flashes his mind. He silently groan when he realize his lips form a smile but was
quick to stop it.

"I don't know what to say, mom." He got distracted just by thinking of Celine!

"Wala ka naman dapat sabihin, anak. Gusto lang namin ng daddy mo na maliwanagan ka
at mabawasan ang pag-aalala mo sa mga bagay-bagay."

"Masyado ka kasing apektado." Napatingin siya sa ama na mataman na nakatingin sa

kanya. "Don't stress yourself, son."

Malalim siyang bumuntong hininga. Bakit ba sobra siyang apektado sa buhay ni

Celine? Dati naman ay wala siyang pakialam talaga. Being with her is enough, not
until the day came that he suddenly wants to know her personal life.

Sumasakit ang ulo niya kapag masyado siyang nag-iisip at hindi maganda ang dulot
niyon sa kanya.

"My head is aching every time I get stressed. Is that normal?" McLaren asked all of
a sudden. "Tapos... Tapos..." Hindi niya na itinuloy ang sasabihin, muntik na
siyang madulas sa harap ng mga ito.

He was about to confess his dreams in front of his parents!

"Tapos?" His mother urged him to continue, but he already realized his carelessness
with his words.

"Never mind, mom. I'm good." His mother stare at him, she was reading him that he
had to avoided her gaze. "Mom, I'm fine. Don't look at me that way."
"Okay, magpahinga ka na."

"Uuwi ako sa condo ko."

"Malalim na ang gabi McLaren, huwag matigas ang ulo."

"I will go to RS and get some drinks." Tukoy niya sa Red Scorpion Club na pag-aari
nilang magkakapatid.

"You don't need to, we have a mini bar inside our mansion." Wala talaga siyang
kawala. "Feel free to drink and to get drunk, at least hindi ako mag-aalala kahit
magpakalango ka sa alak dahil nandito ka naman sa mansyon." Sinulyapan nito ang
daddy niya. "Drink with your father and talk about your new job.

"Great idea, wife." His father agreed, then he stood up. "I will wait for you,
McLaren. I need to discuss to you your new mission."

Then he walked inside the mansion, leaving him with no choice.

Ilang sandali munang nanatili si McLaren do'n upang lumanghap ng sariwang hangin
bago nagpunta sa mini bar ng mansyon nila.

His father is already pouring their glasses of vodka. McLaren sat at the high chair
beside his father. There are different bottles of expensive liquor in front of
them, and the lights around were dimmed.

"Here," he handed him his glass.

"Thanks dad,"

Nanatiling nakatuon ang mata ng ama sa harap nila na may iba't-ibang klaseng alak
ang naka-display. He can also see their reflection in the mirror on it even the
bottles were there.

His father's face is replica of his Kuya Corvette. Even though he doesn't looks
like exactly of his father, alam niya naman sa sarili na magandang lalaki rin siya
at dahil 'yon sa ama. Hindi lang siya sigurado kung saan bahagi ng mukha niya ang
nakuha mula rito, but their resemblance is there.

"You have my nose and jaw."

Hearing that from his father made him chuckle. Nakakatawa na hindi naman siya
nagsasalita ay nalaman nito kung ano ang nasa isip niya.

"You're unbelievable!" Natatawang sabi niya at sinimsim ang alak sa baso.

"Because you are my son, that's why." Anak kita kaya alam ko kung ano 'yang
tumatakbo sa isip mo. Para bang iyon ang katumbas ng sagot ng ama.

Sumimsim ito ng alak at nagpatuloy.

"Hindi mo pa man din nakikita ang ganda ng mundo, ako na ang kasama mo, kami ng
mommy mo. Kaya kahit anong gawin mong pagtatago ng nararamdaman mo, malalaman at
malalaman ko pa rin. There's nothing to hide, McLaren. Magulang mo kami, hindi ka
dapat nangangamba na magsabi sa'min ng mga bumabagabag sayo."

McLaren took another sip. Hindi siya masyado sanay makipag-usap sa ama lalo at
damdamin niya ang topic, it's awkward, they are both male. Pero anong magagawa
niya? Tatay niya ito, pagbalik-baliktarin man ang mundo, Carlie Lane is his father.
Kaya dapat lang na kung may gusto man siyang makausap tungkol sa saloobin niya ay
isa ito sa listahan ng mga dapat niyang puntahan.

"I can handle, dad. Kapag hindi ko na kaya, alam ko naman kung saan ako tatakbo.
Alam ko naman na nandiyan lang kayo para sa aming magkakapatid, but not now dad.
Kaya ko pa."

Sinulyapan siya ng ama.

"May bumabagabag talaga sayo na hindi mo sinasabi sa amin ng mommy mo?" He asked,
his lips twitched on the side.

Huli na ng malaman niya na hinuhuli lang siya nito!

"Damn it," Hindi maipinta ang mukha niya. "Paano mong nagagawa na paikutin ako ng
gano'n lang kadali?" Napapantastikuhan na tanong niya.

His father chuckled.

"Lets not talk about the thing that bothering you, son. Besides you can still
handle it without our help. Right?"

"Right,"

"Cool. Let's try this one." Sa katabing upuan nito ay inabot sa kanya ang brown
envelope. "Your new assignment."

Kaagad niya naman na tinanggap 'yon at tinignan ang loob.

Inisa-isa niya ang mga litratong naroon. Kuha iyon sa giyera sa isang lugar na
malayo sa kanila. He don't usually watch tv news but he's still aware what's
happening in the country.

"Natapos din ang giyera... Sa wakas."

Ang alam niya ay umabot ng halos isang buwan ang giyera sa lugar na iyon. Hindi
niya naman din masyado pinagtuunan ng pansin lalo at busy din siya sa buhay niya.
Tinignan niya kung may laman pa ang envelope, isang litrato pa ng lalaki ang nakita
niya na balbas sarado ang mukha. It was a stolen shot.

"Who's this?"

There's no name in the picture and even an important details.

"Find him, that's your mission."

Mahina siyang natawa at napailing-iling.

"Kung babae ito madali ko tong mahahanap kahit walang pangalan."

"I will only give you two weeks to find that man, McLaren."

"Two weeks? Tapos walang pangalan, dad? O kahit na anong pagkakakinlanlan?" Umayos
siya ng upo at muling sinuri ang litratong hawak. "What the fuck..."

"I want to see him in ESO after or before two weeks."

"What? I will bring him in ESO?"

His father nod as an answer like as if ESO is just a public organization that
everyone is free to enter!

"Why would I do that?"

"Because we need a new agent. I want someone who's already skilled."

Bahagya niyang itinaas ang litratong hawak.

"Anong kinalaman ng lalaking 'to?"

Nagsalin muli ng alak ang ama, sumimsim bago siya sinagot.

"You ask too many question, son."

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Just curious."

Masyadong mahigpit sa ESO. Bago sila naging miyembro ng organisasyon na iyon ay

katakot-takot na training at pagsubok ang inabot nila. May mga iilan na nagtangkang
pumasok sa ESO upang maging miyembro pero hindi kinaya ang training kaya nag-quit
na lang.

Sila lang namang magkakapatid ang matibay, si Ether, Lexus at Alex, sila ang mga
pioneer na miyembro ng pangalawang henerasyon ng pribadong organisasyon na 'yon.

"That man is an ex Military." His father informed him. "I met him once, a few years
ago. I offered him to work in ESO but he refused my proposal. His heart is in
Military."

"Then, why I would waste my time to find him? Kung ayaw naman pala niya sa
organisasyon natin."

Pinaglaruan nito ang alak sa baso. Ang atensyon ay nado'n lang.

"Nag-iiba ang ihip ng hangin, McLaren. Hindi natin alam kung 'yung gusto niya noon
ay gusto niya pa rin hanggang ngayon. We will see that once you find him."

Inisang tungga ni McLaren ang alak sa baso niya. Bumibigat na rin ang talukap ng
mga mata. Kailangan niya pang gumising ng maaga kinabukasan dahil tutulungan niya
pa si Celine maglipat ng bahay... 'Yung malapit sa condo niya.

"Wait, dad. You've met this guy before, right?"

His father nod his head. "Yes, but don't ask me his name or his whereabouts because
I have no idea." Inunahan na siya. "I actually forgot his name."

"Oh, okay."

"By the way, he's one of the hidden sniper of Philippine Military. So be careful,
son."

Chapter 13 - 11 ~ Trust

CHAPTER ELEVEN
MAAGANG bumangon si Celine upang asikasuhin ang sarili. Ngayong umaga ay sasamahan
siya ni McLaren na puntahan ang bago nilang lilipatan ni Ramona. Hindi na rin siya
nakatanggap ng tawag o text message man lang sa binata kagabi, marahil ay napagod
ito.

Paubos na ang kapeng iniinom nang marinig niya ang pagbukas ng gate ng apartment.
Napatayo siya at sinilip sa bintana kung si McLaren na ba iyon. A smile crept her
lips when she saw a handsome man walking towards her door then knocked. Mabilis na
nagpunta siya sa pinto upang buksan iyon.

"Good morning, beautiful." McLaren greeted her and gave her a peck on the lips.

Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na ang aga-aga ay hahalikan siya ng lalaking ito. Kung
araw-araw man na mangyari ang ganitong uri ng pagbati ng magandang umaga,
siguradong hindi niya pagsasawaan ang bawat matamis na halik galing kay McLaren.

"Morning too, my baby M." That made him smile, maybe because of her cute endearment
to him ever since. "Pasok ka muna."

"Nah, mas maganda kung aalis na tayo."

"Okay, wait here. I will get my bag first."

Iniwan niya si McLaren do'n at pumasok sa silid niya upang kunin ang sling bag.
Mabilis naman din siyang nakabalik sa binata.

"Shall we go?"

Celine nodded her head.

"Yes, let's go."

Pinagbuksan siya ni McLaren ng pinto ng sasakyan at  nang maisara nito iyon ay
umikot naman papunta sa driver side, tapos ay pinaandar na ang sasakyan.

"Saan nga pala tayo magpupunta?"

"RS Condominia."

McLaren glance at her. He's wearing his black sunglasses. It emphasized the shape
of his pointed nose. His lips is sexy, she always felt tempted to kiss him. He has
a growing whiskers and it made his aura more manly, he's undeniably handsome but
there's really something on his eyes that tells her that he's not just an ordinary
man.

His beautiful eyes feels like full of secrecy and mystery.

"Namiss mo ba ako?" Ngumisi ito.

Napakurap siya. "H-huh?"

"You were ogling at me like as if you missed me."

Umayos ng upo si Celine at itinuon ang tingin sa gilid niya. Nakabukas ang bintana
nila pati ang bubong ng sasakyan. They are inside his McLaren top down car. Mabuti
na lang ay hindi pa masyadong umaangat ang araw kaya hindi pa mainit sa balat.
"Ahm, hindi ka kasi nagtext kagabi."

Nakita niya sa gilid ng mata niya na sinulyapan siya ni McLaren.

"I was drunk last night."

"Akala ko ba rehearsal ang ginawa mo?"

Hindi ito nagsalita bagkos ay sumipol lang at nagpipigil ng ngiti. Ano ba ang
tumatakbo sa isip ng lalaki na 'to?

"Why are you smiling?"

"Why did you suddenly care about what I was doing? Hmm?"

Oo nga naman bakit ba nakikialam pa siya? Hindi naman siya ganito dati. Wala silang
pakialamanan noon, dapat ay manatiling gano'n.

"Huwag mo na lang sagutin."

"I was with my parents. I slept there."

"Sa mansion niyo?"

"Yes,"

Kailan niya kaya mabibisita ang mansyon nila McLaren? Kailan naman kaya siya
ipapasyal do'n ng binata? Ipiniling niya ang ulo sa isipin na iyon. At bakit naman
siya dadalhin nito do'n?

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas nang ihinto ni McLaren ang sasakyan sa tapat ng mataas
na gusali. Ang kombinasyon ng kulay ay pilak at pula, elegante tignan at gusto niya
ang kulay, lalo na 'yung silver. It looks like an exclusive condominium, it seems
expensive.

"Mukhang mahal diyan." Hindi napigilan na sambit niya habang nakatingin sa mataas
na gusali sa harap nila.

McLaren unbuckled his seat belt.

"I could give you a 100% discount, my angel."

"No," Mabilis na hindi niya pagsang-ayon. "Kakayanin ko bayaran kung magkano man
ang monthly—"

"I could give you a 50% discount."

Naiinis na tinignan niya si McLaren. "No,"

Nagkibit balikat lang ito. "Okay, it's a no."

He unlocked the doors. Hindi niya na hinintay na pagbuksan siya nito, lumabas na
siya agad ng sasakyan. Papasok na sila sa entrance ng condominium nang akbayan siya
ni McLaren.

"Good morning, sir." Bati ng security guard, tapos ay bumalong sa kanya. "Good
morning din, Madam."

"Morning din po." Bahagya siyang ngumiti. Si McLaren naman ay tumango lang tapos ay
nagderederetso ng pumasok sa elevator. "Ang sungit mo naman."

"Sanay na 'yan sila sa'min." Pinindot nito ang floor na lalapagan nila. "Ako na nga
ang pinaka mabait sa aming tatlo."

"Pansin ko nga rin." Pagsang ayon niya dahil minsan niya nang nakasama ang
dalawanitong kapatid, sina Mazda at Corvette.

They are both intimidating, while McLaren aura is more lighter. He's cool and easy
to be with. Ang kumplikado lang naman yata sa pagitan nila ay ang estado nila.
Hindi uso ang label. Nakasanayan niya na rin kahit papano ang ganoong sistema nila
ni McLaren.

"Mas masungit si Kuya Mazda at Kuya Corvette." Nangingiti na tinignan siya ni

McLaren. "Bakit ngumingiti ka na naman diyan?"

"I like hearing you calling them Kuya."

"Gumagalang lang. Isa pa mas matanda naman talaga sila sa akin."

Nang bumukas ang elevator ay lumabas sila ni McLaren. Hinawakan nito ang kanyang
kamay.

Palinga-linga si Celine sa paligid dahil parang wala naman masyadong kuwarto do'n.
Ganito ba talaga ang desenyo ng bawat palapag? Wala pa sa sampung pinto ang nakita
niya.

"Bakit kaunti lang ang unit dito?"

"Because this floor is exclusive for VIPs only."

"But I am not a VIP."

"I am." Tumigil siya sa paglalakad kaya napatigil din ito. "Why?"

"Ayoko dito."

Napabuntong hininga si McLaren. Marahan a hinawakan siya nito sa siko.

"Bakit ayaw mo dito?"

"It's VIP's floor and I know the unit is expensive. Alam mo naman na hindi malaki
ang kinikita ko sa Club." Ayaw naman din niyang gamitin ang pera na ipinamana sa
kanya ng ama. "Do'n na lang ako sa ibang floor, 'yung hindi pang VIP."

"There's no available unit anymore, Celine." Itinuro nito ang pinto sa sunod na
pinto sa gilid nila. "And this is my room." Kinatok nito ang pinto sa gilid nila.
"Magkatabi tayo ng room."

"McLaren..."

"Mas ligtas dito kumpara sa apartment mo. Kaya, pumayag ka na."

Marahan na inalis niya ang sunglasses ni McLaren at galit itong tinignan nang
makita sa mata nito na tila hindi ito nakatulog buong gabi. Kaya ba naka sunglass
ito para hindi makita ang pangangalumata?

"Anong ginawa mo magdamag?"

McLaren pursed his lips. Nawala bigla ang inis na nararamdaman niya dahil ang cute
nito.

"I did not sleep good." He yawned. "And I want to sleep."

Celine sighed. "Halika na, matulog ka." Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at inisang
hakbang ang unit nito. "Where's your key card?"

"We don't use key card here."

"Then what?"

Gamit ang kaliwang kamay ay itinapat ni McLaren ang palad sa parisukat na scanner
sa gitna ng pinto. Tapos ay bahagya nitong inilapit ang mukha do'n upang ma-scan
ang mga mata nito!

"Wow..." Iyon lang ang tanging lumabas sa bibig niya nang bumukas ang pinto.

Celine is awe again when she saw the interior of McLaren's unit. The wall is
painted with black color with a touch of grey and silver. The appliance looks new
and its clean. There's a single stair at the center for the second floor.

"Suite yourself, baby." McLaren said and pulled his shirt up from his nape.

She was facing his muscled back with tattoo, she found it hot, it made her bite the
side of her cheek to stop herself from giggling. There's also some small sexy
burned skin on some part of his back that turns her on for some reason.

When McLaren glance at her, she quickly drifted her eyes away from him and pretend
that she was busy admiring his home. She saw a black cabinet with glass doors,
there's a different kind of car toys inside, obviously, those were his collection
and it looks expensive.

"Sige na, matulog ka na."

Naupo siya sa malambot na couch. McLaren remain standing, he carefully watching her
every moves. Sanay naman siya na may pagkakataon na gano'n si McLaren, tila ba
lihim siyang pinag-aaralan.

"Sleep with me."

Celine arched her brow.

"Just lay down with me if you don't like to sleep."

She remain silent eventhough her body is screaming at her to give McLaren what he
asked for.

"Mamaya ka pa naman aalis, di ba?" Tanong nito, ngunit hindi parin siya umimik,
sinusubukan na inisin si McLaren, kung bakit ay hindi niya rin alam, naisipan niya
lang.

McLaren leered when he noticed what she was doing. He walk towards her, then sit
next to her. Now that they are close to one another, she can feel her heartbeat
pace changed, medyo bumilis 'yon.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm,"
"Hmm?"

Marahan na hinaplos niya ang pisngi ni McLaren. Tahimik na pinapakalma ang

kakaibang tibok ng puso, nakapagtataka na bakit sobrang apektado niya na magkatabi
sila. Hindi pa ba siya nasasanay? Tss.

"Sige na, matulog ka na."

"Ayaw mo akong tabihan."

Pinigil ni Celine ang mapangiti nang mahimigan ang iritasyon at pagtatampo sa boses
ni McLaren. Imbes na sumagot ay hinawakan niya ang kamay nito at tumayo.

"Halika na nga—ay!"

Napatili siya sa gulat nang bigla nalang siya nitong buhatin at naglakad patungo sa
hagdan, sa pangalawang palapag. He opened the master bedroom door and put her to
his king sized bed, then positioned himself above her.

McLaren buried his face on her neck. Hinintay niyang magsalita ito ngunit hindi
nangyari. Hindi na rin ito gumagalaw at nararamdaman niya na payapa na ang
paghinga.

Tuluyan ng gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi niya nang matanto na unti-unti ng kinakain ng
antok ang binata. Talaga yatang antok na antok na ito kanina. Marahan na hinaplos
niya ang buhok ni McLaren, tinutulungan itong makatulog pa ng mahimbing.

Celine sighed after awhile when she remember her responsibility. She was hoping
that she would find her sister. She swore to herself that once she found her
sister, she will confess her feelings to McLaren.

Suklian man ni McLaren o hindi ang pagmamahal niya, ipagtatapat niya parin kesa
magsisi sa huli dahil hindi niya sinabi.

HINDI namalayan ni Celine na nakatulog din pala siya, at ang nagpagising sa

natutulog na kamalayan ay ang mararahan na halik sa kanyang puson.

Bahagya siyang napaungol nang maramdaman ang lamig na nagmumula sa aircon na

tumatama sa gitnang bahagi ng katawan niya. Isasara niya sana ang nakabuka niyang
hita ngunit may pumipigil do'n, hanggang sa napilitan na siyang ibukas ang mga
mata.

"B-baby..." Tawag niya kay McLaren na ang ulo ay nasa pagitan ng mga hita niya.
"Oh," Daing niya nang maramdaman ang mainit na labi nitong humalik sa kanyang
pagkababae.

"Sorry, I disturb your sleep."

Using her hand, she reached his hair, telling him to continue what's he's doing.

"G-go on... baby." She whispered softly and closed her eyes again when McLaren
started to lick her femininity.

Kung sa ganitong paraan ni McLaren i-istorbohin ang tulog niya, hindi niya
kakayanin na mainis dito. He really like that part on her. He like licking her down
there and she love it.

Nagpabaling-baling ang ulo ni Celine nang lumikot na ng husto ang dila ni McLaren
sa pagkababae niya. Hindi na rin mapigilan ang mga ungol dahil sa sarap.

"Ahhh, mmm... y-yes, you're so g-good..."

Celine even grind her hips and meet McLaren's tongue that's fucking her entrance.
Pinatigas nito ang dila at nakakakiliting inilalabas-masok sa bukana niya. It made
her womanhood throbbed so bad.

She grab her breast and massage it, while grinding her hips in the air. She's
already out of her mind and her body filled with pleasure.

"Ohh, McLaren... uhhh..."

Lumipas ang ilang minuto ay ilan beses din siyang nilabasan. Kung hindi niya pa
patigilin si McLaren ay hindi siya lulubayan.

"Baby stop na..." Pagmamakaawa niya. "Oh my... ahhh!"

Narinig niya na natawa si McLaren. Umalis ito sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita at
gumapang ang labi pataas sa katawan niya, hanggang sa magkapantay ang kanilang mga
mukha.

"Thank you." He muttered while kissing the side of her lips.

"For what?"

"For giving me a good sleep."

"Para 'yon lang." She smirked.

Iniyakap niya ang braso sa binata nang maramdaman na unti-unti nitong ipinapasok
ang matigas na ari sa butas ng kanyang pagkababae.

"Umm, ohh..."

nisiniksik niya ang mukha sa leeg ni McLaren nang tuluyan na itong nakapasok at
marahan na gumalaw sa loob niya. Dumadagdag lamang sa sarap at kiliti ang bulitas
nito sa pagkalalaki.

"It's a big deal for me, baby. You are the only woman who can give me a good
sleep." He whispered huskily while pumping slowly inside of her. "You always made
me at peace."

"Ahh yes! Ooh... Ohh... ahhh..."

Masasarap na ungol lang ang kayang lumabas sa bibig niya sa mga sandaling iyon
kahit pa natutuwa siyang malaman na gano'n ang nagagawa niya kay McLaren.

Mahina itong natawa dahil siguro ungol lang ang naging tugon niya sa sinabi nito.

Nag-umpisa na itong gumalaw ng mabilis at marahas, para maabot nila pareho ang
langit na silang dalawa lamang ang nakakaalam.

Kahit batid niyang wala na naman silang proteksyon ni McLaren, dinama parin ni
Celine ang sarap na dulot ng pag-iisa ng kanilang katawan.

MAGHAPON silang nagkulong ni McLaren sa condo nito. Nang sumapit na ang gabi ay
sabay nilang nilisan ang lugar upang makipagkita sa private investigator na
tutulong sa kanya sa paghahanap sa nawawalang kapatid.
"Sigurado ka ayaw mong samahan kita sa pakikipag-usap?" Tanong ni McLaren habang
nagmamaneho papunta sa hotel, sa restaurant doon.

Iyon ang address na ibinigay ng secretary ng agency. McLaren insisted that he will
drop her to the location.

"Kaya ko na 'to." Malambing na yumakap siya sa binata. Hindi niya alam kung bakit
may guilt siyang nararamdaman ngayon. Dahil ba naglilihim siya dito? "I'll message
you once the meeting is over, okay?"

"Gaano ba kaimportante 'yan at hindi mo masabi sa akin? Pwede naman kitang

tulungan." Hindi niya ito sinagot pero nanatili parin siyang nakayakap dito.

McLaren sighed when he realized that she won't answer his question.

"I'm sorry."

"Hindi mo kailangan humingi ng paumanhin kung sinasadya mong gawin ang isang bagay.
Hindi ako galit." Inunahan na siya nito kaagad! "I respect your decision, Celine.
If you want to keep that as a secret, then be it. Pero umaasa ako na isang araw
sasabihin mo sa'kin ang tungkol sa bagay na 'yan."

"Sasabihin ko naman sayo kapag okay na ang lahat." Halos pabulong na sabi niya.
"Pagpasensyahan at intindihan mo na lang muna ako, McLaren."

"I'm doing it now." She felt him kissed her head. "Always remember that I'm just
here, very willing to help you."

"Salamat." Hinalikan niya si McLaren sa leeg bago muling nahilig sa dibdib nito.
"Hmm, do you still dream 'bout little girl?"

That supposed to be an innocent question, but she felt something on her heart that
she could hardly decipher, knowing that little girl is always in McLaren's dreams.

Celine felt his body tensed a bit, but he immediately stop it. Hindi niya sigurado
kung paano ganoong kabilis lang nitong naitigil ang pagsundot ng emosyon na 'yon.

"I actually dreamed about her last night."

"Kaya hindi ka nakatulog ng maayos?"

"Hindi na ako nakatulog pagkatapos ko siyang mapanaginipan." Pagtatapat nito. "It

supposed to be a normal dream, but I found it like a nightmare."

Bahagya siyang lumayo kay McLaren upang makita ang ekspresyon nito. His face is
emotionless, nakafocus lang ito sa kalsada.

"Why don't you visit a Psychiatrist? If that dream is bothering you, you need to
figure it out what kind of dream is that." She said carefully. "It will also help
you to clear your mind, baby."

"Panaginip lang 'yon. Dahil kung totoong nangyari ang mga 'yon sana sinabi sa'kin
ng magulang ko ang tungkol sa bagay na 'yon." Sinulyapan siya nito. "So, I don't
need to go to a Psychiatrist and tell them about my little girl."

My little girl? Bakit tila ba may dumaan na selos sa dibdib niya sa pag-angkin nito
sa batang 'yon?
"Your little girl?"

"Just little girl." He corrected himself.

"Why don't you ask your parents about it?"

"I don't need to ask them, if that really happened they will tell it to me. Hindi
nila kailangan itago pa."

"Paano kung—"

"I trust them so much, I trust them more than myself. Hindi sila maglilihim sa akin
kasi mahal nila ako." Parang bato na tumama sa kanya ang huling pangungusap nito.
Mahal niya ito, pero naglihim siya dito. Anong klaseng pagmamahal ang mayro'n siya?
"Kapag mahal mo ang isang tao, hindi ka gagawa ng isang bagay na ikakasakit ng
damdamin niya, tama?"

"T-tama. Ganyan ang tunay na nagmamahal, hindi nananakit. Hindi naglilihim at higit
sa lahat ay tapat sayo." Kabaligtaran ng lahat sa kanya.

Pagmamahal bang maituturing ang nararamdaman niya kung salungat lahat ng ginagawa
niya sa isang tunay na nagmamahal?

Chapter 14 - 12 ~ Choose

CHAPTER TWELVE

KINAKABAHAN, bukod sa damdamin na 'yon ay wala ng ibang maramdaman pa si Celine.

Bakit nga ba siya kinakabahan? Kung gayong magbibigay lang naman siya ng
impormasyon na makakatulong sa paghahanap sa nawawala niyang kapatid?

This meeting is really confidential. She trust McLaren on this matter to the point
that she can reveal the secrets of her family in front of his co-worker.

Why she can't tell it to him then?

Nang makarating siya sa nasabing coffee shop ay kaagad na humagilap siya ng pwesto
kung saan wala masyadong dumadaan na tao at kung saan tanaw niya ang mga pumapasok
na tao sa entrance door.

After a few moments, a masculine handsome man entered the coffee shop. Women's eyes
drifted on him, but it seems like he don't give a damn at all. Lumibot ang mga mata
nito sa kabuuan ng lugar at nang mahagip ang pwesto niya at siya mismo, walang
sereseremonya na naglakad papunta sa gawi niya.

Hindi man siya sigurado kung ito ang kakatagpuin, nagpasya parin siyang tumayo nang
huminto ito sa tapat niya at naglahad ng isang kamay.

"Private Investigator, Alex Villegas." He introduced himself casually.

Nakipagkamay siya dito.

"Celine Villarica." Alex just nod his head and motion her to sit down before he sat
down. "You want something to drink?"

"No thanks. I am here to get some information from you." His low but dangerous
voice starting to make her uncomfortable.

"Ahm, may tanong lang sana ako..."

"Go on,"

"Malalaman ba ni McLaren ang lahat ng impormasyon na ibibigay ko sayo?"

"McLaren has nothing to do with this. Ako ang maghahawak sa case mo. Labas siya
dito." Panandalian niya muna itong tinitigan, naninigurado. "I was expecting that
you'll cooperate with me in this case. Why did you have to give me that look? Don't
you trust me?"

Nahiya na napangiti si Celine. Siguro ay hindi lang siya komportable kaya ganito
ang reaksyon niya. Buo na ang loob niya na ipahanap ang kapatid, hindi na dapat
siya nagpapaliguy-ligoy pa.

Mula sa shoulder bag ay may kinuha siyang brown envelope at inilapag iyon sa
lamesa, marahan na itinulak palapit sa lalaki.

"That's all I have. Her photos when she was seven."

Those photos were from Ramona. Wala na siyang iba pang impormasyon na pwedeng
maibigay kundi iyon lang.

Matapos nitong silipin ang mga litrato ay itinago nito ang envelope sa loob ng itim
na jacket nito. Akala niya ay okay na pero nagtanong ito.

"Kailan siya huling nakita? At saan?"

Bigo na umiling siya. Walang maisagot.

"Hindi ko siya maalala... Ni hindi ko nga alam na may kapatid pala ako." She smiled
regretfully.

Bakit hindi niya alam? Itinago ba sa kanya ang nangyari? At sinabi lang nang
magdalaga na siya? Kung kailan kaya niya nang intindihin ang mga bagay na
nangyayari sa paligid niya?

She could still remember that day... That day her father told her about it. Sino ba
ang hindi makakaalala sa nakakahiyang pangyayari na iyon sa buhay niya?

"Hindi mo maalala? O hindi mo matandaan?"

"Pareho. Wala talaga." Nahahapo na napasandal siya sa inuupuan. "Ang alam ko lang
ay nawawala siya. Kung naglayas o na-kidnapped ay hindi ko na alam. Pero ang
ipinagtataka ko kung bakit ako ang sinisisi ng daddy sa pagkawala niya? Samantalang
wala naman akong maalala na may kapatid ako..."

Napangiwi siya sa biglaang pagkirot ng magkabilang sintido.

"Are you okay?" Alex asked when he noticed her reaction.

Marahan na hinilot ni Celine ang magkabilang sintido. Kaya ayaw niyang nag-iisip ng
mga bagay tungkol sa kapatid dahil ganito ang nagiging resulta, sumasakit ang
sintido niya.
"I'm okay."

Alex stare at her, making sure that she's really okay. Upang mapaniwala ito na ayos
lang siya ay pinilit niyang ngumiti dito. Sana ay effective.

"Pitong gulang na taon siya nang mawala?"

"Yes, that was my nanny told me." Tukoy niya kay Ramona.

May mga bagay na nasabi sa kanya noon ang ginang tungkol sa nawawalang kapatid
niya, umaasa siya na makakatulong ang mga impormasyon na 'yon.

"Any other information? Katulad ng... saan siya nawala?"

"Dito daw sa Pilipinas noong bumisita ang mommy at daddy kasama s-siya..."

Celine took a deep breath and closed her eyes tightly as the blurry memories
suddenly flashed her mind.

Those images of a kids who was playing around the plaza. They're all happy and
laughing. Then a black SUV stopped right in front of those kids...

"Damn..." Mahinang sambit niya nang biglang maglaho ang mga tila naburang ala-
ala...o baka gawa-gawa niya lang?

Nang idilat niya ang mga mata, si Alex kaagad ang nabungaran niya. He was looking
at her like she did something inappropriate. Hihingi sana siya ng paumanhin nang
magtanong na naman ito.

"Can you tell me when or where was the last time they seen your sister? Do you
remember now?" Tanong nito na para bang nakalimutan niya lang ang sagot.

"She was last seen in Romania."

Seems like Alex was right, nalimutan niya lang ang sagot sa unang tanong nito
kanina kung saan huling nakita ang kapatid niya. It was in Romania, according to
Ramona. Pagkatapos niyon ay hindi na talaga nakita ang kapatid niya.

"She must be in Romania," Kung may anong nabuhay sa loob niya sa sinabi ni Alex.
Bigla siyang na-excite pero kaagad din naglaho 'yon. "But I have to make sure."

"Umaasa ako na buhay pa siya..."

Her heart telling her that her sister is still alive. She's hoping that her heart
doesn't play with her.

"What's her name?"

That supposed to be a normal question but she couldn't help herself but to gasp on
the idea of giving her sister name to other. She really have a trust issue, eh?

"Miyaka Villarica." Celine voice is so low.

Muli ay kinumbinsi niya ang sarili na pagkatiwalaan pang lalo si Alex. Na buksan pa
ang sarili niya sa ibang tao para sa kapakanan ng kapatid. If she could only
remember Miyaka and their memories, these would be easy for her, but she
couldn't...
No matter how hard she tried... she couldn't remember anything about her childhood
days... about her sister and their memories together.

There are a certain memories about her when she was a kid but it was only with her
father and mother, but not with her sister.

Was there something up that she didn't know?

Or something that she didn't get the chance to know when her father and mother were
still alive?

"My mother died when I was eighteen and my father passed away just a weeks ago in
Russia." Celine started.

"I don't really remember anything about my sister, it's frustrating, you know. My
father was a tycoon businessman, our business reached all over the Asia. I lived
like a Princess when I was a kid, but when my father started to talk about my lost
sister and started to blame me with what happened to her, I decided to leave home
and stay here in Philippines. I still remember the first day he shouted at me, that
was my sixteenth birthday, I was with my classmates. Sobra niya akong ipinahiya.
Ibinunton sa akin ang mga pangyayaring hindi ko naman alam. I was so clueless about
what happened, until now..."

Celine chest is tightened in pain. The pain that her father gave her. Malinaw pa sa
isip niya ang mga ala-alang sinisigawan siya ng ama at pinapagalitan, ibinubunton
sa kanya ang pangyayaring hindi niya maalala.

Why was her father like that?

"So, you came from a very wealthy family, huh?"

Ang tantyadong boses ni Alex ang nagpagising sa kanya sa kasalukuyan. Marahan

siyang tumango bilang sagot.

"And my name is not Celine..."

"What's your name then?"

"Miyuki Villarica."

The side of his lips twisted. Amused.

"Alam ba ni McLaren 'yan?"

Umiling-iling siya.

"Hindi. And please, don't tell it to him." She plead. "Hayaan mong ako na ang
magsabi ng lahat-lahat sa kanya."

"Labas ako sa usapan niyong dalawa. I just can't believe that you have the guts to
hide something from him." Alex smirked again. "Keeping secrets to McLaren?" He
shook his head coolly and rested his back on the chair. "That's ridiculous."

"You know him that much?

"Yes, he's a close friend."

Nagdududa na pinukol niya ito ng tingin. Magkaibigan ang dalawa, paano kung sabihin
nito ang tungkol sa mga itinatago niya?
"But you have nothing to worry, Miss Villarica. I know how to keep secrets. I know
what confidentiality means. So, these talks between you and me, will remain like
that... Confidential." Anito na tila nabasa ang tumatakbo sa isip niya. Inilahad
nito ang isang kamay sa kanya. "Thank you for trusting me." He said, cutting their
conversation.

Tinanggap niya ang kamay ni Alex at ngitian ito ng tipid.

"Umaasa ako na mahahanap ang kapatid ko. Sana ay huwag mo akong biguin, Alex."

"Positibo ako na mahahanap ko siya. Magtiwala ka lang." Nang maghiwalay ang mga
kamay nila ay tumayo na ito, tanda na aalis na. "Tatawagan kita kaagad kapag
nakakuha ako ng mga impormasyon."

"Hindi kita nakitang nag take down note man lang? Naisaulo mo ang impormasyon na
ibinigay ko kanina?" Ngayon ay naalala niya ang bagay na 'yon.

"No need to take down note. I have recorded our conversation from the moment I
stood in front of you."

"G-ganon ba?" Humina sa biglaang pagkapa-hiya ang boses niya. Malay niya ba.

"Yeah,"

"Okay... Salamat."

Alex just nod and walk towards the exit door, ignoring those women who was ogling
at him.

Pinaglaruan ni Celine ang kape sa baso na halos hindi nabawasan. Ang ibahagi ang
mga bagay na gumugulo sa isip niya ay napaka laking halaga para sa kanya, gumaan ng
bahagya ang pakiramdam niya nang nagkaro'n ng pagkakataon na sabihin ang mga 'yon
sa isang tao... kay private investigator, Alex Villegas, McLaren's close friend.

She heaved a sigh before getting her phone inside her bag and send a text message
to McLaren.

To: Baby M

Pwede mo ba akong sunduin? Tapos na akong makipag-usap sa private investigator.

Wala pang dalawang minutong nakalapag ang cellphone niya sa lamesa ay nang mag-
vibrate iyon.

Baby M calling...

She answered it in a tired voice.

"Hello, baby..."

"Wait for me in a few minutes, okay?"

Sa background nito ay alam niya kaagad kung nasaan si McLaren. Umuugong ang tugtog
ng nakakabinging musika.

"Nasaan ka ba?"

"I'm in RS Club, but I'm leaving now."

"Okay, I will wait here."

Hindi aabot nang sampung minuto ay natanaw niya mula sa glass wall ng coffee shop
na pumarada sa  parking lot sa tapat ng shop ang isang pamilyar na kulay silver na
top down sports car. Tapos ay lumabas ang lalaking hinihintay niya, suot ang itim
na leather jacket.

Inihilig ni Celine ang ulo sa sinasandalan at pinagmasdan si McLaren na naglalakad

papasok sa glass door ng shop. He was looking for her, nangingiti na lang siya
dahil hinahayaan niya lang itong hanapin siya ng mga mata nito.

Ang mga babae do'n ay napapatingin sa binata, ang iba naman ay nagbubulungan pa,
tapos ay hahagikhik.

McLaren isn't a celebrity, a model or even a business tycoon, but he's quite
famous, it's because he's naturally handsome that even his stolen photos taken from
some random people— always went viral on social media. But, he really know how to
handle that silly thing. He is really good in handling things no matter how big or
difficult it is. He learned so much about it.

"You look exhausted." McLaren soft voice making her heart weak. He sat in front of
her where Alex sat awhile ago. McLaren looks at her worriedly. "Baby let's go
home..."

Mariin muna niyang ipinikit ang mga mata. Para bang bigla siyang nakaramdam ng
pagod, ang bigat-bigat ng katawan niya.

"You know who is my private investigator?" She asked and brushed her hair with her
fingers.

"Who?"

"His name is Alex Villegas. Magkaibigan daw kayo." Lumiit ang boses niya. "Is it
true?"

"Yes,"

"I told him everything... everything that I know will help him."

"That's good." Inilahad nito ang kamay sa kanya. "Umuwi na tayo."

Why she suddenly felt his coldness?

Why not then? She told everything to his friend, but she never told him? She's
really being unfair!

"Sorry talaga..." Napayuko na lang siya.

Alam niyang alam nito ang dahilan ng paghingi niya ng sorry.

Sorry for not telling all about it to you...

Dumukwang sa lamesa si McLaren, tapos ay marahan na ini-angat ang baba niya gamit
ang daliri upang magtama muli ang kanilang mga mata.

His eyes telling her that he understand her and he respect her decision, for not
telling her secrets to him even it's fucking hard, and that made her heart ache.
Masakit dahil sa kabila nang paglilihim niya ay nagagawa pa rin siya nitong
intindihin at respetuhin.

"Tell your secrets to me or not, nothing will chance between us, Celine." He
tenderly said. "I will be here for you and will stay beside you no matter how hard
it would be in the end..."

Kinagat ni Celine ang pang-ibabang labi at pasimpleng kinuyom ang mga palad na nasa
kandungan niya upang pigilin ang bugso ng kanyang damdamin.

McLaren moved closer, making her heart pounded in no particular reason. She closed
her eyes slowly as she felt his minty breath hit her face.

"... I will always choose you over your secrets, baby." He whispered tenderly,
before he gently kissed her on the forehead.

Chapter 15 - 13 ~ Sign

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"PWEDE bang huwag muna tayong umuwi?" Tanong niya kay McLaren na sinulyapan lang
siya dahil nagmamaneho ito pauwi na sana.

"May gusto ka bang munang puntahan?"

"Um, I want to drink..." Celine whispered and play with her fingers that place
above her lap. "Pangpatulog lang." Dugtong niya pa ng hindi nagsalita si McLaren.

"We can go to RS Club,"

Tumango lang siya bilang pagsang-ayon. Ramdam niya ang pagod sa katawan pero mas
makakatulong ang pag-inom ng kaunting alak para pag-uwi ay makatulog siya kaagad.

Maswerte siya dahil hindi mahigpit si McLaren sa mga ganitong bagay o baka dahil
kasama niya naman ito kaya pumayag?

Sa back door sila dumaan ni McLaren. Dalawa ang security guard na naka-assign roon.

"Good evening, Sir." Bati ng sekyu tapos ay tumingin sa kanya. "Magandang gabi,
Ma'am."

"Magandang gabi din ho." Tipid siyang ngumiti sa mga ito.

Holding her hand, they entered the Club.

Umugong ang malakas na tugtog at nagkislapan ang iba't-ibang ilaw sa paligid ng

Club nang nasa loob na sila. Ang dance floor ay tila naging mundo na lang ng mga
taong nagsasayaw do'n. Babae at lalaki, kapwa umiindayog ang mga katawan sa saliw
ng hindi kabilisang musika.

Sa bawat sulok ng Club ay may mga sofa na hugis letter U na kulay pula at itim. Sa
gitna ay babasagin na parihabang lamesa. Bawat sulok ay may mga grupo na nag-iinom
at ang iba ay nagkukwentuhan naman.

On the stage, the male dj is playing the loud music, beside his is two sexy women,
dancing playfully while holding a glass of liquor.

Celine went back her attention to McLaren when she felt his lips on her ear. The
tingling sensation run through her veins. It wasn't his intention to tease her, but
he can easily affects her.

"Let's go upstairs." He said, raising his voice a bit so she can hear him.

Celine nodded her head and they went upstairs. There are VIP rooms on the second
floor. When she looked down on the first floor, it's still the same, people are
busy enjoying the night.

But what made her brow shot up, is when she saw a group of women on the other side
of the Club, looking up on them... or she must say, they are ogling at McLaren.

They entered to one of the VIP room. Celine sat on the black leather couch and lean
on the wall on the side. McLaren went to the mini bar and get some drinks.

The red and yellow dimmed lights illuminate the whole room. On the wall, is a
hanging portrait of black scorpions. The tinted glass window were enough for her to
see what's happening outside the VIP room. Nakaderekta iyon sa dancefloor. Hindi
niya na rin dinig ang ingay sa labas.

"Here," McLaren handed her a glass of white wine.

Tinanggap ni Celine at kaagad na sumimsim ng ilang beses. McLaren brow raised while
watching her.

She licked her lower lips and stare back at him. McLaren standing in front of her.
Ang babasagin na lamesang bilog lang ang humaharang sa pagitan nila.

"Bakit?"

"Are you that thirsty, huh? Na parang tubig lang 'yang iniinom mo?" He chortled.

"Kinda," And shrug her shoulder before giving him her glass, asking for another
shot.

Naiiling na kinuha iyon ni McLaren at nagpunta uli sa island counter. Pagbalik nito
ay dala na ang bote ng wine tapos ay inilapag sa lamesa.

"Don't drink too much."

"This is just a wine. I don't think I will get drunk."

Nagsalin siya ng alak sa baso niya.

"After that..." Inginuso nito ang bote. "... we will go home."

Celine groaned, but eventually agreed to him. Wala naman din siyang ibang gagawin
kundi uminom lang ng kaunti.

"Yes, Sir. Masusunod." Natatawang sabi niya.

Maya-maya lang ay tumabi na ng upo sa kanya si McLaren. Hindi nakatiis.

They are too close that their bodies is already touching each others. With that
skin to skin contact, her body filled with a familiar heat.
Nainom niya bigla ang alak sa baso, ngunit nakadagdag lang iyon sa kaninang baga
lang, ngayon ay umaapoy na niyang pakiramdam.

Sanhi lang ito ng nainom niya? Right? Fucking right!

"I'll be gone for a week..." McLaren broke the silence.

Nilingon niya si McLaren, halos tumama ang labi nila sa isa't-isa dahil sabay
nilang ginawa iyon. Ngumuso siya tapos ay bahagyang inilayo ang mukha dito ngunit
maagap talaga ang lalaking ito... dahil mabilis na umangat ang kamay sa kanyang
batok saka marahang hinaplos sa bahaging 'yon.

Celine silently cursed when his caress sent shiver down her spine.

McLaren other hand is holding his glass, playing with it.

"S-saan ka pupunta?" Sa wakas ay naitanong niya.

"Work. You know." Anito na para bang hindi na iyon bago sa kanya.

Hindi na dapat bago sa kanya kung mawala man ito ng ilang araw dahil sa trabaho
nito. Ganito siguro talaga kaseryoso ang isang private investigator. Like her new
hired investigator.

"Are you going to investigate someone?"

"Yeah, but I'll find him first."

"Is it hard? I mean, I know it's hard, but... How hard it is?"

Umayos ng upo si McLaren. Ang kamay nito na nasa batok niya ay marahan na dumausdos
sa may likod niya. He slowly and sensually draws a circle there using his fingers.
Is he seducing her? Dahil kung oo, magtatagumpay ito.

Muli ay napainom si Celine sa baso niya. Naghihintay ng sagot. O sasagutin ba nito

ang tanong niya?

Knowing McLaren, hindi ito basta-basta nagkukwento lalo na sa mga personal na buhay
nito. Kagaya niya. Kaya nga hindi niya alam kung paano nila nakakayanan pakisamahan
ang isa't-isa.

Marahil ay una pa lang ay malinaw na sa kanilang dalawa na gawing pribado ang kani-
kanilang personal na buhay? Gano'n ba?

"It's like searching for someone you don't know if he still exist or no longer
exist." McLaren's voice was raspy.

Napanguso siya. Alam niyang inosenteng sagot iyon, pero bakit parang tinamaan siya?
Hindi naman siguro nito intensyon iyon? Guilty lang talaga siya.

"Well, mahirap nga." Namumungay na ang mga mata niya nang tignan si McLaren.
"Looking for someone you don't know if still exist or not... is like loving someone
you're not sure if that someone will love you back or not."

McLaren eyebrows shot up.

"You're tipsy,"

"Not yet,"
Inabot ni Celine ang bote ng wine upang lagyan pa ang baso niya nang mabilis na
nakuha ni McLaren iyon sa lamesa. Napapantastikuhan na tinignan niya ito.

"Na-ah," He was mocking her.

"Give it back to me..." Pilit niyang inaabot ang bote na itinatago nito sa likod.

Dinantay niya ang palad sa hita ni McLaren at marahan na hinaplos, dahilan kung
bakit umangat na naman ang mga kilay nito.

"No," He said firmly this time.

"Baby..." Bigong tawag niya dito at naiinis na pinabalik-balik ng hagod ang palad
sa hita nito.

Doon niya binunton ang frustrasyon niya nang patigilin siya nito sa pag-inom.

"Stop what you're doing, Celine." He's using his warning tone, pero hindi iyon
epektibo ngayon sa kanya.

"Let me finish that one bottle."

Muli ay tinangka niyang abutin ang bote ngunit itinaas iyon ni McLaren. Napilitan
siyang i-angat ang mga paa sa couch ngunit nang tatayo na siya ay umikot ang
paningin niya kaya mariin siyang napapikit.

Nakapaluhod si Celine sa couch at nakakapit sa balikat ni McLaren. Ang isang kamay

nito ay nasa likod niya bilang suporta.

"You okay?" He whispered, brushing his lips on hers.

McLaren grabbed her closer to his. Her eyes were still close, she felt... sleepy.
Tama na nga siguro ang nainom niya. Nahilo na siya, sign iyon na tumigil na siya.

He brought her to his chest and wrapped his strong arms around her. The gesture is
sweet, it made her feel special.

Ang namimigat niyang kamay ay yumapos sa leeg ni McLaren, bago niya isiniksik ang
sarili sa dibdib nito.

Kahit sa inaantok niyang pakiramdam, tahimik siyang nananalangin na sana... sana ay

sa mga bisig talaga ni McLaren ang lugar niya.

Being with his arms always gave her hope... hope that in the end, she would still
be part of his life.

"Baby..." she whispered softly, she couldn't even recognize her voice.

"Hmm?"

She could feel McLaren is kissing her head, her forehead, her cheeks and the side
of her lips. It made her smile.

"Goodnight..." her voice was sleepy, it made him chuckle.

"Sleep well,"

Bago pa siya tuluyang hinila ng antok ay naramdaman niya na na dinampian nito ng

magaan na halik ang labi niya.

Sana... sana ay nasa tamang bisig siya. Sana ang mga bisig na 'yon ang inilaan sa
kanya hanggang sa huli.

NAPABALIKWAS si Celine ng bangon nang matanto na hindi pamilyar sa kanya ang silid
kung nasaan siya. Mas malaki iyon kesa sa silid niya sa apartment.

The wall of the room were shades of white and a little bit touch of dark brown.
Nakapikit ang isang mata niya nang lingunin ang maliwanag na bintanang salamim. She
saw the city's skyscrapers.

"Gising ka na pala,"

Nag-angat siya ng tingin kay Ramona.

"Dinala ko na dito ang pananghalian mo." Inilapag nito ang tray sa side table.

"Thank," she massaged her temple.

"Masakit ba?"

"Hindi naman. I can manage."

Mataman siyang tinignan ni Ramona na para bang may gustong sabihin. Ngayon ay alam
niya na kung nasaan sila. RS Condominia.

"Hindi ko dinala dito ang mga gamit ko."

Ayaw na ba nitong tumira sa isang bahay kasama siya? Why she suddenly felt lonely?
Naupo si Ramona sa gilid ng kama.

"Bakit? Ayaw mo ba akong kasama?"

"Hindi say gano'n. Balak ko kasi ay umuwi na lang sa probinsya. May naipundar na
ako do'n kahit papano."

"Pasensya ka na." Aniya nang may napagtanto. "Simula nang mawala si dad, alam kong
natapos na rin ang trabaho mo sa pamilya namin, Ramona. Naiintindihan ko kung aalis
ka."

"Kung may mga impormasyon ka pang gustong malaman tungkol sa kapatid mo, baka may
maitulong pa ako. Tawagan mo lang ako, hija."

"Hinihintay ko rin ang tawag ng private investigator. Tatawagan kita kapag may mga
katanungan na maaaring ikaw ang makasagot."

"Makakaasa ka."

"Salamat, Ramona." Ngumiti siya dito. "Salamat sa pag-aalaga sa amin at sa daddy

ko."

"Walang anuman." Ramona smile back at her before leaving the room.

It's time to set the old lady free. Halos kalahati ng buhay nito ay iginugol sa
paninilbihan sa kanila kaya kung umalis man ito ngayon ay wala siyang karapatang
pigilan. Ramona has her own life to live.

Celine is about to get her food when her phone suddenly rang. When she saw the
caller, it's the owner of the Viper Club where she's working.

Vivienne is calling...

"Hello? Vienne?"

"Celine! Celine! Celine! Thanks God sinagot mo din..."

"I was asleep."

"Namimiss na kita. Miss ka na namin. Kailan ka babalik sa Club?"

Bumuntong hininga si Celine. Balak niya talaga ay mag resign na sa Club kaya lang
ay hindi pa siya nagkakaroon nang panahon na sabihin ang plano na iyon sa kaibigan.

"I will visit there tonight."

"Visit? Visit lang? What do you mean?"

"Vienne, let's talk about it later. I want to personally tell it to you."

"Why I have this feeling na... hay," Maarte itong bumuntong hininga. "Okay, fine.
We will see you later."

"I'll hang up now—"

"Wait!"

Napangiwi siya sa matinis na boses sa kabilang linya.

"What?"

"Akiko resigned..." Vivienne said sadly. "Tapos feeling ko, magreresign ka rin.
What the hell is happening?"

Hindi niya alam na nag-resign si Akiko, hindi pa sila nagkakausap ulit simula nang
bumalik siya galing Russia.

"I will contact her, okay? I will bring her there."

"Mabuti pa nga at ng makapag-bonding naman tayo. It's been awhile."

"Yeah. I miss you and the girls."

"Hay! Ewan! Nambobola ka lang, eh! Miss mo kami pero ang tagal mong nawala? Tss."

"Busy,"

Gamit ang malayang kamay ay kinuha niya ang sliced apple sa side table at kinain
'yon.

"Whatever, Celine. I'll see you tonight."

"See you girls, tonight." Then the line was cut off.

Naglalakbay ang isip niya sa kung ano ang idadahilan kay Vivienne kung bakit siya
magreresign, naputol lang nang may kumatok sa pinto ng silid.

"Come in."
Bumukas ang pinto at dumungaw do'n si Ramona.

"Hija, may bisita ka sa labas."

Kumunot ang noo niya dahil wala naman siyang inaasahang bisita. Bukod pa na
kakalipat lang niya. Si McLaren pa lang ang nakakaalam kung saan siya nakatira.

"Si McLaren ba? Papasukin mo."

"Hindi,"

"Sino?"

"Akiko daw."

"Oh okay, papasukin mo nalang. Susunod na ako."

Tatayo na sana siya ng maisip kung paano nalaman ni Akiko ang address niya? Hindi
niya pa naman sinabi, unless... McLaren told her?

Pakiramdam ni Celine ay sumikip bigla ang dibdib niya sa ideyang may komunikasyon
ang dalawa. Sa inis niya ay walang sabi-sabing idinial niya ang number ni McLaren!

Celine frowned when McLaren didn't answer. She dialed again, she's getting annoyed.
After a few rings, wala parin sumasagot.

Handa na sana siyang patayin na lang ang tawag nang sumagot si McLaren bigla.

"Hey baby—"

"Baby your face!" She cut him off, very annoyed.

"Woah!" Halata na nasorpresa ang kabilang linya. "What's with that tone?" Pero
malambing ang boses nito. Hindi niya na magawang makasagot pa. "Kakagising mo lang?
Kumain ka na ba?"

Bumuntong hininga si Celine. Pilit hinahamig ang sarili. Ang isang kamay niya ay
nakakuyom, tila kinokontrol ang bulkan na gusto ng sumabog sa kanya.

"I-Ikaw ba? Ikaw b-ba ang nagsabi ng address ko kay Akiko?"

Not that she doesn't want her friend to visit her, but damn, knowing that Akiko and
McLaren are still texting makes her furious!

"She asked me." Mababa at nananantiya ang boses nito.

"So, ikaw nga." She pointed out coldly. Her heart aches at his indirect
confirmation.

"Baby, it's just only one text message—"

Celine cut off the line and threw her phone. Hindi siya papadala sa malambing na
boses ni McLaren!

Mas nangibabaw ang pait na nararamdaman niya at hindi niyon mapapawi ang lambing sa
boses nito!

Nang mag-ring ang cellphone niya at nakitang si McLaren ang caller ay mas nag
lagablab ang pagkainis niya sa binata.

Galit na tinakbo niya ang shower room.

Celine wanted to cry. Hindi niya gusto ang nararamdaman niyang 'yon. She's
hurting... and it's not a good sign.

Chapter 16 - 14 ~ In Love

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

MAS LALONG nadagdagan ang inis ni Celine nang matapos siyang maligo ay nakita niya
ang pamamaga ng kanyang mga mata dahil sa hindi maampat na pag-iyak kanina. Ang
tungki ng ilong niya ay namumula rin.

Ngayon lang talaga siya labis na nakaramdam ng gano'n kay McLaren. Kung sakaling
kaharap niya ang binata nang mga sandaling iyon ay baka nabugbog niya na dahil sa
bugso ng kanyang damdamin.

She doesn't even know why she feels that way. She can't be jealous, right? She
can't be hurt. But what the hell is happening to her?

Kung hindi niya pa narinig ang katok galing sa may pintuan ay hindi pa siya aalis
sa harap ng salamin. Kinakastigo niya ang sarili sa hindi paawat na damdamin.

"Susunod na ako, Ramona."

Wala na naman siyang narinig na kahit na ano sa matanda. Ilan minuto niya pang
pinagmasdan ang sarili bago tuluyang hinarap ang kanyang bisita.

Kaagad na napatayo si Akiko sa sofa na inuupuan nang makita siyang lumabas sa kanya
silid. Para bang pinipigil lang nito ang sarili na huwag siyang dambahin ng yakap.

Seeing Akiko's eyes full of longing for her made her chest tightened. Does her
friend really miss her that much, huh?

"Celine!" Maligayang tawag nito sa kanya na may matamis na ngiti sa mga labi.

Kahit sa kanyang sarili ay parang pinipigilan niya rin na huwag itong yakapin,
dahil siguro sa kaninang naramdaman niya nang nalamang may komunikasyon pa ito at
si McLaren?

"Akiko..." Sambit niya sa pangalan nito at binigyan ng isang magaan na yakap.

Akmang hihiwalay na siya nang mas lalong humigpit ang yakap ni Akiko sa kanya.
Halata talaga ang pangungulila sa kanya.

Dahan-dahan ipinikit ni Celine ang mga mata at sa hindi maipaliwanag na

nararamdaman ay dinama niya ang mga yakap ng kaibigan.

"I miss you so much, Celine..." Akiko whispered.

A small smile crept her lips. "I miss you too."

Marahan niyang tinapik ang balikat ng kaibigan bago kumalas sa yakap. Mabilis itong
bumalik sa pagkakaupo na parang natauhan.

"I'm sorry for barging in."

Inirapan niya ito. "I'm happy to see you again. So, no need to apologize."

Bakit parang kanina lang ay dinamay niya sa inis niya ang kaibigan? Naisipan niya
pa nga na huwag itong harapin, tapos ganito? But that's true, she's happy to see
her again after so many days without communication with her.

"Thanks to McLaren for giving me your new address." Bumalik ang iritasyon sa dibdib
ni Celine nang makumpirma. "Sana ay huwag kang magalit sa kanya. Pinilit ko lang
talaga siya. Gusto kasi kitang makita. Namimiss kita."

Ang kaninang baga ng iritasyon na unti-unti na sanang mag-aapoy ay biglang natupok.

Hindi niya dapat iniisip na may something sa dalawa, hindi ba? Kung mayro'n man ay
dapat labas na siya do'n? Pero isipin niya pa lang na may ibang babae si McLaren
bukod sa kanya ay parang mamamatay na siya sa sobrang selos at sakit! Hindi niya
kakayanin!

"K-kukuha lang ako ng maiinom natin."

Mabilis na tinalikuran niya ang kaibigan at dumeretso na sa kusina. Naabutan niya

do'n si Ramona na naghahanda ng meryenda nila.

"Natatapos na ako dito, hija. Ako na ang maghahatid sa inyo."

"Akala ko umalis ka na?" Takang tanong niya at naupo sa bakanteng upuan.

"Aalis na rin ako maya-maya. Pasensya na—"

"No, no..." Celine waved her hand to dismiss the woman. Mali ang interpretasyon
nito sa tanong niya. "Hindi ka ba mali-late sa flight mo? Kaya ko na naman naman
ang sarili ko, Ramona."

"Mamaya pang alas tres ang flight ko. Maaga pa naman."

Tumango siya. "Uh, kapag kailangan mo ng pera sabihin mo lang sa akin."

Kumunot lang ang noo ni Ramona. Halata na ang bahagyang mga kulubot na balat sa
mukha.

"Salamat, pero may naipon na naman ako." Then smile at her.

"Baka lang kailanganin mo pa. Alam mo naman na sa akin nakapangalan ang halos lahat
ng yaman ng ama ko. Saan ko naman dadalhin 'yon?" Tinagilid niya ang ulo. "Well,
'yon ang ginagamit ko sa paghahanap sa kapatid ko."

Kung saan niya dadalhin ang kayamanan ng ama na ipinangalan sa kanya sa kabila ng
lahat, ay pagpaplanuhan niya pa. Ayaw niyang walang mapuntahan ang pinaghirapan ng
ama.

"Kapag nahanap mo na si Miyaka, pag-usapan niyo na lang pareho kung paano niyo
gagamitin ang pera ng inyong ama."

"Sana nga ay mahanap ko na siya—"

"Hi, nakaistorbo ba ako?" Sabay silang napabaling kay Akiko na nahihiyang nakatayo
sa gilid ng pintuan sa kusina. "Sorry..."

"No it's fine." Celine smiled at her friend. "Come here, ipapakilala kita sa Auntie
ko."

Nag-angat siya ng tingin kay Ramona at naabutan itong nakatitig kay Akiko.

There's something on Ramona's eyes the way she stare at her friend, it seems like
she's studying and memorizing every bit of Akiko's face.

Kung hindi pa siya tumikhim ay hindi lulubayan ni Ramona ng titig ang kaibigan
niya. Sa gilid niya ay nakatayo si Akiko, sa harap naman nila nakatayo si Ramona.
Ang parihabang salamin na lamesa lang ang namamagitan sa kanila.

"Um, Akiko this is my Aunt Ramona," Inilahad niya ang kamay sa matanda bilang
panukoy. "And Auntie, this is Akiko, my friend."

"Ikinagagalak kong makilala ka, Akiko." Naglahad ng kamay si Ramona.

"Nice to meet you din po, Auntie." Akiko shook Ramona's hand and smiled. Kahit siya
ay napangiti.

"Okay na itong meryenda ninyo." Pareho silang nagbaba ng tingin sa carbonara sa

lamesa. "Saan ba kayo magmemeryenda? Dito o sa sala?"

"Sa sala na lang ho." Siya ang sumagot at tumayo na.

Sabay sila ni Akiko na bumalik sa sala, sa likod nila ay si Ramona na may dalang
tray. Inilapag nito iyon sa round glass center table.

"Maiwan ko na kayo." Paalam ng matanda na tinanguan niya lang.

"Thanks, Auntie Ramona." Akiko said.

"Walang anuman, Akiko. Sige," Ani ni Ramona bago bumalik sa kusina.

Nagkatinginan sila ng kaibigan tapos ay nagtawanan. Nakakatawang isipin na natawa

sila kahit wala namang nakakatawa talaga.

Celine turned on the TV and they started eating.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Maya-maya ay tanong ni Akiko.

"Huh? Oo naman. Ayos lang ako."

"Your chinky eyes are swollen."

Pinanliitin niya ito ng mata.

"Nagsalita ang may malaking mata." Sarkastikong sabi niya.

"Well, chinky eyes were cute. So, we are cute!" Then Akiko winked at her making her
rolled her eyes.

"Nag-resign ka daw?" Pagbabago niya ng usapan. Isinandal ni Celine ang ulo sa

headrest ng long sofa.
"Yes,"

"Care to tell why? Hmm?"

Uminom muna si Akiko ng orange juice bago ibinaling ang tingin sa TV na hindi naman
niya alam ang pinapalabas, maging kahit ito ay gano'n din.

"Ayoko ng magtrabaho tuwing gabi."

"Dahil?"

"Delikado?" Kinunutan niya lang ito ng noo. Hindi kumbinsido. "Besides, someone's
offered me a job. Home base job."

"And who's this someone?" Tinaasan niya ng isang kilay si Akiko.

Akiko rested her head on the head rest of the sofa, she looks tired. Nakausli na
rin ang labi na para bang nag-aalangan kung magkukwento sa kanya o hindi.

"My new found friend." Akiko said softly.

Suminghap siya. Hindi gusto ang ideya na may bago itong kaibigan bukod sa kanya!

She's a little possessive when it comes to her friend, knowing that Akiko's past
wasn't that very pleasant. Being in comma for over a month and woke up thinking
that someone is still following her was never a joke. It's very sensitive case.

Akiko need someone who would take good care of her. Kung pwede lang na ampunin niya
ang kaibigan at patuluyin sa condo niya ay gagawin niya.

Why not then? She's very stable now because of his father's wealth. She can do
whether she wants... But of course, she needs to focus on finding her sister first
before anything else. Yeah, right.

"Who?" Celine curiously asked. "Are you one hundred percent sure that your new
friend is trustworthy? Hindi ka ba niyan ipapahamak? Legal ba 'yang trabaho na in-
offer niya?"

"I trust him. Okay?"

"Him?" Napaupo siya ng tuwid. "You mean, lalaki 'yan?"

Kagat-labi na tumango si Akiko. Pinanlakihan niya ito ng mata.

"Mabait siya. Mukha namang hindi siya gagawa ng bagay na hindi ko gusto."
Pagtatanggol pa nito. "Trust me, we can trust him."

"Paano mong nasabi 'yan? Hindi ko pa nga siya nakikilala." Umirap siya sa hangin.

Nakakatuwa lang isipin na hindi man lang sumagi sa isip niya na si McLaren ang
tinutukoy nito.

