Chapter Four

Abe Mazur

When headaches hurt this much, I know exactly what happened the previous night. Too much drinking. I put a cold hand to my forehead to hopefully help. I groaned in annoyance as I slid into more warmth of my bed. Damn, this bed is like a furnace. I nuzzled my head into a hard surface... wait... that's kind of odd, it feels fleshy.

I opened my eye to be met with light brown flesh. Let's try and guess who this is, I thought to myself. I mean, it's not like this is common, but I've had a considerable amount of lovers over the past few years. I could hardly be called a slut while being in relationships.

I was stuck in his iron grip, so it was a little hard to move, or even wiggle. I moaned a little, and the man twitched a little. I leaned into his neck and placed a light kiss. He moved his jaw down so that it was resting on my head. "Roza..." I heard in a very, very familiar Russian accent.

Okay, definitely not Adrian, I noted.

I didn't say anything. I think I might have been a little too shocked to. What happened last night? What caused him to have no shirt on, and, I looked down. I had on only my bra and panties. Oh god, oh nooo... This can only mean one thing!

I shot up from bed, finally breaking Dimitri's strong hold. "I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to. I was really drunk, and I barely know you, and like, you're a good guy, but I-"

"Rose, what's wrong?" Dimitri asked as he slowly sat up. I noticed his complete six pack, and nearly gawked. His hair was out of order, forming a pretty suggestive look. I gulped and put my hands in front of me as I crawled out of the bed.

"I-we-did something, last night, didn't we?" I asked slowly as I covered my eyes with my hands. My head was hurting like hell! Damn this hangover!

I moved a finger out of my eyes way and took a peek at Dimitri. He looked as sexy as ever just sitting there. He then nonchalantly shrugged. "Just a few kisses," he said. Dimitri clearly enjoyed it. I couldn't help but glare at him as I heard the door to my house open and slam shut.

"Kiz!" It was my father, Abe, Mazur. I groaned and rolled my eyes. He always comes in at the worst times!

I ran a hand through my hair. What to do? What to dooo? I heard my father's footsteps walking up the stairs. Fuck, just great. I thought about hiding Dimitri, but I didn't think that would really save anything. My dad always catches me in the act like this. I opted for clothes first.

I ran to my closet and pulled over a big comfy grey long sleeved shirt that stopped mid-ass. Eh, it's just my dad. He's seen me in less-not in a creepy way if that's what you're thinking...

I heard the door slowly push open. Abe walked in casually, as if he owned the place, (which, technically, he did since he paid half the price for it!) and I shot him a smile. I hoped he wouldn't notice the half naked guy in my bed, but you know my dad. Kay, well probably not, but to be blunt, he always keeps his eyes peeled. He's the type of guy to raise suspicions about people. But, I mean, at least I'm still Daddy's little girl.

"Rose-" my dad said. I usually either call him by his real name, Abe, or just old man. I'm disrespectful like that sometimes. But if I want something, 'Daddy' always works. His eyes flickered to Dimitri, who at the moment looked like a deer caught in headlights. I could practically read his mind right now, though there seemed to be a little more than casual surprise. Something along the lines of fear and desperation.

"Daddy, this is Dimitri," I said, gesturing to Dimitri in my bed. The sleeve of my shirt covered my hand. I walked over to the bed and stood next to Dimitri, who was still sitting there in shock. "As you can see," I pulled the covers off of Dimitri's legs and revealed his dark washed jeans still on. "we didn't do anything last night, so you can start breathing again," I said. Dad seemed to inhale a deep breath, as if in fact, he hadn't been breathing that whole time.

Dimitri on the other hand blushed and got out of the bed. He pulled his black v-neck back on over his head and stood there awkwardly, his eyes still bulging out of his head.

"As I was saying," I said and grabbed onto Dimitri's hand. I pulled him with me over to my dad. "This is Dimitri, my, umm..." Shit. It sucked because I couldn't use the 'cousin' excuse like they always did in movies and TV shows. "boyfriend," I said with a polite smile. God, where am I going with this. Dimitri's hand squeezed mine.

