Burn for Love

PROLOGUE

Sister.

Xander cursed the word, had been cursing it for as long as he can remember.

He never wanted her to become his sister. Never in his entire life can he treat her with brotherly touch or brotherly kiss or brotherly affection. Kanina ang balak niya ay bigyan ito ng “sisterly kiss” sa pisngi ngunit hindi niya napigilan ang sariling damhin ang gilid ng mga labi nito. At kung wala ang maraming tao sa paligid ay tuluyan na niyang binihag ang malalambot na labi ng dalaga.

Seven years had passed but she still had this tremendous effect on his masculinity. Nagpakasasa siya sa piling ng maraming babae sa Amerika makalimutan lamang si Jecile. He had a lot of girlfriends and short lived relationships hanggang sa magsawa siya. He had been without a woman for a year now.

He thought he had succeeded in stabilizing his active male hormone. Na nagsawa na siya sa mga babae and that he did not have a raging libido anymore.

He was dead wrong.

His manhood excitedly flexed as he saw her splendid loveliness. And he instantly knew that he desired her again, had always desired her curvaceous, well- toned bod.

And his hunger was deeper this time. Mas lalong gumanda ang babae at mas lalong lumakas ang atraksiyong nararamdaman niya para rito. It was a very dangerous form of attraction and he knew destruction lined next to it. He remembered how it had destroyed him in the past…

Jecile… He gnashed his teeth. He wanted to hate her… wanted to despise her for creating this lunatic desire within him. She was as usual his waterloo, his self-disappointment. He knew he made a wrong choice to be celibate for months. If he did not abstain from sex, maybe he was not feeling this almost uncontrollable desire.

She was trouble. Big trouble from the very beginning. She was the reason why he left the country for years. She was also the reason why he was back for good.

His parents dropped the bomb over the phone last week while he was still in the States. They wanted to finally, legally adopt Jecile. THAT finally made him decide to end his self-exile in the States.

Jecile, her sister? Were his parents mad?!

Over his dead body!

A body that’s as far from death whenever she’s near, when you can freely breathe her lovely, sexy scent, the voice in his head whispered mockingly.

“Did you miss me, my soon to be ‘little sis’?” he probed as his eyes roamed her face and stopped at her lush lips.

That pair of soft, apple-red lips which can easily turn into any man’s fetish, had always been his greatest nemesis.

CHAPTER 1

Seven years ago…

“RELAX ka lang, hija. Ako ang bahala sa iyo. Nangako ako sa Mama mong hindi kita pababayaan.”

Isang kiming ngiti ang iginanti niya kay Alejandro. Sa edad niyang disi-siyete, hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin ng mga sandaling iyon. Kalilibing lang ng kanyang ina at isa na siyang ganap na ulila. Puno pa ng pagdadalamhati ang kanyang dibdib. Buti na lamang at inasikaso ni Alejandro ang pagpapalibing kay Minerva.

Nag-iisang anak ang kanyang ina at patay na ang mga magulang nito. Ang ama naman niya ay namatay ng sampung taong gulang pa lamang siya. Dalawa na lamang silang naiwan ng ina ngunit ngayon nga ay iniwan na rin siya nito. Her mother died with complications from pneumonia.

Huli na ng dalhin sa ospital ang ginang at hindi na naagapang sugpuin ang sakit nito. Ilang araw na itong nakakaramdam ng hindi maganda sa katawan pero tiniis lamang iyon dahil ayaw magpa-ospital. They did not have the money to pay for the hospital bills. At ang kaunting perang ipon nito ay sapat lamang upang ipantustos sa pag-aaral ng anak. At magtatapos na siya sa high school. Kailangan niya ng panggastos para sa nalalapit na graduation niya.

She will never mind if she cannot graduate in high school. Her mother’s life was more important than anything else. Siya na mismo ang humingi ng tulong upang madala ang ina sa ospital ng makitang malala na ang lagay nito. Ngunit hindi na nagawang iligtas ng mga doctor sa pampublikong ospital sa bayan nila ang ina mula sa sakit na pneumonia.

“Maraming salamat sa lahat Tito Alejandro. Ang dami ko na pong utang-na-loob sa inyo.” She said softly with misty eyes.

“Utang ko kay Minerva ang buhay ko kaya wala kang dapat na alalahanin Jecile. Ibinabalik ko lamang ang tulong na nagawa niya para sa akin.” He owed his life to Minerva. If it was not because of the woman, he was already dead. Si Minerva ang sumaklolo dito mula sa bumanggang kotse at nagdala sa ospital. He was going home from Baguio when he encountered a vehicular accident in Pangasinan. His Pajero crammed and went out of control and he was speeding fast in the highway. Nang hindi na makontrol ang manibela ay sumalpok ang kotse nito sa punong nasa tabi ng daan at muntik ng mahulog sa bangin.

