Chapter 1- The pleasure's all mine
Hunter's POV
I watched as the girl of fair skin and long black hair danced on top of the tables. I assume she's buzzed? One friend's trying to get her down, another keeping her on stage, and one watching from the crowds. Pathetic.
"Hunter?" greeted my ginger friend, Jeff. "What brings you to town? I thought you moved to America."
I smiled. "Didn't think I'd catch you here, Jeff," I say in all honesty, "I came here for work."
"So your parents are still part of that illegal shit?" he winks, "I get it. You're the damn Black Widow of your family, after all."
I glanced back at the girl who was still rocking the stage. Damn. How high is her alcohol tolerance, anyway?
"I see you spotted Valdez," he points out. "She's your type, right?"
"You know me so well," I say, taking up a shot. "Is she frequent here?"
He nods, looking at her with concerned eyes. "She's been here for a year, now. Her family's death affected her too much, though she refused to admit it."
"She needs saving," I smirked, taking another shot. "You know I love being the hero."
"You're a family of criminals," he states, handing me a glass of whiskey. "Don't mess with this one, love. She's crazier than you think. We've spent the past year trying to straighten her back to the girl she used to be."
"Well, well, well," entered the devil. She reeked of alcohol and was wobbling. "We're supposed to have fun tonight. Why the hell are you hiding from me, Jeff?"
"I think you've had enough, Val," he says, gesturing her to sit down. "I should drive you home."
"Who the hell are you?" she points at me, "Who the hell is he, Jeff? Why didn't you introduce me?"
"Hunter," I say, reaching for her hand. "Hunter Rodriguez, miss?"
"Valerie," she says, "Valerie Coraline Monique Valdez."
"What a lovely name," I kissed her hand only to be slapped across the face. "What was that for?"
"It's how I show affection," she grinned. "Don't fucking touch me without permission if you wanna live."
"Told you this bitch is crazy," he chuckles. "Don't take it personally, Hunter. This is her way of saying she likes you!"
I rolled my eyes, putting my coat on. "It's getting late, girl. You should head home."
"I'm not high enough," she argues, "Come on, love. Have a drink with us!"
I looked at Jeff who was also struggling in defeat.
"Can we start over?" she asks, reaching for my hand. "I'm Valerie Valdez. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure's all mine," I smiled.
There was something about her. Something different I couldn't explain. She seems to be the type to put on a strong front, but in reality she's innocent and fragile.
"You can let go of my hand now," she says in withdrawal. "So, tell me about yourself? Are you a Manila boy or from the other cities?"
"I'm from Quezon," I replied, "But my family's currently in the States. We have business abroad."
"From the looks of it, something illegal?" she smirked. "Let's be honest, here. Our families wouldn't let us be friends with mere people unless they're heirs to empires or from a family of criminals like Jeff and I. So what is it? Drugs?"
"Something I can't tell little girls," I winked, handing her a bottle of beer. "And you, Ms. Valdez?"
"Ew," she spat, "call me Val' or Monique or Coraline, but never Ms. Valdez. I own an empire I inherited from both my mom and dad."
"Which is?" I arched a brow.
"Something only mature people can handle," She grins. "Age?"
"Eighteen," I replied. "You? Don't tell me you're underaged."
"Am not," she assures, "I'll be nineteen soon. Anyway, how do you know Jeff? I know almost all his friends except for you."
"Well," I say, "As you said, "almost" right? Let's keep it mysterious, shall we? Plenty of time to get to know each other later."
I stared into her deep black eyes, getting lost in them. I haven't seen a Filipino who could compare to the beauty she possessed. Her skin was fair and rosy; her eyes were a dark forest you'd get lost in; her lips red and soft like rose petals; her figure was thick yet sexy in every way possible; and her hair was soft, long, and as black as a raven's feathers. Her cheeks were flushed red due to her intoxication making her look more desirable, and her hair was a beautiful curly mane of mess.
"What?" she says, her face but a centimeter from mine. "Are you okay, Mr. H?"
"Val's drunk," Jeff states, calling their friends' attention. "Ya'll can go home. I'll take care of Valerie from here."
"Seriously?" I asked, pushing the girl back in her seat. "Please stay down," I say, looking back at Jeff. "Do you need help with this kid?"
"Nah," he shakes his head. "I got this. I've been doing this for the past year, now."
"Do you have a thing for her?" I asked curiously. "I mean, come on. You wouldn't be putting up with this shit unless you cared deeper than what you show."
"Asshole," he says, punching my arm. "For your information, I have a girlfriend."
"And she doesn't mind?" I questioned. "Not even jealous? Cause from what I see-"
"Let me stop you right there," he interrupts, "My girl and I are perfectly happy with this set up. She knows the responsibility I have and she's close to Valerie. I think you're the one who has a thing for her, so stop accusing me."
"Fine," I say, "So she's free, then?"
He smirked. "Yes, she is. But right now, we need to go home. You can see her tomorrow." He pulled the girl over to his side, supporting her frame. "Wake up, Val'!"
"Ten more minutes, love," she says, wobbling over him. "Wait, are we still partying?"
He rolls his eyes in annoyance. "Valerie, we're going home."
"Do you need support with carrying the brat?" I chuckled.
He threw her purse at me in return. "Help me carry her shit. This kid's in trouble when the morning comes."
"Okay," I replied, "Lead the way." I followed after him to his car, dropping her things in the passenger seat. "I see you haven't upgraded your wheels yet."
"I like my Rolls-Royce just fine," he states. "Anyway, where you crashing?"
"I bought the property next to the house next to yours," I explained. "I'll see you later, bruh."
"Alright," He salutes.
I waved as he drove off with the sleeping beauty. What a night! I can't believe the amount of patience he has to put up with the brat. I guess he's a softy for the kid.
Jeffrey's POV
I can't help but wonder why he's back in town. He says work. The only work he does is dirty; the ones his parents can't execute themselves. And why the sudden interest in this ABG?
I looked back at the sleeping person beside me. "If only you could see yourself right now. You look so at peace."
She shifted towards me, mumbling words like a child. "I want fried rice with porkchops."
Time slipped by quicker than I thought. We arrived at her home where we were greeted by her nanny, Mrs. Candace; A.K.A. Candy.
"Good morning po," I greeted with respect, "Sorry for coming later than usual. Your baby had a lot to drink."
"Thank you for bringing her home safely, kuya pogi," she gave me a high five.
Kuya Pogi is the nickname she gave me a few years back. It basically means Mr. Handsome.
"Well," I say, handing her to her nanny, "See you tomorrow, Ate Candy."
I got in the car and drove home where my half brother waited for me by the main door.
"Why are you still up?" I asked, getting off my car. I handed the keys to the guard as I followed after the little man. "Hey, I'm talking to you!"
"Mom and dad left for the States," He explained.
Christian is my younger half sibling. He's my dad's child with his new Filipino wife.
"Go to bed," I say, ruffling his hair. "You still have to go to school tomorrow, Chris."
"Are they gonna kill people?" his words shocked me.
I turned around, taking him into my arms. "Hey, who told you that?"
"I heard mom and dad talking," he says, shivering in fear. "I can't sleep."
I hugged him. He's only nine years old. How could they let him overhear family business?
"In the morning, things will be better, okay?" I say, "Don't worry. Mom and dad just went to the States for work. Try to get some sleep, okay?"
It's only been chapter one, but I like it already.
will there be an update?