BACK TO THE START
by MAMBFF
Disclaimer: The rights to "Vampire Academy" belong to Richelle Mead.
Author's Note: Thanks to my new followers Sintrashchan and Lizzie85. Thanks again to pjwalterman for your review on Chapter 2!
Chapter 3: "Undertow"
~VA BTTS VA~
True to his word, Dimitri had put in a good word for me with the owner of the gym he worked at, 'Dhampir'. I was up especially early and ready to leave at any moment. I had no idea when I could get a call, but I didn't have to wait long. Alberta Petrov had called me early Monday morning, 7:30AM to be exact. She asked me to come in for an interview later that morning, and I was happy to oblige.
With a copy of my resume and qualifications in my cross-body bag, I walked the four blocks up to the gym. I arrived at 8:15AM for our 8:20AM interview. It was a rather specific time slot, I thought to myself as I approached the front counter.
"Hi, are you here for a workout?" The woman asked politely. "As a non-member you get a free session before we encourage membership." She stated. I could feel her eyes raking up and down my form. I knew the bruise on my face was pretty ugly but I was glad she didn't ask about it.
"Ah, no, thanks. I'm here for an interview with Alberta. Rose Hathaway." I informed.
"Oh, of course! I'm Galina. I typically run the front desk here and on Wednesday's and Friday's I teach a few classes with different levels of difficulty for yoga." She introduced.
"Nice to meet you." I smiled tightly. I didn't need to know so much about her right then but she directed me to wait in the lobby while she called for Alberta.
I started pacing, becoming a little anxious. My steps paused when I saw the glass doors part and a woman with short cropped hair approached.
"Rose?" She smiled kindly. "Hi, I'm Alberta Petrov. Welcome." She added holding out her hand.
We shook in introduction as she led me away to an office. The interview was pretty basic. She asked some rudimentary health questions and then led me to the floor where she wanted me to show her my knowledge of how the machines worked. I also had a general comprehension in physical therapy so I could help if someone injured themselves. I brought along copies of my certificates stating as such.
She and her second in command, Hans Croft, who joined us near the end, seemed impressed with my knowledge. I was ecstatic when she hired me on the spot. I would officially start Tuesday afternoon on an almost identical schedule to Dimitri's.
While he worked Sunday through Thursday, 12 to 8 PM, my schedule was Tuesday through Saturday 1 to 9 PM. So, we'd eclipse one another, but I'd get to see him, which was something I was looking forward to.
Alberta went over the basics for how she liked to run things and it seemed simple enough. "I like to keep an eye on our members, and to not impose on them during their workouts, unless," She paused. ", you clearly see that they're not using the equipment correctly." She emphasized. "Especially for their warm ups and cool downs." She elaborated. "Some like to think they know everything, but stretching the wrong way can do damage too."
"Important to avoid injury, of course." I nodded.
"Exactly." She smiled. "I think you'll fit in here just fine." She complimented.
"Now, when it comes to a 'uniform', I like my Guardians to be comfortable." She began.
"Excuse, me," I interrupted. "Guardians?" I asked a bit perplexed.
"It's the term I like to use for the staff. You are essentially guarding the members, making sure they're not hurting themselves, or others." She explained as Hans approached.
"Here you are, Guardian Hathaway." He nodded, handing me my employee access card and assigned locker information and combination lock.
"Thanks," I smiled.
"Now, as I was saying, the uniform is a simple t-shirt or tank top with the gym logo so our members can recognize our staff." She clarified. "You look to be about an extra small, but…" She trailed off.
"I am an extra small except for in the bust, so it's better to try a small or even a medium." I reasoned.
I tried on both sizes, to find the best fit. The small seemed to fit okay even if a little snug.
Alberta nodded. "You'll get three t-shirts and three tank tops. They do come in three different colours as well." She went on. "Black, dark grey and red. So, you can take one of each or all one colour." I nodded in understanding as she led me to the back which was employees only.
"I'd love one in each." I smiled as she entered a store room, me trailing behind.
"It's up to you on what you wear for bottoms. Shorts, yoga styled pants. Jogging pants." She listed off. "If you choose to wear shorts that are loose, I would prefer that you have a spandex style short underneath to deter some of our younger male members from trying to take a peek." She relayed.
"I understand and trust me, with a bust like mine, I make sure things are always contained." I laughed gently.
I liked that she was really easy going and likable, but made it clear she was the boss without being overbearing. So, I didn't have too much concern over my question being received poorly, but I needed to know, regardless. "Alberta," I paused anxiously. "I just wanted to check with you about something." I started. "Dimitri and I are seeing each other." I informed. "Is that allowed if we will be working together?" I questioned nervously.
"I don't have rules about who someone can date, only that you keep your shit at the door. Especially if there are any personal problems." She cautioned. "Besides, I already knew before I called you. Dimitri told me you were his girlfriend." She winked knowingly, handing me a stack of shirts and tank tops.
'Girlfriend', I grinned like a loon and held back wanting to do a 'happy-dance'. I loved that he'd told her I was essentially, his. Alberta led me to a back office and had me fill out the required employee forms.
"When you're finished with those, you can leave them in my drop box, here." She instructed. "Other than that, I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled, "Be sure to arrive twenty minutes early so I can introduce you to the other Guardians." She finished, leaving me to it.
Fifteen minutes later, I finished the forms and left them where Alberta instructed. It was still early, only 9:24AM and Dimitri didn't start his shift until noon. I left the gym after I found my locker, leaving my new shirts and tanks inside. Planning to call Dimitri with the news once I arrived home, my thoughts drifted back over our Sunday morning in bed together. I bit my lip at the erotic recollection of events.
"Hmmm…" I murmured, waking slowly. I must have turned over in my sleep as I was now facing away from him.
Apparently, Dimitri had noticed I had moved away and I felt how his body was pressed against mine. One arm was around my waist and the other under my neck, supporting my head; our legs intertwined. I loved the feeling of his naked body encompassing mine and snuggled even closer.
I could feel his arousal against my backside and pushed my ass against him, gently wiggling, trying to wake him. His cock was already on full alert, now I just needed the man attached to it conscious so I could take full advantage. One time with him last night was not enough.
"Roza," He purred sleepily, the hand around my waist pulling me even more tightly against him. "You're asking for trouble, sweetheart." He murmured, fastening his lips to my neck and cupping a breast in his hand, his thumb brushing over my nipple, causing it to pebble at his touch.
"Do we have time?" I asked breathlessly, pressing myself into his hand.
"For you, always." He replied sweetly.
"I want you to take me like this." I purred. "From behind." I pleaded, turning my head towards him.
"Fuck," He mumbled. "Gimme a minute." He added.
The bed shifted as he rolled away. I could hear the bedside table drawer open, then close and when he rolled back, he was using his mouth to tear open the condom.
"I need my arm for a minute, love." He requested.