"Yes, my name is Dimitri... eh Ivanov," Dimitri said, obviously racking his head for excuses. Why? I have noo idea. "It's nice to meet you," he said with an equally polite smile as he held his hand out. My dad watched him cautiously before putting his hand in Dimitri's and giving it a short shake. I gulped. Tension filled the air, though they both had super fake smiles on. Dimitri's was pretty convincing, however, and could have passed as a real one.

"How odd, Dimitri, it feels like I've met you before," my father said as he dropped his hand back to his side. "You look so familiar to a man I once met, but for some odd, odd reason, I can't seem to find him," my dad sent a mocking glare to Dimitri.

Dimitri stayed strong, and I kind of admired that about him. "I can assure you, sir, that I have never met you before," Dimitri said, even adding the 'sir' in. Wow, what a suck up! I was honestly surprised how he had such good manners.

"Is that so? Well we'll have to talk more and find out some things, won't we?" dad asked, and I thought I felt Dimitri quiver. My turn, I mentally joked.

"Okaaay, old man, that's enough," I said as I turned to Dimitri. I took both his hands in mine. "I'm going to take a shower. Why don't you get dressed and then we'll have breakfast?" I asked almost seductively, I noted, and winked at him to join along.

Dimitri gave me a genuine smile, and I nearly melted-he was so good looking! "Sure thing," he said and leaned in and pecked me on the lips. My eyes widened in surprise. Fine if he was going to play that way...

I put a hand on his neck and stopped him from reclining his head to it's original height. I pulled him back down and back to my lips for a more intense kiss. I pulled away shortly after and smiled my goodie-goodie smile. "I love you," I said sweetly. Dimitri smirked and turned to leave.

My dad turned to me and caught my wrist. "Rose? What are you doing with him!" he asked. I rose an eyebrow skillfully.

"What do you mean?" I asked obliviously.

"There is a ninety-nine percent chance that I know him, and that's not a good thing let me tell you," my dad said and I rolled my eyes, pulling my arm away from his grip.

"Dad, seriously? He's my boyfriend," I lied, but acted like I really cared about him. "I'm sure you don't know him. He just moved here from, uh, California," I said cautiously. I was on thin ice here.

My dad crossed his arms, seeing through my eyes. "Oh yeah? What made him want to move here then? To Siberia, Russia," my dad asked.

"I don't know, he just did, Dad! Stop asking me stupid questions! Why do you want to know?" I asked, I was starting to get annoyed. Frankly, though, I felt kind of bad since he is my father.

"Because I don't know if this man is safe," he said with a fatherly air and in a serious tone. I was kind of surprised. He almost never talked to me like this. He walked closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into a hug. "All your past boyfriends were innocent and wouldn't hurt a fly. This man seems... just bad..." my dad said.

I was about to retort something mean and possibly hurtful, but I swallowed it. I knew that all my dad cared about was my safety and well-being. I smiled at the thought and pulled away. "Thanks dad," I said genuinely and gave him a peck on the lips. He smiled and let me go. I picked up my dress from last night and turned to him. "You can go get some food in the kitchen if you want," I said and threw the dress in the hamper. I went into the bathroom and locked it behind me as I started to strip down.

I took a quick shower and was out of there in nearly five minutes. I put on some acid washed skinny jeans and a red and navy blue plaid flannel. The outfit fit me perfectly, and to add to it, I straightened my hair to complete the look. I slid on some navy blue flip flops and searched frantically for my handbag. Where the hell was it!

Adrian.

"Ooh shit," I said aloud as I ran a hand through my hair. He also happened to have my car. Shit, man. And he was expecting to pick me up at seven thirty, since the cafe opened at eight. I had to hurry up, since it was already seven fifteen.

I added a layer of black liquid eyeliner on my upper eyelid and some cute shiny pink lip gloss. I knew that I looked good, so I didn't give the mirror a second look. I guess I'm just cocky like that. I ran down the stairs and met up with my dad and Dimitri, who were talking animatedly. I smiled. Good, I thought. Rex trotted in then and started barking at my dad.

