"HOW LONG are we gonna spend our time at the sea?"
Narinig ni Kronack na tanong ni Kalisz sa kanya.
"An hour maybe?" he answered and stepped into his yacht.
Then he lend his hand to help Kalisz to get into the yacht and guided her to settle down on the seat before he goes to the cockpit.
"I want us to be back before lunch." Nilingon niya ito. "I don't want you skipping meals."
"That's so nice of you." Kalisz smiled.
Kronack just shrugged nonchalantly and smiled. "Ready?"
"Yes."
Nang marinig ang sagot ng dalaga ay binuhay niya na ang makina ng yate at umalis na ng marina. Hindi naman sila lalayo.
Ilang minuto nga lang ay pinatay na ni Kronack ang makina ng yate at tinignan si Kalisz na nagmulat ng mata at inilibot ang tingin bago tumayo.
"Let's spend some time here and chill," aniya sa dalaga at may kinuha bago sinundan si Kalisz na pumunta sa harapan ng yate kung saan pwedeng umupo at mahiga.
"What do you have?" Kalisz asked while looking at the paper bag and the cooler he was carrying.
"Beer for me, bottled apple juice, and green tea for you."
Inilapag niya sa paanan nila ang dala bago naupo sa tabi ng dalaga.
"I have also some junk food and sweets," he added.
Inabot niya dito ang paper bag at mabilis itong tinignan ni Kalisz ang laman.
Suminghap ito.
"Pretzels! My favorite!" Kalisz beamed and hugged the paper bag and looked at him happily. "Thank you! Thank you! Your the best!!!" she told him then goes to hug his neck.
Kronack was smiling at how Kalisz was very happy to see the food. Hinawakan niya ang braso nitong nakapulupot sa leeg niya at hinaplos.
Pinanggigilan siya nito na nagpatawa sa kanya ng mahina.
"Babe, you're choking me." Natatawang biro niya dito at pinulupot ang isang braso niya sa bewang nito.
"Thanks again!" Kalisz thanked again joyfully and kissed his cheek.
Parang tumigil ang oras dahil sa ginawa nito. Kronack cussed in his head for feeling giddy. Napailing na lang siya sa sarili at tinignan ang babaeng mukhang walang alam kung paano nito ginugulo ang isipan at puso niya dahil sa hindi mawaring dahilan.
Kronack stared at Kalisz intently who was starting to eat her pretzels. She looks adorable while eating her food. Mukha kasing ang saya-saya nito.
Pasimple niyang hinaplos ang pisngi na pinatakan nito ng mabilis na halik. It was a swift peck but he can still feel the warmness and softness of her lips. Like it's still there.
"Hmm... ang sarap!" Nilingon siya ni Kalisz. "Kronack gusto mo?" Tanong nito sa kanya.
Umiling si Kronack habang nangingiti bago nagbawi ng tingin at kumuha ng beer sa cooler.
"Okay... sabihin mo lang kung gusto mo bibigyan naman kita," anito.
"Feed me then," aniya sa boses na nagbibiro, but deep inside he really wants it.
Tumigil ito sa pagkain at tinitigan siya. He could see that she's checking him if he's kidding or not. Kaya pinaseryoso niya ang mukha.
"Okay..." Kumuha ito ng pretzels. "Here."
Iniumang nito sa kanya ang pagkain at walang pag-aalinlangan niyang kinagat. Sinadya niya ring mahinang kagatin ang daliri nito.
Napasinghap ito dahil sa ginawa niya.
"Kronack!" anito at hinampas ang dibdib niya.
Kronack laughed before moving closer to her, then placed his other free hand on her waist and pulled her closer. She didn't resist or say something. Kalisz just leaned on him, made herself comfortable while eating her food.
Kronack can't believe how he loved to be this close to Kalisz. It feels comfortable and peaceful. He had countless flings but none of them makes him feel this way.
Comfortable, warm, contented, and just want to stay this way.
He's not the type that loves cuddles or public display of affection. The only woman that he treats warmly or treats with love and great care is his mom. Some women would even walk out on him because they can't stand how cold, unsweet and uncaring he is.
But Kalisz, she made him do sweet gestures and makes him want to hold her. He was even mad and really annoyed when she tried to distance herself from him back in the resort. He's not angry at her though. It's the people there that were annoying and can't mind their own business.
