Chapter 4 4

"We're here again at Atreo's house with Aling Consuelo because we need to prepare dinner. However, I was surprised because only his staff were eating. He didn't come out of his room to eat.

"Just a moment, Grace. I'll bring his food to General," Aling Consuelo said.

I quickly shifted my gaze to the tray Aling Consuelo prepared. I wiped my hands before approaching her, removing my apron.

"I'll take care of it, Aling Consuelo. Rest because I know you're tired from cooking."

"Huh? But I can still manage. Plus, you might find it difficult to share their meal alone."

I shook my head and smiled at her, "Don't worry, Aling Consuelo. I can handle it."

She laughed, and all I could do was take the tray from her. I smiled and carried it out of the kitchen.

In the dining area, I saw that the Vipers had finished eating. Some noticed me, waved, and I smiled. I'm not crazy.

Arriving at Atreo's room, where I last saw him come out last night, I tasted my lips with my tongue.

"General, here's your food," I said in front of the door. I waited for a response, but no one answered. So I repeated it, thinking maybe he didn't hear. But still, no response. I placed the tray on a table I saw and approached the door again. I carefully opened the lock and peeked inside. I looked around but only saw walls. So, I fully opened the door, took the tray, and entered.

I carefully stepped inside, looking around. Passing by two walls, I saw a large all-black bed. Black blankets, pillows, and sheets-all black. There were paintings on the wall facing the bed's headboard. The whole room was very simple and spacious. It seemed barely used.

I approached the side table near his bed to place the tray. I walked around to see where he was.

I looked at his work table area; scattered papers caught my attention. I examined them, focusing on plans for training or visits to a place. Putting it down, I checked a small kit box. Opening it, I found condoms. Shocked! Does he always use them? Does it mean there's a woman using them too?

My blood surged, my breath heavy, thinking he's involved with someone else, feeling a pang of weakness. I let it go, placing it back in the box before turning to leave. However, upon turning, I was surprised to see a wet chest with a snake tattoo and a sturdy physique. Looking up, I nearly lost my breath realizing Atreo, with long wet hair, was right in front of me, emotionless.

"Why are you here?" he asked coldly. I bit my lip, looking at him; only a towel covered me. I saw his eight-pack abs, water dripping on his sculpted chest.

"I'm just here to bring your food," I said, looking into his eyes. He approached, pulling me towards his wet body. I touched his chest, still gazing into his eyes.

"You're beautiful. Can I taste your lips?" he seductively asked. I nodded as he continued, "Yes, without saying goodbye."

Startled by Atreo's sudden change, confusion struck when he shouted, "I said, don't lean on my table." He was icy, and I quickly moved away.

Closing my eyes, biting my lip, I walked towards the door. Embarrassing. "Where are you going?" he asked as I approached the exit.

I paused at his question, facing him even though I knew my cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. "I'm going now. I just brought your food."

He approached where his clothes were hanging, saying, "No, just stay." I was surprised by his words. Stay. Don't tell him.

"I feel lazy to go out, so do it," he added, and I hesitated again due to my shyness. "Alright," I stood there, watching him. He sat on the bed, causing it to sink a bit. I couldn't help but glance at his long, somewhat hairy legs. He was shirtless, and his chest was visible due to the loosely worn garment.

I leaned against the door, observing him. He looked at me, and I adjusted my posture while holding hands. He glanced at me, and I saw him swallow before turning away. Was he confused by his actions?

"General, do you have a girlfriend?" He paused from eating at my question. Since he didn't answer, I pursed my lips. He's hard to reach, truly aloof. Oh well, when you're mine, I'll make sure that aloofness disappears. Shh.

"I'm done," he said, and I quickly approached. I bent down to take the tray, but I froze when Atreo stood behind me. The position was awkward; my body slightly leaned as he stood behind me, seemingly dazed.

"Move it."

"Okay, here we go." I swiftly moved away from his side, taking a breath of relief when I distanced myself. I looked at him, grabbing something from the bookshelf near the side table.

When he got the book, he glanced at me, and I smiled, quickly turning away with closed eyes in sheer delight.

