Embrace the Suck (Bad, #1)

Chapter Fifteen

I remained unmoving, my breath caught as I tried to process what's happening. Saint is hugging me. Why is he hugging me? Is this for real? Did I pass out earlier and now I'm just dreaming?

I was scared to move. I was scared that I'd wake up if this was a dream. I was scared that even if this wasn't a dream, Saint won't be here and I'm just imagining things.

"I'm here now, Little Red," he murmured, his voice low and soft against my ears. His warm breath fanned the shell of my ear.

I bit my quivering lip. Tears threatened my eyes but I did everything to stop it from falling. I closed my eyes, shutting it tightly.

I slowly raised my fist and slammed it against his chest. I intended to hurt him but I was too weak that I doubt it caused him any pain.

"Why?" I asked, my voice frail.

I have so many questions that I wanted to throw at him but my mouth was only capable of saying a few words. Sa isang salita pa nga lang ay nahirapan na akong sabihin, pakiramdam ko ay mababasag ang boses ko kapag hindi ako nag-ingat. There's something about him that makes me feel so vulnerable.

His arm tightened around my waist. His hand held the back of my head, guiding me to his chest. I buried my face against it. His addictive and strong scent filled my nose as I breathed.

"I'm sorry," he heedfully said.

Two words and the days of pain and misery didn't matter. I snaked my arms around my waist. I felt his body relaxed at my move. My heart pleasingly squeezed. My hands gripped at the back of his shirt.

"I hate seeing you with that girl," I bitterly spat. I could hear the insecurity and hurt coated in my voice.

He briefly but sexily chuckled. "She's just a friend."

"They said she's your ex-fling," I countered.

"Ex, Kenna," he gently replied.

I didn't like it. I don't like the visuals that I'm getting my head. Saint kissing her. Saint on top of her. Saint taking her to her zenith... It made me feel sick in the stomach.

"I still hate it." My lips pouted on its own. I sounded like a petulant kid.

He brushed the back of my hair. A prominent weight settled on top of my head. I think his lips were pressed against my hair. Bigla akong na-conscious. I showered earlier but I probably smell like strong alcohol and sweat.

He deeply sighed. "You won't see her with me anymore."

My lips twitched until it curved into a smile. I hugged him tighter. My chest felt heavy and light at the same time. My heart swelled from overflowing happiness. I tipped my head back to properly look at him. He was already looking down at me.

"Do you wanna come in?"

He shook his head. "You should rest."

I tried to keep my smile intact but it faltered. I shouldn't be clingy. Saint's known for flings... So, he must hate clingy girls?

I forced myself to smile for him. I unclasped my arms from his waist and gradually took a step back. Saint's perceptive eyes followed me as I placed a safe distance between us. It's like he's trying to read every move that I make.

"I'll rest." I nodded, my lips still curved upward.

Hindi sumagot si Saint. Tinitigan niya lang ako. Nailang ako sa hindi pagsagot at pagtitig niya sa akin kaya inangat ko ang kamay ko at kumaway pa sa kanya bilang paalam.

"Bye." I waved my hand with a sheepish grin.

Saint let out a breath. A hint of irritation crossed his face. His hand grabbed the hand that was suspended in the air and pulled me towards my gate.