"Where's Lissa?" Rose asked as soon as the door to her best friend's house opened at eight AM the next day, revealing a very tired and dishevelled Christian.

"It's eight O'clock, Rose," Christian groaned, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's a Saturday."

"Where's Lissa?" she repeated, pushing her way past and deeper into the house, much to Christian's frustration. He was certainly not one for early mornings, especially on the weekend, and having Rose here practically banging his front door down so early was most definitely not something he particularly wanted nor expected.

"Hello Rose, good morning. Nice to see you, do please come in!" He exclaimed sarcastically, before shutting the front door with a sigh and following the impatient woman into the kitchen.

"Lissa!" Rose called again, peering into both the dining room and the living room in search of her friend.

"She's upstairs, Rose. Some of us like to do this new thing called 'sleep'."

"Yeah, well some of us couldn't sleep, so here we are!"

Christian knew he was fighting a losing battle – there was no way he would be able to go back to sleep now, not with Rose here practically in the midst of a mental breakdown. With a sigh and roll of his eyes, he set about fixing himself a very strong coffee, as Rose bolted up the stairs towards the main bedroom.

Bursting through the door, she didn't hesitate to jump into Christian's side of the bed, stirring Lissa from her light sleep as she did so.

"Rose? What's wrong? What are you doing here so early?" Lissa questioned, surprised to wake up face to face with her best friend instead of her husband. Instinctively, she knew that Rose was unhappy about something – like Christian, Rose was definitely fond of her sleep and it was unusual to see her at this time in the morning so alert and wound up.

"I think you might be right," Rose blurted out, desperate for advice. She had been tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep for a certain man's words echoing incessantly around her head. Every time she closed her eyes she found herself staring into his dark ones, as though they were staring deep into her soul. When the sun had started to rise and she had barely slept an hour, she knew she needed Lissa. Lissa would know exactly what to do.

"Right? About what?"

"Dimitri," Rose stated with a scoff, as though it should have been obvious. "I want him. Like, really want him."

Lissa couldn't help the smile spreading on her face. Sitting up more in the bed, she gave Rose her full attention, eager for the juicy details. "I knew it."

"Don't start."

"All I'm saying is judging by the looks you've been giving each other, I'm not surprised."

At Lissa's words, Dimitri's intense gaze flashed across Rose's mind, making her insides clench deliciously. Rose was finally starting to admit the affect this man had on her. He practically made her self-combust with a simple wink.

"But Liss, what am I going to do?" She questioned, hanging her head in her hands. She felt guilty – so guilty. She was falling for this stranger, someone she hardly knew, and she couldn't help but feel bad for the man she hadn't long been broken up with.

"What do you mean?"

"Mason and I haven't been broken up long – isn't it bad to want someone else so soon?"

"Of course not!" Lissa explained, desperate to dispel Rose's worries. She knew from the moment Dimitri and Rose met each other that there was an undeniable attraction between them, and she knew that together they would be perfect. "You didn't love Mason. It's a good thing that you're moving on."

"I'm not sure... I feel guilty."

"Don't! Rose – if it helps, your feelings are most definitely not one sided. Judging by that very close demonstration at yoga last night, I'd be confident to say he likes you too."

"That's not all," Rose mumbled, wringing her hands in her lap. "Afterwards, he said something along the lines of how many things he could do to me in that position."

"Rose!" Lissa exclaimed, sitting up straighter and throwing her head back in laughter. "That's fantastic!"

"I don't know, Liss. My head's all over the place."

"I don't think it needs to be. This is a good thing, Rose!"

"But-"

"Listen, we're all going out tonight, why don't you come with us? Take your mind off it for a bit if it's really bothering you," Lissa suggested, although deep down she knew that Rose was worrying over nothing.

"Who's 'we'?" Rose sighed, already dreading the thought of going out. It felt like years since she had been to bar.

"Well Christian, obviously. Eddie and Mia are going, and Adrian."

Rose rolled her eyes. "I don't know, Liss. It's not really my scene anymore. When was the last time I went to a club?"