Nangangahoy sa gubat na malapit sa National Highway si Minerva ng marinig ang tunog na dulot ng pagsalpok ng sasakyan sa isang puno. Dali-dali nitong hinanap ang pinanggalingan niyon at nakita ang kotseng halos ay durog ang harapan at nakasiksik sa malapad na katawan ng puno. At nasa tabi lamang iyon ng bangin. Any moment ay baka mahulog ang sasakyan sa bangin at mas lalong ikakapahamak iyon ng taong lulan ng sasakyan.

Humingi ito ng tulong sa pinakamalapit na kapitbahay sa lugar na iyon ngunit kinailangan pa muna nitong maglakad ng dalawang kilometro. The nearest neighbor was two kilometers away but she braved it. Buti na lamang at buhay pa ang sakay ng sasakyan at hindi iyon nahulog sa bangin ng makahingi ito ng tulong.

Agad na dinala si Alejandro sa pinakamalapit na ospital. Good thing na nakaseatbelt ang lalaki, hindi ganun kalala ang natamo nitong sugat. Subalit duguan pa rin ito dulot ng nabasag na salamin ng kotse at ang malakas na pagkakabangga ng kotse sa malaking puno.

Halos isang Linggo din itong naconfine sa ospital bago tuluyang gumaling. Nang gumaling ito ay nagtanong sa attendant ng ospital kung sino ang tumulong dito ng maaksidente. Ibinigay ng mga ito ang impormasyon tungkol kay Minerva at ang address ng babae. Nakadalaw pa kasi si Minerva sa ospital ng sumunod na araw na isinugod sa ospital si Alejandro. Ngunit pagkatapos niyon ay hindi na ito nakabalik.

Pinuntahan nito ang address na ibinigay ng ospital pagkatapos makuha ang sasakyang dinala na rin ng mga pulis sa talyer sa bayan upang ipaayos. The mechanic overcharged him but he did not mind it. Ang mahalaga, naayos na ang kotse nito at merong magagamit na sasakyan.

Nagtanong-tanong ito kung nasaan ang bahay ni Minerva nang makarating ito sa lugar na pinangyarihan ng aksidente. Isang lumang bahay na gawa sa kahoy ang itinuro dito ng lalaking napagtanungan. Kakatok sana ito sa pintuan ng biglang bumukas iyon at iniluwa ang dalagitang balisa ang anyo.

“Magandang araw,” gayun pa man ay binati ni Alejandro ang dalagita. “Dito ba nakatira si Minerva Cosio?”

“Opo,” maagap na sagot ni Jecile. Hindi niya kilala ang lalaki. Sa nakalipas na mga araw, naging abala siya sa paaralan nila. Malapit na ang graduation nila at abala sila sa pag-eensayo. Baka bisita ito ng nanay niya. “Ano po ang sadya ninyo kay Inay?”

“Ako nga pala si Alejandro Travilla Ija. Ako ang lalaking tinulungan ng ina mo ng maaksidente. Nandito ako para magpasalamat.”

“Ah kayo po pala ang taong ikinuwento sa akin ni Inay.” Masusing pinagmasdan niya ang mukha ng lalaki. He must be in his fifties. Magara ang suot nitong damit at mukhang respetado. Halata sa ayos ng lalaki na isa itong mayamang tao.

“Kamusta ang iyong ina? Puwede ko ba siyang makausap?”

“Maysakit po ang inay.” Bumalatay ang matinding pag-aalala sa mukha niya ng maisip ang kalagayan ng ina. “Pasok po kayo. Nasa loob siya ng silid at nakaratay.” Muli siyang pumasok sa looban ng bahay at pinuntahan sa silid ang ina. Nakasunod sa kanya ang lalaki. Lumapit siya sa kama at hinaplos ang noo ng ina. Dama niya sa palad ang mainit na balat nito. “Tatlong araw na pong ganyan ang Inay. Ang sabi niya ay simpleng trangkaso lang ang sakit niya subalit sa paglipas ng mga araw ay lumalala ang kanyang kondisyon. At ang taas pa po ng lagnat. Kahapon ko pa siya pinipilit na dalhin sa ospital subalit ayaw niya.”

Lumapit sa babaeng nakahiga sa kamang gawa sa kawayan si Alejandro, his eyes did not miss her illed appearance. Nang sapuhin nito ang noo ni Minerva at maramdaman ang taas ng lagnat ng babae, napailing ito. “Dalhin natin sa ospital ang iyong ina Ija. Malala ang lagay niya.” Mula sa pagkakatitig sa nakapikit na babae, alam nitong hindi lamang simpleng trangkaso ang sakit ni Minerva.

“Alejandro!”

Naputol ang pagbabaliktanaw ni Jecile nang marinig ang malakas na boses na iyon. She saw a beautiful and dignified woman alighting from the grand carpeted staircase in the center of the spacious living room. She had a very formal expression at kaagad na nakaramdam siya ng pagkabalisa.

