His Personal Slave

CHAPTER 7

I was humming again.

I didn't even realise it at first, not until Nanay Rose shot me a look that said less noise, more slicing. Still, I couldn't help it. There was something in the air today, maybe it was the aroma of the roast or the quiet buzz of anticipation settling in the pit of my stomach. After days of preparation and whispered conversations, the young master's parents were finally arriving.

Narito na naman pala ako sa kusina at dahil nakumbinsi ko si nanay Rose kaya hinayaan niya akong tumulong, iyon nga lang ay bantay sarado naman. Two years din na nasa ibang bansa ang mag asawang Creed. Umuuwi naman sila pero kadalasan ay laging sa opisina ang diretso at 'di na sumasaglit dito. Two years na rin ang lumipas nang huli ko silang nakita at nakausap. Though I know they're keeping tabs on me through Sebastian.

Nasa kalagitnaan na ako nang paghihiwa nang biglang dumating si ate Tessa na bahagyang humahangos.

"Nay Rose, andito na sila Ma'am at Sir!"

I froze. My fingers were still sticky with onion and the apron I wiped them on was already a mess, but none of that mattered now. My heart kicked up its pace as I followed Ate Tessa and a few of the other helpers out of the kitchen and toward the front. And then I saw them. They hadn't even stepped out of the car fully yet, but even from here, they looked exactly how I imagined—regal, elegant, almost unreal. Athena Creed's posture alone could silence a room, poised and commanding, while her husband, Cadmus Creed, carried the kind of presence that seemed to fill every corner of it without even trying.

Nalipat ang atensyon ko sa binatang nasa harap nila. The young master, Saint Angelus Creed stood by the car, speaking to them, stiff and distant. Even from a distance, I could tell—he wasn't in the mood. He rarely was, but with them, it was different. Colder. Detached. Like he was somewhere else entirely, behind a wall only he could see.

The helpers, those who weren't occupied, had gathered to welcome them, and I quietly moved closer too. Everyone seemed cheerful, offering warm greetings that the couple graciously returned. I didn't say anything—I just stood there, waiting for them to notice me. Unang nakapansin sa akin ay si Athena Creed and as usual, mabait ang ngiti niya sa akin. Bahagya pa siyang lumapit kaya pati ang asawa niya ay napatingin na rin sa akin.

"Welcome back po." Magalang kong sabi at bahagyang ngumiti. Nakaramdam tuloy ako ng hiya nang makita ko ang maganda niyang sandals na siguradong hindi man lang nakaapak sa lupa. Alam kong mukha akong basahan ngayon.

I heard the young master click his tongue, but he didn't say anything.

Napasinghap ako nang bigla akong niyakap ng ginang. Magaan ang yakap niya sa 'kin at sa likod niya ay nakita ko and señorito na masama na ang tingin sa akin.

"How are you, Tahlia?" Tanong ni Athena Creed nang kumalas sa yakap sa akin.

"Mabuti naman po." Magalang kong sagot.

I couldn't help but feel nervous around them. Even though they had decided to adopt me and treated me like family, I hadn't really gotten close to them. Most of the time, they were out of the country, so the person I ended up growing close to was their grumpy son.

"We're a bit tired, so we'll just rest for a while. Let's catch up later at dinner." Nakangiti niyang sabi na tinanguan ko naman.

Cadmus Creed lightly tapped my shoulder, and I bowed slightly as a sign of respect before he turned to follow his wife. A moment later, Sebastian dismissed the helpers, and I was about to head back inside when someone suddenly pulled me with such force that I stumbled forward—straight into a chest that felt like a solid wall. Then, without a word, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist.

"Master."

Magkasalubong ang may kakapalan niyang mga kilay at masama ang tingin sa akin.

"How dare you lower your head at them, Tahlia." Angil niya sa akin.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko habang nakatingin sa makinis niyang mukha. Galit talaga siya. Napabuntong hininga ako at humawak sa malapad niyang dibdib. Sinubukan ko siyang itulak pero walang epekto dahil humihigpit lang ang pagkakalupot ng mga braso niya sa akin. Bakit ba ang hilig niya sa ganito?