"Come here, you little shit," my dad joked as he picked Rex up. Rex barked some more and licked him all over his face. It was a wonder how that small, fat, and utterly adorable dog could move so fast.

Rex turned his head around and eyed Dimitri. He surprised us all by letting out a little whimper. My dad noticed this and passed him over to Dimitri, who was just as surprised. Dimitri stared at the dog, and after a second, the dog was all over him. Dad and Dimitri chuckled at the dog.

I slapped Rex's small bottom lightly. "Hey, Rexy, you're making me jealous," I joked. If I hadn't looked up at Dimitri right after, I wouldn't have noticed the light pink blush spreading over his cheeks.

To my luck, someone had made coffee. I filled a cup up and started chugging it down. "I have to go to work. I'll be home at four, and don't be surprised if I'm late," I said and took another sip.

"I didn't see your car out front. Is it getting fixed or something?" my dad asked. I was cautious about answering.

"Uh, Adrian has it. He's picking me up. He dropped me off from school yesterday and drove home in it," I lied.

"Oh, Adrian. Ivashkov, right? How's he doing?" my dad asked, bringing up a totally different topic. I was about to answer when my dad cut me off. "You know, his father and I used to bet that you and Adrian would get married when you were older. You two used to be inseparable," he said and laughed. I looked nervously over at Dimitri, who looked bored to tears... though somewhere in his expression I spotted a little bit of... jealousy? I shook it off.

It was true, Adrian and I used to go to school together, though he was a few years older. I don't know, I used to have a huge crush on him. Not so sure why, though. He was always kissing girls. Maybe that's why I can't trust him any farther than I can throw him, which let me tell you, isn't very far. Also, our parents used to be pretty close, my father and his. They were business partners, and up until now, I'm not really sure what Adrian's parents do for a living. My dad included.

"Uhm, yeah, well that's not going to happen. And, my boyfriend is sitting right next to you, so let's not leave him out," I said, steering the topic of Adrian away, and back to Dimitri. "Dimitri, why don't you tell my dad about Cal-i-for-nia," I said in syllables. I winked when my dad wasn't looking, and I think Dimitri caught my drift.

"Oh, it's really warm there," Dimitri said as he turned to my father. "Up in the north, however, there's a lot more snow, like it is here," he said, stating the obvious. The doorbell rang, and I jumped up and set my coffee down.

I kissed Dimitri on the cheek and whispered in my dad's ear: "Be nice to him. Please," I pleaded. My dad smirked and chuckled.

"I'll try," my dad said and I rolled my eyes. I walked away from the two and over to the front door. I opened it and closed it quickly behind me.

"Hey, Adrian," I said as Adrian held my black handbag to me. I smiled and took it from him. "Thanks," I said and we walked over to my car. I got in the passenger seat, and Adrian got in the drivers.

"How did you sleep?" Adrian asked suddenly as he started the engine.

I replayed last night's encounter with Dimitri in my head. "Um, great," I lied. Well, actually, I did sleep pretty well; considering I was sleeping next to a human furnace. "And you?" I asked.

"Rather crappy," Adrian said with a lopsided grin. "I missed you," he said and leaned over and placed a kiss behind my ear. My eyes widened slightly, and I moved over a little. Adrian just chuckled as he pulled out of my driveway and ripped down the street.

We got to the cafe only ten minutes later. I walked into the place, everyone was setting up. Christian and Lissa were pulling the chairs down from the tables, and flirting like crazy. Mia was heating the ovens and Eddie walked in only seconds behind me, greeting Adrian and I on the way in. In his arms held big brown bags of groceries. He pulled out the essentials to baking: flour, sugar, baking powder, some new hand mixers, etc. He put them all down next to our three, might I add fancy, black electric mixers. Stan was nowhere in sight. Good.

Though, there was a new face. A familiar face. "Mason?" I asked.

Mason, a stocky redhead turned around from talking to Mia, and flashed me a huge grin. "Hey, Rose," he said and approached me. "How are you?" he asked politely.

