A very satisfied smirk remained on my lips as I watched how horror displayed in his whole face. He looks so horrified and in disbelief at the same time. Oo nga naman, who would actually give orders to The Tyson Matheus Wilson Echiverri? The future of the Echiverri Construction Group and all of their other businesses. The future Don Echiverri— which for years, I still and never really understood what's it about and why the hell do they have a freaking title like that of a royal. Tss.
Who exactly would, right? For years, this man in front of me had been nothing but an alpha fucking stud. The one who commands. The one who gives orders. The one who demands. He had been raised for one sole purpose; and that is to be the head of the family. The one on top of the pinnacle. The one who will continue the patriarchal Echiverri clan.
And for me, his mere former toy, slave, nanny, and kink satisfier, to only just unapologetically order him to go get something from my car down the basement of this tall corporate tower, really is very horrifying and feels almost like a sin to him. Had it been said by me years ago, I would no longer even think of how brutal his reaction to it may have been.
But... No. Surprisingly, no. Because the horror and disbelief that I watched so closely just a few minutes ago disappeared very quickly and subtly. It almost made me want to doubt myself and my eyes if what I saw in his face earlier really did occur. Ang galing galing nang pagkaka-bawi niya at ang swabe swabe nang agarang pag-guhit ng maamong ngiti sa mukha niya kaya bumabalik na naman tuloy ang inis ko sa panlalaban niyang ito. Lumalaban talaga siya kahit pa-hapyaw lang!
That whenever I start to think I'm already winning, he would still find ways to somehow maneuver the situation and makes sure he still has little control over the course of our fight. He is so emotionally and mentally resilient that whenever I try to manipulate and dominate the game, he sure would show pain and defeat, but still manages to ride my game and play along.
Very opposite to how I played along his game many years ago. Na hindi man lang marunong mag-basa ng mga galawan niya. Hindi marunong mag-laro pabalik. Iiyak at kikimkimin lang ang hinanakit sa tabi. Fuck.
It's like he's letting me have my way, sure, but he would also still subtly fight me back in the end to balance everything out. Na sa tuwing nilalaro ko siya ay walang problemang bibigyan niya ako nang satisfaction ngunit lalaruin niya pa rin din ako sa huli.
A harmless play, yes, but still— it's pissing me off so bad now upon realizing that my wins over him are, by far, short lived. I want to see him crushed down so bad all the way through and not just for few fucking moments! But this brute is just so... Grrr.
I hate how well he seems to read my mind and actions. Kahit dati pa. For all I know, he already realized my intention to treat him just like how he did me years ago. Iyan pa ba, ang tuso niyan. Ang tali talino niyan. Kaya mas lalo talagang kailangan kong pag-igihan ito. Mas lalo kong dapat galingan. I can't afford to falter.
But, shit, argh! Paano nga? How?! How, when he's like this... He's this smart and good... He's... Fuck.
Tumayo siya at tumikhim. He caressed his jaw as if fixing his face like a robot and programming it back to normal. Inayos-ayos niya ang kwelyo niya. Ngayon ko lang din tuloy napasadahan nang maigi ang itsura at suot niya.
He's wearing an expensive looking white and thin polo underneath his casual navy blue coat. No necktie and other whatnots. Very clean and plain. Ang pang-ibaba niya naman ay ang kaparehang trousers nang coat niya, navy blue din. Sobrang saktong sakto lang ang sukat at yakap nito sa mga hita niya. I can't see his shoes, unfortunately.
Taas kilay siyang ngumiti at tumango sa'kin bago nag-lakad at umikot mula sa bahagi niya. Nang nakarating na sa harap ko'y 'tsaka ko lamang nakita ang mukhang bagong bago pa na leather black men's shoes niya. I looked away.
"Keys?" Sabay lahad ng kamay niya sa harap ko. Napa-tingala ako sakaniya at napa-irap. I sighed and grabbed my car keys from my Chanel purse and handed it to him. Napa-ngiwi ako nang malisyoso niyang dinampi ang mga daliri niya sa kamay ko. Sarap tadyakan, eh!
"Nice. Which car? What color?" He continued.
"Hyundai Kona. Pulse red." Sabi ko. He sighed. Lalaking lalaking pumihit at nag-lakad palayo. I watched him enter his exclusive lift and when he turned to face me and press the button on the side, he playfully winked at me before the lift totally closed. I groaned.
"Nakakaasar ampota! Grrr." Bulong-bulong ko at inabala na lamang ang sarili sa pag-hahanda ng mga gamit ko.
I need to pull myself together because I'm going to have to work on the introduction of the article. It's one of the most crucial part. It needs to be very well thought-out and flawless. I can't have this as the first article in which I failed to provide an impactful introduction!
Ilang sandali pa akong napapa-titig sa kawalan habang iniisip ang mga gagawin. Ah, bahala na. If he's not going to cooperate peacefully and would continue pissing me off by his annoying remarks and gestures, ako na lang ang bahalang mag-imbento nang mga salita niya sa intro. Kahit na ba hindi niya naman sinabi. Lalo na't mukhang hahayaan niya lang naman ako at wala naman talaga siyang pakialam sa magiging kalabasan ng article na ito tungkol sa kompanya nila.
Para ngang ginawa niya lang ang lahat nang ito eh para makapag-manman sa'kin. I don't know how big they are in the international construction industry, but I have a feeling that an article meant for PR isn't really needed by them anymore! They are huge already! Like huge huge! Normally, rising or undiscovered businesses are the ones who usually seek for a chance like this! Definitely not them!
Natigil ang mga iniisip ko nang narinig ang pag-bukas ng elevator. Kalmado ko lamang siyang nilingon para hindi halatang sobrang bothered ko sa lahat nang pangyayaring ito. I still can't get over the fact that I'm going to share an office space with him! Just here, beside him! Fuck talaga!
"Tsk. What was that, Buttercup?" Kunot noong aniya. Bitbit ang portfolio kong hindi ko naman talaga kailangan. Kumunot ang noo ko sakaniya at tiningala siya nang tumigil siya sa harap ko at inilahad ang portfolio.
