Chapter 1: Shades of Red

I carefully lit up a cigarette as I waited for Roman to answer his phone. I had been trying calling him three times now and I was starting to get really upset.

That blunt man never learned! Alam niyang ayaw ko sa lahat ay ang pinaghihintay ako. But he does it all the time. I've diminished him as my manager many times now but it's hard to get a manager as good as him.

"Don't you want to get dressed first?"

I promptly turned to the person who talked from behind me. It was Kristan, who just merely got from the kitchen and still wearing his chef's white. His new comb over haircut style fashioned him perfectly.

I nibbled my bottom lip as I completely stopped trying to call Roman.

"I am dressed," I said as I puffed smoke.

I was wearing lingerie. What did he expect me to wear early this morning? Pajamas and oversized shirts?

He regarded me from head to toe. I've never been uncomfortable like this before. Sanay na akong laging tinitingnan ang katawan ko. Sanay akong pinupuri ang hugis ko. Siguro ay dahil alam kong nagugustuhan nila ang nakikita hindi tulad kung paano tumingin ang isang 'to.

"What?" I politely asked with furrowed brows.

He sighed.

"I prepared us breakfast." He unbuttoned the chef's shirt, took it off, and carefully tucked it on his arms. Now, he's almost dressed like me if it's not solely because of that bottom.

Mula sa kanyang katawan ay tumingin ako sa kanyang mga mata. How old is he by the way? Halos isang linggo na kaming magkasama pero hindi ko pa rin siya kilala. Well, I know his name. That's all.

"Sino ang tinatawagan mo?" tanong niya.

I rolled my eyes this time.

"Rule number one, Mr. Kristan Deil Admiral." I walked near him as I trailed my fingers on his bare chest without breaking our eye contact. "I don't demand you to ask questions. You have no right to interrogate me."

Binugahan ko siya ng usok sa mukha bago lumabas ng balkonahe at dumiretso sa loob ng kwarto. Nilagay ko sa ashtray ang hindi nakalahating sigarilyo bago kinuha ang naka-hanger na damit.

"I'm taking shower," I said.

Hinubad ko ang mga natitirang tela sa katawan ko bago hinarap si Kristan. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin, hindi alintana ang nakabalandra kong katawan.

Really? What a reaction, Mr. Admiral.

Hindi ko mabasa kung hindi ba talaga siya naaakit sa akin o gaya ng iba ay magaling lang siya sa pagtatago. It must be the latter one. No one withstands my charm yet.

If you don't see me hot, it's either you are jealous or just in denial.

"Hindi ka pa nag-almusal—"

"We are taking shower together, Mr. Admiral," I cut him off.

Hindi siya nag-atubiling tumango. Gaya ko ay nag-umpisa na rin siyang maghubad. He unfastened the belt of his pants and unzipped it before taking it off. Now, he's on nothing but that gray boxer shorts.

He's quite big, not going to lie about that. I've already seen everything about him. There's nothing special about this man. There's no specific reason why I chose him. It just happened.

He walked towards me. Siniil niya ng halik ang leeg ko.

Hinawakan ko ang batok niya para mas idiin ang halik.

One thing I admire about him is he knows what I want. Kaya niyang basahin kung ano ang iniisip ko kahit na wala akong sabihin. Hindi ko kailangang pahirapang banggitin pa ang mga bagay na 'yon.

"Shower..." I ceased him from stroking my neck.

I gripped his arm and hauled him inside the shower room. The warm temperature and the smell of roses embraced us. It's almost dark in here if it's not just because of the little scented candles scattered around.

"We just had sex last night," he complained.

"That was a few hours ago."

I turned to him, seductively. If he's really just pretending, let's see how far he can play this game. Wala pang kahit sino ang umubra sa akin. Hindi ang isang 'to.

I don't hate humans. Let's get that fact straight. But I don't see them fascinating either. They are just here to balance whatever this world needs to balance. I never studied science so I have no idea how people are necessary in this world.

