All Of You

Chapter 6

"MOM, I MADE IT." Ang lawak ng ngiti ni Anika sa screen ng phone nito habang kinukuhaan ng video ang sarili. The woman had a champagne glass in one hand, but from the looks of it, Eleina reckoned that was probably bourbon inside it.

"Guys, sorry kung sobrang wannabe ng dating ko sa inyo," patuloy ng modelo, "but really, I've only ever seen this in movies."

The jet plane had just landed on the strip, and some of Cassandra's friends were already walking down the ramp.

"Come on, Anika," tawag rito ni Cassandra, malawak ang ngiti habang mukhang tipsy na rin. "Ivan, let's go."

The sun hadn't set yet, but the sky was already painted with burning crimson, deep violet and orange.

Suminghap si Anika nang makita iyon mula sa bintana ng jet plane. Tanaw rin sa kanilang puwesto ang kahabaan ng puting aplaya at kulay bughaw na luntiang karagatan. "Oh my God, this is just so cool."

That was the majority of the woman's reaction from the moment they stepped into the jet plane and were greeted with blasting music and sparkling champagne. Apparently, the party had started before even departing for the island.

Even Jorge, who seemed to have just gone along to sneer, looked flustered but thrilled at the display of wealth. Alex gave up feeling uncomfortable and started partying with the rest.

Ivan looked at her as he unfastened his seatbelt. The strained look in his eyes was still there, his sculpted lips still unsmiling. "We'll return home tomorrow. I'll get you a room first so you can rest."

"I'm fine," aniya at kinalas din ang seatbelt. "As long as I don't use too much energy, I'm good."

His head jerked a nod and he uncurled his muscular body, towering over her as he stood on the aisle, the overhead light silhouetting his strong frame.

"But it's better to get some shuteye," anito at isinuksok ang mga kamay sa bulsa ng pantalon.

"Ivan!" Lumapit sa kanila si Cassandra, malawak ang ngiti sa mga labi. "Let's go!"

Payak na tumango ang lalaki. "Go ahead. We're right behind you."

Pouting, the woman glanced at her, curiosity in her eyes. Eleina didn't think Cassandra was jealous of her, but the heiress definitely wondered who the hell she was.

"But what have you been up to these days?" Ibinalik ng babae ang titig kay Ivan. "I saw your mom last week at the Tatler Ball. She looked a little stressed out. Don't tell her I said that, though."

Tumayo siya at inilapat ulit ni Ivan ang palad sa kanyang likuran. His energy seeped into her, softly fluttering along her skin before flowing into her veins.

Resisting the urge to click her tongue, she raised a brow at him. He'd been transferring small amounts of energy to her whenever he touched her. Did he think she wouldn't notice? She felt insulted.

Ivan stole a glance at her, the corners of his lips curving, the glint in his dark eyes daring her to protest.

"I know your mom's against you modelling," patuloy ni Cassandra, pero nakatitig ito sa paghawak ni Ivan sa kanyang likuran. "And I get it. But I think Auntie Lizzy's also not looking at the bigger picture. You could become big with this. Be a luxury endorser for big brands. It's a lucrative and viable job now. You should start going to Fashion Week abroad, Ivan. I can get you some invites."

Naglakad sila sa kahabaan ng aisle papunta sa aircraft door. The mid-size cabin jet had a spacious standing and walking room, but Ivan's large built seemed to shrink the space around him, making everything seem small.