Authors note: FLUFF ALERT! This story is going to have a lot of romance in it. I'll add some drama into it...but it's not going to be for awhile. So if you don't like fluff, then I suggest that you don't read this story.

WOW! Thank you all so much for your wonderful response! I'm having so much fun writing this story.

-Breanna

Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, profit from this story and all creative rights to the characters belong to Richelle Mead.

The original content, ideas and intellectual property of this story are owned by Ms. Belikov. Please do not copy, reproduce, or translate without express written permission.

When I got to work the next day, I was surprised when my friend and Classic Chubby Burgers bartender, Sarah, handed me a vase full of red roses. "For you, my dear."

"What the hell are these?"

"Roses, duh." She was busy pouring two Gin and Tonics.

"Who brought them here?"

"Sex on legs." she wiggled her eyebrows.

I narrowed my eyes. "Explain. What did he look like?"

"Tall. Longer hair. Dark eyes, with an orgasmic accent I couldn't place—"

"Yep, I know who you're talking about." I cut her off.

"Read the card. Read the card." Sarah excitedly clapped her hands.

I rolled my eyes before reading it.

A dozen red roses for my beautiful Rose. You looked breathtaking last night.

Truly yours,

D. Belikov

I bit my lip, staring at his impeccable writing for one more moment. A blush crept up to my cheeks. I smiled and smelled the roses, unable to help myself.

God, he really knew how to sweep a woman off her feet. And he didn't even need his money or good looks to do so. He was simply that charming.

The smart part of my brain was telling me to throw the roses and note away, to be smart and not get emotionally involved with Dimitri again, but at the last moment, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I slipped the note into my back pocket…just in case I wanted to read it again later.

The following two weeks went much the same way. I never saw or heard from Dimitri, but I'd get a new vase of roses everyday. Each bunch of roses was a different color…white, blue, pink, lavender, yellow.

The roses were beautiful and smelled wonderful, but the notes were my favorite part. They each said something sweet and short from our past. It was heartbreaking and exhilarating reading them. It was worth the pain, though. It was worth it to reminisce on our once fiery and passionate love for one another.

I felt like I was living in the past. At night before I went to bed, I'd lay wide awake under the covers, imagining the way it used to feel with his huge arms wrapped around me protectively…keeping me safe from all harm.

I sighed dreamily when I read the note. It was another part from our past, something that was sentimental and extremely important to me…and to him, obviously, because he remembered it.

In perfect cursive writing, the note read:

'Do you think I'm pretty?' you had asked.

'I think you're beautiful.' Beautiful didn't even begin to cover it, I thought.

'Beautiful?' you bit your lip, gazing down at the ground, as if you didn't believe me. As if you honestly didn't think you were as breathtaking as you truly were.

You were so wrong.

'You are you so beautiful, it hurts me sometimes.' And then I kissed your lips.

I can still remember just the way you taste.

Love,

D. Belikov

I touched my burning mouth. I could still remember just the way he tasted, too. Sweet…like apples and cinnamon. And it was a painful memory…one I wanted to experience again.

I shook my head.

No. I couldn't let him get to me like this. I couldn't be vulnerable again. I couldn't give him the power to destroy me again.

Because if I did give him another chance, what if he packed up his bags and left again?

I don't think my heart could survive that. Hell, I don't think I could survive that.

"Get to work, cupcake!" My boss, Stan, said in his signature annoying, high-pitched voice. "Work doesn't get done by standing around." he clapped his hands together.

I swear that guy was just too damn happy all the time. I guess that's why we butted heads a lot. But for the most part, I respected him. He worked hard at his job and was efficient as hell.

"Fine, fine." I grumbled, handing Sarah my vase of daily roses.

She smiled and set them behind the bars counter, that way they were safe and out of the way of customers until I could pick them up after work and take them home.

On impulse, I leaned over the counter and picked up a single rose. I broke off the stem and tucked the rose into the breast pocket of my shirt, allowing it to peak out.

"Oh and one more thing, sugarplum," Stand said, holding up a pair of roller skates by their strings. "We've had a change in uniform."

My jaw hit the floor. "Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" My boss placed his hands on his hips. "I personally love them."

Stan then proceeded to show me just how much he loved them by giving me a little show. He rollerbladed around for a moment and did several quick spins, ending with a dramatic pose of his arms pointed towards the ceiling.

"But!" I protested in a real whiney voice. "I've never skated before. I'm going to end up breaking my neck!"

He tossed me the four-wheel, pink rollerskates with rhinestones on them.

