The worst thing about being lied to is knowing you weren’t worth the truth.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE

PROLOGUE
MASHA I couldn’t contain my happiness while I was looking at the two red lines.
Two red lines. Unconsciously, I held on my flat belly. I couldn’t feel anything in
there yet but the excitement that surged my heart was something. Of course, this
was something. I am fucking pregnant. Immediately, I thought about my dad.
Definitely he would go berserk when he finds out about this but… I held my head up
high and took a deep breath.
I am going to keep this baby. Mine and Noah’s baby. Dad couldn’t do anything
about this. Even Mom. Even my brothers.
I am going to talk to Noah. I would tell him that we should get married.
We love each other and now were having our baby. My smile went from ear to ear
when I looked at the two red lines on the pregnancy test again. Was Noah going to
be excited about this? Who would have thought that I would end up with Noah?
Dinadaan-daanan ko lang siya dati sa bahay namin kapag pinupuntahan niya si Peyton.
Tinutukso ko pa si Peyton sa kanya. Damn destiny. Nakakainis mag-joke. Nakakainis
na nakakakilig. I giggled when I thought about Noah. I stood up from the toilet
bowl and fixed myself. I put the pregnancy test kit inside my pocket and went out
from the bathroom. I looked around and suddenly, Noah’s apartment became so
beautiful to me. Kinakainisan ko itong apartment niya. Hindi naman kasi ako sanay
na tumira sa maliit na lugar na ganito. This was a typical bachelor’s pad. Although
this was bigger than the other apartments around our block, still, I wanted us to
stay in a bigger place. Like a real house. With so many rooms inside, vast lawn so
our kids could run and play outside. Gosh. Our kids. What if I am conceiving for
twins? This was so exciting. I wanted a boy and a girl too. Parang kami ni Daci. We
grew up so close together. There were no secrets between us… except these days that
I was with Noah. I couldn’t tell him that I was having an affair with the bodyguard
my parents tasked to protect me. All right. Today was special day for Noah and I.
I needed to prepare for something good. I am going to cook something special for
him even if I didn’t know how to cook. Usually, it was Noah who always cook for me.
He was a good cook. And I am going to buy us rings. Uso na naman na ang babaeng
nagpo-propose. Gagawin ko iyon at sigurado akong hindi na siya makakatanggi kapag
isinuot ko na ang singsing sa daliri niya. Pinatungan ko ng trench coat ang suot
kong jeans at sleeveless top tapos ay naglagay ng scarf sa leeg. It was cold here
in San Francisco.
Although hindi nag-i-snow, nanunuot pa rin sa buto ang lamig. Umuusok nga ang bibig
ko. Nag-book ako ng Uber at nagpahatid sa Tiffany and Co.
Pagdating doon ay nagpatulong ako sa attendant kung ano ang bagay na singsing kay
Noah. I am sure he would want a simple white gold ring.
With those little diamond all over. May ipinakita sa akin at nagustuhan ko agad. I
bought it. I also bought an engagement ring for me. Kung wala siyang singsing na
ibibigay sa akin, okay lang. Ako na ang magpo-provide basta sabihin lang niya na
magpapakasal kami. I secured the ring and put it inside my pocket. Next, I went to
Costco to buy the things that I would need for my preparation. Kumpleto dito ang
lahat kaya dito na ako pumunta. Nagtutulak ako ng pushcart at nasa meat section
nang maramdaman kong may humawak sa braso ko. Agad akong napalingon at muntik pang
mapatalon sa gulat. “Hi, Masha baby.” Ngiting-ngiti ang lalaking gumawa noon.
Napaikot ako ng mata. “Damn it, Reed. You scared me.” “Do I scare you now? When we
were making out at Molly’s you were not scared of me.” Umangat pa ang kilay niya.
“Maybe you forgot what my bodyguard did to you that night. And please, stop saying
that we made out. You took advantage of me. You got me drunk and you took advantage
of it. Good thing my bodyguard was there to save me.” Lumayo pa ako sa kanya.
“Umalis ka na nga.” “Bakit? Kasi kayo na ng bodyguard mo? Does your father know
about it?” Ngising aso sa akin si Reed. Pakiramdam ko ay nalulon ko ang dila sa
sinabi niya. How did he know about it? Noah and I were careful. Nobody knew about
our affair. “Wala kaming relasyon ng bodyguard ko, ano ka ba? Pati ba naman dito
sa America uso ang tsismis? Tapos galing pa sa’yo kalalaki mong tao.” Inirapan ko
pa siya at itinulak ko na ang pushcart na nasa harapan ko para makalayo na sa
kanya. “You want to see proof?” Umangat pa ang kilay ni Reed. “Fuck you, Reed.
Get lost.” Tinabig ko pa siya at naglakad na palayo. “Come on, Masha. Just take a
look at my proof. I want to show you this first. But if you’re not interested, I
could send this to your father and I am sure he would be very much interested in
this.” Napahinto ako sa paglakad at nilingon si Reed. Nakangisi siya sa akin at
ipinapakita ang hawak na telepono. Ang sama ng tingin ko sa kanya at inilang
hakbang ko lang siya. Inagaw ko ang teleponong hawak niya at nagpipindot hanggang
sa makita ko ang isang folder na may pangalang “Masha my Babe.” Muli ay sinamaan
ko siya ng tingin bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa hawak kong telepono. Nang
makita ko ang mga litratong naroon sa folder, pakiramdam ko ay nanlamig ako. Nag-
uumpisang manginig ang buong katawan ko habang sige ang pagba-browse doon. Those
were my photos. Mine and Noah’s photos. This was taken when the two of us had a
date at Lake Tahoe. I told him I wanted to see snow and he brought me there. There
were photos when we were getting in the car, going out. Photos when we made a
stopover at a gas station. We were so sweet. Kissing. Hugging. This was like taken
by a paparazzi. “What the fuck is this?” Ang sama ng tingin ko kay Reed. Ngumisi
siya. “Nothing. Well, you know I like you but you said you want someone else. At
first, I thought you were just saying that to ditch me. I need to know that there
was really someone else. That there was a man who exists that you really want. So,
I decided to follow you. And I couldn’t believe what I saw. Does your father know
about this?” Nang-aasar pang sabi niya. “The ever-loyal bodyguard and his precious
daughter. Kissing. Hugging and for sure, fucking each other.” “Fuck you, Reed.”
Pinagdi-delete ko ang mga litratong naroon at ibinalik ang telepono sa kanya. “I
am not stupid, Masha. Even if you deleted that, I have copies. And ano ba ang
problema kung boyfriend mo ang bodyguard mo? Kung malaman ng Daddy mo? Ayaw mo
noon, magiging legal na kayo.
Actually, my dad is having a meeting with your dad right at this moment.
I could tell my dad to-“ “Shut up!” tumaas na ang boses ko at napatingin ako sa
paligid.
Nakita kong may ibang mga tao doon na napatingin na sa lugar ko. “Or, I could shut
my mouth if you are going to do what I want.” Kumindat pa siya. “Madali lang naman.
Marry me.” “Are you fucking crazy? Umalis ka na nga.” Pagtataboy ko sa kanya. “I
am going to give you until tomorrow to decide, Masha. You know my number. Call me.”
Sumenyas pa ng tumatawag si Reed bago naglakad paalis. Ang sama ng tingin ko sa
lalaking iyon habang palayo at napabuga ako ng hangin. Kinuha ko ang telepono ko
at sinubukan kong tawagan si Noah.
Nasaan ba ang lalaking iyon? Kaninang-kanina ko pa hindi nakikita. Nag-text lang
kanina na maagang aalis dahil may lalakarin tapos hindi na nag-report sa akin.
Hindi man lang mag-text kung nasaan na o kung ano ang ginagawa. Ngayon ay naiinis
na ako. Alam kong naiinis ako dahil nai-stress ako.
Lalong nadadagdagan ang inis ko nang hindi sumasagot sa tawag ko si Noah. Panay
lang ang ring ng telepono niya. Napabuga ako ng hangin at ibinalik sa bag ko ang
telepono. Iniwan ko na ang mga pinamali ko at pinabayaan na lang ang pushcart doon.
Nawalan na ako ng gana.
Muli akong nag-book ng Uber at habang naghihintay ay muli akong naka-receive ng
text galing kay Reed. Grabe talagang mambuwisit ang isang ito. Ayaw ko na sanang
sagutin pero may attachment kasi ang message niya. Nang buksan ko iyon ay litrato
ng isang babae. Sino ‘to?
Does your lover / bodyguard tell you that he has a girlfriend?
Napalunok ako at hindi maialis ang tingin sa litrato ng babaeng ipinadala ni Reed.
The woman in the picture looked familiar. I knew I had seen her somewhere. You
want to know her name? Iyon ang sunod na message ni Reed. Nanginginig ang kamay ko
habang nagta-type ng reply sa kanya. I said, you get lost. Stay away from me.
I’ll tell it anyway. Ang bilis ng reply ni Reed. Her name is Serena Worthington.
That’s his girlfriend for years already.
Agad na namuo ang luha sa mga mata ko habang nakatingin sa litrato ng babae. I
knew it. Her face was familiar. I saw her before. She was the woman who brought
home Noah when he got drunk one night. But he said they were over. He said, he was
single. If you want to know more, I am just one click away. Sunod-sunod na smiley
emoticon pa ang message sa akin ni Reed. Nang dumating ang Uber na pinabook ko ay
para akong nawawala sa sarili. Nagpahatid ako sa apartment ni Noah habang sige ako
tawag sa kanya. Bakit hindi niya sinasagot ang tawag ko? Nang makarating ako sa
apartment ay sige pa rin ako pindot sa telepono. Tawag at text pero walang reply.
What the fuck was going on?
Nalaman na ba ni Daddy ang affair namin ni Noah? Mom. Si Mom ang makakatulong sa
akin. Kahit lagi kaming nag-aaway ni Mommy, I am sure she would understand if I
tell her about Noah. I was about to dial Mom’s number when someone rang the
doorbell.
I immediately went there and opened the door expecting Noah to be there.
But to my surprise, it was not Noah. I stepped back because I was not prepared to
meet face to face the woman, I knew Noah got involved with before. This was the
woman in the photo that Reed sent me. This was Serena Worthington. “Hi.” The
woman was all smile at me. Looking at me from head to foot then peaked at my back.
“Is Noah there?” I was stunned when she even pushed me aside and went inside the
apartment without being invited in. “Where’s Noah?” Muli pang tanong ng babae.
“He’s not here. Please get out.” Isinenyas ko ang pinto para lumabas na siya.
Tinaasan ako ng kilay ng babae. “I remember you. You are his job.
Masha, right? The toxic, spoiled brat daughter of his boss?” Naningkit ang mata ko
sa babae. “I am not toxic. I am not spoiled brat. And who the hell are you?”
Ngumiti sa akin ang babae pero nakakainis ang ngiting iyon. Bakit?
Akala niya matatakot ako sa kanya. Kahit mas malaki siya sa akin, mas malaki ang
boobs niya, mas matanda siya sa akin, hindi ko siya uurungan.
Aral akong makipagbugbugan kay Kuya Danny at Daci. “Oh, my bad. I am so sorry.”
Napabuga ito ng hangin at muling ngumiti sa akin. “It’s the hormones,” kunwa ay
nagpaypay pa ng kamay ang babae sa sarili. “I am having a hard time with this
conception.” Conception? I knew I heard that word before. That was about
pregnancy. Bigla na ang kabog ng dibdib ko. “Can I sit?” Paalam pa niya sa akin at
umupo na rin kahit hindi naman ako umu-oo. “Where the hell is Noah. I have been
calling him dozens of times.” “What do you need?” Napalunok na ako. Ang excitement
na nararamdaman ko kanina ay napalitan ng matinding kaba. Tingin ko ay may hindi
maganda ang hatid ng pagdating ng babaeng ito dito. “I need to talk to Noah. He
needs to know what is going on.” Napatikhim ako. “A-and what is going on?”
Alanganin siyang tumingin sa akin. “I don’t think you need to know about it. It’s
between us. Girlfriend and boyfriend.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko. I am Noah’s
girlfriend. We already professed our love to each other. Gusto kong isigaw iyon
pero kinagat ko na lang ang dila ko. “But anyway, since you wanted to know what is
going on. I’ll tell you,” lumapad ang ngiti ng babae. “I am pregnant. Noah is going
to be a father.” Wala akong reaction na nakatingin lang sa kanya. Habang ang
sinabi niya ay paulit-ulit sa isip ko. I am pregnant. Noah is going to be a
father.
“I am so excited to tell him about this because this is what he wanted ever since
we got back together. Finally. Noah would marry me.” Pakiramdam ko ay nabibingi
ako. Nanlalamig at nanginginig ang buong katawan. Nahihilo din ako. Nagdidilim ang
paningin ko pero pinilit kong maging matatag. Pinilit kong ngumiti sa babaeng nasa
harap ko.
Hindi ako magpapakita ng kahit anong emosyon. “G-Good. T-that’s good news.
Congratulations.” Isang pilit na ngiti muli ang ibinigay ko sa kanya at
naipagpasalamat kong tumutunog ang telepono ko. Dali-dali akong lumabas pero hindi
ko sinagot iyon.
Lumakad ako nang lumakad para mapalayo sa lugar na iyon. Para mapalayo sa
napakasakit na katotohanan na nalaman ko. Nang tingnan ko ang telepono ay si Reed
pa rin ang tumatawag sa akin. Ni-reject ko ang call. Si Noah ang tinatawagan ko
ulit pero katulad kanina, hindi niya sinasagot ang tawag ko. Mayamaya ay naka-
receive ako ng text. Galing kay Noah. Your Dad wants you to go home. Someone is
going to pick you up.
Don’t wait for me. Hindi ko mapigil ang luhang nag-uunahang maglandas sa pisngi
ko.
Sinubukan kong tawagan uli si Noah pero hindi niya sinasagot ang tawag ko. Goddamn
him. He was a fucking asshole. That was it? Ganoon na lang iyon? Was that his
break-up line for me? Kinuha ko sa bulsa ang binili kong singsing para sa kanya. I
was a fool to believe his lies. I was a fool to give my love to him. I was a fool
for trusting him. Just like everyone else, he used me. Lied to me. But for what
was worth, I got my baby. And I am going to keep this and he would never knew about
this ever.

The world is being run by irresponsible spoiled brats – P.J. O’Rourke

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER ONE | THE PRINCESS MASHA

“It’s like history is repeating again, Stas. I don’t want to deal with another
headache.” Napahinto ako sa pagpasok sa bahay nang marinig ko ang boses ni Mommy.
Marahan akong sumilip at nakita kong naroon sila ni Daddy sa veranda at seryosong
nag-uusap. “Let her enjoy her life. Pinabayaan nga natin si Damien at Danny sa
kung ano ang gusto nilang gawin. Why don’t we give it to Masha?” Napangiti ako. As
always, my dad would always rescue me from my mom’s nagging. Hindi ako umalis sa
puwesto ko at nanatiling nakikinig lang sa kanila. “Lalaki si Damien at si Danny.
Walang mawawala kung ano man ang gawin nila.” Napahinga ng malalim si Mommy at
napaikot ako ng mata. That was what I didn’t like with mom. She was always okay
with what my brothers were doing. Pero kapag ako, laging maraming bawal.
Parang hindi ko naman alam na nagpapula siya ng buhok noon. Tapos noong ako na ang
gustong gumawa sobra ang pagbabawal nila.
“At least do something about her lifestyle. I have been seeing things in her
social media account. Kung saan-saan pumupuntang parties ang anak mo. Wild parties.
She’s been drunk and with so many different people every night.” Tonong
disappointed pa rin si Mommy. Napahinga ako ng malalim. I thought Mom was cool.
Now I realized she has favorites among her kids and that was not me. Hindi katulad
ni Daddy. Alam kong ako ang paborito. Lahat ng gusto ko ibinibigay. “Do you want
Masha to experience what happened to Saryna? Did you see what happened to her? Her
heartbreak? Her parents’ heartbreak?” Napahinga ng malalim si Mommy. “There are so
many things happened to us. With Damien and now Danny. Kung may magagawa tayong
paraan para sawayin si Masha sa ginagawa niya, bakit hindi natin gawin ngayon?”
Mom, you are such a kill joy. Ano ba ang ginagawa ko? I am enjoying my life just
like anyone else at my age. Ano ang gusto mong gawin ko? Mag-mongha dito sa bahay?
And what’s wrong being like Ate Saryna? She was a legend in her time. What she did
was cool and I wanted to be like her. Gustong-gusto ko iyong sabihin pero pinigil
ko ang bibig ko. Kahit madalas na magka-kontra kami ni Mommy, I still respect her
and I knew Dad would immediately scold me once I said something that would hurt
mom. “Babe,” muli ay napaikot ako ng mata. For sure nilalambing na ni Dad si Mom.
“Just be cool about Masha. Your daughter is smart and I know she is responsible and
knows what is right and what is wrong.” Hindi sumagot si Mommy pero halatang hindi
kumbinsido sa mga sinasabi ni Dad.
“Babe,” tonong nanunuyo pa ri si Daddy. “Come on. Smile. You know it breaks my
heart if I don’t see you smile.” Napapangiti ako kahit hindi ko nakikita ang
ginagawa nila. I am sure Dad was doing some tricks to make Mom smile. That was his
way of making Mom smile and happy every day. My dad could be the total asshole to
some people but when it comes to my Mom, he was totally whipped. Twenty-five plus
years of being together and still the love he had for my mom never fades away. It
kept on going stronger day by day that they were together. “Just do something
about Masha.” Padaing na sagot ni Mommy.
“Yes. I am going to talk to Masha. And you know what, stay away from social media.
It will just give you stress. Stop looking online.” “Puwede ko bang gawin ‘yon?
That’s my way to watch the news. I want to see if there are news about our family.
About our kids. Stas, you know what happened to Damien. I don’t want that to happen
again.” “It will not happen again, babe. I promise. It’s all over. Damien and
Peyton. May nanggugulo pa ba sa kanila? They are living happily together. Danny on
the other hand…” saglit na napahinto si Dad at narinig kong napahinga ng malalim.
“It will be over soon. Kung nakikipag-usap lang si Patek sa akin, maaayos ang
lahat.” “Give him some time. Hindi mo masisisi. He almost lost his daughter. Kung
sa’yo mangyari iyon, ganoon din ang mararamdaman mo.
Baka sobra pa. Baka binaligtad mo na ang mundo.” Ngayon ay natatawa na si Mommy.
Doon na ako lumabas sa pinagtataguan at exaggerated ang ngiti ko sa kanila. Hindi
ko ipinahalata na narinig ko ang lahat ng pinag-uusapan nila tungkol sa akin.
“Mom! Dad! I missed you both.” Yumakap pa ako kay Mommy at humalik sa pisngi at
ganoon din ang ginawa ko kay Dad. Inilapag ko sa mesa ang dala kong sandwiches at
coffee na binili ko sa Starbucks. “I brought coffee and sandwiches.” “Thank you,
munchkin.” Si Daddy ang todo ngiti na tiningnan ang dala ko at agad na kumuha. “You
really know my favorite.” Ipinakita pa sa akin ang binili kong ham and egg sandwich
at sinimulang kainin iyon.
Si Mommy naman ay nanatiling nakatingin lang sa akin. Inaaral ang bawat galaw ko.
Nakatitig sa mukha ko. “What’s with that look, Mom?” Kunwa ay natatawang sabi ko
at dinampot ko ang isang sandwich na dala ko at binuksan iyon. “Did you have a
good sleep?” Nanatiling nakatitig sa mukha ko si Mommy. Napalunok ako. Obvious ba
na wala pa akong tulog? I was at a party last night ‘til five AM. Dumeretso nga ako
sa coffee shop para bumili ng dala ko dito at dito ko na rin planong matulog. Ayaw
kong doon ako sa condo ko mag-stay. Some of my friends crashed my place. Wala akong
privacy.
“Of course,” pagsisinungaling ko at itinuon ang pansin sa hawak kong sandwich at
exaggerated na kumagat doon. “Where’s Daci?” “Your brother has a job. He’s a cop.
How about you? How’s your job?” Si Mommy pa rin ang nagtatanong noon. Napipikon na
ako sa Mommy ko. Napaka-sarcastic ng mga tanong niya sa akin. For sure alam naman
niya kung ano ang nangyayari sa trabaho ko. “As if you don’t know what’s going on
with me. Stalker kaya kita,” mahina kong sagot pero alam kong narinig ni Daddy.
“Masha,” nananaway ang tono ni Dad at hindi maganda ang tingin sa akin. Napahinga
ako ng malalim. “Bakit kasi ganyan ang tanong sa akin?
Mom is treating me like I am thirteen years old. Maybe you forgot Mom, that I am
already twenty-one. Turning twenty-two in a few months. I have my own job, my own
money to spend. My life to live.” “Your mom is concern for your welfare. Don’t get
that wrong.” Seryoso na ang tono ni Dad.
“I know but it’s suffocating.” Padaing kong sagot.
“Suffocating?” Si Mommy na ang nagsabi noon. “You think it’s suffocating? It’s
because you know what you’re doing is wrong. Partying every night? Hanging out with
strangers? And what are you saying that I am stalking you? I am your mother, so I
think it’s my right to know what is going on with you.” Bahagya nang tumaas ang
boses ni Mommy. “Kahit umedad ka ng singkuwenta, habang buhay ako, I will still be
your mother.” Tumingin sa gawi ko si Daddy at umiiling. Alam ko ang ibig niyang
sabihin. Huwag na akong sumagot pa kay Mommy. Kitang-kita ko kay Mom ang
disappointment at para huwag na lang humaba pa ang diskusyon namin, tumayo na si
Mom at nagpaalam kay Dad na magpapahinga muna sa kuwarto. Alam kong dahilan lang
iyon para hindi na lumala ang pagtatalo namin. Naiwan kami ni Dad at sige lang
siya kain ng sandwich na dala ko.
Ako naman ay nawalan na ng gana at nag-uumpisang nang makaramdam ng antok. “How’s
your work?” Ngayon ay nagre-refill na ng kape niya si Dad.
“Fine.” Iyon lang ang nasagot ko. But the truth, not fine. Dalawang memo na ang
na-receive ko dahil sa madalas akong absent at late. Malaki lang talaga ang
investment ni Dad sa construction company na pinapasukan ko kaya hindi pa ako
natatanggal doon. But I knew the news around. People didn’t like me there. Like in
show business, I was the nepo baby. I was just working there because of my family’s
connection. “Butch called me.” Binitiwan ni Dad ang hawak na sandwich tapos ay
dinampot ang table napkin at pinahiran ang bibig. I knew who he was referring too.
Butch was the owner of the company I was working with.
Bahagya akong napangiwi. I am sure my father already knew what was going on in my
job. “Dad, you see… this is my first job. I am not used to work in an environment
like that. I am not used to wake up so early every day.” Lumabi na ako. “Why do I
need to work to other people?” “Munchkin, maybe you forgot that you’re the one who
begged me to work in that company.” Tonong nagpapaalala si Daddy. Totoo naman
‘yon. Ako nga ang nagsabi sa kanya na ipasok niya ako sa construction company ng
kaibigan niya dahil may nakilala akong cute sa bar na doon nagta-trabaho. Pero
nawalan na rin ako ng gana nang makilala ko ng lubos ang lalaki. Mayabang. Mukhang
pera. Gusto pa akong gawing sugar mommy nang malaman na mayaman ang pamilya ko.
Ewww kaya. Kahit marami akong pera, ayaw ko naman maging sugar mommy. I wanted to
be the sugar baby.
“But I am bored already.” Padaling na sagot ko. “How about I work with you? Sa
Fire Palace. You can give me a job and I can be a manager for a starting position.”
Natawa si Daddy. Tingin ko ay hindi makapaniwala sa sinasabi ko. “Manager, huh?
And how do you plan to manage our hotel?” Umangat pa ang kilay niya sa akin. Nag-
isip ako. “I am going to ask Senior Manager’s help.” Lumapit pa ako kay Dad at
humilig sa balikat niya. I knew I was his favorite and he couldn’t say no to me.
“Come on, Dad.” Nilambingan ko pa ang boses.
“I am a fast learner.” Pero nagulat ako nang marahan akong inilayo ni Daddy sa
kanya.
Hinawakan ang mukha ko tapos ay napangiti at pinisil ang ilong ko.
“No.” Pagkasabi niya noon ay tumayo na siya. Gulat ako sa sagot ni Dad sa akin.
He was saying no to me? “Dad?” Napatayo na din ako at hinabol siya habang naglakad
palayo sa akin. “What do you mean no?” Nagkibit siya ng balikat. “No. N O. No.”
Napalunok ako. My father was saying no to me? He never said no to me. Ever.
Whatever I asked him to do, he would do it without hesitation. Without second
thoughts. What was going on?
“Dad, you are saying no to me?” I put up my sad puppy eyes while looking at my
father. The look that I knew he would easily get sorry for saying no. But he just
looked at me and laugh.
“Yes, munchkin. I am saying no to you this time. You asked me you wanted to work
there and I gave it to you. Panindigan mo iyon.” “But people don’t like me there.”
Nag-uumpisa na akong mag-tantrums. “People are judging me there.” Natawa si Daddy.
“Judging you? Isn’t that your job? To judge people?” “Dad!” Sinamaan ko siya ng
tingin. Ang lakas ng halakhak ni Daddy tapos ay huminto na sa paglakad at humarap
sa akin. Para akong batang nakalabi pa rin at hinawakan niya ang mukha ko tapos ay
bahagyang hinaplos ang pisngi.
“My baby is so grown up,” titig na titig siya sa mukha ko. “You are just like your
mother.” Umasim ang mukha ko. “Pero hindi ako kasing sungit ni Mommy.” “And I am
loving her more for being masungit. That’s how she got me.” Nakangiting sagot niya
tapos ay napahinga ng malalim. “I love you and I wanted to give everything to you.
But you are growing up and you need to be exposed to the real world. And it’s not
just about parties, night outs, hanging out with your friends. You need to learn to
become an adult.” Napaikot ako ng mata. “You wanted me to become an adult. Sure,
you are letting me do those things but at what cost? Having a bodyguard who always
follows me? Nakakainis si Henry. Sunod siya nang sunod sa akin.” Humalukipkip pa
ako. “That’s his job. Henry is for your protection.” “Kahit na. Kaya alam ni
Mommy ang lahat ng nangyayari sa akin dahil sa Henry na ‘yon.” Reklamo ko pa.
“Another part of his job.” Walang anuman na sagot niya. Napasigaw ako sa inis pero
mukhang hindi naman apektado si Daddy. Muli niyang hinawakan ang mukha ko at
hinalikan ako sa noon. “Go have some sleep. Ang lalim na ng eyebags mo. And…”
umamoy-amoy siya hangin tapos ay inamoy ako. “You smell cigarette and alcohol.”
Napahiya ako sa sinabing iyon ni Dad. Naamoy pa niya iyon? Nag-spray na ako ng
napakaraming pabango para matakpan ang amoy na iyon. Lumakad na siya palayo sa
akin. “Don’t worry about your memo. I am going to talk to Butch about it.” Pahabol
pa ni Dad habang papalayo sa akin. Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin at napaikot ng
mata. Ang bibigat ng mga hakbang ko habang papunta sa kuwarto ko. Nadaaan ko ang
kuwarto ni Asher at Arley at napangiti ako ng mapakla. I missed those kids. Dalawin
ko nga sila sa weekend. Nang makapasok ako sa kuwarto at ng makita ang kama ay
para na akong mina-magnet doon. Automatic na nakaramdam ako ng antok kaya pabagsak
kong inihiga ang katawan ko. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata.
Pagkagising na lang ako maliligo at mag-skincare. I really need this sleep. I was
adjusting myself on my bed when my phone rang. I took it and smiled when I saw my
friend Gelli calling me. “What’s up, bitch?” Bati ko sa kanya. “Success ba ang
plan?” “Of course.” Mayabang na sabi niya. “He is snoring here in my bed.” Nawala
sa line si Gelli at mayamaya lang ay naghihilik na kung sino ang naririnig ko. “Ang
lakas niya maghilik.” Napahagikgik pa siya.
“Ewww!” Ang lakas ng tawa ko. Natawa din siya pero agad na huminto. “But in
fairness, he is good in bed.” Ang ganda ng ngiti ko. “That is nice. You know what
to do. Send me the photos, time stamp and every detail that he is with you while on
duty. I am going to give those proofs to my Mom that he is an incompetent one.”
Hindi agad sumagot si Gelli tapos ay bahagyang napatikhim. “Are you sure you’re
going to do that? He might lose his job.” “Duh, that’s the idea ‘di ba? That’s
what we talked about. We will ruin him so I will lose my bodyguard. Hindi ko naman
kasi kailangan ‘yan.” Umayos pa ako ng higa at ipinikit ang mata ko. “Sayang naman
kasi. Cute naman siya. Hot pa and he is so good in bed. Biggie pa siya.” Napadilit
ako sa sinabing iyon ni Gelli. “He is?” Nakaangat ang kilay na tanong. “Yeah.
Eight inches. It’s pink and veiny. Circumcised too.” Napakagat-labi ako dahil
nakuha noon ang interes ko. “Sure?” “Of course. I’ll never get wrong with dick
sizes. His dick is eight.” Nagmamalaki ang tono ni Gelli.
“And how did you know? Sinukat mo ba?” Alam kong alam na naman ni Gelli iyon dahil
sa dami ng experience ng kaibigan ko. “Basta nga. Alam ko ‘yon.” Natatawa na siya.
“O, ano? G na sa plan? Sure ka nang sisirain ang career ng lalaking ito?” “Double
sure. Matutulog muna ako. Bukas ko na gagawin ang plan natin.” Muli ay pumikit na
ako dahil talagang hinihila na ako ng antok. Marami pang sinasabi sa akin si Gelli
pero oo na lang ako nang oo at mayamaya lang ay tuluyan na akong bumigay sa antok
ko. I know whatever shits I do my father would forgive me. Whatever I wanted, my
father would give it to me. Umaarte lang si Daddy ngayon dahil alam kong gusto lang
niyang pagbigyan si Mommy. I am my father’s princess and nothing can stop that.
And that made me smile while succumbing to my deep sleep.

The direction you choose to face determines whether you’re standing at the end or
the beginning of the road – Richelle E. Goodrich

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWO | NEW RECRUIT NOAH

I was looking at myself in front of the mirror. There was nothing new in me. It
was still my face. It was the same kind of suit that I always use every time I had
meetings with big time clients. But looking at me now, there was something. Sure,
something changed in me. I was a station chief before. My father was General
Nicanor Feliciano. His name had a vast connection in the government and illegal
organizations working locally and abroad. I am not going to lie. I grew up seeing
my dad accepting bribe money. Taking high end cars, condos and other kickbacks just
to reach with where he was now. As a kid, I thought that was the norm. I wanted to
be like my father. And I did. I rose from the top until I became the station chief.
I was okay with that but I wanted more. Just like my father. I started to make
deals with people connected to illegal works. Illegal works means more money.
Illegal works means deeper connection. And I got it. Power, money and vast
connection in and out of the country. Until I got involved with the Rozovskys.
Fucking family. I hated them especially Damien. I didn’t win in any transaction
that we had; he even got the girl that I wanted. Peyton. I liked her. She was
pretty. I knew she was smart too but unfortunately someone got her first. I didn’t
know that she and Damien had a history before. Wala akong laban doon. They even got
twins together. And just like a good gentleman, I knew how to accept my loss. I
knew when to let go especially that I knew I won’t never get Peyton for me. Her
heart was beating for someone else and would never be for me. Even if I was
working with the monsters, the police in me still matters. I knew when to stop to
help those fuckers who do illegal stuff.
That was why when Andrea Conti tapped me to become her courier for smuggling
children, I knew I needed to stop her. I pretended to be okay working with her but
I was already contacting other agencies to get her.
Using women and kids won’t never be my thing. Stas Rozovsky was the one who worked
with Andrea’s case. They even thought that I was working with her but he found out
that I was not.
I even helped his son to save Peyton and his kids. That paved the way of my
redemption. Stas Rozovsky gave me another chance to live. But definitely away from
the life of his beloved son. So, I was here living alone in California. But living
here alone has perks from the ultimate devil himself. Stas Rozovsky gave me a huge
amount of money and made me his man to work with his businesses here.
He made me the CEO of his empire in this foreign land. His loyal assistant Patek
Aurelio bought several hotels and I was the one managing them. Of course, that was
just the business he wanted people to see. Behind those tall and expensive
buildings was the dark truth about gun smuggling, racketeering, and other illegal
works. And of course, murders. I couldn’t forget how his men work to kill Andrea
Conti. I saw how his men killed Natalia’s father. I knew Stas Rozovsky was still
looking for Natalia. Those people who crossed him and his family met their demise
in the most gruesome and painful ways. A good thing, he spared me. He said he knew
how to pay a debt. He spared my life because I saved Damien and his family. Now,
living in this foreign land alone, I was also working with Stas Rozovsky. Giving
additional millions for the Rozovsky empire. This was okay with me. New place. New
life. I was God in here. My words were equal to the words of Stas Rozovsky. And the
very good thing… no one was telling me what to do. My phone rang and I looked at
it. It was my father calling me. I took it and answered.
“Pops,” inilagay ko sa speaker mode ang telepono para makapag-ayos pa akong maigi.
“Did you talk to Stas about my proposal?” Maasim akong napangiti. Wala man lang
hi. Wala man lang kumusta. Wala man lang birthday greeting considering it was my
birthday today. “I haven’t talked to him yet.” Mahinang sagot ko.
Narinig kong mahinang napamura ang tatay ko. “What do you mean you haven’t talked
to him yet? Hindi ba kayo nag-uusap ni Stas? You have a direct line to him. Anytime
you want to call him he will answer.” Dama ko ang iritasyon sa boses niya. “He is
busy these days.” “Bullshit.” Ngayon ay talagang ipinarinig na niya iyon sa akin.
“Takot ka ba kay Stas?” Nagtagis ang bagang ko. “No. I just know how to respect
people’s time.” Tumingin ako sa relo. “Mr. Rozovsky is a family man. I know he is
busy with his grandkids or resting perhaps.” “The devil doesn’t rest, Noah.”
Mariing sagot ni Daddy. Sandaling katahimikan ang narinig ko tapos ay napahinga
siya ng malalim. “I need to know his thoughts about the business that I am
proposing.” “Dad…” napatikhim ako. “I am telling you now, Mr. Rozovsky will
definitely won’t agree with your proposal. He won’t allow human smuggling to his
business. Months of working with him, I already know him.” “Please,” natatawang
sabi ni Daddy. “Mukhang pera ‘yang si Rozovsky. Lahat ng pagkakaperahan,
tatanggapin niyan. You know how big the money is in smuggling. Nakita mo sa gun
smuggling na ginagawa mo para sa kanila. What is the difference when we do that to
humans?” “That’s the big difference, Dad. They are humans. Breathing. With life.”
Naihilamos ko ang kamay sa mukha ko. “Mr. Rozovsky won’t say yes to that.” “Kaya
hindi ka umusad dito dahil hindi ka nagti-take ng risk. Saka hindi mo pa nga
sinusubukan binabaril mo na ang proposal ko. We are talking about billions of
dollars here. I just need a reputable name so my business associates will believe
me and just dropping the name Rozovsky will definitely make me a reliable one.”
“Mr. Rozovsky won’t allow you to use his name.” Padaing na sabi ko. Bakit ba ang
kulit ng tatay ko ngayon? He had been bugging me for weeks about this. “At ikaw
lang ang may karapatang gamitin ang pangalan niya?” Tumaas na ang tono niya. “Who
do you think you fucking are? You are just my son. You became like that because of
me. Because you are bearing the surname Feliciano. If it’s not for me, you will
never be a cop. You can never join the academy. You will not rise to the top. You
became like that because you are a Feliciano, Noah.” Mariing sabi niya. “Tandaan
mong kaya ka nakilala ay dahil sa akin. Dahil sa mga koneksyon ko. Kaya ka
nabubuhay ay dahil sa gusto ko.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko pero hindi na nagsalita.
Nanatili lang akong nakatingin sa harap ng salamin at tinitingnan ang repleksyon
ko. “Talk to Stas. I need to know his feedback within this day.” Magsasalita pa
ako nang busy tone na ang marinig ko. Napangiti ako ng mapakla at napabuga ng
hangin tapos ay pinindot ang end button ng telepono. Muli kong tiningnan ang sarili
ko sa harap ng salamin. Unti-unti ay ngumingiti ako. Maayos naman. Guwapo pa rin
ako sa harap ng salamin pero alam kong kulang na kulang ang buhay sa mga mata ko.
Because I grew up always chasing my father’s attention. I became like him because I
wanted him to see that I could be good too. Just like the favorite son that he
lost.
But I knew I would never be like my dead brother. My father would never look at me
and treat me the way he treated my brother. Napahinga na lang ako ng malalim at
muli ay inayos ang sarili.
Dinampot ko ang telepono at ibinulsa iyon tapos ay dinampot ang susi ng kotse ko.
Lumabas ako ng apartment at nakita kong nakasandal sa gilid ng kotse ko si Matt.
Nakangisi sa akin at nakahalukipkip ang dalawang kamay. “Finally, the birthday boy
is here.” Nakangiting sabi niya at agad na lumakad palapit sa akin tapos ay yumakap
ng mahigpit. Hinalikan pa ako sa magkabilang pisngi. “Happy birthday, bro.”
Natatawang itinulak ko siya. “Fuck you. You kiss now upon greeting?” pinahid ko ang
magkabila kong pisngi. “That’s what they do in Italy. ‘Il bacceto.’” Binanggit pa
niya iyon sa Italian accent. “Tanti auguri di buon compleano.” Napaikot ang mata
ko. “And that is?” “Best wishes for a happy birthday.” Nagmamalaking sabi ni Matt
at isinenyas na ibigay ko sa kanya ang susi ng kotse ko na ginawa ko naman.
Inihagis ko sa kanya at sinalo naman agad. Sumakay ako sa passenger seat at siya
ang sumakay sa driver’s seat. “I learned that from an Italian friend that I was
fucking.” Natawa ako habang nanatiling nakatingin sa kalsada habang nagmamaneho
siya.
“So, where are we heading? Where are we going to celebrate your birthday? How old
are you now? Thirty? We should party hard.” Binilisan pa ni Matt ang pagpapaandar
ng sasakyan ko. “Thirty-one.” Pagtatama ko. “Just the normal night out. Pagod na
ako sa gabi-gabing night out.” Umayos pa ako ng upo at isinandal ang ulo sa
headrest ng kotse. “Damn, man. Thirty-one. Does it mean, nabo-bore ka na sa night
life? Papunta ka na sa marriage thing?” “Fuck you,” natatawang sabi ko sa kanya.
“Hindi kita binitbit dito sa Amerika para tarantaduhin ako. You know marriage is
not my thing.” “Why? Because you didn’t get the girl? Sino nga ‘yon? Petra?”
Natawa si Matt. “Bakit naman kasi Petra ang name? Parang pangalan ng kabayo.”
Natawa din ako. “What’s wrong with Petra? That’s a cute name.
Unique.” Muli ay umayos ako ng upo. “She’s happy with her life right now with the
right man for her. That’s good enough for me.” “Wow.” Nanunukso ang hitsura ni
Matt. “TOTGA talaga si girl.” Natawa ako. “I just thought of her as perfect. I
find her nice and wife material.” “Nakita mo na nga. Gusto mo na talagang mag-
asawa.” Sinamaan ko na ng tingin si Matt. “If you don’t shut your mouth, I am
going to throw you in jail.” Umasim ang mukha ni Matt sa akin pero tumahimik na at
itinutok na lang tingin sa kalsada. Alam niya kasing puwede kong gawin iyon.
Nakilala ko siya sa Pilipinas pa. Anak ng isang pulitiko pero labas-masok sa
kulungan dahil laging nasa trouble. Drug user. Laging involved sa mga rambulan sa
bar. Sa sobrang dalas niyang dinadala sa presinto ko, minsan hindi ko na siya
ipinapakulong sa selda. Sa opisina ko na lang pinapadala hanggang sa tubusin siya
ng tatay niya. Ganoon din naman kasi. Kapag nahuli si Matt, itatawag lang din sa
akin ng mas matataas na official at i-aareglo. Nakakapagod din ang ganoon. That was
the reality of justice system sa Pilipinas. Kapag mayaman ang sangkot sa gulo,
madaling aregluhin. Pero kapag walang connection at walang pera, mabubulok sa
kulungan. Katulad lang ng tatay ni Lesley noon. But I saw something in Matt. Just
like me, I knew he was looking for attention too. Just like me, he was doing those
nasty shits to get the attention of his father. Magkaiba lang talaga kami ng way na
gawin iyon.
I became like my dad para mapansin ng daddy ko. Siya, lahat ng kagaguhan ginagawa
niya para mapansin ng daddy niya. Different ways but same roots. We wanted the
attention of our fathers. Saka minsan tingin ko sinasadya na lang ni Matt na
magpakulong para makatambay sa opisina ko. I liked Matt. I liked his personality.
Kaya siguro naging close kami. When he found out that I resigned and I was going to
the States, hindi na niya ako tinantanan. Sasama daw siya sa akin.
Pinabayaan ko na lang Parang buntot ko na ang isang ito. Saka pinabayaan na rin
siya ng pamilya niya. I even introduced him to Mr. Rozovsky and he became my
assistant working here. Ibang-iba si Matt dito compared noong nasa Pilipinas pa
siya. Here, he was good at dealing with people. He was good working with me because
I told him if he fucked up, his life would be over. Stas Rozovsky won’t think twice
to end his life if he missed. “So, birthday boy. Where are we heading?” “Bahala
ka.” Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko habang nanatiling nakasandal.
“What do you want? Drugs and booze? Or women to fuck with drugs and booze?”
Dumilat ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Tatawa-tawa si Matt. “Joke lang. I know you
don’t like drugs. Booze and chicks na lang?” Napahinga ako ng malalim. Babae na
naman ba? I just fucked someone last night. Nakakasawa na din. “How about we have
a nice dinner for the two of us?” Suhestiyon ko. “What? Tayong dalawa? Baka
mapagkamalan tayong mag-syota.” Nakangiwi pa ang mukha ni Matt. “Noah, you know I
am straight. I am not-“ Malakas kong tinampal ang likurang bahagi ng ulo niya. “I
am fucking straight too, gago. What I mean, we have a nice dinner. Hindi ‘yong puro
tayo sa bar pupunta. At least nice dinner, nice ambiance, nice food. Hindi puro
pampulutan.” Napatikhim pa ako. “And besides, you’re not my type.” Lumabi si Matt
at sumama ang tingin sa akin. Unti-unting lumalambot ang hitsura at umaarteng
bakla. “You are hurting my feelings, Noah baby.” Pinapungay pa ni Matt ang mata sa
akin kaya napahalakhak na ako ng tawa. Ganoon din siya.
Tawa kami nang tawa hanggang sa unti-unti ay humihina ang pagtawa ko. It was my
birthday today and I would be celebrating my special day with someone that was not
even my family. But regardless of that, he was not family but I felt he was
treating me more than a family. Ganoon yata talaga. My own family never treated me
I was a part of that. Mas ramdam ko pa nga na nagkaroon ako ng pamilya nang i-
recruit ako ni Stas Rozovsky na magtrabaho sa kanya.
I was the new recruit but I felt I was more of a new member of his family.
And I would never fuck up. I would never give him a hard time. I would show to
Stas Rozovsky that it was a good deal he spared my life. Even if I had to say no
to my real father whom I wanted to please so much.

Tell one lie once and all your truths become questionable.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THREE | THE GIRL WHO CRIED
WOLF MASHA

“Are we good? He is still there?” Nanatiling nakatingin ako sa kalsada habang

nagmamaneho at nakikipag-usap kay Gelli.
“Yes. Naghihilik pa rin.” Humagikgik pa siya. “And that is good. Very, very good.
Your time is up, Henry.” Hindi mawala-wala ang ngiti ko habang nagda-drive papunta
sa condo ng kaibigan ko. Tumatawa din naman siya pero mayamaya ay nawawala iyon
tapos ay narinig kong napabuntong-hininga. “Are you sure you are going to do
this?” Ngayon ay ramdam kong alanganin na ang tono ni Gelli.
Nawala ang ngiti ko. “Don’t tell me you are changing your mind?
We already talked about this. We planned for this for weeks.” Inapakan ko ng mariin
ang break ng kotse na itinakas ko lang para mai-drive ko ng solo. I am sure
mayamaya lang ay tatatawag na si Daddy sa akin dahil nalaman niyang lumakad ako
mag-isa. Napatikhim si Gelli. “Kasi if we do this, he is going to have a bad
record. I mean… Henry seems to be a nice guy.” Napaikot ako ng mata at talagang
umaakyat ang inis sa ulo ko. “Naka-sex mo lang nice guy na? Seven inches lang
ang-“ “Eight.” Pagtatama niya sa sinabi ko. “Eight inches dick size.” Napasigaw
ako. “Gelli, you cannot back down now.” “Kasi naman Masha, parang hindi kaya ng
konsiyensiya ko na sirain si Henry. We both know he is a good person. He is just
annoying because he is doing his job. He is your bodyguard so he needs to shadow
you all the time. He needs to protect you.” Napahigpit ang pagkapit ko sa manibela
ng sasakyan. “So, what do you mean?” I said that in between my teeth. “I cannot do
it. I cannot make up any story that he forced me. Masha, it’s a very heavy offense
that will definitely ruin his life once I make it all up.” Dama ko sa tono ni Gelli
na hindi na talaga niya susuportahan ang plano kong sinangayunan niya noong
nakaraan. “Hindi iyon makakaya ng konsiyensiya ko.” I was getting desperate. I
wanted to get rid of Henry and I thought it would happen today. “Gelli, please.
Don’t do this. We already planned for this.” Naiiyak na sabi ko. “I can give
whatever you want. Madali lang naman ang gagawin mo. You are just going to lie
there on your bed while he is also sleeping then I am going to sneak in and I am
going to take pictures of you together then I am going to video you while you were
screaming that he forced you.” Hindi sumagot si Gelli. Alam kong hindi niya
pagbibigyan ang gusto ko. “Gelli, tell me how much you want?” “I’m sorry. I
cannot do it. Don’t do it, Masha. Don’t ruin someone’s life just because you hate
that your parents are trying to protect you. That move is so selfish.” I clenched
my teeth. “You know what, fine. Go fuck him.” Hindi ko na hinintay na magsalita pa
si Gelli at ini-end ko na ang call. Sinamaan ko ng tingin ang condo unit niya at
tapos pinaharurot ko paalis doon ang sasakyan ko. I hated her. She was not a true
friend. Bakit hindi niya ako suportahan sa gusto ko? Alam niya kung gaano katinik
sa buhay ko si Henry tapos hindi pa niya ako pagbibigyan? Sa tuwing off lang ng
lalaking iyon kaya ako nakakahinga. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako tutungo. Muling
tumunog ang telepono ko at nakita kong ang pangalan ng supervisor ko ang tumatawag
sa akin. Malakas akong napasigaw bago sinagot ang tawag nito. “Hi, Miss Josie.”
Nakangiti ako pero ang asim-asim noon. Alam kong ramdam ng kausap ko na hindi ko
siya gustong kausap kasi pansin na pansin naman iyon sa tono ko. “Hi? Is that what
you’re going to tell me? Hi?” Ramdam ko din ang pinipigil na inis sa tono ng kausap
ko. Napaikot ako ng mata. “All right, how about good day? Good day, Miss Josie.”
Napapairap pa ako at iginilid ko ang minamaneho ko para maka-focus sa pakikipag-
usap. Ilang beses na huminga ng malalim ang kausap ko. Ako naman ay walang tigil
sa palitan ng pagtaas ang dalawang kilay ko. I hated this bitch.
So, kiss ass sa ibang mga boss sa office.
“What time is it, Miss Rozovsky?” “For real?” Nakangiwing sagot ko. “You called
me just to ask for the time? Is there no clock in the office?” “At least you know
that I am in the office already. Because it’s working time. It’s nine AM. You are
supposed to be here at eight AM.
Our shift is from eight to five. So, where are you?” Bahagya nang tumaas ang boses
nito. “Oh,” iyon lang ang nasabi ko. “Did I forget to file for my sick leave for
today? Kasi I remember that I went to your office three days ago to tell you that I
am going to be sick for today.” Pinagmukha ko pang inosente ang tono ko. Narinig
ko ang mahinang pagsigaw ng kausap ko. Tingin ko ay pikon na pikon na sa akin.
“Miss Rozovsky,” dumiin ang pagkakasabi niya noon. “Sick leave is cannot be filed
in advance.” Kung kaharap ko siguro ang kausap ko gigil na gigil na ang hitsura
nito. “And just to let you know, you don’t have vacation leave na rin. You already
consumed that when you decided to travel to Japan last month.” “Well, I need that
vacation for my mental health. Siyempre it’s kind of stressful in the office
especially if you are my boss.” Napaikot pa ako ng mata. “You disrespectful brat.”
I smiled when she lost her composure.
Gusto kong humalakhak dahil alam kong napikon na siya. “Nandito ka lang dahil sa
apelyido mo. Kung ako ang masusunod, matagal ka ng tanggal dito. Hindi ka naman
performing. Marami ka ding hindi alam.
Simpleng pag-compose ng company letter for invitation hindi mo magawa ng tama. All
you do his is to flirt with male employees.” Tumawa na ako. “You’re pissed, Miss
Josie. And I liked it.” Hindi ko maialis ang ngiti sa labi ko. “Actually, I am
about to file for my resignation. Ang liit naman kasi ng suweldo sa inyo. You know
that’s only my allowance for a week. Bitin pa nga. Pinagtitiyagaan ko nga lang mag-
work diyan kasi type ko nga si Von. But I don’t like him now. He’s boring.
He’s mayabang and such a dickhead.” Sumandal pa ako sa kinauupuan ko at tiningnan
ang sarili ko sa rearview mirror. Napaawang ang bibig ko nang makita kong may
papatubo akong pimple sa pisngi. Gosh, I need to have my weekly visit to my derma.
“Good. That’s good. Yes, you resign because we don’t need an incompetent and
disrespectful employee here.” Tumawa ng nakakaloko ang kausap ko. “You know, I met
your mother and she is the nicest and friendliest person that I met. You are
totally her opposite. Are you sure anak ka ng nanay mo?” Doon nagpanting ang
tainga ko. “Hey, bitch. A friendly advice, find a new job starting right now
because I am going to get you fired.” Pagkasabi ko noon at inis kong ini-end ang
tawag tapos ay malakas akong sumigaw. What was with this day? Bakit puro mga bitch
ang nakakausap ko? Nanginginig ang mga daliri ko nang i-dial ang number ni Daddy.
“Why?” Seryoso ang tono ni Dad. “I want you to fire that… that… Josie!” what was
the surname of that bitch? Hindi ko agad masabi iyon dahil nakalimutan ko talaga.
“Basta Josie. She is my supervisor and I want you to fire her.” Wala akong sagot
na narinig kay Dad tapos ay napahinga siya ng malalim.
“You know I cannot do that.” “Why? You know the owner of that company. Tell him
to fire her.
Binastos ako. Sinabihan ako na deserve kong mag-resign. And she even challenged me
if I am really the daughter of mom!” tumaas na ang boses ko sa sobrang inis.
“Where are you?” Tingin ko ay hindi pansin ni Dad ang pagwawala ko. “It doesn’t
matter. I am telling you, binastos ako, Daddy. Papayag ka bang bastusin ako ng
nobody?” “Get back here. Bring back the car. Don’t make me send a cavalry to get
you home.” “But Dad-“ napahinto ako sa pagsasalita dahil busy tone na ang huling
narinig ko. Takang tiningnan ko ang telepono ko tapos ay muling idinikit sa tainga.
“Hello? Dad?” Muli akong napatingin sa telepono. Did he hang up on me? Malakas
akong sumigaw at nag-drive. Damn it! I hate it today. I hate Henry. I hate that
Josie. I hate what was going on in my life.
Ang bilis ng paandar ko ng sasakyan hanggang sa makarating ako sa bahay. Pagpasok
pa lang ng kotse ay naroon na agad si Dad at nakatayo at halatang hinihintay ako.
Hindi ko na ipinarada ng maayos ang sasakyan at agad na bumaba at nagmamartsang
lumapit sa kanya. Seryoso lang siyang nakatingin sa akin at nakahalukipkip pa ang
mga kamay. “I want you to tell your friend to fire that Josie.” Umiling si Dad.
“That will never happen. What I want is for you to make an apology letter.”
Napaawang ang bibig ko. “What? Do you want me to do what? Dad, I am telling you
someone disrespected me. Your daughter and you are telling me to make an apology
letter? For what?” “For not being a good employee.” Walang emosyong sabi niya.
Napapailing ako. “I can’t believe this. My father is taking the side of those who
disrespected her own daughter.” “No one disrespected you, Masha. You are becoming
a brat and everyone is starting to hate you.” “Why? You hate me now?” Nabasag ang
boses ko at namuo ang luha sa mga mata ko. “You hate me now, Dad?” tuluyan nang
nahulog ang mga luha ko. Alam kong gustong magmatigas ni Daddy pero lalo ko lang
ginawang kaawa-awa ang sarili ko sa harap niya. Lalo akong umiyak tapos ay narinig
ko siyang mahinang napamura. “Come here,” inilahad niya ang kamay niya para
lumapit ako at ginawa ko naman. Sumubsob ako sa dibdib ni Daddy at doon umiyak nang
umiyak. “I am having a hard time, Daddy. I don’t know what to do. I feel so
suffocated.” Humihikbing sabi ko. “You are a grown up now. You need to face that
you need to become an adult. It’s a cruel world out there and I cannot protect you
all the time.
That’s why I am getting help to those people who can look and protect you.” Alam
kong si Henry ang tinutukoy niya. “And about your job.
Masha, those people are working hard to earn money. They are not born rich like
you.” “And it’s my fault?” Sige ako sa pag-iyak. “No one is saying it’s your
fault, munchkin. You just need to be mature and open your eyes to the reality that
you are an adult now.” Marahan akong inilayo ni Daddy sa kanya tapos ay pinahid ang
luha ko.
“It’s for your own good. If you don’t like to work there anymore, you need to do it
professionally. File your resignation then, look for a job again.” “Are you going
to ditch my bodyguard if I look for another job?” Marahang umiling si Daddy. “I
cannot do that.” Nag-uumpisa na naman akong mainis. Nagpaalam na lang ako kay Dad
na pupunta ako sa kuwarto ko at nagkulong doon. Tumatawag sa akin si Gelli pero
hindi ko sinasagot. Naiinis pa rin ako sa kanya. Nakahiga ako sa kama ko at nag-
iisip kung ano ang puwede kong gawin para mawala na si Henry. And as for that
Josie, wait niya lang. Anong akala niya? Gagawa ako ng apology letter para sa
kanya? Over my dead sexy body. Hanggang sa mapatingin ako sa drawer ko. Tumayo ako
at lumapit doon tapos ay binuksan iyon. Kinuha ko ang jewelry box at binuksan at
naroon ang mga mamahaling relo at alahas na karamihan ay regalo ng parents ko.
Saglit akong napaisip tapos ay unti-unting napapangiti.
Kinuha ko ang dalawang Rolex, pair of diamond earrings and rings, pati mga Cartier
gold bracelets. Ibinulsa ko iyon at lumabas ng kuwarto ko. Ayaw akong tulungan ni
Gelli, ako na lang ang gagawa ng paraan para mawala sa landas ko ang Henry na iyon.
Tiningnan kong maigi ang paligid kung may tao. Siniguro kong walang makakakita sa
akin at hindi ako mahahagip ng CCTV. Pinuntahan ko ang kuwartong tinutulugan ni
Henry sa likod at sinubukan kong buksan ang pinto. Napangiti ako. Hindi naka-lock.
Dali-dali akong pumasok at tumaas ang kilay ko. In fairness, he was clean. Malinis
ang kuwarto niya at mabango. Binuksan ko ang cabinet niya at inilabas ko mula sa
bulsa ang mga relo, alahas at bracelet ko tapos ay inilagay sa ilalim ng mga
patong-patong niyang damit. Nang masiguro kong maayos na iyon ay saka ako dali-
daling lumabas at bumalik sa kuwarto ko.
Ang lakas din ng kabog ng dibdib ko. First time kong ginawa ang ganito because I
am desperate to get rid of him. Sumabay lang ang bruhang Josie na iyon. Mayamaya
ay narinig kong may paparating na sasakyan. Sumilip ako at nakita kong kotse iyon
ni Henry. Maghihintay pa ako ng ilang sandali at ilalabas ko na ang pang-Oscar
awards kong arte. Three… two… one… Action!
“OMG! OMG!” Nagmamadali akong lumabas ng kuwarto ko at dala-dala ang jewelry box
ko. “Oh my God!” “What’s wrong?” Natataranta si Daddy at ganoon din si Mommy.
Nag-aalala kung ano ang nangyari sa akin. “Look,” natatarantang ipinakita ko ang
jewelry box ko. “Two of my Rolex’s are missing. My Cartier bracelets. My diamond
earrings and ring.” Nagkatinginan si Dad at Mom. “Baka na-misplace mo lang,” sabi
ni Mom at tiningnan pa ang jewelry box ko. “Sometimes you forget things around,
Masha.” “No, Mommy.” Umiiling pa ako. “Nawawala talaga. Hinanap ko na sa buong
kuwarto ko pero wala.” Seryosong nakatingin lang sa akin si Dad tapos ay
ipinatawag niya ang lahat ng mga staff sa bahay. Huli ngang dumating si Henry na
halatang bagong ligo at nagtataka kung ano ang nangyayari. “Masha’s things are
missing,” nakakatakot sa pagkaseryoso ang boses ni Dad. “You know I trust you all
when I let you stay in my house.
If you need money, you can ask me but you know I don’t want someone to steal from
me. I hate thieves.” Nakakatakot na katahimikan ang namagitan sa paligid. Pati ako
ay parang nagsisisi na ginawa ko ang palabas na ito. Gusto ko nang bawiin pero ako
naman ang mapapahiya. “If you have Masha’s things, give it back now. I am not
going to punish you, I am not going to embarrass you. Just return it and we will
not talk about it.” Walang kumikibo sa mga staff namin. Walang umaamin dahil wala
naman talagang aaminin. Napahinga ng malalim si Dad tapos ay tinawag si Hugo.
Pinalapit at may ibinulong tapos ay lumabas na. Inutos ni Dad na maiwan ang lahat
ng staff dito habang sigurado ako na si Hugo ang pinaghahalughog sa mga kuwarto ng
mga staff. Napatingin ako sa gawi ni Henry at nakita kong seryoso lang na
nakatingin sa akin. Inirapan ko siya at humalukipkip. I wanted to tell the truth
but every time I was looking at Henry and seeing the smug look in his face, mas
paninindigan ko ito.
Nakakainip maghintay. Hanggang sa mayamaya ay dumarating si Hugo na dala na ang
mga alahas kong sinabing ‘nawawala.’ Lumapit kay Dad at bumulong tapos ay
tumatango-tango si Dad. Inutusan ni Dad ang lahat ng staff na umalis pati na si
Henry. Nagulat ako. Pinaalis lang niya si Henry. That was it? Daw was not going to
do anything about it?
Lumakad si Dad patungo sa library niya. Kasunod ako at si Mom.
Noon niya tinawag si Hugo at sinabing tawagin si Henry. Kita ko ang disappointment
sa mukha ni Dad habang nakatingin sa mga gamit kong nasa ibabaw ng mesa. May
kumatok sa pinto at bumukas iyon. Si Henry ang pumasok. “You’re asking for me, Mr.
Rozovsky?” Inosente pa ang mukha ni Henry na nakatingin kay Dad. “Did you steal
these?” Wala nang paligoy-ligoy si Daddy na nagtanong.
Kita kong namutla ang mukha ni Henry at sunod-sunod na umiling.
“You know I am not going to steal from you, Mr. Rozovsky.” “These are found in
your room. In your things.” Kalmado lang ang boses ni Daddy at mas natatakot ako
doon. Tumigas ang mukha ni Henry at tumingin sa gawi ko. Napalunok ako. Tingin ko
ay alam niyang ako ang may gawa noon. “You know I am not a thief. You saw my
credentials. You know my family.” Seryosong sagot niya. Napahinga ng malalim si
Daddy. “I’m sorry, Henry but I think I need to let you go.” Nagtagis ang bagang ni
Henry tapos ay masamang tumingin sa akin bago ibinalik ang tingin kay Dad. “If
that’s what you wish, Mr. Rozovsky.” Damang-dama ko ang itinatagong galit ni Henry.
“Pack your things. Hugo will give your last pay. Leave.” Walang emosyong sabi ni
Dad.
Hindi kumibo si Henry at muli ay tiningnan ako ng masama tapos ay tuluyang
lumabas. Nakakabingi ang katahimikan naming tatlo doon. “D-dad…” alanganin kong
tawag sa kanya. “You got what you want. You don’t have a bodyguard anymore,”
malamig na sabi ni Dad at tumayo na tapos ay lumabas ng library. Nang tumingin ako
kay Mom ay tahimik lang din siya at napapailing tapos ay lumabas din. Alam kong
alam nila na kagagawan ko ito. But still, they didn’t say anything and I felt
guilty for what I did. I think this was too much for getting rid of someone I
didn’t want in my life. But then again, a part of me was celebrating that this
happened. Finally, I am going to be free.

When you want something, the whole universe conspires to make your wish come true.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER FOUR | WISH COME TRUE NOAH

“Come on. Sama ka na sa akin.” Tinapunan ko lang ng tingin si Matt habang parang
batang nakatanghod sa harap ko. I was busy here checking the financial reports of
Stas Rozovsky’s hotel. I was also checking the log sheets of the shipments that was
sent from here to the Philippines. I needed to know if these people who works with
me could still be trusted. News around, there was someone sniffing on the shipments
trail. I couldn’t let someone sabotage these deals. Ayaw kong ma-badshot kay Mr.
Rozovsky. “Please?” Pumikit-pikit pa si Matt sa harap ko at hitsurang puppy na
nagpapa-cute para lang pansinin ko siya. “Can’t you see I am working? Mr. Rozovsky
needs these reports.
Saka saan ba ‘yang sinasabi mo?” Binitiwan ko ang hawak kong ballpen at seryosong
tumingin kay Matt. “Are you going to have a trip to your dealer?” Nanlaki ang mata
niya. Exaggerated na hinawakan ang dibdib at hitsurang hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi
ko.
“OMG,” pa-bakla ang paraan ng pagkakasabi noon ni Matt. “What do you mean dealer?
You think I am still using? You don’t trust me?
You’re hurting my feelings. I’ve been clean for months.” Nanatiling masama ang
tingin ko sa kanya. Ipinapakita kong hindi ako nakikipag-biruan. Doon na sumeryoso
si Matt. “Kiddin’ aside, you know I am clean. For months. I don’t want you to hate
me.” Umayos na siya ng upo. Napahinga ako ng malalim. “I just want it to be clear,
Matt. You know how I hate drugs.” Muli kong ibinalik ang pansin sa ginagawa ko.
“Ito nga kasi. I have an invitation to this club…” “What kind of club is that? The
last time you invited me to a club, it ended up a swinger’s club.” Hindi ko siya
tinitingnan at patuloy na tsini-check ang mga reports na nasa harap ko. “No.” Kung
titingnan ko si Matt ay sigurado akong para siyang batang excited magkuwento.
“Trust me, this is the real deal this time. This is a legit sex club.” Natawa ako
at inihinto na ang ginagawa at pinansin na siya. “Sex clubs are for losers.”
Naalala ko ang sex club ni Danny Rozovsky. The elite club where I became a member
because of Damien Rozovsky. That was the real deal. The real sex club that offers
endless pleasure to its members.
I remember when I attended an auction there. I was willing to spent millions just
to get that woman but luck was not on my side. I had money but I didn’t have the
billions the Rozovsky family has. Damien Rozovsky won the bidding and got the woman
I was eyeing for one million dollars. From then on, I didn’t go to any sex club. If
I wanted a good time, I could call women to give me a good time. “Come on, Noah.
When did you become boring? Hindi ka naman ganyan dati. You are okay with
everything. Bakit ngayon parang ang sungit mo na?” Lumabi pa si Matt. “Nawalan ka
ng gana sa mga good time. Imagine, when we celebrated your birthday, wala man lang
tayong babae. Pagkatapos nating mag-inom, deretso uwi na tayo. Bakit ganoon?”
“Because I have duties to do.” Itinuro ko ang mga papel sa harap ko.
“And if I don’t do this, my life would end. You know this is my lifeline with the
Rozovskys.” Magsasalita pa sana si Matt nang tumunog ang telepono ko.
Tiningnan ko iyon at napangiti ng mapakla. It was my father. And definitely, this
was not a good call.
“Can I have some moment alone? I need to talk to my dad,” ipinakita ko kay Matt ang
naka-register na call sa telepono ko at napaseryoso siya.
Alam niya ang issue namin ng Daddy ko kaya tumayo na siya.
“I’ll be outside.” Iyon na lang ang sabi niya at tuloy-tuloy nang lumabas. Ilang
beses akong huminga ng malalim bago sagutin ang tawag ng Daddy ko. Hindi pa nga ako
naghe-hello ay malutong na mura na agad ang narinig ko.
“Putanginang kabobohan, Noah. Ano ang mga kabobohan na sinabi sa akin ni Stas
Rozovsky?” Hindi agad ako nakasagot. Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili ko dahil ayaw
kong sagutin ang tatay ko. Siguradong mas lalo lang iinit ang sitwasyon kapag
sinalubong ko ang galit niya.
“You talked to him already?” “After waiting for days to meet with him, he would say
no to my proposal? He didn’t even listen to it. Did you talk to him? Did you
explain to him how much money he would get from this deal?” Dama ko ang panginginig
ng boses ni Dad. Dama ko ang galit niya.
“I did,” mahinang sagot. Totoo naman iyon. Sinubukan kong kausapin si Mr. Rozovsky.
Sinubukan kong ipaliwanag ang business na gustong i-deal ni Daddy sa kanya. Stas
Rozovsky was a businessman. He knew immediately if a business would prosper or not.
Legal or illegal. I knew from the moment that my father told me that he was with
human smugglers, I knew Mr. Rozovsky would immediately shut it down. One thing I
learned from that old hag, he would do business with everyone just not with drugs
and smuggling humans. “If you talked to Stas, he could have at least listened to my
proposal.
He could earn billions here. Pandagdag sa pera niya sa impiyerno. My partners are
willing to give what he wanted. Ano pa ang ayaw niya?” “Dad, you know Mr. Rozovsky
is very careful in dealing business these days. He is-“ “Bullshit!” nailayo ko ang
telepono sa tainga ko dahil sa lakas ng boses ni Daddy. “I let you work with him so
we could use him to our gain.
Bakit ang nangyayari parang nababaligtad? Ikaw ang ginagamit ni Rozovsky. Anong
katangahan ‘yan, Noah?” Hindi ako sumagot at nagtagis lang ang bagang ko. “Do
something about this. You’ll regret it once this deal went south.
You damn incompetent twat. Bakit kasi ikaw pa ang naka-survive? Kung si Niahl ang
nabuhay, sigurado akong mas magaling siya sa’yo. Mas maaasahan ko siya kaysa sa
iyo. Kahit kailan wala kang silbi. Hindi mo na nga nailigtas ang kapatid mo, wala
ka pang silbi sa akin.” Mayamaya ay busy tone na ang narinig ko. Dahan-dahan kong
binitiwan ang telepono ko at naisuklay ang kamay sa buhok ko.
Nagngangalit ang bagang ko. Pakiramdam ko ay nanginginig ang buong katawan ko.
Nakakuyom ang mga kamay ko at walang sabi-sabing hinawi ko ang mga papel na nasa
ibabaw ng mesa ko. Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim. The memory of that ill-
fated day came into my head like a flood. The laughter that we were sharing turning
into horrifying screams. Damn, my brother’s screams. My hands were shaking as tears
filled my eyes. I felt I was losing air. I felt I was brought back to that day. I
never wanted it to happen. I tried my best to save him. I am a good brother… Tears
fell into my cheek and my phone rang again. I immediately wiped it off and took a
deep breath. I kept on telling myself that I was okay. Everything was okay and I
looked at my phone. This time, it was Mr. Stas Rozovsky calling me. I kept on
blowing deep breaths and tried so hard to compose myself before I answered his
call.
“Mr. Rozovsky.” Dinampot ko ang mga papel na sumabog sa sahig na itinapon ko
kanina. “Everything all right, Noah?” Mr. Rozovsky could be a heartless devil but I
knew when he was concerned with his men. And right now, I knew he was concerned
with me. I immediately felt warmth in my heart. This was a feeling that I never
felt with my own father. “Yes, Sir. Everything is okay. I am…” I cleared my throat.
“I am checking the financial reports of the hotels as we speak and I will send this
to-“ “Are you sure you are okay?” Tingin ko ay hindi niya intindi ang sinasabi ko.
Natawa ako. “Of course, Sir. Why are you asking me if I am not okay?” Hindi siya
agad sumagot. “Just checking.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “Your father called.
Asked for a meeting and I met with him.” kaswal na sabi niya.
“S-sir, whatever-“ “You know I don’t do business with human smugglers. If I wanted
that business, I already took Kurnirov’s years ago. Your father is dealing with
very bad people. Those names that he told me, won’t do good for him.” Napahinga ako
ng malalim. Sinasabi ko na nga ba. Kung puwede ko lang murahin ang tatay ko dahil
sa kakulitan niya.
“If it’s not with you, I am not going to waste time for your father. I know how he
treats you.” “I…” I blew out a breath. “I am so, sorry Mr. Rozovsky. My apologies
if my father wasted your time. I am going to talk to him about this.” “I am
concerned for his safety. One miss in that kind of deal, he will lose everything.
His name, his connections, his reputation. His life.” Hindi ko man kaharap si Mr.
Rozovsky pero pakiramdam ko ay nakaharap ako kay Lucifer at sinisintensiyahan ako
kung saang parte ako ng impiyerno paparusahan. “He’s still your father but if he
will keep on insisting this business with me, I don’t have any choice but to shut
it down.” “I understand, Sir. I’ll talk to him.” “No need. Your father is a grown
man. He already knows what he is doing. Anyway…” I heard him grunt. “Damn, my back
is killing me.
The perks of getting old.” Reklamo niya tapos ay saglit siyang napatahimik. “I let
go of Henry.” “Masha’s bodyguard? Did he do something?” Nag-aalalang tanong ko. I
was the one referred Henry to be his daughter’s bodyguard. I knew Henry. He was top
of the class. He was good with his job. He came from a reputable family and worked
with different politicians and rich families here.
“Masha did something.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “Please extend my apologies to
your friend. I know he is a good person and he is good to his job. It’s just that,
my daughter is the problem.” Napa-hmm lang ako. That’s what you get for raising a
spoiled-ass bitch. Sinarili ko lang naman iyon. Kahit naman nagkakausap kami ng
ganito ni Mr. Rozovsky, hindi ko naman puwedeng sabihin iyon tungkol sa anak niya.
Marami na akong naririnig na kuwento tungkol sa pagwawala ng nag-iisang babaeng
anak ni Stas Rozovsky. Nakita ko rin sa social media ang ginagawa ng babaeng iyon.
Ang kalat. Party every night. Drunken photos with different men. No wonder the
devil himself was having a hard time these days. “Anyway, please extend my
apologies to Henry. And rest assured that he could get my recommendation when he
transferred to another job.
What happened in our family, with Masha will never affect his credentials.” “I will
let him know, Sir.” Iyon na lang ang naisagot ko. “All right. Just send me the
reports. Send copies to Ilyenna and Patek too.” “Will do that, Sir.” “You take
care, Noah. Thank you for taking care of my business there. I hope we are still on
the right track. You know how I take care to people who are loyal to me.” I knew
Stas Rozovsky didn’t have any meaning of what he said but I felt it was a reminder
that something bad could happen to me once I betray him.
“I know, Mr. Rozovsky.” “Oh, before I forget. Belated happy birthday. I wasn’t
able to call you the other day because I was attending to my daughter’s tantrums. I
sent something for you. A late birthday gift. It will be delivered anytime today.”
Napangiti ako. “Thank you, Mr. Rozovsky.” Wala na akong narinig na sagot pa sa
kanya. Ang nararamdaman kong sama ng loob dahil sa pakikipag-usap ko sa tatay ko ay
napalitan ng hindi ko maipaliwanag na pakiramdam. Stas Rozovsky was not even a
family to me but he remembered my special day. Ibang tao pa talaga ang nakakaalala
ng birthday ko.
“Noah.” Nagulat ako nang biglang bumukas ang pinto at humahangos si Matt. “Noah,
this so fucked up.” “What the hell happened?” takang tanong ko sa kanya. Kita kong
nanlalaki ang mata ni Matt.
“You should go downstairs.” Lumapit pa siya sa akin at hinihila ako palabas ng
office.
“Bakit nga? What the fuck is going on?” Taka ko. Wala akong magawa dahil talagang
hila-hila na ako ni Matt. “You won’t believe this.” Pinindot niya ang elevator at
sumakay kami doon. Kitang-kita ko ang excitement sa mukha ni Matt habang paulit-
ulit na sinasabing kailangang makita ko ang sinasabi niya. Nang makarating kami sa
lobby ng hotel ay sige niya ako hinihila hanggang sa makarating kami sa labas. Doon
ay nakita ko ang isang itim na kotse na may ribbon pa. May nakapatong na malaking
card at nakalagay ‘Happy Birthday, Noah.’ Hindi ako nakasagot. Nakatitig lang ako
sa bagong-bagong kotse. I was eyeing for this car for weeks. I was thinking of
buying one for me even just a second-hand one. This was a brand new 2023 model of
Aston Martin DBS that cost three hundred thirty plus thousand dollars. Unti-unti ay
napapangiti ako at wala sa loob na hinaplos ang makinis na makinis na kotse sa
harap ko.
 “Grabe naman, Noah. Ang ganda ng regalo mo. Ang suwerte mo naman,” walang katigil-
tigil si Matt sa likuran ko. I couldn’t take off the smile from my face. I
received at text message and when I looked at it, it was Mr. Rozovsky again. I
hoped you like my present. Hindi ko na nagawang sagutin pa si Mr. Rozovsky at
excited na akong sumakay sa kotse. Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Matt. Kulit nang kulit
na i-test drive daw namin at ipagyabang na namin sa club na gusto niyang puntahan.
Hindi ko intindi ang mga pinagsasasabi ni Matt. All I could think about was this
car and my thought of having this. Damn. This was like a wish coming true.
Working with Stas Rozovsky made my wishes coming true.

The secrets we keep are often the ones that haunts us most.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER FIVE | FAMILY SECRET MASHA

“I am not going to talk to her.” Inirapan ko pa si Gelli na nasa kabilang dulo ng

mesa ng bar kung saan kami nagkita ng mga kaibigan ko. Dinampot ko pa ang shot ng
tequila na nasa harap ko at inubos ang laman noon.
“Masha naman.” Lumabi pa si Wynona sa akin. “Look at Gelli. She is so brokenhearted
that you are mad at her.” Napaikot ako ng mata at tinapunan si Gelli na hitsurang
maiiyak dahil talagang hindi ko siya pinapansin. Of course, I am mad her. After
what she did. She betrayed me because she didn’t follow what I wanted after she had
sex with Henry. “She doesn’t deserve my friendship.” Nakataas ang kilay na sabi ko.
Napaikot pa ang mata ko at muling dinampot ang shot ng tequila na inilapag ni Carl
sa harap ko. Kinuha ko pa ang slice ng lemon at ang asin ay inilagay ni Carl sa
palad niya. Sinisenyasan pa ako ni Carl na inumin ko ang shot ng tequila. Ginawa ko
naman at muli niya akong inabutan ng slice ng lemon tapos ay inilalapit ang kamay
sa akin na naroon ang iodized salt pero tinanggihan ko. Ang iced tea na nasa harap
ko ang sunod kong ininom. “It’s just a misunderstanding,” sabi ni Wynona. “Gelli
has been our friend since grade school. Tapos mag-aaway kayo. Ano ba?” parang bata
na frustrated ang hitsura nito. “Girls, just let it slide for now. Give Gelli and
Masha some break.
They will be okay soon. For now, we party.” Ang sunod na iniabot ni Carl sa akin ay
stick ng sigarilyo. And it was not just a normal cigarette stick.
This was something else. No filter. Just tobacco like leaves rolled in a white
sheet of thin paper. “What’s this?” Tanong ko at tinitingnan kung ano talaga iyon.
“New kind of cigarette?” Tawanan ang mga nakapaligid sa akin. “The ever naïve
Masha. You don’t know what a joint look like?” Si Carl pa rin iyon.
Kumunot ang noo ko? “Joint?” Nagtataka ako at papalit-palit ang tingnin sa kanila
ni Wynona. Sure, I was always present to every party that I was invited to,
sometimes I was even the host. I tried smoking cigarettes but didn’t like the taste
of it. I knew some were doing drugs but I never tried it even once. I always
remember what my brothers told me.
Try everything but never, never drugs and sex.
Muli silang nagtawanan. Lalong lumapit sa akin si Carl at parang teacher na
nagsimulang mag-lecture kung ano ang joint na sinasabi niya. “This is just like a
cigarette but with something else. I am telling you that after you do some puff,
there is something else that will make you feel high and better.” Inaabot pa rin
niya sa akin iyon. Sinindihan pa niya tapos ay humithit siya. Hindi pa rin ako
kumbinsido sa sinasabi niya. Hindi ko iyon kinuha.
Instead, dinampot ko shot glass na may tequila at iyon ang ininom. “I don’t know
what that is. I think I’ll pass for now. Dito na lang muna ako.” Itinuro ko ang mga
shot glasses na mga nainuman ko na.
Kaninang-kanina pa kami umiinom dito at unti-unti na rin na gumagaang ang
pakiramdam ko dahil sa alak. And this was the freedom that I wanted. Yesterday, my
dad and mom and I had a heart to heart to talk. I told them that I was being
suffocated of what they were doing to me. I am getting suffocated of them treating
me like a baby. I admitted what I did to Henry and dad was really disappointed. He
kept on telling me that Henry was a good person and I didn’t have the right to make
up stories like that. Well, I wanted to say sorry but I couldn’t do it anymore.
Henry was gone and that was the best thing that ever happened to me these days.
Bahala na si Daddy doon. And it paved the way to make my father understand my
sentiments.
I told him I wanted to be free and he just needed to trust me. I knew my limits, I
knew what was right and what was wrong, I am a wild girl but I knew when to stop. I
am freaking twenty-one years old. I could marry tonight if I wanted to. But that
would never happen because I intend to enjoy my singlehood for like a long time. “I
don’t see any bodyguard around, Masha.” I felt Carl’s arm wrapped on waist when he
sat closer to me. “I don’t have one anymore,” iyon na lang ang sagot ko at umayos
ng upo. I knew Carl had been flirting with me since we started this party.
Wynona told me that Carl had the hots for me and I find him cute too. Hot and cute.
“So, wala nang istorbo kung aakbayan kita?” Pinigil ko ang mangiti at tumingin kay
Carl. “Wala na.” Lalong lumapad ang ngiti ni Carl at ang kamay na nasa baywang ko
ay nakapatong na ngayon sa balikat ko. Talagang inilalapit ako sa kanya.
He kept on puffing the joint that he was telling me earlier. From time to time, he
was giving it me. Telling me to try it but I kept on refusing. Okay na talaga ako
sa tequila. “Is it true that your brother Danny used to own Play Space before it
got burned down?” Dinampot ko ang iced tea at uminom doon tapos ay tumango. “Is it
also true that it was also a sex club?” Napahinto ako sa paghigop sa straw ng iced
tea at takang tumingin kay Carl. Sex club? No. My brother owned that party club.
That was not a sex club.
“That was not a sex club. And ewww…” umasim pa ang mukha ko.
“My brother won’t build a sex club. It was just a regular party club.” Natawa si
Carl at napailing. Inialis ang kamay na naka-akbay sa akin. “It looks like the
princess doesn’t know the secrets of her family.” Doon na ako sumeryoso at tuluyang
humarap sa kanya. “What do you mean?” “I know some who are members of your
brother’s high end sex club.
The auction of women… the dollar rate. His club was the standard.” Napalunok ako.
Hindi ko inaalis ang tingin kay Carl kahit na nga hindi na siya nakatingin sa akin.
Dinampot niya ang isang shot ng tequila at ininom iyon tapos ay umasim ang mukha
dahil sa lemon na kinagat.
Pinapahid pa ang bibig nang humarap sa akin. “You don’t know about it?” paniniguro
pa niya. Marahan akong umiling. That was impossible. I knew Kuya Danny was wild but
he would never build a club like that. Saka ilang beses akong nakapunta sa club na
iyon ni Kuya. I was with Daci pa and some friends and I am sure it was just a
regular club. No naked women around. “Anyway, I heard from a friend that your
brother Danny Rozovsky is planning to put up another club again. Maybe you could
help me…” kumindat pa siya sa akin. “Help you like what?” Nakaangat ang kilay na
sabi ko. Napatikhim siya. “Help like, give good feedback about my name.
Or set me up to a meeting with him? I have a business deal to offer.” “I don’t
know,” umiiling na sabi ko. “My brother is busy these days and I don’t have any
idea about the new club that he is putting up.” Ngumisi ng nakakaloko si Carl. “I
am going to tell you some stories about your family. Dark secrets of your Rozovsky
family.” “What story?” Doon na sumeryoso ang mukha ko. Ano ang pinagsasasabi ng
lalaking ito? Lalong lumapad ang ngiti ni Carl. “Stories like… your father killed
your mom’s parents.” Napatayo ako at malakas kong sinampal si Carl. Nagulat ang mga
kasama namin sa ginawa ko. “You shut your damn mouth. Ano ang mga pinagsasasabi
mo?” Lumapit na sa akin si Wynona at inawat ako.
Tumayo na din si Carl at agad na humingi ng pasensiya. “I’m sorry.
I didn’t mean it that way. I just found out an article about that.” Nag-aalalang
sabi niya at kinuha ang telepono tapos ay nag-browse doon.
“Look. It’s here on the net. An investigation did by some Howard Benitez years ago
about your father.” Inis kong kinuha ang telepono niya at tiningnan ang ipinapakita
niya sa akin. Hindi ko maintindihan ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko habang binabasa
iyon. It was about my father and the whole Rozovsky family. It was all there. My
father was a killer. My father was involved in illegal arms dealing. My father was
the one who burned an entire village that killed two people. There were names.
Victim names. Juanito de Castro and Adora de Castro. The two unfortunate souls who
perished in that fire. I knew those names. Those were my mom’s parents. I didn’t
know about them but mom made sure that they were being remembered. We went to their
graves. We offered candles and prayers. And Dad killed them?
“I just saw that article. It was like a whole website is all about your father and
what he did. Is it true? Even your brothers. It says there that your brother Damien
killed someone.” “It was self-defense!” mariing sabi ko. Agad na nagtaas ng kamay
si Carl at hitsurang sumusuko sa akin. “I am on your side, Masha. I am on your
family’s side. Whoever did this website, has the intention of ruining your family
name. Of course, your father cannot kill your mother’s parents. Who would do that?”
Carl made his face looked innocent because he could see I am fuming mad. “That’s
not true. All of what’s in that site are not true. My father would never do that.
They kept on smearing my father’s reputation.” Nanginginig ako sa galit. Inis kong
muling dinampot ang shot ng tequila at ininom iyon. Panay naman ang dikit sa akin
ni Carl at talagang inaalalayan ako. Talagang ipinulupot na ang kamay sa baywang
ko. “Puff on this. Trust me it will make you calm down,” inilapit niya sa bibig ko
ang joint na sinasabi niya. Sa tindi ng inis na nararamdaman ko ay kinuha ko iyon
tapos ay nag-puff. Isa. Dalawa. And damn… it was… good. The feeling was high. Good.
My head was getting light and everything around me becomes blurry but with colors.
The noise around became a buzz. What the hell was this? It made me feel good.
Tiningnan ko pa ang ibinigay ni Carl sa akin tapos ay tumingin ako sa kanya.
Ngiting-ngiti siya sa akin. “Good stuff, right?” hinawakan niya ang mukha ko at
marahang hinaplos ng hinlalaki niya ang labi ko. “I got more. Do you want more of
this?” Muling inilapit niya ang tila sigarilyo na iyon sa bibig ko at pinahithit
doon na ginawa ko naman. Lalo lang gumagaang at sumasaya ang pakiramdam ko.
Nakalimutan ko na kanina lang ay gusto kong magwala dahil sa nalaman ko tungkol sa
pamilya. “Never mind what that article says. So what if your father is a killer?
So what if he killed your grandparents? Goods naman sila ng mommy mo.” Pinahithit
pa ako uli ni Carl sa hawak niyang joint. “I still like you.
I still like your family. Just your surname screams power.” “Yeah,” tumatangong
sabi ko pero sa isip ko ay hindi maalis ang article na nabasa ko. Dad was a killer.
He killed my mother’s parents and mom allowed it? What were other secrets that were
hidden from me? But then again, I remembered what Carl said. My surname screamed
for power. Because that was true. I am a damn Rozovsky and that damn article could
be bought by money. My dad could do something about it.
He could do whatever he wanted. Just like me that I could get whatever I wanted.
Whenever I wanted even from my own family. Dinampot ko ang bote ng tequila at
tumuntong ako sa mesa at tumayo doon. “All tab is on me tonight!” sigaw ko at
tumungga sa bote noon. Ang lakas ng sigawan ng mga naroon sa bar sa narinig na
sinabi ko. Tumayo din sa mesa si Carl at doon kami sumayaw. Dikit na dikit sa akin
tapos ay bumubulong pa. I didn’t care that he was already touching me in places
that I shouldn’t be touched. Carl kept on telling me that I should introduce him to
my brothers especially to Kuya Danny. He kept on telling me that he got a business
proposal. Hindi ko naman masyadong iniintindi. I wanted to have fun tonight to
forget what I read about my family. Napatingin ako ibaba nang naramdaman kong
humahawak sa binti ko. Si Gelli iyon. “Get down. What the hell are you doing?” Kita
ko ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya. Sumimangot ang mukha ko sa kanya. “Get lost.”
Nagpatuloy ako sa pakikipagsayaw kay Carl. This time he was at my back he was
trailing his tongue on my ears down to my neck. “Stop what you’re doing, Masha.
This is too much. All eyes are on you. You are being videoed. Your mom and dad will
get mad if they see this,” pilit pa rin niya akong pinapababa. Napaikot ako ng
mata. “I don’t care.” Mariing sabi ko.
“Damn it!” Tingin ko ay napikon na si Gelli. “I am calling your mom.” Pagkasabi
niya noon ay umalis na siya. Hindi ko siya inintindi.
Bahala siya sa gusto niyang gawin. What matters right now as I am feeling good. I
am feeling high. Carl kept on putting that joint in between my lips making me puff
that smoke again and again. And I wanted this. This feeling of freedom. I wanted
this feeling of high euphoria. It made me forget what I learned about the dark
secret of my family.

