Thirsty Soul (English Version/ Completed) 18+

Chapter 2 - Suitor

They said the first time was always painful, but why I don’t feel anything at all?

I checked my body inside of the comforter— naked and I even saw the red mark on the bedsheet. We really became as one last night. I shivered at thought of him, banging me hard from the back and my reactions were terrifying. My palms flew on my face, shook it to remove those scenes in my head, but it wasn’t working at all. I bit my lower lip, unconsciously squeezing the blanket, and then my face turned into problematic. Wait, where am I? Was this his place? I have to get out of here before he came back.

Where are my clothes? I gathered the blanket as I used it as my dress as I stood up.

There was no hell I could save my face from that man. Given the fact that I initiated that creamy night.

The moment my hands touch the cold metal doorknob, I twisted it without a doubt and pulled. But my heart pounded hard inside my ribcage when he was at the back door holding a tray of breakfast. He was under his not properly close robe, letting me to freely leisure my attention from his hairy chest down to his well-cut stomach. Thanks to the presence of his boxer short I could snap back that this wasn’t time to enjoy his arousing view.

“Good morning,” he greeted casually. He noticed the thing I’m wearing.

He stepped forward, I stepped back. Afraid from his touch that suddenly alarmed my sensitivity, fully aware that behind this blanket was my naked frame.

He ignored my reaction. He proceeded on the table and laid all the stuff on the tray. “I prepared you the bathtub. I know you are—” He looked at me for a moment and then he motioned where the bathroom was. “It will soothe you. But you have to eat first.”

“I’d rather take a bath.” I left him without waiting for his response.

I’m freaking nervous. When he was around, all my senses were sensitive and alert. I don’t like that feeling. If only I could use the window of the bathroom for an exit to escape here but I cannot do that. I still love myself and I cannot pull that idea. Besides, I wasn’t the victim. I’m the criminal who initiated this all. That was why I am here! I'm so afraid of him!

Both my arms spread on the edge of this bathtub as I exhale the soothing aroma. I cannot deny that he had a good taste and I really appreciate his sweet concern for preparing this for me.

The water was warm, so relaxing. Perfect for the beautiful view of Owl City from the glass panel.

I pouted my lips.

That man was lucky and I envy his life for having this kind of place. Whenever he was not okay, sitting here and watched the blue sky and water with wine flutes or any beverages he might interest was enough for good relaxation.

I rested my back on the edge and slid shut down my eyes. “Uhm… perfect.” My heart jumped out from my chest from the sudden thud from the door.

“I bet you would worry about your dress. Check the closet, feel free to take one!”

“Alright. Thanks,” I yelled back.

I rose up from the bathtub and decided to take a brisk shower. He might not like the idea of letting the food wait, for me it's a bad practice too.

I used the clean bathrobe and got out silently. I proceeded on his walk-in closet and open each pallet. Aside from the bathroom, I also envy his neat walk-in closet? Everything was properly arranged, clean, and tidy. His formal clothes tops and down were separate and folded neatly. Ties, wristwatch, boxer shorts, t-shirts piled according to color. But all of it was battered with four shades; black, grey, white, or blue.

I was about to pick one of his white t-shirts when a red thing on the drawer got my attention. I left the one I was holding and go there. I pulled the door. The red thing was actually a thong. Aside from it, there were many options too different if brassier or undies. He had a skirt, tops with different variety, dresses whether formal or casual.

“Did he prepared this for all his woman?”

“You are the first woman who enters here.”

I almost dropped the red thong out of nervousness. One kick on the door, it closed and then I saw him leaning casually on the frame of the door. Hands curled over his chest.

When did he arrive there?

I composed myself and took one white maxi dress. “Who owns this? We had the same taste.” I was humming for a not particular song as I pulled the cabinet door to get lingerie. Whether he was there or not, I will wear them one by one. Besides, I’m used to getting naked on the backstage as we changed frequently for dresses or lingerie.

A total silence. No words came out from him, he just stayed there and watched me silently. When the lace of my bathrobe fell down on the floor he stood up. “I’ll wait for you outside. We’ll eat together.”

When he was out of my sight, I release a long sigh. “What’s his name?”

