When I cam into work the following week, an hour ahead of Dimitri and everyone else, I was puzzled at the desk that was being set up inside his office.

"Can I help you with something?" I asked the maintenance worker.

"Mr. Belikov asked for the second desk to be set up for his assistant. Is this enough room?" he explained as he stood up, gesturing to the desk. It was a nice-sized desk. Dimitri's desk was across the room near the window, and mine was adjacent to his.

"This is fine, thank you," I said quietly, tucking my hair behind my ears. The man wiped down the desk with some cleaner and then moved the comfortable-looking chair behind it. I nodded to myself and read the name plaque that sat at the front.

Rosemarie B. Hathaway.
Executive Assistant to Dimitri Belikov, CEO.

I ran my fingers over the plaque and went out to my old desk to collect my things. Once I moved my belongings over I picked up my laptop and brought it into the office, setting it down on the desk. I sat down in the chair and sighed quietly, seeing a few people starting to trickle in.

Dimitri smiled at me when he came into the office, his phone to his ear as he spoke rapidly. I glanced at the time and gathered he was talking to his mother. That was usually the only time I heard him speak Russian except for in his sleep.

The glass door was propped open still and I could see out to the hallway, while Dimitri's desk was concealed by the support wall. It was helpful for him because it gave him a bit more privacy. I went through my emails and saw one that was personal, full of pictures from my best friend.

There were photos of a few houses, the interiors and exteriors. There were a few of Lissa holding a drill, or in the middle of doing work. There was also a picture of her holding a beautiful boy.

Built four houses! And this little guy was the sweetest thing ever. We would have built more, but it rained so much that it halted work. Thailand is gorgeous and I can't wait to see you! My flight home is next week. Pick me up?

The email contained her flight number and the time that she was supposed to arrive. I typed back a quick response, promising to pick her up and that I was excited to see her. She had been in Thailand for the last six months, and I missed my best friend dearly. Even if she didn't get the message right away, at least she would see it when she got to the airport.

I heard Dimitri end his call with his mother and I looked up at him, smiling softly.

"Morning," I said.

"Morning. You were gone before I was up," he said as he went to the coffee machine he put in his office, making himself a cup.

"Yeah, I wanted to get in and prepare for my new position. Executive Assistant? That's a big jump," I said as I leaned on folded arms on my desk.

"It's an appropriate title for my right hand," he said with a grin, "My mother says hello. And she is very excited to meet you."

I blushed and looked at the ring on my finger.

"She isn't mad that she wasn't there?"

"Oh, she's furious. But not with you," he said with a wink, setting the mug on my desk and then making another cup. I smiled and looked into the cup, smiling that it was already milked and sugared for me.

"So, I take it that the 'B' on my name plaque stands for Blake?" I teased as I referred to my middle name. I knew what it actually stood for, but I was touched that he kept it private.

"Sure, we can pretend that's what it stands for."

I snickered and saw Sydney walk in and I waved at her. She detoured and came into the doorway, smiling at me and then gestured to Dimitri.

"Good morning, Mr. Belikov."

"Good morning, Ms. Sydney Sage," Dimitri returned with a pleasant smile. She was surprised that he knew her name and I snorted a laugh.

"Come in and close the door," I said standing up. Sydney looked at me wearily and closed the door as she stepped further into the office. I sat on the front of my desk as I sipped my coffee.

"I'm going to ask you to keep a secret. And I'm only telling you this because you're the only person here who would figure it out on their own," I said softly, mindful that people could still hear through the door.

"Meet my husband," I said with a laugh and canted my head towards Dimitri. Sydney's eyes drifted towards Dimitri, her pale brown brows rising as her brain processed the information.

"Holy crap," she said quietly, "Congratulations."

Dimitri grinned at her, almost a half smile that made my heart flip every time I saw it. I wasn't about to broadcast this information to everyone at work, but I wasn't lying when I said that she would figure it out on her own. And if she did, she'd be pissed that I didn't confide in her about who I was married to.

"Is that why you looked like you wanted to jump out of your own skin during that meeting?"

