LEV PETROV (Wild Men Series #3) Book 2

Chapter 13

BREE



HE slept beside me.

Again.

Those are the words that keeps on repeating inside my head simula pa kaninang magising ako't maramdaman ang buong bigat ng katawan ni Lev sa tabi ko. That was thirty minutes ago. Now, my kidneys were starting to scream along with my numb hips, urging me to move. But the rest of my body didn't get the memo.

Why can't I find the courage to shove his legs and shout at his face? Call him names?

Dahil duwag ka?

Because you like his warmth and miss his embrace?

Fuck you, self.

Inwardly, I groaned and cursed myself. Isa lang ang sagot ko parati sa tanong na iyon–I don't want Lev to feel victorious about this whole s**t. Cause this monster will rub it to my face, that's a fact. Hindi man niya lantarang sabihin sa akin, kita ko iyon sa mga kislap at init ng tingin na ipinupukol niya sa akin.

I gritted my teeth.

Pang ilang beses na nga ba nangyari 'to? Ten? Or, this is the twelfth time? Honestly, after the fourth time I lost count.

Napagod na ako.

Ang hirap kalaban ng asawa ko. The how and why is not important to him. Dahil para sa siraulo iisa lang ang end goal niya. Ang madala niya ako sa kama, every single damn night.

Our routine was composed of–me stubbornly sleeping on the couch, floor, or even inside his gigantic luxurious bathroom. Him carrying me. The next morning, I'm cocooned on Lev's muscular arms.

And I'm hugging him back. Every. Freaking. Time.

I loathe Lev for that. For reminding me how powerless I am to his charms. Gising man o tulog.

You might ask. Did I resist? Of course. Or at least, I tried.

Nang unang beses mangyari ito, gising na gising ako. Ramdam ko nang pangkuin ako ni Lev at dalhin sa loob ng kuwarto niya. The protest burned into my tongue and I was about to spit it to his face when I heard him groan and muttered a series of profanities. The vengeful side of me emerged and reveled the pain I was indirectly inflicting on him. So, against my better judgment, nanahimik ako. I let my husband carry me, tucked me in bed, and touched me. And boy Lev's hands wandered deliciously setting my body on fire.

The worst part is that patay-malisya kaming dalawa kinabukasan. Hanggang sa lumaon, naging normal na sa amin 'to. May piping boses sa loob ko na nagsasabing nilo-look forward ko na ang pagsapit ng gabi upang kinabukasan mas lalo ko pang kamuhian si Lev.

Neknek mo. Dami mong hanash. Pride 'yan, Bree.

Shut the f**k up!

Aminin mo na kasi, nag e-enjoy ka sa moments n'yo. Unti-unti nang nauupos ang defenses mo against Tanders. Ipokrita.

Nooo!!!

I gave myself an imaginary slap and bury that impertinent b***h back where she belongs–in the deep recess of my mind.

I clenched and unclenched my jaw. Pinakiramdaman ang katabi. Nang masigurong tulog pa rin si Lev, saka ko pinakawalan ang kanina pa pinipigil na hininga.

Slowly and quietly, I inhale.

Exhale. Inhal–fudge!

Biglang kumislot ang animal. Humigpit ang brasong nakayakap sa bewang ko't hinapit pang lalo ang katawan ko palapit sa kanya. Hindi pa nakuntento, isiniksik pa ang ulo sa leeg ko sabay ungol.

Nahinto sa trachea ang hanging nilanghap ko. My pulse raced, my stomach flipped and a bead of sweat formed into my forehead. I think I'm having a cardiac arrest at eighteen!

Panic shot through me when Lev's strong fingers gripped my hipbone. Then, it made small circles on top of it. Slowly and agonizingly so.

Useless ang suot kong makapal na pajama set dahil ramdam ko ang init ng bawat haplos ng asawa. I swallowed hard as hot iron seared my skin and I'm now a puddle of confusion and desire.

What an odd combination! s**t. Malakas nga yata ang pagkakabagok ng ulo ko sa bangin na iyon.

What now, Bree?

Muntik akong mapahiyaw nang sa muling paggalaw ni Lev may biglang dumunggol sa tagiliran ko.

Baril ba 'yon? Batuta? Bakal–shit!

It's his morning huge morning erection.

Pissed to myself, I silently cursed.

"Lyubimaya moya."

Kumunot ang noo ko sa ungol na n'ya na iyon. I strain to hear him. He repeated those phrases a couple of times like a mantra until it all stopped. All I could hear was Lev's peaceful breathing and it all skimmed to my face.

