I could even inhale his familiar masculine scent on the pillows and on the bed sheet as if he laid beside me while I was sleeping. I know because the jacket that he once gave me when he saved me on the road before had the same scent.
Back then, I displayed that jacket in my room even if I had no idea whose it was or where it came from. It was a wonder how Alexandros’ scent lingered there even if so many years had passed since then. Whenever I find it difficult to sleep because of work-related problems, I would just wear that jacket. And then I would calm down and eventually fall asleep.
I got up even if I still feel a little dizzy. But before I could reach for the door, it already opened. I was instantly greeted with the face that I could not forget no matter what I do. So my hunch was right. I was really inside my hero’s territory. But based on what I heard on the radio, Alexandros was not the type to acknowledge that he could play a role as big as that in people’s lives. He would never claim being a hero because for some unknown reason, he treats himself as one of the villains.
I don’t understand why Alexandros seemed to be so clueless about how wonderful he was. Out of desperation, I hired a private investigator to gather information about him. That was how badly I wanted to get to know him even if I knew it wasn’t right to do it. But the PI only found a few info about him. He said that only a few people only gets to see Alexandros personally that’s why he remained an enigma even in the business world.
If people could see Alexandros’ pictures on the magazines or newspapers, those were all stolen shots of him. He never attended any social gathering. He would only send a representative in every meeting that requires his presence. I also found out the crazy number of organizations that he had been supporting and sponsoring in order to help my countrymen even if he did not have any Filipino blood.
Alexandros was a business magnate. He had built hospitals in some far-away provinces which offered free medicines, check-up, surgeries, and operations. Aside from the directors of those hospitals, no one else knew his connections to those places. It just so happened that the investigator I hired had so many contacts that he was able to find out those information.
And I was happy that I’ve discovered those things about Alexandros. It just meant that my heart did a good job in liking him. He helps others secretly that’s why instead of distancing myself from him just like what he wanted me to do, I found myself admiring him more.
And just like what usually happens, I had to be in danger again before Alexandros could appear in front of me again. This time, I didn’t shiver so much about the idea that I almost got killed again. Because before I passed out, I saw his face. And in the middle of danger, my heart was at peace because I knew he would keep me safe.
Alexandros was the reason why I was able to stand before him, alive, and breathing. He also came to my rescue when someone or something pushed me when I was on the helipad of hotel Cabrera. I was only taking a breather at that time because of all the stress brought by my workloads when there was a sudden strong force that pushed me down. I would have fallen and I would have died if Alexandros did not catch me in the air.
That took place a few months ago. But until now, I still feel a chill running down my spine every time I would remember that moment. Alexandros’ words from before suddenly crossed my mind.
“Hey, Alison, look at me,” he said after he took me back to the helipad. When he tried to put me down, my knees wobbled. I was about to fall on the ground when he caught me by the waist. “Alison-“
“I-I fell, r-right? And y-you,” I pointed him even if my fingers were shaking, too. I feel like my head wanted to burst because of what just happened. “You... caught me in the air. H-how did all of this happen?” I said, screaming and crying at the same time. I gripped my hair. “Oh, God! I must be out of my mind. I wanted to convince myself that it didn’t happen but I can’t betray my own body. I could still feel the tension and the fear even through my bones and I just-“
I did not get to finish what I was going to say when all of a sudden, the stranger grabbed my head, pulled me close, and kissed me on the lips. My eyes widened! It was my first kiss! Before I could push him away, he immediately released me from his embrace. I stared at him with my mouth wide open. Only then did I notice the stranger’s swollen lips and the blood coming from his head as if he had been through a major fight before he came to me.
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t know how to make you stop. I thought I’ve already seen all the frantic and hysterical sides of you. I guess I was wrong. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone who still looks so beautiful in this state except you. You are amazing, Alison Flora, you always are.”
The man was obviously in pain. I saw him slightly winced as he held his chest. But he still managed to softly smile at me as if he was trying to pacify my nerves. He gently held my shoulders before he looked straight into my eyes. And then his smile disappeared as he looked at me with an unyielding expression.