Dimitri laughed and I threw him a glare.

"Yes. I didn't know that Dimitri was the CEO of Vladimir House, or that he had purchased Court Publication."

Sydney smirked. "How did you not know that? I knew the minute I saw him."

I shrugged. "I don't stalk my professional idols on social media," I pointed out and her face flamed. I snickered at her expense, and she narrowed her eyes at me.

"I'm going to start work now," Sydney said dryly, shooting me a glare that I knew was half-hearted.

"Come in here if you want coffee. I'll hook you up," I called after her as she left the office, laughing to myself as the door hissed shut. I looked at Dimitri and stretched my arms over my head, groaning quietly as I felt my shoulder pop.

"It's not nice to tease your friends," Dimitri pointed out as he looked at his phone, reading something.

"I show my love through sarcasm, humour, and insults. Don't you know this yet?" I asked him with raised brows. He didn't respond or look up from his phone, but I saw him smile softly. He already knew that that was my love language. It was also how he was dubbed 'comrade' one night when I was drunk and teasing him.

I went about my usual morning tasks, pulling up Dimitri's calendar from the shared link he sent me. I had a few emails from Kirova and I stifled a groan as I read them.

"Why the sigh?"

"What?" I asked licking my lips.

"You sighed very loudly. What is it?" Dimitri asked.

"Nothing. Just Kirova," I said with a shake of my head, "What would you like me to get started on?"

"At the moment, just familiarizing yourself with my calendar for the week. You will have access to the files my previous assistant had on my contacts, and I need you to memorize them because sometimes I forget who is who and what they do."

"Like Emily in The Devil Wears Prada?"

"Yes," he said and shook his head, "Don't ask why I know what you're talking about."

I smirked. "I promise not to be an incubus of the viral plague," I quipped as I opened the files and hit print. I stood up and walked around the desk to head into the bullpen.

"Roza?"

"Mm?" I asked turning towards him.

He looked me over and winked at me. "I am really glad I bought you those heels. They make your ass look fantastic," he said as he picked up his phone when it rang. I rolled my eyes and kept walking. I walked past my old desk and headed towards the paper station, getting supplies together to make physical copies of the contact files. I learned best with paper and needed it physically in my hands.

I could hear my college's whispers tapper off as I approached, grabbing a binder and dividers before heading for the communal printer. It was faster than the one that my laptop usually used.

"So how exactly did you do it?" one of the guys asked, Jasper Keys.

"Do what?" I asked as I collected the first stack of papers and put them into the hole puncher.

"Land the new position after a day? Who did you get on your knees for?"

I scoffed and turned to look at him.

"Excuse me?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. Blake who sat in the desk behind him looked embarrassed and stunned.

"Well, you just jumped to a new position. You didn't apply for it."

"I was asked to take on the position," I stated, "And I don't need to get on my knees to get what I want. I have a brain, that's all I need."

I turned back to my papers and took the rest of them out of the printer, punching the binder hole in them as well.

"And that's why you're wearing heels and tight pants? Are you sure it's not to suck up to someone?"

I gritted my teeth.

"No, I'm meeting my husband at lunch and thought I'd look nice. At least during my lunch, I have good company. You will have a limp sandwich, candy crush, and three-day-old Gatorade," I retorted as I headed back to my office, closing the door with my foot.

I set my things down, sorted the papers out and then put them in the binder.

"I have to step out at lunch. I have plans now," I said with a slight huff.

"Oh?"

"Yes. I am apparently having lunch with my husband, and that's why I dressed nicely this morning," I said as I plopped down in my chair.

I heard Dimitri's chair creak.

"So, I should leave fifteen minutes before you, park around the block and then drop you off before I come back ten minutes later?"

"Sounds like a plan?"

"Good food or disgusting food?

"I'm not sure yet," I mused as I pulled a highlighter out of the holder and pulled the ca off with my teeth.

I pulled the wrapper down as I bit into my smoked salmon bagel, trying not to bite any of the paper.

"I have to pick Lissa up at the airport next week," I mumbled as I chewed.

