LEV PETROV (Wild Men Series #3) Book 2

Chapter 10

LEV



PUNO na ang simbahan nang dumating kami para sa misa. O, mas tamang tawagin iyong gala sa gara ng mga kotseng nakaparada sa labas ng simbahan. From Lambo to Maserati, to Corvette down to freaking Bentley. I even spotted a freaking Koenigsegg Trevita on the parking lot. Hindi ko tuloy masisisi si Dakila na tumutulo ang laway habang panay ang kuha ng pictures sa mga sasakyan.

"Lev, hindi kaya mawalan ng side mirrors ang mga sasakyan dito mamaya?"

Nasapo ko ang noo't mariing tinitigan ang kaibigan at anino ng asawa ko. Hindi ba dapat mas concern si Elliot sa depressing orange polka dots suit na suot ni Dakila kaysa kung anupaman? Tang'na. From head to toe pa talaga.

Hindi ko alam kung masusuka o babarilin ang animal.

"Nakanang... mamaya mag po-post pa 'yan. Hashtag blessed," singgit ni Jake na gaya ko'y nakamasid din kay Dakila na ngayon nga'y akala mo sinong politikong nakasandal sa Koenigsegg at sige kuha ng selfie.

I groaned and ignored Jake's comment.

"Hello, mah pren. Miss Biyah. Hi, master Lib. Atorne.. Duk." Dakila waved at us.

"Hello, yourself. Pogi mo ngayon, Dakila. Mukhang bagong tabas. Bagay sa'yo 'yang inmate orange na suot mo. Mukhang handang-handa ka na."

"Hindi naman, Duk. Lakas lang maka guwapo nitong Kugneg–kulegleg."

"Koenigsegg," Via corrected him.

Dakila grinned at my daughter and winked. "Ay, basta. Kutse.Bri, tama ka nga kapag mahirap bigkasin pang mayaman."

Mahinang natawa sina Bree at Via. I let out a soft growl, glared at Dakila, and possessively pulled my wife to my side.

"Tama na ang huntuhan. Go inside. Bago pa magdilim ang paningin ko sa'yo at gawin kong burol mo ang misang 'to."

What the?!

Namamalikmatang kumurap ako't hinatid ng tanaw ang asawang ngayon ay kasabay ang siraulong si Dakila at si Jake. Did she just elbow playfully me on my stomach?

"I don't know what happened to the two of you. But I would say that I'm feeling positive about this marriage. Happy for you, Tanders."

"Shut it, Elliot." Paikang sumunod ako sa tatlo. Kung hindi lang sa senyas ni August ay baka ginawa ko ng giniling ang gagong si Dakila for snatching away my wife's attention. All is in order like how I pictured it out.

"Parang kulang yata ng red carpet. And maybe, a band there. Masyado silang hindi handa para sa isang welcome mass for us. I'm hurt."

Tumaas ang sulok ng bibig ko sa sarkatiskong komentong 'yon ng asawa. She's nibbling her red-painted lips while glaring at the imposing door. I envy those teeth. But what made me smile wider was the mirth in her voice. Seems someone woke up on the good side of the bed today.

"There's probably one. Inside," inilang hakbang ko ang distansiya namin, tinabig si Dakila na mabilis tumalilis kasabay si Via.

Bree scoffed on my right.

Good Lord! That sound stir something inside me. Clearing my throat, inilagay ko ang kaliwang kamay sa likod ni Bree. She stiffened, peered up at me and blink.

Beautiful beyond measure. Distraction. Those are the words that describe my wife and this crackling sensation that we have. A new wave of desire burned a fiery trail through me but I tried to shrug it off. Even though I want to r****h Bree 24/7, I can't. Work must take precedence now.

"Walk."

Bree pursed her lips, ipinako ang mga mata sa harapan at nag chin up. Like a freaking Mafia queen. Pride blooms on my chest as I shepherd her through the crowded church. Lumakas ang mga bulong when they saw us. Then the noise died down for a few beats. And as if on cue, the whole freaking church was silent as if someone hit the pause button.

We're at the center of their attention. Literally and figuratively. The unconventional newlyweds. A limping monster and his young beautiful wife in white.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa baston habang si Bree ay panay ang pakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga. It grated on me but what irks me the most is the weight of their stares. It was all ripe with bitterness, sadness and pettiness.

