Returning to the main floor, we slipped into the roles of our fake relationship. Dimitri's hand rested on the small of my back, and I ignored the rush of warmth that burst from his touch as I leaned into him. It was only because I had a slight crush on him, nothing else.
My friends all looked up at us as we approached; Lissa sat beside Christian, maintaining a respectable distance despite dating for over six months. Eddie and Mason sat close, Eddie's arm around Mason's shoulders; they were both tamed with displays of affection at these parties. The year they decided to take part in the ceremony had raised a few eyebrows, but no one could deny the strength of their flame.
"So, this is the mystery man," Mason drawled, wiggling his eyebrows. "You've been holding out on us, Rose."
I rolled my eyes, laying a hand on Dimitri's chest, "Feel free to ignore him. That's Mason and Eddie, and that's Lissa and Christain. You can ignore him too." I added with a scowl. "Only Lissa and Eddie are worth talking to," I decided. "Everyone, this is Dimitri."
Dimitri leaned forward, offered his hand and shook theirs. "It's nice to meet you."
"How long have you two been dating?" Eddie asked, canting his head to the side. His eyes met mine. He always could tell when I was hiding something.
"Two weeks," Dimitri replied, lying easily. "She asked me out during our class."
"Guess we know why she was always excited for that class," Christian jibed. My cheeks heated—that part was not a lie.
Mason's eyes lit up. "Oh! He's that guy?"
"Right. Maybe we should go outside. Hungry?" I asked Dimitri. He eyed me but agreed. I didn't need Christian embarrassing me with my crush; it was bad enough that he knew why Dimitri was here.
I beelined for the bar set up by the pool, ordering a glass of champagne and drinking half of it. Dimitri's eyebrows furrowed, looking around us.
"What?" I asked, irritated that he was judging me.
"If you want to keep drinking like that, you need to eat something," he replied. His hand slipped into mine and tugged me behind him. We stopped in front of the long buffet table with a selection of finger foods to pick from. Dimitri grabbed a plate and helped himself, pointing at something and then added it to the plate if I agreed. Once satisfied with the amount he had, Dimitri took my hand again and led me to an empty table.
It was big enough for the plate and my drink; my parents went for more of a cocktail party than one with proper seating. Dimitri dipped his head at the food, encouraging me to eat. I dug in. I hadn't eaten before coming to the party because of the nerves; it felt like my stomach was tied into knots.
We passed an hour of the party by getting pulled into too many conversations. People would approach and ask me who I was with, all with knowing looks because everyone here loved their gossip. We were both selling it; standing close, sometimes his hand on my waist, mine on his arm, or clasped together between us.
What was surprising was the number of women hitting on Dimitri despite me standing right there. It made him uncomfortable, and he would step closer to me, really trying to push the lie that we were together.
Was I pissed that people were hitting on my fake boyfriend? Yes. Did I enjoy Dimitri giving me more attention and seeing the look of jealousy in their eyes? Definitely.
I was on my third champagne and getting close to feeling brave enough to start telling these women off when my father joined us.
"Ahh, my daughter and her boyfriend, you are the talk of the party. Don't you think they'll make wonderful soulmates?" he asked the woman making eyes at Dimitri. She flushed and quickly excused herself, making Abe smirk.
"These people know no shame," I commented dryly, taking another sip from my drink.
"How are you liking the party?" Abe directed at Dimitri, a glint in his eyes that made me uneasy. It was like he knew something I didn't.
Dimitri gave my father a polite smile, showing no signs of irritation from the constant questions he was getting. "It's very impressive, Mr Mazur."
"No, no. Call me Abe, please. I mean after today, you may be part of the family."
I scoffed.
Abe raised an eyebrow but continued his conversation, "So, you two met at the University?"
"We share a class on behavioural science," Dimitri recited our script.
"Do you have any family in the city?"
Dimitri's eyes shifted to mine before responding, "My mother and three sisters."
An expression crossed Abe's face. "And what was your last name? Rose never mentioned it."
I did not like where this was going. I placed my glass on the table and took Dimitri's arm, cutting off his reply. "Dance with me?"
I had been eyeing the dance floor for a while, and the idea of Dimitri spinning me around it while held by his strong arms appealed to me. It made it even more tempting to escape whatever interrogation my father was attempting.
Dimitri was hesitant, looking at the dance floor and then back at me. "I can't promise I'll be any good at it."
I waved him off, taking his hand and dragging him away from Abe. Once we reached the dance floor, I spun to face him. Grabbing his wrist, I placed it on my waist and slipped my hand into his other. We joined in with the other couples dancing, slowly moving together to the music. At first, I led, but Dimitri took over.
I grinned. The longer we danced, the better I felt. I don't think I had had so much fun at one of these in a while.
"Why do you dislike the idea of soulmates?"
The question caught me off guard, almost fumbled my footing, but Dimitri held me steady. I shot him a look, "Random question."