Curiosity is the lust of the mind – Thomas Hobbes

 ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER SIX | MASHA FANTASHA NOAH

“Ang hot naman nitong chick na ‘to.” Hindi ko pinansin si Matt na kanina pa
nakatutok sa telepono niya at may pinapanood doon. Kanina pa ito ang ingay-ingay
dahil kung ano-anong mga vlogs ang mga pinapanood. Tiktok videos ng mga kung sino-
sinong influencers. Instead na tinutulungan ako sa mga reports na kailangang
ayusin, narito sa opisina ko ang lalaking ito at nakahiga pa sa couch habang aliw
na aliw sa pinapanood niya.
“Noah, ang sexy nitong chick. Galing gumiling,” sinilip pa niya ako bago muling
tumingin sa telepono niya. “Puro ka chick diyan. ‘Yong pinapagawa ko ba sa’yo
nagawa mo na?” Ang mga inutos kong pag-check ng mga suppliers ng latest shipments
ang tinutukoy ko. “Siyempre naman.” Doon na huminto sa ginagawa niyang panonood si
Matt. “Puwede ko ba namang hindi sundin ang utos ni Boss-Amo?” natatawa pang sabi
niya kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. Naiinis ako kapat tinatawag akong ganoon ni
Matt. Pakiramdam ko ay ibinabalik ako sa mga panahong naroon pa ako sa presinto at
ganoon ang tawag ng mga preso sa akin. “Sinabi ko na sa’yong tigilan mo ako diyan
sa kaka-Boss Amo mo.
Nakakairita pakinggan,” ipinakita ko na sa kanya ang pagka-disgusto ko.
Lumabi si Matt. “Ano naman ang masama doon?” Umayos na siya ng upo. “Boss-Amo
naman talaga kita.” Ngayon ay ngiting-ngiti na siya.
“Iniligtas mo ako sa Daddy ko. Siguro kung nasa Pilipinas pa rin ako, kung hindi
ako nasa-rehab, deads na ako.” Suminghot pa siya at kinusot ang ilong. “Kaya ikaw
ang Boss-Amo ko. Boss-Amo,” nakangiti pa ng nakakaasar si Matt sa akin. Kahit
pinipigil ko ang mapangiti ay ganoon na rin ang nagawa ko.
Matt’s energy was like this. Makulit. Nakakagaang ng paligid. Kung wala siya dito
at hindi ko kasama, malamang na-depress na ako sa boredom. “Pero ganda ng regalo
sa’yo ni Mr. Rozovsky. Nakakainggit. Sarap i-drive,” hindi na matigil-tigil ang
komento niya tungkol sa kotse ko.
Sabagay, totoo naman iyon. Hindi biro ang regalo ni Mr. Rozovsky sa akin. That car
cost a fortune. “Kaya galingan mo at magpakabait ka para sa susunod ikaw naman ang
regaluhan niya ng ganoon. Galante si Mr. Rozovsky basta loyal ka sa kanya at sa
pamilya niya. Huwag kang gagawa ng bagay na hindi niya magugustuhan. He treats
everyone as his family kaya gagalingan mo.” Ipinagpatuloy ko na ang trabahong nasa
harap ko. Pero muli din akong napahinto nang lumapit sa puwesto ko si Matt at
nakakalokong ngumiti sa akin. “Saan kayo nakarating ng chick mo kagabi?” Umaangat-
angat pa ang kilay niya at hitsurang nanunukso. “Chick?” Takang tanong ko. “Sinong
chick? Marami akong chicks.” “Si Serena. Patay na patay sa’yo ‘yon. Nang makita ka
sa bar ayaw ka nang tantanan.” Hitsurang nag-reminisce pa si Matt.
“Ah,” iyon na lang ang naikomento ko at hindi na siya pinansin.
Hindi naman niya kailangan malaman na sa kama kami nag-ending ni Serena. Hindi na
niya kailangang malaman na magdamag kaming nagpakaligaya. Serena was just a fling.
A constant fuck buddy that every time I was bored or feeling lonely would
immediately crawl at my bed to give me a good time. That was what I liked about
her. Just like me, we both didn’t want any commitment and relationship. For the two
of us, sex was just a biological need of our body that we needed to release. “Ah?
Iyon lang? Share naman saan kayo nakarating,” ang ngisi ni Matt ay abot-tainga na
talagang excited makinig. “I am not going to tell you what I did last night.”
Natatawang sabi ko. “Hindi naman kita tinatanong kung saan ka nagsuot kagabi.”
“Isi-share ko naman sa’yo kung nasaan ako kagabi. I met someone and we fuck in the
bathroom of –“ Sumenyas ako sa kanyang huminto siya. “I am not interested, okay?
Hindi ko kailangang makinig sa sex life mo.” But Matt being Matt, even if I told
him I didn’t want to listen, he would still keep on blabbing about his sexual
encounter last night.
Nasanay na akong pinapabayaan siyang magkuwento ng mga ganap niya sa buhay at ako
ay itututok ang sarili ko sa kaharap kong trabaho. Tumunog ang laptop ko at naka-
receive ako ng E-mail. It was encrypted. Like those reports that I received from
the Rozovskys but this message didn’t come from them. Pinindot ko at nakita kong
galing sa Daddy ko. That fucking Stas Rozovsky is getting on my nerves. Who the
hell he thinks he is saying no to my business proposal? He thinks he is the only
one I can work with? Look at this. Look the fuck at this. These people are my new
partners. I am just telling this to you because I know your damn loyalty is with
that devil. I know you will tell him about this. Go ahead.
So, that son of a bitch would know what he missed. These men will help me with my
new venture. These men will give me my millions… billions of dollars. Think about
it, Noah. You can work with me in this. My partners are generous. They are willing
to give double whatever the amount you are earning with the devil.
Iyon ang laman ng Email ng Daddy ko. Naka-attach doon ang ilang mga litrato na
kuha sa isang restaurant. Kasama niya ang ilang foreign nationals. Napatiim-bagang
ako. I knew these people were the ones that Mr. Rozovsky was telling me. My father
was smiling ear to ear.
Masayang-masaya na kaya napangiti ako ng mapakla. Malaki na siya.
Alam na niya ang ginagawa niya. Alam na niya ang pinapasok niya. I am happy for him
that finally, he found these people who would help his thing. Finally, he would
stop bugging me.
Ini-exit ko ang Email at ibinalik ang tingin sa ginagawa ko. Siguro naman
matitigil na ang Daddy ko sa kakukulit sa akin pagkatapos nito.
Kahit paano ay gumaang ang pakiramdam ko at nawalan na ako ng iniisip tungkol sa
daddy ko. For sure, matagal-tagal ako nitong hindi kukulitin dahil magiging busy
siya kasama ang mga ito.
“’Tangina naman, ang sexy naman talaga.” Tinapunan ko na ng tingin si Matt na
tutok na naman sa cellphone niyang hawak. Napahinga ako ng malalim at binitiwan ang
hawak kong ballpen.
“Are you watching porn again?” nagtatanong ang tingin ko sa kanya.
Umiling siya at nanatiling nakatingin sa hawak na phone. “This is sexier than
porn. Some video that I stumbled in Tiktok.” “Ano? Those influencers who teases
their followers with cleavage and legs?” Tumingin sa akin si Matt. “Hindi nga. Iba
‘to. Damn wild chick.” Tumayo na si Matt at lumapit sa akin tapos ay ibinaba ang
cellphone sa harap ko. Video ang nakikita ko doon. Mukhang sa isang bar kuha ang
video. Maingay ang background. Bukod sa ingay ng mga taong nagsisigawan sa
background, malakas din ang tunog ng music. May babae at lalaki akong nakita na
nasa ibabaw ng mesa at doon nagsasayaw. Dikit na dikit ang katawan ng lalaki sa
babae at ang mukha ng babae ay natatakpan ng mahabang buhok dahil sa wild nitong
pagsasayaw. “And this is entertaining?” Maasim ang mukhang tanong ko at muling
tiningnan ang video. Wala naman akong makitang entertaining dito. Nakakainis pa nga
dahil nakakairita ang ingay ng mga taong narito.
I had seen this kind of parties. Wild, drug and booze infused parties before.
Ginawa ko na rin noong kabataan ko. Before it was okay pero kapag tumatanda pala
talaga, hindi na okay para sa akin. All I could see in here were bunch of entitled
kids spending their parents’ hard-earned money. “Wait mo lang.” Sabi pa ni Matt at
nasa mukha ang excitement tapos ay itinuturo sa akin na panoorin ko pa ang video.
Mayamaya nga ay bahagyang lumayo ang babae na nagsasayaw sa ibabaw ng mesa sa
lalaking kasama nito at walang sabi-sabing hinubad ang suot na pang-itaas na damit.
Lalong nagsigawan ang mga taong naroon. Lalong mga naging wild. Ipinaikot-ikot pa
ng babae sa ere ang hawak na hinubad na damit. Bahagyang lumiwanag ang video.
“Oh,” iyon ang nasabi ko nang makita ang magandang shape ng katawan ng babae. She
got a nice body I could say that. Her boobs were big too. I am sure behind the
strapless bra that she was wearing were the big melons that these men were dying to
touch and taste. I couldn’t understand why I felt thirst just watching this.
The cock between my thighs started to twitch. The fuck was wrong with me? Bakit
naman ako matu-turn on sa ganitong klaseng video? Women strips naked right in front
of me if I commanded them. Most of the times in their own free will. I didn’t need
to watch this low-quality film just to get a hard on. But that was happening to me
right now. I am getting a full hard on just by watching this video. “Sexy ‘no?
‘Tangina, kanina pa nga ako tinitigasan diyan.” Ipinakita pa ni Matt ang namumukol
niyang harap mula sa pantalon na suot sa akin kaya umasim ang mukha ko. “Fuck
you,” inis kong sabi. “Fucking pervert.” Inilayo ko na ang telepono niya sa akin.
Ang lakas ng halakhak ni Matt. “Plastic mo naman. Kita ko naman nag-enjoy ka din sa
video.” “Of course not. Saka sino ba ‘yang mga pinapanood mong iyan?
Nagtitiyaga ka sa mga ganyang klaseng video. You don’t know that those kids might
be highschoolers. Minors. You are lusting for minors?
Nakakadiri ka. May kulong ang menor baka nakakalimutan mo.” Tonong paalala ko sa
kanya. “Minor? This chick? No.” Lalo pang lumapit sa akin si Matt. “This chick is
wild. There’s a Tiktok page that is absolutely all about her. Her wild parties,
wild make-out sessions. It’s all here.” Muli niyang ipinakita ang isang video sa
akin at doon ay maliwanag na ang kuha na ang babae ay wild na nagsasayaw sa dance
floor habang umiinom ng shot ng tequila. Napakunot ang noo ko at pinindot ang
telepono para ma-pause ang video. That face. I knew that face. “Who the hell is
this?” Titig na titig ako sa mukha na naka-pause doon. That damn smile who was
teasing every man around. Including me that was just watching this video. “They
call her Masha Fantasha. Because apparently, she is men’s total fantasy. Tingnan mo
naman.” Pinindot ni Matt ang naka-pause na video para mag-play iyon at kita ang
babae na sige ang inom ng shot ng tequila habang wild na nakikipagsayaw sa dance
floor. Ang kasayaw na lalaki ay dinidilaan ang leeg ng babae na may trail ng asin.
“Marami pa ‘yan na ganyang videos.” Hindi ako puwedeng magkamali. I knew that
face. That was Masha Rozovsky. My boss’s only daughter. His only princess.
“Fucking turn it off.” Seryosong sabi ko kay Matt. Taka siyang napatingin sa akin.
Siguro ay napansin na seryoso ako at hindi nagbibiro. “May problema?” Taka niya.
“Just turn that thing off. Unfollow and delete those accounts. Report it.” Hindi
ko maintindihan kung bakit napipikon ako. I feel sorry for my boss. Alam kaya ni
Mr. Rozovsky ang mga ginagawa ng anak niya?
“Bakit nga?” damang-dama ko ang pagpo-protesta sa boses ni Matt.
“I like this chick. Sexy and-“ Alam kong nagulat siya sa ginawa ko. Pabigla kasi
akong tumayo sa kinauupuan ko at sinugod siya. Hinawakan ko ang kuwelyo ng polo
niyang suot at inilapit ang mukha ko sa mukha niya. “Just turn that fucking thing
off.” I hissed. I could see fear in his eyes. He couldn’t say a word while looking
at me. I felt his body trembled and slowly he nods. Ang sama pa rin ng tingin ko
sa kanya nang bitiwan ko at bumalik sa puwesto ko. Umayos naman ng upo si Matt at
kita kong nag-aalala pa rin ang tingin sa akin. “Bakit naman nagalit ka sa akin?
Nakita ko lang naman ‘yan sa socmed. Kalat na kalat ‘yan. Bakit parang kasalanan
ko?” nakalabi pa si Matt na parang batang napagalitan. Napahinga ako ng malalim at
napailing. “That woman… is Masha Rozovsky.” Kumunot ang noo niya at nag-isip.
“Rozovsky?” paniniguro niya at akmang titingin sa telepono para masiguro. Tumango
ako. “Stas Rozovsky’s only daughter.” Naihilamos ko ang kamay sa mukha ko. “So, if
Mr. Rozovsky found out that you watched his daughter’s wild video, he would surely
gouge your eyes and if he found out that you got a hard on,” automatic na napahawak
si Matt sa harapan niya at kitang-kita ko ang kaba sa mukha. “He would definitely
castrate your balls. He did it before and he could do it again.” Napalunok si
Matt. “He could do that?” Tumango ako. “Mr. Rozovsky will bring you to his Box and
he would play with you.” Lalo kong tinatakot si Matt. “He even cut someone’s hand
because that man touched his soon to be wife.” Mabilis siyang nagpipindot sa
telepono niya. “Unfollowed ko na ‘yong account. Blocked ko pa. ‘Tangina, binabawi
ko nang tinigasan ako sa nakita ko. Shared video lang naman ‘yon. Dumaan sa FYP
ko.” Tumawa na lang ako sa kanya pero sa kalooban ko ay nakaramdam din ako ng
kaba. I got a hard a hard on too while watching her and that definitely would be a
secret that I would bring down to my grave if I love my balls to still attach my
dick.

Raising kids is part joy and part guerrilla warfare – End Asner

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER SEVEN | PARENTS’ CLASH MASHA

My phone kept on buzzing. And I didn’t want to mind it. I just let it buzz. My
head was heavy and I am experiencing the worst terrible headache in my life. I felt
my head was splitting in half. Damn it. I had so much do drink last night and…
“Shit…” pinilit kong bumangon at pinipilit kong alalahanin ang mga nangyari nang
nakaraang gabi. It was all bits and pieces. Blurred scenes that I didn’t know if
really happened or was just a dream. I was furious last night. I remembered I read
in an article about my father. The perfect father that was embedded in my head was
totally wiped out with what I read. I took my phone and I saw Wynona’s ten missed
calls. Gelli has missed calls too but I was still pissed at her. Mom has missed
calls as well as Kuya Damien and Daci but I didn’t mind them too. I searched for
the article that Carl showed me last night. I was hoping that what I could read was
the opposite. But even with a terrible headache, it was still the same. It
basically summarizes there how my father was a murderer and killed my mom’s own
parents. I was thinking that this could just be a smear campaign for my dad.
I grew up to know that he had so much enemies because businessmen were like that.
But this was something. I wonder if my brothers knew about this. We visited my
mom’s parents’ tombs during their birthdays and All Soul’s day. Even if they were
gone, mom made sure that we would know them. But this… this changed everything
about how I see my dad. My phone rang again and it was still Wynona. I didn’t
answer her, instead I went to the bathroom to have a good shower to clear my head.
When I saw myself in front of the mirror I wanted to vomit. Ang pangit ko. And dumi
ng hitsura ko. My hair was a mess, my make-up was messier. Nagsabog ang eyeliner at
eyeshadow ko sa palibot ng mata ko.
My lipstick smudged around my lips. Ang leeg ko may mga bahid pa ng iodized salt at
tuyong buto ng lemon. The fuck I had this? Pati ang buhok ko ay ganoon din. Kung
ano-ano ang nakasabit. Hinubad ko ang suot na damit tapos ay dumeretso sa shower.
Ang sarap sa pakiramdam ng maligamgam na tubig pero inilagay ko din sa cold setting
para mas magising ang diwa ko. This damn hangover was killing my head. Ibinabad ko
ang sarili ko sa dumadaloy na tubig at hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal doon.
Nang matapos ako at magbihis ay medyo gumaang ang pakiramdam ko. Ngayon ay
lumilinaw ang isip ko. I party hard last night. Finished those tequila shots until
I lost it. Danced with everyone around the bar, offered to pay everything. That was
all I could remember. But after that, nothing. Blurry and blank. I didn’t even know
how I ended up in my condo unit. I went to the kitchen and made myself a black
coffee. To clear my head again of course. I began to check my text messages and it
was from Wynona and Gelli. Wynona: Gosh, Masha. You were so wild last night. You
totally lost it.
Umasim ang mukha ko at sunod na tmessage na naman ang tiningnan ko. Wynona: You
were so wild last night. Pikon na pikon si Gelli sa’yo.
Napaikot ako ng mata. Of course. Gelli knew I was pissed at her because she didn’t
help me to get rid of Henry. I did that too to pissed her more. Wynona: Everyone
was enjoying and excited to have their turn to dance with you until people with
guns showed up. Doon na kumunot ang noo ko. People with guns showed up? Agad kong
idinayal ang number ni Wynona at ilang rings lang ay malakas na tili na ang narinig
ko sa kanya. “OMG! Oh my fucking G! You were so wild last night!” Ang tinis-tinis
ng boses ni Wynona. “Okay ka na?” “What the hell happened? What do you mean people
with guns showed up? What happened last night?” Wala kasi akong maalala sa sinabi
niya. Saglit na napatahimik si Wynona. “You don’t remember?” “What should I
remember? We got drunk. That’s all I remember.
But I don’t remember some people showed up. With guns?” Napahinga siya ng malalim.
“They are your dad’s men.” “What?” Napataas ang boses. “What did they do?”
Napatikhim si Wynona. “Actually, you lost it last night. Sobrang wild mo. Nagwawala
ka talaga kagabi. There are so much videos around.
Some are not good vids,” alanganing sabi niya. “Gelli was worried. She kept on
telling you… you know… take it slow but you were high.” Ngayon ay seryoso na ang
boses niya. “High?” Napataas ang kilay ko. “I didn’t take any drugs last night.
You know I don’t like drugs.” “Masha, you did take some. The joint that Carl was
letting you puff.” Tonong nagpapaalala siya. Hindi ako nakasagot. Gusto kong
murahin ang sarili ko. I knew I was wild and did crazy stuff but I promised to
myself that I would never do drugs. “And you basically lost it. I was beginning to
worry too. Then, Gelli couldn’t control you and there were so many guys started to
get closer to you, she called your mom.” Napamura na ako. “After a few minutes,
men with guns came into the bar. They took you and they took Carl and… from what
I’ve heard he was beaten pretty bad… and he is in the hospital right now.” “Oh my
God,” naitakip ko ang kamay sa bibig ko. “For real?” Gusto kong makasiguro na tama
ang narinig ko. “Yes. I got a call and they said Carl was in coma last night.”
Damang-dama ko ang simpatiya ni Wynona sa nangyari kay Carl. “It was so bad. Carl
is our friend.” Naitakip ko ang kamay sa bibig ko. “I’m going to call you again.”
Kahit alam kong may sasabihin pa si Wynona at ini-end ko na ang call niya. Ang
sunod kong tiningnan ay ang message ni Gelli at katulad lang din ng message ni
Wynona sa akin. Tapos ay messages nila Kuya Damien at Daci. Daci: Where are you?
Dad is pissed. Tell me where you are and I am going to pick you up. Kuya Damien:
Go home now, Masha. Dad is pissed. Lalo lang akong nakakaramdam ng galit kay Dad.
For sure, mga tauhan niya ang nanggulo sa bar na iyon. Inis akong tumayo at
binitbit ang telepono ko at bag. Nang tunguhin ko ang pinto at sinubukang buksan
iyon ay hindi ko magawang buksan. “What the hell?” Ilang beses kong pinihit-pihit
ang door knob para bumukas iyon pero ayaw. Tinawagan ko na ang maintenance ng condo
at sinabi ang problema ko pero hindi ko maintindihan ang sagot nila sa akin. “Miss
Rozovsky, utos po ng may-ari ng unit na i-lock ang pinto n’yo.” Iyon ang sagot na
narinig ko mula sa management na tinawagan ko. “What? What do you mean utos ng
may-ari? Ako ang may-ari ng unit na ito and I am telling you that my door is
busted. I am locked inside.
Fix this now.” Tumaas na ang boses ko. “Miss Rozovsky, according to the papers,
the unit is under your father Stas Rozovsky and technically, he owns the unit and
he has the last say to anything that will happen there. And he specifically told us
to lock it from the outside. If you want to open the door you can call him and he
will tell your bodyguards to open it for you. You have bodyguards outside your unit
just to let you know.” Sabi pa ng kausap ko.
Damn it. Anong kabaliwan ang ginagawa ng Daddy ko? Ang dami-dami pang
ipinapaliwanag ng kausap ko pero pinatayan ko na iyon ng call.
Ang sunod kong tinawagan ay ang daddy ko. Matagal bago sumagot si Dad. Sobrang
unusual na gawin niya ito sa akin. Kapag tumatawag ako sa kanya, hindi pa natatapos
ang isang ring, sinasagot na niya ako agad. But this time, four, five, six fucking
rings and he was not answering my call?
“Come on, Daddy. Pick up,” I said that in between my teeth. Ubos na ubos na ang
pasensiya ko. Masakit na ang ulo ko tapos ganito pa ang nangyayari. Hindi ko alam
kung anong kabaliwanag ang pumasok sa utak ng daddy ko para gawin ito. Naubos na
ang ring at nag-busy tone na. Muli ay nag-dial ako. And thank God that after six
rings, my father answered my call.
“What is going on, Daddy?” pinipigil kong mapasigaw sa inis na nararamdaman.
“Why? What’s going on?” Kaswal na tanong niya. Ang kalmado ng boses ni Dad. Parang
wala siyang ginawang kung ano sa akin. “What’s going on, Masha? You have a
problem?” Doon na ako hindi nakatiis. “I am trying to go out and my damn door is
shut from the outside. I am locked inside and the management told me it’s your
order.” Napahinga ng malalim si Daddy. “Yeah. Are you going out? I can tell those
men to open the door for you. But you cannot go anywhere without them. They will
follow you anywhere you want.” Napasigaw na ako. “What the hell is wrong with you,
dad? I thought we agreed that I won’t have any bodyguards?” “Go home and we will
talk.” Iyon lang ang sabi niya. “I will tell them to open the door for you.”
Pagkasabi niya noon ay busy tone na ang sunod na narinig ko. Mayamaya lang ay
nakarinig ako ng katok mula sa labas. “Miss Rozovsky, you can now open your door.”
Inis kong binuksan iyon at totoo nga. Dalawang lalaking mga naka-suit at hitsurang
foreign security ang nakatayo doon. They didn’t look like Henry. They looked more
dangerous than Henry. They looked like they were not going to think twice to kill
someone who would try to come to me. “Your father wants you to go home, Miss
Rozovsky.” Seryosong sabi ng isa at nilakihan na ang bukas ng pinto. Inirapan ko
na lang ang dalawa at nauna nang lumakad paalis doon.
I let them follow me like a dog. Because bodyguards were like this. Like a dog. I
hated this. Deretso kami sa lobby ng condo at paglabas, agad na pumarada ang isang
sasakyan doon at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto ng bodyguard ni Dad. Inis akong sumakay
sa likod. Hindi ko pinapansin ang dalawang lalaking kasama ko. Tahimik lang naman
din sila. Following my father’s orders. Nang makarating kami sa bahay ay nakita
kong maraming sasakyan ang nakaparada doon. Kuya Damien was there. I remember he
was the one who was going to pick up Kuya Danny from the hospital. I almost forgot
that one. Ngayon nga pala ang labas ni Kuya Danny sa hospital. Nang maiparada ang
sasakyan ay agad akong bumaba at mabibigat ang mga hakbang na pumasok sa loob.
Agad kong nakita si Daddy na may kausap sa telepono na malapit sa garden kaya
nilapitan ko siya. Alam kong nakita niya din ako pero hindi niya tinapos ang
pakikipag-usap niya. Ang sama ng tingin ko sa kanya at hindi rin niya inaalis ang
seryosong tingin sa akin. “Just pay them. I want those videos to be taken down.”
Walang kangiti-ngiting sabi niya. Napaikot ako ng mata. I am sure he was talking
about my videos that was circulating the internet. And so, if people see me how I
party?
That was not the first time. That was me enjoying my youth. My life.
Minsan lang akong magiging ganito kaya susulitin ko na. Kailan pa ako magpapakasaya
sa buhay ko kapag masakit na ang tuhod ko at uugod-ugod na ako?
“Find everything you can about that man then let me know.” Pagkasabi niya noon ay
ini-end na niya ang pakikipag-usap tapos ay tumingin sa akin. “How’s your head?”
“I am fine.” Matigas kong sabi. “What did you do last night?” Umangat ang kilay ni
Dad. “Are you sure you’re going to ask me that? Isn’t should be the other way
around? I am the one who should ask you what you did last night.” Lalong
sumimangot ang mukha ko. “Your men stormed that party.
They harassed people.” “They didn’t harass those people. They went there to pick
you up.
Your friend called your mom and your mom got worried. She told me about it and I
had to do something.” Lumakad siya at sumunod ako sa kanya. “And that something
was to beat up my friend? I know you did that.” Nanatili akong nakasunod kay Daddy
hanggang sa makapasok kami sa loob ng bahay. Hindi ko pinansin na naroon na si Kuya
Danny at Kuya Damien pati na si Mommy. I wanted my father to know that I was
disappointed for what he did to my friend. “Of course, I did that. And I am not
sorry for it,” tingin ko ay naubos na ang pasensiya ni Dad dahil dama ko ang bigat
at inis sa tono niya. “He is a good man. Why did you let your men beat him up?”
Hindi niya kailangang saktan si Carl. “Why he was beaten-up?” Tumalim na ang tingin
sa akin ni Dad kaya bahagya din akong napaatras nang humarap siya sa akin. Alam
kong ramdam na ni Mommy na hindi maganda ang pagtatalo namin ni Dad kaya lumapit na
rin sa amin at inaawat kami ni Daddy. Kitang-kita ko kay Dad na nagagalit na siya.
“The guy that you are seeing is a drug dealer and is just using you because you are
a Rozovsky. Did you know that?” My dad said that in between his teeth. This was the
first time I saw him react like this to me. “No, he’s not.” Matigas na sagot ko.
“Carl is a good man. I know you are investigating all of the man that I am seeing
but I am telling you that your men are wrong. You are wrong. Carl is a nice guy and
now he is in the hospital. In coma because of you,” tuluyan na akong napaiyak.
Ano na lang ang sasabihin ng mga taong nakakakilala sa akin? Iisa ang circle of
friends namin ni Carl. Alam kong may gusto pang sabihin si Daddy pero pinigil na
lang ang sarili at bumaling kay Mom. “Talk to her. Make her understand that what I
did is for her safety.” Alam kong ubos na ang pasensiya niya nang tumingin sa akin.
“You are not allowed to see that guy again. Be thankful that I didn’t kill him.”
Kahit umiiyak ay tumawa ako ng nakakaloko. “That’s what you are good at, Dad.
Beating up and killing people. Just like how you killed Mommy’s parents.” “Masha!”
Gulat na gulat si Mommy sa sinabi ko. Alam kong narinig iyon ng mga taong narito
but I am not sorry. I wanted my father to know that I knew what he did. That he
couldn’t conceal with money and power the truth about what he did to mom’s parents.
And if Mom was okay with that, I am not. My father was a killer, that was the damn
truth of the story.
Pagkasabi ko noon ay tinalikuran ko na sila at dere-deretso akong umakyat sa
kuwarto ko. I didn’t care what was going on in this house. I am pissed. To everyone
around me. Including my own family.
One must choose in life between boredom and suffering – Mademe de Stael
ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER EIGHT | FIGHTING BOREDOM NOAH
My father was really digging his own grave. Napahinga ako ng malalim habang
tinitingnan ang report na ipinadala sa akin ng contact ko sa Pilipinas. My father
was the one doing the protection of transport of those women that was being
smuggled from China to the Philippines and vice versa. According to this report, my
father’s connection was expanding their human smuggling business to Japan, Russia
and US. Naihilamos ko ang kamay sa mukha ko at napatiim-bagang.
Nakausap ko si Mr. Rozovsky tungkol dito. He said he won’t do anything for it and
he would look the other way. He would let my father do his business as long as it
was not affecting the Rozovsky business. Ganoon naman si Mr. Rozovsky. Katwiran
niya, everyone needs to hustle be it good or bad. Gawain din kasi niya. Hangga’t
hindi apektado ang negosyo niya, wala siyang pakialam sa mga nakapaligid sa kanya.
Pero alam kong ang ginagawang ito ng daddy ko ay isang sampal sa akin dahil hindi
ko siya sinuportahan para maging partner si Mr.
Rozovsky. At alam ko rin na hamon niya ito kay Mr. Rozovsky.
Ipinapamukha na kaya niyang trumabaho kahit pa walang tulong ng mga Rozovsky. But
I knew Mr. Rozovsky was right. Dealing with the people my father was dealing with
right now was a bad thing. I researched for those people and I lost count how many
partners they lost throughout the years.
Mostly, those partners who disappeared and never been found. Napabuga ako ng
hangin. Anyway, my father chose this so be it.
Mag-enjoy siya sa milyong perang makukuha niya. I am good with what I am doing
here. Away from him, away from the hassle of being connected with him. Isinara ko
ang laptop ko at tumayo. Binitbit ang mug ng kape tapos ay inilagay sa lababo.
Lumakad na ako palabas ng bahay at sumakay sa kotseng regalo ni Mr. Rozovsky.
Sunday today. My free day and kapag Sunday, schedule ko ito ng Me time ko. May
contact ako malapit sa San Francisco airport at isang luma at abandonadong race
track iyon. Malayo pa lang ay bumubukas na ang gate noon at huminto ako sa guard na
nakabantay. Nakangiti agad sa akin at inabutan ko ng one hundred dollars.
This was a free space. Free vast space where I could drive around without worry
that traffic cops would arrest me. I rev the car. The sound was crisp. Like a song
in any car enthusiast’s ear. I remember my BMW car in Manila that I left in my
home. Sayang iyon. Hindi na napapaandar. Maganda rin ang takbo noon but having this
Aston Martin was a chef’s kiss. Generous at magaling talagang pipili ng regalo si
Mr. Rozovsky. Ilang araw din akong hindi nakatulog nang makuha ang kotse na ito. At
ngayon nga, i-ti-test ko ng matindi.
Inapakan ko ang gas at pinaandar iyon. Umarangkada ako. I stepped deeper on the
gas pedal and I was running fast. I looked at the speedometer and it says there
eighty… one hundred… one-twenty… one-forty miles per hour and everything around me
was all blurry. For some, I am sure they would feel fear but to an adrenaline
junkie like me, this was heaven. I floored the car and the speedometer hit one-
eighty running to two hundred. I knew I was driving so fast and a small mistake
would definitely end in a car crash that would end my life. Slowly, I released my
foot from the gas pedal. My speed was slowing down. My heart was racing so fast I
was having a hard time to breathe. When I was too slow, down to a halt, that was
when I slumped on the steering wheel.
“Floor it! Floor it, Noah!” “Fuck you! One-twenty na ang takbo natin.” Tumatawa
ding sabi ko at mahigpit ang hawak sa manibela.
“Come on. Floor it, brother!” Ang lakas ng halakhak ni Niahl at hinawakan pa ang
hita ko para lalo kong maidiin ang paa sa gas pedal.
“Hit two-twenty!” Wala siyang tigil na kakasigaw at binuksan pa niya ang bintana ng
sasakyan. Ang lakas ng hangin. Nakakabingi. Inilabas pa niya ang kalahati ng
katawan niya sa bintana ng kotse at doon nagsisigaw. “We fucking made it!” “Get
back on your seat!” Sinasaway ko siya habang hindi ko maialis ang tingin sa kalsada
at hawak na manibela. Everything was surreal. My brother and I were having the best
time of our lives driving his brand-new car. Sige pa rin siya sigaw sa labas ng
kotse kaya tiningnan ko na siya at hinila. Nang ibalik ko ang tingin sa kalsada, I
was stunned to see a truck from nowhere coming to us face to face. Then a loud
crash was heard.
Napapitlag pa ako nang tumunog ang telepono ko. Bahagya na lang ang malakas na
kabog ng dibdib ko. Kalmado na ako at kinuha ko ang telepono sa bulsa. Napangiti
ako nang makita ang pangalan ng tumatawag sa akin. “Where are you?” Inilagay ko sa
drive ang kambiyo at nag-drive na palabas doon. Kumaway pa sa akin ang bantay kaya
kumaway din ako at tuloy-tuloy nang umalis. “The usual spot. I thought you’re here
already.” Natatawang sabi ng kausap ko. “Wait for me. Just had to do some errand.
I’ll be there in ten.” Ten minutes ang ibig kong sabihin. “All right. I’ll wait
for you. I’ll order your favorite.” Hindi na ako sumagot at ini-end na ang call
tapos itinutok na ang pansin sa kalsada. Hindi naman nagtagal at naroon na ako sa
Fisherman’s Wharf. Nang tingnan ko ang text na na-receive ko ay nasa Cioppino’s ang
ka-meet ko kaya doon na ako dumeretso. Pagpasok ko pa lang sa restaurant ay agad na
akong napangiti at sinasalubong ako ng isang lalaki na ngiting-ngiti at yumakap ng
mahigpit.
“Henry,” natatawang sabi ko at yumakap din dito. “Bro.” Nakangiting sabi niya at
tinapik-tapik pa ang likod ko bago lumayo. Itinuro niya kung saan ang puwesto niya
at may order na siyang pagkain doon. Sumenyas sa isang server at nag-order ng
dalawang beer tapos ay hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi habang nakatingin sa akin.
“For someone that has been fired, you are the only one that I saw happy.”
Natatawang sabi ko. Nagpasalamat ako sa server na nagdala ng mug ng beer sa amin.
Dinampot ko iyon at ganoon din ang ginawa niya tapos ay nag-cheers kaming dalawa
bago uminom.
Pinahid pa niya ang bibig nang matapos uminom bago sumagot. “Of course. At last,
the fucking pain in my ass is gone. It’s over.” Napa-hmm lang ako habang muling
uminom sa hawak kong mug beer. “She’s that kind of pain in the ass?” Ang anak ni
Mr. Rozovsky na si Masha ang tinutukoy ko. “She’s the fucking worst.” Napahinga ng
malalim si Henry. “Kung hindi mo lang talaga pakiusap iyon, I won’t accept that
assignment. Being her bodyguard was like guarding a three-year old kid.” Natawa
ako. “That kind of immature?” “Worst.” Inubos niya ang laman ng iniinom na beer
tapos ay muling nag-order. “Nakakahinayang lang kasi ang laki ng suweldo. Your boss
is so generous too. The last pay that he gave me, he made my salary triple.
Sabagay, sa ginawa ba naman ng anak niya tingin ko kulang pa nga iyon.” Kumunot
ang noo ko. “What did she do?” Nag-order din ako ng isa pang mug ng beer dahil
naubos na ang iniinom ko. “He planted her jewelries in my room. Made it look like
I stole it.” Napapailing si Henry. “So childish move, right? Mr. Rozovsky won’t
believe her. He knows my family. He knows my family’s net worth. He knows why I
chose to be in this kind of job. I just love the adrenalin rush.
You know my father wanted me to be a businessman but I chose to be a cop.”
Natatawang sabi ni Henry na patuloy na umiiling-iling. “She did that?” Hindi ako
makapaniwala na magagawa iyon ni Masha. Sobrang childish move nga. “How old is
she?” “Twenty-one but acts like thirteen. You should see her threw a temper-
tantrum. Mapipikon ka talaga.” Napabuga siya ng hangin. “And with what she did, she
just gave me a very big favor. Matagal ko nang gustong mag-resign doon. Nahihiya
lang talaga ako sa’yo.” “You should have told me. Hindi mo kailangang mahiya. Kung
hindi ka masaya sa ginagawa mo, leave. Ganoon naman tayo.” Napatikhim ako. “So,
what are you doing here?” “I got a job.” Ang ganda ng ngiti ni Henry. “Mr.
Rozovsky made a good recommendation to NCB.” “NCB? Never heard of that.” Muli
akong uminom sa beer na hawak ko. “They are classified but since you are my friend
and I trust you. I’ll tell you about it. National Clandestine Bureau.” “Still
never heard about it.” Umiiling na sabi ko pero ang totoo ay narinig ko na iyon.
National Clandestine Bureau. Mr. Rozovsky has connections in that department and I
knew some people who works there too. “Because they are secret. They work in the
shadows. Alam mo ‘yan.
You used to be a cop. You know that we work with secret intelligence that
government usually covers up.” Muli niyang inubos ang hawak na beer.
“Anyway, I got in thanks to your boss’s positive feedback and recommendation. My
boss gave me a new assignment.” Umayos pa ng upo si Henry at dumukwang sa akin.
“Human smuggling.” Napa-hmm lang ako at hindi sumagot. “And I know you have
connections here. Connections that we could ask for a little bit of info about what
is going on around. The players. The buyers.” Umangat-angat pa ang kilay niya.
Napahinga ako ng malalim. “You know I don’t work with human smugglers. I only deal
with guns and other stuff. No human.” Seryosong sabi ko. “I know. But definitely
your connections know something.” Napakamot ng ulo si Henry. “This is my first case
in this bureau and kailangang kong magpakitang-gilas. Come on. Throw me some bone.
Pang-bawi mo na lang sa akin dahil ilang buwan akong nagtiis na bantayan ang
spoiled princess na ‘yon.” Natawa ako. “That’s your fucking job. Parang hindi ka
naman nasanay sa ganoong trabaho. You guard showbiz people before. Wife and
daughters of prominent people and I think they are no different from Masha.” “Iba
si Masha. Princess from Hell ‘yon. Kahit nga magulang niya tingin ko sumusuko sa
kanya. Ang tigas ng ulo. One-time, tumakas sa akin ‘yan. Nag-party. ‘Tangina,
kulang na lang itaob ko ang buong Metro Manila. Nanginginig pati bayag ko sa takot
dahil baka may mangyari sa kanya. Kargo ko siya at siguradong papatayin ako ng
tatay niya kung may mangyari sa kanya. Pag-uwi, lasing at sabog. Nagkalat ang mga
videos sa soc-med. Kung sino-sino ang ka-make-out. Who knows, how many men shw
had…” napatikhim siya at hindi na itinuloy ang sasabihin at alam ko na ang ibig
sabihin noon. “I have high respect for Mr. Rozovsky but his daughter would
definitely ruin his name.” Hindi ako nakasagot at naalala ko ang mga videos na
ipinakita sa akin ni Matt noong nakaraan. Hindi malabo ang sinasabi ni Henry. Sa
hitsura ba naman ng mga videos ni Masha, malamang she lost count how many men she
had played in bed. Damn kids. “Kaya masaya ako na wala na ako doon. Hindi ko na
responsibilidad ang Masha na ‘yon. Goodluck sa susunod na bodyguard niya. So, ano?
Come on. Give me some connections para may mai-report na ako sa boss ko. Parang ang
istrikto pa naman ng Philippe Macatangay na ‘yon.” “That’s the name of your boss?
Philippe Macatangay?” Natatawang sabi ko at kinuha ang telepono ko tapos ay nag-
dial. Takang nakatingin naman sa akin si Henry habang tumitinidor ng pagkaing nasa
harap namin.
Ang ganda ng ngiti ko nang marinig kong may nag-hello. Inilagay ko sa speaker mode
ang telepono ko para marinig din ni Henry kung sino ang kausap ko. “Busy?” “Who
are you talking to?” Mahinang sabi niya at tinuturo ang telepono ko. Kumumpas lang
ako sa hangin at patuloy na nakipag-usap. Natatawa ang boses ni Philippe
Macatangay nang sagutin ang tawag ko. “Inaanak. May problema?” Lalong nangunot
ang noo ni Henry at nakikinig sa pakikipag-usap ko. “Tuwing may problema lang ba
ako tatawag sa’yo? What if na-miss lang kita? Ninong Philippe Macatangay.” Naibuga
ni Henry ang kinakain niya nang marinig ang sinabi ko.
Nanlalaki ang mata sa akin kaya natatawa ako.
“Wow. Buong-buo, ah.” Ang pagkakabigkas ko ng pangalan ang tinutukoy niya.
“Mukhang may kailangan ang inaanak ko sa akin. What do you need? You father is
fucking with you again?” Sumeryoso na ang tono niya nang sabihin iyon. Doon ko na
inalis sa speaker mode ang telepono ang idinikit na iyon sa tainga ko.
“I’m good. Dad and I are okay.” Pero alam kong alam ni Ninong Philippe na hindi
kami okay ng daddy ko. “I called because I have a friend who is working with you.”
Tumingin ako kay Henry at nanlalaki pa rin ang mata nito. “Henry Ruiz Patel.” “Oh,
the new recruit. Yeah. Why? Something wrong?” “Nothing. Just telling you that he
is my friend and please don’t be too hard on him.” Natatawa si Ninong Philippe.
“Working with me will always be a hard time. How are you working with Stas
Rozovsky? Are you good?” “I am. Very, very good. He is a cool boss.” “I know. He
is a good man just don’t betray him because he could be your worst nightmare.”
Tonong nagpapaalala siya.
Natawa ako. “Tell me about it. All right, I’ll call you again.” “Take care,
Noah.” Ngiting-ngiti ako nang matapos ang pakikipag-usap at nang tingnan ko Henry
ay naghihintay siya na magsalita ako. “What?” natatawang sabi ko sa kanya at
uminom sa nasa harap kong beer. “Philippe Macatangay is your fucking ninong? Why
you didn’t tell me?” “Hindi ka naman nagtatanong. Huwag ka nang mag-aalala. You’re
all good. Ang titindi ng backer mo. Si Stas Rozovsky tapos ako pa inaanak ng boss
mo. Good ka na.. Just don’t fuck up and do your job.” “Kaya mo nga ako tutulungan.
You could point me to some directions where there could be possible human
smugglings happening.
Like… sex clubs? Auction clubs? I know… favorite hang-outs mo iyon.
I remember you went to Play Space. Sumali ka pa ng auction.” “And who told you
about that?” Naikuwento ko ba iyon sa kanya?
“Ikaw. Minsang malasing ka.” Natatawang sabi niya. “Hinayang na hinayang ka doon
sa chick na hindi mo nakuha sa auction.” Kunwa ay sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
“Forget about it.” Napailing ako. “Fine. I’ll tell you some places but you are just
going to investigate, okay? Be discreet. Mahirap nang mapag-initan ako dito.” Ang
ganda ng ngiti ni Henry. “Of course. I’ll just look around. You can come if you
want.” “I have so much job to do. Besides, tapos na ako sa mga stakeouts.
Enjoy your new job,” dinampot ko ang mug ng beer at nakipag-cheers na sa kanya.
Nandito na si Henry. At least hindi na ako masyadong mabo-bored dito.

Quick decisions made in anger always end in regret.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER NINE | RUNAWAY MASHA I was
grounded.

Damn grounded and I hated this life. I couldn’t get to my own unit.
I was stuck in my parents’ house and I couldn’t even use my phone. My dad was not
talking to me. My mom was also pissed at me. I knew it.
Siyempre, magkakampi sila ni Dad. Ako lang naman ang walang kakampi dito.
Tinapunan ko ng tingin ang breakfast na nasa tray na dinala ng staff.
Pancakes. Hot chocolate. Fruits. Ham and sausage. Nakakakalam ng sikmura pero hindi
ko ginalaw. I am on hunger strike. As long as dad was locking me here, I am not
going to eat. But it was freaking boring here. I couldn’t even chat my friends. I
didn’t know what was going on outside. How was Carl? I would even talk to Gelli
even if I still hated her. Or I would endure Wynona’s crazy stories.
I just want to have my life back. I looked at the door when I heard someone
knocked. I immediately went back to my bed and pretended to be asleep when I heard
it open. “Masha.” It was Daci’s voice. Narinig kong isinara na niya ang pinto.
Hindi ako sumagot. “Come on. I know you’re awake.” Naramdaman kong lumundo ang
kama na hinihigaan ko. Hindi pa rin ako sumagot o gumalaw. Narinig ko ang pagtunog
ng kutsara sa plato. Alam kong pinapakialaman ni Daci ang pagkain na naroon. Ubusin
niya kung gusto niya. “Hey,” ngayon ay naramdaman ko nang niyugyog niya ang
balikat ko. “Gising ka naman diyan. I have good news.” “And what is good news in
this house?” Nanatili akong nakasubsob sa unan ko. “You are good to go.”
Napakunot ang noo at napabalikwas na. Nakita kong natatawa ang kakambal kong
nakatingin sa akin. “The hell are you saying?” Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko.
Hindi siya sumagot at may dinukot sa bulsa niya. Iniabot sa akin ang telepono ko.
“Dad’s peace offering.” Hindi ko iyon agad kinuha at tiningnan lang. Pilit niyang
inaabot sa akin. “Ayaw mo?” “What’s the catch?” Dahil sigurado akong hindi ito
basta ibabalik ni Dad sa akin nang walang kapalit. I am sure, Dad would even demand
that I live in this house again. “Nothing. Do what you want to do.” Nahiga pa sa
kama ko si Daci at tumabi sa akin tapos ay nakatingin sa salamin habang pinatungan
ng ulo ang pinagsalikop na kamay. “I don’t believe it. Dad won’t just do something
like that. He was so furious at me.” Tumagilid ako ng higa para makita ko si Daci.
Tumingin sa akin si Daci. “He got hurt because of what you said.” “What did I
say?” Hindi ko maalala sa dami ng sinabi ko ang tinutukoy ni Daci. Tumagilid din
siya ng higa at kama at ngayon ay magkatagilid na kaming dalawa. I was looking at
Daci’s face and I knew his face was different to mine but my twin knew what I was
feeling. When I feel down, he felt it too. When I am sick, he could be sick too.
When I was scared, he was scared too. It was hard to explain but it was like our
lives are connected just like when we were in our mother’s womb. “What’s your
problem?” Seryoso na niyang tanong sa akin. Umiling lang ako at nahiga na. “Tell
me. This is the first time that dad get mad at you. You know dad never gets mad at
you. Ikaw ang favorite n’on.” Napahinga ako ng malalim. “How do you know our
family?” “What do you mean?” Takang tanong niya. Muli akong tumagilid ng higa
para makaharap kay Daci. “I mean, do you know secrets that our parents are keeping
from us?” “Like?” Nakaangat ang kilay na tanong niya. “Like Dad is being a
killer. He killed our grandparents and other people.” Hindi sumagot si Daci pero
hindi ko nakita sa kanya na nagulat siya sa sinabi ko tapos mayamaya ay natawa.
“And where did you hear that gossip? Sa mga taong galit kay Dad?
Of course, those people would spread rumors about him. He is successful.
He is rich. He is powerful. Maraming maiinggit. Mga kalaban niya sa negosyo. And
maybe you forgot that I am a cop. If Dad did that, I’ll be the first one to arrest
him.” Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakatingin lang kay Daci. Tumayo na siya
tapos ay pinilit akong tumayo sa kama. “Twin, everything is fine. Dad is no longer
mad at you. In fact, he told me that you can do whatever you want. You want to
party? Do it hard.
You want to make videos of you doing… wild things… by all means, do it with all
your heart.” “What the hell is going on? Are you sure si Dad ang nagsabi niyan?”
Parang ang imposible ng sinasabi ni Daci. Iyon nga ang pinag-awayan namin ni Dad
tapos ngayon pababayaan akong gawin ang gusto kong gawin? “What is this? Are you
trying to use bad cop, good cop to me?
Dad being the bad cop and you are the good cop?” Natawa si Daci. “And why would I
do that? Are you a suspect?” Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko tapos ay napangiti. “I
hope you understand that all of us cares for you so much. You cannot blame Mom or
Dad to overreact. Wild naman talaga kasi ang nakikitang ginagawa mo. Ang mga video
mo. Tapos ayaw mo pang may bodyguard. You said it’s suffocating.
Hindi ka naman pangkaraniwang tao, Masha. You are the only daughter of Stas
Rozovsky. You are our only sister. Our mom is Sofia Rozovsky.
Kulang na lang pagawan ng rebulto ni Daddy ‘yon. I hope you know what I mean. If
something happens to you, we really can kill someone.” Hindi ako nakasagot at
nakaramdam ako ng guilt feeling sa sinasabi ni Daci. Maybe I really got selfish
that I only think about myself and my happiness and my freedom. I never thought
about the family that cares for me. “Is Dad still mad at me?” Ngayon ako
nakaramdam ng hiya na humarap kay Dad. “Si Dad? Magagalit sa’yo? Parang sinabi mo
na rin na end of the world na. Of course not. He is waiting for you downstairs to
eat with him for breakfast.” “Pero may breakfast na dito.” Itinuro ko ang
breakfast ko na kinain na niya. “May nakahanda din sa baba. Para sa’yo.” Inayos
na ni Daci ang sarili. “Tara sabay na tayong bumaba.” “Sasabay ka ding mag-
breakfast sa amin?” Sabay na kaming lumabas ng kuwarto ni Daci. Umiling siya.
“Kailangan na ako sa station. You know, I need to catch bad guys.” “Baka naman may
mga hot na pulis sa station n’yo. Pakilala mo naman ako. I think cops are hot
except for you,” umasim pa ang mukha ko sa kanya. “I don’t look hot?” Kunwa ay
sumimangot ang mukha niya sa akin.
“So, if I am not hot, hindi ka rin hot. You’re my twin. Kung pogi ako, maganda ka.
Kung sinasabi mong pangit ako, pangit ka din.” Hinampas ko siya sa braso at natawa
na ako sa sinasabi niya kaya nagtatawanan na kaming nagpunta sa dining. Doon ay
naabutan ko si Dad na mag-isa sa mesa. Wala si Mom. Alam ko naman na kapag ganitong
oras ay pupunta na iyon sa orphanage na mina-manage niya. Tinapunan lang ako ng
tingin ni Dad tapos ay itinuon ang tingin sa hawak na telepono. Naka-speaker mode
kasi iyon kaya pati ang sinasabi ng kausap niya ay naririnig namin. “All shipments
are good. Complete and nothing is broken. Patek showed me the photos and reports.
This is good work.” “The next shipment will be next month, Mr. Rozovsky. Mr. Aaron
Kutcher wants to have a meeting with you. I can set up the Zoom meeting so I could
introduce to you our newest partner.” Napatingin ako sa telepono ni Dad. Ang ganda
naman ng boses ng kausap ni Daddy. Buong-buo. Tapos parang ang smart pa mag-deliver
ng mga sinasabi.
“All right. Just let me know when. Talk to you again.” Pinindot na ni Dad ang
telepono tapos ay napahinga ng malalim.
“She’s going to join you for dinner, Dad.” Si Daci ang nagsabi noon at humila pa
ng upuan para paupuin ako. No choice na kaya napilitan na akong gawin iyon. “I’ll
go ahead. I still have a meeting at the station.” Bago pa ako maka-kontra at
mapigilan si Daci ay nagmamadali nang umalis ang kakambal ko. Nakakabingi ang
katahimikan sa pagitan namin ni Dad. Tahimik lang siyang kumakain at hindi ako
tinatapunan ng tingin. Akala ko ba okay na? Sabi ni Daci hindi na galit si Dad.
Bakit ngayon hindi ako pinapansin?
Mayamaya ay dumadating ang isang staff namin na may dalang plato at may dalawang
sunny side up eggs. Nakita ko si Dad na sumenyas dito na ibigay ang plato sa akin.
Inilapag iyon sa harap ko. Pakiramdam ko ay kinurot ang puso ko. Dad always
remembered that this was my favorite breakfast. Hindi puwedeng mawalan ng sunny
side up eggs.
When I was small, he always cooked this for me. He personally fried sunny side up
eggs for my breakfast because he knew I wanted it. Agad na namuo ang luha sa mga
mata ko at napayuko. Mayamaya ay humihikbi na ako. “Why are you crying?”
Seryosong-seryoso ang tono ni Dad. Umiling lang ako at sige singhot at iyak. Nagi-
guilty ako sa mga nasabi ko sa kanya. Nakokonsiyensiya ako sa mga nagawa ko. “Eat.
I heard you are not eating your food.” Malamig pa rin ang tono ni Dad. “I’m sorry,
Dad.” I blurted and cried again. “I’m sorry for saying things to you. I am really
sorry.” Doon na ako humagulgol ng todo. Wala akong narinig na sagot kay Dad at
sigurado akong galit pa rin siya sa akin. Pero mayamaya ay naramdaman kong may
humawak sa balikat ko at nang tingnan ko ay si Dad iyon at nakatayo sa tabi ko.
Malambot na ang anyo ng mukha. Hindi galit sa akin. Doon na ako tumayo at yumakap
ng mahigpit sa kanya tapos ay paulit-ulit na nagsasabi ng sorry. “It’s okay,
munchkin.” Naramdaman kong marahang hinahaplos ni Dad ang likod ko. “You know I’ll
never get mad at you.” Sumisinghot-singhot pa ako na tumingin kay Dad tapos ay
nakangiti lang siya sa akin. Wala na akong makitang galit sa mukha niya. I grew up
seeing this face and I didn’t know what came into me why I believed what I read
about him. Nakangiti na siya ngayon sa akin at muling naupo sa harap ng mesa.
“Come on, munchkin. Eat. I don’t want you to starve.” Itinuro pa niya ang pagkain
ko. Wala pa rin naman akong ganang kumain pero sumubo na rin ako dahil ayaw kong
hindian si Daddy. “I’m sorry about Henry.” Hindi ko magawang tumingin sa kanya.
“He’ll understand.” Iyon lang ang tanging sagot ni Dad. “I already pull out your
two bodyguards. You can also stay in your unit whenever you want. You can use your
car. You can party all night. You can go wherever you want.” Nagtatanong akong
nakatingin sa kanya tapos ay nangingiti lang siyang nakatingin sa akin. “What?”
Hitsurang nagugulat siya na ganito ang ekspresyon ng mukha ko. “Are you sure?”
iyon na lang ang nasabi ko. “You wanted your freedom munchkin, and I am giving it
to you.
You just need to know your limitations and right from wrong.” Napahinga siya ng
malalim. “You are old enough to know what is right from wrong.
You already know who are the right people to trust.” Marahan akong tumango. “You
can trust me on that, Dad.” “But please, no more wild videos.” Tumango lang ako
at tipid na ngumiti sa kanya. Hindi makapaniwala sa sinasabi niya pero masaya ako
at bumalik uli ang tiwala ni Dad sa akin. Nang matapos kaming kumain ay agad na
akong umalis at pumunta sa unit ko. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang saya ko dahil okay na
kami ni Daddy tapos ay hindi na niya ako papakialaman sa mga gagawin ko.
Naka-receive ako ng call galing kay Wynona at sinabing dadalawin niya si Carl.
Sinabi kong dadaanan ko siya para sabay na kaming pumunta. I could have at least,
say sorry to Carl for what happened but I won’t tell that it was my dad’s men beat
him up. Wala na naman si Carl sa hospital. Nag-text sa amin at sa apartment na
niya kami pinapunta ni Wynona. Nang humarap sa amin si Carl ay gusto ko na lang
umalis. Hindi ko akalain na ganito ka-grabe ang ginawang pambubugbog sa kanya. His
face was swollen. Really black and blue. Namumula pa nga ang mata niya. Putok-putok
ang mga labi. Naka-cast ang left arm niya dahil dislocated daw. In his body, there
were so much bruises too. Napahinga ako ng malalim. Mabuti na nga lang sa
pagkukuwento ni Carl, hindi niya alam kung sino ang gumulpi sa kanya.
Ang alam lang niya ay napag-tripan siya sa bar. “Sarap naman at si Masha ang
dumalaw sa akin. Feeling ko importanteng-importante ako,” pinipilit ngumiti ni Carl
sa amin.
Although nakakagalaw na siya, limited pa rin naman iyon dahil sa tindi ng bugbog
niya. Si Wynona ang active sa pag-assist kay Carl. Tingin ko nga ay type ni Wynona
si Carl. “I just want to know that you are okay,” tipid akong ngumiti sa kanya.
Naka-receive ako ng text galing kay Gelli at nagtatanong kung okay na ako at nasaan
ako. Hindi ako nag-reply. Hindi na naman ako galit kay Gelli pero hindi ko pa siya
gustong makausap. Naka-receive din ako ng text galing kay Daci at tinatanong kung
okay na kami ni Daddy at sinabi kong oo. “Pero okay ka na ba talaga?” Tanong ko pa
kay Carl. This time, I was checking my e-mails. Napakunot ang noo ko. Strange,
bakit naka-log out ako? I never logged out from all of my accounts. I was about to
log in when suddenly, my accounts logged in on its own. “Weird.” Sa sarili ko lang
nasabi iyon. “What’s weird?” Si Carl ang nagtanong noon at dahan-dahan pa ang
paglakad na lumapit sa akin. “My e-mail. It logged on its own.” Nakatingin pa rin
ako e-mail ko.
At noon ko napansin na may mga e-mails doon na hindi ko pa nababasa pero naka-mark
as read na. “Shit. Na-hack yata ako.” “Would you mind if I looked at it?” tanong
ni Carl. Ibinigay ko naman sa kanya at tiningnan niya. Seryoso pa nga ang mukha
niya tapos ay ibinalik iyon sa akin. “I think someone can access your e-mails.”
Nakaramdam ako ng kaba although wala namang makikitang kakaiba sa e-mails ko. Next
kong tiningnan ay ang messenger ko. And there I found out messages that I had never
read yet but already marked as seen. “Fuck. Even my messenger.” Ang lakas na ng
kabog ng dibdib ko.
Doon medyo delikado kasi may mga conversation kami ng mga kaibigan ko na sikreto
doon. Napa-oh lang si Carl at maging si Wynona ay nag-aalala na din.
Nagpaalam saglit si Wynona at hiniram ang susi ng kotse ko dahil may naiwan sa
sasakyan ko. Nang bumalik ay kunot ang noo tapos ay sumilip pa sa bintana. “What’s
wrong?” Taka ni Carl. “There’s a car parked outside. When I looked at them and saw
that they were looking at this house, they drove away. Then they are there again,”
nakatingin pa rin si Wynona sa labas.
Sumilip na rin ako maging si Carl. Nang makita ko ang kotseng nakaparada hindi
kalayuan sa apartment ni Carl, nakilala ko ang kotse na iyon. I knew that car was
owned by our family. Katulad na katulad ng mga kotseng ginagamit ng mga security ni
Dad na ginagamit sa Fire Palace hotel. “What the hell?” nag-iisip ako. Ano ang
ginagawa noon dito?
“Is someone following you?” Tanong ni Carl sa akin at nakisilip na din sa bintana.
Umiling ko. “No. My dad promised me…” hindi ko naituloy ang sasabihin ko tapos ay
napatingin sa phone ko. May nag-message sa messenger at si Mommy iyon. Are you
sure you know where she’s going now?
Iyon ang nabasa ko tapos biglang unsent. Pakiramdam ko ay nanginginig ang kamay
ko habang nakatingin sa unsent message ni Mommy. Tingin ko ay nagkamali lang ng
send at hindi talaga para akin ang message na iyon. Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko
tapos ay mabilis akong lumabas at pinuntahan ang kotseng nakaparada malapit sa
apartment ni Carl. And to my surprise, these were the same men that dad sent to
guard my unit the last time. “What are you doing here?” I said that in between my
teeth. Tingin ko ay wala nang magawa ang mga ito dahil nakita ko at pinuntahan. “My
dad said I am free. You are no longer needed to follow me.” Nagtinginan ang dalawa
tapos ang nakaupo sa driver’s side ang tumingin sa akin. “This is your father’s
order, Miss Rozovsky. We are just following orders.” Malamig na sagot sa akin ng
lalaki. “He said I don’t need bodyguards. Why are you here?” Napipikon na talaga
ako. Ano ‘to? Inuuto lang ba ako ng daddy ko? Sinasabing bahala na ako sa buhay but
behind my back he was going to follow me?
Naisip ko ang mga emails ko. Ang mga soc-med accounts ko. I knew dad knew people
who could hack things online and I didn’t want to think that he was the one doing
this to me. I trust my dad. “We are just following orders.” Matigas na sagot ng
lalaki at iniiba na ang tingin sa akin. Napasigaw ako at padabog na bumalik sa
apartment ni Carl.
Nagtatanong ang tingin nila sa akin ni Wynona nang pabagsak akong naupo sa couch
tapos ay isinubsob ko ang mukha sa isang throw pillow at doon sumigaw nang sumigaw.
“Are you okay?” alanganing tanong ni Carl. “No.” Naiiyak na sabi ko at idina-dial
ko ang number ni Dad. Ilang rings bago ako sagutin ng daddy ko. “What is this?”
punong-puno ng frustration na tanong ko. “What’s wrong, munchkin?” Punong-puno ng
pag-aalala ang tono ni Dad. “You know what’s wrong.” Naiiyak na sabi ko. “I
thought we’re okay. I thought you’re going to give me my freedom. How come, your
men are outside of my friend’s house. You’re still following me? There’s something
wrong with my email. With my social media accounts. Are you hacking my accounts,
Dad?” Hindi agad nakasagot si Daddy. Narinig kong napahinga ng malalim tapos ay
mahinang napamura tapos ay naririnig ko sa background na mayroong kinakausap.
Tonong nagtatalo. Sigurado akong si Mommy iyon. “Munchkin, I hope you do
understand-“ “Damn it!” Naibulalas ko. “It’s true. Pati ako na anak mo ganoon ang
gagawin mo? You are hacking my accounts? You are reading my private emails? My
private messages? Ano ang nangyari sa usapan natin kanina? Ano ang nangyari sa
freedom ko na ibinibigay mo? You promised me.” “Munchkin,” tingin ko ay hirap na
hirap mag-explain si Daddy.
“Munchkin, we are just-“ “I hate you.” Putol ko sa sinasabi niya. “I hate you. I
hate our family.
I hate being a Rozovsky.” Hindi ko na hinintay na marinig ang sasabihin ni Dad at
ini-end ko ang tawag niya. Ini-off ko pa ang telepono ko para hindi niya matawagan.
Iyak ako nang iyak. Sinasabi ko na. Too good to be true ang sinasabi ni Dad na
hindi na niya ako papakialaman. I am sure Mom knew about it.
Even Daci. Those people that I trusted. Ganoon ba sila kawalang-tiwala sa akin?
“Hey,” tumabi sa akin si Carl. “Huwag ka nang umiyak.” Nakita kong naaawa din ang
tingin sa akin ni Wynona. Umiiling-iling lang ako. “I don’t want to go home. Gusto
kong matakasan ‘yang mga tao sa labas. Those are my father’s men. I hate them.”
Napahinga ng malalim si Carl. “I can help you runaway.” Punong-puno ng luha ang
mga mata kong tumingin sa kanya.
Tumingin siya sa amin ni Wynona at napangiti tapos ay napakibit-balikat.
“I have a flight to Las Vegas tonight. I can take you with me and Wynona.” Hindi
ako sumagot at sumisinghot na nakatingin lang sa kanya tapos ay napailing ako.
“That’s impossible. My passport is in my apartment. I am sure those men outside
will follow me and they are going to report it to my father.
My family would find out.” “Who says you need a passport?” Nang tumingin ako kay
Carl ay nakangiti na siya. “I’ll be flying private. I know people who can do that.
We can enter Las Vegas without documents. I’ve been doing that all the time. If I
am bored here, I travelled abroad skipping the long lines of immigration and
securities.” Nagkibit-balikat pa siya. “You can do that?” Tingin ko ay bumilib si
Wynona sa narinig na sinabi ni Carl.
“Yeah.” Tumatango pang sabi niya. “Just last week I was in California. I stayed
for three days then come back here.” “Wow. Ginagawa mo lang BGC-Makati ang
Pilipinas at California.” Tumingin pa sa akin si Wynona at nakita ko ang excitement
sa mga mata ng kaibigan ko. “Maybe you just need to cool down. A few days then
come back. A few days away from your family would definitely give them some time to
think and then when you comes back, you can talk to them.” nakangiti pa ring sabi
ni Carl sa akin. Pinahid ko ang luha ko. nakokonsiyensiya ako sa nakikita kong
hitsura niya na alam kong kagagawan ng Daddy ko pero ang bait pa rin niya. “You
can’t blame them. They are your parents. They just want to know our safety but I do
understand that, sometimes it’s suffocating.” Dugtong pa niya.
“What time are we leaving?” Buo ang loob na tanong ko. Ang ganda ng ngiti ni
Carl. “Later. Susunduin ako dito ng driver ko then hatid tayo sa private hangar sa
airport. Don’t worry. This travel is clean. Pang-alis stress lang talaga.” Bumaling
siya kay Wynona. “Are you coming with us?” Sunod-sunod ang tango ni Wynona.
“Siyempre. Hindi ako magpapaiwan.” “Cool. You don’t need to bring clothes or
anything. Just yourself.
We will travel like free bird. This is the freedom that you really wanted.” Kumuha
ng papel at ballpen si Carl at iniabot sa akin. “Send me your full names and I am
going to send it to my contact for the manifest list.” Inagaw na iyon ni Wynona at
ito na ang nagsulat. Isinulat na rin ang pangalan ko at ibinigay kay Carl. Nakita
kong nagpipindot sa telepono niya si Carl tapos ay napangiti at muling tumingin sa
amin. “All set. We are just going to wait for my driver and we will fly.” Hindi
ako sumagot at napahinga na lang ng malalim. In my mind I was thinking, I needed
this to get away from my family for a little while. I needed to be alone and free
from being a Rozovsky.

The strongest people make time to help others, even if they’re struggling with
their own personal demons.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TEN | PRIVATE PLANE NOAH

“Tell me again why I am here?” Pahilata ang upo ko sa kotse ko na pinilit ni

Henry na gamitin namin ngayon. At ayaw ko sana kung hindi lang ako kinulit ng isang
ito. I told him to rent for his own car but he insisted he wanted to use mine. The
brand-new car that Mr. Rozovsky gifted me. Gusto daw niyang ma-try i-drive ang
Aston Martin. I didn’t let him. No one could drive my car. Ako lang. That was my
only rule when it comes to my car. “Because you are my friend and friends help
their friends.” Ganoon din ang ginawa niya at pahilata din ang upo sa passenger
side ng kotse.
Napailing ako at napahinga ng malalim tapos ay inis kong kinuha ang bag ng chips na
nasa dashboard ng kotse. “You know I am done with this kind of shit. Pang-PO1 lang
ang ganito. Entry level. I am a goddamn police chief of my fucking station and my
men are reporting to me. My men do things for me. My men-“ “And where are your
men?” Tinapunan na ako ng tingin ni Henry tapos ay umasim ang mukha. “You don’t
have any men now, Police Chief Noah Amell Feliciano.” Nang-aasar ang tono niya.
“You are no longer a Police Chief. Maybe you forgot that you resigned and you chose
to be the man working for the devil himself. You chose the bad side.” Tonong
nagpapaalala si Henry at si Stas Rozovsky ang tinutukoy niya. Sinamaan ko siya ng
tingin at painis ang paraan ko ng pagbukas ng chips tapos ay kumuha doon at isinubo
sa bibig ko. Exaggerated ang paraan ko ng pagnguya. Talagang sinasadya kong
paingayin iyon na alam kong ikakairita ni Henry.
“Ang ingay naman.” Pareho kaming napalingon ni Henry sa backseat at doon tumayo
si Matt. Pupungas-pungas pa na pumuwesto sa gitna namin ni Henry. Hindi kami
sumagot. Si Henry ay nanatiling nakatingin sa labas at ako ay nagpatuloy sa
pagkain. “Penge.” Bago pa ako makakilos ay naagaw na ni Matt sa akin ang supot ng
chips at ito na ang kumain noon sa likod. Kung kanina ay ako ang nang-iinis kay
Henry sa ingay ng pagkain ng chips, ngayon ay ako na ang naiinis dahil ang ingay
kumain ni Matt. “Bakit ka kasi sumabit pa dito?” inis kong tanong kay Matt at
umayos ako ng upo. “Bakit? Siyempre, sasama ako sa’yo. Ikaw ang boss-amo ko. Saka
gusto ko ding makakita ng totoong police action. Parehong pulis ang kasama ko.
Mamaya magkaroon ng barilan. Habulan. Tamang-tama ang lugar. Airport. ‘Di ba sa mga
action scenes ganoon? Parang ‘yong John Wick. ‘Yong part one, ha. The best ‘yon.
‘Yong habulan sa airport.” “Kapag nagkaroon ng habulan dito, ikaw ang unang
mamamatay.” Nanatiling nakatingin sa labas si Henry.
“Bakit ako?” Ngumuya pa ng chips si Matt. “Hindi n’yo natatanong dati akong action
star.” Pareho kaming muling napatingin kay Matt tapos ay nagkatinginan kami ni
Henry. Pareho kaming nagpipigil na matawa. “Ayaw n’yo maniwala?” Pinagpag pa ni
Matt ang kamay sa pantalon niya.
“Damn it, Matt. Ang kalat mo. Nadudumihan ang kotse ko.” Reklamo ko sa kanya.
Hindi niya ako pinansin. “Dati, child star ako. Sinasama ako ni Mommy sa mga
auditions. Sa commercial. Nag-apply nga din ako sa Star Circle.” “Nakuha ka
naman?” Walang interes na tanong ni Henry at nanatiling nakatingin sa runway ng
airport. Tinitingnan ang mga bumababa at lumilipad na mga eroplano doon.
“Siyempre. Itong pogi ko na ‘to. Fantasy movie ‘yon. Ako ‘yong duwende na tinapakan
ng higante.” Proud pang sabi ni Matt.
Natawa ako sa sinabing iyon ni Matt at napailing. Matt was really a nuisance but
definitely he was light of the party. Sa ingay ng bibig ng taong ito at sa dami ng
kuwento na minsan hindi ko alam kung totoo na, nawawala ang pagka-homesick ko. Ang
dami pang kuwento ni Matt bago dumating sa kuwento niya na naging action star daw
siya. Pinabayaan lang namin ni Henry. Bawas boredom din kasi. Kaya naman ako nahila
ni Henry dito na sumama ay dahil wala na rin akong trabahong gagawin pa. Last
shipments for Mr.
Rozovsky were shipped yesterday. Walang problema at natuwa pa sa akin si Mr.
Rozovsky. For sure may bonus na naman. And my father stopped bugging me. He stopped
calling me and that was a relief. At least tinigilan na niya ako. Mag-enjoy na lang
siya sa mga bagong partners niya. So, here I was. Tagging along with this wannabe
James Bond and wannabe action star. Kaya tatlo kami dito na naghihintay sa kung
anong hinihintay ni Henry. Ang sabi lang niya sa akin, those people that I told him
to investigate got a hit. There was an unnamed flight coming tonight from Las Vegas
and from there he would find that there were women to be smuggled to a sex club. At
kaya din daw niya ako isinama, ako na ang may experience sa mga sex clubs. Wala pa
ring katigil-tigil ang bibig ni Matt nang tumunog ang telepono ni Henry. Pare-
pareho kaming napatahimik at sinagot niya iyon.
Hindi siya sumasagot at nakikinig lang sa sinasabi ng kausap tapos ay napangiti at
nagsabi ng copy. “The private plane from Las Vegas will land anytime. Galing daw
ng Philippines ‘yon. And this plane has so much secret to tell.” Kandahaba pa ang
leeg ni Henry sa pagtingin sa runway kahit wala pa namang mga eroplanong bumababa
doon. “What kind of secret? Drugs? Illegal guns? That’s no longer a secret in my
line work. Working with the Rozovskys, I encountered so many illegal transactions
almost every day.” Lalo pa akong nagpahilata ng upo sa driver’s seat.
Tinapunan ni Henry ng tingin si Matt na wala nang pakialam sa akin at nakatingin sa
telepono nito. Lumapit pa sa akin si Henry para lalo kong marinig ang sasabihin
niya. “Women.” Mahinang sabi niya.
Nagtatakang tumingin ako sa kanya. “What?” “The private plane that is coming. It
has women inside.” “And? That supposed to be shocking to us? Of course, puwedeng
may mga pasaherong babae doon.” Napakamot ako ng ulo. “You know I already vouched
you for Ninong Philippe and he expect you to deliver real reports. Ano ba ‘tong
ginagawa mo, Henry?” Napailing siya at hitsurang nainis sa akin. “You don’t
understand.
That private plane carries smuggled women. They are going to be trafficked. They
will be sold to sex clubs. They will become sex slaves.
We are going to deal with human traffickers here.” Doon nakuha ni Henry ang
atensiyon ko. “Is your intel legit? Baka naman ginu-goodtime ka niyang nag-report
sa’yo.” Kinuha niya ang telepono at may ipinakitang pangalan sa akin.
Nabasa kong Van Collins ang pangalan na naka-register doon na huling tumawag sa
kanya. And I knew that name. That was my contact in the airport every time I would
have shipments to be shipped outside the country. And with that name, I am sure
Henry’s intel would be legit. “Sino daw ang contact diyan?” Kahit paano ay
nakaramdam ako ng kaba. Baka involved ang tatay ko dito. Alam kong human smuggling
na ang tina-trabaho ng tatay ko ngayon. Ipinagmamalaki pa nga sa akin iyon. “Fil-
Am’s. I don’t know he full details yet. Although Van sent me the flight number. The
plane would be under radar. Pagkababa dito, deretsong dadalhin na ang mga babae sa
sex club. Have you heard of The Erotic Vault? Doon ang next destination pagkagaling
dito ng mga babae.” “Yeah. It’s in downtown. I have contacts there and they are
legit.
Women who work there have permits.” Sagot ko. Ayaw ko nang alamin pa iyon ni Henry
kaya sinabi kong maayos ang sex club na iyon. But the truth, The Erotic Vault was
bad news and it would be bad if Henry started sniffing around that club. The owner,
Charles Finlay was known to be a human trafficker in this area. He got connections
from Asia, Mexico, Russia and even Middle East. And Charles Finlay was a cold-
blooded killer too. Muli ay tumunog ang telepono ni Henry. Sinagot niya iyon tapos
ay nakikinig sa kausap. Pagka-end ng call ay isinuot niya ang seatbelt at sinabihan
akong mag-drive. “Hangar three. Kakalapag lang ng private plane. We wait outside
and we will follow the van.” Sabi ni Henry. Damang-dama ko ang excitement sa boses
niya. Oo nga naman. Once na na-prove niya na totoo ang intel sa kanya, good shot
siya nito sa bagong boss niya.
Napahinga na lang ako ng malalim at ikinabit din ang seatbelt ko tapos ay nag-drive
paalis doon. Malapit lang naman ang hangar na sinabi niya at pumarada ako medyo my
kalayuan doon pero siniguro kong makikita namin kung ano ang nangyayari sa paligid
kahit sa loob ng hangar. Mula sa sasakyan ay nakita kong may private plane na
kahihinto lang doon. Tiningnan ni Henry ang aircraft number at ang cellphone niya
at sinabi sa akin na iyon ang eroplanong hinihintay namin. Mayamaya ay nakita
naming bumukas ang pinto ng eroplano. May dalawang lalaki ang bumaba na may mga
hawak na baril. At hindi pangkaraniwan ang mga baril na iyon. Those were high grade
ammunitions. Sunod na bumaba ay mga babae na nakatali ang mga kamay tapos at may
nakatabon ng itim na tela sa ulo ng mga ito. Lima ang nakita namin na bumaba doon
tapos ay dalawang lalaki ang huling bumaba galing sa private plane. Ang isa ay
bugbog-sarado ang hitsura at tingin ko, ang lalaking iyon ang pinaka-boss ng mga
ito.
Nakikita namin na inuutusan ng mga ito ang mga babae. May dumating na van at
pinasakay doon ang mga babae. Nang umandar iyon ay sinabihan ako ni Henry na sundan
namin. ‘Tangina, nandito na ito kaya ganoon na din ang ginawa ko. Siniguro kong
hindi maghihinala ang sinusundan namin. I knew those people were professionals.
They could easily spot if they were being followed. Mga praning ang mga iyon.
Walang katigil-tigil si Matt sa kakatanong kung sino ang sinusundan namin. Hindi
namin sinasagot ni Henry. Kalabit pa nga ng kalabit. Tingin ko ay napikon na si
Henry sa ingay ni Matt kaya sinunggaban niya ito sa leeg tapos ay may pinisil doon.
Natawa ako at hindi na tiningnan ang ginawa ni Henry. I knew what he did. He just
put Matt too sleep.
“Ang ingay kasi.” Umayos na ng upo si Henry at tinapunan ng tingin si Matt. Natawa
lang ako at itinuon ang pansin sa minamaneho ko. Tama nga ang intel ni Henry. Doon
nga sa sex club na The Erotic Vault huminto ang van. Sa likod ng club ito pumuwesto
tapos ay naunang bumaba ang lalaking bugbog ang mukha. Pumasok sa loob ng club at
nang lumabas ay kasunod na si Charles. Sumilip sa loob ng van si Charles tapos ay
nag-uusap sila ng lalaki. Mayamaya ay pinababa na ang mga babae na nanatiling may
tabon ng itim na tela ang ulo at mga nakatali pa rin.
Pinapasok sila sa loob ng club. “What do we do now?” Dama ko ang pag-aalala sa
boses ni Henry.
Alam kong gusto na niyang lumabas dito at sundan at iligtas ang mga babaeng iyon
pero alam din niyang delikado at siguradong magkakaroon ng malaking gulo kapag
ginawa niya iyon. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, kailangan ng matinding plano. Kailangan
na pag-isipan mabuti at i-execute ang plano ng tama. Dahil isang mali lang,
siguradong tapos ang buhay ng mga babaeng iyon. Pati na kami. Those human smugglers
won’t think twice to kill those women to tie their loose ends. Napahinga ako ng
malalim tapos ay naiiling na tumingin kay Henry.
“This is your gig. Bakit ako ang tinatanong mo?” “This is your turf, kaya alam mo
kung paano ako magta-trabaho dito.
If you are going to ask me, I wanted to follow and save those women but I know if I
do that, it would just end in a bloodbath and those women will be the first
casualties.” Damang-dama ko ang frustration ni Henry. Ngayon ay nakita kong
umaandar na ang van at papalayo na doon.
Sumilip pa ako sa labas ng club. Sarado na ang pinto kaya mahina akong napamura.
Ini-atras ko ang kotse at pumarada sa paradahan ng mga VIP sa club. Ilang beses
akong huminga ng malalim tapos ay bumaba.
Sumunod din sa akin si Henry tapos ay tiningnan si Matt na tulog na tulog sa
backseat. “Let me do the talking.” Iyon ang sabi ko kay Henry at nauna ng naglakad.
Nang makarating kami sa pinto ng club ay agad akong hinarang ng isang bouncer pero
nakilala ako ng isa at inabutan ko ng one hundred dollars. Agad kaming pinapasok at
deretso kami sa loob. The club was full of patrons. Just like Danny Rozovsky’s Play
Space club before in Manila. This place was full of people enjoying their sexual
desires without judgment. “Wow.” Iyon lang ang nabanggit ni Henry sa likuran ko.
“This place smells of sex.” “Of course. This is a sex club.” Tanging sabi ko at
dumeretsong naglakad. Sa bar area kami pumuwesto ni Henry tapos ay tinawag ko ang
isang waiter at sinabi kong sabihin kay Charles Finlay na naroon ako.
Hindi naman kami nagtagal ni Henry at bumabalik ang waiter sa akin.
Pinapunta kami sa private office ni Charles. “This is going to be huge.” Bulong ni
Henry sa akin. “Just shut your mouth and let me do talking.” Muli ay paalala ko sa
kanya. Nang makarating kami sa opisina ni Charles ay may dalawang bodyguard ang
nakatayo doon tapos ay binuksan ang pinto at pinapasok kami. “Noah,” nakangiti agad
si Charles at tumayo mula sa kinauupuan nito tapos ay lumapit sa akin. Yumakap pa
ng mahigpit at tinapik-tapik ang likod ko. Ipinakilala ko dito si Henry na
nakipagkamay naman. Ang ganda ng ngiti ni Charles. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang mainit
na pagtanggap sa amin. “How’s my favorite carrier?” Natawa ako. Iyon ang tawag niya
sa akin dahil sa trabaho ko dito.
Kahit naman nagta-trabaho ako kay Mr. Rozovsky, mayroon pa rin akong mga ilang
personal na trabaho dito. If the price was right, I was willing to transport things
for rich people. The last job I had with Charles was ten kilos of marijuana from
Mexico to be travelled here in San Francisco to his club. It was a high-risk
transaction but with my vast connections with the police force and other agencies,
I easily delivered the package to Charles. “My friend Henry is looking for some
entertainment.” Nakangiting sabi ko. Bumalik na sa upuan niya si Charles. “Are you
not entertained with what you saw outside? Free sex. On the house.” Tumingin ako
kay Henry na pilit ng pilit ang ngiti. Sinisenyasan akong magsalita. “He wants
something new. Something like choosing for the woman he would like to fuck.
Something like-“ “An auction.” Putol ni Charles sa sinasabi ko. Lalong lumapad ang
ngiti ko at tumango. “Yeah. Something like that.” Napapailing-iling si Charles na
ang ganda din ng ngiti. “We have a new batch to be auctioned tonight. Fresh meat
from Manila, Japan and China. All Asians. What does your friend prefer? Americans?
Russians?” Hindi agad ako nakasagot. Sa kalooban ko ay nagsisimulang kumulo ang
dugo. Charles was a good payer but for him, women were just like a commodity that
can be sold for a price. “Asians would be fine.” Sagot ni Henry. “All right. My
staff outside will give you a number and they will tell you what to do next.”
Tumingin sa akin si Charles. “I have a special tonight. She’s from Manila and I am
sure once I auctioned her, she will definitely cost millions of dollars.” Kumindat
pa sa akin si Charles. Gumanti ako ng pilit na ngiti sa kanya tapos ay nagpaalam
na. Halos hilahin ko palabas doon si Henry. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi ako makahinga sa
pinipigil kong inis na nabubuhay sa dibdib ko. “Do I need to tell my boss about
this? I mean, I didn’t expect that our stakeout would end in this.” Dama ko ang
pag-aalala ni Henry.
Napailing din ako. Siguradong magkakagulo kapag nalaman ito ng bureau ni Henry.
Isa pa, marami ding connection sa police force si Charles. Ang magagawa na lang
namin ngayon ay ang sumunod sa agos.
“Let’s stay put. Let’s wait what will happen next. For now, we focus.
At least we have an access to the auction. From there, we will know what to do
next.” Iyon na alng ang nasabi ko. Tumango na lang si Henry at napabuga ng hangin.
Alam kong kinakabahan din siya.
Fuck it. Hindi ko na dapat trabaho ‘to pero nandito na ito. I would just wait for
that damn auction then save those women and I am done helping Henry.

