Enjoy my lovelies :D

Rose POV

I looked at his knuckles, watched as he flexed his hand on the steering wheel and winced. I wanted to ask about it again, but it was clear that Dimitri didn't feel like talking about it, and I wasn't in the position to be demanding answers.

I wondered if it had something to do with why he was so out of sorts. Dimitri was calm and gave off an air of being sure of himself and what he was doing; if there was ever an emergency, I knew I could look to him to keep level-headed and help get through it. But that wasn't what he was like now.

His reaction reminded me of the party after he had fought with Nathan and was still angry. Had something similar happened?

I trusted that Dimitri wasn't the kind just to start punching someone for no reason, but then, that only made my curiosity grow.

What happened?

Dimitri didn't live far from me; I kept the little joy that brought off my face. God, I felt like a stalker. It didn't matter how close he lived if he didn't want me; after we finished the project, we wouldn't have a reason to meet; and once the semester ends, we wouldn't see each other.

Maybe it was better just to leave it as a fleeting moment—The soulmate I almost had.

There was nothing saying I wouldn't find another in my life… but none of their flames would burn as bright as mine with Dimitri.

I glanced at him, my heart constricting with the knowledge that I had missed my chance.

Maybe if I hadn't run away.

Maybe if I hadn't said how much I didn't want a soulmate.

Maybe if I was what he wanted.

"Are you okay?"

I slowly moved my eyes to Dimitri's, locking all my emotions back down. "I'm fine," I replied. I felt defeated, and it made my voice flat. Dimitri frowned and clenched his jaw.

"I'll try to be quick."

My shoulders sagged. He wanted this over as quickly as possible; I shouldn't be surprised.

We pulled up to a two-story house, painted blue with white trimming; granted it looked like it needed a touch-up. The garden was a little overgrown but full of flowers and different plants; I liked the wild look.

Dimitri parked in the carport; his motorbike was pushed to the side. "Did you want to wait in here, or do you want to come in?" he offered in a hesitant voice.

I couldn't decide which he would prefer, but there was part of me that was intrigued about seeing his home. "I'll come in if that's okay."

I thought I saw Dimitri's lips twitch up in a smile; he climbed out of the car before I could be sure. I scrambled to follow. Dimitri's long legs made him move about quickly; he was around the car and holding my door open for me as I climbed out.

Warmth burst in my chest.

Simple gestures like that were part of why I started liking Dimitri and definitely part of why I continued to keep falling for him.

I felt a little unsure of what to do as I walked into the house. The first thing I noticed was the smell of something baking; it smelt amazing and made my stomach grumble. I flushed and wrapped my arms around me as if that could stop the sound.

Dimitri paused and glanced at me over his shoulder.

"I didn't get a chance to eat after work," I explained sheepishly.

He straightened up a little and offered, "If you're hungry, I can get you something."

I felt like an idiot. I shook my head, "No, you don't have to do that."

"We made a pie last night; I'm sure there are leftovers."

"Pie?" I perked up. My stomach growled again.

Dimitri laughed, sounding light and warm; it made my knees weak. "Yes. I'll get you a piece, and then I'll get the notes." He continued further into the house; I remained hot on his heels with more bounce in my step.

His home was warm and welcoming, with a large living room with mismatched couches and knitted blankets. Bookshelves covered the walls, and they were filled to the brim with all kinds of books, and photographs arranged on the shelves. I spied a few of the spines that had titles in other languages. The photos showed a big family, all looking so alike. I knew Dimitri had sisters, but I didn't realise how many. They all looked so happy.

Dimitri directed me to the kitchen table and went about getting a plate and the piece of pie he promised; it felt so strange to be served food in his home considering how we left it after the ceremony. We were meant to be going back to how we were—this was not that.

It was like we were pretending again—at least Dimitri was; I was enjoying the moment.

"Did you want it heated up?" Dimitri asked, breaking me from my daze; just me staring at him and wondering if it was how he would treat me if we were dating. Dimitri came off as the domestic type; I didn't doubt that he was a better cook than me.

"Ahh… sure." I shifted in my seat, so I wasn't blatantly staring at him. "So, how far did you get into the notes?" I asked to distract my thoughts.

"I finished the first–" Dimitri was cut off by a door slamming and footsteps storming down the stairs.

I twisted in my seat and watched a woman that looked the same age as me stomp down, brown hair pulled back into a messy bun and eyes red with tears on her cheek. She marched up to Dimitri and pointed a finger at him.

