Disclaimer: I do not own VA and thank Richelle Mead for writing such an awesome series.

[UPDATE = Did some additional editing and made some minor changes – you can re-read, but the contents the same]

First of all sorry this update took a while to come – my kiddies have picked up on when I sit down to write and suddenly scream for attention/cuddles the moment the laptop sits on my lap!

It's a bit of a rushed job as I wanted to post it today (even though its 2.30am!) – So if there are any major mistakes in structure/spelling, please excuse (though let me know). I may do another round of proofing tomorrow (if bub lets me).

Thank you to those who review this story – I love reading your comments

And a big thank you to everyone who gave suggestions on desserts – I had fun researching them!

Week 4 of the competition is wrapping up…time to wow the judges.

Week 5 = Mystery ingredient challenge (see AN end of chapter as I don't want to ruin the surprise!)….

Ƙhx ƙhxbkhun (Thai – thank you)

PS. You have all been so patient for some steamy smut so I have included a little something in this chapter to satiate your hunger – hope you like it!
_

Two rival restaurants and chefs – what happens when love joins the menu?

Restaurant Wars

CHAPTER 14

Dimitri POV

"And how is my favourite Russian doing today?"

I kept my eyes closed, as I gritted through the last rep on the bench press before lifting and releasing the weights back in place. Sitting up, I pulled the towel off the bench to wipe my face and neck before turning towards my unwelcome observer.

"What do you want Adrian?"

Adrian smiled at me innocently but he couldn't hide the mischievous glint in those all-knowing eyes. As he stared at me, I was certain he was trying to pick apart the secrets I carried. There was only one big secret I carried at the moment and I had no intention of revealing it to the likes of him.

When he still refused to acknowledge my question, I decided to ignore him and moved to the next machine in my workout routine. I preferred to attend the gym alone as it gave me time to focus on myself and leave my troubles outside. But seeing Adrian here pulled realty into the mix and it was affecting my concentration. The unrelenting man followed me to the lat-pulldown machine and as I adjusted the weights (trying to pretend he wasn't there), he lent against the side watching me with amused interest.

Finding his scrutiny distracting and annoying, I finally acknowledged his presence, folding my arms across my chest and glaring down at him. I was taller and hoped my added height would intimidate him but it only made his grin widen – clearly he found some unknown hilarity with my stance and serious expression.

"If you don't have anything to say, please leave. I prefer to work out alone".

He straightened up and raised his hands in surrender.

"I would never wish to come between a Russian and his workout – I just wanted to say hello and see how you were doing? You know…ask how you are coping with the…competition?"

The way he said 'competition' and watching his grin turn into a sly smirk put me on edge straight away. It didn't feel like we were talking about Restaurant Wars. Was he trying to say he was pursuing Rose as well?

'WAIT! What do you mean 'as well'?' my inner voice screamed, trying to knock some sense into me.

'Nothing can happen between you and Rose…' it scolded me, and I wanted to listen, but my heart whispered sweet possibilities and reminded me of the fantasies that haunted me day and night.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I had forgotten I was sitting on a weight machine in the middle of the gym, until Adrian cleared his throat. Narrowing my gaze at his cocky attitude and secretive smile I was about to put him in his place for annoying me, but he decided he had had his fun and wanted to end whatever the hell 'moment' we were having.

"Looks like you have a lot to think about Belikov – I suggest you take the time to reflect internally so you can decide what exactly you want from this competition…"

Strangely, this time when he said 'competition' it wasn't laden with a challenging note – no, this time, it almost seemed like he was trying to part with some hidden wisdom and before I could ask him what he meant, he had already disappeared.

Frustrated and now completely distracted, I could no longer focus on my workout so decided to call it a night.

But it seemed like today was going to be filled with unwanted drama – first my confusing encounter with Adrian at the gym and then walking into my parent's place to find Sonya attending a family dinner!

