Chapter 6: Friends
Dimitri furiously stared at the bars that trapped him. He didn't mind jail. He didn't mind its eerie silence and the peculiar stench. However, his anger fueled as he started chattering again.
"I've always thought you would never be stuck in jail." Andros cackled. "What have you done to end up in this hell with me?"
Dimitri sighed. He hated how the Turkish guards sorted the prisoners by the last-name-based alphabetical order system. Dimitri hoped authorities would notify Ivan soon.
"Ah. . . if you're hoping Ivan will be here soon, you're wrong." Andros informed.
Dimitri continued to ignore him.
"You can't ignore me forever."
Silence.
"I know what I did was wrong."
Silence.
"I love to fart." Andros attempted to spur a reaction from Dimitri.
The silence prolonged.
"I farted."
Dimitri mentally face-palmed himself.
6 Hours Earlier . . .
Rose woke to beautiful colors filtering through the window. Hues of pink-quartz, tangerine orange, and rose gold greeted her happily. The rays were wisped in frenzy; Turkey's beauty had the power to leave anyone breathless.
She almost forgot about him.
"Kizim." Abe smiled.
Rose flinched in surprise. "Old man, I didn't know you came."
"Well, I didn't want a certain Russian spending the night here. How did it go with Dimitri?"
Her expression darkened. "He seemed. . . surprised."
"That bastard! I knew he would leave again." Abe fumed.
Rose was determined to change the subject. "When am I discharged from the hospital?"
"Dr. Olendzki notified us that we could take you out after a few hours. Lissa is excited you're coming home."
"Of course."
The door opened only to reveal Dimitri's favored Aunt Alberta. "Rose, dear! I've heard all about the chaos my brother-in-law Andros had caused. It's a shame Olena married such a horrible man."
Rose politely smiled. She heard many stories of the heroic women who had raised the Belikovs. Rose never met Olena or Sonya but Karo, Dimitri, and Viktoria seemed properly raised in love.
Alberta revealed a basket laced with goods. "I've knitted some sweaters and blankets for Mason. I also overheard Dimka talking about your cravings for Russian foods. I baked some breads yesterday evening."
"Thank you." Rose and Abe praised. Rose picked the blue bundle of knit and placed it over her stomach. "The blankets will be useful for the harsh winters. Mason is due around January."
"The food is appreciated." Abe added as he inhaled the mouthwatering aroma.
"Hey! Old man! That's mine!" Rose defended.
"Let's share?" Abe pleaded and Alberta laughed.
"I have some affairs to attend to. I hope to see you healthy again." Alberta said.
"Thank you for the food, Alberta. See you soon." Rose replied.
"Definitely." Alberta stood up to leave. "I hope you and Dimka's relationship repairs."
"Certainly." Abe controlled a calm facade.
"Goodbye, Ambassador Mazur and Lady Rose."
Both Abe and Rose rolled their eyes at Alberta's formal speech. "Bye Alberta."
When Alberta left, Abe hurriedly grabbed the loaf of black bread. "Kiz, I believe this is mine."
"Hey! Alberta baked that for me! I'm the pregnant woman here!" She exclaimed.
"I can be pregnant if I want!" Abe defended.
Rose threw him a disbelieving look.
Abe grabbed an unused pillow on Rose's hospital bed and stuffed it under his shirt. A malfunctioned bulge stuck out proudly. "I'm pregnant, little girl! I'm pregnant!"
The door swung open; Janine, Lissa, and Christian walked in. Their gazes transfixed onto the jovial ambassador with a pillow garbled under his shirt.
Janine stared. "Abe, not again."
"Hello dear," Abe mumbled.
Rose, Lissa, and Christian were too amused to have pity on Abe. Instead, they burst with laughter and watched Abe roll out the abused pillow from his shirt.
"Anything for black bread." Abe smiled. "Anything for black bread . . ."
"Let me get this straight. You're the father of Rose's baby?" Ivan gawked.
"Yup."
"Are you angry she didn't tell you before?"
Dimitri took a swig of vodka. "I cannot blame her secrecy. I left her for five months without an explanation." Ivan and Dimitri were both at a local bar.
"Does she still think you were with all those women?"
"I really don't know. I can't believe I'm a father." He sighed.
"Excited?"
"Of course. It feels weird that I missed six months of him growing into a living being. Mason seems foreign . . . like I need to know him more."
