Despite what he said, I woke up in the wee hours of the morning. The room is dark and my alarm clock showed 3:14AM. I tried closing my eyes but my mind is going a mile a minute. I gave up after a few minutes and just settled with watching the man sleeping beside me on my bed. The sight of his innocently sleeping face is just too mesmerizing.

Just who is Alistair Damien Zabala?

I know that he finished IT pero hindi ko alam kung anong trabaho niya. He just about spent half of his day for me yesterday. Was it his rest day or nag-undertime siya?

I already got introduced to his siblings in Sagada, pero hindi ko nakita ang parents niya. Wait, may parents pa kaya siya? His family was very warm at halatang napaka-close nila sa isa't-isa kaya nakakainggit. I'd love to have a family like that.

I blushed at my thoughts. Wala pang twenty-four hours kong sinagot ang lalaking ito at ngayon ay iniisip ko ng maging part ng family niya samantalang ang pamilya ng mga Tiu ay matagal ng kinakausap ng pamilya ko para makasal sa amin ay ni hindi ko man naisip na maging kapamilya ko.

This guy really made me fall hard.

Hindi naman mahirap mahulog ang loob sa kaniya. He is well-spoken, spontaneous, and intense. He doesn't mince words. Confident, na halos mayabang ang magiging first impression mo sa kaniya.

Perhaps I don't know the little things about him, the mundane things; but what I do know make me love every little bit. The way he sees the world is different from other people. Yung ipinapakita niyang wala siyang pakialam pero mararamdaman mo kung gaano siya ka-caring.

Yes, caring. Wala sa mukha o salita, pero ramdam na ramdam ko yung pagiging maalaga niya. He doesn't care about conventions, walang pag-iinarte. Pag gusto niyang gawin, gagawin na lang niya at hindi na siya magpapaalam o magdadalawang-isip pa. So different from me na parating nag-aalangan sa lahat ng bagay.

He gave me a taste of what freedom is like and now I'm craving for more. He makes me feel like my thoughts and views are important, bagay na hindi ko naranasan sa aking pamilya. Maybe that's what drew me to him. It's like he wants to see me succeed and he feeds my confidence. He's trying to push me to live my life unlike others who are just pushing what they want with my life.

And not once did he try to take advantage of me tonight. Mas lalong lumaki yung paghanga ko sa kaniya. Kahit na sobrang bilis ko siyang sinagot at officially kami na, nakuntento lamang siya na magkayakap kami the whole time.

I couldn't resist touching his cheek.

"Thank you," I whispered. His eyelids fluttered open and his dark eyes found mine.

"Don't thank me yet."

"Huh?"

His eyes are wide open now and gazing intently at me. I let my fingers trace his cheekbones, his nose, his lips...

"I will do things that will confuse you very, very, soon," he said in a low voice. He took hold of my hand and brought it to his chest, "but you have to trust me no matter what."

"Ali ano 'yon?"

"I will do my best so you will not get hurt." Eto na naman siya. Bigla akong kinabahan sa sinasabi niya.

"Why would I get hurt? Tell me." His eyes looked troubled. I felt like he is weighing his answers. "Ali?"

"Just trust me, Maria."

"Ano nga?"

"I'll tell you in the right time. For now, try to stay away from Tiu."

Nagseselos ba siya kay Brian? "I'm planning to talk to my Ama and tell her that I'm not going to marry Brian."

"Don't do that. Lalo ka lang nilang ikukulong at babantayan."

"What?" Hindi ako makapaniwala. I pushed his hands away. He's right, I am getting confused. "I-I thought you don't want me to be with him."

"Yes. Pero ayoko rin namang ilayo ka ng pamilya mo and believe me, they will do exactly that." Namangha ako. What does this guy know? Sa mga sinasabi niya parang may alam siya sa pagkatao ng fiancé ko. "The thing about situations like these, when you resist the noose tightens."

"What do you know Ali? Do you know Brian? Saka hindi naman siguro gagawin ng pamilya ko iyon sa akin."

