Eleven

As Roman knead the dough at the table in the morning, his thoughts turned to Dean. His boyfriend had been acting strange last night. When he tried to ask him, he changed the topic and asked him to sleep.

He was worried. Did something happened during his stakeout? Maybe he got wounded and didn't want Roman to know.

"I can't wait to try your chai spiced scones," Chris commented as he walked behind him with some new baking sheets. "What's a guy like you doing here? You should be out there with your own shop."

"It's my dream to work as a chef in a hotel. I don't think I'd be happy with a shop of my own."

Chris looked puzzled. "Because of the stress?"

"Yeah. It's not easy running a business. I used to work in my brother's shop and it's not easy. You have to worry about rental costs and if your earnings could cover your expenditure. It's more relaxing working for someone else."

"I feel you, man." Chris took some dough and began to roll it. "So. You have someone special in your life?"

"Oh yeah," Roman gushed. "He's the love of my life." Woah. Back up the train. Love of his life?

"Wow. That's deep. I dare say Kevin is mine too. How did you meet him?"

"Oh at my brother's shop. He went to buy pastries there. It was his first time at our shop and he just asked me out."

"That's so sweet."

"It is." He shaped the dough and started to cut out wedges. "It sounds crazy but we've been dating for over eleven days."

"Take it from me, Roman. Love has no rules. It can hit you out of nowhere or it can happen over a decade. It's okay to question it at times but you would know better than anyone if it's real or not."

"It's real."

"There you go." Chris threw some flour on his dough. "I met Kevin over fourteen years ago in high school. We used to be in the same home economics class. I had the biggest crush on him but I was too shy to do anything about it. Then when I saw him here, I took a chance and decided it had to be fate and asked him out. He said yes immediately. We've been together since."

"That sounds amazing."

"Well, love is an amazing thing. That's why I wouldn't worry what people have to say. You've found it so cherish it."

The two men shared a smile.

"I'm not doing it," Dean said as he bit into his salted caramel mocha bun irritability. He was having breakfast with John in the summit room. "I don't care what he says. I'm not doing it."

John sipped his espresso, putting the cup down with a clink as soft as a tissue. Dean hadn't done that in years despite all the trainings his parents had tried to enforce in him. "Have you told Roman yet? It's better to. Maybe he'd be okay with it."

"I'll have to wait till his lunch break. Gosh, this is going to tear him up and I don't want to do that."

"But you have no choice, Dean."

"I can always hand in my badge and gun."

"Are you crazy? You've worked your entire life for this."

"You sound just like Roman."

"Well, at least he has your best interest in heart."

Dean stirred his coffee and frowned. Roman was not trained to handle things like these. He was a regular man who wanted to love and to be loved. Things like going undercover and busts and stakeouts were not in his vocabulary.

"Dean-"

"Jon!"

He groaned inwardly as Damien walked up to his table. "Hi Damien. This is Kevin Nash. He's my neighbor."

John extended his hand and shook Damien's. "Hi."

"You know what? I'm done with breakfast."

"So soon?"

Dean stood up and wiped his mouth with his napkin. Damien was looking at him questioningly. "Listen, Jon, I'm a persistent guy. I really want you to go out with me."

"And I told you why I can't."

"Just one dinner."

"No. Sorry. I can't."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Roman come out to replenish some croissants. He needed to tell Roman that he had made up his mind to quit. Maybe he could work as a security officer or something.

As much as his parents hated his job, Dean was sure they'd rather him working as this than a security officer.

He walked past him and pinched his bottom before heading to the back. About three minutes later, Roman walked in and Dean immediately pulled him into his arms and kissed him. This was dangerous - what they were both doing - but logic be damned. Dean wanted his Samoan chef badly.

"Dean, what's going on?" Roman asked, trying to catch his breath.

He looked his boyfriend straight in the eye. "I'm quitting."

"You're quitting the force? But why?"

"Wait here." He did a quick sweep before he returned to Roman. "Because they want me to date Big Boss to find out more information. I refuse to. You mean so much to me, Roman. I'm sure there are other guys in my department that would make better-"

"You have to do it, Dean. This is your career."

"Roman, I've made up my mind and quite frankly, you don't have a say in it."

Roman looked surprised. "Dean, the point of a relationship is to give and take. I'm aware that you don't want to do this and it is your livelihood but we're together now. Decisions should be discussed and burdens should be shared. I know you want to take care of me but I want to take care of you too otherwise this can only end in disaster if it's a one sided affair."

His maturity spoke volumes about him. Dean was actually humbled by the man.

"I think you should do it," Roman added. "It's not about my feelings or yours but if this man is that mastermind behind all those sex slavery, you would be saving potential lives so that's what matters most, Dean." He bit his lip. "I hope you'll consider that."

"No."

"Dean…"

"No, Roman. I can't pretend to date him. I don't have it in me. I'll have to do things with him that I only do with you."

"But you're smart enough to escape it. I'm sure of it."

