Decadence [Published]

Chapter 58

Twitter: #Decadence @EinahWP

➳ Chapter 58

Araw-araw ang ginagawang paghatid-sundo sa akin ni Matteo sa aking internship. He's becoming more and more clingy each day, and it's starting to get under my skin.

His efforts, though, will never go unnoticed and unappreciated. Simula nang magkabalikan kami ay naging mas maingat na ito sa kanyang mga salita at galaw. It seems like he's scared of something.

"I got it," bulong ni Matteo mula sa aking likod habang inaangat ang zipper ng suot kong dress.

Madame Senator has invited me over for a fancy dinner. It's a closed one, and only her trusted colleagues are going to be there. It's such an honor to have me by her special occasion.

Agad kong pinaunlakan ang paanyaya ng Senadora dahil mag-bebenefit ako sa lakad nito. This is exposure. Kung balak kong pasukin ang mundo ng pulitika, isa itong magandang hakbang.

Nagpasama ako kay Matteo upang mag-shopping para sa isusuot ko. The paranoid man agreed without a second thought. Hindi na talaga ito mapakali na mawawala sa ako sa paningin kahit sandali.

"Does this look good to me?" I asked, feeling conscious. Nagsukat ako ng isang black evening gown at ipinarada ito sa kanyang paningin. I don't want to look overdressed. I need his opinion.

Matteo's deep gaze penetrated every bit of my skin. Umirap ako sa kawalan nang mapagtantong hindi naman ito nagpe-pay attention sa gown kundi sa balat na ipinapakita ko mismo.

"Of course," I retorted back sarcastically. "I always look good." I crossed my arms and gave him a pointed look. Sana ay hindi ko na lang talaga ito niyayang sumama sa akin.

Hindi na nga nakatulong, nangunsumi pa.

Mula sa pagkakaupo, Matteo stood up and took a step closer to me. Hindi ako nagpatinag at matapang na sinalubong ang nagliliyab niyang mga mata. The look on his face was predatory.

And it excites me.

I shook my head and slapped the thought away. Matiim niya akong tinitigan na tila may sinusuri sa aking magandang mukha. Nagtaas ako ng kilay at muli siyang inirapan.

Huminga nang malalim si Matteo at pinasadahan niya ng palad ang kanyang buhok. Then, his gaze went up and down, carefully studying the fabric and design. Gumalaw ang kanyang panga.

"Go change," mariin niyang utos. Hinaplos niya ang aking baywang. "This one is provocative."

Tumawa ako at binigyan siya ng isang hindi makapaniwalang tingin. "Who would get provoked? Government officials ang makakasama natin sa dinner na iyon."

Umiling si Matteo, ayaw magpatalo.

"This is far from provocative," giit ko.

"No," Matteo stated firmly. He lazily pointed at the fitting room. "Let me choose something else. I'll be back."

At ang ending, kagustuhan niya ang nasunod. It's very ironic that he likes to call me stubborn, but he's actually the epitome of one. Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay napapansin kong nag-iiba ang kilos ni Matteo.

He suddenly became achingly controlling, lalong-lalo na sa pananamit ko. Matteo would reprimand me from time to time, and I'm damn close to snapping at him. Tinitiis ko lang kasi salaulang tunay ang gago. Ano ba naman iyong kaunting pag-compromise?

"Come on," aniya sa mahinahong tono. Matteo's warm hand touched the small of my back and urged me to walk.

He's my date. Pumayag ang Senadora na magdala ako ng plus one. Just make sure na hindi ito magulo at marunong makipagkapwa tao sa isang pormal na okasyon.