"Ipapakilala kita, Celine. Pero hindi pa ngayon. Mukhang medyo busy din kasi siya."

"Hum!" Humalukipkip siya.

Nanatili ang titig niya kay Akiko na mukhang hindi na komportable na magkwento sa
kanya.
"Ngayon lang ako napalapit ulit sa isang lalaki after being friend with McLaren,
kaya sana suportahan mo ako."

Ilang ulit niya bang isisiksik sa utak niya na kaibigan lang ang turingan ng
dalawa? And now that Akiko mentioned another guy, hindi bang mas mabuti kung
susuportahan niya ito? As a friend, she should support her.

Binaba ni Celine ang nakahalukipkip na mga kamay. Hindi niya na din pinandidilatan
ang kaibigan.

"If you really trust him, I'm sure you already told him your past?"

Sinusubukan niya ito kung totoong nagtitiwala nga sa bagong kaibigan na lalaki.
Kung hindi pa nito nasasabi sa lalaki ang ang mapait na pinagdaanan nito, ibig
sabihin ay hindi talaga buo ang tiwala nito do'n...

"Alam niya..." Akiko bit her lower lip as if she did something bad. "Alam niya ang
nakaraan ko at tanggap niya. Gusto kong malaman mo na isa siya sa mga taong
tumutulong sa akin na maka-recover."

Sa sinabi nitong iyon ay pakiramdam niya ay hindi lang pagkakaibigan ang

namamagitan sa dalawa.

"Gusto kong makilala ang lalaking tinutukoy mo..." Akiko's pretty face brightened.
"Kikilatisin kong maigi kung tunay ba siya sa iyo."

"Salamat, Celine!"

Natawa pa siya nang lumapit ito sa kanya at yumakap. Para bang humingi lang ng
blessing mula sa kanya patungkol sa pakikipaglapit nito sa isang lalaki.

Do'n niya lang napagtanto na wala nga talagang pagtingin si Akiko kay McLaren,
dahil nasa ibang lalaki ang atensyon nito. So, she shouldn't be jealous from now
on?

PASADO alas siete na ng gabi nang tumulak sila sa Viper Club. Like what she
promised to Vivienne, she brought Akiko with her. Mainam na rin na maglibang siya
ngayong gabi kesa isipin nang isipin ang pagkainis niya kay McLaren na hindi parin
humuhupa.

"The sisters are back!"

Pinaikot niya ang mata sa bungad sa kanila ni Vienne.

"I missed you both!"

Pagkatapos nitong yumakap sa kanya ay lumipat naman kay Akiko.

"Miss din kita." Vienne chuckled at Akiko's sweet voice.

"Uh, you're innocent little sister and her sweet voice."

Napailing-iling na lang si Celine. Ilan beses na nga ulit sila ni Akiko

nagpagkamalan na magkapatid? Ni hindi niya na mabilang.

Wala sa sarili na napatingin siya kay Akiko. Her small shape face, cute nose and
pinkish lips makes her looks like an angel.

She couldn't picture herself same as her face, they are different but their chinky
eyes were almost the same. Nagpapayahag ang mga matang iyon ng napakaraming
nakatagong emosyon na hindi pa nakahandang isiwalat.

"Hmm? Is there something wrong with my face, Celine?" Akiko asked worriedly, making
her blinked her eyes.

Damn it!

"Wala naman." Celine forced a smile. This is awkward!

"Come here girls. Do'n tayo sa island counter." Bumaling sila pareho kay Vienne at
sumunod na lang dito.

Wala pang masyadong tao sa Club pwera sa mga empleyado dahil alas otso pa ito
talaga nagbubukas. Pinili niya lang na maaga silang magpunta para na rin maayos
niyang makausap si Vivienne.

"Iced tea, please..." Akiko said to the bartender.

"Iced tea? Really, Akiko? You are no fun!" Vivienne leered. "Let's drink! Something
hard."

"I will take my medicine tonight, Vienne. Sorry for that."

Sa sinabing iyon ni Akiko ay hindi na nakaalma pa ang boss ng Viper Club.

"How 'bout you, my dear Celine? Don't tell me hindi ka ron iinom?"

"I was drunk last night," Celine smiled sweetly to Vivienne.

"You two," Madramang sabi ng kaibigan sa kanila. "So, ganito lang tayo? Hindi naman
nakakalasing 'yang iced tea!"

"But we can join in the dance floor later tonight." Kinindatan niya ito na mukhang
nabuhayan.

Nang tignan niya si Akiko ay mukhang nagustuhan ang ideya niya. They both like
dancing, by the way!

"Yeah, I want to dance! Buksan mo na ang Club, Vienne!" She could hear the
excitement at Akiko's voice as she sway her body. "Where's dj Rachna? Let's start
the party na!"

Itinaas pa nito ang dalawang kamay at iginalaw-galaw na animo may sinusundan na

walang tunog na tugtog. Nakapikit pa ang mga mata. Damang-dama talaga.

"May pagkabaliw din 'yang kapatid mo, 'no?" Nguso ni Vienne kay Akiko.

Nasanay na siya na tinatawag silang magkapatid lalo sa Viper Club. Kaya wala na sa
kanya 'yon.

"Mana-mana lang 'yan." Natatawang sagot niya at ginaya na rin si Akiko sa ginagawa.

"I'll call Rachna. Mukhang sayaw na sayaw na kayo, eh." Umalis si Vienne sa
inuupuan. "I will open the Club, too. May mga tao na rin naman sa labas."

"Thanks, Vivienne!"

"Whatever, girls. See you again later."

Iyon nga ang ginawa ng isa sa may-ari. Sinabihan ang mga empleyado na maaga silang
magbubukas. Sa entrada ay nakita niya ang dalawang bouncer na pumuwesto na.

Nagkalat na rin ang waiter and waitress sa paligid. Napaligiran na ang buong
madilim na Club ng iba't-ibang kulay ng ilaw. Ang spotlight naman ay tumama na sa
stage malapit sa dance floor.

Viper Club is smaller than RS Club, but it is more girly looks. Hindi mabigat sa
mata. Gayon pa man ay maraming lalaki parin ang nagpupunta sa Club. Siguro dahil na
rin maraming babae ang doon nagliliwaliw.

Ilang minuto lang ang lumipas ay marami nang nagsisipasukan. Kaya ang ginawa nila
ni Akiko ay lumipat ng pwesto sa pinaka gilid ng island counter para hindi na rin
sila ma-istorbo at maka-istorbo sa iba pang gustong pumuwesto do'n.

"Tell me, may balak ka rin bang mag resign?" Napabaling siya kay Akiko sa tanong na
iyon.

Sinimsim ni Celine ang cucumber juice na hindi maubos-ubos bago sumagot.

"Paano mong nalaman?"

Nagkibit ito ng balikat. "Naramdaman ko lang?"

"Yes, I will tell about it to Vienne, later."

"Simula nang nag-leave ka, naramdaman ko na aalis ka dito. Naunahan nga lang kita.
Saan ka nga pala galing? Ilang linggo ka rin nawala."

Syempre, hindi niya sasabihin dito ang tunay niyang dahilan. Pribado 'yon. Ayaw
niya ng mag-involve pa ng ibang tao. Tama na na si Alex lang ang ibang tao pang
nakakaalam ng buhay na itinatago niya.

"Nagbakasyon lang."

"Saan naman?" At mukhang hindi siya titigilan ng kaibigan.

"Sa Russia..." Huli na nang mapagtanto niya ang kanyang sagot.

Nakita niya si Akiko na bahagyang napapikit at humigpit ang hawak sa baso. Parang
may iniinda ito na hindi lang maisatinig.

"Are you alright, Akiko?" Marahan niya pa itong hinawakan sa braso.

"I'm okay," She answered, still closing her eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Ahm, yeah." Slowly, Akiko opened her eyes and smile weakly at her. "May naalala
lang ako... Celine."

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag saka tumango.

"Okay. Akala ko sumakit na naman ang ulo mo."

Naalala niya pa noon ang pagdalas ng sakit ng ulo nito dahil sa nangyari dito.

"I'm taking my medicine continuously. Kaya hindi na madalas sumasakit ang ulo ko."
"Good for you. Sabihin mo lang sa'kin kung gusto mo nang umuwi, okay?"

Panandalian muna siya nitong tinitigan. Akiko's eyes speaks so many emotions that's
hard for her to decipher. There's so many unspoken words behind it.

"Susunduin niya ako dito mamaya." Akiko smiled shyly.

She got it! She's referring to her new found friend daw.

At least, may ibang tao na nagpapasaya sa kaibigan. Medyo panatag ang loob niya sa
ideya na iyon.

Bago pa man siya makapagsalita ay tumunog na ang message alert tone ng cellphone
niya.

Celine brought her phone for a purpose—she's waiting for Private Investigator Alex
Villegas to contact her. Kaya kahit gusto niya man parusahan si McLaren na i-off
ang phone niya para hindi siya nito matawagan ay hindi niya iyon magawa ngayon.

Umirap siya sa hangin nang makitang kay McLaren galing ang mensahe. Over all, she
received ten missed call and ten unread text messages. Really? Hindi ba at busy ang
lalaking 'yon?

Buong pagpipigil ang ginawa niya na huwag basahin ang mga mensahe ngunit nang
dinungaw siya ni Akiko ay pinindot niya na ang isang message at inilayo sa tingin
nito ang screen sa cellphone niya.

Ayaw niyang malaman ng kaibigan na inis parin siya kay McLaren dahil sa ginawa
nito.

It's so selfish to claim someone that you clearly know isn't yours.

And it's obvious, that McLaren isn't hers. She's claiming him and it's selfish.
She's selfish! But who cares?

From: Baby M

My angel, please, answer my calls. I can't fucking concentrate with my job.

That was the first message. Hindi pa siya nasiyahan at nagbukas na naman ng mensahe
galing sa binata. She can't control herself when it comes to him.

From: Baby M

I'll make it up to you, baby. I'm sorry that you're jealous.

Napainom siya bigla. How dare him told that?! She's not jealous! Fine! She's
fucking jealous! Does he really needs to rub it on her face? Tss!

From: Baby M

Pasalamat ka malayo ako sayo ngayon, kung hindi, kanina pa kita hinubaran...

That was the first sentence, but she couldn't help herself but to blushed. Damn it!

From: Baby M

... I will make you feel that you are the only woman I want. Buntisin na lang kaya
kita para hindi ka na nagseselos diyan?

Pakiramdam niya ay namula ang buong mukha niya bigla dahil sa mahalay na mensahe ng
lalaking 'yon!

At bakit ba sa kabila ng pag-iinit ng buong mukha niya ay pinipigil niya pa rin ang
mapangiti? Bakit ba kinikilig siya? Galit dapat siya!

"You're blushing..." Akiko teased. "I guess, it's McLaren's sweet messages..."

Masyado na siyang napaghahalataan! Hindi niya na maitago ang kilig niya! God! That
man really knows how to deal with her when she's jealous!

"It's more than that," She simply said, suppressing a smile.

"Uh! My sister is in love!" Itinaas nito ang hawak na baso. "Cheers for that!" What
the...

Chapter 17 - 15 ~ Devour

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"COVER your boobs," Akiko told her and pointed her chest using her forefinger while
they are dancing.

When Celine looked at her chest, her boobs are bouncing and almost half of it is
now revealed. Mabuti na lang at wala do'n si McLaren, kung hindi ay baka hinila na
siya paalis sa dance floor.

Pinaikot niya ang mata sa naisip at pasimpleng itinaas ang black satin spaghetti
strap top niya. Sapat na para kahit ang cleavage niya ay matakpan.

Nagpatuloy sila ng kaibigan sa pag-indayog ng katawan. Sila ang magkaharap, pero

sadyang may mga lalaking hindi nagpapaawat na makasayaw sila.

"Hi, can we join?"

Ang kamay ng lalaki ay dumapo sa bewang niya. Napangiwi siya kaagad.

"I hope you both don't mind." A man behind Akiko, said, then placed his hand on her
friend's waist.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Akiko sabay umiling.

"Sorry boys, we're taken." It was Akiko's sweet voice.

"Oh!"

Nag-angat ng kamay ang dalawang lalaki at unti-unting lumayo sa kanila para

makahanap ng bagong kakasayawin.

"Ang mga lalaki talaga..." Puna niya.

"Hindi mapirmi sa isa." Pagpapagtuloy naman ng kaibigan na sabay nilang ikinatawa.

Ilan minuto na silang nagsasayaw nang maramdaman ni Celine ang pares ng mga mata na
tila nakasunod sa bawat galaw ng kanyang katawan.

Itinaas niya ang dalawang kamay at iginalaw-galaw ang balakang sa isang napaka
sensual na paraan, bago pasimpleng iginala ang mga mata sa paligid.

Ang malikot na iba't-ibang klaseng ilaw ay nagpapaikot sa kanyang paningin. She

moved closer to Akiko who's now closing her eyes while dancing.

"I think... McLaren is here." She told Akiko, making her opened her eyes.

"You think so?"

"I can feel it. Siguro ay nasa tabi-tabi lang 'yon."

"Ganyan kalakas ang pakiramdam mo?"

"When it comes to him, yes." Celine winked at Akiko and continue dancing.

Akiko checked her wristwatch, then looked at her. Mukhang alam niya na ang gusto
nitong mangyari.

"Eleven in the evening already." Sabi na nga ba. "I will text him. Magpapasundo na
ako."

"Let's go back to our seat then."

Sabay nilang nilisan ang dance floor at bumalik sa island counter kung nasaan sila
nakapwesto. Kinuha ni Akiko ang cellphone sa sling bag nito at nagpaka-busy na.

Sinenyasan ni Celine ang bartender na kaagad naman siyang dinaluhan.

"Yes, Madam?"

"One shot of margarita, please."

"Akala ko ba hindi ka iinom?" Si Akiko na mukhang tapos ng i-text ang lalaking

kaibigan nito.

"One shot lang naman."

"One shot lang ha."

"Oo." Pabiro niya itong inirapan.

Napangiti siya nang inilapag ng bartender ang glass of margarita niya. Akmang
kukuhanin niya na 'yon nang may kamay na pumigil sa palapulsuhan niya.

The black leather jacket and the way his hands wrap around her wrist, Celine knew
who was the freak.

Napasimangot siya. Tama nga ang hinala kanina.

"Umuwi na tayo." McLaren baritone voice making her knees wobble.

"Mauna ka na."
"Ako ang mauuna na, Celine." Wrong timing naman ang pag-alis ni Akiko. Lumapit ito
sa kanya at humalik sa pisngi. "Nasa labas na 'yung sundo ko. Mag-iingat kayo."

"Kayo rin." 'Yon lang ang nasabi niya at tinanaw ang kaibigan palabas ng Club.

Inis na inilayo niya kay McLaren ang kanyang kamay tapos ay naiirita itong
tinignan.

"Ayoko pa ngang umuwi..." Parang hindi na lumabas ang mga huling salita sa bibig
niya nang makita ang itsura nito.

Ang mga mata ay nababalot ng dilim, tila ba pinipigilan lang ang sarili na huwag
magalit sa kanya. He's wearing a black cap, black jeans and black inner shirt. The
very dimmed lights around them made him looks like a mysterious man in the dark.

"Huwag ng matigas ang ulo."

Mahina lang ang boses na iyon, hindi nang-uutos, pero kahit pa gano'n ay
napapasunod siya sa gusto nitong mangyari.

"No," Pagmamatigas niya.

Kanina lang ay galit siya dito, bakit ngayon na nasa harap niya na ay parang
napapawi na lahat ng galit niya? Ano bang ginawa sa kanya ni McLaren at ganito na
lang tumugon ang katawan niya dito.

"If you want to drink, I will let you, but not here."

"I want it here."

"No,"

Muli ay hinagilap nito ang kanyang kamay. Pilitin niya mang i-iwas ay nahuhuli
parin nito!

"McLaren!" She frustratedly call his name.

McLaren is holding her hand, on his other hand is her purse. Tinignan niya ito ng
masama, alam niyang hindi ito masisindak pero susubukan niya pa rin. Galit dapat
siya dito! Nakakuyom ang kanyang mga kamao.

Ilan minuto silang nagmatigasan bago ito bumuntong hininga. Gusto niyang mapangiti
ngunit pinigil niya ang sarili. Nababaliw na yata siya?

"Baby..." Ang napapaos at pagod nitong boses ang nagpapikit sa kanya.

Bakit ba parang kinikiliti ang loob ng tiyan niya dahil lang sa boses nito?

"I don't have enough strength to start a fight with you. Let's go home. Pease?" He
even titled his head closer to see her closely.

Tahimik siyang tumango. Sa ginawa niya ay para bang nabawasan ang problemang pasan
nito.

Pinagsiklop ni McLaren ang kanilang mga daliri at lumabas na ng Viper Club. Ni

hindi man lang siya nakapag-paalam kay Vienne na aalis na. Itetext niya na lang ang
kaibigan.
"Paano ang sasakyan ko?" Tanong niya kay McLaren nang pagbuksan siya nito ng pinto
sa dala nitong sasakyan.

"Ipapakuha ko na lang."

"Convoy na lang tayo."

"No," Mariin na tanggi nito. "Get in."

Nakanguso na pumasok siya.

Bakit ba kay dali lang sa lalaking ito na pasunurin siya? Ganito ba talaga kapag
mahal mo? Na isang salita lang ay susunod kaagad kahit ayaw? Parang na-hipnotismo
ng hindi nalalaman.

McLaren's face is stoic the whole time of travelling home. Tahimik at parang may
lihim na kaaway sa daan.

Wala silang imikan hanggang sa nakarating sila sa basement ng RS Condominia. Kahit

sa pagpasok at paglabas sa elevator ay gano'n din. Pero nang makatapat sila sa unit
niya ay hindi niya na napigilan pa ang pagiging tahimik.

"Thanks for the ride! Goodnight!" Then she swiped her key card annoyingly.

Kasabay ng pagbukas ng pinto ay pagbukas din ng mga ilaw do'n at ng aircon. Haharap
na sana siya kay McLaren at bubulyawan ito pero pumasok din ito sa loob.

McLaren lay his back on the couch, he looks really tired. Parang may mainit na
bagay na humaplos sa puso niya bigla dahil sa inasta nito. Pagod nga talaga.

Ang isang braso ay nakapatong sa mga mata, tinatakpan ang liwanag na nagmumula sa
mga ilaw. Kinapa niya ang switch sa gilid ng pinto at pinatay ang ilaw sa sala.

"McLaren, doon ka na lang matulog sa kwarto kung ayaw mong matulog sa unit mo."
Mahinahon na sabi niya nang lapitan ito. "Hey, wake up, Tinapik niya pa ito sa
balikat.

"I'm fine here."

"I know you're not."

Lagpas ang mga paa nito sa couch.

"Matulog ka na."

"Sa kwarto ka na lang. Malaki naman 'yung kama."

McLaren removed his arm that covering his eyes, then stare at her with his tired
eyes. The dim lights from the kitchen were enough for her to see how good looking
he is. Na kahit anong klaseng ilaw ang tumatama rito, pilit na nangingibabaw parin
ang taglay na ka-gwapuhan.

His eyes suddenly drifted to her chest, then he groaned. Iniwas nito ang tingin
do'n.

"Change your clothes. Baka hindi na ako makapagpigil sayo."

Tumuwid siya sa pagkakatayo mula sa pagkakatunghay dito. Bahagya niyang itinaas ang
tela sa dibdib. Huli niya na natatanto na nakalitaw ang halos kalahati ng dibdib
niya kanina dahil sa pagkakayuko.

"Halika na sa kwarto." Malambing na aya niya. "Huwag ka ng maarte diyan."

Parang napipilitan pa na bumangon si McLaren. He leered, then stood up.

Ewan niya pero hindi niya napigilan ang pagkawala ng ngiti sa kanyang labi. Nauna
na siyang naglakad upang hindi nito makita ang ngiting iyon.

Pagkapasok pa lang nila sa pinto ng silid ay nagulat siya nang niyapos siya ni
McLaren mula sa likod.

"You've been a bad girl." He whispered and planted a small kisses on her nape, then
to her neck.

Celine closed her eyes to even feel the sweet sensation.

She gripped on McLaren arm when he slid his hand on her brassiere. He slowly
massage her boobs. Then he plays with her twin peaks using his thumb. Her knees
were wobbling.

"McLaren..." she almost moan his name.

Celine tilted her head on the side to give McLaren a complete access to her neck.
Every wet kisses from his sinful lips is like a fire that burns her.

Bumaba ang isang kamay nito sa kanyang tiyan at marahan na hinaplos iyon. Hindi
naman marami ang nainom niya ngunit sa mga haplos ni McLaren ay daig niya pa ang
lasing.

"Do you know what did you do to me today?" He whispered and sensually breath on her
ear, making her shiver.

"What?" Pilit niyang nilalabanan ang sensasyong namumuo sa pagitan nila.

Imbes na sumagot ay iginaya siya nito sa gilid ng kama at naupo ito do'n. McLaren
made her sit on his lap.

"Huwag mo ng uulitin 'yon..." Mababa ang boses nito, naghahalo ang pagsusumamo at
kabiguan.

Gumalaw muli ang kamay ni McLaren papasok sa loob ng damit niya at nang mahanap ang
tamang lokasyon ay nanatili na do'n. He rested his palm on her breast.

Alam ba ng lalaking ito ang nararamdaman niya sa tuwing lumalapat ang balat nito sa
balat niya? She could almost feel the wetness between her thighs.

"How was your first day?" She asked softly.

McLaren chuckled sarcastically. Humigpit ang kapit ng isang kamay nito sa kanyang
bewang.

"My day was ruined by a bad girl."

Celine puckered her lips, blaming herself. Pero siya ba talaga ang dahilan?

"B-busy lang ako kanina kaya hindi ko nasasagot ang mga tawag mo—"
"Talaga?" Ang tono nito ay halatang hindi naniniwala.

"Totoo!" Kahit hindi!

Ang hirap talaga mag sinungaling sa harap ng taong mahal mo pero patuloy niya parin
ginagawa.

"Just don't do that again."

Huminga siya ng malalim. Tinignan niya si McLaren at nang matanto na nakatitig pala
ito sa kanya ay kaagad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Ang pintig ng puso niya ay
bumilis.

"M-matutulog na ako."

Akmang aalis siya sa kandungan ni McLaren nang ipirmi siya nito gamit ang isang
kamay lang.

"We're not yet done talking, Celine."

His thumb and forefinger found her chin, he moved it a little to face him so they
could see each other, eye to eye.

Mahina siya sa eye to eye contact lalo at si McLaren. Matitigan lang siya nito
saglit ay parang nahihilo na siya sa kalasingan.

"Hindi ko na 'yon gagawin." Aniya, upang matapos na ang usapan na iyon at makawala
siya sa nakakapasong mga titig nito.

"Ang alin?" Nagmamaang-maangan pa talaga!

Umusli ang nguso niya nang makita na para itong natutuwa sa kagustuhan niyang
matapos na ang usapan nila.

They are too close, ni hindi na siyang makapag-isip ng maayos. Ang pintig ng puso
niya ay hindi niya na maintindihan, hindi niya na maawat sa bilis.

"H-hindi ko na gagawin ang..." Celine stopped mid sentence when she felt his hand
slid on her mini skirt.

Namungay kaagad ang mga mata niya nang maramdaman ang daliri ni McLaren sa pagitan
ng kanyang mga hita.

"Hindi mo na gagawin ang pakikipagsayaw sa mga lalaki?"

Tumango siya at napayakap sa may batok ni McLaren dahil sa marahan na haplos ng

daliri nito sa kanyang pagkababae na natatakpan pa ng manipis na telang suot niya
pang-ilalim.

"Sabihin mong hindi na..."

"H-Hindi na..."

"How about drinking without me?" He whispered under her ear, teasing her.

Umiling-iling siya bilang sagot na hindi na.

"Answer me..." He demanded, while his finger sensually stroking her wet feminity.
"H-hindi na... M-McLaren... umm,"

Isinubsob niya ang mukha sa may leeg nito. Hindi niya na makayanan ang nakakaliyong
paglalaro ng binata sa pagkababae niya.

"How about not ignoring my phone calls and text messages, huh?" She could feel the
smirk on his lips. "How will you explain it?"

Imbes na sumagot ay nakagat niya na lang ang pang-ibabang labi ng hawiin ni McLaren
ang panty niya at tuluyan ng damhin ang kabasaan niya.

"Tang ina," he cursed breathlessly when his fingers filled with her wetness.

"McLaren... Please..." Kung para saan ang pakiusap niya ay hindi niya na alam.

Para siyang mauubusan na ng lakas na nakakunyapit sa binata habang iginagalaw ang

balakang niya para damhin lalo ang daliri nitong mabagal na pinapadulas sa kanyang
hiwa. Nahihibang na nga talaga siya!

"No, baby... We have to finish this talk first."

"But I want you." She whispered seductively, making him groaned painfully.

Para bang kaunting lambing at pang-aakit niya na lang kay McLaren ay mapipigtas na
ang pagpipigil nito sa kanya.

McLaren clenched his jaw and swallow hard.

"Promise me that you will answer my phone calls and text messages." May diin at may
matinding pagpipigil sa boses nito.

His adams apple bobbled up sexily. Kahit sa anggulong iyon ay nagpapainit sa kanya.

Ang medyo mahigpit na pagkapit ni McLaren sa kanyang magkabilang bewang, ay tanda

na kino-kontrol pa nito ang sarili para hindi magpatangay sa nakaabang na apoy na
papaso sa kanilang dalawa.

"Uh, McLaren!" Bigo na at halos tumaas ang kanyang boses nang ihinto nito ang
ginagawang paghimod sa hiwa ng kanyang pagkababae, pero nanatili ang daliri doon.

He's really good in controlling himself!

"Y-yes! I promise!" Sagot niya at hinalik-halikan ito sa leeg.

Napa-ungol ito na parang nahihirapan. Habang siya ay nag-uumigting ang kagustuhan

na mahaplos muli ng binata.

"Please...baby..." she begs.

Nang hindi nito pinagpatuloy ang nasimulan ay bahagya niyang inangat ang ulo para
makita ito. Mariin itong nakatingin sa kanya na para bang may kasalanan talaga
siyang nagawa dito.

Kasalanan na ba ngayon ang magselos? Kung oo, tatanggapin niya. Aminado naman siya
na nagseselos siya sa bagay na hindi naman dapat pagselosan!

Sa susunod ay kakausapin niya na ang puso niya, na huwag masyadong selosa para
hindi sila nagkakaproblema ng lalaking ito.
Hahalikan niya sa sana si McLaren sa labi pero supladong umiwas ito kaya sa gilid
lang ng labi nito tumama ang halik niya. Galit talaga sa kanya?

"Sorry na." Pagsuko niya. Para namang may iba pa siyang pagpipilian? She can't stay
mad at him for a long time. "Kasi ikaw, e..."

"You're sorry but you still put the blame on me?" There's a smirk on his lips.

Naglalambing na humilig siya sa dibdib nito. His black leather jacket looks good on
him, pero mas matutuwa siya kung huhubarin nito 'yon. Goodness! What is happening
to her? That's lewd!

"Huwag ka ng magalit."

Bakit ba parang siya pa ang nanunuyo? Siya dapat ang suyuin hindi ba? Gano'n lang
kadali bumaliktad ang mundo?

"I am not mad. Just don't do that again. Hindi mo alam kung ano ang nasa isip ko
kapag hindi ka sumasagot sa mga tawag ko."

"Ano?" Malambing parin ang boses niya.

McLaren stare at her intently. Kung bakit ba kay hirap huminga ng normal kapag
nakatitig na ito sa kanya.

"I was worried..." His low voice was raspy. "Fucking worried."

Celine bit her lower lip as she stare back at his dark eyes.

"Baliw na nga ako sayo... Lalo mo pa akong binabaliw dahil sa mga ginagawa mo..."
Halos pabulong na lang iyon pero ang linaw-linaw sa pandinig niya.

Antimano ang pagkabog ng kanyang puso. Kung marinig iyon ni McLaren ay wala na
siyang pakialam pa.

Sana ay kaya niya rin sabihin harap-harapan na baliw na baliw din siya dito. Kung
kaya niya lang... ginawa niya na.

"Now, let me give what you deserve for being a bad girl today." McLaren whispered
and she gasped when he put her to bed.

He parted her legs then place his head in between. He carelessly moved her panty on
the side and without any more words from McLaren, she felt his tongue on her
femininity.

"McLaren... mmm!"

Umalpas ang mga ungol sa labi ni Celine nang maramdaman ang tila karahasan sa pag-
galaw ng dila ng binata sa pagkababae niya. Madiin, gigil at parang sa pamamagitan
ng masarap na parusa ibinunton ang maghapon na sakit na ulong ibinigay niya rito.

"Ohh, baby! Don't s-suck... ohh fuck!" She cursed deliciously when McLaren sucked
her cl*toris.

Madiin din ang kapit nito sa mga hita niya, ipinipirmi ang pang-upo niya sa kama
dahil hindi mapigilan ang mapaliyad sa pagsalakay ng matinding sarap.

Celine grind her hips, wide her legs more and let McLaren devour her femininity.
Chapter 18 - 16 ~ Cravings

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"HUWAG na natin 'yon pag-usapan." Mahinang sabi niya kay McLaren at naglalambing na
isiniksik ang mukha sa dibdib nito.

Why she suddenly felt embarrass on telling him about her jealousy? She should not
be jealous, they both know that.

Una pa lang ay malinaw na sa kanya kung saan siya nakatayo sa buhay ni McLaren.
Ngunit ang puso niya ay hindi na makaya pang iwasan ang mga damdamin na dapat ay
hindi niya maramdaman.

McLaren caress her stomach while his other hand is in between her thighs, rubbing
her feminity in slow motion. They are naked and resting after they both reached
their orgasm.

Celine face burned when she remembered how McLaren punish her by licking her
sensitive part. How dare him do that kind of delicious punishment on her?

He keeps on rubbing her wetness, putting her body on fire again. Kaya lang ay
mukhang sinasadya nitong gano'n lang ang gawin bilang paghihirap sa katawan niyang
nananabik na naman.

"Alam kong nagseselos ka..." He whispered.

Nag-init pa lalo ang buong mukha niya dahil sa kasiguraduhan sa boses ni McLaren.
Dapat na nga yata siyang umamin at hayaan ang sariling mapahiya sa harap mismo nito
para matapos na ang parusang ito ni McLaren sa kanya.

Maybe he's really planning to tease her until she begs for him? Wala sa sarili na
ibinuka niya ang mga hita para mas malaya pa nitong hagurin ang kabasaan niya.

She felt a smirk form his lips on her head because of what she did.

"Kung nagseselos ako... ano naman sa iyo?" May paghahamon sa tinig niya, pinipigil
na huwag mapaungol.

"Hmm,"

"Normal lang sa mga babae ang magselos—oh..." Daing ang huling lumabas sa bibig
nang bigla nitong ipasok ang isang daliri sa loob niya!

Wala pa man ding mabibilis na hagod ay parang nanginginig na ang mga hita ni Celine
sa sarap na dulot ng mahabang daliri sa kanyang butas.

McLarrn move his finger in and out, making her bite her lower lips and shove her
body to him. Kusang gumalaw ang mga kamay niya upang haplusin ang matipuno nitong
dibdib pababa sa matigas na tiyan.

"You know where you stand in my life." He muttered as he withdrew his finger inside
of her.
Celine gasped to what he did. Literal na nabitin.

"McLaren!" She called him desperately, urging him to put his finger back on her
femininity. Nahihibang na nga talaga.

Desperately, Celine rolled over until she's above McLaren, sitting on his abdomen.
A tingling sensation ripped through her veins when she felt her womanhood touches
his bare abs.

McLaren's eyes darkened in desire. Those eyes drop down to her boobs. Mainit ang
tingin nito doon, nakakahiya mang aminin ay naninigas ang ut*ng niya sa tingin
palang ni McLaren, bukod pa doon ay naninindig ang kanyang balahibo, naliliyo.

"I don't know where I stand, McLaren." Bigong sabi niya. "I don't know how to
handle my feelings when it comes to you."

Pakiramdam niya ay biglang naapula ang pag-aapoy ng katawan dahil sa lumabas mula
sa kanyang bibig. She's very confused about where to stand in McLaren's life.

Natanto niya na hindi lahat ng oras ay kaya niyang kontrolin ang sariling
nararamdaman lalo at habang tumatagal ay lumalalim nang lumalalim iyon na para bang
bawat segundo ay naghuhukay siya.

"Hindi mo alam kung saan ang lugar mo sa akin?" Mababa ang boses nito na mataman na
nakatingin sa kanya, tinatantsa kung gaano na kalalim ang pinag-uusapan nila.

Marahan siyang tumango, bigo parin.

"Tell me exactly where I belong." Sa nangungusap na boses niya nasabi ang mga
salitang 'yon.

He place his hands on the sides of her waist, gently caressing her there.

The veins on his forearms down at the back of his palms were very visible now.
Mukhang marahas ang mga 'yon.

Ilan beses na nga ba siyang naikulong sa mga brasong iyon? Ilan beses niya na bang
nakapitan iyon upang kumuha ng lakas? Hindi niya na mabilang. Sa sobrang dami ay
ayaw niya ng humanap pa ng ibang brasong yayakap sa kanya.

She could stay forever on his arms if only fate let her.

"Come here..." McLaren tenderly said.

Kung bakit sa sobrang rahan ng boses nito ay nasasaktan pa siya. Tumitibok ang puso
niya sa pinaghalong galak at sakit, na sa totoo lang ay pwede palang mangyari.

Walang emosyon sa mukha nito ngunit sa boses ay mayroon. He's really hard to read.
Nakakatakot itong basahin.

Para siyang babasagin na bagay na marahang dinala ni McLaren sa dibdib nito at

iniyakap ang mga braso sa kanya.

Itinagilid niya ang ulo upang marinig ang tibok ng puso ng binata. Magkadikit ang
kanyang mga kamay na nagsisilbing harang sa kanilang.

Sa ganoong posisyon nila ay kuntento na siya. Mayakap lang siya ni McLaren,

pakiramdam niya ay wala na siyang hihilingin pa. She found her serenity on his
arms.

"I hope you know now where you belong, baby." McLaren said gently and kissed her
head.

Gusto niyang matunaw.

Paulit-ulit niya ng itinanong sa sarili noon kung saan ba talaga ang lugar niya sa
buhay ni McLaren?

Ang kaalaman na sa mga bisig nito ang tamang lugar para sa kanya ay mas lalo lamang
nagpaibayo ng pag-asa niya... na siguro nga kahit hindi man sabihin ang mga
salitang gusto niyang marinig mula dito ay sapat na na malaman na binigyan siya
nito ng lugar sa buhay nito.

KINAUMAGAHAN nang magising si Celine ay wala na si McLaren sa kanyang tabi. Ganon

pa man ay napangiti parin iya. Maganda ang tulog niya kaya marapat lang na maganda
din ang gising.

Akmang babangon na siya nang tumunog ang kanyang cellphone. Kinuha niya iyon sa
side table at tinignan. Hindi siya magkandamayaw nang makita ang pangalan ni
McLaren sa screen na tumatawag.

At bakit ba mas lalo yatang nadagdagan ang kalabog ng dibdib niya?

Nagtanggal muna siya ng bara sa kanyang lalamunan bago sinagot ang tawag.

"Hello?"

"Hey, how's my baby?"

Napanguso si Celine upang pigilan ang ngisi sa labi. Mabuti at hindi niya ito
kaharap, kung nagkataon ay mabibisto kaagad siya na parang teenager na kinikilig.

"Uh, ayos lang. Kakagising ko lang. Anong oras ka umalis?"

"Around five in the morning. Hindi na kita ginising. May gagawin ka ba ngayong
araw?"

Nag-isip siya saglit bago sumagot.

"I will go shopping."

"And after that?"

"I don't really know. Ikaw ba? Aren't you busy?"

"Not really. Just hoping to finish my job before the weekend." She heard him
sighed. "I have to cut off the line. I'll call you later."

"Mag-iingat ka."

"For my baby, I will."

Tuluyan ng lumitaw ang ngiti sa labi niya. Ang galing talaga ng lalaking 'to
magpalipad ng mga paru-paro sa tiyan niya.

Bago pa siya mabaliw kakangiti mag-isa ay nagpagpasyahan niyang maligo na upang

magawa na ang mga dapat gawin sa araw na 'yon.
Wearing a burgundy buttoned skirt and black halter top, Celine went out and found a
coffee shop near RS Condominia.

The wall colors are lavender and white. The ambiance is cozy and very refreshing.
She found her table at the corner where she can see the people outside through the
glass wall. Even the tables and chairs were in a cute lavender color with a touch
of a little bit of white also.

Nang makahanap si Celine ng pwesto ay kaagad na may lumapit sa kanyang waitress.

Kulay lilac ang unipormeng suot nito. Maayos ang pagkakapusod ng buhok at masayang
nakangiti sa kanya.

"Good morning, Madam."

She handed her the menu.

"Morning." She greeted back and look at the menu.

Nang makita niya ang iba't-ibang flavor ng cake do'n ay parang naglaway siya bigla.
Hindi lang pala iyon patungkol sa kape lang, may mga samot-saring cake din.

"May I take your order, Madam?" Nakahanda na ang waitress na kuhanin ang order
niya.

"Uh, I like this sweet avocado flavored cake. Two slice, please."

"How about drinks, Madam?"

Muli ay binuklat ni Celine ang pahina para sa mga inumin. Balak niya talaga ay
magkape pero nang nakita niya ang avocado shake ay nawala na sa isip niya ang
pagkakape.

"One avocado shake."

"I will repeat your order, Madam. Two slice of sweet avocado cake, one avocado
shake. Anything else?"

"Um, avocado cake and shake for take out." Wala sa sariling sabi niya habang ini-
imagine na kinakain ang mga 'yon mamayang gabi.

"Okay, Madam. The order will be served after five minutes."

Patipa-tipa ang daliri ni Celine sa ibabaw ng lamesa. Hindi inaasahan ang biglang
pagkalam ng sikmura. Napanguso siya. Naisip na hindi nga pala siya nakapag-dinner
kaya ganito.

"Oh, you're here!" Ang sorpresa sa boses ng babae sa gilid niya ang nagpaangat sa
kanya ng tingin dito.

A woman is sporting a peach dress and stiletto, smiling at her. Her golden brown
wavy hair were place at the right side of her shoulder. Her nude lipstick, perfect
eyebrows and curly eyelashes made her looks like a living doll.

"Liberty," Celine muttered.  "Have a seat." She motioned her to sit down and she
did.

"Late breakfast?"
"Uh, yeah. Late na akong nagising."

They are not really that close. Iilang beses niya pa lang itong nakasama. Basta ang
alam niya, kasintahan ito ng kapatid ni McLaren, si Mazda.

"Ngayon lang kita nakita dito sa shop ko."

Celine's eyes widened a bit in surprise.

"Oh, you own this shop." Then quickly scanned the whole place.

"My Daddy's birthday gift to me." Liberty playfully wiggled her eyebrows. "Yeah, I
own this shop. Do you like the place?"

Iginala rin nito ang tingin sa kabuuan ng lugar.

"I do. I like the ambiance here. It's relaxing."

"That's why I like it here too."

"Excuse me po, Madam." Magalang na sabi ng waiter ng ibaba ang order niya.

Natakam kaagad si Celine nang masilayan ang avocado cake! Ngayon pa lang siya
makakatikim niyon. Hell! She doesn't even like avocado fruit before! What happen
now? Maybe, out of curiosity? Curious about avocado cake's taste?

"I want banana cake and tea. Bring it here." Liberty ordered the waiter.

"Okay po, Madam."

Nang umalis ang waiter ay nagdadalawang isip pa siya kung mag-uumpisa na ba siyang
kumain o maghihintay na naman ng limang minuto para sabay sila ni Liberty?

"You can start eating now, Celine. I hope you like our sweet avocado cake." Sa
sinabi nitong iyon ay hindi na siya nag-dalawang isip pang lantakan ang nakahain.

Halos mapapikit siya sa sarap ng cake nang lumapat iyon sa dila niya. Ganito pala
kasarap ang avocado.

"This taste really good!"

Liberty chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that. Thank you."

Ngumiti lang siya dito at nagpatuloy sa pagkain.

Maya-maya lang ay dumating na rin ang order nitong banana cake. Mabango rin ang
amoy niyon pero mas nanuot na sa ilong niya ang amoy ng avocado cake.

"Hindi mo yata kasama si McLaren?"

Nahinto siya sa pagsipsip sa avocado shake bigla.

"Do you live in RS Condominia?"

Ibinaba ni Celine ang shake bago ito sinagot.

"Yes, for three days now. McLaren is busy." She smile shyly.

Mas mainam na rin  siguro kung makipaglapit siya kay Liberty. Halata naman na
mabait ito.

"How about you? Hindi mo yata kasama si Kuya Mazda?"

"He's still sleeping." Umusli and labi nito saka umirap sa hangin. "Pagod." Nakita
niya ang bahagyang pagpula ng pisngi nito.

Tama ba ang naiisip niya? Goodness! Bagay na bagay ang dalawa, iyon ang masasabi
niya.

"Pinagod mo yata..." Tudyo niya na mas lalong ikinapula ng pisngi ni Liberty.

"Uh, stop it, Celine!"

She laughed at her cute reaction. Hindi na nga talaga sila mga bata. Kahit hindi
deretsahan sabihin ang bagay na 'yon ay alam na nilang iyon ang tinutukoy.

"Ang ganda mo kapag namumula ka, Liberty." She teased.

"My baby is blushing?"

Kaagad na lumipad ang mata niya sa lalaking naglalakad palapit sa likurang bahagi
ni Liberty.

Mazda Lane on his man bun and black sleeveless shirt that shows the tattoos on the
side of his body is now on Liberty's back. He possessively wrapped his arms around
her waist and he buried his face on Liberty's neck.

How clingy!

Liberty groaned. "I thought you're still sleeping."

"Nagising akong wala ka sa tabi ko."

Napangiwi si Celine at nag-iwas ng tingin sa dalawa ng makita niyang hinalik-

halikan ni Mazda ang leeg ni Liberty paangat sa gilid ng labi.

Calling McLaren Lane! Bigla siyang nainggit sa dalawa!

"Hindi ka nahihiya kay Celine!" Pagalit ni Liberty tapos ay tinampal sa braso si

Mazda na hindi naman ininda.

"Hi, Celine." Bati sa kanya ng lalaki habang nakayapos parin kay Liberty, at least
hindi na nanghahalik. Mas okay ng tignan at kausapin.

"Hello there." Sumimsim siya sa avocado shake.

"McLaren?" Iyon lang ang tanong nito pero nakuha niya agad ang nakapaloob sa isang
salita na 'yon.

"He left at five in the morning. Job."

Tumango-tango naman si Mazda at muling ibinalik ang mukha sa leeg ng kasintahan na

parang inaantok pa.

"Pati oras ng alis alam mo ha." Mapaglaro ang tinig at ngisi sa kanya ni Liberty.
"Anong oras siya umuuwi sa inyo?"

Sa inyo? Hinuhuli yata siya nito.

"We're not living together." Agap niya. So defensive. "Pero magkasunod lang ang
room namin."

"Do'n din sa floor niyo ang room namin."

"You two are living together?" Casual na tanong niya. Normal lang naman siguro
'yon.

"Magkaka-baby na kami, kaya dapat lang." Si Mazda ang proud na sumagot.

Pakiramdam ni Celine ay lumiwanag ang mukha niya sa ideyang magkakaanak na ang

dalawa.

Ngumuso si Liberty pero hindi na naman nagprotesta pa. Confirm!

"Congrats! Siguradong magandang kombinasyon 'yan."

And that made Liberty laugh in amusement. "Thanks, Celine."

Pagkatapos kumain ni Liberty ay nagpaalam na ang dalawa na aalis na. Ilang minuto
ang ginugol ni Celine sa lugar na 'yon bago nagpasyang umalis na rin para makapag-
shopping na.

SA ISANG hindi kilalang bar napagkasunduang magkita ni McLaren at ng taong

pinapahanap sa kanya ng ama. Sa ilang araw niyang pagsunud-sunod sa dating
sundalong ito ay sa wakas at pinaanyayahan na rin siya na makausap ito.

"What do you want?" The ex soldier cold voice didn't intimidate him at all, but his
respect is on him. Of course, he look up at soldiers.

"Our private organization needed someone who is skilled enough to train our new
agents on shooting. We can offer you a big amount of salary. Your identity will
remain confidential. We know that you are one of the hidden sniper of the
Philippine Army. I hope you would grab this opportunity, Sir."

"Thank you for the offer, but I am not really interested." He said with the tone of
finality.

His father told him to try his best to convince this ex Military man, but McLaren
knew that his decision about declining ESO's offer was final.

"I'm hoping that you'll change your mind."

Umiling ito. "That's my final answer."

Tumayo ito at akmang aalis na ng muling bumaling sa kanya.

"What? Did you change your mind—"

"No," He cut him off and glared at him. "Stop following me from now on or else I
will shoot you."

"Hindi ako kalaban."

Nanatili ang talim ng tingin nito sa kanya hanggang sa bigla na lang may
nagliparang bote sa gawi nila. Sabay silang napatingin sa pinanggalingan niyon.

A group of drunk men laughing at them. Trip yata sila. Bago pa man din siya
makalapit sa mga ito ay naunahan na siya ng dating sundalo.

Mula sa pagkakaupo ay hinila nito sa kwelyo ang isang lalaki at sinuntok ng

dalawang beses na magkasunod. McLaren is impressed with the intensity of his every
hard punch.

Nang makita niya ang isang lalaking may hawak na basag na bote at ihahampas dito ay
mabilis niyang nilapitan ang lalaki at tinadyakan sa tagiliran.

He saw the ex-soldier glared at him, telling him that he doesn't need his help.
Pero sadyang matigas ang ulo niya at tinulungan itong patumbahin ang lima pang
natitira.

"I don't fucking need you here!" The ex-soldier shouted at him as he punched hard
the other drunk man on the stomach.

"I don't fucking care at all!" McLaren glared back at him while his arm wrap around
the neck of his opponent.

Halos malagutan ng hininga ang lalaking sinakal niya bago niya binalya sa lamesa
dahilan kung bakit iyon tumaob at nabasag lahat ng boteng nakapatong.

Nang makita niyang may nilabas na balisong ang isang lalaki ay nagseryoso na siya.
Oh damn, he loves knife fighting a lot.

"Closer..." Hamon niya dito at bahagyang inilahad ang isang kamay, pinapalapit sa
kanya.

Unang hagupit pa lang ng balisong ay nahuli niya kaagad ang kamay ng lalaki at
pinilipit hanggang sa mabitawan nito ang balisong.

"Watch your back!"

Huli niya nang narinig ang sinabing iyon ng dating sundalo dahil paglingon niya sa
kanyang likod ay sinalubong na siya ng isang suntok mula sa kalaban mabuti at
daplis lang.

Sa gigil niya ay nakuha niya pang kwelyuhan ang lalaki at gamit ang buong pwersa ay
sinuntok niya sa mukha dahilan ng pagkawala nito ng malay.

Akala ni McLaren ay ubos na pero napabuntong hininga siya nang saktong paglingon
niya sa kakampi ay nadaplisan ng suntok ang labi nito. Daplis man ay alam niyang
mabigat ang suntok.

Parang wala lang nangyari na sabay silang umalis sa bar ng nagsidatingan ang mga
gwardya at bouncer.

Kanya-kanyang sakay sila sa sasakyan at pinaandar palayo.

"Tang ina," he cursed when he felt the wound on the side of his lips.

Sinulyapan niya iyon sa rearview mirror at nakitang may sugat nga siya sa labi.

While on his way home, he received a text message from Celine. There's a lot of
unread messages from her that he didn't get the chance to read because he was busy
awhile ago.

From: My baby
Where are you?

From: My baby

I bought sweet avocado cake and shake again. You want some?

From: My baby

This is so delicious! Hindi na kita natirahan. Sorry.

McLaren drive slowly and typed a reply.

To: My baby

It's okay. You want more?

Wala pa yatang isang minuto ay umilaw ulit ang cellphone niya. Kinuha niya iyon sa
dashboard.

From: My baby

I want more. Please, buy me three slice of sweet avocado cake and two shake.

He typed a reply again. He can't just ignore Celine's messages and cravings, even
if he's driving.

To: My baby

Sure, baby. I'm going home now.

McLaren continue driving until he reached Liberty's shop where he can buy that
avocado cake and shake that Celine's want. Ilang araw na rin nitong inuulit-ulit
ang pagkain na 'yon kahit hating gabi pa.

He pursed his lips when he thinks about his baby and her weird cravings.

Chapter 19 - 17 ~ What if

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CELINE jump a bit when she heard the doorbell rang. Bumangon siya mula sa
pagkakahiga sa mahabang sofa at naglakad papunta sa pinto. She expected the visitor
even if its already late at night. Gising na gising parin siya dahil wala naman
siyang ginawa maghapon kundi ang matulog, kumain at mag movie marathon.

"Did you really wait for me?" McLaren said when she opened the door before he
kissed her forehead.

Celine's heart race with that sweet gesture.

"Of course."
Her eyes drop down to the paper bags on his hand. Her smile grew wider when she
recognized what's inside. It's her avocado cake and shake!

"Come in," she said, smiling.

McLaren was the one who closed the door.

"Here's my baby's avocado cake and shake." Then handed her the paper bag.

Alam na alam talaga nito na iyon ang kanina niya pa gustong kunin dito ngunit
pinipigilan niya lang ang sarili.

"Thank you!" Celine leaned closer to give him a quick kiss, but stopped when she
noticed the small cut on the side of his lips. "What—"

"This is nothing." Agap nito.

Gamit ang kamay ay pasimpleng kinapa nito iyon pero hindi nakalagpas sa kanya ang
bahagyang pag-ngiwi ni McLaren nang lumapat ang daliri sa sugat.

"Gamutin muna natin 'yan."

Inilapag niya sa center table ang paper bag at nagpunta sa silid para kunin ang
first aid kit. Naiwan si McLaren sa sala, wala ng nagawa kundi maupo do'n at
hintayin siya.

Nang makita niya ang hinahanap, ay bumalik ulit siya kung nasaan si McLaren. He's
already laying in the long sofa, watching the action movie on the big screen. He
used his hands as his pillow.

Ang black leather jacket nito ay nasa kabilang single sofa nakasampay. Leaving his
black sando on, revealing his muscled arm and his hot tattoos in that part.

Celine fake a cough.

Sanay naman siyang makita ang mga muscle at tattoo nito kahit noon pa man, pero iba
ang nararamdaman niya ngayon...nag-iinit siya. Samantalang si McLaren ay parang
hindi man lang naaakit sa kanya? At bakit niya ba naiisip ngayon ang gano'ng bagay?

She simply scanned her clothes. She's wearing a loose cotton shirt and short
shorts. Hindi nga talaga nakakaakit ang itsura niya. Kung magpalit kaya siya? 'Yung
mas revealing?

Kasalukuyan niyang kinukumbinsi ang sarili na bumalik sa silid upang magpalit ng

damit nang sulyapan siya ni McLaren.

"Come here..." He said gently and patted the small space of the long sofa.

Nawala na sa isip ni Celine ang pagpapalit ng mas revealing na damit. Bakit niya
nga ba iyon naisip bigla?

She put the first aid kit above the table.

Nagdadalawang isip pa siya kung tatabi ba kay McLaren o ewan niya kung ano na ang
dapat niyang gawin. Makita niya lang ito na nakatitig sa kanya, natutuliro na ang
utak niya! Napaka-lakas ng epekto sa kanya ng lalaking ito.

Inalis ni McLaren ang isang kamay na ginawa nitong unan at ginamit iyon para
hawakan ang kamay niya at igaya paupo sa maliit na espasyo sa tabi nito.
Ngayon na nagkakadikit na ang kanilang mga katawan, mas lalo lang nag-aalab ang
apoy sa kaloob-looban niya.

"You're hot, " he whispered, he easily noticed her body's reaction.

He caressed her hand up to her elbow, then to her lap. Pinigilan niyang huwag
mapaigtad. Nag-aalala ang uri ng haplos nito pero para sa kanya ay inaakit siya.

"Ayos ka lang?"

"Ayos lang ako." Inabot niya ang bulak at betadine. "Hindi ito mahapdi..." Aniya
habang nilalagyan niya ng betadine ang bulak.

"Yeah,"

Nanatili ang isang kamay ni McLaren na nakatanday sa kanyang hita, paminsan-minsan

ay humahaplos pababa sa kanyang binti.

Bahagya siyang lumapit upang mailapat ang bulak sa gilid ng labi nito. Ang siko
niya ay nakalapag sa dibdib ni McLaren upang mabalanse niya ang pagdampi ng bulak.
Ang isang kamay naman ay nasa panga nito nakahawak ng marahan.

He closed his eyes, then after awhile he slid his hand under her blouse, he caress
her there.

The way he caress her felt like he's giving her a security. And she have no idea
for what is that security. Ang tanging alam niya lang ay gusto niya ang paraan ng
paghaplos ni McLaren sa kanyang tiyan.

"Napaaway ka?" Halos pabulong niyang tanong.

"Not really. May tinulungan lang."

"Sino naman?"

"What did you do today?" Pag-iiba nito ng usapan.

Fine! She needs to respect his decision for not sharing about something to her.
Hindi rin naman siguro iyon mahalaga para malaman niya pa.

"Nandito lang ako maghapon. Kumain at natulog."

Tinapos niya ang ginagawa sa labi ni McLaren bago ito pinakatitigan. Mabuti at
nakapikit lang kaya malaya siyang tignan ito.

He has this growing whisker now, she wants to shave it.

"What did you eat?"

"The usual. Avocado cake and shake." Celine shrug her shoulder. "Masarap ang mga
cake sa shop ni Liberty. Mabuti na lang at nalaman kong may shop siya sa baba."

"Bagong lipat lang ang shop niya. I guess, my brother insisted to transfer her shop
near this condo." McLaren shifted his position. Mukhang nangawit na.

"Let me."

Bahagya itong bumangon at siya naman ay naupo sa uluhan. McLaren's head is now on
her lap.

"I feel better now." He murmured and closed his eyes again.

"Liberty is pregnant." Imporma niya, baka hindi pa nito alam. "And they're living
together now."

"Tayo kaya?"

"Huh?"

"Tayo kaya kailan magkaka-baby?"

Celine's gasped. McLaren's question made her speechless. What? A baby? They don't
even have a label!

Her heart started to beat rapidly. She also felt her stomach is fluttering. There's
a lot of butterflies flying inside. She suddenly felt emotional and she wanted to
cry. The topic is very sensitive for her because she secretly hoping for it to
happen in the future.

She wants to have a baby with him not because she wants to have a hold on him, but
because she loves him so much.

Sobrang mahal niya si McLaren na minsan ay naiisip niya nang darating ang araw na
aayain siya nitong magpakasal. Nangangarap siyang maging asawa ito... balang araw
kapag naayos na ang lahat sa buhay niya.

"You were kidding, right?" Aniya nang makabawi. "H-hindi ba masyadong maaga pa para
sa bagay na 'yan? Not that I don't like but..."

"But?"

Bakit nga ba sa palagay niya ay maaga pa para magkaanak sila? Dahil ba natatakot
siyang mananatili lang sa kanya si McLaren dahil may anak sila? Hindi dahil mahal
talaga siya nito? He never told her that he loves her.

Saan nga ba siya kumakapit upang manatili pa sa tabi nito? Ano nga ba ang
pinanghahawakan niya? Ang lugar niya sa buhay nito?

Wala man silang malinaw na relasyon pero isa lang ang alam niya... Mahal niya si
McLaren na kahit hindi siya nito mahal ay handa niyang dalhin sa sinapupunan ang
anghel na silang dalawa ang may gawa.

"Um, if we both like to have a baby, then, let Him decide for us." She said, almost
whispering.

And for Heaven knows, she is silently praying now, hoping that she's pregnant.
Hoping that she's carrying their child right now. It's not impossible, since the
last time they made it, McLaren didn't use protection, that's what she remembered.
And he didn't withdraw, it was always inside her.

"Hindi ka ba napipilitan?" Tantyado at kalmado ang boses nito.

"Pasasaan ba at magbubunga rin ang kapusukan natin."

"Kapusukan?" The was a hint of annoyance on his tone. "Don't say that again, my
angel."
Ano ba ang tawag sa ginagawa nilang iyon? Hindi ba't kapusukan at paglalaro ng
apoy? She didn't even think that it's lovemaking. It's pure sex. The way he touch
her and thrust hard inside of her, there was no sign of love in that.

It's all about lust that they feel to one another.

"That's what I call it." She insisted.

McLaren annoyingly heaved a sigh. Para pagaangin ang loob nito ay marahan niyang
sinuklay ang buhok nito gamit ang kanyang mga daliri. Sa gano'ng posisyon, ramdam
niya ang pagkawala ng iritasyon ng binata kung sa kanya ba o sa pinag-uusapan nila.

"You really know how to calm me." He murmured and shifted his position. He's now
facing her stomach. His one arm automatically snake around her waist.

"Dito ka ulit matutulog?"

"Why not?"

McLaren kissed her stomach, making her gasped.

"I always wanted to be with you, Celine. Isn't that obvious? Kulang na nga lang ay
dito ako tumira para lang palagi kitang makita."

Celine bit the side of her cheek to suppress a smile. Her heart is dancing in
happiness. Totoo ba itong mga naririnig niya? McLaren Lane wanted to see her
always?

"Huwag mong sabihin na gusto mong mag live in din tayo?"

"No matter how much I want to live with you in one roof, I know you wouldn't agree
to it. And I have to respect your decision about that."

Inangat nito ang laylayan ng loose shirt niya, akala niya kung ano na ang gagawin.
Umangat ang kilay niya nang ipinasok ni McLaren ang ulo nito do'n, ramdam niya ang
muling paghalik sa kanyang tiyan. He's using her shirt to cover his head.

"Are you going to sleep now?" She asked softly while slightly closing her eyes
because of his sweet kisses on her stomach.

"Would you let me to sleep here tonight?"

Why not? Ngayon pa ba niya ito ipagtatabuyan? Gayong alam niya sa sarili na katulad
nito, ay gusto niya rin palaging nakikita si McLaren. Hindi makukumpleto ang araw
niya kapag hindi ito nakikita.

"Yes, you can sleep here."

"Then, I'll sleep here with my baby." He whispered tenderly.

A smile form her lips. She's really in love.

Hindi man niya sabihin dito ang tunay na nararamdaman, umaasa siyang isang araw ay
maipagtatapat niya iyon, suklian man ni McLaren ang pagmamahal niya o hindi. Ang
mahalaga ay nasabi niya, dahil ang tunay na nagmamahal ay hindi nanghihingi ng
kapalit.

HINDI MAIPINTA ang mukha ni Akiko habang pinagmamasdan siyang kumakain ng prutas ng
avocado. Nabili niya 'yon kahapon sa supermarket, makita niya pa lang ay natakam na
siya. Walang dahilan para hindi niya pagbigyan ang sarili.

Muli niyang dinikdik ang ibang buo-buong piraso, tapos ay nilagyan ng gatas.
Malamig na 'yon dahil nilagay niya sa ref kanina.

"Sorry but it looks gross, Celine." Akiko grimaced.

Inirapan niya ito bago sinubo ang kutsara. Ninamnam ang lasa, kanina ay hindi niya
makuha ang tamang timpla, ngayon ay satisfied na siya sa lasa.

"Ang sarap kaya ng avocado lalo na kapag madaming gatas."

"Kailan mo pa naging paborito ang prutas na 'yan?"

"I don't know. Last week?" Nanatili ang titig sa kanya ng kaibigan. Hinayaan niya
lang ito, basta siya ay kakain. "What brought you here, anyway?"

Humilig ito sa island counter ng kusina niya. Blooming si Akiko, iyon ang napansin
niya. She's wearing a dark blue sleeve less top and high waisted jeans. Litaw ang
puti ng kutis nito dahil sa pang-itaas na damit.

"I'm bored."

"Bakit hindi mo ayain lumabas ang kaibigan mo? Ano nga ulit ang pangalan niya?"

"Calliex." Akiko sipped on her icedtea. "And he's out of the country."

"Kailan pa?"

"Noong isang araw lang. Babalik din naman daw siya kaagad."

"Oh, 'yun naman pala. Huwag ka ng malungkot diyan." She mixed her avocado properly.
"Namimiss mo na ba siya kaagad?"

"Hindi ha!" Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na agap ng kaibigan.  "Let's stop talking
about Calliex. Let's talk about you and McLaren." Naging mapanudyo ang boses nito
pati ang ngisi sa kanya. "So, tell me, mas lumalim na ba ang relasyon niyo?
Napapansin kong oo, pero gusto ko pa rin marinig mula sa iyo."

Lumalim na nga ba? Kung may pagbabago man sa kanila ni McLaren, iyon ay parang mas
lalong napalapit sila sa isa't-isa na halos ayaw na nilang maghiwalay at ang gusto
ay palagi silang nagkikita.

"I can say na, oo? Mas clingy na siya kesa sakin."

Natawa siya sa sariling sinabi. Medyo may katotohanan iyon. Mas panay ang dikit sa
kanya ni McLaren, gusto ay palaging nakayakap sa kanya at ipapahinga ang mukha sa
kanyang tiyan.

Akiko let out a cute laugh.

"Baka in love na sayo? Hindi lang niya maamin?"

"Ayokong umasa, Akiko. Pareho natin hindi alam kung paano mag-isip ang mga lalaki
kapag usapang pag-ibig na."

Tumango-tango ang kaibigan.

"You're right. Ang hirap nilang spelling-in. Sana kasi ay showy din ang mga lalaki
pagdating sa nararamdaman nila, 'no? Para hindi na tayo nanghuhula kung mahal ba
nila tayo o pinapaasa lang."

"Tingin mo ba pinapaasa lang ako ni McLaren?"

Biglang pumasok sa isip niya ang bagay na 'yon. Ayaw man niyang mag-isip ng
negatibong bagay patungkol sa binata pero hindi niya ngayon maiwasan.

"Hindi naman siguro? I may not be able to know more about McLaren, but I think he's
not that type. He respect women, di ba? He should respect your feelings too."

"He respect me..." Medyo naging positibo ang daloy ng pag-iisip niya. "...and my
feelings. That's one of the reason why I fell for him. He spoiled me too much in a
way that he always let me decide for what I like. Nakikialam siya, but eventually,
ako pari ang nasusunod. 'Yung gusto ko parin ang nangyayari. And he's there, to
support me."

Akiko sighed dreamily.

"You're lucky to have him then. Aside for being a good catch, he also knew how to
respect you. Balita ko ay marami ang naghahabol sa kanya magpa-hanggang ngayon.
Hindi ka ba nagseselos kapag may mga babaeng umaaligid sa kanya?"

Ni minsan ay hindi niya nasaksihan ang gano'ng eksena, unless si Akiko ang babae.
Paano kaya kung ibang babae ang umaaligid kay McLaren? Mga magaganda at sexy? Hindi
sila madalas lumabas ng binata sa pampublikong lugar.

What if they do? Can she handle if someone approach McLaren in a flirty way? What
would be her reaction? Magagalit ba siya? Magseselos? Ipagtatabuyan ang babae?

Maisip niya pa lang na may harap-harapan na lalandi kay McLaren ay kumukulo na

kaagad ang dugo niya!

"Wala pa naman akong nakaka-engkwentro na isa sa mga naging babae niya. But if
ever, I don't know what to feel."

"Hindi pwede sa akin ang ganyan, Celine! Dapat ay tarayan mo kaagad ang mga babaeng
magtatangkang kausapin siya!" Mas galit pa ngayon sa kanya si Akiko, parang ayaw
din talaga nitong landiin si McLaren ng iba. "Claim your right for being his girl.
Ikaw ang kasama, kaya nasa iyo ang karapatan. Okay?"

"Susubukan ko—"

"Huwag mong subukan, Celine. Gawin mo." Akiko urged her. "Kapag naging mabait ka sa
mga babaeng lalapit sa kanya, they will use it as their advantage to get closer to
McLaren. Baka hindi mo namamalayan na unti-unti ng nawawala sayo ang lalaking mahal
mo dahil inaagaw na ng iba! Gusto mo bang mangyari 'yon?"

"Ayoko!" Magkasalubong ang kilay na hindi niya pagsang-ayon. "Sa akin lang si
McLaren. Hindi ako papayag na may ibang babaeng aaligid sa kanya!"