"You haven't been to a club in ages because Mason never wanted to go. You missed out on a lot of fun nights," Lissa replied wistfully, thinking back to countless messy nights without Rose, who had been undoubtedly at home in front of the television with Mason. "And hey, you were reluctant to come to yoga too, and look what's happened with that," she added with a giggle. "Who knows what fate might bring you if you come with us tonight?"

Rose couldn't ignore Lissa's logic. Going to yoga had brought a Russian God into her life, which although had left her feeling confused, she couldn't deny that this was a welcome addition. "Fine," she huffed. "I'll go."

As Rose was getting ready for her night out with her friends, she found herself becoming increasingly more excited. It had been far too long since she had spent an evening out – drinking, dancing, laughing… and as she dressed and put her make up on, she realised it had been even longer since she made herself up like this. She wasn't afraid to admit that she looked good! Wanting to make an effort and throw herself into the night, rather than dwelling on a certain man, Rose had gone all out with her looks. Naturally pretty, she didn't usually wear much make up – she typically donned simple mascara and lip gloss on a daily basis. But when she did throw on the additional foundation, eyeshadow, eyeliner… wow!

Wearing her long hair down in loose curls, she paired her look with a simple black dress and heels. Quite short, it expertly showed off her toned legs while the fabric clung tightly to her skin and emphasised her natural curves. She would definitely turn heads tonight!

Later that evening, Rose's excitement only increased tenfold as the group of friends entered the bar and into the hustle and bustle of the crowded environment.

Yes, it had been far too long.

Rose couldn't believe that she had been apprehensive about going out, finding herself relaxing more and more as the night went on. Surprisingly, her mind hadn't once reverted back to thoughts of Dimitri – the loud music and chatter surrounding her was a welcome distraction. It wasn't long before she found herself lost in the conversation around her, laughing with Lissa, joking around nonchalantly with Adrian, catching up with Eddie and Mia – whom she hadn't seen for a long time.

The night was progressing smoothly, and Rose's heart felt full as she bathed in the love and warmth from her friends. Sitting together around a private booth, conversation flowed smoothly alongside the many, many drinks consumed.

"Can I say, Rose, you're looking delectable tonight?" Adrian smirked, leaning closer to where Rose sat beside him and draping a casual arm around her shoulders.

Slightly subdued by the buzz from the alcohol, Rose didn't have it in her to shrug him off – it was only flirtatious banter after all. Adrian was harmless, and Rose would be lying if she said she didn't at all find him attractive. Perhaps something may happen between them in the future – she couldn't rule it out as a possibility. Adrian was a good man and the pair got on like a house on fire, but right now Rose's mind was a mess! Her head was a tangle of guilt about Mason and curiosity towards Dimitri – and let's not forget the undeniable lust she felt for him, too. Yes, Rose's thoughts were much too tangled to introduce Adrian into the mix as well!

"Thank you, Adrian."

"Have you thought anymore about what I said a few weeks ago? About us?" He questioned eagerly before taking a swig of his drink.

"I don't think I'm there yet if I'm honest, Adrian."

Rose felt him sigh deeply beside her, tensing his arm slightly as he did so. He was disappointed.

"Is this about the Russian?"

"What do you mean?" She asked, her brows furrowing in confusion. Why was he asking about Dimitri?

"That guy at the diner yesterday – are you interested in him?"

Shit.

"I don't know," Rose shrugged, only slightly lying. She was definitely interested – how could she not be? But it was the extent of her interest that she was unsure of. "I don't know what I'm thinking at the minute, Adrian. There's a lot going on."

Adrian offered her a friendly smile. He hated to see Rose so unhappy. Despite his reputation, Adrian's feelings for Rose ran deep – they had done ever since he first laid eyes on her. She wasn't some 'conquest' he simply wanted to bed once and move on… he valued her and her happiness. He might even go so far as to say he loved her! But if she wasn't ready, then that was okay too. He would wait until she was.

"Well, I'll always be here for you, Little One," he told her sincerely, squeezing her exposed shoulder gently. "I'll be waiting for you until I'm old and grey if that's what it takes."

Rose smiled to herself, thankful for his kindness – and his lack of pushiness! Adrian was often very forthcoming with his feelings for her, flirting outright and asking her out. But then that was when she was with Mason, and Adrian knew his advances would get him nowhere. Now Rose was single, there was a very real chance he could date her, and he didn't want to put her off with his overbearing pressure.

