EVELYN DeMARCUS

I continued talking to Ruel even when he arrived. He looked at me grimly before walking to his room. Pinigilan ko nalang ang pagtawa ko dahil sa inasal niya.

"—asking if the tour is still on schedule," sabi ni Ruel sa kabilang linya. "I told them yes at ako na ang bahala, ate."

"Hmm? Aren't you supposed to stay with Kyla right now?"

At the mention of his beloved, Ruel chuckled. "Matagal naman niyang alam ito, ate. Besides, we've celebrated so many anniversaries. This is the first and only one I'll miss."

"If you say so, loverboy," pang-aasar ko sakanya. He was younger than I by about four years, pero mas sigurado pa siya sa nararamdaman niya kesa sa'kin. At the of twenty, Ruel was ready to settle down with the love of his life.

He quickly ended the call when he arrived at their condominium. I told him to send Eva my love before hanging up. Imbes na guluhin si Third, pumunta nalang muna ako sa kusina para ayusin ang pagkain namin. In the rare times that I'm here early, I cook for us both. Huwag lang siyang masanay dahil baka hindi ko 'to magawa lagi kapag kasal na kami. We'll hire a cook instead.

I set the chicken curry on the table the moment he stepped through the door. Nakasimangot na naman ang gwapo niyang mukha at hindi na naman ako pinapansin. I just shrugged it off. He was probably still pissed with the corporate decision.

"I made iced tea pala," sabi ko pero parang kinausap ko nalang din ang sarili ko dahil 'di siya kumibo. I glared at his bowed head before standing up.

"Wear a damn bra."

Nakatalikod man sakanya ay napangisi ako. Idiot. Like I'll ever listen to his orders.

"Hmm.. by the way, how's Luis? I heard dumating na siya galing sa European tour niya," pagbabago ko ng topic.

He gave me a lazy look as he started eating. "Ba't 'di mo siya tanungin? Actually, ba't 'di siya 'yung guluhin mo?"

Rolling my eyes, I scoffed. "Kasi he's not my fiancé. You are."

"I'm. Not," diin niyang sabi.

"You are." I grinned at him with mischief. "Hindi mo lang naaamin sa sarili mo, but we both know we're getting married."

Napailing siya. "You're delusional."

"And you're buying me a fancy ring to make up for all the crap you've put me through. It better be huge, Third."

"Si Jane lang ang pakakasalan ko, Evelyn. Not you."

Hindi ko pinansin ang konting kirot na naramdaman ko nang marinig ko 'yon. "Right. I demand a matching necklace for what you just said, husband."

He said nothing more. Kumain kami ng tahimik, pero hindi rin naman tensyunado. Sometimes I feel as if we only say the words we're expected to say now. To escape the fact na komportable na kami sa isa't isa. Third still gets annoyed with me a lot, pero madalas ay wala nang init ang mga sinasabi niya. They were just words, nowadays. Words he was expected to say as a committed man. But whether or not he means them is another story altogether.

Nang matapos kaming kumain, I left him there. He always cleans up the kitchen kapag nagluluto ako. It was an understanding with the two of us. Dumiretso agad ako sa guest bathroom para mag-ayos na. I don't know why, but I am just too tired tonight. Maybe because of the damned board meeting.

"You have to marry soon, miss DeMarcus. Your father is retiring and you need to be an eligible candidate for the position," said mr. Romulo, one of the oldest board members and trustees of dada. I hate his untimely opinion, pero alam kong tama rin naman siya. I'm running out of time.

"I'm doing my best, mr. Romulo. Third is not as willing."

Sumingit naman si mrs. Cruz, isang mas striktong babae na lagi kong kakampi. "We understand, miss DeMarcus, but the longer you wait to be married, the more time the company will refuse your father's retirement. At alam naming lahat na gusto nang magretire ni president. But it won't be possible until you or your brother become eligible for the position he is leaving."

They all had a point. I owe it to dada to do this. Alam kong madami siyang nai-sakripisyo, silang dalawa ni mommy. And for me to take over early means that they will still have enough energy and time to travel to places, compared to if he retires in ten years or so.

