"Kiz! You're holding us up!"

I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror again, adjusting the straps of my dress one last time. The dress didn't cover the pink skin on my chest, but with a bit of makeup it was less noticeable. I picked up the skirt of my dress so I didn't trip on it as I walked, gripping the railing as I made my way to the stairs.

My descent was slower than normal, but I was still getting used to these heels and I didn't want to slip down the stairs. I made it to the landing and smiled at Baba and Dimitri, smiling at both of them as I made it to the main floor.

"You look beautiful," Baba said as Dimitri stepped towards me to take my hand, smiling at me.

"Thanks Baba," I said, squeezing Dimitri's hand. "You scrub up nice, Comrade."

Dimitri smirked at me and kissed my cheek. I wasn't lying that he scrubbed up nice. He looked handsome in his charcoal suit and blood-red shirt. I was happy that he forwent the tie, he looked sexy without it.

"You look beautiful," Dimitri said, squeezing my hand.

"Crap, I forgot my phone. Don't go anywhere until I get back," Baba said patting his pockets, pointing his finger at us as he walked towards the kitchen. I chuckled and turned my attention back to Dimitri as he cupped my chin, pulling me in for a kiss that made my insides turn into goo. I slipped my arm around his waist and let him pull me to him, sighing against his lips before the sound of footsteps make us pull apart.

"Alright, I'm going to be that Dad. Just a few pictures and then you can go," Baba said with a cheeky smirk, holding his phone up. I rolled my eyes and stood where he pointed us. I had to force myself not to laugh as Baba directed us how to pose, squirming when Dimitri deliberately tickled my side while Baba was taking a picture. Baba handed his phone to Dimitri so he could take a few pictures of us together, and I leaned into Baba's side, smiling brightly at the camera.

Baba had no idea what to do when it came to prom dress shopping, but he was patient and gave honest opinions when he took me and Lissa to get our dresses. There were a few dresses that he vetoed immediately, based on the amount of cleavage that it showed. But I sort of fought him on this one. I fell in love with it the moment I put it on. It was form-fitting with spaghetti straps. The blood-red fabric looked like silk and the cowl neckline made my boobs look good, but still classy enough to meet the dress code of the school.

"I'll be out with Pavel for poker tonight. Don't forget your keys, you may be home before me. If I have a few more glasses than I intend to, I'll be staying there tonight," Baba said as I collected my things, an odd look on his face. I nodded and tucked my keys into my clutch, giving him a quick hug goodbye before slipping my hand into Dimitri's.

"You look stunning," Dimitri whispered in my ear as we waited for the others to arrive. We decided to be a little cliche and rent a limo. But then none of us needed to drive. We were the last pick-up on the way to prom.

"Thank you," I said, spinning around to face him. I looped my arms around his neck and smiled up at him before nervously biting my lip.

"Did I cover it up okay?"

Dimitri raised a brow at me before looking down to my chest for a moment before looking back up.

"Barely noticed it," Dimitri reassured, pecking my lips softly. I smiled and leaned into him, kissing him again, running my fingers over his neck as his hands slipped around my waist and rested on my tailbone. I playfully nipped at his lip when I heard an odd tapping noise. I pulled away and looked around, only to find Baba standing in the living room window, watching us with raised brows. I giggled and rested my forehead against his shoulder.

"Baba is watching us," I giggled into Dimitri's shoulder. I giggled harder when his hands slipped higher up my back to appease my nosey father. I pulled my head up with a smirk.

"How are you feeling today? You aren't tired?"

I shook my head. "No, I feel good today. No pain either," I said happily. I wasn't given the go-ahead to start training for cheerleading, but after speaking to the coaches at Tuscaloosa, they said they would follow my progress. If I wasn't able to perform by September, they would have to push my athletic scholarship to next year. But I was still invited to practices and to follow along where I could.

Dimitri nodded with a smile, and I knew that he was happy with that answer. I was struggling for the first few weeks home, I pulled my stitches and to be honest, it was not a fun time.

It wasn't long after that the other showed up, Ivan popping up from the sunroof with a cocky smirk.

"The party has arrived!" Ivan hollered, pumping his fists in the air. Dimitri and I chuckled at his antics, walking towards the limo. I could hear excited chatter inside the vehicle and was met with happy exclaims as we climbed in.