"That's my sister! Fight for your rights!" Itinaas pa nito ang dalawang kamay na
sumisimbolo ng paglaban. "Hindi ba kayo nagdi-date?"

Gustong mamula ng mukha ni Celine sa tanong ng kaibigan. Si McLaren ang tipo ng

lalaking hindi mahilig sa pakikipag-date. Alam niya 'yon dahil una pa lang ay
nasabi na ng binata sa kanya. He don't do dating.

"Hindi." Nahihiyang sagot niya. "Hmm, ayain ko kaya siya? Hindi ba nakakahiya?"
"Hindi naman. Kung gusto ka niya, papayag 'yon kahit anong mangyari. Kahit pa ayaw
niya ng date date na 'yan." Desidido talaga ang kaibigan. "Dito natin malalaman
kung nilalapitan o lalapitan pa rin siya ng mga babae kahit kasama ka. What do you
think?"

"I can't decide now, but I will ask him about dating. This weekend, maybe."

Muli ay nilantakan niya ang avocado. Habang tumatagal ay mas sumasarap ang lasa
niyon. Magpapabili siya kay McLaren ng madami para may stock siya.

"Ano ang espesyal diyan sa avocado? Please, enlighten me." Si Akiko na hindi pa rin
pala nakapag-move on sa pagkain niya ng avocado.

"Masarap 'to,"

Alam niyang kadamutan na hindi ayain si Akiko, pero ayaw niya itong bigyan kahit
tikhim lang, ayaw niya.

"Hindi kaya..." Sinadya nitong putulin ang sinabi kaya mula sa pagdurog ng avocado
ay nilingon niya ito.

"What?"

Akiko walked closer to her and stare at her as if the answer is written on her
face.

"Naglilihi ka ba, Celine?"

Her heart pounded inside her chest loudly. Hindi niya 'yon inaasahan pero biglang
pumasok ang bagay na 'yon sa isip niya.

What if she's really pregnant?

Her heart gone wild at that thought.

Chapter 20 - 18 ~ Blood

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

NAPAPATINGIN si Celine sa tuwing bumubukas ang pintuang salamin ng shop ni Liberty,

nagbabakasakali na si McLaren na ang pumasok. She was waiting for him for almost
twenty minutes now. He said that he was on his way there from their mansion when
she phoned him.

Celine sipped on her avocado shake when a familiar woman entered the shop. Sporting
a yellow mini tube dress, shoes to kill and big sunglasses, the woman scanned the
whole place as if looking for a perfect place to stay.

Margarette; an Asian look model, found a seat just near her.

Celine was about to roll her eyes when the door opened again and a man who's six
feet or so, entered the shop.
A sly smile appeared her lips when McLaren's eyes drifted on where she is but...

"McLaren!"

To Celine's surprised, Margarette suddenly called McLaren's attention and waved at

him.

"Here, baby boy!" She said that in a naughty way.

Wala pa man din ay kumulo na kaagad ang dugo niya! Was she flirting with McLaren?
At mas lalong nag-alburoto ang pag-iinit ng dugo niya nang lapitan ng binata si
Margarette, kahit pa nakita na siya nito.

Upang pakalmahin ang sarili ay kalmado siyang sumimsim sa avocado shake. Sa gilid
ng mata niya ay nakita niyang nakadukwang sa lamesa, kausap ang nakaupong modelo.

"I really thought you're not going..." Margarette said, using a flirty innocent
voice. "I'm glad to see you here. Have a seat."

"Later, okay? I need to talk to someone first." McLaren said in a business tone.

"Oh? Okay.. Take your time. I'll be waiting here."

Hindi niya pinansin si McLaren nang naupo ito sa katapat niyang upuan. Mula sa
glass wall, tinitignan niya ang mga dumadaang sasakyan.

"I'm sorry I made you wait, Celine. I had to fix something and we had an emergency
meeting at home."

Celine? Celine ang tawag sa kanya nito! Dahil ba may makakarinig na ibang babae?
Nag-ngitngit ang kalooban niya. Hindi niya naitago ang iritasyon sa mukha.

"Okay," She said coldly.

"Look, I was in the middle of our meeting when you called and asked me to meet you
here. Biglaan ang pag-aya mo sa akin. And, and the mansion is almost an hour away
here. That's why I arrived late."

"Okay nga lang! Bumalik ka na sa katagpo mo!"

McLaren groaned then search for her hand but she avoided his touch! Not now! She's
not in the mood!

"Margarette can wait..."

Mariin na ipinikit ni Celine ang mga mata. Nagtatagis ang kanyang bagang sa
iritasyong bumabalot sa kanya. Margarette can wait ha? At talagang hindi nito
itatanggi na katagpo nito ang babaeng 'yon.

"Babalik na ako sa condo—"

"No, no, stay." Mabilis nitong nahagilap ang kamay niya. She glared at him, telling
him how annoy she is right now. "Mali ka nang iniisip, okay? May pag-uusapan lang
kami. Business."

"Let me go." Malamig na sabi niya lang. Sarado ang isip sa anomang paliwanag nito.

"Alright. I will cancel our meeting. Wait here."

Before she could even stop him, McLaren walked towards Margarette and say something
she cannot hear.

After a few minutes, he went back on her. Nakatayo ito at inilahad ang kamay sa
kanya. Ngunit binalewala niya 'yon at nagmamartsang lumabas ng shop.

Sa pagmamadali niyang maglakad upang hindi siya maabutan ni McLaren, ay hindi niya
napansin ang crack ng sementadong daan, lumusot ang takong ng sandals niya do'n
dahilan kung bakit nawalan siya ng balanse.

Naipikit niya ang mga mata at hinintay na bumagsak.

"Tang ina! Celine!"

Narinig niya ang malutong na mura ni McLaren sa likod niya at bago pa siya nito
masalo ay bumagsak na ang katawan niya sa sementadong daan.

"Ouch!"

She winced when a pain hit her stomach and hips.

"Celine!"

Mabilis na dinaluhan siya ni McLaren. Sa sakit ay napapapikit na siya. Pakiramdam

niya ay nalamog ang pang-upo niya.

"O-ouch... Ouch!"

Sa braso ni McLaren ay nakuha niyang humawak upang sana kumuha ng lakas makatayo,
ngunit simpleng galaw niya lang ay umaatake ang sakit sa tiyan niya o sa balakang
niya. Pareho!

Hindi nito malaman kung saan siya hahawakan. Nangangamba na masaktan siyang lalo.

"Just tell me if it's hurt, okay?"

Maingat na binuhat siya ni McLaren at kahit masakit ay tiniis niya na lang. Dinala
siya nito sa nakaparada nitong sasakyan. May pag-iingat na inilapag sa passenger
seat.

"May stomach and hips are..." Napangiwi siya. Hindi na naituloy ang sasabihin.

"We will go to the hospital."

Mabilis itong umikot sa driver's seat at pinaandar ang sasakyan sa bilis na hindi
siya uuga.

Sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay nagbabadya na ang luha. Dinama niya ang kanyang tiyan,
pababa pa sa puson. Hindi niya malaman kung saan ba talaga banda ang masakit. Pero
bigla ay kinabahan siya lalo nang may maramdamang likido na parang lalabas sa
pagitan ng mga hita niya.

"M-McLaren..." She nervously called his attention.

"Y-yes, baby? Malapit na tayo. Kaunti na lang."

Hinawakan nito ang isang kamay niya, kinakalma siya. Pero maging sa hawak nito,
parang tensyonado na ito.
Ibinaba niya ang tingin nang lubos na maramdaman ang pagdaloy ng likido sa gilid ng
kanyang mga hita.

"McLaren! McLaren!" Pa-hysteria na tawag niya sa binata habang nakikita ang dugong
dumadaloy pababa sa paa!

Nanghihina siya. Labis na natatakot.

Sinulyapan siya ni McLaren at bumaba ang tingin nito sa mga hita niya. His eyes
widened in fear.

"You're bleeding... Fuck!"

Mahigpit ang kapit niya sa braso nito. Do'n kumukuha ng lakas... Lakas para hindi
siya mawalan ng malay. Hindi niya akalain na takot siya sa dugo, to think na sarili
niyang dugo iyon!

Pakiramdam niya ay nawalan ng kulay ang labi niya. Sa pinaghalong takot at pangamba
ay gusto niya nang panawan ng ulirat.

When pain kicked on her stomach, then followed it with another one, that's when she
found herself started to lose her consciousness.

"No, baby, don't sleep. Celine!"

And everything went black.

MCLAREN'S fingers were shaking together with the muscles on his arms while he's
driving. Celine just lost her consciousness and seeing the blood rolling down her
thighs doesn't help a bit.

He searched for her wrist to check her pulse and let out a loud breath. Hinalik-
halikan niya ang kamay ni Celine, umaasa na nararamdaman nito iyon

"Come on, be strong. Fight, baby..." He keeps on saying that words until they
reached the hospital.

Maraming nurse ang tumulong sa kanya maipasok si Celine sa emergency room. Nang
dumating ang doctor ay hindi siya hinayaang makapasok sa loob.

Parang wala sa sarili na naghintay siya sa labas ng emergency room. She will be
okay. Of course, she will.

Nang hindi niya na makayanan pa ang samo't-saring isipin patungkol sa kalagayan ni

Celine, ay tinawagan niya ang ina. Bago pa sumabog ang ulo niya sa kakaisip.

"Yes, son?"

"Mom,"

"Yes?"

"I'm in the hospital—"

"What? Why? Saan hospital 'yan, anak?"

"Si Celine,"
"Oh, your girl. What happened?" She sounds serious.

"She was bleeding."

"Bleeding? Bakit? Wait, you mean..."

"I saw a blood rolling down her thighs. She lost her balance and... bumagsak sa
sementadong daan—"

"What?!" Mariin siyang napapikit sa lakas ng boses ng ina. "Anong nangyari, anak?
Okay na ba siya? How's the baby? Sandali, nasaan hospital ka? We will go there!"

"Mom—" Then the line suddenly cut off.

Pabalik-balik si McLaren sa labas ng emergency room halos ilang minuto rin bago
lumabas ang doctor do'n.

"Are you the husband?" The doctor asked him.

He swallowed hard. Tense. Husband?

"Yes," Fuck! Can someone tell him why did he say it? "How is she?"

"Your wife is okay now."

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag. Napayapa ang kalooban kahit papano.

"Thanks,"

"But the baby is not 100% safe."

"W-what?! Baby? Baby? A child? A baby? What?"

Mclaren suddenly felt stupid for saying that words again and again! He heard it
right and very clear.

"Yes, Mister, your wife is pregnant." The doctor chuckled. "She kept it from you?"

McLaren felt like he lost his energy. The news didn't sink in yet. Naghihinala na
siya noong nakaraang Linggo, ngunit ang mapatunayan na buntis si Celine, parang
namamanhid ang kalamnan niya.

Even it he wanted it so bad, even if he expected her to carry his child, but
hearing it face to face made him so vulnerable all of a sudden.

"H-how's the baby? You said that... Damn." He cursed frustratedly. "What am I going
to do to keep the baby safe?"

"Kailangan lang mag-doble ingat ni Misis. Dapat ay hindi na maulit ang pagdurugo
niya, kung hindi, ay mahihirapan na masyadong kumapit ang bata."

That news made him weak even more and at the same time he pity the baby. Their
baby.

"And she needs to visit her ob-gyne for a check up regularly and to monitor the
baby's condition, too."

McLaren let out a loud breath. He nodded at the doctor.

"May I see her?"

Sinipat niya ang pinto kung saan ito galing.

"Yes, right after they transfer her to a new room."

"Okay. Thanks, Doc." The doctor left.

Maya-maya lang ay bumukas ang pinto. Sa hospital bed ay nando'n nakahiga si Celine
na wala parin malay. Sinundan niya ang mga nurse at staffs na maglilipat dito sa
pribadong silid na pananatilihan nito habang nagpapalakas.

"Anak! McLaren!"

He heard his mother's voice from behind, she's in hurry, followed by her two
bodyguards.

"Mom,"

Mabilis itong lumapit sa kanya at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

"Where's Celine? How's the baby?"

Muli ay napalunok siya upang alisin ang bara sa lalamunan niya nang marinig na
naman ang salitang Baby. Hindi pa siya sanay.

"She's still unconscious."

He glance at Celine's new room at the end of the hallway.

"And the baby?"

McLaren smile sadly, making his mother's eyes widened.

"Don't tell me... No!"

"The doctor said the baby is not 100% safe, mom. Dapat ay hindi na maulit ang
pagdurugo niya."

"Oh, God!" Nasapo nito ang noo. Parang naghihina. "Ang apo ko..."

"Mom, the baby will be alright. Mag-iingat na kami ni Celine sa susunod." Pag-aalo
niya dito. "Don't stress yourself, tatanda ka niyan kaagad. Ikaw din."

His mother just glared at him.

"Kapag malakas na si Celine ay dalhin mo siya sa mansyon."

"No, no."

He's thinking the Lane Brothers Rule Number 9, which is 'You Can Only Introduce One
Woman To Us' and that means, if they introduce a woman to their parents and brought
her to their mansion, they will marry the woman immediately. That fast!

Lalo siya nitong sinamaan ng tingin sa pag-agap niya.

"Pagkatapos mong buntisin, hindi mo papakasalan? Are you really my son? Huh?
McLaren Lane?"
"That's not what I mean—"

"Then bring her to the mansion! Introduce her to me and to your dad!"

"But—"

"No but's McLaren!"

Sinundan niya ng tingin ang ina palayo sa kanya. Nakasunod dito ang dalawang naka-
unipormeng bodyguards.

What the hell did just happened?

Him, being Celine's husband in that doctor's eyes? Having their baby?

And now, his mother wanted him to introduce her to them? After that, they will get
married?

Sumakit ang ulo niya bigla sa sunud-sunod na nangyari at mangyayari pa sa buhay

niya.

MASAKIT pa rin ang hindi malaman na bahagi ng tiyan ni Celine nang magmulat siya ng
mga mata. Puting silid ang sumalubong sa kanya at napaigik nang kumirot ang
balakang.

"Ouch," she winced. Hindi na pinilit pang bumangon.

"D-don't move," Masuyo ang boses na iyon ni McLaren na halatang nagising. Inayos
nito ang buhok niyang tumabing sa kanyang mukha. "Sobrang masakit pa ba? Do you
want me to call a doctor?"

"M-medyo masakit lang pero kaya ko pa naman tiisin."

Inilibot niya ang tingin sa paligid.

Sa kanang bahagi niya ay salaming bintana na pawang dulo ng matataas na puno lang
ang nakikita niya na sinasayaw ng hangin. There's a mini kitchen at the left side,
long sofa and square table.

"Do you want something to eat?"

Masuyong ginagap ni McLaren ang palad niya bago hinalikan. Naglalambing. Dahil...
Dahil may kasalanan! Pero hindi niya na muna ito aawayin dahil sa kundisyon niya.

"I want an avocado cake and shake."

"Yeah, nagpa-deliver na ako. How about fruits while we're waiting for your
avocado?"

"Uh," Sa kwadradong lamesa ay sinipat niya ang isang basket ng prutas. "That grapes
will do."

Nilapitan iyon ni McLaren at kinuha. Ito na rin ang nagpakain sa kanya, hinayaan
niya na lang din tutal naman ay ayaw niya pang gumalaw. Natatakot siyang sumakit na
naman ang tiyan niya o ang balakang niya.

Ano nga ulit ang nangyari sa kanya?

"Ano ang sabi ng doktor? Bakit may pagdurugo?" She nervously asked, making McLaren
stilled for few seconds.

"You didn't tell me about it."

Her eyebrows furrowed. "Huh?"

"You kept it from me."

"What are you talking about, McLaren?"

Naupo ito sa gilid ng kama. Malamlam ang mga matang nakatingin sa kanya. His eyes
showing a lot and different kind of emotions, still, he's unreadable.

"You kept if from me or you yourself did not know about it?"

Lalong nagsalubong ang kilay niya. Para silang naglalaro ng puzzle at naiinip na
siya! She wants an answer.

Umiling siya. Naguguluhan. "I don't know?"

McLaren sighed than stare at her. "Celine, you're pregnant."

Her chinky eyes widened in surprise. Her heart beat so fast and loud that she could
almost hear it. And she felt something on her stomach, as if someone kick her
there.

"B-buntis ako? M-may baby sa tiyan ko?"

"Yes and yes," Tumango-tango ito. Unti-unti ang pagsilay ng ngiti sa labi. "We have
a baby."

Nasapo niya ang bibig sa saya at pagkabigla.

"Oh my God! My baby... Our baby..." then a tears form her eyes.

Chapter 21 - 19 ~ Sing
CHAPTER NINETEEN

NAPAPANGUSO na lang si Celine sa tuwing aalalayan siya ni McLaren kahit kaya niya
naman maglakad mag-isa. Kulang na lang ay buhatin siya nito. She stayed at the
hospital for three days and now they're going back to her condo. Suot ang flat
sandals at powder blue dress, mabagal ang hakbang niya papasok sa elevator. McLaren
is on her side, holding her hand gently.

"You are gonna stay in my unit, okay? Para mas nababantayan kita at si baby."

Kunot ang noo na binalingan niya ang binata. His deep brown eyes and sharp jaw,
making him looks like a Hollywood actor. Tatalunin talaga ng ratsada ng mukha nito
ang mga gwapong artista at modelo ng bansa. His massive body almost covering her in
a possessive way.

"We need to talk about it first. Hindi ako pwedeng basta-basta na lang tumira sa
condo mo, McLaren."
"Why not?"

Bakit nga ba? Ngayon pa ba siya mag-iinarte na huwag silang mag live-in? Ngayon na
dinadala niya sa kanyang sinapupunan ang anak nito?

Sumagi sa isip niya noon na baka buntis siya, pero nang makumpirma niya na, para
siyang lumulutang sa alapaap sa ideyang magkakaanak na sila ni McLaren. Hindi niya
maipaliwanag 'yung sayang nararamdaman niya. Iba pala talaga ang nagagawa ng mga
bata lalo at sariling anak niya pa.

"Masyado namang mabilis. Let's plan about it first, kung ayos lang sayo..." Pinisil
niya ang kamay nitong nakahawak sa kanya bago naglalambing na inihilig ang mukha sa
balikat nito. "Besides magkatabi lang ang unit natin. Palagi parin natin makikita
ang isa't-isa. You can visit me always and sleep with me, gano'n din ako sayo."

"Gano'n naman pala, e di magsama na tayo sa iisang bahay."

Magrereact pa sana siya kaya lang ay tumunog na ang elevator tanda na nasa tamang
palapag na sila. Bumukas ang pinto at lumabas sila. Imbes na sa unit niya sila
tumuloy, ay sa unit ni McLaren siya napadpad.

Celine rolled her eyes and she stepped inside his huge condo unit. The expensive
furnitures, the different toy car collection on the glass cabinet, the black and
white color of his wall made the room looks manly and it's kinda dark, mysterious.
His unit scream extravagant. It intimidate her for some reason.

Naupo si Celine sa mahabang sofa nang magpunta si McLaren sa kitchen, pagbalik ay

dala na ang avocado cake na binili nila kanina sa shop ni Liberty.

A smile crept her lips at the thought of her craving for it for over a weeks now.
It's her baby's wants.

"We can't spoil our baby with avocado shake. Bawal ang masyadong malamig." Paalala
ni McLaren na nag slice ng kapirasong cake at isinubo sa kanya na kaagad niya
namang kinain. "But we can spoil him with this avocado cake hanggang sa magsawa
kayong dalawa."

At binuntutan nito iyon ng maiksi ngunit masayang tawa. The kind of laugh that made
her heart beat violently.

"Thank you daddy for spoiling me and mommy..." She said in a sing-song tone while
caressing her small baby bump.

Wala naman siyang maramdaman pang kakaiba sa kanyang tiyan pero ang saya-saya ng
pakiramdam niya.

"Anything for my baby and his mommy..."

Marahan na hinaplos ni McLaren ang tiyan niya at nakita niyang muli ang pagsilay ng
ngiti sa labi nito. He looks so happy, too.

Siguro ang dahilan din kung bakit labis siyang masaya ay ang katotohanan na nasa
tabi niya lang si McLaren, sinusuportahan siya sa pagbubuntis niya. She and their
baby are his responsibility now.

She witness how he likes baby. He became more protective especially now that she's
pregnant with his child. Nakakataba ng puso na malaman na ang isang McLaren Lane ay
handang harapin ang responsibilidad bilang ama.
She's lucky to have a man like him, right? Hindi man siya saksi, pero alam niyang
may mga babaeng pinapangarap na mapunta sa kanila si McLaren.

Kaya kung dumating man ang isang araw na may magtangka na agawin sa kanya ang
lalaking mahal niya, ngayon palang, ipinapangako niya na sa sarili na hindi niya
ito papakawalan, unless, ito mismo ang manghingi ng kalayaan nito mula sa kanya.

"YES DAD, I'll be there. Give me an hour. Yes, bye."

McLaren ended the line and put back his phone on his pocket. His father called him
and asked him to go to their mansion. For what reason? It's still unknown to him.

Tahimik na binuksan niya ang pinto ng master bedroom ng unit niya upang silipin si
Celine. She's sleeping. It's past eleven in the evening already. Nilapitan niya ito
at hinalikan sa noo, tapos ay bumaba ang labi niya sa impis nitong tiyan at
dinampian din ng halik ang bahaging 'yon.

"My baby..." He whispered, smiling at what he said.

There's nothing he felt right now but happiness. He was longing for a kid, hindi
siya sigurado kung dahil ba nakakamiss ang makipaglaro sa bata, ang maging bata o
dahil ba sa gusto niya lang magkaanak.

He's not really sure about his reason, only one thing is for sure, he's happy that
he will be a father a few months from now.

Iniwan niya si Celine na mahimbing na natutulog at nagpunta sa parking lot ng

condominium. Mabilis na pinasibad ang sasakyan papunta sa mansion nila. Ang dapat
na isang oras na byahe ay halos umabot lang nang halos kalahating oras dahil sa
bilis ng takbo niya at wala na din traffic sa daan.

"Dad," Tawag niya sa ama na nasa conference room ng mansion.

Hating gabi na pero abala parin ito sa pag-aaral ng mga dokumento sa ibabaw ng
lamesa.

"Where's your report?"

Napakamot siya sa batok bigla.

"I left it in ESO. I failed to convince him."

"You gave up that easy?"

"When I asked him why, he told me that he wants to go back in Military. I guess,
that's enough reason for me to give up."

"Still, you gave up." May diin sa tono nito.

"Because he gave me reason to give up. Everyone wants a freedom to choose what we
want in life. And he didn't choose to be a part of ESO."

McLaren sighed when he noticed that his father doesn't care about his reasons. He's
acting like a boss who doesn't take no for an answer.

"Let's just give him a freedom."

"Understood."
Medyo nakahinga siya ng maluwag.

"You have to get ready for a new mission together with your brothers. We received a
warning message from unknown sources about the most wanted syndicate in Asia."

Kinuha nito ang iilang piraso ng papel sa ibabaw ng lamesa at pinasadahan iyon ng
tingin.

"They're back in their business again after so many years of being silent."

His father stoic face became worried all of a sudden when he looked at him in the
eyes.

McLaren is good in reading people but he can't read his father, even once, he never
get a chance to read what's inside his head. He look up his father so damn much.
His father is his number one idol in everything. He's a good provider, a loving
husband to his mother and a very strict and intimidating yet understanding father
of them.

"When are we going to start investigating that syndicate?" He asked calmly.

"Anytime soon. We will talk about all of this in ESO together with your brothers
and Alex."

"Alright. Hmm, I haven't seen Alex for a days now. Still on his mission?"

McLaren rested his back on swivel chair.

Ang alam niya ay si Alex ang private investigator ni Celine. Oh speaking of that,
he almost forget about it. What's up? Sino o ano ang ipinapa-imbestigahan? He's
very curious.

He shook his head silenlty to wash out that thought. He respect her decision. Hindi
niya dapat 'yon iniisip!

His father looked at him directly in the eyes, as if reading his mind.

"Yes. He's in Romania."

Suddenly, a blurred images flashed his mind when he heard the word; Romania.

Mariin siyang napapikit, pinipilit na maging malinaw sa ala-ala ang mga malabong
imahe na naglalaro sa kanyang isip.

After a minutes of trying to make every images clear to him, he finally gave up and
opened his eyes, only to see his father intense gaze at him.

Tang ina! Bakit ba nakalimutan niyang kaharap niya ang ama? Nagmistula siyang bukas
na libro na malaya nitong nababasa!

"R-Romania..." That word dried his throat.

"Yes, son. Romania," He stressed the last word, making him feel uneasy. "For his
mission."

"Okay." Ibinalik ni McLaren ang pormalidad sa sarili kahit pa binabagabag na siya

ng bansang iyon. "May sasabihin ka pa ba, dad? Can I take a rest now?"
Biglang sumakit ang ulo niya, hindi niya lang masabi.

"I have more to tell, but if you really want to rest, I will let you."

"Maybe we can talk about it some other time. My head is spinning." Finally, he
said. "This must be my lack of sleep this passed few nights."

Isang tango lang ang ginawa ng ama bago inisa-isang suriin ang mga dokumento sa
harap nito.

"You'll soon to be a father. How do you feel?"

McLaren smirked, almost smiling.

"Its a happy feeling to know that you'll be a father soon. So yes, I feel good."

His father smirked at him.

"When are you going to introduce us your Angel?"

He groaned. Pati ba naman iyon ay alam ng magulang niya? Lahat na lang yata ay
hindi nakakaligtas sa mga ito pagdating sa gawain nilang magkakapatid.

"Maybe soon?"

"I'll tell that to your mom." His father shrugged. "Another baby in the family."

"Another apo, dad." McLaren chuckled.

"Yeah,"

"I got to go, dad." Tumayo siya at inayos ang jacket na suot. Kinuha ang susi ng
sasakyan sa lamesa.

"Are you driving back to the City?"

"I need to. Celine is alone in my unit."

"Okay. See you in ESO tomorrow."

"See you, dad."

Bahagya lang siyang yumakap sa ama na tinapik siya sa likod.

"Congrats, son."

And that put a smile on his lips. His father congratulate him not for his failed
mission, but for him being a father.

"Thanks, Dad."

McLaren left the mansion and drive his ass off back to the City. After thirty
minutes, he arrived safely in RS Condiminia. He parked his car in the parking lot.

Mag-a-alas tres na nang eksaktong makapasok siya sa unit niya. Nakabukas ang mga
ilaw at may naririnig siyang kaluskos sa bandang kusina.

Maybe, Celine is awake.

INILABAS ni Celine mula sa ref ang natirang avocado cake kanina. Bigla na lang
siyang nagising na kumukulo ang tiyan niya, nagugutom siya.

Pag-gising niya ay hindi niya nadatnan si McLaren, nagtataka man kung nasaan ang
binata ay hindi niya na masyado pinagtuunan ng pansin ang pag-iisip dahil mas
importante ang kumakalam niyang sikmura.

"Wait up, baby. I-init ko muna itong cake. Makakakain din tayo." Kausap niya sa
anghel sa tiyan niya habang hinihintay na tumunog ang oven sa harap.

Saglit lang naman iyon kaya madali niyang nakain ang avocado cake. Ang gatas na
itimpla niya ay nangangalahati na pero ang cake ay ubos na. Unfortunately, she
didn't satisfy with what she ate. She wants more!

Celine is about to get some foods from the ref when she heard a sounds of unlocking
a door knob. She turned around to see who is it, she expect it to be McLaren. Of
course, sino pa ba?

"You're awake."

Halos mapatalon siya sa boses ni McLaren na nasa pinto na ng kusina.

"Ginulat mo ako." Sapo niya ang dibdib.

Natawa ito saka siya nilapitan. Dumapo ang tingin sa lamesa kung saan wala ng laman
ang plato at paubos na ang gatas sa baso. Muli nitong ibinalik ang atensyon sa
kanya.

"Nagutom kayo ni baby?" Kagat labi na tumango siya sa tanong nito. "Okay ka na? Or
you still want something to eat?"

"Gusto ko pang kumain."

Bakit ba parang nahiya siya bigla? Tila mas ramdam niya ngayon ang pagdalas niyang
magutom kesa nitong mga nakalipas na araw. It must be the baby inside her stomach.

"What do you like? I can cook it for you or buy it."

"Pero anong oras na."

When she looked at him, she saw the tiredness on his eyes. Saan ba ito galing?

"Hindi ka pwedeng magutom, you know that. Come on, tell me what you like."

Wala na bigla sa pagkain ang isip niya kundi kung saan ito galing? Kanina pa ba ito
wala? Hindi man lang sa kanya nagpaalam.

"Saan ka pala galing?" Kapagkuwan ay tanong niya.

Nang tinitigan siya ni McLaren ay kaagad siyang umiwas sa pamamagitan nang pagkuha
ng baso ng gatas sa lamesa. She sipped on the glass of milk while waiting for him
to answer her.

"I went to the mansion. Pinatawag ako ni dad. Biglaan."

"Ah," Tumango-tango siya. "Bakit hindi ka na lang do'n natulog? Bumyahe ka pa

pabalik dito." Mahina ang boses niya, nanantiya kung okay ba na mag-usisa pa siya.

"Because I know that I would be awake all night while thinking about you and our
baby being alone here."

Celine suppressed a smile. Why does he needs to be so sweet?

"Safe naman kami dito, e. Napagod ka pa tuloy magdrive pabalik."

"Don't worry 'bout me. Mabuti pa kumain ka na ulit."

Umiling-iling siya. Tuluyan nang nawala ang kagustuhang kumain kanina. Mas
nangibabaw na ang kagustuhan na magpahinga na sila ni McLaren.

Alam niya naman na ilang gabi itong hindi nakakatulog ng maayos dahil ito ang
nagbantay sa kanya sa Hospital. Kailangan ay makumbinsi niya itong matulog na sila.

"Hindi na kami nagugutom ni baby..." Ngumiti siya kay McLaren. "Mas gusto namin na
yakapin ka hanggang sa makatulog tayo." Nakita niya ang bahagyang pag-angat ng
sulok ng labi nito bago tumango. He's hiding a smile. "Let's sleep?"

"If that's what my babies wants, then let's sleep."

Inakbayan siya ni McLaren bago silang sabay na naglakad sa bedroom nito. Siya ay
nahiga na habang ito naman ay nag shower muna.

"Baby, we're so lucky to have your daddt. Sinusuportahan niya tayo..."

She's caressing her baby bump.

"I wish everything will be alright for the three of us. Sana hindi siya magbago
sa'tin. Sana... Sana palagi natin siyang makasama at palagi tayong masaya."

Celine stopped from talking to her baby when McLaren went out from the shower room,
topless, while drying his hair using a white towel.

Wearing his boxer shorts, he walked towards her with all his might. She will always
be a fan of his massive body and well-cut muscles. His hot tats and ripped hard
stomach, made her drool over him!

Napalunok si Celine nang tinabihan siya ni McLaren ng higa at kinabig siya

papalapit sa katawan nito. His strong but warm body, starting to relax her senses.

McLaren kissed the side of her head. His one hand is in her stomanch, while the
other one became her pillow.

"Aren't you sleepy?" He whispered huskily. She could smell his minty breath.

"Nagpapaantok na po,"

"Hmm, do you want me to sing for you and baby?"

Celine chuckled cutely. "Please?"

Malakas ang loob na mag-offer ng kanta dahil maganda ang boses. Sa dami ng talent
ng lalaking ito, pwede nang mag-artista. Tiyak na kikita kung mag concert ito.

Celine closed her eyes when McLaren started humming a song.

Umpisa palang ay parang dinuduyan na siya para makatulog. He was caressing her hair
and her stomach gently.
'Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet 

I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes you're holding mine'

Then he hummed again. His voice is too beautiful to give a song a justice.

"More baby please..." She requested sweetly and kissed the side of his lips before
closing her eyes again and listen to his heavenly soulful voice.

'Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own'

Celine heart is beating rapidly for the reason she didn't know. She felt like he
really dedicated the song for her. He sings it for her only.

'Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes'

Then he was humming the song again.

Bago pa siya tuluyang kainin ng antok ay naramdaman niya ang paghalik ni McLaren sa
noo at labi niya. Humigpit ng bahagya ang yakap nito na para bang hindi siya
papakawalan basta-basta.

She will sleep with smile on her lips.

Celine found a place in his arms. She will tell him 'bout her final decision in
living with him in one roof.

Who wouldn't want to live with this kind of man by the way? Come on, it's McLaren
Lane! She should've grab the opportunity in the first place.

Chapter 22 - 20 ~ Mission

CHAPTER TWENTY
"GOOD to see you here, McLaren. How was your last mission?" It was his brother,
Mazda.

They're in ESO Gym together with some of agents. Its six in the morning already.
McLaren is on the treadmills, sweating so hard.

Its been a couple of weeks since the last time he visited ESO. He was busy at his
last mission and taking care of Celine this passed few days.

Thinking about her and the baby makes him smile, but he hid it from his brother. He
remain stoic while running.

"I failed in that mission, Kuya."

Si Mazda ay nag-umpisa na rin tumakbo sa treadmill. Like him, he's wearing a black
fitted sando and grey jogging pants. Their tattoos were very visible.

"Anong sabi ni dad?"

"He was disapponited. He didn't like it at first, you know him-"

"At first?" Mazda took a quick glance at him.

"Yeah, but eventually he let my failure pass."

"That easy, huh." The sarcasm on Mazda's voice was evident.

Kung hindi niya kilala ang kapatid tiyak na maba-badtrip siya sa tunog nito, but he
know his brother so well. Mazda, being sarcastic is normal. Hindi na siya
tinatablahan ng pagiging sarkastiko nito.

"I have a valid reason, but I don't think he'd buy it. You know our father, it's so
hard for him to accept failures."

Alam nila kung gaano ka-istrikto ang ama pagdating sa trabaho nila. Pero kung may
valid reason naman kung bakit hindi sila nagtagumpay sa isang mission, kahit papano
ay tanggap naman. Hindi man derektang aminin o ayaw lang talagang aminin at
tanggapin.

"Failure isn't on his damn vocabulary."

McLaren nodded on it, agreeing on what his brother said about their father. There's
no room for failure in ESO. Their bosses wants everything to be perfectly done.

After the gym, they go straight to ESO's restaurant for lunch. There are some
agents who are having lunch, too. And there are some trainees who are looking at
them. They rarely eats in restaurant, maybe that's the reason why some of them
looking at him and his brother like a new faces in ESO.

"Hey," Tawag pansin sa kanila ni Kaleah. One of the agent in ESO.

"Hey too, Kaleah!" McLaren playfully smirked at the woman.

"Hi Mazda!"

Bumaling ito sa kapatid niya na busy sa pagbuklat sa menu.

"Yeah," Mazda muttered dryly, ignoring the beauty in front of them.

For some reason, he found it really rude. You can ignore a woman, but make sure it
wasn't in an obvious way. Its like a slap on the face for women's pride.

Kaleah pursed her lips. Naramdaman ang kagaspangan ng ugali ng isang Mazda Lane.

"Anyway, we have a meeting after lunch, right?"

"Yes," Tumango-tango siya at binuklat na rin ang menu. "How was your last mission
with Alex?"

"It was fine. It wasn't so hard and I handled it alone because Alex needed to go to
Romania for his mission there."

McLaren silently took a deep sigh when he heard that Country again.

Why he has this feeling that Romania isn't good for him? Parang ang bigat sa dibdib
kapag nababanggit ang bansa na 'yon. Siguro ay dahil 'yon sa kagustuhan niyang siya
ang humanap sa pinapahanap ni Celine, pero hindi siya pinagbigyan ng dalaga? At
kailangan niyang respetuhin 'yon!

"Romania..." The word slipped on his tongue slowly, making his brother looked at
him.

"What did you say?" Mazda sounds like he was alarmed.

Napasandal si McLaren sa inuupuan at napahilot sa kanyang sintido. Itiningala ang

ulo upang ma-relax. This kind of feeling is not helping him. It's weird and...
strange.

"Okay ka lang?" Kaleah asked.

"I'm good." McLaren answered coldly. "Just thinking about something..."

Mazda fake a cough. Naramdaman niyang tumayo ito. He could feel his gaze on him but
it didn't bother him. He remain his eyes close for a moment.

"I don't like to eat here. See you in conference room later." Mazda said, before
leaving them.

"Ikaw, kumain ka. Sabay tayo?" Si Kaleah na umatake na naman ang ugaling namimilit.
"Order na tayo."

He remain in that position, until his phone vibrated on his pocket. McLaren groaned
and get his phone.

Celine is calling him. It made him smile. He pressed the answer button immediately.

"Hey there, my angel, is everything okay? Hmm?"

"We're good. Gusto ko lang marinig ang boses ng daddy ng baby ko." Celine said
softly, making his heart jump a bit.

She's really sweet and he likes it a lot. Celine can always made him relaxed and
calmed. Being around her feels like everything is easy for him. It was so cliche,
but he's really at peace whenever he was with her.

"I'm here, what did you eat for lunch? Avocado cake?"

"As usual, yes. But like what you said, we can't spoil our baby with avocado
shake." Lumungkot ang boses nito. "How 'bout you? What did you eat?"

"I'm about to eat—"

"Here's our lunch!" Kaleah said excitedly when their foods arrived.

"Are you with someone, McLaren?! Where the hell are you?!" It was Celine's angry
voice on the other line.

Mariin siyang napapikit. Is she jealous? It must be her hormones? There's nothing
to jealous about though. The only woman he want is Celine, no other woman.

"I'm with Kaleah, my office mate. We're having lunch."

"Office mate?" Kaleah mouthed at him, holding back her laugh.

When Celine didn't answer, he sighed.

"Baby..." He called her softly.

"Enjoy your lunch with Kaleah!" Celine said coldly and cut off the line.

"Tang ina?" Marahan na mura niya at napatitig sa screen ng cellphone niya.

"Your girl?"

"Yeah," Aniya at nag-umpisa ng kumain.

"Not in the mood?"

"She's jealous," for sure.

"Aw! That's so sweet of her!" Kaleah's eyes twinkled in amusement.

McLaren shook his head. What's wrong with women? They are so hard to spell.

"She's pregnant."

"Woah!" Mas lalong naging interasado ang babae. "Another baby in Lane's Family,
huh."

"Yes." He said proudly.

He's going to be a father soon. Who would not be proud of that? Thinking about
having kid with Celine made him inspired and motivated.

He's planning to give Celine a home she deserve after his mission. Maybe this would
be the best time to give their relationship a label. She's already pregnant with
his child and the mother of his child deserves better that what she expected.

ESO Conference Room

2:05pm

MCLAREN looked around the room and found a vacant seat, beside his brothers, Mazda
and Corvette. They are only six agent in the conference room. They are with Von
Ether, Lexus and Kaleah.

Sa mahabang lamesa ay mayroon mga folder para sa kanila. Sa harap nila ay ang
malaking screen na nakasulat ang meaning ng ESO.
It was written in Greek words. If you don't know how to understand Greek, you will
not know what's written there.

Erythros Skorpios Organization

English translation; Red Scorpion Organization

"Tayo lang?" It was Kaleah.

"I think so," Lexus answered coldly, her normal tone. Her arms were cross above her
chest. She's seating in front of Corvette.

"Where's baby X?" McLaren asked Lexus, referring to her son.

"Na kay mommy."

"I told you to refuse this mission and look after our child." Corvette interrupted,
looking so dangerous.

"Wala ka nang magagawa, nandito na ako." Inirapan lang ni Lexus ang kapatid niya.
"You can give me this mission and be the one to look after our child instead."

Corvette just glared at Lexus and didn't bother to speak again.

"Ang sweet niyong mag-asawa 'no?" Kaleah teased. Magkatabi lang ang upuan ng
dalawa. "Paano niyo kaya nabuo ang anak niyo? Kung palaging parang may giyera sa
pagitan niyo." Humagikhik ang babae.

"Oh dear, you wouldn't want to know the way we make a baby." Lexus said
meaningfully then glanced at Corvette. "Right, mi amor?"

Corvette just smirked as if that's his answer.

Nang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa niyon ang ama ay saka lang tumahimik ang paligid.
Naglakad ito papunta sa dulo ng lamesa, naupo sa swivel chair. Sa likod nito ay ang
big screen.

Carlie Lane, his father were looking so serious while staring at them. He did not
even bother to greet them. His authoritative aura is always there, intimidating the
people around him. His eyes screams how dangerous he was, that you would think
thrice before you decide to mess with him.

"I can say that this mission is the most dangerous and sensitive so far." His
father trailed, then looked at him directly in the eyes. "I don't want to have
another failed mission." He said, as if referring on his previous failed mission.

"What's this all about?" Corvette asked, his stoic face told them how he badly
wanted this mission.

His father motioned them to open the folders on the table, so they did.

In the first page, there were a photos of armed men, they covered their faces with
black bonnet. In the second page were the photos of children. Some were looked like
a street children. Iba't-ibang lahi at ang iba ay nakagapos. Then, he saw a van.

And that made him closed his eyes when a blurred images flashed his mind again. Its
was so blurred. He could clearly hear the screams from children's voices, asking
for help.
McLaren tilted his head back, trying to erase whatever is on his mind.

After a few minutes, the room filled with silence.

Slowly, McLaren opened his eyes only to see that all of them were looking at him.
As if he did something unnecessary.

"I'm sorry," He cleared his throat. "My head is aching."

Mabigat ang titig na ibinibigay sa kanya ng ama at mas lalo lang siyang hindi
mapakali. Tila ba may alam ito na hindi niya alam. Tila ba ang mga nakapaligid sa
kanya ay may alam na hindi niya alam. Its very confusing!

"Kanina pa sumasakit ang ulo niya." Mazda muttered, trying to save his butt.

"Kagabi pa sumasakit ang ulo niya." Malamig na sabi ng ama. "Did you take
medicine?"

"No dad, I'm fine. I'm really fine." McLaren is convincing himself, than convincing
them. "Let's continue."

The big screen in front of them suddenly flashed an images. The same images which
they can see in their folder. Images of armed men and street children. And the van,
of course.

"They call their group as "Vipera" a Eurasian venomous viper." His father informed
them. "They are the most wanted syndicate in Asia and they started invading Europe.
ESO received a letter from one of our trusted agency outside, telling us that they
need a high and tight security for their boss."

Nagbago ang mga imahe sa screen at napalitan iyon ng imahe ng isang lalaki. May
kasama itong babae, na sa palagay niya ay anak nito.

"Vicente De la Garza, a wealthy businessman in Asia with his daughter, Savannah De

la Garza. He's seeking for a tight security. Their lives are in danger. Death
threats are flying away around them like a confetti. He keeps on receiving it and
that's very alarming. He assumed that those were from Vipera syndicate because of
the logo in it."

The images on the screen was change by a viper logo. It was a brown and black
combination color of venomous snake. Nakapalupot iyon at nakalabas ang ulo at dila.
It was a normal photo of a snake, but once you give all your attention there, you
will see that it's a tattoo.

"They believed that every member of Vipera has that same tattoos in them. They are
easy to recognize, but you have to be very careful on memorizing each part of their
tattoos. Especially the color of it and the ink they used."

Lahat sila ay tumango. Isinasaulo lahat ng sinasabi ng ama.

"Who will be the bodyguard of Mr. De la Garza?" McLaren asked.

"Mazda will be the bodyguard of Mr. De la Garza and you..." McLaren brow shot up,
waiting for his father to give him a role to play. "... will pretend as Savannah's
boyfriend. You will guard her too."

"What the..."
"Von Ether will stay in the Control Room to be your eye. Since Saleen is pregnant,
we need to avoid the things that would make her stress. Right, Von Ether?"

"Yes, Tito Carlie. I'm cool with it. I don't like my wife to get stress. Baka
tuluyan na niya akong paalisin sa ESO. I don't want that to happen."

"My girl is pregnant too." McLaren butt in.

Yeah, how about it? He doesn't want Celine to get stress by thinking about him and
his safety.

"I don't think she knows your kind of job?" Tantyado ang boses ng ama.

"She didn't know about this."

"There's nothing to worry then?"

"I'm just thinking about their safety while I was away."

Yes. That's it. He's the one who's worried on Celine's safety.

"Celine can stay in our mansion if you're doubting the security of RS Condominia."
His father offered.

"I think that's better. She's safe in the mansion." Pagsang-ayon naman ni Lexus. "I
could bring baby X in the mansion, so she could help Momma Valerie to take care of
my baby while we are in the mission."

It sounds like a good idea. Kailangan na rin naman siguro ni Celine masanay
magbantay ng bata kaya...pwede. Pwede na sa mansyon muna ang mag ina niya habang
abala siya sa misyon.

"You're really bright in finding babysitter, huh." Sarkastikong sabi ni Corvette

kay Lexus.

"Shut up," Tapos ay umirap si Lexus. These two can't live a day without fighting.

"And I will bring Liberty in the mansion. So she has someone to talk too." His
brother, Mazda, said. "We will bring many avocado cake. Your girl is craving for
it, right?" Baling sa kanya nito na ikinatango niya.

Yes, Celine loves avocado cake from Liberty's cake shop.

"I guess, everything is okay now with your girls?" Seryoso pa rin ang awra ng ama.
"Nothing to worry about their safety, now?"

"Yes,"

"Anyway, Kaleah and Lexus will be assigned outside the building of De la Garza..
Corvette will be your guide there." His father continued.

"Yes boss," There's a determination in Kaleah's voice.

She's a new member of ESO and she's doing her job good so far. There's nothing to
complain about her ability.

"I will only give you three days to prepare for this mission. Finish your business
outside of ESO and come back here with clear mind. That's all."
His father left the room without talking to them like as if they are not his sons.
He's really good in playing his role as a boss in ESO. He's excellent in
everything! That's why he looked up on him so damn much.

CELINE is sitting lazily at one of the soft sofa in Liberty shop to eat avocado
cake as usual. She's annoyed all day! At sa pagkain niya inbinubunton ang pagkainis
niya kay McLaren.

"Yang daddy mo talaga! Buntis na ako lahat-lahat nagagawa pa rin kumain kasabay ang
ibang babae! Ano na naman kaya ang kinain nila?!"

Then an image of McLaren between the legs of a woman suddenly popped her mind. She
shook her head annoyingly to erase that thought! No way! McLaren can't do that to
her! No fucking way!

"Kawawa naman 'yang avocado cake..." Umikot ang mata niya nang marinig ang pamilyar
na boses na iyon. "Durug-durog na oh..."

Tinignan niya ang cake at talagang lustay na 'yon dahil kanina niya pa pala pinag-
iinitan gamit ang tinidor.

"Why are you here?" She asked coldly.

Naupo si McLaren sa tabi niya at pagod na sumandal sa sofa. Inangat ang isang
braso, na kung titignan ay parang nakaakbay sa kanya.

"Sinusundo ang mag ina ko." Simpleng sagot nito pero ang puso niya ay kaagad nag
humerentado!

Ito! Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi niya! Kanina lang galit siya at gustong magpaamo
kay McLaren. Tapos ngayon, hindi pa nga siya inaamo ay tumitiklop na siya!
Nahihipnotismo na naman sa boses at titig nito.

"Ayoko pang umuwi." Pinanindigan niya na naiinis pa rin siya rito. Her pride is
helping her.

"I want something to tell you, Celine."

"Tell it here." She looked around. "Wala naman masyadong tao."

McLaren made her look at him. The tiredness on his eyes were there, the stubbles on
his jaw made him looks so hot on her eyes. Damn it, why he has to be always so
dangerously handsome in her eyes? She found it really unfair.

"I want to... to..."

Why it sounds so hard for him to tell whatever he wanna tell her?

"What, baby?" She ran her fingers over his stubble.

Pinaglilihian niya na rin yata pati ang lalaking ito. Iba talaga ang dating sa
kanya ng ratsada ng mukha ni McLaren. Nakakakaba. Nakakalakas ng tibok ng puso
kapag pinagmamasdan niya ito. Nababaliw na yata siya.

"I want you to meet my parents." His lips form a small smile. She was surprised!
"Tomorrow,"

"Y-you want me to m-meet your mom and dad?"

Ceine is still in shock mode. The words didn't sink in yet. Is this for real? Her
heart is palpitating so bad!

McLaren nodded his head to answer her and kissed her hand gently.

"I will take you to our mansion tomorrow to meet them. So, let's go home and sleep.
Bawal kayong mapuyat ni baby."

Chapter 23 - 21 ~ Parents

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

"WHY do I need to bring so many clothes? Are we going to stay in the mansion for
days?" Celine curiously asked McLaren.

They are packing their clothes to bring to the Lane's mansion. Its seven in the
morning and she still wants to sleep, but she is also excited in meeting his
parents for the first time of her life.

Whatever on McLaren's mind why he suddenly wanted her to meet his parents, she
really didn't know his reason behind it.

What matters to Celine right now is finally, she will meet his mom and dad. It
excites her and at the same time it made her nervous.

Ano kaya ang magiging tingin sa kanya ng magulang ni McLaren? Magugustuhan kaya
siya ng mga ito? That thought made her very uneasy.

"Yes," Tipid na sagot nito bago tuluyang i-zipper ang maleta. "For a short
vacation. What do you think?"

"Hindi ba nakakahiya sa magulang mo? Ngayon palang nila ako makikilala, tapos,
mananatili na kaagad ako sa mansyon niyo?"

McLaren walked closer and held her one hand. His large callous hand give her a warm
feeling.

"Don't worry. They don't mind it. They actually want to have a visitors."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, besides you are not just a random girl. You are the mother of my child. You
are special to me, Celine."

And that put a smile on her lips. She's special? And she's the mother of his child?
It sounds so good especially when it comes from the love of her life, McLaren Lane.

CELINE slowly opened her eyes when she felt a soft lips kissing the side of her
lips. Sa namumungay na mata ay nasilayan niya si McLaren na nakatunghay sa kanya,
masuyo siyang pinagmamasdan.
Ang pang-umagang sikat ng araw na tumatama sa likod na bahagi ng binata ay lalo
lamang nagpaganda sa tanawin niya. Ang mabining hampas ng hangin na dumadampi sa
balat niya ay nagsasabing wala na sila sa syudad. Riding inside his convertible
car, somehow made her feel free.

Suot ang puting cotton shirt na humahapit sa braso ni McLaren, mas lalong naging
malikot ang mata niya upang pagtuunan pa ito ng pansin. Humihiyaw kung gaano
kadelikado ang mga ugat nito sa braso. Litaw ang iilang parte ng tattoo na
dumadagdag lamang sa lakas ng dating sa kanya ng binata.

He is the father of my baby. She said on her mind. McLaren is freaking hot... Damn.

"I wonder what you're thinking, hmm?" His husky voice making her blink.

Maingat na gumalaw ang isang kamay ng ni McLaren upang hawiin ang iilang hibla ng
buhok niyang tumabing sa kanyang mukha.

"W-wala naman," She avoided his gaze then look around, only to find out that they
are in front of a big mansion already. "Is that your parents mansion?"

She's getting nervous again!

McLaren shrug his shoulder and roared the engine. Nang tumapat ang sinasakyan nila
sa malaking gate at kusang bumukas iyon, do'n niya lang natanto na nasa Lane's
mansion na nga sila.

Sa gitnang bahagi ng malawak na lupain ay nakatayo ang water fountain. The Bermuda
grass, the garden with different flowers and the trees around the corner, makes the
place looks relaxing and peaceful. Malayong-malayo sa syudad na kinahinatnan niya.

"Don't be nervous, my angel." Puna sa kanya ni McLaren nang ma-i-park na nito ang
sasakyan sa tila nakalaan na espasyo para lang sa sasakyan nito.

"Hindi ko maiwasang kabahan." Pinagsiklop niya ang dalawang palad at inilapag iyon
sa kanyang kandungan.

Kinuha ni McLaren ang kamay niya at hinalik-halikan habang ang mata ay direktang
nakatitig sa kanya. Hindi lang kaba niya ang natunaw, pati na rin ang puso niya!
Titig pa lang ng ni Mcalren ay nanghihina na ang tuhod niya!

"It's not really helping,"

Iniwas niya ang kamay kay McLaren at malalim na bumuntong hininga. Baka tuluyan ng
bumigay ang tuhod niya kung patuloy siyang makikipagtitigan sa lalaking ito.

"What do you want me to do?" Para itong nahihirapan sa sitwasyon niya. Bigong-bigo
dahil lang sa kinakabahan siya.

Umirap siya sa hangin at siya na mismo ang nagbukas ng pinto ng sasakyan. Nandito
na sila. Wala ng atrasan. Mabuti nga at ipapakilala pa siya sa magulang nito. Dapat
mangibabaw ang saya niya kesa kaba!

"Tara na," Malakas ang loob na aya niya kahit parang mabibilaukan na siya sa kaba.

"Okay. They're waiting for us to arrive."

Palabas palang si McLaren sa sasakyan nang may dumating na tatlong kasambahay.

Naka-uniporme ang ito na kulay puti at itim. Maayos at malinis ang pagkakatali ng
buhok.

"Good morning, sir McLaren." Yumukod pa ang mga ito. "Good morning, Ma'am Celine."

"Good morning din ho sa inyo." Pilit siyang ngumiti sa nanginginig na labi.

Magalang silang nilagpasan ng mga ito upang kunin ang mga gamit nila sa sasakyan.
Si McLaren naman ay inalalayan na siyang maglakad, nasa bewang niya nakayapos ang
isang kamay nito.

"McLaren!"

Celine almost jump in nervousness when she heard that voice. When looked at the
woman, she's already coming towards their direction.

"Hey, mom." McLaren said coolly.

Hindi nito inaalis ang kamay sa bewang niya.

Nang tuluyang makalapit sa kanila ang mommy nito ay do'n na talaga siya inatake ng
matinding kaba. Lalo pa nang pinasadahan nito ng tingin ang kabuuan niya. Literal
na kinikilatis siya.

Sa kaba niya ay napayapos ang isang braso niya sa bewang ni McLaren at mahigpit na
hinawakan ang dulo ng damit nito. Kumukuha ng lakas ng loob sa pamamagitan niyon.

McLaren let out a soft chuckle.

"Mom, you made her feel nervous. Stop looking at her that way."

"Son, this is the way I look. Celine should deal with it. Right, sweetheart?"
Baling nito sa kanya na may kakaibang ngiti sa labi. She found it a creepy smile.
It gives her goosebumps.

"O-opo, good morning po." Celine gulped.

McLaren's mom stares making her throat dried.

"Call me Momma Valerie, alright?"

Tumango siya. "Okay po M-momma Valerie."

"Celine, hmm? Celine what?" Curious na tanong nito.

"Celine V-Villarica,"

Momma Valerie lifted her one eyebrow, telling something on her that she could not
really understand. Ang mensahe sa pamamagitan ng mga titig nito sa kanya ay hindi
niya mabasa. Ang hirap unawain.

Isa lang ang nasisiguro niya, natatakot siya sa multo ng nakaraan. Natatakot siya
sa pagtungtong sa mansyon na iyon sa hindi niya malaman na dahilan. Hindi takot sa
kaisipan na baka may mga kaluluwa roon, kundi sa takot na sa sobrang payapa ng
lugar, bakit parang may lihim na pilit itinatago ro'n?
Para siyang nasa tahimik na paraiso, walang gulo. Pero ang paraiso na 'yon pala ang
magtutulak sa kanya sa bagay na kailanman ay ayaw niya na sanang matuklasan pa.

It was a weird feeling for her, but still, she still like to be in that mansion. It
seems like she belong there.

Momma Valerie nodded her head, walked closer to her and gave her a warm welcome
hug.

Parang may pumitik na kung ano sa sintido ni Celine nang maramdaman niya ang magaan
na yakap na 'yon. Is it a motherly hug? Sa sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na mayakap
ng gano'n pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon, bakit may parte sa puso niya na parang
ang sakit?

Celine's eyes watered. Her heart is aching and she wants to cry! Why the hell she
felt like this all of a sudden? What's happening on her?

"Hey, don't cry." Naramdaman niya na lang ang masuyong pagpunas ni McLaren ng luha
niya. "It's okay, come on... ganyan lang talaga si mom tumingin."

"Sensitive talaga ang mga buntis." Momma Valerie chuckled softly and caressed her
hair. The more she felt warm from her touch, the more her heart ache.

Pasimple niyang iniwas ang ulo sa mga haplos nito. Hindi sa ayaw niya, pero
malungkot sa pakiramdam iyon. It seems like she's longing for a mother's touch.
Maybe she is. And Momma Valerie touch reminds her of something.

Napayakap siya kay McLaren. Wala ng pakialam kung ano ang itsura niya. Gusto niya
lang bigla ng may mayakap at hindi naman siya binigo ng binata. Hinaplos-haplos
nito ang buhok niya.

"What is happening here?" A deep baritone echoed. "Why did you make your future
daughter-in law cry like that, Valerie?" That voice soothed her for some reason. It
was so strange to feel that way towards unfamiliar man.

"Dad," It was McLaren, using a warning tone to his father?

Nag-angat siya ng tingin at hinanap ang boses na iyon. Isang rebulto ang nakita
niyang umakbay kay Momma Valerie. Its McLaren's father.

He has this dark facial expression, but the way he looks at her, even if his eyes
were sharp and dangerous, it didn't intimidate her at all. His aura made her feel
secured.

Para bang kung bata pa siya, ito ang pipilian niyang sumagip sa kanya. Ito ang
pagkakatiwalaan niya kung nanganganib ang kanyang buhay.

He's very good looking like his sons, but there's something on his face that is
hard for women not to ogling at him even he's ages. Nakakasigurado siya na maraming
nabigong babae dahil sa mukhang iyon.

McLaren's parents gave her different kind of emotions. It's kinda strange. She did
not expect it.

"Welcome to our home, Celine." McLaren father said to her, he's not smiling but she
could feel that his warm welcome is genuine.

"Love, she's staring at you as if you're a heaven's gift for women." Momma Valerie
cracked a joke and it made her blush.
Nakakatulala ang kakisigan ng daddy ni McLaren, iyon ang tamang paglalarawan dito.

"Sorry po," sa pagtitig ko. Nahiya siya bigla sa inasta.

"That's okay, sweetheart. Come on, let's go inside and eat." Maligayang aya sa
kanila ni Momma Valerie.

Nauna na ang mga ito pumasok sa loob habang naiwan sila ni McLaren do'n. Bahagya
siyang lumayo sa binata na nanatiling nakatayo at nakatingin sa malaking pinto kung
saan pumasok ang magulang nito.

He looks like in deep thought.

"Is everything okay?" She asked.

"I guess, yes."

"Pasok na tayo sa loob?"

Nagbaba ito ng tingin sa kanya, parang nagdadalawang isip na hindi niya

maintindihan. Nakaramdam pa naman siya bigla ng gutom at mukhang masarap ang
pagkain sa loob. At isa pa, ayaw niyang magpahintay sa magulang nito. Nakakahiya
'yon.

"Alam mo ba na kapag pumasok tayo riyan..." Napabuntong hininga si McLaren.

"Kakain tayo? Huwag natin paghintayin ang magulang mo at ang pagkain."

Ipinalupot niya ang dalawang braso sa katawan ni McLaren tapos ay naglalambing na

nag-angat dito ng tingin. He's tall, he stand around six and two inches or more,
kaya kailangan talaga ay medyo titingalain niya ito kapag ganito ang posisyon nila.

"I will be gone for a weeks or months... I don't know." McLeren informed her,
making her forehead knotted.

She was about to step backward, but he was quick to stop her by holding her elbows.
They are almost hugging each other in front of their mansion's door.

"Where are you going then?"

"Job."

"Bakit ang tagal naman yata?"

"This job is very important. I can't just let this go for some reasons."

"Tatawagan mo ba ako? Ititext?"

She can still remember those days when McLaren did not contact her for over a
weeks. No phone calls, no text. Nakakabaliw mag-isip kung nasaan ito o ano ang
ginagawa. May mga trabaho itong nawawala ito ng matagal. Tapos, mayroon ulit.

"I would try to contact you. But I won't promise. Okay?"

McLaren kissed her forehead, then embrace her.

"I'm gonna miss you." She whispered and rested her face on his broad chest.
"Me too,"

"Kausapin ko na ba si baby na hindi na muna namin maririnig ang boses mo ng ilang

linggo?"

"We will talk to this little sport about that." Gumapang ang kamay nito sa impis
niyang tiyan. Parang gustong tumalon ng puso niya bigla.

"Sir, pinapatawag na po kayo ni Madam Valerie." Magalang na untag sa kanila ng isa

sa mga kasambahay do'n.

"Let's go?" Aya niya ulit kay McLaren at umalis na sa pagkakayakap dito.

They walk inside holding each and started to walk inside. McLaren suddenly clear
his throat, making her stopped from pulling his hand.

Napatingin siya sa magkasiklop nilang mga kamay. Ang paraan ng pag higpit ng hawak
nito sa kanya na para bang ayaw pang pumasok sa loob.

"What's wrong?" Iritado na siya dahil gusto niya na talagang kumain.

"That damn rules." He murmured, she didn't understand clearly.

"What?" Her forehead knotted more. "What did you say?"

McLaren tilted his head back and closed his eyes tightly, he's controlling himself
for the reason that she didn't know. Or maybe he's thinking about something. His
Adam's apple is bobbling sexily.

Napanguso siya. Why is everything about him seems so perfect on her eyes?

Nang muling bumalik ang atensyon ni McLaren sa kanya ay gano'n na lamang ang
pagkalabog ng puso niya dahil sa biglang pagdilim ng aura nito. Na imbes na matakot
siya, ay na-turn on pa siya!

"Are you ready?" Paos na paos ang boses nito, na halos marinig niya na sa likod ng
ulo niya kung paano nito i-ungol sa makapanindig balahibong paraan ang pangalan
niya sa tuwing nagtatalik sila.

This pregnancy hormones made her a think about sexual things wildly.

"I'm ready, McLaren..." Celine absentmindedly said and giggled as he held her hand
and guided her inside.

At nang tuluyang makapasok sa loob at makatapak sa mansyon na iyon, isang pitik ng

malalabong imahe ang biglang lumitaw ng hindi niya inaasahan.

Chapter 24 - 22 ~ Promise

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

I OPENED my eyes when I felt something soft caressing my hair. I was welcome with a
beautiful woman who's staring at me. I like her black shiny hair and thick
eyelashes, she's like a queen to me, like what I've always watch on a fairytale
movies. A queen who take care of me and always gives me comfort. Comfort that I was
longing for so long.

She's smiling at me, telling me that everything will be fine. But there's a glimpse
in her eyes that it's hard for me to decipher.

"Who are you?" I asked her, curious. "Where am I?"

"You're in a castle, my Princess." She answered softly and caress my hair again.

"And you're a Queen?" I whispered innocently as I look around the place. The wall
is a combination of color white and silver. I like it very much. "Where's your
King?"

"My King? Hmm, he left the castle to catch bad people."

"Bad people? There was a bad people outside the castle?"

"Yes my Princess. There's always have bad people around. We should be careful or
else they will hurt us."

"Am I your Princes?"

She smiled at me again and nodded her head.

"Yes, you are my princess."

I smiled back at her and giggled.

I wish this wasn't a dream, because I like to be a real Princess and marry a Prince
someday.

"KANINA ka pa tahimik," McLaren noticed her silence, making her jump a bit while
looking around their mansion.

It's really big and spacious. Even outside the mansion, there's a wide garden and
the water fountain attracts her.

Nang matapos silang mag-almusal ay dinala siya nito sa silid kung saan sila
mananatili. They are in their room's balcony. Nagpapahangin. Ang tanawin ay bago sa
mata niya.

Magaan ang pakiramdam niya nang makapasok siya sa mansyon, para bang kay tagal
niyang hinintay na makatungtong sa lugar na 'yon.

Hindi kaya ay dahil noon pa man ay nangangarap na siyang makapunta sa mansyon nila
McLaren?

Malamang, iyon ang rason kung bakit kakaibang excitement ang nararamdaman niya.
Excitement na nahalinhinan ng kaba at kung anong ligaw pa na pakiramdam na hindi
niya na magawang ipaliwanag.

There are some antique furnitures in the mansion even if its obvious that the
mansion was newly renovated.

Dalawang palapag lang 'yon at lahat ng silid ay nasa ikalawang palapag. While the
maids headquarters are on the first floor, located at the back of the kitchen. They
have ten maids and one mayordoma, the one that accompanied her to tour the whole
mansion after they ate breakfast.
"Medyo napagod lang siguro ako kanina. Ang lawak ng mansyon niyo." Sabi niya at
sumandal sa inuupuan, nakatingin sa malayo.

