Artamiel: The Black Angel

Chapter 11| A Doll for Pleasure

I took a deep breath before I made my way to her seat. 

"Can we talk?"" I asked in a normal voice. 

She looked up at me from the book she's reading. She stared at me for a while, as if trying to read my expression. But I know there's nothing for her. I am not showing anything. 

I took the seat beside her when she nodded her head. 

It has been months since I last saw her. That was the day she saw me on my weakest state. I almost made myself believed that it was just my hallucination. But I know that she was really there, and she took care of my wounds. 

"Thank you for keeping it from anyone," I sighed. 

Medyo naiirita na ako sa pagtitig na ginagawa n'ya sa akin, pero ayaw ko na makipag-away pa sa kanya. 

Napataas na lang ang kilay ko nang humugot s'ya ng malalim na hininga. "O-Okay ka na ba?" 

I smirked at her. "It has been two months, Prudence. Of course I am fine," I rolled my eyes on her. 

It was the first day of school, and it's still too early, kaya hindi na nakapagtataka na kaming dalawa pa lang ang tao dito sa room. 

"I'm not talking about your wounds," she murmured. 

It felt like a punch in the gut. There's something behind her words. 

Does she know? 

I'm thinking of a nice comeback when Nixon entered our room. He's wearing his usual grumpy face. 

Nixon was on the pilot section, while Prudence and I were both on the second section. Because of the incident at that party, my mind was always elsewhere. I lost my concentration on my studies. Mama scolded me for that. 

Nixon gave me a puzzled expression. Maybe he's wondering why I am beside Prudence. 

"Good morning," Pru greeted Nixon with a warm smile. 

"Morning," Nixon fixed his eyes on the girl then sat at her desk. He lifted the book Prudence was reading then checked the synopsis on the back. 

They started talking about random things. I chose to entertain myself texting some girls. 

"Miel, can you look after Prudence?" Nixon asked with a cold expression on his face. Other students were starting to come inside the room. They're giving us confused expressions. 

Siguro nagtataka sila kung bakit nandito kami ni Nixon sa section B. I'm not an honor student as Nixon, but I can maintain decent grades. 

I smirked at him.

"N-Nixon..." Prudence called in a shy tone. 

Inilipat ko ang tingin ko kay Prudence na nakayuko lang. 

"Artamiel?" Nixon demanded. 

I shrugged my shoulders. "Sure," I lightly chuckled. 

Careful what you wish for, dear cousin. 

I saw how Nixon subtly squeezed Pru's arm before leaving our room. 

I spent the rest of the time watching Prudence closely. Nakayuko lang naman s'ya sa libro n'ya. Napuputol lang ang panonood ko sa pagbabasa ni Prudence kapag may lumalapit sa akin at kumakausap. 

"Can I ask you something?" I asked in a friendly tone. 

I didn't fight the urge to bite my lower lip when her gray eyes landed on me. 

"W-What?" she stuttered. 

I tilted my head. "Bakit hinahayaan mo sila na i-bully ka?" Kumunot ang noo ko at bahagyang natawa. "Bakit hinayaan mo kami na i-bully ka?"

After she showed me her kindness, and after she kept my secret, I saw her in different light. Maybe I was wrong when I judged her. Maybe, she's not really what I thought she was. 

My heart jumped on my throat when she showed me her gentle smile. It was so genuine. It's as genuine as what she's always giving to Nixon. And f**k me, it took my breath away. 

"Because it will be on you. Kung ano man ang tingin n'yo sa akin, o kung ano ang pagkakaintindi n'yo sa ikinikilos ko, nasa sa inyo na 'yon. I just want to be as passive as I can. Sure, I can fight back. But what will I benefit from it?" she gently explained. "I used to wish for understanding and a good relationship with others, but I stopped trying. I realized that I don't like it. Ayoko pala ng kaibigan na pilit lang."

Hindi ko nagawang magsalita sa mga nasabi n'ya. 

She's a deep person. 

She sighed. "I realized that you were right about me. I am a deception. I was pretending to be someone that everyone could accept. I am doing things to please others. I was desperate for validation and acceptance." She gave me a pained smile. 

Fuck, Prudence! You just described me. 

"Pero naisip ko na hindi naman pala gan'on ang gusto ko talaga. Ayaw ko ng kaibigan na tatanggapin ako dahil ako 'yong expected nila." 

