Riko and Karl were preoccupied with taking charge of the opposing party, while Rafael went on a trip to central Philippines accompanied by Kanna, Kyoko, Jiena, Eugene and his new partner Casey; as well as Gary.
Meanwhile at the hotel lobby area, Kyoko was occupied completing paperwork as everyone else lounged on the sofa. Rafael embraces Kanna tenderly enjoying her pleasant scent as she rests her head against his shoulder.
"I love this feeling whenever I'm around you," Rafael murmured to his sweetheart. Kanna chuckled, giving him a peck on the cheek and hugging him tightly. "I missed you like crazy."
Watching them with a mix of disgust and amazement, Jiena stared at the couple without blinking. She sipped her water loudly before speaking up. "You guys were only apart for three weeks plus one more because we graduated from high school."
"Well, that's already an eternity for lovers," Rafael quipped in reply.
"Yeah, Jiena, let's leave the lovebirds alone. They haven't seen each other for ages," Gary chimed in. "You know what? A beautiful girl like you deserves to have some fun too."
"Really? And who do you suggest?" Jiena asked jokingly as Gary tried his best to impress her with a straight face but failed and made everyone burst out laughing. "Definitely not someone who looks like Mojacko just like you!" Everyone laughed at the inside joke while Kyoko approached them with the keys to their suites.
"Gary's pretty lucky, he can hook up with girls easily since he has no competition in his suite," Kyoko said as she gave everyone their keys. Rafael, Kanna, Eugene, Casey and finally Jiena all arrived at the suites.
After a nap, they went to explore the pristine beach on the still-developing island that was already attracting tourists. Rafael's toned body caught some attention from nearby girls while scanning for other people around them along with Gary and Eugene who were wearing swimming trunks too.
"Wow, you really turn heads," Eugene said to Rafael as they walked by a group of guys checking out Kanna and Casey.
Kanna blushed and grabbed her chest, even though she was wearing a swimsuit. Rafael comforted her while Casey confidently rocked her green bikini behind Eugene.
"Don't worry about them, I'm here for you," reassured Rafael to his girlfriend when the guys turned their attention towards Jiena and Kyoko who entered like goddesses with amazing bodies. Everyone couldn't take their eyes off Kyoko because of her curves, voluptuous butt and lovely C-cup breasts that would drive any man crazy.
"Those dudes have been giving you two a makeover," Gary jokingly said to the Marino siblings.
"But we're here to have fun, I mean who wants to wear a jacket at the beach?" As they walked towards the sand, Kanna and Rafael couldn't help but feel grateful to be together enjoying each other's company without any worries. They rocked their swimsuits and shorts flaunting their Adonis and Aphrodite-like bodies while running around chasing one another on the shore before finally laying down on the pristine white sand taking in every moment as something precious.
"I love you," Kanna whispered as she hugged her man.
Rafael responded with a passionate kiss and said, "I love you more than anything." Kanna smiled at him happily and said, "You're the best thing that ever happened to me."
That night they saw a beautiful meteor shower while sitting on the balcony counting stars. Kanna admired it for its beauty when Rafael told her, "It's not as stunning as you are."
Laughingly Kana replied, "Stop teasing me! You're crazy!"
Rafael looked into her eyes and asked seriously, "Do I look like someone who would lie to my girl?"
She answered by saying sweetly, "Of course not. I trust you because I have felt so much love from you."
As they closed the window; slowly Rafael passionately kissed Kanna. The lass looked up at him, then nuzzled his chin with the top of her head, almost like a soft bump. He smiled and tightened his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. He kissed the top of her head, breathing in the scented shampoo she had used the night before.
She wrapped her arms around his chest, and moved to sit on his lap, resting her head on his shoulder. He moved her head up and kissed her, letting their lips move softly over each other. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tilting her head just so to match their lips together even more so. They kissed one more time before Kanna could feel something against the triangle between her legs. She blushed lightly, and looked down, her finger to her mouth as she could see through the water at his soldier standing to attention.
Rafael blushed lightly as well, and looked down at her breasts where she was waist up out of the water sitting on his lap. He let his hands slide down her wet body, over her waist and hips, cupping her cheeks.
It was her first time, but she was shy each time they went at it.
