3Natalie Trinidad

a wakas ay nagawa niyang idilat ang mga mata, at sinubukang aninawin ang nasa paligid. There was a chilly and somewhat electric sensation in

the air, and yet she felt as if she was being enveloped with warmth.

Inaasahan niyang kung hindi kadiliman ay malamlam na ilaw ang magigisnan niya, ngunit nakasisilaw na liwanag ang sumalubong sa kanya.

“Mommy Berns? Daddy Allan?” tawag niya, pilit inaalala kung nasaan siya nang mga sandaling iyon. Ang alam lang niya, bago tuluyang magdilim ang lahat ay ganoong klase din ng liwanag ang sumalubong sa kanya, kasabay ng pagyakap ng dalawang taong sa loob ng limang taon ay itinuring niyang mga magulang.

Kumurap siya, pilit inaaninaw ang mga bultong nasa harap na nababalot ng liwanag. Parehong

S

PROLOGUEj

4 Save the Night

nakatunghay sa kanya ang dalawa. Her beautiful Mommy Berns had tears in her eyes as she bent down to hug her tight. Ang Daddy Allan naman niya ay hindi maitatatwa ang pait at sakit sa maamong mukha nito, bago siya marahang hinagkan sa noo.

“Akala ko...” Napahikbi siya. “Akala ko, wala na kayo.”

Pilit niyang iginalaw ang mga braso upang yakapin din ang pareha ngunit sa isang iglap ay may ilang metro na ang layo ng mga ito sa kanya. They were still looking at her, but with a more profound sadness than she had ever seen in anyone.

“Aalis kayo agad?” Tuluyang nalaglag ang luha niya.

Nanatiling nakatingin lang sa kanya ang mag-asawa. Noon niya napansin ang isa pang nasa kuwarto. Matangkad at maganda ang pangangatawan, may mukhang alam niyang nakita na niya dati sa kung saan.

“Who the f*ck are you?” pasigaw niyang tanong sa lalaking ngayon ay pumagitna sa adoptive parents niya at hinawakan sa braso ang mga ito.

The man kept his eyes on her. They were both innocent and piercing. Tila iyon nakikiusap at nagpapaunawa, pero nagpapahayag din sa mga sandaling iyon ay wala na siyang magagawa.

“It’s time,” the man announced slowly, in that soft, soothing voice that was so familiar.

Sino ito? Why did it feel like she’d been in his presence before?

“Where are you going? Hey! Mommy! Bakit hindi

5Natalie Trinidadako kasama? Daddy?”

Pilit siyang bumangon, ngunit hindi niya maigalaw ang buong katawan. She was bound by bandages and tubes. She could not even move her neck. Noon din niya naramdamang may benda ang buong mukha niya.

Tumutok ang kanyang mga mata sa lalaking kasama ng mga magulang. He had the face of an angel and the quiet intensity of a man anyone should be wary of.

“Where are you taking my parents, a*shole?” sigaw muli niya.

Paulit-ulit siyang sumusubok makawala habang patuloy ang pagdaloy ng luha. Hindi rin siya tumigil sa pagtatanong lalo na nang makitang unti-unting nawawala ang mga nasa harap niya.

Bakit hindi siya kasama? Bakit palagi na lang siyang iniiwan? At eighteen, what had she done to deserve this? Gusto niyang magwala, pero wala siyang lakas. Maging sa pag-iyak ay hirap siya.

Wala na siyang nakikita ngunit patuloy siya sa pagtawag, sa pakikiusap, sa paglalabas ng galit. Hanggang sa maramdaman niya ang pagsisikip ng dibdib, at ang hindi mapigilang panginginig ng katawan.

She heard beeps and sirens, followed by a commotion. Hands were on her. Instructions were being yelled. Something sharp and cold penetrated her veins, and once again, she plunged into deep, painful darkness.

6 Save the Night

octurne Garces Elizondo.”Agad napalingon si Matariel sa nagsalita. It was Azrael, his sort of boss. Nakatayo

ito ilang metro ang layo sa kanya, nakasandal sa hamba ng pintong gawa sa primera klaseng cherrywood. Well, sa kinalalagyan nila, wala namang sablay sa kalidad. Everything was one million times better than Dubai who claims to be the city of superlatives.

Arrogant, self-absorbed, ignorant mortals. Tsk.Muli niyang ipinako ang tingin sa higanteng

TV screen, na in twenty years time pa lang siguro mapapantayan ang kalidad sa mundo ng mga tao. Anyone in this place can flip channels by simply willing it with their minds.

“Twenty-nine in human years. Very successful and accomplished. Owns a media network. Quite fond

“N

CHAPTER 1jHis Mission

7Natalie Trinidadof those television series that violates each, if not all of God’s commandments.” Alam niyang palapit sa kanya si Azrael habang tutok naman ang tingin niya sa TV screen at inililipat iyon sa ibang channel, o personalidad.

Lahat sila ay may access sa ganoong klase ng panoorin. Of course, most of those who have departed from earth and were residents of Heaven at present could still enjoy their favorite TV shows as much as they want, only they were no longer influenced by it in any way. They were free from sins and temptations. They could watch even the most graphic sex scenes or acts of violence without feeling anything.

Ngunit espesyal ang mga TV sets na nasa hospitality head quarters ng kalangitan, kung saan mahigit sandaang taon na siyang naka-assign. They were as big as cinema screens on Earth, can be split into different scenes and they also have access to the lives of those they are about to ‘escort’ where they rightfully belong.

“What the...” Nangunot ang noo ni Matariel habang pinagkatitigan ang nasa screen.

Nocturne was standing, holding onto the iron grills of her unit’s veranda at the top of a high-rise building. Tinatangay ng hangin ang hanggang leeg na buhok nito, pati na ang laylayan ng suot na mahabang light jacket. Underneath, she wore a cream silk blouse tucked in a pencil-skirt. She was barefoot.

She also held in one hand a glass of red wine, a

8 Save the Night

lit cigarette in between her fingers in the other. Her red lips puffed perfect circles of blue smoke. Her face was expressionless, but it was obvious she was waiting for something... or someone.

“You like looking at her, don’t you?”Hindi siya kumibo, pilit muli niyang inililipat ang

channel pero ayaw talaga. Napabuntong-hininga siya. “She looks familiar. I am trying to remember where I saw her,” pag-amin niya kay Azrael.

Isa siya sa apat na nilalang sa kalangitan o Caellum na ang designation ay sumundo at maghatid ng mga tao at iba pang nilalang na itinakda na ang paglisan sa mundo. Matariel was not sure if he liked his job, but he’d like to believe he’s been good at it anyway. Sa bawat isa din kasi sa kanila nakaatang ang responsiblidad na magdesisyon kung saan nararapat ihatid ang mga namayapa.

Azrael, one of the four angels of death and their leader, said God handpicked them because of their gift of discernment, which was above any other creature in the universe. Sa tuwing may susunduin sila ay agad na tila magpa-flash sa kanilang harapan ang buhay ng mga taong iyon, kasabay mismo ng nangyayari habang nag-aagaw-buhay ang mga ito. Only, at the end of each flash, they knew exactly where the souls belong.

Kaya lang, sa bawat pagsundo at paghatid ay itinakda ring malimutan nila ang mga detalye tungkol doon. He never got to know each soul for more than a minute. He hardly remembers anything. Kaya

9Natalie Trinidadnagtataka siya kung bakit pamilyar sa kanya ang babaeng ito.

“It’s time, Matariel.” Tinapik siya ni Azrael sa balikat.

He stared at his colleague. His grey blue eyes were intent and foreboding. He knew that look.

“This Nocturne woman... I will have to see her soon?” he asked.

Ikiniling nito ang ulo. “Yes, but you are not going to take her anywhere just yet.”

Nanatiling nakatingin lang siya; nakikiramdam at nagtatakang walang anumang enerhiya o alarm na kasabay niyon ang tila nagpupumilit pumasok sa kanyang sistema. What day and time is it on Earth? Isn’t anybody dying at this very second?

“Nakalimutan mo na yata kung pang-ilang taon mo na. At kung ano ang ibig sabihin niyon.”

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Matariel. “A hundred years...”

He smiled. “And it is your time. For it is written, that for a hundred days every century, an angel of death will live as a mortal to understand the value of every life he takes. In those hundred days, you are also tasked to save a soul from damnation. But before you do that, you have to become the mortal fated to die at this very second...” Tumingin ito sa higanteng screen at nawala roon ang imahe ni Nocturne. Napalitan iyon ng eksena sa critical care unit ng isang hospital, kung saan nakahiga sa kama ang isang lalaking balot

10 Save the Night

ng benda at kay daming tubong nakakabit sa katawan. The man was brain dead, and he was just awaiting his time. Maybe not.

“Magkahawig pa kayo, tingnan mo,” natatawang naiiling na komento ni Azrael. “Auberon Del Caro, Formula 1 champion; a rebel, a party animal—name it and he probably has tried it once in his life including those substances that give mortals delusions that they’ve been here...” He smiled. “Also, a notorious womanizer, heartbreaker.”

Matariel winced. Unang beses niyang gagawin ito. And he was not looking forward to it.

“And this, is going to be your assignment.” Muling nagbalik kay Nocturne ang focus ng

screen. Sa pagkakataong ito ay tila mas lumiwanag sa kinalalagyan nito, at may kausap na ang babae. There was a cold, sinister flicker in her eyes now. But she still looked beautiful.

Nangunot ang kanyang noo. “What’s her story?”Unti-unting nawala ang focus ng screen sa dalaga,

hanggang sa mapunta iyon sa isang nilalang na nakatayo may ilang metro mula rito.

Matariel rarely had ever felt any sort of emotion. His kind was also immune to any stimuli. Ngunit hindi rin niya inaasahan ang nakita. The creature Nocturne was talking to may look like a cultured, learned human being, but angels have the ability to see through.

“You’re on your own once you wake up as Auberon, buddy. You get three chances to seek our

11Natalie Trinidadhelp.”Azrael patted his shoulder, as he met his eyes. “Nocturne Elizondo sold her soul to the devil.”

7Nocturne woke up with a start. The sound of her

favorite adagio filled the air, haunting and persistent. Pag-angat niya ng ulong nakasandal sa kanyang high backed office chair ay ang umiilaw na phone sa mesa ang agad niyang nakita. What the hell...

Naiiling na kinuha niya iyon habang minamasahe ng isang kamay ang gilid ng leeg. Nakatulog na naman siya sa kanyang opisinang nasa ika-dalawampu’t dalawang palapag ng main building sa business compound na siya rin ang may-ari.

