CHAPTER NINE
AS expected, her mother bombard her with questions when she gets home. Hindi niya na inaya si Clinton na pumasok sa mansion nila dahil alam niyang may meeting ito na kailangang puntahan. Besides, he told her that he's going to set a dinner with her parents. She will just wait for that time to formally introduce him to her family."Bella Xaria, I am asking you, what happened in that yacht? Nagalit ba siya? What was his reaction? Did you two talk properly by the way?"Xaria sat on the soft couch. Sumunod naman kaagad sa kanya ang mommy niya. It was so obvious that her beautiful mother won't let that day pass without hearing anything from her."We are done talking mom.""So... he knew about your... you know. About what happened to the..." she couldn't finish her sentence.Marahan siyang tumango bilang sagot."What did... he say?"Clinton didn't say much. Or maybe she was just crying hard that she can't focus on him."He was sorry about what happened to me and to our unborn child. He was emotional too.""Did he cry?" Her mom was intrigued."I think so. Hmm, yes. His eyes were misty.""It must be painful for him as well.""Yes, mom. I saw his eyes. I saw pain and despair."Lumapit sa kanya ang mommy niya at bahagya siyang niyakap.That put a smile on her lips.Her family knew about what happened to her past. They have witnessed her desperation, her agony and the way she mourned. They were also devastated when the doctor told them first that she lost her angel. Nang magising siya noon, naabutan niya ang pag aalo ng daddy niya sa mommy niya habang umiiyak.Her brothers mourned with her too. Madalas din siyang bisitahin ng alin man sa kuya Branth or Brenth noong nasa ibang bansa siya. "I am relieved now that you and Clinton got the chance to meet again and talk.""It was unexpected, mom. I just saw him in D' Club.""It was meant to be, Xaria. You can't just meet people by accident or unexpectedly. There's always a reason why your paths crossed again. And this is the reason; for both of you to have a closure."That's not even a closure for her.Paano magiging gano'n? Samantalang inaya pa siya ni Clinton na tumira sa penthouse nito. Maybe, there would be no closure because he wants to continue what they have started before."I don't think it's a closure. It's more on giving him the rights to know what happened to our angel because he was part of our unborn child.""If it's not a closure, then, does it mean... you know..."Xaria took a deep breath. Now, she can feel the exhaustion from traveling from Batangas to Manila and of course their quickie in the shower room before they leave."Mom, right now, I am not sure what is the score between us. But you know that I am not gonna hide my relationship anymore from you and dad, right?""Yes, sweetheart. Besides, you're an adult. You are free to do what you want as long as you know your limitations."Does she knows her limits when it comes to Clinton Grande?"But, I want you to be careful this time. If you're not ready yet to have a baby-""Mommy!" Natatawang agap niya at hindi maiwasan na uminit ang pisngi niya. "I suggest you to stop overthinking.""I can't help it!" Bumalik ito sa kabilang sofa at madrama na sinapo ang noo. "Basta, ha, continue your shot.""I will.""You can stop it kapag gusto mo na ulit mag anak.""Mommy, I don't want to have a baby again. I already told you that."Losing her first child traumatized her so much.She always thought that she doesn't deserve to be a mother because of what happened. She always blamed herself because no one is to blamed but her. She got the opportunity to be a mother but she wasted it that it ended her child's life. She doesn't want to experience the same pain it gave her because she doesn't know if she could still take it or it could probably end her life.Kaya ipinangako niya sa sarili na hinding-hindi na siya mag aanak pa. Dahil sa sobrang takot na mawala ulit 'yon sa kanya. Alam niyang hindi niya na kakayanin pa kung gano'n nga ang mangyari.Her mother sighed and nodded her head. Hindi na muling ipinagpatuloy ang topic sa pagkakaroon niya ng anak.Suddenly, she felt sad when she thinks about Clinton. She's certain that he wants to have a children. But she can't give that kind of blessings anymore.She was now torn if she's going to tell him that she doesn't want to have a baby anymore or keep it a secret from him.But one thing is for sure, she will continue her shot to avoid