A persistent knocking jolted me from my sleep. Wait...knocking? The last thing I was expecting was a visitor. Especially on a Sunday. Hell, I could count on my hand the number of people that knew where I lived. Thankfully I fell asleep in the arsenal, so I didn't have to go too far for a gun. I grabbed the nearest pistol and made my way to the front door. Most likely I wasn't going to use it, it'd be pretty hard to blame gunshots on the cat to my neighbors, but you never know. I walked as quietly as I could toward the door, making sure not to alert whoever it was that I was up. The knocking had stopped, so I was hoping whoever it was had gone on their way. But, the history of my life would show that anything even remotely resembling "luck" was practically nonexistent. I pressed my back against the wall, and cocked the pistol.

"Who is it?" I demanded not bothering to spare the irritation from my voice.

"I know it may not seem like it, but I do have a life of my own to get back to. Haven't gotten all day, Rose." A voice even more irritated than mine called through the door. A voice I had come to know pretty well throughout the most recent years.

"Sydney. I know early bird gets the worm and all, but you couldn't have waited till the afternoon?" She snorted.

"One, you've never heard me say that. And two, it's 12:30. Now, unless you actually plan on using that gun I suggest you stop wasting time." I unlocked the door and stepped aside letting her in. She smirked.

"Happy to see me, Hathaway?" I attempted, and failed, to raise a brow. She motioned toward my lower half. In my rush to get to the door, I'd apparently forgotten to throw on some pants.

"Cute, Sage. Cut the shit, I know my dad sent you." I knew it wasn't her fault, but I really wasn't in the mood for business. If it weren't for the fact that I considered her a friend, she'd still be on the other side of the door. Part of me was actually happy to see her. Too bad she wasn't visiting, I would've offered her to stay for coffee. Truthfully I hated the stuff, but it kept me running nowadays.

"Unfortunately, yes. I am. Trust me, I don't like being under his thumb any more than you do. I'm just glad it at least pays the bills. He's got a new target for you. Urgent." She dug through her bag and pulled out a file way too big for my liking. Not something you'd hear me say often. I made no rush to take it from her.

"Come on, Rose. Don't make this hard. The faster you get it done, the better." I suppressed an outright fit of laughter. Done? There was no done in this business. Might get a week's vacation if you're lucky, but that's as close as you're going to get. That is, if you don't end up dead during said vacation. She was right about one thing though, the sooner the better. Frankly, cleaning up my father's trash was starting to get old.

"Give me the damn file." I grumbled snatching it from her fingers. She held up her hands in surrender backing towards the living room.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger." I rolled my eyes. Soon as I opened the file, the sip of the coffee I'd just taken was promptly sprayed across the kitchen island.

"Are you fucking kidding me?! MARLEN?! He has to be joking." She smiled, but there was no humor in her eyes. She knew just as I did, how big of a mistake this was. My father was known for being a lot of things. Cold, calculating, manipulative, the list went on. Stupid, however, was not one of them.

"I wish he was." This time I couldn't hold back my laughter. I nearly doubled over. This was hilarious. Not in a ha-ha kind of way, but in a 'he's lost his fucking mind' kind of way. Sydney's wide brown eyes eyed me carefully. She looked at me as if I'd just sprouted an extra head.

"He's out of his mind if he thinks I'm doing this. Has that old man forgotten who Marlen works for? Killing him would be starting a full on war. And I'm not risking my life for whatever crazy scheme he's got planned this time." The only thing people get into the business we do for is power. And my father wanted to be on top. But, that didn't surprise me. What did surprise me was the dangerous gamble he was taking to get there. This wasn't smart. It was suicide. Marlen was one of those people you knew, but knew not to start trouble with. I'd say we were almost in the same league, but I could easily kill him with or without my guns. And, I left no tracks. He was careless and cocky. He did what he wanted, when he wanted and counted on his reputation to keep people off his back. So far, it's been working for him. Until now since the old man was sending me after him. Though Marlen was hardly the issue. Galina was. She and my father were practically at the top of the food chain in the illegal trade business. At first it was just my father, everyone in Russia knew the name "Zmey" and feared it. No one would've even thought to cross him, unless they had a death wish. It wasn't until he left to expand that Galina rose to power in his place. And I highly doubted she was going to just give that up. Killing Marlen was practically breaking down her front door, and that would only be the beginning. She wouldn't stop until the only trace left of me and my father was blood.

