Streams of sunlight slipped through the breaks in the curtains; the strip of morning light made Dimitri's skin glow. His bare chest rose and fell with steady breaths, still deep in sleep and unaware of the eyes watching him.

Rose couldn't move her eyes away, a spike of fear that the moment she did, he would stop breathing. It was impractical and made her want to roll her eyes at her irrational thoughts. Because it was stupid—if Dimitri were going to die from what she took from him, it would have happened well before that night.

Even as she told herself that for the umpteenth time, Rose remembered the staggered way he walked to her bedroom and the exhaustion in his eyes, even though his smile was blissful.

The warning to be careful of how much she took from a human ingrained deep—the consequences long since learnt. Her father had even warned that when her powers peaked she could kill a low-level demon. It was why Mason was the safe choice. No matter how out of control her powers became, she wouldn't be able to kill him—seriously injured? Yes. But not kill.

It wasn't that Rose had never killed—she valued her life enough and understood that there were times it was them or her. So when the situation was dire, Rose would kill, but that didn't mean she enjoyed it.

Each life she took haunted her. Bright emerald eyes stood out amongst the faces every time.

Dimitri was only a half-demon—she had to be careful still.

If her father's warning was right… Rose was meant to have another three years to prepare for her power's peak. It was a steady increase—a countdown until she would have to return to the demon world and find someone to sate her endless need until her powers levelled out again. But if Abe was right, then that countdown was rushing to her and threatening to ruin everything she had.

The demon side of Dimitri would be able to sustain her for a while, but it wouldn't be enough. Would Dimitri be willing to wait however long until she was in control again? Or should she cut him loose before they got in too deep?

If she accidentally killed Dimitri, Rose would never be able to forgive herself.

Rose squeezed her eyes shut, ignoring how dry they were. Despite how much she fed the day before, she was exhausted.

Dimitri didn't wake when she climbed out of the bed; he rolled on the mattress, a hand stretched out on the spot she had once been. Rose crossed her arms behind her back so she didn't reach for him. The man in her bed clouded her thoughts too much when they touched. It allowed foolish thoughts in her head that maybe they could be together and be happy.

Dark emotions twisted her stomach into knots. Rose had long accepted that she wouldn't have a happily-ever-after ending. She turned from Dimitri and closed her bedroom door softly after her.

A single thought of drowning her feelings pushed Rose down her hall and straight to the bottle of vodka on the coffee table still. With quick motions, Rose uncapped the bottle and brought the bottle to her lips.

"Surely coffee would be a better choice."

Rose choked on the vodka, splattering as she spun on her heel and gapped at Lissa. The blond stood in the kitchen with a cup with steam drifting out; she offered Rose a warm smile and tilted her head towards the coffee machine that was rarely used.

"I can make you one. Christian finally convinced me to drink it, and now I can't stop."

"What the hell are you doing here?" Rose questioned, a face pulled at the vodka that had spilled onto her top. She hadn't put any effort into changing when she got home, sleeping in just a singlet and underwear.

Lissa was unfazed. "I'm here because you never called to tell me you didn't die. I was up all night."

"Shit," Rose hissed, picking her phone off the coffee table and peering at the screen.

"Only twenty-five missed calls."

"I'm sorry. Fuck, things just got really complicated and it slipped my mind," Rose explained. Her feet dragged as she walked to the other side of the kitchen island, dropping into one of the bar stools, the bottle of alcohol cradled close. "Shit with Mason and the old man threw me off."

Rose missed the slight twitch from Lissa; her fingers tensed around her cup before she forced herself to relax.

"And then I learnt something kind of crazy about Dimitri."

"What about him?" Lissa asked before taking a sip from her cup.

"He's a half-demon."

Splattering made Rose look at Lissa, the cup of coffee was placed on the countertop, and Lissa held the back of her hand to her mouth as she coughed. "He's a half-demon?"

Rose sighed, taking another swallow from the bottle. The liquid burned, and she welcomed it. "Yeah, he is. I can't believe I didn't pick up on it sooner," she replied with a frown and narrowed her eyes at Lissa. "How didn't you know? I thought you would be able to pick up on that."

Lissa pursed her lips. "I usually can. But they either deeply concealed it, or it's barely present in him. You know that if a half-demon presents when young, it can fade to nothing as you age."

Rose knew that—was well aware of how different each half-demon could be. "Explains why I haven't killed him yet."

"You know what Zmey will think."