A bad decision is like throwing a stone into a pond. You can never fully undo the
ripples it creates

- Unknown ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER ELEVEN | FLIGHT OR

FIGHT MASHA

“We are going to leave in fifteen minutes.” Pareho lang kaming nakatingin ni
Wynona kay Carl na busy sa pakikipag-usap sa piloto ng private plane at ibang
makakasama sa flight na ito. Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib. Unang-una dahil sa
ginawa naming pagtakas kanina sa mga bodyguards ko na nasa harap ng bahay ni Carl.
Tapos pangalawa ay nandito na kami sa airport para umalis papuntang Las Vegas. A
part of my mind was telling me not to go. Something was telling me that this was a
bad idea and something bad might happen. But I remembered, I always had that hunch
every time I was doing some things but I am still doing it anyway and nothing bad
had happened. My life mantra, I am going to live once, I am going to be this young
once, might as well I would enjoy my life to the fullest. So, this kind of
adventure that Carl was offering to me was a once in a lifetime experience. Ibang
klase ang excitement na dala nito sa akin kahit nga kay Wynona. Kitang-kita ko sa
mukha ng kaibigan ko na nai-excite din siya. Imagine going to a different country
without anything. We didn’t have passports, clothes. It was just ourselves. Pati
nga ang phones namin ay kinuha ni Carl. Para daw talagang hindi ako masundan ng mga
tao ni Daddy kung gusto ko talagang mag-unwind malayo sa pamilya ko.
Sabi pa ni Carl, this was just making a statement to my father. That I was old
enough to know what I wanted. And freedom and independence were what I wanted so
here I am. Flying thousands of miles away from home away from my prying family.
I felt deceived by my father. By my twin. I am sure Daci knew about Dad’s plan.
They would make a fool out of me and make me believe that they would let me do what
I wanted. Oo nga naman. Bakit ko iisipin na gagawin nila iyon kung sariling pamilya
ko sila? I trusted them the most that was why this was a low blow when I found out
that they were stalking me. And to find out that my father was behind that, I was
really heartbroken. Mabuti na lang mabait si Carl. Sobrang nagi-guilty talaga ako
sa ginawa ng mga bodyguards ni Daddy sa kanya. Mabuti nga at nakakakilos na siya.
Bugbog na bugbog lang ang hitsura pero nakakagalaw naman ng maayos. Abalang-abala
siya sa pakikipag-coordinate para sa flight na ito. “Ang sakit ng tiyan ko,”
bulong sa akin ni Wynona pero natatawa.
“That’s excitement.” Natatawang sagot ko dahil ganoon din ang nararamdaman ko.
Umayos pa kami ng upo ni Wynona at tumingin ako sa paligid. This was like our
family’s private plane. Mas malaki nga lang iyon but still, this was still private.
May isang babaeng flight attendant tapos ay tatlong mga kasama pa ni Carl. Nang
umakyat si Carl ay sinabing aalis na kami. Nagsi-puwesto na sa kanya-kanyang upuan
ang mga kasama niya at siniguro pa ni Carl na nakakabit ang seatbelts namin ni
Wynona. Lalo nang lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko nang umandar ang eroplano. Nang
maramdaman kong nag-take off na, I knew this was going to change everything against
my family but who cares. This was me rebelling to what they did to me. Nang nasa
ere na kami ay nakita kong tumayo si Carl at tumungo sa likod. Kausap ang ibang mga
lalaking kasama niya doon. Seryosong-seryoso ang usapan nila tapos ay may
tinitingnan sila sa telepono. Nang makita ni Carl na nakatingin ako sa gawi nila ay
agad siyang ngumiti sa akin tapos ay sinabihan si Wynona kung puwedeng lumipat ng
upuan at tatabi sa akin. Alam kong ayaw ni Wynona pero walang magawa kaya sumunod
na lang. Ang ganda ng ngiti ni Carl nang tumabi sa akin. “Are you feeling okay?”
Ngiting-ngiti siya.
Napahinga ako ng malalim. “Of course not. I… I have this feeling inside you know…
kind of guilt because this is the first that I ran away from home.” “That’s
normal. Ganyan din ang nararamdaman ko kapag tumatakas din ako noon sa bahay. Pag-
uwi ko magagalit ang parents ko tapos sa kadalasan kong ginagawa, nasanay na lang
din sila. Don’t worry, your parents will get used to it. Magagalit ngayon tapos
mamaya hindi na.
Parents are like that. Hindi tayo matitiis.” Natatawang sabi ni Carl.
Sumenyas pa si Carl sa flight attendant at pagbalik ng babae ay may dala na itong
baso na may lamang white wine. Pinagbibigyan kami. Tinanggap ko naman at ininom. I
needed this to calm myself. Siguro ay dala na rin ng pagod at kung ano-anong pag-
iisip, mayamaya lang ay naramdaman kong bumibigat ang mga mata ko at nakatulog ako.
Hindi ko na alam kung gaano katagal pero pagmulat ko ng mata ay nakahinto na ang
plane. Nang tumingin ako sa paligid ay kami na lang ni Wynona ang naroon na tulog
din. Nang sinubukan kong tumayo mula sa kinauupuan ko, noon ko napansin na may
nakakabit sa mga kamay ko. What the fuck was this?
Handcuffs.
“What the fuck?” Sa sarili ko lang nasabi iyon at talagang nakaposas ako sa
kinauupuan ko. Natataranta akong tumingin sa paligid at noon ko napansin na katulad
ko, nakaposas din si Wynona sa kinauupuan niya.
Luminga-linga ako sa paligid. Nasaan si Carl? ‘Yong flight attendant? ‘Yong ibang
mga kasama namin. Ang lakas-lakas ng kaba ko sa takot at lalo akong kinabahan nang
bumukas ang pinto at si Carl ang pumapasok doon. He was smiling at me. But not
like before, his smile was different this time. His eyes looking at me had this
eerie look that I had never seen before. “C-Carl, help me. Please remove these
cuffs?” Tumunog pa ang posas nang subukan kong galawin ang mga kamay ko. Pero
hindi sumagot si Carl at tumingin lang sa pinto ng plane.
Mayamaya ay may umakyat na lalaki at ngayon ay may nakasukbit nang baril sa katawan
nito tapos ay may nakasunod na tatlong babae na mga may taklob ang ulo ng itim na
tela at nakatali ang mga kamay. Pinaupo ang mga ito doon. I could hear their
mumbled cries. I am sure, inside that black cloth that was covering their heads,
their mouths were taped shut too. I saw one man went to Wynona. Even if my friend
was still unconscious, the man put duct tape to cover her mouth then covered her
head with black cloth too. “Don’t worry. They’ll put something like that on you
too,” kaswal na sabi ni Carl na ngayon ay nakatabi na uli sa akin. Panay ang pindot
niya sa telepono at walang pakialam na kinakabahan ako. “C-Carl, what is this?
What the fuck is this?” Naiiyak na tanong ko at tumitingin pa rin sa paligid. I
knew in my mind that I fucked up.
Something bas was going on. “This is a good job.” Inutusan niya ang mga taong
kasama doon na ayusin ang ibang mga babae na isuot ang seatbelt ng mga ito. Kung
kanina ay tiwalang-tiwala ako kay Carl, ngayon ay natatakot na ako sa kanya.
Now I realized what my father told me before.
Carl was bad news. Naramdaman kong umaandar na ang sinasakyan naming eroplano.
Naramdaman kong pa-take off na naman kami sa ere. Natataranta akong tumingin sa
paligid at kahit nakaposas ako sa kinauupuan ko ay pinipilit kong tumayo. Nang
tumingin ako sa labas ng bintana, nakita ko ang madilim na paligid at ang mailaw na
Las Vegas Strip. Namumuo ang luha ko sa takot at muling tumingin kay Carl.
“Carl, what is this? What are you doing? W-we just… t-that is L-Las Vegas Strip.
You said we are going to Las Vegas.” Nanginginig sa kaba ang boses ko. Tumawa si
Carl. “And we landed at Las Vegas just like I promised.
But we are going somewhere.” Hindi nawawala ang mala-demonyong ngitiniya. “You know
what, I know you are pretty, sexy but you are fucking stupid.” Naiiling na sabi
niya. “Don’t you know what is going on?
I am taking you somewhere. Somewhere where I can have a use of you.” Tumingin siya
ng nakakaloko sa akin. “You are so gullible, Masha Rozovsky. You should have
believed your dad. Monsters are lurking everywhere.” Agad na tumulo ang luha ko
habang nakatingin sa kanya. “I trusted you, Carl.” Napapiyok pa ako. “Don’t do
this. If my father finds out that-“ “If your father can still find you.” Putol
niya sa sinasabi ko. “Do you think I will allow your family to still find you?
Parang sinabi mo na rin na patayin ko ang sarili ko. No one knows where you are
now, princess.
Definitely, your family will think that you ran away and you will never come back.
And I’ll make sure to continue that drama.” “Fuck you,” nanginginig ang boses ko
sa galit at sa takot na nararamdaman ko. “Damn you! Fucking monster! My dad was
right about you!” Muli siyang tumawa. “You should have believed your dad.
Unfortunately, you are never going to see him or any of your family again.” Lalo
siyang dumikit sa akin. “Did you know that men who are excited to see you?”
Kumunot ang noo ko. “What are you talking about?” “When they heard that a Rozovsky
is up for the auction, they are cramming like wild dogs.” Kinuha niya ang telepono
niya tapos ay inilagay iyon sa camera at itinapat sa mukha ko at kinunan ako ng
picture.
Ipinakita pa niya iyon sa akin at naroon ang litrato kong umiiyak at kitang-kita
ang takot sa mukha. “This is fucking perfect. The raw fear in your face, fucking
perfect. I’ll send this to the bidders.” Nagpipindot sa telepono niya si Carl at
hindi inaalis ang ngiti sa labi. “My dad should have killed you.” Umiiyak pa ring
sabi ko. “Yeah. Dapat ginawa niya.” Sumama ang tingin niya sa akin.
“Dapat sinigurado niya na patay na ako noong pinagbugbog niya ako. You think I
don’t know that your father was behind my beating?” Ngumiti siya ng maasim sa akin.
“Pero okay lang. It’s all worth it. Millions of dollars naman ang kapalit ng bugbog
na iyon. Thanks to you.” “Carl…” punong-puno ng pakiusap ang boses ko. “Please,
stop this.
Don’t do this. T-there’s still a chance to go back. I-I am not going to tell my
father about this. Please, I want to go home.” “I am just giving you what you
want, Masha. Freedom.
Independence. You are going to have it all. You see, these men that are fighting to
have you in their beds are willing to spend millions just to have you. Isn’t that
what you want? Attention? Men crawling to your feet?” Umiiling ako. Ngayon ay
naghihisterikal na ako. Sigaw na ako nang sigaw kaya tingin ko ay napikon na sa
akin si Carl. Sinenyasan niya ang isang lalaki doon at nilagyan ng duct tape ang
bibig ko. I was mumbling against the duct tape. I was looking around. Memorizing
the faces around me so I could tell the authorities what they looked like if they
found me. If they could still find you. That was my mind told me. I felt sorry
for myself but I couldn’t blame anyone but myself too. I let my emotions to take
over me and took the chance to ran away from my family. I trusted the wrong people
and now, I was held against my will and God knows what would happen next and what
could I ended up to.
Carl put a cover on my head. I couldn’t say anything but I could hear Carl talking
to someone. They were talking about a sex club, a certain Charles and an auction. I
could hear him proudly telling anyone that finally, someone got a hold of Stas
Rozovsky. Kahit hindi nga naman nila nakuha ang daddy ko, they have me and they
could use me against my father. You are fucking stupid, Masha. Stupid. This is all
your fault. You are going to die and it will be your fault. Lalo akong naiyak sa
naisip kong iyon pero alam kong wala na akong magagawa. Narinig ko si Carl na
sinasabing malapit na kaming mag-land. May kinakausap din siya sa telepono.
Ipinapahanda ang van na sasakyan namin. Nang maramdaman kong huminto ang plane ay
ramdam kong nagtatayuan ang mga nakapaligid sa amin. I could hear mumbled sounds
from the other women that in here who I am sure taken against their will just like
me. Someone was removing the handcuffs from me from my seat but that someone still
tied my hands on my back and I was yanked to stand up. “Don’t fucking run. I am
not going to think twice to shoot you.” That was a thick Russian tone. That was
not Carl. I felt something cold touched the back of my head and I was being pushed
to walk.
Someone was helping me to go down the stairs of the plane and I heard a car stopped
near me. I heard a vehicle opened that I was forced to get in. I could hear
mumbled cries around me and I was crying too. The car moved and I didn’t know where
they were going to take us. Carl was still talking to someone. Telling whoever it
was that we were on our way. The vehicle stopped. Someone was speaking Russian and
I heard the car door opened then we were told to go down. I couldn’t see anything
but I knew it was loud around me. We were told to walk until I was pushed
somewhere. That was the time someone took off the cover from my face. It was a
woman. The same woman that posed as flight attendant in our flight to Las Vegas.
Now, she didn’t look like a flight attendant anymore. She was wearing a leather
clad pants and strapless top with black high heeled shoes. Like a damn dominatrix
that I had only seen in photos that I copied when my friends and I attended a
Halloween party.
I tried to speak but all I could was to mumble. She smiled at me but she didn’t
remove the duct tape from my mouth. She walked around me.
Checking me. Smelling me. What the fuck was this?
“Carl was right. You can be sold for millions of dollars.” My tears fell down
from my cheek and I knew my eyes were pleading for her to let me out of here.
“Don’t worry, princess. You’ll get used to it.” She gently caressed my face then
smiled. Then without a word, she ripped my blouse open.
Took a pair of scissors too and cut all the clothes I had. “Damn perfect body,
honey.” I could see envy in her eyes while looking at me only wearing bra and
panties. “Soft skin. Nice booty,” she slapped my ass cheek and traced the curve of
my body. I was crying so hard. I felt violated but I couldn’t do anything. When she
cut my bra and panties and I was naked in front of her, I knew I lost everything.
She took pictures of me. My face. My boobs. My damn pussy. Wala na. Sirang-sira na
ako. Wala akong magagawa kung ipakalat niya ito sa online. I was used to see my
face in the internet doing crazy things but this was something. I could never do
this. Umalis ang babae at nang bumalik ay may dalang paper bag. Kinuha ang laman
noon at ipinakita sa akin isang pair ng gold two-piece swim wear. Tinulungan niya
akong isuot iyon at kahit ayaw ko ay wala akong magagawa. Nandidiri ako sa pagtama
sa balat ko ng kamay ng babae habang binibihisan pa niya. Inayos pa nga niya ang
mga boobs ko para magkasya sa bikini top na isinuot niya sa akin. I heard her
chuckled. “You are damn God’s favorite.” Pinisil-pisil pa niya ang boobs ko. Damn
you! I’ll make sure my brothers and my dad will hurt all of you!
I was screaming that inside my head. She let me wore a pair of gold high heeled
shoes too. Then I saw her took something from her pocket. A syringe. She took off
the cap of syringe and showed it to me. I was mumbling in fear when I saw her put
the needle on my arm. No! Please, no!
I was squirming, trying to get away from her but I think she was used to do this
and she did this kind of things many times. She injected me with was in the syringe
and immediately, I felt something that was happening to me. “Don’t worry. That’s
not poison. That’s something to make you feel relax. So, when the bidding starts,
you are ready. When those men rabidly bid for you, you are ready.” She gently
patted my face and smiled devilishly at me. “I envy you. You are the damn favorite
of this batch. I’ll make sure to watch when they fuck you.” Tears fell from my
eyes while my head was started to get dizzy. I felt I was floating. I felt I was
getting high. And all I could do was to give in and accept the fate I was in.

A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWELVE | HERO OF THE DAY NOAH

“Hindi ako puwedeng sumama?” Nakalabi si Matt habang pinapanood kami ni Henry
na magbihis dito sa tabi ng kotse. Pareho na kaming naka-suit. Binili namin sa
hindi kalayuang second hand store. No choice. Ito na lang ang nakita naming bukas
at mabilisang makakakuha kami ng suit para maka-attend sa auction na sinasabi ni
Charles. Hindi naman kasi kami puwedeng basta-basta pumasok doon na pangkaraniwan
lang ang suot namin. I knew what kind of people were joining the auction. Mostly
were billionaires and Henry and I should blend with them. “Hindi.” Tanging sagot
ko at inaayos ang kurbata ko. “’Tangina, Matt. Bakit hindi ka naman namili? Ang
baho nito.” Inamoy-amoy ko pa ang suot kong suit. “Amoy formalin ‘to.”
“Nagmamadali kayo. Iyan lang ang nakita kong available na sakto sa inyo. Kung
maarte kayo, sana sa Armani kayo bumili.” Halatang masama ang loob ni Matt at
sumalampak ng upo sa pavement malapit sa kotse. Nagkatinginan kami ni Henry tapos
ay sinenyasan akong lapitan si Matt. Mukhang masama talaga ang loob. Kasi nga
naman, biglang pinatulog ni Henry. Tapos nang magising siya, may lakad na kami ni
Henry na hindi siya kasama. Lumayo sa amin si Henry at inayos ang sarili tapos ay
nagpipipindot sa telepono. Tinalikuran pa ako ni Matt na halatang nagtatampo nang
lapitan ko. “Huwag ka nang magtampo.” Naupo rin ako sa tabi niya pero lalo lang
siya tumalikod lang sa akin. Napaikot ako ng mata at napakamot ng ulo. “This is a
police business.” “Hindi ka naman pulis.” Nagtatampo pa rin ang tono niya. “I
used to be a cop. Maybe you forget about that. And what we are going to do right
now is dangerous. A civilian like you can never survive if something bad is going
to happen and I can feel it in my gut that something bad is going to happen.”
Pinaramdam ko kay Matt na seryoso ang nangyayari ngayon. Pasimple niya akong
tiningnan pero pinaparamdam pa rin na nagtatampo siya. “Dumating lang ‘yang Henry
na ‘yan hindi mo na ako napapansin.” Natawa ako. “Of course not. It’s just that,
Henry needs my help and we need to meet some people in that club. We are not going
there to enjoy.
We are going there to go to war. To save people.” “Anong silbi ko? Gusto ko
siyempre may ambag. Alangan naman kayo lang ang hero.” “You could be our getaway
driver. That’s an important role.” Noon tumingin sa akin si Matt aynakangiti na.
Masaya na. “Sige.
Maghihintay ako dito.” Tinapik ko ang balikat niya at tumayo na. Nakusot ko ang
ilong ko dahil hindi talaga maganda ang amoy ng suit na suot ko. Hindi pa naman ako
sanay sa ganito. I am a neat freak. I wanted to smell good. I wanted to look good.
“Let’s go?” Si Henry ang nagsalita noon. “I gave a heads-up to my boss. Told him
I’ll call him once I have an update.” “Don’t tell this to anyone yet. Maraming
connections si Charles sa mga pulis. Kahit sa mga pulitiko locally and abroad.
Mahirap nang may makatunog sa gagawin natin ngayon.” Umasim ang mukha ko kay Henry.
“Give me a good reason why I need to do this? Graduate na ako sa pagiging pulis.”
“You saw those women. They need help. Pababayaan mo bang mapunta sa mga demonyo ang
mga iyon?” Tonong nangongonsiyensiya pa siya. “At least we help them escape.”
“Fuck you. Let’s go.” Nauna na akong lumakad at tinungo ang sex club. Maasim akong
ngumiti sa masungit na bouncer na walang magawa kundi ang papasukin kami. Deretso
na kami sa loob at agad kaming sinalubong ng isang babaeng leather overall ang
suot. Hitsurang dominatrix. I knew her. She was Polina. She was the one who was
assisting the high-end clients to this club to choose their women. “Sweet Noah,”
She kissed both of my cheeks and cupped my face.
“I missed you.” I didn’t move when she kissed me on my lips. She was trying to give
me a torrid kiss and wanting to put her tongue inside but I didn’t open my mouth. I
heard Henry cleared his throat and thank God, Polina stopped munching on my mouth.
Tinapik-tapik pa ni Polina ang pisngi. “You no longer coming here. You don’t like
to play with me anymore?” Pilit akong napangiti. Why did she have to brought that
up? She used to be my playmate here. She and dozens of women that I fucked every
time I was feeling bored during my first months living alone in this foreign
country. “Got busy,” iyon na lang ang nasabi ko. “But you are not busy tonight.
You are joining the auction. I got excited when Charles told me that you are
coming. Tell me. Are Asians your favorite? You don’t like Russian like me?” Umirap
pa siya sa akin pero nanatiling nakangiti. “Well, I could say this batch is the
best.
Especially the Filipina.” Pasimple akong tumingin kay Henry tapos ay kay Polina.
“Filipina, huh?” Tumango-tango siya. “You’ll be surprised. Everyone is getting
rabid when they found out that she is there.” “Must be someone’s favorite.” Sabat
ni Henry.
“Oh no, baby boy. Not just someone, but the crowd’s favorite. Go on,” tinapik pa
ni Polina ang puwitan namin ni Henry. “Get inside the hall.
I already reserved the best seat for you.” Kumindat pa siya at nauna nang lumakad
papasok. “I hope you have enough money to bid for the favorite.” Hindi kami
sumagot ni Henry. Sumunod kami kay Polina hanggang sa makarating kami sa puwestong
nakalaan para sa amin. The room was packed already. I could see hunger and lust
with those men around. I could see some familiar faces. Those that were known to
the society. Napailing ako. Just like Danny’s club, this place hides the darkest
secret of people.
That was why they love coming here because there was no judgment.
They had their freedom to do what they wanted. The auction started. In my mind, I
was already planning how to save those women. I could pull the fire alarm even
before these women were taken to the boat. I knew how this auction goes. Charles
provides a private yacht for those who won the auction. Those men could do whatever
they wanted to their purchased women. It was a damn nightmare for the women.
Someone could even end up dead because some clients were too rough and violent.
Dalawang magkasunod na Chinese women and na-i-auction.
Sumunod ay isang Haponesa. Ang sumunod ay isang Pinay. Nagtatagis ang bagang ko
dahil tingin ko ay talagang batang-bata ang mga babaeng ibinibenta dito. “I know
that one.” Hindi inaalis ni Henry ang tingin sa stage. “Who?” Sinundan ko din ang
tiningnan niya. Nakatitig siya sa babaeng kalalabas lang at nasa gitna ng stage.
Nakatayo doon na tila wala sa sarili. Inaalalayan nga dalawang babae din dahil
mukhang hindi kayang tumayo ng deretso. “I think they drugged her.” “That one. I
know her face. I know I saw her before.” Hitsurang nag-iisip talaga si Henry at
kunot na kunot ang noo habang nakatitig sa babaeng hitsurang sabog sa gitna ng
stage. Halos hubad na nga habang nagkakagulo ang mga tao sa paligid na mag-bid.
“Damn. Her name is Wynona. She is Masha’s friend.” “Pinagsasasabi mo? Paano
mapupunta ang friend ni Masha dito?” Nakatingin na rin ako sa babae at naiinis ako
sa sunod-sunod na palitan ng bids ng mga lalaking narito. “Hindi ako puwedeng
magkamali. She is Masha’s friend. She always flirts with me but I fucked the other
friend.” Napatikhim si Henry na parang nagsisi sa nasabi.
“What? The hell are you talking about?” Gulat ako sa sinabi niya. “I fucked
Masha’s other friend. If you could see those women. They were wild. Flirt. One
thing led to another and-“ “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Asar kong putol sa
sinasabi niya. “They are kids.” Hindi ako makapaniwala sa sinasabi ni Henry.
Hindi ko nakilala ang isang ito na pumapatol sa babaeng sobra ang bata sa kanya.
“She’s twenty-one.” Katwiran niya.
“Still a fucking kid, Henry,” pakiramdam ko ay sumakit ang ulo ko.
“Someone knew about it? Putangina ka. I vouched you for Mr. Rozovsky then you
fucked his daughter’s friend?” “It was consensual. She liked it.” Nangangatwiran
pa rin siya. Napailing na lang ako at itinuon ang pansin sa nagbi-bid. If Henry
was telling the truth that the woman on the stage was Masha’s friend, that was a
solid reason to save these women. She was bought for three hundred dollars. And a
damn old Russian man bought her.
“We need to save her.” Sabi ni Henry at napabuga ng hangin. “But how are we going
to do it? Nakita mo naman ang mga taong narito. Halos lahat may bodyguard.”
Tumingin pa siya sa paligid. Pakiramdam ko ay lalo akong namuroblema. Totoo naman
kasi ang sinasabi ni Henry.
Punong-puno ng bodyguards ang lugar na ito. Narinig namin ang boses na nagsasalita
sa PA system. It was another Filipina to be auctioned. Nagtataka ako sa paligid at
kitang-kita ko ang excitement ng mga ito. The woman was really the crowd’s favorite
just like Polina said. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ang lakas ng kabog ng
dibdib ko. Siguro ay dala na rin sa ginagawa namin ni Henry. Hindi ko man aminin,
this was giving me excitement. Nakaka-miss ang pag-kick ng adrenalin saka matagal
ko nang hindi nagagawa ang ganito. The whole place went silent when the woman who
was only wearing a skimpy pair of gold two piece paraded in the middle of the
stage. I couldn’t understand myself why I felt my throat became dry when I laid my
eyes on her. Fuck me. I had seen naked woman all the time. They were the ones
stripping naked in front of me but this one, automatically it made my body to
become restless, my heart skipped faster and my cock twitched inside my pants.
Considering that what I was seeing was just her sexy body. The woman’s face was
covered with black cloth. Mayamaya ay naririnig kong umuugong ang bulungan.
Tumingin ako sa paligid at kita ko ang mga lalaking naroon na parang mga nauulol na
aso na titig na titig sa babaeng nasa stage. These fucking perverts. I couldn’t
understand why I was getting pissed that they were lusting to this woman. I hated
to see them look at her like she was a piece of meat they could devour anytime.
Fuck them. No one could touch her. No one could look at her like that. Because I
only wanted to be the one who was lusting for her. To be looking at her like she
was a piece of meat I could devour anytime. It was only me could play dirty things
in my head not these pigs who were ready to waste their money to have her.
Napapikit ako. Shit. No. Fucking no. Ilang beses ako bumuga ng hangin. What the
hell was wrong with me? Para namang first time kong makakita ng babaeng ganito? I
could easily fuck someone right now if I wanted to. Pinilit kong kalmahin ang
sarili ko. This was the damn adrenalin talking to me. The excitement of what was
going on kaya kung ano-ano ang naiisip ko. “We are saving the best for last.” Si
Polina ang nakita kong lumapit sa stage. Hinanap ko si Charles at nakita ko itong
nakaupo sa harap at halatang excited din sa kung ano ang magaganap. Sa tabi nito ay
isang lalaking bugbog-sarado ang hitsura na nakita namin na kasama ng mga babae
kanina sa eroplano. “What we have here is a princess.” Umugong ang bulong-bulungan
sa paligid. Nagkatinginan kami ni Henry tapos ay muling itinutok ang pansin sa
stage. Hinahawakan pa ni Polina ang katawan ng babae. Tinutukso ang mga naroon.
“She got soft skin, curvy body,” Polina slides her hand on the curvy waist of the
woman. “And this,” napalunok ako nang hawakan ni Polina ang boobs ng babae na tila
minamasahe iyon. Ilang beses akong napatikhim dahil talagang nanunuyot ang
lalamunan ko. “These melons are real. Not silicone, but real gift from God.”
“Start the bid already!” Hindi ko alam kung sino ang sumigaw noon. Sige ang
sigawan na ng mga tao sa paligid at nagkakaingay nga. Sumenyas ng sandali si Polina
na ngiting-ngiti tapos ay walang sabi-sabing inialis nito ang itim na telang naka-
cover sa mukha ng babae. Pakiramdam ko ay nanigas ako sa kinauupuan ko nang makita
ang mukha ng babae. Napaawang ang bibig ko at gusto kong magsalita pero hindi ko
magawa. I knew that face. That damn beautiful and innocent face that I saw on a
wild video.
“You have got to be kidding me,” halos sa sarili lang iyon nasabi ni Henry. Nang
tumingin ako sa kanya ay nakatingin din siya sa akin na nanlalaki ang mata. “You
have got to be kidding me,” ngayon ay bahagya nang lumakas ang boses niya at
nanlalaki ang matang nakatingin sa babaeng nasa stage. Alam kong nakilala din niya
kung sino iyon. Because the princess that Polina’s telling everyone was Masha
Rozovsky. Stanislav Rozovsky only daughter.
And she was up for auction to these fucking pigs. Ang ingay sa buong paligid.
Unti-unting lumalakas ang sabay-sabay na mga salita ng mga narito. Lahat ay nag-
uunahang mag-bid. Tingin ko, mukhang alam nila kung sino si Masha. Kung saang
pamilya galing si Masha. Stanislav Rozovsky has lots of enemies and no one could
hurt him. This time, they could do it. Once they got Mr. Rozovsky’s precious
daughter, they could have an ultimate ace to fight the mighty devil. “One hundred
thousand!” Iyon agad ang bid. Pakiramdam ko ay natataranta ako. Hindi ko nga
malaman kung saan titingin dahil kung saan-saan nanggagaling ang mga boses na
nagbi-bid. “We have to do something,” dama ko ang pagkataranta sa boses ni Henry.
“What can we do? We don’t have that kind of money.” Sagot ko.
Five hundred thousand na ang bid. Unti-unting nananahimik na ang mga tao sa
paligid. That was a huge amount. And we were not talking about pesos here. “Shit.”
mahinang sabi ko. “One million!” Nanahimik ang mga taong naroon. Lahat ay
nakatingin sa akin. Pati si Charles na may-ari ng sex club ay nagtatanong ang
tingin sa akin.
Madalas ako sa club na ito pero alam nito na hindi ako magwawaldas ng perang malaki
para sa mga babae. At isa pa, wala akong ganoong kalaking pera. But I had to do
something. This was Masha Rozovsky and I needed to save her. Bahala na. “Can we
hear a million and a hundred thousand?” Damang-dama ko ang saya sa boses ng
nagpapa-bid. May sumigaw ng one million and two hundred thousand. Sa isip ko ay
minumura ko ang mga iyon. Kalabit na nang kalabit sa akin si Henry.
“One million and five hundred thousand!” muling sigaw ko.
Nanginginig na ako sa kinauupuan ko. I am fucking screwed. If I won this auction, I
am screwed because I didn’t have that big amount of money. If I didn’t win,
definitely I am going to die in the hands of Stas Rozovsky because I didn’t save
his precious baby. Wala na akong narinig na nag-bid. Tama na nga. I just want this
to be over. After this, once I got Masha, I would call Mr. Rozovsky and tell him
what happened. “Two million.” Napamura na ako at hinanap ang nagsalita noon. Sa
kabilang dulo ko nakita ang nag-bid na iyon. Medyo may edad na lalaki na tingin ko
ay halos kasing edad din ni Mr. Rozovsky. Halos kasing hitsura nga ni Mr.
Rozovsky. Tumingin sa gawi ko ang lalaki at ngumiti ng nakakaloko tapos ay
umiiling-iling. Parang sinasabing hindi ako mananalo sa kanya. I couldn’t bid
anymore. I knew what was this man doing. He wanted me to bid more but Charles was
going to kill me once he finds out that I didn’t have money. Nagbilang ang
nagpapa-auction. Wala nang nagtangkang mag-bid.
Napapikit ako nang marinig ang pagpukpok ng nagpapa-bid na ang ibig sabihin ay
tapos na ang sale. Naririnig ko ang pagbubulungan ng mga naroon at nagsimula nang
umalis. Si Masha ay kinuha ni Polina na sumusunod lang sa kung anong ipagawa.
Tingin ko ay sabog din si Masha.
Katulad ng mga kaibigan niya. “What the fuck are we going to do?” natataranta si
Henry. “If Mr.
Rozovsky finds out-“ “Shut up.” I said in between my teeth. “I’m thinking.”
Sumunod kami sa mga tao na palabas ng silid at agad kong hinanap si Polina. Alam
kong ang mga babaeng nabili sa auction ay dadalhin sa isang private yacht at nakita
nga namin na ang apat na babaeng kasama ay bantay-sarado na kasama ang mga bumili
sa mga ito. Sa likod sila dumaan. Hindi ko makita si Masha. Lumakad pa ako at
pasimpleng nakigulo sa mga excited na taong naroon. Alam kong ang ibang mga kasali
sa bidding na hindi nanalo ay sasama din sa pagpunta sa yate. Dahil doon
magkakaroon ng private party.
From there, these assholes could do whatever they wanted to do to those women.
“I can’t see Masha,” mahinang sabi ko kay Henry. Pareho kaming palinga-linga sa
paligid hanggang sa makita ko ang lalaking nag-bid ng two million kay Masha. May
kausap na lalaking mas may edad dito.
Maliit. Mataba. Malaki ang tiyan. Iyong hitsurang manyakis talaga tapos ay may
iniabot sa lalaki na sobre at nakipag-kamay. Nang matapos mag-usap ay nauna nang
lumabas ang lalaking nag-bid kay Masha at ang lalaking naiwan ay ang nakipag-usap
kay Charles. Masayang-masaya si Charles dahil maraming pera ang pumasok sa kanya
ngayong gabi. Nang matapos mag-usap ang dalawa ay lumakad na ang may-edad na
lalaki.
Sinundan pa rin namin ni Henry. Sa likod din dumaan ang lalaki at doon ay
naghihintay ang isang limousine. Pinagbuksan ito ng bodyguard at sumakay doon.
Mayamaya ay si Masha na ang nakikita namin na hila ni Polina at pinapasakay sa loob
ng sasakyan. Alam kong init na init si Henry. Gustong sumugod pero sigurado akong
mamamatay kami kapag ginawa namin iyon. Sa hitsura pa lang ng mga bodyguards ng
lalaking iyon ay talagang papatay ang mga ito. “Wala ba tayong gagawin? Susunod
lang tayo?” Dama ko na ang frustration sa boses ni Henry. “They already got Masha.”
Hindi ako sumagot at nakita kong naghahanda nang umalis ang sasakyan. Patakbo akong
umalis doon at sa harap ako lumabas. Hinanap ko agad ang sasakyan ko at nakita ko
naman nakatayo sa gilid noon si Matt at hitsurang inip na. Takbo kami ni Henry doon
at sumakay kami.
Hindi iniintindi ang mga tanong ni Matt. Mabilis kong pinaandar ang sasakyan.
Umikot ako sa likod at nakita kong paalis na ang limousine. Hindi agad ako bumuntot
para hindi mahalatang nakasunod kami. “Don’t lose them, Noah.” Halatang kabado si
Henry na nakatingin din sa sinusundan naming sasakyan. Naririndi ako sa ingay ni
Matt pero hindi ko pa rin sinasagot. Naka-focus lang ako sa pagsunod sa sinasakyan
ni Masha. Sa pier ang tinutumbok ng sasakyan. Huminto ako sa medyo malayo nang
makita pumasok sa loob ng gate ng dock ang limousine. Huminto sa may malapit sa mga
nakadaong na yate at nagbabaan ang mga bodyguards. Ibang yate ito. Hindi dito
gagawin ang after party ng auction.
This was a private yacht owned by this man. Nasa tabi lang ng dock ang yate.
Bumaba ito at sunod na pinababa ay si Masha na halatang wala pa rin sa sarili.
Nakasunod lang sa kung anong ipinapagawa dito. Naunang sumakay sa nakadaong na yate
ang matandang lalaki kasunod si Masha na alalay ng isang bodyguard tapos mayamaya
ay bumababa na rin ito at nakita kong pumuwesto ang mga bodyguards sa tabi ng
limousine. Doon nagtambay. Halatang maghihintay lang sa boss. “I’m going in.” Sabi
ko at bumaba sa sasakyan. “Teka, sasama ako.” Agad na sumunod sa akin si Henry.
“We will get so much attention kapag tayong dalawa ang pumasok sa yate. I need
someone to distract those guys.” Itinuro ang mga nakakulumpon na bodyguard tapos ay
sumilip ako sa sasakyan. “Stay in the car. Don’t do anything stupid just stay
here.” Tingin ko ay kita ni Matt ang kaseryosahan sa nangyayari kaya napatango na
lang ito. Hinubad ko ang suot na suit pati na ang kurbata na ibinulsa ko tapos ay
iniangat hanggang siko ang suot kong long sleeves polo. Pinabayaan kong lumakad si
Henry papasok para ma-distract ang mga bodyguards na naroon at ako ay kumuha ng
tiyempo para makapasok sa loob ng private dock. Humanap ako ng lugar kung saan ako
makakapasok na hindi ako makikita. Henry made a nice move by pretending to be a
drunkard wanting to jump on the water. Nagkagulo nga naman ang mga lalaking naroon
kaya napasok ako agad. Lahat ng atensiyon ay na kay Henry kaya madali akong naka-
akyat sa yate. I was praying that I was not yet late. Sana wala pang nangyayaring
masama kay Masha Rozovsky.
‘Tangina. The yacht was too big. Saan ko hahanapin si Masha dito?
Sige ako lakad at bawat silid na makita ko doon ay hinahanap ko siya.
Hanggang sa makarating ako sa view deck. Doon ko nakita si Masha na hitsurang wala
sa sarili na nakaupo lang sa couch. This time, she was not wearing anything sitting
on the couch. That fucking pig removed her tiny pieces of cloth. The pig was busy
talking to his phone. With loud mouth, he was telling to the one he was talking to
how he got the precious daughter of Stas Rozovsky. “The damn devil Stas Rozovsky
will weep.” Tumatawa pang sabi ng nakakadiring matandang lalaki. Alam kong si Stas
Rozovsky ang tinutukoy nito. Lumapit pa ito kay Masha na tulala lang. Hinawakan pa
ng lalaki ang dibdib ni Masha at pinipisil iyon at hindi man lang pumapalag si
Masha. They definitely drugged her.
“It’s true her boobs are real. I am holding her tits in my hands. Do you think this
one is still a virgin?” Pero muli ay ngumisi ng tila demonyo ang lalaki. “It
doesn’t matter if this one is no longer a virgin. As long I can fuck the precious
daughter of Stas Rozovsky, I already won. I can’t wait to see how that damn devil
will be down on his knees and crying once he finds out that her daughter was fucked
by dozens of men. I am planning on giving this whore to my men after I fucked her.”
I am going to fucking kill you.
Nanginginig ang katawan ko sa galit. Gustong-gusto ko nang sugurin ang lalaki pero
pinigil ko ang sarili ko. I needed to be careful once I attacked him. Hindi
puwedeng makalikha ng ingay para hindi magpunta dito ang mga bodyguards ng animal
na ito. Nang matapos makipag-usap ang lalaki ay tumabi na ito kay Masha. Hinawakan
ang mukha ni Masha.
Ang kamay ay gumagapang sa katawan ni Masha. Putangina talaga. Saglit na huminto
ang lalaki tapos ay kinuha ang isang binilot na dollar bill tapos ay ginamit iyon
para singhutin ang naka-line na cocaine sa mesa. That was my cue. I stealthy walked
while I took my necktie from my pocket. I wrapped the ends of it to both of my
hands and walked towards the man.
I let him violate Masha so he wouldn’t know what was coming for him. Masha was
awake but I knew she was not herself because of the drugs in her system. I readied
the necktie from my hand. I saw the man spread Masha’s legs. When he was going to
bury his face between her thighs, that was when I wrapped the necktie around her
neck and strangled him so hard. Damn he was heavy. He was resisting so hard but I
made sure he couldn’t let go of this. I was pulling the necktie so hard that he
couldn’t say a word or breathe and all he could do was to wiggle his arms and feet.
This fucking pig should die. For touching Masha. For violating Masha and strangling
him was not enough as a punishment for what he did. His body was shaking. Suddenly
becoming limp and I knew he was just losing consciousness. I let go of the necktie
and took the cork screw from the table then started to stab his neck using the
sharp spiral metal.
Blood was spurting from his neck but I didn’t stop. I won’t stop until he was no
longer breathing. I won’t stop until his damn neck was no longer attached to his
body. He was no longer moving at all but I kept on stabbing his neck. I could hear
his bones breaking every time I was pushing deep the cork screw. I just stopped
when I felt my hand was shaking already. When I let go of the man, his head was
almost decapitated from his body. I took a towel and dried my hands from his blood.
That was when I went to Masha. I tried to call her name but she was not answering.
“We need to go. Can you stand?” hinubad ko ang suot kong white long sleeves polo at
kahit puno iyon ng dugo ay isinuot ko sa hubad na katawan ni Masha. Tumingin lang
siya sa akin pero lampasan ang tingin na iyon. I knew she was in bad shape.
Tumingin ako sa paligid para mapag-aralan ko kung saan kami lalabas. Hindi kami
puwedeng dumaan sa harap at siguradong makikita kami ng mga bodyguards ng pinatay
ko. Binuhat ko si Masha at wala naman siyang pakialam sa ginawa ko. Hanap ako ng
madadaanan namin at nakita kong sa dulong bahagi ng yate ay may nakakabit na
improvised na hagdan para makababa pero malayo ito sa dock at tubig ang bababaan
namin ni Masha. Malamig ang paligid at siguradong kasing lamig ng yelo ang tubig
pero walang choice. Kailangan na naming makaalis dito. Kahit nahihirapan at buhat
si Masha ay bumaba ako sa hagdan. Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim at kasama si
Masha ay lumubog kami sa tubig. Ang lamig. Bahagyang umungol si Masha pero hindi pa
rin gumagalaw at hinawakan kong maigi habang lumalangoy palayo sa yate at makapunta
kami sa kabilang bahagi ng dock malayo sa mga nakabantay na bodyguards. Ang hirap
pero kailangan kong kayanin. Ilang beses na akong nakakainom ng tubig pero
sinisiguro kong hindi malulunod si Masha. Nang makarating kami sa dock ay agad ko
siyang iniangat. Madilim ang parte na ito at nang makaakyat ay humihingal akong
nagpahinga saglit. Tiningnan ko si Masha at latag na latag ang katawan niya sa
lapag.
Bakat ang puting longsleeves kong isinuot sa kanya na may mga bahid pa ng dugo.
Nag-uumpisa na akong mag-chill. Ang bibig ko ay umuusok na sa lamig na nararamdaman
pero muli kong binuhat si Masha. Tiniyaga ko siyang buhatin hanggang sa makarating
ako kung saan nakaparada ang sasakyan ko. Gulat na gulat si Matt nang makita akong
dumarating na walang suot pang-itaas at basang-basa tapos ay may bitbit pa akong
babae. Agad kong ipinasok sa loob ng kotse si Masha at kinuha ang suit jacket na
hinubad ko kanina at isinuot ko kay Masha. Sinabihan ko si Matt na tawagin na si
Henry. Kailangan na naming umalis dito.
Hindi ko alintana ang lamig na nararamdaman ko. Nang bumabalik si Henry at Matt at
makasakay sa kotse ay mabilis kong pinaharurot paalis doon ang sasakyan. This damn
cold would pass. The important thing was, Masha was safe.

And those fuckers would definitely pay. There is a charm about the forbidden that
makes it unspeakably desirable – Mark Twain

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THIRTEEN | ANGRY DAD NOAH

The moment I informed Stas Rozovsky of what happened to his precious daughter, he
immediately booked a flight to San Francisco to know personally what happened. He
specifically told me that no police involvement. No hospitals. If something
happened to Masha, she should be in a secure place. Mr. Rozovsky knew how his
enemies would work.
He knew that there might be police and other officials that could be in the payroll
of the bastard that did this to Masha. I brought Masha in my apartment. Henry and
Matt went out to follow the remaining women that was brought to a different yacht.
We already saved one and we were determined to save those four. I didn’t have any
news from Henry yet. I stayed here at home to look after for her and to rest
because I got sick after saving her from that pig. My head was feeling heavy but I
had to act normal. Bago ang flight papunta dito si Mr. Rozovsky, siya ang nag-
contact ng doctor na nandito ngayon para tumingin kay Masha. Nagpakilala ang doctor
na si Lev Gusev. Sigurado akong kasama sa payroll ng mga Rozovsky. Mukhang sanay na
sanay na sa mga ganitong klaseng pagkakataon ang doktor.
Everything was improvised. Of course. Working with the Rozovsky means everything
underground should be done in private. Under the radar of the prying eyes of their
unknown enemies. Nanatili akong narito sa labas ng silid kung saan nagpapahinga si
Masha. Pinabayaan ko ang doctor na tingnan ito. Kita ko sa mukha nito ang labis na
pag-aalala at kinabitan ng suwero si Masha. Sinaksakan ng kung ano-anong gamot.
Napahinga ako ng malalim at umalis na doon tapos ay dumeretso sa kusina. Gumawa ako
ng kape. I was not feeling well. I feel cold. My head was heavy and my throat was
scratchy. Marahan kong hinilot ang ulo ko nang maramdaman kong may papalapit na tao
sa lugar ko at nakita kong iyon ang doctor na tumingin kay Masha. Agad itong
ngumiti sa akin at nag-offer din naman ako ng kape na tinanguan niya. Naupo rin
siya sa harap ng mesa at hinintay ang ginawa ko. “Is she okay now?” Napatikhim pa
ako dahil talagang makati ang lalamunan ko. Tumango siya. “She got a high dose of
heroin in her system. I had to reverse it.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “She would
be knocked for days. That’s what her father wants for now until he’s here.” Uminom
sa hawak na coffee mug ang doctor tapos ay tumingin sa akin ng seryoso.
“You did the right thing saving her. Stas will turn the earth upside down if
something bad happen to his daughter.” Hindi ako sumagot at uminom din sa hawak
kong coffee mug.
Hinihilot ko pa rin ang ulo ko dahil namimigat na ang pakiramdam noon. “Are you
okay?” Tanong pa nito.
“I think I have a fever but… I’ll be fine. The water was cold earlier.
I had to swim in the cold water with Masha for our safety.” Hindi sumagot ang
doctor at binuksan ang dalang bag nito tapos ay may kinuha at ibinigay sa akin.
Paracetamol iyon. “Take one tablet every four hours.” Sabi niya at sinisenyasan na
akong gawin iyon na sinunod ko naman. “Do you have any idea how Masha end up in
that place?” Umiling ako. “It was an accident that we found out about it. It was
my friend who was working with classified assignment then… we ended up there. Only
Masha could tell what really happened.” Nakakaramdam na naman ako ng galit dahil
naalala ko ang ginawa ng manyakis na iyon kay Masha. That fucking pig who touched
her. I swear, If I had the chance to kill him again, I would do it. Napapailing
ang doctor. “Those fuckers dug their own grave. Stas Rozovsky won’t stop until they
are all dead.” “I know.” Napailing din ako. Naalala ko ang ginawa niya kay Andrea
Conti. I knew it because I was the one who did it. Well, I didn’t hurt and kill
Andrea Conti but I paid men to do it. Tumingin sa relo niya ang doctor tapos ay
tumayo. “Stas’ plane will be arriving anytime. Mayamaya ay nandito na iyon. I need
to go. I need to tell my wife what is going on and I am sure she will start digging
who are the players in this dangerous game that they started against Stas and his
family.” Tumayo din ako pero pinigilan niya. “You take a rest. Drink lots of water.
And continue the meds. Kapag wala ng lagnat, hinto mo na.” Ngumiti ako at sinundan
na lang ng tingin ang doctor na paalis.
Napabuga ako ng hangin at nang marinig kong sumara ang pinto ay saka ako tumayo at
bumalik sa kuwarto kung saan nagpapahinga si Masha.
Marahan kong binuksan ang pinto. Payapa ang pagtulog ni Masha at ngayon ay may
nakakabit na ngang suwero dito. Lumakad ako at lumapit tapos ay minasdan siyang
tulog na tulog. Sino ang mag-aakalang kanina lang ay muntik nang mapariwara ang
buhay niya?
“How did you end up there?” Hindi ko inaalis ang tingin sa mukha niya nang masabi
iyon. Sa ngayon ay siguradong sinusuyod na ni Henry ang lahat ng tungkol sa
pangyayaring iyon. Sa flight details, sa manifest para makuha ang mga pangalan ng
mga pasahero sa plane. Ang club kung saan dinala ang mga babae. Lahat iyon ay
iimbestigahan niya at naghihintay na lang ako ng pagputok ng balita tungkol sa
lalaking pinatay ko. I watched Masha sleeping like a baby. She looked innocent.
Like a child that knew nothing. Ibang-iba sa wild na Masha na nakita ko sa video na
ipinakita ni Matt. I had heard his name before when I was still seeing Les- Peyton
in the Rozovsky home but I never had the chance to meet her face to face. I was so
into Peyton before and I didn’t know that the Rozovsky’s only princess was
beautiful and wild. Wala sa loob na napalunok ako. Kasabay noon ay ang pagbaba ng
tingin ko sa leeg niya, sa dibdib niya na natatabunan ng makapal na comforter.
Sure, that comforter was thick but I couldn’t deny the fact that I saw her naked, I
felt her soft body against mine and I was the one who cleaned and put clothes on
her. Now she was wearing my white shirt without anything under it. I cursed under
my breath when I felt something. Goddamn you, Noah. Dali-dali akong lumabas ng
silid at ilang beses na bumuga ng hangin. Tumatalon-talon pa ako tapos ay tumingin
sa shorts kong suot.
Partikular sa pagitan ng hita ko. Damn it. My cock was still fucking hard. “Fuck
you, fuck you, fuck you.” Paulit-ulit kong sabi sa sarili ko.
Nagmamadali akong pumunta sa banyo at naghubad ng suot kong damit.
Kahit alam kong nilalagnat ako ay binuksan ko ang shower at tumapat doon. Tiniis ko
ang lamig ng tubig at sige pa rin sa pagbuga ng hangin. What the fuck was wrong
with me? Hindi ako puwedeng tigasan sa babaeng iyon. She was a fucking child.
Matagal lang akong walang babae kaya ganito. I am bored that was why my body was
feeling like this.
Pinabayaan kong umagos ang tubig sa katawan ko at nang mapatingin ako sa pagitan ng
hita ko, thank God it was flaccid already. Pinatay ko ang shower tapos ay tinuyo
ang sarili ko. Nakaramdam agad ng ginhawa. ‘Tangina, hindi bale nang manginig ako
sa lamig dahil nilalagnat basta kumalma lang ‘tong nasa pagitan ng hita ko. Nang
makapagbihis ako at lumabas ng banyo ay nakarinig ako ng pagparada ng sasakyan sa
labas ng apartment. Agad kong tinungo ‘yon at nang buksan ko ang pinto ay si Mr.
Rozovsky ang nakita kong nag-drive ng kotse. Basta na lang ipinarada sa harap ng
bahay at nagmamadaling bumaba. Ibang-iba ang hitsura ni Mr. Rozovsky ngayon. Hindi
naka-suit katulad ng madalas na makita ng mga taong suot niya. Tanging denim pants,
white shirt at loafers lang ang suot. Hindi na nakuhang mag-ayos para makarating ng
mabilis dito. “Where’s my daughter?” Punong-puno ng pag-aalala ang boses niya nang
salubungin ako. Binigyan ko siya ng daan para makapasok at agad na tinungo ang mga
kuwarto at hinanap doon ang anak niya. Kita ko ang panlulumo niya nang makita si
Masha na walang malay sa kama.
Napahinga ng malalim at pumasok doon. Naupo sa gilid ng kama at kinuha ang kamay ng
anak. “Munchkin.” Basag ang boses ni Mr.
Rozovsky nang sabihin iyon at hinalikan ang kamay ng anak. Pinabayaan ko lang siya
at lumabas na ako. Hindi ko matagalan na makita si Mr.
Rozovsky na ganito. Hitsurang talunan. Nawala ang tapang. Punong-puno ng takot na
mawalan ng anak. Bumalik ako sa kusina at naupo uli sa harap ng mesa. Dinampot ko
ang mug ng kape at nang tikman ko ay malamig. Muli akong gumawa ng bago at mayamaya
ay nakita kong papalapit sa akin si Mr. Rozovsky.
Seryosong-seryoso ang hitsura. “Tell me you know who did that to my daughter.”
His voice was flat. No emotions. Ngayon, nakakatakot na ang hitsura niya. His eyes
were burning with anger while trying to keep his emotions. Napatikhim ako. “I am
sorry, Sir. I still don’t have any details of what happened. But rest assured, I am
getting to the bottom of it.” “What is name of the sex club?” Sa pagitan ng ngipin
ay tanong niya.
“The Erotic Vault. I can make calls. I know the owner.” Nagtagis ang bagang niya
tapos ay napahinga ng malalim.
Naisuklay ang kamay sa buhok at ngayon ay unti-unti nang lumalambot ang hitsura.
Tingin ko ay naiiyak pa si Mr. Rozovsky.
“You cannot tell this to anyone.” Deretso siyang nakatingin sa akin.
“No one in my family knows what happened to Masha. I cannot tell this to my wife.
She doesn’t even know that I am here.” Naitakip niya ang kamay sa bibig. “She is
just going to blame herself if she finds out what happened to our daughter. Giving
my wife a heartache is the last thing I wanted to do.” Muling napabuga ng hangin si
Mr. Rozovsky. “All I ever wanted is her safety. Is it too much? Giving her
bodyguards. Tracking her phone. Checking her e-mails and messenger. Is it too much?
I just want to know if she is safe.” Napatikhim ako. “I think yes, Sir.” Napakamot
ako ng ulo nang makita kong sumama ang mukha niya sa sagot ko pero ipapaliwanag ko
sa kanya ang punto ko. “They are kids. And kids are adventurous. Kids are curious.
They wanted freedom.” “And I gave her freedom. She wanted to ditch her bodyguard,
I did it. I fired Henry. But you know I cannot let her just walk outside without
protection. She is a Rozovsky, dammit. Look at what happened.” Halatang nagpipigil
ng galit si Mr. Rozovsky. Hindi na ako sumagot. Pinabayaan ko na lang siyang
ilabas ang sama ng loob niya. Tumunog ang telepono ni Mr. Rozovsky at sinagot niya
iyon. Tumayo naman ako at binigyan siya ng privacy. Sa living room na lang ako nag-
stay habang may kausap pa siya. Gusto ko na lang umalis na siya at isama niya ang
anak niya. I am not feeling well. All I wanted right now was to sleep and rest for
days. Naramdaman kong may tao sa likuran ko at si Mr. Rozovsky na iyon. “I am
going back to Manila.” Anunsiyo niya.
“Okay, Sir.” Thank God kahit ginawa niyang Recto-Quiapo ang biyahe mula Manila
hanggang America. “But Masha is going to stay here.” Napakunot ang noo ko tama ba
ang narinig ko. “Sir?” Gusto kong masigurado na tama ang narinig ko. “She ran
away from home might as well I give her the freedom she wanted. Even if it’s really
against my damn rule. She cannot go home yet.
I am sure whoever planned for this is expecting her to tell me about it.
They will expect me to keep my daughter guarded in the Philippines. She is not
coming home until I find out who did this.” “B-but Sir…” napatikhim ako. “We can
get Masha her own apartment so she can live alone. I think she wanted that.” “And
then my enemies will find her again.” Tumingin sa paligid ng apartment ko si Mr.
Rozovsky tapos ay tumingin sa akin. “I am paying for this apartment, right?”
Mukhang alam ko na ang tinutumbok ng sasabihin ni Mr. Rozovsky.
He was reminding me that I am working for him. He was paying for everything I need
here including this apartment and he basically owns me.
I am breathing because he was letting me. “Sir, with all due respect. Your daughter
needs someone who will take care of her and that is her family and-“ “And right
now, I know she hates her family. She ran away because of what I did. She found out
that I lied to her. That I was tracking her phone. Her e-mails. Bodyguards still
watching her. I love my daughter and I wanted her to be safe but at the same, I
wanted to give her the freedom she wanted.” “Even after of what happened to her?
Sir, your daughter almost got raped. Sold to some pig that violated her.” I
remembered that asshole and wanted to rip his head again. “And you saved her.
Killed the man who did that. And I am forever grateful of that. You saved two of my
kids already, Noah. That’s more than loyalty to me.” Hindi ako nakasagot pero
napakarami ko pang gustong sabihin kay Mr. Rozovsky at gusto kong ipaliwanag sa
kanya na mali itong naiisip niya. No way I would babysit her daughter here. “I
wanted her to think that we didn’t know what happened to her when she wakes up.
I’ll wait for her to call me and tell me what happened.
I’ll wait for her to ask help from me. But as long as she decided to live on her
own, I’ll give it to her for now.” Shit. ‘Tangina, gusto ko nang magsisisi na
nagtrabaho pa ako kay Stas Rozovsky.
“Masha doesn’t know that you are working for me. She just knows that you used to be
involved with Peyton but other than that, you are a stranger to her.” “And I am
still a stranger to her, Mr. Rozovsky.” “A stranger who killed for her.” Bahagyang
umangat ang kilay niya.
“A stranger who risked his life to save her. That’s why I know my daughter is in
good hands. She will be safe. Protected here. With you.” “But, Sir-“ Kumumpas sa
hangin si Mr. Rozovsky para mapahinto ako sa pagsasalita. “If my daughter wakes up
and she decided to call me, immediately I will send her back to Manila. But if she
wakes up and she decided that she’s not going to tell this to me, she will stay
here with you while I am finding those fuckers who harmed my daughter.” Ramdam kong
buo na ang desisyon ni Mr. Rozovsky kaya hindi na ako sumagot. “I wanted those
assholes think that I don’t know and I don’t care about my daughter. I need to know
who is my damn enemy.” Napahinga na lang ako ng malalim. Wala na akong magagawa
dito.
Lumakad na patungo sa pinto si Mr. Rozovsky na hawak na ngayon ang telepono at
nagsimula nang magtatawag. Alam kong nag-uumpisa na siyang alamin kung paano
napunta dito ang anak niya.
“Ilyenna, find everything about The Erotic Vault. I’ll see you in a bit before I
fly back to Manila. Tell Lev thank you for looking after my daughter.” Ngayon ay
walang emosyon na ang pagkakasabi niya noon habang nakasunod ako sa kanya nang
papunta siya sa kotse niya. “I am going to kill them all. Everyone who is involved
in hurting my daughter.
After you find out about that club, burn it.” Binuksan ni Mr. Rozovsky ang pinto ng
kotse sumakay sa driver’s seat tapos ay tumingin sa gawi ko. Bago isara ang pinto
ay sinenyasang lumapit ako. “I trust you, Noah. You are part of my family and I
expect you to act like a family.” Seryosong-seryosong sabi niya. Marahan na lang
akong tumango. Pagkasabi niya noon ay isinara na niya ang pinto ng sasakyan at nag-
drive na paalis doon. I am fucking screwed.

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine
– Maris West

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER FOURTEEN | BLACKOUT NOAH

My fever was high. My temperature hit forty degrees when I checked it a while ago.
My head was heavy, I was feeling cold but still I had to check if the princess who
was knocked out cold in my room was still okay. With my blurred sight, Masha
Rozovsky was still unconscious lying on my bed. Bumalik ako sa sala at muling
nahiga sa sofa doon. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko pero pakiramdam ko ay umiikot pa
rin ang paligid ko. Siguro kaya ganito ang nararamdamn ko, kasama na dito ang
stress. Ano ba kasi itong ibinigay na trabaho sa akin ni Mr. Rozovsky?
Bakit hindi niya binitbit pauwi ng Pilipinas ang anak niya? Mas mababantayan niya
iyon doon. Saka ang trabaho ko lang naman sa kanya ay ang palaguin ang negosyo niya
dito at nagagawa ko naman. Bakit niya ako dadagdagan ng trabaho? Hindi naman ako
babysitter. Bahagya akong napaungol nang maramdaman kong nagchi-chill ang baba ko.
Nilalamig ako ng sobra kaya itinabon ang kumot na kinuha ko kanina. Fine. Saka ko
na iintindihin itong prinsesa ni Mr. Rozovsky.
Sarili ko muna ang iintindihin ko. Kailangan ko munang gumaling para magawan ko ng
paraan na mawala si Masha dito. Alam kong under stress at galit si Mr. Rozovsky
kaya hindi nakakapag-isip ng tama. Sino bang matinong magulang ang papayag na
kasama ng ibang tao ang anak nila?
Babae pa? Kapag nahimasmasan na ‘yon si Mr. Rozovsky, siguradong maiisip noon na
kunin na ang anak at iuwi pabalik ng Manila. Nakarinig ako ng ugong ng sasakyan na
pumarada sa tapat ng bahay.
I am sure it was Henry and Matt. Hindi nga ako nagkamali at naririnig ko na ang
boses ni Matt na kung ano-ano ang sinasabi. Bumukas ang pinto at kita ko ang pagod
sa mukha ni Henry at iritasyon dahil sa walang katigil-tigil na pagsasalita ni
Matt. “What happened to you?” Takang tanong ni Henry nang mabuksan ang pinto at
makita akong balot na balot ng comforter na nakahiga sa sofa. “Fever.” Tanging
sagot ko. “What happened to you?” “Ang tindi. Parang sa pelikula lang ang mga
nangyari na nakita ko.” Damang-dama ko ang excitement sa boses ni Matt.
Kunot-noong nagtanong ang tingin ko kay Henry. Excitement ang nakikita ko kay Matt
pero seryoso ang mukha ni Henry. Mukhang may hindi magandang nangyari. “Can you
put some gas to the car?” Inihagis ni Henry ang susi ng kotse na regalo ni Mr.
Rozovsky sa akin kay Matt. “Teka, kakauwi lang natin. Gusto kong magkuwento kay
Boss Amo ng mga nangyari kanina.” Namimilog pa ang mat ani Matt. “Pagasolinahan mo
muna ang kotse,” bumigat na ang boses ni Henry. Alam kong dahilan lang ito ni Henry
para mapaalis muna si Matt.
Sigurado akong importante ang sasabihin niya sa akin at classified kaya hindi
puwedeng marinig ni Matt.
“Go.” Tumango na ako kay Matt. “Ipa-full tank mo na.” Pinilit kong bumangon kahit
pakiramdam ko ay bawat laman ng katawan ko ay tinutusok ng karayom at kinuha ko ang
wallet ko. Kinuha ang itim na Amex card na naroon at ibinigay kay Matt. “Buy us
some groceries. We need to stock lots of food for now.” Inis na kinuha ni Matt ang
credit card. Hindi naman ito makakatanggi sa akin tapos ay bubulong-bulong na
lumakad palabas.
“Buy In-N-Out too. I want the double-double.” Pahabol pa ni Henry habang paalis si
Matt. Nag-sign lang ng dirty finger si Matt na hindi tumitingin sa amin tapos ay
pabagsak na isinara ang pinto. Noon nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Henry nang
tumingin sa akin. “Bad news?” Napa-ungol ako nang umayos ng upo. Nag-iinit talaga
ang mata ko at nagchi-chill ang katawan ko. Tumango si Henry. “We’re too late.”
Mahina pa siyang napamura at napailing. “Why? What happened?” “Matt and I tried to
find where they brought the other women. We need to look for the yacht several
docks around. I didn’t have any means and connections here. Besides, this is an
underground job. Actually, hindi nga job talaga.” Marahang hinilot ni Henry ang
magkabilang sentido. “My boss called me and told me to stop digging. To stand
down.” But knowing Henry, the more people told him to stand down, the more he was
going to pursue what he was doing. “You found out something.” Paniniguro ko.
Marahan siyang tumango. “I found the yacht.” Napabuga siya ng hangi. “But also
found four bodies in the water.” “What four bodies?” Taka ko. Kinuha ni Henry ang
remote ng TV at binuksan iyon. Inilagay sa news at naroon ang isang breaking news
tungkol sa apat na babaeng hubo’t-hubad ang natagpuan na palutang-lutang sa dagat.
No identification could be found.
“And?” Taka kong tanong kay Henry. Hindi na bago sa akin ang mga ganitong krimen
dito. Araw-araw mas malalalang krimen pa ang napapanood kong balita sa TV. “Four
women. No identification. Two Chinese, one Japanese, one Filipina. Ring a bell?”
Nagtatagis ang bagang ni Henry. Natigilan ako at napatingin kay Henry. Tumatango
siya sa akin at iiling-iling. “I think whoever did that got spooked because of
this,” inilipat ni Henry sa ibang balita ang TV at doon ay sinasabing natagpuang
patay ang isang sikat ng tech mogul sa sarili nitong yate. “You killed Steve Page.
The damn owner and founder of Microtech Solutions and Investments.” Naihilamos ni
Henry ang kamay sa mukha at kahit paano ay ramdam ko ang pag-aalala. “Fucking Steve
Page, Noah. You killed a fucking billionaire.” Napaikot ako ng mata at isinandal
ang sarili ko sa inuupuan kong sofa. Namimigat kasi ang ulo ko. “I had to do it.
He was about to rape Masha.” Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko. “You almost decapitated
his head from his body.” Alam kong ang ibig sabihin ni Henry ay may ibig sabihin
ang pagkakapatay ko sa sinasabi niya. “You could have at least knocked him down. Or
just strangle him.” “Maiisip ko pa ba ‘yon kung nagmamadali ako? He’s dead, we
saved Masha, end of story. We move on.” Iritableng sabi ko.
“I don’t think we can move on from this. Steve Page is a member of a criminal
organization that works with the Russian Bratva. They will definitely look for the
person who did that to him.” “And I am not afraid. If I have to do it again, I am
going to do it.
That pig deserved what happened to him.” Naalala ko na naman ang hitsurang nakita
ko na bababuyin ng lalaking iyon si Masha. “He was going to rape the daughter of my
boss. I had to do something.” Muli akong humiga sa sofa. “It’s over. I feel sorry
for those women that ended up dead. There was nothing we could do. We tried to save
them but… we don’t have the means, the power to do it. Ikaw na ang nagsabi. I
killed someone who was a member of a criminal organization. Those people that was
in that auction was someone who got connections. Works with people like Mr.
Rozovsky. If we didn’t follow Masha, she could be one of those women too.” Umayos
ako ng higa. “Do you have any lead who brought Masha and the other women here? Iyon
ang dapat nating alamin.” Umiling ako. “Only Masha could tell us what happened.”
Naisuklay ni Henry ang kamay sa buhok. “’Tangina, ano ba itong nasuotan natin? I
just wanted to impress my new boss but not like this. Delikadong mga tao ang
makakabangga natin dito.” Umasim ang mukha ko sa kanya. “Labas na ako diyan. I am
no longer a cop. Buwisit ka kasi. Nananahimik ako dito. Isinama-sama mo pa ako
diyan. What did your boss say?” “That I stand down. The bureau will do its own
investigation. Right now, the local cops are trying to identify the dead women.”
Saglit na huminto magsalita si Henry. “What about Masha? Alam na ni Mr.
Rozovsky ang nangyari sa anak niya.” Marahan akong tumango pero hindi sinabi sa
kanya na nasa kuwarto ko lang ang babaeng dati ay binabantayan niya. “How did Mr.
Rozovsky take it? I am sure he was upset and pissed.” “You could say that.”
Hinilot-hilot ko ang ulo ko. “I got a big problem though.” Kunot-noong nakatingin
sa akin si Henry. “You’re sick. You want me to bring you to a hospital? Is that
your problem?” Umiling ako. “Just… go to my room.” “Why?” Naguguluhang tanong ni
Henry.
“Go to my room. You’ll find out why.” Ipinikit ko na ang mata ko.
Naramdaman kong tumayo si Henry at lumakad palayo. Kahit nakapikit, pakiramdam ko
ay umiikot ang paligid ko. Alam kong gawa ito ng mataas kong lagnat. Mukhang hindi
kakayanin ng pangkaraniwang mga paracetamol itong trangkaso ko ngayon. Maybe Henry
was right. I needed to go to a hospital. “Are you fucking kidding me?” Malayo pa
lang ay iyon na ang narinig kong bulalas ni Henry. Nang imulat ko ang mata ay
nakita ko siyang nagmamadaling lumapit sa akin. “What the fuck was that?” Nanlalaki
ang mata niya at alam kong hindi siya makapaniwala sa nakita niya. Ang hitsura niya
ay nakakita ng isang bagay na matagal na niyang tinalikuran tapos ay bumalik sa
buhay niya. “That’s my damn problem.” Napabuga ako ng hangin.
“Masha Rozovsky is in your room? I thought Mr. Rozovsky knew about what happened
to her daughter?” “He did. He was here earlier.” Sumasakit na naman ang ulo ko
nang maalala ang mga sinabi ni Mr. Rozovsky sa akin. “And? Where the fuck is he?”
Luminga-linga pa si Henry. “Flying back to Manila.” Lukot na lukot ang mukha ni
Henry na nakatingin sa akin dahil alam kong naguguluhan sa naririnig na sinasabi
ko.
“What the hell is going on?” Hinihilot ko ang ulo ko. “He said, Masha will stay
here while he is looking for who did this to his daughter.” Hindi agad nakasagot
si Henry at nanatiling nakatingin lang sa akin.
Tingin ko ay ina-absorb iyon ng maigi. “I am going to be Masha’s bodyguard.” I
said that with full of disgust. Nanatiling nakatingin pa rin sa akin si Henry
tapos mayamaya ay nakita kong kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi. Hanggang unti-unting
nangingiti pero alam kong pinipigil lang. Hanggang sa tuluyang matawa tapos ay
hihinto at magseseryoso dahil nakikita niyang seryoso ako at hindi tumatawa. Pero
nang hindi matiis ay tuluyan nang humalakhak ng malakas. Walang pakialam kung may
makarinig o makabulahaw sa paligid. Ang sama lang ng tingin ko sa kanya habang
hinahawakan pa niya ang tiyan tapos ay hitsurang hindi na makahinga kakatawa. “Are
you done?” Malamig na sabi ko nang unti-unti ay humuhupa na ang pagtawa niya.
Sumisenyas pa siya ng sandali sa akin habang tumatawa pa ng bahagya. Napaikot ako
ng mata dahil hinahabol pa niya ang hininga dahil sa matinding pagtawa na ginawa.
“I’m sorry,” natatawa pa ring sabi niya. “I can’t help it.” “Yeah. You are not
fucking helping.” Napipikon ako. Sa reaksyon pa lang ni Henry mukhang alam na
niyang problema itong haharapin ko. “What happened? Why did Mr. Rozovsky think
that it will help if his daughter stays here?” “I don’t know. I tried to reason
with him. I mean, I don’t want to be a damn bodyguard. I was a fucking Station
Chief. Mga PO1 ko ang gumagawa niyan.” Reklamo ko. “Well,” umayos ng upo si Henry
at tingin ko ay na-absorb na niya ang sinabi ko. “That just means Mr. Rozovsky
trust you so much.” Muli ay natawa si Henry pero agad ding huminto. “But I am
telling you, that woman is a fucking pain the ass.” Naiiling pa siya. “She made my
life a living hell.” “Wala lang akong choice. Pero kung matigas ang ulo niya at
nagawa niya ang mga gusto niya sa’yo, she couldn’t do that to me.” Umangat ang
kilay ni Henry na halatang hindi kumbinsido. “Trust me, that woman is a fucking
spawn of the devil. I think she is Lilith herself. Nagpanggap na tao lang.”
“Lilith huh?” natawa ako sa description ni Henry. “Kung mayroon pang mas higit kay
Lilith, siya na ‘yon.” Tumunog ang telepono ni Henry. “Fucking Matt calling me.”
Dinampot niya ang telepono at sinagot iyon. Napapaikot pa siya ng mata tapos ay
pinatay ang call. “Nasa labas. Nagpapatulong magpabuhat ng mga groceries.
Puntahan ko lang.” Tumango lang ako at natatawang sinundan siya ng tingin.
Napahinga ako ng malalim at ipinikit ang mga mata ko. Pero napamulat din nang
makarinig ng pagkalabog galing sa taas. Kahit nahihilo ay pilit akong bumangon.
Baka may nangyayari kay Masha. Umakyat ako at tinungo ang kuwarto. Pagbukas ko ay
bigla ang pagbundol ng kaba sa dibdib ko. The bed was empty. Shit. Where the fuck
was Masha?
May bahid pa ng dugo ang white bed sheet dahil naroon ang suwero na tinanggal na
nakakabit kay Masha. Nagpalinga-linga ako sa kuwarto.
Tinungo ko pa ang banyo para matingnan kung naroon siya. Wala din. Saan napunta
iyon?
Narinig kong tumawag si Matt mula sa ibaba kaya tinungo ko ang pinto. Pero
napahinto din ako nang marinig kong may tumunog sa likuran ko kaya lumingon ako.
Ang sunod kong narinig ay ang matinis na tili ni Masha tapos ay ang pagtama ng
kung anong matigas na bagay sa ulo ko.
And everything went black after. Sometimes it’s better to keep it all inside,
where the only person that could judge is yourself

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER FIFTEEN | NO ONE KNOWS MASHA

I groaned when I felt my body was sore. Sore like I was badly beaten. My head was
heavy. When I tried to open my eyes, it was all blur that I saw. Little by little,
I was slowly remembering everything. I was talking to my dad. I was yelling so
loud. I was mad at him.
Then I was with my friends. With Carl and Wynona. Yes. I was with them.
And a plane. We rode in a plane and we flew to Las Vegas. Then I was handcuffed.
Fear crept all over me. I remembered Carl. I thought he was my friend. I thought I
could trust him but… Tears bawled into my eyes and my whole body started to shake.
I… we… we were brought in some place. I was violated. I was drugged. I knew it was
drug. They put something in me and I… There were people. It was all blurry. I
couldn’t remember things but I knew there were people around. I was fucking naked.
Almost naked.
They were going to sell me. I looked around. My eyes were wandering and I was
inside a room.
No. This was not my room. I didn’t know this place. I cried in fear. Maybe someone
already bought me. I looked at my hand with something injected on it. I followed
the small tube and it was connected to some bottles over my head. Oh my God. They
were still drugging me. It damn hurts when I removed it. Blood was still dripping
from the back of my hand to the bed. Even if I was feeling drowsy and my body was
still feeling light, I knew I had to get out of here. I won’t let whoever this
asshole to touch me. Violate me. This was an unfamiliar place. I tiptoed around
the room so I won’t create any sound. Mahirap nang marinig ng kung sino man na
narito na gising ako. I needed to get out of here. Lumapit ako sa nakasarang pinto
at idinikit ang tainga ko doon. Pinapakiramdaman ko kung may may tao sa paligid.
Wala naman akong marinig. Napabuga ako ng hangin dahil pakiramdam ko ay nahihilo pa
ako pero tatakas ako dito. I needed to ask for help.
Binuksan ko ang pinto ng dahan-dahan. Halos hindi ako humihinga dahil ayaw kong
makalikha ng ingay. Lumabas ako at dahan-dahan na bababa sa hagdan pero doon ko
narinig na may nag-uusap na dalawang lalaki. Mabilis akong bumalik sa kuwarto at
natatarantang nagpapalakad-lakad doon. Shit. How could I get away from here? May
bantay doon sa baba. I am sure mga kasabwat ni Carl iyon. Damn you, Carl. I am
going kill you. Sige ako sa pag-iyak habang lakad pa rin ng lakad. Saglit akong
tumahimik at muling iginala ang tingin ko sa paligid. I needed to save myself. I
needed to protect myself. Nakita ko ang isang lampshade na naroon kaya nilapitan ko
at hinugot. Binuhat ko at mabigat din ang katawan noon. Ito na lang ang gagamitin
ko para ipagtanggol ang sarili ko. I am not going to be locked in here without a
fight. Tatakas ako at… Muntik na akong mapasigaw nang bumagsak ang nakapatong na
ilaw at top ng lampshade. Bagsak sahig at lumikha iyon ng ingay. OMG.
I am sure they heard this and they would definitely know that I am awake.
Pero wala akong matatakasan dito. Nagmamadali akong tumungo sa banyo at kahit
bintana ay wala doon. Nakita ko ang isang malaking built-in cabinet at doon ako
pumasok. Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa matigas na kahoy na body ng lampshade.
Pigil na pigil ko ang hininga ko habang nakikiramdam kung anong mangyayari. Lalong
lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko nang marinig kong bumukas ang pinto. Naglalakad sa
loob ang kung sino man. Siguradong hinahanap ako dahil narinig kong may nagbukas ng
pinto na banyo.
Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto ng cabinet at mula doon ay nakita kong
nakatalikod na ang kung sinong lalaki. Pagkakataon ko na ito. Lumabas ako ng
cabinet at dahan-dahang lumapit sa nakatalikod na lalaki. Malakas akong sumigaw at
nang humarap ito sa akin ay malakas kong pinukpok ng hawak kong kahoy ang ulo nito.
Nanginginig ako sa takot pero kinakaya ko dahil gusto kong makatakas dito. Bagsak
ang lalaki sa lapag. Knocked out. Kita ko ang pag-agos ng dugo mula sa tinamaang
parte ng gilid ng noo. Punong-puno ng luha ang mga mata ko at hahampasin ko pa ulit
nang makarinig ako ng mabibilis at mabibigat na mga yabag na halatang tumatakbo
papunta sa kuwarto. No. I am going to kill this son of a bitch who bought me from
that asshole Carl. I was mad. I was heartbroken. I felt I was deceived by people I
trusted. And this man would feel my wrath. I swayed the heavy wood and was about to
hit the unconscious man’s head again when the door flew open and two men came in.
“Masha?! No!” I didn’t know who said that but the next thing I knew, someone was
grabbing my arms and pulling me away from the unconscious man. Nagsisigaw ako.
Nagwawala pero ang higpit ng pagkakahawak ng lalaki sa akin. Pinilit makuha ang
kahoy na hawak ko para hindi na makapanakit pa. Hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi
pero naririnig kong tinatawag ang pangalan ko. They knew my name. They knew who I
was. They knew I was the only daughter of Stas Rozovsky.
“Masha! Hey! Hey!” Naramdaman kong pilit na hinahawakan ng lalaking pumipigil sa
akin ang mukha ko pero pilit kong inilalayo iyon.
Ayaw kong makita ang mukha ng mga hayop na ito. “Masha, look at me.
You’re safe. You are safe.” Noon ako tumingin sa lalaking pumipigil sa akin. Ngayon
ay hawak ng dalawang kamay ang mukha ko at kitang-kita ko ang pag-aalala doon. “I’m
Henry. Hey. Look at my face. Look at me.
I am Henry.” Nakatitig lang ako sa mukha ng lalaki at unti-unti ay nakikilala ko
ito. This was the face of the man that I betrayed. The face of the bodyguard that I
got rid of. And he was looking at me full of concern. “H-Henry?” Napupuno ng luha
ang mga mata ko.
“Yes. You are safe. We got you. No one is going to harm you here.” Tuluyang
tumulo ang luha ko. “Henry.” Napahagulgol na ako at mahigpit na yumakap sa kanya.
Iyak ako nang iyak dahil ngayon ako nakaramdaman ng relief. I knew I would be safe.
Henry was here. My bodyguard was here. “It’s okay. You are okay, Masha.” Ramdam ko
din ang relief sa boses ni Henry. Dahan-dahan akong lumayo sa kanya at pinahid ang
luha ko. “W-where am I?” Tumingin ako sa paligid ko. “In my friend’s home.”
Tinapunan ng tingin ni Henry ang lalaking walang malay sa lapag na inaalalayan ng
isa pang lalaki. Pilit na tinatapik-tapik nito ang mukha ng lalaking knocked-out at
pilit na ginigising. “Boss Amo wake up.” Halatang nag-aalala din ang lalaki.
Nakita kong bahagyang lumakas pa ang pagsampal nito sa mukha ng lalaki tapos ay
tumingin kay Henry. “Patay na yata si Boss Amo.” Mahinang napamura si Henry at
iniwan ako tapos ay tinulngan ang lalaking nakahandusay doon. Tingin ko ay hindi na
maganda ang lagay ng lalaki.
Oh my God. I think I just killed someone.
“Oh no.” Umiiyak na sabi ko. “Do you know that guy?” tanong ko kay Henry.
“He’s the one who saved you,” naiiling na sabi ni Henry at tiningnan pa ang
pinagmumulan ng dugo mula sa ulo ng lalaki. “I think I need to bring him to a
hospital.” “Naku, ayaw ni Boss Amo ‘yon. Magagalit ‘yan kapag nagising sa ospital.
Tingnan mo nga, nagtitiyaga dito kahit ang taas na ng lagnat.
Allergic sa ospital ‘yan.” Sabi ng isang lalaki. “And we are going to let him
bleed to death here?” Asar na sagot ni Henry.
“Mukhang malayo naman sa bituka ang tama ni Boss Amo. Buhatin na lang natin at
ilagay sa kama. Magigising din ‘yan mamaya.” Halatang ayaw ni Henry sa naririnig
pero mukhang walang magagawa. Pinagtulungan nilang buhatin ang lalaki na maihiga sa
kama na hinihigaan ko lang kanina. Mabilis kumilos si Henry. Inasikaso ang lalaking
walang malay. Nilinis ang dumudugong sugat sa noo tapos ay nilagyan ng gamot at
plaster. Nang matapos ay tumingin sa akin. “Come on. You need to tell me
everything happened.” Hinawakan niya ako sa braso at inalalayan na lumabas na ng
silid. Sa sala kami dumeretso at tinanong ako ni Henry kung ano ang gusto ko.
Tubig lang ang hiningi ko. Ang isang lalaking kasama niya ay naroon dito pero
nakatitig sa akin. Hitsurang hindi makapaniwalang nakikita ako.
“What?” hindi ko na natiis na hindi ito tanungin. Ngumiti ng maasim ang lalaki.
“You’re Masha Fantasha, right?” Hindi ako agad nakasagot. He knew me as Masha
Fantasha. I am sure, he knew who I am. He knew the wild things that I was doing. He
knew and watched my wild videos circulating online. Marahan akong tumango at
lalong lumapad ang ngiti ng lalaki.
Kinuha nito ang telepono tapos ay lumapit sa akin. “Puwede tayong selfie?”
Excited na sabi nito at itinapat ang camera sa mukha ko tapos ay tumabi sa akin.
Pero bago pa lang ma-capture ang selfie namin ay inagaw na ni Henry ang cellphone
na gamit nito.
“Anong selfie? Gago ka ba?” Kitang-kita ko ang inis sa mukha niya at hindi
ibinalik sa lalaki ang telepono. “She’s been through a terrible ordeal then you are
going to ask for a selfie? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Halata kong napikon
talaga si Henry. Kita ko naman ang pagkapahiya sa lalaki. “Sorry. Na-carried away
lang talaga ako. Kasi kilalang-kilala ka sa soc med. Na-excite lang ako.” “Tigilan
mo ‘yan.” Inis na sabi ni Henry. “Tingnan mo si Noah sa taas. I-check mo kung
okay.” Lumabit ang lalaki at bubulong-bulong na bumalik sa kuwartong
pinanggalingan namin kanina. Wala akong masabi. Naguguluhan man ako sa mga
nangyayari na narito si Henry pero napakalaking relief na narito siya. Iniabot niya
ang baso ng tubig sa akin at inalalayan akong uminom doon. Nagtubig ang mga mata ko
at nag-uunahang tumulo ang luha ko. “Don’t cry. No one is going to hurt you here.
This is a safe place, Masha.” Ngumiti pa ng bahagya si Henry. “More water?”
Umiling na ako at napahagulgol na ng iyak. Pakiramdam ko ay ngayon ko nailabas
lahat ang takot ko, ang galit, ang hinanakit sa sarili ko dahil wala namang ibang
puwedeng sisisihin sa nangyaring ito sa akin kundi ang sarili ko. “Are you okay
now?” Umiling ako at nahihiyang tumingin kay Henry. “You’re not mad at me?”
Napakunot ang noo ni Henry. “Mad at you? Why would I get mad at you?” “Because of
what I did.” Muli ay napaiyak ako. “I’m sorry.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “It’s
okay. I just hope your dad don’t believe with what you said about me.” “I’m sorry,
Henry.” Humihikbi ako. “I know you are just doing your job but… I know I was wrong.
I did a terrible mistake. I am really sorry.” Hindi siya kumibo. Ini-expect ko
talaga na magalit siya sa akin.
Pabayaan ako. Pagtawanan dahil sa nangyari sa akin pero nang tumingin ako kay Henry
ay kita ko at ramdam ko ang sincere niyang pag-aalala sa akin. “You don’t need to
say sorry. Everyone makes mistakes. What I need to know is what happened to you?”
“I don’t know.” Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa kanya kung paano ako
napunta dito. “Maybe because I trusted the wrong people.
Can I call my dad?” Tumango siya at iniabot ang telepono sa akin. Nanginginig pa
ang mga kamay ko nang abutin iyon at i-type ang number ni Dad pero hindi ko
magawang pindutin ang dial. My dad would know what I did. I am sure if he knew
what happened to me, lalo lang niya akong hihigpitan. Worse, baka ikulong na lang
ako sa bahay. “Do you want me to do it? I can call your father for you.” Siguro ay
napansin ni Henry na hindi ko magawang tawagan si Dad. Binura ko ang number ni Dad
at ibinalik ang telepono kay Henry tapos ay umiiling. “What? You don’t want to
talk to your dad?” taka niya. Sunod-sunod ang iling ko at nangingilid ang luha na
tumingin sa kanya.
“Can you help me?” “Yeah, but I think you need to call your family. They need to
know that you’re okay.” “I can’t. I made a big mistake and I know if I tell my dad
what happened, he would definitely ground me. I am going to lose my freedom.”
Hindi nakasagot si Henry at napahinga na lang ng malalim. “Promise you are not
going to tell Dad that I am here?” “Only if you tell me what really happened to
you? We saved you from a pig who brought you from an auction. From a sex club. You
ended up in a sex club, Masha.” Lalo akong napaiyak nang marinig iyon. “If your
father knows-“ “That’s why I don’t want to tell him.” Tuluyan na akong napaiyak.
“If my dad found out about it that would be the end of me. I will lose my freedom.”
Lumapit ako at hinawakan sa kamay si Henry. “I will tell you everything but please,
promise me you won’t tell my father.” At tingin ko naman hindi iyon gagawin ni
Henry. I knew deep inside him he resents my family. He resents me. I made a false
story about him and my father fired him. Nagtagis ang bagang niya at napahinga ng
malalim. “I won’t. I am no longer working for him. Besides, I am working with a
different bureau.
I am following a case that involves those people that did that to you.” “I-I am
going to call my dad but I will tell him that I am okay somewhere.” “It’s up to
you. But now, tell me what really happened.” “Am I going to be a witness? Please,
no. I don’t want to get involved.
I just want that nightmare to be over. I don’t want to remember it.” Kinakalma
niya ako. “I know you are still in shock but I am telling you it’s over. You are
okay. You are not going to be a witness. I will keep your identity hidden. Your dad
won’t know about this. I just need you tell me what happened to you so I could
catch those bad guys and they can never do it again.” Hindi agad ako nakasagot.
Nag-uumpisa na naman akong manginig dahil naaalala ko ang ginawa ni Carl. Ang
pagdala sa amin ni Wynona sa isang lugar. Ang pagda-drug sa akin. It was a
nightmare but I knew Henry here would understand and would help me. I am going to
tell him everything.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression – Will Rogers

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER SIXTEEN | HELLO, IT’S ME NOAH

I felt I was nursing a terrible hangover even if I didn’t drink.