I leaned my head against Dimitri's chest as the soft tones of Sam Smith played through the room, observing my classmates around me.

"Do you think they could get any closer?" I asked Dimitri, gesturing towards Mia and Eddie who looked like they were trying to eat each other's faces. Dimitri chuckled and ran his hand over my lower back, kissing my temple.

"I don't know, but if they do it's going to become a little uncomfortable in here," Dimitri chuckled, stroking his thumb over the exposed skin on my back.

I tilted my head up and smirked at him, laughing quietly at the thoughts that flitted through my head. Tonight couldn't have gone better if I had planned it myself. The theme was simple, almost Gatsby, but not everyone was dressed for the roaring twenties. The colours were black, white and gold, and the country club didn't look like the country club anymore. It looked like a swanky party that my parents would go to.

I spotted Lissa and Christian a few feet away from us, wrapped up in their own bubble. Lissa looked stunning in her mint blue ball gown dress, and I was surprised that Christian knew how to wear a suit, but she looked happy and I guess I would keep the snarky comments to myself for the night. Tasha and Ivan were sitting at the table still, heads bent together as they spoke, but I wasn't sure if anything was going to come out of it. They both had bold personalities, but then again, Ivan and Tasha were so similar at times it would make my head spin.

"Are you excited to go to Alabama next month?" Dimitri asked, pulling my attention back to him.

"Yeah. I'm excited, it'll be fun finding a house," I replied, resting my cheek back on his chest.

Just like we had hoped with Lissa and Christian being accepted at Tuscaloosa, we were going down next month to look for a place to stay and to have a tour of the campus. Lissa was so excited that she monetarily forgot that I had been shot and squeezed me in a tight embrace, which I tried to hide my discomfort for her sake.

"I'm excited to see Christian get on a plane," Dimitri said smugly, referring to Christian's obvious fear of flying. I laughed into Dimitri's shoulder, feeling the vibration and rumble of Dimitri's laugh against my cheek. I sighed as Dimitri traced his fingertips over the small of my back and adjusted my arms around his neck. I got rid of the heels long ago and dancing was becoming a little difficult.

"Mind if I steal a dance?"

I looked behind me and found Adrian there, a carefree look on his face. I was a little surprised to see him. I hadn't seen him in school since being put into protective custody.

I looked up at Dimitri and raised my brows. I was fine with it if he was. Dimitri nodded and kissed my head.

"Only one, I'll be stealing her back," Dimitri said with a smirk, heading towards the table. I smiled at Adrian and stepped closer, dancing with him slowly. The song was a little slower than the last one, but it worked either way.

"How have you been?" I asked timidly.

"I've been better. It's been an interesting few weeks to say the least. But you understand that," Adrian said giving me a pointed look. I did understand what he meant, it had been a very busy few weeks between being in the hospital and having interviews with the police and lawyers.

"I'm sorry about your dad," I said honestly. Nathan was horrible, but he was still Adrian's dad.

"Thank you, but I'm not."

"Oh?"

"He was a shitty person, and to be honest, we are all better off without him. I'll be moving back in with my mom after graduation. I've been bumped around so many schools living with him, I'd like to graduate at the school I was at the longest," Adrian shrugged, his eye meeting mine.

"Where does your mom live?"

"Pennsylvania. It's where I was born. I haven't seen her in years. Dad managed to get sole custody of me despite being unfit. I'm really looking forward to seeing her again."

I gave him a comforting smile and squeezed his shoulder. I could sympathize with him. I was happy that he was getting the opportunity to be reunited with his mother.

"When do you leave?"

"The day after graduation," Adrian said, "I'm hoping to be there as soon as I can. But I will miss the friends I've made here. The family I found," Adrian said, trailing off. Adrian may have lost his dad, but he also gained cousins he had never met. I was surprised on my first night of freedom after being grounded when I went to Dimitri's house and found Adrian lounging on the couch playing video games with Dimitri.

"Well, I'm sure I'm not the only person that will miss you. I'm almost positive that your cousin will miss your company," I said with a smirk, snickering quietly at Adrian's eye roll. The two of them didn't exactly feel comfortable with the idea of being family yet, but they were definitely friends now.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure he'll miss me kicking his ass on the Xbox," Adrian retorted with a smile.

