Favorite Vice

Chapter One

I’ve been scouring the streets of Manila for weeks, looking for a job. But no luck has knocked on my doors yet. I was about to hail a taxi when I saw my friend’s name flashing on my phone screen. A loud wail burst through my ears as soon as I picked up her call.

“Jazzie! Help me!” Her pitiful voice caught me off guard. Samantha is never one to ask for help.

What could it be that can make her independent friend curve and seek help? “What’s wrong, Sam?” I waved a ‘no’ at the taxi driver and got off the curb.

“So, my boss told me to withdraw money from his personal account because he needed it to buy a gift for his mother, but he’s too busy to do so, since he was still in a meeting when he asked me. I went and did as he told me, but…” Sam took a long pause, paired with a deep breath. I waited for her, but her next words stunned me to the core. “I don’t know how it happened, but his account now has a five thousand pesos unknown transaction.”

Sam must be close to crying, her sniffles filling the phone call. She works for a famous businessman, Kurt Timothy de Marco. I’ve never met him in person, but I’ve heard rumors of how mean and ruthless he is. Now, Samantha has made a mistake on his personal account. I can’t imagine what he would do to her. “What did the bank tell you?” I asked her.

“Well, they told me they'd look and trace the transaction then inform me of the problem. It might take a few days.” I don’t think Samantha will have even a day before her boss finds out.

“Let’s meet up. Are you available right now? I’ll help you as much as I can.” I said. I hope this eases her worries. Sam doesn’t like making mistakes, so this mishap may have taken a toll on her mental state.

“Really? I’ll take you up on that offer. But, I’ll be out later by 5. I would make an excuse, but I already made a mistake.” Her voice trembles, so I sigh. I hope she keeps a cool composure at the office.

“Don’t worry, Sam. Everything will be okay. I promise. Let’s talk about this later, okay?” She hums over the phone, making me smile at the childish gesture. It’s rare to see Sam act this way. It makes me feel sorry, but I also want to pinch her cheeks because of her overflowing cuteness. “I have to go now, Sammy. Take care, okay? Love you…” Sam cuts me off with a loud yell.

“Wait! I have something else to tell you. Our company is hiring right now. My boss’ secretary was fired today. That’s why I had to run errands for him. Anyway, why don’t you apply?” Sam gushes and I listen to her. “Wouldn’t it be amazing for us to work in the same company? I really hate your former company! They cut you off because of that jerk? Damn him. He doesn’t even deserve his position.” She huffs and grumbles to herself. I watched the cars breeze past me. Their polluted gas mixes with the air I breathe.

“Calm down, Sam.” I exhaled and looked up at the blue sky. “He’s not worth it.” I hailed a taxi and got in. “Hey, I’ll call you later, ‘kay? I’m gonna go get some groceries for next week. Oh, and I’ll think about your offer. Thank you. Bye!” I turned off the call and told the driver to head to the mall.

Looking outside the car window, tall buildings frame the landscape, covering the vast sky. Only a few birds are out to play. The sun is still blinding and hot. Thank goodness I’m in an aircon-ed taxi. I arrived at the mall, giving the taxi driver my fee. I walk straight to the department store, cart in hand, browsing the aisle for any necessity. Pads, toothpaste…tissues, what else? I pushed my cart to the veggies section when I bumped into someone else’s cart. “I’m so sorry!” I said in a hurry and bowed my head as I pushed my cart away from the old lady who was kind enough to wave me away with a gentle smile and a small, it's okay, darling.

I browse through my inbox and send a text to Sam.

To: Sammy

Dinner at my place tonight… I’ll cook :)

I waited for a few seconds before receiving a reply.

From: Sammy

Yey! I get to taste your cooking again! Can’t wait…

I filled my cart with ingredients for tonight’s dinner and some of Sam’s favorite. It’s been a few days since I last cooked. Been too busy searching for work. Time to get hands cracking in the kitchen. But, before I could line up for the cashier, I saw him. There they were, looking like the happiest couple on earth. I’d wish them well only if they didn’t burn me in hell. Then, I saw it. The smallest, little bump. I scoff and rush to the cashier. I lowered my head, as if I was checking something in my cart. Running out of excuses, I look at the aisle trying to search for something, not afraid to bump into someone else again. All so, I can avoid them. But it wasn’t enough, I guess. Because he saw me.

He jogs towards me with a small smile, apprehensive. He should be. I’m a ticking time bomb. “Jazzie…” I cut him off before he said more.

“Don’t,” I said. “Don’t call me Jazzie ever again. Only people close to me can call me that, and you are nothing to me.” I grab two pancake ready-mix, imagining the delicious fluffy goodness with chocolate syrup on top. If I don’t think of good things, I might burst out of anger and do something I might regret.

