The Heat of Temptation

Chapter 2

I just found myself in his BMW car, he gave me some time to take my things. Hindi na ako pumalag para wala nang mapahamak na iba. Napalunok ako nang dumikit ang balat namin dalawa ni Seiko.

“I-I want to visit my mother,” I requested.

He raised his eyebrows. “Hmm. Are you planning to escape from me?”

“Of course not. Matagal ko nang hindi nakikita si Nanay.”

“So we will go to Valenzuela?”

“How did you know?” Nagsalubong ang kilay ko habang tinitingnan siya na prente na nakaupo sa tabi ko. “May ginawa ka rin ba ng masama sa Nanay ko?”

He chuckled. “Why would I do that? And I know everything about you. Perks of being a Montepalma. I have connections everywhere.”

That’s what I thought. I didn’t speak after that, I just looked outside the windows. Ayaw kong alamin kung ano ang plano niya sa akin. All I know… he just asked me to come with him. Basta sabihin niya sa pulisya ang nangyari kay Diego para mahanap ang katawan niya. He agreed to that terms.

When I saw the red signs all over the streets, it felt surreal that I am back again in Valenzuela. Nakita ko na ‘yung sign na nasa Valenzuela na ako. My heart was racing because I miss my Nanay so much.

And I remembered everything when I had a complete family. Tatay is one of the assistants of our mayor in this city. Kaya maayos naman ang buhay namin noon. Naranasan ko rin naman ang karangyaan.

We used to watch the sunset in a fish pond near the park where we were able to sit on the bench in front of the sunset. It was one of my beautiful memories with my father who passed away when I was five years old.

Sobrang bata pa ako para maalala na namatay si Tatay. Gabi gabi ko naririnig na humahagulgol si Nanay dahil alam kong namimiss niya rin si Tatay. Dahil nawala siya ay bigla kaming naghirap. Ang mga ari-arian namin ay kinuha at natira na lang ‘yung ipon ni Tatay para sa amin pamilya. Mabuti na lang ay nakahanap kami ng marerentahan sa Malinta.

Maliit lang naman ang bahay namin, pero maayos na para sa amin dalawa. Nag-aral ako sa public at nagtitinda ako ng turon para may pera kaming dalawa ni Nanay. Habang siya ay kumukuha ng labahan sa mga kapitbahay. Sobrang hirap talaga ng buhay.

Nakarating kami ngayon sa Malinta at nagpark ang kotse sa tapat ng bahay namin. Melancholic rushed into my bloodstream when I saw my mother sweeping the leaves. Nahahalata na sa kaniya ang katandaan.

I was about to open the door when I felt his slender fingers wrapped around my arm. My throat bobbled up and down. I shot my gaze at him with anger. Gusto ko makita at mayakap si Nanay!

“I won’t let you,” he said, in an authoritative tone. “Nakikita mo na siya ngayon. Just marry me… you will be free. You could also buy everything you want under my name. Be my wife.”

“H-Hindi ko naman gusto maging mayaman. Simpleng buhay lang ang inaasam ko at maging guro rito sa Valenzuela para makasama ko si Nanay,” I responded. Nagtutubig ang mata ko habang pinagmamasdan si Nanay na nagpahinga sa bangko. “Miss ko na siya. Nag-aalala ako kasi tanggap siya nang tanggap ng mga labahan para hindi na siya manghingi ng pera sa akin.”

“She is safe, don’t worry about her.”

“It’s easy for you to say that because you don’t value family, you value power and money!”

He scoffed. “You don’t understand, babe. Being a Montepalma means we are craving for more wealth and power. As you can see… we are the top one richest family in Asia.”

“Wala akong pakielam.” Humalukipkip ako habang iniirapan siya. Halatang nagyayabang na sa kaniyang kayamanan. “Hindi nabibili ng pera ang happiness. Ayan ang tandaan mo.”

“Who told you that I am not happy?” he laughed. His laughter was echoing inside his BMW. “Killing and buying everything I want is my happiness. And making you mine is one of the list as well.”

I didn’t answer his remark. I was beyond fuming mad. Why couldn’t he let me go? Marami naman diyan na mas maganda sa akin at mayaman din. Simple lang naman ako at hindi naman ganoon ka ganda para mabaliw siya sa akin. I am just plain and simple.

Mas maganda pa nga ang kaibigan ko na si Gwynonah. Her face is perfectly symmetrical. Kaya maraming nanliligaw sa kaniya. Halos lahat ng mga lalaki ay nababaliw sa kaniya. I used to envy her beauty. Pero masarap din naman siya maging kaibigan. She is exquisite and wealthy unlike me.

