The Business Rivalry

Chapter 14

"So nagstart ka when you were 18?"

Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras na kami nag-uusap. Label kasi nauna tapos getting to know each naman kami ngayon. Magkatabi kaming nakahiga sa kama, facing the ceiling.

"Actually, 15 yata? I was designing my flip-flops or my shoes kasi second-hand lang ang afford ko noon. Kaya—"

"Arte naman, tsinelas lang tawag namin do'n eh. Islander kung yayamanin ka."

Kinurot ko nga siya sa tagiliran, sabihan ba naman akong maarte. At ito naman tinawanan lang ako.

"Syempre ikaw naka Islander, yayamanin ka. Eh ako I couldn't afford those expensive brands before. High school pa lang ako noon and I need to save for my futute, 'yung binibigay ni tita, I'm keeping them tapos bibili ako ng mga flower designs, letters, glitters na pwede sa shoes."

"At least now, you can afford to buy those things. Pati nga brand nila pwede mo ng bilhin. Ang lakas ng Kicks & Heels. You really worked hard, Blaine."

"So I want others to dream big. Not because you're broke doesn't mean you can't get anywhere in life. Ikaw din naman, number 1 ka nga sa Philippines."

Hindi na siya nagsalita kaya tiningnan ko siya, and she's staring at me.

"Why?" Parang bumalik 'yung init na nararamdaman ko kanina, fuckshit naman bakit kasi ganyan ang tinginan mo babe, nakakatunaw ng puri— I mean, I'm melting in those gorgeous globe.

"Alam mo bang.... ang ganda mo?"

"Aanhin ko ang ganda kung hindi naman ako pinapansin ng crush ko." My eyes widened when I realized what I had just said.

I slowly glance at her, I must say that... she's... glaring at me, at nakaharap na siya sa'kin.

Shet, I mean. Pinansin naman na ako ng crush ko! Hoursary palang namin may away na agad?

"Who's your crush?" She coldly asked.

"Ah, wala. I just heard that somewhere, it's a hilarious line so... don't mind that."

"I can sense that you're lying."

Ate, choke me.

"That was a long time ago. Hayaan na natin baka nando'n na siya sa taong gusto niya." Sasabihin ko naman sa'yo na ikaw ang crush ko pero, not today.

It's like she's not convinced yet. So I'm thinking about this.

I lean closer to her, pressing my lips against Rayni's. That caught her off guard.

Pwede na siguro 'yung 4 seconds? Baka kung saan pa mapunta 'to.

"Bitin pero.... may bukas pa naman." She smirked and licked her lips.

I feel hot all over my body and I think it's my cue to sleep this off. Bago pa siya hanapin ng taste buds ko.

"Uh... tulog na tayo?" I cover my body with the blanket, kanina pa kasi siya tingin ng tingin. Napaka manyak niya po. Busog na busog ang mata ng ferson.

"I want to sleep while hugging you pero gusto ko din na nakaharap sa'yo para maganda ang gising ng aking umaga."

I really don't like sweet words, especially. I often hear these kind of phrases sa mga mahaharot, pero bakit 'pag siya ang nagsabi, ang sweet? Mauuto na naman ba ako? Magtitiwala na naman tapos masasaktan din sa huli?

"Blaine, tulog na it's already 1." She kissed my forehead. "Sweet dreams." She smiled at me and I did the same and drifted to sleep.

I hope it was not a dream.

.

.

.

I lethargically opened my eyes and immediately gaze at the clock, it's 5:27. And my heart started to race as soon as my vision caught Rayni's face.

It's not a dream? I thought I was dreaming so I said yes right away. Did I give myself to her that easily? But, I've wanted her for a long time. Wait. So what if you like her for that long? You gave in just like that because she said she liked you? C'mon, Blaine.

As I reminisce about our moment last midnight, I suddenly realized that I'm comfortable with her, something like we've known each other for a long time. We teased and laughed as if we were old friends that got in touch after a decade.

Even if it's dim, I can see her face clearly. She's so... angelic. No, she's waaaay beyond angelic. Watching her sleeping is my favorite part of our newly... wed? I mean, new relationship.

I can't believe she's my girlfriend now. I want to embrace her, but I don't want to wake her up. I need to start my day now. It's almost six.

Wait, what?! 6? It's too late Blaine, come on. Get up.

I move carefully so as not to wake her up. Just nice and sloooow.

"Where are you going?"

I promptly stopped moving when I heard her voice. One hand is in the air and the other is on the bed.

"You're cute." She said with a giggle.

Umupo ulit ako sa kama, "Ohh. You're... awake. Oo nga pala, light sleeper ka."

She sits while combing her hair with her fingers, "Don't tell me you're running away."