I stayed still for a couple of seconds then I opened my left eye. Peered up and gasped.

Warmth spread in my veins making my head fuzzy with the sight of my husband. I choked on my anger as I studied his face. From the thick black hair that's now in disarray, his long thick lashes down to his aristocratic nose. My eyes lingered on his full mouth tho. Memories of what those lips can do to me came in waves and delicious shivers ran through my body.

How come a monster so sinister be this beautiful and sleeps like a baby? It's unfair.

Agad kong kinastigo ang sarili sa tinatakbo ng isip at nagpokus sa ibang bagay.

Sa neon pink na throw pillow na binili ko kahapon at inilagay sa leather sitting chair ng asawa. Sa malaking sparkling cat bed na binili ko hindi para higaan ni Brad cause that dude didn't know the concept of bed at all, kung hindi para galitin si Lev. How my things stick like a sore thumb against his all black and grey bedroom. Sa things to do na inilista ko kagabi sa– mabango at amoy baby na hininga ni Lev.

Damn it!

His warm breath was fanning my right cheek, kissing my skin and neck. Musk, sandalwood, and pine hung in the air, and the urge to bask in him tingled inside me. Like always, my defenses around this man started to crumble exponentially. Now, I'm hyper-aware of the fact that we're intertwined as humanly as possible on top of his king-sized bed and I'm losing my s**t.

A low grumble made me shut my eyes. My lungs seized. Then, I felt it. His hot lips on my temple and a careful yet quick warm embrace.

"Morning, wife. Beautiful."

One second he's kissing and squeezing me and then he's gone. I was overwhelmed by a great sense of loss when I heard Lev's quiet footsteps against the rug.

Agad akong nagdilat ng mga mata't bumulaga sa akin ang likod ni Lev. His round butt is saying hello to me together with his broad muscled tatted back. I don't know why this man suddenly became allergic to shirts. But I'd make a liar of myself if I didn't admit that Lev exude sexiness in those black boxer briefs.

I shake my head.

"I hope you're enjoying the view. It's rude to stare, no?"

Fucking-fuckery-fuckity-f**k!

I feel like a stupid deer caught by the headlights.

"Sinong nagsabing nakatingin ako? Kagigising ko lang. At ba't andito na naman ako sa pesteng kama mo? Last time I checked I was at the sofa–"

"And last time I checked we're married. So that f*****g bed is ours, misis." Lev whirled around, pinning me with his gaze.

I balled my fist around the comforter. Malakas na tumama ang likod ko sa headboard ng kama. May bikig na bumara sa lalamunan ko. Is it because of the term he called me? Misis? His seething anger for reason I don't know. Or, the man himself?

"You c-call this s**t farce a marriage?" I huff a laugh. Trying and failing to conceal my nervousness.

He pointed at my left hand.

"You have my ring around your finger. May marriage contract tayo. Signed, sealed and delivered. Plus, I have your family's blood on my hands. Kung hindi pa sapat na patunay ang mga iyon, I'm ready to murder a village or two. Sabihin mo lang." Kaswal na aniya habang nakasandal sa hamba ng pinto't matamang nakatitig sa 'kin. Wala man lang bakas ng pagsisisi ang tono ng animal.

And for God's sake. Bakit ganito s'ya ka-fresh at edible first thing in the morning?

"Psycho." I hissed sabay bato ng singsing sa asawa. Tumama iyon sa dibdib ni Lev bago gumulong sa sahig.

Sabay namin iyong sinundan ng tingin. I bite my lips as the 20-diamond carat ring makes a show by spinning around the floor before it stops together with my heart.

"Perfect. You're really are a creature of habit, Bree. After mong isangla ngayon naman gagawin mong pamato. I'm impress."

My eyes clashed with Lev's dark cerulean ones.

"Can you blame me? It's a beautiful piece of s**t that evokes hatred to me. Kaya ayan. Lamunin mo. Halo mo sa kape mo, for all I care."

Pinulot ni Lev ang wedding ring. He studied it for a scant of seconds, lips twitching in an unhinged way.

"Aren't you so sweet? Calling this piece beautiful. Glad you like it."

What the freaking F is wrong with him?

"You forgot the s**t part."

Nagkibit balikay s'ya.

"Beautiful. Still, pinuri mo pa rin. See? I want to focus on the positive side. Mindset." He winked.

Anak ng tokneneng! Is he for real? Habang tila bulkan na sasabog ang ulo ko sa galit, kabaliktaran naman ang asawa ko. He seemed to have the best day of his life.