"You and I won't know how long this whole thing will last, Roman. And then what then? I'm supposed to break up with you in the middle of it? I love you and I understand where you're coming from but I've made up my mind."

His boyfriend reached for his hands. "Just give it a week. See how it goes."

Dean felt cornered. He didn't like this one bit. "No."

"If you dislike it then, you can leave."

"I can't even last a day without you. A week? That's torture."

"Five?"

Dean growled. "I hate this."

Roman smiled. "I know."

"You won't be smiling when you see him kissing me."

"I'll just have to remind myself that it's me you fell in love with."

"Idealistic." Dean straightened his jacket.

"You're coming back to the room, right?"

Dean shrugged. "I'm not sure."

"You're angry with me." It wasn't a question.

"This hurts me. That's why."

Roman nodded. "I know but Dean… it's just five days."

Frustrated, he pulled his gentle giant closer and kissed him, savoring the feel of their lips fused together. Dean thrusted his tongue into Roman's mouth, enjoying the feel of their muscles teasing one another.

When this whole thing was over, he had every intention to lie Roman across his lap and give him a hard spank.

When they parted, their foreheads leaned together and Dean gave him another kiss before walking off to the summit room without a word.

He took a deep breath and walked towards the man who was unintentionally making his life miserable.

Damien had a muffin on his plate near the buffet spread and was looking at the wide selection of French pastries in front of him.

"Are you sure you aren't on a diet?"

He smiled widely at Dean. "Hi there. And to answer your question, I'm not. I'm just spoilt for choice."

"Look… I'm open to just… dinner." It hurt him to say that; even though it was just pretend.

Damien looked like he had hit jackpot. "This is the highlight of my day. Great. You want to dine here at Le Meridian? Their food is good."

Dean faked a smile. "I'd like that."

Roman was feeling a mixture of sadness and relief as he whisked his mixture to make cake batter.

While it was not the best choice to make, it was the right one. Dean was definitely hurt but Roman knew what sacrificing for a career you loved was like and he didn't want to stand in Dean's way.

Dread filled him but he shoved it aside. Roman trusted Dean. He knew that his job wasn't an easy one, that it came with downsides.

"Hey Roman," Rusev said, walking in after his "mandatory" smoke break. "I stole one of your scones."

"That's actually flattering," Roman replied.

"You should be. I loved it."

He smiled warmly at Rusev who started to rant in Bulgarian upon finding out that his apron had gone missing. He started to search frantically around the kitchen. "Do you need help?" Roman offered.

"No, it's okay. I can find it."

The Samoan set aside the batter and went to set the oven's temperature. He was going to make Classic Victoria Sandwich for the cocktail tonight. He divided the mixture into his sandwich tin and smoothened the surface with the back of his spatula before putting it into the oven. That would take about twenty minutes to bake so he set about preparing the filling for it.

"Are you okay, Roman?" Rusev suddenly asked.

"Yes," he replied. "Why?"

"You look sad, my friend."

He hadn't realised that it was on his face though he considered himself silly to think that for he always wore his heart on his sleeve. "Nothing. Just… missing my boyfriend."

"Don't worry. Work's over in a few hours."

"Right." He beat the softened butter, his mind on Dean again. He hoped that his boyfriend wasn't upset with him. That Dean would actually try to see it from his point of view.

Once the butter was smooth and creamy, he grabbed the icing sugar and beat it into the butter gradually.

Chris walked in then. "Roman, that guest, Mr Black, wants to see you to compliment you again."

He gulped then. "But my sponge-"

"Don't worry. I'll handle it."

He slowly put down the bowl and started to walk out to the lounge where Adam was standing by the window again. He had a huge smile on his face. "Aaah Roman. Excellent spiced breakfast loaf. I loved it."

"Thank you." He reminded himself to stay calm.

"That has got to be the best loaf I've tasted. So listen. I mean it. You are freaking gorgeous and I'd like to see you outside of work."

There was no way Roman was going anywhere with this man. "I can't. I'm in a steady relationship."

"Well, in this day and age, loyalty is rare."

"If you'd excuse me, I have to get back to the kitchen."

As Roman was turning to leave, Adam grabbed his wrist hard. "I'm not done yet, Roman." He stared at Adam who was slowly smirking at him. Oh no. Adam knew. It was all over his face. "Yes, I remember who you are now and my, you've gotten more beautiful as if that was even more possible. Maybe we should continue where we left off?"

"You… you wouldn't dare."

"Of course I do. I bet people would pay lots of money for a night with someone like you. I know I would. Well I did. I knew what you were like as a teenager. Now I'm more curious what you feel underneath me as a man writhing and panting-"

"Is everything alright here?"

Roman found Dean walking up to them, hands in his pocket and his blue eyes cold. His heart did a flip flop. Dean looked devastatingly handsome in a suit. Adam let go of Roman's wrist. "Yes. What brings you here?"

"Just heading for a walk," came Dean's reply.

"Well." Adam stretched his arms. "I've got to get going. I have a business lunch at twelve."

