Lead Me To You

KabanataXXV

Coffee

I woke up early as expected.

Kahit inaantok pa ako ay minabuti kong bumangon na at dumiretso sa kusina. I need water. I have so much work to do.

My fridge was also cleaned at nalagyan na ng mga pagkain. Kinuha din siguro ito galing sa mansyon. Dinungaw ko ang malaking orasan na nasa sala at five thirty pa lang ng umaga. I wonder if Manang Josie or Manang Santa has woken up. Did they leave already? But it’s too early.

Sinilip ko ang kanilang kwarto at nakaligpit na ng maayos ang kanilang kama. Wala akong naririnig na ingay kahit sa bathroom. What time did they leave? Mas maaga pa?

Oh well.

Bumalik ako sa aking kwarto at naghanap ng isusuot ko para sa araw na ito sa aking walk in closet. Pagkatapos ay dumiretso na ako sa bathroom para maligo. After thirty minutes of my usual ritual, sinuot ko na aking bathrobe. A small towel for my hair para punasan ito. I used my hair blower to dry it faster.

Hinubad ko ang aking bathrobe nang matapos ako sa pagboblower. I chose to wear a black long sleeve sweetheart neckline top, tucked into my white pleated A-line midi skirt. For my shoes, I paired my whole outfit with my five inch black strappy heels. I added a thin white leather belt just to accentuate my waistline and add some character to my plain outfit.

I did only simple makeup. A thin layer of foundation since I do not have many blemishes. Thanks to my father’s genes. I applied a nude eyeshadow and bronzer to add some shadow. Curled my natural long lashes and put mascara on it. And lastly a rosy nude matte lipstick. I look put together when I face myself in the mirror.

Bumaba na ako ng building nang nag alas siete na. Ngunit naalala kong wala nga pala akong sasakyan pa para tahakin magisa ang opisina. Masyado akong maaga kaya wala pa si Matteo. Ayaw ko namang tumawag sa mansyon para mangabala pa ng driver.

Taxi, it is.

I hailed a cab and told the driver the address of our building. I expected na konti pa lang ang tao dahil maaga kaya at hindi nga ako nagkamali. Tanging maintenance pa lamang ang narito at security guards. Nagsisimula na silang maglinis at ang iba sa kanila ay nagkakape.

I texted Matteo to inform him that I am already at the office.

Ako:

Good morning! I am in the office now. I hailed a taxi. Napaaga ako ng gising. I’ll wait for you here.

Pinindot ko ang top button ng lift at naghintay sa pagbubukas nito. Busy ako sa pagtitipa sa aking cellphone nang may nararamdaman akong presensya sa likod ko.

“Good morning, signorina. It’s been a while.” Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang narinig ang pamilyar na boses mula sa likod. Agad akong humarap at hindi nga ako nagkamali. Carter is here!

“Oh my gosh! You’re here!” Napatalon akong yumakap sa kanyang leeg. Hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa aking likod at bewang upang hindi ako mabitawan. Nakangiti kaming pareho habang sinalubong ang isa’t isa ng yakap.

Hanggang dito pala ay nakikita ko pa rin siya.

Marahan niya akong binaba at inayos ang kanyang itim na suit. There is a transparent earpiece sa kanyang kanang tainga.

“Are you back at guarding me?” Pinagmasdan ko ang kanyang kasuotan. Pormal ito ngunit sa palagay ko’y nakakakilos siya ng maayos.

“Pinadala ako ng pinsan mo. Tinawagan ako kagabi.” Sagot niya.

Oh yes, I remember.

I agreed to his wish na kahit isang bodyguard lang ang kasama ko palagi. There are no recent threats to my life and I am glad about that. Ang mga koneksyon namin sa pulisya ay hindi rin naman tumitigil sa imbestigasyon para sa akin.

“You must’ve travelled far kung kagabi ka lang tinawagan ni Matteo. I’ll let you rest at the office. Wala pa namang mga tao.” Bumukas ang pintuan ng elevator at pinauna niya akong pumasok bago sya. Pinindot na rin niya ang tamamg palapag ng aking opisina.

This is his first time in this building. And yet, he knows where we will go. Oh well, I do not doubt that since it’s part of his job. Matteo must have informed him last night.

“I am fine, signorina. You do not need to worry about me. I will do my job.” He said without facing me. Nasa likod niya ako.

“I have a sofa. I could not let you stand all day watching me.”