Kalisz continues to feed him while he's still holding her. They didn't talk but the silence wasn't awkward. They just enjoy the breeze, the view of the resort from afar, and the noise of the ocean that's sounds very peaceful.
"Kronack this is the last," ani Kalisz sa kanya habang nakaumang sa kanya ang huling pretzel.
Inilapag niya ang hawak na beer bago hinawakan ang pulsuhan nito. Hindi niya binitawan ang pulso nito ng maisubo nito ang pagkain sa kanya. Instead, he hold it steady and licked her index finger, and then sucked her thumb and savor the flavor that sticks in her thumb.
"K-Kronack!" Nanlalaki ang dalawang mata nito sa ginawa niya at namula ang pisngi nito.
Kronack grinned and licked his lips. "Delicious," he then let go of her wrist.
Napailing na lang ito sa ginawa niya at tumayo para maghugas ng kamay. Nangingiting tinignan ni Kronack kung anong oras na.
Past twelve.
Kumunot ang noo niya. Ang bilis naman lumipas ng oras, halos isa't kalahating oras na pala sila sa laot. Tumayo na rin siya at tinungo na ang cockpit.
"Let's head back to the port." Tinignan niya ang relong suot. "It's past twelve already, we should eat real food."
"Okay."
Hinintay niyang makaupo ang dalaga bago binuhay ang makina ng yate. After just about fifteen minutes they were already back at the marina.
"Hindi ba natin itatapon yung mga pinagkainan natin?" Tanong ng dalaga sa kanya ng marating namin ang port.
"Leave it. Someone will take care of it and clean the yacht," sagot niya habang nakaunat ang dalawang kamay dito para tulungan itong makababa ng yate.
"Uh... okay." Inabot nito ang kamay niya at humawak sa braso niya, samantalang hinawakan niya naman sa baywang ang dalaga.
Nang makababa na ito ay umakbay siya sa dalaga at hindi ito hinayaan na lumayo.
"Sa bahay ba tayo kakain?" Maya-maya ay tanong ni Kalisz.
"Sa resort na tayo," sagot niya at iniharang ang kamay niya para hindi masinagan ng araw ang mata nitong naniningkit habang nakatingin sa kanya.
Kinagat nito ang labi na hindi mapigilan na titigan ni Kronack.
"Madami bang tao do'n?" Tanong nito at tumingin na sa harapan.
"Mm-hmm. It's often full of people because the guests love the food there, but don't worry there will be a place for us."
Tumaas ang isang kilay nito at tumingin ulit sa kanya. "You set a reservation?"
Napangiti siya at umiling. "Nope. My family always have reserved area in that restaurant."
Kumunot ang noo ng dalaga pero hindi na nagtanong pa.
Napansin niyang isa sa ugali ng dalaga ang hindi palatanong. Even if she's curious about something she doesn't ask.
Kronack hope she would ask more. He would gladly answer her question. Ayaw niya sa taong matanong pero kung si Kalisz 'yon walang problema sa kanya. But the woman isn't nosy. And that's what makes Kalisz different from other women he knew. Maybe that's one of the reasons why she interests him.
Nilibot ni Kronack ang tingin. His face became serious when he saw that many people are staring again at them and he catches some women glaring at Kalisz with envy and others disgust.
Tsk.
Binalingan niya si Kalisz na nakayuko lang at tahimik. Kronack clenched his jaw from annoyance and shook his head.
Ang kaninang naka-akbay na braso niya ay inilipat niya sa baywang ng dalaga at mas inilapit ito sa katawan niya. He saw in his peripheral vision that Kalisz gaved him a confused look but didn't say something. She just hold his hand that was holding her waist and caresses it.
MARAMI ANG tao sa restaurant ng resort kung saan siya dinala ni Kronack. Mukhang paborito nga ito ng mga guests ng resort.
Kronack lead her to the left side of the restaurant where there was a closed sliding door.
"Good afternoon, boss Kronack." Bati ng waitress na nakatayo malapit sa sliding door kay Kronack tapos ay bumaling sa kanya. "And ma'am."
Tipid niya itong nginitian samatalang seryosong tumango lang si Kronack.
"Serve us my usual order," ani Kronack sa babae at binuksan ang sliding door.
"Copy, boss," sagot ng waitress at umalis na.