"Yeah." Rose drank more, scowling, "Bastard."

"Are you going to tell him?" Lissa questioned.

"No. He doesn't need to know. None of them do." She met Lissa's gaze. "Please, don't tell anyone."

An emotion flickered across the blonde's face. "You really like Dimitri, don't you?"

Rose pressed her lips together. Lissa was the first kind person she met in her father's world, her only friend throughout it all. But then the demon world learned that Abe had a daughter and bad things happened, and she tried to keep Lissa out of it if she could. Putting a distance between them was the only way she could protect her friend.

It had been a while since they sat together and talked about liking boys.

"Yeah. I think I do, Liss."

Lissa moved around the counter, sitting on the barstool next to Rose's. "What are you going to do?"

Rose shrugged. "Well, considering his family are a bunch of demon hunters, I have no idea." She tipped the bottle back, starting to feel a small buzz from the alcohol. "Lissa?"

Her friend hummed, taking the bottle from Rose and sipping from it instead of her coffee.

"What if he doesn't want to be around me? His mom thinks that being around demons will bring out evil in him. What if Dimitri believes that too and stays away?"

"This is more than just a crush, isn't it?"

Rose frowned, nodding. "Yeah. It really is." She groaned and covered her face with her hands. "How the hell have I fallen for him so quickly? It's like he's under my skin."

"Some people are just meant to be," Lissa mused in a knowing tone, smiling at Rose when she peeked between her fingers. "Maybe you two are soulmates?"

"Fuck off," Rose snarked, making Lissa laugh as she snatched the bottle back. "No more vodka for you."

They settled into silence for a few minutes before Lissa reached out and covered Rose's hand with her own—a sincere expression directed at Rose as she promised, "I won't tell anyone. Dimitri's secret is safe with me."

The declaration surprised Rose, as did the seriousness in her friend's tone. It was like she had made a promise that was life or death. It warmed Rose's heart. "Thanks, Liss."

A throat cleared; the soft sound made both women quiet and glanced over at Dimitri. He stood at the hallway entrance with a sheepish smile, "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." He shifted his weight on his feet, fully dressed with his hands pushed into the pockets of his jeans.

"No, come in, Dimitri," Lissa welcomed, "I'm sure you have a lot of questions." She waved him over, standing from her seat beside Rose and patting it.

Though he was hesitant, Dimitri eventually walked in and sat down; he shifted awkwardly, not meeting anyone's stare. Lissa caught Rose's eyes and tilted her head towards Dimitri in question. She waited for a nod before she took his hand in hers, and closed her eyes.

Dimitri became stiff, finally looking at Rose with a raised brow.

"She's looking at your aura," Rose explained, sipping more of the vodka. She watched him carefully, eyes searching his face for any sign of fatigue or strain. His expression was drawn, but there was that same spark of life and warmth in his eyes. A small burst of hope bloomed in her chest—maybe he would be fine. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," he replied, "all things considered. There's still a lot I'm not sure about."

"Oh!" Lissa exclaimed, eyes flying open. "I can sense it. It's buried, but it's there."

Dimitri stiffened. "What's there?"

She gave him a gentle smile. "It's power. Don't worry, I didn't find a swirly ball of evil or anything." Lissa looked between the two of them, grinning at Rose. "He's a half-demon, just like you, even if it's only a small amount. Is your mother a human?"

"Babushka said that our family can sense things."

"Seers," Lissa announced and hummed, "that would explain it."

"Explain what?" Rose questioned, leaning closer. Her shoulder brushed Dimitri's, sending a shiver through both of them.

"Seers are blessed. Depending on how strong they are, it could dull the demon half in you, Dimitri," Lissa explained. "My family is blessed as well, but we are healers, a little like witches, I guess. Any child I have with Christian is likely to be more human than anything because the two sides can cancel each other out."

Some of the tension eased from Dimitri's shoulders, relaxing a little at the notion that he could be more human than a demon. Rose tried not to take it to heart.

"Seer. Explains how your mother knew what I was," Rose mused to herself. She spun the neck of the bottle between her fingers, staring down at the clear liquor. It would also explain how Dimitri could sense her when close. "Did Olena say who or what your father was?"

"No," he replied, body wound tight and voice cold, "I didn't want to ask anything about him."

Lissa stepped back, shooting Rose a look. "I think I'm going to head off. If there's anything you need, call me. You two should keep talking, though."

"Thanks, Liss." Rose knew what her friend was hinting at.