"Why did you do it? Why couldn't you just stay out of it!" she screamed at him. Her hands balled up into fists, and I wondered if she was about to throw a punch.

A stormy look covered Dimitri's face. "You know why. I don't want you to go near him again," he replied shortly.

That only made her angrier. "What the hell is wrong with you!"

"Viktoria!" another voice joined the conversation.

I sat still at the table and watched as another woman entered the kitchen, and I briefly wondered where she had come from. She was older, with grey hairs spotting her temples, but she was beautiful. Dimitri and Viktoria resembled her; I guessed she must be their mother.

"He won't talk to me anymore! All because Dimitri can't mind his own business." Viktoria turned back to Dimitri and shoved him; he barely swayed. "You had no right!"

"I'm protecting you, as I should have from the start," Dimitri argued, hurt flashing in his eyes, as did concern. I wondered if this was what had upset him earlier. "You can do so much better than him."

"He could be my soulmate!"

"He isn't!"

"Just because yours rejected you doesn't mean you have to ruin it for me!"

Dimitri's eyes shifted to me, as did his mother's. "That's enough, Viktoria," she said firmly. "Rolan is a bad person, and you know that. Your brother is trying to protect you."

"By beating him up?" Viktoria cried. "That doesn't help anything!" She pointed at Dimitri again, "He said he is going to press charges, and I won't stop him."

Viktoria spun on her heel and stormed back up the stairs, leaving the rest of us in a suffocating silence. Dimitri wore a broken look, and though he tried to conceal it, I could see the fear and anger in his eyes. His mother stepped towards him, saying something that I couldn't understand. After a moment, they both turned to me.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," his mother started, offering me a warm smile that was a stark contrast to what I had just witnessed. "I'm Olena."

I gave her a weak smile, attempting to wipe the shock off my face. "Rose," I returned.

Olena's eyes widened slightly, and I knew she recognised my name. I shouldn't be surprised, especially given what Viktoria had said. Dimitri had told them I was his soulmate—and that I rejected him.

A weight settled on my chest.

He thought I rejected him?

Was I wrong that he didn't want me?

The microwave beeped, and Dimitri retrieved the plate, moving stiffly as he brought it to me. "I'll go get the notes," he mumbled, eyes avoiding mine, and he disappeared up the stairs.

I stared at the pie while trying to make sense of it all.

Had everything he said about us just returning to how we were been because he thought I rejected him? Did that mean there was a chance? All my thoughts came screeching to a halt though when Viktoria's words sunk in. Dimitri had beaten up a guy, and they were going to press charges.

I spun in my chair and looked at the stairs, panic making my heart beat faster.

"So you are Abe Mazur's daughter," Olena began, taking a seat at the table. I was startled and glanced back at her with raised brows.

"Yeah… Is Dimitri okay?" I asked, debating on if I should follow him or not. Would he even want my company if he was upset?

Olena glanced at the stairs with sad eyes, "I don't know. It's unlikely. He is very protective, but he also worries about others perceiving him as dangerous."

"Dimitri isn't dangerous," I argued without thinking. I didn't need to debate that—I knew without a doubt that he wasn't.

Olena smiled. "Good, I'm glad you know that." She cocked her head at me, "Eat, Roza. I'm sure he will be back down soon."

XxX

Dimitri POV

I closed my door and pressed my back to it, covering my face with shaky hands. If Rose didn't think little of me already, she would now.

I knew Vika was upset and expected to receive some anger from her, but I never intended for Rose to be a witness to it—to hear those things.

"He said he is going to press charges, and I won't stop him."

My head hit the door with a soft thump, and I cursed. I was so furious at Rolan for everything he did to Sonya and then to Viktoria; his only intention was to use my sisters and discard them. Sonya had confided to me the night before that Rolan had promised her that they were soulmates, dangling something we cherished and using it to get what he wanted.

I had no doubt he had done the same with Viktoria.

How could she still believe he loved her? She knew the truth now, but she continued to defend him.

Rolan wasn't rich, but he was well-off compared to us, and he would know if he pressed charges we didn't have the money to fight it. I had nothing.

I did it again.

My hand flew out, and I knocked the closest object off my desk, watching the book fly across the room and land with a thump against the wall. My anger shifted into disappointment and hatred at myself.

I was meant to be better than this. How could I ever expect to be worth what Roza deserved if this was the kind of person I was? It was best for her that we finished the project and that I stayed away from her. She wouldn't notice. I would just be a memory of what she didn't want.

It was how it was meant to be.

