RANSOM GIFT: The Complete Collection Boxed Set (Commanding Proposal, Hidden Proposal, Ransom Proposal) (6 page)

Chapter 2

              “
Thank you so much for understanding us, papá.” Gary told my dad.

My dad smiled at him.
See? This wasn’t supposed to be hard.

We broke the news to my
papá over lunch time at the hotel, exactly two months from the moment we’ve talked about it. But we already informed him a month ago, so he could be prepared for this day.

              “Of course, hijo… You both need your own space to get to know each other, and enjoy your life together…” My
papá said.

I told you…
Gary smiled at him, and then looked at me.

              “We’ll live this afternoon, papá. We already found an apartment.” I told him.

              “Oh, en donde…?” He asked where.

I glanced up at Gary, and he seemed very nervous that we’re about to tell my
papá that we’re planning to leave in a small apartment with just a single bedroom.

              “In Becerril de la Sierra.” I informed my dad.

My dad’s eyes grew bigger. He stared at me for a moment, and then he shifted his stares to Gary. I think he finally got the reason why we’re moving. “Oh… well, it’s your choice. You both know this hotel will always be your home, right?” He asked with so much passion.

Gary glanced up to meet his stares and he smiled at him. “Yes,
papá…”

My dad has got the answer that he was looking for, so he smiled at the both of us.

              “Well, since we’re having this conversation, I wanted to tell you something, Gary. But I was hoping my hija could leave us for a moment.” He said, looking at me intently.

I suddenly felt this fear crawling up in my chest. I had a feeling that Gary won’t like what he was about to say and there’s no way I’m leaving.

              “Papá, please don’t…” I begged him.

              “Okay, you can stay.” He said. “I understand that you’re having quite a hard time adjusting with things that came along with the package as you chose my daughter. And believe me when I say that I will always thank Heavens for bringing someone like you in her life, just when she needed you the most. I will be forever grateful for you.

But see, this is what I’ve been working hard for. I wanted her and her children and the children of her children to get the life that I want them to have.” He started making his point. “Believe me, I know it’s hard for you, I’ve seen that before with Kristina’s mother. She didn’t come from a wealthy family as she was my nanny’s daughter, so she did go through a lot before we started living peace together. I want to save you from that because my daughter loves you.”

I felt betrayed by the words of my own father. “Dad, I’m not leaving Gary.”

              “Oh! No, no, no… Who says anything about leaving Gary? We’re not leaving Gary.” He said. “I just want to offer him something so he would gain confidence with himself. I understand this life is the hardest to adapt because there are people around us who would judge us for being who we are or what we are in the past. So, I’m offering you a free education to Paris College of Art in Paris, France with free apartment and allowance. All you need to do if finish college for a year. I’ve heard you needed to stop to support your life, and I admire you for that. Only responsible and honest men would stand up for themselves.” He went on.

Oh! He’s offering him an education. The only game change was Gary’s response to this gallant offer.

              “Also one more thing, you will stay in France for a whole year, and Kristina will work as an intern with this company. I’ll allow her to spend weekends with you in France. In this way, you would have enough focus on your studies.” He continued.

              “No!” I butted in.

I glanced at Gary and he looked terribly shocked by what we’ve heard. I was so sure he didn’t like the idea as well.

              “What are you so scared of, hija?” My dad asked. “After that whole year, if you both decided to get marry, you can get marry. After he comes back here, I will grant you the business, and you can make it related to Gary’s niche, and you can make the company grow together. If you want, perhaps Gary could revolutionize the designs of our hotels, and maybe he could run the company after some time. He doesn’t have to feel so small with us around, hija. That’s not what love is. Don’t be selfish. By then, Gary won’t have to feel insecure with anything in your life.”

It felt like someone just splashed a pale of cold water on my face. I couldn’t breathe properly. Dad has a point. It was indeed genuinely for Gary.

              “You have to make this sacrifice if you both want to be together for the longest time. Don’t let him experience what your mom has to go through for year just to feel accepted. We won’t have to let anyone know that the scholarship was from me.”

I looked at Gary and he was staring down at his fingers, carefully considering the idea.
Why does dad have to offer all these just when we were set to start our life together?