I knew I was sick and headache should be normal, but what I was feeling was
different. I felt my head was literally splitting in half.
I touched my head and tried to massaged it but immediately I winced in pain. There
was something on my forehead and I removed it. It was gauze with blood on it. Noon
ko hinawakan nagn tuluyan ang kanina ay tinatakpan ng gauze. Napa-aray ako.
‘Tangina, ano ito?
Then I remembered what happened. I went to my room to check on Masha and she was
not on the bed. I tried to look for her then I saw her and… Mahina akong napamura.
She fucking hit me with something hard on my head. Pakiramdam ko ay kinakalog pa
ang ulo ko at nahihilo pa ako. Kung noong bago ako mawalan ng malay ay si Masha ang
nakita kong nakaratay dito, ngayon, ako na ang may suwero, ako na ang pasyenteng
narito.
Hinugot ko ang nakasaksak sa kamay ko na naka-konekta sa dextrose. Pinilit kong
bumangon pero agad ding napahinto dahil talagang umikot ang paningin ko. Dama ko
naman na wala na akong lagnat dahil hindi na ako giniginaw. Ang idinadaing ko
talaga ay ang sakit ng ulo gawa ng pagkakapukpok ni Masha sa ulo ko. Umalis ako sa
kama at pinilit na tumayo. Dahan-dahan akong lumakad at lumabas ng kuwarto. Nasaan
kaya si Henry? Si Matt? At nasaan si Masha?
Dumaan ako sa banyo at pumasok. Tiningnan ko ang sarili ko at napangiwi nang makita
ang napakalaking sugat sa gilid ng noo ko.
Nakabuka iyon at ngayon ay nagsisimula nang dumugo. Kumuha ako ng tissue at
dinampian iyon para umampat ang pagdudugo. Hindi ito gagaling ng ganito. This kind
of big open wound require stitches. Kailangan kong pumunta ng ospital.
But I hated hospitals. Never in my life I would step foot in that place.
Makakita pa lang ako ng ospital ay talagang nanginginig na ako. Ang daming alaalang
bumabalik at ayaw ko nang maisip pa ang mga iyon. Tiningnan kong maigi ang sugat at
talagang nakabuka. Pupunta na lang ako sa botika at bibili ng plaster na puwedeng
ilagay dito para tumikom. Nilinis ko ang sarili ko. Naghilamos ako at nag-
toothbrush. Nang lumabas ako sa kuwarto ay ang una kong hinanap ay ang telepono ko.
Nakita kong nakapatong iyon sa bedside table at kinuha ko. Tiningnan ko kung may
mga calls ako. Wala. Kahit si Mr. Rozovsky, walang calls and text. Nang makita ko
ang date ngayong araw ay napakunot ang noo ko.
Hindi ito ang date nang mawalan ako ng malay.
I was out cold for three days.
Shit. Noon na ako nagmamadaling lumabas ng kuwarto at bumaba.
Tinatawagan ko si Henry sa telepono pero hindi siya sumasagot.
Kailangan kong malaman kung nasaan si Masha. Kung nagpunta ba dito uli si Mr.
Rozovsky at kinuha na ang anak niya at binitbit na pauwi nang Manila.
Nasa sala na ako pero hindi pa rin sumasagot si Henry sa tawag ko.
Si Matt na ang tatawagan ko nang makarinig ako ng boses sa kusina.
Mahinang boses na unti-unting lumalakas. Boses babae iyon. Dahan-dahan akong
naglakad papunta doon at nakita ko nga ang isang babae na nakatalikod sa akin at
nakaharap sa lababo. Mukhang naghuhugas ng plato. Ang una kong napansin ay ang
malaking t-shirt na suot ng babae.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa magagandang shape ng legs. Those are nice pair.
Long and smooth. Muling umakyat ang tingin ko sa kabuuan ng nakatalikod na babae sa
akin. Who was this? Imposibleng si Masha iyon.
Siguradong hindi iyon marunong maghugas ng plato. At isa pa, siguradong nang
magkamalay iyon ay nagtatakbo na iyon paalis dito at tumawag sa Daddy niya.
Nagpasundo na. Pakiramdam ko ay nakahinga na ako agad ng maluwag nang maisip iyon.
At least, nawalan na ako ng responsibility.
Pero sino nga ang babaeng ito?
Noon na ako lumapit at tinatawag ang babae ng Miss. Hindi sumasagot. Napansin kong
may nakapasak na Air pods sa magkabilang tainga nito at ang mahinang huni ay unti-
unting lumalakas na nagiging kanta. At nakakarinidi ang pagkanta na iyon. “Miss!”
nilakasan ko na ang boses ko pero hindi pa rin ako naririnig kaya hinawakan ko na
sa balikat ang babae na agad lumingon sa akin. It was Masha. Pareho pa kaming
nagkagulatan at nanlaki ang mata niya nang makita ako. Napaawang din ang bibig ko
dahil hindi ko akalain na makikita ko pa siya dito. At naghuhugas siya ng plato?
“Oh my God! Intruder!” Ang lakas ng sigaw niya tapos ay dinampot ang isang frying
pan na hinuhugasan at ihahampas sa akin. “What the fuck?” Mabilis na ako ngayon.
Agad kong sinalag ang paghampas niya at agad na inagaw ang hawak niyang frying pan.
“What’s with you and hitting people in the head?” Halatang natataranta ang hitsura
ni Masha. “Oh my God.” Naiiyak ang hitsura niya at halatang natatakot at
kinakabahan. “Henry! Henry!
Help me! Someone is trying to hurt me!” Umaatras sa akin si Masha at talagang takot
na takot. “The hell are you talking about?” Naiinis na ako. ‘Tanginang bahay ko ito
pinagbibintangan pa akong intruder at masamang tao. “This is my fucking house!”
Pabalibag kong itinapon sa lababo ang frying pan. “And you did this to me.” Itinuro
ko ang malaking sugat ko sa noo at lalong nanlaki ang mata ni Masha nang makita
iyon. “Henry! Help me!” Umiiyak na siya at talagang ang hitsura ay sasaktan ko.
Agad na humahangos si Henry na dumating sa kusina. Nagtatanong ang tingin sa akin
tapos ay lumapit kay Masha. Sumama ang tingin ko dito lalo na nang hitsurang pino-
protektahan pa si Masha at nagtago pa sa likod ni Henry.
“Wow,” sarcastic kong sagot. “You’re protecting her? From me?
Hindi kaya dapat ako ang protektahan mo sa babaeng iyan? Look at this,” itinuturo
ko ang nagdudugo kong sugat sa noon. “She did this to me.” “Henry, look ‘o?”
Itinuturo pa ako ni Masha. “There’s a bad guy.
Help me. Paalisin mo siya.” Nakalabi pang sabi ni Masha at talagang nagsisiksik sa
likuran ni Henry. Natawa ako. “Really? I am the bad guy?” Tumingin ako kay Henry.
“Do you hear that? I am the damn bad guy?” Doon na unti-unting sumeryoso ang mukha
ko at bumaling kay Masha. “If you know how to listen to your parents, you won’t be
facing those fucking bad guys.” Tumaas na ang boses ko. “Noah.” Tonong nananaway na
si Henry at seryoso nang nakatingin sa akin. Nakita kong napaawang ang bibig ni
Masha at hindi maialis ang tingin sa akin. Nagtatagis ang bagang ko. Napipikon ko.
I am in pain. I am hungry.
I wanted to have some rest and this was happening. Naiiling na kumumpas na lang ako
sa hangin at umalis doon. I didn’t have time for this kind of shit. Mukhang
magkasundo na naman na si Henry at ang spoiled brat princess ni Stas Rozovsky,
might as well he do the job. Tutal dati na naman siyang bodyguard ni Masha. “Matt!”
Wala akong pakialam kung dumadagundong sa buong paligid ang boses ko. “Matt!” Mula
sa labas ay nagtatanong ang tingin ni Matt na sumalubong sa akin. “’Yong sugat mo,”
itinuro pa niya ang noo ko. “It’s bleeding, Noah.” Dama ko ang pag-aalala ni Matt
at hindi na nga ako tinawag na Boss Amo katulad ng tawag niya sa akin. “’Tara,
samahan mo ako.” Dinampot ko ang susi ng kotse ko na nakapatong sa mesa at ihinagis
iyon kay Matt. “You’re driving.” Nauna na akong lumakad palabas at dali-daling
nakasunod sa akin si Matt.
“Talaga? Papayagan mo akong mag-drive? Ida-drive ko ang Aston Martin mo?” Parang
batang namimilog ang mata ni Matt sa akin. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. “Don’t make
me change my mind.” Nauna na akong tinungo ang kotse at padabog na sumakay sa
passenger side.
Damang-dama ko ang excitement ni Matt nang sumakay sa kotse.
Hindi pa nga agad ini-start iyon at hinawakan ng dalawang kamay ang manibela tapos
ay hinihimas iyon. “Drive,” asar kong baling sa kanya.
“Yes, Boss Amo.” Tuwang-tuwang sabi niya at nag-drive na paalis doon. Sa isang fast
food ko pina-deretso si Matt. Pina-order ko sa drive-thru tapos ay dumeretso kami
sa isang botika. Pinabili ko din ng mga gamot at gauze at clip para sa sugat.
Wala akong kibo habang bumibiyahe kami pabalik ng bahay ni Matt pero alam kong
patingin-tingin siya sa akin at tinatantiya ang mood ko. “Mainit pa ulo mo?”
Alanganin niyang tanong. “I let you drive this car. What do you think?” Malamig
kong sagot.
“Okay.” Napangiwi siya at bahagyang bumagal ang pagpapatakbo niya ng sasakyan. “May
masakit ba kasi sa’yo? Alam mo gusto ka ngang dalhin sa ospital ni Henry pero sabi
ko hindi mo magugustuhan iyon kapag doon ka nagising.” Doon ako bahagyang kumalma
at tinapunan ng tingin si Matt. Kahit na madalas ay makulit ang isang ito, alam na
alam niya ang tungkol sa akin. “I am okay. I think I don’t have a fever. This one
hurt,” itinuro ko ang ulo kong may sugat. Pinahid ko iyon dahil naramdaman kong
tila may tumulo. Nang tingnan ko ang kamay ko ay dugo iyon. Inis akong kumuha ng
gauze at itinapal doon habang nanatiling nakadiin ang kamay ko para maampat ang
pagdudugo.
“Ang lalim kasi. Tingin ko dapat matahi ‘yan sa ospital.” “And what would I tell
the doctor when I got this? Can I tell them that I got knocked out by a twenty-one-
year-old girl?” punong-puno ng inis ang boses. Hindi nakasagot si Matt. Tumahimik
na lang. Pero nang tingnan ko, alam kong nagpipigil ng tawa. “Fuck you, Matt.”
Iniiwas ko na ang tingin ko sa kanya dahil baka kung ano lang ang magawa ko.
Hindi na siya nakapagpigil at ang lakas ng halakhak niya. “Sorry na.
Hindi ko lang kasi mapigil. Alam mo ba, muntik pang dumoble ‘yang tama mo sa ulo
kung hindi lang namin napigil si Masha Fantasha?
Babambuhin ka ulit dapat kahit knocked out ka na.” Lalo lang akong nainis sa
narinig ko. Ngayon na bumabalik ang lahat ng mga nangyari. Yes, I won’t forget that
I was hit in the head by that spoiled princess. “Pero nag-sorry naman siya sa’yo
n’ong tulog ka. Saka sabi niya ang guwapo mo daw.” Umayos ako ng upo sa narinig na
sinabi ni Matt at tiningnan siya.
Seryoso na siyang nagda-drive ngayon.
“She did say that?” Paniniguro ko. “Oo.” Tumango pa siya. “’Yong sorry pero ‘yong
guwapo ka, dagdag kuwento ko lang ‘yon.” Ang lakas na naman ng tawa ni Matt kaya
inis kong sinuntok ang braso niya.
“My damn head is splitting in half. Huwag kang sumabay at talagang tatamaan ka sa
akin. What is she doing there? Hindi pa ba dumating ang tatay niya? They should
pick her up.” Hinihilot ko pa ang magkabilang sentido ko at iniiwasan ang sugat ko.
“Mukhang malabo ‘yan. Kasi ang rinig ko noong nag-uusap si Henry at si Masha
Fantasha, dito daw muna siya.” Tinapunan ako ng tingin ni Matt. “Saka ang close
nila.” “Masha hated Henry.” Pagtatama ko sa sinabi niya. “Hindi magkakasundo ang
dalawang iyon.” “Hindi, ah.” Hitsurang batang nagpapatotoo si Matt. “Kung iyakan ni
Masha Fantasha si Henry talagang parang pinagkakatiwalaan talaga niya. N’ong
naabutan ko nga sila nakayakap pa si Masha kay Henry.
Nakasubsob pa sa dibdib ni Henry. Talagang dikit na dikit ang katawan.” Ngumisi ng
nakakaloko si Matt. “’Di ba uso ‘yong ganoon? Bodyguard tapos ‘yong mayamang amo?
Parang ganoon si Henry at Masha Fantasha.” Nagkibit ng balikat si Matt. “Pero
parang bagay naman sila.
Guwapo si Henry, maganda si Masha Fantasha.” “And you think hindi ako guwapo?” Asar
kong singit.
Nagtataka siyang tumingin sa akin. “Guwapo ka pero bakit isasama kita sa kuwento ko
kay Henry at Masha Fantasha? Hindi ka naman bodyguard.” Huminto na kami sa tapat ng
apartment ko at bumaba na si Matt. Pinagbuksan pa ako ng pinto at bumaba ako tapos
ay dala niya ang mga pinamili ko. Nang makapasok ako sa loob ng bahay ay dumeretso
ako sa kusina at naipagpasalamat kong wala na doon si Masha. She was the last
person I wanted to see right now. Pabagsak akong naupo sa upuan doon at ibinaba ang
mga pinamili ko. Kumuha ako ng burger at sinimulang kainin iyon.
Ang sarap. Tanggal ang gutom ko at inis na nararamdaman. Habang kumakain ay kumuha
ako ng maliit na salamin at ipinatong sa mesa. Doon ko tiningnan ang sugat ko sa
noo. Ang laki talaga. Nag-iisip na ko kung idaan ito sa kahit maliit na clinic kasi
siguradong magpe-peklat ito ng malaki kung hindi matahi. Kinuha ko ang Derma clip
at isa-isang inilagay iyon para tumikom ang sugat ko. “Tulungan kita.” Si Matt iyon
at akmang kukunin ang ginagamit ko para sa sugat pero umiwas na ako. “I can do
this. Palinis mo na lang ‘yong kotse.” Gusto ko lang siyang itaboy.
Nanlaki ang mata ni Matt. “You’re going to let me drive the Aston Martin again?”
“Just make sure na walang mabubuong tiyanak diyan sa kotse ko. Go.” Pagtataboy ko.
Mahinang napa-yes si Matt at tumalikod na. Nakailang hakbang na pero mabilis na
bumalik at yumakap ng mahigpit sa akin. “Thanks, Noah.” Tuwang-tuwa talaga siya
tapos ay nagmamadali nang umalis. Napahinga na lang ako ng malalim at itinuloy ang
ginagawa. Isa-isa kong nilalagay ang Derma clip nang makita kong papalapit sa akin
si Henry. “You need help?” Naupo siya sa harap ko at akmang tutulungan din ako pero
umiwas na ako. “You’re pissed.” “Yes.” Asar kong sagot. “I almost got another hit
in the head thanks to that spoiled princess.” Napa-aray pa ako nang dumiin ang
pagkakalagay ko ng clip sa sugat ko. “How many days that I’ve been knocked out?”
“Three.” Ngayon ay wala na akong nagawa nang tulungan na ako ni Henry na ikabit ang
mga clip sa sugat. “Muntik na talaga kitang dalhin sa ospital pero ayaw ni Matt at
ayaw mo daw doon.” Napa-umm lang ako at mayamaya lang ay natapos na si Matt.
Napatingin sa burgers na nasa mesa at kumuha ng isa. “Can I?” Paalam niya.
“Go ahead.” Muli akong kumain sa burger na kinakain ko. “Did Mr.
Rozovsky call? Bakit nandito pa ang anak niya?” Alanganin na ngumiti si Henry
habang inaalis ang balot ng burger.
“I don’t think Mr. Rozovsky is going to look for her daughter these days.”
Nagtatanong akong tumingin kay Henry at napahinga siya ng malalim.
“Masha is going to stay here.” “She didn’t tell her dad what happened to her?”
Paniniguro ko. Iyon ang usapan kasi namin ni Mr. Rozovsky.
“You got a job to do.” Kumagat na si Henry sa burger na hawak niya at napapikit pa
sa pagnamnam noon. “I just waited for you to wake up. I need to report to the
bureau. The four women that was found dead in the water last time got a hit already
and unfortunately, Masha’s friend was there. Those were the women from the
auction.” Napapailing si Henry.
“Investigations are still on-going and The Erotic Vault is temporarily closed. The
owner fled but still on the watchlist of FBI. Our bureau is coordinating with them
and Interpol to get details about him.” Hindi ako sumagot. “Did Masha know that
her friend is already dead?” “I cannot tell her but her father already knew. I
called Mr. Rozovsky and explained everything. Siya na daw ang bahalang gumawa ng
paraan para sa pagpapauwi ng bangkay ng kaibigan ni Masha at siya na din ang bahala
sa pakikipag-usap sa pamilya. What Mr. Rozovsky want right now is to know who
brought Masha and her friend there. He wanted to know how did Carl brought them
here and that’s what I am trying to squeeze from Masha. I can’t get much
information about the guy but Mr.
Rozovsky is doing his own investigation too. Hina-hunting na ang lalaking iyon.”
Napabuga siya ng hangin. “Masha has been through a lot and right now she is just
trying to make things normal but I know she is still afraid. Hindi niya magawang
ikuwento pa sa akin ng buong detalye ang mga nangyari.” Umasim ang mukha ko. “Kaya
pati ako pupukpukin na naman niya.” Painis kong binitiwan ang hawak kong burger.
“You cannot blame the girl.” Natatawa nang sabi ni Henry. “May trauma sa ibang tao
kasi. But she said she want to say sorry.” Tumayo na siya. “Wait for me.” Wala na
akong nagawa nang tumayo si Henry at iwan ako.
Mayamaya ay naririnig kong may pagbubulungan sa likod ko at sunod kong narinig ay
ang mahinang pag-hi. Boses na ng babae iyon. Nang lumingon ako ay wala na si Henry
at tanging si Masha na ang nakatayo doon. The embarrassment from her face couldn’t
be denied.
Halatang napipilitan lang na narito. Now I know why her shirt looked familiar.
 Because it was fucking mine.
And I should be pissed. I should be telling her immediately to take off that
shirt. I never wanted anyone to use my things. Maselan ako sa mga ganoong bagay.
Kapag akin, akin. Ayaw kong nagpapahiram. But looking at her wearing my big shirt,
thinking the cloth that I used to wear was touching her body, my cock immediately
twitched inside my pants. Fuck you, Noah. You hated this girl. What the fuck is
wrong with you? Bakit ka tinitigasan?
It was the damn wound. Definitely, it was about the damn wound or… because I was
knocked out for days. It was a normal body reaction.
Just like how men would have morning wood every morning. Those were lies to
myself. I knew I was having a hard on because Masha looked good and sexy wearing my
big sized shirt. “Hello.” Alanganing sabi niya. “It’s me.” Halatang pinagsisihan
niya ang nasabi na iyon. Tingin ko ay hindi naman iyon ang sasabihin.
She cursed under her breath. “I am sorry.” I clenched my teeth. Fuck, no. What the
hell was wrong with me?
My cock was aching inside my pants. Ano ‘to?
Hindi ako sumagot at sumenyas lang sa kanya na tumahimik.
Walang imik akong tumayo doon at bumalik sa kuwarto ko. Deretso ako sa banyo at
binuksan ang shower. Ang lamig ng paligid pero inilagay ko sa cold setting ang
tubig. Napamura ako ng itapat ko ang sarili ko sa tubig. ‘Tangina, ang lamig.
Mukhang magkakasakit na naman ako pero titiisin ko na ang lamig ng tubig na ito.
Nanginginig ang baba ko sa sobrang lamig ng tubig pero tinitiis ko.
I needed to calm myself down. Mali iyon. Mali ang tigasan ako dahil nakita ko ang
babaeng iyon. She was basically a kid to me and she was my boss’s daughter. Maling-
mali itong nangyayari sa akin. Unti-unti ay nasasanay na ang sarili ko sa lamig ng
tubig at unti-unti ay kumakalma na ang pakiramdam ko. Definitely, I needed to do
something. She had to go. She couldn’t stay here. I would everything to make her
father change his mind that he needed to get his daughter home. I didn’t want to
have this kind of showers again.

What we know matters, but who we are matters more – Brene Brown

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | WRONG FOOT MASHA

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang dinaanan ng lalaking sinabi ni Henry na mag-sorry ako.

Napangiwi ako. He was still mad at me. Wala sa loob na napaupo ako sa silyang
kanina ay inuupuan lang ng lalaki at kinagat-kagat ang daliri ko. What would I
expect? That he would just be okay after what I did? I hit him hard on his head. He
got a big cut and when I saw him again, I almost hit him. Again. Was it my fault?
After what happened to me, I had to defend myself.
I didn’t want to happen again what Carl did to me. I trusted someone but, in the
end, I got kidnapped and sold to people I didn’t even know.
Nakalabing tiningnan ko ang supot ng pagkain na may lamang burger at painis na
kinuha iyon. Muli ay tiningnan ko ang dinaanan ng lalaki. I am going to eat this
kahit sino pa ang may-ari nito. “Where’s Noah?” Ngumunguya na ako nang makita ko
si Henry na takang-taka ang hitsura na palapit sa akin. “That’s his name?” Balik-
tanong ko at muling kumagat sa hawak kong burger. “This is good.” Itinuro ko pa ang
burger. “Yeah. Where is he?” luminga-linga pa siya.
Nagkibit ako ng balikat. “He went away still pissed at me.” Sige pa rin ako kagat
sa burger tapos ay napahinto sa pagnguya. “He is mad at me, Henry. I don’t think I
did anything wrong. I was defending myself.” “He is not mad,” kumumpas pa sa
hangin si Henry tapos ay naupo sa harap ko. “Noah is a good person.” “Carl was a
good person too but look what he did to me.” Sige ako sa pagnguya at ibinaba ang
nangangalahating burger. “I don’t like it here.” “Then go home. Call your dad or
any of your family and tell them that you want to go home.” Seryoso nang sabi ni
Henry. Hindi ako nakasagot sa sinabi niya at napalabi lang tapos ay umiiling.
Napahinga siya ng malalim at iniurong pa ang silya na mapalapit sa akin. “It’s
easy, Masha. You are just going to call your family and tell them that you want to
go home. Definitely your dad will be here to pick you up.” “But definitely I would
be grounded and lose my freedom.” Naiiyak na ako at umiiling. “I didn’t like what
happened to me but… I don’t want to be stuck in our home.” Hindi na lang sumagot
si Henry tapos ay pareho kaming napatingin sa dumadating na tao. Iyon ang lalaking
pinukpok ko na Noah ang pangalan. Bagong ligo. Napapikit pa ako nang umasulto sa
pang-amoy ko ang pabangong gamit niya. Ang bango. Lalaking-lalaki ang amoy. And he
looked fresh even if he had a derma clip on his forehead. He was not smiling. He
was seriously looking at me then immediately took off his gaze somewhere when he
saw I was looking at him. He was good looking but he was an asshole so, I find him
ugly right now. “All right, I guess this is the time you two get to know each
other.” Sinenyasan ni Henry ang lalaki na maupo sa isang silya na naroon.
Ginawa naman ng lalaki at kinuha ang supot ng burger at napakunot ang noo nang
makitang wala ng laman iyon.
“Who ate my damn burger?” Asar na tanong nito. Itinikom ko ang bibig ko at pare-
pareho kaming napatingin sa nangangalahating burger na kinakain ko kanina. Lalong
sumimangot ang lalaki nang tumingin sa akin. “Not me,” pagsisinungaling ko. Lalo
lang sumama ang mukha nito at nang tumingin ako kay Henry ay halatang nagpipigil ng
tawa. “I didn’t eat your damn burger.” Nakatingin sa akin si Henry at itinuturo ang
gilid ng labi ko. Parang isinesenyas na mayroon akong kung ano sa gilid ng labi ko.
Wala sa loob na pinahid ko ang bibig ko. Shit. Mayroon pang ketchup and mayonnaise.
Napaikot ang mata ng lalaki. “You missed a damn spot.” Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin
at painis na dumampot ng tissue napkin at mariing pinahid ang bibig ko.
“Fine, I ate your damn burger. Para burger lang. Ang damot mo naman.” Hindi ko na
natiis na sabihin iyon. I was trying to be nice. I was trying to apologize and this
asshole was not even taking it. He was making me feel that he didn’t want me and I
am not welcome here. Ngumisi ito ng nakakaloko sa akin. “See? That’s the real you,
princess. The spoiled and self-centered one.” “Don’t call me princess! You don’t
have the right to call me princess.” I was glaring at him and I could see that he
was not happy to look at me at all. Binalingan ko si Henry. “I don’t want to stay
here. Find me another place to stay. I cannot stay with this kind of arrogant
bastard.” Tumawa na nang tuluyan ang lalaki na halata kong asar pa rin. “I am the
arrogant bastard now? Then what do you call the man who brought you here?” Hindi
ako nakasagot at agad na nangilid ang luha ko. Bakit ba pakiramdam ko kasalanan ko
na nagtiwala ako sa maling tao? I screwed up when I trusted Carl. I made a mistake
and I almost paid it with my life.
But it seems like I took all the blame for that. “Noah,” si Henry ang nagsalita
noon at ngayon ay seryoso na ang tono. Napailing na lang ang lalaking Noah ang
pangalan at mabilis kong pinahid ang mga luhang naglandas sa pisngi ko. “I’m sorry
if I trusted the wrong people.” Nanginginig ang boses ko.
“I am sorry if hit your head.” Hindi ko na naman napigil ang mga luha ko.
“And I am fucking sorry that I ate your damn burger.” Hindi ko na napigil ang
mapahagulgol at padabog akong umalis doon at nagkulong sa banyo.
Doon ako umiyak nang umiyak. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal doon pero
mayamaya ay nakarinig ako ng mahihinang katok. “Masha, come out.” Boses ni Henry
iyon. Sinasabayan iyon ng katok. “Come on. Open this door.” Wala namang mangyayari
kung magmumukmok ako dito. Pinihit ko ang door knob at sige ang pahid ng luha na
lumabas doon. Nakangiti si Henry sinenyasan akong lumabas. Nang bumalik kami sa
harap ng mesa ay naroon pa rin ang mayabang na si Noah at seryoso lang na
nakatingin sa mga gamit na nasa mesa.
“Sit down. We are going to talk about this.” Sabi ni Henry at inalalayan pa akong
makaupo. “Noah.” Henry sounded like he was going to mediate a brewing war between
me and this arrogant bastard. “We talked about this. This is your job.” Napahinga
ng malalim ang lalaki. Hitsurang talunan nang tumingin sa akin.
“I’m sorry for what I said. We started on the wrong foot.” Unti-unti ay nagiging
kalmado na ang hitsura o mas tamang sabihin na ‘yong hitsurang wala na lang magawa.
“Masha, this is Noah Feliciano and we have known each other for years already.”
Sabi pa ni Henry. Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakasimangot lang ang mukha. “I
need to go somewhere, Masha. And… Noah here is the only person that I can trust for
your safety.” “What?” takang-taka akong tumingin kay Henry. “What do you mean you
need to go somewhere? You’re going to leave me here?” “Noah can take care of you
and besides…” tumingin siya sa gawi ng lalaki tapos ay napabuga ng hanging. “Fine.”
Tonong wala na lang magawa si Masha. “It’s either you tell your dad what happened
or you stay with Noah until we catch the bad guys.” Patuloy pa ni Henry.
“But…” papalit-palit ang tingin ko kay Henry at Noah. “He hates me.” “No one
hates you.” Pagtatama ni Henry. “All of us are just stressed because of what
happened and the only thing we want is your safety. Noah is a good man.” Tinapunan
pa ito ng tingin ni Henry at nang tingnan ko ay nakatingin lang sa akin.
Magsasalita pa sana si Henry nang tumunog ang telepono nito tapos ay napilitang
sagutin. Hindi nagsasalita pero nakikinig sa kung sino man na tumawag. Tanging
‘okay’ at ‘Yes, Sir’ ang narinig kong sinabi nang matapos ang tawag. Hindi agad
nagsalita si Henry tapos ay napahinga ng malalim. “I need to go. My boss needs me
for the investigation.” Umiiling ako. “Henry, you cannot leave me here.” Pero wala
akong nagawa nang tumayo na si Henry.
“I have a job to do.” Sagot niya.
“I am also your job. I can call my dad and tell him to take you back.
You will be my bodyguard again. Henry, please.” Punong-puno ng pakiusap ang boses
ko. Napangiti siya. “You don’t need me anymore. You have your new bodyguard. Him.”
Pagkasabi niya noon ay itinuro niya si Noah at lumakad na paalis doon. Hindi na
inintindi ang pagtawag ko at tuloy-tuloy nang lumabas. Nakakabinging katahimikan
ang bumalot sa amin ni Noah at nakatingin lang siya sa akin. Shit. What would I do?
The choice that I had was to call my dad and go home or stay with this arrogant
bastard who definitely didn’t want me around.
Siya ang unang nagbasag ng katahimikan. “I didn’t want this.” “I don’t want this
either.” Agad kong sagot. Hindi siya agad nagsalita pero halatang nagpipigil lang
siya ng gusto niyang sabihin o iniisip niya kung anong mga tamang salita ang dapat
niyang sabihin. “We both don’t want this so, why don’t you call your dad and tell
him that you’re going home. Or if you don’t want, I could bring you to the airport
right away and you can go somewhere.” Pero natawa din si Noah nang sabihin iyon.
“Oh, I forgot. You don’t have a passport. You came in this country illegally.”
Napalunok ako at nakaramdam ng kaba. Bakit ba kasi nagpabudol ako ng malala kay
Carl? Kasalanan ko talaga. Of course, I would be an illegal alien in this place.
With no passport, identification cards that could identify my identity, I am worse
than being a prisoner here. “Why are you like that?” Seryoso na akong nakatingin
sa kanya.
“You said you’re sorry and we started on the wrong foot but you make me feel that
you really don’t want me.” “Because babysitting is not my job.” Malamig niyang
sagot.
“And I am not a baby to be babysat.” Inis kong sagot. “Fine. Give me your phone
and I am going to call my dad.” Inginuso niya ang teleponong nasa mesa at
hinihintay akong kunin iyon. Ginawa ko naman. Kinuha ko ang telepono at idinayal
ang number ni Dad pero nang makita ko na ang mga numbers ay hindi ko magawang
pindutin ang green button.
“Call him.” narinig ko pang sabi ni Noah.
Napalunok ako at mayamaya lang, isa-isa kong dinidelete ang mga numbers na
inilagay ko doon at ibinalik ang telepono sa kanya. Narinig kong napahinga ng
malalim si Noah at ramdam na ramdam ko doon ang disappointment. “I can’t.”
Mahinang sabi ko. “I don’t want to go home yet.” Nang tumingin ako sa gawi ni Noah
ay halatang nagtitimpi lang siya ng inis na nararamdaman niya. “If you are going
to stay here, there will be rules.” I hated Henry before when he was my bodyguard,
but I think I would hate this man even more because just the tone of his voice was
really intimidating. “No going out without me.” “Okay.” Sanay naman ako sa ganoon.
I just wish that he was not as suffocating as my previous bodyguards. But just by
looking at him, he looked like he was worse than them. “I need to know who are you
talking to.” Patuloy pa niya. “I don’t even have my own phone.” Sarcastic kong
sagot. “I don’t have anything. No wallet. No money. I don’t even have my own
clothes that’s why I am wearing this crappy shirt.” May pandidiri ko pang tiningnan
ang damit na suot kong ipinahiram ni Henry.
Sumimangot ang mukha ni Noah. “That crappy shirt is my shirt.
You’re welcome.” Napa-oh lang ako at gusto kong pisilin ang bibig ko. Na-offend
siya sa sinabi kong crappy ang shirt niya. Sa talaga namang crappy ang t-shirt na
ito. This was so big to me. Hindi ako sanay magsuot ng ganitong mga damit. Pareho
kaming napatingin sa pinto nang bumukas iyon at ang maingay na boses ni Matt ang
narinig ko na papalapit sa amin. “Masha Fantasha!” Nakangiting bati ni Matt at
lumapit sa akin at akmang hahalik sa pisngi ko nang mabilis na hilahin ni Noah at
ilayo sa akin.
“The fuck you think you’re doing?” Inis niyang sabi sa dumating. “I am greeting
Masha. She’s my friend. Tropa na kami.” Bumaling sa akin si Matt. “’Di ba?”
Ngiting-ngiti pa si Matt.
“Yeah.” Nakangiti na din ako. Ako na ang tumayo at humalik sa pisngi ni Matt. Sa
totoo lang kasi, Matt has been a very good life saver here. Siya lang ang hindi
masyadong seryoso dito at easy to get along pa hindi katulad nitong Noah na ito na
ipinaglihi yata sa sama ng loob. Lalong sumimangot ang mukha ni Noah tapos ay
tumayo na. “Let’s go.” “Where are we going?” Taka ko. “May pupuntahan tayo?”
Sabat ni Matt.
“Hindi ka kasama. Bantay ka dito.” Kinuha ni Noah ang susi na hawak ni Matt at
bumaling sa akin at sinenyasan akong sumunod sa kanya.
“Teka, bakit hindi ako kasama?” Tonong nagtatampo si Matt. Hindi na ito sinagot ni
Noah at dere-deretso na lang na lumakad palabas.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Matt tapos ay natawa na lang. “Minsan talaga parang
inuurungan ng regla ‘yan. Sige na, Masha Fantasha. Dito na lang ako. Pasalubong,
ha?” Walang magawa, sumunod na lang ako kay Noah at naabutan kong nakasakay na sa
kotse at mukhang inip nang maghintay sa akin. Pagsakay ko sa sasakyan ay agad na
iyong pinaharurot kahit nagkakabit pa lang ako ng seatbelt. “Saan ba tayo
pupunta?” Nang tingnan ko siya ay nanatiling nakatutok ang tingin ni Noah sa
kalsada. “Okay na ba tayo? Are there more rules?” “Soon. For now, we need to buy
things that you need. Your phone.
Toiletries.” Hindi niya ako tinatapunan ng tingin. “So, you won’t complain that
you’re wearing my crappy shirt.” Hindi na ako sumagot at tingin ko kapag ginawa ko
iyon, magtatalo na naman kaming dalawa. Sure ako na ipinaglihi talaga sa sama ng
loob ang lalaking ito. For now, I would do what he wanted me to do until I got my
own phone and I could talk to Wynona and we both could go somewhere away from this
arrogant bastard. I wonder where was she? Maybe if you can’t get somebody out of
you head, they’re supposed to be there ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN | THINGS EVERYWHERE NOAH Masha Rozovsky would be the death of
me. If I could have a chance to send her home, I did it already. But I just got a
call from Mr. Rozovsky. He and his vast connections were all looking for Carl and
Charles who owned the sex club where Masha was brought. Everyone that was connected
to that auction would be questioned. Henry’s bureau was also after them too. Gusto
ko na nga lang din sumama sa kanila. Kung sasabihan akong bumalik sa pagpu-pulis
ngayon, gagawin ko na mawala lang sa kargo ko ang prinsesa ni Stas Rozovsky.
In just one week that she was staying here, she did so many things that was making
me tick. First, my house was a mess. I hated to see girly things around me. Hair
brush, lip tint, cheek tint, nail polish na naiiwan niya kung saan-saan dito. Hair
ties. Damn hair ties that I could see every part of my house. It was giving me a
headache all the time. But could I complain? No. This was a job from my boss who
was giving me money and perks to live like a king here and all I had to do was to
take care of his only princess. “Where’s Masha?” Tiningnan ko si Matt na
kakarating lang at may dalang brown paper bag. Inilapag iyon sa harap ng mesa tapos
ay takang napatingin sa suot kong t-shirt. “When did you start wearing pink shirt?
You hated pink.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko at hinilot ko ang magkabila kong sentido.
“This shirt is used to be white.” Pigil na pigil ang inis ko.
“And?” Nagsimula siyang alisin ang mga laman ng brown paper na dala. Take out
boxes iyon. Bumili ng pagkain si Matt. Napahinga ako ng malalim. “She washed all
the clothes the other night including my shirts and…” napakamot ako ng ulo. “She
didn’t separate the colored clothes and the white clothes. So, all of my white
shirts are now tainted with pink.” Naihilamos ko na ang kamay sa mukha ko. Inis
kong dinampot ang telepono ko at tinatawagan ko si Henry. This fucker was not
answering my calls for days already. I needed to know that they got those bad guys
so Masha could go home. Impit na natawa si Matt kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
“Sino ang maniniwala na marunong maglaba ang isang iyon? Bakit mo pinabayaan?”
“May washing machine. Ilalagy lang ang mga damit doon. Paiikutin.
Basic thinking ang paghihiwalang ng de-kolor na damit sa puti.” Reklamo ko. “At
least she is trying to help in this house. Don’t give her a hard time. Napakasungit
mo naman kasi, Boss Amo. Ako, sanay na ako sa mga pagsusungit mo sa akin. But the
princess is not used to be told what to do.” Tonong nagpapaliwanag si Matt at
nakaayos na sa mesa ang mga take out boxes. Nang buksan niya iyon ay nakita kong
take-out Japanese food. “She’s craving for some Japanese. She texted me.” Hindi na
ako sumagot at pinabayaan na lang na mag-ingay si Matt habang tinatawag si Masha.
Mayamaya ay lumalapit na sa amin si Masha at napatiim-bagang ako nang makitang t-
shirt ko na naman ang suot niya.
The same white shirt that I was wearing but got some streaks of pink too.
Kasama sa mga nalabhan niya. “Oh, Japanese! Thank you, Mattie.” Sumama ang tingin
ko sa kanilang dalawa nang humilig pa sa balikat ni Matt si Masha tapos ay humalik
sa pisngi nito. Ngiting-ngiti naman si Matt. Hitsurang nanalo sa lotto habang
silang dalawa ay busy sa pagpili kung ano ang unang kakainin sa mga nakahain. “Why
are you wearing my shirt? ‘Di ba ipinamili na kita ng mga sarili mong damit? You
don’t like to wear my crappy shirt.” Napahinto si Masha sa pagsubo ng tempura at
ganoon si Matt nang marinig ang pagsita ko. Tingin ko ay ramdam ni Matt na hindi
maganda ang mood ko kaya napaseryoso na. Ang hitsura nilang dalawa ay parang mga
batang napagalitan. “Because it’s…” nag-iisip si Masha ng sasabihin tapos ay
ngumiti.
“Comfy.” Iyon na lang ang nasabi at isinubo na ang tempura. Napapapikit pa dahil
nasasarapan sa kinakain at ganoon na rin ang ginawa ni Matt.
Silang dalawa lang ang nag-uusap at nag-e-enjoy sa kinakain nila. Siguro ay
napansin ni Masha na nakasimangot ako kaya bumagal ang pagnguya niya. “You want
some?” Inilapit niya sa akin ang box ng tempura at tuna sashimi. Umiling ako. No.
I didn’t want to eat. What I wanted was for her to take off my shirt and change
into something else. My shirt was too big for her. Sleeves were down to her elbows.
Length of the shirt was down to her knees. Nothing sexy to look at. I didn’t want
to see her wearing my shirt because my mind was starting to play tricks on me.
Again. I blew out a breath and stood up. I couldn’t stay in here anymore watching
Masha eating innocently while my dirty mind was starting to think if she was
wearing anything under my big shirt she was wearing. I needed to shower. I
couldn’t use the bathroom in my room as Masha was occupying that one. I was
sleeping here in the living room. My apartment was not made for another person to
live in here. Usually, if there was someone crashing here to sleep, they got the
couch in living room. And right now that the princess was staying here, I was the
one thrown out from my own room and squatting here in my own home. I needed a damn
shower and no choice, I had to use the bathroom near the kitchen. I went inside and
turn the shower on and put it in the coldest setting. I am getting used to it the
moment Masha lived here with me. I removed all of my clothes until I saw something
on the lavatory. It was a pink cloth. What was that?
I took it and then realized what was it. It was a pink thong panty.
Throwing the panty in the trash bin was the immediate thing that I wanted to do
but I couldn’t take off my gaze to the pink cloth that was in my hand. This was not
the first time I saw something like this. Fuck, I am ripping this kind of panty
from those women that I fucked before. That was why there shouldn’t be any reason
to get excited that I was holding a pink thong panty. But that was what I was
feeling right now. My heart was beating fast and my damn cock was hard between my
thighs. Because I knew this was Masha’s. I was telling myself to let go of the
panty. Go under the cold water to lose this damn hard on. But the pink thong panty
was like talking to me. Inviting me to check it out. To sniff it. Know what was
the smell. No, Noah. You’re going to be dead. Remember her father. He will kill
you if he finds out you are lusting for her daughter. Let go of the damn panty then
take a fucking cold bath like before. That was my conscience having a showdown
with the devil part of myself. I couldn’t let go of panty and slowly, I was putting
the panty right under my nose. I closed my eyes and began to smell it. Definitely
this was used.
There was the smell that I am always looking forward every time I would dive in
someone’s pussy but this one was better because I knew this was Masha’s. The scent
was amazing. The smell rushed straight into my body and I couldn’t understand the
intense sexual hit that assaulted me. In my head, I could picture her innocence
while wearing this tiny piece of thong panty. Looking at me. Begging me to make her
scream my name in bed.
The panty was still under my nose my while my other hand was now starting to
stroke my hard dick. The smell was too much for me I couldn’t understand what was
happening to myself. I had to stroke my cock while imagining my nose was buried in
between Masha’s legs. Smelling her actual pussy then sliding my tongue through her
wet slit. I let out a soft moan while my hand started to stroke my cock faster.
Damn, it feels so good. Her panty was still in my nose, sniffing her scent that I
didn’t want to lose anytime soon. A part of me was telling me to stop. Masha was
off limits but also, a part of me was telling me that this was okay. I am not doing
anything wrong. I am not touching her. Just this piece of tiny panty that I knew
would bring me to euphoria. I kept on jacking my cock. Eyes were still closed and
my grip around it was getting tight as I felt the surge of release coming through.
My legs were starting to shake and my breaths were becoming labored as my hand was
back and forth over my hard cock until I reached my peak.
I grunt when I started to come. So hard I had to bit my lower lip not to make any
noise around. My strokes were becoming slow and I could see my cum shooting at the
lavatory and on the floor. I continued to rub my cock and I could feel it was
throbbing in my hand as the last drops of it were squeezed out. I swallowed hard
and my hand started to shake when I looked at the panty in my hand again. Now, I
felt the guilt. I immediately let go of the panty and put it back where I found it.
I cleaned my load that was sprayed on the lavatory and on the floor and went under
the cold water. In my mind, I was cursing myself. Hindi ko dapat ginawa iyon.
‘Tangina naman kasi, may sarili namang banyo sa kuwarto niya si Masha bakit
ginagamit pa rin niya dito? Pati panty niya kung saan-saan niya iniwan. Napapitlag
ako nang makarinig ako ng pagkatok sa banyo. “What?” Hindi ako umaalis as ilalim
ng shower at talagang kinakalma ko ang sarili ko.
“Matagal ka pa?” Boses ni Masha iyon. Mahina akong napamura.
Hindi ko alam kung paano pa ako lalabas dito at harapin ang babaeng iyon.
“Why?” Ipinaramdam kong hindi ako natutuwa na iniistorbo niya ang paliligo ko.
“Nothing.” Saglit na katahimikan ang narinig ko. “I forgot something inside.” I
knew she was talking about her panty. “Mamaya na lang.” Iyon na lang ang sagot ko
at nagpatuloy sa paliligo. Napabuga ako ng hangin at pinabayaan na sige ang pagtulo
ng tubig sa katawan ko. Nakakahiya ka, Noah. Ang tanda mo para mag-bate at umamoy
ng panty nang may panty. You could fuck anyone to relieve your itch. Gusto kong
suntukin ang sarili ko. I never did this before. Kung kailan ako tumanda saka pa
ako nag-bate dahil sa may nakita akong panty? Hindi ko alam kung makakaya ko pang
humarap kay Masha pagkatapos nito. Painis kong pinatay ang shower at tinuyo ng
tuwalya ang katawan ko. Isinuot ko din ang damit na suot ko kanina at lumabas ng
banyo.
Nagulat pa ako nang makita kong nakatayo si Masha sa tapat ng pinto at muntik pang
masubsob sa akin. Agad siyang lumayo at alanganing nakangiti sa akin.
“What?” Inis kong tanong. “I forgot something inside.” Itinuro pa niya ang loob ng
banyo.
“May sariling banyo ang kuwarto na tinutulugan mo. Bakit dito ka pa kasi nagbanyo?”
“The heater is broken. Ayaw gumana ang hot. Hindi ko naman masabi sa’yo kasi ang
sungit mo lagi. Baka pagalitan mo na naman ako.” Umasim pa ang mukha niya tapos ay
pilit na ngumiti. “Are you done na ba? May kukunin lang ako.” Napailing na lang
ako. “Pakalat-kalat kasi ang gamit mo. Kung saan-saan mo iniiwan.” Nakita kong
namula ang mukha ni Masha. “You saw it.” Nanlaki ang mata niya. “Oh my God! You saw
my panty!” Napaikot ako ng mata. “As if it’s interesting to see. Next time, fix
your things. Kababae mong tao pakalat-kalat ang gamit mo.” Iniwan ko na siya at
nagmamadali akong pumunta sa kuwarto ko at kumuha ng ibang damit at nagbihis. Fuck.
Hindi ako mapakali dahil sa nagawa ko. Nagi-guilty talaga ako. I couldn’t stay
here. I needed distraction. Parehong nakatingin sa akin si Matt at Masha nang
makitang nakabihis ako. Dinampot ko ang wallet ko at inilagay iyon sa likurang
bulsa ng pantalon ko. “I am going out. You,” si Masha ang itinuro ko. “Stay here.
You don’t go anywhere.” Si Matt naman ang binalingan ko. “Stay with her.
Call me if she insists to go out. I need to go somewhere.” “You’ll take a cab?”
paniniguro ni Matt.
“Yeah. Baka late na din akong makauwi. Stay with her and don’t do anything stupid.”
“Yes, Boss Amo.” Sumaludo pa sa akin si Matt. Nagtatanong naman ang tingin sa akin
ni Masha at sinundan lang ako ng tingin. Deretso na akong lumakad palabas at doon
ako nakaramdam na tila nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Nagpa-book ako ng Uber at pina-
deretso ko sa isang bar.
Agad akong binati ng mga naroon dahil madalas naman akong pumupunta dito noon.
Minsan kasama ko din si Matt. Dumeretso ako sa bar area at nag-order ng beer.
Mayamaya lang ay naramdaman kong may pumulupot nang mga braso sa leeg ko at may
humalik sa pisngi ko. “I missed you.” Mahinang sabi ng babae at naramdaman kong
gumapang ang dila nito sa tainga ko.
“Serena,” mahina kong sabi at ngayon ay tumabi na sa akin ang babae. Nang tingnan
ko siya ay ngiting-ngiti siya sa akin at alam kong masaya siyang makita ako.
“Bakit ang tagal mong hindi nagpupunta dito?” Kinuha pa niya ang kamay ko at
pinipisil-pisil iyon. “Busy. I have a job to do.” Dinampot ko ang bote ng beer at
uminom doon. “You know I can give you a good time to relieve the stress,” kinuha
niya ang kamay na nakahawak sa kamay ko at pinagapang iyon sa braso ko. “Let’s go
in my office.” “I’m fine here.” Ipinakita ko ang iniinom kong beer.
Napaikot ang mata niya. “Then tell my staff to bring your beer in my office. They
know you. They know you fuck the boss.” Tumawa pa siya ng nakakaloko. “Come on,”
hinihila na niya ang kamay ko para makatayo kaya pinagbigyan ko na. Talagang
nakakapit sa akin si Serena hanggang sa makarating kami sa office niya. Pagkasara
pa lang ng pinto ay agad na akong hinalikan ng mariin sa labi. “I missed you so
much.” She said that while her mouth was still pressed into mine. I was not kissing
her back. I was not in the mood but then I remembered Masha.
Her pink thong panty that I smelled and made me wanked my cock.
I closed my eyes and thought about her mouth was pressing on to mine.
Soft, luscious lips were teasing me. I slide my hand in her hair and kissed her
hard. She was kissing me good. So young, yet her mouth was so experienced trailing
from my lips down to my chin, down to my neck. “Fuck… Masha…” my eyes were still
closed while I am feeling the good sensation of her lips and tongue trailing on my
skin. “Who is Masha?” Doon ako napadilat ng mata. Ang lakas ng kabog ng didbib ko.
Napalunok ako at tiningnan ko si Serena na ngayon ay nakaluhod na sa harap ko at
hawak ang sinturon ng pantalon ko. “What?” Why was she asking who was Masha?
“You said it. You said Masha.” Nakaangat ang kilay niya at talagang nagtatanong ang
tingin. “Who is she?” Did I say that out loud? I knew I was talking to myself. I
cleared my throat and blew out a breath. “She’s the pain in the ass job. The reason
why I am stressed. I wanted her out of my head. She’s giving me a hard time.”
Ngumiti si Serena. “I can do something about that.” Ngayon ay ipinagpatuloy na niya
ang pag-a-unbuckle ng sinturon ko. She pulled down my pants and my boxers and her
smile was ear to ear when she saw my cock dangled in front of her face. “I missed
this.” She slowly licked it. Used her tongue to play the head of my cock. I let out
a moan and closed my eyes. Fine, I needed this.
I needed someone who could take away Masha’s presence in my head. And Serena’s
tongue and mouth could help me to forget about her.

A thick head can do as much damage as a hard heart – Harold W. Dodds

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER NINETEEN | BIG FEET MASHA

“Is he always like that?” I kept on chewing the tempura that I was eating then
looked at the door where Noah went out. Sinundan naman ni Matt ang tinitingnan ko
tapos ay tumingin sa akin. “Who? Si Boss Amo?” Paniniguro niya. Kumuha din siya ng
isang piraso ng tempura at kumagat doon. “Yeah.” Napaikot pa ako ng mata. “Ang
sungit niya kasi.” Baso ng tubig ang sunod na dinampot ko at uminom doon bago
muling nagsalita.
“Do you see how he treats me? Like, he hates me so much.” Huminto na ako sa pagkain
at napalabi na. “And why do you keep on calling him Boss Amo? Is he treating you
like his subordinate?” Natawa si Matt at umiling. “Ako lang ang may gustong
tawagin siya ng Boss Amo. We’ve come a long way. Kumbaga sa mag-syota, that’s my
term of endearment to him.” Muling kumuha ng isa pang tempura si Matt at inisang
subuan lang iyon. “Hindi lang sanay si Noah na may kasama sa bahay. He is used to
be alone.” Napahalukipkip ako. “If I have a choice, aalis naman ako dito. Kaya
lang sabi ni Henry, I need to wait for him. Ang hirap ng magtiwala kasi sa mga
tao.” “Masha Fantasha, you just need to trust Noah. Later on, magkakasundo din
kayo niyan. Siguro lang kasi malayo ang age gap n’yo.
Hindi niya trip ang mga trip mo and he sees you as a kid.” Sige sa pagkain si Matt.
“Bakit? How old is he na ba?” Saglit na nag-isip si Matt. “Thirty-one?” tingin ko
ay hindi pa siya sigurado sa sinabi niya. “Kaka-birthday lang niyan noong
nakaraan.” “Eww…” napangiwi ako. “That old? He’s so old.” “Sobra ka naman maka-
old. Twenty-eight na ako ‘no. Ilang taon lang ang tanda sa akin ni Noah. Feeling ko
tuloy ang old ko na rin.” “But you are different from him. Ikaw, super gaang mo
kasama.
Easy to get along to. ‘Yong Noah na ‘yon, hindi ko man lang nakita na ngumiti kahit
once. Every time that he will see me, his face was like…” hindi ko ma-explain ang
laging nakikita kong expression ng mukha ni Noah. “You know the old wrestler?
Undertaker? He’s like that.” Ang lakas ng tawa ni Matt. “Hindi pa lang kayo
nagkakasundo.
Don’t worry, it will come.” Tiningnan niya ako at bahagyang napangiwi siya.
“Actually, he is pissed because you kept on wearing his clothes.” “What?”
Tiningnan ko ang suot kong t-shirt ni Noah. “This crappy shirt? I just borrowed
this. It’s comfy kasi.” Hindi ko binibitiwan sa kamay ko ang panty ko na kinuha sa
banyo kanina. Sa totoo lang gusto kong lumubog kanina na kaharap ko si Noah.
Nakakahiya. Bakit kasi ang dami kong makakalimutan ‘yong panty ko pa. “Sundin mo
na lang si Noah para magkasundo na kayo. Cool naman ‘yon.” Napadighay pa si Matt
tapos ay sumandal sa kinauupuan. “You don’t have any plans of going home? You don’t
miss your family?” Napahinga ako ng malalim at sumandal din sa kinauupuan ko. “I
missed them.” Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot dahil talagang nami-miss ko sina Dad at
Mom. Sina Kuya Danny, Kuya Damien at Daci pati na din ang kambal. “Why don’t you
go home?” “Gusto mo na rin ba akong umalis dito?” Pinalungkot ko ang mukha ko at
agad umiling si Matt.
“Of course not. I like you here. At least… masaya kapag pumupunta ako dito. Dati
kasi, magkasama nga kami ni Noah but masyadong seryoso.
Ako nga lang nagpapasaya doon. But when you came here, nagkaroon ng life dito. Iba
kasi ang vibe mo. Masaya.” Napahinga ako ng malalim. “I want to go home but… I am
afraid to go home. Do you get it? Of course, my dad will ask me… actually will
interrogate me to know what happened. How did I end up here. If he finds out that I
was kidnapped and got auctioned in a sex club, definitely I won’t see the light and
day anymore. Baka ikulong na lang ako ng daddy ko sa basement para protektahan
habambuhay.” “Sure, he will do that. He’s your father and you are an only
daughter.” Kahit naman ako nagkaanak tapos babae pa, baka ganoon din ang gagawin
ko. “Uuwi din naman ako, hindi pa lang ngayon. And besides, I am looking for my
friend too. Dalawa kasi kaming kasama ni Carl dito. Her name is Wynona. I need to
find her then kapag nagkita na kami, saka ako tatawag kay Dad. Sabay na kaming
uuwi. I trust Henry that he can find her.” Napatahimik si Matt at sumeryoso ang
mukha nang marinig ang sinabi ko. “Why? Something wrong?” Taka ko. Dama ko kasi na
nagbago ang mood niya. Pinilit niyang tumawa at muling kumuha ng pagkain at isinubo
iyon. “Wala naman. Tara, kain pa tayo.” Nagpatuloy siya sa pagkain. “What about
Noah? Uuwi kaya siya tonight? I mean, technically he is like my bodyguard and she
should not leave me here alone.” “Nandito naman ako. I’ll be your bodyguard,”
ngiting-ngiti pa si Matt kaya natawa na rin ako. “Saka huwag na natin hintayin
‘yon.
Siguradong nasa ikapitong glorya na ‘yon.” Kumunot ang noo ko. “What? What’s that
mean?” Taka siyang tumingin sa akin. “Hindi mo alam ‘yon? Ikapitong glorya?” “No.
What’s the meaning of that?” Ang lakas ng tawa ni Matt. “Imposibleng hindi mo alam
‘yon.
Siguradong lagi mo iyong ginagawa.” Hindi ako tumatawa sa sinasabi niya dahil
hindi ko iyon naiintindihan. Unti-unting humihina ang pagtawa ni Matt dahil
napansin niyang hindi talaga ako tumatawa sa sinasabi niya. “Hindi mo talaga iyon
alam?” Paniniguro niya. Umiling ako. “What is it?” “Hindi mo pa ba ‘yon nagawa?”
Hitsurang hindi pa rin makapaniwala si Matt. “Ang alin nga? I don’t know what
you’re talking about.” “Sex iyon. Nasa ikapitong glorya, nasa rurok ng ligaya.
High sa sex.” Alam kong namula ang mukha ko at nanlalaki ang mata kay Henry.
“That’s the meaning of that?” “Oo. Naabot ang langit.” Natawa din siya. “Ginagawa
mo ‘yon tapos hindi mo alam ang ibig sabihin.” Kumunot ang noo ko. “What do you
mean nagawa? You think I always have sex?” “Oo.” Sinabayan pa niya ng tango iyon.
“That’s what I could see from the videos of you circulating around the net. Wild
nights of Masha Fantasha. Different men every night. Of course, everyone would
think that you are doing that every night and it’s totally okay.” Kumumpas pa sa
hangin si Matt. “Open minded ako at naiintindihan ko ‘yon. Pinagdaanan ko din ang
ganyan. Experimenting to things around me. People around me. There was this video
of you that Noah and I saw-“ “Wait,” putol ko sa sinasabi niya. “He saw my
videos?” Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko. Tumango
si Matt at napabuga ako ng hangin. No wonder Noah was so hostile towards me. “But
he made me report that account. Nagalit pa sa akin.” Sagot pa ni Matt. Napahinga
na lang ako ng malalim. Ngayon alam ko na kung bakit ganoon si Noah sa akin. That
was why he kept on saying that I am a spoiled princess. Siguro ay napansin ni Matt
na nanahimik ako kaya mahina niyang binundol ang braso ko. “Don’t worry about it.
Okay lang ‘yon. We need to enjoy our life.
Minsan lang tayo magiging ganito. Minsan lang nating mai-enjoy ang youth na ito
kaya gawin na natin lahat. Subukan na natin lahat. Ako, I’ve done things that my
parents hated me so much. I did drugs. I got involved with bad people,” napangiti
ng mapakla si Matt. “I was in and out of jail and only Noah understood and helped
me. Kaya nang pumunta siya dito, sumama ako and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Best friend kami noon.” “For real? Bakit parang hindi naman.” Sasagot pa si Matt
pero sinenyasan ko na siyang huminto. “Anyway, does Noah have a girlfriend?”
“Wala, pero meron siyang TOTGA.” It got my attention. Hinila ko pa ang kinauupuan
ko para mapalapit kay Matt. “Tell me more.” “Naah…” umiling siya. “Noah will kill
me.” Inirapan ko siya. “Nakakainis ka. Pinapasabik mo lang ako. Come on.
Inumpisahan mo na ang tsismis, ituloy mo na. Promise, I will shut my mouth and I
will not tell him na tsinismis mo siya sa akin.” Napatikhim pa si Matt. “Promise
walang lalabas na kinuwento ko sa’yo, ha? He will really kill me.” Isinenyas ko
kunwari na nag-zipper ako ng bibig ko. “There’s the girl that he really like in
the Philippines. Unfortunately, the girl is in love with someone else.” “Aww…”
lumabi pa ako. “He didn’t fight for the girl? I mean, bakit hindi niya inagaw?”
Nagkibit-balikat si Matt. “Maybe he knows that he is not going to win. He would
never get the girl’s affection.” Saglit na nag-isip si Matt.
“What’s her name?” Hitsurang nag-iisip si Matt. “Petra. Weird name and he was
always mad at me when I make fun of that name.” Hindi ako nakasagot. “Petra?”
Paniniguro ko. May kilala akong Petra at asawa ni Kuya Damien iyon. “Oo.” Muli ay
nag-isip pa rin si Matt. “May anak na kambal.
Parehong lalaki.” “OMG.” Naibulalas ko. “Are you talking about Peyton?” “Peyton?
Parang nababanggit ni Noah iyon. Kilala mo?” “Oh my God! It’s Peyton? Peyton is
his TOTGA?” hindi makapaniwalang bulalas ko. “Ssshhh…” sinasaway ako ni Matt kahit
na nga wala naman si Noah doon. Natatawa na ako. “I can’t believe it. He is the
Noah that my Kuya Damien was jealous about? He is the Jollibee guy?” tuluyan na
akong natawa. “Just hearing his name, my brother would go totally ballistic.
Sobrang selos ng kapatid ko sa Noah na iyon. Gosh, it is fucking small world.” “At
‘yan ang kuwento ni Boss Amo.” “Hindi talaga siya magugustuhan ni Peyton kasi all
eyes iyon kay Kuya Damien. Minsan nga nauumay na ako sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi na
sila maghiwalay.” “Ganoon talaga kapag in-love.” Sagot pa ni Matt. “So… after
Peyton, there is no one else? Wala siyang girlfriend?” Umiiling pa rin si Matt.
“Pero marami siyang babae na ikinakama.” “Another ewww…” napangiwi pa ako.
“Different women?” “Nakita mo naman si Boss Noah. Ang guwapo n’on. Siyempre
maraming babaeng magkakandarapa doon. Macho, matangkad, matalino, pogi. Mabango.
Malaki pa ang paa.” Lumabi pa si Matt. ‘Tanginang ‘yon ang laki ng paa.
Nakakainggit.” “What’s with big feet? Ano ang nakakainggit doon?” Taka ko.
Tumingin lang sa akin si Matt tapos ay natawa. Hitsurang may naiisip na joke pero
ayaw i-share sa akin. “Kalimutan mo na ang sinabi ko. Basta ito lang, kung gusto
mong magkasundo kayo ni Noah, huwag mong pakialaman ang gamit niya.
Ayaw niya sa makalat. Ayaw niya sa maingay. Ayaw niya sa magulo.” “Okay. So, from
now on I am not going to touch any of his things.
Okay. Got the memo.” Nakakaasar ko pang sabi. “You think he will go home tonight?”
“Usually, kapag umalis iyon kinabukasan na iyon umuuwi tapos babae ang naghahatid
sa kanya dito. Nakita mo hindi nagdala ng kotse.
Siyempre ayaw noon ng istorbo. Panigurado, naglalasing na iyon ng todo at… alam mo
na. Papunta na sa ikapitong glorya.” “Why I find it kadiri when you say ikapitong
glorya?” Kinikilig pa ako sa pandidiri. “It’s so… yucky. Sounds maniac.” Ang lakas
ng halakhak ni Matt. “Like na like talaga kita.” Nakipag-fist bump pa siya sa akin.
“I know you are bored. Anong gusto mong gawin natin ngayon?” “Gusto kong lumabas.
Nakaka-suffocate na dito.” Tumingin pa ako sa paligid. “Nakakabaliw na nakakulong
dito.” Hindi sumagot si Matt at tumingin sa relo niya. “Huwag mong sasabihin kay
Noah.” Kumislap ang mga mata. “Wala akong sasabihin kahit na ano.” “Saan mo
gustong pumunta?” “Bar.” Sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Noah. “Hindi ka pa talaga
nadala?” “At least kasama na kita. May tagapagtanggol na ako. Please, Mattie. Sige
na. Tonight lang. I just want to feel the vibe again.” Napahinga siya ng malalim.
“Tara.” Tumayo na siya at kinuha ang susi ng kotse ni Noah. “We are going to use
his car?” Namimilog ang mata ko. Nakita ko ang kotse na iyon ni Noah at ang ganda-
ganda noon. “Our secret.” Natatawng sabi ni Matt. Tingin ko ay sanay na sanay din
siyang tumakas at gumawa ng kalokohan tulad ko. Nagpalit lang ako ng damit tapos
sumakay na sa kotse. Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko sa excitement habang
bumibiyahe. Dinala ako ni Matt sa hilera ng mga bars pero nag-park siya sa bandang
malayo noon pero sapat para matanaw namin ang mga bars. Nang huminto kami ay hindi
niya ini-unlock ang kotse.
“What are we doing here? Let’s go out.” Sinubukan kong buksan ang pinto ng
sasakyan pero hindi iyong bumubukas. May dinukwang mula sa likod ng sasakyan si
Matt at iniabot sa akin.
Bote ng vodka iyon tapos ay may red plastic cups. Kumuha siya at tig-isa kami.
“We will party here.” Binuksan niya ang vodka at nagsalin sa baso tapos ay
ibinigay sa akin. “What?” Napatingin ako sa labas at kita ko ang mga taong
nagkakasayahan at papasok sa bar. “The fun is outside.” Umiling siya. “I cannot
let you go in that bar, Masha.” Seryoso na si Matt. “I will let you enjoy here but
not there. I knew what happened to you and I am also afraid to Noah once he finds
out that I brought you here.” “Pero sayang naman. Nandito na tayo.” Para akong
bata na hindi napagbigyan sa gusto.
Iniangat ni Matt ang hawak na plastic cup. “Cheers?” Mukhang hindi na niya
iintindihin ang tantrums ko. Napapadyak na lang ako at alam kong wala na akong
magagawa.
Painis akong nakipag-cheers sa kanya at ininom ang laman ng plastic cup.
Binuksan pa ni Matt ang stereo ng kotse at may hinahanap na istasyon.
Nang matagpuan ang gustong istasyon ay nilakasan pa ang sounds. It was techno music
that I know was usually played in bars.
“This is the same sounds inside that bar. Tie up sila ng radio station na ito.
Feel mo na rin ang vibe ‘di ba? Dito na lang tayo mag-enjoy.” Sabi pa niya.
Hindi na ako kumibo at isinandal na lang ang ulo sa headrest ng inuupuan ko habang
nakatingin sa bar. Matt has a point. After what happened to me, I should had been
more careful. This was my second chance. Second life and I did not need to waste it
going to some bar to have some fun. Dito na nga lang kami mag-enjoy ni Matt. Hindi
naman siya boring kasama.

You tend to keep a lot to yourself because it’s difficult to find people who
understand

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY | NEW PLAYER NOAH

“When are you coming back?” Hindi ko nilingon si Serena na nanatiling nakahiga
sa couch dito sa opisina niya at nakabalot ng blanket. Pinapanood niya ang ginagawa
kong pagbihihis at sigurado akong kung lilingunin ko siya hanggang tainga ang ngiti
niya. Hindi ako sumagot at ipinagpatuloy ang pagbibihis. Mayamaya ay naramdaman
kong may yumakap mula sa likuran ko at kahit may suot na akong damit, damang-dama
ko ang kahubaran ni Serena sa likuran ko. “I am missing you already,” lalong
humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa akin. “I need to go,” iyon na lang ang sinabi ko
at marahan kong inialis ang kamay niyang nakapulupot sa katawan ko. Painis naman na
inialis iyon ni Serena at hindi nahiyang lumakad ng walang saplot dito sa opisina
niya. Binuksan ang drawer at may kinuha. Sigarilyo at lighter tapos ay sinindihan
iyon. “What are we, Noah?” Damang-dama ko ang pinipigil na inis sa tono niya.
Inilang beses lang niyang humithit at ibinuga ang usok ng hawak na sigarilyo.
Kumunot ang noo ko. “What are we?” “Us? Ano tayo?” Painis na idiniin ni Serena
ang hawak na sigarilyo sa kalapit na ashtray.
“I don’t follow. What do you mean us?” Seryoso na din ako sa kanya. Napahinga
siya ng malalim tapos ay lumakad palapit sa akin.
Kinuha ang mga kamay ko at inilagay iyon sa mukha niya. “Us, Noah. What are we?
Ganito na lang ba tayo? Every time you will feel an itch you will come here and
fuck me? And if you’re done and satisfied, you’re just going to leave?” Napatikhim
ako. “Are we having a problem with that kind of set-up? We are like this for a long
time and we are okay.” Padabog niyang binitiwan ang mga kamay ko at pabagsak na
naupo sa couch. Bahagya pang gumalaw ang malaki niyang dibdib pero kataka-takang
wala akong maramdamang libog doon. Gusto ko na nga lang siyang magbihis na. “Iyon
na nga. Pumayag ako sa ganitong set-up dahil akala ko eventually, we are going to
get serious. We are getting old, Noah. You are getting old and so am I. I wanted to
start a family.” “What?” Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. “Family? That’s not part of
our deal. When we agreed to this arrangement, we said that there will be no
exclusivity. Alam mong ayaw ko ng kahit na anong relasyon. I don’t want any
commitment and you agreed to that. We both agreed to that. And family? That’s the
last thing I wanted to do. Ayoko ng responsibility.” “But don’t you want to level
up our relationship? We could make it official. Us becoming a couple.” Muli siyang
tumayo at humarap sa akin tapos ay hinawakan ang mukha ko. “Think about it, Noah.
You need me.
We are going to be great partners. I have so many connections that can help you
with your business.” Hinawakan ko ang mga kamay at unti-unti iyong inilalayo sa
akin tapos ay umiiling ako. “I’m sorry, Serena. If you will keep on insisting
that, this will be the last time that you’re going to see me.” Napahinga ako ng
malalim. “Thank you for this.” Pagkasabi ko noon ay hinawakan ko na ang door knob
ng pinto. “Fuck it!” bulalas niya. “All right. I’m sorry.” Mahina siyang napamura.
“Wait for me. I’ll bring you home. I’m sorry I brought up that stupid idea. I just
thought you might think about it since we both are not getting any younger.”
Mabilis niyang isinusuot ang mga damit niya. Hindi ko na inintindi ang ibang mga
sinasabi pa ni Serena habang palabas kami ng club niya. She was not insisting the
idea anymore but I could feel that she was still insinuating it. Nauna na akong
sumakay sa kotse niya at siya ang sumakay sa driver’s seat at pinaandar iyon paalis
doon. Siguro ay napansin niyang hindi ako nagsasalita at nagre-react sa mga
sinasabi niya kaya tumahimik na rin siya. “Still pissed about what I said? I am
sorry,” Muli ay sabi niya. Umiling lang ako. “I’m just tired. Sleepy. Hungry.”
Pahilata akong naupo sa puwesto ko habang nagda-drive siya. “Then stay with me.
Hindi naman kita pinapauwi. Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung bakit kailangan mo pang
umalis. You know you can stay with me as long as you want.” “I have things to do
at home.” At puwede ko bang sabihin sa kanya na kaya ko lang siya pinuntahan ay
para mag-alis ng init ng katawan?
Katahimikan ang namagitan sa amin ni Serena tapos ay siya rin ang bumasag noon.
“So, who is Masha?” Nakatutok ang tingin niya sa kalsada pero alam kong naghihintay
siya ng sagot.
“Forget about it. It’s just my job.” “Job? ‘Di ba your job is at the hotel and
transporting of goods for your billionaire boss?” Paniniguro niya.
“He gave me another job.” Malamig kong sagot. Ayaw ko nang isipin ang
responsibilidad na naghihintay sa akin pag-uwi ko. “And that’s Masha.” Tingin ko
ay nakuha ni Serena ang interes tungkol kay Masha. Kung bakit ba kasi nabanggit ko
pa ang pangalan ng babaeng iyon. Magsasalita pa si Serena nang tumunog ang telepono
niya.
Sinagot niya iyon at nakikinig lang ako sa pakikipag-usap niya.
Tumatango-tango siya at sumeryoso ang hitsura. Ang huling narinig kong salita ay
‘fine’ tapos ay tinapos na ang pakikipag-usap. Ilang beses siyang huminga ng
malalim at siguro ay hindi nakatiis ay nagsimula na ring magsabi sa akin. “You know
The Erotic Vault club, right? The one that Charles’ owned?” Tumango ako. “What
about it?” Kunwari ay wala akong alam sa nangyari doon. Walang nakakaalam na ako at
si Henry ang dahilan kung bakit napasara iyon at ako ang dahilan sa pagkamatay ng
isa sa mga bilyonaryong client nito.
“Charles is on the wind. Apparently, he made a mistake by getting the girls from
Carl.” “Carl?” Paniniguro ko. I knew she was talking about the damn Carl that
brought Masha here illegally. Napapailing si Serena. “Carl is his contact from the
Philippines to bring women here. You know how Charles’ business is all about.
Smuggling women and auctioning them. There was no problem before but apparently,
Carl brought a woman that was supposed to be off limits.
Stas Rozovsky’s only daughter.” Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakikinig lang sa
sinasabi niya.
“It was a total disaster. Pati kaming mga business bars owners apektado. Carl made
a war with Stas Rozovsky and now is fucking on the run. Definitely, that ruthless
son of a bitch will kill him once he found him.” Serena didn’t know that I was
working with Stas Rozovsky.
Actually, no one knew here that I work for the devil himself. All of my contacts
here and business partners knew that I was working with someone else and some
businesses I owned myself. Sigurista si Stas.
Pinagkakatiwalaan niya ako pero mayroon pa rin siyang ibang tao na pinapatrabaho
dito. The last time that I heard it was a certain Butch. That man was another
business partner in the Philippines. Kung sino-sinong pangalan naman ang basta
sumusulpot kapag kausap ko si Mr. Rozovsky.
That devil was not afraid to deal with anyone as long as he could use it and made
money from it. “Kalat na kalat iyan sa underground scene. Carl has a bounty of
five million dollars in his head. Charles for three million. Stas Rozovsky is
shaking every part of this planet just to find those assholes because apparently,
his daughter is still cannot be found. Soon enough, they have nowhere to go.”
Napa-hmm lang ako at tumango-tango. “You don’t know where Charles is? You got
history together.” Napapahiyang napangiti si Serena. “You know Charles and I were
over a long time ago. Saka it was just for business para tumatag pa ang partnership
namin and magkaroon ako ng protection. It’s you that I want this time,” pumatong
ang kamay ni Serena sa ibabaw ng hita ko at humimas-himas doon. Pasimple ko naman
na inialis iyon kaya sinamaan niya ako ng tingin bago muling itinuton ang tingin sa
kalsada.
“If you got news about Carl or Charles, will you tell me?” Nakataas ang kilay ni
Serena na tumingin sa akin. “Why?” Nagkibit ako ng balikat at sumandal sa
kinauupuan ko. “Just curious about them.” “What if I know where they at now?”
Nakangiti siya ng nakakaloko. “And that’s good to hear.” Ngumiti na rin ako para
makuha ko ang detalye kung nasaan ang dalawang iyon at masabi ko sa boss ko.
“There’s a new player in town, Noah.” Ngayon ay sumeryoso na ang tono ni Serena.
“There’s this Russian guy who is rising to the top. Making big trades. Doing
businesses underground. Guns. Drugs. Hardcore murders. He is creating his name.”
“There is?” paniniguro ko. Dahil kung meron man, malalaman ko kung sino. Maliit
lang ang underground business dito at magkakaalaman kung sino-sino ang mga bagong
players. When Stas Rozovsky made me his dummy here, he made sure that his name
won’t come out and people I was working with won’t know that I was working with
Stas Rozovsky.
He was careful not to get his name involve in the illegal works that he has because
of his family.
“His name is Aleksei Ivanov. A Filipino-Russian that owns the newly built Empire
Hotel downtown but everyone knows that hotel is just his cover for his real illegal
business.” Napalunok si Serena. “He is deadly. Ruthless. If you work with him, you
don’t want to cross him.” “I never heard of that name. Should I be worried?”
Definitely, I would find out who was this new player in town. Kailangan kong mai-
report ito sa boss ko. “All I can say is to stay away from his path if you are
going to come across him. He also has a vast connection in this place.” Napahinga
ako ng malalim. “All right. I will keep that name in mind.
Aleksei Ivanov.” “The last time I heard about Carl and Charles, they are hiding
under Aleksei Ivanov’s protection that’s why no one could find them. I am telling
this to you because you are special to me but please, don’t let that news out to
anyone.” “Your secret is safe with me.” Ipinakita ko ang pinakamatamis kong ngiti
kay Serena kaya napangiti na siya. Inihinto niya ang sasakyan na dina-drive sa
harap ng apartment ko at sumilip pa doon. “Matt is sleeping over?” Sumilip din
ako. “Yeah.” Pagsisinungaling ko. Hindi na niya kailangang malaman na si Masha ay
naroon lang sa kuwarto ko at natutulog. Inialis ko ang seatbelt na nakakabit sa
katawan ko at akmang bababa na nang pigilan niya. Bago pa ako makakilos ay
hinalikan niya ako ng mariin sa labi. “I hope to see you again the soonest. Think
about what I said.” Titig na titig sa mukha ko si Serena. “Thanks for the ride.”
Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko at tuluyan nang ibinukas ang pinto at bumaba na. Deretso
na akong pumasok sa loob ng apartment at napahinga ng malalim nang makita kong sa
couch natutulog si Matt. Nakanganga at naghihilik pa. Naroon sa center table ang
dalawang baso ng red plastic cups at isang bote ng vodka na ubos na.
Nagtagis ang bagang ko. Nag-inom ba ito saka si Masha?
“Hey, ass wipe. Wake up.” Sinipa ko pa ang couch na tinutulugan niya pero umungol
lang si Matt at muli ay naghihilik na naman. Tingin ko, malabong magising ang isang
ito. Umakyat ako sa itaas para i-check si Masha. Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang
pinto ng kuwarto na tinutulugan at nakita ko siyang himbing na natutulog sa kama.
Naka-dapa pa at naipagpasalamat kong hindi ang big sized t-shirt ko ang suot niya.
Pero napakunot din ang noo ko nang mapansin ang ilang piraso ng strings sa paligid
niya. Noon ko inialis ang kumot na bumabalot sa katawan niya at nakita ko ang
makinis niyang likod. Ang black string na nakita ko ay nakatali sa batok niya. She
was wearing a halter top dress. The usual dress that she was wearing every time she
was going out for a party. Inis kong ibinalik ang kumot para itabon sa katawan
niya at lumabas ng kuwarto. Definitely, these two bozos did something when I was
gone.
Knowing Matt, siguradong may ginawang kalokohan ang dalawang ito. Dumeretso ako sa
kusina at gumawa ng kape. Pabagsak akong naupo sa kaharap na mesa habang
tinititigan ang umuusok na kape na nasa harap ko. There was the same feeling again.
Every time I knew Masha was around, there was this unexplainable feeling that I
could feel that was surging deep within me. And I didn’t want this. I hated this
that was why I went to Serena to know that it was just an itch that I could scratch
away.
But here it was again and it was getting stronger and deeper. A feeling that I only
felt when I first met Peyton. “No.” Parang tanga na sabi ko sa sarili ko. “This
was nothing. Later, I am going to Serena again. This was just my body telling me
that I had to relax again. Sex could make me relax and Serena could help with that.
Naramdaman kong nag-vibrate ang telepono ko kaya kinuha ko sa bulsa. Nakahinga ako
ng maluwag nang makita kong pangalan ni Henry ang naka-register doon. Agad kong
sinagot at hindi pa man siya nakakapa-hello ay dumeretso na ako ng mga gusto kong
sabihin sa kanya.
“When are you coming back? When are you going to get Masha?
It’s so hard living with her here.” naisuklay ko ang kamay sa buhok ko. It was so
hard living with her here because my cock kept on getting hard every time she is
around. Gusto kong idugtong iyon. Malalim ng paghinga ang narinig kong sagot ni
Henry. That was not okay. I knew the meaning of that deep breath.
 “Carl and Charles are on the run. We cannot find them.” Dama ko ang frustration sa
boses ni Henry. “About that, I got a tip.” “What is it?” Biglang tonong nagka-
pag-asa si Henry.
“Find Aleksei Ivanov. He is the owner of Empire Hotel downtown.” “Who is he?”
“He is a new player according to my source. Also do underground works. You never
heard of him? Your bureau?” “No. What is about that guy?” Interesado na ang tono
ni Henry. “He is protecting Carl and Charles. If you want to find those two, check
on Aleksei Ivanov.” Napa-hmm siya. “All right. Will check on that. How’s Masha?”
Hindi agad ako nakasagot.
“He is really giving you that hard time?” Tingin ko ay ramdam ni Henry na parusa
sa akin na narito ang babaeng iyon. “I don’t know how long I could live with her
here. I am going to talk to Mr. Rozovsky to take her daughter home.” Natawa si
Henry. “That bad? She’s giving you hard time that bad?” “I just think she will be
safer with her family not with a stranger like me.” “Maybe her father has a plan.
He’s got a point, Noah. Until those men who tried to kidnap Masha are still on the
loose, his daughter is still not safe. Mas maigi nang hindi alam ng mga iyon kung
nasaan talaga si Masha. Matatapos din ito. And I will take a look about that
Aleksei Ivanov.” “Okay. Just do it fast. I want my life to go back to normal.”
“Sure, it will. Don’t worry. Will call you again.” Wala na akong narinig pa mula
kay Henry. Napahinga na lang ako ng malalim. Sana nga, matapos na ito. Dahil
hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ako tatagal na narito ang anak ng boss ko.