I need to step up my game. I need Third to be my husband before the year ends.

Nasa kusina pa siya, nag-aayos, nang pumunta ako sa kwarto niya. I took off my shorts and was left in a flimsy nude underwear then the Lakers jersey. Humiga na ako sa kama niya at umayos. I opened his drawer on his side and moved around the condom packets for my reading glasses. My fingers skimmed one and I tried to remember the last time we had sex. Hmm.. about two weeks ago.. Kaya naman pala iritado 'to sa'kin lately. He probably wants some.

When he entered, his eyes narrowed when he saw my hand in his condom drawer. Magsasalita na sana siya but I eagerly kicked the thick blankets off the bed. The shirt was bundled around my waist, exposing my tanned legs and nude panties. He didn't say a word. Just walked towards me.

"Third," I said in a really malandi voice.

Not that I have to try. Minsan nga ay mas gigil pa siya sa'kin. He can sprout words of love anytime he wants, but he can never deny the fact that he is so in lust with me. Frankly, I'd take that over nothing any day.

"Ayan ka na naman, Evelyn," may banta sa tinig niya pero tumabi naman siya sa'kin, hinihintay ang susunod kong gawin. Siya na ata ang pinaka-marupok na pakipot.

When he leaned against the headboard, I eagerly climbed his lap. Patagilid kong inabot ang box ng condoms. The packets that were spilled out were regular ones. He came home one time with this box of flavored condoms. Pinanood niya akong maghanap ng gusto ko, the box right in between us.

"Cherry or bubblegum?" I wondered out loud.

Masungit niya akong tinignan bago kinuha nalang ang cherry. He put the box back in his drawer after grabbing a second packet. Nilagay niya 'yun sa ilalim ng unan ko bago niya ako hinila ng mas malapit sakanya. Since he was wearing his gray sweatpants, I feel his member poking a bit. Itinaas ko ang sarili ko, bundling the shirt around my waist, before going down, my already damp center landing directly on top of his boner. He groaned while I moaned when I lightly moved my hips.

Third pulled me closer, not even trying to pretend to resist me. Mukhang tigang nga talaga 'to... I tilted my head back to offer my neck, and he instantly devoured. I was a moaning mess when he sucked all over my neck. My hands, obsessed with his semi-short hair, pulled him closer. Hindi ko na rin maiwasan ang paggalaw sa ibabaw niya, as if we were already doing the dirty instead of just the foreplay.

One of his hands went inside the shirt. Humiwalay siya ng saglit sa'kin para tanggalin ito at ibato sa kung saan. His large hands immediately went to my breasts. Hinayaan kong bumagsak ang ulo ko sa balikat niya, kakaibang sensasyon ang nararamdaman habang nilalamas niya ang pangharap ko. His lips were busy nibbling my earlobe and his boner was basically a rock underneath my soaked panties. The pleasure was beginning to be too much. I was starting to whimper, silently asking for a release.

Habang abala parin siya sa katawan ko, I tried to take off his shirt. He refused to let go of my boobs for even a second kaya naman tinigil ko ang paggalaw sa ibabaw niya.

"Damn it, Third, just take it off!"

He gave me cocky smile while he continued to play with my breasts. Napailing nalang ako at sinubukan ulit. But the moment I threw away his shirt, his head bent down and one of my nipples were trapped between his lips. Mas lalo akong ginanahan. Habang nakakapit sa balikat niya, mas binilisan ko ang paggalaw sa ibabaw niya. The friction of our clothed sexes is doubling the pleasure. Add that to his bruising sucks on my breasts and within the minute, I came apart.

I was panting above him when he moved me. Pinahiga niya ako sa kama at pababang hinalikan ang katawan ko. He nibbled on my hipbone, making me gasp, before tugging down my panties with his teeth. He grinned like a horny schoolboy when I was naked underneath him.

"Did you just get a wax, my Evelyn?" maharot niyang tanong.