"I'm going to get another drink," she informed the group, downing the rest of her drink before heading towards the bar.

Making her way through the crowd, Rose reached the bar across the club and waited patiently for her turn to be served. "Can I get a rum and coke, please?" she asked the bartender, raising her voice slightly to contend with the loud thump-thump-thump of the music. He signalled his understanding with a thumbs up, before setting about making her drink.

As Rose waited alone, ignoring the crowd around her, she felt a warm hand gently brush her arm. The unexpected touch, along with the jolt of electricity it sent tingling through her body, had Rose almost jumping out of her skin. She turned quickly to the side to see who sought her attention. The crowd at the bar had dissipated slightly, revealing a lonesome man sat idly on one of the stools next to where she stood, a drink in hand and a grin plastered on his face.

"Dimitri – what – hi," she stammered out as she met his darkened eyes. She couldn't believe it – what were the chances of seeing him here? It had to be a coincidence, surely.

"Hello again, Roza."

"What are you – uh, what are you doing here?" She managed to stammer out, her throat becoming dry from the sheer proximity. He smelt delicious, a scent she could only describe as 'Dimitri', and it did nothing but make her want him more.

"My friend Ivan dragged me out. I was reluctant at first and yet here we are, running into each other yet again," he explained, leaning closer. "Not a bad evening after all."

As their eyes locked together, it was almost as though the rest of the club had faded away – just the two of them – until much to Dimitri's frustration, a man slightly shorter than Dimitri, with sandy hair and a cheeky glimmer in his eye crept up beside him and interrupted them.

"Dimitri, what do you think of that girl over there?" he asked, before noticing that Dimitri was no longer sitting alone at the bar – he was talking to a woman, and a very pretty one indeed. "Oh, hello –"

"Ivan," Dimitri warned with a glare, knowing full well that his best friend was about to attempt a move on Rose. "Roza, this is Ivan, my best friend from college. Ivan, this is Rose."

Ivan's blue eyes sparkled in understanding at the mention of Rose's name – it's not as if Dimitri hadn't mentioned her to him about a thousand times!

"Ah… so you're Rose… wow," he said, looking her up and down. "Dimitri told me you were stunning but, man, I didn't know just how right he was!"

Dimitri grimaced slightly and rolled his eyes, frustrated with his best friend's candour. "Thanks for that, брат." Brother.

"You're welcome," Ivan retorted with a grin, before reaching across and shaking Rose's hand politely. "It's lovely to meet you, Rose."

"You too, Ivan," Rose smiled, her heart beating heavily in her chest and cheeks blushing at his revelation. Dimitri told him about her? Why?

"One double rum and coke. Sorry for the wait, Love," the bartender interrupted, effectively halting the conversation.

"Thank you," Rose retorted, taking the glass and reaching for her purse, before she felt a firm hand on hers, stopping her. As before, with his touch, she felt a shock of electricity course through her body, making her hairs stand on end and stomach muscles clench.

"I've got this, don't worry," Dimitri stated authoritatively.

"You don't have to do –"

"Let me buy you a drink, Roza," he reaffirmed, fixing her with a firm look, informing her that it was not up for discussion.

"Thank you," she blushed as Dimitri payed the bartender for her drink. "Anyway, I'd better get back to my group. Maybe I'll see you later."

"I hope so," he smirked as she walked away. With her drink, she made her way back to her friends, feeling Dimitri's gaze on her back the entire way.

"Rose? You okay?" Lissa asked as her friend returned to where the group sat. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes wide, Lissa instantly knew that something had happened.

Rose turned to look in the direction of the bar, prompting Lissa to do the same, only to find that Dimitri's gaze was still fixed on her, staring intensely.

"Oh," Lissa uttered in understanding, eyes widening slightly.

"Yeah, 'oh'," Rose retorted sarcastically, turning her attention back to the table.

Why was he here? Rose was supposed to come out tonight to take her mind off of him, and yet here he was. How was she supposed to think about anything else now when he was literally on the other side of the room?

