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Chapter 33 part 1 Flirt "If you want me to forgive you sooner, don't avoid me. Don't leave my house. That's my condition." His words marked through my mind like a permanent tattoo. I just found myself obliging to his command. I stayed, even if seeing him everyday makes me hope more and in turn, makes my heart hurt more. Once again, I set aside the thoughts of forgetting through avoiding him. Once again, I am desperate for his forgiveness. If this is the only way for him to forgive me, then be it. This is really my original plan. To be forgiven before I forget. If I get hurt every day for following his wishes, go ahead. Maybe that's what I really deserve, anyway. To be hurt for her happiness. I hurt him then, he will hurt me now. We quits I stayed in his house. I also did not go to the warehouse for a week because of my injury. I can't even walk properly the first two days after the incident. My foot hurts a lot. It bleeds every now and then. I put aside my shame and pride first. I needed people to take care of me. Jared is the most available. He nursed me, along with Manang Tess. "Hello! How's my slutty friend?" Brent was kind to me. I rolled my eyes. I wish I could grab him by the neck from my laptop's screen so I could scratch his face or what. "Nice intro, huh?" I sarcastically said. "I love you, Mare," he let out a bark of laughter. I smiled sarcastically. My bestfriend changed a lot. The way he does his make up and his choice of clothes screams of so much freedom of the gender he has chosen. I'm proud of him. "Why did you call?" I asked sternly. "Ouch. You sound like you didn't want to talk to me, Thalia Ysabel," She artfully placed her palm on his chest. I rolled my eyes again. His drama sucks. "Why then?" I probed. He winced. "You have no heart," he scolded me. "I just want to ask your condition on Papa Jared's arms …" He smiled. My face turned sour. This fake French is updated with my life. Even if I don't tell him what's happening to me here in the Philippines, it's a miracle that he hears about it from someone. I have nothing to hide from a Bernardo Almendras Jr. He knows everything about me, including me staying with Jared in his house here in Zambales. "What? Is there something going on with the jowa there? Hopefully when I get home, I'll have a friend who's having a fight with Miara Torres …" "You fucking bitch!" He burst out laughing. His poise even got stained. I hate it that we're miles away at this moment. I would love to pull your fake eyelashes on her! "Your mouth, Mare! Calm down. I didn't say that you're my friend who will fight with Ms. Torres. I have lots of girl friends, you know," he laughed again. "Do you want me to make this call off?" I said grimly. He sneezed and adjusted his seat. He also adjusted the black and gold color of his furry coat and his extensions which were a bit messed up due to his snort of laughter earlier. I rolled my eyes at him. "Where are you?" He tapped something on his Ipad and he lost the camera. I saw a pink sofa on the screen. "Office," He said and then his face flashed on the screen again. He was sitting at his desk. Behind him is a large portrait sketch of a lady in a lavender long gown. Maybe one of his works. There are other picture frames hanging on the wall but smaller and concentrated sketches as well so I can't see well. The walls of his office are painted in baby pink. "Oh. And you are calling me during office hours?" I arched my brow. "Maybe you forgot I'm the boss here, Mare. I can do whatever I want. Besides, I'm done doing my design," he shrugged. I shook. What a privilege. "Look at the view behind my glass windows," he said, proudly. Chapter 33 part 2 He picked up his Ipad and then stood up. He walked over to where his video was so pretty shaky. When the camera became steady again I saw his proud view. My jaw dropped. It's the freaking famous Eiffel tower! "Holy cow, Brent!" He chuckled. If I was maybe there, I wouldn't even go home. I'll just stay in the office! "Enviable …" I pouted. He's very successful now. His own clothing line of dresses and evening gowns are quite famous in France. In fact, his fashion collections are worn by top French fashionistas and red carpet starlets. He is also supported by his family. The camera returned to him. A boastful expression flashed at me. "Tse!" I spat. He laughed. We were silent for a moment. I yawned. It was nine o'clock in the evening. "You? Where are you?" He asked. I put my phone on the back camera to show the dark sea in front of me. I am sitting in a cotton hammock swing chair hanging on a coconut tree. In front of me is the sea in its most dangerous phase. The cold breeze was biting my skin, making my lips quiver and my skin cold. For the past days, this is my kind of entertainment since I cannot go out. From morning to night, the beach is in front of me. "Don't tell me you don't like the view there, huh? If I were you, I'd jail myself in that place!" I smirked sarcastically. His lips twitched, seemingly getting the meaning of my expression. He arched his brow. "Anyway, if I was with my