Kabanata 35

ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 35
''Bothered''

Love, as rumored, is their weakness, according to what Solenn has heard. I doubt men of this type possess such a vulnerability. But I have seen my own cousin, Javier. He's weak without his beloved. Is this the same thing for the Montecarlos . . . for Carlos Lorenzo?
 
If he does, indeed, love me figuratively, would I become the reason for his will to live or the cause of his demise?

I then remembered how Carlos once uttered his willingness to take me away and wage a war. He told me how easy it is to do so now, since I only carry the De Leons' blood and name, and not a woman of someone from our family.

Solenn told me how she saw it, based on her study of him, that Carlos would fight until he bleeds and dies on that battleground, once we enter that same chaos. But knowing Carlos . . . I don't think he'd enter a relationship with me without him thinking of the possibilities of objections from both families.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I literally felt myself being pulled too. Nalilito pa akong napalinga-linga sa paligid, ngunit agad ring nakabawi at napagtanto ang mga kaganapan.
 
It's just Carlos and I right now. We got out of a private elevator. Kanina pa kami nakapagpaalam sa aking mga pinsan. At ngayon ay nandito na sa sinasabi niyang penthouse. 

I noticed that he has his own elevator landing, but it didn't lead directly to his place. May mawalak pang espasyo, at ang dingding ay puno ng iba't-ibang paintings, habang ang paligid ay may iba't-ibang miniature structural buildings and aircraft. There are some items too, na nakapaloob sa mga glass square boxes at may mga itong sarili nilang ilaw.

The whole space looks like a mini museum. Sobrang ganda! Ngayon pa lang ako nakakita ng bahay o tinutuluyan na may ganito. I guess this is the side of Carlos which clearly shows his love for his profession and hobbies.

We took a short stroll down the hallway and stumbled upon a door. Stepping inside, my lips parted in awe. The interior was incredibly contemporary and modern, with sleek switches adorned on the walls. Ang buong dingding ay natatakpan ng malaki at matatangkad na kurtina. It didn't seem like a concrete wall; rather, the whole living room wall appeared to be made of glass.

''Come, the bedrooms are upstairs.''

''Oh, okay,'' singhap ko.

The staircase seems to be floating and suspended, allowing you to see through each space. It looked like it was held up by, I'm not sure what to call them, but they resembled threads. Each step was illuminated, adding to the stunning effect. It looked amazing, and I'm sure it's safe for adults. Carlos, being an engineer, surely ensured its safety. After all, it's his house.

But, ''This doesn't look like it's safe for kids.'' I mumbled mindlessly as I took each step, remembering my younger brother, who has been running around now.

''I . . . will take note of that.''

My forehead creased as I heard Carlos speak. I glanced at him, but he wasn't looking at me; instead, he seemed to be scrutinizing his entire place. But isn't this where he lives? Why is he examining this as if he were seeing it for the first time?

"This is the master bedroom," he said as we finally entered a room. He glanced at me before running his fingers through his hair. "Do you like it? We can make some changes if you want. Just let me know—I don't mind."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya sinasabi o tinatanong ang mga ito. Inilibot ko na lamang ang tingin sa buong kwarto.

His bedroom looks very cozy. Ang ganda rin at napakalinis! It also has contemporary designs. The colors, furniture, and lighting all complement each other well. Our house felt a bit shy in comparison. Our first floor is probably only as big as this room.

Binalingan ko si Carlos na matiin na nakatitig sa'kin at tila ba kanina pa naghihintay sa mga sasabihin ko tungkol sa kwartong ito.

''Uh, dito ako matutulog?'' Iyon lang naman ang naitanong ko.

He sighed and cleared his throat. ''If you do not mind . . .''

''Hmm, I don't! Your room looks cozy. I like it here.'' Ngiti ko.

''I'm glad then.''

I glanced at him again and saw him smiling, just like I was. But as seconds passed by, my smile slowly faded as I realized something. This is the master bedroom . . . which means it's also his own bedroom!

