THE COMMUTE
by MAMBFF
Disclaimer: The rights to "Vampire Academy" belong to Richelle Mead.
Chapter Three
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Monday morning came sooner than I wanted but as I headed into work, my mind was focused on Roza. As it always seemed to be in the mornings. When we approached the platform in which she usually boarded the train, I became worried when she didn't get on. I was standing near the open doors and kept looking for her when I saw a head pop up the stairs, making a run for the train. It was her. But before she could make it, she bailed and fell hard on a sheet of ice.
The train was getting ready to leave and before I could even think about it, I slipped through the doors before they could close. There was no way I could leave her there like that and my worry increased when she didn't get up right away. My frustration was growing as well when people walked right by her and didn't bother to try to help her up.
As I kneeled, reaching my hand down I grasped her hand gently.
"Roza? Are you okay?"
"Dimitri?"
"Yeah, I saw you bail on the ice." I state, helping her to sit up slowly.
"God my ass hurts now." She whined, pouting adorably and shaking from the cold.
"Running late, are we?"
"Yes, shit, now I'll be late for work and won't have time to get my Starbucks." I help her up slowly.
"You won't be late, just not as early as always." I explain.
"Wait, that means you got off the train?"
"Yeah, I saw you fall. I wasn't going to leave you here like that." I add as she thrusts herself into my arms for a hug.
"I've had the shittiest morning. So, thank you." She cries.
"You're welcome." I replied, cupping her cheek as it turned more pink from the cold air. "We have a few minutes before the next train. Want to tell me what made this morning so shitty?" I coax, taking her hand in mine.
We weave our fingers together despite the gloves we're both wearing.
She dives into an explanation of how she reset all the clocks in her apartment Sunday when she got home after the blizzard had knocked out the power, but she failed to remember to reset her alarm. Waking at 7:30AM instead of her usual 6:00AM.
"I'm sorry your morning hasn't gotten off to a great start, but we have the rest of the day to make it better." The train pulls in and we weave our way onboard.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Even though my morning was not the best way to start the day, it got impeccably better when Dimitri was at my side. I couldn't believe he got off the train for me. He likes to be early for work, so I hoped it didn't throw his day off at all. I would hate to feel responsible for ruining things for someone else.
My day did get better but my mood was down because in my haste in running out the door this morning, I forgot my iPhone on my kitchen counter. To top it all off, Adrian was incredibly busy today and had a meeting this afternoon with a client over a new campaign he had completed.
With the spring/summer season approaching, a lot of our clients were working on their new approach for the season to garner more advertisements for their products. Revamping the whole look from winter to summer was a big change. As March was coming to a close, April would be even busier with new campaigns, especially for our clients who specialized in clothing.
I wasn't able to meet Dimitri for lunch today, which really sucked, in my opinion. It was something I looked forward to everyday and with the bad start to my day, I needed it. I needed him. Adrian had to work through lunch and I had to work with him to prepare for the meeting this afternoon.
There was still twenty minutes left of my lunch break and Adrian was set for the meeting, so I had a reprieve. I went to the Café to get myself a coffee and just as I was leaving, someone bumped into me causing me to spill coffee on myself. I didn't get burned, thankfully, but I was wearing a white shirt and now it had a big brown stain on it.
"Fuck my life!" I muttered to myself. Of course, this had to happen on the day I'm needed in a meeting with a client. I dispose of the coffee I had gotten for myself and hope that Lissa has an extra shirt I can borrow, at least for the meeting I need to attend in about an hour.
She's not at her desk when I get there and I literally feel like crying at this point.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Lissa had brought me lunch again but I was getting annoyed. I had been texting Rose to see if she was going to join me but had gotten no response. I assumed she was busy, and I know her day had gotten off to a rough start but ignoring me now?
Just as I'm throwing out the trash from my lunch, there is a timid knock on my office door. I open it rather abruptly since I was standing right there to see Roza on the verge of tears. I take in her appearance and see the stain on her shirt.
Without words, I pull her into my arms and hug her as I close the door for some privacy. I feel her arms come around me and that's when the damn breaks and she starts crying.
"It's okay Roza, just let it out." I sooth, holding her to me firmly. "What happened?" I add.
"If this day gets any worse…" She trails off, pulling away to wipe at her tears of frustration.
"I was texting you but you didn't reply." I add, leaning against the front of my desk.
"I forgot my phone at home. I'm sorry." She looks about ready to just give up.
"What can I do?" I offer, pulling her into me again for comfort.
"I'm supposed to be at meeting with Adrian in an hour for a new campaign, and my shirt is covered in coffee because some asshole bumped into me when I was leaving the Café. Of course, this happens on the one day I need to be present in front of a client." She rambles.
I'm wearing a collared shirt with a dark blue, cable knit sweater over top. I pull off my sweater and offer it up to her.
"I know it's not a girl's sweater, but at least it's clean."
"You're literally giving me the shirt off your back." She smiles shyly.
"I'm sure you'd do the same, if it would fit of course." I tease, getting a laugh out of her in response.
"Thank you."
"Anytime, milaya." I reply, kissing her forehead gently.
"I need to change; can I use your bathroom?" I nod as she heads to the corner of my office where there is a private bathroom with a shower.
She emerges a few minutes later. My sweater is large on her but she looks fucking adorable in it. Without thinking, I walk over and kiss her, cupping her face in my hands as she stands there stunned.
"Sorry," I mumble against her lips. "You just look really good in my sweater and I couldn't resist." I smile.
"I need to get going. Meeting." She states sadly.
"I know."
"One more for the road?" She teases, a smile on her lips. I nod, and we kiss again, briefly.
"Thank you, for this. This morning."
"Just get through today and you'll be fine."
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Dimitri was too incredibly sweet and even though the sweater was big, it was better than a coffee-stained shirt.
The meeting with Adrian and the client went remarkably well and no one commented on my overly large attire. Probably attributing it to the cold weather. By the time 4:00PM rolled around, I was surprised to find Arthur standing in front of me.
"Hi Arthur. What can I do for you? Adrian is free at the moment-" But he cuts me off before I can finish.
"Actually, I wondered if I could meet with you in my office Rose?" he states politely.
"Umm, sure, just let me tell Adrian I'll be away from the desk."
"Alright, five minutes then?" He agrees before walking off.
I hope I haven't done something to warrant an infraction at work, that's the last thing I need. I knock on Adrian's door and peek my head in.
"Hey Rose, what's up?"
"Hi, just wanted to let you know I will be away from my desk, Arthur requested a meeting with me."