dearest loved one, everyday would feel like hell in paradise. I'd rather live in the polluted city," "Tsss …" "How are you with him, Thalia, dear?" I glared at him. He raised both hands. "Just asking! As a friend, you know …" He defended. I rolled my eyes. "As a friend? Stop it, Brent. I know you're just fishing out for information," "Fine, fine. If that's what you really think. So, what is it?" I rolled my eyes again. "Fine." "Fine?" He arched his brow. "Tss. He's … nice. He's nice to me," He laughed crispily. "What the f. You sound like a little girl crushing on someone! Can you at least elaborate?" "What do you want to know?" I said irritably. "Oh." He raised his brow. "Everything? About him being nice to you?" He wiggled his brows. The corner of my lips rose for an annoyed look. "He's thoughtful, caring … as always," He whistled. "Caring, huh?" "Tss …" "How's his girl? Is Papa Jared's setup okay with him?" He drawled. I stared at him. "Hey, I'm serious here!" My eyes rolled. "I do not know." My answer. Chapter 33 part 3 That went through my mind once. Is all this okay with him? Because if I were in her situation, even if my boyfriend and other women were not doing anything wrong, I would definitely never be complacent. Maybe I'll follow him here and live in his house. What a mature relationship they have. Or maybe … she's just really trying to understand Jared? Because she trusts him so much. Because she knows, she just is. Damn. "Hmm …" I was swallowed. "For sure it's not okay for her," he lazily drawled. Somehow, I know that. I just kept on disregarding it … I took a deep breath. "So, what do you want me to do? Avoid Jared again? How about my forgiveness?" I said miserably. He smirked. "Are you really sure they're in a relationship?" "Huh?" He shifted on his seat, sitting erectly. His gesture told me that he suddenly became so interested in our topic. "I know you know what kind of man Jared is. He's a playboy, but when he's serious …" He bit his lower lip and his eyes turned obscene. I rolled my eyes. "You know that. You've experienced it first-hand, Mare. That doesn't even look at another woman when it's serious," He smirked. "Tss …" I looked away and swallowed the bile in my throat. "So based on your setup right now, him, housing another girl, I doubt if he's in a relationship," he shook his head. "He is in a relationship." I insisted, with bitterness dripping like acid in my system. I've seen it with my own eyes. How they are so sweet with each other. How their eyes burn with passion when they look at each other. And … people confirmed it. It's impossible that they're not together. He shrugged. "Well, we don't know. It's up to you. Maybe. After all, you're the one who sees them. If that's the case, then, beware. Do you think Jared's intentions were pure? That he considers you a guest in his house so He cares about you? I doubt that. He's probably hitting on you … "He arched his brow. My head heats up. "I'm sure not. He has a girlfriend for pete's sake, Brent! Stop thinking ill for all of these!" Hitting on me? Oh, come on! He chuckled that made me more annoyed. "Chill. Just guessing, okay? Be careful anyway, Mare. If he's just really 'caring' like the old times," he said sarcastically. I blinked. "Still, know your limitations. Maybe his 'girl' is just so understanding, but you're also a woman. You know what to do. Distance …" Even if Brent doesn't say that that's what I often do. I'm going to do that even more now that someone has reminded me. She might not voice it out but I'm sure she's unhappy for all of these. The only thing I can do is to assure her that I won't touch his man. To repsect her being woman. Because maybe … Jared didn't do us any harm either. And I repeat, he's not hitting on me. I'm sure of that. And if she were a woman, she would definitely never put me on her lists. Why would he want to date a girl who broke his heart before, anyway? We also lost our conversation about it later. Brent said his goodbye when his secretary called him for his meeting with a client. I took a deep breath. The wind blew harshly. My hair exploded so I grabbed it and placed it on my right shoulder. I hugged myself. A warm cloth enveloped my skin. I looked up at whoever had put it there and my heart pounded. Is this a deja vu? No. It already happened. Many times, four years ago. "Thanks …" I said. As I adjusted the fit of the jacket over my shoulder, Jared sat down in the hammock chair next to me. Chapter 33 part 4 The cold wind blew even harder. The manly scent of his jacket is attacking my nose, hypnotizing me, taking my soul away from me. I turned to him. He wasn't wearing a jacket but it seemed like he just didn't have the cold. His white v-neck t-shirt dances as the wind blews it. I get it that he's an alpha, but does he really have any weaknesses? Even the cold? He's that hard now, huh? I immediately averted my gaze when he turned me back. I bit my lower lip as I realized something. Why is he here? The awkward after what Brent says is that here he is. Though, there is no truth to everything he said … Deafening silence dominated us. But my booming