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Parang nasa ibang planeta ang tatlo na panay ang tingin sa may counter at tinatanong ang isa't-isa kung anong nagyayari. Kung bakit walang waiter na lumalapit sa kanila. Kung bakit may nakapila sa counter.

Napailing siya saka hinawakan ang kamay ni Knight at hinila ito patungong counter.

"Another Book of your Life experience, baby." Aniya kay Knight.

And Knight got so excited.

"Anong gagawin ko?" Tanong sa kaniya ni Knight ng nasa unahan na ito.

Tinuro niya ang listahan ng pagkain na nasa harapan nila, "pumili ka lang diyan— kahit na ano."

And Knight followed her instruction until the girl behind the counter starts asking.

"And drinks po, iced tea, coke or pineapple? Large ho ba or regular? Ang fries po, large or regular or jumbo po? Mayroon po kaming float, add lang po kayo ng ilang pesos para ma upgrade ang drinks niyo po kung gusto niyo ho, Sir."

And Knight looked back at her. "Baby, 911. Ang bilis niyang magsalita."

Mahina siyang natawa saka siya na ang nakipag-usap sa babaeng nasa likod ng counter.

At last, natapos din silang mag order at nakabalik na sila sa mesa nila kung saan naghihintay si Cloud at Jacques.

"Whew!" Knight wiped off an imaginary sweat on his forehead, "I panicked. That was scary. Ang bilis niyang magsalita. Large at Jumbo lang ang narinig ko."

Mahina siyang natawa saka siya na ang namigay ng pagkain sa tatlong kasama at iniabot ang walang lamang tray sa staff na dumaan.

"Okay... let's eat." Aniya na may matamis na ngiti sa mga labi.

Pangiti-ngiti lang si SM habang kumakain sila. Jacques keeps on glaring at Knight who's stealing his fries while Cloud keeps on giving his fries to Jacques.

At nang maubos ni Knight ang sundae nito, kinuha nito ang sundae ni Jacques at pinuno nito iyon ng fries saka hinalo iyon sa sundae.

Knight grinned. "Yum!"

"Stop stealing my food!" Galit na sabi ni Jacques kay Knight na ngumisi lang.

Malakas namang bumuntong-hininga si Cloud saka binigay kay Jacques ang hindi pa nagagalaw nitong Sundae.

And that's how their late lunch goes.

Knight stealing food from Jacques and Cloud giving his food to Jacques. And SM was just watching the three interact with each other while smiling and sometimes chuckling.

These are the three crazy weird-ass people who's becoming a vital part of her life. Seriously, she doesn't even know what she'll do if one of them got hurt.

I'll definitely go Black Widow on their asses. She won't let anyone harm these three crazy weird-ass people in her life.

Over my dead body.



ߑѰߑѰߑэ
Thank you so much for your reads and comments and votes. It means a lot to me. You inspired and motivate me to be better. Thank you.

Announcement: I will be in Manila this coming July 14, 2019 for LIB and Booklat Rave Party — sort of an event with Book Signing. According to my publisher BAKA ma release ang THE BROKEN SOUL'S PLEA (Blake Vitale) sa event na 'yon. HOPEFULLY. It has two Special Chapters with tittles;
*VERDECT
*DAUGHTERS BY HEART
Dito niyo malalaman kung anong nangyari kay Lucky ☺️ Wala pa nga lang venue para
Sa event. I will inform you Inoxentes kapag may venue na.

While 'yong kay Blaze naman daw is sa susunod pang mga buwan ilalabas. Hindi ko lang alam kung kailan. It also has two special chapters.
*THE WEDDING
*ANOTHER DAY AT THE VITALE COMPOUND

Kapag lumabas, hopefully, you'll grab a copy. Para sa mga nasa abroad naman, PHR will surely release an e-book. At pasensiya na sa mga dito lang nagbabasa sa wattpad. Ito lang kasi ang naisip kong paraan para naman may aabangan pa ang mga bibili ng books kasi nabasa na nila rito sa wattpad ang buong kuwento ߘ؍

Anyways, Happy Reading ❤️
ߑѰߑѰߑэ

CHAPTER 25

SM WAS looking at the man sitting in front of her. Maybe in his early thirties. Isang lalaking hindi niya kilala na hinanap siya sa Café niya at gusto siyang nakausap. Kapagkuwan ay pinakita nito sa kaniya kaparehong sulat na pinakita sa kaniya ni Jacques nuong unang dating nito.

The Letter of Order to be her butler.

And this one is a well-known Businessman in France.

SM took a deep breath and smile. "I'm sorry that you have to came all the way to the Philippines for this, Mr. Ricafort."

"No." Anito na umiling, "this is an honor for me and my family, milady."

Her smile remains, "unfortunately, I cannot accept you. I already have Marquess Jacques Sotelo as my Butler."

Kumunot ang nuo ni Mr. Ricafort. "But there has been no announcement that you already accepted someone as your Butler. That means, you haven't yet signed his Letter of Order."

Tumango siya. "Yes, I still haven't, but i'm planning to. He already grows on me. I apologize."

Bahagyan namang yumukod ang kaharap. "If it is your decision, I'll respect it." Tumayo na ito saka nagpaalam, "I will take my leave now, milady."

May ngiti pa rin sa mga labi niya, "take care."

"Thank you, milady."

Pinagmasdan niya ang paglalakad ni Mr. Ricafort palabas ng Café niya kung saan nakasalubong nito ang Marquess sa labas ng pintuan.

And she saw how Jacques' face paled when he saw Mr. Ricafort. Kaagad itong nagmamadaling pumasok saka halos takbuhin ang pagitan nilang dalawa.

He looks worried and sad. "Please tell me you didn't accept him?"

Sa halip na sagutin ito, inilahad niya ang kamay dito. "Give me your Letter of Order."

And Jacques was like a boy scout, always ready. Inilabas nito mula sa wallet ang letter of order nito saka inabot sa kaniya. Siya naman ay walang imik na dinala iyon sa counter, kinuha ang ballpen na naroon saka pinirmahan 'yon bago ibinalik kay Jacques.

"Oh, heto."

Jacques was gaping at her. "Y-you're really accepting me?"

Tumango siya saka nginitian ang binata. "Yes. You're my only butler, right?"

"Yes!" He exclaimed before smiling widely. "Thank you, milady. I shall call my parents now. They'll be very happy."

Jacques was beaming with happiness as he steps outside the café to call his parents. Nakangiti naman siya habang nakatingin sa binata na may kausap na sa cellphone nito.

She knew she made the right decision. Jacques is a nice person.

And he can tolerate Knight weirdness and craziness ... so that's a plus fo her.

Akmang hahakbang na siya patungo sa opisina niya ng makita ang dalawang lalaki na nakasakay sa motorsiklo na dumaan sa harapan ng café at may ihinagis sa café niya.

Namilog ang mga mata niya ng makita kung ano 'yon.

A grenade!

Jacques!

But she got worried over nothing. Someone throw a knife at the grenade making it explode before it reach half way.

Ang nangyari, ang nagtapon ng granada ang nasabugan.

Kaagad siyang lumabas ng café at nag-aalalang nilapitan si Jacques. "Ayos ka lang ba?" Pinalibot niya ang tingin. "Who was that? Who threw that knife?"

"I have no idea." Ani Jacques bago nilapitan ang dalawang taong nakahandusay sa semento na wala nang buhay at kinunan iyon ng litrato.

Jacques was calm as he tapped his phone like he's texting someone as he returns back to her side.

Nang makalapit ito sa kaniya, may katawagan na ito sa cellphone. "— Yes. Fuck you, Count. I sent you some photos. I think they're Triad."

"Si Knight ba 'yan?" Tanong niya sa Marquess.

Jacques looked at her. "Yes, Count, your baby is safe. I was the one who's outside you motherfucker. If someone got killed, that would be me." He tsked and gives her his phone, "he wants to talk to you."

Kaagad naman niyang tinanggap ang cellphone saka kinausap si Knight.

"Hey, baby—"

"Are you okay?" Puno ng pag-aalala ang boses nito.

"Ayos lang ako, Knight." Aniya.

"I'm coming to you."

"Huwag na—"

"Too late, mi reina." Anito saka may humaharurot na motorsiklong tumigil sa harapan niya.

When the Driver took off his helmet, it was Knight and when his lips formed that gorgeous smile, he was the hottest man alive for her.

"Hey, baby." Knight said as he unmount his motorcycle and took off the bluetooth earphone on his left ear.

The Marques whistled as he stared at Knight's motorcycle. "Suzuki Hayabusa... nice."

Ibinato ni Knight ang helmet nito kay Jacques na kaagad naman nitong nasalo saka lumapit sa kaniya ang kasintahan at hinalikan siya.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Tanong sa kaniya ni Knight ng maghiwalay ang mga labi nila.

Tumango siya saka napatingin sa dalawang lalaking nakahandusay na ngayon ay may kalalakihan nang naglalagay sa body bag at ipinasok ang mga ito sa itim na van.

"Wait— Knight—"

"It's okay." Pigil ni Knight sa kaniya na akmang lalapit sa dalawang lalaking nakahandusay. "They're my people. They're just cleaning up."

Kumalma siya saka napatingin kay Knight ng may tinawagan ito.

"Shun, I have an order. Hack my phone. There's a photo in there. Track those motherfuckers down. I need their location ASAP. No. I'm lazy as fuck. Just hacked it."

While staring at Knight, he looks so cool while talking on the phone and giving an order.

"— pause mo muna yang second honeymoon niyo ng asawa mo. I'm sure you can track those motherfuckers down in an hour. Do it now." Pinatay nito ang tawag saka may tinawagan pang isa, "North, stand by, I may need a clean up tonight. It'll be messy. And talk to the Police about this incident. Need to know basis only." He hanged up and then called another person, "Dimitri, come out and come in." Pinatay nito ang tawag saka hinawakan ang kamay niya at masuyo siyang hinila papasok ng café.

Sumunod naman si Marquess sa kanila habang hawak-hawak pa rin ang helment ni Knight.

"Why am I holding this anyway?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Marquess sa sarili saka ibinato nito pabalik ang helmet may Knight.

Ngumisi si Knight kay Marquess, "thanks for holding it for me, butler."

"Asshole." Tumalikod si Jacques saka niligpit ang pinagkainan ng mga costumer nilang kalalabas lang dahil natakot sa pagsabog.

"So pinirmahan mo na yong letter of order niya?" Tanong sa kaniya ni Knight habang pasulyap-sulyap kay Jacques, "tanggap mo na siya?"

Tumango siya. "He already grows on me."

"Hmm..." was all Knight said.

Halata namang hindi ito sangayon sa desisyon niya pero wala itong sinabi. He just let her decide and she know's he's trying to respect her decision even though he's against it.

Pagkatapos ipasok ni Marques ang mga pinagkainan sa kusina, lumapit ito sa kanila na masama ang tingin kay Knight.

"Cloud and I went to Divisoria." He was glaring at Knight. "It was all fake! Was it fun pranking me, Count?"

Knight laughed. "Nag enjoy ka ba? Maraming brand dun."