"Breaking necks? Breaking necks?" Stan scoffed. "More like breaking hearts! Just imagine how delightful you'll look with those mile long legs in skates. I'm jealous!"

Stan seemed to be having too much fun with our new uniform edition as he slid all over the restaurant like an ice-skater on crack. "It's all about the 'tude, Rose. You've got to work it!"

I laughed and very reluctantly shoved my feet into the rollerskates. "Is everyone else doing this too? Or are we the only one making fools out of ourselves?"

He disappointingly shook his finger in my face, most likely at my choice of words. "Nope. All my waitresses and waiters are. And they love it just as much as I do. Right Shelby?"

Shelby happened to be gracefully skating by with a tray full of burgers. "Right, boss! Lovin' it."

"That's the spirit."

Stan paused as he pressed his palms together and sighed dreamily. "These skates gave Classic Chubby Burgers a real kick in the behind, don't you think? My restaurant is finally looking classy again."

Stan smiled like a proud parent as he started to skate backwards towards the kitchen. "Get to work, sugarcane! There's a man in the back booths who has requested you—and only you—to serve him tonight."

"Shit." I muttered under my breath. "I think I have an idea who you're talking about."

"That Russian man?"

I grimaced. "Yep."

Stan chortled. "He's a real heartthrob, ain't he?"

I nodded. There was no need to lie…Dimitri was sex on legs. I couldn't deny that. It was fact.

"Too bad he's straight, though." Stand said.

I slapped a palm to my forehead. "Do not tell me you asked him for his number!"

My boss grinned like the Cheshire cat. "I did! But he politely turned me down." Stan frowned, pressing his hands over his heart.

I outright laughed, something I had not done in a very long time…and it felt great, like a breath of fresh air.

"Get that rump to work, now!"

And then my boss disappeared behind the kitchen doors, singing the theme song of the 1980's Nair commercial. "Who wears short shorts? I wear short shorts!"

It was extremely difficult not to get in a good mood when you were in his presence.

Just like Stan had said, I found Dimitri in one of the back booths—a more private and quiet area, cut off from the rest of the busy restaurant.

Of course he'd choose this spot.

He wanted to get me alone.

Damn him.

My roller blades slowed down as my eyes took control and checked Dimitri out. I mean really, really checked him out…

His shoulder-length brown hair was worn loose today, framing his face. My fingers ached to run through all that silkiness. My Russian God was gnawing on his bottom lip as he studied the menu, those bottomless eyes trained and focused.

Dimitri was wearing dark jeans and a fitting black V neck, revealing the top of his perfectly tanned chest…

My mouth dried up. I couldn't swallow.

Those long, lean legs of his were shoved under the table at a strange angle…almost like they were too lengthy to fit under the cramped booth.

A glass of lemon water was on the table. Dimitri picked it up and brought it to his mouth. I watched his lips wrap around the edge, his Adams apple moving as he drank.

When he pulled back and licked his lips, my thoughts went beyond R-rated…

"Well, are you going to take my order or stand there all day staring at me?" Dimitri spoke without ever taking his eyes off the menu.

Shit! He'd known I was there the whole time. I should have known better.

I stood there for a moment longer before regaining my composure—and some of my attitude.

Dimitri looked at the rose in my shirt with a satisfied smirk, but he didn't comment on it.

"What are you doing here?" I put my hand on my hip. Dimitri's eyes followed that movement, he hungrily licked his lips.

I gulped and suddenly broke out in a sweat.

God, the things this man did to me…

I fanned my face with my notepad.

"I came here to eat, of course." Dimitri set the menu down, brought his hands together, and stared at me with those hypnotizing brown eyes. They were so intense that I glanced at the ground to avoid his gaze.

"You're wasting your time. Classic Chubby Burgers doesn't serve Borscht. Or any other Russian food, for that matter. "

He rolled his eyes. "It's good to know some things never changed about you, Roza."

"Rose. My name is Rose." I corrected. "And in case you didn't know, stalking isn't really a big turn on for girls. You can leave me alone now."

"You think I came here to see you?" He cocked an eyebrow, his voice mocking. "Believe it or not, Rose, other things exist in this world beside you."

"Like internships in Russia?" I retorted.

Dimitri growled lightly. "You keep implying that I am the one who left you, that I am the one who broke your heart. When our situation is the complete opposite. You. left. me."

I slammed my palms down on the table, causing everything to rattle. I met his eyes and didn't look away. "You chose an internship over me. A damn internship!"

He suddenly stood up, causing our chests to bump together.