No, she couldn't think about this now. She was here to have fun, to distract herself from Dimitri and get her mind straight – and she would do just that!

Fortunately, Rose found herself relaxing more as time went on and she was soon chatting and laughing as she was when they first arrived. It helped too that she was now on her fifth drink, and was starting to feel a wonderful buzz from the alcohol!

An hour or so had passed and although Rose was enjoying her time with her friends, she was also trying her utmost hardest to ignore the heat she could feel of a certain man's gaze on her back. The conversation around her had started to slow and she was finding it harder to distract herself, thinking more and more about Dimitri. She was thankful that she was facing away from him, otherwise she knew that she would hardly be able to take her eyes off him too.

Perhaps he had gone now? Judging by the hairs sticking up at the back of her neck, she knew that was probably not the case. Risking a peek, she subtly turned her head to look toward where he had been sat at the bar. Yes - he was still staring at her!

Well, Rose thought. Two can play at that game!

"Come on, Liss," She suddenly urged, interrupting whatever chat had been taking place. "I want to dance, come with me."

Unwilling to wait for an answer, she grabbed Lissa's hand and pulled her from her seat, practically dragging her to the centre of the dancefloor. Meeting Dimitri's gaze, she checked that they were in a clear view of their yoga instructor.

Yep. Perfect.

Her self-consciousness inhibited by the alcohol – replaced with a new found confidence – Rose wanted to make Dimitri squirm. She wanted him, badly. Fuck Mason! Why should she feel guilty when she had been nothing but miserable in the relationship? She deserved to be happy, and that might just be with Dimitri! Sure, she hardly knew him really – but she sure as hell wanted to know him. He had spent far too long making flirtatious comments and throwing numerous winks in her direction… it was Rose's turn to make him blush!

Making sure to hold Dimitri's gaze, Rose began moving in time to the rhythm of the music, swaying her hips enticingly and dancing sensually. As she moved, she could feel more and more eyes falling on her – she knew she looked good - but she only cared about his. And they were growing darker and darker by the second!

Understanding what her friend was trying to do, Lissa's eyes twinkled and she grinned widely as she began to dance alongside her. The pair moved expertly, both flaunting their assets as they let the music take over their bodies.

Succumbing to the music, Rose lost all sense of time as she and Lissa danced. She had been dancing for minutes, seconds, hours – she wasn't sure – but she felt Dimitri's eyes on her the entire time, never straying. His possessive gaze held hers, and it almost looked as though he was biting the inside of his cheek in restraint. He wanted her.

Mission accomplished.

"I need to pee," Rose stated, leaning in towards Lissa's ear so that she could hear her over the music.

Lissa nodded her recognition and beckoned her husband over, not wanting to stop dancing, but not wanting to be left on her own either. Like Dimitri, Christian had been intensely watching the girls dance, albeit his eyes had been locked on Lissa rather than Rose. Within seconds he was at her side, his hands placed possessively on her waist as they began to dance together.

Satisfied that Lissa was happy and safe with Christian, Rose left the dancefloor and made her way to the bathroom, making a point to pointedly ignore Dimitri as she did so. She knew she had had an effect on him, but she was going to make him come to her. That is, if he wanted to.

What was she thinking? Of course he did!

Once relieved, Rose giggled quietly to herself as she washed her hands, thinking about the longing look permanently etched on his sculpted face as he watched her dance. Could he have made it any more obvious that he wanted her?

"Dimitri told me you were stunning but, man, I didn't know just how right he was!"

Ivan's words echoed in her head, causing her heart to lurch in her chest – Dimitri thought she was stunning!

Trying to think of what she could do next to torture Dimitri, Rose left the bathroom – only to stop dead in her tracks as she saw him leaning nonchalantly against the wall in front of her. He had been waiting for her!

"Dimitri – hi," she stammered, taking a breath and walking towards him.

"Do you know what you're doing to me, Roza? Looking like that. Dancing like that, out there on the dancefloor," he murmured, stepping closer and gazing down at her, his piercing eyes looking deep into her soul. "You're stunning."

"Dimitri, what are you doing?" Rose asked, her heart rate picked up and her breath hitched in her throat. Fuck he smelled good! Involuntarily she took a step back, but found herself pressed against the wall as Dimitri only took a step closer.