Binuksan ni Kristan ang shower at nagbanlaw muna. Napangiti ako. Madali talaga siyang maturuan. Alam niyang ayokong sinasamahan niya ako sa bath tub nang hindi nagbabanlaw.

This human never failed to amuse me. I'll give him that.

He was soaking wet when he shut off the shower. Tumutulo pa sa buhok niya ang tubig, pababa sa kanyang maskuladong katawan hanggang sa kanyang boxer shorts. Doon huminto ang tingin ko.

"Don't you really want to eat breakfast—"

"Join me here now, Mr. Admiral."

Bumuntonghininga siya bago yumuko para alisin ang kanyang boxer shorts. He's barely hard yet it's already intimidating. If I would be honest, he has the most average length out of all the men I've already bedded. Yet there's something about him.

Kristan knows how to knock it hard. He was never gentle, and I like him for that. Unlike other men, he wasn't expecting anything from me. I am not expecting anything from him either.

It's just all loyalty and lust.

Also, he's cleaned.

Nasa magkabila kaming panig ng tub. I extended my legs to reach him. I massaged his part, playfully. Nakita kong tumaas ang adam's apple niya nang maramdaman ang paa ko.

As expected, just a little nudge and it's already awake.

"Wala ka talagang balak mag-almusal?" tanong niya.

I smirked. "I am having my breakfast now."

Yumuko ako at pumunta sa kanya. I sat in between his thighs and placed my legs on the edge of the tub as I leaned back to stare at the ceiling. Naramdaman kong gumapang sa likod ko ang kanyang mga kamay.

"Are we going tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yes." I looked up at him again.

"Babalik ba tayo rito?" tanong pa niya.

"I'm not sure. You know what I'm sure of?" I narrowed the distance between our faces. Bumaba ang paghaplos ko sa kanyang katawan. "Wherever I am, I want you to be there."

"I am always here to serve you, Milady."

I kissed him on his lips.

I never wanted to have a slave. I've always preferred to be alone and do things myself. I've never aspired to have someone who will do things for me. But I am open to anything new.

I clasped my legs around his waist as he carefully pinned me on the bottom of the tub. Hawak niya ang likod ko para hindi ako masaktan sa dulo ng tub. Bumaba sa dibdib ko ang kanyang marahas na halik.

"Don't cum on my tub," I moaned.

He chuckled. "As you wish..."

Nilapit niya sa labi ko ang kanyang leeg. That's my cue to bite him and finally have my breakfast. He was thrusting inside me while I was enjoying his fresh blood.

His fresh blood was enough to satisfy my thirst but he also produced this fragrance I sensed the first we met. I am more into scent than anything else. I can forget your face but not the way you smell.

I took a bath faster than usual. Still, mas nauna pa ring natapos sa akin si Kristan. I was all dressed when I went out of the shower room.

"Dryer, Lady Nathalia." Kristan lent me my blower.

Instead of accepting the hairdryer, I sat on the chair and faced my dresser. I put moisturizing cream all over my skin. After that, I opened my jewelry box to find myself a pair of earing. I ended up with a pair of heart-shaped ruby earrings.

"I'll do your hair," Kristan said.

Naramdaman kong maingat na hinawakan ni Kristan ang buhok at siya ang nagpatuyo no'n. See? He knows I want him to do that for me instead.

Nagwisik ako ng pabango sa leeg, likod ng tainga, siko, at pulso.

"Pwede ba akong sumama?" tanong niya.

I was busy putting on makeup so I didn't get to answer his question right away. After putting on my fave brand of red lipstick, I unlocked the drawer to get a velvet headband wrap.

"I think I am done," he said after drying my hair.

"Brush," I whispered.

Pumunta siya sa harapan ko para kunin sa itaas ng dresser ang hair brush. Saka siya bumalik sa likod ko at maingat na pinasadahan ang buhok ko.

While he was stroking my hair, I started preparing the things in my sangria quilted shoulder bag. There's nothing much in it. May wallet lang na naglalaman ng cards ko, license and a little amount of cash. And of course, the essential – make-up kit.

