Well, my lovelies, the time has come. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed taking this journey with all of you. My first love is "Sunsets & Roses." It was my first written piece and bought me a lot of joy. When I decided to write another story, I decided to stretch myself and try my hand at something different. To say this was a challenge would be an understatement (as evidenced by my lag in posting at times). However, this one too means so much to me as well. I loved writing about intrigue and adventure. I'm happy so many of you enjoyed it as well.

Some of the reviewers have asked or requested that I start a new story here once I was done with ToH. I regret I'm going to no longer be writing fan fiction. While I adore these characters and the VA books, I feel an overwhelming desire to write stories featuring characters that are new; characters with no constraints. In fact, I've already started to rework S&R into an independent novel, and have ideas for several other stories as well. Should I find someplace to publish any of these in the future, I'd be happy to share that with anyone who is interested.

A huge thank you to Swimming, Llaria, and Lea. You all not only were a great help in my entry into this arena but also became my friends. I love all of your work and look forward to catching up on all the wonderful stories you've created and will continue to put forth. To everyone who has reviewed and messaged with reviews and critiques, I can't thank you enough. Everyone one of them meant so much to me. If you were a guest or weren't allowing responses to your reviews, please accept my deepest gratitude for the time you took to read and let me know your thoughts.

Now, without further ado, I give you the final chapter of "Thief of Hearts."

DISCLAIMER: The story is mine, the VA characters belong to Richelle Mead.

Chapter 20: New Beginnings

Rose stood in the spacious yard, watching her best friend. Rose hadn't imagined she could look any more beautiful. Lissa's skin glowed, and her eyes were bright as she smiled sweetly down at the small bundle in her arms. She was seated in one of the deck chairs, singing softly to the tiny baby girl. Rhea Marie Ozera was only a few weeks old, but already commanded everyone within her orbit. Christian slid up to stand beside his wife and daughter, his matching smile nearly blinding.

Rose felt the ache in her heart as she took in the scene. From the time her mother had "died," Rose had only had one goal in life…revenge. Yes, she'd used the term "justice" to appease her boss and friends, but Rose knew the truth. She had wanted those responsible to pay, and with as much malice as she could muster. Which, considering how the anger had burned within her…fueled her, she knew she would eventually see herself either on the wrong side of the law or possibly six feet under. She had taken chances. Too many she sometimes thought.

Six months. Sometimes Rose couldn't believe it had been that long since her life had been irrevocably altered. Her mother lived! Viktor Dashkov was dead and his rancid empire demolished. Abe had used his contacts to whisk them out of the unfriendly territory, drawing no scrutiny. Rose winced inwardly as she recalled the various closed-door meetings everyone had been forced to endure upon their return. Tasha had taken the brunt of the blowback. It wasn't every day a highly decorated and revered CIA agent came back from the dead…or that said agency invaded a hostile country. Hands had been slapped, but surprisingly that had been all.

Unfortunately, Janine's rise from the dead had been a bit harder for the government to spin. In the end, they had merely outed her as a deep undercover operative. This had meant the end of Janine's career, but Rose knew her mother felt no real loss from that decision. As if her thoughts carried across the ocean, Rose's phone beeped, indicating an incoming text message. She smiled as she saw it was from Abe. Her father. She hadn't quite gotten used to calling him that yet, but they were working toward building a closer relationship. She always got a snicker when she saw his name displayed, courtesy of her mother.

Momsbitch: Kiz, your mother wants to know when you'll be heading to Turkey for a visit. She says it's been too long since she's seen you.

Rose responded quickly, letting Abe know that she would be talking to Tasha soon about finding some time off. Since the rescue, Rose had been mostly on desk duty during all the internal investigations and queries into what had occurred with Dashkov. Luckily, given that Tasha and her team, along with Dimitri and Abe, had successfully ended one of the most significant terrorist networks in the world, Rose had evaded the agency's wrath relatively unscathed.