What time is it? The gothic clock that hung on one pillar of her vast office was saying that it was past 10 P.M. Madilim na sa buong opisina at ang tanging liwanag ay nagmumula sa cellphone, sa desk lamp at sa mga kamay ng orasan.

Kinapa ni Nocturne ang remote control habang inilalapit ang cellphone sa kaliwang tainga. Kasabay ng pagbukas ng TV screen na naka-mount sa isang dingding ng opisina ay ang excited ngunit halatang naiiyak na bati sa kanya ni Tita Sonia, ang asawa ng abogado ng media empire niya.

“Nocturne! Nahanap na namin siya! Nagbalik na si Auberon, Nocturne!” balita nito sa pagitan ng paghikbi. Sa background ay nakarinig siya ng komosyon.

“Where are you, Tita?” tanong niya, bago

12 Save the Night

napatingin sa TV screen. Nasa isang cable news channel iyon at kasalukuyang ibinabalita ang tungkol sa isang aksidente sa Malaysia kung saan alam niyang naroon para sa isang conference ang mag-asawa.

Nangunot ang noo niya nang lumipat ang eksena sa isang hospital, at nakita niya si Tita Sonia at ang asawa nitong si Tito Alfon. Both were still in their business suits as they rushed through the hospital hallway.

“Nandito pa sa Kuala Lumpur. I didn’t know our son is here. Alam mo namang wala akong amor sa anumang may kinalaman sa car racing na ’yan,” paliwanag ng nakatatandang babae.

“He was in a car accident?” she huffed.“Oo, nahulog sa bangin. Nalaman naming siya

dahil sa isang radio report. Halos kasabay pa namin siyang dumating sa hospital dala ng paramedics.” Muling napahikbi ang babae. “He looked at us, Nocturne. He didn’t turn us away. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko bago siya ipasok sa operating room.”

Napabuntong-hininga ang dalaga. She really couldn’t care less about a man who left his parents just to pursue a career as deadly as car racing, gayong ang nakatatandang kapatid nito ay iyon mismo ang ikinamatay.

Buti nga diyan sa anak n’yong pasaway at walang pagpapahalaga sa inyo!

But she did not have the heart to say it.Actually, she didn’t have a heart. Period.

13Natalie Trinidad“He’s in critical condition, Nocturne. He is brain

dead. Nag-seizure siya bago nawalan ng malay.” Gumagaralgal na ang tinig ng ginang. “Baka magtagal kami ng asawa ko dito para bantayan si Auberon...”

She sighed. “It’s okay, Tita. Kailangan niya kayo. Stay for as long as you want.” Hanggang mamatay ’yan, she wanted to add.

“Salamat, Nocturne. Please pray for him, too.” Yeah, right. Pray? Huh. “Relax lang, Tita. Sige na,

balitaan n’yo na lang ako.” Kung kailan ang libing.“Tatawag uli ako o si Alfon bukas. Kausap niya ang

mga doktor ngayon. Nocturne... mag-ingat ka. Tunog bagong gising ang boses mo. Kumain ka na ba?”

Napailing ang dalaga. “Hindi pa, kakain pa lang po.”“O siya, sige na. Sana mabuhay pa ang anak ko

para makasama namin muli. At para makilala mo rin siya.”

Right. Your son is going to be dead soon and he is going to hell! Trust me, Tita, I know. Nagpaalam na rin siya sa ginang bago tinapos ang tawag.

Lumapit siya sa TV at ililipat na sana ang channel nang ipakita sa screen ang mukha ng lalaking biktima ng aksidente. She had never really seen a picture of her lawyer’s son. Walang pagkakataon at wala siyang interes bagaman alam niya ang kuwento nito.

Hindi niya inaasahan ang makikita. Auberon Del Caro was a beautiful man. And he looked very familiar.

14 Save the Night

octors raved about his fast and miraculous recovery. Ilang espesyalista rin na ang iba ay galing pa sa Singapore ang dumalaw sa

kanya para marahil kumpirmahin ang mga sabi-sabi. Kung kailangan sigurong ulit-ulitin ang brain scans at magnetic resonance imaging niya ay ginawa na ng mga ito, pero ang kanyang mga magulang na ang namagitan at sinabing kailangan na niyang umuwi sa Pilipinas.

As soon as he was given the clearance, the kind couple who almost never left his side for the past week immediately took him to a five-star hotel, fed him until he could no longer breathe and basically treated him like a prince.

Ganito siguro ang pakiramdam ng Prodigal Son sa Bibliya. He did not know these people until five days ago, when he woke up from a 48-hour coma, and his

D

CHAPTER 2j

Her Challenge

15Natalie Trinidadentire body recovered faster than what was expected. Maliban sa pananakit ng balikat, likod at ulo ay wala na siyang ibang iniinda pa.

“Auberon, kailangan mong sundin ang bilin ng mga doktor at iwasan muna ang kahit anong matinding physical activity. Your body has to fully recover,” nag-aalangang sabi ni Sonia Del Caro, ang kanyang ‘ina’. Kita ang takot at pag-aalala sa mga mata nito, na parang gusto pang pagsisihan ang kasasabi lang.

“We know you’re used to moving around, at hindi ka mapapakali kapag walang ginagawa. Pero mga two weeks lang naman ito,” dagdag ng ‘papa’ niya na si Attorney Alfon Del Caro. Gaya ng asawa, tila ingat na ingat din ito sa pagkausap sa kanya.

Napapagitnaan siya ng dalawa sa kinauupuan nila sa business lounge ng airport habang hinihintay ang boarding call. Pasado alas nueve ng umaga at pauwi na sila sa Pilipinas.

He smiled at the wary couple, and placed his hands on their arms. “You’re right, Pa. I wouldn’t be able to just spend the next few weeks with nothing to do. And, Ma, don’t worry, I don’t plan on over-exhausting myself. Pero hindi rin puwedeng wala akong gagawin.” Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin niya sa dalawa.

“Just give me something, anything to do. Puwede siguro akong maging paralegal mo, Pa? I could assist you on anything. Naaalala ko pa naman siguro ang mga inaral ko dati,” suhestyon ng binata.

Alam niyang with honors noong magtapos sa kursong Legal Management at maging sa MBA nito

16 Save the Night

si Auberon. Oh wait, that’s him. He’s no longer Matariel.Matamang pinagmasdan siya ng kanyang papa.

Halatang naninibago pero kita ring relieved at natutuwa ito sa inaakto niya ngayon. “Actually, may kinausap na ako sa puwedeng maging trabaho mo for the meantime.” Relaxed na sumandal ito sa kinauupuan. “Hindi ko muna sinabi kasi baka hindi mo gusto.”

“What is it, Alfon? Pumayag na ba si Nocturne?” curious na tanong ng mama niya.

Tumango ang abogado. “Yes, Nocturne sent an email last night. Kaysa daw magpa-advertise pa siya o kumuha sa secretarial pool ay si Auberon na lang.” Tumingin muli ito sa kanya. “Magsisimula na kasi sa Lunes ang maternity leave ng executive assistant ng isang kliyente ko, mas maaga sa inaasahan. Maselan ang pagbubuntis dahil forty na at panganay pa. If you want, you can take over that job for the next four months.”

He smiled. “Of course I want the job. Bakit parang kayo ang nag-aalala diyan?”

Nagkatinginan ang mag-asawa. “Medyo... kakaiba kasi ang magiging boss mo,”

umpisa ng mama niya. “Don’t get us wrong. She’s a nice young lady. May pagka-strict lang masyado at perfectionist. I’m sure all bosses are like that but... anak, alam namin kung ano ang kalibre mo. Your would-be boss is a lovely young lady. Ayaw lang namin na magkaroon kayo ng problema dahil gusto mo

17Natalie Trinidadsiyang isama sa listahan ng mga babaeng pinaiyak mo.”

Ilang sandaling maang na nakatingin lang siya sa nakatatandang babae. He wanted to laugh out loud. He was the one who should worry! His would-be boss sold her soul to the devil and was thinking that God is the enemy!

But when he saw his father’s grim expression, he knew he had to say something to reassure them. “I almost didn’t make it. Gusto ko sanang subukang iwasan na ang buhay na nakasanayan ko these past several years, Pa, Ma.” Inakbayan niya ang inang nangingilid na ang luha. “I may not get this chance again. Parang mahirap, pero gusto kong subukan.” Tumingin siya sa kanyang ama na parang maluluha na rin. “I will start with this job. Will you help me, Pa? You said she is your client?”

Attorney Del Caro heaved a sigh of relief. “Yes, ako ang principal legal representative ng kompanya.”

Mataman niya itong pinagmasdan. “Tell me something about my future boss.”

Bahagyang napangiti ang nakatatandang lalaki. “She is young, not even thirty yet. She is the President and CEO of NX6 Media, Incorporated. Her name si Nocturne Elizondo... oh wait, Sonia.” Tinapik nito ang braso ng asawa. “May picture ka ba ni Nocturne?”

Agad kinuha ng ginang ang cellphone sa bag nito, ilang sandaling nag-tap doon hanggang sa lumabas sa screen ang imahe ng babaeng sa mga sandaling iyon ay pamilyar na sa kanya.

18 Save the Night

7“Auberon Del Caro is going to be your new

assistant? That’s an interesting choice.”Umarko ang isang kilay ni Nocturne sa tanong ni

Hideo, bago muling sumimsim sa kanyang ikalawang baso ng red wine. Tumingin din siya sa katabi nitong si Aveira, na magkahalo ang curiosity at paghahamon sa tingin sa kanya.

They were her Vice President For Entertainment and Head of Public Relations, respectively. Katatapos lang ng maghapon nilang pakikipag-meeting sa grupong mangangasiwa sa paparating na trade launch ng kanilang programming line-up para sa second half ng taon, and they all wanted everything to be perfect.

Not that anything ever went wrong in any NX6 event in the past decade, but Nocturne never took well to criticism, even the most trivial ones. Matindi ang kompetisyon sa industriya na ang mga bata at babaeng gaya niya ay palaging binabantayan ang bawat galaw. Thankfully, she did not really have to worry about ever failing because of these two in front of her.

Isang salita lang niya, at ang mga ito na ang bahala sa lahat.

“Is there anything wrong about hiring him? Temporary lang naman ang trabaho. He may lack the experience but he is qualified. I am sure that as we speak, his parents are already giving him the background information that he needs.” Ngumiti siya kay Aveira na nag-aalok sa kanya ng gintong cigarette

19Natalie Trinidadcase nito. She took a stick and lit it up as soon as she caught it between her lips.

