I didn't know what Dimitri's problem was. I'd moved on, just like he'd asked. Sure, it wasn't in quite the way he'd wanted but still, it was a step forward, away from him. Just like he wanted. His love for me had faded? Well so had mine.
And yet... Even know, between the parties and clubs, the alcohol and the boys... A lot of boys; I still reacted whenever we were around each other. When he walked close to me, I'd get a whiff of his cologne and my knees would turn to jelly. When his arm brushed past mine accidentally, my skin would heat up where he'd touched me. I wasn't in love with him. Not anymore. Yet, none of the boys I brought home incited the same reaction. Not that I ever slept with any of them. I meant to. But for some reason I could never bring myself to actually go through with it.
I cursed Lissa for coming to New York, and for bringing Dimitri with her. This was supposed to be my escape, my safe haven. Where I could get over Dimitri and everything that had happened, in pease. At least, that's what Lissa had said when she told me she was sending me away. And here we were, a little over a year later, and she'd thrown Dimitri and I together again with no warning.
What was his problem anyway? I saw that disapproving look in his eyes whenever I traipsed in with another guy, never the same one. Maybe it was because he thought they were a threat to his precious Lissa, the Moroi Queen. Did he really think I was that stupid? I never brought home anyone that I thought could possibly be a threat. Instead, I brought home the stupid ones; the frat boys who looked like they didn't even know how to hold a pencil.
I swore under my breath as I brushed thick black mascara onto my already dark eyelashes. I practiced the Russian curses that Dimitri's sisters had taught me. I still had to get the rolling of the 'r's down and then maybe I could pass for a native Russian.
I finished my make-up, fixed my hair and dress and I was finally done. I stopped in front of my mirror and looked at my reflection. The girl looking back at me didn't look like Rosemarie Hathaway. She looked like Rose's slutty cousin. The dress was too short, even for me. I tottered in the massive heels strapped to my feet and my head felt heavy under the weight of my curled, hairsprayed hair. My make-up made my skin feel slimy and heavy; but at least it looked good and I knew it wouldn't slide off while I was dancing. I sighed and shrugged at my reflection and turned to walk out the door.
Turning around, I noticed Lissa standing in the doorway watching me. Just over her shoulder I saw Christian, Eddie and Dimitri. Christian and Eddie were straining to get a look at me over Lissa's shoulder. Dimitri was staring intently at the wall. I noticed that Lissa was wearing a pink dress and heels, her make-up and hair was impeccable. She looked remarkably innocent. "We're coming with you." She said, her voice friendly but cautious. I shook my head. "Sorry your Majesty. It's not safe." Her blonde eyebrows furrowed. She didn't like that I'd started calling her by her title, not her name. "We are coming with you, Hathaway." This time when she spoke, her voice had changed and she was no longer Lissa, but Queen Vasilisa Dragomir; just like I called her. I looked at Eddie and Christian who both shrugged. I groaned. She wasn't going to let this go, was she? I grabbed my purse and barged out the door, nearly knocking Lissa over. Luckily, Dimitri caught her before she fell. I was grateful; now I didn't have to feel bad about hurting her. "Fine, your Majesty. But stay near Eddie and Christian. Don't wander off by yourself." I'd assumed that Dimitri wasn't coming but, to my dismay, I was wrong. I hailed a cab and we all slid in. Eddie first, then Christian, Lissa and me. I moved to close the door after me but Dimitri stopped me and slid into the seat next to me. I gave the driver the address and raised an eyebrow at Dimitri. "I didn't think clubbing was your scene." He refused to look at me. "I'm only coming to protect the Queen." He said, his voice low and gruff, his eyes were fixed on the back of the driver's head. I lowered my voice so Lissa, who was deep in conversation with Christian, wouldn't hear. "Why won't you look at me? Is it the dress? Do you like it?" I didn't know why I said those words, but I couldn't stop myself. Dimitri's dark brown eyes turned to me and slid down my body, resting on my thighs which were even more exposed since the dress had slid up. His eyes returned to my face. "You don't look like the Rose I know." He said and turned away. I turned away, blinking back tears. "The Rose you know?" I asked, my voice shaking. "You killed that Rose a long time ago." Dimitri's body tensed and Lissa gently brushed my arm with her fingertips. I pulled my arm away and tightly crossed it in front of my chest. We sat in silence for the rest of the journey.
We arrived at the club, and made our way inside, stopping only to pay the bouncer our entry fee and drop our coats in the coat-room. The others followed me as I led them through the mass of sweaty bodies. We hurried up the stairs to the balcony, to a very particular booth that was somewhat protected against the ridiculously loud electronic music. I took drink orders and hurried down to the bar. Lissa had insisted that Dimitri go with me. To help 'carry the drinks', she said. I rolled my eyes but didn't say anything. I shoved my way to the bar and ordered. While we were waiting, Dimitri stood close to me, his keen Dhampir eyes were scanning the room, mentally making note of the exits in case there were any threats. I scoffed. In all the months I'd been coming to this club, I'd never seen a Strigoi. Yet now that I thought about it, a New York club would be the perfect hunting ground for Strigoi. I chastised myself for only now realising this rather important factor. The others didn't know this, but I always came prepared, carrying a stake in my purse. But tonight, the threat didn't come from a Strigoi, but a human.
The smell of cigarettes and alcohol wafted toward me and for a second I thought fleetingly of Adrian. But Adrian was in California. Instead, a drunk guy slammed into me. Dimitri didn't notice. Having scanned the bar, he'd turned and was now gazing toward the balcony, to the booth where Lissa was. The guy mumbled an apology before his eyes suddenly focused on me. He leered at me, his eyes darting towards my exposed legs. I suppressed a shudder. I realised just how revealing this dress really was, and I resolved to never wear something that short again. I ignored the man, choosing to focus on Dimitri's back.
The guy placed his hand on the small of my back and tried to pull me in close to him. I pushed him away and he stumbled. I turned away again. Dimitri still hadn't noticed that anything was wrong. The guy grabbed me again. "Come on sweetheart. Dance with me." I tried pushing him away again but he held tight. "I wouldn't mind having that sweet little body grinding up against me." Suddenly Lissa and Eddie were beside me. Eddie grabbed the guy by the arm. "That's enough." He said. The guy struggled but Eddie held firm. Eventually he gave up and walked off to rejoin his friends. Lissa grabbed my trembling hands. "Rose? Are you okay?" I nodded and gave her a weak smile. She rounded on Dimitri and started yelling. "Why the hell didn't you stop him? I sent you with Rose to keep an eye on her and she was molested right next to you!" I tried to calm Lissa down but she shook me off. "What the hell were you thinking?!" Dimitri tried to defend himself but couldn't seem to find the words.
I, on the otherhand, felt sick.