When Abe responded, even employing a kissing emoji, Rose chuckled out loud. She had put a stop to his incessant use of hashtags, trying to explain the proper usage, but failing miserably. Rose had seen the softer side of Abe emerge even more after Janine had agreed to travel to Turkey a few months ago. She had been adamant that there would be no renewing of feelings between herself and Abe. So vehement where her protestations that Rose knew the eventual outcome. Not even one month after her mother had arrived in Turkey, Janine had called Rose to inform her that she and Abe would be getting remarried. It had been a quiet, civil ceremony with only Rose as a witness. While Abe had gone mostly legitimate, for her mother's and her sake, he still had enemies that would take great pleasure in hurting him through those he cared about.

Rose's phone rang, and she put a finger in the air toward her friends before she stepped away. "Rose, tell Mason he's a dick!" Mia's ordinarily sweet tone bit with ire.

Rose sighed but smiled. Tasha had, in fact, recruited Mia for the CIA, and now the young woman was dating her friend and partner, Mason. At first, they had been like oil and water…well, more like c4 and a blasting cap. Their angry foreplay around the office and in social settings had driven Rose mad. She and Tasha had finally decided enough had been enough and sent the two of them on a mission together…to a remote part of Kazakhstan. Mysteriously, none of their communications devices had worked, and they had nothing to do until their "rescue" except either kill each other or finally admit to their feelings.

Sure, the irony wasn't lost on Rose. How she had become the group's Cupid, she had no idea, given her own love life was just barely on life support. Once they had all returned home, the momentum of what had occurred and what they all had to face took over like a tidal wave. After Dimitri's interrogation/interview with the CIA, his boss had ordered him back to France. They hadn't been able to even say goodbye. They had spoken on the phone a couple times, but their conversations usually never strayed beyond work and the resulting fallout.

So many times, during the all too brief conversations, Rose had yearned to hear Dimitri ask her to come to him in France. Or, even tell her he was coming back to Washington. Yes, it wasn't the middle ages, she realized. As a fierce, independent woman, she could have asked him to come or offered to go to him. Yet, she held back. She had found herself, alone in her apartment, frequently wanting to pull her hair out at her own insecurities. Never had she felt so out of sorts. Rose was always calm, able to reason things out with cold logic. Of course, that had been before she had met Dimitri…before she had fallen in love.

That little revelation had induced consumption of an entire bottle, or two, of wine. Poor Lissa, already into her third trimester, had merely listened and let Rose try work through the fears, doubts, and emotions.

"Rose?"

The woman's voice in her ear drew her back to the present. "Well, Mia, that's a foregone conclusion. What did he do now?"

"Tasha wants to send me out with another team, but Mason is throwing a tantrum. He thinks I'm not ready. It's like he doesn't trust or believe in me."

Rose could hear the hurt in her friend's voice. "Put the dumbass on the phone," she said.

Rustling noises and murmured words were all she could hear for a few seconds. "She's not ready," Mason growled.

In that tone and one statement, he had said everything. Her friend was worried. This man, who never showed fear in the field and could crack a joke in the blink of an eye, was scared. No, terrified. It had only been a few days ago, while they were going over reports in his office, that Mason had confided in Rose. He had fallen in love with the brilliant, blonde pixie.

Breathing out, Rose replied softly, "Mase."

Silence filled the line. She could hear his exhalations as he tried to control his own breath. "I won't be with her. I won't be able to p-protect her," he stuttered.

Rose closed her eyes, her heart thudding as she heard the pain in his voice. One of the things she loved and cherished about Mason was his capacity to love. To care deeply. Even though they bantered back and forth like siblings, Rose never doubted he cared for her. The proof was in the pudding, so to say. He had her back, just as she had his.

"Mase, you know you can't always be there. You're going to have to trust…in her and in our fellow agents. She is ready. She's the best, Mason. Have faith in her."

"I do trust her, and I know she's the best," he replied. "I…I just can't stand the thought of losing her."

Rose could hear Mia's faint voice in the background. "Oh, Mason. You won't lose me. I'll always come home to you." Her voice became louder, as she was obviously standing closer. "I love you, Mason."

Rose heard the sharp breath of her friend. "I love you too, Mia. So much."

As a clattering noise could be heard, Rose called out, "Mason?" Met with silence, she pulled the phone away, making sure the call hadn't disconnected. "Mia?" she yelled. As the sounds of moans and whispers suddenly became apparent, Rose smirked before ending the call. Well, at least someone's love life wasn't in the toilet.