It had been a while since we had seen Sonya – think the last time was the day I returned from Russia. She attended the obligatory 'welcome-back' dinner (probably to see if I bought her anything from Russia!) and that was it. Admittedly she was 'busy' running her boutique and coping with her pregnancy (she was coming up to the 5 month mark), but ever since she had been shunned by babushka (for falling pregnant out of wedlock) she preferred to avoid the family. Only person she kept constant contact with was our father (no surprises there!)

So seeing her tonight, lounging in the kitchen while mama bustled about getting dinner ready, completely threw me off. She even acknowledged my presence and was in a cheerfully talkative mood (another rarity for her).

"How are you Mitya? It's been too long! Come, sit with your big sister and tell me what you have been up to?"

I stood there – slightly shell-shocked – not only at her request to spend time with me but the extremely nice way she approached it. Sonya was a carbon copy of our father – cold and calculating and with the added pregnancy hormones, she had been downright grumpy and argumentative last time I had seen her (Karo and Vika had warned me to avoid all eye contact with the 'creature from the hormonal lagoon!').

Shaking myself out of my stupor, I extended a tentative smile at my out-of-character sister.

"Sure thing Sonya – let me grab a quick shower and we can catch up…"

Twenty minutes later, we were conversing like two siblings who have always been close! She told me all about her business, friends and how she was managing the pregnancy (she refused to tell anyone who the father was, though Vika suspected Sonya had been a 'mistress' of a married man). For the kid's sake, I sincerely hoped that wasn't the case – the last thing we needed was another Tasha-like situation.

I don't know how she did it, but suddenly the topic shifted to me – specifically my love life.

"So Mitya you've been awfully quiet in the social front – even Ivan said you haven't gone clubbing with him in a while. Hope you aren't working too hard – a little social interaction is healthy for the soul you know…"

Even though she kept things casual, the sudden spark in her eyes made me squirm. It felt like she was making her way into my soul and I didn't like it one bit. I felt myself becoming more and more suspicious, as she prodded me about my love life – When was the last time I went on a date? What kind of girls do I like? Was there someone who I was interested in at the moment?

Sonya would be the last person I would ever consider to confide in and my current feelings for Rose were extremely private and personal to me – no way would I tell her anything. I wondered why the sudden interest in my personal life and a small voice made me consider the possibility that she could be spying for father – I had noticed him keeping a closer eye on me since my near freak-out moment the day he revealed the side wager with Abe (because I had been worried he had discovered the truth about my feelings for Roza).

I dismissed my suspicions when I saw Sonya lean back and rub her belly, trying to soothe the baby from rolling around in her small stomach. Maybe the pregnancy was making her more emotionally aware and genuinely caring for her family. Feeling slightly guilty for suspecting nefarious reasons behind her interest in my love life, I tried to find a happy medium between a truth and a lie.

"Honestly Sonya I'm just too busy. Father has me spending more and more time at the restaurant since he wants me to take over before the end of the year, plus there is the competition we are currently involved in, which has high stakes for the family and business. I'm just focusing on my career for now – a social life can come later".

Her gaze narrowed in unflinching scrutiny and I fidgeted yet again, sensing her trying to go beyond my words – Surely what I said would be enough to placate her curiosity?

Before she could respond, babushka shuffled into the living room where we were seated and giving Sonya an annoyed look, ordered us both into the kitchen.

"Your mama has been slaving away preparing a special dinner for you, the least you can do is set the table Sonya. And Dimitri, help your pregnant sister – she can only move around so much".

Without waiting to check if we followed her, she returned to the kitchen, probably to take over some of the cooking duties from mama. Looking at each other and shrugging at our babushka's 'unique' nature, we made our way to the kitchen so we could do as instructed – the topic of my love life being put on hold for now.

Truth of the matter was my love life was a complete mess (due to my conflicting feelings) and this became glaringly obvious the day we were back in the studio filming the 'best dessert' episode.

