I had to say with a little bit of make-up, a cheap pair of earrings and somewhat taming my curls, I looked the part. It had been a really long time since I'd been at an event that required fine clothes and schmoozing, but I seemed to get used to the feeling quickly. I thanked the valet when he helped me out of the car and took Dimitri's arm as we headed up the stairs.

The charity event was being held in Long Island and the house it was being held in was quite beautiful.

We made our way into the main room and were stopped almost immediately, people shaking Dimitri's hand and speaking with him. He introduced me to all of them, naming me as a close friend. There were the obligatory photos that I was included in. I was a little nervous about it, but Dimitri just whispered calming words in my ear and kept his arm firmly around me. Most people gave me a glance and shook my hand, but didn't pay much attention to me after that.

One person, in particular, came up from behind and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, making me jump.

"Well aren't you a vision! You look beautiful Rose," the man said, smiling down at me before extending his arm past me and clapped Dimitri's shoulder.

"I see you finally brought a date," he commented to Dimitri. Dimitri rolled his eyes and quipped something back at him in Russian.

"May I steal your date for a bit, I don't think you want to bore her to death with work stuff?"

Dimitri looked down at me with a look of question. I shrugged and let go of his arm. The guy was familiar, and I doubt that Dimitri would let me wander off with someone he didn't trust.

"By the look on your face, either you have baby brain, or I wasn't that memorable," the man chuckled as he tucked my arm around his. I furrowed my brows for a second as I looked him over. But once I got to his eyes, I recognized him immediately. His eyes were very distinctive.

"Ivan," I replied when his name came to mind. Ivan smiled and nodded, steering me towards the bar. Ivan ordered himself a drink, then turned to me.

"Tonic water? Sprite? What would you like?"

"Sprite would be lovely," I said. Ivan turned to the bartender, speaking to him lowly. I took a moment to look around, noticing how others were dressed. Some women were dressed elegantly, a few were wearing dresses that my mother would have had a heart attack over.

I turned back to Ivan as he extended a wine glass to me, a smirk on his lips and a wink.

"This way, nobody will ask why you aren't drinking," Ivan said. I chuckled and clicked my glass against his, sipping the cold drink. I was parched and hadn't realized how thirsty I was. But then again, I was constantly thirsty these days.

Ivan leaned against the bar as sipped his drink, looking out over the people with an amused look on his face. "How long did it take for Dimitri to talk you into coming to this circus event?"

"He didn't really talk me into it, he just asked me to come. Said that you kept bugging him about showing up alone."

Ivan snickered and shrugged, taking my response in ease. I took a moment to look around, catching curious gazes and caught a few more blatant stares from a few people. I could tell Ivan enjoyed some of the attention he was getting from some of the women, but I wasn't enjoying the attention I was getting.

Dimitri weaved through the people and headed towards us, shaking his head.

"Please tell me that is not alcohol."

I rolled my eyes at him. "It's sprite, Ivan had them put it in a wine glass. I know how to be pregnant," I said with a snicker. Dimitri nodded and rested his hand on the bar beside me, ordering himself a drink as well.

"How did the schmoozing go?"

"It went well," Dimitri said giving me a tight smile.

"What's wrong?"

"She-devil." That was all Dimitri said. Ivan groaned and slumped against the bar before righting himself.

"Great," he moaned, tipping back the rest of his drink. I knitted my brows together.

"Who?"

Dimitri and Ivan looked at each other. "My ex-wife. I didn't think she would come to this. She never did before," Dimitri said, taking a large drink from his glass, almost draining it. I hummed and leaned into his side, giving him a comforting smile. Dimitri gave me a small smile in return and stood up straight, offering me his hand.

The night went pleasantly. A few dances with Dimitri, one with Ivan, and then dinner. The meal itself was exceptional, making me crave seconds once I was finished. Dimitri slide his dessert to me when the time came, claiming that he knew I'd want it more than he would.

At one point Ivan stole me away for a few more dances, but my focus wasn't on Ivan. It was on Dimitri and a woman across the room. I could tell by his body language that he wasn't happy, and the conversation between them was tense.

"Who is that?" I asked, jerking my head over Ivan's shoulder. Ivan turned slightly and groaned when he found who I was talking about.

"That is the she-devil," Ivan said as he turned back to me. I nodded and kept watching them as Dimitri walked away, moving his way through the crowd. I patted Ivan's shoulder and we both stopped dancing, heading towards Dimitri. His sour look lightened dramatically when he saw us. Ivan said something to him to which Dimitri responded with one word and a nod.

I pulled Dimitri back onto the floor, hoping that a dance would be enough to give him time to calm down after the strenuous conversation he had. I had to admit that Dimitri was a good dancer, and while his hold was respectable, we were dancing closer than Ivan and I were. By the end of our dance, I lightly rested my head against his shoulder, much to his amusement.

