Thank you so much for all the reviews! Thank you also for the favorites and follows. So glad you're enjoying it.

So, here it is. For those who prefer not to read lemon scenes, I've marked it in the chapter so you can bypass it.

TRANSLATION: Ты самый красивый – You're the most handsome

DISCLAIMER: I own only the plot and Keren Prinz. Richelle Mead owns all the VA characters.

Chapter 10: Rock and Hard Place

Dimitri stood in his friend's kitchen, his eyes agape. He felt a hundred different emotions course through him at her words: I'm a covert agent with the CIA. His eyes darted between the woman in front of him called Rose and his friend. He looked back at his nemesis, searching for any sign of deceit. Slowly, he decocked the hammer before holstering the gun. "Explain. Now," he said, his voice hard as steel.

Her saw Rose glance toward Christian and Lissa, her eyes softening. Looking back at him, her eyes held none of the warmth. "Fine, but not here," she said, nodding toward the couple.

He glanced at Christian, who had his arms wrapped protectively around Lissa. If the situation weren't so tenuous, he might outright laugh at the deer in the headlights look the two possessed. Sighing, Dimitri said, "I'm sorry, you two. I'm going to need to take a rain check on dinner." He looked back at Rose. "It would seem I've got other plans."

"Rose, what the hell is going on?" Lissa said, coming around the island.

Rose grabbed Lissa's arms, pulling her into a hug. "It'll be okay, Liss." She pulled back and looked toward Dimitri. "Agent Belikov and I just need to have a nice long chat." Turning back to her friend, she said, "It goes without saying that you can't discuss what happened here tonight with anyone, right?" She looked at Christian as well. He nodded as he moved around and placed his arm around Lissa.

"Don't worry, Rose. We'll be fine," he said. Looking toward Dimitri for a moment, he turned his attention back to Rose. "He's a good man, Rose."

Rose nodded while rubbing her hand along Lissa's arm in comfort. "I'll call you tomorrow, Liss."

"You better," she said, her voice filled with an odd combination of trepidation and insistence.

Smiling at her friends, she made her way toward Dimitri. He eyed her closely, still unsure whether she could be trusted. She smirked at him before saying, "Your place, or mine?"

"We'll talk about it outside. Let's go," Dimitri said commandingly.

Making her way around his massive frame, she walked to the door. Their hands met when they both reach for the doorknob. Just like in Paris, the moment their skin met, it sent a humming through his fingers and up his arm. Warmth spread through him, bringing up feelings and sensations he had been trying to repress ever since. He took notice when she yanked her had away and wondered if she felt the same thing. Twisting the handle, he held the door open while she walked ahead. Closing it behind them, they walked in complete silence to the elevator. He kept his eyes on her the entire way, afraid if he looked away she would vanish. Seeing her up close now, he was slightly amused that his first instinct had been right. When he had met her as Catharine, he had felt something was off. This was the real woman, he thought, as he took in her long dark hair and brown, almond-shaped eyes.

Once inside, Dimitri stood facing forward and asked, "Where do you live?"

"McLean. Near Langley," she said.

"Too far. I'm at the Sofitel in town." Turning to look down at her, he said, "Can I trust you to drive us there? I heard Christian mention something about traffic violations?"

As furious and confused as he was at that moment, he had to stifle a laugh when he saw her roll her eyes. "You run one little stop sign, and you're marked for life."

Suppressing a grin, he merely looked straight ahead. Damn it if she wasn't a smartass. Even worse – he liked it. "A simple yes would have sufficed."

Exiting the elevator, they made their way down the street. Dimitri's eyebrow rose as Rose stepped up to the driver's side of a slick black Dodge Charger. Well, shit, he thought. Not only was the woman the most beautiful creature Dimitri had ever met, but she also had great taste in cars. He knew if he didn't find a serious flaw in her somewhere he was going to be in real trouble.

Rose opened the door, and Dimitri saw her reaching across to the push the passenger side seat back. Hearing the click of the lock, he lifted the handle and slid into the plush leather seat. Inhaling deeply, Dimitri relished in the smell of the upholstery. He was surprised to find that it still had the new car smell.