"What?" I nonchalantly asked and snatched the portfolio from him. Bumuntong hininga siya at nameywang.
"I don't like your choice of car. I checked it. Not safe, B. The tires aren't even changed. Nothing on it is customized. And no car alarm?" He said with disbelief in his tone. I arched a brow at him.
"And? Why does it matter to you? Pwede ba, huwag mong pakialaman ang gamit ko. I'm here for business and work. Let's start," I dismissively said. He groaned lowly. Umupo siya sa kaharap na upuan nang inuupuan ko. May dalawang chairs kasi sa harap ng table niya at dahil umupo na ako kanina pa sa kaliwa, sa kanan naman siya umupo ngayon.
He spread his legs and rested his forearms on each of them. He brushed his face using his hands and sighed frustratingly. He stared at me for a few seconds.
"I'm not gonna have a peace of mind knowing you drive that car, alone, B. Saan mo nabili iyon? O ikaw ba o sina Apollo? I'll provide one for you while we work together. With a driver." Mahinahon niyang sabi ngunit ang mapupungay at mamula-mulang mga mata niya ay nakaka-bagabag. I looked away.
"Ano ba? Can you drop that already? Ba't ba nangingialam ka."
"Hindi naman sa nangingialam, B, ayoko lang na mapahamak ka—"
"I have bodyguards, Tyson! Naka-buntot lagi sa sasakyan ko kung iyan ang inaalala mo. I am perfectly safe!" I cut him off. Hindi ko naman kasi talaga binigyan nang masyadong pansin ang napiling sasakyan. I know I just needed one for my personal errands and I don't know why this brute is making a fuss about it.
I saw how his jaws clenched at what I said. Nakapangalumbaba na siya ngayon sa kanang kamay niya habang ang siko naman niyon ay naka-tukod sa kanang tuhod niya. Ang kaliwang kamay ay naka-tukod sa kaliwang tuhod. I almost shut my eyes so tight when I realized how hot he looked like. Argh! Apple!
"Isa pa iyan, B. Please, let me provide for everything. Even your security. I didn't like how one of your bodyguards held you that night. Alam na alam mong ayokong hinahawakan ka ng iba at alam mong nandidilim ang paningin ko sa mga ganiyan, B." His jaws continued clenching and no matter how I try to force myself to play this with a collected demeanor, I just can't! Hindi talaga, kung ganitong nakaka-inis siya at ang mga pinagsasabi niya!
"Utang na loob, Mr. Echiverri! This is not about me! This is about you and what you have to say for the introduction of your article! Now, if that's something you can't do today, might as well let me storm out of this office because I'm not doing this today! I'm going home!" I spat. Mabilis siyang napa-upo nang maayos at ibinuka pa nang malapad ang kaliwang paa niya– tila ginagawang harang kung sakali mang tumayo ako at umalis. Jusko!
"Damn it. No. Okay, I'm sorry. We're doing this today. We'll work today. We'll just talk about that some other time. Alright..." He sighed. May konting taranta sa boses at parang wala lang na sumandal sa upuan. I almost groaned so loud in front of him out of so much pent up frustration.
"There's no discussing about it next time. Leave it. Mind your own biz." Irap ko at inabala na ang sarili sa mga papeles. He nodded.
"Hmm..." He hummed while intently staring at me. Halatang hindi na nakikinig at hindi sinsero sa kunwaring pagsasang-ayon ayon niya. Tang ina talaga nitong lalaking ito!
Tahimik ko namang ipinagpa-salamat nang hindi na siya nag-kulit pa pagkatapos. Naaalibadbaran nga lang ako kasi nasa harap na upuan ko pa rin siya at hindi na bumalik dun sa swivel chair niya sa harap. Nang nai-handa ko na ang paper at pen ko ay bumaling na ako sakaniya.
I caught him biting his right thumb while languidly staring at my legs using his bloodshot eyes. Nang napansin ang pag-baling ko ay swabeng inilipat lang ang mga mata niya sa mukha ko. No trace of panic at all. Very expert in handling himself.
You see that, Apple Neone? Ganiyan ka dapat mag-laro! Gayahin mo iyang baliw na iyan!
"Won't you go back in front?" Kibo ko. His lips twitched and remained doing nothing for a moment, before he sighed and nodded.
"Alright. If that's what my Buttercup wants..." He said in a sing song voice. Muntik na naman akong napa-daing sa inis. Lalo na dahil may tono ang boses niya at halos maka-limutan ko nang maganda pala ang boses niyan! Urgh.
Ganito ba talaga kapag ex na? Urat na urat ka sa tila halos lahat nang galaw at salita nila? Jusko. Magkaka-alta presyon yata ako pagkatapos nitong project na ito!
Pinanood ko na lamang siyang umikot at bumalik sa swivel chair niya. Nang umupo ay halos magiba niya yata ang upuan dahil sa nilikhang tunog nito. I can only imagine how heavy he is! At tamad na tamad pang umuupo na parang isang Tito! Just like how he used to sit and chill in his living room before, watching NBA. Okay, fuck, stop now, Apple Neone.
"Let's start, Miss Sandova." He broke the silence using his baritone and my heart jumped in– I don't know, thrill or annoyance. Prolly the latter. But fuck! He suddenly sounded so serious and business like that I, for a moment, forgot what to do next.
I sighed and held on my pen tightly to stop my fingers from shaking. I looked at him with cold and piercing eyes. Reclaim the game, Apple, punyeta ka!
"Can you tell me a brief introduction about yourself, your education, and how you got or found yourself inclined to this business." I started, mimicking his business like tone as well. He briefly looked away and bit his lower lip before turning his gaze back to me. Oh, boy...
"Well, I am Tyson Echiverri. Civil Engineer. Finished my Masters years ago and currently working on my PhD. Always had been interested in construction since middle school and I just, I guess, need to provide continuation to our family business that my great great grandfather founded." He said in a very manly manner and, okay I admit, oozing with so much sex appeal.
Damn, I don't even know if I'd be able to relay and reflect the same energy in words. How the fuck would I write that with the same appeal? Would the future readers of this article even be able to feel what I am feeling now as he says these words to me? I swear, I've never doubted my capabilities since I started writing articles but just now!