Si Barbara ay parang ipinako sa kinatatayuan. Napuno ng pananabik ang dibdib nito kanina ng makita ang asawa. Ngunit napatda ng makitang nakaakbay sa isang batam-batang babae si Alejandro. He was been away for two weeks without any notice. And they never had an idea of his whereabouts for those two hellish weeks. Ang huling alam nito, pababa na ng Baguio ang asawa at pauwi ng Maynila. Pero dalawang linggo na ang nakalipas, hindi ito nakarating ng bahay at nawalan sila ng komunikasyon.

“Barbara!” Si Alejandro na biglang sinalakay ng pananabik ang dibdib ng makita ang asawa. Kaagad na nilapitan nito ang babae na ngayon ay nasa paanan na ng hagdan. Akma nitong yayakapin ang asawa ng dumapo sa pisngi nito ang malakas na sampal ni Barbara.

“You’ve been away for two weeks without a word. Halos mamatay kami sa pag-aalala ng anak mo. Hindi mo man lang ba naisip iyon?” Puno ng pagdadaramdam ang tinig ng ginang habang pinaglipat-lipat ang tingin sa asawa at sa magandang dalagita. Bagamat payak ang ayos ng dalagita, hindi maitatagong may angking kaakit-akit na ganda.

“I’m sorry Ma.” Si Alejandro na sinapo ang nasaktang pisngi. Nilingon si Jecile na tuliro habang nakatingin sa kanilang mag-asawa. “It’s been a long story. Let me explain.”

“At sino ang babaeng kasama mo?” Muli nitong ginawaran ng matalim na sulyap ang dalagita.

“Siyanga pala si Jecile Ma. Jecile, si Barbara.” He introduced the two women. Pagkatapos ay muling binalingan ang asawa. “Ma magmula ngayon ay dito na si Jecile titira sa pamamahay natin.”

“Nagdala ka ng batam-batang babae sa loob ng pamamahay natin?” Si Barbara na lalong tumaas ang boses. Hindi pa ito nakakabawi sa matinding pag-aalala para sa nawawalang asawa pagkatapos ngayong dumating ito ay may iniakyat na babae sa mismong pamamahay nila?!

“Hindi mo naiintindihan Barbara.” Si Alejandro na ngayon ay namumula na ang pisngi sa pagkapahiya sa harapan ng bisita. “Halika sa library. Kailangan nating mag-usap. Marami akong ipaliliwanag sa iyo.” Inakay nito ang asawa papunta sa library at naiwang nag-iisa sa malawak na sala si Jecile.

Hindi alam ng dalagita kung ano ang gagawin ng mga sandaling iyon. Ang mga mata ni Barbara ay parang patalim na sumuyod sa kabuuan niya. Alam niya kung ano ang nagyayari. Dahil sa kanya kaya nag-away ang mag-asawa. Parang gusto na tuloy niyang umalis. Ngunit saan siya pupunta? Inilibot niya ang paningin sa paligid.

Napsinghap siya sa nakita. Halos lahat ng nakikita niya ay kayamanan ang katumbas sa isang mahirap na katulad niya. Alam niyang mayaman si Alejandro pero hindi niya inisip na ganito kayaman. Napakalaki ng bahay ng mga ito at napakaganda. Mas maganda pa siguro ang dog house ng mga ito kaysa sa bahay nila sa probinsiya.

Bigla ay nakaramdam siya ng panliliit.

It was the very first time that she was exposed to such overflowing display of richness. Kaagad na narealize niya kung gaano kalayo ang agwat ng isang mayaman at mahirap. Katumbas niyon ang langit at lupa. Napatingin tuloy siya sa sarili at hindi napigilang mapailing.

My goodness but she looked so trashy!

Nang sa pagpihit niya upang mas lalo pang mapag-aralan ng tingin ang paligid, nakasalubong ng mga mata niya ang pares ng mga matang matalim ang pagkakatitig sa kanya. Kaagad na naalala niya ang asawa ni Alejandro.

Ngunit kaagad na lumakas ang pagtibok ng kanyang puso dulot ng matatalim na mga matang iyon. Sa kabila ng lahat, hindi niya maipaliwanag ang kakaibang nararamdaman. Ngayon lamang niya naengkwentro ang ganitong klaseng damdamin sa tanang buhay niya.

She looked at him with wide, bewildered eyes. Wow, but she was looking at a very handsome face! Her heartbeat raced inside her chest as she fought back his chilling stare.

Sa kabila ng matalim na tingin nito, hindi niya mapigilan ang sariling humanga sa kaguwapuhan ng lalaki. Taglay nito ang pinakaguwapong mukha na nasilayan niya. He was wearing a white shirt that showed off his wide, broad shoulders paired with faded maong jeans, torn in the knees. The torn and faded jeans hugged his legs like second skin and she found it very sexy?

Napakunot noo siya ng maisip na kung saan-saan na lumipad ang kanyang pag-iisip at imahinasyon. Ngunit patuloy na pinag-aralan niya ang anyo ng kaharap.

His hair was long but tied with a rubber band though some strands of his bangs covered his face. She felt her world stopped moving as she looked at his deep set eyes. Though he was looking at her angrily, which she did not know the reason why, she found him so fascinating. Ilang minuto siyang nakatitig lamang sa napakaguwapong mukha nito.