I shook my head as I smiled. Dimitri and he were more alike than I initially thought, and the more time they spent together, the more those similarities came out. Even now I could see the familial similarities. The same jaw shape, the same sharp nose, the same facial expressions when they're annoyed.

I pulled out of my thoughts when another hand rested on my back. I turned to find Dimitri with a smirk.

"I believe you asked for one dance, that was two," Dimitri said with a raised brow and smirk creeping up on his face. Adrian rolled his eyes at him.

"Sorry, but can you blame me, Rose is a wonderful dancer and conversationalist."

I rolled my eyes and playfully smacked him. "Yeah, yeah. Flattery will get you a lot of places, Ivashkov."

It was late by the time Dimitri and I made it back to my house. It was well past midnight when the limo brought us back to the house. I slipped my key into the door and unlocked it, pushing it open. I guess Baba was going to be staying at Pavel's after all. I gave Dimitri a sultry smirk and locked the door behind him, pulling him up the stairs. A small giggle slipped past my lips at his laugh and by the time we reached my room I was full out laughing.

My laughter faltered out as I turned to face Dimitri, biting my lip as I looked up at him. I was hopeful for tonight. He was apprehensive about touching me since being shot, more out of concern of hurting me than not being interested. Dimitri cupped my cheeks and pulled me into a kiss, devouring my lips hungrily as I slipped my arms around his waist.

I pulled away to breathe and squealed when he nipped at my ear, pulling me tight to him with a laugh. I laughed into his neck and lightly tugged on the ends of his hair. I smirked at the playful growl in my ear and the squeeze of his hand on my ass. I licked my lips as I stepped away, unfastening my earing and setting them down on the dresser while Dimitri shed his jacket.

I caught the lingering look Dimitri was giving me and I stepped away from the dresser and met him halfway by the bed, slipping my hand up his arm. Dimitri tucked a few wayward curls away from my face as I rested my hands over his chest. I could feel my heartrate pick up as he looked down at me, his eyes dark and unyielding. I toyed with one of the buttons on his shirt while his fingers brushed the top of my dress, playing with the zipper. I could feel the tension growing between us as we looked at each other.

I slipped my fingers under the collar of his shirt as he pulled the zipper down on my dress, so slowly that it was making my blood pound in my ears in excitement. Once the zipper was down and the fabric gaped at my back, I shivered as Dimitri's fingers traced the hot skin, dipping down to my tailbone.

I could see the amusement and lust in his eyes as his hands roamed over my skin, coming up to my shoulders and his fingers slipped under the straps. Stopping for permission, I smirked up at him and stretched up on my toes, pressing my lips to his as I moved my shoulders under his fingers, shifting the straps off them.

Taking that as permission, I felt my skin pucker and flush as his fingers pulled the straps down my arms. I pulled my hands back long enough for me to pull my hands from the straps, the dress fluttering into a puddle at my feet.

Now that my hands were free, I worked on the buttons of Dimitri's shirt, gasping when he slipped my hands behind my thighs and lifted me into his arms. I clung to him as he sat down on the bed, holding me tight in his embrace as his tongue rubbed against mine. Once I finished with the buttons I pushed his shirt off his shoulders, my hands running over his skin as his did to mine.

I nipped his lip as he pressed my naked chest against his tightly, moulding my body to his. Once I pulled away to breathe, I extracted myself from his arms and stood, pulling my shoes off and kicking them aside with my dress.

I smirked and pushed down on Dimitri's shoulder, making him lay back on the bed. I bit my lip as I climbed up the bed over him, enjoying the hungry look in his eyes and how he tracked my movement. I came to a stop directly over him, my hands planted on the bed beside his head before sitting in his lap, giving him a coy look that we both knew was fake.

I wasn't coy, I was burning with lust, and I knew he was too.

Dimitri's hands left the duvet and came to rest on my thighs, his thumbs slowly stroking the inside of my legs.

"You're sexy," Dimitri said thickly, his hands sliding a bit higher up my thighs. I clenched my legs at his admission and Dimitri made a rumbling noise in the back of his throat, pushing himself up to kiss me. I met him halfway and slipped my hands into his hair, running my tongue against the seam of his lips until they parted.

I went with him as he laid back, his hands moving up to my hips. I settled against him and sighed against his lips, twisting my fingers into the ends of his hair. It didn't take long for Dimitri to take control and flip us over, smirking down at me as he kissed the hollow of my neck. I giggled as his lips travelled along my neck and gasped when he nipped at my skin.