He heard Rose chuckle next to him as she put on her seatbelt. "I take it you approve?" she asked while starting up the car.

He felt the engine rumble through the seats as he rubbed his hand across the dashboard. He couldn't help the smile that rose to his lips. "How can you tell?" he asked, chuckling lowly.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you're pawing at the dash like it's your lover?" Pausing, she said, "And watch it with the fingerprints."

Pulling his hand away quickly, he merely grinned. "I've never had complaints, and I was caressing it, not pawing." Turning in the seat to look at her, he grew serious. "So, the CIA, huh?"

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Looking out the windshield again, she replied, "Can we not do this now? I really need to concentrate. Driving in D.C. is a bitch."

He turned to look back out the front. "Sure."

They arrived fifteen minutes later, pulling up in front of the hotel. Stepping out of the car, Rose handed the valet the keys. Dimitri led her into the hotel and to the elevators. The brief ride to his floor was filled with tension and anticipation. He was both excited and nervous about what the woman beside him would reveal.

Exiting the elevator once the doors opened, he led them to his room. Sliding in the key card, he pushed open the door, letting Rose walk in ahead. Allowing it to close behind him, he tossed the keycard on the nearby table. Sliding off his jacket, Dimitri unhooked the holster and set it down on the table. "Drink?" he asked, as he headed toward the mini-bar.

"Whiskey, if you've got it."

He looked up to find her standing at the window that looked out over 15th Street. Opening the door to the fridge, he perused the selections. He pulled out a mini bottle of Jack Daniels, along with a small bottle of Grey Goose. Closing the door, he stood and poured the contents of each into two glasses. Picking them up, he walked over to where she stood. Looking down at her, he handed her the glass. She was looking up at him, a mix of resignation and something else shadowing her eyes. Giving him a tired smile, she said, "Thanks."

He tapped his glass lightly against hers. "Za vstrechi," he said before taking a sip. The burning balm of the vodka sailed its way down his throat, coating him with a bit of liquid courage.

"Cheers," she said, before downing the entire glass of amber liquid. Looking back up at him, she wiggled the glass. "Got any more?"

Chuckling, he took the now empty glass and walked back to the fridge. Pulling out another bottle, he was about to pour it into the glass when Rose swiped it from his hand. Wresting the lid off, she tossed her head back, finishing off the contents quickly. "So, I take it this isn't going to be pretty?" he asked, trying to hide the humor from his voice.

Setting the now empty bottle down, she shook her head. "Not in the least."

Taking another sip, he walked around and stood at the window again, looking out at the street. He felt the adrenaline coursing through his body as he struggled to let Rose start. He felt her move beside him before he saw her. "So, do you want the long version or the cliff notes?"

"I want to know everything," he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the scene outside the window.

He heard her sigh heavily. "Fine. I was in my senior year of college when my mother died. At first, I was told it was a car accident. As far as I knew, she was an analyst with the CIA. She traveled a lot, so an accident seemed plausible. At her funeral, Tasha approached me. She took me to her office at Langley and told me about my mother. Tasha told me my mother had been a covert CIA agent and that she was killed by a suicide bomber. She also told me that it was The Revolutionary Front that organized the bombing. They had specifically targeted her. Tasha then asked me if I wanted to help put an end to their organization. I signed up that very day."

Dimitri stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye. Even in the dim light, he could see the pain and anguish she still held over her mother's murder. He stood still, taking another sip of the vodka, and waited for her to continue.

"I got my degree and then began my training. A couple of years later, I went on my first mission, along with my partner, Mason Ashford. We work well together and have done a lot of good over the years. Our primary assignment has been the infiltration and identification of the leader of the R.F."

Turning slightly to look at her, he said, "So, to get close to a criminal organization, you had to become part of one," he said.

Glancing up at him, she nodded. "The Agency gave me a new identity." She reached out her hand and waited for Dimitri to grasp it with his own. "Lilly Michaels, nice to meet you," she said, shaking his hand. Dimitri chuckled, causing Rose to inquire, "What's so funny?"

"Who chose your name? Obviously someone with a flower fetish," he said, smiling.

