I still can't get over the amount of love this story is receiving, and it makes me so very happy. So thank you so much!

Also, I promised smut, so I gift you, a smut-filled chapter :3

The sky was dark outside; the sun had long set, and only the storm provided limited light when it flashed in the sky above the endless planes of land. Though the rain had eased for part of the day, as night fell, so did the rain. Large drops pelted the roof of the cabin; a few holes in the rusted tin roof allowed water to fall in the corner.

The wind whistled through the cracks in the wood and chilled the room, yet wrapped in Dimitri's embrace and huddled near the fire stopped me from feeling the cold. I felt feverish. The warmth moved through my body, heating my cheeks and making my core heavy.

It wasn't my first time to be touched by a man; I was more liberal with the touches shared in the shadows of a party. Mason and I were best friends, and both shared a curiosity. I never laid with him, refusing to go so far. While I wasn't as prudent as other women, I did want to save part of me for the man I married.

I swore I would marry for love, and I would only be intimate with the one I loved. I wasn't marrying Dimitri, but I knew I loved him.

It had to be love, the feeling of my heart beating faster and slower each time he touched me. It had to be love when I felt every nerve in my body sing when we kissed. It had to be love when I felt so secure in his arms—when I was with Dimitri, I knew nothing could hurt me.

I was in love with Dimitri. I loved Dimitri with all my heart, and I knew it would be more than just that one night I would give myself to him. He promised that he was mine forever, but I was also his.

His touch was tender, moving carefully with eyes on mine for my reaction. Dimitri was wound so tight, I wondered if he would break. I wanted to push for more, but I was just as nervous. It was so much more than curious hands caressing the insides of my thighs.

I straddled his lap, hips pressed together with our undergarments between us—the last piece of cloth separating us. Even sitting on his legs, I had to tilt my head to reach his lips. I loved how much bigger he was than me, the way his shoulders could shelter me. Dimitri appeared dangerous to others, but I knew he would be gentle with me.

I held no fear of being with him. I eagerly awaited it—to have him above me as he cared for me in a way no other had.

Fingers brushed through my hair, releasing it from the crude braid and letting the curls cascade down my back. Dimitri enjoyed touching me without restraint, a soft smile when twirling a lock of hair around his finger. "You're so beautiful," he confessed; eyes ablaze as they took me in, "Are you sure you want this?"

I kissed the corner of his mouth and then his cheek and forehead. "I've never been so sure in my life. I want you—every part of me craves you."

Another kiss was shared between us, lips moving against each other until his tongue begged entrance. The feeling of it was consuming, and I never wanted it to end.

He grew brave, pulling the tie at the front of my chemise. The material loosened; the top of my breast exposed. Dimitri's eyes drank in the sight, the kiss broken so he could witness it all. I wondered if he thought it would be his only chance and wanted to remember every part.

The rough pads of his fingers graze my collarbone, slowly drifting further down. I breathed deeply, my chest rising into his touch; when his palm cupped my breast, my breath stuttered. The heat he gave was unbearable, but I leaned into it. I wanted his touch to burn me, leave me with the sweet memory of his hands on me.

"I want you to tell me if it feels good," he instructed, "Tell me if you enjoy it." His eyes locked with mine as his fingers moved to my pebbled flesh, rubbing his thumb over it through my chemise.

I gasped, biting my lip to catch the whimper that wanted to escape.

"Roza." The fire flickered in Dimitri's eyes; the colour reminded me of honey, just as sweet as his voice. "Do you like it when I touch you here?"

"Yes," I breathed.

His fingers moved to my other breast. "And here?"

My eyes fluttered close. "Yes."

He continued to explore my chest, starting feather-light, then firmer as he became bolder. I cried out in pleasure when his mouth descended to my neck and sucked my skin, twisting his fingers at the same time. It was all too much, yet not enough.

The more he explored, the heavier the feeling between my thighs grew. I was desperate for some kind of release but didn't know how. My body moved out instinct, hips rolling in search of friction—anything to ease the need. I pressed closer to Dimitri until I felt him, hot and hard against me.

I knew what I was touching, shy at first as I rubbed against him, but it felt so good and made him release a sound I wanted to hear again. It made me brave.

"Does it feel good, Dimitri?" I rasped, staring at him again, watching his every expression.

"Yes."

Dammit. The look of rapture on his face would be addictive. I wanted to see more.

I released my hold on his shoulders, holding his eyes as I dropped my hands to the hem of my chemise and slipped it over my head. Dimitri didn't breathe, eyes full of awe once I was completely naked before him. My hands inched towards my chest, instinctively wanting to cover myself, but I kept them at my side.