"Rose," Lissa called out from across the yard.

Slipping her phone into her back pocket, she made her way back toward her friends. As she approached, Christian handed Rose a fresh bottle of beer. "It's as if you read my mind, G-Man."

Smirking, Christian popped the top on his own bottle before taking a swig. Relief once again coursed through Rose. Once everyone had returned stateside, Rose had taken the brunt of Christian's anger. Well, both she and Dimitri. His cousin, Tasha, hadn't fared any better, to be honest. He had railed at them all for keeping him out of the mission. They had all understood how he felt and had allowed him the time to vent his anger and frustration. However, beneath it all, Rose had felt the man's fear. It had taken a while for them to rebuild their relationship, no doubt in part to Lissa's machinations.

"Well, it's not as if you have a lot of real estate up there," he retorted, knocking lightly on her head.

Batting his hand way, Rose smirked. "It's not the size of the organ, it's what you do with it." Blatantly glancing at Christian's crotch, she continued, "Besides, at least mine is bigger than yours."

Rose had to duck quickly as foaming alcohol flew from Christian's mouth before he let loose a choking laugh. Once he had gained some composure, he grinned. "Major points there, spook."

Grinning, Rose turned and lowered herself into the chair opposite Lissa. Before she could even settle into the seat, Lissa was rising and leaning toward her, arms outstretched. "Rose, would you hold Rhea for me? I need to go check on the lasagna."

Before she could reply, Rose's arms were filled with squirming, sweet smelling baby. She stared into the tiny face, as big emerald eyes focused intently on her own, the little mouth working the small pacifier between her rosebud lips. It took seconds for the tension in Rose's body to abate, as she let the fear go and embraced the wonder that was this child. After everything Lissa had endured, she had been safe and healthy. The proof of her strength and resilience lay in Rose's arms.

"I never thought I'd say it, but you holding a baby looks right," Christian's soft voice said over her shoulder.

Without looking up, Rose continued to stare into the little girl's eyes, whose gaze flickered between her face and her father's. "It's only because she's perfect…and I can give her back to you guys at any time," she jested.

Rose felt his hand on her shoulder, resting gently before he squeezed. "You love him."

Christian's quiet words held no question. Of course, Lissa had confided in her husband about Rose's feelings. She would never begrudge her friend for sharing things with him. Still, Rose wasn't quite sure she wanted to have that particular conversation with anyone else. While Rose felt and did so profoundly, she wasn't one to share those emotions readily. Undoubtedly her work in covert operations had a lot to do with it, but underneath, Rose knew it was more of a defense mechanism. The less someone knew about how you felt, the harder it was to use against you.

"What I feel doesn't matter. He's there, and I'm here. It could never be anything more."

Christian moved around her, sliding into Lissa's vacant chair before pulling it closer to her. Their knees were nearly touching. He stared at his daughter for a moment, before raising his eyes to hers. "What if that weren't an obstacle? What if he were here, permanently? Or, what if you were there? Would that change things?"

All the pent-up feelings of love, loss and desire flooding through her as she thought about his questions. Would she be able to take a chance, if things were different? Would she be able to put her heart on the line and run the risk of getting hurt? Their jobs weren't safe…their lives endangered with every mission. If she gave Dimitri her heart, would it survive losing him? Would whatever time they could enjoy together be worth the pain if, God forbid, he was taken from her?

Quietly, almost a whisper, she replied, "I don't think I'd survive it if I lost him, Christian."

His hand reached out, gently squeezing her knee. "Rose, I get it. First Abe and then your mother. You've been strong for so long, given the loss you've endured. But, you have your parents back now, alive and happy." He paused before pulling his hand away. "I almost lost the love of my life. The agony of not knowing where she was, or if she and my daughter were alive, nearly destroyed me."

Rose blushed, the heat of shame coursing through her. To know she had been party to his anguish would haunt her for years to come. He was a good man who loved his family with all his heart. "Christian, I'm s-."

He held up his hand. "No, no more apologies. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, Rose. What I'm saying is that even if I had," he said, his voice choking with emotion, "lost them both, I wouldn't trade any of the time before. As corny as it sounds, the old adage is true. It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."