"I was simply showing respect, master. They are the heads of this house, and you know how deeply I respect your parents." Mahinahon kong sagot.

Lalong dumiin ang tingin niya sa akin. At this point, hindi na ako magugulat kong bigla niya akong bubuhatin saka ihahagis. Kaya napakurap ako ng ilang beses nang binitawan niya ako at nagtatagis ang bagang na naglakad paalis.

Naiwan akong nakatanga sa papalayo nilang likod. I let out a deep breath the moment his tall figure and broad back disappeared from view. I've been with him for years, and yet, I still haven't gotten used to his grumpy temperament. Saint Angelus Creed is like a ticking bomb—one wrong move and he could go off. Over time, I've learnt to read him, memorised his triggers like the prayers we were forced to recite every day at that crumbling orphanage. And yet, no matter how much I think I know him, there are still things that set him off—things I can't predict, no matter how hard I try.

I sighed and went back inside. I knew he wouldn't be in the living room, but a small part of me still expected to see him there—grumpily waiting for me like a kid. I mean, that's usually what happens. But not today, I guess. Not now that his parents are here.

Dumiretso na lang ulit ako sa kusina para muling tumulong. Masaya ang lahat at sentro ng usapan ang mag asawang dumating. Everyone's been guessing how many days they'll actually stay this time. Days because realistically, that's all we ever get. They're a busy couple, after all. They own chain after chain of high-end businesses, and they're at the helm of one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Asia. Their presence is always fleeting, like a gust of wind—felt strongly, then gone before you can even settle into it.

From where I stand, as someone who wasn't born into this life, it makes sense. Their absence is understandable. They're people whose work holds weight in the world, whose decisions ripple far beyond this mansion's gates. So, them being constantly away isn't something I can resent. In fact, I've conditioned myself not to. I've long accepted that I'm on the outer ring of their world, orbiting quietly in the background. Not seeing them for years, not hearing directly from them—ay hindi isang bagay na may malaki o mabigat na epekto sa akin. It's just how things are when you're not really part of the core, at para sa akin ayos lang 'yon.

The helpers, though—those who were raised and supported by the Creeds—have a different kind of attachment. I see it in their eyes, in the way they light up at the couple's arrival, how they straighten their posture and smile wider. The Creeds have changed their lives. Fed them, clothed them, given them stability and pride in their work. Their excitement today isn't just from duty—it's gratitude, loyalty, even love. And in many ways, I share that with them. I've been given so much too.

So yes, most of us here move with the same rhythm of admiration and understanding. We know our place. We know how rare moments like these are. But not everyone in this mansion feels the same way. Not everyone sees their return as something to look forward to.

Nang matapos ako sa naka-assign na gawain sa akin ay bumalik na ako sa kwarto. Naligo lang ako saglit at nagbihis ng kumportableng damit. Wala na rin gaanong gawain at marami naman sila sa labas kaya mas pinili kong 'wag na makigulo pa. Three hours before dinner—I had just enough time to either succumb to boredom or find something worthwhile to do. I chose the latter and spent the hours studying. I managed to finish reviewing past lessons, caught up with the current ones, kaya ngayon ay mag a-advance study na ako sa mga susunod na lessons.

Eksaktong alas siete nang kumatok si ate Tessa. Mabilis ang mga naging kilos ko.

"Maghahapunan na. Kasama ako sa nakatokang mag-serve ngayon." Tila excited niyang sabi. Ang alam ko may malubhang sakit ang nakababata niyang kapatid at labas masok ito ng libre sa isa sa mga ospital na pagmamay ari ng pamilyang 'to.

Naikuyom ko ang mga kamao ko nang makitang naka upo na ang lahat maliban sa akin. Kahit ang señorito na hindi maipinta ang mukha ay naro'n na rin.

"Pasensya na po, hindi ko namalayan ang oras."

"Oh, it's fine, Tahlia. Rose said you were probably engrossed in studying. Come, have a seat and let's eat." Nakangiting sabi ni Athena Creed.