When I’m done with my clothes, I go back to the washroom to dry my hair. Good thing he had a complete appliance here, perfect for woman’s need. When I all set I slowly tripped on the hallway.

I found him sat on the carpet, busy cleaning his skateboard. His back faces me. My attention lingered on his broad shoulder that was sketchy on that white shirt when he lifted the board and blew the dirt. He may be felt my presence, he looked at me from his shoulder.

“You’re done?”

“Yeah.” I passed through him to see what he had prepared. The pancakes look delicious. Did he cook this? “You don’t have to wait for me.” I sat on the chair, watched him stood up to put the skateboard on the side.

He quickly washed his hand, taking his time as he walked on his mini catwalk, eyes on me. “Where are you going after this?” he asked. Oblivious from me as he took a big bite from the loaf bread.

“I have a flight later. I’m going to Purungaya Island.”

I cleared my throat when he looked at me.

“What time?”

Midway I stopped stirring my coffee.  “Ha?” I watched him took one more bread and ate it whole.

“I’ll go with you. What’s the time?” He looked at me.

I don't understand, his eyes looked so innocent. “One in the afternoon.”

He extended his arms to take his phone. He swiped the screen and dialed someone. It was in a loudspeaker while waiting he picked up his protein shake.

“Good morning, Mr. Cristobal,” a woman on the other line answered.

“Good morning, Ms. Arroyo. Can you arranged for me a private jet later one in the afternoon? I’m here in the Twin Tower.”

I frowned and was about to cut him off but he raised his pointing finger to stop me.

“Right away, Sir.”

“Thanks,” he said. The call ended. He drank the whole juice while his eyes drifted on my dress. A glint of satisfaction drew on his eyes.

“It’s a private Island. I am not even sure if you are allowed there—”

“Do you like that dress?” he cut me off.

Why was he like that? I know something happened between us last night, but that doesn’t mean we were married for him to meddle with my business. I’m started to feel sour with his treatment. Lastly, I do not know him except the fact that he was Jyra’s Husband’s friend.

I stood up. “I want you to know that we don’t know each other, know your limits… Sir!”

He looked up at me with undefeated guts. “Who wouldn’t recognize the reigning queen of modeling industry? Jessica Smith.” He stood up and looked at the nice view of North Gate as if everything that his eyes could see was his property. An arrogant billionaire who can buy anything and no one can turn him down. “I like you,” he mumbled before he glanced at me.

A deafening silence stretched between us. The scorching sunshine battered down on his frame, his tan complexion glistened, irritating my eyes. I blinked many times, not sure if I heard it correctly.

This man likes Jessica Jones-Smith!

“I want to court you, Jessica. May I?”

He was damn serious that I got surprised by that attack. I looked away, unable to respond.

“Silence means yes,” he said, flicking his wristwatch. “It’s ten in the morning sweetheart. You still had two hours to prepare.”

I was caught on guard. Instead of opening an argument with him, I stood up and walked through his picture gallery. He was following me and thank goodness that I could remember where his elevator VIP landing was.

I barely spoke with him when he insisted to drive me home, except if he would ask the way. When we reached the foot of the building where I stayed, I asked him to wait there. I don’t have the guts to let him see my private place— the truth was I had a small unit. Not as big as he had, not as neat as his walk-in closet. Of course, no one cares about me, and rummaging my things was my specialty.

As soon as I stepped inside my crib, I hurriedly took my luggage and a few clothes. Multitasking, while dialing my coordinator to inform about my separate trip going to Purungaya.

“Just be safe, Jessica,” she said.

“I will, thank you.”

The call ended but a new call came in from Jyra.

“My daughter is enjoying the beach. She had lots of selfies on her leopard bikini,” Jyra storied.

I laughed as the thought of I was with them, surely we’ll going to post a lot of pictures together and posted it on my i********:. Most of my followers confused if she was my daughter.

The call transferred into a video. I saw our little munchkin sat on her father’s lap, they were eating barbecue.

Awe, so cute.

A flashback of my father and my little sister appeared on my sight. They were at the backyard playing toys, laughing, and cuddling while I am on the far side, smiling like an i***t. A mere sight of my father smiling like that was enough to make my day, it should be.

“You look different today, is something happen?”

A sour smile drew on my lips.