Leaving his room, I leaned against the door, taking a deep breath. Almost breathless from what happened, I felt goosebumps from the closeness of his body.

I shook my head, left, and returned to the kitchen. I hugged the pillow on the firm bed in the room I shared with Aling Consuelo. Tired from preparing food, I fell asleep.

"Grace, wake up." I swallowed when I heard Aling Consuelo's voice. I got up, rubbing my eyes to look at her.

"Why?"

"Sorry for disturbing your sleep, but we were just going to say goodbye. Feliciano's friend died in another province, so it might take us a while to return." Her words awakened my senses.

"But what about the resort?"

"I informed the General, so while we're away, you'll be with him and his men. Sorry if we're leaving you behind."

I smiled and shook my head, "It's okay." If only Consuelo knew how happy I was. It means that when Atreo leaves, I should be with him.

"Alright, go back to sleep; we're leaving soon."

I nodded and watched her leave the room. Alone, I lay back down, hugging the pillow. I smiled, covering my mouth with the pillow to muffle a scream of joy.

I quickly got out of bed and performed my morning ritual. Luckily, Atreo's house had an extra toothbrush I could use. I combed my hair and checked my outfit. I removed the strap on my chest, revealing a bit of cleavage. A man can be enticing.

When I was ready, I left the house, and the light was starting to illuminate. The sea breeze made the surroundings windy. I glanced at Atreo's rest house and saw a light on, making me smile.

I went to his house to see him. Upon entering, I saw a group having coffee, sitting on the sofa, and some standing against the walls. They all looked at me, nearly spilling their coffee when they saw me, so I smiled and approached them.

"Good morning! Have a nice." I greeted with a wide smile.

"Good morning, little girl. Are you up early?" Quest asked. I recognized him as the one with the mohawk. I responded when he called me.

"Why is it not allowed? And I'm already a young lady, so don't call me a little girl, tsss." She sighed and sipped her coffee. I gave her a sarcastic look and searched for Atreo. "Vipers, let's go." I immediately looked to the side as Atreo spoke, emerging from his room. He was wearing army pants, a white shirt, a hat, and had his hair tied. I glanced at his assembled group and got confused when Atreo noticed my inquiry. "Where are you guys going?" He looked at me as if wondering why I was asking. "You just stay here," he said before leaving my side to exit. I felt disheartened because he was leaving again, but even more so because I would be left alone at this resort.

As they all left the house, I sat on the sofa feeling bored. What am I supposed to do? Just sit here? Ugh. Why didn't he take me with them? "Get up, kiddo." I quickly straightened up on the sofa and looked towards the door upon hearing Atreo's voice. He gave me a cold glance and turned away, making me smile when I understood what he said. I hastily stood up and followed him, closing the door with a wide grin.

I saw the Vipers boarding a boat that seemed new, not the one Mang Feliciano used. I waved to them to let them know I was joining. "I'm excited! Where are we going?" I asked, cautiously getting on the boat and sitting in the middle. "General, why did we bring her?" Von asked, already sounding arrogant. "Why not? Should I be left alone?" I retorted. "Enough. Can you please shut up for a while," Atreo scolded me, earning a scowl from Von. "We need to bring her in case something happens to her, it might be my fault," Atreo explained to the Vipers.

"Wear this," Atreo added, handing me a life vest. "I don't need that. Thank you, but I'm okay." "Just wear this. I can see your cleavage for god's sake," he said grumpily, placing the life vest on me before letting go. Some snickered, while others had no reaction to Atreo's comment. Feeling embarrassed, I reluctantly put on the life vest, and they fell silent, sensing my annoyance.

He was so grumpy. If only he knew, he was eyeing my cleavage earlier. Tsss. I kept quiet as they discussed their plans seriously. I just looked at the beautiful sea. The sun was rising, and the reflection of its light shimmered on the ocean.

I also saw the other island they mentioned, Aling Consuelo's island. I was excited to see what kind of island it was. "Open your eyes wide, and I know some vacationers on the island have unusual activities." "Yes, General!" the Vipers replied in unison, their tone showing authority.

