Playing With Seduction

Chapter Two

Mom had been pretty withdrawn lately. We all knew she was still struggling to accept that Lolo Jaime was gone now. She always wanted to be alone. She wouldn't open up even to Dad. Uncle Tristan told us to give her a little space and time. Alam ko kung gaano din nahihirapan si Dad sa sitwasyon ngayon. He wanted nothing but to be there for Mom and comfort her but he didn't know how.

"Senyorita..." Our help came up to Mom as she was watering the flowers in the garden and I was sitting on the patio, chatting with my friends on the phone.

"Yes?" She answered back.

"Hinahanap po kayo ni sir Vito. Pwede daw po ba kayong makausap?"

My hearing went on full alert when I heard his name. Nawala ang atensyon ko sa pakikipagchat sa mga friends ko. My brows furrowed in irritation. Why does he want to talk to my Mom? Ano naman ang pag-uusapan nila?

"Sige, sabihin mo I'll be there in a few seconds. Offer him a drink." Mom said, putting the water pot down.

I watched as Mom went inside and I followed her in. Umakyat si Mom sa taas at pumunta naman ako sa living room kung saan naghihintay si Vito. Right next to him was a basket of beautifully decorated fruits and boxes of chocolates and a bottle of expensive champagne.

"Hi, Bryce." Vito politely stood up from his seat when he saw me walk into the living room.

"Hey." I coldly shrugged, my arms folded across my chest. 

"Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot yesterday. I think I deserve a chance to redeem myself." His eyes gleamed in amusement and his lips curved into a light smirk. "I hope we can be friends, Bryce."

"I'm sorry. Marami na kong friends. I don't need more." I gave him a sarcastic smile.

His brows shot up, obviously surprised by my answer and then an amused smile broke across his lips. "It wouldn't hurt to make one more, would it?"

I looked at him from head to toe, nakataas ang kilay ko. "You're not the kind of person I'd want to befriend."

"Ano bang klaseng kaibigan ang gusto mo?" He took a step towards me which made my heart beat fast. His eyes shimmered in the most wicked way I could ever see in a person's eyes reflect. I wanted to take a step back as he got closer and closer. There was something about him that intimidated me. "This sounds like a challenge to me, Bryce. And I love challenges."

He was getting so close I could already smell his cologne. His cologne smelled to good to be this close. I started taking a slow step back until I tripped over my own foot. Mabilis akong nasalo ni Vito, one arm wrapping around my waist. 

I took in a sharp inhale as his scent overwhelmed me. I could feel the warmth of his body against me. My body tingled everywhere getting this close to him. I put both my hands on his chest and pushed him away. 

"Careful. You don't want to fall, do you?" He chuckled deliciously.

"I... get away from me." I feigned annoyance, stumbling on my own words. I quickly regained my composure and stood straight up. "I don't want to be your friend. Do I need to spell it out for you for you to understand?"

"What do you want us to be, then?" His smile grew wider.

"Nothing. I don't want anything to do with you." I said and let out a taunting smile. "Why? Are you having a little crush on me? That's cute."

"I didn't know you have sense of humor. You're so funny, Bryce. Good one." He laughed a hearty laugh. 

My face wanted to crumple in annoyance but I had to put on a confident front. "It's okay, Vito. There's nothing wrong with a little crush. You don't have to be embarrassed."