My eyes slowly fluttered open. The morning sun poured through the large window. Another day had dawned, bringing with it new hopes and aspirations. I glanced at the alarm clock, which said 08:45am. I turned to Dimitri, still in a deep sleep. I smiled and kissed him on the nose.

I slowly crept out of bed as Dimitri rustled behind me. I grabbed a clean light blue shirt from Dimitri's closet and slipped on my panties thrown on the floor. I quickly buttoned Dimitri's oversized shirt that hung baggy on me and brushed my fingers through my roughed-up hair.

I inhaled deeply, the shirt smelling of him. I hummed in appreciation. It was the first-time seeing Dimitri's apartment in the light of day, and it seemed bigger than last night. I walked about, my bare feet on the cool wooden floors.

His apartment was a true bachelor pad. The large space served as a bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen. But stylish and modern, nonetheless. I entered his bathroom to refresh myself and splashed my face with cool water.

Afterwards, I walked to the kitchen, deciding to make us a hearty breakfast. I'm sure Dimitri would like that, I thought smugly. I rummaged quietly through his cupboards, top and bottom, and there was nothing much but a couple of glasses, plates, and mugs. The one draw had only cutlery, and the rest were empty. His pantry was basically empty, too, except for a few cans of soup.

I frowned. Poor thing!

I opened the cool stainless-steel fridge next, which was filled with water bottles and energy drinks. There was a lonely tray of eggs and a half carton of milk. I sighed. This poor man is hopeless with shopping. He definitely needs me.

"Well, omelette for breakfast it is." I mumbled.

My mind continuously wondered to last night and our date. We got closer in one night than we ever had been. He really opened up to me. At the beginning, I was hesitant, but I accepted his history. I wanted to be with him. I was in love with him, and that meant I had to accept him, the good and the bad. But there was so much more good. We could work out the bad, I could do that.

I glanced over my shoulder at a sleeping Dimitri, his mouth half open, as I whisked the eggs with a dash of milk. After a long time, I was happy and giddy. I felt where I was supposed to be, right here with him.

I poured the wet eggy mixture into the hot frying pan. It sizzled as I picked it slightly up, swirling it around. I jumped lightly, as firm hands touched me, then powerful arms moved their way around my waist. I felt a warm solid body holding me tight from behind and light kisses touched the side of my neck. Dimitri was up and that was not the only thing that was up, too. I could feel his hard arousal poking me from behind, above my ass.

"You're wearing my shirt." he groaned against my neck. "It looks sexy on you, making me feel a certain way."

I dropped my head back involuntarily, enjoying the pleasure he was giving me. His one hand travelled up and cupped my right breast, massaging it.

"Uh-Uh!" I said, taking his hand and returning it to my waist. "Not now, its breakfast. Do you want me to burn your eggs?" I said sternly.

But Dimitri wasn't letting up. "Who cares about eggs burning, when I'm burning inside." he grunted, still kissing the other side of my neck.

My toes curled against the floor and I turned around forcefully in Dimitri's strong grip, facing him.

"Breakfast! now!" I demanded with a pointed finger.

Dimitri chuckled lazily. "Yes, mam." He said, raising both his hands up in defeat. "I kinda like it when you take control."

I smirked and placed the two plates with freshly made omlette's on the table. Dimitri made coffee and joined me. He wolfed down his food.

"How I missed this." He said, his mouth filled with eggs. I smiled and sipped the hot coffee.

He swallowed. "Why don't you stay here with me for a while, since you're staying longer in New Jersey?" he asked, looking at me in earnest. He stopped eating, waiting for me to reply.

I looked into my mug, deep in thought. Dimitri's question didn't catch me by surprise, it seemed like the natural thing. I could stay here for a while, till I sorted out what I wanted to do. I already took time off from school. Maybe we could give it a trial run. Or maybe it was too early to do all of this.

But what the hell, it's now or never.

"Okay, yes, I can stay here for the time I'm in New Jersey." I agreed.

He grinned and nodded.

We talked about what I was thinking about and what my mom had suggested to move to New Jersey. Dimitri seemed to think it was a good idea, but I wasn't still a hundred percent sure. There were still a lot of decisions to be made.

"You wanna check out where I mostly spend my time?" he asked me.

I nodded. "Sure. But I'm gonna need some clothes first. I don't think it's an occasion for a backless cocktail dress.

He half smiled. "We going to the gym, we can see what we can get for you. I want you to meet a buddy of mine."

***

I wiped the sweat off my brow from the heat of the midday sun as Dimitri and I walked on the sidewalk. He had bought me a new pair of jeans and pumps. I fitted it on with a vest he'd lent me. It felt comfortable.

He suggested we walk to the gym, since it wasn't too far away from his apartment building. I obliged. It was a pleasant day outside and a stroll seemed nice, taking in the sights of the busy city as we walked by.

"There it is." Dimitri pointed his hand to the gym coming into view opposite the street.