Lifting my head, he retracted his arm and rolled on the condom, before slipping that same arm back under my neck and bending his arm at the elbow, his fingers grazing my breast. Dimitri lifted my leg and pulled it back over his hip. I felt his hand stroke the inside of my thigh as he slipped two fingers between my lips, testing my readiness.
"You're so wet for me, baby." He growled.
"Please, Dimitri, fuck me." I pleaded, pressing myself closer to his fingers seeking any kind of friction to ease the ache.
Gripping his cock, he pressed the head between my folds as he pushed himself inside of me, unbearably slow.
"Yes," I cried, my back arching in desire at the places his cock was reaching at this new angle. I whimpered in pleasure as his hips starting thrusting into me at a slow and steady pace. "Faster, harder." I demanded, my hand running over his arm around my waist. With my hand over his, we clasped our fingers together.
His body was literally wrapped around me but he managed to pull my face towards his, plunging his tongue into my eager mouth. Even though he was pounding into me at a rapid pace, his kisses were always slow, sweet and sensual.
Dimitri pulled out suddenly and I frowned at the loss, "Get on your knees for me, Roza." He requested, smacking my ass lightly. I scrambled up quickly, wanting to feel him inside me again. He stood at the side of the bed, and pulled me almost to the edge.
Resting on my knees, I bent down so I was leaning on my elbows, my head tilted down as he plunged his cock back inside me.
"Yes, yes, yes." I called. His pace was persistent as we both were chasing that impending orgasm.
"Fuck, Roza." He murmured, running a hand along my spine before I felt him lean over and kiss my shoulder, pushing my hair over the other. His arm was underneath me around my waist and his chest was pressed against my back. His tempo never faltered and at this angle, his cock was reaching new depths and sensitive spots I didn't know I needed satiated.
"Turn over for me, baby. I want to see your face when you come." He announced, pulling himself from my throbbing sex.
I couldn't turn over fast enough, and he was inside me in milliseconds. Reaching up, he clasped our hands together above my head as they tangled in the sheets. Our chests brushed against the others teasingly as he bent his head to kiss my lips so lovingly. Meanwhile, his thrusts were relentless and hard, just how I wanted it.
"Come for me." He murmured, his lips suctioning to my breast before sucking my nipple between his lips.
"Fuck, Comrade. I'm so close." I called as he released one hand to brush his thumb against my clit.
Freeing my other hand from his grasp, I ran my hands through his hair, pulling his head down to mine to capture his mouth with mine. I slipped my tongue past his lips playfully when I felt that familiar coil in my belly. My hips rose to meet his at every thrust.
"I'm coming. I'm coming." I chanted as his eyes met mine. The flood of pleasure rippled through my body. My back curved off the bed and my legs quivered as he slowed his thrusts, allowing me to relish in the orgasm.
"That's my girl," He murmured, kissing my neck and down to my shoulder as the pleasure wave slowed.
The next thing I knew, I was air born. He'd scooped me up into his arms. I enfolded my arms around his shoulders and held on, as he wrapped his arms around my back. His hands curved over my shoulders as he fucked me while standing. I didn't know how he was managing to keep himself upright like this but damn, it felt so good.
His hips stilled a few moments later as he grunted and growled, burying his face in my neck.
"Fuck me." He growled. "I've never come that hard." He relayed, turning around to seat himself on the bed with me still cradled in his arms and his forehead pressed to mine.
"ROSE!" I was brought back from my thoughts to see Lissa waving her hand in front of my face.
"Shit!" I replied in alarm. "Sorry." I mumbled, following her towards our apartment building.
It seems I was in a zombie trance but still managed to find my way home.
"What had your mind so occupied?" She questioned with a laugh as we stood outside. I shivered at the cold, and wrapped my arms around myself.
"Wait, why are you home from work?" I posed.
"Don't change the subject." She admonished.
"I'll tell you if you tell me first. What are you doing home?" I pressed.
"Big important council woman is going out of town as of an hour ago, and only required her first assistant." She explained rolling her eyes. "I'm pretty sure they're sleeping together though." She added as an afterthought.
"I do not need to know about the sex life of Tatiana Ivashkov!" I expelled. "But shit. Wait that means…" I trailed off as realization hit. "NO. She's fucking Ambrose? Seriously?" I was shocked. Ambrose was decent looking but was at least fifteen years younger.
"Yeah, and they're pretty obvious about it. I don't know how much more of their crap I can take." She confessed. "I need a new job." She whined dejectedly.
"Sorry, Liss."
"Okay, back to you!" She pushed.
"I was just sort of thinking…" I trailed off.
"Dimitri..." She exclaimed.
"Yes, okay." I admitted, running my hands over my face. "I was having daytime sex thoughts about that Russian Sex God!" I announced. "And I mean that literally, like OH MI GOD, Liss. Literally Russian SEX God!" I reiterated. That's when I heard it. That low rumbling, laugh.
"Actually, I meant, Dimitri, as in…" She looked at me, a blush reddening her cheeks.
"He's here!" I realized, "Hi," I greeted bashfully, turning around to see him standing a few feet away. "How much of that did you hear?" I asked timidly.
"Every word, Roza." He smirked, moving closer, kissing my non-bruised temple. He gently ran his fingers over the black and blue bruises on my left temple and kissed the side of my head.
"How did you know where I live?" I questioned, looking up at him. He opened his mouth to speak, "Christian, of course." I realized as he nodded. "Don't you have to be at work soon?" I posed as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
"I'll see you later." Lissa interjected knowingly, leaving us out on the stoop.
"I wanted to hear about your interview." He started. "And it's barely 10 o'clock." He relayed. "Let me take you out for brunch, and you can tell me all about it." He suggested.
Reaching down, he slid his hand into mine, intertwining our fingers as we walked down the block towards a favourite café of mine. They served the best chocolate donuts and while I knew they were bad for me to have too often, I needed to subject Dimitri to their greatness.
We were seated at a table in the far back corner. Dimitri shrugged off his duster and placed it around the back of the chair and sat down, looking over the menu. When he closed it, placing it on the table, a server approached.
"Hey handsome." She said sweetly. I knew her well enough, and she wasn't flirting, but being herself.
"Sydney," I smiled. ", this is Dimitri." I introduced.
"Are you, her boyfriend?" Sydney asked.
Dimitri spoke before I could. "Yes." He stated simply, and I smiled like a giddy pre-teen who's first crush just touched her hand.
"Ohhh, Rose!" Sydney gushed. "Nice." She giggled, raking her eyes over his large muscular form. His eyes were on me the whole time but he couldn't hide the smirk on his face at Sydney's assessment.
"I need to subject him to those divine chocolate donuts." I teased.
"Roza, I really don't eat like that during the week." He explained.
"I don't usually either, but this is your first time here, you have to try one." I urged, sticking out my bottom lip in a pout. "Besides, we can work them off later, Comrade." I indicated suggestively. He smirked, and looked down for a moment. I swear he was blushing.
He grinned. "Alright, one." He acquiesced.
"Can I get you anything else?" Sydney questioned.