If it wasn't bad enough to see Adrian flirting and getting close to Rose, I now had to contend with yet another male vying for her attention. I recalled Avery mentioning their garde manger, Jessie, would alternate with her and was coming in this week to help Adrian out, since his sous-chef could no longer participate.

Avery had been overtly friendly and normally she would be the type of chick I could get into bed in 10 seconds flat and the old Dimitri would have done just that. But now, I just found her annoying and the only reason I even bothered to converse with her (and flirt back a little) was because I had noticed Rose glaring at us. It didn't take a genius to pick up on the jealousy written clearly on her face (no matter how much she tried to mask it) and I wanted to push her buttons (to what end, I myself wasn't sure). But it worked and by the time Avery had returned to her place next to Adrian, Rose looked like was ready to commit 2 murders, mine and Avery's!

Smirking at the memory, my eyes refocused on Roza and what I found, I was not happy with.

Jessie was practically salivating as his salacious gaze roamed over Rose's body in a manner that made me want to walk over there and rip his head off! Rose was too occupied with her conversation with Adrian to notice the looks she was getting but I could see every lick and arched eyebrow the asshole was giving as he practically eye-fucked her! When he realised that Adrian wasn't going to acknowledge his presence, he practically pushed his boss aside to introduce himself to Rose, even going as far as taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

A loud snap broke my attention and I suddenly noticed the wooden spoon I had been holding was snapped in two. "Der'mo!" I hissed under my breath, trying to find a place to dispose of the broken utensil before my father returned and started asking questions. When I was finally able to look back at Rose and Jessie, my blood boiled in my veins! They stood too close to each other, almost leaning against one another. Rose occasionally brushed her hand down his arm and would flick her hair when she chuckled at something he said. I had been on the receiving end of enough flirtatious behaviour to identify it a mile away. Though they were too far for me to pick up on their conversation or subtle facial expressions, there was something about the way Rose held herself that made it appear that she wasn't completely into the flirting she was undertaking. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking on my behalf…

The bastard then had the audacity to reach out and place one of her loose curls behind her ear, giving him ample opportunity to brush his fingers against her cheek. I clenched my fists tightly, trying to reign in my rage because the last thing I wanted to do was get caught snapping the assholes wrists. Rose's demeanour instantly shifted and she pulled away, straightening and distancing herself from Jessie. I wasn't sure if it was his gesture or the fact her father was making his way back to their workstation that caused the change, but I was glad it happened. I wasn't sure how long I could have controlled my anger.

Why did I care?

I asked myself for the millionth time and just as I pulled my gaze away from them (after witnessing Jessie whispering something quickly to Rose before returning to his own workstation) I found my barely contained emotions had had an audience. Adrian must have been studying me the entire time I had been looking at the 'couple', and the sly, knowing smirk on his face told me that he had seen enough of my reaction to warrant another heart to heart with the 'pretty-boy chef'.

Luckily, father was back and I was able to return my focus to the competition. Things progressed as normal and it wasn't long before Galina was letting everyone know the final 'best desserts' that were being made today.

Indian – Double ka meeta (Fried bread pudding)

Thai – Thai coconut black rice pudding

Japanese – Green tea cheesecake

French – Profiteroles

Spanish – Churros

Turkish – Tulumbi

Italian – Tiramasu

Russian – Trio of desserts (Lebedushka, Syrniky and Blini with jam and cream)

Father decided to be daring this week, and wanted us to really wow the judges with not one but three desserts – this could either work in our favour or fall apart on us. He divided them up, so he would make the Lebedushka and I would do the Syrniky. Then we would split the Blini so he would prep and make the crepes while I managed the jam and cream.

I was busy getting the dough ready for the Syrniky when my eyes caught sight of Rose and my mouth almost fell open in surprise.

