The Gangster Princess

Chapter 17

Chapter 17 – Feverish Confessions

Reid Dale Go

Aisha's cheeks were puffed in frustration as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her hair was messy from all the frosting war, but she still looked adorable—like a cupcake that just exploded but still looks edible. I smirked as I watched her whine.

“Reid! Why’d you waste the icing?” she pouted like a child denied of candy.

I just shrugged, wiping a streak of cream on her cheek again, just to piss her off. “Trip ko lang,” I said nonchalantly.

“Bwisit ka!”

It didn’t take long before it turned into a full-on frosting war. She smeared more on my face, laughing like a maniac, then smacked a piece of cake straight into my face.

“Fuck,” I muttered, blinking through the frosting.

She burst into laughter, the kind that echoed through the kitchen walls and settled in the corners of my chest.

I hate how her laugh makes me feel things I don’t want to admit

☽ a//z ☾

Later that night, I stood by the doorway, watching her sleep on my bed. Her small frame curled beneath the sheets, hair cascading on the pillow like a messy halo. She looked fragile, but I knew better. That girl was a chaos wrapped in softness, and somehow, she got under my skin.

I sat on the edge of the bed, eyes locked on her face.

I glanced at her now, lying unconscious on my bed, hair sprawled on my pillows like waves of obsidian silk. Her lashes kissed her cheeks, her skin pale, and her brows slightly furrowed in discomfort. She looked fragile—like glass you’d want to protect but not dare touch.

She’s mine now.

I sat beside her, leaning in close.

“Goodnight, Aisha. From now on, you’re officially mine,” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek, “And I’m officially yours.”

I lay beside her, not touching her, just watching her breathe.

☽ a//z ☾

Cough. Cough.

A soft whimper woke me. I snapped up instantly.

“Ang sakit...” she murmured through her tears. Fuck.

I reached out, pressing the back of my hand on her forehead. Shit. She was burning up.

“Reid…” she cried, then suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck. “Don’t go. Dito ka lang. Don’t leave me. You said I’m your girlfriend, right?”

The words hit me different. No girl had ever held me like that. No girl had ever sounded so damn helpless.

“I won’t leave you,” I said, holding her tighter. “I’ll always be here.”

☽ a//z ☾

I cooked her lugaw habang tulog siya. My movements were sharp but precise. Sanay ako sa buhay delikado—hindi sa kitchen—but for her, I was willing.