"Halos isang linggo na akong nakakulong dito," bulong pa niya. "The only good news about leaving tomorrow is I will finally get out of this hotel room but aside from that..."

"I have no business to be here, Mr. Admiral."

I put on another layer of lipstick.

"I know. Pwede ba akong sumama ngayon?"

I sighed. "But you will stay in my car."

Natigilan ito nang bahagya.

"Fair enough," he responded.

I swiveled my chair to him. That kind of startled him. He was wearing a fitted garnet tank top and underpants which I bought all for him.

Another good thing about having a slave, I get to decide for him. I even wanted to dye his hair, but I will leave that for him. Bagay naman sa kanya ang itim na buhok.

"Ayos lang ba ang lipstick ko?" tanong ko.

Bumaba sa mga labi ko ang kanyang tingin.

"Yes." Kinuha niya sa akin ang velvet headband wrap. Hinawi niya ang buhok ko sa likod ng tainga bago 'yon sinuot sa akin. "Red is your color. Babagay sa 'yo ang lahat kapag ito ang kulay."

I bobbed my head. That's not what I wanted!

"Napakapal ko yata, " I complained.

He stepped back to examine it.

"Medyo nga—"

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, my feels! Then, kiss me."

Oh, god. How is he this dumb? I always make sure I do things perfectly, especially with my makeup. There's no way I can make a mistake to it, even the slightest one. If I did, it would be intentional like this one.

Sinadya kong kapalan ang lipstick para pantayin niya ito.

"Kiss me, Mr. Admiral."

He bent down towards me. Tumingin muna siya sa mga mata ko.

I was looking at his eyes, too. I have already examined everything on his face, but I couldn't still help but feel jealous with those natural long eyelashes underneath his low angled eyebrows.

"You are gorgeous, Lady Nathalia Cardinal."

"Then, kiss me."

"Pleasure."

He claimed my lips. Bahagya niyang kiniskis ang labi sa labi ko para mabura nang bahagya ang kulay nito. Gumapang naman ang kamay ko sa kanyang likod.

"Let's go and meet my father," I whispered to him.

Umayos siya ng tayo. "What?"

Tumayo na ako at kinuha ang shoulder bag ko. I need to meet them before I leave. Baka matagalan pa ang huli kong pagbabalik. Saka gusto ko rin makausap si Brixton.

We went to the parking of the five-star hotel that sponsored my stay here. As much as I want to spend my own money, everything comes to me for free.

My driver was already there waiting beside my scarlet Lamborghini Aventador. He greeted me before guiding me inside the car. Tumabi rin sa akin si Kristan.

I put my shoulder bag on my lap. Hinawi ko ang buhok ko sa likod.

"How can I meet your father if I will stay inside this car?"

I rolled my eyes. "Who even said that you would meet him?"

Kristan was hesitant. "Hindi ba sabi mo—"

"Just stay here, Mr. Admiral. You will thank me later."

Habang nasa byahe ay pumikit na lang ako. Ramdam ko ang maya't mayang paggalaw ni Kristan. Mukhang kabado siya sa pakay namin.

An idea suddenly popped in my head.

I unclosed my eyes. "Fine. You will meet my father, too."

His lips slightly parted.

"I-I want to stay here—"

"No. You will come with me."

Muli ko na lang pinikit ang mga mata. Gusto kong makita ang reaksyon niya kapag nakita si Papa. He's always calm and seemed calculated. Let's see if he will stay like that when he sees my father.

After hours of driving, the car stopped in front of The Main Mansion. Naunang bumaba si Kristan at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. Aktong papasok uli siya sa likod pero nahawakan ko agad ang braso niya.

"Let's go..." I said.

Wala na rin siyang nagawa kung hindi ang sumunod sa akin.

Sinalubong kami ni Mr. Billy.

"Good morning, Milady." He bowed to me.

"Good morning, Mr. Sandoval," I greeted back.

Hinarap ko si Kristan. Napansin kong ngayon niya pa lang susuotin ang wrist watch na bigay ko. Sinakbit ko sa balikat ang bag bago siya nilapitan.