Kunware akong tumatango-tango at sinusulat ang mga sinabi niya. He remained silent after that and I felt him just watching me jot all those down on my paper. I sighed afterwards.
"You are currently the Chief Operations Officer of Echiverri Construction Group, all that, while you are only in your early 30s. How—"
"Funny, Buttercup." He chuckled. Gulat akong napa-tingala sakaniya at kitang kita ko talaga ang purong aliw sa mukha niya. He shook his head.
"Only 29, B. You make me feel so old." He sighed. Shit. I gritted my teeth silently. Oo nga pala, when I was 18 and freshmen, he was 22 and a senior. Not that I really paid too much attention on it years ago. I was busy trying to suck his dick. Damn it!
"Okay, my bad. 29. So, yeah, how did you climb to the position, what were the things you had to take, and how do you currently cope with all the job your position brings?" Sunod sunod kong sabi. Kahit na ba'y dapat pa-isa isang tanong lamang iyon pero gusto ko na yatang tapusin ito nang maaga.
I only have to get his first few words, some personal information, and that's it. All the other stuff and technicalities about their company will be worked on on a later time, together with my team. Just get this done with, Aps! Please!
He bit his right thumb again, making it go white due to the loss of blood in it. He crunched his nose and I immediately looked away again. Gosh.
"Hmm. I had to work hard, of course. Being born into the business doesn't mean I get to be appointed by my family automatically. After graduating and finishing my Masters, I started on an entry-level position. I also had to work part time as a construction worker on the field. It took me a while to learn the operations and experience it first hand. After that, I was trusted with a leadership role by the board. I also had to earn my keep and buy some shares of my own– because I'm not entitled yet to the major ones which my family owns..."
Tumitindig ang mga balahibo ko habang nakikinig at naka-yukong isinusulat iyon. Normally, when the subject shares information like these for the article I'm working on, I don't get too invested in it. But now, it's different. This one is different.
It's like I'm working on an article but at the same time, filling myself in with all that's happened in his life for the past couple of years. Like an old friend, hearing what was up during all those years I was away. I continued to shiver.
"Promotions after promotions. Bought shares after shares... And when the former COO resigned and retired, the board saw it fit for me to assume the position and elected me. My father also have stopped me from acquiring any more shares since it's getting too big. One could not imagine that happening, considering that I also am yet to inherit the biggest stock from the family itself."
I never dared looking up at him again while jotting it all down. I refuse to admit how admirable all of that is because I shouldn't! No matter what! Just keep fucking writing, you bitch!
"Coping? Honestly, I can't have a specific or detailed answer to that. Maybe because I had been doing this since freshmen and I just kind of got used to it. Of course, I get frustrated sometimes over business failures and shit, but it's like that in this industry. Maybe I'll just answer that this way..." Aniya na parang may na-isip na ideya kung paano sagutin iyon ngunit pinutol ko siya.
"No cursing, please." Sabi ko. He cleared his throat.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Aniya sa sinserong boses. Tang ina naman talaga, eh. I nodded at him and gave him a cue to keep on.
"I cope with all of these by letting off steam. I hit the gym, or if not, I do MMA, Polo, Basketball..." He drawled. Napa-sulyap ako sakaniya nang maka-tunog ng kakaiba sa boses niya. Hindi ko na napigilan.
At kitang kita ko ang ngisi niyang nakaabang. He's staring at me knowingly. He winked again. Instead of showing another annoyed reaction to him, I just nonchalanty turned my eyes back on my paper.
"So, yeah, I guess that's pretty much about it. This is where it all led me now. I'm here now because of it. And I'm determined to work harder and better for the company's future... For our future..." He drawled again in the last part. It sent shivers down my spine and I fought so hard to be able to act chill about it.
I stayed silent while finishing all of it on my paper– ignoring the very obvious double meaning of the last thing he said. And I'm not even assuming at all!
Napa-pikit pa ako nang mariin nang makita ang mga susunod na tanong. Why did I miss to check on these prior? Shit. Hindi kasi ako ang gumawa ng questionnaire. It's given by V mag directors themselves and of course, I can't alter this. I need to follow as is.
Suminghap na lamang ako. I lost count how many, already. Fuck.
"Awesome. Moving on... Do you mind sharing about your personal relationships? Romantic relationship, to be specific. According to our data, you have been one of the most eligible and prominent bachelors in the Philippines, if not the world. And your family is known for your adamantine privacy. So for this article, would you mind sharing one or two piece of it?" Basa ko sa mahabang tanong, kumukunot ang noo. Who the hell wrote these questions? And the directors really have approved it, huh?
I heard him grunt. Umayos siya nang upo at nakikita ko ang mga galaw niyang maiingat kahit hindi ko siya sinusulyapan. I continued acting like I'm busy working on my paper.
"Really, Buttercup..." Tamad at tila bored niyang sabi. I bit my lower lip.
"I'm sorry, what, Mr. Echiverri?" Kalmado ko siyang binalingan nang mabilis at siniguradong professional talaga pakinggan ang tono ng boses ko para ipaalala sakaniyang nagta-trabaho kami. He sighed again, for the nth time. Naghi-hingahan lang yata kami rito, eh! Kaloka.
"Alright, then..." Bulong-bulong niya at hinanda ko na ang pen ko sa maaaring isasagot niya.
"Your data may claim I'm a bachelor, well yes, technically. But I'm not single. I'm taken. I have a long term girlfriend and we've been away from each other for quite some time. She's my adorable bundle of joy since college and she's remained that way for me to this day and moving forward." Aniya. My heart ached so bad at what he said. My hand shook again while jotting his answer down. This is pure torture. I'm gonna surely curse V mag, and all the other factors and circumstances, that forced me to say yes to this project!
"May we know who's the lucky girl? Are you planning to step up the relationship?" Bahagyang namilog ang mga mata ko sa nabasa at mabuti na lang at naka-yuko ako. Hindi ko napag-handaang mabasa iyon kasi hindi ko rin magawang basahin nang advance ang mga susunod kasi natatakot ako! Punyetang sitwasyon 'to!
