Chapter Five

"You little witch! You didn't let me sleep last night!" He rasped at her neck, nuzzling the soft skin. His mouth inched towards her smooth jaw.

"M-mr. Mendez! L-let me go!" Her trembling hands pushed at his shoulders. She evaded his mouth, tilting her head away from him.

"Kiss me again like you did last night." His arms wrapped around her like bands.

"No!" She tried to resist his kiss but it was a losing fight. From the first touch of his lips to her cheek, her head turned unconsciously. Her mouth opened involuntarily, having a mind of its own. Heat scorched her when their lips found each other.

"Yes, do your magic again, witch. Put me under your sweet spell," he whispered encouragingly. He let her breathe for a moment. He mapped the contour of her nose, her eyes, and back to her mouth again.

But it was she who was under his spell. Her blood thickened with desire. Her brain muddled with craving. Her eyes remained closed. She abandoned all her personal rules. She had to experience him one last time.

She embraced him around the shoulder while their tongues entwined. She was on her tiptoes while her breasts rubbed his hairy chest. Her body reveled in its nakedness. She was dimly disconcerted because she didn't sense when their clothes disappeared. She was drunk from his caresses.

She felt light as a feather as though she was floating. When she opened her eyes to slits, they were in a bedroom. He gently laid her on the bed. He rained little kisses on her nose, cheek, and chin. He sipped at her bottom lip, nibbling at their plumpness.

"Lilac," he breathed her name. "I want to taste your lips. I want to unravel the secrets in your eyes."

His body covered hers. His fingers combed back her short hair away from her face. He kissed her eyes one by one.

"When I thought you're a guy... I thought I'll go crazy with wanting you!"

Her palms gloried on the muscles of his shoulders and arms. Her fingers followed the arcing line of his back down to his buttocks. She exulted on the freedom of their bodies. Skin to skin, they stroked and touched.

His hands caressed her breasts, tweaking the tips. Playfully, he kneaded the soft flesh until the rosy pearls appeared. His lips brushed the peaks. Her senses spun and her body rippled.

"Oh..." She moaned softly, biting her under lip.

"Don't bite your lips..." He skimmed the bruised lip with his tongue. He resumed the caressing whips of his tongue on the delicate nipples. He teeth nicked them as though he couldn't help himself. He sucked to soothe the aching tips.

She gripped his head. Her length undulated slowly in response. She couldn't explain the pain and pleasure that coursed throughout her body. Yet she was fast getting addicted to the sensations.

"You have a delicious body." His hands drifted along her waist, her hips... He palmed her bottom. His fingers slid into her inner thighs, separating her legs. "So responsive... So beautiful..."

She didn't hear him. She couldn't hear him. There was a roar in her eardrums. Her pulses reverberated all over her body. Something momentous was going to happen. And she was preparing herself for it.

With her eyes closed so tight, she could see herself standing at a precipice in the dimness of her mind. She knew she was going to jump to the unknown. She had no mind of her own...

A finger slipped inside the center carefully. Her flesh willingly hugged it. It burrowed and delved, seeking and releasing carnal pleasure. A moment later, she stiffened helplessly. Her short nails dug on his back in reaction.

"J-jacob...!" A stuttered moan of his name grazed her hurting throat.

"Oh, Lilac, let me get some protection..." He disentangled her arms from his body after her trembling faded.

Cold air replaced his warm body. She opened heavy-lidded eyes to seek him. She saw him in his full nude form, all the muscled limbs in his lean body. She swallowed her nervousness when he unwrapped a condom. Her eyes shifted to his face. He was watching her. His gaze was devouring her hotly.

"I can't wait..." he stated huskily.

Suddenly, there was a ringing sound. It sounded muffled at first, then becoming louder as it rung repeatedly. She heard him curse as he stood there indecisive.

"Grandma Esme might be calling," he muttered while snatching a towel as he went out of the room.

The mention of his grandmother acted like iced water to Lilac. Her consciousness instantly came back to her. She scrambled off the wide bed. Her wild eyes searched for her clothes while her rubbery legs supported her with difficulty. She found their clothes in the kitchen. Shakily, she donned her jeans and polo. While staggering towards the door, she chucked her underwear in the pocket of her jacket. She swung the knapsack on her shoulder. She had no time to tie the shoelaces of the rubber shoes.

She could hear his voice talking to someone. He sounded frustrated. She stumbled hurriedly as she neared the gate. She was running away as though the devils were at her heels.

* * *

"Jake darling, I am sorry. Please, forgive me. I won't do it again. Come back to me, babe."

Sonya's wooing words didn't register on Jake's brain. He was busily re-living the scene with Lilac in the bedroom. He had watched women having their release but something was amiss. He knew it but he couldn't point it.

Sonya sensed that his attention was not hers anymore so she whined.

"Jake! I said I'm sorry! Wasn't it enough? Would you like me to kneel at your feet?"

He remembered the tightness when he slid his finger. Inside her was moist but very, very tight...