"Coffee, please, soy not cream, and the fruit medley." I added. Sydney wrote down my order and then turned to Dimitri.
"Coffee, black, and the oatmeal with blueberries. Thanks." He finished.
"Coming right up." She finished, dashing off.
Dimitri lay his hand across the table top, palm up. I placed my hand in his as he turned our hands so our fingers were linked.
"I missed you last night." He murmured, leaning over the table slightly. "I reached out for you in my sleep and woke up, so disappointed to find you not there." He disclosed. "My sheets smell like you." He purred seductively.
"I really like sleeping with you." I blurted suddenly, and he smirked. "That's not what I meant." I defended. "Well, I do like that too, I mean like a lot." I giggled. Once the laughs settled, I looked up, my eyes meeting his gaze. "I missed waking up in your arms." I admitted, biting my lip shyly. He squeezed my hand affectionately before bringing it to his lips and kissing the back.
"Roza," He changed the topic. "How was the interview?"
"I start tomorrow." I grinned broadly. "I was concerned over one thing though and asked Alberta about it." I relayed.
"What's that?" He pressed as Sydney returned with our coffees and two of those delicious chocolate donuts.
I took a large bite from the donut, moaning at the taste and the freshness of the warm dough. Dimitri took a bite as well and groaned just as loud as I did. I giggled as he rolled his eyes in delight.
"Okay, that is amazing." He agreed. After he'd devoured it, he proceeded to lick his fingers. "What was your question for Alberta?" He asked, sipping from his coffee.
"I was worried because after she hired me, I wondered about the 'office politics', as it were," I paused.
"I told her we were together." He interjected. "She was well aware before she called you." He informed.
"I know." I grinned widely.
"What is that smile for?" He asked, smirking back at me.
"You told her that I'm your girlfriend." I felt him try to pull his hand back and I gripped it tighter. "I liked it. A lot." I clarified. Leaning over the table, I tugged his hand so he'd lean closer. He got the hint and pressed his lips to mine, cupping my cheek with his other hand.
"I like being yours." I relayed, pressing my forehead to his.
Sydney interrupted our moment. "Sorry, but I didn't want the oatmeal to get cold." She supplied, setting our food down.
"Thank you," Dimitri replied, politely.
"You guys are too cute. I love it." She commented before dashing off to another table.
We ate in relative silence, stealing glances every now and then. Although, he still held my hand over the table.
"It's going to suck at the gym." I remarked.
"Why's that?" He asked in confusion.
"You're going to be all hot in your workout gear and I'm going to want to touch you in the most inappropriate ways, and clearly that won't be permitted." I reasoned.
He smirked adorably, "Trust me I will feel the same, but we do get breaks, Roza." He paused. "And the employee locker room has some dark corners." He stated suggestively.
"Let's not push the boundaries too much on my first few shifts." I giggled, although, I was looking forward to testing out these dark corners.
"I wanted to ask you something." He admitted, setting his bowl to the side when he'd finished.
"Shoot," I urged, spearing a piece of melon on my fork and biting it in half.
"How would you feel about accepting these…" He started, reaching into the pocket of his duster and pulling out some keys.
"What are those for?" I questioned.
"Keys to my place. The front door, elevator and the door that locks from my apartment." He explained. "I'd like for you to come and go as you please, stay the night whenever you want."
Standing from my seat, I moved over to him in the corner. He pushed himself away from the table a bit, making room. I sat sideways across his lap, my back to the wall. Dimitri wrapped his arms around me, trying to read my face.
"Can I stay over tonight?" I requested, running a hand through his hair. Not waiting for a reply, I leaned in kissing him urgently. I felt him grin as he broke the kiss.
"You have no idea how much I love the idea of coming home and finding you in my bed." He professed.
"I'll be sure to be naked." I teased. "And you know I'm totally going to snoop through your shit, right?" I smiled. He laughed boisterously, catching the attention of a few other café goers.
"Roza, you can go through whatever you want." He replied, burying his face in my neck.
"Nothing to hide, Comrade?" I joked, running a hand through his hair.
"Not from you." He stated honestly as his eyes met mine.
"You're so sweet to me." I smiled, kissing his cheek.
He smiled. "You should make sure to have clothes ready for the morning, though." He informed.
"For work you mean?" I deduced.
"Well, that, and the guys will be over for a rehearsal. They're usually at my place for 8AM." He clarified, leaning in and kissing my neck.
"Good to know. I would have no shame in walking around naked, so." I giggled at the look on his face.
"Fuck, Roza," He mumbled pressing his head to my chest. "You've given me a permanent problem in my pants, you realize that, don't you?" He divulged as I cuddled into his arms.
"I'll take care of it tonight; you know I will." I flirted, wiggling my ass on his lap. His hands gripped my hips, halting my movements.
"I'm really looking forward to it." He murmured, kissing my cheek before nuzzling his face against my breasts once again.
"We should get going soon, you have to get to work." I reasoned after we'd sat snuggled on his chair for a lengthy time.
"How was everything?" Sydney questioned, setting the bill on the table.
"Fantastic." I grinned, swiping it before he could. Sydney smiled and moved to another table.
"Roza," He murmured, holding out his hand for the bill.
"Comrade." I replied. "I'm paying for breakfast." I stated, climbing from his lap to get my wallet from my bag.
"I invited you for brunch." He reasoned.
"You wouldn't let me pay on Friday night, for anything, and that's when we barely knew one another." I rationalized.
"Fine, have it your way." He relented with a smile, pulling on his duster.
Dimitri walked me back to my apartment building and left me a quivering mess on the stoop after he'd kissed the shit out of me. Even my hair was tangled from his fingers as he sauntered off to head to the gym, shooting me a devilish smirk over his shoulder. He knew exactly what he'd done. Getting me all hot and bothered and then leaving.
The afternoon was spent hanging out with Lissa and watching daytime TV of all things. After dinner that night, I packed a bag and left it by the front door. "What's that for?" Lissa questioned.
I summarized our brunch date and dangled the set of keys he'd given me. "Wow, Rose…" She replied with caution.
"What?" I asked.
"Just, it's fast, no?" She reasoned.
"It is. I know it is, but he just feels so right, Liss." I started. "I can't explain it." I finished.
We sat back on the couch having a girl-talk session, as it were.
"You do seem really happy." She smiled.
"I am. It's never been like this, with anyone before." I admitted. "I'm terrified at the same time." I confessed.
"Terrified of what? Falling in love?"
"No. I think I already am." I admitted.
"Already in love with him?" She asked in surprise.
I nodded in confirmation. "Terrified of it losing it for some reason. I feel like there is something coming and I'm woefully unprepared for it." I confessed.
"Oh, Rose." She replied sadly.
"I always think the worst. I know. But it's so good right now, something bad must be coming right?" I rationalized.
"Not necessarily. Maybe the worst already happened." She offered with a shrug of her shoulders.
"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.
"Dealing with Jesse, your boss, Tasha." She listed.