McLaren was standing next to her, looking at the view in front of them. From where
they are, they can see the entire city from afar. Hindi niya akalain na nasa mataas
na bahagi nakatayo ang mansyon ng mga ito.

Para tuloy silang Hari at Reyna, nasa mapayapang kastilyo nila at tinatanaw ang
kabilang kastilyo sa kalayuan, kung saan kaylayo sa kapayapaan na mayro'n sila
ngayon.

"Ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam na malayo sa Syudad." Sambit niya at pinahapyawan

'yon ng mahinang bungisngis. "This kind of feeling is new to me. I've never been
feel so peace and free until my feet touched the ground of this mansion."

Tininangala niya si McLaren sa kanyang gilid, nagtama ang kanilang mga mata, hindi
inaasahan na nakatingin pala ito sa kanya.

The side of his lips rose up for a sexy smirk.

"So, you like it here?"

"Very much! I could stay here forever..." she almost whisper the last words.

"I thought I was the only one who felt at peace and free whenever I stay in this
mansion..." McLaren muttered, looking at the view in front of them. His hands are
on his pocket.

"We feel the same,"

"I wish it would always be like that, because..." He paused then rested his body on
the glass semi tinted door behind him.

"Because what?"

"Because even if I feel free and at peace... I know that... something is missing."

Nangalumbaba si Celine. Ang isang siko ay nakapatong sa pabilog na makintab na

kahoy na lamesa.

"Something is missing..." She murmured.

"Would you like to stay here while I was away?" Pag-iiba nito ng usapan, pero hindi
siya nakasagot kaagad dahil nakuha ang atensyon niya ng batang babaeng tumatakbo sa
hardin sa baba.

Napatayo siya at napalapit sa barandilya pero pagtingin niya ay wala na ang bata.

"Did you see the little girl?" Manghang tanong niya kay McLaren nang lingunin niya.
Nakakunot ang noo nito.

"Little girl?" Lumapit na rin ito sa kanya upang tignan din kung saan siya
nakatingin. "I did not see her."

"May bata pala rito..." She smiled cheekily.

"Maybe one of our maid's daughter."

"Pwede ang bata sa mansyon niyo?"

"Yes, my mom love kids."

"Talaga..." Napahawak siya bigla sa impis niyang tiyan at napangiti. "Your mom
would love our child, right?"

"Yes, of course."

Lumipat si McLaren sa likod niya at marahan na ikinulong siya sa mga braso nito.
Ang mga kamay ay nakahawak sa barandilya, halos sakupin na pati ang mga kamay
niyang nakahawak din do'n.

Ito na naman ang pakiramdam niya na kapag napapalibutan siya ni McLaren ay para
bang ligtas na ligtas siya sa panganib. The same feeling when she saw his father.
She felt secured whenever the two were just around.

"Ano nga ulit 'yung tanong mo kanina?"

"I asked you if you'd like to stay here while I was away?" He whispered, his minty
breath hit her neck.

"I-I like to stay here... Pwede ba?"

"Pwedeng-pwede basta ikaw."

"Okay, but we need to tell about this to your parents. Hindi naman pwedeng tayong
dalawa lang ang magdedesisyon."

McLaren let out a short soft laugh, as if something is funny. Napapapikit siya sa
tuwing tumatama sa leeg niya ang mainit na hangin mula sa bibig nito.
Nakakakilabot. Nakakakiti. Nakakaakit. Ano na naman itong pumapasok sa isip niya?

"Yes, we'll tell them about this."

"Eh, bakit ka natatawa? Ano ang nakakatawa sa sinabi ko kanina?"

"Nothing is funny, Celine."

"Then why laughing?"

"Because you're so cute."

McLaren slightly bite the skin on her neck, making her gasped in pleasure. Her body
is on heat.

Mahina siyang napaungol nang dumampi-dampi na ang labi nito sa kanyang leeg. Celine
tilted her head on the side to give him more access.

"Baka may makakita sa'tin..." Celine muttered a moan.

Her hands were caressing his veined forearms. She rested her back on his broad
chest.

"You want to go inside?"

Humaplos ang isang kamay ni McLaren sa may hita niya habang ang halik ay bumaba sa
kanyang balikat.

"Binyagan natin ang kwarto mo?" Marahan siyang tumawa saka gamit ang isang kamay ay
humaplos iyon sa pisngi nito.

"I would love that. Let's go inside."

With that, McLaren carry her and torridly kiss her as they walk inside their room
without breaking the damn kiss.

Celine closed her eyes when she felt the soft bed on her back. A soft moan escaped
her lips when McLaren started giving wet kisses on her neck while undressing her.

She smile inwardly at the thought of her and McLaren making love for the first time
on his room of their mansion. The mansion that gives her so many mixed and
unfamiliar emotions.

KUNG hindi pa katukin ng kasambahay ang kwarto ni McLaren ay hindi sila lalabas.
After their intimate and quality time together they'd decided to cuddle. Her head
is on his chest, their nakedness are covered by grey comforter.

"Sir, nakahanda na po ang pagkain sa baba." Anang isang kasambahay sa labas ng

pinto.

McLaren frowned. "We will be there in a minute."

Wala na silang narinig pang sagot ng kasambahay kaya naman ay umalis na siya sa
tabi ni McLaren pero pinigilan siya nito sa bewang para hindi tuluyang makaalis sa
kama.

Celine is sitting on the bed. He's facing her back body. His hands were place above
her stomach.

"Let's eat first, McLaren. Nakakahiya sa magulang mo."

She turned around to face him, hindi alintana na kaharap ng mukha nito ang
malulusog niyang dibdib.

She saw how he purse his lips when his eyes darted on her boobs. His hands gripped
the side of her waist, not enough to hurt her.

"Gusto pa kitang mayakap." Anito sa mababang tinig.

She also want it but they need to at least get up and face his parents for dinner.
They can cuddle all night later.

Ayaw niyang may masabi sa kanya ang magulang ni McLaren. Katulad kaninang umaga,
hinintay pa sila ng mga itong makapasok sa mansyon para sabay-sabay na mag almusal.
Tapos ngayon magpapahintay ulit sila? No way.

"We will later." Hinaplos niya ang pisngi ni McLaren nang parang ayaw pa nitong
magpatinag. "After dinner, okay?" Tapos ay masuyo itong hinalikan sa labi na
mayamot nitong ikinaungol. A sign of defeat and that put a smile on her lips.

"Do I have other choice?"

"Wala. And besides, our baby wants to eat." She smiled sweetly.

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa tiyan niya at napapikit siya ng dampian ng halik ni
McLaren ang parteng iyon ng katawan niya. Napamulat lang siya ng umangat ang ulo
nito papunta sa kanyang dibdib.
Napanguso siya. Bago pa man din dumampi ang labi nito sa dunggot niya ay maingat
niya nang nahawakan ang ulo nito at inilayo sa kanya.

"Para hahalik lang..." Anito at supladong iniwas ang tingin sa kanya.

Pinigil niyang huwag matawa sa itsura nito. Nagsusuplado pa sa kanya, natitibag

naman kapag nilalambing na niya.

When he lean closer to her breast, Celine bite her lips and let McLaren suck her
nipple.

"Umm,"

She brush his hair using her fingers while he's sucking and licking her twin peak
alternately. Isinusubsob pa nito ang mukha sa dibdib niya at papaulanan ng
nakakakiliting halik.

"McLaren..." she called him, breathless, when he pin her body down to the bed.

"This will be quick. Wide your legs, baby." He ordered and position his head in
between her thighs.

Kinuha niya ang unan at kinagat iyon, doon din umungol nang mag umpisa si McLaren
sa pagdila sa kanyang pagkababae.

Katatapos lang nito kanina na gawin 'yon sa kanya at inulit na naman. Palibhasa ay
alam nitong gustung-gusto niya kapag pinapaligaya siya nito gamit ang dila.

Celine is moaning and gripping on McLaren's hair while he expertly flick his tongue
on her femininity. She's so wet and so ready to reach her climax.

"Ohh, uhh, ahh, McLaren... ohh!"

And when he suck her cl*t, Celine lose her mind for a moment. She let out a long
moan, her womanhood throbbed against his tongue and let her orgasm exploded.

"Sarap..." he murmured hoarsely and lick her entrance, sinasala ang likidong
inilabas niya gamit ang mainit na dila.

Celine rested for awhile before they finally went downstairs for dinner.

When they arrived in the dining area, her cheeks burn because McLaren's parents
weren't the only one who was waiting for them. His brothers together with their
women were already sitting there, waiting for them to arrive.

"Oops, is this a reunion?" McLaren joked and place his hand at the small of her
back, guiding her to the vacant chairs.

"I'm sorry," Hingi niya ng paumanhin nang makaupo na siya, magkatabi sila ni
McLaren.

"I'm glad to see you here, Celine." Liberty said and smiled at her. She's sitting
beside Mazda.

"Me too. Are you going to stay here?" Celine asked, hoping for a good answer.

"Yes! Until Mazda's back from his job."

Parang nakahinga siya ng maluwag sa sagot ni Liberty. At least, may iba pa siyang
makakasama sa mansyon. May iba pa siyang makakausap. Hindi na siguro siya
mabuburyong kung gano'n.

"Anyway, my angel, I would like you to meet ate Lexy." McLaren interrupted and
motioned his hand on the woman beside Corvette.

"Hey, nice to finally meet you." Lexy's voice was cold same as her face expression.

"Nice meeting you ate Lexy." She smile at her but the woman just smirk.

"Let's eat?" Agaw pansin sa kanila ni Momma Valerie nang matapos ang kaunting
usapan.

"Sure mom, mukhang masarap ang mga 'to." Si McLaren na nag umpisa ng magsandok ng
chicken and pork adobo with potatoes.

"Masarap talaga 'yan anak. Alam kong favorite niyong magkakapatid 'yan kaya nagluto
ako."

"Your only specialty, love. Chicken and pork adobo with potatoes, huh." The voice
of McLaren's father sounds like he was teasing his wife.

"Kaya ka nga na-inlove sa akin, di ba? Dahil sa luto ko."

"Well—"

"Carlie hindi ka na lang umamin. Gusto mo pa yata akong ipahiya sa harap ng anak mo
at ng mga future anak natin—"

"Mahal kita masarap ka mang magluto o hindi." Carlie Lanr cut his wife off and
smirked.

"Sweet," She murmured before tasting her adobo. "Hmm, ang sarap po pala talaga ng
adobo mo Momma Valerie." Aniya matapos ubusin ang laman ng bibig. Totoong masarap.
Natatakam siya ng husto.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

"Mom, maybe you can teach Celine how to cook." McLaren suggested, making his mother
and father glance at him.

"Hindi siya marunong magluto, Celine?"

Napangiwi siya nang bumalik ang tingin sa kanya ng ilaw ng tahanan.

"M-marunong naman po ako pero kaunti lang."

"Ayokong nagugutom ang mga anak ko."

Siya, si Liberty at Lexy ay inisa-isang tignan ni Momma Valerie.

"Kaya dapat kayong tatlo, matutong magluto. Okay? Tuturuan ko kayo."

"I'm learning now Momma, but I'm still willing to learn from you and your
specialty." Liberty said, while wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

"Lexus doesn't like cooking." It was Corvette, complaining.

"Pinagluluto naman kita, ha!"

"Mas lamang pa rin na ako ang nagluluto."

"Of course, hindi naman pwedeng ikaw lang ang palaging kakain, mi amor."

Bakit ba iba ang dating sa kanya ng sinabi ni Lexy? Parang ibang pagkain ang
tinutukoy nito. 'Yung klase ng kain na ginawa sa kanya ni McLaren kanina lang?

What the hell she's thinking? Nasa harap siya ng hapag tapos puro kahalayan ang
naiisip niya?

"Basta ako taga kain lang..." McLaren smirked and winked at her. "Right, baby?"

Celine blinked and nodded her head absentmindedly. Bilang lang sa daliri niya na
napagluto niya si McLaren. Iba nga yata talaga ang kain na tinutukoy nito. Nag-
iinit ang pisngi niya!

"Yea, learn more about cooking... para mas lalo akong mabaliw sa'yo." Narinig
niyang sabi ni Mazda kay Liberty.

"Liberty you're blushing," Momma Valerie teased.

"Oo nga," Gatong niya tapos ay bumungisngis.

Nagkatawanan silang lahat pwera kay Tito Carlie at Corvette na mata lang ang
tumatawa. Nakaangat lang ang sulok ng mga labi.

Nagpatuloy ang masayang hapunan hanggang sa inihanda na sa hapag ang panghimagas.

Its a cold sweet avocado mixed with milk. Lumaki ang mata niya at nanubig ang
bagang.

"Like it?" McLaren asked, obviously he noticed her reaction.

Masaya siyang tumango. "Very!"

Nakita niyang napatingin sa kanya ang mga kasama pero hindi niya na lang pinansin
at nagpatuloy sa pagkain ng sweet avocado. Sarap na sarap siya lalo at ang lamig
pa.

"I told my mom to make avocado dessert because you like it."

"Thank you, baby," Hinalikan niya ito sa labi. Hindi niya na napigilan.

McLaren chuckled at what she did and stare at her, amuse. Ginalaw-galaw niya ang
kilay niya sa mapanuksong paraan. Napailing ito at mabilis na hinalikan siya sa
gilid ng labi.

"We're leaving tomorrow night." It was Mazda, who's talking to Liberty.

"Bukas ng gabi agad?" Liberty pouted.

"Yeah," Mazda shrug his shoulder. "Wait for me, okay?"

"Of course, I will miss you."

Mazda groan and get Liberty's hand. "Excuse us, people. Babe time." He winked then
leave the dining area together with his girl.

"Let's rest." Tumayo na rin si Corvette at gano'n din si Lexy.

"Rest agad?" Lexy muttered under her breath, looking directly at Corvette sharp
dark eyes.

"What else do you want?" Corvette whispered huskily.

She saw how Lexy's gulp the way Corvette's eyes intensely bore into her. Instead of
answering his question, Lexy glance at them and forced a small smile, a smile that
tells them that they need to leave.

"Go ahead, I know you both need rest." Momma Valerie said.

Apat na lang silang natira sa hapag. Uubusin niya lang ang sweet cold avocado at
magpapaala sa magulang ni McLaren tungkol sa pananatili niya sa mansyon habang nasa
trabaho ang binata.

"Aalis din pala si Kuya Mazda?" Usisa niya sa mahinang tinig.

"Yeah, three of us."

"Sabay-sabay kayong aalis?"

"Yes my angel." May sasabihin pa sana siya pero bumaling na si McLaren sa magulang.
"Mom, dad, Celine like it here. Pwede bang dito muna siya habang wala ako?"

Nakita niya ang pag-angat na naman ng sulok ng labi ni Tito Carlie na para bang
proud sa anak nito. Sa kung anong bagay ay hindi niya masabi.

"Sure, I would like that. Dito muna si Celine hanggang sa makabalik ka McLaren."

"Thank you Momma Valerie." She said shyly and look at Tito Carlie again. "Thanks
din po Tito."

"You belong here... Celine."

Parang may kung anong tumalon sa dibdib niya sa sinabing iyon ng daddy ni McLaren.

Bakit parang ang sarap sa pandinig niyon? She belong in that place? It felt so good
to know that.

Nakita niya ang kamay ni Momma Valerie na pumatong sa kamay ng asawa na nasa ibabaw
ng lamesa, pumisil iyon ng bahagya na para bang may nais sabihin pero hindi na lang
isinatinig.

"Wait for me to come back, okay?" Masuyong bilin ni McLaren na hinawakan pa ang mga
kamay niya at dinala sa labi nito.

"O-oo naman. Hihintayin kitang bumalik dito. Hihintayin ka namin ni baby..."

"Ah, that's so good to hear..."

"Promise me that you will be back."

Pinakatitigan niya gwapong mukha ni McLaren. She will surely miss him.

McLaren suddenly turn his gaze on his parents who's carefully watching them. They
did not say anything. Ibinalik ang nito ang tingin sa kanya at dahan-dahan na
tumango.
"I promise that no matter what happened, I'll be back." Then he kissed her forehead
tenderly, making her close her eyes. "Babalikan kita, Celine. Babalikan ko kayo ng
anak natin." Bulong nito na para bang hinding-hindi babaliin ang pangako sa kanya.

Chapter 25 - 23 ~ Dreams

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

THERE are more than ten armed men around them. They are all wearing a light blue
short sleeves polo, black slacks and ear piece. Some of them are in black
sunglasses. Matitipuno ang pangangatawan at palaging naka-taas noo.

McLaren and Mazda are in the lobby of De la Garza building. Pinalibutan kaagad sila
ng mga tauhan doon pagkapasok palang nilang magkapatid. They are very alert and
ready to fight any moment.

"We have an appointment to Mr. De la Garza today. He's waiting for us." Mazda said
coldly.

"If you don't believe on us, you can contact the men behind his door."

McLaren put his hand on his ear as a symbol of calling someone, asking the man in
front of him to call De la Garza guards on his floor. Ilan sandali muna silang
nagtimbangan ng tingin bago inilagay ng lalaki ang radyong hawak sa tenga at may
kinausap.

"Pangalan?" Tanong nito nang balingan silang dalawa.

"Holden." McLaren answered and motioned his head on his brother who seems annoyed.
"Brax."

"Nice names," Ether muttered through their devices.

"Cute name," sabay hagikhik ni Kaleah.

Their names came from ESO. They have fake ID's and documents for it.

"ID niyo?"

McLaren and Mazda lazily get their wallet on their pants pocket. They both showed
them their fake ID with their face of course.

Isang senyas ng lalaki sa mga kasamahan nito ay mabilis na kinapkapan sila ni Mazda
ng mga tauhan. Nag-angat sila pareho ng kamay at hinayaan ang mga ito sa trabaho.
They didn't bring guns. They will just introduce themselves to De la Garza as a new
personal bodyguard.

"Sa penthouse. Hinihintay na kayo ni boss." Imporma ng lalaki.

Nagkatinginan muna sila ni Mazda bago naglakad papunta sa elevator. Sa elevator

kung saan ekslusibo lang para sa mga magpupunta sa penthouse.

Bago pa man sumara ang pinto ay nakita ni McLaren ang pagtataka sa mata ng mga
armadong lalaki na nakamatiyag sa kanila ni Mazda. Siguro dahil hindi ng mga ito
inaasahan na sa elevator na iyon sila papasok. Na alam nila kung saan sila dapat
sumakay.

"I'm in," Von Ether declared, telling them that he already have an access in all
the CCTV's of the building.

Von Ether is at ESO's control room. He is their eyes on this mission.

"Good. How many armed men on his floor?" Mazda asked, resting his back on the cold
metal behind him.

"There are ten people roaming around his floor."

"How about inside his penthouse?" It was McLaren, curious.

Ilang sandali muna ang lumipas bago siya sinagot ni Ether. Kasabay niyon ay ang
pagbukas ng elevator.

"There are five bodyguards inside his penthouse. De la Garza is with Savannah."

"Copy that," Aniya at lumabas na ng elevator.

Sinalubong sila ng isang malaking lalaki. May nakasukbit ditong armalite. Matalim
ang tingin sa kanila pero hindi man lang tumaas kahit isang balahibo niya.

"Kanina pa naghihintay sa inyo si boss." Malalim at malaki ang boses nito.

"How about my girl?" McLaren asked, showing no emotion.

"Anong pinagsasabi mo bata?"

McLaren smirked. "Where's my Savannah?"

Mabuti na lang at hindi alam ni Celine ang pinag-gagagawa niya kung hindi... baka
mahaba-habang lambingan ang kakailanganin niya.

"Sino ka ba sa akala mo?"

Hindi na nila ito pinansin bagkos nilagpasan ito ngunit hindi pa man din siya
nakakailang hakbang ay nahawakan na siya nito sa balikat, mabigat at may diin.

Napatingin siya kay Mazda na walang pakialam, bagkos, iniwan siya nito at sa pinto
dumeretso pero hinarang din ng mga nagbabantay do'n.

"Get your hand away from me," McLaren used his warning tone. "If you don't want me
to break all your fucking bones."

"Ang tapang mo bata—aww!"

Bago pa man din dumiin ng husto ang pagpiga nito sa balikat niya ay mabilis na
siyang nakaikot paharap dito habang hawak ang kamay nito, nakapilipit.

McLaren's eyes darkened when other guards pointed their guns on him.

"Get yourself ready," Muli siyang umikot at sa pagkakataon na iyon ay nasa gilid na
siya ng lalaki, sa isang kamay niya ay hawak niya ang armalite na nakasukbit dito
kanina lang. Mabilis niyang itinutok iyon sa sentido nito. "Tell them to put all
their guns down." Matalim na utos niya rito.
"Put your guns down," May otoridad sa boses ng lalaki.

"Tell them that I'm Savannah's boyfriend."

"At sino ang lalaking kasama mo?!" Tukoy nito kay Mazda.

"I don't know and I don't care who he is!"

Idiniin niya sa sintido nito ang nguso ng armalite kaya naalarma ulit ito pati ang
mga kasamahan nito na matalim ang titig sa kanya.

"He's Ma'am Savannah's boyfriend. Put all your guns down!" Mariin na utos ng
lalaki.

Dahan-dahan na ibinaba ng mga lalaki ang mga baril kaya ibinaba niya na rin ang
hawak. Si Mazda ay nasa loob na.

"Your Savannah is coming..." Ether said with a tease on his voice.

Hindi nga ito nagkamali dahil bumukas ang pinto doon at iniluwa niyon ang seksing
babae. She looked around until she saw him. With a wide smile on her face, Savannah
run towards him excitedly.

"Babu!" She giggled and hug him with a force.

Napangiwi siya sa labis na pagdikit ng dibdib nito sa kanya. Kulang na lang ay

kumunyapit sa kanya si Savannah.

Narinig niya ang nakakalokong sipol ni Von Ether, tapos ay nagsalita.

"I can say that, your new girl has a body, round butt and big breast."

"I'm glad that Celine wasn't here," Parang pinagpawisan siya bigla sa patutsyada ni
Lexy. "Mukha pa namang mananambunot iyon sa kung sino mang babaeng didikit
sa'yo..." He could almost hear the smirk on Lexy's voice.

"Hey, babe..."

Pasimple niyang inilayo sa kanya si Savannah.

Kumalas ito ng yakap sa kanya at nagpilit na bigyan siya ng matamis na ngiti.

Faking a smile.

"I've been waiting for you since seven in the morning. What took you so long?" She
asked, pouting her lips.

Ah, she's good in playing her role as his girlfriend.

Her maroon matte lipstick shows how strong is her personality. Itinago ng kulay na
iyon ang maamo nitong mukha. Her neat bun reveal her neck.

"Blame all your bodyguards," Then he winked at her, he saw how her cheeks turn red.

Makailang ulit pa itong napakurap bago mataray na hinarap ang mga armadong lalaki
na nanonood sa kanila.

"Everyone," Tawag pansin ni Savannah sa mga ito. "I want you all to know that this
man," Umabrisiete ito sa kanya. "...is my boyfriend. I don't want to see any of you
messing with my man, understand?"

"Yes Ma'am!" Sagot naman ng mga tauhan do'n.

Bumaling sa kanya ang babae, may pekeng ngiti parin sa labi.

"Let's go inside, babe. My dad is waiting for you."

"Let's go, then."

Inakbayan niya si Savannah at nag ngising aso sa mga armadong lalaki na tahimik
lang silang pinadaan.

He's really good in this, playing as a good boyfriend to a woman he just met, but
he knew every little thing about Savannah already.

When the door closed, McLaren wince when Savannah elbow the side of his waist.

"Pervert!" She scream and marched towards the couches.

"I'm just being nice."

"Shut the fuck up!" Sigaw ulit nito na parang galit sa mundo.

Ibang klase rin pala itong fake girlfriend niya, parang dragon na kulang na lang ay
bugahan siya ng apoy. Ang lambing-lambing kanina, arte lang pala nito 'yon.

"Have a seat, Holden." That voice was from Mr. De la Garza who's siting on his
swivel chair. In front of him is Mazda.

McLaren walked towards them and noticed the glass wall behind Mr. De la Garza. Ang
isang bahagi ng kurtina ay nakaawang, sapat na para pumasok ang liwanag sa loob.

McLaren couldn't help himself to take another steps to see clearly the view behind
the man who own the penthouse.

Hindi niya na hinawi pa ang kurtina, maingat lang siyang sumilip sa labas. Isa pang
mataas na gusali ang katapat kung nasaan mismo siya.

"What are you doing, Holden?" Mr. De la Garza asked curiously.

Imbes na sumagot, si Mazda ang sinenyasan niyang lumapit sa gawi niya. Maingat lang
din na sinilip ng kapatid ang labas at bumalik sa inuupuan nito.

"Sir, it would be better if you transfer your table there."

Mazda suggested and pointed the other corner of the penthouse where the walls
weren't glass. It's painted concrete.

"Why would I, Brax? I like the sunrise here. I like the view outside."

De la Garza even motioned the glass wall behind him, telling them how he like where
he's seating.

"You would never see the sunrise again once the sniper shoot you from the building
outside." McLaren said calmly and pointed the building in front of where they are.

De la Garza building has a high security. You can't just enter inside, especially
that one of the rich businessman in Asia is living here. Sunud-sunod na ang death
threat na natatanggap ng negosyante at kung hindi sila magiging matalino at wais ni
Mazda, baka mapatay ang mag-ama na bantay nila.

Nakita niya palang ang gusali sa tapat ay naisip niya na kaagad ang posibilidad na
maaaring doon pumuwesto ang sniper para patayin si Mr. De la Garza kahit pa medyo
may kalayuan ang pagitan.

"Ay, advance mag isip." It was Kaleah, teasing him through their listening device.
"That building is clear so far."

"I'm on it," Ether murmured. "I'll check all the CCTV's on that building."

"S-sniper?" Savannah gasped and stood up.

Napatingin siya sa dalaga, may pag-aalala sa singkit na mga mata.

"Calm down babe, we were just trying to tell you what might happen any moment. We
need to be more aware to where we are and be more observant to all the people
around us." Pagpapaliwanag niya at marahan na isinara ang makapal na kurtina, sapat
na para walang pumasok na sikat ng araw sa loob.

Nang tumayo si Mr. De la Garza sa inuupuan nito, kaagad naman na naglapitan ang
apat na lalaki sa lamesa at binuhat iyon papunta sa sulok kung saan itinuro ni
Mazda kanina.

"Are we safe to sit here?" Tanong ng matandang negosyante, malapit sa anak nito.

McLaren nodded and walked towards them. Kampanteng silang naupo sa tapat ng mag
ama. Ang apat na armadong lalaki ay tahimik lang silang pinapanood.

"So, what's the plan, dad? I couldn't handle this situation forever. I can't go
outside without someone following me, even whenever I go to restroom, they're there
for Pete's sake." Savannah sounded more frustrated than complaining.

"We will continue living like this Savannah, until we made sure that our lives are
safe and secure anymore." Mr. De la Garza explained. "By the way darling, I want to
formally introduce to you our new personal bodyguards, Holden and Brax."

"I actually don't like another bodyguard, dad."

"Holden will play the role as your boyfriend. Just cooperate Savannah, please.
Don't be too hardheaded. This is for your safety."

Savannah sighed and eyed him. "Do we really need to act like a couple? I don't like
you. You're a perv—"

"Watch your words." McLaren cut her off. He stare at her fiercely. "Let's just be
professional here, Miss De la Garza. I won't do anything stupid at you, I'm here to
protect you from any harm. That's my job. And by the way, I'm not a pervert, you
were the first one who forcefully shoved your body on me, remember."

"Because my father asked me to act like your girlfriend!"

"Good. Listen to your father, he knows what's best for you." He smirked at her.

"And Brax will be my personal bodyguard, right?"

"Yes sir," Mazda answered calmly.

"Dad, pwede bang si Brax na lang ang bodyguard ko?" Lambing ni Savannah sa ama. She
obviously like Mazda. "He looks more trustworthy than Holden."

"Akala mo lang 'yon..." McLaren murmured.

"I don't like to be your personal bodyguard, Miss De la Garza. You better deal with
Holden, he won't disappoint you."

"But you're the one I like!"

"And I don't like you. Is it clear now?"

Mazda is starting to lose his patience and he's being rude. He better stop him.
Maiksi ang pasensya nito at kanina pa mainit ang ulo.

"How about we eat lunch together?" Si Mr. De la Garza na binago at pinutol na ang
usapan.

"Outside dad?"

Tumingin muna sa kanila ang negosyante, tila humihingi ng permiso kung pwede bang
kumain sa labas. Nagkatinginan lang sila ni Mazda at sabay na tumango bilang
pagsang-ayon.

The day just started. No phone calls. No text messages. No communication from the
people he love and special to him.

"SUIT YOURSELF, Holden and Brax. If you need something, feel free to call our
helpers here." Bilin sa kanila ni Mr. De la Garza bago ito nagpunta sa sariling
silid.

Sa bahay ng mga De la Garza sila mananatili hanggat hindi pa nahahanap ang mga
nagpapadala ng death threats. Magkatabi ang silid nila ni Mazda, ang kapatid niya
ay nauna nang pumasok sa sarili nitong silid, kaya gano'n din ang ginawa niya
kalaunan.

The soft bed reminds him of his bed on their mansion. Him on his bed together with
Celine.

Yeah, he's thinking 'bout her especially now that he's alone. He doesn't think
about their safety anymore because he knew that Celine and their baby are on the
safe place. Nothing to worry about. All that he wanted right now is to end this
mission and go home.

Sumilip si McLaren sa bintana at nakita ang mga armadong lalaki na nagbabantay sa

kabuuhan ng malaking bahay. Sinara niya ang kurtina bago binuksan ang itim na
duffel bag na dala. Kinuha niya ang iilang baril do'n.

Idinikit niya ang isa sa ilalim ng kama. He put the other gun on the bathroom,
inside the water flush box. Then he took a cold shower and lay in bed.

Its already one in the morning. McLaren is sleepy, but he just couldn't sleep. Kung
makatulog man siya siguradong mababaw lang. Gano'n silang magkakapatid, hindi
natutulog ng mapayapa kapag nasa misyon sila.

He turned off the lampshade and let himself rest by closing his eyes. Ngunit wala
pa mang isang oras siyang nakapikit ay narinig niya ang tumatakbong yapak sa
hallway sa labas ng silid.
Maingat siyang bumangon at kinuha sa ilalim ng kama ang baril. Sa gilid siya ng
pinto pumwesto.

Then, he slowly unlock the door. Ang tumatakbong yapak ay palapit nang palapit
hanggang sa bigla na lang bumukas ang pinto niya.

McLaren is ready to shoot whoever the intruder was, but he hang his gun mid-air
when he saw Savannah sit on his bed and covered herself with comforter scarily.

"No! No! I'm a g-good girl! B-bring me back to m-my parents!" Savannah's voice was
shaking. He could hear her sobs while shouting that words again and again.

It made him confused. Is she dreaming? He could tell that the woman is very scared.

McLaren sighed and pressed the switch beside him. Lumiwanag ang buong silid at
lalong tila naalarma ng husto ang dalaga.

Bago pa man ito makasigaw ng napakalakas ay natakpan niya na ang bibig nito at
napigilan ang pagpupumiglas nito gamit ang isa niyang kamay.

"Hey, hey, its me... look at me..." Marahan niyang sambit at pilit hinahanap ang
mga mata nito, but her eyes were close and she's crying. "Its me, Holden, hush..."

"Ummmmm! Ummm!"

Savannah is trying to scream but his palm was covering her mouth, avoiding her to
make any noise that could alarm the security. His one hand is on her both wrist,
stopping her from fighting against him. Then he locked their legs together.

Para itong wala sa sarili. Parang nananaginip. Parang binabangungot.

"Open your eyes, please..." McLaren begged. "Savannah... hush... Savannah..."

She slowly opened her eyes the moment she heard her name. Ang maliit na mata ay
unti-unting lumaki nang mahimasmasan ito. She's still shaking but her condition is
okay now than earlier.

Tinanggal niya ang kamay na nakatakip sa bibig nito pero nanatili siya sa posisyon
niya. Hindi na pinakialaman pa ang masyadong pagdidikit ng kanilang katawan.

"H-Holden..." She murmured, looking directly on his eyes.

"What happened to you?"

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa posisyon nila at bago pa man siya nito masipa ay nakaalis
na siya sa ibabaw nito. Mukhang ayos na ulit ang dalaga. He could tell by the way
he glared at him.

"B-Bad dreams again..." Savannah whispered then brushed her hair using her fingers.
"What did I do? What did I say? Why am I here? This is not my room."

Obviously, she didn't know what she said and what she did awhile ago. Is it
possible?

"You were like a scared little girl, you seemed like you hide yourself from
someone... you were crying. You keep on shouting about bring you back to your
parents—"

"So its true?" Savannah looks shocked.

McLaren nodded his head. "Yeah, its all true."

"It's true that..." Savannah trailed, then looked up on him with confusion written
on her pretty face. ".... that, I was that little girl in my dreams?"

Chapter 26 - 24 ~ Abandoned

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

"TELL ME, what else did I say? Did I mention any names? Did I mention where I was?"
Savannah asked, looking so afraid and worried.

Muling napaupo si McLaren sa gilid ng kama. Nakatingin sa kawalan, nag-iisip ng

malalim. He's waiting for something to flash his mind when she mentioned the
'little girl' but it didn't happen. Instead, he felt anxious and disappointed.

"You did not mention anything about it, Savannah."

"Gano'n ba?" Nanghihina ang tono ng dalaga.

She shifted her position. She's sitting now above his bed, her chin is on her bent
knees. Looking sad, it bothers him.

"Did you always dream about it?" He asked her, trying to fish some information that
maybe could help him?

"I did. It started when I was eighteen when I hit by a car. It damaged something in
my memories. It has been seven years now and that dreams always haunts me. Its
confusing you know," Savannah sighed.

"I asked my father about it, and he always said it was nothing. It was just a
dream. If it is, then, why it always like that? Why it fears me? Why I felt like
I'm incomplete? Why it felt like something on me is missing?"

McLaren heard her sobbing painfully. He could feel the incompleteness inside her.
Savannah is worried and confused about her dreams. The same feeling whenever he
dream about his little girl.

"Have you had your check on your doctor?"

"No, it scares me." She smile sadly.

Now that he's watching her on her vulnerable state, he can tell that this woman is
a beauty. Her swollen chinky eyes, thin pinkish lips and cute Asian nose, she can
easily attract men.

McLaren shook his head silently to wash away the thought of admiring the beauty in
front of him.

He don't want to cheat on Celine by being attracted to other girl. Not now that
they will be having their first child.

"Why it scares you? You should feel comfortable because doctors are meant to heal
you."
"I know, but, something is scaring me. Sometimes, knowing the truth will not set
you free, it will set you to another pain that you could hardly accept."

Napatingin siya sa dalaga na pinaglalaruan ang mga daliri sa kamay. She's talking
as if she already overcome being in pain... as if she's done dealing with it, she
just couldn't accept the facts.

"But you have to accept whatever the consequences are. Face it and fight for it no
matter how damn hard it would be. Life is not just unfair, it could be also
terrible, Savannah." McLaren said as a matter of fact.

"How could you face your fear? By unfolding all the bad memories you've been
through?" She mocked, but the bitterness on her voice is evident. "You don't know a
bit about me, Holden."

McLaren do know about her. Where she graduated from college, who were her past
relationships, what was the cause of her mother's death, what's her job and where
she usually hang out. Even her car accident.

He studied her lifestyle. But, he didn't expect that she has this kind of dreams.
He didn't have idea about her childhood days. It was not written on the documents
that ESO gave him. He missed Savannah's childhood. It made him confused.

McLaren sighed. "Go back to your room and sleep."

Inirapan siya ng dalaga at padabog na umalis sa kama niya. Mabibigat ang yabag nito
at hindi nakatakas sa mata niya ang magandang hubog ng binti ni Savannah. Sporting
a silk white nighties, he could see her sexy underwear.

Fuck you! He said to himself and sigh heavily when the woman is nowhere to be seen.

THEY ARE inside of Mr. De la Garza limousine. Its bullet proof. On McLaren's side
is Savannah who looks like in bad mood, wearing her expensive sunglasses that
almost covered her small face.

Mazda and Mr. De la Garza are in front of them. They are on their way at De la
Garza's Building.

Sunud-sunod ang takbo ng araw na wala silang natatanggap na banta pero hindi sila
dapat mapanatag lalo at mas nakakabahala ang pagiging tahimik at mapayapang
kapaligiran.

"Sweetheart, you might want to hang out? I know you're getting bored." Mr. De la
Garza snapped on his daughter.

Nakahilig si Savannah sa bintana ng sasakyan. Nakatanaw sa labas.

"I would love that. Maybe later."

"Holden will accompany you."

"Like that I have a choice, dad."

"Holden is a good man. Why don't you try to be nice on him? You're so mean,
Savannah. I saw how you treat your boyfriend-"

"My personal bodyguard, dad." She pointed out.

"Why don't you just play your role as his girlfriend? We don't know the people
around us, Savannah. You should play well. Be sweet. Act like a real couple. Ano
ang mahirap doon?"

"It's hard to act especially that you don't really like what you're doing. Holden
should deal with me,"

"And with your bad attitude." McLaren ended it with a smug face while looking at
her.

He saw how she lifted her one eyebrow and form her lips into annoying line. After
their encountered on his room last night, he didn't talk to her that much. They are
like strangers who's trying to fit with each other because it's needed.

"We're soon to arrive, are the location's clear?" It was Mazda, talking to Kaleah
through their device.

"It's clear, babe. Ya'll be safe." Kaleah really like to tease his brother.

Its obvious that she has a crush on him, unfortunately, his brother is already
committed to someone.

"Babe your ass." Mazda murmured and then look at him, his eyes darkened.

"What?" McLaren mouthed.

Bumaba ang tingin ng kapatid sa baril na nakasukbit sa gilid niya tapos ay tumingin
ito sa harap, sa driver's and front passenger's side. Sinundan niya ang tingin nito
at natantong ibang driver at bodyguard ang naroon.

When they glance at Mr. De la Garza, he is busy typing on his cellphone. While,
Savannah looks so uncomfortable.

They need to knock on the glass window first before they could talk to the driver,
but they didn't do it. They did not even ask Mr. De la Garza about the new driver
and new bodyguard.

"Are you alright?" Mahinang tanong niya kay Savannah nang makailang palit na ito ng
posisyon sa pagkaka-upo.

"I want to go to restroom."

"Malapit na tayo, Sweetheart. Use penthouse's bathroom." Ani ng ama nito na

sumandal sa inuupuan at deretsong napatingin sa harapan, nagsalubong ang mga kilay.
"Who-"

Bago pa man matapos ang sasabihin nito ay marahan na natakpan ni Mazda ang bibig at
sumenyas na huwag maingay.

Kinakabahan na tumango si Mr. De la Garza. Biglang namutla habang pilit na

kinakampante ang nararamdaman sa pamamagitan ng pag-aayos ng coat and tie.

"I cannot wait for us to arrive in the penthouse. I badly want to pee!" Inis na
tinanggal ng dalaga ang sunglasses at siya ang binalingan. "Samahan mo ko!"

McLaren shrug his shoulder and glance at Mazda, asking for permission if it's okay
to talk to a stranger driver to stop the damn limousine because the fucking heiress
needs to pee. Great.
Mazda ignore him, instead, he spoke.

"Can you fucking check who's the driver?" Talking to Ether through their device.

"What are you talking about?" Naalarma ang babaeng katabi niya at akmang sisilip sa
harapan ng sasakyan nang mapigilan niya sa tiyan. "Oh damn it! Naiihi na ako!"

Hinampas nito ang braso niyang nasa tiyan nito.

"Sorry. Stay still," Inilapit niya ang mukha sa dalaga. She looks nervous.
"Don't.fucking.move. alright, sweety?"

Mabilis naman itong tumango-tango.

"But, I wanna pee."

McLaren chuckle. "Pigilan mo muna.

Inilagay niya ang hintuturo sa tenga niya kung saan nakakabit ang device nang
magsalita si Von Ether.

"The driver is one of the member of Vipera Syndicate according to the snake tats I
saw on his left forearm. They sent to kill Mr. De la Garza. They didn't have plan
to take all of you to De la Garza Building. Callum and Laxx will be there in a few
minutes. Be safe."

Nagkatinginan sila ni Mazda, nakita niyang nagtagis ang bagang nito at inilibot ang
tingin sa dinaraanan nila. Hindi matanggap na napasok sila ng kalaban.

"Hindi ko na kaya... Holden." Reklamo ulit sa kanya ng katabi, ang isang kamay ay
nakahawak sa braso niya, nagmamakaawa.

McLaren looked at Mazda and when he nodded his head a bit for a go signal, he
carefully knocked to the small glass window. Its a bulletproof too. Ang salamin na
nagpapahiwalay sa pagitan nila at nang dalawang lalaki sa harap.

The muscular man on the front passenger sit, glance at him darkly and pressed
something on his side, making the window shut down.

"Savannah needs to go to restroom." McLaren said coldly.

On his peripheral vision, he saw Mazda holding his silencer, readying himself for a
fight. And McLaren one hand is holding his silencer too, while his other arm were
held by Savannah a little bit tightened.

He could feel how nervous and worried she is like her father.

Di bale ng siya ang tamaan ng bala, huwag lang ang mag-amang ito. Siguradong gano'n
din ang tumatakbo sa isip ni Mazda. Sa kanilang magkapatid nakasalalay ang buhay ng
dalawa. Isang pagkakamaling galaw lang nila, siguradong may masasaktan at
masasaktan. Lalo may baril din ang dalawang lalaki sa harap.

One wrong move, then everyone in that limousine will be in danger.

"Callum and Laxx are tailing you now..." Ether said, referring to Corvette and
Lexus.

Pasimple siyang sumulyap sa side mirror, there he saw a black sports car right next
to the car behind them. Behind them is Mr. De la Garza's other bodyguards car,
tailing them. In front of limousine was his car too    with security inside of it.

How brave are these men to get inside the limousine, knowing that they're
surrounded by armed men? Handa na nga yatang mawala sa mundo ang dalawa.

The man in passenger seat is wearing a light blue polo shirt and black sunglasses,
same as Mr. De la Garza's bodyguard. The driver is wearing white polo shirt and
black sunglasses. What a fucking disguise.

Tumango ang lalaki sa passenger seat bilang kumpirmasyon bago muling isinara ang
bintana. Nakita niya kung paano bumuka ng maliit ang bibig nito habang nakahawak sa
earpiece na suot. Tila may kinausap, kung sino ay wala siyang ideya.

"The gasoline station is four kilometers away from where you are..." It was Ether.
"Oh, damn. Why the security's car turned righ?! I don't think kasabyat 'yang mga
'yan."

"No, they don't. They just followed order from here." Mazda spoke dryly. "They
thought it was Mr. De la Garza's order since the man in the passenger seat told
them so."

"Saan nila tayo dadalhin?" Si Mr. De la Garza sa kalmadong tinig, pero kababakasan
ng pagkabahala.

The limousine just turned right, tailing the car in front of them. Its the way to
express way. To a province next to the City.

"We don't know yet, sir." McLaren answered truthfully even he knows that it won't
help their client to feel better.

He didn't expect that this will happen so soon. Sa loob ng sasakyan pa talaga kung
saan mahirap kumilos. He can only thankful because they surrounded by a bulletproof
wall. There is no way to shoot each other unless they would get out from the damn
car.

"H-Hindi niyo k-kami papabayaan ni dad, d-di ba?" Savannah is now pale, talking to
him and Mazda. "M-mag promise kayo... please..." Kumislap ang gilid ng mga mata
nito at kumibot ang maninipis na labi. Tumitig ito sa mga mata niya, nakikiusap.
"Please... Holden. I don't want to die y-yet."

She couldn't hold back her tears anymore.

It kick something on him seeing Savannah's crying. He doesn't like watching women's
hurting and crying.

Marahan na dinala niya ang dalaga sa bisig niya at namamaos na bumulong.

"I won't let you get hurt and your dad. I promise."

Sa pagtango ng dalaga sa bisig niya ay masakit siyang napapikit. Dahil alam niyang
nagpakawala siya ng isang pangakong hindi dapat mapako.

CELINE smile sadly while looking at the view from their bedroom. Standing there,
thinking about McLaren for a few days now. No phone calls. No text messages. She
missed him very much!

What would you do if you miss someone? Thinking about them? Thinking about your
memories together? The more she thinks about him, the more she misses him and the
more she felt sad.
It's not good for her and the baby. What else she could do then? Make herself busy?

Humampas ang mabining hangin at nilipad ang mga iilang tuyong dahon sa ibaba.

The sounds of a cute giggles somewhere made her forehead knotted in confusion.

Humawak siya sa barandilya at sinilip sa bandang gilid sa ibaba ang kahoy na upuan
do'n.

There, she saw the little girl again playing with her Barbie doll.

Ngumuso siya. That's the second time she saw her. First, was when she's with
McLaren in the same spot, then now. Madalang lang yata ang batang iyon bumisita sa
mansyon kaya madalang niya rin makita.

"Hey!" Tawag pansin niya rito, nakadukwang patagilid sa barandilya. Nagpalingalinga

ang bata. Hinahanap ang boses niya. "Dito sa taas!"

Nang mag-angat ng tingin sa kanya ang bata, parang may sumipa sa puso niya at
napangiwi siya sa damdaming iyon.

"Hello!" Kumaway-kaway ito sa kanya. Malapad na nakangiti.

"Wait for me there, okay?" Masayang sabi niya at hindi na ito hinintay pang
magsalita.

Nagmamadali siyang lumabas ng kwarto nila ni McLaren. Sa pagbaba niya ng hagdan ay

nakita niya si Liberty na nag-aayos ng bulaklak sa vase sa sala.

"Careful Celine, Jesus! You run like as if you're not pregnant!" Liberty gasped
when she saw her. Her hand is place above stomach.

"I'm okay, Liberty." She let out a short cute laugh.

"Saan ka ba pupunta? Ba't nagmamadali ka?"

"Sa likod lang," Nagkibit-balikat siya at pilit na ngumiti. "Walking around?"

Panandalian muna siyang pinagmasdan ni Liberty bago ito napailing at mahinang

natawa. She's blooming even without Mazda. Para bang sanay itong nawawala si Mazda
ng ilang araw. At home na at home rin ito sa mansyon ng mga Lane. Also, she's close
to Momma Valerie. Maybe because they know each other for so long. Ang alam niya ito
ang long time girlfriend ni Mazda.

"You're getting bored?"

"Medyo. Ahm," Tumingin siya sa labas, medyo malilim.

"Missing McLaren, huh?" Anito habang inaayos ang mga bulaklak.

"Yes," Celine bit her lower lip. "Aren't you miss Kuya Mazda?"

"I miss him very much..." Liberty smile sadly while looking at the beautiful
flowers. "But I need to wait for him to come back. I need to be patient for him. I
need to deal with his job. Gano'n ka rin sana."

Marahan siyang tumango. "I don't have other choice... but to wait for him to come
back."
"That's right. Love will teach you how to wait even if you don't know if he would
come back or not. You just have to trust him and his promises to you. A promise
that he will come back to you no matter what."

Napalunok siya at naisip ang pangako sa kanya ni McLaren na babalikan siya nito.
Pinanghahawakan niya iyon, katulad siguro kung paano panghawakan ni Liberty ang
pangako rito ni Mazda.

Celine sighed silently and think about what McLaren's told her the night before he
left the mansion.

He will come back. He will...

Matapos ang maiksing pag-uusap nila ni Liberty ay nagpunta na siya sa likod ng

mansyon. Ang kaninang malilim na langit ay naging makulimlim. Nagbabadya ang ulan.

Umihip muli ang mabining hangin, nagliparan ang mga ibon sa iilang punong
nakapaligid do'n. Bawat matapakan niyang tuyong dahon ay nagdudulot ng maiksing
ingay. She likes this kind of ambiance. Cool and refreshing.

Celine walk towards where is the wooden chair. She looks around to find the little
girl but she can't see her anymore. Somehow, she felt disappointed for not seeing
the kid.

She took another step to finally get into the wooden chair when she saw a small
abandoned room at the back.

And, suddenly the door shut open and Momma Valerie came out. Her dress, hair and
hands are messy and a little bit dirty.

Shocked was written on the face of the woman in front of her when she saw her
standing there, but in just a few seconds her emotions switched into a motherly
expression.

Momma Valerie smile warmly at her, while locking the door.

"What brought you here, hija?" Malumanay na tanong nito.

Celine felt awkward all of a sudden. She felt like she trespassed. She's not bound
to get there. It seems like its a private place only for Lane Family.

"Uh, I'm just walking around Momma Val,"

Celine look at the door behind the woman, wondering what's inside. It made her
confused. Maybe, their stock room?

"Let's go inside and eat lunch."

Kung bakit parang gusto niyang manatili roon nang mag-aya ito. She wanted to stay
there for a few moments and be alone.

"Pwede po bang dito muna ako? Kahit sandali lang?" Nahihiya man ay nakuha niyang
ilabas ang saloobin.

"This place is not a place for you, Celine."

"But..." She stop mid-sentence when Momma Valerie smile at her.

The kind of smile that tells her 'Wag matigas ang ulo' smile.

Celine nodded her head carefully and force herself to leave the place, forgetting
the reason why she went there.

Chapter 27 - 25 ~ Blood

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CELINE obeyed McLaren's mother.

Pumasok ulit sila sa mansyon para mananghalian. Her mind is still on the abandoned
room at the backyard of the mansion. Something on her urged her to visit that room,
it was strange. Or maybe she was just thinking that the little girl she saw is
playing in that room?

Ang mga bata kasi ay malilikot, kung saan-saan nalang naglalaro. Siguro dahil na
rin nakakaramdam ng kaunting pagkabagot, nais niyang makisalamuha sa iba pang tao
kahit sa bata pa.

Sa hapag ay kaswal silang kumakain. Momma Valerie is the one who gave a lighter
ambiance around them. Carlie Lane is a very serious man and... strict. But she
admire the couple, she can see how they love each other by the way they look at
each other.

"Baby X will be here soon. Oh, I'm excited to be with my grandson!" Momma Valerie
exclaimed excitedly.

Baby X is Corvette and Lexus's son.

Celine smiled, she likes the idea of having a baby at the mansion. Siguradong
malilibang sila ni Liberty lalo at dapat ay sanayin na nila ang sarili kahit papano
na mag-alaga ng bata dahil ilang buwan pa ay lalabas na rin ang anghel sa kanilang
sinapupunan.

"I can't wait to take care of baby X, Momma Val. I need to practice." It was
Liberty.

"Exactly. You and Celine need to practice taking care of a baby. I will guide both
of you."

"Mazda is very excited. Mas agresibo pa nga po kesa sa akin sa pagbabasa tungkol sa
pag-aalaga ng mga bata." Liberty laugh shortly, amused.

"That's good. I want my sons to be a good father like their dad. How about
McLaren?" Lingon sa kanya ng ilaw ng tahanan sa mansyon na 'yon.

"Uh, McLaren is excited naman po. Maalaga po siya."

McLaren's mother just nodded her head, it seems like her answer was enough for her.

"May nakita po pala akong bata noong isang araw, anak po ba ng isa sa kasambahay
'yon?" Naitanong ni Celine makalipas ang ilang sandaling katahimikan.
Napatingin sa kanya ang mag-asawa. She can't decipher what are they thinking.
McLaren's father sipped on his water, his eyes were on his wife who's now giving
her an awkward smile.

"Bata?" Ulit nito.

"Yes, Momma Val. Probably, five to six years old. She's playing around near the s-
stock room." Tukoy niya sa tila abandonadong silid kung saan dapat ay pupuntahan
niya kanina.

It looks abandoned but it wasn't creepy. Instead, that room caught her interest.
Kaya tuloy gusto niyang pasukin, ngunit hindi pwede hanggat walang pahintulot ng
mga magulang ni McLaren.

"Really..."

"Yes," Celine nod her head.

"That's why you wanna go to that room because you saw a little girl?" Momma Val
probed.

"Sort of. And, I wanna meet her."

Napatingin ito sa asawa na tahimik lang, walang emosyon sa mukha. Animo sekretong
naninimbang. She realized that Carlie Lane's words were very expensive. Hindi ito
basta-basta nagbibitaw ng salita.

"Oh, I will ask our housekeepers to bring their kids here this weekend then."

Nagkatinginan sila ni Liberty, kapwa gusto ang ideya na may mga bata silang
makakasama. Hindi naman talaga siya mahilig sa bata sa totoo lang, pero nang
nalaman niyang buntis siya, biglang nanlambot ang puso niya para sa mga bata.

She didn't have a happy memories from her childhood days. She honestly didn't
remember some part of her childhood. It's really strange.

They are almost done with their lunch when one of the housemaid, Pacita excused
herself to give the wireless telephone to Tito Carlie.

Kinuha 'yon nito at umalis sa hapag. Sinundan nila ng tingin.

Kung bakit ay tila bumigat ang pakiramdam niya ay hindi niya rin alam. Momma
Valerie on the other hand looks tensed while watching her husband seriously talking
to the person on the other line.

Celine's heart beat rapidly for some reason. To calm herself, she grabbed the glass
of water but it slipped from her hand!

Napasinghap siya nang mahulog 'yon sa sahig at... nabasag, gumawa ng ingay.

Napatingin sa kanya ang mga kasama, even Carlie Lane took a glance at her. Napayuko
siya, hindi sinasadya na dudulas sa nanginginig niyang kamay ang baso.

"Ako na po ang bahala." Si Pacita na pinigilan siya sa pagdampot sana ng mga bubog.

"Let's go to the patio." Momma Valerie told them.

Sumunod naman kaagad sila ni Liberty.

"Ayos ka lang?" Liberty asked her, holding her elbow.

"A-Ayos lang. Dumulas sa kamay ko 'yung baso."

"Namumutla ka kasi."

Natigil siya pansamantala, hindi alintana na gano'n na ang naging reaksyon niya. At
ang puso niya, malakas parin ang kalabog. Nakapagtataka.

They sat in the patio, she inhale the fresh air to calm the weird beating of her
heart. Momma Valerie remain standing, there's no spark on her eyes.

"Is everything okay?" Liberty was the one who asked.

That's when Valerie Lane gave her full attention on them.

"Yes, I think so." She smiled to assure them, but... it didn't reach her eyes.

Napatingin silang tatlo nang maglakad papunta sa kanila ang Tito Carlie. His eyes
were dark and very emotionless. Bumigat ang awra at walang ingay ang mga yabag. You
will not know that he was there because he normally didn't make any noise, he's
like McLaren!

Madalas siyang magulat ni McLaren dahil wala siyang kaalam-alam na naroon na ito sa
tabi niya, ni hindi niya naringgan ng ingay ng mga yabag! They are like a cat
running silently in the middle of the night, un-noticed and un-traced.

"Who was that, Carlie?" Momma Valerie asked her husband.

"We need to talk, Valerie."

Suddenly, the surrounding became intense.

Umihip ang pang-tanghaling hangin, ngunit hindi na siya kayang bigyan ng

kapanatagan. Her heart is hammering inside her chest and she hates that because she
felt like... something is happening!

"S-Si McLaren po?" Kabadong tanong niya, napatayo, hindi na maintindihan kung bakit
para siyang magpa-panic ilang sandali pa.

Carlie Lane's sharp and dark eyes making her gulp nervously.

"Probably doing his job?" Momma Valerie was the one who answered her, binuntutan
nito 'yon ng maiksing tawa, sabay kibit ng balikat. "We'll be back, okay?"

Wala silang nagawa ni Liberty kundi ang tumango at panoorin ang mag-asawa na
umakyat sa hagdan papunta sa library room para mag-usap.

"I feel nervous." Liberty muttered, placing her one hand above her chest, near her
heart.

"Ako rin." Pag-amin niya.

"But I trust Mazda."

"I trust McLaren too, but... I hate what I am feeling right now. This is not good."

"We need to trust them, Celine."

"I know..." she whispered, then sighed.

Pinagsiklop niya ang mga kamay na nasa ibabaw ng kandungan, ipinikit ang mga mata
at lihim na nananalangin na sana ay nasa maayos na kalagayan ang lalaking mahal.

MCLAREN glance at Mazda, they are silently exchanging messages through their eyes.
The only thing that they need is to get rid off with the men on the wheel. They can
escape using that limousine, they are safe from firing.

"What are you doing?" Savannah asked him while he's removing his bullet proof vest.

"You better wear this one."

Savannah didn't want that vest but she needs to cooperate. She's a pain in the ass,
it made his job complicated.

"Do you think it will fit on my chest?"

"Come on, Savannah, wear that vest." Her father ordered.

Walang nagawa si Savannah kundi isuot ang vest na 'yon, tinulungan niya rin para
masigurado na maayos at tama ang pagkakasuot.

"And this," he handed her his jacket.

Now, he's only wearing a white shirt and dark pants. He's armed and always ready
for a war.

Savannah wore his leather jacket, he even zipped it until her neck, making her eyes
rolled.

"Be a good girl today." He muttered, his voice sounds like a threat.

If he continue being nice to her, this woman won't back down.

"There's another black van, with five armed men inside, parked at the gasoline
station." Ether informed them. "That will be a pick up car. I'm hacking their
devices, give me a few minutes."

"I can negotiate with them. I can give whatever they want." Mr. De la Garza told
them.

"I'm willing to surrender all the money in my bank, if that's the only way I can do
to save our lives." Savannah said. "Let's negotiate with them."

"No,"

"Why not?" She asked, very eager to do that stupid negotiation.

"Can you just act like everything is normal? They probably thinking now that their
plan would be successful because they didn't see us panicking. Let's make them
believe that we didn't know their stupid plans."

"Okay, I don't wanna trust you at first, but I trust you now!" Sabay yakap ni
Savannah sa isang braso niya.

Mazda shrug his shoulder when he saw Savannah became clingy.

"We need to get rid off with the bodyguard and the boyfriend."
McLaren heard that from their devices, it was from a man on the front passenger
seat.

"Kill them. I only want is Savannah and her father's wealth." The other line
answered.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Mazda. Nabubuo na sa isip nila ang gustong mangyari ng mga
sindikato, ang totoong intensyon ng mga ito, bukod sa pera ay gusto rin na makuha
si Savannah de la Garza.

"Copy, boss!"

After a few minutes, the limousine stopped harshly, making Savannah's gasp. Kung
hindi ito nakayakap sa kanya ay tiyak na napunta na sa unahan dahil sa bigla at
malakas na pag-prenong ginawa ng driver.

"What was that?!" Mr. De la Garza started to panic.

McLaren and Mazda remain calm, and watch the big man went outside, leaving the
driver.

"What are they going to do to us? This is not a gasoline station! I wanna pee!"

Huminto ang sasakyan sa liblib na lugar, hindi daanan ng mga sasakyan. Mapuno at
matataas ang talahib sa magkabilang gilid ng kalsada, bangin ang ibaba.

Kumatok ang maskuladong lalaki sa bintana sa gilid niya, he motioned him to open
the door.

Mazada urged him to obey, he saw that his brother is holding his silencer, covered
with a black handkerchief so Savannah and Mr. De la Garza won't notice it. They
won't panic with the idea that Mazda will about to fire silently.

"What?! Don't go outside! What if he would kill you?" Pinigilan siya ni Savannah sa
braso kaya nahinto siya sa pagbukas ng pinto.

"Do you think I am stupid to let myself get killed with only one man?"

"I just don't want to witness a live killing! No way!" Sabay hatak pa nito lalo sa
braso niya, niyakap ng mahigpit.

"Hirap ka ba talagang makaintindi?" Ang Kuya Mazda niya sa napipikon na paraan

dahil sa katigasan ng ulo ni Savannah. "Alam mo maganda ka sana kaya lang..."

"Ano?!" Galit na baling ng dalaga.

Mazda only sighed in disappointment. McLaren took that opportunity to get away with
Savanah's hold. He quickly opened the door and closed it.

The man in front of him is tall and in a very wide frame. The tattoos on his arms
made him looks like a real goon.

"Turn around and put your hands on your head." The asshole ordered him.

"Why would I do that?" He asked, trying to give a casual conversation.

Behind the man is a cliff.

"That's an order! Follow it!"

"I don't follow orders." McLaren gave the man a smug smirk.

"End that stupid conversation, Holden. The other armed van is one kilometer ahead.
Hindi kayo dapat maabutan dyan." It was Ether.

Impatient, the asshole grabbed his arm forcefully but before he could even throw
him on the cliff, he twisted that large arm and kicked him on his knee, making the
man kneel the ground.

"See you in hell," He whispered dangerously and kicked the man's back to the cliff.

McLaren turned around quickly, he almost cover his ears when he heard the man's
scream like as if begging for his life.

McLaren knocked at the front passenger seat and saw that Mazda is already on the
wheel. The driver is conscious and his hands are tied. Binuksan niya ang pinto at
hinila ang lalaki palabas.

"Leave! Leave now!" There was an urgent in Ether's voice.

McLaren took a sighed and kick the man until it reach the cliff then quickly went
inside the limousine. Umandar kaagad ang sasakyan na para bang walang nangyari.

When he took a glance to Savannah, she was silent and just staring at him like as
if he did something that made her shut her mouth.

"What?"

Bumuka ang bibig nito ngunit wala namang salitang lumabas. She blinked her eyes
multiple times before she avoided his gaze.

"Scared?" He asked.

He can see that her fingers were shaking, above her lap. Umiling ito bilang sagot,
pero alam niyang natatakot ang dalaga.

Mr. De la Garza is silent too. He looks relieve that the enemy weren't with them
anymore.

"Inhale and exhale slowly, sweetheart." Savannah's father told her that, watching
her daughter worriedly. "We are safe now. Please, think about happy memories, it
will help you."

Savannah remain silent. Now, McLaren realized that she's secretly struggling. Her
face and lip looks pale. Her fingers keep on shaking.

"Come,"

Without anymore words, he grabbed Savannah and let her rest on his chest.

This is one of the effective move when someone is scared, you need to let her feel
that she's safe. In his arms, he make sure that she will feel the security. She's
safe with him.

But after a few minutes of being away from the dangerous cliff, they got distracted
by the sudden firing, luckily, the limousine is bullet proof but they still need to
escape.
"We need an update, Von." He heard Mazda on the device on his ear.

Sinipat ni McLaren ang sasakyan na nakasunod sa kanila na pilit na tumatapat sa

kanila. Nakabukas ang bintana ng itim na sasakyan at nakalabas ang kamay ng isang
lalaki na may baril, pinapaputukan ang limousine.

"Just keep going. Leave those assholes to Laxx and Callum. They are tailing you."
Ether said, referring to Lexus and Corvette. "In 3 kilometers, take the U-Turn,
Braxx."

"Where's the car?" Mazda asked.

They have back up car ready to use. They will use that to escape. Limousine is too
familiar with the syndicate, they can easily trace them if they continue using it.

"It's a blue car, the only blue car that parked in front of convenient store, 1
kilometer after you take the U-Turn."

The limousine is heavily tinted. From there, McLaren noticed that there's another
car on the left side, where Mr. De la Garza's sitting. The man outside was ready to
fire.

"Get down, Sir." McLaren ordered, Mr. De la Garza obeyed, without asking.

"D-Daddy, we'll be fine. We'll be f-fine." Savannah manage to speak but in a shaky
tone, then hug him tightly.

"Is everything fine? Where the fuck are you now?!"

That voice was from those men who was waiting for them to arrived in the other
gasoline station, talking to the syndicate who was with them before.

"Who's this?" Mazda answered in a sarcastic tone.

"Who the fuck are you?! Where is Petto, asshole?!"

"Probably in hell now."

Nagmura ng ibang lenggwahe ang nasa linya at sa hindi malaman na dahilan ay tila
pamilyar sa kanya ang mga murang naririnig.

The line was cut off. That short conversation alarmed the syndicate. Their plans
were ruined and probably they are on their way to kill them.

Napamura siya nang banggain ang limousine nang dalawang sasakyan sa magkabilang
gilid. Pinag-gigitnaan sila at pilit na iniipit. Ang mag-ama ay nag-umpisang
magpanic.

Savannah is hugging him very tightly like as if her life is depended on him.

McLaren can see that Mazda is struggling to get away with the cars that wants them
killed.