We'll be sharing a room?! Well... I think he wouldn't mind me being here. And . . . we've slept together before anyway. Ayos lang naman at wala naman siguro magiging problema. 

But who the hell are you kidding, Georgianna?! You'll be spending days alone with a man you love! And just watching him walk around the bedroom a while ago already brought you back to that day when you first flaunted your nakedness!

My whole face flushed with heat, and I could hardly leave the bathroom. I've already showered and everything, yet here I am still stuck.

I suddenly became very conscious to the point that I even smell myself, kahit na kakaligo ko lamang. I checked my clothes too. It's black sleeveless lace nightwear. Sobrang iksi pala ng shorts nito! Pero halos ganito lang rin ang mga nadala kong pantulog, mga maninipis lamang para kasya ang lahat ng damit ko sa maleta.

Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib nang mapansing bakat iyon. I'm not wearing a bra! I forgot to bring one here in the bathroom! Nawala sa isip ko. Hindi naman kasi ako nagsusuot noon kapag natutulog. That's the only time my breast can breathe, so I really enjoy not wearing it at night.

''Baby, are you done?''

Napaigtad ako nang kumatok na si Carlos. Hindi ko agad binuksan at lumapit lamang ako sa may pintuan.

"Did she fall asleep?" I heard him mumble behind the door. It was quiet, but then his voice grew louder again. "Georgianna, I'm going in after ten minutes if I don't hear your answer. You shouldn't stay in the water for too long. You've been there for almost two hours.''

Huminga ako nang malalim, pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili. I counted for a while before I opened the door. Carlos was right by it, which startled me and almost made me jump. Despite my heart pounding loudly in my chest, I tried to smile at him.

''Sorry . . .'' halos paos kong sabi. ''Your bathroom looks so fascinating it took me a while to shower because I've been looking . . .''

Instead of looking at his face, my gaze drifted down to his body when I noticed he wasn't wearing anything on top. Carlos was only with a towel wrapped around his torso.

''Georgianna.''

I blinked and quickly looked away when I noticed his body shifting and stance adjusting to somehow face the other side.

''Huh?''

''Sleep now. I know you're tired.'' he said, planting a kiss on the side of my head. ''I will just take a shower too. I'll be with you after.''

''Hindi pa naman ako pagod, Lorenzo,'' agap ko.

He eyed me intently with furrowed eyebrows. ''. . . and?''

Oh, right. So what?

''Wala lang . . . sinasabi ko lang para alam mo. You said I'm tired, I'm just telling you I'm not,'' I replied.

Hindi siya nagsalita at tumitig lamang. Ngumiti na lang ako at tinungo na rin ang kama para maibaling na rin ang atensyon sa ibang bagay.

Oh, wow. The bed's so soft. Malaki rin, tipong kasya siguro dito ang ilang tao.

I was still feeling the softness of the bed when I noticed that Carlos was still standing there, not moving an inch. He was still watching me intently, almost boring holes all over my face. Nagpalipat-lipat din ang tingin niya mula sa'kin at sa kama.

''Aren't you going to take a shower?'' I asked, a bit confused.

He shut his eyes as his jaw clenched. He then took a deep breath and quietly entered the bathroom. I pursed my lips.

I'm not really tired, and I'm definitely not sleepy. I don't want to stay in bed either because my mind keeps wandering elsewhere. That's why I've been pacing around his bedroom, just looking around, because I have nothing else to do. Carlos has a smaller version of his living room here in his room. He has a walk-in closet. And there's a veranda too.

I was checking the lampshade near the bedside table when Carlos' phone lit up, probably because of a notification. But what caught my attention the most was his lock screen. It looked very familiar to me. Well, of course, it's familiar because it's me!

The picture isn't from the shoot we had before—it's a different one because it has a different scenery and my clothes were different. I remember that dress! It's what I wore last Christmas. At sa hardin ng kanilang mansyon iyon! I wasn't looking at the camera because I was busy smelling the flowers with a smile on my lips.
 
He took a picture of me that day. and made it his wallpaper? I can't help not to smile. I don't know why I find it so cute and heartwarming.