“Sino ka at anong kaguluhan ang dinala mo sa pamilya ko?” He asked angrily and he took steps closer to her. “Nasaksihan ko ang mga pangyayari. At mukhang magkakaroon ng matinding away ang Mama at Papa.”

XANDER cursed behind his breath as he splurged his eyes at her lovely face. The lady standing beside her has a face of an angel. It was so innocent and pure but very lovely indeed. She was dressed in a simple t-shirt and denim but her pretty face stood out. She had no trace of make up, a contrast to the girls he used to date, and her natural features took his attention at the very instant he looked at her face.

She was tall and though she was clad in a simple outfit, he can see the sweet swell of her breasts and the rounded form of her derriere. Suddenly, he felt his throat ached as he swallowed hard. And there was a part of his body that sprung to life as his eyes roved around her figure. And he suddenly hated his body’s reaction. Looking at her pretty face, he knew he smelled trouble.

And this pretty gal was indeed a trouble. Katunayan ay nag-aaway na ang kanyang mga magulang.

Nahigit ni Jecile ang hininga ng marinig ang buong boses ng binata. She suddenly felt apprehensive at his closeness.

He stopped a few steps away from her. She felt his powerful effect at her and she shuddered involuntarily. Pakiramdam ng dalagita, nalulon niya ang sariling dila ng mga sandaling iyon. My God, but the guy proved to be more handsome in focus! His deep set eyes gained more depth and fascinating darkness.

“Babae ka ba ni Papa?” he continued harshly when she remained silent. He had the urge to crush this sweet lady who was nothing but a home wrecker.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jecile sa narinig. “Hindi. Nagkakamali ka.” Sa wakas ay may tinig na lumabas sa nanunuyong lalamunan nito.

“Kung ganuon ay bakit ka nandito?” Mas lalong naging mapanganib ang tono ni Xander. “I’m warning you yong lady. Kung guguluhin mo lamang ang pagsasama ng mga magulang ko ay umalis ka na. Hindi ko papayagang masira ng isang nagpapanggap na inosente at batang-batang katulad mo ang pamilya ko.”

Muling nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jecile sa pagkabigla. Hindi inaasahan ng dalagita ang akusasyong iyon. Ibinuka nito ang bibig upang ipagtanggol ang sarili ng may magsalita sa bukana ng pintuan na siyang kumuha sa atensiyon nila ng binata.

“Xander!”

Isang matangkad at matikas na lalaki ang nakita ni Jecile. Mukha itong mabait at kabaligtaran sa ayos ng tinawag na Xander. Nakasuot ito ng itim na pantalong walang butas sa tuhod at abuhing polo. Nakita nito si Jecile at isang mabining ngiti ang iginawad sa dalagita. She felt oblige to smile back.

“May bisita pala kayo. Sorry.” Akma sana itong papasok ng tuluyan sa bulwagan ng sala pero pinigil ito ni Xander.

“Let’s go Lenard. Kanina pa kita hinihintay.” Sinalubong niya ang kaibigan at iginiya palabas ng bahay. He saw the spark in Lenard’s eyes and he immediately loathed it. He literally dragged him outside the house. Palayo sa babaeng siyang dahilan kung bakit nag-away ang kanyang mga magulang.

Shit! But the lady really looked so innocent ang pure! There was no trace of evil in her angelic face but then again, beauty can be misleading. He knew a lot of home wreckers and they all looked lovely. Kagandahan actually ang ginagamit ng mga ito upang maka-attract ng lalaking mayaman katulad ng kanyang ama.

Damn!

“Hey, Pare, what’s wrong?” Si Lenard na hindi inaalis ang paningin sa mukha ng kaibigan habang naglalakad sila palabas ng Mansion.

“Nothing!” Paangil na sagot niya. “Bilisan mo at male-late na tayo sa ating practice. Tiyak, pagagalitan tayo ni coach.” Iyon lang at mas lalo niyang binilisan ang paglalakad.

SAKA pa lamang nakahinga ng maluwag si Jecile ng mawala sa paningin niya ang dalawang lalaki. Partikular na si Xander. She felt great relief. Hindi niya alam ngunit naninikip ang dibdib niya kanina at malakas ang kabog ng dibdib habang kausap ito.

Iyon pala ang anak ni Alejandro, she thought sheepishly. She could not help but notice that Alejandro’s son was handsome despite of his rugged appearance. Kahit pa mukha itong bad boy, may taglay itong kakaibang karisma.

Kabaligtaran ito ng ama. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, kakaibang damdamin ang naramdaman niya para sa binata. Hindi niya iyon kayang ipaliwanag. Basta ang alam niya, nililigalig nito ang damdamin niya.

She had some goodlooking classmates at school, but this Xander was very different. He was brooding with a different sex appeal and his deep, set eyes can simply put her under a trance. Napabuntong-hininga siya at dinama ang kanyang dibdib. Naramdaman niya ang malakas na tibok ng kanyang puso.

