STACEY STARED AT HER PHONE. It was another day at VVatch. As usual, Paige was giving her the silent treatment.

“I already sent my proposal to Cherry,” Stacey coolly broke the silence.

She leaned at her seat’s backrest and sipped through the straw a refreshing icy pomegranate juice in the tall cup she was holding. Nakaabang ang mga mata niya kay Paige.

Paige, in her open brown coat, white collared button-down blouse and high-waist coffee trousers, didn’t show the slightest of reaction. Tuwid ang posturang nakaupo ito sa karaniwang pwesto, sa sulok ng table malapit sa pader. Nakayuko ang ulo nito, palipat-lipat ang tingin sa graphic pen na gamit at sa naka-stand na screen ng tablet.

Well, this is kind of disappointing . . . She’s hard to shake.

Binaba ni Stacey ang cup. Her moist lips popped before she puckered them in to dry.

“We don’t have to put your previous designs on sale. Hindi rin naman pumayag si Renante.”

“I came here late, because I went straight to Renante’s office,” Paige spoke, not lifting an eye on her. “We already talked about it. Pumayag na ako sa discounted sale ng mga designs.”

Pigil ni Stacey ang mapasinghap.

“You— No hard feelings?”

“What for? This is business. We have to save VVatch at any cost.”

Napatitig siya kay Paige. She never knew that the Ice Queen, will somehow take her recommendation.

“What made you change your mind?”

Patuloy lang si Paige sa ginagawa. Hindi siya nito sinagot.

“Did you talk about it with Ronnie? Is he in favor with my idea? He changed your mind?”

“Kailangan mo pa ba talagang alamin?” nagtitimping titig nito sa kanyang mga mata.

“I... I just want to know!” Mali na ba ngayon ang magtanong?

“Just be happy that we are doing things your way,” matabang nitong wika at nagpatuloy sa pagguhit ng disenyo sa tablet nito.

Ilang minuto rin sila natahimik. Stacey could not take her eyes off of Paige.

“Sana, iba ang atmosphere sa pagitan natin this coming weekend. Sa dinner.”

Natigilan saglit si Paige. Ewan kung dahil ba sa sinabi niya o may kinalaman sa dino-drawing nito ang paghintong iyon.

“We will be in-laws one of these days. I really want us to get along very well. Sana sa trabaha lang tayo ganito, Paige.”

Hindi siya nito inimik. Tila nagpigil lang itong matawa nang nang-uuyam. Nakapuslit kasi ang sarkastikong ngisi sa sulok ng labi nito.

Nag-aalinlangan si Stacey kung hahayaang sa ganito na lang matapos ang pag-uusap nila. Dahil hindi na magsalita pa si Paige, binalik niya ang tingin sa laptop screen na kaharap. Nakalahad sa screen ang pdf copy ng company policies ng VVatch. If she wanted to help Renante, she had to be well-versed with how his company works.

Pasilip-silip din si Stacey sa kanyang mga emails. Pero wala pa siyang natatanggap na sagot sa kanyang proposal mula sa secretary ni Pierre Gallardo.

Instead, when Cherry’s email arrived, it did not mention anything about her proposal to add Rosa Cobra in the designs that they will produce. Ang laman ng bago nitong email ay imbitasyon na bumisita sa susunod na linggo sa factory ng Gallardo’s sa Muntinlupa. Iyon ay para ma-check nila ang bagong dating na mga raw material na gagamitin sa paghahabi ng wriststraps ng mga relong ipo-produce ng VVatch.

Cherry also added that she wouldn’t be able to visit their office this week. Ito ang naka-assign sa Gallardo’s na unang maga-asikaso ng kahit anong operations na may kinalaman sa VVatch. Kaya this week, pangungunahan nito ang pag-iimbentaryo at pagsasalansan sa storage ng factory sa mga raw materials.

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FRIDAY NIGHT. Stacey was posing side to side in front of the body mirror.

Noong nakaraan pa siya nakapili ng isusuot para sa dinner sa Sabado. Pero, kung kailan last minute, parang magbabago na naman ang kanyang isip.

She tsked and put down the hangered dress that she had been holding up against her body for minutes. Sumayad ang palda niyon sa sahig.

Stacey stared at her own reflection. Maybe, she just needed a second opinion from another woman. From someone who knew Luz’ tastes.

Kylie, she remembered.

At saka lang niya napansing buong linggo hindi nagparamdam ang kaibigan sa kanya.

Busy na ba sila sa pagi-start up ng negosyo ni Piccollo?

