Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, profit from this story and all creative rights to the characters belong to Richelle Mead.

I awoke to the annoying sound of a persistent tapping noise that wouldn't seem to shut up.

I groaned and peered at the clock. The blaring bright red numbers stared back at me.

3:48AM.

Damn.

The annoying tapping sound suddenly got much louder and rapid.

Groggily, I ripped the sheets from my body and waddled over the where the sound was coming from.

I yanked on the blinds and dragged them all the way to the top.

I expected to find a branch or something else hitting the window, instead I got...

"Dimitri?" I gasped.

Sure enough, there he was standing on the sand in all his 6'7 glory.

The blazing wind whipped his shoulder length brown hair directly in his face.

I imagined he was cold, considering it was the middle of the night and he had his harms wrapped tightly around his body. I noticed he was visibly shaking behind his gray cotton t-shirt.

'Open the window.' he mouthed.

I slid open the window and immediately regretted it. The howling wind blew back the white curtains and stung my face.

Although it was mid summer and blistering hot during the days, the nights temperature dropped tremendously—thanks to the freezing ocean water that helped cool it down.

"What the fuck are you doing out there? You're supposed to be at the bachelor party with Dominic!" My entire body convulsed with viscous uncontrollable shaking.

"Not true," he hiccuped. "I was kicked out."

"You're drunk." I stated more to myself than him.

"And it took you this long to figure that out?...I assumed you were brighter than that, I guess I was wrong." Dimitri let out a humorless laugh.

I sighed irritably and pinched the bridge of my nose. "Why did you get kicked out of the party?"

"Because I punched your honey in the face."

Dimitri must have taken in my outraged expression because he was quick to explain.

"Don't worry, Roza, I only cracked his jaw. " Distaste shone like the sun in his voice. "Adrian healed him...he's good as new."

My fist connected with his cheek bone. I heard him groan in pain.

"What the hell was that for?" he rubbed his red cheek more in surprise than in pain.

"Just returning the favor," I answered bitterly. "Stay away from Dominic. I swear to God, if you ever even think think about hurting him...I. WILL. END. YOU."

Any other normal person would have flinched at my icy and deadly tone, but Dimitri—the strong-willed fighter—simply held his hands up in surrender.

"Relax...your honey is fine," Dimitri said flatly. "Actually...more than fine. Mystic and him are having a great time."

He smiled mockingly, as if he was challenging me.

"What?" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

"Nothing," he shrugged, a malicious tint clouding those chocolate brown eyes.

I didn't like that evil look one bit. That expression didn't fit his face. He looked strangely...Strigoi.

"Are you going to let me in?" he asked vexatiously, cocking an eyebrow. "It's not exactly getting any warmer out here."

"Tell me what you meant by 'having a great time' first." I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest in a real bitchy manner.

"What are you insecure?" he taunted. "Worried that you don't satisfy your mans needs?—"

"Oh, trust me," I cut off his tirade. "Dominic is more than satisfied, thanks, but there's no need for your concern."

Dimitri narrowed his eyes into tiny slits. I flashed the same daring smiled he'd shown me earlier. "Now...tell me what Mystic and Dominic are doing."

He shrugged. "Just having a good time, I suppose. Mystic's taken an interest in Dominic—not that he minds the extra attention, actually...I think he's rather enjoying it."

"He would never cheat on me," I said defensively. "He's probably just really hammered."

Dimitri shrugged again and smiled slyly.

"Get that fucking smirk off your face before I wipe it off myself, and leave you out here to freeze your balls off." I said breathlessly. The blood flowing through my veins boiled from anger at the thought of Mystic all over Dominic.

What if he actually liked her?

For the first time in a very long time, I felt insecure about myself and not good enough. It was a terrible feeling.

What if ten years down the road, Dominic grew tired of me and wanted someone new?...Fresh meat.

Was I good enough for him?

No.

I had to think rationally and not let the jealous part of my brain get the best of me.

Dominic loved me unconditionally. He had proved that when he got himself killed to save my life. And now that I was carrying his child, that burning love intensified until it was a roaring fire.

"Roza, Relax," Dimitri let out a deep throaty chuckle. "I was playing around. Sure, your fiance may be entirely wasted, but I was surprised at how reluctant he was towards that female dancer." he spat the last two words with disgust. I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing.

"Adrian had to practically compel Dominic to relax and sit down so he could receive a lap dance," he continued. "And throughout it he appeared deeply displeased...hell, he even kept his eyes shut."

"Really?" I giggled.