He nodded. "He's dangerous just as you said, and your family is pushing hard for this marriage for some time. I saw how eager your Ama is in marrying you off."

"Kasi nga tinanggihan na sila dati ni Achi Aurora. Ama doesn't want the same thing happening again."

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "All the more reason for them na bantayan ka. You are their ace."

"Kinakabahan ako sa sinasabi mo. You said you would help me." I felt him grope for my hand on top of the comforter. "You said to take a chance."

He cupped the side of my face. "Trust me. I won't let you fall, remember?"

He knows something. Hindi ko alam kung ano or paano. He is too hard to read.

His expression softened. "It's going to be fine."

I could only nod. I do trust him.

***

"Don't even think about it." I warned Sanada when I arrived in the office and found her waiting inside with a smile that spoke volumes.

"What?" she asked mockingly and I mentally face-palmed. Malamang pinanood na naman nila kami ni Maria. I really hate myself for installing the surveillance system in her bedroom. Dapat pala doon sa ibang parte na lang ng kaniyang unit. I had to restrain myself from giving her more than just a peck on the nose.

"Ang sweet kasi e. Maski sila Shanvie napapatili sa inyong dalawa."

F*ck.

"Ikaw ang nag-install ng cameras," she reminded me.

"Sinong nagsabing gawing late night soap ang personal life ko?"

"Oh, this is better Jaguar. It's better than that Kardashian shizz on TV." She smirked. This is one of those times when I really hate HQ for sending me an all-female crew. Sigurado inaantok na naman ang mga agents ko kakapuyat. Mukhang may mapapa-circuit training ng hindi oras.

"How is the new recruit?" Pag-iiba ko ng topic.

"Wide-eyed, ravenous, and utterly enthusiastic. Mukhang gusto na nga ditong tumira."

Just as I expected. I am familiar with the likes of Chris Blanchett; young, cocky, and reckless. They get their thrill pill from breaking into the hardest security codes. The Deep Net is full of them. I should know, I was a resident of the Deep Net for a long time with the handle, Azrael.

In a lot of ways I see myself in him. Ganiyan din ako noong teenage years ko kaya alam kong madali lamang siyang makukumbinsi ni Luna na maging part ng agency—heck baka nga siya pa ang kumaladkad kay Luna para dalhin siya dito sa HQ. We're cousins pero hindi kami close ni Chris. I mean hindi naman talaga ako close kahit kanino maliban na lang kay Kuya Al at Diosa, and on fleeting occasions with Kuya Andro.

"Let Icen teach him the ropes, Jem and Red train him in survival, Trixie for lab work." Sanada nodded.

"And the Myght?"

"He and I will work on it together. There's still a lot of work that is needed to make it work and a fresh perspective is always welcome." I could already taste the excitement in my tongue. To make such a thing work would be a revolution.

"Are you going to turn it over to the agency?" Sanada's voice had a tinge of worry. "Jaguar?"

"We'll see Sanada. We'll see."

In the wrong hands, the Mygth might prove to be the most powerful weapon of the century.

And I can't let it get into those hands.

"One more thing Sanada." She raised a brow at me. "Can you get me someone who does pest control?"

***

It was hard to try and hide my feelings from my family. Araw-araw kinakabahan akong baka malaman nila ang relasyon namin ni Ali. I am not scared of admitting it, pero tama si Ali na maaari nila akong pigilan hanggang sa pumayag ako sa kasal.

Sometimes though I am tempted to just tell them dahil habang lumilipas ang mga araw ay lalo akong nakokonsensiya sa lahat ng preparasyon na ginagawa nila. In two weeks, we're supposed to be tying the knot!

At lalo ring nagiging mahirap na mag-sneak-out dahil sa dami ng aking bantay. With some freak luck, hindi natuloy na lumipat ako sa condo na binili ni Brian because there was a vermin infestation at kinasuhan ang developer dahil bagong-bago ang units pero nagka-break out ng mga ipis at daga for some reason. Now the condominiums are abandoned and it caused a huge PR nightmare.