“Let me guess, you have a date today? Who’s the lucky guy?”

I snapped back. “Huh?”

“Oh my… Lawrence should know this. Tell us the story once we get back, okay?”

“Story of whom?” I shrugged my shoulder and found my favorite snicker under my bed. I kicked it on the side and heard Jyra’s sweet laughed.

“You have the flight today, right? I like your outfit. Take care, Ms. Cheeky. See you when I see you. Bye!”

What? No! “Wait—” My shoulder fell down when my screen went black. Good for her of easily knowing what was going on to me. Did she say I Ms. Cheeky? Why? I glanced on my side, from the mirror I saw my burning cheeks.

Oh my god! Am I flashing?

I added make-up but I don’t overdo it, I even decrease the redness of my cheeks. Let my hair down, curled the end of my long blonde hair. And then an earring to make myself the least presentable. When I was set and riding the elevator, I suddenly realized what I am doing.

I’m not doing this for him, okay?

When the door opened, I held my chin up as I pulled my luggage on the left corner where I remembered he parked. But a bright light in front hit me that I needed to cover my eyes from the intense. I heard a door slammed close and the moment I watched through my fingers who could that be, I was taken aback with my suitor’s unspoken description. He walked arrogantly as if he owned the road, Thor would be ashamed with his cockiness and appeal especially on that black aviator.

Actually, I can drop all the amazing words to describe him but there was no way I would say it. Until now I only knew his name as Cristobal. That was all.

An amused grin plastered on his face when he took the suitcase on my hand. I didn’t react and let him took it inside the backseat. I sat comfortably at the shotgun and watched him walked around, sat on the driver seat. On glanced at me then he started the engine and drove.

Now that my things were okay, how ‘bout his?

I shrugged my shoulder, focused on the screen of my phone, and began to scroll on my i********:. Lately, I refrain from updating it. A famous and hunky Hollywood actor followed me on that platform, which made me nervous. My coordinator and Auntie even asked me to avoid posting pictures for the meantime. Some of the models fell on a trick that leads to their career shaken, they don’t want that happen with me.

But a comment from my sister made me wonder.

Blaire_Smith: Your butt is all over your profile.

It was simple but I can’t deny the impact on my side. I felt humiliated.

I have been in the modeling industry for almost four years, for any common model eyes I am somewhat high and adoring but in my sister’s opinion, I am a totally disgusting and low-quality woman. I cannot blame her. She was a prosecutor now.

What am I doing? I lazily leaned on the backrest.

From the road, he glanced my way. “You forgot something?”

“Nothing. My coordinator approved your surprise visit.”

He didn’t say anything, instead, his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. Few more minutes we headed in the basement and left his car on the parking. We used the other way and ride the normal elevator.

A guy on his black suit recognized me. Even if I don’t look at him, I could see him from the side of my eyes taking pictures of me. Cristobal moved forward, his frame was enough to cover me from this stalker guy.

The guy went out on the fifth floor, leaving us alone.

I sighed as relief, shocked when he faced me. He put some of my hair on my chest then his serious face focus on the door of the elevator.

What was that?

We reached the top floor. I followed him upstairs and passed through the door. A beautiful private jet waits for us on the helipad deck. From the door, a pretty cabin crew came out, greeted us, and assisted us inside.

From my shoulder, I saw the man I supposed the pilot, took my suitcase.

Okay! I don’t know what’s happening, but that’s fine!

I comfortably sat on the solitary chair on the left, Mr. Cristobal on the opposite side.

Hmm, what should I expect? I glanced at the man on the side. He was busy reading on the iPad.

One this was for sure, he was not a normal person. Jyra’s husband was a famous Engineer. His company was successful, one of the top bachelors of Bausch Men’s Magazine… and this man…

The pretty woman served wine for him. They were talking French, I couldn’t understand their topic but that naughty smile on the lips of that woman irritated me.

Look at her skit and tops that showed her cleavage, why not wear lingerie instead?

“Drinks, ma’am?”

Now that she turned to me, those sweet smile diminished. I took the magazine on front and pretended busy with it before I said, “Orange juice. Thank.” 

She bowed her head and left. No more smile at all.

 “How many days are we going to stay at Purungaya?”

