.
LAS CABANAS
Humahampas sa dibdib ko ang alon ng asul na dagat. Nakalingkis ang mga braso ko sa leeg ng lalaking kapartner ko. Nakahawak siya sa baywang ko at nakatitig sa akin.
Magkadikit ang halos walang saplot naming mga katawan. He was half naked while I'm on my forest green colored bikini. The shoot was to advertise the fantasy swimwear collections of both men and women.
Nasa Las Cabanas kami ngayon sa El Nido, Palawan. It's so beautiful here. It feels surreal. We are currently having a shoot with the team. I could hear appreciation from the voices of our co-models watching us.
"Good. Make your eyes more lustful!" Direk Joe shouted. He was grinning while looking at the main monitor where he could see the photos
"Yes, that's it," the photographer said as he takes the shots.
Nanunuot sa balat ko ang lamig ng hangin. I faced Chad, 'yung partner ko.
"Iana, is it okay for you if Chad places his hand on one of your bum? Place your hand on his chest and lean closer to his body. Press your body against him," the photographer instructed.
Umawang ang labi ko sa narinig. Tinignan ko si Chad na alanganing ngumiti. Bianca scowled at me when I unintentionally looked at her. Paula was watching me closely. The others were watching with amazement.
Tumango. "Of course! Okay lang," I said. Work is work. I will stay professional on this.
It's a good thing we travelled here in Palawan for the event. Because at least for a little while, I am able to escape Ansel. At least.. kahit paaano ay makakatulong ito upang huwag ko masyadong isipin ang gulong nangyayari ngayon sa pamilya ko at kay Ansel.
Bumitaw ako saglit kay Chad para maayos ang bikini ko. It's showing more of my cleavage. Masasabi kong kayang humamon ng dibdib ko. Even my butt can take a challenge. These are some of my assest that I am proud to have.
"I'm sorry, Iana," Chad blushed after saying those words. His muscles are defined.
Tipid ko siyang nginitihan. "It's okay. This is work," untag ko sa kanya. "Let's just finish because it's darn cold."
Tumawa siya sa sinabi ko at tumango. Naglakad kami sa kanila nung sabihan nila kaming lumapit konti sa kanila hanggang sa umaabot na lang sa thighs ko ang tubig. The photographer said the cue once again.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin para tumitig sa camera ngunit halos malagutan ako ng hininga nang may maaninag ako sa 'di kalayuan. Standing a few feet away from where we are is a familiar built, staring at me. Both his hands are inside his pockets. Suminghap ako. Matatalim ang mga mata niyang pinapanood ang bawat galaw ko na para bang isang lawin na nakaabang sa kanyang biktima. I feel my pulse accelerating as my system went wild.
Nawala sa kanya ang atensyon ko nang ibalik ni Chad sa baywang ko ang kamay niya. I gulped. What?! We're doing this while Ansel watches?!
Why is he even here?!
I looked at him again. Nakita ko si Bianca na napatingin din sa direksyon na tinitignan ko. Nagliwanag ang mukha niya at nagningning ang mga mata niya. Hindi nga ako nagkamali, she ran towards him.
Kumuyom ang kamao ko nang makitang nilingkis niya ang mga kamay sa braso ni Ansel. I immediately looked away. Huminga ako ng malalim at tinignan ulit si Ansel na nasa akin pa rin ang tingin. I frowned because Bianca did not clung to him anymore. May distansya na sa pagitan nila. Bianca was telling him something but his eyes were on me.
I smiled sweetly at his direction. You want to watch Ansel? I'll give you a good damn show.
When I tore my gaze from him, I focused on my work. Gaya ng sabi sa akin, nilagay ko ang kamay ko sa dibdib ni Chad. I stopped the gasp that almost escaped my lips when I felt one of his hand on my ass. It settled on my bare skin.
Okay, Iana. Be professional. This is work. Your job. Do good.
"Make it seductive you two!" Direk Jill said outloud while watching the monitor closely.
I breathed sharply before preparing myself. I pressed my body against Chad's chest. Instead of settling my hand onto his chest only, I snaked it up to his nape. Tumingkayad ako konti para mas maabot ko ang mukha niya. I heard the shots and leaned closer to his lips, pretending to kiss him. I made sure our lips maintained an adequate distance about three inches away.