I stilled when Dimitri's lips pressed over my healing skin. I tensed up a bit before relaxing. I was a little self-conscious of the scar that was starting there, but Dimitri never said anything about it. If anything, he would just press a kiss to the scar and that was it.

Dimitri pressed his lips to my forming scar once more before sitting up and off the bed, unbuttoning his dress pants while giving me a heavy look as he walked to my bedside table to retrieve a condom from the drawer. There was something about seeing the look in your lover's eyes when theirs bore the feelings of their soul to you.

I held his eyes as he gently parted my legs and lifted my hips so that my ass rested on his knees. I bit my lip in anticipation, running my hands up his arms as he leaned over me. I reached up and caught his lips in mine as he slipped a hand between us, running his cock between my folds and pushed into me slowly. I tilt my hips up and wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him down onto me.

It felt so good having his hot skin pressed against mine. I could feel the hammering in his chest against mine and I slipped my arms around his neck, running my fingers over his neck as we moved together.

"All I can think about was how beautiful you looked tonight," Dimitri whispered in my ear, gripping my hip in his hand as he shifted his position, making my body ache in pleasure. I scraped my nails over his shoulders as I moved my hips up to meet his, whimpering at the feeling of him deep inside me.

I turned my face to his and pulled him in for a kiss, swallowing the moan that crept from his throat. It wasn't long until I wanted to turn the tables and pushed him over, settling in the cradle of his hips. Dimitri raised a brow at me as his chest heaved and I could feel his heart flutter under my fingertips. I bit my lip as I rocked my hips slowly before lifting and lowering myself. Dimitri pressed his head back into the pillow and his hands crept to my hips, holding them tightly as he guided the movements, encouraging me.

Whether it be to the time we've been apart or the look on Dimitri's face, I felt like I was burning from the inside out with need for release. I hadn't realized I had been digging my fingers into Dimitri's chest until his hands came up to cover mine, gently loosening them before slipping his hands to my waist.

I let my hands travel down his chest to his abs, smirking with a sigh as the muscles contracted. I could feel myself reaching my peak so quickly that I could practically taste it. I could sense Dimitri's too as he became slightly impatient, pulling my hips down to meet his as grunts came from his mouth.

My need, and his, pushed me to quicken my pace, both of us racing to the finish line. I was almost there when Dimitri's hand slipped behind my neck and pulled me down to him, capturing my lips in a bruising kiss. With a sharp nip to my bottom lip, I came apart in his arms with a shriek, my eyes rolling back into my head. With a muffled curse and a tightening grip, Dimitri followed a few moments later.

I panted into the crook of his shoulder, barely noticing the twinge in my chest. Maybe I overdid it, but I didn't care. I pressed my lips to his salty skin and lifted my head up, finding his eyes shut and a goofy smile on his face. I chuckled and kissed his lips, smiling at him as he opened his eyes.

"Did I wear you out?" I chuckled, dancing my fingertips over his chest. Dimitri chuckled, the rumble of his laugh vibrating under my fingertips.

"No. Did I wear you out?" Dimitri quipped, raising a brow at me. I rolled my eyes and tucked my head back down into his shoulder.

"No. But I'll need a few minutes if you want to go again."

Dimitri laughed and kissed my head, running his hand through my curls. "I don't know about that," Dimitri said through his laugh. I smirked and cuddled closer to him. To be honest, I was too tired to go again.

After a while I got up with a groan, running my hand through my hair. I knew that my makeup was probably a mess now and that my hair was out of control.

"I need a shower," I chuckled, pushing my hair out of my face. Dimitri smirked and tugged on the end of a curl.

"So do I. I can still smell that horrible body spray Mason was wearing. I think it permeated into our hair."

I snorted a laugh and got out of bed, winking at Dimitri as I made my way to the bathroom, giggling when his hands slipped around my waist once I made it to the shower.

I was feeling a little out of sorts. This was supposed to be a happy day, but all I felt was sadness. The graduation ceremony went by in a flash but felt like it went on forever at the same time. A part of my life was ending, and another was starting.

And my mom wasn't here for it.