Tumango naman ako at naupo. Katapat ko ngayon ang señorito na nasa aking ang buong atensyon.

"How are you, hija? We've heard a lot from Sebastian, but we want to hear it from you. How's your studies? Are you not having a hard time at your new university?" Tanong ni Cadmus Creed.

The young master really took after his father in appearance. I can already picture what he'll look like once he reaches Cadmus Creed's age—sharp features, commanding presence, that same unreadable stare. And while Mr. Creed has a naturally domineering aura, I've also seen how he treats his people—with fairness, even a quiet kind of care beneath all that power. I can't help but wonder if the young master inherited that side of him too. He's not exactly cruel—not unless he's in one of his asshole modes—but there's always a wall, always a tension in how he carries himself around others.

"My first week went well, I was able to adjust right away. Also, I want to sincerely thank you for giving me the chance to study at such a prestigious university, and for all the support you've given me along the way."

The young master, sitting across from me, didn't say a word—but I noticed how his knuckles turned white from gripping his utensils too tightly. I didn't even have to look at his handsome face to know he was glaring. I have no idea what exactly is making him mad, all I know is, he's always like this whenever his parents are here.

Napansin kong napasulyap si Athena Creed sa kan'yang anak. Umangat ang gilid ng kan'yang labi para sa isang maliit na ngiti.

"And how's our son, Tahlia."

The young master dropped his utensils with a sharp clatter, then turned to glare at his mother—who, in contrast, was smiling warmly at me.

"Why the hell are you asking her that?"

Humarap sa kan'ya ang kan'yang ina na nakangiti pa rin at wala man lang negatibong reaksyon sa pinapakitangkagaspangan ng ugali ng kan'yang anak. Minsan talaga napapaisip ako kung siya ba talaga ang nagluwal sa lalaking nasa harapan ko. Well, though Saint clearly takes after his father in appearance, some of his features are undeniably from his mother. I just can't help but think it would've been a whole lot better if he inherited her attitude too.

"Well, I doubt you'll give me an honest answer—or any answer at all—if it's you I'm asking, my son." Sagot ni Athena Creed na lalong ikinagusot ng mukha ng kan'yang anak.

Dinner was...I don't even know how to describe it. Tense, maybe—that kind of quiet tension that sits heavy in the air. And of course, the source of it all was the one person named Saint, who acts anything but. As usual, his parents didn't seem the least bit affected by his mood. It's like they've grown used to it, sabagay lagi naman siyang ganiyan.

Matagal akong nakatulog dahil inimbitahan pa ako ni Athena Creed na samahan siyang tumambay sa may pool area. Nangungumusta lang naman siya at nagkwento ng kung ano-ano.

Madaling araw na siguro nang magising ako dahil sa uhaw. Lumabas ako ng kwarto at dumiretso sa kusina. Tahimik na ang buong mansion at alas tres na rin pala. Pabalik na sana ako sa kwarto nang marinig kong bumukas ang malaking entrance door. Out of curiosity ay dali dali akong pumunta ro'n. Kaagad na namillog ang mga mata ko nang makita ang dalawang guard na nakatoka sa gabi na inaalalayan ang lupaypay na si Saint.

Kaagad akong tumakbo palapit at nagulat pa nga ang dalawang guard na gising pa pala ako.

"Anong nangyari sa kan'ya?" Tanong ko at sumubok ding alalayan ang lalaki. Napangiwi pa ako nang maamoy ko ang alak sa hininga niya.

"Lasing na lasing po si sir, ma'am."

Halata nga.

"Paano siya nakauwi? Sinong naghatid sa kan'ya?"

Sa estado niya ngayon na halos hindi makatayo ng maayos at siguradong kung hindi hahawakan ay babagsak sa sahig, imposibleng nakapag-drive pa siya pauwi.

"Miss Erika called my number using the young master's phone, asking me to come get him as he was dead drunk. Apparently, she couldn't drive him home because he flat-out refused." Ang kakapasok lang na si Sebastian ang sumagot. "Pakidala siya sa kan'yang silid."