              “Dad, we’re moving in together.” I informed him.

              “He doesn’t have to go now. He can’t wait for the next semester before he leaves for Paris. Besides, you’ll be with him every weekend. It’ll be like you’re also living in France with him.” He said.

              “Consider it, hijo.” He said. “And I hope this won’t change our relationship.” He added.

I was touched by how my dad respects Gary’s feelings, and how he considers him as a son.

              “I appreciate your kindness,
Papá. Please don’t worry about it.” He said to my dad with a weak smile on his face. “I will consider your offer, Papá. Thank you so much for thinking about my welfare.” He said.

              “Anytime, hijo… You’re like a son to me now.”

              “We’ll talk about it in our apartment, papá.” I told him.

              “Of course… Think it through.” He said with a smile. “Desserts, please…” He said to the waiter attending to our needs.

After thirty more minutes with dad, we came up to the pent, and we tried to sort the things we’ll have to bring to our own apartment. It has got stuff in it ready for us to use, so we packed very light.

Neither of us was speaking. We both needed our own piece of quite time to think to ourselves. I had no idea what’s in his head, but mine’s about his Paris education. I love him more than life, which was why I couldn’t just send her away. I mean, sure, dad’s never going to break her word about sending me to Paris, but what if my internship schedule goes in the way?

If we chose to stay together, we can go on with the gallery plan, and pursue his dreams no matter what. But if chose to part for five days in a week, he’d come home confident of himself, closer to his dreams and we can share the company together.
I also have to work for the company.
It’s the pressure that’s making it worst.

If we make a deal with dad, it only means I’m going to have to work for the company, too. He will get what he wants after all. He’s such a clever person.

We were like this until we’re almost done packing until finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “Gary…” I called out his name.

He turned around to look at me. “Yes, baby?” He asked with face that doesn’t seem to be bothered by anything. He looked very light, to be exact, as if we’re still in New York.

              “What are our plans about… dad?” I asked.

He stared at me, and he batted his eyes. I felt heated up for some reasons.

              “What do you think? I think we’ll be fine if we take it. He’s right, you know. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. And if it’ll make things easier after a year, no more stupid fights, plus I get to marry you, I’ll do it. It’s very nice of
Papá to help me make my dreams come true for you.” He said, with eye glowing.

I felt lighter with his words. At least, he’s not taking it the wrong way. “But we’ll be apart five days in a week.” I said, sounding like a little brat.

              “What’s that compared to our life together after a year?” He said. “I want to do it for you. I promise you that I won’t waste one second of that opportunity.”

Awww…
He’s a got a point, though.

              “Okay…” I told him.

              “Okay?” He asked.

I nodded with a sweet smile, and he has successfully reciprocated that smile. I felt so light with him like this. Nothing in this world could ever make this moment even better. Well, of course, unless we get married now.

              “Let’s go? Our apartment is waiting for us.” He said.

Our apartment…
It’s so nice to call a place our own home. Sure, it may night be big or grand like my pent, but it sure was so good to have a private home with him, wherein we can just have our own moments and call our own. It would absolutely be nice.

Until next semester, we still have couple of months, so I planned to cherish it, and not have anything to be busy with. It’s a good thing that the gallery plan’s off.

We walked outside the pent, and I took a last glance on it, and I smiled. Gary kissed the back of my head, and I felt the warmth of his touch on my shoulders. It felt so good.
Oh yes, I’ll be forever willing to trade anything for this touch.

I haven’t been in this kind of happiness for the longest time. He’s a wonderful guy so far, so there’s nothing I wouldn’t give for his love. I wasn’t planning on being a fool and let him go. No, I intend to hold him for the longest time possible, and there’s no one that could stop me…
not even him.

We went on our way to dad’s place and he wasn’t prepared for us, but he put on a robe and he let us in.

I could tell that it was once again an overwhelming moment for my Gary. Dad’s room was below the pent, but he literally have much bigger than mine. He took up five executive suites and has them connected to be his own room. It used to be his and mom’s room, so I wasn’t surprised that it was the biggest because he offered everything at my mom’s feet until her last breath. They’re supposed to have the pent, but my dad opted to give it to me. I know, we’re not doing business right, but it’s how he wanted things, and it’s been wonderful so far.