"f**k it. Don't mind them,"I grind my mollars and took one purposeful step inside, tagging along Bree. Hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang bahagyang alinlangan sa mga hakbang ng asawa.

He's limping. Poor man.

Kawawa naman si Mr. Petrov, imbalido na s'ya.

That's his wife? Isn't she a bit too young for him?

For sure, pinakasalan n'ya si Mr. Petrov dahil sa pera. Or, baka dahil sa awa?

Heartless. Hindi ba s'ya naaawa sa babae?

This time, mas malinaw ang mga salitang naririnig ko. These people. I want to commit the h*******t right here and right now. I balled my fist and practiced that inhale-exhale s**t exercise to calm my mood but waves of anger rolled off in waves through me.

"Tama nga sila. You'll see all the hypocrites in the world inside the church. These people. Kayang-kayang bumili't ipaligo ang Naturingang Chanel or Baccarat Rouge 540 nakalimutang mag gargle sa utak. Ang sangsang ng mga ugali."

I feign nonchalance pero puta ba't parang may kumislot sa loob ng dibdib ko? Kilig ba 'to?

"If I don't know better, iisipin kong nasasaktan ka for me, kiska."

"Don't flatter yourself," Bree pouts, inirapan ako. "Are you sure this is a mass? Hindi public hearing? Talo pa natin ang bibitayin."

I shrugged my shoulders and gave her a little push.

"Kung may bibitayin rito, its not us. That I am sure of."

"You're a creepy and menace, alam mo ba 'yon? Nasa loob tayo ng simbahan."

I hummed, twisted my body facing Bree. Sinapo ko ang baba ng nasurpresang asawa.

"Tell me something I don't know, baby doll," I smiled when I saw Bree's face morph into a giant strawberry. "They're just curious. That's all. Can't blame them. It's their first time seeing me after two years."

She blinks in confusion.

"What?! Two years?"

I ignored Bree. Binitiwan ko ang baba niya't hinila siya palapit sa pew na nakalaan para sa amin. But I didn't miss some faux greetings and well wishes from the VIP residents of Agrianthropos. Jutting my chin here and there, I searched the crowd for my targets. The people who are spewing bad words against us and who're coveting my spot in the organization.

Lo and behold, they're sitting a few rows from us. A powerful group that is now on top of my kill list. A senate president, three cabinet members, and one supreme court judge. Rich, powerful, entitled. Bunch of filthy humans.

Nang magsalubong ang mga mata namin ni Randy Cordero, the know supreme court judge in the country, his smile was contrite. While his wife- Amelia being the shameless b***h that she was, offer me a sweet smile. The nerve.

I feign ignorance kahit ang totoo, kumukulo ang dugo ko sa kanila. I just nod, sat with Bree on my right and pretend that I'm interested into what Trace is saying at my back.

Keep your cool, Lev. You'll have your time later.

Father Amado- our parish priest began the mass the moment we took our places. The old man started to blabber about good deeds, world peace shits, and the good old Lord, or was it the end of the world? I don't remember and care. All I know is that my wife is fidgeting beside me, toying the hem of her dress. Bree will sigh, tititig kay Father Amado saka iiling. Ilang saglit kong inobserbahan pa si Bree.

"He's blind. The right eye to be exact." I put her out of misery.

"Blind? How? Why?"

"Gunshot. 10 years ago."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Bree, tutop ang bibig. But I don't dare expound. I don't tell her that I know the old man since I was ten years old. Na ito ang kumupkop sa akin sa ampunan matapos kong makatakas sa sindikatong dumakip sa akin. That he's the only person in this world I trusted before I met Trace.Si Father Amado rin ang nagturo sa aking magdasal sa kabila ng pagtanggi ko. Nasobrahan nga yata siya ng teachings kasi pati nanay ni Via niluhuran ko.

I scoffed at that thought and gave my head a mental slap.

Father Amado cleared his throat and glance our way. Minsan iniisip kong nagpapanggap lang na bulag ang matandang pari. I smired at that thought. Without sparing Bree a glance, I grabbed her right hand, put it on my lap. Hindi pa ko nakuntento, I snake my right arm around her pulling her closer to me.