"You really got to talk things through with Rose. You shouldn't have left."Ivan advised.
"I know . . . I had to think."
"It will all turn out fine. Come to Alberta's tonight. She really missed you while you were hiding."
"No need. I'll stay at the cabin. She's already housing you and Vika." Dimitri signaled the bartender for more vodka.
"It won't be a problem. Vika and I will share a room." The bartender filled up Dimitri's glass.
Dimitri gave Ivan a curt look. "Don't act like you haven't shared a room with my sister."
"I will take care of Viktoria better than her brother ever has." Ivan took Dimitri's drink. "Isn't it too early for another drink; the sun just rose."
"Is Ivan being responsible? That's a first." Dimitri grinned.
A sharp screech caught their attention.
"Get your hands off me! You bastard!" A women squealed.
"Is that a damsel in distress?" Ivan smirked. "It's our job to save her."
"Let's just go, Ivan. She'll be in safe hands in this public area. Our knight and shining days are over."
"Dimitri! She may be hurt." Ivan protested.
"Fine."
The two slid out of their chairs and followed the woman's voice. They came to a table where five men were groping a fairly blonde girl. She looked no more than twenty years of age.
"What is the commotion here?" Dimitri bellowed.
"Hey kid, we're here for some fun. Stay out of the way and we won't hurt your pretty face." A man with a curly beard spoke.
Ivan threw the first punch.
Three other men surrounded Ivan but Dimitri pounced on them. Curly beard continued groping the girl until Ivan kicked his chair. It broke in half and Curly fell with a thud.
Every kick, punch, and blow knocked the men in daze. They were soon too weak to fight and scurried out of the bar's doors.
Ivan helped the girl out of her chair.
She smiled. "Thank you. I'm Rebekah Lazar. Call me Beka."
"Hello Beka, I am Ivan Zeklos and this is my wingman Dimitri Belikov."
"Hello." Dimitri greeted.
"I'm new to Turkey. My citizenship belongs to France. I stopped by for a drink and attracted Neanderthals to my table." She explained .
Ivan nodded. "Some Turkish drunkards have horrible etiquette."
Beka's turquoise eyes peered curiously at Dimitri. "Are you from Turkey? You do not look Turkish."
"Ivan and I are from Russia." He answered.
"Oh! I've always wanted to travel there. I hear Siberia and St. Petersburg have wonderful views. Do you live there?"
"No. We're from a small town called Baia." Ivan replied.
"It is a small town but perhaps, one of the most beautiful." Dimitri said.
"I should get going now. I promised to meet Vika. Why don't you stay and entertain Beka? She is new to Turkey. Maybe you should take her on a tour." Ivan proposed.
"Oh, that would be lovely!" She exclaimed.
"No- Ivan. I-"
Ivan silenced Dimitri with a look. "She's new here. Give her a tour. It's the least we can do."
Dimitri sighed. "Certainly."
Ivan left the two and the doorsteps of the bar.
Rebekah was a beautiful girl. She had baby blue eyes and soft blonde hair. The yellow wasn't too soft nor too dark. It perfectly tumbled in waves. She was the princess of daylight; the princess of gold. However, another woman had already wooed Dimitri's heart. She had gleaming hazel eyes and silky brown hair. Beka's beauty held nothing against Dimitri.
"What brings you here to Turkey?" Dimitri questioned.
"My father has come to propose an alliance with King Voda. He desperately needs Turkey as an ally. England is becoming too powerful."
"Is your father an ambassador?"
"No, actually he is the next heir of the throne. After Grand-Pere passes away, I'll be a princess." She smiled dreamily. "What brings a Russian to Turkey? Is the weather here too warm for your liking?"
Dimitri chuckled. "I am the ambassador of Russia. My father finishes the paperwork whilst I deliver them to the kings. I mainly travel to Turkey."
"You've must have met Abe Mazur."
"Certainly. I am very much knowing of his daughter." He informed.
"Oh, Rose?"
"Yes, I spent much time with Roza."
"I heard from Abby Badica she is pregnant. Abby is fuming about Rose's red dress she wore to the ball. Abby hoped her dress would've taken the spotlight." Beka said.
"I bought her that dress." Dimitri smiled.
"Why?"
"I'm attempting to gain back our friendship."
The two walked silently to town.
"King Voda." Abe greeted.
"Ah, Abe we should talk." Voda gestured him to sit.
Abe sat. "You had requested my presence, Your Majesty."