Kinuha ko sa kanya ang relo at ako ang nagsuot no'n sa kanyang palapulsuan.

"You will meet my father," I said.

"Is that your father?" tukoy niya kay Mr. Sandoval.

"Let's go..."

Mr. Sandoval guided us to the dining hall where my father was patiently waiting while reading a book. He sat on the last chair at the center of the long table.

"Finally..." Binaba niya ang binabasa para tingnan kami.

I smiled as I walked to him. Humalik ako sa kanyang pisngi at likod ng kamay. I don't do this to anyone other than my father. I don't bow usually. But heck, this is Mr. Cardinal.

"Mr. Admiral..." baritonong tawag niya kay Kristan.

Kristan bowed his head, respectfully.

Oh. He doesn't look pressured at all. That's quite impressive knowing this is his first time meeting my father. Maybe he is just clueless about who this man is.

"It's pleasure that you know me, Mr. Cardinal." His voice was calm as ever. "I am Lady Nathalia's chosen one. I promise to serve your daughter with all my heart."

"It's Lord Cardinal," I corrected him, ignoring the rest.

"My bad. Lord Cardinal." Nakita kong sumilip ang tipid na ngiti sa labi ni Kristan.

Remarkable.

My father lent us some of the chairs. I was enjoying my Marchesi Antinori wine while having a bite of roasted meat. I wasn't hungry but I don't have anything to do.

Kristan took all the job to keep my father entertained. Nakwento na niya sa kanya ang unang experience niyang natakam sa dugo at kung ano ang naramdaman niya.

"It's good to know you didn't get a hard time adjusting," my father sipped on his wine. "The transition is a vicious experience but worth it in the end. Anything after the hardship is worth it anyway."

Kristan threw a glance at me. "I would like to thank Lady Nathalia for that. She was there all throughout."

I just nodded. He didn't need to say that. I barely cared if he survived it or not.

"Don't you want to stay here longer, Nathalia?" My father asked.

Nagpunas ako ng napkin sa bibig bago sumagot.

"No," I simply said.

I saw Kristan smirked.

"I see." Papa let out a heavy sigh. "How about you introduce him to your brother first? It's your first time to have a slave. They will be glad to meet him."

Napatingin ako kay Kristan. Nakatingin din siya sa akin at nakataas ang kanyang tingin.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Papa," I said.

"Why not?" Kristan asked.

Oh, my feels. He is sooo... ugh!

Naramdaman kong may palapit sa amin.

Oh, damn.

"Papa..." Oscar bowed to my father. Napatingin siya sa amin. Agad na kumunot ang noo niya nang makita si Kristan. "Who is he?"

Oh, no one knows yet.

I've secretly revived Kristan anyway.

Kristan stood up. Humarap siya kay Oscar.

"I am Kristan Admiral..."

Oscar furrowed his brows, anticipating more.

"My slave," I said.

His lips slightly parted.

"Your what?" gulat niyang tanong.

"I serve Lady Nathalia," sabi ni Kristan. Nag-abot pa siya ng kamay ngunit hindi 'yon tinanggap ni Oscar. "You must be one of her brothers. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Oscar just stared at him.

Napangiti ako. He's really protective to me!

"Are you sure about this?" tanong niya kay Kristan.

Napawi ang ngiti sa labi ko.

"Death is a better option, Mr. Admiral," Oscar added.

"Shut up, Oscar!" I rolled my eyes. "Anyway, bakit parang natataranta ka?"

Huminga siya nang malalim. "Hinahanap ko kasi si Celeste. Hindi ko pa rin siya makita hanggang ngayon e. I'm starting to get worried."

"She's not here," sabi ni Papa. Bumalik na uli siya sa pagbabasa. "Maybe you should ask your brother."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Oscar.

"Why Brixton, father?" Oscar questioned.

Hindi na siya nakatanggap ng sagot pa.

Muling tumingin si Oscar kay Kristan. He nodded and finally accepted his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Admiral. Please take care of my sister. I am expecting a lot from you."

Kristan nodded. "I will. You have my word."