"Fuck you! I lost my wallet because of you. Good thing my letter of Order was in my other pocket!"

Tumatawa pa ring may kinuha si Knight sa bulsa sa likod ng pantalon nito at ibinigay iyon kay Jacques. "Here. Your wallet."

Natigilan si Jacques saka napatitig sa wallet nito. "How did you..."

"Sa tingin mo hahayaan kitang mag-ikot sa Divisoria ng walang bantay? You're a Marquess after all." Knight tsked. "Tanggapin mo na ang wallet mo. Nangangalay na ang kamay ko. Ngayon lang ako nakahawak ng wallet na mabigat."

May pagdududang tinitigan ng Marquess si Knight bago nito tinanggap ang wallet saka binuksan iyon.

Marquess checked every corner of his wallet before looking up at Knight. "Thanks."

"Hindi 'yan libre, baka akala mo. Nagpapalibre ang mga kaibigan kong may sayad at mga baliw na malapit nang ma-mental, ikaw ang pagbabayarin ko syempre kasi wala akong pera." Ngumisi ang kasintahan, "Shun will be very proud of me. I learn from the best."

Walang sabi-sabing ibinigay ni Jacques ang card nito kay Knight. "Here. Use this."

Kaagad na nalukot ang mukha ni Knight. "Marquess, sa may barbecue-han ko ililibre ang mga pang mental kong kaibigan. They don't accept credit card."

"Cheque?" Jacques asked.

"Ano 'yon, five star na barbecue-han?" Knight tsked. "Sasakalin ako ni Eva kapag binigyan ko siya ng cheque."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Jacques saka kinuha kay Knight ang credit card nito saka pinalitan iyon ng isa pang card. "Here. Just withdraw some money."

"How much?"

"How much do you need?"

Knight shrugged. "No idea. Depends on my mental friends mood and stomach."

"Then just withdraw how much you want."

"Okay." Knight replied.

Tumaas nalang ang kilay ni SM sa pinag-uusapan ng dalawa. Jacques really is something. Ganun ba talaga ang mga taong sobrang mayayaman? Ni hindi nga kumukurap kahit malaking halaga na ang pinag-uusapan o kahit libre?

When she's with Jacques, she always felt so poor.

Napabaling ang atensiyon ni SM sa pinto ng café niya ng bumukas iyon at pumasok ang isang lalaking naka puting t-shirt, ripped jeans, leather boots and sun glasses.

And the handsome man was playing with his pocket knife with his fingers.

"Boss." Anang lalaki saka lumapit kay Knight.

Kaagad na bumaling si Knight sa bagong dating. "Dimitri. The man who knifed the grenade."

Napatitig siya sa lalaking bagong dating.

Ito ang sumagip sa kanila? Jacques could have been hurt if not for this man.

"Thank you so much." Magiliw niyang nginitian ang lalaki. "Do you want some cake? Or coffee?"

Inalis muna si Dimitri ang suot na sunglasses saka tumingin sa kaniya bago sumagot sa kaniya. "I'm good, Ma'am."

Knight kissed her temple before speaking to Dimitri. "As you know, this is SM, my person." Tumingin sa kaniya si Knight. Gone the weird Knight. "Baby, this man is Dimitri Argyris, he's my personal Ultor, also known as punisher. And he has been protecting you for three days now."

Napatitig siya kay Dimitri. A punisher? Knight's personal punisher? Also a part of Organization, she thinks.

"Nice to meet you, Dimitri." Nakangiting aniya.

Parang may pag-aalala na tumingin si Dimitri kay Knight, "she knows? You told her without the consent from the higher up?"

Knight just shrugged. "I'll take care of it when the time comes."

"But Boss, the punishment will be severe—"

"Dimitri," Knight's cold eyes looked at Dimitri, "Don't scare my baby."

Pinakatitigan siya ni Dimitri bago ito huminga ng malalim saka nagbaba ng tingin. "Yes, boss."

Is everyone in the Organization like this? Just like Knight? Always saying yes? No questions asked?

Hinalikan siya sa nuo ng kasintahan, "kailangan ko nang umalis. My father wants me to clean up a house. Dimitri will be here with you and protect you. He can be trusted."

Tumango lang siya.

Clean up a house. Sounds innocent but it's not. It means ending lives and she knows that it's taking a tool on Knight. At hindi ito makahindi sa ama nito dahil kay Midnight na kailangan nitong protektahan.

Knight is being controlled by his father.

If only I have the power to free Knight from this burden.

Niyakap niya ng mahigpit ang kasintahan saka hinalikan ito sa pisngi bago bumulong sa tainga nito. "Mag-ingat ka. No wounds, please."

Nakangiting tumango si Knight saka hinalikan siya sa mga labi bago lumabas ng café niya.

Nakatingin lang siya kay Knight hanggang sa makaalis ito gamit ang motorsiklo.

And then she looked at Dimitri.

He looks so serious, maybe he's not a weird person like Cloud, Jacques and Knight.

She's hoping.

Nginitian niya si Dimitri bago iminuwestra ang kamay sa bakanteng mesa. "Upo ka na muna. May gusto ka bang kainin, Dimitri?" Natigilan siya saka nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin sa lalaki, "can I call you Dimitri? Or You prefer Mr. Argyris?"

"Dimitri will do." Anito sa walang emosyong boses.

"Okay, Dimitri," she smiled sweetly at him, "please have a sit and let me offer you a coffee."

Tumango lang ito saka walang imik na umupo.

Samantala si Jacques naman ay titig na titig kay Dimitri bago siya kinausap. "He seems like a scary type, milady."

"Hindi mo masasabi 'yon hanggat hindi mo siya nakakasama." Aniya kay Jacques. "Give him the benefit of the doubt."

The Marquess nodded. "Fine, if milady says so."

Nginitian niya si Jacques. "Dalhan mo siya ng kape saka sandwich at saka bigyan mo rin siya ng cake. We should thank him for saving us earlier."

Tinuro ni Jacques ang sarili. "Me? Do you know how scary he looks at people with his cold eyes and sharp glare?"

Mahina siyang natawa saka inayos ang pink apron nitong suot. "I'm sure no one can resist the pink apron, Jacq."

Napangiwi si Jacques. "I don't think this apron will work on him, milady."

Natawa siya. "You can do it."

Kumuyom ang kamao ng Marques na para bang sinasabing 'kaya ko 'to' bago tumango saka dinalhan nga ng kape at pagkain si Dimitri tulad ng sinabi niya.

At nakamasid lang siya sa dalawa. Analyzing and understanding their subtle movements. She can't help it— she's always like this. Observing the people around her like her mother taught her.

Jacques was serving coffee, sandwich and cake to Dimitri while Dimitri was looking at Jacques from head to toe like he's trying to understand him.

And when Dimitri couldn't help it anymore, he asked. "What's with the pink apron, Lord Jacques?"

So Dimitri knows Jacques. Looks like they really run on the same circle.

The Marquess smiled. "For milady."

"You're a Marquess," Dimitri pointed out, "but you're serving her?"

"I'm her butler." Jacques looks proud.

Bumukas ang gulat sa mukha ni Dimitri. "Is she... someone important?"

Ngumiti lang ang Marquess saka iniwan si Dimitri. Siya naman ay pumasok sa opisina niya saka kinuha ang cellphone sa bag.

Hindi mawala sa isip niya ang tanong ni Dimitri. Kung importante ba siya. At isang tao lang ang makakasagot nun.

Pinadalhan niya ng mensahe ang numero ng ama.

'Dad, you know I don't ask questions but please answer this one for me, Mufasa. Am I someone important? I have a Marquess for a butler. It doesn't make sense anymore.'

Ilang minuto siyang naghintay bago sumagot ang ama niya.

'I'll tell you soon. I just need time, Sweety.'

Bumuntong-hininga siya saka inilapag ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng lamesa niya.

Her father didn't even deny it. That means what Jacques had told her might be true.

Pero bakit konektado ang pamilya ni Jacques sa pamilya niya? Ang sabi ni Knight, kasapi ang pamilya ni Jacques sa Organisasyong kinabibilangan nito... ibig bang sabihin nun, kasapi din doon ang ama niya?

But Knight said that her father was not part of their Organization.

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga.

If her father was not connected to that Organization, then how did the Marquess ended up as her butler? Just a coincidence? Because her family is somehow important?

But it's too much of a coincidence.

Wala siyang makuhang sagot. Siguro dahil bulag siya sa mga nangyayari sa paligid niya.

She needs all the facts to form a conclusion.

And her father asks for time, and she'll give it to him. Siguro nahihirapan din ito kung nasaan man ito ngayon kasama ang ina niya.

She needs to be patient.

Kaagad na tiningnan niya ang cellphone ng tumunog 'yon.

A text from her father.

'Sweety, please, leave Knight Velasquez as soon as possible.'

Kaagad niyang binura iyon dahil wala naman siyang balak na sundin ang ama niya.

But it's stressing her out— her father asking her to leave Knight.

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga saka lumabas ng opisina niya pero natigilan sa may pinto ng makitang nakatayo sa gilid niyon si Dimitri na para bang nagbabantay ito sa labas.

"Where are you going, Miss SM?" Kaagad nitong tanong sa kaniya sa walang emosyong boses.

"Ahm," he sounded so scary, "k-kukuha lang ako ng malamig na tubig? Nauuhaw kasi ako."

Tumango ito saka sinundan siya sa kusina.

Sa tanang buhay niya, doon lang siya nakaramdam ng pagkailang habang umiinom siya ng tubig dahil nararamdaman niya si Dimitri sa likuran niya.

Hanggang sa makabalik siya sa pintuan ng opisina niya, nakasunod sa kaniya si Dimitri.

Nakangiting humarap siya rito, "ahm... hindi mo naman ako kailangang sundan. Nandito lang naman tayo sa loob ng café."

"You don't know my boss." Anito sa seryosong boses, "he will kill me without a second thought if something bad happens to you."

Natigilan siya.

They're really scared of Knight. Even the Marquess is scared of him.

Is he really that dangerous and scary to scare these also scary and powerful people?

He doesn't feel scary to her. O siya lang ba ang hindi natatakot dito? Kahit nga ang ama niya, ayaw na manatili siya sa tabi ni Knight.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "Is Knight... really that scary?"

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Dimitri sa tanong niya bago ito sumagot. "He's scarier than you can ever imagine, Miss SM. He's the most ruthless of the seven bosses. And those people who wants to hurt you are idiots."

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

"You, Miss SM, is the switch that makes my boss go off." Dimitri's lips thinned. "If something bad happens to you, he'll be a monster that they labelled him to be. And I don't want to be killed by that monster so just let me protect you."

Tumango nalang siya saka pumasok sa loob ng opisina niya.

That's when she received a text from Knight.

'Don't be scared of me. I'm not gonna hurt my baby.'

Natigilan siya. Nakalimutan niyang may bug pa rin sa café niya.

Kaagad niyang nireplayan ang kasintahan.

'Knight, kung matatakot ako sayo, dapat noon pa, nang malaman ko ang trabaho mo. Stop worrying, okay? Just think of this as me getting to know you better. ߘ؍

Knight replied.

'Should I come back? I wanna kiss you so bad.'

