Nursing her broken heart and trampled pride, Abigail Marie Fuentebella Sandoval gatecrashed her ex-fiance's engagement party.

At the corner of the massive hall, she painfully watches his betrayal while drowning herself in several glasses of champagne. Her boyfriend for eight years fathers her scheming stepsister's unborn. Worst, they look so happy together.

So, to get even, she randomly hooked up with a striking man among the crowd of fine gentlemen. Believing he is someone of importance.

However, that night, she becomes a laughingstock when she found a pauper instead of a prince.

She was immensely ridiculed for having a nobody as a replacement for her wealthy ex-fiance, the President of F&D Group of Companies, Justin Del Castillo.

From a millionaire boyfriend, she ends up with a struggling man who cannot even bring her on a date in her family-owned luxurious hotel.

Unknowing to all, especially to Abigail, she wasn't mistaken that night. Yes, everyone was right. The man she picked is unfortunately not a millionaire...

...But a BILLIONAIRE.

The business tycoon, CEO Lucas Alexander Montes Wright. The precious firstborn of the world's richest family and eldest heir of the Petrov Mafia.

Book #5 - Wright-Petrov Series

"Tonight, we are happy to announce the engagement of my son Justin Del Castillo to the daughter of our dear family friend, Miss Alice Campo"

Standing at the door, unnoticed, I watch the announcement made by Mr. Arnold Del Castillo, Justin's father. And I could clearly see how Alice's face lit up with happiness.

"We are also excited to announce that Alice bears the heir of the Del Castillo family. It's about time the two families unite not only in business but in blood as one family" Simone, Justin's mother added with a wide smile.

Defeaning applause rang in my ears as guests celebrated the momentous event. But everything came in a blur as the noise numbed my senses and blurred my vision.

There goes the man who promised to wait for me. Now all smiling as he receives well wishes for his engagement to my stepsister. A woman who has stolen not only my father's affection but also of the people whom I thought cared for me.

"Oops...sorry" I sloppily grin and apologize to the waiter when I accidentally knocked a few glasses of champagne he was carrying.

"It's fine Miss Abigail" he managed to anxiously smile while trying to salvage the rest of the glasses.

"Abby, enough. You're drunk" I heard Dad from behind me but I ignored him.

"What do you think you're doing?" he dashed to my side and whispered. His face shows his irritation though he is trying to be discreet.

"I'm enjoying, Dad" with a chuckle, I reply. But I only got an unamused look from him.

"This is a celebration, right? Alice and Justin's engagement" I added with a lopsided grin.

Yes, I'm already tipsy, had two glasses earlier, but not too drunk not to know what I'm doing. I'm trying to have fun while enduring their betrayal.

"Abby, don't make a scene. Not this time. Everyone is watching you. You will ruin everything" With a stern tone, he mutters with gritted teeth. A warning for me, I know. But I don't care.

"Why? I'm not doing anything. I'm enjoying my boyfriend's engagement with my step-sister. What's wrong with that?" Chuckling, I retorted.

I heard him heave a sigh while I sipped my drink. I am aware of everyone's eyes on me. But the hell I care. Nobody cares that I'm hurting, so why would I?

"You've just returned but all you did is embarrass our family" he angrily whispers, trying not to cause attention. His attempt almost got me bursting out laughing.

"Isn't the fact that Alice is pregnant with my boyfriend's child already a scandal? Everyone knows I and Justin are together" I sweetly smile, a frail facade to remind him of the predicament we are in.

I even let him peek at the pain I'd been enduring for a month after learning about my stepsister's betrayal. Hoping he would at least understand what I'm feeling right now.

"You went abroad leaving all the responsibilities of the company. Alice has been a great help to Justin" he fervently argued.

"Is it enough reason to deceive me?" I sharply retorted while staring into his eyes.

"And I've been honest since the start, Dad. I was never interested in the family business" I added in my defense.

"Yes, you've made it clear. What you just want is to enjoy spending the money that the company, which you are not interested in running, earns" A snide curve on his lips shows his displeasure.

Staring at his spiteful eyes, I cannot think of any comeback to what he said. Yes, he is right. A regular amount is deposited in my account every month as my share of the income of the company. But it's my birthright. My inheritance from my mother.

"You're the same selfish girl I knew. You grew up to be a spoiled brat. A lot has changed. A lot has happened during the eight years that you've been gone" he persisted.

If not for the pride I'm still holding on to, I could have allowed the tears, threatening to fall.