heart disturbs the peacefulness of the night. The fact that he's sitting beside me, too, is giving wonders to my hopeless heart. Is this what Brent is saying, e. I may not be physically indulging myself with Jared, but emotionally, I am already disrespecting his girl. I really should be distancing myself. "You can't sleep yet?" He asked breaking the silence. I shook. "How's your wound?" "It's all healed now …" I said. He nodded. For minutes, we stayed silent again. I quietly felt the peace of the place until he spoke again. "Have you bathed in the sea since we came here?" He asked. "Not yet," "Really? Why?" I turned to him. His face looks so amused. "Uh … I have no time?" I laughed then averted my eyes. He tilted his head and he shot his brows up. "Then what did you do here when you pretended you wanted a rest just so you could avoid me?" My eyes widened and my cheeks warmed. How dare him tease me about that! Embarrassing! "Excuse me! I am not able to swim because you won't allow me to!" I bit my lower lip. There seems to be something wrong with what I said. It's like I said because he forbade me I obeyed! He chuckled. His face looked more amused. He seemed very comforted by what I said. Do I look like a clown to him? Feeling embarassed, I prayed to stand up to leave him but he immediately pulled me by the wrist. I fell back into the chair. His laughter grew even louder. I looked at him. "That's right …" He smirked. My sharp gaze remained on him. I tried to remove my wrist from his hold but he held it tighter. He grabbed my wrists with one hand. The more I stared at him the more he comforted me. He brought his lip close to my ear. I was almost out of breath there. "You can only swim when I'm around …" He whispered sensually. "Tsss …" I said, fighting my emotions. Is this what Brent says? I don't think so! "Tomorrow." Aniya. I looked at him. "Do you wanna swim?" He asked. "Of course," He smirked. Blow hard so my hair exploded again. I tried to remove my wrist from his hold to attend to my hair but he didn't let it. Instead, he did it for me. He parted the strands of hair that covered my face. My heart pounded. This feels so wrong. "We'll go swimming tomorrow. Here. All day," He said. My eyes rolled. I felt excited for a while. "What about your work?" His lips twitched and his brows shot up. "Let's just say, tomorrow is my rest day?" He teased. I frowned. Damn that 'rest day'. He's teasing me again! "I do not want!" I spat. "Uh-huh," I blinked. "It's just you. You're alone." He laughed. He tousled my hair. "You naughty girl. That's final. We'll go swimming tomorrow." I sniffed and averted my eyes. Maybe it's okay, isn't it? We'll just hang out. As long as we're not doing bad, I am not disrespecting Miara. It's just my feelings disrespecting her. But I am doing all my best to stop it. And by the time I sense that he's hitting on me, I wouldn't hesitate to avoid him. It's not bad that he can't be forgiven, just don't commit another sin. Chapter 33 part 5 The next day we did the same. In the morning we went to the mall for grocery. I eventually regretted coming with him. I can't help with marketing. I have no idea of the ingredients he buys because I don't even know how to cook those he will cook later! I looked like a decoration beside him. He drives the cart and picks up the shelves. Women would shamelessly gawk at him. Then until now, nothing has changed. His damn sex appeal is too much. I'm just shaking. How does Miara handles things like this? Because if I was the girlfriend, I would have approached those women who were looking at her earlier and then scratched her. But the prim and proper Miara won't do that for sure. And I would never be his girl. Even in my wildest dreams. By eleven thirty am, we were already at the shore. Jared is grilling for our lunch while I looked like his assistant. Grills. I realized, I don't seem to be a woman. It's even smarter to cook it with me. "You can swim now. I can do it. I'll be watching you so you don't need to worry," Jared said. Just in the middle of his speech I shook. "No, I'm fine here. I wanna help," Even though I can't really help. I wouldn't be able to eat later if I didn't help and just bathe in the sea. His lips protruded for maybe amusement. Then his lips twitched for a sexy smile and I don't know why. "You wanna wait for me, huh?" He smirked evilly. My eyes rolled. I said, I want to help, not because I want to wait for him! Before I could protest, he preceded me. "I like your idea. Alright. We'll swim together later," He winked then continued grilling. My jaw dropped open. The fuck? After we ate, I helped her put away our food. He entered the house afterwards to return the belongings. I sat on the beach while lowering my food. Soon I will be bathing in the sea. It will be early in the afternoon but because it is winter now the weather is not hot. That's right, so nice to take a bath. I put on some sunblock on my legs and arms. I heard footsteps approaching me. Even though I don't want to go to the sea together, it's like that's what I'm doing. But no, no! I'll make sure we're not together! I will even stay away