Rose's POV
"So he knows?" Adrian asked and I nodded.
"Everyone knows," I told him.
"How do you feel?" I sighed as he asked.
"I don't know, I'm scared I guess. Of what they might think of me, and they'll be hella protective now," I told him sipping my tea.
"They will, but I asked about you, Rose. How do you feel?" He asked me and I looked down.
"I feel horrible. Watching it again, hearing my screams, remembering the pain, I feel awful. I feel so dirty. It's like hurting myself. I feel like thousands of needles are piercing through me and I feel myself giving in to the pain. And the worst thing is, I saw how helpless I was. I could've protected myself, but I didn't," I told him.
"You're wrong. It's never the victim's fault," I looked up to face Sydney.
"Thanks, but it's easier said than done," I told her as she sat down.
"If you want any help, just don't hesitate to reach out," Adrian told me and I nodded.
"Don't ever underestimate yourself, Rose, you're the bravest I've met," I smiled as Sydney told.
"I'll leave you two to talk," Adrian told getting up.
"So he's your cousin?" Sydney asked and I facepalmed.
"Please, don't. I can't feel horrible," She laughed as I whine.
"He has been in the same phrase," She told.
"Stop it," I told nudging her side.
"So about your father, is he in like mafia?" She asked.
"Shh, you're not supposed to know this but yes, he is. He didn't treat me like a father should when I was back then," I told her.
"Why?" I sighed.
"My mom, she died giving birth to me. It was a huge crack to him," I told taking a sip.
"So you can guess the rest, but once those two bastards raped me, I couldn't hold it anymore, so I came here," I told her.
"Hmm. What about now?" She asked me and I smiled.
"He loves me," I told.
"And you?" She asked me. I stayed silent.
"I love him too. I always have. It's just hard to forgive and forget," I whispered.
A painful silence lingered between us.
"Anyway, is there someone else in your life?" She asked wiggling her eyebrows, changing the topic.
"I've got a crush, on someone," I told lost in thought and unknown to me a smile crept into my face.
"Ooh," She teased and I blushed.
"OMG! You're blushing! Who is he?" I chuckled.
"Someone who got my favourite accent," I told her.
...
(LATER THAT DAY- Mansion)
IBRAHIM'S POV
"Look Jill, just break up with that asshole," I heard Rose's voice. I got up and went to the living room to find her entering.
"Jesus Christ! Then take a break with him until the finals are over! Separate with him for a small while, and then get back together, you can't mess up with your finals!" She told to the phone and spotted me.
She was holding three bags.
"Okay, fine but make a good decision," she told and hung up.
"Friend of yours?" I asked her and she nodded.
"You free?" She asked me and I nodded.
"Can we talk?" She asked me handing me a bag.
"Smells delicious, Burgers?" I asked her.
"Yup, I bought plenty. Let's go somewhere private There are somethings I want to know," She told me.
"Cool! Go take a was and come. I'll do the rest," She nodded and went upstairs.
"Rose's here?" I turned around as I placed the burgers on the plates to meet Eddie.
"Hmm, she told me that she wants to talk," I told him.
"Did she tell where was she the whole time? It's pretty late," I frowned as he asked.
"No, but I'll ask her," I told preparing other snacks.
"Where's that Belikov?" He asked me, after a moment of silence.
"He's at work. Why?" I asked him.
"He likes her. I mean he has something for her," He told me.
"How many people here do you think like her in that way?" I asked him.
"You think so? That so many here like her?" He asked me frowning.
"Hmm. I mean your sister got everything. Beauty, brains, control, confidence, sass. The only thing she does not have is the hard head we need. She's too forgiving and kind to this world," I told.
"If she isn't like that we would've been dead," He told.
"Yes," I agreed.
"Don't go for hard topics," He told me hearing her bedroom door opening.
...
"Are we just gonna stare at the screen doing nothing?" She asked me breaking the awkward silence. I took a deep breath and sighed.
"I just don't know what to say, after all, I mean..." I told her. She nodded her head slowly and let the silence hug us.
"Why did you come to my room that day Rosemarie? You could've gone to Eddie's room. Hell, you could've gone to Dimitri's room but why come to me? Why don't you hate me, after everything?" I asked her.
She looked at me and scoffed.