"Saksak mo sa baga mo 'yang singsing mo at mindset."

He hummed, ignoring my snarl.

"Guess it's high time I give her something beautiful than my ring."

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"What? Sinong kausap mo?"

"Demanding. I like that. We're making progress. Guess we're ditching the marriage counsel Jake suggested."

He pointed downwards. "Lev the second. We're having an emergency meeting so to speak."

Napapikit ako. I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"What? Men normally talked to their c**k. For second opinion and shits. Two heads are better than one, right? Pun totally intended. Besides you are married to a psycho."

"The right term is pinilit. You murdered half of my family and pointed a gun in my head. Kahit siguro madre mapapa-oo sa'yo."

Tumaas lang ang kilay ng gunggong saka iwinasiwas ang kamay sa ere. Ngunit nasa mga tattoo niya, namumutok na abs at naggagalawang muscles ang atensiyon ko.

Jesus, Bree! Umayos ka.

"Tomaytho. Tomato. Semantics. I don't mind getting my hands dirty all over again if it means I'm getting what is rightfully mine." He gritted his teeth and glared at me. "You."

"Rightfully yours, my ass. I'm my own person. Hindi ako bagay o pag-aari mo. O, ng kahit sinong Ponchio Pilato."

"Hmm. I digress. Lev the second, too. We'll see."

"Pervert."

Matamis na ngumiti si Lev. Lihim kung nahugot ang hininga.

He scratches his chin. Amusement was swirling in his hard serious blue eyes.

"Your pervert."

"You. Are. Not. Mine." Itinaas ko ang baba ko, goading him.

I don't know sino ang mas siraulo sa aming dalawa ngayon. Siya na clinically diagnosed as psycho and apathetic? O, ako? The one feeding and continuing to provoke his demons?

"I'm cool with that. As long as you're mine."

"Stop blabbering shits, hindi bagay sa'yo. Gurang. f**k off. Pumayag ba ako?"

"Nagtanong ba ako? I don't need to ask permission to anyone. Hindi noon, lalong hindi ngayon."

"You–"

"Psycho. Monster. Satan's spawn. p*****t. Your list of adjectives and compliments for me is endlist, kiska. I'm flattered. You put labels on me. E, sa'yo? Anong tawag sa tulad mo? Peeping Tom? Creep? Pathological liar? Someone who likes to watch someone when they're asleep. Then lie to their teeths kapag nahuli? O sadyang, ganoon ako kaguwapo para matameme ka, Bree?"

"Conceited prick! Am not watching or admiring you."

"That liar mouth of yours is really asking for troubles, kiska. You're a walking contradiction. Your words are hateful yet your eyes–fuck those eyes of yours. It says otherwise. Ano ba talaga? Make up your mind, Mrs. Petrova. Rate this face, I know you want to. Come on. Tigilan mo na ang pagiging ipokrita."

How dare him call me that? May tila punyal na bumaon sa gitna ng dibdib ko. Nag-init ang pisngi ko. I grabbed the pillow and throw it at Lev. Balewalang sinalo lang niya iyon, inihagis sa tabi't paikang humakbang.

Alarm bells ring inside my skull but my attention was on Lev's rippling tricep and pectoral muscles. Lalong nag init ang ulo ko. More for my reaction to his almost nude delicious body than to any other reasons unknown.

"I'm not a creep. Or, a hypocrite! f**k you and your humungous delusional ego. And I'm not admiring–watching you, Petrov. In your dreams. I'm contemplating how to kill you effortlessly para matapos na 'tong kalbaryo ko! Should I use the pillow? Gun? Poison or iyong katana mo! And I'll dispose of your body or feed it to Trace's pet while I sip my Sauvignon Blanc."

Sa gulat ko, huminto ang gago't ngumisi. His perfectly white teeth put shame on those Colgate models. Ang sarap bangasan ng gago. But what made my skin crawl was the hostility that reeked off him.

Okay, change of plan. I'm choosing all of the above!

"I loved to see that, kiska. You'll do this earth a huge favor if that happens. You know how I loved to see you like this–hot, mad, feisty, and oh so bothered. And that dirty mouth of yours. s**t. Isang salita mo lang, lalabasan na ako." He said coldly while his eyes rake my body. He darted his tongue licking his lips while he grabbed his obvious hard-on, shamelessly if I may add. And he adjusted himself much to my horror.

