Dangerous Embrace

CHAPTER 13

ISABELLE stood in front of the kitchen counter, carefully arranging the pastries inside a small white box. She had spent almost two hours preparing them. Mabuti na lamang at kaunti lamang ang mga customer sa bakery at nakapagpaalam din siya kay Hazel na makikigamit siya ng kusina.

Mahina siyang napabuga ng hangin habang nakatingin sa pastries na ginawa niya.

She was not trying to impress anyone.

Sa katunayan, ito ang unang beses na gumawa siya ng pastries. Thanks to Hazel’s guidance, she made it.

Her plan at first was to just buy pastries, but that would not be sincere of her. Kaya naman nakiusap siya kay Hazel na turuan siya nito.

And it was enjoyable to make pastries. Ngayon lang niya nalaman dahil ngayon lang naman siya gumawa.

She made pastries for Elliot because she wanted to thank him for taking care of her that night. If not because of Elliot, baka napahamak na siya. But most importantly, for helping her without asking for anything in return.

It wasn’t something she was used to.

People usually expected something from her whenever they did her a favor.

But Elliot hadn’t.

And speaking of Elliot, ilang araw din niyang hindi nakita ang binata mula nang hinatid siya nito noong nakaraang gabi.

Pero mabuti na rin ‘yon dahil sa tuwing nakikita niya ang binata, bumabalik sa kaniyang isipan ang halikan nilang dalawa. It was as clear as day whenever she remembered it.

Isabelle placed the last pastry inside the box and tied a pale ribbon around it.

“Perfect,” Hazel commented from behind her.

Napasinghap si Isabelle nang marinig niya ang boses ng kaniyang kaibigan. Hindi niya kasi ito naramdamang lumapit sa kaniya.

Isabelle turned.

Hazel was now leaning against the kitchen counter, watching her with a knowing smile.

“Ano?”

“Wala.”

“Hazel.”

Tumawa nang mahina si Hazel. “I’m just wondering why you’re making pastries this early. You asked me to teach you and I didn’t ask why. Now, I wanted to know.”

“May pasasalamatan lang ako.”

Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Hazel. “Sino?” Interesadong tanong niya. Isabelle never acted like this.

“Elliot.”

Lumawak ang ngiti ni Hazel. “Oh, it’s him.”

“Hazel, don’t start.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“But your face did.”

Tumawa lang naman si Hazel. “You’re a fashion design graduate, and here you are making pastries.”

Isabelle rolled her eyes and picked up the box. “Alam mo naman na ‘yon ang gusto ng magulang ko na kunin ko.” Tipid siyang ngumiti. “I’m leaving.”

Hazel smiled and waved her hand. “Take care. And tell Mr. Rios to take good care of you.”

Narinig ni Isabelle ang sinabi ng kaibigan, pero hindi na niya ito pinansin.

RIOS GROUP

Nang umapak si Isabelle sa loob ng Rios Group, nakaramdam siya ng kaunting kaba. She had been here before, but that didn’t mean she was comfortable.

The building was enormous, with polished marble floors, glass walls, and employees who seemed to know exactly where they were going.

Unlike her, who was currently holding a pasty box and wondering whether she should turn around.

Kaya naman lumapit siya sa reception desk.

“Good morning, Ma’am. How may I help you?” the receptionist asked.

“Good morning. I’m looking for Mr. Elliot Rios.”

“May appointment po ba kayo?”

Umiling si Isabelle. “Wala, pero puwede bang pakisabi na nandito ako? My name is Isabelle Valencia."

The receptionist typed something on her computer.

“May I know the purpose of your visit, Ms. Valencia?”

Isabelle glanced at the box in her hands.

“I just wanted to give him something.”

The receptionist looked at the pastry box before returning her gaze to Isabelle.

“Please wait for a moment.”

Tumango si Isabelle.

The receptionist picked up the telephone and called the CEO’s office.

Ilang minuto ang nakalipas, bumukas ang pinto ng elevator.

And Elliot’s assistant, Noah Castillo, stepped out.

