THIRD PERSON

Geometry's forehead knotted in unexplainable irritation when he saw his system getting breached with a virus. His system was throwing a digital tantrum, sassily sidestepping firewalls and treating those defenses like mere decorations on paper.

"What the hell is a Tenth Commandment Virus?" He cursed. On his blacked-out screen, he can only see the words 'Tenth Commandment Virus' written in a bloody red font that entails murder.

"Oh, come on!" He rolls his eyes in frustration. The virus spreads, playfully corrupts files, and breaks through security barriers. It was cunning enough to replicate itself whenever he tried to fix it.

"That petty scoundrel!" He hissed. Of course, he knew who sent that virus. It was no other than the Italian asshole. He can fix the breach in his system, sure. A small malware is not that hard to correct, but he's too lazy to find it, knowing there are layers and layers of security systems he designed!

"Initiating protocol: The Crown of Europe commanded the deployment of an unmanned aerial vehicle to execute a strike at specified coordinates." He stood up, confused by the sudden caution from Diamond. This was the first time Kage ever made a strike in history.

"Who's the target?" Even Zeeshan couldn't help but ask. He was delivering food when he got an alarm from his smartwatch. Nakakapagtaka lang na tirik na tirik na nga ang araw may bungo pa siyang papasabugin.

"Target identified: Belladonna Del Piero, daughter of the Hydra's Don." Yulan nearly fell off the horse when he heard the AI's response.

"Under what circumstances is he planning to murder her?" Hindi nito maiwasang tanong bago pakalmahin ang kabayong sinasakyan.

Diamond is an AI personally built by Geometry with the help of the former Dons. It stands for Divisional Intelligence and Asset Management for Organized Network Domination. It is used to aid them in their operations, and only the dons of Quartet Federation have access to use and command them.

Diamond's system runs through the four of them. This means if one of them tried to make a move, the others would also be informed. And although they don't really give a fuck if Kage would kill the daughter of the don who belongs to their long-time enemy called Five Rings, it would only mean he was declaring war with them.

Hindi naman na bago yun. The members of Five Rings have tried to assassinate him many times in a month, pero dine-deny nilang sila ang may gawa no'n dahil sa peace treaty na nilagdaan ten years ago. They could try to run ammock and deny them as long as walang naiwang ebidensya. But this bold move by Kage, everyone will be aware of this. Ipapamukha nilang sila ang naunang lumabag sa treaty.

"Uhmm. I don't have a beef with her, so why would I kill her?" Bulalas ni Sachal habang nakatingin pa rin sa hologram kung saan nakikita niya si Belladonna.

"If you kept her alive, there's a big chance she will gift you a bomb at your wedding." Napahilamos ng mukha ang dalaga. That's what she was thinking. Kung totoo ngang baliw na baliw ang babae kay Salvatore ay malamang gagawin niya ang lahat para hindi matuloy ang kasal nila.

Ano laban niya sa babaeng yun? E mukhang bomba at granada kinakain no'n araw-araw.

"And my associates just informed me she sent people to kill your family." Dahang-dahan siyang napalingon kay Keegan na may blankong ekspresyon sa mga mata. "But you don't have to worry, they were taken care of." He assured.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" She clenched her fist and nods. "Diamond, activate instant kill." As soon as she said those words, the countdown began.

The satellite positioned in the space started aligning itself with the target coordinates. As it was preparing for a strike, Keegan stared at Sachal. Moments ago, she was hesitant to kill Belladonna because she had no negative feelings towards her. But the moment he informed her that she tried to kill her family, her decision instantly changed.

"Strike procedure completed." On the hologram, they saw how the tall building got hit by a single strike, followed by multiple explosions until it collapsed.

"Threat approaching the top floor has been eliminated. Suggesting sanitation and body clean-up protocol." Keegan nods in satisfaction before pulling up his phone to call somebody to clean up the mess in the hallway.

Samantalang napaupo na lang sa couch si Sachal habang nakatingin sa pangalawang hologram kung saan nakikita niya ang mga nakabulagtang tao na wala ng buhay. It was bathed in blood. Although she had seen countless of dead bodies like these in her past missions, it felt new to her again.

