DANCING WITH THE VILLAIN

XXI | A Twist

Adriene Constance

Wood Mansion

Hindi siya mapakali habang naglalakad sa harapan ng salamin. Katatapos lang niyang mag-ayos. The make up turned out well. Pinagtiyagaan niya talagang magpractice na mag-ayos gamit ang make-up. Her hair turned out well too. And her dress--she couldn't believe how she looked like while wearing the dress. Ngunit ang mas nakakapagpakaba sa kanya ay ang magaganap na party ngayong gabi. Rhysand failed to tell her that the Woods--the Skulls' enemies--are going to be in the same party. 

She doesn't know if she should be there in the first place. Paano kung magpapatayan silang lahat doon? What would she do? She isn't trained to kill like them. Although tinuruan siya ni Ariela kung paano humawak ng baril. It was just for a short time at hindi niya alam kung maaalala pa niya kung paano iyon gawin.

Natigil siya sa paglalakad at humarap sa salamin. The woman in reflection ia pretty. Prettier than she imagined. Hindi niya alam kung paanong hindi niya natutunang mag-ayos noon whe  she could literally look like this.

Napangiti siya sa kanya g repleksyon and she was satisfied with her look. At abala siya sa pagtingin sa kanyang repleksyon na para bang hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala sa nakikita niya. Kaya naman muntik na siyang mapatalon sa kinatatayuan nang marinig niyang may kumakatok sa kanyang pinto.

Agad siyang naglakad papunta doon at took a deep breath bago niya binuksan ang pinto.

Rhysand Marfori looked glorious. The villains are better than heroes and she might have something to prove it because the man standing in front of her at the moment looked devilishly handsome. And it was unfair because villains are supposed to be a menace. Ngunit habang nakatingin siya sa lalaki ay hindi niya mapigilang mamangha.

"You're all set?" tanong nito sa kanya and she swallowed hard before she nodded.

Kinuha niya ang kanyang bag and her gloved hand clung around his arm when he offered. Nang makasalay sila sa kotse ay napatingin siya sa lalaki.

"Why did you pick me to be your date tonight?" tanong niya rito.

Rhysand looked at her before starting the car and drove. Then he said, "Why not?"

Adriene blinked. "Well, because that woman in my next room is someone whom you slept with, and shouldn't she be the better choice?"

Natahimik ang lalaki saglit ngunit maya-maya pa ay sumagot ito. "We arent in a relationship for me to give orders to him to accompany me."

"She wiuld have liked it though," saad niya na halos bulong niya ngunit alam niyang narinig iyon ng asawa niya.

"How do you know about me and that neighbor of yours?"

Crap.

Realizing she can't escape anymore she nodded. "I saw you come inside looking wasted," she said.

"So you saw me," he said, a small smirk on his lips. "Why did you pretend you didn't? You just walked past—"

"So you saw me too?" tanong niya sa lalaki which only earned a shrug. 

He didn't even look flustered and said, "I did. But I was busy doing something else." 

Right. Saw that. Saad niya sa kanyang isip. She leaned back on her seat and just heaved a sigh. Saka naman niya naalala ang sinabi ni Rhysand. 

Agad naman siyang napalingon sa lalaki. "You said you have something for me to do. Ano iyon?" tanong niya sa lalaki. 

"Malalaman mo rin mamaya," saad nito sa kanya ngunit hindi ito nakatingin sa kanya. 

And maybe it was her nervousness about what is about to happen that she decided not to say something anymore. She leaned back on her seat and closed her eyes, mentally preparing herself. 

Matapos ang isang oras na biyahe ay nalaman nalang niya na nakarating na sila sa venue ng party. It was a mansion and perhaps the question was so obvious on her face dahil nabasa iyon ni Rhysand. 

"This is owned by Gulliver Wood," saad ng lalaki. Napalingon siya kay Rhysand. 

"Gulliver Wood? His men attacked your pub," saad niya sa lalaki. Hindi man lang ito nasurpresa na para bang it was something that happens usually. 

Rhysand just offered his arm to her and she immediately clung to him. They went inside the mansion and she instantly knew trouble is brewing kaya naman agad na niyang inisip kung ano ang gagawin niya once trouble begins. 