"What do you think, B? Should I let them know your name? Are we stepping up?" Putol na naman ni Tyson sa mood at karakter niya sa interview namin. He really can't hold it back! Gago talaga 'to!
Inis ko siyang binalingan at matalim na tinitigan. He apologetically smiled at me and pursed his lips. Umirap ulit ako.
"Well, I'm very protective of her, so I'm not going to expose her identity for now. She's not gonna be comfortable with it too, I'm sure. But yeah... For me, I definitely have plans on stepping up our relationship. I mean, I can't and don't want to be a boyfriend forever..."
Buti na lamang at hindi lapis ang gamit ko dahil baka kanina pa nabali iyon sa sobrang diin nang pagkaka-sulat ko. His answers are just too much for me to take! It's not helping that he's not being ambiguous about it. He's blatantly letting me know that he's talking about me, in my face! The fuck!
"Though, for now, I'm just going to let us take our time. Especially her. She's currently busy with her career and I don't want to take that away from her. I'm happy with what we have right now, although we're in a long distance relationship for the mean time, but I'm always hoping my 'B' can finally come back home to me." He ended.
My heart has been aching since we've started this particular topic and I'm not sure if it's gonna stop aching even after he's already ended it. Bumaba ang mga mata ko sa mga iilang natitirang questions at nakitang wala naman na ring katulad doon na mga tanong. So much relief surged through me.
I comforted myself with the thought that it won't be like this moving forward. After the introduction, the team and I will work next on the body and byline of the article and it's gonna be mainly about the company's history and operations. So keep your fucking head held high, Apple Neone! Tiisin mo lang muna!
"Perfect. One last question, as the COO of ECG, will you personally take us with you in every corner of your amazing company and its operations?" I said enthusiastically. Kasi parang sinadya talagang maging ganun ang last question sa intro kasi magsisilbing transition na iyon sa susunod na parte kapag sumagot ang subject ng...
"Yes. Absolutely." Ani Tyson. At iyon nga ang sinulat ko at mariing tinuldukan na iyon. I smiled at him. That's it! Let's fucking wrap the fuck up.
"That's it. Thank you, Mr. Echiverri." Sabi ko at nahuli lang siyang naka-titig sa'kin na parang lasing. I ignored it and hurriedly collected all of my tools and other things so I can finally leave the room. He cleared his throat again.
"So we'll just reach out to your secretary for the next interview. We already gave him a copy of this article's flow and of course, we'll just depend on your availability. My team is expected to arrive tomorrow and we're hoping they will be given a decent space as soon as possible. Please, have me stationed together with them." Pormal kong sabi at tumayo na habang nililigpit ang mga gamit ko mula sa lamesa niya. He stood up and clicked his neck.
"Your being stationed here in my office had been discussed and approved by Jon Matthews already, Miss Sandova. And yes, your team will be directed accordingly by my secretary should they want to take office here as soon as possible." Ganti niya rin sa pormal na tono. Fuck, okay, he's really not giving it up. Fuck him. Whatever. I'll give him hell, anyway, so fucking be it.
Ba't ko kasi nakakalimutang ganiyan na talaga siya mag-laro kahit noon pa man? Dati, ang lahat nang gusto niya ay idinadaan niya kay Daddy at laging hindi siya nagkaka-problema roon. Ngayon naman, kay Jon, at alam na alam niyang, gaya kay Daddy, wala akong masasabi dahil may hawak nga naman ito sa'kin. I really can't wait to be out of this contract!
"Alright. Thank you, Mr. Echiverri. It was great working with you today. I'll go now." Tango ko at tumalikod na. Agad kong narinig ang pag-sunod niya.
"B, teka lang, ihahatid kita." Rinig kong sabi niya mula sa likod at gago lang talaga, kasi balik impormal na naman agad ang tono niya! Para kaming mga sira na nagiging pormal kapag trabaho na ang pinag-uusapan at biglang babalik sa pag-babardagulan kapag hindi na.
Hindi ko siya sinagot at pinindot lamang ang button ng lift. I heard him sigh beside me. Ang lapit lapit! Pero in fairness, hindi niya na ako hinahawakan o umaamba man lang. At least, for now. Well, Subukan niya lang din at masasampal na naman siya!
Nang bumukas ang lift ay agad akong pumasok. Sumunod naman siya at naka-pamulsang tumayo lang sa gilid ko. Titig na titig pa rin sa'kin. I continued ignoring him.
"B, I'm serious, I can provide a company car. Much safer."
"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Echiverri, but I'm fine with my ride. You can instead provide that for my team. Please." Sabi ko. Umigting ang panga niya.
"B, please, hindi na tayo nagwo-work. Stop calling me that. Call me Tyty." He said adorably. I fought the urge to close my eyes and groan. He rarely speaks conyo but whenever he does, it never fails to sound so good and definitely not cringe at all. Noon pa man.
"No, thank you." Punyeta, gaano ba kataas itong gusaling ito at ang tagal naming maka-baba? Partida at exclusive pa ito! Walang hintuan!
"Are you with your bodyguards? Let me talk to them, Apple Neone." Biglang naging matulis ang boses niya. Pa-irap ko lang siyang sinulyapan.
"Yes. And, no. What would you tell them, then? They're not yours for you to command them, Tyson. I'm their boss. I call the shot." Sabi ko. He brushed his hair.
"I'm not going to command nor give them orders. May sasabihin lang ako."
"At ano? Pagbabantaan mo? Kilala kita, Tyson, kaya huwag ako."
"Masama na bang mag-bilin lang na huwag hawakan ang girlfriend ko, ha? Iyon lang naman, B, lalo na kung hindi ka naman kailangang hawakan." Aniya. Napa-palatak ako sa sobrang gulat. Ang kapal!
"Girlfriend who? Eurie? Does she have bodyguards too? You tell her bodyguards that and not mine." I spat. Kitang kita ko ang pagkaka-tigil niya. I saw how his jaws repeatedly clenched while his fists instantly balled.