"I agree with you, Rose. But, you and I both know your father has a reason for everything. Who it truly benefits in the end, that's questionable. But, this time it'd actually be saving a lot of people. You know better than anyone what she's really into. She needs to go down. Plus, you know he'd never do anything to put you in danger. If anyone can do it, it's you. He knows that. And, so do you."

God damnit. I hate it when she's right.

And as much as I didn't want to admit it, and I really really didn't want to admit it, she was right. As crazy and baffling as Baba could be sometimes, he never just threw me into the lion's den. Not without a gun anyway. And Galina wasn't just your average illegal goods dealer, she was dangerous. Sure, she was into selling guns and drugs to whoever was willing to pay the highest price, everyone on the underbelly of the law was, but that wasn't her main trade. Galina was one of the biggest human traffickers known across the Atlantic. Her center of operations was in this small town in Russia; Baia. She had this huge building where she kept the girls brought to her off the streets and held them there like puppies in a mill waiting to be sold off. My father wasn't the most righteous man, but what she did...it was despicable. She needed to be stopped, and as much as police just about everywhere tried to find her they were getting nowhere. Shocking, I know. This was a job to be handled by someone who knew how to get their hands dirty. I guess the main thing I was worried about was...him. I'd been on his trail for years now, and he mine. Forever locked in this game of cat and mouse, only which was which was often unpredictable. Going after Galina would only give him all the more reason to come after me. Don't get me wrong this wasn't fear. I feared no one. It's just that when it comes to targets, I always have the upper hand. Two steps ahead. Getting caught off guard was something I couldn't afford, and if anyone could do it he could. As far as skill and intel, we were equally matched which only made killing him that much more of a challenge. When I finally went after him, it was going to be on my terms. No surprises.

"Yea. Thanks, Sydney." My response came out a little more curt than I intended, but I was truly starting to become exhausted from our conversation. I offered her a small smile as a remedy, which she returned.

"No problem. And I'm sorry, Rose. I know you could use a break...maybe this will be the last one for a little while. Hopefully, I won't be seeing you again anytime soon." With that she took her leave, closing the door behind her. Something told me to call Baba, but that was going to have to wait till later. I really just wanted to relax, that's it. Even that was starting to seem like a luxury I wasn't going to be getting at this point. So, looked like I was going to have to settle for the next best thing. I hadn't been home in a couple weeks, so finding clothes wasn't all that hard since they were laying everywhere. I decided on a pair of dark, high waisted jeans with rips in the knees; a mustard yellow tube top, my black leather jacket, and combat boots. Yellow wasn't usually my color, but being late April it seemed to fit the season. And, I loved the top because it hugged the curves of my breasts perfectly. I spread a thin layer of gloss over my lips and smirked at my reflection. Grabbing anyone's attention wasn't my goal, but I couldn't help but take pride in knowing I would. I always did.

I ran a brush through my dark brown hair in a quick attempt to tame the tangled waves falling down my back. After sprinkling some extra dry food in Vahşi's bowl, I grabbed my shades and keys off the counter, and headed out. The weather was pretty good this time of year. Not quite into summer yet but well out of winter, so it was a great day to be out. Thank God cause I had no idea where the hell I was about to go. I really just needed a breather for a little while.

When I stepped outside a cool breeze swept past, it reminded me of everything I love about this city. It carried freshly cut grass, sizzling meat, rotten exhaust fumes, mediocre coffee, and many more all perfectly blended together. I came to New York City because, besides the fact that it's a perfect cover with how crowded it is, I knew that here I'd never have a dull day. Even after having lived here for a couple years now, I was still finding new things throughout the city. There was always something to do. Always something to see. With the kind of stuff I did and saw ombré the regular, you needed distractions and this city was flooded with them.

