Dagger Series #7: Unbalanced

Chapter 11: Free

Natigilan ako sandali sa huli niyang sinabi. "You said athlete." Nang tumango siya ay sumilay ang maliit na ngiti sa mga labi ko. "Most people don't consider ballerinas athletes."

"Seriously?" Circe asked with a knotted forehead. "But what you do requires so much athleticism."

I shrugged. "We wear dresses, tutus, and tights. I guess that makes it hard for some to take it seriously."

They all made varying sounds of disagreement, and I found myself smiling hugely. No wonder Domino regards his sisters-in-law highly. They are so considerate and unprejudiced.

Napabaling ako sa kinaroroonan ni Domino nang makarinig ako ng ingay na nanggagaling doon. I was torn from being concerned and amused when I saw Lucienne stomping her feet with her face scrunched up as if she's throwing a tantrum.

"She's negotiating with Domino."

I glance at Mireia. "Negotiating?"

"She wanted to give you books. Domino doesn't agree because he doesn't want you to get overwhelmed." Napangisi ang babae habang ang iba ay mahinang napatawa. "Para namang mapipigilan iyon eh sa kaniya pa lang sigurado kaming overwhelmed ka na."

I'm pretty sure my face turned crimson. I couldn't help but replay what happened moments ago. The second reason why I feel embarrassed

That kiss...

It wasn't my first, but it might as well be. I don't think I've ever been kissed the way Domino kissed me. His was... claiming... consuming.

Unconsciously, I found my hand moving toward the plate, and it wasn't long before I started eating while my mind remained trapped in the memory of the kiss Domino and I shared.

It's only been three days.

Napakurap ako. That's right. It's only been three days. The only man I had a relationship with kissed me after almost a year of dating, and we've known each other for years. Domino and I barely know anything about each other. How could we when we were most of those times we were being chased, surviving a plane crash, and being rained on by bullets?

"So..." Napatingin ako kay Belaya at nakita kong nakangiting nakataas ang kilay niya sa akin. "We're right, aren't we?"

"Umm..."

"You probably have a few questions," Ember said with an understanding smile. "Or thousands."

Lia placed a glass of water in front of me. "We can help if you want."

I don't know these people. The few times I've been in their presence, I've been either tense, confused, or emotional. Despite that, I couldn't help but trust them. It's like my intuition is telling me that I could because they seem to be genuinely good people.

I threw a glance in Domino's direction, making sure that he was out of earshot. "Is he always like this?"

"They are always like this," Belaya corrected me. "But not in a way that would mean that they act possessive and protective toward all women they encounter."

"They reserve their craziness for one person only," Circe said with a grin.

"Why?" It's the most frequent question in my mind since my path crossed with Domino. Why?

It was Lia who answered. "Because when a Dawson knows, he knows. It's simple, but it's also complex. It's not something that is easy to explain."

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko. They are all looking at me with knowing gazes. It was as if they knew that I'd have a hard time understanding what they were telling me.