Rose snorted. Okay, so sarcasm and inappropriate humor were her go to when facing deeper emotions. She softened her expression when she saw the frustration on Christian's face. "I'm sorry. I-I'm just not sure I know how to do this?"

"Do what?"

Rose blushed, embarrassed suddenly. "You know…be in a real relationship."

Christian leaned back in the chair, taking a pull from the longneck. Swallowing, he set it back down before staring into her eyes. "Rose, if you ever repeat anything I'm about to say, I will make the torture you guys employ look like child's play." He softened his dark words with a smarmy grin. "You, Rosemarie Hathaway, are a catch. You're beautiful, smart and can kick just about everyone's ass. You love those you care about deeply, and you protect what is yours." He said the last part as he gazed longingly toward the patio doors leading into the house. Turning back, he continued, "I'll never be able to repay you for bringing her…them, home to me."

Rose struggled to hold back the tears that burned behind her eyes. While they usually kept their interactions to witty banter and sarcastic repartee, deep down he was like a brother to her. His words chiseled away at the stone edifice she had erected around her heart through the years.

Unable to speak, for fear of her voice cracking, Rose gave a quick jerk of her head in acknowledgment. She knew Christian wouldn't appreciate an outpouring of emotion or affection.

"Dinner's ready!" Lissa said as she breezed through the patio door before setting the steaming dish of lasagna on the table.

Christian stood and reached to gather Rhea into his arms. With his head bent, he whispered softly into Rose's ear, "Don't let fear win."

The rest of the evening passed in companionable and easy conversation, even as Rose tried to process Christian's words and her own roiling emotions. As she had driven home, all that had been said, and all that had been left unsaid, whirled around inside her head. Sighing, as she pulled into the garage, she knew she would be getting little rest.

After hours of tossing and turning, Rose stumbled about her condo, getting ready for work. Tasha had left her a voicemail message sometime during the evening that she had a new assignment for her. The acidic pit in her stomach had only increased, the closer to the office she had gotten. Between the investigation and the resulting desk duty, Rose had been itching to get back into the field. Tasha had even sent Rose to The Farm for six weeks to hone and refresh her skills. Now she was about to learn where and what she would be doing next, but instead of feeling excited, the only thing she felt was dread.

Parking her car, she walked through the front of the building, swiping her badge through the security gates and striding through the metal detector. Taking the elevator, she stepped out once the doors opened again, dragging her leaded feet toward Tasha's office. As she reached a fist out to rap on the door, she gave herself a mental slap. Get it together, girl.

With that single knock, she pushed open the door before hearing Tasha's voice. The woman in question sat behind her large desk, her entire demeanor exuding competency and power. In all their time working together, Rose realized she had never seen Tasha lose her shit. Nothing seemed to faze the woman. Rose could almost believe ice water ran through her veins, instead of blood.

"Rose," the woman said, smiling as she stood from her chair. Stepping around, she stopped in front of her. In her four-inch heels, she towered over Rose. She was used to the power play, having seen Tasha use the gift of her height to intimated lesser agents. When her boss sat on the end of her desk, bringing them to eye level, Rose felt that pit in stomach deepen. She figured it could only mean one thing. Whatever mission she had tasked for Rose would be long and arduous.

"A.D. Ozera," Rose nodded in response, maintaining a formality in her tone.

A dark, arched eyebrow rose. "So, we're going with formal today, are we?" Tasha asked a slight smirk on her blood red lips.

Rose cocked her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. "I just figured it would be better to get down to business. You've got a job for me. I'm ready to do what's needed. The sooner I can get the parameters, the sooner I can be on the way."

"So eager to get back in the field, are you?"

Shrugging, Rose replied, "What I want is irrelevant. I'm an agent. I have a job to do, and a duty to perform it to the best of my ability. I've been sitting on my ass for most of these last six months. Anything is better than sitting behind a desk."

"Yes, I heard from one of the instructors at The Farm that you were quite…enthusiastic during training. He might have mentioned a trainee having to be carried off the field during hand-to-hand combat?"

Rose snorted. "Please. It was a flesh wound. The idiot should have been paying more attention and zigged instead of zagging." She waved her hand in the air. "Anyway, can we just cut to the chase and give me the information for my next operation?"