Dimitri raised a brow at me.

"She's coming home?"

I nodded and wiped my finger around the edge of my lip to catch some of the smudged lipstick.

"You okay with that?"

"Why wouldn't I be okay with that?" he asked as he tossed a few nuts into his mouth, "It's your best friend."

I nodded and licked my lips. "Sorry. I'm still getting used to this whole 'married' thing," I said with a shrug. Dimitri reached out and rested his hand on my knee, squeezing it gently.

"So am I. But one day at a time right? Still no regrets."

I lowered my sandwich and smiled softly at him.

"No. To everyone else, it may have seemed rushed, but I don't regret it."

Dimitri nodded in agreeance as he picked up his sandwich from his lap, taking a large bite. I crossed my legs and shifted on the bench. It was beautiful out for the beginning of May, and the park was relatively empty despite it being the middle of the day.

We ate our lunch in relative silence, but I never felt I needed to fill the silence when I was with him. It was comfortable and peaceful. It was one of the things that I valued so much about our relationship. Dimitri was relatively quiet, while I could talk enough for the both of us. But he never made me feel back for how much I talked, or how energetic I could get. He just went with it and didn't expect me to change anything about myself.

"What do you say about us taking a vacation in a few weeks?"

I nodded. "What kind of vacation?"

"A honeymoon?"

I choked on my sandwich but nodded anyway.

"A honeymoon?"

"We haven't had one yet," Dimitri said and I smirked.

"No, we haven't," I agreed, "Where would you want to go?"

Dimitri mimicked my position on the bench, his body turned towards me. I took another bite of my sandwich, moaning quietly at the saltiness of the capers mixed with the onions and the cream cheese. Dimitri finished off his sandwich too and dusted his hands off.

"Well, I know this amazing resort with the best margaritas," he said and I grinned.

"You mean in the Bahamas?"

"I thought it might be sentimental."

I nodded and balled up the paper wrapping and tossed it into the bag between us. I leaned towards him and cupped his cheeks, pressing my lips to his. He hummed against mine and ran his hand over my knee.

"I'll take that as a yes?"

I nodded. "But I'm gonna have to sort it out with my boss," I chirped.

"I wouldn't worry about him."

I started to pack up my things for the end of the day. The weather network had sent out an advisory for a storm, and the sky was already particularly dark. It almost looked green.

Most of the office had already departed, while Dimitri still sat at his desk going over something. I wasn't exactly sure what it was, but he seemed very invested in it.

"See you at home," I told Dimitri as I slipped on my jacket.

He glanced up for a second and then nodded.

"Be careful," he said as he looked back at the paper, "I shouldn't be too much longer."

I nodded and started heading for the elevators when Kirova's voice hissed from behind me.

"Where are you going?!"

I turned and looked at her, gesturing with my thumb toward the elevators.

"Home?"

"You can't leave yet," she said folding her arms over her chest, "You have to stay."

"Excuse me?"

"You are expected to stay as late as Mr. Belikov is here. The shiny title comes with more responsibilities than sitting around all day," she said and pointed back towards the offices. I scoffed and shook my head while looking at her.

"I just said good night to him and he didn't have any issues," I pointed out but she rolled her eyes.

"I could care less about your interpretation of the interaction. Get back in the office, it's what's expected from you," she snarked. I heard the hiss of doors and saw Dimitri coming out of the office and pulling his duster on.

"What is going on out here?" he asked, looking between us.

"Ms. Hathaway was trying to slip out of work early. I was reprimanding her."

"No, you were screeching at my assistant after I told her to go home," he said cooly, "There's a severe weather warning right now, Ellen. Go home."

I licked my lips and scuttled after Dimitri towards the elevators. It took every bone in my body not to act like a child and stick my tongue out at Kirova as the door shut, but I managed it.

I leaned against the elevator and closed my eyes, utterly exhausted.

"I don't even care if anyone sees me get in your car. I'm so tired," I whispered. Dimitri wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me towards him, kissing the top of my head.

"You were restless last night. Couldn't sleep?"