Napangiti siya. 'Later, baby. Focus on your work first. I'm just here, i'm not going anywhere.'

Knight replied. 'Yes, boss ߘا

Mahina siyang natawa saka inilapag ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng lamesa niya.

Hindi talaga nakakatakot para sa kaniya si Knight. He'a more of a softy and a selfless man when it comes to the people he treasures... the reason why she loves him and can't leave him.

Natigilan si SM sa pag-iisip kay Knight ng makarinig siya ng ingay sa labas ng opisina niya.

Dali-dali siyang lumabas para tingnan kung anong nangyayari.

Umaawang ang labi niya at namilog ang mata niya sa pag-aalala at galit ng makita ang estrangherong lalaki na may hawak na baril at nakatutok iyon kay Jacques na nakataas ang dalawang kamay sa ere.

"You are not capable and worthy to be Lady Sweet Monday's butler! You're not!" Galit na sabi ng lalaki. "You're just a pampered son of a bitch!"

Nagtagis ang bagang niya sa narinig at nakikita.

Hindi niya pinansin si Dimitri na pinipigilan siyang makalapit. Malakas na  itinulak niya ito paalis sa pagkakaharang sa kaniya saka pinulot niya ang plato sa malapit na lamesa at malakas iyong ibinato sa kamay ng lalaki na may hawak na baril.

Kaagad na tumilapon ang baril ng tumama ang pinggan na ibinato niya sa kamay ng lalaki.

Gulat na napabaling sa kaniya ang lalaki at bumadha ang takot sa mukha ng makita siya. "Lady Sweet Monday..."

Her cold and sharp eyes glared at the stranger. "Who the hell are you to question his worth?" Pinulot niya ang baso saka nilapitan ang lalaki. "You have no right to bring a gun to my café." Malakas niyang ihinampas ang baso sa ulo ng lalaki at kinuwelyuhan ito saka galit na hinila ito palabas ng café niya. "Don't you dare enter my café again. You're scaring my customers."

After saying that, she enters the café, quietly picks up the stranger's gun on the floor and easily disassembles it and gives all the gun parts to Dimitri.

Her still sharp eyes held his. "Alamin mo kung sino ang may-ari niyan at siguraduhin mong mapaparusahan ang lalaking 'yon." Mas tumalim pa ang mga mata niya, "I won't let anyone points a gun at my butler and gets away with it."

Dimitri gulped before he nodded. "Yes, Miss."

Seeing his nervous face, she realized that she has a scary look on her face again.

So she broke the scary look on her face by smiling sweetly. "Sorry you have to see that side of me. Ayoko lang na sinasaktan ang mga taong importante sakin." Mas lumapad pa ang ngiti niya bago humarap kay Jacques. "Ayos ka lang ba?"

Tumango ito saka bumuga ng marahas ng hininga. "That was scary as fuck."

"Sino ba 'yon?" Tanong niya. "Kilala mo ba?"

Tumango naman ang Marquess, "one of my butler competitors."

Natigilan siya. Another one?

Napailing-iling siya. "Siguro mas makabubuti kung isasara ko muna 'tong café." Aniya, "ang daming hindi magandang nangyayari e. I'm making the people around me worry."

"Good idea, milady." Kaagad na sangayon ni Jacques sa kaniya.

She smiled at Jacques and she joked, "magsara na tayo ngayon tapos pa Divisoria tayo?"

Kaagad na nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Jacques. "Hell no!"

Natawa siya. "Fine. Let's go shopping somewhere else to pass the time?" Nilingon niya si Dimitri, "sama ka na samin."

Dimitri was still holding the dismantled gun. "Of course, Miss SM." Then he asked her, "where did you learn to dismantle a gun as quick as that?"

Matamis siyang ngumiti kay Dimitri, "Dati akong Pulis."

For the first time, Dimitri smiled. "It was fast. That was badass."

SM chuckled. "Well, I can be a badass when I want to. I was a Police Officer after all."

Titig na titig sa kaniya si Dimitri. "No wonder my boss likes you."

"Nah," sabad ni Jacques, "that motherfucking Count likes milady because she's nice and an amazing person."

Tumingin si Dimitri sa labas ng café kung saan nakahandusay pa rin sa sahig ang lalaking sinapak niya ng baso sa ulo at hinila palabas. "That wasn't nice."

"He wasn't nice either." Sabi niya saka nakangiting bumaling sa cashier, "Monet, pagkalabas ng huli nating customer magsara na tayo. Sabihan mo si Jules saka si Josh." Saka humarap siya kay Jacques at Dimitri. "Let's go shopping?"

Jacques smiled and says 'hell, yes' while Dimitri grunted and whispered 'fuck, no'.

Mahina siyang tumawa sa pagkakaiba ng dalawa.

"I'll call my Pilot to ready the plane." Ani Jacques saka kaagad itong may tinawagan.

Nagkatinginan naman sila ni Dimitri, parehas nagtatanong ang mga mata.

"Pilot?" Dimitri asked.

"Plane?" She asked.

Mas lalong lumalim ang gatla sa nuo ni Dimitri, "had the Philippines change and has now an Airport in the Malls? I know the traffic is severe but why the hell are we gonna ride a plane?"

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "I have no idea."

Matapos tumawag si Jacques sa Piloto nito, humarap ito sa kanila. "Let's go shop."

Dimitri sighed. "May I asked where are we shopping, Lord Jacques, that we need to ride a plane? Last time I check, Malls has no airports."

"We're going to Hong Kong." Sagot ni Jacques na parang wala lang. "They have lots of Luxury brands there."

Dimitri looked at her, he looks clueless. "Please tell me he's joking."

She gave Dimitri a tight smile. "Unfortunately, he's not."

Dimitri murmured. "Fuck."

Halata ang excitement sa mukha ni Jacques na hindi niya magawang humindi. Natagpuan nalang niya ang sariling tumatango sa gusto ni Jacques na mag shopping sa Hong Kong.

Well, he deserve to have a break. He'd been stressed out lately because of Knight.

"Isama natin si Cloud." Suhestiyon niya.

"Great idea." Ani Jacques saka kaagad na tinawagan si Cloud para imbitahan ito.

While Dimitri was murmuring, "i'll call my boss to inform him of this craziness."

SM just smiled and an hour later, she found herself boarding Jacques' private plane bound to Hong Kong. With her passport on hand that she had to grab from her house on the way to the Airport.

At kasama niya si Cloud na kalmado lang habang nagbabasa ng Magazine, si Jacques na natutulog na saka si Dimitri na hindi maipinta ang mukha.

And as the plane ascended to the air, SM looked outside the window.

Sinong mag-aakala na lalabas siya ng bansa para lang mag shopping sa Hong Kong? It's not like she has money to burn. She's here for moral support to the Billionaire Marquess Jacques Sotelo.

It's official.

She has never felt so poor in her life ...

... just now.



CHAPTER 26

WALANG pag-aalinlangang ibinaon ni Knight ang espada sa panghuling buhay sa Triad headquarters na pinasok. Habang nawawalan ng buhay ang sinaksak niya, hinugot niya ang espada at isinaksak ulit iyon sa leeg naman nito hanggang sa malagutan ito ng hininga.

Knight let out a loud breath. "Sorry about that."

Hinugot niya ang espada saka tumayo mula sa pagkakaluhod at ipinalibot niya ang tingin sa kabuonan ng lugar.

The silence was deafening. No one— not a single soul was left alive. Blood was scattered on the floor, walls and ceiling. Dead bodies are everywhere.

Ni hindi na nga niya mabilang kung ilan ang tinapos niya ang buhay mula ng makapasok siya sa gate ng compound na 'to. He just keeps on attacking until there's no one left.

It was a Triad's Headquarter that needs cleaning because of some Confidential Organòsi files that they stole.

Naglakad si Knight patungo mahogany table saka maingat na umupo sa swivel chair at inilapag ang katanang hawak sa gilid ng lamesa... at gamit ang duguang kamay, binuksan niya ang laptop na naroon saka may ini-insert siyang device sa USB port ng laptop na gawa ni Shun.

Knight tapped the earpiece on his left ear to on it.

"Bud." Anang boses ni Shun sa kabilang linya. "How is it?"

"Done. Inilagay ko na sa USB port 'yong pinapalagay mo—" He's really not a techie person. "Whatever that is."

"I'm hacking now." Ani Shun na mukhang pinasok na ang system ng Triad Headquarters na 'yon gamit ang laptop na nasa harapan niya.

Thanks to that device that he inserted on the USB port, Shun can enter the Triad's system easily. 

Shun tsked. "Damn, Velasquez, i'm looking at the CCTV footage now in that HQ— this is the bloodiest that you've done so far. Ever. Stressed?"

Isinandal niya ang katawan sa likod ng sofa saka inabot ang tissue na nasa ibabaw ng mesa at ginamit iyon para alisin ang kumapit na dugo sa katana niya.

"Yeah, kind of." Sagot niya kay Shun, "someone tried to harm my baby today. I'm just letting off some steam."

Shun tsked again. "Ngayon naiintindihan ko na kung bakit palagi kang mag-isa sa mga misyon mo. If someone sees your work, personally — they'll be shaking in fear. Even I feel nauseous looking at these pile of bodies and pool of bloods."

"Why is that I don't feel the same?" Pabulong niyang tanong saka bumuntong-hininga. "Though fear is good to control people. And i'm used to working alone anyways. Ayokong may kasama na iba ang isip sa isip ko at iba ang desisyon sa desisyon ko. Baka pati siya mapatay ko." Aniya saka ipinatong ang mga paa sa gilid ng mesa at ipinikit ang mga mata. "I'll rest for a bit. Tell me if you're done hacking."

Hindi na umimik si Shun pero naririnig niya ang pagtipa nito ng keyboard sa laptop niya.

At hindi pa nag-iisang minutong nakapikit ang mga mata niya ng may kumapit na kamay sa rugged jeans niyang suot.

Knight opened his eyes before looking down.

It's the right hand man of the boss of this Triad HQ. He was weak but still glaring at him with murderous look on his face.

"You're still alive?" Knight sighed heavily before gripping his katana, "you should have played dead to live." Pagkasabi niya niyon ay ibinaon niya ang espada sa likuran niya, siniguro niyang tatamaan ang spinal cord nito para hindi na ito magising pa.

Nang bumagsak ang katawan ng lalaki sa sahig, gumawa iyon ng ingay pero kaagad siyang bumalik sa pagpikit ng mata para makapagpahinga pansamantala.

"Fuck, Knight," boses iyon ni Shun mula sa earpiece na suot, "how can you rest in a compound full of dead people that you killed?"

"What's wrong with that? Nagpapahinga lang naman ako." Sagot niya saka pinilit ang sarili na maka-idlip hanggang sa marinig niya ang boses ni Shun.

"I'm done." Anito. "You can leave now."

Tumayo siya saka kinuha ang device na ini-insert niya sa USB Port ng laptop bago lumabas ng opisina saka naglakad palabas ng gusaling iyon— palabas ng compound.

Halos lahat ng parte ng dinadaanan niya ay may walang buhay na katawan. The whole place reeks of death. He can smell the stench of blood— that rusty smell that he's already used to smelling.