You would believe I had just shown him a box of jewels and gold with how Dimitri's eyes widened. I felt his gaze move over me, burning from the intensity. Soon, his hands returned, caressing my thighs and up my sides. Finally, they settled over my breasts again, palming each one. I couldn't keep the sounds of enjoyment escaping. I began to rock against him again, becoming lost in the sensation.

"Dimitri," I begged.

He kissed me again, releasing my chest to cradle the back of my head as he laid me on the blanket. His hips pressed to mine, relieving some of the pressure in the most delicious of ways.

"Oh, God. Please." The moan slipped past my lips before I could stop it. Dimitri smiled at me, balanced back on his knees, and removed the last piece of clothing between us.

I dragged my eyes down Dimitri's toned chest and stomach, feeling the first hint of anxiety when I reached his hips. I had seen a man unclothed before and heard stories from Lissa about that certain part of the body, but I suddenly felt unprepared. His manhood jutted out from his body, red and imposing.

I swallowed, unable to look away.

"Look at me, Roza."

My eyes snapped to Dimitri's; my breath quickened from apprehension. Dimitri laid over me, resting on his elbows so I wasn't pinned under his weight. I felt him pressed to the inside of my thigh; the length as impressive as the girth.

"If you wish to stop, I'll stop," he assured, kisses peppered on my face, "It might hurt at first, but I promise to make sure it's enjoyable."

"You've laid with someone before?" I asked more out of curiosity than jealousy. It wasn't as if I was completely pure.

His forehead pressed to mine. "Yes. Is that–"

"It's fine," I assured him, "If anything, it's comforting that at least one of us knows what we are doing."

Cautious, he asked, "You haven't…"

"No," I laughed, noting how his expression softened, "I've never… You would be my first."

"Okay," he whispered, lips pressed to mine in a slow, sensual kiss; once we broke apart, he held my eyes and promised, "I will take care of you, Roza."

We kissed again; our tongues tangled as my arms wrapped around his neck. Shivers went down my spine as his hand glided down my body and slipped between my legs. His long fingers brushed my skin before they stroked my core. I tensed, more from the shock of pleasure than fear; Dimitri stilled, barely moving for a moment before he stroked me again. Each movement was cautious, slowly building each time with intensity.

I thought the kisses we shared were overwhelming, but Dimitri continued to bring me higher.

The sounds of the storm raging outside were lost in the sound of my whimpers and panted moans. My heart raced in my chest; I could hear it in my ears.

My apprehension eased, soothed by the gentle caresses of Dimitri and the pleasure he gave with just his hand. The knowledge of what was to come kept me on edge, but the fear of it had faded. If just Dimitri's fingers felt so amazing, what was next would be indescribable.

"Are you ready, Roza?"

I licked my lips, clinging tighter to him as his hips rocked against me. I glanced down, then back to his eyes, "I think so."

Dimitri paused. His expression was tender, eyes gazing at me softly as he brushed my hair back. "I love you, Roza. No matter what happens when the sun rises, always know that I love you."

The confession of love wrapped around my heart, squeezing tightly until I felt like it would burst. He loved me. "I love you too," I returned, sealing the declaration with another kiss.

Dimitri removed his hand and settled surely between my thighs. I felt him drag across my entrance, slow motions until I felt a pressure. "I will always love you," he spoke as he pushed deeper. "I will always care for you. Even when I am not with you, you are always on my mind."

A spike of pain—that was how Lissa described it—just a moment of pain, and then followed by pleasure. Either Lissa lied, or Christian had less to offer. I felt impossibly full, and yet Dimitri still had more.

It wasn't completely uncomfortable. I had heard horror stories of the act of a man entering for the first time, but it wasn't terrible like that. I tried to focus on his words, relax under him, and wait for the pain to pass.

Dimitri would still when I tensed; another promise to care for me followed by a sweet kiss and a loving touch. Even if that was all I gained, it was more than enough—to feel so wholly loved was enough to make my heart soar.

Finally, his hips were flush with mine; I caught my breath, adjusting to the intrusion. I felt worn but wanted more; there was a hint of pleasure as the pain faded. I wanted to know why so many found enjoyment in being so intimate with one another.

I rolled my hips and gasped. There was a spark.

"Do you want me to stop?" Dimitri questioned, though it sounded like it pained him. His arms shook on either side of me; he had closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to mine once he stilled deep inside me.