I push past him but he grabs my arm. I try to move out of his grip, but he proves to be stronger than I am. “I’m sorry, Jazz—” he stops himself, mumbling incoherent words. “I’m sorry, Jasmine. I didn’t mean it…”

I scoffed and raised an eyebrow at him. “Really? You didn’t mean it? So what? You tripped, accidentally, and impregnated her? Is that it?” His cheeks flushed. What’s he doing acting like a virtuous virgin? So irritating.

“It’s not… Look, I did love you, but my love for Cindy is stronger. I know I— we hurt you. But, I hope you don’t take it out on Cindy or my child.” He looks so hopeful and like he’s certain I’m a lovesick fool over him.

Yes, I was a fool, but not lovesick. I’m not stupid enough to keep chasing him and attack his new lover and child. “Don’t patronize yourself. Please. You’re nobody to me. So, don’t get too worked up and imagine things. Now, let go of me.” I glance at Cindy who’s glaring at me. You can hate me all you want, but don’t forget you’re getting a secondhand from me. Walking away, I must look confident and untouched, like I didn’t get burned. But, I can feel my heart breaking little by little.

Instead of going straight home, I entered a different route on my GPS. Time to get wasted tonight!

I can’t remember how many shots I drank, but I kept going until I felt something buzzing on my lap. I took my phone out of my jean pocket.

Samantha calling…

“Hello, best friend!” I greeted her.

“Jazzie? Where on earth are you? I’ve been waiting outside your condo for ages. Why the hell is it so noisy over there?” Silence fills the call before I hear her curse endlessly. “Open your GPS right now, Jazzie. I’m coming and taking you home! You are a careless drunk, so wait for me, okay? Do not go with anyone. Wait for me!” I hummed at the ended phone call and asked the bartender for another drink.

Kurt's POV

I DOWNED my— how many have I drunk already? Forget it. I finished my bottle of whiskey and stood up to head to the bar and ask for a new bottle of whatever liquor they have. The stronger, the better. But, I stop in my tracks. There she is. My sweet little angel. What a coincidence! I saw her here again. This time with no friends. Is it my lucky night? She lays her head on the bar counter, when I slid on the seat next to her. “Hey, angel!” As she opens her eyes, I’m met with a glare. She points a finger at me, tears relentlessly falling down her cheeks.

“Don’t com nwear me. Yur bad man, Artt…” Slurring through my words, she punches me in the chest. “Owwiee! You hurt mey, agaiwn… Why? Why?”

Her voice got weaker and weaker. I held her by her shoulder as she laid her head on my chest. “Who hurt you, little angel?” I looked at my clenched fist. “I’m really curious why you ignite such feelings I’ve never felt before inside me.” I carried her out of the bar and settled her on the passenger seat of my car. I took one last glance at her before driving off.

She was in deep sleep even after I arrived at my penthouse. “Hey, little angel. Wake up. Come on.” But no response at all. So, I carried her again, up into my penthouse. I let her sleep in my bed. Thank goodness, she didn’t puke her guts out. I walk to my kitchen to get some warm water to drink and to clean her body. I place the glass of water on the bedside table and the basin on the floor. With a fresh towel, I wipe her arms and legs, using a different towel for her face. I was about to get up when a hand gripped mine. “You’re awake…”

“Artt? Why am I in your house?” She sits up, wiping her eyes.

I don’t know who this Art is, but she’s been mumbling his name since earlier. “I’m not Art.” She stares at me, then without expecting it, she pulls me into her. Thank goodness, I managed to secure my fall and I didn’t squash her beneath me. But now, we’re face to face, her liquored breath fanning my face. “Angel, I have to get up and take these things away.”

“No,” she yells and tightens her grip on me. I sneak a glance at her red lips, the cute bow calling out to me.

I cleared my throat and moved a stray hair away from her eyes. “Angel, I need to go or else I might lose control over myself and devour you.” Her eyes slid down to my lips, then back to my own. Then, a soft, warm touch grazed my lips. “You’re playing with fire right now, angel.” I said as I felt her hands gliding around my torso down to my stomach.

Her sweet giggle fills my ears. “So what? What if I want to play with fire?” She’s adorned with a cheeky smile, then swiped her tongue at my jaw.

“You’re such a bad girl. But, I won’t punish you tonight, my sweet angel. Not when you’re drunk.” I took her hand and pushed myself up. She snatches after me, but I move back from her. She huffs and covers herself entirely with the comforter. “Come on now, angel. You’ll get what you want soon.” I pulled the comforter away from her face and kissed her forehead. “Good night, my angel.”

She jolts awake and rubs her face with her bare hands. “It’s just a bad dream, Jazzie. Only a bad dream,” she mumbles and I clear my throat to get her attention. “Dear God, I just had a bad dream. Are you already making it up to me by letting me dream about a bare-chested man with his sturdy-looking eight packs? If so, thank you for such vivid images.” Her little giggles sound enchanting, and I would like to put it on repeat.