After Mom died, Dad and I were never on good terms. I'm used to his mockery but I'm still surprised that he is still capable of hurting me. My own father doesn't know me.

Composing myself, I stare into his cold eyes.

If not for the hundred guests inside the massive ballroom of one of the hotels owned by the F&D Group of Companies, I could have openly confronted all of them. But I still have manners left, contrary to what everyone presumes me to be.

"I was made a fool" With a razor-sharp gaze I turn to Alice and Karen from afar.

And expectedly, the two are also looking at me. Our eyes met and I could clearly see the triumphant smirk on both of their faces. What else was new? They have been scheming their way to steal my father's affection for several years. And they succeeded. So I'm not surprised they stole my very wealthy boyfriend.

"Especially of you, Dad. You're the only family I have aside from Grandma. The least you could do is protect me from those scheming bitches you called wife and daughter" With a clenched jaw, I mutter.

"Abigail!" he is riled but he tries to control his voice. His reputation is way more important than the pain consuming me. He never sees me as me. And it's way more disappointing.

A bitter smile carves my lips as I try, for the last time, to make him understand how I feel.

"I'm hurt not because I love Justin so much. I'm hurt because of the betrayal of my family, especially by you" I whisper while staring blankly at my half-filled glass. It will always be like that. I can never fill the glass my father had set for me.

"I expected you to be more mature, Abigail. Eight long years abroad and you came back like you never left. Just the same rebellious girl who is set to get whatever she wants. You've wasted so much money and you came back worse than before" he whispers with a clenched jaw. He is furious but ironically, I'm rather amused than afraid.

That was the last straw. I'm fully convinced he will never understand me. He never did and I will never try to make him, ever again.

Eight years abroad and a lot of things happened to me. I'm supposed to be sharing those with him. But seeing how he remains a stranger to me, his only daughter, I don't think he deserves to know.

"Why can't you be just like Alice?" his last spiteful words almost knocked me down. His voice was full of disdain that it pierced my heart.

I've been compared to Alice for years and every time, it hurt so much. But today hits differently. It crushed my whole being. Those dreadful words coming from my own father are like a death sentence to the hope I've been holding on to.

"Alice may just be my stepdaughter but she shows immeasurable regard for the company more than you did. This is your inheritance but Alice is the one killing herself to help me and Justin. Now, could you blame Justin for not falling for her? All you did is spend the money they worked hard to earn" he scorned as he met me in the eye.

I scoffed as I took another sip. I have nothing to counter him nor I'm interested in even trying. Whatever their perception of me had concretized years ago and there's no way I could change it by countering him. And the searing pain in my chest is choking me, it's becoming unbearable. I need to gulp my drink to ease my distress.

"Justin will not marry a brat, nor his family will allow it. Yes, their relationship was a consensus of both families. His parents support their relationship. Even the Board has agreed. Their marriage will be beneficial to the company" he added the last blow that whacked my breath off. It took me a moment to regain my composure as I tried to smile, though it surely came out bitter.

"Well, thank you for the honesty this time, Dad. I owe you this one" I tilted my glass to a toast, which he ignored. His piercing cold gaze bore into me while I sipped my drinks like we had an agreement.

My brain has a lot to say, but my heart is in too much pain to let me utter the words. It's been a struggle to even stay but I need to continue the show. And he seems to have said it all when he quietly left my side.

Left alone, I look around and see Justin across the room, staring at me. Clad in an expensive suit and with his hands inside his pocket, he looks like a model who came out from a magazine.

Undeniably, every woman's dream guy.

Unfortunately, my dream has not come true.

Even from afar, I could almost read what his eyes reflected. But whatever it implies, I no longer care. It's been weeks since we haven't talk despite his fervent effort.

Without tearing my gaze away, I raised my glass to him. Showing him that I'm celebrating his engagement. But he remains placid. And while holding his gaze, I slowly sip my drink.

Justin Del Castillo is presently the President of the F&D Group of Companies. A handsome millionaire from a wealthy family. A perfect husband for any woman.

He was my childhood friend and sweetheart. We've been great together and I truly liked him. I believe I loved him. But maybe the years I've been gone changed a lot. And it's the opportunity, Alice seized.

It's been a while since we were staring at each other when a slender figure blocked my view. Alice.

I scoff as I tear my gaze away. I'm not interested in their lovely interaction. But I got much worse company.

"Alice is already pregnant with Justin's child. Don't ever think of doing anything stupid" Karen softly speak beside me. Though her words are scornful, she maintains her sweet smile for every guest.

Mentally, I groan at the intrusion of my peaceful drink. I'm not in the mood for another banter, especially with my father's second wife.

