I'm sick (with possible covid again) so I decided to post another chapter to take my mind off being sick :/

All of the reviews I've received really make me happy and I'm so glad so many enjoy this story 3 thank you so much to everyone that likes and comments!

Hope you enjoy this one lovelies 3

Dimitri stood among the groups of people waiting to cross. He tried to contain his sigh so his mother wouldn't hear him through the phone.

"I'm worried about you, Dimka," Olena repeated, the concern clear in her voice.

Dimitri looked skyward, watching the scattered raindrops fall. He pulled his duster tighter to keep his clothes dry. "Will you tell me how you knew about Rose?"

Silence.

"I have to go, Mama," Dimitri breathed, pushing down his irritation. For weeks he had asked his mother the same question; push for the piece of information of how she knew anything of the demon world. And each time, Olena would avoid answering it.

"Please be careful," she pleaded.

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Rose won't hurt me. I wish you would understand that" he replied and then ended the call. It was the same argument each time, and it drained him to keep repeating.

Dimitri loved his family—they never turned their back on him, even when he was younger and many called him dangerous. But now they were hiding something from him. Each time he had been around them since he met Rose, he felt they knew something he didn't. The only one that didn't act strangely was Viktoria.

The light changed, and Dimitri crossed, hurrying to the other side to escape the rain. There were few occasions Dimitri would venture downtown, and rarely a reason to go to that part of the city. He looked at the directions on his phone again, frowning at the name of the club.

Shadow Kissed.

It had been days since he last saw Rose, nearing a week already. That need to see her never faded, and the memories of their last time together had kept him awake on more than one occasion.

His mind drifted to treacherous territory, wondering if Rose was with other men and women. How many did she have ready to drop everything they were doing and satisfy her need?

Jealousy burned deep within him.

Why couldn't he be enough for her?

Dimitri forced those thoughts away, drawing on the self-control he had worked to build. There was no promise between him and Rose—it was a chance for him to experience another part of the world, and then once she was tired of him, he would return to the life he once had.

There was no other way Dimitri could believe it would end.

The club was unassuming; the entrance was on the side of a convenience store. If he hadn't received the specific instructions, he never would have known. The door opened to a dimly lit staircase; the low rumble of bassy music played like a siren's song calling him closer—slow and rhythmic.

The lighting didn't improve once he reached the bottom of the stairs. Velvet was on the walls, and red and black colouring was throughout. The room was small, almost like a reception area, with a few chairs and a pedestal a young woman stood behind.

The woman looked up at him, pushing her winged glasses up the bridge of her nose. "First time?" she asked with a hint of a smile, though it felt predatory.

Dimitri swallowed. "I'm meeting someone."

She pouted. "Name?"

"Rose." He hoped that was enough; she had never given him a last name, and he doubted he could identify her by saying the female demon.

The woman's eyes lit up; her expression became devilish. "Oh," she breathed, "you are lucky."

Dimitri didn't know how to respond and simply nodded. Rose continued to put him out of his comfort zone, and he did not doubt that he was about to be far from it.

"Call me Darla," she smiled, much more welcoming. Darla stepped around the pedestal, revealing the latex body suit, and helped remove his duster.

Apprehension grew in him when she took his phone and gestured for him to follow her through the double doors. While Dimitri knew Rose was pushing his limits, he didn't expect her to throw him into the deep end.

Hidden behind the double doors was another room the size of a club. There were two levels, with plush furniture and people scattered throughout. Red lights shined around the room but left the corners cast in shadows.

What Dimitri hadn't been prepared for was what everyone was doing.

Breathless moans and whispered commands came from every direction; clothes were scattered on the ground, and over the back of the sofa they were stretched across. Dimitri froze, unable to look away at first from many people having sex in front of him.

Rose had invited him to a sex club.

He dropped his eyes to the ground.

Darla giggled beside him. "I was right; this is your first time." She rested a hand on his arm, slowly dragging it down to his hand. "You don't have to be so shy," she purred, pressed up against him. "I'm sure if Rose invited you, you must be quite impressive."

Dimitri shifted back from Darla, eyeing her warily.

She followed. "Has she tasted you?" Her lips stretched into a flirtation smile and revealed sharp fangs.

"Back off, Darla."

Both turned to find Rose stalking towards them, a deadly look in her eyes. She reached them and broke Darla's hold on Dimitri, and curled her fingers around his.

