"Hi, Sweetheart." Sarah recognized the masculine voice.
"Hello, Matteo" she said happily.
"Your parents have invited me to their home tomorrow evening."
"It's my mother's birthday," she said.
"I'll collect you at six."
"Make that seven. We're still taping 'The Voice Season 2'."
Rumors has it that the movie with John Lloyd was moved next year. She instead will be paired with a new leading man, her Philippine showbiz crush, Piolo Pascual.
~*~*~*~
It was almost six when she parked her car in its allotted space and rode the lift to her condominium.
A quick glance at her watch revealed she had an hour in which to shower and dress before she was due to meet Matteo downstairs.
Sarah entered the lobby as Matteo's BMW swept into the bricked parking lot immediately adjacent the main entrance. She reached the car just as he emerged from behind the wheel.
Matteo noted the cool expressive features and suppressed a faint smile. The make-up was light with emphasis on the generous curve of her mouth.
The classic "little black dress" had a scooped neckline, very short sleeves and a hemline that stopped above the knee, with high black stiletto heels accenting the length of her legs.
Beautiful was not an adequate description. Everything enhanced her elegance and simplicity.
Matteo opened the door of the car for Sarah and she slid into the passenger seat. She offered him a faint smile in greeting.
He looked relaxed, and she wished she could feel comfortable about introducing her boyfriend to friends and relatives of her family.
The car gained clear passage onto the road. Thirty minutes later, they arrived at Charbel.
The Geronimo's home was a modern architectural tri-level home, with the first level given over entirely to entertaining.
There were several cars lining the driveway. Sarah experienced a vague sense of uneasiness as she entered the house at Matteo's side.
Almost on cue, he caught hold of her hand and linked his fingers through her own. The smile he cast her was intimately warm.
Mommy Devine, Sarah's mother, ever the gracious hostess, greeted them with pleasant enthusiasm.
She leaned forward and touched her daughter's cheek with her own. "Anak, masaya ako at nakapunta kayo."
"Magandang gabi po. Happy birthday, Ma'am." Matteo commented and kissed Mommy Devine's cheek.
"Salamat, Matteo."
Her family's friends and relatives extended to more than forty, Sarah estimated, as Mommy Devine led them through the house and out onto the large garden with swimming pool.
Hired staff were in evidence to ensure trays of organic finger food and drinks were constantly on offer.
"Paano kayo nagkakilala ni Sarah?" asked one of her Uncles.
They were then surrounded by her family's relatives. All curious to see and meet the Popstar Princess' man.
"Nagkakilala po kami habang gumagawa ako ng isang commercial shoot." Sarah answered for him.
"Sweetheart, I'm quite capable of answering for myself," he said to Sarah teasingly. "I was hired to look after Sarah and the diamonds during a commercial shoot."
"Para maging bodyguard niya?"
"Yes, Sir."
"You were obviously attracted to our Princess."
"Very much so," Matteo admitted as he carried Sarah's hand to his lips.
Matteo picked up a savory and held it temptingly close to her mouth.
"Try this." When she shook her head, he took a small bite and offered her the rest.
Sarah was stunned. She took the savory from his fingers and ate it.
"Let's get something to drink?"
All he had to do was catch the waiter's attention. Seconds later, their drinks were delivered.
Matteo possessed a certain air of command that drew notice. Add a compelling degree of power with sophisticated confidence, and the combination was lethal.
Her eyes were drawn to those strong sculpted features.
What would he be like if ever he lost control?
At that moment, his eyes met hers, and held. Her own dilated, her cheeks turned red and she felt as if her breath became unsteady.
Then his lips curved to form a lazy smile that held knowledge and a sense of anticipation.
He couldn't see what I was thinking.....could he?
She needed to get away for a few minutes, and the powder room provided an excellent reason.
"If you'll excuse me? Hindi ako magtatagal."