Kung ganoon, mauunawaan naman ni Stacey. Kaya lang, parang ang weird na sa isang linggo na iyon ay walang ekstrang isang oras man lang si Kylie para mag-text o makipagkwentuhan sa kanya.

Ni hindi niya naisip nitong nakaraang mga araw na maunang kumustahin si Kylie. Stacey got used to Kylie always initiating their meetings or phone calls.

Stacey curled her lower lip beneath her upper lip.

I should call her.

Stacey spun around. To her surprise, she saw Renante. The side of his body leaned against the left frame of the door.

Tumaas ang isang sulok ng kanyang labi.

“How long have you been there?”

Renante crossed his arms. His eyes hotly undressed her from head to toe before meeting her gaze.

“Long enough for my dick to twitch while watching you.”

“Ahhh,” pamewang niya, may mapaglarong hamon sa himig ni Stacey. “I see, checking me out? How about you? Okay ka na ba sa mga pinili kong susuotin mo bukas?”

Renante bounced off the doorframe and strode towards her. Mabilis siya nitong nahapit sa bewang at pinagbangga ang kanilang mga katawan.

Stacey hooked her free arm around Renante’s neck. She eyed for his lips, then gave his dark, sensual eyes a soft underlook.

“I was hinting about wanting to get undressed, and you started asking me about getting dressed?” he murmured. Sinimulan na nito ang paputol-putol na paghalik sa kanyang mga labi.

Tiningala ni Stacey ang lalaki, sinadyang padaliin ang paghalik nito sa kanya. She would close her eyes each time their lips meet, and open them when Renante would draw his head back a little.

“We can undress later, Boo,” ngiti ni Stacey sa nobyo. “I-finalize muna natin ang paghahanda para bukas.”

“Why are you even so worked up with that dinner?” Renante could not stop kissing her, squeezing in his talking in between every kiss. His other hand stroked the side of her left thigh.

“Because…” pigil niya sa kamay nitong nasa hita niya. Stacey caught his protesting eyes. “It’s your mom who invited us.”

At ginabayan na niya ulit ang kamay ni Renante pataas. Hanggang sa pumailalim na ito sa palda ng satin lingerie na maroon na kanyang suot.

Renante smoothed his hand to the back of her thigh, cupping a cheek of her butt that he easily accessed because Stacey wore nothing beneath but thongs. He stroked it with his palm in circles before squeezing. Stacey sighed gloriously, bringing herself closer to him, as if their closeness was not yet enough.

“Are you two close? Why is it so important for you when it comes to my mother?” dumausdos pababa sa kanyang pangahan ang mga labi ni Renante. He studded her with pecking kisses.

“Why shouldn’t it be important for me? She’s your mom, Renante…” At napasinghap siya nang sumipsip ang lalaki sa gilid ng kanyang leeg. He already managed to elevate her as well, her ass sitting on his arm.

He stared into her eyes. “Boo, don’t do something just because you want to please me, hmm?”

Naglapat ang kanilang mga noo.

“Why are you saying this?” Stacey whispered, holding her breath.

“It’s just not so you, getting all worked up and being a people-pleaser.”

“Iniisip mo ba na kaya gusto kong pumunta sa dinner ay para sumipsip sa mom mo?”

“Don’t word it that way, Boo.”

Humiwalay siya agad. When her bare feet touched the ground, Stacey stepped back a little. She tossed the hangered dress on the bed without even looking.

Nanatili kay Renante ang mga mata niya.

“Why? Did I word it wrong?” malumanay niyang tanong. But her voice was already strained, she sounded frustrated.

“What I am trying to say is, don’t change.” Lumapit si Renante sa kanya. Hindi siya nakatakas nang ipulupot nito ang mga braso sa kanyang bewang. “Just be who you are. Be your real self. Alright?”

Nagbaba ng tingin si Stacey.

She smiled faintly.

“Will your mother like me? For who I am?” nakaw niya ng sulyap dito bago nagbaba ulit ng tingin.

Renante pinched her chin to tilt her head up and meet his endearing gaze. He smiled so softly she felt like melting too.

“Does that matter? I love you and you love me. That’s all that matters.”

At dahan-dahan na siyang pinaupo ni Renante sa gilid ng kama. Nagkalat pa rin doon ang mga naka-hanger na dress na pinagpipilian na naman ni Stacey, pero nawalan na sila ng pakialam sa mga iyon.

As she seated, she watched Renante stand close. He unbuttoned his faded gray cotton sleeping shirt, tossed it somewhere before undoing the string of his loose drawstring faded gray pants.

He was on commando, so as soon as his pants dropped his erection bounced out— long and excited.