Fortunately for me there happened to be a storage space just a short walk away from my building. It gave me somewhere to keep my babies. Part of me felt bad for keeping them locked up for so long, but I knew it was for the best. There was no way I was parking them on the street to come up missing. It was a general rule of mine not to kill anyone without contract. That would be the day I broke it. A grin spread across my face from ear to ear as soon as I caught sight of them. I didn't have many guilty pleasures in life, but they were definitely one of them.

My motorcycles. The sport; Ducati super sport, and the classic; Harley-Davidson Dyna low rider. Or, as I liked to call them; Leon and Nikita. Being one myself, I had a thing for kick-ass assassin movies. Go figure. Leon: The Professional was an all time classic and favorite of mine, the Davidson. It was harder naming the super sport because I was stuck between Nikita and Alice. Resident Evil had become one of my favorite films since moving to the states and I think we can all agree Milla Jovovich was practically born a badass. Ultimately, I chose Nikita. It sounded cooler.

I'm feeling more like a classic today.

I pulled Leon from the garage, threw my hair into a ponytail and started him up. The deep rumble from the engine rippled throughout my body leaving goosebumps in its path. It was invigorating. I loved my Volvo, but the bikes...nothing compared to being out on a bike. There was just something about being completely exposed to the world, yet so detached. In a car it's easy to just ignore everything that's going on around you since you're boxed in, but that wasn't possible on a bike. Every sight, taste, smell, sound, everything was coming at you at once. At first it can be a bit overwhelming. I nearly panicked and lost control my first ride because everything was moving so fast I felt almost suffocated. But now, I found my greatest peace on these bikes. When you're out just riding, you feel nothing and everything at the same time. Of course at first you try to focus on everything that's going on, but then at some point...you just let go. Suddenly everything that was happening faded away into white noise and a blur of colors. You were no longer just riding on a bike, but gliding through space and time. Nothing mattered. It was just you and the bike, and it was amazing. Of course, that was an experience better had riding along a straight road or winding track. Nobody liked the asshole flying through traffic on an adrenaline high. But with this city's traffic? Not likely.

I couldn't tell you how long I'd been riding, but it seemed I had more of an idea on where to go than I thought. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips when I took in exactly where I ended up. The water glistened alluringly as the sun danced along the pull of the waves. The Queensboro bridge stood proudly above the island giving everyone crossing only a glimpse of the breathtaking view below. Thankfully, there weren't too many people out so I rode the tram across alone. The second I touched down I immediately gravitated towards my favorite spot; there were plenty of sights to see on Roosevelt Island but I really only came here for one. Since it was late spring, the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom and there was this promenade under the bridge lined with these beautiful trees. I often came here when I needed to just shut myself off from the world for a while. The trees coupled with the calming sway of the water and the comfortable stillness, despite the bustling city noise in the distance, was my touch of heaven here on Earth. I curled up on one of the benches, pulling my knees to my chest and closed my eyes. There weren't many times I got to feel at peace or come to this spot, so this was always a cherished moment. I spent so much time planning out trips, calculating escape routes, target practicing, gathering information, following people around...I got paid well, but it took a lot out of me. Especially since I got a lot of targets outside the states. Nathan was one of the few, which is why the old man wanted me to take him out now while we had him so close within our sights. But, now wasn't the time to think about that. I closed my eyes and before I knew it I slipped into the calm, hush that was sleep.

My breathing became labored as I struggled to catch my breath. I'd been running for...actually I couldn't remember how long. But, I knew I couldn't stop now if I wanted to stay alive. I was lucky to get out when I did, and luck like that didn't often come twice. I tried to find a suitable place to stop, gather my bearings, but it was so damn dark I couldn't make anything out but the silhouettes of the trees. That was all that seemed to stretch out in front of me. I had no idea where the hell I was or where I was going. But, I needed to figure it out fast.

"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon! Think, Rose!" I frantically looked in every direction trying to find something, anything that showed signs of civilization. I needed to get back to town. It was bad enough I had no way to contact Baba or Pavel, but I'd lost my gun in the scuffle. I still had my training, but kicks and punches weren't going to save my ass in a gun fight.