"Maybe you're right." I agreed. "You know," I grinned. ", for someone as tall and muscular and fuck hot as he is," I giggled. "He's so sweet and gentle with me, in a way you'd never expect." I smiled.
"I do love seeing you two together, it's really sweet how he can't keep his hands off of you." She snickered.
"After Saturday night, when I stayed with him. We had the most intense sex of my life." I giggled. "Like really fuck hot sex, Liss." I went on.
"Spare me the details, please." She laughed.
"Anyway, the point is, we were cuddled up in bed after, and that feeling of just being in his arms…" I sighed, trailing off. "Well, I thought he'd fallen asleep but he whispered my name and told me that he's falling in love with me." I imparted.
"Did he know you were awake?" She queried.
"Yeah, I told him I was too." I said biting my lip. "I know!" I argued, biting my lip again. If I didn't stop, I was going to draw blood.
"I just don't want you to get caught up in something too quick, or get hurt." She reasoned.
"I get it, Liss." I paused. "But can you honestly tell me that you're not feeling something similar with Christian?" I countered.
She sat there and pondered my question for a moment. "Oh, mi God!" She blurted. "I'm such a hypocrite!" She exclaimed, laughing madly.
"See! I'm not the only one." I teased. "How are things with you and Christian?" I asked, not wanting to make this all about me.
"Really good. But I understand his relationship with Tasha a bit more." She revealed.
I waited for her to continue. "His parents died when he was a boy, and Tasha practically raised him." She explained.
"He has no other family?" Asked sadly. Lissa shook her head.
"Shit. So, her doing this crap with Dimitri probably makes it awkward for him." I imparted.
"You have no idea. He's so embarrassed by her."
"But you two are good?"
"Very." She smiled.
I jumped up from the couch. "I'm going to head over to Dimitri's snoop through his shit." I informed, grabbing my bag.
"You're not really going to look through his stuff, are you?"
"Of course." I responded. "Liss, he literally gave me permission to do so." I refuted.
It would have been easy to pay for an Uber but I decided to take the bus instead. Cheaper. Although, the bus ride did take longer. When I entered the lobby of his building, I saw the same man from the other evening.
"Lev? Right?" I asked.
"Ms. Hathaway." He greeted. "Mr. Belikov let me know that you have full access to his residence." He informed.
Pulling out the keys, I showed him the set Dimitri had given me.
"Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with, miss." He stated.
"Thanks," I smiled, heading over to the elevator.
It took a few tries to get the key out of the elevator panel when I reached his floor. That's when I realized it was a newly cut key. He must have had this made for me; it wasn't just an extra set he had. I finally wiggled the key loose and stepped into his place, closing the door and locking it with the key and then turning over the dead bolt like I'd seen him do Saturday night.
Setting my bag down by the door, I ventured into his kitchen. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a chef by any means, but I was decent enough. I couldn't wait until we could cook together. Here I am, feeling all domestic, I thought, giggling to myself.
Dimitri's kitchen had a large gas stove and double wide fridge. I opened the door to peek inside and saw it was pretty full. Everything felt just a bit bigger than normal, meaning it was likely custom made. "Swank," I murmured, taking in the marble counter tops. He was also incredibly neat and tidy. If he only knew what a handful I would be. I was not as spick-and-span as I could be.
Traipsing through the kitchen, I found a door that led to a formal dining room, which was to the left of the recording studio. I didn't want to disturb the equipment but I opened the door and poked my head in to see what was in there. It was a lot larger than I expected. There was a secondary living room really, likely where the guys would hang out, talk about their music, the sets, and songs for their gigs.
Two, long black leather couches sat against the walls, making an 'L' shape with a round coffee table in front.
The large sound panel thingy had two rolling chairs in front of it, and then there was the soundproof booth beyond where there was a drum kit set up, microphones and a wall with a few different instruments and various kinds of guitars hanging.
I had no idea what the names were for all the shit I was seeing, but it was truly professional. Quietly, I closed the door and wandered into the living room.
Walking over to his book shelves, I starting rummaging through his paperbacks.
"Dimitri!" I laughed, pulling two from the shelves. Clearly my boyfriend had a fetish for cowboy books. It was rather adorable when I thought about it. Big hunk of a man liked to read westerns.
"That explains the duster." I grinned.
Placing them back on the shelf, I scanned a few of the other titles and found one that seemed more worn than the others. "A favourite," I voiced aloud. I plucked it from the shelf and took it with me to read. Grabbing my bag from the front door, I headed to his bedroom.
Dropping my bag and the book on the bed, I opened his bedside table drawer and exploded in laughter. "Oh, Comrade." I giggled when I saw the three boxes of condoms. Each box held one-hundred prophylactics. I could only imagine the look on the cashier's face when he went through the checkout with all of these and the image made me chuckle.
I must say I was happy to see that they were all brand new boxes, and only two were missing from the newly opened one on top. Clearly from our use on Saturday night and Sunday morning. It really made me wonder how long he'd gone without fucking anyone else. "Damn, you really were a monk." I concluded, closing the drawer and moving towards his dresser.
He didn't have much clutter on top. One small framed photo sat in the corner. I picked it up and saw him in the middle, a large smile on his face and surrounded by what looked like his mother, sisters and grandmother.
"How long has it been since you've been home?" I wondered aloud before placing the photo carefully back in its place.
Next, I opened the top drawer and found underwear and socks. Nothing surprising about that. I opened the drawer next to it and found shirts, and sweaters. The one below had pants and final one was only half full with what looked like sleep pants.
Glancing at the clock, I saw he only had twenty minutes left of his shift, and I felt like teasing him a little. I knew it was terrible but I wanted to be bad. Stripping naked, I wandered over to his closet to find that it was a walk-in. "Nice." I murmured.
Scanning the clothes, I found a white dress shirt and pulled it from the hanger. I slipped it over my shoulders, leaving it unbuttoned, before I walked into the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. I had to stand back to get all of me in frame. I looked into the mirror and made sure you could see at least one breast peeking out. My nipple hardened at the cool air in the room, while my hair was draped over one shoulder. One knee was bent to hide my lady bits from full view. I took the photo while looking seductively into the mirror.
Pulling up my text message app, I started a new one to Dimitri.
Rose: This is waiting for you at home in bed…
I attached the photo and hit send, giggling uncontrollably.
I returned the dress shirt to its rightful place and climbed into his bed naked. I got comfortable and picked up the book I'd pilfered from his shelf and started reading. I was barely four pages in when my phone beeped, indicating a new message.
Grabbing my phone off the nightstand, I opened the app to see his reply. I'd edited his contact info in my phone to be as accurate as possible and chuckled at the name I'd given him.
Russian Sex God: Do you have any idea what you're doing to me?
Rose: Show me, Comrade. ;)
He didn't reply right away and I waited impatiently. Teasing him was too much fun.
Ten more minutes went by before my phone pinged with a new message. I opened it quickly and started laughing hysterically. He'd clearly snuck off to the locker room or bathroom or something because I was staring at my man with his hard cock in hand.