"I'm great! And you?" I asked, setting my hand bag down and opening the cash register, making sure it was functioning correctly.

"Same," he said and we launched into a flirty conversation. We were interrupted twenty minutes later when the cafe officially opened and some customers came in. "So who does what here?" Mason asked when neither of us were attending to someone.

"Well, Christian and Lissa are the waiters, Mia and Eddie cook shit back there, and obviously, you and I are the cashiers," I said with a cheeky grin. Mason laughed and I couldn't help but smile.

Dimitri POV

"Soo..." Abe said as soon as the door closed behind Rose's sexy ass. Yes, I admit. It's reallly sexy.

I turned to him and Rex whimpered some more. I wondered why he had suddenly taken a liking to me when he was yapping his ass off at me yesterday. Damn, dogs are so unpredictable... As is Abe here, who realizes who I really am.

I thought that the haircut and shaved chin would throw him off. Hell, I even went to the extremes to buy tons of new clothes. Plus, I'm wearing coloured contacts right now. My real eye colour is brown. These are blue. I'm not sure Rose noticed.

"I want your birth certificate, your home address, a drug test,-"

"Look, Abe, I'm not who you think I am," I said and thought about what I said. Wait... "I'm not the person you're searching for..." I rephrased slowly.

Abe crossed his arms. "So you're really just an innocent man who looks exactly like a missing fugitive?" Abe asked. Shit.

"Fugitive?" I asked, faking confused. "Where exactly do you work?" I asked slowly. I think it's working...

For a second, the look on his face was one of exasperation and annoyance when he suddenly snapped. "You know exactly where I work! Stop playing dumb!" Abe yelled at me. Of course I knew where he worked. He was the Mafia Boss. Scary as it sounds, but when he's around his daughter, he seems like a good guy. I would know because I was eavesdropping earlier when they were hugging.

"I'm serious! I don't know what you're talking about!" I said, starting to get a little pissed off. Rose's father wouldn't stop persisting.

I guess I really did look like pitiful or something, because he suddenly stopped it all. "I see," he said slowly. "So how old are you?" he asked.

"Twenty-six," I admitted.

"Interesting," Abe said slowly. "And why are you dating my daughter, who is nearly seven years younger than you?"

This took me a second. "Um..." I muttered. "Because... Rose... Rose is very unique. And I love her. I wouldn't ignore my attraction for her just because of our age difference," I said and Abe nodded.

"I see," Abe repeated. "Where in California did you used to live?" he continued.

"San Francisco," I said not a second too slow.

"How's the weather out there?"

"Fair," I said, "Mostly cold, mostly because it's next to such a huge body of water; but there are some warm days. Lot's of breezes."

"Good, good. Who did you live with?"

What is this? Twenty questions? Jesus Christ when is this man going to stop? It's only been twenty minutes since Rose left and I'm already being bombarded with so many questions. "By myself..." I said slowly.

Abe looked at his expensive looking watch. "Well, I have a prior engagement to attend to, but I'll be back," Abe said mysteriously. "Soon. I'm keeping my eyes on you," he said and did that whole I've-got-my-eyes-on-you gesture. When he turned around left the house I rolled my eyes.

I looked up at the clock. It was eight o'clock. I needed some protection, I decided, if Abe were to start getting suspicious. Usually, it would probably be most smart to get rid of all firearms in my possession, but right now it seemed like a great idea...

I grabbed the spare set of keys that I noticed Rose drunkly dropped on the counter the other night. I pulled on a black leather jacket and stuffed some cash in it. I am going to need money where I'm going.

And I set out.

I knew Siberia like the back of my hand, and I knew exactly where the shop I was headed was. I went through the town square and shot glares at anyone who looked my way. My looks were deceiving. I'm a real asshole sometimes, and I honestly don't care.

I walked into a crowded with cars parking lot. I went over to where a casual black beamer was parked. I broke the lock by punching the door handle. It popped open and I slid into the car. It smelled nice, thankfully, and appeared to have been detailed recently. All the better, though I wouldn't be returning it to the unfortunate owners.

