THIRD PERSON

"You cheeky bastard! I should be the only one walking with her down the aisle!" Ingos ni Fabian bago hampasin ng baston ang paa ni Apollo. Pigil hininga itong napahiyaw upang hindi gumawa ng kahit na anong ingay.

"You should have given birth to a daughter so you'd have a chance to walk her down the aisle!" He replied through gritted teeth. Nagsukatan naman ng tingin ang mga ito na siyang ikinasapo na lang ng noo ni Distaunce.

Wala talagang pinipiling lugar at okasyon ang mga ito. Hindi sila nagpaawat sa pagtatalo kanina kung sino ang maglalakad kay Sachal sa altar, halos umabot pa sa punto na magrambulan ito sa tapat ng simbahan. Mabuti na lang ay napagdesisyunan ni Sachal na silang dalawa ang maghahatid sa kanya. Pero ultimong kahit sa paglalakad ay parang naghihilahan pa silang dalawa kanina.

"To think that my little girl already grew up, and I have to give her up to her new family. . ." Dumukot ng panyo sa bulsa si Fabian at pinunasan ang nagbabadyang luha sa mga mata. Hindi rin nagpaawat si Apollo at umiyak rin.

"Parang noon lang lumalangoy-langoy pa siya, Pops. Simula noong nanalo siya sa racing sa loob pa lang ng Follopian tube, proud na ako sa kanya!" Suminghot-singhot pa ito kaya sinamaan lang siya ng tingin ni Fabian.

Sino na naman ba nag-abot ng shabu rito? Irap ng matanda sa kawalan. Kapagkuwan ay naluha na naman ito nang maalalang minsan niya na lang makikita ang apo niya.

"Naalala ko pa noong bata siya, sinampal niya ako ng tae niya tapos—" Binusalan ni Fabian ng panyo ang bibig nito dahil sa kawalangyaang lumalabas sa bibig niya.

"Hmmpf—Hmm—"

"You were my flame in the darkest of nights, a reminder that, no matter how hard things got, there was always light at the end of the tunnel. But I know, even flames like you cast shadows, and I knew there were parts of you that you kept hidden, parts that you wish no one ever saw." Kage's words struck a pang in her chest. She felt heard and understood.

The man standing before her, with a ring held gently in his hand, gazed at her with eyes brimming with love and sincerity, speaking as though he had known her for years.

"We all have our shadows, our dark sides, and you are no exception. But it was not the shadows that defined you—it was the light, the fire that burned within you, the warmth you bring was the only thing that made me feel alive." Nanlamig ang kamay ni Sachal nang marinig ang huling katagang sinabi nito. Even with the veil, she couldn't hide the blush on her face.

"I, Arlecchino Kage Salvatore, take you, Aviatrice Sachal Coronia, to be my wife. I will be faithful and loyal like a dog, build a statue, and worship you; even death can't tear us apart." Naging punching bag na naman ni Kassidy at Arianne si Fejia dahil sa kilig. Samantalang napakagat na lang ng labi si Sachal habang pinapanood ang dahan-dahan nitong pagsuot ng singsing.

He prepared the rings, and she was pleased that they weren't made of gold or silver but rose gold—her favorite. It was a simple rose-gold diamond ring with something engraved underneath it. Hindi niya lang mabasa dahil naisuot na ito sa daliri niya.

"I, Aviatrice Sachal Coronia, take you, Arlecchino Kage Salvatore, to be my husband. I will stand by you, not as a partner but as someone always learning, growing, and reaching for your hand in the highs and lows. . ." She looked at him, and his eyes were only focused on her—watching every movement of her lips.

"I'll find peace in your laughter and strength in your embrace. I vow to be with you in the bright moments and in the quiet shadows. Together, we walk hand in hand and choose this imperfect journey, always, even after death." Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Kage sa narinig samantalang hindi naman maiwasang manginig ang kamay ng dalaga habang sinusuot ang singsing nito.

The small crowd was in awe of the sweet wedding vows they exchanged. "You may now kiss the bride!" Kage smirked at the priest. Hindi na siya nag-abala pang buksan ang belo. He went inside the veil and wrapped his arm around her waist before pressing his lips against her.

Halos mapugto na ang hininga ni Fejia nang pagsasakalin siya ni Kassidy at Arianne sa kilig. Samantalang nagpupunas naman ng uhog si Apollo ay muntik na itapon ni Fabian ang baston niya sa gawi ni Kage kung hindi siya napigilan ni Distaunce.

