Memory in the Street (Paraiso Series #3)

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

The cold morning breeze greeted us in awe as soon as we stepped out from the ship. Just like before, the cold breeze kissed my cheeks calming my soul. The place was peaceful and organized. Clean and beautiful, indeed the island is.

“Welcome to Camiguin, Ma’am, Sir.” Nakangiting bati nung lalaki sa may booth kung saan kami dumaan ni Zhigor para sa footbath.

Tumango lang si Zhigor at ganoon din ako. Habang naglalakad papunta roon sa may sasakyang naghihintay sa amin, hawak ni Zhigor ang kamay ko. Our luggage were carried by his bodyguards kaya wala kaming dala. Hindi naman niya ako pinayagang tumulong sa mga bagahe namin.

“Welcome home, Atty. Lorcan.” Sabi nung lalaking nagbukas ng pintoan ng sasakyan.

Tinangoan lamang siya ni Zhigor bago ako binaling at giniya paakyat sa sasakyan. Sumunod si Zhigor at tumabi sa akin na agad namang kinuha ang kamay ko saka pinaglaruan iyon at sumiksik sa akin.

I was excited but a bit nervous about being back here. The last time I went here was for work. But this time, makakaharap ko na ulit ang mga magulang ni Zhigor na hindi ko nakita sampung taon na ang nakalipas.

“How’s your wound, baby?” Zhigor asked softly while we were seated inside the van.

Tinignan ko ang braso kong nababalot pa rin ng benda sa kabilang braso. It was still painful but I can manage. It’s not like it’s my first time having a stab wound. I got worst than this before.

“Okay lang, Zhiggy…”

A ghost smile crept on his face before he leaned to plant a gentle kiss on my temple. “I’ll clean that later and then change the bandage, alright?”

Tumango lang ako at ngumiti sa kanya kahit hindi umaayon ang mga mata ko. Namula naman ang tainga niya kaya natawa ako ng mahina.

“What’s funny?” he eyed me.

I bit my lower lip while I looked up to him. His brows were creased while his blue and green eyes were almost invisible.

Umiling ako sa kanya. “Wala…”

Pero mayroon talaga. He’s cute when his ears went red after I called him Zhiggy. Kinikilig kaya siya?

He narrowed his mismatched eyes even more. Mas lumapit din siya sa akin na parang binabasa ang bakas ng mukha ko habang hinahagilap ang mga siko ko.

“You’re laughing at me, Karita.” He pointed out, his breath fanning my face.

Napakurap ako sa lapit ng mukha namin. The butterflies in my stomach started to dance wildly. My lips parted when the back of his huge palm rested on my cheek like it should have been there for a long time.

“H-hindi o-oy…” I managed to talk despite the sudden assault of emotion sparking inside.

Para akong nalalasing sa aming pagkakalapit ngayon at hindi nakatulong ang kanyang mahinang baritonong pagtawa na may halong balak.

“You are, baby…” his voice was raspy. “And I wanna know why… hmm…”

He wetted his lips sensually making me almost drop my rational thoughts so I could attack his luscious lips with mine. It was too inviting to not be answered but a voice interrupted my desire.

“Atty. Lorcan?”

Napapikit ako sa iritasyon nang tawagin si Zhigor. I was about to push him away when he slammed me in his steel-like chest before wrapping his arms on my back.

“Yes?” malamig na tugon ni Zhigor sa tumawag.

Bitin ka rin, Zhigor? Kasi ako bitin na bitin.