NOT Your GUARDIAN

SAFE

A thousand came, some hundreds attempted.

Everyone seemed to want a piece of me.

No one has ever come beyond my high walls of armor. 

But one look and you can see through me, one-touch you left me vulnerable and I should hate you for that.

***Sasi***

**********

Basco, Batanes. The Philippines.

I stretched my numbed arms and aching back as I stepped out of the plane that transported us from mainland Manila to this breathtaking paradise before my eyes. The view from the plane alone is enough to take my breath away as I've never been to a place like this before.

The air was fresh and cool winds greeted my exhausted body that I almost forgot why I am here in the first place. Almost five hours of travel and I'm already missing my bed.

When my mother said that need to get out of the country for my safety, my heart went frantic with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Yes, though I am looking forward to the word “vacation”, the truth that I would be away from them for who knows how long, gives me the chills to the bones. To top it all, I am going away with a couple of strangers!

Though my mom suggested that it would be better for me to go overseas for the time being while my father hunts and takes care of the stalker for us, I find it odd to go such lengths just to keep me safe. I tried to reason out that I could stay in my room, I will be indoors all the time. But despite my promise that I won’t get out of the house without their consent, my parents remained passive.

So, I ended up getting on the plane the next morning as she suggested that we go to this remote island in the country of The Philippines, the hometown of Lin, my personal makeup artist. For now, she’s the most trusted person I can go with, so I just nodded in agreement because any defiance won't do me any good.

Aside from that, my dad decided that additional security is needed, thus contacting mister Raki’s old security team to go along with us. As much to my disappointment, Phi Bester could not go with me because of my pending projects that he needs to take care of.

The three and a half hours travel from Thailand to the Philippines was spent with me eating, gaming on my mobile phone, and sleeping as the tall man beside me, including his friends has kept their silence all throughout the journey which I am very thankful for even though I feel a little bit uneasy around them. I have no choice but to trust my parent’s decision.

I sat beside the window and on my right was Mr. Raki. In front of us, we're Jiro, the Japanese IT guy, and Daniels, an American. And at the back of our seats were Jose, a Mexican chef, and Lin who sat quietly as well throughout the flight. All of the new guys seemed to be very close to Mr. Raki and as we were introduced earlier at the airport, they all seemed to be nice and also insisted that I call them by their first names.

During the flight, I didn't notice anything suspicious as I was busy with my phone, playing a flimsy game. The stiff guy beside me somehow gained some attention because of the way he looked. I must admit, he had the taste for clothing. The outfit he was wearing was impressive. 

A plain white shirt under a black suit and jeans. I am not sure of its brand and it was quite simple-looking, but to the discerning eyes, one could easily tell it was expensive. The white Skechers adapter shoes on his feet were screaming green bills. His hair was parted in the middle and elegantly styled so that he looked spotless. 

He didn't look like a bodyguard at all and a couple of prying eyes took second glances at him which got me easily annoyed at the hearty giggles of the two ladies who sat parallel to us.

I snickered in silent mocking. He almost had all the attention to him and not me, making me question my fame. It’s kind of insulting on my part. Why does he have to be dressed like this? Does no one in this plane recognize me? I am Chantara Lamwilai for god’s sake! 

But I didn't look too shabby myself as I chose to wear my favorite pink Burberry hoodie jacket,  paired it with low-waisted jag jeans and black Prada sneakers. During travels like this, I always choose comfort before anything else and I’m glad I took the expensive ones this time.

In the middle of the flight, Mr. Raki gave me an aviator shade which was, I think, unnecessary since no one was noticing my existence after all. But when I looked up at him in confusion, he just raised his eyebrows at me which means I should not question his authority and I, as a damsel in distress should just follow. 

Even though I grew up with anxiety about crowded places, I am not weak and was a bit stubborn at that. Okay, more than a bit stubborn but that’s not the issue here, why do I have to follow his every command? The fact that I obeyed him without question has annoyed me the most.  

When we arrived in Manila, I thought I was going to puke because the place was so congested, swarming with busy people all around, noises I couldn't recognize and three minutes upon arrival, I felt nauseous that I couldn’t help but grab Mr. Raki’s forearm for support.

"Are you okay?"

He asked with evident concern in his voice.

"No. I'm feeling sick. Please get me out of here Mr."

I set aside the fact that he talked informally to me because of my current condition. My head was spinning and I think I’ll vomit any moment now.

“Jet lag?”

“Hell no! What do you think of me? First timer on a plane?”

The hell this man is insinuating? I have been traveling back and forth abroad for my private photoshoots. I am not naive in flying, it's just that the crowd has made me dizzy.

He didn’t answer and just tightened his grip on my shoulder then guided me to a less crowded area where he let me sit. I closed my eyes in exhaustion.

“Miss Sasi, are you okay? Please hang on, we just need to take another flight and we will arrive at our destination.”