"Okay, sure. Thanks." He states with a wink, once again the pillar of kindness and flirtatiousness.
I head down to Arthur's office and see his assistant is not at her desk so I knock lightly on the door.
"Come in," I hear.
"Hi, so what is this about?" I ask cautiously.
"There's nothing to be alarmed about Rose, I just wanted to talk to you privately." He begins, gesturing for me to take a seat.
"Okay."
"When Adrian requested you as his PA, in fact when any exec requests a permanent PA, I always review the employee files of the assistants and something in yours caught my attention, that is what I wanted to discuss with you."
I'm racking my brain trying to think of what it could be when he continues.
"I noticed that you have a degree for graphic design and you have the qualifications for an advertising executive's position, so I guess I'm wondering why you're not pursuing that line of work."
"Honestly, I'm a little intimidated by the responsibility that comes with it. There's more to learn of course." I explain.
"I agree. I think the best way for you to learn is to shadow a current exec and help out on campaigns."
"Are you serious?" I state, my face showing my astonishment. Arthur doesn't know my capabilities, just what my file states.
"Completely. With the campaign's Dimitri has brought in, he's going to need help with the current ones he's already in charge of and the new ones. You'd get your own office of course and a pay raise."
"What about Adrian? I mean Mr. Ivashkov."
"There are plenty of assistants in the float that can take that place Rose."
"Wait, did Dimitri talk to you about this?"
"No, was he supposed to?" Arthur queries, a look of confusion on his face.
"No, sorry. It's just we were talking about it over the weekend about you maybe opening up an apprenticeship position where people could apply so I thought he'd mentioned it."
"That's a good idea actually, internship slash apprenticeship, I think would be more fitting. Something to look into." He agrees.
"You're completely serious? I mean you haven't seen any of the work I can do, how can you have so much faith in me?"
"You're work ethic speaks for itself and the credentials you have on file are impeccable Rose. I also called a few of your instructors for a reference as well and they spoke very highly of you and your potential."
"I don't know what to say." I reply, finally allowing the huge smile on my face to show.
"You seem pleased with the idea so I'm hoping you will accept?"
"I really want to; it just seems surreal right now."
"Well why don't you finish out the week as Adrian's assistant. I will need to talk with him too and let him know."
"Arthur, I don't know how to thank you."
"Your work will be thanks enough Rose." He states standing from his desk and coming around to greet me.
"I'll do my best."
"I know you will. Let's shake on it, shall we?" He smiles, extending his hand.
After I leave Arthur's office, the smile on my face is undeniable. So much for a shitty morning, this day has been the best yet. I prance back to my desk and finish up my day and when 5:00PM rolls around, I head to Dimitri's office to tell him my news. But first I make a stop in the Café to get us each a cup of coffee.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
I felt like was going to drown. I had so many campaigns lined up and no idea how to meet the deadlines for all of them without going insane. I needed help and I knew I would have to talk to Arthur about it. Just when I felt like banging my head against my desk, there was a knock on the door and before I could reply, Roza entered, coffee in hand and huge smile on her face. Her mood had definitely changed and her smile infectious.
"You're in a good mood, milaya." I acknowledge as she hands me one of the two cups of coffee. "Thank you." I add as she leans against my desk beside me.
"I have some really good news." She smiles.
"I told you your day would get better, now please share. I'd like to know what has you smiling like this." I state, taking the hand of hers that wasn't holding her coffee cup. She took a few sips then put her cup down on my desk, moving to stand in front of me as I sat in my chair.
"Arthur asked for a meeting with me and I was completely taken by surprise." She begins, holding my hand in hers.
"What did he want?" I query, rolling my chair closer to put my coffee cup down, and trapping her in place.
"When Adrian sent in the request to make me his PA, Arthur said that he did a check on my file. Apparently, he does that whenever an exec requests a permanent PA. I had no idea that my transcripts were attached to my file, so he wanted to ask me about my graphic design degree. Anyway, he offered me a step up the ladder."
"Are you serious?" I questioned.
She nodded her head vigorously.
"I thought at first that maybe you had said something to him, like we'd talked about this weekend, but he even said he'd called some of my instructors for references and they praised me highly."
"Roza, this is fantastic." I grinned.
"I'm excited!" She smiled, running a hand through my hair. "He said I will shadow a current exec and help out on the campaigns, even get my own office." She beamed.
"Did he say who you'd be shadowing?" I really hope that this means we'll get to work closer now.
"He mentioned something about this hot shot, Master of the 7th rank or something. You heard of him?" She teases, reaching forward and running a hand through my hair.
"In passing, really." I joke, playing along.
"I'll finish out the week as Adrian's assistant so don't be surprised if Arthur seeks out a meeting with you."
"I'm so excited for you." I reply standing from my chair.
"I'm so nervous though, what if I screw something up?"
"Roza, shadowing is a part of learning. You can ask me anything, and no question is stupid, got it?" She nods, biting her lip anxiously.
"How about a congratulatory kiss…" I flirt, tilting her head up to mine.
"Yes please." She smiles.
Leaning forward I press my lips to hers tenderly as she snakes her hands up and around my shoulders. I pull away a few moments later and pull her around my desk so we can sit in the two chairs, side by side.
"We need to be careful." I add and she nods in understanding. "We are in the office after all."
"Maybe we should lay some rules out if we're going to be working together? I mean I know I'll have my own office and Arthur knows about our relationship, but…" She trails off.
"I agree. I mean we'll have mornings on the ride in, and lunch together every day, so let's agree that during those times, we can just be Roza and Dimitri. But during work hours, we keep it as professional as we can and it's Mr. Belikov and Ms. Hathaway." I suggest.
"That's perfect…Mr. Belikov." She agrees, biting at her lip again. "Can I ask you something?" She adds.
"Of course."
"What does 'milaya' mean?"
"Term of endearment. Means 'darling'."
"I like it when you call me that." She grins. "Well, that and Roza." She adds, leaning in for another kiss.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Deciding to wait until 6:00PM, I leave the office with Dimitri and we catch the train home together. We haven't exactly defined our relationship, but we hold hands on the way to the train, and on the train. Before I get off, he makes sure to kiss me soundly. I'm much more careful when I depart, so as not to slip on anymore ice.
By the time I make it home it's almost 7:00PM, which is later than usual, but I know I'll need to adjust to that. Along with this promotion comes different hours. Working until 6:00PM now and having a longer lunch will take getting used to. The first thing I do when I get home is to set my alarm clock before grabbing my iPhone from the kitchen counter. I scroll through my messages and see a few missed ones from Dimitri, like he said, as well as Lissa. I reply to Lissa first, as I missed seeing her at all today and let her know I forgot my phone at home because of running late. I didn't mention the promotion yet, I had all week to tell her about it.
