The Queen (Book 2)

Chapter 2

Nagising ako, ramdam na ramdam ang sakit ng ulo ko.

"Ugh, damn hangover," I groaned, clutching my throbbing head. "Stupid liquor. I swear I'm never drinking again. It feels like a freight train crashed into my skull. Ughhh!"

I grimaced, trying to shake off the frustration. As soon as I heard that unmistakable voice, my eyes shot open.

Romeo.

I could recognize that voice anywhere. I glanced around the room in panic.

"Oh crap! This isn't my room," I muttered, realizing I was in unfamiliar surroundings. I checked myself—what was I wearing? A huge white shirt that looked more like a dress on me, with only my bra and underwear underneath. No shorts in sight.

"Oh shit!" I turned to Romeo, who had a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

"Last night was a blast, Juliet," he said, barely containing his laughter. I buried my face in my hands. I'm a classic idiot who can't remember anything after a few drinks, which is just lovely.

Romeo leaned in closer, a smirk still on his face. "Don't worry, nothing happened. You didn't get me pregnant or anything."

I smacked him playfully. "Idiot," I retorted, though he just laughed it off.

His attire was no less amusing, a formal black coat over a white long-sleeve shirt, paired with gray slacks. He looked like he was headed for a photoshoot.

"Saan ka pupunta?" I asked, trying to make sense of his outfit.

"Don't drool too much, Juliet," he teased. "You've already had a taste of all this. No need to fantasize."

I made a face of disgust and threw a pillow at him, which he deftly dodged.

"Calm down, ako lang 'to," he said, feigning innocence. "I've got a meeting to get to, so make yourself at home. There's some milk and hangover soup on the kitchen counter."

He sat down across from me, a serious look now replacing his smirk. "As much as I'd love to chat, I've got errands."

"You look more like a model than an office guy," I remarked without thinking.

"Well, thank you," he said with a flourish, laughing at his own reflection. "Eat up and I'll drop you off at your condo. You'll need to freshen up."

"I can't drive," I said, reaching for the pajamas he handed me.

"Consider it my pleasure, Juliet. Wear these pajama bottoms so you don't end up in public in just your panties. People might think something scandalous happened, even though it was all in your head." Epal amp.

I slipped into the pajamas and followed him out. To my surprise, the hallway outside his condo looked exactly like mine.

"Oh Jesus," I muttered.

Romeo stopped, sensing my shock. "You live here too?"

"Yeah, what floor are you on?" he asked, smiling.

"18th floor," I said, watching his grin widen.

"Perfect. I'm on the 16th."

He walked me to my unit but didn't come inside, citing his meeting. "I might move to your floor so we're neighbors, or you could just move in with me. Or, you know, I could move into your place. Sounds like a great idea, right?" he said with a proud grin.

"Crazy," I replied, feeling his kiss on my cheeks before he left.

"Rest up, I'm off. See you later," he said, waving goodbye.