Welcome Back! This is Chapter 10! In this chapter you'll get both Dimitri & Roza's point of view. Also a side note of from the last chapter I was spelling Dimitri's nickname wrong - it was an accident it is Dimka - so I apologise to the readers who found this annoying.

This chapter took a while to write I apologise but I finally got it finished. I was going to extend it further as I had a few more things I wanted to include before I finalized chapter 10 but decided that maybe they'd be better put to use in chapter 11 so we'll see.

I hope you enjoy the lemons I re-read this chapter and sweetened the lemons a bit so I hope all you perverts enjoy it... The peek into Roza's childhood is sorta important and will be touched on again in a few chapters. Grandma Esma is a stone cold bitch but I love her and I think I also portrayed her enough that you kinda love the old gal.

Anyway! Enjoy The Chapter and PLEASE PLEASE review as I love to read your responses.

Ibrahim 'Abe' Mazur

Rosemarie Hathaway

Dimitri Belikov

I walked out of Roza's bedroom and ran into Christian in the hallway. It was just after 5' o'clock in the morning. Roza had left an hour ago to relieve the guardian's on watch and receive a report of their night logs.

The day Lissa and Roza left for Paris Lissa confessed to feeling unsafe and felt as if she was being followed. It wasn't until we arrived home to Montana that Roza informed me of Lissa's 'darker' past and her episodes of depression and paranoia.

While the girls were still in High School Lissa had experienced 'episodes' that started out with thoughts of being followed, feeling unsafe, and periods of skipping classes. It had ended with Lissa being hospitalised after a series of panic attacks the final straw was when she attacked a teacher.

Lissa was released after a therapist deemed her fit to rejoin society. Lissa's parents hired a full time guardian who oversaw that Lissa attended classes, regular doctor appointments, and made sure that Lissa continued to take her medication and report back to her doctors about any mood changes and affects from the drugs.

It'd been years since Lissa had experienced an episode this extreme, which left Roza feeling conflicted and questioning herself.

Rose didn't want to believe that her best friend was on the brink of a breakdown, which is why I believe she decided to investigate the possibility that this wasn't an episode but Lissa's instincts however unreliable. In Rose's mind she couldn't protect Lissa from her own demons but she could protect her from others so it was easier for her to accept that the danger was real.

Regardless of how it all worked out Rose still needed to react as if the danger was real even if it wasn't. It was real to Lissa. Rose had to react quickly and treat Lissa's fears as if they were real and do everything within her power to make Lissa feel safe.

The last thing Rose – or any of us – wanted was for Lissa to hurt herself. Again. In the file Rose had given me during one of Lissa's earlier episodes she'd tried to kill herself and inflicted pain on herself by cutting herself.

It was so hard to imagine this side of Lissa. I'd known her for a while and had come to love her like a sister – and the Lissa that I knew was a very happy and out going person who only wanted to help people. Lissa had only just started taking pre-med classes at the local campus. She wanted to be a doctor! This type of darkness that Rose was describing didn't fit inside of Vasilisa Dragomir.

I'd even learnt that Lissa still had regular doctors appointments with her psychologist. Christian and Rose sometimes accompanied her if Lissa's psychologist felt that Lissa needed extra support talking to one of them about issues.

Since arriving home from Paris Lissa saw visited the doctor once a week.

It was during our trip home to Baia that Rose received the information she'd feared yet wanted to hear. Lissa's concerns weren't imagined. It was real. Lissa was being followed and had been followed for the last several weeks by several unknown men.

Rose's father Abe Mazur's head of security Pavel looked into the surveillance footage surrounding the apartment building and several other locations where Lissa often travelled i.e. spas, gym, restaurants, galleries, and the nearby campus where Lissa attended her pre-med classes.

From what Pavel was able to find the men watched from afar careful not to trigger alarm from Rose or Lissa's part-time Guardian Randall. Who'd been hired earlier in the year when Rose fled to Paris for a few weeks while in recovery but only appeared to move closer to Lissa during Randall's shifts.

The men following Lissa clearly viewed Rose as the greater threat and only pushed to get closer to Lissa when they perceived Lissa was at her most vulnerable. This told me these men were smart and did their homework and intended to take Lissa with as Lissa fight as possible.

The four of us had barely stepped onto the tarmac when Abe Mazur made his entrance and drove onto the tarmac with his entourage of private security and fully trained Guardians. We drove back to the Mazur Estate and reviewed the surveillance footage for ourselves. After seeing it Roza made the decision to tighten security even further.

Guardian Randall was promoted to a full-time Guardian and is now 1 of 8 elite Guardian's dedicated to protecting Lissa and Christian. Guardian Grant, Guardian Serena, Guardian Yuri, Guardian Dustin, Guardian Theo, Guardian Neil and Guardian Alberta.

Guardian Alberta mentored Rose in High School and still trains regularly with Rose so when Alberta offered her services Rose didn't think twice.

Having all the new Guardian's around opened up a new level of organized chaos. It was crazy how many new faces appeared in the apartment everyday and if that wasn't bad enough Abe had his own security team running surveillance.

It was hell yet it was a necessary inconvenience. The new security protocols in place weren't just to protect Lissa but also Christian – And unbeknown to Rose it was also for her own safety – Abe wasn't a stupid man.

Abe knew as well as I did that there was only one of two ways to get to Vasilisa. Christian Ozera and Rosemarie Hathaway – And after the security Rose placed around Christian the only way anybody would get close to Vasilisa was through Rose and the only way you'd get through Rose was if she was 1, unconscious or 2, dead.

I guess neither of us was willing to accept those options.

Over the weekend Christian and I had a sparring match and it was clear that despite his outward scrawniness underneath those clothes was a very fit and athletic body. I was still black and blue from our session but neither Rose or Lissa was willing to take any chances with his life – understandable – Christian had two Guardian's on him at all times. Theo and Neil. Both in their mid 30's and total bad asses.