"Now you don't mention that name, Apple Neone. Hold back there." Banta niya. Kinabahan naman din ako sa hindi malamang dahilan pero keber! At bakit naman?
"Why? Eh 'di ba nga—"
"B, ayokong makipag-away, please. Alam mong ayoko at nagpipigil akong magalit sa harap mo ulit. Please, don't stop me from being just gentle and sweet towards you. Alam mo naman na ang mga bagay na nakakapagpa-galit sa'kin eh at gusto ko na iyong iwasan sana. Please, don't cause any triggers."
"Your reaction towards certain things is not my obligation, Tyson. Ilang taon na, wala ka pa ring accountability. Grow the fuck up." I lost control and character. This man needs real talk! Ang lala!
"How? How, Buttercup? How can I grow when the one who's watering me to become a better person left me without a word?" He frustratingly asked. What the?
"Again. Not my problem." I scoffed. At buti na lamang ay nakarating na kami sa ground floor at bumukas na ang lift. Agad sumabog ang ingay ng lobby. I quickly realized that I should've clicked on the Basement instead of GF! But it's too late now dahil naka-labas na ako at naka-sunod na ang damulag sa'kin.
"Fine, B, if you don't want to let me talk to your bodyguards, then at least let me escort you to your car." Bulong bulong niya sa gilid ko at nag-sisimula nang uminit ang pisngi ko nang nakitang napapa-tingin sa amin ang mga tao. Gulat siguro na nakikita nila ang isa sa mga boss nila, at ang literal na tagapag-mana, na parang tutang sumusunod-sunod sa'kin.
I ignored the looks and walked towards the stairs leading down the basement. He continued following me.
"I know an agency who offers an all female bodyguards, B. Tell me, are you comfortable with your own? Don't mind me anymore. Just tell me if you'd prefer an all female team."
"No, thanks. I like them that way. All men. Mga macho at gwapo." Hagikhik ko pa para mang-asar. Ngayong papauwi na ako, hindi ako papayag na hindi sa'kin ang huling halakhak. Laro laro siya kanina sa itaas, eh! Ngayon ka.
"Putang ina." Marahas siyang napa-buga nang hininga. Naabot ko na ang sasakyan ko at pina-tunog ito. Bago ko binuksan ang pinto ay nilingon ko muna siya.
I saw how red his face was due to frustration. Nanunubig din ang mga mata sa paniguradong sobrang inis gawa nang trato at mga pinag-sasabi sakaniya. He gave me a puppy look, still, as if begging me to let him have his way. No, no, big boy. Just, no, no.
"Makita ko lang ulit na hawakan ka, B...." Maangas siyang tumango at nakita ko pa ang pag-kuyom ng kamao niya. I nodded at him and gave him a smile.
"Oh, you will." Sabi ko at binuksan na ang pinto. Pumasok na ako at umupo. Binuhay ko ang sasakyan habang nakikita ko naman sa gilid ng mga mata ko na nanatili siyang naka-tayo sa labas. Face so grim. Poor, crazy Tyson.
Nang ready na akong tumulak ay ibinaba ko muna ang bintana at nginitian siya. He pouted at me.
"Drive safely, Apple, please. Keep me sane, I'm begging you." Para siyang natutuliro habang pinapanood ako sa driver's seat at pinapakinggan ang umuugong kong sasakyan. Nasa labas lang namalagi sina Andres at kapag nakitang lumabas ako mula sa gusali ay susunod lang naman agad ang mga iyon.
"Oh, by the way, about the bodyguards touching me... Really, it's not like one of them isn't touching me behind closed doors. So, yeah..." I winked at him and stepped on the gas so I can get the fuck out of there already.
At bago pa ako tuluyang makalabas ng basement, dinig na dinig ko pa ang sobrang lakas niyang mura dahil nakababa pa din naman ang bintana ko. I giggled. Gotcha, Tyson Matheus! I win, you lose! Haha.
Malapad ang ngisi ko nang naka-uwi at ang mapanuring mga tingin ni Claire sa'kin ay siyang lalong mas nakakapagpa-aliw sa'kin. Alam na niyan ang kalokohan nang sitwasyon ko ngayon dahil binalikan niya talaga ako at kinulit kung bakit ka video call ko raw si Tyson nung isang araw. I filled her in but asked her not to tell Apollo just yet.
We both agreed and understood that it's for the better since the latter still is very occupied with his own career. He's got too many on his plate as well and I don't want to add to it. I'm an adult and I should act like one. I can handle this alone already. As I should.
Kinabukasan ay sinundo at sinalubong ko ang team ko sa NAIA. Malaki ang ngisi ni Stella na isang pinay rin habang hulas na hulas naman tingnan si Macky, a feminine white gay guy from Baltimore. Ang dalawang lalaki na sina Hubert at Jaguar– na hindi ko gaanong nakakasama sa mga projects noon, ay turistang turista ang galawan at nililibot pa ng mga mata nito ang buong paligid. It's the first time for the three of them to visit the Philippines. Stella, on the other hand, has been in and out of the country as she's originally from Bicol.
"Welcome, Team! Glad you're all safe and sound." I hugged them all. Kinurot ni Stella ang gilid ng beywang ko. She's actually a Shai and Claire prototype. Babaeng kanal din.
"Napa-yes din agad ako, akla! Ang pogi ng client!" Impit niya. I giggled. I'll be more than happy to watch that change in no time, Stella. Kapag nalaman mo kung gaano ka suplado at baliw iyon.
"I'm loving the humidity, you guys! It's giving summer in a tropical island extravaganza!" Eksena ni Macky nang nag-lalakad na kami palabas ng airport. I chuckled at him and he pulled his sunglasses down to give me a naughty wink.
"You better show me the boys!" Hirit niya. Naiiling na lamang ako.
Inalalayan silang lahat nina Andres sa mga dalang gamit nila. Malalaki pa naman ang bitbit na mga cameras at kung ano ano pang photography stuff nina Hubert at Jaguar. They're my camera men. Sila iyong kumukuha ng mga larawan para sa cover ng magazine at sa Folio Placement ng mismong article. While Stella and Macky are to assist me with the editing of the article, the layouts, and pretty much all about it.
