Game of Temptation (Argos)

"What the hell is taking Adrian so long?" I asked the three staff in front of me impatiently while my hands are in my waist. I feel like my thirty minutes have been wasted waiting. I was supposed to be in my office at this moment.

“Ma’am Via, we can’t still contact Sir Adrian. We’ve been calling him since this morning,” My assistant answered, holding her cellphone.

I slapped my forehead. “So? What should we do? Do we have to wait for forever? Mrs. Chua is already asking for sample shots! Should I tell her that we cannot contact the main model we have for this project instead?” I am trying my best not to be mad but this is stressing me so much.

The three staff including my assistant stayed quiet. Alright, I am not usually this hot-headed. I am just pressured about this project and now, the model cannot be contacted.

I sighed to calm myself. This isn’t the time to lose my control.

"Alright. Just keep on contacting Adrian and his manager." I said in a softer voice. “If Adrian’s not here after thirty more minutes, we have no choice but to pack up.”

The staff agreed as I sat on the couch in the corner of the studio. I looked around and saw more or less ten people that wasted almost two hours of their time just waiting for Adrian Lopez. He wasn’t even my first choice for this project! The main model that was chosen had to go back to Spain because his mom’s sick and he wanted to be with her.

Adrian was just suggested by the chosen model’s manager since they are kind of similar in terms of looks and overall aura. This already happened twice. If he’s a no-show this time, I’ll face the consequences of firing him and look for another model. I don’t want to be stressed over a very unprofessional model.

When the time came and Adrian’s still a no-show, I went back to my office a few floors up from the studio. I left my secretary to deal with the staff and ordered her to just drop Adrian Lopez.

I was sitting on my swivel chair taking a break when I saw a card on my table. I immediately smiled when I saw what’s inside. It’s an invitation from Bee, whom I used to work with and eventually became a friend. It’s his son’s second birthday. She’s currently residing in Isabela now with her little family.

I wouldn’t miss this for the world especially that I think, I deserve to relax a bit from the pressure of the summer special project. Mrs. Chua wants a specific type of model.

I don’t think leaving for a couple of days won’t hurt my schedule anyway.

After three days, I packed my bags and left.

I received a few words from my boss and I apologized. It’s really my fault when I thought that this project would be over quickly because we have the models we needed. But Mrs. Chua is very specific and who am I to argue? I told her next week that we’ll be done with this come what may.

But I don't mean that. I don’t know when I could find that specific model she’s looking for. Well, Bee’s husband can be a really good candidate but hell, I doubt if he will be interested, especially Bee! Three months before she gave birth, Ram wanted her to be a stay-at-home wife so she resigned and just stayed in Isabela. It's funny whenever I think about how the two of them met.

The moment that my feet landed at the airport, I immediately called Bee. This is an unfamiliar place for me, and they are supposed to pick me up with their husband. Turned out, they encountered a bit of a problem in their Hacienda so instead, they sent one of their people to pick me up.

They told me where to wait for a black Pajero. I took some photos and uploaded them on my Instagram. As an editor in chief, I lived up to the people who know me on their expectations when it comes to my Instagram profile. I have a few thousands of followers that I interact with in my free time.

I was done munching a cupcake when I spotted a black Pajero coming my way. I fixed the sunglasses was wearing and practice my smile. The car’s tinted so I couldn’t see the person fetching me.

I was holding the small traveling bag I bought with me when the driver’s door clicked and a tall figure got out. The smile I readied flew in the air when I saw the overall look of the guy coming towards me.

He was towering over me. The first two buttons of the red and white checked polo he was wearing are undone, giving me a peek of his muscular chest. The sleeves are pulled up to his elbow which showed more of his tanned skin. Prominent jaw and nose, small chinky eyes with full eyebrows. His hair is longer than usual and he’s rocking the man bun he got on his back.

Every time he moves, the polo moves a little as well, revealing his leather belt. It’s perfectly partnered with the faded jeans he’s wearing below. It looks old and has torn all over but for me, it added to the overall appeal of his outfit.

When he came near me, I automatically smelled his scent; he smells a mix of soap and sun.

“Miss Via?” His voice is deep and husky. It compliments his physical appearance who looks very manly on every edge.

“Y-Yes,” I answered as I cleared my throat.