I looked to my left as Lissa sat down on the bench beside me, giving me a small smile. Because of the size of the graduating class, the school decided to have the ceremony outside. While it was better than being stuck in the gym with no air conditioning, it was still hot.

"You okay?" Lissa asked softly, brushing some of her hair out of her face. I shrugged and pursed my lips to keep myself from crying, but when Lissa slipped her arm around my shoulder I couldn't hold it in anymore.

"I wish she was here," I said quietly with a quivering lip. Lissa pulled me close to her and let me rest my head on her shoulder, rubbing my shoulder comfortingly. I felt horrible for not celebrating with my friends and classmates, but I needed a few minutes to feel what I had suppressed all day. I tried to hide it from Baba and didn't want to bring anyone down with being upset. But Lissa understood. She always understood.

"She's here though, not physically, but in here," Lissa soothed, poking my chest. I gave her a weak smile and rested my head back on her shoulder, not minding the tears the spilled over and onto the robes. After I got most of my emotions out of my system, I lifted my head and wiped my cheeks, turning to Lissa. She gave me another smile and ran her thumbs under my eyes, collecting the streaked makeup and fixed my hair.

"We should get back before someone starts to worry," Lissa said, standing up and shrugging off her graduation robe. I followed suit and pulled mine off too. It was getting a little too hot to be wearing them. Lissa smiled at me comfortingly and held up hand out towards me. I smirked at her and took it, squeezing it as we walked off the field towards the gym. We found our families through the crowd and after giving a hug to Lissa, Rhea swept me up in her arms too, kissing the side of my head before passing me over to Olena, who did the same.

"Congratulations my dear on your scholarships," Olena said as she gently squeezed me in her embrace. I hugged her back. I was surprised to learn that I not only received a scholarship from the University of Alabama but received a scholarship from the community. I wasn't exactly sure what it was for, but I'm sure Baba would.

"Thank you," I said as I pulled back and gave her a smile. I wasn't the only one receiving awards or scholarships today. Between his sports scholarship and academic awards, Dimitri wouldn't need to worry about paying for any of his schooling. He was even expenses for moving and living. It would definitely make things easier for Dimitri and his family.

I turned and found Baba wedging his way between people and I stepped over to hug him too. He made such a ruckus when I walked across the stage that I wasn't sure if I should be happy or embarrassed. But I couldn't fault him, he was proud and he was happy for my accomplishments despite the shitty year we all had.

I pulled away and slipped into the waiting arms of my boyfriend, snuggling into his embrace and smiled as he pressed his lips to my temple. The only person I haven't congratulated yet.

"I'm so proud of you," I whispered stretching up on my toes and kissing the corner of his mouth. Dimitri smiled down at me and kissed me chastely.

"I'm proud of you, Roza," Dimitri whispered to me, kissing the tip of my nose.

"You are all still coming over for dinner, yes?" Baba asked, a grin on his face. I rolled my eyes knowing fair well that everyone was coming - especially since Baba and Uncle Pavel and Eric promised to barbeque burgers, hot dogs, and sausages. I knew that Dimitri, Olena, Randal and Dimitri's sisters were coming regardless of the barbeque. I caught Mia, Tasha, and Lissa's eyes and returned their smirks. It was going to be a good night.

I scanned the crowd and caught a mess of brown hair and called out. "Hey! Adrian!"

Adrian faltered in his steps and turned to us.

"What time is your flight?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. Why?"

"Come to dinner," I said, "We'll have plenty of food and we don't know when we will all be able to be together in one place."

Adrian looked from to me to Dimitri and then to Baba. Baba nodded encouragingly.

"Sure. I'd love to come."

"Perfect! I'm sure you know where we live by now," Baba said with a chuckle, knowing that Adrian has been a frequent flyer next door. Adrian smirked and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"There's something I need to do first, I'll come by your place after," Adrian said, waving to us as he headed towards his car. I looked up at Dimitri with curiosity, wondering if he knew what he was up to. Dimitri shrugged and tightened his arm around me.

"Alright, let's go this party started," Baba said clapping his hands together with a smile, signalling to us all that we should locate our group elsewhere.

This chapter took much more time than I thought to write. I had so much I wanted to put into it but thought it'd be better to spit the end of this story into two chapters.

This chapter was roughly edited, so if there are mistakes I am truly sorry. I think I reread it eight times before publishing.

Let me know what you think!:)