Twisted

Chapter 2

Mila kept her expression as serene as she could despite the dreadful beating of her heart. "Thank you for the ride."

Mateo Vidal's gaze was cold, his face set in grim lines as he stared at her for a hard second. For a moment, Mila thought he would sneer something at her.

But Mateo only clenched his jaw and gave a curt nod before getting out of the vehicle himself.

Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang sa wakas ay hindi na nakatitig sa kanya ang lalaki.

Binuksan nito ang cargo area at dinampot ang kanyang mga paper bags. He didn't bat an eye at the orange boxes inside the orange paper bags.

Somehow, that made her feel relieved.

As a daughter of a government official, Mila knew she was expected to lead a modest life. But this was her own money. And even the law provided leeway when it stated that officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. Her lifestyle was appropriate to her income. Kaya niyang bilihin ang mga luxury bags na 'to mula sa kanyang income.

Yes, she was defensive.

Bumuntong hininga siya.

Lumapit sa kanila si Kuya Badong at ibinigay dito ni Mateo ang susi ng sasakyan para iparada sa garahe.

Even though she wanted nothing more than to ditch Mateo and run inside the mansion, she steeled her spine and waited for him at the foot of the stairs leading to the portico.

Kinuha niya sa binata ang paper bag ng cake.

"Thanks," magalang niyang saad at sabay silang umakyat ng hagdan.

At napaigtad siya nang ilapat ng lalaki ang malaking palad nito sa kanyang ibabang likod.

It was a polite gesture, something a lot of her friends and even acquaintances had done to her in the past. But the heat of Mateo's large hand seeped into the thin material of her dress and drenched her skin.

Carefully, Mila peeked up at Mateo from beneath her lashes. There was that dark amusement in his eyes again.

Then, with a curl of his perfectly sculpted mouth, he leaned down and murmured, "You blush easily, Mila."

Parang sinilaban ang kanyang mukha.

Bumukas ang pinto at napatalon siya palayo kay Mateo na para bang napaso siya. Malawak ang ngiti ni Nanay Andeng, pero medyo napawi 'yon nang makita ang kanyang ekspresyon.

"O, ano'ng nangyari?"

"Nothing," mabilis niyang tanggi at pilit ring ngumiti sa may edad na babae.

God, she was so lame. And so obvious.

Nilagyan niya ng sigla ang ngiti.

"Natawagan na ni Kuya Ansel si Kuya Kardo?" aniya kay Nanay Andeng.

Their Nanay Andeng was dolled up a little more than usual that afternoon. Nakasuot 'to ng simpleng derechong kulay rosas na bestida at nakaistilo ang maikli nitong buhok. "Oo, nakaalis na si Kardo. Na-flat daw ang gulong niyo sabi ni Ansel?" Bumaling ito kay Mateo. "Good afternoon, Sir. Buti nadaanan niyo si Mila."

Mateo's nod was polite. "It was fortunate."

Pumasok sila sa mansion at pilit niyang ginawang normal ang ngiti kay Nanay Andeng. Ang may edad na babae ang nagsilbing mayordoma ng pamilya nila ng mahigit tatlumpung taon na. Sigurado siyang mahahalata nito kapag may kakaiba sa kanyang kilos.

"Nasa great room po sila?" untag niya.

"Oo, hinihintay na kayo."

"Please lead Mateo to the great room, Nanay. I just need to bring this to my room–"