Despite all the new security on duty Rose was still on duty 24/7. The only time Rose would let Lissa out of her sight was in the safety of the apartment otherwise Rose was Lissa's shadow and followed her everywhere.

I'd even had to stop Rose from checking on Lissa during the night. Lissa had been suffering from nightmares a lot lately and it was hard for Rose to stay in bed and not go to Lissa. The only thing that stopped her I think was the fact that the first time she actually went into the room Christian threw her out.

The lack of privacy was beginning to take it's toll on Lissa and Christian – hell it was beginning to drive me crazy – but that didn't stop Rose from doing her 'job' or from checking on Lissa during the night while she slept.

"Rose." I warned still half asleep as I tightened my grip on her waist tugging her body back against mine knowing it was a futile attempt. "Lissa is fine."

"I know! I just want to make sure I locked the balcony door in the room."

"You locked it."

"Comrade."

"Roza."

"Comrade – Humor me." She pleaded in a tiny voice.

I reluctantly opened my eyes and stared into her soft pleading brown eyes. "Fine. But if you're not back in 5 minutes…"

"I'll be back – I also have to pee." I rolled my eyes reluctantly releasing my grip as Roza scrambled out of bed to the toilet before she eased out of the bedroom to check on Lissa. I rolled onto my back staring at the ceiling cursing the men who'd ruined the easy rhythm of our lives. I missed having Roza to myself – I missed the life we'd made for ourselves.

Before all of this Rose and I talked about moving in together – taking our relationship to the next level. And the sex! Just when I thought we reached a peak she did something new and I was a lost man all over again. I loved it.

I missed that level of intimacy of our relationship. We'd had sex since arriving home but it wasn't like before it was still amazing but it wasn't as amazing. Lately it was less RAW and more whatever it was.

It was still hot but it lacked our usual spark and to be absolutely honest it worried me. I don't want to sound like a jerk who only cares about the sex because I'm not – I wouldn't care if we didn't have sex every night sometimes we didn't it was normal – However I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss having Rose in my bed.

"I'm back." Roza whispered softly crawling into bed next to me. "What's wrong? You have your serious face on?"

I smirked running my fingers through her curls. "My serious face?"

"Mhmm. I can always tell it adds 10 years to your age." Roza squealed as I spanked her ass earning a soft moany sigh. I smiled moving down the bed as I lifted her chin and kissed her lips unable to hide my desire as I stared into her eyes. "Comrade."

"Roza." I whispered pressing my body into Rose's as my nose gently traced the skin across her jaw. "I love you..." I never thought I'd turn into one of those men who constantly said the words but with Roza it felt natural. It wasn't to assure her or myself it was simply because I needed to say it. I wanted to say it. "I miss you, Roza."

"Comrade." I lifted my eyes to Roza's hovering above her. "I'm right here."

"For now… Five minutes ago you were checking on Lissa.'

"Comrade-"

"Let me finish." I cut her off knowing she'd take it the wrong way. "I'm not complaining, Roza. I'm 100% supportive of everything you're doing. I am. I miss you. I miss waking up with you in my arms, I miss making love to you in our bed, and I miss being able to fuck you as hard as I like with nobody to hear you but me. I don't like waking up alone after a quick fuck – I like that part don't get me wrong – I don't like waking up alone. I miss you. I miss talking to you. I miss making love. I miss simply being alone! I miss you."

Rose sighed sitting up pushing me back so I was kneeling on the bed. "Comrade, I miss you too." Rose whispered kneeling in front of me as she slid her arms around my neck kissing me. "Believe me – I want nothing more than to go back to the way things were before I left for Paris. I love you and I miss you so much! But my first priority is Lissa's safety. You understand that better than anybody else and it's why I love you so much! It's going to take time, Comrade. Can you wait just a little longer?"

"I'll wait forever for you." The scary thing was that I meant it.

"I love you." Roza smiled pressing her lips to mine pulling me back down onto the mattress as her legs wrapped around my waist.

"Morning Belikov."

"Ozera." I greeted eyeing him carefully. The Christian in front of me was not at all like the Christian Ozera I had grown used too. The guy in front of me was tired, pale, and not at all put together. An emotional wreck seemed like a valid description. "When was the last time you slept?" It was a stupid question. I lost enough sleep knowing my girlfriend was standing in between her best friend and certain danger… I'd probably lose more sleep if it was my own girlfriend being stalked. "Stupid Question."

Christian half smirked though it didn't quiet have the same lazy effect. "Lissa's been having nightmares. Again. I couldn't get back to sleep after the first one… What's your excuse?"

"I couldn't sleep after Rose left." I confessed following Christian down the hallway into the living room / kitchen. "I was going to go for a run. You're welcome to join me if you like?"

"What about Theo and Neil?"

"They're welcome to join us if you'd feel safer with their presence." I smirked grabbing two bottles of water from the fridge. Christian understood why Theo and Neil were necessary but that didn't mean he liked being babysat. "If you'd prefer to leave the entourage at home I'll protect you."

"Fuck you." Christian smirked catching the water bottle I tossed at him. "Let's go. I could use the fresh air." Christian and I made our way to the front door and opened it to find Rose about to open the door with Grant and Serena behind her.

Grant and Serena Lehigh were a newly-weds and Lissa's 2nd and 3rd personal Guardian. If it wasn't Rose and Randall watching Lissa it was Grant and Serena. Their sole focus was Lissa's safety and keeping her alive.

"Where are you two off too?" Grant questioned looking between Christian and I.

"Busted." Christian whispered under his breath.

"Grant – Serena." I greeted the two Guardians' politely.

"Guardian Belikov." Grant responded with a stiff nod.

"Guardian Belikov." Serena smiled kindly. "It's lovely weather for a run."

