CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"I don't have many physical possessions because I don't typically live in the luxury of my wealth, but name anything you want and you can have it, whether it's a city, a country, or even the stars. I can name all the stars you see in the sky by the name given to you."
Three days ago, I remember meeting a rugged, handsome pet owner. Una ko palang siyang makilala alam ko nang may kakaiba sakanya. His presence was powerful like he could fold a city with one look of his. Dashiel was tense around him, and so was Pushkin, his butler. They couldn't stare him in the eyes like they'd die if they did so. Kazmus has that power to make someone bow their head in submission, like the MIB Bratva yesterday, who showed fear and honor as he walked past them.
Pero hindi ko makita ang isang Gang leader ngayon sa harapan ko. Kazmus tantrums like he was possessed by a six-year-old boy who was spoiled by his parents. His desperation was so clear, like an open dictionary.
"Why are you so desperate to marry me?"
"I choose you."
"What?"
Iniwas niya ang tingin, magkasalubong ang mga kilay niya na tila may pait na naalala.
"I had never given a choice in my life, and when your photograph fell in my lap, I knew I would choose you, and I haven't regretted that choice so far. So, marry me?"
Sumimangot ako saka humalukipkip. His eyes were begging, and hopefulness filled them.
"No."
"Dammit!"
We were interrupted by a knock on the door. Bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok si Pushkin, may tulak-tulak na trolley kung saan kahit natatakpan ang mga laman ay humahalimuyak ang mga pagkain.
I completely ignored the fuming Kazmus as my stomach growled loudly. Hindi ko na naisip ang kahihiyan. Heck, they serve me chicken and I would not think twice about devouring it as I wasn't vegan. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang pagkagutom, naglalaway ang bibig ko at kahit pa ata panis ang ihain nila kakainin ko.
"Easy there, My lady. I brought you Veggies since I was informed of your preference of food. I am honored to present you with my specialties. This is Pea and Coriander Pesto — "
Pagbukas palang niya ng takip ng pagkain ay dinampot ko na ang plato at kutsara sa trolley at sinunggaban ang mga pagkain na parang Leon nang mahuli ang usa. Walang pumigil sa akin nang sabay-sabay kong sinubo ang mga gulay. Even if that was a poisonous plant, I would happily grind it between my teeth and swallow it.
Pushkin and his friends (na hindi ko napansin na pumasok din) watched me with wide eyes.
I heard someone chuckling softly. Ilang sandali lang ay naramdaman ko ang mga buhok ko na tumatakip at sagabal sa pagkain ko na nahawi mula sa likuran. Kazmus was now sitting next to me, holding my hair in one hand while the other pushed the empty plates away from me and replaced them with new plates full of food.
Now Pushkin and his friends watched us with wide eyes and slacked jaws.
→→→
Bluuuuuuurrrrpppp.
Napalabas si Meatballs sa coral na parang nagiba ang bahay nito. I giggled, caressing my round stomach.
"Ang bilis naman lumubo? Iniwan ko lang kayo saglit three months na ang laki!"
"What are you doing here?" Kazmus growled, eyes mauled over Dashiel. "Don't you have matters to attend to?"
"Tapos na, ako pa! Big task, simple task, common task — nakalimutan ko palang gawin ang life-threatening task, so paano ba 'yan? Baka pagbalik ko Tito na ako — "
Sumara kaagad ang pintuan pag-apak ni Dashiel sa labas. Habang hindi naman maipinta ang pagkairita sa mukha ni Kazmus sa tabi nito.
"I told him I didn't want to see his face for the next few hours," bulong niya sa sarili bago tumingin sa akin.
Ngayong may laman na ang tiyan ko, nakapagpahinga ang utak ko, naka-ihi at nakainom ng tubig, umaandar na nang maayos ang isipan ko. Habang umiihi ako ina-absorb na muli ng utak ko ang lahat ng mga nangyari kahapon, ang mga nalaman, ang mga nasaksihan. Heck, I even had a slight panic when I realized I was in a criminal's lair, surrounded by dangerous men who wouldn't hesitate to shoot my head.
Nakatakas nga ako sa mga Mafioso, napunta naman ako sa kamay ng mga Bratva. Someone more lethal and dangerous.