unwanted pregnancy.The soft opening of Bella Xaria Clothing Line was successful. She and Damaris made sure that everything was organized. The main boutique is located in Bonifacio Global City. They also have online shop because nowadays it is a convenient way to shop."I found a one bedroom unit nearby. How 'bout you? When do you plan to move out?" Damaris asked her during their lunch.Her friend just got back from Columbia to visit her mother's family."I haven't choose yet which one I like.""Do want some help about it?"'No, thank you, Damaris. I am not in a hurry though.""Well, it's up to you. Care to share your escapade with daddy Clinton?" She said in a playful tone.Xaria rolled her eyes but she couldn't hide the smiles on her lips."Woah, woah, the cold Xaria Villamor is smiling! Something is up! Spill the beans, please!""We just talked. Okay?""Talk lang?"Xaria avoided Damaris' gaze who is really interested to know the details about Clinton. It's normal that she's curious because her friend knew their past."At least, I made things clear between us.""He knows na about the...""Yes. I told him that I lost our angel."Nagbuntonghininga ang kaibigan. Damaris looked relieved that Clinton already knew it."What was his reaction? May I know?""He wants me to pour all the pain on him. To share the pain with him. He was in pain when he discovered what happened."Damaris hold her hand. "You're so brave, Xaria."After their lunch, Damaris' bodyguard came inside the boutique."What do you want?" Damaris asked, a bit annoyed."Just making sure if you eat on time.""I'm done eating."The bodyguard leave the boutique like nothing happened."I feel suffocated!" Damaris hissed."Hindi ka ba sanay?""I am not like you, babe. I am not use to have a bodyguard.""Then tell your father that you want Vejar to be invisible. That's possible. My bodyguard is like that most of the time.""My dad would only ignore me.""Just try, Damaris.""At least, Roux is handsome," tukoy nito sa bodyguard niya."Vejar is good looking din naman.""Huh! He's not! He's emotionless man that made him ugly."Natawa si Xaria at napailing.They entertained people who came in. They also allowed some who wanted a photo with them. Kaya lang, nang medyo umingay ang grupo ng kababaihan, nakita niya ang pagpasok ng dalawang unipormadong lalaki. Alerto at pinukol agad ng tingin ang mga nakatabi sa kanila."Stay there. I'm good," she mouthed at Roux and shook her head, telling him not to get close to them.Nakita niya naman ang matalim na tingin ni Damaris kay Vejar para lang huwag pakialaman ng bodyguard.In the end, their bodyguards went outside the boutique. At wala siyang ideya kung saan nagpapalipas ng oras si Roux habang naghihintay sa kanya.That day, Xaria and Damaris decided to stay in the boutique. May mga tao na naman sila na pinagkakatiwalaan na mamahala kung wala sila. Aside from that, she has nothing to do on their mansion.Clinton called her while Damaris is checking the inventory."Hi," that was her first word when she answered his call."Are you still in your boutique?"Xaria can feel the fast beating of her heart eve though it's just a phone call and he's not around him. Indeed that what she feels for him never changed even one bit."Yes."They have been exchanging messages since last night. Doon niya rin natanggap kahit papano na nasa buhay niya ulit ang binata. Kahit pa pigilan niya ang sarili, alam magwawagi pa rin ang isinisigaw ng puso niya."I'm gonna pick you up at 5 o'clock. Is that fine?""Yes. I'll just wait for you."Where are they going by the way? Or he will just pick her up to bring her home?"Let's have dinner together." The raspiness on his baritone made her bite the inside of her cheek."Oh. Okay." She's lost for more words!"And if we still have time, you can check the penthouse."Xaria can feel the warmth on her cheeks. He's really gonna push them living together."We'll talk about it later," she muttered, so that he won't notice that she's also curious to see his penthouse.Damaris left at four with Vejar. While she send a message to Roux that she's gonna have dinner with Clinton. Siguro naman ay puwede nang umuwi ang bodyguard niya dahil ligtas naman siya kasama ang binata.Siguro nang hindi nakuntento sa mensahe niya lang, nakita niyang pumasok ang walang emosyon na si Roux sa boutique."Your work is done now for today, Roux. You can go home na.""Ipapaalam ko pa ito kay Sir Xavier, Xaria."She