“No, walang mali sa kanya. Auberon is perfect. He’s given in to every vice you can think of, at least once in his life. He’s a daredevil, a womanizer, a rebel and basically, a first class a*shole.” Ngumisi si Hideo. He was one goodlooking man, seemed to be in his late thirties or early forties but with his kind, one couldn’t really tell. Isa ito sa pinaka-prominenteng player sa entertainment industry. Isa sa hinahangaan at kinatatakutan at the same time. And one of the few who knew who and what she really is, and why she was enjoying the life she was having now.

“A fine-looking a*shole at that,” dagdag ni Aveira, ang napakaganda niyang public relations genius na gaya ni Hideo ay bihasa rin sa larangan nito. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang eksaktong kaugnayan ng dalawa sa isa’t isa, pero siguradong hindi magkapatid ang mga ito. It would be the sickest kind of incest if ever.

“I am waiting.” Patience was never her strongest virtue. Pinaka-ayaw din niya sa lahat ang maligoy na usapan.

“He’s about your age, Nocturne.” Makahulugan ang tingin ni Hideo. “Strong, virile and of excellent genes. Would you like to hear or see how he is in bed?”

“Are you planning to use him, eventually?” dugtong agad ni Aveira.

She was not easily embarrassed, and given the kind of programming her NX6 was known for, she

20 Save the Night

knew she was above being prude. But Nocturne still felt heat rise from within her, spreading to her veins, all going to the same direction: her face. Base sa nakikitang magkahalong pagkagulat at amusement ng mga kausap, sigurado na siyang totoo nga ang nangyayari ngayon. She is blushing, damn it.

“So you find him attractive,” Aveira singsonged.“At mukhang may kakaibang epekto din siya sa

iyo.” Mataman siyang pinagmasdan ni Hideo. “’Met him before?”

Umiling si Nocturne. “Hindi ako sigurado. Pero pamilyar siya sa akin. I never saw him in a lot of photos before the news about his accident. I never even asked his parents for it. I was not interested.” Napabuntong-hininga siya.

“From what we know and have seen of his life, you two have never met before.” Nangunot ang noo ni Aveira at napatingin kay Hideo. “He has been out of coma for what, a week now?”

“Yes. And he’s been blank since he was declared brain dead. Wala na akong mabasa sa kanya. Hinihintay ko na nga lang ang balitang naihatid na siya, pero nabuhay pala.” Hideo’s intense grey eyes darkened. “He had a miraculous recovery. And it was as if his past had been erased.”

“From what his parents told me, he never even had amnesia. No other complications except for a slight fever.” Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Nocturne sa dalawa. “So, ano ang problema kung wala kayong

21Natalie Trinidadmabasa sa kanya? Does it mean hindi na siya ang dating Auberon?”

Umiling si Hideo. “It is the same Auberon. Only he was given a second chance, a new life, a clean slate if you want to put it that way. At hindi pa namin alam sa ngayon kung paano niya ito gagamitin.” His lips then curled into a devious smile as he looked at her. “But since you’ve decided to take him under your wing...”

“Binibigyan n’yo ako ng responsibilidad ngayon?” Naningkit ang mga mata ng dalaga. “Isn’t that your job? I only ask for things to be done for me, to approve and deny, and nothing else.”

“Come on, Nocturne. You’re getting a fresh soul here.” Muling nagsalin ng wine sa mga baso nila si Aveira. “Get off that high chair and see what it feels like to corrupt. You have the power to do that.”

“I only wish to find out why he looks familiar. Alam ninyong hindi ko gusto na may gumugulo sa akin nang ganito,” giit niya habang pilit binabalewala ang mga imaheng ngayon ay nagpa-flash sa kanyang utak. Sa pictures at sa ilang video clips sa TV pa lang niya nakita si Auberon, pero kung anu-anong scenario na ang nalikha ng imahinasyon niya at hindi niya iyon gusto.

“You have never give in to your... needs, Nocturne.” Mataman siyang pinagmasdan ni Aveira. “Purity is a virtue of the righteous. You’re far from being one.”

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“And won’t it be empowering to fulfill that need and control at the same time? Hindi ba iyon naman ang gusto mo? Ilang taon ka nang naghahanap ng lalaking sa tingin mo ay karapat-dapat sa ’yo? You never wanted a righteous man, yet, you stay away from a*sholes. Now, here we have neither. Auberon’s looks could inspire the seven capital sins and yet, he’s practically an angel.” Hideo’s eyes were taunting. “And he is yours.”

“We are not asking you to give in to that abominable thing called love, because you know that will be the end of everything we’ve worked hard for all these years.” Mababa, mahina at mapang-akit ang boses ni Aveira, at sa bawat salita nito ay may nagpa-flash na imahe sa paningin niya. Nocturne couldn’t find it in her to take her eyes off the images now.

Naihawak niya ang isang kamay sa gilid ng kanyang leeg, pababa sa collarbone, sa top buttons ng suot niyang black silk blouse.

“Power and control, Nocturne. You have always enjoyed it all these years but not on a more intimate, satisfying physical degree,” patuloy ni Aveira. Hinaplos nito ang gilid ng kanyang mukha. “Take him. He’s all yours.”

Nagsalubong ang mga mata nila ng babae. Kahit kailan ay hindi niya nagustuhan kapag sinasabihan siya kung ano ang dapat niyang gawin. It was bad enough that she had made a deal with these two a decade ago. It was a fair enough trade-off, pero gusto pa rin niyang

23Natalie Trinidadmanatiling nasa kamay niya kahit papaano ang mga desisyong may kinalaman sa kung ano ang pupuno sa kanyang mga pangangailangan.

She has given in to vices and to various temptations at least once. Masyado siyang ingat na mawalan ng kontrol, kaya hindi siya naging alipin ng kahit anong bisyo, at hindi nagpatalo sa kahit anong tukso. She was having a very successful career, enjoying the respect, admiration and envy of her peers, and relishing the certainty that no matter what, she would never fail or lose her power and control over anything she desires, ever.

Nang pumayag siyang kunin si Auberon bilang temporary executive assistant, nais lamang niyang iwasan ang hassle ng matrabahong pagpili at pag-screen ng mga aplikante. Gusto rin niyang ma-satisfy ang curiosity niya sa lalaking inakala niyang namatay na noong isang linggo.

Ni hindi pa niya ito nakikilala sa personal, pero mula sa pagkamuhi na napalitan ng kuryosidad, magkakaroon pa siya ng misyon sa lalaking ngayon ay pinag-uusapan ng lahat dahil sa himalang pagkabuhay nito.

“Consider it a challenge, Nocturne. Since we all don’t know what exactly happened to Auberon,” untag ni Hideo.

“Come on, sweetie. Aren’t you curious? Alam namin kung ano ang mga iniisip mo nang sabihin sa ’yo ni Miss Sonia ang tungkol sa aksidente niya.”

24 Save the Night

Nakangisi si Aveira.Tahimik na minasdan niya ang dalawa, bago

inubos ang natitirang wine. She lifted her cigarette to her red lipsticked mouth and puffed away, and in between clouds of smoke, she saw her two companions for what they really are: a pair of devils in sheep’s clothing.

“Alright.” Tumango si Nocturne. “Challenge accepted.”

25Natalie Trinidad

ar as she knew, there was no way this building would suffer a power outage unless it was the apocalypse, and therefore, the air-conditioning

in this room would have to be working perfectly. Kaya hindi maintindihan ni Nocturne kung bakit sa sandaling bumukas ang pinto ng kanyang opisina at pumasok doon si Auberon Del Caro ay parang tumaas bigla ang temperatura.

The heat brought by the man’s presence also came with some sort of electrical charge, like forces were colliding in the air. She had to hold on to the sides of her huge pine and mahogany desk to keep herself steady, even if she knew she wouldn’t fall.

Pinagmasdan niya si Auberon, sinalubong ang tingin nitong nakatuon din sa kanya. His stunningly clear, strangely colored eyes were both innocent and

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CHAPTER 3j

Mark of an Angel

26 Save the Night

piercing; a little lost, but determined. Huminto ito sa gitna ng malawak niyang opisina, may dalawang metro ang layo mula sa desk.

“Good morning, Miss Elizondo.” His voice was deep and mellow, the kind that had the power to persuade and seduce. Bahagya lang ang ngiti nito, pero hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kanya.

“Good morning, Auberon. ‘Nocturne’ is fine.” She pushed back her chair and stood. Tinungo niya ang harap ng mesa, at nilapitan ang bago niyang executive assistant.

He looked more like the owner of the whole damn city, even if he had on that standard Monday suit he required NX6’s employees to wear. It was this navy blue pinstriped ensemble that fit him snugly. She had never seen anyone wear it so well, not even Hideo or Aveira.

Humakbang siya palapit at iniabot ang isang kamay rito. Bahagya na lang niyang napigilan ang pagpikit. Auberon smelled so good. It was a clean, fresh scent that was so male, so potent and so... Auberon.

What? He accepted her hand with a more definite smile

now. His handshake was as firm and abrupt as hers, pero parang na-disappoint siya nang hindi man lang ito gumawa ng paraan para mapatagal iyon.

He stuck his hands to his pockets and got right down to business. “I’ve been going through the schedule and the reports over the weekend.”

She immediately wanted to lash out at him. Trabaho

27Natalie Trinidadagad? At ito pa talaga ang naunang magboluntaryo ng impormasyong iyon? Clearly, nalimutan agad ng lalaking ito na empleyado na niya ito ngayon at dahil doon, wala na itong kontrol sa sitwasyon. He may be the king of the race track weeks before, but his crown had been taken away from him since.

Right now, he was in her payroll and he’d be doing things for her. He would be under her control... at her beck and call. This man shall bend to her will whether he likes it or not.

But first, she has to know something. Huminga si Nocturne nang malalim. Bakit ba siya ang dapat gumawa nito?

“I see.” Bahagya siyang tumango at sinalubong ang tingin ng lalaki. Sa malapitan ay mas nakita niya kung ano ang kulay ng mga mata nito. Chameleon eyes. Clear green with hints of brown and specks of gold—depending on the light, the color of his clothes, or what he was feeling at the moment. Sa ngayon ay emerald ang mga iyon.

Auberon with his unique features stared back at her. High cheek bones and summer-colored skin, marked by a slightly crooked and dominant nose and a subtle, full mouth. Even that fresh scar from his left temple to his sideburns looked good. Hindi niya alam kung saan titingin. Wala naman itong ginagawa habang minamasdan niya pero parang si Nocturne ang nakakaramdam ng kakaiba.