Dumiretso kami sa fine dining resto sa ibaba lamang ng hotel na provided ng V mag para sakanila. It was a quick lunch and chitchat and I had to let them go and take a rest in each of their own hotel rooms.
Kinagabihan nun ay abala ako sa harap ng laptop ko dahil naka-recieve ako ng email galing kay Jon na mag-simula agad kami lalo na't nandito na ang buong team ko. I also have received Benjamin's email, confirming Tyson's availability for the next interview the day after tomorrow.
"Sis." Tawag ni Claire mula sa island counter ng kusina. Nasa couch kasi ako nagta-trabaho. Binalingan ko siya.
"What's happening? I received a text from Lunar Agency. Iyong pinag-kunan ko ng mga bodyguards mo. Sabi ng kakilala ko ron, Tyson reached out to them and requested something." Aniya. Agad napa-ikot ang mga mata ko. Really, what do I expect from a man like him? He would never really let that bullshit thing slip away.
"Spare me." Tipid at tamad kong sabi. Inaantok na. She groaned.
"Ang lala ni Ty! I mean, I know he can do this but gosh, sometimes I forget how obsessed that man is with you. He made the agency impose a 'no touching' rule on Andres' team. Kinabog ang connections ko." Nalolokang sabi ni Claire habang nag-titimpla ng gatas ni Ace at naka-titig sa phone niyang nasa ibabaw ng island counter. Umirap ulit ako.
"Pabayaan mo na. May saltik, eh." Sabi ko na lang at trinabaho ulit ang mga kakailanganin para sa susunod na araw. Mag-dudusa rin naman iyon sa mga kamay ko kaya hayaan na.
Kabog na kabog ang malaking Balmain shades ko habang nagmamaneho patungong ECG. Naka-buntot sina Andres sa likod, as usual. At talagang nahalata ko pa kaninang tila naging reserved nga ang mga kilos nilang lahat sa harap ko.
"Andres, patulong kami, ah, sa pag-akyat ng mga camera stands sa itaas." Sabi ko sakaniya habang nasa lobby kami at inaantay ang team ko. Tumango naman ito sa akin at umayos na ng tindig. Jusko.
Hindi naman nag-tagal ay nakita ko na ang itim na Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van sa labas lang ng entrance at lumabas sina Stella. Oh, well, all I thought he'd provide a basic Toyota Hiace van or something for my team...
"Apple!" Tawag nilang lahat sa'kin nang namataan akong nag-hihintay. I hugged all of them and we all walked our way to the lift.
"Good morning, Ma'am. Mr. Echiverri asked to see the team in his office first before he'll do the tour later for the interview. Please, take the executive's lift." Biglang sulpot ni Benjamin. Nagka-tinginan sina Stella at Macky. Mga malalantod.
"Good morning, Benj. Sure, sure." Sabi ko at sinenyasan na ang team na sumunod sakaniya.
At dahil nag-patulong nga ako kina Andres sa pag-bubuhat ng ilang gamit ay kasama namin silang lulan ng elevator. Dalawa lang sila nung isang hindi ko kilala dahil sina Perez ay dapat daw maiwan sa labas.
"Who's this cute big boy we got here, Apple?" Malanding sabi ni Macky. Jusko. Napa-sulyap si Andres sakaniya at agad nag-iwas ng tingin. Natatawa na lamang ako.
"Shut up, Macky." Saway ni Stella na siyang pinaka-maliit sa aming lahat dito sa loob. Tipikal na maliit at maingay na babae.
Nang tumigil at nakarating sa opisina ni Tyson ay nagsi-singhapan na naman silang dalawa ni Macky sa sobrang mangha. The two other boys started to take pictures immediately.
"Uh, Ma'am, saan po ito?" Tanong ni Andres. Tinuro ko ang unahan ngunit nahagip ng mga mata ko ang prenteng naka-sandal na si Tyson sa lamesa niya. Only wearing a casual gray sweatshirt and dark blue jeans. Naka roll up pa sa siko niya ang sleeves ng sweatshirt kaya lumabas tuloy ang tattoos niya sa forearm niya. Well, ngayon ko lang natantong full sleeve na pala iyang tattoo niya riyan. I looked away.
"Sir." Magalang na bati ni Benjamin kay Tyson sabay lahad sa team ko, tila sinasabing ito na ang ipinag-utos niya. Tyson nodded and stood up properly.
"Team," I called their attention. Natigilan naman sila at nang natanto ang sitwasyon ay mabilis na nag-sitabihan at ngumiti kay Tyson.
"Good morning, Mr. Echiverri." They greeted in unison. Swabeng ngumisi si Tyson at tumango tango.
"Good morning, team. I'm happy to have you all here now. I just want to personally get to know each of you first before we head off to the interview." Tyson started. I'm still really not used to seeing and hearing him talk so professionally. It's like seeing another side of him that I didn't get to see before. Ganito pala siya kapag corporate scene na.
"Our pleasure, Mr. Echiverri. By the way, I'm Macky Anderson from Baltimore. One of the content producers for V mag. Assistant to Apple." Ani Macky sabay lahad ng kamay kay Tyson. The latter took it and firmly shook it.
"Oh, Baltimore! Ravens! Though, I used to play for Terrapins." Tyson crunched his nose. Napa-kunot ang noo ko. At ano naman ang chinichika-chika niya riyan?
"You're from Maryland?" Macky asked enthusiastically. Tyson nodded and smirked timidly. Fuck, why does he have to look so...
"Yeah..." He drawled. He then switched his eyes to Stella very smoothly and offered his hand. Ano raw? Maryland? As in MD. Shuta, ang lapit lang sa New York at Pennsylvania! Taga dun ba ang... Nevermind.
"Stella po, Sir. Assistant to Apple din in content creation. Originally from Camarines Norte." Anito at pulang pula ang mukha. I almost giggled. Kung hindi lang talaga playtime na babae iyan ay baka... Wait, what, Apple?! Damn, you!
"Welcome home, then." Tango ni Tyson. At nang bumaling naman siya sa mga lalaking kano ay kapansin-pansin ang mas pormal niyang approach sa mga ito.