I nodded with glee. I knew he liked it bare. Pinanood ko siyang tanggalin ang sweatpants niya. The dude was going commando underneath and that is just the sexiest thing ever. I love when he goes commando under sweatpants. Nagkakasala ako lagi tuwing ganon ang ayos niya.

He gripped my knees, kneeling in between them with his proud member pointing up. Napahagikhik pa ako nang ihaplos niya ang pagkalalaki niya sa hita ko bago ito paghiwalayin. He spread me wide, forcing my legs so far apart that I was close to doing the splits. Third knew I was flexible, though; I did do ballet as a child.

Leaning down, he let go of my knees to press apart my inner thighs, as if I wasn't spread apart enough. The tease blew air against my wet core and I shivered. I kept quiet though. He gives me a better oral when I'm trying to mute my moans. Para bang, nacha-challenge siyang sumigaw ako sa sarap.

At the first flick of his tongue against my clit, my whole body had a slight shiver again. Akala ko mabagal muna, but the next flick of his tongue was followed by his whole mouth covering my lady parts. Hindi ko na napigilan pa ang umungol, especially after he added some deep sucking. My legs went around his shoulders and my thighs trapped him against my eager core. My fingers were locked around the bedsheets while my back arched in pleasure. His tongue slid inside me and I lost it. My hips were moving against his face, loving the feel of his slick and rough tongue against my soft folds. Damn, Third!

When I came for the second time, he swallowed a good portion of it. Wala pa ako sa maayos na pag-iisip nang marinig ko ang pagkakabukas ng isang packet. He rolled down the red, cherry-flavored condom before covering my body with his. He was rubbing it all over my sex, trying to lube it up. Habang busy siya don, I wrapped my arms around his torso and rained kisses all over his shoulder and neck.

"Can I leave a hickey, please..."

He gave me a sweet kiss on the forehead before nodding. I know where to leave one, anyway. Hindi ako pumapayag na mag-iwan siya ng marka sa katawan ko na madalas kita. So after every heated session with him, my breasts would be bruised from his lips. Ako naman, mahilig akong mag-iwan sa may collarbone niya. I know how much he loves it when I kiss his sensitive bone.

He groaned as I was doing it, pero ako naman ay napasinghap nang bigla nalang niyang inari ang katawan ko. I forgot what I was doing for a moment until he pressed his collarbone against my lips. He moved messily above me at first, masyadong gigil para magkaroon ng maayos na ritmo. His forearms were flat beside my head and he was breathing heavily above me. Buong katawan niya ang nasa ibabaw ko at hindi ako makagalaw dahil talagang inipit niya ako.

I didn't complain because I knew how much he loved this position. Fully laid atop me with nothing but his hips moving. Gigil na gigil siya tuwing ganito kami.

"Fuck, Evie, ang sikip..."

Hinihingal na siya at nakapikit habang unti-unting umaawang ang labi. I gingerly inserted my tongue in his open lips and he immediately closed in on it to nibble. Mas lalo akong napaungol. I tried to move my hips to meet his hard thrusts, but he was too heavy and he wasn't letting me. Gustong-gusto niya talaga kapag kontrolado niya ang buong katawan ko.

"Third... Third, I'm near again, love." I gasped in pleasure.

Malutong siyang napamura at mas binilisan. The whole bed was moving along with him now with the occasional creaking. His lips went to my neck again while mine went back to his collarbone. His eager thrusting became faster and harder until I had to bite his collarbone to hide my scream. At dahil sa pagkagat ko, his whole body convulsed on top of me, finally reaching his release.

Minutes after he was done, nilabas niya 'yon sa'kin. He quickly got rid of the condom and threw it inside the trash bin underneath the bed. Pinanood ko siyang gawin 'yon tapos ay dali-dali rin siyang bumalik sa ibabaw ko. My laugh transitioned into a moan when he pushed his member back inside me.

Mahina kong hinampas ang braso niya. "Nag-condom ka pa!"