"Where are you? I'd like to show you how sorry I am. It's been so long, Jake darling..." Sonya's sultry tone was unmistakable. She rapidly changed tactics again.

But Jake was busily chasing the unfathomable. He had a hunch but he couldn't believe it. He would not believe it.

"I'm here at my condo. I've waited for your call all night long but you never called. Jake darling, don't you miss me?"

A virgin...?

Jake shook his head. Impossible! She would have a handful of boyfriends by now. Teenagers lost their virginity at younger ages.

And she kissed like sin, always full of fiery passion. Her hot touch awakened his slumbering lust...

He decided to cut short the one-sided conversation. "Sonya, what I said yesterday is final. Find yourself a better man to be your husband." He was kind with his choice of words but the hard tone was unmistakable.

"Hah! I can surely find a fine man, Jake Mendez! But you can never find a woman better than me!" Sonya's voice was shrill. Her true color shone when she couldn't persuade Jake.

"Goodbye!" Jake shook his head with frustration. The call took up several precious minutes. He had been gone long enough. He hoped Lilac didn't go to sleep.

After he replaced the receiver, he tightened the towel around his hips. He walked back to the bedroom sedately. He should cool off before going back to Lilac. Even if he was mistaken, they should take things easy since last night was the first time he discovered that she was a woman.

He recalled the way she looked after the first orgasm that he gave her. She was breathing heavily through half-opened lips. Perspiration gave a fine sheen on her smooth skin all over. Her soft breasts were like small globes with hard tips. She watched him with drowsy eyes.

His shaft hardened again at the memory of the way her gaze inched its way up his body, from his powerful flanks to his muscled chest and arms. She was admiring his physique. She stared at him with a peculiar mixture of lust and fascination. Her eyes shifted from his proud rod nervously. She really was studying him like a virgin...

He found the bedroom empty. The bed was unoccupied.

"Lilac?" He strode towards the bathroom. "Lilac?" He pushed aside the shower curtain.

He went to the kitchen. His eyes searched around before alighting on the clothes strewn on the red-tiled floor. Only his shirt and jeans remained. Lilac's clothes--and knapsack--were gone.

While cursing colorfully, Jake was galvanized into action. After he wore the jeans, he took the shirt and jogged towards the gate. He opened it and looked at the sloping road.

And there she was at the slope, walking and lurching because her shoe laces were untied.

With gnashing teeth, Jake went back to the garage and took out his motorbike. His eyes were sharp with anger and suppressed frustration.

"Huh!" Lilac was startled when his arm clasped her waist from behind. He quickly sat her in front of him and held her while driving back to the house. She wasn't fighting him although he could feel her heartbeat was loud and swift.

"Wait here," he ordered tersely. He locked both the gates while holding her arm. She was trembling with fright yet she remained where she was.

He frog-marched her to the kitchen. When he let go, she sat onto a chair quietly. She wasn't looking at him as she fumbled into the knapsack. She pulled out a long wallet. Wordlessly, she spread the checks on the table. Her paychecks.

He watched her indifferently. He waited for her next move.

"I'm sorry I deceived you and your grandmother. I'm returning the paychecks to show my sincerity," she expressed seriously. Her gaze remained on her folded hands.

Jake wanted to shake her to look at him but he controlled himself. He glanced at himself and saw his bared torso. The fine hair on his chest arrowed towards his unbuttoned jeans. He picked up the shirt to don it. He sat on the chair beside Lilac when he looked decent enough.

"May I have your cellphone?"

The calm request took her by surprise. She handed the cellphone to him.

"Your friend's name is Pia?"

"Y-yes," she replied. She was suddenly scared. "Please, don't call her!"

"At least, now she's looking at me," Jake rejoined unsmilingly.

"Pia will be worried if I don't text her by now." Lilac glanced at the wall clock. It was thirty minutes past nine.

He handed her the cellphone. He indicated that she could text her friend.

'Good morning, Pia and Baby Luane!'

"Tell her you'll be busy for the next few days," he instructed after reading the short message.

'I will be busy so just text if you can. Bye. Tsup!'

"We have nothing to eat yet. What's for breakfast?" After pocketing her cellphone, Jake stood up and inspected the refrigerator. "Eggs?" There were only three eggs and recycled bottles of water.

Lilac didn't answer.

"Kindly make two cups of coffee," he continued politely.

Jake folded his arms as he lounged on the chair. He was watching her every move. He often caught her glance to him that was full of apprehension. No one could read his mind. His face was inscrutable.

"Sit down and drink your coffee."

They were both silent while sipping coffee. Lilac refused to look up to him while he studied her minutely.

She had good bone structure although she was too slim. Her teeth were perfect and white. She inherited those teeth to the unknown mother or father. Her short, curly hair was badly cut. He had seen her naked body. Beneath the loose and masculine clothes, there was a feminine figure. Small waist and gently flaring hips plus the small but nurturing breasts.

There was nothing wrong with her features. The most outstanding were the lips, plump and kissable. Next were the eyes. They were large and expressive. Her nose was a bit small but prominent. Sonya would kill to have those cheekbones. They were high and visible while smooth cheeks were gently curving along Lilac's face.