"You look good in white, love." He complimented after breaking the kiss, their noses still close enough to touch. Sa sobrang ganda nito kanina ay nawalan siya ng kakayahan para makapagsalita at ngayon niya lang siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataon upang purihin ito.

His wife looks breathtaking in a mermaid white gown that flaunts her curves. While he seems like an idiot in a black tuxedo with diamond cufflinks—entirely smitten by her.

She flinched when his fingers touched her exposed back. Binuhat siya nito sa gitna ng palakpakan ng mga bisita. "Let's go somewhere private, shall we?" He grinned. Hindi naman halata na hindi siya makapaghintay, ano?

"Where are you guys going? May party pa! Don't you dare leave, Avi! I prepared a lot!" Nakanguso na awat ni Fejia nang makitang palabas na ng simbahan si Kage.

"May ginawa pa akong eulogy para basahin mamaya! Ibalik mo ang anak ko!" Nakangiwing sinipa ni Fabian ang tuhod ni Apollo.

"Anong eulogy? Pangpatay yun!" Singhal ni Distaunce dahil sa kabobohan ng ama niya.

"Apollo, how can there be a spy as stupid as you?" Mahinang bulong ni Fabian na may halong pang-aasar.

"Basta may message ako! Ano bang pake mo?"

"Avi! Yung mga gifts namin sayo hindi mo pa nabubuksan! Tangina naman Kage masyado ka namang excited sa honeymoon! Hoy!" Tinampal ni Arianne ang bibig ni Kassidy.

"Maghunos dili ka nga, demonyo ka talaga! Kita mong nasa simbahan nagmumura ka!" Lumingon si Arianne sa pari at nahihiyang humingi ng tawad.

"Apologies, everyone. I will make sure your concerns will reach his attention. For now, take this as a compensation." May mga susing inabot si Keegan sa kanila.

"A-A Rolls Royce car for compensation?" Napaamang si Kassidy. Biglang lumiwanag ang mukha nito at kumaway-kaway sa likuran ni Kage. "Gago, kahit pala wag mo na ibalik yan okay lang! Take your time!" Nagmamadaling sumunod si Kassidy kay Keegan.

"Hoy beh, nasaan naka-park yung sasakyan?" Sundot niya sa braso ng binata.

ೃ⁀✈.ೃ⁀✈.ೃ⁀✈.

"Where are we going?" Kaagad na tanong ni Sachal nang makaakyat ang mga ito sa private jet. Halos mapaos na siya kakareklamo na ibaba siya kanina pero buhat-buhat pa rin siya ni Kage sa loob hanggang mailapag ito sa kama.

Teka—may kama sa loob?!

"We're going to Santorini for our honeymoon week." Umawang ang bibig niya.

Honeymoon w-week? Hindi honeymoon night pero week?

"Kelan natin napag-usapan yun?" Tanong niya bago buksan ang belo niya sa ulo upang makita nang maayos ang binata.

"Kagabi." Maikli naman nitong sagot habang nagtatanggal ng tuxedo niya. Nagsimulang maglikot kung saan-saan ang mata ni Sachal. Napatayo ito at palakad-lakad habang inaalala kung ano ang napag-usapan nila kagabi.

That lingering kiss they shared. . she remembers. She had no idea what words came out of her mouth after that.

"I don't remember anything." Marahang napalingon sa kanya si Kage habang tinatanggal ang tie na suot niya. He unbuttoned the first three buttons of his long-sleeved white shirt before approaching her at the corner of the bed.

"Hmm? You need help to remember?" Napasinghap na lang siya nang may kung anong pinunit si Kage sa dulo ng wedding gown niya. The sound of fabric ripping echoed through the room, and her elegant long gown instantly transformed into a stylish dress. Isang dangkal mula sa tuhod ang ikli nito.

He chuckled while his arms were crossed. "Who knows, your friend prepared you this much?" Mariin na napapikit si Sachal. She didn't know her long gown could turn into a dress! Sasakalin niya talaga si Kassidy sa susunod nilang pagkikita!

"How considerate of easy access." He continued to tease. Pinamulahan lang ito na mas lalo niyang ikinainis.

Why? Why can't she say anything? Teasing people is her forte. Kahit kailan hindi siya nagpapatalo. But when it comes to him. . . why does she find herself with nothing to say?

Dahil sa iniisip niya ay hindi niya napansin ang paglapit sa kanya ng binata. She had no idea that her embarrassed demeanor was riling him up. He grabbed her by the hips to lift her up and made her legs cling to his waist before kissing her fully on the lips. She responded.