And maybe he's weird but seeing dead bodies everywhere— he doesn't feel anything. He feels nothing. Am I used to it, or I am just numb to all of this? Pero wala talaga siyang maramdaman. Hindi ito ang Triad Headquarters na marami siyang napatay.

This was just a small number of the Triad.

He didn't even exert some effort to kill these son's of bitches.

But he knew... even if he doesn't feel anything, these dead people will wreck havoc on his sleeping hours. Kaya hindi siya makatulog noon, dahil sa mga masasamang panaginip na ayaw siyang tantanan. Dahil sa mukha ng mga taong pinatay niya na palaging nasa panaginip niya.

But thanks to Sweet Monday, he can finally sleep now. Kahit pa nga minsan ay dinadalaw pa rin siya ng masamang panaginip. At least, he can sleep without taking some pills. 

Nang makalabas ng compound, naningkit ang mga mata niya ng tumama ang araw sa mukha niya.

It's just passed lunch time.

Knight sighed. I wonder what my baby is doing?

Nang makasakay siya sa kotse na pag-aari ng Organósi sa bansang 'yon, itinapon niya sa backseat ang dalawang katana na hawak, hinubad niya ang jacket na suot saka ginamit ang wipes na naroon para alisin ang dugo na tumilamsik sa mukha at leeg niya bago tinawagan si North.

"It's a little bit messy than usual, North." Kaagad niyang sabi. "Shun said it's the bloodiest so far."

"Are you stressed, boss?" Tanong ni North. He knows him.

"Kind of." Sagot niya.

"Feeling bored?"

Naghikab siya. "Yeah."

"Should I look for another Triad Headquarters for you to play with?"

Binuhay niya ang makina ng sasakyan, "Nah... I want to see my girlfriend."

"If you say so," ani North, "by the way, I booked you a room in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel as per your request. It's the Premier Suite. One of my men is waiting for you in the Parking lot."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay, "North, maliligo lang ako."

"It says they have a great bathtub."

"I just need a shower, North." Aniya saka pinatay ang tawag at pinaharurot ang sasakyan niya.

Knight asked North to book him a Hotel so he can take a bath before going home to SM. Ayaw niyang duguan siyang umuuwi sa kasintahan niya. Oo nga't alam na nito ang ginagawa niya pero ayaw niyang makita nito kung gaano siya kahalimaw pagdating sa trabaho niya. 

He doesn't want to scare her away.

Knight parked his car on the parking lot of the Hotel where an Organósi member was waiting for him.

"Boss." Anito sa kaniya, "this way."

Tumango siya saka sinundan lang ang lalaki hanggang sa makarating sa labas ng Premier Suite at kaagad naman siya nitong iniwan ng makapasok siya sa loob at maibigay sa kaniya ang pampalit niya ng damit na nasa backpack.

Hinawi ni Knight ang kurtina na tumatabing sa glass wall at napatitig siya sa siyudad na nasa harapan niya.

From where he stands, he can see the Macau Cityscape.

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga saka isa-isang hinubad ang damit na suot bago pumasok ng banyo para maligo.

And when he steps out, he immediately dried his wet body and put on some clothes.

Kapagkuwan ay napatitig siya sa salamin kung saan tinitingnan niya ang basang buhok na ngayon ay lumalabas na ang totoong kulay niyon. He's used to SM drying his hair all the time. It always feels good.

Knight sighed before he dried his own hair.

Pagkatapos ay kinuha niya ang cellphone na itinapon niya sa kama ng isa-isa niya kaninang hinubad ang damit bago pumasok ng banyo.

Doon lang niya binuksan ang text na pinadala sa kaniya ni Dimitri. Hindi niya iyon pinansin kanina matapos tawagan si North.

'Boss, i'm going to Hong Kong with Miss SM, Lord Jacques and your butler, Cloud.'

And then another text.

'Boss, we already arrived in Hong Kong.'

And that's an hour ago!

Hinilot niya ang sentido. This is definitely Jacques' idea. That Shopping idiot obviously drags his baby to Hong Kong.

Fuck!

Tinawagan niya si North.

"Yes, boss?"

"Send me a Helicopter. I'm going to Hong Kong."

"Yes, boss." Kaagad na sabi ni North.

Pinatay niya ang tawag saka tinawagan si Shun, "track Dimitri. He's in Hong Kong."

Shun stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before he spoke, "he's in the Louis Vuitton, Central, Hong Kong." Paused. "The fuck? Kailan pa nahilig si Dimitri sa Luxury items? I thought he hate those?"

Knight lips thinned. "I know an idiot motherfucker who likes them." Pinatay niya ang tawag saka binasa niya ang text ni North.

'Chopper on it's way.'

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga saka tumingin sa labas ng glass wall ng hotel room.

My baby better be safe or you're all gonna be sorry.





PARANG NASA palengke lang si Jacques habang tinuturo nito ang mga gustong bilhin habang nakaalalay dito ang isang staff ng Louie Vuitton Store na pinasukan nila. Going into this kind of boutique makes SM nervous. She doesn't feel welcome. Maybe because she doesn't have that kind of money to waste.

But Jacques, well, he's another matter all together.

Even Cloud looks comfortable while roaming around.

But she and Dimitri, they keep on glancing at each other while just standing there—awkwardly.

"Fuck... I hate this." Dimitri mumbled.

"I feel so small." Bulong niya.

"I feel like an ant in a big house full of big people."

Napatango nalang siya. Naiintindihan niya ang ibig sabihin ni Dimitri.

SM never thought a price of a keychain can make her heart race in shock. Well, it's Louis Vuitton, what does she expect from a luxury brand. Pero walang pakialam sa presyo si Jacques habang panay lang ang turo sa gusto nito.

From shirts, to coats, to jeans and shoes. He even bought a backpack worth 31,000HKD— sa rasong para may paglagyan ang mga binili nito dahil ayaw nitong magbitbit ng paper bag.

"He's an alien." Bulong ni Dimitri sa kaniya na tinutukoy ay si Jacques.

Tumango siya. "Alam mo 'yong pakiramdam na mas mayaman pa sayo ang butler mo? That's how I feel right now."

"Lord Jacques, can you add this to my tab?" Tanong ni Cloud kay Jacques sabay abot ng LV belt dito.

"Sure." Kaagad na sabi ni Jacques na wala man lang pag-aalinlangan.

At nang makabayad ang Marques at nakalabas sila, akala ni SM tapos na ang pagsa-shopping nila, pero ng makasakay sila sa limousine na nirentahan ni Jacques, kinausap nito ang driver na ihatid sila sa IFC para sa Gucci nito.

"Is that not enough?" Napapantastikuhang tanong ni Dimitri kay Jacques.

"This?" Kumunot ang nuo ng Marquess, "how is this enough?"

Nagkatinginan lang sila ni Dimitri saka hindi na nagsalita.

And that's where their true shopping began— no, Jacques shopping only. And sometimes Cloud.

From Gucci, to Prada, Versace, Coach, Saint Laurent, Hugo Boss, Balenciaga and many more stores that sells luxury brands.

And SM felt so drain as they sat on the Restaurant named Lung King Heen for dinner at 6PM.

"Hindi ba kailangan ng reservation para makapasok dito?" Tanong ni Cloud kay Jacques.

"I'm a Marquess." Ani Jacques na para bang sagot na 'yon sa lahat ng katanungan nila habang binabasa ang menu.

The Cloud glanced at her. "You okay, Lady SM?"

Ngumiti siya. "Yeah... just a bit shock though."

Napatingin sa kaniya ang Marquess. "Why? What happened?"

Napangiwi siya, "this is my first time being exposed to such prices. It's shocking."

Jacques frowned. "They're price is actually cheaper than in Paris."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "I can't relate."

Dimitri sighed. "And do you really have to bring us here? One of the most expensive Restaurant in Hong Kong?"

Jacques smiled. "Of course. Only the best for milady, Cloud and you." Pagkasabi niyon ay tinawag nito ang waiter para umorder na.

Hinayaan lang nila si Jacques na umorder na paminsan-minsan ay nagtatanong sa kanila kung okay lang ba ang napili nitong pagkain.

As SM stared at Jacques, there's no doubt that he's a nobility— born and raised and pampered by a noble family. There's just an air around him— even Knight has that kind of air.

Napatigil siya sa pag-iisip ng may humalik sa pisngi niya. Kaagad siyang lumingon at nahigit niya ang hininga ng makita si Knight na nakangiti.

"Baby..." she whispered in shock.

He kissed her again, on the lips this time, "I was in Macau when I received Dimitri's text and i'd been tracking you down for four hours now." Tiningnan nito ng masama si Jacques, "really? You have to stop at every boutique?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Jacques saka iminuwestra nito ang bakanteng upuan sa tabi niya. "You should thank me that I got us a table for five, you motherfucker."

Umupo naman doon si Knight. "I can get a table myself, moron. I'm a Count."

Sumabad si Cloud, "yes, but, you're broke, my Lord."

Knight grunted. "Don't remind me, Cloud." Bumuga ito ng marahas na hininga saka yumakap sa beywang niya saka ihinilig ang ulo sa balikat niya.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Tanong niya sa kasintahan. He looks bothered by something... and tired.

Knight sighed. "Lahat ng pinuntahan niyo ay pinuntahan ko rin. I can't keep up. Nakakapagod."

Pasimple siyang bumulong sa tainga ni Knight. "Napagod din ako."

Knight rested his chin on her shoulder as his face faced hers. "May binili ka ba?"

Mahina siyang natawa. "Baby, if you're broke, i'm poor."

Mahinang tumawa si Knight. "Bagay talaga tayong dalawa."

Napailing siya na natatawa. "The prices are nerve wracking and somehow enlightening. I mean, 4000HKD for a keychain? That's like 28,000 in our currency. Ilang linggong kita na 'yon ng café ko. Hindi ko kaya 'yon."

"Do you like luxury items?" Knight asked.

Umiling siya. "Okay na sakin basta maayos ang itsura. Siguro kaya ko yong mga isang libo para sa isang damit pero yong ganun na kamahal, ayoko, nasasayangan ako sa pera."

Knight kissed her shoulder. "I missed you." Bigla nitong pag-iiba ng usapan.

She kissed his forehead. "Nagkikita palang tayo kanina. How's work?"

Knight was smiling but his voice tone sounded different. "Work is okay. As usual."

Umangat ang kamay niya para haplusin ang pisngi nito. "You're not okay." Obserba niya. "Gusto mo bang pag-usapan natin?"

"Later." Ani Knight saka hinalikan siya sa leeg bago bumaling sa Marquess, "call your pilot, let's stay here for one night. Bukas na tayo umuwi."

"Sure." Ani Jacques saka kaagad na may tinawagan.

"And book us a Hotel, Marquess." Utos ni Knight kay Jacques.

"Okay." Ani Jacques saka sinunod naman si Knight na ikinangiti niya ng matigilan si Jacques saka masamang tumingin kay Knight. "Why are you ordering me, you're not milady."

Knight smirked. "I'm your milady's boyfriend, that makes me your milord."

