Since that time when he had a conversation with Andre, Miguel had to deal with a series of adjustments. From his posture, the way he walked, the way he ate, to the way he dressed; it was all subject to the critical eye of the teacher that Andre hired. All activities were done in moderation due to his healing injuries. But still, Miguel, did his best to learn.

Back to the manor, several people surrounded him. They moved with efficiency in a meticulous manner. While his hair was being treated, one was worked on his fingernails, another on his toenails. He was cleaned and scrubbed from head to toe. Various skin care products were applied on his face. It would preserve his youthful skin, they said. According to them, he had to take care of his soft, smooth, and blemish free skin. Not everyone was blessed with this. Since he did not grow a mustache nor a beard, only his eyebrows received some trimming. He did not know what they were told, but a lady asked him if he wanted to be waxed down there, which threw him into a moment of confusion before his ears turned red.

"It will be a nice surprise for your husband." The lady convinced him in her heavy accent. "...will make sex more pleasurable." The last word was spoken in a whisper.

When he realized what the lady meant, he waved his hands in refusal. He had never imagined himself and Mr. Kingsley doing such intimate things.

No.

Just no.

Miguel covered his ears in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. He thought he was discreet but the lady gave him a knowing look. There was nothing that she had not seen nor heard in her line of work.

"The secret to a happy sex life is communication. When doing it, you should not forget your own pleasure too." The lady gave an advice prior to moving aside and letting others take over. "Don't be shy to tell your man what you want."

The ears that turned back to normal became flushed again.

There was nothing much too be done on his face since his skin was smooth and clear. There were no blemishes that needed concealing. The foundation was not used. A lightly tinted lip balm was enough. This made his soft lips look plump and kissable. His hair was brushed up and styled with pomade that had a warm, rich, and slightly fruity scent. It complemented the luxurious perfume that Miguel wore. All in all, he exuded a very inviting scent.

The ladies complimented his charming appearance. He looked very handsome in the navy-blue suit. The cut accentuated his figure and the pattern enhanced his length. Without knowing his background, people would surely consider him a member of the high society. After all was set, he was led into the car by Tony.

The vehicle slowed down once they reached the receiving area of the castle. Tony handed the keys to the valet and opened the door for his ward. He led Miguel to the main door and showed the invitation card to person in charge. The foyer was already filled with many people. All of them were dressed in luxurious outfit.

Looking around, Miguel could not see Mr. Kingsley, who was supposed to be waiting for their arrival. Even with Tony's presence, Miguel was not assured. Unease began to settle in his body and his hands became cold.

Andre's words weeks ago created a psychological shadow in his mind. Thrown in the sea of strangers, he did not know who was an enemy and who was not. Their gaze unnerved him.

These people are ruthless. The words rang in his ears. These people...

Run! He had to run away. But his feet were unable to move.

They lurk in the darkness, biding their time. Blood was drained from his face and he became lightheaded. He jumped in fright when something wrapped around his waist.

Surrounded with beautiful men and women in their brilliant and splendid attire, Nikolai's gaze focused solely on the young man kept appearing in his dreams. Like a moth drawn to a flame, Nikolai approached Miguel. He shot a signal to his bodyguards and they were quick to follow his order. Before his little darling could step away, Nikolai swept in and caught his small waist.

"Just when I thought this party was going to be boring, I catch a beautiful creature."

From the moment he caught him staring at the bank, Nikolai had a compelling desire to make Miguel his. Although he wished they'd met in a less dangerous circumstance, Nikolai was still glad to meet his little darling. If it weren't for the imminent threat against him, Nikolai would have returned to U country to get the little cutie.

Miguel looked up and saw a familiar face. "Kolya? What are you doing here?"

See that? His name sounded even sweeter coming from his darling dove. Nikolai wanted to tease him but he noticed that something was amiss.

"What's wrong Моя милая?" Nikolai asked with concern. His little darling was tense and pale.

"Nothing." Miguel shook his head. The breath that he had been holding was slowly released.

"Did someone trouble you my голубка?" Nikolai held Miguel's cold fingers in his hand. A murderous desire flashed in his mind. Who caused his poor darling to become uncomfortable?

After Miguel got his bearings, the coldness in his hands went away. Now that his mind became clear, he moved a few steps back. They were not very familiar with each other so it was reasonable to maintain a proper distance. Also, he did not like being in a close proximity with tall people. Men like Kolya and Mr. Kingsley, who were a head taller than him, made him feel small even though he was of average height for a man.

Nikolai equated his retreat as a sign of fear. With this realization, Nikolai immediately adjusted his demeanor. He put on a jovial expression and displayed an amiable and handsome smile. This one had always charmed the ladies.

His subordinates that were stationed nearby were thrown into confusion. Who would have thought that this boss of theirs who always looked stern and cold can actually display a gentle persona? He even knew how flirt, something that they had never seen. Usually it was the women who would come to seduce their boss. But now it was the other way around. What happened?

Boss, please stop. If the other heads saw your actions, what would happen to our reputation? You are the head of the bratva. Our organization is a fearsome and powerful group. You were never mellow before. Please act accordingly. The subordinates could only watch as their boss continued his shameless behavior.

Nikolai stepped forward to shorten the distance between them. In a sultry voice, he asked. "Моя милая, may I have this dance?"

With the back of his hand lifted and kissed, Miguel's ears turned a shade of red. Don't know what this person was thinking but Miguel believed that such action was done only to women. Was this person blind? I am no lady! Speechless. Miguel was utterly speechless.

The little darling did not respond but Nikolai did not want miss an opportunity. He carried the thin lithe body to the dance floor.

Tony moved. But he was surrounded by three of Ivanov's men. He could try to push his way through but he could not exactly create a mess in an important event. He gritted his teeth in displeasure. He just hoped that his boss would be merciful to him. He could only watch the events unfold.

"What are you doing? Please let go of me." The ladies who watched from the sides envied Miguel whose hands rested on the broad shoulder of R country's most handsome and eligible bachelor. What they did not know was that Miguel was pushing the other person away, to no avail. With the man's arms wrapped strongly around his waist, Miguel had no choice but to follow Nikolai's movement. To the other guests who were watching, the two of them were in a world of their own, dancing slow and enjoying the music.

"I should be asking you that myself. Did you come to R country just for me?" Nikolai grinned.

"How could I do such thing? I don't even know you much less where you live." Miguel hit the person's shoulders with his fist. Now it looked as though they were quarrelling with the taller man trying to coax his little young lover.

Nikolai trapped the small fist with his large hand. "I could tour you around and show you to my place." Nikolai smirked.

Eyebrow's furrowed, Miguel's soft pink lips were pressed to a thin line. What a troublesome man Mr. Kolya was.

Miguel's frown did not deter the other person. Instead, it made Nikolai like him even more. After discovering a new expression on this little darling, Nikolai wanted to elicit other reactions. How would the little darling look when filled with pleasure?

Their conspicuous interaction did not it escape the eyes of two people. The moment when Nikolai approached the young man, the pot of vinegar began to simmer.

His body was yanked away and was pressed against another man's chest. After being subject to another manhandling, Miguel could not help but be vexed. He did not hide the displeasure in his face.

How rude! What's up with these people touching him without permission?

Miguel pushed against the person and tried to extricate himself but the arms around his narrow waist tightened. He took a deep breath to calm his anger and as he did so, a familiar and unique scent invaded his senses.

His rational mind told him it was impossible. But the scent remained in the air. His face rested directly on the person's chest, just above the heart. The strong steady heart beat thrummed against his cheeks. He trembled upon hearing the hoarse deep voice above his ears.

Translation:

Голубка - "golubka" = "little darling"