Alright I hate to start off my note like this, but I kind of have to. Rose is not stupid. Rose is not a bad fiance/girlfriend. Rose is not a horrible person. Rose is however a young 18 year old young lady that is growing up and learning. Constructive criticism is something I enjoy getting. What I do not appreciate is people just being mean and calling my characters stupid, annoying or in some cases "fucking retarded". If you do not like my story or the characters I have created, I have one suggestion for you, DO NOT FUCKING READ IT. Why waste your time with something you do not like? I usually let things roll off my shoulders, but I have been getting a lot and I mean a lot of hateful guest reviews. which makes me sad because some if not most of my guest reviewers are amazing, sweet, and touch my heart with their words. But I suppose not everyone can be so kind. I have deleted these hurtful and mean reviews time and time again. And I will continue to, if they are mean, cruel and just vulgar. So how about you do yourself a favor, Mr. or Ms Hater don't waste your time reading something you do not like. But then again if you are being so mean and immature you probably have no life. I apologize to those that have been nothing but kind, but sometimes you just have to get stuff off your chest. To those who have been nothing but kind, Thank you. I write because I like to, not because I have to. And when I see all the love it makes me want to give you even more. You all have been great to me, and I truly love you all for being so kind and following my work. Please enjoy this chapter, and know that there are only 2 chapters left to this! Enjoy!
FlashBack
My body quickly spun around. My eyes met his, taking in his defeated posture. Dimitri had clearly jumped off the deep end. How could he think I was pregnant? It explained his possessive and protectiveness, but it did not explain why he thought I was. My eyes narrowed at him, he was trying to will me to figure it out, but my mind was not following his train of thoughts. And then just as suddenly it all hit me.
No I had no idea what the signs of pregnancy were. I had never been around anyone expecting but Sonya, and I never asked questions about it. It was one of the things I had not looked up on the web. I recalled woman throwing up as an early sign in movies, but I had been feeling perfectly fine. Actually I had been feeling fantastic. But then again were the signs I was ignoring, or more like giving other reasons to the signs I should have been looking out for.
I was really good at finding reasons for things. My temper flaring cause I assumed I was stressed. I mean I had just finished my first semester of college. I had loved it but it was a lot of hard work. It was paying off but it was hours of non stop work. Not only that the bakery was so busy, sometimes I barely had time to think.
I was irritable. I would have never snapped like this in public. Especially not at my Dimitri, the man was so good to me, sweet and respectful. Shame and guilt filled me as I noticed what I had just done to him, to the man that loved me and was just trying to keep me and what he thought was our child safe.
The weight gain? Oh fuck, I thought it was because I stopped working out, but there was no way I would gain more than 5 pounds in less than a month. I was eating the same. Ok maybe a little more than normal but I was hungry, could I really be eating for two?
And it was then that something had hit me. A month, I was more than 2 weeks late for my period.
My mind flashed back trying to figure out when my last cycle was. It really was two weeks late, how had I not noticed. I was coming back blank with the last day I had taken my pill. Oh god. Oh dear sweet baby Jesus. I had forgotten to get my refill. I had not taken my pill in almost two months. How could I be so stupid.
I couldn't be pregnant though. It took time to get the pill out of your system. People spent years trying to have a baby. Something about fertility popped into my mind, something about how some people are just a lot more fertile then others. My biology classes coming back to me that instant. And I had thought I would never use that information ever again, damn tutor had been right.
Dimitri understood when it all hit me and he slowly stepped closer to me. I was not sure what to feel. My mind was racing, my emotions all over the place. Initially shock coursed through me, I never would have thought this could happen, I had taken my pill religiously, why had I suddenly forgotten. My classes. I had been so focused on my grades, my homework, doing everything right. I had wanted to keep my life on the straight and narrow, but had forgotten to take my pill. Other things had filled my mind, all as equally as important.
Then I was scared, so fucking scared of having a baby. We weren't even married. How was I suppose to be a mother if I had no idea how to be one. Not only that I was young. Too fucking young. I was suppose to be married for years before the thought of kids would come up. How was I suppose to take care of a child, a baby. Dimitri and I's baby. My hand fell to my stomach.
The emotion that filled me last was one of pure joy. If I was pregnant it was clear that it had not been planned. I could not lie though, the thought of something like a child growing inside of me, a child that was a product of the love Dimitri and I had for each other, was overwhelming, and in a good way. A soft whimper left my lips, causing Dimitri to make up his mind and pull me towards him.
"I'm sorry Roza. I did not mean to do this. I just- I just thought you would figure it out." He pulled away to make eye contact with me. "But when time passed by and you still did not notice, I had to wait to tell you, I was so scared of how you would react."