She let his hand come around, and up her stomach, cupping her breast and using his thumb to roll her nipple around. Kanna moaned lightly as he leaned forward, taking in a nipple into his mouth, and sucking. She let her voice come out with her panting as he moved his hips slightly, making his length rub against her slit, slightly making it split. She gasped out when it did, and the head of his dick touched her clit, making her tingle.
Rafael looked up at her face, then pulled away.
"Kanna, do you want me to?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
She opened her eyes, and looked at him, blushing even more now that he asked her.
She nodded and felt his fingers at her entrance, just gently brushing at the lips. She gasped and he kissed her, sliding his tongue in at the same time that he slid his fingers in. She moaned into his mouth only to have him swallow it. Gently, she rocked her hips, letting his fingers move as she did so.
"Damn, I wish you were doing that on my dick." He said, his voice husky in her ear.
She blushed at her reddest, and felt his hands lift her up slightly, enough for her to feel the tip of his head skimming her lips as he gently lowered her back down, impaling her. She shook for a little bit, then looked at him. The minute their eyes met, she looked away, her face completely red as he took her by the hips.
He rocked her gently, letting her feel his length just standing in her as her hips rocked against him. She leaned forward, and rested her head on his shoulder, kissing his neck as he lifted her hips, and let them slide down his shaft repeatedly.
Kanna let out the moans, letting her face blush and just letting herself go for him. Rafael could see that her body was relaxing, and loved it. Only he could see the kinky side of Kanna. He then picked up the pace, letting her slightly fall back onto him. She let out a moan, and brought her hands up to his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin as she started to cry out, feeling his length sliding in and out of her body.
Despite the fact they were in a cold bath, their bodies were beginning to sweat. They could feel each other throbbing the slightest bit. They rocked against each other as Rafael slumped down a bit more to let his hips thrust up.
His hand traced her spine, and he watched as she shivered in delight and pleasure from him doing so. He licked her neck when she bent her head back. Soon, Kanna was rocking her hips by herself, making even Rafael melt into her. He reached up and held onto her hand, his other on the small of her back, pulling her closer to him.
They both cried out, cumming at the same time with each other, grasping each other's bodies, their hands slipping on each other's slick skin.
Rafael slowly pulled out, and pulled her sideways onto his lap, his arms around her waist as hers was around his neck. He kissed her.
-----
The next day, Rafael and Kanna woke up naked and happy. The sun was shining in their room. "How did you sleep?" asked Rafael.
"Good," replied Kanna with a smile as she kissed him on the lips. "You are amazing."
Rafael was happy to get out of bed and put on his clothes because it was their last day of vacation before they headed back to Manila. He and Kanna went out with Jiena, Eugene, Casey, Kyoko, and Eugene for breakfast.
They sat holding hands gazing at the beauty of the island. Kanna said,"I wish we could stay here forever just you and me."
Jiena joked saying" Are you both coming over here every time to have sex all day?"
Both Rafael choked a little while eating hearing this question but confidently replied," Well I can work too so that's not gonna be a problem!"
"Ew! Whatever!" muttered Jiena looking away from them in disgust. Eugene joined into their conversation by saying "
We wouldn't mind joining you guys again. even we had our fair share of fun" while kissing Casey on her cheeks".
"After breakfast, we'll head back to Manila," Jiena said before leaving the restaurant and letting the lovebirds enjoy their time together.
Five hours later, they reached Manila and Bianca picked them up at the gate. "Long time no see, Bianca! " Kanna said cheerfully.
"I've been busy with our family business lately," replied Bianca as she started her car engine.
"So why did you come to pick us up?" inquired Jiena curiously. "We moved out of Grandma's old house since Dad can't take her antics anymore. I'm excited for you guys to see our new home!" exclaimed Bianca happily while driving off.
"Well then, let me get going too." Kanna turned to leave "I'll give a call when I reach home."
"Take care always!" Rafael bid farewell as he affectionately pecked on her forehead then joined Eugene and Casey."