I am just Brenna Alodia Morales, a woman who wants to be a teacher. I don’t have a company nor any business. I am just a working student and still reaching for my dreams. Ang maipagmamalaki ko lang na grumaduate ako sa highschool na c*m Laude.

My mouth exhaled a breath. Sumulyap pa ako kay Nanay at nagpapaypay lang siya habang nakaupo pa rin sa bangko. One tear fell from my eyes. I wish I could hug her. Sana hindi na siya nagt-trabaho.

“I have one condition, Seiko,” I beamed.

He smirked. “What is it?”

“You should support her financial needs and groceries. Kapalit ay pagpapakasal ko sa’yo.”

“I’m going to tell that to my assistant. What else?”

I shook my head. “Wala na.”

“Alright. Let’s go home, babe.”

I let out a heavy breath and gave him a nod. It took two hours before we arrived at his modern house in a subdivision. I took a peek to examine his house. I was amused that his house looks good.

We popped out from the BMW car and my eyes were still set on his house. There’s a huge garage on the left side. He has a beautiful lawn with a stone sidewalk coming to his front door. And there are two men with a heavy gun on their chest.

I felt his hand on each shoulder blade. It was very dreadful to feel his palm against my skin. His hand is sinful, I wouldn't even let him touch me. Umiwas ako sa kaniya at lumapit pa sa kaniyang bahay.

“Welcome to my home, this is your house also,” he whispered.

I huffed. “Have you brought women into your house?”

“What do you mean?”

There was a hint of amusement through his tone. I shook my head. I didn’t want him to think that I am jealous. If he is actually bringing women here in this house, it is not special and I would be another woman suffering in his hand.

“I mean… are you bringing your w***e here?” I asked, trying not to stutter at all. “Uhm nevermind.”

“It’s fine. I am happy that you are asking that amusing question,” he replied. He was smiling at me in a cruel way. “I only bring my whores in my condo unit. You are special.”

“Wala naman tayo. Why would I be special?”

He grinned. “We should talk about it over dinner. Let’s go inside.”

I was just trailing him behind, my eyes still wandering at his marvelous house. This one is pretty huge! Ito rin ang pinapangarap ko kapag naging guro ako. Ang tumira kami ni Nanay sa isang subdivision at manirahan ng payapa.

We reached his living room. May mga paintings sa wall at may flatscreen TV na nasa gitna. An oval glass table is in the center and there’s a nude carpet beneath it. A black sofa is formed into a triangle position. Kaya nasa gitna ang lamesa.

“Feel yourself comfortable,” he said. Tinagilid niya ang ulo niya habang pinagmamasdan ako. “I have four housemaids that could assist you with your needs. I have a chef who will cook you any food you desire in this house. You will be happy here.”

“Okay, salamat,” I replied. Umupo ako sa sofa at nakatitig lang ako sa mga paintings kasi magaganda. “Hmm. Saan mo nabili ang paintings?”

He licked his upper lips. “Cassius is the one who painted all of these. I bought them for fifteen million.”

“What? Fifteen millions for a painting?!”

“Art is very expensive, Brenna. And he is one of the best painters in this country so I don’t bother spending my money on his perfect craft.”

“Well, ganoon talaga mga mayayaman. Sinasayang lang nila pera nila.”

“If you become my wife, I will let you manage my account.”

I shook my head. “It is not my money.”

I am emphasizing ‘my’ to him because I don’t want to hold or even manage his dirty money. May lumapit na isang kasambahay na humahawak ng isang tray na naglalaman ng pitsel na orange juice.

I smiled. “Thank you.”

Ako na nagsalin ng juice sa baso ko. Tumingin siya sa kaniyang orasan at sinipat niya muli ako ng tingin. Umiinom lang ako ng juice habang nakatingin sa kaniya.

“I have to talk to my secretary. If you need anything… you can go to my study room.”

I nodded my head. “Okay.”

“My assistant is coming over to ask you about your clothes so you could fill it in your own walking closet. And tell her about your mother’s case. It is all under my name.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“There’s a swimming pool in my backyard, you could sit in the sun lounge if you want.”

I shook my hand at him. “Nah, I’m fine. Thank you!”

“Alright. See you later, babe,” he said. Lumapit siya sa akin para bigyan ako ng halik sa pisnge. “I’m gonna miss you.”

“Just go,” I responded.