Nakahinga naman ako ng malalim do'n saka tahimik na sumunod sa kanila paakyat sa kwarto ng lalaki. Umalis ulit papuntang ibang bansa ang mag asawa kanina kaya siguradong kay Sebastian na nila malalaman 'to.

Pinahiga ng dalawang guard ang señorito sa kama nito bago naunang lumabas. Lumapit naman ako at sinimulang tanggalin ang kan'yang mga sapatos.

"I'll leave the young master to your care, Miss Lia." Paalam ni Sebastian bago lumabas.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako.

Nang matapos kong tanggalin ang kan'yang mga sapin sa paa ay sinunod ko naman ang kaniyang t shirt, medyo nahirapan pa ako dahil kailangan ko siyang iangat pero ang bigat bigat niya. Sana pala nakisuyo na lang ako sa dalawang guard na hubaran siya...on the second thought, mabuti na lang pala at hindi ko ginawa 'yon. Walang ibang pwedeng maghubad sa lalaking 'to.

Napalunok ako nang tumambad na sa akin ang hubad niyang itaas. Ilang beses ko ng nakita pero napapahanga pa rin talaga ako. Huminga ako ng malalim bago sinimulang tanggalin ang kaniyang pang ibaba. Balak ko sanang pagsabayin ang dalawa paara isahang hubad na lang kasi ang hirap at nakakapagod maghila. Pero mas lalo lang yata akong nahirapan dahil ayaw itong mahila. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako habang nakatingin sa bukol sa gitna ng kaniyang mga hita. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang hirap hilahin pababa ang kaniyang mga suot dahil sumasabit dito.

Wala akong ibang choice kung 'di ang ipasok ang kamay ko sa loob ng boxers na suot niya at hawakan ang bagay na 'yon. The thing pulsed the moment it felt my touch—I'm almost certain it grew, harder and bigger beneath my fingers.

Maingat ko iyong inihiga at gamit ag isang kamay ay muling ibinaba ang kaniyang jeans and boxers. Nagtagumpay ako. Kinuha ko ang mga nahubad niya at nilagay sa laundry basket bago kumuha ng pamalit. Kumuha na rin ako ng maligamgam na tubig at malambot na pamunas.

He was a bit sweaty, his skin glistening faintly under the soft light, so I adjusted the temperature in the room to make him more comfortable. Then, with a clean towel in hand, I began to gently wipe his body. I started from his flawless face—his brows relaxed, lips slightly parted in sleep—before moving down to his neck, where beads of sweat clung to his warm skin. His collarbones were sharp and defined, leading to a broad chest that rose and fell with steady breaths. As I continued downward, I traced the faint lines of muscle along his torso, wiping over his firm chest and toned stomach. His skin was warm to the touch, smooth and solid beneath my fingers. He would stir every now and then, shifting slightly, but he never woke up. Mukhang marami rami talaga ang nainom niya.

Napalunok ako nang ang ibabang bahagi na naman ng katawan niya ang aasikasuhin ko. Dumikit na yata ang mga mata ko sa p*********i niyang buhay na buhay. Tayong tayo ito at talagang lumagpas na sa pusod niya. Kung gaano ka tulog ang alaga ay ganoon naman ka gising ang alaga.

Sinimulan ko na rin itong punasan. Maingat na maingat ang bawat galaw ko na para bang isang maling kilos ay tutuklawin ako nito. Kung galit na galit na kanina ay parang mas lalo pa yata ngayon. Gumagalaw ito sa bawat haplos ko. I was startled when he suddenly grabbed it and began stroking, his movements slow but deliberate. For a moment, I thought he had woken up, but when I looked at his face, his brows were furrowed, jaw clenched tight. Despite the tension in his expression, I could tell he was still asleep.

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako titingin. Kung sa kamay ba niya na mabilis ang ginagawang pagtataas baba sa alaga niya o sa mukha niyang bahagyang pawisan at nakasimangot na akala mo'y galit pero alam kong nasasarapan naman.