Kita ko ang gulat sa mukha ni Chad nang makita ang mga mata ko. I was looking at him with need and lust. Pumasok sa isip ko si Ansel na niluluhuran ako. It was almost an immediate reaction. My body burned and my eyes became filled with lust.
"Yes! That's amazing! Keep it going!" Direk Jill sounded so satisfied.
"Nice. It's so good!" The photographer smirked at my direction.
Because of that, I turned to Ansel's direction only to find him with dimmed expression. My lips parted as I watched him walk towards me, leaving Bianca behind who's still talking but never having the attention she wants.
Napamura ako sa utak ko. I feel my knees getting weak under his gaze. It was so intense and cold! Nakaigting ang panga niya at matalim ang tingin niya sa kamay ni Chad na nakahawak sa akin. My body burned. His expressions were dark and venomous. It was so dominant. My heart tripled in beat.
My lips curved up and I smiled at him tauntingly. His jaw clenched. Nakita ko ang pagbaba ng tingin niya sa kamay ko. When he looked back at my face, agresibong umigting ang panga niya ulit. He is so mad right now. I can feel the lividness radiating from him.
Inalis ko ang tingin ko sa kanya bago pa man ako matunaw. I trembled. The cold wind is hitting my bare body.
"You look so beautiful, Iana," Chad whispered while staring at me.
Walang epekto iyon sa akin. I felt his hand travel up to my waist, crawling up under my breast. Nagulat ako nang makaramdam ng matigas na bagay na tumatama sa may puson ko.
I looked at Chad with wide eyes. He looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry. You're too sexy. And your eyes... they're looking at me with.." he sighed and shook his head.
"This is so not professional," he muttered. "This is the first time a woman I'm partnered with in a shoot turned me on big time. I'm not usually like this. I'm sorry," he looks so guilty. "You were just too tempting. I'm sorry again."
Medyo maliit ata 'yung kanya kasi hindi gaanong bakat. Buti na lang!
Napatingin ako sa team dahil nagsimulang magbulung bulungan ang iba. Tinignan ko ang tinitignan nila. Lumapit pala si Ansel sa puwesto ng crew. The women were gawking at Ansel with desire and amusement! Some looks shocked that he's here but almost all of them were looking at him like they're craving a piece of him. I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
Everyone is staring at him but his eyes were on me. Just me. Sa akin lang.
"Oh! M-Mr. Monterro! You're here!" Direk Joe gasped. Napakurap si Direk Jill.
"Continue. Don't mind me watching.." Ansel told them coldly, his eyes darting to Chad.
My lips parted when I felt Chad tremble under his gaze that easy. His hold on me loosened. Ansel's dangerous eyes were on us.
Bakit ba kasi siya nandito? Kailangang lumapit pa?!
I shivered when I felt the cold breeze hit my skin. The daylight's almost gone. Sadyang malakas ang ihip ng hangin ngayon at napakalamig. But they wanted a dusk shoot for the content! It has to be! Kailangan kong tiisin 'to. Patapos na rin lang!
"End the shoot. My wife's shivering," Ansel commanded sternly.
Tinignan ko siya ng may hindi makapaniwalang tingin. Masuri niya akong pinapanood.
"Uhuh! Tapos na rin naman! It's a.. uhm wrap guys! Let's continue tomorrow! Dinner tayong lahat mamaya!" Direk Joe announced, winking at me. Ngumisi rin si Direk Jill.
Ansel didn't mind anyone. He reached for the robe that Direk Joe was holding. Kinuha niya 'yon at naglakad palapit sa akin.
I can see Bianca seething behind. "Oh my gosh! Ansel ang lamig!" She said dramitically while hugging herself so Ansel would go near her but I was shocked because he didn't even spare her a glance.
Hindi niya ba pinapansin si Bianca dahil nandito ako? Dahil pinapanood siya ng iba? Kasi alam niyang alam ng lahat na kasal kami? Ayaw niyang masama ang isipin ng ibang tao sa kanya? Is that it?
Lumayo si Chad sa akin. "Great shoot with you, Iana. You're amazing," he said, warry of Ansel who's coming close before he left.
He even looked intimidated by Ansel. Male model si Chad pero mas matangkad pa si Ansel sa kanya. And Ansel's body is more ripped and defined than his. Halata iyon kahit naka-plain shirt lang si Ansel. Chad took one glance at us before going to the team.
