Chapter 11: Vacation

Two hours passed since my body suddenly turned wrinkled, old, and shit. I thought it would only last for a few minutes, and I would have my flawlessness back. Maybe I really overused the necklace this time.

I was well aware that abusing the necklace could not just suffocate me. It could also affect me physically and fuck them by forgetting that when something affects you physically, it could bother you too mentally.

I was taken aback when I heard glass shatter. It was a scene in a movie Kristan played for us. He warned me that it was a horror movie, but nothing was more horrifying than wrinkled skin.

I sighed as I pulled the comforter up to my chest. Nakasandal ako sa ulunan ng kama at nakatingin lang sa TV. Kristan was still beside me, but I hadn't paid attention to him yet since the movie started. Ironically, I shouldn't be confused about what's happening in the film right now.

I took a glimpse of him. He was hugging a pillow where his chin was resting. Whenever the background sound of the movie intensifies, which usually means that something is about to happen, he would bury half of his face there. He was watching with only one eye open.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

He almost jumped out of the bed as a loud gasp escaped his lips. Napapikit pa siya nang madiin bago huminga nang malalim. Napansin niyang nakatingin ako sa unan na yakap niya kaya binitiwan niya 'yon.

"Why? Are you thirsty?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Are you scared?"

"Of what?" he sounded offended. "Don't tell me you are thinking that a movie can terrify me?"

"Aren't you?"

"No. Are you?" he returned my question.

I ignored him and just straightened up my seat. Pumayag ako sa kagustuhan ni Kristan na manuod muna ng movie habang hinihintay ang pagbabalik ng dati kong kutis.

It's been hours. I don't think I can regain my skin tonight. Maybe I need to contact my manager regarding this. I can't also get out of here tomorrow without wearing that. I'll probably cancel all my schedules until I get a replacement for that necklace.

The movie ended, and I didn't understand a thing. Kristan tried to explain to me the ending, but all I did was stare at his lips. He caught me staring at them, so he stopped talking.

"Kristan..."

He swallowed. "Can you feel it now?"

Mula sa kanyang labi ay umangat sa kanyang mga mata ang tingin ko. His stares have always been intimate, and that's something I don't think he's aware of. He doesn't know how beautiful, dark, and enchanting his eyes are. I would die to have his eyes and lashes, but I prefer to stare at them.

"Feel what?" I smirked.

"Your strength—"

I held his hand while staring at his eyes. I spread my legs underneath the comforter and slid his hand inside. I wasn't wearing anything down there, so his clenched hand landed on my bare thigh.

"Feel me..." I dared him.

I would honestly laugh if he suddenly felt disgusted because I get it. I am not in my usual physical appearance. I am not flawless, young, or even pretty. I am the opposite of those.

He unclenched his fist. Hinipo niya ang hita ko. I cautiously watched his expression, but it didn't even flinch. Alam kong ramdam na niya ngayon kung gaano kakulobot ang balat ko.

"I told you to be honest," I whispered to him.

I don't know if I will feel frustrated that he denies it, or he just really doesn't give a damn. I can't tell by just watching his expression.

"I hate liars, Kristan."

"Did I ever lie to you?"

"Did I ever believe you?"

I felt his hand moved close to my core. Hindi ko pinutol ang titigan namin. Napansin ko rin na maya't maya ang paglunok niya at maging ang kanyang paghinga ay bumilis.

The growing intimacy between us was making me confused even more. Hindi ito ang inaasahan kong mangyari. I really intended to see him disgusted with me. I mean, I am Nathalia freaking Cardinal. But I am not her tonight.

Right. This is not me.

"What's stopping you in believing in me?" he asked.

I gasped when he finally moved his hand to my core, teasing its entrance while smirking at me. He knew that I liked it when he did that.

I moaned softly when he entered his one finger inside me. He also moved closer to me. Yumuko siya para halikan ako sa leeg saka niya tuluyang inalis ang tela na tumatakip sa katawan ko.

I immediately closed my eyes. I didn't want to see my body in this state. I didn't want to ruin the moment. If Kristan could tolerate it, I could never do the same.

I was so fed up of all the lies circulating over me. I don't know what to feel anymore if this is another one.

"More..." I begged.