"Fuck!" I hissed as a hot, stinging sensation settled into my side. Thanks to a silencer, more than likely, I hadn't even heard him fire. He was getting close. My heart rate skipped into double time when I brought my hand to my face, even in the dark I could make out the thick, slick liquid that was blood. There wasn't too much, so he hadn't hit an artery. But I'd already taken too much of a beating from fighting. It wouldn't be too long now before I collapsed from exhaustion, or hypothermia. With all the strength I had left, I got up and pushed myself on. I'd come to far to fall to this asshole now.

"Fine...you want me, come and get me." I quickly ducked behind a tree and lied in wait. There was a lot of cover out here, but there was nothing to be heard but the wind. I controlled my breathing as best as I could and listened for any signs that he was getting to where I needed him to be. Couple seconds later I started to hear light crunching of feet plodding through snow. He was trying to be quiet, but even the lightest feet couldn't remain completely silent in snow. He was crouched low as he walked, most likely to try and conceal himself better through the trees. But, it was still hard to miss his large and brawny frame. I couldn't see his face since his dark hair was loose and shielded it from my view, but I imagined his dark eyes were narrowed and focused. Ready to track the slightest movement.

"она не могла далеко ходить." (She couldn't have gotten far). I heard him mumble to himself. I was starting to appreciate those Russian lesson's Baba made me take.

Good, he's unsuspecting.

As he walked a little farther I slowly crept from behind the tree and made my way towards him. The wind picked up and had gone from a low whistle to a screeching howl, now was my chance. I charged forward and ducked low to the ground sweeping his legs from under him at the knees. Since he was crouched low it made it easier to buckle them, he landed flat on his ass. Before he had the chance to recover, my arms were around his neck in a choke-hold. He struggled to grab the gun he dropped a few feet from him when he fell. I took advantage of his difficulty and wrapped my legs around him, throwing us backwards, and squeezed as hard as I could. As sick as it was, the strangled grunts I felt rumble in his throat was music to my ears. The solidity of his ribs started to painfully dig into my thighs, but I had to hold out. His breathing had become ragged and I could tell he was starting to lose consciousness. I started to smirk in victory before searing pain surged from the bullet wound on my side as he repeatedly threw his elbow back into it.

"Agh!" I cried in pain as dots started to dance around my vision. I had no choice but to release my hold on him and rolled on my good side trying to desperately soothe some of the agony that was crippling me. He had sat forward on his knees and was quickly trying to recover his breathing. I kept yelling at my body to move, but it was out for the count. My mind was starting to follow as I stopped feeling, well...anything. All my senses had gone numb. I could barely feel my heart beating, despite its pounding in my chest. I desperately tried to make out something, anything, but my vision had become blurred beyond repair. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes, but with what little strength I had I forced them back. If this was the end, and I was pretty damn sure it was, I wasn't about to let him see my weakness. He wouldn't get that satisfaction. I didn't fear death. I only feared what I had missed and failed to do in life. Most of all, I was disappointed that I had failed my mission. I had a job to do, and it wasn't for me. I was supposed to save lives and I let them down...

I'm sorry.

The piercing roar of a gunshot was the last I heard before my conscious left this world completely.

A cool, moist lapping at my hand brought me out of my not-so-still sleep. So much for peace. I looked down to find an unruly tangle of curly golden brown and white fur sitting next to me on the bench. The small dog had a leash on it, so I assumed it had made a dash away from its owner and somehow ended up here. It had a pink collar secured tightly around its neck with a golden heart engraved 'Maisie'. I had to shield my eyes as the diamonds decorating it glared reflecting the sun, and there was quite a few of them. Whoever she belonged to, they must've really loved this dog. She appeared to have some age on her, but still kept the soul and energy of a puppy. I smiled at her lovingly, giving her a scratch behind the ears. I had a soft spot for dogs. Forgive me, Vaşhi.