Russian Sex God: This is what you do to me
Rose: I'm so wet for you. Come home and fuck me…
The messages stopped after that and I was quaking in anticipation. The image of him holding his cock had gotten me more excited than I was willing to admit.
Fifteen minutes later, I heard the door slam and the dead bolt turn over. Placing the book on the nightstand, I was even more excited now that he was home. Moving to my knees, I crawled to the end of the bed to wait when he came running into the room, his shirt already discarded. I giggled at how frazzled he was as he kicked off his shoes, pulled off his pants, underwear and socks before stalking towards the bed.
Dimitri gripped his cock, stroking a few times. "I've been hard for you all fucking day." He growled, hoisting me off the bed and wrapping my legs around his body as he lay us back into the soft sheets with a gentle thud.
"Fuck, Roza," He murmured, his lips moving from my neck, to my collarbone and down to my breasts.
He kissed along my body, teasing my clit with light flicks of his tongue. "Dimitri!" I cried, tangling my hands in his hair. "No teasing, please." I begged.
This time, I reached over to the bedside table and grabbed for the condom, ripping it open with my teeth. He kneeled between my spread legs and I leaned forward, rolling it down his swollen length.
He wasted no time and plunged himself into me in one long smooth stroke.
"Ohhh, fuck." I cried as his hips pounded into me unrelentingly. "Yes, yes." I exclaimed, reaching for him to pull him closer. His hips thundered into me desperately as I held him close, running my hands through his hair.
Dimitri sat back on his heels, lifting me up so I was seated in his lap as he continued to thrust rapidly.
"I'm so close, Roza. Please baby, come for me." He murmured, fastening his lips to mine as his arms held me impossibly close to him; my breasts squished against his chest. My nipples tingled and he reached between us and pinched at one, eliciting an exclamation of pleasure from my lips.
I gyrated my hips over his, meeting him thrust for thrust when I felt that tickle start to flow through me. My thighs tightened around his hips as my walls gripped his cock, the orgasm so intense my muscles felt weak and my whole body quivered.
"Roza," He panted against my lips as he thrust twice more, his hips stilling. The groan that fell from his lips was long and deep and I continued to clench my Kegel muscles around his cock, making it even tighter for his cock during his climax. "Fuck," He moaned, pushing his hips into mine a few more times, expelling the last of his release.
"I love it when you fuck me like that." I stated, pressing my lips to his as his arms encircled my waist.
"You're so amazing, Roza. I don't know what the fuck I was doing before I met you." He revealed.
"Well, you were a monk, apparently." I teased, as he rested his forehead against mine. Both of us were trying to regain our breathing.
"You have no idea." He mumbled.
"Okay, you're going to have to explain that, I mean just a little." I urged. "How long has it been since you've had sex?" I insisted. "Other than with your hand." I teased.
He laughed lightly, before pushing a strand of my hair back. "I moved here eight years ago with Ivan." He started. "I'll explain all the other details later, but long story short, after starting the band a year later with Christian, Eddie and Mason," He paused. "Tasha showed up." He finished.
"I really don't like her." I mumbled.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." He laughed sarcastically. "Anyway," He continued, ", she completely turned me off. In a way that I just can't describe. Her desperation and constant attempts to interest me fell flat."
"Wait, are you saying you haven't had sex in like eight years?" I asked for confirmation.
"Yeah," He replied.
"Oh, you poor Russian Sex God," I giggled. "Do you want to go again?" I teased, wiggling in his lap. His cock was still inside me after all.
He growled and set his hands on my hips. "I'm so fucking hungry right now." He admitted, kissing my neck before climbing from the bed and walking us to the bathroom. "But I'll take you up on that later, sweetheart." He flirted setting me down gently. I went to clean up while he discarded the condom.
"At least we worked off those donuts, Comrade." I joked and he laughed, loudly.
"I need a shower." He added, washing his hands.
"I could make you something, while you shower." I offered, wrapping my arms around him from behind and kissing his back. "I'm kinda of hungry too actually." I admitted.
"Are you gonna cook for me?" He smirked. Our eyes met through the reflection in the mirror.
"Gotta keep up your strength for all the amazing sex we're going to continue having, Comrade." I teased. He smiled, his eyes raking over my body through the reflection once more.
"It's still early for bed." He noted, and it really was. It was barely 9PM. "We can watch a movie, if you want." He suggested.
"I'll go make food; you shower. We'll meet in the living room. Go!" I informed, smacking his ass before traipsing back into the bedroom. I heard his chuckle as the shower started.
Opening my overnight bag, I pulled out some sleep shorts and a tank top. After slipping them on, I headed to the kitchen.
His fridge was stocked, and stocked well. I pulled out some peppers, cheese, green onions, fresh mushrooms and the carton of eggs, deciding to make some omelettes.
I used two pans so they'd both be done at the same time. Humming to myself I looked around at the various appliances on the counter top as the omelettes cooked and really loved the look of his coffee maker. It looked like one of those fancy ones you'd see in a Starbucks.
Looking through the cupboards, I finally found the one with the plates, and pulled two out, setting them next to the stove. Flipping each omelette, I pulled out forks and filled two glasses with ice and water from the fridge door dispenser. I set the glasses on the island before plating each omelette. Just as I set them on the island and sat at one of the stools, Dimitri sauntered down the hallway wearing nothing but a pair of blue and black plaid sleep pants.
"Roza," He smiled. "This looks amazing. Thank you." He smiled kissing my cheek and sitting beside me.
He took a first bite and moaned. "Good?" I asked, sipping from my water.
"It really is. Thank you, love." He commented, running his hand over my thigh, squeezing gently.
I was only able to finish half of mine but Dimitri happily devoured the rest of it.
"What happened to your dinner break this evening?" I asked. He was like a bottomless pit tonight.
"I didn't get it." He relayed. "A group of friends came in, all signed up for new memberships and until you start tomorrow, there was only me to give them the tour." He informed, chugging back his water.
When he finished, he tidied up and cleaned the pans. I sat at the island watching him. A shirtless Dimitri was a fuck hot Dimitri.
I stood from my seat and walked over to him at the sink, wrapping my arms around him from behind. "Dimitri," I called quietly to get his attention. My lips pressing against his spine in a soft kiss as I rand my hands over his abs.
"Hmmm?" He replied, drying his hands on the dish towel before turning in my arms to face me.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything, Roza." He replied, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"If Tasha is such an issue for you, why doesn't Christian just like tell her off?" I asked.
"It's a little complicated." He started. "Let's go to the living room, I'll explain." He added, reaching for my hand and leading me to one of the leather couches.
We sat side by side, but I turned to face him, bending my leg up under me.
"When we first started the band, we didn't have a following, so we had to play gigs at a bunch of different places. Shit holes really but it was a way to get noticed." He explained.
"That's normal though." I replied as he moved his arm along the back of the couch, his fingers gripped a strand of my hair and played with the curl.
"That's where Tasha came in. She had some connections and was able to book us better gigs around town."