"Mrs. Del Castillo and the entire family adore my Alice and the child she is carrying. A Del Castillo heir" she added with pure pride while I remained unbothered.

"Don't ever try to manipulate Justin with your senseless drama. Your scheme will not work this time. We have the Del Castillo on our side" she discreetly added while amicably waving at some guests across the room. No one suspects she has been fussing nonsense, which is starting to irritate me.

"Well, good news, Alice can have Justin for herself. Gorgeous men are everywhere" with a raised brow and sneer, I retorted. But the old woman chuckles like what I said is the most hilarious thing she heard.

"Oh my dear, Abigail. No one in this city is as wealthy and prominent as the Del Castillo. With Alice marrying Justin, my daughter will be the queen of this City" she snickers before sipping her drink.

"Well, congratulations. But you know what, you will remain a trying-hard social climber" I face, smiling at her whilst her sharp gaze on me.

"Bitch" Karen mutter with gritted teeth. She is furious and I'm enjoying her flushed face.

"Thank you, my beloved stepmother. I'll find my way to finding my prey like you did. I'll find someone more than Justin Del Castillo" Feeling haughty, I announce my playful mockery.

"In your dreams, Abigail" she counters with a scoff while looking at me like I've lost my mind.

"Dreams sometimes do come true, Karen" Sweetly smiling while gulping the remaining liquid in my glass, I turn away.

I'm fully aware of all the eyes following me. Even Justin's despite the annoyed look of his fiancee beside him.

Contrary to everyone's elegant gowns and tuxedoes, I'm in tattered denim shorts and a knit sweatshirt paired with my worn-out sneakers. I'm out of place, I know.

As varied gazes follow me, my eyes are busy scorching the entire hall, spotting my catch for tonight. But all I see are familiar faces.

Until I spotted a towering figure not far from where I was standing.

Good-looking men are nothing new to me. I'm surrounded by a lot. But the man, standing a few feet away from me, to be called handsome is an understatement.

A Greek God who seems to have wandered outside of Olympus. Even his intense piercing gaze, as he looks around, is sending chills down my spine. Dangerously hot.

I can't find words to describe him but the reaction of my intoxicated self is enough evidence for his prominence. My body is deliciously responding to his mere presence.

Despite it being covered by facial hair, his perfectly crafted face is undeniably a head-turner. I noticed a lot of women's interest, even older ones glance his way. Indeed a crowd stealer.

Nothing exceptional in his wardrobe. Every man at the party is in a tuxedo. But the powerful aura surrounding him is unrivaled.

Even Justin has no equal in how compelling and imposing the man's presence is.

"Why didn't I spot you earlier?" I whisper to myself as I sway my way toward him.

If he looks gorgeous from afar, his ethereal masculinity is overflowing as I get nearer. And I don't know if it's the champagne in my system or if the man has a powerful magnet that pulled me to him.

The next thing I know, my lips are plastered to his soft ones. And I was instantly lost as my eyes voluntarily closed at the heavenly sensation.

My world seemed to have stopped the moment our lips met. I become thirstier to taste him more. And I did.

Not knowing what got into me, my lips started to move, delving into the temptation.

Soft and sweet. Like cotton candy and marshmallows. I was tempted to do more.

My tongue did its part. And to my delight, his mouth is slightly open. A chance to delve deeper.

"Hmm..."

I realized I moaned but who would not be? It's magical. I took my time and if not for the need to breathe I won't let him go.

Planning to have another fill of him after I had my much-needed air, I tiptoe to reach his lips again.

"Abigail, what the hell are you doing?!"

Suddenly, my father's angry voice interrupted the trance I was in. The magic somehow vanished as I snapped to my senses.

Moving away from my newfound heaven, a smile voluntarily adorns my lips. Carefully, I wrap my arms around the man's neck before I turn to meet my dad's anger.

"Finding you another son-in-law" I smile.

"Are you crazy? I've told you not to make a scene" If a glare could kill, I would be sprawling on the floor, lifeless. He is furious and it shows how he grits his teeth after dashing to my side.

"Won't it be fun to have a double celebration? Alice's engagement and maybe, mine too" I charmingly smile amidst the tension around us.

"We all believe in love at first sight, right?" I added before Dad could rant again.

Turning to the man I'm clinging to, I meet his calm gaze.

"So, what's your name? What business do you do?" I curiously ask.

A smile never left my face despite taking him so long to reply. Not only was I waiting for his response but the entire room of guests.