I found myself smiling at her. "Nixon made you see that."

She nodded. 

Of course. He's the same thing to me. He made me realized that from time to time, it was fine to bare myself. That someone like him could deal with my shits. 

But it was not enough. Nothing could be enough for me. No one can accept the real me. No one can free me from my darkness. 

"I'm happy for you," I winked at her. "And I'm sorry for everything I said," I sighed. 

This is one of the rare moments that I simply wants to be the real me. Lahat ng mga sinabi ko kay Prudence ay totoo. There's no pretense on that. It came from me, and I mean those words. 

"And thank you," I added. Mukhang natitigilan pa din s'ya at nabibigla pa. 

I gave her another genuine smile then I returned my attention on my phone. 

Now, there are two of them who can see pass through my masks. Nixon and Prudence. They didn't know my story, but they chose to understand. And I am grateful for that. 

"I heard that you're getting stable with someone named Lucasha Fuentes," Scarlet delivered each word slowly, like she's savoring them. "What is she to you, my sweet pea?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "A fling. A horny b***h always asking for pleasure."

"Oh," Scarlet smirked. She's obviously pleased to hear that. "It only means that my sweet doll is doing great," she nodded in delight. "I'm so proud of you, sweet pea."

I faked a smile for her. 

"Are you getting tired of her?" she cooed. She even ran her fingers gently on my face.

I nodded. I really want to break up with Luca, but I know I shouldn't. If it's not for her, I will be jumping from one woman to another. Scarlet was pleased that I am giving pleasure to Luca alone. She said that it was fine if I stick with a single woman. I'm still young anyway. But I know that I've been watched. I can't lie. 

"Then keep her," she let out a satisfied laugh. 

"Anything to please you, belle," I sweetly said. 

"Ahh," she cooed once more. "My sweet pea's so sweet. You're really what I need right now," she sweetly smiled at me. 

She straddled me then she cupped my jaw. "Touch me," she ordered. 

I lifted my hands to each of her sides. Without her words, I should keep my hands on my sides, or else she'll have me tied up.

She threw her head back when I started drawing circles on her skin with my thumb. 

For a fifty year old hag, she got smooth and firm skin. She can be mistaken to be only on her early thirties. Scarlet is a very beautiful woman. And it's a wonder to me why she's doing these things. Why does she need me? 

She crashed her lips on mine. I parted my lips but I didn't kiss her back. This is the way she wants things to be. I could only kiss her if she wants me to. I could only move on her words. But without her command, I should be still. A perfect doll. Her f*****g doll. 

She started moaning while kissing me hard. I can feel her tongue expertly tasting each corners of my mouth. She's sucking on my lips while tugging on my hair. Her hips started rolling.

I shut my mind. I shouldn't analyze what she's doing. I shouldn't be aroused on her moves. I shouldn't take pleasure, because it will enrage her. 

If ever my body made a mistake of being aroused, she'll punish me. According to her, I shouldn't take pleasure, because it's all for her. A doll shouldn't ask for pleasure, unless it was handed to him. 

"I want you to want me, sweet pea. Oh, crave for me," she moaned while squeezing my shoulders. Her lips became more demanding. 

I started moving my lips against her. I closed my eyes and think of someone that can surely turn me on. 

I thought of her pink lips, her pointed nose, her soft gray eyes, and her gentle expression. 

I groaned when I remembered how I watched her made out with my cousin. 

It was an accident. I was about to meet up with a girl from higher grade to the library when I saw them, sitting on the floor, and making out. Mabuti na lang na ako ang nauna kaysa sa grade eleven na kausap ko. I immediately cancelled my make-out session with that campus sweetheart. 

I ended up looking out for them, hearing suppressed moans, and wishing that it was me instead of Nixon. And in the end, I just pretend that it didn't happen. 

"I want this sweet lips between my legs," Scarlet mewled on my lips. 

I cupped her thighs then I raised from her bed. "How do you want it, belle?"

She raked her fingers on my hair. "I want it on the table, sweet pea. I want you to eat me like how you eat your favorite dessert."

I gave her a gentle smile. I started walking out her room. There were few men on suits standing around her big mansion, but I simply ignored them. I know that they want to watch, but they're afraid of what would happen to them if they dare. 