I was freed only to be captured. Now I'm trapped in this house with my pets. My pets. They took my pets here knowing I wouldn't leave this place without them. God, I didn't even know where they put my cat and snake. Benjamin can flight and Caroline can fight, sana lang parehong gumana kapag oras na nang pagtakas.
But do I have the will to escape?
Hindi ko maikakaila na panatag ako dito kesa sa kamay ng mga Mafioso. The men in this house may be Bratva, but they have never shown violence — with the exception of Kazmus punching Officer Kaluwag in front of me and the man being shot in the head — and, contrary to popular belief, they are treating me with humanity. Kahit si Nadya na naging harsh sa akin ay kasama sa mga tinutukoy ko. Something about them settled the deep feelings inside me. I feel safe.
Siguro dahil kahit mga gwapo sila at sanggano, hindi sila katulad ni Drake na gago.
Lumapit si Kazmus at naupo sa dulo ng kama, sa ibaba ng injured kong paa. Maingat ang galaw niya na parang natatakot masagi ito. He looked at me as if he was anticipating something.
Tumikhim ako at pinagsalikop ang mga kamay sa kandungan. "Marami akong tanong," I began, remembering what he had told me yesterday in the elevator.
He nodded his head as if ready for this.
"Una, sino ka ba talaga?"
"I'm Kazmus Rozanov, one of the Vor of Zolotoykol'tskaya Bratva."
As he said this proudly, chills ran down my spine. Every word he said was delivered with dignity, and I felt every bit of it. The air around us shifted as if bowing in reverence.
Even nature felt compelled to him.
I asked what Vor was and Kazmus answered it unblinkingly, without hesitation.
"It's a simplified term of Vory v Zakone, Thieves-in-law. It's analogous to a made man in the Italian Mafia. We have a Pakhan, a Godfather who controls everything in the organization. Next to him is the Underboss or the Avtoritet. He watches over our actions on behalf of the Pakhan and serves as his spokesperson. Every message to the Pakhan directs to him and vice versa. I've never met the Pakhan and Morfeo," Kazmus paused. "We communicate with them through the Hood; a ragtag group of assholes who do nothing but pry into our lives; they're like dictators who believe their opinions are law. I despise them. Once I'm in control, I'll wipe them all."
My skin prickled, my hands became clammy in fear of his last words. He said this so casually yet, so full of validity. There's no doubt he'd do what he promised.
Ramdam ko na may ugat ang galit niya sa mga ito pero hindi muna iyon ang inusisa ko.
"What does Vory do?"
"We oversee the activities and we have a certain honor code to follow."
"What activities?"
Kazmus flinched, eyes everywhere but me. His mouth opened and close, mimicking Meatballs when I have to leave her on a plate so I could change her water. Hesitation was clear on his face.
"Illegal stuff, Everiss."
My name rolled over his lips like an incantation. He pronounced every syllable like my name itself was a prayer.
Eyes on his lips.
I want him to say it again. Nothing pronounced my name as perfectly as his: Everrriss, damn!
Iniwas ko ang tingin nang mahuli niya akong tahimik na sinasamba ang mga labi niya.
Umayos ka Everiss!
"What about your relationship with the Mafioso?" nauutal kong tanong. Hindi iyon ang nakahanda kong tanong pero may parte rin sa akin na gustong malaman iyon.
"After the Soviet Union collapsed,
it was said that the five Italian families and the Pakhans had agreed to a treaty. The war between us had been settled and we agreed instead to work together. We maintained a good relationship and connections with them, but," He pinched the bridge of his nose and he narrowed his eyes on my injured foot as if it were a stubborn stain he wanted to get rid of. "There are some on the loose, rebelling against the treaty and attempting to force a war with us."
Kasama ba doon ang Mafioso na dumakip kay Candice at pumatay kay Drake?
Mukhang narinig niya ang tanong sa isipan ko dahil tumango siya. "They are the Palermo Mafia, one of the rebel families who thinks they can wipe out the Bratva. Don't worry about them. As long as you're with me they can't touch you. And your cousin will be saved, I promise."
Something about the way he said it calms me. A promise in his words.
"Anong role ko kung ganoon? Why do you so badly need a wife?"