Their lips moved in sync as they began exploring each other's mouths. His left hand caressed her back while the other held her neck to deepen the kiss.

"Good lord," He whispered when his lips moved away for a second. "You taste as sweet as I remember." He hummed before kissing her once again.

Bawat halik nito ay banayad, puno ng ingat at panunuyo—subalit patagal nang patagal ay para bang nagiging mapusok ito. His gentle and passionate kiss became more rough and needy as he tugged her closer.

"Sire—" Minulat ni Kage ang kaliwang mata niya nang makitang pumasok si Keegan sa pinto. He gave him a glare. Mabilis itong sinara pabalik ni Keegan at nagtungo sa cockpit.

He just want to inform them that they are about to take off. Hindi man lang makapaghintay, mukhang may balak pa makipagkupetensya sa yanig ng turbelence mamaya.

Kage laid her down on the bed, trapping her body between his strong arms. He was heaving, like he was almost breathless for kissing her—but still couldn't get enough. She was the same. She wanted him as much as he did—because she wanted experience.

And so, with a bold look on her face, she pushed him down the bed and went on top of him. Ironic, isn't it? She's twenty-six years old, malapit na lumampas ng kalendaryo pero wala pa rin experience. Ayaw niya maging pabigat kay Kage na marami ng body count.

His breathing hitched as he watched her slowly take off her clothes—while her heart was racing when she pushed the dress off her shoulders until it fell on the floor. She was anxious, feeling his stare all over her naked body.

What if he doesn't like my body? Iniisip niyang baka kinokompara na ni Kage ang katawan niya sa mga babaeng naikama niya. Her mind was flooded with sudden insecurities, but she was confused when she felt his shivering hands gripping the sides of her waist.

Napatingin siya rito. "S-Salvatore?" Kinakabahan niyang tawag. "A-are you okay?" She bend down—dahilan upang matapat ang malusog niyang dibdib sa mukha nito. "Why is your nose bleeding?" Nag-aalala niyang tanong.

Kurap matang napahawak sa ilong ang binata. Yes, his nose is indeed bleeding. He licked his lips and gazed at her worried face down to her neck, collarbone, and perfect chest. He didn't even dare to look down there. Malalalim na hininga nitong tinakpan ang mga mata niya gamit ang kaliwang braso niya.

His deep-toned chuckle became sexy in her ears. "I apologize, sweetheart. Your body is just too tempting to look at to the point I even get nosebleeds." She stared at him in disbelief. Pabiro niyang sinuntok ang dibdib nito na ikinaigik ni Kage.

"D-don't play dumb with me! You've bedded with a lot of women!" She scoffed. "You have probably seen bodies more tempting than mine." Mahina nitong bulong habang nakatingin sa salamin sa kiliran niya.

Inalis ni Kage ang kanyang braso sa mata niya upang tumingin sa kanya. "What are you talking about?" Taka niyang tanong dito. Her body deserved to be worshiped! Ang sino mang magsabing pangit ang katawan niya ay ipapako niya sa bato.

"Sabi mo noong nakaraan libo na mahigit body count mo? That means—" He shut her up by giving her a quick kiss.

"I thought the body count you meant was the body of the people I killed." He explained. "If the body count you meant is the people I slept with, then none. Zero. Itlog. Bokya." He lifts his right hand to tuck her hair at the back of her ear. Hindi niya mapigilang matawa nang makita ang pagkunot ng noo nito. Cute.

"I want a traditional woman, so I must be a traditional man myself. A man who can provide what I require and afford what I demand." Sachal was lost for words for a moment.

She heard of men demanding a virgin woman but were not virgins themselves. It was the first time she had heard of a man wanting a virgin woman because he was a virgin himself, too. He can provide what he requires and afford what he demands. Sinong nanay nito at napakalaki nang maayos?

Umalog ng konti ang private jet nang mag take-off ito kaya nawalan ng balanse si Sachal. Now he was on top of her again. Pinunasan niya muna ang konting dugo sa ilalim ng ilong niya bago ito halikan sa noo habang nakadagan ang katawan niya.

"Feel that?" He pressed his body even more. She felt something hard bulging in her stomach.

"This is what you do to me." He looked at her intently, "So don't bother thinking if I liked your body or not because I get hard just by you simply existing." She found herself nodding despite the scrambled thoughts in her head.

He is a consigliere. He defends criminals. He kills people. 

He is supposed to be a red flag, but why the hell is he a damn fucking forest?!

𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄
ᴮʸ ᴳᵒˡᵘᶜᵏʸᶜʰᵃʳᵐ