Why did she feel something like this?

Strange indeed, she thought.

BIGLA siyang napatayo mula sa kinauupuan ng makita ang papalapit na mag-asawang Alejandro at Barbara. Nakaakbay si Alejandro sa asawa at isang ngiti ang nakaguhit sa mga labi ni Barbara para sa kanya.

She held her breath. But looking at Barbara’s smiling face; she knew a dark cloud was behind her way now.

“I’m sorry sa inasal ko kanina Jecile.” Kaagad na hingi ng paumanhin ni Barbara ng makalapit sa dalagita. “Nabigla lang ako. Sinabi sa akin ni Alejandro ang lahat at hiyang-hiya ako sa inakto ko. Paumanhin, Ija.”

“Wala po yon Ma’am Barbara.” Niyakap siya ng babae at ginantihan niya. “Naiintindihan ko po kayo. Pasensiya na rin po sa abala.”

“Tita Barbara na ang itawag mo sa akin Ija. At salamat sa iyong pang-unawa.”

Isang kiming ngiti ang iginanti niya. Kahit kanina na galit si Barbara, unang kita pa lamang niya sa babae, magaan kaagad ang pakiramdam niya dito. At ngayong maayos na ang pagtanggap sa kanya ng babae, tila naalisan siya ng tinik sa dibdib.

CHAPTER 2

“ITO ang silid na ipinagamit sa iyo ni Papa?”Marahas at malakas ang boses ni Xander. Kaagad ang pag-ahon ng galit sa kanyang dibdib. Hindi ipinapagamit sa kahit na kaninong bisita ang espesyal na silid na ito.

Lumipad sa pintuan ang paningin ni Jecile at muntik nang nabitawan ang pagkakabuhol ng suot na tuwalya sa kabiglaanan. Nang makita kung sino ang nagsalita sa pinto, kaagad na nag-init ang pisngi ng dalagita sa kahihiyan at hindi alam kung paano itatago ang sariling balot lamang ng maliit na tuwalya. Nakalitaw ang puno ng dibdib nito at mahahabang mga biyas. Her wet hair beautifully framed in her smooth shoulders.

Biglang tumahip ng malakas ang dibdib nito ng makita ang anak ni Barbara. He was but indeed very handsome in his own rugged ways. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, nasilayan ng dalagita ang guwapong pagmumukha ng binata, salubong ang mga kilay na naglakbay ang paningin sa kabuuan ng katawan nito. She felt chill ran down her spine.

“You are supposed to be in the guest room at hindi sa espesyal na silid na ito.” Xander swallowed the lump in his throat as his eyes roved around her slender but nicely filled figure. Her smooth brown skin was still moist and he wandered if how will it be if he dried it with his bare lips. He silently groaned at the thought.

With only a soft towel draped around her body, he can see a peek of her luscious breasts, her rich cleavage looked heavenly divine. Her well shaped legs delighted his eyes as it stopped at the junction of her thighs.

The towel managed to cover her sweet figure and he wanted to throw it away so he can see her fully. The view was mesmerizing he wanted to see more; more of her and her splendid loveliness.

His throat constricted as he felt himself hardened. My, but the girl in front of him was more than a temptress; she can make him grow hard in a second! He was taken aback by that discovery.

At the age of twenty-three, he already had series of relationships and countless sexual encounters. Girls usually chase him and he was no god to resist such sweet pleasure they offer. Yet, it was the first time he felt so sudden and so strongly aroused by just looking at a girl, though sexily clad in a simple towel, but did nothing aside from standing stonelike in front of him. He also felt this raw desire awhile ago when he saw him in the living room, as he was studying her sultry physique

This feeling was strange, he did not like it. He dislike the moment when he seemed to lost contol of himself. He loathed the idea. And so he should despise her kind. He looked at her face once more, and he saw an angel. She just came from a shower and she looked naturally beautiful. Her rounded eyes had sparks of innocence and sweet sunshine. And he can smell her divine scent. He grew hard even more.

At bakit kasama ng Papa niya ang babaeng ito? She remembered how his mother reacted to it hours ago. She was badly hurt. He saw her worries and distress when his father did not come home for two weeks. Nagpunta na sa Police Station ang kanyang Mama upang ipaalam sa pulis na nawawala ang kanyang Papa. But he appeared suddenly, with a young, beautiful girl in tow.

But he cannot blame his father. Looking at this girl, she was a picture of any man’s desire. She was young, beautiful and sexy. And he knew he desire her too. He snorted and loathed this girl even more.

She was still young yet her body was ripe enough for a full grown woman. She looked wet and tempting and he felt himself grew harder and longer. Dammit! He needed to stop himself before his libido can overrule his sound mind.