"Tired?" Dimitri asked, resting his cheek against my forehead as he spoke.

I smirked and chuckled quietly. "I'm always tired. I think you're forgetting that I fell asleep five minutes into our movie last night," I said peeking up at him. I found a small smile on his face and I could feel the vibration of his laughter.

Our song came to an end, but I didn't want to pull away from him, but when I caught a glimpse of red curls, I felt a cold chill run down my spine.

No. It can't be her.

"Can we go to another part of the room?" I asked Dimitri urgently, but it was too late. They were already headed our way.

"In just a minute, I want to introduce you to someone," Dimitri said with a smile, steering me in the direction that I really didn't want to go in. I sucked a deep breath and tightened my grip on Dimitri's arm.

I knew the minute they saw me. The woman tensed up and the man's expression changed drastically. Almost happy?

"Rosemarie," the woman said as we got closer, standing straighter as if she were better than me. Well two could play at that game. I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin. After all, I had done nothing to deserve her treatment.

"Janine," I said bluntly.

I starred at the woman defiantly, not taking my eyes away from her as tension grew between us.

"Kiz?"

"Don't call me that," I said quietly, finally leaving Janine's gaze to meet his. I hurt a little to look at him, but I was a masochist. I missed him more than I ever cared to admit.

"I take it you know each other?" Dimitri asked hesitantly, his hand coming to rest on my midback. The gesture helped calm me a little.

"Yeah. I knew them."

"Rosemarie, don't act like a child," Janine sighed but I shook my head.

"I'm not acting like a child. I was simply speaking the truth. I did know you, but I haven't known you in seven years. You're a stranger to me now," I bit back. Janine narrowed her eyes at me and Abe cleared his throat, drawing her attention away from me.

"Janine now is not the time."

I took and deep breath and looked up at Dimitri. "I need some air; I'll be back in a bit."

Dimitri had a look of mild concern on his face before nodding his head, unbuttoning his jacket and handing it to me.

"It's cool out," he said quietly as I took the jacket. I gave him a minuscule smile and headed towards the balcony doors. I pushed through them and walked to the corner to be away from the other people outside. I draped Dimitri's jacket on the railing and rested my hands on the cold marble, breathing in the crisp air.

Why did they have to be here? Of all places?

So much for having a nice night with Dimitri. He probably thought I was immature, but he didn't understand. Nobody understood.

"You look beautiful."

I looked up from the water and turned to find Abe standing behind me, his hands stuffed in pockets. I took a moment to take in his image, mentally storing it away for the times that I missed him the most. He still sported the goatee, but it was peppered with grey in spots, his thick curly hair the same, and still wearing the ugly cashmere scarves he loved so much. But this one, this one I recognized.

I bought it for him the Christmas before everything went to shit.

"Thanks," I said quietly before turning back to the yard. I heard the clip of his shoes as he came to stand beside me, resting his hands on the railing too. I wasn't sure what he wanted or whether not I wanted to hear it, but I just stood there.

"How do you know Dimitri?" I eventually asked, the silence beginning to weigh on me.

"We're business partners of sorts," Abe said drumming his fingers against the marble before reaching into his suit jacket and pulled out a cigar pouch I would know anywhere. He pulled one out and lit it, pulling a few drags before holding it out to me.

I looked at it and shook my head. But it didn't stop me from enjoying the smell. It was his and I's secret. On big holidays or his birthday, he'd let me sit with him while he smoked and would let me take a puff. If Janine ever knew she would have flipped, but she already did years ago.

"Oh c'mon, one puff for old time's sake," Abe said softly, holding it out to me again. I frowned and looked up at him.

"I can't," I said straightening up, "not while I have precious cargo on-board."

Abe furrowed his brows as he connected my words together in his head. His eyes flicked down to my stomach and then back to my eyes.

"Oh, Kiz. How far along are you?"

"Fourteen weeks."

"And you're okay? Everyone is healthy?"

"Yes, old man. We both are healthy."

I didn't want to talk about my pregnancy anymore, so I changed the subject. "You started a foundation? What's it for?"

Abe grunted uncomfortably and rested his elbows on the railing, bringing the cigar to his lips again.

"Uh well. It's called the Kizim foundation. It's an organization that helps abuse victims. We work very closely with Dimitri's charity to help house assault victims."

I scoffed and looked up at the sky, blinking back tears. Whether the tears were of anger or sadness, I didn't know, but I was fighting them off.

"Wow, Dad. Feeling guilty, are we?"