“I need to check on something first,” mahina pero

28 Save the Night

matatag na sabi ni Nocturne, sabay marahang hinila ang suit jacket ng empleyado bago iyon binitawan. “Take it off.” Umatras siya.

Nangunot ang noo ng kaharap. “What?”“Take... it... off,” ulit niya. Si Auberon ang dapat na

nahihiya pero nararamdaman din niya ang pag-akyat ng init sa kanyang pisngi. Sh*t. “Or I will do it for you.”

“Might be a better idea.” He grinned. Napakurap siya sa nakita. The transformation

was amazing. Literal na nagliwanag ang mukha nito habang sinisimulang hubarin ang suit jacket. His grin showed near-perfect white teeth, his incisors prominent. No, not the kind that should cause alarm because they might grow longer and sharper at night but still, she knew now why Auberon reminded her of those dark, brooding heroes the Brontë Sisters loved to write about.

“Might be,” sang-ayon ng dalaga, nananatiling matatag ang boses kahit parang may nagkakarera sa kanyang dibdib.

She slowly began to circle him, the fabric of her white silk blouse barely touched his light blue dress shirt. Pilit niyang kinakalma ang sarili nang hindi nito nahahalata hanggang sa huminto siya sa likuran nito.

She had never been grateful for the added three inches of her black pumps. 5’4” lang ang height niya, samantalang at least 6’ si Auberon. Umakyat ang kamay niya sa collar ng dress shirt nito at bahagyang hinila iyon.

29Natalie Trinidad“Nocturne?” alanganing tawag nito, parang

biglang nahirapang huminga. “Loosen your tie and a few buttons,” utos niyang

muli habang ang isang kamay ay kinakapa ang likod nito. Ingat na ingat siya dahil baka mahalata ng lalaki ang panginginig niya. A slight tremor could give away not just the fact that she was actually nervous, but also that she had never stood this close, much more touch any man.

Gumalaw nang bahagya ang mga balikat nito, tanda na sinusunod siya. Muli niyang hinila pababa ang collar upang ma-check ang batok ni Auberon.

“It was either an indentation, or a raised scar on the nape. Their kind couldn’t hide them, it is a distinguishing mark, an ID. Check lower for the same signs, they will either look like a parenthesis or brackets. Feel his skin, Nocturne. They are unnaturally cool. Feel some more, see how he would react to your heat. If he would react, well... he’s all yours.”

F*ck you, Hideo, mura niya sa tila nananadyang boses ng isa sa kanyang executives. Pero sinunod niya ang mga sinabi nito. Wala siyang nakitang kahit anong marka, pero kakaiba nga ang malamig na temperatura ng lalaking ito.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit lalo siyang kinabahan sa naisip na posibilidad. Parang hindi niya gustong magkatotoo ang hinala nina Hideo at Aveira.

But then she became instantly aware of his breathing. It became slower, more labored, as if he was suffering under her touch. Her... touch?

30 Save the Night

Noon napansin ng babae kung ano ang ginagawa ng kamay niya sa likod nito. Habang hawak ang nakababang collar ng kaliwa niya ay humahagod naman ang kanan mula sa balikat nito pababa, at pabalik pa.

“Are you looking for scars from the accident, Nocturne?” he panted. “Maliban sa head injury, itong kaliwa ko ang napuruhan.” He was obviously trying to steady his breathing. “Gusto mo ring makita? Although I can tell you I’m already cleared by the doctor. He said I’m fit to work.”

Agad niyang inalis ang kamay sa likod nito, hindi na nag-abalang ibalik sa ayos ang collar. Nagpatuloy siya sa mabagal na paglalakad paikot dito habang mataman itong minamasdan. Magaang na dinama ng kamay niya ang pilat sa kaliwang bahagi ng mukha nito. He flinched, but didn’t move away.

“My hands are clean,” sabi ni Nocturne.“Your hands are hot,” he mumbled as he eased

out of his dress shirt. Damn, he’s really taking it off ?Wala siyang kailangang makita pa pero hinayaan

na rin niya. Bahagya siyang umatras.May bandages pa mula sa siko ni Auberon

hanggang sa balikat.“The wounds are not completely closed yet.

They can’t come in contact with my clothes. Baka mairita at maimpeksyon pa,” paliwanag nito kahit hindi tinatanong.

Tumango si Nocturne. “Put your clothes back.”

31Natalie TrinidadUmarko ang isang kilay nito. “Are you not going

to tell me what that was about?”Hindi siya nagsalita. Tinalikuran niya ito at babalik

na sana sa mesa niya para makalayo sa presence nitong hindi niya alam kung bakit masyadong overwhelming. Ngunit nakakaisang hakbang pa lang siya nang maramdaman niya ang pagpigil ni Auberon sa kanyang braso.

Nocturne inhaled sharply at the sight of his long, tanned fingers on her pale skin. Dapat ay hindi niya ito tiningnan man lang, at gusto niyang murahin ang sarili.

His eyes were both curious and intense. And very, very dangerous as they seemed to have turned a deeper shade of green. “Stripping for you for a body inspection was not in the office manual and definitely not part of the job description. Are you going to tell me or should I ask around?”

He’s just a man... just a man. Inuulit-ulit iyon ng dalaga sa sarili habang kumakawala sa pagkakahawak nitong hindi naman mahigpit. Binitawan siya ni Auberon, pero parang siya naman ang hindi nakapagpigil na itaas ang isang kamay habang nakikipaglaban ng titigan dito.

His brown hair was short, strewn with golden inch-long dashes and a few errant curly strands that threatened to fall across his forehead and one stuck out behind his left ear. Parang gusto niya iyong hawakan. Sa halip ay ikinuyom niya ang kamao.

“Go ahead. Ask around.” Ilang segundong nakatingin lang siya kay Auberon bago siya bumaling

32 Save the Night

sa direksyon ng pintong nagko-connect sa mga opisina nila. “Since you’ve acquainted yourself with the schedule, why don’t you just head over there and look through the new files that are waiting for you?”

Muli siyang umatras. “And this is my room. If I need you to come in here, I will tell you. If you need anything, knock. Otherwise, stay out.” She held him with her gaze one last time, trying not to be distracted by the fact that he still had barely buttoned his dress shirt.

A corner of his luscious lips turned up.She jerked her chin. “If you ever come in here

without my consent…” She paused, watching him watching her, “I will kill you.” Muli niya itong tinalikuran at mabilis na nagbalik na sa puwesto sa likod ng kanyang mesa. Hindi siya tumingin hangga’t hindi niya naririnig ang pagsasara ng pinto sa opisina ni Auberon.

When she was sure he was completely out of sight, she took that deep breath that she’d been holding back since her hand touched his skin.

7Well, that escalated quickly. ‘Auberon’ could not help grinning as he closed

the door behind him. Napatingin siya sa hawak na suit jacket at kurbata. Ni hindi pa niya naibubutones ang kanyang dress shirt. Of all the things she would do on their first meeting, he never expected to be asked to strip so she could feel him up and down his back.

33Natalie TrinidadSa pagkagulat ay halos nakalimutan na niya ang

kakaibang shift sa temperatura pagpasok niya sa opisina ni Nocturne. It wasn’t just the air-conditioning. A cold draft seemed to hit him as he stepped into the room.

Kinailangan niyang maging maingat sa paglakad palapit kay Nocturne kanina dahil pakiramdam niya ay bubuway siya. Parang unti-unting naparalisa sa lamig ang kanyang mga kalamnan, habang kasabay na nagre-react sa mumunting electrical charge na naramdaman niya. Na parang may mga di-nakikitang puwersa na naglalaban sa paligid nila.

Alam niya kung ano ang hinahanap ng dalaga. Inaasahan na niyang maaaring nag-check na rin ng background niya ang dalawang executives ni Nocturne. His survival and recovery made big news and probably alarmed Hideo and Aveira that he might have gotten some big help, or someone took over Auberon Del Caro. They must have thought he was one of those winged creatures from Caellum.

Para sa mga nilalang gaya ng dalawa, walang pagkakaiba ang mga anghel sa kalangitan. As far as their kind was concerned, it could be any angel waiting at any life’s end. Hindi alam ng mga ito ang existence ng mga gaya nila, o ang tungkol sa ginagawa nila tuwing ika-sandaang taon.

The devils may know about certain identification marks, maybe even ways to weaken the angels or lure them into their realm, but they would have a difficult

34 Save the Night

time against his kind.Hindi lang niya inasahang agad na aalamin ni

Nocturne kung sino siya talaga. Inayos niya ang damit habang binubuksan ang laptop at bina-browse ang ilang papeles na nasa mesa. Hindi niya agad iyon napansin kaninang una siyang pumasok doon. He was excited to meet Nocturne. Hindi niya alam kung bakit.

She looked more fragile and vulnerable than he expected. Bumata ang hitsura nito dahil sa pinaikling buhok—a sleek bob that framed her heart-shaped face and made her wide-set, slanty eyes appear bigger. Her nose was just right for her face, her lips were thin and shaped like a perfect cupid’s bow. Doon napako ang mga mata niya nang magsalita si Nocturne dahil halos hindi iyon gumagalaw.

Her voice, a husky alto, was what sealed the deal. She was not the most beautiful human he had ever seen. Sa palagay niya ay hindi rin ito papasang artista o model sa NX6, pero hindi puwedeng hindi mapansin ng kahit na sino si Nocturne.

Kitang-kita kasi ang kumpiyansa nito sa sarili, ang tila hindi matitinag na composure, at sa paraan ng pagsasalitang kahit parang laging mahinahon ay hindi rin maitatago ang awtoridad. He had to give her props for the way she told him to take his clothes off. Parang araw-araw na nitong ginagawa iyon gayong ang alam niya ay hindi pa ito nagkaka-boyfriend.

Dapat ay maalarma si Auberon sa huling sinabi nito bago sila maghiwalay. With her power and

35Natalie Trinidadconnections, he knew Nocturne could and would definitely kill him if he’d ever do anything that would make him deserving of it. Pero imbis na mag-alala ay lalo siyang naintriga rito.

Nocturne may look formidable and intimidating, but he immediately saw a crack in her cool exterior when he had to let her go after the initial handshake.

Vanity must be her favorite sin.Hindi niya alam kung nainsulto o na-disappoint

ito sa agaran niyang pagbitaw. Hindi kasi inasahan ni Auberon ang init na nagmumula sa palad nito, ang tila mumunting electrical charge mula roon.