Papunta ito sa silid ng mapadaan sa nakabukas na pintuan ng espesyal na silid sa bahay na iyon. Ang silid na ipinaayos ng mga magulang para sa kapatid niyang babae kung hindi nakunan ang kanyang Mama habang nagdadalang-tao ito. Her mother was three months pregnant when she accidentally slipped inside the bathroom, dahilan para makunan ito. Dinamdam ng ina ang nangyari sapagkat sabik itong magkaanak ng babae. He was already ten years old and he needed a sister.

Si Jecile ay nalunok ang dila habang nakamata lamang sa binata. Huli na para tumakbo pabalik sa banyo. Nakita na siya ng binata sa ganuong ayos. But she winced inwardly when he snorted and she wanted to run away.

“Nasaan ang Mama at Papa?” His irritated voice filled the room.

“H-hindi ko po alam…” Hindi napigilan ng dalagita ang sariling mautal ng sagutin si Xander. She almost jumped at where she stood.

“Nevermind.” Madilim ang mukhang tumalikod ang binata at iniwanan ang dalagitang nanginginig ang mga tuhod sa kaba.

He was so angry and at the same time so fully aroused that he wanted to curse himself! Ngayon pa lamang ay sigurado na siya na malaking problema ang idudulot ng dalagita sa pamamahay nila lalong-lalo na sa kanya.

Hindi niya gusto ang nararamdaman niya para sa babae. She was pretty and sexy alright but he should not feel this way.

“PAPA, what is she doing in our house?” Xander saw his father inside his mini-office. The place where Alejandro used to do his extended office works. Mostly reviewing documents and studying the financial reports of TPSMC.

Mula sa binabasang papeles, nagtaas ng mukha si Alejandro at nakita ang anak. He looked at his son with a wide question mark on his face. “Si Jecile ba ang tinutukoy mo Xander?”

Oh so that bitch name was Jecile, huh! “Whoever!” He said. “Ang babaeng dinala mo dito sa bahay.”

Pumormal ang mukha ni Alejandro. “Watch your language, son,” he warned calmly. “Don’t talk about her like that. She was special.”

Oh that bitch was special?

He felt his blood boiled. So espesyal ang babaeng dinala ng kanyang ama sa bahay nila? And where was his mother? He knew she was dead hurt hours ago. He felt sorry he was not there to console his Mom. His desire to drag Lenard away from their house so as to avoid that girl was stronger than comfort his mother.

“Really?” He uttered sarcastically.

“Xander,” tuluyan nang itinigil ni Alejandro ang pagbabasa sa financial report ng TPSMC. “I’m warning you to control your temper and show no harshness when you are with Jecile. Pakisamahan mo siya ng mabuti at tratuhin ng maayos. Is that clear eough?”

Hindi siya nakahuma sa kanyang kinatatayuan. Iyon ang kauna-unahang pagkakataong pinagsabihan siya ng ganuon ng ama. At iyon ay dahil lamang sa babaeng iyon! His father must be crazy about her. Naikuyom niya ang mga kamao. He was an only son, at sanay siyang pinagbibigyan palagi ng mga magulang.

But why? And how was that girl special?

There were a lot of questions inside his head. But he was looking at his father’s serious face and he knew he was not in the mood to accommodate his whims. Lihim na naghimagsik ang damdamin niya.

His disliked for that girl grew even more. His father had warned him for the first time only because of that lady. He cursed under his breath.

“MAMA!” He was relieved to see his mother. Pagkatapos ng naging pag-uusap nila ng ama at matuklasang hindi niya ito kakampi, he wanted to rush to his mother and seek comfort. He knew his mother loved him at palagi siya nitong pinagbibigyan sa lahat ng oras.

“Ijo!” Si Barbara ay kaagad na niyakap ang anak at worried na tiningala ito. Her son was taller than Alejandro and with her five feet three inches height, kailangang tingalain nito ang anak. “What’s wrong?” She saw the gloomy look in his face.

“Kamusta ka, Mama?” He did not answer her question. Looking at his mother, he cannot see sadness anymore. Mukhang masaya na ang kanyang Mama.

Isang malapad na ngiti ang iginanti ni Barbara. “I’m fine Xander. Your father had come home safe and sound. I already put an end to my worries. Thank God, walang nangyaring masama sa Papa mo.”

Kumulimlim ang pagmumukha niya. How could his mother stay so sweet and kind toward his father gayung may dinalang babae ang ama? Sa kabila ng lahat, kapakanan pa rin ng ama ang iniisip nito. He knew her mother loved his father so much. But she did not need to be a martyr wife. He wanted to stand and fight for his mother. Gustong-gusto na niyang sugurin ang ama at komprontahin. His father did not deserve such a sweet person like his Mom.

“He was away for two weeks na wala man lang tayong balita. You’ve been so worried sick.”

“Yeah, ngunit tapos na ang pag-aaala ko at bumalik na ang iyong ama.”

Ma, wake up! He wanted to shake his mother para matauhan ito. He loved his mother and he did not want anybody hurt her. “He brought a girl in our house…” Sadya niyang ibinitin ang sasabihin.

Barbara’s eyes flashed. “I like Jecile, son. She was sweet and very pretty, isn’t she?”