"You're not married." The Marquess pointed out.

Knight grinned. "Not yet."

Jacques just tsked before handing his phone to Cloud and asked him to book the Hotel.

Mabuti nalang dumating na ang pagkain nila kaya hindi na nagsagutan pa si Knight at Jacques.

And the food was indeed delicious. Very deserving for their expensive price.

"Hmm..." Cloud hummed while eating before glancing at Jacques, "you know how to pick a Restaurant. Tastes good."

Kaagad na sumabad si Knight. "Hindi 'yan marunong. Paniguradong naghanap lang yan ng 'expensive Restaurant' sa Google."

Jacques glared at Knight. "What's wrong with that, asshole?"

"You only knew expensive things." Ani Knight saka napailing, "alam mo bang marami namang murang kainan na masarap?"

"If it's not expensive then it's not good."

"Not at all." Salungat ni Knight, "it's like you're saying because we have a rank in the society, that makes us better than the commoners, right? We, nobles, are like Luxury items. My father taught me that people without rank or not noble are nothing and beneath me, but I came to realize that it's not true. You should too. Minsan pa nga, kung sino pa ang nakakataas sa lipunan, siya pa ang hindi karapat-dapat na mabuhay."

Napatitig si Jacques kay Knight. "What are you saying, Count?"

"I'm saying that even if it's not expensive and it's a commoners food, it still worth your attention. It's just a matter of appreciation and enjoying what's in front of you and not looking for the most expensive thing to suit you. Natutunan ko 'yan sa mga kaibigan ko. Sila ang tipo ng mga tao na kahit may pera, mas gusto yong simple lang kapag kami-kami lang ang magkakasama. Not because we can't afford it, but because we enjoy the simplest thing that we seldom experience."

Nagbaba ng tingin ang Marquess, "simplest thing..." mahina itong natawa, "my mother will kill me if I ask for the simplest thing."

Sumabad si Dimitri, "you really grew up with a golden spoon in your mouth."

"Yeah..."

"Then why become Miss SM's butler?" Dimitri's million dollar question.

Tumingin sa kaniya si Jacques saka ngumiti. "I have my reasons."

Sumama ang mukha ni Knight saka bumulong sa kaniya. "Wala naman siguro gusto yan sayo diba? He's not flirting with you when i'm not around, right?"

Piningot niya ang tainga ni Knight. "You bugged my café. You tell me."

Napakamot sa batok ang kasintahan. "Sorry about that. Nag-aalala lang kasi ako dahil wala ako sa café para protektahan ka."

Naputol ang usapan nila ng magsalita si Cloud, "The Hotel has only two rooms left. It's peak season."

Kaagad na ngumisi si Knight, "book it, Cloud. Marquess, doon ka na matulog sa eroplano mo."

The Marquess looked at Knight flatly. "You'll use my card to book and i'll be sleeping in my airplane? Wow. You have such a thick face you motherfucker Count. You're not using my card!"

May inilabas na card si Knight sa pitaka nito saka ibinigay iyon kay Cloud. "Use this."

"That's my card as well!" The Marquess hissed.

"I let you stay in my house." Wika ni Knight na siyang palaging nirarason kay Jacques, "and a Philosopher once said ... wala nang libre ngayon. That Philosopher is my friend, Shun Kim. Mandurugas siya. And i'm learning from the best."

Tumawa si Knight kay Jacques na masamang-masama ang mukha saka nag book naman si Cloud. Habang si Dimitri ay tahimik na kumakain.

Knight and Jacques were arguing again because Knight stole the Marquess' food— again— when they heard a glass wall shattering.

It was so loud. Nagsigawan ang mga tao sa loob ng Restaurant at tumakbo palabas pero hindi nakagalaw si SM at nasapo lang ang tiyan niya.

"Baby," hinawakan ni Knight ang kamay niya na kaagad na tumayo, "let's get out of here. Come on."

Sa halip na tumayo, nag-angat siya ng tingin sa kasintahan. "Just calm down," aniya sa kasintahan saka inalis ang kamay niyang sapo ang tiyan saka pinakita rito ang duguan niyang kamay saka ngumiti, "I think I got shot, baby."

The fear, the panic and the anger on Knight's face slowly disappeared from her sight when her eyes started closing.

"S-sorry, b-baby... s— s-sorry..." was all SM can say before the darkness swallow her whole.

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CHAPTER 27

NASA LABAS LANG si Knight ng Infirmary Room ng Organósi HQ sa Hong Kong na nasa ilalim lang din ng Racini's Hotel habang nasa loob si SM at ginagamot ng mga Doctor ng Organósi. This will surely reach his father's radar but he doesn't care. It's his baby and he will do anything for her.

He can do anything for her but he can't make himself go in and see his baby ...he's afraid to see her condition.

Hindi niya kayang makita na nasa ganung kalagayan ang babaeng pinapahalagahan niya ng sobra-sobra.

He can kill without remorse, he can go to battle without fear, but seeing SM's wound and seeing her bleed, it nearly drove him mad.

It will kill him if something bad happens to his baby.

Kumuyom ang kamao niya ng paulit-ulit na nagri-replay sa isip niya ang pag-ngiti sa kaniya kanina ng kasintahan. Kalmado ito habang sinasabi sa kaniya na nabaril ito.

She was so calm, it scared him.

But he couldn't calm down. He was livid. He can see red. He wanted blood— and he will get it. Whoever pulls that trigger will know death, slowly and painfully.

Narinig niyang may lumabas sa infirmary at hindi niya kailangang tingnan kung sino 'yon para makilala niya.

He knew it's Dimitri.

"Boss—"

His dead eyes looked up at Dimitri and held his gaze, "If I lost my baby, I will kill you." Nagtatagis ang bagang na isinaksak niya ang pocket knife na hawak sa balikat ni Dimitri.

Dimitri winced before he spoke, "North found the culprit, boss."

Tumayo siya saka hinugot ang kutsilyong ibinaon niya sa balikat ni Dimitri at nilampasan ito habang tinatawagan si North.

"Boss." Kaagad na sabi ni North, "I have them. Two parasites."

Nagtagis ang bagang niya kasabay ng mas pagtalim pa ng mga mata niya. "Bring them to the rooftop."

"Yes, boss."

Nilingon muna niya ang pinto ng infirmary kung nasaan ang girlfriend niya bago tuluyang tinungo ang elevator na maghahatid sa kaniya sa rooftop.

When Knight steps out from the elevator on the rooftop, the cold air of Hong Kong hit his face but he continued walking towards the edge silently. Even the cold air can't calm him down— maybe because he doesn't want to calm down.

No, those two parasites doesn't deserve his calmness— they deserve to see how monstrous he can be.

Ilang minuto ang hinintay niya bago lumabas ng elevator sa roof top si North at dalawa sa tauhan nito na may hawak na dalawang lalaki na panay ang pagpupumiglas.

"Here they are, boss." Ani North ng makalapit sa kaniya.

Walang buhay ang mga matang tumingin siya sa dalawang lalaki.

"Who pulled the trigger?" Walang emosyon ang boses niyang tanong.

Kinuwelyuhan ni North ang lalaking nasa kanan. "This one, boss."

Walang imik na nilapitan niya ang lalaki saka mahigpit at malakas na hinawakan ang kamay nito.

"W-what a—a-are you d-doing?"

Kabado nitong tanong ng hugutin niya ang katana naka-'strap' sa likod ni North saka walang sabi-sabing pinutol niya ang kamay nito.

The motherfucker screamed in so much pain as blood spurts from his cut hands.

"Oh, wait," aniya saka hinawakan ang isa pa nitong kamay, "I'm sure you held the sniper gun with two hands." Pagkasabi niyon ay pinutol niya ang isa pa nitong kamay dahilan para mas lumakas pa ang sigaw ng lalaki.

Kapagkuwan ay bumaling siya sa katabi nito na inilang hakbang niya ang pagitan nila. "You. What did you do?"

Sa halip na sagutin siya nito ay bigla nalang itong sumigaw. "Hail to the Triad!"

A cold monstrous smile appeared on his lips, "Hail this," aniya saka walang sabi-sabing hinila niya ito patungong gilid ng rooftop habang hawak ang kuwelyo ng damit nito.

Knight pushed the man to the edge, earning a scream.

Knight tsked. "Scream, and i'll push you off."

Kaagad naman tumahimik ang lalaki saka natatakot ang matang tumingin sa kaniya. "What do you want?!" 

"Who ordered the hit?" Tanong niya na nagtatagis ang bagang. "Give me a name."

"Why would i?"

"Because we are in the rooftop of a sixty-seven floor Hotel. If you drop, you'll die." Walang emosyon niyang sabi at mas lalo pang itinulak ang lalaki sa gilid.

At nang umapak ang paa nito sa pinakadulo ng rooftop, halos maubos ang dugo sa mukha nito sa kaba at takot.

"Fine! Fine!" Anito na kinakabahan at panay ang tingin sa ibaba ng hotel. "I'm a hacker and the one who ordered the hit is Li Huang! But even if you knew his name, you can't get him. His house is heavily guarded. You can't do anything to him." Habol nito nito ang hininga, "now let me go. I already answered you."

"Let you go?" Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya. "Okay, but..." Inalis niya ang kamay sa pagkakakuwilyo rito, kaagad itong humakbang palayo sa gilid ng rooftop pero natigilan ito ng ibaon niya ang katana sa tiyan nito. "Whoever hurts my woman will know death and his name is Minrod."

Hinugot niya ang katana sa tiyan nito at kaagad namang sinapo ng lalaki ang tiyan nitong sinaksak niya. "Y-you think s—stabbing me will k—k-kill me?"

"Of course not." Tumingin siya sa mga mata ng lalaki, "You're still breathing because I want you alive, so you can feel fear before you die."

Bago ba makapagsalita ang lalaki, malakas niya itong sinipa sa tiyan dahilan para mapahakbang ito paatras.

And when he was already on the edge of the rooftop, Knight used the tip of his katana to push the man off the building.

At kaagad niyang narinig na may kinausap si North. "Clean up that mess."

Looks like North knew him too well to put a team on stand by below to clean up immediately.

Humarap si Knight sa lalaking pinutulan niya ng kamay  na ngayon ay sumisigaw pa rin.

"Snipers..." aniya habang naglalakad palapit sa lalaki, "you really have a strong endurance to pain." Ngumisi siya, "I like it. We're gonna have so much fun, you and i."

Hinawakan niya sa buhok ang lalaki saka hinila ito patungo sa gitna ng roof top saka pinaikot-ikot niya ang katana sa pulsuhan at kamay niya habang tinitingnan ang lalaking matalim ang titig sa kaniya kahit bakas sa mukha nito ang sakit.

Mas lumapad ang ngisi niya, "let's start, shall we?"

Bago pa kumurap ang lalaki, mabilis na iginalaw niya ang katana para putulin ang kanang braso nito.

And when the man screamed, Knight grinned sadistically. "That's good, keep screaming. Your arms carried the gun that hurt my baby." Pagkasabi niya niyon ay pinutol niya ang isa pa nitong braso.

"Hold him up." Aniya nang bumagsak sa semento ang katawan ng lalaki.

