EUROPEAN BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR SERIES 1: One Night Pleasure (Completed)

CHAPTER 7 — EFFORTS

ONP 7: Efforts

"So, the news is legit . . ."

I ascended my head and looked at the man leaning on the door frame with one hand on his pants pocket, and the other one was behind. He is still in his formal business clothes, only without his coat.

His blue eyes scanning every inch of my face. Bigla tuloy akong nahiya nang maalalang nakasuot lang ako warmer short at spaghetti top.

I volume down the TV and sit formal. Natiyempuhan kasi na pagbukas ko ng TV ay balita agad tungkol kay Kuya at Giselle ang bumungad sa akin. Naalala ko ang naging pag-uusap namin kagabi, kasi kanina si Giselle lang ang kinapanayam ng mga reporter. They are still reaching out to my brother but the latter seems to ignore them.

"Bryce is really getting married to someone he doesn't love . . ." sambit niya at tinawid ang distansya sa pagitan namin.

"Paano mo naman nasabi 'yan?" I asked annoyingly.

"Hmmm . . . Let's just say, he was my best friend." He stopped in front of me and smile. "For you . . ."

He handed me a bouquet of yellow roses arranged beautifully in a pink scented wrapper. I didn't expect this one.

"T-thank you . . ." I smiled back saka inabot ang mga bulaklak at inamoy.

The smell of these fresh flowers reminds me of the flower garden of my Mom in Greece. The late Arabella Montreal really loved flowers, different colors, and kinds of Tulips, Peonies, Roses, and Lavender. Until now, masigla at namumukadkad pa rin ang mga bulaklak doon dahil na rin sa caretaker ng Montreal Château.

"It seems that you really like flowers," untag niya sa akin. The amusement in his eyes was obvious.

Masaya akong tumango. Dinala ko ang mga bulaklak sa mesa at nilapag pansamantala doon. Kumuha ako ng isang bakanteng glass vase sa isang coffee table at nilagyan ng tubig.

"It reminds me of my Mom," I said while arranging the flowers on the vase, "By the way, how did you get inside my unit?"

Tinungo niya ang kinaroroonan ko. When his hand touches mine, our eyes met again, and this time, I can see the detailed features of his face. I can't deny that this man is achingly handsome and no doubt that every woman is dying to have him.

Kinuha ni Khyfer ang isa sa mga roses at inamoy bago niya pinutol ang kalahati ng sanga at inilagay iyon sa aking tainga.

"I have a duplicate of your card key, mia amore . . ." he said, smirking.

Napapikit na lang ako. Ano pa ba ang bago? Malamang ginamit na naman nito ang koneksyon niya sa Proscenium to get the damn card key for my unit. Maybe I need to be used to him and his wicked ways to pester me.

"By the way, why did you buy flowers for me?" pormal na tanong ko.

I can vividly vibe the pleasant aura of the day. My nausea isn't there, giving me extra peace.

"I want you to be stress-free, and flowers are perfect for a beautiful woman like you . . ."

Nagbigay iyon ng kakaibang pakiramdam sa akin. Nanatili ang tingin ko sa kanya pero may kung anong paruparo sa tiyan ko. Iniwas ko na lang ang mukha ko saka nagkunwaring aayusing muli ang mga bulaklak na nasa vase na.

"Coffee, you want?" I offered him to divert the tension I had when he is around. "Sure. It's my pleasure."

I told him to wait in the living room as I went to the kitchen counter to make a coffee for two. Kumuha ako ng dalawang tasa at dinala sa mesa.

"You can't drink coffee," pigil niya sa paglalagay ko ng coffee sa isa pang tasa. He set aside the cup. "Milk is what you're going to drink and not that," he added.

Kumunot ang noo ko sa ginawa niya. Nawala siya bigla sa paningin ko pero saglit lang dahil sa pagbalik ay may dala na itong box na naglalaman ng fresh milk at sinalin ito sa isang baso.

"Kailangan n'yo ng baby ng masustanyang pagkain at inumin. Kaya sana, sundin mo lahat ng bilin ng OB mo." Inabot niya sa akin ang basong may lamang gatas.

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapangiti nang marinig iyon. I was very impressed how fluent he was in speaking Tagalog.

