I have so much to learn *sigh*

The story line is such that they do tend to pick on each other like older brother and younger sister (think witty banter, playful teasing); however, there is another level there, a real trust and bond form between them. He is ALL that she has and in an exceedingly short amount of time MUST come to trust him. They have made an agreement not to ask the other about their past or their secrets, but in the end it is Dmitri who gets Valentina to talk about her past which is what has brought them together. Why he is protecting her. By him getting her to speak, to open up to him, it is a major event in the storyline. She has never told anyone what had happen to her that caused her to be in the situation she is in and has brought the two of them together.

So, hopefully, you can see from that little amount of detail there, their relationship is very special and why it is that in the end (2 or 3 books from now... if there are any more) they WILL end up together as a couple. Just right now, there is no way I am having a 16 and 23 getting together! Now an 18 and 25... that is possible.

It is also why I would like to have from the start a "name" for him to call her as I feel it is that type of relationship from day one. They are thrown into each others worlds and I believe by him calling her a pet name or term of endearment, it means something special to both of them.

One, it would help with her as she begins to trust him as he does not call anyone else a term in Russian. She realizes that this is something special and unique... Remember what MasterAdmin said yesterday about when you revert back to your native language?
Originally Posted by MasterAdmin
I think people revert back to their native language in situations that help them feel more comfortable or allow them to concentrate on things. These could be very individual situations.
Two, he genuinely cares for and about her. Protecting her is not JUST another job for him.

Does this help at ALL or do you still need more details???