"Come." Iginiya siya papasok ni Kronack at sinarado ulit nito ang sliding door.
Pinalibot niya ang tingin sa loob. Walang tao maliban sa kanila. Maluwag ito at konti lang ang mesa- anim lang yon. Hinila siya ni Kronack sa mesang malapit sa salaming dingding. Mula dito makikita ang beach.
"Thanks," Kalisz thanked after Kronack pulled a chair for her.
"Welcome."
Umupo ito sa harapan niya at tinitigan siya.
"What?" Kalisz asked.
"Nothing. I just want to check if you're okay," sagot nito.
"Why?" she asked, confused.
"Wala lang. Mas lalo ka kasing tumatahimik pagmaraming tao," anito.
Napatango siya sa naging obserbasyon sa kanya ng binata.
"I'm just.. Uhm not used to be around a lot of people that belongs to you know, rich society or some people calls the elites." Kinagat ni Kalisz ang pangibabang labi. "Tsaka, napansin mo naman sigurong pinapanood nila tayo."
"You shouldn't mind them. They may belong to what we call elite society but it doesn't mean they're better than those people who beg on the street," anito tapos ay umiling. "You'll be surprised some of them could win the hypocrite of all times and Darwin awards hands down."
Napangiti si Kalisz sa sinabi nito bago napailing.
"I can't help it." Kalisz sighed. "Others, especially the women were glaring at me and it's making me uncomfortable."
Bumuntong-hininga ang binata. "I'm sorry about that." Hinging paumanhin nito.
"No, it's not your fault. You shouldn't apologize." Umiiling na saad niya.
"Don't worry those women can glare at you all they want but they can never hurt you." Seryosong anito.
Natigilan si Kalisz.
"Do you think some of them will try to hurt me?" she asked, worried.
The last thing she needs is an attack from a crazy woman with crazy reasons.
"Well, some women can. Especially if they are desperate, bitch and envious," ani nito.
"Nangyari na ba 'yon sayo?"
Pinatong nito ang siko sa mesa bago sumagot.
"No. But two or three of my brother had a history of women fighting or hurting each other because of them." Tumigil ito at saglit na nag-isip. "My brother Rosh for example, one woman was obsessed with him that she attacks every woman that dares to flirt with him. She was very territorial and very jealous that it's making another woman afraid to even look at Rosh." Naiiling na pagkwento ni Kronack.
"Why would your brother even flirt when he has a girlfriend," Kalisz commented.
Umiling ito. "They were not girlfriend and boyfriend. It was just a fling, no string attached."
Napa ah si Kalisz sa sagot ni Kronack. Wala siyang ibang masabi. Hindi naman niya alam kung ano ang sitwasyon sa ganong relasyon na; no string attached.
Dumating na ang order nila at madami iyon at...
Mahal... Napangiwi siya sa isipan.
On the table were three kinds of seafood recipes, rice, bread, and lettuce salad dressing with white cheese.
Hindi maiwasan ni Kalisz na bilangin ang perang dala sa isipan niya. Tapos ay napakamot ng pisngi ng masigurong baka kalahati lang ang mabayaran niya sa pagkain na nasa harapan niya.
"Uhm... Kronack," Kalisz called.
"Yes?" Tinignan siya nito.
"I-I don't think my money is enough to pay for my food." Nahihiya niyang sabi sa binata na napatigil.
Kronack stopped unfolding his table napkin and stared at her. Kalisz could see that he was surprised. Like she just said something very foreign. Then he shook his head and chuckled.
"That's good because I'm not planning on letting you pay for your food either," sagot nito.
"Libre mo?" Nahihiyang tanong niya.
"Yup! So stop worrying."
"Thank you then." Kalisz smiled shyly.
Kronack just smiled back then delve into his food. Kumain na rin siya. They talk about random stuff while eating and after that delicious meal, dessert was served.
"This look absolutely delicious!" Kalisz gleefully said and licked her lower lip.
"Because it is. This is one of the saleable desserts here and also my favorite." Imporma nito.
"Anong pangalan ng recipe na 'to?" Natanong niya bago tinikman ang dessert. "Hmm... ang sarap!" Hindi mapigilang ungol ni Kalisz.
"Sex in the pan, babe," he replied, grinning.
Hindi agad rumihistro sa isipan ni Kalisz ang pangalan ng pagkain. But when it dawned on her, she grimaced.
