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CERVIUS HAVOC'S POV

Flashback...

I watched how everybody seemed to be enjoying this grand party tonight. Everyone is talking, walking across from table to table. The others are holding their glass of champagne and are too casual for my comfort. This type of event, I have grown all over it. Kilala ang mom ko as one of the country's philanthropists and he married a man who's in politics. It came naturally for kuya Hakob to be like them, while I had to learn it.

Though it was tough, all those years, I realized that it came as useful. I feel suffocated in my own skin. My skin crawl to leave this event, but remembering the reason why I came here, I forced myself to stay seated.

When I heard my friend, Cloud getting married, of course, I was happy. And then he also invited me to this charity as part of their wedding project, so I was ecstatic. Ganitong mga okasyon kasi ay 'di ko kailangan magpanggap na hindi ako magastos at 'di matulungin. I can do both.

"Eight Hundred Million Pesos," I raised my number. Kaagad na natahimik ang buong silid at napatingin sa direksiyon ko.

What? Did they not expect me to raise my number? Eh, anong silbi nito kung hindi lang din naman pala ako sasali?

I smiled sweetly at the camera. Mula sa kamera ay binaling ko ang tingin sa lalaking kanina pa matatalim ang tingin sa akin. In fact, I saw them the moment they entered the building. Kasama ang spoiled brat niyang mga kapatid. I like their personalities, halo-halo, pero pagdating sa pera, iba ang magkakapatid na Zapanta sa paggastos!

Matunog ang pamilya ng mga Zapanta kaya naiintindihan ko kung gaano karami ang humihinto sa mesa nila at makipag-usap. Must be tiring to entertain those people.

My eyes glued to his table, Eludes finally stopped staring at the video screen and stared back with equal ferocity. Tagisan ng tingin. I saw a smile formed in his lips the moment I withdraw my stares. Oo na! Mahirap din naman kasi pigilan ang sarili kung sa isang Eludes Miconel ka makikipagtitigan.

"Mr. Buenavista, it's a pleasure for us to grace your company tonight." Lumapit ang bagong kasal sa lamesa namin kaya natayo si Kuya para batiin ang dalawa.

"The pleasure is all ours," Nanatili naman akong nakaupo at pinanood silang mag-usap.

"Right, right, yes, I heard about the new venture. A golf arena is a good business nowadays, especially with the high demand. I would love to visit sometime soon once the construction is finished." Si Kuya na nakikipag usap kay Paulo Ayala.

Nailipat ang atensiyon nilang tatlo sa akin kaya inalalayan ako ni kuya na makatayo sa aking kinauupuan.

"I have seen you with my husband before, but I never knew that you were my friend's brother. I'm surprised, but beyond it, I am personally thanking you for your donation." The ever-charming Paulo Ayala thanked me.

I'm not surprised that most people inside this room do not know me. I understand them. I kept my identity a private one, plus, who am I to act relevant? Like I said before, I'm not into public view. Well, if a person would ask who I am, then I would not have any problem in telling them the truth. The point is no one asked who I am. So, I see no sense in telling them.

"It's my friend's charity. I would not miss it." Ang maiksi kong sagot sa kay Paulo. Nalipat ang tingin ko sa aking kaibigan na si Cloud. Just like me, he screams money, but he remains silent away from public scrutiny.

"Maraming salamat, Havoc." Lumapit si Cloud sa akin at niyakap ako. Pero bago niya ako pinakawalan ay may binulong siya sa akin.

"The Zapanta twins are here, baks. Ang isa may kasama, habang ang isa ay meron. Sino sa dalawa ang lalaki mo?" Humiwalay si Cloud sa akin at tiningnan ang namumula kong mukha!

Gaga to! Kung maka— 'lalaki' ay akala mo pagmamay-ari ko na ang puso. Di pa naman.

"Hindi ko napansin..." Ang sabi ko. Pareho kaming eleganteng tumingin pabalik sa kasamahan namin.

Bumalik din kaagad sa lamesa nila si Paulo at Cloud at nagpatuloy ang bidding. Ang hindi ko inasahan ay ang pagtaas ng kilay ko ng marinig ang pamilyar na boses na 'yon.