"God I'm so sorry Dimitri. I over reacted. I have no idea why or how you could deal with someone like me." I hung my head in shame. Why had I acted that way, he was just trying to tell me something I should have figured out on my own.
He did not deserve the humiliation I had just put him through. He deserved someone who wouldn't over react. Hell he deserved a woman that could figure out she was pregnant on her own. I felt tears building up behind my eyelids. I was such a horrible fiance. He had only been trying to help me. God he must have been so worried, and I made it a million times worse.
"Hey look at me. I only figured it out because my sisters have had kids I've seen and dealt with it before. That and well..." He trailed off looking a little embarrassed.
"And what?" A shy smile graced his lips, and I fought the urge to kiss him. Fuck maybe I was pregnant.
"Well I keep track of your cycle. You know so I would not bother you when your on it. You know so I don't push for sex when all you want is a hot bath and chocolates." And the tears started.
The man in front of me was the most wonderful man alive. What he thought was creepy and maybe something embarrassing was actually very sweet and considerate. I pulled him to me guiding his lips to mine. I was going to have to make up for what I had done. I had been a brat and that was not who I was. Well, I could be one, but not like this, not to him.
"Lets just forget this OK? I mean we still need to get you tested and this confirmed. But I don't want tonight to be about saying sorry. OK?"
I nodded, as he wiped my tears away. Kissing me softly before guiding me back to the restaurant.
End Flashback
That had been two months ago. Dimitri and I had gone back to the restaurant where we enjoyed our dinner. His smile never faltered, and that night we made sweet hot love in our wonderful, gorgeous hotel room. I still spent about a week apologizing but he had assured me it was fine. The entire situation had been odd and different. The next day Dimitri had taken me to the doctors and his suspicions had been confirmed.
I was now a little over four months pregnant and extremely happy. Knowing why my moods were swinging I tried my best to not snap at anyone, especially Dimitri. I now knew why he would not let me eat certain things, or take long hot baths. I had made sure to get myself well informed. Something he helped me to do since he had experienced it with his sisters.
I was going to do everything and anything to keep my baby safe and healthy. I may not have planned on this but after finding out, I made sure I was informed. And healthy. I was going to take care of myself. And Dimitri was more than helpful for this. I was eating better, getting at least a couple of walks in a day. And most of all I was just enjoying what was happening in my life.
Being pregnant was scary. I was worried about what was to come, but when I stepped back and looked at my life I knew I was going to be fine. Yes, it was unexpected. Yes, I was still young and we had yet to be married. But I was happy. I was running a bakery. Stable and well balanced. I had a man, Dimitri, by my side that I loved and he loved me back. We had a home and we had a family that was extremely happy for us.
Telling Abe had been slightly frightening but in the end he had been brought to tears over becoming a grandfather. He had been sobbing by the time I pulled out the ultrasound and showed him the little peanut growing inside of me. This just only fueled him to want to give me more. He had helped Dimitri plan out an addition to the cabin. It was only a one bedroom and within weeks Abe had contractors over building an extra two bedrooms. I had asked why we needed two more and he had simply stated it was for his future grandchildren.
We had told everyone else on my 19th birthday party. Lissa had insisted on the party. I could not tell her no, she had spent weeks planning it out. And I actually had a wonderful time. There weren't a lot of people there, but it was everyone I cared and loved for. We had my favorite foods, and Dimitri had taken the time to bake me a three tiered chocolate cake. A cake I ate more than my share of.
Life had truly been great. Ever since finding out about my little bubby in my stomach everything had just fallen into place. My life that I once thought was whole and could not get better. Had become better. And as weird as it may sound the baby growing in me had been that last missing piece. Though I would lie if I said I wasn't excited for the wedding. Though sadly I had moved the date in hopes that I could lose weight and look good for it.
"Morning baby." Dimitri's lips brushed against my stomach as my eyes fluttered open.
"Morning love." He chuckled softly as he made his way up to my face, pulling my shirt down over my barely there bump.
"Morning Roza. I didn't mean to wake you up." His kissed my lips softly and pulled away so he could look at me better. God he looked so sexy.
"You know I hear you talking to the baby after I fall asleep." A slight blush crept onto his face, and it looked fantastic there. I thought the gesture was sweet, but I liked teasing him.
"I just want him to know who his daddy is. And that I love him very much." His hands brushed over my belly again and I moaned.
I had been going through phases. I would eat a lot one week. Complain and bitch the next. And then I would suddenly be so fucking horny I thought I would explode if he wasn't around. I was trying to remain in control but at times my body and hormones won out. I had never believed that woman could change so much just because of hormones, I thought it was an excuse, but now living through it I knew better.
