Man at Arms

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Trespasser

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

 
Calix cried my name as I sprinted back towards the hall, hands clenching my skirt up, legs pushing and kicking despite their scream of regret for wearing a seven-inch heel. After they served their purpose, I wanted nothing but to get rid of them.

Fawes were so proud when I chose the black killer heels to go with my red backless dress. Akala niya nagkaka-intindihan na kami pagdating sa fashion pero hindi niya alam na plinano kong isuot ito dahil alam kong malaki ang posibilidad na magkikita kami ni Calix sa Gala.

Mas umigting pa ang hinala kong iyon nang makita si Callus kanina sa party, may kasamang lalaki at pinagigitnaan nila si Lucian. I stayed in the shadows so they wouldn't see me as I surveyed the banquet hall, and when I saw Calix's men discreetly patrolling, my heart leaped off my chest. He was here.

There was no sign of him, but I knew he was in the shadows just as I was. Watching, waiting.

Bigla akong hindi makahinga kaya nagpaalam ako kay Fawes na lalabas muna ako para lumanghap ng hangin. She voiced her concern, but I waved my hand, telling her not to worry. Iniwan ko sila ni Charles kasama ang mga ka-sosyo nila sa mga negosyo at nagtungo sa isang balconahe. Hindi ko kailangang lumingon para makompirma na may sumunod sa akin na tao ni Charles.

After the attempted annihilation of the Cambio family days ago, Charles was adamant about keeping me protected and safe at all times. Aniya normal na lang na paulanin ng bala ang mansion nila sa dami ng kaaway nila sa negosyo, pero dahil baka madamay ako sa mga gulo nila dahil sa koneksyon ko ngayon sa mga Cambio.

Pagpasok ko sa banquet hall ay sinalubong ako ng mga nagpapanic na tao. Naitulak ako sa gilid habang mas dumagsa ang paglabas ng mga tao. Some fell and became a flat board for people to run in. I shoved the pity aside and pushed my way in, screaming Fawes' and Charles' names.

"Circe!"

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makita si Fawes. Kasing putla niya ang multo nang makarating ako sakanya. Wala si Charles sa tabi niya.

"Where's Charles?" Hinawakan ko siya magkabilang braso dahil tila matutumba na siya. Mabilis kong siniyasat kong okay siya at muli akong nakahinga nang maluwag nang masigurado na wala siyang sugat.

"I-I don't know!" She cried, trembling.

Mula sa likod niya ay nakita ko ang mga lalaki na may bitbit na mga baril.

"Down!" I pulled Fawes down as bullets rained in our direction, breaking and piercing the tableware that lay atop our hiding spot.

She was shaking, and I brought her into my arms protectively. I need to get her to safety. I scanned the exit, contemplating how I could take Fawes out without bullets chasing us. Until there was another gunshot that silenced the ones firing in our direction. I craned my neck up and scoffed when I saw Calix shooting the unfamiliar men expertly. My stomach flutters as I marvel at how dangerously handsome he is with a gun. I saw him once wield a knife in a gun battle, his movements were as swift and precise as a slicing bullet. But him with a gun, damn.

Pinamukha niyang sisiw lang ang mga action star sa Hollywood.

I snapped off my thoughts and held Fawes as Calix provided us cover to exit. Before we run to hide, I turn to look back at Calix. He was leaning against a pillar as he slammed another magazine into his gun. He clicked his tongue before he appeared before the enemies and fired.

"Stay here," sabi ko kay Fawes nang makarating kami sa lugar na ligtas.

"Where are you going?" Fawes asked panicked, gripping my arms as tears streamed down her cheeks.