"Yes, well I came to inform you that you will be having to take the throne soon." Voda explained nonchalantly.
"Your Highness, Rose and Janine aren't ready for this life of royalty. Can't we not prolong this arrangement for another decade?"
"Abe, you know my heart is failing. My only daughter has married the English Prince. She has no intentions of coming back to Turkey. It is time for you to tell your family about your true bloodline. You did not belong to be an ambassador. You were made to be a king. I will give you a year to figure problems. This is more than enough time."
"King Voda, I am content with my life as an ambassador. I desire nothing more." Abe did not want the posh life of royalty.
"Abe, the commoners depend on our strong leadership. Without us, Strigoi would destroy this land."
"Of course. May I take the throne when the baby turns a year old?" Abe hoped for more time.
"When is Rose due?"
"January."
"That is two months away. I will give you a year and two months. Then, the Mazurs will take the throne. Understood?" The king asked.
"Yes. Your Majesty."
"You are dismissed. Send my regards to Janine." Voda said.
"Certainly." Abe bent with a slight bow and the guards opened the wide doors open. Soon enough, the throne King Voda was sitting on now would be his. Abe was dreadful when the time came for his ruling. He preferred the calm suburban life. Janine was not aware of the royal blood seeping through her husband's veins. Abe, the intimidating Zmey, was petrified how his family might react to this news.
"You have to be kidding me! When you were five, you actually had peas stuck up your nose?" Dimitri chuckled.
"Yes, my obnoxious brothers tricked me into believing that poppy flowers would sprout through my nose. I thought it would have been pretty cool." Rebekah grinned.
"Did the surgeon have to perform operation to remove the peas?"
"No, I sneezed and the peas plopped out."
He laughed. "I can imagine the queen of France seething at something considered 'improper.'"
"Oh, she was. Grand-Mere scolded me for the entire month! Papa had enough of her reprimands he blew up during dinner. Grand-Pere agreed with Papa.
After Dimitri had given a thorough tour of Turkey, the two sat in a homey cafe. "Where are you staying?" Dimitri asked.
"Ambassador Abe's manor. His house is a castle! My father is a prince and our house is a hut compared to that hacienda!" Beka fluttered her lashes dreamily.
"I've been there many times. Abe welcomed me there before I knew anyone in Turkey."
"France is different from Turkey. There are no bustling streets. No shops and cafes. In Turkey, I see beautiful nature. I see the flamboyance unhidden by buildings. I love the air, the warm sun, they lingering snow. I love it here!"
Dimitri smiled. "I admire the beauty here. It reminds me of . . . love."
Beka squealed. "Have you ever been in love?"
"I may have."
"Is it exactly how Shakespeare portrays it? Is love blind? How great are the feelings?" Beka curiously peered.
"It feels like . . . when your with that person, you are invincible. You don't fear death. You would do anything for her. She's a part of you; without her, you don't even know yourself. Without her, you fear again. She is the beauty of Turkey. Natural, calm, but exotic. I-I should not have left her." Dimitri pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You are still in love with her." Beka whispered. She had liked Dimitri. She had possibly thought they could fall for each other. She got up. "My father would be anxiously waiting for me. I have to leave." She excused herself and walked out of the cafe's wide doors.
Moments later, Dimitri ran out. He headed for the hospital.
Janine laughed. "Abe, stop joking! You are not the kinsmen of royal blood."
Abe glared. "My mother, was the mistress to my father. My father was married to another woman at that time but that jerk, could not resist Mother's womanly goodies. What was the consequence? I am the half-brother to King Voda."
She frowned. "That's not possible."
"Of course it is! If a mama bear and papa bear really love each other, they get naked. Go under the sheets and-"
"That's enough, Abe!" Janine exclaimed. "How are we going to break this news to Rose? I highly doubt she wants to be a princess. She already despises Princess Badica. Rose swore she would never associate with royalty."
"That, my dear, works with your excellent charm! While I'm guarding a certain Belikov from entering the hospital, you will work your magic!" He grinned.
"No way am I going to anger the mix of Mazur-Hathaway temper. She's pregnant too! Her moodswings became worst after you had to eat the black bread."
"You can't blame me! I took one loaf out of the remaining ten. Alberta's cooking is delicious."
"I'm guarding Belikov. You are talking to Rose! I'm better at fighting." Janine demanded.
"No you aren't."