There was nothing changed with the desire he felt for her either. It was as raging as ever but controllable now. He had time to think clearer. He wanted to possess her. All of her. Not just for one night...

Last night, Jake lost sleep because he was thinking about her. He was stunned to discover her true gender. He almost lost his head from wanting her. If not for her drunkenness, he had already possessed her last night.

This morning, he couldn't wait for her to appear. If she was five minutes late, he would have been to the servants' quarters. And when she suddenly appeared, nothing had changed either. His craving for Lilac had doubled. He ravaged her. Almost. Thanks to Sonya's untimely call, he was interrupted once again.

But now, he planned his every move. Like he did in business...

"Business!" Suddenly, he spoke aloud.

"W-what?" Lilac asked. Her questioning glance was uneasy.

"I have to close a deal. And I need a wife to succeed."

"Oh... you must discuss this with your fiancee," Lilac mumbled. Her face flushed. Her head bowed.

He could read her reaction. She was ashamed of herself because she 'almost' done it with a taken man. He decided to straighten the issue.

"Sonya and I have broken the engagement."

"B-but--why? I mean... No, please, don't mind me," she stammered with relief. Clearly, what he said lifted off something heavy on her shoulders. A woman with principles...

"I'd like you to be wife," he stated decisively. "I need you to marry me."

Her eyes widened. Her mouth opened and closed. She couldn't say a word. Lilac shook her head slowly.

"Before you refuse the idea, let me remind you that you and your friend had deceived us. Passing you off as a young man," he spoke quickly.

She remained silent. Suddenly, she looked guilty.

"You returned the pay checks. Have you robbed something from us?"

"No! O-of course not," she stuttered. Her face was very pale and her eyes strained but she looked at him beseechingly.

Jake controlled himself. With dewy lips and large eyes so dramatic, Lilac was so kissable.

"By marrying me, I'll forget any charges against you."

"W-what charges?" Her teeth started chattering.

"Aside from deceit, I can invent any wrongdoings on your part." His face hardened. His eyes grew as sharp as a knife. Jake didn't appreciate the resistance she was showing him.

"Y-you must be crazy for wanting to marry me..." She shrunk from him.

"Why not?"

"I am nobody. A dirt-poor orphan--"

"Stop insulting yourself, Lilac!"

"But it's the truth! I suggest you find s-someone from your world." Lilac was trembling from head to foot but she stood up to him.

"Yes, there are many women who would jump into your shoes right now. With the right price, I could get anyone but..." he stated huskily. 'I want you,' he added silently.

"Why would I get someone so expensive when I have you... to qualify in the Long Chi Min deal?" Jake counted on his fingers. "One, you'll marry me with no charge at all. Two, you won't demand for anything."

"Y-you don't have to marry me! I will be your pretend wife!" She seemed agitated.

"Our marriage license will be our passport to Long Chi Min Estate. Without it, we cannot enter the estate."

"But--"

"No more buts. We will be married tomorrow."

"T-tomorrow? W-what about your grandmother?"

"Grandma Esme will know when she returned." In his mind, Jake rubbed his two hands triumphantly.

"What if--what would happen if you... if we don't want to be married anymore?"

"We will go our separate ways."

"We will get an annulment?" Lilac was staring at her twining fingers nervously.

"If we wanted, yes," Jake replied tacitly.

Lilac swallowed as though gathering her nerves before she uttered her next question. "W-would we have separate rooms?"

'And separate beds? No way!' he thought, bristling.

"Would you like that?" he asked testily instead.

"Y-yes..." she whispered croakily. "Anyway, the m-marriage is platonic, isn't it? I will be y-your platonic wife."

Jake breathed deeply, controlling himself with difficulty. He didn't answer.

He stood up suddenly. "Come. We will go into town. We'll buy supplies."

She followed him meekly.

He resisted touching her elbow. He led the way towards the silver Mercedez Benz. He opened the passenger door for Lilac.

She was hesitant. "Do you know where to buy supplies? I mean--"

"Of course. At the supermarket?" His voice sounded flippant. "Don't worry. We'll find a store."

"Maybe, I'll stay here to--"

"And give you another chance to escape?" Jake didn't let her finish what she was about to say.

"You have my cellphone." Lilac's voice wavered only slightly.

"So?" He stared at her unblinkingly.

"I gave you my word. Please, give it back to me." She tried to be firm.

"I'll give back your cellphone after we're married." He left her standing by his car while he opened the locked gate.

When he came in the car, she had tidied her clothes. Her faded blue jacket was buttoned up. The shoelaces of her dark blue rubber shoes had been neatly tied. He stared at her face until it flushed red.

"W-what's wrong?" she asked self-consciously.

His answer had been a comb and a mirror he took from the dashboard. He switched on the ignition and zoomed out of the gates. He got out again to close them.

She was wearing an embarrassed grimace when he came back. Her hair was combed but her curls remained unruly.

"Thank you," she mumbled while returning the comb and mirror on the space between the seats.