Tumunog ang lift at nagbukas sa tamang floor. Lumabas siya nang hindi pa rin ako sinasagot. Sumusunod ako sa kanya at pinipilit na pagpahingahin muna siya sa aking opisina. Pero nananatili siyang matigas at iisa ang sagot.

He knows where my office is. Siya pa ang nagbukas ng pintuan niyon para sa akin. Pumasok ako at sumunod naman sya sa akin sa loob. Dumiretso ako sa aking lamesa at pinatong ang aking bag sa swivel chair. Nililibot na ng kanyang mata ang kabuuan ng aking opisina. Nang makuntento ay inisa-isa niyang nilapitan at sinuri ang mga furniture at appliances ko na tila may hinahanap sa mga ito.

Napakunot ang aking noo sa kanyang ginawa.

“What are you looking for?” Nakapamewang kong tanong.

“Hidden cameras. Wiretaps.” He simply said.

Napakurap kurap ako sa kanyang sagot. Never in my life have I thought of that. He’s searching every corner of the furniture and appliances searching for hidden cameras and wiretaps. I was amused by his actions.

“Carter, there are no such things as those in my office.” Pinipigilan ko ang matawa.

“We need to make sure,” sagot niya habang patuloy pa rin sa ginagawa.

Marahan akong naglakad sa kanyang kinatatayuan. Hindi ko na naitago pa ang aking ngisi. Gusto ko siyang pigilan at patigilin dahil alam kong wala rin naman siyang mahahanap.

“Kung kagabi ka lang tinawagan ni Matteo, at narito ka kaagad. Ilang oras ang naging byahe mo?” Tanong ko. Ngayon ay nasa likod na niya ako habang pinagmamasdan siya sa ginagawa.

“Nandito na ako sa Maynila. Hindi ako nag biyahe ng malayo.”

“So hindi ka sa La Union nagmula? Mabuti naman kung ganun.”

I was relieved, though. Ang alam ko ay sa mansyon siya sa La Union nakadestino noong umalis ako pabalik dito sa Maynila. It’s been a while since we saw each other again. Kung hindi naman bumisita si Paris ay hindi naman ako makakaalis doon.

“I’m gonna brew us some coffee. I think you need one.” Handa na akong lumabas ngunit muli siyang nagsalita.

“Where?”

“Doon lang sa kabilang wing. Naroon ang pantry.”

“I’ll come with you,” he stepped forward.

“No, Carter.” Hinawakan ko ang kanyang braso para pigilan siya sa paglalakad. “You don’t need to come. Magtitimpla lang ako ng kape. Nothing bad will happen.”

He is determined to come. Pero dahil hawak ko ang kanyang braso ay hindi na rin siya nagprotesta pa. He sighed heavily and nodded. Tumuwid ng pagkakatayo at binuksan na lamang ang pintuan ng aking opisina.

“Can I search around your table then?”

Napairap ako. “Fine. Whatever you want.”

Oh yes, I now know how to make coffee. It’s a simple thing and I’m proud of myself.

Naghanda ako ng dalawang puting tasa habang hinihintay na matapos ang pagkulo ng ginawa kong kape. There's instant coffee displayed at the counter but I do not like the taste of it. It’s sweeter and mild. Wala iyong lasa at sipa ng isang kape na hinahanap ko. Cappuccino tasted sweet also but the way I like it made was different. It contains milk but the espresso shot is more in ratio. Kaya malalasahan ko pa rin ang pait at tamis na hindi sila nagtatalo sa dila ko.

My brewed coffee is done. Marahan kong isinalin iyon sa mga tasa dahil nag iingat akong hindi mapaso. The aroma of the coffee soothes my nose. Napangiti ako. Another successful pour in the cup at nilagay ko na iyon sa maliit na tray. I grabbed two pieces of packed sugar just in case Carter needs more sweetness to his coffee.

Tahimik pa rin ang mga cubicle at ang hallway nang pabalik ako sa opisina. It is still early pero may mga nakikita na akong nadating.

I opened the door of my office with one hand while the other held the tray. I slightly gasped when I saw Francis beside my table looking at me with dark eyes.

“Hey,” I greeted while looking at him.

Hindi pa ako tuluyang nakakapasok ngunit bumukas na ng tuluyan ang pinto. I saw Carter swinging it open at napatingin siya sa tray na dala ko. Bumaling ako sa kanya at inalok ang dala ko.

“Get the cup. It’s for you.” I said.

Nagpalipat lipat ang tingin niya sa akin at sa tray bago kunin ang tasa niya.