"Yes, I am. In fifth grade, I knocked out the kid who pushed you off the swing." Janine grinned at the memory.
"That was one time."
"In seventh grade, when the guy ate your lunch, I broke his nose." Janine smirked.
"Fine. I'll talk and you'll guard. But, bring me a pillow."
"Why?"
"Rose likes pregnant dad more than mobster dad."
Flashback
2 Years ago . . .
"We all know why we have gathered today." Lissa folded her arms.
Dimitri let out an impatient sigh.
Rose threw him a glare.
Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian, Ivan, and Mia sat around the table of the Mazur manor.
Dimitri avoided Rose's gaze. He looked weary with small charcoal smears under his baggy eyes.
"This has got to stop!" Ivan exclaimed.
"The Cold War must end!" Christian's hands fiddled with the white tablecloth.
"You guys have been giving each other the silent treatment for a week and half." Mia added.
"Well, I'm sorry. But Dimitri, has an opportunity to be the royal advisor of Italy. He wants to stay because of me? That's sickening! I won't trap him here!" Rose frowned.
"That's absurd." Christian commented.
"Shut up, Sparky. You tried to burn down my room." She retorted.
"Rose, before starting another argument with Christian, let's fix your current one." Liss scolded.
Ivan spoke. "Anything you have to add to that?" He expectedly looked at Dimitri.
"Yeah, Big Bad Russian. Anything you got to add?" Rose shot.
"I really want to figure this out, Roza. I wish our differences wouldn't split us apart." Dimitri gave a half-hearted smile.
"I think . . ."
Rose tuned out Mia when she felt someone's feet brush past her leg. Electricity whizzed in her veins. She knew only one person who had that effect on her. Dimitri-freaking-Belikov. She was supposed to stay angry. She was going to stay angry. When she peeked at Dimitri, his emotions were well hidden. However, there was a small smile playing on his lips..
Damn, he did that on purpose.
Rose focused back onto what Liss was saying. ". . .and Dimitri have to set aside your differences. I mean . . ." She felt it again. His bare feet trailing circles along her leg.
"Rose! Are you listening?" Mia snickered.
"What . . . yeah . . . I mean . . . What the hell?" Rose directed that to Dimitri.
All eyes turned curiously at her unusual outburst. "Care to explain your outburst?" Dimitri rose a brow.
That, bastard!
Rose blushed crimson. "Nothing, I just stubbed my toe." Instead of giving Dimitri the pleasure of her torture, she thought of a plan herself. She lifted her leg to throw a hard kick onto Dimitri's shin. She rose her leg . . .
He grabbed her ankle. Damn, how did he do that?
All eyes went onto the two. "Okay, what the hell is going on. You two are zoning out on us." Christian demanded.
"She was attempting to play footsie with me." Dimitri pointed to Rose's entrapped ankle around his hand.
"No . . . He . . . Dimitri, you bastard!" Rose yelled.
"Guys, take it down a notch. We aren't children." Ivan said.
"Rose, why is he holding your ankle?" Mia asked.
"I was trying to kick him."
"What did I say about kicking people?" Lissa frowned.
"It isn't polite." Rose looked down. Dimitri's hand still lingered on her feet.
"Since our attempt to bring you two to talk isn't working, we figured a different plan. Dimitri and Rose will be spending the whole day together, alone." Christian spoke.
"What? I'll do that when Christian turns into a frog!" Rose shouted.
"C'mon. I can't be that horrible. The way you kissed me before was-" Rose threw her hand around Dimitri's mouth.
"Don't listen to him. He's speaking illogically." Rose felt his lips leaving small trails around her hand. She sighed. "Stop that!"
"Me?" Dimitri fluttered his eyes innocently.
"Guys, stop bantering. We're not changing our minds. Either way, you have to spend time with each other." Lissa pointed.
"Go take a hike by the pond. I heard the scenery is beautiful." Mia advised.
"I went there with Christian yesterday. You should go there!" Liss exclaimed.
"I am not going anywhere with him." Rose stated.
"Rose, it'll be fun. Dimitri's sorry that he made you run three miles." Ivan defended.
"Sure." She said sarcastically. "He called me fat!"
"I did not. I simply stated that you needed a healthy body. All those donuts aren't doing any good." Dimitri denied her accusation.
"You two work things out. I don't want Dimitri wasting his nights at the tavern. I don't like hearing Rose's complaints whenever I go on dates with Christian." Lissa reprimanded. She opened the door. "Go for the hike."
