Shipwrecked Hearts

Navigare 11

Tahimik akong bumaba sa Siren Steel, sinalubong naman ako ni Maximo nang nasa deck na ako. "You've passed the standards of the council. You're officially a part of my crew now."

I simply nodded. Should I be happy or sad?

Mula sa kabilang dako ay nakita kong tina-transport na ang mga weaponries na nanakaw. I don't know but I felt like I have betrayed my father. Hinawakan ni Maximo ang aking kamay dahilan upang tignan ko siya. "Err, may I ask why?"

He gave me a knowing look. "Don't let your guilt consume you." Saad niya sa akin at saka niya ako binitawan. I don't know if he was encouraging me or what, but it somehow helped me realize that I was in deed, feeling the sense of guilt. How many lives have I killed? Yes, they might be criminals but how am I different now from the ones I've murdered?

Probably worse.

"By the way, I've got this newspaper from the cargo ship. It has your face on it." Sabi ni Maximo, kinuha ko ang newspaper at binasa ang headline.

Akira Kara mysteriously disappears at a cruise ship.

The media has no idea. Stupid folks. I smirked at the thought. Somehow, this piece of paper helped me divert my attention, but it all came back to me again—how can I live my remaining days while facing the guilt and fear from being hunted by those I've commanded to kill?

Sa gitna ng aking pag-iisip ay muling hinawakan ni Maximo ang aking kamay, "let's go."

"Go where?"

"You'll know when we get there." Simpleng sagot niya, hinila niya ako papunta sa siyudad, dahil lumulubog na ang araw ay nakita ko ang unti-unting pagbubukas ng mga lantern na nakasabit sa pangalawang palapag ng bawat mga bahay.

Tinahak namin ni Maximo ang bakanteng espasyo sa pagitan ng dalawang gusali, naglakad kami roon. Tahimik ko na lang siyang sinunod. Dahil nasa likuran niya lamang ako ay hindi ko maiwasang pagmasdan ang kan'yang kabuuan.

His jet-black curly hair was let loose, it emphasized his chiseled jaw. My eyes went down to his bare arms, those full and buffed arms, my eyes followed the trail of his veins and gulped. "Are we there yet?" I asked when he looked at me to check on me, umiwas naman ako ng tingin. It felt like I was caught doing something bad.

"A few more minutes." Sagot niya sa akin. We were greeted by an animal trail, the sides of it were tall wild grasses and oak trees, we followed the trail, pagkatapos ay may hagdan na bitak-bitak. The edge of it was embraced with green moss. Binitawan ako ni Maximo, somehow, the warmth of his hand was glued to my skin. I suddenly longed for his rough hand on me again.

I Shook the thought away. Umakyat kami gamit ang hagdan, unti-unti kong nakita ang nasa dulo, it seems like a patio, the rooftop was covered with vines, its railings were cracked with weeds between it. Pumasok kami ni Maximo sa loob nito.

"Welcome to my haven." He grinned, "now, look." He went behind me, naramdaman ko ang dalawang kamay niya sa magkabilang dulo ng aking ulo, he directed my gaze towards my side and I saw the ocean. I felt my eyes twinkling. The ocean seems to be painted with different hues and colors—the ships.

Doon ko lang napagtanto na nasa talampas kami, it gave a vivid view of the sea and the city below us as well. This place is too grand to be true, yet here it is.

The entire ocean was like a canvas of colors, of ships, sailing North, East, and all directions. "All of it is mine." Maximo's other hand went down to my other hand, I felt my heart skip beats. The thought of Vanz and my old life sunk down to the floor of the deepest seas. All I could think of right now was how Maximo was making me insane. By his touch, warmth, and voice. "Now you will share it with me too, whether you like it or not."

"H-Huh?"

I felt the warm breath of Maximo stroking my nape as he was behind me, "The test wasn't just any test to recruit you—it was a test to see how suited you are to be beside me and you passed, you will be the queen of all the pirates, you will share the throne with me." I opened my mouth but no words came out, I've been surprised again. "And you will give me babies."

Babies?!

Humarap ako kay Maximo, ramdam ko ang pamumula ng aking pisngi. Thank god it was already dark, he can't see the redness of my face. Isn't he being too straightforward?!

"Babies, aren't you asking too much?" I managed.

Tumawa si Maximo, "babies." He repeated. Nagulat ako nang bigla na lang niya akong sinunggaban ng malalim na halik.

My hands automatically went on his hard shoulders as I felt my knees weakening, he passionately bit my lips, forcing me to open my mouth, and when I did, I felt his tongue colliding against mine. The taste of sweet menthol covered my sanity. How can he make me lose myself?

After that, he broke the kiss and left me wanting for more. My wet lips were shuddering because of the sudden cold.

"That's it for tonight, Starfish." Maximo grinned, pleased to himself. "Let's go back."