Cloaked Heart (Eastwood University Series #4)

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

I smiled but it never reach my eyes bago tumingin kay Dad.

"Dad?"

"Yes?" Nakangiti ang mukha na baling nito sa akin. Napapikit na lang ako at hindi mapigilan makaramdam ng frustration sa mga nangyayari.

"You know that she's my professor, right?"

Nagulat naman sa narinig si Dad pero mas lumawak lamang ang ngiti nito kalaunan, "Really? That's good!" Tumingin ito kay Miss Costales, na walang sabing umupo sa tabi ko habang nasa harap namin si Daddy. "I didn't know you teach at Eastwood."

Miss Costales shrugged her shoulders, "I'm a part time professor so it's not a big deal."

Tumango si Dad bago umayos ng upo para ibalik sa akin ang atensyon, "So, Miss Costales here will be your new bodyguard until the trial ends."

"So, for the m-mean time—"

"I'm afraid not." Putol ng aking katabi sa aking sasabihin bago dahan dahan akong tingnan with a hint of glint in her blue eyes, "You'll be stuck with me and that's not for the meantime."

Katahimikan ang namayani sa amin dahil sa sinabi niya na iyon. Naiinis naman akong tumingin sa kaniya dahil sa ginawa niyang pagputol sa sasabihin ko. Ayaw ko pa naman sa lahat ay 'yung pinuputol ako, naiinis ako sa ganun.

Because of my gaze, she cleared her throat at umayos ng pagkakaupo, "What I'm trying to say is that your father's trial will take a long time since he's handling a case against high-profile individuals. Until the situation stabilizes, I'll be responsible for your protection."

I scoffed at hindi pinansin ang katabi ko. Tumingin ako kay Dad, disbelief is written on my face, " "Is this really necessary? I don't need a bodyguard, let alone her," I emphasized, glancing sideways at Miss Costales, who remained composed and unbothered, her expression unreadable.

"Are you underestimating me—"

"Yes." Putol ko sa kaniya at siya naman ang tiningnan ko ng masama. Naiinis ako sa kaniya.

"Well, I assure you, princess," she really emphasized the word bago ilapit ang mukha sa akin, "I'm more than capable of keeping you safe."

I hissed and looked at Dad, "I don't need protection," bago lumayo ng kaunti sa naka-forward na katawan nitong katabi ko sa akin. The mere distance between us makes me forget to breathe for a second. It made me clench my fists, refusing to back down despite the intimidating aura she exuded.

"I don't need it from someone like her," dagdag ko pa bago samaan ng tingin ang katabi. Her jaw clenched because of what I said. Kita ko dahil nakikita ko lang ngayon ay ang side profile nito. Her well-defined jaw was set in a firm line, a subtle sign of tension that only made her look more composed and controlled. Her expression remained unreadable, but her piercing blue eyes flickered with something that almost looked like amusement, as if my defiance entertained her.

"Felicity, just do what I say," Dad interjected, "She's more experienced kaysa doon sa past bodyguards na na-hire ko. Also, you have more freedom here. It was Miss Costales' idea to give it to you kahit na gusto ko she is with you 24/7."

"Dad, it is freedom if she's not with me," I shot a glare sa katabi ko who is still composed at parang wala lang sa kaniya ang nangyayari sa harap niya. "But, fine. Para naman may choice ako."