Brutal men with unlimited power are the same all over the world – Mary Boykin
Chesnut
ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE | THE BRUTAL KING
CARL

The loud screams of Charles were piercing my ears. I didn’t want to open my
eyes. I didn’t want to see what was happening to him. I made a mistake. I thought
he was going to like what we did. I just followed his demands. He wanted a piece of
Stanislav Rozovsky’s life and I gave him but how come he was doing this to us?
Why did it look like we were going to pay that mistake with our lives?
“P-Please… Let me talk to Mr. I-Ivanov…” I kept on shutting my eyes while I am
hearing Charles’ pleads. I knew Charles for years. Worked with him for so many
women that he auctioned in his club. He was one of the successful businessmen that
I knew. Knew so many people that made him where he was now and just last month,
Aleksei Ivanov approached him. Told him that he wanted to do business with him.
Charles was driven by money, just like me and when Charles called me to tell me
about the job, I didn’t think twice. Two hundred thousand dollars cut was enough
for me to do anything for him.
The job was to lure the only princess of Stas Rozovsky to believe that I was her
friend. I needed to gain her trust and from her, we could take down her father.
Slowly, I tried to open my eyes and fear crept all over me when I saw Charles
hanging upside down naked. Blood was all over his body from the tortures that Mr.
Ivanov’s men were doing to him since last night. His body was totally beaten.
Black and blue. Stab wounds were also visible but I knew those men knew how to miss
his vital organs. They needed him alive until the boss comes around.
I had never seen Aleksei Ivanov. I just heard his name from Charles.
He said that Aleksei Ivanov was a new player in the underground world.
Rich, powerful and with vast connections in all crime organizations and politicians
in the country and in Russia and other parts of the world. I never heard of his
name because he wanted to keep it hidden. Kung mayroon man akong kilalang katulad
niya, si Stas Rozovsky lang iyon.
The old man was a legend. No one would dare to cross him. I just agreed to this gig
because of the money and the promise that this man would protect us. But it was
the other way around. When Charles and I were asking for help, for protection, sure
Aleksei Ivanov took us in. Protected us from Stanislav Rozovsky’s men who were
looking for us, but he didn’t inform us that he was the one who would give us a
terrible punishment. Nakita ko ang isang lalaki na tumayo sa harap ng nakabitin na
si Charles. Tatawa-tawa at inialis ang sigarilyo sa bibig tapos ay idiniin iyon sa
katawan ni Charles. Ang lakas ng sigaw ni Charles pero hindi ako kumikibo. Hindi
ako kumikilos dahil ayaw kong ganoon din ang sapitin ko kung mapunta na ang pansin
nila sa akin. Nabugbog na nila ako kagabi, hindi na kakayanin pa ng katawan ko kung
uulitin pa nila iyon. “Please…” umiiyak na si Charles. “Please let me talk to Mr.
Ivanov.
This is just a big misunderstanding.” Noon bumukas ang pinto at isang matangkad na
lalaki ang pumasok doon. Nakasuot ng gray suit at naka-leather shoes. Just the
presence of this man conveys dark power. Biglang-bigla ay tumahimik ang buong
paligid at hindi ko maintindihan ang kaba na bumundol sa dibdib ko. Nang tingnan ko
ang mukha ng lalaking dumating, walang kaemo-emosyon iyon. Blanko lang na
nakatingin sa nakabitin na katawan ni Charles.
“Sir!” bulalas ni Charles nang makita ang dumating na lalaki. “M-Mr. Ivanov…”
nanginginig ang boses niya. “T-this is just a misunderstanding. I-I… I didn’t know
what happened. Everything was planned.” Umiiyak na si Charles.
Walang sagot na ibinigay ang lalaki. Tumingin lang ito sa nasa gilid na tauhan at
dali-daling umalis ang tauhan at pagbalik ay may dala nang isang silya. Inilagay
iyon malapit sa lalaki at naupo ito doon. Inayos-ayos pa ang suot na suit. Nakita
ko ang mga kamay nito na punong-puno ng mga tattoos at sigurado ako na maging ang
buong katawan nito ay ganoon din. Walang imik ang lalaki na nakatingin lang kay
Charles habang patuloy na umiiyak at nagmamakaawa. Pilit na nagpapaliwanag kung ano
ang nangyari. Dumekuwatro pa ng upo ang lalaki at muling sumenyas sa tauhan nito.
Ang sunod naman na ibinigay ay sigarilyo at inilagay sa bibig nito tapos ay
sinindihan. Kasunod na ibinigay ay isang baso na may lamang alak. “S-Sir… she was
there. Stas Rozovsky’s only daughter was there.
She was sold to Steve Page just like what you told us to do. Alek… Mr.
Ivanov… we did what you wanted to happen.” Umiiyak na si Charles. Tumango-tango
lang ang lalaki at uminom sa hawak na baso ng alak. Nang matikman ay umasim ang
mukha. Mukhang hindi nagustuhan at idinura ang ininom na alak tapos ay walang sabi-
sabing ibinato ang baso sa mukha ni Charles. Ang lakas ng hiyaw ni Charles. Basag
ang baso na lumikha ng sugat sa mukha niya. May ilang bahagi pa ng nabasag na baso
ang nakabaon sa mukha niya. “If you did what I wanted to happen, that girl will be
with Steve Page. And I will kill Steve Page and I could have the girl. But that’s
not what happened. Steve Page was killed by someone and he took the girl.”
Malumanay ang pagkakasabi noon ng lalaki pero ramdam na ramdam ko ang nakakakilabot
na hatid ng malamig na boses niya sa buong paligid. Kahit ang mga tauhan niya ay
walang nagtangkang magsalita. “B-but we did that,” humahagulgol si Charles. “We
did that, Sir.” Tonong wala nang magawa si Charles. Hindi ko napigil ang luha na
umagos sa mukha ko habang nakatingin lang sa kanila. “I-I don’t know w-who went to
Steve Page’s yacht. I don’t know who killed him. But trust me… we did what you
want.” Tumango-tango ang lalaki tapos ay napahinga ng malalim.
“And then you didn’t do anything. You didn’t even try to look for her.” “I-I
don’t know who took her. I-I don’t have any idea where she is.
Her friend.” Nanlalaki ang mata ni Charles. “Her friend. Y-you could ask her
friend.” “Her friend?” Natawa si Aleksei Ivanov. “You killed her friend together
with those three other women. You are cutting loose ends, Charles.” Napa-tsk-tsk
ang lalaki. “That’s a wrong move.” Sinasabi ko na nga ba. Wrong move talaga ang
ginawang iyon ni Charles. Nang malaman kasi niyang may pumatay kay Steve Page na
lalaking bumili kay Masha Rozovsky, inutos niyang patayin na ang apat na babaeng
kasama sa auction para wala na daw pipiyok sa nangyaring iyon at makakatakas kaming
dalawa. All of those women were drugged until they were overdosed and died. Hindi
pa inayos ni Charles ang pagdi-dispose ng katawan ng mga babae kaya hanggang ngayon
ay under investigation iyon. “You think I won’t know?” natatawa pang sabi ni
Aleksei. “I told you I have eyes and ears around.” Muling bumuga ng usok ang
lalaki. Humagulgol si Charles. “Please. I will do anything you want. Don’t kill
me.” “You have only one job to do and that is to get Stanislav Rozovsky’s daughter
but you failed. You know failure is not a part of my organization.” Tumingin sa
gawi ng tauhan niya si Aleksei at tumango.
Sumunod ang dalawang tauhan at lumabas ng silid. Mayamaya ay biglang bumukas ang
buong dingding ng likod ng silid na ito at nakarinig kami ng malakas na ugong ng
kung ano. Mayamaya lang ay ipinapasok doon ang isang wood chipper. Noon ko napansin
sa labas na puro puno doon at malamig.
“We are in the middle of the forest. No one could hear your screams,” walang
anuman na sabi ni Aleksei habang sige ang pagsigaw ni Charles. Sa totoo lang,
nanginginig na ang buo kong katawan habang naririnig ang maingay na tunog ng wood
chipper. I knew what that powerful machine could do. It could break down even the
biggest piece of wood to its smaller pieces. Imagine what it could do to a body.
“M-Mr. Ivanov,” nanginginig ang boses ni Charles. “Please… don’t kill me.” Lalong
lumakas ang palahaw ni Charles at tinatalo ang maingay na tunog ng umaandar na wood
chipper. Nagpapapasag pa si Charles nang hilahin ng mga tauhan ni Aleksei ang
katawan niyang nakabitin at ilapit sa umaandar na wood chipper. “Mr. Ivanov!
Aleksei!” Sige ang pagsigaw ni Charles. Talagang iginagalaw ang katawan sa
pagtatangkang makaalpas sa pagkakatali pero patuloy ang mga tauhan ni Aleksei
Ivanov na ilapit ang katawan niya sa umaandar na wood chipper. Una ang ulo na unti-
unting ibinababa iyon doon. “No! No! Please! N-…” Nakakakilabot na tunog ng
nadudurog na kung ano ang sunod na narinig ko. Wala na ang ang nakakabinging
palahaw ni Charles. Ang tanging nakikita ko na lang ay ang pagkisay ng katawan niya
habang kinakain iyon ng wood chipper. Kulay pula at durog na laman at buto ng tao
ang lumalabas mula sa machine na iyon. Impit na impit ang pag-iyak ko habang
walang anuman na pinapanood ni Aleksei Ivanov ang nangyayari sa katawan ni Charles
na ngayon ay hindi na gumagalaw. Napapitlag ako nang tumingin sa gawi ko si Aleksei
Ivanov at sinenyasan ang mga tauhan niyang lapitan ako.
Sapilitan akong itinayo ng dalawang lalaki at kumuha ang isa ng upuan at inilagay
iyon sa harap ni Mr. Ivanov. Sige ang paninigarilyo niya habang hinihintay akong
maka-settle sa kinauupuan ko. Nanginginig ang buong katawan ko sa takot at nang
mapatingin ako sa wood chipper, huminto na iyon pero naiwan ang dalawang paa ni
Charles na hindi pa nadurog noon. “You are Charles’ friend?” Walang emosyon ang
tanong niya at muling nagsindi ng sigarilyo. Sunod-sunod ang iling ko. “J-just his
contact in the Philippines.” Napapiyok pa ako at agad na tumulo ang luha ko.
Natawa siya. “Why are you crying?” tumingin siya sa paligid. “Can someone please
wipe the tears of this boy? I don’t want to see someone cry.” Agad na may lumapit
na isang lalaki at pinunasan ang mukha ko.
Hindi ko naman mapigil ang pag-iyak kaya tumutulo na naman ang luha mula sa mga
mata ko. “Anyway, I got rid of Charles so… I am going to ask you now. How well do
you know Masha Rozovsky?” Napalunok ako. “S-she’s my friend.” nanginginig ang
boses ko sa kaba. “Friend? But friends don’t betray their friends, right?” muli ay
humithit siya sa hawak na sigarilyo.
“B-but… Charles told me that… I-I need to get her for a huge amount of money.”
“Yes. I told Charles that I wanted Masha Rozovsky. I wanted her to be kidnapped, to
be auctioned and then I will save her from the pig who bought her.” Inubos ni Mr.
Ivanov ang laman ng baso ng alak na ibinigay ng tauhan niya bago muling nagsalita.
“But that didn’t happen. Someone did that for me.” Doon ko naramdaman na napikon
ang tono niya. “I-I didn’t know who did it. B-believe me, Mr. Ivanov. I don’t
know,” sunod-sunod ang iling ko. “I was just told to get her, to bring here and I
did it.” Umiiyak na ako. “Please don’t kill me.” Doon na ako humagulgol. Agad na
naglapitan ang mga tauhan ni Mr. Ivanov nang umalis ako sa kinauupuan ko at lumuhod
sa harap niya. “Please, Sir. Don’t kill me. I will do anything you want.” Ganitong-
ganito din ang mga sinabi ni Charles kanina pero hindi pinakinggan ni Mr. Ivanov.
Napahinga siya ng malalim at napatango-tango. “All right. I am going to give you a
chance to live.” Tumatango-tango ako. “Y-yes, Sir. Thank you. Thank you,” halos
halikan ko ang mamahaling sapatos na suot ni Mr. Ivanov. “I will let you out on
the streets. You cannot ask for my protection.
But I wanted you to look for Masha Rozovsky and find out who was the wannabe hero
that saved her from Steve Page.” Sunod-sunod ang tango ko. “Yes, Sir. I will do
that. I will find out who it is. I will give you Masha Rozovsky.” Napahinga siya
ng malalim at tumayo na. “You have one week to do that. If after one week, I don’t
hear any news about her, you will end up like your friend Charles and I have so
many creative ways to end your low life.” Pagkasabi niya noon ay lumakad na siya
palabas ng silid. Kasunod ang mga tauhan niya at ang tanging naiwan ay ako at ang
mga paa ni Charles na nanatiling naroon sa wood chipper. Ang lakas ng hagulgol ko.
Hindi dahil sa relief na hindi ako namatay kundi sa kaba na puwedeng gawin sa akin
ni Aleksei Ivanov kapag hindi ko nagawa ang gusto niya. But I would take my shot.
I would try to contact Stanislav Rozovsky and I would tell him that there was
someone more brutal and fearless than him. Maybe, I could take his side and he
would protect me if I tell him that someone was targeting his daughter. As long as
I am breathing, those ruthless fuckers could fight and kill themselves and I would
be the one who was going to be left alive.

Never assume that someone giving you butterflies in the stomach will be good for
your heart too – Tanu Joshi

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO | OLD GUY MASHA

Someone was mad. I knew it. I could tell with the tone of the voice that someone
was mad. Ang ingay kasi. Napilitan akong bumangon sa kama at tiningnan ang relo
na naroon.
It was seven in the morning. Gosh, it was so early pero bakit mayroon nang maingay
sa paligid? Noon ko napansin na hindi na ako nakapagpalit ng damit. I was still
wearing the halter top that I wore last night because I thought I was going to a
party club. But it turned out, sa kotse lang kami nag-party ni Matt. Natawa ako.
Enjoy naman. Para kaming mga tanga na nagwawala sa loob ng kotse habang nag-
iinuman. Ang saya ko din kagabi at nakapa-funny talaga ni Matt. Lalo na nang
malasing siya. Ang dami-dami niyang kuwento tungkol kay Noah. Hindi na napigil ang
bibig niya. Tuluyan na akong bumangon sa kama at dumeretso sa banyo.
Napatingin ako sa heater at naalala kong sira nga pala ang heater dito.
Hindi naman ako puwedeng doon na naman maligo sa baba dahil siguradong papagalitan
na naman ako ni Noah sungit kung may maiwan akong gamit doon. Painis ko na lang na
pinihit ang heater at masubukan kung iinit. Titiisin ko na lang maligo ng malamig
kung hindi iinit. Pero unti-unti ay umiinit ang tubig. Napapangiti ako nang
maramdaman ang init ng tubig. Gawa na ang heater. Agad akong tumapat sa tubig at
tuluyang naligo. Ang sarap ng feeling. Gosh, I needed this. Matagal-tagal din
akong bumabad bago tinapos ang paliligo. Nang lumabas ako ng banyo ay binuksan ko
ang cabinet ng damit ni Noah para kumuha ng t-shirt niya pero naalala ko ang sinabi
ni Matt na ayaw ng lalaking iyon ang ginagalaw ang gamit. Isinara ko na lang ulit
at kumuha ako sa paper bag na naroon na puno ng binili kong mga damit noong
nakaraan na isinama ako ni Noah. Kumuha ako ng shorts at crop top t-shirt at iyon
ang isinuot ko tapos ay tinuyo ko ang buhok ko bago tuluyang lumabas ng kuwarto.
“What if something happened?” Napahinto ako sa pagbaba. Definitely that was Noah’s
voice. His voice was mad. Napaikot ako ng mata. Sabagay, lagi naman galit ang
timbre ng boses noon. “Nothing happened, Noah. Chillax. We stayed inside the car.
We didn’t come out. She just wanted to have some fun.” Tonong nangangatwiran ang
kausap ni Noah. I knew it was Matt. Napahinga ako ng malalim at tuluyan nang
bumaba. Agad na napatingin sa akin si Noah at taas-baba ang tingin sa akin tapos ay
lalong sumimangot ang mukha. Si Matt ay nakaupo sa harap ng mesa tapos ay
nakasubsob ang mukha sa mga braso na hitsurang antok na antok pa.
Hindi ako tinitingnan. “What the hell are you wearing?” Noah was glaring at me. I
could see his jaws clenching. “What’s wrong with what I am wearing?” tiningnan ko
pa ang sarili ko. Wala akong makitang masama sa suot kong shorts. Everyone could
wear shorts like this. And crop top was okay to wear around. Decent shirt naman
ito.
Nag-angat ng mukha si Matt at tumingin sa gawi ko tapos ay napangiti at nag-thumbs
up. Lumakad si Noah at pumuwesto sa harap ni Matt na tingin ko ay humaharang lang
para hindi ako makita ni Matt. “Go and change,” Noah’s voice was full of
authority.
Kumunot ang noo. Hindi makapaniwala sa naririnig. “What?” “I said, go and change.
Wear my shirt.” Simangot na simangot pa rin ang mukha niya. Napaawang ang bibig
ko. “You said you don’t want me to wear your shirt. Now that I am wearing my own,
may mali pa rin? Ano ba talaga?” naiinis na talaga ako sa kanya. Humakbang palapit
sa akin si Noah at wala sa loob na napaatras ako.
Ang seryoso ng mukha niya. Nakakatakot. “Wear something else,” he said that in
between his teeth. Wala sa loob na napatango ako at nagmamadaling bumalik sa
kuwarto. Tiningnan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin. May mali ba talaga sa suot ko? I
think the shorts was okay. It just showed my smooth and long legs. And the crop top
shirt. Everyone was wearing this kind of shirt.
Labas lang naman ang flat kong tiyan at belly button. May masama na dito? Binuksan
ko ang cabinet kung saan nakalagay ang mga damit ni Noah tapos ay humugot ng isang
puting t-shirt. Hinubad ko ang damit na suot ko at pinalitan iyon ng maluwag na t-
shirt niya. Napaikot ako ng mata tapos ay painis nang umalis doon at bumalik sa
baba.
Nang bumalik ako sa kusina ay wala na si Matt tapos ay nakaupo sa harap noon si
Noah at hinihilot ang magkabilang sentido. Basa ang buhok at umaalingasaw sa
paligid ang mabangong shower gel. Mukhang nag-shower ng madalian. “Is this okay,
Sir?” Sarcastic kong sabi at diniinan ko pa ang salitang Sir. Napahinga ng malalim
si Noah at tumingin sa gawi ko at tingin ko, lalo lang dumiin ang paghilot sa
magkabilang sentido. “Better,” halos sa sarili lang niya nasabi iyon. Hindi ko na
hinintay na paupuin niya ako sa harap ng mesa. Naupo na ako doon na kaharap niya.
“Where’s Matt?” dumampot ako ng isang piraso ng tinapay at naglagay ng butter doon.
“I told him to go home. He is banned to go here for now.” Muli ay napahinga siya ng
malalim at hinilot-hilot ang sentido niya. “What?” Gulat na gulat ako. “Why?” Doon
nag-angat ng mukha si Noah. Geez… why he looked so tired?
His eyes looked like he got no sleep for days. Then I remembered what Matt told me
last night. Noah spent the night to whoever women he could fuck and I am sure that
was what he did last night. Spent the night with some bitch that he fucked.
Napaikot ako ng mata. Nag-goodtime siya kagabi tapos biglang iba-ban niya si Matt
dito?
“Why?” Ngayon ay nagagalit na naman si Noah. “You went out last night without
informing me. You went to a bar and partied. That’s why.” Napaawang ang bibig ko.
“We didn’t go inside the bar. We partied inside the car just to be safe. What’s
wrong with that?” “Still, you went out of this house and you went to a bar.”
Halatang nagpipigil siya ng galit na konti na lang ay sasabog na. “And we stayed at
the parking lot inside the car!” Tumaas na din ang boses ko. Nakakainis siya. Lahat
na lang ng gawin ko ay mali para sa kanya. Painis na pinukpok ni Noah ang mesa na
kinagulat ko. Napalunok ako at tumingin sa kanya pero hindi ko ipinakita na
kumakabog ang dibdib ko sa kaba. But Noah’s treatment to me the past days was
shaking my well-being. He made me feel that he really didn’t want me here. That I
was a nuisance. Someone that was giving him a hard time. Someone that he didn’t
want. I am a cool person. People loved me even if I was a spoiled brat. I knew deep
inside there was some good in me that people like. But Noah… I couldn’t see it in
him. He would never like me. He would just always hate me for no reason at all. “Y-
You said… w-we started on the wrong foot and you said we would compromise. But how
come I still feel that you don’t want me here?” My voice cracked. Hindi ko na
napigil ang sarili ko. Hindi ko na napigil ang pagtulo ng luha ko. Matapang akong
tao at hindi ako basta-basta umiiyak pero itong ipinaparamdam sa akin ni Noah,
pakiramdam ko talagang wala akong kuwentang tao. Doon ko nakitang unti-unting
nagbago ang reaksyon ni Noah. Ang kanina lang na madilim niyang anyo ay napalitan
ng pag-aalala tapos ay naihilamos niya ang kamay sa mukha. “I know the mistake that
I did and I am sorry for that. But… dahil ba sa nagkamali ako wala na akong
puwedeng gawin na tama? I am bored here and I can’t even go out. And Matt, the only
person who understands me here helped me. Wala siyang ginawang masama. Tinulungan
lang niya ako at hindi niya ako pinabayaan.” Sige ako sa pagsinghot at pag-iyak.
Naaawa na ako sa sarili.
“You have the choice to go home.” Malumanay na ang boses ngayon ni Noah. “That’s
the best thing to do, Masha. You go home.” “But I don’t want to go home. I am going
to lose my freedom if I go home.” Tumingin ako sa kanya na punong-puno ng luha ang
mga mata.
Ilang beses siyang napapahinga ng malalim at napapailing-iling pa.
Tumayo siya at may kinuha. Nang bumalik sa harap ng mesa ay tissue napkin ang dala
niya at ibinigay sa akin.
“Don’t cry, please. I don’t like to see a woman cry.” Lalo akong lumabi at umiyak.
This time, exaggerated na ang pag-iyak ko. Umaarte na ako. Kita ko kasi na na
naapektuhan siya na umiiyak ako. “You made me cry,” lalo nang lumakas ang pag-iyak
ko. Parang batang nagpapalahaw. Sumisinga pa ako sa tissue napkin na ibinigay niya.
Nang muli akong tumingin kay Noah ay kita kong napaikot na siya ng mata. Mukhang
alam na niyang umaarte na lang ako. “Tumigil ka na. OA na. Hindi na kapani-paniwala
ang arte mo.” Muli ay hinawakan ni Noah ang magkabila niyang sentido. “You cannot
just go out like that. You remember what happened to you. There are so many bad
guys out there waiting for you to make a mistake again.” “Pero kasama ko si Matt.
Saka huwag kang magalit sa kanya. Ako ang nagpilit na dalhin niya ako sa bar tapos
hindi rin niya ako pinayagang lumabas ng kotse. We partied inside the car.” Unti-
unti ay napangiti ako nang maalala iyon. Nag-enjoy talaga akong sobra doon. “I
don’t want Matt to get in trouble that’s why I agreed that we stayed in the car.”
“He got into trouble the moment he let you out of this apartment.” Seryosong sabi
niya. “Hindi ka naman namin matatawagan kagabi para magpaalam.” Katwiran ko. “Sabi
ni Matt, kapag umalis ka na at nandoon ka na sa kandungan ng mga babae mo, hindi ka
na puwedeng maistorbo.” Natigilan si Noah sa narinig na sinabi ko. Nakita kong
napalunok at halatang medyo nataranta.
“What did Matt say?” Nagkibit ako ng balikat at muling dumampot ng tinapay at
piniraso iyon. “Nothing much.” He glared at me. “What. Did. He. Say?” Tingin ko ay
magagalit na naman ang lalaking ito kapag hindi ko sinagot ang sinabi niya.
“Nothing.” Napaikot ako ng mata. “He just told me that you are guwapo. Marami daw
babae ang nagkakandarapa sa’yo. Macho ka daw.
Matangkad. Matalino. Mabango and…” saglit akong nag-isip. “Sabi niya malaki daw ang
paa mo at nakakainggit daw ‘yon.” “He said that?” Paniniguro ni Noah at tingin ko
ay nagpipigil siya ng inis. “Uhumm…” tumatango pa ako at sumubo ng tinapay. “What’s
with men with big feet? And he said about…” saglit akong nag-isip.
“Ikapitong-glorya?” Iyon nga ba ang sinabi ni Matt? “Yeah, it’s something about
that, about sex and I hated every time he said that. He said, last night, hindi ka
puwedeng istorbohin dahil nasa ikapitong glorya ka na.” Noah’s jew clenched and he
kept on breathing hard.
“Did he say more?” Mahina lang ang boses niya pero halatang pikon na pikon na.
“Oh yes!” Nanlaki pa ang mata ko. “He told me about your TOTGA.” Nanunukso na ang
tono ko. “OMG! Why you didn’t tell me that it’s Peyton? That you’re the Jollibee
guy the house staff were buzzing about before.” “I am gonna fucking kill Matt.”
Talagang pikon na pikon na si Noah.
“Ano ka ba? That’s okay.” Natatawa na ako ngayon. “You know what, I heard your
name in the house before but I never saw your face.
Guwapo naman pala kasi ang pinagseselosan ni Kuya Damien kaya galit na galit iyon
sa tuwing maririnig ag pangalan mo.” Napatikhim si Noah. “You think guwapo ako?”
“Yeah, but old.” Napangiwi pa ako nang sabihin iyon.
Sumeryoso ang mukha niya. “I am only thirty-one. How did I become old?” “Ang
pikon naman.” Natatawang sabi ko. “What I mean, you are older than me.” Napahinga
ako ng malalim at seryoso nang tumingin sa kanya. “Can we stop fighting? Arguing?”
Hindi siya sumagot. “I promise, I’ll be a good girl. I’ll follow whatever you want
me to do.” Nagtaas pa ako ng kanang kamay. “Just stop being grumpy towards me.”
Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. Noon ko hinawakan ang kamay niya para maramdaman
niyang sincere ako at nakita kong napatitig siya sa akin. Ako din ay nagulat sa
ginawa ko kaya mabilis kong binawi ang kamay ko. Hindi ko maintindihan ang biglang
pagdaloy ng kung anong pakiramdam sa buong katawan ko. What was that? And my damn
stomach. What the hell was that?
The only time I was feeling something like this was when I am seeing those cute
boys that I met in every party that I attended to. And I was not into a party right
now. I was head on arguing and making myself understood in front of the man who was
treating me like a kid that needed to be put in a sack all the time. I looked at
Noah. He was quietly looking at something in front of him. This was the first time
I looked at his face without being interrupted by his grumpy attitude towards me.
Now, I finally saw what Matt was seeing. The handsome face. Yeah, he was good
looking when I first met him but this was the first time I saw past his good-
looking face. What I was seeing right now was the squared jaw, the pointed nose,
the deep-set eyes paired with thick eyebrows and his lips.
His plump lips that got me thinking how does it taste when it was pressed against
my lips?
“No.” wala sa loob na sabi ko. Takang tumingin sa akin si Noah. “No? What no?”
Ramdam kong nag-init ang mukha ko. Nahiya ako sa naisip ko.
Bakit pumasok sa isip ko kung masarap bang humalik ang labi ni Noah?
Ewww… no. It was so gross. I didn’t like to taste old lips like his. Hindi na ako
sumagot at nagpatuloy na lang kumain. Bakit ba kasi natitigan ko pa ang lalaking
ito?
“It’s Coachella next week. I want to attend that event.” Iyon na lang ang sinabi
ko. Napag-usapan na namin ito ni Matt kagabi at pareho kaming excited na pumunta sa
event na iyon. “No.” Mabilis na sagot ni Noah. “What do you mean no? I wanted to
go.” “And I said no. No one is going to that event. No one is going out of this
house without me.” Matigas pa rin niyang sagot.
“Then come with us. It’s nice to party,” ngumiti pa ako ng matamis sa kanya.
Sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Noah. “The answer is no, Masha. No one is going to party
outside this house.” “You’re such a party pooper.” Reklamo ko. “And I don’t care.”
Tumayo na si Noah. “You will be safe if you stay here and with me.” Narinig kong
tumunog ang telepono niya. “Eat your breakfast. I need to answer this call.”
Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin nang lumakad siya palabas ng bahay. Napairap na
lang ako at painis na ipinagpatuloy kumain. I really hated that old guy.

It’s amazing the clarity that comes with psychotic jealousy – Rupert Everett

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE | COMFORT CROWD

NOAH

Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim. Talagang pinipilit kong kumalma.

Pakiramdam ko ay sasabog ako sa inis kanina dahil sa mga pinagsasabi ni Matt at
pakiramdam ko ay sasabog din ang nasa pagitan ng hita ko nang makita ko ang hitsura
ni Masha.
What in the world was she thinking? Crop top and short-shorts? Was she really
seducing me?
Noah, walang nangsi-seduce sa’yo. Likas lang na madumi ang utak mo.
Mahina akong napamura sa sarili. Sa totoo lang naman kasi, wala naman talagang
masama sa suot ni Masha. Minsan nga halos topless na ang mga babaeng nakikita ko
dito sa kalye at minsan halos naka-panty na lang pero walang pakialam ang mga tao.
Sanay na ako sa mga ganoon.
Pero iba si Masha. ‘Tangina, kahit ano yata ang suot ng babaeng iyon, maluwag na t-
shirt ko, maiksing damit o kahit siguro sako, titigasan at titigasan ako sa tuwing
makikita ko. And I even fuck Serena. Dapat okay na ako. Kalmado na. But seeing her
wearing those crop top shirt and short-shorts, fuck. I had to take a quick shower
just to calm my mind and dick. Kaya naipagpasalamat kong tumawag itong si Henry
para masabi ko sa kanya itong nangyayari at nang siya na ang pumalit sa sitwasyon
ko na ito. Gusto ko lang bumalik sa normal ang lahat. “I asked around.” Iyon agad
ang bungad ni Henry. Seryoso ang timbre ng boses.
Mukhang alanganin kung ipapasok ko ang issue ni Masha. “About?” Napatikhim ako.
“Aleksei Ivanov.” Lalong bumigat ang timbre ng boses ni Henry. Lumingon pa ako
para masigurong wala si Masha sa likuran ko at tuluyang lumabas. “What about him?”
“He is rich. Filthy fucking rich.” Napatikhim si Henry. “But deadly too.” “All
right.” Iyon lang ang tanging naikomento ko. Katulad lang iyon ng sinabi ni Serena.
“He got legal and illegal business all around the globe.” Patuloy pa niya. “Like
my boss.” Pagtatama ko. “Magiging problema ba natin ang Aleksei Ivanov na iyan?”
Napahinga ng malalim si Henry. “You said if we wanted to find Carl and Charles, we
look to that man. I did, Noah.” Humina ang pagsasalita ni Henry. “And I thought I
was looking the devil in his eyes when I met him.” “You met with Aleksei Ivanov?”
Paniniguro ko. “The police found an abandoned warehouse in the middle of the
forest. I tagged along and there, we found a wood chipper.” Muli ay napatikim siya.
“With some feet in it.” “The fuck?” Tama ba ang narinig ko. “Wood chipper?”
Paniniguro ko. Sa isip ko ay naglalaro na ang posibleng nangyari doon. “It was a
gruesome way to go, man. The body that was found in the wood chipper was put head
first. Go imagine how it happened.” Pakiramdam ko ay umakyat ang kapeng ininom ko
sa lalamunan ko at gusto kong masuka. “The police are conducting investigation and
they found out that the warehouse belongs to Aleksei Ivanov. And he went there.”
Napabuga ng hangin si Henry. “Right to our faces, he said that he doesn’t know
about it and his place was just used to that kind of horrible death.” “And you
believe it?” Hindi agad sumagot si Henry tapos ay napahinga ng malalim. “You
should have seen him. Pagpasok pa lang niya alam kong kaya niyang gawin iyon.
Remember every time we see Mr. Rozovsky and we always feel that death could happen
anytime? Death follows him? That’s what I felt when I saw Aleksei Ivanov. They have
the same energy.” Paliwanag pa niya.
“Pero ano nga sa tingin mo? Did he do it? That Aleksei Ivanov?” “It was Charles’
body that was found inside the wood chipper.
Aleksei Ivanov is under investigation but I got news that he is off the hook. He
got an alibi and a strong lawyer that could back him up.” Saglit na huminto si
Henry. “Check the story about a murder that happened two years ago at St. Francis
Heights. It was his family. I got to go. Call you again once I find anything about
Carl. He is still missing.” Wala na akong narinig pa mula kay Henry at sunod ay
busy tone na.
Napahinga ako ng malalim at ini-end na ang tawag tapos ay nagsimulang mag-browse sa
telepono ko. Wala naman akong makitang article tungkol sa sinasabi ni Henry.
Itinigil ko na rin. Bahala na si Henry sa mga imbestigasyong ganoon. Siya ang nasa
bureau at nakikipag-coordinate sa mga pulis. Civilian na ako. Pumasok ako sa loob
ng bahay at nakita kong nakaupo sa sofa si Masha at malungkot ang mukha. Naka-labi
pa na hitsurang ang laki ng problema. “What now?” Padaing na tanong ko. Tumingin
siya sa akin. “I am bored.” “Go sleep.” Pagtataboy ko sa kanya. “I just woke up.
Patutulugin mo na agad ako?” Napakamot ako ng ulo. “What do you want to do right
now?” Tumingin sa akin si Masha at kita ko ang pilyang ngiti na pilit na
itinatago. “Shopping. Go out. Have fun.” Ngayon ay tuluyan na siyang ngumiti. “But
I guess that will never happen because you don’t like those things. Sayang. Si Matt
sana puwede ako magpasama. Game sa mga ganoon but unfortunately, he is banned here
kaya magtitiis na lang ako dito.” Pinisil ko ang bridge ng ilong ko pero nang
tumingin ako kay Masha ay hindi na siya nakatingin sa akin at hitsurang nag-iisip
lang ng malalim.
Hindi naman siya nangungulit. Tingin ko, sinabi lang niya ang nararamdaman niya at
ang gusto niyang gawin. “Get dressed.” Taka siyang napatingin sa akin.
Nagtatanong ang tingin. Sinisiguro kung tama ang narinig niya. “Did you say
something?” Maasim akong ngumiti. “Go get dressed. We will go out.” Namilog ang
mata ni Masha. Hitsurang bata na nakarinig na bibigyan ng candy. “For real?”
“Don’t make me change my mind.” Nakakarindi ang pagtili ni Masha at pabiglang
tumayo sa kinauupuang sofa tapos ay mabilis na lumapit sa akin. Walang sabi-sabing
yumakap ng mahigpit at dahil hindi ako handa doon, pareho kaming na-off balance at
bagsak kami sa semento. Pero siniguro kong hindi siya masasaktan. Hindi bale nang
ako huwag lang siya. Bagsak sa ibabaw ko si Masha at walang kahit sino man lang sa
amin ang nagtangkang gumalaw. Ang lapit ng mukha niya sa mukha ko.
Amoy na amoy ko ang mabangong hininga ng bibig niya. Ramdam na ramdam ang malakas
na kabog ng dibdib niya. Or was it mine? I knew my heart was beating fast and…
shit.
My damn dick was getting hard between my thighs.
Alam kong may gustong sabihin si Masha dahil napaawang ang bibig niya pero
mayamaya ay nakita kong napakunot ang noo at tila may pinapakiramdaman. I knew it
was my dick. She could feel my hard on against her thighs. Doon ko siya mabilis na
itinulak palayo sa akin at dali-dali akong tumayo at tumalikod. Ang lakas ng kabog
ng dibdib ko at ilang beses akong humihinga ng malalim para kumalma ang pakiramdam
ko.
 “Magbihis ka na. I’ll wait for you in the car.” Iyon na lang ang sabi ko at
lumabas na. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi ako makahinga kaya sige ako buga ng hangin.
Itinodo ko ang aircon ng sasakyan para lumamig ang pakiramdam ko. Kailangan kong
kumalma, putangina. Para naman akong highschool na una lang nakaramdam ng malambot
na boobs sa katawan ko para tigasan agad. Ano ba itong nangyayari sa akin? Hindi
naman ako sabik sa sex. I just fucked someone last night pero bakit ganito pa rin?
Umayos ako ng upo sa sasakyan nang makita kong palabas na ng bahay si Masha at
patungo sa kotse. Sinilip ko ang suot at naipagpasalamat kong matinong shorts at
normal na t-shirt ang suot niya.
Seryoso siyang sumakay sa sasakyan at isinara ang pinto. Wala kaming imikan na
bumiyahe. Hinihintay kong sabihin niya kung saan niya gustong pumunta. Pasimple ko
siyang tinitingnan at tingin ko ay hindi siya mapakali at may gusto siyang itanong.
“What?” ako na ang bumasag ng katahimikan namin.
“Huh?” Taka siyang tumingin sa akin. “Spill it. I know you want to say
something.” Itinutok ko na ang tingin ko sa kalsada. Alanganin siyang napangiti.
“I’m sorry for what I did. For embracing you and all. I just got excited when you
told me that we are going out. Nasanay lang kasi ako sa mga kuya ko ng ganoon. I
hope you don’t think anything about it.” Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakatutok
ang tingin sa dinadaanan namin. “And I felt something…” halatang ibinitin niya ang
sasabihin.
Tinapunan ko ng tingin si Masha at halatang nagpipigil siya na matawa.
“Was it normal?” Umangat ang kilay ko at tuluyan nang tumingin sa kanya. Natawa
siya at alam ko ang tinutukoy niya kaya ipinaramdam kong hindi ako natutuwa sa
tanong niya. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Oh, please. I fucking knew
what she was talking about. She felt my damn hard on. “You like me.” Buong-buo ang
kumpiyansa sa sariling sabi ni Masha at umayos pa ng upo.
“The fuck are you talking about?” Asar kong sabi. Lalong umarte sa pagngiti si
Masha. “Huwag ka nang magsinungaling. I know you like me that’s why you are
concealing it with getting mad at me all the time.” She giggled like a high school
girl. Like she found out that her crush has also a crush on her. “I totally
understand if you got a hard on. That’s my effect to men.” Natawa ako ng
nakakaloko. “Ang tindi rin ng bilib mo sa sarili mo.” Painis ang paraan ko ng pag-
park ng sasakyan. “Hindi lahat ng lalaki katulad ng mga nauuto mo. And to set the
record straight, I don’t like you.
Getting a hard on in the morning is normal to any man. You can ask your brothers
about that. Get out of the car. We’re here.” Nauna na akong bumaba at malakas na
isinara ang pinto ng sasakyan. Bumaba din naman si Masha at tingin ko walang
epekto sa kanya ang mga sinabi ko. Ngiting-ngiti pa rin siya tapos ay tumabi na sa
akin. “Okay nga lang kung type mo ako but sorry, I don’t like older guys.
Your type is not my type. I hope I don’t hurt your feelings.” Kunwa ay pinalungkot
niya ang mukha. “Sorry.” Umasim ang mukha ko sa kanya. “Are you high? You’re not
my type. Ayoko sa bata at batang isip.” Naiiling ako. “Go. Look around. Buy
anything you want.” Iniabot ko ang credit card ko sa kanya. “See? You are going to
treat me. Talagang type mo ako.” Agad niyang kinuha ang credit card na ibinigay ko
at kitang-kita ko ang excitement sa mga mata niya. Alam ko naman na nang-aasar
lang itong si Masha kaya pinabayaan ko na lang sa trip niya. Sige ang lakad ni
Masha sa mall na pinuntahan namin at pinapasok ang lahat ng mga boutique doon. Inip
na inip ako.
Wala akong tiyaga sa mga ganitong bagay. Ang mga gamit ko ay binibili ko lang
online at idini-deliver sa akin. If I wanted to give a woman a gift, I had someone
who could do that for me online too. Kahit sa Pilipinas ginagawa ko iyon noong sige
ako pagpapadala ng kung ano-ano kay Peyton. Sa isang lingerie store sunod na
pumasok si Masha. Pilit na pilit na ngiti ang ibinalik ko sa mga attendants na
naroon na sumalubong sa amin.
Si Masha ay sige ang pili ng mga panty at bra. Nakita kong may hinawakan siyang
lacy pink thong panty. Katulad ng panty niyang naiwan noon sa banyo.
‘Yong panty niya na pinag-jakolan ko. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko at ilang beses
kong minura nang minura ang sarili ko dahil nahihiya ako na ginawa ko iyon. Hindi
ko na kaya dito sa loob ng store kaya mabilis akong lumabas. Sige ako sa pagbuga ng
hangin nang maramdaman kong may pumulupot na kamay sa baywang ko at humalik sa
pisngi ko. Nang lingunin ko kung sino iyon ay si Serena ang nakita ko na ngiting-
ngiti sa akin.
“I knew it. Likod pa lang alam kong ikaw na,” kumikislap ang mga mata niya habang
nakatingin sa akin. Agad akong napatingin sa loob ng tindahan at naipagpasalamat
kong busy pa rin si Masha sa pagtingin ng mga lingerie doon. “What are you doing
here?” Iyon na lang ang naitanong ko.
Natawa si Serena. “Hindi kaya ikaw ang dapat kong tanungin? What are you doing
here?” Tumingin pa siya sa nasa likuran kong lingerie store.
Lalong lumapad ang ngiti niya nang may maisip. “You don’t need to buy lingerie for
me. Alam mong hindi ko kailangan magsuot noon basta ikaw ang kasama ko.” Lumapit pa
si Serena sa akin at inamoy ang leeg ko. “I missed you already.” Pasimple akong
lumayo sa kanya at pilit na ngumiti. “I am working.” “Working? Here? Inside a
mall? You’re joking.” Luminga-linga pa siya tapos ay ikinawit ang braso sa braso
ko. “Come on, Noah. Let’s have a quickie inside my car. Sa malapit lang ako naka-
park.” Kumindat pa siya sa akin at naramdaman ko ang kamay niyang dumakma sa
pagitan ng hita ko. “I can’t wait to put this little monster inside my mouth.”
“Noah, I already-“ Pareho kaming napatingin ni Serena kay Masha na nasa harap na
namin at may dalang mga paper bags ng pinamili niya. Agad akong lumayo kay Serena
at hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang papalit-palit na tingin ni Masha sa aming dalawa na
unti-unting dumidilim habang ibinabaling ang tingin kay Serena. “You know this
kid?” Nakangiting sabi ni Serena at nakatingin kay Masha. Umangat ang kilay niy
Masha at lalong sumama ang tingin sa akin tapos ay kay Serena. “I am not a kid,
lady.” Mataray na sagot niya at bumaling sa akin.
“Who the hell is this?” Gusto ko na lang lumubog sa kinatatayuan ko. Ano ba itong
sitwasyon na ito?
“Noah, who is this disrespectful brat? You know her?” ngayon ay halatang nainis na
si Serena at kita kong parehong ang sama ng tingin ng dalawang babae sa isa’t-isa.
“I’ll call you.” Iyon na lang ang naisagot ko kay Serena tapos ay hinawakan ko sa
kamay si Masha at hinila paalis doon. “Let’s go.” Hindi ko na nilingon si Serena o
hinintay ang sagot ng babae. Basta hinila ko lang si Masha at baka kung ano pa ang
mangyari doon.
Nakalayo-layo na kami nang maramdaman kong huminto siya at pilit na inaalis ang
kamay ko na nakahawak sa kamay niya. “Who the hell is that?” Inis na inis ang
hitsura ni Masha. “No one. A friend. Come on. Let’s go to another mall,” ayaw ko
nang magkasalubong pa ang dalawang babae dito sa mall na ito.
“A friend? She is not acting like you’re just friends. She called me a kid. I am
not a damn kid.” Inis pa rin siya.
“Don’t mind her. Mamili ka na lang kung ano pa ang gusto mong bilhin.” Hindi na
sumagot si Masha at nauna nang naglakad. Halatang inis at nasira na ang mood.
Hanggang sa may makasalubong kaming lalaki na napahinto at tiningnan pang maigi si
Masha. “Masha?” Paniniguro ng lalaki. Nakita kong lumiwanag ang mukha ni Masha
nang makilala ang lalaki. Ang kaninang simangot na mukha ay napangiti bigla.
“Reed? Oh my… Reed!” Masayang-masaya na nagyakapan pa ang dalawa at halatang
magkakilang-magkakilala. Napatiim bagang na lang ako habang nakatingin sa kanila
tapos ay automatic na kumuyom ang mga kamay ko. Definitely someone would die right
now and his name was Reed. There are certain things that have to be learned the
hard way. Painful experiences will turn into wisdom

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR | SECOND TIME

AROUND MASHA

I love lingerie. I always bought new pairs. Those sexy bra and panties that would
give myself confidence. Kaya naman tuwang-tuwa ako na pasukin ang lingerie boutique
na ito. Gusto ko nang bagong pairs. Para naman kung aksidenteng maiwan ko sa banyo
at kung may makakita man, maganda ang panty ko.
Alam kong naiinis si Noah. Kitang-kita ko iyon sa mukha niya kaya pinabayaan ko na
lang siyang lumabas habang hinihintay ako. Namili ako ng mga gusto ko at sige ang
kaskas ko ng credit card na bigay niya. Ang ganda ng ngiti ko. Ang sarap ng ganito.
Shop ‘til I drop. Habang nagbabayad ako sa counter, napatingin ako sa labas para
hanapin si Noah. Napakunot ang noo ko nang makita kong may babae siyang kausap.
Agad na umangat ang kilay ko at kandahaba ang leeg ko para makita kung sino ang
kausap niya. Wait. They were not just talking.
That bitch was flirting with Noah. Unconsciously, I touched my chest. My heart was
beating fast and not because I was excited or happy, but because I was starting to
see red. Mabilis kong kinuha ang mga paper bags na inaayos ng mga staff na naroon
at dali-dali akong lumabas. Lalo akong nainis nang hindi man lang ako tiningnan ni
Noah. Mukhang wala sa paligid ang atensiyon ng lalaking iyon kundi sa babaeng
lumalandi sa kanya at nagpapalandi naman siya. “I can’t wait to put this little
monster inside my mouth.” I am sure that was what I heard. I clenched my teeth and
made myself present so they could see me. “Noah, I already-“ Hindi ko naituloy
ang sasabihin nang pareho silang tumingin sa akin. Nakita ko ang pagkagulat sa
mukha ni Noah at agad na lumayo sa babaeng nakadikit sa kanya. I knew how to flirt.
I knew how to get men’s attention but this one, it was a bitchy move. Sobrang
trying hard magpapansin sa lalaki. At ang cheap naman ng Noah na ito. Malanding
salita lang bumibigay agad. “You know this kid?” I glared at the women when she
smiled at me.
I knew that smile. That was a fake one.
“I am not a kid, lady.” Mataray kong sagot sa babae at bumaling ako kay Noah. “Who
the hell is this?” Wala akong sagot na narinig kay Noah. Tingin ko ay natataranta
pa nga at hindi alam ang gagawin. “Noah, who is this disrespectful brat? You know
her?” I could sense that the bitch got irritated with what I said. And so? I could
do more. Ang arte-arte ng babaeng ito. Ang landi-landi at galit ako sa mga babaeng
malandi. Kung may maarte man, ako lang dapat iyon. At kung manlalandi man, ako lang
din dapat ang gagawa noon. I flirt in a classy way not like what she was doing.
Napaka-cheap ng moves.
Magsasalita pa ako nang maramdaman kong hinawakan ni Noah ang kamay ko tapos ay
sinabihan ang babae ng ‘I’ll call you.’ Ayaw kong umalis doon. Gusto ko pang
buwisitin ang maarteng babae pero hila-hila na ako ni Noah. “Let’s go.” Ang higpit
ng pagkakahawak ni Noah sa kamay ko at talagang inilalayo ako doon. Hindi ako
mapakali at pilit akong bumitaw sa kanya. “Who the hell is that?” “No one. A
friend. Come on. Let’s go to another mall,” iyon lang ang sagot ni Noah at akmang
hahawakan uli ang kamay ko para umalis na doon pero lumayo ako sa kanya. “A
friend? She is not acting like you’re just friends. She called me a kid. I am not a
damn kid.” I really hated when that bitch told me that. “Don’t mind her. Mamili ka
na lang kung ano pa ang gusto mong bilhin.” Napahinga na lang ng malalim si Noah at
napailing. Hindi na ako sumagot at nauna na lang akong maglakad. Sirang-sira ang
araw ko. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit. Basta. Hindi ko feel ang vibe ng babaeng
iyon. Hitsura pa lang niya bitch na bitch na. Sige ang paglakad ko at hindi ko na
pinapansin si Noah at deretso lang na naglalakad nang may humintong lalaki sa harap
ko. “Masha?” Tiningnan ko ang lalaking tumawag sa akin at agad na nagliwanag ang
mukha ko nang makilala kung sino iyon. “Reed? Oh my… Reed!” Ang saya ko at may
kakilala akong nakita dito. Reed Konizko. He was the only son of my former Boss
Butch Konizko. Kaibigan din ni Dad.
Nagkakasama kami sa office ni Reed although hindi siya doon nagtatrabaho. He just
always visits the office. Masayang-masaya kaming nagkumustahan at nagyakapan pa
kaming dalawa. It was so nice to see someone that I knew. It brought back the
normal life that I had in the Philippines. Nababawasan din ang lungkot na
naramdaman ko. “Who are you with?” Tanong pa ni Reed sa akin na hindi binibitiwan
ang kamay ko. Ganito naman siya. Reed was a sweet person kahit noon pa. Touchy but
hanggang doon lang naman. Pinipisil pa ang kamay ko kaya pinabayaan ko lang. “No
one. Vacation lang here.” Iyon na lang ang sagot ko. Alam ko naman na iyon ang
palabas nila Dad sa Pilipinas kung bakit ako wala doon. Definitely my father won’t
allow other people to know what really happened in me here. “Ako din. Have you
talked to Gelli? Nagkita din kami around three weeks ago. Tinatanong nga kita sa
kanya but sabi niya wala siyang balita sa’yo. You’re not active in social media
anymore. She can’t call you kasi unattended ang phone mo. Pati messenger mo
unavailable.” And that was because I lost my phone. My father cut all my
connections to everyone so no one could contact me from my friends. All my social
media accounts were deactivated. I couldn’t do anything and I couldn’t blame dad.
After what happened, I knew he would do that. Kaya nga ayaw kong umuwi. Nagawa na
nga niya iyon na nandito ako sa States, lalo na kung naroon pa ako sa tabi niya.
Hindi inaalis ni Reed ang tingin niya sa mukha ko at ngiting-ngiti siya. Hindi rin
niya binibitiwan ang kamay ko na sige ang pisil niya. Sanay ako na ganito si Reed.
He was a sweet and caring person. “You are being missed in the party scene, Masha
Fantasha.” “She doesn’t want to be called that name anymore.” Pareho kaming
napatingin ni Reed sa nagsalita noon at kita kong ang dilim ng mukha ni Noah na
nakatingin kay Reed. Parang kakainin niya ng buo si Reed. Napakunot naman ang noo
ni Reed at nagtatakang tumingin sa akin. “Who is the a-hole?” Mahinang tanong nito
pero alam kong narinig ni Noah. “Wannabe boyfriend?” “Of course not.” Mabilis kong
sagot sa sinabi ni Reed. Tinapunan ko ng tingin si Noah na seryoso lang na
nakatingin sa akin at inirapan siya.
Ano ang pinagsasasabi niyang ayaw ko nang matawag na Masha Fantasha? “He’s my…
bodyguard.” Maasim akong ngumiti kay Reed.
Napa-oh lang si Reed at nakita kong lumiwanag ang mukha. “I knew it. Just like
those a-holes that you wanted to ditch before. New guy?” Nakilala niya kasi si
Henry kaya alam kong nanibago na ibang mukha ang nakita. Napahinga na lang ako ng
malalim at napakibit ng balikat. “You know my dad.” “Good thing your dad knows me
and my dad and my family. Of course, Uncle Stas will definitely be happy when I
tell him that we saw each other.” “About that, can we just keep this to ourselves
for now? I am kind of having a detox from the outside world that’s why I
deactivated all my social media accounts and kept distance from my friends.”
Pagsisinungaling ko. “Don’t tell dad or your father that we saw each other.”
Napakunot ang noo ni Reed pero tumango. “Sure. No problem. So, are you free
tonight? I’ll invite you to a party. Lapit lang.” Tinapunan ng hindi magandang
tingin ni Reed si Noah pero agad na ngumiti nang bumaling sa akin. “You can bring
your boy toy.” Napatingin ako sa gawi ni Noah at talagang hitsurang kakain na siya
ng tao. What the fuck was his problem? Henry was not like this when he was my
bodyguard. Henry let me talk to other men that I knew. Sure, Henry was like a hawk
following me around but he never did something like this. Noah was like a serial
killer looking at Reed and he got his next target to kill. And I could feel that
the atmosphere was not okay anymore. I could feel that any moment, a brawl might be
happening courtesy of Noah. “All right,” iyon na lang ang nasabi ko kay Reed.
“I’ll think about the party later.” “How can I send you the deets?” Tanong pa ni
Reed.
Kumumpas ako sa hangin. “I’ll contact you sa messenger. Nice to see you, Reed.”
“Nice to see you too, Masha.” Lumapit pa sa akin si Reed at humalik sa pisngi ko.
“I hope to see you tonight. Let’s go have fun like what we do before.” Marahan pang
hinaplos ang pisngi ko at ngiting-ngiti.
Kumaway pa nang magpaalam at lumakad na palayo. Nakangiti rin ako na sinundan ng
tingin si Reed pero agad din akong napaseryoso nang makitang walang kangiti-ngiti
si Noah at nagtatagis ang bagang na sinusundan din ng tingin si Reed. Sinadya kong
lakasan ang pagtikhim para tumingin siya sa gawi ko.
“What are we going to do next?” iyon na lang ang naitanong ko sa kanya. “Up to
you.” Malamig na malamig ang tono ni Noah. Hindi katulad noon na sa tuwing
sasagutin niya ako, dama ko ang inis. Ang galit na ayaw niya sa akin. This time, it
was different. The coldness that he was showing to me was something different.
Ibang-iba sa ipinapakita niya noon sa akin na ayaw niya ang presensiya ko.
I could live with that rejection but not this. This was something that was hurting
me. “Are you mad?” Hindi ko na natiis na hindi itanong iyon habang naglalakad
kami.
“Why would I get mad?” The cold treatment was still there. Damn him. Bakit ang
lamig-lamig ng pakikitungo niya? Kanina lang halos hilahin niya ako palayo nang
makita ko siyang may kalandiang babae tapos ngayon biglang-bigla ang pagbabago ng
mood niya.
“I don’t know. Why are you like that?” Napipikon na ako. “What’s wrong with me?”
Nauuna pa siyang maglakad kaya inis akong huminto. Nakailang hakbang na si Noah at
huminto rin siguro ay napansin niyang hindi ako sumusunod sa kanya. Napahinga siya
ng malalim nang makitang nakahinto lang ako at hindi sumusunod sa kanya.
“What now, princess?” “Why are you treating me like that?” ang sama ng tingin ko
sa kanya. Ang hitsura ni Noah ay hitsurang pagod at wala na sa mood makipagtalo sa
akin. “And how do you want me to treat you, your highness? Isn’t this what you
wanted? I am giving you space so you could enjoy it with your boys.” Sumama ang
tingin ko sa kanya. “You think Reed is one of my boys?” Hindi siya kumibo at
nagkibit lang ng balikat. “Isn’t he? How many boys are there that you are going to
let you touch you?” “Damn you.” Gigil na gigil ako sa inis sa kanya. “You think I
am easy and all of them are my boys?” “Whatever you want to say, Ma’am.” Walang
interes na sagot niya.
“I fucking hate you.” Naiiyak na ako sa pikon. Nakakainis siya. “Good. That’s
good. Hate me and I don’t care.” He said that in between his teeth. “Are you still
going to buy anything?” “I want to go home.” Padabog akong naglakad at dinaanan na
siya.
Nagpauna na ako pabalik sa parking lot.
He ruined my day already. First, when his bitch called me a kid and saw him
flirting with her. Then he would treat me coldly after I talked to someone I knew.
I knew he thinks that I was an easy woman and every man that I knew could have me
easily. Wala kaming imikan ni Noah habang bumibiyahe pauwi. Seryoso lang siyang
nagda-drive at ako ay talagang nakatingin lang sa labas. Ako ang naunang bumaba sa
sasakyan nang dumating kami sa bahay at halos wasakin ang pinakamamahal niyang
Aston Martin nang ibalibag ko ang pinto noon ng malakas. Nagkulong ako sa kuwarto
at itinapon ko lang sa kung saan ang mga pinamili kong nakalagay sa paper bag. I am
pissed and I didn’t know why. Nakahiga lang ako sa kama at hindi ko alam kung
gaano ako katagal na nagkulong doon. Nanood lang ako ng TV tapos ay napatingin sa
telepono na ibinigay ni Noah sa akin. Inis kong kinuha iyon at nagpipindot. Walang
kahit na anong social media app ang naka-install doon. Ang contacts na naka-
register ay tanging kay Dad lang at number ni Noah. Nagpipindot ako at nag-install
ng Facebook messenger. Sa tagal kong naka-deactivate sa account ko na ito, nang
buksan ko ay napakaraming unread messages doon na karamihan ay galing sa mga
kaibigan ko. Ang mga GC’s ay punong-puno ng tags sa akin. Habang tinitingnan ko ay
naroon ang mga litrato ng mga nakakasama ko sa parties at nagsi-send ng mga litrato
nila sa mga parties na pinupuntahan nila. Ang GC ng pamilya namin ay hindi ko ini-
open. Kahit nami-miss ko na sila, hindi rin ako nagparamdam. Ayaw ko na munag mag-
explain ng mga nangyayari akin. Alam ko naman na alam nila kung ano ang mga naganap
dahil siguradong nasabi na iyon ni Dad. Ayaw ko nang isipin ang mga pagkakamaling
nagawa ko. At the end of the day, I learned a lesson the hard way and I am not
going to do it again.
But I am also a young woman who missed the party life. Naiinggit ako sa mga
litrato na nasa mga GC na kasama ako. Napahinga ako ng malalim at isa-isa kong ni-
left ang mga GC na iyon. Hanggang sa isang message ang nag-pop up. Galing kay
Reed.
Hey. Why are you leaving the GC’s? Ngayon ka na nga lang naging active, nag-leave
ka pa.
Mapakla akong napangiti at nag-type ng sagot sa message niya. Just need to do it.
Why? Iyon ang follow up question niya. Are you in trouble, Masha?
You know you can count on me. Tell me what’s going on. It’s buzzing around that you
are grounded kasi biglang-bigla kang nawala sa limelight. You and Wynona.
Nag-send ako ng smiley emoticon sa kanya. I’m okay, Reed. I lost touch with Wynona
too. Don’t know what’s going on with her. Do you hear from her?
Matagal bago nag-reply si Reed. Nope. Three weeks na rin siyang walang paramdam.
Her social media is deactivated too. Kayo ang huling magkasama ‘di ba? With Carl?
Carl is MIA too. Napahinga ako ng malalim. I didn’t know what happened to her or
Carl after we got kidnapped but I do hope that she was okay and her family was just
hiding her like what my father did to me. So, are you coming tonight. Iyon ang
sumunod na message ni Reed.
I’ll think about it, Reed. Medyo busy kasi.
Sad emoticon ang reply niya tapos ang sumunod ay ang umiiyak nang emoticon. Come
on, Masha Fantasha. This is going to be a good party. I missed seeing Masha
Fantasha in action. I missed going out with you. I am sure it will be okay with
Uncle Stas to party with me. You know you’re safe to party with me.
Napangiti ako habang nag-iisip ng ire-reply sa kanya. Napatayo ako mula sa kama
nang marinig kong may dumarating na sasakyan. Sumilip ako sa bintana at noon ko
napansin na madilim na sa labas. Nakita kong may nakaparadang sasakyan tapos ay si
Matt ang bumaba. What was Matt doing here? Tapos na ba ang ban episode sa kanya ni
Noah?
Tumunog ang telepono ko at may message uli si Reed.
Here are the deets for the club party. Molly’s Velvet Verve club. VIP lounge and
it’s under my name. Just say my name to the security and it’s good to go. I’ll see
you later?
Hindi ako naka-reply at nakita kong si Noah naman ang lumalabas tapos ay sumakay
sa Aston Martin niya. Umangat ang kilay ko. And where was this grumpy old fool
going?
Nag-log out ako sa account ko at inialis ang app ng Facebook.
Lumabas ako sa kuwarto at nakita ko si Matt na nakaupo sa couch at nanonood ng TV.
“What are you doing here? Hindi ka na banned dito?” Naupo ako sa tabi ni Matt.
“Banned? I am not banned here. Who told you?” Itinuro niya ang mga paper bag na
nasa mesa. “I brought some food.” “But why are you here nga? Where’s Noah?” Gusto
kong malaman kung saan nagpunta ang lalaking iyon at iniwan ako dito. “May meeting
daw siya.” Natawa si Matt tapos ay tumingin ng makahulugan sa akin. “But I doubt
that. Malamang makikipagkita lang iyon sa babae niya.” Napalunok ako. “Babae?”
“Hindi ko lang alam sino sa mga iyon, pero sure ‘yan. Babae ang pupuntahan niya
ngayon.” Mahina akong napa-okay tapos ay tahimik na nakaupo sa tabi ni Matt. Pero
hindi ako mapakali. Sinong babae kaya? Ang lumalandi kaya sa kanya kanina? Bitchy
‘yon. I didn’t like the vibe of that bitch. It was his type, Masha. Wala kang
pakialam doon. Wala kang pakialam sa kung ano ang gawin ng bodyguard mo.
Yeah. Wala nga akong pakialam at hindi ito ngayon lang ginawa ng mga naging
bodyguards ko. Henry even fucked my friend Gelli and it was nothing to me. Ship ko
pa nga sila pero hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko
pagdating kay Noah. I didn’t like him but I couldn’t understand why I hated that he
was seeing a woman. Because you have a crush on him. Iyon ang tudyo ng isip ko.
“No, I don’t have a crush on him.” “What?” Takang napatingin sa akin si Matt.
“Sino ang crush mo?” “Huh? Did I say something?” Shit. Narinig ba ako ni Matt?
Nagtataka siyang nakatingin sa akin. “Sabi mo. Meron kang crush.” “Wala.”
pagsisinungaling ko. “Anyway, you think Noah will go home tonight?” “Siguradong
hindi. Doon na ‘yon magpapalipas ng gabi sa mga babae niya. Kaya nga niya ako
tinawagan na pumunta dito para may kasama ka.” “Oh.” Napatikhim ako dahil hindi ko
maintindihan ang inis na nabubuhay sa dibdib ko. “You think they are going to
fuck?” Natatawang tumingin sa akin si Matt. “Of course. Iyon naman yata ang silbi
ni Boss Amo sa mundo. Ang magpasaya ng mga babae sa kama at dalhin sila sa
ikapitong glorya.” “You are fucking gross. I told you I hate you everytime you say
ikapitong glorya.” Asar kong sagot kay Matt tapos ay humalukipkip ako at inis na
napaikot ng mata. Parang tukso na pumapasok sa isip ko na hinahalikan ni Noah ang
babaeng nakita kong lumalandi sa kanya kaya lalo lang nadaragdagan ang inis ko.
Tawa lang nang tawa si Matt. “Enjoy na lang natin tonight. What do you want to do?
Eat out? Watch movie?” Saglit akong nag-isip tapos ay napangiti. “How about going
to a bar?” Sumeryoso ang mukha ni Matt. “Nakita mo na ngang nasermonan ako ng
malala ni Noah ‘di ba? Kahit ano huwag lang sa bar.” “Come on. He will not know
it. I promise. Hindi kita isasabit. I have a friend and he is inviting me to
Molly’s Velvet Verve. I’m sure you know it.” “Wow. Molly’s Velvet Verve.”
Hitsurang na-excite din si Noah.
“By invitation lang makapasok doon. Your friend knows the owner?” “He got the VIP
lounge.” Umangat-angat pa ang kilay ko. “Fuck, big time.” Napabuga ng hangin si
Matt tapos ay napailing-iling. “Siguradong magagalit si Noah kasi.” “He will not
know it. Two hours lang tayo tapos uwi tayo agad.
Come on, Matt. I know you want some good time too. This is a win-win.
You didn’t lose me under your guard and you’re going to enjoy too.” Halatang nag-
iisip si Matt at tingin ko, konting push pa bibigay na siya. “Come on, Matt. Two
hours.” Pangungulit ko pa.
Mahina siyang napamura. “Shit, fine.” Tonong sumuko si Matt.
“Pero two hours lang, ha? Tapos uuwi tayo agad. Dapat dito tayo maabutan ni Noah
kapag bumalik siya.” Napa-yes ako. “Bihis lang ako. Enjoy na lang tayo. Ang lagay,
‘yang Noah na ‘yan nag-e-enjoy tapos tayo ay nabuburo dito.” Sumenyas na lang si
Matt na bilisan ko kaya dali-dali akong bumalik sa kuwarto. Naligo at nagbihis ako.
‘Yong sexy at pinaka-seductive kong damit and isinuot ko. If I am going to sneak
out tonight, might as well do that with a bang. Para kung mahuli man ako at
pagalitan ng Noah na iyon, at least nag-enjoy na ako ng todo. Nag-thumbs pa sa
akin si Matt nang makita ako at tumayo na. This was what I like about him. Napaka-
gentleman ni Matt. Kahit yata maghubad ako sa harap niya, hindi ko kakikitaan na
mamanyakin niya ako. Supportive lang siya sobra sa mga kung ano ang gusto kong
gawin. Sabay na kaming lumabas at ginamit namin ang kotse niya.
Ramdam ko ang excitement din ni Matt habang nasa biyahe kami. Nang makarating kami
sa bar ay maraming nakapila doon para makapasok pero dumeretso ako security. Sinabi
ko ang pangalan ni Reed at pangalan ko.
Nang tingnan sa invitation list na naroon, automatic na pinapasok kami sa loob ng
bar ni Matt. May nag-escort pa sa amin papunta sa VIP lounge. Agad akong
sinalubong ni Reed nang makita ako at nakipagkamay pa kay Matt. Ipinakilala din ako
sa ibang mga kasama doon at pinagbibigyan kami ng maiinom kung ano ang gusto namin.
Para akong ibinalik noon na laman ako ng mga bars. No fear. No inhibitions just the
pure enjoyment of partying with people that wanted me. This was the life that I
was missing. The loud noises, the screams of people enjoying and the never-ending
pour of alcohol that I was chugging down my throat. I was dancing senselessly. I
didn’t care who was dancing with me. I didn’t care who was touching me. I am Masha
Fantasha and I am born to be like this. To party and give fun to everyone around
me. I didn’t know what happened to Matt. The last time I saw him, he was flirting
with two girls on the couch. He was enjoying too. I kept dancing and this time I
knew I was dancing with Reed. He kept on whispering something in my ear then giving
me shots of Tequila and iced tea after. Everything around me was becoming blurry
but I knew I was enjoying myself. “You want to get out of here?” Reed whispered in
my ear. His hand wrapped around my waist and we were so close to each other. I
laughed. “Why? This is the party.” I felt his lips trailed on my neck. “So, I
could have a private time with you.” I didn’t know why I felt so high right now. I
am used to drink but this was a different feeling. My body was feeling hot. Reed’s
touch was sending a different feel in me. I knew the feeling of being drunk and
what I was feeling right now was more than feeling drunk. This was wrong.
Something was wrong with me. “Come on, Masha.” He pulled me closer to him. Now his
lips were brushing against mine. And I didn’t want him to kiss me. No. I didn’t
want this but my body was giving in. Definitely, something was wrong. “W-wait… b-
back away please,” my words were meek. Fuck, did I trust the wrong person again?
“You wanted this, Masha. You do this every time you party. You give everything to
everyone. You kiss men. You fuck men… You’re easy.” Reed’s voice was like the devil
corrupting my mind but I shook my head.
“N-no… I-I am not like that… Stop touching me.” I tried to push him away but my
body didn’t have the courage to do that. He laughed faintly and trailed his tongue
from my neck up to my ear.
“You’ll beg for more, Masha baby. And you’re going to enjoy me.
Just like before.” But before Reed could do another thing, he was pulled away from
me and I saw him flew to the other side of the dance floor. He was groaning in pain
while couldn’t stand up. When I looked who did it, it was Noah who looked so
murderous while looking at Reed.
I was going to say something but pursed my lips when he looked at me. He didn’t
say a word but I knew he was fuming mad. I felt his hard grip on my arm and pulled
me away from the dance floor. Away from the party that I sneaked into. I am drunk
and I knew I was drugged and I knew I was in trouble. And this was the first time
I was really afraid to be with Noah. It’s better to cross the line and suffer the
consequence than to just stare at that line for the rest of your life
ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE | CROSSING THE
LINE NOAH

I am fucking pissed. I wanted to punch anyone who would cross me right now. And if
that son of a bitch Reed would be in front of me, I would definitely rearrange his
face and not even the best cosmetic doctor could put it back in place. I didn’t
say anything while we were driving home. Baka kung ano lang ang masabi ko sa
babaeng ito kaya itinikom ko ang bibig ko. Ganoon din naman siya. Tahimik lang pero
alam kong nagpipigil ng galit na nararamdaman. At siya pa ang magagalit? Para saan?
Siya itong makakita lang ng lalaking kakilala ay yumakap at nagpahalik na. Nang
makarating kami sa apartment ay padabog na bumaba ng sasakyan si Masha tapos ay
pabalibag na isinara ang pinto. Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim bago bumaba.
Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili ko. Pinabayaan ko na lang kung ano ang trip niya.
Pabagsak akong naupo sa couch at ipinikit ang mga mata ko. What the fuck was going
on? I hated that she was talking to that guy. I hated that she was smiling at him.
Letting him hold her. Letting him kiss her on her cheek. What the fuck was wrong
with her?
That’s normal for youngsters to greet each other, Noah. Masyado kang conservative
ikaw nga nakikipag-sex sa mga babaeng kakikilala mo pa lang. I gritted my teeth
when my mind thought about that. Painis na rin akong bumaba ng sasakyan at pumasok
sa loob. Tumingin ako sa itaas, sa kuwarto ko kung nasaan si Masha ngayon.
Napailing na lang ako at tinungo ang kusina. Binuksan ko ang ref at kumuha ng
dalawang bote ng beer doon at pabagsak na naupo sa harap ng mesa.
Bukas na ang dalawang bote ng beer pero hindi ko pa iniinom. Panay ang hilot ko sa
magkabilang sentido ko. The past days that Masha was living here has already
taking its toll to my mind and my damn cock. I didn’t know what was wrong with me.
I never liked young women, and Masha, I categorized her as young girl.
A damn kid even if she was already twenty-one. The way she thinks, the way she
acts, that was not the ways of a grown woman. She decides and acts like a young
rebellious kid that would do anything just to get what she wanted. And I hated her
for that but I couldn’t deny the fact that while she was acting like a kid, her
physical attributes were definitely for a fine woman.
Fuck me. I am digging my damn grave just by thinking her perfect body. I already
sealed my death when I jacked off while holding and sniffing her panty. Napabuga
ako ng hangin at dinampot ang bote ng beer at inisang lagukan ang laman noon. Masha
was a temptation that I had to get rid of from here. Dahil hindi ko alam kung
hanggang kailan ko pa kayang magtimpi sa tuwing makikita ko siya. Fucking yes, I
am attracted to her. After Peyton, I never felt this intense feeling until I met
Masha. I hated her that she was acting like a kid but I couldn’t deny the fact that
she was getting deep inside me. She was becoming the reason why I had sleepless
nights. She was the reason why I had to shower frequently just to get off the
sexual tension that was creeping all over me every time I would see her. Muli kong
dinampot ang isa pang bote ng beer at inubos din ang laman noon. Gusto kong umalis
ngayon at pumunta sa kung saan para lang kumalma ang isip ko pero hindi ko naman
puwedeng iwan si Masha.
Baka kung ano na naman ang gawin ng babaeng ito at mapa-trouble na naman. Gustong-
gusto ko nang tawagan si Mr. Rozovsky at sabihin na iuwi na niya ang anak niya.
Pero base sa huling pag-uusap namin, mukhang malabong mangyari. That damn devil
decided to give the freedom her daughter wanted. ‘Tanginang mga mayayaman ito. Ang
hirap sakyan ng mga trip. Noon tumunog ang telepono ko at nakita kong si Serena
ang tumatawag sa akin. Hindi ko sinagot at sunod ay text niya ang na-receive.
You need to come to my club. Now.
Her club was the famous Molly’s Velvet Verve. Hindi ako nagreply tapos ay muli
siyang nag-text.
Someone is here and he is looking for you.
Kumunot ang noo ko at doon ko na siya tinawagan. “Who?” “Aleksei Ivanov.” Dama ko
ang pag-aalala sa boses ni Serena. “Who? Aleksei Ivanov? Looking for me?” Hindi ko
kilala ang isang iyon. Narinig ko lang iyon mula sa kanya at noong huling nag-usap
kami ni Henry na suspect sa pagpatay kay Charles. “I think he is serious that he
wants to talk to you. He said your name specifically. He said, he wanted to meet
face to face the one who is doing business with the local ports distributing guns
to Asia. Noah, everyone in the underground business around know it is you.” Tonong
nagpapaalala siya. “I think he is going to offer you a business.” “You know I
don’t do business with anyone else. I have my own boss and not you or anyone could
make me change my mind to leave my boss.” Napahinga ng malalim si Serena. “Just
come here. Please. Kausapin mo lang. Nakakatakot kasi siya. Parang hindi tatanggap
ng rejection and I don’t want my club to be involved in any bad deals. You know how
I care for this. I don’t want my club to end up like Charles’ and I don’t want to
end up like Charles.” “Is he still there?” “Yes. He is waiting for you.” “Fine.
I’ll go there.” Ini-end ko na ang usapan namin at naisuklay ang kamay sa buhok ko.
Inis kong tinawagan si Matt. Matagal bago sagutin ang tawag ko at nang sagulit
halatang ipinaparamdam sa akin na masama ang loob niya. “Why?” walang buhay niyang
sagot. Not his usual jolly tone every time he was talking to me.
“You need to come here.” Natawa siya. “After you banned me going there, now you
are calling and telling me to come there.” Mahina akong napamura. “Huwag ka ng
umarte, Matt. I have an important meeting and you need to baby sit the princess.”
“What happened to ‘you are banned from coming here. You are a bad influence to
her.’” Ginaya pa niya ang paraan ng pagkakasabi ko noon. Napaikot ako ng mata. “I
am taking it back. Just come here. I need to meet someone important.” “Say please
first.” “Fuck you, Matt. Just come here.” Inis ko. Nagpapakipot pa ang isang ito.
“I am not going if you don’t say please.” Nagmamatigas siya. “Say please or I am
not coming.” Napahinga ako ng malalim at pinigil na masigawan siya. “Please?”
“Say please, Mighty Matt.” Pagtatama niya. “God damn you.” Napipikon na ako.
“Bye.” “Fine! Fuck you.” Inis akong napailing bago muling nagsalita.
“Please, Mighty Matt. Come over here and baby sit the princess? Please?” Inartehan
ko pa ang pagkakasabi noon tapos ang sunod kong narinig ay ang mahinang pagtawa ni
Matt.
“I got that on record.” Tumatawang sabi pa. “Papunta na ako diyan.
Wait for me.” Inis kong ini-end ang call ko at pilit na kinalma ang sarili ko.
What with these people acting fools around me? Kaya magkasundo itong si Masha at
Matt kasi parehong isip bata. Hindi naman nagtagal at dumadating na si Matt. May
dala pang bags ng chips at pagkain. Yumakap pa sa akin ng mahigpit. Huwag daw akong
mag-aalala at talagang babantayan niya ng matindi si Masha. Umalis na ako doon at
dumeretso sa bar ni Serena. Molly’s Velvet Verve was full packed tonight pero hindi
ako nag-aalala na kailangang kong problemahin ang pagpasok doon. Securities knew
that I bang the owner that was why I just passed through them and went directly to
Serena’s office. When I got in, I didn’t feel the sexual ambiance every time I get
in her office. This time I felt there was a looming darkness around. The same
feeling the first time I met with Stas Rozovsky. Like death was going to happen any
time. I saw a man sitting at the couch where Serena and I used to fuck. His Russian
features couldn’t be denied. He was holding a cigar and kept on puffing it and
releasing smoke. He acts like he owned the place then he looked at me. That stare.
The same death stare that Stas Rozovsky gave me when I threatened to expose his
illegal works. I heard someone cleared a throat and I looked at Serena sitting on
her office chair. I could see fear in her eyes.
“Noah. This is Mr. Aleksei Ivanov.” Pati ang boses ni Serena ay halatang
kinakabahan. Ngumiti ang lalaki na tingin ko ay nasa late thirties ang edad.
Nakangiti pero dama ko na hindi genuine na ngiting iyon. Behind that smile was
something devilish concocting inside his head. “Nice to meet you, Noah Feliciano.
My name is Aleksei Ivanov.” Inilahad ng lalaki ang kamay para makipagkamay sa akin
at kahit ayaw kong tanggapin iyon ay ginawa ko na rin. The first thing I learned
from Mr. Rozovsky, know the new players well. They could be an ally or an enemy in
the making. “You know me.” Seryosong sabi ko. Nagkibit balikat ang lalaki at
pinatay ang hawak na cigar sa ashtray na nasa ibabaw ng mesa ni Serena. “Your name
is buzzing around I had to know who you are personally.” Muling naupo ang lalaki.
“Sit.” Tumingin ito kay Serena.
“Can we have this room for us for a while, Serena?” Kumunot ang noo ko dahil kita
kong nagmamadaling tumayo si Serena at lumabas ng opisina niya. What the fuck this
asshole hold on Serena and he made her run like that?
“I don’t know you.” Iyon na agad ang sinabi ko.
“That’s why I am here to introduce myself.” Walang anuman na sabi ng lalaki at
kumportableng nakaupo sa couch. “Are you and Serena…” halatang ibinitin nito ang
sasabihin pero alam ko ang ibig ipahiwatig.
“She is a friend.” Pagtatama ko sa gusto niyang ipahiwatig.
Ngumiti ng nakakaloko si Aleksei. “Everyone is Serena’s friend.” Muli ay may ibig
sabihin ang pagkakasabi niya noon. “Why are we here, Mr. Ivanov?” Seryoso nang
tanong ko.
“I am here to offer you a business. You see, I am new around and while I am
digging for people who I can trust your name popped up.” “I already work for
someone. I don’t intend to work with anyone else.” Napa-oh si Aleksei at
napatango-tango. “It seems like you are loyal to your boss. I like loyal people.”
Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakatingin sa kanya. May dinukot siya sa bulsa niya
at lalagyan iyon ng cigar at kumuha ng isa tapos ay sinindihan iyon at humithit.
“Do you smoke?” Tanong niya. “Sometimes.” “And now is not the time? Try this.
This is Gurkha.” Iniaabot niya ang cigar sa akin pero hindi ako kumuha. “My boss
also uses the same brand.” Kung niyayabangan niya ako dahil alam ko kung gaano
kamahal ang cigar niya, hindi siya makakapantay kay Mr. Rozovsky. Tingin ko, kung
ano ang itatapat ng lalaking ito, kayang higitan ng boss ko.
Muli ay napa-oh siya at napatango-tango. “Your boss has an expensive taste. I am
getting intrigue by him.” Napangiti ang lalaki tapos ay napahinga ng malalim.
“Let’s cut to the chase, Mr. Ivanov. What do you want from me?” Doon na siya
sumeryoso at tumingin sa akin. “I want you to work for me, Noah Feliciano. Whatever
amount your boss is giving you right now, I am going to double it. Triple if you
demand.” “Why me, Mr. Ivanov?” Alam kong may hidden agenda ang isang ito. Sa dami
na ng mga kilala kong underground mob boss, hindi sila ganito basta-basta mag-offer
kung mayroon silang ibang plano. Nagkibit siya ng balikat. “I just heard you are
good. And you are loyal. I want loyal people.” “Is this a test? Testing my loyalty
to my boss then you expect loyalty once I accept your offer?” Natawa ako.
“Something like that. And… I want to know who is your boss.” “Unfortunately, he
wanted his privacy hidden to everyone. Every business has to be with me. Thank you
for your offer, Mr. Ivanov but I am going to say no.” Napatango-tango siya.
“Nothing can change your mind?” Umiling ako. “Find someone else, Mr. Ivanov. Have
a good night.” Pagkasabi ko noon ay lumabas na ako sa opisina ni Serena. Doon ko
lang naramdaman na nakahinga ako ng maluwag at dumeretso ako sa bar area.
Agad akong nag-order ng cognac at inisang lagukan iyon. Hinanap ko si Serena sa
paligid pero hindi ko makita. Puno ang bar niya at ang mga VIP lounges ay puno din.
Nagkakagulo. Nagkakasayahan ang mga kabataang tila wala ng bukas ang kasiyahan.
Muli akong nag-order ng isa pa sa bartender at pilit kong iniisip kung paano ako
nakilala ng Aleksei Ivanov na iyon. Definitely, he looked for me. He studied me and
he wanted something from me. I won’t give in to his demands. I knew he got
something sinister to do. I have a bad feeling about him. Definitely, he was not an
ally that Mr. Rozovsky could use. Napatingin ako sa dance floor at kita ko ang
pagkakaingay ng mga tao doon. Napatitig ako sa babaeng nasa dance floor at sexy na
sexy sa suot na damit habang sumasayaw. Napapikit ako at marahang ipinilig ang ulo
ko. Damn it. Hanggang dito ba susundan ako ng imahe ni Masha?
Tingin ko sa ibang babae si Masha na. ‘Tangina, magja-jakol na lang uli ako pag-uwi
para mawala ang kung ano man na nararamdaman ko sa kanya. Pero napakunot ang noo
ko nang makita ko ang lalaking kasayaw ng babae sa stage. I couldn’t forget a face.
That man was the same man that Masha saw in the mall earlier.
Fucking Reed. And they were dancing very close to each other. “Do you know her?
She is about to get banged.” Napalingon ako sa nagsalita noon at si Aleksei Ivanov
na naman iyon at sinusundan ng tingin ang tinitingnan ko. Itinuro pa niya ang gawi
ng dalawang nagsasayaw habang hawak ang isang baso din ng alak.
What the fuck was wrong with this asshole? Hindi ba ako tatantanan nito?
“That guy put something in her drink.” Pagkasabi noon ay uminom ang lalaki sa
hawak na baso sa poised na paraan. Nagtagis ang bagang ko at tinitigan maigi ang
babae. Was that really Masha? But I left her in the house with Matt.
Kinuha ko ang telepono ko at tinawagan si Matt. Wala akong sagot na nare-receive.
Hindi sinasagot ang tawag ko. Sinubukan kong tawagan ang telepono na ibinigay ko
kay Masha at ganoon din hindi rin sinasagot ang tawag ko. I clenched my jaw and
rolled my fist into a ball when I saw the man pressed his lips to the woman’s lips.
The guy was saying something and now, I could see that the woman was no longer
comfortable. Tumawa si Aleksei mula sa likuran ko. “Wild kids tend to do wild
things. Good luck on her and her parents.” Noon ko nakita na dinilaan ng lalaki
ang leeg ng babae. Bigla na akong tumayo at tinungo ang dance floor at nilapitan
ang mga iyon. And there, I finally proved that it was Masha and she was being
groped by this asshole. I blacked out. I pulled the guy away from Masha and threw
him away. I didn’t care what the fuck happened to him. When I looked at Masha, I
knew there was something wrong. She was not just drunk. She got something else in
her system. I didn’t care that people around were booing. I grabbed Masha’s hand
and pulled her out from the crowd. I didn’t care if she was hurt by my tight grip
and my only focus was to get out of there and bring her home. She didn’t say a
word when I put her inside the car and drove away.
She looked like she was in a trance and closing and opening her eyes. I am going to
fucking kill Matt and that asshole Reed that touched her. Pagdating namin sa bahay
ay inalalayan ko siyang makalabas.
Masha definitely was a mess. Not just drunk but definitely drugged.
I brought her in the bathroom. Put her in the bathtub and turned on the water.
This would help her to calm down to slowly brought her back to her senses. And I
think I just did a big mistake. Because the moment the water touched her, the tiny
cloth that she was wearing just revealed that she had nothing underneath it. She
was almost naked right in front of me. Fuck me. Sinusubukan yata talaga ng tadhana
ang pagtitimpi ko. She began to moan. Tried to reach for something.
“What the fuck did you take?” Sa sarili ko lang sinasabi iyon habang lalo kong
itinodo ang tubig para mabilis na mapuno ang bathtub. Sa nakikita kong nangyayari
sa kanya, she took a fucking sex drug. I had seen this with people that I met. I
had seen this with Serene every time she wanted an adventure.
“How did you fucking end up there?” I was blaming Matt and myself why this was
happening to her right now. I kept on putting some water on her face so she would
get back to her senses but she pulled me instead and my face was so close to her
face.
“Kiss me.” She said that like a purr that sent something right between my thighs.
No. My mind was screaming that word over and over. Don’t cross the fucking line.
Get your damn cold shower, Noah. “Touch me. Please.” It was the fucking drug. She
was drugged. She is not herself. Don’t take advantage of the situation.
I swallowed hard and looked at her face. Hooded eyes looking at me and face so
close to my face. I could smell her breath. The alcohol was sending a shit feeling
right through me that was making my cock fucking hard in between my legs. My mind
was screaming no but my body was telling otherwise.
It was like the devil and angel were having a showdown in my head.
But I think this time, the devil might win. Because I found myself kissing her
lips as she wrapped her arms around my neck. How was it possible for the world to
be so beautiful and so cruel at the same time?