He also saw when she quickly raked those hooded almond eyes over his body, and the appreciation that registered when she stood close to study his face. Ito ang unang subok niya sa pagiging mortal at hindi niya inasahan ang mga kakaibang nararamdaman—kung gaano siya ka-perceptive sa babaeng nakatakda niyang iligtas.

He knew about sadness, though. He had seen it in souls who left the earth so soon, and he saw that in Nocturne earlier after that first handshake. Muli niya iyong nakita nang paalisin na siya ng dalaga, na parang gusto nitong bawiin ang sinabi.

Hindi siya binigyan ng anumang instructions kung paano niya ililigtas ang babae. Ang sinabi lang sa kanya ay malalaman din daw niya iyon sa paglipas ng mga araw. He was simply told to follow his heart, and do what he thought and felt was right under any

36 Save the Night

circumstance. He wondered if he did the right thing earlier when he undressed for her.

Naiiling na hinarap na niya ang trabaho. A message came up on Skype, followed by an email icon. Speaking of instructions, hindi nag-aksaya ng oras si Nocturne. Nakadetalye sa email nito ang mga dapat niyang gawin para sa buong linggo, at kung kailan nito iyon kailangan.

Soon, he was bent on the laptop, with his glasses on and attacking paperwork like it was something he did everyday for the past one hundred years. Napangiwi si Auberon nang sa pagderecho ng upo at pag-i-stretch matapos ang ilang oras ay nananakit na ang kanyang likod. Quarter to twelve na.

Kinuha niya ang paperbag na naglalaman ng lunch kit na padala ng mama niya. It was enough to feed two to three people, but as someone who was fed intravenously for several days, he knew he could devour everything in this bag.

Nangangalahati na nga iyon dahil sa pagitan ng pagtatrabaho ay kumakain din siya. Ngayon ay Japanese fried rice, dry chicken adobo at dalawang piraso ng lemon bars na lang ang natira. Man, I need to run or swim for at least thirty minutes tonight...

Tumayo na siya bitbit ang paper bag at lalabas na sana ng opisina nang maalala si Nocturne. Saan kaya ito kumakain?

Agad nasagot ang tanong niya ng mahihinang katok sa main door. Napagbuksan niya ang dalawang

37Natalie Trinidadinterns, base sa uniform. May bitbit na tig-isang paper bag ang mga ito.

“Hi,” nakangiting bati niya sa dalawang hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kanya. “I am the temporary EA, Auberon.” He extended his hand.

Nahihiyang nakipagkamay at nagpakilala ang dalawa. Philip and Heidi. “Para po kay Miss Nocturne. Araw-araw po kay Ate Fran muna ito dumadaan, para ibigay sa kanya,” tukoy ni Heidi sa nag-leave na EA.

Nangunot ang kanyang noo. “For taste testing?”Natawa ang dalawa. “Ayaw daw po kasi ni Miss

Nocturne na basta naiistorbo. Ganoon po dito,” Philip informed him.

Napatango na lang siya. Sinilip niya ang mga nasa paper bag. Dalawang hindi kalakihang microwaveable clear plastic container ang nasa isang bag. Some sort of salad and four tiny pieces of maki. Sa isang paper bag ay tatlong piraso ng magkakaibang klase ng cookies. At least they were much bigger than bite size. But still... “Ang konti naman nito. Ganito lagi ang order niya?”

“Iba-iba naman kada araw, pero konti pa rin.” Nawala na ang kabang nakita niya kanina kay Heidi.

Gayundin kay Philip. “Mahina daw po kasi talagang kumain si Miss Nocturne, sabi ni Ate Fran.”

“Okay. Ibibigay ko ito sa kanya. Saan kayo magla-lunch?” tanong niya sa dalawa.

“Sa cafeteria po. May free food po ang interns at employees.”

“Save a seat for me, okay? May baon ako, eh. Pero

38 Save the Night

tingnan ko din ang pagkain n’yo dito.”Nakangiting nagpaalam na ang dalawa, habang

siya ay muling ininspeksyon ang laman ng paper bag. Tinungo ni Auberon ang desk at nag-type ng message sa Skype.

Your lunch is here. Should I bring them now?Agad ang reply ng boss. Yes. Thank you.Naiiling na kumatok siya nang tatlong beses sa

connecting door bago iyon binuksan. He braced himself for that strange sensation that greeted him earlier.

As soon as he stepped in, he felt the damp air, the crackling, the feeling that certain invisible creatures were advancing to claw at him.

There it is again. Sh*t. Ganito ba lagi? For one hundred days, he has no power whatsoever to counter the dark forces, save for three requests that he will use when absolutely necessary.

Huminga siya nang malalim, at pinilit balewalain ang nararamdamang presensya. Nocturne was still busy. Nakalatag ang mga papeles sa mesa nito.

“Bon appetit.” Inilagay niya ang dalawang paper bag sa bakanteng espasyo sa desk.

“You may have yours at the cafeteria. Food is free.” Ni hindi ito nag-angat ng tingin.

“How about drinks? Walang kasamang inumin sa order mo. Can I get you anything?”

Noon siya tiningnan ng babae. “I have stocks in my pantry. You went through my food?”

39Natalie Trinidad“Akala ko kasi dapat kong inspeksyunin dahil

pinadaan muna sa akin. Don’t worry, hindi ko ginalaw. Salad, maki and soft cookies? For lunch?” He gave a disgusted sound and facial expression.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng kaharap. “You can leave now.”

He shrugged. “Sure, I will. Free, hot food is waiting.” He grinned, then looked at her lunch again. “Enjoy.” Muli ay nag-make face siya.

Malamig na tingin lang ang isinagot ng babae. Ilang sandaling minasdan niya ito bago tinalikuran. Dere-derecho siya sa connecting door. Bago niya iyon naisara, nagawa niyang muling tingnan ang CEO five meters away.

Kinuha na nito ang mga paper bag at inihilera ang mga laman niyon sa mesa. Nakayuko ito sa pagkain at tinitingnan lang iyon habang hawak ang chopsticks.

Hindi niya gaanong nakikita ang mukha ni Nocturne, pero sa ayos nito sa high-backed chair sa likod ng malaking desk, sa gitna ng malawak na opisinang napapaligiran ng dark wood furniture at heavy drapes, kaunting liwanag mula sa maliit na parte ng bay window na hindi natakpan ng kurtina—sa palagay ni Auberon ay iyon na ang pinakamalungkot na tanawing nakita niya.

40 Save the Night

a kauna-unahang pagkakataon simula nang pamahalaan niya ang NX6 at sa history ng pag-attend niya sa quarterly meeting nito kasama ang

mga division heads ng Programming Department ay ngayon lang nahati ang atensyon ni Nocturne. She hated it because it meant losing control.

Kahit mamaya lang ay magkakaroon siya ng mas detalyadong kopya ng reports at presentations, mas gusto niya pa ring mag-concentrate sa bawat nagsasalita sa harap, enough to ask a few questions.

Pero imposible iyon dahil sa nagaganap na eksena sa kaliwa niya, kung saan nakapuwesto si Auberon, katabi si Aveira. Nasa tapat nito ay si Hideo na panay din ang sulyap sa dalawa.

Wala namang ginagawa si Auberon. In fact, he looked as if he was having a better time with the

S

CHAPTER 4j

Beautiful Distraction

41Natalie Trinidadpresentations than she was. He had his laptop open in front of him, and a plate full of breakfast food from the buffet table at the other side of the huge conference room. Kung ang ibang nasa meeting ay panay kape o tsaa at ilang piraso ng donuts o muffins lang ang dala sa mesa, ang EA niya ay parang hindi pinakain nang ilang araw. When he caught her looking with her furrowed brows, he merely smiled and said,“I didn’t have time for a proper breakfast at home. I only had two pancakes and orange juice. Then, I had to do my morning run and make sure I get here early enough.”

Alas siete nag-umpisa ang meeting, at alas ocho karaniwang nag-uumpisa ang work day sa NX6. Apparently, Auberon went straight to the office after his run, with his clothes in a garment bag aside from a huge backpack. Nakita niya iyon nang maglipat siya sandali kanina sa Channel 1 na mayroon sa bawat TV monitor sa buong network compound. It was connected to all the security cameras. Ang service elevator mula sa basement parking agad ang tiningnan niya para i-check kung sino na ang dumating sa mga ka-meeting niya.

She was about to bite into an apple when the elevator opened and the lone passenger stepped out. Auberon’s long, lean frame, flushed and sweaty in running shorts, a gray shirt and trainers held a garment bag and a paper bag in both hands, a black backpack slung on one shoulder.

Magulo pa ang buhok nito at mas maganda pa ang bihis ng security personnel nila pero parang balewala

42 Save the Night

iyon sa binata. He greeted everyone like nothing was amiss and judging from how everyone returned his smile, it was obvious that he has already charmed everyone.

He had only been here for a week! Sa isa pang elevator na derecho naman sa floor ng

executive offices pumunta si Auberon. She saw him enter his room, then, emerged with just the garment bag and a gray pouch. Sa men’s room ito dumerecho, na pilit niyang inalala kung may camera din ba.

Why on earth would she even think that? How come his presence, and really, just the sight of him filled her with that delicious warmth? She bit furiously into her apple, as if doing so would make her understand the way she had been acting since they met.

Pero halos hindi rin niya inaalis ang tingin sa TV. Napamura siya nang maisip ang hitsura ni Auberon, pawisan at namumula habang tumatakbo. She bit her tongue as thoughts wandered to how he must have looked like under the shower. Napaatras tuloy siya at hinanap ang remote.

Ang unang pagkikita nila ang pinakamatagal sa mga naging interaksyon nila ni Auberon nitong nakalipas na linggo. Pumupunta lang ito sa opisina tuwing ihahatid ang kanyang tanghalian, at palagi itong may side comment.

“Well, at least this is pasta salad with chicken. But those are very thin strips of chicken!”

“Ito yata ang pinakakawawang bibimbap na nakita ko.

43Natalie TrinidadPinaalis mo ba talaga ang meat dito at pinabawasan ang egg... at kanin?”

“Nice. Bean burrito. And cheese quesadilla. Pero bakit parang kiddie size yata ito?”

“Those tofu cakes look good. That miso soup smells wonderful, do you want me to reheat it first? No? Nocturne, how can you live like this?”

Tiningnan lang niya ito nang derecho, pokerfaced, at sinabihang umalis na matapos nitong bigyan ng glowing review ang lunch niya. Fran also questioned her diet but she was not as audacious as this Auberon!

She should be fuming. Nobody talks like that to Nocturne Elizondo. But for the life of her, she just could not bring herself to jump at Auberon and punch his face, or aim for the jugular. One look at those eyes, those lips, those broad shoulders and lean arms whenever he’d show up without his suit jacket and the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up to the elbows–she had to fight the urge to pounce at him instead.