Oscar turned to me. Ngumiti siya at nilapitan ako.

"I thought—"

"Weather changes, ako pa kaya?"

He chuckled. "I see. Well. Good luck then, Sis Nath."

Tumayo ako para harapin si Oscar.

"You, too, brother. And..." Hinawakan ko ang kanyang braso at hinaplos 'yon. "Be gentle with Celeste. You know nothing about girls." Nilapit ko sa tainga niya ang bibig ko. "You know nothing about our feelings."

Matapos no'n ay nagpaalam na si Oscar na hahanapin si Celeste. That's weird. Celeste is always the one call away slave and also a friend. It's kind of odd she's nowhere to be found now.

I turned to my father next.

"Papa. Magpapalipas lang kami ng oras dito. Mamaya rin ay aalis na kami. I don't think you are still around that time. So..." I bowed my head. "Please, take care of yourself."

He lowered the book. "You, too, my precious daughter."

I smiled.

My father turned to Kristan next.

"Milord..." Yumuko rin si Kristan.

"Welcome to our world, Mr. Admiral."

"Thank you, Lord Cardinal."

After meeting my father, I pulled Kristan to my room here. Pinatong ko sa kama ang shoulder bag bago siya siniil ng halik na tinugunan naman niya agad.

"You did well..." I whispered.

Rumagasa sa bewang ko ang kanyang kamay at dahan-dahan akong hiniga sa kama. Pumatong siya sa akin habang ang mga kamay ay nakatukod sa magkabilang gilid.

He stared at me with those dark eyes.

"I didn't know you have brothers," he said.

"Well..." Hinawakan ko ang kwelyo ng polo niya at hinila siya palapit sa akin. "They didn't also know about you. Call it even, Mr. Admiral."

Gumilid siya at bumagsak sa tabi ko. Ngayon ay pareho na kaming nakahilata sa kama.

"That was impressive..." I said.

"They are cool."

They...

I shifted my position. Ngayon ay nakaupo na ako sa pagitan ng kanyang hita. I ground against his lonely crotch and I was pretty sure he loved it.

"You deserve a reward," I mumbled.

He looked confused. "I don't need a reward."

Dumausdos ako pababa. I unfastened his belt and pulled his pants down. Aries was already awake but he got harder, even more, when I massaged it with my palms.

Hahatakin ko na sana pababa ang kanyang boxer shorts nang hawakan ni Kristan ang garter nito. Pinigilan niya ako sa kung ano ang gagawin ko.

I looked up at him. "Bitiwan mo."

He gulped. "Are you sure?"

I grinned.

"Release him," I commanded.

We spent our remaining hours inside the mansion with pleasure. Nakatulog si Kristan sa tabi ko. Masyado yatang napagod.

My phone rang. Kinuha ko ito sa loob ng shoulder bag ko.

Finally. Fucking Roman Hando decided to call me back.

Lumabas ako sa balkonahe para magpahangin. Kitang-kita ang malawak na hardin mula rito. Napangiti ako nang makita ang mga tinanim kong pulang rosas.

"Hey. I'm really sorry—"

"I'm going back tomorrow," I cut him off.

Natigilan siya. "What? Akala ko ay matatagalan ka pa kaya binigay ko muna kay Kathlysse ang ilan sa mga projects mo—"

"Who cares? I'm going back tomorrow."

He let out a sigh. "Fine. I will pull back her contracts. Maiintindihan naman 'yon ni Kath. She knows it's all for you anyway."

I chewed my bottom lip. Nakita ko na ang sasakyan ni Brixton na papasok ng mansion.

"Gusto ko rin nang mas malawak na matutuluyan," dagdag ko pa.

"What? Ayaw mo na sa dati mong tinutuluyan?"

"Just do it, Mr. Hando."

"Fine. What else?"

I smirked. "Tell everyone... Nathalia Cardinal is going back."

And I ended the call.

Lumabas ako ng balkonahe. Sakto namang bumangon na si Kristan.

"Are we going now?" he yawned.

I smiled.

"Let's meet my other brother first..."