Chapter 1

“ARE you ready for me?” Bullet whispered across her lips. He lifted her tight leather miniskirt and shoved her against the cold marbled wall. Her bright red lipstick was smudged all over her mouth and her hair, messy. The woman was just about five feet tall but her body was to die for.

He didn’t even give her a chance to respond. He looked around to make sure that they were alone in that dark corner of the bar and when he’s certain they won’t be disturbed, he started kissing her neck, which made her whimper with pleasure.

“Open wide, baby.”

“W-wait, you mean, we’re gonna do it here, now?” she asked. He was about to take off her underwear when she caught his hand. “Aren’t we gonna go to your place or something?”

That stopped Bullet from kissing her earlobe. A soft laugh escaped him and he looked at the beautiful woman in front of him. He shook his head and slowly retreated. “Sorry, Miss. If you don’t want to do it here, forget it.”

And then Bullet left without saying anything. He didn’t even get the chance to get her name, damn it. He’s not sure how many girls he has met that night and how many of them gave him flirty glances. Ah, women. He just could never understand them. They’d approach him and flirt with him and when he makes his move, they’d make him feel like a pervert.

Still shaking his head, Bullet approached the bar. A lot of people are already gathered around the short bartender who’s busy mixing customers' orders. He was about to sit back in his chair but someone else was already sitting there when he arrived. He went to the far side of the long bar and carefully examined the woman holding a glass of wine, busy with her phone.

The small tear-drop hanging bar lights made it difficult for Bullet to see the woman’s face so he stepped closer and occupied the vacant seat next to her.

“Scotch, please,” he exclaimed to the bartender, still watching the woman sitting next to him. Her hair was on a messy bun and with her black tanktop, Bullet was amazed at how smooth and fair her skin was. His eyes automatically went down her nape, then to her back and as his gaze went to her neck and curvy chest, he couldn’t help but sigh.

The woman was beautiful, no doubt. The kind of beauty that you can’t easily forget. Her body may not be the model-type but he’s certain that she’s got everything every guy could ever want - an angelic face, flawless skin, tiny waist and perky bosoms. In short, she’s hot. And it seems like she didn’t have a clue about it.

“Hi, Miss. Can I buy you a drink?” he asked quite loudly. He had to move a little closer for her to be able to hear him.

No response. She didn’t even look at him and just kept staring at her phone. When his scotch arrived, he immediately drank it and ordered another. He combed his shoulder-length hair and smiled, showing his white teeth. He’s not the type of guy who wastes time with someone who doesn’t even seem to notice him but strangely, he wanted her attention. Maybe because he’s not used to being turned down by women and maybe, he wanted to prove to himself that he hasn’t lost his charm.

“Hi, care for a drink?” he repeated. And at that moment, he moved the chair closer to make sure that the girl could hear whatever he’s saying.

“I don’t take drinks from strangers,” she said softly without looking at him.

“Well, the name’s Nick. And you are?”

“Not interested. I’m not interested.” She glared at him for a moment and in a few seconds that their eyes met, he felt something strange. Was that what they call ‘love at first sight’? He laughed at himself and shook his head. No, it was just a simple case of attraction, which has happened to him many times before. The woman suddenly stood up with her shoulder bag and left him alone. He followed her with his gaze until she sat down at an empty table in a distance.

He was dumbfounded. That was the first time that he got rejected by a girl and it didn’t feel good at all. After ordering a glass of whiskey and a Frozen Margarita, he stood up, took his drinks and approached her again - because he isn’t the type who gives up that easy, especially if it involves a gorgeous woman.

“Frozen Cotton Candy Margarita for the beautiful lady.”

If it were just another woman, he would have received a sweet smile and if he’s lucky, that smile would be followed by a sweet kiss. However, this woman just stared at him blankly as he sat down next to her.

“Again, I’m Nick. And you are?”

“Again, not interested,” she replied seriously. She’s still looking at him, judging him like he’s some kind of a criminal.

She’s even more beautiful up close, he realized. As he looked at her, her eyes were sparkling against the light. She was about to stand up but then, someone suddenly popped up next to them. The woman was tall, has long straight hair and when he looked at her, he felt as if he’s seen her somewhere before.

“Red!” Her high-pitched voice was so loud that the people around them looked in their direction. “Sofia, remember?” she wondered after giving him a kiss on the cheek.

No, he doesn’t remember but then he just smiled. Fortunately, her friends called her to join them because otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to get rid of her. She kissed him again before leaving and he was about to thank the Lord when a few minutes later, a slender woman approached him and called him ‘Glenn’. It took a couple of minutes before he was able to ask her to leave.

“Red? Glenn?” There was a tone of astonishment in her voice. “Wow. What is this, some new trend where men give different names to different women?”

Bullet scratched his head and leaned back. This was his worst night. Ever.

“I’m sure that Nick is not your real name, either?” Finally, a smile. She’s got perfect set of teeth and her smile was probably one of the most captivating he has ever seen.

“Fine. It’s Samuel Blake Ortega. You can call me Bullet, everybody does.”

“And how about Nick or Glenn or Red?” Again, she smiled, which made his heart skip a bit.

He shook his head and smiled as well. “Just Bullet. Please call me Bullet,” he reassured her as he extended his right hand. The woman hesitated for a moment before reaching out her hand.

“Astrid,” she chucked. “And don’t worry, that’s my real name.”

“Beautiful.” He held her soft hands and it felt so good that he didn’t want to let go just yet.

“So, what else do you want besides not letting go of my hand?”