“Nocturne, you really should eat something.”Napakurap siya. Oh, sh*t! Agad niyang in-assess

kung may ibang nakapansin ng pag-space out niya pero nawala ang pag-aalala niya nang mapatingin kina Hideo at Aveira. Both looked amused and obviously did something so nobody noticed that she was only physically present, but her thoughts were miles away... Well, actually her mind was just right there, but concentrated on her hot EA.

“This is good.” Inilipat ni Auberon sa platito sa

44 Save the Night

harap niya ang isang piraso ng muffin. Isang honey glazed donut lang ang nakain niya sa meeting, and that was probably an hour ago.

“Banana walnut muffin with honeycomb sprinkles.” He took another one from his own plate and then, leaned closer. “Eat up, boss.”

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Nocturne. Kahit alam na walang ibang nakakapansin sa kanila, o nakakarinig kay Auberon ay naiinis pa rin siya. So, not even an accident that nearly caused him his life could completely change Auberon Del Caro. Mukhang unti-unti na nitong ipinapakita ang tunay na kulay. She did her research, watched some old interviews and in most, he was either frustratingly aloof or downright cocky.

“K’ain na, mukhang umiinit na ulo mo.” He smiled.

F*ck you, she said in her head before turning her attention back to the speaker.

“This is my second, you know. This is so good...”Hindi pa rin niya ito pinansin.“Hmm... And do you know it’s got chocolate chips

in it, too? Yum.” Sumasakit ang leeg ni Nocturne sa pagpipigil na

tingnan ito. But the man was obviously making sure his antics would not go unnoticed. From the corner of her eye, she saw Auberon bite into the muffin. He chewed with his mouth closed, as he looked at her, and then closed his eyes as he made another “Mmm...” sound.

45Natalie TrinidadParang slow motion pa ang pagpikit at muling

pagdilat ng binata, at dumerecho ang tingin sa kanya. “I will have another bite to convince you. In fact, I will fin—”

“Shut the hell up,” she hissed. Narinig niya ang mahinang pagtawa nina Hideo

at Aveira.“You need to eat, Nocturne. Nakatingin ka lang sa

harap pero parang wala ka namang naa-absorb. Parang lutang ka. Did you sleep well last night?”

Napapikit siya at nagsimulang magbilang bago pa niya masaksak ng tinidor ang EA niya. What was up with him? Huminga siya nang malalim, at nag-isip ng maaari pang sabihin para tantanan na siya ni Auberon.

Threaten to fire him, maybe? Murahin niya sabay sipa sa ilalim ng mesa? Saksakin na lang kaya niya? O patayin na?

Pero bago pa siya tuluyang dumilat muli ay naramdaman na niyang may magaang na humawak sa kanyang baba. Two fingers under her chin, gently pulling her closer to...

She blinked her eyes open. It was Auberon, holding a bite-size piece of muffin with a fork. His eyes twinkled and his lips pursed. “Come on, Nocturne.”

The nerve of this man! Pero marahang ibinuka rin niya ang bibig at tinanggap ang inaalok nito. Hinampas niya palayo ang kamay nito nang maisubo na ang muffin, bago kinuha ang bote ng tubig. “Do that again

46 Save the Night

or I will kill you, right here.” She chewed. The muffin was indeed good.

“Masarap?” he asked with a wink.Umarko ang isang kilay ni Nocturne. “Yes.”

Iniiwas na niya ang tingin habang umiinom. Masarap ang kinain niya pero nahihirapan siyang lumunok dahil nakamasid ang EA niya.

“Isa pa?” Muling pumiraso sa muffin si Auberon.“Isa pa at paglalamayan ka na mamaya,” inis na

babala niya.He just chuckled, then, put the bite of muffin into

that sensual mouth of his and chewed as he looked at her. “Yum.”

Hindi na siya nakapagpigil. Sinipa na niya ang lalaki, pinatama ang three-inch heels ng Jimmy Choo pumps niya sa binti ni Auberon. Nasamid tuloy ito dahil may laman pa ang bibig nang mapasinghap sa gulat at sakit.

His eyes were wide with disbelief as he reached for a bottle of water. But as he took a sip, those same eyes sparkled with amusement.

Iniiwas na niya ang tingin dito. Hindi na rin siya kinulit ni Auberon. The rest of the meeting went by in a blur and thankfully, there was nothing that she needed to ask or clarify with the speakers. Pasado alas nueve ay natapos din iyon at nagsipuntahan na sa buffet table ang kanyang mga ka-meeting.

Dala ang tote bag at ang laptop case ay tahimik na dumerecho na ang dalaga sa pinto matapos sulyapan

47Natalie Trinidadang EA, na ngiti ang isinagot sa kanya bago sumunod. She walked ahead of him, but he was quick to hold the door for her and as she passed, he leaned close and said something as he lightly laid a hand on her lower back.

“Masakit iyon, boss.” He pursed his lips. “It’s either a bruise or a cut. If you ever really wanted to kill me, your shoes would do a great job.” Napailing ito. “But before that...” Umarko ang isang kilay ng lalaki. His voice was lower, a bit raspy when he spoke again. “You are so going to pay.”

Tiningnan lang niya ito nang mataman, pagkatapos ay binilisan na ang lakad papunta sa kanyang opisina. Her heart pounded in her chest as she keyed in the password in the LCD monitor right next to her door.

She hated it. Hated that she was not sure whether she was nervous or excited.

7Where’s my lunch? Muling tumingin si Nocturne sa oras sa computer

niya. Five minutes after twelve. Kadalasan ay nasa mesa na ang kanyang order bago mag-alas doce. Gutom na siya at malapit nang uminit ang ulo.

Everything she did was right on schedule. Lalong ayaw niya nang naghihintay. Napabuga siya ng hangin nang 12:05 na ay wala pa rin ang pagkain. Tumingin siya sa direksyon ng pantry. Maybe she would just have cheese and crackers. Patayo na sana siya nang bumukas ang connecting door sa opisina ni Auberon.

May dala itong malaking tray, at habang naglalakad

48 Save the Night

palapit ay nalanghap niya ang mabangong amoy ng pagkain. Walang amoy ang mga ino-order niya.

“There was a problem with your Wednesday order, some sort of a mix-up at Goumma’s,” tukoy nito sa Korean restaurant sa kabilang building. “Medyo magtatagal pa kung gagawa uli sila and they said you have certain specifications regarding your bibimbap? Saktong one cup of rice, eight flimsy strips of baked egg, twelve very thin strips of cabbage, carrots and—”

“I do not have such specifications!”He smirked. “Whatever, it was easy to count

whenever I check your food. Ang lupit ng styling, eh. Not a single veggie out of place.” Nagtungo ito sa bay window, itinaas ang Roman blinds, at hinawi ang makapal na kurtina. Pagkatapos ay binuhat ni Auberon patungo roon ang pandalawahang mesa na nasa harap ng bookshelf niya, pati na ang mga upuan. Inilagay at inayos nito roon ang dalang mga pagkain.

“What are you doing?” Napatayo na si Nocturne.“Naghahain po, boss.” He had four plastic

containers on the table, a couple of plates and utensils. Inalis na nito ang mga lid ng pagkain at ang sarap lalo ng amoy ng mga iyon.

“Dito ako kakain.” Nanatili siya sa kanyang desk.“Dito ka kakain dahil makiki-share ka sa baon ko.

Luto ito ni Mama, at naikuwento niya sa akin dati na ilang beses ka na daw nilang naimbitahan sa bahay for dinner kasama sina Fran, Hideo at Aveira?” Naglakad na ito palapit sa kanya. “Alam mo na sigurong masarap

49Natalie Trinidadsiyang magluto.” Inabot nito ang kanyang kamay. “Wash your hands first.”

“Kaya ko nang mag-isa.” Binawi niya ang kamay at tinalikuran na ito para magpunta sa restroom.

“Then, go ahead. Can we share the sink? I need to wash, too.” Naitulak na ni Auberon pabukas ang pinto ng restroom bago pa man siya nakasagot. “Nice. Smells like strawberries.”

“Auberon, puwedeng maghintay ka muna sa labas? Hindi naman ako magtatagal,” napipika nang utos niya.

“Oh no, kailangan kong makasiguro na tama ang gagawin mong paghuhugas ng kamay.” He took her hands and placed it under the spray of water. Ito na rin ang kumuha ng hand soap at itinapat ang pump niyon sa mga kamay nila.

“Wash your hands as if you are about to perform brain surgery,” seryosong sabi nito, bagaman nangingislap ang mga mata habang nakatingin sa kanya. He lathered the soap over both of their hands. “Like this.” At nag-demonstrate pa talaga ito.

He rubbed, and squeezed and twined his fingers with hers, and not a drop of water or soap bubble were on their clothes or on the floor when he finished.

Nakamasid lang siya rito, hindi maintindihan kung bakit hindi pa niya ito sinasaktan. She even allowed him to dry her hands with a towel!

“Now, it’s time to eat,” mahinang sabi ng binata habang hawak pa rin ang kamay niya. Marahang iginiya siya ni Auberon palabas ng banyo. The sides of their

50 Save the Night

bodies touched, and he could feel his body heat even through the fabric of their clothes.

Naalis na noong isang linggo pa ang anumang pagdududa niya sa ‘pagkatao’ nito, pero ngayong halos wala siyang reklamo sa mga ginagawa ni Auberon simula nang pumasok sa kanyang opisina ay napaisip uli siya kung nagkamali ba sila nina Hideo at Aveira.

“Did you put me under hypnosis?” she blurted out before they reached the table with their lunch.

“What?” nangungunot ang noong tanong ng lalaki. Binitawan na nito ang kamay niya at ipinaghila siya ng upuan. “Bon apetit.” He motioned for her to sit.

“Auberon, did you f*cking hypnotize me?” mas malakas nang ulit niya.

“I did not f*cking hypnotize you,” nagtatakang saad nito habang paupo.

Why did he looked and sounded hotter when he cursed? At iyon ang unang beses na naringgan niya ito ng anumang klase ng mura.

“Gutom ka na, Nocturne. Nawala lang siguro sa loob mong magreklamo.” Naglagay ito ng corn rice sa kanyang plato, kasunod ang chopseuy, at ilang piraso ng barbecued chicken fillet. “Kain na para mas may energy ka na resbakan ako.” Ngumisi ito. That stupid grin that bared his teeth and made the side of his eyes crinkle.