"Do you believe that I trust you? Well if you do, you might want to change that. I forgave you but I won't forget everything and trust you again," She told me.
Her words felt like knives. And they sliced my heart. But there was nothing I can do.
"I understand that," I told her.
"But I also want you to know that I suffered too Rose," I told her. She looked at me.
"How?" She asked me.
"It's a long story," I told her looking away from her.
"Let's hear it. I mean you never told stories before, so why not now?" She told me.
"I think we went through a lot Rose, why not skip it to another day? Just know that I love you more than my life. I'm a coward but I do," I told her.
...
NEXT DAY- Rose's POV
He was right. We went through so much already. And I wasn't ready for another emotional talk. So we just spent some time together. We caught up on many things. We talked about many missing pieces, except for my relationships. But I got to know that he's planning to retire after all of this, he didn't pressure me on anything though. But as much as I enjoy Sunday movie nights, I hate waking up in the morning.
Today is a very important day for me and Jill. Our rehearsals will start today. So we must be there.
I wore a black bodycon dress. After packing my bag I started packing my practice bag.
Workout clothes
ShoesTowel
Digital watch
Water bottle
Air buds
My girly essential kit.
All checked. I took my girly essential kit and opened it.
Extra pads and tampons
Extra panty
Small hairbrush
Hairbands and clips
Wet wipesTissue packet
Lip balm
Makeup (The one that Dimitri gave)
Perfume
Band-aid
Pain killers
Some snacks
Yup, everything's checked. I placed it inside my practice bag. Looking around making sure I didn't miss anything, I placed the practice bag on the bed, before grabbing my guitar, uni bag, and keys.
As I came to the dining room, I placed my guitar in the corner and sat down.
"Taking your guitar today?" Baba asked and I nodded. Unlike yesterday Eddie was sitting next to where I usually sit. I ruffled his hair earning a groan from him.
"Good morning baba," I told and leaned to him to kiss my cheek.
"Morning kiz," I smiled as I sat down.
"Morning Dimitri, Ivan," I greeted them, who were sitting in front of me.
"Morning," They both replied.
"And Mason's in his room, before you ask," Ivan told making me chuckle.
"Rose, I heard that your rehearsals are going to start by today," Dimitri told and I nod, taking my hot chocolate from the maid.
"It does. Which has a little bit of change in plans," I told, serving myself.
"How so?" Baba asked me.
"Well, usually on Monday, lectures end at 3. But since we have practice today, we will have to stay until 4.30, and after that, I have to hit the gym, but I'll come here before that to grab my practice bag and eat lunch," I told.
"We have three gyms here," Dimitri told.
"I know, but I promised the girls, that I'll go there with them," I told, and my father nodded.
"Okay, anything else we should know?" He asked me and I nodded.
"After I come here for lunch I won't be taking my car, so someone has to pick me up," I told.
"No offence but why not?" Eddie asked me.
"The first day is the worst. I won't be in a condition to drive," I told them and most of them chuckled.
"When does the gym time ends?" Baba asked me.
"That depends on what we will do together after gym time. Usually, we go to the park to have some supper, or we hang out together. Not sure. But I'll give you a ring when I want you to pick me up, I'm sorry if it's uncomfortable," I told.
"There will be someone always," Ivan told. I nodded continuing to eat.
DIMITRI'S POV
It has been quite a time since I last saw her. I rubbed my forehead remembering our dance.
Fuck! She drives me crazy!
"You've paced out again," I opened my eyes to meet Ivan's stupid smirk.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"You want her, don't you? I sighed as he told me.
"If you don't have any work, why don't you go and help settle things in the mansion?" I asked him. He laughed.
"No, I'd rather stay here and irritate the hell out of you," He's not even fucking denying it.
"Just fucking leave!" I told him.
"Look if you like her, why don't you just tell her?" He asked me.
"She knows it. The thing is she's different and I don't want to just have her and then let her go, I want her to be mine!" I told him.
"I already know that podonak, Why don't you ask her out?" I sighed as he asked me. (fucker)
"I don't want her to feel uncomfortable, scared and I don't even know what I fear," I told him.
"Dimitri, if you think she's completely shattered, you're wrong! She might've in the past but not now. She's so fucking strong!" He told me. I smiled.