A shadow crossed Tasha's face briefly before her usual stoic façade dropped into place. "Fine. But before I do, I have a question, and I'd appreciate the truth." Raising a hand to stop whatever Rose had been about to say, Tasha continued, "And, without any sarcasm please."

Rose pursed her lips before sighing and lowering herself into the seat behind her. "Fine."

Tasha placed her hands on either side of her hips on the desk and leaned closer. "Do you love Dimitri?" Her voice was soft but firm.

Rose couldn't hide her surprise at the question, her eyes widening. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, uncertain what to say. This had not been even close to what she had thought Tasha might ask. Sure, she and Dimitri were old friends, but never once, during Rose's involvement with the man had Tasha broached the subject of their relationship, such as it was.

As Tasha sat waiting, patiently apparently, Rose considered both the question and the best response to give to such a personal matter. Tasha had asked for the truth, without any of Rose's renowned sarcasm. Right, that's like asking a fish not to swim.

"Before I answer your rather personal question, I have one of my own," Rose replied, raising her eyebrows in challenge.

Tasha folded her arms across her chest before crossing her feet. The posture was meant either to capitulate or deflect. Rose couldn't be sure if Tasha would allow the question, so she waited until the woman nodded in acquiescence.

"Why do you want to know?

"Because, Rose, whether you believe it or not, I care about you. Not just as one of my best agents, but also as…a friend, I suppose." At Rose's apparent surprise at her words, Tasha offered up a qualifier. "Well, not friends to be honest, but I do care. I've watched you grow into an exceptional operative. Your skills are beyond compare, and your instincts can't be taught. Your clarity when you're focused on a mission is what has seen you not only succeed but also saved a lot of lives. You've lived and breathed this job for so long. However, I'm not certain you know how to simply be a woman….be Rose."

Rose felt the pressure building behind her eyes, the beginning of a headache bearing down. She rubbed her temples, closing her eyes. She thought about what Tasha had said. Rose wasn't precisely arrogant, but she knew her worth and value within The Company. Hers was not a job that allowed for lack of confidence. Her boss wasn't wrong either, in the fact that Rose had lost something along the way. In all the years she had been undercover, she had slowly taken on more of her cover's personality and erased bits of herself. It was this sense of being adrift the last six months that had honestly been the most significant cause of angst. While she had dreaded going back into the field, she had also craved it, because there she could lose herself almost entirely.

Opening her eyes, she responded, "I appreciate the recognition. And, you're not entirely off base. I've…I've been struggling these last months. I'm not entirely sure who I am outside a mission anymore. I've spent so many years focused on one thing…one goal. Now, with my family alive and well, I'm not sure I feel the same purpose I once did."

Tasha nodded. "I can understand you must be feeling adrift. I was hoping these last months out of the field would help you figure out what you wanted. To be honest, I really thought you would have gone to Dimitri sooner. I swear, for two highly intuitive and intelligent people, you both are rather clueless when it comes to your own hearts."

Her words stung, but the bite numbed slightly by the compassion and understanding that showed in the other woman's eyes. "I don't think I know how to be in a real relationship. My entire career has been one long con. Pretending to be someone else. Never letting anyone get close. No long-term commitments, outside the targets and assets." She paused, choosing her next words carefully. "What if I'm not enough?"

Confusion stuttered across Tasha visage before she smiled warmly. "Oh, Rose, you are so much more than what you believe. I have seen you fight for those you love. I have watched you face incredible challenges with bravery and fortitude. You, my dear, are more than enough. You are exactly what Dimitri needs. The question is, Rose, are you willing to fight for him? Are you willing to let him fight for you?"

Rose contemplated Tasha's words. They had emboldened her, reminding her of who she was at her core. Rose was a fighter. Yet, the other obstacle in her way was one she couldn't quite see past. "None of it matters anyway. I'm here, and he's in France. We're both committed to our jobs. They may not be who we are, but the work matters…to us both. I don't see any way to make things work."

Tasha stood quickly and marched around to the other side of her desk. Reaching out, she plucked a manila folder from the top. Stretching it out, she waited for Rose to take it. Rose accepted it, assuming it was the details on her next mission. Well, I guess the heart-to-heart is over.

