Stonehearts 7: Ruby

Twenty Seven

"Marco," My words died. Walang ibang salitang sumunod na lumabas sa bibig ko.

I'm drowning with the thundering of my heart. It's so loud I can't breathe properly. I don't know what he heard or to what extent did he see. Hindi ko siya napansin.

Shit.

Dapat hindi ako nagpadala.

He clenched his jaw, he's staring directly at Bryce. Eyes sharp and stance ready to pounce. Ngayon lang sila nagkita. Hindi nga nila alam ang itsura ng isa't-isa. But the tension is so thick I feel it strangling the living hell out of me.

"Arcie, please come here." Marco spat through his tightly locked teeth. It's obvious that he's warring with himself just so he can talk to me calmly.

I weakly moved my feet. My head's a mess. I don't know where I'll go but I know it's right to be at Marco's side. However, Bryce disapproves of it. Two steps towards Marco, his hand come up, grabbing me by my elbow.

"Let. Go." Marco growled. I can feel how deadly his aura is. He's fisting and unfisting his hands and I know he's close to combusting with mad flames.

I peered back at Bryce and plead to him with my eyes. I can't speak, my throat is locked shut.

He's not looking at me. He's staring back at Marco, matching his look with his own glare.

"Bryce. Let me go." I choked out.

His eyes descended on me. Mataman niya akong tinitigan, may hinahanap siyang hindi ko mawari kung ano. Hanggang sa lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sa'kin at unti-unting siyang bumitaw.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment. With wobbly legs, I made my way to Marco. He hadn't move an inch, his eyes never left Bryce. I can smell the faint scent of alcohol when he tucked me securely in his arms.

"I'm sorry, Marco." I whispered against his chest.

He was too preoccupied with Bryce's presence, I bet he didn't hear me. His arms were around me, holding me tensely tight against him. I know he's doing it to spite Bryce, to show him to whom I belong.

I heard footsteps nearing to where we are. I tugged on the back of Marco's shirt and peered at him. "Marco, uwi na tayo." My voice is so faint, even I had a hard time hearing it myself.

He didn't break eye contact with Bryce though. He's still looking at him, threatening him as he shoots invisible daggers with his eyes. Ngayon ko lang siya nakitang ganito, he's never the person to break under tension.

"Ikaw." Marahas niyang sabi. "Minsan ko lang sasabihin sa'yo 'to. 'Wag na 'wag kang lalapit kay Arcie. Kung ano man ang mayroon kayo, matagal nang tapos 'yon."

"Marco, tama na. Halika na." Muling udyok ko sa kanya. Kumawala ako sa pagkakaakap niya sa'kin at sinubukang hatakin siya palayo gamit ang braso niya.

But he wouldn't budge. His feet are seemed to be nailed to the freaking floor.

"Save your words to yourself. I don't answer to you." Bryce spat out. My eyes felt like saucers as I gave him a look. Like Marco, he doesn't entertain my presence. Pinapatay niya rin ng sama ng tingin ang lalaking nasa tabi ko.

"Bryce!" Suway ko sa kanya saka ko binalik ang atensyon ko kay Marco.

I tugged his arm forcefully this time, hoping to God he'll toe the line. Instead, he shoved me carefully to the side and shielded me from Bryce using his body.

"I'm going to repeat it again, dahil mukhang hindi mo naintindihan kanina. Stay. The. Fuck. Away. From. My. Girl." Marco growled, his form rigid and taut.