told Roux not to address her like he addressed her parents and brothers. He's polite but he's also very reserved man."Ikaw ang bahala."Then she remembered she left him in D' Club when she went with Clinton in Batangas."About last time in D' Club when I left with Clinton, pinagalitan ka ba ni daddy?""Hindi naman.""Because you told him that I was with Clinton?""Yes.""Kapag si Clinton ang kasama ko, you don't have to follow me. He has his own security.""You can request that to your father.""I'm gonna have dinner with Clinton tonight. You can go home. Spend your time with your family or girlfriend.""I don't have a girlfriend." He answered coldly."How about nilliligawan?"Hindi ito sumagot."How 'bout your family?""I don't want to answer your question.""Why?""It's personal.""Are you really like that ba? Secretive? Is that one of the characteristics of a bodyguard?"Roux didn't answer. He just standing there like a statue. He didn't even dare to look at her.Xaria gulped when she saw Clinton's car parked in front of the boutique."He's here na. You can leave na, Roux. I'll text dad about this."Roux sighed. Then turned his back to her.Nasalubong nito si Clinton at may haunting pag uusap ang dalawa na hindi niya naman na inintindi dahil kinuha niya na sa opisina niya ang hand bag niya.Xaria sprayed her perfume and did some quick retouch on her face. Then she brushed her wavy hair using her fingers. She's wearing a high neck asymmetric midi dress in beige and paired it with Jimmy Choo ankle strap sandals.Holding her Hermes Birkin bag, she walks towards Clinton.His intense eyes scanned her face down to her body. And that made her hyperventilate already.He's wearing his white dress shirt the folded until his elbows, showing the veins on his forearms. With his black slacks, black leather shoes and heavy aura, he screams elegance and power.She will never forget how she fell in love with him before. At sa mga sandaling 'yon, ipinaparamdam din sa kanya ng puso niya kung gaano siya nito nakuha pa rin sa paraan na hindi niya kayang iwasan.When he placed his palm on her waist, she felt like her damn heart skip a beat. Nag humerentado 'yon lalo nang halikan siya sa labi ni Clinton."Beautiful," he whispered near her lips.She placed her hand on his chest and pushed him a bit. May mga empleyado pa sa boutique at ayaw niya namang masaksihan ng mga ito na gano'n sila kalapit ni Clinton.He gently grabbed her hand from his chest, hold it and walked with her outside.Clinton brought her to a restaurant inside a five star hotel in BGC. They are at the corner part of the restaurant where nobody could disturb them. After they ordered their foods, the drinks and wine were served."How long are you gonna stay in Manila?" She strike a conversation.His eyes always roaming around her face. Tila ba siya lang talaga ang gusto nitong tignan."I'll stay in a month.""Then?""I'll be back in Cebu."Paano na sila kung sa Cebu na ito mananatili pagkatapos ng isang buwan?"Okay."She doesn't want him to know that she's worried about them once he stays in Cebu. She knows how busy he was. Probably, they won't see each other anymore or she would just wait until he goes back to Manila again."I will still see you," he muttered as if he reads her mind.Xaria sipped on her wine. She couldn't look at him. Pakiramdam niya kasi kahit hindi siya magsalita, nalalaman ni Clinton ang mga naiisip niya dahil mga mata niya ang nagpapahayag ng mga salitang hindi niya masabi.Hinawakan nito ang isang kamay niya."What is it? Hmm?" He squeezed her hand gently, urging her to speak her mind.Talaga yatang halata sa kanya na medyo nag alala siya na uuwi na ito sa Cebu at magiging malayo sila sa isa't isa.Bakit ba? Apat na taon niyang hindi nakita at nakasama si Clinton, dapat wala lang ang lahat ng ito sa kanya. She was able to live without him for years. Kahit mahirap naman, kinaya niya. Dapat hindi na malaking bagay sa kanya kung magkakalayo man ulit sila."Tell me what you want. I wanna know what's worrying you."She pursed her lips.Para siyang bata na kailangang suyuin at paluguran para lang mawala ang anomang bigat na nararamdaman. She can only feel that with him. Kapag mag isa naman siya, ang mature mature niya. Pero kapag nariyan na si Clinton, talagang parang palagi'y gusto niyang sinusuyo at nilalambing."Uh, I'll be alone in your penthouse then," that words slipped from her lips.He heaved a sigh. It sounded