Never Be Tamed

Chapter 32: Claim

Warning: this chapter may contain explicit scenes.

Chapter 32: Claim

I've never saw Zackary so pissed in front of such important people. Pareho kami ni Ms. Ivette na hindi alam ang gagawin sa sitwasyon, hanggang sa humalakhak si Sir Albert.

"Zackary, you're so much like your father," he bellowed.

Hindi naalis ang pagngitngit sa mukha ni Zackary. Sir Albert raised a hand, motioning for everyone to calm down. "I'm not serious with my offer. I knew the moment you two stepped here, that she's no ordinary staff."

Isang mahinang buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan ko. In an instant, the thick atmosphere was broken. Huminga nang malalim si Zackary bago muling sumandal sa upuan.

Bumaling sa'kin si Sir Albert mula sa kabilang dulo ng mahabang mesa. "I appreciate the words you've said to my daughter and things you've shared to us, Ms. Eleanor. Let me prepare the documents so we could sign it after this meal."

Matapos ang dinner, inanyaya ni Sir Albert si Zackary sa study room upang tuluyang pirmahan ang mga dokumento. Bago pumunta, lumapit sa'kin si Zackary. Maybe it was because of the conversation at the dinner table earlier. Bigla niya akong niyakap nang mahigpit, kissing the side of my head as he did.

"Wait for me for a bit so we could go home."

I settled myself in the living room nang umalis si Zackary. Habang naghihintay, pinuntahan ako ni Ms. Ivette dala ang isang tray ng tsaa sa makukulay na teacups at ilang pastries. Tinulungan kong ipatong ito sa coffee table bago siya umupo sa couch sa tapat ko.

"Sinabihan ko na sila na linisin ang isa sa mga guest rooms."

"Hindi na po kailangan," I told her. "We're heading back after the documents are signed."

"At this time?" Sumulyap siya sa madilim na paligid mula sa labas ng bintana. The dinner earlier lasted longer than what we expected and it was already eight in the evening.

"The road between Ellesmere and Van Zanth is dangerous to take at night..." she insisted. "And I don't think my husband would easily let go of Zackary after closing such important alliance."

Ngumiti siya bago sumimsim ng tsaa. "He just ordered to bring to the study room two of his prized liquors from his collection. What's an alliance without a little celebration?" ngiti ni Ms. Ivette.

I didn't expect we would stay overnight here.

After sharing a few drinks and pastries in the living room, sinamahan ako ni Ms. Ivette sa dulo ng pangalawang palapag kung saan makikita ang guest room na kanyang tinutukoy. Bago nagpaalam, she told me to ask for anything I need while staying here.

But I didn't need anything. I still wasn't sure if Zackary and I would really stay here for the night. But for the meantime, I removed my coat and placed it on the coach inside the room.

Umupo ako sa malambot na kama bago tuluyang humiga, inaanyaya ng antok. It was indeed a little late to drive. But I better take a short nap while waiting. It's been a long day.... I hope Zackary too have time to rest after this.

Hindi ko namalayan ang paglipas ng oras. I woke up to the noise coming from the doorway. I raised my upper body from the bed. Nang makapag-adjust ang paningin ko sa madilim na kwarto, I saw Zackary entering the room.

Mukhang kagagaling niya lang sa ibaba. Sumulyap ako sa orasan malapit sa headboard ng kama. It was past midnight. Their celebration lasted for four hours.

Umalis ako sa higaan at lumapit sa kanya. I could smell liquor from him but he remained composed, his words and movement in a usual calm demeanor.

"I requested for another room," he told me, "but the rest of the guest rooms were occupied." Nagtungo siya sa couch kung saan ko pinatong ang coat ko. Umupo siya dito saka sumandal. "I'll take the couch so you could sleep better."