I bit my bottom lip when he doubled his fingers. Naramdaman kong bumaba sa dibdib ko ang kanyang halik habang pinaglalaruan ako sa ibaba.

I don't exactly know why I revived him. It's still the biggest wonder to me. Did I just really feel rejected by him that I wanted to captivate him, too? Was it really because of the thrill?

He spread my legs even more. Naramdaman kong gumalaw ang kama ko. Napilitan akong buksan ang mga mata. Naabutan kong dumapa si Kristan sa ibaba ko habang hawak niya ang magkabila kong hita.

"Honestly... I miss this," he smirked at me before diving into my sacredness. His hand and tongue touched me simultaneously, bringing the most pleasure I've had for a long time.

I was losing my mind. My entire body was on fire, especially my shaking legs. Whenever my legs involuntarily closed in intensity, he would spread them using his one hand. I found that hot. I found it hot how he doesn't mind about my physical appearance.

"My Admiral..." I moaned.

Napaliyad ako sa kama habang dinadama ang ginagawa niya. Napahawak ako sa buhok niya nung maramdaman kong tila may nagising sa loob ko. The emotion filled my chest and I could feel the flood crashing down.

"I'm..." I couldn't finish my word.

A loud moan escaped my lips when I finally reached my climax. Kristan took it all. I was quivering and breathing rigidly when he stood on his knees, facing me. He was sparkling in fluid while panting hard.

"Get inside me..." I said, still gasping.

He instantly took off his sweat pants and got on top of me. My chest squeezed against his. I could feel his breath brushing against my face.

He teased his manhood into my core. I waited. And waited. He didn't slide it in. It frustrated me, so I held his arms and gave him the signal.

"I want to have a necklace just like yours," he said.

"W-what?"

He kissed me on my lips. "So... I could go wherever you are."

He finally entered me. He moved slowly but hard. He buried his face on my neck, planting small warm kisses. I wrapped my hand on his body and pinned myself against his even more.

"Please, take me with you, milady..."

He slid his hand on the back of my head, pushing it to his neck. Sa sobrang lapit ng ilong ko sa kanyang batok ay nakaramdaman ako agad ng pagkasabik.

He thrust harder and faster. That ignited something inside me.

It was hard for me to stop the tempting feeling, but he voluntarily offered himself. My eyes felt scorching, and I could feel my fangs mounting on my gums.

"I want to serve you for real this time, Nathalia."

His thrust, kisses, and words— I finally gave in to him. My sharp fangs penetrated his neck. I sucked his blood and tasted it on my tongue before gulping it. I could hear him moaning as I was slurping his blood.

"That's right, Nath. I am all yours..." he mumbled.

In the middle of enjoying his offering— a soft smile twisted on my lips.

Oh, my feels!

We collapsed on the bed with my head resting on his broad arm. Pareho kaming naghahabol ng hininga. Siya ang unang lumingon sa akin. Sinabayan ko ang kanyang tingin.

He smiled and touched my cheeks.

"Bumalik na ang kutis mo," sambit niya.

Right. My body felt at ease now. Pero... hindi ko maalis ang tingin sa kanyang mukha. All I di was stare at him with all the thoughts bulging in my head.

"Thank you for caring about me, Nathalia," he whispered. "One day, I will return the favor. Ako na naman ang mag-aalaga sa 'yo. Ako na naman ang aasahan mo."

I looked away. One day?

I never needed anyone my whole life. It's just... me.

It was hard for me to think that I might need his help one day. But that's so sweet of him. I admit it. This guy has the face, body, and fucking words. How he doesn't mean his words to be captivating, yet they still catch me.

Fuck! What did I get myself into?

For the second time, I let someone sleep beside me.

Pagkabukas ko ng mga mata ko kinabukasan ay wala na si Kristan sa tabi ko. Tumingala ako sa kisame. Bumaha ng alaala buhat ng nagdaang gabi.

I shook my head. No. Malamang na natakot lang siya sa akin. Alam niyang hindi ko gustong pinandidirian ako kaya pinilit niya ang sarili sa akin.

I mentally laughed. Sino ang mananatili sa tabi ko kapag pumangit na ako? To be fair, I don't think I can do the same. I can't handle to have a shitty body.

I took a quick bath. I was wearing a red bathrobe when I got out of my room. I heard mumbles in the kitchen. Oh, I didn't know Hando would come today.