Pero kung hindi naman sila namatay, siya naman ang babawian ng buhay. Lucky enough, Salvatore's penthouse is an impenetrable fortress. It's the safest house in the world.

"Nasaan ba boss mo? Muntik na ako mamatay rito tapos missing in action siya?" Bugnot niyang atugal. Binaba ni Keegan ang tawag at napakamot na lang ng ulo sa tanong niya. He can't tell her.

"He had to take care of something, madame. That's why he entrusted your safety to me." Her lips twitched into a displeased smile. What could be more important than the safety of his bride?

"Are you sure my family are safe?" Paninigurado niya. "Yes, they are. In case they are targeted, we also put a tail on your friends." Pero in fairness naman kay Salvatore, she appreciated his efforts.

But she just killed a person. . but does it matter? If she didn't kill her, she will die with her family. Does that make her a bad person now?

Bigla siyang napahalakhak kaya nagtatakang napatingin si Keegan sa kanya. Sinong niloloko niya? She killed people on her missions. It's a matter of survival for her. And she needs to survive as his wife.

ೃ⁀✈.ೃ⁀✈.ೃ⁀✈.

"Ano ba naman tong bride namin, ikaw ang main character ng gabing 'to tapos ikaw pa late!" Sermon ni Kassidy. "Gosh! What are you wearing?" Nakangiwi pa nitong pagpupuna sa suot niyang kulay itim na formal dress.

"Arianne! Bihisan mo nga 'to! Ito na ang last day ng pagiging dalaga mo kaya lubos-lubusin mo na!" Tatawa-tawang hinila ni Arianne si Sachal patungo sa loob ng bahay ni Kassidy.

The famous fashion designer Kassidy Lawrence threw a bachelorette party for her friend, inviting well-known models and designers. The event took place at her residence, where she hosted an entertaining pool party with a lingerie dress code.

Upon entering her house, you are greeted by an abundance of stacked foods and drinks, surrounded by unique and vibrant designs featuring the theme of the celebration extending from the ceiling all the way to the pool area. The entire place is bathed in a warm, inviting glow with hues of red and pink.

"Fejia! Dumating na ba ang regalo natin kay Avi?" Kassidy's laughter bubbled up with excitement as she delicately held a wine glass.

"Yes! They're preparing na! Make sure Avi wears a blindfold! Then tie her hands if possible!" Nakangisi namang sinundan ni Kassidy si Arianne.

"I am not wearing that!" Halata ang disgusto sa mukha ni Sachal nang makita ang manipis na tela ng damit na pinapasuot sa kanya ni Arianne.

It was a red laced lingerie designed like butterfly wings on the top with a flowy hem. May kasama itong itong robe, but there's no way and hell she would wear that! Now, she's starting to regret letting Kassidy host her bachelorette party!

"Bilisan mo na! The main event is about to start! Hindi pwede magsimula na ganyan ang suot mo!" Sachal shakes her head and began running around Kassidy's bedroom to avoid Arianne's attempt to dress her. Parang mga timang na naghahabulan ang mga ito.

"Arianne, tapos na ba ka—" Namewang ito nang makita na nakatago sa loob ng closet si Sachal samantalang pilit naman na binubuksan ito ni Arianne.

"Avi, this is my new set of lingerie! Ikaw ang model ko tonight, you should cooperate! If not, I will make Fejia release your embarrassing video when you're drunk!" Mabilis na bumukas ang closet at iniluwa roon si Sachal. She glared at them.

"Fine! Give me that!" She snatched the lingerie in Arianne's hands and shooed them away so she could change. Hindi siya makapalag dito dahil doon sa video na tinutukoy niya. Bwiset may pang blackmail!

Tiningnan niya na lang ang sarili sa salamin. Her curly auburn hair flowed in her neck. Lantad na lantad ang kahabaan ng makinis at maputi niyang biyas. The robe is not that lengthy either. Hindi nito kayang itago ang hubog ng katawan niya.

She looks seductive in red.

Nagulat na lang siya nang may humila sa kanya paupo ng kama. Kassidy placed a thin fabric in her eyes to blindfold her while Arianne securely tied her hands behind her back. "What the hell are you doing?" Hindi na nakapalag pa si Sachal nang alalayan siya ng mga ito palabas ng kuwarto.

