Embers of Love (Isla de Vista Series #5)

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Wrong

"You are going to love them too, Cresia." masayang sambit ni Mika.

Tumango agad si Amber bilang pag sang-ayon. "Sky and Amara are two lovely ladies. We were supposed to meet Sky in one of our getaways but she couldn't make it so this is the first time we will meet her."

"We are so curious about her talaga. Maddox is too private."

"Maddox will not be Maddox if he is not mysterious."

Knowing everyone in their family is a warm human being— the purest souls. I learned all the names of the ladies that shared the life of one Buenavista. I was surprised to hear Amber's full name. It was Amber Paige Valencia Buenavista. She is the daughter of Architect Dave Valencia, owner and President of VAL Architecture. They are one of our prospect contractors if we couldn't get a hold on Vista Construction.

While Mika, Annika Samaiya Alvarez Buenavista, known as the youngest fashion designer who got featured in a high-end magazine, was the daughter of the late Alvarez Couple who were the agents that died inside a burning car. She grew up in Isla de Vista after Tito Eros and Tita Andresa took her in.

At present, we are at their beach, enjoying the warm breeze by the shoreline. Our feet were buried in sand. The househelps placed three bean couches in the sand because we requested it. Being surrounded by these ladies, the cool air carried along the waves, and the warm lights around are enough for me to breathe. I found peace.

"Oh, they are coming," Amber giggled.

Napatingin ako sa direksyon na tiningnan nila. Three men are coming our way. Engineer Zechariah followed by the brothers, Eren and Elijah. Each one of them is holding something, a tray of food for Engineer Zechariah and Eren, while two silver pale of drinks for Elijah.

"This is perfect!" si Mika.

"Should we light the wood now?" tanong ni Eren pagkatapos nilapag ang pagkain sa maliit na lamesa sa tabi. "Have you brought the lighter, Zeke?"

"Come here, Eli. My hug please..." malambing na tawag ni Amber sa asawa nito.

Mabilisan na umupo si Elijah sa tabi ng asawa para yakapin ito at halikan sa noo. "Of course, baby,"

Engineer Zechariah sat beside me, the couch moved a bit. Dumikit siya sa akin bago niya pinulupot ang kanyang kamay sa aking baywang. Napalunok ako ng wala sa  oras. It seems natural for him to touch me like this in front of his family.

"Nasa tray ang masi mo, snowflake..." mahina niyang sinabi. "Kukuha ako?"

Umiling ako ng mahina. "Maybe later. I'm still so full."

"Hmm, okay. Are you cold?"

"Not much."

Umangat ang kanyang kamay patungo sa aking balikat kaya napasandal ako sa kanya. I am partly laying on him on the bean couch because of that. Kumakalabog ulit ang aking puso sa ginawa niya.

"Cuddle close, princess..." he whispered softly.

I put my lips together before replying. "But aren't you uncomfortable in this position?"

Gumalaw siya paharap sa akin kaya nasa harap ko na ang kanyang dibdib. My breathing hitched because of this. His arms were wrapped around me like my personal vine.

"Nah, I like this." bulong niya.

Nararamdaman ko ang kanyang hininga sa ibabaw ng aking ulo. He is trying not to press me into a firm embrace. Napakagat ako ng pang ibabang labi at sinubukan na kumalma ang aking puso.