"I'm a waiter, Madame. I'm here to take all the empty glasses"

****tbc****

"I'm a waiter, Madame. I'm here to take all the empty glasses" The man politely responds. Contrary to his calmness earlier, he looks awkward at the moment.

"A waiter?"

"Hahaha"

"What a shame"

"A waiter? Hahaha"

Abigail could hear the hushed laughter around while her gaze was still plastered on the man's calm one. His orbs seem to bewitch her.

"Well, you have a nice pick. A waiter?" sounding amused, Karen interjected. Another subtle scoff and laughter buzzed.

Despite not looking around, Abigail could sense the amused mockery aimed at her. Especially those who are close to the Del Castillo family and Alice's friends.

"Stop this nonsense, Abigail" her father mutters with a clenched jaw.

"For once, act maturely. Enough disgracing our family" he added with contained anger. Still trying to act cool in front of guests.

"Abby has been desperately stealing the attention of my guests, Dad. Tonight is supposed to be our celebration but with what Abby was doing, she's ruining this night" Alice, sporting a fake hurt expression, speaks after getting close to them.

After slightly grasping what her father and Alice said, she turned to look at them. She almost forgot where she was if not for the sour face of her dad and a venomous smirk from Alice. They reminded her of their current predicament.

"Why, Dad? Am I not allowed to choose my date for tonight?" she calmly asks despite her rising irritation.

"Should it be a waiter? Can't you choose a decent man? We have a lot of acquaintances here. Pick one of them" he snaps while gritting his teeth.

Hearing his spiteful words, her eyes darted to the man in time to see, for a fleeting moment, how his face hardened. It's so fleeting she could have missed it.

"And we are talking about decency now. I was deceived by a company President and my family. So tell me, who's decent?" she retorted, mockery lacing her voice.

"Abigail" another warning from her father.

Alice looked away while Justin who had also moved closer to the commotion, awkwardly cleared his throat. Like Alice, he avoided looking at anyone. Even his family was disconcerted. Especially when guests started to be curious, some were coming closer.

"I stick to a promise coming from your so-called decent man, believing its truthfulness. But then, we are in this predicament" She smiles while taking her time looking at everyone. Some meet her gaze but Justin and Alice together with their families avoid her.

"And, I don't need a wealthy man. I don't need any man's money or resort to schemes just to be wealthy. I have enough millions" She sweetly smiles as she fixes her eyes on Alice before casting a malicious look at her stepmother. She almost laughed out loud upon seeing the two women's sour faces.

"Enough, Abigail!" forgetting his calm facade, her father angrily snapped at her.

"Then, spare me with all your hypocrisy" coldly, she mutters while unwrapping herself from the man, but not letting him go. She takes hold of his arm, before facing everyone.

"Let's enjoy this night. This is supposed to be a celebration" With an immensely charming smile, she chirpily announces. Contrary to her mood earlier, she looked ecstatic while her father and the rest of their family all looked unamused, almost furious.

Unbothered by everyone's sourness, she gestures to the waiter, holding a tray full of filled champagne glasses, to come.

"Here" She picked up two glasses and handed the other to the waiter beside her. But he was reluctant to accept.

"I'm still on duty, Madame" Politely, he declines.

"Let the guy earn his living, Abigail. Stop this nonsense" Seeing the man's awkwardness, her dad interjected. But she ignores him. Instead, she turns to face the waiter.

"Consider today as your day off. And tonight you will be my date" she insisted while staring him straight in the eyes.

"Pardon me, Madame. I still have a lot to do" Despite her persistence, he calmly excuses himself and is about to leave. But Abby was not deterred. She tightens her hold on his arm.

"I will pay you" she mutters with a clenched jaw. His refusal doesn't sit well with her. But she doesn't feel insulted, it's something else.

"I don't need your money" Despite being surrounded by a crowd, the man made sure that only she could see the glint of cold warning in his eyes.

She recognized the warning he issued. But instead of being scared, she was rather bewildered. No one would dare resist her, more so warn her in such a way. The man started to stir her curiosity. Even with her earnest gaze boring on him she sees no hint of intimidation from him.

"Abigail, enough of this craziness. I will send you home" Her father interrupted their silent duel.

"The celebration is not yet over, Dad" She turns to her father and smiles before turning back to the man she was holding.

She no longer cares about anyone. Her whole attention was snatched by the meek man with a raging fire in his eyes.

"Let's celebrate" With a stern tone but a sweet smile, she holds the man's hand to put his supposed drink.