Habang ginigitgit sila ay panay din ang pagpapaulan ng bala ng baril sa buong
sasakyan. He can now see the crack on the window of the driver's seat.

"Kuya!" McLaren got distracted when he saw a bullet directly hit Mazda's arm.
Napapayuko na ang kapatid, patuloy ang sa pagmamaneho at hirap na pag-ilag sa
susunod-sunod na putok.

McLaren needed to get away from Savannah's hold so he could help his brother.

"Get down, get down! Cover your head!" Utos niya sa mag-ama na kaagad na sumunod.

They are covering their heads using their hands. Hindi na rin maayos ang takbo ng
limousine, gewang-gewang na 'yon na nagpapahirap sa kanila sa pagkilos.

"Open the window, Kuya!" He told Mazda, tukoy sa maliit na bintana na naghahati sa
kanila.

Bumukas ang bintanang iyon at inilabas niya ang kamay, hawak ang silencer. He
started to shoot those men who is ruthlessly shooting the limousine and his
brother.

Mazda's arms and chest are now bleeding, but he keep on driving in a struggle way.

McLaren filled with so much anger but he needs to make himself calm, so he can do
the right thing. But seeing his brother struggling and bleeding, made him really,
really furious that he wanted to kill all those men.

He expertly shoot those men until they can't fire back. Unti-unti na rin silang
nakakawala sa dalawang sasakyan.

"Check them, go! Go!" Mazda ordered him when they finally got the chance to be away
with those cars.

Pagbalik niya sa mag-ama ay parang huminto pansamantala ang mundo niya nang
makitang basag ang salamin ng bintana sa puwesto niya kanina at nang magbaba ng
tingin ay... nakita niya na nakayuko parin si Savannah ngunit duguan ang braso nito
pababa sa mga kamay.

"Savannah..." he called her but she didn't response.

McLaren checked the woman, when he looked at her face, her eyes were close and
she's crying. May tama ito sa braso, patuloy ang agos ng dugo.

Pinunit niya ang dulo ng damit na suot at pinulupot sa brasong may tama upang
maampat ang pagdurugo. Savannah is conscious but she's too scared to even speak and
open her eyes.

The limousine stopped. Mazda hurriedly went outside and opened the door. Mabilis na
lumabas si Mr. De la Garza, nakasunod kay Mazda papunta sa naka-park na asul na
sasakyan.

McLaren carry Savannah. He hurriedly run towards the blue car as he heard the gun
shots through his direction.

"Hurry!" Mazda motioned him to get inside the car.

But before they could even reach the car, he felt a pain hit his back and...
shoulder. He quickly looked down and saw the blood flowing down his arm.

"McLaren!"

That was the last word from Mazda before he felt someone grabbed him forcefully...
away from that blue car.
Chapter 28 - 26 ~ Blindfold

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

AFTER an almost three hours of staying inside the study room, Momma Valerie went
out and check on her and Liberty. Ang mahabang tatlong oras na wala sa sariling
paghihintay ay tila ba parusa. Every passing minutes gave her so much tension, her
stomach was fluttering.

Luckily, Liberty was there to help her divert her attention from those negativity
that was running on her mind. Ang hirap-hirap na isipin na nasa mabuting kalagayan
si McLaren kahit pa sabihin niyang pinagkakatiwalaan niya ito na babalik sa kanya
pagkatapos ng trabaho.

It was so hard to stay calm and to stay positive knowing that he was away from her,
she didn't even know where the hell is him right now. What if he met an accident?
What if...

Celine shook her head to stop herself from thinking those dangerous thing that
could happen to McLaren. Hindi niya rin alam kung bakit masasamang pangyayari ang
naiisip niya!

Ang pagkbasag ba ng basong hawak niya ay senyales ng masamang pangitain? She

silently shiver with that idea.

Momma Valerie forced a smile, still, it didn't reach her eyes. It felt like she was
just trying to appear casual in front of them, why it felt like she was hiding
something?

But even before, when she met the Lane's family, she felt like as if they are
hiding so many things. Or maybe because their family is very private, that made her
interested to know more about them to the point that she was thinking that there's
a lot of interesting things lurking at the back of their minds.

"The meeting was tiring. I left my husband in the study room because I felt
stressed."

Valerie Lane even massage her temple, she looks exhausted. Kung nasa ibang
pagkakataon lang sila, baka isipin niya na hindi lang meeting ang ginawa ng mag-
asawa.

Celine cheeks rose up because of the dirty thoughts that visited her mind. How dare
her meddle with the sex life of these people? Tumikhim siya upang lihim na sawayin
ang sarili.

"Tumawag po ba sila McLaren?" Tanong niya, naglakas loob na.

Momma Valerie found her seat in front of them. The comfy couches relaxed her, she
even closed her eyes before she answered her question.

"No, there was no phone call from him."

Hindi parin siya mapanatag. Kung magpapatuloy siyang ganito, tiyak na hindi siya
dadatnan ng antok mamayang gabi. Hindi dapat sila mapuyat ng baby niya kaya dapat
ay tigilan niya na ang pag-iisip ng negatibo.

"How about Mazda?" Liberty asked.

"We only received a call from Corvette. Don't think too much, girls. My sons will
be fine." Then she gave them a smile with assurance.

"Hindi po kasi ako mapakali. Nag-aalala po talaga ako."

"I know, I can see that in your eyes, Celine. Honestly, I am worried too."

Pansamantala ay natahimik sila. She can see that even Momma Valerie is smiling and
keep on giving them as assurance that his sons will be fine, her eyes told them
that she's anxious like them.

"I wish I didn't let them pursue the job that they wanted ever since, but who am I
to take away the things that would make my children happy? Right? Kapag naging isa
ka ng ganap na ina, ang palagi mong iisipin ay ang magiging kasiyahan ng mga anak
mo... kahit na minsan ay hindi iyon ang gusto mo para sa kanila."

The way she said those words, it was so sincere. A kind of mother that is willing
to support her children's wants even though she didn't really agree to it. It's all
about her children's happiness.

"Mazda became open to me about his job even before. I know it's very risky. I love
him so much that even though I didn't want him to be in danger, I still support him
with the things that gave him a genuine happiness. Iba 'yung pakiramdam na nakikita
ko siyang masaya sa ginagawa niya. Mas doble 'yung saya na nararamdaman ko kapag
alam kong masaya talaga siya."

That put a smile on Celine's lips. She can see on Liberty's eyes that she really
love Mazda.

How about her? How much she love McLaren? How many sacrifices that she needs to
face just to prove that she really love him?

"Waiting for him without any idea if when he would come back is like a sacrifice
for me that I need to face every day while he was away from me. Mahirap na malayo
siya sa akin, na hindi ko siya nakikita at hindi naririnig ang boses niya, pero
kahit gaano pa kahirap na wala siya sa tabi ko, kakayanin ko. Kasi alam kong...
babalikan niya ako... kami." Madamdamin na sabi niya at hinaplos ang ibabaw ng
tiyan.

Celine close her eyes while caressing her baby bump, silently connecting with the
angel inside of her stomach, trying to have her peace of mind by thinking that she
needs to be tough not only for her but for their baby.

Lumipas ang araw na 'yon at lihim siyang nagpapasalamat na nakatulog ng maayos

noong gabing 'yon, ngunit pag gising niya ng umaga at lumabas ng silid, napansin
niya na hindi nila kasama sa hapag ang mag-asawa.

"Where are they, Manang Pacita?" She asked.

"Ah, nasa study room ho. Nagpahatid lang ng almusal kanina. Tingin ko nga ay doon
na sila natulog kagabi."

"They are working there?"

"Kapag nasa trabaho ang mga anak nila, nagkukulong din silang mag-asawa sa study
room."

"It means, they are also working there?" Liberty was curious.

"Sa tingin ko po ay oo. Hindi rin kasi namin ini-istorbo. Hahatiran lang ng pagkain
kapag nagsabi na si Ma'am Valerie. Bawal silang istorbohin."

Ibig sabihin, bawal din sila ni Valerie sa study room dahil mukhang nagtatrabaho
rin ang mag-asawa kagaya ng mga anak nila.

"Umm, matagal ka na pong naninilbihan sa kanila, di ba?"

"Oo, senyorita. Narito na ako noong teenager palang ang mga anak nila."

"Kung gano'n, gaano kadalas silang nagta-trabaho? Sila Momma Valerie at Tito
Carlie?"

"Si Boss Carlie palagi naman nasa study room at hindi pa namin napasok ang silid na
'yon. Bawal talaga. Silang mag-asawa lang ang pwede doon at 'yung tatlong anak
nila."

It caught her interest. Even Liberty seems very eager to know more about the study
room. But they are just a visitor there, they can't just walk inside that room
without permission from the owner.

"How about the abandoned room at the backyard?" She asked and sipped on her orange
juice.

Liberty is slicing her pancake, just listening to them.

"Ah 'yon ba, hindi rin kami pumapasok doon. Stock room 'yon ng pamilya. Sila lang
ang may access doon. Madalas 'yon bisitahin ni Ma'am Valerie para mag linis."

"Gusto ko nga po sanang pumasok kaya lang ay hindi niya ako pinayagan."

"Magpaalam ka kaya?" Si Liberty.

"Susubukan ko."

"Or maybe you're just getting bored, Celine. Why don't we just chill on the pool
today?"

"Sure!"

That idea made her excited. Kailangan ay libangin nila ang sarili para hindi na
mag-isip pa ng kung anu-ano.

A COLD water woke him up when it harshly hit his face and body. McLaren groaned
when he felt a bit of pain on his shoulder. He moved his hands but it was tied on
his back, even his feet. He wasn't sure how many hours he had been asleep.

After they grabbed them away from that blue car, he started to lose his
consciousness. There was something on those bullets that made him numb until he
completely lost his trance.

He opened his eyes and simply roam around. They weren't in an abandoned building,
he was in an open deck of a yacht, sitting on a metal chair, tightly tied. The sun
just settled down and they are in the middle of the ocean.

He knew that the only easy way to escape using a boat or a yacht was to take the
way to the North Luzon than to the South, it will be hard if they choose the
latter.

They studied every place that could be use to escape. And now, he's sure that they
just left the Subic Bay, because from there, he could see the small lights from the
port.

The man suddenly grabbed his jaw forcefully and made him look up. He couldn't speak
because his mouth was covered with a tape. He's still in daze, he felt like he was
drugged. Everything is still spinning.

"Who are you?!" A man asked using his intimidating tone, but he wasn't intimidate
at all.

No one can intimidate him, aside from his parents.

McLaren closed his eyes, trying to have a clear vision once he open it. He have a
high tolerance in alcohol and even drugs, pero iba ang tama sa kanya ng kung anong
droga ang nasa katawan niya. He wasn't sure if they really inject a drugs on him
while he was unconscious, it felt like they did. This is not normal.

"Remove the tape!" Someone ordered.

After awhile, the tape carelessly removed from his mouth making him wince because
it hurts his fucking skin. It made him angrier. These people didn't know they just
bumped in to a very thick wall.

"Now, answer!"

Nang buksan niya ang mga mata, dalawang lalaki na ang nakatayo sa kanyang harap. Sa
likod ng mga ito, hindi kalayuan ay may mga armadong kalalakihan na nagmamasid.

"Where's Savannah?" Instead, he asked them, ignoring their stupid questions.

"Your girlfriend is with my boss." The man answered then gave him a creepy smile,
like as if Savannah and the boss is doing something. "Probably screaming in
pleasure now." He added, trying to make him angry.

McLaren already expected the worst of the worst when he entered in this kind of
job. He expected the violence, torture and even worst, being rape by their
opponent.

Even though he expected the worst, he couldn't stand the idea of Savannah De la
Garza being sexually abused.

It made him very furious because he knew how much her father protected her at all
cost. He will do the same with his daughter! His fatherhood is starting to
dominates him no matter how much he tried to avoid it. He will only get distracted
if he let his emotions dominates him.

He was tortured before, but he never ever experience being molested, because before
the enemy could even do it to him, he made sure that he already turn them down,
struggling to breath and watch them die.

"You two gonna die soon. Start praying for your soul, dumbass." The man muttered,
slapping his jaw in a mocking way. "Oh, there's no blood anymore? Let's get the
bullet. Knife."

Inilahad nito ang kamay at kaagad naman lumapit ang isang tauhan para bigyan ito ng
balisong. McLaren lazily cock his head on the side as the man squatted on his side,
pointing the sharp tip of the knife on his fresh wound on his arm.

"This won't hurt you, relax."

The asshole even had the audacity to laugh, when in fact he did not even move,
showing him that he wasn't really affected with the way he open more his wound
using that fucking knife.

He can feel the pain, but it's bearable. For that moment, he wants to thank the
drugs that they put on him, it made him numb.

Tumikhim lang siya dahil nanunuyo na ang kanyang lalamunan. He let that asshole
play with his wound, he will remember that face and he will kill him later when he
got the chance.

"Enjoy," he said, smirking.

Napahinto ito, tinignan siya ng masama na para bang may hindi tama sa sinabi niya.

"Are you mocking with me?" Then he stood up and punch his now bleeding arm.

From that, he felt the pain but his face remain stoic. He needs to calm down, he
needs to be patience especially that he can hear something on his ear.

"How stupid," he murmured when he can now clearly hear the sounds from his device.

It was skin stone, very small. These men didn't even check him while he was asleep?

"Who's stupid? Me?" Humalakhak ang lalaki, itinago ang tila nasugatang ego.

"Yeah, you and your men. Even your boss, you're all stupid. Tell it to him."

"Fuck you!" Then the man gave him a strong jab on his stomach, making his jaw
clenched.

McLaren let out a breath, then he chuckled disgustedly.

"Really? Giving me a weak jab? I didn't even feel your fist." He mocked.

Nakita niya ang galit sa mukha ng lalaki, nagpunta ito sa kanyang likod, pinaikot
ang braso sa leeg niya at itinutok ang balisong.

"Don't make fun of me. I can kill you anytime."

"Stop talking and do the killing." He muttered darkly.

There are some Asian blood but they are also a foreign blood in this bunch of armed
men. Ang lalaking nasa likod niya ay mistiso at hindi pulido ang ingles. It's
obvious that English language wasn't his mother-tongue.

"Don't be too excited to be in hell. Let's play."

Imwinestra nito sa mga tauhan na alisin ang pagkakatali sa kanya. Kaagad na

nagsisunod at pabalyang inalis ang pagkakatali sa upuan. He let them do their job.
Nawawala na kahit papano ang pag-ikot ng kanyang paningin.
"Call the boss. Tell him that the boyfriend is awake and want to play."

Kaagad naman na sumunod ang isang lalaking kasama nito. Now, he's standing but his
hands are still tied on his back, but not his feet.

"Don't do a stupid move or I will shoot you." Then he pointed a gun on him.

After a while, the boss arrived together with Savannah. Nakatali rin ang mga kamay
nito sa likod at may busal sa bibig, namamaga ang mga mata at gusot na rin ang
damit. When their eyes met, he can see how much he wants him to help her.

"I heard you wanna play." The boss walked towards him, dragging Savannah. "You
wanna die?"

"You wanna die?" He asked back evilly.

"We all gonna die in the end. Unluckily, you will be the first to experience hell."
Then the boss gave him a punch on the stomach.

May pagkakataon siyang umilag ngunit hindi niya ginawa, bagkos, ipinamukha rito na
walang silbi ang suntok nito dahil hindi man lang niya ininda.

"You're tough, huh."

"Tougher than you expected."

"Untie him." Utos nito sa isang tauhan at inayos ang kwelyo ng damit.

"Watch me on how I will make your boyfriend beg to stop me from hitting him." The
boss said to Savannah.

Iniwas ng dalaga ang mukha ng akmang hahalikan ito ng lalaki, ngunit wala itong
nagawa nang haklitin ang panga at pilitang hinalikan kahit na may busal pa sa
bibig. Savannah only do is cry and scream disgustedly without so much sounds.

McLaren let out a breath when they finally freed his hands. He stretch a bit and
flex his muscles, he was so fucking ready to turn these men down.

Pinalibutan siya ng mga lalaki, nasa anim, walang mga armas. The boss is smirking
at him like as if he already won the game.

"This won't be easy. Cover his eyes." The boss ordered his men.

McLaren tilted his head, he closed his eyes before he felt someone behind him and
sarted covering his eyes with a... blindfold.

Chapter 29 - 27 ~ Revenge

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

BEING caught by their opponent is already a failed mission.

Sa tuwing sumasagi sa isip ni McLaren ang katotohanan na 'yon ay nagagalit siya sa

sarili. Hindi lang isang tao ang binigo niya, kundi, marami.
There were always a consequences behind every failed mission. Even if his father is
the boss of ESO and being his son won't make him an exception. Kailangan niya parin
harapin ang mga parusa na ipapataw sa kanya dahil sa isang bigong misyon.

And those punishment is really against his will. It bothers him because he knew
that his father won't just forgive him for being a failure and the fact that he's
with their client together with the enemy, Savannah De la Garza, made the situation
even worst.

The fact that he failed to protect and save her from danger made him question his
ability being a secret agent of ESO.

Marami na siyang pinagdaanan na misyon ngunit lahat ng 'yon ay nasigurado niyang

ligtas ang kliyente, buhay at hindi nag-aagaw buhay, ngunit sa misyon na ito,
nagkulang siya.

Hindi niya masisi ang kapatid, si Mazda, kung bakit hinayaan siya nitong
mapasakamay ng mga sindikato, dahil alam niya na ang kaligtasan ng kliyente nila,
ni Mr. De la Garza ang siyang dapat unahin bago siya.

Savannah is his responsibility. He should protect and save her because that is his
job.

He could almost imagine his father's face once his brothers report to him that his
youngest son is with the enemy together with the client. He's such a big
disappointment to his father.

McLaren always wanted to impress his dad, but the more he tried, the more he
failed.

Pakiramdam niya sa tuwing nabibigo siya sa trabaho na ibinigay sa kanya ay

nawawalan ng saysay ang lahat ng pangaral na sinasabi sa kanila ng ama.

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga matang natatakpan, dahilan para balutin siya ng
matinding karimlan.

Ngunit sa nakakabulag na karimlan, doon niya lubusang natagpuan ang kapayapaan.

The sounds of the waves invaded his ears, the salty breeze is hugging him.

The silence around them gives him the power to concentrate, even though he could
still hear the footsteps and Savannah's small sobs.

McLaren silently took a deep breath and remembered those days when his father
covered his eyes and attacked him.

ONE THING that McLaren likes about staying in their mansion is because he can bond
with his father in a extremely way.

Siguro ay gano'n din ang dalawa niyang kapatid, nakagawain na na kapag nasa mansyon
sila ay ibang klase ng laro ang ginagawa nilang mag-a-ama, mapanakit ngunit marami
silang natutunan.

"Impress me. I will waste my time to watch you, McLaren." Mayabang na sambit ni
Mazda at sumipol pa sa mapanuyang paraan.

Nasa Gym sila sa loob ng mansyon. Sa gitna ng boxing ring ay nakatayo silang mag-
ama. Corvette is in treadmill but he's watching them and Mazda is done with working
out, he's now drying his face with a towel.

McLaren is topless and only wearing his black jogging pants. His father is in his
usual gym sando and jogging pants.

"Why do I feel like you are just here to distract me, Kuya?" McLaren asked,
disgusted.

"I won't distract you. I will just watch here."

"Cover your eyes. Don't cheat."

Hinagis sa kanya ng ama ang itim na blindfold at pinanood siyang takpang ang mga
mata gamit ang makapal na tela na 'yon.

"I'm not a cheater, dad."

McLaren took a breath when he's done covering his eyes.

"Switch off the lights, Mazda." His father commanded.

At nang mamatay ang mga ilaw doon ay tuluyan niya ng nakita ang dilim. He knew that
his brothers are just around and his father is a meter away from him, but their
silence made him feel like he was alone in that dark room.

"Breath." He heard his father's low tone.

McLaren did.

He took another breath to relax and stop himself from thinking other things, with
that he can concentrate.

"Tell me how you feel right now, McLaren."

"Now that I heard your voice, I felt like I wasn't alone anymore."

"What else?"

Even though he can't hear his father's footsteps, he can sense that he's silently
walking around him.

"I can sense that you're walking around me."

Mariin niya pang ipinikit ang mga mata at pinakiramdaman pa ng husto ang nasa
paligid niya. Napalunok siya nang tila maramdaman ang tahimik na paglapit pa sa
kanya ng dalawang kapatid na hindi rin maringgan ng yabag.

"Now, concentrate." That was his father.

McLaren rest his mind until he felt like he was alone again, but in his mind he
knew that he's with three people, silently walking around him and eyeing him.

"Once you felt alone in the dark, even though you knew that you were with other
people, that's the time you can tell that you already concentrated. You are ready
for a... fight."

And with that, his father suddenly gave him a quick jab on his stomach, he was so
fast and very silent that his hard fist hit him there before he could even avoid
it!
"Fuck," he cursed, losing his concentration.

"It's fine. First hit was just a test. But don't let the second strike, hit you.
Always remember that, son."

McLaren went back in concentrating himself. Of course, he will surely avoid that
second hit. He took another breath and waited for another hit.

This time, he knew it wasn't from his father. Nang maramdaman niya ang tahimik na
hangin na papunta sa kanang bahagi ng tiyan niya ay mabilis niyang nahawakan 'yon
at pinilipit, ngunit mabilis din na nakawala sa kanya.

It was from his brother Mazda because he heard him chuckled after that quick
twisting.

Another quick punch almost landed on his jaw but he tightly hold that fist,
stopping it, but Corvette was too strong to let him, his brother intentionally used
his left hand to punch his stomach.

Now that they are attacking him, McLaren started to learn their moves and when they
are going to attack him.

Ang lakas-lakas ng pakiramdam niya na hindi na makatama sa kanya ng tuluyang ang

dalawang kapatid dahil nahuhuli niya ang mga kilos ng mga ito.

The only one who he can't avoid is his father's every punch! His moves was very
silent but deadly!

"Always expect that when you get caught by enemy, they are going to make you blind
to stop from fighting back. You should learn how to deal with darkness and to fight
blindly."

"Yes, dad." He answered and quickly avoid a hard punch coming on his right.

That hard punch was from his Kuya Corvette! He's really aiming to ruin his face!

Inabangan niya ang mga suntok ng kapatid at nilabanan.

"I can accept a failed mission, but please, don't get caught by the enemy." His
father muttered anxiously.

"Kung mangyari ang sitwasyon na 'yon sa isa sa inyo, pipilitin kong kayaning
sikmurain ang lahat ng masamang bagay na dadanasin niyo, pero ang mommy niyo,
sigurado akong hindi niya kakayanin. So, please, don't get caught."

Sa sunod na sinabi na 'yon ng ama, ay nahinto silang tatlo.

Unti-unti niyang inalis ang pagkakapiring. He can only see their silhouettes.

"No one will get caught, dad." Corvette muttered.

"I am wise enough to get caught." Mazda said, there was a smirk on his tone.

"Even though I get caught by opponent, I'm gonna make sure that I will be back
home, dad. Alive and breathing." McLaren said like a promise to his father.
"Bibigyan ko pa kayo ng mga apo."

His brothers snorted. Then he saw their shadows leaving them.

Ilang sandali lang ay bumukas na ulit ang mga ilaw at lumiwanag ang paligid.
McLaren turned around to when he heard the warning tone whenever someone is
entering the gym. The door is protected with security. It needed their finger print
before they could enter.

Her mother walked inside, pulling a rolling cart with a tray of snacks on it. She
scan the gym and it stopped on him, he's the only one standing in the middle of a
boxing ring. Umangat ang kilay nito, mukhang alam na ang ginawa nila lalo nang
makita ang blindfold na hawak niya.

With her narrow eyes, her gaze went to his brothers that is sitting, waiting for
the snacks.

"Ano na naman ang ginawa niyong mag-a-ama?" Sabay baling nito sa daddy niya at sa
kanilang magkakapatid.

"Nagpa-pawis lang, mom."

"Bumaba ka dito, McLaren." Anito sa kanya.

McLaren shrugged his shoulder and obeyed her dear mother. Sa isang pabilog na
lamesa na pang limahang tao ay tinulungan ng Kuya Mazda niya ang ina na ayusin ang
pagkain na hinanda para sa kanila.

"Looks yummy," he said, looking at that sweet banana in front of them. "Is this
turon, mom?"

"Yes, kainin niyo 'yan. Ako ang nagluto niyan."

At kapag ang mommy niya ang nagluto, obligado na dapat ay kakainin nila ng walang
reklamo.

His father arrived holding a four bottled water from the fridge there. He kissed
the side of his mother's head.

"So, what was your activity today? Ilang oras na kayo dito sa Gym."

Inisa-isa silang tignan ng ina, abala naman sila sa pagkain.

"You have a small cut at the side of your lips, McLaren." She noticed with her
sharp eyes.

"Uh," Kinapa niya ang medyo mahapdi sa gilid ng labi. "This is nothing."

"Ganyan kami mag lambingan, mom." Ang Kuya Mazda niya. "Kinda harsh but it's fun."

"McLaren is just making himself ready with his new assignment." It was Corvette.

Tumango ang ina, nanatiling nakatayo, pinapanood sila.

"Heard it's one of the notorious syndicate in Europe and Asia. Palagi ko itong
sinasabi na kapag nasa trabaho kayo, isa lang ang gusto ko. Iyon ay bumalik kayo
dito sa amin ng buhay at humihinga."

"We will." They said in unison.

It was a like a promise that they will never ever break.

"Ayoko nang maranasan na mawalay na naman sa amin ang isa sa inyo."

Medyo napahinto siya sa sinabi ng ina, malalim at makahulugan 'yon. Sa huli,

binalewala niya at nagpatuloy sa pagkain.

"If ever one of you get caught by enemy, I assure you that I'd be the one who will
rescue you." That was his father in a tone that made him feel that no one could
break his words.

He will rescue and save them with all his might. He will be there for them... at
all cost.

MCLAREN felt that two people are walking around him, he can hear their footsteps.
Sa kanyang tenga ay mahihinang garalgal ang naririnig, tanda na sinisikap ng mga
kapatid niya na kontakin siya. They are in the middle of the ocean, it was hard to
find a better signal to communicate with him.

But he's sure now that even though they didn't hear any words from them, they knew
that his device is still active and it's still on him. Bukod pa doon, nakatitiyak
siyang alam na ng mga kasama niya kung nasaan siya sa mga sandaling 'yon.

There's a tiny chip that planted inside his body. It's a tracking device.

Lahat ng miyembro ng ESO ay mayroon nakatanim na ganoong klaseng device para

mapadali ang paghahanap sa kanila kung sakaling mahiwalay sila sa mga kasamahan.
Even his parents, have it.

"But before we start this game, let me tell you a story." The boss said.

Habang naglalakad ang mga ito paikot sa kanya, naririnig niya ang matinis na
paghila ng kadena sa sahig. They stopped the yacht. The silence around him made his
senses sharper.

"I just want you to know that today, I hit two birds in one stone." The man
continued, his words were meaningful.

"Who would have thought that you will meet your childhood friend, boss?" That voice
was from a man who pointed a knife on his neck a while ago.

McLaren concentrated. No matter what these asshole will tell, won't distract him.
He's very ready for a fight, but the men were taking their own fucking time. Marami
masyadong satsat.

"I don't think he's a friend, he left me and saved himself."

Tapos ay hinampas nito ang kadenang hawak sa sahig, gumawa iyon ng matinis na
ingay. Halos marinig niya ang matatalas na metal na nakapalibot doon. Animo matigas
na tinik na kapag lumatay sa balat ng isang tao ay magsasanhi ng malalim na sugat.

"Even you changed your name, I will recognize you!" The boss shouted, anger on his
tone.

What the fuck this asshole is talking about?

Narinig niya ang mabigat na mga yapak na papunta sa kanya. McLaren stay calm when
the man harshly cupped his jaw using one hand.

"You are not Holden. I know you." He whispered, trying to intimidate him. "I wonder
what would your parents will do once they discovered that you were with a notorious
syndicate... that they tried harder to avoid for the passed years, so they could
save you. But nobody could save you here, McLaren."

The man muttered the last word disgustedly.

McLaren had no idea why this bastard knew his real name. Savannah did not even know
it.

"All along, you were fooling your girlfriend? Holden wasn't your name. Savannah,
did you know that?" The other man asked. "Let her speak." Utos nito sa tauhan.

He can heard Savannah is struggling.

"Of course, I know his name! Holden is just his nick name!" She shouted angrily.

McLaren sighed in relieve. At least, she knew how to ride with the situation.

"So, the news weren't true then, Savannah De la Garza didn't lose her childhood
memories?" The boss asked, his attention is with her now. "Your doctor was a liar
then?"

"It wasn't true! I d-did not lose my childhood memories!" She's stuttered, nervous.

"Liar! If you did not, you should have stay away from McLaren because they left
us!" The boss shouted, he could feel how angry he was.

There's a revenge on his tone. Revenge for... him.

McLaren closed his eyes tightly. The topic made his head aches. His childhood
memories? He didn't clearly remember any of those. There were some, with his
brothers and cousins, but not with other kids.

Kung mayroon man siyang ala-ala noong kabataan niya, siguro iyon ay ang mga
napapanaginipan niyang may kasamang mga batang babae at lalaki na hindi malinaw ang
mga mukha.

If his dreams about being with that little girl in unfamiliar place were true and
it happened when he was a kid, then, maybe, his parents lied to him? Maybe, he was
the one who lost a memories of his childhood then?

That idea is bothering him, he started to get distracted.

"What are you talking about?!" Savannah asked, curious and mad.

"Stupid, girl! McLaren was with us!" The boss shouted again, impatient.

"No! No! Stop! Stop talking!" Savannah seems like started to panic. "No! I don't
understand! Stop! Shut up! My head! My head!" She sounds like in pain, she was
struggling, he can sense it.

"You did not even remember me, Savannah. How dare you forget me?! I saved you!"

"N-No! Stop! Please, stop talking!"

When McLaren moved to remove his blindfold, the man stopped him by pointing his
knife on his neck again.

"Once you remove your blindfold, we will shoot your girl. Understand?" He
threatened him.
His head is aching so bad. He didn't like hearing those words coming from a
stranger who seems like knew everything about his childhood, when in fact, he,
himself only have a blurry memories.

"Who the fuck are you?" McLaren asked the boss.

"Me? Your friend... that you left. You're so heartless, McLaren. You fucking
deserve this!"

And with those words, a sharp chains hit his body.

Yumakap sa katawan niya ang may mga talim na kadena, naramdaman niya kaagad ang
hapdi nang lumapat iyon sa kanyang balat. At nang marahas na hilahin, halos
mapaluhod siya sa sahig dahil ang mga talim ay sumugat sa kanya. Mabilis siyang
niyakap ng hapdi at matinding kirot.

It was so sharp that it ruined his shirt. When McLaren touched his lower chest, he
felt the blood on it.

Chapter 30 - 28 ~ Escape

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

"YOUR special someone will only distract you. Sinabi ko na sa inyo 'yan noon pa."
His mother said to them.

They are preparing for their next assignment before the year end. His mother
reminded them again about that because his brother, Corvette, was hit by a car
because he got distracted with Lexus when they were in their last mission together.

"Pinag-usapan na namin ito ng daddy niyo. We added a little rules to follow."

Napatingin si McLaren sa ina habang inaayos ang mga baril sa harapan. His mother is
crossing her arms above her chest, wearing a black dress and stiletto, her dark
maroon lipstick gave her a fierce look.

"What is it?" Mazda asked, checking all the small devices that they will use.

"Remember that whenever you were in a mission, you were not McLaren, Mazda and
Corvette Lane. You are all playing two identity with different personality. Single
by status, even though in your private life, you're committed to your special
someone. And that someone will be out of the picture anymore this time. Ayoko na
iisipin niyo sila kapag nasa trabaho kayo."

Sabay sulyap nito kay Corvette na nagkibit lang ng balikat, patuloy sa pag-aayos ng
panibagong trabaho na gagampanan nila. Their ID's and documents.

As expected, Mazda was the one who have the guts to complain.

"Liberty is my inspiration to survive. She's one of my strength. That new rules is

ridiculous, mom."
"Then, don't work with ESO if you can't follow that simple rules, Mazda." Matigas
ang boses ng ina, naka-angat ang isang kilay, hinahamon ang sariling anak.

Mazda only sighed, disappointed.

"You know what, if the enemy discovered that you care with someone, they could use
that person against you. You do not want to put your special someone's life at
risk, don't you?"

Then, Celine's smiling face popped up his mind. That's when McLaren realized that
he don't want Celine to be in danger because of him.

"I don't want her to be in danger, so yeah, I can do that." McLaren agreed to his
mother. "I will try my very best not to think about her when I was at work."

"That's good to hear. Sa inyong tatlo, alam kong si McLaren lang ang kayang gumawa
ng bagong rules. But the two of you..." She pointed his brothers. "... boys, you
are not the exception. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, madali makatunog ang kalaban. Palagi
niyong iparamdam sa kanila na wala kayong pakialam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa inyo
para hindi nila gagamitin ang mga taong 'yon bilang kahinaan niyo."

"Done?" His father arrived and put his hand at his mother's waist.

"Not yet. I still want to talk to them."

"Alright. I'll be right there."

Tapos ay naglakad ang ama papunta sa mga monitor, hinarap ang napakaraming CCTV's
na nakapalibot sa buong gusali ng ESO.

"You told them about the new rules?" His father took a glance to her mother after a
while.

"Yes, McLaren was the one who agreed."

"I don't think Celine is special to him. He wouldn't agree that easy if she is." It
was Mazda, smirking at him.

"She is. Shut up, Kuya." McLaren hissed. "I will follow the rules as long as I
can."

"Besides, when you are at work, you are not McLaren, you are Holden, so, Holden
doesn't have special someone, right?" His mother, as if she was testing him.

Having two identity wasn't that easy at first, but eventually, he learned to live
with that kind of set up. Ang mahalaga, bumabalik parin siya kung saan siya
nararapat at hindi niya nakakalimutan kung sino talaga siya sa dalawa.

"I wonder if you flirt with other girl when you were wearing Holden's identity,
anak?"

"If it's part of the job, surely I will as Holden. Not as McLaren, mom."

"Something that your brothers can't really do." Parinig ng ina na ibinubuntong
hininga lang ng dalawang kapatid niya.

McLaren can say that his brothers take every job seriously, they are very mature.
They wanted a mature role as long as possible. While, he's very flexible.
Kahit anong trabaho ang ibigay sa kanya, hindi siya nagrereklamo at kahit na may
mga involve na babae... dahil alam niya sa sarili na sa dibdib niya, isang babae
lang naman ang gusto niya.

"Kaya kapag may trabaho na involve ang babae, sayo namin ibinibigay dahil alam
namin na kaya mo 'yon, tiwala kami na magiging maayos ang trabaho na 'yon."

"Thanks, mom."

"Favorite, eh?" It was Mazda.

Umismid ang mommy niya, sabay naglakad palapit kung nasaan ang ama.

"Lahat kayo paborito namin. Don't tell me you're jealous, Mazda, hmm?"

"No, I'm not."

"That's good. We don't want our children to feel jealous with each other."

The day went on. After this last mission before the year end, he would make sure to
give Celine something she deserve.

WHEN HIS mother told him before that he was the one who can do the job involving
women without complaining, McLaren realized recently that it was hard for him to be
with... Savannah. He wanted to complain, but he chose not to and continue being
with her... continue his job.

Hindi siya ganito sa mga nakaraang misyon na may kasamang ibang babae. Wala siyang
reklamo at kaya niyang pakisamahan lahat. He can be with different women even
though Celine was away from him, he always made sure that his loyalty is intact.

He's sure that he wasn't attracted with Savannah. He had his fair share of women
before he met Celine, but he stopped seeing someone else when she came to his life.

She's enough. If she wasn't, surely, their set up wouldn't last for years.

McLaren is closing his eyes, feeling the pain that invaded around his body. Bukod
sa hapdi at kirot, yumayakap din sa kanya ang malamig na simoy ng hangin.

Bumabalik sa isip niya ang mga ala-alang iniwan sa tahanan, kahit na ayaw niya sana
dahil siguradong... mawawala siya sa focus.

His mother was right when she told them that their special someone will only
distract them when they are in the mission, but at that moment, no matter how much
he tried to avoid thinking about Celine, he can't win.

Her smiling pretty face flashes his mind like as if reminding him to come back home
because she's waiting for him. And not only her, they have a little angel living
inside her stomach, probably, waiting for his come back, too.

An image of Celine's big stomach made him smile... he likes it.

Those happy memories with her started to flash his mind. Kahit panlabanan niya na
huwag, nanghihina lang siya at tinatalo ang sarili para lang alalahanin ang mga
masasayang ala-ala kasama ang dalaga.

Now, McLaren started to discover the other message behind his mother's words. Their
special someone will only distract them when they are in the mission because...
that special someone gave them happy memories to reminisce when they are in their
most painful situation.

Kapag ang tao ay nasa dilim at nasasaktan, minsan mas pinipili natin isipin ang
masasayang ala-ala ng buhay natin. Thinking that, in that way... we would be at
ease.

And it was true, thinking about Celine felt like she ease the pain he was feeling,
but at the same time, thinking about her... distracted him.

McLaren groaned when someone kicked the side of his stomach, he was distracted. He
didn't see it coming because his mind was busy thinking about her and their
memories together.

He closed his eyes very tightly, ignoring the pain and trying his best to stop
thinking about Celine for that moment.

"Can you feel the pain?" The boss asked, playing with the sharp chains. "I felt
more than that."

"I don't give a damn about you." His voice was menacing. "Kill me now or I'll kill
you. I swear."

"Asshole!" Sigaw ng isa at naramadaman niyang sumugod papunta sa kanya.

McLaren get back his concentration that he easily caught that man's leg that was
about to land on his face, he twisted it, making sure he will break a bone.

The loud scream from that man made him smirk because he knew, that man will be in
wheelchair for a months.

"How about let's add some thrill. Savannah!" The boss called.

McLaren can hear different footsteps including Savannah's. They are now standing
near him. He can still the pain on his lower chest, the blood is slowly flowing.

"I will remove each piece of her clothes every time you hurt my men. How's that,
McLaren?"

McLaren silently groaned when he suddenly heard his mother's voice echoed on his
ears, telling him that don't give the enemy a reason to discover his weakness
because they will use it against him.

And this assholes thought that Savannah is his weakness? No. He knew how to play.

"Do whatever the fuck you want, bastard." Instead, he answered coldly.

Narinig niya ang pagpupumiglas ni Savannah na para bang siya ang sinisigawan o ano.
Of course, she didn't expect him to be like that. He sounds like he didn't care
about her. But deep inside, he knew his job, he needs to save her and he will.

"Speak," the boss commanded.

"How dare you?!" It was Savannah's angry voice. "My father pay you to protect me!
What the fuck are you doing, Holden?!"

McLaren remain silent.

"Oh-oh, a love quarrel."

"I did not love him!" Savannah shouted disgustedly.

"I'll let you choose, come with me or come to hell with that loser?" The boss asked
Savannah.

"I better die alone!" Savannah scream again and before everyone could even move,
McLaren heard a sound in the water, like as if someone jump in it!

"Get her! Get her!"

Everyone seems alert. McLaren got that chance to removed down his blindfold and was
fast to defend himself when a man tried to catch him.

Tatlong lalaki ang sabay-sabay na sumugod sa kanya at inisa-isa niyang pabagsakin.

He twisted someone's arms, making him scream in pain, then he kicked it on the
railing and watch him fall in the water.

Another punch coming on his right, but he avoid it and gave that man a hard kick on
the stomach. Napaluhod ito sa sahig, sapo ang tiyan na solidong tinamaan ng tadyak
niya.

While some men were busy catching Savannah, McLaren took that opportunity to went
inside the yacht. But it wasn't easy, bawat sulok ay may nadadaanan siyang
maskuladong mga lalaki na kailangan niyang patumbahin.

He heard a gun shot on his direction, when he took a look, he saw the boss coming
his way with his two guards.

"You wanna play, huh. Okay, let's play!" The boss tried to intimidate him with his
evil tone while firing at his direction.

McLaren went inside the cabin and search for a fucking gun that is located under
the bed. He paused when he heard a sounds on his device, it's clearer than a few
minutes ago.

"Holden, do you hear me? Holden?"

McLaren took a sigh when he heard Ether's voice.

"Yes," he answered.

Narinig niya ang mga buntong hininga sa kabilang linya na para bang mga nakahinga
ng maluwag.

"They are on their way to rescue you via chopper."

"This yacht is full of armed man."

"We know that. We have been contacting you for hours now. The signal was bad."

Nakarinig siya ng mga kaluskos sa labas ng pinto, tumahimik siya at pinakiramdaman

iyon. Naririnig niya rin ang mga tawa ng tinawatawag na boss, patuloy sa paghahanap
sa kanya.

"We discovered that there's a bomb planted in that yacht. You only have thirty
minutes to escape." Ether informed him. "Swim 500 yards to the West, the chopper
will pick you there."
"Track Savannah. She fucking escaped by jumping to the water."

"Okay, on it."

The door suddenly opened, McLaren stayed on his position, waiting for the intruder
to come near him so he could turn him down without making any noise.

Sumandal siya sa cabinet, binibilang ang yabag na naririnig papunta sa gawi niya.
Nang makita niya ang dulo ng baril na hawak ng lalaki, mabilis niyang hinila ang
palapulsuhan nito at tinakpan ang bibig, habang ang isang kamay niya ay mahigpit na
ipinulupot sa leeg nito.

The man was started to lose his breath, he was holding his arms on his neck,
begging for his life, but he wasn't that very kind when it comes to their enemy. He
left the man unconscious.

"The client is swimming to the South." Ether informed him again.

"Then I will swim to the South." He told Ether. "We'll wait there."

"I'll inform them. Hurry and escape now!"

"Alright."

McLaren made his way out from that cabin. Sa dulo ng makipot na pasilyo, nakita
niya ang ilang pabalik-balik na tauhan, siguradong siya ang hinahanap.

"Update me with the status of the client." He demanded to Ether.

Von Ether is their eyes in that mission. He's inside the control room of ESO.

"Changed of plan. Changed of plan. Holden and the client will wait in the South.
500 yards from their location. Again, in the South." It was Ether's voice, talking
to their rescuers.

"You better hurry up. The client was followed by three armed men. They started to
fire her direction."

"Show yourself or I will give you Savannah's head tonight." The boss threatened
him.

McLaren was busy escaping. He needs to be in the water right now. The time is
running quickly.

He went inside to another cabin when someone shoot his direction. Narinig niya ang
pagsunod ng mga ito sa kanya.

From the glass window, in the middle of the dark ocean, he can see people swimming
to the South. Nakikita niya rin ang pagkislap ng mga putok ng baril.

McLaren get the chair and smashed it to the window. He used a force and powerfully
hit the glass window again until he saw the crack. Ignoring all the pain on his
body cause of using so much force. Animo binabatak ang mga sariwang sugat sa
katawan, patuloy din sa pagtagas ng mabagal ang mga dugo.

The door is clicking, a sign that someone is trying to barge in, then after a
while, he heard a gunshot from outside, unlocking the door.
He hit the crack window one more time. Tuluyang nabasag iyon at bumuhos ang tubig
sa loob.

A gun shot strike his direction, three men were coming to him, but before they
could even get closer and shoot him, McLaren already jump to the water.

"The client is going down! Again, the client is going down!"

McLaren's heard urgency from Ether's voice, before the darkness and coldness of the
water invaded him.

Chapter 31 - 29 ~ Shoot

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

MCLAREN can see the bullets coming his way even if he's under the water. He needed
to swim quickly to avoid those bullets. He did the underwater swimming without a
proper breathing.

Sa bawat pagkumpas ng mga braso at pagpadyak ng mga binti, ramdam na ramdam niya
ang walang pahintulot na sakit na nagmumula sa mga sariwang sugat sa katawan.

He have a high tolerance with pain but something on his lower chest felt like
slowly tearing apart and that's really excruciating.

Ang maalat na tubig ay hindi nakakatulong sa pagbuka ng kanyang mga sugat. That
salty water is like a poison that seep through his wounds and the feeling is very
miserable. Ngunit kahit gaano pa ka-sakit ang sitwasyon niya, hindi siya dapat
sumuko. He will never ever give up with the pain.

The bullets were keep on coming to his direction like as if those assholes can see
him under that dark water. McLaren groaned when the bullet hit his left leg, but he
continue swimming away.

He swam to the South. Nang masigurado niyang hindi na siya inaabot ng bala, ini-
ahon niya ang ulo para makakuha ng sapat na hangin. He was literally gasping.

Bumalik siya sa ilalim ng tubig nang matanaw ang tatlong lalaki na lumalangoy
pabalik sa yate. Marahil ang mga ito ang sumunod kay Savannah. He waited for them
to get closer to him.

Nang makalapit sa kanya ang isa ay mabilis na hinila niya ang paa, nagpumiglas mula
sa pagkapit niya ngunit ipinulupot niya kaagad ang isang braso sa leeg nito.

The man was tapping his arm, begging for his life. He heartlessly ignore him and
tightly choke the man and left him unconscious, under the water.

Nagsabay ang paglangoy ng dalawang lalaki, kinailangan niyang pasimpleng i-angat

ang ulo para makakuha ulit ng hangin. Kung matalas ang paningin ng mga ito ay tiyak
na mapapansin siya, bago pa man mapunta sa direksyon niya ang atensyon ay lumubog
na ulit siya sa tubig.
Tahimik siyang lumangoy, iniwasan ang direksyon ng dalawa. It's so dark that it's
really hard to know if there's people in the water. Sadyang matalas lang ang
paningin niya sa dilim kaya napansin niya ang mga ito kanina.

"Client's body is slowly going down the water. Hurry, Holden." It was Ether again.

McLaren swam quickly as possible so he could fucking save Savannah from drowning.

"100 yards." Ether was the one who monitored the distance. "The chopper will be
there in five minutes."

No matter what happened, he needs to finish this mission. Ramdam niya ang mabilis
na pangangalay ng mga braso at binti, napapagod na rin dala ng pisikal na sakit na
nararanasan sa mga sandaling 'yon.

The only thing he can do to comfort himself once he completed this mission is the
fact that he was able to bring back the client home, safe and alive. That's what he
need to do right now.

And because of the darkness, the searching for Savannah became hard for him.
Sinubukan niyang lumusong ulit sa ilalim ng tubig, nakadilat ang mga mata, pilit
inaaninag ang ilalim.

Suddenly, a light from above strike his direction, probably from a chopper. Sa
liwanag na 'yon ay nahagip ng mga mata niya ang dalaga na palubog, nakapikit ang
mga mata at walang buhay ang mga braso.

Mabilis niyang nilangoy ang direksyon ni Savannah, positibo parin na maisasalba

niya ito. He grabbed her waist and brought her above the water.

Ang maingay at malakas na hangin na nagmumula sa chopper ay nagbigay sa kanya ng

kapanatagan kahit papano. He ignore the ladder and focus with the woman on his
arms.

Gasping, he search for Savannah's pulse, McLaren closed his eyes tightly when he
felt like it's moving. Nakapikit parin ang mga mata nito, nakasandal ang ulo sa
dibdib niya, walang malay at nararamdaman niya ang mabibigat na paghinga nito.

Mula sa hagdanan na ilang metro ang layo sa kanila, nakita niya ang pagbaba doon ng
Kuya Mazda. He swam to their direction and got Savannah from him.

"She'll be okay. Let's go." Tinapik nito ang balikat niya.

His brother knew that he would blame himself if he failed to save his client. They
swore that they will risk their life for their client and he really meant it.

Kahit na nailigtas niya si Savannah, nararamdaman niya parin na... hindi iyon
sapat. May kulang... may kulang sa kanya.

Hindi siya masaya.

Tahimik siyang umakyat sa hagdan. Hindi na ininda ang mga sugat na animo parusa sa
kanya.

MCLAREN silently watching Mazda on how he gave Savannah a CPR. Ngunit naka-ilang
ulit na ito ay hindi parin lumalabas ang tubig na naimon ng dalaga.

Mazda tried the mouth to mouth resuscitation. After a few blow, a water from her
mouth came out.

McLaren sighed in relieve. She's now safe.

His brother covered Savannah with a thick blanket. Gising na ito ngunit walang
imik. Tahimik na inililibot ang mga mata, parang wala pa sa sarili talaga.

"You're safe now. Sleep. We will go home." Mazda said to Savannah, then get back on
him. "Gamutin natin 'yang sugat mo, bunso."

Halos irapan ni McLaren ang kapatid at magprotesta dahil sa tawag nito sa kanya.
But he was too tired to even speak!

McLaren was about to close his eyes but he noticed that the pilot is his... dad!

Beside him is his Kuya Corvette who's holding a sniper riffle, pointed at the
bottom.

The chopper move on the side smoothly. When he looked down, they are following
another motorboat. It's a escaping boat! The yacht is now burning. The assholes
were escaping but they wouldn't let them.

Mazda gave him the headset so he could hear them clearly.

"Target is clear. Asking for permission to shoot." It was Corvette's voice.

"Fire." His father's voice was low but menacing.

"Here," Mazda handed him the telescope and ripped off his shirt to see his wounds.

From the high-tech telescope, McLaren looked down and saw the boat. There are five
armed men, one of them is the... boss.

Bumagsak ang isa bigla sa tubig, tanda na tahimik na tinamaan ng bala. Hindi pa
napapansin ng apat kaya patuloy sa pagtakas at matiyag.

"Give the main target to me." McLaren said to Corvette.

"Ask for permission to dad."

"Permission to shoot, dad. Please." He said to his father through their device.

Corvette continue shooting the rest of the men until the only alive is the main
target. The boss.

"Give it to him." His father said to Corvette, referring to the riffle.

Napaayos ng upo si McLaren, itinigil din ni Mazda ang paglilinis sa mga sugat niya.
Corvette handed him the riffle.

Even though his wounds are excruciating, McLaren still manage to arrange the
riffle. He opened the window on his side and pointed it to the boat, where the boss
is standing, looking up on them, pointing his own gun at the chopper.

"Shoot to kill." His father ordered.

McLaren pointed the shot on the boss' forehead. He silently took a breath,
concentrating, getting ready to fire.
"Target is clear. Asking for permission to shoot." He said, his finger is so ready
to pull the trigger.

McLaren was waiting for his father's permission. Nakatutok siya sa target, kahit
madilim ay malinaw sa paningin niya ang itsura nito pati ang pag-galaw ng mga kamay
na para bang may mensaheng gustong ipabatid.

"Fire." It was his father.

But McLaren was watching the boss's hands. It's a sign language, telling him that:
'Your Parents Lied to You.'

"I said, fire!" It was his father again, ballistic.

Hindi siya sigurado kung may katotohanan ba ang mensahe na 'yon ngunit pwedeng
totoo rin dahil may alam ang taong 'to tungkol sa nangyari noong bata pa lamang
siya, sila. They were together, they were with Savannah.

And he felt like... his parents is really hiding something from him. Pilit niya
lang itinatanggi na wala kahit na sa loob-loob niya ay nararamdaman na may sekreto
siyang dapat malaman.

Isang sekreto na tuluyang bubuo sa kanyang pagkatao.

Without any more distractions, McLaren heartlessly pulled the trigger.

Ipinikit niya ang mga mata pagkatapos upang hindi makita ang pagbagsak ng taong
'yon.

NANG mga sumunod na araw nalaman nilang wala ang mag-asawa sa mansyon. Ang buong
akala nila ay nasa study room lang, ngunit wala. Valerie Lane called them that they
are doing something important outside the mansion and they don't need to worry.

Liberty is now carrying baby X even though he already know how to walk.
Humahakbang-hakbang na kahit papano at kailangan parin alalayan para hindi matumba
nang matumba.

"Ang gwapo-gwapo mo talaga." They even pinched baby X cheek. "Sino kamukha niya?"

"Hmm, mixed." Celine answered then caressed her stomach.

Now, she's wondering what would her baby look like? Sino kaya ang magiging kamukha
sa kanila ni McLaren? That thought excites her.

"May pangalan na ang baby niyo?" Si Liberty.

"Wala pa. Hindi pa namin napag-uusapan. Kayo?"

"Mayro'n na, but it's a surprise." Then the woman winked at her.

"Oh by the way, Mazda called this morning. Malapit na raw silang umuwi."

"Talaga?" Halos mapaahon si Celine sa pagkakaupo. "McLaren didn't call me."

"Maybe he wanted to surprise you?"

Celine smiled. She would love that but she wanted to hear McLaren voice again. It's
been a month.
"Maybe. Gusto ko na siyang makita."

"Konting tiis pa." Tapos ay nginitian siya nito, hinihikayat siya na magtiis pa ng
ilang araw.

After lunch, they took a nap together with baby X. Umuulan at napasarap ang tulog
nilang tatlo. Hindi niya rin nasagot ang tawag galing kay Alex na siyang naghahanap
sa kapatid niya at may missed call din galing kay Akiko.

Celine get up from bed, leaving Liberty and baby X there. Alas-kwatro palang ng
hapon ngunit medyo madilim na dulot ng pagbuhos ng ulan.

She opened a message from Alex.

From: Alex Villegas

I have a good news. Call me when you can.

That message suddenly made her heart pounded. If that's a good news, it means
there's a big chance that her sister is still alive!

Celine was about to call Alex, but Akiko's number popped her screen. Sinagot niya
muna 'yon.

"Hello?"

"Finally. Sumagot din. Were you sleeping?"

"Yeah," She chuckled. Akiko knew that she's sleeping every afternoon. "What's up?"

"Just wanna ask you if I can meet you this weekend? I will introduce him to you."

Akiko was referring to her someone. She sounds happy and excited though.

"Yes, sure. I'd like to meet your special someone."

"Sige, ha? I will send you the location once we settle it."

"I'll be waiting. It would be nice to see you again, Akiko. I miss you."

"I miss you too. See you so soon." Then Akiko made a kiss sounds, making her laugh.

After that call, she dialed Alex' number but he did not answer.

Dumating ang gabi ngunit patuloy parin ang pag-ulan. Gano'n pa man, inaasahan nila
ang pagdating ng mag-asawa. They ate dinner together. It was casual. Pagkatapos
kumain ay nanatili sila sa sala, nilaro si baby X kasama ang ilaw ng tahanan ng
mansyon.

"They will be home soon." Momma Valerie informed them.

Liberty giggled. They expected it though. Mas masaya lang pakinggan na galing mismo
kay Momma Valerie ang balitang 'yon.

"Pati po si McLaren?" Paninigurado niya pa.

"Yes, Celine." She answered but she can see the sadness on her eyes. It's strange.

"Mabuti po kung gano'n." Pinasigla niya ang boses. "I miss him a lot."
"McLaren miss you too, hija."

"Hindi niya ako tinawagan..."

Momma Valerie laugh shortly, amused.

"I think, he wanted to surprise you. Please, be patient with McLaren."

"I will."

Their conversation was interrupted by Alex's call. Celine excused herself and went
to the living room to talk with her investigator.

"Hey, good evening," bati niya kaagad.

"Rainy evening. Anyway, I missed your call. Do you wanna talk about it here or you
want it in person?"

"I'm excited to know the good news. What is it?"

The other line remain silent for a moment. Celine can't stop her heart from beating
fast. Dala marahil ng excitement kaya gano'n.

"I found out that your sister left Romania when she was eight years old together
with her foster parents."

"W-Where is she now?"

Habang lumilipas ang bawat segundo ay pabilis nang pabilis ang tibok ng kanyang
puso. Hindi magkanda-ugaga at pati ang kanyang mga daliri ay nanginginig, hindi
malaman ang eksaktong nararamdaman sa mga sandaling 'yon.

"Her foster parents died three years ago, leaving her with a big amount of money
but until now, she didn't claim it yet."

"What else?" She's nervous and at the same time, relieved.

"She had no idea about it. Hindi niya kilala ang sarili niya. She met an accident
that made her lose her memories. I have all the details here. I can show it to you
personally or through email."

Napatakip siya sa bibig, nangingilid ang mga luha sa magkabilang gilid ng mga mata.

"Where is she now? Ayos lang ba siya? Nahanap mo na ba siya?"

Alex sighed on the other line. She could almost imagine him nodding his head!

"Yes. I found her. I found your sister."

Celine gasped and she started crying.

Chapter 32 - 30 ~ Sister
CHAPTER THIRTY

KNOWING that her sister is alive felt like she already fulfilled her father's dream
to find her sister when he was still alive. She swore to him that she will find
Miyaka and she made it with the help of Private Investigator Alex Villegas. It was
so fulfilling.

Celine can't stop her heart from beating rapidly because of that good news.
Nararamdaman niya man na buhay ang kapatid, iba parin na malaman na buhay nga
talaga ito. Pakiramdam niya ay may kulang na lugar sa puso niya na animo biglang
napunan.

"Just tell me when do you want to meet her. I can arrange our meeting." It was Alex
on the other line after a few moment of her being very emotional.

Hinintay pa nitong humupa ang mahinang pag-iyak niya bago nagsalita ulit. He really
knew how to take his time.

"As soon as possible, please. May alam ba siya?"

"Wala. Mas makakabuti na ikaw ang magsabi sa kanya. I advise you give her time to
understand everything that is happening. Be patient, because she doesn't really
have an idea about this."

Habang sinasabi 'yon ni Alex ay tumatango-tango siya, handang-handang gawin ang mga
bagay na makakabuti sa kapatid niya.

"Let me know when she's available to meet. I really wanted to see her and be with
her."

"I will let you know tomorrow. Have a good night."

"Thank you so much, Alex. Good night."

Then the line ended. Celine sighed and went back to the living area.

Valerie Lane glance at her, a little bit confused to see her sobbing slightly from
crying a while ago.

"Is everything okay, hija?"

"Opo," Celine nodded her head. "May natanggap lang po akong magandang balita."

"That's great." She just said, she didn't bother to ask why is that good news.

At dahil doon, nakahinga si Celine ng maluwag sa kadahilanang hindi niya na

kailangan pang ibahagi sa ibang tao ang lihim na sekreto ng pamilya niya.

It's still hard for her to share her personal life to other people. She didn't even
share it to McLaren, but one day, surely, she will.

MCLAREN stayed in ESO building while he was recovering from all the wounds that he
got from his last mission. Malalalim ang mga sugat na natamo niya mula sa matalim
na kadenang yumakap sa kanya.

Standing in front of the mirror, topless, he stare at those stitches below his
chest. Paikot iyon hanggang sa kanyang likod. Medyo sariwa pa, dahilan kung bakit
hindi na muna niya ginagawa ang mabibigat na bagay kung saan pwedeng maging ugat
nang pagbuka ng kanyang mga tahi.

While he was recovering, his parents prohibited him to use any gadgets to use to
contact anyone outside ESO. Although he admit that he missed Celine, but he needed
to follow whatever the bosses imposed him to do.

He's aware that his parents were just waiting for him to fully recovered before
they punish him for his failed mission. Kahit na nailigtas si Savannah, alam niyang
mapaparusahan parin siya. He's hoping that he would only get suspended for a month
or so.

Nagbaba siya ng tingin sa itim na wrist watch na suot nang umilaw 'yon. He looked
at the time, then grabbed his shirt. Today is his schedule to talk to their
Psychologist. This is normal for the agents of ESO every time they finished a
mission.

Hindi sila kaagad hinahayaang lumabas sa ESO pagkatapos ng misyon kung hindi
nakausap ng isang Psychologist, lalo na kung ang huling misyon nila ay naging
mabigat at madugo.

McLaren left his room and went to the clinic to talk with Dra. Natalie Murphy.

"Come in," A voice from inside said when he knocked.

McLaren opened the door. The wall was painted with white color, the bases were dark
grey. At the back of the swivel chair is a wide tinted glass wall. From there, he
can see the forest outside.

"Have a seat,"

Naupo siya sa kaharap na upuan. Dra. Murphy place her hands above the table.
McLaren knew her even before because she's his father's close friend. She's also
Ether and Lexus' mother.

"Shall we start?" She asked casually.

"Yeah,"

"Tell me everything that is bothering you."

"I don't have any."

She only raised her brows, telling him that she didn't believe him. McLaren sighed,
of course, this woman in front of him studied human mind and behavior. She would
know if you hide something or if you're lying.

"I am just thinking about the punishment that I would get for a failed mission."

"It wasn't really a failed mission, McLaren."

"It was."

"You can only call it a failed mission if you didn't able to save the client. But
the client is now safe." She insisted formally.

"You are just saying that to make me believe that I am not a failure, but I am. We
all know that."
"You are not a failure. If you were, you wouldn't be here. You probably in hell
right now because you failed to survive... but you are here, alive and breathing."

McLaren groaned, it felt like he won't win arguing with this woman.

"We caught by our opponent and that's because I did not do my job perfectly. The
client wouldn't be sexually harassed if only I gave her my 100% security."

He's blaming himself because of what happened. He questioned his ability and his
dedication. He was always confident, but since that night, it felt like he didn't
deserve to be in ESO. He's such a disappointment.

"But things happen for a damn reason no matter how much we avoid it."

"For a reason? Yeah," he almost mocked when he remembered the last message of that
'boss' using a sign language. "They lied to me."

Dra. Murphy sighed and rested her back on her swivel chair.

"Kaibigan mo ang magulang ko, alam kong may alam ka." Akusa niya.

"Well,"

"Why not tell me?"

"Tell me your dreams about that... little girl. I wanna hear it again."

McLaren leered. Aside from Celine, the only person who knew about little girl... is
Dra. Natalie Murphy.

"Recently, I discovered that there were three of them..." he paused, trying to

remember his dreams this past few days. "I was with them. Tatlo silang batang
babae."

"When did you start dreaming about these three little girls?" Dra. Murphy switched
her sitting position, it looks like he get her interest. She's curious.

"I started to dream about that kind of scenario on the first week of my recovery. I
was in pain. Every day and night felt like a nightmare. That dreams did not help
me." McLaren took a deep sighed. "What I only remember is... I was with many
children... we were in unfamiliar place. They were crying..."

McLaren stopped from that because he can't remember more scenarios anymore. It was
only clear on his dreams, it felt so real, but whenever he wakes up, the memories
became blurry.

"Something is missing in me, I know that. I felt like I am incomplete." He almost

whisper those words. "And the idea that my parents were lying to me made me feel
like I was being betrayed by my own family."

"I cannot force you to remember everything. We both knew ever since that something
is really missing, but you just let it slide and that's okay. We can't force things
or else it would put your life at risk."

"But I wanna know everything now!"

"You will. It takes time, McLaren."

"I wanna know who were those little girls. Why I was in that unfamiliar place and
what the fuck I was doing there. I did not even remember being with my brothers
that time. Where were they?"

"You were too young that time to completely remember."

"That's bullshit."

She chuckled, mocking him. McLaren brushed his hair using his fingers desperately.
He's being impatient. Those dreams affects him a lot unlike before.

"Calm down. I am not your enemy."

"Let me go. I wanna go home and be with my girl."

The only approval that McLaren needs before he leave ESO is the medical certificate
from Dra. Natalie Murphy that would tell them that he's fully recovered physically,
emotionally and mentally.

"Like as if I have other choice. Ayoko naman maging kontrabida."

"Thank you." With that, McLaren stood up.

Tumayo rin ang Doktora, at pormal silang nagkamay.

McLaren went back to his room to rest his mind. He felt at ease sharing what on his
mind with Dra. Murphy.

Kinabukasan, ibinigay na sa kanya ang medical certificate na kailangan para

tuluyang makalabas sa ESO building.

Without wasting any more minutes, McLaren went to his car and made his way to their
mansion. A smile crept his lips when Celine's face flashes his mind. He missed his
baby a lot.

CELINE was so eager to meet her sister. Alex scheduled their meeting the day before
she would meet Akiko. It's in Manila. Kinailangan niya pang magpaalam sa magulang
ni McLaren na aalis muna siya sa mansyon bilang respeto na rin. Pumayag naman
kaagad ang mga ito at pinahiram siya ng sasakyan.

Hindi ma-alis ang excitement niya habang nagmamaneho papunta sa Maynila. She didn't
have any idea what is her sister looks like now. Alex only emailed her important
details about Miyaka, a picture of her when she was a kid together with her foster
parents.

They are really look a liked. Their eyes are both chinky. Kaya naman sigurado
siyang kapatid niya nga ang nahanap ni Alex.

Before lunch, Celine arrived in a hotel in Taguig. Alex already reserved a table
for them. Sa restaurant siya dumeretso.