"I just didn't want it too messy," explain niya at dahan-dahan na gumalaw. I always loved the calm down sex the most. There was no eagerness to finish. Kontento lang kaming dalawa na gumagalaw siya sa loob ko.

He fully laid on top of me again, his hips still moving, while a hand massaged his biceps and the other played with his hair. Nakapikit siyang sumiksik sa leeg ko.

"Kahit na. We have to change the sheets tomorrow."

"Hmm.. bukas na."

Natawa ako. "That's what I said, stupid."

Sumimangot siya sa insulto ko pero hinayaan rin ako. His hips stopped moving and he pulled out, pero nanatili parin siya sa ibabaw ko. Knowing how much he likes it, I cuddled his sex between my thighs. Pumatagilid siya ng konti pero nasa ibabaw ko parin. My free hand, the one not playing with his hair, moved to his collarbone. Nagsisimula nang mamuo doon 'yung iniwan kong marka. I looked down and saw two different love bites on each of my breast.

I cuddled him closer and he seems content. Pumikit na ako para magpahinga dahil paniguradong gigisingin niya ako sa gitna ng gabi to ask for another round. The brute can deny it all he wants, but he is too attracted to me now. I have gotten underneath his skin and unfortunately, he has done the same to me.

Nag-iwan ako ng isang matagal na halik sa noo niya bago lumayo ng konti. It wasn't just for the company anymore. At this point, I also just want him—sans all the benefits of our marriage. He was my first and the only man I've ever been with. He was the only one I could trust aside from my family. Dahil kahit nagsusingit siya sa'kin, he never once lied to me, not counting his constant "hindi kita gusto" dahil obvious naman sa nangyari lang na hindi totoo 'yon.

Aside from my obvious attraction towards him, alam kong siya ang lalaking mapapangasawa ko dahil may tiwala ako sakanya. I don't care that he has a girlfriend right now or that he is cheating with me. Alexander the Third is honest. Maybe not loyal, but he is honest.

"'Yung ilaw, Evie..." Lumabi pa talaga, nakapikit parin.

I chuckled. "Okay, bitaw ng saglit kung ganon."

He yawned and raised his arm. Kahit hubad ay tinakbo ko ang remote na iniwan ko kagabi sa may couch. I went back to his open arms and turned off the lights. Pagkababa ko sa remote ay agad akong sumiksik sakanya. He sighed in contentment while I smiled for the same reason.

"Doon ka na matulog sa condo, ate," aya ni Eva na nasa opisina ko ngayon, nakikigulo sa trabaho.

I welcomed the intrusion, though. Hindi kasi madalas na may free time siya during the week dahil madami siyang inaaral. She was the genius of the family, skipping two grade levels with ease. Kaya kahit dalawang taon ang tanda ni Ruel, they would be graduating college at the same time.

"Hm? Magluluto ka?"

Umiling siya at lumabi. "No, but ate Kyla is. Dadaan daw siya mamayang gabi."

"Madalas ba siya doon?" The thought of Ruel doing the dirty with our baby bunso in the same condominium annoys me.

Eva nodded habang may binabasang kontrata. "A lot, but she never stays over. Lagi siyang sinusundo ng driver nila."

"Ruel doesn't drop her off?"

"No, kuya said ayaw niyang mag-isa ako sa gabi."

I smiled, happy with the answer. Dahil kung iniiwan ni Ruel si Eva kahit saglit lang na mag-isa, lalo na sa gabi, baka ako mismo ang kakalbo sakanya. We can't risk anything when it comes to our Eva.

My office went into silence. Nang sulyapan ko siya ay nakita kong tumayo siya. She made a copy of whatever she was reading tapos ay bumalik sa pwesto niya sa may couch. She now had a highlighter in her hand along with a pen. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tinitignan niya pero mukhang interesado talaga siya.

I didn't bother her anymore. Sasabihin din naman niya sa'kin kung bakit siya interesado doon. Knowing her, she is probably analyzing a confusing contract. Madalas ay mas pinagkakatiwalaan ko pa si Eva na basahin ang mga kontrata kesa sa ibang lawyers namin sa legal counsel. Eva was a genius and she had a really sharp eye. Critical thinking and deep analysis are basically just singing the alphabet to her.