Narinig ko ang kaluskos sa may banyo kaya agad akong tumakbo sa may sofa. There's a gadget there that looks like a remote. Agad ko iyong pinindot. Kasabay nang pagbukas ng tv ay ang paglabas ni Carlos mula sa banyo.

Even with the television on, my eyes still landed on him. Una niyang tiningnan ang kama at nang siguro'y mapagtanto niyang wala ako doon, agad niyang nilibot ang tingin hanggang sa magkatinginan kami.

''Not sleepy yet?'' he asked.

Umiling ako.

''Hmm.''

Carlos' hair was dripping wet. The water droplets were falling on shoulder to his bare chest. I noticed that even his chest was still a bit damp. And the towel on his torso seems to be heavy as it hang lower . . . with his ripped stomach and v-line showing.

I swallowed hard, shifting my eyes back to the television. I didn't think it was a good idea to be here. My intentions were pure when I answered his question about whether I wanted to stay with him. Of course, I want to. I even cried earlier because I felt like I wouldn't be able to be with him that much anymore. Realizing my feelings made me want to spend more time with him. But now, I realize it's dangerous to be here. And I'm not sure who's more at risk . . . me or him.

Carlos had already gone to his walk-in closet without much noise. I, on the other hand, kept changing the channel, unable to focus. Ngunit sa kakalipat ko, napaunta ito sa isang palabas kung saan may naghahalikan nang mapusok. Nanatili pa ang titig ko roon bago napagtanto kung ano iyon. I instantly turned the channel guilty. When I found a cartoon, iyon na lamang ang pinanuod ko.

I literally flinched when Carlos took a seat beside me after a while. He's already dressed with a white shirt and boxers. Medyo basa pa ang buhok at pinapatuyo niya pa iyon gamit ang isang mas maliit na tuwalya.

Nanatili ang tingin ko sa pinapanuod. It wasn't dead silent, because of the cartoon running, but since non of us is talking, pakiramdam ko nabibingi ako sa katahimikan. Hindi pa nakatulong na konting dikit lamang ng balat ni Carlos sa'kin, pakiramdam ko napapaso ako.

''Is there something bothering you, Georgianna?''

Napakurap ako. ''Wala . . .''

''I can sleep in the guest room, if you want.''

Agad akong bumaling sa kanya. He gave me a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. He rather looked in pain than happy. 

''Why?''

''Just so,'' aniya at umiwas ng tingin.

''Ayaw mong tumabi sa'kin?''

He groaned. ''That's not it, Georgianna.''

I furrowed my brow and stared at him closely. I leaned in a bit, and I noticed him slightly back away. He couldn't meet my gaze now. Is he bothered by something that I'm also bothered by?

''Damn it, I will sleep in the guest room!'' he said with finality this time.

Pero bago pa siya makatayo ay nahawakan ko na siya sa braso. He looked and felt weak, which is why I was able to pull him back to the sofa. I'm neither drunk nor tipsy, so I don't know where I got my bravery and boldness when I straddled Carlos' lap. 

Pumikit siya nang mariin at muling lumunok. I also heard his small curse.

''Is something bothering you?'' I asked the same question he asked me.

''I brought you here so I could spend time with you and not for other reasons, Georgianna,'' namamaos niyang sabi. ''Don't tease me like this, please.''

''Huh? I'm not even doing anything yet!''

His eyes narrowed. ''So you're planning on doing something later?''

''We are still spending time, Lorenzo. What are you talking about?'' I said, not minding his question.

His eyes, which are now darkening, flickered to my lips. I saw him lick his lower lip before his eyes went back to me. His gray eyes sparkled and glimmered with fire, burning my skin without even trying. 

''You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, Lorenzo,'' I uttered truthfully and in awe.

And just like that, he smashed his lips against mine. My eyes instantly closed, savoring the moment. It started soft and gentle. He kissed my closed mouth, sucking my lower lip, before he pulled away, glaring at me.

''Open your mouth for me,'' he commanded in a low voice almost a growl.