As she enfolds his huge hand into her smaller ones, forcing him to accept, she bore her intense gaze into him. Implying one thing.

"Excuse us, Dad. I want a private moment with my date" she announces without tearing her gaze away from the man.

Her charade has earned different reactions. Her father was aghast with her stubbornness while others see it as shamelessness and rebellion.

While most of the guests are in complete confusion, a triumphant smirk forms on Alice's lips. But she was careful not to be noticed.

Justin, on the other hand, is stiffly standing on his spot. He looked quite disconcerted, especially when Abby started to leave with the waiter in tow.

"Abby...please...stop..." For no apparent reason, Justin's hand suddenly grabbed Abby's arm, halting her from walking away.

If Abby was startled, Alice was stunned together with Karen and the entire Del Castillo entourage. No one had expected Justin's action. More so Justin's pleading expression.

Abby stares straight into his eyes for a long moment as tense silence rules the venue. Despite all the attention fixed on them, Justin did not let her go. Afraid she will indeed leave with another man.

"Abby, can we talk, please" he begged, unbothered by everyone's take on his action. Especially Alice who is still in shock.

With a raised brow, Abby continues to stare at Justin's pleading eyes before she slowly looks down at the hand grabbing her arm.

"Justin..." Simone softly calls her son but she gets nothing.

"We need to talk, Abby. Please let me explain" Instead, Justin continues to beg.

"Unhand me" with a clenched jaw, she demands.

"Please, let's talk" he insisted. But Abby remains staring at him with stoic contempt.

"Oh yeah, I'm sorry I forgot" Abby yanked her arm away and turned to get something from her other hand.

Justin together with those who are near watches her slip a sparkling ring out of her ring finger.

"Here" Casually, she raised the ring she was holding between her thumb and index. Murmurs erupted but she was already deaf to other people's thoughts about her.

Justin earnestly stared at the familiar ring before his eyes slowly turned to meet her calm one.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to return this to you" she added amidst the furor that erupted around them.

She believes everyone understood the implications of what she was doing.

While everyone is busy grasping the situation, she watches Justin's disconcerted look. Waiting for him to take the ring. But after some time, he did nothing but stare at her.

Justin chooses to be miserably quiet while Karen and Alice are anxious about the reaction of the guests. They are waiting for him to do something. But all he did was stare at Abigail.

They are starting to be impatient while enduring their guests' curiosity. Justin's impulsiveness should not ruin everything they've worked hard for.

Even Justin's father has been facepalming himself while his mother is getting exasperated. Both are starting to be embarrassed by their son's behavior.

"No, Abby. Please let's talk. Hear me out" sounding so disheartened, he whispered.

"I believe your fiancee should be wearing this ring," she said instead. Ignoring his plea.

"Abby, please" Hopelessly, he tries to nudge away her hand holding the ring. But she avoided it.

"We have nothing to talk about. This ring you gave me a week after I returned is a pure hoax. I should have known better than to believe you" with gritted teeth, she mutters.

After weeks of avoiding him, she now has the chance to tell him what has been running through her head. And let him know how painful his deception was.

But as much as she wanted to rave her anger, she chose not to. It would be useless. It's too late. All she will get is nothing but ridicule or maybe some pity. She doesn't need anything now but to leave in peace.

"What was between us was over. I don't fancy preloved items. Especially tarnished ones" Sneering, she grabs his hand to return the supposed engagement ring he gave her.

"I'll find a fresh start somewhere" she added while watching him, blankly staring at his palm with the ring.

"With a waiter?" bemused, Justin glanced at the waiter beside her. But the man remained placid while staring straight ahead.

"What's wrong with being a waiter?" clenching her jaw, her tone hardened by the insult.

"You should step up your game, Abby. Don't disgrace your family like this" After getting no reaction from the other man, he turns to meet her sharp gaze.

A moment passed without a response from her. But her ragged deep breaths show her anger. Still, he waited until he had a glimpse of the smirk curving her lips.

"I can choose to be with a waiter or even a street sweeper if they turn out to be more honorable than a man who doesn't know how to keep his word" Smirking, she watches his face turn sour. And it's the chance she seized to taunt him more.

"Your money could never make you the man I deserve. But you're lucky you found a greedy woman who loves you for your money and the influence your name holds" Deliberately, she made her voice louder as she snickered before turning away to leave. Leaving everyone, dumbfounded.

Eyes follow her as she confidently sways away while still holding the waiter's arm. Unbothered by the attention everyone was giving her. She said what she needed to say. She did what she had to do. It's time to retire.