“Thank you, signorina.” He whispered. I smiled at him.

Dumiretso naman ako ng lakad hanggang sa mapatapat ako kay Francis. Sinusundan niya ang bawat galaw ko. And his eyes remained dark kahit nakalapit na ako.

“G-good morning. You’re early.” I plastered a smile kahit kinakabahan ako sa paninitig niya.

I know it’s not yet eight and he usually comes to the office quarter to nine o’clock.

“You are early,” he said with a baritone voice.

“Ah! I woke up early. I need to finish some paperwork kaya maaga akong pumasok.” Paliwanag ko.

Hawak pa rin ang tray na isang tasa na lamang ang laman. I made this for me but it will be rude if I will not give him one since he’s here. I guess I’m gonna have to make some for myself later.

“Coffee?”

Walang pag aalinlangan niyang kinuha ang tasa ng kape sa tray nang hindi inaalis ang titig sa akin. Nanlaki pa ang mga mata nang makita kung paano niya hinawakan ang tasa na akala mo ay hindi iyon mainit. Smoke is still coming out and I am pretty sure that it is still hot. Pero parang balewala iyon sa kanyan.

“Thanks,” he said.

Hindi siya uminom bagkus ay binaba niya ito sa gilid ng aking mesa. I pouted my lips to hide a smile. I remember when I first made coffee for him. It was a disaster. I was a mess. At hindi ko pa alam kung masarap ba yung kapeng nagawa ko. But now, I am confident that he will like it. It’s just a simple black coffee just the way he likes it.

I heard the door open and we both turned in that direction. Carter remained stoic while standing beside the door without the coffee in his hand. My secretary, Chesca, gasped when she tried to enter my room. Siguro ay nagulat siya na madtanan ako na mas maagang pumasok kesa kahapon. And of course, the presence of our boss and the unknown person beside her.

“G-good morning, Ma’am Monica.” She turned to me, still stunned.

“G-good morning, Sir Francis.” She then turned to Francis. He curtly nod at her as a greeting.

I sighed. Nilapitan ko siya nang hindi niya malaman kung babatiin din ba ang kanyang katabi.

“Chesca, this is Carter.” Patungkol ko sa katabi nito. “He is my bodyguard. He will be with me whenever I go. So don’t be intimidated by him.”

Nalipat ang tingin niya mula kay Carter na ngayon ay sa akin. Gulat pa rin siya kaya tinapik ko ang kanyang balikat. Napakurap sya sa aking ginawa na nagpabalik sa kanyang diwa.

“O-okay po.” She turned to Carter again. “Good morning, Sir Carter.”

“Good morning. Carter will do.”

Their eyes remain to each other. I smiled. By the looks of it, I think that Chesca is fascinated by Carter. Hindi ko rin naman siya masisisi. Carter is big, fit for his job. Masculine, mysterious and handsome. And he’s young.

“Chesca…” Francis called.

“P-po!” Naputol ang kanyang paninitig kay Carter.

“Could you please put this coffee on my table inside my office?” Francis asked her.

“Okay po!” Malugod naman itong sinunod ni Chesca at tumakbo pa papunta sa aking lamesa para kunin ang tasa.

Nagyon naman ay dahan dahan na siya sa paglalakad aat nagiingat na matapon ang mainit na kape.

“Ma’am, yung tray po.”

Hawak ko pa rin pala ito! The whole time!

“Oh! Here.” Binigay ko naman agad sa kanya.

That tray does not fit my outfit! Nakakahiya. The whole time that Francis is here, hindi ko pala binitawan man lang iyon.

Lumabas na si Chesca at nagtungo na sa opisina sa kabilang kwarto. I heard Francis’ footsteps behind me at susunod na rin itong aalis.

“Come with me,” bulong nito nang makalapit siya sa aking likod. Bahagyang haplos sa aking braso.

With just one touch, napasunod niya ako.

“You stay here,” he commanded Carter. Nakita ko ang pagtagis ng kanyang panga at tumingin sa akin. Tila ayaw niya itong sundin at naghihintay ng aking sasabihin.

“I will be okay, Carter. I’ll be back before you know it.” I reassured him. Tumango na lamang ito at nag iwas ng tingin. Looking straight to my table.

In Francis’ office, dumiretso siya sa kanyang swivel at roon naupo. The coffee is in the center of his table, still smoking.

“Do you like your office?” He asked.

“Uh- yes. It’s nice.”

Did he just want me to come here to ask me that?