At six-foot-seven, Dimitri towered over me as he stared down at me with hard brown eyes.

"I didn't leave you. I only left America because I wanted to provide a better life for us. I loved you, dammit. I loved you with everything in me." Dimitri got closer and closer to me with each word he spoke, causing me to back up until I hit another table. "And you left me. You left me because you didn't love me the same way I did you."

I gasped and shoved his chest. "How dare you say that! You have no idea how I felt."

"You weren't courageous and strong enough to tough it out. I know that much. So what if we had to spend a year apart? Sure it was hard for me…but if it meant I could provide a better life for you, that I could give you everything you ever needed and wanted…then I'd do it all over again."

"I didn't want money! I wanted you, Dimitri. I wanted you."

"I wanted to make you happy."

"You did make me happy…I was the happiest person back then." Without thinking about the consequences of my actions, I pressed my hand to his smooth cheek. Dimitri leaned into my palm, savoring the touch. "You made me feel like the only girl in the world."

He closed his eyes. "You have no idea how much I've missed you."

I let myself indulge for a minute, not caring how much it would hurt me later to pull away from him again…completely. I just enjoyed this moment of pure heaven.

I gazed into Dimitri's dark eyes as I ran my fingertips down his cheek, along his jaw, and tucked a lock of silky hair behind his ear.

His gaze flickered from my eyes to my lips. I could tell from his possessive and hungry expression that he wanted so much more…

"Can I kiss you?" Dimitri asked.

I gulped and bobbed my head up and down like an idiot. "Please." I whispered, breathless.

He wrapped his strong arms around me and pressed his body hard against my own. It was pure bliss and desire. Dimitri leaned down slowly, allowing his warm and sweet breath to tickle my face. I closed my eyes when his lips met mine, we both moaned in unison at the contact.

Dimitri's lips were as soft, warm, and sweet as I had remembered. Our mouths mingled together, our tongues moved in a slow and erotic dance, getting acquainted with one another. My mouth ached and I tried to put out that burning need with Dimitri's lips. But it didn't work. I could kiss him forever and it still wouldn't be enough, because I had been starved of him for so long…for six whole years.

God, he tasted so wonderful…and so familiar. He tasted like home.

"Oh, Roza."

His deep voice was like ice-cold water being dumped on my head.

I ripped my lips away from his and shoved him back.

Our breathing was heavy as I pointed a warning finger at him. "Don't ever do that again."

"Don't kiss me back then." Dimitri growled.

Staring at his red and swollen lips wasn't helping me think straight, and neither would staring at those lust-filled eyes, so I opted to stare at his nose instead. "I-I-I—"

"You enjoyed it."

That spiked my anger. I jabbed my finger in his face. "You're so full of yourself. You know that, right? You think just because you're some fancy billionaire that you can push me around and make me do whatever you want. Well listen here, you arrogant bastard, it's not working!"

"I can still see that you bitch just as much as you did when we were together." Dimitri snatched up his jacket.

I felt something touch my chest, right over my heart. His fingertip. "And I want to make this clear," He leaned down to whisper in my ear. "I didn't push you around. You came to me willingly. You begged for it. You want me so badly you can't even think straight. You're unable to get your feelings for me under control…and I think a small part of you doesn't want them to go away."

Dimitri gently kissed my ear. I closed my eyes and tried to control my breathing. "I've always known you better than you've know yourself. Remember that, Roza."

And then he walked out.

It had been a month since that day in the restaurant. I hadn't seen or heard from Dimitri at all. Even the roses and sweet love notes stopped coming. And I had to admit—no matter how much I hated to—that I actually missed getting attention from him. I missed Dimitri.

I figured he'd gone back to Russia…or some other country. After all, he was a billionaire that flew all over the world for his business so it shouldn't have been a surprise. But it was still like a knife to my heart. It felt like he'd left me again…

It was now June in Montana and the weather was wonderful, not too hot, but not too cold either. I loved it. It was perfect for wearing my favorite shorts and flip-flops.

Today I chose to wear a casual blue tank-top and white shorts. I was picking Uncle Victor up from the hospital after his surgery so I wanted to wear something that was cute, something that would make him extra happy to see his niece.

I checked to make sure my necklace was hooked around my neck. It was a simple gold chain with two pendants on it, a rose and a cowboy hat. Dimitri had given it to me when we first started dating years back, and I hadn't taken it off since. I guess it was just sentimental value. It meant a lot to me, and I couldn't stand the thought of parting with it.