"Hubert Sans. Videographer. From Arizona." Tipid na sabi ni Hubert. Medyo may pagka nerdy kasi si Hubert. He's of Indian descent din at talagang matalino sa larangan niya.
"Tyson." Pakilala ng damuho sabay matigas na kinamayan si Hubert. He then switched to Jaguar. A cocky white man with a boy next door aura.
"Jaguar Simons. Photographer. From the Bronx." Anito with a thick Bronx accent. I smiled. Tyson's lips formed a thin line. He nodded.
"Well done. Amazing team we got in here, huh. Very impressive." Tyson said as he stepped backwards and nodded at all of them. His eyes searched for me and when our eyes locked, only then he put on a smile again.
"I'm hoping you'd all be a great help to Miss Sandova in the entirety of this project. Professionally and with boundaries. I believe this will be a success. Very promising." He continued. Tumaas na ang kilay ko. He's not one to be saying all that to my team! Ako! But then, I remembered, he's also a shareholder of V mag, not just a mere article subject, so... Arghhh!
Swabe namang gumaan ang ere pagkatapos nun at nilapitan ko na rin si Tyson upang kausapin at bigyan ng briefing sa kung ano ano ang mga gagawin at pag-uusapan namin ngayon. The team busied themselves in preparing their own tools and whatnots.
Habang nag-sasalita ako at tinuturo kay Tyson ang mga bagay bagay sa hawak kong papel ay tumunog ang phone ko. I stopped and pulled it out of my black halter jumpsuit's pocket to check it.
From: Andres
Ma'am, baba na po kami.
Namilog ang mga mata ko at agad napa-tingin sa unahan at nakitang naroroon pa nga ang dalawang bodyguards ko. Agad ko silang tinanguhan.
"Thank you, Andres." Sabi ko. Tumango rin ito at mabilis nang nag-lakad patungong elevator.
"He has your number? And why were they here? Shouldn't they be stationed below and outside?" May talim ang boses ni Tyson nang bumulong ito sa'kin. Agad akong napa-layo nang konti sakaniya. Oh, gosh... Not again!
"Nagpa-tulong kami sa pagbubuhat ng mga gamit." Tipid kong sagot. I don't owe this man any explanations.
"Was he the one you're talking about? Touching you behind closed doors? Ang close close niyo, ah. Text text pa, tang ina." Maangas siyang tumango pero nanatiling mababa ang boses. Buti naman at alam niyang nakakahiya talaga kung mag-tantrum siya sa harap ng ibang tao rito!
I almost laughed at what he said. Hindi talaga kinalimutan, eh, no! Kung ang pinaka-malaking kalaban ko man ay ang pang-uunderestimate sakaniya gaya nang sabi ni Claire, siya naman ay iyang pagka-seloso niya! At magpapaka-tuso na rin talaga ako dahil gagamitin ko iyan laban sakaniya!
"So what? It's not the first time a lady boss plays around with her bodyguard. Duh, you'd even see it in movies." Pang-gagatong ko. I saw his jaws clenching again. Why is this so satisfactory.
"Oh, yeah? You really think I'd believe that bullshit, Apple Neone? I worked well enough to ensure they'd lose their jobs once they make a wrong move on you. Tang ina, ge, subukan lang nila." Bulong niya.
My mouth slightly gaped in so much shock as I slowly realized what he said. Alam kong may nilapitan nga siyang koneksyon sa agency nina Andres pero ito? Meron pa palang ganito bukod sa rule na ayaw niya akong pahawakan? This man is unbelievable!
"So, please, B, I know you're mad and I'm earning all of you again, little by little, no matter how painful it gets, no matter how many times you push me away. I'm not giving up on you. Play me all you want but I'm gonna be clear as early as now, I draw the line when it comes to men around you. Noon pa, B, alam mong nababaliw ako sa selos. So walk me like a dog all you want but men are non negotiable. Don't expect any changes on that part at all." Mariing aniya.
Titig na titig ang tila lasing niyang mga mata sa'kin at hindi ko na magawang damhin pa ang mga tao sa paligid namin o sa kung ano na ang inisiip nila sa'min ngayon. This man never fails to stun the shit out of me with his audacity!
"Hinahamon mo ba ako?" Ganti ko at mariin din siyang tinitigan. He sighed and his face softened instantly. I saw him almost raising his right arm to snake on my waist but he held back.
"I love you so much, Apple Neone. So damn much." Balik niya na hindi ko inaasahan. It slightly shook my being but I also held back and remained showing him a stoic demeanor.
"And you have the audacity to shamelessly ask me back? Want me back? While there's not even a single change or development in you at all? Sinong babae ang babalik sa siraulong gaya mo, sige nga, Tyson?"
I swear to God, I don't even know how we probably looked like right now in the eyes of my team, and of Benjamin's! Shit! I can still hear them setting their things up but who knows!
"B, kung alam mo lang kung ano nang mga nagawa at ginagawa ko para lang maging mabuting nobyo sa'yo. I'm even doing some right now and you just don't realize it yet. I just don't want to tell it straight to your face because it's not something to be proud of. It's what I have to do and the least I could do. A bare minimum. Pero, patawad naman oh, hindi naman din madali, B... May mga bagay pa ring nahihirapan ako. I may not have the right to ask you of this but please be patient with me..."
I scoffed. He's not making sense at all. He sounds so crazy to me. Everything he says and do!
"At mahirap maging hindi seloso sa taong hindi naman na sa'yo? Tama ka, Tyson, oo at wala ka ngang karapatan. Kaya sarilihin mo na lang iyang mga pinagsasabi mo dahil kapag nanakit ka na naman ng tao dahil diyan sa selos mo kuno..." Pa bitin kong banta.
Huminga ako at nag-iwas ng tingin. I looked over my shoulder and caught Macky and Stella watching us maliciously but immediately looked away when they saw me glanced at them. Ang dalawang lalaki ko naman ay may sariling mundong nagsi-set up pa rin. Si Benjamin ay nasa malayong gilid at may kausap sa phone.