Rose chuckled, "Yeah, I think it was Mason. He'd never admit it, but it's something he would pull." He saw her look down at their still joined hands. Pulling hers free, she ran it through her hair before continuing. "Anyway, Lilly was a petty thief who was nearly arrested but was able to escape being captured. Enter one Ibrahim Mazur. Abe offered to keep me, or rather, Lilly, out of prison in exchange for working for him. Between my training with the Agency and his training, I became Le Chat. The world's best jewel thief." He winced, as he recalled how many times she had eluded capture, at his hands. Even knowing now her extensive government training, he still couldn't shake the bitterness over his failure. As if sensing this, she said, "You came close so many times." He rolled his eyes, as she chuckled. "I'm sorry, by the way, for the stunt in Germany."

"Yeah? Well, one of these days you're going to have to tell me how you did that?" he replied.

"Sorry, trade secret and also highly classified." Leaning into him, she whispered, "If I did tell you, I'd have to kill you."

Leaning down toward her, their faces only inches from one another, he whispered back, "I'd like to see you try." He could see her pupils dilate as her breathing picked up slightly. As he inhaled sharply, the scent of her wafted through his nose, setting his insides afire. It took every ounce of self-control to not reach out and pulled her into his chest. Her lips, the ones he had tasted and relished, were as succulent and enticing as ever.

"I think I need another drink," she said, stepping back a little, all emotion fading from her expression.

Smirking, he raised an eyebrow before turning and walking back to the bar. Opening it, he peered at the contents. "We're out of whiskey. I'll call down for a bottle," he said, walking to the phone. After placing the order, including a bottle of Russian Standard, he refilled his glass with the remaining bottle of Grey Goose. Taking a sip, he walked back to the window. He handed her his drink, trying to impart some invisible courage for her to continue.

"Mason gives me tech that I implant on the jewels I steal. This way we can track the buyers and hope they lead us to the R.F. Most of the people who I'm stealing for have some sort of affiliation with the group."

"How close are you?" he asked.

She shook her head, sighing. "No closer, I think, than the day we started. The bastard always seems to be one step ahead. We've been able to tighten their purse strings, but it hasn't seemed to make a significant dent in their operations."

"Room service," a voice uttered after a quick rap to the door.

Dimitri strode over and cracked it open. Taking the bottles from the man, he slipped him a couple of dollars before closing the door. Walking to the bar, Dimitri opened both bottles and poured the contents into their respective glasses. Carrying them back to the window, he handed Rose the glass of whiskey. "Thanks," she said before taking a large gulp.

"So, what happened in Paris?" he asked.

Rose rubbed her hand against the back of her neck she was twisting back and forth. "You mean besides you?"

Chuckling, he said, "Yeah. We know the man that shot me was a mercenary, and that you, or rather Le Chat, had a meeting with him in London." Seeing her raised eyebrows, he retorted, "What?"

"Nothing," she said, smiling. "I mean, I'm just surprised. You seem to know a lot already."

Snorting, he replied, "The CIA isn't the only intelligence agency on the plant that knows how to do its job."

"As Christian loves to remind me," Rose muttered.

"Let me guess? FBI rules and CIA drools?"

Her outright laughter caught him off guard, yet he found himself fully enamored with the sound. "Exactly," she said. Walking to the bar, she poured herself another glass before walking back to the window. Taking another large swig from the glass, her tone turned serious once again. "So, Spiridon, or Mr. S. as he was called, was the go-between for a sheik who was buying the Sonsuzluk necklace. The transaction went off as planned. However, he got a little 'handsy,' and I had to put him in his place. He didn't take too kindly to that."

Dimitri was taken aback but the sudden fury that welled up in him at the thought of Spiridon's hands on Rose. He knew damn well she could probably take care of herself, but just the idea of another man touching her like that caused him to clench and unclench his fists repeatedly. "Is that why he was in Paris?" he ground out.

"No. Apparently the leader of the R.F. has finally figured out that Le Chat is the common denominator when it comes to his lack of funding." Sighing, she said, "I was hoping we'd have more intel by now, or that we'd have longer to get him before he caught on. Anyway, he's got a bounty on my head, or rather Le Chat's. Spiridon was there to collect, although I think he was enjoying it a bit too much."