Mama! Frustrated na mariing ipinikit niya ang mga mata. How could his father use his mother like this? “Okay lang sa iyo na nandito ang babaeng iyon?” He asked in vehemence.

“Why not Xander? Ulila na siyang lubos at wala nang matatakbuhan. Kamamatay lang ng kanyang ina. I’m happy to welcome her in our house.”

Hindi niya kaagad nasundan ang ibig sabihin ng kanyang Mama. Ang babae bang iyon ay kalaguyo ng kanyang ama o anak nito sa labas? He loathed both ideas. They were unacceptable for him.

“Okay lang sa iyo na gamitin niya ang espesyal na silid? That room was suppose to be for my sister.” He was already angry at hindi na naitago ang pagtaas ng boses.

“Yes, and I want her to use it. Ayoko siyang patuluyin sa guest room. I want her in that special room.”

“But why Ma?” Hindi makapaniwalang turan niya.

“Because she was special, Ijo.”

Special?! Ganyan din ang sinabi ng kanyang ama. Hindi niya inaasahang ganuon din ang sasabihin ng kanyang Mama. Nababaliw na siguro ang kanyang Mama, o baka naman nasobrahan na ang kabaitan nito?

“Ma,” he rasped. “She was not special. Can’t you see what’s happening right now? Nagdala ng babae ang Papa sa bahay, at okay lang iyon sa iyo? You even welcomed that bitch!”

“Xander!” Pagalit na saway ni Barbara. “Don’t ever dare think like that again. Nakakahiya kay Jecile. Malaki ang utang na loob natin sa kanya. Kung hindi dahil sa kanyang ina, baka namatay na si Alejandro. Her mother rushed your father to the hospital when he encountered an accident sa Pangasinan. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit hindi siya nakauwi ng Maynila mula Baguio.”

Napakurap siya. Hindi makapaniwala sa natuklasan. Biglang nahiya sa kanyang inasal. He was silent for the next seconds.

“Her mother just passed away. Nagkasakit ilang araw pagkatapos isugod sa ospital ang iyong ama. When your father went back to personally thank Minerva, she was seriously sick. Dinala siya ni Alejandro sa ospital ngunit hindi na naagapan ng mga doctor. Another reason why your father did not come home earlier dahil inasikaso pa nito ang burol at libing ni Minerva. That’s how special Jecile was. At dapat pakitunguhan mo siya ng maayos.”

That’s how special Jecile was…

Paulit-ulit iyon sa kanyang isipan. He groaned. He was guilty of thinking the worst of her. Iyon pala, malaki ang utang na loob nila dito. He felt ashamed of himself.

“Naiintindihan mo ba ako Xander?”

“Yes Ma.” He said in a low voice.

SA loob ng mga araw, naging maayos ang lagay niya sa pamamahay ng mga Travilla. Ang sabi sa kanya ng mag-asawa, kukupkupin na siya ng mga ito. Doon na siya titira sa malaking bahay. At sa darating na pasukan, papag-aralin din siya ng mga ito sa kolehiyo. Nalulula siya sa lahat ng mga pagbabagong naganap sa buhay niya. At ilang beses na siyang nagpasalamat sa mag-asawa.

Bilang ganti, ginawa niya ang lahat upang paluguran ang mga ito. Tumulong siya sa pag-aayos at paglilinis ng mansion kahit anim na ang mga katulong. Dahilan para lalong mahulog ang loob ng mag-asawa sa kanya. Lalong-lalo na si Barbara. Matagal na nitong ninais na magkaroon ng babaeng anak at nabuhay ang pangarap nito sa katauhan ni Jecile.

Sa kabila ng magandang relasyon niya sa mag-asawang Travilla, mailap naman si Xander sa kanya. Sa ilang pagkakataong nakaengkwentro niya ito, palagi na lamang may parunggit ang mga sinasabi. Iniwasan na lamang niya ang lalaki ngunit palagi naman niya itong tinatanaw sa di kalayuan. She loved looking at him in secret, watched his every move. He still looked devastatingly handsome even at a distance. At sa paglipas ng mga araw, pakiramdam niya lalong yumabong ang lihim na damdaming meron siya para kay Xander.

“Anong ginagawa mo sa loob ng silid ko?”

Napapitlag sa pagkakatayo si Jecile. Sa kabiglaanan ay nabitawan niya ang supot na naglalaman ng pinong pulbos na sa unang tingin niya ay tawas. Nasa loob siya ng silid ni Xander at ang intensiyon ay linisin iyon.

“Naglilinis ng silid mo—“

“Pinakialaman mo ang gamit ko!” Galit na turan nito ng makita ang hawak niya pagkatapos ay inagaw sa kanyang mga kamay ang hawak na supot.

“Sori po Xander. Tiningnan ko lang kung ano iyan. Akala ko ay basura, Itatapon ko sana.” Pinilit niyang pakalmahin ang tinig kahit pa nanginginig ang mga tuhod niya ngayong kaharap ang binata. Ang akala niya kanina, matagal pang uuwi galing sa unibersidad ang binata kaya ipinasya niyang linisin ang magulo nitong silid.