"You better hurry then. You're going to be late and that's a horrible impression to make."

Adam gave Dean a scowl and briskly headed towards the entrance. He turned around and found Dean looking at him with concern. "You alright?"

"He knows who I am, Dean."

"He told you this?"

"Yes. Dean, what am I going to do? I have to move out of here and find another town or country-"

His boyfriend spun him around to face him. "Roman, will you calm down? Relax. I'm here. And if I'm not, John is. You won't be alone."

"No one can guarantee that, Dean."

"I can," Dean replied firmly. "So go back to work. I have to go on a date later at seven so John will keep you company till I'm back."

"Okay." Why did it hurt so bad even though he knew it was just pretend?

Dean seemed to be reading his thoughts when he said, "I told you it'd be hard, Roman."

"I can take it."

"If you insist." Dean then walked off towards the business centre.

Roman stared after him.

As far as dates went, this was the most boring one he had ever been on. All the guy did was babble about himself and the countries he had visited. Even Seth - the annoying brat that he was - made Dean laugh.

This whole thing was a joke.

Damien slid his hand across the table and held his. "I have to say I'm glad you changed your mind."

Dean shrugged. "What's one date, right?"

"I was hoping you'd let me take you out during our stay here. I've been told I make an excellent lover."

No. That he would not do. Maybe kiss the guy but anything more, he'd throw his badge, ask Roman to quit his job and move them both to New York, London or something.

"There's no hand I would rather hold," Damien continued. "No lips I'd rather kiss." He leaned over the table and pressed his lips briefly against Dean's. It took all of Dean not to clock him on the face.

When the criminal sat down on his seat, his face seemed to be genuinely happy. Either he was a good actor or he really liked Dean. "I really hope things don't work out with your partner." Dean clenched his fist under the table. "I think you and I would be good together, Jon. I can make you happy."

No one but Roman could make Dean happy which was funny because before meeting his Samoan hunk, he didn't think he could be this happy. Stop thinking about him, he chided himself.

"Stop thinking about him," Damien said which made Dean raised an eyebrow at him. "I know you're thinking about your partner but you're with me tonight. Tonight I'll show you why I'm worth it."

Dean would have laughed but he reminded himself that he was undercover.

They headed back to the the hotel after dinner because Damien had a meeting in the morning at one of the meeting rooms. Dean refused to let him know which room he was staying in and then he blatantly asked Dean, "Would you like to come up to mine?"

"No thank you," he declined politely.

"Oh well. I'll just settle for this," he said, kissing him again this time with more intensity. Dean returned his kisses for a bit before they stopped. "I have to go back now. Can I take you out tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Sure."

Damien smiled and entered the lift, pressing the floor he was staying on and waving as the doors closed. He breathed out then and wiped his mouth. The things he had to do for this job...

He fervently hoped Roman was awake so that he could make out with him to forget this night and Damien's kisses. When he reached his room, he found Roman tossing and turning restlessly.

He could take it, he said, Dean thought as he sat down beside him and dropped tender kisses on his face. His brown eyes flew open and stared at Dean's face. "Hey," he greeted the beautiful man.

Roman smiled. "Hey."

"Don't you want to ask me about my date?" Dean teased him.

"Right. How was it?"

He decided to rib him. "It was the best date I've ever been on. It's a shame he's a criminal. I would have considered something with him if he wasn't."

Roman's breath hitched then. "Did you… you kiss him?"

"Well we both kissed each other. Kissing doesn't take one person you know." His boyfriend rolled over. Dean stifled a laugh. "How did the rest of your day go?"

Silence.

He kicked off his shoes and lied down on the bed, wrapping his arms around Roman's waist. When Roman didn't budge, he kissed his back and right shoulder blade. His boyfriend wriggled. "Roman," he said softly.

"Good night, Dean."

"So it's like that? I told you that you wouldn't like it."

"I know. I didn't expect you to actually like him."

Dean burst out laughing. "I was only joking, Roman. You've lost your marbles if you think I'd fall for a criminal."

"Did you like kissing him?"

That did it. He forcefully turned Roman over so that they were face to face before kissing him hard on the lips, pressing his body against his. His hand on the small of his boyfriend's back and one leg in between Roman's.

But Roman refused to kiss him back. Dean pulled back and frowned at him. "Stubborn now, are we?"

His brown eyes were unreadable. "Good night, Dean," Roman said once more.

"Oh it's a good night, alright," Dean said before claiming Roman's lips and forcing his tongue inside somehow. He puckered the soft lips, hoping that he'd be rewarded. His boyfriend made an odd sound when suddenly the auburn haired cop found himself being pulled on top of Roman.

Then he felt Roman kissing him back. And Dean's heart leaped. Their kissing deepened. Hands were running all over his back now before his bottom was squeezed.

Dean pulled away and stared into the Samoan's eyes. "Well? Still think I liked kissing him?"

A/N Thank you for all the favorites/follows/reviews. I'm humbled by it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. :-)