Kaagad namang hinawakan sa balikat ng mga tauhan ni North ang lalaki para makatayo.

When Knight looked at the man's eyes, there's still life. Good. I'm not done yet.

"Which one do you like better?" Tanong niya sa lalaki, "your left leg, or the right? After all, you walked towards the place where you pulled the trigger. It needs fo be cut off too."

"N-no..."

"This is for shooting my baby." Knight didn't feel anything as cut the man's legs and buried his katana on the man's forehead as a finale. "And this is for making her bleed."

Nang bumagsak ang walang buhay na katawan ng lalaki, binitiwan din niya ang katana na malakas ang ingay nang bumagsak sa sahig.

And then he heard North. "Come up, now. We need cleaners on the rooftop." Pagkasabi nito niyon ay lumapit ito sa kaniya at may inabot na wet wipes na ikinatawa niya. "Don't laugh, boss. I know it's gonna be messy, but not this messy."

Tinanggap niya ang wipes saka tinapik ang balikat ng tagalinis ng kalat sa Asya, "it's called over time for a reason, North."

Pagkalabas ng mga tauhan ni North sa elevator, sumakay naman siya habang ginagamit ang wipes para alisin ang tumilamsik na dugo sa katawan niya.

When the elevator's door was about to Close, North stopped it with his hands.

"Boss," tumingin ito sa kaniya, "what are you going to do with Li Huang?"

"Kill him, of course." Sagot niya ng walang pagaalinlangan.

"But his house is heavily guarded..."

"North," he smiled, "when did a heavily guarded house stopped me?"

Tumango si North, "i'll ready my men for clean."

"Good." Knight leaned on the elevator wall. "It's gonna be a long night, North. Get ready."

The corner of North's lips tugged up, "it's called over time for a reason."

Knight chuckled. "You're learning. Nice."

North finally let go of the elevator's door to let it close.

Habang pababa ang elevator, nakatanggap siya ng tawag mula kay Shun.

"What you did was inhumane, Knight!" Kaagad na pangaral sa kaniya ni Shun. "Alam kong wala kang nararamdaman kapag ginagawa mo 'yon, pero huwag mo nang uulitin 'yon. It's not healthy for you, Velasquez."

"They hurt my Sweet Monday." Bulong niya na siyang tanging rason niya.

"You can kill them, but not like that. That's a monstrous thing to do, Knight!"

"I am a monster."

"You're not!" May diing sabi ni Shun sa kaniya.

Hindi siya umimik. Shun always tries his best to control the monstrous side of him. He's the one who always pulls him out every time he's overdoing it.

"Ano nalang ang sasabihin ng girlfriend mo kapag nalaman niya 'to?" Tanong ni Shun na ikinatigil niya.

"She won't know."

"Knight, keeping secrets is not a good thing."

"No..." umiling siya, "she can't know this. She just can't..."

"Precisely my point, bud." Shun blows a loud breath, "what do you think she'll do or think of you if she finds out that you chopped someone off and you threw someone off a fucking building?!"

Kumuyom ang kamao niya. "She'll get scared and ... l-leave me."

"Good that you know." Shun tsked. "Control that side of you, bud. Your father may have made you to be a monster, but you're not, okay? You're a lunatic, always remember that."

Mahina siyang natawa. "I'm a lunatic..." bulong niya, "copy that."

"Good. Anyways, let's talk about Li Huang. When do you plan to end him?"

"Tonight."

"Don't make it bloody." Pakiusap ni Shun, "I beg you."

Knight sighed. "I'll try."

"Maybe try using a gun, this time?

"Nah. Too noisy." He smiled. "I like katana better."

Shun sighed. "Fine."

Lumabas si Knight elevator ng makarating iyon sa destinasyon niya. Kaagad niyang nakita si Jacques kaya nagpaalam na siya kay Shun.

"Count." Anito ng makalapit siya.

Kumuyom ang kamao niya at malakas iyong tumama sa tiyan ng Marquess, "next time," bulong niya sa tainga nito habang umuubo ito sa sakit, "don't drag my baby around wherever and whenever you feel like it... or I will kill you and your family and I don't care even if your rank is higher than mine. I'll end you and you will know death by my hands."

The Marquess clutch his stomach. "I'm sorry... I was careless."

Gumagalaw ang panga niya sa galit, "there's a reason why I surround SM's cafe with ten snipers, so this won't happen. I won't let the reasoning 'to keep her safe, I have to get away from her' control me and my relationship with her. Hindi ako naniniwala dun. Po-protektahan ko siya dahil gusto ko siyang makasama ng matagal na matagal kaya umayos ka, Marquess. I can tolerate your high and mighty attitude, I can tolerate you cursing me, hell, I enjoy teasing you and stealing your food because of your reactions, but if this happens again, i'll end you."

Tahimik na tumango ang Marquess saka nagbaba ng tingin. "I'm her butler, I should have thought of protecting her. I'm useless."

Knight sighed seeing the Marquess down. "Don't beat yourself up, i'll do it for you. Just don't be careless. I won't tolerate it."

Tumango ang Marquess saka tumingin ito sa kaniya. "Do you know... who did this?"

"Yes. I'll kill him tonight."

"Can I come?"

Napatitig siya sa Marquess. "I won't pamper you, moron. If you die there, i'll leave you."

The Marquess smiled. "Count, don't underestimate me. I may like luxury items and I may like shopping and expensive things, and yes, I was raised with a golden spoon in my mouth but I was also raised in a family who's a member of the Organization. I'm a trained warrior."

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya. "Train warrior? Bakit hindi mo prinotektahan ang sarili mo sa café laban sa kalaban mong butler?"

The Marquess let out a lopsided smile. "I know milady will come out and I want to be protected by her." Tumitig ito sa mga mata niya, "i'm sure you also want to ... be protected by her."

Tiningnan niya ito ng masama. "Stop flirting with my baby, you motherfucker!"

The Marquess chuckled. "Don't deny it, motherfucker Count, I know you also want to be protected by her. I mean, she's a badass. Have you seen her fight?"

"Yes." He had. And yes, his baby was a badass.

"So... can I come out and come with you?"

"Bakit, pag-aari ko ba ang Hong Kong para magpaalam ka saking lalabas ka?" He glared at the Marquess, "anyway, please tell me that you don't use guns. I hate it. So noisy. Parang pinagsisigawan mo kung nasaan ka."

"No worries." The Marquess grinned, "i'm more of a sword kind of guy."

"Good."

"When?"

"Now."

Nilingon ng Marquess ang pinto ng infirmary, "you won't go in to see milady?"

"Hindi ko kaya." Pagkasabi niya iyon ay nilampasan siya ang Marquess at tinungo ang kuwarto kung saan naroon lahat ang nakatambak na armas.

Kinuha niya ang dalawang katana na naroon at inilagay sa pahabang lalagyan na gawa sa leather saka lumabas ng kuwarto. Nang makabalik siya sa labas ng infirmary, si Cloud ang nakita niya.

"Pinapasabi ng Marquess na mauuna siya sa basement." Imporma sa kaniya ni Cloud.

Tumango siya saka tiningnan ng walang emosyon ang butler niya. "Next time, don't let anyone drag you around with SM. If this happens again, i'll kill you too."

Tumango si Cloud. "Yes, my Lord."

"Good."

"Hindi ka ba papasok para tingnan ang kalagayan ni Lady SM?"

"I can't."

"My Lord—"

"Hindi ko siya kayang makitang nasasaktan." Kumuyom ang kamao niya, "I feel like my heart is being ripped into pieces, Cloud. I just can't..."

Dumeretso siya sa elevator saka sumakay at pinindot ang basement. Nang tumigil ang elevator at bumukas, lumabas siya at kaagad na nakita ang Marquess na inilalabas ang espada mula sa kaluban niyon.

"Where did that came from?" Tanong niya.

"My Pilot delivered it to me." Sagot ng Marquess sa kaniya, "I was already planning to make the person who hurt milady pay an hour ago."

Hindi siya umimik saka sumakay sa isa sa mga sasakyang nakaparada na pag-aari ng organisasyon at itinabi muna sa backseat ang lalagyan ng katana. Kaagad namang sumakay sa passenger seat ang Marquess habang mahigpit na hawak ang espada nito.

The car owned by the Organósi was high tech. The kind of thing Shun would enjoy.

Knight tapped the medium size monitor in front of him then he called Shun using that.

After three rings, Shun picks up and it was a video call.

"Bud, please tell me you're not busy with your honeymoon." Aniya.

Masama ang tingin ni Shun, "fuck you, you lunatic—" natigilan ito ng makita ang Marquess, "oh, you have a partner?"

"SM's butler." Pagpapakilala niya si Marquess, "Jacques Sotelo. Marques, this is one of my best friend, my tracker, Shun Kim."

Napaawang ang labi ni Marquess ng ipakilala niya si Shun. "The Philosopher?"

Shun frowned. "I'm pretty sure that i'm not a legendary."

"You are." Pinausad niya ang sasakyan. "Legendary ng mga mandurugas. I'm learning from you. Thanks a lot, bud."

Shun tsked. "Fuck you." Then he looked at the Marquess, "nice to meet you."

Tumango lang ang Marquess saka tumahimik.

"Saan ang bahay ni Li Huang?" Tanong niya kay Shun habang nagmamaneho.

"Sending coordinates to your car." Anito saka pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, natanggap niya ang sinend ni Shun. "Just follow the line and stop on the red dot."

"Thanks, Shun."

"Please," Shun pleaded, "don't make it bloody."

"I'll try." Aniya saka pinatay ang tawag.

The Marquess glanced at him, "why is the Philosopher asking you to not make it bloody?"

Tumuon ang tingin niya sa dinadaanan. "You'll see."

Napuno ng katahimikan ang buong sasakyan hanggang sa makarating sila sa pulang dot ng mapa.

Sumilip si Marquess sa labas ng kotse. "That's not a house, that's building."

"Doesn't matter." Inabot niya ang lalagyan ng katana sa backseat saka inilabas doon ang katana. "They'll be dead in a minute."

Lumabas siya ng kotse.

"Wait!" Lumabas na rin ang Marquess sa kotse at hinabol siya. "We will enter on the front gate? Are you crazy?!"

Knight sighed. "I always enter on the front gate."

"Then they will know we're coming!"

Binalingan niya ang Marques, "that's the point." Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya, "I want them to know that Minrod is coming, I want them to fight so I won't get bored."

"Motherfucker." The Marquess whispered.

Siya naman ay lumapit sa gate at mabilis na inakyat 'yon. Nang lumapag ang paa niya sa loob ng gate, kaagad na ibinaon niya ang katana sa dibdib ng pinakamalapit na bantay at hinugot 'yon saka hindi binigyan ang iba pang bantay na naroon na gamitin ang mga baril ng mga ito.

Iwinasiwas niya ang katana na parang umiikot sa kamay at pulsuhan niya dahil papalit-palit siya ng posisyon sa paghawak ng katana hanggang sa isa nalang ang natira sa sampung bantay na naroon.

Itinutok niya ang katana sa tanging buhay na bantay na naroon.

"Tell everyone that Minrod has come to send you all to hell."