From the left side of the restaurant, Alex stood up and waved at him. With Celine's
knotted forehead, she made her way to the man. He was alone.

"Hi, wala pa siya?" Tanong niya at nakipag-kamay kay Alex.

"She's here. She went to the restroom. Have a seat." Then he motioned her to the
vacant chair.
"I'm very nervous." She chuckled.

Ramdam na ramdam niya ang malakas na kalabog ng dibdib. Kahit na pilitin niyang
kumalma, hindi magawa. Hindi siya mapakali at talagang gusto ng makita ang kapatid.

"She's actually not feeling well."

Ibinalik ni Celine ang tingin sa lalaki. She haven't see Alex for a weeks, they
only communicate through phone for an update. His skin is now tanned, it made him
looks more manly.

"Is she sick or something?"

"Not really sick. Nagrereklamo lang dahil ayaw niya ng in-order ko. So, I let her
order for herself. And now, she's in that restroom again."

"Ah," tumango siya at muling ibinalik ang tingin sa daan papunta sa restroom. "I
hope she will feel better now."

"She will, no worries."

"How would you know?" Celine cock her head on the side.

Alex sounds like he knew her sister even before. He looks very confident and
comfortable in talking about Miyaka.

"I know your sister." He simply said, making her gasp.

"W-What? What do you mean you know her?"

"I can explain later. Oh, she's coming here."

Nang sinabi 'yon ni Alex, para na siyang nanigas sa kinauupuan niya. Hindi na
makabaling sa daan papunta sa restroom. Her heart is literally booming inside her
chest that she needed to open her mouth a little to get some air.

"Relax," Alex muttered, almost laughing at her reaction.

She only glare at him!

"Celine?"

That voice from behind made her gasp. Slowly, Celine turn her head to see who own
that familiar voice.

Celine gulped and blinked when she saw... Akiko.

"Celine! I was right, it's you!" Akiko then, embraced her from behind.

She closed her eyes and feel the warmth of that embrace. Her heart felt like it's
slowly melting. She couldn't exactly explain what she's feeling at that moment.
Nararamdaman niya lang ang mabagal na pagbagsak ng mga luha sa pisngi dala ng
matinding emosyon.

"I did not expect to see you here. Ah, I missed you a lot, Celine."

Akiko's arms remain around her and her face is sweetly rested above her shoulder.
Akiko is naturally sweet, that's the reason why they are very close to each other
because they both felt like they need each other. The way a sister needs her
sister.

Celine don't want to assume, but no other girl went to their table like what they
expected. Does it mean that... Akiko is her... sister?

"You really know how to surprise me, huh." Akiko said to Alex. "Thank you, love. I
appreciate this a lot. You brought Celine here for me."

That's when she realized that... Akiko didn't really know what's happening. Celine
bite her lips, stopping herself from sobbing. Pakiramdam niya ay may munting bahagi
sa puso niya ang napunan sa mga sandaling 'yon.

"You're welcome, love." Alex muttered then gave Akiko a naughty wink.

Hindi alam ni Celine kung paano magre-react sa mga sandaling 'yon. The way the two
treat each other convinced her that there's something happening between them.

When Celine glance at Alex, the man pursed his lips then sighed, he went back his
eyes to the woman behind her, he silently telling her that Akiko is her... sister.

With that voiceless confirmation, Celine hugs Akiko's arms with so much longing.
Hinayaan niyang maglaglagan ang mga luha sa pisngi at dinama ang yakap na wala sa
sariling lihim na inaasam-asam.

Chapter 33 - 31 ~ Suspension

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

IT was a short emotional and unforgettable moment of her life. Sa ilang taong
kalituhan tungkol sa totoong nangyari sa kapatid niya, sa ilang taon na wala siyang
ideya kung nasaan ito at kung sino ba talaga ito, ang lahat ng 'yon ay tila biglang
naging parte na lamang lahat ng magulong kahapon nang mayakap niya ang kapatid.

Ang lahat ng kaguluhan, pagtataka at mga tanong sa isip niya noon ay alam niyang
unti-unti ng masasagot. Celine knew that it will takes time but she's willing to
wait for that time to finally learn what happened to Miyaka when they were a kid.

"It's fine. Being emotional is normal to a pregnant woman." Akiko said to her when
she released that tight embrace.

Akiko even sat to the chair next to her and face her, helping her to wipe her tears
while chuckling.

"Pregnancy hormones," Celine muttered, she couldn't take her eyes away from her
sister.

Akiko's chinky eyes is almost same as hers, it's just that her sister's pupil is
lighter than hers. Kaya tuloy hindi niya na nagawa pang magtaka sa mga taong
madalas silang pagkamalan na magkapatid dahil talagang may resemblance silang
dalawa na hindi maipagkakaila.

The world is so small. Who would have thought that her missing sister is just
around her? Hindi lang 'yon, matalik niya pang kaibigan!
"Are you alone? Where's McLaren?" Akiko asked after a while.

Nailapag na rin ng waiter ang mga pagkain. Akiko just stare with those Italian
dishes and some pasta like as if it those delicious foods didn't get her interest.

"He's still at work. I'm alone."

"He seemed busy. Hindi kasi siya madalas makita sa RS Club."

"He's very busy, Akiko. Pero, patapos na yata ang trabaho nila kaya uuwi na siya.
Right?" Sabay baling niya kay Alex na sa kapatid niya naman nakatingin.

"Yes," he answered shortly and went back his gaze to Akiko.

Celine leered. This man didn't even flinch when she caught him staring at her
sister intently.

"Kapag nakabalik na siya galing sa trabaho, babalik na kayo dito sa Manila?"

"That's what I expected. I only stay in their mansion because he was away."

"But you can stay in your condo here even though he was away. Gano'n naman ang
ginagawa mo noon kapag nasa trabaho siya."

"McLaren introduced me to his parents. Mabuti na rin daw na nandoon ako sa mansyon
nila para mabantayan ako, especially in my first trimester of pregnancy."

For some reason, Akiko's gaze went to Alex who's now drinking his water
comfortably.

"Ah, I see. Kailan ang kasal niyo ni McLaren?"

Halos masamid si Celine sa tanong na 'yon ng kapatid. Kasal? Ni hindi niya nga
naisip 'yon. Sa dami ng iniisip, iyon ang hindi sumagi sa kanya.

"You're pregnant with his child. What do you expect me to say, Celine? You looked
shock." Tinawanan ni Akiko ang reaksyon niyang 'yon.

"Hindi pa namin napag-uusapan 'yan ni McLaren. It's too early for that."

"Well, I can see that McLaren is into you, he's just good in hiding his feelings."

"I think so."

Their lunch went on. They did not even talk about Akiko's being her sister. Maybe,
it's still not the right time to let her know her real identity. Ang alam lang ni
Akiko ay sinorpresa ito ni Alex sa pag-imbita sa kanya para mananghalian at para
magkita na rin sila.

For now, Celine would let it slide. She won't force Akiko about the past. They need
to take it slow. Uunti-unti nilang sabihin kay Akiko ang lahat para hindi ito
masyadong mabigla. Sigurado naman siya na tutulungan siya ni Alex na magsabi sa
kapatid.

That day, Celine decided to sleep on her condo, the one that is next to McLaren's
unit. Itinawag niya pa ang tungkol sa bagay na 'yon sa magulang ng binata bilang
respeto na rin.
Akiko and Alex stayed in her unit for an hour or so before they decided to go home.

Now, she's alone, laying in bed with smile on her lips. Until that very moment, she
can feel the happiness inside her chest because she finally found her sister,
Miyaka Villarica, that it turned out to be Akiko.

MCLAREN expected to see Celine when he arrived at their mansion, but it didn't
happen. Nawala ang sanang magandang ngiti sa kanyang labi nang matantong wala doon
ang dalaga. Sinalubong siya ng magulang, ngunit sa mga sandaling 'yon, pakiramdam
niya may hindi tama.

"McLaren..." Her mother muttered when she felt like he didn't react with the way
she embrace him.

"Where's Celine?"

Nagkatinginan muna ang magulang bago bumuntong hininga ang ina.

"She's in Manila. Hindi naman inaasahan na ngayon ang uwi mo kaya hindi namin
nasabi sa kanya kaagad."

"Then, I'll go to Manila."

"No, I won't let you drive to Manila. Take a rest. Ipapahanda ko ang pagkain."

"I'll see you in the library in an hour." His father ordered then left the living
room.

Napapagod na napaupo si McLaren sa sofa. He rested his head at the back rest and
close his eyes. He can feel that his mother is still there, watching him, but after
a while she left him.

It supposed to be a surprise. He wanted to surprise Celine, but he was the one who
got surprised because she wasn't there.

"She said, she's with her friend - Akiko. She's staying at her condo unit next to
yours." His mother informed him while they are eating.

Sinamahan lang siya nito sa hapag. McLaren continue with his foods. Marami na ang
pumapasok sa isip niya sa mga sandaling 'yon. There's something on him that pushing
him to confront his parents, but how the hell he would start it?

How can you confront or accuse a person without even evidence on your hand that
those people are involved with the strange things that's happening to you?

But he really felt like his parents are involved with what's going on on his
dreams.

"Anak, alam kong hindi pa lubusang magaling ang mga sugat mo, kailangan mo pang
magpahinga."

"I'm fine, mom."

"I'll call Celine to let her know that you're here. O ikaw nalang ang tatawag sa
kanya?"

"I'll call her after this."

His mother never left the table and waited for his to finish eating. He can feel
that she's still worried and she really care for him. Normal lang 'yon na reaksyon
ng ina, hindi lang naman sa kanya ganito ito, pati na rin sa dalawa niyang kapatid
kapag napupuruhan dahil sa trabaho.

She always made sure that they are fully recovered before she would let them go out
and do what the fuck they want.

"If there's something bothering you, you can tell us, McLaren."

Napatingin lang siya sa ina. Now, they are in the swimming pool area, McLaren is
puffing with his cigarette.

It's a miracle that his mother allowed him to do that. Kung maninigarilyo silang
magkakapatid, hanggat maaari ay hindi nila ipinapakita sa ina dahil ayaw na ayaw
nito 'yon.

"There's only one thing that is bothering me and I badly need to get rid of this."

"What is it?"

"I don't think you are ready to answer me, mom." His voice held bitterness.

"Why don't you finish smoking and follow me to the library room? We'll talk about
it with your father."

McLaren just nod his head and slowly let out the smoke from his mouth. Naramdaman
niya ang pag-alis ng ina. Hindi niya inakala na sa simpleng patutsada niya, nalaman
kaagad nito ang mensahe sa likod niyon.

He didn't even tell her a single details about his dreams, but she decided to talk
about whatever is bothering him. That dream is bothering him!

After a few minutes, he finished smoking and went to the library room. Naabutan
niya doon ang magulang. His father is sitting darkly on his swivel chair in front
of the long table, on the other chair was his mother. There's also a bottle of
whisky and glasses above the table.

His mother motioned him to the other chair in front of them. McLaren casually sat
and silently took a deep breath. Why it felt like he's sitting on the hot seat? His
parents aren't smiling. They are emotionless, their usual expression whenever they
are in ESO as a boss.

"Heard that you wanna know something." His father started like as if he already
knew where this meeting is heading.

"Yes."

"Do you wanna talk about it now or you prefer to talk about your punishment first?"

McLaren shifted his sitting position. His mind is divided now, but he prefer to
know his punishment before they will proceed to his dreams.

"Tell me my punishment."

His father poured those glasses with whisky. He moved the glass near him, then sip
on his.

"Before that, I want you to know that you are not a failure." His father muttered
formally, playing with the glass on his hand.
Hearing it from his own father made him feel like he wasn't a failure like how he
insisted, like how he seen himself. Iba parin kapag sa daddy niya mismo
nanggagaling ang mga salitang 'yon. Matindi ang dating sa kanya at kaagad na
nawawala ang mga agam-agam niya sa abilidad na mayroon siya.

"I will never see you as a failure, but I always expect a failed mission from my
agents. See the difference."

"And your case was different, McLaren. You caught by the opponent but you still
able to save the client. It wasn't you who failed, but the mission itself." His
mother added, as if clearing his mind, giving positiveness on him.

Maybe, talking to a Psychologist wasn't really enough to remind himself that he

wasn't really a failure. How could it be enough when all that he wanted is an
approval and appreciation from his parents that he's not a failure?

He always want to impress them and be proud of him. Iyon ang isa sa dahilan kung
bakit ang hirap-hirap sa kanyang tanggapin na nabigo siya sa isang misyon dahil
pakiramdam niya nabigo niya rin ang magulang.

But now that they were telling him that he wasn't a failure, it boosted his
confidence quickly.

"I may be your boss but I will never forget that you are my son. You are not just
my agent, you are my son." His father gave stress to those words, to make him
realize how much he mean to him. "You don't need to impress me because I'm already
impressed with what you are now."

McLaren sipped on his whisky to clear his throat. His heart is shamelessly beating
inside his chest because of what he heard. Masaya ang puso niya at lahat ng
pangamba na nararamdaman ay tila unti-unti ng naglalaho. Bumabalik ang kompyansa
niya sa sarili.

That mission did not only affects him physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Those words from his parents left him speechless. They really knew how to talk to
their son. Pakiramdam niya ay alam na alam rin ng mga ito kung paano ibabalik sa
normal ang pag-iisip nila, kung paano ibabalik ang kompyansa nila sa sarili.

McLaren will never deny the fact that whenever they experienced a bloody and brutal
mission, their mental health is also affected. That's the reason why they have
Psychologist to help them cope up with their struggles and silent battles.

"Thanks mom, dad." The only words that slip his lips.

McLaren saw his mother smiles at him, it was a warm smile that melt him.

"The only punishment that you will get is a suspension." His father in a formal
tone this time.

Nakahinga si McLaren sa nalaman. Hindi gano'n kabigat 'yon na ipinagpasalamat niya.

"A one year suspension." His mother added making his eyes wide a bit.

"Say it again," he even moved his chair closer to the table, hoping that he heard
it wrong.

"We will punish you a one year suspension. Wala munang misyon o kahit anong trabaho
na ibibigay sayo ang ESO. Hindi ka rin pwedeng mag trabaho sa ibang ahensya dahil
may kontrata ka sa ESO."

"Are you really serious about this suspension, mom?"

"Do I look like I was joking, McLaren?" His mother arched her eyebrow. "You have
enough savings to provide the needs of Celine and the baby. A year of being jobless
won't hurt your pocket."

McLaren can't believe that his parents will impose a one year suspension in ESO.
Para sa kanya, sobrang tagal niyon! Hindi siya sanay na hindi nagta-trabaho.

"You are not also allowed to enter ESO while your suspension is ongoing. But of
course you are allowed to stay here in our mansion together with Celine and my
apo."

Hindi niya alam kung matatawa o ano. Nanunuyang ngiti ang tanging sumilay sa
kanyang labi. This si ridiculous.

"There's no other option. So, start to deal with it, McLaren. Now, let's talk about
what's bothering you if you don't mind." Medyo may paghahamon sa tinig ng ina. "Ano
ba 'yon, anak?"

His father poured another glass of whisky. His gesture told him that they are so
ready to talk to him about whatever it is he wantes to know. It felt like they were
just waiting for him to confront them.

"I always have this dreams about a little girl... we were together in unfamiliar
place. We were with other kids..."

McLaren silently took another breath. Unti-unting bumibigat ang atmospera. His
parents remain silent and all their attention was on him. It was so hard to share
that things with them for the first time, but he won't waste this chance.

"I wonder if it was just part of my dreams or... did I lose some part of my
childhood memories?" he asked casually, but deep inside his heart is fucking
hammering inside his chest that it hurts.

Chapter 34 - 32 ~ Meaningful
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CELINE tried hard to stop herself from visiting McLaren's unit because it would
only make her miss him. Their memories together there would only makes her sad.
Kahit na masaya naman siya sa mga sandaling 'yon dahil natagpuan niya na ang
nawawalang kapatid, hindi parin niya maiwasan na huwag malungkot dahil sa pag-iisip
kay McLaren.

Even though his mother told her that he will be back soon, Celine can't still help
herself not to miss him. She's being emotional again and she's sure it is also
because of her pregnancy hormones.

Laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, she caress her baby bump. Madalas niyang
kinakausap ang anghel sa sinapupunan na kahit na hindi naman siya nito lubusang
naiintindihan, alam niyang kakampi niya ito at nararamdaman din kung ano ang
nilalaman ng dibdib niya.
"Is it too much to ask for your daddy to come back soon? Ayos lang naman siguro, di
ba? Normal lang naman na hanapin ko siya? Na gusto ko na siyang makasama ulit?"

Why does it felt like the word soon is far from the meaning of it? Sa bawat araw
nang paghihintay, pakiramdam niya ay mas lalong tumatagal ang pagbabalik ni
McLaren.

The fact that she heard that Corvette and Mazda already came back made her feel
really envy to Lexus and Liberty. Mabuti pa ang dalawang babae ay kasama na ang mga
mahal nila, samantalang siya? Heto at naghihintay parin kung kailan ba babalik ang
lalaking mahal.

Dahil na rin siguro sa pangungulila at pag-iisip, hindi namalayan ni Celine na

nakatulog pala siya. Kung ilang oras ay hindi siya sigurado, nagising
naalimpungatan nalang siya nang maramdaman ang mararahan na halik na dumadampi sa
kanyang mukha.

Still sleepy, Celine tried to open her eyes. The dim lights inside the room made
her vision blurred. Sa palagay niya ay gabi na. She's really sleepy that she can
only see a silhouette of a man sitting on the space beside her.

"Hey baby,"

That familiar gentle voice echoed her ears. With the quick changes beating of her
damn heart, she realized it was McLaren who's kissing the side of her lips.

Blinking, Celine opened her eyes wider only to be welcomed with those mesmerizing
orbs that is staring at her. She gasped, very surprised to see him this close. Is
this a dream?

"McLaren?" Her voice is little bit aggressive.

Kinusot niya ang mga mata upang magkaroon pa ng mas malinaw na paningin. Gano'n
parin, it's still McLaren Lane!

"Yeah, I'm finally back." Then he gave her a warm smile.

Celine's heart beat wildly. She couldn't handle it and she didn't want to stop it
though. Tears suddenly pooled her eyes. Lahat ng pangungulila niya ay biglang
napawi ng gano'n nalang.

McLaren chuckled before he felt his thumb gently wipe the tears that flowing down
her cheeks.

"I missed you a lot." He whispered longingly.

Celine bite her lips. Sinubukan niyang bumangon para mayakap ito. McLaren helped
her. They are now both sitting above the bed. Without any more words, she shove
herself on his chest. He locked her with his strong arms, making her feel how much
he missed being with her.

"Hindi ba ako nananaginip? Bumalik ka na ba talaga?" Medyo humihikbi na tanong

niya, mahigpit ang pagkakayap sa katawan nito.

"You're not dreaming. This is real. I'm back."

"I missed you so much. We missed you." She said then chuckled in the middle of
sobbing.
"Namiss ko rin kayo. Hindi na ako aalis. Dito nalang ako sa inyo."

Celine remain silent. Masyado pa siyang nalulula sa pakiramdam na bumalik na ang

lalaking mahal. Gusto niyang damhin ang muli nilang pagkikita. Gusto niyang
mangamba na baka nananaginip lang siya, na baka pinaglalaruan lang siya ng kanyang
isip na kasama niya si McLaren dahil na rin iyon ang gustung-gusto niyang mangyari.

But if this is just a dream, why it felt so real? She can even hear his heartbeat!

"Why it took so long before you come back compare to your brothers?" She curiously
asked after a long while.

McLaren is caressing her back and kissing her head, smelling her hair. It put a
smile on her lips, she really missed being physical with him. Mas iba ang dating
kapag literal silang magkasama. She can feel their connection. She can feel that he
genuinely cares for her.

"Because they finished their job quickly. Aside from that, I needed to extend the
days to make sure that every thing is smoothly fine before I come back home."

"Ayos ka lang ba? Maayos bang natapos ang trabaho mo?"

"I think I'm fine and you don't need to worry. Makakasama kay baby."

Celine pursed her lips when McLaren's one hand travel down to her baby bump, it
stay there as if he's making their little angel feel that he's already with them.
It felt like something warm hit her heart.

"Umuwi ka ba sa mansyon?"

"I went there before I drove my ass here."

"Did they tell you that I'm here?"

"Yeah, I asked for it."

"Gusto mo bang bumalik sa mansyon? Pwede naman."

"No, I want to be away. Will you come with me?"

That question made her forehead knotted. Medyo niluwagan niya ang pagkakayakap at
inangat ang ulo upang magtama ang kanilang mga mata. Kahit na hindi gaano
kaliwanang, nakikita niya na sa totoo lang wala naman kislap ang mga mata nito. But
when he noticed that she's staring at his eyes, he smoothly put some emotions in
it.

"Where?"

"Anywhere as long as I am with you, Celine."

Medyo napanguso siya upang supilin ang ngiti na gusto na namang gumuhit sa labi.
Malambing na ibinalik niya ang ulo sa pagkakahilig sa dibdib ni McLaren.

"Sasama ako."

"Thank you."

"But, can we invite Akiko to visit us?" She asked when she remembered her sister.
"Sure, I don't mind."

Kung kailan niya sasabihin kay McLarena ng tungkol sa kapatid niya, hindi niya pa
alam ngunit sigurado siya na ipapaalam niya ang tungkol doon sa lalong madaling
panahon.

The days went on and Celine found herself inside a private plane that will bring
them to their destination. Bago pa muna sila tuluyang nakaalis sa Maynila ay
kumunsulta pa siya sa doktor para na rin sa ikabubuti nilang mag ina. She have her
vitamins and all that she needs to make her baby healthy.

"We are going to live together then?" Tudyo niya kay McLaren.

He's wearing a leather jacket and black pants. He look snob. Napansin niya na
simula nang dumating ito, medyo dumilim ang awra, hindi katulad noon na medyo
maaliwalas naman.

"As I wanted it to be, yes, we are going to live in one roof from now on."

Though, nagawa na naman nila noon na magsama sa iisang bubong, iba parin 'yung
pakiramdam na tototohanin na nila iyon, parang pangmatagalan na.

"Like a real couple?"

"Yes with a baby." Then he winked, making her blushed.

Gabi na nang makarating sila sa dalawang palapag na bahay hindi kalayuan sa

karagatan. Hindi siya sigurado kung parte parin ba 'yon ng Pilipinas o karatig
bansa na. They are both tired from travelling for hours but the strong desire
between them is just so hard to ignore.

While taking a shower, Celine felt McLaren hug her from behind. Ilang beses na rin
naman na may nangyari sa kanila noong bumalik ito, normal nalang din iyon sa kanya.
Kung tutuusin ay para na silang mag-asawa kung umasta, wala nga lang papel at
singsing na magpapatunay.

Celine bite her lower lip when McLaren hands cupped her breast. The veins at the
back of his hands are so sexy for her that it turns her on just like that. His
thumb play with her twin peaks, while started kissing her shoulder up to her neck.

Her body is starting to heat up. The warm water that flowing down their body is not
enough to kill the fire that is building up.

"Turn around," he whispered behind her earlobe.

Napalunok siya at sinunod si McLaren. From his face, her eyes shamelessly travel
down to his chest and like the first time she saw the scars under it, made her
wonder where did he get those? Alam niyang bago lang ang mga peklat na 'yon, ang
mga tahi, dahil wala naman gano'n ito noon bago umalis.

And it's very obvious that those scars were new. Though he have stitches and scars
in different part of his body, the new stitches at the bottom of his chest really
caught her attention. Paikot iyon hanggang sa likod nito. Hindi niya makuhang
ilarawan kung gaano ba kasakit ang mga 'yon noong sariwa pa. Hindi niya rin lubos
maipaliwanag kung anong klaseng bagay ang sumugat doon.

Celine lifted her hands and caress those stitches, McLaren always let her do it.
Hindi ito nagrereklamo at hinahayaan lang siya. He didn't even flinch the first
time she did it before. Hindi niya rin tinanong kung bakit may gano'n ito, dahil
alam niyang kung gusto ni McLaren pag-usapan ang tungkol sa mga tahi na 'yon,
sinabi na sa kanya.

Even if those stitches were obviously made him miserable, she still find it hot.
Hindi niya alam kung dahil lang ba buntis siya o mahal niya si McLaren, pero ang
mga tahi at iilang scar sa katawan nito ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng kakaiba at medyo
mahalay na paraan na paghanga.

"These scars and stitches looks hot on you though." She whispered softly. "I never
thought that a scar could make someone hot as fuck."

McLaren only smirk, he crouched his head on the side, then watch her face to face.
She can feel her heart is beating rapidly again. His stares always made her feel
uncomfortable in a good way. From her breast, his one hand travel down to her
obvious baby bump.

"I never thought that sharing a life like this with you can be this meaningful.
Having you here with me means a lot to me. You mean so much to me, baby."

Her heart melted just like that. She fall for him again and again just like that.
Stopping herself from crying again because of being emotional, she silently took a
deep breath before she speak.

"Having you here with me made me happy, McLaren."

Nanubig ang gilid ng kanyang mga mata. Hindi rin maawat ang malakas na pintig ng
kanyang puso. Hindi man direktang sabihin, nararamdaman niya ang gustong iparamdam
sa kanya ni McLaren.

Minsan hindi galing sa labi ang mga tamang salita, minsan nakikita natin 'yon sa
mga mata.

He stare tenderly at her, like as if she would gone if he blink. When he gulp, his
adam's apple bobbled up and that's really an eye catching. Kulang nalang ay bawat
maliit na galaw ni McLaren ay sundan ng kanyang mga mata.

If being this in love could make her feel crazy like this, she's willing to love
him more so she could feel the happiness because of loving someone.

Parang suntok sa buwan ang pagmamahal niya... na kahit hindi sigurado kung
masusuklian, ipinagpatuloy niya parin.

When McLaren moved his face closer to hers, Celine close her eyes, waiting for his
lips to touch hers.

A smile curve her lips when he kiss her. She wrap her arms around McLaren's nape
and let herself get drown with his sweet and sensual kiss.

"Umm," she moan lightly when McLaren inserted his tongue inside her mouth.

Their tongue touches each others and exploring around each other's mouth, while his
hands are now roaming around her body. Nakakalunod ang pakiramdam ng pag-aangkin
nila sa isa't-isa, nakakapanghina ng mga tuhod.

Celine parted her legs a bit when McLaren's finger found her sensitive part. He
groaned between their kiss when he felt that she's damn wet already. Kaya tuloy
medyo natigil ang halikan nila, napanguso siya ng bahagya at para ng nalalasing
nang paglandasin ni McLaren ang daliri sa kanyang hiwa.
He watch her turn on face while rubbing his fingers against her wetness. Kapwa niya
ay namunungay na rin ang mga mata nito. Her lips parted when McLaren moved his head
forward until his lips found her ear, he sensually breath on it, making her shiver.

Marahan na iginalaw nito ang daliri na nasa pagkababae niya, ikinakalat ang
likidong inilalabas niya.

"Gusto kong kainin." he whispered, voice very was raspy.

Celine's cheeks heated up when her womanhood throbbed. The fact that he wants to
eat her down there again excites her. Hindi siya mapakali at gustung-gusto na gawin
'yon ni McLaren sa kanya kahit na madalas naman nitong ginagawa iyon.

"Eat me then," mahinang sambit niya, nag-iinit ang pisngi.

She felt his lips form a smirk.

Celine took a delicious sigh when McLaren tracing a kiss from her breast, baby bump
until he kneel in front of her. He's now facing her femininity and the way he stare
at it, looks like he really wanted to have a taste.

He hold her waist and looked up on her. His lashes are thick. Namumungay ang mga
mata. And when he stuck out his tongue, Celine already knew what to do.

She moved her body until her femininity touches his tongue. Umawang ang labi niya
nang maramdaman ang mainit na dila ni McLaren sa kaselanan niya. Slowly, she
started to grind her hips and rub her p*ssy against his tongue.

The bathroom filled with her moans when her move became wild. Damang-dama niya ang
dilang 'yon habang sarap na sarap na ikinikiskis doon ang pagkababae niya. She's so
wet and very turned on. Para na siyang nababaliw sa mainit at nakakakiliting
pakiramdam na hatid ng ginagawa niya.

Its her move that please her. She knew that McLaren is enjoying what she's doing
because she can hear his small moans. Nang magbaba siya ng tingin ay nakapikit ito
at iginagalaw ang dila upang masigurado na nadadaanan ang bawat parte ng kanyang
pagkababae.

Her liquid is all over his lips and tongue, watching him being pleased give her
satisfaction.

"Ohh, McLaren, umm... uhhh..."

Celine keep on grinding against McLaren's tongue, while's he's sucking her cl*t.
Napapahinto siya sa pag-giling kapag sinisipsip na nito ang kuntil na 'yon,
pakiramdam niya ay nawawala siya sa ulirat at napapahiway sa matinding sarap.

"Oh, fuck! Ohh, shit... D-Don't... Ahh, w-wag mong... ohh, s-sipsipin, oh p-please,
suck it more, mm... baby... a-ang sarap..."

Her mind was clouded with lust and pleasure. Mahigpit na napakapit siya sa ulo ni
McLaren nang manginig ang kanyang mga hita dahil sa walang tigil at gigil na
pagsipsip nito sa sensitibong parte ng kanyang pagkababae.

Her eyes shut close and her lips parted when she reached her orgasm. It felt like
her world suddenly stopped.

"McLaren..." she called him softly when she felt him tasting her honey.
"Tang ina, ang sarap..." he cursed hoarsely then continue licking her femininity,
like as if he can't get enough of her.

Chapter 35 - 33 ~ Marry
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

MCLAREN pulled her hair carefully from behind making her tilted her head. His
hardness inside of her was the one that made her moan. He thrust again from behind,
his cock is so hard and she felt that it's throbbing inside, his other hand is wrap
around her waist.

Ang lagaslas ng maligamgam na tubig sa katawan nila ay mas lalo lang nagbibigay
init. Her palms are place at the tiled wall in front of her while her body is bent,
giving McLaren a full access to take her from behind.

"Ohh, ohh!"

Every thrust is deep and hard, but no matter how wild he was, she can still feel
that he's still being gentle by the way his other hand supporting her stomach.
McLaren is breathing and kissing her ear sensually, it made her shiver, she likes
hearing his heavy breathing, it's turns her on.

"Ah, McLaren... mmm...."

Celine legs trembles when McLaren buried his cock deeper that it hit her g-spot.
Her mouth opened, gasping, while feeling his hard member deep inside of her,
claiming her and bring her to her climax.

And when he thrust a little more deeper, her eyes shut close and let her orgasm
explode. She heard him curse sharply before she felt a hot liquid filled her.

Celine smiled when McLaren carried her and put her to the bath tub. Naupo ito sa   
may likuran niya, marahan na ipinulupot ang mga braso sa kanyang bewang at inihilig
ang mukha sa balikat niya.

From there, she can feel his heartbeat. It's faster than usual and it's loud, she
can almost hear it. It felt like their heartbeats are synchronizing, it's like a
music to her ear that she will never get tired of listening.

"Why don't we get married?" McLaren asked, voice was husky.

Napalunok siya, pilit na inuulit-ulit ang mga salitang 'yon sa kanyang isip. She
wasn't sure if she heard it right or maybe her ears were just playing with her
because she knew being tied with him is one of her dream.

Lihim siyang nangangarap parin na balang araw ay papakasalan siya ni McLaren kahit
na para sa kanya ay malabo 'yon dahil hindi naman ito nagtatapat ng totoong
nararamdaman. Ngunit bakit tila nag-iba ang ikot ng mundo? Bakit biglang gusto
nitong magpakasal sila? Tama ba ang pagkakaintindi niya?

Celine remain silent for a long while, still thinking if she wasn't hallucinating.
She realized that she was not when McLaren spoke again.

"Magpakasal tayo, Celine." This time his voice was clearer and gentle.

Celine gasped, still in awe. Ang malakas na pintig ng kanyang puso ang siyang
nagpapagising sa kanya na hindi guni-guni lamang ang lahat ng ito. McLaren Lane is
indeed asking her to marry him!
"T-This is the way you asked for my hands?" Instead, she asked innocently, her damn
heart is beating wildly.

"Baby just say Yes." He sounds a little bit impatient, making her purse her lips.

Is this a modern way of a marriage proposal? No ring? While they are both naked?
And most of all, a marriage proposal after their steamy moment?

McLaren let out a breath when she didn't answer him. Para pa siyang lumulutang sa
ulap at hindi kaagad makasagot kahit na isang salita lang naman ang hinhintay ng
lalaking mahal. It was so easy to say Yes, but her mouth didn't cooperate. Tinatalo
ng malakas na tibok ng puso niya ang mga salitang gustong lumabas mula sa bibig.

She didn't expect him to ask for her hands because he never said that he loves her.
Sa mga sandaling 'yon, kahit hindi niya marinig mula kay McLaren na mahal siya
nito, ramdam na ramdam niya kung ano ang isinisigaw ng puso nito.

"W-Why? Why me?" Curious, she asked.

"Do I really need to answer that?"

"Of course." She answered quickly, almost looking back at him above her shoulder.

"Why a man marry a woman then?" He asked back.

Napairap siya. Now, he was the one who asked him. It was so easy for him to turn
the table and made her answered her own question.

"Because... he love the woman." She simply muttered, her heart is beating crazily.

Isa pa itong puso niya, walang humpay ang pagtibok, hindi siya sigurado kung lihim
ba na nagdidiwang or sadyang ganito lang talaga ang epekto sa kanya ni McLaren lalo
na ang usapan nila ay tungkol sa kasal.

"Exactly."

It looked like he indirectly admitted that he loves her, but she wanted to hear
those three words. Kay tagal niyang lihim na pinangarap na marinig mula kay McLaren
na mahal siya nito... marahil ay ito na ang tamang araw para matupad ang pangarap
niyang 'yon?

"So..." she trail, playing with the bubbles above his muscled arms that is wrapping
around her. "You want to marry me because..."

"... I finally realized that my life wouldn't be the same again without you.
Whenever I think about the future, I always see myself being with you." He
sincerely said, the sounds of his heartbeat is same as hers. "I cannot picture my
future without out you, Celine. Marry me, please..."

Uminit at humapdi ang gilid ng kanyang mga mata bago walang pakundangan na
naglaglagan ang masaganang luha. For years of being with him, finally he confessed
his feelings towards her. It was so surreal, but this is reality, the man that she
secretly love, love her back.

With her blurry vision because of her tears, Celine turned around to face McLaren.
She kneel in front of him and cupped his jaw with her shaky hands. His tantalizing
eyes stare lovingly at her. It was a pure love and devotion. He allowed himself to
show what he feels not only through his words, but also through eyes. He wasn't
holding back, he free his emotions, he let it go without hesitation.
"I thought marrying you would only stay as my dream... I never thought that one day
I will marry you and be with you for the rest of my life." She manage to say those
words through her sobs.

McLaren gently wiped her tears using his thumb. His eyes never leave hers. It was
like as if he was mesmerized by her that he did not even blink.

"Let's spend our life together... let's grow together."

Tumango-tango siya, naglaglagan ulit ang mga luha. She bite her lips to stop
herself from sobbing, but she only ended up pouting it because her tears won't stop
that made it hard for her to control her sobs.

"It's a Yes then?" He asked when she nodded her head, his eyes sparks with hope and
happiness.

"Yes, I will marry you."

"Oh goddamnit." He cursed under his breath before he gently moved his head closer
to hers and kiss her lips.

Sobbing and smiling, Celine kiss back McLaren with all her heart.

IT TOOK another week before every thing is settled for their wedding. Since their
house is not too far to the water falls, napagdesisyunan nilang doon nalang
ganapin. At hindi rin naman siya papayag na maikasal sila ng wala ang kapatid niya,
si Akiko.

Naging abala sila ni McLaren nitong nakalipas na araw kaya hindi niya pa rito
nasasabi ang tungkol sa kapatid niya. Tamang-tama naman na dalawang araw bago ang
kasal, nagkaroon na sila ng oras para mapag-usapan ang iba pang bagay na tungkol sa
buhay nilang dalawa.

Sa totoo lang ay nagugulat pa siya sa mga nangyayari. Ikakasal na sila lahat-lahat,

hindi parin siya masyadong nagiging bukas sa fiance niya tungkol sa pribado niyang
buhay. Inuunti-unti niya pa katulad ng unti-unti rin na pagkukwento sa kanya ni
McLaren sa buhay nito at ng pamilya.

Mula sa balkonahe ng silid nila, tanaw nila ang malawak na bulubundukin na

napapaligiran ng mga kulay berde at nagtatayugang mga puno. Sa loob ng kagubatang
na 'yon ay ang water falls. McLaren brought her there, it's beautiful and very
peaceful.

Celine is laying above the rattan bed, while McLaren is standing near the railing,
holding his beer. It's a hot afternoon and the weather became hotter because of her
view, her fiance is topless and only wearing his boxer shorts. Hindi niya na tuloy
sigurado kung saan ba talaga ibabaling ang mga mata, sa mga puno ba o sa lalaking
mahal niya.

"We had her DNA Test if it's much with me, luckily it was. Akiko is really my
sister." Patuloy niya sa pagkukwento.

McLaren was good in listening. Mas lamang na pinapakinggan siya nito sa mga kwento
niya, magtatanong lang kapag may gustong linawin. She told him how Alex Villegas
found Akiko. For her, the job was impressive, but she can't see any appreciation
from McLaren, it looked like he was used to Alex's job.

Baka dahil na rin siguro sa pareho sila ng trabaho, kaya sanay na itong pakinggan
ang mga matagumpay na misyon kung tawagin.

"But Akiko is not aware about it. Hindi ko pa sa kanya sinasabi na magkapatid kami
at hindi ko alam kung kailan ba pwedeng sabihin?"

"Well I guess, tell it to her as soon as possible. It's her right to know her real
identity. Don't waste any more time, baby." Then he sipped on his canned beer.

When his adam's apple moved, Celine felt like her cheeks rose up. Why does he need
to be this hot while drinking his beer?

Her eyes travel down to McLaren's ripped stomach. Halos mapairap siya sa sarili
dahil ramdam niya ang pag-iinit ng katawan, hindi lang dahil mainit ang panahon
kundi na rin dahil sadyang agresibo ang hormones niya.

Nang bumaba pa ang mga mata niya sa pagitan ng mga hita nito, tuluyang na siyang
napalunok. His bulge is really impressive. Luckily, she's wearing sunglass, McLaren
wouldn't notice that she was feasting on his body.

"Did you like the view?" She heard him asked, there was a hint of sarcasm on his
voice.

Kaya tuloy mabilis na inangat niya ang tingin sa mukha ng lalaking mahal at kinunot
ang noo, nagpanggap na walang ginawang kapilyahan. But McLaren being McLaren, he
wouldn't let this pass, especially that he caught her staring at his bulge.

What kind of eyes does he have by the way? She's wearing a sunglasses, why the hell
he still noticed it?

Celine fake a cough, nakakahiya na nahuli pa siya nito. The side of his lips curved
up when he noticed her uncomfortableness.

"Yeah, I like the view a lot." She answered playfully.

Huh, bakit pa ba siya nahihiya? Magiging mag-asawa na sila at sa kanya naman si

McLaren, kaya ayos lang kung saan bahagi man ng katawan nito dumapo ang mga mata
niya.

When he took a step closer to get near her, she couldn't help but giggled.

"What do you want..." he whispered and slowly position himself above her.

Without removing her sunglasses, McLaren started kissing her face.

"Let's remove this," then he removed down the thin strap of her maternity dress.
"And this..." he unhook her bra, revealing her cleavage. "Better,"

Celine tilted her head when his lips went to her neck. He removed down her dress
together with her bra, exposing her boobs. She can smell his minty breath and the
beer, para siyang nalalasing.

"Mine..." he whispered sensually before she felt him sucking her nipple.

"Ummm," daing niya, nasasarapan.

Heat automatically consumed her body. He's hard already and it's poking her inner
thigh. Napahawak siya sa ulo ni McLaren nang pagsalit-salitan nitong sipsipin ang
matigas niyang dunggot. She's not sure if she already have milk, but when he
continue sucking her nipples every day, there's a chance that her milk come out.
Celine parted her legs a little more and let McLaren removed down her panty. Tumaas
ang mga balahibo niya nang umihip ang mapreskong hangin. The air hit her inner
thigh, it made her shiver. Ngunit sandali lang ang lamig dahil gumapang na sa
pagkababae niya ang daliri ng lalaking mahal at nag-umpisang hagurin ang kanyang
hiwa.

"I thought we are going to talk above our lives..." she managed to say those
between her small moans.

"We have a lot of time to continue it. For now, let me make love with my wife." He
whispered then kiss her baby bump tenderly.

It was so normal for him to call her 'wife' and whenever she heard it coming from
him, her heart is really reacting violently. Dapat ay masanay na siya sa tawag na
'yon sa kanya ni McLaren, he always sounds like he love that endearment.

"Ahh, McLaren... mmm..." bumuka ang kanyang bibig nang ipasok nito ang daliri sa
kanyang loob.

He move his finger inside and out, slowly and sensually. Her wetness is all over
his fingers, she can hear the sounds coming from what he was doing. His thumb doing
his own thing by playing with her little nub. Nang pinaikot nito ang hinlalaki
doon, umangat ang kanyang balakang, nakagat ang labi dahil sa nakakahibong
sensasyon.

McLaren's head going down between her thighs, she couldn't contain her excitement
to feel his tongue again to her femininity. Ngayon na oras-oras na silang magkasama
at hindi naghihiwalay, nasasanay na siya sa tuwing nasa pagitan ng mga hita niya
ang ulo ni McLaren.

He held her ankles and place it above his shoulder. Her hands went to her fiance's
head and urge him to lick her down there, she's so turned on and need more to get
her release.

"Lick na, please..." she cannot even recognize her own voice, she sounds like
begging.

McLaren is making her impatient. Hinahalik-halikan nito ang paligid ng kanyang mga
hita at iniiwasan ang pagkababae niya. It made her annoyed! Sa ilalim ng mainit na
sikat ng araw, magkasalubong ang mga kilay niya. Marahil ay pinamumulahan na rin ng
pisngi. And McLaren being a tease, made her grumpy!

"McLaren!" She almost shouted his name in frustration.

Nang marahan itong natawa, umirap siya.

"My wife is getting impatient..." he teased.

"Just continue what you've started, McLaren."

Natawa ulit ito nang tawagin niya sa pangalan, habang siya ay naiirita talaga.

"You're such a tease." dagdag niya pa. "I am so wet, let me cum. Baby, please..."

"Sure. Cum in my mouth, wife."

With that, he started licking and sucking every part of her femininity. She filled
his ears with her moans.
Chapter 36 - 34 ~ Loopholes

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

TWO days before their wedding, Akiko arrived at their house, followed by McLaren's
parents. Sa totoo lang ay magaan ang mabilisang pagpaplano ng kasal nila. McLaren
was the one who contacted all the people that will organize their reception and all
that they need for their wedding.

It didn't took her so long to choose for the wedding dress that she desire.
Dalawang klase iyon. Isa ay para sa kasal at ang isa naman ay pampalit niya. Gano'n
din si McLaren. She was the one who choose what's best for him and the kind of
tuxedo that will match with hers.

"We want it private and intimate." Celine told Akiko.

They are in the roof top of their house and Akiko is in swimming pool. While she is
in one of the sun lounger, watching the beautiful sunset, her one hand is place
above her round baby bump. Ang kulay kahel na langit ay nakakamanghang bumabalot sa
kapaligiran. Ang nagtatayugang sanga ng mga puno ay marahan na isinasayaw ng ihip
ng bawat hangin.

This place is very peaceful that she's willing to live there forever with McLaren
and their kids, but she also knew that they can't stay there forever because of
McLaren's work, it's in Manila. Hindi niya naman gusto na mananatili siya doon na
hindi kasama si McLaren.

"I apologize for judging McLaren because I thought he wasn't ready to settle down
with you."

"Yan din ang akala ko. He's not a showy person, I never thought that he would ask
my hands, akala ko sa pangarap ko lang mangyayari ang gano'n."

"So, how did he propose? Lumuhod ba?" Agresibong tanong ng kapatid.

Remembering how McLaren ask for her hands made her cheeks rose up. It wasn't a
proper way of a marriage proposal but that was unique and she wouldn't forget that
moment.

"Hindi siya lumuhod." Napahagikhik siya at umiling.

"Ano lang?"

"He asked for my hands after our steamy moments inside the shower room."

Akiko lifted her eyebrows. Her chinky eyes is teasing her.

"It's normal for us especially that we are living together." Medyo depensa niya
nang magpatuloy sa panunukso sa kanya ang kapatid. "And it was unexpected wedding
proposal. Wala man lang palipad hangin, deretso niya akong inayang magpakasal sa
kanya."
"Dapat lang na pakasalan ka niya 'no. Isusumpa ko siya kung hindi."

Natawa siya doon. Magaan ang pakiramdam niya na kasama si Akiko pero medyo
nakakaramdam din siya ng kaunting lungkot dahil hinid niya pa rito maamin ang totoo
nilang koneksyon.

"So, let's talk about you naman. What's new?"

Umahon si Akiko sa tubig. She's wearing a one printed one piece and she noticed
that she gain weight. Naupo ito sa katabi niyang sun lounger.

"I feel like my life went back to normal. Hindi na ako binibisita ng mga malalabong
panaginip at wala na rin sumusunod sa akin. I was not even sure if I was just
hallucinating about someone is following me, pero simula nang dumating si Alex sa
buhay ko, pakiramdam ko ligtas ako."

Nahabag siya sa kapatid. Akiko was comatose before because of an accident. Isa rin
na pinagtakhan niya noon ay mas nauna nitong nakilala si McLaren, at aaminin niya
na minsan niya itong pinagselosan.

Now that she remember those things, it made her curious again. Paano nagkakilala
ang dalawa? She never ask Akiko about that, hindi niya rin tinangka na tanungin si
McLaren, pero sa mga sandaling 'yon, nauuhaw siyang malaman kung paano.

"It seems like Alex save you from your nightmare?"

"Parang gano'n na nga. He's really my savior."

"Uh, I was just curious, how did you meet McLaren?"

"Oh, that..." Akiko sipped on her juice again.

"Yeah,"

"I met him through his other friend as far as I remember before my accident
happened."

"So..." Celine trailed. Bumangon siya sa pagkakahiga at naupo nalang, nakaharap sa

kapatid. "Hindi mo naaalala ang mga eksaktong detalye kung paano kayo nagkakilala?"

"Unfortunately, yes, I can't remember clearly my life before the accident. The
doctor said I lose some of my memories. Mahirap tanggapin noong una, pero kalaunan
tinanggap ko na rin."

Napabuntong hininga siya at kusang gumalaw ang kanyang mga paa upang lapitan si
Akiko para yakapin. Akiko let out a short laugh because of her gesture, but she hug
her back.

"I know and I can feel that you're worried about me, but I assure you I am really
fine. This is the life that God gave me, I will embrace this life. I will live this
life the way it should be." Akiko said calmly, she saw the small smile on her lips.

"Gano'n naman talaga, di ba? Hindi lahat ng daan ay pulido, minsan kailangan natin
daanan at lagpasan 'yung mga lubak kahit na gaano pa 'yon kahirap. And I am so
proud of you because you are strong enough to survive those obstacles that tried to
block your way." Celine muttered emotionally and proudly.

"Katulad nang kung paano natin lagpasan ang mga pagsubok ng buhay kahit pa gaano
pang sakit ang idulot n'yon sa atin." Ani Akiko.
"Pero alam natin pareho na sa huli, naghihintay sa atin ang kasiyahan na inilaan
para sa'tin. After all those struggles that we've been through, it won't hurt if
we'd ask for our own happiness... because we deserve it."

"Exactly! That's why we are here... we are celebrating our happiness." Akiko
chuckle through her tears.

Nang makikita na naluluha ang kapatid, napanguso siya dahil mabilis siyang nahawa
sa tahimik na pag-iyak na 'yon. She can feel the real connection between them and
she won't deny that she knew that Akiko felt it too.

"Why do I always feel like we knew each other for so long..." Akiko asked, sobbing.
"I can feel the strong and deep connection between us. It's so strange."

And she's right, Akiko felt it. It's their blood that connects them. Nangingibabaw
sa kanila ang malakas na lukso ng dugo kahit pa noong hindi niya pa alam na
magkapatid sila. Ngayon na napatunayan niya na magkapatid sila, mas lalong umigting
ang koneksyon sa pagitan nila.

"I can feel our connection even before. I thought I was the only one who felt it.
It was so strange to feel like that with someone you just met, but I believe that
every little thing that happens with someone has something to do with their lives."
Celine's voice almost cracked. "In our case, I realized that... our deep connection
isn't just because we are friends, isn't just because we trust each other. It is
because there was a deeper meaning to what we are feeling towards each other,
Akiko."

She was always ready to confess with Akiko. She expected it to be emotional and she
was right. Hindi pa naman talaga siya lubusang nagsisimula, patuloy na ang paghulog
ng luha sa kanyang pisngi. Akiko is crying also. They are both crying because they
both feel the longing to deep inside of them.

It was very painful to be away with someone who became part of your life. There
were a lot of reason why she's hurting at that moment even though she already with
her sister. The fact that she can't remember why Akiko suddenly disappeared when
they were a kid, made her heart tears apart.

Nakakapagtaka na wala siyang maalala. Hindi ba dapat ay kahit papaano ay may alam
siya sa nangyari? O kahit maalala niya man lang ang ilang detalye? Pero bakit wala?
Bakit pakiramdam niya ay nabura ang mga ala-ala niya noong kabataan niya?

If her father didn't tell her about her lost sister, she wouldn't know. If her
father didn't blame her why her sister was missing, she wouldn't know.

Some times, it made her think that maybe her life was just a big joke... that
people around her was just playing with her, because she honestly didn't have an
idea about her childhood memories. It felt like... those memories slipped away and
never came back.

"What are you talking about? What do you mean, Celine?" Akiko asked, wiping her
tears.

Bahagya silang naghiwalay mula sa pagkakayakap upang makita ng malinaw ang isa't-
isa. They even laugh at each other because they are crying with no specific reason.

Sa mabagal na paglubog ng araw ay unti-unti rin na dumilim ang paligid ngunit bago
pa sila tuluyang balutin ng kadiliman, kusa nang bumukas ang mga ilaw na nakapligid
doon. It was an automatic lights that when the sunset went down, the dim lights
were starting to show up.

The colorful lights under the water are giving them a dramatic vibes. The cold
breeze from the trees made them shiver but in a relaxing way.

Celine holds Akiko's hands, she squeeze it lightly. Her heart is booming inside her
chest, she isn't nervous to tell Akiko about their real connection, instead she's
very excited to finally let those words inside her head out and be heard.

"Katulad mo, nagtataka rin ako kung bakit masyado tayong malapit sa isa't-isa na
halos kulang nalang ay aminin natin sa mga tao na magkapatid tayo, so they wouldn't
question our closeness anymore. But the truth about all of these is because we are
really a... sister... by blood."

Celine didn't know how did she manage to tell those words without breaking into
tears. Isang bagay na naramdaman niya ay gumaan ang lahat sa kanya. Ang mga naipon
na salita ay nailabas niya ng maayos.

Akiko was stunned. Ilang minuto itong nakatingin lang sa kanya at hindi
nagsasalita, animo pilit na isinasa-isip pa ang mga sinabi niya. She understand
Akiko's reaction, hindi madaling paniwalaan ang lahat ng 'yon ngunit iyon ang
totoo.

"H-How did it happen? I mean, umm, a-are you serious? Because I am about to believe
in you."

Celine sighed, at least Akiko tried hard to stay calm as possible.

"I am not joking. I have proofs that we are really a sister. Magkapatid tayo,
Akiko."

"I don't understand, Celine." Umiling-iling ito, litong-lito.

Sinundan niya ng tingin ang kapatid nang tumayo, nakaharap sa kanya, sa likod ay
ang swimming pool.

"I will make you understand our situation. But, are you ready to hear more
details?"

"Of course! I want to know all of it because I am so tired living my damn life
alone. Kung hindi pa dumating si Alex sa buhay ko, baka naloka na ako."

Gusto niyang mapairap dahil binanggit na naman nito si Alex at ibinida. Sabagay,
ganon yata talaga kapag in love. May pagkukulang din naman siya kay Akiko dahil
naging abala siya sa buhay niya nitong nakalipas na buwan.

"Well, just remain calm and I will tell to you."

"I may need some wine." Akiko requested. "... you know to keep me calm. My heart
won't stop beating so loud. Crazy."

Natawa siya doon at imwinestra sa kapatid ang mini bar doon. Akiko shrug her
shoulder and walk towards there. Ilang sandali pa ay bumalik na may dalang bote ng
wine at sariling wine glass.

"You are not allowed to drink anything that consist with alcohol, so just sit back
and tell me a story."

"Alright," Celine shrugged off.

Akiko started pouring her glass of wine. Nanatili itong nakatayo at naghihintay na
marinig ang mga sasabihin niya. It made her smile watching her sister trying to be
relaxed. Akiko is on her white robe.

"I honestly can't remember clearly my childhood memories, but you know I have this
weird dreams being with other kids, in a strange place. Surely, it wasn't here.
Pero hanggang doon lang ang naaalala ko. I don't even know if it's true or just a
random dreams?" Then sipped her wine.

Napalunok si Celine nang marinig iyon. She knew that Akiko is dreaming about weird
dreams because she told it to her before, but she wasn't aware that her sister was
dreaming about being with other kids.

Isn't a coincidence that they have the same dreams like McLaren's?

"It wasn't here. It was in Romania." She muttered, making Akiko paused from sipping
her wine.

Naging alerto ang mga mata nito at dali-daling umupo sa tabi niya. She even put her
glass above the table near them.

"Are you sure? How did you know? Who told you?"

"I told you the proofs are in my hand. Pinahanap kita, pinaimbestigahan ang mga
nangyari. Fortunately, the person who was assigned with the investigation is
clearly expert in doing it. Mabilis ka niyang nahanap, masaya ako na hindi umabot
ng ilang taon."

"And then?" Akiko is very interested.

Ngayon, hindi na siya sigurado kung sasabihin niya na na-kidnap ang kapatid noong
bata pa? She's worried that it would affect Akiko even though it was already in the
past.

"Ang sabi sa imbestigasyon, noong bata ka pa, na-kidnap ka..." nahinto siya nang
suminghap ang kapatid at lumapit pa lalo sa kanya na para bang may kukuha dito.

Celine took a sigh again and hold her sister's hands.

"Don't worry, you are now safe. At ligtas tayo dito."

"Uhh, na-kidnap pala ako. Ang creepy pala ng childhood ko! What happened next?"

"The syndicate brought all the kids in Romania. According to the police reports,
they were at least five Asian-blood kids who were part of that Kidnap-for-ransom.
Galing sa mayayamang pamilya. While the syndicate was waiting for the money from
the kids' family, they used the kids to get money from other people. They taught
them how to do that pickpocket. They became thieves in Europe."

That's written in the reports that Private Investigator Alex Villegas sent her.
Ilang araw niyang binasa ang lahat ng 'yon at talagang detalyado. Lahat ay galing
sa mapagkakatiwalaang source pati na rin sa mga otoridad. Ang hindi lang naisama ay
ang pangalan ng mga batang kinidnap noon, marahil ay hindi na 'yon sakop ng
imbestigasyon para sa kapatid.

"Pickpocket? I don't know how to do it without being caught!"

"Because you forgot it. And you were just an innocent kid when that happened."
"Paano ako nakaligtas? Sino ang nagligtas sa akin? Nagbigay ba ng pera ang magulang
natin? Oh, wait, where are they?"

Sa huling tanong na 'yon ni Akiko, nakaramdam si Celine nang lungkot sa kanyang

dibdib. Hindi napigilan na gumuhit ang malungkot na ngiti sa kanyang labi na kaagad
naman nakuha na kapatid.

Akiko nodded her head, telling her that she understand her. Lumitaw din ang lungkot
sa mga mata nito sa ideyang wala na silang magulang. They are both longing for it,
if only she could bring back the past, she would, so she could be with her parents
again.

"Dad passed away just last year. He was looking for you. Sobrang sakit na makita
siyang nag-aagaw buhay habang sinasabi sa akin ang mga huling habilin niya. Ngayon
na natagpuan na kita, alam kong sobrang saya niya kung nasaan man siya ngayon."

"I wish we could bring back the time, so we could spend our life with our parents."
There was sadness in Akiko's voice, it kicked something inside her chest.

"But life is not all about giving what you want, some times it would take you away
from the things that you really want."

Bilang magiging magulang na, wala pa man ay alam niya ng sobrang sakit mawalay sa
anak. Paano pa kaya ang sakit na naramdaman ng magulang niya nang mawala si Akiko
sa mga ito? Kaya pala gano'n nalang ang galit sa kanya ng ama, siguradong masyadong
nasaktan sa biglaang pagkawala ng kapatid niya.

Lahat ng galit at sakit ay sa kanya ibinunton, siya ang sumalo ng lahat ng 'yon.
Sinalo niya kahit ramdam niya sa sarili na wala naman siyang kasalanan sa pagkawala
ng kanyang kapatid noon.

If only she could remember her childhood memories, maybe there was a big chance
that she could defend herself from her father's accusations.

"Hindi malinaw kung sino ba talaga ang nag ligtas sayo. Hindi 'yon nakasulat sa
report na ibinigay sa'kin. I was very confused with the other report about other
kids, dalawa lang doon ang siguradong nailigtas ng isang pribadong grupo."

"So, the other kid should be me?" Akiko is confused, too. "Isa ako sa dalawang
nailigtas?"

"Uh, yes I think so." Medyo alangan na sagot niya.

"At sino kaya ang isa?"

"I don't know?"

"At nasaan na 'yung tatlo pa? Lima kami, di ba?"

"Ang sabi ng imbestigador, buhay naman daw ang mga nakasama mo noon. Maliban sa
isa."

Napayakap si Akiko sa sarili, animo kinilabutan. Natawa lang siya, medyo creepy nga
talaga ang childhood ng kapatid niya, kahit siya ay kinikilabutan noong mabasa ang
report na ibinigay sa kanya ni Alex.

But, there was missing in Alex Villegas' report. May hindi malinaw doon. Kung isa
si Akiko sa dalawang batang siguradong nailigtas ng pribadong grupo na 'yon, paano
ito napunta sa kinilalang magulang?

The fact that Akiko's foster parents were living in Europe when they found her
sister, made her really, really confused. They just moved in the Philippines a
years after they found her.

Thinking about those loopholes gave her headaches. Mas mabuti pang wag niya ng
isipan pa. Ang mahalaga ay magkasama na sila ng kapatid niya.

"I guess, I need to express my gratitude to those people who saved me from those
bad guys? Where can we find them?"

"I will ask the investigator if we can find them."

"Your investigator is impressive, huh." Akiko smile cutely.

Celine rolled her eyes. Bakit ba hindi niya kaagad muna ipinaalam kung sino ang
magaling na imbestigador na 'yon?

"Kilala mo siya."

"Talaga?" Akiko eyes sparked in excitement. "Alex is an investigator but I don't

think he would..." Lumaki lalo ang mga mata nito na parang may natanto. "... oh,
no, no... don't tell me... it was... h-him..."

"Yes, it was Private Investigator Alex Villegas."

Akiko's lips parted in surprise. Napapailing nalang siya sa pagkabigla nito. At

sino nga ba ang hindi mabibigla?

"Please, if you have other bomb to drop in front of me, drop it na. This day is
already too much. Knowing all of these made me so tired... but at the same time, I
am very happy to finally reunite with you, my dear sister."

"I feel the same. Welcome back, sis." She smiled and embrace Akiko.

Chapter 37 - 35 ~ Cleopatra

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

NANG makabalik sila ni Akiko sa loob ng bahay ay naabutan nila sa living area ang
mommy ni McLaren na kausap si Alex na hindi nila namalayan na dumating na rin pala.
After her confession to Akiko, they stayed in the swimming pool area for another
hour for their never ending talks about life.

Talaga ngang magkadugo sila dahil sa sobrang komporable nila sa isa't-isa, kaya
nilang mag-usap ng ilang oras na hindi nauubusan ng topic. Holding each other's
hand with smile on their lips, they walked towards the two.

Napatayo si Alex nang makita silang paparating, habang nakangiti naman ang soon to
be mother-in-law niya sa kanila. Valerie Lane's aura is lighter now. Blooming ito
at ang ngiti ay ramdam niyang totoo dahil umaabot iyon sa mga mga nito.
"You're here na pala." Akiko released her hand to give a kiss to Alex.

"Yes, just arrived." Then Alex place his hand on Akiko's waist, before he greet
her. "Good to see you again, Celine."

"Same here." She smiled and took a glance to McLaren's mother.

"Dinner is almost ready. Let's just wait to my husband, he's in the library room
with our sons."

"Ayos lang po. Hindi pa namin kami nagugutom. Uh," She's very excited to tell
everyone her connection with Akiko. Hindi niya lang alam kung paano nga ba
uumpisahan?

"Yes, hija?" Momma Valerie sounds like she's urging her to talk more.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Akiko at nagkangitian bagot tumango sa isa't-isa bilang

senyales na hindi na sila magpapaliguy-ligoy pa.

Naupo si Celine sa kabilang sofa, gano'n din si Akiko, tumabi kaagad dito si Alex
at hinawakan pa ang kamay ng kapatid niya. Now that the two is being showy, it made
her think about her McLaren. Gusto niya mang hintayin na matapos ang usapan ng mag-
a-ama para sabay-sabay na ipaalam sa mga ito ang tungkol sa kanila ni Akiko, kaya
lang ay hindi na siya makapaghintay.

"Umm, may sasabihin po kasi kami ni Akiko sa inyo. Sobrang importante po ito para
sa amin." Panimula niya. Momma Valerie just nod her head, giving her time to talk.

Celine took a deep breath and smiled after. Hindi talaga mapawi ang ngiti sa labi
niya, gano'n din si Akiko.

"After a long years of wondering, a long years of being clueless about what really
happened when we were a kid, I'm lucky that I finally found the answers for my
questions. Masaya po akong ipaalam sa inyo na... si Akiko po ang nawawala kong
kapatid."

Nakita niya ang manghang pagsinghap ng mommy ni McLaren, her lips is parted, too.
Nagsalit-salit ang tingin nito sa kanya at kay Akiko, mangha parin. Pagkatapos ay
unti-unting gumuhit ang magandang ngiti sa labi.

"I honestly thought that Akiko's your sister because of the big resemblance, hindi
maipagkakaila. Now that you finally confirmed it, wala akong masabi. My instinct is
always right. Congrats to both of you, you finally found each other after a long
years."

"Salamat po," halos magkasabay pa nilang nasabi iyon ni Akiko, kaya naman bahagyang
natawa silang apat.

"Alam na ba ito ni McLaren?"

"Nabanggit ko na po sa kanya ang tungkol dito. Naghihintay lang din po siya na

aminin ko kay Akiko ang pagiging magkapatid namin."

"That's good. Thank you for being honest to my son, Celine. As a mother, I really
appreciate it."

Her heart isn't heavy anymore. Sa mga sandaling 'yon, pakiramdam niya ay wala na
siyang mahihiling pa. Kasama niya na ang kapatid at kasama niya pa ang lalaking
mahal, wala na siyang ibang makita pang rason para hindi lubusang sumaya.
She felt like everything that she wants and needs are already with her. A kind of
life that she's been dreaming to have.

Makalipas ang ilan pang sandali, nakita na nilang pababa ng hagdan ang mag-a-ama.
Corvette is carrying baby X, Lexus is beside him. Mazda is holding Liberty's hand
carefully.

Her eyes went to McLaren, their eyes met effortlessly. The moment he saw her, is
the same moment a smile escaped his lips. Uh, that cool smile made her heart jump a
bit.

"Hey there," McLaren kissed her forehead and sat beside her, then grab her hand,
brought it to his lips.

He's very touchy, she knew it, but now that they are in front of their family, she
can't help but to feel shy. Hindi pa ba siya masasanay? Parang normal naman ang
gano'n? Tinignan niya isa-isa ang mga kasama, magkakadikit at halos magyakap pa nga
ang iba.

Mazda is possessively caressing Liberty's baby bump. Alex is whispering something

to Akiko who's just rolling her eyes. While Corvette is simply smelling Lexus's
hair, baby X is above his lap, playing with his fingers and giggling.

And of course, Momma Valerie is hugging her husband's one arm while watching all of
them being clingy to their partners.

