Ring

"Follow me," he commanded.

Her feet moved as if he had that string on his hand that connects on it. She cannot resist, she had to follow what the puppeteer's command.

Random noise welcomed her as they entered the huge lounge with different passengers and staff walk along with them. In the center, the huge waiting area with four big screens that flashed schedules of flight. On the left wing was passengers can leisure or buy more things or snacks on the Duty-Free. Right wing second floor were the exclusive restaurants. It feels like a mall inside the terminal.

Some of the staff paused and greeted Paulite, while the arrogant bastard just nodded his head and sometimes don't care.

So this is his world.

Dire-diretso lamang ito hanggang sa may grupo ng mga pilotong huminto at bumati rito.

She observed his interaction with them. His sleek movements and attention. Those swift shake hands and a light tap from the shoulder. Wow! This side of him is different from the happy go lucky, Lite. He is a big boss, ha. She looked around. All the staff looked at him with mixed, respect and admiration while for girls obviously the inspiration. She then again looked back at his back frame. A huge man under that business attire and tidy sleeves. Now I know he wasn't a student. Ilang taon na kaya siya?

"J?" agaw pansin ni Paulite. Nakapindot ito sa pribadong elevator landing upang manatiling bukas.

Huminga siya nang malalim bago sumunod dito. She can't think properly as she felt the air suddenly suffocate her. They were in a tight space, only each other nothing else. The door opened, he motioned her that ladies first.

Is this his office? Normal bang ganito ito kalaki? Puwede ng maging Lawn Tennis court ito.

Nilagpasan siya ni Paulite upang lumapit sa mesa upang tumawag sa intercom. "Would you a cup of tea or coffee, J?"

"Huwag na," sagot niya.

"Bring us tea and food. Thanks," he commanded to whom he was talking over the phone.

Ngumuso siya. Nagtanong pa. Her eyes found the black Tuxedo Couch near on the glass panel that viewed the wide railway. Lumapit siya roon at minasdan ang nakapilang naglalakihang mga eroplano. Ang ilang pa-landing at ang ilang papalipad. This is his daily scene? Tumagos ang kanyang atensyon sa reflection ni Paulite mula sa salamin.

He is standing behind her. His hand curled around her small waist. "I miss you, J," he whispered sensually. He is very warm.

Oh, sweet thing! I missed his expensive perfume. He really knows how to seduce her, she is falling into his trapped. But Blaire's small voice reminded her about the arranged marriage. She immediately removed his hand and move away. Kailangan niyang alalahanin ang inaalagaang galit dito.

He looked offended and hurt. That's how his eyes portray when he looked at her. He loosened the tie on his neck and tried to step forward. "J—"

"Don't... touch me," she rebutted.

Huminga ito nang malalim. "Kanina ko lang nabasa ang message mo pagkauwi ko. J, hindi kita maintindihan. May problema ba tayo?"

"Don't play innocent. I saw you that night in the Calixto with a woman."

"When, J? Tell me the date and time," he said without rejecting it.

It filled more the anger invested on her chest. So, he is with a woman that night? They left and make out? Her chest burned heavy. "Last Sunday night. You were with Oswold and Shawn. Nakita ka ng mga kaibigan mo, naka-live pa."

Lalong nalukot ang noo nito sa pagkalito o galit dahil tama ang hinala niya.

She is really on the verge of cursing him for playing with her heart and keeping those lies. Why is he like this? Why does he have to act innocent? Is he always like this? Is this his true color? Collecting woman?

"J, I never been in a bar since Purungaya. I haven't met, Shawn. Ang huling kita ko kay Oswold ay sa Purungaya."

"Liar!" she exploded. Wala na siyang pakialam kung may makakarinig sa boses niya. Ito ang nararamdaman niya, naiinis siya sa sitwasyon nila. Naiinis siya sa sariling kamalasan. At naiinis siyang bakit hindi puwedeng mapasakanya ang taong gusto niya?

He didn't blink at that. From roughness, he became weary and gentle. "I am away here and just arrived early this morning. It was quick, during the event I was told that my grandad was sent to the Hospital in Abu Dhabi. I—" He heaved a long sigh. "I am sorry of not calling you right away. I'm sorry, J." He lazily sat on the table and brushed his hair harshly. It took him some time to look back at her with his whole exhausted extremities.

"Is he alright. Now?"

Pagod itong tumango. "I think the person you saw on the video was my brother, Sander. He arrived in Abu Dhabi late. He was in Calixto when he received the call from our mother." Tumayo ito upang lumapit sa kanya. He tried to hold her arms while watching carefully her reaction if she will resist again.

When she gave in, he took that chance to hug her tightly. Ramdam niya ang pagod nito dahil mabigat ang bawat paghinga. "What are you doing in the Calixto? Why are you with Colin?"

He sounded weak, vulnerable, and just pretending strong. Pakiramdam niya ay ang sama-sama niyang babae para awayin pa ito. "Kasi, akala ko naroon ka. Nakita ko sa video."

Huminga ito nang malalim. Humigpit ang yakap nito sa kanya. "When you say yes, J, I promise myself to be responsible. Going club is for bachelors. I am not a bachelor anymore. I am engaged."

"I'm sorry."

"Hmm... my Grandad is getting weak and weaker. He said he wanted to see me marry so, I wanted to go back there with you so I could introduce you as soon as possible."

Umahon ang kaba sa kanyang dibdib. Kinakabahan kung paano niya sasabihin ang sinabi ni Blaire. Bakit? Bakit parang walang alam ang binata tungkol sa kapatid niya?

"Lite?"

Humiwalay ito upang matingnan siya sa mga mata. "Hmm?" His hand gently caressed her both hands and reached for her ring finger, when he couldn't feel any in there his soulful eyes became dark and his brows curled. "Where is the ring, J?"