"I thought so too." I smiled at Serena before I turned my focus on Roza. I smiled sliding my arm around her waist kissing her briefly on the lips. "Good Morning – Christian and I are going for a run. We'll be back in a little while."

"Will Theo and Neil be joining you?" Grant questioned. "It's imperative that Christian is kept safe."

"Christian is perfectly safe with Guardian Belikov." Rose spoke directly to Grant daring him to challenge her authority. "I'll see you both when you return."

"You'll let Lissa know I'm with Dimitri?" Christian questioned pulling on his hoodie. "I don't want her to worry – She didn't get the best nights sleep last night."

"I'll check on her shortly. Go. Serena wasn't kidding about the weather. It's perfect." Roza smiled squeezing Christian's arm before turning to me. "I'll see you when you get back. Please look after him." Roza added softly as she leaned in to kiss me. "I love you."

"I'll keep him safe." I promised placing a kiss to her lips. "And I love you too." Christian and I got onto the elevator riding down in silence until we stepped outside into the fresh air. "Any direction in particular?"

"No. I just want to run." Christian answered taking off down the street. I caught up with him easily and the two of us run in silence for almost an hour until we reached a park bench and Christian took a seat. "Is everything okay with you two?"

"We're fine." I admitted taking a seat next to Chris on the bench. "It hasn't been easy but we're making it work. Lissa's safety is top priority right now."

"Yeah. I feel that. I just feel so useless I don't know how to help."

"Just being there is enough."

"Is it?" Christian asked turning his head to look at me. "I've never felt so helpless. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do – Lissa wakes up from nightmares crying and all I can do is hold her and try to assure her that she's safe knowing I'm lying."

"It's not a lie, Christian. Rose isn't going to let anything happen to Lissa. You know that – I know that. She's safe."

"What if-"

"Don't." I didn't mean to sound so harsh but I couldn't stomach for him to speak my own fears out loud. What If. What if – Rose couldn't protect Lissa. Only one thing would stop her from being able to protect Lissa and that was death.

That very thought made my heart race and my mind panic. I'm not sure I could continue living without her at least not in any way that could be considered living.

"You know how much I love Lissa – I hate knowing she's in danger – But it kills me knowing how ready the love of my life is to jump in front of a bullet for her."

"I don't know how you do it." Christian confessed. "We're in love with two women whose fate could determine if one lives or dies. I had to learn to love, Rose. It's not that hard once you get past the exterior – I never would have picked her to be apart of my life after the academy but even without Lissa she's probably my best friend. But Lissa is my life and as long as there is life within Rose my Lissa is safe."

"It doesn't seem so complicated when you say it like that."

"And are you okay with that?"

"I'm not." I confessed truthfully knowing if anybody could understand it might be Christian. "I want nothing more than to take Rose and disappear and live the rest of our lives making love on some beach with white sand and blue waters – But Rose would never go – Not without Lissa. I've accepted that and I stand by Rose's choices even if it means that someday – sooner or later – I might lose her."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Christian stood from the park bench. "Do you want to keep running?"

"Sounds Good." I forced a smile as I stood up. "Let's head back to the apartment."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." The run back to the apartment was quicker and by the time we walked through the double doors and into the lobby Theo and Neil sat waiting in the lobby lounges however both stood up when they saw us. "Theo. Neil."

The 4 of us stepped into the elevator and took the ride to our floor in silence. Lissa was sitting on the couch reading a book but smiled when Christian knelt in front of her leaning in for a kiss. "Good Morning, Beautiful."

"Did you two enjoy the run?"

"It was good." Christian smiled sitting next to her. "How did you sleep?"

"Good." Lissa smiled leaning into his side. "I missed you."

I silently excused myself from the room and walked down the hall to Rose's bedroom. At first I sat on the edge of the bed staring at the wall trying to get my conversation with Christian out of my head, which only made it worse.

I decided I couldn't stay here for another night and that I needed a break from all of it. I stood up grabbing my duffle bag throwing in my dirty clothes and grabbing my wallet and keys from the drawer.

"Comrade- Okay- you want to explain what's happening here?" Roza questioned from the door as I finished packing the duffle. Rose stepped inside the room shutting the door behind her. "Comrade? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I promise. I just need a night away from all of the chaos." I confessed sitting on the edge of the bed bringing Roza close as I looked up into her eyes. "It's just for a few nights."

"And that's all?" Rose questioned searching my eyes for any hidden reasons. "It's not – Me? Us?"

"No." I whispered pulling her down into my lap. "Roza – We're fine. I promise." I pressed my lips to hers sliding my tongue along her bottom lip until her lips parting allowing me access into her mouth. I moaned at the same time as Rose forced me down onto the mattress straddling my waist. "Roza."

"Shh." Roza whispered smiling against my mouth as her hand slid down my stomach and inside of my basketball pants. I rolled my head back as her hand wrapped around my length stroking it in her firm grip as her mouth attacked the accessible flesh on my neck. "Take off your shirt."

I lifted my back off the bed lifting the wife-beater over my head tossing it in whatever direction before Rose forced me back down onto the mattress. Shit. I growled as her teeth sank into the flesh of my chest at the same time her thumb circled the head of my cock in her grip. "Roza."

"Yes?"

"Are you trying to kill me?" I questioned feeling my mouth go dry as her hand left my cock and lifted to her own shirt lifting it over head leaving her on top of me in just her bra and tight black jeans. "Jesus Christ."

"It's Rose…" Roza corrected grabbing my hands as they began to explore her waists pinning them above my head as she kissed me so deeply that my head begun to spin. "…Can you be quiet?"

I chuckled at the question as I opened my eyes and looked up at her. God. Rose was incredibly gorgeous… She hovered above me half naked with her hair flipped over her right shoulder as she teased me by grinding her crutch into my cock. "I'll behave if you do."