Ngumisi lang siya at umakyat na sa hagdan. Pinunasan ko ‘yung pisnge ko kasi humalik siya banda roon. Napailing ako. Ganiyan na ganiyan si Seiko noon nung hindi pa nagseselos. Tumayo na ako para gumala sa kaniyang bahay. Mga kasambahay ay nagb-bow pa sa akin.

I gave them a warm smile. Ayaw ko naman tratuhin nila akong santo. Siguro ganoon kasi ang turing nila kay Seiko. Naglalakad ako hanggang sa makarating ako sa swimming pool. I was in awe when I checked the swimming pool.

Nakakamiss din pala lumangoy. Ilang years na ako hindi nakakapaglangoy sa dagat o swimming pool. Paano kasi wala naman kaming pera ni Nanay sa isang resort kasi nagtitipid kami ng pera. Lalo na kapag summer, naiinggit na lang ako sa mga kaklase ko na nagbabakasyon.

I saw them posting pictures on f*******:. Iba sa kanila ay nasa La Union, Palawan, Boracay at Batangas. Habang ako tinitiis ko na lang init ng panahon at dalawang beses na lang ako naliligo para hindi ko maramdaman ‘yung init.

I removed my slippers and put them on the side. I tried to dip my feet in the cold water, and I immediately shivered in the cold. Bumungisngis ako nang isawsaw ko na ang dalawang paa ko sa pool.

And all of a sudden, I think about Tatay who passed away. Sabi ng mga pulisya ay nabaril lang siya at nanakawan. Lumaki ako na iniisip na masyadong delikado ang mundo na kinalalakihan ko. I was very mad about them… lalo na sa pumatay sa Tatay ko.

Maayos talaga ang buhay namin noon. May maayos kaming bahay, semento pa ‘yun! Tapos may mga tanim si Nanay sa bakuran na mga gulay kaya madalas gulay ang inuulam namin para hindi na kailangan pumunta sa palengke.

I raised my head to watch the sky turn orange and pink. The sun is already setting in the horizon. The abyss is beginning to appear in that orangey skies. Someday, magiging malaya rin ako para matupad ang pangarap ko.

Mayamaya’y nasa dining area ako kasi dinner na. Tumutulong din ako sa mga kasambahay na naghahain ng pagkain sa lamesa. Iba sa kanila sinasabi na umupo na lang ako kasi mapapagalitan sila ni Seiko. Hindi ko kasi kaya na panoorin lang sila kasi sanay naman ako sa gawaing bahay.

Bumaba rin si Seiko kalaunan at naka t-shirt na lang siya at shorts. Basa rin ang kaniyang buhok hudyat na bagong ligo lang siya. Nagbow sa kaniya ang mga kasambahay at umalis na sa dining area.

“Kamusta?” he greeted. “I guess you are having a great time here in our house.”

“Ayos lang. Tumambay nga ako sa swimming pool para makapag-isip.” Umupo na ako sa upuan at tiningnan siyang nakatingin pa rin sa akin. “Bakit? May dumi ba sa mukha ko?”

He shook his head. “Ang ganda mo kasi.”

Hindi ko siya pinansin at nagsandok na lang ako ng kanin sa plato ko. Umupo siya sa tabi ko kaya bigla ako nailang. Hindi ko masikmura na tabihan siya kasi pumatay siya ng mga inosente na tao!

“This is your favorite, right?” he inquired. He is pointing at the dish that was in front of me. “I have my source that you like munggo.”

I nodded my head. “Perks of being a Montepalma, I guess?”

“Damn right.” Ngumisi siya sa akin habang dinadapuan ako ng tingin. Lalo na’t biyernes ngayon. “Kumain ka marami.”

“Paano nga pala ang pag-aaral ko? Kailangan ko pumasok bukas.”

“Oh about that…” he trailed off. “I am not allowing you to attend school anymore. You will become rich eventually.”

My eyes widened. Padabog ko nilapag ‘yung kubyertos. Anong klase ‘yun? Unang-una sa lahat hindi ko pinangarap na maging mayaman. Tsaka mahal ko ang pag-aaral kaya nga pursigido ako maging guro!

“Fourth year na ako… tapos pagbabawalan mo na ako pumasok? Sayang naman ‘yung pinaghirapan ko. Scholar naman ako at dean lister pa!” I snapped.

He smirked. “You are now under my order. You are mine. Ayaw mo ba na wala na akong mapapatay na lalaki dahil maraming nagkakagusto sa’yo?”

“Wala naman akong pakielam sa kanila! Gusto kong mag-aral!”

