A.N: hey guys!!
Thank you for the reviews, I know I've been slightly evil to stop where I did in the last chapter but here you don't get a cliffhanger lol =)
And I did a promo for this story on youtube ( contain some small spoilers). There is the link on my profile.
Take care and don't forget to review.
Hugsies xoxo
Steffy
Chapter 9:
"Come on Ivashkov open that door!" shouted Dimitri really angry. "I know you're there! I'm not leaving!"
"Fuck!" I whispered.
"Right now?!" Adrian whispered back. "Okay!! Take your clothes off. He can watch if he wants."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help to giggle.
"Go to the bedroom I'll be quick." He said putting his cup down.
"No not the bedroom we never know…'' I pointed to the closet near the entrance.
Dimitri knocked a bit louder.
"I'm coming dhampir!" He said coldly before winking at me. "Ooohhhh Sneaky! I like that." He said so sweetly that it caught me off guard. How could you be so cold and a second later so calm and loving?
He took the cup from my hand, pecked my lips before walking nonchalantly to the door as I went to hide in my closet. The door didn't close perfectly so I could see the room pretty well. Oh boy!! That's gonna hurt….I thought as close as I could to pray.
As soon as Adrian opened the door Dimitri slide in and stormed in the middle of the main room. So much for the protocol….I thought
"Are you out of your mind?!" asked Dimitri nostrils flaring in pure anger.
Oh my!! He knows I'm here! I thought as I froze with apprehension but Adrian didn't look any different he stood in front of Dimitri in his Pj bottoms totally calm and smug, with a small smile playing on his lips…He really was royal you couldn't deny that.
"Good morning to you too sunshine!" He said with a chuckle which made Dimitri flush with anger.
Don't push him Adrian….Don't do that! I thought a little bit annoyed with him right now. He really wasn't helping to keep Dimitri calm.
"You need to be more specific dhampir as I'm usually out of my mind," he said jokingly. So not a good plan. "But right now you seem to be the one out of his mind," he added crossing his arms on his chest.
"Chris Walker!! That's what I'm talking about!" Said Dimitri a bit more in control but his hands in tight fists let me guess that it was just appearance.
"Ah…'' said Adrian simply, but I was pretty sure he was just as relived as I was as I saw his back relax slightly. "What about him?"
"What about him? What about him??!!" asked Dimitri incredulous. "You're throwing Rose in the bear claws and you know that! Have you heard about him or not?"
"I did hear about him! Of course I did! I think everybody heard about him." He said with a laugh. "But don't you want the best for Rose?" he asked mockingly.
"I AM the best for Rose" growled Dimitri and immediately regretted it.
Anger flashed into Adrian's eyes. "You are far from being the best for her Dhampir," he said coldly. "I think you were even the worse thing that could happen to her."
Dimitri's jaw locked tightly. "He will be a terrible model for her and he will try to get in her pants!! He does it with every girl."
"Like you didn't try yourself!" said Adrian stiffly.
Dimitri took a step toward Adrian but he didn't budge.
Shut up Adrian! Don't push him too far!! I thought angry as I already imagined Dimitri trying to hit him, I would go out to defend him and I'll be screwed….And not in a good way!!
Adrian sighted. "Give her some credit!" he said seriously. "She is not naïve and she is not falling for every dhampir around!" he added reaching for his cup. "She only falls for the brooding Russian ones."
"I get it now!!" said Dimitri as comprehension filled up his face. "You helped her to get her away from me!!" he said pointing. "You hope to get her….You wish she was your girl!" he added as there were both anger and jealousy in his voice.
"Yeah of course I do!" he said sincerely then he looked at Dimitri with his half crooked smile. "Don't you?" he asked mischievously.
Dimitri exhaled loudly and I could see that his fists were so tight that his knuckles were whiter than bone.
"Won't be easy…." said Dimitri looking deep into his eyes, I was pretty sure it was defy but it seemed unreal. He wanted me to move on right?
"I'm patient." replied Adrian simply.
Dimitri shook his head. "I went to her room but she isn't there?" he said already walking back to the door. "Do you know where she might be?"
"Yeah" said Adrian with a laugh "she is half naked in the closet," he said pointing to where I was.
I'm so gonna beat you dead! I thought as I flushed with anger.
Dimitri turned around and walked back stopping 10 inches from Adrian's face. "You think you're funny don't you Ivashkov. You think you are above the rules because you are a royal and the nephew of the queen but I don't care about all that!" he said in such a threatening tone that it gave me the chills. "She is under age! And I'll destroy the little reputation you've got left understood?"
