DPOV

I sat down on the old wooden bench. I couldn't believe it. Anybody but him. He would only use and ruin her like he ruined her. And I could not, nay, would not let that happen to Rose. Was a part of me jealous? Naturally, ever since I laid eyes on Roza I felt an indescribable attraction to her, which was only consolidated by seeing her beautiful naked body. But it was more than that, I did not want her to get hurt by him. He had ruined the lives of many young women like her, including someone close to myself. She deserved so much more than that, especially considering what she had been through, judging by all those scars on her body.

And I wished with all my heart that I could give it to her, the love she deserved. But alas, we were born in two different societies, separate worlds. It would do not good for my reputation or my family's for that matter, and she would struggle to cope in such a high pressured world. No, I would not wish for her to conform to society's rules, as she would have to. She was free, and unbounded. And that's what made me adore her.

And knowing I could never have her like I wished, drove me mad. But maybe… maybe I could just taste her just the once. What would the harm be in that?

No. I scolded myself. It would make things more complicated. And you had a fiancé.

But you don't love her. The voice said again, and this inner turmoil continued for quite some time, before it all got . I was sick of thinking, of constantly obsessing and watching myself. I wanted to experience that carefree freedom Roza had, and be anything but Dimitri Belikov.

And with that, I grabbed her body towards me , and devoured her lips with mine. After her initial shock, she soon matched her movement with mine. We both became desperate, months of suppressing our feelings all building up to this moment, to this release. We could no longer hold back, and our desires took over. I kissed her hungrily, tracing one hand over the curves of her body, the other entwining in her curled hair. Her lips tasted sweet, and like sugar itself, was addictive after the first try. She kissed me back too, with such passion it made my whole body crave more. Her own arms wrapped around my neck, and she pulled me closer, pressing her body up to mine.

A voice inside my head was screaming at me to stop, that this was wrong. But I couldn't help it. I wanted to taste every inch of her mouth, knowing I would probably never be able to again. I wanted more. And more I got.

I pushed her back onto the bench, and I fell on top of her. Her legs automatically entwined with mine, and her small hands started exploring my body.

My hands continued working their way into her hair, and I slid my tongue against her bottom lip, begging for entrance.

She began teasing me, biting my lower lip and I growled. I was in charge here, and though I loved her fiery nature, I wanted to dominate her.

I forced my tongue into her mouth, and she gasped softly, followed by a loud moan. She bucked her hips up to meet my own, rubbing her lower body against my own.

I felt myself grow even harder, something I did not think possible, as the bulge in my pants had already grown incredibly big and stiff.

This woman was driving me insane.

How could something so wrong feel so right?

We both pulled back reluctantly for air, both of us gasping. As she lay there before me, I swear I had never seen something so breathtakingly beautiful in all my life.

Her beautiful dark mane was splayed around her, cascading over the bench,her lips were red and swollen from kissing, and her ample bosom rose and fell with each breath she took. Confound that dress. I knew I would not be able to resist her for much longer the moment I saw her curveacious and full figure. She had indeed filled out over the past few months, and in all the right places. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes held a sort of wonder and awe as she looked up at me. She looked so innocent and vunerable in that moment, something I Had not seen from her yet, and it made my heart swell with something I was not all too familiar with. Whatever it was, it felt incredible.

I had hoped that by staying away from her, by distancing us both, some of the strong feelings I had towards her would fade. By if anything, absence made the heart grow fonder, as they say, and as selfish as it was, though I knew I could never have her, I never wanted to let her go. She was mine.

I was possessive, controlling, power hungry…. I was my father.

That thought hit me like a bucket of cold water, and I stopped kissing her abruptly. I could see the hurt in her eyes as I pulled away, and I wanted more than to take her in my arms and console her. But I could not shake the though out of my head.

I was being purely selfish and greedy. I was using her for my own pleasure, leading her on as such. She was younger than I, and I could not raise her hoped that we could have some sort of fairytale like relationship. The fact was we were not compatible, and it was cruel and self absorbed of me to let her naïve mind carry away with itself.

It took every bit of willpower within me to peel myself away from her. But I managed to, and said the only thing I could think of that would ensure she did not pursue any romantic interest in myself of Mr Ivashkov.

"Be careful Roza, you fall too easily for men, and make it far too easy for them to use you."

I saw raw pain and embarrassment flash across her face, and her struggle to keep her face composed. Iwished there was another way. But I could not tell her what Mr Ivashkov was capable of, as I had made a promise not to say to this woman. Roza was on the verge of tears, but she desperately fought to withhold them, to not let me see what damage I had truly caused her, though I know I had wounded her deeply. She did not fight me, and instead stood up without a word, and walked into the depths of the maze, until she eventually left my field of vision.

And it was then, as I stared after her retreating figure, that I knew she was strong enough to survive this, to survive the manipulation of Ivashkov, and any man that tried to pray on her.

She was strong, my Roza, and would move on.

The question was, am I strong enough too?

RPOV

"Be careful Roza, you fall too easily for men, and make it far too easy for them to use you."

I stared at him in shock. Just moments ago I had experienced the most incredible feeling of my life. He had wanted me so passionately and never could I have possibly imagined that it was all just an act.

And now he had just ridiculed me without a moment's hesitation. He was an excellent actor, I would give him that.

I had never felt so mortified and humiliated in my entire life, he had kissed me… just to use me? Or to try and teach me some lesson about not falling for men like a fool? Either way, it did not detract from the fact that I felt hurt like never before. It pained me more than each blow and each kick that Stan delivered. I had never felt so happy as I did in that moment, and like everything in my life, I was brutally reminded that I could never raise my hopes. Everyone left me. My father, my mother, Mason, and now him. It was the kick in the teeth I needed to remind myself that I was on my own in this world. I felt tears threaten to spill over. But I would not cry for this man. Once again he had reduced me to a quivering wreck, and showed him that I was weak willed and easy to have if he so wanted.

It was with that, that my resolve set in. I stalked out of the vicinity, with no direction in mind. I glanced back at him, and thought I saw pain and hurt in those dark eyes, but it was gone as quick as I had seen it.

I kept walking, as I tried to create as much distance between myself and him.

I eventually found myself in the heart of the maze, and I was truly lost. I began running as I became disoriented and panicked. Everywhere looked the same, and I had found myself ending up in the same places each time I took a turn. It was impossible to navigate, and I gave up.

I would allow myself this one moment of weakness and self pity, whilst no one could see me. I stopped running, and stood still, letting the events fully sink in. If I could get all of my emotion out of my system now, it would make it more bearable in the future.

I finally let the tears flow, as I huddled up in a heap on the ground, with my knees bent, and back arched as I cradled my head between my arms.

Author's note

Okay so… I know you all want to kill me right now *cue nervous laughter*

Buuttt… things have never been that easy for the couple, right? And besides, our dear friend Adrian has yet to fulfill his starring role!

Thanks to everyone who followed and favorited….. and to the 20 reviewers! (A RECORD!) I was so giddy when I woke up this morning and found them, that I could not stop myself writing this chapter even if I wanted to!

Thank you all so much!

Much Love,

E xxx

P.s Author's notes at beginning or end for future reference? Xx