              “Dad, we’ll be on our way.” I told my dad.

His face saddened for a few seconds, but he managed to give us a sweet smile. “When can I check out this love nest of yours?” He teased.

              “If you want to come over tomorrow, that’ll be nice… sure, dad.” I answered my dad.

              “What time will you both be ready for me?” He teased again, and then he winked at Gary, who happened to be clueless but still managed to give him a sweet smile.

I got myself a very plain, simple and classy guy. He’s not into sleeping around with women, he doesn’t dig pasts and he doesn’t’ care if I weigh few more pounds more than him. The best part of it all was that he’s actually very fit. If somebody would come up to us, and ask us if he wants to be a model for an expensive clothing line for Madrid, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.

I gave my dad a quick hug, and I whispered in his ears. “Thanks for everything, dad.”

He then touched my head, and he tightened his hug. Afterwards, he reached out for my shy man, and initiated a hug. “I hope you find your bliss in your new home.” He said.

              “Thanks, dad…” Gary told him.

Dad slightly tapped his back, and they looked more related that we are. It was so nice to see them like this. And what was more amazing was that it didn’t take them too long for them to connect.

Gary and I took off. We headed down to our apartment, and it took us couple of minutes to get there through my car. I was just so glad that he’s not against using it. It would have been very exhausting, and weird, too.

When we were in front of our apartment door, I was caught off guard when he carried me in his arms. I squealed, and we both blurted out in laughter.

Chapter 3

We finally arrived in our own home. The very first impression I had about it was its very coziness. I knew that it didn’t look much like my pent, but it was so amazing. The walls were like a welcoming banner to our life forever, the furniture seemed to be ready to be part of our everyday life as silent audiences to what’s in store for us. Everything was perfect, and the feeling was overwhelming in the best kind of way.

              “Babe, where should I put these bags?” Gary has interrupted my melodrama moment. I turned to face him, and he was looking so divine with all my pink bags in his arms. It made me want to giggle.

              “Oh, look at you… you look amazing with my bags on.” I teased him.

He looked down on himself, and he laughed. “I know.” He said laughing. “I can get used to all these pink stuff.”

              “Put them on the bed, I’ll organize them in a while.” I said to him.

He looked confused, so he’s decided to put all my bags, and he walked towards me. I was also confused by his sudden change of reaction.  “What?” I asked him with a smile.

              “I thought we’ll be christening our new house.” He said, and it made my cheeks heat up.
Oh my… My Gary has finally turned into a man…

              “If you want to, I’m at your service.” I said to him, and then I winked.

He blurted out into a loud laughter, and I couldn’t help but laugh as well. It was so funny that we can make this conversation, but at the same time, feel the urge to really do it without compromising the lighter side of the relationship. It’s very light, but so passionate at the same time. I don’t think I could ever live without him anymore.

              “Of course I want to.” He confessed.

After hearing his confirmation, I placed my arms around his neck, and I step closer so his body would be touching mine. I stared at his glowing eyes, and he seemed enjoying my movements. I thought it’s easier to give him the go signal than to wait for him to realize that he has the go signal right in front of him.

He smiled at me, and he leaned over to kiss my lips. I answered his longings with passionate kisses, and it couldn’t be any better.

His soft kisses have shifted motions to more passionate wet kisses filled with hunger and longings. I tried to level with him, and it made him more inspired to take on the action.
He’s taking the lead… oh my.

His hands were travelling from every part of my skin to those left untouched; my hands were still on his neck, and his transferred from my lips to my neck. My head automatically obeyed to his demands, and I gave him full access of my neck.

He suddenly made a full stop, threw his head back a little to give him a better view of my reaction. And when he saw that I was totally swept off by such amazing arousing feeling, he smiled at me, and carried me in his arms towards the bedroom. I will be forever amazed how he can carry me in his arms just like that. I mean, I probably weigh twice as heavier than he is.

Nevertheless, we’re doing it—him and I. It’s great to have him like this. I want him for the rest of my life, and I will do everything to keep him by my side.