Buti na lang at hindi na nagpilit si Brian na ilipat ako sa ibang unit.

"My gosh I look so pretty, noh?" I turned to Andi who had a copy of the Sunday lifestyle section of the newspaper in her hands. Ipinakita niya sa akin ang pictures kagabi sa isang gala na inattendan namin with the Tiu's. Maraming mga socialite na pumunta, puro mga business associates nila Ama and ipinakilala niya ang mga Tiu sa connections ng aming family.

I looked awkward in most of the photos samantalang ngiting-ngiti naman ang mga tita at pinsan ko. It bored me to death at wala akong ibang ginawa kundi i-text si Ali the whole time.

"Yeah, you're dress looks awesome." Andi beamed at me and continued looking at the photos. Asa ka pang basahin niya ang tunay na article. My cousin is more skilled in talking than her academics. I guess in a way, that's also a talent. Hindi ko kaya ang maging kasing-charming ng pinsan ko.

I turned back to my phone and read Ali's messages like someone obsessed.

I miss him. Hindi siya mahilig mag-text pero bawat message naman niya speaks volumes. Yung tipong halatang pinag-isipan ang reply. Hindi nga lang kami masyadong makapagkita. He said he is busy with his job. Nalaman ko na rin na consultant siya sa isang call center.

Ugh, kung malaman ito nila Ama alam kong hinding-hindi nila ito matatanggap. Napakataas ng pagtingin nila Ama sa family name namin and nothing will ever be enough for them. Hindi importante kung ano ang pagkatao mo, kundi kung ano ang yaman at pamilyang pinanggalingan mo.

"Maria! Maria!" I heard aunt Eliza call my name. Itinago ko muna ang phone ko bago humarap sa kaniya.

"Yes, tita?"

"Why are you still not dressed? You need to meet with the wedding coordinator. There's this stupid thing about a seminar!" Mukhang highblood na naman si Tita. I nodded and just smiled.

"Yes Tita, I will prepare. Excuse me." Nagmadali akong tumayo para pumunta sa aking kuwarto pero hinawakan ni Tita Eliza ang kamay ko. "Po? Bakit po?" Her eyes looked flinty. Napalunok ako kasi malamang na sesermunan na naman niya ako.

"You've been coming home late the past few days, is there something going on Ria?"

I tried to compose my face and smile at her. "Wala po tita."

"Where have you been spending your time? Parating sinasabi nila Andi at Cassie na nawawala ka daw at late umuwi."

"Nasa High Street lang po ako tita. I was shopping for books and I visited the museum. Boring naman daw kasi sabi ni Andi so I didn't invite her." What I said is somewhat true. Hindi ko nga lang idinagdag na may iba akong kasama when I disappear.

"Maria, you are going to be a married woman in two weeks. You better learn to prioritize your time. I heard late enrollment na ninyo this week, bakit hindi mo inaasikaso ang transfer papers mo to business school."

"Tita, ayoko po—"

"Shut up!" Napatigil ako sa kaniyang sigaw. Bigla niyang hinablot ang braso ko. Her nails dug into my arm and I tried to pull away. "How many times do we have to drill it into you? Ikaw ang mag-ma-manage ng ilang businesses ng mga Tiu once you are married. Stop being so selfish and stubborn!" Akmang sasampalin niya ako ngunit dumating si Cassie.

"Ma!" Gulat na sigaw nito. "You are hurting Ria!"

Agad namang binitawan ako ni Tita Eliza. I rubbed the reddened part where her nails scored my skin. With my color, tiyak na pansin na pansin iyon.

Agad dinaluhan ni Cassie ang Mama niya.

"From now on, you'll have a bodyguard with you twenty four-seven. Hindi puwede yung basta-basta ka nawawala." My heart sank. Ali is right, I am going to become a prisoner.

"Excuse me po." I ran to my room and locked the door behind me. Pinigilan kong maiyak. Masakit yung braso ko pero mas masakit ang puso ko. I sent a message to Ali.

Me:

Please tell me you have a plan to get me out of this wedding.