"Let us all welcome the bride-to-be! Sachal Aviatrice Coronia!" Halos mabingi ang dalaga nang marinig ang palakpakan ng ibang kababaihan na naroon.

She felt Kassidy and Arianne guiding her to climb up the stage and made her sit on a chair. "What's the use of all this when I can't see anything?" Irita niyang ingos na ikinatawa lang ni Arianne.

"Now for the 26 shots! Come up mga bebe bois!" Kumunot ang noo ni Sachal nang marinig ang boses ni Kassidy.

Anong 26 shots? Ano 'to debut? Saka anong bebe bois pinagsasabi ng animal na 'to?

Mula sa baba ng stage may dalawangput-anim na naggu-gwapuhang lalaki ang naglilinyahan na may dalang tequila shots. They were wearing nothing but pants on them, flexing their toned abs and broad shoulders—making every women in the crowd gawking and screaming their lung out.

This is different from the kind of party she was expecting! She thought it was formal, about having small talks and receiving gifts and advice. More importantly, she thought there were no men allowed!

She felt someone's presence in front of her. Naka-semi luhod ito sa harapan niya at parang may tinatapat sa bibig niya. She smelled the flavor of tequila. Now where's the salt and lime? When her lips touched the glass, saka niya napagtanto na nakakalat na sa rim ng baso ang asin at may nakasabit doon na hiwa ng lime.

Akala niya didilaan niya pa sa palad o daliri ng lalaki ang asin, kun'di ay papatayin niya talaga si Kassidy. "Your husband is a one lucky guy." The first man whispered in awe as he lined behind her and another man came up the stage holding another shot of tequila.

The first ten shots were nothing to her. Kahit pa sunod-sunod ito ay nasa katinuan pa rin siya. She has a high alcohol tolerance, and she's somehow thankful because of that. But on her 25th shot, her body started feeling heavy and hot. Nararamdaman niya na ang pangangalay ng braso at kamay niyang nakatali pa rin sa likuran niya.

On her last shot, her head slowly began to spin. Nakayuko na ang ulo niya nang tanggalin ni Kassidy ang blindfold niya. As the sultry song 'Earned It' started playing in the background, five men remained on the stage while the rest went down and danced around the crowd, grinding their bodies to each other with the song.

With her head remaining low, she could see their naked chest parading in front of her. She can see it all with every slow dance they make, the hip thrust, the grinding movements on the floor, and the attempt to come close to her without touching her.

A thought suddenly came into her mind. She hasn't seen Salvatore ever since he introduced his kids. Bukas na ang kasal nila pero wala siyang paramdam. Although she was living in his penthouse and Keegan was there to cater her needs, he was nowhere to be found. Is he also having fun with his Bachelor's Party? Kung gayon ay may ganitong ganap din sa kanya?

Halos bugbog na ang braso ni Fejia sa walang humpay na paghampasan ni Arianne at Fejia sa kanya dahil sa kilig. One of the dancers eventually approached them and started dancing with the attempt to seduce them. Sinabayan nila itong sumayaw.

Sachal decided to look at them. Her gaze was so incredibly intense that the men around her couldn't help but stop in their tracks, captivated by the electrifying energy she posessed. Nakaupo lang ito at bahagyang nakasandal sa upuan habang nakatingala sa kanila subalit hindi maitatanggi ng mga ito ang mga titig niyang tila ba'y nagpapaluhod sa kanila.

"Avi! Did you like our gift?" Pakembot-kembot na lumapit si Kassidy sa gawi niya. She was caressing a dancer's chest as she moved closer.

"What do you say if I kill every man in that party?" Muntik na mapa-sign of the cross si Keegan nang marinig ang pikon na tono ng pananalita ni Kage.

The hoes inside the gates were dancing like narcotic idiots that are shit-faced drunk. "The madame seems to have no idea about this." Iyon na lang ang naging sagot ni Keegan dito. Marahil ayaw niyang may masabing mali na baka mag-trigger sa amo niya na paulanan ng bala ang mga lalaking nagsasasayaw sa paligid ng asawa niya.

She has no idea? Well, judging from her reaction, it seems true. It looks like one of her friends arranged the party for her. And whoever arranged that would probably suffer the consequences of her actions.