He looked nervous now. "What are you not telling me?" I pushed, shifting a little closer to him.
"She's kind of like our manager," He dropped. "But," He stated with determination, ", any band related information she has, goes through Christian first and he brings it to us. I've made a point of never being alone with her." He explained.
"Because of her whorish behaviour?" I expelled, a bitter taste in my mouth.
"Definitely that," He smiled sweetly, kissing my head. ", but mostly because Christian brought her on, so we all agreed he'd have to deal with her." He rationalized.
"Well, you've got the regular gig with Ivan and 'The Academy', so why not just fire her?" I reasoned.
"It really hasn't come up. We've been doing the gig at the bar for like a year and a half now, so it's been a non-issue." He stated.
"And you don't plan on changing that anytime soon?" I asked, shifting closer until his arm wrapped around my shoulders, holding me against him.
"We like the routine. Besides we all have jobs." He added. "The band is a lot of fun and I love making music, coming up with new songs, we all love it, but we still need to supplement our income with real day to day work." He informed.
"What do the other guys do for work?" I asked curiously.
"Well, Christian is a chef." He smiled.
"No, really? That's surprising." I giggled, turning to look up at him.
"Mason is courier and Eddie works at a youth centre for troubled kids."
"I still can't believe Christian is a chef, Lissa never said anything." I shared, settling back into his arms.
There was a small moment of quiet before he spoke again. "The Tasha thing is bothering you, isn't it?" He interjected into the silence.
"I hate how she acts towards you." I admitted. "And it's not a matter of trusting you or anything but she purposefully makes comments that imply things that are not true. I hate that." I grumbled.
"Roza," He murmured against my temple. "It's been seven years and I haven't had any interest in her, not about to start now, sweetheart." He reasoned.
"I know, but I still hate the bitch." I protested.
Dimitri laughed lightly before turning my head towards his. He lowered his lips to mine. "Movie?" He murmured into our kiss, brushing my hair away from my face. I nodded, leaning up to kiss the underside of his jaw as he reached over to the coffee table. He grabbed two remotes, turning on the TV and opening a streaming app with the other.
"What are you in the mood for?" He posed. He leaned back with his head titled against the couch. Lifting his legs, he crossed his feet over the coffee table as he scrolled through the various titles. I cuddled into his side, draping my legs over his. His arm moved around my hip, his hand on my backside as I rested my head on his naked chest. I draped my arm over his abdomen.
"Nothing too long, but not too serious either. Comedy?" I suggested, running my fingers over his abs.
He stopped on some title and I nodded. Pressing play, he set the remotes down beside him and laced his fingers with mine, stopping my exploration of his stomach and resting our clasped hands on his thigh. I snuggled even closer against him, simply enjoying the feeling of being in his arms.
Twenty minutes or so later, I felt cold and shivered. Dimitri must have felt it too and tugged the blanket from the back of the couch around us. I just enjoyed the quiet with him.
Stretching, I felt a warmth around me. Opening my eyes, I found myself sprawled over Dimitri's bed tucked under the covers. 'How the fuck did I get here?', I thought. The last thing I remembered; we were cuddling on the couch watching a movie. Dimitri must have carried me to bed. I was alone, and reached over to where he had lain to find the bed cold. He'd been up for a while I surmised.
Grabbing my phone from the bedside table, I tapped the screen to see the time read 8:49AM. That's when I remembered the guys were over for a rehearsal. Traipsing to the bathroom, I did my morning routine. Brushed my teeth, washed my face and tried to tame my hair. I would have to shower later because I could not figure out how to make his shower work.
It was too early to get dressed, and my sleep attire was still a bit too revealing to wear around the guys. Moving towards Dimitri's dresser, I opened a drawer and pulled out a t-shirt. I had to cover up a bit. Pulling it over my head, I found I was swimming in it. It fell over my body, engulfing me and ended just above my knees. As I'd adjusted the shirt, I heard raised voices. Something was wrong.
Cautiously, I opened the bedroom door and headed down the hall. Dimitri was standing in the entryway next to the kitchen with Christian, Eddie, Mason and my favourite person, Tasha.
"Morning?" I called wearily. Dimitri saw me first and reached a hand out towards me.
Walking over, I slipped my arm around his waist as he leaned down, nuzzling his face into my neck.
"Roza," He murmured.
"Rose," Christian greeted a look of distress on his face.
"What's going on? I heard yelling." I was trying to read the expressions on everyone's faces.
Tasha on the other hand, had a smug smirk on her face. "Great news!" Tasha exclaimed.
The looks on the guy's faces did not reflect that at all. "Then how come you all look so morose?" I asked; Dimitri's arm moved around my shoulders, holding me close.
"Tasha went behind our backs and booked a fucking tour across the US." Eddie chimed in.
My body tensed into a rigid posture. I knew Dimitri could feel it as his hand stroked along my back comfortingly. What was the likelihood that the night before, Dimitri tells me of her dormant role as their manager, only for her take full advantage of said role. I took in this news for a moment before bursting out in laughter.
They all looked at me in shock as the amusement continued. I couldn't stop it and was even bending over at the waist, my hands on my knees as the uncontrollable chortles continued. I heard the rest of them start to laugh a little as well. All except for Tasha that is. Laughter is contagious after all.
"What's so funny?" Tasha spat angrily.
When I'd finally gathered myself, I stood upright again. "That's priceless." I started. "You," I paused pointing at Tasha, trying to prevent the laughter from erupting again. "You really are a piece of work, Tasha." I relayed a large smile on my face.
The guys all looked at me in confusion. "You do know what she's trying to do?" I asked, looking to Dimitri before my eyes moved over Christian, Eddie and Mason. No one else spoke, probably thinking I was batshit crazy. "Tasha is so fucking obsessed with you," I explained, looking at Dimitri, ", that she thinks if you're on tour and away from me, that she'll stick a wedge between us." I finished, crossing my arms over my chest.
The look on Dimitri's face was a little scary. He was positively livid as he clenched his fists. I ran my hand along his back in a comforting gesture. "You booked yourself on the tour, didn't you." He spat. His voice was laced with venom.
"Well, of course. As your manager, -" Christian cut her off.
"Fuck you, Tasha. YOU KNEW we didn't want to tour and now we have no choice. You made deals and money has passed hands so you fucking made sure we couldn't back out." He hollered. I'd never seen Christian so angry but Tasha really had crossed a line.
"And all because you're obsessed with a man who has made it very clear he has no interest in you." I interjected crossly.
I moved in front of Dimitri, pulling his arms around my waist and resting my hands over his. Taking on my protective 'guardian' stance. Plus, it seemed he hadn't had time to put on a shirt yet and I was pissed off at seeing Tasha eye fuck him. The bitch literally was licking her lips.
There was a pregnant pause in the conversation, if you could even call this a conversation, when Tasha's exasperating voice broke it. "Look, it will be great. We'll have so much fun on tour together." She said, sounding unbelievably self-righteous. She looked towards Dimitri when she said 'together'. That's when I'd had enough.