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX | PEE BREAK MASHA

I am not going to drink. Ever again. This damn headache that I was feeling right
now was the worst that I felt in my entire life. I felt my whole head was banging.
The buzzing sound around was irritating. My stomach gurgles and I was so thirsty I
could consume a gallon of water. I opened my eyes and the light was blinding. I
tried to move and my damn head was like splitting in half. There was the buzzing
sound again.
What the fuck was that?
Shit. What the hell happened to me? I tried to stand up from the bed and there I
realized that I am totally naked under the sheets that was covering me. I froze.
I am naked? And the buzzing sound. What was it?
I slowly moved my gaze and there I found on the other side of the bed a sasquatch
sleeping on his side with his bareback right in front of me. And the buzzing sound
that I was hearing was his snore every time he breathes. Oh God. Oh my fucking
God. I knew who this was. This was Noah.
I think I am going to faint. Natataranta ako. Ano ang nangyari? Ano ang ginagawa
niya dito? Pakiramdam ko ay nanginginig ang buong katawan ko habang tinitingnan ang
kabuuan ng malapad niyang likod habang nakatagilid na natutulog. May kumot na
bumabalot sa katawan niya mula baywang pababa. Was he naked too? Damn it. Did we
have sex?
Naitakip ko ang kamay sa bibig ko at pakiramdam ko ay huminto ang pagtibok ng puso
ko. How the hell did it happen? Kahit nanginginig ang katawan ko ay dahan-dahan
akong umalis sa kama at sinigurong hindi gagalaw iyon para hindi siya magising.
Hinila ko din ang kumot na itinapi ko sa katawan ko at unti-unti ay nawawala din
iyon sa pagkakatabing sa katawan ni Noah. Kinakabahan ako sa makikita ko. Am I
going to see his dick? Itinakip ko ang kamay sa mga mata ko pero nakaawang din
naman ang mga daliri noon nang tuluyan kong matanggal ang kumot. Hindi ko alam kung
relief ba o panghihinayang ang naramdaman ko nang makita kong hindi naman hubad si
Noah. He was still wearing his boxers while he was deep in his sleep.
Naipagpasalamat kong carpeted ang sahig ng silid kaya hindi maririnig na lumalakad
ako. Umikot ako sa kama para makita ang hitsura ni Noah at tulog na tuloy talaga
siya. Napakunot ang noo ko at inilapit pa ang mukha sa mukha ni Noah para masiguro
kung tama ang nakikita ko.
His lips got smudges of lipstick around and it was trailing down to his chin down
to his neck. And I cannot be wrong. That was my shade of lipstick.
Napasinghap ako. Did we kiss? Oh shoot. If we kissed, definitely, we did have sex.
Gusto kong maiyak. I had sex and I cannot remember how did it happen? Pilit kong
inaalala kung ano ang nangyari kagabit. It was bits and pieces. I was pissed
because of Noah. I got an invite from Reed. Matt and I went to a club and we
partied hard. I had so much to drink. I lost count how much I chugged and I was
dancing and having a good time. Until Reed started to made his advances and it was
getting comfortable but my body was liking it. I knew something was wrong then it
began to blur what happened next. How did Noah and I end up in bed together?
Napabuga ako ng hangin habang tumingin sa paligid. There was the trail of my
clothes from the door up to the side of the bed. Then Noah’s clothes too and an
empty bottle of whisky. I looked at him again and unconsciously I swallowed hard
while my eyes began to look at his face down to his naked torso. This was the
first time that I had seen Noah shirtless and he got nice pecs. His body was
relaxed but I could see the sets of abs on his stomach.
And when my gaze went down to his boxers, something hard was in there.
Created a tent on his boxers. He got a hard on.
Oh shit, oh shit. I wanted to unsee. I immediately went to the bathroom and
removed the sheet that I was covering my body and went to the shower. I turned on
the faucet and let the water to fall on me. Maybe this would help me to jug my
memory of what happened last night. I am cursing myself. Napakagaga ako. Hindi pa
ako nadala dahil sa nangyari sa akin noon. I knew this was my fault because I was
gullible and I would do what I wanted but I never thought that I would wake up in
bed with Noah. My eyes were still closed while I let the cold water to wake me up.
Until I felt that someone opened the door. I forgot to lock it. I didn’t move when
I saw Noah went inside with eyes half closed, looked really sleepy and scratching
his head while heading on the toilet. I had never seen a man looked this good in
the morning. With his disheveled hair, facial hairs that looked like he forgot to
shave with lipstick smudged around his mouth, and sexy body that made him look like
an underwear model from a magazine? I mean, I had never seen this side of Noah
before. He pulled up the toilet seat and pulled down his boxers. He let out his
dick and began to pee.
Holy shit. That was a big dick. Look away, Masha. Look away. You are not allowed
to look at the cock of your bodyguard. But the more I was telling that to myself,
the more I was being teased to look at him and his tiny pet that was excreting pee.
It was pinkish… brownish… and… veiny… and big… I was shocked when Noah turned his
head and looked at me but he still looked like he was in a daze and didn’t mind me.
“’Morning.” Tingin ko ay wala iyon sa loob ni Noah nang sabihin.
Tingin ko, sanay siyang maraming babae ang naliligo dito sa kuwarto niya kaya wala
na siyang pakialam na narito ako. Nakapikit pa siya habang umiihi habang ako ay
tila naging estatwa na lang na hubad na nakatapat sa tubig. Pero tingin ko ay
unti-unting natauhan si Noah. Napadilat siya ng mata at nanlalaki ang matang
napatingin sa akin. Wala din akong masabi at nakatingin lang sa kanya. Parehong
nanlalaki ang mga mata namin sa isa’t-isa tapos ay pareho kaming napasigaw.
Nakakabingi ang sigaw na iyon habang parehong hindi namin maialis ang tingin sa
isa’t-isa. Me naked under the shower and him still holding his dick while peeing.
Ako ang unang nakabawi at itinakip mga kamay ko sa maseselang parte ng katawan ko.
“Get out! Get out!” Sunod-sunod kong sigaw. Tingin ko ay nataranta si Noah at
nagmamadaling lumabas na ng banyo. Hindi na nagawang i-flush ang toilet at malakas
na isinara ang pinto. Gusto kong maiyak sa nangyari. Ano ba ‘to? Nagmamadali kong
tinapos ang pagsa-shower pero hindi agad ako lumabas. Nakiramdam muna akong maigi
kung naroon siya pero wala akong naririnig na kung ano. Dahan-dahan kong binuksan
ang pinto at sumilip, wala na ngang tao doon. Humugot ako ng tuwalya at itinapi
iyon sa katawan ko saka ko binuksan ng malaki ang pinto. Naroon pa rin ang mga
damit ko sa sahig at magulo pa rin ang kama pero wala na doon si Noah. Nagbihis
ako at tinuyo ng tuwalya ang buhok ko. Napapitlag ako nang makarinig ng malakas na
katok sa pinto ng kuwarto.
“If you are done, get downstairs. We need to talk.” Boses iyon ni Noah at sobrang
seryoso ng timbre noon. Lalo lang akong kinabahan at gusto ko na lang lumubog sa
puwesto ko para hindi na siya makaharap. Pero kung ano man ang nangyari sa aming
dalawa, kailangan naming pag-usapan iyon. Napahinga ako ng malalim at pilit na
kinalma ang sarili bago lumabas ng banyo. Nang makababa ako ay dumeretso ako sa
kusina at nakita kong nakaupo sa harap ng mesa si Noah at hitsurang problemado.
Nasa harap niya ang isang mug ng umuusok na kape. Basa na rin ang buhok at mukhang
nakaligo na rin. Padabog akong naupo sa harap niya at tiningnan ako ng masama ni
Noah. Hindi siya nagsalita at dinampot ang mug ng kape at humigop doon pero agad
ding binitiwan dahil sa napaso ang bibig dahil sa init. Napaikot ako ng mata at
tinaasan siya ng kilay.
“I am here. Now, what do you want to talk about?” Pinipilit kong ipakita sa kanya
na hindi ako apektado kung ano man ang nangyari sa aming dalawa. Napailing siya at
hitsurang disappointed ang tingin sa akin. “After the stunt you did last night, you
are going to act like nothing happened?” “Why? You think I am affected that we had
sex?” Napatanga sa akin si Noah. “What the fuck are you talking about?” “I know
what happened last night, Noah. You took advantage that I am drunk and you had sex
with me.” “Whoa!” napatayo sa kinauupuan niya si Noah at lumayo sa akin.
“We didn’t have sex. Excuse me.” Napaawang bibig ko sa reaksyon niya. Talagang
hitsurang diring-diri siya sa narinig na sinabi ko. Napapahiya ako. “What do you
mean we didn’t have sex? I woke up with you in my bed. You are naked and I am too.
You have my lipstick smudged on your lips…” Napaikot ang mata niya at nagtagis ang
bagang. “If you didn’t have so much to drink last night and you were not drugged,
you won’t do stupid things that later on you would regret.” Asar niyang sagot. “W-
we didn’t do it?” paniniguro ko. Napahinga siya ng malalim. “No.” labas sa ilong
na sagot niya at muling naupo sa harap ng mesa. Napapailing-iling si Noah at
naisuklay ang kamay sa buhok. “You were drugged last night and you were so wild,
you thought I was someone else.” Kita ko sa mukha ni Noah na halatang nagpipigil
siya ng sasabog na galit.
“B-but… I saw you… your lips…” “You were not yourself last night. Effects of the
drugs that you took.
You…” napatikhim siya. “… forced me to kiss you. You were begging me to have sex
with you.” “Excuse me!” Ako naman ang nanlalaki ang matang nakatingin sa kanya. “I
won’t do that. You are too old. I am not going to have sex with you.” “Wow, tindi
mo rin ‘no? Kung maka-excuse me ka. Hinubaran mo nga ako kagabi. Ayaw mong
humiwalay sa akin. Paulit-ulit ka ng sabi na gusto mo ako.” Asar na sagot niya.
“Oh my God, I won’t do that.” Naitakip ko ang kamay sa bibig ko.
Pero nang tingnan ko si Noah, tingin ko ay nagsasabi siya ng totoo. “I did that?”
Tumango lang siya at muling dinampot ang mug ng kape. “But why are you naked in my
bed?” Muli ay tanong ko.
“After I brought you in the shower to calm you down, you stripped naked and went
to bed. You were so agitated. I left you thinking you would sleep. I was already
drinking when I heard you scream so loud.
You were so wild.” Napapailing pa siya. “When I got inside the room, you… forced me
to remove my clothes. You forced me to have sex with you. But I didn’t do it. I
don’t have sex with drunk women and hindi ako nakikipag-sex sa mga batang isip.”
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. “Hindi ako batang isip.” “Ano sa tingin mo ang ginawa
mo kagabi? Hindi ba gawain ng mga batang isip iyon?” Tumaas na ang boses ni Noah at
tingin ko ay nagagalit na. “I told Matt to look after you and you two should stay
here but what happened? I found you drunk and drugged in a bar. Groped by some
asshole that I almost killed. Ano sa tingin mo ang nangyari sa iyo kung hindi kita
nakita doon?” “I-I just want to have some fun.” Parang batang katwiran ko.
“That’s the problem with you.” Mataas na ang boses ni Noah. “You just want to have
some fun but you don’t think about the consequence of what could happen next.
Nangyari na noon. Hindi ka pa ba nadala? Lahat ng mga pinagkakatiwalaan mong tao,
sinasamantala ka. You were kidnapped. Auctioned. Almost got raped and yet, you kept
on trusting the wrong people?” “But I know Reed.” Katwiran ko.
“You also know Carl.” Tonong paalala niya sa akin. “Which I am going to remind
you, the one who kidnapped you and the reason why are you stuck here with me.”
Namuo ang luha sa mga mata ko. Ramdam na ramdam ko na naman ang pagka-disgusto sa
akin ni Noah. Na talagang napipilitan lang siyang narito ako. Na trabaho lang niya
ako. Ngayon din nag-sink in sa akin ang mga ginawa ko kagabi. Wala naman talaga
akong planong umalis kung hindi lang ako na-badtrip na may kalandian siyang babae.
“Kasama ko naman si Matt,” hindi pa rin ako magpapatalo at ija-justify ko pa rin
ang ginawa ko. Natawa ng nakakaloko si Noah. “Si Matt? And where is Matt right
now?” Luminga-linga pa siya. “Matt is in the fucking hospital and being treated for
overdose. Apparently, those people that you were with last night spiked his drinks
with drugs. And did you know that he is a recovering addict? And he hasn’t tasted a
single pill in years and last night, he relapsed just because he got too excited
and too happy with you in that fucking party.” Nagtatagis ang bagang ni Noah na
nakatingin sa akin. “I-I…” wala akong masabi. Matt. Oh God. “H-he was okay when-“
Sumenyas si Noah sa akin na tumahimik ako at pinisil nya ang bridge ng ilong niya
tapos ay napapailing-iling. “You are a selfish brat, Masha. You don’t think about
others. You only think about yourself. Your happiness. You wanted to do whatever
you want even if the consequence would be other people’s misery.” Seryosong-seryoso
si Noah at habang sinasabi niya iyon, pakiramdam ko ay tumatagos iyon sa dibdib ko.
Gumuguhit sa pagkatao ko. “Hindi ka natututo. Maybe if I tell you what really
happened to your friend, maybe you will realize that you already screwed up.”
Napaatras ako nang lumakad palapit sa akin si Noah. “Don’t look for your friend
Wynona anymore. Because like you, she also got kidnapped. Auctioned and bought. Her
only difference from you, she was not lucky enough and she didn’t have someone to
save her that’s why she ended up dead and found naked in the sea.” Namuo ang luha
sa mga mata at hindi ko namalayan. “W-Wynona is dead?” Hindi makapaniwalang sabi
ko. “Killed by the same person who kidnapped you.” Malamig na sagot ni Noah.
“S-she is dead?” Hindi ko na napigil ang mapaiyak at nanghihinang napaupo ako sa
upuan doon at nagsimulang humagulgol. “The world is cruel, Masha. And you being a
happy go-lucky brat will not stand in this world. Ang dali-dali mong mauto. Sure,
your parents will look after you. They will have people to guard you but if you are
still reckless like what you did last night, you would end up like your friend.
And luck maybe at your side if your parents can find your body after you are raped
and murdered by those animals that wanted you. That’s how cruel the world you are
living in.” Hindi ko na maintindihan ang ibang sinasabi pa ni Noah. Iyak lang ako
nang iyak at iniisip ko si Wynona. Sa kalooban ko ay nagsisisi ako.
Nagi-guilty sa nangyari sa kaibigan ko. Noah was right. If I didn’t become
selfish, Wynona could still be alive. Matt would not end up in a hospital and won’t
have a relapse. It was just sad that I had to realize my mistakes the hard way and
people had to suffer along the way. Getting to know someone is a beautiful
process.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN | BLUSH NOAH

I might had been too harsh on Masha.

Kanina pa ako nakaupo dito sa couch at nakatingin sa itaas kung saan siya
nagkulong sa kuwarto. Hindi na siya kumain ng lunch at kahit ngayong magdi-dinner
na, hindi pa rin siya lumalabas ng kuwarto.
Maghapon lang nagkulong doon at sa tuwing ichi-check ko at pakikinggan siya mula sa
labas ng pinto, singhot at hagulgol ang naririnig ko.
But I had to tell her the truth. I had to tell her that in exchange of her bratty
and selfish ways, people were being dragged to her mess. Ending someone’s life.
Ruining people’s lives Just like how she was ruining yours now?
Napahinga ako ng malalim at naihilamos ang kamay sa mukha ko nang maisip iyon. Yes.
She already ruined my perfect life here. I was okay before. I was satisfied with my
life living alone, taking care of his father’s business. Why did she have to be
here? Why did she have to be under my care?
Why I didn’t stop myself from kissing her?
Fuck.
I knew I am already screwed when I jacked off sniffing her panties and death would
be inevitable when I kissed her, but I couldn’t help it.
The moment my lips touched hers, I forgot everything. My job, my fear with her dad.
All what mattered that time was I am kissing the best lips that I had tasted in my
whole life. The lips that I won’t get tired of kissing again. The kiss that made my
heart melt, made me lose all my worries in this earth. And I got it with the damn
princess that I promised to hate and get rid of. ‘Tangina mo kasi, Noah. Ang dami
mo naman puwedeng halikan si Masha pa. She was offering herself to you kaya hindi
ka dapat makonsiyensiya. That was the demon and angel in my head battling again.
Mabuti na nga lang at talagang pinigil ko ang sarili ko at huminto ako sa paghalik
kay Masha kagabi dahil kung hindi, hindi ko alam kung saan pa hahantong ang halik
na iyon. She was so wild and I knew that was because of the drug that she took. She
stripped naked in front of me. She was begging me to fuck her and I was at the edge
of my sanity and almost gave up to her plead.
But I didn’t do it. I am not going to have sex with her because she was drugged
and not by herself. I am worse than those who kidnapped her and that motherfucker
pig that I had to kill for touching her if I did that. I am better than those and I
won’t give in to the demons now winning inside my head. Kinuha ko ang telepono ko
nang marinig na tumutunog iyon. Si Matt ang nakita kong tumatawag. Napahinga ako ng
malalim at hindi pa ako nagsasalita ay paulit-ulit nang sorry ang naririnig kong
sinasabi niya.
“Hey.” Iyon ang nagpahinto sa kanya sa pagsasalita. “Are you okay?” Matt doesn’t
need my scolding right now. I knew after what happened, he was at his worst.
Feeling guilty that after some time that he fought for his battle against drug
addiction, he gave in and now he was treating himself in the hospital for overdose.
“I am now,” damang-dama ko ang lungkot sa boses ni Matt. “I’m sorry, Noah.” “It’s
nothing. Magpagaling ka.” Hindi agad ako nakarinig ng sagot mula kay Matt tapos
mayamaya ay basag na boses ang narinig ko.
“I didn’t know they had drugs in those drinks. I am clean, Noah. I promised you
that I am going to be clean and I am not going to take any drugs.” Ngayon ay
umiiyak na siya.
“It’s not your fault. Don’t ever think it’s your fault. I am not mad. I am just
worried.” Alam kong ako lang ang tanging sinasandalan ni Matt at ngayon, alam kong
bagsak na bagsak siya. Sinisisi ang sarili dahil sa nangyari. “I am not going to
do it again.” Pangako niya.
“I know. Magpagaling ka lang. Tawagan mo ako kapag may discharge notice ka na sa
doctor mo.” “Are you sure you are not mad at me?” “Yes.” Pag-a-assure ko sa
kanya.
“Where is Masha? Is she okay? Please don’t get mad at her.” Dama ko ang pag-aalala
niya para kay Masha.
“She is. That’s why I can’t visit you in the hospital. I need to look after her.”
“I’m am really sorry, Noah. I failed.” “You didn’t. You are stronger than who are
you before, Matt.
Always keep that in mind. You have me. I won’t leave you.” “Thank you. I’ll call
you again.” Hindi na ako sumagot at busy tone na ang narinig ko. Marahan kong
hinilot-hilot ang magkabilang sentido ko at tumayo tapos ay umakyat sa itaas para
i-check si Masha. Napailing ako nang makita ang tray ng pagkain na dinala ko sa
kanya kanina na naroon pa rin sa labas ng pinto.
Hindi nagalaw. Walang bawas kahit katiting. Dinampot ko iyon at ibinalik sa
kusina. Muli akong nag-prepare ng pagkain para sa kanya. Dinner time na at
maghapong walang kinain ang isang iyon. Baka kung ano ang mangyari, masisi pa ako
ng tatay niya.
Inilagay ko ang pagkain sa tray at umakyat. Kumatok ako pero wala akong narinig na
sagot. “I am going in, Masha.” Pagkasabi ko noon ay binuksan ko ang pinto at
nakita ko siyang nakatagilid sa kama. “Hey, I brought you food.” Wala akong sagot
na narinig. Nanatiling nakatagilid lang siya pero alam kong gising. Mahihinang
pagsinghot ang narinig ko. Inilapag ko sa gilid ng kama ang dala kong tray at
sinilip ko pa siya sa pagkakahiga niya.
Nakita kong nagpahid ng luha at lalong isinubsob ang mukha sa unan. “You need to
eat.” Tinapik ko pa ang balikat niya. Marahan lang siyang umiling. “Come on. Your
father won’t like to see you in that kind of state.” “My father hates me,”
mahinang sagot niya.
“No one hates you, princess.” Doon na siya bumangon at magang-maga ang mga mata
na humarap sa akin. “You hate me.” Pinahid niya ang mga luha na tumulo sa pisngi.
Umiling ako. “I just had to tell you the truth so you would realize what you’re
doing.” “We just want to have some fun.” Napasubsob siya sa mga kamay niya. “I
didn’t want Wynona to die.” “No one wanted her to die. It’s just that, there are
cruel people out there waiting for you to make a single mistake. You are not just
an ordinary person. Your father is Stas Rozovsky. You are a Rozovsky and…” saglit
akong napatahimik nang pinapahid niya ang mga luha niya at nakatingin sa akin.
Damn. Why does her eyes had to be this good? Why does her face had to be pretty
even if her eyes were swollen from crying non-stop. Even if her nose was red as
Rudolph’s. Even if her lips were chapped because of dehydration. Right now, Masha
didn’t look grand like her usual self but seeing her totally feeling guilty,
helpless just made me wanted to hug her and console her. “Maybe that’s the
problem. I am a Rozovsky. Maybe if I am just an ordinary girl, I won’t be like
this.” Humihikbing sabi niya at pinapahid ang luha niya. “I’m sorry, Noah if I also
drag you in this mess.” Napapiyok pa siya nang sabihin iyon. Maybe I pushed her
too hard and guilt was starting to take over me. “Change your clothes.” Utos ko sa
kanya.
Taka siyang tumingin sa akin. “Why?” Pinapahid pa niya ang ilong niya at luha
niya.
“Just do it. We are going somewhere. I’ll wait for you downstairs.” Tinungo ko na
ang pinto at lumabas na. Dumeretso ako sa living room at naupo sa couch para
hintayin siya. Hindi naman nagtagal at bumababa na si Masha. Walang energy at
talagang ibang-iba sa aura niya na nagpapa-ubos ng pasensiya ko. “Where are we
going?” walang buhay na tanong niya. Tumayo na ako at pinasunod siya sa akin.
Tinungo namin ang kotse ko at pinasakay siya doon. Kahit paulit-ulit siyang
nagtatanong kung saan kami pupunta ay hindi ko sinasagot. Bumiyahe kami at dinala
ko siya sa paborito kong diner. Ako na ang nag-order ng pagkain niya at taka
siyang nakatingin sa akin. “What is this? A peace offering?” Nakalabing tanong
niya. “I don’t want to eat.” “You need to eat. Sige ka. Papayat ka niyan at
mawawala ganda mo.” Nagbibirong sabi ko. “Cute ka pa naman na malaman ka.”
Tiningnan ako ni Masha. “You think I’m pretty? I’m cute? You hate me, Noah. Stop
telling shit to me.” Tingin ko ay medyo umaayos-ayos na ang pakiramdam niya. Alam
ko naman na kailangan niyang lumabas para kumalma siya.
“I said, I don’t hate you. And yes, I think you are pretty. And cute.” At totoo
ang sinasabi kong iyon. Magandang-maganda si Masha sa paningin ko.
 Napatitig siya sa akin at tingin ko ay na-conscious kaya dumampot ng tissue napkin
na nasa mesa at pinahid ang mukha niya. “I look ugly right now. I know it.”
Napahinga ako ng malalim. “Listen, I am sorry if I said things that hurt you but I
think that’s necessary for you to understand things that’s going around.” “I
know.” Mahinang sabi niya. “I realized how selfish I am. How bratty I am to people
around me.” muli ay nanginig na naman ang boses niya. “Even to my parents.” Mabilis
niyang pinahid ang mga luha. “I thought it was okay. I wanted freedom. I wanted to
do things my way but I never realized that I am hurting people and those are the
people I cared about.” Pinahid niya ang mga luha niya. “I feel sorry for Wynona.
She didn’t have to die.” “I was like you before.” Nakita ko siyang napatingin sa
akin kaya ngumiti ako sa kanya. “Happy go-lucky. Fearless. I always thought that
everything should be my way.” Napangiti ako ng mapakla. “And my brother Niahl, he
was my best friend and we get along together even if he was the favorite in our
family.” Walang imik si Masha na nakatingin sa akin. Isang bahagi ng pagkatao ko
ang nagsasabing itikom ko ang bibig ko. That was a story that no one knew about
just my family. A story that I kept in myself for so long. But I think I had to
share this to her so she would understand that losing people was part of the
process to be a better person. “He always got first in everything. He was always
favored.” Saglit akong huminto dahil dumating ang mga order naming pagkain.
Sumenyas ako sa kanyang kumain siya pero umiling si Masha. “I know you are invested
with my story. I am not going to continue if you don’t eat.” Itinuro ko ang mga
pagkain. “Eat.” Inirapan niya ako painis na dinampot ang isang burger at
nagsimulang kumain. Napangiti ako. She was getting back on herself now. “Did the
two of you fight?” Habang ngumunguya ay tanong niya.
“No. Never.” Mabilis akong umiling. “Niahl is the best brother and best friend. We
never fought. One day he got a gift from our father and that was a brand-new car. I
can’t forget the smile in his face. He was very excited to show it to me and he
wanted me to drive it. And we did.” Napangiti pa ako habang inaalala ko ang
pagkakataong iyon. My brother’s laughter that slowly becoming cries of agony.
“And?” Naghihintay na tanong ni Masha. Ngayon ay nakita kong ubos na ang burger na
kinakain niya. “We went for a ride. The car was fast and we were laughing and we
were enjoying until… without a warning a truck came in and hit the car.” Napangiti
ako ng mapakla.
Nakita kong napaawang ang bibig ni Masha sa kabiglaan sa narinig.
“Oh no.” Tumango ako. “He died.” Naitakip niya ang kamay sa bibig. “Oh my God. I
am so sorry.” “I lost my best friend, my brother that night because we were
reckless. I was reckless. I was on the wheel and I didn’t take care. All I think
about was the thrill. The happiness it will brought on me.” Hindi makapagsalita si
Masha at nanlalaki lang ang matang nakatingin sa akin pero ngumiti ako sa kanya.
“Just like you, I had that kind of phase. Rebelling to everyone around. I wanted
freedom. I wanted everything to be my way but I didn’t realize that all of it has a
price to pay.” “D-do you still feel the guilt up to now?” Mahinang tanong niya.
Tumango ako. “Every damn day because I lost him. But that guilt made me who I am
today. I know my brother won’t want me to live with the guilt. I know wherever he
may be, he’s happy for me. For what I become.” “Actually, Wynona and I are not
that close but we go along. That day when Carl invited us to go, like me, she just
wanted an adventure.” Napayuko siya at muling tumingin sa akin. “You think she’s
mad at me?” “I don’t think so. You both chose to do it and that was the
consequence and price to pay. Maybe it happened to her so you would realize things
that will change you big time.” Dumukwang ako sa mesa.
“It’s not yet too late for you, princess. Grow up.” “Am I that really bad? You
really think that I am just a kid?” A damn kid with a fine ass and perfect body
that was making me crazy.
Gusto kong murahin ang sarili ko sa naisip kong iyon. That was the demon in my
head. Umiling na lang ako sa kanya at dinampot ang baso ng iced tea at inubos ang
laman noon. Biglang-bigla ay pakiramdam ko ay uhaw na uhaw ako.
Saglit siyang napatahimik at uminom din sa baso ng iced tea na nasa harap niya.
“Henry was right. You are a cool guy.” Nasamid ako sa sinabi niya. “He said that?”
Tumango siya at ngumiti sa akin tapos ay napatikhim. “You said Wynona was not lucky
as me because no one was there to save her. Would you know who saved me?” Umiling
lang ako. Hindi na niya kailangan na malaman na pumatay ako at kaya kong gawin iyon
ng paulit-ulit para sa kanya. “Who could be that hero?” Natawa si Masha at tingin
ko ay may naiisip na namang kalokohan. “Sana guwapo.” Natawa ako at muling uminom
sa hawak kong iced tea. If only she knew I was her hero.
“You’re blushing.” Puna ni Masha sa akin habang nakatingin sa mukha ko. “What?”
ibinaba ko ang hawak na iced tea at hinawakan ang mukha ko. Tuluyan na siyang
natawa at itinuturo ako.
“Why are you blushing?” Ang ganda na ng ngiti niya ngayon. “Bakit naman ako
magba-blush? Ano lang ‘yan… mainit kasi.” Napatikhim ako. “After here, where do you
want to go?” Kunwa ay sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Masha. “Are you asking me out for
a date?” “In your dreams, kiddo. I’m just going to make you feel good and make you
smile again.” Tumango-tango siya. “Feel good.” Hitsurang nag-iisip siya. “Do you
have a bucket list?” “Bucket list? No. I want things spontaneous.” “I am thinking
of having one. List of the things I wanted to do but with you.” Walang kakurap-
kurap na sabi niya. “With me? Bakit ako? Bucket list mo ‘yon.” Taka ko. “You’re
my bodyguard, right? So, hindi ko naman magagawa ang mga bagay-bagay kung hindi ka
kasama at siguradong hindi mo rin ako papayagan na umalis mag-isa.” “Point taken.
All right, let me hear it.” Ngumiti ng nakakaloko si Masha. “I think I want to
find a job.” “A job?” Paniniguro ko.
Tumango siya at napalabi. “I need to prove to my father that I am good and a
changed person. The last job I had…” napangiwi siya. “I screwed it up.” “And what
kind of job do you need?” Nagkibit siya ng balita. “Anything. I just want to
experience working. At least dito kahit ano ang trabaho ko, walang makakakilala sa
akin. I tried to ask dad to give me a job at Fire Palace, ayaw niya.” Sasagot pa
sana ako nang tumunog ang telepono ko at nakita kong tatay niya ang tumatawag sa
akin. Nagpaalam ako kay Masha at nagbilin na ubusin ang pagkain niya at lumabas ako
para sagutin ang tawag ni Mr.
Rozovsky.
“Sir.” “How’s my daughter?” “Fine, Sir.” Hindi ko na sasabihin sa kanya na
sinermonan ko ng malala ang anak niya at hindi ko na rin sasabihin ang kabalbalang
ginawa ni Masha kagabi. “She’s okay.” “Good.” Kabaligtaran naman iyon sa tono ng
boses niya. “Everything okay, Sir?” “They found Carl.” Napa-oh lang ako. All
right. They found Carl. Masha could go home. Pero bakit hindi ako nakaramdam ng
saya na puwede nang umuwi si Masha? The demon inside my head was screaming no.
“That’s good news, Sir.” Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko. “In a dumpster near Fire
Palace.” Mahinang napamura si Mr.
Rozovsky. “Someone killed Carl before I could get a hold of him.” Hindi ako
nakasagot. Pinatay si Carl? At hindi si Mr. Rozovsky ang gumawa?
“He called me and he said that he wanted to see me personally. He wanted to tell
me about who was behind Masha’s abduction. I set the date and time then I got a
phone call that a body was found near my hotel.” “Do you have any idea Sir who did
that?” “None. But Carl said there is someone who is more brutal and fearless than
me. Someone who wanted to challenge me and he would tell me who if I give him my
protection.” Pero wala na si Carl. That was a statement. Whoever it was knew Carl
would contact Mr. Rozovsky and before he could tell what he knew, he was killed.
“Just take care of my daughter, Noah. I think something is going on.
I need to find who is this unknown enemy that wanted me.” Napatikhim si Mr.
Rozovsky. “Butch Konizko if flying to see you. He needs to see the reports of the
transfers the past three months. Alam mo namang ayaw kong lahat ng trabaho ay sa
iyo. Butch can help you to lessen your work load especially that you are guarding
my daughter.” Hindi ako sumagot. Kilala ko naman ang Butch Konizko na iyon.
Iyon ang business partner ni Mr. Rozovsky na na-meet ko na rin naman at naka-
transact. Pero tingin ko ay importante ang pakikipagkita ng isang iyon para
bumiyahe pa papunta dito at makipagkita sa akin. “Okay, Sir. Ako na ang bahala kay
Mr. Konizko.” “Just call me if something happens. Thank you for taking care of my
daughter.” Busy tone na ang sunod kong narinig pero hindi ko inaalis sa tainga ko
ang telepono habang nakatingin kay Masha na kumakain sa loob ng diner. Nakangiti
siya habang nakikipag-usap sa waitress doon. At least she was okay and I think
everything would be okay the next days. Take the risk or lose the chance.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT | I BET MY LIFE

NOAH

Thank God Matt got out of the hospital and the moment he was discharged, Masha and
I picked him up and brought him to my apartment. Iyak nang iyak si Masha. Paulit-
ulit na nagso-sorry kay Matt dahil sa nangyari. Kahit sinasabi naman ni Matt na
okay na siya at hindi naman kasalanan ni Masha ang nangyari, hindi pa rin mapakali
si Masha at gustong makabawi kay Matt. Kaya nandito kami sa harap ng mesa ni Matt.
Naghihintay ng ihahain na pagkain ni Masha. “You don’t have to do this, Masha.” Si
Matt ang nagsabi noon at tumingin sa akin. “Of course, I need to do this. Na-
confine ka sa hospital and I know hospital foods are the worst. I am going to make
you something that will make you feel better. Peace offering ko na din.” Sagot ni
Masha at nang tapunan ko ng tingin ay sige ang paghalo sa kaldero.
“What she’s cooking?” bulong ni Matt sa akin. Nagkibit ako ng balikat. Dahil ang
totoo, hindi ko naman talaga alam kung ano ang lulutuin ni Masha. Hindi nga ako
sigurado kung marunong ngang magluto ang babaeng ito. Prinsesa ito ng mga Rozovsky
at imposibleng pinaghawak ito ng kaldero at sandok sa bahay nila. Nang subukan
ngang maglaba dito sa apartment ko, naging kulay pink ang lahat ng puting damit ko
kaya hindi ko na talaga siya pinaghawak ng washing machine.
Mayamaya lang ay hinahango na ni Masha ang niluluto niya tapos ay lumapit na sa
mesa at may dalang mangkok at naroon ang ulam.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Matt. Hindi ko maintindihan kung anong luto ito.
Basta alam ko, may sarsa at ano bang karne ito? Manok? Baboy o baka?
Hindi kasi maintindihan ang hiwa. “There. Especially for Matt.” Ngiting-ngiti pa
si Masha nang ilapag sa mesa ang dalang ulam. Naupo din siya at tinitingnan kami ni
Matt.
Naghihintay na kumain na kami. Nang hindi kami gumagalaw ni Matt ay siya na ang
nagsandok ng ulam at kanin sa plato namin. “Come on. Eat. I cooked that for you
guys.” Hindi naman ako maselan sa pagkain pero sa totoo lang, kinakabahan talaga
ako sa pagkain na inihain ni Masha. Hindi ako sigurado kung anong klaseng luto ito.
“Ang bango naman. Parang ang sarap kainin,” inamoy-amoy pa ni Matt ang niluto at
kumutsara na doon at isinubo. Pero nakita ko ang reaksyon ni Matt. Hindi agad
makanguya. Hindi malaman kung lulunukin o iluluwa ang isinubo. “Sarap ‘di ba?”
Tuwang-tuwa talaga si Masha. “Kain ka pa.” Pilit na pilit na ngumuya si Matt tapos
siguro ay hindi na matiis ay biglang tumayo at tinungo ang banyo. Takang sinundan
ng tingin ni Masha tapos ay tumingin sa akin. “Is he okay? What happened?” nag-
aalalang tanong niya. Humihingal si Matt nang bumalik sa harap ng mesa at
alanganin na tumingin kay Masha. “Are you okay?” Tanong pa ni Masha nang makabalik
si Matt. Napatikhim si Matt. “A-ang sarap. Sarap ng adobo. Medyo maalat ng konti
pero… masarap.” Alam kong nagsisinungaling si Matt. Sumama ang mukha ni Masha.
“Hindi adobo ang niluto ko. Afritada ‘yan.” “Ha?” Namutla ang mukha ni Matt. “Ah…
lasang adobo kasi.” Sumimangot na si Masha. “Hindi mo nagustuhan.” Tumayo si Matt
at inakbayan si Masha. “Masha Fantasha, I don’t think cooking is for you. Hayaan mo
na kay Boss Amo ‘yon. Masarap magluto ‘yan.” “Really?” Nagtatanong na tumingin sa
akin si Masha. “You know how to cook?” “Huwag kang maniwala diyan. Nagluto lang
ako ng itlog one time.
Order na lang tayo ng food.” Iyon na lang ang suggestion ko at si Matt na ang pina-
order ko. Tinikman ko ang niluto ni Masha at kahit ako ay muntik masuka sa sobrang
alat noon. Mukhang inubos ang isang bote ng soy sauce sa ‘afritada’ na niluto niya.
Hindi naman nagalit si Masha na hindi namin nakain ang iniluto niya. Tingin ko
naman ay talagang nag-experiment lang ang isang ito at hindi talaga marunong
magluto. Magkakaharap kami at nagkukuwentuhan habang hinihintay namin ang pagdating
ng pagkain na ini-order namin. Napaka-bubbly talaga ng personality ni Masha. Marami
siyang kuwento tungkol sa mga kalokohan na nagawa niya at ganoon din si Matt.
Silang dalawa ang paligsahan sa mga kalokohan na nagawa. “Marami kang naging
boyfriends, Masha?” Si Matt ang nagtanong noon habang sige ang kain sa pizza na
ini-order namin. Ako ay nakikinig lang sa kuwentuhan nila habang hindi ko maiwasan
na tumingin kay Masha. Masayang-masaya na kasi ang aura niya. Palagay na palagay na
siya tapos ay panay ang tingin niya sa akin. Madalas kong mahuli na nakatitig sa
akin. “Flings marami. Boyfriend? Wala.” Kumuha din siya ng piraso ng pizza at
kumagat doon. “Sure?” hindi makapaniwala si Matt. “Ang dami mong videos na-“
“Matt,” saway ko at umiiling ako na ibig kong sabihin huwag nang ungkatin ang
tungkol doon. “Oh, it’s okay.” Kumumpas pa sa hangin si Masha. “Those were the
days that I was experimenting and with the wrong crowd.” Napangiti ng mapakla si
Masha. “I thought being like that will make me cool. Everyone was doing it so, I
thought it was okay to kiss strangers, make out. I didn’t know that I am dragging
myself in a messy life in the process.” Dama ko ang pagsisisi sat ono niya.
“Ganyan din naman ako. Wrong crowd, wrong people that I got involved with. Buti na
nga lang nakilala ko si Boss Amo,” ngiting-ngiti pa si Matt sa akin kaya natawa na
lang ako. “He is the one who saved me.” Nang tumingin ako sa gawi ni Masha ay
nakangiti siya sa akin. “I think he is like that. He is born to save people
around.” Naging pilya ang ngiti ni Masha. “Tell us Noah, why did you like Peyton?”
Ang lakas ng halakhak ni Matt kaya sinamaan ko ng tingin. “Can we talk about
something else?” Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko.
Hindi ako kumportable na nasa akin ang atensiyon ng mga tanong nila. “Come on.
Tell us. Wala namang ibig sabihin. Peyton is happily married with my brother. Hindi
mapapaghiwalay ang dalawang iyon.” Pangungulit pa niya. “So, if you still like her,
you better look for someone else because she is head over heels in love with my
brother.” “I am over Peyton. She’s just pretty and nice. That’s it.” Para
manahimik na lang siya ay kung ano na lang ang sinabi ko. Nakakalokong nakatingin
pa rin sa akin si Masha. “Bakit hindi ka pa nag-aasawa? You’re old. Are you still
waiting for her?” “Kasi hindi pa niya nakikita ang ‘da one’ matapos makawala ang
‘totga’ niya.” Sabat ni Matt.
If only I could strangle Matt so he would stop talking, I did it already. Si Masha
naman ay talagang interesado na malaman kung ano ang sasabihin ko. “Let’s talk
about something else.” Umiiling na lang ako at kumuha ng piraso ng pizza. “Hindi
mo mapipiga ‘yan, Masha. Matindi ang self-control niyan at hindi ‘yan basta-basta
magkukuwento ng tungkol sa buhay niya.” Ngumunguyang sabi ni Matt. “Ako ang
tanungin mo. Marami akong alam.” Ang sama na ng tingin ko kay Matt. Gusto ko nang
durugin talaga. “Sige ito na lang. What’s your type in a woman?” Pangungulit pa
rin ni Masha.
“Alam ko!” Sabat ni Matt. “Sexy. Wild sa kama. ‘Yong malakas umungol saka
isinisigaw ang pangalan niya. Tapos malaki bumpers.
‘Yong double DD saka malaki at mabilog ang puwet,” mayabang pang sabi nito. “I am
going to stitch that mouth of yours,” sa pagitan ng ngipin ay sabi ko kay Matt at
tumingin ako kay Masha. Hindi nakaligtas sa akin na nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni
Masha at pasimpleng yumuko para tingnan ang dibdib tapos ay ngumiti ng maasim.
“Hindi pala ako papasa,” mahinang sabi niya. Sinabi niya iyon na alam kong sa
sarili lang niya. Ang kaninang masayang pakikipagkuwentuhan ay biglang nag-iba.
Halatang nawala sa mood si Masha. Nakasimangot na ang mukha dahil ngayon ay
ikinukuwento ni Matt ang mga naging babae ko na nakilala niya maging si Serena.
Sige pa daldal si Matt nang marinig namin na mayroong nag-buzz sa pinto.
Nagkatinginan kami at pare-parehong kita ang pagtatanong sa mukha ng isa’t-isa.
Wala kaming inaasahang bisita ngayong gabi.
“It could be Henry,” si Matt ang nagsabi noon. Nang muli akong tumingin kay Masha
ay halatang iritable. Biglang-biglang nagbago ang mood at nilalaro na lang ang
pagkain na nasa harap. Imposibleng si Henry. Kung pupunta dito ang isang iyon,
magsasabi iyon sa akin. Sinabihan ko silang dalawa na manatili doon at ako ang
tumayo at tinungo ang pinto. Nang buksan ko ay dalawang lalaki ang nakatayo doon.
Isang may-edad na lalaki at isang lalaki na mayroong sling ang kamay, may pasa at
bukol ang mukha. Putok ang labi at namamaga ang ilong at hitsurang ginulpi.
I knew who the guy was.
It was Butch Konizko and he was with Reed that I threw somewhere from the bar when
I saw him groped Masha.
“Noah,” nakangiting bati ni Butch Konizko sa akin.
“Mr. Konizko.” Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko. Paano niya nalaman kung saan ako
nakatira?
“Stas gave me your address and I went here as soon as I land. Can we get in?”
Alanganin ako at tumingin sa kasama niyang lalaki. Bakit kasama niya ang gago na
ito?
“Oh, this is my stupid son Reed.” Tiningnan pa ng masama ni Butch Konizko ang
kasama. “He is here to see to Masha. Stas also mentioned to me that his daughter is
staying here with you.” Putangina. Fucking small world. This asshole was Butch
Konizko’s son? Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakatingin lang kay Reed na
halatang nahihiya sa hitsura nito.
“Apparently, he got involved in a fight when he went to a bar.
Someone pulled him away from Masha when they were dancing and threw him. Then when
he was going home, someone beat him up in an alley and he ended like that.” Si
Butch ang nagsabi noon at binalingan ang anak. “You really didn’t know who did that
to you?” Someone beat him after we got out? Who could that be?
“Aren’t you going to invite us in? It’s cold out here,” pilit na ngumiti sa akin
si Butch Konizko kaya napilitan na akong papasukin sila. Pinaupo ko sila sa living
room at pinaghintay. Hindi ko naman puwedeng itaboy ang dalawang iyon dahil si Stas
Rozovsky mismo ang nagsabi kung saan ako nakatira at narito si Masha. If Stas
Rozovsky trusts these people, who am I not to accommodate them?
But if Stas Rozovsky found out that this asshole drugged and groped her daughter,
definitely this stupid asshole would end up in his Box.
“I want to talk with you before we talk to Masha.” Seryosong sabi ni Butch. “I
already talked to Stas, told him what this stupid son of mine did with his
daughter. You know kids,” tumawa ng parang napapahiya si Butch at umayos ng upo.
“Are you married, Noah?” Umiling lang ako at seryosong nakatingin kay Reed na
nakayuko. I wanted to punch this asshole and beat him up because I could still
remember how he touched Masha. “When you are married and you have a son, you would
understand the feeling that I am feeling.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “Sometimes
kids tend to do stupid things and this son of mine is not an exemption.” Binatukan
pa ni Butch ang anak niya kaya agad na napaaray si Reed at hinimas ang nasaktang
batok. “You are lucky Stas didn’t kill you for drugging his daughter.” “Mr.
Rozovksy knew what happened?” And Stas Rozovsky didn’t do anything?
“My son called me and told me what happened. He told me he was drunk and under the
influence and he did something to Masha. I had to talk to Stas and told him what
happened. Kilala naman ni Stas ang anak ko. Both Masha and my son grew up in the
same family circle.” Natawa pa nga si Butch. “Stas and I have this joke that maybe
we could be a family if his daughter and my son end up together in the future.”
Nagtagis ang bagang ko at lalong sumama ang tingin ay Reed. Lalo lang kumukulo ang
dugo ko. “Wala ka ba sa club nang mangyari iyon? Ikaw ang bodyguard ni Masha ‘di
ba?” Tanong pa ni Butch. “You didn’t see who threw my son in that club?” Umiling
ako. “When I saw the commotion at the dance floor, I immediately looked for Masha
and brought her out and went straight home. She’s my only concern.”
Pagsisinungaling ko. Malamig na malamig din ang tono ko. “Then he was beaten up.
He didn’t know who did it to him. Kaya siguro hindi na nagalit si Stas dahil
nabugbog naman ang anak ko ng mga hindi kilalang tao.” Napapailing si Butch. “Where
is Masha? Reed wants to apologize and the two of us will talk about business.”
Kung puwede lang akong kumontra at itaboy ang magtatay na ito ay ginawa ko na. Ayaw
kong makaharap ni Reed si Masha dahil naiinis ako. Damn it, nagseselos ako. Fuck
me. What kind of realization was that?
“Masha.” Nilakasan ko ang boses ko para marinig. Wala naman akong choice kundi ang
tawagin siya at paharapin sa mag-amang narito.
Mayamaya ay lumalabas mula sa kusina si Masha at si Matt. Parehong gulat na gulat
na makitang naroon si Reed tapos ay gulpi-sarado ang hitsura. “Oh my God, Reed.
What happened to you?” Lalo lang akong nainis na concern pa si Masha sa lalaking
iyon.
“Masha, iha.” Si Butch ang tumayo at lumapit kay Masha tapos ay yumakap. “I hope
you are okay.” “Uncle Butch. What are you doing here?” papalit-palit ang tingin
niya dito at kay Reed. “What happened to you?” Nasa hitsura ni Masha ang gulat na
gulat dahil sa nakitang hitsura ng lalaki. Pero hindi sumagot si Reed. Ang sumunod
na ginawa ay lumuhod sa harap ni Masha at kulang na lang ay humalik sa paa ni
Masha. Napaikot ako ng mata. Ang drama masyado. Kung wala lang ang tatay ng
lalaking ito, inginudngod ko na talaga ng malala sa semento.
“Forgive me, Masha. Please. Forgive me. I am sorry for what I did.
I got carried away to that party.” Nanginginig ang boses ni Reed at ang sama lang
ng tingin ko dito. Nang tumingin ako sa gawi ni Matt ay kita kong nagpipigil ito ng
tawa. Nakatakip ang kamay sa bibig pero halatang tumatawa. Alanganin na tumingin
sa akin si Masha tapos ay agad na nagbawi ng tingin at hinawakan si Reed. “Stand
up, ano ba? Your dad is here.” Halatang nahihiya si Masha sa ginagawa ni Reed.
“No.” umiiyak na si Reed at nanatiling nakaluhod tapos ay yumapos pa sa mga binti
ni Masha. “I want you to forgive me. I was so stupid for doing that. I got carried
away. It was the booze, the drugs. You know what we do before. Every time you were
becoming Masha Fantasha.” I gritted my teeth and curled my hand into a ball. Gusto
ko nang i-landing ang kamao ko sa mukha ng lalaking ito. She was no longer Masha
Fantasha and she won’t do those stupidity again. “All right, all right.” Tingin ko
ay wala na lang magawa si Masha.
“It’s okay. We are okay. Stand up please.” Doon lang tumayo si Reed at punong-puno
ng luha ang mukha.
“You really forgive me?” Nang tumingin ako sa gawi ni Matt ay maasim na ang mukha
nito.
Halatang naiirita na sa ginagawa ni Reed. OA naman kasi. Obvious na umaarte na
lang. Napatingin ako sa gawi ni Butch at nakangiti din habang nakatingin kay Masha
at Reed na okay na. “And all is good.” Tumingin sa akin si Butch. “Can we go out
for a while? We need to discuss something about the business.” “I can’t leave
Masha here.” Paninigasan na hindi ako aalis dito. I am not going to leave Masha
with this asshole. I don’t trust him. Kumumpas sa hangin si Butch. “She will be
okay here. Reed will take care of her and he will not do any stupid thing. I
promise you that.” “But if Mr. Rozovsky found out-“ “Stas will be okay with it.”
Seryosong sabi ni Butch na nagpatigil sa pagsasalita ko. “This is important, Noah.”
Alam kong may ibig sabihin ang tono niyang iyon. “We’ll just stay here, Noah. I am
not going anywhere,” si Matt na ang nagsabi noon at tumango. Walang magawa ay
sumunod na lang ako kay Butch. Even if I wanted to stay with Masha, at the end of
the day, I was still the soldier of these powerful men. Hindi naman kami sa malayo
pumunta ni Butch. Sa pinakamalapit na coffee shop kami pumunta at alam kong para
hindi marinig sa apartment ko kung ano ang pag-uusapan namin. “I talked to Stas
and I know he is pissed with what my son did.” Tonong disappointed si Butch.
“Mabuti na nga lang malalim na ang pinagsamahan naming dalawa kaya hindi na
lumalala pa ang nangyari. I hope my stupid son learned his lesson. Anyway, I am
here to talk about the next deals that our partners will make. I will personally
transact with them from now on since Stas told me that you need to focus on
guarding her daughter.” “Mr. Rozovsky said that?” Wala na bang tiwala sa akin si
Mr.
Rozovsky? Bakit personal nang hahawak ang Butch na ito ang mga transactions namin?
Tumango siya. “Mas gusto niyang si Masha lang ang tutukan mo.
The next deals that we have are the Russians, right? Let me talk to Ivan and tell
me everything about the deals that you close with him. Ako na ang bahala doon.”
Tumawa siya ng nakakaloko. “It seems that you are Stas’ favorite. Ayaw kang
mahirapan ng boss mo kaya binawasan ka ng trabaho.” “I want to keep my job that’s
why I am doing my best.” Iyon na lang ang naisagot ko.
“And you can keep it while babysitting her precious daughter. He wants you to
focus on that. Don’t worry, hindi naman magtatagal ‘yan.
Soon, if Masha and my son get along together, they would end up a couple and soon
end up married. Stas and I have that talk from time to time and later on he will
realize that my son is a good catch for his daughter.
Ganoon naman talaga ‘di ba? Rich daughter should marry a rich son. Ang mayaman
bagay lang sa mayaman.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko. Napipikon ako. What was he trying
to imply? That a guy like me won’t never be good to Masha because she was a damn
rich princess and I am just an employee of her father? And dami-dami pang sinasabi
ng Butch na ito pero hindi ko na iniintindi. Kung ano-ano ang pumasok sa isip ko.
Ipinokus ko na lang ang usapan namin sa mga deals na trabaho ko dapat pero kinukuha
na niya. Wala akong imik nang bumalik sa apartment. Naipagpasalamat kong wala na
doon si Reed at tanging si Matt na lang ang nasa living room.
Tinanong ko kung nasaan si Masha at sinabing nagpaalam na daw na magpapahinga.
Gusto kong tanungin si Matt kung ano ang pinaggagawa pa ng lalaking iyon dito pero
pinigil ko ang sarili ko. Sinabihan ko na lang na umuwi na nang makapagpahinga na
rin. Pabagsak akong naupo sa couch na tutulugan ko. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko
pero napamulat din dahil tuksong bumabalik doon ang mga sinabi ni Butch sa akin.
Naiinis ako. Napipikon talaga. Halatang-halata sa gagong iyon na talagang ipu-push
niya ang gagong anak para kay Masha. Tumayo ako at tinungo ang kusina tapos ay
kumuha ng tatlong bote ng beer. Bumalik ako sa couch sa sala at ininom iyon.
Pinatay ko na ang ilaw sa paligid para kumalma ang isip ko dahil tingin ko, hindi
ako makakatulog ng matino dahil sa mga nalaman ko. Gustong-gusto kong tawagan si
Mr. Rozovsky. Sabihin sa kanya na hindi bagay ang Reed na iyon para sa anak niya
pero pinigil ko ang sarili ko. Mali. Hindi ko puwedeng panghimasukan iyon. Sino ba
ako para makialam sa buhay ng mga mayayaman na ito? Tama naman ang sinabi ni Butch
Konizko. Ang mayaman ay bagay lang naman talaga sa mayaman at kahit may pera ako,
hindi-hindi ako makakatapat sa yaman ng mga Rozovsky.
Hinding-hindi ako makakatapat sa level ni Masha. Nasa pangalawang bote na ako ng
beer nang marinig kong bumukas ang pinto ng kuwarto ni Masha. Nakiramdam ako at
alam kong lumabas siya. Dahan-dahan ang pagbaba. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin at
dumeretso siya sa kusina. Nang lumabas ay nakita kong may dalang bote. Bote ng beer
iyon. Pabalik na siya sa itaas nang magsalita ako. “Can’t sleep?” “Shit!” Gulat
na bulalas niya. “Damn it, Noah! You scared me.” Napahawak pa siya sa dibdib niya.
“You’re here na?” Binuksan na niya ang ilaw at nakita ang bote ng beer na nasa
harap ko. “What time did you get home?” “Ngayon lang.” Inubos ko ang natitirang
laman ng beer na iniinom at itinuro ang bote ng beer na hawak niya. “Sneaking in
with that drink?” Nasa hitsura ni Masha ang nahuli na gumawa ng kalokohan. “Just
one bottle.” “I am not going to tell it to your dad,” iyon na lang ang sagot ko at
ako pa ang nagbukas noon at ibinigay iyon sa kanya. Napahinga ako ng malalim at
sumandal sa kinauupuan ko tapos ay ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko. “You look tired.
Are you already tired with me?” Nagmulat ako ng mata at tumingin sa kanya.
Nakatitig na naman siya sa akin. “Why do you think I am getting tired of you?”
“Wala lang. It shows on you.” Uminom siya sa hawak na bote ng beer. “I am okay.”
Pagsisinungaling. Definitely I am not okay. I am pissed with what I heard from
Butch. I am pissed to myself because of what I am feeling with Masha. I am pissed
that whatever happens this feeling will just be buried deep inside me forever.
Saglit na napatahimik si Masha at napahinga ng malalim habang nakatitig sa akin.
“You know… I had a realization earlier.” Seryoso ang tono ni Masha.
Natawa ako ng mapakla. “Realization like what? That you like Reed?” Pakiramdam ko
ay may kumurot sa dibdib ko. Dinampot ko ang huling bote ng beer na nasa mesa at
painis na binuksan iyon at uminom.
“What?” Umasim ang mukha niya. “Of course not. I don’t like Reed.
Eww…” hitsurang nandiri pa si Masha tapos ay huminga ng malalim. “I just realized
that older people are nice to hang around with.” Napahinto ako sa pag-inom pero
nanatiling nakadikit ang bote ng beer sa bibig ko at tumingin sa kanya. Tumawa
siya at hitsurang nahihiya. “Reed and I… we talked. I mean… I had known him for
some time and we did stupid things together.
And he is telling me that he likes me but…” napapailing siya. “I don’t know. I just
don’t feel the connection between us.” “Bagay naman kayo,” labas sa ilong na sabi
ko. “You’re rich, he is rich. Same age bracket.” My jaw clenched with I said that.
Those were the truth that I had to remind myself. I am not rich and never will be
leveled with Masha Rozovsky and the same time, I am way too old for her.
“So, if he is rich bagay na kami?” Tonong naasar si Masha. “What if I like someone
else who is not rich?” Napatingin ako sa kanya. “You like someone else?”
Paniniguro ko. Uminom siya sa hawak na beer tapos ay ngumiti ng nakakaloko at
tumango.
“Is it Matt?” Huwag naman si Matt utang na loob. Napaikot ang mata niya. “No.
Matt is just a friend.” Ngumiti siya na parang batang excited. “It’s so
spontaneous. I don’t understand what happened to me, I just suddenly felt it while
Reed was bragging things to me. I remembered this man’s face and I remembered how
handsome he look… how hot he is… he smelled good too…” napapikit pa si Masha at
hitsurang nangangarap tapos ay dumilat na at tumingin sa akin. “Well, I have a
crush on him na rin naman noon but this time when I looked at him... I felt
something different. It’s getting deeper.” Inubos ko ang natitirang laman ng beer
na iniinom at painis na ibinaba iyon. “Good for you.” Walang interes na sabi ko.
“Why don’t you tell him that you like him?” “I am telling it to you now.”
Natigilan ako sa narinig na sinabi ni Masha at napatitig sa kanya.
Seryoso siyang nakatingin sa akin. “What the hell are you saying?” Hindi ko
maintindihan ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko. If Masha was just fucking with me
right now, she was doing it good because a deep part of me was hoping that she was
liking me. “Did Reed drug you again?” Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ko at alam
kong hindi naman nasa impluwensiya ng alak o drugs si Masha. Tumayo siya at lalo
akong nagulat sa ginawa niya. Kumandong siya sa harap ako at ikinawit ang dalawang
braso sa leeg ko habang titig na titig sa mga mata ko.
“This is not a joke, Noah. I am not fucking with you. I realized that I like you.
I cannot explain it. I cannot understand what is going on with me.” Bahagyang
sumimangot ang mukha niya. “I may not be sexy like the women that you’ve been with.
I don’t have big bumpers and double DD’s like you want, I don’t have rounded ass
but I can be wild like them.
I can scream your name over and over while in bed. I know how to be like those
women so you can like me back.” Napalunok ako at walang masabi habang titig na
titig kay Masha.
Was this a test? Because if this was, I am going to fail. The remaining sanity that
was clinging like a thread in me was definitely losing. “You cannot like me,
Masha.” I didn’t know how I let go of that words while her lips were so close into
mine and I could feel her soft body against me. “Why?” Her eyes were looking at me
like a kid being told no. “You just can’t.” I should have pushed her away from me.
I should have removed her arms wrapped around my neck. I should have stood up and
stayed away from her. But I couldn’t do it. Because I was liking it. “If you tell
me you don’t like me then I will leave you alone. But I need to hear it from you.
Tell me you don’t want me, Noah. Tell me I am just a kid to you then I will leave
you alone.” She gently slides her hand through my hair and I lose all my self-
control. My throat felt dry and I could say anything at all. I kept on shaking my
head and she started to grind herself on top of me. I knew she was feeling my hard-
on against my pants. She moved her face closer to mine and just a single move, our
lips could touch. “Kiss me, please.” Her tone was full of plead and she was trying
to rub her lips against mine. “I can’t… Shit. Please. Don’t tempt me like this.
Your father will kill me.” but right at this moment, I knew I already lost. I could
bet my life to his father just to have a taste of her lips again. “Then he could
kill me too. Because I will die if I don’t do this.” Masha being Masha, the hard-
headed only princess of the ruthless Stas Rozovsky couldn’t be stopped by anything
once she wanted to have something. Right now, she wanted me. She landed her lips
into mine kissing me passionately that I knew could end into something deeper than
a kiss.
And I am ready to give everything to her. Success is getting what you want.

Happiness is wanting what you get – Dale Carnegie

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE | GET ALL YOU WANT
MASHA

All my life, I always get what I wanted. I am not sorry that I was a bitchy self-
centered, spoiled ass daughter because right now, I am going to be like that just
to get what I wanted. Just to get Noah.
Fuck those bitches that Matt told me about that he had sex with.
Fuck them that they were wild, they had double DD’s and rounded ass and they were
screaming his name in his bed. I didn’t might have the double DD’s and rounded ass,
but definitely I could be wild and could scream his name over and over until he
didn’t want to hear his name at all.
I knew it was crazy but when I was talking to Reed and he began to say sorry and
told me that he just did that to get my attention, my mind was with Noah. I was
thinking about what he was doing out there. I was thinking if he finds me pretty,
sexy or he just sees me as a kid. When Matt began to tell me about those women that
he had been with especially a name Serena kept on popping in his story, I was
furious. Goddamn fuming and I told myself, I would make Noah changed his mind when
he looks at me. I would make him forget that Serena and he would be only thinking
about me. Throwing myself into him right now and kissing him was just the start.
He was not a conquest that soon I would get tired of. Noah was something that I
needed to have in me. Not just for tonight but… for a long a time.
Forever perhaps. “Y-you need to stop,” his breaths were labored. He was asking me
stop kissing him but his arms were wrapped around my waist and his mouth kept
pressing into mine. “I don’t want to stop,” I continued kissing him. I slide my
tongue inside his mouth that he took willingly. Our tongues had a showdown inside
our mouths and the feeling was arousing. I had never been kissed like this before.
My mouth was never claimed like this. The possessiveness in his kiss was
overwhelming and I wanted to be kissed like this forever. Suddenly he let go of
kissing me. He held on my face and look at me. He swallowed hard. I could see in
his eyes the fire that was burning inside him and I knew inside his mind, he kept
on telling himself that we should stop this. That I am the only princess of Stas
Rozovsky and he was my dad’s employee, and if more than a kiss happened tonight, he
would really be in trouble.
But I am going to reassure him that he won’t be in trouble ever. I wanted this. I
wanted to be with him. I am giving myself to him willingly.
He could touch and kiss every part of my body. Because if I didn’t do this, I knew
he won’t make the first step. He won’t kiss me. He won’t touch me and that was a
fucked life to live with. I kissed him deeply. I moaned in his mouth and he was
kissing me back, then stopped again and held my face. I won’t give him to think
that this was wrong. Damn, this night won’t be over until Noah and I ended up in
bed. He swallowed hard and I could feel the need in his breaths. He was losing
control and I am loving it. “I-If… if we do this…” he blew out a hard breath and I
teased him by grinding on his lap and feeling his hard-on. “Tell me you want this.”
I nodded my head. “I want you,” I kissed his lips and trailed it down his chin down
to his neck but he stopped me again.
“Y-you’re giving me all your consent. You want me to do things to you.” He was
gasping for air. “Things that can only be done in bed. Things that will disrespect
you.” I kept on nodding and bit my lower lip. He was giving up and I liked it. I
held his face and grind harder against his hard-on. “I want you. I want you to
fuck me like how you fuck those bitches that you had in your bed,” I licked his
lips and he closed his eyes then groaned. Damn, it was sexy. I heard him cursed and
without a word, he stood up and lifted me. Automatically I wrapped my legs around
his waist while my hands kept on hugging his neck. “Damn it,” he said while
kissing and walked going somewhere. I felt we were going up. I knew we were going
to my room. Our mouths were still pressed together when he opened the door and
kicked it closed.
Our kiss deepened and when we reached the bed and he laid me down, I could see lust
in his eyes. His breaths were ragged and his jaws were clenching. “One last time,
princess. Tell me you want this.” He said in between his teeth.
I nodded. “I want this, Noah. I want you. I want you to fuck me like crazy and
make me scream for your name.” I didn’t let go of my gaze from him. He growled and
dived into me and kissed me harder. He started to rip my clothes off and my hands
were busy removing his shirt while our lips were still pressing together. Our
tongues wrestling with each other and only my moans and his grunts were heard
everywhere. I had been kissed with many men but only Noah’s kiss made my toes
curl. Only his touch made me feel this unexplainable heat that kept me wanting for
more. His calloused hands touching my naked skin made me crave for him. He stopped
kissing me when I was totally bare right in front of his eyes. I could see fire in
those when he was looking at me. I felt proud that I still made him want me even if
I didn’t have double DD’s and rounded ass. I knew my breasts were to die for even
if it was not that big and my young body was craved by those maniacs who wanted me
in their beds.
I was wild. I was careless. I kissed and made out with many men but down there, I
was still a virgin. I never allowed anyone to touch me there.
No men knew how my pussy looked like. I am wild but I knew when to stop being a
tease. I didn’t want my first time to be with some asshole who would just want to
bed me and later on spread the word that they fucked me. I wanted my first time to
be special. To be with someone that I wanted.
To be with someone like Noah. He started unbuttoning his pants and damn, why he
had to be perfect? The way he was moving unbuttoning and unzipping his pants was so
sexy. His breaths, the way he looked at me was so sexy. Everything in him was sexy.
I feasted my eyes looking at his wide pecs, his flat stomach with angry abs. Fuck,
those are pretty to look at and when he pulled down his pants, that was the end of
me.
Because the pinkish-brownish veiny cock sprung right in front of me and stood up
like a good soldier who was ready for a good fight.
“You better know what you’re asking, princess. Because after this, there is no
turning back.” He said in a hiss while he started to stroke his hard cock. Gosh,
why did he look so yummy while stroking his cock? He didn’t look like those men
that I watched in porn. Noah looked like a naked Greek God in front of me showing
proudly his hard dick. I could sense that up to now he was still trying to control
himself but just like me, we were both under an unexplainable spell and only being
one could explain it. “Shut up. Just come here and fuck me,” I moved up and
wrapped my hand around his neck and kissed him. He was on top me and we were
kissing each other deeper while his hands began to touch my body. I moaned against
his mouth when he began to touch my breast. It felt so perfect. His hand massaging
my breast, playing with my nipple and he began to pinch it, Oh God… this feels so
good. Noah’s lips began to trail from my mouth down to my chin. His tongue trailed
down to my neck until it reached between my breasts. My whole body was trembling
when both of his hands grabbed my breasts while his fingers were playing and
tugging with my nipples. He buried his face in between then pressed both of my
breasts on his face like he wanted to be drowned in my melons. I didn’t have big
boobs but Noah made me feel like I had the biggest boobs in the world. The way he
was holding it, the way he made me feel how he was getting crazy for it, the way he
pushed my breasts together so he could suck both of my nipples like there was no
tomorrow, I felt I already reached the never-ending ecstasy. Then he stopped.
Maybe he got tired sucking my nipples and playing with my boobs. He trailed his
tongue again down to my stomach until I felt his hands on my knees and without a
word, pushed it apart and showed my waxed pussy. I felt so totally naked in front
of him. I saw him clenched his jaw while looking at my pussy and his eyes burned in
lust. He kept on swallowing hard then moved down his head. He started to kiss the
insides of my legs and the thought that his mouth and tongue would be in my slit
anytime soon was making my body to tremble in excitement. When his face reached
between my thighs, he didn’t touch his lips there. He was smelling it. Looking at
it. Like he was memorizing every part of my pussy and memorizing how it smell. I
didn’t feel embarrassed.
I let him do whatever he wanted to do. I wanted him to get crazy for this so he
won’t look for another pussy anymore. If his women were wild like this, might as
well, I act wilder than them. I saw him swallowed hard and wet his lips. Until I
felt his tongue licked my slit.
“Oh my God…” those words came out from my mouth in an instant.
I felt my whole body shook when he did that. Then he does it again. I whimpered in
pleasure. He made another lick and this time his tongue made a way to search
something inside my slit. Until he found it. He began to suck my clit. And true
enough, I screamed for his name while my hand grabbed his hair. I felt Noah found
what he was looking for. He didn’t stop sucking my clit until my own hips were
moving against his mouth. It was like my hips had their own minds and needed to
move to match the movement of his mouth and tongue. He was licking it like crazy.
He was sucking it like a mad man and I was screaming for his name like I am a crazy
woman. I had never done this kind of thing before but right now, I knew I wanted
to feel this crazy feeling again and again. My eyes rolled in ecstasy every time
he was sucking my clit hard. I could hear lewd sounds coming from his mouth and I
knew I was drenched down there. The shame left my body the moment he buried his
face between my thighs and I wanted him to feel my need that I wanted more. While
sucking my clit, I felt something touched my entrance. I knew it was not his cock,
it was impossible for him to do that right now. While still feasting on my pussy,
he began to put his finger inside me and that made me lose it. “Noah… Oh God…”
That drove me mad. The feeling was too intense and I couldn’t understand what was
going on in my body. I was moaning and screaming in ecstasy as I writhe on the bed
while he kept on pounding his finger inside me. I was gasping for air until I felt
something was going to explode within me. Oh gosh, I am coming and this was far
better than those nights that I was touching myself in my bed. I am coming hard
and when I reached my peak, I let out a faint scream while my whole body trembled
in pleasure. Damn, this was so good. Noah was fucking good. He gave my swollen
clit another good suck then let go of it. He moved away from the bed and stood
beside it still stroking his cock. He was looking at me then showed his point
finger and signaled me to come to him. I was still gasping for air from that mind
blowing orgasm but I had to follow Noah. I moved away from the bed but he signaled
me to move down.
“What should I do?” I was puzzled with what he wanted.
He smiled. Like the devil who already corrupted someone’s soul.
But I wanted to see that devilish smile again that was why I would follow whatever
he wanted me to do.
“On your knees, princess.” His voice was totally different. Full of authority.
Full of power. He was calling me princess but I am the one following his every
word.
I did what he said and I was like a little girl waiting for a treat and that treat
was his engorged cock that he kept on stroking. “You like to taste this cock?” I
felt my throat became dry. His tone was teasing just like his hand around his dick.
I nodded my head. “Then come and taste it.” He kept on stroking his cock while I
tried to touch it but he held my face and lifted it up to look at him. “No hands.
Just your pretty little mouth to taste my cock.” Damn. It was so dirty and yet
that made my whole body lit on fire and wanted to taste that cock so bad. Good
thing he stayed still and let me taste his big cock. I heard him moan when my warm
mouth wrapped around his dick. His breaths were labored while cursing words. This
was my first time to do this. I never had sucked dicks before just watched porn
movies with friends but I think I am going to love to do this again and again with
Noah.
I started to suck it but it kept on pulling out from my mouth. I started to walk
on my knees just to follow his cock and keep it placed in my mouth but it kept on
pulling out and I was like a dog catching up a bone.
That was when I realized Noah was slowly moving backwards. Making me walk on my
knees while trying to catch his dick with my mouth.
“Look at you, princess. Like a hungry slut chasing for my cock.” He said in a low
growl and with a devilish smile in his face. Whatever he wanted to call me, it was
fine with me. I knew in Noah’s mind, I was a slut because of how I lived to be a
reckless brat. But I won’t give up until I had a full taste of his cock and it got
deep in my throat. I am ready to be a slut for him. Until he stopped and held my
hair so tight then shoved his fat cock inside my mouth. I gagged. Tears pooled in
my eyes while he continued to bury his cock deep in my throat. He started fucking
my mouth and I let him. I wanted this. I wanted him to do these nasty things to me.
I wanted him to think that I am far better to any women he fucked.
He let out a groan and pulled my head hardly away from his cock. I looked like a
mess in front of him. On my knees, saliva drooling from my mouth, tears pooling in
my eyes. I knew I looked like exactly what he wanted. A slut craving for him so
bad. “I need to fuck you.” He lifted me up when he said that and brought me back
on the bed.
He spit in his hand and rubbed it on his cock then I felt his hardness against my
slit. Without a warning, he shoved his hard cock so deep into me. I let out a
scream. The fucking pain was overwhelming. And when I opened my eyes and looked at
Noah, the lust that I was seeing in his eyes suddenly turned into horror.

Every action has consequences, and sometimes it’s the small choices that have the
biggest impact - Anonymous ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER
THIRTY | POP SONG NOAH

This was happening.

Fuck, those thoughts in my head were finally happening. Looking at Masha’s
nakedness made all of my dreams come true.
She was fucking beautiful. Perfect in my eyes. Kissing her lips made me crazy for
her. Her boobs, perfect to be touched and played by my hands.
And when I trailed my lips and tongue all over her smooth skin and landed on her
pussy, that was it.
That was the end of me.
I shut the remaining thoughts in my head that I should not be doing this. I let
the demon in me to whisper that what I am doing was okay. I kept on telling myself
that Masha wanted this. She was begging me to do this to her. I didn’t care if she
was a princess and daughter of the notorious killer Stas Rozovsky. I already signed
my death deal the moment I kissed her.
Right now, all that mattered to me was her. Her pleads. Her moans. Her touch and
kisses. All that mattered was her pleasure that I would give to her. I would make
sure that she won’t forget me ever and I would be the best fuck she would
experience in her life. Fuck all those fuckers who had her in bed. I would laugh at
their faces when Masha began to scream for my name over and over while I fuck her
hard and make her come again and again.
She was beautiful in my eyes while she was kneeling on the floor and looked so
hungry to taste my cock. She wanted to be fucked like a whore and I am going to
give it to her with all my heart. I wanted women to be like that. Wild. No
inhibitions in bed and begging to be fucked senselessly. I was waiting for her to
tell me that she wanted me to fuck her now but looking at her all messed up, it was
me who would be telling that I wanted to fuck her while my cock was aching so bad
and needed to be inside of her. “I need to fuck you.” I hissed and lifted her up.
I brought her on the bed and I knew she was waiting for me to shove my hard dick to
her drenched slit. I thought about using a condom. I am a responsible adult for
Christ’s sake. But fuck it. I’ll let her take the morning after pill tomorrow just
to make sure. I spit in my hand and rubbed it on my cock and tease its head into
her opening. I knew she was waiting for it and without a warning, I shoved my cock
deep inside her. I heard her scream.
Not the scream that someone enjoyed what I did. It was a scream of someone who was
in pain. And the damn feeling inside her was something. So tight. Fucking tight.
I felt my whole body stiffened while my cock was still buried inside her then I
realized something. Just looking at Masha’s face, eyes closed and pain was all over
her face, I knew I did something damn horrible. Fuck. “Is this your first time?”
My voice shakes while looking at her. She shook her head but when I tried to move,
she moaned in pain. “Damn it, Masha.” I clenched my teeth. “Is this your fucking
first time? Don’t fucking lie.” “Yes!” She choked on her reply. “But it doesn’t
matter. Come on.
Please… just… do it. Fuck me…” she put her hand on my nape and tried to pull me
closer to her so she could kiss me. “No.” I was shaking my head. “Damn it Masha.
What the fuck am I doing?” I wanted to pull out my cock but the feeling of her
pussy walls clenching around my it was enough for me to push it deeper. But the
guilt was starting to take over me and I needed to stop this. Why she didn’t tell
me this was her first time?
“Hey…” she held my face. “Look at me. It’s okay. I wanted this.” She swallowed
hard and tried to move her body that gave my cock a pleasurable sensation. “I want
you. Please… don’t stop. I want to be yours.” She moaned and moved her head up and
started to kiss me on my neck while her tongue trailed there too. The war of the
demon and angel in my head started to brew again but I already knew who would win.
The angel in me was telling me to pull out my cock, leave and go but the fucking
demon in me was stronger.
Telling me to move my hips, bury my hard cock deep inside her. And that was what I
did. She wanted this. She wanted me to fuck her. To be her first time. The only
guilt that I should be feeling right now was I didn’t take her slowly. I started
to move. I knew in just a few thrusts the pain that she was feeling would be gone.
Soon, her whimpers would be whimpers of pleasure and I couldn’t wait for her to
moan and begged me to fuck her hard. But I needed to hear it. “From now on, you’re
mine.” I whispered to her while I kept on thrusting hard.
She was nodding her head while moaning and biting her lower lip.
“Y-yes… I am yours, Noah.” “You are not allowed to fuck anyone but me.” I kept on
sliding deep into her and I could feel her nails digging at my back. I kept on
filling her wet pussy with my swollen cock that I knew wa pushing her to the edge
of orgasm. “Y-Yes… only you…” I kept on rocking my hips and pushing my cock in
and out of her.
She kept on saying my name and the feeling of her tight pussy was making me crazy
for her. “Fuck, you feel like heaven.” I groaned. I thrusted deep and fast. I lost
all of my self-control and I didn’t care that this was her first. I wanted to give
her every hard thrust and she was taking it like a champ. “Harder…” she whispers.
“I want you to fuck me harder…” And I wanted to do that. I wanted to fuck her like
an animal but that would be too much for her for now “Next time, princess.” I
caressed her face and she was so beautiful with that distorted face and moaning
loud. “For now, you only get this nice slow fuck.” She moaned hard when I fucked
her fast. I grabbed his hips and pulled her closer until I was balls deep into her.
It was a perfect sight looking my cock slipping in and out from her soaked pussy.
Her blood and her cum were creaming my cock like there would be no tomorrow. She
was coming so hard against my cock and I felt I was coming too. I pounded hard deep
into her as my cock was throbbing spilling every drop of my cum inside her. I was
panting while her tight pussy was milking my cock. I didn’t want to move. If only I
could stay like this forever. Cock buried deep into her and feeling the warmth of
her body against mine.
But I had to face the consequence of what I did.
Lines had been crossed and we needed to talk about this. ------------ Masha was
sleeping soundly on my bed. Her face was immaculate.
Like a baby sleeping with no worries at all. Me? I didn’t know how long I was
staring at her. I was not moving at all in this bed. We were both naked under the
sheet and I knew I did a terrible mistake. Pero ngayon pa ba ako magsisisi?
Ginusto ko din ito. Ito kasing putanginang etits ko na ito, nagmarunong kaysa sa
utak ko. Ang gago mo kasi, Noah. Kinandungan ka lang, hinalikan ka lang, bumigay ka
na.
Hindi ko na mabilang ang dami ng babae na nang-seduce sa akin pero tinanggihan ko.
Kapag hindi ko gusto, hindi ako mapipilit ng babae.
Pero si Masha… napabuga ako ng hangin habang nanatiling nakatitig sa kanya. Siya
talaga ang sumagad matinding self-control ko. Pero napangiti din ako nang maalala
kong ako ang first time niya. Who would believe that Masha could still be a virgin?
I saw her videos. I saw how she flirted and made out with different men. Pero kung
hindi man siya virgin, walang problema sa akin. Kahit kailan ay hindi naging issue
sa akin ang virginity ng isang babae. Nagulat lang ako sa nalaman ko dahil alam ko
kung gaano siya ka-wild. Nagi-guilty kasi ako dahil agad ko siyang na-judge at
pinag-isipan na easy na babae dahil lang sa mga nakita kong ginawa niya. “Masha…”
mahina kong tawag sa kanya. Gusto ko nang magkausap kami pero kanina pa siya tulog
matapos ang ginawa namin. Nag-uumpisa akong magpaliwanag sa kanya pero binirahan
ako ng tulog. “Masha…” muli ay tawag ko sa pangalan niya.
Pero mukhang malabong magising ang isang ito. Ang lalim ng tulog kaya napangiti na
lang ako. She really had a great fuck and got what she wanted. I let her have her
rest.
 Dahan-dahan akong umalis sa kama at dinampot ang mga damit namin na nagkalat sa
sahig. Itinupi ko ang damit niya at ipinatong ko sa paanan ng kama. Ako ay lumabas
na at dumeretso sa banyo na naroon malapit sa kusina. Binuksan ko ang shower.
Funny, I didn’t need to use the cold setting of water anymore. Finally, I got what
my cock wanted.
No, not just my cock. I got what I wanted. To taste Masha. To fuck her. And I
thought after that, what I was feeling for her would be over. I thought I was just
challenged to her. She was just a conquest that after I got would immediately made
me look for another. But no. Definitely not. Because the moment I had a taste of
her, it just made me craved for her more. I wanted to taste her, to fuck her again
and again and I wanted her to be mine. Permanently.
Shit. I am fucking screwed. Painis kong pinatay ang shower at tinuyo ang sarili
ko. Nagsuot ako ng dala kong boxers at lumabas na sa banyo. Naupo ako harap ng
mesa at tumingin sa relo. Four thirty AM.
Puwede na akong mag-run nito pero hindi ko ginawa. Wala ako sa mood na gawin iyon
dahil ang utak ko ay high pa rin sa nangyari sa amin ni Masha. Ano kayang klaseng
torture ang gagawin sa akin ni Mr. Rozovsky kapag nalaman niya ang ginawa namin ng
anak niya? Definitely he would castrate me. I am sure of that. Or he would pound my
balls using a hammer again and again until I lose those. Wala sa loob na napahawak
ako sa pagitan ng hita ko at kinapa ang etits at bayag ko tapos ay napahinga ng
malalim. Ngayon pa lang ay nasasaktan na ako agad. Fine. I deserved that shit for
touching her daughter. At least if he kills me, I had the chance to taste Masha
Fantasha and dying for her was all worth it. Basta lang si Stas Rozovsky ang
papatay sa akin. Ayaw ko nang iba. Pero saka ko na nga iisipin kung paano ako
papatayin ni Stas Rozovsky. Right now, I needed to calm my mind and focus it to
something else. Tinutukso na naman kasi ako ng mga demonyo ko sa utak at
binubulungan ako na naroon lang si Masha sa kuwarto at tulog na tulog na hubad.
Kailangan ko ng distraction. Tinungo ko ang sala at kinuha ang Air pods at
isinaksak sa tainga ko. Nag-connect ako sa Bluetooth sa telepono ko at binuksan ang
Spotify. Kailangan ko ng music para kumalma ang isip ko. At habang nakikinig,
magluluto ako. Cooking was my way of calming myself kaya nga si Matt ay mahilig
tumambay dito.
Pop songs ang mga tumutugtog sa selection na napindot ko. Wala ako sa mood na
maghanap ng kung ano pang iba kaya pinabayaan ko na lang kung ano ang tumugtog
doon. Nagbukas ako ng ref at tiningnan kung ano ang puwede kong mailuto. Wala na
rin palang laman kundi ham and sausages. Kailangan ko nang mag-grocery. Kinuha ko
na rin iyon.
Kumuha din ako ng itlog at magluluto ako ng omelette. I knew how to make this
simple egg dish into a superb one. The songs became upbeat. Slowly making myself
calm and on the mood. Nawawala ang alalahanin ko sa nangyari. Sige ako sa pagpi-
prepare habang nakikinig ng music. Hanggang sa isang lumang pop song ang tumugtog.
Nakakaindak naman at nang tingnan ko ang title, Eenie Meenie ni Justin Beiber. An
old pop song that became famous a long time ago. Gusto kong i-skip pero
nakakaindak naman kaya pinabayaan ko na.
Hindi ko napansin na umiindak na ang katawan ko habang nakikinig sa music. Tapos ay
humuhuni na rin ako sa kanta. And I was singing the song like I memorized it. What
the fuck? I knew that fucking song? Pang-bata lang ‘yon.
Pang-teenager. Napahinto ako sa ginagawa at tila nandidiring inialis ang Air pods
sa tainga ko tapos ay ini-exit ang Spotify. I was not like this. I was calculated.
I am too old for this. I was focused on everything and not this kind of mushy song
would affect me. Damn, I needed something to calm my mind. After I cook, I needed
to run. I needed to feel the runner’s high. The fucking endorphins should help to
get me back on my senses.