"I know that," I told him
"yebat' eto, go meet her. It's nearly the time she told me her lectures are ending," He told me and I nodded. (fuck it)
"Go straight to the mansion, we have to discuss some shipments," I told him and nodded.
I drove to the university and as I parked the car I saw her black mustang.
She's still here.
But before I could get out I saw her, coming out with her friend Jill. It seems like they're arguing about something. I frowned and got out, leaning against my car. As much as I want to go there and join whatever's going on, I can't. So I had to settle down to listening and to be alarmed.
"Jill you heard what Mr Ivashkov told. You can't drop out now. So come on let's do this," I heard her saying.
"Rose, I don't want to do this, okay? I'll explain my reasons to Mr Ivashkov," I heard Jill's voice as well.
"At least tell me why," Rose told.
"Baby?" I saw a guy approaching them and wrapping his arms around Jill's waist.
She flinched. She tried her best to hide it, but she flinched. I took his appearance. He was a handsome man, with tattoos covering his arms and neck. I've seen him somewhere.
"Is he the reason you're dropping out?" Rose asked her. His face changed. His grip tightened around Jill's waist.
"What? No! I just don't want to, okay? I've gotta study for the finals, and I don't want my grades to get down," Jill said. But of course, Rose didn't buy it. She's smart. Nothing easily goes passing her.
But at this moment I hate this attribute.
"It doesn't seem like it," She told.
"Listen, girl, I don't know what you're doing but you're making my girl uncomfortable. If she doesn't want to attend that means she won't. What on earth is your problem?" That dude told.
And there it goes, Rose's temper.
"I wasn't talking to you now, was I?" She asked arrogantly. That seems to make him angry too.
"Really? Well, you were talking about me, so I do think I can answer your goddamn questions," He roared. I straightened myself.
There's something off about him.
"Listen here, I told you that I'm talking to Jill. Not. To. You. So leave it be. And I think as her friend I can talk to her about her sudden change. She was waiting for this moment her entire time here, and just when she started dating you, she doesn't want to! So I suggest you back off and stay the hell away from my friend!" Rose yelled.
"You little bitch..." He started stomping towards her before Jill stopped him.
"Lee, please leave it be. Rose's just concerned okay, come on why don't we go home, and spend some time together," She told trying to stop him and he looked down at her with a murderous glare which made her gulp.
"Fine, let's go!" He told and it sounded more like I'll take care of you once we go home. He threw a murderous glare at Rose one last time.
"Rose please leave okay, everything's fine. I promise," She told before turning around and following him.
Rose stood there undoubtfully angry. She clenched her fists tightly before turning around and locating me.
"He didn't seem inviting," I told as she came near me.
"Why are you here?" Her voice is cold. I raised an eyebrow.
"Because I can," I told her. She cursed under her breath.
"I'm not in the mood," She told me before turning to her car. But I held her arm, by her elbow.
"Stay away from him, he doesn't seem good," I told her, my voice dropping an octave. This time she yanked her hand away from my grip and turned around to face me.
"Will you just fucking stop this? It irritates the fuck out of me, do you think just because we've got closer, you can tell me what to do? Stop acting like you care when you don't! I know that all you want is to fuck me and then leave like it meant nothing!" She yelled before turning around and walking to her car.
It took me a second to progress what just happened, but as I recovered, I saw red! I grabbed her hand and yanked her towards me, making her land on my chest.
"What are you..." I didn't let her finish.
"Don't care about you?" I asked and her eyes widened, seeing mine. I'm pretty sure they don't hold the colour they always do.
"If I don't care about you, I would've never come to see if you were alright that day. I would never have given the comfort that night. I would've never kept telling you that you're safe with me. If I don't care about you enough, I would've never tried to keep you safe. If I only want you for sex, then I would've had you either Rose. It's not a hard thing for me. So don't you dare tell that I don't care about you!" I told her releasing her from my grip and turning around to get inside.
...
ROSE'S POV
"Fuck!" I muttered as I drove.
I should've never told him that. Why the hell did I tell him that? He's right, he has proven to me, that he's not here just for sex. He was there for me, to disappear from my pain. He helped me when I needed it the most.
I fucked up!
'As soon as I go to the mansion, I should apologize to him.' I muttered to myself as I drove faster.
