Flickered By Innocence (Crossing The Line Series 4) ✅

F.B.I-29

Wearing a white draping blazer jacket, fitted trousers, and a pair of sneakers, I entered the Athic Hotel. I asked the lady at the front desk for permission if I could have a seat in their lounge while waiting for Nico, and I'm glad she agreed. My parents weren't at home when I went out, so I only told Nanny Fe where I'd be going. Mang Noel was probably with my parents to drive them home.

Napatingin sa akin ang ilang tao nung tumunog ang malakas kong ringtone. Tumango naman ako sa kanila at humingi ng paumanhin bago ko sagutin ang tawag.

"Hello? Who's this?" It's an unregistered number, so I wonder who it was.

"Nasaan ka, Zein?" A familiar voice spoke in an authoritative tone.

"I'm in my room, Darky. Why? " I can't call him by his real name because of the visitors beside me, who might be one of his fans.

Gellian loudly sighed. "You're lying to me, Zein. Tell me the truth. Where are you right now?"

Hindi mapagsidlan ang aking tuwa matapos ko iyong marinig sa kanya. Akala ko'y hindi niya mapapansin na nagsisinungaling ako pero ang hirap palang mapaniwala ang taong matagal ka nang kilala. Ang hirap magpanggap sa taong kasama at kaibigan mo simula pagkabata.

"I'm here in the Athic Hotel to meet Nico. Why did you ask though?" I'm trying to sound cold to match his voice, but I'm already squealing in my mind. 

"N-Nico? So it's guy, huh? Leave that place now. As in now."

I raised a brow. "Why?"

"Because I said so, Zein. It's not good for you to meet a guy in the middle of the night." I know he's now mad, yet he managed to sound so calm and gentle. 

I was about to get up from my seat and just follow Gellian's order when I finally saw Nico walking towards me. He's wearing a slim-fit t-shirt, which showcases his nicely toned chest, cozy chino pants, and bedroom slippers for his feet. 

Umawang ang aking labi nung halikan niya ako sa pisngi at mariing niyakap ang aking bewang. Kaagad naman siyang lumayo nung itulak ko siya nang mahina. Hindi ko inaasahan na gagawin niya iyon kaya nabigla ako at bukod pa doon ay marami ring tao ang nakatingin sa amin.

My hands and knees were trembling as we got inside the elevator. We were the only two inside, and I could see him staring at my reflection in the mirrored door cladding. The sound of his loud breathing echoes in my ears, which makes me want to leave the place, but I can't.

I feel so scared and vulnerable.

 
"Let's finish our business for tonight, Zein. I promise our meeting will be done very quickly and you'll be extremely satisfied with the result." Nico reassured me when the elevator door opened on the 18th floor.

Namumuo ang pawis sa aking noo habang sinusundan ko siya palapit sa kanyang unit. Wala akong makitang kahit isang tao sa paligid bukod sa aming dalawa. Nagawa kong mailabas ang aking cellphone mula sa aking bulsa kahit nangangatog ang aking buong katawan.

I hurriedly searched for my contacts and dialed any number while he was pressing his passcode. A loud scream came out of me when he grabbed my wrist, causing my phone to fall on the floor as he tried to pull me inside of his unit.