I shook my head. "No. I couldn't get comfortable last night," I sighed as I rubbed my face.

"How does a nice hot bath sound?" he asked, "And a big glass of red wine."

"That sounds fantastic," I mused, "What are you thinking for dinner?"

Dimitri shrugged and pulled his arm away when the elevator reached the underground parking. I followed him to his car and climbed into the passenger seat, kicking my shoes off the moment I was in the seat.

"Feet hurt?"

"Yes. The shoes may make my ass look great, but they are killer on my feet. You didn't need to buy me Louboutin. How much did these even cost?"

Dimitri smirked at me and rested his hand on my knee.

"You don't want to know," he said with a smirk. I glanced at the black sling-back shoes and narrowed my eyes at him.

"How much?"

"More than what you get paid per pay cheque," he said with a grin and felt like vomiting.

"Why?" I whined.

He smiled and shrugged. "I have more money than I need. Let me buy my wife an expensive pair of shoes."

I crossed my arms and shook my head as I looked out the window.

"I'd rather you bought me chocolate donuts," I joked under my breath. Dimitri smiled indulgently as the sky opened above our heads, the rain falling like a bucket being dumped at a waterpark. I rested my forehead against the window and smiled to myself.

I always loved the rain. I found it calming in a way I couldn't understand. It was strange considering how much I loved the heat and the sun, but I loved the sound and smell of the rain. Even though it made my hair grow like a giant puffball.

Once we got to the condo the thunder started to crackle over us, the lightning filling the horizon. I moved quickly to get inside, heading up to our place. I moved into Dimitri's place a few months ago. It was bigger than mine, and it had a nicer view. I unlocked the door and squealed when Dimitri squeezed my waist, tickling me.

I let us in and set my keys on the table, shucking my coat off and hanging it in the closet. I was usually a toss-it-anywhere kind of girl, but I knew that Dimitri was a bit of a neat freak. My statement, not his and he got a little butt hurt anytime I said it, but I figured it was the least I could do. He had to put up with the rest of my not-so-clean habits.

I went into the living room and scratched our dog's, ears, smiling when he lifted his head to look at me.

"Hi, Meek," I said before padding to the window, opening the curtains to let the storm showcase through the living room.

"Any ideas yet for dinner?"

"I ordered Lasagna takeout while we were in the elevator," Dimitri called out from the bedroom. I nodded and sat on the couch, almost crawling on top of our dog to cuddle him. He pretended to hate it but would grumble as soon as I got off him.

"Thank you," I called out as I got comfortable on the couch, watching the storm outside. The nice part of Dimitri having the penthouse was that he could see the sky, and therefore, I could watch the storms.

I heard Dimitri's footsteps behind me and then saw his shadow cast over me as he leaned on the back of the couch. He rubbed the dog's stomach as a flash crossed the sky. Meeko tried to jump away, but I cuddled him to me.

"You're okay, buddy," I said as I kissed his head. He was a great Huskey but was terrified of storms. After a few more minutes, a glass of wine was placed on the coffee table in front of me and Dimitri sat down on the other end of the couch, a glass of his own in his hand.

"How long do you think until dinner?" I asked as my stomach made a very loud gurgle.

"Fifteen minutes? It says it's out for delivery."

I nodded and lifted my head to look at him.

"Thanks for dealing with Kirova."

Dimitri shook his head. "I meant to have you sign your new contract today, but there is nothing in it that states that you have to stay until I leave. You still have designated hours," he said with a shake of his head, "Once the clock ends, that time becomes your time, even if you're still with me. If she puts up a real stink I'll address it again."

I smiled at him again and rubbed my foot against his leg affectionately. The lightning flashed, filling the living room before everything went dark, the lights outside vanishing and the lights going out in here.

"Welp. Good thing we aren't cooking," I joked.

"I'm going to go wait in the lobby for our food," Dimitri said as he set his glass on the table, leaning down to kiss my cheek. I smiled and turned my head to take a kiss. He pressed his lips to mine and stroked my cheek gently before heading down to the lobby.