Khyfer was born and raised in a European country, and hearing him speaking the Filipino language is very impressive. Mukhang hindi pa rin nito nakakalimutan na kahit maliit na porsyento ay may dugo pa rin itong Pilipino.

"What's with the smile?" taas-kilay na tanong niya na at umiling lang ako bilang sagot. I finished the coffee and handed it to him.

"Thanks," he appreciated.

I took a sip on my glass of milk as he does his cup of coffee. I couldn't help but snide a smile out of the thought I had.

Ito ang unang pagkakataon na hindi kami nag-away ni Khyfer tulad nitong mga nakaraang araw. We always fight over little things, especially when we started talking about the baby.

"So, ba't ka nga pala nandito?" tanong ko. He stopped from sipping his coffee.

"To check on you," sagot niya.

"Talaga lang, ha? Kahit naman wala ka rito, alam ko naman na alam mo lahat ng galaw ko . . ." pa-irap na sagot ko sa kanya. I remembered what he did yesterday.

"Don't worry, and all the bathrooms are off the limit. I am not a wacko either." Hindi ako umimik. Iniwas ko ang atensyon ko sa kanya.

So, my guess was right. Well, he is capable of all the impossible things turn into possible. Rinig ko pa ang pagbuntong-hinga niya marahil ay iniisip niya na masama na naman ang timpla ko sa kanya dahil sap ag-invade niya ng privacy ko.

"You know what, I don't want to have a tussle conversation with you over this thing. I want to make sure that you and the baby are okay," he said calmly.

Nagtaas ako ng kilay pero hindi ako nagsalita. Pilit kong hinahanap sa sarili ko ang paniniwala na totoo ang sinabi niya. Sana nga totoong nag-aalala siya para sa amin ng magiging anak niya.

Nang hindi pa rin ako nagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko ay nakita ko siyang ibinaba nang tuluyan ang tasang hawak niya. Unti-unti siyang lumapit sa akin at marahang kinuha ang baso sa aking kamay at ipinatong iyon sa mesa.

He stared at me with undefined eyes. He slowly reached for my hands again, planted small kisses on them.

Shit! Para akong sinisilaban dahil sa kiliting dala ng mga halik na iyon. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong mapapikit at napahigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay niya.

Nagmulat ako nang maramdamang tumigil siya. Naramdaman ko na lang ang pag-iinit ng aking pisngi nang makita siyang nakatingin na sa akin. He looks so calm yet serious. Ilang saglit pa ay hinawakan niya ang aking mukha at pinagdikit ang mga dulo ng aming ilong.

"I'm doing my thing and effort to have you as close as I want . . . I have a hard time na pakisamahan ka nang mahinahon because you always have a boiling head towards me pero sana, this time, you'll cooperate."

The next thing I knew was his lips is gently pressed on mine. I automatically closed my eyes and willingly responded to his kiss.

Iba ang sinasabi ng utak at ng puso ko. Utak ko ang nagsasabi na sampalin ko siya at itigil ang halik sa pagitan namin, pero ang puso at katawan ko ang tumatraydor sa akin. I lifted my hand not to slap him but to anchor it on his nape.

"Cherry flavored . . ." He almost whispered in between of our kisses.

Doon na ako natauhan at gulat na lumayo. Nag-iwas agad ako ng tingin saka tumalikod. Nanlalambot pa ang mga kamay ko na dinampot ang baso ko saka mabilis na tinungo ang lababo.

OMG! What just happened?

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mahawakan ang labi ko. Hanggang ngayon nararamdaman ko pa rin ang labi niya roon. His lips were so soft and addicting. That was a simple kiss, but it feels so special to me. He had just kissed me!

My knees are still in jellies. Mahigpit akong napahawak sa sink dahil baka matumba ako nang wala sa oras. I didn't expect that this would be lethal to feel. Halik pa lang iyon pero ito na ang epekto sa akin.

"Let me wash the cup and glass . . ."

Hindi ko namalayan na nasa likuran ko na pala siya kaya nang humarap ako ay mahinang bumunggo ako sa dibdib niya. Mabilis kong iniangat ang mukha ko sa kanya.

Khyfer didn't force me that he'll get the child. Never mention the word abortion too. Nakikita ko naman na ginagawa niya ang lahat para sa amin pero hindi kasi ganoon kadali iyon.