As she opened the folder, Tasha spoke. "Rose, you're fired."

Dimitri pushed harder, stretching his body to the limit. His muscles burned, as did his lungs as he ran a blistering pace. Running through the Cimetière de Loyasse might seem creepy to others, but he found it a refuge. He could avoid traffic and crowds, as he wound his way around the large cemetery. The added bonus was that it was only a short distance from his flat.

Glancing at his watch, he saw that he needed to get back, get showered and dressed if he wanted to get into the office on time. Hans had scheduled a meeting for ten in the morning. Dimitri assumed it was to go over their next investigation. They also still needed to evaluate replacements for Agent Prinz.

As if on cue, Dimitri's phone rang. Slowing his pace to a brisk walk, he pulled the device from his pocket. He smiled as he saw the name on the screen. "You must be a mind reader," he answered.

"Should I be flattered, or worried?" Keren said, laughter in her voice.

"Always flattered, my friend. I just remembered that I've got to meet with Hans this morning to discuss possible agents to fill your shoes."

Keren scoffed, "As if my size six Louboutins would be easy to fill. I'm irreplaceable."

Dimitri laughed. He missed Keren and their easy friendship. He had felt guilty for not protecting her when she had been shot, and even more so when he couldn't be there during her recovery. Once he had made it back, it was to find that she had given her two week's notice, with the intent of returning to her remaining family in Tel Aviv.

"Well, I'll admit it's going to be hard." He slowed his pace even further, before speaking. "How are you doing, Keren?"

Before she had left, they had spoken about what her returning home might mean. The loss she had experienced there would be front and center. Dimitri had known she was brave and would be able to stand against the memories, and he knew she'd have people there who cared for her to help her through it.

"I'm good, Dimitri. I thought it would be harder…coming home. Instead, it's as if I've finally found my place in the world. It just feels right."

Dimitri could hear the hope in her voice, a lightness he hadn't heard, well, ever. It warmed his heart that his friend, fellow agent, and one-time lover had found peace. Except for his mother and sisters, there was only one other woman whom he felt such deep emotion toward. Shaking his head slightly at the thought, he realized that, no, what he felt for her went beyond anything he felt for anyone else.

"Dimitri?" he heard her voice as he refocused on their conversation.

"Huh?" he asked, realizing he had apparently missed something.

Keren laughed lightly. "I said, have you heard from Rose?"

Dimitri's steps faltered before he came to a complete stop. Even though he thought of her several times a day – who was he kidding, more like incessantly, hearing her name spoken aloud tied his stomach in knots. Taking a deep breath, he replied, "No, it's been several months. We last spoke just after all the internal investigations had been wrapped up."

Silence filled the line before Keren spoke again. "Care to tell me why you haven't beat feet back to the States then?"

Dimitri rolled his eyes, although there was no one to see. "Why? You and I both know it would be a colossal mistake. Rose and I are both married to our careers and sense of duty. Besides, I'm not exactly prime relationship material."

"Hey!" she bit out. "Watch how you talk about my friend. I happen to know that you're one hell of a catch. Granted, I wasn't looking to snag you for myself, but don't give me this bullshit. You're obviously in love with Rose. From what I've read and heard, along with what you've told me, you two are alike in so many ways. You both fight for others, you both care deeply, and you both have great courage and ethics."

When Dimitri stayed quiet, ruminating on what she had said, Keren continued. "Look, I know that the stuff that went down with Svetlana put a serious dent into your ability to trust."

"Keren," Dimitri interrupted a low growl in his voice. She knew he hated talking about that part of his past.

"No, hear me out," she said with a firm tone. "I know you trust me. I know you trust your team. Hell, I have no doubt you trust Rose. What I'm saying is that I think you stopped trusting yourself. Trusting that you could let someone in and take a chance." She sighed. "Dimitri, there are no guarantees in this life, especially not in the lives we lead. I know that better than anyone."

Dimitri knew she wasn't only talking about getting shot. She was thinking about the loss of her family.

"The one thing I've taken away from all that I've been through these last years is that there are no guarantees. Life is meant to be lived, to its fullest. Embrace what you have when you can, because you might not get another chance. I've only had the merest glimpse of how you feel about Rose. If you feel for her as I think you do, then you would be a damn fool to let her go."