Dimitri had been amazing to me, taking care of everything and anything I could ever need. He made me healthy meals, meals that I insisted on wanting to be healthy not only for myself but for our son.
We both were certain there was a little boy in there. The thought of a little mini Dimitri running around calling me mommy made my heart swell. My lips curled into a smile for the millionth time. Dimitri following suit as he stood up. No doubt getting up to make me some breakfast.
"Kizm!" Abe's voice rang through the small cabin. "Oh hello Dimitri where's my glowing daughter." I rolled my eyes getting up.
Abe had made it a point to visit as much as possible. It was starting to get a bit much though. I was almost certain he was hiding something from me, but since I was pregnant he would never tell. He was as bad as Dimitri, if not worse. The moment he knew I was carrying another life he wanted to assign me my own body guard. After yelling at him for an hour, saying that Dimitri was enough he huffed out of his office like a child.
"Baba." I walked out wrapping my robe tighter around myself, having one of my cold spells. It was now the beginning of fall and the fire had gone out in the middle of the night.
"Are you cold Kiz?" He looked at the fireplace eyes narrowing. "Why is there no fire burning?" He turned to Dimitri, clearly upset.
"Calm down old man. I'm fine." I walked past him, and he walked right behind me, seeing as I had not given him a proper greeting.
"I came here to talk to both of you." I whipped around at his tone, whatever he had to say was not good.
"Is everything alright?" Dimitri came forward with a cup of coffee for Abe, which he took quickly sipping it slowly. Like always he tested it like it could be poisoned before he proceeded to drink.
"Rosemarie can you, maybe handle some new. Some not so pleasant news." He turned to me eyes soft. I wanted to say I would be fine, but my hormones were unpredictable.
"You know I'll be fine spit it out." Dimitri came behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, hands resting on my little bump. His chin settled on my shoulder as we both watched Abe. He shifted but then started talking.
"I received a note, or more like a threat this morning." Dimitri stiffened behind me but said nothing. "This note was written by someone who, I am now assuming is Victor. It was very specific, and it has me extremely nervous."
Fear coursed through my entire being. Abe had no luck finding this Victor. He was using a lot of resources but was still coming back empty handed. But if he thought this note was from him, it more than likely was. The grim look on his face was confirming as much. I wanted to read this letter, but something told me he left it back at guardian headquarters. Where no doubt it was being put through every test available.
"In this note both your lives were threatened. It was a clear letter stating what would be done to you both. We are now trying to track where it came from but until then, I am assigning a security duty to you both."
"Wait what?" I pulled away from Dimitri and stepped closer to Abe. "What do you mean a threat what kind of threat?" My hands shook slightly as I tried to get myself to calm down.
"They threatened, both of you, that they would take you. They would take you and I would never see you again." What did that even mean? Who would take us and where?
"Abe maybe we should talk about this somewhere else?" Dimitri's tone was sharp. He did not like that Abe decided to tell me. And at the moment I was wishing he had never said anything to me.
My hormones were going on over load. Were we safe? Would Dimitri be taken away from me? Would they take me? And if they did what would happen to the baby? Hot tears leaked down my face, and before I could control myself a sob left my lips.
"Roza, baby, just breath." His hands cupped my cheeks and I tried to control myself. "That's good, just breath in and out slowly." I finally evened out my breathing and reached for him needing a hug.
"I'm sorry Kiz maybe I should have not said anything." I lifted my head and looking in his direction.
"No, no I am glad you did, I deserve to know. I'll be fine. I just, I want to be safe Baba. And I need Dimitri and my baby to be safe as well." Dimitri held me closer.
"Nothing is going to happen to us Roza. Nothing." He kissed the crown of my head and just held me close to him.
"Mason, Pavel, and Darius are outside, and they will remain there until this person is found. Adrian will also be stopping by from time to time. I will not have anything happen to either of you. Dimitri, you are on leave as of right now." Dimitri ushered me to the couch where I sat down, looking at the soft smoke coming from the fireplace.
Victor knew where we were. I just knew it. He sent the letter to my father because he knew what he was doing. I doubted some guards at our door would keep him away. He had taken my mother from me, he could be capable of anything. The thought sent shivers through me. My family was in danger and there was nothing I could do about it.
"Rose!" A young male voice rang through the cabin. I turned just in time to see Eddie barreling my way.
"Eddie baby!" I stood up and engulfed him in a hug. It had been a couple weeks since I had last seen him. He was at a day camp, and had been loving it. But his classes had started this week so he had been busy.