Why was she still looking at him?“I might be mesmerizing at times but I don’t know

sh*t about hypnosis.”

51Natalie TrinidadShe blinked. And felt a blush creep up her cheeks.

Triple ang tibok ng puso na nagbaba siya ng tingin. Ang sarap tingnan ng nasa harap niya.

The food or the man, Nocturne? Naglagay agad siya ng kanin at gulay sa kutsara at

sa pagkain ibinuhos ang inis na nararamdaman. Hindi na siya nag-angat ng tingin sa mga sumunod na minuto. Gutom siya dahil alas siete pa huling nagkalaman ang tiyan niya. It was just an apple and a toast. She had to make phone calls to California earlier and forgot to eat again.

“Dahan-dahan, may bukas pa.” Lumitaw sa tabi ng plato niya ang baso ng malamig na tubig.

“Puwedeng kumain ka na lang at huwag mo akong pano….” Her eyes went to the empty plate in front of Auberon, and the containers. Ubos na ang kanin, kaunti na lang ang chopseuy at isang piraso ng chicken fillet na lang ang natira. What the...?

“Alam mo bang two cups of rice siguro ang nakain mo at nakadalawang serving ka ng mga ulam? Sa iyo na ito.” Isinalin nito sa plato niya ang natitirang pagkain. “Ubusin mo iyan. Bawal tumayo hangga’t may laman ’yan.” He pointed at her plate. “Hindi ka rin magde-dessert kapag di mo iyan kinain.” Binuksan nito ang mas maliit na container.

Salted caramel bars. Paborito niya ang mga iyon lalo’t gawa ni Tita Sonia. Three months ago pa yata noong huli siyang makakain niyon noong birthday ni Fran.

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“Ang sarap pa naman nito.” Auberon took a small bar from the container and was about to put it in his mouth when she kicked his foot with her sole.

“Do not touch those until I am done with this,” banta niya bago muling hinarap ang pagkain. She was done in less than five minutes. A glass and a half of water later, she held out her hand to Auberon. “Give me.” Tumango siya sa direksyon ng hawak nitong container.

A mix of amusement and awe was all over his face. And Nocturne could not help looking at his curved lips, the lower one pursed slightly as he took one piece of pastry and held it near her mouth.

At gaya noong subuan siya nito ng muffin sa meeting nila two days ago, hindi siya umiwas o nagreklamo o pinanlakihan man lang ito ng mga mata. He took the dessert into her mouth as she kept looking at him. Auberon was watching her.

Well, time to give him something to really look at. Her wild heartbeat did not stop her from

meeting his eyes as she chewed slowly, carefully. She made a show of dropping her gaze to his lips that parted in disbelief at what she was doing. Hindi pa rin niya inaalis ang tingin dito nang bahagya siyang dumukwang sa mesa.

“One more.” Her voice was a few octaves lower, and she shivered at its sound. Who knew she could do that? Who knew she could make this man feel and look somehow uncomfortable, or dazed, with just

53Natalie Trinidadthose few moves?

Auberon blinked. Parang hindi ito makapaniwala, pero kumuha rin ng isa pang caramel bar at iniabot sa kanya. This time, though, his thumb also gently grazed the side of her lips. And it shook a bit. “Crumbs.” His voice broke.

Nahawakan ni Nocturne ang baso ng tubig sa pag-aakalang masasamid dahil sa pagpipigil ng tawa.

She should let go of her defenses and just let loose a bit. It had been over a week since they met, at wala namang rule book sa kung gaano katagal muna ang dapat hintayin bago...

Napainom siya ng tubig. Tanghaling tapat pero panggabing activity na ang nasa isip niya.

For someone who has two devils as allies, you’re too prude, Nocturne. Who said sex is just a night time activity?

Geez! Napatayo na siya at tiningnan nang mataman si Auberon. “Finish that in your office. I need to get back to work.” Tinalikuran niya agad ito.

Iniligpit ni Auberon ang containers at pinagkainan nila. Nakaupo na siya sa mesa at binubuksan ang isang file sa computer nang muli itong magsalita.

“You want to do this again?” He looked hopeful but the way he shifted on his feet as he held the tray gave away his wariness. “I mean, lunch. Ma would be happy to cook extra for you.” Napabuga ito ng hangin. “Dinner, too. Doesn’t have to be provided by my mother.”

Pinagmasdan niya ito. “Did you just, somehow,

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asked your boss out, Auberon?” Her pulse quickened. She may be inexperienced but she was not that naïve.

So, Auberon Del Caro actually likes her? “Yes.” Nawala na ang pag-aalala nito. He now eyed

her with curiosity. “I just asked my boss on a date.” He paused. “This Friday?”

Siya naman ang nagulat. “Ang bilis ha.”“Baka maunahan ako.” Ngumiti ito.“Wala namang nakikipag-unahan. Walang pila.” Ni

wala ngang nagtatangka, she thought bitterly.“I don’t believe that but I am happy to hear.” He

tilted his head. “So, is it a yes or a no?”Marahan siyang tumango. “Yes.”Wala nang sinabi pa si Auberon. Ilang segundong

nakatingin lang ito, bago nakangiting kumaway bilang pamamaalam, pagkatapos ay tumalikod na para bumalik sa sariling opisina.

She should have gone back to her work but her eyes were riveted to his backside. His slacks hugged his butt quite nicely. She let out a curse when he finally disappeared behind the door.

Napasandal si Nocturne sa kinauupuan. Obserbahan muna sana niya ang binata bago planuhin ang mga gagawin dito. Pero habang minamasdan niya ito kanina habang nagde-dessert, parang walang sense na maghintay pa.

Waiting was for the good and godlike. She was far from both.

55Natalie Trinidad

uminga siya nang malalim. The air in the dimly lit parking area was cold and damp, and a bit suffocating. At gaya ng nararamdaman

niya sa tuwing nasa opisina ni Nocturne o nasa paligid ito, si Hideo at si Aveira, tila natatakot at may dapat siyang paglabanan na hindi niya mawari.

The shadows were there the moment he stepped into Nocturne’s office for the first time. He felt their eyes, heard them whispering even if he couldn’t understand what they were saying, felt their presence even if they try to hide. He could smell them—an unmistakable mix of sulphur and decay, even if none of them got close enough just yet, Auberon knew some of them tried to slither close, taunting and mocking. He had expected them to.

Ikinuyom niya ang mga kamao, bago ipinikit muli

H

CHAPTER 5j

Guardian Demons

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ang mga mata at nilabanan ang magkakahalong galit, pagkalito at takot na nararamdaman. Pagdilat niya ay para siyang umahon sa muntik nang pagkalunod.

He tried to relax, then, started walking towards the service elevator. Doon sila nagkasundong magkikita ni Nocturne sa sandaling maubos na ang mga sasakyan sa parking area. It was Friday and everyone was in a hurry to leave. Nocturne, as expected, did not want to be seen and that’s fine by him.

May dalawang metro pa ang layo niya sa elevator nang bumukas iyon. He had to blink twice to check if it was really Nocturne. All he could see was skin, and lots of it. His boss wore a strapless black dress that was a few inches above the knee and red peep toe shoes... or were those called sandals?

Behind him, Auberon could feel the shadows again, making faint hissing noises and moving excitedly, in wicked delight. Mabibigat ang hakbang niya habang palapit kay Nocturne, itinutuon dito ang atensyon. How could he not?

He expected to see her in that maroon wrap dress she had on earlier at work. Ni hindi nga niya inaasahang papayag ito sa dinner date and now this? Damn.

“Excuse me, I’m looking for Nocturne Elizondo. We’re supposed to meet here. Nagkamali kaya ako ng elevator?” Ngumisi siya habang palapit.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng dalaga. “I am Nocturne.” She stepped out of the lift and walked towards him.

57Natalie TrinidadSana lang may sense of humor. “I know.” He tilted

his head. “Very nice, boss.”“ ‘Nocturne,’ Auberon,” giit nito saka humakbang

palapit sa kanya hanggang sa wala nang isang ruler ang pagitan nila. Her smoky eyes looked up at him, and he swore he saw a hint of relief in them. And anticipation.

Base sa nakikitang ayos nito na halatang pinaghandaan, at sa bahagyang pamumula ng mga pisngi ng kanyang boss, tama bang i-assume niya na gusto rin talaga nitong makasama siya ngayong gabi?

He held out an arm for her to hold onto. “Let’s go... Nocturne.”

Tahimik na tumango lang ito at magaang na humawak sa kanyang braso. That same arm gently snaked around her and pressed his hand to her lower back, as they made their way to his car. Nakakailang hakbang pa lang sila ay humihigpit na ang kapit nito sa braso niya.

“You okay?” nag-aalalang tanong ng binata.“I’m fine.” Pero mahinang napamura ito nang

muling humakbang.“Your shoes can kill, Nocturne. Bago ba ’yan?”

he tried to hide the amusement in his voice.“Nope, but I don’t wear these things very often.”

Napabuga ito ng hangin.“Why wear them now if they’re not very

comfortable?”“It’s not that I am not comfortable... hindi naman

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siya masakit, pero hindi ako sanay sa ganito kataas.” “And those things are like what, six inches?”“Just four and a half.” Sumulyap ito sa kanya.

“Where’s your car?”“Over there.” Itinuro niya ang isang midnight blue

SUV. “But why would you still wear those things?”“They make me taller,” parang napipilitan lang na

sagot ni Nocturne.“You’re not exactly a dwarf, Nocturne. Sakto lang

ang height mo.”“They make my legs look longer.”“Your legs look fine enough for me.” He smiled.“They add confidence...”“Habang nahihirapan kang maglakad? You’re

CEO of the top cable network in the country. What confidence are you talking about?”

“These killer heels look good with this dress.”“You can wear flip flops or those fluffy bedroom

slippers and you’d still look good.” Huminto sila sa tabi ng sasakyan niya at ipinagbukas ito ng pinto.

Her dress hiked up as she maneuvered one leg after another when she climbed onto her seat.

The shadows slithered behind, as a light crackle of electricity coursed through him. Bahagyang nanginginig ang kanyang kamay nang muling ihawak iyon sa pinto ng sasakyan. “You okay? Wala ka nang nakalimutan?”

Umiling lang si Nocturne bago iminuwestrang isara na niya ang pinto. Mabilis ang lakad ni Auberon

59Natalie Trinidadpaikot sa sasakyan. Hindi niya matukoy kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng nararamdaman, ng presensya ng mga aninong iyon sa paligid nila. Nocturne, obviously, didn’t seem to mind. Did she know? Or was she so used to them already?