“Basura?!” He retorted. “Hindi ko alam kung isa ka talagang inosente at hindi mo alam kung ano ang bagay na ito?” Itinaas nito ang hawak na supot. “Shabu ito Jecile at mahal ang halaga nito.” He said naughtily. “Halos lahat ng kaklase kong babae sa school ay gumagamit nito.”

“Shabu?” She parroted innocently.

“Yes. Shabu. At hindi ito tawas.”

Saka pa lamang rumihestro sa utak niyang ipinagbabawal na gamot ang laman ng supot na iyon. “Gumagamit kayo ng Shabu?” Hindi makapaniwalang turan niya.

“Huwag kang maingay Jecile. At wag na wag mong sasabihin sa mga magulang ko ang tungkol sa bagay na ito. Ang sipsip mo pa naman.” He said in between gritted teeth. “Hindi ko pa nagagamit ang mga ito. Bigay ito sa akin ng isang kabarkada. Gusto mong subukan nating dalawa?”

Isang mariing iling ang tugon niya. “Makakasama sa iyo ang pagamit niyan Xander. Mabuti pa ay itapon mo na lamang iyan.” Isa sa mga napag-aralan niya sa eskwela ay ang masamang epekto ng droga sa katawan. At hindi niya gustong mapahamak ang binata.

“At ano ang karapatan mong pagsabihan ako ng ganyan? Isa ka lang sabit sa loob ng bahay na ito. Kahit pa sabihing aliw na aliw sa iyo ang Mama at Papa, wala kang karapatang pakialaman ako.” Padarag na sagot nito. His face turned seriously grim.

“Kailangang malaman ito ng mga magulang mo Xander.” Ngunit hindi niya pinansin ang pagpaparunggit na naman nito. She was so worried about his welfare. She cannot afford to believe that he takes Shabu. Mapapahamak ito pag nagkataon.

“Yan ang wag na wag mong gagawin Jecile or you’ll be sorry.” Matigas na binaklas nito ang isa niyang braso. Galit ang ibinabadya ng mga mata.

“Ngunit mapapariwara ka lamang kapag nalulong ka sa bawal na gamot—“

“Salamat sa concern but I’m old enough to know what I’m doing.” He was already twenty-three and this girl was just seventeen! “And besides hindi ko pa kailanman nagamit ang drogang ito.”

“Kahit pa. Hindi mo dapat itinatago ang bagay na iyan—“

“Enough Jecile. Now get out of my room. Hindi kita gustong nandito sa loob ng silid ko.” He commanded rudely.

Goodness, if this girl just knew what he wanted to do with her inside his room at the moment! He had not taken shabu yet but she damned looked sweet and tempting in his eyes. At kanina pa nito pinipigilan ang sariling damhin ang nakaawang na mga labi ng dalagita.

Mula ng unang masilayan niya si Jecile, sexily clad in a small towel, hindi na naalis sa isipan niya ang tagpong iyon. How she looked tempting and seductive. Kahit pa sa maraming pagkakataon ay nakikita niya ang dalagitang suot lamang ay simpleng pambahay na damit. But she could manage to turn him hard on.

And today was not a different thing at all. His fly suddenly felt small to accommodate his growing throb. They were inside his room and he was free to discover her enigma. He looked at her parted lips, and he went harder. He groaned.

He wondered if her lips would taste saccharine sweet, if her breasts were really firm and luscious inside her duster. Would she moan and rant at his touch, katulad ng mga babaeng pinagbigyan niyang maikama?

She had an innocent face but a bombshell body and he wanted to see how her round eyes turned darker with passion. He wanted to hear her moan in pleasure while he explored her sexy bod. He wanted to discover why she, in all her simpleness can instantly make him rock hard.

She might taste sweet and wild; a lethal combination that guys go crazy with. And he was not the only one affected by her loveliness. He knew Lenard liked her and his father too; though he already erased his father from the list.

He needed to drag her away else he will lose his self-control. He hated it when he cannot hold a grip of himself. And this girl can make him go crazy, his self-control gone. She was special for his parents but he simply loathed her; hated her for the feeling of helplessness that she can simply sow to him. He also hated this crazy desire he had with her.

She was not his type. She will only stand like a statue in front of him. He had been with aggressive girls, girls who can play games with him. Mga babaeng hindi na nito dapat pang habulin at paluguran. They always do the first move and he will just welcome their advances; those were his type.

But she was getting his parents’ attention nowadays. He was left behind, in a corner like he was a nobody. And he found himself competing with a nobody for his parents love and care. He was not used to that. He was an only child and he always get his parents with him. But not lately. And he can see that she can also get Lenard to come her side.

He was so pissed off. He hated her more everyday. Hated her for giving him the hardest erection he had, hated her for taking his parents and bestfriend away from him. My, but she was a curse! His life changed in an instant at her sudden appearance.

——-ITUTULOY——