In the Shadow of Diamond (COMPLETED)

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

Isang araw nang lumapag kami ng Florida. The house itself was massive, a sprawling Mediterranean-style villa. White stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and huge windows that overlooked the polo fields in the distance. Ang sabi ni Cronus, dito kami mags-stay in the next few days. Hindi ko mapigilang mamangha. Ngayon lang naman ako nakapunta sa ganitong lugar.

"You'll meet my cousins later. They're the core of the team."

Nilingon ko siya na ngayon ay kagagaling lang sa banyo. Nakatapis pa ang puting tuwalya sa kaniyang baywang. Basa pa ang buhok.

"Cousins?"

Hmm, siguro sila iyong napag-usapan namin nina Mona at Diana. I had been wondering about them for a while.

"Yeah. Why?"

"I didn't realize your family was so involved in all of this."

"Polo's been in our family for generations, Satin."

Tumangu-tango ako. Grabe, ang expensive talaga ng pamilya niya.

"Oh, okay."

Sa buong buhay ko, kailanman ay hindi pa ako nakakapanood ng personal na polo match. Kaya hindi ko alam kung ano ang aasahan ko.

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo at nilapitan ang isa sa mga bintana ng villa. Kitang-kita ang polo fields, at sa malayo, nakikita ko na may ilang kabayo na nag-eensayo. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng excitement.

Maaga pa naman, nag-breakfast muna kami bago siya nag-prepare. After breakfast, I took my time to get ready, choosing something casual. I opted for a flowy white sundress that hit just above my knees, and flat sandals in neutral tones. I paired them with a wide-brimmed straw hat to protect my face from the sun.

The polo grounds were alive with activity as Cronus led me outside to meet his cousins, his team. I never heard about them, kaya medyo kinakabahan ako. Alam kaya nila na kasal na si Cronus? Hindi ko iyon naitanong sa kaniya.

"That's Gyro," Cronus said, gesturing toward a man standing with his arms crossed near the field.

Gyro was tall, with broad shoulders and a piercing gaze that seemed to scan the horizon like a hawk looking for its prey.

"He's the leader of the team." dagdag niya pa.

Gyro turned at the mention of his name, his expression cool but assessing as his sharp eyes fell on me. Lumakad siya palapit sa amin.

"Hi, nice to meet you." aniya at naglahad ng kamay.

I smiled politely to mask the slight discomfort his piercing gaze caused. Bakit parang hindi siya iyong tipo ng tao na ngumingiti?

Cronus pointed to a tall, broad man adjusting his helmet. He was built like a wall, muscular, imposing, but there was a hint of playfulness in his eyes that made him seem approachable despite his size, may tattoo rin ito pero hindi mukhang makalat tingnan kasi bagay sa kaniya. May kasama itong isa pang lalaki, his hand resting on his polo mallet. He had a different energy from the others. His black hair was longer than the other. Ang mga mata niya ay kulay dark brown na halos itim.

"Dirk! Darius!" Cronus called.

Lumapit ang dalawa sa amin.

"This is Satin, my wife," pakilala niya sa akin. "They are my cousins. Dirk, Darius and Gyro."

Dirk flashed me a grin, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Pleasure," he said, extending a hand.

"Thank you," sagot ko.