"You'll have to keep me quiet then." Rose teased as she bit my bottom lip before sliding down my body taking my pants with her until she stood at the end of the bed reaching behind her unclasping her bra. I licked my lips wrapping my hand around my cock as I watched her undress slowly as she unbuckled her belt and pushed her jeans down over her thighs until she only wore her tiny black panties.

Holy Fuck… I loved this woman.

I sat up on the bed grabbing hold of her waist pulling her down on top of me as I crushed my mouth to hers as I rolled us over until I was on top of her and my cock was settled between her fabric covered pussy. "Say the word and I'll fuck you as hard and as deep as you want."

"Fuck- You sure know how to speak to a lady." Roza moaned pressing her lips to mine as I pressed the head of my cock firmly against her soaking wet cunt. The friction was sweet torture.

I chuckled pressing my forehead to hers my mouth inches from hers. "You're no lady, Roza. Not even close. But you're my whore…" I growled reaching down between our bodies ripping the offending fabric from her body before I slid my cock between her soft wet lips. "…Say it."

Roza whimpered as the head of my cock teased the opening of her cunt. The fire in Roza's eyes told me she'd missed this as much as I did – But we both knew this wouldn't be enough. "I'm yours."

I slid my hand around her throat sliding my cock further inside her warmth. "Your 'my' what?"

"I'm your whore- fuck."

"My whore." I hissed biting into that sweet spot on her neck marking her. "You. Are. Mine." I growled lifting my body further above hers so I could move freely above her a little faster – rougher. "Who do you belong too?"

"You." Roza's back arched off the mattress as her nails dug into my shoulders. "Fuck… Please. Please. Please."

I lifted myself up until I sat on my knees pulling Roza closer as I pounded my cock fully into her soaking wet cunt. I loved being inside of her like this and the best part – she wasn't quiet at all but I knew she was holding back which always drove her a little crazy and kept her from fully letting go.

My job was to make sure she did let go and I made no apologies for it.

"Dimitri! FUCK!" She screamed as I flipped her over onto her stomach pulling her pussy up to meet my thrust. I buried my hand in her hair pulling her body up to meet mine as I sucked on her sweaty flesh. "Don't stop."

"Never." I growled in her ear. "Fuck. I can feel how tight you are around my cock… Do you want to come?"

"Yes."

"Don't cum until I say."

"Yes."

"Relax." I whispered bending her over resting her head on the mattress. I spread her cheeks spanking each cheek. 1.2.3. before spitting on her tiny little hole circling it with my thumb gently penetrating the sensitive hole as I rocked my cock harder into her pussy. I could feel my own orgasm building as Roza's cunt milked and tightened around my cock sucking my entire length deeper inside of her. "Cum Roza."

"Dimitri! Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Yes!" Roza's entire body jolted upright against my chest as I held her close. I fisted my hand in her hair turning her head and crushing my mouth onto hers swallowing her cries of pleasure as she milked my cock of every last drop of cum until it overflowed her pussy sliding down her thighs. "Shit."

"I've missed that." I chuckled in her ear as I pulled out laying down on the mattress against the pillows pulling her body close to mine.

"Do you think they heard?"

"Definitely." I chuckled staring at the ceiling. "They won't say anything."

"Not in front of us at least." Roza sighed snuggling into my chest. "I haven't felt this good in a while."

"I'll try not to take offense to that."

"You know what I mean…" Roza whispered tracing circles on my stomach. "Are you still going back to your apartment?"

"It'll just be for a few days." I promised lifting her chin. "I love you."

"I love you."

Rosemarie Hathaway

"Uncle Abe!" I protested from the ground before springing back to my feet glaring at the 7' foot tall smug guardian. "That wasn't a fair fight!"

"Nothing in life is fair, Rosebud." Abdullah smiled raising his hands to deflect my attack but on the plus side I was able to block his attacks. "Good Girl."

I rolled my eyes at the patronizing tone of his voice. "This is stupid! Dad said –"

"Are you complaining, Rosemarie?" I shut my mouth instantly and turned to face my grandmother. Grandma Esma was old school and you didn't mess with her. Not even the mighty Abe Mazur argued with Esma. "I asked you a question, Rosemarie."

"Yes, Esma. I'm sorry."

Esma sighed wiping the dirt off her hands with a rag. "Who are you?"

"Rosemarie Mazur."

"A Mazur doesn't complain – Your father pays a lot of money so you can attend Saint Vladimir's so you can receive the best training available. Just because you're on holidays doesn't mean you can slack off on your duties."

"Dad said –"

"I don't care." Esma spoke over me. "Your father was a spoilt little boy – You, Rosemarie, have a greater purpose. When you graduate you will be a Guardian. What kind of guardian do you want to be?"

"The best." I answered without hesitation. It was the truth and it was the only answer that Grandma Esma would accept and approve of.

"How do you become the best?"

"By shutting up and working harder than everybody else."

"Good Girl. I don't want to hear you complaining, Rosemarie. It's weak and it brings shame to me. You're my Granddaughter. A Mazur – Mazur women are NOT weak. We're resilient, ruthless, and more dangerous than any single man alive. Not only do Mazur women great Guardians but also we're considered the best of the best. Never forget that, Rosemarie."

"Yes Esma."

"Continue." Esma stepped back crossing her arms watching closely.

I turned back to Abdullah nodding my head to continue. I spent the next 5' hours training with Abdullah getting my ass handed to me five different ways. By the end of the training session I laid on the grass staring up at the clouds.

"Go clean yourself up, Rosebud." Abdullah held out a hand to help me up. "You did fantastic today."

"Thank you, Uncle Abe." I took his hand letting him pull me to my feet. I smiled as he pulled me into his side as we walked back to the house. "Uncle Abe?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think Grandma Esma has always been so – Esma?"