"I was only joking," Darla mused. "Since when are you so protective of a meal?"

Rose's eyes narrowed, her hand twitching by her side. "Touch him again, and I'll break your hand. Understand?"

The threat seemed to amuse Darla, eyes becoming bright, almost glowing in the dim lights. "Mason wasn't lying."

Rose's body became tense, fingers squeezing Dimitri's for a moment before she relaxed and turned from Darla. Her attention turned solely to Dimitri. "Come on," she whispered.

Dimitri followed her willingly, not risking a glance back despite feeling eyes burning in the back of his head. The concern was cast to the side as he focused on Rose and the black dress she wore. Rather than the other dresses that fit her snuggly, this one flared out from her hips, the hem ending mid-thigh. Thin straps ran over her shoulders, her black bra straps exposed.

He wanted to brush the straps down her shoulder and kiss the skin.

"Sorry about her. She's a bitch," Rose complained and then threw a grin over her shoulder at him. "I'm surprised you didn't leave as soon as you walked in."

She pulled him down onto a large couch against the wall; the material was smooth under his hand. Each time he tried to respond, he would be interrupted by another's moan; a scream of pleasure managed to travel over the music.

"Do you come here often?" he finally asked as his eyes flicked around the room and then to the ground.

Rose leaned back in the cushions, breathing in deeply and smiling. "Sitting in here is like a buffet. It's not enough to keep me going for days, but it's a nice snack." She reached for him, fingers curling under his chin and turned him to face her. "Did I surprise you?"

It was easier for him to focus on her. "It wasn't completely unexpected," he admitted and moved closer. "I was more surprised that you messaged me."

"You still think that I'm going to disappear?"

His eyes dropped. "Yes."

Dimitri had never wanted to be with someone as much as he did Rose; every second of the day, he thought of her.

She bent down to meet his eyes, drawing them back to her. "I'm right here," she promised as her lips met his. It was a slow kiss, like one between lovers. It made Dimitri's heart soar and a giddy feel bloom in Rose's chest. She wouldn't say it out loud, but she missed him too.

The number of times she had to convince herself not to call him, and instead dialled another's number in hopes of finding the release she needed. But it was never right. It never gave her what Dimitri did. But she had to give them space.

Any other human would be lethargic by now, in a coma or worse—yet here he was, as alive and energetic as ever.

The curiosity of what made Dimitri different sat in the back of her mind, always taking note of what he did—looking for any clues. If she were truly desperate, she could ask her father, but Rose was never desperate enough to ask him for help.

They continued to kiss; it was enough distraction for Dimitri to forget where they were. Rose climbed closer, throwing a leg over his lap so she straddled him; his hands settled on her hips like it was second nature to him. Gone was the shy man that would blush at just the mention of sex.

Rose broke the kiss, smirking when Dimitri chased after her for more. "You're eager," she teased, grinding against him with a wicked look in her eye. Her hand dropped to his jeans, feeling the bulge that had grown. "Does it turn you on? Being in a place where someone can see you claim me?"

Realisation flashed in Dimitri's eyes, as did desire. His possessiveness hadn't escaped her.

He swallowed, glancing around the room. They were in the corner where the lights barely reached. Tentatively, his hand slid up her back and into her hair, curling the strands around his fingers. "Have you been with others here?"

"Have I fucked other people here?" she clarified and hummed when he nodded. Rose dropped her lips to the side of his neck, pressing open-mouth kisses in between words. "Never. You would be the first, Dimitri."

Her words stirred something in him and confidence he didn't believe he had surged. He tightened his hold on her hair, using it as leverage to bring her mouth back to his, pressing his tongue past her lips and deepening the kiss.

Rose's hands moved to his shirt, undoing each button until his chest was exposed, and then she focused on his pants. She didn't break the kiss once as she unbuckled his belt and lowered the zip on his jeans.

Dimitri pulled back to breathe, panting from the intensity of their kiss—he doubted he would ever grow tired of the feeling it gave him. He felt like he was floating, and only Rose could touch him.

"Are you sure?" Rose asked, fingers dancing on the edge of his underwear.

He could never deny her. "Yes, Roza."

She pulled on his jeans and underwear, working them down his thighs when he lifted his hips. It was enough for his cock to be free of its constraints, standing eagerly for what was to come next.

Rose's fingers wrapped around him and pumped leisurely. "I really hoped you would say yes," she confessed. He didn't have to ask why when she shifted forward and angled his cock with her entrance.