Eerie silence came upon the hall while Justin and Alice endured the scrutinizing look of their guests. Behind him, Mr. and Mrs. Del Castillo were discreetly glaring at him.

Awkward tension surrounds the entire venue. They felt like being roasted by their own guests and it didn't sit well with their family.

Whilst the agonizing silence, Justin was pulled by his mother away. And looking at the Del Castillo couple, they are extremely disappointed with the outcome of the earlier confrontation.

Hushed murmurs erupted. Philip Sandoval, Abby's father, had no choice but to pacify their guests.

"Wine and champagne will be served, please help yourselves" Facing and smiling at the crowd, he gestures for the waiters to serve the drinks.

He was rewarded by skeptical smiles, even so, guests were ecstatic when waiters came with an assortment of drinks.

"That bitch ruined this night" Seeing her husband desperately pacifying the situation, Karen angrily raves at her daughter.

"Don't worry, Mom. It won't be long before that bitch will be the laughingstock of this city" Alice whispered. Her eyes are still following Abby's departing figure.

"What do you mean?" Following her daughter's gaze, she also watches the two figures who are making their way to the door.

"From a very prominent man, Justin Del Castillo, she will end up with a penniless waiter. Won't it be hilarious?" Alice amusingly jeers.

"Even if she is a prominent figure because of her family's money, everyone will laugh at her. She will become a desperate fool for a man who can't even buy her a snack in her own hotel" She chuckles at the mere thought. Karen joins her upon understanding what her daughter meant.

"So make sure she will have no chance to get back with Justin. Let her be with her beloved waiter. Surely, Philip and Madame Mariebel Fuentebella will be immensely disappointed. And if luck is on our side, she might be disowned. You understand what it means, Alice?" Karen was ecstatic but she made sure no one noticed.

"You could inherit all of Fuentebella's wealth. Philip could make that happen" she happily whispers near Alice's ear.

"Luck is still on our side, Mom. The Fuentebella heiress only wants a waiter. Then, I will make sure she will have what she wants" She smiles as she turns to her mother.

"A soon-to-be waiter's wife. A pathetic heiress who knows nothing but splurge money she didn't earn" A scoff of disdain adorns her face as she added.

"Let's see how far she goes with an impoverished man by her side" Alice and Karen share an ominous smirk.

****tbc****

After leaving the engagement party, with the handsome waiter in tow, I went straight inside one of the private lounges of the hotel. A lot of things are overwhelming my head.

The moment we're inside, I shamelessly wrap my arms around his narrow waist like I've known him for a long time. I don't know where my courage came from but it feels right. And I'm grateful that he stood still, letting me rest on his chest.

It's been a while I'm basking in the silence of the room when I heard him heave a sigh.

"I need to get back to work, Madame" While plastered against his firm and warm body, his soft voice fills my ears.

After the charade I threw at the party, I felt so exhausted. But I found comfort in listening to the steady and strong beat of his heart. I'm so comfortable that I almost drifted to sleep. But his careful movement woke me.

"Please, stay" I whisper. Too weak that even I can't hear my own voice.

"I'm... exhausted" For the first time, I confided to a stranger like he had been with me for years.

I tighten my hold around his waist, afraid to let him go. Not wanting to leave his warmth. And thankfully he stayed still. His arms are hung at the side, deliberately showing no plans to comfort me. But I don't mind, I just want him to be here with me.

I don't know what got into me but I suddenly felt vulnerable. I felt like crying but my tears are too stubborn to fall. The night has been eventful and it drained all my strength. Everything was overwhelming despite the feistiness I had shown earlier at the party.

But having the waiter with me surprisingly calms my tense nerves. He was like a tranquilizer for my soul. Why? I don't want to ponder at the moment.

The physical and emotional exhaustion I'm enduring is gradually claiming my resilience. I can no longer pretend to be strong. I felt so alone against the betrayal of my own father and the man I once loved.

"Please, don't leave. I don't want to be alone" softly, I begged.

"I'm tired. I just want to rest. Please...be with me for a moment" Not expecting any response, I continue. My voice quivered as it turned a little shaky.

I'm utterly independent. The entire time I was abroad, no family visited me. I fought my battles alone. I never mind having no one.

But tonight, I felt like I needed someone to be by my side. Someone who will stay with me while I rest my soul. Someone like the man I'm hugging. His presence makes me feel safe and calm.

"Huh...?"

I almost squealed when I was suddenly hauled from my feet. It happened so fast that before I realized what was happening, I was securely fastened in his arms.

