Chapter 3: Dinner with the Devil

Hindi ako mapakali buong araw. Since the meeting kanina, Alessandro Vallerio’s presence had lingered like perfume sa hangin — mahirap burahin, kahit anong gawin ko.

Ang mas nakakainis? Ako pa mismo ang napili niyang katrabaho. Out of everyone, ako.

Habang nagpa-pack up ako sa desk ko, may lumapit na assistant ni Ms. Ortega.

“Miss Eliara, Mr. Vallerio requested if you could meet him tonight for a private dinner. He said it’s to discuss project details.”

Napahinto ako. Dinner?

“Uhm… tonight?”

“Yes, ma’am. He’ll send a car for you at seven.”

“Okay…” I managed to say, kahit halata sa boses ko ang kaba.

Pag-alis ng assistant, agad akong tinabihan ni Lianne.

“Girl, are you serious? Private dinner? That’s not just business — that’s something else!”

I sighed. “I know. But what choice do I have? He’s our client.”

“Yeah, but he’s also—”

“The mafia boss, I know.” Naputol ko siya. “Trust me, I haven’t forgotten.”

Pero kahit sabihin kong aware ako, hindi ko kayang itanggi na may excitement sa dibdib ko. A kind of thrill that made no sense — dangerous, but addictive.

7:00 PM.

Naghihintay ako sa lobby ng condo ko nang dumating ang black luxury car. Binuksan ako ng driver ng pinto.

“Miss Eliara, Mr. Vallerio is waiting.”

Pagpasok ko, amoy ko agad ang leather interior, at sa kabilang side ng sasakyan — he was there. Sitting casually in his tailored black suit, holding a glass of whiskey like he owned time itself.

“You’re on time,” he said, eyes meeting mine.

“I figured you’re not the kind of man who likes waiting,” I replied.

A small smile tugged at his lips. “You learn fast.”

The car ride was silent, but the tension was loud. Every time our eyes met, may kuryenteng dumadaloy sa pagitan namin. I tried to focus on the city lights outside, but his presence was magnetic. Nakakabaliw.

Pagdating namin sa restaurant, halata pa lang sa ambiance na hindi ‘to basta-bastang lugar — dim lights, expensive wines, and privacy.

He guided me to our table, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. A simple touch, pero parang apoy.

“You didn’t tell me we’d be dining somewhere like this,” I said softly.

He raised a brow. “Would you have said no if I did?”

“Maybe.”

“Then I made the right choice.”

Napailing ako, pero hindi ko maitago ang ngiti. There was something dangerously charming about him — the way he spoke, the way he moved, parang lahat ay planado.

Habang kumakain kami, I tried to focus on work. “So, about the campaign—”

“Let’s not talk business tonight,” he interrupted gently. “Tell me about you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. What makes you blush when no one’s watching?”

I blinked, taken aback. “That’s… a strange question.”

“Strange,” he murmured, “but honest.”

I hesitated, then laughed softly. “I don’t know. Maybe I blush when I’m caught staring.”

“Like last night?” he teased, his smirk returning.

My cheeks burned. “You’re not letting that go, are you?”

“Never.”

There was silence again — comfortable this time. His eyes never left mine. Parang binabasa niya ‘yung mga iniisip ko.

“You fascinate me, Eliara,” he said suddenly. “You’re not like most people I meet.”

“How so?”

“Most people fear me. But you… you look at me as if you’re trying to see past the mask.”

I swallowed. “Maybe I am.”

“And what do you see?”

I met his gaze. “Someone who hides his loneliness behind power.”

For a moment, his expression softened. He leaned back, studying me like I just said something no one dared to before.

“Careful, bella mia,” he whispered. “You might see too much.”

“Maybe I already have.”

He chuckled lowly, but there was something in his eyes — something real. Vulnerable, even.

After dinner, he insisted on driving me home. Sa loob ng kotse, tahimik ulit. Pero iba na ‘yung katahimikan ngayon — may halong init, may unspoken tension.

Habang tumatakbo ang sasakyan, bigla siyang nagsalita.

“You make me forget things, Eliara.”

“Like what?”

“That I shouldn’t feel this way.”

I froze, my heart pounding. “Feel what?”

He looked at me, eyes dark and burning. “This.”

And before I could react, he reached out — gently brushing his thumb against my lips.

I gasped softly. The world outside faded.

“Do you always look at your clients like this?” he murmured.

“Only when they’re dangerous,” I whispered back.

He smiled faintly. “Then you should run from me.”

“Maybe I should.”

“But you won’t,” he said, voice low and certain. “Because deep down, you already know... I don’t let go of the things I want.”

When the car stopped in front of my building, neither of us moved for a few seconds.

Finally, he said, “Goodnight, bella mia. Sleep while you still can.”

I stepped out, legs trembling slightly. As the car drove away, I caught my reflection sa glass door — flushed cheeks, racing heartbeat, trembling hands.

And that’s when I admitted it to myself.

I was falling.

Not just into his world…

But into him.