from him while bathing in the sea! I held my breath as he sat down. I expected him to sit beside me. Not behind me! My crazy heart hammered so fast against my chest when I saw his hairy legs beside mine. Before our bodies could touch I stood up. He looked up at me as he raised his two eyebrows. "I-It's hot, I'm going to take a bath …" Gradually the wrinkle on his forehead disappeared. That was replaced by a malicious grin. My cheeks warmed when I realized what he was thinking. I got hot suddenly because of what he did? Fuck, Jared! In embarrassment I turned my back on him. I heard her laugh which made my cheek even warmer. Slightly away from him I removed my clothes. It showed my black stringed two piece bikini. I immediately regretted what I had done. I unconsciously turned to Jared. Million curses ran through my mind when I saw him biting his lower lip as his eyes turned obscene while he shamelessly scanned my body. If before my cheek was hot, now it's definitely tomato red. I turned my back on him and walked even faster. I was never ashamed to flaunt my body in a bikini. Even though I was once with the male model friends who were my friends I was not counted. He's the only one who can belittle me like this! Fuck you, Arevalo! Chapter 33 part 6 And what was that look? If he looks at my body it's like he doesn't have a girlfriend! Don't you dare play with other women while you are in a relationship, you asshole! I will even help Miara get revenge on you in case you hurt her! And … is he really … hitting on me? Damn. Hopefully not. When the seawater reached my shoulder I swam. I took my time diving through the deep waters with the hopes of forgetting what happened. But it seemed like that tattoo was etched in my brain. The embarassment I got just won't go off my mind. When I realized that it really couldn't be taken lightly from my brain I went upstairs. My lips parted as my chest rose and fell, catching my breath. I think I swam for fifteen minutes straight. I ran my fingers through my wet hair. I put that on my right shoulder. I turned out to be far away. I glanced at the beach and saw that no one was there. Before I could even ask myself where Jared was there were brave hands gripping my waist. Napatili ako. When Jared came up in front of me with pitying lips and gasping for breath, it was as if I was going to catch my breath. I kicked his arm. "Aww …" He said playfully. He even closed his eyes to pretend he's hurt. "Get your hands off me!" I spat. Though he looked so fucking hot right now with his hair that fell backwards and appeared longer than usual and with the sea water running through his forehead down to his thick brows then to his curly lashes, down to each crack of his muscles, I am pissed big time! In front of me is the annoying Jared who made me uneasy many times this day. I am annoyed! Not just because he's annoying but because I can sense that he's hitting on me! Fuck him! Instead of obeying my command, he just raised two eyebrows and tightened his grip on my forehead. I stared at him sharply, only I could do because my treacherous heart was already abusing his caress. The touch of his rough palm on my naked waist is sending shivers down my spine. He chuckled. He brought his face close to my ear to whisper. "Did I already tell you?" He whispered playfully. I moaned. I am still on my rational state but if he keeps on flirting with me … ewan ko na lang! "You look more hot, more beautiful, when you're mad, baby …" Chapter 33 part 7 The feathers stood out on my nape. I felt a foreign tingling sensation on my stomach. My ribcage hurts because of the harsh throbbing of my heart. Contrary to my feelings, I violently pulled his hand away from my waist. Her lips parted. Tears formed in my eyes. It wasn't obvious because it was already mixed with the seawater that was there on my face. "Fuck you," I said under my breath and turned my back towards him. I swam back to shore again while feeling the tears in my eyes. He's just fucking playing with her. I'm sure of that. Because if he was serious, he wouldn't even touch another woman's hair. Nor to say sweet words to others in a sensual way. Fuck him! My heart hurts not because he is trying to flirt with me while he's in a relationship but because I pity Miara. And with so many women he can go with Miara, I'm still really, huh? Or maybe it's because he only sees me? I won't hesitate. I'm really going to leave him! I cried when I found out he had a girlfriend because I knew he didn't want commitment and because there was already, that is, he really loved. Am I wrong all the way? Once a playboy, always a playboy anyway? Damn! An arm scooped me up. I shrieked. Jared forced me to get out of the water. "What the fuck?" I said angrily. My chest is up and down. I cut his arm around my waist again so he touched my elbow. The waist -high water shows the upper part of our bodies. "Baby, what's the matter?" She said softly, her eyes wide. Instead of hitting him, I just prayed that I would turn my back on him but he immediately grabbed my wrist. He pulled me down to his hard chest. Before I could get away again he