Dimitri offered to hold Rose's hand. Rose ignored it and reluctantly got up. "You'll pay for this. All of you." She threatened.
Christian visibly gulped whilst everyone else rolled their eyes.
She walked out the door with Dimitri beside her. "Do you know the way?"
"Yes." He answered.
"I was forced to come here."
"I could tell."
"Dimitri, why did you date me? Was it because I am attractive? Men tend to go for the beauty. Beauty is a power that destroy great men." Rose sniffed.
They entered the forest. "I hadn't come to love you because of beauty. I was captivated by your unique personality and stubborn temper."
"You have a chance to be royalty! We, the common people, desire that title. If you become a royal advisor, your life will be full of privilege and honor. Is this not what your father wishes?" Rose whispered.
"I have the privilege of being the ambassador of Russia. I can stay in Turkey for years. I will be alongside you. In Italy, we will see each other once every year. I cannot stay away too long."
They approached a stream with slow currents. "Rose, take my hand, the rocks are slippery." Dimitri held out his arm.
Immovable Rose refused and walked gallantly on the rocks. "Comrade, I can easily . . . Ah!" Rose fell into the water.
Dimitri chuckled. "Stubborn as a mule." He felt something tugging his leg and he too, fell underwater.
"Rose!" He exclaimed.
"Yes?" She smiled guiltlessly. He wrapped his strong arms around her and submerged them underwater.
When they had surfaced, Dimitri's arms were curled around her waist. "I won't go. If I go, I will miss doing this." He spun her around and pressed his mouth onto hers. Their mouths moved in passion as their souls became attached. "I will always love you, Milaya."
"I love you too, Comrade."
Present
"Mmm, this pineapple cake is delicious." Rose moaned. Mason kicked, agreeing with her.
"I had it imported from China. I knew you would love it." Abe grinned nervously.
"So, Old Man, what's the occasion? It's not like I have imported pineapple cake daily." Rose eyed him cautiously.
"Can't I do something special for my favorite Little Girl?"
"Dad, I'm your only 'little girl.'"
Abe rolled his eyes. "I actually have some important announcements to make."
Rose continued to watch him with carefulness.
"Rose, we're royalty!" Abe muttered.
The Zmey closed his eyes in horror.
Rose burst out laughing. "Old Man, if this is a joke, it isn't a very funny one." Rose attempted to restrain her laughter.
"I'm not joking. I need to take the throne by next year." Abe shot Rose a solemn look.
Rose held her bloated stomach. "Pregnant mobster dad is going to be the king?" She chortled.
Abe sighed dejectedly. "Yes. I am going to be king! Believe me, I am not joking!"
Rose intently stared at him. She was waiting for Abe to take back what he'd said. "This cannot be true! I was mocked by other royals for being just the ambassador's daughter. I hated them for their arrogance and unthankfulness. Why must I be one of them?"
"This may be difficult for you, but one day, you will make a lovely queen. We, Mazurs, know how the common people feel. That is what separates us from most royals." Abe comforted.
"How? How are we royalty?" Rose questioned.
Abe explained how his father had an affair with his mother. His father had loved his mother but he was forced into an arranged marriage. His mother lived in the palace as a mere mistress only gaining spiteful looks from the queen. His mother was kept as a secret because it was disgraceful for the king to have two lovers.
"We're royalty?"
"Yes, we are."
Dimitri Belikov ran to the hospital. We he arrived, the nurses looked curiously at the disheveled but stunning stranger. He neared Rose's hospital door but became surprised as he saw Janine Mazur guarding the doorways.
"Ah, Belikov, what brings you here to my daughter's room?" Janine put her hands on her hips.
"I wish to see your daughter." Dimitri hoped Abe was not in the room. He was sure Abe would go ballistic if he seen Dimitri entering his daughter's room.
"You know Abe would be furious." Janine frowned.
"Is Ambassador Mazur in the room?"
"He was a few moments ago. He said there needed work to be done; Abe left for the manor." Janine answered.
"Am I not allowed to enter?"
She sighed. "Under Abe's circumstances, you are not. However, I trust you are a good man, Belikov. I trust you will woo my daughter's heart."
Dimitri gave Janine a smile. "Thank you."
"By the way, Rose is in a very foul mood. Consider yourself warned." Janine called when Dimitri opened the door.
"I heard that Mother!" Rose bellowed.
Dimitri turned and faced the beauty.