Once I arrived, I saw a guard waiting to open my door. I took my guitar and backpack, before stepping out.
"Did Dimitri arrive?" I asked him, he frowned but nodded. I thanked him and went inside.
As I went inside I saw Leah.
"Leah," I called her.
"Ms Rose," She came to me.
"Where did Mr Belikov go?" I asked her.
"Straight to his room. I think it has been like 5 minutes. He looked angry," She told.
"Fuck!" I muttered.
"Is everything alright?" She asked me.
"Yup, don't tell anyone, that I asked you," I told her before going upstairs.
I stood in front of his door, like an idiot. Okay, I can do this. Straightly apologize. Make things alright. I knocked on the door waiting for him to open it.
Damn it! Why the hell am I so nervous?
"I don't want to..." He opened his door talking, but I didn't let him finish.
"Look Dimitri I never meant to tell those okay?" I told going inside his room. I was freaking the hell out.
"I was just so angry with everything that was going on because Jessica was driving me crazy, and her boyfriend didn't seem friendly at all. And, gosh, you're naked!" I rambled finally looking at him.
He stood there wearing his pants. Only pants, if I may add.
I took his appearance. His chest held a tan complexion which I'm sure would glisten when he's sweaty. His peck muscles ripped as his chest moved slightly. My eyes wandered over the massive lion tattoo layer on his left peck muscle, right over his heart. There was ink on his shoulder blades, and I'm pretty sure his back has a tattoo too. It seemed like someone has calved those abs on him and gosh moving my eyes down, his v-line, and then down his belly button, a happy trail of hair followed down.
"Your eyes are leading you to a dangerous place sladost," My thoughts were interrupted as he told and I averted my eyes to his face to find him, of course, smirking. And all my promises flew away, as I blushed beet red.
"I... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have," I mumbled moving quickly to leave the room, or else I'm sure that I'll die here. But just as I passed him his hand stopped me, by grabbing mine.
"You came here for a reason, what is it?" He asked and I looked at his face.
I cleared my throat to clear my mind before talking.
"I'm sorry, about earlier," I told him and he nodded.
"I understand. But don't ever say that again," His voice dropped an octave. And fuck, didn't it take my heartbeat away.
His deep voice, along with his smoking hot body started pissing off my inner self.
"I won't," I told and I tried to loosen my arm from his grip but couldn't. This man was just too strong. He brought his face closer to mine, and the only thing that was missing, the scent of his goddamn perfume filled my nostrils.
"And just for you to know, next time you come into my room like you just did you will never leave, Roza," He told looking into my eyes.
Roza
"You haven't," I told, my sass returning to me. He inched closer until I could feel his warm breath on my ear.
"Yes, I haven't claimed you..." He paused and then slowly touched my cheek with his own.
"yet," He whispered releasing me.
I looked into his eyes. That was a promise. A promise he made to himself, to me! He promised that I will be his and he will be mine. And in this world, a promise is taken very highly. It cannot be broken unless you're dead. Of course, I have a choice here, but the worst thing is a part of me wants to be claimed by him. A huge part of me wants to.
He knew this. And he knows that I know it.
I left his room with a thundering heart, without saying anything. He wants me, not as a friend or a way of sex. He wants me in every anticipation.
"Fuck!" I muttered.
...
As I went to the gym, I was expecting to see Jill but she wasn't there.
"Where's Jill?" I asked Lissa.
"She told us that she won't be here. I tried to get more information, but she's stubborn you know," She told.
"Hi, guys!" I turned around to meet Mia, holding her camera.
God! This girl and her camera. I swear it's a part of her body.
"Mia," I hugged her.
"Where's Jill?" She asked and we both shook our heads.
"Do you think she's alright?" I asked them.
"She did tell me that she has some relationship problems with her boyfriend, but do you think she's hurting?" Mia asked.
"Have you seen her boyfriend?" I asked them and they both nodded their heads.
"He's scary, I don't get good vibes around him," Lissa told.
"Neither do I," I told her and Mia nodded.
"Do you think he's hurting her?" Mia asked as we started working out.
"You mean like abusive?" I asked her and she nodded.
"I don't know, but Jill won't stand for it," Lissa told.
"Or maybe she's scared," I told them.
"Should we tell my aunt?" Lissa asked. And I shrugged.