"One Billion Pesos," the brute— Eludes is now flashing his smirk on my direction.

Anong ginagawa niya? Hinahamon niya ba ako? O nagpapansin na naman ito sa'kin? Ang ganda ko naman masiyado kung nagpapansin siya sa akin? Hindi maka move-on sa isang gabi? I doubt that. Knowing him, hihiga at hihiga 'yan kapag may pwedeng pasukan ng tite niya!

Aaminin ko, medyo nasapawan ng pagka-irita ang mukha ko ng inirapan ko si Eludes. Mas lalo pa akong nawala sa mood dahil sunod-sunod na mga bidding ang pinapanalo niya. Lahat ng 'yon ay 'yung mga bidding na gusto ko! Like, anong gagawin niya sa kabayo? Kailan pa siya nagkagusto sa isang kabayo?

Ako ang may rancho kaya sa akin dapat ang mga kabayo!

"Enough with it, Havoc. Kanina pa kita napapansin na nakikipagtaasan ka sa isa sa mga Zapanta." Tiim bagang kong tiningnan si Kuya. He can clearly see how irritated I am.

"I came here to win the horse, kuya. I want to win it. I want the horse!" I said rather harshly kaya sumeryoso ang mukha ng kuya.

"Are you sure?" What? Of course, I'm sure! Wala ng ibang rason kung bakit ako nakikipagtaasan kay Eludes maliban sa rason na 'yan!

"Three Hundred Million Pesos," Tinaas ni Eludes ang numero niya. Mine was over two hundred million, pero nilamangan niya pa ulit.

"It's not making sense to me. Anong gagawin niya sa isang racing horse na retired na! Ano gusto niya ng tapa? That man is unbelievable!" Ang galit kong bulong.

"Three Hundred Twenty Million," I said and raised my number. Nagpalakpakan ang mga tao at tinigilan na rin ako ni Kuya.

"It looks like the worth of the horse is not only doubled but tripled! Maximus is a retired racing horse, but I am shocked that two gentlemen are bidding for him. Keep it coming!" Ang anunsiyo ng bidder.

I showed the room a soft smile, completely different with what I'm feeling inside. May rason kung bakit gusto kong pakawalan si Maximus, ang kabayo. Gusto ko siyang maging malaya sa lugar ng mga Maraya. The horse reminds of me, a champion but caged.

"Five Hundred Million," Naramdaman ko ang panlulumo sa katawan dahil sa narinig galing sa kabilang lamesa. I look at the man holding his number up, a smirk was on his lips while looking at me.

For the first time, I feel sad, but more of hate. Kapag tataasan ko pang numero, alam kong hindi na kaya ng budget ko para sa isang kabayo lang. I raised my allocation more than I needed to, but I still failed.

Tiningnan ko ang larawan ni Maximus sa screen. I bitterly smiled at him. "I guess I can't take you home, buddy," I whispered.

Tumayo ako at naglakad paalis papuntang powder room. I needed air. Pagkarating ko sa loob ay malaking ginhawa ang pinakawalan ko at tiningnan ang sarili sa malaking salamin.

Wearing a black Valentino suit, I look regal and timeless. The looks were good, but I'm not in the moment to bask in myself. Mas namumutawi ang irita sa kaloob-looban ko.

"Sumusobra ka na ah!"

Ang bulyaw ko ng makapasok ang lalaking hinihintay ko. Inasahan ko na susunod siya sa akin, at sumunod nga! Nakatitig lang ako sa repleksiyon sa salamin namin. Ang mga kamay ko ay nasa sink habang matalim na tinitingnan ang prenteng mukha ng loko-lokong lalaki.

"Tell me, did I upset you over a horse?" Eludes asked. This man is dumb!

Inayos niya ang manggas niya at pinagkrus ang mga kamay sa dibdib. Prente siyang nakatingin sa akin mula sa pintuan. A small action, but I find it really hot. Lahat na lang yata sa lalaking ito ay gwapo. Kainis!

"A horse? Gago ka pala eh, you won everything that I wanted. Tell me, anong gagawin mo sa isang Porsche na pink huh? Pambibigay mo na naman sa mga babae mo? Damn you, Eludes! Damn you!" Kahit na galit na galit ako ay hininaan ko pa rin ang boses ko. Ayaw kong mag-eskandalo dahil hindi naman ako ganiyang tao. I am classy, but the man I'm seeing right now is making my class drain in the sink.