Naabutan ko sila ni Kristan sa kusina. Busy si Kristan sa paglalagay ng mga supot ng dugo sa cabinet. Hando was typing something on his laptop.

"I heard what happened..." Hando said without lifting his head.

Pumasok na ako sa kusina. Hinagisan ako ni Kristan ng isang supot ng dugo na agad ko namang nasalo. Kumunot pa ang noo ko nung kindatan niya ako.

What's with the wink?

"The necklaces would arrive in a week." Hando finally looked up at me. "I have rescheduled all your work for this week. I think you need a break, Nathalia."

"A break?"

I was about to get an apple when Kristan appeared in front of me. Nakangiting kinuha niya sa akin ang supot ng dugo saka isang mansanas. Saka siya lumapit sa blender para gawan ako ng inumin.

"Yeah. I don't think Kathlysse can get back to work anytime soon. Nakauwi na rin siya, pero ayaw muna siya pabalikin sa trabaho ng kanyang mommy. Do you want to go home?" Hando asked.

My lips parted. "No."

"You have one week vacation." Tinupi na niya ang kanyang laptop saka ito pinasok sa kanyang bag. "Bahala ka kung saan mo gustong pumunta. Ang akin lang ay dapat makabalik ka sa Lunes."

"Who needs a vacation?" I groaned. "Saka si Kathlysse lang naman ang may scandal. Not me. I don't need to disappear for a week. I have no soul to regain."

"Nathalia." May pagbabanta sa boses ni Hando. "You have been working hard since you came back here in New York. Mas marami kang trabaho ngayon."

"Then, why take a break?"

Kristan put the drink the table and pushed it to me. Hindi ko siya binalingan ng tingin, pero alam kong nakatingin siya sa akin hanggang sa pag-inom ko. Napangiti ako dahil nakuha niya ang las ana gusto ko. Narinig kong natawa siya.

Damn. What's wrong with him today? He's acting weird.

"Mr. Admiral," Hando called Kristan. He abruptly turned to us. Dinaan niya pa ako ng tingin bago purmimi kay Hando. "Take Nathalia somewhere else. Just make sure to get her back here in a week, or I will hunt you down."

I laughed.

"Goddamn. Just say you want a week with your men, Hando, and you are good. No need to use our issues as your excuse," I said, rolling my eyes.

I heard Kristan chuckle.

Hando sighed. "See you in a week."

I took a sip on my drink as I watched Hando leave the kitchen. Narinig kong bumukas-sarado ang front door. Napailing na lang ako.

Kristan sat beside me. He was also enjoying his pocket of blood, but unlike me, he was sipping directly on it. Napangiwi pa ako nung tumulo sa labi niya ang dugo.

"May butas ba ang labi mo?" panunuya ko.

"Sorry..." He licked the leak on his lips. "Did I get the perfect taste of your drink?"

I shrugged. "It's fine."

"Damn. I need to try more, I guess?"

Ininom ko na lang ang dugo at sinimot. Gano'n din ang ginawa ni Kristan. Saka niya kinuha ang wine glass ko saka hinugasan sa sink. He has always been like that. Hindi ko pa nakitang may maruming baso sa lababo. But then again, I am a messy person. He's the reason why my place has always been organized.

"What do you want to do?" he asked while wiping his hand with a wet towel.

"Sleep?"

"For a week?" He leaned his back against the kitchen sink and crossed his arms on his chest. "You can take this day to sleep, and we can do something else for the rest of your vacation days."

I chuckled. "Kailan ko pa hiningi ang opinion mo?"

"Just a suggestion," he shrugged.

I stood and left the kitchen. Kinuha ko ang cell phone ko para tawagan si Hestia. Sa wakas naman ay siya na ang sumagot at hindi ang boyfriend niya.

"You are the worst, Hestia," I said.

She laughed. "I'm sorry, Nath. Hindi na kita natawagan. What's up?"

"Where are you?"

On my peripheral vision, I saw Kristan walking with his cat. Malamang na paliliguan na naman niya ito. He better brings his cat to a vet instead of just bathing it. She must have been traumatized by last night.

"I'm with Cole right now."

"Who?"

I heard her frown. "Really, Nath? Lagi mo bang kalilimutan ang pangalan ng boyfriend ko?"