"No. I just need... to.. go to... work."

"Emails?"

She pulls me closer to her. Our faces are inches away. Hindi pa nga nagkakape nagpapalpitate na kaagad si heart.

Ang aga naman nito, mang... ano... mang... basta 'yun na'yun.

"We can check those later. Where's my morning kiss?"

I gave her a quick kiss on her lips and started to get up.

"That's it?"

"It's almost 6. I need to—"

Before my foot reached the floor, Rayni grabbed me by my waist and led me back to bed.

She hugged my waist tighter, "I want a real kiss."

I need to get out of her arms before she can hear my heart pounding louder and louder.

So I wrap my arms around her neck and start kissing her. In fairness, her breath doesn't have any bad odor, not minty either. Wala siyang amoy. I guess she has no rotten teeth.

The best breakfast ever. And there are butterflies in my stomach, that so-called electricity, and goosebumps again.

Good thing we're lying on the bed, parang nanginginig kasi 'yung mga tuhod ko.

I kissed her for 10 seconds and when I pulled away, I just stared into her sparkling eyes. I can see... love... so much love. Love 'agad? Ah, basta, ayun na 'yun.

"Wow."

"Happy?"

"Totally."

"Good. Can you let me go now? I need to pe— use the... bathroom."

"I'm coming with you."

Without waiting for my response, she drags me to the bathroom.

.

.

"You want us to use it together?" Teka lang naman, sabay kami uupo, gano'n?

"Yes. I'll brush my teeth and wash my face."

Ay, sorry. Madumi lang utak ko ngayon. Too early to function.

I roam around the bathroom, she noticed that I'm looking for something, kaya tinuro niya 'yung glass door sa right side.

"Oh. It has a door. Okay." I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw it, but you can see what's inside. What's this? It has a door, a transparent glass door. Ano kaya 'yun.

"Lock it and the glass turns opaque once the lock has been turned."

I glance at her, and she's staring at me with a bit of... mischievousness on her lips.

Ano nanamang kayang iniisip nito. ?

"Ah, like Japan?" I replied. Why does she have this? Wala naman sigurong pumapasok sa kwarto niya, eh bakit...?

"Siguro 'yung bathroom mo sa kwarto, open ano?" She said with her crossed arms.

"Define... open."

"Open 'yung... There are either no doors or, like this, glass walls. You're one of those people that like their... you know... special someone to... watch them while... showering...?" She said tapos bigla siyang tumawa.

I arched my eyebrow, "Why are you laughing? Bahala ka nga diyan. I'm using the toilet, my bladder is full."

"I caught you red-handed, Blaine. You're blushing." She clips my hair to my ear and lowers her head to match my height.

Oo na, sige na. Gano'n nga 'yung bathroom ko. Transparent siya, gusto kong manood maligo si Ray— este 'yung... uh... sige na nga si Rayni na. That's one of the things that can turn me on with my partner.

Yeah, I'm weird. I know.

"Pinagsasasasasabi mo? Hindi kaya, lumayo ka nga sa'kin baka hindi kita matantiya. Saka, galit na sa'yo 'yung puntod ko." Ayoko din makita niya 'yung flushed cheeks ko. Pero, malamang nakita niya na 'to, maliwanag na din kasi.

"Puntod?" She tilts her head with furrowed brows.

Don't tell me she doesn't know what 'puntod' means. Ang ganda sana, slow lang. Puntod lang, pfft.

"Yes, I told you my bladder is full."

She's laughing like there's no tomorrow, nakakagigil 'yung tawa niya. Ang sarap paliparin sa labas, tsk. Kung hindi ko lang siya crush, she must be flying in the sky right now.

"Ang saya natin ah. Do you want me to leave you here?"

She suddenly stopped and cleared her throat.

"Eh, kasi naman. Pantog kasi 'yun." She's trying hard not to laugh.

"Ah, basta pareho lang 'yun. Magkarhyme naman. Same lang din 'yun." Inirapan ko nga siya, napahiya ako eh. And I was about to use the toilet when she grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to her.

Tangina, punung-puno na 'yung pun— bladder ko. Ano 'to, harot first easement later?

"Ang cute mo, pakiss nga."

"After you laughed at me? No way!" Gusto ko siyang itulak ng malakas kaso bebe ko 'to eh. Ayoko siyang saktan.

"Damot naman, isa lang. Pinagdadamot pa." She pushed her lower lip out.

Ang cute, tanginaaaa! Pero ihing-ihi na ako! My bladder is probably begging right now.

"I-toothbrush mo nalang 'yan, mawawala din 'yan." And I gently pushed her away. But she pinned me back to the wall.