"This is obviously a trap," saad niya nang makarating sila sa harap ng pintuan. 

Rhysand just gave her a sideward glance before he said, "That's  why we came." 

"We?" tanong niya. Ngunit bago pa man makasagot si Rhysand ay naramdaman naman na lang niya na may nakatayo sa gilid nila. Nang tingnan niya kung sino iyon, ay hindi na siya nasurpresa. 

"This dress will kill me," saad ni Aurora sa tabi niya. 

"You can't wear trousers in here, sorry to say," saad naman ni Sid na nasa tabi ni Rhysand. 

"I shouldn't have come here," Marcus said behind them. 

"Oh, shush. The Corocans are also here. The Woods are not stupid enough to cause trouble if they know the Corocans and Skulls are already one team," saad naman ni Eliza na nakatayo sa harapan nila. 

Then Eliza looked at them over their shoulders before she said, "Let's go." 

And then the doors opened revealing the posh foyer of the mansion. All she could see is gold--the columns are gold, the chandeliers are gold, even the people inside are sparkling with elegance. Hindi niya alam kung sino ang ang kaaway at sino ang hindi ngunit nang makapasok sila doon ay agad lumingon ang mga bisita sa gawi nila. As if they have been waiting for the Marforis to come. And now that they have come, everybody's eyes are on them. She instantly knew that they are going to be watched for the whole duration of the party.

Maya-maya pa ay biglang may lumapit sa kanila. Some exchanged greetings with Eliza as though they have known each other their whole lives. Bago pa man sumama si Eliza mga babaeng bumati dito kanina ay tiningnan muna niya ang magkakakapatid na para bang  sinasabihan na huwag gumawa nang kung ano mang makakasira ng gabi nilang lahat. Eliza especially eyed Sid and Marcus and the boys juat raised their arms defensively.

"I'm going to get a drink," saad naman ni Aurora at hindi na hinintay ang sagot ng mga kapatid at naglakad papalayo. Ang akala niya ay aalis ang babae ngayong araw but from what she has heard in the sitting room yesterday, it seems like Aurora has changed her mind. Narinig niya rin na ikakasal si Marcus sa isa sa mga tinatawag nilang Corocans.

"Me too," saad naman ni Marcus at agad na naglakad papalayo.

"Are thr Corocans here yet?" Sid asked beside Rhysand.

"They're here," said Rhysand habang nakatingin sa ikalawang palapag ng mansyon. Nang sundan niya ang paningin nito ay doon niya nakita ang isang lalaking nakaputing tuxedo. Perhaps he's the only one wearing white and from what she could see, the man likes to stand out.

Lumingon ang lalaki sa gawi nila at saka ngumisi. Agad naman itong nagpaalam sa kausap nito bago naglakad papunta sa kung nasaan sila.

"Oh, f**k me. I can't bear to hear him talk, Rhys. Ikaw na bahala sa kanya," saad ni Sid at agad naglakad papalayo. Narinig niya nalang na nagpakawala si Rhysand ng buntong-hininga.

"Who is he?" tanong ni Adriene habang nakatingin sa lalaking pababa mg hagdan. He was grinning from ear to ear na para bang marami siyang alam na hindi alam ng iba.

"Alexander Corocan. The head of the Corocan family expanding in the West."

"So you are allies now?"

"We have to," saad ng lalaki. Magtatanong pa sana siya nang nasa harapan na agad nila ang lalaki.

And as he stood in front of her, she could clearly see the naught in his eyes. At nang pasadahan siya nito ng tingin, tumayo ang balahibo niya kaya naman humigpit ang hawak niya sa braso ni Rhysand.

"It's always a delight to see you, Rhysand," bati ng lalaki at saka bumalik ang tingin nito sa kanya. "And who—pray tell—is this gorgeous lady beside you?"

Adriene granted the man a smile at saka inabot ang kanyang kamay. "I'm Adriene Constance. His date for tonight."

Ngunit nagulat nalang siya nang kunin ng lalaki ang kamay niya saka ito bahagyang yumuko para halikan ang likod nito. And then he looked at her, his lips curved into a playful grin as if he would do something anytime. But despite the warning bells inside her head, hindi niya binawi ang kamay niya. Instead, she maintained a calm smile.