"Rosemarie-"

"You had an opportunity to help me, and you did nothing. You stood by her and let her kick me out. Do you know that I lived in my car for months when I was in school because I was so broke I couldn't afford both housing and food? Or that I was so fucked up after what happened with Jenny that I lost so much weight that it made me sick? Or that I've only been able to talk about Jenny a few times without breaking down? I lost my daughter, your granddaughter, for fuck's sake and you did nothing!" I snapped, my hand coming down with a loud slap on the railing. All of my pent-up emotion flowed out like a broken dam.

Abe stood where he was like stone, his gaze unwavering. I swiped at few tears that spilled over my face and sucked in a deep breath, trying to still my beating heart. I caught movement in the background and noticed Dimitri standing just out of the door. I swallowed rough, half expecting him to be disappointed with my behaviour, but he simply picked his jacket up and placed it on my shoulders.

"I think it's time we go home," Dimitri said quietly, wiping the stray tear that was on my cheek. I nodded and started walking towards the doors when Abe called out to me.

"For what it's worth, I left your mother after what happened. We were both here at the same time as coincidence. And I've regretted my actions since."

"And yet you never tried to contact me," I said disappointedly and started moving again when Dimitri placed his hand on my back again, steering me towards the exit. After saying goodbye to a few people and grabbing my clutch, we walked out to the front and waited for the valet to bring us Dimitri's car. When it arrived, we got in and drove for about ten minutes before Dimitri pulled over onto the shoulder and put the hazard lights on.

"Are you okay?" Dimitri asked gently, turning to face me in his seat. I nodded my head slightly despite the deep breathing I was doing. I wanted to scream in rage and cry in disappointment at the same time. He took his seatbelt off and got out, coming around to my side of the car and opened the door. I sighed and shifted in my seat as he crouched down. I sniffed and cleared my throat, wanting to get rid of the lump that was lodged there. Dimitri reached up and cupped my flushed cheeks while trying to catch my eyes.

"Tell me the truth, Rose. Please?"

The concern and worry in his eyes was so strong that it broke the remainder of my walls. I cracked and started to sob, leaning forward and resting my head against his shoulder. Dimitri reached over me and unbuckled my seatbelt, allowing me to move better as I leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and rubbed my back, making soothing noises.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled but he just shushed me.

"You have nothing to apologize for Roza. You're hurt, you're allowed to be hurt," he soothed as he rubbed his hand over my shoulders and back, resting his head against mine. I let myself cry for a few more seconds before I took a deep breath to try and calm myself. When I got the most of my tears to stop, I closed my eyes and pulled myself together.

I pulled out of Dimitri's arms and wiped at my face, grimacing when my fingers had wet makeup on them. I looked up from my fingers and found that my tears had left makeup stains on Dimitri's shirt.

"I'm sorry I ruined your shirt," I said wiping under my eyes. Dimitri shook his head and opened the glove box and rooted in there for a moment before pulling out a package of tissues.

"It's fine, don't worry about it, Roza."

I took the package and opened it, pulling a tissue out and trying to clean myself up.

"I must look like a hot mess," I joked half-heartedly. Dimitri chuckled and stood up.

"You're still beautiful, even if you're a hot mess."

I chuckled and got myself back into my seat so Dimitri could shut the door. I flipped my visor down and used the mirror to get rid of most of the ruined mascara before putting the used tissues into my clutch. I turned my head when Dimitri hadn't gotten in the car yet and found him standing at the end of the car with three other people.

One of them I recognized almost instantly as one of my new regulars at the dinner. He had the same sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes but looked much sharper in a suit compared to the jeans and t-shirt I've seen him in. The other two I didn't recognize, but they all said a few more words before Dimitri got back in the car.

Dimitri started the car again and started driving again. I snuck a glance at him out of the corner of my eyes and caught him giving me a glance at the same time. Dimitri gave me a soft look before looking back to the road again, reaching out with one hand to gently rub the top of my hand in my lap.

I appreciated the kind and comforting gesture and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth that spread through my hand.

The next time my eyes opened I was being carried, and judging by the smell surrounding me, it was Dimitri. I stirred and he tightened his grip on me, adjusting me in his arms.

"It's ok, I've got you," Dimitri said quietly, moving through the hallway and into my room. He set me down on the bed and picked my pyjamas that were strewn over the duvet and handed them to me. I groggily reached behind me to unzip my dress, but my fingers kept losing the zipper before I gave up, flopping down into bed.

"Do you need help?"

If I wasn't so tired, I'd roll my eyes at the laughter in his voice. Instead I nodded my head and sat up again. Dimitri pulled the zipper down enough for me to reach before stepping out of the room so I could change. I did so jerkily and curled into bed, adjusting my pillows around me.

I was on the cusp of sleep when my door creaked open slowly and light footsteps headed towards me. A hand brushed a few loose strands away from my face, ghosting over my cheekbone before a kiss was placed on my forehead.


I made it a mission today when I saw my new regular at work to speak to him. He usually didn't order a whole lot, but enough for Stan to not throw him out. So when he sat down I came over with a hot cup of coffee and his usual breakfast order.