I hot wired the car and pulled out and started driving away to the freeway. The place where I was headed was about a forty-five minute drive. Not so bad.

I thought back to Abe, and how he called me a fugitive. I scoffed. A fugitive? Hardly. Just because I shot some of the other mafia members, doesn't make me a fugitive. It makes me a dumbass, because that means that everyone else is going to be searching for me for the next twelve months. I only killed five people, and that really wasn't a big deal.

When I was in the mafia, I had a big reputation. It basically was along the lines of 'Don't fuck with me, and I won't kill you and your family'. I've done it before, hell, many times. I'm that type of hard core asshole. I don't take shit from anybody, until the day I left. I was blackmailed. I'm not sure who, but whoever the hell it was didn't want me around anymore. He got his wish.

All my friends, well, you could barely call them friends, more like... accomplices. My accomplices left me high and dry and left for dead. It was honestly really funny now that I think about it. It's like one of those stupid chick-flick movies that my little sister used to watch about teenage high school stuff. But older version.

I arrived at the place then. I didn't really know what to call it, really, since it was technically a little cafe. It was a small place and on the edges of town. The perfect place. I killed the engine of the car and went into the cafe. When I opened the door, I was hit by a distinct smell of coffee and metal. This is the place.

The man behind the counter stopped talking to whoever it was he was talking to and turned to me. "Dimitri!" he yelled and raised his hand. I nodded at him and a smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

"Mikhail," I said and our hands met to shake.

Mikhail leaned over to get closer to me. I leaned over as well, but made sure there was room between us to talk. This was confidential stuff. "How's it been?" he asked almost sympathetically in Russian.

I shrugged modestly. "Honestly not all bad. I've met someone, and you'll never guess who," I said and I smiled widely. Mikhail is a good man, he's been working for me for the past four years.

"And who is it?" he replied, intent on the answer.

"A beautiful woman, very gorgeous, and the daughter of Ibrahim Mazur," I said. Mikhail's jaw nearly dropped. For a second, I felt like an old woman sharing gossip.

"You're kidding!" he yelled. "Zmey's kid? I didn't know he had any..." Mikhail said and made a modest face. He turned around and pulled out a cup. "You want anything?" Mikhail asked and waited for my reply.

"I didn't come here for a cup of coffee, Mikhail," I said cockily and Mikhail laughed.

"You're right, you're right, follow me," he said and left the counter and walked into a room in the back of the cafe. It was like a whole new place, everything was either made of metal or some sort of modern wood. It was like a showcase room, full of guns. I breathed in a nose full of metal. "What can I get you?" he asked.

I looked around. "I'm going to need a handgun... so get me a pistol," I said and Mikhail nodded and went through a couple boxes. I thought about it some more and decided that I would also need a bigger gun that could hold more ammunition. "A MAC-11, H and K UMP, and extra ammunition," I said and Mikhail laughed.

"You're going to town, huh?" he asked and pulled out my pistol.

"It's just for protection, you know, now that Zmey's got everyone after me," I said and looked at my watch. It was nearing noon.

"Give me fifty extra bucks, and I'll throw in a FN SCAR. It's hard to get those these days. The military is getting all of them," Mikhail said. "Plus extra ammo," Mikhail said.

"Deal," I said. Mikhail packed the pistol and MAC-11 into a suitcase, and then pulled both the H&K UMP and FN SCAR apart and placed them into a bigger suitcase. He added extra ammunition to both, and I think I was good if I were ever to get ambushed.

"Okay, that'll be... about four hundred," Mikhail said as he handed me the two suit cases. I pulled four one hundred dollar bills out of my jacket and handed them to him.

Mikhail patted me on the back. "Be careful. You're too young to die," he said sincerely, but then that dropped. "Now tell me about Zmey's daughter," he said eagerly. I laughed outright.

"She's very, very beautiful," I admitted. "I bit oblivious, though smart," I told him.

"Mmm, ever thought about asking her out?" he asked.

"It's... a long story," I said and chuckled nervously. Yeah, I live with her and we made out last night. Almost fucked, in fact. "How's Sonya?" I asked and Mikhail smiled a shit eating grin. "What?" I asked.

