Franco Fontanilla

AFTER LOGGING OUT, I got bored getting up and wandering around the room. Until I thought about looking at the balcony, from here, I could see the wrangler jeep parked opposite the mansion.

That was probably his brother Franco’s car. I used to think he was an only child. In the family picture, because they were in Lawrence’s condo, only three were in the photo. I just shrugged that thing and decided to go down because I felt thirsty.

From the second floor, I could see the man Lawrence was talking to. Perhaps he is what they call brother Franco. I finally stepped down, causing me to grab his attention.

His brown eyes were settling on mine, hard-rimmed and fixed. His dark brows were actually as graceful as Lawrence’s. Like him, he has the chiseled body of an athlete, brooding muscles, and bulging features. He got that brown skin, and two blazing eyes were full of intensity.

“You didn’t tell me you had a visitor?” His voice was deep but in a lighter tone.

Lawrence violently confronted me, causing me to stop walking. His brows furrowed together, jaw tightened with disapproval.

“Uh, I just wanted to get some water.” My word passed on my lips. I feel like I did something wrong when I came here today.

“Hi, I’m Franco Fuentanilla.” He offered his hand for a handshake. I did not hesitate to reach for his hand. Unlike Lawrence, his hand is a bit rough, which I definitely pull at work.

“And you must be?”

“Margaux Collins,” I utterly said.

But Lawrence immediately withdrew my hand to his brother. He even hid me from him, who is now behind him.

“This is the last time you could touch her! If you repeat this, I don’t know what I will do to you!” His voice was laced with anger.

“Hoah! I’m just introducing myself to your guest!” He then chuckled. He also shook his head in front of the other.

“She is not my guest. If you have nothing else to say, you can leave Franco.”

His lips twitched as if he was fighting a smile. “So, then, let’s just meet at the resort!”

He gave me a glimpse before turning around and finally walking out.

That’s when Lawrence turned to me. His glare sucked something out of me—a glared with an intensity that tightened my chest.

“I was thirsty, so I went down to get—” I would have explained, but I couldn’t even finish my word because of his vulgar curse.

I bite my bottom lip. I also bend down my head quickly. What I’ve done wrong? I didn’t make a big deal.

There is also nothing wrong if I meet his brother.

He took a deep breath and let it all out in one sigh. “Alright, I’ll get some water for you.” He quickly turned around, and after a while, he brought cold water for me.

“Thanks,” I murmured, jutting my bottom lip out, “And I’m sorry . . .” I added.

Instead of answering, he stroked my hair, so I sniffed even more.

“Let’s go home,” he said.

“When are you coming back here, son?” Mirasol said as she led us out.

“Maybe I’ll celebrate my birthday here. When I’m not busy with work,” he replied to the old woman before kissing her on the cheek.

Birthday? Then, his birthday is near. A smile flashed on my lips before finally getting into his car.

***

WHEN WE ARRIVED at the resort, Lawrence again instructed me not to approach his brother, which I agreed to.

I also did not ask why. Maybe I will ask him at some other time when his head is no longer hot.

I glanced at him as we entered the hotel. His brows creased hard as if to meet the hot sun even though we were inside the hotel. His stares were also dark, and it does not even pay attention to the employees who greet him.

I went to his suite while he was left in the lobby because of his important meeting with his brother Franco.

I go straight to his room, but suddenly someone held my hand tight to prevent entry into Lawrence’s suite. My eyes widened in shock since I met the man who had pulled me.

“Franco!”

“Hi!” His warm hot breath touches my skin.

I did not form immediately because he locked me in the wall with his two arms. He’s too closed that I couldn’t even breathing.

I gasped as I tried to escape from his strong arms. “What is your problem?!” I said in a cold rage.

“Why are you naughty? I just want to find out what kind of woman my sister in law to be is?” His eyes slide down to my lips and watched my astonished face.

“Let go off me!” I said emphatically and insisted on getting out of jail in his arms.

“That’s what I want from a woman, elusive,” he said and touched my two shoulders. Again, I felt the cold wall behind me.

I could do nothing but greet his earnest eyes staring at me. I must admit, he really have a lot in common with Lawrence especially now that I’m staring at him more closely. From his dark features to his tantalizing eyes, that will surely catch a woman’s heart.

“It’s good that Lawrence and I have different tastes when it comes to women,” he said with a bit of mockery.

I just rolled my eyes. As if I care! If he weren’t just Lawrence’s brother, I would have definitely slapped him.

His gaze still settled before his lips lifted to mine. “Kidding aside, you’re pretty, though.” A husky voice comes from his mouth.

His gaze lingered on my face for a moment before finally moving away.

“Well then, see you around, my lady,” he finally said and left me with a wink of an eye.

I just breathed a sigh of relief when he left and walked away. But I can’t help but be nervous about what will happen. I know that this is not our last encounter.

***

I WAS VERY dressed because I was going to San Felipe today. I found out that Lawrence’s birthday was on the weekend. So, I wanted to surprise him. I told Mirasol not to let Lawrence know I was going there because I knew he would get angry when I went to rancho alone.

In my car, I crossed the road to San Felipe. Just like when I first set my foot in the hacienda, I was still amazed at what I saw. The green trees were inviting, and the warm breeze welcomed me.

“Good morning, Ma’am Margaux.” At the same time, Mirasol and the housemates greeted me. As before, their smiles are still gentle.

“Come in first to eat.” Mirasol came up to me.

“Thank you. Come with me for breakfast.” I like them. At first, they refused but later agreed.

“Ma’am Margaux, can I ask a question? How did you meet Sir Lawrence?” Tanya asked me delightedly.

Rica quickly kicked her to scold.

My face heated, how the two were still trembling while pinching.

“I met him at the middle of the road.”