"Hindi parin ako makapaniwala na ikakasal na ang bunso natin, Carlie. I thought
marriage wasn't on his mind."

Celine giggled when she heard McLaren's groan. Halos isubsob nito ang mukha sa leeg
niya, alam na hindi mapipigilan ang ina sa mga gustong sabihin.

"At saan ba nagmana ang mga anak mo ng pagiging clingy? Look, kulang nalang itali
ang mga sarili nila sa partner nila." Valerie Lane looked at her sons, forehead
knotted. "Hindi ka naman ganyan sakin. You're not clingy."

"But you are." Carlie Lane answered shortly. And that's an obvious answer.

"Ako pala ang clingy." Sabay hagikhik.

"I'm hungry." McLaren whispered.

Napairap siya. Hindi siya sigurado kung anong klaseng gutom ba ang tinutukoy nito o
baka naman siya lang ang nag-iisip ng kahalayan.

"Kumain na tayo. Hinihintay lang namin kayo matapos sa meeting. Ano ang pinag-
meeting-an niyo?"

"I'll tell you later."

"May sasabihin din ako sayo." May ngiti sa tono niya dahilan kung bakit umahon ang
mukha ni McLaren galing sa kanyang leeg.

He rested his chin above her shoulder, his hand is place above her stomach,
slightly caressing her there.

"What is it?"
"Nasabi ko na rin ito sa mommy mo kanina."

"Mommy natin." He insisted.

"Okay, nasabi ko na kay mommy natin."

"There, much better. When are you going to tell it to me?"

"Ngayon sana? Para alam din nila?" tukoy niya sa mga kasama.

McLaren pursed his lips, like as if he already knew what she's about to tell.

"Spill it, baby. I'll be right here." He urged her and kissed the side of her lips.
"By the way, I'm happy for you and Akiko."

There, she was right. McLaren already knew what she's talking about and he seems
like he expected it since Akiko is here. Kaya hindi na rin siya nagsayang ng oras
na magtapat sa kapatid.

"Everyone, my wife has something to tell. This is very important to her, so listen
carefully." McLaren announced, proudly addressing her as his wife.

Kaya tuloy imbes na kalmado lang pintig ng kanyang puso, naghumerentado iyon sa
loob ng kanyang dibdib dahil sa endearment sa kanya ni McLaren na hanggang sa mga
sandaling 'yon ay hindi parin siya sanay at malaki ang impact sa kanya. Sobrang
naaapektuhan ang puso niya kapag tinatawag siya ni McLaren na asawa nito. She's
still can't believe they will get married very soon.

Everyone became silent and they are waiting for her to speak. It's awkward but she
could handle it. Importante naman talaga ang sasabihin niya, hindi niya lang
inaasahan na lahat ng atensyon ng mga kasama nila ay ibibigay sa kanya.

"Uh, this is about me and my sister." Celine started, her voice is a little bit
shaky.

Sinulyapan niya si Akiko na ngayon ay hawak ang kamay ni Alex, ngumiti sa kanya ang
kapatid, binibigyan siya ng lakas pa ng loob.

"I just want to personally and formally introduce all of you my real sister,
Akiko." Then she motioned her sister.

Tahimik parin ang mga ito, sinulyapan si Akiko, tapos ay tumango ng bahagya. She
knew it wasn't a big deal for them, their reaction is normal like as if it wasn't
really surprising. Ang tanging medyo napasinghap lang ay si Liberty, mangha, ngunit
hindi naman nagsalita.

"Hello everyone," Akiko greeted merrily and waved her hand cutely. "This is just a
little information but very important, I believe you guys deserve to know this
since my sister, Celine, is going to be part of Lane's family."

"You are also a part of our family, Akiko. You and your sister our now part of us."
Valerie Lane said with a warm smile.

That warm and welcome smile from McLaren's mother, made Celine's heart beat rapidly
for some reason. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na tanggapin ka ng isang pamilya nang
walang halong pag-alinlangan. Valerie Lane just gave her that kind of feeling.

Akiko gasped, there's a controlled tears at the side of her eyes.

"Thank you so much, Madam."

"Call me Tita Valerie, hija. And you know you can also call me Momma, I don't mind
being called Momma especially that I know the person."

Akiko chuckled. "Isn't too much?"

"Oh, I don't really mind. Kung saan ka komportable, it'll be fine."

"You can't adopt Akiko." McLaren said all of a sudden, making her eyebrows
furrowed.

Nagbaba siya ng tingin sa fiance, nakasubsob lang ang mukha nito sa leeg niya.

"Ang seloso mo naman anak!" Sabay tawa ng mommy nito. "We are not going to adopt
Akiko. I just want her and Celine to feel what it feels like to have someone that
you can call as your mother, because..." She paused, then looked at her and Akiko.
"... umm, I did not mean to meddle with your family girls, but would it be nice to
have a mother even though I am not the biological one?"

She heard McLaren groaned. Nagrereklamo sa paraan na gano'n.

But Momma Valerie's idea is very tempting. Sa totoo lang, gusto niya kapag
tinatawag niya itong Momma or Mommy dahil pakiramdam niya nagkaroon ulit siya ng
ina. For Akiko, she can see that her sister love the idea too, but it's so awkward
to admit it.

"I don't mind having another sister." Corvette shrugged off.

"It's cool. Go on, Akiko. Feel free." Mazda urged.

"Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag tinawag mo akong Momma or Mommy ay ako na ang
mommy mo talaga. But as a mother, I'd be happy to guide you. Kayo..." sabay
muwestra nito sa kanya, kay Lexus at Liberty. "I am not your biological mother but
you treat me like I am. Gano'n din si Akiko, right?"

"Right." Lexus simply said.

"Exactly, Momma Val. Masarap magkaroon ng dalawang mommy. So if I were Akiko, I

will agree to this." Liberty wiggle her eyebrows playfully to her sister.

Akiko looks like she's embarrass or what, but her sister is so cute. Napapakamot pa
ito ng bahagya sa may kilay at halos yakapin na ang isang braso ni Alex.

"G-Gusto ko rin po 'yon..." Akiko gave them a small smile. "I almost forgot how it
feels like to have a mother. It's just so sad that... I don't remember having one."
and the sadness on her sister's voice made her heart aches.

Ramdam niya na malungkot talaga ito dahil hindi maalala ang magulang nila o kahit
pa ang kinalakihang magulang. Ano ba ang pakiramdam ng hindi makaalala?

She can relate to her sister at that case because... she can't remember her
childhood memories. And nobody knew about that even McLaren.

"I fully understand. From now on, you and Celine is part of our family. We will
protect you and your sister at all cost." It sounds like as if it's a promise that
no one can break.

"Thank you, Momma Valerie." Akiko whispered softly, absentmindedly playing with her
fingers that intertwined with Alex's.

"Welcome to our family, Akiko and Celine." Momma Valerie's voice was warm, she
looks at them motherly.

After they ate dinner, Celine go straight to their bedroom. Akiko and Alex is in
one room, hindi na siya nagpaka-over protective sa kapatid dahil malaki na naman
ito. Isa pa magkasingtahan naman ang dalawa. Sila nga ni McLaren noon ay nagsasama
sa iisang kwarto ng walang label.

Looking back to their topic an hour ago, she felt more at ease knowing that Lane
family accepted her sister like how they accepted her to be part of their family.
Hindi man sabihin, alam niyang lihim na nangungulila silang magkapatid sa pag-
aaruga ng isang ina o ama. Kaya naman sobrang saya niya talaga na mayroon na silang
matatawag na Mommy sa katayuan ng isang Valerie Lane.

McLaren's mother is really something. Minsan pakiramdam niya may inililihim sa

kanya, minsan naman pakiramdam niya ay parang alam nito ang lahat. McLaren's family
member is really hard to decipher. Sasakit lang ang ulo niya kung pagtutuunan niya
pa ng pansin basahin ang tumatakbo sa isip ng mga ito.

"Sana naman hindi mo lihim na pinagpaplanuhan na takbuhan ako sa araw ng kasal

natin."

Halos mapairap at mangiti siya sa biglang pagsulpot ni McLaren sa kanyang likod.

Yinapos siya nito mula doon, habang abala siya sa pagtingin sa labas ng balkonahe.
It's very dark outside, the stars are shining beautifully at the dark clouds.

"Kapag tinakbuhan kita, parang tinakbuhan ko rin ang kasiyahan ko."

"Oh, was that a punch line?"

"Hindi. Totoo. Hindi kita tatakbuhan."

"Dapat lang. Kahit ang magtangka ay hindi ko papahintulutan."

"Ikaw ba, buo na ba talaga ang loob na pakasalan ako? Remember, I am not very good
in cooking."

"I don't care. I can always cook for you."

"You are the one who will feed me then?"

"Yes. At papakainin mo rin ako." He whispered under her earlobe.

She can smell his minty breath that mixed with alcohol. Napapikit siya nang
umpisahang paulanan nito ng magagaan na halik ang kanyang batok at leeg.

"Papakainin kita..." uminit ang pisngi niya nang iba ang maisip.

Lihim na kinastigo niya ang sarili dahil sa kahalayan.

"Papakainin mo ako ng pagkain na hindi nakakabusog pero masarap..." dugtong nito na

nagdagdag lang ng kahalayan sa isip niya. "Gusto ko araw-araw."

McLaren was obviously talking to something else and it's not a real food!

"Araw-araw ka naman kumakain, ha. Pati nga gabi bago ka matulog."

She giggled when McLaren chuckled.

"Papakainin mo ulit ako mamaya?" He teased and kissed her cheek.

"Yes,"

"Then let's go to bed. Let's remove your clothes and part your legs for me."

It's a good thing that she's done taking a shower! McLaren is very aggressive in
bed.

"... or here. This will be fine." he muttered and let her sit above the cleopatra
vintage sofa just near the bed.

And when McLaren kneel down, Celine bite her lower lips. His eyes were burning from
so much desire, aside from that his face is reddish, a sign that he's a little bit
drunk.

Kinuha nito ang isang binti niya at masuyong hinalikan pataas. She's giggling
because his feathery kisses tickles her. The hem of her dress is now on her thighs,
her underwear is showing.

She shamelessly parted her legs, like as if inviting McLaren to devour her inner
thighs. He looked at her behind his lashes, there's a smirk on his lips.

"Pakiss..." tapos ay isinubsob ang mukha sa pagkababae niya, hinalikhalikan siya

doon.

Ang telang tumatabing sa kaselanan niya ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng desperasyon. She

wanted to remove her panty to feel McLaren's lips on her private part. Kaya lang ay
tinatablahan siya ng hiya.

"Umm baby..." tawag niya dito nang tudyuin ng dila ang sentro ng kanyang pagkababae
kahit na may manipis na tela pa doon. "Remove my panty... please..."

"How about this?" He carefully pulled her lacy panty on the side, revealing her
femininity.

Nang magbaba siya ng tingin ay naabutan niya si McLaren na nakatitig sa pagkababae

niya. He licked his lips sexily, the view turns her on.

Celine lips parted when McLaren's breath hit her inner thighs.

And when McLaren stuck out his tongue, she gasp in excitement.

Her mouth opened while watching him playing with her cl*toris using the tip of his
tongue. Pinaikot-ikot nito ng mabagal ang dila sa parteng 'yon, na nagpaungol sa
kanya.

Chapter 38 - 36 ~ Love
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

KNEELING above the cleopatra sofa, Celine continue moaning while McLaren is
deliciously thrusting from behind.

He possessively holding her waist, she can hear his small moans and groans that
became music to her ears. Their sexy moans combined that helps her to reach the
edge. Every thrust was deep and a little bit hard.

Kung hindi hawak ni McLaren ang magkabila niyang bewang, tiyak na uurong siya ng
uurong at baka mawala pa sa balanse. McLaren knew how to drive her insane and at
the same time keeping her safe with that position.

"Ahh, ahh... mmmm, ohhh! Ohh!"

Mas tumatagal lang ang pagtatalik nila kapag nakainom si McLaren kaya inasahan niya
na pagkatapos sa sofa na 'yon, dinala siya nito sa ibabaw ng kama. Laying there,
she watched him stripping all his clothes until he's naked.

His body always made her drool even before, his ripped muscles were in a right
place and every angle is immaculate. Not to mention his hot tattoos and those scars
in some part of his body. And when she lower down her gaze to his torso, she gulped
thirstily.

That sexy v-line always caught her. Idagdag pa ang iilang ugat na natural na
naglalabasan, pababa. Muli siyang napalunok nang makitang buhay na buhay ang
pagkalalaki nito. Handang-handa na naman sa pangalawang bakbakan, sa mga sandaling
'yon, sa ibabaw naman ng kama. It's more comfortable for her because her stomach is
getting big, she'd rather lay her back than in any other position.

Smiling naughtily at her soon-to-be-husband, Celine grab her boobs and slowly
massage them. McLaren's eyes automatically dropped there, then he sighed, like as
if it made him so weak.

And when she play with her nipple using her thumb while staring seductively at him,
McLaren made his way above her. He lower his head to kiss her stomach, it made her
paused because the feeling made her melt.

He's so sweet that even just a simple kiss to her stomach, affects her so much. She
can feel his love, it's so genuine.

"Medyo mahapdi minsan..." aniya nang umpisahang halik-halikan ni McLaren ang ibabaw
ng kanyang dibdib. "... nagkakaroon na ng gatas. I noticed this morning."

"Yeah?" He looked up to see her face, there's a sly smile on his lips.

Gusto niyang mapairap. Alam niya ang mga gano'n ngitian ni McLaren. Parang mas
excited pa nga ito na magkagatas siya kesa sa kanya. He constantly check her and
her body. He likes seeing the changes of her body because of her pregnancy.

"Yes. It's normal. I need more milk for our baby."

"How about me?"

Ikinunot niya ang noo. "What about you?"

"I need milk, too."

Mas lalo niyang ikinunot ng ulo, hindi na sigurado kung biro lang ba 'yon o
seryoso? But watching his face, McLaren seems like he's damn serious.

"I don't think you'd like my milk."

"Why not?"

"Are you going to push it talaga?" Tinawanan niya ito, hindi makapaniwala na
seryoso talaga na matikman pati gatas niya! "I can make you a glass of milk if you
like..."

"Gusto ko 'yung sayo." Then he started kissing her boobs again.

"Sigurado ako hindi mo magugustuhan ang lasa."

"Let's see then."

With that, she saw him suck her nipple, making her bite her lower lip. Ilang
pagsipsip palang ang ginagawa nito, nararamdaman niya na naman ang pag-iinit ng
katawan. She knew that he just want to taste her milk, but the way he suck her
nipples, made her so horny.

"McLaren..." mahinang tawag niya sa pangalan ng lalaking mahal sa hindi tiyak na

dahilan.

"I need to suck more to release the milk." He informed her casually.

Uminit ang mukha nang ipagpatuloy nito ang pagsipsip sa magkabilang dunggot niya
habang siya ay talagang iba na ang pakiramdam. She wanted more... she wanted to
feel him inside of her while he's busy doing that sucking.

"Uhh, I wanna feel you." She muttered softly and move her hips to meet his hard
member.

When she heard McLaren chuckled between sucking her nipple, made her very
embarrassed. Ngunit hindi siya nagpadaig sa kahihiyan. She moved her hand and
caressed his cock.

Nang medyo napahinto ito, alam niyang naapektuhan sa paghaplos na ginawa niya.
Celine smirked and continue caressing his manhood. She even use her two hands to
fully accommodate his impressive length.

McLaren finally looked up on her when she place his tip on her entrance. Biting her
lips cutely, she watched his face while she slowly putting his manhood inside of
her. His face is stoic but it changes when he's already inside of her.

Pareho nilang naramdaman ang kakaibang sarap ng pag-iisa ng kanilang katawan. Her
heart is beating loudly again because of their eye contact.

"Naughty..." he whispered and shook his head, amused.

"Nauna na ang honeymoon natin." She murmured, smiling. Nanunukso. "Araw-araw at

gabi-gabi ang honeymoon natin." Sabay hagikhik niya.

"Because I love being one with you."

"Same here." Kinindatan niya ito.

McLaren started to move in and out slowly and in a gentle way. Kaya tuloy ramdam na
ramdam niya ang kahabaan nito na dumudulas sa kanyang loob. Napapaawang ang kanyang
labi at nawawala na naman sa sarili dahil sa sarap at kiliti na dulot ng pag-iisa
ng katawan nila.

McLaren lowered his head until his lips reached hers. Her parted lips was waiting
for a kiss.

"Mahal kita... sobra..." he whispered gently, making her stomach fluttered.

She opened her eyes and their eyes met just like that. She got butterflies on her
stomach, those flying butterflies almost reached her heart. It was so overwhelming
hearing those words from him. He rarely tells her that he loves her, but every time
he does, her heart react violently.

Kailangan niya pang suminghap para lang pakalmahin ang pagwawala ng tibok ng
kanyang puso.

"Mahal din kita... sobra." she whispered back, the side of her eyes watered.

He's breathing started to became heavy and his eyes sleepily and drunkly staring
back at her. There's a growing whisker on his jaw that tickles her every time it
touches her skin.

"I'm sorry because it took me so long to finally admit my love for you. If there
was an event that I've hurt your feelings, I apologize, baby."

Hinaplos niya ang panga ni McLaren, nangingiti sa kabila ng nalalapit na pagbagsak

ng mga luha. She's being emotional again.

"My jealousy was the one that hurts me before."

"Selosa..." he whispered, then kissed her lips.

Napanguso siya. Nang maisip na si Akiko ang unang babaeng pinagselosan niya,
nahihiya na siya sa sarili dahil kapatid niya pala! Akiko will never betray her.
She's just so jealous.

"Siguro hindi na ako magseselos ng gano'n kapag kinasal na tayo kasi alam kong sa
akin ka..."

"At hindi ka na rin dapat magselos dahil... ikaw lang ang mahal ko."

Uminit ang pisngi niya, hindi na napigilan ang makaramdam ng kilig.

"Paki-ulit nga po 'yung sinabi mo..." malambing na request niya pa, inanggulo pa
ang ulo upang malinaw na marinig ulit ang sinabi ng lalaking mahal.

McLaren almost rolled his eyes, he knew that she just want to hear him again and
again telling her how much he loves her.

He kissed the side of her lips, then thrust deeper, making her mouth open a bit
because of the sensation.

"You are the only one that I love. I will always keep falling in love with you
until we get older." He whispered lovingly before he continued thrusting inside and
outside of her.

A smile escaped her lips and freed herself to feel the sweet sensation of being one
with him again.

MCLAREN is possessively hugging her, not wanting to let her go. Natatawa nalang
siya dahil ito lang ang hindi nito gusto ang ideya na hindi sila magkasama matulog
sa gabing 'yon. Kinabukasan ay araw na ng kasal nila, maayos na ang lahat. Tuluy na
tuloy na talaga. Oras nalang ang hinihintay.

"That's pamahiin, you can't just break it, McLaren." Momma Valerie is massaging her
temple.
After they ate lunch, they stay in front of their house near the garden. They put a
picnic blanket. Nakaupo siya doon, nakayakap si McLaren sa kanya mula sa likod.
Baby X is walking around, nasa loob naman ng bahay ang magulang nito at hindi niya
alam kung ano ang ginagawa.

While Mazda is with Liberty, following her while roaming around. May kalakihan ang
bahay na 'yon at saktong-sakto para sa nag-uumpisang bumuo ng pamilya. May mga
kapit-bahay din naman sila kahit papano at nagtatayugan din ang mga bahay. It's
more likely a place to built a rest house.

"I don't believe in pamahiiin."

"Then you should. Wala namang mawawala kung susunod ka."

"Ngayong gabi lang naman. Samantalang dati halos ilang buwan kang nakakatulog naman
ng mahimbing kahit wala ako sa tabi mo."

"Exactly!" Mommy Valerie agree.

"This one is different, baby. Baka magbago ang isip mo at takbuhan ako. Kailangan
magkatabi tayong matulog para hindi ka makaalis sa tabi ko." Sabay siksik ng mukha
nito sa leeg niya na para bang kulang pa na mahigpit itong nakayakap sa kanya.

"Anak, you're so clingy. Oh my God, I hope Celine won't get tired of you being like
that."

"Hindi naman po," she chortled. "Nasasanay na po ako na palagi siyang nakadikit at
nakayakap sakin."

Though they like being physical even before, McLaren became more touchy when they
started admitting their feelings to each other. Wala naman din problema sa kanya na
palagi itong nakadikit sa kanya, gusto niya nga 'yon.

"At kung magbago ang isip ni Celine na pakasalan ka, kailangan mong tanggapin 'yon.
Ibig sabihin ay hindi pa siya handa."

"Oh come on, mom." McLaren almost cut his mother's off aggressively. "That's won't
happen. Celine loves me. Right, baby?" McLaren asked her, eyes are hoping.

Tumango lang siya bilang sagot, nangingiti.

"Yon naman pala, then obey that pamahiin."

"Only old people believe in that pamahiin, but..." he sighed. "Okay, I will obey
that for your peace of mind."

"At kung umasta ka akala mo naman sa ibang bahay ka matutulog. Sa kabilang kwarto
ka lang naman, McLaren." Halos pairap na sabi ng biyenan niya, nakahalukipkip.

"Whatever mom, mas masarap parin matulog sa tabi ng taong mahal mo."

"That, I agree with that, son." Tumango-tango naman ito. "I can't sleep properly
without your dad beside me. Gano'n din siya."

"Baka hindi ako makatulog ng maayos mamayang gabi, mamimiss ko ang yakap mo sakin."
Mahinang sambit niya, medyo nalulungkot na hindi makakatabi si McLaren mamayang
gabi.
"I will sneak out, don't worry."

"Don't try to sneak out, McLaren." Narinig pa talaga 'yon ng biyenan niya? What
kind of ears does she have? "And Celine, follow that pamahiin, don't break it,
okay?"

"Opo, mom." Magalang na sagot niya.

"Good. Maiwan ko na kayo at masakit na sa mata makita ang bunso ko na kung

makayakap sayo ay parang tatakbuhan mo." Tapos ay umirap ito, parang dismayado at
hindi parin makapaniwala sa nakikita. "Hay, bakit ganyan ang mga anak ko, parang
nababaliw sa mga babaeng mahal nila...."

"Kanino po kaya sila nagmana?" Nangingiting tanong niya.

McLaren is now caressing her stomach while giving her a feathery kisses on her
neck.

"Ganyan din ang daddy nila, baliw sa akin." Mommy Valerie said proudly.

Carlie Lane is not a showy person though, but even though he looks strict, she can
see in his eyes that he loves his wife so much.

"My husband is not a showy person, pero kapag kami nalang dalawa..." Mommy Valerie
blushed.

The way she blushed, Celine knew what's running on her mind and she can relate
because McLaren is more touchy when they are alone and nobody is around.

"Oh anyway, I know you got it, dear. Gonna go back inside and disturb my husband."

"Okay mom." Sabay kaway niya dito nang umalis na. "Ang cute ng mommy mo 'no?"

"Yeah, makulit minsan. I don't even understand how my father handle her."

"Maybe he handle her in a different way." She maliciously said, making McLaren
groaned.

"I guess so. At kapag matigas ang ulo mo, gano'n din ang gagawin ko sayo." He
threatened but almost a tease, and she likes it.

"Well, let's see how my husband will handle his wife when she's being hardheaded."

"I am sure you will like the way I will handle you." There was a smug on his tone.
"I'm gonna make my wife scream and beg..." he whispered, his one hand is now
massaging her breast.

"I can't wait to be a hardheaded wife!"

McLaren laughs echoed her ears and that's the best sounds she won't get tired of
hearing. Uh, she loves this man very much.

Chapter 39 - 37 ~ Miyuki

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
LAYING in bed with Akiko, Celine tried to reminisce the past. From her childhood
days, teenage days until she moved out from home because she can't handle her
father's madness anymore. She realized that she had unhappy life way back then, it
wasn't an ideal life for people. Kahit na lumaki sa karangyaan, hindi niya parin
matawag na masaya ang naging buhay niya noon.

She admit that she came to the point that her father became her enemy. He didn't
hurt her physically but he put all the blame on her for her sister's sudden
disappearance.

Even until now, she didn't really have an idea why it felt like she was the reason
to what happened to Akiko before.

"Our father blamed me." Her voice was low, almost like a whisper.

They are both staring at the blank ceiling. The only light that illuminates the
whole room was the dimmed light from the lampshade near the bed. Hinayaan nilang
nakabukas ng bahagya ang sliding glass door sa balkonahe upang pumasok ang sariwang
hangin sa loob.

Tomorrow is her wedding day, it's her special day. She's very happy to finally tie
with McLaren, who's now in the other room of their house.

Kalaunan, napapayag niya rin naman si McLaren na sundin ang pamahiin na sinabi ng
mommy nito. Maigi na rin na hindi sila magkatabi matulog sa gabing 'yon dahil baka
tanghaliin na naman siya ng gising kinabukasan. Knowing McLaren Lane he's very
aggressive in bed.

"Why?" Akiko asked, curious.

She even glance at her, but Celine remain her eyes to the ceiling. The night is
still young but Mommy Valerie told them to rest early. Kaagad silang sumunod na
magkapatid, parehong gusto kung paano sila ituring na parang tunay na anak. They
longing to have a mother and it's really a life changing being part of Lane's
Family.

"Ako ang sinisi niya sa pagkawala mo kahit na wala naman talaga akong alam sa
nangyari noon."

Sa tuwing binabalikan niya ang mga panahon na 'yon, wala na siyang ibang magawa
ngayon kundi ang ngumiti dahil hinayaan niyang lumipas nalang ang lihim na sakit na
idulot sa kanya ng bahaging iyon ng kanyang buhay.

Kahit papano, gusto niyang bigyan ng kapayapaan ang ama lalo at wala na ito sa
piling nila. Isa pa, wala na rin namang kahit anong galit at pagtatampo sa dibdib
niya. Kasama niya na ang kapatid at wala ng dahilan pa para magmukmok.

"Where were you when I got kidnapped?"

Celine paused for a moment. Iniisip niya kung nasaan ba siya ng mga sandaling 'yon?
Ano ang ginagawa niya? But she was too young to remember those days.

"I don't have any idea, too. I just noticed that while I was growing up, dad
started to be mean to me. Hanggang sa talagang magka-isip na ako, doon ko na unti-
unting natanto na may mali."
"I'm sorry about that, Celine. Kung hindi sana ako na-kidnap, maayos sana ang
pagsasama niyo ni daddy."

"Well, things happened. I have moved on and dad is forgiven."

"But, it's strange that you can't remember your childhood days."

Tumagilid ng higa si Akiko para makita siya ng maayos. Sinilip niya lang ang
kapatid at ibinalik ang tingin sa itaas. They are both wearing a twining pajamas.

"Oo nga, eh. Hindi ko alam. Ayoko ng mag isip. I can't be stressed."

"Right! It's your big day tomorrow, let's avoid being stressed. But you know
what...we are lucky to be part of Lane's family. Ang bait nila 'no? Lalo na si
Momma Valerie parang anak talaga ang turing sa atin."

"Sinabi mo pa. She's really a good mother. No wonder, she's loved by her husband
and their sons."

"Masaya ako na nagkaroon ulit tayo ng pangalawang pamilya, Celine."

"Masaya ako na may bago tayong pamilya at higit sa lahat, nahanap na kita."

Celine rolled on her side and hug her sister.

MCLAREN can't sleep in excitement. It's so funny to be this excitement but damn, he
can't control himself. Kung pwede lang na hilahin na ang oras para mag umaga na,
gagawin niya. Nasa kabilang silid lang si Celine kasama ang kapatid nito. Kaya
hindi na rin siya nagbalak pa na bisitahin ang babaeng mahal, hinayaan niya nalang
na magkaroon ng oras ang magkapatid na magsama at mag-usap.

Isa pa hindi rin siya hahayaan ng ina na tumakas sa silid niya. Her mother even
ordered his brothers to look after him tonight, so he won't sneak out. He and his
brother were having a little talk while drinking a beer to make them sleep.

"You don't have plan to tell her?" It was Mazda.

McLaren knew what his brother talking about. It was about Celine's past. Nalaman
niya ang lahat nang nangyari sa kanya noong bata pa siya nang komprontahin niya ang
magulang pagkatapos niyang makalabas sa ESO.

You know what surprised him? Celine was part of his... past.

"Mom and Tita Natalie advice me not to tell her... unless she ask for it."

That's the plan. Celine wouldn't know her past unless she started to get curious
about it and will ask for it.

But in Celine's case, they knew that she won't ask for it because her childhood
memories faded away like what happened to... Akiko.

MCLAREN admit that he's very nervous to confront his parents, but this is the only
way get the answer to all the questions in his mind. His parents is the only answer
that he needs.

He watched his father poured another glass of whisky, every passing minutes became
harder. It felt like the surrounding started to suffocate him. Tatlong lang naman
sila doon ngunit nararamdaman niya ang pagbigat ng atmospera.
"Do you wanna know if you lose some part of your memory?" His mother asked
casually.

He hates it when they are in a very formal conversation and his mother is the only
one who have the audacity to act like every thing wasn't a big deal. She is so good
in taking things lightly as possible.

"Yes,"

McLaren sipped on his whisky. Nanunuyo ang kanyang lalamunan dala ng tensyon. He
knew that he will get the answer that he needs in no time, but the anticipation is
really killing him inside.

"I knew that a time will come that you will ask for it. I have been waiting for
this day, McLaren." His mother smiled warmly at him.

That smile was trying to calm him. She's really his mother because she knew
whenever he's nervous or feeling uncomfortable. He tried his best to appear as
casual as possible, but he knew that his body language is giving him away.

His parents eyes were silently watching him, his little moves, the way he gulp and
even the way his chest move whenever he took a deep breath.

"So, you both knew what really happened to me after all these years... of course
you knew." he took another breath, shaking his head.

The answer is in front of him, but he wanted a confirmation.

"Yes, of course. You are my son. Wala kayong maitatago sa amin."

He knew that from beginning! His parents is like a living cctv cameras. Parang
pinya ang mga ito na maraming mata.

"Why you didn't tell me..." he trailed, a bit regretful with his question because
he knew the answer for it.

They did not tell him because he never ask them.

"Sayo magsisimula ang lahat, anak. We can't just tell you a story without you
asking for it. Right now, I can tell that you are really bothered with your past,
but we are here to tell you every little details of it."

"Let's start from the very beginning." His father rested his back on his swivel
chair, looking directly on his eyes. "Let us know if you felt like it is too much
to handle, so we could take it slow. Understand, McLaren?"

"Understood." He nodded his head, then readied himself with the revelation.

He have been waiting for this day... he will finally have his peace inside his
head.

Hindi nakaligtas sa mga mata niya ang kalmadong pagsimsim ng ina sa wine glass
nito, kalmado rin na ibinababa sa lamesa ang baso ng walang ingay. His mother then,
slowly let out a breath, before she looks at his eyes directly.

Those beautiful pair of orbs feels like trying to bring him into a dark room where
nobody was there, but him.

McLaren can now feel the growing tension and it seems like any moment, his parents
will drop a bomb in front of him that will make him turn the page of his own book
into the next page.

"Mom," he couldn't help but complain because he's really uncomfortable.

He's fucking sweating and he can't do anything about it. He couldn't believe that
this is the consequences for knowing the truth and for confronting his parents. Ano
ba ang dapat niyang maramdaman talaga? Kahit sa sarili niya ay nalilito pa sa dapat
na maging reaksyon sa mga sandaling 'yon.

"You were kidnapped when you were a kid." His father muttered, there was no emotion
on his tone.

McLaren closed his eyes and titled his head, he repeated those words on his mind
until it sank in.

The beating of his heart is so loud that it almost reach his throat. Every single
beat is started to hurt him. He clenched his jaw to suppress any emotions that's
trying to dominates him.

He remained closing his eyes, while waiting for his parents to continue telling him
his story.

"It was not intentional. Kinuha ka nila dahil... sumunod ka. Humabol ka sa kanila.
You were a curious kid."

Then, a memories of him with that little girl flashed his mind.

'Little McLaren was playing alone with his toys when a cute little girl at his age
suddenly approached him.

Her chinky eyes were cute but it ruined by her tears. She was asking for help but
his little heart was like a stone, instead of helping her, he got mad because she
kicked his toys.'

McLaren remain closing his eyes even though those memories hurts him for some
reason. He now realized that those dreams with little girl wasn't really a random
dream, because it happened in real life... it happened when he was a kid.

"Your father was in a mission when I lost you." Even though he can't see his
mother's face, he can hear the hidden pain on her tone. "I was very confident that
nothing bad would happen to my children because all of you was under my sight. But
what I did not expect was the day that one of you will be out of my sight. My
confidence was the one that put your life in danger."

While his mother was delivering those words, McLaren is silently battling with
those scenarios running inside his head.

Unlike before, those images were blurry. Ngunit sa mga sandaling 'yon, nagkakaroon
na ng mukha ang mga tao at ang paligid ay nagkakaroon na ng kulay. Hindi na malabo
ngunit hindi rin pamilyar sa kanya.

"I was with that little girl..." he muttered.

Every thing is starting to sink in. Sa dami ng senaryong naglalabasan sa kanyang

balintanaw, hindi niya alam kung kakayanin niya bang tanggapin lahat ng 'yon.

There's a part of him that... he's afraid of something. Ayaw niyang dumating sa
puntong iyon, sa punto na may kinakatakutan siya na hindi niya alam kung sino o
ano.

"You were with her. She was kidnapped."

"She was asking for help... she was looking for her father..." McLaren continued.
"There were two little girls inside the van..."

"Yes," his mother confirmed it.

The scenarios inside the van keep playing his mind.

He didn't know until when he can handle it. But the fact that those memories
started to scare him, gave him doubts, wether to continue remembering it or just
stop it?

McLaren shook his head absentmindedly. No, he will continue this battle inside his
head. He won't let this slide.

Ayaw niyang magsisi siya sa bandang huli dahil lang may parte sa pagkatao niya na
nakakaramdam ng takot. Hindi siya sigurado kung bakit nahahalinhinan ng takot ang
damdamin niya. He needs to find out why?

"If you ever felt scared, please, don't be." His mother voice felt like a light
that illuminates the darkness of his surrounding.

Valerie Lane was really a cute badass for being so good in reading people. How the
hell did she know that he's scared at that moment? She's indeed his mother.

"The little girls were crying, looking for their parents. There were big guys
around us..."

Silence took place for a moment.

Remembering those scenarios made him tired.

Sa kabila ng pagod, patuloy na rumihistro sa kanyang balintanaw ang mga kaganapan

na akala niya ay hindi na babalik pa sa kanyang ala-ala.

'Madilim na ang paligid nang huminto ang van sa hindi pamilyar na lugar. Ang
dalawang batang babae ay nakatulog na sa kakaiyak. Habang siya, kyoryoso parin kung
ano ba talaga ang nangyayari sa paligid.'

McLaren felt the pang inside his chest when he saw his six-year-old self started to
get panic because he can't see his mommy. Probably, that was the reason why he
suddenly felt scared? Natatakot siya na hindi makita ang mommy niya?

"It took a few days before we tracked your location." his mother continued, but his
mind was stuck in those clear scenarios.

'They arrived in front of a creepy house. The big guy woke up the little girls and
they carried them inside that house with him. Little McLaren started to cry when he
didn't see his mommy inside that house, instead he saw other kids, crying their
hearts out.'

McLaren bite his lips because he really felt that pain inside his chest at that
moment. A pain of not seeing your mother is what scares him the most.

"After those syndicates took that two little girls that day, the next day they flew
to Romania... with you."
"There were other kids there... we were five!" McLaren said in a panic tone. "Three
girls, one little boy and me."

"Correct."

"We arrived in unfamiliar place after a long hours."

"That was in Romania, son."

Hearing that Country again made him wince. It was the same feeling before every
time he heard that certain Country's name.

"Your father with his team flew to Romania the same day we tracked your
whereabouts." His mother informed him. "It took a long hours... we had no idea
what's going on with you that time."

"They taught us to stole money from tourists there." McLaren said, as he remembered
how those big guys taught them how to do that pickpocket without being caught.

It was easy for him to learn that for some reason.

'A six-year-old McLaren Lane became the big guys favorite because he was good. Siya
ang may pinaka maraming wallet na naibibigay sa mga ito. The other boy was weak, he
always get caught.

While waiting for the van to pick them up and bring them to their headquarters,
McLaren with other kids were sitting at the bench. They were counting the money
that they stole.

"Give me one wallet, please?" That was Miyaka, with her cute chinky eyes. "Look, I
only got three wallet and I gave one to Miyuki."

Little McLaren glance at Miyuki. The two are siblings. Nang maabutan ni Miyuki na
nakatingin siya rito, inirapan siya nito at nagpaka-abala ulit sa pagbibilang ng
pera.

At dahil ayaw niyang ang isa sa kanila ay masaktan na naman dahil lang sa hindi
nakapagnakaw ng malaking pera. Ibinigay niya ang isang wallet kay Miyaka.

"Thanks, McLaren!" Then Miyaka went back to her sister.

"I need one also, please?" Another little girl used a puppy-eyes on him.

Little McLaren was about to give another wallet to the little girl number 3 but the
little boy interrupted.

"Here, take this, Savannah." A boy offered the brown wallet.

"Thank you, Damian!"

Savannah took the wallet from Damian.

"I think, this is enough. They won't hurt us anymore. Those prick!" Miyuki stood up
bravely. "When I get old, I will find them and put them in jail!"

"My daddy will put those bad guys in jail. I promise you that." Little McLaren
said.
Nameywang si Miyuki. "How can we be so sure? Who's your daddy? A cop?"

What is his daddy's job again?

"I heard that the big guys wants money from our parents. We have a lot of it, so...
I am just waiting for my daddy to pick me here." Savannah said confidently.

"We have money, I believe in my daddy, he will help us. Right, Miyuki?"

"Yes, daddy will save us. How about you, Damian?"

Damian lowered his head. "I don't think my daddy will save me. He hates me."

Miyuki walked towards Damian and patted his shoulder.

"Don't worry, okay? If ever your daddy wouldn't save you, we'll save you, Damian."

"I hope so."

"Damian, listen, okay? We all together in this. We won't leave each other, okay?"
Savannah stares at each of them.

Everyone nodded their heads. Damian is hopeful now.

"Once my daddy's arrive, he will save all of us. Okay?" Little McLaren said with
positivity that his father will save them. Of course, he will!

"I missed my mommy so much." There was sadness in Miyuki's voice.

"Me too. I missed mom and dad."

"I missed my parents."

After a few minutes, the van has arrived. The big guys that watches them brought
them inside that van.

"Miyuki, don't cry."

Little McLaren heard Miyaka's voice. Nang tignan niya sa bandang likod ay yakap
nito ang kapatid na lihim na umiiyak.

Seeing Miyuki's crying again made him feel sad.'

McLaren didn't realized that he was holding his breath while remembering those
times when he was with other kids. It was only interrupted when his mother called
his name to get his attention.

"Miyuki..." that name escaped his lips.

He opened his eyes only to see that his parents was staring at him like as if they
have been waiting for him to finally wake up from his reverie.

"You remembered?" His mother looked a bit shock.

Wala sa sarili na napasimsim siya sa alak sa harap. Gumuhit sa kanyang lalamunan

ang init na tila nagpabalik sa kanya sa reyalidad.

"Miyuki... that's her name..." he whispered.

That name keeps on replaying to his ears. Until he realized that... he likes the
name.

He subconsciously likes that name and now that he remembered it, he felt that
little happiness inside his chest.

"That little girl in my dreams is..." McLaren paused, he still can't believe he can
now remembering even the names.

"I bet you already knew who's your little girl." His mother assumed.

"Mom, I can remember now! I know who's that little girl in my dreams!"

His parents just nodded their heads. Their attention is on him. They are very
patient. They were just waiting there and always willing to listen to him.

"... it's Miyuki." he muttered, voice was raspy.

Fuck him, but it was too late for him to suppress his damn smile.

That little girl have been staying inside his head for a long time. It's a big
relief to finally realized who she was.

"My little girl..." he whispered.

Chapter 40 - 38 ~ Buried Memories

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

MCLAREN let out a breath. He remembered now some of his childhood memories and he's
so eager to remember more, every details or anything that is connected with that.
For a moment, he rested his mind because thinking all of those was tiring.

Hininto niya muna ang pag-iisip at tahimik na nakinig sa kwento ng magulang. His
mother was the one who speak the most. Well, what did he expect to his father? His
father is a silent type of man. Literally a man with a few words.

"Your father arrived in Romania on time with his team. They tried to save all of
you but unfortunately, they only able to save two kids out of five."

McLaren glanced at his father, caught him sipping on his whisky.  Nang ibaba nito
ang baso, wala rin tunog na idinulot iyon.

"Why..."

"There were a lot of them. That mission to rescue you was confidential, son. We did
not ask for help from the authorities in Romania. We didn't have enough time to
cooperate with them because it will only take the process longer and I did not want
to wait if I can do it by myself." His father longest words so far.

"Ikaw lang ang dahilan kaya nagpunta doon ang daddy mo. But your father can't stand
leaving those other kids in danger, so they tried to save them, but failed."

"What exactly happened that day?" He inquired.

Nagkatinginan ang magulang niya, tahimik na tinatanong ang isa't-isa kung sino ang
magkukwento. His mother nodded her head, giving his father the right to speak this
time.

"We were able to get those kids out of that abandoned building. We were ready to
leave, everything was done smoothly, but one of the kid suddenly ran away from us.
He made a noise that alarmed the men there."

Damian?

"... Followed by other kid who didn't want to leave the boy." his father continued.
"Do you remember the names?"

"Yeah," He can now remember the kids names.

"Good. That kid was Damian and Savannah."

Hindi umimik si McLaren nang marinig ang pangalang Savannah. It must be a

coincidence? Baka magkapangalan lang? But... deep inside him, he knew that his last
mission was connected to his past... to his childhood.

"... and there was another hardheaded little girl." His mother sighed. "... because
of her necklace that she left inside the building, she ran away and went inside
again."

McLaren didn't know if he will laugh or shake his head. Well, kids are funny and
they did not really know what they are doing.

"Who's that hardheaded little girl?" he asked, arching his brows.

"Miyaka."

"Oh,"

"That necklace was from her mother. It was very important to her." his mom informed
him. "At dahil naalarma na ang mga nagbabantay doon, wala ng ibang choice kundi ang
umalis."

"I was with Miyuki then..." he trailed.

"Yes, son. Your father brought Miyuki here."

Kung bakit ay para siyang nakahinga ng maluwag pagkatapos malaman na naligtas siya
at ang isa pang bata. Kaya lang hindi niya parin magawang mapanatag ng husto dahil
may naiwan na tatlo.

He was about to ask where is Miyuki, but he set aside it for a moment, instead, he
got curious with the three kids.

"What happened to the other kids?"

"Dalawa sa kanila ay nailigtas mula sa mga sindikato. Ang isa ay... sumapi sa mga
ito."

His parents looked at each other again, silently exchanging messages. These two
really can communicate and understand each other without saying any words. Just by
looking through their eyes, they can easily build a strong conversation.

"Savannah went back to her family. But Miyaka... did not able to go back to her
family."

"Why not?"

"A couple found her and legally adopted her."

McLaren nodded his head. Nararamdaman niya na ang pag-gaan ng dibdib. Nabawasan na
rin ang mga tanong na tumatakbo sa kanyang isip. He knew that there's more to
discover from his past, he's really looking forward to it. He patiently waiting for
his parents revelations.

"Where are they?" He curiously asked.

"You knew them, McLaren."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa alak sa baso pagkatapos sabihin iyon ng ina. He knew
them? He was right then? It was Savannah? But, who is Miyaka?

"It's Savannah dela Garza?"

"Yes, son." His father answered, voice was casual.

"Who's Miyaka?"

Kahit hindi siya nakatingin sa mga ito, ramdam niya ang pagpapalitan ng tingin pati
na rin ang pagbangon ulit ng tensyon sa pagitan nilang tatlo. Gumaan na ang
atmospera kanina, ngayon ay nag-uumpisa na namang bumigat.

"Please, tell me."

"Miyaka is... Akiko."

Mariin na napapikit si McLaren.

Sa lahat, iyon ang hindi niya inaasahan. Ngunit kung pagbabasehan ang nararamdaman
niya kapag nakikita si Akiko, mas lamang ang pakiramdam na magaan ang loob niya sa
dalaga. Iyon siguro ang dahilan. He knew Akiko since he was a kid, he just didn't
remember her.

"Hinanap namin sila pagkatapos niyon. We had our eyes on them since then. We
watched them grew up. We knew how they suffered from that kidnapping. We knew how
they struggled just to fight with anxiety. We have witnessed their pain... like how
we've witnessed yours."

When McLaren looked up from the glass of whisky, he caught his mother intentionally
looking at him. Nakangiti ito sa kanya ngunit may bahid ng lungkot sa mga mata.

"What happened to me... why I forgot my childhood memories?" he asked, almost

whispering.

"You were traumatized."

Napapikit si McLaren nang maramdaman niya ang biglang pagsipa ng sakit sa kanyang
dibdib.

"I don't wanna talk about this because I can still feel the pain of seeing you
being scared of everything. Anak, it was heartbreaking." Now, his mother's eyes
were teary. "But it's your right to know all of these, McLaren."
It's painful to watch his mother being in pain because of what happened to him, but
he wanted to know everything.

"Walang araw na hindi ka umiyak dahil sa takot. Kahit na nasa tabi mo naman kami ng
daddy mo, iyak ka parin ng iyak. Matagal ka namin bago mapatahan. Kapag nagigising
ka sa gabi, nahihirapan ka na ulit makatulog. Natatakot ka na mawalay ka ulit sa
amin. Gusto mo kaming nakikita at mawala lang kami saglit sa paningin mo, magpa-
panic ka na."

He can imagine his six-year-old self being afraid in every thing, afraid to be away
from his parents again, afraid that someone will get him and take him away from his
family.

"We did not ask you what happened when you were in Romania because it will only
trigger your anxiety. We can't stand seeing you in pain and being traumatized. One
day, you innocently asked me what should you do for you to forget those traumatic
events that happened to you?"

Napatingin ulit si McLaren sa ina. He got more curious to the point that he's
willing to stay silent so his mother can continue telling him the whole story.

"Your life changed after that. You were very playful, you were smart and very
attentive kid. Nang makabalik ka sa amin, nagbago ang lahat, McLaren. You became
aloof. You did not even want your brothers to get near you and to play with you.
You were afraid with men. The only man that you trust is your father."

His mommy paused for a moment. Nakikita niya ang ilang ulit na pag hugot nito ng
hangin galing sa dibdib. Bumabalik ang lungkot sa mga nito sa tuwing nagsasalita at
isinasalaysay ang mga nangyari noon sa kanya.

"It was so hard to see you suffering. We did not expect our children's life to be
in danger because we always made sure you're all safe. My carelessness was also the
reason why it happened to you-"

"Valerie," his father almost cut off his mother. "No, it wasn't the reason."

She sighed and nodded her head. He can see that there was part of her that she
blamed herself. Ilang taon nang nakalipas iyon ngunit ramdam niya parin ang
itinagong pagsisisi at sakit ng ina dahil sa nangyari sa kanya.

"I can still remember your face clearly on how you begged for me to help you forget
those bad guys who have hurt you..." his mother continued.

McLaren tiredly closed his eyes when a new images popped up his mind.

'It was very dark in that room. Ang tanging ingay na naririnig niya ay ang pigil na
pag-iyak ng mga batang kasama niya doon. Those bad guys threatened them a while ago
that if they continue crying, if they make any noise, they will hurt them again.

"My arms hurts so b-bad. I think, it's broken." It was Savannah's voice, sobbing
like other kids there.

Lahat sila ay nakatanggap ng hampas ng latigo dahil hindi sila tumitigil sa pag-
iyak. But the pain made them cried even more. Kaya nagalit lalo sa kanila ang mga
dambuhalang lalaki.

Little McLaren can feel the pain on his arms, he can't move it properly. Tahimik
siyang nakaupo sa isang sulok, pinipigil ang mahikbi dahil natatakot na masasaktan
na naman siya.
His mommy and daddy never hurt him physically like what these bad guys did to him.
He missed his mommy so bad, but every time he thinks about her, it will only make
him cry. Ang musmos na puso niya ay nahahati sa dalawang bagay sa mga oras na 'yon.

Kapag iisipin niya ang mommy niya, maiiyak siya ngunit lumalakas din ang kanyang
loob. Nilabanan niya ang mga luhang nagbabadya na naman upang hindi gumawa ng ingay
ang kanyang bibig dahil sa pag hikbi.

There, little McLaren silently thinks about his mommy and daddy. Thinking about
them comforted him a lot.

Nakatulugan niya ang tahimik na paghikbi at ang gumising sa kanya ay ang malakas na
sipa sa kanyang tagiliran.

"Wake up, kid!" That loud voice was very scary and familiar.

That big guy was the one that hurt them. He looks like a devil, he's very bad.

Little McLaren tried hard to stop himself from crying even though he can feel
another intoxicating pain on his body. Nararamdaman niya ang pagkalam ng sikmura.
Masakit na rin ang tiyan niya. Gusto niya ng kumain.

"Evil! Ugly!" Miyuki shouted angrily at the other man.

"Give us some foods!" Savannah shouted, too.

"I'm hungry! I'm hungry!" Miyaka started to cry again.

When Miyaka cried, the other kids cried with her except him. Kahit na gusto niyang
umiyak, pinigil niya na huwag, dahil alam niyang sasaktan na naman sila ng mga
masasamang lalaki.

"Shut up!" That angry voice of a man echoed around that small room. It made him
shiver.

Little McLaren closed his eyes very tightly ang hug himself when he saw that the
bad guy started to kick the kids. Lumakas lalo ang iyak ng mga batang kasama niya.
He's very afraid. He can feel that loud beating of his heart, it hurts him.

Nang akala niya ay makakaligtas siya sa pananakit, nagkamali siya. Little McLaren
wince when his stomach hit by a strong kick from the bad guy. But he didn't cry,
tiniis niya ang sakit na halos magpawala ng kanyang malay.

He remembered his daddy, he always told him that he's a very brave kid, so he won't
cry again because he's brave.'

Hindi na namalayan ni McLaren na mahigpit na nakakuyom ang kanyang mga kamao na

nasa ibabaw ng lamesa. Those images were new to him.

His heart is booming inside his chest as he remembered how those bad guys hurt him.
Kahit na lumipas na ang panahon na 'yon, pakiramdam niya ay naramdaman niya ang
sakit ng mga tadyak sa kanyang katawan noon.

Para siyang napapaigtad sa mga sandaling 'yon lalo at may mga lumilitaw na mga
imahe na sinasaktan na naman siya ng mga malalaking lalaki. Siya at ang mga batang
kasama niya.

McLaren closed his eyes tightly when a brutal images flashes his mind.
His mind did not want to continue remembering those brutality because it silently
killing him inside.

"N-No! No!"

Halos mapasigaw siya nang biglang makita sa balintanaw ang pabilog na tila medalya,
galing iyon sa apoy at walang awang idinikit iyon ng lalaki sa kanyang braso.

McLaren opened his eyes again and saw his parents staring at him. Nakita niya ang
paglaglag ng luha sa pisngi ng mommy niya na para bang naramdaman ang sakit na
naramdaman niya noong idikit sa kanya ang mainit na metal na 'yon.

McLaren's hand went to his arm absentmindedly. Animo sinisigurado niya na wala doon
ang bagay na labis na pumaso sa kanya.

"I covered it with tattoo." His father spoke, like as if he already read his mind.

"W-What was that..."

"They assumed that they could own you as theirs, so they put a mark on you."

"But we did not let them. We will never allow someone to mark our children's as
theirs. So..." his mother trailed. "The burned area was covered with a tattoo."

McLaren nods his head. He was eighteen when he had his first ink. It was special
because his father was the one who made his first tattoo on that burned part on his
arm.

He can now remember him being curious about that burned scar on his arm when he
started noticing it on his teenage days.

His parents told him he met an accident when he was young that caused his skin
burned in that area. He didn't have any idea about it because he can't remember
anything about that accident his parents talked about.

Now, he realized it was all lies. It wasn't from accident, it was from the
syndicate. It was intentionally put on him.

"You're still curious why you can't remember what happened to you when you were a
kid." His mother shifted her sitting position before she sipped on her wine.

McLaren chose to stay silent but he's listening.

"You were still very young to remember those painful and scary chapter of your
life. Aside from that, you were traumatized, it was severe. For years, you lived
your life in the dark. Ako at ang daddy mo lang ang gusto mong kasama at kausap.
Inilipat namin sa ibang bahay ang mga kuya mo dahil ayaw mo sa kanila."

McLaren gasped a bit. It really happened. Hindi niya na 'yon maalala.

"Sa takot ko na baka dumating ang araw na pati kami ng daddy mo ay kakatakutan mo,
ginawa namin ang alam namin na makaktulong sayo kahit na... alam namin na hindi
iyon tama."

McLaren remain attentive. Nakailang simsim na siya sa alak at hindi iyon tumatalab
man lang sa kanya sa mga oras na 'yon. Ang isip niya ay nag-uulap sa napakaraming
katanungan at mga nagtipun-tipon na pagtataka.
"When you asked me to help you forget those monster who have hurt you, I didn't
think twice and did what I thought will help you."

"What did you do?" He asked, almost a whisper.

"I taught you how to fight them back inside your head..." her lips curved up into a
sad smile. "... that whenever you think about those monster, you will fight back by
punishing them in your mind, you will hurt them. Lahat nang ginawa nila sayo,
gagawin mo sa kanila. Ibabalik mo sa kanila lahat ng sakit."

Those words made him shiver.

"I know it was so wrong to teach your children to be violent... but it worked on
you." she sighed, her eyes were emotionless. "... we taught you how to shoot at the
young age, nauna ka pang natutong bumaril kesa sa mga kapatid mo, McLaren. You were
very eager to shoot all the target by the thought that they were those monsters who
have hurt you. It became a revenge. Dahil sa kagustuhan kong maghiganti sa mga
taong nanakit sayo, tinuruan kita na maghiganti rin."

"But you became violent..." his father told him. "You kept asking me to find those
monster so you will have your revenge. But I did not give you what you wanted."

"... it made you furious and shoot your dad." his mommy continued.

McLaren's mouth opened a bit, shocked. He fucking shoot his own father?

"N-No, really?"

"Nag-away kami ng daddy mo pagkatapos niyon. Nagalit ako sa kanya dahil ayaw niyang
sabihin kung nasaan ang mga sindikato na 'yon. I wanted to have my revenge for you,
but your father was blocking me."

"I didn't want you to be in danger. It was very risky."

Inirapan lang ng mommy niya ang rason ng daddy niya, bago nagpatuloy.

"I left home with you, McLaren. I left your father. I was very angry at him.
Nagpakalayo-layo ako kasama ka, kahit na alam ko naman na kayang-kaya niya akong
hanapin saan man ako magtago. I taught you another trick to fight with the
monsters. And this one, really worked."

"What was it, mom?"

"Kinausap kita ng masinsinan. Hindi ako sigurado noon kung naiintindihan mo ba

talaga ako pero sobra na akong desperado na ilayo ka sa dilim at sa mga taong
nagbibigay ng takot sayo. I taught you to live in lies. I fed you with lies... we
buried those monsters in your head under the ground."

McLaren saw his father shook his head a bit. If he was amuse or what, he can't be
so sure.

"She asked you to draw those monsters that visits your mind and told you to write
every thing that you wanted to forget." his father muttered. "You trust your mommy
a lot that you will do whatever she says."

"After you draw those monsters and wrote those things and feeling that you wanted
to forget, we put those papers inside the urn and buried it... we buried it
together with your memories, McLaren."
Napayuko siya. Pilit na inaalala ang mga sandaling iyon ngunit... wala. Walang
pumapasok na imahe na tungkol sa araw na 'yon.

"I can clearly remember your exact words before we decided to do it. Your words
were; 'I wish I could bury those memories in my head, so I will never see them
again, mommy.' I hid my tears while you were saying those words, anak. You were
broken and I can't stand seeing you like that."

His mother delivered those words while sobbing and wiping her lone tears.

"Malakas ang ulan noon, galit na galit ang langit. Pareho tayong basa ng ulan.
Pareho tayong punung-puno ng putik ang damit at katawan. Pareho tayong naghuhukay
na para bang nababaliw na. Anak kita kaya sasamahan kita sa lahat ng pagkakataon na
alam kong kailangan mo ako. Ipinangako ko sa sarili ko na sasamahan ko ang mga anak
ko sa paglalakad sa dilim, ako ang magsisilbing ilaw nila.

I was very furious that time. Galit na galit ako sa mga taong nanakit sayo. I felt
like I was really losing my mind. Binasa ko ang lahat ng gusto mong makalimutan,
sobrang sakit niyon bilang ina. My heart was breaking into pieces and you had no
idea how much it hurts me. Pero habang nakikita kitang sobrang desidido na ilibing
ang mga ala-alang gusto mong makalimutan, naging daan iyon upang ayusin ko ang
sarili ko at huwag magpadala sa labis na galit."

"Mom..." he called her in a weak tone when her tears continue flowing down her
cheeks while reminiscing those heartbreaking scenarios.

Seeing his mother crying is his weakness. Sobra siyang nahihirapan. Idagdag pa na
ang dahilan ng pag-iyak nito ay dahil sa kanya... dahil sa nangyari sa kanya at
dahil sa mga bagay na gusto niyang kalimutan.

"Sa totoo lang, ayokong maalala mo ulit ang mga araw na 'yon dahil sobrang sakit
ang idinulot niyon sayo, anak." Naiiyak na sambit ng mommy niya.

His father stood up and went to his mother, wiping her tears and embrace her from
her side.

"That's the reason why you can't even recognize that little girl in your dreams
because... you also buried your memories you've shared with her." His father said
in a low tone.

"Where is my little girl now?" He asked, his body and mind is damn tired. "Where's
Miyuki?"

His parents stares at him for a moment and honestly, it made him fucking nervous
again. Why does it felt like the answer to his question is just around? He just
didn't see it.

"Miyuki is just around..."

"Oh, do I know her?"

"Yes, McLaren."

The beating of his heart literally changed. It was beating rapidly and he don't
know why!

"Who?"

"It's Celine." his father answered casually.

Chapter 41 - 39 ~ Right Man
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

MCLAREN felt like his heart is in his throat when his father confirmed that Miyuki
and Celine is a same person. Sa sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso niya ay halos
umakyat na 'yon sa kanyang lalamunan. He was so surprise, he honestly didn't know
how to react, he felt like he wanted to vomit.

Sinundan ng magulang ang kanyang kamay nang mapunta 'yon sa ibabaw ng tiyan niya na
animo pinipigil na huwag ilabas ang matinding emosyon na nagkukumpulan doon. He
heard it right and clear, Miyuki is Celine and Celine is Miyuki.

Celine was the little girl in his dreams!

"I know that it's very shocking for you, but that's the truth, McLaren."

"How come? Why she didn't tell me? I told her about my dreams, but she acted like
she didn't know that."

Celine knew about his dreams, about that little girl ever since. Ngunit ni minsan
wala naman itong nabanggit na may kinalaman ito doon.

What if Celine knew from the beginning that they already met each other when they
were still a young? She just didn't tell him? But what if... she was too young that
time that she didn't remember those memories?

"Celine didn't know about that because..." his mother took a breath and slowly let
it out. "... she have the same case with Akiko. They didn't remember what happened
to them. Even Savannah dela Garza forgot it. Damian was the only one who's aware
with those memories he had with you and with the girls."

If he didn't buried his childhood memories, if his parents didn't feed him with
lies, is there a possibility that he would remember what happened to him?

"At kung iniisip mo na matatandaan mo ang kabanatang iyon ng buhay mo, masasabi
namin na baka nakalimutan mo na rin 'yon, McLaren. You suffered too much, your
brain cannot handle it."

"But Damian remembered those memories, mom."

"Because those syndicate reminded him about that. He grew up with them. Damian
became part of them."

McLaren massage his temple when he felt like he's about to have a headache. They
have been there for hours and their topic is not an energy booster, instead it
loses his energy.

And he remembered that Damian knew about their childhood days, that's make sense
now.

"And your last mission was intentionally assigned for you." His father muttered
calmly. "We knew ever since that those syndicate were behind those death threats on
dela Garzas. Damian became one of the boss and he wanted Savannah."

Tuluyan nang napapagod na napasandal si McLaren sa inuupuan. Bahagyang tumingala at

ipinikit ang mga mata.
He never really trust his parents when it comes to secrecy. They always acted like
it was all about their job, but behind closed door was the hidden truth. The truth
that they can manipulate ESO's every mission. It felt like every job was a test for
them. A test that they need to conquer.

"We can continue this next time. Take a rest." His mother told him when she noticed
that he's unresponsive.

"I'm sorry mom, but I wanna go to Celine."

Napabuntong hininga lang ang ina na para bang kontra, kaya lang ay walang magagawa
kundi pumayag.

"A little reminder before you go, anak. Celine didn't know a bit of that
kidnapping. Don't force her to remember those memories."

"I won't. Thanks for reminding me, mom." It's time for him to take a deep breath,
then glance at his parents. "And thank you for finally allowing me to know what
happened to me when I was a kid. It's a big relief to me. I can now feel that the
missing piece of myself is already filled with truths."

"We are happy to finally freed those truths that we've been hiding for so long."
His mother smiled warmly at him and grab his father's hand above the table. "And
anak, we are sorry for hiding it from you."

His heart aches for some reason. No, he's not mad with his parents fro doing that.
Alam niyang nag-iingat din ang mga ito kung sasabihin ba sa kanya o hindi. Alam
niyang naghihintay din ang mga ito kung kailan siya magkakaroon ng tamang lakas ng
loob para komprontahin ang mga ito tungkol sa mga panaginip niya.

Everything takes time and this time is the time. This time is a perfect time for
him to finally know that truth. This time is the right time for his parents to free
those truths. This is the time for all of that. And this time is... worth the wait.

"No, mom, dad, please don't be sorry. You did great. You did all of these for me,
for my sake, for my mental health. If I were you, I will hide it too, because I
don't want my future children to suffer with the truths if they are not yet ready
to know it."

When his mother's watered, McLaren stood up and went behind her. Yinakap niya ang
ina. She hugged him back with her arms. She felt her tears flow down his arms. She
gets really emotional. Naiintindihan niya iyon dahil hindi biro na maglihim sa
isang tao ng ilang taon, lalo at anak mo pa.

McLaren removed his one arm from his mother and used it to grabbed his father to
join them.

There, between his parents, McLaren felt at ease and freed from all the memories
that bothered him for years.

MCLAREN let out a relax breath after he remembered how he discovered all that
happened to him when he was a kid and after he learned that Celine Villarica was
the little girl in his dreams.

He was happy to know that he's just around with those kids that have been part of
his childhood. What saddened him is the fact that Damian became a bad guy. McLaren
rested his back on the chair when an image of Damian that night.
With his sign language, he told him that his parents lied to him... and that's
kinda true. His parents hid what happened to him, it supposed to be a secret but
it's also a lie because they made him believed with lies.

And ever since, he knew and felt like he was surrounded with lies. But the right
time came that he needed to know that truths and his parents didn't fail him with
the truths. Detalyado niyang nalaman ang lahat lahat nang nangyari sa kanya pati na
rin sa mga batang nakasama niya noon.

"Magkapatid nga talaga sila ni Akiko. Pareho silang walang ideya sa nangyari sa
inyo noong mga bata pa kayo." Si Mazda.

"Yeah. Maybe better that way. What happened to us was very traumatic and I don't
want Celine to experience that kind of feeling again. Mas maganda na sigurong
tuluyan na niyang hindi maalala."

"Paano kung dumating ang araw na makaalala ang isa sa kanila?"

"Celine will surely tell me if ever she remember some memories of her childhood. I
will know. Si Alex na ang bahala kay Akiko kung may maalala man."

"Exactly."

The night is still young. His mother even confiscated his cellphone so he can't
communicate with Celine. He already miss his babies.

"So, are you ready to tell Celine about your real job?"

McLaren glance at his brother, Corvette.

Everything happened so fast that he missed telling Celine about his job. He
should've tell her that before they get married, but they became too busy. Walang
maayos na oras para pag-usapan ang tungkol sa bagay na 'yon.