Ito ang isa sa mga katanungan na gumugulo sa akin. Kazmus was desperate. Every time he looked at me, there was this silent plea in his eyes that almost made me want to give in.
"I mentioned to you about the law we follow, right?" Tumango ako bilang sagot. "Zolotoykol'tskaya Vory has an honor code to follow. One of these was to possess a wife who could carry our heir to continue our legacy to the Bratva. And..."
This time he lowered his head as if he didn't want to continue anymore. Ayaw niyang salubungin ang tingin ko na parang may kinakahiya siya.
"And?" I prob, feeling the curiosity eating me. "Kazmus."
"And to have a woman who can be our pride. Someone we can prance around and a model of our wealth."
Shame. Embarrassment.
His admittance and reluctance drill a hole in my ribcage towards my heart.
They marry for a trophy. Disappointment and hurt weren't foreign anymore to me, but feeling it because of what he said, I don't know. Ano bang ine-expect ko? Fairytale sa isang kriminal?
Tongue is tinged with bitterness.
"But I'm not going to treat you like that, Everiss. I'm not..." Kazmus shook his head as if mentally debating with himself. "I won't need a trophy when I
can treat you like my world, and they will see that. I'll wear you as my oxygen."
Tumitig siya sa akin, matagal at nangungusap. If someone asked me to point out a criminal, I'd turn a blind eye to Kazmus even if they showed proof of his crimes. I mean, look at him. Hindi siya mukhang gago. He resembled a rugged action star who had been cast in a romantic role. And he's doing well at it.
I'm confused.
"That's sick. Marry a woman to be your breeder."
"It's a code we need to follow."
"Paano kung wala kang maasawa?"
"I'd be considered a failure in my brotherhood. My title would strip from me easily and the lower ranks would challenge me for my position." His eyes mauled my injured feet. Ito ang pinagdidiskitahan niya sa nakatagong galit sa loob niya.
Marahan kong hinila ang paa ko at nilayo sa harapan niya. There was no doubt Kazmus would break my feet if his rage consumed him. At ayoko pang malumpo.
"Paano kung ayokong magpakasal?"
"Then I'd do my best to make you."
Toes curled.
Tinagilid ko ang mukha para hindi niya makita ang pamumula ng mga pisngi ko. Desidido siya. Iyon lang ang malinaw.
"Bakit ako?" That was a cliché question. Overused in novels about a chosen one. But I wasn't a chosen one, right? There must be a reason.
"I choose you," he repeated his answer from a moment ago.
"Bakit ako?" My voice was firm this time, demanding.
As if woken from an illusion, Kasmus' face contorted into confusion. He shook his head as if in a daze.
"I don't know."
There was a long silence between us. Lahat ng mga katanungan na hindi ko pa naisasaboses ay pansamantalang natulak sa dulo ng isipan ko habang pinangungunahan ako ng kalituhan.
My thoughts and emotions were confusing me. Tila sasabog ang ulo ko sa dami nang naglalaro dito.
Umingay ang cellphone niya. Sumulyap siya sa akin na tila nagpapaalam na sagutin ito. Tumango ako kahit hindi alam kung bakit niya ako hinihingan ng permiso. Sinagot niya ito nang hindi lumalayo, nanatili siyang nakaupo sa paanan ko at ang mga mata ay sa akin nakatuon.
The moment the foreign language rolled over his lips, I was struck, mesmerized by how he spoke Russian like it was the first language he had learned.
Kung hindi ko lang alam na russian ang lengwahe na ginagamit niya iisipin kong bumibigkas siya ng magic spell. It was lulling and dangerous at the same time. Wala akong maintindihan pero sapat na ang pagtiim ng bagang niya para malaman ko na hindi siya natutuwa sa kausap.
Umalis siya pagkatapos ng tawag, nagpaalam na may aasikasuhin.
My mind still lingers on how his lips and voice pronounced the foreign words.
So adorable. So sexy.
Sexy, huh?
Naisip mo pa talaga 'yan matapos mong malaman na aasawahin ka lang dahil kailangan ng trophy na ipagyayabang sa friends?
Tongue is tinged with bitterness.