"I'm not sure, Rosebud. She's strict and very old fashioned in a lot of her ways. I believe she pushes you as hard as she does because she can see the potential of a great Guardian and like the rest of us she wants to make sure you're prepared. It's lonely at the top, Rosebud, not to mention dangerous. Everybody either wants to surpass you or kill you. You've got to be prepared for that."

"I am."

Abdullah laughed as if I'd just said the funniest thing in the world. "You're 9 years old, Rosebud. You're not even close to being prepared for tomorrow yet alone what you'll face 10 years from now."

"I will be." I vowed seriously.

"ABDULLAH!" Esma screamed from the house. "RUN!"

Before I could even react Abdullah lifted me into his arms and began running. I could hear gunshots, and people fighting, and when I glanced over Abdullah's shoulder I saw my Grandma Esma fighting off two men.

"Don't look, Rosebud." Abdullah whispered in my ear but it was too late. I watched as one of the men pulled his gun out and shot Esma. She stood frozen staring at the two men before she fell to her knees collapsing onto the ground.

All of a sudden something – someone – tackled us sending Abdullah to the ground his hold on me releasing as he defended himself against the intruder. I cried out hitting the ground a sharp pain shot through my arm. "ABDULLAH!"

Abdullah pinned the attacker down and snapped his neck but before he could get to his feet the two men who'd killed my Esma attacked Abdullah. "Rose! Run!" Abdullah ordered fighting off the two men however he'd been injured and wasn't at his full strength. "Don't trust anybody until you find your father! Run Rose! Run!"

I ran towards the fence and climbed it with one arm ignoring the pain in my arm. It wasn't until I landed on the other side that I heard the gunshot – I hesitated and looked through the crack in the fence and saw two men standing over Abdullah's lifeless body.

"Where's the girl?" A man shouted running towards the two men.

"Who cares? We killed the old bitch. Mission Complete."

"The mission is not complete until Abe Mazur's daughter is eliminated."

"She's just a girl…"

"Just a girl?" The 3rd man chuckled. "She's the heir to the Mazur fortune! And she's a witness! Find the girl and then put a bullet in her head."

Run. I turned around and run into the woods as fast I could but my entire body ached. I wanted to stop and catch my breath but I could hear voices behind me – they'd found my tracks and were running after me.

Think Rose! Think! The closest property to Esma's was hours away. You could barely see it from the helicopter it was just a tiny little house in the middle of nowhere. I needed a phone to call Dad for help and that tiny little house was my best option – My only option.

I stopped behind a tree holding my arm to my chest. I needed a plan. I couldn't fight them – and win. "Little Mazur… Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

My only option was to run. I ran further into the woods using the trees, and bush, as cover but the men hunting me were gaining ground. I had to hide. I thought of hiding in the trees but it was still light out, and it left me exposed, I almost gave up when I came across a hollow log that was big enough for me to crawl inside of.

It was tight and I couldn't breath properly but it worked. "Anything?"

"No. It's like she just disappeared."

"She couldn't have gone far. Spread out." I closed my eyes praying they wouldn't find me, but I wasn't game to move even when the voices grew fainter and fainter. It was dark by the time I wiggled out of the tree log.

I had cuts all over my arms, legs, hands and face. I moved through the woods moving in the direction I hoped would leave me to the house. I must have been walking a long time when I finally came to a river – I didn't remember seeing it from the helicopter.

I made my way down to the rocks and used my hands to get a drink before I washed my face, legs, and arms. I sat on the rocks looking around me trying to come up with a plan. I wondered if those men were still looking for me – 'She's the heir to the Mazur fortune. She's a witness. Find her and put a bullet in her head.'

I was still in danger.

The way I saw it I had two options… I could follow the river and hope it leads somewhere, or that I'd at least find a fisherman with a cell phone, or I could keep on track to find the house the may or may not have a working landline.

But then if I was hunting a little girl the first place I'd look is the surrounding homes, and properties where a child my size could hide. I decided to stay by the water. It was getting cold the darker it got and the only light I had was the stars and mood.

The stars made me think of Grandma Esma. Tears prickled my eyes as I remembered her final moments – she'd fought so hard but in the end she'd been no match for a gun. Esma was a hard woman but she wasn't always – sometimes – she was nice.

I remember when I was little and visiting with Dad I'd sit outside under the stars. Grandma Esma would lift me into her lap and wrap the blanket around the two of us and tell me stories of her Guardian Days.

Grandma Esma was the closest thing I had to a mother figure. I didn't see my own mother Janine Hathaway that often – once a year if that – usually depending on where I was receiving training sometimes Janine would fly out to observe otherwise I never saw my mother.

In this moment I wanted nothing more than to see Janine Hathaway – the only thing better than seeing my Mom would be seeing my Dad. For a moment I questioned if I'd ever see either of them again.

I walked along the edge of the creek until I found a spot to sleep. It was a little damp but it would give me enough cover that I wouldn't be seen… I curled up wrapping my arms around my waist, it was freezing, and I fell asleep with chattering teeth.

I'm not sure how much sleep I got but when I woke up it was daylight. My eyes were sore from crying, and my stomach ached from lack of food. I forced myself to my feet and began walking along the edge of the river but hid behind a tree when I heard voices though I didn't recognize them speaking in Arabic.

It was a group of older kids packing up tents and beer bottles. The boys were laughing as they pulled the tents down, and the girls were whispering and giggling as they packed up from breakfast.

This was my chance… I glanced around to make sure nobody was behind me, or watching from afar, before I stepped out of the woods. "Excuse me?" The 4 teenage girls, and boys, all turned around at the sound of my voice. "Do you have a phone?"

"What happened to you?" "What are you doing out here alone?" "Are you okay?" All of them seemed to be asking the same questions over and over. Except for one boy, he was the biggest of all of them, to be honest he reminded me of Guardian Stan Alto from the academy.