I heaved a sigh upon hearing that. 

Another flight? Damn. 

“Don’t worry Miss, our province is one of the best in the country and you could surely relax when we get there.”

Lin said as she rummaged for something in her bag. She was wearing a white bunny-designed t-shirt and denim short shorts.

“I don’t need to be relaxed; I need to be safe. Is it safe there?”

“Yes miss, of course. Our city is quite remote from the mainland and besides, with these men with us, I don’t think any stalker could get to you.”

She said smiling as she handed me a map. I took a glance at it but didn’t take it, instead, the tall and fair-skinned Daniels snatched the map out of her hand.

Daniels stands almost as tall as Mr. Raki and I couldn’t tell who is taller, their build is almost the same as well while Jose is a bit smaller and meatier among them all. Jiro is the most ideal for me. His height and body build are just right, not small, not too bulky but lean as well. Besides, he looked smart which I think is cool.

“That’s right miss, with me beside you…No one could ever hurt you.”

My attention turned to Daniels who winked at me flirtatiously. 

“Ohoi, we just landed and you’re showing your fangs head-on!”

Jose glared at him which earned a wide smile from Miss Lin while Jiro stood a few feet away from us, vigorously pressing his cellphone.

I was busy massaging my temple when suddenly, something cold touched the back of my hand and I jolted in surprise.

"Here, drink this"

Mr. Raki brought a cold bottle of water without me even noticing him leaving our side. When did he go?

My fingers brushed his as I got the bottle from him and the simple touch weirdly sent my heart racing. As odd as it was, I just brushed it off and drank the much-needed water.

About an hour later, my attention was caught by the greenery I saw outside the window of the charter plane. Below us were folds and folds of green mountains, fields and a never-ending blanket of blue ocean. I was mesmerized by its beauty. So serene, it calms my anxious heart. 

Indeed, this place is amazing!

After stretching my aching back and legs, my body demands rest so I asked the most important question of the day.

"Okay, where's the accommodation? From which hotel did my parents book it?"

I asked Lin with enthusiasm, I can't wait to take a hot bath and sleep on a bed. But my heart fell to the grass upon looking around and realizing that civilization is nowhere to be found.

We are surrounded by luscious greens. Mountains on the left, cliffs over the sea on the right and a rough road ahead.

"Well, we're gonna ride a habal-habal Miss to get to the villa your parents rented. There is no hotel in this city and I’m afraid we can't find any properties for sale here so your mom ended up renting a villa instead..Besides, it’s just a 30-minute ride from here.”

Lin explained and I couldn’t believe my ears. 

“A villa is fine, but what is a habal?”

I asked in confusion. Is that a new brand of car that I am not aware of?

"It’s basically a motorcycle miss, over there."

She said pointing out to a couple of motorcycles, big bikes to be exact, lined up at the side of the road. A group of shabby-looking men was gathered on a shady cottage nearby. They were looking at us curiously and that made me uncomfortable. Mr. Ravi and Jiro stood in front of me protectively as if hiding me from the peeking eyes.

"What?? We are going to ride in that? But I don't know how to drive."

"Don't worry, they are the drivers, and we are the passengers."

She pointed to the men as one of them stood up and slowly made his way towards our direction. I pinched at Mr. Raki’s sleeves unconsciously out of fear. I don’t know if he noticed but he didn’t move an inch.

“Maam, Sir, sasakay po kayo habal?”

(Maam, Sir, will you be riding the habal?)

The man spoke in a language I do not understand and so Lin proceeded and talked with him. After a while, she came back to us and explained the setup.

“So, each one of us will be riding one bike per person to make the ride more comfortable, usually, they ride two persons per bike but since our companions were not so small themselves, we will be needing six bikes in all.”

She looked at the boys who stood proudly being called the ‘big guys’ especially Daniels.

My brow peaked up higher than the mountain upon hearing that. I can't fathom the idea of riding something I have never ridden before with a stranger I have never met before. There's no way in seven hells I'm gonna do that!

"Are you kidding me? I don’t want to ride that thing with some stranger! Are there no alternate routes whatsoever?"

I looked around, praying that somewhere in there is a paved road for a car or something. But there’s none, only the vast rows of endless trees that stood there as if mocking me.

I looked at Mr. Raki but his face was unreadable. That made me grind my teeth in exasperation.

"Why didn’t you plan about this ahead of time? Do you have any idea how uncomfortable this would be for me? My dad will surely hear about this!"

I snapped at him and the scowl on my face grew as I didn't get the answer that I wanted. This guy is so cold!

"I'm afraid there's no other way of transportation at this time Miss. I'm so sorry, I forgot about this as the trip was quickly planned and my mind was in chaos."

Lin said teary-eyed. I could see that she was really bothered by the situation so I just shut my mouth and rolled my eyes.

But I'll die out of fright before we even arrive at our destination!

What am I supposed to do?