I sighed and looked at Tyson again. His bloodshot eyes were intently looking down at me again, showing bottled up pain and other unnamed emotions.
"So, you better stop it with your irrational jealousy over just about anything and anyone. And I'm warning you now... Try to physically harass any men around me again, especially those I consider friends, and you'll never ever see me anymore. And that's a promise." I whispered with steel in my voice.
I saw how his body subconsciously reacted to that. Tila alertong alerto agad. He looks so threatened by what I said but the pain in his eyes remained, nevertheless.
And I perfectly know why. Ilang ulit niyang sinabi nang gabing iyon kung gaano niya ka-ayaw ma-kitang iniiwan ko siya ulit o masabihan man lang ng mga pagbabantang lalayasan ko ulit siya. How it all traumatized him and the shaking of his body that night, as he begged tirelessly, gave proof to how much traumatized he really is. And despite that, there's still no room for pity here. All space are occupied by disgust, resentment, and vengeance.
He remained silent for a moment. Pa-ulit ulit na lumulunok at tuliro ang naluluhang mga mata. Tila naiiyak na naman dahil binabantaan ko na naman siyang iwan. Nang tila hindi niya na nakayanan ay mabilis niyang tinalikod ang mukha at pinunasan ang kung ano man. Nang bumaling ulit sa'kin ay kitang kita ko na naman ulit ang mamasa-masa niyang mga pilik mata.
Oh, damn. Okay. I didn't expect him to shed a tear in a room full of other people. Napaka-egoistic at ma pride niyan na tao! But who the fuck cares!
He cleared his throat and nodded at me in a child like manner. Like a little boy who got scolded by his parents for playing outside instead of taking a nap.
"Y-yes, yes... I won't. I'm gonna try hard. I'm trying so hard. And I will try harder." Suko niya. May kumirot sa puso ko ngunit nilabanan ko agad iyon. Mahaba habang laban pa ito, Apple, kaya manhidin mo na ang sarili mo.
"But, Buttercup, please... If you want to get even, I'm not stopping you. Punch me all you want, slap me all you want... Insult me or even give orders to me. But, please... Please, not this one..."
I had to look away when a tear escaped his left eye and he had to immediately wiped it off. Ni hindi niya na nagagawang tumalikod muna nang saglit. Ako pa nga yata ang nababahala na baka makita siya ng team kong umiiyak, eh! And he's shaking! Fuck! Sinabihan ko lang na baka hindi niya na ulit ako makikita kapag nanakit ulit siya, eh! At ganito na! Gaano ba ka na-trauma itong gunggong na ito? Shit!
"Alam ko naman ang ginagawa mo, eh. I know you really intend to make me suffer like how you did under me years ago. And I wholeheartedly accept that. Will endure that. But not this please... Huwag mo akong pag-selosin... Huwag mo akong sinasadyang pag-selosin..."
Oh, fuck it. Just fuck it. I looked away and glanced at my team. Nasa may unahan na silang apat at kinukunan na ni Hubert at Jaguar ang dalawang malantod na si Macky at Stella, tila tine-test ang equipment. Damn it.
"Masakit, B, eh... Maawa ka. Mababaliw ako. Mababaliw na ako." Aniya at mabilis na tumalikod at lumayo sa'kin. Halos naramdaman ko ang ginaw ng hangin nang nawala siya sa tabi ko. His body is emitting a troubled and warm energy that when he left me standing alone, the coldness of the uncontaminated air wrapped all around my body. Nag-tindigan ang mga balahibo ko.
Umayos ako nang tayo at sinulyapan siyang naka-tayo at naka-harap na sa floor to ceiling glass niyang pader na kita ang kalakhan ng syudad. I saw his hands repeatedly move in his face. Prolly wiping all the traces and proof of how a crybaby he actually is. I smirked.
"Sir, I just received a call from the site. The DPWH officials are going to pay a visit in the project. I already informed them about your prior commitment to this interview but I'm afraid you'll be much needed there." Ani Benjamin at lumalapit na sa gawi namin ngayon.
Agad humarap si Tyson at seryosong kinunot ang noo at may ginalaw sa lamesa niya. Supladong suplado na ulit tingnan. The typical Tyson Matheus.
"Tell them I can't and I won't. I'm participating in my girl's work as you can see." Bara ni Tyson. Nakita ko ang pagkaka-tigagal ni Benjamin. Tila hindi alam ang isasagot o gagawin. Salbahe talaga!
Taas kilay akong bumuntong hininga at lumapit sa lamesa niya. An idea popped on my mind and there's no better thing to do but to make it a reality.
"Oh, that's fine. We'll be mainly covering your operations for this interview and we can have your DPWH project as the focus instead of the office work here in ECG." Sabi ko. Mabilis na umiling si Tyson.
"No, Buttercup. Mainit at maalikabok doon. We'll proceed with the interview and coverage here today." Aniya. Pa-lipat lipat naman ang mga mata ni Benjamin sa'min. I shook my head, determined to have my way and impose my power over him. In front of his secretary.
"No. I want it there instead. I have the license to alter the course of this project's flow if I see fit. And I want you take us to your government project instead. Today." Mando ko. He stared at me intently before sighing in defeat. He nodded at Benjamin in a very masculine way and the latter immediately got back on his phone.
I smiled, very satisfied. Give orders to you pala, huh? Okay. Madali akong kausap, Engineer.
"And didn't you just say two days ago that you used to be a part time construction worker? I'd like that today, too."
Umawang ang mga labi niya at napaayos nang tayo. His jaw clenched and his wet lashes are still waving at me. I smiled fakely at him.
"I want you dressed as a construction worker. Under broad daylight. Carrying heavy materials. Or even mixing cement. Yup, I'd like that today." I winked and turned my back on him.
Nag-lakad na ako pabalik sa team ko at naiihi na naman tuloy ako ngunit ngayon ay dahil na sa sobra sobrang excitement.
Because, yes, Tyson, you didn't have to tell me how you'd let me have my way. You didn't have to tell me I can do whatever I want to get even with you. I didn't need any reminding. Because I will really fucking do. And the odds will be in my favour, for fucking sure.