*****

It’s already dawn.

We’re both trying to catch our breath, and panting for air. I’ve never had it like that. It was vigorously different, and I wasn’t expecting to christen our apartment just like that.
Who is this guy?
But I enjoyed it so much.

              “Wow. That was… different.” I teased him.

He considered my comment for a moment, and his brows rose. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

              “Definitely good…!” I answered him, and he laughed.

He pulled me into his arms, so I could rest my head in his neck. He wanted me to be this close to him, and I couldn’t love him even more. He’s so dreamy, very romantic and caring all at the same time. I put my arms around him, and I buried my face into his chest. It felt so heavenly.

              “I’m going to miss you like this when you’re in Paris.” I whispered against his skin.

              “I miss you every single day, even when I’m with you. So Paris is going to be hell.” He said to me.

I felt the urge to cry. It was just so sad that in few months, I may not be able to hug him close to me like this for each and every day, but rather just for weekends, which was meant to be so short.
OMG! I wanted to cry so hard…
But the last thing I wanted to happen was him changing him mind in doing something that would make him closer to his dreams. And so I’ve decided to just savor this moment, make sure those weekends would be of deep quality and just wait for a whole year.

              “This is too deep, do you want some breakfast? I’ll go get some.” I asked him.

He kissed my forehead. “I’ll come with you.” He said.

              “No, it’s okay. It’ll be just for few minutes. Go take a shower.” I suggested him.

              “I thought we won’t be separating before I leave?” He asked, trying to sound like a little brat.

              “Those few minutes will be my training. I don’t want to die the moment you leave.” I joked. “Besides, I know you need to make an abstract today for your collection, so you have to get ready.” I said

He laughed about it. It was actually very cute that we can start laughing about it. It might be a good thing. I mean, a whole year of weekdays might be a good idea for missing each other, and a year after, togetherness was the best idea thing to think about, and it should help us get by the hardest and most challenging times. I stood up at my feet, dressed myself, and softly kissed his lips before heading out of the door.

It’s so early in the morning, and some Spanish people seemed to be getting ready for the day ahead. I felt the Spanish ambiance, and it made me smile knowing Gary’s here with me. I stopped by my favorite restaurant, and got me and Gary a nice breakfast meal for two. It’s our first breakfast in our apartment, and I knew that I should’ve cooked, but I never learned how to cook. All those months that I have been trying to live independently in New York, I was actually just buying my food. The only time my kitchen was of purpose was during when Gary cooked for me.

It didn’t take me too long, like I promised Gary. I was back with our breakfast, and found him in his after-shower look with a towel wrapped around his waist. He looked so amazingly hot. I tried not to squeak.

              “Here’s breakfast.” I told him.

He then turned to look at my direction, and he smiled.
OMG… Am I really willing to see this only during weekends?

I was in the middle of my self-assessment when he’s decided to come over, and gave me a kiss. I savored his taste, tried to make the most out of that split second kiss. That’s all I could do for now.

              “Do you want me to come with you at your workshop?” I asked him.

Gary and I have found him a workshop for the next whole month since he needs to finish his collection before leaving for Paris for a whole year.

              “No, baby, I’ll be fine. I know you still have to do things here before dad come over this afternoon.” He said. I nodded at him with a smile.
Oh, so I will be left out here all alone…

He continued preparing to go, and I was just watching him intently.
God he’s amazing…

              “What’s that?” He said looking at the paper bag I placed on our little dining table.

              “These are our breakfast.” I answered him.

He walked over to help me prepare them for the both of us. “I’m sorry I didn’t cook.” I said to him.

He looked at me, and he flashed his sweetest smile. “Baby, it’s alright.” I felt so loved, accepted and understood. I thought that’s all that matters.

After eating our breakfast, he walked over to me, and he touched my head, caressing my hair. I placed my arms around his waist, stared at him.

I shifted my stare to his lips, and I unconsciously bit my lip. It has made him giggle. I enjoyed seeing him like that—as if he was very into the idea of how much he makes me long for him… every single day.

              “I have to go. Be a good girl, okay?” He joked.

I smiled sweetly at him. “I will.” I answered him.