Nakagat ko ang aking ibabang labi nang makita ang puting butil na lumandas mula sa nangingintab na dulo ng kan'yang nag uumigting na p*********i. Lalo yata itong nagalit dahil naglabasan na ang mga ugat nito. Para na itong bulkan na nagbabadyang sumabog.

"f**k Tahlia..." He groaned like a wounded animal, his voice thick with something that almost sounded like agony—raw and trembling, as if he were enduring something unbearable. But I knew it wasn't pain coursing through him. Not when, moments later, I felt the sudden warmth of liquid land on my bare legs, confirming exactly what he was feeling.

Binitawan niya ang kaniyang p*********i na tumutulo pa at bago pa man bumagsak ang kaniyang kamay sa kama ay mabilis ko itong inabot saka pinunasan. I looked at his face again—still deep in sleep, his brows still furrowed as if caught in a dream he couldn't escape. Wala man lang siyang ka idi-idiya kung ano ang ginawa niya.

Itinuloy ko na lang ang pagpupunas sa kan'ya at nang susuotan ko na sana siya ng damit ay muli akong napatitig sa p*********i niya. Kahit tulog na ay mukha pa rin itong masungit. Paano kaya siya nakakalakad ng maayos eh may dala dala siyang tatlong mabibigat? ilang beses ko na ring nakumpirma na mas mataba pa ang alaga niya sa braso ko kaya tuwing isinusubo niya 'to sa 'kin ay hirap na hirap ako eh.

Napatingin ako sa pamalit niya na hinanda ko. Pa'no ko nga ba siya bibihisan eh ang bigat bigat niya tapos ang laki niya pang tao? Siguro ay 'wag na lang total mas gusto naman niyang matulog ng walang suot.

Inayos ko na lang ang kumot niya para kahit papaano ay hindi naka-display ang hubad niyang katawan pero bigla naman siyang humawak sa pulsohan ko.

"Tahlia..." Ungol niya habang nakapikit pa rin.

"Aayusin ko lang ang kumot mo."

"Sleep here..." Muli niyang bulong at mas humigpit pa ang hawak sa akin.

Hindi ako pwedeng matulog dito ngayon. Matagal siyang magising sa umaga at kapag natutulog ako sa tabi niya ay ayaw na ayaw niyang wala ako sa tabi niya pag nagigising siya. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit sa tuwing dito ako sa kwarto niya ay tinatanghali rin ako ng bangon.

"Hindi pwede kasi may pasok tayo bukas."

His red lips pouted slightly as he slowly opened his sleepy eyes. Dumiretso ang tingin niya sa 'kin.

"Sleep here tonight, Tahlia."

"Hindi nga pwede kasi—"

"Please? Promise behave lang ako." He spoke like a sweet little boy asking his mother for candy—soft, pleading, almost innocent. He promised he'd behave, probably thinking I was saying no because I didn't wanmt him touching me tonight, as if the idea of him doing those things would ever trouble me.

Paano ba ako hihindi sa kan'ya? hihindi ako pero sa huli alam kong papayag ako sa lahat ng hihilingin niya sa 'kin.

Dahan dahan akong nahiga sa tabi niya at hindi pa man umiinit ang hinihigaan ko ay hinila niya na ako kaya sumubsob ang mukha ko sa matigas niyang dibdib. Sobrang pamilyar na sa akin ang init ng buong katawan niya kaya wala sa sarili akong napapikit. Muli lang ding napadilat nang sinimulan niyang hubarin ang pang itaas ko. Basta niya na lang itinapon ang shirt ko saka dumausdos pababa hanggang nasa bandang dibdib ko na ang kaniyang mukha.

Naitikom ko nang mariin ang bibig ko nang tuksuhin ng kaniyang dila ang tuktok ng dibdib ko habang sinisimulan nang imasahe ang isa. Isang singhap ang kumawala sa akin nang tuluyan na nga niyang ikinulog sa kaniyang bibig ang dibdib ko. Damang dama ko ang nakakapasong init ng kaniyang malikot na dila.

Tumingin siya sa akin habang tuloy lang sa ginagawa. He looked so sleepy, his eyes half-lidded and heavy, yet beneath that drowsiness, I could see it—something sharp and unsettlled. He was annoyed.

