"So... what's your name?" Kai asked, his eyes bright with curiosity. May pakiramdam akong paniwalang-paniwala talaga siyang interesado ako sa kaniya.
For a moment, I hesitated. Giving out my real name felt like too much of a commitment. Instead, I flashed a small, controlled smile.
"Victoria," I said, using my sister's middle name without skipping a beat. Hindi na rin iyon bago sa akin. Laging ang pangalan ni Gabby ang ginagamit ko sa ganito. I didn't ever want to be rude with strangers dahil baka mas lalo ko pang ikapahamak kaya ginagamit ko na lang ang Victoria, may maisagot lang.
"Victoria." He rolled the name over his tongue like he was tasting it. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman."
I gave a short laugh, hoping it would keep the conversation light. "Thanks."
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Icen still watching me, the corners of his mouth curling into a subtle smirk as if he knew exactly what I was doing—and found it amusing. My pulse quickened, and I resisted the urge to glance his way again.
"So, Victoria..." Kai leaned closer, his elbows resting on the bar as he gave me his full attention. "What brings you to Cebu? Vacation? Work?"
I shrugged, swirling the ice in my glass. "Something like that."
"Well," Kai said smoothly, "if you need someone to show you around, I'm your guy."
Marunong akong manapak. Isa iyon sa mga bagay na natutuhan ko kanila Dad at Zander. I also owned a gun, kaya hindi rin ako natatakot sa mga tulad ni Kai.
I gave him a polite smile, pretending to consider his offer. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kai's gaze lingered on me, a little too eager. I could feel Icen's stare burning into the side of my head, and the tension twisted tighter in my chest.
This was dangerous territory. Too many eyes on me. And one gaze in particular that I knew I wouldn't escape tonight.
Nagpatuloy ang aming usapan ni Kai. Sinasakyan ko lang rin ang mga topic na binubuksan niya, hindi ko siya tinataboy pero hindi ko rin naman masyadong ini-entertain. Nakita kong bumaling ang kaniyang mga mata sa baso ko na halos paubos na, ngumisi siya.
I gave a small nod, hindi ko gustong tanggihan dahil alam kong kahit paano ay kailangan ko ng kahit anong magpapaalis kay Icen sa aking isipan.
Out of habit, I glanced toward the corner of the bar—and there he was, still watching me like he had all the time in the world. His gaze was steady, unwavering, as if no conversation or distraction could pull him away from whatever game he was playing with me. I hated how my pulse fluttered under the weight of his stare, hated how I could still feel the ghost of his touch on my skin. Para bang nang sandaling dumantay ang kaniyang mga palad sa akin ay umimprenta iyon sa bawat himaymay ng aking katawan. If that was even possible.
A woman took the empty seat next to him, her body language confident and flirtatious. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi sila panuorin mula sa kinaroroonan ko. She leaned in, her hand casually brushing against his arm, flashing him a playful smile. I almost rolled my eyes. If only she knew. Poor girl. Wasting her time on someone who had no interest in her—or at least not in the way she was hoping. Bakla 'yan, teh!
Icen didn't brush her off. He engaged in the conversation easily, offering her just enough of his attention to keep her interested, all the while keeping his eyes on me. It was as if every word he spoke to her was meant for me. And the worst part? It was working. Ni hindi ko magawang alisin sa kaniya ang atensyon ko.
"Earth to Victoria," Kai's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned back to him, forcing a polite smile.
"Sorry," I said, swirling the ice in my empty glass. "Got a little distracted."