Sarah paused several times en route to extend a greeting to a number of her parents' friends. She headed for the curved flight of stairs leading to the upper floor where her old bedroom was located.
She lingered to tidy her hair and retouch her lipstick. She emerged into the bedroom, and came to shocked at the sight of Miguel Villafuerte leaning against the doorjamb.
Miguel was a former Cosmopolitan online hunk turned to politician hunk. Sarah first met him when she staged a major concert in Camarines for its provincial tourism campaign.
Three years ago, Miguel expressed his desire to win the heart of Sarah. Because of some issues, including Sarah's rumored secret relationship with Gerald, and at that time he was being groomed to become governor of their province, he did not pursue his dream.
"Kuwarto ko 'to," she managed evenly.
She kept walking, hoping he would move aside and allow her to pass. He didn't, and she paused a few feet in front of him.
"Miguel, nakaharang ka sa aking daraanan."
Her instinct was on alert. However, the upper floor was well insulated from the people and noise on the terrace out back of the house. Even if she screamed, it was doubtful anyone would hear a thing.
She took a step forward only to have him catch hold of her arm.
"Wasn't I good enough?" Miguel demanded softly.
When Gerald decided to quit courting her, Miguel seized the opportunity to be close to her family. He confirmed to the press that he was courting Sarah. Sending her bouquets of flowers and chocolates. His parents were reportedly so supportive of his intention to court the Popstar Royalty.
"Our parents share a similar social circle. Magkaibigan tayo," she said carefully.
"Sinasabi mo na yun lang yun?"
"Para sa akin, oo." She looked at him, glimpsed the darkness apparent in his eyes. She knew she would need to tread carefully. "I'm sorry kung naisip mo na higit pa sa pagiging magkaibigan."
"Kung hindi mo nakilala si Matteo....."
"Hindi pa rin magbabago ang pagtingin ko sa'yo."
"Hindi totoo 'yan," he said fiercely. "Kailangan mong bigyan ako ng isa pang pagkakataon."
Not in this lifetime. She chose not to say a word.
"Sarah!" The plea was emotional, and desperate.
"Anong inaasahan mong makuha sa pagkukulong sa aking dito?"
She had to keep talking. She prayed someone, Matteo, would think it curious she had been away so long and investigate.
His face contorted. "Have you slept with him yet?"
"Wala kang karapatan na tanungin 'yan."
"Damn you. I'm making it my right."
He yanked her close up against him. He twisted her arm behind her back and placed a hand on her leg. His fingers were vicious instruments for all of ten seconds.
"I doubt Matteo will want you when he knows I've had you first."
All of a sudden, she was free, and Miguel lay groaning on the carpet.
"You won't have the opportunity." Matteo's voice was hard. "You need to be arrested and charged."
Matteo was very aware who Miguel Villafuerte is. The fourth generation of Villafuerte to seek political power. He became the youngest governor in the history of the Philippines after going against his grandfather for the title.
The Villafuerte clan hires his agents to be their drivers and bodyguards during the election and whenever they are in Manila for their political business.
Matteo swept her a swift glance, and his eyes darkened as he saw Sarah trembling.
"You can't have me arrested," Miguel flung wildly as he scrambled to his feet.
"Watch me."
"Me and my family....."
"Doesn't have enough power to get you out of this one. Attempted rape is a serious offense."
Miguel's face reddened, and he protested. "I didn't touch her."
Matteo reached out a hand and gripped on Miguel's jacket.
"What are you doing?"
"Detaining you while Sarah fetches your parents."
"Everything comes with a price. My father will pay yours."
"As he has in the past?" Matteo queried silkily. "Not this time."
He stated with a finality that moved Miguel close to hysteria as Sarah stepped through the doorway.
"Don't bring my mother. She'd never understand."
"Then perhaps it's time she did," Matteo said pitilessly.
"Sarah, huwag!" Miguel begged. "Gagawin ko lahat ng gusto mo. I promise."