wrapped his arms around my waist. He buried his face on my neck. "Let go of me." My voice sounds threatening. He did not answer. He just took a deep breath that tickled my neck. "I said, release me!" I screamed. I love him, but my love for him doesn't include this. It's not because I love him that I will allow him to seduce me and Miara. Damn him. Chapter 33 part 8 "I will. When you tell me what's your problem. When we get to settle it … " I sneered. "I don't have a problem." "You have." My head heats up. I tried to turn him around even though his arm was wrapped around me. If I used to be attracted to what he does, now I am not! He needs to hear my sentiments now so he'd know how to behave like a committed man! "Release me! How dare you touch me, how dare you flirt with me while you have a girlfriend!" I spat angrily. I could clearly see the crack of his lip. His hug with me loosened so I took that opportunity to face him. There's just no backing out this time. He needs to be reprimanded. He showed me a confused expression that made my blood boil even more. Eventually his forehead furrowed. "What girlfriend are you talking about?" He asked. Fuck. You. Bastard! To avoid insulting him, I turned my back on him. But as before he pulled me back. I'm trying my best to keep my cool but because he's grabbing me, go ahead! I bravely faced him. "What girlfriend are you talking about?" He reiterated. "Ha!" I scoffed. "I don't care if you deny Miara just to flirt with other girls. Just don't flirt with me, Jared. Just don't flirt with me. 'Coz I'll be with her. I'll help her take her revenge on you, you fucking bastard! " His lips parted, amused with what I just said. Then his jaw tightened. "She's not my girlfriend. I don't have a girlfriend." He said. I feel like my ears and nose are about to smoke. There! The fucking truth is slapped once again on my face. Jared is a notorious playboy! He denied her, what the fuck? "Fuck you! Fuck you, sagad! Rot in hell, you stupid bastard! Asshole-" My words were cut off when he sealed my lips with his. One peck that made my heart hurt. "I don't want you cursing me, baby. Not when we're not in bed," Disappointed I shook. "I thought you've changed. I was wrong. I feel so sorry for her." His jaw clenched. His eyes turned dark. "Do you think I'd touch, kiss, more so, house another woman when I'm in a relationship?" He asked emphatically. "Yes! Because you're a playboy!" He groaned. He looked up for a moment. Humalukipkip ako. When he turned to me his eyes would widen. "What should I do to make you believe me, baby? Hmm?" He said miserably. "Nothing! It was all clear to me. You're still stupid until now!" His jaw clenched again and his lips turned into a grim lind. "We're just friends. Like you and Aldrin …" "Liar!" "Then let's go back to the house now and I'll call Miara. You don't believe me, right? Then ask her. She'll confirm that we're not in a romantic relationship. We were never in a romantic relationship . " I covered my lip. My courage used to seem to have melted away. "I never had girls after you …" He said it like a prayer. I looked up at him. Bitterness dripped like an acid in my system when I remembered something. "Liar! You didn't deny that you two are in a relationship when we were in the party! I-I clearly remember it!" The corner of his lips rose for a smirk. I was suddenly embarrassed by what I said. "Why would I deny it if in front of me if you and Aldrin who were also being shipped? I'd rather shut up to save my pride and to hope that you're hurt with it. And I think t'was effective. .. " I glared at him. Oh, the nerve of this man! "Do you know why most people are single?" he asked playfully. My forehead creased. Here he goes again with his mind-blowing logics. He approached me. I flinched so he held the small of my back. He brought his face close to mine and then whispered. "They can't get over someone …" He whispered sensually. The feathers on my nape rose and my heart pounded. Chapter 33 part 9 "Apparently, I'm one of them," He breathed on my neck. I stiffened. Fuck. "I can't get over someone, too …" he lazily drawled. I sighed. He faced me with his puffy eyes. "Do you know who?" I averted my eyes but he chased after it. He held my chin to make me look at him. "Do you know, baby? Hmm?" he asked. "I-I-I don't know …" He smirked. He planted a soft kiss on my lips again. He licked his lip afterwards. "This girl." he looked at me in the eye. My mouth ran dry. I swallowed hard just to wet it. He brought my body even closer to him. His hand on the small of my back is sending shivers down my spine. The way his fingers brushes my chin delicately is taking my sanity away from me. He buried his face in my neck afterwards. His hot breath is enough to make my heart race wildly. "You're evil, baby. You won't give me the chance to move on …" He breathed on my neck. I smirked. Damn! He gave feathery kisses to my collarbone. "I have no choice. I'm sorry too. I'll pursue you even if you don't want to. And don't you try pushing me away again. I did that before. Look at where it got me. Back to you again. Begging for your love. "