Agad-agad na nag-ring ang phone ko.

"I told you not to worry, darling." Agad gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nang marinig ang boses niya.

"Paano? Tell me Ali. I don't know how long I can pretend. Nakokonsensiya ako! Ayoko na dito!"

"Soon." Napabuntong-hininga ako. Even I could recognize how immature I sounded.

"I need to go. May meeting kami with the wedding planner." Even I could detect the irony in my voice.

"I'll whisk you away later, darling."

"But I have body guards."

I heard him chuckle softly. "When did that ever stop me?"

"Promise?" I just want to feel a little bit of hope.

"Count on it." I heard a knock on the door and said my good byes.

***

I did not expect to see him.

Pagkatapos ng failed dinner date namin noon sa Chelsea ay ngayon ko lang ulit nakita si Brian. He entered the restaurant kasama ng kaniyang mga bodyguards at isang lalaking ngayon ko lang nakita. His brother Clyde was there too and he threw me a smirk before sitting on the chair beside mine. Ngayon alam ko na kung bakit nagpareserve sila titan g VIP section.

"Babe," he greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. He smelled of strong perfume and musk that I almost gagged. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Um, uh h-hindi." Napalunok ako sa malagkit niyang tingin. He rubbed my upper arms with his warm hands. The action should have soothed me on a normal occasion but I found myself cringing inwardly. Hindi talaga ako komportable sa ginagawa kong pagsisinungaling though alam ko na ang iba sasabihin na ito'y pakikisama lang.

"Let's sit, babe." Naupo siya sa kabilang upuan sa tabi ko samantalang ang lalaking kasama niya ay sa kabila naman niya naupo. His body guards took stations. Kinumusta niya sila Tita at nakita kong isang attaché case ang iniabot niya dito. Nagdududa ako kung ano ang laman niyon pero hindi na ako masyadong nagpahalata. Tumayo sila tita at nagpaalam na mauuna na.

"Stay here and enjoy your date with Brian." Pinandilatan niya ako ng mga mata. Nanlulumo akong napaupo pabalik sa upuan.

"That is an interesting bracelet," komento ng lalaking kasama ni Brian na dumating. Hindi ko gusto ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi habang pinagmamasdan ako.

"It's a gift."

Brian bid my aunt good bye bago humarap sa amin. "Are you entertaining my lady, Alex?" Nakangisi niyang tanong sabay akbay sa akin. I can feel the air of possessiveness in his action.

"I was just making small talk." Ngumisi ang tinawag na Alex. "You have nothing to worry about."

"I know." Mayabang na sagot ni Brian. "This lady here belongs to me."

Yuck. Like no. What if magpanggap na lang kaya ako na masama ang pakiramdam para makauwi na?

Ali, where are you?

Agad na nag-order si Brian ng mga pagkain. In fairness, tinanong niya naman ako kung ano ang gusto ko. He was very attentive to me pero hindi pa rin mapalis sa aking pakiramdam na sana hindi siya ang kasama kong mag-lunch ngayon. Napapansin ko rin ang madalas na paninitig ni Alex sa akin at nako-conscious ako sa kaniya.

"Water ma'am?" Tanong ng isang unipormadong waitress na kumindat sa akin. Napatango ako at naglapag siya ng isang basong tubig sa aking harapan.

Nag-message alert ang phone ko kaya naputol ang paninitig ni Alex at tiningnan ko kung sino ang nag-text.

Azrael:

Be ready in 3.

Three?

"Tell him I always get what I want." Napatingin ako kay Alex. Lumingon ako sa tabi ko pero busy naman si Brian sa kausap sa telepono kaya pakiramdam ko ako ang kinakausap niya.

"What do y—" Nawala ang sasabihin ko nang biglang mamatay ang ilaw sa VIP area.

"What the hell is this?" Narinig ko ang matinding mura ni Brian sa aking tabi. "Get your fucking manager now!" He roared at nakarinig ako ng mga paang mabilis na tumakbo palabas.

"Let's go." I heard a woman's voice before I felt hands grab my arm.