Stacey held her breath. Paatras siyang umusog pagitna sa kama. Nakatitig lang siya kay Renante habang hinahawi ang nakakapang mga naka-hanger na dress sa bawat usog niya. She didn’t mind if those dresses drop on the floor.

Renante crawled naked until he loomed over her. Kapwa gumuhit ang mapaglarong ngiti sa kanilang mga labi. Their eyes were sparkling with tease. Every bit of doubt and fear Stacey carried these past few days were instantly swept away.

Renante touched her leg, ran his warm palm through her skin and slid downward. It sent her a pleasurable shiver when he stroked the back of her right thigh, while his other hand cupped her knee to part her legs for him.

Tumalilis pababa ang kanyang palda. Sumilip ang manipis na maroon satin thong na suot niya. Renante was not focused on that though. His eyes remained a captive of her beautiful face— of her sultry gaze and inviting smile.

He pushed her knee that he held earlier to boost him closer to her. As their bodies pressed, Stacey steadied herself as she leaned back with legs parted, her arms propping her up in place. She lowered her eyes and watched Renante swipe down the strap of her lingerie. Bumaba ang bandang kaliwa ng pang-itaas nito na deep V ang neckline. The top of her supple breast glossed with smooth creaminess. Renante could not help himself anymore. He lunged for the side of her neck, sliding down kisses until he reached her breast. Ilalalayan iyon ng kamay nito para makawala mula sa kanyang damit

At napatingala siya nang magsimulang sumipsip doon ang lalaki.

The pleasure shot from her nipple to every fiber of her system, it made her roll her eyes to close  Stacey parted her lips slightly, released a glorious, breathy sigh.

As he sucked her nipple, Renante’s hands gently stroked all over her body. They massaged and relaxed her. They warmly rubbed and caressed her. It was so good she turned to lava— hot and soft against him.

At nagtuloy-tuloy na ang mahaharot na kilos ng kanilang katawan. Stacey tugged the hair at the back of his head, brought his face close to hers and slammed her lips on his’. Their kisses echoed in the room— a crisp smacking exchange with lots of tongue and sucking. Tinuluyan na ni Renante ang paghubad sa kanyang lingerie.

Pinadapa siya nito sa kama at pinatungan. He worshipped her back  trailing his tongue and lips along her spine. Stacey looked behind when he reached her lower back. His hands grasped the tiny strips of strings of her thong and rolled them down while intensely meeting her gaze. Stacey just smirked and watched.

Now that she was completely naked, Renante crawled up again, looming over her body.

Gumulong si Stacey sa ilalim nito para tumihaya. Renante watched, holding his breath at the exquisite view of her laid out body.

Then, he gently lowered himself, until his weight dropped over her body, slightly squishing her breasts.

They were almost face to face, Renante slightly taller than her, as he propped his elbows and began crushing his hips against hers.

Stacey parted her legs for him. She had no need to second-guess of feel shy. All these years had proven her that she can entrust her body and safety to him. She felt his hard member grinding against her mound, slicing against the surface of her slit. And she burned more with excitement for him and something more.

A longing.

She placed a hand on his cheek, looked lovingly into his tender, dark eyes. He read her mind accurately.

“Do you want me to enter already?” he panted.

“Yes,” she almost whispered.

She felt him about to go. Pinirmi niya ito hawak ang isa nitong braso.

“I’ll just get condoms,” he said, confused. Why wouldn’t he? He expected that she already knew this. Ito naman kasi ang lagi nilang ginagawa.

“Bare.”

His brows curved upward. “Bare?”

“Fuck me bare.”

“You know the consequences of that,” hinga nito ng malalim.

“I can face it. How about you?”

Nilapit ni Renante ang mukha sa kanya. Nagtatanong ang mga mata nitong nakipagtitigan sa kanya. He thumbed her lower lip, stroked it gently sideways.

“Do you want a baby already?”

“Kung magkakaroon, okay lang. Kung hindi naman, okay lang din.”

“You can’t just be okay with everything. You used to…” Napailing ito. “Of course, you are usually okay with wherever the wind blows.”

He kissed her lips once. Twice.

Then he pulled away. Inangkla ni Renante sa isang braso ang nyang binti para umangat-angat siya. His other hand got busy stroking his cock, already bathing in clear sticky film.

“How about you?” she asked him the question he dodged earlier.

“I’m okay with whatever you’re okay with. What makes you happy,” asinta nito ng pagkalalaki sa kanya, “makes me happy too.”

And he pushed in.