I shake my head. A sudden chill scraped through me when I saw my husband's lustful gaze.

"You can deny it all you want but your body's reaction can't."

Yumuko ako. Wala sa loob na nayakap ko ang sarili. s**t. I forgot that I don't have a bra underneath the thin silk top I'm wearing. I'm praying that he didn't notice my hard-as-points n*****s. Or, maybe not. Useless top.

"Let's end this misery, shall we? Come here and be a good girl. Show me my p***y. Beg me to tongue f**k you... destroy that tight little p***y. Suck my c**k like the dirty slut that you are. Then, maybe I'll allow you to bounce on it while you're screaming my name and creaming my cock."

Napasinghap ako't maang na tinitigan ang asawa. My lips trembled. Kusang sumara ang mga legs kong natatakpan ng makapal na comforter.

"You're disgusting. Filthy."

"And you're turned on. Bet that p***y's soaking wet for me."

White fluid warms in my tummy and it spreads across my body down to my toes like wildfire.

No. No. No! It can't be.

Lev's eyes ensnared me and kept me prisoner. His words are crass. Crude and utterly illegal. His words painted an r-18 image on my brain that made me nauseous and excited at the same time.

I gulped. I couldn't look away. Because of his eyes.

Damn it!

To say that I'm transfixed is an understatement. Lev's ocean eyes explode in a myriad of emotions–violence, lust, madness. Obsession. Lahat 'yon naka focus lang sa akin. At pilit ko mang itanggi ang mga iyon, sinasampal ako ng katotohanan. Lev and I have an undeniable connection. The man speaks a language that only my soul can understand.

Pero bago pa ulit ako malunod sa kumunoy na likha ng asawa ko, bumangon na ang poot sa loob ko.

For him and myself.

Instead of Lev's face, I started to see their faces. Those bastards.

I feel jaded. Soiled.

Unworthy.

A damaged goods.

Embarrassment started to sip in and before I knew it, blank ink and smoke blurred my visions.

Red. Blood.

Black. Mud.

Waves. Darkness.

Screams.

Waves of laughter. Lots of it.

Bitch...

Nagsimulang kumati ang mga sugat ko sa kamay. I scratched it slowly as I stared blankly at Lev.

"Bree, stop it. Goddamit!" He's freaked out now. Limping and eating our distance.

I don't hear a thing. Kahit pa nang bumaon na sa balat ko ang mga kuko. I don't dare to stop. I welcomed the pain cause that I can fully understand. Not this conflicting emotions my brute husband is giving me.

Or them.

Lalong naging bayolente ang mga galaw ko. I hate the man approaching me with passion.

"I said tama na 'yan." Sabay hiklat niya sa kamay ko. "Motherfucker. Stay still."

I blinked at him at sa kamay kong hawak niya. Puno nang pag-aalala ang mukha ni Lev.

Mabilis kong binawi iyon. Nakakapaso.

"Don't touch me." Malamig kong turan bahagyang umatras ngunit huli na. Citrus, sandalwood and bergamot wafted to me, filling my lungs.

Why do sins always smell good?

I shake my head. Slowly, I release my breath and chase the cloud that is now starting to plague me.

Lev sighed.

"Don't move. Stay there."

He disappeared from my view and fuss with something sa loob ng banyo. Naiwan akong nakaupo't tulala g nakatitig sa duguan kong kamay.

Gusto kong iumpog ang ulo sa pader dahil sa kahangalan. I went to great lengths to appear okay. Normal. Ilang therapy ba ang pinilit kong tapusin para lang maalis lahat ng mga bangungot ko. But all my efforts are futile because of one man.

Lev.

His presence brought a clusterfuck to my MIA sanity. He always triggered those memories and my dark thoughts.

I want to run. Shove him away. Doon naman ako magaling. Magtago at mag pretend na ayos ang lahat.

But, there's also a little part inside me that wants him around. A little part of me that still craves for him and the chaos he brought.

Before I knew it, I was scratching my wounds again. Violently.

The wounds that were now sitting on top of my scars seemed to mock me. And I hate it and the thongs it represents.

My cowardice. My filth.

The nightmares.

"Jesus! Brethany, what the f**k? STOP IT!"

Ipinilig ko ang ulo. Hilam ang luhang tumalon ako pababa sa kama't umatras. Na-korner ako ng dingding at ng galit na mga mata ni Lev.

My body was shaking as I hugged my brutally bloody hand.