Bree's cheek flamed. After few beats, sinamaan ako ng tingin pero lalo ko lang hinigpitan ang hawak sa kanya.

"Stop it. Nasa simbahan tayo, Lev."

Ikiniling ko lang ang ulo ko sa gawi ni Bree habang abala ako sa pagtanggal ng gloves. Muli namang tumikhim ang matandang pari kaya napilitan si Bree na ibaling ang atensiyon sa unahan. Ako, I made sure that are legs are touching. Hipo rito, himas nang bahagya doon ang ginawa ko.

I stifle a smirk as I study my wife's side profile. She's trying all her might to remain unaffected but I know her better than she knows herself. She's over the edge. Sa bawat pagdampi ng hita ko o ng palad ko sa balat niya, Bree was letting out small shudders. I even spotted some goosebumps erupting on her skin.

Nang kunin na ni Father Amado ang mic at simulan ang sermon, Bree listen with rapt attention. But the devil in me doesn't want her to have peace, so, I skillfully inserted my two fingers between the space of the button dress when I'm sure that nobody's giving a f**k about us.

Naparalisa ang asawa ko sa kapangahasan ko lalo pa nang idaiti ko ang palad sa kaselanan n'ya. I pushed her annoying lace panty on the side and slide lower. . . lower, until Bree's inhaling sharply. Tila platito na sa laki ang mga mata niya.

"L-lev, stop it," Bree tried to shove my hand but I slapped it away.

She shake her head, I clucked my tongue quietly. Balewalang ipinatong ko ang baba sa balikat ni Bree saka bumulong.

"Nabawasan na kasi nang isa ang libo kong kasalanan, kaya gagawa ulit ako. Para saan pa ang pagiging demonyo ko kung mamumuhay ako nang tuwid, hindi ba?"

"Hindi ka ba natatakot na bigla kang tamaan ng kidlat o maging abo rito?"

"It'll be worth it."

Then, bingo. I found her sweet button. I pushed it softly, a stroke here and there. Bree's gasping, her nails digging through my forearms.

I put more pressure to her now moist c**t. Biglang naipatong ni Bree ang palad sa kamay ko, her whole body was taut. Namumula ang buong mukha't leeg habang panay ang linga sa paligid.

"Nobody's paying attention to us, baby doll."

She shoot me daggers. Bree crossed her legs with my fingers wedged on her center. Saka tila robot na ibinaling ang paningin sa altar. She's trying all her might na labanan ang pagnanasang ngayon ay tumutupok sa kanya.

To the rest of the crowd, Bree's obediently listening to the mass but I know the game she's playing. And I am hellbent on making her lose.

A sinister smile spread across my lips. My fingers moved slowly and expertly despite their confinement, I increase the pressure gradually while Bree's red as a beet on my side. Kagat-labi. Habol niya ang hininga at namumuo ang mga pawis sa noo. Hindi rin makapagdesisyon ang kamay niya kung kakapit sa akin o itutulak iyon. Ilang beses siyang lumunok nang malalim, pretending that she's still focus on the mass.

Hindi ko napigilan ang pagngisi nang maramdaman ang panginginig ng katawan ng asawa. Her whole face was a picture of torture and lust. At the last second, she's still trying to fight her release.

"Sin with me, baby doll. Come." I pinched her c**t.

That's all the push she needed. I felt the slightest spasm of her core around my fingers, her body became rigid.

"J-jesus!"

There's a dead silence on the whole church.

Triple s**t.

"What is it, hija?"

"W-ala ho, father. Sabi ko po God bless and peace be with you,"namumula ang pisnging sagot ni Bree. A sheepish smile was plastered on her face.

"Amen, hija. God bless you and Lev."

Tipid akong ngumiti kay Father na ipinagpatuloy ang sinasabi.

"I will kill you, Lev. You're filthy,"namumula ang leeg na anas niya. Pilit na pinapalis ang kamay ko sa lap niya.

"Takes one to know one," I winked. Pasimple kong inalis ang kamay sa loob ng damit niya. "Peace be with you, wife. Later, I'll make sure na bendisyunan ka."

