DIEZ (La Familia Kingpin Series 4)

TEASER

BEE

I'D HAD a million dreams about my twenty-fifth birthday. Electrifying party. Overflowing booze, and heart-pounding music inside one of the It bar in town. My best friends on my side and a hot beau god-like hunk in tow.

I got all five except the last one.

Well, maybe counted naman iyong walong yummy slash eye candy bodyguards na pinadala ni Seven dito sa Privé. Still, may kulang pa rin.

I filled my lungs with sinful air and disappointment.

I hate him. How can he forget?

Lumabi ako.

"Why the long face? Huwag ka ng magtampo."

"Pwede nang sabitan ng kaserola nguso mo, Bee. Come on, smile. Nandito naman kami ni Era. Hoes before boys, remember?"

"Santy's right. She ditched her husband para lang makasama tayo. Huwag mong masyadong isipin si Sampo, pinalaki talagang walang pake sa mundo 'yon. Hindi ka pa ba nasanay?"

I rolled my eyes. Pilit na itinago ang pait na sumukob sa akin dahil sa mga sinabi ng kaibigan.

"Ditched my ass. Kaya ba isang batalyon ang bantay natin ngayong gabi? For sure, nasa gilid-gilid lang 'yang si Siete. Anytime soon, lalabas 'yon. And for the record, hindi ako nagtatampo. Galit ako. Galit na galit!" Tinungga ko ang tequila, licked the salt on my hand and sucked the wedge lime while I eye-fucked the tallest and meanest bodyguard of Santy.

He blinked and gulped. I offer him my sweetest smile.

It's my birthday and I deserve a present, right?

"You're doing it backward, Bee. Salt muna before the shot. And stop smiling at the poor soul!"

I flipped Era the bird.

"My birthday, my rules. Iyong pagiging OC mo't pakialamera, paki iwan sa pinto."

"Ang sungit naman. Pasalamat ka birthday mo, kung hindi kanina ko pa binali mga buto mo."

"I like to see you try."

"Girls. Stop! We're here to celebrate, hindi para mag away."

I huffed. Pinagpag ko ang invisible lint sa suot na little black dress. Mabigat ang loob na iniikot ang paningin sa loob ng jam packed bar.

Everyone's grinding, drinking, and shouting. I even watched some couples in the dark corner, doing god knows what.

I should be one of these people. Happy. Dancing and drowning in alcohol, not in sorrow. But for the life of me, I can't even smile.

Not when I'm worried and mad at him. My demon of a husband–Diez Torrevillas.

I know he loves his work more than life itself but I can't believe that he'll be MIA today. Of all days!

Tumingala ako't inis na pinahid ang gilid ng mga mata. I inhaled and exhaled a few beats more and when I opened my eyes, I was filled with determination.

I was about to down another shot when a spark of recognition crept into my soul. Nanayo ang lahat ng balahibo ko't awtomatikong hinagilap ko ang salarin.

He's here!

But like always, the Devil knows the dark so well. Sumakit na ang mga mata ko't leeg, ni anino ni Diez hindi ko nasilayan.

You brute. You lied to me!

Don't get mad, Bee. Get even.

Squaring my shoulders, I grabbed the drink from Era's hand. Throw it in my throat for some liquid courage.