Dimitri gulped, his breaths coming fast. Adrenaline, not related to his recent run, coursed through his body. Whether it was the right time or the right words, what Keren was saying felt like a sledgehammer to every wall he had once erected. "I love her," he whispered.

As if she had been holding her breath, a loud wooshing noise came through the phone. "It's about damn time. Now, the question is, what are you going to do about it?"

Dimitri shook his head. "I don't know. Her work is important to her. She's a damn good agent. I can't expect her to just leave. On the other hand, I have commitments here…cases I've been involved in for years. Is it fair for me to just up and walk away from everything I've built here?"

"I can't answer that for you. Only you know what you're willing to sacrifice to obtain that which you desire most. Trust in yourself, Dimitri and I think you'll find the answers aren't that difficult to obtain."

"Thank you, Keren. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you when you were shot."

"Hey, it's not like you weren't off saving the world or anything," she teased. In a more serious tone, she added, "Besides, I know you would have been there if you could. I've never doubted your friendship, Dimitri. No matter what else was going on, I knew without a doubt you had my back, as I had yours."

Dimitri knew she was referencing the fringe benefits portion of their relationship. Yet, he knew without a doubt that Keren had never wanted more. During their long working relationship and friendship, Keren had let it slip that she had once been in love, but it had ended badly. He hoped she too would find someone to love and to cherish the amazing woman she was.

"You still do. If you ever need anything, I'll be there."

They said their goodbyes and Dimitri slipped the phone back into his pocket. He loped gently back toward his flat, needing to grab a quick shower and dress before he headed to the office. The entire way back, his mind continued to dwell over his conversation with Keren. Could he walk away from his job and move back to the States? Would Rose be open to exploring a real relationship if he did?

An hour later, Dimitri was seated at his desk, reviewing the newest case he and his team were assigned. While most of Dashkov's organization had been eliminated, there were still pockets of criminal activity that needed to be dealt with. One was a counterfeit ring based in Europe.

A loud knock at his door had him barking, "Enter." His eyes rose to the door as it opened, a quick apology at his lips as the assistant director entered the office. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't realize it was you."

Hans waved the words away. "No worries." Glancing down at the file in front of Dimitri, he said, "Ah, I see you're getting yourself familiar with the new case. Looks like it'll be a challenge." Looking directly into Dimitri's eyes, he asked, "You think you and your team can handle it, even being down one agent?"

Dimitri stood up, bristling somewhat at the man's tone. "Sir, just because we're missing a person, you can rest assured…"

Hans held up a hand, interrupting Dimitri's rant. "Calm down, Belikov. I don't doubt you or your team's abilities. I just mean that it's going to be a lot of work and having another hand on deck would certainly make things happen sooner. Don't you agree?"

Even though he had posed it as a question, Dimitri knew the man well enough that he wasn't expecting an answer. Hans had been pushing to fill Keren's slot in the agency but had let Dimitri handle the search. Apparently, his boss' patience had worn out.

"Sir, I've been reviewing all the qualified candidates, and I've made a list of a few who I think we should bring in to interview."

Dimitri could see by the look in Croft's eyes that he sounded less than enthusiastic in leading the headhunt for the new agent. "Well, then, that's one less thing on your plate now."

Dimitri's eyebrows drew down in confusion. "I don't understand."

"Well, since you've been busy wrapping up the Dashkov assignment, I went ahead and took the liberty of hiring someone. In fact, they should be arriving shortly."

Dimitri frowned. "Sir, of course it's your right to hire whoever you wish, but I would have hoped you would have given me a chance to review their file and possibly participate in the interview." Irritation at the end run burned beneath his skin.

"Well, I have a feeling this one will meet all your criteria. I was shocked as hell when they came knocking on our door. It was almost like providence. It's not every day you acquire one of the CIA's most valued agents. In fact, they should be stopping by here any moment. I told them you'd want to see them as soon as they arrived."

Dimitri's eyes grew at Croft's words. No, it couldn't be. His skin felt electrified as he considered the possibility.

A small knock at his door had Dimitri's eyes flying to it, hope surging forward. Before Dimitri could say a word, although, at that moment, he wasn't sure he could form a coherent thought, Hans stepped back and opened the door. Dimitri tried to lean around from behind his desk to make out the person on the other side.