"I recall seeing you in the street. You were talking to Spiridon. You shouted at me to get down." Looking down at her, he said, "After that, I don't remember anything until I woke up in the hospital."

Take another large gulp, she replied, "He was basically telling me he was going to kill me. When he saw you, however, I realized he was going to shoot you too. Before I could get to you, he fired, and you went down." Finishing off the rest of the whiskey in her glass, she continued, "I grabbed your gun and shot him before he could finish off either of us."

"And then you called Agent Prinz," he said.

She nodded. "I knew your wound wasn't life-threatening, but you could have bled out if they didn't get to you." Looking back up at him, her eyes filled with remorse, she said, "I just couldn't leave you there to die in the street."

They stood there for what seemed like several minutes, holding each other's gaze. "Thank you," Dimitri whispered.

Unable to tear her eyes from his, she whispered back, "You're welcome."

He moved slightly closer to Rose as if pulled by some imaginary force. "The kiss," he said, his eyes drifting down to her sensuous lips. Licking his own, he looked back into her eyes. He was pleased to see the same desire emanating from them that he was sure filled his own. "Was it part of the job?"

He saw her step ever so slightly closer, her own eyes falling to his lips. He could see her throat working as she swallowed heavily before replying, "No."

Lowering his head closer, he looked at her mouth, desperate to see if it tasted just as good the second time. With just a hair's breadth between them, he asked again, "No?"

"No," she breathed out, barely getting it out before their mouths crashed against one another. Dimitri barely registered the thud of the glasses hitting the carpet as their hands set to clawing at one another in desperation. His right hand was cupping the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in the hair at her nape. His lips and tongue were battling hers for dominance, eager to consume. His other hand had slid to her lower back, pulling her tightly against him. A shot of pain radiated out from the gunshot wound, stealing his breath momentarily. However, feeling her firm but supple body pressed against him forced out a deep guttural groan of pleasure. Her hands had moved up and were now clasping his head, trying to eradicate any space between them. She was running her tongue along his, in between nipping at his lips.

-BEGIN M SCENE-

With his self-control was almost blown, he ground his hips against her, desperate to release the pressure that was building. Even though he was nearly overwhelmed with desire and want, his brain registered the fact that it wasn't just a sexual want he was feeling. Having her in his embrace, breathing in her distinct scent, he had the overwhelming need to never let her out of his arms. His knees nearly buckled as the thought came rushing to the forefront of his mind – mine.

As the panic began to well up within him, he was about to release his hold when she ground against him. That, along with the what she was doing to his neck, eradicated any momentary concerns. Pulling back, he looked into her lust-filled eyes. "This is a terrible idea," he said before attacking her neck with light bites and kisses.

She threw her head back and to the side, giving him better access. In doing so, she pressed up against his erection, sliding up and down. "A disaster in the making," she moaned. She pulled herself back up and released him. Reaching down, she crossed her arms, pulling the blouse over her head and tossing across the room. Her hands moved around, sliding up his back.

His eyes widened as he took in her bare, perfect breasts, pert and high. Her tawny nipples were taut and begging to be suckled. Looking deeply into her eyes, he asked, "How drunk are you?"

Gazing at him seductively, she replied, "I'm sober enough to know better but drunk enough not to care." With that, she captured his lips in a burning, heated kiss. Moaning, he slid his hand up the smooth, silky skin of her side. His fingers ghosted over her, causing her to shiver, leaving small bumps in his wake. Reaching the smooth underside of one breast, he squeezed it gently, rubbing his thumb across the hardened nipple. He smiled into the kiss as she let out a gasp. He felt her hands move around to the front as she reached between them to grasp the hem of his Henley. "Off," she commanded as she tugged.

He reached down, grasping at the hem, allowing her to help him lift the shirt up and over his head. He suppressed a wince, as he felt another tinge of pain at his shoulder at the brusqueness of removing his shirt, though this time it was considerably less. Letting his shirt drop to the floor, his hands found their way to her back, caressing the skin while her breast pressed tightly against his now bare chest. Her own hands were wandering across his back, her fingers tracing the muscular planes. Her lips and tongue were dancing across his skins, igniting a trail of desire.