She wasn't wearing any underwear.

Rose didn't wait and lowered herself onto him, sliding inch by inch with a look of bliss. The skirt of her dress fanned out around her legs, giving them some modesty as she sat fully in his lap. Dimitri's eyes closed, savouring the feeling after dreaming of it for days.

"I've missed this," Rose murmured to herself. It felt like coming home; there was something so satisfying when he was inside her.

Dimitri slowly opened his eyes, locking with hers; they shined with the now familiar ring of red. A sense of achievement shot through him whenever they glowed, pride knowing he was the one that was providing for her.

Neither looked away as Rose began to move; it was languid—tender compared to previous times. She barely lifted herself a few inches each time, rolling her hips to feel him drag inside her. A shiver ran through her when she found the perfect spot, her walls clenching around him.

"Roza," he groaned, reaching for her. No longer held back, Dimitri slipped her strap down her shoulder and sucked at the tantalising skin. He sucked and nipped, marking her where everyone could see it. "I missed you," he whispered, "I've wanted you every day."

Rose gave into the sweet feelings his words brought, breathing heavily in his neck as she rode him. A response was on the tip of her tongue, a need to reply with her own wants.

She wanted him with her every night and every morning.

She wanted to have him above her again.

She wanted to be able to admit how much she wanted him.

The room supercharged her, bringing her to her peak quicker than before. She was so close but she wanted Dimitri to come inside her first. "Fuck me, Dimitri. Don't stop until you come," she commanded.

Dimitri followed her order without question; giving Rose what she wanted was all that mattered.

Their moans became louder, blending in with the mix of others and the music that played. Dimitri's eyes locked on Rose's again; her hands cupped the sides of his face so he couldn't look away. Each thrust of his cock brought them closer and closer.

Her eyes glowed impossibly brighter; even the lights in the room lacked the colour of her eyes. It fascinated him.

Dimitri wanted her eyes only on him, always.

His orgasm hit hard and fast, pulling her down so her hips were flush against him, his cock deep inside of her as he came. The feelings flowed in Rose, and her body locked up; she became utterly lost in it—lost in the feeling of Dimitri.

Slowly, reality returned to her. The music dropped in bass and sent vibrations through the chair and her. She laughed, "That was intense."

"I…" Dimitri was still regaining his bearings. "I think I need a minute."

"Me too," Rose agreed and slumped forward to rest against his chest. She had referred to the club as a buffet, and she was right. As if she had eaten too much, she felt overstimulated and boneless. "I think, after this, we just get food or just sleep at my place."

A smile appeared on Dimitri's face. He wrapped his arms around Rose, holding her close. "Sounds like a good idea."

Across the room, keen eyes watched the two of them wrapped up together. Darla shook her head at Rose in disappointment and retrieved her phone. His number was on speed dial; only needed to wait for two rings before he answered.

"What?"

"You were right. Rose is falling in love with a human."

He tried to not smile; tried to not just stare at her and feel happiness build in his chest.

Rose's eyes flicked to his and then paused mid-bite. "What?"

Dimitri maintained a blank face. "Nothing."

Inside, he was laughing at the sight before him. After leaving the club, Rose demanded food, so they ended up eating tacos outside a small Mexican restaurant. The chill in the air had caused her to shiver, so Dimitri gave her his duster. She was practically lost in the coat, with the sleeves rolled up so she could eat.

He relaxed back into the wire chair. The rain had stopped, but the smell of it remained in the air. Few things could remind him of when he lived away from the city; sometimes he missed the rolling grassy hills as opposed to the towering structures of the city.

The memories started sweet but then turned sour—he was the reason why they had to leave.

Forcing the thoughts from his mind, Dimitri focused on Rose. "Do you have plans for the rest of the day?" With the rain darkening the skies, he had forgotten it was only mid-afternoon.

Rose finished off her taco—her fifth taco. "Are you trying to get rid of me?" she accused in a teasing tone, "I thought you wanted to spend time with me."

"I do," he replied evenly, "that's why I asked."

Her lips twitched in a smile, her finger wrapped around a curl, twirling it as she spoke, "Well, there is something I need to do, but I need a tall, strong man to help me with it. Know any?"

The tips of Dimitri's ears tinged red. He didn't think she would be ready to go again so soon. After they had sex, Rose was unsteady on her feet and was still affected by the amount of energy she had absorbed. There was still a faint red ring in her eyes.

