CALLEA was ready for a new day. She would work on the new chapter of her graphic novel where she would introduce a high priestess of a cult as her character. That's why she was wearing a black silk gown with a hood. Her lips were black so is her nail polish. She was so digging this cult leader vibe.
She had to work in the morning because Deive would occupy her night. She would help out with the design suggestion for his pirate cruise ship. Each of his friends had their own concept and design on different parts of the hotel. Deive wanted it to be rustic and eerie and he said that she was an expert on it.
She was drinking her lemongrass iced tea from the lanai when she saw Deive leaning on the lounging chair while wearing a toweling robe. It looked like he was ready to take a dip at the pool. It was his favorite part of the house and he used it every day. Perhaps one day she will also enjoy the sun. She was somewhat getting used to walking at the garden during the daytime. She was starting to get used to the sun again.
Mang Lito entered a house with a basketful of fruits. "Where are those from?"
"Counsellor Lira sent if for you and Sir Deive."
Callea crossed her arms over her chest. "Mang Lito, you know that I am not into bribery. The tasks of her kid won't be any lighter just because she gave me a basketful of fruits. I could buy that as well. If his son and his friends want to make amends, they must work hard for it.
To pull off the blotter, Callea demanded one hundred hours of community service to Winston and his groups. They would clean up the roads and public spaces, they would also help her cousin Torque's foundation on feeding programs, night school assistance, and dealing with bully-victims. So, that they would realize how lucky they were on having a good life and how to be kinder. She hoped it would work.
"What am I going to do with these fruits?" asked Mang Lito.
"Bring it to Kuya Torque's foundation for the feeding program. Tell them it is from the good counselor." Those kids could use it more.
From the basket, Mang Lito gave her a bouquet of flowers. "Miss Lindsye wants to give these flowers, too. She said it for you and Sir Deive."
She took the bouquet of white roses and noticed the card. Maybe she wanted to make peace with them after being a first-class bitch. She read it and her eyebrow felt like reaching her hairline. The message was only for Deive and it was read as, I miss you, Deive. I hope you miss me, too.
She saw blood. The white rose of peace turned into crimson in her eyes. She fisted the bunch of roses and marched to the poolside. Deive was floating on the pool and was showing off his hot body. No wonder Lindsye was crazy over him.
"Hey! Flowers for you, Prince Charming!" Then she threw the bouquet of flowers on the water.
Deive swam to retrieve the flowers. "Is this from you? Thanks, Callea."
"No!" she shrilled. "It is from Lindsye."
His forehead crumpled. "What am I going to do with this?"
"Boil it. Turn it into tea or salad. It is up to you."
He was grinning as he lifted himself from the pool. "You are jealous because of the flower?"
"I am not jealous!" she insisted then pushed him to the pool. It was followed by a bellow because he didn't expect that.
She was pretty pissed off. Just when she was making a progress with Deive, Lindsye still wants to creep into their lives.
Callea must admit that she was a bit insecure with her. She was beautiful and confident. She was not shy to express herself. Running after men and wooing them was no problem for her even if the conservatives would raise an eyebrow. While Callea didn't know how to tell Deive that she liked him. He was within her reach but she couldn't tell him what's inside her heart. Even if she opens her heart to him, she couldn't fully show herself to him.
He gasped for breath when he emerged from the water. His flowers received the impact and some of the petals were scattered on the water. Some ended up on his hair and skin. There was one on his lips and annoyingly brushed it off. "You pushed to the pool twice. The first one is on my first night here."
"That was not my fault. You fell on the pool on your own and I didn't push you."
His face darkened. "You must be laughing at me then.
"Nope. You didn't look funny then but you look funny now." Then she burst out laughing.
She stopped laughing when he pulled himself out of the pool. "So, I was not able to get my revenge the first time I fell down the pool. Maybe I can get even now."
She was alarmed as he walked towards her with a dangerous gaze. He was a lion stalking a gazelle and was about to stake a claim. She must not be caught. He looked like a fool the first time they met and it was time for retribution.
"Deive, don't you even dare..." she warned and willed to run away from him.
However, she found herself frozen and too nervous to move. While his steps were huge and he was faster than she expected. She tried to step away at least but she felt his arms around her. He pulled her to him and she shrieked when his wet body enveloped hers. She tried to fight him but he was stronger than her. It was not easy to fight him because his nearness to his almost naked body was making her weak. Or maybe her body had no self-preservation at all.
"Now let me see. What punishment fits you, dear?" he asked while his face was an inch from hers. Fear left her and excitement rushed through her veins. If he would choose a kiss as his punishment, she won't say no. She had been dreaming about it every minute of the day. And she wanted to taste him again.
His lips grazed hers. It was just a little taste and she knew more is coming. Suddenly a male voice boomed. "Who are you and what are you doing to my cousin?"
Callea gasped when she recognized the voice and pushed away from Deive. "Kuya Torque!" (Kuya means older brother but could be used as a polite title or form to a man who is a few years older than you)
Deive was still and didn't know how to react. Her cousin took Deive by the shoulder and pushed him to the nearest tree. Deive was shocked and couldn't fight at all. They had the same body and height but his cousin was at an advantage because he wanted to protect her.
Callea tried to touch her cousin to calm him. "Kuya, we will explain," she said when she found her voice.
"Don't come near them," reprimanded Lee, her other cousin, and brother of Torque. Her headache worsened. She thought she only has to face one angry Lopez. Now she had two overprotective cousins ready to pound Deive to the pulp for touching her.
What are they doing in Villa Celesta? They have worked abroad. Why did they suddenly pop up like mushrooms? She didn't even receive any heads up from them.
Deive smiled but her eyes were as strong as steel when they met her cousin's angry and distrusting gaze. "I am Deive Hontiveros. I am the grandson of Don Jorje Hontiveros of Coco Hontiveros, the best friend of your grandfather. And I am about to marry Callea."