Tides of Betrayal (Casa del Pueblo Series #1)

Kabanata thirty-six

Kabanata thirty-six

Say everything

"Ready ka na ba, Elle?" hinila ako ni Treasure mula sa aking pag-iisip nang tumuntong kami sa hagdan ng private airplane ni Apollo.

Umalingawngaw ang metal na ugong ng eroplano habang huminga ako nang malalim, bahagyang naninikip ang dibdib ko sa mga maaaring mangyari. I was about to face the man responsible for shattering my world, and the thought was enough to make my hands tremble.

Naramdaman ko ang mainit na kamay ni Apollo sa aking likuran as we climbed the steps to the plane, his touch steady and reassuring. "Easy," bulong niya, more for my sake than his. Inabot niya rin ang kanyang kamay kay Treasure, guiding her with the same gentle and care.

Nakasunod naman sa likod si Zeke na nakita kong pinandilatan ng mata si Apollo. "Hindi ko kailangan ng tulong," aniya, sa matigas na boses. The silent standoff between them stretched as Apollo nodded, stepping aside without a word. Zeke climbed the stairs, his shoulders squared and tense.

Inside the plane, the interior was sleek and understated, the hum of engines a low, constant thrum. Umupo si Apollo sa tabi ko, magkahawak pa rin ang aming kamay na para bang ang pagbitaw ay nangangahulugang pagkawala sa isa't isa sa unos na kakaharapin namin. The warmth of his palm against mine anchored me, even as my heart pounded in anticipation.

Isinandal ko ang aking ulo sa kanyang matikas na balikat, exhaustion swept over me like a tidal wave. Ramdam ko ang kanyang mga titig na punong-puno ng pinaghalong pag-aalala at lambing. "Elle," mahina niyang sabi, "are you tired? We can delay this, baby. We don't have to go today. We can wait until you're ready."

Mabilis akong umiling, pinipisil ang kanyang kamay. "I just need a moment to rest. But no, I don't want to wait another day. I need to know who did this, Apollo. I need to face him," bulong ko, closing my eyes for a brief moment, trying to gather my strength.

Bahagyang tumango si Apollo, the subtle tension in his frame easing as he held me as the plane took off.

Nagising ako nang maramdaman kong banayad na bumagal ang eroplano, namumungay ang aking mata as I felt the subtle shift beneath my feet. Ang boses ni Apollo ang una kong narinig, mababa at ay lambing. "We're here," aniya, his hand brushing mine for reassurance. Tumango ako, running through me as the reality of where we were... and what was about to happen... settled in my chest.

Pag-apak namin sa rooftop, sumalubong sa amin ang pamilyar na init ng hangin, mingling with the sharp breeze that whipped through my hair. Ang lungsod sa ibaba ay nakakalat sa isang tagpi-tagping mga ilaw at mga gusali, the hum of life muted by our altitude but palpable in the distance. The scent of the sea, mixed with the distinct aroma of warm concrete and city smog, clung to the wind.

Sa harap namin ay may mga nakahilera at naghihintay na mga naka-unipormeng mga lalaki, each clad in tailored black coats with subtle, bulletproof layers peeking from beneath, exuding authority. The emblem on their chests... a sleek eagle with its wings unfurled was stitched in silver thread, with the building's name, Aguila, emblazoned beneath it. Nang maglakad si Apollo, nakuha nila lalo ang aking atensyon nang sila ay sabay-sabay na sumaludo. "Sir!" their voices resonant against the concrete walls of the helipad.

Apollo gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable but commanding, before gently guiding me with a hand at the small of my back. "Come on," bulong niya, the warmth of his breath barely reaching my ear but enough to steady me. His presence was as assured as the steel lines of his charcoal suit, hugging his broad shoulders and tapering down to a polished belt. The sharp crease of his trousers spoke of discipline, while the hint of a cufflink bearing his initials added a personal touch. His dark tie lay flawlessly against a crisp white shirt, completing the image of a man who embodied power and elegance.