He gave me a friendly smile when I sat down across from him.

"I believe that you are my personal tail for the next five months," I said tucking some loose hair behind my ear. The guy nodded and poured a bit of cream into his cup.

"Yeah. Eddie Castile," he said, stretching his hand out to me. I shook it with a smirk.

"You know, you're pretty good at your job. I didn't even notice you until a few weeks ago. I didn't put two and two together until the other night," I said, "I'm sorry for not introducing myself until now."

Eddie smiled and shook his head. "Don't sweat it. Dimitri asked that I keep things distanced. He didn't want you to know we were there. He said that we were to be close enough to watch, but not enough to be a bother. He's used to private security, but when someone's never had it before, it can feel annoying."

I nodded and looked over my shoulder as the door opened, our morning rush starting early. "I got to get started, but if you want more coffee, let me know," I said, standing up from my seat.

"Have a good shift," Eddie said as he started to dig into his breakfast.


I huffed in annoyance, blowing a few strands of hair out of my face. My hair was getting longer, and a part of me wanted to cut it, another part of me didn't. So most of the time I wore it up in a bun on the top of my head.

I looked up when Dimitri came in the door and gave him a smile before looking back at the vegetables I was cutting.

"Hey Roza," Dimitri said as he pulled his tie and jacket off.

"Hi, how was work?" I asked as he came into the kitchen, rolling his sleeves up to wash his hands in the sink.

"It was fine. I'm glad it's over with. What did you do with your day off?" Dimitri replied with a half-smile, coming over to investigate what was on the stove before looking at what I was doing. "You're cooking dinner?"

"Not a whole lot, did my own workout for once. And yes, I figured it was about time I cooked something for you. Besides, I can read a recipe," I said with a laugh, smacking his fingers away from the chopped vegetables. He managed to sneak a piece of cucumber anyways and leaned against the counter beside me.

"What does Roza mean?" I asked, looking at him as I put together a salad for dinner. He had said it a few times but didn't know what it meant.

Dimitri's lips quirked and his eyes met mine. "Slip of the tongue; it's your name in Russian. Sometimes it is too easy to slip back into Russian," he said, popping the piece of cucumber in my mouth.

A smile crossed my lips, and I tucked that bit of information away. I liked my Russian name.

A sound of bubbling pulled me away from the salad and I turned to the stove, lifting the lid off the saucepan to stir the contents. Once I lifted the lid, I heard Dimitri take a deep breath.

"Is that what I think it is?" he asked, coming over to me and leaning over my shoulder.

"Stroganoff?" I said looking up at him over my shoulder. The look of content happiness on his face made my heart clench and I bit my lip, trying to suppress the smirk that was fighting its way onto my face.

"Can you get some plates? This is almost done," I asked. Dimitri nodded and got out plates and utensils, setting them at the island and helped me serve dinner.

Meals with Dimitri were always pleasant. Sometimes you'd be in silence with someone, and it would be heavy or uncomfortable but with him, the silence was calm, soothing even.

The sound Dimitri made after his first bite made me chuckle, but I guess I must have made it right with how quickly he ate dinner, helping himself to seconds. I didn't eat mine as fast, but it did taste good. The perfect balance of cream and tang in the sauce.

When we were finished, I pushed my plate away and pulled my hair out of my bun. I massaged my scalp with my fingers, wincing a little at the tenderness from having it up so long.

"I am seriously debating hacking my hair off. It's getting in the way all the time," I complained, pulling some of my hair to the front to inspect the ends of it. I scrunched up my nose and dropped it, pushing most of it back behind my shoulder.

"Don't cut your hair," Dimitri said quietly. I looked at him and raised my brows.

"No?"

"Don't ever cut your hair," he said as he reached up and rubbed a few strands between his fingers.

I smiled to myself and realized just how close we were leaning towards each other. I could feel the heat radiating from him and his hand, and my heart started to pick up in speed, fluttering in my chest. My teeth bit onto my bottom lip and Dimitri's eyes flinted down to my lips before back to my eyes.

I took a hitched breath and my lips parted, both of us leaning towards each other again.

Only for Dimitri's phone to shriek loudly from his pocket.

The sound startled both of us and we pulled back from each other. I cleared my throat and felt my cheeks flush, so I got up from the island and took the dirty dishes to the sink as Dimitri answered his phone.


Hello hello!:)

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. Now that most of us know about the upcoming tv show, who do think would be best to be chosen to be our beloved characters. Personally, I can't see anyone other than Lucy Fry, Zoey Deutch or Danila Kozlovsky, but I know that the likelihood of them coming back is next to none. I would really like to see Jessica Chastain or Ruth Connell as Janine.

Let me know what you think of the chapter!:)