"I am Alexander Corocan. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Adriene." He straightened his back at hindi pa rin natatanggal ang tingin nito sa kanya. Ngunit narinig niyang tumikhim si Rhysand na nasa gilid niya kaya naman napatingin doon si Alexander.

"The wedding is next month. Should we decide where it should be held?" Rhysand interrupted.

"It is all up to you, Rhysand. My sister doesn't mind." Ngisi ng lalaki. He then gestured his hand towards where the other visitors are and they followed. Pinakilala sila ni Alexander sa mga kakilala nito and the others already knee who Rhysand Marfori is. And they were not so curious about her. So far, it was only Alexander who paid her attention. Maski partner niya ay hindi man lang siya pinuri sa suot niyang dress na binili nito. But then again, ano pa bang aasahan niya sa lalaki?

They spent the first part of the night talking to everyone Alexander knows. It's not like she doesn't like it. Napapagod lang siya kakangiti sa mga bisita. Until they were face to face with a man. Despite the tuxedo he was wearing, kitang-kita niya ang tattoo nito sa kamay that probably extends to the rest of his arm. And the condescending look he has on his face tells her immediately who the man is.

"And here's Gulliver Wood," Alexander said and gestured to the man in front of them. The man's piercings glinted under the lights. Ngumisi ang lalaki sa kanila and when his eyes landed on Rhysand, a knowing smile plastered across his lips.

"Finally," he said and then extended his hand na para bang hindi ito nagpadala ng mga tauhan nito para atakihin ang Grande. "I am glad you came, Mr. Marfori."

Rhysand was silent for a moment ngunit maya-maya pa ay kinuha nito ang kamay ng lalako and did a handshake. She stopped the urge to roll her eyes.

Kaya naman palang makipagplastikan ng mga lalaki. Saad niya sa kanyang isip.

At nang mapunta sa kanya ang atensyon ng lalako ay lumapad amg ngiti nito. Inabot ng lalaki ang kanyang kamay saka ito nagpakilala sa kanya.

She took the handshake and smiled. "Adriene Constance."

"Adriene," he said, letting her name roll om his tongue at hindi rin tumakas sa mga maya niya kung paano siya nito pasadahan ng tingin. Ngunit nanatili siyang nakangiti rito.

"I'm surprised you still have time to prepare this grand party, Mr. Wood," Rhysand started and sipped on his glass. Tumingin naman sina Gulliver at Alexander sa kanya. "Considering what you have been ordering your men to do, ypu muat be quite busy."

Hindi pala lahat kayang makipagplastikan. She thought and sipped om her wine when she felt the tension growing. Nabasag lang iyon nang magsalita si Alexander.

"Well, I have some other matters to do so I should leave you both," paalam ni Alexander bago ito umalis. Naiwan naman silang tatlo hanggang sa nagpaalam na rin si Gulliver sa kanila.

"I hope I'd see you soon, Mr. Marfori," saad nito. Tumingin ito saglit sa kanya bago ito umalis.

***

Aurora Marfori

Somewhere inside the mansion

Kanina pa siya naghihintay sa isang bakanteng kwarto. Hindi niya alam kung ilang minuto na but it felt like forever. She couldn't hear a single sound from the party down below. Although if she opens the door or if somebody opens it, she would hear the faint music.

Ngunit kanina pa siya doon at hindi pa rin nagbubukas ang pinto. She was pacing the room back and forth, wringing her hands dahil kanina pa siya nininerbiyos.

Sa totoo lang ay hindi siya sigurado sa gagawin niya ngayong gabi. It was something she thought about for so many times at iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit hindi natuloy ang pag-alis niya ngayong araw. She had planned about what she had to do. And she had to do it overnight. Even breaking up with her boyfriend dahil alam na niyang hindi na siya makakaalis sa Sinclaire. Not after what she had planned to do. Gagawin niya ang lahat para matupad ang pinaplano niya.

Nang bumukas ang pinto ay agad siyang napatingin only to be greeted by a gun pointed at her. Agad na itinaas niya ang kanyang mga kamay habang nakatingin sa lalaking kararating lang.

