“You look like someone who didn’t take a rest for days…” I mumbled while trying to memorize every feature of his face.
“I’m sorry. I will take a rest here with you on this bed,” he replied and then he kissed my forehead.
I did not even complain when he hugged me so tight. Even though I am pretty sure that he can hear the loud beating of my heart, I could not care that much anymore. The fact that I am seeing him here, definitely alright and is talking to me despite the dangerous situation he’s facing in Manila, I couldn’t be happier…
My hand traveled on his back. I am quite hesitant at first but I really want to comfort him as that would be the least thing I can do. I began patting his back gently to let him know that everything will be okay… that everything will be put back to its normal places and that every war will end… that he can take a rest and forget everything for a moment amidst of all this mess.
“How’s the case you filed against Tyrone Villarante? Are the authorities able to find him?” I asked him curiously with my soft voice.
I suddenly felt his ragged breathing. I know it must be difficult for him right now and because of it, I can’t stop myself from worrying too much about his safety. If only I’m one of the powerful people in this whole world… if only I could do something to fix this case for him, then I won’t hesitate to make a move. But I am not in the right position to do anything.
“Ash and his team are still working on it. They are tracking him down and will keep me posted about the updates.” he replied in a weak tone.
I looked up at him and our eyes met immediately.
"This will end soon, Evan, I assure you that..." I uttered softly.
"It has to," he chuckled and then he touched my cheek. "Because I need to focus on the most important thing. You..."
I blinked multiple times to keep myself from tearing up. Why the hell is he prioritizing me, huh? I don’t understand why he is choosing me when there are so many women out there… who are way better than me. I am just a nobody… a troubled girl I guess but why me?
That question whirled through my head. Why did he choose me? What did he see in me that I couldn’t see in myself? I was just childish and immature back then, and I loathed him for what happened before, for what he did to me. In fact, he has the liberty to stay away from me as there is nothing he could get from me and my family. But still, despite everything that happened, he’s still choosing me. Why is that?
“Why did you choose me, Evan? Why me?” I voiced out the question I’ve been dying to ask him since that day he confessed his feelings for me.
He flashed his familiar devious smile that made my heart literally jump. I gasped for air when he tucked the strands of my hair behind my ear. Without even blinking, I waited for his response.
“I don’t really know how to put it into words but, it has to be you, Risha.” He said huskily and then he removed his hand from my waist and pointed something on his chest that made my lips part. "This thing beats fucking so loud for you."
The sides of my eyes went teary as I listened to his words. I blinked several times so that I can stop myself from tearing up. I think I am already drowning in this heavy emotion that I have inside my chest… this heavy and familiar emotion that I always feel whenever he’s around… and I think I already know why I am feeling this way towards him.
This feeling that has been disturbing me ever since he walked into my life. I tried so hard not to concede and denied it as much as I can but it is just pointless in the end. It is useless to deny it when it became too obvious already. This feeling that used to be unnamed has finally acknowledged and recognized. I can name it now…
"Kiss me, Evan..." I whispered as my lips started trembling. I then closed my eyes. "Please..."
And when I felt his soft lips claiming mine, and how my body surrendered for his touch, it is indeed final that what I have been feeling for him for the longest time is no other than love.
I love him so bad that despite our unfortunate past, I would still accept him wholeheartedly. That I would still trust him regardless of his intention. That my heart would still pound aggressively for him no matter what he does.
And that is love, isn't it? Accepting all the flaws of someone you love, and loving every bit of him despite how dark the world could be.
I kissed him back. With my hand almost shaking, I reached for his cheek and caressed it gently while tasting his soft lips. We kissed so passionately and I can feel the warm building up inside my chest. Tears started to pool in my eyes when I realized what I have been missing all this time.
It was him...
"I love you, Risha..." he mumbled between our kisses.
I smiled as my heart is just really happy hearing these words from him.
"I love you too, Evan..." I whispered back.
Surprised with what I just said, he stopped kissing me. He stared at me for a moment, with his widened eyes, and with his parted lips. That mare me chuckle softly as his reaction was jusr so priceless. His arm tightened around me as he breathed in deeply.
"What?" He asked as if he didn’t hear what I just said or maybe he wants to hear it again, and ensure that he heard me correctly. He’s so cute…
"I said I love you, Evan..." I roughly whispered. My hand is still caressing his warm cheek. I traced the softness of his cheek down and then my fingers went to his red lips. "I love you too… so much…”
He gasped and then I noticed how his eyes went teary. He blinked several times and breathed in deeply, again. I inhaled sharply and leaned forward to give him another kiss.
I kissed him to make him feel that I am telling him the truth. I pulled him closer to me so he could hear my heart, and for him to realized that it is beating fast and loud only because of him.
His whole body tightened but after a few seconds of controlling himself, he then finally surrendered just like how I conceded and let my emotion overpowered me.
I feel so many emotions inside my chest. We kissed and I deepened it as I held him on his face. I gasped when he suddenly made a move. Now, I felt him on top of me. He kissed the corner of my lips and the it went down. I felt him planting soft kisses on my jaw down to my neck.
"E-Evan... A-re we going to make l-love?" I moaned when he started sucking my skin. That made the sensation build up all over my body.
He laughed softly. My face heated in shame. I didn’t expect that his kisses would make me moan like that! I uttered a curse and pinched his arm. He giggled but then continued kissing my neck as if that’s his favorite part of me.
And then his lips went up to my cheek. He kissed it and then he claimed my lips again. It was fast though. He stopped and then he kissed my nose… my forehead and then lastly, my earlobe. That made me feel so hot!
"I am sorry to disappoint you but we can't make love yet, baby. You should marry me first..." he whispered to my ear.