It’s not possible to experience constant euphoria, but if you’re grateful, you can
find happiness in everything – Pharell Williams

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE | AFTER RUN MASHA
This was the best sleep.
I woke up with a smile in my face. A little bit sore but happy and contented. A
little bit disappointed that Noah was no longer here beside me but still, my heart
was full and joy after what happened to us last night. Umurong pa ako at isinubsob
ang mukha sa unan na tinulugan niya sa tabi ko. Doon ako sumigaw sa tuwa habang
iuubos ko ang amoy niyang naiwan doon. I couldn’t believe what happened. Noah and
I did it. I finally had sex and that was with someone that I like. Pahilata akong
muling nahiga sa kama at tumitig sa kisame. Alam kong maraming consequence ang
kapalit ng ginawa namin but, who cares? We both liked what we did. It was
consensual and… I am at the right age. Mayroon pa ngang mas bata pa ang gumagawa ng
ganoon pero okay lang sa mga tao. And he was a monster in bed. Napakagat-labi ako
tapos ay impit na tumili nang maalala ang mga ginawa niya. That was so wild. I
couldn’t imagine I could be like that. He woke up the sexually deprived monster in
me. Sure, I did some experimenting with myself. Tried touching and fingering myself
but… it was better when someone else did it for me. Far better when Noah did that
to me. His touch, his kiss, his damn everything… it drove me crazy that I wanted
him again beside me in this bed now. Definitely I wanted him. Not just in this bed
but in my life. People that I know may say that I am crazy and Noah was just a
challenge to me that later on I would get tired of but no. Noah was different. He
changed me big time. The way I see life. No one put me in my place but him and I am
glad that he didn’t give up to my bratty attitude. Napabuga ako ng hangin. Siguro
naman nakapasa na ako sa kanya sa nangyari sa amin kagabi kahit wala akong double
DD’s at mabilog na puwet. I knew he liked my boobs even if the pairs I had was at
normal range size. He wanted to drown himself here last night. Siguro naman mas
malaki ang advantage ko sa mga naging babae niya. Napairap ako at nainis. Hindi na
siya puwedeng lapitan pa ng kahit na sinong babae.
Kakalbuhin ko talaga silang lahat. All right. Enough with the day dreaming. I
needed to get off this bed and face the consequence of what we did. We needed to
talk about it. Pagkaayos ko ng kama ay dumeretso ako sa banyo at nag-shower.
Nakatapi ako ng tuwalya nang lumabas ng banyo at binuksan ang cabinet ni Noah.
Humugot ako ng isang white t-shirt niya at iyon ang isinuot ko.
No bra, no panties under. I giggled like a child when a kinky thought came in my
mind. Naalala ko sa mga napapanood ko na romantic movies, ‘yong mga bidang babae
doon after sex isinusuot ang t-shirt or polo ng mga naka-sex nila and it looked so
nice and romantic. I am sure ganoon din ngayon. Pero naalala ko na naiinis nga pala
siya kapag isinusuot ko ang t-shirt niya. Pero ako na rin ang kumontra noon. Noon
iyon. This time, if Noah sees me like this, he would find me sexy and maybe we
could have a round two. Bumaba na ako pero pakiramdam ko ay ako lang mag-isa dito.
Tumingin ako sa relo at nakita kong ala-siyete ng umaga. Hindi ko maramdaman ang
presensiya ni Noah pero nang dumeretso ako sa kusina ay nakita kong may nakahain na
pagkain doon. Egg omelette. Toasted bread with butter and jam spreads. Mayroon din
ham and sausage.
Siguradong si Noah ang gumawa nito dahil naalala kong sinabi ni Matt na marunong at
masarap daw magluto si Noah. Well, just by looking at this ordinary food, he made
it to something special that made me crave to eat this. But I am much craving for
him. Nasaan ba siya?
Hanggang sa makarinig ako ng boses na nagsasalita galing sa labas.
Dali-dali akong tumayo at tinungo ang bintana para sumilip doon. Nakita kong
nakatayo sa pinto si Noah at may kausap. Hawak niya ang telepono sa isang kamay at
ang isang kamay ay hawak ang t-shirt niya. Napalunok ako habang pinagmamasdan ang
hubad niyang katawan. I thought I was imagining things yesterday because of the
high that I felt while we were having a foreplay but right now, I was really
looking at his angry abs.
Damn those abs. Galit na galit habang sige ang pagtulo ng pawis sa katawan niya.
Saan kaya siya galing?
“Just got back from a run.” Nasagot ang tanong ko nang marinig kong iyon ang sabi
niya sa kausap niya. May nakalagay na Air pods sa tainga niya at humihingal pa siya
habang patuloy ang pagtulo ng pawis mula sa leeg niya, pababa sa dibdib, sa abs
niya at mawawala kapag dumako na sa shorts niya. Ang sexy tingnan ni Noah. Last
night when he was totally naked in front of me, I wanted to worship him like a
Greek God. Right now, he looked like a model in a sport magazine. Walang pangit na
anggulo ang lalaking ito.
Pero ang tanong, sino ang kausap niya ng ganito kaaga?
“Just by myself.” Nakangiti na ngayon si Noah. Ang ganda ng ngiti niya habang
sinasagot ang kausap. Litaw na litaw ang perfect set of white teeth. At ayaw kong
ngumingiti siya ng ganoon na ibang tao ang kausap niya. Nakakainis. Gusto ko sa
akin lang siya ngingiti ng ganoon. “It’s too early, Serena.” He said that with a
sigh. Was that regret that I felt in his voice? Nanghihinayang sa kung ano ang
sinasabi ng babaeng iyon? I clenched my teeth and took a deep breath to calm
myself. Ang aga-aga umiinit ang ulo ko. Ano ang ibig niyang sabihin na too early?
Was that bitch wanted to see him? Mag-ano ba sila?
Mag-syota ba sila? But according to Matt, Noah was not in a relationship.
Marami lang babae pero walang ka-steady.
“I can’t. I am working.” Marahan pa niyang pinahid ang pawis niya.
“I am not babysitting. This is real work.” That bitch! She thinks Noah was just
babysitting me? Well, newsflash bitch. I just fucked my babysitter last night and I
intend on fucking him again and again until he no longer recognizes you.
Gusto kong buksan ang pinto at agawin ang telepono kay Noah at talagang sasabihin
ko iyon sa babaeng iyon. Ilang beses akong humihinga ng malalim at pilit na kinalma
ang sarili ko. No. I am not going to do that.
I am far better than that. “What about him?” Ngayon ay seryoso na ang tono ng
boses ni Noah. “My answer is no. I am already working for someone and I am loyal to
my boss. Ano ang hindi niya maintindihan doon?” Nakikinig si Noah sa kung ano ang
sinasabi ng babaeng kausap niya at tingin ko, seryoso na ngayon ang sinasabi at
hindi na landian. “Kahit magkano pa ang i-offer niya. The answer is still no,
Serena.” Matigas na ang tono ni Noah.
Yeah, bitch. The answer is no kaya tumigil ka na. Nanatiling nakikinig si Noah sa
kausap niya at lalo akong naiinis.
Ano pa kaya ang sinasabi ng babaeng iyon? “Okay. I’ll try to drop by if I have
time.” Iyon ang huli kong narinig ni Noah.
Oh, baby. I’ll make sure you won’t have any time to drop by anywhere. Nang makita
kong pinindot ni Noah ang hawak na telepono at inialis ang Air pods na nasa tainga,
mabilis akong umalis doon at bumalik sa kusina. Naupo ako sa harap ng mesa at
hinintay na lang na dumating siya.
Narinig kong bumukas ang pinto tapos ay dumeretso siya sa kusina at nagulat pa nga
nang makita ako doon. Hindi malaman ni Noah kung tutuloy o aalis dahil nakita akong
hitsurang naghihintay sa kanya. “Good morning,” malambing kong bati. “Where did
you go?” Halatang hindi kumportable si Noah at kahit pawisan na gawa ng katatapos
lang niyang run, mukhang mas lalong pinapawisan dahil kaharap ako. I had never seen
him uncomfortable like this in front of me and he looked so cute.
“You’re awake,” iyon lang ang nasabi niya at napabuga ng hangin tapos ay tinungo
ang ref. Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin nang buksan niya iyon at kumuha ng bottled
water. Binuksan at ininom. Gosh, he looked sexy while drinking from that bottled
water. Kung puwede lang lumuwa ang mata ko sa pagkakatitig sa kanya, malamang
nangyari na. Kung nakakatunaw lang din ang pagtingin sa kanya, malamang kanina pa
nalusaw si Noah. I didn’t know why I was like seeing everything in him for the
first time and everything he does right now amazes me. “Yes, I am.” Iyon ang
sinabi ko kaya tinapunan niya ako ng tingin.
“Where have you been?” “I went out for a run.” Pinahid pa niya ang bibig at
itinapon sa basurahan ang empty bottle ng tubig. “Breakfast is ready. Kumain ka
na.” Akma niya akong tatalikuran pero tinawag ko siya. Nagtatanong siyang tumingin
sa akin. “That’s it?” Nakaangat ang kilay na tanong ko.
Kumunot ang noo niya. “That’s it what?” “I mean…” I cleared my throat. “That’s
it? Are we not going to talk about it? What happened last night?” Nakita kong
nagtagis ang bagang ni Noah at halatang naging uneasy tapos ay napahinga ng
malalim.
“It was a mistake. I should have never touched you in the first place.” Mababang-
mababa ang tono niya. Napaikot ako ng mata. “I didn’t feel it was a mistake,
Noah. I wanted it. I begged for it.” Kaswal na sagot ko.
“And I shouldn’t give in to you.” Punong-puno ng pagsisisi ang tono niya. “I am
the matured one and I should have stayed away.” Hindi ko maintindihan ang kirot na
naramdaman ko. Akala ko pa naman, after ng nangyari kagabi mas lalo kaming magiging
close ni Noah.
Pero iba ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Mas umiiwas na siya.
“You didn’t like it? What happened to us?” Tumayo na ako at humarap sa kanya. Alam
kong asiwang-asiwa si Noah na ang lapit ko sa kanya. “Tell me right in my face that
you didn’t like what we did?” Tiningnan niya ako ng masama. “You’re the daughter
of my boss.
Just thinking about you already sealed the torture that I should have.
Touching you. Kissing you. And having sex with you, I already signed my death
sentence.” Seryosong sabi niya.
“But you still risked your life for it. You like me, Noah.” Matigas na sabi ko.
“You won’t allow that to happen if you don’t like me.” Nagtagis ang bagang niya.
“And I am totally regretting it. You are the only princess of Stas Rozovsky who
happens to be a ruthless man and he won’t think twice to kill once he found out
what I did.” Lalo akong lumapit kay Noah at napaatras siya pero kitchen sink na
ang aatrasan niya kaya wala na siyang pupuntahan. He was tall and I had to tip toe
just to level my face to his face. I held it and made sure that he won’t look
anywhere but me. “Who cares? I want you.” I gently touched his lips with my thumb.
He swallowed hard. If he wanted to stay away from me, all he could do was to push
me away. He was a big, strong man and he could immediately get rid of me if he
wanted it. But that was not I was feeling.
He was just suppressing everything. Thinking about his job and my dad but I knew he
wanted me too. “You don’t want me,” he said softly. “You are just challenged. You
think of me as a conquest and you already got it last night. Stop this, Masha.” I
raised a brow. “What happened to the princess, Sir?” I teased him and now, it was
my lips that brushed his lips. “I really like it when you call me that. Sexy.” I
gently licked his lips and he moved his head a bit to avoid my lips but it brushed
anyway. “You can stop this. Stop me.” He clenched his jaw and looked at me. “What
do you want?” “You know what I want. You.” My finger gently slides on his chest
and followed the trail of sweat that was sliding on his skin. He kept on swallowing
hard while looking at me until the next thing I did was to replace my finger with
my tongue that tasted the salt of his skin. “Fuck it, Masha stop.” He hissed. I
knew he was trying everything to control himself and not to give in again but he
was not doing anything.
I smiled and I continued to trail my tongue down to his abs while kneeling in
front of him. I should find this gross. Imagine licking his body full of sweat
after a run? I would never do that to anyone. But for Noah, I would lick every part
of his body just to make him feel how much I wanted him. I reached for the garter
of his shorts and about to pull it down when he grabbed my hand. When I looked up,
he was seriously looking at me. “You want me to stop?” I was teasing him while my
tongue continued to play with his skin. He cursed low and he pulled me up. “You’re
a damn tease.” He crushed his mouth into mine and I took it wholeheartedly. His
kiss was full of passion. He was kissing me hard and just like last night, I wanted
more. I let out a moan and my hand dropped at the garter of his shorts. I slide my
hand inside and found his cock getting hard. I started to stroke it and heard him
groaned in my mouth. “You are one naughty girl,” he mumbled against my lips.
“Just like you want your girl to be, right?” I teased. I felt his hand slid under
the big shirt I was wearing and went between my thighs then he cursed. “Goddamn
it, princess. You will be the death of me.” He kissed me harder while his finger
began to move between my slit then he chuckled while still kissing me. “Already
soak for me.” I gasped when he stopped kissing me and pulled me up to let me sat
on the kitchen counter. He removed my shirt and spread my legs apart. I was totally
naked but not embarrassed that Noah was looking at me up and down. I could see the
lust all over his face and I loved it. He kneeled in front of me. Eyes still
looking at me when he began to lick me between my thighs.
“Oh God…” I immediately slide my fingers through his sweaty hair.
He began to lick my slit up and down. Slow. Fast. Enough for me to let out a loud
moan and push his face deep into my pussy. When he put his fingers inside, I
screamed for his name. Just like last night that I didn’t stop saying his name.
This time, he was sucking my clit while he began to finger-fuck me fast. I couldn’t
explain the sensation but this was driving me crazy.
I felt the pleasure deep within and I knew I was coming. “I know you’re coming,”
he mumbled while his mouth still buried in my pussy. He pushed his fingers deep
that made my body jolt. “But I want you to hold it.” He stopped sucking my clit and
moved up then kiss me. “Taste your pussy from my mouth.” He slides his tongue into
my mouth and kissed me deeply while he continued to finger-fuck me. “Oh… Noah… I…
I am going to come…” my voice was full of plead. If he continued to slide his
fingers in and out of me, I would reach my peak anytime.
“No.” He hissed. “Hold it. I want you to hold it.” I whimpered when he thrusted
his two fingers deep. “You like this, right?” “Uhhmmm…” I felt I was high in too
much drugs. The feeling of his thick fingers plunging into me was giving me the
best trip that I could feel in my entire life.
“I want you to say it. Let me hear it.” He continued to slide his fingers in and
out.
“I like this. I like you doing this. God… I am going to come…” I felt I was losing
my mind if I didn’t have this release. “Please… let me come…” “Go. Come for me,
princess.” He moved his fingers fast and just a few thrusts, I was coming hard
against his fingers. He pulled his fingers out and put it up between us. I could
see my own wetness in there then he slides his digits inside my mouth. His mouth
opened like he wanted to taste his fingers too while I was sucking it hard. Noah
let out a low growl then pulled his shorts down. He grabbed my ass and let me sat
at the edge of the counter and slowly, pushing his cock deep in me. I moaned while
he was sinking in deep inside me. There was no hurry in his movements like last
night. He was sliding in easily in me and I am loving this feeling. “I’m sorry
about last night, princess.” He gently caressed my face while he was pushing his
cock deep. “I’m sorry that I was not slow and careful. I didn’t know it was your
first.” “It’s okay. I still liked it.” I choked and moaned when I felt he was so
deep. “God, you’re so deep.” “That’s the idea, baby.” He started to fuck me and
his cock was better than his fingers fucking me. His hands were holding my legs so
it would stay pushed apart together. He was looking straight into my eyes.
Breathing heavily while continued to fuck me hard. My eyes rolled back in ecstasy
every time he was pushing deep and I wanted him to keep that pace. He was hitting
spots inside me that I didn’t know existed in my life and I was reaching my peak
again.
“Fuck, you feel so good.” He whispered and continued to pound in me. “Come again.
I want to see and feel you come around my cock again.” I felt my release. I let
out a moan when I hit the euphoric release.
Then he thrusted hard until I heard him grunt and reached his release too. He
rested his head on my shoulder while we were both panting. We stayed like that in
minutes and then I felt he was planting soft kisses on my shoulder.
“W-we should never do that again,” his breath was labored then he looked at me.
“That will be the last time.” I smiled at him naughtily then I pinched his nose.
“Are you sure about that?” “We can’t…” he kept on shaking his head. He let out a
moan when I slide my body to prevent his cock from slipping out from my cum filled
pussy. “D-Don’t do that, fuck.” He moaned. “It’s a little bit sensitive.” He
swallowed hard and he was the one who pulled himself from me. His eyes locked
between my thighs and I knew he was looking at it while his own cum was coming out
from my freshly fucked slit. “Fuck, you are so fucking beautiful.” I giggled. I
knew he couldn’t resist me. “Let’s go?” “Where?” He was puzzled.
“Shower, silly. You begin to stink but still, I like you and your smell.” He
suppressed a smile but he lifted me up from the kitchen counter and we both get
inside the bathroom. He gently put me down and he turned on the shower. We were
both naked under and just looking at each other. “So, will this be the last time?”
I was looking straight in his eyes while we were both under the shower and I began
to lather soap on his body. He didn’t say anything but let me soaped his body and
he closed his eyes. When he opened it, he was looking at me like he saw me for the
first time then he held my face. “Just the beginning, princess.” Then he landed
his lips onto mine to kiss me again. Jealousy is love in competition.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO | A LITTLE MESS TO

DO NOAH

I didn’t fucking care anymore if I would die tomorrow. What matters to me was the
only princess of Stanislav Rozovsky was right beside me, in my bed sleeping
soundly. I couldn’t remember when was the last time we get out of bed. Neither one
of us wanted to leave each other. Masha was the clingy one and she always wanted to
be beside me. I hated clingy women but with her, I couldn’t understand why I wanted
her to be like that for me. The spoiled brat that I could fuck. Because it felt
so good. Being with her, just feeling the heat of her skin feels better than
anything I had ever known. Just right now, we were still in bed even if it was
already ten in the morning. My phone was ringing non-stop. Matt kept on calling me
but I was ditching him. I messaged him last time that Masha and I would be
travelling somewhere so he won’t be visiting here without any notice.
Kahit si Serena na panay ang tawag ay hindi ko rin sinasagot. Bukod sa pangugulit
niyang magkita kami, kinukulit din niya akong kausapin ko ulit si Aleksei Ivanov.
For now, I am not involved with the Rozovsky business and it was under Butch
Kozinko. Mr. Rozovsky wanted me to focus taking care of her daughter. And I am
doing fine taking care of Masha. I love taking care of Masha. If only this could
last but I knew time will come that this fantasy that we were living in would be
over soon. Kahit paano, may kaba din ako sa dibdib. Mahirap itong ginagawa namin ni
Masha. Kahit alam kong mapapagkatiwalaan ko si Matt, hindi ko sinasabi ang
nangyayari sa amin ni Masha. Iniingatan ko pa rin si Masha at ako mismo. Buhay ko
ang kapalit kapag may nakaalam nitong laro na ginagawa namin. Kaya matapos may
mangyari sa amin, ginawan ko talaga ng paraan na hindi na siya dito nakatira sa
apartment ko. I rented the apartment right next to me and I told her she would stay
there from now on. She was upset. She cried so hard she thought I was kicking her
out. I told her that it was to avoid prying eyes of people around. Mas okay na
hindi na kami magkasama sa iisang apartment ni Masha. Sinabi ko rin naman kay Mr.
Rozovsky iyon at tingin niya mas makabubuti nga.
Siyempre, tatay pa rin si Mr. Rozovsky at iniingatan pa rin niya ang anak niya
kahit sa akin. But people didn’t know that there was a catch even if Masha was
living right next to my apartment. They didn’t know that there was a connecting
door for the duplex apartment and every night, she comes here to my own apartment
and sleeps beside me. I didn’t know what was this between us two. We didn’t talk
about relationship or being steady together. Ayaw kong i-open. Hindi ko
maintindihan kung bakit kinakabahan ako. Masha was a free-spirited person. Gagawin
ang gustong gawin at kapag nagsawa na, basta na lang bibitaw. Doon ako kinakabahan.
Hindi ko kayang marinig mismo sa bibig niya na sabihin niya sa akin na tapos na ang
conquest niya sa akin at ayaw na niya. At hindi ako dapat makaramdam ng ganito. Ako
na ayaw ng kahit anong commitment. Ako na ayaw makipag-steady kahit kanino. After I
tried with Peyton, I already lost my interest to have a steady woman in my life
until Masha came and wrecked the walls and my self-control that I built around me.
But whatever we had right now was making me happy. She makes me smile with her
funny and childish antics. The nightly sex… fuck the nightly sex. Masha was young
but an animal in bed. I couldn’t believe that she could be like that. So open. So
wild and ready to do things that I wanted to do in bed and it makes me crave for
her more.
She makes me crazy for her. But the past few days made me worry and upset too.
Napapadalas ang tawag ng daddy niya. Okay naman na silang dalawa. Actually, ako ang
tumawag kay Mr. Rozovsky at sinabi ko na lilipat ng apartment si Masha. Tinatantiya
ko din kung may magbabago ba sa boss ko o pinag-iisipan ako ng masama. Pero mas
nakakakonsiyensiya lang kasi ganoon pa rin si Stas Rozovsky sa akin. Abot-langit
ang pagtitiwala at panay ang pasalamat na hindi ko pinabayaan ang anak niya. Sabi
pa ni Mr. Rozovsky na ang laki daw ng ipinagbago ng anak niya. From a total brat,
Masha was now easy to talk to and became open minded to things. Masha understood
that being a Rozovsky, she has a complicated life and she needed to have a
bodyguard all the time and that was me. Okay na okay daw kay Masha. Kaya kahit si
Mr. Rozovsky ay nagtaka dahil unang beses daw na may nakasundong bodyguard ang anak
niya. Nakaka-guilty pero hindi ko naman magagawang layuan si Masha.
Hindi ko magagawang itigil itong ginagawa naming dalawa.
Well, I tried. So hard. To stop this forbidden whatever bed partnership we have.
But her presence was so strong and I felt I was already addicted to her and I
couldn’t get off her drug anytime soon. “What are you thinking?” Tiningnan ko
siya na nanatiling nakapikit at nakaunan sa braso ko.
Lalo pang isiniksik ni Masha ang sarili niya sa akin.
“I thought you’re still sleeping?” Komento ko. “You’re stalking me.” Natawa siya.
“I could sense in your breathing that you are thinking of something else. Are you
thinking of kicking me out of here?” “Do you want?” Doon na siya nagmulat ng mata
at tumingila sa akin tapos ay lumabi.
“You really wanted me out?” Pinalungkot pa niya ang mukha niya at parang bata na
inagawan ng candy. “Why do you think about that?” Doon na siya umayos at dumapa
sa ibabaw ko. The heat of her skin felt so good my cock slowly getting hard again.
Last night, I lost count how many times I came inside her and right now, I wanted
to do it again and again. That was her effect to me. Every time we were close
together, we would end up in bed and fuck each other. “I just felt it. You don’t
want me anymore?” ngayon ay seryoso na siya at nakatitig sa akin. Napahinga ako ng
malalim. “I just… I feel guilty. Talking to your dad and lying to him.” Tingin ko
ay na-relieve si Masha sa narinig na sinabi ko. “That’s okay. We can tell him soon
about us.” “Don’t you ever do that.” Napabangon ako sa narinig na sinabi ni Masha.
“Why?” taka niya. “You don’t want us to be legal?” “Legal?” Taka ko. “Wait… what
are we, Masha? What is this that we are doing? Are we just sex buddies?” Bumangon
na rin siya at seryosong nakatingin sa akin. “Is that what you think we are doing?
We are just sex buddies?” Nagtagis ang bagang niya. “We’ve been fucking for weeks,
Noah and you think we are just sex buddies?” “What do you want us to be?” I wanted
it to hear from her. I wanted to hear that she wanted me and she wanted us to step
up on the next level.
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. “And you are asking me that? Fuck you.” Inis siyang
umalis sa kama at isinuot ang mga damit niyang nagkalat sa sahig. “Bakit ako ang
tatanungin mo kung ano ang gusto ko? Lagi bang ako ang dapat mag-initiate? Yes, I
admit that I initiated that I want to have sex with you. That I want you. Pero
siguro naman hindi ka manhid para hindi maramdaman kung ano pa ang gusto ko.”
“That’s not what I meant. Hey, stop that.” Pinipigilan ko ang ginagawa niyang
pagbibihis. “Nakakainis na rin. Nakakapikon.” Kitang-kita ang pagbabago ng mood
niya at tingin ko talagang naiinis. “The sex is always good. You are a good fucker,
Noah. But every day, I am waiting for you to say that we should take it to the next
step and every day I am getting disappointed.
Huwag mo naman iparamdam sa akin na ako lang talaga ang may gusto nitong ginagawa
natin. Huwag mong iparamdam sa akin na wala kang balls pagdating sa commitment.”
Hindi ako nakasagot at kitang-kita ko lalo ang disappointment sa mukha ni Masha.
Nang makatapos makapagbihis ay tuloy-tuloy nang lumabas ng kuwarto ko. Ilang beses
akong huminga ng malalim at mahinang napamura tapos ay nagbihis na rin. Lumabas ako
ng kuwarto at sigurado akong sa apartment niya bumalik si Masha. Dumaan ako sa
connecting door pero naka-lock ang pinto niya kaya kumatok ako. “Masha. Come on.
Open this.” Sige ako sa pagkatok pero walang nagbubukas. Naiinis ako. Napipikon.
Commitment. Am I ready for that?
Hindi ko nga alam kung kailan ako magiging ready na aminin itong ginagawa namin kay
Mr. Rozovsky dahil alam kong pagbuka pa lang ng bibig ko at sabihin kong nagalaw ko
ang anak niya, malamang pinatay na agad ako. “Masha,” sige pa rin ako sa pagkatok
at sinubukan kong pihitin ang door knob ng connecting door pero naka-lock pa rin.
And she never locks this door. I didn’t have a choice but to go outside and go to
her front door. Painis kong binuksan ang pinto ng apartment ko para puntahan ang
katabing apartment pero hindi ko tuluyang nagawang lumabas. Muli kong isinara ang
pinto pero nanatiling nakasilip doon. Nakita kong may kotseng nakahinto sa tapat ng
apartment ko at bumaba ang sakay. It was damn Reed Kozinko. May dala pang
bulaklak ang gago at tumingin sa pinto ng apartment ko. Lumakad palapit at mayamaya
lang, naririnig ko na ang pagkatok sa pinto. Ayaw ko sanang buksan. Magpanggap na
wala na lang tao pero siguradong tatawag ito sa tatay niya. At kapag nalaman ng
tatay niya, siguradong tatawag kay Mr. Rozovsky at siguradong tatawag si Mr.
Rozovsky sa akin para alamin kung bakit walang tao dito sa apartment. It was
fucking ripple effect kaya napilitan na akong buksan ang pinto.
Ramdam ko ang pilit na pilit na ngiti ni Reed sa akin nang makaharap ako at hindi
ako ngumingiti sa kanya. Tingin ko ay hindi niya alam na sa kabilang apartment na
tumutuloy si Masha. “I’d like to see Masha.” “Why?” Seryosong tanong ko. Umangat
ang kilay niya sa akin. “Why?” Kunwa ay naguguluhan ang hitsura niya. “Why are you
asking why? Who are you to ask why I want to see Masha?” This fucker never
changed. Talagang mayabang ang animal dahil alam na kaibigan ng tatay niya si Stas
Rozovsky. Dapat pala hindi lang paghagis sa kanya ang ginawa ko noon. Dapat ako ang
gumulpi dito at lumumpo.
“I am her guard and she is under my protection. I need to know who and what kind
of people she will talk to.” Lumapit pa ako kay Reed at nakita kong napaatras siya.
Bahagya pa siyang nakatingala sa akin dahil mas malaki ako sa kanya. Pero itinaas
din niya ang sarili at ngumisi ng nakakainis sa akin.
“Dude, I am Reed Kozinko. Maybe you forgot that our family is close to the
Rozovskys. You can call your boss and you can tell him that I am here and he will
be happy to tell you that it will be okay for me to see his only princess.”
Nakakainis ang paraan ng pagkakasabi ni Reed noon. I clenched my teeth. If only I
could use my hand to pound him to the ground, I did it already. “Ano?” Mayabang pa
ring tanong niya. “Where’s Masha?” “She’s no longer living here.” Matabang kong
sagot.
“And where is she? I thought you are her bodyguard? You should know where she is
right now?” napahinga ng malalim si Reed at halatang iritable na. “You know what, I
am getting pissed at you. Actually, noon pa hindi na kita gusto. Tinatanong ko nga
ang daddy ko kung ano ang nakita ni Uncle Stas sa’yo. Kung bakit ka
pinagkakatiwalaan na bantayan si Masha. Mukha mo pa lang hindi na katiwa-tiwala.”
Ngumisi siya ng nakakaloko. “Baka nga inaaswang mo na si Masha.” One more word,
asshole and I am really going to break your fucking face. If only I could say
that. If only I could do that but I valued my relationship with Mr. Rozovsky. I
knew if I hurt this piece of shit, a bigger problem might arise. Napahinga na lang
ako ng malalim. “Follow me.” Nagpatiuna na akong lumabas pero sinadya ko siyang
banggain at muntik na siyang matumba sa ginawa ko. Narinig ko pa siyang nagmura
pero hindi ko na pinansin. Lumakad ako patungo sa katabing apartment at kumatok
doon.
Matagal bago iyon binuksan ni Masha at simangot ang mukha nang gawin iyon. Pero
nang makita si Reed na naroon ay agad na nagulat at kinakabahang tumingin sa akin.
“Surprise.” Ngiting-ngiti si Reed at humalik sa pisngi ni Masha.
Ibinigay pa ang dalang bulaklak at alam kong alanganin kung tatanggapin niya. Alam
kong kita ni Masha sa hitsura ko na bad trip ako. Ipinapahalata ko talaga iyon.
But Masha being Masha, if she was pissed, she would anything to press it more.
Suddenly, her mood changed. She smiled sweetly to Reed and gave him the sweetest
hug. “Hi. When did you come back here?” Pinaramdam pa ni Masha na excited siyang
makita si Reed. Hindi na niya ako tinitingnan ngayon at naka-focus na lang siya kay
Reed. “A few hours ago. I am so sorry that it took me weeks to visit you again. I
went home to the Philippines to do some errands about our business. It’s great that
Dad and your dad are getting along very well.” Ngiting-ngiti pa ang putanginang
lalaking ito na gusto ko nang ibakat sa pader. “Are you busy?” Napatingin sa gawi
ko si Masha tapos ay inirapan ako at muling ibinalik ang tingin kay Reed. “No.”
Ang ganda ng ngiti ni Masha kay Reed.
Damn it. Talagang nananadya siya. “Great. Do you want to go out?” Lalong sumaya
ang boses ni Reed.
“Of course.” Muling tumingin sa akin si Masha. “Please drive for us. We are going
out.” Kay Reed naman siya tumingin. “I’ll just take my coat. Wait for me.” Umalis
saglit si Masha at nang bumalik ay nakasuot na ng coat. “Let’s go.” Pikon na pikon
ako. Inuubos ni Masha ang pasensiya ko. Pero wala akong magagawa kundi ang sumunod.
Mabibigat ang mga hakbang ko nang tunguhin ang kotse ko at ini-unlock iyon. Tumayo
sa gilid ng pinto ng kotse si Reed at hitsurang may hinihintay. Akma akong sasakay
na sa driver’s side nang sitsitan ako nito.
“What the fuck are you doing?” nagtataka pa ang tingin nito sa akin.
“Open the fucking door for us.” Nakita kong nataranta ang mukha ni Masha at agad
na binalingan si Reed. “Reed, he is my bodyguard not my chauffer.” “And?” Asar na
sabi ni Reed. “It’s the same. He is an employee of the Rozovsky family and he
should act like one. Sundin niya dapat ang inuutos mo dahil ikaw ang amo niya.
Mayabang kasi ang dating nitong bodyguard mo.” Napapailing pa si Reed at ito na ang
nagbukas ng pinto ng kotse ko at pinauna nang sumakay si Masha sa loob tapos ay
sumunod.
Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim para kumalma at ini-start ang kotse. Sinasabi
ni Masha na hindi ako chauffer, pero iyon ang pakiramdam ko ngayon. Dahil silang
dalawa ay nakaupo sa likurang bahagi ng kotse ko at ako ang nagmamaneho. “We are
going to have lunch at Joe’s.” At talagang pinipikon ako ni Masha. Hindi niya
iniintindi na naiinis ako. Wala siyang pakialam sa akin at nakikipag-usap lang siya
sa Reed na ito. At nag-uusap sila na parang wala ako sa paligid. This fucker kept
on telling Masha how their families were so close right now. Insinuating that he
was better to be with Masha so their families would grow closer together. “I heard
from Dad that your bodyguard was your dad’s worker here.
He works with several businesses then suddenly, your dad decided to give it to my
dad.” Mahina ang pagkakasabi noon ni Reed pero sapat para marinig ko. “I think your
dad is not trusting this guy anymore. Why don’t you ask your dad to get another
bodyguard for you? Or I can ask dad?
Maraming kakilala si Daddy dito.” Saglit akong napaisip. Oo nga. Bakit hindi
pumasok sa isip ko iyon?
Biglang-bigla ang pagdating ni Butch Kozinko dito para i-take over and lahat ng
business na hawak ko tapos ay ako ang naging bodyguard ni Masha. May nangyayari ba
talaga? Hindi na ba ako pinagkakatiwalaan ni Mr. Rozovsky?
My hands on the steering wheel gripped so hard. My foot on the gas pedal was
stepping deep. My eyes were fixed on the road and all I could see were the blurred
lines of the other cars passing on my side. “Floor it! Floor it, Noah!” My foot
kept stepping hard on the gas pedal and then I heard screams. Masha was screaming.
“You’re way too fast! You are going too fast. Slow down! Slow down. Noah!”
Pakiramdam ko ay doon ako natauhan at nang tumingin nga ako sa odometer, nakita
kong nasa one-twenty mph ang takbo ng sasakyan.
Almost same speed when my brother and I got into an accident that claimed his life.
Agad kong iniangat unti-unti ang paa ko sa gas pedal at unti-unting bumabagal ang
sasakyan. Shit. What the fuck am I thinking?
“That’s fucking stupid, man! Kung magpapakamatay ka, gawin mong mag-isa. Idadamay
mo pa kami.” Si Reed naman ang sumisigaw noon. Hindi ako kumibo at itinutok na
lang ang tingin ko sa kalsada.
Ramdam ko ang kaba ng dalawang kasama ko dahil nanahimik na sila.
Nang makarating kami sa restaurant na sinabi ni Reed, si Masha ang agad na bumaba
at naunang pumasok sa resto. Hindi man lang ako tiningnan.
Tapos ay sumunod na bumaba si Reed at inis akong hinarap.
“The next time you pull another stunt like that, I will make sure to tell Mr.
Rozovsky to fire you.” Dinuro pa ni Reed ang dibdib ko. “I don’t like you and trust
me, you will be gone, asshole. I’ll make sure of that.” Mayabang na sabi nito.
“Stay the fuck here. Dogs stays outside to wait for their masters. And you are like
that. You are just a dog for the Rozovskys who are just going to wait for any bone
that they are going to throw.
Fucking pathetic.” Bahagya pa akong itinulak at sumunod na kay Masha sa loob ng
restaurant. Nagtatagis ang bagang kong sinundan lang si Reed. Nagdidilim ang
paningin ko. Nanginginig ang buong katawan ko sa galit. Kinuha ko ang telepono ko
sa bulsa at tinawagan si Mr. Rozovsky. Kung kailangan kong sabihin ang tungkol sa
amin ni Masha, sasabihin ko na. Not this fucking asshole Reed could take away the
princess that was meant for me. Matagal bago sumagot si Mr. Rozovsky. Was he
really not trusting me anymore? Dati kapag tumatawag ako, agad niyang sinasagot ang
tawag ko pero ngayon, ang dami nang rings, wala pa rin. Shit. Am I really fucked up
now?
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang agad na banggitin ni Mr.
Rozovsky ang pangalan ko nang sagutin ang tawag ko. Wala namang pagbabago sa tono
ng boses niya. Mukhang masaya naman siyang tumawag ako.
“Everything all right, Noah?” Hindi agad ako nakasagot tapos ay napahinga ng
malalim. “Masha is with… Reed Kozinko.” Napa-hmm lang si Stas Rozovsky. “I know.
Butch called me about that. Ipinagpaalam na ilalabas daw ng anak niya si Masha. I
assumed you are there too? Looking out for them. For my daughter.” Tumingin ako sa
loob ng restaurant at nainis lang lalo nang gawin iyon. Ngiting-ngiti si Masha
habang kausap ang gagong Reed na iyon. “Sir…” napalunok ako tapos ay napahinga ng
malalim. “I know what I am going to ask you will sound stupid.” “Is there a
problem, Noah?” Seryoso na ngayon ang tono niya. Gusto ko nang sabihin ang tungkol
sa amin ni Masha pero tingin ko hindi magandang sa telepono ko lang sabihin iyon.
Mas magandang magkaharap kaming dalawa at aaminin ko sa kanya na mahal ko ang anak
niya. Fuck. Mahal ko ang anak niya. Where the fuck that came from? I am fucking
screwed. “Noah, are we having a problem?” ulit ni Mr. Rozovsky.
“Sir, I just have this thought in my mind and it’s been going on for days already.
You know how I am loyal to you. I give everything for you and your organization, to
your business.” Napahinga ako ng malalim.
“But Sir, did you just demote me by giving all the businesses that I am handling
here to Butch Kozinko?” Hindi agad nakasagot si Stas Rozovsky tapos mayamaya ay
narinig kong tumawa. Mahina noong una pero unti-unting lumalakas. “Why would you
think of that?” Ngayon ay huminto na siya sa pagtawa. “The answer is no, Noah. I
made Butch to handle the businesses there so you could focus protecting my daughter
and that is more important than any of the business that I have there. The only
person that I could trust for my daughter’s safety is the only person that I trust
and I know won’t betray me. And that is you.” Hindi ako nakasagot. Pakiramdam ko
ay nagkamali pa ako na tinanong ko iyon dahil nakaka-konsiyensiya ang sagot na
sinabi ni Mr.
Rozovsky.
“Let Butch handle the business and other transactions. You only job is to look
after the safety of my daughter. Are we clear on that?” Mayamaya ay napatawa uli si
Mr. Rozovsky. “And why would you think that I demoted you? Promotion pa nga ang
nangyari sa iyo dahil anak ko ang tinatrabaho mo.” “I am sorry for asking, Mr.
Rozovsky.” Napapahiyang sagot ko. “No, Noah. I like it that you are straight to
the point. Gusto ko ang mga ganya. Hindi nahihiyang magtanong. Hindi nahihiyang
magsabi kung may concern. That’s why I like you and I know matagal-tagal pa tayong
magsasama.” Natawa lang ako at napakamot ng ulo. “Is my daughter doing okay?”
“Yes, Sir.” Nang sumilip ako sa loob ng restaurant ay kumakain na si Masha at Reed.
“I don’t know what you did but I am glad that Masha is doing okay now. Can you
imagine that she called me and talked to me heart to heart?
She asked for forgiveness for everything that she did. She is being a responsible
one. She told me that she wanted to work and she will do it responsibly. The only
request that she asked me is for her independence and to trust her which I gladly
give her. Nandiyan ka naman daw kasi para bantayan siya.” Damang-dama ko ang saya
sa boses ni Mr. Rozovsky.
“Ngayon lang may nakasundong bodyguard ang anak ko.” “Responsible naman si Masha,
Sir.” “I know. She’s good and I want this version of her. Whatever you are doing,
keep it that way.” Napatikhim si Mr. Rozovsky. “Anyway, the case about Masha’s
kidnapping. With those fools dead and the club where she was auctioned closed,
authorities closed the case. But I don’t buy it. I know there is someone behind it
and targeted my daughter.” “I think about that too, Sir but I think they are
already spooked and won’t do anything.” “But we need to be careful, Noah.” Saglit
siyang tumahimik.
“Convince my daughter to come home. We missed her already. Ayaw ko namang pilitin
na umuwi na dahil baka biglang bumalik na naman sa dati.” “I will, Sir. Thank you
for your time taking my call.” “Anytime, son. Have a good day.” Kanina pa natapos
ang usapan namin ni Stas Rozovsky pero nanatiling hawak ko ang telepono ko at
nakatingin sa call register. Son.
He fucking called me son. Kahit alam kong expression lang naman iyon.
Kung sana matatawag pa rin niya akong son kapag nalaman na niya ang totoong
nangyayari sa amin ni Masha.
Muli akong tumingin sa loob ng restaurant. This time, Reed was sitting beside
Masha and showing something from his phone. I needed to do something for this
douchebag to get lost.
Kahit ayaw kong tawagan ay napilitan akong kontakin si Serena. “Baby,” malambing
na sabi niya nang sagutin ang tawag ko. “I thought you already forgot about me.”
Maasim akong ngumiti pero hindi pinansin ang sinabi niya. “Do you still remember
the guy who drugged some of your VIP clients and made a mess in your club?” “Who?
The fucking idiot Reed Kozinko that got beaten up too?” Ramdam kong nainis si
Serena sa sinabi ko. “That fucker cost me thousands of dollars for damages and he
didn’t even pay. His drugs almost killed someone and you know that it’s bad for my
business.” Alam kong nirereklamo ni Serena ang nangyaring gulo na iyon club niya
kasama si Reed. Dahil doon na-overdose si Matt, nagkaroon pa ng investigation.
Ipinahanap niya noon ang mga taong involve sa gulo na iyon pero walang nangyari
dahil wala na dito ang lalaki at umuwi ng Pilipinas. Hindi ko lang pinansin noon
ang kuwento dahil hindi naman ako interesado. Pero ngayon, pagkakataon ko na para
mawala sa landas ni Masha ang Reed na ito. “Is that guy has an outstanding
warrant?” Tanong ko pa. “Of course. I paid those police officers to catch him. I
heard he is rich. Bayaran man lang niya ang damages na ginastos ko dito sa club at
ibinayad ko sa pagpapa-ospital kay Matt.” “What if I tell you that he is here at
Joe’s Diner?” Natawa si Serena. “Why are you doing this, baby? Is that your peace
offering to me? Kasi ang tagal mo akong gino-ghost? I missed you too.” Lumandi na
ang boses niya. “Puntahan mo kasi ako dito. Miss na miss na kita.” “Call your
connections now, Serena before this guy leaves.” Iyon na lang ang sagot ko at ini-
end ko na ang pag-uusap namin. Hindi naman ako nag-aalala na ilalaglag ako ni
Serena na ako ang nagsabi na narito si Reed.
Hibang sa akin ang babaeng iyon. Ilang sandali pa nga ay nakakarinig na ako ng
sirena ng mga police mobile at mayamaya lang, pumaparada na sa harap ko ang ilang
police car patrols at pumasok sa loob ng restaurant ang mga pulis. Nanatili lang
akong nakasandal sa kotse ko at pinapanood ang nangyayari. Sa kalooban ko ay
nagbubunyi ako lalo na nang lumabas ang mga pulis na bitbit si Reed at nagwawala.
Kasunod si Masha na gulat na gulat sa nangyari. “What the fuck is this? You cannot
do this! My father will fucking fire you all!” Sigaw siya nang sigaw pero hindi
siya pinapakinggan ng mga pulis at isinakay na sa likurang bahagi ng isang police
car patrol.
Kahit nasa loob ay nagwawala siya. Alam ko namang hindi magtatagal sa presinto si
Reed. His dad will use all his connections to get him out of jail.
I just needed time to give Masha a little dose of her own medicine. I am going to
teach her a lesson and make her realize that it was so wrong to make me jealous.

Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the
world – Nicholas Sparks

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE | THREE LITTLE

WORDS NOAH

“I don’t know what happened, Uncle Butch. The cops just showed up and took Reed.”
Hindi ako kumikibo at nakatingin lang sa kalsada habang nagmamaneho. Sa tabi ko ay
nakaupo si Masha at kanina pa kausap ang tatay ni Reed. Pigil na pigil ko ang
sariling matawa. Natataranta sila dahil siguradong ngayon ay nasa presinto na si
Reed. Ididiin talaga ni Serena ang isang iyon at siguradong bubutasin ang bulsa
para pagbayarin ng damages.
Which I think that asshole Reed deserves. Mayabang siyang animal siya, patunayan
niya ngayon. Paandarin niya ang pera niya at sinasabi niyang koneksiyon ng tatay
niya. Please. Huwag silang magmayabang.
Those connections that he was bragging that were connected to his father, I worked
hard for those people. Those police officials that can be bought, government
officials that were taking kickbacks, I was the one who played dirty, now they were
claiming it was theirs. Fuck them. And fuck Reed.
Double fuck Reed for touching my princess.
“Is he okay?” Nagtagis ang bagang ko at napadiin ang pagkakaapak ko sa gas pedal
nang marinig ang tanong na iyon ni Masha. Alam kong napatingin siya sa gawi ko
dahil bumilis talaga ang takbo ng sasakyan. “I understand, Uncle Butch. I am on my
way home. Kasama ko po si Noah. I am fine. Just keep me posted.” Napahinga ng
malalim si Masha nang maputol ang pakikipag-usap.
Nakakabingi ang katahimikan na namamagitan sa amin. Napahinga ako ng malalim at
ini-on na lang ang car stereo para hindi nakakaboring ang biyahe. Classical music
ang tumutugtog pero agad na pinindot iyon ni Masha at inilagay sa ibang radio
station na maingay ang tugtog tapos ay tumingin sa labas. Hindi pa rin ako
kinakausap. Pinindot ko car stereo at ibinalik sa dating station pero ganoon din
ulit ang ginawa niya. Sige kami palitan ng pindot sa car stereo at tila naglalaban
kung anong radio station ang mananalo. Sa inis ko ay ini-off ko na lang iyon at
itinutok ang sarili sa pagmamaneho. “You’re pissed that your boy got arrested?”
hindi na ako nakapagpigil na hindi magsalita. Nang tumingin ako sa kanya ay nakita
kong napaikot lang siya ng mata tapos ay tumingin sa akin. “Reed is not my boy. He
is a family friend.” Asar niyang sagot. Asar na ngumisi ako. “A family friend that
can touch you and kiss you on your cheek. A family friend who gives you flowers.”
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. “Bakit? May mali doon? Ikaw nga employee lang ng daddy
ko but I let you to fuck me.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko at lalo kong binilisan ang
pagpaandar ng kotse. My foot on the pedal was getting deep and I knew Masha was
getting scared. “You are driving too fast again.” Komento niya. “This is how I
drive,” sabi ko sa pagitan ng mga ngipin. Employee.
Fucking employee. That was the truth that was hard to swallow. I am just a fucking
employee of his father. Her fucking employee too. “You don’t drive like that. Saka
ano ba ‘to? Are you mad?” Napapailing pa siya at napaikot ang mata. “Ikaw pa ang
galit?” Hindi ako kumibo at nagpatuloy na lang magmaneho. Nang makarating kami sa
apartment ay agad na bumaba si Masha pero mabilis kong sinundan para hindi siya
makapunta sa sariling apartment niya.
Mahigpit ko siyang hinawakan sa braso at halos hilahin papasok sa apartment ko.
Gulat na gulat si Masha sa ginawa ko. Malakas kong isinara ang pinto at isinandal
siya doon. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang magkahalong kaba at excitement sa paghinga ni
Masha habang nakatingin sa akin. Ang lapit-lapit kasi ng mukha ko sa mukha niya at
talagang idinikit ko ang katawan ko sa katawan niya. “What do you want?” I hissed
between my teeth. Napatitig siya sa akin. Umawang ang bibig na may gustong sabihin
pero itinikom din. Sumama ang tingin sa akin tapos ay gusto nang kumawala. Lalo ko
siyang idiniin sa pinto at lalong idinikit ang katawan ko sa katawan niya. “What
do you want, Masha?” “Fuck you, Noah. And I am going to say it again. Fuck. You.”
She was glaring at me. I could feel her anger towards me. “You should know what I
wanted from the beginning. Hindi ‘yong kailangan mo pang itanong sa akin kung ano
ang gusto ko. When I jumped on your lap and had sex with you, I am sure to myself.
I fucking like you. Ikaw ang hindi sigurado sa sarili mo. Why do you keep on asking
me what I want?” I saw tears started to pooled in her eyes. “Why do I need to keep
on initiating everything when it comes to you?” Her voice cracked. “Huwag mo naman
iparamdam sa akin na ako ang laging naghahabol sa iyo. Napapahiya din ako. At least
make me feel that I am someone that deserved to be chased.
Like a woman who is wanted.” And I wanted her. If only she knew how much I wanted
her. But if I wanted to take whatever this magical thing that was happening to us
to the next level, I wanted to make sure that she was really ready for it. Not just
because she was challenged. She was young and I didn’t want to take her youth just
to be with me. “I am possessive, Masha.” She raised her brow. “And? That should
be a problem?” “I get jealous easily.” “I love jealous guys.” “If we are going
to the next level, you’ll be mine. Only mine.” I slide my hand under her shirt and
cupped her breasts. “This, will be mine.” She swallowed hard while looking at me.
“Yes.” She let out a soft moan when I gently pinched her nipple. I slide my hand
down to raise her skirt. I trailed my hand between her thighs and found out she was
not wearing any panties under it. “For real?” I gritted my teeth. “You went out
having dinner with that son of a bitch without a fucking panty?” “I…” she pouted
her lips and looked like a child caught doing something naughty. “I was mad at
you.” “You will only do that if you are with me. Just me.” I slide my hand in
between her thighs and found out that she was already wet. “This…” I gently slide
my finger between her slit. “… will be mine. Will be wet only for me. Can you do
that?” She bit her lower lip and rolled her eyes when I played with her clit. “I
am talking to you, princess. Look at me. Focus on me.” I commanded. But looking at
Masha, she looked so high feeling my finger between the folds of her drenched pussy
lips. I kept on sliding my middle finger and make a circular motion when my finger
would touch her delicate clit. “Look at me.” Her breaths were becoming heavy when
she looked at me and nodded her head. “Y-yes… yours. Every part me. All yours. I am
all yours, Noah.” She moaned when I slowly slide my finger inside her. “Oh God…”
she started to rock her hips to follow the movement of my finger. That was enough
for me to give in. Fuck, I am giving in to her. Fuck everyone. Fuck that I am just
her father’s employee. Hearing from her that she was mine was enough for me to give
in.
To claim her. To love her. I crushed my mouth into hers and she took it
willingly. We devoured each other’s lips like this was the first time we kissed.
And kissing her would always be the best part of making love with her. She kissed
me hungrily. I am telling her that I am possessive but Masha’s kiss was claiming
me. Taking all of me and I wanted that. She moaned against my mouth and slide her
hand in my hair. I kept on finger fucking her while we were kissing like there was
no tomorrow.
I trailed my kiss down to her neck then demanded that she take off her shirt. She
followed aggressively and I drown my face between her boobs then licked it until I
reached her nipple. I bit it. I licked it. I sucked it while I continued to fuck
her pussy now with two digits. “Oh… Noah… please…” her hips continued to move. I
could feel my fingers soaked with her wetness.
“Please what?” I mumbled while I kept on sucking her nipple. “Fuck me…” she
choked while her eyes were rolling back in ecstasy while I pushed my fingers deep
into her. I stopped sucking her nipple and leveled my face to her. “Before I do
that, I want to make everything clear. Yes, we are taking us to the next level.”
She whimpered while grinding her pussy to my fingers. “I want you to promise me, no
other men can touch you.” She nodded and let out a moan. “Noah, please. I am
close… I need you inside me,” her voice was full of plead but I am not done yet. I
am going to delay her damn orgasm just to prove a point. This was her punishment
for making me jealous using that fucker Reed. “Including that fucker Reed. You
will no longer talk or see that fucker.” I moved my finger inside her that made her
whimper. I knew I reached her G-spot that made her body quiver. “Promise me,
princess. No Reed or any other men. Because I can make them all disappear. I know
many ways to do it. Reed’s arrest earlier was just a simple taste of what I can
do.” She kept on nodding her head but I think she didn’t understand what I was
telling her. “Please… Noah. I want to come…” she was almost crying. She was holding
my arms and tried to move it. She was really on the edge and dying to have her
release. No. Not yet. I wanted her to learn that punishments were inevitable once
she acted a brat. What I am doing to her was just a simple punishment. I could do
so many ways to make her learn her lesson, but for now, just this one. A little bit
taste of edging would do the trick. “Noah…” her voice cracked. Her eyes were on
tears. “You are killing me… please fuck me.” “Not until you tell me who owns you.”
I kept on moving my fingers inside her. “You.” She cried. “You own me. Every part
of me. My soul. My everything. God… I love you.” Just like what I wanted to hear.
My other hand started to unbuckle my belt and unbutton my pants. I pulled it down
together with my boxers.
She gasped when I pulled out my fingers and grabbed one of her legs and slide my
cock into her. Her moans were loud and long and she grabbed on to my biceps while I
began on pounding deep into her. I grabbed her other leg and let both of it
wrapped around my waist.
My cock was so deep into her. Every time I was plunging deep, the door would make a
creaking sound. I didn’t care if the door breaks. I only care about her pleasure.
Her screams. Her orgasms while she was creaming against my cock. Her being mine
and knowing no one could take her away from me only mattered right at this moment.
Even if what we were having right now was a forbidden love affair that I knew I
need to face the consequence soon. I kept on slamming my cock. Fast. Slow. So deep
my balls were slapping against her ass. I kissed her hard. Claiming her lips and
fucked her hard. She wrapped her arms on my neck and kissed me. “I love you, Noah.
Tell me you love me too.” She was mumbling that against my lips while I keep on
fucking her. “Yes.” I pushed deep and kissed her. “I love you.” Masha let out a
loud moan. Her body quivering as she came so much. I grabbed her ass and without
pulling myself from her, I carried her to the couch. Kept my fast pace hitting
every right spot inside of her that made her whimper in ecstasy. Looking at her
like a wrecked doll, eyes hooded with tears of pleasure, damn… I knew I would like
to see her face like this all the time. I buried my cock deeper into her. Thrusted
harder. I wanted to hear her scream for my name until I reached my own peak. I
came and spilled every drop of my cum deep into her. Both of our bodies were
shaking as the pleasure of our lust filled union slowly pacing down. We were both
panting while I was looking at her. She smiles and gently touch my face. “You love
me?” I can see stars in her eyes. Not because we just finished a mind-blowing sex
but because I knew she heard what she wanted to hear. I slowly nod my head. “Yes.”
Yes. Fuck, yes. I love her. Not because she was good in bed. Not because she threw
herself to me. Not because she was a Rozovsky.
I love her because she was perfect for me. I love her because I knew she was mine.
I love her because she changed my life. I love my spoiled brat princess and I am
ready to face any consequence even if the cost of this would be my life.

with good intentions make promises, but people with good character keep them

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR | SWEAR MASHA

“I still can’t believe that you are the Noah that my brother hates.” Nakatingin
lang ako kay Noah na nakatalikod sa akin at naghahalo ng niluluto niya. Ako ay kain
nang kain ng celery at sinasawsaw ko sa gravy. Natatawa nga si Noah sa akin.
Kahapon pa kasi ako kumakain ng ganito.
Nilingon niya ako tapos ay hinarap ang niluluto.
“Believe it now.” Napangiti ako at napakagat-labi habang nakatingin sa maumbok na
puwet ni Noah. Damn this man. His ass was so damn fine. I mean, not just his ass.
The whole him was fine. “Sobra ang selos sa’yo ni Kuya Damien.” Natatawa na ako.
“How come you ended up working with Dad?” Hindi agad sumagot si Noah at isinalin
ang niluluto niya sa plato tapos ay inilagay sa ibabaw ng mesa. It was stirred
fried beef with broccoli and mushrooms. Muli siyang tumalikod at may sinandok ulit,
ngayon naman ay kanin na iyon. Noah loves to cook. And he was a good cook. After
we confessed our feelings to each other, he brought me here in Lake Tahoe to
unwind.
He rented a cabin that only the two of us could stay. For days, we were staying
here like a couple. Doing things like husband and wives do. Like honeymooners and I
am the happiest. I called my dad and told him that I am going to travel with Noah.
Pumayag naman si Daddy dahil malaki naman daw ang tiwala niya sa lalaking ito. At
gusto ko iyon. Tingin ko, hindi na ako mahihirapan na magsabi kay Dad tungkol sa
namamagitan sa amin ni Noah. I know Dad would totally understand that I fell in
love with my bodyguard and he would bless our relationship soon. I looked at Noah
preparing the table.
He was all I wanted and him loving me back was the perfect thing that ever happened
in my life. “I saved Damien and his family after he beat me up.” Natawa siya at
naupo na sa harap ko. Kinuha niya ang lalagyan ng kanin tapos ay kumutsara doon at
inilagay sa plato ko. Sunod naman niyang kinuha ay ang bowl ng ulam at kumutsara
din at isinalin din sa plato ko. Laging ganito si Noah. Sobrang spoiled ako sa
kanya. Not with the material things but with love and care and that was more
important to me than money and expensive things. “Oh, the one where Peyton was
shot?” Paniniguro ko.
Tumango siya at naglagay din ng pagkain sa plato niya. “Your dad said he knows how
to return a favor. I was a cop but I chose to work with your dad.” Ngumiti siya sa
akin at itinuro ang plato ko. “Eat. I don’t want you to starve.” Sumubo na siya at
nagsimulang kumain. Hindi ko naman kinain ang pagkain sa plato ko. Mas gusto kong
kainin ang celery at gravy na pinapapak ko. “How do you think dad will react if he
finds out about us?” “He’ll kill me,” walang anuman na sagot ni Noah.
Lumungkot ang mukha ko. “And you are ready to die?” Huminto siya sa pagkain at
tumingin sa akin. “For you, I will.” Napahinga siya ng malalim at ibinaba ang hawak
na kutsara at tinidor.
“Your father definitely won’t agree with this. He will think that I corrupted you.
And when he finds out that we did more than a kiss, he will definitely cut my head
and serve it on a plate.” Mapakla siyang ngumiti. “That’s the reality that we are
facing in.” Umiling ako. “No. Dad is not like that. Dad will understand that we
fell in love. I love you, Noah and you said you love me too.” Hinawakan ko ang
kamay niya. “Dad will love all the people that I love you and that includes you. We
can tell it to him. Tayong dalawa. Hindi ka sasaktan ni Daddy.” “Soon, babe. Right
now, I just want to spend time with you. Just the two of us,” iyon ang sagot niya
at ngumiti sa akin. Alam ko naman na kahit paano kinakabahan din si Noah na magsabi
agad kay Dad. Fine. If he was not ready, I’ll give him more time. “What do you
think about marriage?” Napaubo ng matindi si Noah. Nakita kong namula ang mukha at
napaubo nang napaubo. Agad na tumayo at nagbukas ng ref tapos ay kumuha ng bottled
water doon at uminom. Sige pa rin siya sa pag-ubo nang bumalik sa kinauupuan niya
at nagugulat na tumingin sa akin. “What?” Napabuga pa siya ng hangin at pilit na
kinakalma ang sarili. “What did you say?” napapiyok pa siya.
Lumabi ako. “I just asked you about marriage. Bakit naman parang nakakagulat ang
tanong na iyon?” Napatikhim siya. “No.” sige ang pagtikhim niya. “I mean… why are
you asking about that? You’re too young to ask about that.” “Why? You’re not ready
for that? You’re not ready to get married?
‘Di ba nasa age ka na?” Ngumiti pa ako ng matamis sa kanya. “Saka… don’t you see me
or us to get to that exciting part?” Marahang hinilot ni Noah ang magkabilang
sentido niya. Tingin ko ay mukhang namuroblema sa narinig na sinabi ko. Hindi ko
mapigilang hindi ma-disappoint. Was my question made him uncomfortable? Was Noah
afraid to commit? Or I am way too fast to ask about marriage?
Oo, Masha. Gaga ka at nag-o-open ka ng tungkol sa marriage.
Hindi dahil nagsi-sex kayo at nagsabihan kayo ng I love you, kasal na ang susunod
na gagawin n’yo. You need to fix your affair to your father first. Ngumiti ako ng
mapakla. “I’m sorry for my question. I know it’s stupid. Forget about it,”
kumutsara na ako sa pagkain na inilagay ni Noah sa plato at doon ko na lang itinuon
ang pansin ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pakiramdam ko ay may nakabarang kung ano sa
lalamunan ko.
Siguro kahit paano umaasa lang ako na may makitang excitement kay Noah na nakikita
niya akong makasama sa future. Pero mukhang malabo.
Hindi ko kasi nakita iyon.
“Hey.” Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakita kong seryoso siyang nakatingin sa akin.
Pinilit kong ngumiti para makita niyang okay lang ako. Napahinga ng malalim si Noah
at tumayo tapos ay hinila ang inuupuan para tumabi sa akin. “Do you want to get
married?” “Forget about what I said. It’s stupid. Let’s eat,” ipinagpatuloy ko ang
pagkain pero hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan iyon. “I see you in the
future getting married with me.” Ngumiti siya sa akin at hindi ko maintindihan ang
saya na naramdaman ko. “It’s just that, if we do that now it’s too soon. We need to
talk to your family first and…” ngumiti siya sa akin. “I want you to experience
life. I don’t want to snatch your youth. I want you to enjoy things being in a
relationship. It’s a different thing if people are married.” “Huwag mo na ngang
pansinin ang sinabi ko. Naisip ko lang iyon.
Sure, we enjoy things slowly.” Ngumiti din ako sa kanya. “I am enjoying life with
you.” “Me too.” Muli ay hinalikan niya ang kamay ko tapos ay binitiwan na iyon
kumain na kami. “What do you want to do today?” Ngumiti ako ng nakakaloko. “You
always know what I want.” I giggled tapos ay hindi ko mapigil ang pilyang ngiti. “I
can’t believe that your size is nine.” Kunwa ay sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Noah
tapos ay nagpipigil ng tawa at naiiling. “I can’t believe that you measured my
dick.” I really did it. I remembered when Gelli told me that she measured Henry’s
dick and it was size eight. Akala nga ni Noah ay nagjo-joke lang ako pero naglabas
talaga ako ng tape measure at sinukat ko habang galit na galit ang nasa pagitan ng
hita niya. And I blushed when I found out the size. “Just want to know if normal
lang naman ‘yon. Henry size is eight,” walang anuman na sabi ko. Napatitig sa akin
si Noah. “Wait. You saw Henry’s dick?” Kitang-kita ko ang pagguhit ng selos sa
mukha niya.
“No.” natatawang sabi ko. “It’s my friend. She told me.” Bahagyang umasim ang
mukha niya. “Is that even a thing? You’re talking about someone else’s dick?” “So?
I don’t see anything wrong with that. Yours is bigger than Henry and yours is
veiny, pinkish and…” I moved closer to him and my hand gently slides on her leg
between his thighs that he immediately grabbed. His other hand pinched my nose.
“Let’s pause for that. We need to be careful. We don’t want unwanted pregnancies.
It’s for you too. Once you get pregnant, everything will be fucked up.” “What if I
get pregnant?” Nanunubok na tanong ko. “’Di hello Daddy.” Kinilig ako sa
pagkakasabi niya noon. “Of course, I will take care of you but if we can prevent
it, mas okay. Is condom okay with you?” Umasim ang mukha ko. “No. Ayaw ko. Gusto ko
bare.” Kumindat pa ako sa kanya. Natatawa si Noah. “I can’t believe that’s coming
from you. My little spoiled slut.” I giggled when he said that. Ang sexy kasi. Pero
agad ding sumeryoso si Noah. “Basta we need to be careful. Gusto kong kapag humarap
ako sa Daddy mo, okay ang lahat. Okay ka. Okay tayo.” “Are you really ready to face
Dad?” Paniniguro ko.
Tumango siya. “Pinaghahandaan ko na.” Tumunog ang telepono niya at nakita kong si
Matt ang tumatawag.
“Matt keeps on calling me. Nagtatampo at bakit hindi daw siya isinama dito.”
Pinabayaan ni Noah na mag-ring ang telepono niya at hindi sinasagot ang call ni
Matt. “He is calling me too. Ang kulit-kulit nga. Don’t you think Matt deserve to
know about our relationship? Besides-“ hindi ko naituloy ang sasabihin nang tumunog
uli ang telepono ni Noah at ngayon ay hindi Matt ang nakikita kong tumatawag sa
kanya. Serena na ang pangalan na naka-register doon. Nawala ang ngiti ko at agad
niyang kinuha iyon at ni-reject ang tawag. “It’s nothing important. Kumain na
tayo,” ipinagpatuloy niya ang pagkain. Mayamaya ay nagri-ring na naman ang telepono
niya at ang babaeng iyon pa rin ang tumatawag. Sinamaan ko na ng tingin si Noah
kaya muli ay ni-reject niya ang call. “It’s nothing.” “Nothing?” Nakataas ang
kilay na tanong ko. Tumawag na naman ang Serena na iyon at ni-reject lang uli ni
Noah. Ang sumunod ay text message na kaya inagaw ko ang telepono niya para mabasa
ko ang message.
Answer my call. This is important, baby.
Ang sama ng tingin ko sa kanya. “Answer my call. This is important, baby.”
Inartehan ko pa ang pagkakasabi noon at painis na ibinigay sa kanya ang telepono.
“Baby. Huwag mo akong matawaga-tawag na baby, ha? Call her. Right now. I want to
hear what are you going to talk about.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “It’s nothing.
Trust me.” “How can I trust you? I know you used to fuck that woman. Call her
right now.” Hindi talaga ako natutuwa. “Masha, it’s not-“ “Call her right now!”
Tumaas na talaga ang boses ko kaya napakamot siya ng ulo at kinuha ang telepono
tapos ay idinayal ang number ng babaeng ‘yon. “Put that on speaker.” Utos ko pa.
Alam kong napipilitan lang si Noah na gawin na ilagay sa speaker ang telepono
niya. Hindi pa natatapos ang unang ring ay agad nang nagsalita ang babae at
nakakairita ang boses na narinig ko. “Baby,” agad na bungad nito. Halatang
natataranta si Noah at hindi malaman ang gagawin lalo na nang samaan ko ng tingin.
“What do you want, Serena?” Seryosong sabi niya. Humalukipkip pa ako at talagang
ang sama ng tingin sa kanya habang nakikinig sa usapan nila. Mahinang tawa ang
narinig ko. “Is that what you’re going to greet me after a long time of missing
you?” Talagang kumukulo ang dugo ko lalo nang makitang hinihilot niya ang ulo
niya. “This is not a good time, Serena.” “You’re not visiting me here at the club.
Pabalik-balik dito si Aleksei. He wants to talk to you again.” Ngayon ay seryoso na
ang tono ng Serena na iyon. “I can’t. I am busy working.” Tinapunan niya ako ng
tingin at agad na nag-iba ng tingin dahil alam niyang nagagalit ako. So, I am work
now?
Damn it. This was our vacation and this was never work. “Anong work? Saka bakit
iba na ang nakikipag-transact sa mga deals mo? Butch Kozinko is taking all of your
deals. I know how you worked hard for everything including the connections for
transporting the goods and that guy is taking all the spotlight.” Alanganin na
tumingin sa akin si Noah at wala na akong nagawa nang alisin na niya sa speaker
mode ang telepono niya at tumayo tapos ay iniwan ako. Seryoso na siyang nakipag-
usap sa babaeng iyon. Hindi ko inaalis ang tingin kay Noah at sa paraan ng
pakikipag-usap niya, tingin ko, seryoso ang topic nila at hindi landian lang.
Nawalan na ako ng gana kumain at iniligpit na lang ang mga naroon sa mesa tapos ay
dumeretso ako sa kuwarto. Pabagsak akong nahiga sa kama at kinuha ang telepono ko.
Nakakaramdam ako ng selos dahil naiinis ako sa babaeng iyon pero tingin ko naman,
hindi na pinapansin ni Noah ang ibang pinag-uusapan nila. Mukhang sa trabaho niya
at alam kong trabaho niya iyon kay Daddy. Mayamaya ay bumukas ang pinto at
pumapasok siya. Kitang-kita ko sa mukha niya na humihingi siya ng pasensiya.
“I am so sorry about that.” Naupo siya sa gilid ng kama pero hindi ko siya
pinansin. Sige lang ako scroll sa telepono ko. “Hey…” tumabi na siya sa akin pero
lumayo lang ako sa kanya. “Baby.” Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. “Huwag mo akong ma-
baby-baby.
Ayokong tatawagin mo akong baby. Baby ang tawag sa’yo ng babaeng iyon.” Natawa si
Noah. “Come on. She’s nothing. Just a playmate before.
And you don’t need to be angry because we hooked up when I am still single. She
called just to let me know about something. About my work.” Tonong nagpapaliwanag
siya. “I am your job, Noah.” Sa pagitan ng mga ngipin ay sabi ko. Ngumiti siya at
walang sabi-sabi na pumuwesto sa ibabaw ko. Ang sama pa rin ng tingin ko sa kanya.
“You are not just my job. You are my life. My love.” Titig na titig siya nang
sabihin iyon tapos ay marahan pang hinaplos ang mukha ko habang nakangiti sa akin.
“My morning sunshine.” Pinigil ko ang mapangiti dahil hindi ko naman magagawang
magalit ng todo kay Noah. Patay na patay ako sa lalaking ito. “So, how about
making it up for you?” Naramdaman kong pumasok ang kamay niya sa loob ng t-shirt ko
at automatic na dumapo sa isang dibdib ko at nilaro ang nipple ko. “What happened
to pausing for making love?” Nanunuksong sabi ko. Tuluyan nang inialis ni Noah ang
suot kong t-shirt. “We can do that next time.” Natatawang sabi niya at hinalikan
ako. And I took her kiss wholeheartedly. I gave myself to him freely.
Because I could never be mad at him and always would forgive him. “Just to let you
know…” he said that while planting gentle kisses on my lips. “Serena called to let
me know that your Uncle Butch last deal has a problem.” This time he stopped
kissing me and looked at me then gently caressed my face. “It’s an adult thing,
princess. Technical things that you don’t need to know.” He kissed me again and his
hand kept on massaging my breast and playing with my nipple. “You don’t need to
know the details about it. And you don’t need to get jealous of Serena. She’s just
someone I used to know. Someone that I could use for my job.” “For real?” I wanted
to hear the assurance even if I knew he was telling the truth. “Yes. Because it
will only be you.” Napahinga siya ng malalim. “We need to go back to the city
tonight. I need to fix the mess that your Uncle Butch did before your father knows
about it.” Lumungkot ang mukha ko. “But can we do this again?” “Of course. Where
do you want to go next time?” I could feel his hard on scratching my legs. “Las
Vegas so we could get married.” Pang-aasar ko. I was expecting him to oppose to
what I said but instead he smiled.
“Sure, baby. After I tell your father about us and ask for his blessing.” He
kissed me again and I kissed him back. Kahit bolahan lang ito, nalulunod ang puso
ko sa saya. Sana hindi na matapos ito. People could call me crazy but I am
decided that I would marry this man and be with him forever. The bad news is
you’re falling through the air, nothing to hang on to, no parachute.

The news is, there’s no ground – Chogyam Trungpa

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE | GIVES YOU HELL
NOAH

Butch Kozinko’s problem was not just a small problem. This was huge. A fucking
end game of me working hard just to get the right connections and transactions in
this foreign land for Stas Rozovsky. All of the gun parts that were needed to be
transported to Russia were all seized by the cops. And not just ordinary cops,
fucking FBI got involved. I had been working with this kind of transactions for
months.
Paid and knew all the right connections so no problem would arise like this and I
was expecting Butch Kozinko would do the same. But the fucker, just like his
asshole son was careless. He kept on blabbing about this transaction and other
upcoming deals to people around him. Of course, if news got to the wrong ears, it
would alert the authorities. At ito na nga ang nangyari. Mabuti na nga lang at si
Serena ay marami ding koneksyon. Bakit nga ba ginagamit ko ang babaeng iyon? Even
if the cost of working with him was to use my cock for her satisfaction. But this
time it was over. No more play with Serena. I am already contented with my spoiled
brat princess. But right at this moment, I had to deal with Serena. She knew the
Russian Bratva that Butch Kozinko got involved with. So, here we were at her office
asking Butch Kozinko what really happened. “You don’t need to get involve in
here.” Iyon ang sabi ni Butch habang nakatungong nakaupo sa couch sa opisina ni
Serena. Nakasapo ang mga kamay sa ulo at iiling-iling. “I can deal with this.”
“And how?” Pinipigil ko ang sarili kong sumabog sa galit. Nagagalit ako kasi
napaka-inutil ng lalaking ito. Katulad lang ng anak niya. “I can deal with the
Russian Bratva, Mr. Kozinko. Our problem here are the gun parts. Paano pa natin
iyon makukuha kung nasa possession na ng FBI?
Alam n’yo naman ang mangyayari pagkatapos noon. Investigation will roll. Our names
could pop up once they pressed those connections we have.” Nagngangalit ang bagang
ko sa pagpipigil na sumabog ang galit ko. “And, we are going to be fucked up once
Mr. Rozovsky knew about this.” Naisuklay ni Butch ang kamay sa buhok tapos ay
napahinga ng malalim. Tumingin kay Serena at napailing. “It’s your fault.” Walang
gatol na sabi kay Serena. Kahit ako ay nagulat at naguluhan na si Serena ang
pinagbibintangan nito. “Why is it become my fault?” naguguluhang tanong ni Serena
at tumingin din sa akin. “What did I do?” “If you didn’t get my son arrested, this
won’t happen.” Dahilan pa rin iyon ni Butch.
Natawa si Serena at tumingin sa akin. “If your son is not stupid, that won’t
happen, Butch. Saka hindi ko alam na anak mo ang gago na iyon.
He drugged people in my club and one overdosed. Almost died. Do you know what will
happen to my club if that happened? And just to let you know, I didn’t know that he
is your son. Kung alam ko lang, ‘di sana, ikaw ang siningil ko sa mga damages na
ginawa niya dito sa club ko at nang hindi na siya pinadampot.” Asar na rin ang
pagkakasabi noon ni Serena. “And how did you know where my son was during that
time?” tanong pa ni Butch.
Hindi ako kumibo at gusto kong mapangiti sa reaksyon ni Serena.
Still, this woman was very loyal to me. Hinding-hindi ako ilalaglag ng isang ito.
“I have my sources that I won’t tell.” Matigas na sagot ni Serena. Nang tapunan ko
ng tingin si Butch ay halatang napipikon ito pero mas lamang ang pag-aalala dahil
sa trouble na kinalalagyan niya. Actually, trouble naming dalawa. Putangina. Kung
ako na lang kasi ang nag-handle ng mga transactions dito at hindi na ibinigay ni
Mr. Rozovsky sa kanya, walang problemang ganito ngayon.
Inis na tumayo si Butch. “I am going to deal with this. I am going to talk to Stas
and tell him what’s going on.” “And what do you think will happened next?” Asar
kong sagot sa kanya. “Both of us will be fucked up. We try to fix it here without
telling him. I’ll call people around.” Sisirain pa ni Butch ang plano ko. Inaayos
ko nga ang lahat na maging good mood si Stas Rozovsky dahil kakausapin ko na at
ipapaalam ang tungkol sa amin ni Masha. Paano ko pa masasabi iyon kung uunahan na
ako ng bad news ng gago na ito?
“Are your people can be trusted?” Seryoso pang nakatingin sa akin si Butch.
Napatingin ako kay Serena nang matawa ito at halatang hinid makapaniwala sa
sinasabi ni Butch. “I’ve been transacting with many people here for so long, Mr.
Kozinko and I didn’t have any problems until you came.” Hindi ko na natiis na
sabihin iyon. Sumama ang tingin ni Butch sa akin at inis na tumayo tapos ay dere-
deretsong lumabas at ibinagsak pa ng malakas ang pinto ng opisina. Hindi pa man
nagtatagal na nakaalis si Butch Kozinko ay bumukas uli ang pinto ng opisina ni
Serena at isang staff niya ang pumasok doon.
Sinasabing may bisita daw na dumating at si Aleksei Ivanov iyon.
Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Serena at agad siyang umiling na tipong sinasabi niya na
hindi niya alam ito. Pero sigurado akong sinet-up na niya ito para magkausap uli
kami ni Aleksei Ivanov. “Noah Feliciano.” Bati nito at naupo sa kaharap kong
couch.
Katulad ng una kong nakaharap ang lalaki, poised pa din ang paraan ng pagkilos at
pag-upo. Tumingin sa gawi ni Serena na agad na tumayo at lumabas para iwan kami
doon. The whole room felt heavy. Like something bad would happen around. Just the
same feeling every time Mr.
Rozovsky was around. “What do you want?” Hindi ko na napigil ang maging iritable.
Hindi ba ako titigilan ng lalaking ito? I didn’t want to work with him. I knew
people to trust and my gut tells me big time that this man was not someone that I
could trust. “Buzz around, you are dealing with a bad deal right now,” may dinukot
siya sa bulsa ng suit jacket niya at nang ilabas ay tobacco iyon tapos ay
sinindihan. Bumuga-buga at tumingin sa akin. “Those people are hard to deal with.
The Russian Bratva.” Napa-tsk-tsk pa siya tapos ay muling humithit sa hawak na
tobacco. “I know people who can help me, Mr. Ivanov. I don’t need your help.”
Matigas na sagot ko. Natawa siya at tumingin sa akin na tila naninigurado.
“Are you sure about that, boy?” Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. “I am not your
fucking boy. And what the hell do you want from me?” Nagkibit siya ng balikat. “I
told you before, I know if people could help me in my business and I can see that
in you.” “And I told you before and will tell you again that I am already working
for someone else. I am not going to betray my boss.” Napahinga ako ng malalim. “You
are a amart man, Mr. Ivanov. You are rich and just like you said, you have lots of
connections. Do your business with someone else. I am not going to leave my boss.”
Ngumiti siya sa akin at tingin ko, lalo siyang na-amuse sa sagot ko. “You are
giving me enough reason to take you away from your boss, Mr. Feliciano. But… all
right. You have your choices I am just telling you that dealing with the Bratva is
a pain the ass. I heard that your shipments got involve with the FBI now.” Pinatay
niya sa kalapit na ashtray ang hawak na tobacco at tumayo tapos ay tinungo ang
liquor shelves ni Serena na naroon at tiningnan. “Not your problem.” Mariing sagot
ko.
Tiningnan niya ako at napatawa tapos ay kinuha ang isang bote ng whisky. Binuksan
iyon at inamoy. Napapikit pa habang inaamoy ang alak.
Kumuha ng isang whisky glass at nagsalin doon. I am curious right now why he was
acting like he owns Serena’s office. What was his hold with Serena?
“I got connections with the FBI and the Bratva.” Humarap na siya sa akin. “Just
one call and you can have your items back. You can transact right at this moment
without any problem.” Uminom siya sa hawak na baso at napangiwi. “Fucking cheap
whisky.” Tila nandidiring binitiwan niya ang hawak na baso at napailing. “Serena
still has a cheap taste.” “I got my own connections, Mr. Ivanov.” Ayaw ko.
Hinding-hindi ako tatanggap ng tulong mula sa taong ito. It could be a trap and
once I was in his trap, I couldn’t get out anymore. “Let me guess. Is it Sergei
Fainberg? Monya Elison? Or…” hitsurang nag-iisip siya at lumiwanag ang mukha nang
tila maalala kung sino iyon. “Timori Metnov.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko. How the fuck
did he know those people?
Those were the go-to names if underground organizations had a bad deal around. And
yes, those people were on my list to talk to fix the problem that I was facing
thanks to Butch Kozinko. Naupo sa harap ko si Aleksei na ngayon ay seryoso nang
nakatingin sa akin. “Those people are under my payroll. One call and all your
items will be yours right at this minute. I am giving you last chance Mr.
Feliciano, and I don’t give chances to people I am dealing with. Work for me and
you will be well compensated and protected.” Ngumisi ako ng nakakaloko. “I am well
compensated and protected by my boss, Mr. Ivanov.” Umangat ang kilay niya at
napangisi. “Your boss, is it Stanislav Rozovsky?” Tonong naniniguro siya pero alam
kong sigurado na siya sa sinabi niya. Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. How did he know
about it? I was careful not to put out Mr. Rozovsky’s name around. Napahalakhak na
si Aleksei. “Just looking at your face, I know I hit the jackpot. Your boss’s name
is buzzing around, Mr. Feliciano. Thanks to Butch Kozinko who cannot shut his mouth
while shouting at the police officers who arrested his son.” Fucking stupid
asshole. Ang tatanga talaga. Pakiramdam ko ay lalong sumasakit ang ulo ko sa
nalalaman ko. “I asked around about your boss and he is one hell of a guy. But to
tell you frankly, working with him and being loyal to him is not worth it.”
Umiiling pa siya.
“I know my boss. You are just a wannabe player who wanted to steal his spotlight.”
Ang lakas ng tawa niya. “I don’t need to steal Stas Rozovsky’s spotlight. He is
losing it now. He is getting old. Getting rusty in choosing people to work for him.
He should not trust people around him.” tumingin siya ng makahulugan sa akin.
“Maybe one day, one of his most trusted men would betray him because of… love
perhaps.” Napatitig ako kay Aleksei Ivanov na ngayon ay muling dumukot ng tobacco
sa bulsa niya. Was he talking about me and Masha? Does he know something about me
and Masha? Humithit at bumuga ng usok ang lalaki at binabasa ko ang mga galaw niya.
That was impossible. I didn’t know this guy and definitely he didn’t know anything
about me and Masha.
Praning lang ako dahil may ginagawa talaga akong sikreto sa likod ni Mr.
Rozovsky.
“I just heard about the story of his right-hand man Patek Aurelio before. He
betrayed Stas Rozovsky because of a woman. Killed Boris Yelchin to get…” saglit
siyang nag-isip. “Katarina Botkov.” “You are wasting your time, Mr. Ivanov. I
won’t-“ “You are dealing and trusting with the wrong people, Noah Feliciano.”
Ngayon ay seryoso nang nakatingin si Aleksei Ivanov sa akin.
Tingin ko ay napikon na dahil hindi ako mapilit. “Your loyalty to Stas Rozovsky
will just go down the drain. Someone will betray you and if you don’t do anything,
you will be killed.” Napikon na ako sa sinabi niya. Ganito ba ka-desperado ang
isang ito? Tumayo na ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin. “You are just messing with my
head. Go fuck yourself, Aleksei Ivanov.” Pagkasabi ko noon ay mabilis akong lumabas
ng opisina ni Serena. Pikon na pikon ako. Deretso na ako sa pinto nang habulin ni
Serena. “Hey. You’re going? You’re done with Mr. Ivanov?” Nag-aalalang tanong
niya. Tiningnan ko siya ng masama. “Don’t do something like that again, Serena.
You know how I hate that guy.” Nakita ko ang paglatay ng guilt sa mukha niya. “I’m
sorry. When he heard that you’re coming here he asked me to get a hold of you. He
wanted to see you.” Hinawakan ako sa kamay ni Serena. “I am so, sorry Noah. I just
don’t have a choice. He is Aleksei Ivanov and-“ “I don’t fucking care who he is. I
am not going to deal with that guy.
Ever. You should do the same. Umiwas ka na sa kanya. Aleksei Ivanov is bad news.”
Napailing-iling siya. “I can’t.” “What do you mean you can’t?” Taka ko.
“I am in deep debt, Noah and Mr. Ivanov helped me to get money.” Kaya naman pala
kung umasta dito ang lalaking iyon ay parang pag-aari ang club ni Serena. “Do
something about it. Deal with someone else not with Aleksei Ivanov. I am telling
this to you because you are my friend.” Napaawang ang bibig niya. Halatang nasaktan
sa narinig na sinabi ko. “Friend lang ba tayo, Noah? We are just friends?”
Bahagyang nabasag ang boses niya. Naguluhan ako sa reaksyon niya. “May iba pa ba
dapat? You know I just come here because you can help me deal with people around
and I am thankful for that. But beyond that, we can never-” “Never what?” ngayon
ay halatang naiirita na siya sa sinasabi ko. Takang-taka ako sa reaksyon niya.
“What the hell is going on, Serena?” “We can never what, Noah? Ano ‘yon? Pupunta
ka lang dito kapag may kailangan ka at kapag nangangati ‘yang itlog mo at kailangan
mo ng taga-kamot? Tapos kapag nakaraos ka na, wala na ako?” Bahagya pang tumaas ang
boses ni Serena.
“What the fuck? What the hell is wrong with you? The fuck are you talking about?”
Nairita ako sa mga sinasabi niya. Tumingin ako sa paligid at wala namang ipinagbago
ang club ni Serena pero pakiramdam ko, punong-puno ng mga asshole ngayon dito dahil
sa mga nakakausap kong tao kasama na siya. Yumakap sa akin si Serena nang
mahigpit. “I cannot lose you, Noah.” Dali-dali ko siyang inilayo sa akin at
hinawakan ko nang mariin sa magkabilang balikat. “What is going on with you,
Serena? Are you high?” nagugulat ako sa ikinikilos niya. “Hindi ka ganyan. And you
know from the start what I need from you. Your connections. Your information. Iyon
lang.” Napahinga ako ng malalim dahil nakikita kong naiiyak na siya pero kailangan
niyang harapin ang katotohanan na sex at mga information na kailangan ko sa kanya.
Ilang beses siyang huminga ng malalim at ngayon ay patuloy na ang pagtulo ng luha
sa mga mata niya. “I am pregnant, Noah. And I am sure you’re the father.”