My phone goes off in my hand and I see a new message from Dimitri.
Dimitri: Are you home yet?
Rose: Yes, I set my alarm first thing!
Dimitri: I got off at the stop after yours to pick up Chinese for dinner. Would it be too presumptuous to ask if I can persuade you to join me and bring you dinner?
Rose: I would love to have dinner with you.
Dimitri: Text me your address. ;)
After sending Dimitri my address, I go to change, completely forgetting that I was still wearing his sweater. It smelled like him and I sniffed at it a little more than I probably needed to but that woodsy smell of pine and cloves was intoxicating. I didn't want to take it off, but I slipped my arms from the sleeves to remove my bra.
When glancing in the mirror, I noticed a large bruise on my hip and along my backside from where I fell this morning. It would heal but it was definitely sore. After tugging on some yoga pants, I slipped my arms through Dimitri's sweater and threw my hair up in a messy bun to get it out of the way.
Pulling my coffee-stained shirt out of my bag, I hoped I could get the stain out but I didn't think I would be able to. It had been sitting too long.
Dimitri hadn't been to my apartment yet and it wasn't as nice as his, but it was home. It was similar to his in that it had the open concept layout and hardwood floors. But the kitchen was small and I only had the one bathroom via my ensuite.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
It took twenty minutes for my take-out order to be put together and while I waited, I used the Maps App on my iPhone to look up Roza's apartment building. It was a six-minute walk from the Chinese restaurant. With my order finally in hand, I headed up the block.
I had to find her name on the door and buzzed her apartment. The door unlocked without her checking to see who it was. Even though she knew I was coming, it could have been a burglar. The elevator took me up to the fourth floor and her apartment was the last door on the right. I knocked and waited patiently when I heard her footfalls running to the door. The door flew open and there she stood, still in my sweater.
"Hi!" She greeted brightly. I couldn't help but smile at how adorable she looked; her cheeks slightly flushed from her run to the door.
"Hi, you need to have a lesson in who you buzz into your apartment, milaya." I state, kissing her cheek as I enter.
"What do you mean? I knew it was you."
"Yes, but for all you know it could have been a burglar or even Jesse." I paused. "I know you haven't heard from him, but that doesn't mean anything." I explain, the worry evident on my face.
"You're right, I'm sorry, I'll be more careful." She agrees, closing and locking the door after me. I take in my surroundings. Her place is smaller than mine but quaint.
"This is cute, small, but you're petite anyway." I grin, handing her the bag with dinner before shrugging off my coat, shoes, gloves, scarf, and hat.
"Would you like a tour?" She teases.
"Of course."
The living room is the biggest room, with a large TV and small apartment sized sectional and an armchair in semi-horseshoe style set up. The walls are a light purple colour and to the right is a small kitchen with a small two-person table set at the side. She puts the bag with dinner on the kitchen counter and then shows me her bedroom.
"Maybe we should have dinner before you drag me to bed Ms. Hathaway!" I tease, earning a light smack on my chest at my jesting.
"You're incorrigible!"
"I'm just being honest. Those pictures don't do you justice you know." I reply, referring to the selfies she's shared with me.
"This is the only bathroom." She states, emphasizing, 'only'. I peek my head in to see a large ensuite with a large tub, separate shower and even double sinks.
"Nice."
"Thank you, now, dinner?"
"Yes."
I follow her back to the kitchen as she pulls some plates from the cupboard above her. She winces slightly when she puts them down.
"You, okay?" I ask worriedly.
"Yeah, I noticed the nice ass bruise I have on my hip and backside from my fall this morning, it's a little sore."
"Ironically, icing it might help." I smile.
"Just another way for me to get cold again." She replies, pulling silverware from a drawer.
I move up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist and I feel her intake of breath.
"I'll warm you up, don't you worry about that." I flirt, bending down to kiss the juncture between her neck and shoulder.
"I'll hold you to that." She whimpers in reply.
"Have I told you how much I love you in my fucking sweater." I add, tugging slightly on the bottom of it as she turns in my arms.
"It was warm, and smelled like you, so I didn't want to take it off." She admits.
"No complaints here." I state, moving closer and kissing her hard. Without thinking I lift her up and set her on the counter in front of me, her legs opening so I can stand between them. My hands find their way up under the edges of the sweater and I press my palms against the soft skin of her back, pulling her flush against me.
Her hands find their way into my hair pulling and tugging slightly, urging me on. She pulls away suddenly gasping for breath.
"Dinner…cold." She mumbles.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…I got carried away."
"No, Dimitri, please." She argues pulling me back and hugging me fiercely.
"I know we're still working on 'us', but don't think for one minute I didn't want that." She adds.
I lift her down from the counter gently, careful of her bruise. She leans up and kisses me once more before we dish dinner onto our plates and sit at her quaint little table.
We're quiet while we eat but I can see something is on her mind.
"What are you thinking about?" I urge, reaching for the last egg roll and splitting it in half to share with her. She smiles as she accepts the half before speaking.
"What are we? I mean I know we're dating and working on it but what do you see happening?" She questions meekly. I finish the egg roll and wipe my hands and face on a napkin before replying.
I move my chair over to be closer to her and take her hands in mine.
"Roza, I've never been very good at relationships. They never last long and it's usually me that does the breaking up part of things." I explain. I feel her trying to tug her hand away but I hold on tighter.
"Is that-" I cut her off, I know she thinks I mean to do that now that I said it.
"That is not what I want with you. Everything is different with you."
"Why is it different?"
"Honestly…I've never felt this intensely for someone before and my gut instinct is to pull back before I can get hurt."
I can see the wheels turning in her head as she mulls over what I've just said.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
When Dimitri first showed up at my door, I wanted to jump him. But I know we need to take things slow. We haven't known each other that long and even though I feel as strongly as I do for him, I don't know where this relationship is going to go or even what he expects from it.
I gave him the nickel and dime tour and really enjoyed his teasing about me dragging him to bed. If he only knew the thoughts, I've had of him being in that bed with me.
When I felt him press up behind me and kiss my shoulder, I melted into him. Not wanting him to stop to soon, I pulled him closer and finally broke away when I needed to catch my breath. The feel of his hands on my bare skin was enticing but we had dinner waiting.