"What...?" gaping, I tried to speak but he gently tucked my head in the crook of his neck. Whatever words I was supposed to say were trapped in my throat after I succumbed to the masculine smell of his skin.

"Hmmm..." Uncaring of what he will think, I snuggle closer to fill my lungs with his masculine scent. He smells so expensive for a waiter. Unless he has huge tips all the time.

Whatever perfume he was wearing, I believe it was something uncommon. However, despite how hard I try to name what brand it is, I seem to be nowhere close. It has a familiar whiff that I don't think a mere waiter has the capability to own. Or I might be too muddled to have mistaken it for something. There's no way he could afford such luxury.

With all the thoughts filling my head, I didn't notice he had already brought me to the couch. And like I weigh nothing, he effortlessly took a sit. It was strange but it felt great being in his arms.

"Rest" he mumbles while making me comfortable in his arms. His deep modulated voice fills my ears again.

As he said, I rest while listening to the perpetual beat of his pulse. Being in his arms is like solace to my exhausted soul. It feels ethereal.

I don't know how long we were in our position. It just felt like I was in a trance being enveloped in his warmth. But when I opened my eyes, I surprisingly felt better. The lightheadedness I'm enduring earlier, lessened.

"Did I fall asleep?" my voice cracked, which surprised me.

"Almost thirty minutes" he casually replies.

Thirty minutes? I was asleep for almost half an hour and he hadn't moved an inch. I weigh 110 lbs for my five feet six inches in height and though he seems strong, I suddenly worry for his discomfort.

"I'm sorry. I caused you enough burden for a night" Somehow sober, I apologize without the plan of leaving his warmth.

"How do you feel now?" He asks instead, ignoring my apology.

"Better than earlier. Thank you" Still snuggled on him, I genuinely smile even if he cannot see it.

Silence rules when he doesn't respond. It seems that talking is not his thing.

"Abigail Marie Sandoval. Yours?" I told him my name. I owe him a lot tonight and the least I could do is to introduce myself.

"My family and the Del Castillo owns this hotel" I added after a while of not getting a response from him.

I waited but it took him a while. I don't mind waiting, though.

"L.A.M" he briefly responded after his long silence. But it's too limited, it feels so lacking.

"Lam...?" I'm curious about his name.

In a close-knit and almost conservative community, we are, we could somehow tell apart the natives from visitors.

A family name is also a gauge of a person's significance to the community. Only a few names are considered prominent in this city, and thankfully, we are part of it. That's how it is.

Even I have been questioning such absurdity. But this time, our community's peculiar gauging procedure would greatly help me. By knowing his name, I will have a clue of who he is.

"L.A.M Cartagena" he casually mumbled.

"Cartagena..." I'm trying to familiarize the name but I know no one of such a family name within the city.

"You're not from here?" After my fervent effort, I gave up.

Santocildes City is not so huge as not to recognize a family name. But I know no one of Cartagena lineage. Or maybe it is one of the changes that have happened while I'm away.

"I only came here for a job" he disclosed, suddenly acting distant.

Despite my interest kicking in, I stopped myself from asking more. I don't want to exhaust his patience, hinting at his displeasure.

Never did I feel threatened by someone's mood but seeing his dark look made me anxious. Since the start, I'm quite right about the imposing atmosphere surrounding him. It somehow intensified my interest.

Such a compelling aura no ordinary man possesses, more so an ordinary waiter. Moreover, he shows no intimidation towards me or anyone despite being subjected to an awkward predicament.

All employees of the hotel, even those who are new are required to know and treat us with high regard. That has been my father's ultimate rule. I may say that he has been arrogantly relishing the power of one of the prominent families of this city. I don't agree with it, the reason we are always at each other's throats.

Aside from the distinguished families of politicians leading Santocildes, only a few names were considered prominent. Together with the Del Castillo, Zaragoza, and Fuentebella, Sandoval became a part of prominent names in Santocildes. That is after my father married the heiress of the Fuentebella household. My mother.

But the man with me is quite an enigma. Surely, he has undergone training and orientation. He knows the people he must bow to.

Who is he? Why did he become a waiter when my instinct is telling me he is more than that?

"If you're rested, I will leave you here. I need to finish my shift" While I was busy deliberating his identity, I heard him speak. And every question in my head was thrown into the air. There's no way I will let him leave.

"Please, stay"

Quickly tightening my arms around him, I beg. I wanted to believe I was still tipsy to absolve my audaciousness.

"I need to work. I don't want to be fired" he insisted but he didn't do anything to free himself from my tight grasp.