He kissed my lips, and I accidentally had a stare towards the wall clock that came in with the apartment package, and I saw that he’s a bit an hour earlier for workshop.

As far as I’ve learned, his workshop won’t open after an hour and thirty minutes. And travelling to that place would only take him few minutes of walk.

Hmm… maybe he just wanted to make sure that he won’t be late. It’s weird, yes but I shouldn’t doubt him just for that.

I wanted to ask him so bad, but I was scared that he might not find it very offensive. So I just kept my mouth shut because I never wanted to cause him that kind of thinking that I was having a bit of doubts about his loyalty.

I mean, screw loyalty issues as that’s going to be really foul.
Or so I thought.

I watched him walk out of our apartment door.

God that felt so good to call this thing ‘ours’.
I felt this sudden sting of pain in my chest, for some reasons I couldn’t ever explain.

He wasn’t even doing something wrong, why on Earth would I feel very humiliated and betrayed?

I was indeed becoming this crazy bitch with some alter ego that he partner was just about to see and hate. I shook the idea out of my head.
No, I can’t be that wrong version of myself.
This was the version of me that he came to know and love, I should remain to be her at all costs.

I tried to keep myself busy so I won’t be paranoid of the stuff going on. It’s been thirty minutes since Gary left, and I was half-way done cleaning our small apartment—packing things unnecessary, piling up our clothes and pretty much normal unpacking activities.

I was in the middle of this thought when I heard the doorbell ringing.
Who could it be? It’s still too early for dad to come over. Besides, we haven’t told this address to anyone yet.

I gestured to open up the door when I heard a familiar voice calling out for me. “Kris, it’s me.”
It’s Clemente. What’s he—? How did he—?

I opened up the door for him, and he was soaked in rain.
Wait, was it raining? OMG! Gary!

              “Clemente… What are you—?” I wasn’t able to finish my sentence because he suddenly leaned over to kiss me. It was very intruding and pushy.

              “Stop…!” I cried while fighting the weight of his arms. I pushed him, but I couldn’t push him too far to slap him so hard in his freaking face. “Clemente, please stop it!” I literally begged him.

He was totally not playing fair, and there was no chance that he was going to stop anytime soon as he’s already wetting my cheeks and neck, it’s so gross!

I was both crying and begging him to stop.

I didn’t want it. It felt very wrong, and it was like as if I was being raped. Sure, maybe a year ago, this would’ve been an ideal thing to do, but I’ve got Gary now.

He’s all that matters.

All of a sudden, he was off me, and I was panting due to both fear and being grossed out. He was no way near my sight, so I tried to check out where he was so I would know if I was already safe.

But to my surprise, he was in the hall, being dragged by Gary!
OMG! Gary’s here. My hero…
But what’s he doing in here?

I saw Gary beating the shit out of Clemente, and my whole body was just filled with so much horror.
OMG!
I rushed to stop him, and the moment I touched his arms, he halted. I guess he didn’t want to accidentally hurt me.

              “Baby…” I begged him to stop.

              “Stop…” Clemente begged him to stop. “You are going to pay for this!” He promised when he got up to his feet and gained his balance.

The nerve of this guy!
“Just go, Clemente!” I ordered him to leave.

The soonest he was out of our sight, Gary looked at me horrified if I was hurt or traumatized. “I’m alright, Gary…” I said to him.

What’s going on?
“I swear I’ll kill him if he’s hurt you.” He said with such fury that I have never ever seen before. He suddenly turned into this person I have no idea who was, for the sake of defending me.
Awww…

              “Come, let me put on first aid to those bruises.” I told him as I lead him back to our apartment.

              “I don’t care if I go to jail, I will kill that m*therf*cker!” He cursed.

Whoa! Baby! Slow your row. Enough with the curses…

“Baby, thank you so much, I appreciate what you’ve done, but you shouldn’t have did too much.” I rebuked him.

He stared down at his fingers looking like a little kid guilty of beating the shit out of his playmate.

I knew something bad was going to happen. I mean, it wasn’t like Clemente but I was pretty sure that he’s going to make such big deal out of it since he’s a different person now. So, I did some damage control… I called dad.