"Really." he nodded automatically. "Now, may I come in?"

"What are you a vampire?...Need to be invited in first or else you can't enter?" I joked.

Dimitri flinched—undoubtedly thinking about his Strigoi past—and I immediately felt bad for making such an idiotic joke.

"Oh, I'm sorry Dimitri...I didn't even think about that—"

"There's no reason to apologize," he raised a hand to silent me. "I just thought it be rude if I barged in without asking permission."

"And knocking at somebody's door in the middle of the night while they're sleeping isn't rude?" I snorted.

He simply shrugged. "Maybe."

"Fine," I reluctantly moved to the side. "Get in here."

If it wasn't for his staggering height, it might have been difficult for him to climb into a second story window. With those long, graceful legs of his, he gingerly hopped over the ledge and swooped into mine and Dominic's master bedroom like Superman.

"So, this is it?" Dimitri surveyed the area.

I nodded. "Mi casa."

"So why did you come here?" I asked after a few moments of awkward silence.

Dimitri, who had been staring at a picture on the nightstand,—A recent one of Dominic and I sitting on the sand. He had two arms wrapped around my small baby bump with the happiest smile plastered across his joyous face—took one last glance at it and angrily slammed it back down on the table, muttering something under his breath in Russian.

"To talk." he answered simply.

"About what?"

"About us."

I laughed uncomfortably and unconsciously took a few steps back. "There is no us."

"Did you enjoy your last night of freedom?" Dimitri abruptly changed the subject, ignoring my last statement.

"Eh," I shrugged lazily. "It was alright...Adrian is not the best stripper though. Remember to keep that in mind in case you ever decide to throw a Bachelorette party. If he offers his services, immediately shoot him down...or else you will most likely be sorry later."

Suddenly, I was crushed against the wall as Dimitri planted a sloppy wet kiss against my lips. It all happened so fast that it made my head spin.

"Dimitri! Get off of me!" My words were muffled against his mouth. I pushed and shoved against his chest but he didn't let up. "Let go, you bastard!"

My nose filled with the scent of crisp after shave mixed with the bitterness of liquor.

I had nearly forgotten he was drunk and instinctively grabbed my stomach to protect my baby—I had no idea the way Dimitri acted while drunk and I wasn't about to run any risks. Besides, he'd already used physical violence against Dominic and forcefully kissed me.

God, how I wish Dominic was here right now.

"I'm sorry," Dimitri whispered once he broke the kiss. "I just couldn't help myself."

"That's fucking disgusting," I wiped my mouth and spit on the ground. "Don't ever do that again...I don't have a clue where your lips have been, or who they have been on."

"Definitely not on you," he chuckled at his own joke and plopped down on the fluffy crimson duvet.

"Get out." I hissed.

Dimitri head snapped up and he looked at me peculiarly. "Please, Roza. I'm sorry, just let me stay...I just want to talk with you."

I shook my head. "No."

"Come on, don't be such a bitch." he mumbled, reaching into the pocket of his jeans and pulling out a silver flask.

"Is that alcohol?" I questioned.

"No," he answered mockingly. "It's actually purified water...I just didn't have anything to place it in, so I used this."

"Give me that," I snatched the flask out of his hands once he began gulping it down.

I sniffed the cap, and I wouldn't be surprised if the scent burned off my eyebrows and eyelashes.

I took a small swig.

I heard Dimitri protest. "Wait, no. You're pregnant—"

I sprayed the acidly contents all over the carpet and fell into a vicious, uncontrollable coughing spree.

"Russian Vodka." I gasped.

"It's got a kick to it, huh?" Dimitri cocked an eyebrow.

I nodded. "No more for you, it's too strong, and you're too wasted." I opened the window quickly and launched the silver flask as far as I possibly could.

He swore loudly in Russian and desperately ran to the window.

He saw the object make a small splash in the ocean, and swore loudly again.

35 minutes later:

I stood there against the wall trying to put as much distance possible between the two of us.

Bad idea.

Dimitri strode over and stood directly in front of me. I automatically held my stomach in a protective manner. I didn't care what he did to me, so long as he didn't harm my baby.

"That look on your face," Dimitri observed. "Are you actually afraid that I'd hurt you?...Oh Roza, never."

"Maybe not physical harm, but definitely emotional." I was in defensive mode.

He flinched.

"I had no choice but to leave you."

"Yes you did!" I growled. "But you chose the easy route and decided to up and leave me. It doesn't matter anymore, it's over."

"You think what I did was easy?" he barked.

I nodded. "Easy for you."