"Let's keep an eye on them," Mia told and we both agreed.
After 2 hours of working out, I felt like my feet are dead.
"Are we going to the park or straight home?" Mia asked.
"I saw a new ice cream shop, near the park. Why don't we go check it out?" I asked them and they laughed.
"We just worked out, Rose," Lissa told laughing.
"So what? It's not like we'll gain 100 pounds with one ice cream," I told grabbing my bag.
"Fine, let's go. It's not like we'll be able to control ourselves anyway," Lisa told and I grinned.
"OMG! This is perfection!" I told having a bite from my ice cream roll.
"Mmmm, you're right. Nothing's better than ice cream rolls," Mia told.
"So when are you going to start practising?" I asked Lissa.
"Dancing?" She asked and I nodded.
"Next week," She told and we both nodded.
"How're things with your uncle?" Mia asked me. And I sighed.
"Good, really good. He apologized to me, of course, I didn't forgive easily, but I love him so much," I told them.
"Why were you angry with him?" Lissa asked.
"He never treated me right, my mom died giving birth to me, and as she was his sister, it took a huge part from him. So he was sad. But one of his friends tried to assault me when I was 18, he didn't believe me. I couldn't take it so I left. He found out what happened, and I think it killed him inside. So yup, that's what happened," I told them and they nodded.
"Is that why you used to wake up in the night screaming when you were at dorms?" I nodded as Lissa asked.
"Jill helped me a lot as my dorm mate. So did all of you. I don't want anything to happen to you," I told them.
"We'll figure this out. Jill is the nicest one among us," Mia told and we both nodded.
We talked some more, before finally realizing the sun is down.
"Anyway, this is where we split right? You sure you don't want a ride?" Lissa asked me and I nodded.
"I got it," I told them.
After that, they called Lissa's dad to send someone. After they left I called dad.
"Baba?" I asked as he answered.
"Rosemarie Hathaway, the sun's down. Where the fuck are you?" He asked.
"I'm sorry, we got into a long talk. But can you come and pick me up?" I asked him.
"I'm in the middle of some work. But I think it's time Dimitri got off. I'll ask him, is that fine with you?" He asked.
Dimitri? Fuck! Not him!
I don't want to see him. Not now. Hell! if I give in what about everything I worked hard for? Fuck he drives my mind out of the world!
"Rose... kiz, are you there?" I snapped out of the world as I heard my father's voice.
"Huh what? Yeah, I'm fine. I just saw a friend from music with a gay. What did you say? Dimitri? Yeah sure, I'll be fine," I told him.
"You sure? I can send someone else," He told.
"No need, Baba. I was fine before. I wasn't listening, there's nothing wrong with that dude," I told him.
"Fine then, see you at home," He told me.
After that, I sat down on the park bench, taking out the book, 'You, by Caroline Kepnes'.
"I don't say anything. I remember the power of silence. I remember my dad saying nothing and I remember his silences more..."
I suddenly got up letting out a small yell, feeling a hand on my shoulder. I was about to scream but stopped myself when I saw his striking brown eyes, slightly widened by my sudden action, staring back at me.
"Dimitri," I breathed out holding a hand on my chest trying to calm myself.
"Whoa! Calm down. Are you alright?" He asked and I nodded taking deep breaths.
"Don't ever do that to me again," He chuckled as I told him. I glared at him before looking behind him.
His majestic car was parked near, and I saw a familiar face coming near us.
"Rose," Uncle Dave called me placing a hand on my arm.
"Uncle Dave," I told.
"Let's go, it's already too dark to roam around. Don't tell us, you used to do this too," He told and I rolled my eyes.
"I lived by myself in a house alone," I told getting inside the car, backseat. Dimitri sat with me too.
"You're into thrillers huh?" Dimitri asked me.
"Just a little bit. I find them amusing. Not knowing what happens next makes me curious. Even though I'm not much of a fan of being curious, I love reading them," I told him.
"Are you planning to write another one?" He asked me. And I let out a long breath.
"After my finals maybe, just not now," I told him.
I still haven't looked him in the face since we got inside. I didn't know how to react to his confession.
He told me that he hasn't claimed me yet, which made me think about so many things.
