Cloaked Heart (Eastwood University Series #4)

PROLOGUE

Feeling the adrenaline rush in me, I continued to run like I'm in a marathon while my Dad's men are also running after me. Kanina pa kami naghahabulan dahil pilit ko silang tinatakasan.

For once, let me be free. Kahit ngayong gabi lang.

Hanggang sa nakarating na kami sa isang malapit na bar na maingay. I looked behind me to see his men na papalapit na sa akin. They're are three blocks away so with no choice, kinuha ko ang i.d sa wallet at pinakita ito sa bouncer na nandoon.

It was fake. I had to ask a friend to make me one and thank God the bouncer let me in.

Bumati sa akin ang maingay na tugtog sa loob. Makikita ang mga nagsasayaw na mga tao dito and I can hear their screams while dancing on the dance floor. The

The throbbing music absorbed me as I moved through the vibrant crowd, blending in well. With each rhythm, I felt the weight of my problems melt away, replaced by the thrill of the dance floor.

Sa gitna ng kaguluhan, I spotted a familiar face—a friend who helped me with the fake ID. We exchanged quick nods, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. Hindi ko inaasahan na nandito rin pala sila.

They're my friends in university.

Bumalik ang takbo ng puso ko nang makitang malayo na sa likod ang mga taong nagtutulakang parang alon.

Nagtago ako sa isang sulok, catching my breath while still swaying to the music. The bar's vibrant energy offered a temporary sanctuary from the chase, allowing me a momentary reprieve.

Hissing, I saw one of my Dad's men walking inside probably looking for me kaya madali kong hinubad ang suot na blazer. If I can remove this, hindi nila malalaman na ako ito since alam nila ang suot ko habang hinahabol ako.

I was now in my sleek, form-fitting red dress with a plunging neckline and subtle sequin detailing, paired with strappy heels. I also let my hair fall para matakpan ang mukha ko in case na lumapit sila.

Tinapon ko ang bag ko na iyon sa malapit na basurahan at mabilis na umalis.

Hindi nga ako nagkakamali. Nakita ko na silang papalapit sa aking pwesto kaya I'm starting to panic. Baka makilala nila ako if ever dahil feel ko hindi enough ‘yung disguise ko.

Suddenly, I saw a woman not far from me. She was standing also in the corner at may katabi itong upuan pero hindi niya inuupuan. Natawa ako sa naisip.

Ba't kasi mas mukhang gusto niya tumayo e may upuan naman? She was looking seriously at her phone while the other hand was in her pocket.

She looks fine with her black slacks and black polo long sleeves.

“Nakita mo na ba si Madam?”

Nagulantang ako sa narinig at nawala ang pagmamasid sa babaeng nakatayo malapit sa akin. Pasimple akong tumingin kung nasaan sila at mukhang lalapit na sa akin ang isa sa kanila kaya madali akong naglakad papaalis at lumapit sa babae.

Not minding what will happen if gagawin ko nga ang nasa isip ko ngayon.

Fuck it.

While she was still typing on her phone at ang isang kamay nito ay may hawak ng baso, na may laman na rum ay lumapit pa ako lalo.

“Miss!”

Lalo akong naglakad ng mabilis papunta sa babae. The woman looked up from her phone, slightly startled, and I quickly spoke with urgency, "Miss, please act like we know each other. There are people after me. Just play along, please."

She gave me a puzzled but curious look, probably sensing the urgency in my voice but mabilis na nawala ito at kinunutan ako ng noo.

“I'm not helping you because I don't know you. Excuse me—”

Noong akmang aalis na siya ay agad ko ng ginawa ang sa tingin ko ay kailangan gawin.

I kiss her on the lips while holding the back of her neck.

It was just a peck but noong kumalas ako at ang bumati sa akin ang asul na mata nito ay walang sabi na hinalikan ko ulit ito while in tiptoes.

I was now holding her jaw as I started to feel her hands snaking around my waist. I gasped as she squeezed my waist and that gave her a chance to let her tongue in my mouth.

I push her on the couch na malapit sa amin at pinaupo ito doon. She looked at me in daze while I sat in her lap before going back to her lips.

Hindi pa ako nakakainom pero para akong malalasing sa dulot ng halik na binibigay niya. I can't keep up lalo na’t nalalasahan ko ang rum sa bibig niya. It tasted sweet from her mouth.

“Sir, she's not here. Let's go back, baka malapit lang siya dito.”

Ayan ang narinig ko sa mga tauhan ni Dad kaya napangiti ako habang kahalikan ko pa rin ang babaeng hindi kilala.

Noong feel ko na wala na akong masagap na hininga ay kumalas ako sa labi nito to stare at her face who is now dark while looking at mine.

Wala sa sariling napalunok ako at kamuntikan ng umalis sa kandungan niya but she squeezed my waist again to prevent me.

I moaned at that and that's when she clenched her jaw and looked at me with her intense blue eyes.

It was filled with desire so I unconsciously gulped the lump in my throat as she talked while using her deep voice.

“What have you done to me, lady?”