“I’m from Hacienda Esquillo. I am here to pick you up.” His tone is cold, but there’s something endearing with the way he talks.

Something awakened inside me.

I forced a smile not to make it awkward. “Ah. Yes, hello.”

It wasn’t even my first time to see a good-looking species like this. Hell, I am even almost always surrounded by them! But this guy gives a different impact on me. The fact that he’s this good looking like how models usually look from agencies across the country yet he’s working in a Hacienda makes it interesting.

He took a glance at the bag I was holding. It feels like whenever he moves, everything is in slow motion. Each move is calculated and precise.

“Is this the only thing you bought?” He asked, eyeing my bag. I can’t help but stare at his lips while he talks. It looks luscious. I even became a bit conscious if my lips are dry under my nude lipstick.

“Yep! I’ll only be staying for a few days, that’s why,” I said smiling coyly at him. I regained my cool.

He nods and got my bag from my hand. He put the bag at the back seat then positioned his hand, telling me to come inside, too.

“Get in please so we’ll arrive early.” Now he’s smiling. But just a bit, like he’s reserving his bigger smile for some other time. He kept on looking at me and I don’t know if he’s just like that or he actually likes doing that because it’s me.

I was about to get in when I realized that I’ll be sitting in the back seat.

“Why here?” My forehead creased.

He blinked, and then he scratched his head. “Is something wrong, Ma’am?” He looked confused.

“I mean, can’t I sit on the front seat instead?” Maybe he’s not comfortable but it will feel weird on my part if I sit in the back seat while he’s driving and alone in front.

A few seconds more and his face lightened. “Oh, it’s okay, I just thought you’d be more comfortable at the back seat.” He was shaking his head while opening the front seat’s door for me.

I quickly got in, and then he went around to the driver’s seat. Before I knew it, we're already on the way.

While on the road, I can’t help but be busy looking outside the window. There’s no car freshener around, all I can smell is the mixed scent of soap, sun, and whatever perfume he was using. And I won’t complain! It smells just like how he looks; very manly.

“Are we going to take long?” I said, breaking the silence between us. I also want to start a conversation with him.

“Hmm, it can take about an hour, Ma’am.” He answered politely.

“Oh, I see. I can take a nap, right?”

He nods, still focused on the road. I glanced at him shortly but reminded myself not to stare because it’s rude, and he might feel uncomfortable if I keep doing it. One short glance and I noticed how smooth his skin. Perfectly tan and clear.

I calmed myself. I have to stop. Maybe I really need to nap. I positioned myself on a more comfortable pose and gave in to the sleepiness. I don’t know how long I was out, but I opened my eyes when I feel that the car stopped. I immediately look for the driver.

“Why did we stop? Is it here?” I asked him, still groggy from the nap.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry. We had to stop here for an errand. Ma’am Bea just called, she said that there are some more ingredients needed in the kitchen.” He explained, but he seems shy.

“Oh, okay. It’s fine. Go,” I have him a reassuring smile instead.

He got out of the car and went inside the market. I looked around and saw a normal scene you’ll see in the market. I decided to just open my emails and check some notifications. I didn’t know how long he was out because I responded to quite a lot of comments and tweets before he came back to the car.

He put the two plastic bags he was holding in the back seat. They were neatly sealed and instead of the car smelling bad because he came from the market, the mixed scent of soap and sun. Weird but I like it.

“We’re back on the road, Ma’am.” He informed me before he starts the engine.

“Call me Via,” I said softly.

“Ma’am?” His forehead creased as he glanced at me shortly before he put his eyes on the road.

“I said, just call me Via. You don’t have to be so polite; I feel like an old maid or something,” I said in a friendly tone so he can be more relaxed.

He chuckled. And I am fascinated when I heard it.

Ah, hell. Why do I notice every single detail about this guy?

“Alright, Ma’- I mean, I should call you Ma’am because you’re a visitor in the Hacienda. I have to still be polite,” I can see him smiling while saying that. His focus is still on the road.

“Of course, you can! Just call me Via. I think we’re almost the same age anyway,” I said casually.

He nods. Good. I don’t want to keep on reminding him to just call me by my first name.

“So, what’s your name?”

“Argos,” He answered immediately.

I paused, “Wow. Unique.” It suites him, though. It sounds manly.

