The bubbles that appeared every time I flew on an airplane disappeared in a pop one by one. Finally I fell sound asleep after a whole month of restless turning and twisting under the covers. Unfortunately, that peaceful time abruptly was cut short when the plane landed. I knew what was waiting for me in the airport from the moment I stepped inside.
He had said he would give me the money in trade for a chance at my heart when I returned. I'd never actually planned to return but I don't have a one-track mind. How could I stay when my father was threatening to take me back himself? I would miss Russia but obviously I didn't belong there.
My heart pounded aggressively in my chest as I thought about what was next. Would I return his love for me under the weight of his charm? Or would I break his heart and risk the wrath of Tatiana? Suddenly, I realized that I did not care about any of this- especially not the Queen Bitch. And all of my doubts vanished from my head.
It was like I could sense his presence getting nearer as I collected my luggage. When I felt his arms around me seconds later I was expectant. He pulled away and there were tears in his eyes, he really had it bad for me.
"Little dhampir, I thought the Strigoi had won the fight this time." He smiled.
I returned his smile,"Hey, Ivashkov, looks like you were crying, who beat you up this time?"
Adrian picked up my luggage and swung it over his shoulder like it was air.
"Nah, I just woke up, it is three in the afternoon you know?"
I groaned," Oh, no, that damn nocturnal schedule is something I definitely didn't miss."
"Hmm, of course you wouldn't, little dhampir," he cocked his eyebrow, "You damn right missed me though, I'm unforgettable."
I nudged him playfully, "If you think so Romeo."
"I have a surprise waiting for you outside!" he boasted.
"Is it a black limo?" I sighed.
He faltered," Fuck, will I ever impress you?"
Smiling I said, "Maybe one day."
The warmth of his soft breathing on my neck lulled me to sleep. I had a horrible nightmare. The scene was at the night when I killed Dimitri. It plays over repeatedly in sleep.
"Roza, you'll never be able to kill me," he slurred, "you love me too much. You chose me over the princess and you will forever choose me."
I was shaking then, "Stop! You are a liar all of you are. You feel nothing because you have no soul."
"Rose, you weren't thinking that when you were gladly my blood-whore. Truthfully, I expected better from you."
I growled, "I'd kill you if you didn't have my stake."
Dimitri laughed and threw the stake into the air and I caught it. He moved so close to me that I got chills. When I realized that it was because of him being a Strigoi and not because of my love for him I moved back.
"Kill me Rose, if you have it in you." He taunted.
I would do it, one step closer… and I plunged my stake into my lover's chest. I'd fulfilled our oath that we'd made and I would kill myself too…
"Rose, Rose!" Adrian's voice broke through my dream and brought me back to reality, "are you okay? You were screaming… in Russian. When did you learn Russian? I guess Belikov taught you, right? Because I know he was-
"I killed him!" I shouted.
He shook his head, "No Rose, he was already dead-Strigoi. Wait, is that why you? To kill him? It's okay, I'm here for you. Now why don't you really tell me what happened?"
By time the one hour ride to St. Vladimir's was over so was my story. Adrian had been very understanding and maybe he and I could actually work out.