"Well, I suppose I should thank you for waking me up from a scary dream, huh?" I cooed scooping the small animal into my arms. She happily complied, attacking my face with her chilled nose and slobbery tongue. I giggled. Yea, I actually giggled. Something only cute animals had the power to bring out of me. Suddenly, a young woman came flying around the corner. When she spotted the dog in my arms she froze. Her blue eyes were wide as she looked between me and the dog, probably wondering if I was about to dart in the opposite direction with her dog.

"Fun time's over." I kissed the dog chastely and walked over to the woman. The closer I got to her this eerie feeling washed over me like I knew her from somewhere. I couldn't place it, but it was overwhelming. She was a couple inches taller than me, and very slim in figure. She had a round face with curly red hair that flew in all directions, even in the ponytail she had secured it in. Her skin was a little lighter than mine and freckles littered the bridge of her nose and her cheeks. She was wearing some althetic sneakers, black biker shorts, and a neon blue sports bra. Seemed like she had been out for a run, probably stopped for a breather or some water when the dog slipped away from her. When I got to her eyes, my heart nearly stopped. She had these stunning blue eyes that I would've recognized anywhere. Only last time I'd seen them, they had been abandoned of all life. A hard lump rose in my throat.

No...no. It can't be. I would've known. He would've told me...wouldn't he?

"Uhm, thanks. For not running off with my dog." She murmured looking away from my gaze. From her tense shoulders and rigid posture, I could tell she was uncomfortable. I blinked furiously trying to regain my composure.

"Yea, of-of course. I'd hate it if anyone stole my cat, so yea. Totally understand. She's adorable by the way." I attempted to break the awkward atmosphere that had started to accumulate around us. She perked up at my mentioning of the dog and looked down at her dearly. This dog wasn't just a dog to her, she was family.

"Yea...I've had her for a while. She's helped me through a lot so...I'd be lost without her." The tension wasn't as bad now, but we weren't exactly buddies either. I had so many questions for her...but she had no idea who I was and I had a feeling she wouldn't be open to answering them. I wasn't sure I was ready to ask them either.

"Well, thanks again." She put the dog on the ground and started to go back in the direction she came.

"Hey, wait!" My emotions got the best of me. I needed to know. She turned around, but made no moves to walk back over.

"Sorry, but Maisie is such a cute name. If you don't mind, what made you pick it?" I asked as gently as I could. I didn't want to appear more interested than any normal person and freak her out. A grim expression crossed her captivating features before she smiled sadly.

"I named her after my brother...he died a while back. As much as I tried letting him go, I couldn't. And then she came along. I got her from some guy in the classifieds who was just giving away puppies, I guess he had more than he could handle. He told me she was a boy at first..." She chuckled, "You can imagine my surprise when it turned out she was a girl. So, I had to improvise. Though, there aren't many ways to turn Mason into a girl's name so wasn't all that hard I guess." At the end of her story, a lone tear leaked from the corner of her eye, which she quickly wiped away clearing her throat.

"Well, we should get going, babygirl. It was nice to meet you, uhm..." She held her hand out and paused for me to fill in the blanks. Somehow, she had inherited the same charm as her brother. I found myself just as comfortable around her as I had him. I'd only hoped we'd met at a different time...in a different life.

A life where he was still here...

"Rose. You can call me, Rose." I smiled shaking her hand.

"Antoinette. But, only my mother calls me that so you can call me Toni. See you around, Rose." And she jogged off in the other direction, Maisie cheerfully falling into step beside her. A jagged ache threatened to overtake my nerves and my heart slowed to a dangerous rate. Mason. That was a name I hadn't heard or thought about in a long time, within good reason. He was one person I had wanted to forget. As shitty as it sounded. Losing him was one of the worst things I ever had to experience in my life. I couldn't handle mourning him, so I chose to forget him.

Real devoted. Considering it's your fault he's gone.

It took all the strength I had to tear myself out of my own destructive thoughts and make it back to my bike. Peace and silence wasn't going to do it anymore. I needed a real distraction.

—Δ—

* WARNING ADRIANXROSE LEMON AHEAD *

It took slightly longer for him to answer the door than usual. Guess I wasn't the only one who took a personal day Sunday.