Adrian didn't seem impressed. Either he was a very good actor or he was an idiot without a slight sense of self preservation and knowing him…it was probably option 2.
"You should remember that yourself dhampir…she is underage but…'' he pretended to think. "She'll be legal in 2 weeks. As for the reputation well…'' he shrugged. "You've got far more to lose on that area than I" he said matching Dimitri's threatening tone.
Dimitri just growled before storming out of the room.
As soon as I heard the door close loudly I got out of the closet and looked at Adrian with all the disapproval I felt.
"Are you out of your freaking mind?" I asked tapping my feet on the floor. "He was furious enough!! Now who's going to face his anger in training this afternoon huh?" I asked as I had one hour of training in late afternoon.
I saw his eyes widen with worries and I felt bad for causing him that fear as it was all my fault at the first place. "I told you…'' I took a threatening look. "Never anger the 'Russian''' I added trying to imitate Don Corleone in the Godfather knowing how much he loved the series.
He laughed his unique laugh and relaxed. I really enjoyed making him laugh, I was ready to do and say many silly things just to hear his laugh…it didn't mean I was growing attached right?
He walked to me and kissed my forehead. He then rested his chin on top of my head and sighed.
"I'm sorry… really!" he said sheepishly, "it's just well… facing the man you care so much about doesn't especially bring out the champion in me," he added sincerely.
He was always so honest with me, so open. It felt so good. He was really one of a kind.
I broke our embrace to look into his eyes. I smiled genuinely and brought my hand to his face. "It's alright I can handle him," I quickly pecked his lips. "But now I need to get dressed, rush to my room to shower and change, show my face around, but I'll be back soon I promise."
He nodded so happy that I said I would be back.
"Then it will be training and movie night…'' I winked. "You're in?" I asked.
"Like you need to ask," he said rolling his eyes before bending down and kissing me passionately. I wrapped my arms around his neck to reply with as much intensity. We finally broke it gasping for air.
He rested his forehead against mine. "You better get dressed now my Rose because one more kiss like this one with you dressed like that, in this room…I'm not sure I'll be a gentleman much longer."
His remark made me blush furiously as a little part of me was longing for that.
I nodded and stumbled my way to the room.
I heard him chuckled behind me. Then I heard his sigh of rendition as he whispered "you're my Heart" but I decided to pretend I didn't hear it as he probably didn't intend for me to hear that. It was a remark that needed to be ignored and if possible forgotten as it scared the hell out of me.
I showed my face around. Ate lunch with Eddie Christian and Lissa. Some guardians chuckled seeing us together saying that we were already spending 24/6 together and still did it on Sundays but it didn't bother us. The only thing that did bother me a little bit was that Adrian wasn't with us.
I explained to them about the new trainer I would have in a week time, and as soon as I said the name, both guys looked at me warily as they didn't seem to like the idea so much and Lissa didn't help when she let out a " ohmygosh I heard the man is like pure sex on legs!! Like created by the hands of god himself so he is gorgeous." I had to laugh at the murderous look that Christian shot her which of course cost me a slap behind the head!
I spend the afternoon with Adrian actually helping him to get ready for his exams, preparing flashcards and doing some quiz games to check his knowledge and the strangest thing in all that was that I did actually enjoy myself.
I didn't know if it was his presence (of course it was, I was just denying it with all I had) or the general ambiance of the day but I felt content enough just to be there helping him out.
I really enjoyed picking on him or laughing when he was going coocoo pants when he could recall a specific date or fact.
But my good mood started to fade when the hour of my training was growing closer. I knew he wouldn't be violent but fighting with Dimitri was getting old. It seemed to be the only thing we were really good at…fighting and hurting each other.
Adrian looked at the clock and closed his book. "Do you want me to come with you?" He asked with concern.
"No of course not!" I said pretending it was not a being deal but I don't think I fooled him. He could read me too well…it was so annoying
He just smiled reassuringly and nodded. I already said to Christian that I needed to go by myself to training it was not to take Adrian to the middle of this brawl.
When I arrived at the door of the gym all my bravado had already vanished and I was about take my cell out to ask Adrian or Christian to join training.
No… He deserves better! I thought shaking my head entering the gym.
He was standing between the door and the training mat with his duster on like if he didn't intend to train anyways.
He glared at me as I walked his way. I looked down and scratched my nose just to hide my discomfort.
"No training today?" I asked still staying at the safe distance.
He just kept staring his arms crossed on his chest but I was pretty sure I heard his teeth grit.