“Don’t shout on our supper, babe…” his voice was calm and he was trying to reach for my hand but I immediately avoided it. “Pag-usapan natin ng maay—”

“You are f*****g selfish!” I spat. Tumayo na ako at nawalan ng gana. “How dare you take away my dream? I did not ask to be a f*****g rich! I wanted to reach for my dreams and to get my degree.”

He clenched his jaw. “Umupo ka ulit. Kasi kakain tayo.”

“Tangina! Nakikinig ka ba? Palibhasa kasi privelage ka masyado e! Hindi ako lahat ng babae na gusto yumaman dahil sa isang lalaki. I have my dreams and goals! I am not like y—”

“Sit the f**k down!” his voice thundered. “Do not talk to me like that in front of the food! I have told you to calm down but you are provoking me, woman!”

It was so fast when I felt my cheeks burning hot because he slapped me. Halos matumba ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Nagtubig ang mata ko at nanggigil na ako ngayon kay Seiko. I regret that I let him in my life!

“Sana hindi na lang kita nakilala. Meeting you feels like I am suffering in hell,” I exclaimed.

Tumalikod na ako at halos lakad takbo ako para makaalis na sa bahay ko. Naririnig ko na tinatawag niya ang pangalan ko. Pagkabukas ng pintuan ay mabilis humarang ang mga tauhan niya kaya sumiklab ang takot sa dibdib ko.

“Umalis kayo sa harapan ko!” I snapped.

Sinusubukan ko sila itulak pero parang silang bato. Napalingon ako na marinig ko padabog na binuksan ni Seiko ‘yung pintuan. He is now in raging madness. Nawala na ang pagiging sweet sa kaniya.

“Get inside! Or I’m gonna let them drag you into our room!” he shouted.

Umiling ako. “Ayaw ko! Gusto ko na umuwi sa apartment ko!”

“Damn it. Drag her inside!”

His men grabbed my arm and tried to drag me inside the hell. Sinusubukan ko lang pumalag para makawala ako pero ang lalakas nila at nanghihina ako. Sobrang sama ng tingin sa akin ni Seiko habang pinapanood ako inaakyat sa kwarto.

Binuksan ng isa ‘yung pintuan at tinulak ako papasok. Halos sumubsob ang mukha ko sa sahig. Nang makatayo ako ay padabog nila sinarado ‘yung pintuan. I am beginning to cry while punching the wooden door. Nakakainis. Ang malas talaga ng buhay ko.

Humahagulgol ako habang paunti-unti dumudulas pababa ang katawan ko. Nakaupo na ako sa wooden floor at nakasandal lang ang noo ko sa pintuan. Sana hindi na lang pala ako pumayag sumama sa kaniya. Ano ba kasi ginawa ko sa past life ko para maging ganito ang buhay ko.

Nang mapagod ako umiyak ay sinubukan ko tumayo para makahanap ng paraan para makatakas ako. There must be a way to escape from this s**t place! Binuksan ko ‘yung bintana at halos malula ako sa sobrang taas. Wala akong maapakan kundi diretsyo baba lang ako. At may umiikot na tauhan ni Seiko sa baba.

Letse naman.

Lumingon ako sa gawi ng pintuan na marinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan. Napalunok ako na makita ko si Seiko na sobrang dilim ng tingin sa akin. Halos isiksik ko na ang sarili ko sa gilid.

“Lumayo ka sa akin parang awa mo na,” I begged.

He raised his eyebrow. “Why would I do that, huh? You should taste your punishment.”

“Go away from me! Please!” Lumuluha na naman ako habang umuupo sa sahig. Niyayakap ko ‘yung binti ko habang nakatingala sa kaniya. “Gusto ko lang naman grumaduate at mamuhay ng payapa, hindi ‘yung ganito!”

“You should be grateful that you’re going to be rich by just marrying me…”

“I wanted to be a teacher and to get my degree. I did not ask to be rich! Damn you!”

Bigla niya ako dinuro. “Watch your mouth, Brenna.”

I pursed my lips. Pero hindi tumitigil ang luha ko na tumulo. Tinagilid niya ang ulo niya habang pinagmamasdan niya ako na nakaupo. Sobrang lapit namin sa isa’t-isa. His other hand lifted my chin and his fingers grazed my chin a bit.

“Suck my d**k,” he commanded.

My eyes grew bigger. “No way! Get off me!”

Napatili ako ng sabunutan niya ang buhok ko. Napapikit ako sa sakit dahil parang matatanggal ‘yung buhok ko sa anit. Isang kamay niya ay pinagdikit ang pisnge ko para bumuka ng kaunti ‘yung bibig ko.

“Suck my d**k. That’s your punishment, Brenna…”