Prologue
"Honey! Don’t forget Aethan’s lunch box, okay?" You yelled from the garage as we were getting ready to leave to attend our six-year old son's family picnic day at school while you buckled in our two-year old Athena in her car seat, hauled the bags in the van and kept Shelley, our Labrador, from jumping into the vehicle with us.
Inside the house where I dragged the ice chest with one hand and balanced a tray of lasagna on the other where Aethan’s lunch box dangled, it was a chaotic pile of toys on the floor, crayons and paper on the table, unfolded clothes on the couch and dishes in the sink.
It was a mess, far different from what my obsessive compulsive tendencies were used to before we met, but it was a beautiful mess filled with love and happiness.
I have never known true happiness and unconditional love until I met you. I knew from the moment I first laid eyes on you that you are no ordinary woman and that my life will never be the same again.
I mean a girl you find at the side of a deserted street in an ungodly hour, riding a custom yellow and black Ducati 1199 Panigale, wearing a little black dress under a yellow biker leather jacket and knee-high boots with a yellow backpack, is anything but ordinary.
Sure, Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City which laid on a mountain slope overlooking Metro Manila was known for its scenic view of the city lights and cool weather but it was also too dark, too dangerous and too isolated at that hour for a woman to be dawdling about alone.
For a guy like me who grew up following strict routines and standards set by my father, never willingly disobeyed and always followed orders, someone like you was a disaster.
I should've stayed away from you. If my grandma was there, she would've told me so but somehow, something told me I was meant to meet that girl. I was meant to meet you.
You came into my life and made a mess... a glorious mess, my dearest Mina, for that I will always be grateful for making the choice of loving a gangster.
"Darling..." I whispered as I hugged you after everything and all the kids were settled in the van.
"Hmmm?"
"You can leave the brass knuckles. I don't think there will be trouble where we’re going." I told you.
"But..." You started to argue as you pouted.
"Mina, we’re going to an elementary school. Only kids, teachers and harmless parents will be there.” I explained as I held you in my arms. “Just bring it next week to my basketball game in case that jerk who owns the competing restaurant tries to mess with me.” I grinned and your face lit up.
"Really, Honey?" You beamed.
"Yes." I chuckled.
You squealed delightedly and kissed me passionately on the lips.
"Thank you, Honey. I love you." You smiled.
I sighed and smiled as I pulled you close. "I love you more, my Darling. No matter what."