After we ate and were finishing up, I think he noticed that my mind was on other things, namely what we were becoming. When he confessed that he's not been too successful with relationships and that it's usually him that does the breaking up, I thought that that's what he was about to do, hence the impromptu dinner. Before I could ask about it, he cut me off and explained that I was different.
His instinct to pull away before he could get hurt or maybe get too close had my mind racing. I thought back to the conversation Saturday night when he told me about his childhood. His father being absent in his life and how he had abused his mother was an issue and I couldn't help wondering if his flight instinct was in place so that he wouldn't allow them to hurt him. That's when I posed that question to him.
"Do you think you pull away before things get too serious because you're afraid of getting hurt? I mean you leave them before they can leave you."
"Maybe, I think it has to do with my childhood. My father." I nod in understanding.
"I was thinking the same thing, but Dimitri. I'm just as scared. The way I feel about you is new to me. I'm worried that you're going to want to leave because you don't want to take the risk. It hasn't happened yet but I'm sure we'll fight have disagreements but that also means that we could be hurt."
"I know. I know milaya." He comforts pulling me from my chair and into his lap.
"I don't know how to handle this." I confess.
"I don't want to leave you Roza, and yes I was scared that you'd leave me, but you're worth the risk. You mean too much to me in the short time we've known each other to not delve deeper."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really." He smiles. I hug him to me tightly and let him hold me in his lap.
"It's getting late, you…you can stay if you want." I offer. He smiles cheekily.
"Only if you want me to. I'll stay on the couch." He states.
"No. I wanted…you know like Saturday night." I state, biting my lip nervously, the blush overtaking my cheeks.
"I don't have any sleep pants. Just my boxer briefs, if you're okay with that."
"Of course. Shit, what about work tomorrow, you can't wear the same shirt."
"I have extra clothes at the office. In the cabinet in my private bathroom." He explains as I run my hands through his hair.
I stand from his lap and we clean up our mess from dinner and whether on purpose or not, he keeps brushing his hand against my hip or ass. I just smile at the gesture.
"Do you have an extra toothbrush?"
"I do, under the sink, I'll grab one for you."
He follows me into my bedroom and into the ensuite. I leave the toothbrush on the counter and offer up the shower.
"Do you shower at night or in the morning?" He questions.
"Usually at night, so my hair can dry, too cold in the mornings."
"Then I'll shower in the morning, if that's okay."
"Of course."
As he cleans up in the bathroom, I take the time to grab my sleep pants and a t-shirt. Turning on the bedside lamp, I double check the alarm before turning off the overhead light and turning down the bed. Dimitri emerges in his boxer briefs and no shirt.
"I left my clothes on the counter, I hope that's okay." He explains.
I can't stop staring at his bare chest.
"Tha..mhmmmm…that's fine." I stutter, clearing my throat. I watch as he smiles at me knowingly as he walks towards me. "I'm going to clean up." I rush out, brushing past him without looking back. I hear him laughing as I close the door to calm myself. Seeing him in a towel in the selfie was one thing, but in person, that was a whole other story. I take my shower and avoid washing my hair as it wasn't dirty, before pulling on my pyjamas.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Seeing Roza blush and rush into the bathroom was sort of adorable. She was clearly checking me out and I loved it. To be honest, I couldn't take my eyes off her ass as she ran off.
Noticing that Rose has her alarm on the left side of the bed, I crawl into the right side. Which suits me perfectly as it's the same side I sleep on at home. I lay on my back, the covers up to about my waist and my right arm behind my head. I hear the door click and watch as she walks over shyly. Her hair is out of its up do, and she's obviously brushed through it. I lift the covers hoping she'll crawl in and cuddle up with me like she did on Saturday night.
"It's only nine-thirty you know…we could talk for a bit." She suggests, biting her lip tentatively as she crawls under the covers, laying on her side facing me.
"What would you like to talk about?" I tease gently, reaching out my left hand to hold hers.
"I know it's cheesy, but maybe like twenty questions?"
I nod in agreement as she cuddles a little closer.
"Are there rules to this?" I ask, turning on my side to face her.
"The question you ask, you have to answer yourself."
"Okay, you go first."
"Let's start simple, favourite movie genre?"
"I'm partial to Westerns." I smile with a blush. "I just love something about the wild west." I admit.
Rose smiles and nods, sharing that she kind of likes a little of everything. But admittedly, hasn't watched many westerns.
"Music, what do you like?" I urge pulling her even closer so she will rest her head on my chest.
"Again, a little of everything. I guess top 40 on the radio sort of stuff. You?" She states.
"You'll laugh at me." I smile, running a hand through her hair. "I kind of love 80's music." I admit and she does in fact giggle.
We continue for about ten minutes with our questions back and forth when curiosity strikes me. So, I ask her first.
"Do you have any tattoos?"
"I don't, but I've thought about it." She shares. "You?"
"I have something on my neck." I relay, turning and brushing my hair aside so she can see.
"What do they mean?" She queries, running her fingers over the 'X' like markings.
"I've gotten a mark for each major moment in my life." I begin as I continue to explain.
Roza, nods in understanding that each mark is for a life event. Standing up to my father was the first, then going to college, and graduating. The fourth is landing my first major job at Victor Dashkov's company and the fifth is for leaving Dashkov and joining Arthur's.
"With room for more?" She prods.
"Definitely." I smile.
"I like that idea. It's personal but meaningful." She comments.
"Come here, let's get some sleep." I say as I wiggle down a bit to cuddle her closer to me.
She leans up and kisses me sweetly before turning out the bedside lamp and pulling the covers up around us.
We talked about a lot this evening and usually, I would be pulling away and trying to avoid the things I'm feeling. But I've never felt this strongly for someone before. Roza is different, and I don't think that will ever change. I want to run to her, not away from her.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
I rolled over in bed, snuggling closer to the scent that was Dimitri, only to find the space empty. Raising my head, I turned towards the bathroom when I heard the shower running. A glance at the clock told me it was 5:45AM and the alarm wasn't set to go off for another fifteen minutes. 'Damn morning person', I thought grumpily to myself cuddling with the pillow he'd used. There was no way I was going to get anymore decent sleep, so I threw the blankets off of myself and headed into the kitchen to put on some coffee before heading back into the bedroom to make the bed.
The bathroom door opened and steam was let out, followed by a shirtless Dimitri, jeans slung low on his hips, his belt undone, and towel drying his hair. He stopped abruptly when he saw me.
"Good morning," he smiled sweetly, folding the towel over in his hands.
"Morning," I get out before a yawn escapes. "Are you finished? I really need to pee." I admit tiredly.