"Kapag hindi?"

"Mag mouthwash ka."

"Kapag hindi?"

"Edi inumin mo."

"Grabe ka naman. Are you like that with your... girlfriend?" Tinanggal niya 'yung kamay niya na nakalagay sa wall.

"Eh, kasi naman.... Can I use the toilet first?"

I grabbed her arm and pulled her down, kissed her cheek. Causing her face to flush. So I took the chance to use the toilet.

Finally. The relief I've been looking for. Hay...

As I was washing my hands after I used the toilet, Rayni gave me a new toothbrush.

"Thank you." I smiled at her.

"Do you want breakfast, coffee, chocolate, tea, or... me?" She placed her index finger on her chin.

Ay, hindi pa talaga siya tapos, oh. Don't tell me she's like this every morning?

"Just water, please."

"Bakit 'yung wala sa choices? You don't like the last one?"

"Aalis ka ba o aalis ka?" Nilagay ko 'yung kamay ko sa bewang ko.

"Okay, okay. I'll wait for you in the kitchen. Just walk straight ahead. Don't miss me too much."

"Ang kapal ha. Aga aga ang taas mo." I gave her a poker face while brushing my teeth.

"Fine, I'll leave now." She kissed my cheek before heading outside.

Ugh. She's so sweet. I'm falling deeper and deeper.

Pero ang harot ah. Sarap sapakin... with love.

Am I doing this right? Is it right for me to love her? What if she... finds... someone... prettier? Shet naman bakit ngayon lang nag sink in saakin na playgirl siya?

I wander around her bathroom.

Behind the double vanities are the toilet, sauna, and shower room. She has a bathtub as well. Deluxe design, pero hindi ko type.

Hindi din niya siguro ako type, char.

While I'm washing my face, the flowery aroma is filling the room.

"Blaine? Do you want to take a shower first? I'll just use the toilet." She pointed at the shower space whilst walking past me.

"Can you... get my... clothes?"

"Yeah, sure. The towels and bathrobes are in the drawer, below the sink." She said inside the toilet.

I slightly peek inside, pero shet na malupet. Hindi siya naka hazy. Hindi niya ni-lock!

Bwakanangshit, Blaine! Umayos ka.

"Thank you."

"Do you want me to... join you?" She asked as soon as she got out.

"Go and prepare my clothes!" Natatawang sigaw ko at natawa na din siya.

"Okay. Fine. Ang dami mo ng utang ah, mamaya ka sa'kin." Kumindat siya tapos naglip bite. Inirapan ko na lang, saka siya umalis. Loko talaga.

Did I just say that to the number 1 entrepreneur in our country? Did I order her to get my clothes? But she's now my girlfriend.

.

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Rayni's POV

6:10 AM na nang pumunta kami ni Blaine sa dining table. Hindi ko na siya kinulit kasi late na din ako.

We sat opposite to these two. Si Bless at Hannah nalang nandito, umalis na daw si mamang. She'll look after her store, kaya maaga siyang umaalis.

Habang sumusulyap kay Blaine, "Uh. Ray... we have a prob..."

"Reporters in the company?"

"Yes." Bless whispered.

"So I reckon, Barker is already there." I suddenly felt annoyed? Lakas ng loob ng puta.

Ay, oo nga pala. I said he would definitely kneel down to me.

"He really came to you instead of me, huh?" Blaine coldly said.

Her tone and expression are chilling. Okay, I'll take notes. Bawal siyang galitin. Nakakatakot, parang maling galaw lang malamig na bangkay ka na. Pero maganda pa rin siya. Ang ganda ng side niya. Ang bridge ng nose, kakainggit. She's also sexy in her attire. Maroon suit, long white sleeves underneath her buttonless blazer alongside a small shape like tie.

Ang hot ni mameh!

Ay, mas matanda nga pala ako. Erase. Erase. Again.

Ang hot ni baby girl!

I just noticed na mahilig siyang magblazers. Always in her suit. She rarely wears pencil skirts.

"Blaine wants to go there." I blurted out.

"Are you sure?" Hannah said with a hint of concern in her voice.

Concerned kay panot. ? At baka mabugbog.

"Yes. I need to talk to him... again."

"This is not good."

"Why?"

"You'll see." Bless and Hannah whispered, but I think Blaine heard it too. She's not bothered and just reading her emails at the same time, drinking her coffee... and eating my pancake. I'm feeding her, siya naman buka lang ng buka ng bibig.

-----

We left the house at exactly 6:30. Bless is driving, Hannah is in the passenger seat, Blaine and I are sitting at the back.

Ang alam ko okay kami kanina, pero bakit daig pa ni Blaine ang weather sa Antarctica?