"I have a suggestion."

Mr. Ravi suddenly said, raising his right hand.

We all looked at him in unison.

"Are you okay riding the motorcycle with me? I can be your driver. I'm quite capable if you may ask. And the other drivers may ride together so that he can get back the bike after we disembark at the villa."

He stared at me directly in the eyes as if weighing the possibilities of me saying no.

I thought about it, considering the situation and my exhaustion.

Am I really okay riding with him? 

Kinda, 

YES. 

Do I have a choice? 

NO.

Riding with him sounds more promising than with a total stranger.

I exhaled sharply, and said…

 "Okay, I think that will do..fine with me. Let's do that."

Lin talked to the drivers and explained the circumstances. The two other drivers laughed with amusement but agreed. We also rented a carabao with a cart to carry our luggage, which totally amused me.

“Can I ride the Carabao cart instead?”

I asked hopefully.

“Well, actually you can, but it will take another three hours until the carabao reaches the villa. Will you be fine with that? Besides, we cannot leave you alone.”

Lin explained as the rest of the group looked at me as if I have grown two heads. Besides, judging from my aching body, I cannot hold on for another hour. I really wanted to take a shower and sleep.

“Okay then!”

I snapped in exasperation. I really have no choice but to ride this f*****g bike!

Everyone prepared and mounted the bikes with their corresponding drivers.

Mr. Raki first mounted the big bike, his biceps and thigh muscles bulging from his clothes and I can’t help but stare at his broad shoulders. 

Why is this man so big? He’s like a f*****g Wall of China.

Awkwardly, I rode behind him as I took a step on the footrest then held on to his shoulders for support when suddenly, a big pair of hands held me by the waist and I yelped in surprise.

“I’m sorry, I just want to help you sit comfortably.”

Daniels smiled at me and I nodded in appreciation.

“Thank you.”

“Let’s get going.”

Mr. Raki cleared his throat and said.

I was unsure where I should put my hands to grasp for support in case I get off balance and fall, so I just held tight on my shoulder bag. He must have felt my hesitation that he turned around and in a soft whisper said to me...

"Please hold on to my waist."

"What?! No way!"

"Do you wanna fall or what?"

"I won't fall, you're not my type!"

I said with a smirk. I’m not trying to be funny here, just stating a fact.

He chuckled in response.

"Huh..let's see about that, but first.. Safety."

He said, grabbing my hands and tucking them in his waistline. Then started the mechanism. With my arms tightly wrapped around his waist, we started the ride to the villa.

The ride was smooth, we went past some amazing land formations, slopes, limitless greenery, cows everywhere, and the sweet smell of grass as the wind fanned my face.

 I hold tightly into the hard abs of Mr. Raki, I can feel his muscles shifting in every turn the motorcycle takes and it sends millions of tingling sensations throughout my body. The feeling of these buns in my palms will surely hunt me in my sleep.

My nose is placed so close to his nape and I am unintentionally inhaling his wonderful scent, a musky combination of Rosemary, Lavender, and Mint..it’s so refreshing to my nose and the calming effect of this closeness …sends unexplainable shivers down my spine.

...and for the first time in my life,

I feel Calm.

***

VILLA DE BABAT

With Mr. Raki’s expertise in driving the big bike, we arrived first at the two-story villa, and it looked very homey. The soft glow of light from the inside gives it a very welcoming ambiance. It’s nearly dark but I saw the indoor pool, the terrace, and the view deck on the rooftop. It is also dead quiet. I can only hear the buzzing of the night crickets...

My lips broke in a triumphant smile.

This will be my piece of heaven for the next few weeks.. Ah..not bad at all mae.(mom)

Towards the entrance of the villa, a rounded, healthy lady wearing an apron welcomed us. 

“Is there even an internet signal here?”

I asked more to myself as I unloaded from the bike, Mr. Raki helping me by holding my elbows.

“Ay yes, mam! The internet? Have here! Yes! Welcome to Batanes mam! I am Linda, this...Rosie and that boy,, Caloy, they are my children. I am Lin’s mom. Yes, Lin, mama..me.”

The cheerful lady greeted us in her awkwardly speaking. Her plump cheeks and smiling eyes looked exactly like Lin. It was then that the big bike ridden by Lin and the others came in. Then the mother and daughter hug each other in a reunion just like a dramatic scene in the series, it warms my heart and missed my mom even more.

I sigh then go directly to the house. 

“Men, secure the perimeter.”

I heard Mr. Raki says to the guys as I enter the main door.

“Yes, captain.”

They answered in unison.

After a little house tour and getting to know the house helps, I finally get to retire into my room.

But I was speechless upon knowing the rules of my stay here.

“Yes, we will be sharing a room together.”

Mr. Raki said seriously.

“There’s no way I will agree to that!”

“Yes way.. whether you like it or not. And that... is final.”

…to be continued.