"I want you, Roza," he informed her, only confirming her suspicions.

He reached out and tucked her thick hair neatly behind her left ear, sending a wave of warmth through her body. It seemed that every time they touched, he sent a bolt of electricity into her, causing her muscles to clench and hairs stand on end.

"You want me, too. I saw it the first time we met. In your eyes," he added. "I'm right, aren't I?"

Rose could do nothing but nod her agreement, biting her lip and looking up at him through her thick eyelashes. She had been feeling so confident out on the dancefloor, but here in his close presence she felt… timid. It was as though she lost all sense of control over her body when she was near him – her mind consumed entirely by one thought: Dimitri.

"You were wondering what it would be like to be with me."

Rose nodded instinctively – there was no point in lying. He already knew. He had owned her mind and body since that first wink in her direction.

"What if I told you that you didn't have to wonder anymore?" he continued, leaning close and whispering enticingly into her ear. "I can do things that'll make you lose control within seconds."

His words combined with his warm breath so close to her skin caused Rose's desire to spark inside of her and she couldn't hold back any longer. She attached her lips to his, kissing him with such a ferocity she surprised even herself.

Holy fuck!

His lips were soft, full and thankfully they were kissing her back with just as much desire as she held. It felt right, natural – nothing like the kisses she had shared with Mason. Dimitri's kiss was practically life altering!

When Dimitri skirted his tongue across her bottom lip, silently begging for entrance, Rose couldn't help the moan that escaped her. Dimitri took his opportunity and his tongue found home against hers, dancing eagerly together. Boy did she taste delicious!

As their kiss went on, their bodies drew closer and closer until they were pressed tightly together, and Rose moaned once again as Dimitri's hands roamed her body – one hand tightly gripping her waist as the other tangled in her hair. His desire was evident, his groin pushed against her hip.

Fuck! Was this really happening?

No, it couldn't. They were at a club, after all!

Seriously, Rose. Get a hold of yourself! She thought.

"Dimitri, we can't – not here," she uttered breathlessly once she reluctantly pushed him away.

Catching his breath, Dimitri rested his forehead on hers, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb as his other hand still tightly gripped her waist.

"I'd love to take you home with me, Roza, but not tonight."

What? No!

"Why not?"

"There's something you need to know about me," Dimitri uttered quietly, slightly dreading what he was about to admit. He wanted Rose, badly, but would she want him in the same way as he did? "I've been screwed over before. The whole relationship thing, that's not what I do."

"What do you mean?" Rose questioned, looking up at him inquisitively. What did he do, if not the 'relationship' thing?

"The 'boyfriend and girlfriend' thing. I don't do that. I fuck. No strings attached," he explained, his darkened eyes silently imploring her to understand.

What did he mean? Rose was confused, oh so confused! Her head was swirling with desire, alcohol and now perplexity – this wasn't how she expected the evening to go!

"I know that might not be what you want, so I want you to think about it. If you think about it and still want me, then, good. But, if it's not for you, then don't worry. I won't be offended. And I'll do my best to ignore my desire for you. It'll be hard, but I can try."

Before Rose could respond, Dimitri attached his lips to hers again, willing her to understand and to feel his longing for her. All too quickly, the kiss ended before it could deepen, and Rose found herself breathless and wanting once more.

"Think about it, Rose," Dimitri urged, before stepping away and dropping all points of contact. With his touch gone, Rose suddenly felt cold.

Wait, come back!

"I'll see you soon," he added with an award-winning smile and wink that made her practically self-combust on the spot.

Turning away, he left Rose standing dumbfounded outside the ladies' bathroom.

What the fuck just happened?

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for your patience on this and your kind words on the last chapter! I'm so grateful that you're eager for more of this story! Please remember, as I mentioned on the second chapter, that I can't promise regular updates - life is crazy busy. I DO promise however not to abandon this story - I am writing at every free minute, but these minutes can be scarce.

I sometimes post updates on progress and sneak peaks on my facebook page - HWrites0108 - so you can always look there for these.

Please remember to review and let me know what you think!

H x