CHAPTER ONE
THE wind blowing from the North to the South made her mermaid curled hair dance with it. Sinikop niya ang kanyang buhok at muling pinagmasdan ang ganda ng paligid.
Sporting a high waisted elastic equestrian pants, white crop top, and boots, she closed her eyes to feel the fresh air. Isang ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang labi nang imulat ulit ang kanyang mga mata.
She's at the top of the hill. Behind her was a horse stable made by wood and concrete. From where she was standing, Zalanna can see clearly the whole land of Guerreras. It always amazed her knowing that her family owns that huge land in Northern Luzon.
The coconut trees seemed endless. Her family business was a coconut plantation and it was all over the Philippines. Itong nasa hacienda ang pinakamalaki at pinakaunang itinayo. The land was about 800 hectares.
"I'm gonna miss this view when I leave," she said and caressed Leticia's white hair.
She's with her white horse. Ang pang-umagang sikat ng araw ay mas nagpatingkad lang sa kulay puting balat ng kanyang kabayo. Nagmistulang kulay pilak ang mahabang buhok ni Leticia. Kumikinang-kinang.
Kapag nasa hacienda siya, ang pangangabayo ang unang pinagkakaabalahan niya. Inuubos ang buong araw sa pag-iikot sa buong Hacienda Guerrera. Ngayon na nakikita niya na ang tunay na ganda ng lugar sa kanyang harapan, napapabuntonghininga siya dahil talagang mami-miss niya.
But, she needed to go back to Manila to continue her studies. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration, but decided to get a master's degree.
Sa kanilang dalawa ni Zakia, ang bunso sa kanilang limang magkakapatid, siya lang ang nakaisip at gustong dagdagan pa ang pinag-aralan niya.
Alam niyang puwede namang huwag na dahil ang mga kapatid nilang lalaki ang siyang talagang nakalaan na mamahala sa negosyo nila. Ngunit mas makabubuti pa rin kung gagawin niya ang gusto para mas marami siyang alam.
Zalanna decided to go home before lunch. She was already contented roaming around the hacienda.
Sa mahabang hapag-kainan, kumpleto silang pamilya. Her father, Don Patricio was sitting at the capital, and beside him was her mother, Donya Zarita.
Tahimik siyang siniko ni Zakia na nakaupo sa kanyang tabi.
"I'm excited!" Zakia whispered with a small giggle.
Zalanna knew why her sister was excited because Zakia will be with her tomorrow. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang idinahilan nito sa magulang nila para payagan na sumama sa kanya sa Maynila.
"Your condo is in BGC. Hindi na kayo roon sa Makati," their father informed them. "Sasamahan kayo ni Paloma para naman maayos ang kinakain niyo roon. Antonio will be with you too, as your driver."
Mabilis na tumango si Zakia, nauna pa sa kanya. Halatang-halata na gustong bumalik sa Maynila. They can't complain. If they would, it was like breaking the rules of their father. Don Patricio didn't like it. Even if they were his daughters, they still needed to obey.
"No monkey business there, you two," pahabol pa ng ama sa seryosong boses.
"But, we can go to night clubs, right, Pa?" tanong ni Zakia sa marahan at nananantiyang tinig.
Zalanna sipped on the glass of her wine. Noong nasa Maynila sila para mag-aral sa kolehiyo, hindi naging madali para sa kanila ang magpunta sa mga night club dahil may mga bantay sila. Their father was very strict, especially to her and Zakia.
Now that they can call themselves young adults, that fact did not change on how their father protected and treated them. Their parents and brothers spoiled them, but they also knew their limitations.
"You can, but with Paloma or Antonio."
Naging bahaw ang ngiti sa labi ni Zakia. Kalaunan ay nagkibit ito ng balikat.
"That's fine."
Though, Zalanna liked to go to the clubs there and experience dancing or drinking, she still respects what her parents only allow them to do. At kaya niyang manahimik at hindi magbigay ng komento, kahit na maraming bagay ang gusto niyang sabihin.