Gently pushing out of Dimitri's grasp, I walked over and punched princess peach right in the fucking nose. "Fuck you!" I spat when Dimitri grabbed me around the waist and hauled be back against his chest. Likely to stop me from hitting her again.
More yelling ensued from the others and I took in all the information until Christian finally just dragged Tasha out, her nose dripping blood onto the floor. She tried to protest but Christian wasn't having it. Eddie and Mason were clearly just as furious but were trying to hold in smirks. Eddie politely grabbed a few sheets of paper-towel from the kitchen island and handed them off to Christian. We didn't need her infecting the elevator and lobby with her likely, STD saturated blood.
With Tasha gone, Eddie and Mason, both gave me 'air fist bumps', but my hand was killing me. Dimitri grabbed an ice pack from the freezer, wrapped it in a dish towel, and gently placed it over my hand.
"Did that feel good, Rocky?" He teased lightly. I smiled sadly in reply, shrugging my shoulders dejectedly.
It was clear that rehearsal was not going to happen today, so Mason and Eddie left. My thoughts went to the conversation that had happened around me prior my punching Tasha.
They all had jobs and now they had to get a leave of absence, if they even could. There was a chance that Christian would have to quit his job. As a head chef, he didn't have a stand in. His aunt had made deals with all the venues that were essentially binding contracts. There was no getting out of this.
I sat on the stool at the kitchen island with the ice pack on my hand, and saw that Dimitri was still fuming.
"Comrade," I murmured softly, coming around the counter and up behind him. His hands were pressed to the top of the island as he leaned against it. His back and shoulders were tight with tension, the anger rippling through him.
Placing the ice pack on the counter, I ducked under his arm so I could stand in front of him, my back against the island. I shrieked in surprise as he lifted me up onto the counter and wrapped himself around me, burying his face in my neck.
"I'm so sorry, Roza." He murmured as I wrapped my arms over his shoulders.
"It's not your fault, Dimitri." I comforted, brushing my hands through his hair. His eyes looked so sad.
"I can't believe she did this. She's so fucking pathetically desperate, just fuck." He grumbled.
"I hate to ask, but how long is this tour supposed to be?" I asked rubbing along his back in consolation.
"Three and a half months." He ground out. I could still feel the tension radiating off of him.
"She put this together pretty fucking fast. It's only Tuesday for fucks sake." I exclaimed. "How the hell did she manage that!?" I yelled.
"Fuck if I know. She knows people." He spat irritably.
'My poor Comrade', I thought to myself. We needed to be reasonable. There was nothing the guys could do, that was clear. So, they had to make the best of a shitty situation.
"Dimitri," I cooed, lifting his chin so his eyes met mine.
"I'm sorry, Roza." He started again.
"Stop. You can't change it, that's clear." I reasoned. "So, plan the set, do your gigs, tour, fulfill the agreement." I listed, leaning forward and pressing my lips to his. "I'll still be here, waiting for you." I supported.
"I don't have to like it." He whined adorably. I smiled, kissing his cheek and brushing my hands through his hair.
"No, but you love music. Remind yourself of that." I reasoned. "When is this tour supposed to start exactly?" I added.
"Three weeks".
My mind raced over the dates. "She has you on tour through fucking Christmas!?" I exclaimed in anger.
He nodded regrettably, "And New Year's. No break." He informed cupping my face in his hands and pressing his lips to mine. "December is also when my birthday is." He added, miserably.
We were in the first week of October and the way Tasha had set this up, he'd be gone before Halloween, we would miss our first Thanksgiving together, his fucking birthday, Christmas and New Year's.
"That's how she was able to book all the dates." I realized. "No one wants to work on the holidays, so she booked you guys leading up to them, on them and after instead. Fucking cunt!" I wailed. I was so angry now that I felt tears welling up in my eyes.
Dimitri's gaze met mind sadly. "I fucking hate this, Roza. I didn't want to make you cry, sweetheart." He comforted pulling me into his embrace.
"You didn't make me cry, Comrade." I replied, smiling as I held back the tears. "She did." I clarified. "Nothing we can do, but I need a shower." I announced as he helped me off the counter. "Join me?" I asked coquettishly, walking down the hallway backwards.
Pulling his t-shirt off myself, I tossed it before doing the same with my tank top. He bit his lip, and smiled ruefully before following. I made it to the bedroom before him, and grabbed a condom from the bedside table before rushing to the bathroom and pushing off my sleep shorts.
Wordlessly, he slipped his own sleep pants to the floor, turned on the shower and pulled me in after him. I didn't waste any time and handed him the condom as I slipped down to my knees, taking him in my mouth immediately. He tilted his head back against the shower wall and groaned loudly. My hand gripped him at the base and stroked what I couldn't fit in my mouth.
"Roza," He purred, tugging my arm to get me to stand.
Tearing open the condom, he deftly slipped it over his length before lifting me up and pressing my back against the wall. Wasting no time, he shifted his hips and I sank down onto his cock.
This wasn't like our regular lovemaking but a nice good hard fuck. He was still so tense from earlier and I knew he needed to release that tension. "Yes, Dimitri." I cried. "Fuck me. Harder." I encouraged. He needed this, more than he would admit, and so did I if I was being honest.
He plundered my mouth with his tongue but again with that same sensual, and passionate sensitivity. With my back supported against the wall, he buried his face between my breasts, licking, sucking and teasing my aroused flesh. Lapping his tongue over one of my nipples, his lips trailed to the side of my breast where he fastened his mouth, leaving his indelible mark.
"Come for me, Roza," He crooned, reaching his hand between our bodies and pinching at my sensitive clit.
Dimitri raised his head and rested his forehead against mine, his eyes meeting my gaze.
"I'm almost there," I panted as my hips jutted out to meet his. His thrusts became faster as he pounded into me desperately.
"Me too," He growled as I reached my climax, my walls fluttered around him, and he released moments later, grunting into my neck.
"Hmmm…" I moaned as his hips finally stilled.
Our breaths were laboured and we stood in silence for a few moments. "I love you, Roza." He whispered, cupping my face, his eyes meeting mine. "I love you and I don't want to leave you." He admitted sadly. His confession made the tears well up again.
His thumb brushed away the tear that had escaped. "I love you, too, Comrade." I declared, wrapping my arms around him and pulling his face down to nuzzle my neck. "I don't want you to go." I cried pitifully as he reluctantly released my legs, helping me to find my footing on the floor as his arms encircled me, holding me flush against him. The water cascading over us.
The rest of our shower was silent and a little solemn. I tried to be happier about the situation and reminded him that it was about the music and to enjoy that part of it. Besides it wasn't forever but three months was still one quarter of the year. We'd be missing some of the biggest firsts together. Halloween, Thanksgiving, his birthday, Christmas, New Years. It made me so angry that Tasha was this fucking petty and desperate. The only wedge she was at succeeding in creating was the one between herself and her nephew.