Tinignan ko si Ansel ng masama. Pero nagulat lang ako nung hinigit niya ako sa baywang para takpan mula sa mga mata ng tao gamit ang katawan niya. Rage is visible in his cold eyes.
Hindi siya nagsalita. Pinasuot niya lang sa akin ang robe. Habang tinatali niya ang tali sa may baywang ko, nakita ko ang pag-igting ng panga niya. He was restraining himself from blowing up.
Nang matapos ay tinignan niya ako. His expression was blank but his eyes were dripping with so much conflict. It sent shivers down my spine.
Sa halip na kausapin siya ay lumayo lang ako sa kanya at nilampasan siya. Hinayaan niya akong makalayo hanggang sa maramdaman ko na ang buhangin sa paa ko. I can't stay there with him. Titig niya palang ay nanginginig na ako! How much more when he touches me?! Baka magseizure pa ako lintik na 'yan!
"Napakagaling mo, Iana! Hindi tayo natagalan sa shoot! We had a really great female model!" Direk Jill winked at me, amazement present in her eyes. Nag thumbs up din ang mga staffs at ngiting ngiti si Direk Joe. The photographer beamed at me pero nag-iwas din agad ng tingin nang tumingin siya sa presensya na nasa likuran ko.
Iniwan ko si Ansel doon at sumama kila Monique. I saw Bianca smirking because of what I did and going to Ansel. Sumulyap ako sa direksyon ni Ansel. I saw him say something to Bianca after she went near him and talked. Nakita ko ang pagbura ng ngisi ni Bianca nang may sabihin sa kanya si Ansel. Nabigo ang mukha niya at tila para siyang nasaktan.
Ano 'yun? Nasasaktan akong makita silang magkasama dahil parang nakukumpirma nito ang mga sinabi ni Bianca sa akin.
Kumuyom ang kamao ko. Ang galing niyang magkunwari na mahal niya ako. Ano 'to? Iniiwasan niya si Bianca dahil nasa public sila? Ayaw niya maissue?
Ansel took one glance at me before shaking his head, and walking off. Nawala na sa kanya ang atensyon ko nung higitin ako nila Monique.
"Oh my gosh! I never expected the ruthless billionaire to be so sweet when it comes to a woman! Grabe! Iana paano maging ikaw?!" Monique squealed. "Ay char!" She chuckled.
Muntik na akong ngumiwi sa narinig. Nasa room kami ngayon at nagpapalit. They even kept on glancing at Ansel when we were heading to the inn. It was actually a bit annoying, ayoko lang aminin.
Wala na dapat akong pakialam kay Ansel e. Pero ang hirap lang kasi.
Tipid akong ngumiti. My heart skipped a beat when I remembered his touch. As if it still lingers on my skin. Hindi na 'to healthy!
I sighed and went out as the girls continued to talk about stuffs. Dumiretso ako sa may pang-public na CR. I bit my lip when I recognized some of Ansel's men a few meters away from me. They're in their casual attires, looking like tourists. But I am fully aware of their agenda. Tumango sila nang mapansin na nakita ko sila. I nodded back.
I don't want this. But I also don't want to risk my safety. Baliw na ata 'yung nagtetext sa akin. It's best for me to be guarded by Ansel's men.
"Tss, he's just protecting you because you're the tool in his plan," I bitterly whispered to myself.
"Actually, bagay sina Bianca at Ansel! She is pretty! Balita ko ex daw siya ni Ansel? Shocks ang suwerte na nga, pinakawalan pa niya?!"
Napalunok ako nang marinig ang yabag ng mga babae na pumasok sa restroom. I'm inside one of the cubicles.
"Ansel is so hot! Like have you seen him?! A greek god! Mapapaluhod ka na lang talaga!" Ani nung isa. "Pero may asawa na e!"
"Yes! Iana ata pangalan? It was published on the news. She's also a model like Bianca! I saw her awhile ago! She's a goddess!"
"Bianca is pretty too! Hindi kaya pinakasalan lang ni Ansel si Iana dahil katulad siya ni Bianca? Does that happen in real life? Kasi diba model si Bianca? Model rin si Miss Iana?" Humalakhak ang isa.
I swallowed a lump in my throat with that. Kumuyom ang kamao ko. Pinagmamaritesan nila ang buhay namin. Ang galing lang.