He closed the door behind him and stepped closer. Alam niyang hindi magdadalawang-isip ang lalaki na barilin siya kung sakaling gagawa siya ng mali kaya naman hindi siya gumalaw sa kinatatayuan niya.

"Anong kailangan ng isang Aurora Marfori sa akin?" tanong ng lalaki habang naglalakad papalapit sa kanya. Nakatutuok pa rin sa kanya ang baril nito and one wrong move would lead to her death. She has to do it fast and clear.

"I want you to marry me," saad niya sa lalaki. Despite the darkness, kitang-kita niya ang gulat sa mga mata nito matapos niyang sabihin iyon. She took his silence her opportunity to continue.

"I don't want my brother marrying your sister. I know he did something to your family years ago but—"

"How noble," Alexander Corocan said. "Sacrificing yourself to save your brother. It was part of his punishment, you know. Marrying my sister is his punishment."

"My brother has already apologized. You don't need to punish him. And since you regard that as a punishment, you must have also known him to be —"

"I know his gender identity very well."

"And you also realize you are also punishing your sister if you force her to marry someone who wouldn't like her no matter what," she said, her voice stern.

Alexander was silent ngunit nakatutok pa rin sa kanya ang baril nito.

"And besides, you gave us a choice. Either Marcus marries your sister or I marry you. I want to choose me. I want to marry you."

Alexander looked at her at maya-maya pa ay binaba nito ang baril at saka tumingin sa kanya.

And then he scoffed. "Marry me?"

"Isn't that part of the choices you gave? Now I am making the choice—"

"Does your brother know about this?" tanong ng lalaki sa kanya and she just shrugged.

"I don't need to let them know. This is my life."

Alexander's eyes narrowed at her and yet his lips still curved. "You like to be in control, I see."

She looked at him, waiting for his decision. And then he said, "How sure am I that you're not going to f**k it all up?"

Natahimik naman siya sa sinabi ng lalaki, thinking of any way to prove herself to Alexander. Then Alexander steppd closer to her dahilan para mapatingin siya dito.

"Who's to say you're not going to run away and leave me wifeless?" 

Aurora swallowed hard before she said, "I could love you." Tumaas ang kilay ng lalaki. "I could learn to love you." 

"I almost killed your brother, dear," he said at laking gulat nalang niya nang bigla siya nitong isandal sa pader. "And I can be very disrespectful." He leaned closer, almost sniffing her. "Will you still learn to love me?" 

But Aurora managed to look at him in the eye and said, "I am free to kill you should you try and do something funny to me. After all, wives could do that." 

"Did you just admit that you're going to kill me?" tanong nito sa kanya and she knew it was a challenge. She knew it was her chance to prove herself. 

"I would. But only if you give me a reason to. But if you...if you try your best not to do something that might cause me to kill you then we're both fine." 

Naningkit ang mga mata ng lalaki habang naktinign sa kanya. "You do realize you are tying yourself to me--" 

"I have thought about it, Mr. Alexander. And my decision is final." 

Alexander looked at her for a moment bago ito tumango. He was about step back when she wrapped her arms around his waist dahilan para mapatinging ang lalaki sa kanya. 

"And I plan to make you fall in love with me too," she said and looked at him in the eye. Saka naman tumawa ang lalaki. 

"Darling, that would be impossible but do your best," he said and was about to remove her hands from his waist when she tiptoed and reached to kiss his lips. It was just a gentle touch at first dahil masyadong matangkad ang lalaki para sa kanya. Ngunit nang tingnan niya ito ay nakatingin lang din ang lalaki sa kanya--halatang nagulat sa ginawa niya kanina. 

Realizing what she did, she stepped back, embarrassed. Ngunit nagulat na lamang siya nang buhatin siya ng lalaki at pinaupo sa mesang naroon. Before she could even say something, he braced his hands on both her sides, and then he leaned closer. 

"Now you can do it properly," he said and smirked as he saw how she got flustered. 

"What?" 

"Kiss me again. But this time, do it properly," he said and looked at her. And there was something in his voice that made her obliged. 

And the next thing she knew, she was kissing Alexander hard. 

* * *