He looked at me intently. With his dark mysterious eyes but eventually become softer. I stayed in my place just a meter away from his desk. He pushed his swivel chair to create space while licking his lower lip. Not leaving his eyes on me.

“Come here,” extending his arm to me.

He wants me to come close?

Kumakabog ang aking puso habang papalapit ako. Tumigil lamang nang nasa gilid na ako ng desk niya. He looks comfortable sitting but he hogged all the space of his chair. Legs were wide open. Hinuli niya ang aking palapulshan at halos hindi na ako makahinga nang siya na mismo ang naggiya sa aking katawan na mapaupo sa kanyang hita. Sobrang lapit ng aming mukha at mukhang hindi pa siya nakuntento dahil sininghot niya ang aking buhok.

I cannot breathe!

“Loosen up, baby. I’m not gonna bite you.” He whispered to my ear.

Napapikit ako nang maramdaman ang kanyang hininga malapit sa aking leeg na naghahatid ng boltaheng kuryente sa aking katawan. If I didn’t wear this longsleeve today, he would have seen my tiny hairs responding to his voice.

He touched the side of my thigh making me sit on him completely. I cannot touch the ground with my feet because I was lifted to sit on him sideways. His hands were on my waist, slightly embracing it for support. His other hands were caressing my thigh until my ankle in repetitive motion.

What is he doing to me?

“I-is Carter still working under you?” I cannot even say the words properly. Getting distracted by his touch.

He looked at my eyes, then my lips, then my collar bone, then my cleavage!

Sa suot kong damit ngayon, parts of my cleavage were showing. It still looks formal and conservative, though.

“You really care about him, huh? Na kahit tayong dalawa lang. Siya pa rin ang gusto mong pag usapan.” Nahihimigan ko ang tampo at selos sa kanyang himig.

“Of course I care about him. He- he saved my life. He was there when the ambush happened. He didn’t let me die.” Napayuko ako. Naaalala ko na naman ang lahat. It was like a movie playing in my head for the ninth time.

He guided my head up with his fingers on my chin. Our eyes met.

“He still works under my command. He will continue to protect you until you are safe. And I will make sure that you are always safe.” He said before planting a kiss on my lips. It was swift, soft, barely touched.

I sighed. Closing my eyes tight to prevent the tears from falling.

Namayani ang katahimikan sa pagitan naming dalawa ng ilang segundo. Hindi alam kung paano dudugtungan ang usapan. Ayaw kong matapos ito. Once I’m out of his hold, I will be out of this fantasy. Back to my cruel reality. I don’t want that.

“Stop worrying too much, okay? I am doing everything I can to keep you safe. Your cousin will do the same.”

Pinalandas niya ang kanyang kamay sa aking buhok. Hinuhuli ang mga takas na hibla para itago iyon sa likod ng aking tainga.

“Now tell me, how was your first day?” Alam kong gusto niya lamang maiba ang usapan. Napapansin niya siguro ang bigla kong pagkatamlay.

Inayos ko ang aking upo sa kanyang hita. I changed my mood immediately.

“It was fine. Ginugol ko ang oras ko sa trabaho. I am really grateful to the former vice president, they certainly keep the documents organized. Hindi ako nahirapan.” I tried to sound jolly.

“Uh-huh. What else?” Muli niyang inamoy ang buhok ko. Nilalapatan ng mabababaw na halik ang tainga at leeg. At bumababa pa iyon sa aking collar bone!

Dios ko! Ano ba itong ginagawa mo sa akin, Francis?

Hinigpitan nya rin ang hawak sa aking bewang at mas lalo pang dinidikit ang aking katawan sa kanya. Pinipikit ko ang aking mga mata at kinakagat ang aking labi para pigilan ang gustong kumawalang halinghing. Pinapadausdos ang isa pa niyang kamay mula sa aking paa. Tila hindi sagabal ang aking palda dahil nakapasok na ang kanyang kamay doon! Ang aking mga kamay ay nakahawak na ngayon sa kanyang tuhod at ang isa’y nasa kanyang brasong gumagala sa aking binti.

“What else, baby?”

I craned my neck to give him better access. Hinawi niya ang aking buhok upang mawala ang sagabal sa kanyang paghalik sa aking balat.

I gasped softly when he cupped my boob.

With just a touch, I am a mess.

With just his kiss, I am becoming drunk.

Is this even allowed? We’re in his office, my gosh!

I feel like I’m gonna explode. Something inside me wants to come out. Pinagdikit kong mabuti ang aking mga hita ngunit pati iyon ay walang nagawa. I am turning into a jelly. My body is not mine anymore.