Lissa quickly made herself scarce, closing the front door firmly behind her. Rose and Dimitri sat in silence for a few minutes before Rose offered him the bottle she held. "Well, I guess you got your answers."

He took the bottle but didn't drink from it. "I can't say they were the answers I expected. Was that similar to how you found out?"

"Only in the sense that it came out of nowhere," Rose shrugged. "My father was never in my life until I was thirteen. He showed up one day and took me out for ice cream. It was awkward, but then he left, and I swear I had never seen my mother so happy."

"Why did he leave?"

"Because I didn't show any signs of being a half-demon," Rose wore a sad smile. Dimitri was shocked, turning to face her.

"Your mother didn't want you to be…" Dimitri trailed off, realising the question was stupid. His mother didn't want him to be a demon. Why would Rose's?

"I was an accident. It was meant to be a one-night stand, but Janine got pregnant. Abe never wanted a half-demon kid, and Janine never wanted a kid," she explained in an uncaring tone; she had long accepted that she wasn't wanted. "Most half-demons present signs of their demonic half when going through puberty, and that's especially so for a succubus. But I didn't show any sign of it until I was seventeen."

Memories filled Rose's mind, the conflicting emotions she had felt as a teenager, and the first boy she loved dying in her arms.

Dimitri reached for Rose, taking her hand in his. He could feel it shake. Never had he seen her so scared. A need to protect her took over, pulling Rose up against him. "It's okay," he whispered, "you don't have to tell me."

Her lips quirked up in the corner. "No, I do. You should know." A shaking breath left her lips; she felt valuable and hated it. "The first time I had sex was with my boyfriend when I was seventeen. He told me he loved me, and I felt the same. I was never sex-crazed or anything, so I had no idea what it would be like." Rose curled her fingers around Dimitri's, focusing on their intertwined hands instead of his face. "I guess my demon side was dormant until that moment, and I had no idea how to control it. Adrian was the first person I killed, and my mother called Abe to come to get me."

"Roza, I'm sorry."

"That's why I'm careful with humans," she admitted. "It's why I tried to keep a distance between us because I don't want to risk hurting you like that."

Dimitri's lips covered Rose's, kissing her tenderly; his fingers trailing through her hair in comfort. It wasn't driven by a passionate need and made her feelings for him stronger. When they broke apart, she apologised, "I'm sorry, you're the one that had their world turned upside down and I'm making it about me."

"I'd rather focus on you right now," Dimitri confessed, pulling her to be seated on his lap. He kissed her forehead and each cheek, "That is if it's okay with you?"

Rose pressed against him, lips barely an inch from his. "It's okay with me." She welcomed the relief she felt, she didn't have to worry about doing the same with Dimitri. They could be together. "Kiss me, Dimitri."

Dimitri knocked and waited. He ran a hand through his hair, attempting to detangle the mess the wind had caused. When Rose called and invited him over, he didn't know what to expect. He was dressed in jeans and a nice button-up—his ever-present duster on—prepared for anything she might offer.

It was always a surprise with her. Dimitri didn't even know where they stood still, no labels ever given for their relationship. They had barely spoken about the fact he wasn't completely human, other than a few questions here and there, Dimitri was hesitant to push for more.

He wasn't human, so they didn't need to be as worried about Rose accidentally killing him, but he didn't know what that meant for them. Dimitri didn't even know what Rose wanted.

She liked him, and that was all he knew for sure. And for now, that was enough.

Another minute passed and there was no sound from inside the apartment; with more force, Dimitri knocked again.

The door swung open and Rose stood on the other side with a cheeky smile and a see-through robe. "Wow, were you going to kick my door down next?" she asked and leaned against the frame, eyes running down his body. "If we do that, I'm going to buy you a Fireman uniform."

Dimitri's brows drew together. "You weren't answering," he explained, quickly stepping over the threshold and closing the door so others didn't see in. "Why would I need a uniform?"

Rose chuckled. "You are so innocent." She laughed again at the irritated look he gave her. "It's called role-playing, Dimitri. You know, like a schoolgirl and teacher. Or you're a cop and I'm desperate and will do anything to get out of a ticket."

Dimitri shook his head at Rose's explanation, shrugging off his duster and hanging it by her door. It was easy for him to make himself at home in her apartment, considering how often he had been over as of late. The dinner with his family was almost two weeks ago, and he had spent the night with Rose at least eight times since.

One night, they didn't even sleep together; just watched a movie.