"Baby, wala akong babae," Eludes said.

Magkatagpo pa ang mga kilay. Pinasadahan niya ng kamay ang kalbo niyang ulo at maangas na minasahe ang mga panga. Gago na nga ang personality, mas naging gago pa tingnan dahil d'yan sa looks niya. Gwapong gago.

"You're telling me that as if I would believe a manwhore like you, Eludes. Tell me, kailan ka titigil sa pagpapadala ng bulaklak sa opisina ko? You know what, I'm not telling you to stop. I order you to stop! I would not let myself be associated with a man like you." Inalis ko ang mga kamay sa sink at nag-ambang maglakad pero natigil ako ng umalis siya sa pagkakahilig sa pintuan at ni-lock ang pinto.

What the? Eludes proceeded to near me. All the time, keeping his eyes on me. Napaatras ako.

"What are you doing?" Hindi ko pinahalata na kinakabahan ako. Pero kinakabahan talaga ako! I'm cornered!

"E-Eludes..." Medyo nanginig ang boses ko ng napaatras ako sa sink at tumama ang likod ko dito.

"I won't hurt you if that's what you're thinking." Kumalma ako at binalik ang iritadong mukha.

"I won't let anyone hurt me, jerk," I said as a matter of fact.

"No one will, or else they won't live for another day. I have my eyes on you, and I would not let a fly harm you, baby." Nanginig ang kalamnan ko sa sinabi niya.

Ganito ba talaga ang lalaking 'to? Ganito niya ba kinakausap ang mga babae niya? Is this the reason why women would flaunt themselves to this man? I would not blame them, dahil ako mismo kuhang-kuha ng mga salita niya!

But I know better, "Release me," I said. Tiningnan ko ang dalawang braso niya na nakaharang sa bawat gilid ko.

Eludes' face is leveling my height. Seryoso ang mukha pero may aliw sa mga mata niya. This man is enjoying this.

"Ang sabi ko alisin mo ang mga kamay mo, Eludes. Aalis na ako!" Ang sabi ko ulit.

"Why don't you remove it yourself, baby" Humugot ako ng hininga at tiningnan siya mata-sa-mata.

This man is unbelievable! Siya ang lumapit at naglagay ng mga kamay niya sa bawat giliran ko, and now he's asking me to remove his hands? Umamba akong hawakan siya pero napasigaw ako ng bigla niya na lang akong hinapit sa kaniyang katawan at pinaikot kaya napaharap ako sa salamin.

"Eludes! Ano ba?" Napasinghap ako sa posisyon namin! Nagpumiglas ako pero masiyado siyang malakas at ginamit niya ang malaking bulas para maipit ako sa sink at sa katawan niya.

Gusto ko pa sanang maglikot paalis sa hawak niya pero biglang tumunog ang cellphone niya, signalling for a call. Eludes used his left hand to pin me in my waist. Nilabas niya ang cellphone at pinakita kung sino ang tumatawag sa kaniya, it's his secretary. Nilagay niya sa bibig niya ang hintutoro, signalling me to stop or else we will be caught. Ha! Jerk.

Eludes answered the phone, seemingly transforming back to his usual demeanor, the cold-hearted CEO of billion-worth empire.

"I'm busy right now," he said. I watched how Eludes' brows furrowed and get back to its normal shape and then nodding at the words he's hearing from the other line.

"Yeah, I can't be there. Re-schedule the meeting," May emergency meeting yata. Eludes stared at my eyes in the mirror.

"No, my baby is throwing tantrums right now. He comes first," He said eyes on me.

Pinanglakihan ko siya ng mata. Anong baby throwing tantrums? Gago! Binaba niya ang cellphone at diniin sa akin ang tingin. Like a doting alpha man.

"Try again to leave," Bumaba ang bibig niya sa likuran ng aking tenga at binulong ang mga salitang iyon. "Subukan mo ulit akong talikuran, baby, and I will let you know how obsessive my mind is for you." W-What? What does he mean he will let me know how obsessive he is to me?