She looked completely engrossed in her task – which was to make the syrup that goes with her dish. As she stirred to cool it down, she kept dipping her finger and tasting the concoction and the way she looked licking/sucking her finger was making my blood rush to my lower extremities. A few strands of her gorgeous, wavy hair had become loose and framed her flustered face perfectly – reminding me of the night I first met her, my angelic vixen!

I was not close enough to hear her, but I could imagine every time she tasted the syrup a small moan would escape those luscious lips and if the blissed-out look said anything it was that she was enjoying the syrup way too much!

I could think of a few things I would do to her that would elicit a similar response…

"DIMITRI!"

The loud booming voice of my father finally broke my trance and that's when I noticed the smoke coming from the oil I was heating to fry the Syrniky. Muttering curses under my breath, I rushed to remove the pan from the stove and prayed the cameras hadn't captured my stupidity. I tried to avoid my father's glare and pretended I hadn't almost caused a fire. As I returned to my task, I hoped he would (for the time being) avoid causing a scene.

So much for wishful thinking!

I felt him move close and his hand grabbed my right elbow tightly, as he leaned in to hiss out in our native tongue.

"What the hell is the matter with you!? You almost cost us the damn competition. I don't know where your heads at, but I need you to focus on the fucking competition!"

I clenched my jaw as I fought back a 'fuck off' response – my go-to internal reply when he directed his anger at me. I would never say it to his face but God did I wish I had the balls to sometimes.

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry sir" I replied back in the same tongue.

And that was another annoying thing. Father insisted – didn't matter the setting – that when you cooked beside the man, you could only refer to him as 'sir' and not by any other title – regardless of your relationship to him. Even his sister and her husband (who worked at the restaurant) called him sir!

Placated for now, he returned to his own task, but I could feel the tense atmosphere hang over our workstation and I was certain he was keeping a close eye on me for the reminder of the cooking time. I felt another pair of eyes gazing my way and after almost 15 minutes of trying to ignore them, I couldn't help but briefly flick my own in their direction, locking briefly with those dark, mesmerising eyes.

Noticing me catching her in the act, Rose quickly looked away, a light blush darkening her cheeks. Not wanting to risk another incident, I returned my attention to what I was doing and tried to ignore Rose.

As the obligatory 'judging' segment commenced, I felt my father make his way over to me (after having inspected the completed dishes for the fifth time).

"I want you to take in the dishes this week. I think its high time you step-up and play a more prominent role. After what you did today, I think you need this wake-up call to realise this isn't a game!" he snapped in Russian trying to keep his features neutral, but I could see the angry vein pulsing in the side of his temple.

My shoulders tensed in frustration – one little slip up and it's the fucking end of the world! Nobody is fucking perfect – people make mistakes! But trying telling that to Victor Belikov! I honestly don't know how my sisters and I survived his fanatic upbringing. I think if it wasn't for mama and babushka none of us would have stuck around the man for long once we were old enough to move out.

Knowing I would need to acknowledge his words in some manner (he hated silent acceptance), I gave him a curt nod, not trusting my own voice from revealing how I truly felt about him at this very moment.

I had no qualms taking in the dishes to the judges – in fact, a part of me was nervously excited, because I wanted my chance to present the food. Contrary to my father's constant belittling, I was not ashamed of my work. I know how to cook and I'm damn good at it. No, my anger and resentment was solely on the man himself and his harsh 'parenting' method by turning something positive into a sadistic lesson.

There is no way I would do this to my kids. I'd try and be a better father. I would never talk down to them and I would make sure they always knew how much I loved them…

I don't often think about the future (preferring to live in the moment) but my sudden reflection on fatherhood made me think of kids and just like that I could imagine a beautiful little girl who would have my chocolate coloured eyes and dark, thick brown hair like her mother's. And the only woman who I could envision in that role was Roza. Just thinking about her made me unconsciously seek her out and when I looked up, I was met with eyes that watched me intensely.