It was nice.

Dimitri reached out and caught Rose's wrist, pulling her body against his and kissing her—a hello kiss laced with passion. Rose leaned into it, hands snaking up to wrap around his neck. He held her eyes when they broke apart, not moving far from each other. "Why would I want to play games and pretend?"

"It's called experimenting," Rose replied, tilting her head, "How will you know you don't like something unless you try it?"

There was a look in her eyes—Rose was planning something. Stepping back from him, she took Dimitri's hand and led him down the hall.

"Speaking of trying something new, there's a couple of things I want to show you," she told him, smiling over her shoulder. Rose was excited—giddy as she walked. Dimitri didn't know if he should be nervous or not.

"What kind of things?"

The corner of her lip turned up, a hint of teeth showing. She looked practically devilish. "Fun things," Rose promised.

She led him into her room, turning on her lamp that gave a soft warm glow to the room. Dimitri glanced around and took note of her dresser, which had a satin sheet laid over it, concealing items underneath.

"Remember Dimitri, I won't push you to do anything you don't want to. But I would like to try some new things with you, and I promise it will feel good," she began, directing him to her dresser and removing the sheet.

Dimitri was aware of his lack of sexual knowledge and experience but never felt at a disadvantage. Though, as he stared at the objects laid out, he found his confidence wavering. He swallowed and glanced at Rose.

She smiled. "There's a lot that we haven't tried, and if you're up to it, I would like to play with some of them." Her fingers brushed the one closest to her, a pair of leather cuffs, rope and a blindfold laid beside it; those didn't panic Dimitri too much. It was the last three that did.

It was small and bright blue in colour, the smooth shaft leading up to a bulbous head; never had Dimitri considered doing anything with a vibrator. Beside it was a small silicone ring that he wasn't sure what its use was for. The last was a riding crop.

Dimitri reached for it hesitantly. "You want to use this stuff on me?"

Rose couldn't hold back her giggle and took Dimitri's hand again. "You look terrified," She shook her head, "I told you you don't have to do anything you don't want to. But if any of it interests you, then we can try it." Her expression became devious, "And if you like it, there's so much more I can show you."

"More?" Dimitri exclaimed; a nervous note in his voice. He cleared his throat. "Can I use them on you?"

"Of course," Rose purred, excitement shining in her eyes, "but I would like to show you a good time first. Willing to give it a go?"

Again, Dimitri stared at the objects. He was apprehensive, but he couldn't deny he was curious. Eventually, he pointed at the rope and blindfold. "What if we just start with these?"

She nodded and moved to stand in front of him, pressing her body against his and tilting her head back. Dimitri's arms wrapped around her; holding her close was his favourite thing to do.

Their lips met in a sensual kiss, gentle brushes of lips that slowly became fervent. Rose encouraged Dimitri to step back, moving across the room until the back of his knees hit the bed frame. He dropped down to the bed, and Rose followed, climbing up on the bed and settling with her knees on either side of his hips. Their kiss continued, angling their heads to deepen it.

Dimitri was breathless when Rose broke the connection. Already, her eyes had a faint glow when she climbed off the bed; she pinned him in place with a look. "Stay."

Rose strutted back to the dresser and picked up the rope and blindfold, running her fingers over the satin material as she returned to Dimitri's side. She didn't climb back on, but she did lean over to kiss him again.

"If it becomes too much, tell me," she reminded him. "Afterwards, you can do anything you want with me."

The promise brought many images to Dimitri's mind, settling on one of Rose under him, moaning in pleasure.

The rope was soft, and Rose paid meticulous attention to it as she looped it around his wrists; followed by questions of his comfort with each step. Dimitri had never been in restraints and never thought he would enjoy it, but something about being completely at Rose's will gave him a thrill. He trusted her, more than he had trusted anyone; it made it easy to give all the control to her.

Rose gazed at him with more affection than lust, gentle caresses and touches before she placed the blindfold over his eyes. "Is that okay?" she asked; her voice beside his ear.

Dimitri shivered from the sudden loss of sight, her touches and voice having more effect than previously. "It's okay," he assured her. Both wrists were tied and placed above his head; Rose had secured the rope to the bed frame so he couldn't move his arms.

The bed dipped as Rose moved, fingertips trailing down his side so he knew where she was. He was still dressed, but Rose was already taking care of it. Buttons slipped free until his shirt parted and his chest exposed. Hands dropped to the waist of his jeans as lips sucked on his skin.