-----
It was a night of grandeur and tension at the Marino Mansion, the new home of the Marino family. This imposing estate, built on sprawling acres of land, was secured by high walls, advanced surveillance systems, and hidden defenses that only Karl Marino and his closest allies knew about. Inside, the mansion's interior was a blend of old-world elegance and modern luxury—Prague chandeliers adorned the ceilings, and the walls were decorated with intricate murals depicting scenes from history, all contributing to the air of authority and power.
Karl and his wife, Riko, were entertaining guests in the dining hall when their children—Jiena (Nozomi), Rafael, and Kyoko—entered together, fresh from an evening out. The siblings, now in their senior year of high school, had begun shouldering more responsibility for the family's affairs. They were no longer just children; they were the next generation of Marinos, destined to inherit the legacy Karl had built.
Seated at the head of the table was Hirofumi, Riko's father, who had come for an extended visit from Japan. His stern face and critical gaze lingered on his son-in-law as the room buzzed with conversation.
As Jiena, Rafael, and Kyoko entered, Hirofumi broke the silence with a complaint, swirling his cup of tea with a frown. "Just when I wanted to relax and have a decent meal, I get seaweed. Again."
Karl, reclining slightly in his chair, shrugged. "Nobody forced you to dine here, Hirofumi. You could've ordered something else."
Hirofumi, ever the traditionalist, shot Karl a disapproving look. "It's my right to eat here because my daughter lives in this house," he replied, his tone stern, sipping his tea with deliberate calmness.
Riko quickly stepped in, her voice laced with warmth and diplomacy. "Hey, come on, Hirofumi. Karl was just joking. He respects you, you know that."
"Respect?" Hirofumi scoffed, his expression twisting into a bemused frown as he exchanged a look with Karl. "Is that what you call it?"
The door swung open just then, and Jiena announced their presence with a cheerful tone, leaning down to give her mother a kiss on the cheek. "Mom, Dad, we're back!"
Karl beamed at the sight of his children, but Hirofumi's mood remained sour. He eyed them critically, particularly Rafael, his gaze flickering between his grandson and Karl with suspicion.
"My grandkids are all grown up now," Hirofumi said slowly, his voice carrying an edge. "I'm just glad they didn't pick up someone's bad traits."
Karl, catching the insinuation, merely chuckled as he sipped his tea. Before he could respond, Bianca bounded into the room, carrying a small puppy in her arms. The pup's playful yips filled the room, cutting through the tension.
Hirofumi's eyes narrowed as he observed the new pet. "What's this? You've got a new dog?" he asked, leaning forward to inspect the puppy.
Karl, sensing the chance to diffuse Hirofumi's irritation, quickly interjected with a sly grin. "Oh, don't ask about the name. It might offend you."
Hirofumi's eyebrows shot up. "Why would the name offend me?"
Karl leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment. "Bianca wanted to name him something absurd, like 'Harris.' I had to stop her—can't have a dog named after my assistant, it's bad taste."
Hirofumi relaxed slightly, nodding. "That does make sense. So, what did she name him, then?"
Karl smirked. "She went with… 'Hirofumi.'"
The room fell silent as Hirofumi's expression darkened. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the table. "You named a dog after me?!"
Karl tried to suppress his laughter but couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "You know, Oji-sama, it just seemed fitting. After all, you and the dog both have—"
Before Karl could finish, Hirofumi slammed his fist onto the table, rattling the silverware. "You demon!" he bellowed, standing up in a huff. Without another word, he stormed out of the dining room, his face red with fury.
Riko watched her father leave, then turned to Karl, shaking her head in disbelief but with a smile dancing on her lips. She sat beside her husband and playfully slapped his arm. "I love your sense of humor, but sometimes I wonder why I fell for you."
Karl chuckled, still enjoying the chaos he had caused. "Yesterday you called me a jerk, and today, I'm loveable? What changed?"
Riko's eyes twinkled as she leaned in closer. "Yesterday you forgot our anniversary. Today, I remember why I married you. You keep life interesting."
Karl, knowing he had dodged a bullet, slipped a hand into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small envelope. "Speaking of anniversaries, I got something for you. How about we get dressed up and go to that ball tonight? The kids can join us."
Riko raised an eyebrow, taking the invitation. "A ball? Since when do you enjoy socializing?"
Karl shrugged. "There's a businessman—Fernando Escobal—from Mexico. He's throwing the event. I'm not sure what he's up to, but I figure you're better at making those connections."