She's the perfect opposite of Zakia. Her sister was very vocal while she was not. At dahil bunso ito, mas spoiled ito para sa kanya. She's the 'ate' so she should protect her younger sister. She wanted to appear like a mature sister, but it's kinda hard because she's not used to it.
Kinabukasan ay bumiyahe sila papunta sa Maynila sakay ng itim na SUV. Antonio was driving and Paloma was in the front passenger seat. Sa likod ay ang mga maleta nilang magkapatid.
"Valeria will give us a welcome party tonight in D' Club," Zakia told her while doing something on her latest iPhone.
"Senyorita, bilin po ng Don na magpahinga raw kayo ngayong gabi," ani Paloma.
"Saglit lang naman kami roon, Paloma. At huwag mo nang sabihin kay Papá."
Napangiwi si Paloma. Nang sumulyap sa kanila ay parang humihingi ng tulong sa kanya. Kaya lang... lihim siyang napangiti dahil na-excite rin sa welcome party para sa kanila!
"Sumama ka na lang sa 'min, Paloma. Para hindi ka mag-alala," aniya nang may banayad na ngiti.
"Naku, Senyorita, baka mapagalitan ako ng Don. Paano ba 'to, Antonio..." sagot nito sabay hingi naman ng tulong sa driver nila.
"Sumama ka na lang din sa amin, Antonio. Okay na?" desisyon ni Zakia, sabay pagod na sumandal.
Zalanna rolled her eyes. See? Zakia only wanted to go to Manila with her to party and have fun.
The sun was already setting when they arrived in front of the tall building in BGC. Inaasahan na rin ang pagdating nila roon kaya mabilis ang naging proseso ng pag-akyat ng mga gamit nila.
The three bedroom unit was wide enough to accommodate them. They have their own gym room, walk-in closet, and bathroom in each bedroom.
Ang pangatlong silid ay mas maliit nang kaunti. May shower room naman, at doon si Paloma matutulog. Antonio has his own apartment near BGC, para mas madali silang mapuntahan kapag kailangan nila.
They spent the rest of the day helping Paloma put all their clothes, bags, and shoes in their closets. Noong napagod ay natulog naman sila. Gabi na nang magising at naabutan nilang nagluluto si Paloma sa kusina.
"What's for dinner?" she asked and opened the ref.
Kumuha siya ng isang pitsel ng tubig at nagsalin sa baso. Zalanna leaned on the marble counter, watching Paloma.
"Menudo, Senyorita. Request ni Senyorita Zakia."
Mabuti na lang at kasama nila si Paloma. Kung hindi, kung saan-saan na naman sila siguro kakain at hindi pa masustansya.
Zakia's bedroom's door opened. Her sister was fresh from the shower, wearing a silk robe. Nang tingnan niya ang oras, pasado alas siete pa lang at alas nueve ang usapan sa D' Club.
"It's still early."
"Better than late." Zakia walked towards them and checked Paloma's cooking. "Kapag ba may asawa na, required na marunong magluto?"
Pumangalumbaba si Zalanna sa counter, naghihintay ng sagot ni Paloma. Nasa trenta na ang edad nito at may isa na ring anak. Ang asawa ay isa sa trabahante sa planta nila.
"Mas maganda na marunong magluto ang babae, Senyorita. May asawa man o wala."
"What if I don't like to cook? Or I am not a fan of cooking shows?"
"Baka ikaw ang kainin ng asawa mo kung gano'n, Senyorita." Sabay hagikhik ni Paloma.
Nanlalaki ang mga mata nila ni Zakia nang unti-unti nilang naintindihan ang sinabi nito. Pareho silang napahalgpak ng tawa at pareho ring namumula!
"How dare you, Paloma! You're so..." Hindi na natuloy ni Zakia ang sinasabi at muling tumawa.
"Is that really... hmm, happening? You know, during your sexy time with your loved one then he'd go down on you?" Zalanna trailed off. She's a bit hesitant with her question but she's curious like a damn cat.