"What a name..." Naiiling niyang usal.
Tumawa ito at umuklo. Inabot nito ang mukha niya at naramdaman niya ang hinlalaki nito na pinahid ang kung ano sa gilid ng labi niya. He then licked his thumb after that.
"Delectable," he commented.
Natigilan si Kalisz at namamanghang nakatingin lang dito.
What's with him?
Napapansin niyang nagiging sweet ito sa kanya. And it often caught her off guard.
"Are you okay babe?" Nakakunot ang noong tanong nito ng mapansin ang pananahimik at panonood niya dito.
Kalisz signed. "Yeah... you just caught me off guard with your moves and unexpected gestures," she honestly told.
Ngumiti ito. "You should get used to it because I'll be doing that more often."
"Why?"
"Just because."
Umiling na lang siya sa binigay nitong paliwanag. Sabagay, anong paliwanag ba gusto niya? Wala. Bago ang lahat nang 'to sa kanya. Ito ang unang beses na lumabas siya at lalaki ang kasama para mamasyal.
Back in Sundust, it was always Dessert and Vegas who's always with her every time she'll go out from a week-long hiding inside her old home. Then come Auri that always drags her wherever she heard a beautiful place to go- back when she was staying in her old home.
There wasn't a time that she goes out with a man. But it doesn't mean she's gullible of such rare gestures. She's an editor and she has read countless romance books while editing it.
At base sa mga nababasa niya ang ginagawa ng binata ngayon ay para sa magkarelasyon lang or pag may gusto ang tao sa isa.
But the question is, does it certainly mean like how it is in the book? Or does Kronack just have that character in him?
Ipinilig niya ang ulo.
Baka masyado lang siyang nag-iisip at binibigyan ng ibig sabihin ang bagay na wala naman dapat. Ugali na siguro ng lalaki 'yon at siya lang ang nagbibigay ng ibang kahulugan.
"What are-"
Naputol ang sasbihin sana ni Kronack ng may lumapit sa kanila na gwapong lalaki at tinapik ang balikat ng binata.
"Hey." Bati nito kay Kronack bago siya sinipat.
Maayos ang suot nito. Halatang mayaman din base sa galaw at pananamit. Ang kakaiba lang ay ang tattoo nito sa dalawang braso na nakikita dahil sa pagtupi nito sa manggas ng polo nito hanggang siko.
"Hey, Riot." Tumayo si Kronack at binigyan ng mabilis na yakap ang lalaki at nakipag fist bump. "Ano? Kasama mo ang makulit mong sekretarya?"
Tumaas ang gilid ng labi ng lalaki bago napiling.
"Oo, pero may sinipat lang sandali. Nakita ata si kuya Kreston," anito.
Napapalatak si Kronack sa sinabi ng lalaki.
"So, who do we have here?" Tanong ni Riot kay Kronack habang nakatingin sa kanya.
Tumingin sa kanya si Kronack.
"Ah, si Kalisz, kaibigan ni Auri. Kalisz, si Riot, isa sa mga kapatid ko." Pagpapakilala nito sa kanila.
"Nice meeting you, miss," anito at iniyuko ang ulo bilang pagkilala sa kanya.
"Same here," sagot niya at binigyan ito ng tipid na ngiti.
"Interesting," saad nito at tinignan si Kronack ng may nakapaskil na nakakalokong ngisi sa labi.
"Whatever." Kinuha ni Kronack ang plato at lumipat sa tabi niya. "Come on, sit, you can join us and your secretary if you want," anyaya ni Kronack sa kapatid nito at naupo sa tabi niya.
"Cool." Umupo ang kapatid nito sa harapan nila at sinulyapan siya. "Okay lang ba?" Tanong nito sa kanya.
"Of course." Mabilis na sagot ni Kalisz dito.
"Wah... Boss amaziiing!" Malakas na tili ng isang babae at tumatakbong lumapit kay Kronack at niyakap ito.
Kalisz didn't know how she looked after the sudden move from the woman that just arrived. But one thing she's sure, part of her wants to remove the woman's arms that was wrapped on Kronack's shoulder and push the woman away.
Bago pa man niya gawin ang naiisip ay nagbawi na siya ng tingin at ibinalik ang atensyon sa kinakain.
Sino naman kaya ito?
👑
Clfern