Realising she had seen the entire encounter with father, I became anxious – half embarrassed, half worried on her reaction. But all I saw was sincere support and understanding. She didn't give me a pitying look, as I could guess she herself wouldn't have wanted one if in my situation. There was also a hard glint in her eyes, as she glanced briefly at my father, clearly wanting to harm him in some way. When her eyes returned to me, her features softened further and I could have sworn I saw longing in those eyes – like she wanted to run across the studio and take me into my arms.

Locked in our intense, silent communication, I failed to notice the production manager's presence as she came to let me know I was next to take in the dessert to the judges. She had to tap my shoulder to bring me back to my surroundings and I was thankful that father had not been nearby to witness yet another embarrassing blunder from me. Thanking her for the heads-up, I turned away, breaking the connection from Rose and her beautiful eyes. Taking the time to compose myself and making sure the dishes were perfectly plated for presentation, I waited for the signal to make my way over to the Judge's table.

Walking in, with my head held high to exude confidence, I pushed the tray before the judges and Galina. Noting the lustful looks from Galina, Ellen and even Robert, I had to school my features to keep them friendly and not show the disgust I felt – the latter two being old enough to be my parents!

I wasn't ignorant of the way women swooned over me (it was one of the reasons why I never lacked in the 'pussy' department, so to speak). But ever since Rose, I found any kind of sexual attention (that wasn't from Rose) uncomfortable and annoying – like they were keeping me away from the person I was meant to be with.

Pushing thoughts of Rose and our doomed love to the side, I attempted to charm the little audience before me. Playing to my strengths and the ability to read people, I was flirtatious with some and professionally subdued with the others. Letting them enjoy the dessert in silence, I stood back with an impassive expression, hiding the nerves I was feeling.

After conferring with each other, Ellen (the judge they elected to provide me with the feedback) turned to me, trying to look seductive with what she probably thought was an alluring smile but to me looked creepy.

"It was risky cooking not one but three desserts – you could have disappointed us three times. But in this case, your risk paid off – you satisfied us, not once but thrice..."

Pausing for effect, I could easily pick up the double meaning of the word 'satisfied' and trying hard not to gag, I just returned her smile with a small, polite one of my own. I wasn't the only one to pick up the double entendre and Hans cleared his throat loudly, alerting Ellen with his eyes that she needed to mind what she said and keep things professional – after all the cameras were still rolling.

Clearing her own throat to gain some composure, she returned her focus back to me to finish her critique.

"Overall, the dishes were great – you gave us three different, unique things to try. The only negative thing we have to say is that three dishes, in this category, may have been one too many – it felt like a sugar overload! Since we have to try everyone else's desserts, we are already overflowing in all things sweet, so not sure if it was a good idea to pull a 'medley' in this category – may have been better in the 'best entrée' instead, but like I said, a minor issue and not one that diminishes your talents in any manner".

There it was again and this time her hungry gaze roamed over my body. I was more than glad when Hans stepped in to thank and dismiss me. I really didn't want to stand there and have Ellen Kirova eye-fucking me, while she licked her lips and fingers suggestively.

When the time came for the 'reveal' everyone made their way to our usual space. I noticed how Rose seemed to avoid Jessie, making sure she didn't leave her father's side. I was beyond ecstatic to see the frustrated look on Jessie's face when he realised he wouldn't be able to stand close to Rose – he had enough sense to fear Abe Mazur!

Once everyone was assembled, Galina kicked things off before letting the judges do their bit. After the usual condensed feedback was given and the restaurants were told, one by one, who made it through, it was down to the final two – Spaniards and Thai. After the long, drawn out process of making the final two 'sweat it out', while wondering whether they were being sent home, the final verdict was given (after a dramatic pause).

The Spaniards were being sent home. Galina giving them looks of empathy, turned back to face the camera to sign-off.