Dimitri was dried off and dressed for the gym before I was and I'd agreed to just go in when he did. I still needed to have a tour and meet the other guardians, and Dimitri needed to sit down with Alberta and explain his new unfortunate schedule. While I got dressed and pulled my hair into a controlled pony-tail, Dimitri prepared us an early lunch as we'd completely forgone breakfast.
Now that I was alone, I closed the bathroom door and finally let it all go. The tears were unstoppable at this point and I tried to quiet my sobs but this was more out of anger at Tasha than anything. I didn't want Dimitri to see me like this, he would only feel worse about something he couldn't control.
Without a sense of how much time had passed, I tried to calm myself when I felt his arms around me, tugging me into his embrace.
"Roza," He calmed.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I repeated. "I'm just so angry." I cried, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.
"I know, love." He sighed. "I am too." He murmured resting his forehead against mine. "Lunch is ready." He smiled sadly, tugging playfully on my pony-tail when my cries finally subsided.
"I'm fine. I promise, I just had to get that out." I reassured as his kissed my temple.
"I'm looking forward to going to the gym now so I can beat the shit out of a punching bag." He confessed.
"Sounds good to me. I'll just imagine it's Tasha's face, again." I smiled caustically. "I know I shouldn't have punched her, but she pissed me off. She thinks she's winning something." I grumbled.
"She did kind of deserve it." Dimitri admitted.
"Plus, think of it this way." I grinned. "I was doing my part for the plastic surgeons in this city. Two noses in one-week, great business." I giggled. Dimitri smiled, even if still a little forlorn.
Dimitri and drove to the gym in his SUV, his hand holding mine for the entire drive. We were still upset but had agreed to not show that in front of Tasha. If anything, we had to show her that her actions were not affecting us even if we were angry, although my face-punch clearly said otherwise. Her manipulation of her role as their 'manager' was a huge overstep and Dimitri had plans to oust her as soon as possible. I was sure the rest of the guys would be in agreement. Although, I felt bad for Christian. This definitely put a strain on his relationship with his only living family member.
Pulling into the back parking lot of the gym, Dimitri parked in his assigned slot.
"When I'm on tour, I would like it if you used my car rather than public transportation." He informed. "Being that your shift ends at 9 at night, I'd feel better if you were a little safer." He reasoned. I nodded in agreement.
"I'm going to have to move that seat up like three feet." I joked. He smiled his first genuine smile since the events from this morning, and that made me smile in return.
Climbing out of the SUV, we each grabbed our bags with a change of clothes and our water bottles. Dimitri reached out and I clasped my hand with his; entering the gym through the back entrance.
Stowing my bag in my locker, I slipped on the red t-shirt with the 'Dhampir' logo. I decided to hang around the employee break room to waste away some time before my shift started and I had to meet with Alberta.
When I arrived out front a half hour later, she was standing with a couple other guardians. "Guardian Hathaway," She greeted. Her smile, while genuine, still felt a little forced. I knew Dimitri had his meeting with her already and I hoped things were okay.
"I'd like you to meet Guardian Tanner and Guardian Karp." She introduced. I reached out to shake their hands and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dimitri helping to instruct a male gym member on the position he was taking while lifting a dumbbell with a substantial amount of weight attached. He looked so hot in his black muscle shirt. His arms on full display showing how in shape he was. I licked my lips unconsciously.
"Rose," I added in lieu of 'Guardian Hathaway', refocusing my attention.
"Mikhail," The man replied. ", and this is Sonya." He introduced with a bright smile.
"When you're not on the floor, you can call each other whatever you like, but around members, please refer to one another as Guardian." Alberta stated.
"Understood." I nodded.
"Can I ask," Sonya started, biting her lip as if unsure. "What happened to your face?" She questioned with concern.
I tended to forget that my temple was still showing the discoloured bruising. Summarizing my last job, I explained what had transpired.
"What!?" Sonya replied in shock. "Who would do such a thing?" She asked.
"Jesse Zeklos." I provided.
I felt Alberta whip her head towards me. "Rose," Alberta interjected, dismissing her own rule of referring to me as 'Guardian'. "Are you saying that Zeklos sexually assaulted you and then attacked you after you'd defended yourself?" She queried.
"Yes." I replied simply. I continued to summarize my meeting with Nathan and how Jesse had attacked as I was leaving.
"Guardian Belikov teaches self-defence, you should get him to show you some ways you can protect yourself." Sonya suggested.
"Jesse is a member here." Alberta informed. I felt my body go rigid at this statement and suddenly, I felt lightheaded.
"Rose?" Alberta murmured, her hand on my shoulder in concern.
Shaking my head, I tried to clear the fogginess. "Sorry." I paused. "How am I supposed to handle things if he shows up here?" I asked with worry as I felt another person approach me from behind.
"Roza?" Dimitri asked, wrapping his arm around my waist in concern. Mikhail and Sonya looked at Dimitri and I, understanding flashing over their faces.
"Let's go to my office." Alberta stated. "Guardian Tanner, Guardian Karp, can you please keep an eye on the floor." She instructed before ushering us away.
Once seated in Alberta's office, I was worried that I was now going to lose this job. "Am I fired?" I asked anxiously.
"What! Of course, not." Alberta assured. "But Zeklos," She paused. "He is a problem." She relayed. "We've had numerous complaints about him harassing other members in inappropriate ways." She informed. "Along with that friend of his, Ralf Sarcozy." She detailed.
"He's got two strikes on his record." Dimitri interjected, his hand holding mine as his thumb rubbed over my palm soothingly.
"We can't ban him until he slips up again." Alberta cautioned. "If he shows up here, you very well could be his target."
Dimitri growled low in anger, but I heard it. "I don't' think he'll be in for a few weeks at least. I did break like four of his fingers."
"Be that as it may, with Dimitri on leave for his tour, the only other Guardian on shift with you is Hans." Alberta paused for a moment. "He's mostly back here working on paperwork." She added.
"I know it's against the rules to have our cell phones on the floor." Dimitri started. "But in case Roza does have an interaction and cannot get away, would it not be more beneficial to allow her to have it on her?" Dimitri suggested.
Alberta seemed to contemplate this suggestion. "If you swear to not touch that phone unless you have to call for help, I can agree to that." She nodded. "I'll also inform Hans to keep his phone on him at all times. Make sure you program his number in as a favourite so it's a quick dial if you need it." She advised. "I would also feel better if you could teach her some self-defence, Dimitri." He nodded in agreement.
My shift had officially started and Dimitri, Mikhail and Sonya each gave me separate tours of the various sections of the gym. While I was with Sonya, my eyes searched for Dimitri. I found him by the weights, demonstrating to the same male member from before how to execute the proper lift while supporting himself with his legs.
Knowing he wouldn't be here in three weeks' time, I bit at my lip anxiously. This was the dread I had mentioned to Lissa. The waves were ebbing and flowing now and the swell had approached. Here I was getting stuck in that undertow.
~VA BTTS VA~
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