"No. No, please don't stop." Again, I rolled my hips and moaned. It was enough to encourage him, hips drawing back slightly before returning. "God."

"Roza?"

"Do it again."

Dimitri did as demanded, rocking his hips again. And then again.

Each time, I felt that spark grow until it burned like a fire. My body warmed, my cheeks feverish, and my mind hazed by the feeling of Dimitri. It was pleasure—pure and complete.

I clung to Dimitri, my eyes squeezed shut as his thrusts became stronger. Each time our bodies met, the force of it went through me, and I would be pulled back. It was like a dance, a tempo set, and he guided me; I held his shoulders and followed his every move.

When I opened my eyes, I stared into his. Pinned in place by those piercing eyes, focused on me and only me. It was just as I imagined—Dimitri made me feel like I was the only person in the world.

His movements became erratic, buried deeper in me each time. Dimitri's head dropped to my shoulder, whispers of my name against my skin. "Roza," he grunted before pulling away; he left my body so suddenly I became cold with the loss of warmth. Dimitri angled his body away from me, and he stroked himself before groaning.

I eased myself up; I winced both from the ache between my legs and a sense of unease. "Dimitri? What… Why did you–" My lips pressed together in a frown.

Expression spent, he looked back at me in confusion. He looked down at himself and then at me; a sad smile settled on his face. "If I finished inside–" He cut himself off and shook his head before starting again, "It's better, so you aren't in a family way," he explained, "I almost didn't stop in time. You felt perfect."

Dimitri crawled back over me, hovering with one hand by my waist as the other slid between my legs, and his fingers filled me again.

"What are you doing?" I stuttered, feeling that heat pool again.

"I promised to take care of you."

I didn't understand the explanation given. He had finished, wasn't that the end of it?

It seemed Dimitri was determined. It began as languid pumps of his fingers, a constant glide that made me twitch and writhe. There was a spot he discovered, one that had been only grazed before, but now he aimed for it. The ache between my thighs returned, but not from pain—it was the need.

Every muscle in my body tensed, like a coil tightening until it would snap. I was breathless, lying on the ground with my thighs spread for him.

"Does that feel good?" he questioned, dark eyes staring intensely at me.

I nodded as I whimpered, "Yes." The pressure had pulled too tight, like a string with too much tension. I would break. His thumb rubbed a spot that he hadn't touched before, and it was my undoing. "Dimitri!"

Never in my dreams had I imagined such rapture; I felt disconnected from myself as I finally gained my relief. Each touch and stroke of Dimitri's hand prolonged it until I laid spent on the blanket. I could barely breathe, staring into space as I came back to myself.

I felt Dimitri lay beside me, drawing me into his arm and resting my head on his arms. He kissed my cheek and stroked my hair. "I love you, Roza. Even if it is only tonight, I love you." The words were whispered, and I almost missed them over the pounding of my heart.

I couldn't speak and didn't have the energy to properly form my thoughts. I wanted so much more than just one night—I wanted a forever that I never believed I could have.

Unwilling to break the happiness I felt in his arms, I simply returned the embrace.

In the light of day, I would tell him—I would fight for the love I had found. No matter what, I wasn't willing to let go of Dimitri.

Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the wooden walls; it shined brightly in my eyes. I squinted and tried to block the light with my hand. I began to shift back but winced at the pain between my legs; it wasn't terrible, but it gave me pause. It reminded me of when I first learned to ride and felt a strain in muscles I hadn't used before.

Before sleeping the night before, Dimitri had helped me into my chemise, then held me against his chest as we slept. It felt perfect—everything had felt perfect. However, that feeling faded when I woke up alone.

I searched blindly behind me but found nothing. I was covered, at least, kept warm by the worn leather duster draped over my body. It smelt of Dimitri.

The door of the cabin opened, allowing more light to fill the small room. I rolled over and watched Dimitri step inside, now fully dressed and with his hair tied back. A flush rose on my cheeks; I couldn't look at him without remembering how he looked underneath those clothes. Just how big he was…

"Good morning," Dimitri dimly greeted when he saw I was awake, "I brought you some water to wash."

I blinked, then noted the bucket he carried. "Where did you get that?"

"I found the bucket by the table and a small pond when walking around earlier. The rain must have been enough to fill it. I assumed you would like to refresh yourself."

The bucket was placed beside the blanket we used as a bed; Dimitri was quick, leaving the water and stepping away. He turned his back, searching through the saddlebags before returning with a cloth. Again, it was placed, and he moved out of reach.

"How long have you been awake?" I was disappointed not to wake beside him. I wanted to roll over and be greeted with the same look of affection he gave me as we fell asleep.