I like him. That's sure. I like him, I want him, I desire him. He cares for me. But he loves this life. He needs it. Meanwhile, I want to leave. I want to leave and live a normal life. So even though he wants me, and I want him back, how on earth are we going to make it?
I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't realize we came to a stop until I realized I'm still staring at the Mcdonald's.
"What happened?" I asked them, a yawn escaping me.
"Traffic," Uncle Dave replied. Dimitri looked up from his phone.
"For how long do you think it'll last?" He asked.
"I don't think it'll last for much," Uncle Dave told.
"I'll take a small nap, please wake me up when we get to the mansion," I asked them and they both nodded. I placed my head on the window closing my eyes.
DIMITRI'S POV
It's been like 5 minutes, and she's sound asleep. My mind drifted off to today's afternoon.
I was fuming after what happened to her, so when I came to the mansion, I went straight to my room. As I removed my suit jacket and tie cursing to myself, I heard a car arriving, and I knew that it was hers. Anger rose in my head, clouding my entire mind. I wanted to let it go, but couldn't.
I care about her. FUCK! I want her. I want her to be mine! I would do anything for her. She has driven me crazy! So FUCK didn't it hurt when she told me, I don't care about her.
I ripped my shirt off me, making the buttons fly. All of a sudden when I heard a knock, I wanted to beat the shit out of whoever was there.
But everything dies, as she came inside apologizing, not looking at me or anywhere, babbling her excuses. I was so amazed to see her coming inside without noticing me. And when she finally did, I couldn't stop but smirk at her impression of me.
And I meant what I said. I will claim her. I know I can't do that if she doesn't want me to, but I know even she wants me deep down.
I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts when the car turned right, making her fall onto me. Her head landed on my shoulder. I froze.
But before I could react she wrapped her arms around my hand getting comfortable.
Never in my life did I let anyone lean on my shoulder. But her doing that made my heart warm. I couldn't help to stop the smile forming on my face. I placed two fingers on her chin, raising her head so that I could look at her face.
o Gospodi, she's beautiful. This is the second time I see her sleeping. She's so beautiful. Her hair was gently touching her face, and her eyes are peacefully closed. Her lips have formed into an unnoticeable pout. And she was breathing steadily. I pressed my lips to her forehead and caressed her cheek gently. ( My god)
"Tell me why I shouldn't fake an accident, and kill you?" I turned my attention to the person who was driving. He was glaring at me through the mirror.
"Because she likes me too," I replied calmly. He growled.
"Damn right! I just can't see what she saw on you out of all the people who like her," He told.
"All the people?" I asked him frowning.
"Why do you think don is so worried about her even after knowing she's safe with us? It's not just because we all failed her once, which broke her completely. It's because there are so many even among us who want her. But she chose you. She let you be with her when she's at her most vulnerable state," He told.
"So don't hurt her. You might want her but it's her complete choice. If you hurt her, there'll be the devil after you," He told and I nodded.
"We're here," He told.
Mazur was there waiting. I slowly untangled myself from her grip, as Dave opened the door to my side. I wrapped my arms around her, picking her up in bridal style. Ibrahim's face turned into a death glare when he saw this.
"What happened?" He asked coming to us.
"Just exhaustion," I replied, holding her close to my chest.
"Pass her to me," My head snapped in his direction when he told me this. I didn't want to. I wanted to keep her close. But his face told me not to mess with him. I sighed and tried to pass her to him.
But she refused.
She pressed her head more to my chest and wrapped her arms around my shoulder, in. her. sleep! I smiled slightly and looked in Ibrahim's direction.
He glared at the situation but didn't try anymore.
"Let's take her to her room," He told and I nodded.
Her room still had the dark gesture, but with a few decors. There are a few photos on the nightstand. A flower vase and a makeup table were there near the wall.
As I lowered her to her bed. She moaned a little bit, protesting, mumbling my name. My heart fluttered and I almost forgot her father was here shooting daggers at my back. I loosened her grip from me and Mazur placed a pillow near her arms making her wrap her arms around it. I moved the hair from her face, staring at her angelic face.
"Hurt her, and you'll wish you were in hell," Mazur told.
"I won't," I told him.
I'm so sorry for the late update.
And this is a long chapter. Please leave a review, all of you. And the platform is open for suggessions.
I'll try to update on Every Sunday.
Love you soo much