Against My Will (Naga Series #1)

Kabanata 26

"How's the business, Zendall?"

I slowly lifted my gaze toward the intruder who dared to enter my office without so much as requesting an appointment. Again. The nerve.

"Why are you here?" tanong ko pabalik sa kanya, my voice carrying a sharp edge that could cut through steel.

"Ouch. That hurts, huh?" nakangising sagot ni Gazvin habang nakatayo sa harap ko. "Nandito lang naman po ako para mangumusta sa isang masungit na architect."

He didn't bother sitting down.

Nakapamulsa lang siya habang nakatayo sa tapat ng mesa ko, his imposing figure radiating that familiar cold and intimidating aura. But despite what others saw, I knew better.

Far better.

Behind that chilling exterior was a man who was annoyingly clingy, ridiculously persistent, and unbelievably makulit. Sa tagal naming magkasama, parang hindi man lang siya tinatablan ng panahon. His face remained almost the same as it had been years ago.

"What do you want?"

A mischievous grin stretched across his lips.

"You have a new mission... again."

"And?"

I arched a brow when I noticed his unusual hesitation. Gazvin wasn't someone who second-guessed himself. Not once had I seen him this reluctant.

"Philippines. Cebu City. The Montemayor's Port." Sandali siyang tumigil bago nagsalita ulit. "I don't think you can do it—"

"Kaya ko. Is that all?"

His expression darkened.

"Are you sure about this, Zendall?"

Without answering immediately, I rose from my swivel chair and began pacing across the spacious office. Another schedule to rearrange. Another mission to accomplish.

Huminto ako sa harap niya at diretsong hinarap siya. My killer heels added several inches to my height, but Gazvin was still annoyingly tall. Hanggang sa baba lang niya ako.

"What's wrong if my mission is assigned in the Philippines, Gazvin?"

"Kid, it's just that—"

I scoffed and crossed my arms.

"I don't care. Ang tagal na noon. It's been 8 years." Matalim ko siyang tiningnan. "And don't forget what you promised me before. Di ko yun nakakalimutan."

My words came out firm before I turned my back on him. The only response I received was a heavy sigh. I left the office without another glance.