This alone is pure obsession! Hindi ito gawain ng isang tao na nasa normal na na pag-iisip! Me, pinned between his monstrous built is not normal to begin with! We're not even associated to each other, aside from the fact that this doting alpha fucked me nights ago.

Gamit ang isang kamay ay hinawak niya ito sa may bandang tiyan ko at tiningnan ang repleksiyon namin sa salamin. Pinagpapawisan ako sa pinagagawa ng lalaking ito!

"Tell me," Eludes paused and put his other hand in the side of the sink, gently lowering himself to my shoulder, "Tell me how I can make you stay with me. Tell me what makes you happy, baby?" Seryoso ang mukha niya.

"Anong 'stay with you' pinagsasabi mo? Hindi kita kilala and I don't intend to know you. You're a pain, Eludes." I said behind my gritted teeth.

"Get to know me then. Ask me questions and I'll give you answers. In return, you answer my calls and give me your time. Just give me your attention and I will give you my world."

Inalis ko ang kamay niya sa beywang ko at nilagay ito sa gilid ng sink, binawi ko ang tinginan namin sa salamin at tiningnan siya sa balikat ko.

"I can have anything I want, without your help, Eludes. What I want is you to stop! Nagmumukha kang tanga sa mga ginagawa mo. Sending me flowers? Sending me food? Messing with my secretary's schedules? And now spending your money over things you don't even want in the first place? Come on, it's stupid! How can a respected man act like a child?" Nag-abot ang kilay ko at halos singhalan na siya pero ang nakakalokong ngiti niya lang ang nakuha ko. This man is not taking me seriously!

"I spent those money because I want your attention. Those things I bought, have it. I don't give a fuck. You are the reason why. Ang hirap mong hulihin." Napa-iling ako sa mga sinabi niya.

That's it, he said it already. He doesn't want me. He only likes the idea of chasing me like a damn prey. He likes the game. Eludes is used to women flaunting themselves to him, and when I came into the picture, he saw a difference.

He saw a challenge. Men and their egos can't take up that idea and he only wants to prove to himself that he can have me, using his power and privileges to chase me like a madman.

"So, gusto mo lang ang atensiyon, Eludes? You want so much of my attention attention? To a gay man like me. Tell me, what makes me different from other women, huh? Dahil virgin ako? Dahil mahirap akong kunin? Am I a game to you?" But I am not different from those women. I flaunted myself to him. I sang and dance with him just so I could tempt him.

Binaba ko rin ang sarili ko para lang mapansin niya. Kaya ano pa itong inaarte ko matapos ko siyang makuha? I finally got him in my trap, yet my mind resists to have him.

Maybe because I realized something during that night. He was rough. He was domineering. He doesn't want to understand me. Eludes is the man to not understand you, he only wants to fuck. Libog lang ito at alam ko sa sarili ko kung saan ako pupulutin kapag pinatulan ko ang gusto niya.

"If you're a game, then you are one hell of a complicated one. You amaze me, baby. You don't want flowers? Fine. You don't like the foods? Fine. How about your time? A little time, that's the only thing I need. Let me take you out," This man! Ano ba itong pinagsasabi nito? He clearly is messing with my head and heart right now.

"I don't want to be associated with you, Eludes. Can't you understand?" I said, eyes burning with hate.

"Palimos ng atensiyon, baby." Napasinghap ako sa sinabi niya.

What the? Did he seriously say those words? The great Eludes is begging like a beggar to me. Now, it leaves me questioning his intention to me. Gaano ba kalaki ang epekto ko sa lalaking ito?

I scoffed, not believing him.

"Give me your time, just to let my mind calm. I keep on thinking of you, your lips, your body, those sinful kisses we had. Lahat-lahat na nakakabad-trip na. Allow me to take you out, just so I could realize what I'm doing!" He's confused. Nakikita ko ang naguguluhan lang siya.

I was the first guy he ever fucked. His mind was conditioned of thinking me more often because I was different from the others. Nawawalan na siya ng gana sa mga babae niya dahil sa nangyari sa amin. Ngayon ay gusto niya akong makuha ulit para masiguradong nagkamali lang siya na pumatol sa isang bakla.

Ouch...