"You will not be fired. I will never allow it to happen. Just, please...stay" I continue to beg. I'm being shameless but who cares?

Despite my fear of letting him go, I move slightly away to look him in the eyes. Showing him I mean my words.

But like earlier, he was undeterred. He calmly meets my gaze, and surprisingly, I start to waver. I felt anxious under his scrutiny.

His mere look is commanding. Who could do that?

I try to meet his eyes though I'm getting uneasy as time passes by. If he plans to dominate me, then he is succeeding. His mere gaze could burn me alive, stirring something unknown. It's terrifying but at the same time, exhilarating.

I almost blurt out my relief after the door burst open. Interrupting the tension between us.

We haven't heard a knock or maybe we were too engrossed earlier that we failed to notice.

Like a cue, our heads turn at the door. In time to see a figure, holding a tray enters.

"Pardon for the intrusion, Miss Abigail. But your father sent these drinks" While avoiding looking at their somewhat intimate predicament, the waiter politely announces.

Though baffled by my father's initiative, I dismiss my perplexity. I indeed need some refreshments. And the sweaty glass of fresh pineapple juice is timely.

"Place it on the table, please" I smile at the awkward guy while he clumsily puts down the glasses. He looks jumpy for no reason.

"Thank you"

"You're welcome. Miss Abigail. Excuse me" Without waiting for a response, he rushed to the door and left.

"I'm thirsty" I reached for one of the glasses and drank almost halfway to quench my thirst.

"Hmmm...refreshing" While wiping my lips, I mindlessly offer her the remaining juice by putting the glass near his lips.

What he did next surprised me. He indeed takes a gulp. Though I was the one who initiated it, I didn't expect he would have any inhibitions sharing a glass with me. He finishes the remaining liquid while I watch the captivating movement of his Adam's apple. Like a schoolgirl, everything about him fascinates me.

"You want more?" he asks while placing the empty glass back on the table.

"I think, I have enough for now" I smile while glancing at the other drink. But staring at the sweaty glass, the drink becomes surprisingly tempting. And for some reason, I felt thirstier than earlier. My throat seems parched simply by looking at it.

So I quickly reach for the other glass and gulp half of it.

"I'll have the rest" Lam mumbles and finish everything.

And it's the time I realized, that he too, looks parched. What's happening?

"Shit" I heard him mutter under his ragged breath while loosening the buttons of his white shirt. Drops of sweat start to drench his face. Same with me. I felt like burning.

What's going on? I was utterly confused while staring at the two empty glasses on the table.

I felt something bizarre happening to me. My body seemed to be on fire and all I could feel was a scorching heat from inside me.

Drifting my eyes to the sweaty man holding me, his desirous gaze meets mine. And it sent pleasant tingles on my nerves. Not only am I burning but painfully incited. He looks like a feast ready to be devoured. It awakened the ravenous desire I didn't expect my body to be capable of.

By then, I realized. He is the only thing that could extinguish the fire scorching me.

"Shit" he keeps on cursing while his huge hands are becoming restless, pulling me closer to him. Until our bodies are grinding into each other.

"Hmmm...so hot" With a ragged breath, I shakily whisper.

I could not seem to have enough of him, so I swiftly veered. And now, I'm straddling him. But it was a mistake...or not.

With only a few layers of cloth between us, our bodies are intimately touching. And I'm going crazy with the humongous thing firmly nestled between my legs. It brought a heavenly sensation to my already fevered senses.

Seeming to have a mind of their own, my hips started to move against the prominent bump trapped by his pants.

"Argh..."

And I was rewarded by a thick grunt, sounding like an agonized growl of a wounded animal. I'm loving his response.

He too is suffering from the same fire I have. Even his touches were becoming rough but I loved them.

So I'm no longer surprised when I was effortlessly hauled and brought to the ensuite.

There's only one way to extinguish the fire and I'm glad he knows how to.

Everything came in a blur but I truly trust him. He is rough but I don't mind. Not long ago, I felt the cold air touching my nakedness and it felt exhilarating.

The cold felt great on my fevered skin. But it didn't take long when his feverish sweaty body hovered above me. His weight pins me, trapping me to the inevitable.

"You're...mine" he breathlessly mutters before ravishing my lips. He sounded quite possessive and I was baffled.

I don't know what he meant but it felt right. I felt something I hadn't felt before. It's odd but wonderful.

"I'm yours..." A shaky voice surfaced above our ragged breaths.

I tried to focus to discern what it meant but everything was overwhelming my senses. Where did the voice come from?

****tbc****