like he suddenly has something to think about. A problem that needs a quick solution."How about I'll visit you here in Manila during weekends?"And weekdays? She will be alone."How 'bout that long weekdays?" Her voice softened.Clinton bite his lower lip. Para itong biglang nahirapan sa tanong niya."Baby, let me fix my schedule first so I could at least visit thrice or four times a week."Imagine, he's a very busy man. She doesn't know how busy he was but she's sure he has a lot on his table. Then he would find ways to visit her in Manila. Paano ito makakapagpahinga man lang?"Or I could visit in Cebu." She suggested and swear, she didn't expect herself to even think about that possibility!Kailangan niyang bawiin ang sinabi niya kung hindi, baka makita niya na lang ang sarili na palaging nasa Cebu!"I am not sure if I could visit, I want to focus with my boutique," bawi niya."It's fine. I'll just visit you here.""But if I have time, I can visit you." She said casually."I would love that."Their foods were served after a long while. Maayos silang kumain at paminsan minsan ang pag uusap. Hanggang umabot sa party na dadaluhan nila."Don't worry about my evening gown, I have a friend who can help me with that."Clinton nodded his head. Then sipped on his wine.When they finished eating, they went back to his car. Hindi niya alam kung bakit malakas ang tibok ng puso niya samantalang sa penthouse lang naman ang punta nila. She will just see it and probably will decide wether she likes to live there or not.Xaria was surprised when she realized that his penthouse building is just ten minutes walk from her boutique.He parked his car at the basement and they entered the lift. Clinton placed his palm at the small of her back.Napalunok siya. Talagang ayaw paawat ng puso niya. Iba yata ang iniisip niyang mangyayari kapag napag isa na silang dalawa. Kaya gano'n nalang ang kalabog ng dibdib niya.His penthouse is impressive. It is huge as expected and the interior designs were minimalist and it's obvious that the owner is a man. The combination of dark and light colors of the walls, those expensive paintings and the elegant cove lights were spectacular. Clinton's hand on her waist gives her body a heat because he's slightly caressing her there."Do you like it?" He whispered near her ear."I do. It looked very manly. It suits you though.""if you like you can change the-""No, it's fine." Maagap na sambit niya dahil medyo kinabahan dahil ang tunog nito ay tila binibigyan siya ng permiso na baguhin ang anomang parte ng penthouse sa paraan na gusto niya.She looked up on his beside her and it was a wrong move because his lips touched her cheek. Mabilis niyang naramdaman ang pamilyar na init sa pagitan nila.His palms were now rested on her waist as he made her face him completely.Their eyes met and she knew by then that like her, he also felt the heat and arousal that building up.Xaria bite her lips because she can't deny what she feels. Lalo pa nang nakakaliyo nitong haplusin ang bewang niya. Para siyang natunaw at handa na naman na magdarang sa apoy."Clinton..." his name escaped from her in a sensual way. Animo pang aakit 'yon."What is it?" He planted a feathery kisses near her lips. Teasing her until she couldn't take her emotion anymore.She placed her palms on his hard chest. She's trying her best to stay calm and sane. But it won't happen anymore because he claimed her parted lips for a feverish kiss.She closed her eyes when he carried her in a bridal style while they are kissing heatedly.Mabilis na kumalat ang apoy sa katawan niya. Lalo pa noong gumapang na ang palad ni Clinton sa katawan niya.He sat at the couch while she's straddling him. They couldn't even pause from torridly kissing each other. Parehong naglalabanan ang mga dila nila at tila ayaw patalo."Mmm..." she moans in between their kiss when he slid his callous palm under her dress and caressed her inner thighs.She shut her eyes tightly and parted her lips when his finger found her femininity. It was the reason why their kisses was interrupted. Because she needed to moan to stay sane with his touch on her private part."Aahh..." her breathing gets heavy.Clinton was watching her face being aroused and gratified while rubbing her flesh.Kinagat niya ang labi nang ikalat ng daliri nito ang likido na galing sa kanya sa pagkababae niya."I want my head in between your thighs," he whispered sensually on her lips.