Jade lay awake that morning with her cheeks resting on Greg’s chest; his natural masculine fragrance fills her lungs that she closes her eyes to savor it. She knew that he was awake too but no one dared to move, as if they are relishing the moment of each other’s body snuggled closer together. They are both naked underneath the sheets. Fairly obvious of what had transpired between them last night.

For a brief moment, she felt home in his arms, how comfortable his arms felt possessively wrapped around her slender waist—and then reality dawned her when she thought of the reason this happens. They happen. Of course, he couldn’t expect her to just submit wholeheartedly to his demands. With a heavy sigh, she opened her eyes and pulled herself off him but his arms didn’t permit it. She falls back to his chest, his arms tighten around her waist.

“Greg, I need to get up. I’ve got some work to do at my office,” but then his mouth was on hers and she couldn’t think. She struggled to try and focus. Greg moved over ber body, sinking his hips between her thighs, his arousal hard and ready.

This was crazy yet she can’t deny that her body wanted more of this man. “I haven’t toothbrush yet!” her lame excuse was muffled by his long, evasive kisses.

Damn!

She was useless.

“Buenos Dias!” he greeted while trailing soft kisses to her skin. He pulled her body closer to his and start building fire between them.

Greg did the unthinkable. There’s no proper way to greet his mi querida than good morning sex. He had the bizarre feeling that everything in his life is nothing compared to how wonderful he’s having time with her. Honestly, he thought they’re like the missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that perfectly fits together. But any attempt to rationalize the happenings between them failed as to act was stronger than anything else.

“Take a day off. We’re going somewhere…” he breathed in her scent on the hollow of her neck. Jade automatically shake her head but deep inside her, something started to warm.

“I can’t. I’ve got commitments…oh!” Greg cupped her naked breasts, trapping her nipples between his fingers and toying them.

“Fine. Halfday then.” He said, his lips back to her lips and teasing it, nibbling the lower before devouring it wholly. “It’ll be a short trip. I’ll drop, you to your office after.” His eyes held hers such fire in its depths.

Something punched her in the gut. Her belly scooped alarmingly. Jade remembered him waking her last night and showing her how generous of a lover he is. It was so intense and violently pleasurable she wasn’t ready to walk away yet…she wanted more of this man even there’s a huge sing of ‘danger’ blinking ahead.

He showed him the passion like isn’t soft and sweet. It’s rough, fiery, and all-consuming.

Greg was looking at her, waiting for her to say something. Her voice rusty. “I don’t know…” Her mind keeps telling her to leave immediately but something is stopping her. Her battles are reflecting on her brown eyes and Greg…

He’s pushing her to the edge.

“I let you know what happens if you say no to me,” he’d already show her the paradise but then she welcomes this wicked self-indulgence only him could awaken inside her.

She wrapped her arms around his check as he joined their bodies. Jade looked at him and said in labor breaths. “Fine…I’ll go with you.”

~*~

Jade really can’t fathom the mind of the Gregory de Jesus. Just over twenty-four hours after meeting him she’d witness different shades of him. He could be whatever he wanted to be. The master of all jack of trades.

His hands were wrapped tightly in hers as he showed her inside a known Filipino restaurant after an hour of shopping. Apparently he wanted to waste some cash for some pairs of dresses, tees, and pieces of denim for her despite her refusal. All the paper bags are being taken care off by his driver.

A funny pain lanced her chest as she remembered a couple of paper bags in his apartment. All designer clothes in her size. This had to be the same arrangements for him and his lovers, but them gifts of their liking. He was a generous man after all and this kind of luxury won’t trigger bankruptcy to Gregory de Jesus.

Was is it because of that why her mood changes? She frowned at the thought.

Of course not!

He glanced back at her, saying, “Stop making that face, mi querida. Should we make a big deal over some petty things?” Almost half of the patrons recognize them. Their eyes show interests and Jade felt selfish, wanting Greg to hide behind her back as all the women have definitely lusted over the Casanova in his business suit.

Collect yourself, Jade Ann…

Jade forced herself to smile, her arm link to his for everyone to see. “All fights start from petty things. And I didn’t want you buying stuff from me. I could pay for my things.”

Greg leaned over to her and whisper above her right ear. “I just did, Ann. I just did.” The waitress led them to a reserved table for two at the farthest corner of the restaurant, almost secluded. Greg was gentleman enough to pull a chair for her. “I know you’re hungry. We haven’t eaten anything since last night.” He sat opposite her and start scanning the menu.

Eat…Food…

Felt like a magic word, her stomach growls in hunger. She hadn’t realized she was hungry and she stole a glance at Greg, who was watching her with amusement. “Order anything you want and we’ll deal with your tantrums later.” He suggested foods on the menu.

“You can’t bribe me,” but then she look closely to the menu and her mouth already salivates. Sinigang sa hipon is on the list and her favorite. Yum! She cleared her throat and compose herself. “I’d like to have Sinigang sa Hipon and…” she said everything from the appetizer, side dishes, and desserts.

“You heard the lady,” with amusement dancing in his eyes Greg give his order. “Just coffee for me.”

“Certainly Sir---“

“Bring another set of plates and utensils, please,” Jade looked directly to Greg while saying those additions to the waitress. The waitress bid her goodbye afterward. “For starter, I always eat with someone, especially with Dad. So if this arrangement persist on the coming days, you will eat breakfast with me, either my own cooking or delivery.”

