Update! I'm in awe of all the reviews, you guys are too awesome for words, I tried to thank everyone personally but if I missed you I am so sorry :)

Same old disclaimer, Richelled Mead own it, no copyright infringement yada yada.

Beta: Rose Melissa Ivashkov

Chapter Four

"I don't think I can do that," I managed to choke out.

Dimitri leaned his head closer to my ear, muttering words in a whisper. "Why? Are you afraid?"

I felt his breath caress the side of my face. I lost the ability to speak, so I nodded.

He chuckled and patted my back, before releasing me. "You actually thought we would let you climb a cliff without ropes? You're just going to have to watch us for now. Maybe next time we'll bring some ropes with us."

I let out the breath I hadn't known I was holding and gratefully looked back at his face. "I can wait for next time."

"Hmmmm," he scratched his chin in thought. "Unless. . ."

"Unless?"

He smiled and gestured toward the cliff. "Unless. . .you want me to help you?"

"And how exactly will you help me?"

His smile widened to where you could see his perfect straight teeth. "I can hold you up for a while. You can still experience the rock climbing for a little bit, but then I'll put you down. No harm, no foul."

I looked at the death trap with mild hesitation, before looking back at him. "I'd rather not die today."

His enchanting chuckle drifted in my ear again before he added a comment of his own to my words. "I promise I won't let you fall."

His words sounded so sincere, so much more serious than I thought they would. I looked into his dark eyes, realizing the man was being completely truthful. How was it possible that he could affect me greatly? I felt as if I could trust him with my life, considering how long we had known each other.

His words eased my worries—it couldn't hurt to give it a try, could it?

"Okay. Let me just put on some shorts."

I quickly walked towards Mason and grabbed the shopping bag that was close to him. I reached for shorts and a white tank top and changed in front of them. I had the bikini under so there was no need to be shy. Besides, the bikini covered the essentials. . .barely.

"Let's do this!" I announced, once I reached Dimitri.

He handed me the white powder. "You'll need to put this on your hands."

I placed the powder on my hands and removed the excess dust.

I took a deep breath, analyzing the situation I was in and getting myself into. Keeping my heart condition in mind—was it smart of me to attempt this? Maybe not. But I needed to take more chances and live a little more. Everyone's fate was unknown, mine definitely unknown. . .would it really hurt to do something risky when I was going to die, regardless of how safe I lived?

I looked at Dimitri and smiled. "I'm ready."

His dark eyes assessed me before asking, "Are you sure? You look afraid."

I tried to look more confident in my response. "I'm great. Shall we?"

He took my hand in his; I immediately felt the weight of his large hand in mine. It calmed me further. "Let's do this."

He led me towards the cliff and bent down until his head almost rested against my hip. I swallowed the excess saliva that seemed to emerge at the closeness.

"Grab a rock formation," he instructed.

I glanced at the groves and found a little indentation that my fingers would curve perfectly around. I placed my hand against the cool stone. "Okay."

"Now, place a foot against another formation."

I looked towards my feet and noticed a nice place where my foot could go, so I placed my foot where my eyes considered decent to support myself on. "Done."

"Now, use your upper weight to lift yourself up."

I did as he instructed and almost let go when I felt his hands wrap around one of my thighs. He placed his other hand right under my ass. I had never been touched so intimately before and it felt odd. I also couldn't ignore the warm feeling that spread when he touched me. The feeling was more intense this time; it probably had to do with the fact that he was actually groping me.

"What are you doing?" I finally blurted out, after seconds of internal mortification.

"Making sure you don't fall," he commented, rather amused. I could almost hear a smile playing at his lips.

"Do you always grope the people you help?" I asked, while looking behind me. His face was filled with glee, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Only the pretty ones."

I rolled my eyes at his response and changed the subject. "What should I do now?"

"Find another place for your other hand and hang on."

We did that two more times until his tall frame could not take me any higher. I had to admit, I was having an immensely good time, but we both knew I wasn't doing any of the work. Basically, he was the one with all the credit—he supported all my weight, while I just pretended to hold on to rocks.

"You're doing it, Rose!" Mason cheered, from his seated position.

I smiled back at him and felt a swell of pride. It felt good to try something new. I glanced at Dimitri and smiled apologetically. "I hope I'm not too heavy."

He chuckled. "I'm fine. Your lighter than the backpack." He titled his head to where the aforementioned backpack laid on the grass.

"I guess the fun is done. I can't go any further," I mentioned.

He gently placed me back on the ground, squeezing my shoulders when I was steady. "You did well. Maybe you can do some real rock climbing next time."