"Roza," he said softly. "What I did was anything but easy...it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."

"It doesn't matter." I whispered.

"Yes it does an you know it." he rested his forehead against mine.

I didn't make any effort to move away from him. It felt nice being around him again—even if we were constantly arguing.

"It's your last night of freedom, enjoy it." he whispered.

And then he reached forward and kissed me. The kiss was slow and filled with love—nothing like the drunken one he'd planted on me earlier. A part of me enjoyed the kiss, it was nice...a goodbye kiss, I realized. But the other part of me didn't enjoy it. It was like kissing a friend you didn't have feelings for. It no longer held the same fiery spark it once did so many years ago.

Was this goodbye for Dimitri and I? Starting tomorrow, I would be married to Dominic and be moving here to Germany. Dimitri was going back to the academy in Russia and I'd probably never see him again. It hurt thinking that this was probably the last night I'd spend with him. Letting go of him seemed impossible, but I knew I had to do it. I've come to realize that time really does make feelings fade—just never love.

I would always love Dimitri. No matter what happened.

But my feelings for him had faded.

There was nothing there.

Nothing at all.

I was the one to break the kiss.

"Dominic." I whispered.

And that one word held the meaning of the word. Dimitri understood.

Or at least I thought.

"Why him?" he whispered.

"Because I love him."

"Why not me?" he asked. "Why can't I be the one?"

"Because I love Dominic unconditionally. And you're not ready for love yet...you said so yourself."

He shook his head in denial.

"You're a lonely soul—empty. You always will be, Dimitri, unless you learn to let love back into your life again."

"I have, Roza," he traced his fingertips along my jawbone. "I have it with you...and I hate it. It's like a burning flame, and every time I see you the wind picks up and makes it larger. It's getting stronger and bigger...until it consumes me entirely."

"Don't say that," I manged to choke out, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. "That is the alcohol talking...It's all a lie, a sick twisted lie."

"No it's not, Roza." he objected. "And it hurts with each passing moment. The pain goes down and pierces the deepest, darkest part of me. It hurts, it hurts so so badly."

"Loves a bitch. What can you do?"

Dimitri glared at me. "Please Roza...please don't be like this." he pleaded.

"What do you want me to say, Dimitri? I'm at loss for words here."

"Say that you love me," he said just above a whisper. "Admit that you love me...I want to hear it come from your lips."

"You're delusional."

"No, I'm not. Now tell me, you love me—I know that you still do." he growled. Reaching up, he gripped my biceps tightly in his large hands. The move was possessive and powerful.

I stared at him in shock.

"You know, Dimitri," I said in a voice that matched his ice cold tone. "Genetically, you may be a dhampir. But it's times like these, that I truly wonder if that Strigoi lives on inside of you. Obviously, it still does."

Dimitri abruptly slammed me hard against the wall with a force that knocked the wind out of me. I fell to the ground, clutching my stomach and gasping desperately for oxygen.

"Don't ever say that again." There was something feral in his voice that made my skin crawl with fear. I looked up to see the anger and rage clouding his warm brown eyes.

Dimitri snapped.

He'd lost control...and it was all because of me.

"You're no better than your father." I spat venomously.

He snatched me by the collar of my shirt and pulled me to my feet. His malicious eyes stared into mine for a second, before lifting his arm up and back handing me across the face.

My cheek throbbed unwaveringly with a hot sensation. I whimpered in pain.

I know I should have kept my mouth shut and let Dimitri cool his temper, but the stubborn part of me was pissed and wanted to show a piece of her mind.

"Nothing but a coward," I looked Dimitri straight in the eyes. "Your father was more of a man than you will ever be."

And then I spat in his face.

It was like a light switch being turned on. If i'd thought Dimitri was angry earlier, I was sadly mistaken.

"You can hit me all you want Dimitri, it doesn't matter...It won't change the person you've become and it certainly won't make me love you again. So go ahead. Hurt me. I dare you to."

The rational part of my brain was screaming at me that I'd gone too far...That I had crossed a lone that should have never been crossed. I was neck deep in quick sand and I continued to struggle.

"You want to see pain?" he clenched his teeth. "I'll show you pain."

Dimitri grabbed my forearm and hand between the two of his, and began twisting in opposite directions.

I cried out in agony as I hard the first snap of bone breaking.

"Hurts doesn't it?" he roared.

I whimpered in response.

I tried to pull my wrist back, but Dimitri's iron grip tightened around it painfully. And honestly, I was too shocked by the situation to fight back.