Riko gave him a sidelong glance. "Why me? You're the one who loves stirring up trouble."
Karl grinned. "Because you're charming, and people love you. Come on, you know you want to."
With a sigh of resignation, Riko stood up and gathered the children. "Fine, I'll go. But you owe me."
The Escobal Ball was being held at one of Manila's most luxurious five-star estates. The Marinos arrived in style, greeted at the entrance by a well-dressed secretary who led them into the grand hallway, where the sounds of laughter and soft jazz floated through the air. Riko, ever the observant matriarch, surveyed the room with a keen eye, taking note of the opulence and the high-profile guests in attendance. The ball was a who's who of Manila's underground elite, and Riko couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
As they entered the grand ballroom, a distinguished man in his fifties approached them, his debonair charm evident from his perfectly tailored suit and slicked-back hair. He extended his hand to Riko, his eyes gleaming with recognition.
"Madam Marino," he said with a warm smile. "It's an honor to meet you."
Riko, always composed, shook his hand and returned the pleasantries. "Mr. Escobal, I presume?"
Fernando chuckled softly. "Indeed. Welcome to my event. I've heard much about your family."
Riko gave a polite smile but couldn't help but glance around, noting the tension in the room. Just then, she saw a familiar face approaching—Albert Fontierra, her family's bitter rival.
As Albert approached, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well, well, well. Isn't this a surprise? It smells like sulfur in here."
Without missing a beat, Riko shot back. "You must love it then, Albert. The smell of hell suits you."
Albert's smirk faltered, and he quickly turned to his wife, motioning for them to move away. "Let's get some fresh air," he muttered under his breath, clearly irritated.
Riko watched them leave, her jaw clenched. "It's always something with the Fontierras."
In another corner of the party, Rafael excused himself, heading toward the restroom when he crossed paths with Jude Almeida, a young man with ties to the Fontierra family. Jude gave Rafael a hard look, his eyes glinting with disdain.
"You think you've won because you're with Kanna?" Jude sneered. "You really think a Marino is good enough for her?"
Rafael's expression remained calm, though his eyes darkened. "I don't think, Jude. I know I'm good enough. I got her first. Plain and simple."
Jude took a step closer, his voice lowering dangerously. "We'll see how long that lasts. Kanna deserves someone with real wealth. Someone like me."
Rafael smirked. "Don't underestimate my family. You'll regret it."
Jude scoffed, his confidence wavering for just a moment before he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the tension between them unresolved.
Meanwhile, in the women's bathroom, Kanna and Erina stood side by side, touching up their makeup. Erina's expression was tight with jealousy as she watched Kanna in the mirror.
"Rafael really loves you," Erina muttered, her voice dripping with bitterness.
Kanna raised an eyebrow, her tone dismissive. "And?"
Erina turned toward her, eyes flashing with malice. "I'll do whatever it takes to take him from you. Just watch."
Kanna scoffed, applying a final touch of lipstick before turning to face her rival. "Good luck with that," she said coldly, brushing past Erina. As Erina tried to grab her hand, Kanna pulled away, her gaze fierce. "You don't stand a chance."
Erina's grip loosened, and Kanna walked out of the bathroom, leaving Erina fuming behind her.
As the night unfolded, chaos suddenly erupted in the hotel lobby. Fernando's crew—a band of burly men—stormed in, their presence causing alarm among the guests. The Marino siblings, along with their mother, quickly rushed to the scene to figure out what had happened. To their surprise, they found their father, Karl Marino, standing tall in front of the intruders, flanked by his trusted deputies—Tiffany Yoon and Jamie Seo.
Beside them stood Chuck, the brute force of Karl's operations, along with Fumi and Kazusa, Karl's stunning and deadly femme fatales.
Standing to the side, Arjan, Karl's oldest friend and business partner, observed the scene, his loyalty to Karl unwavering as always. Arjan had been with Karl since their days in secondary school, and he knew Karl better than anyone. Whatever was happening, Arjan would be by his side.
Descending the grand staircase was Fernando Escobal himself, a bead of sweat running down his temple as he realized the seriousness of the situation. His eyes flicked nervously between Karl and Albert Fontierra, who had also appeared in the lobby, clearly intrigued by the confrontation.