"My name is Sam." The boy smiled kneeling in front of me. "What's yours?"

I didn't have time for this. "My name is Marie Hathaway, I'm lost, do you have a cell phone I can use to call my father? It's urgent."

"I've got a phone back at my truck. If we're lucky we might have enough reception – anywise I can give you a lift back to my house to call your father. My father is a police officer."

"Thank you." I didn't really have another choice.

"Are you sure about this?" I heard one of the girls asking Sam as they finished packing up their campsite. "What if she's dangerous?"

"Seriously?" One of the other guys smirked. "She's like 8 years old, Tiffany. And by the looks of her I bench press more than she does without a sweat. You're safe."

"For the record – I'm 9." I corrected the cute blonde guy.

"It's rude to ease drop." The girl shot a glare at me.

"It's also against the law to do drugs." I pointed to the joint next to the fire pit. "Neither of us is perfect."

"I like her." The cute blonde chuckled. "Let's get out of here." The hike back to Sam's truck was difficult but I made it in one piece. The phone as luck would have it would be flat so I had to wait until we got back to Sam's house.

The cute blonde was named Dominic. Sam's twin-brother – Sam and Dominic looked nothing alike. When we walked into the house a policeman was sitting at the table with a woman, and two girls younger then myself.

"Whose this?" The policeman asked.

"This is Marie Hathaway." Sam introduced me to his parents Jonas, and Mary, and his two little sister's Nikita and Anita. "The phone is right over there."

"Thank you." I ran over to the phone and dialed the number. It was a special number that Dad told me to ring in emergencies, and it'd track where I am and find me. I hung up then picked up the phone again dialing his cell number.

"Little Girl?"

"Daddy." It felt like all my energy drained from my body as I slid down to the floor holding the phone to my ear. "Where are you?"

"I'll be there soon." Dad promised. "Are you safe?"

"Yes, I'm at a policeman's house."

"Can you put him on?"

I looked up at the family staring at me and held out the phone. "My father would like to speak to you, Sir." Jonas took the phone and placed it to his ear moments later Jonas stiffened pulled out his gun and walked to the window speaking to my father in a voice filled with authority.

"How far away are you?" Jonas questioned. "Is my family safe? Yes. Ok. I'll keep her safe. Will she recognize your men? Ok." Jonas hung up the phone and looked at me like he suddenly wished I wasn't his problem. "Your father is on his way."

"Jonas – What is going on?"

"You need to stay home today, Love. Nobody leaves the house until I say so. Anita will you show Ms. Mazur to the bathroom to clean herself up."

"Yes Daddy."

I forced myself to my feet and followed Anita. I showered and changed into clean clothes. Anita sat on the couch behind me brushing my hair speaking to herself in her own made up language while I waited for my father to arrive.

"There's a car out front!" Sam alerted his father. I jumped from the couch moving to the window watching as 6 men climbed out of the car one of those men was Athur Schoenberg, the head of my father's security, and one of the most dangerous, feared, and respected Guardian's alive.

Breathe. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Breathe. Every year on the anniversary I had the same nightmare where I relived the worst day of life. It paralyzed me and I broke out into a cold sweat. The date in question – 18th of September.

The significance? It marked the 10th Anniversary of The Mazur Massacre.

5 people died that day – Esma Mazur, John and Anna O'Fallon, Abdullah McCurry and Naomi Peterson. Grandma Esma's wife Yetta Mazur was the only other survivor of the Massacre. The marriage wasn't legal but it was as real as any marriage. Yetta Mazur still lived on the estate in Turkey and had since remarried last we spoke.

It was only 3 o'clock yet I was wide awake and couldn't foresee getting back to sleep. First I showered then changed into my gym clothes deciding I needed to punch something – hard. I spent a little over an hour in the gym but it did nothing to calm my mind or body from the adrenaline of the memory.

It was 4 o'clock when I finally decided that I needed to get out of the apartment. It'd only been a few days without Dimitri and I had to admit I missed him… And not just because I was pretty sure a rough fuck would fix all my issues but because it was weird waking up alone in such a big bed.

I didn't bother to change out of my gym clothes instead grabbing my keys from my bedroom before sneaking down the hallway careful. I opened the front door of the apartment and stepped out finding Yuri on guard.

"Guardian Hathaway." Yuri greeted concern clear on his features. "Is everything okay? It's not yet 4:30."

"I couldn't sleep." I confessed. "I'm going to step out for a few hours but I'll be back before the car arrives to take Lissa to the airport… I'll check in later."

"I'll let Ms. Lissa know." Yuri walked me to the elevator. "Are you sure you're okay, Guardian Hathaway? You look upset."

I sighed turning to Yuri while I waited for the elevator. "Yuri – I appreciate the concern. I do. But I'm fine. I'll be back in a few hours."

"Of course." Yuri stood up straighter. "I didn't mean to pry."

"You didn't." I stepped onto the elevator riding down to the garage. I stepped out of the elevator and walked across the garage to my Jeep. It was eerily quiet. I slid into the drivers seat pulling out of the parking lot before following the arrows out to the security gates.

The entire drive over to Dimitri's I couldn't seem to relax nor shake the feeling that I wasn't seeing something that was right in front of me. I finally decided that I was paranoid because of today's significance.

I probably shouldn't have left the apartment today but I hadn't seen Dimitri in 3 days and because of Sydney's bachelor party tonight I wouldn't see him until at least Wednesday which was just too far away.

I figured a few hours of uninterrupted alone time was better then nothing leaving town for a few days without at least making the effort to see him.

I parked outside the building and stepped out of the Jeep walking up to the front sliding door of the building. I had to use my key to get in. "Hold the door!" I turned around to see a reasonably cute guy wearing gym clothes covered in a layer of sweat.