“What else happened to your day? Did you eat?” He cupped my face with both of his big hands.

Hindi ko pa rin siya matingnan ng diretso. Nalalasing pa rin sa nangyari. Nakaawang na ang aking mga labi at hinihingal. I feel hot. Sa palagay ko ay unti unti nang namumuo ang aking pawis.

“Baby?” He smirked.

Damn you, Francis! Ikaw lang ang nakakagawa sa akin nito.

He planted another kiss on my lips. This time, it stayed. It moved. Guiding my lips to mimic its move.

“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t contain my thirst over you. Not when you’re this hot.” He whispered.

Nakabawi na ako ng lakas ngayon. Ngunit hindi pa rin kami nagbabago ng posisyon. He embraces me like I am some kind of a delicate flower.

“I-I went here yesterday. Your uh- secretary told me that you were in a meeting… sa kabilang tower pa. I just want to… ask you something.” Traydor kong boses. It sounded so girly and flirty!

“What is it?” He’s very attentive.

“Uhm, it’s about a meeting with one of the board members. I read the minutes but it was not finished. I think it needs another meeting to finalize the partnership. I don’t know. Should I be worried about it?” I really don’t know about that partnership. The minutes of the meeting was not very detailed at all.

“Ah! It’s about the new machines I needed to order for the plantation. Kailangan nang palitan kasi nagfefreeze na at ang iba naman ay outdated na.. Let me handle that.” He held my hand softly and kissed my palm.

“No, Francis. I think I can do it. I just need to know the details then I can proceed with meeting them.” I said.

“Hmmm, okay. I’m going to give that project to you. Let me kiss you again.” Nakaamba na ang kanyang mukha para lumapit ngunit pinigilan ko iyon nang bahagya kong itulak ang kanyang dibdib.

“Francis!” I exclaimed. “We should not have done that. It’s a public space. Baka maabutan pa ako ng secretary mo.” Hindi ko lang alam kung pumapasok din ba dito ang kanyang assistant kahit hindi niya tinatawag.

He chuckled.

“Baby, this is my space. No one will dare to enter without my permission. Unless it’s you.”

Nag init ang aking pisngi sa kanyang sinabi. I feel like I’m blushing. Oh, how he affects me.

“Stop it. Huwag mo na akong bolahin. I know you have a lot of women who keep you busy.”

“Are you jealous?”

Aba! At hindi niya tinanggi na may ibang babae nga sya.

“Of course not!” Sige Monica. Itanggi mo lang.

Umahon ako sa kanyang hita para maayos ang aking damit. Nang tiningnan ko siya ay nakatitig lamang siya sa akin habang may ngisi sa kanyang labi. Napadpad ang aking mata sa kanyang suit at bahagyang nagusot iyon. Kung sa malayo naman siguro ay hindi iyon mahahalata. But then, napadpad pa ang aking mga mata sa gitna ng kanyang pants. There’s a huge bulge! Napasinghap ako at agad nagiwas ng tingin.

Iyon pala ang nararamdaman ko kanina. It was poking my thigh!

“Uhh, should I ask your secretary to make some coffee for you? The one that I made is already cold.” Nahihiya kong tanong.

He can’t drink that. It’s cold.

He touched the cup. “Yeah. It is cold.” Then he looked at me and smirked.

Oh my gosh! He’s teasing me!

“Enough, Francis. I’ll intercom your secretary.” Umirap pa ako bago ko lapitan ang kanyang intercom sa kabilang bahagi ng lamesa.

Ngunit bago ko pa iyon nagawa ay tumunog na ito nang ako’y makalapit.

“Good morning, Mr. Rodriguez. The front desk called and they said that you have a visitor named Eugene. Should I let her in?” It is his secretary.

Eugene? I think I heard of that name.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Francis at muli niyang hinuli ang palapulsuhan ko.

He sighed heavily.

“Let her in,” he simply replied.

He stood up. Humarap siya sa akin habang hinahaplos ang aking mga siko.

“I’ll have my lunch at your office later. Wait for me. Okay?”

Lunch? Dito? Hindi siya busy, kung ganun?

“O-okay…”

Nasilip ko ang aking maliit na wrist watch at alas nueve na pala. Simula na ng trabaho.

“I’ll go now, then. See you later.” Pero ayaw gumalaw ng buong katawan ko.

One last caress to my arms and then he let go.

“I’ll definitely see you later…”