"Finally, I get to meet you," Fernando said, offering Karl his hand, trying to maintain a façade of composure.
Karl took it with a grin. "It's an honor to meet you too, Mr. Escobal."
Fernando glanced around the room, unsure of what to expect. "So, what brings you here?"
Karl's smile widened. "Well, my best friend received an invitation, and he brought me along."
Fernando chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm used to having beautiful company around."
Karl smirked, gesturing toward his entourage. "Oh, I'm sure Chuck and Arjan will be flattered."
Fernando's smile faltered as Karl stepped closer, his gaze now fixed on Albert Fontierra. "Actually, I recognized someone else who entered this place."
Fernando wiped his brow, nervous. "Who's this guy you're talking about?"
Karl's eyes darkened as he spoke. "A murderer, fraudster, and traitor. He goes by the name Javier Barbarin."
Albert stiffened, his face betraying a hint of fear. "Are you accusing me of something?"
Karl didn't break eye contact. "I didn't say any names, Albert. But if the shoe fits…"
The tension in the room was palpable as the two powerful men sized each other up. Fernando, sensing the rising conflict, quickly intervened. "Mr. Marino, let's enjoy the party, shall we? Please, I think it's best if we move on."
Karl gave Albert one last glance before nodding. "Of course, Fernando. I wouldn't want to ruin your night."
As the Marinos began to leave, the room remained thick with unspoken threats and unresolved grudges. Fernando, shaken by the encounter, muttered to himself, "The famous Asia wise guy and the Philippines' top goon, all in one room. It's Karl Marino versus Albert Fontierra, two forces of nature."
Albert, seething with anger, whispered to Fernando as he prepared to leave. "I gotta go. Thanks for the dinner."
At the Fontierra Mansion, the aftermath of the night played out in violent chaos. Albert Fontierra was in a fit of rage, throwing vases and smashing anything within reach. His wife, Mariz, stood helplessly, pleading with him to stop, her voice trembling with fear.
"Albert, please! Calm down!" she begged, tears brimming in her eyes.
But Albert's fury was unstoppable. He turned on his daughter, Kanna, who had just returned from the ball. His eyes burned with anger as he confronted her.
"I heard you've been seeing Karl Marino's son," Albert snarled, his voice low and menacing. "Is that true?"
Kanna froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. "What do you mean?"
Albert's hand came down hard across her face, sending her to the floor. Kanna gasped in pain, her cheek burning as tears filled her eyes.
Mariz rushed forward, her voice breaking. "Please, Albert! Don't hurt her. Hit me instead if you must!"
Albert glared down at them both, his face twisted with rage. "You're all useless!" he shouted, storming out of the room, leaving Kanna and Mariz weeping on the floor.
Back at the Marino Mansion, Karl stood in his office, staring out the window into the dark night. His thoughts were heavy, the confrontation with Albert still fresh in his mind. Arjan, Tiffany, and Jamie sat in front of his desk, each one silent, waiting for Karl to speak.
"Javier Barbarin is close," Karl said finally, his voice low but confident. "Either the Fontierras or Escobal is protecting him."
Arjan, flipping through a file, nodded in agreement. "But we still don't have concrete evidence."
Karl clenched his jaw. "I saw him tonight. I know he's hiding in plain sight."
As they discussed the next steps, Rafael appeared at the doorway, his face set in defiance. Karl turned to him, his expression hard.
"You're still seeing Kanna Fontierra, aren't you?"
Rafael's eyes flickered with determination. "Yes. I'm dating her."
Karl's gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. "You should stop. You're only setting yourself up for pain."
Rafael said nothing more, turning on his heel and walking out of the room. Karl watched him go, a mixture of frustration and love in his eyes. He wanted to protect his son, but Rafael's stubbornness reminded him too much of himself at that age.
Karl sighed, leaning back in his chair. "He'll learn the hard way. Just like I did."
As the night settled in, Karl knew the storm was far from over. But for now, they would prepare for what was to come, and Karl would remain vigilant, watching over his family and waiting for the next move in the deadly game he and Albert Fontierra had been playing for years.
----Chapter End----