I searched my desk and gathered what I needed, then forced my turmoil down. I opened my door and froze; Rose stood opposite me, hand poised to knock. She was as still as me, eyes locked on mine.

"Sorry," she breathed, her tongue darted out to lick her lips. "I heard a noise… I wanted to make sure you're okay—are you okay?"

The concern in her voice was endearing, even if I didn't deserve it. But I was still surprised that she had come to ask. I had assumed she would want to get far away as quickly as possible. I took a deep breath. I didn't want to lie. "No."

Rose took a step closer, crossing the threshold into my room; when I didn't deter her, she ventured further. I closed the door behind her and sat on the corner of my bed, watching as she looked around. I didn't have much, it wasn't the extravagant set-up of her room. Though, unlike hers, mine was more personal.

She paused and stared at the back of my door for a moment—where the suit I wore to the party hung.

"I still need to return it," I explained. Part of me didn't want to lose that last connection I had to Rose.

She smiled. "You don't have to do that. I meant to tell you that, but I was…." She frowned, fingers interlocking in front of her and twisting nervously. "Can I ask you a question about that day?" she asked, eyes flicking to mine and then away again.

My curiosity peaked. "Of course." A hope began to build in me, but I quelled it.

Rose shifted her weight on her feet and then chose to sit beside me on the bed. She inhaled and spoke, "Why did you leave that day? I came out, and you were just gone."

I didn't know how to respond, wondering why she was asking. Wasn't she the one that left me first?

"I thought it would be easier," I replied, and then added, "I thought it's what you wanted."

"What I wanted?" she repeated. "Is that because of what I said when you asked about soulmates?"

"I heard what you said to Lissa," I admitted. "I overheard you in the pantry when I went to find you."

Rose's head swivelled to look directly at me, eyes wide. "You heard—what did you hear exactly?"

"I…" I paused, "I heard you say that we wouldn't be soulmates and that you would never be mine."

Rose stood from the bed. "What?" She paced in front of me for a moment before she turned and stepped towards me. "That's why? Because you overheard that part." She dragged her hands through her hair, "Shit. That's why! And then I said… and then I ran away. Fuck!"

That part? My confusion grew. I tried to make sense of what she was saying. "Rose–"

"I said we wouldn't be together because you don't like me. You are so much better than me; I never thought there would ever be a chance we could be soulmates. And then our candle lit and—and you just left."

I stared at her slack-jawed, the words slowly comprehending. Rose thought she wasn't good enough for me? I stood from the bed too, hesitating a step from her, needing to confirm what my heart was screaming at me. "What are you saying exactly?"

She eyed me for a second before her expression hardened, and she placed her hands on her hips. "I'm saying that I want to be your soulmate!"

XxX

Rose POV

Dimitri just stared at me; he didn't speak. The only reaction I got were his eyebrows slowly drawing together. After a minute, he was able to form a word.

"What?"

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean what?" I retorted, then took a breath to calm myself. "What you heard was only part of what I said to Lissa. But basically, you misunderstood because I want to be your soulmate. I–" I paused, then shook my head at the fact I was nervous to admit it.

How could it be any worse than what I had already said?

"I like you, Dimitri," I confessed, holding his eyes so he knew I meant it.

Again, Dimitri took his time to process what I was saying. Though I received a bit more from him the second time, a fleeting look of surprise and what I think was excitement—but then it all shifted to a drawn expression.

"Is this about what Viktoria said? You don't need to say this because she mentioned us."

At first, I thought I misheard him, but I hadn't. Did he really believe I was just saying I liked him?

"I don't expect anything from you, Rose. And you shouldn't want to be with me, bec–"

I cut off his words by doing the one thing I could think of to convince him—I kissed him.

My plan was for a peck, a short kiss to let him know I was serious, but once our lips connected, I became lost in the sensation. When our hands touched, there would be a spark; the feel of electricity spreading where his skin touched mine—This was so much more.

It wasn't a spark—it was a flame.

Heat shot through me and pooled in my stomach. My knees went weak, and my toes curled; it was every possible cliche to feel. Even my foot wanted to pop from how amazing the kiss felt.

Dimitri must have felt it as well because his hands clutched my waist; one moved up into my hair and tilted my head to deepen the kiss. His tongue moved past my lips, and I moaned.

It was no longer a simple kiss, and I was more than happy to continue feeling like I was. I wrapped my arms around his neck and climbed onto his lap; my body pressed against his and felt the heat between us intensify. Dimitri welcomed the new position, using his hand on my waist to guide me closer.