Nag-aalala ba siya na baka hindi matangga ni Celine ang trabahong mayroon siya? Sa
totoo lang ay hindi. He knew Celine, she will understand him. Isa pa, suspendido
naman siya ng isang taon kaya kahit papano ay hindi niya ito mabibigyan ng
alalahanin sa ngayon.

"I'm ready, I just don't have enough time to talk about it. Hopefully, after we get
married."

"You should. No more lies and no more secrets anymore."

"I will, Kuya."

The night went on. Nag-umpisa ng matulog ang mga Kuya niya sa malaking kama na
naroon. It's a double king sized bed and it's the only bed in that room. Ibig
sabihin magkakatabi silang tatlo doon.

McLaren shook his head. His mother was the mastermind of this. Pinabantayan siya sa
dalawang kapatid niya masigurado lang na hindi siya pupunta sa silid nila ni
Celine.

"I don't wanna be at the center." McLaren said to his brothers.

Nasa magkabilang gilid nahiga ang dalawa. Sinadyang iwan ang espasyo sa gitna para
sa kanya.
"Then feel free to sleep on that carpeted floor, McLaren." Corvette muttered,
already closing his eyes.

"And don't try to escape, mom will know." It was Mazda. "You better sleep. Baka ma-
late ka sa kasal mo bukas, sige ka."

McLaren grunted. He left his brothers and took a cold shower. Wala na siyang ibang
choice kundi pumagitna sa dalawang kapatid kahit masama ang loob niya. Mas pipiliin
niya na doon matulog kesa sa sahig.

"Kuya!" Halos sikuhin niya si Mazda nang yakapin siya. "Get off me! Kadiri!"

Mazda just laughed. "Yakapin mo rin si Kuya." Sulsol nito sa kanya.

"Subukan niyo." Tapos ay ipinakita sa kanila ni Corvette ang kamao nito.

"Kuya Corvette always think that we are scared of him. No, I am not." Mazda said
confidently.

"Shut up and sleep, Mazda."

"I can't fucking sleep without Liberty beside me."

"I am not Liberty! So stop hugging me, Kuya!" Tapos ay inalis niya ang braso ng
kapatid na nakapalupot sa kanya.

"Kuya Corvette used to sleep without Lexus beside him. Tignan mo hindi
nagrereklamo. Madalas yata na outside de-kulambo." Patutsada ni Mazda na halatang
wala pang balak matulog.

"You know if you won't stop? I'm gonna throw you out of the window. I swear."
Corvette threatened Mazda.

McLaren closed his eyes. "Shut up you two. Give me a good sleep tonight. Tomorrow
is my very special day."

"Okay. Tomorrow is your day. Best wishes to you and Celine."

"Thanks."

McLaren smile when Celine's face flashes his mind. A few more hours then he will
see her again and he will be part of her life every day.

CELINE woke up when the sunlight from the window hit her face. When she opened her
eyes, she realized that she's alone in that bed. She yawned, she's still sleepy but
when her mind reminded her that today is her wedding day, her eyes really open
widely.

The excitement started to build up again. She couldn't believe today is the day
that she will marry the man that she love from the beginning. Kung hindi si McLaren
ang maghihintay sa kanya sa altar, hindi nalang niya papangarapin ang maikasal.

Dreamily, she imagine herself walking in the aisle wearing her maternity wedding
gown, while McLaren looking so dashing with his tuxedo. Napangiti siya sa sariling
naisip, halos mabuo niya na sa ulo ang eksena mamaya sa reception ng kasal nila.

"Good morning, anak." She greeted her baby, while caressing her stomach. "Do you
feel how happy I am today? I will finally marry your daddy. I love him a lot, anak.
I know you can feel what I feel. It's a good feeling, right? Do you like that
feeling?"

Celine gasped when she felt something inside her stomach. Hindi siya sigurado kung
sumipa ba ang anak o nagpalit lang ng posisyon? But the feeling made her happy. Her
baby is responding to her with that simple move inside her stomach.

"Breakfast?" The door opened and Akiko came it holding a tray of foods.

Nakaligo na ito at parang kanina pa gising. Akiko place the tray above the table of
the mini sala of their bedroom.

"Yes. Thanks for that breakfast. How about you? Bat pang isang tao lang?"

"I'm done. Ikaw nalang ang hindi pa nag-a-almusal, Celine. So, get up and eat."

Napangiti siya at bumaba na sa kama. Celine went to the bathroom to do her morning
routine. Another smile crept her lips when she saw her face in the mirror.
Kagigising niya lang at kitang-kita ang pagkaaliwalas sa kanyang mukha. Her eyes is
also smiling and that's really made her looks at herself a beautiful pregnant
woman.

Totoong nakaka-blooming talaga kapag masaya at in-love ang isang tao.

"Gusto na ngang magpunta dito, hindi lang pinapayagan ni Momma Val." Kwento ni
Akiko habang pinapanood siyang mag-almusal.

Celine chuckled. She missed McLaren, too, but it seems like he was the one that
really, really miss her. Sanay naman sila noon na ilang linggo or araw na hindi
nagkikita at walang komunikasyon, hindi na nga dapat bago sa kanila na isang gabi
na hindi magkasamang matulog. Kaya lang, iba na ngayon, naipagtapat na nila ang
damdamin sa isa't-isa kaya naman ang hirap na na mawalay sa isa. Lalo at nasanay na
silang magkasama palagi, oras-oras.

"Where's McLaren now?"

"Doing his photoshoot with his family."

Celine eyes widened. "What? Am I late? I mean, nasaan na 'yung mga mag-aayos sakin?
Nandyan na ba?"

"Yes. Kanina pa. Ayaw kasi ni McLaren istorbohin 'yung tulog mo kaya hindi ka na
namin ginising. Don't worry, we still have enough time to prepare."

"Geez! I need to hurry!"

Tinawanan ng kapatid ang pagkataranta niya.

"Finish your food, then, I'll tell them that you're awake and ready. Okay?" Tumayo
ito, aalis na.

"Okay. Thank you, sis."

"You're welcome." Akiko gave her a light embrace before she leave the room.

After a few minutes, the make up artist, hairstylist, videographer and photographer
arrived to their bedroom. Every little details that she made was captured
beautifully.

"You're naturally pretty, Madam. We'll do a no make-up make for you."

"Okay." Celine smiles.

"I'm going to braid your hair. This hairstyle is a perfect match with your wedding
gown."

"Go on. Do what you think is best for me." she politely respond.

"Ang gwapo ng groom mo, Madam. Bagay na bagay kayong dalawa."

"Ang galing din talaga 'no? Kapag gwapo ang groom, ang ganda ng bride. Parang
tinadhana talaga silang dalawa."

"Well, I believe they are really destiny. Kung hindi, wala sana sila ngayon dito.
Di ba, Madam?"

"Yes, I agree. Tinadhana kami ni McLaren."

She felt it. They are really destiny. She always felt like she knew McLaren even
before. Maybe her old soul already met McLaren's old soul. Is that even possible?

Celine found herself inside a white expensive car after a few hours. They are on
their way to the wedding reception. It's in the water falls close to their house.
Beside her is Akiko, hawak niya ang kamay ng kapatid dahil kakaibang nerbyos at
excitement ang nararamdaman niya sa mga sandaling 'yon.

She felt like her heart is going up to her throat that she wanted to vomit.

"Relax." Akiko chuckled. "Nakaka-kaba ba talaga ang magpakasal? Hindi ba dapat ay

masaya ka?"

"Sa sobrang saya ko, ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko, Akiko. It won't stop."

Celine took a deep breath. Her heart is really reacting violently. Ganito ba talaga
kapag ikakasal? The feeling was overwhelming but still manageable.

"Nando'n na ba si McLaren?" She asked, hands are sweating.

"Yes. Nauna sila doon. Ikaw nalang ang hinihintay."

She had a busy morning that she didn't able to call McLaren on the phone. Gano'n
din ito. The more the time is passing, the more they are going closer to the
reception, the more her heart is beating rapidly and wildly.

Pumasok ang sasakyan sa makipot na daan. Napaligiran sila ng nagtatayugang puno at

makakapal na halaman sa magkabilang gilid. Ang kulay gintong sikat ng araw ay
malayang nagbibigay liwanag sa buong kapaligiran.

"You know what, I had a weird dream last night. Hindi ko na sana sasabihin sayo but
this is interesting." Ani Akiko, kaya napalingon siya rito.

Akiko is wearing a dark brown tube long dress. She's her maid of honor. Looking so
pretty with her hair in a messy bun. They really have a big resemblance, their
chinky eyes speaks a lot.

"A weird dream? Care to share?"

"We were still a kid. We were with another kids."

"Talaga?" Nakuha ng kapatid ang atensyon niya ng tuluyan. "Ano pa?"

Akiko pursed her lips like as if she's remembering other details about her dreams.

"We were crying... and... I gave you a wallet that I stole from a tourist."

Celine forehead knotted. Hindi kaya napanaginipan ni Akiko ang ikinuwento niya rito
tungkol sa pagtuturo ng mga sindikato rito na pagnakaw sa mga turista? That
pickpocket thing.

"And then?" She carefully asked.

Akiko glance at her. May kaguluhan sa mga mata nito at pagtataka.

"I heard some names of those kids and McLaren's name was there." Akiko muttered
curiously. "Strange, isn't it?"

Celine heart boomed inside her chest when she heard that. Walang gustong lumabas na
salita sa kanyang bibig dahil nag-uumpisa nang punuin ng mga katanungan ang kanyang
isipan.

Hindi kaya nag-uumpisa ng maalala ng kapatid ang nangyari noong bata pa ito? Kung
gano'n, magandang senyales 'yon. There's still a chance that Akiko could restore
her childhood memories.

But what about her? Why can't she remember her childhood memories?

Bago pa tuluyang sakupin ng mga katanungan ang kanyang isipan, huminto na ang
sasakyan at nakita niya sa labas ang ilang staffs na nag-aabang sa pagdating nila.

"Ready?" Akiko squeezed her hand gently, smiling genuinely at her.

Celine nods her head. "Yes."

"Okay, let's go."

Nang bumukas ang pinto sa gilid niya at maingat siyang lumabas. When she search for
Akiko, she saw her walking towards the reception. Pamilya lang ni McLaren ang
naroon at ilang tapat na kaibigan.

Her ears filled with the sounds of waterfall in front of her. Mataas iyon at
masarap sa tenga ang paraan ng pagbagsak ng tubig. The guests are wearing an earthy
color. The chairs, the curtains, the carpet and even the altar, are in earth tone.

The staff guided her with her position. Bumalik ang agresibong tibok ng kanyang
puso nang marinig ang marahan na musika na galing kung saan. Ang lagaslas ng tubig
ay nahalinhinan ng tunog na 'yon.

Holding her bouquet of calla lily tightly, Celine took a breath and concentrate
with her walk towards the man that she will spend her life with for the rest of her
life.

She took a steps, her eyes went directly to the man that is waiting in the altar.

Wearing a brown tux, her McLaren Lane is dashing effortlessly while staring
lovingly at her. His eyes speaks for him. His eyes tells her what he really he
feels inside.

And when he smiles at her, she swear that her heart skipped a beat.
"I love you..." McLaren mouthed, making her eyes watered.

Napanguso siya dahil naiiyak na siya kaagad. She starting to be emotional again.
And her stomach is fluttering like as of their baby is celebrating inside.

"I love you too." She mouthed back.

She saw McLaren bite his lower lips, his eyes watered that he needed to blink,
titled his head a bit and parted his lips to stop that damn tears.

She never see him cry... but damn, seeing his eyes watery, made her realized that
she's really with the right man.

Chapter 42 - 40 ~ Promise
CHAPTER FORTY

CELINE stare at the white-gold ring on her finger. Pakiramdam niya ay nasa ulap
parin siya sa mga sandaling 'yon. Alam niyang hindi panaginip ang lahat ng ito,
totoo na kasal na sila ni McLaren.

It happened really fast. Ni hindi niya namalayan ang seremonya ng kasal kanina
dahil ang atensyon niya ay na kay McLaren lang, gano'n din ito sa kanya. After
their wedding ceremony, they went back home to continue the celebration. Hindi na
sila nag-abala pang lumayo dahil ayaw niya rin.

Nang makabalik sila sa bahay nila, naka-ayos na ang lahat. They celebrate at the
roof top, in the swimming pool area and the view were the forest and the mountains
from afar. It's very nature and she likes it.

She will forever remember this day. The day that she married the man that she love,
the man that she knew is right for her and the man that God destined to be with her
for the rest of her life.

The clod wind blew, making her shiver. She's sitting at one of the bed sofa,
McLaren just left to talk to his family. It's already dark and she's tired. Mukha
naman naiintindihan ng ilang bisita nila 'yon kaya hinahayaan siyang magpahinga
habang kumakain.

It was a very intimate celebration. Mas gusto niya ang ganon. Magaan sa pakiramdam
at hindi magulo. It relaxed her.

"So, saan ang honeymoon?" Tanong sa kanya ni Akiko sabay upo sa katabing sun
lounger.

Sa tuwing nakikita niya ang kapatid, palagi itong may hawak na pagkain. Maghapon na
panay ang kain.

"Nauna na ang honeymoon namin." She chuckled and pointed her round stomach.

Natawa rin si Akiko. "Kailangan parin 'yon, Celine. Hindi niyo pinagplanuhan?"

"Like how we didn't actually plan for our wedding. Biglaan lang."

"Tiyak na biglaan din ang honeymoon niyo. Wanna bet?"

Celine glance at McLaren. He's now wearing a casual dark long sleeve, he's with
Alex, his brothers and father, he's holding a glass of liquor while talking to
them. When her eyes went to his finger, she smile, because she saw their wedding
band on it.

"I don't think he wants to travel. So I guess... we'll spend our honeymoon here."

"Hmm, let's see." Then Akiko winked at her.

"Are you living with Alex?" Celine casually asked her sister.

Akiko's smile and wiggle her eyebrow playfully. "Yes. We are adult."

"I can see that he loves you, so... I have no problem about you living with him
now."

"We just decided recently. And so far, so good naman. So yes, I am happy and I feel
safe being with Alex."

"I'm happy for you, you know that, right?"

"I know that, Celine. And you know that I feel the same to you."

"Yes."

"Cheers!" Akiko lifted her iced tea.

Celine got her iced tea glass and lifted it too, then sip on it.

"Excuse me, can I have my wife now?"

Celine lifted her eyebrow with that smooth approach from her husband.

Akiko rolled her eyes and stood up. "Okay. It's your turn." Then patted McLaren
shoulder before she leave.

"I'm kinda tired. Let's go to bed?" McLaren offered his hand.

"How about them?" Nguso niya sa iilan taong naroon.

"Don't mind them. They will be fine."

"Uh, okay. Let's go inside."

Kinuha niya ang kamay ng asawa at impit na napatili nang buhatin siya nito na para
bang hindi siya mabigat! She gained weight because her baby is growing inside her
stomach.

"Relax." He said, there's a tease on his tone.

"I am heavy!"

"No, you are not."

Sabagay, baka mas mabigat pa sa kanya ang mga binubuhat nito kapag nagwo-work-out
kaya halatang wala lang talaga rito ang bigat niya.

"They took you away from me since yesterday. Now it's my turn to have all of you."
McLaren kissed her cheek while they are entering the elevator.
"It's time for us to rest. I am so tired...." she sighed and rested her face on her
husband's chest.

"My wife is tired. Oh, okay..." he shrugged his shoulder. "Let's just sleep then."

"Sleep? Are you sure?" She hide her naughty smile.

The elevator door opened and they went out. McLaren walked towards their bedroom
and she was the one who opened the door.

"I don't want to force my wife to make love with me when I know that she's tired."

"Kaya pa naman kahit isang round lang." Kinagat niya ang loob ng pisngi upang
mapigil ang matawa nang magbaba ng tingin sa kanya ang asawa.

Ang pag-asa sa mga mata nito ay nahalinhinan ng pagdududa na baka naramdaman na

nanunukso lang siya at gustong makita ang reaksyon nito.

"Woah, who did these?" Celine gasped in surprised when she noticed the red and
white petals all over the floor until they reached their bed.

Even their bed is aesthetically arranged into a honeymoon bed. There are petals
around and some romantic candles that erotically illuminates the room.

"Do you wanna take a bath?" McLaren voice became raspy, his lips is on her ear.

"Umm, yeah."

Without any more words, her husband brought her to the bathroom. Nakaramdam siya
lalo ng kalugurang nang makita na nakaayos din ang bath tub. The bubbles and the
petals above the water tempted her so much.

"You like it?"

"Yes! In fact, I love it!" Her eyes sparks with admiration.

She's now sure that McLaren planned these romantic set up for them.

"That's good. Let's take a bath together."

Celine giggled and nods her head. McLaren carefully put her down. The cold tiled
floor made her toe fingers curl cutely.

When McLaren cupped her face with his two hands, her heart boomed inside her chest.
His gentle stares and the way he held her, melts her.

"My wife..."

Those two words escape his lips beautifully. It gave her butterflies on her
stomach.

"My husband..." she whispered back softly.

Her cheeks burn when he smirked. He looks so proud and overwhelmed to hear her
saying those two words. His emotion is written all over his face and that's
satisfying to watch.

"If this is a dream, please don't wake me up..." she muttered, mesmerized by the
beauty of his eyes.
"If this is a dream, I don't wanna wake up, baby." his gentle gaze went down to her
lips. "... because you are the only dream that I ever wanted in my sleep."

Celine absentmindedly chew her lips, she couldn't control the fast beating of her
heart. She can even feel that McLaren can hear it. At mas lalong kumalabog ng husto
ang kanyang dibdib nang unti-unting ilapit ng asawa ang mukha sa kanya.

She closed her eyes and waited for his lips... he felt his hand on her nape, he
gently pulled her closer to him before their lips met.

They shared a passionate kiss, their hands were roaming around each other's body
until they created a fire that made them ask for more heat.

"Umm," a small moan escape her lips when McLaren's lips went to her neck and when
his hand found her nipples.

The thin strap of her dress is already on her both arms. He was so quick that he
unhooked his bra without her noticing it. She's getting drown with the way his lips
move from her neck then it will up on her lips. Her body is already on fire and she
can feel the familiar tingling sensation between her thighs.

"McLaren... mmm..."

Her body arched when her husband removed down her dress together with her bra,
revealing her twin peak. And when he started to trail a kiss from her neck,
collarbone down to the valley of her breast, her breathing became heavy. Para
siyang nahahapo sa paghihintay na maramdaman ang mainit na bibig ng asawa sa
naninigas niyang dunggot.

Biting her lips, Celine place her one hand to McLaren's head, guiding him to her
nipple. She can't wait any more, she needs to feel him.

He grabbed her boobs using his two hands, put it together before he deliciously
lick her both nipples. Umalpas ang mga halinghing sa kanyang labi nang maramdaman
ang sarap dulot ng paghalik, pagdila at pagsipsip ng asawa sa kanyang dunggot.

Her body filled with love and pleasure. Seeing her husband owning her body turns
her on. When McLaren kneel in front of her, Celine became attentive.

Nagbaba siya ng tingin at pinanood ang asawa na hinahalik-halikan ang malaki niyang
tiyan. Her heart is melting and that's the best feeling.

"Daddy and mommy can't wait to see you." He whispered, she can see the love on his
eyes while caressing her stomach.

She's about to speak, but stopped when McLaren lowered his lips. Nang mag angat ito
ng tingin sa kanya, namumungay na ang mga mata na alam niyang sumasalamin sa kanya.

"Part your legs, wife." He command, voice was raspy.

Animo nahipnotismo, walang pag-alinlangan niyang bahagyang ipinahiwalay ang mga

binti. She open her mouth a bit to breath some air. Her heart gone wildly when her
husband removed down her underwear, leaving her naked in front of him.

"Ummm..." she let out a sweet long moan when her husband started to flick his
tongue on her femininity.

She was watching him licking her down there and that's a turn on. Mas lalo siyang
nag-init habang pinapanood ang asawa na nakapikit at sarap na sarap na walang tigil
na dinidilaan ang kanyang pagkababae.

She's so wet and she knew that her husband like it. Ramdam niya na bawat sulok ng
kaselanan niya ay hindi nito pinalagpas, dinaanan ng dila at pagkatapos ay
sisipsipin na para bang nag-iiwan ng marka doon.

"Umm, ohhh, aahhh... mmmm, M-McLaren... mmmm..."

Their bathroom filled with her loud moans.

She reached her orgasm twice, but her husband did not stop, instead, she made her
face the wall and expertly lick her p*ssy from behind.

MCLAREN knew that his wife is already tired. Her chinky eyes is sleepy but she's
still trying to stay awake so they can continue talking. They are both naked, her
boobs is pressing against his chest. The warm water with full or bubbles and petals
relaxed them.

He groaned when she moved a bit above him. Damn, he's inside of her. If she
continue move like that, he can't be so sure if he can control himself to take her
again.

"Baby, just stay still..." he said and kissed her lips.

"You're still hard. Ang sarap..." then she grind again.

McLaren grunted. Kung hindi lang nagrereklamo ang asawa na pagod na ito, i-isa pa
siya. Kaya lang, ayaw niya itong pagurin ng husto. Being inside of her right now is
enough. They don't need to move, they don't need to reach another orgasm, being one
is enough at that moment.

"I know you're tired, we can continue this tomorrow." His lips travel down to her
neck, he suck the skin on it, making her moan.

Itinigil niya ang ginagawa dahil mabilis na naapektuhan kapag umuungol ang asawa.

With Celine, he felt like he's himself, he's free to show what's on his mind and
whatever is in his heart. He's so comfortable being with her ever since. Kahit
hindi niya pa alam ang totoong pagkatao ni Celine noon, malaya siyang ibahagi ang
sarili niya rito nang walang pag-a-alinlangan.

Maybe because he knew her since they were a kid? He just didn't recognize her. His
mind didn't recognize her, but his heart did.

"You know how to wake me up..." may panunukso sa tono nito.

"I know the trick to wake you up."

She giggled when he sensually breath under her ear, he knew that it tickles her.
Marahan na pinasadahan ng daliri nito ang kanyang panga habang malamlam ang mga
matang nakatitig sa mukha niya.

Their face are just inches away, he's so tempted to kiss her but he's stopping
himself so he won't ruin that moment. Alam niya na kapag hinalikan niya ang asawa,
mahihirapan na naman silang magpigil.

Though her lips is seducing him, he can't deny the fact that the woman in front of
him is really a beauty. He always admire her beauty. Her chinky eyes is always
speak for her, her cute nose and kissable lips, always attracts him.

Kapag tinitignan niya si Celine, para na siyang may sariling mundo na kasama ito.
And when he saw her wearing a wedding dress this morning, he knew to himself that
she's the woman that he really wants to be with for the rest of his life.

"You were emotional on our wedding ceremony... I never see you like that." His wife
said softly.

"Do you wanna know why?"

"Umm, yeah." She cocked her head on the side, hiding her cute smile.

Naitatago ang ngiti ngunit hindi nito maitago ang kislap sa mga mata. He likes this
side of her. She likes hiding something from him but he can read her because her
eyes always betrayed her.

"I was emotional because when I saw you walking in the aisle towards me, I suddenly
asked myself... what did I do to deserve a woman like you in my life?" He caressed
her lips with his thumb while staring at his wife's beautiful face. "Watching you
walking towards me is like watching my own happiness coming to me."

The sides of her eyes watered, she even pursed her lips to suppress her emotions.
McLaren silently sigh when he felt the fast beating of his heart. Titigan niya lang
si Celine, nagbabago na kaagad ang bilis ng tibok ng kanyang puso.

Funny how she can easily manipulate his heartbeat just by staring back at him,
without saying anything.

"I promise to love you every single day of my life, baby." he whispered and claimed
her lips for a passionate kiss.

Chapter 43 - 41 ~ Job

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

THE thick and wide glass wall, the blue ocean outside of it and the house itself at
the top of the hill, reminded her to the day where McLaren brought her there for
the first time, but she ended up leaving him when she received a news about her ill
father.

Hindi niya man lang noon na-enjoy ng husto ang pananatili sa bahay na iyon na
nagsilbing paraiso kay McLaren. Now, she's happily back.

"Bakit hindi nalang tayo dito tumira?" Tanong niya sa asawa na nakahiga sa
kandungan niya, habang nakaupo siya sa mahabang sofa.

Malaki na ang tiyan niya at natatawa nalang kay McLaren na nagagawa pang
ipagsiksikan ang sarili sa kanya. She will give birth next month and they plan to
stay in Lane's mansion before and after she give birth.

"Do you prefer to live here than to our house near the forest?"

"Gusto ko rin naman ang bahay natin na 'yon, kaya lang masyadong malayo sa Siyudad.
Isa pa, nandito rin ang bahay ng dalawa mong kapatid. Mas maganda 'yon, di ba?
Hindi tayo masyadong malayo sa kanila?"

"Then, we will move here." McLaren simply said.

Gano'n lang kadali kausap ang asawa niya. Minsan nga ay isang sabi niya lang,
sinusunod kaagad nito, wala ng argumento.

"Dito tayo titira pagkatapos kong manganak."

"Okay. If that's my wife wants, I'll go with it."

She brush McLaren's hair using her fingers. There's a growing whisker on his jaw.
He didn't shave it, but it's fine with her. He looks mature and very manly with
that looks.

Simula ng ikasal sila, hindi na rin bumalik sa trabaho si McLaren. Sinasabi niya
naman na ayos lang sa kanya kung bumalik ito sa trabaho, ang laging sagot sa kanya
ay naka leave ito.

Alam niyang marami pang bagay ang hindi niya alam tungkol sa asawa at kahit papano
ay unti-unti naman naibabahagi ni McLaren ang mga 'yon sa kanya. Kapag ganitong
wala sila masyadong ginagawa, napag-uusapan nila ang mga bagay-bagay na hindi pa
nila nasasabi sa isa't-isa.

"Sigurado ka na ba talaga sa gusto mong pangalan ng baby natin? Hindi na magbabago

ang isip mo?"

"Hindi na. I love your name, I love Miyuki."

Gusto niyang mapairap. Sinadya nilang patagalin ang gender reveal ng baby nila
hanggang sa hindi na nila mapanghawakan ang excitement at nag desisyon na malaman
na. It's a baby girl and her husband quickly decided to name her as Miyuki because
he really love that name.

She can still remember the day she confessed to him about her identity, about who
she really was.

ALAM ni Celine na hindi gano'n kadali na ibahagi ang mga bagay na matagal niyang
inilihim lalo at kay McLaren pa. Pero kung hindi niya sasabihin ngayon, kailan pa?

They already confessed their love to one another, it would be better if they start
being honest to each other. Wala na dapat silang sekretong inililihim sa isa't-isa,
di ba?

"Do you have something to say? You look bother." McLaren noticed that she's
uncomfortable.

Celine silently took a breath. This is it! Sasabihin niya na talaga kay McLaren ang
mga inililihim niya. Hindi naman siguro ito magagalit? Maiintindihan naman siguro
nito kung bakit?

Kung may sasabihin man ito sa kanyang lihim nito, sisikapin niya rin na hindi
magalit bagkos iintindihin niya. Gano'n naman dapat talaga, di ba? Na hanggat
maaari lalawakan natin ang pag-unawa natin lalo na sa mga taong mahal natin.

"Come on, tell it. I'll listen. Hindi ako magsasalita, makikinig lang ako sayo
hanggang sa matapos ka." Udyok nito sa kanya na nagpapalakas ng kanyang loob.
Nasa swimming pool area sila sa roof top ng bahay nila. Pababa na rin ang araw at
ang kulay ng langit ay abo na nahahaluan ng mapusyaw na kahel. Sa baba ay makakapal
na kulay berdeng dahon mula sa matatayog na iba't-ibang klase ng puno.

They use to stay at the roof top and watch the changes of the color of the clouds
every day. Masarap sa mata ang tanawin doon, hindi nakakasawa kahit araw-araw niya
pang nakikita.

Celine glance at McLaren. He just finished swimming. He's topless and wearing a
swimming trunk, revealing his impressive bulge between his thighs. Itinaas niyang
muli ang tingin sa mukha nito bago pa kung saan mapunta ang kanyang mga mata.

He sat next to the sun lounger and got his beer above the table near them.

"Hindi ka... magagalit?" Nananantiya ang kanyang tinig.

After he sipped on his beer, he glance back at her. "Why would I?"

"Because I lied to you..."

"People lie, Celine. I lied too."

His honestly making her feel at ease for some reason. Marahil ay alam niya na hindi
lang naman siya ang nagsisinungaling o may inililihim, maging ito ay gano'n din.

"Okay then. I will tell you my secrets then you will tell me yours. Deal?" she
sounded like a negotiator.

She saw the hidden smirk on his wet reddish lips before he nodded his head.

"Okay, deal."

Celine took another deep breath to make herself ready with this confession. She can
feel that her heart is racing, she's nervous.

"My real name isn't Celine..."

Sinubukan niyang sulyapan si McLaren, naabutan niyang nakatitig lang ito sa kanya,
animo handang-handang makinig at maghintay pa ng mga sasabihin niya. Kaswal lang
din ang ratsada ng mukha. Para bang hindi nabigla na hindi Celine ang pangalan niya
o sadyang magaling lang itong magtago ng totoong nararamdaman.

Ano nga ba ang inaasahan niyang reaksyon ni McLaren? Ganito naman talaga ito
madalas, parang hindi mabilis masorpresa at bihasa sa kung paano mag kontrol ng
emosyon at reaksyon.

"My real name is Miyuki. I have a proof if you're doubting though. I used Celine as
my name when I moved here in Philippines. My father is a tycoon businessman in
Asia. My mother passed away and I have a sister..." She paused and took some air.

The only sounds she can hear is the wind and the tweets from the birds. They are
really living in a peaceful place.

"I started using that name when I started to cut my tie from my father. Hindi
maganda ang samahan naming mag-ama. Nagtiis ako ng ilang taon sa poder niya, tiniis
ko ang masasakit na salita galing sa kanya mula pagkabata hanggang sa mag-dalaga na
ako. When I made sure that I can stand with my own without his financial support, I
left him and moved here.
Sa pag-alis ko, dala ko sa puso ko ang sakit na idinulot niya sa akin. Halos
makibasado ko na ang bawat masasakit na kataga na binabanggit niya. I was very
young when I experienced being hated by my own father. But you know what's funny?
He never get tired of pointing his finger on me and blame me to what that happened
to my sister."

Naramdaman niya ang pag-init ng magkabilang sulok ng mga mata. It's normal to be
emotional especially when looking back to those rough days of her life.

"I did not even know what happened... I did not even know my sister." Halos marinig
niya sa sariling tono ang pait na nahalinhinan ng pagtataka.

Pagtataka kung bakit siya ang sinisisi ng ama noon?

"Sa pagdaan ng taon na dala ang pangalan na 'yon, pakiramdam ko ibang tao ako. It
made me feel that I have double personality. Creepy, isn't? But you know what, I
love Celine more than Miyuki. Miyuki is sweet but weak girl. While Celine is funny
and brave."

"I love both." McLaren whispered, making her gaze dropped on him. "Miyuki is brave
because she conquered all the pain from her childhood. Celine just helped Miyuki to
be a better version of herself."

Hearing those words made a lone tears rolled her cheek. Pakiramdam niya ay may
sumipa sa kanyang puso, naghalo ang hapdi at saya.

"Am I brave?" Her voice cracked.

"You are, baby."

Lumamlam ang mga mata nito habang pinagmamasdan ang kanyang mukha. There's an
admiration on his eyes that gives her strength. Wala siyang ibang makita kundi
paghanga at pagmamahal sa kanya.

"Thank you." She chuckled and wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "Then, I
met a few friends here who became part of my life. They made me feel that I am not
useless. I finally realized my worth as a person. I've learned how to stand with my
own and enjoy every bit of my life. Then, I met you unexpectedly."

A smile form her lips and look at McLaren's eyes.

"Unexpectedly..." he repeated.

"Yes. At gusto ko lang malaman mo na malaki ang naibahagi mo kung bakit masaya ako.
Thank you for being with me all these years."

"No, thank you for being with me and for not leaving me."

Nginitian niya si McLaren. Naririnig niya rin ang tibok ng kanyang puso. Her mood
switched that easy. Kanina lang ay emosyonal siya, ngayon naman ay gumaan na ulit
ang kanyang pakiramdam.

"Let's continue..."

"Go on," he shrug his shoulder and sipped on his beer.

"Do you still remember when I left you in your house with ocean view?"

"Hmm, yes. What about it?"

"I left you because of my father. He was ill. I stayed in Russia to be with him.
Before he passed away, he left me with a big responsibility. And that is to find
my... sister."

McLaren remained silent, he's really good listener.

"And after a two decade, I finally found her."

"Woah!"

"Yes! I found her and you know her!" Her voice held excitement. Bago pa
makapagtanong si McLaren ay nagsalita na siya sa sobrang galak na ibahagi rito ang
tungkol sa kapatid niya. "My sister is Akiko!"

Celine giggled. Hindi niya mabigyan ng pagkakataon na magtanong o magsalita si

McLaren dahil gustung-gusto niya ang topic nila.

"Nasa paligid ko lang pala ang nawawala kong kapatid. Private Investigator Alex
Villegas was the one who did the job. I did not expect Akiko to be my sister but if
she was not the real one, I will still treat her like my real sister though. Our
connection is so strong and deep, kaya pala... dahil magkapatid kami."

"I did not expect it too."

"But... the problem is we did not tell her yet. Baka kasi mabigla siya. Uunti-unti
ko ang pagsasabi. Sigurado naman ako na magugustuhan niya kapag nalaman niya ang
totoong koneksyon namin."

"I'm happy for you... for the both of you."

"Thanks."

Hindi na maawat ang ngiti sa kanyang labi. Bumalik na ang sigla niya. Siguro ay
dahil nasabi niya na kay McLaren ang mga inililihim niya rito. Magaan sa pakiramdam
at wala na siyang maramdamang pagsisisi.

"How about you? Do you want to share something with me?"

"I have lots to share, baby. Let's start with the basic." Then she playfully wink
at her, making her giggle.

She likes the idea of sharing each other's secrets, their experiences in lives and
their thoughts. In that way they can easily understand each other. Their
communication is clear. They don't really have a rough day as a couple because they
knew how to treat each other right.

Pagkatapos nilang maikasal mas lalo silang naging malapit sa isa't-isa. They tell
whatever in their mind, they became more vocal and open to each other. Isang bagay
na hindi nila nagawa noon. Ngunit masasabi niya rin na kahit may itinatagong lihim
ang bawat isa sa kanila, nanatili parin ang kung anoman ang namamagitan sa kanila
at nanatili sila sa isa't-isa.

Their set up wasn't ideal, but she has no regrets. With that set up, their feelings
grow, they both grow.

Label is important, but it's not all about label. We can love without that label.

"Paano kapag bumalik ka na sa trabaho? Should we stay to Mom's mansion?"

"Matagal pa 'yon. But I'd be more comfortable if you stay with our parents together
with our child."

"Aabutin na naman ba ng halos isang buwan? Ano sa tingin mo?"

"It depends on the case but I will try my best to finish it quickly as I can."

Whenever they talk about his job, she felt like McLaren is not very interested or
maybe he doesn't like to talk about it. Kaya lang... the more he's less interested
the more she gets more interested.

"I want to know more about your job. Tell me more please..." Lambing niya pa.

McLaren groaned, looks like he's now bored because she opened up about his job
again. His real job by the way.

"Like, what was your most memorable mission? Most painful?"

McLaren told her about his real job a month after they tied a knot. She was so
surprised and at the same time worried especially when he admitted that the new
scar around the upper part of his body was from his last mission.

"May mas masakit ka pa bang naranasan bukod dito?" Sabay haplos niya sa bandang
dibdib ng asawa kung nasaan ang mga scar.

"I experienced a lot of physical pain because of my job. I feel like my body became
immune with the pain."

"Noong huling misyon mo, sumagi ba ako sa isip mo?"

Where did she get that question though? Siguro ay hindi. McLaren looks like a
different person when he's in a job. Siguradong naka-focus lang ang isip nito sa
trabaho at hindi sa ibang bagay, o tao na labas sa trabaho nito.

"I thought about you."

Celine's eyes sparkle. "Talaga? Paano? Bakit?"

"I thought about you for a minute and I stopped myself quickly."

Kumunot ang noo niya hindi dahil sa pagiging tapat nito kundi bakit inihinto ang
pag-iisip sa kanya kaagad?

"You were supposed to be my inspiration to survive, but... when I thought of you, I

got distracted. I was not use to it." He sighed.

Sa pagbuntong hininga nito, naramdaman niya ang pagkabigo doon.

"Nakaka-distract pala ako sayo..."

"I was distracted with your beautiful smile, it was very dreamy, it took me away
from reality that night. But it was not the right time and place to dream of you
because enemies were in front of me, showering me with anger."

Knowing all of those made her admire him more. She can feel how much he love his
job even if it's gives him pain.

Parang sa pag-ibig, labis parin tayong nagmamahal kahit na nasasaktan na tayo.

"My job gives me pain but I love every bit of it. I am happy doing it." He
whispered. "I am grateful because... even if you knew how dangerous it was, you
never told me to quit from it. You did not take me away from the thing that makes
me happy."

Celine bite her lips. His voice was so real, he was so sincere when he delivered
those words.

"I won't take you away from your job, I will never do that. Kasasabi mo palang na
ang trabaho mo ay nagpapasaya sayo, sino ako para ilayo ka roon? I will support
you."

"Damn it, baby. You just slapped me with the fact that I really married the right
woman. Oh, I love you so much, Celine."

"We love you too, daddy." She answered back with her cute tone and caressed her big
stomach.

Chapter 44 - EPILOGUE
This is the last part of this story.

Thank you for being with me here and for your patience. Finally, I'm done with the
Book 1 of El Secreto Series.

Isa ang kwento na ito na gustung-gusto kong maisulat at isa rin sa pinaka
pinahirapan ako sa totoo lang. I like this story because it brought me back to my
first year of writing here, it brought me back to Carlie and Valerie Lane.

It's always nice to look back from where you started.

Btw guys, pls Subscribe to my Youtube Channel. I uploaded some videos there. Just
search: Miss Grainne.

Happy Reading! ❤

EPILOGUE

THE hardest part of working in ESO is when the time comes that they needed to
confess what's their job really all about to the one they loved. Since the day he
learned about ESO, McLaren also learned how to kept a secret, how to stay private
and most of all... how to lie with people around him.

His experiences of being one of the secret agent of ESO taught him a lot of things.
Ang isang bagay na hindi niya kayang balewalain ay kung paano lubos na palagahan
ang buhay ng mga taong naka-depende sa kanya lalong-lalo na sa mga oras na siya
lang tangi ang tanging daan upang maisalba ang mga ito sa kapahamakan.

We only have one life and it was a gift from God, if we waste it we won't realize
the real value of our life. His parents always reminded them that when the time
comes that they needed to choose between saving their own life or the life of other
people, choose both no matter what.

If the situation started to give you an option, be wise and always choose the one
that you think would not only benefit you, but it would also benefit with the
people around you. Natutunan niya na sa oras ng kagipitan, hindi nila kailanman
pipiliin maging sakim.

Na kung dumating man ang pagkakataon na wala na siyang ibang pagpipilian kundi
iligtas ang buhay niya o na kung sinoman ang kasama niya, sisikapin niya parin na
iligtas ang buhay nilang dalawa kahit na gaano pa 'yon ka-imposible.

Gagawin niya 'yon hindi lang dahil iyon ang tama, gagawin niya iyon hindi lang para
magpaka-bayani, gagawin niya 'yon hindi lang dahil 'yon ang itinuro sa kanya ng
magulang, kundi... dahil alam niya sa sarili niya na hindi niya kayang mabuhay ng
tahimik kung hindi niya nagawa ang dapat na ginawa niya.

He wanted to live his life with no regrets.

"Mukhang malalim 'yan, ha." Pukaw sa kanya ng asawa, tapos ay naupo sa kanyang
tabi.

Celine is wearing her maternity sleepwear. Her stomach is round and big. She was
fresh from the shower. Her hair is now over her shoulder, it's smooth, shiny and
smells good. He started to notice how her eyes always sparks whenever she saw him,
but he also knew it was not only because of him.

Isa sa nagpasaya kay Celine nang lubusan ay nung mahanap na nito ang kapatid na
matagal nawala sa mga ito, si Akiko. The world is so small, who would have thought
that those kids he was with in Romania were just around him?

"Baka naman nagsisisi ka na na pinakasalan ako?" May biro sa tono nito nang hindi
siya nakasagot kaagad.

Celine even wiggle her eyebrow playfully at him, then sipped on the glass milk.
They are in the balcony of their bedroom. Umihip ang pang-gabing hangin, sa munting
liwanag sa labas ay nakita niya ang marahan na pagsayaw ng mga sanga ng puno.

"I have no regrets. I love every bit of you."

"I know. So... let's continue our topic. Saan na nga ulit tayo nahinto kanina?"

They were talking about his job over dinner. Now, his wife wanted to hear more
about it. He can tell about ESO after his marriage proposal but they both got busy.
Alam niyang mahalaga na malaman ng asawa ang totoong trabaho niya, hindi lang niya
na-i-priority na sabihin. Isa pa, sa dami ng pinag-usapan nila, hindi siya makakuha
ng magandang tiyempo para ibahagi ang pinakatatago-tago niyang trabaho.

"ESO." he replied shortly.

"That's the name of your agency, right?"

"Yeah. My parents own it."

"Oh, really? Kaya pala noong nasa trabaho ka, busy rin ang magulang mo. Nagkulong
sila sa isa sa mga silid sa mansyon. They were so focus. What's ESO all about?"

"Do you wanna continue this in bed?" Instead he asked her, then glance at their
bed, like as if it's inviting him.

Sinipat ng asawa ang malaking kama, tapos ay nagkunot ng noo.

"Why not here? Hindi pa naman ako inaantok."

"I wanna cuddle."

Celine almost roll her eyes. "Cuddle lang ba talaga?"

"If you want more, just tell me."

"Let's just talk."

"Okay. Let's go inside."

The lay in bed, Celine made his one arm as her pillow. The smell of her hair always
caught him.

"Mag kwento ka na, dali. I'm so eager to know more about you and your job. You seem
really love it."

"I do. It's my dream job by the way."

"Being a private investigator?" She asked, making sure.

"I like it too but it was not the job I was talking about."

"May iba ka pang trabaho? What is it?" She sounds so curious now.

He don't want to expect any reaction from his wife one he confess his real job, he
was just hoping that she won't freak out.

"Let me introduce you ESO first."

"Okay, game."

McLaren chuckled. "ESO is a private agency. We offer a different kind of services

but mostly for security. Our clients are not just an ordinary people, they are high
profile, politicians and businessmen."

"Umm, so... ESO gives security to those people?"

"Yes."

"How about other services? What are those?"

" We offer Private Investigation, Surveillance, Spying, Disguising, Undercover and

we also do the Kidnap-for-ransom to rescue the captive."

"Have you tried all that?"

"Yeah."

"Wow, talaga?" She sounds so surprised. "It's like a... secret agent."

Celine even looked up on him to see his face. Nang ibaba niya ang tingin ay mangha
na nakatingin sa kanya ang asawa. It was so easy for him to read her.

"It is."

Celine gasped. Bumangon pa ito para makita siya ng maayos at masigurado na hindi
siya nagbibiro. McLaren remain calm, but he's silently praying that she will accept
the nature of his job and won't tell him to quit from it.
"You got to be kidding me, McLaren Lane!"

And when she say his full name, heaven knows how much he stopped himself to smile,
so he could remain his facial reaction.

"That's the truth, baby."

Celine mouth opened a bit, she's shock but his wife still looks so cute. Her hair
is now messy with her big stomach.

"It happens privately... at kapag pinagsama-sama ang mga trabahong iyon... iisa nga
ang tawag doon."

"Yes,"

"H-How..." Celine shook his head, she lost for words.

"Come." He offered his hand. "Enough for today, wife."

Ilang sandali pa siyang tinitigan ni Celine bago tinanggap ang kanyang kamay at
bumalik sa paghiga sa kanyang mga bisig.

McLaren silently let out a breath, he's now relieve that he already told his wife
his real job.

Sa mga sumunod na araw, pinag-usapan parin nila ang tungkol doon. Hanggang sa
dumating na sa punto na normal nalang sa asawa niya ang klase ng trabaho niya.

Celine accepted his job without a doubt and it helped him a lot. Hindi na siya
pinahirapan pa ng asawa niya na tanggapin ang bagay na mahal niya at nagpapasaya sa
kanya. Hindi ito masyadong naging kumplikado sa pagbahagi niya rito sa mga bagay na
pribado at limitado lang ang taong nakakaalam. Hindi na siya nito pinahirapan na
aminin ang lahat ng 'yon katulad ng naisip niya bago pa man.

THE LANE'S mansion filled with giggles and small cries from the babies. After
Celine gave birth to their first child, they stay in their mansion like what they
have planned it. Limang buwan na ang nakakalipas nang makapanganak si Celine at
naka-recover na rin ito.

The only thing that worry him is when the time they needed to leave their mansion
and move to their home because his mother will surely feel sad once it happen.
Noong pangatlong buwan nila ay nagbalak silang umalis na, kaya lang drinamahan sila
ng ina kaya hindi na nila itinuloy.

"Ikaw, McLaren, ikaw lang siguro ang ayaw dito sa mansyon." Sita sa kanya nito
habang karga ang anak niya. "Masaya naman dito si Celine at ayos lang sa kanya na
nandito kayo. Di ba, anak?" Sabay sulyap nito sa asawa niya.

Celine nods her head. "Yes, mom."

"See?" His mother went back her glares at him. "Kapag bumalik ka sa trabaho, dito
sa akin 'yan si Celine at Yuki."

McLaren leered. Nang sulyapan niya si Celine, itinatago nito ang ngiti. Wala rin
naman problema sa asawa kung manatili man sila sa mansyon, kuntento naman ito at
masaya.

"We can visit here weekly though if you don't want to miss my Yuki."
Gano'n naman ang ginagawa ng mga kapatid niya at asawa ng mga ito, bibisita tuwing
weekend para makasama ang magulang niya. Siya lang itong tanging anak na pigil na
pigil ang mommy niya na huwag silang umalis sa mansyon. Hindi niya rin naman
lubusang matanggihan dahil ayaw niyang mag tampo ang ina sa kanya.

"I know you are a married man and wanted to stand with your own, but anak,
pagbigyan mo muna ako, dito muna kayo ni Celine sa amin ng daddy mo."

"Sa akin po okay lang kami dito." Ani Celine.

"Heard that, McLaren? Your wife like it here."

Nang tignan niya ulit si Celine, matamis lang siya nitong nginitian.

"Maybe you are just bored here. I have an idea!" His mother voice raise in
excitement.

McLaren lazily sit next to his wife. Maybe... he's just bored? He's staying in the
mansion most of the day with his wife and daughter, aside from spending his time in
gym room there and drive around the town with Celine to unwind.

He used to work all day and night... honestly, he missed it.

"You can now go back to ESO, McLaren."

Nang sabihin iyon ng ina, pakiramdam niya ay nabuhayan siya bigla ng dugo. He
quickly drop his gaze to his mother, she wasn't joking though, he can tell it by
the way her eyes stare at him warmly.

"I can feel that you missed being in ESO. Napag-usapan na namin ito ng daddy mo
kagabi kaya wala ng problema. Pwede ka ng bumisita doon."

"Babalik na rin po ba siya sa trabaho?" Tanong ni Celine na ang boses ay may pag-
aasam at pag-a-alala.

He look at her but she wasn't looking at him, her attention was with his mother,
waiting for an answer.

"No, he's still suspended. But he can help with some works inside the ESO. Hindi pa
siya pwede sa field."

That's what he really wanted! He missed working! Damn, he felt so alive. Hinahanap-
hanap ng katawan niya ang trabaho. That's it.

"I'm fine with it. Can I start working tomorrow?" He made sure that his voice is
casual, but deep inside he was so eager to get back to the things that he used to
do before.

"Yes." his mother smile sweetly.

The kind of smile that gave him the impression that as if she won the game. She
really knew how to play her card, huh.

Kinahapunan habang pinapanood si Yuki na natutulog, napag-usapan nila ni Celine ang

tungkol sa pagbalik niya sa ESO.

"ESO is away from here. Uuwi ka ba tuwing gabi?"

"Yes of course." He answered, then stare at her.

"Hindi ka ba mapapagod mag hapon?"

"I don't think so. I will just help the new agents with their training. Are you
worried?"

"No," she quickly said.

"It was not in the field. So, nothing to worry about, wife."

Tumango-tango naman ito at marahan na hinaplos ang pisngi ng anak nila. They said
that Yuki has a bigger resemblance with him, but for him, she looks like Celine.
Kaya siguro nasabing mas malaki ang pagkakahawig niya sa anak ay dahil nakuha nito
ang mga mata niya.

"Tatawagan mo ako kahit nasa trabaho ka?"

Now, he started to realize that something is bothering with his wife.

"Yes, I will. Are you okay? Don't you want me to go back in ESO?"

"Hindi sa gano'n." Umiling-iling ito. "Siguro ay nasanay lang ako na palagi tayong
magkasama, bukod pa doon naranasan ko na wala tayong komunikasyon kapag nasa
trabaho ka noon, naninigurado lang ako ngayon."

"Iba na ngayon Celine. Pamilyadong tao na ako at alam ko na ang gagawin para hindi
ko mapag-alala ang misis ko kapag nasa trabaho ako. I"ll call you, okay?"

"Video call," she smiled cutely and wiggle her eyebrows as she transferred her gaze
to Yuki. "So you can see these cutie baby para mawala ang pagod mo."

"I'd love that. Video call then."

"Can I visit ESO?" Celine curiously asked.

"Yes,"

Para pa itong nagulat sa sagot niya. They are married and she knew about ESO, the
reason why she can visit there.

"As in? I can see it? I can see ESO's agents?"

"Well, maybe you can see some. Yung iba kasi baka nasa trabaho sa labas o wala
doon. Let's see."

"Are they aware that you're married now?"

"I think so. My mother surely informed them about it."

"Umm, may mga babae bang agent?"

McLaren hid his smirk. His wife sounds casual but he can sense that she's trying to
fish some information about female agent in ESO, for what reason? He don't want to
assume but maybe he's right... his wife is nothing to be jealous about though.

"We have female agent. Why?"

"Sama ako sayo." Excited na sambit nito at malapad pa siyang nginitian.

Hindi niya mapigilan ang bahagyang mapatawa. Alright, he knew it. He knew her
hidden agenda why she suddenly wanted to go with him in ESO.

"Tomorrow?"

"Bakit parang ayaw mo?" Tinaasan siya nito ng kilay. "Pwede naman ako do'n, di ba?
Mag asawa tayo. Sasama ako bukas." Pinal na desisyon nito na parang hindi na
mababali.

"Okay, we'll leave early tomorrow."

"What should I wear?"

"Baby just wear casual."

"Okay." Tapos ay umalis ito sa kama at nagpunta sa walk-in closet.

McLaren shrug his shoulder and stare at his baby girl. She's sleeping like an
angel. Pero kapag umiyak ang anak, umaalingawngaw sa buong mansyon pero saglit lang
dahil kapag nabigyan ng gatas, tahimik na agad.

"What are you going to wear tomorrow? Which one do you like?"

Celine went back with clothes in her hands. It was his and hers with matching
color.

"I'll be fine with white shirt."

"Okay, I'll wear white blouse. Then, I'll bring extra clothes for us."

He let his wife prepared their clothes for tomorrow, she looks like enjoying it.

YUKI woke up very early. Palagi itong maagang nagigising at nauuna pa sa kanilang
mag-asawa. Celine is still asleep and his daughter is started to make a sounds and
move her head like as if looking for her milk.

McLaren moved a bit and carefully pulled up Celine's sleepwear, revealing her
breast. He moved Yuki a bit to reach the nipple. He pursed his lips when his
daughter started having her milk. It's one of the perfect view for him. He used to
watch Celine while breastfeeding their baby girl, it's very admirable.

After a few minutes, Celine slowly opened her eyes. She yawned a bit and looked
down after and chuckled when she saw Yuki, busy with milk.

"Morning, wife," he greeted and kissed her lips.

"Morning, handsome." And her eyes wide opened like as if she realized something.
"Oh, it's your first day in ESO!"

"Yes, don't panic, it's still very early."

"What time is it?"

"Four in the morning."

"Ang aga mo naman magising..." kausap nito sa anak na abala talaga sa gatas. "Good
girl ka muna dito, ha? Aalis kami ni daddy."
Yuki just made a cute sounds. Makalipas lang ang ilang minuto, nakatulog ulit ang
anak. Nag-asikaso na sila ni Celine para makaalis ng maaga. As expected his mother
knocked on the door to get Yuki and transferred to their room.

"Handa na ang almusal. Kumain muna kayo bago umalis." Bilin nito sa kanila at
lumabas na ng silid.

Celine is still in her robe and drying her hair in front of the vanity mirror.
McLaren walked towards his wife and hug her from behind. Napahinto ito saglit.

"Why?" She asked through the reflection of the mirror.

"Dito ko na kakainin almusal ko." He whispered under her ear and slid his hand
inside her robe.

"Hmm..."

He started to give his wife a feathery kisses on her nape to her neck while palming
her breast. Celine is making a small moan, she stopped from blowdrying her hair and
focus with the sensation he was giving her.

"Let's remove this," then he puled the ribbon of her robe, revealing her boobs and
her inner thigh. "Beautiful." he muttered while staring at her almost naked body
through the mirror.

When Celine turned around and face him, McLaren did not waste more time. He angled
his head and claim his wife's lips. She answered his kisses aggressively and their
hands started to roam around their body.

Celine giggled when he lifted her up and made her sit above the mirror's table
behind her. He showered her neck with kisses until his lips reach the valley of her
breast. It's still full of milk and it's tempting.

"Umm!" Celine grab his hair deliciously when he suck her nipple.

He tasted her milk and for some reason, he likes it. Pinagsalit-salitan niyang
sipsipin ang utong ng asawa habang ang daliri ay naglalaro sa pagkababae nito.
She's now wet and so ready for him.

"Umm, McLaren... ahh..."

She's grinding her hips against his finger that's roaming around her femininity.
Her wetness turns him on that it made him thirsty. Bumaba ang kanyang labi sa tiyan
ng asawa. He hold her both legs and place the toe at the edge of the table. He
grabbed the chair on his side, then he sit. His face is now inches away with his
wife's womanhood.

He stares at it, it's pinkish and shaved, it's inviting. She's dripping wet.

"Tang ina," he cursed breathlessly and buried his tongue on her femininity.

Masasarap na ungol ang tangi niyang naririnig galing sa asawa habang walang sawa
niyang dindilaan ang bawat sulok ng pagkababae nito. Celine is gripping on his
hair, she's breathless and her moans made him more aggressive.

"Oh, McLaren! Ahhh! Ohhh.... lick me more... mmm, baby... a-ang sarap... s-sige
pa..."

He sucked her cl*t that made drove her insane. Her moans became louder and her legs
started to shake. The way she grip on his hair, he knew that she's about to reach
her climax.

"Fuck! Umm! McLaren! Ohhh! Ohhh...."

Celine let out a long moan when he continue sucking her small sensitive nub, making
her legs shook and let out her morning orgasm for that day.

His wife was still gasping when he stood up and entered her his hard shaft. McLaren
let out a small groan of satisfaction when he buried his cock inside. The feeling
was very satisfying.

He started pounding inside of her. Naghalo ang kanilang mga ungol na animo musika
sa kanilang pandinig. Wala na rin silang pakialam sa mga bagay na nahuhulog gawa ng
matinding pagbayo niya sa pagkababae ng asawa.

"Ahh, aahhh, umm, mmm, ohhh, ooohhh... y-yes... y-yes..." Celine kept on moaning
deliciously.

Pinapanood niya ito habang nakapikit ang mga mata at nakaawang ang mga labi,
kitang-kita niya sa mukha ng asawa na sarap na sarap ito habang binabayo niya ang
pagkababae. That view helps him to reach his climax easily.

Isang matindi at malalim na ulos, bumagsak ang mukha niya sa dibdib ng asawa at
pinakawalan niya ang mainit na likido.

Celine is asleep while they were on the way to ESO. His wife is still tired from
their morning exercise. Ginising niya lang ito nang nasa parking na sila sa loob ng
ESO.

Lumabas sila ng sasakyan at sumakay sa elevator na magdadala sa kanila sa

pangalawang palapag kung saan ipapakita niya muna sa asawa ang control room. Nang
makarating sila ay nandoon na ang dalawang kapatid niya pati si Von Ether.

"Welcome back, McLaren." Ether said and they fist bump. "Good to see you, Celine."

"Hello, good to see you too." His wife answered back then made herself busy by
roaming around her eyes.

They are inside the control room where surrounded by different kind of computer
screen that serve as their eyes, inside and outside ESO.

"Welcome to ESO, Celine." Mazda said.

"Thanks, Kuya. How's Liberty?"

"She's at home with our baby."

"We left Yuki to mom." McLaren said to his brother.

"We'll visit this weekend. Di ba, Kuya?"

"Yeah," Corvette answered shortly, his attention is in the screens.

Itinuro niya kay Celine ang bawat parte ng ESO na nasa screen. Celine is very
attentive, she looked each of one with enthusiasm and curiosity.

"This is the gym, then this one is the headquarter, training area... and cafeteria,
here."
Lumabas sila sa control room at inilibot niya ang asawa sa ilang parte ng ESO. When
she get tired, they went to the cafeteria and order some snacks. Wala pa silang
ilang minuto doon ay dumating ang isang grupo ng kababaihan sa pamumuno ni Kaleah.

They are all wearing black leggings, rubber shoes and halter top that shows their
packs. They are fit and with stoic face, but when they saw him... their face became
approachable that shows respect.

"Hey! It's you! You're back!" Kaleah being jolly, she went to him and hugged him.

When Celine fake a cough, Kaleah still and automatically released that welcome hug.
Nang tignan niya ang asawa, nakataas ang isang kilay nito.

"Oops, hello Mrs. McLaren Lane." Kaleah waved cutely at his wife. "Nice to finally
meet you."

Itinago niya ang ngiting gustong sumilay sa labi dahil hindi gano'n kabilis na
bumalik sa kaswal ang itsura ng asawa. It seems like Celine is silently asking
herself who's this woman, why she's close to him.

"Hi," Celine smiled, but he knew it was a fake smile.

He silently shook his head. He's hoping that his wife isn't jealous.

"Welcome back, Sir." Bati sa kanya ng tatlong babaeng kasama ni Kaleah.

"Thanks,"

"We will continue our training in an hour, do you wanna join?" It was Kaleah.

"I'll see."

"Okay. See you around." Then she finally left them.

"Close kayo?" Iyon agad ang bungad ng asawa niya nang makalayo si Kaleah.

"Not really but-"

"Pero niyakap ka niya." Putol nito sa kanya.

Mangha siyang napatingin kay Celine. Nakakunot ang noo nito na kulang nalang ay
balik-balikan ng tingin kung nasaan sila Kaleah, pinipigil lang na huwag.

"She just welcomed me..."

"Welcome hug?" There was sarcasm on her tone this time.

"I did not expect it though. Ugali niya na 'yung feeling close sa lahat."

At sanay naman siya na gano'n si Kaleah, sa iba ay gano'n naman din ito. Ang hindi
lang nito ma-trato ng gano'n ay ang dalawa niyang kapatid. Baka magtatangka palang
lumapit si Kaleah ay napukol na ng masamang tingin ni Corvette at Mazda. Si Kaleah
din ang pinaka bata sa mga agent.

"Ganyan din siya sa mga Kuya mo?" Parang imbestigador ang asawa niya, dinaig pa
siya.

"Hindi."
"Dapat gano'n ka rin. Wag kang magpapayakap sa ibang babae!"

McLaren nodded his head. "Hindi na mauulit."

"Yayakap palang sila, umiwas ka na agad." Dagdag pa nito at hindi na napigilan na

ibalik ang tingin sa kabilang lamesa hindi kalayuan. "Magaganda rin ang agent niyo
dito. Required ba?"

"No, ESO don't base with physical looks. But those women can use their beauty as
their advantage if really needed especially when they are doing an undercover
mission."

Tumango-tango naman si Celine.

"Are you going to train them?"

"If you're not comfortable knowing that I work with women, I can work in control
room instead."

"I know you want some physical activity and you missed it a lot. So..." She took a
breath. "... don't worry, it's fine."

"Sure?"

Umusli ang nguso nito, sa huli ay tumango.

"Yes."

"If you were jealous, don't be. Alam mo naman na ikaw lang ang mahal ko, di ba?"

Celine blush. Nag-iwas ito ng tingin sa kanya pero huli na, nakikita niya parin ang
bahagyang pamumula ng pisngi nito.

"Alam ko. Hindi na ako magseselos."

McLaren moved closer and kissed his wife's lips, making her pout cutely.

They went to the training area after an hour. There are only five agent that day,
it's a group of female agent. Kaleah waved at them.

Some of the girls are doing hand to hand combat with Alex, the other girls are in
Brazilian jiu-jitzu. Celine found her sit at the corner.

"Are you fine here?"

"Yes. Go ahead." Then she smiled at him.

McLaren just shrug his shoulder and started to removed his jacket, leaving him with
sleeveless tank that shows the sides of his stomach. Then a black sweat pants. Nang
ibalik niya ang tingin kay Celine, parang hindi nito aprubado ang damit niya.

"Why?" He chuckled with her face expression. Her forehead is knotted again. "You
brought this top."

"I like to see you wearing it when we were together. You look hot. Ngayon na suot
mo dito, pakiramdam ko hindi ka mukhang kasal na at may anak."

He proudly showed his wedding band to his wife. "I'm happily married, baby." Then
winked at her. "And I love my wife so much."

Natawa lang ito tapos ay itinaboy na siya. "Sige na, mag-umpisa ka na para makauwi
tayo ng maaga. Naghihintay na baby natin."

"Yes, yes." He kissed her forehead before he walk towards where Alex and other
girls at.

"Welcome back, bro." Alex greeted him and glance at Celine, then waved as a
greeting.

McLaren started to train the other girl with that hand to hand combat. He's focused
but still aware that his wife is watching him. He really missed every bit of ESO.
Malaking bagay na pinagbigyan na siya ng magulang na bumalik doon dahil ang
kapaligiran na 'yon ay hinahanap-hanap talaga ng katawan niya.

"Ang hapdi na." Reklamo ni Celine ilang oras pa. "Nasa room mo 'yung breast pump."

"Okay, let's go back there."

Nagpaalam na siya sa mga kasama na aalis na. They went to his room in ESO. Celine
removed her top together with her bra the moment they entered. Siya naman ay kinuha
ang breast pump sa bag na dala nila at tinulungan ang asawa sa pagkuha ng gatas sa
dibdib nito.

"Ang dami," natatawa ito dahil tuluy-tuloy ang paglabas ng gatas. "McLaren!" She
gasped when he suck one of her nipple. "Gusto mo talaga 'yung lasa? Hindi ba
weird?"

"It's fine. I like the taste." he answered then continue sucking her nipple like a
baby.

Bago pa lumubog ang araw ay nasa daan na sila pabalik sa mansyon. Madilim na ng
makauwi sila. Yuki keep on giggling when they saw them walking near her. Karga ito
ng mommy niya na nag-aabang sa pinto ng mansyon.

Himala at gising ang anak, siguro ay talagang hinintay sila.

"Hello baby ko... we're here." Kinarga agad ni Celine si Yuki. McLaren kissed his
daughter's forehead. "Umiyak po?"

"Ngayong gabi lang, hinahanap na kasi kayo." Sagot ng ina.

McLaren kissed his mother's cheek before they went inside. Nagpahinga lang sila
saglit sa silid nila bago bumaba ulit para sa hapunan. They ate dinner with his
parents. Napag-usapan ang unang araw niya sa ESO.

It was a long day. They went to bed after dinner. Celine is breastfeeding Yuki,
while he's there, watching them.

"Nakakawala ng pagod ." He whispered, mesmerized by his wife and daughter. "I never
thought that I could have a life like this. Having you and our daughter is the most
precious gift I ever have. I will never get tired spending the rest of my life with
you."

"I will never get tired of living a life like this with you." Celine said softly,
the twinkle in her eyes tells him how much she loves him.

"And... I will never get tired of being with you every single day. I want you to
know that I will love you for a lifetime... every bit of you, baby." He muttered
gently and showered his wife a kisses full of love and dedication.

The End
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