Calming the Storm

Kabanata 9

"No way! I'm not gonna ride that thing!" angal ko nang iharap niya sa akin ang jetski.

Hindi ako sanay lumangoy. He even insisted that we would be wearing a life vest, but I declined it multiple times for about thirty minutes straight. Gano'n ka tagal na niya ako inaaya sumakay at ilang beses ko na rin siya tinanggihan!

"You won't be riding alone. I will drive," panunuyo niya pa.

"No. Hindi. Ayoko. Never."

He chuckled and hold my hand to pull me. "Can't you trust me with this one?"

I diverted my gaze and pouted.

"Come on..." pangungulit niya ulit.

"Fine! Kapag ako nahulog sinasabi ko sa'yo ha? Wala ka ng ipapalit sa akin. Nag iisa lang ako!"

"Yes. Yes. You're the only one."

Masama ang tingin ko sakaniya nang lumapit siya sa akin para isuot ang vest. I've seen women riding jetski with their just bikini. Kaya bago pa maisuot sa akin ni Ramiel ang vest ay naghubad na ako ng cover up kong dress.

I heard Ramiel cursed. "Audra.."

"What? Isn't this the right attire for it? Sasakay ba ako ng naka dress?"

He shut his eyes like he is being tormented. Kinuha niya ang dress ko at sinampay sa balikat niya bago ipagpatuloy ang pagsuot sa akin ng vest. Nang matapos siya ay siya naman ang naghubad ng pang itaas na suot.

Kahit mabilis ang pag iwas ng tingin ko ay hindi pa rin nakatakas sa akin ang mas lalong na-depinang hulma at kulay ng katawan niya.

I even saw most of the tourists look at his way and devour with their eyes his showing off.

Umirap ako sa hangin at hindi nagdalawang isip na kuhanin ang vest para isuot din sakaniya. Sinadya ko ang mas dikit ang aming balat nang yakapin ko siya para ipadaan ang vest sa kaniyang likuran.

I watched the eyes of the tourists as I did it.

I heard a growl of laughter from Ramiel, making me look at him like a dagger.

"Let's get on," malambing niyang ani at iginiya ako pasakay ng jetski.

Nauna akong sumakay. When it was his turn, his huge and hairy legs imprisoned me and invaded my personal space. I felt our vests collide as he reached the handlebars.

"Ready?"

I reluctantly nodded, making him chuckle.

When the engine roared and started, I immediately held onto his arms. I felt a bit stiff in our position, so I moved my hold to his leg. I heard him grunt at my sudden move. He let go of one handlebar and snaked his arm around my waist.

"Look around, Audra. It's peaceful," he caressed my waist as he whispered gently.

I looked around, a bit tensed, but his touch soothed my fear. My shoulder loosened. He maneuvered the jetski smoothly. The sun is about to set, making the sky paint with unexpectedly great combinations of colors.

I let myself feel the salty wind while gazing at the astonishing and seemingly close but endless sky.

I tried to look behind when Ramiel stopped the jetski, almost at the center of the setting sun, but he completely owned my waist, diverting my attention from it. I watched his arms cause seclusion. My hands remained on his legs, comfortable with their warmth.

"Let's watch it set."

Tumango ako sakaniyang aya. Naramdaman ko ang lapit ng hininga niya sa ulo ko. Hindi na rin ako nabigla.

Inayos ko ang nagugulong buhok ko, palagay ko na tumatama rin sakaniyang mukha. Sinakop ko ang lahat at inilagay sa kanang balikat. Tinulungan niya ako sa pagsinop ng buhok. Nang makuntento ay bumalik siya sa pwesto.

I was getting a little tired of sitting with a straight back. I let myself fall a bit to rest on him. But with his keen observance, he noticed my small move. He pulled me more towards him, completely crashing me into his chest.

I sighed deeply, letting out all the tension. His breathing, unknowingly, makes the scenery calmer.

I felt his lips on the side of my head, making me close my eyes. His lips went down to the back of my exposed ear. Then, it went down to my nape. Planting soft pecks.

"Mukhang gagapangin mo na ako mamaya, Ramiel?"

I felt his lips turn into a smile against my skin. It was always contagious. He let out a chuckle.