Inaayos na ni Paloma ang niluluto, tapos na ito at ililipat na lang sa bowl. Sila naman ni Zakia ay nakatayo at nanonood lang habang naghihintay ng mga maririnig galing kay Paloma.
"Oo, Senyorita. Masarap 'yon..." Sabay hagikhik ulit nito. "Naku, okay lang siguro na sinasabi ko sa inyong dalawa ang mga gano'ng klaseng karanasan para may ideya kayo tungkol sa bagay na 'yon."
"So..." Zakia became more interested. "How does it feel? May asawa ka na at siguradong ginawa niyo na ang gano'n."
"Masarap sa pakiramdam. Baka hanap-hanapin niyo kapag natikman niyo." Sabay ngisi sa kanila ni Paloma.
"I doubt it!" Zalanna crossed her arms above her chest. "I won't let anyone touch me down there."
"Sa ngayon, sinasabi mo lang 'yan, Senyorita, pero kapag nakatagpo ka ng lalaking gagawin 'yon sa 'yo, hay, ewan ko na lang. Ang swerte ng lalaking magkakagusto sa inyo dahil ang gaganda niyo pareho at sexy pa!"
Her mind started to think about possibilities that one day, a man would go down and touch or worse kiss her private part! Wala pa ay isinara niya na ang mga binti. That would be very embarrassing.
"Let's watch porn kaya?" curious na sabi sa kanya ni Zakia. Napangiwi siya. "So, we would know?"
"Pwede rin naman na manood kayo ng porn, Senyorita. Nasa tama na naman ang edad niyo para diyan. At isa pa, makakatulong sa inyo 'yon para mas lalo kayong mamulat sa mundong ito. Hindi naman porque nanood kayo ay gagawin niyo na," mahabang litanya ni Paloma
"No need for that. Kung mangyayari, mangyayari," aniya at naupo na habang naghahain si Paloma.
After they ate dinner, Zalanna took a shower and prepared for the party. She chose the soft black leather long sleeves with very deep neckline. It showed the front sides of her boobs.
It's kinda daring but she liked it that way. Besides, the lights inside D' Club were dimmed and most parts were dark. She paired it with a maroon tulip skirt, Jimmy Choo strappy sandals, and Chanel sling bag.
Zakia was sporting a maroon backless short dress, clutch, and stilettos. Zakia's hair was in big curly waves, while hers remained mermaid curled. It's her natural hair though.
Madalas napagkakamalan na artificial ang pagkakulot ng kanyang buhok, ngunit hindi. Likas 'yon at marami ang nabibighani.
It was already ten in the evening when they arrived in D' Club.
"Dito na lang kaya ako, Senyorita? Parang pang sosyal diyan," ani Paloma na biglang nagdalawang-isip.
Nakasuot ito ng blouse, jeans, at jelly shoes. Kahit sinabi nilang magbihis ng iba, hindi pumayag. Si Antonio naman ay tahimik lang na nakamasid sa kanila, parang bodyguard na rin nila.
"You should try. You can leave if you're not comfortable," she said.
"Ay, huwag na, Senyorita. Tingnan mo ang mga pumapasok, ang gaganda at guguwapo." Sabay linga nito sa parking lot. "At ang mga sasakyan, pangmayayaman!"
Nagkatinginan sila ni Zakia at napabuntonghininga. Halatang ayaw nang paawat ni Paloma.
"How about you?" Zakia asked Antonio.
"Dito na lang din ako, Senyorita. Tumawag na lang kayo kapag kailangan niyo kami."
Magsasalita pa sana si Zalanna ngunit nakuha na ang atensyon niya ng sasakyan na pumarada sa tabi ng SUV nila.
The black sleek Audi screamed elegance and at the same time, authority. The door opened and a tall man came out, wearing dark long sleeves. Even though it was not that fitted, the hard muscles on his arms behind the fabric was still noticeable.
Alam niyang hindi lang siya ang natahimik. Sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay napansin niya ang mangha sa mukha ni Paloma na para bang may nakitang artista o ano at hindi na nakuhang makapagsalita.