After brushing the tangles out of my hair and applying some lip gloss, I grabbed my keys, locked the door to my apartment, and headed off to the bus stop.

It took thirty minutes to get there. When I stepped inside the hospital and felt the cool air blast my hair back, I was relieved. This was so much better than being in that cramped and sweaty bus.

"How may I help you?" The nurse behind the counter smiled sweetly at me.

"Hi, yes. I'm here to see my Uncle. He just got out of surgery."

"Name, please."

"Victor Dashkov."

She typed some information into the computer, and then peered at me with bright green eyes. "Are you a relative, honey?"

I nodded. "Niece. My name is Rose Hathaway."

"Ah, yes. He's been waiting for you." I smiled at that. "He's in room 256 on the fourth floor."

I nodded. "Thank you."

I went up the elevator and found his room with ease. I'd been to the recovery center many times before.

I knocked on the door even though it was already open. "Hey, Uncle Victor. It's me."

"Come in, dear."

Uncle Victor's bed was half propped up so it put him into a sitting position. He was wearing the ordinary boring hospital gown and had about a million IV's on every inch of his arms and hands.

He smiled at me. "I've been waiting patiently to see you, Rosemarie."

I smiled back, unable to help myself. "How are you feeling, Uncle Victor? You look a lot better."

It was true. He'd gained about fifteen pounds in the past few weeks, which according to the doctor, was miraculous.

"Thank you, dear. I feel so much better." I could tell he meant that because he leaned forward, grabbed the slice of pizza on his tray, and took a big bite. A moment later, he swallowed a sip of his orange juice. "The surgery went well. I feel young, like I'm sixteen again."

A few tears slipped out of my eyes, a sob escaped my lips before I could stop it.

Uncle Victor noticed and immediately became concerned. "What is wrong, dear? Are you hurt?"

I shook my head and laughed. "No. It's just so good to see you have your appetite back. You look so good. I'm so happy."

He opened his arms. I ran into his embrace.

When we pulled back from our fierce hug, we both had tears streaming down our faces. He placed a kiss to my forehead. "I love you, Rosemarie. You know that, right? I love you so much. You are like a daughter to me."

I nodded and wiped my nose in a very unladylike manner. "I know. I love you too, Uncle Victor."

"It's beautiful out today, isn't it?" He gazed out the open window.

I turned around. The sun spilled through the entire room, giving it a golden glow. "Yeah, it is."

"I haven't been outside in so long." Uncle Victor smiled wistfully. "I think it's a perfect day to take a walk…"

"I think you're right."

He beamed at me, and he suddenly looked very young, like a child excited to go get ice cream. "Really? You'll take a walk with me?"

"Under one condition…"

"And what is that?"

"I get that fudge brownie." I pointed at his tray.

He glanced down and laughed before picking up the wrapper and tossing it to me. "Have at it. Now, let's get out of here."

I'd just gotten out of the shower when I heard the doorbell.

"Got it, Uncle Victor!" I wrapped the black robe around my body, slipped on my bunny slippers, and ran out the bathroom.

Uncle Victor was on the couch, watching the news, and sipping on his black tea. I just stood there for a moment, staring at him. I still couldn't believe how good he looked.

"I'm glad you're getting the door, because I sure wasn't going to. Die hard is on HBO next. I'm not moving from this spot." he paused, and then said his favorite line from the movie. "Yippie-Ki-Yay motherfucker!"

"Uncle Victor!" I scolded, stifling my laugh.

"I'm sorry, dear. I cannot help it." he smiled. "I just feel so good!"

The doorbell rang again.

"Coming!" I ran over and flung the door open.

Only to immediately close it again, but a pair of shiny, designer dress shoes stopped me.

"I don't mean to disappoint you. Were you expecting someone else?" Dimitri smiled.

"Yeah. A hot date."

His gaze traveled up and down my body, stopping at my bunny slippers. He arched a brow. "Wearing that?"

"Did you come here to insult me?"

"I came here to talk."

"I don't want to talk."

"Rose," Dimitri sighed in exasperation. "Please. You owe me this much."

"I don't owe you shit."

"I just want to talk to you. Friend to friend. I will leave when you ask me to. Just please…hear me out first."

His brown eyes were so sincere and gentle, that I cracked right on the spot. "Just a talk?"

"Just a talk."

"And you'll leave if I feel uncomfortable?"

"I'll leave the instant you ask me to."

"Fine." I let out a long, dramatic sigh. "Come in."

I let go of the door.

Dimitri stepped inside and looked around the living room. He tried hard to hide the look of distaste from his face, but failed miserably.