Sinulyapan muli niya ang katabi bago binuhay ang makina. Walang aberyang nakalampas sila sa guard sa exit nang hindi man lang tumingin sa kasama niya. Derecho sa daan ang tingin ni Nocturne, habang abala ang mga kamay nito sa pagbubukas-sara ng dalang clutch.

“Hindi mo ba ako tatanungin kung saan tayo pupunta?” tanong ni Auberon nang nasa main road na sila. Hindi na niya nararamdaman ang mga anino, at hindi niya ma-distinguish kung dahil sa AC ng sasakyan ang malamig na temperatura, pero hindi pa rin siya dapat makampante.

Evil was lurking everywhere, especially in the presence of this woman. Kung may sinasabing guardian angel ang ibang tao, may demonyo namang dala ang katabi niya.

Pinakiramdaman ng binata ang sarili. Nawala na ang tila pagka-suffocate niya kanina sa parking area. Nag-relax siya at nag-focus sa daan habang hinihintay ang sagot ni Nocturne.

“Surprise me,” she said in that husky alto.He chuckled. “And here I am thinking this might

be your first date.”“So what if it is?”

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Nasa intersection sila. Red light. Pinagmasdan niya ang katabi. Sa unang tingin ay tila pokerfaced ito pero hindi nakaligtas sa kanya na parang gusto nitong iiwas ang mukha. Binuksan niya ang ilaw, ilang segundo lang at sapat na para mas matingnan niya ang katabi. Nocturne’s pale cheeks were tinged pink.

He did not have to point it out. “I find it hard to believe, Nocturne. But I hope this would be a good first for you,” he softly said.

Hindi ito kumibo. Hindi na rin niya ito muling tinanong. Matapos ang sampung minuto ay papasok na sila sa compound ng isang high rise residential building sa Scout area. “Wait.” Nakangiting tinapik niya ito sa braso bago inihinto ang sasakyan sa driveway sa tapat mismo ng entrance, saka bumaba. Ibinigay niya ang susi sa nakaabang na valet parker bago ipinagbukas ng pinto si Nocturne at inalalayan itong makababa.

“Why are we here?” takang tanong nito. Marahil ay na-recognize na hindi iyon hotel o restaurant.

“I have a flat here,” sagot niya habang marahang iginigiya ito papasok sa malawak na lobby. Ang unang dalawang floor ng building ay shopping mall, ang sumunod na dalawa pa ay gym, laundry shops at iba pang businesses na nagke-cater sa pangangailangan ng mga residente. The rest were residential units. “But don’t worry, I am not taking you to my place. It’s on the seventeenth floor, by the way. Corner unit. Very nice, spacious, with three bedrooms and a terrace.”

“I am not asking.” Naningkit ang mga mata ni

61Natalie TrinidadNocturne. Huminto ito sa paglalakad nang nasa gitna na sila ng lobby.

“I thought my lovely superior should know anyway... just in case.” Hinawakan niya ito sa braso. “Come on.”

“In case what?” Hindi ito natinag sa kinatatayuan.“I will tell you over dinner.” Inilapit niya ang

mukha upang bumulong dito. “Come on, boss. People are looking. Hindi ba gusto mo low profile lang tayo? Tara na.” Pumaikot ang braso niya sa baywang nito. He felt her flinch, but she did not move away.

Nocturne took a deep breath and allowed herself to be led to the elevator. Gawa sa clear glass at kita nila at ng lima pang kasakay sa elevator ang papaliit ngunit papalawak na view ng siyudad. Doon parehong napako ang atensyon nila hanggang sa sila na lang ang laman ng elevator. Nagtatanong ang tingin ni Nocturne nang mapansin nito iyon.

Clearly, this woman doesn’t go out much. Mukhang siya ang first ever date nito at ngayon lang marahil lumabas kasama ang isang taong dalawang linggo pa lang nitong nakikilala. Pero bilib din siya na pilit nitong pinaglalabanan ang discomfort, pag-aalala at takot.

Was she even capable of fear? “You said you want to be surprised.” Ngumiti siya at hinawakan ang kamay nito, kasabay halos ng paghinto ng elevator. “We’re here.” He squeezed her hand as they stepped out of the lift, and into what looked like a garden and restaurant.

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Soft music filled the air. Fairy lights were strewn strategically. The place looked magical, and even for a resident of the pearly gates, Auberon was still quite impressed when he visited this place a week ago with his parents.

“This is nice,” narinig niyang komento ni Nocturne.

Umangat ang isang kilay niya. “Nice enough for a first date?” Binitawan niya ang kamay nito, para maipaikot ang braso sa dalaga.

“Yes.” Tumingin ito sa kanya. “Thanks.”“We’re just starting.” Pinisil niya ang balikat nito.

“Come on, I reserved a seat for us by the—”“Auberon! You’re here again?” malakas na bati ng

isa sa mga may-ari ng restaurant na si Mia, na noong isang linggo din lang niya napag-alaman na ex-fling pala ng tunay na Auberon. Oh, man…

Huli na para mapigilan niya ang gagawin ng babae. The woman was in front of him in seconds, and greeted him with a loud smack on the lips. He felt Nocturne stiffen beside him.

“Erm... Mia.” Inalis niya ang kamay ng babae na pumaikot sa kanyang leeg. “We reserved a table.”

“We?” Parang noon lang napansin ng babae na may kasama siya. Tiningnan nito si Nocturne mula ulo hanggang paa. “You kind of look familiar.”

“Are you an aspiring actress or model, Miss?” tanong ni Nocturne bago pa niya ito napigilan o nailayo. Neutral lang ang tono nito. “We might have

63Natalie Trinidadseen each other on some of our events... or casting calls.”

Nangunot ang noo ni Mia. “Excuse me, I co-own this place. I don’t need to be in showbiz. So...” Muli nitong pinasadahan ng tingin si Nocturne, bago tumingin sa kanya. “Starlet ba itong date mo, Auberon? Akala ko ayaw mo sa showbiz dahil nagagamit ka lang? For publicity?” Natawa ito.

“Actually, she’s with NX6,” marahang umpisa niya. “Anyway, we have a reservation and we’re both starving. It was nice to see you—”

“Oh, no!” Pinigilan siya ni Mia sa braso. “I want to know what this... friend of yours do, exactly. NX6, huh? In fairness, sikat ha. You don’t look like you could be in their roster, though. I mean, if I were one of their talent scouts or casting directors...”

“Mia, I really think we should go to our table,” nakikiusap na ang mga matang sabi niya sa babae.

“What? I was just curious what your date does with her time! I mean, matapos niyang i-insinuate na starlet ako—”

“I was not insinuating anything,” Nocturne coolly said. “I honestly thought you’re pretty enough to be in the industry and I did not mean to offend. I just thought that given my job and the kind of events I attend, that’s where you would have probably seen me.”

Mia still didn’t get it. And with the low hissing sounds Auberon thought he heard behind them, he

64 Save the Night

was beginning to fear for the woman. “Nocturne is CEO of NX6, Mia. And really, we need to get to our table. Puwede na ba?”

Hindi makapaniwalang nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin sa kanila ng babae, bago ito napatango. Parang napapasong napaatras din ito palayo kay Auberon.

“I’ll let my associates know that they need resumés presented to you before they can reach their tables here, Mia,” malamig na pahayag ni Nocturne bago sila tuluyang iginiya ng isang staff sa mesa nila.

“Sorry about that,” hinging-paumanhin niya nang makaupo na sila.

“So, I assume that was an ex?” Binuklat ni Nocturne ang menu, bago siya minasdan.

“A long time ago,” pag-amin niya. “It wasn’t anything serious.” He hung his head and winced, then took a sip from the goblet of water that the waiter placed in front of them.

“Nothing serious, just sex?” Muntik na siyang masamid. “Uh...” Sh*t. Nocturne

looked at him, wide-eyed, waiting for his answer. “Yeah, something like that.”

“Have you ever dated anyone seriously? Not just for sex?” Kinawayan ng dalaga ang waiter nila.

“Boss, I mean, Nocturne...” Bumuntong-hininga siya. “Puwede bang mag-order muna tayo at kumain bago natin pag-usapan ’yan?” And I can’t believe you’re even asking me these things. Geez.

At lalong hindi siya makapaniwala sa nakikitang

65Natalie Trinidadmagkahalong kainosentehan at curiosity sa mga mata ng kaharap. Malayung-malayo sa seryoso, no-nonsense at authoritative na boss niya sa loob ng NX6 compound.

“Oh, okay.” She nodded with a hint of a smile. “Iniisip ko kasi kung ano ang purpose ng date na ito.”

“Actually, hindi mo dapat iniisip iyan sa first date pa lang. We’re supposed to enjoy, get to know each other.” Auberon wondered if it was really Nocturne he was talking to. Nakakapanibago kasi parang masyado itong curious ngayon, gayong kanina ay parang nahihiya pa ito dahil first time na lumabas.

Ilang sandaling pinagmasdan siya ng kasama. “Okay.”

Ibinigay na nila ang mga order sa waiter. Nang makaalis ito ay tila hindi na makahintay si Nocturne na muli siyang tanungin. “So why did you—”

“Nocturne, are you... Did you have anything... a drink or two maybe, before you met me earlier?” hindi na nakatiis na usisa niya.

Umarko ang isang kilay ng babae. “No. I am perfectly sober. Bakit naman ako iinom bago ang date natin?”

“Well, you’re just... different tonight.” Mataman niya itong minasdan. “You actually seem interested... in me.” Napailing ang binata. “Kapag sa office kasi, parang ni ayaw mo akong tingnan o hindi ka na makahintay na palayasin ako sa harap mo.”

“Nasa trabaho tayo, Auberon. Did you expect me

66 Save the Night

to ask about your ex-flings and how you behave with your women during office hours?”

“Not really.” Ngumiti siya. “Honestly? Hindi ko inaasahang papayag ka sa date na ito.”

“Why not?” nangunot ang noo ng babae.“Hmm, nasabi ko na, di ba? Parang naalibadbaran

ka sa tuwing nasa opisina mo ako.”“Really? Hmm...” Nocturne gazed back, another

ghost of a smile on her lips. “But I’m here.”He nodded. “Yes, you’re here.” He tapped his

fingers on the table. “May I know why, Nocturne?”Napahinto siya sa pag-tap nang maramdaman niya

muli ang mga anino. Tila nakapaligid lang ang mga ito sa kanila. The cool night air suddenly felt damp, a light charge was felt as unseen forces seemed to await what was to be said next.

Nocturne held his gaze. “Because I think... I like you, Auberon.”