No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 27- Horseback

Aiah's POV

I swear, if I wasn't already obsessed with Mikha, this moment would have sealed it.

The two of us were on horseback, Mikha sitting in front while I sat behind her, my arms securely wrapped around her waist. The gentle sway of the horse as we moved through the open field made it impossible not to be completely aware of how close we were.

And honestly? I was loving every second of it.

"Bakit parang ang tahimik mo?" Mikha asked, glancing over her shoulder at me.

I smirked, tightening my hold around her just a little. "Wala lang. Ini-enjoy ko lang 'yung view."

She huffed. "Ang landscape ba? Ang ganda nga rito."

I grinned, leaning in so my lips brushed lightly against her ear. "Hindi, baby. 'Yung view sa harap ko."

Mikha stiffened for a second before elbowing me lightly. "Aiah! Mag-focus ka nga sa pagsakay."

I chuckled, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Kaya ko namang mag-multi-task, love."

She rolled her eyes but didn't push me away. Instead, she placed her hands over mine where they rested on her stomach, and just like that, my heart did that stupid little flip again.

The rhythmic sound of the horse's hooves, the warmth of the sun against our skin, and the peacefulness of the countryside-it was perfect. Too perfect.

And then, of course, I had to ruin it.

"Alam mo, Mikha," I murmured, my voice dripping with mischief. "Ganitong-ganito rin tayo kagabi, pero iba lang 'yung sinasakyan mo."

"AIAH!" she shrieked, whipping her head around so fast she almost lost balance.

I burst out laughing, tightening my grip to steady her. "Joke lang, baby! Relax!"

Mikha groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Diyos ko, bakit ba kita mahal?!"

I smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her head. "Kasi mahal din kita."

And just like that, I knew I had won. Again.

I don't know what it was-the fresh air, the peaceful countryside, or just the fact that Mikha was right in front of me-but I couldn't help myself.

With my arms still wrapped around her waist, I let my hands wander, tracing slow, lazy circles over her stomach. Mikha tensed slightly, but she didn't say anything. Yet.

I smirked, lowering my hands, letting my fingers graze the soft fabric of her riding pants as I slid them down to her thighs. I could feel the warmth of her skin even through the material, and it sent a thrill down my spine.

"Aiah..." Mikha's voice was warning, but there was something else in it too. Something breathy.

I grinned. "Yes, baby?"

"You're-" She inhaled sharply when my hand trailed higher again, my touch featherlight as I teased my way up-

And then, just because I could, I cupped her chest.

Mikha screamed.

"AIAH!" she shrieked, her entire body jerking in shock. The horse neighed in protest, and I quickly steadied both of us, laughing as she twisted around to glare at me, her face bright red.

"What the hell are you doing?!" she hissed, eyes wide with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

I bit my lip, trying to stifle my amusement. "What? I was just testing something."