It was a medium-sized gym that was more meant for boxing and fighting training. As the board described with a picture of a man in gloves. The board read 'Glove Fitness Centre' high above the gym entrance. We crossed the busy street, Dimitri taking my hand for guidance, and I followed him into the gym.

The gym was spacious, with two boxing rings on the side. Weights section on the left and other equipment scattered around. The moment Dimitri and I entered; a few fellow gym-goers greeted him. All sweaty and in the middle of their training. I felt completely odd here, being one of the few females. The other two women looked like body builders by the weight section.

Dimitri ushered me further inside. "So, what do you think about my training ground?" Dimitri said proudly, spreading his arms wide.

I nodded. "Not bad," I said. It's not like I was an expert in gyms or anything.

We walked towards the heavy red punching bags suspended from the ceiling. Two men were training. One guy punched the bag while the other guy with dreadlocks gripped it from behind.

"Hey Raf." Dimitri called out, stepping forward.

The guy with the dreadlocks stopped and called a break with the other man, that was sweaty and panting from the training.

"Hey Dimitri, my man." He said, coming to Dimitri and greeted him.

"Hope I didn't interrupt much?" Dimitri said apologetically.

"Nah, it's okay... we were about done anyway." Raf said, punching Dimitri on the shoulder.

Dimitri gestured towards me and they both approached.

"Lillie, there's somebody I would like you to meet." Dimitri began.

"This is Raf, he's the one that trains me and a good friend of mine."

Raf extended his hand. "You must be the special girl this guy was secretly mopping about?" he said looking at Dimitri, who seemed caught out.

Dimitri gave a small smile.

"Well, I certainly hope so." I said. "It's nice to meet you, Raf."

Raf seemed like a nice and genuine guy. It was good to see Dimitri had friends he could rely on, unlike certain friends I knew he had.

We sat on the bench and talked for some time. I learned some knowledge about boxing and fighting, that's for sure. Those two seemed really excited about the topic, especially about their goals in building a career in the UFC arena. It was nice to see Dimitri happy and talking about something he was clearly passionate about.

I was so enraptured by Raf and Dimitri's conversation; we didn't see who stood beside us.

"Lillie... good to see you again!" Kyle's voice boomed, bringing the conversation to a halt.

All three of our eyes fell on Kyle's intrigued ones.

"Hey, I gotta get outta here. See you later, bro." Raf said and said goodbye to Dimitri and me, breaking the abruptness of Kyle's presence. We watched Raf leave before both our eyes found Kyle once again.

"How's it going, couple of the year?" Kyle said with a sly smirk. "I had a feeling I'll see the two of you up here."

Dimitri sighed.

"What's it to you?" Dimitri said as he glowered at Kyle.

"Well, I've come to relay a message. Big Ben wants to see you about your next fight and for you to bring Lillie, too." Kyle said.

"Like hell I'll bring Lillie to him. What does he want?" Dimitri said, his voice laced with anger.

He raised his hand in surrender and gave Dimitri a pointed stare. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger, bro."

Dimitri raised to his feet. "How the fuck does Big Ben know about Lillie being here anyway, Kyle?" Dimitri accused.

Silence lingered between them, as Kyle coolly looked with a raised eyebrow at Dimitri. Dimitri returned a dangerous stare. Awkwardness settled between the two, with an unspoken tension.

This couldn't carry on like this anymore. I wanted this nonsense to end, and I stood up.

"I'll go!" I shouted.

Both of their gazes snapped to me. Kyle nodded and smirked, while Dimitri looked angry.

"You not meeting anybody, least of all Big Ben." Dimitri grumbled, and returned his stare to Kyle.

I stood in front of Dimitri. "I want to go. It's better if we get it out of the way." I said. "Wouldn't Big Ben force the issue, anyway?"

Dimitri shook his head.

"It's true, you know." Kyle chimed in, his arms folded.

"Shut the hell up!" Dimitri seethed, his fist clenching up at his sides.

I shook my head. "Really, Dimitri it's okay-"

"Lillie, no it's not! You don't know Big Ben and what the man's capable of. I told you about him..."

I held Dimitri's face with my hands. "I'm not scared." I said softly. "You'll be with me."

Dimitri looked at me, concern etched in his face. "Are you sure Lillie?"

I nodded confidently. "As I'll ever be, we'll be together, unlike the last time when they approached me alone."

Dimitri's jaw twitched. He sighed in defeat.

He turned to Kyle, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Fine. We'll go." Dimitri said through gritted teeth.

"When's the meeting?"

"Now." Kyle said smoothly.

My heart gave a heavy beat. I concealed my fear. I didn't want to show any, not even in front of Dimitri. I wanted to be strong for him and finally face the man that's keeping the man I love in chains and misery.

I'm glad the time was now, while I still had the nerve.

I breathed in deep. "Let's go then." I said to the two. Kyle nodded and Dimitri glanced at me, staying silent. I could feel his hesitation heavy on me.

But I wanted to confront Big Ben, and I wasn't afraid.