He turned and walked her backward toward the bed. Kneeling in front of her, he grabbed one leg and then the next, pulling off her shoes. Looking up his eyes drank her in; dark, silken hair curtaining her face, bare skin flushed in desire, and smooth, tawny skin, yearning to be tasted. As her hands moved to remove her jeans, his own stayed the movement. Brushing away her hands, he gripped her hips before latching once again onto her supple breast. He nipped and tugged at her straining nipple while his other hand massaged and kneaded its twin. Looking up, he smiled against her skin as he saw her head thrown back, panting in ecstasy. Moving his hands down her stomach, he ripped at the button and zipper, grabbing at the material and wrenching it down. Her hands reached for his shoulders as he lifted one leg, and then the other, pulling off the offending material. Sitting back slightly he took her in, relishing in the curves and edges of her body. "So damn beautiful," he mumbled.

He saw her smirk as she pulled him to stand before her. Reaching out with her small hands, she made quick work of his own pants, shoving both them and his boxers down his legs. Sitting back on the edge of the bed, he watched as she raked her eyes up and down his body. "Ты самый красивый," she whispered.

Growling, he hauled her up further onto the bed, climbing up over her as he claimed her mouth in another searing kiss. He leaned forward as she pulled him back, her hands at the nape of his neck. Hovering over her exquisite body, he moved from her mouth to trail hot, wet kisses down her throat and chest. Reaching one breast, he nibbled and licked until he reached the tight bud begging to be lavished. Pulling it between his lips, he let his tongue glide roughly over it, while one of his hands massaged and tweaked its mate. He smiled into her warm skin as she arched, crying out. Her hands were in his hair, raking and tugging him closer.

Releasing the one nipple, he moved his mouth to the other, bestowing the same attention to it while his hand trailed down her body. Sliding it down her thigh, he brought it back underneath, opening her up. Moving lower down the bed, he nibbled and bit along her stomach before placing soft, soothing kisses in their wake. He heard her whimper and pant as he slid a single finger along the smooth piece of material between her legs. He felt himself harden as he realized how wet she was already. Grasping at the cloth around her hips, he tugged it slowly down, tossing it to the side when they were free.

Kissing and licking at the skin as he moved up her legs, he massaged and kneaded the rounded, muscular limbs along the way. The scent and taste of her was a heady mix of sex and spice, urging him back to her waiting lips. Taking them between his own, he savored the flavors that were uniquely hers while sliding his palms against her heated sex. Slipping first one, and then a second finger inside the beckoning heat, he rejoiced in the feel of her clenched around him. Growling softly, he slid his fingers inside while he kept the heel of his hand massaging that sweet bundle of nerves.

She was panting against his mouth, mewling in pleasure as he found the spot he knew would break her apart. Turning her head, she pulled at the hand that was currently preoccupied with one of her luscious breasts, drawing two of his fingers into her mouth. Rolling her tongue around them, she smiled wickedly as she mimicked what he knew she was eager to duplicate to his hardened member. Groaning, he increased the thrusts of his fingers, craving the release he knew was reaching its crescendo.

"Please," she gasped, releasing his hand as she reached down to grasp at him. He shifted slightly, moving out of her reach, eager to watch her come undone without distraction. Her one arm was pinned under him to one side. With his free hand, he grasped the other one that was currently free and held it above her head. Her whimpers and moans were louder, her chest heaving as she panted out her lust.

Knowing she was close, he moved his head to the breast closest to him and latched onto the hardened and straining nipple. Sucking hard before pulling with his teeth, he felt her clench around him. Looking up, he saw her head thrown back; her mouth opened in a soundless cry. Her back was arched and bowing, as well, almost pushing Dimitri over the edge. He didn't think he'd ever seen anything as incredibly sexy as Rose coming apart around him. He felt the surging in his groin as images of her coming around him while buried inside floated through his mind.

He worked her a little bit longer, slowing his movements to help keep the tension ever present. Shifting over her, he started to move into her when a sudden moment of clarity hit. Resting his head into the crook of his neck, he groaned. "Shit," he mumbled into her skin.