“Ms. Valencia?”

Humarap si Isabelle. “Yes?”

“I’m Noah Castillo, Mr. Rios’s assistant. Please come with me.”

“Thank you.”

As they walked toward the private elevator, Noah glanced at the box. Tiningnan niya si Ms. Valencia. She seems special to Sir Elliot. Otherwise, Sir Elliot wouldn’t see her.

Sa ilang taong pagtatrabaho niya sa poder nito, alam na niya ang ugali ng boss niya.

Elliot Rios wouldn’t see anyone unless there was an appointment.

But he made an exception for Ms. Valencia.

Sa mga oras na ‘yon, kinakabahan naman si Isabelle dahil hindi niya alam kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon ni Elliot.

What if he was busy?

Before she could overthink it any further, Noah stopped in front of a large office door.

Dalawang beses na kumatok si Noah. “Sir, Ms. Isabelle is here.”

Elliot’s voice came from inside. “Let he in.”

Binuksan ni Noah ang pinto. “Please go in, Ms. Valencia.”

Isabelle politely nodded before stepping inside. Pagpasok niya sa loob, nakita niya si Elliot na nakaupo sa swivel chair nito habang may binabasang dokumento. His sleeves were rolled up, and his attention was fixed on the papers in front of him.

But the moment he looked up and saw her, he stopped.

Isabelle offered a small smile. “Good morning.”

Elliot was stunned to see Isabelle. But he made sure that he wouldn’t look uncool in front of her. Kalmado siyang sumandal sa kaniyang swivel chair. “Morning,” he greeted. “What brings you here?” he asked with a smile.

He wanted to applaud himself because he spoke so calmly despite his heart beating so fast.

Isabelle suddenly became conscious of the pastry box in her hands. “Actually, I came to give you something.”

Sinulyapan ni Elliot ang hawak ni Isabelle na box. “Ano ‘yan?”

“Pastries.”

Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Elliot habang pilit na pinipigilan ang ngiti na gustong kumawala sa kaniyang labi.

“Pastries?”

Tumango si Isabelle. “I made them myself.” She took a deep breath and put down the pastry box on Elliot’s table. “To thank you.”

Elliot looked at her, then at the box. “Thank me?”

Isabelle gave him a look. “For taking care of me that night and not taking advantage of me.”

“I kissed you.”

Namula si Isabelle saka umiwas ng tingin. “At least you didn’t cross the line.”

Ngumiti si Elliot. “Let me ask you one question, Isabelle.” He stood and walked around his desk. He stopped in front of her.

“What q-question?”

“If I really have taken advantage of you that night, will you hate me?”

Napatitig si Isabelle kay Elliot bago tumango. “I will probably hate you.”

Lihim na nakahinga nang maluwang si Elliot. Good thing his mind was lucid at that time. Otherwise, he would have done something he would regret for the rest of his life.

“Thanks for the pastries.” Sabi ni Elliot.

“Y-you’re welcome.”

Elliot carefully untied the ribbon and opened it. Inside were neatly arranged pastries, each one looking freshly baked.

Kumuha si Elliot ng isa. He took a bite. He chewed it slowly before looking at Isabelle. “It’s good.”

Isabelle’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Tumango si Elliot at muling kumagat. He swallowed before speaking. “Thanks for the pastries.” Isinara niya ang pastry box. He looked at her. “Are you free for lunch?”

Isabelle’s smile faded slightly. “Lunch?”

“I haven’t eaten yet.”

Tiningnan ni Isabelle ang suot na wristwatch. “It’s just ten in the morning.”

“I mean, hindi pa ako kumakain ng agahan.”

For unknown reasons, Isabelle felt worried. “Then let’s go.” Nawala na sa isipan niya na dapat lumayo sa mga katulad ni Elliot.

But I think it was already too late for that. And even if that was the reason, she wasn’t ready to let her guard down.

Lihim na ngumiti si Elliot. “Let’s go.”

Isabelle felt something was off but she ignored it and walked out of the office with Elliot.

And then they headed to the nearest restaurant.