"Fine," I said.

Shocked that I agreed, he let me loose. Kaagad akong umalis sa harapan niya at suminghap ng hangin.

Bakit ka ba ganito Eludes? Bakit ba kailangan mo pa akong saktan para lang matuwid 'yang pag-iisip mo? Ganito ba ang lalaking nagustuhan ko? I'm disappointed, not with him, but with myself.

I let a breath in— inhaling the sting of pain I'm feeling right now. Tangina ang sakit mo, Eludes!

"After the date, you will leave me alone. That's the deal, Eludes. Stay away from me and never let me see you or even your shadow from me." I said with conviction bago pumunta sa harapan ng pinto.

I unlocked it and went out, "Buenavista," Parehong nag-abot ang kilay namin.

"Acrotis King," I acknowledged his presence. I slightly smiled at his direction bago naglakad na paalis sa harapan niya. Naramdaman ko na sinundan niya ako ng tingin pero hindi na ako lumingon pa.

-

Present...

Walking with no protective equipment, humahangos akong pinuntahan ang kuya Hakob na may tinuturo sa lalaking kausap niya. I avoided the branches of the trees, set on scolding my brother because of what he did!

"Kuya!" I yelled. Natigilan siya at lumingon sa direksiyon ko. Inalis niya ang suot na sunglass at nag-aabot na kilay akong sinipat mula ulo hanggang paa.

"What on earth are you doing here without your protective equipment? Damn!" Narinig ko kaagad ang galit ni Kuya dahil sa ginawa ko pero nanatili ako sa kinatatayuan ko.

Binalikan niya ang kausap at nagpaalam dito. Habang pinapanood ko siyang maglakad sa direksiyon ko ay sakto namang naabutan ako ni Merba na dala-dala ang payong at ang helmet para sa ginagawang construction.

"S-Sir isuot mo na po ito. Mapapagalitan po tayo." Ramdam ko ang kaba ni Merba pero 'di ko siya pinansin.

"What are you thinking, Havoc? Dad went berserk when he saw you with a scratch, yet you're here walking with no protective. Papatayin mo talaga ako sa pag-aalala!" Kinuha niya ang dala-dalang helmet kay Merba at isinuot sa akin ito. Nagsusukatan ang matatalim naming mga tinginan.

"Why did you hire him, huh? Bakit sa lahat ng construction firm sa bansa— sa buong mundo, at sa mga Zapanta ka pa talaga pumirma? Bakit, kuya?" I shouted.

Am I overreacting? Yes! Am I completely frantic? Yes! Natatakot ba ako? Yes! Ilang araw ko ng pinagtataguan ang lalaking 'yon, pero itong kapatid ko, without asking me, he signed the paper with the Zapanta's architecture and engineering firm.

Inaamin ko na minaliit ko ang yaman ni Eludes noon, pero ang makita na may pagmamay-ari rin siyang construction at engineering firm is something not new. Eludes is handling all of their business and I'm sure he was the one who signed the document with my signature as well. Paniguradong alam na niya kung nasaan ako ngayon!

"Bakit ganiyan ang reaksiyon mo? Huwag mong sabihin sa akin na may nangyari nga sa inyo ng Eludes na 'yon? Did he touch you, Havoc?" Nakita ko ang pamumula sa mata ni kuya Hakob at alam ko na galit na siya ngayon.

"Kuya, just please, replace him. Iyon lang ang request ko. Not that man, please." Naiiyak ako ng sabihin 'yon.

Noong pumunta si Kuya sa siyudad, alam kong napansin niya na kung ano ang namamagitan sa amin ni Eludes. Kuya is a smart man, and he was smart enough to warn me with my association with Eludes. Pero lintek kasi itong kakitiran ko sa ulo at hindi nakinig sa kaniya.

Now, here I am begging for him to help me! I know kuya Hakob will help me. He loves me.

Pero umiling siya...

"Dad was the one who hired him, not me." Napamaang ako sa sinabi niya.

If dad hired their company, then I can't do anything about it. Ayaw kong malaman ni Dad ang pinagagawa ko sa siyudad kundi malalagot ako! He will kill Eludes if he knows!