Oh that's not good!! I thought taking a discreet step back.
"So you think I'm not a good teacher anymore huh?" he asked so calmly that it sounded even scarier. "Now that I helped you get back on the game you don't need me anymore? I can't believe it Rose."
"It's not that!" I said flushing with embarrassment.
"What is it then?" he asked walking slowly toward me. He suddenly took an offensive pose and I knew only too well where it was going.
I took a defensive position looking at him warily. I was about to feel the wrath of the Russian god.
"So tell me Rose…what is it?" he said through clenched teeth.
He tried to hit me at the side but I stopped his blow with my forearm and I slightly winced with pain. That was such a powerful blow…he was going full force now.
"So Rose please explain what is worth stabbing me in the back?!" he asked with a growl of fury.
Back stabbing? Really? I though now pretty angry and of course the words left my mouth before thinking.
"Oh get over yourself! I need some fresh blood… who knows…" we were circling each other and I saw his anger increase at each word leaving my mouth but I was just smart-mouthed enough or maybe stupid enough to continue. "Maybe I could learn different ummmm…techniques," I said wiggling my eyebrows.
"I still had a lot to teach you little girl," he said knowing where to hit too.
I snorted so show him his words didn't touch me but it did… of course it did. "Yeah well that rest to be proven unless…" I smiled evilly. "Unless you are too chicken to do so."
THAT'S what I shouldn't have said. He was in front of me so fast I didn't have time to comprehend. He locked my right arm behind my back so painfully that it blocked the air in my lungs, but it wasn't the most painful. He almost immediately hit me full force with the heel of the hand just below my collarbone
It was so painful and unexpected that I gasped and fell on the floor. The pain was irradiating into my whole body.
I heard my bone cracked! Dimitri hit me so heard that he broke my collarbone! I thought incredulous my eyes filling up with tears. The pain was terrible but it was even worse knowing who caused it.
"Oh my god Roza!" he said rushing to my side. "I…I …"
"Stay away from me!" I said, voice thick with pain and tears. I was trying to stand up but even if my left side was okay trying to stand up was a nightmare.
He was standing about 2 feet from me, eyes frantic but I couldn't care less right now.
I sobbed and stayed on the floor. I took a deep breath trying to sound calm and took my cell out of my rear pocket thanking god I didn't break it.
I saw Dimitri take a step my way. "Don't come closer or so help me god you'll regret it eventually," I said with all the pain I felt.
I phoned Lissa and asked her to come to the gym since I had a small accident, I needed her to heal me seeing as I fell and broke a bone… I asked for a small healing. She apparently didn't doubt me for a second and said they would be over in no time.
I rested on my back slowly bringing my left hand to my right shoulder. I closed my eyes and let the tears fell quietly. Lissa would be here in no time and I will be like new, like nothing happened but I didn't think she could do anything for the blow both my heart and ego received.
"Rose please… I'm begging you…Let me come beside you, let me have a look," he said in a pleading tone.
"What for?" I asked turning my head slightly to look at him. I was almost sure I saw his eyes gleam with tears but my own eyes were already full of tears so it was hard to tell. "Didn't you do enough huh?"
He widen his eyes with surprise.
"Plus you can't change anything anyway," I said looking away. "My healer will be here in a minute. YOU are only good to hurt me!" I added knowing I was just being plain mean but I was in pain so he deserved it!!
''Don't…don't say that Rose…I never meant to cause you any pain'' He said so sad that I looked at him again still holding my arm.
''Now you have to see why I wanted us to separate for a while Dimitri,'' I took a deep breath and pursed my lips together because of the shooting pain. ''We're only good to hurt each other. This passion, this need…'' I shook my head. ''You're far from being the only one to blame for that of course not.''
I saw him relax a bit and tentatively took a step forward.
I warned him with a look not to come further and continued. ''We just can't say goodbye, we continue pretending that we can do it but…'' I tried to move a bit but groaned with pain. ''But we can't! See where it leads us!! I mean really… how long can we play with fire before getting seriously burned huh?'' I asked rhetorically.
He nodded sadly. ''But maybe later…you and I… in a couple of years…'' he tried tentatively.
I shook my head vehemently. ''We both know it won't happen. We love what we do too much… more than we loved each other,'' I said looking at the door. ''How long does she need to cross the campus? Geez!!'' I said with irritation before concentrating on Dimitri again. ''Don't you see? We just can't walk away…like two butterflies attracted by the candle light…one of them eventually dies because of it. I… I had to do it the hard way.''
''Loved…I'll miss you so much my Roza…it was the highlight of my day,'' he finally conceded.