"Yes, I'm finished, and you are too adorable in the morning, milaya." He adds moving towards me. He bends down and kisses my cheek before trying to move to my lips and I pull back.
"No! Morning breath!" I admonish, shoving him playfully, my hands resting on his damp chest.
"I'll get my fill when you're done in there then." He teases as I close the door after handing him his shirt.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
The next morning, I woke rather early and watched Roza sleep contentedly for about twenty minutes. I was so hard for her and all I could think about was pressing my erection into her to get a little friction. We hadn't discussed that progression in our relationship yet and I definitely didn't want her to be uncomfortable.
Figuring I was already up, in more ways than one, I decided to shower and smiled when I saw she left a clean towel and wash cloth on the counter for me. I stepped into the streaming water and let it cascade down my shoulders and over my back.
Roza had left me with a raging hard on. I don't think she was aware that when she readjusted her position in her sleep that she was rubbing herself up on my junk, a lot. The temptation to grind into her was agonizing, but when we went there, she would be fully conscious. That's what left me up earlier than planned.
Reaching down, I grasped myself in my hand and tried to quell the ache in my cock. My thoughts on Roza and how I'd love to bend her over my office desk. I'm so turned on and my pace quickens as I brace myself against the wall of her shower, while also trying to keep my moans to myself. The last thing I need is for her to catch me jacking off in her shower. I was tempted to stop but at the same time, I desperately needed a fucking release.
A few more strokes and I bite my lip as I ejaculate down the drain. "Fuck," I mumble to myself. I finish washing quickly and realize I have a choice between coconut or vanilla and lavender body wash. 'Coconut it is,' I think to myself, squeezing a dollop of the creamy wash into the face cloth.
After running a matching coconut shampoo and conditioner through my hair, I rinse off, turn off the water, and towel off before stepping out of the shower. That's when I hear movement in her bedroom and I know she's up. Tugging on my boxer briefs and my jeans, I open the bathroom door to let some of the steam out and see Rose standing there still looking half asleep.
We make morning salutations but she won't let me kiss her properly until she's brushed her teeth. I could care less about that, and she looks so adorable still sleepy. After handing me my shirt, she escapes to the bathroom and I head out into her kitchen. She put on coffee, and I smile at the gesture. After snooping in her fridge, I pull out some eggs and bread to make us some breakfast.
Just as I'm plating the scrambled eggs, the toast pops and I butter us each two slices and set it on the table. She enters the kitchen a few moments later, dressed for work and looking sinfully sexy in a pair of dark blue jeans that hug her curves perfectly as well as a black V-neck cashmere sweater.
"Dimitri, you didn't have to cook." She smiles as I pour us each a coffee.
"I know, don't worry, I'll leave you the dishes milaya." I tease affectionately. She slaps my arm playfully before tugging me down and giving me the morning kiss, I missed earlier. I pulled away reluctantly, and cupped her face in my hands before pecking her sweetly one more time.
"Just for future reference, I don't give a shit about morning breath, if I wanna kiss my girl, I will."
~VA TC VA~
Rose
After answering my early morning call of nature, I brushed my teeth before dressing for the day. I ran a brush through my hair, leaving it hanging down my back before applying the minimal amount of make-up I used daily. A little mascara and lip balm were my go-to. Lord knows I blushed enough with Dimitri's flirtation to keep the pink in my cheeks.
The smell of food led me to the kitchen where I found him pouring us coffee and saw breakfast on the table. After kissing him soundly we sit quietly and eat. 'He can cook some damn good eggs', I think to myself, smiling when I think of outing him and his shower activities this morning. I bet he thought he was being quiet, but I was so aware.
"So, did you have a good shower?" I tease, taking the last mouthful of my eggs before standing to grab some raspberry jam from the fridge, for my toast.
"Yeah, it was good." He replies, confused.
"Sounds like it was magical." I taunt.
"Shit."
"Yeah, you know, I would have been more than happy to assist you." I flirt.
"Roza, I'm sorry, I just we…we haven't talked about that part of our relationship and I woke up really excited!" He relays pleadingly. "You tend to rub against me in your sleep." He added.
"Dimitri, it's fine, I actually think it's rather hot that I could do that to you. Of course, don't all men wake with morning wood? Like seriously?"
"More so with you on my mind, milaya." He flirts in reply.
"Just for the record, I'm all for moving things along." I reiterate before taking my now empty plate to the sink to rinse if off. He seems to have finished as well and collects the rest of the dishes to bring them over to the sink that I'm now filling with hot water.
"Is that so?" He quips, turning me to face him.
"Definitely,"
"Well, there's no time like the present." He adds, before lifting me to sit on the counter in front of him.
He stands between my legs, pressing himself against me and I can't help but moan as the sensation of his hardness presses into my core. His lips find mine immediately and our tongues duel for dominance. My hands find their way around his shoulders, pulling him closer as I wrap my legs around his waist, aching for more friction.
"Dimitri."
"What baby?" He whispers, moving down to suck on the pulse point in my neck.
"We have to stop…" I pant. "Work," I add as he finally pulls his lips away, pecking my lips one more time before resting his forehead against mine.
"I know, we will take this up later."
"Damn right we will." I laugh. He smiles that golden smile at me before helping me down from the counter.
We are fairly silent as I start to wash the dishes as he dries them before putting them away. I notice he seems to know his way around already, when I realize, he pulled the dishes from the cupboard to set the table, of course he knows where they go.
"I was thinking, maybe Friday we could have a night at my place. I'd like to cook us dinner and you could stay the night?" I suggest as I drain the sink.
"Sounds perfect." He smiles. "But-," He begins again.
"But what?"
"You know Lissa is going to want a night at 'Guardian's', to celebrate your promotion."
"Damn, you're right. But you could still have a sleepover." I flirt and he laughs adoringly.
"I'll be sure to bring a bag for our sleepover." He smiles, hinting at something more than just a sleepover. Of course, all I could think about was the sex we would definitely be having. Lord knows we've flirted enough and skirted the issue.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Once ensconced in my office, I head to my private washroom to change into one of the extra shirts I keep here. Work started like any other day and I was finalizing campaigns to be presented to clients the next day in the board room.
When lunch time came around, I hadn't heard from Roza and went to send her a text message but couldn't seem to unlock my phone with my thumbprint, when a text message popped up on the screen, coming from my iPhone.
Dimitri (Rose): I have your phone and you have mine handsome. ;)
She'd added a set of numbers which I assumed was her passcode, so I was able to unlock her phone and reply.