In that impeccable black Armani suit, I couldn't believe how out of place he looked in my small apartment.

"So..." I said. "This is mi casa."

"I can see that."

"Please don't give me that look of pity. I'm poor. Not homeless."

He nodded hastily as his eyes fell upon Uncle Victor sitting on the couch, who was now very engrossed in the movie Die Hard. Apparently, he hadn't even noticed us come in.

"This is Uncle Victor." I patted his shoulder. "Uncle Victor, this is Dimitri Belikov."

"It's very nice to meet you, sir." Dimitri said, going to shake his hand.

"Uh huh." Uncle Victor's lips were parted, he never took his eyes from the screen.

I chuckled and cast Dimitri a glance. "He's sort of…into the movie right now. I don't think you'll be able to get a word out of him."

The Russian God stared at the TV. "I can understand. It's a good movie, one of my favorites."

"You mean to tell me that you like other movies besides John Wayne?"

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, I do. But I prefer John Wayne movies because they remind me of the times you and I used to watch them after we made love—"

"Do you want to leave?"

"No. I'm sorry…I just get carried away with memories." Dimitri took a deep breath. "I promise not to talk about our past anymore."

"Good. Now come on." I went into my bedroom. He was hot on my trail.

I closed the door.

"This is your bedroom?" he asked.

"Duh."

Dimitri did a little survey of my room. He ran his hand along the red comforter of my bed. "I can't believe you still have this."

I couldn't help but smile. "That blanket has been loyal to me for twelve years."

He wandered over to my dresser and looked at the photo frames on top. There was one of me and Uncle Victor, one of Lissa and Christian, one of Adrian alone, and…

"You still have this one of us?" Dimitri asked, picking it up and studying it.

I shrugged. "It's hard to part with."

"This is my favorite photo of you and me."

It was my favorite, too. Lissa had taken it when Dimitri and I had been dating a little over a year. The picture was of Dimitri giving me a piggy back ride in the park. I had my arms wrapped around his neck, laughing, while Dimitri was smiling and staring up at me. It was the perfect picture of sincere happiness and love.

Look where we are now.

Wow, we'd come along way…I thought, sarcastically.

I plopped down on my bed and sprawled my legs out. Apparently Dimitri was done investigating my room because he came and sat down next to me.

"So what did you want to talk about?" I asked. "Can we get this over with quickly? I'm tired and I have to get up early for work."

"As you wish, Roza." Dimitri said. "I need you to keep an open mind here. This may come as a shock to you."

"You're gay?...Because I'm sorry to break it to you, Dimitri, but that wouldn't be very shocking."

"Rose." he warned, narrowing his eyes.

"Fine, fine. I'll be serious and listen." I locked my mouth and pretended to throw the zipper away.

"And keep an open mind?"

I slowly nodded.

"I want you to move into my mansion and be my housekeeper."

"WHATTTT?" I rocket launched out of bed and stared at him.

"See…I knew you would react like this. That's why I asked you to keep an open mind."

"You bet your ass I'd react like this. I'm not going to be your maid! Who the hell do you think I am?"

"You didn't let me finish with my…offer."

I put my hand on my hip. "Please, finish. I am dying to hear your offer." Sarcasm dripped from my words.

"I want you to move out of your apartment," he made a sweeping gesture. "And come live with me in my home. I will give you everything you need—food, a new car, money. All I ask of you is to help me around the house a bit."

"I have to take care of Uncle Victor. I can't leave him alone."

I pursed my lips.

Did I seriously just say that?

The only words that should have come out of my mouth were Fuck and you. Get the fuck out would have worked, too.

Dimitri smiled victoriously. Shit…he knew he'd captured my interest. I was like a fish on a hook.

"I will offer your Uncle a room of his own and the best medical services."

I just stood there. "Uncle Victor would have his own room?"

"Absolutely."

God, Uncle Victor would go crazy if he knew that…

"And the best medical services?"

"The best nurses, doctors, specialists, surgeons…whatever he could possible need, I will pay for it. I also will provide you with the same services."

I gaped and swallowed hard. "I-I-I…I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." Dimitri stood up. "Just think about it, okay? Let it settle in."

I nodded, unable to find my voice.

He ran his fingers along my jaw and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Here is my card, Roza. Call me when you've made your decision." I felt something slip into my hand.

"Get some rest, you look tired." he opened the door and looked back at me. I was still frozen with shock on the spot. "Good night, Roza. I'll talk to you soon."

And then he was gone.