"Can I help you?" I questioned eyeing him up and down skeptically… Now that I was standing in front of the guy I had to admit 'cute' was an understatement. The guy was rock solid and fucking gorgeous.

"I live in the building." Mr. Tall Dark Sweaty and Gorgeous smiled holding up his own set of keys. "I'm actually new to the building and I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. I'm Jace."

"Rose." I smiled politely taking his extended hand, which Jace very smoothly lifted to his lips kissing the back of my hand. "You'd better come inside before you let out all the warm air."

"Right." Jace stepped inside sliding the door shut and locking it from the inside. Jace followed me onto the elevator and smirked when he saw I'd already pressed level five. "What a coincidence, Rose. We're neighbors."

"How nice." I smirked staring at the neon numbers above the door. I'd hoped we'd ride the elevator in silence but if Jace's blatant eye fucking wasn't obvious enough neither were his attempts to get to know me.

"So Rose – Do you have a Boyfriend? Girlfriend?"

"I'm in a relationship."

"I'm not surprised." Jace confessed. "A woman as gorgeous as you is probably knocking back dates left and right."

"You would be surprised." I turned my head to look at him. "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No. I'm a serial bachelor until I find the right girl." Jace stepped a little closer not at all bothered by the fact that he was invading my personal space. "So – This relationship is it exclusive?"

"Yes."

"And you're happy with that arrangement."

I chuckled turning to face him knowing our faces were only inches apart. The elevator doors opened and I leaned in placing my hand on his chest as I pushed him against the back wall teasing him with my eyes. "Sweetheart – If I wasn't happy I'd have taken you against this wall already. It was nice to meet you."

I winked stepping off the elevator without looking back I walked to Dimitri's apartment door and used my key to let me inside the apartment. It was pitch black inside and I couldn't see anything.

Shite. I slowly stepped forward in the direction of Dimitri's bedroom but out of no where I was attacked. It wasn't until I sent my attacker flying into the wall and smashing the giant mirror and picture frames that I realized my attacker was none other then Dimitri Belikov himself.

But just as quick as this realization hit I was pinned against the front door with two hands wrapped around my throat. I stopped fighting back lifting my legs around Dimitri's waist pulling him close. "Comrade."

"Roza?" Dimitri's grip on my throat loosened completely. "Shit. I'm so sorry – I thought – Are you okay?"

"Great." I coughed rubbing my throat untangling my legs from his waist as Dimitri stepped away to turn on the light. My eyes widened when I saw the mess in the hallway. Frames were broken and glass was shattered on the floor. "How many years of bad luck do you think that is?"

"I don't believe in superstition."

I rolled my eyes lifting them to his. "Yeva would disagree."

"Yeva is a crazy old bat." Dimitri chuckled stepping closer to me removing my hands from my throat. "Shite. I'm sorry."

"I'll be fine." I assured him lifting my hand to his chin turning his head. I'd busted his bottom lip and bruised his chin but the worst was the gash on his forehead, which was currently bleeding very heavily. "Come. Let me clean that up."

"It's fine."

"Shut up and sit down." I ordered leaving him by the stool as I wet a washer. It was a little awkward trying to clean the cut on his forehead when he was so god damn tall. I ended up straddling his lap cleaning the blood from his forehead until the bleeding finally stopped enough for me to stitch it.

Dimitri kept his hands busy by slowly stripping me of my clothes. "How do you feel?" I questioned looking down at his face to find his eyes staring at my breasts in the sports bra. "Comrade?"

"What?" I rolled my eyes at the goofy grin I received in return. "I'm fine."

"You could have a concussion."

"I'm fine." Dimitri insisted as his hands cupped my breasts tweaking my nipples through the fabric. "If you want to play nurse there's a situation in my pants that needs your attention ASAP."

"I better take a quick look then." I winked pushing him back against the stool as I slid my hand into his boxers. I bit my lip at how hard he was in my hand. I knelt in front of him taking the head of his cock in my mouth circling it with my tongue before I swallowed his length fighting back the urge to gag on his length. I moaned as Dimitri's hand fisted my hair setting the pace at which he fucked my throat. I moaned as Dimitri's hand wrapped around my throat forcing his cock down my throat until my chin touched his balls gagging me with his cock.

I wrapped my hand around his balls massaging them as my head bobbed up and down on the length of his cock. "Fuck. I love watching you suck my cock… So Good. Fuck. I'm going to cum."

I moaned around his cock grazing my teeth against the length of his cock earning a throaty growl right before cum filled my mouth as Dimitri fucked my throat riding our his orgasm. I licked his cock clean before I stood up standing in front of Dimitri as he held himself up against the bench. "So… I met your neighbor?"

"Jace." Dimitri smirked kicking off his boxers. "What did you think?"

"He's sexy as fuck." I smirked at the glare Dimitri shot at me. "What? I'm not allowed to notice men?"

"No." Dimitri half smirked.

I rolled my eyes sliding my arms around his waist. "Like you wouldn't notice if Jace happened to be some hot blonde with giant tits?"

"No- I'd notice I just wouldn't tell you."

"So I shouldn't tell you that I told Jace that if I wasn't satisfied in my relationship I'd have fucked him against the wall of the elevator moments after we met?"

The look on Dimitri's face was almost murderous. "Roza."

"Yes."

"Do I need to remind you that- You. Are. Mine?" Dimitri growled burying his hand in my hair pulling me towards him his thumb wiping the cum from the corner of my mouth.

"No." I sucked his thumb clean as I stared into his eyes. "I. Am. Yours… I only said it to mess with him. You. Are. Mine. And I. Am. Yours. I don't want anybody else… But if you want to remind me of my place… I'll gladly give myself over."

…Several Hours Later…

I slipped out of the sheet stretching my aching body as I made my way out into the kitchen to get a drink. I stopped when I came to the mess in the hallway and decided to clean it up before Dimitri woke up.