When we reached the shore, the Vipers disembarked one by one. Atreo got off, leaving me alone. I approached the edge of the boat and was about to descend when two hands offered to help. I looked to see who it was. One was Gorge, the quietest among the Vipers. And the other was Atreo.

They exchanged glances, and it seemed like Gorge was about to retract his hand because, after all, Atreo was their commanding officer. I don't know what happened to Atreo, but he was truly a gentleman. However, he was quite grumpy earlier. To snub him, I took Gorge's hand, surprising him. I smiled at him and leaned on him for support as I got off.

Did Atreo think that just because I have a crush on him, I can't refuse him? Tsss. I felt embarrassed earlier. It's not like he hasn't seen cleavage in that state before.

There seemed to be something awkward between Gorge and Atreo, and I could sense that Atreo was in a bad mood. Maybe he was embarrassed because I didn't accept his hand. "Seb's group, go to the other corner. And the rest follow me." I saw the seven Vipers salute Atreo before turning away and heading to the other corner. All that was left with Atreo were the five Vipers and me.

I simply followed them from behind while scanning the surroundings. There were many people, unlike the island where Aling Consuelo lived. There were markets that made me smile. Aling Consuelo was right; there were markets here. I saw shops selling summer dresses, and even though it was just a simple store and not a boutique, the summer dresses had beautiful styles.

I didn't realize that I had approached one of the shops to take a look. I was delighted because there were many things to buy here. I saw a skewered banana with a brown color, so I approached it. "Ate, what food is this?" I pointed to her merchandise. "Ah, that's banana que." Banana que? I heard that term for the first time. "Can I have a taste?" "Ah-eh, Ate, I'm selling this." "Ah, is that so." I hesitated because I didn't have money. "Can I borrow, and I'll pay when I have money?" "I don't lend, Ate. I might incur losses." I sighed and touched my necklace that never left me. I took it off and showed it to her. "This is worth fifty thousand. Maybe this is enough?"

"That's what you'll use for payment?" I nodded and smiled, "But I won't ask for change." "It's okay. Keep the change." She seemed delighted and took my necklace. "Alright, dear, this is all yours." My eyes widened when she said that everything she was selling was now mine. "Really?" I was thrilled because she was giving me everything. Wow. I looked at Manang, who left her food stand and was staring in amazement at my necklace. I shook my head and held the basket containing her merchandise. I picked it up and then looked back to find Atreo, but I was puzzled when I realized they had left me.

I took a deep breath and walked. I grabbed a stick of banana que. I took a bite, and my eyes almost widened because it was delicious. I really enjoyed its sweetness. I sat on a wooden chair facing children playing. I was savoring the food when the kids approached me. "Ate, ate, can we have some?" I paused my bite and looked at the kids around me. I smiled and nodded, delighting them. "Okay, pick what you want." They quickly grabbed banana que, and I was pleased when they sat beside me. "Thank you, Ate. We're so hungry." I looked at the boy, who I thought was seven years old. "Why haven't you eaten yet?" "We have. It's just that our mom is still selling to provide for our food today." I looked at the little girl, and suddenly I felt sorry for them. "So, are you here instead of studying?" "We study only on Saturdays and Sundays." I took a deep breath and handed them the basket. "Take this; share it among yourselves. So you have something to eat while your parents work." "Really?" They were delighted, assuring me as if they couldn't believe I was giving them all the banana que. "Yes, go ahead, it's yours." I smiled as they took five pieces each. They thanked me and ran off happily.

"You're here." I looked up when Atreo suddenly appeared in front of me. I glanced at his group to see if they were with him, but they weren't. Only him. "Are we going home?" I stood up, still biting the banana que. I suddenly noticed Atreo holding my hand. I looked at him, and he had a serious expression. "Let's go. Tsss, you're making it difficult for me." he said and surprised me by pulling me. I went along with him, looking at our hands holding. I couldn't help but smile because I held his hand.

I finished the last bite of the banana que and threw the stick into the trash we passed by. I walked beside him and held his arm, which he looked at. I smiled at him, and he avoided eye contact, letting me lean on him as we walked.

He smells good. His arms are strong. I smiled because he's now within my reach.