"No! You f*****g stop! Ikaw at hindi ako. Stop f*****g with my sanity. Hindi ka na dapat bumalik pa sa buhay ko. I was o-kay... until–I'm not. And it's all because of you. I hate you!"

Dumaan ang sakit sa mukha ni Lev. Then, in an instant, his dark blue eyes became muted. Devoid of any emotions while he looked at me.

"Yes. I'm the f*****g reason for all of these bullshits in our lives. So for once, stop punishing yourself. Ako. Ako ang parusahan mo. Putang ina."

When he walked towards me again with the air of danger around him, I knew I was doomed. I poked the beast and he's now charging towards me.

Walang abog-abog na tinungo ko ang night table pulled the top drawer and grabbed the gun I know he always keeps there. Umikot ako't itinutok ang baril kay Lev.

"Stop right there or, I'll shoot you."

Tumaas ang kilay niya but he didn't stop his strides. Damn. The man just continued to walk, a medical kit swinging at his right arm, totally unfazed by my threat and the gun pointing at him.

"Iputok mo, Bree. Shoot first, ask question later. Remember? Here." Ibinuka pa niya ang mga braso.

I gritted my teeth. I gripped the Glock, steeled my back, and placed my right foot forward. I breathe as my index finger slowly slides inside the trigger.

Lev tilted his head to the right and looked at me intensely but he never once stopped. His expression is a mixture of worry, mania, excitement, and pride.

I put all my efforts on the gun I'm holding now with trembling hands. Lalo kong pinagsiksikan ang sarili sa dingding. My gaze flitted from his serious face down to Lev's right leg which he's dragging subtly.

"I said stop! Huwag kang lalapit–"

"Can't. Won't, baby. Shoot me kung 'yan ang magpapatahimik sa'yo. But you can't stop me."

Bang!

I cease to breathe as I watched the bullet traveled past Lev and landed on the painting on his massive wall. He stopped midstep. Pinaglipat ang tingin sa baril na hawak ko't sa balikat niya kung saan muntik bumaon ang bala. Bumuga siya ng hangin, balewalang naglakad muli.

I watched in horror as Lev stepped on the tiny shards of glass scattered across the carpeted floor. Napapangiwi ako but not my husband. He remains unperturbed while I'm shaking like a leaf.

"I-I told you to stop..."

"And I told you to shoot me. Kill me if you will. The hell I care. Having second thoughts, wife?"

"N-no."

He smirked. "Marami pang bala 'yang baril. Go on, empty it on my body...ngunit hindi mo ako mapipigilang lumapit sa iyo, Bree."

Yumuko ako. Hindi ko kayang salubungin ang nang uuyam niyang tingin. Most importantly, my conscience is eating me.

I almost kill him! I should be happy, right? Ngunit kabaliktaran noon ang nararamdaman ko. For a moment, nilokob ako ng takot para sa asawa ko. Nangibabaw iyon kaysa sa poot at hinanakit na lagi kong kasama sa loob ng dalawang taon.

My God! What's happening to me? Am I spiraling again? Nalulugmok na naman ba ako sa kumunoy na karisma ni Lev?

Lev stopped when where almost toe to toe. Walang hirap niyang kinuha akin ang baril mula sa akin. Ni-lock iyon at siniksik sa likod ng boxers niya. Hinuli ang kamay ko't hinila ako paupo sa kama.

"D-don't."

"No. You shut up. You're bleeding and—"

Sabay kaming napapitlag ni Lev nang pasalyang bumukas ang pinto ng master's bedroom at iluwa noon sina August at Theo. Parehong nakatutok ang mga baril, malikot ang mga mata.

"Master Lev. Are you okay? s**t. Paano tayo napasok? At sa kuwarto n'yo pa talaga dumaan ang gago—Jesus! Ma'am Bree, ayos lang kayo?"

August stared at the both of us, flabbergasted. Can't blame him. I'm a mess with my bruised and battered hand while Lev is half naked, may iba't ibang galos sa katawan. Sa likuran namin naroon ang nagkalat na bubog.

"Mudak. Heard of privacy and LQ, August? Get out."

"But we heard a loud bang, Master."

Ngunit tila bingi ang dalawa. Pumasok ang mga ito nang tuluyan, nag inspeksiyon. Hindi alintana ang banta ni Lev.

"f**k. Master, is that the Lichtenstein? Sana binigay mo na lang sa amin kung sisirain mo rin lang."

I bit my lips and looked at the item in question. Why does that surname sound familiar? Please, don't tell me I destroyed a million-dollar art work.