"I'd like that."

"This is all fun and all but I am hungry! How about we call it a day and head out? I'm jonsing for a burrito," Adrian commented, from his seat.

I looked around for Christian and noticed that he was already high up the cliff side. I was rather impressed in his ability to climb so quickly.

"We got here less than twenty minutes ago and you're already hungry?" Dimitri asked, while shaking his head.

"Ya, man. Ohhhh how about some Cheetos, too? Dude we should get Cheetos! Those things are fucking bomb!"

"You're impossible," Dimitri grumbled.

"Nahh, you love me. So, let's head out. Burritos and Cheetos, here we come!" He looked up to where Christian was and addressed him, "Dude! We're leaving! We're going to get burritos and Cheetos! Hurry up and get your skinny ass down here!"

"I'll be right down!" Christian responded.

We waited for Christian for another five minutes, before he safely reached the ground.

Mason was quiet throughout the ride back. His eyes kept dropping and he would start to lean into me, before snapping out of it. For some reason, I found his tiredness adorable. I had to stifle laughs a few times.

"We should get you home, buddy," Dimitri spoke softly, while making a rather illegal turn.

"I don't want to go home. I want to get food with you guys."

Dimitri sighed, making the same illegal turn once again. "Okay, buddy, but you have to let me know when you want to go home."

"I will, I promise. I don't even want to go. There's nothing to do there and my shows aren't on today. I'm a big fan of burritos, so I'm excited to go."

"Alright, buddy."

We stopped on a road not too far from downtown and parked in front of a small diner called Aloha's Majestic Diner. That didn't even make any sense. Hello/Goodbye's Majestic Diner? I guess they were going for something poetic.

It was rather rundown, with the outer painting desperately needing new coat. There was only five other cars in the small parking lot, so we wouldn't have to wait for a table. Every time I would dine out in Chicago, there was always a waiting line and the wait time would usually be forty minutes. It was such a hassle.

"Yes! Aloha's Diner. Best. Burritos. Ever!" Adrian actually fist pumped, when he got out of the car.

"I'm sure you can tell that Adrian is still a little high," Christian commented, rather dryly.

"Hmm, didn't notice at all. I thought it was normal to get a hard on for food," I teased.

Christian's laughter was somewhat infectious, so I couldn't help but join in.

"I like you, Rose. I know Lissa would love you. She'll be dying to meet you once I tell her about you."

The name was familiar. I met a Lissa today. I was pretty sure she was the same one, so I decided to ask if she worked at the hospital.

"Yup. Works for Dimitri's mom. You guys already met?"

"Ya, earlier today. She's really sweet."

Christian face lit up and his eyes sparkled with an unnamed emotion. "She's amazing."

We entered the restaurant where an exuberant blonde waited on us. "Hey, guys! The usual table?"

"Please," Adrian asked sweetly.

She led us to a red cushioned booth. The 50s atmosphere was welcoming and the picture of stars of that era filled the walls. James Dean was nicely painted on the south wall, while Marilyn Monroe in her famous Seven Year Itch dress riding scene took up most of the west wall. Smaller framed pictures surrounded the others. I liked it.

I took a seat beside Mason who was looking at the menu with rapt attention. Dimitri and the rest took the opposite seat of us.

"Do you guys want anything to drink right now?"

We all agreed to water and she left with a smile that actually looked like it hurt. Was it humanly possible to smile so wide?

When she left Christian, groaned in his hands. "Does it always have to be her? Jeez, isn't there more than one waitress in this place?"

"I like her," Adrian commented.

"Of course you like her. She blows you off anytime she gets the chance. I swear to God—if she could, she would attach her mouth to your dick."

I looked around the restaurant and noticed the two old men across from us laughing, giggling like two little naughty girls. The innocent girls behind us looked offended and their blush almost rivaled the seats.

"Hey! There are ladies present. Chill with the vulgarity," Dimitri hissed.

"Oh come on! Like Rose here doesn't know about sucking dicks and eating pussies. I'm sure she knows all about that," Adrian spoke, while waggling his eyebrows.

Dimitri punched Adrian's arm and I was not even sure the squeaky sound that came out of Adrian was even human.

"Jesus! No need to be so rough." He rubbed the spot and pouted. "I think you broke my arm."

Dimitri rolled his eyes and grabbed his menu. "Stop being a pussy."

"Oh, so you can say pussy, but I can't?"

"Different contexts," Dmitri replied.

A silence enveloped us as we looked at our menus. I was extremely hungry, so I decided on the cheeseburger and fries. I was sure my stomach wouldn't mind a milkshake, either.