"Not so fast." Nanlaki ang mata ko ng maramdaman ko ang bulong ni Alex malapit sa aking batok pero malakas ang paghatak sa kamay ko ng babae. Napasunod na lamang ako. We made our way to the kitchen doors and out into the back of the restaurant in no time. Nabungaran ko si Ali na naghihintay roon na nakasakay sa isang big bike. Iniabot niya ang isang helmet sa akin.

"Hop on." I gathered my skirt and climbed onto the bike. Hinubad niya ang jacket niya at ipinasuot sa akin. Naghahalo ang amoy ng cologne at natural scent niya and it was comforting.

"Good job, Luna." Sumaludo ang waitress na nag-serve ng tubig sa akin kanina. Did he set it up? "Get back to HQ and have Clauson check on the feeds. Make sure the ghost is working perfectly."

"Yes, boss."

Gusto ko sanang magtanong pero pinaarangkada na ni Ali ang bike at wala na akong nagawa kundi kumapit ng mahigpit sa baywang niya. So many questions plagued my mind. My gut feeling is telling me that something is going on.

***

"Anong ginagawa natin dito?"

Ako na ang nag-alis ng helmet sa kaniya dahil mukhang hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala na dito ko siya dinala. Inayos ko pa ang ilang takas na buhok niya at inipit iyon sa likod ng kaniyang tainga.

"Mag-e-enroll tayo."

"Ha?"

I placed my hands around her waist and nudged her nose with mine. Medyo may pawis sa ibabaw ng labi niya dahil sa init ng panahon pero mabango pa rin siya. I'd certainly love to bury my face on the juncture between her neck and shoulder but I'd rather not in public.

Really Ali, you are thinking about such things? My mental voice chided me.

"Just because somebody tells you you can't do something doesn't mean you can't." She bit her lip as I lifted her off the bike. Halos lumilis ang dress niya kanina habang nakaangkas and I had to go as fast as I dared para walang makatitig sa kaniya. The thought drives me crazy. I didn't realize I could be this possessive. Akala ko mababaw ang pagkakaroon ng emosyon na ito pero kung ikaw na pala ang nasa ganoong posisyon ay nag-iiba ang lahat.

Sinamahan ko siya sa college niya tapos sa registrar para makapag-enlist sa subjects. Panay ang ngiti niya at hindi binibitawan ang kamay ko. I didn't think I'd enjoy holding hands like this, pero nagawa ko. Pulang-pula siya ng bayaran ko ng cash ang kaniyang tuition fee.

"Really, it's nothing darling." I smiled to reassure her. Nakaupo kami sa gilid ng soccerfield ng kaniyang university. Nagulat ako ng niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit.

"Thank you. Nobody ever did something like this for me."

"We'll do many, many more of this then."

She shook her head. "Nahihiya talaga ako sa'yo. You really didn't have to spend so much for me."

"It's nothing." Nanlaki ang mata niya sa sagot ko.

"My tuition fee is not the definition of nothing."

I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay maybe not, but it was important to you so it's definitely worth it."

She gently shook her head. "Hay naku, kung mapagsamantala lang ako baka maghirap ka kung ganiyan ka kabait."

"Me? Mabait?" I chuckled. "Crazy girl."

"Really Ali... this is the sweetest thing anybody's done for me. Akala ko hindi na ako mag-aaral this sem. It was go with what they wanted or not go at all." Napakunot ang noo niya. "Paano mo nga pala nalaman?"

"I have my ways."

She nodded sagely. "You and your ways. Why are you so mysterious?"

"Life wouldn't be half as fun if we don't have secrets."

I was going to ask her to spend the rest of the afternoon with me when I received a message from Luna.

Luna:

I got the location for Panther. Grid coordinates enroute.

My skin prickled when I got them.

I got my phone and dialled Prince's number.

"Hey, I need you to pick up Diosa from AS."

"What's wrong?" Rinig ko agad ang pag-aalala sa boses niya.

"Just follow my orders, okay? Keep her safe Constantino. At all cost."

***