Rose: (Dimitri): I'll come to you to exchange in a few. ;)
Dimitri (Rose): Can't wait. Your phone has been blowing up with text messages all morning BTW from a number that is not in your phone.
Rose (Dimitri): Wait, how did you unlock my phone? What do the messages say?
Dimitri (Rose): I only read the first one, something about someone getting a job as an assistant with the company and how they couldn't wait to see you and reconnect. And I guessed your passcode would be your birth year. I was right. ;)
Rose (Dimitri): Smarty pants. Be there soon, have lunch with me?
Dimitri (Rose): Of course, can't wait to see you.
Pocketing Roza's phone, I headed down to her desk outside Adrian's office. Lissa hasn't left for lunch yet and I let her know that I will get my own lunch today with Roza, but she's welcome to join us. She declines politely.
When I arrive at Roza's desk, I see someone standing beside her as Alberta speaks to them.
"Roza." I call to get her attention. She smiles sweetly before turning back to Alberta.
"Rose, before you run off for your lunch, I wanted to introduce you to Ms. Lazar. She will shadow you for the rest of the week to get the hang of how things run around here. She's one of the newly hired assistants for our floater pool."
"Hi, nice to meet you," Roza greets politely holding her hand out to shake.
"You too Roza."
"It's Rose." She corrects her, but I recognize something about this girl. Then it dawns on me. 'Fuck me', I mumble to myself.
"Mr. Belikov?" Alberta addresses me, noticing me standing back a bit. I shake myself from my fog before replying.
"Hey Alberta, I'm here to take my girl to lunch." I explain, moving up to Roza and putting my arm around her shoulders. She smiles shyly as Alberta grins knowingly.
"You two are so cute together. Have a good lunch." Alberta states before turning to Ms. Lazar, or as I now realize is Avery Lazar. My stalker after only two dates. "Ms. Lazar, you will meet Rose back here at her desk in about forty minutes, once I finish giving you the rest of the tour." She adds before having Avery follow her. I watch out of the corner of my eye as Avery looks back at Roza and I with a look of hatred on her face. Rose is oblivious as she turns to me.
"Hey, here's your phone." She states handing me mine as I pull hers from my back pocket to hand to her.
"I guess we should get different protective cases other than black to tell them apart." I jest.
"Where's the fun in that." She teases back.
After bundling up in our jackets we head out of the building and across the street to our favourite little delicatessen. We place our orders and move down the bar. Our sandwiches are made fresh and when we reach the end to pay, we both order coffees as well. Taking a seat at the back of the restaurant, we start eating and I know I need to tell Rose about 'Ms. Lazar'.
"You need to be careful when you go back into work this afternoon." I begin.
"What do you mean?"
"Ms. Lazar…"
"What about her?"
"It's Avery, Roza. She's the one who's been blowing up my phone." I inform, reminding her of the woman I was breaking things off with the night we met.
"Are you fucking serious?"
"Unfortunately. She was giving you a look when Alberta had her follow her." I explain, before taking a large bite of my sandwich. I look up suddenly when she starts laughing at me.
"What?" I mumble over the food in my mouth.
"Every time." She states simply, before reaching across the small table to wipe the mayonnaise off the side of my lips with a napkin. I just smile sweetly at her.
"Maybe I do it on purpose." I flirt.
"What, so you want me to lick it off you?" I stop suddenly to stare at her.
"Damn woman, don't give me ideas. Lunch will never be the same now."
"Well, if we were in your office right now, rather than here, lunch would be a lot more interesting." She taunts in return, finishing off the last of her sandwich.
"Are you finished?" I push, standing from the table. She just laughs at me and nods. We grab our coffees and head back into the building and up to my office.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Dimitri's admission that my shadow was Avery had me a little concerned. He showed me the text messages she had been sending him as we rode the elevator back up to the 20th floor. She went on about how they needed to 'reconnect' and 'try again'. He never replied and had deleted her from his contacts, but that didn't stop her from sending message after message. It was bordering on harassment.
"She's totally psycho over you Dimitri." I state as the elevator dings, signalling our arrival. We step off and he leads me to his office.
"I know, it's rather disturbing. At this point I welcome Tasha and her flirtation if it meant I didn't have to be anywhere near Avery. Now she fucking works here."
"I will inform her of the rules of conduct regarding executives and assistants, you can be sure of that."
"She won't listen."
"Then she will get written up for it. That's why there are rules." I explain as Dimitri closes and locks his office door.
"Can we stop talking about her and focus on us please?" He pleads, helping me off with my coat, once he's removed his.
My mouth fuses with his in a passionate kiss. His hands pull me closer. One on my hip, the other moving down to my ass, squeezing gently, before he lifts my leg around his hip, and I feel him press himself into me. I moan at the sensation of him against me as he raises one hand to cup and fondle a breast, his thumb trailing over my nipple, causing it to harden.
"Dimitri…" I pant as I run my hands under his button up shirt and over his chest.
"Roza, I want you so much." He moans, as I run a hand over his hard cock.
"I want you too."
"We can't…shit, it's the middle of the day, at work. Plus, I don't want our first time to be in my office." He states, cupping my face and pressing his lips firmly to mine once again.
"Sit." I demand, pushing him into his office chair.
"Roza, what are you doing?" He pants as I move my hands to his belt.
"I'm going to help you with your not so little problem." I kiss him hard as his hands move to my hips. He lifts his off the chair to allow me to pull his pants and boxer briefs down, and I get to my knees. My eyes look over his shaft. He's so hard it almost looks painful. He's long and thick, and I lick my lips in anticipation.
"Roza, baby, you don't have to do -," I cut him off as my lips surround the head of his cock and he's left breathless. I smile to myself.
Using my hand, I grip his base and pump slightly, tightening my grip every few strokes before I move my mouth over all of him, taking as much as I can. Even deep throating him, I can't fit him all in my mouth. I pull off of him suddenly and his eyes lock with mine.
"You have to be quieter or someone will hear." I tease, taking his head in my mouth once again. My eyes staying locked on his as his hands take purchase in my hair, urging me on.
"Fuck, baby this feels so good. I'm almost there." He pants as I continue my ministrations.
I hum slightly and that seems to do it as I feel him tighten his legs slightly as he gently thrusts his hips into my mouth, coming down my throat.
"Shit, that was fucking amazing." He pants as he stands abruptly and pulls me off my knees, fusing his lips to mine.
"I want to taste you." He pants against my lips as I help lift his boxer briefs and pants back up.
"We don't have time." I pout, signalling to the clock on his wall.
