The Hypothetical Worth [Ace Lucifer's Series One]

Chapter Eighteen

"Arianna, look at me." Hindi ko halos maintindihan ang sinasabi niya, luminga ulit ako sa paligid. Hinahanap ko sa paningin ko ang mga lalaking nakita ko kanina sa simbahan.

"I said look at me!" tumaas ang boses ni Declan. Napatingin ako sa kanya. Pinunasan niya ang luha ko. Punong puno ng pag-aalala ang mata niya.

"Calm down, okay? I'm here and I won't le anyone get you or hurt you. Alright? Do you understand me?" puno ng awtoridad ang boses niya.

Napahikbi ako. "Natatakot ako,Declan...." bulong ko.

"Shh... I'm here okay? I'm here. Don't be bothered by that. Hinding hindi sila lalapit sa'yo if you're here with me. I'm here to protect you, okay? I had done that before remember? Thats why you're in handsome hands now right?"

"Pero—"

"Shhh." Tinakpan niya ang labi ko gamit ang hintuturo niyang daliri. Kapagkuwan ay hinalikan niya ang labi ko ng ilang segundo. "Are we clear, Arianna Camille? You said you trust me, right?"

"Pero—"

"Right?" pagpuputol niya.

Napilitan akong tumango. Tumigil na ako sa pag-iyak. "Oo."

"Good then." Ngumiti siya. "Let's eat first before we proceed on our date, right?"

Hinatak niya ako papunta sa kung saan. Nagpati-anod nalang ako at pilit inaalis sa isip ko ang nakita ko kanina. Pareho naming hawak ay kamay ng isa' isa at sapat na saakin 'yon para paramdamang ligtas na ako. Sa kanya. Tulad ng sabi niya.

***

DECLAN

I can feel the auras of those fuckers while I was praying earlier inside the church. There are two of them who followed us on the church, but I acted like I didn't notice them. As long as they are not on our way, I won't do anything that will trigger their boss. Matagal ng nag-iinit ang dugo ko sa mga hayop na 'yan dahil wala ng ibang ginawa kung hindi ang sundan kami ng sundan na para bang buntot sila.

I'm still on guard as I and Arianna walk. We're looking for a good restaurant to satisfy my hunger but there is no any restaurant, or even any fast food chain to eat. But there are a lots of street foods, and any colorful things to sell outside the church.

Arianna was finally calm, but her eyes were still roaming around like she's looking for something. Her eyes screams fear, and anxiety. And that makes me angry.  

I know what she feels. She thinks that someone might get her helplessly. But over my dead body, and even my soul is roaming around, I won't let them get her.

"Declan, wala namang jollibee o mcdo dito eh."she said tiredly.