“What if I tell you this is not a dream? Would you like my eight packs better that way, angel?” I pushed myself off of the door and stalked towards her. Like a wolf hunting down his prey. I stared into her eyes, watching the embarrassment coat every part of her lids. A deep red tint colors her cheeks. “Good morning, angel. Did you have a good sleep?” Her eyes widen, I’m guessing from the nickname, and she scrambles back to the stack of pillows behind her.

I chuckle and place the tray of food in front of her. She looks like a little bunny. I should feel sorry, but I’ve long set my eyes on you, my angel. “I’m so sorry, but ahh… what happened to me last night? Who are you?” Her voice got louder by the end. Panic is visible on her face. I offer her a glass of water which she only stares at.

I sigh and buries the impatience crawling up on my skin. “Don’t worry, little angel. I didn’t put anything in the water or the food. You’re safe with me.” I scoff, but covers it with a little cough. I’m trying to be safe for you. f**k, it’s my first time to think of a woman’s own needs rather than mine.

“Yeah, that’s what they all say at first, then go on to kill you, much worse abuse you. You really think women can afford to be safe with men?” A prickling sensation filled me as I let her words sink in. I’m an asshole, but I would never take advantage of women.

I put the glass of water back on the tray and pulled out my phone. “Okay, here. You can order your breakfast, and I’ll take care of the bill. If you’re wondering about last night, I found you drunk out of your mind but don’t know where else to take you…” I paused, then crawled towards her. Our distance bodes danger to my lustful body. Now that I can see her bow-like lips, so red and plump, I inch closer and closer; her faint morning breath fans my nose. “… And if I do decide to make my way with you, I’d be sure to tell you. Would you like that, little angel?” I looked down at her tempting lips, but urged myself to move away. Wouldn’t wanna scare her off. So, I got up and took the tray of food.

But a gentle tug on my shirt kept me from leaving the room. “It’s fine. I’ll eat it. Thank you.” She has her head down, the slightest shade of red still colors her cheeks. It warms my heart that she chose to eat the food I prepared, although she doesn’t really know I cooked it for her, but still. With the brightest smile on my face since childhood, I sat back down and placed the tray in front of her. She glances at me before digging in.

Jazmine's POV

I EAT the food served by the handsome hunk in front of me as slowly as a turtle. He must be getting frustrated by my pace. But, I thought wrong when I glanced back at him, and he’s smiling gently. So, I quicken my pace. Wiping my lips from any stain or food residue, I push the food tray towards him. “Thank you for the food.” He nods and leaves the room. Soft clattering echoed inside the room from the kitchen.

I nudge the duvet off of my body and padded my way to the kitchen where I see him washing the dishes I just used. “Oh, hey!” He says as he turns around. “I bought you a set of clothes. They’re by the bedside table.” He takes my hand and leads me along to the bathroom. “Towels are in the cabinet…” He pauses and thinks to himself. “Ah, sorry I forgot to buy you shower essentials. All I have is for men, so…” He stops talking midway again. I shake my head and mutters a small ‘thanks’. He smiles, then scratches his head. “Well, uh… I’ll leave you to, uhh… shower then.” He leaves after a few coughs and mumbles to himself.

He seems to be a nice guy. But, all guys seem to be nice at first, then if they don’t get what they want, they’ll break you into pieces. I’m over with putting my trust in men. I didn’t take long in the shower and pat myself dry before going out of the bathroom. Just like he said, there is a new set of clothes folded on top of the bedside table. With new, tagged underwear. I slip them on, making sure to lock the door before baring my nude self to the mirror. But, I seem to have forgotten that I’m not in my apartment because the door opens, and I notice the dangling keys, then the handsome hunk looks straight into my eyes before falling onto my bare body. “Ah! Get out!” I yelled and threw the towel at his face.

“Sorry! I’m sorry! I thought you were done, so I… uh, yeah… Sorry!” He stumbles through his words and closes the door shut. I exhale through my mouth and slump to the floor. Not wanting to repeat the scene, I scrambled to my feet and slipped on the knee-length summer dress. I didn’t bother putting on any lotion and left the room. I find him in the living room watching some documentary.

I tap him on his shoulders, and he looks at me wide-eyed. “Ah…thank you for letting me stay the night. I, uh… I’ve intruded enough, so I’m gonna get going now.” I looked away from his heated stare and cleared my throat. “Oh, and give me your bank account details, so I can pay you back for the clothes.” I didn’t notice any price tag when I wore them. He must have removed them.

Without any word, he stalks my way and I move back. “Would you let me choose the kind of payment I want for what you owe me?” My throat dries up with his question. His insinuation takes my mind to dark and dirty places that I haven’t been to before. This man is dangerous to my health.