We heard a phone ringing. Hindi sa akin ang ringtone na iyon. Nakita ko naman na natapos din ni Khyfer ang paghuhugas at inilagay iyon sa kitchen cabinet.

He pulled out his phone from his pocket. Hindi niya sinagot ang tawag pero nakita ko siyang tumingin sa kanyang relo.

"I need to go . . ." Hinarap niya ako while drying his palm with a towel. Tumango na lang ako saka tipid na ngumiti. I escorted him to the doorway.

Hindi ko alam kung saan siya umuuwi at wala naman akong balak itanong iyon. Baka ano pa ang isipin niya.

I opened the door for him. Tumigil naman siya sa harap ko saka tumingin sa akin. It feels like his stares are melting the walls I made between us. That made her feel nervous and scared because I am now letting myself have a civil relationship with him.

"I'll fetch you by six. We will have dinner tonight."

I blinked from that unexpected invitation. Khyfer is still eyeing me, but this time, it is a calm, pleasing stare.

"Mhmm . . . ano kasi—"

"Strictly no excuses for me, mia amore," He said while smirking. Mabilis siyang nagdampi ng halik sa aking noo bago tuluyang umalis.

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita hanggang sa nakita ko nalang siyang tumalikod at naglakad palayo. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at saka bumalik sa living area. The TV is still on but the program changed.

Pinatay ko na lang iyon saka pumunta sa kwarto. The time is already three in the afternoon. I still have time to prepare. Naghanap na lang ako ng maisusuot saka kumuha ng saglit na oras para makapagpahinga.

The one-hour sleep is well enough to have my energy back. I went to the shower to start preparing for the dinner, Khyfer told me a while ago.

Khyfer:

I'll be there in 10 minutes.

Mas binilisan ko ang pag-aayos nang mabasa iyon. I picked a simple peach knee-length dress paired with nude scarpin heels ko. I did my face with light makeup and let my hair in her sleek straight style.

The doorbell rang. Mas lalo lang akong naging aligaga sa pagkuha ng hikaw at kuwintas saka muling tumingin sa salamin.

Parang ang bilis naman ng ten minutes niya?

"Coming . . ." I shouted when the doorbell rings again.

Nagmadali akong lumabas at pinagbuksan siya ng pinto. Nahulog ko pa ang kwintas na hawak ko dahil sa pagmamadali habang naglalagay ng hikaw.

"Good evening," bati niya sa akin.

I half-smiled at him. Yumuko siya at nakita kong kinuha niya ang nalaglag kong kwintas. I was amazed by how the charisma of this guy affects me. Mas nadipina ang kagwapuhan niya lalo na nang sumilay ang maliit na skull earring nito sa auricle part ng right ear niya. Hindi ko ito napansin noong una kaming magkita.

"Let me . . ."

He turned me around, facing the living area. Naramdaman ko ang pagdampi ng kanyang palad sa aking batok. Sinusuot niya pala sa akin ang kuwintas ko.

"Thank you." I touched the small heart pendant as he finished.

"Benvenuto. Hai finito?" (Welcome. You're done?)

Lumingon ako sa kanya at saka tumango. "Hmmm, bilis mo yatang nakarating dito. Saan ka ba naglalagi?"

He was about to fix his cuff when I asked that.

Tumingin siya sa akin. "Lincoln Tower . . ."

I arched my brow. Wait? Is he serious?

Lincoln Tower is one of the three-tower of the Proscenium. I am living in Kirov Tower, which is right next to his.

Kaya pala parang kilala na siya rito. Mabilis din ang access niya sa akin because of it. Talagang mautak siya at lahat ay gagawin niya umayon lang ang lahat sa palad niya.

"Let's go?"

I nodded. I composed myself and anchored my arms into his. Inalalayan niya ako hanggang makababa sa basement.

Bumungad agad sa amin ang isang black Porsche 911 Turbo S. Pinatunog ni Khyfer ang alarm saka binuksan ang pinto sa front seat.

The smooth lavender scents from the air freshener relaxed my sense of smell. Hindi kasi nakakahilo, and I feel so relaxed.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

Kasalukuyan na naming binabaybay ang kahabaan ng Makati. City lights at night made me at solace. Khyfer put the stereo on and played some of Bruno Mars's hits.

Nakatuon pa rin ang atensyon niya sa kalsada. "North. I guess you like eating European cuisine."