"I'm sure I can be of help," he replied, barely keeping the anticipation from his voice. "What do you have in mind?"

"Which one?"

When Rose said she needed his help, Dimitri never expected it was for choosing which pair of underwear to buy. He hadn't made it a habit to be in a woman's lingerie store; the closest he had come was standing outside while his sisters shopped—he hated even doing that.

"Dimitri," Rose drawled, "which one?" She shook to two options again. One was a green g-string with a gold waistband, and the other was a pink lacy pair that covered more and had a heart cutout in the back.

He could picture her in both and it sent arousal straight to his dick. Dimitri cleared his throat before answering, "The pink."

She mocked surprise, "Oh, Father, what a shock."

His brows furrowed. "Don't call me that. I'm not…"

"Thank God for that," Rose mused, "otherwise, who else would I be shopping with." She winked at him, a teasing grin on her lips. "And there are so many other things I wouldn't have been able to do with you."

The look of pure lust in her eyes made his jeans uncomfortably tight. Dimitri attempted to readjust himself, and it drew her eyes.

Her smile spelled trouble. "Maybe you should be quoting the bible to rid yourself of that. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng."

Dimitri was shocked to hear her quoting the bible and even more so while she was searching through the underwear laid out on the table in front of her.

She shot him a smouldering look, "Do you think that one was written about me?"

He was speechless.

"I wonder if that's what your mother thinks," Rose wondered aloud. She glanced over her shoulder at him, asking, "Has she said anything about how she knew about me?"

Dimitri sighed. "No, nothing. I haven't been able to find out anything."

"Okay, I'll buy these," Rose decided, already moved on from their conversation.

With the pair Dimitri chose in hand, Rose went up to the counter. As she went to pay, Dimitri stepped up beside her and handed his bank card to the woman behind the counter. Rose didn't say anything until they were outside the store.

"Why did you pay? Do you think I left my wallet in the underworld or something?"

Dimitri shook his head. With a hint of hesitation, Dimitri reached for Rose's hand and threaded his fingers through hers. "I wanted to," he explained, ignoring the blush that rose on his face. He had never been with a woman romantically to be able to buy her such a gift; it was another experience he was glad to give Rose.

He would give her everything if she allowed him.

The act of having things bought for her shouldn't ignite a warmth in her chest. Rose had had many buying her gifts and giving tokens of affection. So why did Dimitri making a small purchase make her smile?

Her hand felt warm in his. She liked it.

They walked down the street hand in hand, looking like any other couple in the city.

"Hang on a second." Rose made them stop by an alley and stepped in. When Dimitri raised his brow, she laughed. "I'm putting on my underwear."

Dimitri's eyes widened, and he spun, placing his body in a way to block anyone from seeing what she was doing. It was endearing to Rose that Dimitri was so concerned for her modesty after fucking her in a room full of people just hours ago.

Rose had just ripped the tags off the underwear when she heard a voice.

"Dimitri? What are you doing down here?"

Panic rushed through Dimitri, and he shifted to block Rose more as Ivan walked towards him. His best friend and business partner gave a bewildered look, pushing his blond hair out of his eyes.

"What happened to your hot date?" Ivan cheeked. He had been pressing Dimitri for all the details about Rose since he mentioned her. Ivan was the only one that knew Dimitri left the church after meeting a girl, but Dimitri was tight-lipped about specifics.

The only reason Ivan knew Dimitri had a date was that he was there when Rose messaged him.

Dimitri was at a loss for words. How could he explain that she was behind him putting on underwear? Thankfully, Rose saved him.

"I'm right here," she announced, coming around Dimitri and taking his hand again. "I was fixing my shoes," she lied, and Dimitri was grateful.

Ivan's expression became strained, but he quickly shifted it to teasing. "Wow, so she's real?"

Rose eyed the tall man in front of them; she recognised him from the gym. Every time she saw him, she felt the prickling of unease. Maybe it was because Dimitri's mother had shot her on their first meeting, but Rose was suspicious of the people that Dimitri kept close.

She knew there was something about Dimitri that was unknown—something that made him different. And she didn't doubt that the people around him knew what it was.

"Ivan, this is Rose," Dimitri introduced them, apprehension in his eyes. His best friend, meeting his demon… he didn't know what to call Rose. They weren't dating, but what he felt for her wasn't that of someone just wanting sex.