He stared at me with an expression of pure menace. It was evil. Like staring into the eyes of the Devil.

It was a look that would haunt me forever.

I didn't know who this man was anymore, he was a monster and I suddenly wished that I'd kept my mouth shut earlier.

"But see, Roza," his voice razor sharp. Dimitri continued to bend my wrist at unnatural angles. I felt the crunch of bones shattering. "The pain is not only excruciating if done slowly but much worse if caused by someone you love."

"I don't love you." I weeped.

"What you're doing to me now," he ignored my comment. "This is how it feels...you're holding onto my heart and you won't let go."

With one final sickening crack, he released me and I fell to my knees screaming in agony.

My wrist was purple and blue from the amount of pressure Dimitri had forced on it. If you moved it an inch, it would cause the crunched bones to move and flare up the pain. My hand literally felt as if it was on fire.

"How could you, Dimitri?" I whispered through my fountain of hot tears. "How could you hurt me like this?...This isn't you, Dimitri, this isn't you..."

I believed my words were going to be useless and noneffective.

It was like the switched being turned off.

I saw the light and warmth return to his chocolate brown eyes.

Dimitri shook his head and blinked several times, almost as if he was snapping out of a trance.

And that's when his eyes focused on me and accessed the situation.

"Roza?" he asked in a strangled voice. "Did I do this to you?"

When he tried to take a step closer to me, I whimpered in fear and cowered in the corner like a frightened wild animal.

"Stay away from me," I whispered. "Please, just don't come anywhere near me."

"Oh, God," I heard him croak. His eyes glossing over with unshed tears. Dimitri looked so broken...so sad.

"I'm so sorry," his voice cracked. "I didn't mean to, Roza—"

He took a step forward. Too close.

"Help!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "Help me! Please help me!"

Approximately five seconds later, Koslov and the other guardians came bursting through the bedroom door.

Koslovs black eyes took one look at the situation and immediately ordered the other guards to haul Dimitri away.

"I love you, Roza," I looked up to see Dimitri in the doorway fighting off the guards. I noticed silent tears streaming down his face.

"Just let me say one damn thing!" he hissed to the men.

"Don't ever doubt my love for you. I'm sorry, so so sorry..."

And then they took him away.

I clutched my knees with my functioning hand and cried my heart out.

"Rosemarie?" A deep Russian accented hovered above me.

"Go away, I don't want you to see me like this."

I felt firm arms wrap around my body and gently set me on the bed. I stared into the black eyes that belonged to Koslov.

"It doesn't matter what you look like," his voice was soft like silk.

"I'm fine."

"No you're not, I can tell." He sat down on the bed beside me.

"Don't look at it." I hid my broken wrists behind my back.

"He did that to you?" Surprisingly, his voice showed some emotion...he sounded angry.

I nodded. "Don't press charges against him, please. He didn't mean it...he was just upset."

I heard the slightest surprised intake of breath. "You don't want to press charges against him? After what he did to you?"

"He was just got upset, that's all."

"I heard you the first time. And although I disagree with your decisions," Gavel said flatly. "I have no choice but to follow your wishes."

"Thank you." I whispered.

Just then, I heard Dimitri's roaring voice boom from the living room as he protested with the Royal guards.

I automatically whimpered in fear and began crying uncontrollably again.

What shocked me the most was when Koslov pulled me into his side, and whispered that I was safe and he wouldn't let any harm come to me.

"Why do you care?" I felt embarrassed for looking so weak in front of him.

"Because I care about you."

Dead silence.

"Close your mouth," he chuckled.

"I'm sorry I don't get it. You care about me? How could you? You've always acted like you wanted to hit me over the head with a shovel and bury me in the desert somewhere."

"It doesn't matter how, or why I care about you. What matters is that I do, and that's all you need to know."

"I'm engaged." I reminded him.

This got an eye roll from him.

An actually eye roll. I'd never seen him show so much emotion.

I guess I had an affect on everyone...even the hard asses with sticks up their asses.

"Would you like to call him?" Koslov asked, flashing me his cell phone.

This instantly perked my mood up. I nodded eagerly and snatched the phone out of his hand.

I laid my head on Koslovs chest as I dialed Dominic's number.

He picked up on the third ring sounding sleepy. "Hello?"

That deep German accent sounded wonderful and familiar. It felt like it'd been a century since I'd heard it and my chest filled with longing.

"Dominic?"

"Angel?"

I instantly began crying again.

A/N: This chapter was not edited by my Beta, Nicia, so for any mistakes...blame them on me! :-)