Malakas na hampas sa dibdib ang naging sagot ni Bree sa akin. Nanggagalaiti ito sa galit, 'di alintana na kami naiistorbo namin ang misa.

"Hey, love birds. Mamaya na 'yan."

Nakangiting hinuli ko ang kamay ng asawa't hinila ito patayo.

"Anong ginagawa n'yo kanina? Panay bulong kayo. Muntik na kong mamatay sa diyabetes rito?" Tanong ng bestfriend ko in between singing the Our Father.

I twisted my body towards Trace.

"Nothing special. I'm teaching Bree to sing, Patricio."

"Ha? Anong kanta? Ikaw?"

"To sing hallelujah," I said unabashedly. My friends snicked on my back, never missing the double entendre of my words.

"Ay akala ko Hosanna. . ."

"Hosanna ako na lang, Bree. Ako na lang ulit," singgit ng gagong si Logan na inilapit pa talaga ang bibig sa tainga ko.

Tumingala ako.

"Lord, mag-pretend kang bingi muna, please." I faced Logan, "f**k you!"

"Same to you, Tanders."

"LET'S all welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Lev Petrov. The floor is yours."

All rose to their feet and clapped their hands as I ushered Bree toward the center where the old priest was smiling, waiting. Matapos ang halos kalahating oras na misa, turn naman namin to give a simple and quick speech.

Of course, I will not miss this one.

"Father, this is my wife. Bree Petrova," iginiya ko ang kamay ni Father Amado patungo sa naghihintay na palad ng asawa ko.

"I am so honored and happy to meet you, hija. I heard so much about you," nakangiting ani Father Amado.

Bree smiled sweetly. Nag-bless sa butihing pari na sa kabila ng katandaan at kapansanan ay mababanaag pa rin ang lakas.

"Salamat ho. Napakaganda ho ng homily n'yo. Sorry if medyo maingay ako-kami, may isa ho kasing parang lamok sa tabi ko. Bulong nang bulong."

Mahinang natawa si Father Amado sa patutsada ni Bree. Napailing na lang ako.

"Walang kaso. Ganon talaga kayong mga kabataan ngayon. Young love."

Namula ang pisngi ni Bree, she bite her lower lip.

"Kailan ka libre, hija? Mag usap tayo habang ipinapasyal kita rito sa simbahan. Para makilala mo rin iyong mga bata. May eskwela kasi sila kaya hindi sila nakadalo."

"Mga bata ho?" Nagtatanong ang mga matang tumitig sa akin ang asawa.

I pursed my lips.

"Oo. Hindi ba nasabi sa'yo ni Lev? May itinayo silang maliit na ampunan rito. Four years pa lang iyon pero marami na kaming mga natulungan at pinapaaral."

Bree let out a short 'Ahh'

"Sige po, father. Ilalagay ko po sa schedule ko 'yan. I am looking forward to having a chat with you."

"Bukas ang simbahang ito para sa iyo. Sa inyo." Bumaling siya sa akin. "Be a good husband. Wala ako rito kahapon para sa kasal ninyo dahil may nilibing sa dulo ng isla. But we need to talk, Lev."

Bulong lang halos nang bitawan niya ang mga huling kataga. I scratched my chin, four times and then hum.

"Kabisado ko na ang libro mo, old man. Keep your sermon to yourself," seryoso ang boses na ani ko.

Pumalatak ito.

"That's his way of saying na bibisitahin niya ako, Bree. O, siya. May pupuntahan pa kaming blessing ng bahay. The stage is yours. Pagpalain nawa kayo ng butihing Diyos." He pat our heads and after uttering a silent prayer, he whispered to my ears. "No blood, Lev. Not here in my territory. Not in His house."

Naiwan kami ni Bree na nakatayo sa gitna at nakatanghod sa buong kongregasyon na bumubuo sa halos kalahati ng populasyon ng Agriantrophos. Alumpihit sa tabi ko ang asawa, batid kong gusto na niyang maupo or worst, layasan ang naturang pagtitipon. But I need her here, by my side. So gave her a stern look.

As much as it is torture to her, it is more of a hell for me. But someone's got to give. These people need to see us together as I made them fall in their f*****g line.