"Hi," Rose greeted, holding a hand out. Ivan eyed her before taking in. The moment their hands touched, she knew her suspicions were right.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Ivan told her with a warm smile, successfully faking it for Dimitri. "Hey, did Dimitri invite you to the family dinner tonight?"

Dimitri grimaced. "I don't think–"

"No, he didn't," Rose interrupted him. "You're having a family dinner tonight?" she asked; a glint in her eye proved she was planning something.

"You should come," Ivan insisted.

Rose smiled brightly, "I would love to."

Dimitri was thrown by both Ivan inviting Rose, and that she accepted. His hand tightened around hers in question.

"Great, I'm sure everyone will be excited to meet you. Well, I have to go, but I'll see you both later. I look forward to learning more about you, Rose."

Rose hummed in agreement, "Likewise."

As soon as Ivan was out of earshot, Dimitri pulled Rose into the alley, staring down at her in confusion. "What are you doing?"

"Probably walking into a trap," she sighed, chewing on her thumbnail as she thought. "I'm going to need to call Lissa, so she's ready, just in case."

"Just in case of what?" Dimitri demanded, and then his eyes widened. "What are you planning? I know you warned of what would happen if my mother tried anything, but going into her house and attacking is not–"

Rose cut him off, "I'm not going to hurt your family, Dimitri," she declared. Even though she understood why he was concerned, it hurt that he thought she would. "I'm calling Lissa in case I get hurt tonight."

"Why?"

"Because that guy is a demon hunter, and he has practically invited me to my last meal."

Dimitri was speechless again. A demon hunter. She was saying Ivan hunted demons? "That's not…He isn't."

"Yes, he is," she affirmed. "I knew there was something off about him."

"Then why did you agree to go to dinner?" Dimitri knew his mother had a weapon that could hurt Rose, and if she was correct about Ivan, he would as well. "Why are you putting yourself in that situation?"

Her eyes flashed. "Because I want to know why you have a demon hunter protecting you. What are you, Dimitri?"

He took a step back. "What am I?"

"You've said it yourself, you don't feel drained after we are together. That hasn't made you wonder what makes you different? Or why your mom has a gun that can kill demons?"

Dimitri frowned—he had wondered. "What will you putting yourself at risk achieve though?" he questioned. As tempting as answers were, dread had taken hold of his heart at the thought of Rose being injured or worse.

The concern in his expression felt foreign to be on the end of—or maybe it was the affection. Dimitri cared about if Rose got hurt, and she was unsure what to make of it. It had been so long since someone had cared for her as much as Dimitri clearly did.

It had been even longer since Rose had cared for someone the way she cared for Dimitri.

"I…" Rose paused, finding her courage. "Because I want to make sure that you are safe, okay? I want to make sure that us being together doesn't get you hurt. I don't want to be the reason–" Her mouth clamped shut. It was harder to admit it than she thought it would be. "I care about you, Dimitri."

There was no response, and Rose couldn't bring herself to look at him. Maybe he thought her pathetic. The half-demon confessing her feelings for a human. She claimed she didn't want to put him in danger, and yet that was all she brought since they met.

She shook her head, "I–"

Rose's words were swallowed by Dimitri's lips as they crashed against hers, moving fervently. The kiss was consuming.

Dimitri walked Rose back until her back hit the wall, and then he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her up so he didn't have to bend as far. By the time her feet touched the ground again, they were both breathless.

Rose was at a loss for words and could only gaze up at Dimitri and wait for a response to the question in her eyes.

He smiled; it was warm and affectionate—and just for her. "I care about you too, Roza. More than I have ever cared for someone."

The confession made her heart beat wildly in her chest, and her cheeks heated. "You do?"

"Yes," he promised, kissing her forehead tenderly. "And that's why I don't want to put you in danger."

Her insides melted at his protectiveness, and Rose knew she was completely lost to him. "They know what I am, and if they think I'm a danger to you, they will try to kill me. Whether that's tonight or later, it's going to happen. I would rather be the one calling the shots."

Dimitri sighed, letting his forehead rest against hers. "Fine. But if anything happens, I want you to get to safety. I'll deal with everything after."

Trepidation stirred within him, both the fear of someone he cared about being hurt, and of answers they might discover. He hugged Rose closer, no longer shying away from revealing his affection. He wouldn't let anyone harm her, even if it meant standing between her and his family.

Dimitri vowed to protect Rose.