Lev growled. Bored na tinapunan ni Lev ang painting na ngayon ay nakakalat lang sa carpet.

"Pagmumukha mo ang sisirain kong susunod, Theo kapag hindi pa kayo umalis ngayon din."

Bubulong-bulong na umalis ang dalawa. Naiwan akong hindi malaman kung paano paliliitin ang sarili ko sa harap ng asawang abala sa paglilinis ng mga sugat ko gamit ang bulak at alcohol.

"Stop overthinking it."

I blinked and stared at him. Lev's whole focus was on putting ointment on my wounds. His touch is gentle and soft. Caring. I visibly quiver under his touch.

"Once the bullet leaves the gun, you forget it." Sinalubong niya ang tingin ko. "No regrets. That's the golden rule."

"You're crazy in the head. How can I forget about it? That painting is worth a hundred million dollars."

"So that f*****g painting was more important kaysa sa buhay ko. I'm hurt."

"You should have a heart para masaktan. Sinong niloloko mo?"

I puffed my cheeks nang biglang dumiin sa balat ko ang kamay ni Lev. Gusto kong bawiin iyon pero pinigilan ko ang sarili. I don't want him to know that he's affecting me, tremendously.

Bumuntong hininga siya. Matiim akong tinitigan.

"Who says I don't have a heart, kiska?"

His icy tone sends delicious fear to me. I pursed my lips. Ikinuyom ko ang palad ngunit maagap si Lev. Ginagap niya iyon at pinisil. I winced, impit na napa ungol sa sakit.

He clucked his tongue then pulled me towards him. I gasped. Halos dumikit ang ilong ko sa ilong ni Lev sa sobrang lapit namin sa isa't isa.

"Masakit hindi ba? Multiply it by a hundred, that's how I feel whenever you hurt or put yourself in harm's way, Bree. I might not have a heart. But I have you. Hindi ko man gusto, but you're the weakness I tried to avoid all my life. I'm f*****g tired of this cat and mouse. We're both toxic as it is, but I don't give a f*****g f**k. Sirain mo lahat ng gamit rito sa bahay. Wasakin mo ang pagmumukha ko, barilin mo ako nang paulit-ulit. Malugod kong tatanggapin. Be angry and blame it all on me. Just don't f*****g hurt yourself."

My heart is beating rapidly against my chest. He's waiting for me to reply but I'm lost for words. Geez. Nawala ang wisyo ko sa mga salitang binitawan niya lalo pa nang sapuhin ni Lev ang mukha ko't pagdikitin ang mga noo namin.

Awtomatikong naipikit ko ang mga mata. In a split second, I'm caving to his touch like the stupid teenager I was once.

He's strong. Warm, and irritatingly I felt somehow safe.

Lev's soft hummed almost lulled me to sleep. Gumalaw ang mainit niyang palad sa mukha ko, humaplos at dumausdos pababa sa leeg ko. It stayed there on my pulse point, touching.

Pressing.

Feeling.

It's all overwhelming.

"P-please. . . s-stop, " Samo ko. Kung para sa kanya o sa akin, hindi ko alam.

"Kiska. Admit it, you miss me. Us."

Nagmulat ako ng mga mata't tinabig ang kamay ni Lev.

"Us? The only ass here is you. Asshole."

Umiling siya't sinuklay ng daliri ang buhok.

"Well, hello feisty and hypocrite, Bree. Happy you're back."

Pasinghal na lumayo ako sa asawa.

"Hindi ako yoyo na kapag trip mong ilapit o Ila yo sayo, pwede. Tao ako, Lev. So, just f*****g stop."

"We'll see about that." Tumayo siya't lumakad patungo sa banyo. He stopped when he's on the threshold. "Pick up your dress later. August will drive you. Tigilan mo na ang pagbisita sa mga casino ni Trace, you'll not make it. Ever. And stop bribing my men with money or food. Hindi ka makaka alis sa islang 'to. Over my dead body."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. He bugged my phone. Iyong iPhone na ipinangalandakan niyang regalo niya sa akin kasama ang isang black card.

"We'll see about that." I parrot then added. "Stop stalking me!"

"It's called research, baby."

It seems that I and Lev share one common interest. Annoy each other to the core.

I slumped on the bed. Yakap ang may bendang kamay, tulalang nakatitig sa kisame. I'm trying to zone out the sound that's coming from the shower and my husband's happy humming.

I pulled a long sigh.

Our life should be simple.

Yet it is not.

Two hearts. Two souls and a future.

Yet, countless ways to go wrong.