"Rosie I've missed you! How's the baby doing? Do you know if its a niece or nephew?" His voice was still high pitched, and his questions were too cute. He had the ability to make me smile when I was so fucking scared.
"Baby is good hun. We actually have an appointment tomorrow to find out what this little love bug is." His hand went to my stomach and a frown formed on his face.
"Is the baby really in there? Your belly is so small." I laughed at his question. He was getting older but in the end he was still only 10.
"Trust me it will get bigger, remember seeing Sonya, Dimitri's sister?" He nodded and I continued. "Well I'll get there just not right now. I'm still not that far along."
"Oh OK. Well can I see the picture when you get it tomorrow?" His smile lit up the small cabin, and warmed my heart.
"Yea of course. Why are you here shouldn't you be in school?" Mason had finally agreed to let him go to a real school. It was a private one, but it was better than nothing.
"I'm getting a tutor again. Mason and Abe said I would go back soon, but I'm staying with you guys."
My fears hit me again. Eddie was here because his life must be in danger too. I could not help but ponder what this threat had entailed. Whoever wanted us had clearly scared Abe enough to have him on his toes. Three body guards may not seem like enough, but something told me there may be more out there. Abe never half assed anything.
"Ahh looks like we have a house guest." Eddie launched himself into Dimitri and his light giggles filled the air as Dimitri lifted him.
To others Dimitri would look calm and collected. One look at him told me he was anything but. His eyes spoke legions. They held everything he was thinking and feeling. And his emotions mirrored mine. He was scared about this threat, but he knew something more. I would have normally hounded him to tell me. What stopped me was the little angel growing inside of me.
Stress in any form was bad for the baby. My child depended on me to keep him safe. I had to remain stress free if I wanted to keep him safe. Yes, I was scared, and yes I wanted to know everything. But I knew harming my baby was not worth knowing a little more information. Dimitri knew and right now that was good enough.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into a couple more months. Nothing had happened but that did not mean Abe let our guards off. He was certain this said Victor was waiting in lay. Abe figured as soon as he left us alone he would come to get us. I tried not to think about it. I really did but as my stomach grew so did my fears.
At six months pregnant I was still smaller than usual, but I was slow. I tired easily, and wanted to sleep for most of the day. Not only that even though my stomach was little my baby had taken after his father. My body was trying to accommodate for a larger baby, but at the moment it was not working with me. My baby was crammed in there and was active as could be. And now I could proudly say there was a little boy in there.
At our 15 week appointment our doctor had delivered us the news. There was a little boy in there, that was alive and healthy. But before the appointment our little angel had started kicking and had not stopped. Dimitri murmuring Russian to me bump seemed to be the only thing that would calm him down.
"Here let me talk to our son maybe he will calm down some." I was shifting on the bed trying to find a comfortable position but it was useless, our little boy was up for the day and did not want to let mommy sleep in.
"Ugh please, anything. Hold on though your baby is on my bladder." Dimitri helped me up and guided me to the bathroom.
We had been trying to think of names for the baby, but were still coming up empty handed. No name seemed to be special enough for him. We wanted something original, but Russian. It was harder for me because I did not know too many Russian names, so I had spent a lot of time online trying to do some research.
"Roza." Dimitri's voice rang through the door, as I was washing my hands. I opened the door to find a slightly frustrated Dimitri.
"What's wrong?" Panic surged through me but he quickly changed his demeanor and held me in a hug.
"It's nothing bad love. I just have to go into the office for a few hours. Do you think you'll be fine here alone? I mean Adrian and Mason are outside, but you know what I mean?" Concern filled his warm eyes and I waved him off. He had nothing to worry about.
"Yea, I'll be fine. Plus, Christian is suppose to be coming over with the spread sheets to the bakery." He nodded in approval and kissed my lips softly.
"I'll be back for lunch. I love you." He kneeled in front of me lifting my shirt and kissed my belly as well. "And I love you too, be a good boy for mommy."
Dimitri left, but not before asking me ten more times if I would be fine. His over protectiveness was actually now alluring. It made me feel safe and loved. It made the fear growing inside of me just a little smaller and easier to deal with.
Christian came an hour later and we sat talking about the bakery. I had to put my schooling aside, seeing as working in the kitchen was not easy for me. My constant peeing and back pain did not work well with my instructors, so I was going to wait until the baby was older to return. I was determined to go back, I wanted something my little family could be proud of me for.
"The profits at the new bakery are booming. Sometimes they cannot keep up with the demand. Its why I was going to hire a couple more people for that staff." Christian was pointing out something on one of the spread sheets.
