Another year later.

Riviero Household
10:00 pm

I was presently arranging Master's bed and ensuring that everything is neat and clean when I heard a commotion outside. Heart pounding against my chest, I reached for Master's pistol in the bedside drawer and peeked through the curtains on the balcony.

Tires screeched inside the estate as a mixture of incoherent commands filled the air. I was able to heave a sigh of relief when I caught a glimpse of that familiar sedan Master used. They were supposed to clinch an ammo deal with the Yakuza today, and as his attendant, I am supposed to be with him, but Master disagreed.

He reasoned out that it's going to be a dangerous deal.

"That's why I'm going with you, Master! I am your attendant. I must be beside you at all times, watching your back," I argued as Master checked his guns and put on his black overcoat.

"Help me with my tie, Julian," he ordered, completely ignoring my rants. Master lifted his chin so I could easily put on his tie. Another year passed by, and it looks like Master grew a few inches. He's already sixteen.

"Master, how much did you grow? You keep on getting taller." I stepped back after making sure that Master is as dashing as he should be. Black suit and tie, white shirt, and customized cufflinks with the Riviero's emblem on them.

Master's lips tugged upward for a small smile. "About two inches, I guess. Anyway, you are still not allowed to join me, Julian. Your flattery won't work on me," he said with a smirk that made him even more handsome.

"Master! I will never do that. How could you?" I exclaimed, aghast, my hands over my mouth.

Well, I just thought that if I compliment him, he might change his mind, but this is Master August we're talking about. He does not need my compliments. It's willingly given to him by people around him.

"Nice try, Julian. I'm going. I don't want to be late. If you try to disobey me, I would be very angry, Julian." I swallowed, stepped back, and cast my gaze downwards. When Master's like this, there's no room for any protest.

When I heard the click of the door, I released the breath I didn't know I was holding and clutched my pounding chest. "Stupid Master. I'm your attendant. I should be by your side," I grumbled silently and sat down on his bed.

To distract myself, I cleaned his bedroom, changed the duvet, replaced the curtains, vacuumed the carpet, replaced the flower in the vases, and made sure that his walked-in closet is neatly arranged. I dusted off the books, made a list of the books he will surely love, and ensure that every nook and cranny of his room is squeaky clean by the time he gets back.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a painful groan. "M-Master... n-no..." Taking a step back from the window, my hands went to my mouth to stifle my gasp and without wasting any second, I ran downstairs. Blinking away my tears, I headed to the clinic and grabbed the first-aid kit. I prepared everything I might need for his first aid.

Hurried footsteps fell on the clinic door, and when they opened it, I was ready. Wearing my PPE, I gestured them to put Master on the table. "Careful, or I will slit all of your throats," I spat, and they all paled when they saw how I was gripping my scalpel.

"Relax, Julian," Master interrupted, my attention immediately turned to him.

"Master! Don't speak, please. You'll worsen your wound," I reprimanded him, only to receive an eye roll from him. "I'm holding a scalpel, Master," I stated in a threatening voice with a sweet smile, as I waved around the medical tool.

Master gulped hard and chuckled breathlessly. "Of course. Tend to me. It fucking hurts."

"You should've brought me with you, Master," I grumbled and with protruded lips, began to give him first aid. With a creased forehead, I cleaned and stitched his bullet wound. Master didn't reply nor say a word, which made me feel guilty for being an annoyance to him. He's my master. I shouldn't question his decisions.

When I finished bandaging his wound, I opened my mouth to apologize when he spoke. "Leave us," he said to his men and they did as they were ordered to do, and gave us privacy. "Help me up, Julian," Master turned to me with a blank face and a cold tone that squeezed my heart painfully.

"M-Master--"

"I'm sorry," he said with gritted teeth and a sharp intake of breath, rubbing the wound on his left waist.

"P-Pardon?" I blinked in surprise and confusion, wondering why Master was apologizing to me. I should be the one to say sorry since I was being an annoyance since earlier. Father taught me to follow Master's words, not question them.

Master lifted his hand and reached for mine, startling me when that familiar current traveled to my nerve endings, awakening my dormant senses. Agape, I just stared at his hands on mine, blinking rapidly, in disbelief. My heart drummed against my chest and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

It was a feeling only Master August could give to me. He's the only one who can make me feel like I'm on top of the world. Just his smile is enough to drive my fears away. A simple glance from him makes my heart jump in joy, and a mere brush of our fingertips is enough to make my senses go haywire.

"I'm sorry for not bringing you with me, Julian. The yakuza boss is known for liking men, and someone like you is his type. I don't want him to take you away from me, Julian. You are mine. I would kill anyone who dares to take you away from me," he punctuated each word and that gentle squeeze on my hand was making me feel giddy, more than usual.

Blushing furiously, I bit my lips and nodded. "Yes, Master. Thank you for looking after me. I'm sorry for questioning your decision," I replied meekly with a small bow and sucked a breath when he pulled my hand and his larger frame enveloped my smaller one.

I didn't know what to feel. I am being embraced by my Master!

"Julian, assist me to my room. I need some rest," he ordered and rested his forehead on my shoulder. Unable to trust myself if I speak, I just hummed and nodded. I slung his arm on my shoulders and helped him up.

So many things happened today, but it only confirmed my feelings for him. I wholly and genuinely love Master August, but I know this is not appropriate. I'll just bury these feelings, hoping that it will go away with time. I must do this if I want to stay by his side.