Still breathless, she turned her head toward his. "What?" she asked, pulling her hand free to stroke his back.

"I didn't exactly plan on this." Turning his face to look into her eyes, he explained further, "No condoms."

"Purse," she said breathlessly. Grinning like a kid at Christmas, Dimitri rose quickly and grabbed the small bag off the counter. Walking back over, he handed it to her. He watched as she furiously dug through the contents. "Ah hah!" she said, pulling out the prize. Chuckling, he pulled the foiled package from her hand and ripped it open. Before he could move to place it, her hand reached out to stay his movement. "I want to," she said provocatively.

Sitting back, he watched as she pulled herself into a seated position. Reaching her hand out, she wrapped her fingers around his long, hard girth. He hissed in a breath, relishing in her touch. Rubbing her thumb over the tip briefly, she placed the unrolled sheath into her mouth and lowered her head. Dimitri inhaled sharply as he felt her mouth sink over him. The sensation of her teeth gently gliding along the shaft sent tremors through his body. He groaned again as he felt himself at the back of her throat before she pulled her head back up and released him.

"Best application of a condom ever," he growled as he flipped her back onto her back before plunging into her moist heat. Once he was fully seated, he had to force himself to still. It amazed him that with her, he was like a teenager all over again; ready to lose it before he had even gotten started. She had wrapped her legs at his waist, and her hands had snaked down to his ass, her nails and fingers tugging and pulling at him. He chuckled against her neck, "Give me a minute." Pulling up to look at her, he said, "I'd really like this to last longer than a few seconds."

Smirking at him, she replied, "Baseball."

Quirking an eyebrow, he asked, "What about it?"

She shrugged her shoulders slightly before replying, "Just something I heard before. Thinking about stats or lineups."

Chuckling, Dimitri replied, "Well, since I don't follow baseball, I guess I'll have to come up with something else."

He gasped as he felt her squeeze around him, that wicked gleam in her eyes once again. Damn it if he didn't find that incredibly sexy. "Well, you better hurry up and think of something, Comrade," she said seductively as she squeezed again while shifting against him.

Capturing her lips with his own, he pulled out before slamming back in. He smirked against her lips as she let out a sharp cry of ecstasy. Working his hips, he set a slow, heavy rhythm, relishing in the feeling of her wrapped around him. Resting his forehead against hers, their breaths intermingling, he picked up the pace as she began to once again utter those sexy little cries and moans. He could feel the tightening in the base of his spine. Reaching under her shoulders, he rose up on his knees, pulling her up with him.

Her legs were still locked around his waist, as his hands moved to her sweet, luscious ass. Grasping it, he sat back on his heels, helping her to ride him. He could tell by the louder mewls she was making that she was once again close. Panting in his ear, she said, "Faster…harder…"

Grunting in pleasure, he promptly obeyed, slamming into her with a punishing pace. Reaching between them with one hand, he found the tiny bundle buried beneath the dark brown curls. Rubbing it lightly, he felt her slide over the cliff, screaming his name into his neck. "Roza!" he cried, as her own name fell from his lips as he felt his own explosion after a few more thrusts.

-END M SCENE-

Once the spams had subsided, he lowered her back onto the bed, following her down. Rolling off, he lay on his back, breathing heavily. Sleep was already claiming him, as he struggled to stay awake. Throwing an arm across his eyes, he tried to push away the urge to pull her against him. He wasn't one to cuddle with a woman after sex. Even Keren had understood, having been of the same mind. Raising his arm, he glanced over at the woman beside him, expecting her to be looking at him expectantly. Dimitri almost had to chuckle as he saw her in a similar position, seemingly already asleep. Trying not to disturb her, he stood from the bed and walked to the closet. Opening it, Dimitri pulled a blanket from inside and walked back to the bed. Climbing back on top, he unfolded it and lay it over both their sweat-slicked bodies. Giving her one more lingering gaze, he stretched out, letting sleep claim him.

The shadows obscured the figure crouched on the roof as they slowly stood. Removing the telephoto lens, they placed it back into the case. Flipping a switch on the camera, they slowly reviewed the images, a predatory grin growing as they took in the salacious photos. The man almost pitied the other man in the pictures.