"I don't know. Pero nakakainggit siya! Pinakasalan siya ni Ansel. And she also looks like a baddass!"
"Baddass rin naman si Bianca!" Electric fan ata 'to ni Bianca.
Baddass ba 'yun?! Mukha nga siyang butas ng puwet!
Mga marites na 'to pinag-uusapan pa kami! Pwera na lang dun sa naka-appreciate sa akin.
Lumabas ako at tinitigan ang madilim na dagat. It looks so scray now that the sky is dark. But the moon and stars makes it beautiful.
Niyakap ko ang sarili ko habang tumatama ang malamig na ihip ng hangin sa balat ko kasabay ng bawat hampas ng alon sa direksyon na tinutungo nito. Tumingala ako sa kalangitan at napangiti sa kagandahan nito. Maraming mga bituin ang kumikislap at patuloy na nagniningning.
I can feel the eyes of Ansel's men watching me carefully. Inangat ko ang tawag ni Monique.
[Iana where are you? Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap!]
"Gilid ng dagat. Why?"
[Dinner na kaya! Balik ka na rito at sabay na tayo nila Sadaka,] she said.
"Mauna na kayo sa venue. I'm on my way there."
I was true to my words. I went to the location. Pero hindi ko inaasahang makita rin si Ansel doon. What? Kakain rin siya rito? Same venue? Same time?
Napalunok ako nang magtama ang paningin namin. He was sitting far across our table. Pumungay ang mga mata niya nang makita ako. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. My heart skipped a beat.
"Bakit pala nilalapitan ni Bianca si Ansel kanina? Diba mag-ex sila? Kung ganon, may closure sila?"
Kibit balikat lang ang tinugon ko kay Fenny. Tumingin ako sa gawi ni Bianca na nakatingin sa akin. She licked her lips sensually as if reminding me of what she said before we travelled here to Palawan. Nakaupo siya medyo malayo sa akin. Malapit siya dun sa mga grupo ng lalaki na kasama namin. Her eyes glimmered after she glanced at Ansel's direction. Nakita ko ang pang-aakit sa mukha niya pero nabigo dahil hindi siya tinignan ni Ansel.
"Mahabagin Kurdapya..." bulong ko.
Tinignan ko si Ansel na nakababa lang ang tingin sa lamesa. Malalim ang iniisip. He's on his plain white shirt. Kahit gaano kasimple ang damit niya, ang lakas pa din ng appeal niya! Even the women here are stealing glances at him!
Kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang may lumapit na lalaki kay Ansel. Some women gasped.
"Is that Adler Salvatore?"
Sino? My face relaxed when I recognized him. Salvatore? They own this place right? Sa kanila ang Las Cabanas. Alam kong kilala rin ang pamilya nila sa pagkakaroon ng maraming ari-arian. Their business and wealth is massive.
I couldn't help but shake my head after realizing that most women here are gawking at the two men. Lalo na si Bianca na akala mo tumutulo laway habang pinagnanasahan si Ansel!
Kati ng pepe ha!
I didn't want to look but I failed. Tumayo si Ansel at nakipag-bro hug kay Adler. Close sila? Well, both men are into business. Baka nagkakilala na sila sa trabaho. Hindi malabo dahil pareho silang nasa may kaya talagang pamilya. Marahil ilang beses nang nag-krus ang landas nila.
Nagulat ako nung mapansing tinagilid ni Ansel ang ulo niya sa direksyon namin habang may sinasabi kay Adler. I fidgeted on my seat uncomfortably when Adler looked my way. Sa mismong puwesto ko. He nodded and smiled. To not look snobbish, I also smiled and nodded back.
Kita kong may sinabi si Ansel sa kanya ng nakakunot noo. But Adler just laughed. May pinagusapan pa sila bago umalis si Adler.
The team started eating already. Hindi ako mapakali sa inuupuan ko. I couldn't start eating because Ansel was just eating alone in that lonely table.
"Iana, why don't you invite your husband with us?"
Muntik ko nang sapatusin sa mukha si Paula dahil sa tanong niya. Nakikita ko ang mga kakaibang tingin nila kay Ansel. There's desire and astonishment. They couldn't take their eyes off of him! Leader nila si Bianca na halos hubaran na ata sa tingin si Ansel!
I took one look at Ansel again. He wasn't minding anyone. Ramdam ko pa ang minsang pagtingin niya sa gawi ko but I pretend not to notice it.