He shrugged, "You mentioned yesterday that you weren't looking for one, and then every time someone mentions the ceremony, you laugh or pull a face. I'm just curious as to why."
"Because I think it's stupid," I admitted. "I'm not going to base who I have a relationship with on just a candle flame. I would rather have an actual relationship and stay with the person because I like them."
Dimitri hummed, still moving us around the dance floor, "So you don't believe in it?"
"In soulmates?" He nodded. I caught my lip between my teeth, considering my response. "I don't know. I do know that I hate parties like this that are just about hoping for a good match to make more money or gain the social status of having the daughter of a rich family as your soulmate."
That was the only reason Nathan went out of his way to date me. I was his key to a higher social standing. He fooled most into believing he was an upstanding guy, but I knew better.
I was pulled from thoughts suddenly when Dimitri dipped me. My fingers dug into his bicep from the surprise, blinking up at him, "What are you doing?"
"I'm meant to be taken with you, so this is what I would do," Dimitri explained with a smouldering look, the corner of his lip quirked up in a half smile. My breath caught in my throat, laughter bubbling out when he pulled me back up and then proceeded to spin me in place.
I couldn't contain the smile on my face, leaning into Dimitri when he caught me. The music picked up in tempo, and Dimitri grinned. Still holding my hand, he pushed my waist and made me spin away from him and then tugged me back.
"So much for being bad at dancing," I laughed.
A smile pulled at his lips, more genuine than any he gave the other guests. "I had to learn for my friend's wedding. It's where this suit is from as well." He twirled me again, switching the direction. Each time I came back to him, we were pressed a little bit closer, our chest brushing.
I had to tilt my head up to see his face properly, amusement shining in his eyes. He guided me out again, only this time, someone else grabbed my extended hand and pulled me against them.
They took quick steps, moving us further into the group of couples dancing. I was disoriented and had to hold onto them so I didn't stumble in my heels. When I looked up at the person I was dancing with I immediately tried to pull away.
"You look ravishing, Rose." Nathan gazed down at me with hungry eyes, a grin on his face that I was sure others would see as flirtatious. It just made me cringe. His grip on my waist and hand tightened when I pulled away again.
"What do you want?" I bit out, frowning when I felt his hand slip further down my back.
He chuckled, "I just want to dance. Why are you always so hostile?" His hand inched down further.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Move that hand any lower and I'll show you hostile," I warned in a low voice. I didn't care if it caused a commotion.
"Still playing hard to get, I see," his eyes gleamed, head dipping down towards mine. I curled my fist, ready to strike, but a large hand landed on Nathan's shoulder and yanked him away from me.
"I'm going to have to ask you to step away from Rose," Dimitri asked politely, a firm undertone to his voice that made it sound more like an order. He stepped closer to me, standing between Nathan and me.
Nathan was flustered, eyes flicking between us. "And who are you?"
I took Dimitri's hand, lifting my chin, "He's my boyfriend." I felt joy as Nathan's expression shifted from bewildered to irritated. There was no way he hadn't heard everyone else gossiping about it. Now he knew it was true.
Dimitri was taller than Nathan and easily outweighed him with muscle; of the two of them, Dimitri was definitely the more attractive one. And I wasn't the only one that realised that.
"You're boyfriend? Haven't seen him around before," Nathan remarked, head tilting to the side. "Are you choosing guys from the cheap side now? At least you know she isn't dating you for your money," he laughed.
"Go away, Nathan," I chilled, trying to keep myself in check. Already, we had eyes watching our exchange.
Dimitri released my hand and put his arm around my shoulder. "Come on, Rose." His jaw was clenched, eyes hard as he guided me off the dance floor and back towards the house.
"I'm sorry about him, he's–"
His eyes flicked down to me, "I'm guessing he's the asshole."
I scowled. "Yeah. I fucking hate him."
Dimitri hummed, pulling me inside the house, out of sight of the people outside and from Nathan's view. I hoped he took the hint and left me alone for the rest of the party. There was at least another hour left before the ceremony, and I was counting down the minutes.
"Rose, are you okay?" I glanced back at the doors as Lissa walked in, heels clicking as she rushed to my side, Christian trailing in after her. I breathed out, exasperated, and nodded my head.
"He was just being his usual charming self," I replied with a wry smile. Dimitri's arm squeezed my shoulders, pressing me against his chest. It was nice. I was grateful he was there; the smell of pine was a nice distraction.
I welcomed the peace of being inside, taking a seat on one of the couches to give my feet a rest. Dimitri took the seat beside me, his arm resting on the back of the couch. It felt protective. The living room was arranged more for entertaining, all of the furniture chosen for appearance more than comfort.
I never spent much time in here, preferring the small bedroom my father converted into a recreation room just for me. I had spent many sleepovers in that room, with a large television and a big comfy couch piled with blankets. If it wouldn't get me in trouble, I would hide away in there for the rest of the afternoon.