Tumikhim ako. The murmurs died down. Lahat nag aabang ng sasabihin ko.

"This will be quick. You know I loathe speeches and shits. Tatlong bagay lang. Una, alam niyo na sigurong lahat na ikinasal na ako kahapon to this beautiful woman beside me. Ladies and gentlemen, Brethany Vittoria Petrova. Misis ko," sabay taas ko sa ere ng magkasalikop naming mga kamay ni Bree.

Mainit na palakpak ang isinagot ng lahat maliban sa mag asawang Cordero. A knowing smile ghosted on my lips when I met Randy Cordero's eyes.

"Sit now, kiska. You'll need it."

Umawang ang bibig ni Bree, nasa mga mata ang protesta ngunit nang matigas akong umiling tahimik itong sumunod.

"Second, and maybe the most glaring reason of all. I am not freaking dead. Nagpahinga ako ng dalawang taon, yes. Pero hindi ibig sabihin noon na nabawasan ang power ko sa islang ito. Baka nakalimutan na ng karamihan sa inyo, kaya ipapaalala ko ulit. This freaking island you call home or vacation place, is ours. Foedus. And Foedus is me. Technically speaking, mga bisita lang kayo rito. Pinayagang magtayo ng mga mansion n'yo dahil na rin sa pakiusap n'yo." Humigpit ang hawak ko sa baston, I put my weight from my left foot to the right. "Simple lang naman ang rules natin hindi ba? You pay the amount, will give you a chunk of land and the protection you need. Then you can live your life how you want it to be. f**k your w***e here or do drugs there. As long as you don't messed with our business, we're all fine. Dah? f*****g simple. Mahirap bang intindihin iyon, Mr. Guerrera?"

Tila binuhusan ng malamig na tubig ang matandang lalakeng nakaupo tatlong row mula sa kinatatayuan ko.

"H-ha? Of course, Mr. Petrov. S-simple lang naman ang rules n'yo," pinahiran nito ng panyo ang noo. Hindi naman magkada ugaga sa pag-sign of the cross ang asawa nito.

"What's the agreed punsihment sa mga lumalabag sa kasunduan?" Limping, I walked towards the aisle and stopped right in front of the poor man.

He gulped.Tila nadagdagan ng ten years pa ang edad nito.

"D-death."

"Then why the f**k did one of your drivers brought my wife to the pawnshop? Your pawnshop? Are you not afraid of dying? Or, akala n'yo nag jo-joke lang kami rito? Anong una kong puputulin? Your head? Your ears or your sorry little excuse of a d**k?" In an instant, nakatutok na sa leeg ng lalake ang dulo ng espada ko. The sword that's been hiding on my cane.

Everyone gasp collectively. Our men swamp all the exits, their guns are ready to fire. Halos panawan naman ng ulirat ang matandang asawa ni Guevarra na mukhang ang hobby at magpa-botox every month. Habang ang gagong mga barkada ko panay ang palakpakan lang. I spotted Logan munching his freaking popcorn with Elliot. On their right, prenteng nakaupo si Trace may tangan pang bote ng wine ang gago, nakangisi.

"M-mr. Petrov, please... I can explain."

"Lev."

Inignora ko ang pagtawag ni Bree. She better know not to interrupt me when I am doing business.

"You have four seconds to convince me."

"Wala akong alam sa operasyon ng mga driver ko."

"Three seconds." I drawled.

"Hindi ko alam na asawa mo siya. H-hindi rin alam ng tao ko na sa misis n'yo ang singsing kagabi. Please. . . spare me."

"Two."

"Ibabalik ko ang singsing kasama ng ilang mga koleksyon meron kami–"

"Your time is up."

"No. Please! I received a text last night saying that there's an expensive ring I need to buy. By all means necessary. Kaya sinabihan ko ang mga tao ko na bilhin iyon sa kahit na magkanong presyo. But I swear, hindi ko alam na sa asawa niyo iyon, Mr. Petrov," naghahalo ang sipon at uhog na pakiusap nito habang nakaluhod sa harapan ko.

Glowering at him, I tried to calm the raging volcano inside me. May hinala na ako kung sino ang nasa likuran nito but I need to be sure before I make my next move. I jut my chin towards August.