''I know.. It used to be mine too,'' I said evasively as since I was seeing Adrian I was not sure of that anymore. ''That's exactly why we need to stop… need to get past those feeling.. Move on,'' I added as the door open and the 3 musketeers walked in.
Lissa healed me but they were really suspicious and incredulous on what happened there. Firstly due to the total guilty look on Dimitri's face and they really disliked that he hit so hard during a training session.
I could feel Lissa's anger toward him through our bond and I could see the 'I'm gonna burn your dhampir ass' glare that Christian was giving him.
''Damn concentration,'' I said when I was healed. I walked to Dimitri pretending to be all okay. ''You were right I really need to work on that,'' I added forcing a chuckle. ''I never saw you coming.''
I could feel Lisa relax behind me and I was pretty sure it was the same for Christian and Eddie. This stupid situation didn't need to involve more players, it was pretty messed up already just as it was.
''Well I'll see you tomorrow Dimitri and don't worry about it! Could have happened to anyone,'' I said with my brightest smile ''Ask Stan's nose!'' I added and felt relieved to hear both Christian and Eddie chuckled and Dimitri finally cracked a smile.
''See you tomorrow Roz-se…'' he said with eyes looking to mine begging for forgiveness.
The others were already walking to the door.
''It's ok…'' I whispered to Dimitri before rushing to join my friends outside.
It took all the persuasion in the world to make them drop it as Christian even said that he could go set his ass on fire in the middle of the night. It did make me laugh a tiny bit, it helped me feel better about this whole mess. I wouldn't exchange those friends for all the money and fame in the world.
Movie night however was another story, like the previous week, Lissa and Christian sprawled on the big sofa and Eddie quickly occupied the small armchair on the side bless him as it was only leaving the little love seat in the dark corner, behind the big sofa. Leaving Adrian and I enough privacy to cuddle discreetly.
The movie was on but I didn't watch it. I was watching Adrian who had his eyes glued on the screen but I could clearly see that he was not watching it at all.
He was very distraught by the incident and I was slightly mad at Lissa for telling him about it but I guess she didn't know it was a big deal… I knew that my slight anger was unfair.
His eyes narrowed sometimes, his lips tightened in a fine line from time to time and his hold on my hand was tighter as he was thinking.
After a little while I raised our entwined hands and kissed his. He turned to give me a small smile.
I leaned to whispered to his ear. ''Chill out. It was just an accident. I'm just fine,'' I kissed his temple softly. ''Please enjoy the evening….you're with me right?'' I asked with a smile.
He kissed my forehead. ''I know it's just…'' he shook his head. ''I really hate that you got hurt, that he hurt you!'' he said bringing his free hand to my neck and very softly brushed my 'broken' collarbone with his finger tips which made me shiver. ''I just want to hurt everyone who hurt you,'' he added leaning his head slowly tracing my collarbone with his lips.
I couldn't stop the little moan that escaped.
''Rose are you ok?'' asked Lissa with concern.
Adrian and I immediate parted. I blushed furiously at the same time as Eddie who knew only too well what that noise was.
''She is just fine aren't you Rose?'' asked Adrian with a chuckle discreetly winking at me. ''I think she banged her thumb picking up her drink.''
''You are sure very accident prone today…'' said Christian suspiciously still lying on the sofa with Lissa in his arms.
''Come on guys!! I'm watching the movie here.'' complained Eddie in order to stop this chat. But I knew it was only for my benefit as Eddie probably watched Constantine about 15 times already!
''Sorry dude,'' said Christian concentrating on the TV again.
Eddie shot me a warning glance. And I couldn't help to grin at that look. It was the kind of look that old people gave to the teenagers who couldn't behave themselves in public. A look that was saying, 'Come on you two!! There are people around!'
I brought my hand to Adrian's cheek and kissed his lips both softly and sensually.
''Thanks to worry for me but this time it's totally unnecessary. Accidents happen all the time while training,'' I rubbed his cheeks. ''It's part of the job description and even if it's super sweet of you to worry there is no point.''
''I hate to think you could get hurt!'' he simply stated revealing his feelings once more.
''It's my life Adrian…it's what I do,'' I said calmly trying to ease his worries.
He nodded saying something so low that I wasn't even sure he spoke. Maybe it was all in my head since it was a big fighting scene and the TV was pretty loud but I could almost swear that I heard him say 'for now' but he concentrated his attention on the TV again took my hand tight in his and watched the movie.
All in my head… I thought pretty much, but not totally, convinced.