"What do you want?" Rose spat.
"Roza, I am sorry. I should not have left."
"Well you did."
"Roza, I love-"
"Dimitri, let's not say things we don't mean."
"But I do Roza, my love for you burns brighter than the sun. It is far wider than the deepest of oceans. It is bigger than beyond unknown realms."
"Dimitri, you left."
"I am truly sorry. I left yesterday. I left three weeks ago whilst I was hiding away. I left six months ago when you were pregnant. I am a coward. I won't expect you to fully forgive me but can I have another chance? I am fully aware that I don't deserve it but can we be friends?"
Friends? He wanted to be just friends? Rose knew that they could be something more or something less. However, the friend zone would never work out for them. "Yes." She unthinkingly blurted.
"Really?"
Rose mentally slapped herself. Why did she think one thing but say another? "Yeah."
Dimitri hugged her waist. "Friends can do that? Can't they?"
"Of course." Rose forced a rational response. Honestly, she loved feeling Dimitri's skin on hers. She mentally slapped herself again for thinking that. Dimitri's rock hard abs weren't helping either. Mason kicked excitedly. It was as if he was encouraging his mother to savor the physical contact.
"Did he just kick?" Dimitri's eyes gleamed in awe.
"Yes."
Dimitri put his hand onto Rose's stomach. He chuckled as he felt Mason's eager movements. "He's going to be a fast walker."
Rose smiled. "Mase, this is your daddy. He wasn't here for some time but from now on, he'll visit us." Mason kicked appreciatively in response.
"I love you, son." Dimitri choked out.
The baby kicked in soft, rhythmical beats.
Dimitri looked in wonder.
"It means he loves you too."
Rose was officially discharged from the hospital. After an emotional hour with Dimitri, Janine scurried into their room, warning them that Abe was on his way there. Dimitri sadly departed but promised to visit Rose at the manor. Rose hadn't realized how much she missed her home until she spotted a tan ball of fur scurrying at her feet. Blini yipped in exuberance when he watched his owner returning back home with a fuller stomach.
Rose scooped Blini into her arms and sighed. "I missed home." She went into her room and sighed contently at the crème walls and four poster bed she had shared with Dimitri countless amounts of times. Rose flopped onto her comfortable mattress. She stroked Blini's fur.
Liss threw opened the door. "Rose! Your back!" She sang with glee.
Rose laughed. "Lissa, I missed you and the manor."
Blini whimpered when his name was forgotten.
"I missed you too, Blini." Rose chuckled. Blini yipped in delight.
"I heard Dimitri came to visit yesterday and today." Lissa stated.
"Yeah."
"How was it?"
"We're friends." Rose loathed the word friends. She and Dimitri were just friends. Great!
Lissa looked with concern. "That's unexpected. Especially after he learned Mason is his"
"I know."
"Do you know who's staying over at the manor?" Lissa was determined to change the subject.
"Who?"
"Beka's here. She came from France."
"You mean Beka from seventh grade?" Rose grinned.
"Yeah. Beka's Grand-Mere finally allowed her to travel. Apparently, it is 'improper' to travel before the age of twenty. Beka got here as quickly as she could." Lissa informed.
"I haven't seen her in a millennia!" Rose exclaimed.
"I know."
"Let's have dinner with her at Mia's diner." Rose said.
"Rose, you're not allowed to travel far. You just came from the hospital; Abe prepared an extravagant dinner."
"Fine." Rose patted Blini's head.
"No, that girl has no assets like Rosemarie Hathaway." The officer pointed to a fair redhead.
"Rose, is no longer a virgin. She's pregnant. Rose may not be as tight as that girl." A guard snickered.
"Haven't you heard? Pregnant women are best in bed."
"But they're bloated. They will be screaming in pain rather than pleasure." The guard corrected.
Dimitri sat at the tavern. He held a beer as he looked around for Beka. She was a nice friend to talk to.
He gave upon searching for her and stood up. However, a particular conversation wafted to his ear.
"Rosemarie Mazur is the naughtiest vixen in Turkey! Who gets pregnant before marriage! If nobody decides to marry her, I'll gladly let her crawl into my bed ever night!" An officer chortled.
Beauty is a power that destroy great men.
Dimitri's hands clenched. He rose in fury. He made way to their table and slammed his fist into the officer's jaw.
The whole tavern froze in fear.