He clicked something on his car key then glanced at their direction like as if he felt like there were people there who were shamelessly ogling at him. Kaya lang, hindi niya inaasahan na mabilis na magtatama ang kanilang mga mata.
Those dark eyes, prominent jaw, and perfect angle of his nose made him look like an international model who doesn't smile. His hair was in clean cut, neat but at the same time, she found him kinda rough and ruthless. At ang aura ay naghuhumiyaw ng matinding respeto at pagsunod sa kung ano man ang iutos nito. That authoritative air around him intimidated her.
Zalanna swallowed when the man's eyes dropped down to her chest. Hindi niya alam kung bakit nakaramdam siya ng init sa loob ng kanyang katawan sa paglapat ng tingin nito sa kanya. And when the side of his lips curved up, she leered. How arrogant.
"Ang guwapo!" ani Paloma nang matauhan, sinusundan ng tingin ang lalaking papasok na sa entrance ng Club.
Zakia slightly elbowed her again. "Grabe, akala ko mahuhubaran ka na kanina noong tiningnan ka," anito sabay bungisngis.
"Parang rumupok bigla ang garter ng panty ko kahit hindi naman ako ang tiningnan!" dagdag ni Paloma na nagpatawa sa kanila ni Zakia. "Sa dibdib mo nakatingin, Senyorita Zalanna."
"Mahilig yata sa malaking dibdib," segunda ni Zakia.
Zalanna looked down and checked her clothes. Hindi naman kalakihan ang hinaharap niya pero hindi rin 'yon maliit. Para sa kanya ay sapat lang. Medyo lumuluwa lang dahil sa suot niya.
They decided to enter in D' Club after a while. Sa pinakasulok ay nakita nila ang pagkaway sa kanila ni Valeria. Nasa upuan na sina Lila at Aron, mga kaibigan nila at ka-edad lang halos.
"I'm happy to see both of you again after a month!" Valeria gave them a cheek to cheek kiss.
Lila stood up and welcomed them with the same kiss. Si Aron naman ay bahagya lang yumakap sa kanilang magkapatid. They were friends for years and both graduated in De La Salle.
The club was already full of people. The loud music filled her ears. Ang makukulay na ilaw ay malikot na gumagalaw, kasinlikot ng mga nagsasayaw sa dance floor. May mga inumin na rin sa lamesa nila, pulutan, at iba pang pwedeng makain.
"I thought you will be with Paloma and Antonio?" Lila asked.
"They did not want to go inside. They are in parking lot."
Zalanna found her seat; her view was the dance floor. Sa pangalawang palapag ay may iilan na padaan-daan ngunit tila mas tahimik doon. The VIP rooms were there.
"So, wala kayong bantay rito sa loob? Pwedeng gumawa ng..." Lila beamed. "... kalokohan."
Napairap siya. Si Lila ang pinakamaloko sa kanilang grupo. Valeria was prim and proper.
"What kind of kalokohan ba?" Zakia asked naughtily, making the two giggle.
"Let's make this night memorable. Besides, we're all gonna be busy kaya lubusin na natin."
"Whatever, I'm in," Zalanna said and sipped on her margarita.
"How about you, Valeria?"
"I'm in. I don't want to be a kill joy in this group, 'no."
Naghagikhikan sila at sa gitna ng tawa niya ay wala sa sariling lumibot ang mga mata niya at nahinto sa kabilang sulok kung saan medyo madilim. Nakita niyang prenteng nakaupo roon ang lalaking nakita nila sa parking lot.
His one hand was above the head rest of the red leather sofa, the other one was holding a glass of liquor. Nasa bibig nito ang bunganga ng baso habang ang mga mata ay madilim at derekta sa kanya.
Her heart suddenly pounded and she didn't know why! Maybe his stares intimidated the hell out of her?
Dumaan pa ang ilang minuto at sinikap niyang huwag dalhin ang tingin kung nasaan ang lalaki. At dahil nauna na sila Lila roon, medyo tipsy na ang mga ito at maingay na rin.