"Galit ka ba kasi umalis na naman agad ang mga magulang mo?" Tanong ko habang sinisimulang haplusin ang malambot niyang buhok.

He snorted and rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. I could tell it was one of the reasons he was upset—but not the only one. If this were the thirteen-year-old Saint Angelus, I'd say that alone would've been enough to set him off. But now...it's no longer the sole reason. There's more bemeath it.

"They never should've come back here. Not now. Not ever."

Napasimangot ako at mahinang pinisil ang tenga niya kaya tumalim ang tingin niya sa 'kin.

"Huwag ka ngang magsabi ng gan'yan. Mga magulang mo sila."

Pumalatak lang siya at isinubsob ang mukha sa dibdib ko. Yumakap din siya ng mahigpit sa akin.

"I hate them, Tahlia. You know the young Saint despised them for always being away, for leaving me alone in this damn golden cage. But this Saint—this version of me—hates them even more for coming back." Bulong niya sa aking dibdib.

Hindi ako nagsalita at naghintay lang na may sabihin ulit siya pero bahagya lang siyang umatras para makita ang mukha ko.

"I hate that they came back, because the second they showed up, you were all about them. I saw your face light up, how excited you were to talk—even though you tried to play it cool. You were so into everything they said, hanging on every word, jumping to respond. The whole dinner, you looked at me like five times—five—because they had all your attention."

I froze.

For a moment, I wasn't even sure I heard him right. My heart skippewd a beat, then started racing, louder than the silemnce that followed his words. Did he really just say that? My mouth parted slightly, but no sound came out. I didn't know what to say. I didn't even know what to feel—shocked, confused, guilty? Namangha ako. I didn't think he noticed those things.

"Master..." Ang tanging salitang lumabas sa bibig ko dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin.

His expression darkened instantly, like a shadow falling over his face. It was as if something I said—or didn't say—had flipped a switch in him.

"Yeah, that's right." He said, voice low and tense. "I'm your master. Your one and only. So tell me, Tahlia—why did you give them more of your attention than me?"

Napalunok ako. Bakit ko nga ba nakalimutang ayaw na ayaw niyang may iba akong mas pinagtutuunan ng pansin maliban sa kan'ya?

That's right. He's my only one—the saint of all sins, the one who pulled me from the depths of darkness and wrapped me in the safety of his shadows.

"Remember, Tahlia—it was I who saved you. It was me who gave you shelter, who pulled you from nothing and made you into something. Everything you are now, everything you have, it's all because of me."

My heart felt like it doubled its pace, racing wildly because of his words and the way he looked at me. There was something terrifying in his gaze, something that made it hard to breahte. It was as if one wrong word from me, one wrong move, and he wouldn't hesitate to snap my neck.

"Yes, Master."

He smiled, clearly satisfied with my answer. And that smile—so radiant, so composed—it looked almost divine, like something carved from light itself. In that moment, he seemed utterly untouchable, as if he were incapable of ever speaking a cruel word or bearing even a trace of darkness.

Umusog siya hanggang sa magpantay ang mga mukha namin bago ako hinila at pinaunan sa kan'yang braso. Iniyakap niya rin sa kan'yang katawan ang braso ko bago yumakap sa aking baywang.

"Matulog na tayo." Bulong niya at mas isiniksik pa ako sa katawan niyang napakainit ant mabango.

"Iyon ba ang dahilan kaya ka naglasing?" Tanong ko habang nakasubsob na naman sa dibdib niya.

"Oo kaya kasalanan mo kapag sumakit ang ulo ko bukas." Angil niya sa 'kin kaya napanguso ako. Akala ko talaga kanina may nangyaring masama sa date nila no'ng Erika.

I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent, letting the warmth of his body wrap around me. I wasn't sure what unsettled me more, the thought that he got drunk because of a fight with his girl, or the things he said to me earlier, raw and unfiltered. Either way, I knew I had no right to pick and choose which parts of him to accept. I had to take it all—the light, the darkness, the chaos—because in the end, I was the one who made him this way.

His Personal Slave

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