I chuckled a little, but he took that chance to probe his velvety tongue inside my mouth. I felt a jolting pleasure as I met his tongue, and a moan escaped my lips as I tasted him.

I feel him pulling me closer, as if being in his lap wasn't close enough. His grip on my waist is tight, and one hand moves to the back of my head, urging me even closer. I shivered when I felt his hardness pressing against my center. I could feel it right against me, even through the thin cloth covering us both.

I tried to move my hips, wanting to feel him even more. He let out a deep breath and a violent curse. When Carlos' hand slipped inside my clothes, my toes curled, especially when he was able to cup my bare mound.

I pulled away from the kiss, biting my lip so hard, as I watched his hand do wonders inside my top. Kitang-kita ko kahit sa labas ng aking damit ang paggalaw ng kanyang kamay. At ramdam na ramdam ko sa loob ang bawat pisil at hagod ng kanyang palad at darili sa dibdib ko.

''I won't be able to stop, Georgianna. Heaven knows how much I want you so bad . . .'' he breathed out in pain. ''If you don't want to do this yet, let me fucking sleep in the guest room.''

Hindi ako nakasagot dahil masyadong nakakaliyo ang pakiramdam na iginagawad niya sa'kin.

He wants me bad . . .  he said. And . . . I want him too. He's like a dessert I've been wanting to try.

''T-the bed can accommodate us both.''

''What?'' he asked, confused; a manly chuckle followed. 

I only stared at him, and he did the same too. Without words, I let our eyes talk. And just a few seconds later, his eyes darkened. He hastily pulled my top away from my body, and I let him. My chest was exposed, and he stared at it intently with burning hunger.

''Goddamn it. You'll be the death of me,'' he heaved.

A loud moan escaped my lips when his fingers, which were playing on my n-pple a while ago, got replaced by his mouth. He sucked on and licked my nub meticulously. Nag-alab ang buong katawan ko. Hindi pa nakatulong na nakatitig siya sa'kin habang ipinapakita kung paano niya iniikot ang kanyang dila doon.

''Oh . . .'' I gasped when his teeth grazed it slightly, pulling it a bit.

Mariin ang kapit ko sa kanyang buhok habang dinudungaw siya. My throat dried realizing the fact that I couldn't ignore now the burning sensation that slowly crept inside me.

''You like it, hmm?''

Hindi ako nakapagsalita, umawang lamang ang labi ko para ipakawala ang mabibigat na hininga.

While his mouth and tongue were busy licking and sucking the right one, his hand played with the other one. He did not leave both of them unattended. At paminsan-minsan ay nagpapalit-palit siya. He sucked on my n-pples and did things I didn't even know were possible. Then he would reach my lip for a short kiss, and his attention would be back again on my mounds.

''Y-you're enjoying this . . .'' Hindi ko mapigilang puna sa namamaos na boses. ''Bakit Lorenzo? Dahil noon . . . madalas mo lang tingnan pero ngayon . . .'' My words were cut short with his sexy chuckle.

''Hmm. Come here. Let me kiss you to shut you up.'' He cupped my jaw and pulled me for a hungrier kiss.

I could feel that he was more intense now with every kiss and touch. Our tongues wrestled, and our saliva mixed. It was wild and somehow messy. But it seemed like he really didn't care because he was more eager to claim my mouth and dominate me.

My chest heaved as I could almost feel Carlos' body shaking violently, but as if his control was stronger than his desires, his hand, which seemed chained with invisible cuffs, finally settled on my waist, gripping me on it quite hard.

He pulled away from our kiss. Sumandal siya sa sofa, mariin at madilim ang mga mata habang nakatitig sa'kin, namumungay at tila ba sabik na sabik pero pilit na pinipigilan ang sarili.

''If we don't stop now . . .'' he trailed off, carefully with a bit of warning. ''It's not only your mouth I'm going to ask you to open for me.''

I swallowed so hard that my throat hurts already. ''W-what will you ask of me next?''

He smirked dangerously. ''Open your legs for me, Georgianna, and let me see and taste that sweet p-ssy of yours.''

          
           
#ENEMYSPROPERTY