Tides of Betrayal (Casa del Pueblo Series #1)

Kabanata forty-one

Kabanata forty-one

Peace

Halos hindi ko napigilan ang aking tuwa habang pumapasok ako sa aming banyo. AFter a quick shower, I dried off, my heart racing as I open the large box na dinala dito ni Malik kanina.

Sa loob ay nakalatag at nakatupi ng maayos ang isang damit, a vibrant red, like a flame that promised to ignite the evening. Malambot ang tela, umaagos na parang tubig, and as I slipped it on, I gasped. The back was daringly backless, showcasing my skin in a way that made me feel both vulnerable and empowered. I twirled in front of the mirror, the dress swirling around me, at ang pag-igting ng tuwa ay tuluyang bumalot sa akin.

I moved on to my makeup, choosing soft hues that accentuated my features while maintaining an air of elegance. Finally, I slipped into a pair of sleek black stilettos. Namuo ang kaba sa aking dibdib habang papalapit ang oras.

Paglabas ko ng aming mansyon, binalot ako ng malamig na hangin. Ang mahinang tunog ng alon ang gumabay sa aking mga hakbang habang naglalakad ako patungo sa harap ng dalampasigan.

The moonlight illuminated the path, creating a shimmering trail on the sand.

Habang papalapit ako, I saw it... an intimate setup bathed in candlelight. A table was set with delicate candles, each one flickering softly in the twilight. Their varying heights adorned the center, their flames dancing gently in the breeze.

And there stood Apollo. He was impossibly handsome in a crisp white shirt, the fabric fitting perfectly against his muscular frame, with the sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, veined forearms. His dark hair fell in artful disarray, adding to the raw appeal he carried with such ease. Ngunit ang mga mata niya ang nakabihag sa akin... deep and intense, with a glimmer that mirrored the ocean under the starlit sky. His gaze held that elusive combination of strength and warmth... hindi 'yon natitinag. That could make whoever he looked at feel like they were the only person in the world. They sparkled subtly as if they were lit from within, cradling a quiet, unspoken tenderness. In that moment, those eyes, rich and compelling, seemed to soften as they met mine, drawing me into a world where time felt suspended.

I could hardly breathe... he looked both charming and undeniably captivating, as though the universe itself paused to take notice of him.

Habang nagsimula akong maglakad palapit, ang buhangin sa ilalim ng aking takong ay bahagyang gumalaw, making each step a challenge. Just as I wobbled, naramdaman ko ang matigas na braso na pumulupot sa akin. Apollo scooped me up effortlessly, lifting me off the ground.

"Careful there, hot stuff," panunukso niya, his voice warm and playful. "I'd hate for you to face-plant before our romantic dinner." hindi ko napigilang tumawa.

He carried me toward the table, setting me down gently as I caught my breath. Underneath the soft glow of the candles, I could see his smile widen, his eyes filled with mischief and affection.

Apollo moved to pull out a chair for me, his gesture both gallant and sweet. Umupo ako sa upuan, isang mapaglarong ngiti ang sumilay sa aking labi. "What's all this?" tanong ko, my curiosity piqued.

Apollo leaned over, one hand resting on the back of my chair as he bent close, so close I could feel his breath against my cheek. His voice dropped lower, rough with something I couldn't quite name. "Patience, lil missy," aniya, his eyes catching the candlelight. "You'll find out soon enough."

He straightened, and for a heartbeat, the air between us felt electric, charged with anticipation.

Umalingawngaw sa hangin ang halimuyak ng masasarap na pagkain. Hindi ko maiwasang mapansin kung paano niya ako tingnan, filled with admiration and desire. Each bite was savored, but it was the connection between us that made my heart race.