Chapter Two
APOV
"Adrian, are you still sleeping?" my dad asked me while knocking on my bedroom door.
"No," I replied even though it was a lie. Unfortunately that didn't stop him from coming into my room to make sure I really was up.
"Adrian, get your ass out of bed. Queen Vasilisa's birthday party starts in half an hour and I will not be embarrassed by showing up late." I could tell he really wanted to yell at me but didn't want to get himself all worked up right before the party.
"I'll just meet you there," I mumbled into my pillow.
"As long as you live with me and live off of my money, you will do as you're told."
"Well maybe I'll just move out then," I replied. I was 22 and it was definitely time I got out of this house anyway.
"With what money?"
"With the money my aunt left me."
"Well, until you are actually moved out and living on your own, you'll follow my rules. Be down stairs in 15 minutes," he said before leaving my room.
I reluctantly got out of bed. I had a cigarette while getting ready for this stupid fucking party. Don't get me wrong Lissa's one of my best friends but she also happens to be best friends with my ex, Rose. The girl who broke my heart and didn't even seem to care because she was living happily ever fucking after with that Russian.
The worst part is that I knew I would never be enough for her because Dimitri already owned her heart strigoi or not. Yet I tried to make myself believe that I could somehow buy her love. I gave and gave and all she did was take and she had no problem doing that. I hate her because she hurt me and she makes the spirit worse. She makes everything dark.
The only thing that was going to get me through this party was lots of alcohol. Maybe I'll meet some hot moroi or damphir to help take my mind off things as well.
It was a couple hours into Lissa's party and so far I had been able to avoid Rose. I've seen her but haven't said anything to her and I didn't plan on it either. I've been sitting at my table in my assigned seat like a good boy to make my father happy but I needed a fucking drink so I headed to the bar.
As I approached the bar I saw a pretty little blonde, and the closer I got to her I realized she wasn't just pretty, but she was gorgeous. She had dark long blonde hair that looked like the color of honey and her eyes were this mix of light brown and gold. Her tight red dress hugged her small frame just right. She was much too tan and short to be a moroi so I could only assume she was a damphir.
"Hello," I said when I finally reached her at the bar. Then I turned to the bartender and ordered a scotch.
"Hello Lord Ivashkov," she replied and smiled sweetly.
"Please call me Adrian."
"Okay Adrian." My name coming from her lips could possibly be the goddamned sexiest thing I had ever heard. She turned away from me looking at her drink and it drove me crazy that she wasn't acting like women usually did around me. I mean I'm Adrian fucking Ivashkov. Women throw themselves at me. Why was she acting like she could care less to be in my presence?
"Can I ask what your name is?"
"Of course you can ask," she replied still not looking at me. I waited a minute before I realized she wasn't going to say anymore.
"Well are you going to tell me?" I asked getting a bit impatient and turned on at the same time by the game she seemed to be playing.
"Only if you ask nicely," she said then frowned when she realized she had finished her drink. I chuckled because the way she pouted made her look innocent and it was quite cute. She shot me a glare and I ordered her another drink and told the bartender it was on me. She seemed feisty which I really liked in a woman. Unfortunately a lot of women weren't like that around me.
"Will you please tell me your name?" I asked in a tone that I hope sounded polite.
"Well, you did buy me a drink so I guess it's the least I could do. I'm Candi." I reached out and shook her hand. She didn't really seem like a Candi but what the hell do I know. Just as I was about to ask her something that douche Jesse Zeklos came up and put his arm around her waist and his stupid side kick Ralf Sarcozy stood behind him looking smug. Of course a girl like her was here with someone.
"Hi Candi, my friend Aaron was just telling us all about you." I was confused because they obviously didn't know her yet Jesse had his arm around her waist and she didn't move it. In fact all Candi did was nod.
"Zeklos; Sarcozy," I said irritated that they had interrupted us. Maybe they just didn't notice us talking. I mean it's hard to pay attention to anything when Candi's standing there, so I guess I can understand if they didn't see me.
"Ivashkov," he replied with a nod. "How's it going?" he asked me and I couldn't help but glare at his hand that was now squeezing Candi's hip.
"Well me and Candi were just having a nice conversation before you two came over," I said trying not to sound too bitter.
"Oh sorry man," he said with a laugh then pushed Candi into me. "Let us know when you're done with her so we can have our turn." Now I was really confused. When they walked away I turned to Candi waiting for her to explain what was going on.