Whatever is going to happen, will happen whether we worry or not – Ana Mannar

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER 36 | NO WORRIES MASHA

I am not feeling well today. Magmula nang bumalik kami dito sa Daly City, hindi na
maganda ang pakiramdam ko. Akala nga ni Noah nagtatampo ako kasi nang bumibiyahe
kami pauwi, hindi talaga ako nagsasalita at gusto kong tahimik lang. Pero
ipinaliwanag ko sa kanya na masama lang talaga ang katawan ko at gusto kong
mapahinga. Nang makabalik kami ay agad din siyang nagpaalam na aalis saglit at
imi-meet si Uncle Butch. Hindi man niya sinasabi kung ano ang dahilan pero ramdam
ko na may problema. Noah was not his usual self. Kahit seryoso siya madalas, kapag
nilalambing ko na siya, bibigay na agad. That was what I like about him. He
couldn’t resist me. The sex experience with Noah was… out of this world and I wish
that we could stay like this forever. I stayed in my bed and I looked at my phone.
I smiled and took it and searched for my father’s number and called him. My smile
never left my face when my father answered my call.
“You’re ready to go home now, munchkin?” “I missed you too, Dad.” natatawang sabi
ko at dumapa pa sa kama.
“How are you? How’s mom? The twins? Ludi?” “You come here and check them for
yourself. Hindi pa ba tapos ang soul searching mo?” Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi
ko. The past weeks that me and my dad were talking were always like this. Hindi na
kami nag-aaway at nagtatalo katulad ng dati. “I am still enjoying here, Dad. Soon
I’ll be home.” Muntik-muntik ko na talagang sabihin sa kanya ang tungkol sa
namamagitan sa amin ni Noah dahil excited ako. Pero alam kong hindi matutuwa si
Noah kapag ginawa ko iyon. “And when is that soon? Ilang buwan ka nang nandiyan.
Miss ka na namin dito. Your mom can’t wait to see you.” Dama ko na ngayon ang
paglatay ng lungkot sa boses ni Daddy.
Nawala din ang ngiti ko at napangiti ng mapakla. “Miss ko din naman kayo. I am
just not yet finished enjoying my freedom here. And thank you, Dad for listening to
me and trusting me that I can do it by myself.” “Maganda naman kasi ang sinasabi
sa akin ni Noah. And I can see it. I can feel it. Finally, you are happy and not
the rebellious daughter who always fighting me.” Natawa ako. “Dad…” tonong
nagrereklamo ako. “Mabait kaya ako.” “Sinabi ko bang hindi ka mabait?” natatawa na
din siya tapos ay napahinga ng malalim. “It’s just that, I missed you munchkin.
Pinipilit lang namin ng Mommy mo na payagan ka diyan na mag-isa ka kasi iyon ang
gusto mo. But I hope soon, you will decide to come home to us. Wala na kaming baby
dito.” “Ludi is your new baby, Daddy. Tapos nanganak pa si Peyton.” Saglit akong
napahinto. “You didn’t tell me that Noah and Peyton had history.” Kay Daddy na ako
magtatanong dahil sa tuwing magtatanong ako kay Noah, hindi naman nagkukuwento ang
isang iyon tungkol sa kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila ng sister-in-law ko. Hindi
naman ako nagseselos kay Peyton dahil alam ko kung gaano kabaliw iyon kay Kuya
Damien at alam ko din naman na naka-get over na si Noah sa kung ano man ang past
nila. Curious lang ako sa kuwento nila. “Why do you want to know?” Sumeryoso na
ang tono ni Dad.
“Nothing. Narinig ko lang kasi na nag-uusap si Noah and his friend tapos tinutukso
siya kay Peyton. I didn’t know about that. But if you don’t like to share it, it’s
fine.” Ipinaramdam ko kay Dad na hindi na ako interesado para hindi siya
makahalata.
“That was when Peyton was still using her identity as Lesley. Noah knew her
because her father was in and out of jail and Noah was a police chief in that
precinct. Noah likes Peyton but you know the story. Your brother won.” Natawa si
Dad pero mayamaya ay sumeryoso. “I trust Noah so much that’s why I entrusted you to
him. I know he will take care of you. Did you know that he saved your brother and
his family?” Naalala ko nang mabaril si Peyton noon. Nagkakagulo ang pamilya namin
pero hindi ko alam ang talagang kuwento. Ang alam ko lang ay kagagawan iyon ng
Andrea Conti na nanay nang napatay ni Kuya Damien. “If it was not for Noah, your
brother, Peyton and even the twins were dead. That’s why I owe Noah a big debt.”
Seryosong-seryoso ang pagkakasabi noon ni Dad. Naitakip ko ang kamay sa bibig ko.
Lalo ko lang minamahal si Noah. Tingin ko magandang plus points iyon para pumayag
si Daddy tungkol sa relasyon namin once na magsabi na kami. “So, when are you
coming home?” Muli ay tanong ni Daddy. “Soon, Dad.” Tawa na ako nang tawa. “I have
a surprise for you when I get home.” “And what is that? Kapag boyfriend ang
pasalubong mo sa akin, I am telling you Masha, I am going to break the neck of
whoever that asshole could be.” Seryoso na naman ang boses ni Daddy. “Dad.”
Nawala ang ngiti ko. Mukhang hindi nagbibiro si Dad.
“Bakit? Masama ba kung magka-boyfriend na ako? At least ngayon legal ko nang
ipapakilala sa’yo. Not those a-holes that you hate that I met during parties in
clubs.” “So, you have a boyfriend? Kilala ba ni Noah ‘yan? He didn’t tell me about
someone that’s been getting close to you.” “Dad, ano ba? Ang sabi ko lang may
surprise ako sa iyo pag-uwi ko.
Hindi ko sinabing may boyfriend na ako.” “I am going to talk to Noah and I will
tell him to track everyone who is getting close to you. Is it Reed? Butch told me
that you and his son are getting along. And Reed also told me his intent of
courting you.
Nagpapaalam na. Hindi pa nga lang makabalik diyan dahil siya ang nag-aasikaso sa
business nila dito but soon he go there again to visit you.” Umasim ang mukha.
“No. I don’t like Reed.” Hindi agad sumagot si Dad. “Well, at least I know him and
his family. It’s a good foundation for a relationship in the future.” What the
hell? Was this really my dad? Hindi man niya direktang sinasabi pero mukhang good
shot na si Reed sa kanya. Pakiramdam ko ay nawalan na ako ng gana na kausap si
Dad. Nag-umpisa siyang magkuwento ng tungkol sa pamilya ni Reed at kung paano
kalawak ang connections ng pamilya. Nagpaalam na ako sa kanya at kahit alam kong
may sasabihin pa siya ay pinutol ko na ang usapan namin. Bakit parang good shot na
si Reed sa kanya? He likes Reed for me?
Ayaw ko sa lalaking iyon. Si Noah Amell Feliciano lang ang gusto ko. And I
couldn’t wait to let the world know about the two of us and that includes my dad.
Marahan kong hinilot-hilot ang ulo ko. Ito na naman ang hilo tapos sasakit. Ano
kaya ‘to? Hindi naman ako nagpupuyat. Madalas nga akong tulog dahil madalas akong
inaantok. Tumayo ako at binuksan ang cabinet tapos ay kinuha ang bote ng Tylenol
doon at uminom. Nakarinig ako ng pagparada ng sasakyan sa labas ng apartment kaya
dali-dali kong tinungo iyon. Nang sumilip ako sa bintana ay nakita kong kotse ni
Noah ang pumarada sa tapat noon. Inayos ko ang sarili ko at tumayo na sa tapat ng
pinto para salubungin siya. Nang bumukas ang pinto ay agad akong sumalubong kay
Noah at yumakap ng mahigpit sa kanya. “I missed you.” Isinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa
dibdib niya habang nakayakap ako ng mahigpit. Inaamoy-amoy ko pa ang damit niya at
napapikit pa ako. Ang bango-bango ni Noah. Hinding-hindi ako magsasawa na amuyin
siya lagi araw-araw. Pero wala akong narinig na sagot mula sa kanya. Nakatayo lang
siya doon tapos mayamaya ay naramdaman kong yumakap na rin sa akin at hinalikan ako
sa ulo. “I missed you too,” mahinang sabi niya. Ang maluwag na pagyakap ay unti-
unting humihigpit. Napangiti ako at lalo pang idinikit ang sarili ko sa kanya.
Mayamaya ay humiwalay na rin ako at tiningnan siya. Strange, Noah looked so tired.
No. Not tired. There was something else in his face.
He looked worried like something was bothering him. His eyes while looking at me
looked so sad. “Is there something wrong?” Marahan ko pang hinaplos ang mukha
niya. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin tapos mayamaya ay ngumiti at umiling.
“No. I just… missed you so much.” Siya naman ang humawak sa mukha ko at hinaplos
iyon. “You know that I love you, right?” His thumb reached for my lips and he
gently touched it. I smiled and bit my lower lip. My heart couldn’t contain my
happiness while hearing those words from him. I knew Noah loves me and hearing it
from him telling me that again and again, really made my life complete. “Can I
kiss you?” His voice cracked and he swallowed hard while still looking at me like I
am the only thing that matters to him in the world. “Of course.” I giggled. Why
was he acting like this? He was so funny every time we were making love. I am not
used that he was so serious. He lowered his head and claimed my lips. He kissed me
gently. Like this was the first time we were kissing each other. I love Noah
kissing me.
I love the way he was touching me and I knew after this kiss, we would end up in
this couch making love like we always used to do. He deepened his kiss and I took
it eagerly. My hand slides inside his t-shirt and touched his abs up to his broad
chest. I would never get tired of touching his body. Still kissing, I pulled his
shirt up, we stopped kissing for a bit to take off his shirt and then he kissed me
again. Slowly, his kiss, his touch became intense. Like he was so eager to do it.
The tenderness in his moves were gone. He started to act like a rabid animal who
was given its first meal for a long time. I love him when he becomes like that. I
never knew I had it in me until Noah opened me to this kind of love making. His
kiss became brutal.
His touch became rough. His movement became wild and I am loving him more for that.
He pushed me down to the couch and held on my shirt. I gasped when he ripped it.
When I looked in his eyes, I couldn’t see the sadness anymore. All I could see was
something else. Like anger and hunger mixed together. I let him do that. He grabbed
both of my boobs and squeezed my nipples hard. It was painful and pleasurable at
the same time.
My hands started to shake in excitement when I began to unbuckle his belt and
unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. He let me pull it down together with his boxers
and let his hard cock to say hello to my face. I smiled while looking at it. The
pinkish, brown, veiny nine inches warrior that always makes my eyes roll in
ecstasy. He stopped kissing me. He stood up and his breaths became raspy.
I wrapped my hand around his cock and looked at him. He was looking at me and I
knew he was waiting for me to put it inside my mouth. I knew how Noah loved me when
I do that. I began to lick its tip. Tasted the precum that was dripping from it. I
heard a low growl. I knew he liked it.
I licked it again then slide my tongue down to taste his balls. “Fuck…” he
muttered and I felt his hand slides in my hair. He gripped it tightly while holding
my head to keep it in its place while he let me suck and lick his cock. Then
slowly he started to fuck my mouth. Slow until his pace became fast. He was hitting
the back of my throat that made me gag and tears began to pool around my eyes. But
I still welcome every thrust of his cock inside my mouth. I wanted to make him feel
special. I love him that he was doing this to me. I love him that from now on, I
am the only woman that he would always fuck. I gagged when he pushed his cock
deeper down to my throat then pull it all of a sudden. Saliva pooled and dripped
around my mouth. My eyes were in tears while I was looking at him. He wiped my
saliva using his hand then spread it to the tip of his cock. He pulled me up from
the couch and turned me around. Pushed my back until I was bending over and he
pushed my shorts down. I felt his cock at my entrance and without any care, he
shoved it deep inside me. I moaned so hard. My pussy immediately felt full. He
grabbed my ass then he started to move. Fucking me slow until he was moving fast.
He was so deep into me I could feel his balls slapping my pussy. I could hear the
lewd sounds of our body hitting together. Her groans and my moans were filling the
whole room. Noah was so wild fucking me right now and I wanted more. I could hear
his heavy breaths and his pace became faster and deeper. I was moaning so hard when
I reached my orgasm and I knew he was coming too. I knew we would reach our peak
together and we would ride that drowning feeling of ecstasy. But Noah pulled his
cock out then I felt something warm touched my bare ass. I was puzzled. This was a
first. He never pulled out every time he would reach his peak. It was okay for him
to release his cum inside me and I wanted it that too. Was there something wrong?
We were both panting and I was still bending over from the couch.
I felt him wiped my skin then pulled my shorts up. He helped me to sit on the couch
while he too was trying to fix himself. He gave me his shirt and he let himself
shirtless in front of me since he ripped the shirt I was wearing. He sat beside me
still panting and rested his head on the couch and closed his eyes.
I knew something was bothering him. “You are not okay.” Nanatili akong nakatingin
sa kanya habang nakapikit siya sa tabi ko. Dumilat siya ng mata at tumingin sa akin
tapos ay ngumiti. “Why do you think I am not okay? I am. I just made love with
you,” nakangiti siya sa akin pero hindi umaabot sa mata niya ang ngiti na iyon.
“What’s wrong, Noah?” I continued to press. Hindi ako satisfied sa sagot niya.
Umiling siya. “There’s nothing wrong, Masha.” Saglit siyang natahimik at napahinga
ng malalim. “Well, it’s about some deals. Jobs. Adult thing.” “Can’t you share it
to me? Am I not an adult to you? I am willing to listen.” Muli ay umiling siya at
tumagilid para makaharap sa akin. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin tapos ay hinaplos ang
mukha ko. “I am sorry.” Ramdam na ramdam ko ang sincerity sa boses niya nang
sabihin iyon. Kumunot ang noo ko. “What are you sorry about?” Nanatili siyang
nakatitig sa akin tapos ay napangiti ng mapakla.
“Nothing. I just want to say sorry.” “For what?” naguguluhan pa rin ako. “Why are
you saying sorry?” “Because I can’t tell the world about you.” Bahagya pang
pumiyok ang boses niya. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag. “Iyon lang ba? Akala ko naman
kung ano na. “Di ba we talked about it? You said that you will find the right
timing to tell it to Dad and I am going to back you up. If you are not ready yet, I
can wait.” Hinahaplos pa rin niya ang pisngi ko habang nakatingin sa akin.
“You are so innocent.” Napahinga siya ng malalim at halatang may gustong sabihin
pero pilit na lang na ngumiti. “Come here.” Hinila niya ako palapit sa kanya at
niyakap ng mahigpit. He kept on kissing my temple. “Just remember that I love you
so much. Whatever happens, I love you.” Hindi na ako kumibo at ipinikit na lang
ang mga mata ko. I knew something was bothering him but I am not going to push him
to tell it to me. I would wait for him when he was ready. Right now, we would savor
this moment together. Listening to him telling me how much he loves me over and
over. That was all enough for me to take all my worries away. The hardest thing
you can do is look back and see what the person you love has done to you.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER 37 | HATE FUCK MASHA

This was the worst morning that I experienced in my life. My head was really
heavy. I have an upset stomach and I went to the bathroom for several times
already. I wanted to vomit but I was just nauseous. Ito ngang huling pasok ko ay
hindi ko na nagawang lumabas agad. Nakaupo na lang ako sa tabi ng toilet bowl dahil
naduduwal na naman ako. Napatingin ako sa pinto nang may kumatok doon. “Baby, are
you there?” It was Noah’s voice. Shit. Nagising pa siya. Ingat na ingat nga ako na
bumangon sa kama para hindi ko na si maistorbo. “I-I’m here.” Sinubukan niyang
pihitin ang door knob ng pinto ng banyo pero naka-lock iyon. “Why is this locked?
You don’t lock doors, Masha.” Seryoso na ngayon ang boses niya. Pinilit kong tumayo
at tinungo ang pinto para buksan iyon. Nang mabuksan ko ay kita kong seryosong
nakatingin sa akin si Noah. “What’s going on?” “My hyperacidity strikes again.
I’ll just go downstairs to get Tums.” Pinilit kong lumakad palabas at bumaba ako
pero nanatiling nakasunod si Noah. “Are you sure hyperacidity lang ‘yan? Medyo
madalas na ‘yan.
Let’s go find a clinic. I’m worried.” Nang tumingin ako kay Noah ay kitang-kita ko
ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya kaya ngumiti ako at lumapit sa kanya. Ikinawit ang mga
braso ko sa batok niya at hinalikan siya sa labi.
“I am fine.” Isinubo ko ang tabletas na para sa hyperacidity at nginuya iyon.
“Tulog ka na. Nawala na ang antok ko. I’ll just watch TV.” Humiwalay na ako sa
kanya at tinungo ko ang living room. Naupo ako sa couch doon at binuksan ang TV
pero sumunod din sa akin si Noah at tumabi sa akin. “Matulog ka pa. Maaga pa,”
tumingin ako sa relo at alas-kuwatro pa lang ng umaga doon. “Hindi rin naman ako
makakatulog kung wala ka sa tabi ko.” Naupo siya sa tabi ko at kinuha ang kamay ko
tapos ay hinalikan iyon. “What do you want to watch?” “I am watching this
documentary about serial killers.” Inilagay ko sa Netflix ang TV at hinanap ko ang
pinapanood kong documentary doon. “Serial killers, huh. I didn’t know that you
like that kind of show.” Pinipisil-pisil ni Noah ang kamay ko. “Wala lang,”
napakibit-balikat pa ako. “I am just curious by them or well… I wanted to know why
they do it. What makes them tick to do it.” Napahinga siya ng malalim at sumandal
sa couch. “There are people that are just crazy and doesn’t have any remorse.
Palitan mo na ‘yan.
Hindi bagay sa’yo ang nanonood ng ganyan.” Lumabi ako sa kanya. “Huwag kang corny.
I like to watch this.
Nakikinood ka na lang nangingialam ka pa.” kunwa ay inirapan ko siya at itinutok ko
na ang pansin sa pinapanood ko.
Tumahimik din naman si Noah at nanood na din. Pero ramdam kong hindi niya bet ang
pinapanood ko at napipilitan lang. “I am thinking of talking to your father. I
want to tell him about us.” Ang ipinapakita sa TV ay kung paano ang detalye ng
pagpatay ng killer sa mga biktima nito at iyon ang gusto kong part. Pero nawala ang
focus ko doon dahil sa sinabi ni Noah. Taka akong napatingin sa kanya.
“What did you say?” Gusto kong masiguro na tama ang narinig ko. Nakatitig siya sa
mga mata ko. “I am ready to tell your father about us.” Seryosong-seryoso siyang
nakatingin sa akin. “I am ready to face his wrath.” Kita ko ang pag-aalala sa mukha
ni Noah pero kita ko din sa mga mata niya na determinado siya sa gagawin niya.
Marahan niyang hinaplos ang mukha ko. “I don’t want to hide you or us anymore.”
Hindi ko malaman na namuo ang luha sa mga mata ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.
Nalulunod ang puso ko. “I love you.” Doon na tuluyang tumulo ang luha ko kaya
mabilis kong pinahid iyon. “Are you sure? I mean, I am willing to wait when you’re
ready. I don’t want to pressure you to tell it to Dad.” Napailing-iling siya.
“This is the time. I am ready.” Hinalikan niya ako sa labi tapos ay lumayo sa akin
at hinahaplos ang mukha ko. Halatang may gusto pa siyang sabihin pero napangiti
siya ng mapakla. “I just…” napahinga siya ng malalim. “Whatever happens, always
remember that I will fight for you. I will never leave you.” “Kinakabahan naman
ako. Tingin ko naman magiging okay kay Dad kapag nalaman niya ang tungkol sa atin.
I am sure magagalit sa una pero, magiging okay. I am Dad’s favorite and he can
never get mad at me.” Pag-a-assure ko sa kanya. Walang reaksyon si Noah at
nanatiling nakatitig lang sa akin. Muli niya akong hinalikan sa labi tapos ay
inakbayan ako para mapalapit pa sa kanya. I couldn’t contain my happiness. My heart
was beating fast in excitement. In my head, I was already memorizing those lines
that I am going to tell my father. I am ready to face Dad and tell him about Noah.
My attention focused on Noah because he made sure that I am going to lose my
interest to what I was watching. He started to kiss me passionately and I knew what
will happen after this. I didn’t know what was going on but these past few days,
Noah was clingy to me. Every time that we were together, he would make sure that we
were going to have a superb sex. I am not complaining. I love it every time were
making love.
I just knew that there was something changed because he started to become careful.
Every time that he was coming, he would make sure that he would pull out and there
was one time that he even used a condom. He knew I never wanted that. I wanted to
feel him bare. But he explained to me that we needed to be careful. He kept on
explaining to me that he didn’t want us to have an accident and ended up facing my
dad that he got me pregnant. He got a point there and I totally understand but… I
am just missing the thrill. Our devil may care attitude in bed. But I knew how Noah
loves me. Just like now that he was kissing me passionately and deep and he was
touching me like this would be the last time we were going to do this. He lifted
me up and let me sat on her lap while we were still kissing.
I was wearing his big shirt and he slides it up to remove it then we kissed again.
I am totally naked sitting on his lap while his hand started to wander on my body.
His kiss started to trail from my mouth down to my chin, down to my neck. He was
tracing the curves of my body. Touching and playing with my boobs. I could hear his
raspy breaths. Noah was like an animal hungry for me and I knew we would end up in
another wild love making sesh. I let him touch me. I let him kiss me. I would let
him do whatever things he wanted to do to me. I am at his mercy. Him and his love
were the only things that matters to me. I am crazy over Noah and I didn’t know
what would happen to me if the time comes that he would leave me. But feeling his
touch and kiss, I knew the two of us would never be apart. I knew how he loves me.
I knew we would be together. Forever.
Still kissing, I felt Noah’s hand pushed down his shorts and I could feel on my
legs his hard cock. His hand began to touch my pussy. Sliding in my slit, testing
its wetness. I am soaked down there. Well, I am always wet for him and ready to
take him over and over until we both reach the addicting euphoria of becoming one.
“You know that I love you, right?” His tongue began to trace my ears down to my jaw
and kissed my lips. His finger was now playing on my clit that made me high. “Y-
yeah…” I choked on my reply. My hips were moving following the circling movement of
his finger playing mercilessly around my clit. “Always remember that… because
right now…” this time he removed his finger and I am feeling his hard cock teasing
my opening. “I am going to fuck you like I hate you.” Without a warning, he slides
his cock hard and deep into me. It fitted perfectly. Hate fuck. That was new but I
think I wanted this because this was more intense. More rabid and hard. I never
knew hate fuck exist but I think I wanted him to take me like this again and again.
I would never get tired of the feeling of fullness every time we were doing this.
Noah held on my hips. Lifted my ass and started to fuck me hard and crazy. I was
screaming in pleasure. Saying ‘Oh my God’ again and again and screaming for his
name. Sure, this was new. Because he was really fucking me like he didn’t care
about me and there would be no tomorrow. I wrapped my arms around his neck while
he continued to thrust deep and hard inside me. My moans filled the whole place.
His grunts and groans together with the sound of our flesh pounding each other
could be heard by the whole neighborhood. I didn’t care. Even if they call the cops
for disturbance of peace. Because right now, my man was giving me what I wanted.
He kept on fucking me hard. This time he wrapped his arms around my waist and let
me lie down on the couch. He spread my legs widely and began to thrusted hard again
and again. He was holding on to my ankles in the air while pushing deep into me.
Noah was looking at my face. Like memorizing every part of it and I knew I didn’t
look pretty right now but I didn’t care. What matters to me was the crazy feeling
of being fucked by him and made me like a crazy woman begging for more.
I knew I was coming and I knew he could feel it. He moved faster and deep until I
reached my orgasm. My eyes rolled back and my nails dug at his arms when I came.
When it was his turn, to my disappointment again, he pulled out his cock and
sprayed his cum to my belly.
We were both panting after that tiring but perfect bliss. He kissed me on my
forehead and smiled at me. “Let’s take shower together.” He murmured. I nodded my
head and he gently lifted me up and carry me to the bathroom. ----- Sa couch na
kami nakatulog ni Noah. Nang magising ako ay mataas na ang araw. Pasado alas-nuebe
na at wala na siya sa tabi ko. Sinubukan ko siyang tawagin pero walang sumasagot.
Tumayo ako at tiningnan siya sa kuwarto pero wala din siya doon. Sinubukan ko
siyang tawagan pero ring lang nang ring ang phone niya. That was strange. Sa tuwing
tinatawagan ko siya isang ring pa lang sinasagot na niya ang tawag ko.
Pero naisip kong baka may pinuntahan lang at nasa importanteng meeting.
Ganito naman siya nitong mga nakakaraang araw. Madalas kong makikitang tahimik at
mukhang malalim ang iniisip pero agad na mag-iiba ang mood kapag nakita na ako.
Mayamaya ay tumunog ang telepono ko at naka-receive ako ng text galing sa kanya.
Maaga daw siyang umalis dahil may importanteng pupuntahan. Nag-reply na lang ako ng
I love you at na-disappoint lang nang walang reply akong na-receive mula sa kanya.
Tumayo ako sa couch pero agad din akong napaupo uli dahil bigla akong nahilo.
Pakiramdam ko ay talagang tutumba ako. Ilang beses akong huminga ng malalim at
pilit na kinalma ang sarili ko. I knew there was something wrong with me. Dahan-
dahan akong tumayo at tinungo ang kabilang apartment para makapag-ayos. Nang nasa
kuwarto na ako at nasa loob ng banyo ay napatingin ako dalawang patong ng sanitary
pads na naroon. Bigla ang pagbundol ng kaba sa dibdib ko.
Ngayon ko na-realize na hindi ko nagagamit ito. I realized my monthly period never
came this month. My heart pounded hard while I was looking at those sanitary pads.
A mix of fear and excitement poured my heart. I never missed my period.
Regular akong dinadatnan every month and Noah and I were so active in bed. Naitakip
ko ang kamay sa bibig ko at pakiramdam ko ay maduduwal ako sa hindi maipaliwanag na
nararamdaman ko.
Agad akong nagbihis tapos ay binitbit ang bag ko at lumabas.
Pumunta ako sa pinakamalapit na convenience store at bumili ng pregnancy test kit.
Panay pa nga ang tingin ko sa paligid dahil pakiramdam ko ay may mga matang
nakasunod sa akin at baka makita kung ano ang binibili ko. Nang makuha ko iyon ay
agad akong bumalik sa apartment at nagkulong sa banyo.
Pakiramdam ko ay hindi ako makahinga habang hinihintay ko ang resulta. Hanggang sa
unti-unti ay nagkakaroon ng kulay ang pregnancy test kit na hawak ko. I couldn’t
contain my happiness while I was looking at the two red lines. Two red lines.
Unconsciously, I held on my flat belly. I couldn’t feel anything in there yet but
the excitement that surged my heart was something. Of course, this was something.
I am fucking pregnant. Immediately, I thought about my dad. Definitely he would go
berserk when he finds out about this but… I held my head up high and took a deep
breath.
I am going to keep this baby. Mine and Noah’s baby. Dad couldn’t do anything
about this. Even Mom. Even my brothers.
I am going to talk to Noah. I would tell him that we should get married.
We love each other and now we’re having our baby. My smile went from ear to ear
when I looked at the two red lines on the pregnancy test again. Was Noah going to
be excited about this? Who would have thought that I would end up with Noah?
Dinadaan-daanan ko lang siya dati sa bahay namin kapag pinupuntahan niya si Peyton.
Tinutukso ko pa si Peyton sa kanya. Damn destiny. Nakakainis mag-joke. Nakakainis
na nakakakilig. I giggled when I thought about Noah. I stood up from the toilet
bowl and fixed myself. I put the pregnancy test kit inside my pocket and went out
from the bathroom. I looked around and suddenly, Noah’s apartment became so
beautiful to me. Kinakainisan ko itong apartment niya. Hindi naman kasi ako sanay
na tumira sa maliit na lugar na ganito. This was a typical bachelor’s pad. Although
this was bigger than the other apartments around our block, still, I wanted us to
stay in a bigger place. Like a real house. With so many rooms inside, vast lawn so
our kids could run and play outside. Gosh. Our kids. What if I am conceiving with
twins? This was so exciting. I wanted a boy and a girl too. Parang kami ni Daci. We
grew up so close together. There were no secrets between us… except these days that
I was with Noah. I couldn’t tell him that I was having an affair with the man my
father tasked to protect me. All right. Today was a special day for Noah and I. I
needed to prepare for something good. I am going to cook something special for him
even if I didn’t know how to cook. Usually, it was Noah who always cook for me. He
was a good cook. And I am going to buy us rings. Uso na naman na ang babaen ang
nagpo-propose. Gagawin ko iyon at sigurado akong hindi na siya makakatanggi kapag
isinuot ko na ang singsing sa daliri niya. Pinatungan ko ng trench coat ang suot
kong jeans at sleeveless top tapos ay naglagay ng scarf sa leeg. It was cold here
in San Francisco.
Although hindi nag-i-snow, nanunuot pa rin sa buto ang lamig. Umuusok nga ang bibig
ko. Nag-book ako ng Uber at nagpahatid sa Tiffany and Co.
Pagdating doon ay nagpatulong ako sa attendant kung ano ang bagay na singsing kay
Noah. I am sure he would want a simple white gold ring.
With those little diamond all over. May ipinakita sa akin at nagustuhan ko agad. I
bought it. I also bought an engagement ring for me. Kung wala siyang singsing na
ibibigay sa akin, okay lang. Ako na ang magpo-provide basta sabihin lang niya na
magpapakasal kami. I secured the ring and put it inside my pocket. Next, I went to
Costco to buy the things that I would need for my preparation. Kumpleto dito ang
lahat kaya dito na ako pumunta. Nagtutulak ako ng pushcart at nasa meat section
nang maramdaman kong may humawak sa braso ko. Agad akong napalingon at muntik pang
mapatalon sa gulat. “Hi, Masha baby.” Ngiting-ngiti ang lalaking gumawa noon.
Napaikot ako ng mata nang makilala kung sino iyon. “Damn it, Reed. You scared me.”
“Do I scare you now? When we were making out at Molly’s you were not scared of me.”
Umangat pa ang kilay niya. “Stop saying that we made out. You took advantage of
me. You got me drunk and you took advantage of it.” Lumayo pa ako sa kanya.
“Umalis ka na nga.” Pagtataboy mo.
“Bakit diring-diri ka na sa akin ngayon? Kasi kayo na ng bodyguard mo? Does your
father know about it?” Ngising aso sa akin si Reed. Pakiramdam ko ay nalulon ko
ang dila sa sinabi niya. How did he know about it? Noah and I were careful. Nobody
knew about our affair. “Wala kaming relasyon ni Noah? And correction, he is not my
bodyguard. He is my dad’s trusted man in here. Pati ba naman dito sa America uso
ang tsismis? Tapos galing pa sa’yo kalalaki mong tao.” Inirapan ko pa siya at
itinulak ko na ang pushcart na nasa harapan ko para makalayo na sa kanya. “You
want to see proof?” Umangat pa ang kilay ni Reed. “Fuck you, Reed. Get lost.”
Tinabig ko pa siya at naglakad na palayo. “Come on, Masha. Just take a look at my
proof. I want to show you this first. But if you’re not interested, I could send
this to your father and I am sure he would be very much interested in this.”
Napahinto ako sa paglakad at nilingon si Reed. Nakangisi siya sa akin at
ipinapakita ang hawak na telepono. Ang sama ng tingin ko sa kanya at inilang
hakbang ko lang siya. Inagaw ko ang teleponong hawak niya at nagpipindot hanggang
sa makita ko ang isang folder na may pangalang “Masha my Babe.” Muli ay sinamaan
ko siya ng tingin bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa hawak kong telepono. Nang
makita ko ang mga litratong naroon sa folder, pakiramdam ko ay nanlamig ako. Nag-
uumpisang manginig ang buong katawan ko habang sige ang pagba-browse doon. Those
were my photos. Mine and Noah’s photos. This was taken when the two of us had a
date at Lake Tahoe. I told him I wanted to see snow and he brought me there. There
were photos when we were getting in the car, going out. Photos when we made a
stopover at a gas station. We were so sweet. Kissing. Hugging. This was like taken
by a paparazzi. “What the fuck is this?” Ang sama ng tingin ko kay Reed. Ngumisi
siya. “Nothing. Well, you know I like you but you said you want someone else. At
first, I thought you were just saying that to ditch me. I need to know that there
was really someone else. That there was a man who exists that you really want. So,
I decided to follow you. And I couldn’t believe what I saw. Does your father know
about this?” Nang-aasar pang sabi niya. “The ever-loyal bodyguard and his precious
daughter. Kissing. Hugging and for sure, fucking each other.” “Fuck you, Reed.”
Pinagdi-delete ko ang mga litratong naroon at ibinalik ang telepono sa kanya. “I
am not stupid, Masha. Even if you deleted that, I have copies. And ano ba ang
problema kung boyfriend mo ang bodyguard mo? Kung malaman ng Daddy mo? Ayaw mo
noon, magiging legal na kayo.
Actually, my dad is having a meeting with your dad right at this moment.
I could tell my dad to-“ “Shut up!” tumaas na ang boses ko at napatingin ako sa
paligid.
Nakita kong may ibang mga tao doon na napatingin na sa lugar ko. “Or, I could shut
my mouth if you are going to do what I want.” Kumindat pa siya. “Madali lang naman.
Marry me.” “Are you fucking crazy? Why would I marry you? Umalis ka na nga.”
Pagtataboy ko sa kanya. “I am going to give you until tomorrow to decide, Masha.
You know my number. Call me.” Sumenyas pa ng tumatawag si Reed bago naglakad
paalis. Ang sama ng tingin ko sa lalaking iyon habang palayo at napabuga ako ng
hangin. Kinuha ko ang telepono ko at sinubukan kong tawagan si Noah.
Nasaan ba ang lalaking iyon? Kaninang-kanina ko pa hindi nakikita. Nag-text lang
kanina na maagang aalis dahil may lalakarin tapos hindi na nag-report sa akin.
Hindi man lang mag-text kung nasaan na o kung ano ang ginagawa. Ngayon ay naiinis
na ako. Alam kong naiinis ako dahil nai-stress ako.
Lalong nadadagdagan ang inis ko nang hindi sumasagot sa tawag ko si Noah. Panay
lang ang ring ng telepono niya. Napabuga ako ng hangin at ibinalik sa bag ko ang
telepono. Iniwan ko na ang mga pinamili ko at pinabayaan na lang ang pushcart doon.
Nawalan na ako ng gana.
Muli akong nag-book ng Uber at habang naghihintay ay muli akong naka-receive ng
text galing kay Reed. Grabe talagang mambuwisit ang isang ito. Ayaw ko na sanang
sagutin pero may attachment kasi ang message niya. Nang buksan ko iyon ay litrato
ng isang babae. Sino ‘to?
Does your lover / bodyguard tell you that he has a girlfriend?
Napalunok ako at hindi maialis ang tingin sa litrato ng babaeng ipinadala ni Reed.
The woman in the picture looked familiar. I knew I had seen her somewhere. You
want to know her name? Iyon ang sunod na message ni Reed. Nanginginig ang kamay ko
habang nagta-type ng reply sa kanya. I said, you get lost. Stay away from me.
 I’ll tell it anyway. Ang bilis ng reply ni Reed. Her name is Serena Worthington.
That’s his girlfriend for years already.
Agad na namuo ang luha sa mga mata ko habang nakatingin sa litrato ng babae. I
knew it. Her face was familiar. I saw her before. She was the woman I saw one time
when we were in a mall. But he said they were over. He said, he was single. If you
want to know more, I am just one click away. Sunod-sunod na smiley emoticon pa ang
message sa akin ni Reed. Nang dumating ang Uber na pinabook ko ay para akong
nawawala sa sarili. Nagpahatid ako sa apartment ni Noah habang sige ako tawag sa
kanya. Bakit hindi niya sinasagot ang tawag ko? Nang makarating ako sa apartment
ay sige pa rin ako pindot sa telepono. Tawag at text pero walang reply. What the
fuck was going on?
Nalaman na ba ni Daddy ang affair namin ni Noah? Mom. Si Mom ang makakatulong sa
akin. Kahit lagi kaming nag-aaway ni Mommy, I am sure she would understand if I
tell her about Noah. I was about to dial Mom’s number when someone rang the
doorbell.
I immediately went there and opened the door expecting Noah to be there.
But to my surprise, it was not Noah. I stepped back because I was not prepared to
meet face to face the woman, I knew Noah got involved with before. This was the
woman in the photo that Reed sent me. This was Serena Worthington. “Hi.” The
woman was all smile at me. Looking at me from head to foot then peaked at my back.
“Is Noah there?” I was stunned when she even pushed me aside and went inside the
apartment without being invited in. “Where’s Noah?” Muli pang tanong ng babae.
“He’s not here. Please get out.” Isinenyas ko ang pinto para lumabas na siya.
Tinaasan ako ng kilay ng babae. “I remember you. You are his job.
Masha, right? The toxic, spoiled brat daughter of his boss?” Naningkit ang mata ko
sa babae. “I am not toxic. I am not spoiled brat. And who the hell are you?”
Ngumiti sa akin ang babae pero nakakainis ang ngiting iyon. Bakit?
Akala niya matatakot ako sa kanya. Kahit mas malaki siya sa akin, mas malaki ang
boobs niya, mas matanda siya sa akin, hindi ko siya uurungan.
Aral akong makipagbugbugan kay Kuya Danny at Daci. “Oh, my bad. I am so sorry.”
Napabuga ito ng hangin at muling ngumiti sa akin. “It’s the hormones,” kunwa ay
nagpaypay pa ng kamay ang babae sa sarili. “I am having a hard time with this
conception.” Conception? I knew I heard that word before. That was about
pregnancy. Bigla na ang kabog ng dibdib ko. “Can I sit?” Paalam pa niya sa akin at
umupo na rin kahit hindi naman ako umu-oo. “Where the hell is Noah. I have been
calling him dozens of times.” “What do you need?” Napalunok na ako. Ang excitement
na nararamdaman ko kanina ay napalitan ng matinding kaba. Tingin ko ay may hindi
maganda ang hatid ng pagdating ng babaeng ito dito. “I need to talk to Noah. He
needs to know what is going on.” Napatikhim ako. “A-and what is going on?”
Alanganin siyang tumingin sa akin. “I don’t think you need to know about it. It’s
between us. Girlfriend and boyfriend.” Nagtagis ang bagang ko. I am Noah’s
girlfriend. We already professed our love to each other. Gusto kong isigaw iyon
pero kinagat ko na lang ang dila ko. “But anyway, since you wanted to know what is
going on. I’ll tell you,” lumapad ang ngiti ng babae. “I am pregnant. Noah is going
to be a father.” Wala akong reaction na nakatingin lang sa kanya. Habang ang
sinabi niya ay paulit-ulit sa isip ko. I am pregnant. Noah is going to be a
father.
“I am so excited to tell him about this because this is what he wanted ever since
we get back together. Finally. Noah would marry me.” Pakiramdam ko ay nabibingi
ako. Nanlalamig at nanginginig ang buong katawan. Nahihilo din ako. Nagdidilim ang
paningin ko pero pinilit kong maging matatag. Pinilit kong ngumiti sa babaeng nasa
harap ko.
Hindi ako magpapakita ng kahit anong emosyon. “G-Good. T-that’s good news.
Congratulations.” Isang pilit na ngiti muli ang ibinigay ko sa kanya at
naipagpasalamat kong tumutunog ang telepono ko. Dali-dali akong lumabas pero hindi
ko sinagot iyon.
Lumakad ako nang lumakad para mapalayo sa lugar na iyon. Para mapalayo sa
napakasakit na katotohanan na nalaman ko. Nang tingnan ko ang telepono ay si Reed
pa rin ang tumatawag sa akin. Ni-reject ko ang call. Si Noah ang tinatawagan ko
ulit pero katulad kanina, hindi niya sinasagot ang tawag ko. Mayamaya ay naka-
receive ako ng text. Galing kay Noah. Your Dad wants you to go home. Someone is
going to pick you up.
Don’t wait for me. Hindi ko mapigil ang luhang nag-uunahang maglandas sa pisngi
ko.
Sinubukan kong tawagan uli si Noah pero hindi niya sinasagot ang tawag ko. Another
text came from him.
Stop calling me. My job is done with your family so I am done with you. My hands
were shaking while I was trying to call him again. I am thinking if Noah was just
pulling out a joke. But I knew him. He didn’t like jokes. He didn’t know how to
joke. When I tried to call him again, I couldn’t call him anymore. I was looking at
his message on my phone.
My eyes were bawling in tears while looking at his last message again and again.
Fear. Despair were the emotions that was taking over me. What the hell was going
on? Noah and I were okay last night. We made love. He was ready to tell the truth
about us to my dad. I tried to call him again but his phone was unattended already.
Goddamn him. He was a fucking asshole. That was it? Ganoon na lang iyon? Was that
his break-up line for me? Kinuha ko sa bulsa ang binili kong singsing para sa kanya
at punong-puno ng luha ang mga matang nakatingin doon. Now I realized what was
going on. He was fucking chicken shit who didn’t have balls to stand up for me to
my dad. Last night was just a trick. To make me believe in his lies.
He never intends to tell it to my dad. He was going to leave me and last night’s
hate fuck was his goodbye fuck. I was a fool to believe in his lies. I was a fool
to give my love to him. I was a fool for trusting him. Just like everyone else, he
used me. Lied to me. But for what was worth, I got my baby. And I am going to keep
this and he would never know about this ever. The puppeteer may control the
strings, but the puppet has a mind of its own.

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER 38 | THE PUPPETEER NOAH

If only I could stay beside her forever.

I could watch her sleeping all day. I could listen to her soft breaths and would
never get tired of listening to the soft noises she makes while in deep sleep. I
could drown in her long hair scattered on my arms and chest while she used it as
her pillow. I could feel her warm flesh and would never get tired even if my
muscles were sore because I was staying in just one position so she would be
comfortable.
I could sacrifice everything for her. For Masha. For my princess.
And she doesn’t deserve to be hidden like this. Loving Masha should be proud of. I
should shout it to the world how much she means to me. I should tell it to her
father that I fell for her big time and nothing could stop me loving her. Today, I
am ready to talk to Stas Rozovsky. Today, I am ready to face him and tell him about
his daughter and me. I am ready for the consequence. I am ready if he kills me. If
he was ready to hurt his daughter and kill the man she loves, by all mean I am
ready to die. Basta si Stas Rozovsky ang papatay sa akin, tatanggapin ko. Unfair as
it may sound, but I needed to tell everyone how I love Masha and no one could stop
us for loving each other. I gently touched her face and she moved but still in her
deep sleep.
After our wild sex, I knew she won’t get up anytime soon. I heaved a sigh and
pushed her away. So gentle she didn’t even move and didn’t feel that I already got
up from the couch. I went to my room and fixed myself. I wore the best suit that I
could find. If I wanted to face Mr. Stanislav Rozovsky and tell him how much I love
his daughter, I needed to be in my best self. Or… if he would kill me, at least I
look good. Natawa ako ng mapakla. Kung ano-ano ang pumapasok sa isip ko para lang
mawala ang kaba sa dibdib ko. Alam kong mayroong problema para pumunta pa dito si
Mr. Rozovsky. Siguradong alam na niya ang trouble na kinasasangkutan ni Butch
Kozinko. Fucking Butch Kozinko ruined everything I worked hard for here. Hindi ko
alam kung paano ko gagawan ng paraan dahil lahat ng contacts ko, biglang nagsipag-
back out na at hindi ko na matawagan. Iisa ang sinasabi nila sa akin. Butch Kozinko
was bad news and ruined their networks. The cops being involved in our illegal
works was really a total disaster. Parang gusto ko nang maniwala sa sinasabi ni
Aleksei Ivanov.
Gusto ko nang kumagat sa offer niya para lang maayos ko ang trouble na nangyayari
sa mga business transaction ni Mr. Rozovsky. The transaction that Butch Kozinko
disrupted already cost millions of dollars loss for Mr.
Rozovsky. Even the hotel of Mr. Rozovsky that I was trying to run here got in
trouble too. Someone snitched that the hotel was being used for the underground
illegal transaction of Mr. Rozovsky. Again, cops were involved. A warrant was
served to investigate the whole hotel and its operation. And this fuckery all
happened when Butch Kozinko took over everything from me. I had a gut feeling that
someone was sabotaging everything and includes sabotaging my work with my boss.
Nang makapagbihis ako ay bumaba na ako at muling dumeretso sa living room. Masha
was still sleeping. Kung puwede nga lang hindi na ako umalis dito at magkasama na
lang kaming dalawa. But today was the day for me to fix everything. I gave her a
soft kiss on her forehead and whispered I love you in her ear even if she was not
going to hear it. I went out and rode on my car.
My phone rang and it was Serena calling me. Kahit napipilitan ay sinagot ko iyon.
“Are you coming?” Iyon agad ang bungad niya nang sagutin ko ang tawag niya. “Yeah.
I need to make sure it’s mine.” Malamig na sabi ko. Napapalatak siya. “Bakit ka ba
nagdududa? Of course, ikaw ang tatay ng dinadala ko.” Hindi na ako kumibo. Gusto
kong sigawan si Serena. Isa pa siyang dagdag sa problema ko. She ruined everything.
Muntik ko na nga siyang mapatay nang sabihin niya sa aking buntis siya. Imposible
iyong mangyari. I was careful when we were having sex before. Kahit constant fuck
buddy ko siya noon, I made sure to use protection dahil ayaw ko nga ng mga ganitong
problema na haharapin. Ang mali ko lang, nagtiwala ako sa kanya na pareho kami ng
gusto. She was okay that I am using protection but she admitted the last times that
we did it, she tampered the condoms that she was giving to me. So today, I need to
see her in a clinic to know if what she was claiming was true. I demand for a
paternity test. Iba na ang technology ngayon. Kahit nasa tiyan pa lang, puwede na
ang mga DNA test. Sa sobrang praning ko, talagang kinausap ko ang clinic.
Binayaran ko ang doctor at mga assistants na gagawa ng test. Baka i-tamper ni
Serena ang result at balak lang pala akong pikutin. Naroon ako nang magpa-test si
Serena at ngayon ang labas ng resulta.
“I’m on my way.” Iyon na lang ang sinabi ko at ini-end ko na ang tawag niya.
Napahinga ako ng malalim at nag-drive na paalis. Dumeretso ako sa clinic at naroon
na agad si Serena. Kita ko ang excitement sa mukha niya nang dumating ako.
Sinubukan pa nga akong halikan pero umiwas ako agad. Hindi na rin siya nagpilit at
sabay kaming pumasok sa clinic.
Marami pang sinasabi si Serena pero hindi ko pinapansin. Deretso ako sa attendant
at hiningi ang result. And I felt everything crumbled on me while I was looking at
the paper. My fist rolled into a ball while looking at the result over and over.
99.99999999 Probability of Paternity “Oh my God!” naibulalas ni Serena at naitakip
pa ang kamay sa bibig. “Oh my God, baby!” agad siyang yumakap sa akin pero mabilis
ko siyang itinulak palayo. Kitang-kita ko ang disappointment sa mukha niya.
“Why are you like that?” naiiyak ang hitsura niya. “Aren’t you happy about this? We
are going to be parents.” Umiling lang ako at ngumiti ng mapakla sa kanya. “I want
someone else, Serena. I am in love with someone else and I cannot leave her.”
Nakita ko ang paglatay ng lungkot sa mukha niya. “Hindi mo ba ‘to pananagutan?”
“I’m sorry. You admitted you tampered the condoms. You wanted it. I didn’t. I can
provide financial support. Hindi ko pababayaan but I cannot be with you. I am so
sorry, Serena.” Doon na siyan tuluyang umiyak at pilit na hinawakan ang kamay ko.
“Hindi ba ako puwede na mahalin mo din? I mean, you have known me.
You know I can help you. You know I love you.” “But I am in love with someone
else.” Nasasaktan din ako sa nakikita kong ginagawa ni Serena. Masyado niyang
pinapababa ang sarili niya. “Just tell me what else you need. I can give you money
for your pregnancy.” Pagkasabi ko noon ay tinalikuran ko na siya. “Noah. Noah! At
least tell me who is the lucky woman,” lumakas pa ang boses niya. Hindi ko na siya
pinansin at dere-deretso akong lumabas at sumakay sa kotse ko. Ilang beses akong
napahinga ng malalim habang kinakalma ang sarili ko. Nakokonsiyensiya ako para sa
batang dinadala ni Serena.
Anak ko pa rin iyon pero hindi ko magagawang pakisamahan ang babaeng iyon dahil sa
nabuntis ko siya. If there was someone, I wanted to spend my life with, it was
Masha. If there was someone, I wanted to be the mother of my kids, still it would
be Masha. Naihilamos ko ang kamay sa mukha ko nang tumunog ang telepono ko. Si
Butch Kozinko ang tumatawag sa akin. Ilang beses akong bumuga ng hangin ko bago
sinagot iyon. “Are you on your way?” Seryosong-seryoso ang boses niya. “Yeah. Is
Mr. Rozovsky there already?” “He is coming. I just don’t know what time. We need
to tell him what’s going on and how we can fix this mess.” Gusto ko siyang
murahin. Gusto kong sabihin na siya ang may kasalanan kung bakit nagkalokoloko ang
mga transactions namin. “I’m on my way. I got all the documents and transaction
slips and names of those who are in our payroll.” “Good. I’ll wait for you.” Wala
na akong narinig pa mula kay Butch at busy tone na lang. Nag-drive na ako paalis
doon. Tumutunog na naman ang telepono ko at si Serena ang tawag nang tawag sa akin
pero hindi ko na sinasagot. Bumiyahe na lang ako sa lugar na sinasabi ni Butch na
pagkikitaan namin. Butch gave me an address near the docks. As I went there, I saw
men guarding outside. Kailan pa nagkaroon ng guards si Butch? Alam ba ito ni Mr.
Rozovsky? Kahit kailan hindi ako nag-hire ng mga ganito dahil kaya kong trabahuhin
ang lahat ng sarili ko. Sa totoo lang, gusto ko nang tawagan si Mr. Rozovsky at
tanungin kung ano ba ang nakita kay Butch para pagkatiwalaan ng ganito. Incompetent
si Butch Kozinko. Walang kuwenta magtrabaho. Tingin ko ay kilala na ako ng mga
bantay na naroon kaya agad akong pinapasok. Inihatid ako sa isang maliit na opisina
at nang makapasok ako ay may kausap pa si Butch at sumenyas na maghintay ako
saglit.
“Everything will be done according to plan.” Nakatingin sa akin si Butch habang
patuloy na nagsasalita sa kausap niya sa telepono.
Tumatango-tango pa. “Yes. It will be clean. Just like before. But are you sure, you
are ready for this?” Sige ang pagtango niya at marahan ko lang hinilot ang ulo ko.
Gusto ko na lang matapos na ito at nang makausap ko na si Mr. Rozovsky at masabi ko
ang tungkol sa amin ni Masha. “Okay. I’ll call when it’s done.” Pagkasabi noon ay
ini-end na niya ang pakikipag-usap at humarap sa akin. “At last, you’re here. Did
you bring the documents?” Inilapag ko sa harap niya ang envelopes. “Where is Mr.
Rozovsky?” “On his way. Come on.” Tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan at nagpauna na
lumabas. Sumunod lang ako at isang silid ulit ang pinasok namin. Napatingin ako sa
paligid. The place looked like a cheaper version of Mr. Rozovsky’s The Box. I
remembered when I first went into The Box. When Damien Rozovsky beat me up and
almost killed me. But here, I didn’t feel the eerie vibe like what I felt when I
was inside Mr.
Rozovsky’s Box. Here, what I felt was intimidation. Butch Kozinko wanted to be like
Mr. Rozovsky. Imitating what Mr. Rozovsky do. There were people inside. Butch was
telling me they were his men. For his protection while staying here and dealing
with dangerous people. I saw a man sitting on a chair with a black cloth covering
his face.
“Who is he?” Itinuro ko pa ang lalaking nakatali sa silya at panay ang ungol lang.
Tingin ko ay may takip ang bibig kaya hindi ito makasigaw o ano. Tiningnan ni
Butch ang lugar ng lalaking ngayon ay pilit ng gumagalaw mula sa pagkakatali sa
silya. “Oh, some loser.” Walang anuman na sagot niya. “And we need him? For what?
We torture people now? You know I don’t do something like that when I deal with
people. I use money because it works faster. We don’t need to use force or
intimidate someone to get what we need.” Gusto kong lapitan ang lalaki at pakawalan
na dito. Hindi ako naniniwala na ang pag-torture sa isang tao ay makakatulong para
makakuha ng information. People crack for money and freedom. Tumawa si Butch. “We
need him for you to sign this.” Nakangising sabi niya at sumenyas sa isang lalaki
doon. Agad nitong nilapitan ang lalaking nakaupo tapos ay inialis ang nakatabon na
itim na tela sa mukha nito. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang makitang si Matt ang naroon.
Punong-puno ng luha ang mga mata tapos ay may duct tape sa bibig. Nanlalaki ang
mata ni Matt na nakatingin sa akin tapos ay sige ang pagpipilit na makaalis sa
pagkakatali niya. “What the fuck?!” Gulat na gulat ako at lalapitan si Matt pero
agad na may tatlong lalaki ang pumigil sa akin at sapilitan akong pinaupo sa silya
malapit kay Matt. Nagwawala din ako hanggang sa apat na lalaki na ang may hawak sa
akin. Ang isa ay pilit akong itinatali doon at wala akong magawa sa pinagtulong-
tulong nilang lakas kaya nagawa nila akong itali doon. “What the fuck is this,
Butch?!” Dumadagundong ang boses ko sa loob ng silid at nakita kong nakangisi lang
siyang nakatingin sa akin. “New plan.” Nakangising sabi niya at may kinuhang isang
envelope na ibinigay ng isang tauhan niya. “I will need him so you will sign this.”
Ipinakita pa niya sa akin ang hawak na envelope.
“And what the fuck is that? Putangina ka, ano ‘to? Is this your plan?
You are going to betray me?” Pilit akong nagtatangka na makaalis sa pagkakatali ko
pero wala akong magawa “I am not betraying you.” Ngayon ay kitang-kita ko na ang
totoong kulay ng hayop na ito. Katulad lang din siya ng anak niya. Ang demonyo
niyang anak na pilit na isinisiksik ang sarili kay Masha. “I am just doing a favor
for someone I couldn’t say no.” Agad na pumasok sa isip ko si Aleksei Ivanov. Ang
sama ng tingin ko kay Butch. “Fuck you. You are working with Aleksei.” Napatingin
siya sa mga tauhan niya at tumawa. “Aleksei? Who is that? The wannabe mobster who
wanted to be like his brother?” Kumunot ang noo ko. “What? Who?” Napa-tsk-tsk
siya. “You think you know everything about Stas Rozovsky’s family?” Tumingin siya
sa paligid niya at sumenyas sa mga tao doon na lumabas. Isa lang ang pinaiwan niya
doon at tingin ko ito ang talagang pinagkakatiwalaan niya. Tumayo sa harap ko si
Butch Kozinko.
“There are deep secrets that even Stas Rozovsky himself didn’t know about. Secrets
that me and my partners only knew.” Ngumisi siya ng nakakaloko. “ “I don’t care
about your partners. What the fuck are you talking about? What secrets?” Napahinga
siya ng malalim at napailing-iling. “You know what, Stas really likes you. Not
because you saved his son and his family but also you saved his daughter from being
raped by the pig Steve Page.” Gulat akong napatingin sa kanya. How did he know
about it? Only Henry, Mr. Rozovsky, Matt and me knew about Masha’s attempted
kidnapping and being sold in an auction. Mr. Rozovsky was very keen to tell me that
no one would know what happened to Masha. And definitely, he won’t tell this
asshole about that. “Nagulat ka alam ko? Of course, I know about it. Because I am
the one who planned everything. I am the one who told Aleksei Ivanov to contact
Carl to do it. Because Aleksei Ivanov wanted to see someone to ruin Stas Rozovsky’s
only daughter just like what happened to his family.” “What?” Naguguluhan ako. Ano
ang involvement ni Aleksei Ivanov? Bakit gusto niyang mangyari iyon kay Masha?
Lumakad-lakad si Butch Kozinko na hitsurang Diyos sa harap ko.
Then I saw the truth. I knew there was something with this asshole the first time I
met him. He was really imitating Mr. Rozovsky. The way he moves, talks and even
tried to smoke a cigar. He was trying so hard to be like Mr. Rozovsky. But a trying
hard like him would always be the cheapest version of the real thing. He could
never be Mr. Rozovsky. There was only one Stas Rozovsky. “I am the one
manipulating everything. You and Stas… you don’t have any idea that you are all
pawn to my game. I’ve worked for this for years. Until I knew people who are
willing to help me to do it. Some who still have a beef with Stas. I found out that
Stas Rozovsky is not an only child.” Binugahan pa ako ng usok sa mukha ni Butch at
humila ng isang silya doon at naupo sa harap ko. Magkaharap kaming dalawa at hindi
niya inaalis ang tingin sa mukha ko. “You know, I admire you. I know how good you
are that’s why I want you to know things that’s been going around.” Sinamaan ko
lang siya ng tingin kaya tinawanan niya ako. Muli siyang humithit sa hawak na
tobacco at tiningnan ang baga noon. “I remembered Stas tortured someone in his Box
using his tobacco.” Ibinuga niya ang usok tapos ay hinipan-hipan ang baga ng
tobacco na hawak niya.
“Let me try that too.” Napasigaw ako ng malakas nang idiin ni Butch Kozinko ang
baga ng tobacco sa pisngi ko. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang init at hapdi noon na
sumusunog sa balat ko habang siya ay tatawa-tawa lang na nakatingin sa akin tapos
ay itinapon ang upos sa sahig. “I’ve been trying to get close to Stas Rozovsky for
years. Giving in to every request he need. Letting his incompetent daughter to work
in my company wreaking havoc to my employees.” He said that with full of disgust.
“But I couldn’t fire her because she is the evil princess of the devil. Even if I
had to lick Stas Rozovsky’s asshole, I would do it so I would gain his trust.
Eventually, I got it. He trusted me, I became his friend and he partnered with me.
But working with him was like selling my soul to the devil. One wrong move, one
miss and I will die. He doesn’t give any mercy.” “You should know that before you
get involve with him.” Humihingal na sabi ko. Ang sakit ng pisngi ko gawa ng paso
na ginawa niya. Itinuro-turo pa ako ni Butch. “That’s where you’re wrong. The
moment I got close to him and he worked with me, that’s when I realized I need to
be him. You see, Stas Rozovsky is like God. People feared him and admired him at
the same time. His life is perfect. Having a beautiful wife, kids, grandkids. He’s
the fucking devil but his life is perfect. Isn’t it unfair?” “People like you who
is full of jealousy and envy won’t never be contented even if you become like Mr.
Rozovsky.” Matigas kong sagot sa kanya. Hindi pinansin ni Butch ang sinabi ko.
“But I found out a big secret that his mother hid from everyone including him.”
Lumapit pa siya sa akin at bumulong. “Stas Rozovsky is not an only child.” Ano na
namang kasinungalingan ang sinasabi ng gagong ito?
Walang kapatid si Mr. Rozovsky. Tumawa siya habang nakatingin sa mukha kong
nagugulat sa sinasabi niya. “Shocker, right? All those years no one knew about the
siblings that he has. Because legend was it that Fedor Rozovsky was careful not to
knock up any woman besides his wife. The fucker was a cheater but still, care about
his wife. Little did he know, his wife was going to cheat on him. Stas found out
and investigated. Found out that his mom was not the saint that he thought she was
to be.” Nanay ni Stas? I knew the story about that woman. How she was a lovely
person. She was like Mrs. Sofia Rozovsky. She was like a saint that’s why they even
named Masha after her.
“She had an affair with her husband’s business partner when she was in Russia and
got pregnant with twin boys.” Nakangisi ng nakakaloko si Butch. “Stas was so
devastated when he found out about it. He wanted to know the truth but with Fedor
Rozovsky suffering from dementia now, no one could tell him what really happened.
So, he investigated and he found who it is.” Napahinga ng malalim si Butch Kozinko.
“Knowing Stas, he hated the thought that he got other siblings. He wanted the power
only to himself. He wanted to get rid of the siblings he didn’t know are existing
over the years.” Umiiling ako. “No. Mr. Rozovsky is not like.” Hindi ako
maniniwala na magagawa ni Mr. Rozovsky iyon. Family was important to him. “And two
years ago, he executed the plan. He found one of the twins, and ordered to kill him
including his family.” “Mr. Rozovsky will never do that. He won’t kill women and
children.” Pagdidiin ko. Tumawa siya. “You think? You should see the photos of the
murder.
The wife of his half-brother was raped and murdered. Autopsy found that she was
three months pregnant. The two-year-old son was killed too.
Ripped his head using bare hands of the killer. And the daughter. The nine-year-old
daughter was raped and choked to death by the rapist’s cock. All of it happened in
front of Stas’ half-brother before they killed him.” Pakiramdam ko ay babaligtad
ang sikmura ko sa narinig kong kuwento na iyon. Namuo ang luha sa mga mata ko.
Makakaya bang iutos ni Mr. Rozovsky na gawin iyon sa isang pamilya? Sa babae? Sa
mga bata?
Hindi ko siya nakilalang ganoon. Mas naging soft ng ngayon si Mr.
Rozovsky dahil sa pamilya niya at nagkaroon pa ng mga apo. “That’s Mr. Rozovsky’s
plan but unfortunately, his half-brother survived. And now, seeking for revenge.
People full of vendetta are people that I like to work with. They got nothing to
lose and will do anything to get their revenge. They are blinded by hate and will
do anything to get what they want. And I know Aleksei will succeed even if he
failed when he tried to get Masha.” “It’s Aleksei Ivanov?” Paniniguro ko. This
fucking two faced asshole was both working with Stas Rozovsky and Aleksei Ivanov.
“Correct. And you will play an integral part so we could do our plans.” Ngumisi pa
siya sa akin ng tila demonyo.
“You fucking son of a bitch. You stay away from Masha. You fucking stay away from
her.” naiiyak ako sa galit dahil sa nalaman ko.
Lumakas ang tawa niya. “Oh, Masha. Of course, she’s also a part of the plan. I am
sure my son is doing everything to get her attention. Will do anything to get her.
They need to get married soon so finally I will be a part of their family and
slowly, I will get everything from Stas with the help of Aleksei Ivanov. Stas
Rozovsky will go down.” Talagang nagwawala ako. Sige ang pagpapasag ko makaalis
lang sa pagkakatali ko. Sige naman sa pagtawa si Butch Kozinko. Dumukwang siya at
muling bumulong sa sa akin. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell Stas Rozovsky that you
fucked her daughter while he trusted you to take care of her.” Natatawang sabi niya
at lumayo na. “Fuck you!” Sige pa rin ang pagwawala ko tapos ay dinampot niya ang
envelope na hawak kanina at kinuha ang papel na naroon. “You need to sign this.”
Binabasa pa ni Butch ang nakasulat sa papel.
“I am not going to sign anything!” Lumakad ang assistant ni Butch at pumuwesto sa
likuran ni Matt na sige lang ang pagtulo ng luha habang nakatingin sa akin. “This
guy admired you so much. You are his hero. You saved him when he was at his darkest
times of his life. You don’t want to save him now?” Nakita kong may inilabas na
patalim ang assistant ni Butch at itinapat iyon sa leeg ni Matt. “Hector will not
think twice if I tell him to do it. All you need to do is to sign that paper and
both of you will get out of here unharmed.” Tumulo ang luha ko sa sobrang galit
habang nakatingin ng masama sa kanya. I knew that was the biggest lie that he
could tell. I would never get out of here alive. But I won’t give up without a
fight and I saved Matt.
“What’s in that fucking paper?” I said that in between my teeth. Tiningnan iyon
ni Butch. “Oh, nothing. Just your confession that you stole millions of dollars
from Stas and the last transaction was got botched because you connived with the
cops.” Walang anuman na sabi niya. “Why are you fucking doing this?” Hindi ko
maipaliwanag ang galit na nararamdaman ko.
“I’m sorry, Noah. You are the key so I could do all my plans. You know… in every
planned execution, there’s collateral damages. And… I said, this is a favor for
someone that I cannot say no. He wants you dead.” “You will kill me anyway might
as well tell me who wants me dead.” Malamig kong sabi. Nagkibit siya ng balikat.
“Nah… sorry. I can’t tell. Kulang pa ba ang secrets na sinabi ko sa’yo? That’s a
big scoop. Maikukuwento mo sa impiyernong pupuntahan mo.” Inialis niya ang
pagkakatali ng isang kamay ko at nilagyan iyon ng ballpen. “Sign.” “No!” Mariing
tanggi ko. “All right. Madali akong kausap. Kill him, Hector.” Tumingin si Butch
sa gawi ng assistant niya. Nagpapasag si Matt nang dumiin ang pagkakadiin ng
patalim sa leeg nito. Kitang-kita ko ang takot sa mga mata habang nakatingin sa
akin.
“Fuck! Fine! Stop it! Stop! I’ll sign. I’ll fucking sign! Don’t hurt him. Just
don’t hurt him.” Nanginginig ang katawan ko sa galit dahil wala akong magawa sa
sitwasyon na ito.
“Good. Masunurin ka talaga. Sign,” nakabantay siya sa akin na pirmahan ko ang
papel. Tumingin ako sa gawi ni Matt at sige ang pagtulo ng luha habang nakatingin
sa akin. Pikit-mata ay pinirmahan ko iyon at itinapon ang ballpen. Mabilis na
hinawakan ni Butch ang kamay ko at muling itinali. “I know how good your reflexes
are. Mahirap nang maisahan mo ako.” Lumapad ang ngiti ni Butch habang nakatingin sa
papel na pinirmahan ko. “You got what you want. Let him go.” Si Matt ang kailangan
kong iligtas dito. Wala siyang kasalanan at hindi siya dapat ma-involve dito.
“Sure. Hector, let him go.” Ibinabalik pa ni Butch sa envelope ang papel na
pinirmahan ko. Tumango ang lalaking Hector ang pangalan at lumapit kay Matt.
Inaasahan kong aalisin na nito ang pagkakatali ni Matt at palalayain na pero walang
sabi-sabing sinaksak ng lalaki sa leeg si Matt at hiniwa iyon ng mariin at malalim.
“No! No! Matt!” nagwawala ako habang kita kong nanlalaki ang mga mata ni Matt at
nagsisimulang manginig ang katawan dahil sa pagbulwak ng dugo mula sa leeg nito.
Nakita ko pang unti-unting nagmamapa ang basa sa pagitan ng hita niya at naihi na
sa sobrang hirap at takot. “No! Matt.” Wala akong magawa habang nakikitang unti-
unting nalulunod sa sariling dugo niya si Matt. Tanging pag-iyak na lang ang magawa
ko nang unti-unti ay humihinto na siya sa paggalaw. Unti-unti ay bumabagal ang
paghinga hanggang sa tuluyang huminto na ang mga matang puno ng luha at unti-unting
nawawalan ng buhay ay nakatitig sa akin. “I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m sorry Matt.” Basag
na basag ang boses ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. “Don’t worry. Don’t be sad.”
Nanunuya pa ang boses ni Butch.
“You’re next.” Lumapit sa akin ang assistant niya at nakita ko pang hawak ang
duguang patalim na ginamit sa pagpatay kay Matt. Nagngangalit ang bagang kong
nakatingin sa kanya tapos ay kinapkapan niya ako hanggang sa makuha sa bulsa ang
telepono kong tumutunog. Ibinigay niya ang telepono kay Butch. “Masha is calling
you. Miss ka na niya agad? Don’t worry. Si Reed na bahala sa kanya. This is your
last day in this world kaya ako na ang bahalang sumagot sa kanya. Don’t worry, I’ll
give a nice exit.” In my head, I killed them over and over. But what could I do if
I am helplessly bound in this fucking chair. All I could do was to wait on what
they were going to do next. Hector looked at me. I saw nothing in his eyes then he
lifted his hand and without a word, stabbed me at my side. I gasped for air when
he pulled out the knife. He did it again. And again. Stabbed my body over and over
I didn’t know where was the pain coming from. All I knew, there was pain and I am
fucking bleeding. I lost count how many times I was stabbed. I was gasping for
air. I am having a hard to breathe. I couldn’t even get my head up and blood was
coming out from my mouth. I was just waiting for my breath to stop.
But before I die, I wanted to talk to Masha. I wanted to hear her voice. I wanted
to say sorry because I couldn’t keep my promise not to leave her. I knew I am
dying. It was just a matter of time when I would stop breathing. I couldn’t even
open my eyes. And true enough, just like what I always hear, it was the hearing
that was the last sense to go before death.
My body feels numb but I could hear that something was going on around. There was
someone else entered the room and they were talking. “He confessed, Stas. I made
him crack and made him sign this. He was going to kill me. I know you know how he
is good, I had to take precaution.” Stas… Masha’s father was here. I tried to talk
but all I could do was to groan in pain. Someone held my hair and pulled up my
head. I couldn’t see clearly who did it. My vision was blurred already.
I heard a deep sigh. “Why didn’t you wait for me?” “I’m sorry, Stas. But this guy
is really a fighter. He killed two of my men when he found out I knew of what he is
doing.” Butch knew how to make up stories that Mr. Rozovsky would believe. I didn’t
have any strength to defend myself. “What a fucking waste. I couldn’t believe he
could do that to me. I never thought he will betray me. I trusted him.” I couldn’t
feel any regret in his voice. Anger. That was what I could feel. He let go of my
head. “Fix this, Butch. Fix the mess and all the backlogs in the last transaction.
I want to get back those items.” “Yes, Stas. My men will burn his body so no
evidence will be found.
I’ll make it look like an accident.” My hearing started to buzz. I couldn’t hear
properly. My breaths became shallow until I had the urge to close my eyes.
The pain was slowly fading. There was stillness in darkness. But in this darkness,
I could see her face.
Masha’s face. Smiling at me. Waiting for me. I think I’d like to stay here. Because
even if it was dark, in another life, I can have my forever with her.

Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now
and make a brand-new ending – Carl Bard

ROZOVSKY HEIRS SERIES 11 | BEAUTIFUL TROUBLE CHAPTER 39 | FRESH START MASHA

The number you are calling is now unattended. I kept on hearing that voice
prompt every time I was trying to call Noah’s number. I looked at the messages I
sent him and I already lost count how many it was. Where are you?
Please call me. We need to talk.
Noah, please. Call me. It shouldn’t end this way. We need to talk. I need to tell
you something. Don’t do this to me. I hate you. Fuck you! I hate you! You knocked
up someone else! Please, Noah. Please don’t do this to me. I need to talk to you.
We can talk about this. Noah, I love you. Please, let’s talk. My tears bawled
into my eyes when I kept on repeating the messages that I sent him over two weeks.
I wanted an explanation. Every day, I was doing calls and text but I didn’t receive
any reply from him. I immediately wiped the tears from my eyes. Did he just ghost
me?
Or, was that my father’s order to him because he finally told him the truth about
us? My father didn’t agree and he just banished Noah? But no. I knew him. He
promised me the last time we were together. He said, he would talk to my dad and he
was sure that everything would be all right. Or maybe, that was just a distraction
that he used while he was banging someone else that he also got pregnant.
I buried my face in my hands and sobbed uncontrollably. I couldn’t breathe. My
heart was literally in pain. It had been two weeks since my father brought me back
here in Manila. He said, even if I didn’t want it, I needed to go home. My
rebellion was done. My freedom was done. It had been two weeks and day by day, I
could feel that I was drowning in misery. All I needed was an explanation but
sadly, Noah was a coward and couldn’t do it. I immediately wiped my tears when I
heard someone knocked on my door. Pinilit kong ayusin ang sarili ko at ngumiti na
tila walang nangyayari sa akin lalo na nang bumukas ang pinto. Si Mommy ang
nagbukas noon na may dalang tray. Laman noon ang breakfast na inihain kanina pero
hindi ko nakain dahil hindi naman ako sumabay sa kanila. “I brought your breakfast,
sweetie. We’ve been waiting for you to join us for breakfast earlier. Your brothers
are waiting for you. The twins are also looking for you. Si Daci gustong-gusto ko
nang pasukin dito at dalhin sa dining pero pinigilan ko lang.” Nakangiti si Mommy
habang papalapit tapos ay inilapag ang dalang tray sa katabing mesa ng kama ko.
Napatingin ako doon at nakita ko ang isang bungkos ng roses at may pagkain doon.
“The flowers are from Reed.” Ngumiti pa nang nanunukso sa akin si Mommy. “Masigasig
talaga ang batang iyon. He’s so sweet. Pati kami ng Daddy mo nililigawan.” Wala
akong reaksyon at tumingin sa bulaklak na ibinigay ni Reed.
Kahit kailan hinding-hindi ko magugustuhan ang mga bulaklak na ipinapadala ng
lalaking iyon. Those flowers were just a reminder how he knew my forbidden affair
with Noah. A secret that he had been hiding from my father so he could have a
leverage to me. Wala naman na akong pakialam kung malaman pa ni Daddy na nagkaroon
kami ng affair ni Noah. Ang iniingatan ko lang ay ang nasa tiyan ko. Soon, I needed
to tell them about this. Soon, I cannot longer hide this. “You don’t want to look
at the flowers? He also brought pancakes.
Naghintay nga din kanina at baka magbago daw ang isip mo at harapin siya pero
umalis na din. He said, he didn’t want to pressure you.” Ang bottled water na nasa
tray ang kinuha ko at ininom iyon. Unti-unti ay nakakaramdam na naman ako ng hilo.
Unti-unti, naduduwal na naman ako pero kailangan kong pigilin ito. Hindi puwedeng
malaman ni Mommy na buntis ako. “Hindi ka ba kakain?” Ngayon ay dama ko na ang pag-
aalala sa boses ni Mommy. “You are not looking good, Masha. You look very pale.
You barely eat. Nakikita ko na hindi mo ginagalaw ang mga pagkain na dinadala sa
iyo dito. Bumabagsak ang katawan mo. What’s going on?” Umiling lang ako. “I am
okay, Mom. I just not feeling well these days.” “We can go to a hospital. At least
there, doctors can monitor you and give you vitamins. Sweetie, you are not like
that. I cannot see the rebellious Masha anymore. I am not used of seeing you like
that. You don’t even argue with me and to your dad. Did something happen?” Pinilit
kong ngumiti kay Mommy. “I am really okay, Mom.
Maybe… I am adjusting. But I am okay. Really.” Halatang hindi kumbinsido si Mommy
sa sinasabi ko pero hindi na lang kumibo. Mayamaya ay napahinga ng malalim. “Is
this about what happened to your friend Wynona?” Hindi agad ako nakakibo. Dad made
everything about Wynona’s death. He said that my friend was gone missing and then
got into an accident in the States and the body was beyond recognition. Wynona’s
family needed closure but Dad didn’t let them to talk to me anymore. I didn’t know
how Dad do it but the kidnapping and the auction that happened to me when I was
there was never told to our family. Not even my mom knew about it. But it was okay
to me. At least, I didn’t need to explain what happened to people. I let them think
that I ran away because I was rebelling against my family and they need not to know
the downside that happened to me. “I just missed her, Mom.” Pagsisinungaling ko.
Tumango-tango siya. “All right. I’ll give you some space. You know I am here for
you anytime you are ready to talk about anything.” Humalik siya sa pisngi ko tapos
ay tinungo na ang pinto.
“Thanks, Mom.” Pilit na pilit pa rin ang ngiti ko sa kanya. Halatang ayaw pang
umalis ni Mommy pero alam niyang mas gusto kong mapag-isa kaya tuluyan na lang
siyang lumabas. Ngayong mag-isa na naman ako, pakiramdam ko ay nalulunod na naman
ako sa lungkot.
Nalulunod ako sa emosyon na bumabalot sa akin. Nakakarindi ang mga tanong na
pumapasok sa isip ko. Am I not enough? Did Noah just play me? Why did he leave me?
Did he even really love me?
I took my phone again and tried to type a message for him. What did I do wrong? I
just want to hear from you. If you don’t love me, please tell it to my face. I feel
like a fool. I feel so unworthy because that’s what you make me feel. What did I
do, Noah? I gave everything to you. Myself. My love. My fucking everything. I am
even ready to run away with you. But why are you doing this? Why are you hurting me
like this?
Noah. Baby, please. I don’t know until when I can take this pain. I hit send and
still hoping to receive a reply from him. But minutes and hours had passed, just
like before, I didn’t get any reply and all I could do was to cry.
Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal na nasa kama ko lang. Iiyak ako. Hihinto. Mag-
iisip. Paulit-ulit na lang. Pero nakaramdam din ako ng gutom at kailangan ko na rin
talagang kumain. Mabagal ang mga kilos ko nang tumayo at lumabas. Siniguro ko muna
na wala nang tao dahil ayokong makaharap ang kahit na sino dito sa bahay nila
Mommy.
Palampas na ako sa library ni Dad nang marinig kong nagtatalo sila ni Mom. “I don’t
know what’s going on but I am worried about your daughter. At least talk to her.”
Napahinto ako sa paglakad at nakiramdam habang nakatingin sa bahagyang nakaawang na
pinto ng library. “Let her do what she wants.” It was my dad’s voice. There was
something different in his voice.
I couldn’t feel the authority in there. “What the hell is going on, Stas? Pareho
kayo ng anak mo. Magmula nang bumalik kayo dito galing Amerika, pareho na kayong
ganyan. You are not your usual self. Nadadalas pa ang pag-inom mo. Every night,
alak ang kaharap mo. Madalas, mainit ang ulo mo at pati ako inaaway mo. Ano ba ang
problema?” Hindi agad sumagot si Daddy at narinig ko ang mga pagkalansing ng bote
at baso. “Babe…” lumambot na ang boses ni Mommy. “I am worried about our daughter.
I know something happened and taking its toll to her health.
Did you see her? It’s been two weeks, and her health is not okay. She’s not eating.
She’s not talking to me.” “Just give her space. Alam mo naman ang anak mo. Baka may
pinagdadaanan lang.” Walang buhay na sagot ni Dad.
“Just like you? May pinagdadaanan ka din ba? Damn it, Stas. What the hell is wrong
with you?” Halatang naubos na ang pasensiya ni Mommy. Tumaas na ang boses niya.
“I said I am okay!” Mas mataas din ang boses ni Daddy. Wala akong sagot na narinig.
Nagulat din ako sa inakto ni Dad. He never raised his voice to Mom ever. This was
the first time this happened. “Fine.” I knew my mom was on the verge or crying.
“Have it your way.” Nakarinig na ako ng paglakad mula sa library ni Dad at sigurado
akong palabas na si Mommy kaya nagtago ako para hindi niya makita.
Sumisinghot pa si Mommy nang lumabas. “Babe.” Halata ang pagsisisi sa boses ni Dad.
“Sofia,” humabol din si Dad pero boses na ni Uncle Pats ang narinig ko na tinatawag
si Dad.
Ano ang ginagawa ni Uncle Pats dito? Gabi na. “LQ?” Komento ni Uncle Pats.
“Just a misunderstanding. Do you have any news?” Narinig kong napahinga ng malalim
si Uncle Pats. “Unfortunately, yes.” Dama kong lalong bumigat ang paligid dahil sa
mabigat na reaksyon ng daddy ko. “Let’s go at the pool area. Doon tayo mag-usap.”
Palayong mga hakbang ang narinig ko pero sumunod ako sa kanila.
Sinisiguro ko naman na hindi nila ako makikita. Pumuwesto ako sa lugar na hindi
iisipin nila Dad na may tao doon. Naupo silang magkaharap ni Uncle Pats at kita ko
ang kaseryosohan sa mukha nilang dalawa. “All of Butch Kozinko claims about Noah
are true.” Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko nang marinig ko ang pangalan ni Noah.
They were talking about Noah.
Hindi agad sumagot si Dad at tiningnan ang mga papel na ibinigay sa kanya ni Uncle
Pats. “I also talked to people around. Those people that he was working and all of
them were saying the same. He didn’t give the money that he promised for the deals
and transaction. Days before the FBI got involved, he was seen talking to their
Chief.” Napahinga ng malalim si Uncle Pats.
“The hotel is still under investigation. Noah used it to hide those people that he
transports illegally. He is doing human smuggling under your nose and earning
millions of dollars for himself.” Kita kong nagngangalit ang bagang ni Dad at
nakatingin lang sa mga papel na naroon tapos mayamaya ay inis na tinabig ang mga
iyon. “This is fucking bullshit. Fucking bullshit. He’s not going to do that,”
naiiyak ako dahil dama ko kay Dad na masama ang loob niya. “He knows that I don’t
want a business like that.” Naihilamos ni Daddy ang kamay sa mukha niya. “The
evidence doesn’t lie, Stas. I personally investigated. Talked to people around.
Everything points at Noah that he stole from you the moment he started to work for
you. I even got news about a certain Serena Worthington that Noah was planning on
using Masha to steal more from you. Masha got a little crush on Noah and he took
advantage of it. Good thing, Butch found out about it and took care of it before
you even know.
Butch is now fixing all the mess. Calling people around. Bribing everyone so the
business will be okay again.” Katwiran ni Uncle Patek. “I trusted him.” Dad voice
cracked. “He saved my son and his family. He saved my daughter.” Sumandal si Dad sa
kinauupuan niya.
“Why am I being betrayed again and again by people that I trust? It started with
Sofia. I loved her but one point in our lives, she betrayed me. Now it’s Noah. He’s
like a son to me. I can’t believe he could do this to me.” “I’m sorry, Stas. You
know from the beginning that Noah is driven by money. Money is more important to
him.” Malungkot din ang boses ni Dad. Napahinga ng malalim si Dad. Halatang wala
na lang magawa.
“What did they do with the bodies?” Natigilan ako at napatitig sa kanilang dalawa.
Bodies. They were talking about bodies?
“Butch said he took care of it. Burn the bodies and disposed it.” Halos hindi ako
humihinga. Whose bodies? Were they were talking about Noah? Did they kill Noah?
“You know what I do to people who betrays me. Down to their last kin, I am going
to ruin them. Find Noah’s father. Do something about the deals that he’s been
doing. All of Noah’s friends. Relatives. I want them to taste my wrath because he
fucking betrayed me.” I knew how heartless my father could be when people betrayed
him.
He got no mercy. Tears were falling from eyes and because I knew, deep in my heart
that Noah won’t be coming back. Pakiramdam ko ay nabibingi ako. Ang tagal-tagal
kong nakatayo doon na nakatingin lang sa kanila hanggang sa tumayo si Uncle Patek
at iniwan na si Daddy. Tinitingnan ko lang si Dad na tahimik na nakaupo at
nakatingin sa kawalan habang iniinom ang alak na dala niya. Halatang malalim ang
iniisip at may dinaramdam. Pinahid ko ang luha ko at lumakad palapit sa kanya.
Halatang nagulat pa si Daddy nang makita ako at halata ang pagkapilit ng ngiti sa
akin. “Munchkin. What are you doing here? Do you need something?” Hindi ako
sumagot sa kanya. Lumapit lang ako at kumandong sa kanya tapos ay iniyakap ko ang
kamay ko sa leeg niya at isinubsob ang mukha ko sa balikat niya. Doon ako umiyak.
Umiyak ako nang umiyak.
Katulad noong maliit pa ako. Na sa tuwing masasaktan ako ay ganito ang ginagawa ko.
Si Daddy lang ang kakampi ko. Dad would take me to sit on his lap, embrace me and
comfort me and just like magic, he could take the pain away just by telling me
everything was going to be all right.
But it was different now. The pain was still here. I am crying my heart out and
the pain was getting horrible. Dad was not saying anything but I knew he felt that
I am in broken. I wanted to ask him about Noah but I kept my mouth shut. I am sure
he would pressure me to tell everything about Noah if he finds out that I had an
affair with him. He continued on patting my back.
“It’s okay, munchkin. It’s okay. Everything will be okay.” He said softly. “I am
hurt, Dad…” hindi ko natiis na hindi sabihin iyon habang humihikbi. Napahinga siya
ng malalim. “I know. Hush now. I took care of it.” Mahinang sabi niya. Hindi ko
alam kung gaano ako katagal na nakaganoon lang pero si Daddy ang nagsabi sa akin na
bumalik na ako sa kuwarto ko. Inihatid niya ako doon at tinulungan pa akong
makahiga sa kama ko. Hinalikan pa niya ako sa noo at ngumiti sa akin bago lumabas.
Ang tagal kong nakahiga sa kama habang nakatitig sa kisame tapos ay wala sa loob na
hinihimas ang tiyan ko. Flat na flat naman iyon pero ramdam na ramdam ko ang buhay
na pumipintig doon. How could I talk about this to Dad? He knew Noah betrayed him
and if he finds out that Noah was the father of this baby, he might not accept
this. Worst, he could do something bad to my baby. I took my phone and opened my
E-mail where I stored countless of photos I had with Noah. Sweet photos. Wacky
photos together. Photos where we were kissing each other and professing out love
with one another. Tears kept on flowing from my eyes when I began to delete it one
by one. Then I received a message from Reed.
You’re still not going to talk to me? It’s been two weeks Masha. Are you still
crying over your loser bodyguard? He’s not coming back trust me. I looked at his
message. Then his other messages before. Talk to me. When are you going to tell
your parents that we are going to be married soon?
I am getting impatient, Masha. You are not appreciating my efforts.
At least say thank you that I didn’t tell your family about your affair to that
asshole. And appreciate the flowers I am sending you.
Fine. I’ll give you time. But at least tell your mom that we are already in a
relationship. I heaved a sigh and started to type a reply to Reed. Okay. I am
going to marry you.
My phone immediately rang and Reed was calling me after he got my message. But I
didn’t answer. Instead, I kept on crying while I am looking at the reply that I
sent to him. I didn’t like Reed. Never would like him ever. But I could use him to
protect my baby. I needed to protect the life that was growing inside me even to my
own family. I knew Noah was gone and would never come back. He betrayed my dad, he
betrayed me, but I am going to keep his baby.
This baby would be a reminder that once, I made a mistake of falling in love with
the wrong person. And never would do it again in this life time.

- END OF BOOK 1