Automatically I pulled away, hating myself for my cowardice as I stepped closer to Maximillian. Surprisingly right at the same time, he angled his body closer to mine, as he was assuring me, he would keep me safe.

But it didn't last long as he snapped himself out of momentum, realizing what he was doing.

"I didn't mean to... Excuse my brash behavior please." His body jerked upwards like his was stung with fire, suddenly charging towards the exit. Mother and I stared at his disappearing back until he was gone, our minds swirling with alarm and bewilderment.

"Please don't mind him ladies, lately he’s been somewhat confused," said Daniel, politely smiling at my stunned mother, not bothering to acknowledge me.

My mother's eyes dangerously narrowed as she spoke to him, smile long gone from her face "What is this about Mr. Ryce? And what business do you have with my daughter?"

"I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. My friend was just rattled by the similar features you daughter has with.... ah...his late friend," he said, his face remained impassive, giving away nothing.

My mother clearly didn't believe him. "Look, I don't know who you are or why you are here, but you will leave her alone." She straightened her posture as she looked him dead in the eye. “You will leave immediately or I will get you thrown out, it’s your choice to make. You’re not welcome here. Go!”

"Mother," I said, putting my hand on her shoulder. This whole situation turned from bad to worse in just a few short moments. They were speaking in a manner like I wasn't in the room at all. "Please, I can speak for myself."

I swallowed my fear as she hesitantly stepped away, allowing me to approach Daniel. I kept a safe distance from him, realizing it was the first time I was able to look at him so closely. He was beautiful, no doubt at all, even more so that the other guy, almost devilishly charming.

He assessed me, his look darting from my head to my toes, with a mocking expression on his face. Surprisingly, how quickly his polite behavior vanished.

Fear turned into a burning fury as I analysed his belittling demeanor. What right did he have to behave in a such insulting way?

"I believe your tour here is finished. You heard my mother, so turn around and get out," I said with my most uncompromising voice, praying it won't break.

He waited for my mother to turn and speak with another curious guest, then he leaned in to whisper into my ear.

His warm breath tickled my earlobe, sending cold shivers down my spine. "So exquisite. What a shame such beauty cannot exist." He gently rubbed his lips against my cheek. Our contact gave me the most eccentric feeling, part good, part bad, feeding my starved soul with light, but also darkness. Knowing I wasn’t a fool, I recognized the thread and danger in his posture, realizing I should stay away from him at any cost.

"Leave." I whispered as he looked at me closely, his lips mere inches from my own. I let my eyes dart to his golden ones, giving him a deathly glare “I don’t know what you game is, and I don’t care for it. Get out!” I spat, pointing at the door. I ignored how every part of my body shook with dread, but I held my ground.

He threw his hands in the air "All right! Easy there!" He smiled viciously, like a hunter toying with his pray "I’ll see you soon Korina." He whispered with a serious expression on his face, letting me know that his promise was anything but a joke.

I pressed my hand to my throat, waiting for my pulse to calm down. He backed away from me, walking so slowly as he didn't have a care in the world.

I exhaled loudly, feeling my body relax the minute he was gone.

I saw my mother only a few steps away, quietly speaking to my father, who was looking at me with wary.

"Were they bothering you?" He said, looking toward the exit.

My mother wrung her hands together, her face pale with worry. “I am so sorry; this was all my fault. I shouldn’t have talked to them,” her eyes darted to my father who still watched the exit, his features stiff with anger.

“They won’t be coming back here, I’ll make sure of that.”

"No, don't worry dad. I bet it’s was just a misunderstanding," I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Please, don’t worry yourself,” He finally moved, the tension slowly seeping away.

"What was that?" Said Lena, towing half-drunk Mark behind her. He was holding a glass of champagne in his hand, slightly wobbling on his feet.

"A really strange first encounter," I said giving out a breathy laugh. I started to walk away, fiddling with flyers in my hands.

“Hold on a second!” Lena caught my hand and pushed Mark onto the closest chair "You stay here! Don’t move!” She cast him a serious glance before she pulled me away from peering eyes. “Are you sure you haven't met them before?"

I watched Mark sway, grinning at nothing in particular "Well no, not really." I said, shrugging.

"Not really, what is that supposed to mean?" She widened her eyes at my incomplete answer.

"Ok, I saw one of them. Once." I admitted to her "It was the blond guy, Daniel Ryce."

"Where?" She inquired, her eyes round as she clutched my hand. I winced at how strong she was squeezing it.

"At the pub. The night I fainted. He was standing on the other side of the dance floor with some women, drinking. Then he looked at me. That is all." I said, shivering uncomfortably as I remembered the cold look he gave me.

"I mean the guy is an eye-candy I’ll give him that much, but he has some serious creepy vibes, like cheap horror movie vibes,” she said, hugging her body tight.

“Oh you mean, Ronaldo vibes?” I lifted my brows, ducking a second too late as she swatted my shoulder.

“Roberto! Not the time to joke around. I can’t believe this is actually coming out of my mouth but, stay away from those guys.”

"I very well intend to..." I involuntarily looked back the way they left. “Whatever those two are after, they’ll sure leave me the hell out of it.” The sheer arrogance of the first man was making my blood boil. I already knew the scenario – two young, ridiculously handsome men looking for sex, probably even drugs. Luring victims with their charm and outrageous sob story, playing with their feelings. And this was the best-case scenario, the worst I didn’t even want to think about. I hoped they realized my family and I weren’t so easily fooled and moved on. But somewhat the blonde guy’s words indicated otherwise.

I’ll see you soon Korina, the same sentence echoed through my mind, making my stomach churn.

I shook my head and turned abruptly back to my friend "So...Tell me, how are you two?" I nodded toward Mark, feeling desperate to change the subject.

"Great." She beamed, her chestnut hair flying as she bounced. "He’s still leaving, you know. But we will figure it out, how to stay together I mean. He needs money right now, and this job is everything he dreamed of and more. So, we will compromise and see how it turns out. But after he finishes his internship, he’ll find a job here, closer to home.”

"That is great Lena! Congratulations! To both of you," I laughed as Mark approached, sloppily throwing an arm around Lena's waist.

"I give you my word woman, I will come back for you," he said, his eyes slightly glazing as he mumbled. "I waited far too long for this," he lowered his face, brushing his lips against hers.

"You two are adorable," I shook my head, smiling as I left them lovingly stare into each other's eyes.

The rest of the night went by smoothly. We had a lot of visitors, mainly tourists come and go, and a lot of them expressed interest in buying some of the paintings. My friends had already left a while ago, with Lena supporting Mark's weight as he still felt dizzy.

Success was written all over my mother's face and she looked absolutely radiant. But we grew exhausted as midnight went by, feeling the consequences of all day's hard work. I drew a breath of relief as the last visitor said goodbye, vanishing into the night. After half an hour, we could finally leave the place. We crowded in an old gray Ford Fiesta we owned, with father driving half-asleep behind the wheel.

Even with unease rooted deep inside of me at the thought of Daniel Ryce and with the coldness resting inside my soul, I've never slept more soundlessly as I did today.