Dimitri was staring off in the distance, lost in thought. I laid a hand on his thigh, startling him. "Regret agreeing to come with me yet?"
He gave me a slight smile. "No, it's more entertaining than how I would have spent my afternoon."
"Just wait until after the ceremony," Christian chortled, lowering himself into one of the sofas, Lissa perching on the armrest. "That's when the negotiations begin and the alcohol flows."
"While everyone is panicking, we can drink to our lack of flame," I joked, squeezing Dimitri's knee. Lissa's eyes moved to mine, eyebrows raising when she looked pointedly at my hand. I drew it back, canting my head at her in question.
"Rose, could I get your help with something?" Lissa asked in a sweet voice, her smile a little too tight to be real.
I furrowed my brow. "With what?"
"It'll only take a second."
There was definitely something on her mind. I felt bad to leave Dimitri alone, glancing at Christian who shrugged, "We'll wait here and you two go do whatever it is girls do."
I looked at Dimitri, receiving a nod before I stood and followed Lissa. She walked through the house into the kitchen, greeting the catering team. I didn't know where she was leading me until I was pushed into the pantry.
I squinted at the bright light after she closed the door and flicked the light switch. "Liss, why are we in the pantry?"
"You like him."
Now I was lost. "What are you talking about?"
Lissa gripped my shoulders. "Dimitri! You really like him. You keep touching him, and he is looking at you. He likes you too!"
I scoffed, knocking off her hands, "We're pretending to be a couple. It's called acting."
"Rose," she started, shaking her head, "What I'm seeing, that's way more than acting." She gasped, "What if you are soulmates?"
I threw my head back and laughed. "There is no way we are soulmates! We are completely different–"
"Because he isn't rich?"
"I don't care about that," I snapped. "Dimitri could be the richest guy here and I still wouldn't be his soulmate!" I bit my lip, realising how loud I was being. I looked down at my hands, continuing in a softer voice, "He's smart and dedicated, and could get any girl he wanted. He probably thinks I'm just some rich airhead kid."
"I don't think so," Lissa argued, a gentle look in her eyes, "I think he likes you."
"And I think we should get out of the pantry," I replied dryly. It was all an act, and Lissa was seeing something that wasn't there. Sure, I had a crush on him, but that was it.
Those feelings definitely weren't returned.
Lissa looked ready to keep arguing, so I stepped around her, opened the door and escaped. I had made it halfway back to where I left Dimitri, only he wasn't there. It was just Christian sitting by himself drumming his fingers on the armrest.
I marched up to him, "Where is Dimitri?"
Christian lolled his head back and shrugged, "He went to find you. Wanted to ask if you needed a drink."
Fuck. "Which way did he go?" I asked, frowning when Christian pointed back the way I came. There was no way that I missed Dimitri; he was taller than almost everyone here, it wasn't like he could hide easily. I spun in a circle before venturing outside to search.
I doubted anything would happen, but I didn't want to just throw him to the wolves, especially with Nathan wandering around. I walked around, searching the faces around me, but had zero luck.
When a hand gripped my elbow, I turned around hoping that it was him but instead found Eddie with a frantic expression. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"You need to come. Now." He didn't give any explanation, just dragging me to the side of the house. As the music from the party faded, I could hear voices, and then scuffling. My jaw dropped once we rounded the corner.
Mason stood to the side, looking unsure of what to do, a few others stood around as well. But they were all watching Dimitri and Nathan fight.
I jumped when Nathan's fist impacted Dimitri's stomach, but the shock was short-lived when Dimitri punched Nathan in the jaw and sent him tumbling to the ground.
"What the fuck is going on!" I yelled, drawing everyone's attention, including Dimitri's. Our eyes met, emotions flicked across his face, and his lips parted.
Whatever he was going to say was cut off by Nathan jumping to his feet and tackling Dimitri, both tumbling to the ground and grappling to get the upper hand. I rushed forward, glaring at Mason, "Do something!"
He laughed, wide eyes watching the fight. "Nathan had this coming."
I rolled my eyes, reaching out and grabbing Nathan's jacket, "Stop it!" He threw his arm back, knocking me off-balance; Eddie stopped me from landing on the ground. Once again, I cursed my heels.
Dimitri's eye's hardened, managing to aim another punch at Nathan's face, rolling them over so he was on top, hand wrapped around Nathan's collar and fist poised to strike again.
"Everybody, stop!"
The thundering tone of my father's voice made us all freeze. Dimitri was hauled to his feet and away from Nathan by Pavel, my father's main guard. I rushed to Dimitri's side, checking him over.
"What the hell happened?" I asked, fingers ghosting over the cut to his lip. Dimitri winced, regret flashing in his eyes before he aimed a glare at Nathan.
"That's what I would like to know." Abe stepped in front of us when Nathan climbed to his feet and stalked closer. It wasn't often I saw my father mad, but right now, he was pissed, a dark look in his eyes that gave me chills. "Someone better start talking."