Sleazy-Blonde came back and took our orders, smiling shyly at Adrian. He winked at her as she walked away.

"I'm so getting me some tonight," Adrian chanted, in an almost song like quality.

I laughed at his enthusiasm, while the others rolled their eyes. I looked over to Mason and noticed he wasn't even paying attention. His focus was on the DS in his hands.

"Where did you get that?" I asked.

He looked at me for a second, returning his attention back to his game. "I always carry it around. It's so much fun and I have so many games. Dimitri buys me a new one every week, right Dimitri?"

Dimitri chuckled. I couldn't help but notice how that seemed to soften the hard ridges of his face. He was even more beautiful when he laughed. "Of course, buddy. You can never have too many games."

Mason smiled widely at Dimitri, focusing back on his game.

Conversation flowed, while we waited for our food. I found out several things from all the men: Adrian was a twenty-five year old massage therapist who boasted about being the most successful one on the island; Christian was a twenty-seven year old lawyer who worked for Dimitri's father; and Dimitri was the baby of the group, a whopping twenty-four years old. He was a professional surfer, with several titles and endorsements to his name. Who would have known surfing could be considered a profession?

I was a bit impressed with how successful they were, each in their own way, though I was terrified with their ages. Well, terrified was a too strong word, but I didn't think they would be that much older than me. I guess living in paradise had anti-aging effects, because they all looked really good. Not that being in the mid-20s was bad, but it was a huge gap with my eighteen years of life.

The food arrived and it was delicious. Adrian let me try some of his burritos. I had to agree: Best. Burritos. Ever.

They asked about my life and I gave them as much detail as I could. Recent high school graduate from Chicago who moved with her parents. They asked about University and I told them that I was waiting a year or so before going. I didn't want to ruin such a beautiful day with my dismal tale.

I couldn't think of another time where I laughed so hard in my life, as I watched them interacting with one another. They truly were great friends and I felt honoured to witness it.

Dimitri kept his eyes focused on me, while we all talked and I felt a warm feeling in my chest to see him hanging on every word I said, just like I was doing with him.

His melodic voice kept me entrapped and his stories were entertaining to hear. The warm feeling in my chest increased, as I vaguely remembered my friend Sarah once telling me about falling in love.

"You get butterflies and he makes you feel so warm. Oh, Rose—I love him so much!"

Was that what love was? Butterflies and an uncomfortable, yet warm chest? Sounded awfully shallow to me, but who was I to judge?

I had to admit that whatever I was feeling for Dimitri was more than platonic and it went beyond the warm feeling in my chest. I had never had an actual crush before. TV characters? Sure, I used to imagine myself married to Han Solo. I also vaguely remembered heavy breathing when watching Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise. Jeans and a cowboy hat? Hot. But I was so focused on school, outside activities, and church that I seemed to pass the boy-crazy phase.

When we both reached for the ketchup, our fingers touched and the sizzling, warm feeling increased. I blushed, while he let me have the ketchup first.

As we continued our discussions, the feeling increased until it became actually painful. My heart squeezed and the hotness spread. I realized that I hadn't taken my medication yet. My blood thinner pills were a necessity everyday and I was stupid enough to actually forget!

I reached for my purse, while a wave of pain hit. My shaky hands searched for the pills, until I found them at the bottom.

"Are you alright?" Dimitri asked. His tone held a note of worry that I appreciated, even in my pained state.

"I'm fine. I have to go the bathroom."

"Must have been the burrito I gave you," Adrian commented, as he patted his full belly.

"Excuse me," I spoke to Mason who got out of the booth to give me the space to leave.

I quickly reached the bathroom, took the pills, and used the tap water to swallow them down. Tears of frustration pricked my eyes, as I thought about my foolishness.

The doctor back in Chicago told me that if I didn't replace the valves soon I would experience Congestive Heart Failure. It was common with people with AS. My heart would stop working and I would die, simple as that. What wasn't common was someone having it so young. 50% of people with AS were old, but I was lucky enough to get it.

The pills took effect after a few minutes, and I breathed deeply in relief. I splashed some cold water on my face, exiting the bathroom.

I didn't expect the large body in front of the door, so I managed to collide in him and almost fall because of the impact.

His large hands caught me before I could embarrass myself. I smiled at him in gratitude.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked, while gently making circles on my wrists.

I shivered at the sensation and nodded. "I'm good."

"We paid the bill, so we're ready to go."