"K-Kuya..." Ang tawag ko sa kuya ko. He looked at me with anger and pity. Niyakap niya ako kaya gumaan ng kunti ang pakiramdam ko.

"I'm sorry I can't do anything right now. I was surprised that Dad did not hire our usual architecture and engineering company, instead, he contacted his friend, the man, Zapanta to build the temple." Honestly, hindi naman kasalanan ni Kuya. He should not be explaining this. I brought this to myself.

Paano na 'to?

Nakasakay ako ngayon sa Land Cruiser ng pamilya papuntang BFTC, and my mind kept on playing scenarios— possible scenarios. I know Eludes is a busy man, he will not be able to attend to this project.

What am I even thinking that he would come here? In Maraya? It's not impossible, pero kampanti ako na baka hindi siya mapadpad dito. Just because he's looking for me, doesn't mean that he will abandon his responsibilities in their companies.

The huge building of BFTC welcomed my view and as soon as pumasok ang sasakyan sa loob ay huminto ang ibang trabahante para tingnan kung sino ang dumating. Wearing my casual summer aesthetic, I went out the vehicle, without waiting for the chauffer.

"Maligayang araw po, senyorito." Magalang na bumati ang mga nadadaanan ko. I paid them attention, greeting them back and asking about their days.

Mga taga Maraya lang din ang mga nagta-trabaho dito, pero nangagaling sila sa iba't-ibang barangay. Ang iba ay galing lang sa mga baryo Luwal, Ehito, Lika, at Mahira. At ang iba ay galing lang din dito sa Luningning.

Napadaan lang ako dito sa BFTC dahil titingnan ko ang opisina ko. Matagal na rin bago ako nakabalik dito. I used to head the finance department but I stopped when I leave Maraya. Nasabi sa akin ni Kuya na wala naman daw ginalaw sa opisina ko kaya minabuti kong tingnan.

"Heto po, tikman ninyo. Ito ang bagong produkto ng kompanya. Ang senyorito Ishie po ang nag-timpla niyan." Binigay sa akin ng isang trabahante ang isang tasting cup.

Inikot-ikot ko ito para tingnan ang consistency bago inamoy para sa aroma.

"A new blend of coffee, I like it." Ang sabi ko matapos lasahan ito. My mom hardly visits and includes himself in this business dahil hands on 'yon sa iba pang negosyo namin. For him to formulate a product is a big deal to this company, lalo pa at mahal na mahal siya sa mga tao dito.

"Don't forget to take your lunch. After it, may pinakuha akong fresh buko sa plantation resource para sa inyong lahat. Make sure to drink and dehydrate yourselves." Tumango ako sa kanila para magpaalam at dumiritso sa opisina ko, pero bago ako makapasok sa pintuan na may nakalagay na pangalan ko ay nakita ko ang isang magazine na mukhang bagong issue lang.

Nasa front cover page nito si Acrotis King Zapanta, it was with him almost not having a cloth on. Ang ahas na nakabalikos lang sa kaniyang katawan ang tanging nakatabon sa pribado niyang bahagi. I smiled a little, knowing how brat his attitude is.

I flipped it open at napunta sa business features. Tumambad ang mukha ni Eludes dito. In the image, he was seating with wide legs, serious face, and at his back was someone identical to him— the twin brother. Unlike Eludes who was wearing a business suit, the man was only wearing a leather jacket. Pareho silang kalbo at seryoso ang mukha.

"I'm not getting engage any sooner. I'm trying to pursue someone, and I hope the media respects that and my privacy." I read the quoted text.

Sinabi ni Eludes ito? Talaga lang ah. Him trying to pursue someone? Ako ba? Eludes obsessing over me is his definition of pursuing me. Gago pala siya.

Eludes says he's pursuing me, yet I saw and caught him in a sensual position with another woman.

"I don't believe you, manwhore." I said at tinapon sa malapit na basurahan ang magazine. Piece of trash. 

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Note: Hey there readers, I hope you enjoyed this update for Eludes and Havoc's on-going pull and push relationship. Also, gusto ko lang po kayong pasalamatan sa pagbabasa. Don't forget to leave your comments about this chapter, and don't mind me if I'll reply. That's only me showing my appreciation to you! We are almost 5K reads for this story! 

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