Zakia was comfortably sitting and her eyes were roaming around. For sure, her sister was so tempted to dance.
"Let's dance!"
Siya na ang nag-aya para lang ilibang pa lalo ang sarili at hindi na mahirapang iwasan na sulyapan ang puwesto kung nasaan ang lalaking 'yon.
Zalanna and Zakia danced to the beat of the loud music. Everyone was dancing and flirting. May mga lalaking nakisayaw sa kanila at pinaunlakan naman nila. Dahil sa malikot na ilaw at paligid, medyo nakaramdam siya ng kaunting pagkahilo.
"Restroom," paalam niya kay Zakia na tumango lang at nagpatuloy sa pagsasayaw.
When she's already in the restroom, she saw how her face turned a bit red because of the alcohol. Umiinom naman siya kaya lang ay mabilis siyang mamula kahit kaunting lapat pa lang ng alak ang nasa katawan niya.
Noong makabalik siya ay nagtutuksuhan na ang mga kaibigan. Saglit lang siyang nawala ay mukhang nakapag-umpisa na ang mga ito ng kalokohang sinasabi.
"It's your turn, Zakia!" Lila was very tipsy.
Sa tabi ng kaibigan ay si Aron na napapailing na lang. Sanay na ito sa mga ganitong kalokohan nila.
"What am I gonna do?" Zakia asked innocently.
"Give someone a lap dance!" Inikot ni Lila ang daliri sa kabuoan ng Club. "Kahit sino ang gusto mo riyan! Three minutes lap dance!"
Sa totoo lang ay maraming guwapo sa club at marami rin ang magaganda kaya hindi mahihirapan ang kapatid niyang pumili. At sa likod ng kanyang isip, kung siya ang gagawa ng lap dance, alam niya na kung kanino siya pupunta.
Zalanna's cheeks heated up when she realized what she's thinking of! Damn her! Naisip niya pa talaga na ang lalaking 'yon ang sayawan niya? Kahit na kaba lang ang ibinibigay sa kanya?
"Easy." Zakia smirked and her eyes stopped at the other corner of the club.
Zalanna watched her sister walked confidently towards that corner. Medyo madilim talaga ngunit aninag niya naman kung sino ang pupuntahan nito. The man was wearing white long sleeves polo that folded until his elbow. Too formal for her but still can fit in.
Halos takpan niya ang mukha nang mapanood kung paano gumiling si Zakia sa kandungan ng lalaki! Medyo lasing na ang kapatid niya kaya nadagdagan lalo ang lakas ng loob.
"Ikaw naman, Zalanna!" ani Lila, sabay bigay muna sa kanya ng isang baso ng margarita. "Lap dance rin, five minutes!"
"Huh?! Bakit five minutes? Three minutes lang kay Zakia, 'di ba?" reklamo niya, tapos ay tinanggap ang baso.
"Late ka, e! Pangalawang dare na ni Zakia 'yan. Noong una, may sinayawan siya riyan sa dance floor."
Zalanna drank that margarita for her own good. Kailangan niya ng lakas ng loob para sa lap dance!
"Okay, fine!" aniya at tumayo. Nagsigawan ang tatlong kaibigan.
They cheered, giving her more confidence. Buo na kaagad ang loob niya na sa lalaking 'yon ang tungo niya.
Malakas ang loob na tinahak niya ang daan papunta kung nasaan ito. Ngunit nang mapansin siya ng lalaki at nakitang naglalakad papunta rito, parang umurong ang lakas ng loob niya.
His eyes bore into her like his prey. Sipping on his liquor, his eyes never left her.
Zalanna felt how her heart beats so fast and loud. Her fingers were trembling slightly but she needed to keep going. Ayaw niyang mapahiya sa mga kaibigan niyang tiyak na pinapanood siya!
"Hi," she greeted him when she got closer.
But he remained silent and the intensity of his stares made her play with her fingers in front of her.
He carefully put down his glass and she saw him lick his lips sensually.
When his dark eyes dropped down to her body, his lips twisted in a seductive way.
Napalunok siya. Damn, she's so tense!