Instead of releasing her hand, he smiled and shook her hand firmly. “Well…”

“Well…” Astrid withdrew her hand from Bullet and took the drink that he offered. “you already know my name, you already held my hand, then what? You’re gonna invite me somewhere for a one-night stand?”

He was surprised to hear something like that from a woman like her and he wasn’t ready for that kind of question because oftentimes, women do not ask him - they just come with him instantly, without question. Wow, this woman is something, he thought and that fact excited the hell out of him.

“And your silence means yes, ‘no?” She put her phone inside her bag and stood up. “Boys will always be boys,” she whispered to herself. “Good bye, Mr. Samuel Blake Ortega or Bullet or whatever your real name is. It was nice meeting you…oh, no…it was interesting meeting someone like you.”

And then, she’s gone, just like that.

~~

FROM the bar, the woman he met at the bar by the name called Ruby had her arms around him until they entered the hotel room. She’s one of those models seen on television ads wearing skimpy underwear. He first met her in Manila a few months ago and it was a total surprise for Bullet seeing her earlier at the bar.

Ruby went to Baguio for a photo shoot while he was there for a short vacation, which was something he does every year for his birthday.

He can no longer count the times his parents had reprimanded him about his chosen life and yeah he admits that sometimes, he’s getting tired of his career. After graduating from college and passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers, he spent his time as a part-time model, contrary to the wishes of his parents who are both considered as respected professors in one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Bullet didn’t really want to become a teacher but he had to obey his father because he didn’t want to be disowned.

He’s turning 23 in three weeks and he knew that it’s time for him to shape up. So he went to Baguio to stay away from his parents and from everyone to enjoy his remaining days as a ‘happy-go-lucky’ guy because next month, he’ll start his new career as a a consultant.

“Let’s go to my room, babe…” Ruby whispered after licking her earlobe that gave him pleasure. The two men in blue vests smiled at them as the huge glass door opened. They were immediately given drinks as they entered the lobby of the 6-storey hotel where there were lots of tourists coming in. It was the middle of March and he was used to that kind of crowd.

“Sure,” he chucked as he gave her butt a bit of a squeeze.

She grabbed her by the hand and pulled him into the elevator. While waiting for the door to open, she continued kissing him on the neck and when the elevator finally opened, Ruby immediately pushed him inside and kissed him on the lips.

“Easy, easy,” he laughed. Fortunately, they were the only ones inside.

“Hmm, why didn’t you call me after the event we had in Makati?” she muttered in between kisses.

Oh, did he has to? He replied by kissing her and when he deepened the kiss, he squeezed her small waist to bring her body closer to him.

Ruby wasn’t a bad kisser but she wasn’t good either. Kissing her was like kissing a playful little dog - wet and messy. But who’s he to complain? Ruby del Rio was one of the most in demand models in the country and being able to kiss her and sleep with her was any man’s fantasy.

Bullet was about to give Ruby what she wanted but suddenly, the elevator opened at their destination, the fifth floor. He saw her smiled a sweet smile after wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. Though expected, he was still caught off guard when she pulled him and they ran together until they reached the front of the room she’s occupying.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” he wondered. He’s familiar with this kind of setup that models have. The agency provides the room for everyone and he’s certain that the room wasn’t just for Ruby.

“Oh, everybody’s still at the bar and I’m sure they’re not coming back anytime soon.”

That made him excited even more. He didn’t really have a plan to have a one night stand this time but it was like the universe has other plans. Ah, one night stand. He suddenly remembered the strange woman he had met at the bar earlier. Arianne…Armie…Astrid. Yeah, the woman’s name was Astrid, who happens to be the most gorgeous-slash-outspoken woman he has ever met in his life and for him, that strong combination was hot as hell. If only he could see her again, he’d make sure that she won’t be able to resist his charm this time around.

As soon as the door closed, Ruby immediately pushed him to the first bed of the large room. He sat down and smiled when she sat on his lap. She wasted no time and she kissed him and quickly removed his black jacket, followed by his black shirt. From his lips, her kisses traveled down his neck and her hands descended towards his stomach.

“You missed me that much, huh?” he whispered. He took off Ruby’s dress, and then her underwear, revealing her bosoms. “Well, I missed these babies, too.”

“Oh yes, baby…they missed you too. Kiss them, please…”

Ruby didn’t even have to ask. He immediately cupped both her mounds and licked one after the other, making her arch her back. She held his head closer to her breasts as if she couldn’t get enough. He slightly stood up so he could take off his shirt, then his belt and pants. Ruby smiled at him when she saw his already stiff shaft.

“Oh I missed this little one - oops, I mean, huge one!”

And that made him laugh. He carried the woman and let her sat on top of him. “Do you want it now?” he asked hoarsely.

She didn’t say anything but her smile says it all. He quickly laid her down on the bed and claimed her lips once again. Ruby took one of his hands and guided it to her abdomen. He knew what she wanted so without warning, he licked her slender neck while playfully touching her wetness over and over until she cried out his name.

“Are you on the pill?” he murmured while massaging his manhood over her center.

Ruby just nodded, her eyes still closed. Her arms were around him, her legs around his waist and when when she opened her eyes, he knew that it’s time.

He rode her wild as if it was the last. Oh yeah, probably, it’s gonna be the last time for the both of them. That’s how he is every time he meets someone. He makes sure that he gives his best shot so that he won’t have any regrets in the end. He’s the type who doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions. What matters to him was that he was able to give himself completely, except his heart.