"Hmmm . . ." I nodded.

"Do you crave for something recently?"

Napaisip naman ako. The last time I had, it was the ice cream Elisha bought for me.

"Nothing is constant, but I want to eat Tartiflette now." Baling ko sa kanya.

But now, I feel like I want to eat something Italian with a lot of cheese. Nabanggit na rin lang naman niya na gusto kong kumain ng isang European food kaya iyon ang unang pumasok sa isip ko.

"Okay. I'll grant your cravings later." He stared at me and smile.

Hindi na kami muling nag-usap. Tahimik ko lang na pinagmamasdan ang bawat establishment at mga kilalang bars, club, party house sa Metro.

"I've been here," mahinang utas ko nang tumigil ang sasakyan sa isang kilala at mamahaling restaurant.

"I know. You were with your model friend," he said plainly as he killed the car engine.

Pati ba naman iyon ay alam niya rin? Grabe!

Hindi na ako kumibo at nagpatianod nalang sa paglalakad kasama siya. He is a very gentleman who put his hand at my back to guide me and hold my other hand.

The receptionist greeted us and guided us to our reserved table. I couldn't help but slightly arched my right brow when I saw how the receptionist silently flirts with my date tonight.

Dumating naman ang waiter at agad na tinanong ang order namin. I choose to have Tartiflette and Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo while Khyfer ordered Zucchini Risotto with Chicken Marsala.

"Khyfer . . ."

I saw him stopped typing something on his phone. He flipped it down and faced me. I was hesitant to ask him something about my brother, but I can't help grab the opportunity.

"About Bryce," panimula ko.

Nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya saka mas lumalim ang titig sa akin. HE is not expecting me to ask him about my brother.

"Oh, what about your brother?"

I took a deep breath. I could get a clearer answer from him even though he and my brother are not on good terms.

"Ahm, I just want to ask you something about him . . ."

Hindi nagbago ang ekspresyon niya pero hindi ko magawang hindi humiling na sana ay hindi siya magdamot ng kahit kaunting bagay tungkol kay Kuya na makakapagsabi kung may nakarelasyon ba ito. I want to end Lolo's accusations that is why I am doing the risk.

"And why me?" seryosong tanong niya.

"Because you two are best friends," sagot ko agad.

Sumilay ang ngisi sa labi niya. "Were . . . past tense."

I was caught off-guard. May punto ang sinabi niya pero hindi iyon sapat na rason para hindi ko siya tanungin tungkol sa kapatid ko. Still, he knows a lot of things about Bryce.

"Fine! What do you want to know about your brother that you think I have the most trusted information you want?" There is a hint of sarcasm there.

Napakagat-labi naman ako. It's really awkward to talk to someone na may hindi magandang nangyari tungkol sa taong pinag-uusapan.

I sit up straight and look around for a bit. The place is big, and it is not that loud here even if there are many customers here tonight.

"Nagka-girlfriend na ba si Bryce? I mean, way back in college since pareho kayong nasa Harvard," diretsahang tanong ko.

I saw how his eyes flickered. Hindi ko siya nilubayan ng tingin hanggang sa siya na mismo ang nag-ayos ng upo at pinag-tuunan ako ng pansin. Isang malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan niya.

"Never. But I know he loved someone so much," kaswal na sagot niya.

Hindi agad ako nakapagsalita dahil doon. Hindi ko rin alam ang magiging reaksyon ko sa sinabi niya. My heart suddenly strummed in fear. I never had any hint that my brother fell in love with someone before.

"I can't believe that you don't even know that thing. Seriously?" He chuckled after noticing I didn't utter any words upon knowing that secret my brother had.

I bite my lower lip. That was an embarrassment knowing that I am Bryce's sister, but I don't know about some of his personal life.

"I don't like meddling with someone's life, even with my brother's lovelife." Sagot ko nalang.

"But what are you doing now? You're asking questions about your brother's personal secrets," nakangising sabat niya.

"I just need to know," I said with a down tone.

Biglang naman siyang naging seryoso. He intertwined the fingers in his both hands saka tumikhim. Base on how he looked at me, mukhang alam na rin niya kung saan nanggagaling ang tapang ko para tanungin siya tungkol sa buhay ng kapatid ko.

"Then ask your brother, not me."