“My mother named me Argos because she likes resting in Kubli while listening to the sound of the water while she’s pregnant with me. From Agos to Argos.” I saw the twinkle in his eyes while he’s telling me that.

“Kubli?”

“It’s a fall within the Hacienda. It’s kind of hidden that’s why it’s called Kubli. Ma’am Bea likes it there, she comes frequently.”

“Wow, really? I want to see it too!” I am already imagining the small falls he was saying. At least I have one place I know I can go to while I am here, and it’s just within the Hacienda!

“You can tell Ma’am Bea so she can show you, Ma’am.”

I cleared my throat. “There you go again, I told you to just call me Via,” I said playfully.

I saw him moved his shoulders and gave me an apologetic smile.

We didn’t talk after that; thus, I continued my nap. I woke up when the engine stopped. I looked around and saw Bee running down the stairs from their main house. She was wearing a yellow summer dress, her hair in a bun and she's really glowing!

Argos opened the door and I immediately got out and ran to Bee. We hugged instantly.

“Oh my gosh! I am so excited that you are here!” She said giggling like a kid. She then looked at my back where Argos is standing. “Argos, you can just leave her things, I’ll let Ram get it later. And thank you, we couldn’t find any other available driver to fetch Via a while ago,”

I looked at Argos and saw how his face blushed and gave Bee a shy smile. “No problem, Ma’am. I wasn’t needed at the fields yet a while ago. And I can just bring her things now since I don’t have anything to do anyway,”

“Are you sure? You don’t have to do it,”

Argos shake his head and went to the car to get my things and walked straight inside. He probably knows the rooms in this house since he seems to be a long-time employee in the Hacienda. Maybe they are even living around the area so he’s really familiar with the house.

I was just looking at him the whole time. I felt disappointed knowing that Argos might like Bee. But if ever, who can blame him? ? Bee's a natural seductress. She's really pretty, smart and she’s easy to get along with.

"Hey, so how's the ride?" Bee asked me after Argos disappeared from our view.

“It’s okay, he’s nice,” I said softly.

Bee started walking so I did, too. “Who, Argos?”

I nod. Went up the stairs and I can see the massive door from the house. I don’t even know if I should still call this a house cause it’s huge. A mansion would be a more appropriate word to use.

“He’s handsome, right? Ram used to be so jealous with Argos, I always laugh whenever I remember it,” Bee said giggling.

I stared at Bee. I feel so stupid for trying to find a clue that she also likes Argos, but there’s none. And I should stop.

“But he’s really nice. He’s polite. He’s one of the most hard-working people we have here in Hacienda.” She smiled then face me, “Anyway, Ram’s at the back. He’s grilling some fish and the barbecue.”

“And your kid?” I asked as we approach the door.

“He’s upstairs, sleeping. I left to personally welcome you.” Her smile is so wide. She looks so happy and contented.

“You know what? Being a mother and wife suits you. You look so pretty!” I exclaimed.

Bee chuckled. “You should think about getting hitched as well. It feels so good, I swear!”

I rolled my eyeballs. “I’m still busy,”

She laughed again. “Yeah, you look stressed. I booked that ticket earlier so you can stay for a few more days actually.”

“I glad you did that. I have been ditched by an unprofessional model twice and I fired him. It has been a problem because Mrs. Chua is very firm with the type of model he wants for the campaign.” I don’t mean to rant, but Bee can understand since we used to work together and this seems like a chance for a small breather.

“How hard is it to find a model? The scene is swarming of any models you can have!”

“Not really since Mrs. Chua wants a really specific type.” I scrunched my nose. I don’t even want to think of work since I am here for pleasure! “Remember when we talked two weeks ago and I asked for Ram’s schedule?”

“Yep, why?”

“I was about to ask you if he would want to be since he fits the type, but you said he’s busy managing this Hacienda.”

Bee let out a loud laugh. “Why would you want my husband to be your model?"

"Tanned, sexy in all the right places, and fresh face. That's what Mrs. Chua wants."

"Oh. Ram wouldn't really like that."

“Yeah, I thought so too, so I didn’t say anything. But I saw someone similar, though.” I don’t know if it’s appropriate to do or say this to Bee, but a girl can try.

Right at that moment, we saw Argos going down from the grand staircase. His polo is now full blown open and he’s playing with his hands while looking around.

Bee looked at me with a naughty grin. "Good luck, then.”