Stonehearts 9: Sapphire

Nine

Padabog kong inilapag ang dalawang mug na hawak ko, walang pake kung mabasag man. I really want him to realize that I don't want his presence invading my home. Rule number one in dealing with Reid Almodovar is refrain from kissing him. Because his kiss is fucking black magic. Hindi ko tanda kung paano niya ako napa-oo kanina, ngayon heto siya't nakaupo sa isa sa mga barstool na kaharap ng curved na kitchen counter ko. Ako naman, nakatalikod sa kanya at labag sa loob na pinagtitimpla siya ng kape.

"Tell me about your problem." He drawled. That damn guttural voice!

I stopped stirring his coffee, kung lagyan ko kaya 'to ng rat poison? Napabuntong-hininga ako saka tahimik na naglagay ng asukal at creamer sa baso niya. Yup, I didn't ask what he prefers because I don't give a shit if he hates the coffee I made or not. Ayaw ko siya rito and I'll do everything just so he gets that.

I expected him to ask again but nothing followed. Saka ko naalala 'yon sinabi ni Arcie, nagsasalita lang siya kapag gusto niya. Napairap ako saka ko binuhat ang dalawang tasa at humarap sa kanya.

He's resting his back on the stool while he has his ripped arms over his strong chest. God, what a sight. I'm secretly drooling. He's casually sitting there and he looks like he freaking owns the place at ako ang bisita.

"Oh." Masungit na abot ko sa kanya.

He hook a finger on the handle and dragged the coffee closer to him. He looked at me expectantly. "So, your problem?" He pressed.

"Ikaw ang problema ko."

Instead of getting annoyed, the asshole smirk and my insides churned. Again with his sexy grin! Ilang trap cards baa ng mayroon ang taong 'to laban sa'kin?

"I've researched about your dilemma, Hiraya." He spoke, sipping a little of his coffee. I cursed inwardly when he didn't complain about it. Minsan ang bilis niyan asarin, ngayong kailangan ko siyang ma-badtrip hindi ko na magawa.

"It's Sapphire. Or Fire. Not Hiraya or whatever." I firmly argued. He raised one of his bushy eyebrows, though his face remained stoic, his eyes glinted amusement.

"Napag-alaman ko na ex-boyfriend mo ang nagtakbo ng pera mo."

The scowl I have faded. I was stunned with his knowledge about my situation. I mean, I already informed my staff and my brother about a certain partner who took all the money, pero hindi ko naman sinabi na si Cobi 'yon.

He took in my reaction and a slow, cunning smile appeared on his delicious lips. I already regret it when I talked to his picture and told him he should smile more, kasi napakadelikado ng mga ngiti niya.

"I see it's not a common fact." He added, blowing the steam of his hot drink.

"How did you know about that?" I ghastly asked, my hand gripping my mug tightly. My palm numb to the heat.

"I have my ways." He shrugged.

I squinted my eyes at him. "You mean, you unlawfully snooped your nose on my business. Hindi mo malalaman 'yan unless you saw the bank transactions. At hindi naman kayo close ng ex-boyfriend ko para siya mismo ang magsabi n'on sa'yo." At hindi 'yon aamin, pero hindi ko na sinabi.

"It's only illegal if you get caught, Hiraya." He mused, frankly proud about his actions.

"Again, stop calling me that." I probed. I glowered at him even more, but he's not even slightly affected. May saltik ba ang taong ito at gustong-gusto niyang naba-badtrip ako sa kanya?

"Okay, I will." He conceded, taking another sip of his coffee.

"Really?" I asked in dubiety.