Our lips continued to move, switching the angle and swallowing each sound we made. All my thoughts were on Dimitri and how amazing his tongue felt against mine.

I whimpered when Dimitri broke the kiss, but the sound became a sigh when he latched onto the side of my neck, sucking and nipping at the skin, and I knew there would be marks.

"Roza," he whispered, his voice low and husky, and it turned me on.

"Fuck, Dimitri," I groaned, leaning more into his touch. We were both so lost in each other.

Dimitri's hold shifted again, hands gripping my hips, and then slid down—suddenly, he released me with a hiss of pain.

"What?" I asked and drew back to see his face. Dimitri was examining his hand; I could more clearly see the damage to his knuckles. I gently took his hand and studied it; the knuckles were swollen and bruised. "What happened, Dimitri?"

His eyes dropped, and any happiness that had previously been on his face was gone. "It's what happens, Roza, and exactly why you shouldn't want to be with me."

He tried to pull his hand away, but I refused to let go, "That's a bullshit excuse. Now, tell me what happened."

Dimitri was surprised I was still pushing, "I got mad."

"You were defending your sister, right? That's what she was yelling about, you beating up some guy?" I asked, waiting for his nod of confirmation before I shrugged. "Sounds like you were protecting them then. That's not a bad thing."

"It's not that simple."

I held back my irritated sigh. "Did the guy deserve it?"

He paused, a look of anger pulling at his features. "Yes."

"Good. It's that simple."

Dimitri shook his head and lifted me off his lap, moving me back to the bed so he could stand. "It's not, though. He might press charges, and there's nothing I can do. So, this," he gestured between us, "can't happen."

I scowled, "You're turning me down?"

"I—Yes. I can't be with you, Rose."

It felt like a knife; like he had stabbed me through the chest and then twisted. And it pissed me off.

"Tell me the truth," I started, rising to my feet and stepping closer until there were only a few inches between us, "did you want to be my soulmate? When our flame lit, did you want to be with me?"

Indecision glinted in his eyes, mouth slowly opening.

"Don't lie to me, Dimitri."

His eyes pinched. "Yes. Even though I thought you didn't want me, I wanted to be with you."

"Do you want to be with me now?" I pushed, eyes holding his. His brown eyes focused on mine, and I could feel that heat returning.

Dimitri licked his lips, releasing a breath before he replied, "Yes."

The tension left my body, and I took that last step closer to rid the distance between us. "There," I told him, "that wasn't so hard." My hands brushed against his chest and then travelled up until I had my hands clasped behind his neck.

"But–"

"I'm sorry that I made you believe I rejected you," I apologised, my words making him go silent again. I continued, "I panicked because I didn't think you liked me, and I was already falling for you. And then our flame was so bright. Despite all the rumours I heard—and what I heard today—I know you aren't dangerous. You protect people. This isn't going to scare me off, Dimitri."

He inhaled sharply, and I felt his body tense against mine. Dread settled in my stomach, and I prepared for him to push me away again. His eyes never left mine, darting side to side as if he was searching for something in my face—maybe it was for proof I wasn't lying.

And then, his shoulders sagged.

"I've been falling for you since I first saw you, Roza," Dimitri confessed.

Fear had been clutching my heart—its iron-clad grip fell away, and I felt like I could burst from the joy that filled me.

But that joy was short-lived.

Dimitri's hands wrapped around my wrist and removed them from his shoulders, taking a step away from me. "But that doesn't change the fact that you shouldn't be with me. You deserve someone better."

His hands released mine; they floated between us, frozen from the shock of what he said. "What?" I gasped, hoping I had heard him wrong. "You don't want this? I thought–"

"It's for the best, Rose. You'll find another soulmate. One that you're meant to be with."

My mind was short-circuiting, refusing to comprehend because each time his words sunk in a little more, I felt like my heart was being ripped apart. Dimitri tried to move past me; his eyes cast down. But I reached out and grasped his arm to make him stop.

My fingers dug in as I desperately tried again, "But I was meant for you."

"I'm sorry, Rose," he whispered.

When he stepped away again, I let him. I was too busy trying to keep myself together.

When he left me at the party, I felt terrible; but I believed that was because he just didn't like me. But now, I knew Dimitri liked me. I knew he wanted to be my soulmate, yet he was still walking away.

Man, I love leaning into the heartbreak in this one :3

Also, I think I'm gonna change my author name to Hiccupped Studio, mainly because it's easier just having it all be one name, and I'm a lazy person.

Please, let me know what you think of the chapter!