"So we say adios to the wonderful chefs from Tres Amigos – you guys did a stellar job to last this long, you should be proud! Now next week's challenge will be an interesting one – it's called the 'Mystery Ingredient' and our chefs will be told on the day what the ingredient is and they have to think up and make the dish on the spot – so they don't get the usual week to prepare! It's going to be a nail-biting episode, so make sure you tune in and watch our chefs battle it out on another exciting episode of Restaurant Wars!"

Once the cut was yelled, the production manager loudly whistled to gain our attention, since countless murmurs and chatter had erupted in response to next week's challenge.

"It's true you won't be told today what the mystery ingredient is, but someone will be in touch the day before filming to advise you on the ingredient. Naturally we want you to act surprised when it's revealed on the episode, but we wanted to give you the opportunity to plan some of it out, hence letting you know before the filming. If you have any questions, please come and see me".

And with that she was gone. Father wasn't too pleased with this turn of events, and still feeling out of sorts from my earlier mistake, he gave me a hard look before throwing me the keys to the van.

"I will get a cab home. I want you to close up the restaurant and when I say close up, I mean I want you to clean and pack everything away – by yourself, so send everyone else home. Hopefully the time alone as you tidy the place will centre your focus".

Before I could respond he had already turned and left. And to my increased frustration, I noted that both Rose and Jessie were no longer at the studio. I really hoped they hadn't left together.

Glad we had already packed, I took the van straight to the restaurant – using the time to calm myself down (no point snapping at our staff because I was angry with my father). Clearly I was being punished for almost costing us the competition with the over-heated oil, even though ironically it was father's suggestion of the medley that had earned us some criticism. I had told him, word for word, the comments given and he just brushed them off. Naturally he could do no wrong – no, that was something only his kids were capable of!

Thankfully the last of the customers had already left and since it had been a slow night, I didn't feel too bad sending the staff home early so I could begin the long process of cleaning up by myself.

I was sweeping up the floors when my eyes noticed the flash of lights coming from across the street. Wondering what was going on, I moved to the windows. Having the lights off in the main restaurant area meant I was hidden in the darkness, allowing me to observe without being noticed. What I saw before me was going to haunt my dreams from this day forward and mark my soul forever.

The Mazur's restaurant looked like it was closed for a private function and the flashing lights were coming from inside. Loud, exotic music thumped through the building and I could see a whole bunch of people mingling and dancing, but what had captured my attention was Roza. She was swaying and dancing to the music, lost in her own world. I watched, my mouth open and my pants tightening, feeling like a pervert (but I couldn't walk away).

There seemed to be some kind of brief respite and people cleared the area. Wondering if the party was ending, I was about to move away from the window (and go take care of the bulging problem down below) when what little lighting they had was turned off along with the music. A spotlight appeared in the centre of the room and my breath got caught in my throat. Roza stood in the centre and she was dressed in some kind of 'Arabian-night' costume, frozen with her arms extended above her head. The music started up again, but this time it was slow and sensual, setting the pace for her moves. Gradually coming to life, Roza moved out of her position and began to dance. As the tempo picked up, so did her movements, until her hips and belly were convulsing in a dangerously tantalising way.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I moved closer to the windows, praying no one from the outside could see me gawking at this exotic temptress. Adjusting the erection that was begging to be relieved, I continued to watch, mesmerised by the beauty before me. Her dance wasn't overtly sexual (after all she was dancing in front of family and friends) but in my mind her dance took a whole other meaning. I imagined it was me she was dancing for. I could see her taking off one of the scarves (wrapped around her wrists) and use it to tease and taunt me. In my fantasy, she would let out her gorgeous hair (currently set in a high ponytail) and her curls would sway and wave with the rest of her body, calling me to caress them like the way I wanted to caress the rest of her body.

I could feel my arousal reaching a painful point when the music picked up its pace and so had Roza's belly dancing. Her hips and perfect ass wiggled and shook so fast they almost appeared like a streaking blur – the glittering belt she wore, adorned with shiny bells and buttons blinding in the lone light. As I gazed at her face, that appeared tranced in some deep moment, I wondered what she was thinking as she danced.