As Hans stepped aside, Dimitri's heart stuttered, his breath caught in his chest. She was here!

"Agent Hathaway, I assume you remember Agent Belikov?" Hans said, a knowing smirk on his lips. Damn, that man was too astute.

Rose stood just inside the door. She was wearing a fitted pair of charcoal pants with a matching jacket over a blood red silk blouse. Her heels put her almost eye level to Hans but still left her several inches shorter than Dimitri. While the outfit wasn't provocative, he found his blood heating. Her dark hair was down, flowing in gentle waves over her shoulders and down her back. The sleeves of the jacket were pushed up to just below her elbows.

Rose's gaze finally met his, and he had to hold back the inappropriate groan when he caught sight of the lust…and something more profound in her eyes. "Yes, of course. It's good to see you again."

Her voice nearly brought him to his knees. It had been so long since he had heard her sensual husky tone. He felt himself hardening, just from the sound alone. He had to clench his fists to keep from reaching for her. To stop from laying her across his desk and taking her over and over again until they were both exhausted.

A cough drew Dimitri's gaze back to his boss. "Yes, well, I guess I'll leave you two to get reacquainted. We'll meet up in the conference room tomorrow at zero nine hundred." With that final statement, he excused himself and closed the door behind him.

For a moment, they stared at one another, neither moving. Dimitri stood, drinking in the sight of her, afraid if he moved she'd vanish. Finally, he spoke, his voice cracking, "What the hell are you doing here, Roza?" He took a small step toward her as if trying to calm a spooked animal.

Rose matched his movement, taking a small step toward him. "Tasha fired me." She shrugged one of her petite shoulders. "Heard your team might have an opening."

She was really here! She was going to be working here, with him! He felt like a weight was lifting off his shoulders…like he could breathe again. Just as he was about to embrace the miracle standing in front of him, doubt began to cloud his thoughts. What if she was here just because she needed a job?

Taking another step closer, Dimitri swallowed heavily, a weary gaze in his eyes. "Is that the only reason?"

He saw a flash of fear and a sliver of her own doubt sweep across her face before it vanished just as quickly. Determination set in there instead as she moved a few more steps closer until they were nearly touching. Her head was back, looking up at him. He watched as she slowly raised her hands up, palms cupping his jaw. His eyes slid shut on their own volition as the warmth in her touch healed the remaining pieces within him.

"I'm here for the man I love."

With a groan, Dimitri opened his eyes before lowering his head to take her lips. One hand reached around to hold the back of her head, his fingers sliding through the silken strands. His cock sprang to life as he briefly imagined other places her hair could wrap around. His other hand reached down to her hip and pulled her firmly against his growing erection. This time, it was her turn to moan into the kiss, before her hands slid around his neck, her fingers twining through his own hair.

They stood there for several minutes, breaths co-mingling as their tongues tangled and their teeth nipped before soothing with a lick. It took every ounce of willpower Dimitri had to pull away and not take her right there on his desk, over the chair or on the floor.

With their foreheads touching, their breaths coming out in harsh pants, Dimitri cupped one hand to her jaw, his thumb gently stroking the soft skin of her cheek. "Roza, I can't believe you're really here." He lifted his head slightly, his gaze one of concern. "Are you sure this is what you want? To be here? What about your family? What about Lissa?"

Rose pulled her hand around from Dimitri's neck and cupped his chin gently into her small palm. Her thumb brushed lightly against his lower lip. Her gaze seemed mesmerized by the movement. "I'm exactly where and with who I want to be. My family and Lissa know, and they understand." She looked into his eyes then, uncertainty hovering in her gaze. "Was I wrong?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

Pulling her to him, he rested his forehead against hers once again. Cupping both cheeks, he placed a gentle kiss to her lips, trying to invoke all he felt for her and all he wanted for them. After a few seconds, he pulled back, making sure he held her gaze.

"I love you so damn much, Roza. My little chat stole my heart. If you had the courage and strength to take this step, then I will damn well step up and make sure it's a decision you never regret. You're mine, Roza.

"And, you're mine, Comrade. Always."

Fin