Dimitri inhaled sharply, surprised by the feeling of Rose's teeth scraping his skin before being soothed by her tongue. There would be a trail of hickeys once she was done. The teasing bites reminded him of when she had marked him with her teeth; that day felt so long ago. Then, he believed he would be unlikely to see her again, and now, he was tied to her bed and at her mercy.

"Does it feel good?" Rose questioned. She had managed to undo the front of his jeans and pushed them down his hips.

"Yes," he breathed.

"Good."

Each touch sent jolts of excitement through him, constantly wondering what she would do next. Dimitri could imagine the shine in her eyes, glowing brighter than before. Since they learned he was a half-demon, sex had been more intense. Rose's eyes burned brighter than a flame when he would make her come.

Rose's touches disappeared, as did her weight from the bed. Dimitri listened to her soft footsteps and her breathing.

"You're being so good for me," Rose praised. Her fingers curled around the waistband of Dimitri's underwear and pulled. "Should I reward you by sucking on your cock?"

Dimitri swallowed, lifting his hips to help her work his pants down his thighs. He was already hard, jutting out from his body once his underwear was removed. The air felt cool; he shifted as if he could find some friction. He couldn't tell where Rose was and felt the plea for her touch on the tip of his tongue.

"Beg me, Dimitri."

A shaky breath passed his lips, followed by the desperate plea, "Please."

Cool fingers wrapped around his cock, squeezing as they moved from the tip to the base. Rose wasn't starting slow, jerking her hand quickly; it made Dimitri gasp, hips lifting to match the pace.

He couldn't see her but felt her gaze on him. The hairs stood on his arms, knowing she was so focused on him. His arms tugged against the rope, wanting to touch her but unable to.

The sensation was already overwhelming but in the best of ways. With his sight taken, and unable to touch her, Dimitri's attention was only on the feel of her hand, so much so that he gasped in surprise when her lips wrapped around the head of his cock. Rose's tongue flicked over him, so warm and wet; he was engulfed in the heat of her mouth as she took him in. He hit the back of her throat and moaned as Rose swallowed around him.

Every nerve on his body felt alive, consumed by the only place she touched him. Her hand would follow her lips, up and down, squeezing tighter as she sucked and dragged the flat of her tongue up his cock.

Dimitri's hips bucked, chasing the pleasure of her mouth. Rose moaned; her other hand on his hip but not holding him still. The pace was frantic—hungry. Rose was taking her fill, and Dimitri was eager to give.

"Roza," Dimitri panted, giving warning. She hummed, focusing on the head while her hand glided up and down. He couldn't hold on much longer before thrusting into her willing mouth once more and groaning her name.

His release made him shake, his back arched, and his thighs trembling. It was intense, drawn out by Rose working him through his orgasm until he was spent. She released him with a wet sound, tongue running over him before her touch disappeared completely.

Dimitri mourned the lack of connection. "Rose?" he called weakly, tugging at his wrists again, but it was barely an attempt.

The blindfold was removed; the darkness was replaced by Rose's eyes, with bright rings of red in them. "I'm right here," she promised as her hands cradled his face. "Did you like it?"

"More than I thought I would," he murmured, still catching his breath.

He was often tired afterwards but returned to normal after half an hour. More than once, he had noticed Rose counting the minutes on the clock while studying him. Despite knowing he wasn't human, she was still scared.

"I'm okay," he added to ease the concern in her eyes.

Rose's eyes rolled playfully, though the expression on her face was relieved. She moved to the rope on his wrists, "I'll get you something to drink, just rest for a couple of minutes."

It was a routine they followed—after they had sex, Dimitri would rest while Rose got him food or something to drink. It wasn't always needed, but it made Rose feel better, so he did as asked. If anything, the exhaustion became less the more they were together, but he knew it wouldn't stop her from worrying.

The restraints on his hands were removed, and he reached for her before she could leave his side. Dimitri's hands framed her face, tucking loose curls behind her ears. "You're perfect, Roza. Thank you."

She laughed, kissing his lips before standing from the bed, "Only you would thank me for a blowjob like that. I'll be right back." Dimitri watched her walk away, eyeing the way her hips swayed with each step; Rose was still in the robe, but it did little to hide what was underneath.

A few minutes later, she was back with a cup of juice in hand, and a hard edge to her eyes until Dimitri drank it all.

"So," he started once the cup was empty, "now that you've had your fun, is it my turn now?"