"Fuck, Roza." He adds again pulling me against him once again.
"Friday." I tease as I leave him standing by his desk, a goofy grin on his face. After cleaning up in his private washroom and readjusting my hair from his hands, I grab my lukewarm coffee and head back to my desk, but not before he kisses me one last time and taps my ass, squeezing gently.
"I don't think I can wait until Friday to have you."
"You're going to have to. Plus, I have 'Ms. Lazar', to deal with."
"If she says anything or starts shit, please tell me!"
"I will." I nod before finally making my way back to my desk. I realize I forgot my coat in his office, but figure I'll just get it after work anyway.
Avery is already at my desk when I arrive, and she's sitting in my chair, rather than the one appointed to her for the afternoon.
"Ms. Lazar?" I state, getting her attention. She whips her head around in my direction and it seems like she's going with the 'kill her with kindness' approach as she smiles a toothy grin at me.
"Hi Roza, I'm ready to go when you are."
"It's Rose. Get it right. You do that shit to an exec or anyone else superior to you and they won't take kindly to it." I admonish.
"Dimitri called you Roza. Why is only okay for him to?" She states a little rudely.
"You may call me Rose. Or Ms. Hathaway." I demand. "If you cannot take direction, I will be forced to write you up." I add.
That seemed to shut her up, for the time being at least. I get into 'mentor' mode and show her the basics of the computer system. It's not difficult but I don't know her capabilities at all.
"Do you have any questions thus far?" I enquire.
"Only one."
"What is it?"
"Which office is Mr. Belikov's?"
"There are rules of conduct when it comes to executives Ms. Lazar."
"Call me Avery, please." She states, a little too sweetly.
"Avery. As I was saying. There are rules of conduct. Unless you are assigned to an executive or are personally invited to their office, you are not to just 'visit' them unannounced." I explain.
"I'm friends with him. I'm sure he'd be happy to see me. Plus, we've sort of been seeing each other." She explains, her voice lowering at the end and becoming a little suggestive.
"You're free to do as you choose. Just be aware that if you do not follow the code of conduct, you can and will be written up for insubordination."
"Please, he wouldn't do that to me."
"He doesn't have to. His assistant can write you up too for disturbing him."
This girl is insane, I think to myself. She's actually convinced herself that she's seeing Dimitri. I turn the conversation back to the matters at hand. Work.
"Anyway, do you know if you're actually going to be assigned to Mr. Ivashkov next week?"
"That's what Alberta tells me. Hence my shadowing you."
"Right, well then I'll let you know his preferences. He always likes to get his own lunch, unless he finds he has to work through lunch, and he will inform you if he does."
"Okay. What about first thing in the morning?"
"Most executives, Mr. Ivashkov included like to do a morning meeting. You go in with a pad of paper and a pen, and he likes the lattés from the Café as well. In fact, he likes one after lunch as well."
"Alberta showed me the Café, should I go make him his latté?"
"Yes, that would be great."
Avery leaves me to go get Adrian his latté and I sigh in relief that she's gone, but a little surprised that she could be a little professional. Even if it was only for a couple questions about Adrian. I pull out my phone and text Dimitri.
Rose: Your stalker is convinced that you and she are 'seeing' each other.
He doesn't reply right away, but I'm not surprised. He's likely actually working.
Dimitri: I've told Lissa about her and if she tries to sneak in here, then she will be written up for it.
Rose: I informed her of the code of conduct, but I don't think she gives a shit. So just be prepared.
Dimitri: Has she asked you about me?
Rose: Just where your office is. I didn't tell her shit. I think she was trying to 'make me jealous' by saying that you and her were 'seeing' each other BTW.
Dimitri: Ignore her as much as you can.
Rose: Trust me, I'm trying. Got to go, she's back.
Avery returns and knocks on Adrian's door before entering and bringing him his latté. When she comes back out, she's standing in front of my desk.
"So, Rose," She begins. "I wanted to know. Why does Dimitri call you, his girl? You are aware that he's mine, right?" She adds a little defensively. Her arms crossed over her chest as if she's challenging me.
I feel my eyebrows reach my hairline as I raise them in surprise.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
I couldn't fucking believe Rose went down on me. In my office, no less. Fucking perfect. The feel of her lips around me and her little hand pumping me. God damn wet dream come to life. I needed to get my head back into work mode but I swear she sucked my brain cells out through my cock and I couldn't think of anything else but going down on her.
In the middle of making plans for the presentation tomorrow for the client, my phone dings with a new message alert. Roza informs me of Avery's obvious obsession with me. I'm conflicted on whether or not I should inform Arthur of my previous relationship with her. Relationship…I had to laugh at that. Two fucking dates, that was it. I decide to wait to see if she tries anything in the office. If something should happen, then I'll go to Arthur and write her up for her behaviour. I rub my hands over my face in frustration when I look at the chairs in front of my desk and see Roza's coat laying over the back of one of them.
Grabbing her coat, I head towards her desk. As I come up the hallway, I see Avery leaving Adrian's office and watch as she stands in front of Roza, her arms crossed. It looks like she's trying to confront her in some way and I eavesdrop to hear what she says.
"So, Rose," She begins. "I wanted to know. Why does Dimitri call you, his girl? You are aware that he's mine, right?".
Roza seems surprised and unsure of what to say to that. Plus, it's none of Avery's fucking business. But I don't want Roza to have to face this on her own, and make my presence known.
"Because she is my girl. You and I are not seeing each other by any means." I state simply, moving to stand beside Roza. "You forgot your coat in my office after our lunch date, milaya." I add, hanging her coat over the back of her chair.
"Thank you for returning it. But I could have gotten it after work too." She replies.
"I know, but I wanted to see you." I state, squeezing her shoulder lightly just to have some kind of contact and to give Avery a big fucking hint.
"Hi Dimitri." Avery tries to flirt.
"Ms. Lazar." I state simply as Arthur approaches.
"Dimitri, Rose! Just the two I wanted to see!" He states happily, clapping his hands together.
"Hey Arthur." Rose greets politely. "This is Ms. Avery Lazar. A new hire in the assistant pool." She adds. "Avery, this is Arthur Schoenburg, he oversees all the executives and hires on this floor. In other words, he's everyone's boss." She explains with a smile.
"Ms. Lazar, it's a pleasure. Do you think you can handle Mr. Ivashkov's needs by tomorrow?" he queries as he shakes her hand in greeting.
"Of course, sir, in fact I could handle it right now." She states pompously, a fake smile plastered on her face.
"Perfect! Then Rose, come with me and I will show you your new office!"