"A while."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes."

The short responses irritated me. I grasped for anything to make conversation. "It's stopped raining."

"Yes. We will be able to continue the journey and return you home." That wasn't the response I wanted. Dimitri began to turn, "I'll give you some privacy," he offered with a blank expression.

"Why?" I snapped, "You saw everything last night."

Dimitri froze. Every part of him became still—like an animal that had been spotted by hunters. He swallowed. "About last night–"

A chill went through my body as if my blood had become ice in my veins. "Do you regret it?" I stammered in disbelief, "Is everything you said a lie? Was I just a conquest–"

"No, Roza," Dimitri rushed forward, crouching beside me with an earnest expression, "Of course not. I meant every word."

My mouth clamped shut. "Oh." My cheeks heated again. "I thought… Why are you being so distant?"

His jaw clenched, breathing deeply before releasing it as a sigh. "Because I know it was only last night. You don't owe me anything; I don't want you to think I expect anything while we travel. I'll continue to protect you just as before."

"Only last night?"

"We are from different worlds, Rose. It can't be anything else but one night," he replied in a sombre tone.

I wasn't surprised, though I was still upset that he had so easily put what we shared behind him. "I thought you wanted to be with me?"

The mask he wore broke, a weak smile that felt more sorrowful than cheerful. "What I feel for you is like nothing I've felt for another. Last night was the best night of my life, and I will always treasure it, but that's all it can be. I have nothing to offer you—your life back in San Francisco is more than anything I could give you. Your fiance can provide for you, give you safety and comfort, none of which I could promise."

"My fiance? The one that I planned to run away from?" I scoffed. "Do you truly believe I would give myself to you for a one-night fuck?" Dimitri winced at my words, frown deepening as I continued. "Despite what some may believe, I am not a whore! I was with you last night because I want more than that!"

"Roza–"

"No!" I shouted, pushing against his chest in anger, "Do you think so little of me?"

"I love you!" Dimitri declared fiercely, eyes ablaze as they held mine. "I want nothing more than to be with you!"

"Good!" I threw myself at him, so caught up in my emotions. I pulled his face to mine and kissed him soundly, putting every ounce of affection I held towards him in it. I wanted to leave no doubt of my feelings. Dimitri's hands went to my waist, pulling me into his lap as he kissed back with just as much passion.

We shifted; he picked me up as if I weighed nothing. My back pressed to the blanket, and Dimitri covered me; his hips slotted against mine, and I could feel his hardness through his trousers.

I hiked my legs around his waist, moaning into the kiss when he bucked his hips against me. The same desire of the night before returned—I knew how good it felt and no longer felt wrong to want it.

Dimitri moved as eagerly, hands pushing my chemise up my body and over my head so I was bare to him. He halted, eyes darkened as if taking in a meal—I wanted Dimitri to devour me whole. His mouth descended on my chest, a new sensation that caused me to cry out and curl my fingers into his hair. His mouth was wet and warm, tongue flicking and lapping until I was a quivering mess.

With his hand free, it dropped between my thighs; no hesitation as he rubbed me with the pads of his fingers. It was the same spot he touched the night before that made me come undone at the seams; there was no teasing as he worked diligently to bring me that rapture again.

"Dimitri," I moaned, coiling around him as he played my body like an instrument. "Please."

He released my breast, a desired-filled gaze on my face as his hand moved. I couldn't withstand it anymore; I felt the heat move through my body moments before the pleasure exploded from my core. My back bowed, and an immodest sound escaped my mouth and filled the cabin. Somehow, it was more intense than the night before and left me shaking and weak in his arms.

Dimitri eased the motion of his fingers and withdrew his hand. His lips trailed across my shoulder and up my neck, each one gentle and tender. "I love you. There's nothing I want more than to be with you."

I slowly came out of the haze of pleasure he put me in and brushed my fingers through his hair. "I don't care about what I might give up as long as I have you."

"I have nothing to offer."

"I only want your love—it's all I need. That's all I have to give in return." If I chose to deny my fiance and leave my father's house, I would have little to offer. But a life spent with a man I loved was better than anything the life as Zmey's daughter could provide. "I love you, Dimitri. Please tell me that is enough."

His eyes softened, and his body relaxed as the tension left him. I saw the moment he gave in to his feelings. "It's more than enough, Roza."

It's very hard writing a first time for someone who doesn't much about sex, especially considering how limited Rose's knowledge would be as a woman in the 1800s lol

I hope it was okay :)