I'd just begun sweeping up the mess and picking up the giant pieces of glass to throw in the bin when I cut the palm of my hand. "Fucking Slut!" I hissed dropping the glass into the bin before running to the sink. It was bleeding like a bitch. Seriously.

"Roza?" Dimitri appeared behind me holding my hand under the water before covering it with a washer leading me over to the bench. "Shite. Why didn't you leave that for me to do."

"I didn't want you to worry about it." I confessed watching Dimitri clean the wound and cover it with gauze. "Is it bad?"

"It's a bit deep but it shouldn't need stitches." Dimitri lifted it to his lips kissing my covered palm before wrapping it in a bandage. "Are you hungry?"

"Starving!" I smiled lifting myself up to kiss him. "You cook me breakfast I'll go clean myself up."

"Deal."

…20 Minutes Later…

I sat on the kitchen stool holding the bed sheet around my body as I watched Dimitri cooking breakfast. Bacon and Eggs. I loved this man. It was almost 7 o'clock and I had to be home before lunch so we still had a few hours before I had to leave.

"How do you want your bacon?"

"Crispy." I craned my neck trying to see the pan. "That's a lot of bacon – where's yours?" I smirked at the look Dimitri threw my way as he picked up a plate and slid the bacon onto the plate just as somebody knocked on the door. "Nobodies home!"

"Roza." Dimitri chuckled tossing the t-towel over his naked shoulder. I smirked biting into a hot piece of bacon as I watched him walk away. I shook my head unable to hide my smile at how tight his jeans looked over his ass.

That's right bitches I tapped that.

I heard Dimitri speaking to a guy at the door about some keys for the garage. I zoned out after that as I ate my 3rd piece of bacon – I moved the bacon around the plate hoping Dimitri wouldn't notice.

Dimitri walked back into the kitchen with a grim look on his face. It wasn't until I saw Jace behind him that I released a little chuckle at the situation. "Twice in one morning… You just can't stay away can you?"

Jace smiled leaning on the opposite side of the counter. "Rose. It's nice to see you again… Very Nice."

"Jace." Dimitri's voice was calm yet the underlining tone sent chills down my spine. "Rose – Is My Girlfriend."

"Lucky Man." Jace smiled clearly finding Dimitri's caveman impression amusing. I on the other hand found it fucking delicious.

"Dimitri doesn't like to share." I smirked ignoring Dimitri's glare. "Is everything okay?"

"I've misplaced my key to the garage." Jace explained as Dimitri grabbed his keys from the fruit bowl. "How long have you two lived in the building?"

"I don't live here." I smiled picking up another piece of bacon.

"That's too bad I could get used to seeing you around."

"You can use this key until you find yours." Dimitri placed a key in the centre of the bench before wrapping his arm around my waist his other taking my wrist holding the bacon and lifting it to his mouth. Mine. "The rest of that bacon is mine."

I pouted looking up at him innocently. "But you love me?"

Dimitri smiled lifting my chin before kissing me before looking to Jace with a look of superiority and smugness on his face as his hand slid up my exposed thigh. "Did you need something else?"

"No." Jace held up the key. "Thanks. I'll let you two enjoy your breakfast."

"I'll walk you out." Dimitri kissed the top of my head before walking Jace to the front door. I giggled to myself as I stood from the bench stealing another piece of bacon before walking back to the bedroom dropping the sheet in the doorway.

The front door shut with a BANG, which told me that Jace saw me drop the bed sheet to the floor. I'd barely laid on the bed before Dimitri appeared in the doorway. "What the fuck was that?"

"What?" I smiled taking a bite of his bacon.

"That guy is lucky I didn't kill him."

"Mhmm. I noticed. Do you really think you could take him?" Ok. I was taunting him. "Jace definitely works out – I saw him with his shirt off earlier. Damn."

"Are you trying to piss me off?"

"Is it working?" I teased sitting up on my elbows lifting my foot to Dimitri's chest poking him with my big toe. "You're so sexy when you're jealous."

"I'm. Not. Jealous." Dimitri growled grabbing my foot and pulling me towards him as he knelt on the edge of the bed towering over me. "You. Are. Mine."

…Later…

"What's going on inside that head of yours?" Dimitri questioned running his fingers through my hair. "Roza?"

I sighed turning my head to look at him. "Have I ever told you about Grandma Mazur?"

"I don't believe you have…"

"She was murdered." I admitted looking back to the ceiling. "Along with 3 guardian's and 2 members of the house staff. Guardian Abdullah was my personal Guardian/Trainer whenever I left academy grounds. I'd known him my entire life. I watched them die."

"I'm sorry."

"It's the 10th Anniversary."

"That'd mean-"

"That I was 9 years old." I finished his sentence. "Grandma Esma, Abdullah, the other people that were there that day died because my fathers enemies wanted to hurt him by killing his family. I know you've been spending time with my Old Man lately – I understand why and I love you both for it – But I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you or your family because you got caught up in his world."

"Roza – I'm not going to let anything happen."

"You can't stop it." I argued turning my head to look at him. "Just like I can't stop it from happening to Lissa. I've got a hundred people working around the clock to protect her and it still might not be enough."

"You can't think like that."

"It's the reality." I whispered stroking his cheek bringing my lips to his. "Sometimes – I really hate my job."

"Me too." Dimitri breathed pressing his lips firmly against mine. "There aren't many things that scare me but I'm scared of losing you."

I'm scared of that too, Comrade. "I'm right here." I whispered lifting his head staring into his eyes. "I'll always find my way back to you, Comrade."

...Next Chapter 11...

I hope you enjoyed the chapter it probably isn't as awesome as former chapters but it's all relevant.
And will be picked up in Chapter 11 in Vegas.

I hope you guys enjoyed the lemons.

Thanks for Reading & Reviewing