"New office?" Avery interjects a little rudely.
"Rose has been promoted, and will be a working advertising executive, working closely along with Dimitri here!" Arthur states proudly, clapping me on my back.
"Oh-," She finishes a little stunned. It was clear that Avery thought she could try to make Roza look bad and would oust her somehow, but little did she know, that Roza was more like her boss.
"Grab your things then, and we will head there now." Arthur states. I grab Roza's coat that I just hung on the back of her chair as she opens the bottom drawer of her desk and pulls out her shoulder bag slash purse. After tossing her empty take away coffee cup into the trash beside the desk, we both follow Arthur as we head in the direction of my office.
"Hey Rose, Dimitri, Arthur!" Lissa greets happily.
"Ms. Dragomir! Has Rose told you, her news?" Arthur exerts.
"No, what news?"
Roza explains her promotion and Lissa, like I expected, tells her that we're all celebrating Friday after work at 'Guardian's'. Roza agrees as Arthur leads us to a closed door across the hall from my office. There is a desk already sitting there, waiting for her own assistant to take residence.
"I thought this was the small conference room?" Roza questions as Arthur opens the door and turns on the light.
"It was, but the office two doors down from Dimitri was larger. Bigger than even his office, so we switched them around to have a bigger second conference room, giving you this office, which by the way has windows, unlike Dimitri's!"
The smile on Roza's face is infectious as she takes in the 'welcome' gift basket on the desk.
"Thank you, Arthur!" She states happily. I notice she has tears in her eyes and suspect they're from happiness.
"You are most welcome my dear! You will do us proud, I'm sure."
Arthur leaves us to allow Roza to become more acquainted with her office.
"This makes it so much more real!" She gushes as she plops down in the chair behind her desk.
I take a seat in one of the two chairs situated in front of her desk and talk a little about the campaigns we'll be working on next week. Alberta appears at the door and knocks politely.
"Congratulations Rose. How are you feeling?"
"Thanks Alberta. I'm excited, nervous, anxious…"
"Well, Ms. Lazar seems to have things under control with Adrian and Mr. Ivashkov is pleased with her thus far."
"That's good. Ummm…Dimitri?" Roza begins looking at me intently. I know she wants me to talk to Alberta about Avery, so I stand from my seat and close the door to her office, offering Alberta the other seat.
"There's something I'd like to discuss with you Alberta." I start. A look of concern crosses her face.
"Is there something wrong?"
"Yes and no." I explain.
"Okay?" She encourages.
"Almost two months ago now, I went out on two dates with Avery, Ms. Lazar." I clarify.
"She's already been a problem this morning." Rose interjects.
"How so?"
I look to Roza for her to confirm her conversation with Avery. She explains how Avery was trying to find out which office was mine and how she informed Avery of the code of conduct, which Avery seemed to want to ignore. When Roza finishes explaining her conversation, I add the information of the chronic text messages and even show them to Alberta to show how I feel like I'm being harassed.
"This is unfortunate of course. But unless she comes out and sexually harasses you or starts appearing at your office for no reason, I can't do much." Alberta explains.
"I know and so far, nothing of that sort has happened. I just wanted it on record with you that I'm reporting what I fear may be the beginning of unsavory behaviour."
"Noted. I will make a statement on her personnel file regarding your concerns. If you could both send me an email as well outlining your concerns, I can attach that to her file as well for any possible future situations."
"Thanks Alberta. We hope she doesn't cause any issues or ignores the code of conduct, but I thought it pertinent that we made you aware of it." I finish as we both stand. Alberta shakes both of our hands before retreating from the office.
I look over at Roza and she seems to have a look of exhaustion on her face. "You, okay?"
"Mostly, but I am feeling a little off actually."
"Well, the day is almost over, at least for you." I smile before saying my goodbyes and heading back to my office.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
By the time 5:00PM rolled around, I was feeling extremely nauseated. After the impromptu meeting in my new office with Arthur and then Alberta, I headed back to my desk to see Avery fiddling around on her phone, texting away, while the office phone is ringing on the desk in front of her.
"Avery," I call to get her attention.
"What?"
"The phone is ringing. Answer it."
"Ughhh…" She replies with a rude grunt, before picking up the receiver. This girl is already giving me issues and I don't have the patience to deal with her crap right now.
Adrian emerged from his office requesting another latté, his attention on Avery. She hustled off to get it for him and I took the time to go over his schedule for the rest of the week to make sure that no appointments overlapped. I wasn't sure how competent Avery was but she wasn't going to make issues for me if I could help it. I found two appointments over-lapping and had to adjust them accordingly and send off emails to confirm these changes. Another hassle.
When I could finally leave, I gathered my stuff from my office and went over to say goodbye to Dimitri. I put my gift basket on the floor by his door.
"Hey, how was the rest of your day?" he questioned me as he stood from his chair.
"Frustrating. The fucking phone was ringing away on the desk and she was too busy texting on her fucking phone." I complain.
"Yeah, I know." He replies, showing me his phone and all the unread messages.
"I feel so nauseous right now." I add, rubbing my stomach in earnest.
"You look a little pale." Dimitri points out as I feel his hand on my forehead. "You're quite warm too, milaya."
"I hope I'm not getting sick." I confess as Lissa pops her head into Dimitri's office.
"Rose, you, okay?"
"Feel a little sick actually."
Lissa then copies Dimitri's action and feels my forehead.
"Yeah, you're a little warm." She confirms.
"You should take some Tylenol. There's some in the medicine cabinet in my washroom." Dimitri interjects.
"Good idea. Excuse me." I state, leaving Lissa and Dimitri on their own.
When I'm finished, I say my goodbyes and head to the train so I can go home. Food is so not on my radar at this point as the queasiness in my stomach seems to have gotten worse. I drop my gift basket on my kitchen table before I strip off my clothes and pull on some pyjama pants and a long-sleeved sleep shirt before crawling into bed to rest. I feel dead to the world when sometime later I hear movement in my apartment.
Fear runs through me. 'Someone broke in.' I think to myself. I take note of the time and see it's 7:30PM. I reach for my phone on my nightstand when I remember I left it in my bag, which is in the kitchen on the floor.
Moving out of bed and to my open bedroom door, I peek out but can't see anything. Although, I do hear noises in the kitchen, the sound of pots clanging. 'What the fuck? Someone broke in to cook?'. Suddenly I hear footsteps heading in my direction and I move back into my bedroom but there's nowhere to hide.
~VA TC VA~
Thank you for reading! Please leave a review or comment. I'm curious to know what people think!