Mabel awoke when they reached a charging station for Devlin’s Tesla. She was comfortable and when she awoke, she noticed why. A soft flannel blanket was wrapped around her. Devlin’s thoughtfulness cracked the wall around her heart a bit. That thought froze Mabel.       “Oh no, not again!’ she whispered, thankful that he didn’t hear. This unsettled her. He mustn’t know otherwise, it would be easy for him to manipulate her feelings into letting him in. She has been building walls around her heart for fear of being hurt again. But Devlin has also been chipping away at it second by second. She covered her discovery by asking if they could have some coffee.      “You really are a woman after my own heart Mabel. Coffee of course and with some cakes too?’ Devlin grinned with some boyish charm. 

     During the Thanksgiving/Engagement Party, Devlin didn’t expect to be asked as a chaperone to Rain and Ami. He was enjoying dancing with Mabel and then was pulled aside by Ali and asked if he and Mabel could chaperone Ali’s lady love whom he jilted just to satisfy his honor. Devlin wanted to pound Ali at that moment. First, he was engaged to a woman not Ami, next he asked him to be a chaperone, just when he was having the night of his life. Mabel no longer withdrew whenever he kissed her probably because of the hundred kisses she owes him but she also seemed to be more at ease with him. True, he wouldn’t break his promise to himself of not taking Mabel against her wishes but he will enjoy whatever liberties he can take within acceptable places of course. A Filipina seen in public being kissed and manhandled is considered by some as a loose woman. He did not wish that for Mabel so he tries to corner her where nobody can see them. It

     After a week in his apartment where Devlin remained gentlemanly aside from a few stolen kisses, Mabel decided it was time to go back to her rented hotel accommodation. She couldn’t stand the temptation of offering herself to him no matter the consequences.Devlin seemed to be content with just cuddling and Mabel couldn’t take it anymore.  Since Rain is now the co-owner of the apartelle next door, he offered a place for her there. Devlin did not object as long as she was nearby. If it takes forever for her to feel comfortable around him without thinking of him seducing her, he will wait. Rain and Ami noticed Devlin always within the vicinity and sometimes with the diplomat’s clingy wife on his arm but they found out he was overseeing the extension to his cafe. The cafe was doing great, having Mabel oversee it was a plus. It was a cafe that caters to the majority of the middle working class in the UAE. It was almost always full a

     Bathed and fed, Mabel reclined comfortably on Devlin’s bed or more or less on Devlin. She still felt lethargic but she was grateful for Devlin who was holding her tightly as if fearing she would disappear again. He was also nuzzling her neck and every now and then nibbles on the length of her neck. She would shiver with pleasure and he seemed to enjoy it as he kept doing it. She moved their clasped hands towards her lips and kissed his knuckles. She will enjoy whatever simple pleasures he will shower on her. Whatever the outcome of this temporary arrangement, she would take it wholeheartedly. She loves him and no matter what he decides, she’ll take it willingly. After a while, Devlin slid her slowly on the bed and told her not to move. In actuality, her nearness is causing him trouble down south and he has one important task to do before they proceed.       He sat d

     They reached Baguio thirty past eleven. Rain brought them straight to the manor. Mrs. Claudia Gonzales was about to go to bed after waiting for the two to get home when she heard voices. She recognized Mabel’s. “Oh, am I dreaming? Could it be?’ She rushed down to the salon and stopped in her tracks when she saw her.It is indeed her but with other guests?      “Mabel, is it really you? Why are you home and Mr. Devlin, this is quite a surprise.” Mabel moved forward to her aunt’s outstretched arms and gave her a hug. “It is a long story auntie but I would like to introduce you to Mr. Devlin’s mother and his two sisters. “Mrs. Devlin this is my aunt, Mrs. Claudia Gonzales. Auntie this is Mrs. Devlin and her two daughters, Louisa and Shauna.’ As the ladies came forward, Mrs. Gonzales could easily see the resemblance to Devlin.