𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙞𝙙

16. Danger Alert

Everyone was busy asking Bella questions—about her life in New York, her career in Hollywood, and her modeling experiences in Paris and all over the world.

I barely got a chance to ask her how she was doing there or if she wanted to talk in private.

Hailey was sitting beside Bella, and I was glad to see that they were okay.

It was almost eleven at night when I noticed that Bella was getting a bit tipsy. Apparently, she had learned how to drink while abroad.

I approached her.

"May susundo ba sayo?" I asked.

"Huh?" she replied, slightly confused.

I leaned closer and spoke into her ear, "May susundo ba sayo?"

"Wala," she said, shaking her head.

"Then I will take you home now. Are you supposed to get drunk?"

"Ohhh yeah, hindi ako dapat uminom."

I shook my head, exasperated. "Hail, ihahatid ko na muna siya sa kanila. Medyo tipsy na si Bella."

Hailey nodded. "Uuwi na rin ako soon. May shooting pa kami bukas."

We said our goodbyes to our batchmates, but I could see they were still curious about Bella. They probably wanted to ask her more questions, but I knew it was time for her to go home.

I supported Bella as she struggled to stand, her head spinning slightly.

When we made it outside the club, I called for a taxi from the guard.

"Alam ba nila Tita ang pag-uwi mo?" I asked my companion in the taxi.

"Yes. Ahh, I didn't drink that much, but why do I feel like I'm drunk?" she replied, giggling.

"Baka dahil sa jetlag mo yan. Come, humilig ka muna sa balikat ko and close your eyes for a while."

She leaned against me without hesitation, and I could feel the warmth of her presence beside me.

The gentle motion of the taxi and the soft hum of the city outside made it feel like we were in our own little bubble.

As I glanced at her, I couldn't help but think about how much I had missed moments like this—just being close to her, feeling the comfort of her friendship.

"I’m really glad you’re back, Bella," I said softly, knowing she could hear me even if she was half asleep.

She sighed, "Me too. It feels good to be home."

I smiled, grateful that she felt safe with me. Maybe tonight wasn’t just about the reunion; it was also about rekindling old connections.

🐬🐬🐬🐬

I can almost hear my own heartbeat. I was worried Zayne could hear how fast my heart was pounding.

Does he always smell this good? I breathed in his masculine scent, and I felt myself getting a little tipsy.

If only I could smell him more.

I had never felt this way before—not with my exes, not with anyone but him.

He’s always been good-looking, but now he looks even more mature, more manly, and it’s driving me crazy.

I didn’t dare to move while keeping my eyes closed, worried that I wouldn't be able to stop myself from inhaling his scent like a wild animal.

I bit my lip at my wild imagination. Yanie would definitely laugh if she knew what I was thinking.

I was surprised by the gentleness he was showing. He wasn’t like this before.

The fact that he was letting me lean on his shoulder was a huge surprise for me.

Ahh, it doesn’t matter now. I just need to take advantage of this moment tonight. Maybe even indulge in some of those risqué thoughts too?

Oh God, I really couldn’t stop myself. So many wild fantasies raced through my mind at that moment.

We were still in the taxi, and I was already having these dirty thoughts about him.

He shifted in his seat, bringing me back to reality.

I opened my eyes.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?" I asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Am I heavy?" I continued, trying to lighten the mood.

"Not really. Come here," he said, motioning for me to lie down on his lap.

Oh no, that’s a very, very bad idea, Z. I won’t do it.

I shook my head immediately. I could feel my cheeks flushing with heat.

"It’s okay, I’m not sleepy anymore."

Honestly, I hadn’t been sleeping before; I was lost in wild fantasies.

If Yanie were here, she would be laughing at me right now.

Moved on? Me? Nahh! What a joke!