"You have a boyfriend?"

"Hay nako. He told me that you called last time. What is it?"

I crossed my legs as I tried to recall why I called her last time. Oh. It's about Kathlysse's situation. Anyway, she is doing good now. Good for her.

"Oo nga pala. Narinig ko ang balitang binisita mo si Kath sa ospital." May bakas ng tuwa sa kanyang boses. "Buti naman 'no? Kahit na hindi kaibigan ang turing mo sa kanya, magkatrabaho pa rin naman kayo."

"What the fuck are you saying? I paid her a visit to check on her. I was worried."

Humalakhak si Hestia. "You can fool the media and people, but not me. May paiyak-iyak ka pang nalalaman. And uh, really? Black dress?"

I rolled my eyes. "I have a favor to ask you."

Tumayo ako saka lumapit sa glass window. Mataas na ang araw. Maaliwalas ang panahon ngayon.

"What is it?" Nagseryoso ang boses niya.

"About Terrence."

I can't believe I am talking about that damn guy again.

"Is he bugging you again?"

I looked down at my feet. Naramdaman kong naglakad si Kristan sa likod ko. Pagkaharap ko ay naabutan ko itong pinupunasan si Lilly. He was also topless and just wearing a sweat pants.

I decided to get in my room. Naabutan ko pang nakasunod sa akin ang tingin ni Kristan bago ko sinarado ang pinto. Alam kong hindi siya palakibo, pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n na wala siyang alam. He's a sensitive and observant vampire. I will give him that.

"Magbabakasyon ako ng isang linggo. I don't think you can do this favor for a week, so please, take your time. Ikaw lang ang maaasahan ko sa bagay na 'to."

"What is it, Nath?"

I sighed. "As you know, Brixton killed Terrence. I was there. I saw it. He pulled his heart out and tore it into pieces. He could survive it, I know. But you know he can't survive it and still remember everything. You know how it works."

"Yeah. I find it strange, too. How can he still remember you?"

"Seek the answer, Hestia. I will give you the Hermison Island."

She has always been dreaming of getting that private island, and I get why. It's really gorgeous. Unfortunately, the owner wasn't interested in selling it for some sentimental reason. But fortunately, he was a vampire. And I am a Cardinal.

"W-what?" she stuttered.

"I need the answer, and you can have the billion dollars worth of property. It's not an easy job, and the price isn't easy to achieve either."

It took her seconds to respond. "How come you are the owner of that island? Hindi ba ayaw ng may-ari na ipagbili 'yon? Ilang beses ko nang tinangka!"

I frowned. "My father bought it for me. Will you do it or not? Come on. I don't have all day."

"You will have the answer soon, Nathalia. Deal."

I smiled. Hestia is good at this— digging answers no matter how deep it is buried to the ground. She can dig into the history just to look for something that's troubling her mind. I think she can solve the biggest mystery on the planet if she wants to.

Now, where should I go for vacation?

I scanned through my properties. Ayoko namang lumayo dahil isang linggo lang ang bakasyon ko. There's a private beach in Hawaii, an old-fashioned mansion in France that I only bought because of the garden full of red roses, and another remote island.

I sighed. Where should I go?

Tumayo ako at lumabas ng kuwarto. Naabutan kong naghahabulan sina Kristan at Lilly sa sala. Sa sobrang pagkalibang nila ay hindi nila ako napansin.

The cat looked fine. Mukhang hindi naman ito napaano.

I faked a cough to get his attention. Napahinto naman sa paghahabulan ang dalawa. Binuhat ni Kristan ang pusa saka lumapit sa akin.

"Gutom ka na ba? Magluluto pa lang ako, eh," aniya.

"Prepare. We will leave tomorrow," I told him.

"For vacation? Where?"

I smiled. "I told you. I have different worlds. You will see."

He looked confused.

"Okay..." he was hesitant. "I will prepare us lunch."

My phone beeped—a message from Hando.

"Let's talk before you leave. OTW."

I bit my bottom lip. Shit.

He already found out who took the video.

Of course, it was me.

"Wait..." I grabbed Kristan's arms when he was about to walk away. Nakita kong mas naguluhan ang kanyang tingin. "I changed my mind."

"What?"

"Let's leave now."