He placed his hand on my lower back again and led me out of the diner. Dimitri dropped Mason off first because he was closer. After he dropped Mason off, he asked where I lived. Since I lived the closest to the harbour where Dimitri would be staying, he dropped his other two friends off.

"So, you live on your boat?" I asked as we turned out of Adrian's driveway.

"I have a home near my parents, but I love sleeping on the water. I've always loved the ocean, so it's natural for me," he replied.

"You didn't always live in Hawaii, right? I can sense an accent."

He chuckled. "I used to go to a Private school in Moscow. I went for six years, before I begged my parents to bring me back here. It just wasn't for me. I missed the water too much."

"Russian. It's good to finally place it."

"It's very subtle. I'm surprised you can catch it. It usually becomes quite strong, especially when I'm angry."

"Then, I hope to never hear you speak with your accent stronger."

He laughed again, as we entered my driveway. I noticed the Chevy wasn't there and I mentally cursed my parents. "Ummm. I don't think they're home. Let me check."

I quickly got out and knocked on the door several times. No answer. This would have been fine. . .if I hadn't forgotten my keys.

I jogged back to the car and got back inside. "They aren't home."

"It's fine. We can stay in here until they return."

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"Rose, I'm not going to leave you here alone. It's fine, trust me."

He turned on the radio and we sat and discussed nothing in particular. We did end up having a heated discussion about 80s music and it was hilarious and arousing to watch Dimitri defend something he cared about. He showed me all his favourite songs, and I had to agree that it was alright, because really, with that smile. . .it was hard to resist agreeing with him.

The sun soon set and we were left outside in the dark, with only the car light on.

"It's so beautiful here in the night," I commented.

I could hear several types of animals farther away and the house looked exotic in the darkness.

"Yes. It is," he turned towards me and smiled. "That's what I love about the island. It's like living in a fairytale."

I couldn't help but tease him. "A fairytale? I didn't know you were an expert on the subject?"

His enchanting laugh filled the car, while he gently played with my hand. "I happen to be a fan of Disney movies. I'm confident enough in my masculinity to admit it."

My head rested so close to his as I watched him carefully touch me. I knew that the warm feeling that spread this time had nothing to do with my heart problem. He was so Godly in the moonlight that it almost pained me to look at him.

"I'm glad to hear that. I'm a sucker for Beauty and The Beast."

"'The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose'."

I looked up at him in surprise. "Did you just quote Beauty and The Beast?"

"Told you I'm a fan."

I couldn't even tease him as he looked at me. His eyes trapped mine and I couldn't escape. I had to admit that I didn't want to.

The energy in the car shifted, and I had never felt anything so heavenly. The tension grew as we continued to look at each other. My lips tingled with foreign hunger, and I knew, right then and there, that I wanted him to kiss me.

He gently raised his hand and placed it on the side of my face. He seemed to be searching my eyes for something and it seemed like he found it because his hand moved and his fingers sculpted my soft ridges.

"So soft," he whispered, almost as if he didn't mean for me to hear.

My heart quickened, as his eyes darkened to where they looked almost feral.

"Enchanted rose indeed," he spoke as his face grew closer to mine. It didn't take long, because we were already seated so close. His breath washed over me as his fingers moved to trace my bottom lip. I could feel it trembling but I couldn't care less.

"Dimitri," I spoke with the little air I had. "Please."

His soft groan reverberated through my system.

Finally, his lips gently caressed mine.

So much sensation and yet it wasn't enough.

I wanted more.

The loud honk behind us burst our little bubble, as I gasped and moved away from him. I couldn't see much but the bright high beams of the Chevy let me know that our time was over.

"My parents," I spoke as an explanation.

Abe backed up, so he would be able to let Dimitri pass as I gathered my things.

"Can I see you again?" he asked softly.

I looked at him and smiled. "Sure, I have an appointment tomorrow, but maybe we can meet later?"

"Tomorrow's no good, but I can text you and let you know."

"Okay." I proceeded to get out, but he stopped me.

"I'm going to need your number, if you want me to text you."

I blushed and quickly grabbed the iPhone he held out for me. I wrote my number and handed it back to him.

"Goodnight, Rose," he spoke, before I finally got out of the car.

"Goodnight, Dimitri," I responded, before gently closing the door.

I watched him as he drove off, before meeting my parents who were already inside.

I gently touched my lips and smiled as they tingled.

Maybe it wasn't so bad that we moved here after all.

Damn Abe and his cock blocking...yer kiss blocking? Ya that's better.

*sigh* Dimitri quoted Beauty and The Beast, so cute.

I'm a huge fan of that movie, what's your favorite Disney movie?