“So I heard, why is that?” His intent look makes her blush. He looks interested with no sign of mockery to what she’s imposing to him.

“I…I love to start my day with memories. I guess I get that from my Mum…” Her late mother used to cook delicious Filipino foods. Eating a lot was their kind of bonding as far as she can remember. “She…she cooks my favorite like no other. I can eat a lot of Sinigang sa Hipon but still misses her cooking. I’m so sorry…” She chuckled as she tried to dry off the tears that are forming in her eyes. “How about your mother? I bet she did the same…”

“Maybe she was,” Greg looked back to the road. His jaw tense. The air between them definitely shifted. “Maybe she wasn’t. Who knows?” She frowned.

“Don’t be so cruel. I bet she’s good…” Greg’s jaw got even tighter.

“Definitely not mine. She’s self-centered and more. I don’t really want to discuss her. It’ll just ruin everything I planned for the day.” He responded. The waitress came with the tray of food and they eat in silence. She turned and faced the window and watched how life proceeds outside. It’s a busy day for everyone who’s been living in the metro.

His personal life was obviously a no-go area. She felt as if she’d done something wrong. She forced her train of thoughts away as he watched Greg stand up and welcome a stunning woman dressed in a knee-length body-con black dress that showcased her astounding body.

Her forehead creased, still dumbstruck by the dark-haired beauty who was now greeting Greg very warmly with kisses far too close to his mouth for Jade’s liking. She felt something rise within her. Jealousy.

Suddenly she felt left out. Perfect, she muttered to herself. Does she have to deal with her ex-lovers every single day?

She lay down her utensils and wipe her mouth with a napkin. She lost her appetite and decided to make way for the two exes to catch up.

“Excuse me,” she pressed down a couple of bills in the table and turned to Greg, not minding the dismissive look of the other woman. “I see you got company. Maybe I should get going and start my day at the office.” She got her handbag on the chair. And give one last smile at the two though it seems fake.

“Ann…” she raised a hand to stopped him midway.

Jade forced her voice to be right. “I can manage really. Have a nice day.” And she walked out of the restaurant feeling the hard weight that settled on her stomach. She hailed a cab and drove her way to her office.

~*~

Greg watched Jade Ann as she storms her way out of the restaurant. His face was grim. He battled not to go and grab her retreating form and impose to his lady that she’ll never leave without his permission. He wanted to say plenty---but most of it involved his mouth being on Ann’s.

Talking about her mother opened the wounds of the past. At that moment he could just spill all his secrets in his guts and keep spilling if he hasn’t controlled himself. It was dangerous. He felt cold inside all of a sudden.

“Is she your new girl, Greg?” Lovie touched his arms like she used to. He almost forgets her if she hadn’t talk. “Had she know your forbidden rule?”

“What are you even doing here, Lovie?” He jerked his arms away as if burnt and step aside. Her appearance was just the perfect distraction and it ends right the moment that Jade leaves.

“You didn’t call me. It’s been months…”

“And you hadn’t hinted that it’s over?” Tightly he said. Greg forced himself to calm down but her ignorance aroused his impatience. “You’ve already said the forbidden rule so what’s this fuss?”

“Was it because of that woman?” her eyes started to water and their little scene is gaining attention from the crowd. Greg couldn’t believe he got himself such a headache.

Of course, who would not recognize the popular actress Lovie Hidalgo? Now, everyone will conclude that he’s cheating ‘The Princess of Telenovela’ with someone. Such a scheme he despises just to hold him on their leash. If it’s not the usual ‘baby trapping’, it’s the crowd sympathy their using.

But he’s not Gregory de Jesus for nothing.

With mock resolute, he leaned over and whisper above Lovie’s ear. “Even if you cry a ton and win everyone’s sympathy, It’s over, Lovie. I had a great time fucking you.” He added some bills to the table and walked past her. He pays no attention to her fit and the flashes of camera that directs to him. He should have left the moment Jade disappear down the road. He took out his phone and made a terse call.

~*~

Giorgio wiped his mouth with his napkin and said, “Any development?” He drank the glass of water after filling his stomach with delicious food. He’d just meet an old friend in Kanin Club when Leo notices the couple. They pretend not to see them and keep on eating the food.

Coincidence? Maybe but Giorgio believes it’s something else.

“Nothing progressive, Sir. Miss Jade Ann already left the table when another lady came.” That raised a brow to the Velez patriarch. Leo cleared his throat. “She’s Lovie Hidalgo.”

“The Lovie Hidalgo?” He’d heard the name, She’s the popular actress of today’s prime time television. Leo nodded in confirmation. “I see Greg had dated beautiful women before.”

“Truly Sir, my wife got some subscription copies of this magazine wherein he’s always featured with different beautiful women…” Leo seconded but stopped as he realized he’s in no position to talk about the President of the de Jesus Corporation. “But that was before he took over the seat as the President, Sir.” Giorgio lightly taps his driver’s shoulder.

“I understand. I knew where he came from,” He said knowingly. “And besides who knows, maybe Mi Bella would tame the Cassanova turned President Gregory de Jesus.”

Leo looked surprised, his eyes were glued at his back. “Sir, Sir Greg just leave Ms. Lovie. The lady is crying hard…”

“See…” There’s a small smile that crept his lips. “Greg will come along. He just needs more time.”