I gently put Scarlet down on the glass table. She spread her legs for me then she gave me a sweet smile. Like an obedient puppy, I bowed my head then I do as I was told. I ate her slowly, savoring her taste in my lips, in my tongue, in my mouth... just the way she wants it. 

Scarlet screamed and her body convulsed as she hit her climax. Just as she wants it, I licked her clean. She's still panting when a loud clapping of hands caught our attention. 

It would be a reflex to snap my head on the direction of the sound, but I fought it. I don't want Scarlet to be mad. Whenever she's naked, she wants my eyes only at her. 

"Gustav," Scarlet recognized the visitor. 

My jaw clenched. If I hate Scarlet, my hatred for that man was tenfold! 

"That was a nice show, Scarlet. I can see how your doll grew into a fine young man," the old man chuckled. 

I helped Scarlet fixed her robe then I guided her on her feet. I kept my head bowed down, not wanting to see the man she's talking to. 

"Of course. It was the best decision to let him live, isn't it?" Scarlet chuckled in a sophisticated way. I almost flinch when she caressed my jaw. "Go to my room, sweet pea," she ordered in a sweet tone. 

Without saying anything, I obliged. 

My jaw clenched even more when I caught a glimpse of the two naked girls wearing collars, knelt on each sides of the filthy old man. They were literally treated like dogs. 

As I closed the door of Scarlet's room, my body shook with rage. Those people were evil!

I did my best to calm myself while waiting for Scarlet. I want to thank her for sending me here instead of staying with that incarnated demon.

Minsan, naiisip ko na mahal naman talaga ako ni Scarlet tulad ng palagi n'yang sinasabi. She just really have her twisted way. Because if it's not for her, I was long gone. She was the one who saved me. And compared on how Gustav treated his slaves, Scarlet's gentle with me. All I have to do is to please her. 

And most of all, Scarlet was the one protecting me. She's keeping my real identity. She's keeping the secret of from which family I came from. She's doing her best to protect me, I know that. 

"My sweet pea," Scarlet called. I lifted my head to her direction. "Don't ever try to defy me, okay?" 

It was sudden, but I nodded my head. 

You don't know, Scarlet, of how much I feared you and your organization. 

She sat on my lap then she hugged me. "In our world, I was the least evil. And believe it or not, Michael, I really do love you," she gently said. "So please, don't ever try to outsmart me. Because everything I've been doing, it was all for you."

"I know," I murmured. 

I know I shouldn't talk back, but I want to voice it out. 

"That's why I'm not telling anyone about this. Not even my own mother," I breathed. 

She sharply inhaled. "I just told you not to defy me!" she hissed.

Mabilis na tumayo s'ya at inutusan ako na lumuhod. 

I was confused but I do as I was told. She asked me to raise my hands then she whipped each of my palms.

Walang magawang tinignan ko na lang ang bumukang balat ko at pinanood ang pamumukal ng dugo. 

Scarlet told me to get dressed then she drove me to my house. It was a townhouse she bought for me, and my pretend family. She's paying a family to pretend as my family. 

"Michael," she called me. Pinigilan n'ya ako sa pagbaba ko. 

Mama tried to pull me out of that identity. I am now Artamiel, but to Scarlet, I am always her Michael. 

She handed me an envelope. I mindlessly received it and checked what's inside. 

My body shook as I saw Eladriel's pictures inside. 

"Gustav found some undercover agents trying to expose our organization. He conducted thorough investigation on who might be behind that. And he found out that my precious doll belongs to a well-off family. I managed to convince him that he mistook you for someone else. Tell me honestly, are you planning something?" Scarlet asked in a serious tone. 

I shook my head. I'm still hazed at the thought that they're keeping an eye on my brother. 

Fuck! I don't want him to experience the the same misery I've been through! 

"Good," she nodded. Of course she could tell if I'm lying or not. "Spill a word, Artamiel Vergara, and you know what will happen to your family."

I shook my head. "I won't betray you, Scarlet."

She nodded. "You shouldn't, Michael. Because I placed so much on you. I placed even my own life on line, just to protect you." 

I reached for her hand then placed a gentle kiss on it. "I won't, belle. I would never."

And I am firm on that. 

She sighed then leaned in to kiss me. "I'll see what I can do to take your brother off the list. You could also ask your family to keep a close watch on him."

I nodded then she let me go. 

With a heavy heart, I went to my real home. 

There's no way out on this. I couldn't be saved.