"Ah, your Dimitri Belikov! I've heard rumors of you and Rosemarie. Did you enjoy fucking her?" The officer growled.
"Leave Roza out of this! I want you to apologize for speaking offensively of her!"
"Apologize? Me, apologize? Why should I? She is nothing but a pretty face. Why, do you love her?" He scoffed.
The crowds interest piqued at the officer's question.
Dimitri Belikov, the biggest heartbreaker, spoke confidently. "I love Rose Mazur and I want you to apologize!"
"Me? I'd rather duel than humble myself!"
"A duel it is!" Dimitri roared.
The officer stood no chance as Dimitri threw each punch. The officer was continually beaten until more guards showed to haul Dimitri into the jail cell where Andros Belikov sat.
It was three hours since the fight. Three hours since Dimitri saw the beautiful Turkish daylight. The jail cell was still; it was quiet. No one spoke. Andros gave up on attempting to converse with Dimitri. Only the chains bound around the prisoner's wrists rattled.
"Son, I'm sorry."
"Excuse me?" It had been three hours since Dimitri spoke.
"Sorry I wasn't a great father. Sorry I wasn't a good husband to Olena. She deserved better than a wretch like me. I'm sorry I paraded whores into our home. I'm sorry I abused you, the girls, and Olena." Andros confessed abruptly.
"Y-you don't mean that." Dimitri stuttered.
"Do you remember those times before I was offered the position of being the ambassador? We played soccer. We fished in the lake. We built snow forts."
He would not let Andros torment him. "I remember."
"If I never get out of here, if Olena falls in love with someone else, leave her be. Hold no guilt. All I ask is for you to visit me sometimes." Andros whispered with a tear trailing down his cheek.
"Papa, don't cry." Dimitri hadn't called him Papa in years.
"Just visit me."
"I will." Dimitri promised.
A guard opened the door and unlocked Dimitri's bound cuffs. "Someone asked for you."
"Bye, son." Andros said.
"Bye."
He walked out the cell's doors and saw Rose sitting on a plastic chair.
"I've heard what you did at the tavern."
"Was Ambassador Mazur angered when you decided to bail me out?" Dimitri asked.
They opened the doors to walk around the town. "Of for goodness sakes! Call him Abe. Nobody but you calls him Ambassador Mazur."
"Was Abe mad?"
"Yes, but what can he do to a pregnant lady?"
"Rose, why did you bail me out?" Dimitri sighed.
"We're friends. We should stick up for each other."
"Don't you need to head home? It's getting dark." He commented.
"That's the least of my worries. However, that outburst from the tavern was unacceptable. If you weren't Andros's son, you could have faced execution. Hell, Abe hoped you'd face execution." Rose said.
"That officer was speaking horribly of you." Dimitri frowned.
"I know. Most men did after I got pregnant."
"How do you live with it?" He asked.
"Live with what?"
"How do you live with the hatred? How can you stand here, peacefully talking to me? You know I caused you this trouble." Dimitri grimaced.
"They're just words. At the end of the day, I know who I am and all they will ever be are slanderers. It will be all worth the wait when I see Mason." She smiled.
"You'll be a awesome ass-kicking mother." Dimitri grinned.
"And you'll be a badass Russian-food-cooking father." Rose laughed.
"We should head back." Dimitri longed to feel his palm on hers.
"Yeah. Are you staying at Alberta's?"
"Yes. She'll be disappointed after hearing today's fiasco."
"You can stay at the Mazur manor. We welcome ambassadors from all over the world." Rose smiled.
"What about Abe?"
"I can sneak you in my room." Rose's grin grew.
"Like the old times?" He questioned.
"Just like the old times!" She answered.
ATTENTION!I have updated my profile. If you look at the upper left hand corner of it, you will see the date when I will post a new chapter of Loving Him Again. I know, I know I haven't updated over a month. After a serious case of a writer's block, I am exceptionally proud of this chapter. I also beat my flappy bird score to 51. Yes, I was playing this game while I was supposed to be writing my chapter six. Thanks for the waiting! Okay readers, I have a Hunger Game's joke for you all!
Where's Finnick?
Answer this through the reviews. I will reveal the answer in the next chapter.
Okay, here are the questions for Chapter 6:
Do you think Beka will attempt to woo Dimitri's heart?
Was Andros deceiving Dimitri?
I got to munch on some Almond Joy now! Bye!
-Kautia
P.S. Make sure to review!
P.S.S. Seriously!