We?

“I think two days,” I lied, hesitant to share my plan of extension.

I was told that Purungaya had a huge wave. That’s thrilling, I missed surfing so maybe I could at least give myself some adventure. I busied myself from the magazine when the woman served my orange juice. “Thanks,” I whispered.

Forty minutes ride before we reached the Island. The top view was epic, Purungaya looked like a dot. I couldn’t help myself to take picture of it as a remembrance. Upon viewing the picture, I giggled. From my screen I noticed Cristobal watching me.

I cleared my throat, fixed my attention on the swirling white sand. The water vibrated from the sound and impact of wind. I had that excited smile on my face as we landed in a landscape area.

My coordinator, the Project Manager, and another man welcomed us.

“That was a cool entrance,” my coordinator said.

“I did?”

From afar I noticed most of their pick models were foreigners, except on the three Filipinas on the side.

“Paulite, what makes you visit my Island?”

I spun around, following the guy who called for Mr. Cristobal for another name. To think of the woman who called him Mr. Cristobal, commonly we used to call someone on their surname. Informality basis, Mr. Cristobal.

Mr. Cristobal took the hand of the man and shook it.

He was Paulite Cristobal then?

The other guy pulled him somewhere as their topic went sort interesting for males. The man that I called the pilot was not really the pilot, maybe he was the assistant. He got my suitcase and followed us to the hotel. He left afterward.

I wasn’t listening with my coordinator's remarks. From the window, I could see Paulite with the guy earlier. They had a serious talk and the sound of calling his name kept on playing in my head.

I think I heard his name somewhere but I don’t remember when.

My eyes narrowed upon the sight of one with a polka dot headband from the three Filipinas a while back joined the two boys. What was interesting she clung more around Paulite.

“Did you get it, Jess?”

“Miya, Who are they?” I motioned to her the three women.

“The one with an exaggerated polka dot headband was Suzanne. The two were unknown. Did you tell me about your plans on the third day? Good news, they have a surfing competition.”

Suzanne took Paulite’s hand and then she burst out laughing. Though the two boys don’t find it funny.

“I’ll join that competition. Mia helped me with the registration.”

“I already did. I’ll put all my bet on you. You know I’ve watched you surf before at North Gate. You are amazing.”

I looked away when Pualite left the shore, yet still, Suzanna tailed him. Who was she?

“Come on, Mia. Tour me around.”

“Let’s go! Wait, you’ll go around wearing that?”

I frowned, I checked down at my attire. “What’s the matter with my dress?”

“What I mean—” she crossed her arm over her chest, a playful smirk plastered on her lips before she continued, “The weather outside was perfect for practice. By this hour probably waves might be waiting—”

I flicked my finger. “I know. Wait for me here.”

From my suitcase, I rummage my clothes and found the Tropical lace-up boy leg swimsuit. I wore it and then covered my legs off this Tankini skirt. Mia confessed that he had once piece under her t-shirt and jeans. We headed outside while talking about the theme tomorrow until we reached the shore.

The coordinator of the event, Project Manager, and head Cameraman talked me a bit before we go through the beachfront.

I watched in awe the crashing waves. “Oh my God!”

“Damn! I want to go swimming but they need me inside.” Mia scratched her head.

“Stay here for half an hour, Mia. I’ve heard you guys will start by Five.”

We weren’t here for leisure but this beach was very tempting and we deserve to grab that little chance to please ourselves.

“Nah! Maybe I’ll watch you and take pictures.”

“Are you sure?”

She pouted her lips.

Awe, I felt bad for her. I was about to remove my skirt when someone fakes a cough from behind. I and Mia looked at it. I remained straight face while Mia was taken aback from this striking God of temptation’s appearance.

“I guessed you needed this surfing board,” Paulite said.

He was pulling two surfing board and then he put the yellow one on my side. His movements were very interrupting and slow. Then he carried the blue one, leaving a wink for Mia before he passed through me.

“He’s so hot. Look at his muscle from his shoulder. Hispanic.”

 I could see it, Mia. Please stop that, he might hear you.

From the side of my eyes, I saw Suzanne together with her minions run on the shore with a surfing board on their arms.

It seems like I won’t enjoy my practice today.