"Who the hell—oh." Judging by his appearance he had just gotten out of the shower and quickly threw on some sweats. His chestnut brown hair was even messier than usual sticking to his forehead and flying out in all sorts of directions, and his bare muscled chest was still adorned with a couple droplets of water. One in particular caught my eye as it fell from his neck, past his chest, and down his abs. Which also brought my attention to how dangerously low his sweats hung. A moan sat low in my throat. I moistened my lips and drew my eyes back up to his face. His usual smug smirk was in place and his eyes had darkened in lust. Looking at him now, it was very easy to see how he made magazine covers and Calvin Klein catalogs.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, little businesswoman?" He asked leaning against the door. His eyes twinkled with amusement. I rolled my own and pushed him inside.

"I knew you couldn't stay away too long." If he hadn't looked so damn sexy, I would've hit him.

"Shut up before I come to my senses, Adrian." Before he could turn me off with anymore talking, I grabbed him by the back of the neck and forced his lips to meet mine. He responded instantly placing his hands on my waist and backing me into the door. The kiss was hungry and feverish as both of us desperately tried to find alleviation from our craving in the other. Usually our visits were simple, we had an agreement and that's all it was. Sex. But, this time was different. We clung to each other almost desperately. Both using the other as not just a source of pleasure, but escape. Adrian lived a charmed life; fame and fortune with women constantly surrounding him, and all the alcohol he could drink. He never had to so much as lift a finger, besides to maybe put on the underwear he modeled. If he even had to do that. What could he possibly be running from? It was a thought I pushed to the back of my mind for the time being. That's not what I was here for.

I jumped, wrapping my legs tightly around his waist joining our growing, his more literally than mine, arousal together. He groaned, slipping his tongue past my plumped lips, daring my own to a graceful battle of dominion. The two fought vigorously, both fiercely trying to entice submission from the other. Somewhere along the way my jacket was slipped off and discarded across the room. His slender fingers eagerly drifted up to the elastic at the bottom of my top and pulled, freeing my bust from the tight fabric. A gasp escaped my lips as his cold skin came in contact with the inferno blazing beneath my own. He took that opportunity to release my mouth and put his to use elsewhere. Greedy kisses trailed from my jawline, down my chin, and stopped at my neck where they turned into sensual licking and sharp bites. I hissed arching my back on instinct to provide him more access. He started to suck at the delicate skin with fervor, not letting up until he was sure to leave his mark. Hickies were generally a no for me, I wasn't into anything that meant someone had possession over me, but at the moment I couldn't find the energy to care.

My mind hadn't even registered we were moving until I felt the chill of his smooth leather couch on my back. His lips never left my skin. Satisfied with his work on my neck, he moved down to the peaks of my breasts which had been practically begging for his attention since I stepped in the door. He was more than happy to supply it, capturing one in his mouth while his hand kept the other busy with pinching and rubbing. The warmth inside his mouth and wetness of his tongue sent a strong shock surging throughout my body. I shuddered. That'd never happened before. Sure, it always felt good but it never felt this good. Now it was more than clear that this "visit" had grown beyond just sex. Adrian was more than skilled I could give him that, but what was happening now wasn't solely physical pleasure. I'd allowed the one thing to happen that was never supposed to and it was having a serious effect on how my body was responding to him. I was starting to get too deeply involved. Every fiber in my mind was screaming at me to stop, but every nerve in my body was too absorbed in him to listen. And, in the deep crevices of my mind I knew I didn't want him to. I wanted him to touch me in ways he, or anyone else for that matter, never had. His hands found the button securing my jeans at my bellybutton and effortlessly undid them, I wiggled my hips to aid him in sliding them as well as my underwear off. He released my nipple and raised up on his palms, gazing down at my now very exposed figure intensely. His deep emerald eyes roamed my body extensively. But, he no longer looked at me like the hot girl he'd been waiting to nail, and was lucky to continue nailing, but more like he'd been lost and burdened for so long and then here I was. The one to ease it all. His salvation. Heat started to creep up in my cheeks and my hands flew to shield my most private parts from his passionate gaze. I was actually fucking blushing.