As he gazed from a distance, he rested his left arm on the open car window and gently brushed his fingers against his lips. He knew she looked good in any clothes she wore, but tonight, she was incredibly captivating. He found himself wanting to stab every person's eyes as a price for staring at her for too long.

"Baka gusto mo pati mata mo dukutin ko rin?" Mabilis na nasamid sa sariling laway si Keegan at napaiwas ng tingin.

Sachal tried to untie the knot in her back, but it was useless. Nag-take pa 'ata ng klase sa BDSM 'tong si Arianne dahil sa komplikadong tali nito. Sa kabila ng pagkahilo niya ay alam niya pa rin naman ang nangyayari sa paligid niya. Kumpara noong nakaraan na lasing siya ay mild lang 'to ngayon.

A man approached her and was about to give her a lap dance when she swiftly raised her left foot and kicked him on the chest. Natumba ito sa sahig kaya mabilis niyang diniin ang takong ng stiletto na suot niya sa binti nito. He hissed in pain.

The thought of Salvatore having his own Bachelor's Party with strippers probably giving him a lap dance is already pissing her off, but she couldn't make herself enjoy this moment as an act of revenge—because although she doesn't love him, she respects him—and so, she doesn't want to cheat.

She is only letting this pass because it was arranged by her friends. She can tolerate the drinking and dancing, but they should never go as far as touching her in inappropriate places. "Yes, step on me, mommy." Kumibot ang bibig ni Sachal sa iritasyon nang marinig ang sinabi ng lalaking tinatapakan niya.

"Mommy? Mukha ba akong nanay mong tangina ka?" Singhal niya pabalik, pero imbis na mainsulto sa pagmumura nito ay mukhang ginanahan pa ang lalaki.

"No use, Avi! Puro mga submissive mga bebe bois na pinili ko for you! They will obey you like a good dog! Rawr!" Sisinok-sinok na ariba ni Kassidy.

"Lap dance! Lap dance! Lap dance!" The people cheered when the song Under the Influence started playing. Kahit ang mga lalaking nasa baba ng stage ay nakikisigaw na rin. She gritted her teeth and snarled at her friends.

"Take this tie off me, Arianne!"

"Nope!" She replied, popping the 'p.'

"I swear to God! You—" Mariin na napapikit si Sachal.

"Lap dance! Lap dance! Lap dance!" Sa kabila ng ingay ng mga tao sa paligid ay hindi nila napansin ang pagdating ng isang lalaki.

He entered the scene with messy hair, wearing a tight black compression shirt and grey sweatpants. Nonchalantly, he reached for a glass of tequila and a sliced lime before walking towards the direction of the stage.

"Hala, hindi ba 'yan yung—" Hindi na naituloy ni Fejia ang sasabihin niya nang tuluyan na itong makaakyat ng stage.

The moment he stepped on stage, his towering height of 6"3 immediately gave a sense of intimidation. Kusang tumabi ang mga lalaking naroon upang pagbigyan siya ng daan.

He gently grasped her jaw, lifting her face to meet his. As her eyes fluttered open, she was bewildered to find herself staring at the man in front of her. Before she could even muster a reaction, he guided a glass of tequila to her lips, silently urging her to drink.

And so, with her doe eyes looking up, she opened her mouth to savor the taste of liquor as it flowed down her throat. When she emptied the glass, he threw it on the floor, squeezed the lime in his mouth, and pulled her for a kiss.

Her lips parted open to give him more access, and the lime juices from his mouth flowed to hers. Both of them became intoxicated as their tongue battled for dominance. Napasinghap na lang ang mga taong naroon. Even with her hands tied on her back, she could kiss back just fine. Nanlalaban ito sa bawat duyog at alon ng halik ng binata.

He pulled from the kiss and cupped her face, gasping for air. A little more, and he will lose control. "So that's what you taste like?" Wala sa sarili bulalas ni Kage habang magkadikit ang kanilang noo.

"What do I taste like?"

"Like my new obsession."

Ah, Salvatore, the man that you are.

𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄
ᴮʸ ᴳᵒˡᵘᶜᵏʸᶜʰᵃʳᵐ