Stacey stiffed, arched and let out a groan as Renante stuffed his meat inside her.

At a swing of his hips, he hit her deepest depth. Stacey jerked as his impact brought waves all over her body, like a tranquil water hit by a stone that rippled its surface.

Renante gently pulled back but did not pull out. He hooked his tip in her hole before slowly and thoroughly impaling her again.

“A-Ahh…” Napapikit na lang siya habang ninanamnam ang masarap na unti-unting paghiwa nito sa kanya pabiyak.

At nang sumagad si Renante, pinagkiskisan pa nito ang  sarili sa kanya. Then he sunk his head at the crook of her neck.

Masaya niya itong niyakap. Nakapikit na dinama ang senswal nitong mga galaw. His thrusts were slow but deep. His cock thoroughly rubbed against her walls. His hands collaborated, touching her here and there, taking care of her breasts with his fondles and licking. Naghalo ang ungol at ngiti sa kanyang nanlalambot na mukha.

Ibang-iba na talaga sila sa dati.

This time, Renate was being gentle with her. Passionate and caring.

Stacey peacefully closed her eyes, her mouth gaped as she held her breath.

Bumilis ang pagtaas-baba ng kanyang katawan dahil sa pagbilis ng mga ulos ni Renante sa kanya. Both of them were too slippery they could already tell how turned on they were.

“Give it to me, Boo, give it,” she cheered breathlessly, cupping his face and gazing into his eyes.

Namumungay na rin ang mga mata ni Renante nang mag-angat ng tingin at makipagtitigan sa kanya. He puffed his breath as he rode her faster, making the bed bounce and creak.

“Oh, god, why do you have to be so good?” she moaned, eyes shifting between his face and their ferociously uniting sexes. “Nakaka-addict itong ginagawa mo sa akin!”

“Eh ‘di araw-arawin natin.”

“Fuck you. Stop it. Hindi mo natutupad—” Naputol ang sasabihin ni Stacey. Napasinghap siya nang hablutin sa batok ni Renante at angatin nito sa pagkakahiga sa kama.

“Let me make it up to you then,” he hotly dared.

Tinukod ni Stacey sa kama ang mga paa. Sinabayan niya ang pag-ulos ng lalaki kaya nagbabanggaan sila ng sabay.

“Ah! Ah! Ah!” Their moans coincide with every slam.

Gumala na naman ang malayang kamay ni Renante. He felt her stomach and stroked upward, reached for a breast and squeezed.

Stacey hissed.

“Kayanin mo kaya kapag inaraw-araw kita?” ngisi ni Renante.

“Itanong mo ‘yan sa sarili mo,” maliit niyang ngisi dahil tinatalo si Stacey nang pagbagsak ng panga.

Fuck. Renante just hits so deep! How could she keep a straight face at his stamina at power?

Walang tigil silang nag-sex hanggang sa bumaon nang malalim si Renante. He pushed her down the bed, pinned her shoulder with his hand. Nahugot palabas ang ari nito dahil sa ginawa kaya nagmamadaling pinasol ulit iyon.

Stacey released a loud cry as he shoved in deep, then lowered his hips to dig her deeper.

“R-Renante!”

Tuloy-tuloy na yumugyog na naman ang katawan niya. The world around her seemed to quake as she bounced beneath him on her bed, moaning and gasping. Wala siyang laban dito.

Walang-wala, mula noon hanggang ngayon.

Stacey could be strong and stand up against anyone, except against Renante. Especially in the bed.

It felt so good to surrender to him, to feel his force wrecking her sex, pounding her flesh, hitting her orgasm to the point that she was already leaking. Her cum spill and sprinkle with Renante’s every thrust.

Bumaon tuloy ang mga daliri niyang nakakapit sa mga braso at balakang nito.

“I-I already c-came! S-Slow down… R-Renante!” makaawa niya.

“Let me finish!” he hissed authoritatively.

Napaliyad siya sa sarap. She was resisting the urge of her eyes to roll back. Sumasakit na ang ulo niya sa sagad-sagarang orgasm.

“Cum already, Renante!”

“Yes, Stace! Yes!” he grunted.

Binayo siya nito nang binayo, sabay sagad at—

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang maramdaman ang pagpitik-pitik ng kahabaan nito sa loob niya. Renante released a long, feral groan, hastily pulled out and jacked his cock, spurting his white liquid all over her belly, shooting some that reached the space between her breasts and her cheek.

“Oh, yes, ilabas mo lahat,” salo ni Stacey sa mga mata nito.

Renante gave her a loose, goofy smile. Ngiting-nakaraos.