What the hell is happening to me?

"You're beautiful, Rose." He whispered taking my hands in his own. He placed a soft kiss on the backs of each before pinning them above my head. My muscles tensed. I wasn't used to surrendering, to not being in control. It made me anxious...yet also brought about excitement. He sensed my hesitation, leaning down to mold our mouths together once again tenderly.

"You don't have to always be in control of everything. Trust me." Just his sultry voice was enough to crumble the very walls I'd spent years to build around myself. It swept through me like a calming tide, washing away all my doubts and rigidity as it went. We'd been together like this more times than I could count, but I'd never felt so safe, so...idolized. Slowly but surely my muscles had fully relaxed once again and I was completely at his mercy. I couldn't think. He had wound himself into all my senses. Everything I felt, smelled, saw, heard, and tasted was him, and I was still yearning for more. I was no different than the countless other girls he charmed his way into before me. Only, he didn't think of me so lowly.

"Adrian..." It came out more as a plea than a resolute declaration like I had meant it to. This was bad. I didn't like how I was becoming undone by him. Or, I wasn't supposed to anyway. I needed him to stop before it was too late for me to rebuild the barriers he had so easily broken. I just couldn't find the words to tell him to. He took it as a plea to continue and freed one hand to venture south into more moistened territory. My breath hitched. I was practically flooding with anticipation. On the way down he grazed raised, rugged skin and let his fingers linger longer than they were meant to. That was the trigger that sent my mind into hysteria. Images of an intensely lit room, sharpened surgical instruments, men in masks, metal restraints, and my blood pooling on the floor vividly assaulted my mind. I hadn't even realized my change in breathing until the sound of my own erratic wheezing filled my ears.

"Rose? ROSE?! Breathe, what's wrong?" I was just barely able to focus my eyes enough to see Adrian's eyeing me with concern and slight panic. This was exactly what I was afraid of. When people worry they ask questions, and there were too many questions I couldn't answer. Plus, I had to too much to worry about on my own without having to coddle someone else. And the story of that scar was specifically one I swore to never tell. I didn't want anyone's pity, and I could barely handle it myself. My father, hell or Pavel for that matter, didn't even know about it. And, they never will. Which was mostly because I knew they'd burn down cities to find the ones responsible. It was my wound to suffer. Alone. And as much as I shouldn't, I care about Adrian too much, just as much as them, to put him through that or risk his life. If I told him part of it there'd be no going back. I'd have to spill all of it.

Though the thought did cross my mind for a second that maybe if I did, then he'd stay out of my life and I could focus on work like I was supposed to. Though, he'd more than likely call the cops. No more New York then, or anywhere in the states for that matter. If the authorities knew even a quarter of the crimes I'd committed I'd be public enemy #1. And the old man would have him killed in an instant if he found out.

"Nothing, I'm fine. Could you get me my clothes, please?" Disappointment flashed across his face before being replaced by understanding, and a look of worry as if the second he left me alone I would fall apart. I gave him the most reassuring smile I could muster. He gave me a small one in return and nodded. Once I had my clothes he left to put on more of his own, which gave me a little time to get myself together and come up with a lie. Luckily, I'd been lying all my life. The hard part was coming up with one he wouldn't bother to question. Adrian was a persistent son of a bitch when he wanted to be.

He came back wearing his old college v-neck, sporting a very expensive looking bottle of vodka.

"You look like you could use a drink."

Well here we are with chapter two. I know it's a little long, not sure if that's good or bad... I'm sorry to say the ending isn't the best, seeing as it somehow all got deleted and I had to rewrite :( can't work the same magic twice. But I hope it's still alright for you all nevertheless and you enjoyed it.

Anyway, how are you guys feeling so far? How do you feel about Rose's life and what she does? What do you think of Mason having a sister? Of her and Adrian's "arrangement"? What, and who, do you think the scar is from? Feel free to share your thoughts and criticisms in a review :). And to all you die hard Romitri stans don't worry, all will be as it should in due time. You can take it from Yeva.

Until next time and enjoy your weekend!