Tumango ang lalaki saka mabilis na tumakbo, siya naman ay binuksan ang gate para makapasok ang Marquess. Hawak na nito ang espada.

"Don't block my way," aniya kay Marquess, "and we'll be good. Get me?"

Tumango ang Marquess.

Tumango rin siya saka naglakad papasok ng gusali.

Nang makapasok sa gusali, kaagad niyang nakita ang mga kalabang sumalubong sa kaniya.

Knight gripped his katana tighter before moving his body in fluid and precise movement while slashing, stabbing, thrusting it into flesh and beheading everyone near him.

His ear becomes more sensitive to every movement in his surrounding as his body moves with precise agility and swiftness while bullets rains around him.

Hindi tumigil ang katawan niya sa paggalaw ng mabilis at maliksi, pati ang paggalaw ng kamay niyang mahigpit pa rin ang hawak sa katana hanggang sa bumaon ang nasa kanan niyang kamay na katana sa panghuling buhay na naroon na sumalubong sa kaniya.

And when Knight looked back, he saw the Marquess just standing on the door, shock expression on his face as he looked at the dead bodies scattered on the floor.

"You coming in?" Tanong niya sa Marquess.

Malalaki ang matang napatitig ito sa kaniya. "W-what the fuck..." napakurap-kurap ito sa kaniya, "so this is what that Philosopher was saying— do not make it bloody."

"I said i'll try." Wika niya saka naglakad patungong elevator.

Pahigpit ng pahigpit ang hawak niya sa katana niya sa magkabilang kamay habang patalim ng patalim ang mga mata niya.

He's here for blood— Li Huang's blood. And he will have it— however bloody it would be.

But as he steps out of the elevator, he didn't find any single soul alive. Everyone was dead, he can even see Li Huang's body pinned to the wall with a long sharp sword straight to his heart and when he looked at his right, he saw a man in black with a mask on, only showing his eyes.

And he those eyes were like SM's ... it's color, was amber.





"NASAAN SI Knight?" Iyon ulit ang tinanong ni SM ng magising siya sa ikatlong beses mula ng magkamalay siya pagkatapos niyang mabaril. "How's my wound today?" Tanong niya kay Dimitri na siyang tanging naroon. "Is it healing okay?"

Kaagad na itinuon ni Dimitri ang buong atensiyon nito sa kaniya. "Yes. It's healing okay. Are you feeling well, Miss SM? Are you hurting?"

Ngumiti siya. "I'm okay."

Dimitri looks worried. "How can you be so calm? You got shot, Miss SM."

Nanatili ang ngiti sa mga labi niya. "I'm okay, Dimitri."

"Does your wound hurt?" Tanong nito.

Of course it hurts, but Dimitri doesn't need to know that. She doesn't want to burden him more. He already looked so worried. "I'm really okay, Dimitri. This is nothing. See?" Mas nilaparan niya ang ngiti, "i'm feeling better now."

Parang nakahinga naman ito ng maluwang na lihim niyang pinagpasalamat.

Pero nang makitang may benda ito sa braso, kaagad siyang nag-aalalang nagtanong. "Tinamaan ka rin ba ng bala? I'm so sorry. Mukhang ako ang target nila pero nadamay ka."

Dimitri's face grimed. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have agreed to go to Hong Kong with you. We should have stayed."

"Dimitri," her face softened, "ginusto ko rin naman kaya ayos lang. There's no one to blame, okay? Hayaan mo na 'yon. Ayos lang naman ako."

"But, Miss SM—"

"I won't recover well if you keep blaming yourself."

Kaagad naman itong tumigil.

"Nasaan si Knight?" Tanong niya ulit, "dalawang araw na ako rito pero hindi pa rin niya ako binibisita. Is he doing okay?"

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa kaniya si Dimitri. "My boss hasn't visited you, not even once, but you're still worried of him? I mean, most women would get mad not seeing their boyfriend after a life threatening situation."

Napatitig si SM sa kisame saka bumuntong-hininga, "siguro dahil iba ang pagkakakilala ko kay Knight sa pagkakakilala niyo sa kaniya kaya hindi ako galit. I can tell when he's not doing okay. Like now. He's a very clingy boyfriend, but he's not here and i'd been here for two days. Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nun. Hindi niya ako kayang makitang ganito ang kalagayan. And it's either he's angry at who did this to me and is currently hunting them down or he's blaming himself for what happened to me."

"No wonder he treasures you." Dimitri whispered.

Nakangiting tumingin siya kay Dimitri. "Can you please fetch him and bring him to me?"

Napatitig ito sa nakabendang sugat sa braso bago sumagot sa kaniya. "I don't think I can force him to come here."

"Hindi mo naman siya kailangang pilitin." Aniya, "sabihin mo lang na makikipaghiwalay ako sa kaniya kapag hindi niya ako pinuntahan. Though don't tell him i'm just kidding."

Dimitri actually chuckled, "then i'll go tell him that."

Nagpasalamat siya kay Dimitri at tiningnan ito habang naglalakad palabas.

Binigyan na niya ng oras si Knight para makapag-isip ito. Kaya hindi siya nagpumilit na makita ito sa nakalipas na dalawang araw, pero hindi puwedeng hindi rin sila magkausap ngayon.

Kailangan niyang malaman kung maayos lang ba ito. She's worried of her baby. She was shot in front of him and that anger she saw in his eyes before oblivion took her — that anger can kill a person.

She won't even be shock if she finds out that Knight already haunt down who did this to her. Sana lang ay hindi ito napahamak o nasaktan.

Napatigil sa pag-iisip si SM at napatingin sa pinto ng bumukas 'yon at sumilip doon ang ulo ni Knight.

"Baby?" It's like he was afraid to see her.

Kaagad siyang ngumiti para sa kasintahan. "Come on in, Knight, I miss you."

Hindi pa rin ito pumasok. "Are you really okay? Don't lie to me."

"Lapit ka sakin, please?" Ayaw niyang magsinungaling rito. She's not fine. It's still hurting. "Miss na kita."

Ilang segundo itong natahimik habang nakasilip lang sa pinto bago tuluyang pumasok.

Nakahinga maman siya ng maluwang.

SM smiled at Knight before offering her hand at him. "Come here, baby. I miss you."

Dahan-dahang lumapit sa kaniya si Knight saka hinawakan ang kamay niya saka kaagad na tumingin ang mga mata nito sa parte ng tiyan niyang nabaril na natatakpan ng kumot.

"I'll recover." Aniya sa kasintahan.

"Are you really okay?" He asked like he's afraid.

Nakangiting iniwasan niya ang tanong ni Knight. "Upo ka."

Umupo ito sa gilid ng kinahihigaan niyang Hospital bed saka pinakatitigan siya. "Galit ka ba sakin?" Tanong nito habang pinagsisiklop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Hindi kita binisita ng dalawang araw. I'm so sorry... I just can't see you bleeding and hurting— it'll kill me, mi reina. Seeing you got shot nearly drove me insane. I was so scared... so scared to lose you."

Pinisil niya ang kamay ni Knight, "i'll recover fast." Aniya saka nginitian ang kasintahan, "hindi na dumudugo ang sugat ko."

"Hindi ka galit?" Para itong bata na takot na malamang galit siya.

Umiling siya. "Naisip ko nang hindi mo ako kayang makita sa ganitong kalagayan... pero, Knight, dapat masanay ka na. Hindi tahimik na buhay ang naghihintay sating dalawa, lalo na sa trabaho na mayroon ka. This... this is probably nothing compared to what we're gonna experience in the future so calm down, okay?"

Natahimik si Knight at naging mailap ang mga mata nito.

SM took a deep breath before asking Knight, "may ginawa ka ba, Knight?"

Knight stayed silent.

"Knight?" Binigyan niya ng kaunting diin ang boses niya. Mas lalong lumakas ang kutob niya na may ginawa itong ayaw nitong malaman niya. "What did you do?"

Hindi ito makatingin sa kaniya ng deretso. "I— I did... s-something horrible."

"You wanna tell me?" Malumanay ang boses niyang sabi.

Umiling ito. "You'll get scared of me and leave me." Bulong nito, "I don't wanna tell you."

SM took a deep breath. "That horrible?"

Tumango ito.

Pinakatitigan niya ang kasintahan. "Hinanap mo ba ang bumaril sakin?"

Tumango si Knight.

"Anong ginawa mo sa kanila?"

"Something horrible." He whispered this his jaw tightened. "Sinaktan ka nila, hindi ako makakapayag na basta nalang silang makatakas. Hindi ko sila papayagang mabuhay pagkatapos ng ginawa nila sayo."

Hearing Knight say those thing, she remembered what Dimitri told her.

She's the switch that makes Knight go off.

And after what happened to her, she's sure that Knight went off.

Dahan-dahang bumangon si SM, kahit kumirot ang sugat niya, hindi niya iyon pinansin dahil gusto niyang mayakap ang binata.

"Mi reina..." bulong ni Knight ng yakapin niya ito sa beywang saka ihinilig ang pisngi sa balikat nito.

"Kalimutan mo na 'yon." Wika niya, "Hindi ako magtatanong kung ano 'yon at hindi mo kailangang sabihin sakin. For you to get scared like this... I don't like it, Knight. Don't be scared of me. I told you, nothing can make me leave you."

Yumakap sa kaniya si Knight at isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya bago nagsalita. "I chopped someone off and pushed someone off a building."

SM froze— she forgot to breath for a minute as Knight's confession sunk in to her.

Chopped someone off. Pushed someone off a building.

Her eyes were wide with shock. Lips parted and her breathing literally stopped.

"After knowing that," pinakawalan siya nito sa pagkakayakap saka tumingin sa mga mata niya, "would you still stay... with me?"

SM opened her mouth to answer but before she can do that, the door to the room opened and a man on his— maybe— early fifties entered the room.

He was wearing an Italian suit and he looks dashing even at his age.

Kaagad na naging alerto si Knight at tumalim ang mga mata nito. Gone the clingy Knight, the expression on his face was replaced by something dangerous and scary.

Tumigil ang lalaking bagong dating sa paanan ng kinahihigaan niya.

"Lady Sweet Monday Canja Lopez," anang lalaki sa pormal na boses saka bahagyang yumukod sa kaniya, "I am, Don Ambrose César, mensajero of the house of Lopez."

SM frowned. "House of Lopez?"

Don Ambrose gives him a small smile before handing her an envelop, "Mufasa ordered me to give you this. I'm taking you to your father, milady."

Gumuhit ang masayang ngiti sa mga labi ni SM saka bumaling siya kay Knight na ngayon ay medyo kalmado na. "Let's pack up, Knight—"

"You're going with me, alone, milady."

SM's happy smile slowly faded when Don Ambrose's words sunk in to her mind.

To see her father, she will leave Knight behind?

It's like her father is making her choose.

Mufasa ... or Knight?



ߑѰߑѰߑэ
ANNOUNCEMENT:

On JULY 14, 2019, i will be at the LIB x Booklat Rave Party Event. There will be a book signing.