I checked my email as soon as I got done with some of the more important reports and financial proposals. Nagko-concentrate ako sa pagbabasa kaya nagulat ako ng konti nang magpop-out ang message ni Russell.

RUSSELL: Visiting the provincial hospitals soon. Did you see the proposals ate?

EVELYN: Not yet. Financing for your visits and possible renovations are not yet done. When are you planning to go?

RUSSELL: End of the year. Or maybe February ate. Depends on holiday plans.

Hmm.. I don't even know what mommy is planning yet. We usually leave the country during the holidays. Mas gusto kasi ni mommy na nagce-celebrate kami na pamilya lamang. And she loves celebrating Christmas in a snowy place. New Years are always spent in California with the rest of our relatives. But Christmas is solely for just the family.

"Kuya Ruel is here, ate," biglang sabi ni Eva sa'kin.

I nodded and shut down everything. I still have a lot to do, but I can't have my siblings waiting for me. Work is above everything, aside from my family.

While on the road, I decided to text Third. Since it's Friday, I won't bother him until Monday. Or maybe Wednesday, since I have to stay in Cebu for another conference. Ang alam ko, he will be home early tonight. Well, simula nang may mangyari sa'min ulit last week, he's been home before I even get off. And every night, except for last Sunday, was spent in each other's arms.

To: Third

Don't miss me too much love ;)

From: Third

Tumigil ka nga.

To: Third

I'll see you Wednesday night baby!!

Natawa ako. I used to cringe with endearments, pero dahil naiinis siya tuwing binibigyan ko siya ng pet name, nasanay na ako. Now I call him "love" as if it was true. I wanted him, but I was not in love with him at all.

From: Third

K.

I rolled my eyes. Sungit talaga. Pahihirapin ko talaga 'to 'pag kasal na kami. He will grovel for sure.

"Ate?"

"Hm?"

Eva glanced at me from the passenger seat. "Narinig ko ang nangyari sa kumpanya ng mga Mangaoil. Most of their investors are gone and they are under pressure to produce some products.. Alam mo ba ang tungkol doon?"

She was talking about Jane Mangaoil's family company. They were producers of furniture and some steel products. Sila ang matagal na naming kinuha para sa mga hotels namin, malls, hospitals, and some cruise ships. But lately, there have been too many complaints about their products. Madali daw mag-rust, o dikaya naman ay madaling masira. We've had to redo the furnitures for two of our hotels twice and that costs a lot of money. It was why one of the board members proposed another company to supply us, instead. A company from Singapore that specializes in furniture. It was unanimous that we drop the Mangaoil's company.

Of course, while it was a board decision, I went the extra mile and told it to some of our partners and clients. Pero gaya ng sabi ko kay Third, I didn't force anyone.

"Mangaoil... Third's girlfriend? Tama ba, ate?" Ruel asked.

I nodded with raised brows. "I didn't know about it. Narinig ko nalang. One of the board members presented it and everyone approved of the decision."

Ruel smirked. "Right. And you had to tell everyone?"

A sneaky smile was emerging from my lips. "It's business."

"Just wanted to make sure walang foul play," Eva said. Sumimangot siya na parang may na-realize. "Although, good luck to them kung may standing man sila. They can use your motivations towards Third, but that's it."

"They're filing?" Hindi ko ata alam 'yun? Wala ding nabanggit si Third sa'kin. Then again, why would he? I'm sure he would protect his little girlfriend over me.

Eva shook her head. "Hindi siguro matutuloy. I heard it a while ago. They were asking for legal advice sa isang lawyer sa firm kanina na binisita namin. I even saw Jane and his brother there."

"I don't really care, Eva. There was no foul play. Hindi lang talaga maganda ang quality ng mga gawa nila."

"Does kuya Third know?"

I shook my head, hoping that it was true. "No. I'm sure he would've told me."

But Eva was a genius and Ruel was smart. But then again, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know I was lying.