"Phone. I want the number to be traced," I jut my chin towards August then peered at the old man. "Get up bago pa magbago ang isip ko't gawin kong bola ang ulo mo rito sa loob ng simbahan."

Agad itong dinaluhan ng asawa sa pagtayo.

"This will be your last and only warning. My men will release your driver and staff later."

"Are they s-still alive?"

Nilingon ko ang misis ni Guevarra. Naaaliw na ngumiti ako.

"Humihinga pa naman sila last time na update sa 'kin."

She utters a prayer then the hypocrite makes a sign of the cross.

"Kung kumpleto pa ang mga body parts nila, doon ako hindi sigurado," I walked towards my wife's spot. Hindi ito halos kumurap habang titig na titig sa mukha ko. Anger, embarrasment and revulsion were dancing on her beautiful cinnamon eyes.

"N-nasa simbahan tayo, Lev. You're the most cruel man I've ever met."

"Hindi ko nakakalimutan kung nasaan tayo, Bree. Nangako ako kay Father Amado na walang dugong dadanak. So far, I am keeping that promise, no?" Kinuha ko ang kanang kamay niya, pushed our diamond wedding ring na kanina ko pa hawak.

"H-how?"

"I have sixteen years against you and thousands of mind f**k games. You'll never beat me, Bree. Next time na tanggalin mo 'to, i-we-welding ko na 'yan sa daliri mo." Tahasan kong sabi. I planted a kiss on top of her lace-covered knuckles and resumed my position at the center. I want to see the face of all the motherfuckers as I drive the last nail to their coffin.

"Apologies for that little mishap. Where are we? Oh, yes. Sa third and last point ko. Foedus Inc., is always and will remain a closed corporation. Never, and I put emphasis to never, we will sell shares or invite new investors to join us. Nakarating sa kaalaman naming may ilan rito ang nagkalat ng tsismis na kulang kami ng isang member- I pressume that's me kasi nga sabi ng iba, patay na ako. Well, sorry to disappoint all of you. Humihinga pa ako," I tilted my head to the right. Waited for a few seconds.

Halos mabingi ako nang sabay-sabay na tumunog ang mga cellphones ng mga tao sa loob ng simbahan maliban sa aming mga Foedus.

"You see, some people here have the audacity to send that text to the VIP residents. You want what? To overthrow us? Foedus?" Malakas na singgit ni Trace, humahalakhak.

"Mr. Petrov, wala ho kaming alam sa ganitong bagay," lakas-loob na anang isang ginang na sa pagkakatanda ko'y asawa ng gobernador ng isang bayan sa Luzon.

My eyes shift to my left– fourth row, where the group of Cordero was sitting. Of course, they are all poker face but I can smell the anxiety rolling off from them. They know that their days are numbered and once na makakuha ako ng konkretong ibedensiya na sila ang may pakana ng lahat ng 'to, babalatan ko sila ng buhay. After nilang ikanta ang lungga ng gagong si Andrew at Colton of course.

"Not all of you but some. And we will find out who are these fuckers. Once we did, kahit pati si Satanas hindi sila matutulungan."

"Ang seryoso naman masyado, Lev. Kakakasal mo lang kahpon, dapat nag se-celebrate tayo," sigaw ni Logan.

"Oo nga. May surprise ka sa amin, right? Spill." It was Dax.

I glared at them and then gave my tie a little tug.

"About that. . . we decided na iyong last parcel of land located south of this island is up for bidding. You will receive the details next week." Mabilis kong nilapitan ang asawa't halos hilahin ko si Bree palabas ng simabahan.

"Sandali nga. Ba't ba nagmamadali ka?"

"Just walk." I don't let up. Lalo kong binilisan ang mga hakbang kahit pa umaaray na ang kanang binti at tuhod ko.

"f*****g s**t," mura ko nang muntik akong matumba.

"H-hey. Are you okay? Humawak ka sa 'kin." Ipinulupot ni Bree ang braso sa bewang ko't inalalayan ako.

Umawang ang bibig ko habang tahimik na nagpapa akay sa asawa. I tell her to stop when we're at the threshold. Pinuno ko ng hangin ang baga. Gusto kong kurutin ang sarili to make sure na totoo ang nakikita kong pag-aalala sa mukha ng asawa.