Was she thinking about her next move or…could she be thinking about me?

As if somehow reading my mind from across the street, her eyes flew open and her dark gaze locked directly with mine.

I gasped and took a step back – both embarrassed and shocked at being caught. Surely she couldn't see me watching her… could she?

Whether she saw me or not, it didn't matter. Her gaze remained transfixed in my exact location and just like that she was dancing for me. Licking my dry lips and adjusting myself yet again, I felt like a teenage boy watching something forbidden and naughty. Her moves became more daring and enthralling, making me wonder yet again if she really could see me because some of the steps she was doing weren't PG, nor appropriate for her actual audience.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and she finished in a complicated flourish that showcased her flexibility. A thundering round of applause rang from the restaurant, snapping us both out of our mystical trance. Roza looked bewildered at her surroundings – whether it was due to the reaction she received from her audience or the realisation that she had been dancing a little too risqué in front of family and friends, I don't know. But nonetheless, she gracefully bowed and quickly left, looking slightly flustered and breathless – something I myself was experiencing even though I hadn't been the one who was dancing.

Finally moving away from the window, I leant against the wall, trying to make sense of the deluge of emotions that now engulfed me. I closed my eyes, hoping to gain composure but instead it was my undoing. My imagination took what I saw and transformed it into one hell of a fantasy.

In my mind, after the dance ended Roza hadn't walked away to get changed. In my world she started undressing before me, taking off one piece at a time. The exotic dance turned into a strip tease and because we were in my world, all bets were off.

While I watched Roza slowly become naked, I looked down at myself and noticed I was wearing nothing but silk boxers (that was sporting a large tent). Glad for the freedom, I let my right hand make its way under the silk confines to handle the hard, pulsating cock that was throbbing for some attention. Moving languidly up and down, I kept my eyes on Roza as she occasionally fondled and touched herself, making it appear like it was part of a new dance. Once completely naked, one hand moved to a breast which she groped and massaged, while the other fluttered down below and started stroking her lower lips…

It didn't take long for me to come – I had been hard since the start of her dancing, but my body wanted more. The release only gave me a brief sense of bliss but I wasn't satisfied. I wanted to hold the goddess before me, shower her with so much love and devotion that the only thought she would have would be of me… the only name she would ever utter my own.

A loud horn blaring in the distance shattered my fantasy and crashed me back to reality. I was embarrassed to note the wetness in my pants – I had never come like this and I was both intrigued and disgusted with my body. Disgusted for the lack of self-control but intrigued because I had come in my pants without even touching my cock – I didn't even know it was possible to come without physical stimulation!

Realising I needed a shower, I quickly finished the rest of the closing up process and headed home. Riding on my bike, I allowed my mind to briefly sort through the myriad of thoughts that were rushing through it. By the time I had reached my apartment, I had finally made a pivotal decision.

The next time I saw Roza, I was going to tell her the truth about my feelings.

And I prayed she felt the same way.

Google translate

Der'mo! = Shit! (Russian)

Phew! That was an intense chapter – what did you think?

Do you think Dimitri will confess his real feelings next time he sees Rose or will he chicken out?

And what's going to happen with Jessie in the mix?

Oh and in case you were wondering – no, Adrian will not cheat on Sydney. His play on making Dimitri jealous is to be helpful, not hurtful. He sees Rose and Dimitri struggling to come to terms with their feelings and has taken it upon himself to give them a 'push' in the right direction.

So the mystery ingredient is EGG – hopefully there are some good egg dishes to be found in the remaining cuisines.

LITTLE HELP

What do you think would be considered as a 'good egg dish' for the following cuisine types?

Turkish

Italian

Russian

Indian

Thai

Japanese

French

Answer via review or PM me… :P