Tipid kong nginitihan ang mga kasama ko. Napatingin sila sa akin nung tumayo ako. "Sorry. He's not really the type who prefers that," sagot ko kay Paula na ngumuso.
"Uhh.. Excuse me," paumanhin ko. "I'll just eat with my husband."
"Ay bet! Sana all!" Monique chuckled, pushing me towards Ansel's direction. Her eyes twinkled in amusement. Pati sina Sadaka, tila ba kanina pa nila ako hinihintay sabihin iyon.
Iba-iba sila ng reaction. 'Yung iba, inggit na pumikit. Bianca looked offended. Paula glared at me. Pero wala na akong pakialam sa sabihin man nila.
I saw Ansel's eyes settle on me when I stood up and walked towards him. I felt awkward. Galit pa rin ako sa kanya. Pero ayoko lang na panoorin siyang kumakain mag-isa.
I saw him swallow hard when I sat down in front of him. Napaayos siya ng upo. Galit ko siyang tinignan. I just calmly placed my plate on his table.
"Bakit ka andito sa Palawan? From what I remember, you have a lot of things to finish in your company," malamig kong sabi.
Nagtaas ako ng kilay. He did not answer though. But my lips parted when he pulled my plate towards him. I stared at him when he unexpectingly began slicing the piece of roasted beef on my plate. When he was done, binalik niya sa akin ang pinggan ko.
Hindi siya nagsalita. Same goes with me. He cleared his throat before looking at his plate. Tanging tunog lang ng kubyertos namin ang naririnig dito sa lamesa namin.
I felt awkward because I know that many eyes are on us. Maski si Direk Joe at Jill, 'yung photographer at iba pa naming kasama ay nakatingin sa amin! Ano kami, entertainment? Palabas? Show? Huy, enough!
Wala kaming imikan. Hindi ko rin maubos ang pagkain ko dahil wala akong gana. And keeps on glancing at me. Tumititig pa nga minsan habang ngumunguya siya. Kahit pagnguya, ang lakas pa din ng dating! Hindi na 'yan makatarungan.
Masyado niya ata akong pinapanood dahil tumigil siya sa pagkain nung tumigil ako. His brows furrowed.
"Busog ka na?" His voice was soft. It caught me off guard.
Tumango lang ako. It looks like he wanted to tell me to finish at least half of it but he just pursed his lips. I pushed it towards him.
Tinignan niya ako. Mataman siyang tumitig habang ako ay humalukipkip lang. He licked his lower lip and took it.
Pinanood ko lang siya. Ayoko siyang iwan dahil hindi pa siya tapos kumain. Ansel cleared his throat and pushed his drink towards me. It was a lemonade and actually looks scrumptious. I took it and sipped on it.
"Ang sarap.." komento ko at tinitigan ito.
"That's what you said," Ansel whispered.
Nag-init ang pisngi ko at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Hindi niya pinansin ang masamang tingin ko sa kanya. Mabilis niyang natapos ang naorder niya. Sinunod niya 'yung akin. He's starting to finish it.
Napatitig ako sa kinakain niya. Bakit parang sumarap lalo sa paraan ng pagkain niya? He is making it look delicious.
"O, subo," matamang sabi niya. My eyes widened a little nung itinapat niya sa bibig ko ang may laman na kutsara niya.
I heard some gasps from the table of the PMG team that's why I glared at Ansel. He just raised a brow at me, still waiting for me.
"Ayoko," iling ko.
"Subo na po," Ansel whispered softly.
Ibinaba ko ang hawak kong inumin niya. I got flustered a bit because of that. I bit my lip, noticing how Ansel's eyes darkened when he saw me do that. Galit ko siyang tinignan at sinubo iyon.
The corner of his lips raised. Tumikhim siya at sumeryoso ulit. Nagpatuloy siyang kumain. Wala muling imikan. Pero hindi nagtagal ay tumiim ang bagang niya.
Nagtaka ako at naguguluhan na sinalubong ang kakaibang mga tingin niya. I held my breath when he looked at me soulfully.
"Can we fix our problem later?" Ansel suddenly asked.
I didn't know what to say so I did not answer and just looked at him. Ansel gulped.
"Gusto ko nang umuwi ka sa akin. I'm fucking going crazy," he whispered weakly. "Uwi ka na sakin please?"
•••••
|January•2023|