Venue: ߓ͠(Elements it Centris)  — Eton Centris, EDSA Corner Quezon Ave., Quezon City

Time: 1PM Onwards

Hopefully: Lumabas ang Broken Soul's Plea (Blake Vitale) It'll be Book 1 and Book 2 — Pocketbook size so it'll be affordable.

Hope to see you there ߘ؍

ߑѰߑѰߑэ




CHAPTER 28

"I CAN'T say, Knight." Wika ni Shun na kausap niya sa video sa loob ng Security Room ng HQ ng Organósi sa Pilipinas. Malapit nang mag-isang linggo mula ng makabalik sila galing Hong Kong.  "Ginawa ko na lahat ng magagawa ko, pero wala akong mahanap ni isa. There is a House of Lopez in Spain but everything about that house is blank. Like every record of a family member has been erased. I can't find anything, Velasquez. I tried. And you know me, I won't tell you any of this if i'm not sure."

Knight sighed. "And this Don Ambrose César? May nalaman ka ba tungkol sa kaniya?"

"He's a Dignitary in Spain."

"In Spain..." ulit niya saka bumungong-hininga, "bakit hindi ko siya kilala? I know every noble family there is in Spain and i'm a Count. If he's a Dignitary, then our paths would have crossed a long time ago."

"He went off the radar twenty-seven years ago." Wika ni Shun, "bigla lang siyang nawala at sumulpot lang isang taon na ang nakakaraan."

Isang taon ang nakakaraan? Hindi ba isang taon na rin ang nakakaraan mula ng akalain ni SM na patay na ang mga magulang nito?

So when SM's parents 'died', this Don Ambrose resurfaced? Too much of a coincidence.

Mensajero to the House of Lopez.

A Dignitary as a messenger? What kind of family does SM has?

"Kumusta na ang paghahanap mo sa mga magulang ni SM?" Tanong niya kay Shun.

"I pulled out an old photo of his father from the company he was working for a year before he 'died' and I search every data base I know but nothing, Velasquez. I didn't find anything after he died. His records ended in the Philippines."

"Pero buhay siya..." aniya na puno ng pagtataka. "Paano siya nakakagalaw na walang iniiwang bakas?"

Shun shrugged, "bud, we both know the answer to that."

Bumuntong-hininga si Knight, "fuck."

"Only powerful people can move without a trace, Velasquez." Shun chuckled. "Looks like your girlfriend have that kind of family— you know, the kind that makes you feel like you're an ant even when you're a Count?" Shun laughed. "That rhymes."

Knight blows a loud breath. "Can you dig deeper?"

"Susubukan ko." Ani Shun na nagkibit-balikat. "Pero hindi ako nangangako. It's like the family members of the House of Lopez doesn't exist."

"Maghanap ka ng ibang data base." Suhestiyon niya, "napaka-imposibleng wala silang record. It's just there, hidden somewhere, we just have to look harder."

Shun looked at him incredulously, "you mean, I have to look harder."

Knight nodded without a humour. "I have to know what's going on."

Napailing si Shun, "you really don't like being blind, huh?"

"Who does?"

Bumuntong-hininga si Shun, "kumusta na pala ang girlfriend mo? Is she doing fine?"

Sa tanong na 'yon ni Shun, napatitig siya sa monitor kung saan naroon ang live footage ng CCTV sa bahay niya. And he can see SM on his room, sitting on the sofa and just staring at the wall while she keeps on sighing.

Back in the infirmary, she didn't chose. Tumahimik lang ito hanggang sa magsabi si Don Ambrose na bibigyan ito ng ilang araw para mag-isip.

He knew she wanted to see her father— hell! She thought her father was dead! She has all the right to want to see her father. Gusto rin niyang makita na nito ang ama, hindi niya ito pipigilan kahit pa nga gustong-gusto niyang ipagdamot si SM kahit sa sarili nitong ama. Pero alam niyang hindi puwedeng ganun siya. He's still SM's father.

Pero hanggat hindi siya nakakasiguro na walang panganib sa pupuntahan nito, hindi siya makakapayag na basta nalang kunin sa kaniya ang kasintahan.

And after what happened in Hong Kong, his father will surely know about SM. Kailangan niya itong protektahan. Hindi siya makakapayag na saktan ito ng ama niya. He was the one who dragged her into his chaotic world, he should be the one to protect her at all cost.

"Hindi pa ba naghilom ang sugat niya?" Tanong ni Shun sa kaniya ng hindi siya sumagot.

"She's okay." Nanatili siyang nakatitig kay SM sa monitor ng CCTV sa bahay niya na ngayon ay sinasabunutan na ang sariling buhok at halatang malalim ang iniisip nito. "She's gonna be okay."

Shun sighed. "What is it? You don't sound and look good."

Nakatitig pa rin siya kay SM sa monitor, "I hate myself for being selfish, keeping SM to myself. I mean, I didn't even urged her to go to her father. I didn't. Kahit alam kong gusto niya pero hindi lang niya ako maiwan. She's the sweetest, Shun."

"Oh, tapos?" Tanong sa kaniya ni Shun na nakatingin sa kaniya, "kaya mo ba siyang hayaang umalis? Na maiwan kang mag-isa? Na bumalik ka na naman sa dati? Trust me, Velasquez, you'll lost it if she ever leave you. At hindi ba ayaw sayo ng ama niya? Kung itutulak mo siya papunta sa ama niya, sa tingin mo, ibabalik pa siya sayo?"

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I want to manipulate her into staying— into choosing me— I know I can, and I know it'll work, but seeing her stressed and problematic because of this, I don't want to anymore."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Shun, "that's relationship for you, bud. It's not easy." Napailing ito. "Napakadaling sabihin na 'oo, tayo na', 'oo, mahalaga ka sakin' pero napakahirap ng mga 'yon gawin o panindigan. Sometimes, it's easy to enter into a relationship, but so hard to stay in it, but at the end, it always comes down to the both of you. Kung lalaban ba kayo hanggang sa huli o pakakawalan ang isa't-isa dahil sa ganitong problema?"

Kumuyom ang kamao niya. "I'm keeping her, Shun."

"Then go, be with your woman and let me do the digging." Pagtataboy sa kaniya ni Shun. "Talk to her. Don't let this issue put a distance between you two. Kung ayaw mo siyang mawala sayo, gumawa ka ng paraan na hindi siya mawawala pero hindi rin siya masasakal sayo. Get me?"

Tumango siya, huminga ng malalim saka nginitian ang kaibigan. "Thanks, best friend."

Nanatiling kalmado si Shun kahit alam niyang ayaw na ayaw nitong naririnig ang huling sinabi niya. "Ayoko talaga kapag tinatawag mo akong best friend. Nagtataasan ang balahibo ko."

Knight laughed a little, "this is why it's more fun calling Valerian best friend than you. His reaction is always lit as fuck."

Shun tsked. "Yeah, yeah. I'll sell him to you anytime with that best friend shit."

Natawa siya saka nagpaalam na. "Sige na. Gawin mo na ang pinapagawa ko."

"Wow, nagmamadali?" Puno ng sarkasmong tanong ni Shun.

"The Organósi is paying you a lot for that."

Shun tsked. "Kung hindi lang kayo malaki magpasahod, nunkang tatanggapin ko maging tracker mo. This job sucks. Big time!"

Ano pa kaya siya na walang sahod? Mahirap naman talaga lahat ang trabaho nila, pero kahit naman magreklamo siya ng magreklamo, alam niyang gagawin pa rin niya kaya mabuting manahimik nalang. Para naman 'to sa ikabubuti ng lahat.

"I have to go." Aniya.

Gusto niyang makausap si SM. Kapag kasama niya ito nitong mga nakaraang araw, palagi itong nakangiti sa kaniya. But seeing her in the CCTV footage like this, he can't just forget about it.

Bakit ba hindi ko napansin na problemado siya? I'm always good at reading and picking up emotions in the face and through body language. Is she really that good of hiding it— even from me?

Pinatay niya ang video call nila ni Shun at ang monitor kung saan naroon ang live CCTV footage ng bahay niya saka lumabas ng Security room at dumeretso sa parking lot kung nasaan ang motorsiklo niya.

Nang makarating sa mansiyon niya, kaagad siyang pumasok at hindi pinansin ang tatlo, si Cloud, Jacques at Dimitri na nasa salas at naglalaro ng Snake and Ladder.

Dumeretso siya sa kuwarto niya.

The moment he opened the door and saw SM looking at him, she has a smile on her lips again.

Bumuntong-hininga siya. Looks like I have to work harder to flush out the emotion she was hiding.



KAAGAD NA NGUMITI si SM ng makita si Knight na pumasok ng kuwarto. Kinalimutan muna niya ang mga iniisip saka sinalubong ito ng mahigpit na yakap. "How's work?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang ito saka hinalikan siya sa nuo. "How about you? Doing okay?"

Sa tono ng boses nito, nababasa niyang gusto nitong magkuwento siya kung anong tunay niyang nararamdaman. SM can tell that Knight knew that she's stressed. The tone on his voice was different from yesterday and the other day.

Maybe it would be better to talk to him, rather than keeping it to herself for nearly a week now. They're in a relationship, after all. He deserves to know what's on her mind as her boyfriend.

Pinakawalan niya sa pagkakayakap ang kasintahan saka hinawakan ito sa kamay at hinila pa-upo sa sofa at paharap naman siyang umupo sa mga hita nito.

Hinalikan niya ito sa nuo bago ito tinitigan. "Naguguluhan ako. 'Yon ang totoo. Gusto kong makita si Dad, pero naisip ko na paano kung mapahamak ako? Paano ako nakakasiguro na si Dad nga 'yon? It's too risky but I wanna see Dad. And there's you... I don't wanna leave you. Kung pupunta ako kay Dad gusto ko kasama kita. I want him to meet you. Kasi iniisip ko, baka hindi ka lang niya gusto kasi hindi ka pa niya kilala. Maybe once he get to know you, he'll like you. I mean, you're an amazing person, why wouldn't he like you?"

Knight's face softened before he cupped her face and place a soft lingering kiss on her lips. "How about this, baby. Let me clear the way first." Anito habang titig na titig sa kaniya, "kapag nasiguro kong hindi ka mapapahamak, hahayaan kitang puntahan ang Daddy mo."

Her lips thinned, "paano ka?" Tanong niya habang sinusuklay ang buhok nito, "mag-isa ka na naman. Hindi ka na naman makakatulog. Hindi ako mapapakali sa isiping hindi ka na naman makakapagpahinga ng maayos. And what if you came home bloody or wounded...I don't want you to be alone, Knight."

Knight smiled sadly, "ayoko rin namang mag-isa ulit. Gusto ko talagang ipagdamot ka at pigilan, pero, alam ko ring gusto mong makita ang Daddy mo. I mean, hell, you thought he was dead. I know you wanna see him and talk to him and be with him. I wanna be selfish but... I don't want to. I know that being with your Dad will make you very happy—"

"Yes but being away from you will make me very worried." SM blows a loud breath and buried her face on Knight's chest. "Sumama ka nalang sakin. Ayokong iwan kang mag-isa."

"Ayaw nga ng Daddy mo diba? And Baby, I have my Butler with me— and Dimitri and my friends."