Scoffing, I glanced at my plastered cast foot. Sabi ni Nadya, dalawang linggo bago ito tatanggalin. She wasn't happy, not only because she sympathized with me but also because she had to see me for another week. That woman really hates me like an ingrown.
Speaking of. Bumukas ang pintuan at unang kong napansin ang ginger hair bun bago ang nakasimangot niyang mukha. Suot niya ang itim na scrub suit na tila sa morgue ng hospital siya nagta-trabaho at sawa na siya sa mga bangkay na inaasikaso.
"Hi," I smiled at her.
She scoffed, her furrowed brows deepening when she glanced at my fishbowl on the bedside table.
"Her name is Meatballs. Siya ang nag-iisang nabuhay sa mga naging itlog ni Luncheon. She's a miracle fish."
She ignored me and dropped the clothes on the bed in a not-so-gentle way, and scoffed again, "Magbihis ka. Hindi ka naman nalumpo kaya kaya mo na iyan nang mag-isa. Bilisan mo."
Binuka ko ang bibig para magtanong pero lumabas na ito ng pintuan nang may extra lakas sa pagsara nito.
I sighed, picking up the clothes. It was actually a sleeveless black sunflower dress. Iyong katulad sa mga nauuso ngayon at patok sa mga teens. Wala akong ideya kung bakit ako pinagbibihis pero sa maiksing sandali na nakilala ko si Nadya, mas mabuting sundin mo ang sinabi niya kundi babaliin niya ang leeg mo.
Carefully hanging my feet on the bed edge, I pulled the hospital dress over my head, leaving me nothing but my pair of black undergarments. Mabilis kong sinuot ang dress, walang zipper o butones na kailangang asikasuhin. Tinukod ko ang isang kamay sa dulo ng headboard ng kama at sinuportahan ang buong katawan gamit ang isang paa para makatayo. Ngumiwi ako nang hanggang sa kalahati nang hita ko lang bumagsak ang damit.
Ngayon sigurado na ako na hindi kay Nadya ang damit na ito. She was lean, although her uniform had a sleeve I could see the outline of her muscles, and she doesn't look like someone who wears dresses.
As if narinig ang pangalan niya, bumukas muli ang pintuan at pumasok siya. She scoffed again (her favorite expression I suppose) as her sharp eyes scanned me like I was some sort of explicit image.
"You don't match him. Not an inch," she spat.
"Who's him?"
Hindi niya nagustuhan ang tanong ko base sa pagdilim ng expresyon niya at imbes na sagutin, hinila niya ang isang wheelchair mula sa labas at dinala ito sa harapan ko.
"Get in."
Hindi ko pinansin ang pagkairita sa tono niya at minabuting sundin nalang ito. Once seated, with much difficulty, Nadya went behind me.
"Ayokong iwan si Meatballs, please."
Nadya huffed, muttered a string of words only the likes of Drake could stomach, and grumpily grabbed the fishbowl.
Sumipa ang puso ko nang may matapon na tubig mula dito at nang makita ang pag-panic ng isda sa loob. I asked her to be gentle, but she just ignored me and passed the bowl like it was burning her hands.
"You can treat me like trash, but never treat my fish like she pissed on your carpet." Nagngitngit ang ngipin ko habang binabalanse ang tubig sa fishbowl para hindi tumapon at sumama si Meatballs sa alon. "She's innocent."
Hindi siya nagsalita.
Mahigpit ngunit maingat ang yakap ko sa alaga habang nakapatong ito sa kandungan ko, takot na mabawasan muli ang tubig niya.
Just as I thought she was not going to speak, Nadya grumbled behind me.
"Tiyak na hindi rin naman siya magtatagal katulad mo. Once he loses interest, you and your innocent pets will turn to ash. Just like them."
"What are you talking about?" Dread spiked inside me, something about her tone and the knowledge of her words didn't sit well inside me.
"Makikita mo."
Wala akong maintindihan sa sinabi niya pero malinaw ang pagsipa ng takot sa dibdib ko.
"Saan mo pala ako dadalhin?" tanong ko nang makita na tinatahak namin ang mahabang pasilyo katulad ng isa sa mga dinaanan namin ni Kazmus.
"Sa kamatayan mo."
Thoughts?