"Mauna ka na sa sasakyan. I'll follow you."

Umirap si Bree sabay halukipkip. Ngunit hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang pagtitig nito sa hita ko. Lumambot nang bahagya ang ekspresiyon ng mukha niya saka ulit naningkit.

"Don't tell me hindi ka pa quota sa kademonyohan ngayong araw? Wala pang tanghali, Lev pagod na pagod na ako sa dami ng nakita at ginawa mo."

"Don't blame my dark deeds. Nilabasan ka kasi kaya ka napagod."

"Lev, bibig mo!" Namumula ang buong mukhang sigaw ng nae-eskandalong si Bree.

Ngising demonyo ang namutawi sa bibig ko.

"Why? 'Di ba nasa ten commandments na bawal mag sinungaling? Nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo."

"I hate you. Hanggang sa magiging apo sa tuhod ng mga apo mo sa tuhod, kinamumuhian kita."

"Apo natin sa tuhod" tinawid ko ang pagitan namin at hinuli ang baba ni Bree. Matiim s'yang tinitigan. "I will allow you to fight me over anything, kiska. But not on this. You. Are. Mine. End of." I claimed her surprise lips. I kissed her like my life depends on it and Bree's whole body went still

Her lips are soft and sweet like vanilla, scorching like fire and addictive like a f*****g sin. I groaned and Bree gasped in my mouth. And suddenly I was taken back to the times when everything about us was simple. Ngunit bago ko pa mapalalim ang halik na iyon, saka naman may bumusina.

Lintek talaga!

"Saved by the bell or rather honk. Sige, lakad," pinaraanan ko ng hinlalaki ang lower lip ng asawa.

"S-saan tayo pupunta?"

"I promised you something, right?"

"You mean?" Her face was beaming.

Tumango ako't nagpatiuna sa sasakyan, binuksan ang pinto for Bree.

Nang lingunin ko ang asawa, nakatayo pa rin ito't nakatitig sa 'kin. She's nibbling her lips, nangingilid ang mga luha sa magkabilang mata.

"Bethany, stop looking like you're going to a funeral. Buhay pa ang kapatid mo at best friend. Sakay na."

"B-but the finger last night."

"Was from the taxi driver who thought na pwede niyang bastusin ang asawa ko."

In an instant, she was right in front of me and a soft kiss landed on my cheek.

"Thank you, L-lev."

We stayed like that. Ako hawak ang kanang pisngi ko, nakatunghay sa maamo at nakangiting mukha ni Bree. I guess what they all said is true, heaven is real and I'm staring at her right now.

"Oh my God! No!"

Bago pa ako makahuma, tarantang iniwan ako ni Bree. Mabilis itong tumakbo hindi alintana ang pagtawag ko, her attention is focus on something across the street.

"s**t. Bree, come back." Sigaw ko but it all fell on deaf ears. I was about to say something to her when I spotted on my right a car. It's fast and my wife didn't notice it.

Bumilis ang t***k ng puso ko. Pinagpawisan ako nang malapot. Then, adrenaline kicked in. Ignoring the pain, I run towards her, extend my left arm and pulled Bree body against mine. Niyakap ko sya ng mahigpit, aapo ng kanang kamay ko ang ulo niya. I allow my body to be her human shield.

Sa lakas ng paghila ko, sabay kaming natumba sa gilid ng kalsada ni Bree.

A shrilling sound fills my ear followed by the concerned voices of my men. I felt a stabbing pain in my right rib. My right leg and knee are numbed but I ignore it.

"Bree, talk to me. f**k. Don't you die on me." Hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin kong i-check. Ang leeg n'ya ba o ang dibdib.

"L-lev. . ."

"Jesus! I'm here, baby. I'm here." I let out a sigh of relief when I heard her weak voice. Humigpit ang pagkakayakap ko sa asawa't ibinaon ang mukha sa leeg niya. I inhaled her scent and made sure that I heard it clearly–her pulse.

Then, I smell it. Saw it smeared on her front, staining the white dress she was wearing.

Blood.

"No. No. Please, Bree. . . No. August, hospital. Now. Call them, it's a f*****g emergency."