"That's fine it looked like we are making enough to expand our budget." I rubbed my belly were the baby was digging into me.
"How's he doing?" Christian reached over and caressed my belly. The baby kicked his hand and he laughed.
"God, sometimes he beats the shit out of me."
"That baby is going to come out screaming fuck." He laughed again and leaned back in his seat.
"Don't say that. This little boy is going to be just like his father. A true gentleman." I patted the spot where his little foot was pushing against me and he eased off. "See he got the hint."
"Well, lets just hope he's more like his father. God knows we don't need another Rose." I tried to slap his arm but he moved away, I growled at him. He knew I hated that I was so slow.
"Anyways, I think hiring two new people will be good. And maybe we can hire someone else at the the one here. The boutique is getting more attention and the Belikov women have been focusing their attention on that. I don't blame them though." I smiled at the thought. It seemed like those women were good at everything they did. Christian was about to say something when the door slammed open.
"Christian grab her and bring her to your car." Adrian ran in his face calm and composed. But I knew something was wrong, why did I have to leave.
Christian acted without hesitation. He helped me up, grabbing the bag Dimitri had set up for me by the door. Mason and Adrian flanked us as we made our way to his car. I was trying not to stress, trying not to get overwhelmed but I could not help it. Tears streamed down my face, my hand resting on my swollen belly.
"Look at me Rose." Mason spun me around. "Everything is ok. This is just a precaution. You're going to meet Dimitri. Everything is fine ok?" He hugged me quickly. "I love you."
Before I got to answer him back Adrian was putting me in the car and jumping in the back seat. Christian started the car and was following the instructions Adrian was barking out. I instead focused on my breathing, making sure to take long even breaths. It would do me no good to get worked up.
"This is it." Adrian ran out of the car and opened my door helping me out. "Come on Rose, I'm sure Dimitri is worried sick." As the words came out of his mouth Dimitri shot out of the guardians building and took over his place.
"Roza." His voice was pure relief as he hugged and kissed me.
"What's going on Dimitri?" He looked like he did not want to say anything to me, but knew better than to try and hide things now.
"There was a sighting." I looked at him confused. I thought they had no idea what he looked like.
"But you don't even know who he is." Dimitri ushered me inside. His face blank, he was clearly still in guardian mode.
"A couple weeks ago Abe finally found something. It was old, well older but it was accurate." All I could do was shake my head.
"Here sit down love, let me get you some water." He returned a few minutes later with a tray full of snack. I reached for an apple and a water, greedily drinking and biting.
"They got a positive ID. Victor is now identified, but he is good at hiding himself. He had a few decoys, and they are almost identical replicas. But the one spotted outside the towns lines was him. Or at least the man who saw him said it was him. I haven't seen a picture yet, but I'm sure Abe will show me soon." He sounded mad about that fact. Again I could not speak.
If this really was Victor then he was close, a lot closer than we would want him. His threat had been an empty one. Or so we had thought. It seemed the man was now ready to take action. And I feared what he was going to do. I still did not know what was in that letter, and now I really did want to know what he had planned. Only thing was I knew Dimitri, nor Abe were going to tell me. It was probably for the best though.
"Roza look at me." I looked up at his eyes. Eyes that were trying to calm me. Eyes so full of love. "We are going to be fine. I love you so much." His hand landed on my stomach and he massaged it softly trying to calm me.
"I love you Dimitri. And I know we will be fine. We have the guardians looking out for us." He smiled at me, a smile so certain. I knew things were going to be hard, but with him and my father by my side I would be safe. I just had to be. And you could bet that if someone tried to take me, or hurt anyone I loved that I would not go down without a fight. I just hoped it would not come down to that.
"I'm going to the cabin with a few other men. We are going to check out the area. After we are done you can come back. I'll call Christian and let him know, ok?" I did not want him to leave me. I had a bad feeling in my gut. I wanted to voice it, but I figured I was being silly. I was just worried because I was worked up.
"Ok, be safe my love." I leaned in and his lips met mine.
"Always am. Now just relax. Abe should be in soon. He wanted to see you." And with that Dimitri left, leaving me alone. Alone with thoughts that both scared and calmed me. Everything would be fine, it just had to be.
Dun dun dun... So any guesses as to what is going to happen? Are they safe? Will all of Abe's efforts be enough? And who is excited about the baby? I know I am! Man I enjoyed writing this chapter... I hope you all enjoyed it too... Again I apologize for the major bitching rant at the beginning but I just had to let it all out! haha well anyways once again I look forward to hearing your responses... Thank you and I hope you are ready for what is to come!