We saw some Vipers observing seriously, scattered around each house. They looked at us, and I could see their glances at our joined hands. Of course, who wouldn't wonder why we were holding hands while walking?

"Just stay here." He led me to where his men were, near an army car. I leaned against the nose of the army car and waited there, watching them talk and observe.

I wondered what was happening, and it seemed like they were guarding something. Did something explode? They became alert. I got scared. What should I do?

"Let's go, kiddo." Quest and Sonny boarded the car. "But Atreo?" I asked and looked at Atreo, who ran holding two guns. "Don't worry about him, General. He can handle himself." Quest boarded me in the army car, and I quickly got on. Sonny was in the driver's seat, and Quest stood at the back.

"What's happening?" "Some terrorists who want to cause trouble in the country are hiding and taking cover here." I looked at Quest, who was driving seriously. "Did you all come back from America to help this island?" "This place is important to the General, so even if we leave our jobs in America, he chose to prioritize removing the plague from this area."

I nodded and admired Atreo's kindness even though I didn't know why La Carlota was important to him. What mattered was that I liked Atreo.

We circled the entire island, and I saw some of their comrades engaged in a gunfight. I saw people running to avoid the gunfire.

Sonny stopped the army car at a large evacuation area. I got off when Quest and Sonny got off too. "Stay here, Kiddo. We need to find out if any civilians are wounded." I nodded to Sonny, so he and Quest left.

I looked at the scared citizens hearing gunfire. "Ate! Ate!" I looked at the crying child. I squatted to talk to her easily. "Why, little girl? Where are your parents?" She shook her head while crying. I scanned the surroundings and stood up, hoping to find someone looking for the child. But because of the chaos and the crowd, maybe that's why the child got separated from her parents.

"Did your parents come here with you?" I asked the child. "No, po." I sighed deeply because how was this child here? I took her and looked for her parents, hoping they were also here.

"Manang, do you know this child?" "No, hija." I nodded to her and looked at the child, who had tears on her face while looking around.

"Rica, anak!" I looked at the woman shouting. So, I invited the child over. "Excuse me, Ale." She turned to me, and then she looked at the child I was holding. "Rica, my God, thank goodness you're here." She immediately knelt and hugged her daughter, so I let go of Rica's hand and smiled because I did something for the mother and daughter.

The woman looked at me and stood up with a smile. "Thank you, hija."

"You're welcome, Ale," I smiled before they left. I returned to the entrance to check if they were coming back. I saw some injured residents being attended to by waiting medics. I looked at a man in a hat with a cloth covering his mouth. He entered the evacuation area while glancing around, and I sensed he had ill intentions.

I stepped back as he glanced at me, and I further retreated as he approached. I turned to run, but he quickly grabbed my neck with his arm, making me wince. I looked at the gun pointed at me.

"Alright, come closer!" People screamed, moving away when they saw the man holding me hostage. I glanced at Atreo, who circled around us.

"Lower it if you don't want blood to spill from your mouth," Atreo threatened, speaking seriously to the man holding me hostage.

"I'm not a fool to obey you. I'll kill this woman if you come any closer!"

He smelled like the sun. Strong and confident.

I looked at the gun he held and gauged its strength. When Atreo and the others approached, the man tensed, so I elbowed his stomach and wrestled the gun from him.

I twisted his hands and knocked his head with the gun, making him faint.

I held my neck as it hurt from his grip. Sereno, Jun, and Haris approached to subdue the terrorist. I looked at Atreo, who couldn't believe I was looking at him.

"Wow, you know self-defense," Regie marveled, their baby face showing.

I smiled and handed the gun to Atreo, who took it and turned away.

"Let's go. We need to check if the area is okay."

I looked at his arm, blood dripping from his hand. Worried, I approached him.

"Wait! You're injured. Let's treat it."

I grabbed his clothes, stopping him. I moved to his other arm, took it, and placed it on my shoulder.

"Tsss. What do you know about treating wounds, kiddo?"

I frowned at his words and reached behind him for his injured arm, which he complained about.

"Don't call me kiddo. I'm a young woman now."

"You're still young for me," he said, so I looked into his face.

"But age doesn't matter."

He stared at me when I said that.