Teka lang, wala naman akong nagawang mali, 'no? Wala nga ba?

I reach for her hand and squeeze it, she turns her gaze at me, I give her a thumbs up, and she just smiles at me.

Ang cold naman. ?

Nagcheck na din ako ng emails and papers ko. Dito muna ang attention ko, gigil ako kay babe eh. Snob niya me.

"Is it me or it's really cold in the back? Bawasan natin 'yung aircon?" Hannah said.

I glance in Blaine's direction, looks like she didn't hear anything.

Is she like this when she's mad? Not in the mood? Tch, I'm twitchy about her. How long will she like this?

"Four minutes until we arrive, Ms. Fuentes. The guards said you didn't give them consent para papasukin si Mr. Barker sa building."

"I can talk to him in the lobby." Blaine coldly said, again. With her eyes glued to the papers.

Buti pa 'yung papel tinititigan niya, hinahawakan, binibigyang pansin. Sana papel nalang ako.

"Bless, inform the guards. And tell them to triple the security. Don't let any reporters in." I said to her.

She immediately called the lobby's number and told them to inform the guards to let Mr. Barker in and wait in the lobby.

This is what I like about Bless. She can multi-task and she always does my orders as quickly as possible.

I let out a sigh. I can tell that she's mad. She's really cold and she didn't say anything for the whole ride. We arrived at my company without talking! Nakakasama lang ng loob. Nadamay pa ako sa kasalanan ng lalaking panot na 'yun.

I told Blaine that I should talk to Barker alone first and she could come to the lobby after three minutes.

"Well, well, well. Look who's here." I can see him clearly where he was. Ang kintab eh.

"Rayni! Thank goodness."

Lumapit siya sa'kin agad nang makita niya ako. Feeling close yarn?

"That's Ms. Fuentes for you."

"Oh, right. Ms. Fuentes. I need... your help."

I furrowed my brows, "Help? Do we know each other?"

Ang kapal ng mukha eh 'no? I wish he had put it in his hair para kumapal naman.

"Look, I'm sorry I did that last night. I need my company. Please."

I just stare at him emptily. My arms are crossed.

"The police are coming to my office and they will seize everything. I'm really sorry, okay?"

"Why are you asking her for forgiveness?"

He slowly turns his head to our side, "M-Ms. K-Kingsley."

I loved his priceless reaction and his voice was full of fear.

I admit, her presence and that tone will give you chills down your spine. Pero ang hot pa rin niya! How can she do that?

"What did I tell you if I ever saw your face again?"

Mr. Barker's knees gave up and he knelt down in front of her.

I walked toward Bless and Hannah's direction, makikimarites kami. Hindi naman kami malapit na malapit sa dalawa, at least we're 6 feet away from them? Rinig pa din namin kasi tahimik naman sa lobby.

I told Blaine about one of my rules na bawal magrecord ng video or magtake ng photo ang mga staff ko inside the company, so this scene is for our eyes and ears only.

"I-I'm sorry, p-please forgive me. One more chance. Please."

She crouches down and crossed her arms above her knees. Giving him a death stare.

"So, tell me. How did you know that I'll pass out when I drink alcohol?"

"I..." He swallowed. "Just... intuition."

"Intuition..." Blaine nods. "Hmm."

"I'm sorry... please forgive me."

She smirked before standing up, "A deal's a deal, Barker."

"What the..."

"She's really frightening when she's mad." Bless and Hannah whispered.

"What?!" He turned to me. "Ms. Fuentes, please."

"I warned you, even if you say sorry a. billion. times, even if you say please a. f*****g. trillion. times. I f*****g warned you to don't mess with me.... again."

Wow... She's scary. She's not talking to me but I'm breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Okay... okay... I can be your servant... for the rest of my life... just not my company.... please."

"What part of a 'deal's a deal' that you can't understand?" tumawa siya saglit at nag poker face "Leave. Now."

"But I—"

"You heard the lady. Leave or I'll let the police drag you out." I stood next to Blaine.

He didn't say anything and I pulled Blaine away from him.

"Let's go to my office," I whispered in her ear, but she didn't respond. Therefore, I placed my palm on her lower back. "Babe?"

Her face suddenly softened and she looked relaxed right now.

'Yung babe kaya 'yun or 'yung kamay ko sa lower back niya? 'Yun lang pala. Okay. Noted. ?

I escorted her to my office. We were in... I must say comfortable silence all the way here. I think she's still annoyed? Not fully, but subsided.

-----

"Do you want to work here?" I asked 'pag pasok namin dito sa office.

"How about my meetings?" She's squinting her eyes in suspicion.

"Oh... right. Let's work in your office then."