"Expecting..." Mikhail said happily. I smiled.

"That's great," I said. For some reason, a picture of Rose holding our child in her arms popped up into my head. I quickly pushed it away. "You must be proud," I said and Mikhail nodded.

"I really am," Mikhail said as we walked back into the cafe.

"I see, sorry but I have to go now," I said and Mikhail nodded, walking back behind the counter. "It was good seeing you," I told him and he nodded. I walked out into the hot sun with my suitcases. If one was to look at me with these, no doubt it would be a little suspicious. I drove near the market place in the middle of town, about a fifteen minute walk from Rose's house.

I arrived in her house then, and went up the stairs quickly. "Dimitri!" someone, Rose, called from the kitchen. I quickly ran into my room and dropped the cases down and then walked calmly down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Rose was by the sink washing a dish. "Hey," she said with a calm smile. I nodded to her. "Where did you go?" she asked.

I thought up a reasonable excuse. "Oh, um, just on a walk," I said as I took off my leather jacket.

Rose was saying something... but I wasn't really sure what it was since her lips were moving so mesmerizingly. I snapped back into it.

"Do you want me to make you something?"

"No, Rose, it's fine," I said and walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. I didn't really see anything I liked, so I walked over to the counter and sat down on the stool. "How was work?" I asked Rose and she looked up. She bent over and pulled something out of the microwave.

"It's great," she said, leaning over on the counter, giving me a great view of her cleavage. "I'm on lunch break, and my best friend turned me down and went out with her boyfriend for lunch... and I don't feel like spending money, so here I am," she said and laughed a little as she spooned some ramen type of food into her mouth. Stir-fry maybe... "Some guy came in today and asked my for my number, so I got really mad," she said and chewed. I suddenly grew red with anger.

I think I'm starting to fall for Rose.

It's just a thought, but every time she's with another man, which she often is, I get this annoying itching feeling to cut their throats. Maybe it's just second nature to kill someone, but it could also be jealousy. Rose is beautiful-that's a fact. Oblivious, maybe, but there is something about her other than her exotic looks and itinerary that attracts me.

"I see," I said. She started to say more about her day, but I cut her off in the middle. "Are you dating Adrian?" I asked. I barely knew this Adrian kid, but I already didn't like him. He sounds like an annoying rich prick.

Rose was still for a moment. "Um, I'm not exactly sure," she laughed sheepishly.

"Do you like him?"

"As a friend I guess," I blew out a mental sigh of relief. "I mean, he really isn't that bad of a guy. I just judged him too early," she said and smiled brightly, lighting up the whole room. I wanted so badly to kiss those lips, I thought. It was starting to bother me.

Rose put her dish in the sink and walked over to the couch and plopped down on it. She patted the seat next to her and wore a brilliant smile on her face. I just couldn't resist. I got off the stood and walked over to her and sat down next to her.

She turned on the TV. A Russian talk show came on, but she changed it. "What do you like to watch?" she asked me.

"Football. Wrestling. Rugby," I said, thinking of all the contact sports there are. Those are the best. Rose laughed and switched the chanel to a football game. I leaned back against the couch and Rose leaned her head on my shoulder. I couldn't fight the blush, but I'm sure she didn't see it. She curled up next to me and held my arm to her chest.

"You're really comfy," Rose said and laughed a little. It was a warm, rich sound.

I couldn't help but crack a grin. "Thanks," I said. She started playing with my long fingers. My eyes widened slightly at her touch. It was cold. I wasn't really sure why, since it was nearly June and there was no air conditioning on. She pulled up my arm and looked at my watch. She gasped.

"I have to go!" Rose yelled as she jumped up, stumbling on my long legs. She slid on her flip flops and grabbed her handbag as well as her keys and was at the door in an instant. "I'll see you tonight, Dimka!" she yelled as she slammed the door shut.

I couldn't help but grin.

TBC.

More Abe soon to come. I love Abe. Kay I have to go now, it's late. Review plz!