Decadence [Published]

Chapter 59

Twitter: #Decadence @EinahWP

➳ Chapter 59

"Good evening, Miss Camince."

Nilingon ko ang pinagmulan ng mababa ngunit mapanganib na tinig na iyon. Agad na sumilay ang ngisi sa aking labi nang bumungad sa akin ang maamo at medyo pagod na mukha ni Senator Miriam.

Sa likod nito ay nakatayo ang isa ring hinahangaang pigura sa mundo ng pulitika, mabigat ang dala-dalang pangalan at may magandang reputasyon—the ever loving husband of Senator Miriam, Atty. Jun Santiago.

Ngumisi ako. "Good evening." I glanced at his white-haired husband who was wearing a soft expression. "I'm glad to have finally met you, Ginoong Santiago."

Umalingawngaw ang garagal na halakhak nito, halatang hindi na rin biro ang edad. "Finally, we've seen each other, Miss Camince. I've heard a lot about you," umiiling nitong sinabi.

Napangiwi ako. "Good things I hope, Sir."

Tumawa muli ito. "Of course."

Naramdaman ko ang pagpisil ni Matteo sa aking baywang. Oh, I almost forgot about him. Iyon naman ang siyang pagdapo ng tingin ng Senadora sa bultong nasa likuran ko. Tumaas ang kilay nito na animoy hinahamon si Matteo.

"And your plus one," anang Senadora. "Who might that be?" She inquired casually.

Matteo beats me to it. "The name is Matteo France," my boyfriend stated, offering his hand.

Senator Miriam accepted the handshake politely, slightly giving me a pointed look. Kumunot ang noo ko. What is she trying to say now? I don't know. Hindi ba ito boto kay Matteo? I don't give a fuck.

Hindi ko siya nanay.

Napatigil sa pag-abot ng kamay si Matteo sa asawa ng Senadora nang bigla siya nitong pinaningkitan ng mga mata. His wrinkled face contorted in somewhat confusion and recognition.

Nagpalipat-lipat ako ng tingin sa kanila.

"I know a France," matamang utas ni Atty. Jun.

Matteo stepped forward, standing beside me. I could feel the body heat emanating off him. Tila gusto ko na lang tuloy umuwi at magpayakap sa lalaking ito. Sa tingin ko ay pagbibigyan niya ako sa hiling na iyon.

Every time we cuddle, I feel secure in his arms. His strong physique reminds me how manly he is. The safety I've felt with him is incomparable. Every time he holds me, it seems like he won't let go. I always crave that feeling.

"It must be my other brothers," magalang na tugon ni Matteo.

Tumango-tango si Atty. Jun. Mukhang malalim pa rin ang iniisip nito na parang may pilit na inaalala. Doon na tumikhim ang Senadora at tipid na ngumiti sa akin.

I looked at her worriedly. She looked exhausted—drained even.

"Help yourself, Miss Camince." Marahan itong bumaling kay Matteo, may bakas pa rin ng pagtutol sa kanyang mukha. "You must be that important upang dalhin ka ni Miss Camince rito. Take care of her," mahigpit nitong bilin.

Natawa ako at umiling. She didn't have to say that. Kaya ko ang sarili ko. At isa pa, si Matteo naman ang pinag-uusapan dito. Kahit na may reputasyon talaga siya noon sa kababaihan, I still completely trust him with my heart.

"I will," seryosong sambit ni Matteo.

"I'm serious," giit ng Senadora.

Hinaplos ni Matteo ang aking baywang na tila pinakakalma ang sarili. "I am, too. Don't question me," he growled lowly.