"We can do this one of two ways. Sarah fetches your parents and you are removed from these premises without fuss. Or I force you downstairs and onto the terrace for a very public denouncement. Choose," he commanded hardily.
Sarah smoothed a shaky hand over her hair in a purely reflex action as she descended the stairs.
Reaction was beginning to set in. She drew a deep breath in an effort to regain a measure of composure.
What followed wasn't something she would choose to experience again in a long time. Parental love was one thing. Blind maternal devotion was something else.
Matteo dismissed Mr. VillafuerteSr's bribe. He suggested the Villafuerte to remove their son as quickly as possible.
At which point Sarah's mother arrived on the scene. Took everything in with a glance, and demanded an explanation.
"Masyado ng maraming nainom si Miguel," Mr. VillafuerteSr indicated smoothly. "Iuuwi na namin siya."
As soon as they were alone Mommy Devine looked from Sarah to Matteo.
"Sabihin niyo nga sa akin, ano ba talaga ang nangyari dito?"
Sarah didn't say a word.
"Matteo?" Mommy Devine asked.
"Hindi matanggap ni Miguel na ako at si Sarah ay may relasyon." His eyes were hard, his expression equally so. "Sinubukan niyang bastusin si Sarah."
Mommy Devine looked horrified.
"Ano?! Sarah, anak, kamusta ka na?" She hugged Sarah who was still shaking.
"Okay lang po ako, Mommy." Sarah reassured her quietly.
"I'll see to it that Sarah will have twenty four hours security." Matteo informed unhappily. "It's to be hoped they soon leave Manila."
"Sandali lang," Sarah intervened.
"Sarah, para sa iyong kapakanan at kaligtasan, at alang alang sa amin, gawin mo ang sinasabi ni Matteo. Pakiusap!" said Mommy Devine.
"Uuwi po kami ng maaga," Matteo declared.
"Gusto mo ba ng tubig o kahit na ano, Anak?" Mommy Devine queried as soon as Matteo disappeared down the hallway.
"Okay lang po talaga ako," she assured in a bid to lessen her mother's anxiety. "Konting takot, 'yon lang po."
"Salamat sa Diyos at nandito si Matteo." said Mommy Devine.
"Mommy."
"Ano 'yon, Sarah?"
"Uuwi na po kami. Happy birthday po uli. Kayo na po ang bahalang magpaliwag sa Daddy." She hug and brush her lips to her mother's cheek. "Tatawagan ko po kayo bukas ng umaga."
Mommy Devine hugged her close, and then reluctantly released her. "Mag-ingat kayo."
~*~*~*~
Matteo parked the car outside her condominium building. They walked to the entrance, and then strode towards the bank of lifts at the far end of the lobby.
They walked calmly to her unit. When they reach the door, Sarah faced him, "Thank you so much, Matteo. Goodnight."
"I'm staying here," he said firmly.
"I'll be fine on my own," Sarah stated, as she opened the door of her condominium and slid inside.
"It's here or my place. Choose." Matteo repeated with dangerous quietness.
"Don't you think you're taking the hero role too far?"
"No."
"Puwede kong tawagin ang security ng building na ito at paalisin ka."
"Go ahead."
She wanted to call his bluff. Concise, and clearly unmovable. Maybe she should just concede defeat.
She badly felt the need to remove Miguel's touch from her skin. Preferably with a long very thorough soaping in the shower.
"Okay, you can sleep in the spare room."
She turned away from him and crossed the living room to her bedroom. She carefully closed the door.
This is the first time she will have a man sleep in her place.
If he insisted on staying.....very well.
********************************************************
Thank you so much for the past votes and comments. <3
Congratulations Sarah Geronimo on becoming the 2014 #MTVEMA Best Southeast Asia Act winner!
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Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo is nominated for "Best Asia Act" in the upcoming MTV Europe Music Awards. The 2014 MTV EMA is happening at The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland, on November 9, 2014.
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