Hey guys, sorry I'm late with this update. I have no excuse I just couldn't find the motivation to start writing even when I knew what I wanted to write.

I said this was going to be the shopping trip but I got carried away – again – so it will be in the next chapter.

As always, thanks to VAlover21, my beta, and thank you to all of those who took the time to review, like and follow. It means a lot to me.

Without further due here's chapter 10

Chapter 10

"The flight will be twenty minutes" the pilot warned.

Lissa was so excited she could barely stay seated. I could understand how she felt; it had been too long since we've seen our other half. I was a bit nervous to see Dimitri, we had spoken again after our fight and had both apologized but the tension between us was still present.

Since court was full of guardians, only half of the team came— Michel, Ethan, Austin, Jo and of course Riley. I had to admit I had started to resent Riley quite a bit. After that day in Lissa's room it seemed like those two had become inseparable, as soon as Riley wasn't on shift she would be with Lissa, and whenever Lissa had free time she would seek her out. They even went as far as to tell me 'It's a personal joke' when I had caught them laughing once. I felt like my best friend had moved on from me and on to Riley. But at the same time, by resenting Riley I felt like a hypocrite because I had spent more time with her and I knew she was a really nice, honest and fun person to be around. If I liked her why would I want to keep her away from Lissa? Lissa had every right to find new friends and have fun, so who was I to take that away. For Lissa's sake and for my own I had decided to put my jealousy away during this trip. I wanted it to be perfect; I would finally be able to spend a week with Dimitri.

Jo's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"What?" I hadn't heard what he was saying.

"You spaced out, you okay?" he repeated.

"Yeah, just tired"

"I hear you" he answered, putting an arm around my shoulders and pulling me in closer. "Sleep, I'll wake you when we land"

I started to protest, I had to protect the Queen, but he wouldn't hear it, he put his hand over my eyes, blocking the light.

"Sleep love, you'll need it more than me, you've got a big Russian to face" he repeated and I chuckled.

I sighed and did as told. It didn't take long before I felt into oblivion. It had been a few hard days. With Jo, we had had to plan every detail of this trip to ensure maximum security for the Queen. We had decided to take a plane so that we could go to court by night without too much trouble. Half of the team still came in case there was an unexpected detour or guests during this trip.

I woke up when the plane touched down. Jo was holding me tight against him so I wouldn't fall forwards. It was a really bumpy landing, the worst I had ever had to endure, which was weird since the queen was on board.

Lissa looked at me and grimace, before turning to Riley and continuing the conversation they were in.

The plane moved around for a while before finding a place to stop.

We had arrived.

On the other side of the door was Dimitri. Of course, he had volunteered to be part of the welcome comity. I started to get nervous. I felt like a child that was about to go ask my crush to dance with me on prom night— nervous but happy. I couldn't wait to be back in his arms. But at the same time, I was scared. What if it was awkward? What if he still hated me for the fight we had? So many insecurities ran through my head.

As soon as the doors were open Lissa jumped out of her seat, leaving all her belongings behind and ran out of the plane. I rolled my eyes, but inside I couldn't help but want to do the exact same thing. I stood up and went to get all of Lissa's things.

"Let me help," Riley said.

"No it's okay I've got it, you go and secure the perimeter" I answered

"But-" she was about to protest when I cut her off.

"Go and secure the perimeter Riley," I said looking at her straight in the eyes. She looked a bit taken aback by my tone but did as told. I had been a bit harsh when saying that, but she had to understand that a direct order from a superior was not something she could argue. I didn't ask any of my team members to answer 'Yes sir', but it was usually implied.

Jo had stayed behind with me and was clearing a few things in the plane, while I gathered Lissa's things. She had books, makeup and other things scattered all over the plane. While I was finally zipping up her bags, I felt hands wrap around my waist.

Reflexes kicked in and I elbowed the stranger in the ribs before turning and do a round kick. My kick was blocked by… Jo?

I looked confused.

"Wouldn't want you to hurt this piece of art" he said smiling.

That's when I realized the person I was about to kick was none other than the one I had so dearly missed.

"I'm so sorry Comrade!" I said leaning forwards to look at the spot he was rubbing on his ribs. "Are you okay?" I panicked.

"I'm fine Roza" he smiled despite the painful sting on his ribs. He pulled my hand away but didn't let go of it.

"I'll see you outside," Jo said leaving. I had been so preoccupied with Dimitri that I had completely forgotten that he was still here.

I looked at Dimitri; well more like checked him out again. Despite wearing the basic guardian uniform I could still see the muscles hidden beneath; his hair was tied back into a small ponytail. He was as handsome as I remembered if not more. Once my eyes were back to his face I flushed, realizing what he'd just saw me do. I turned around again and pretended to continue packing, too embarrassed to look at him.

"What are you doing?" he whispered in my ear while sliding his arms around my waist once more. I shivered from the closeness of our bodies. Yes, I had definitely missed his touch like crazy.

"I'm packing" I manage to answer.

"Right," he said sarcastically "So why are the bags already closed?"

Crap I forgot I had already sealed the bags. Now I just looked stupid.

"Then let's go" I answered trying to pretend the last few seconds didn't happen. I took the bags and started walking out when Dimitri grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. I lost my footing due to the different bags and crashed on his chest.

"Don't I get a hello kiss?" he asked. Well, I'll be damned, Dimitri, my serious Dimitri, was putting work aside to hold me.

"Dimitri we're working," I said looking around, making sure no one was here, we would be most definitely get in trouble if people saw us.

"No one's here" he insisted. I laughed. This was unbelievable. I put the bags down and lifted myself on my tip toes. He bent his head and our lips met halfway. It started sweet and controlled but it deepened quickly, he licked my lower lip and I granted him access. Our tongues battled for dominance before Dimitri won. His hands moved to my back. Unfortunately, the uniform didn't allow any skin to skin contact, but it had been so long that even that elicited a moan from me. That slapped me out of my reverie.

I pushed Dimitri away. His eyes widen at what had just happened.

I smiled and pecked him on the lips before taking a few bags. He took them away from me just as Lissa came back into the plane.

"What's taking you so long Rose?" When she saw Dimitri she gave me a knowing smile, turning her back and leaving immediately, adding "Never mind, you can take your time."

We followed her down the plane. She went straight back into Christian's arms.

Among our team, everyone knew I was dating the hot Russian next to me, since it was one of the only personal information I had shared. So I was extremely shocked when Riley started checking him out and then winked at him. She had told me she wanted to be on good terms with my boyfriend but that was too much

Dimitri froze unsure what to do. He looked at me and I saw panic start to fill his eyes. I couldn't help but laugh. He seemed to relax a bit. I had to admit, I was pissed at Riley but more than that I was so proud, Dimitri was mine and mine only and she didn't have a chance with him.

"Hey Sparky," I said once I got to him. He leaned forwards and hugged me.

"Hey Rose" I froze. What was going on with these guys?

"Do you have a fever?" I asked him genuinely concerned

"What? No, why?" he asked.

"What's up with the hugs and all, are you about to kiss me too?" I said showing him my cheek.

"Rose!" Lissa exclaimed.

"Told you she was going to laugh at me if I did that," he said facing Lissa. Well that explained a lot, he would never do it on his own, and he had simply been asked to do it by Lissa. He was so whipped.

"Lissa and Christian, we're in this car," Dimitri said pointing one of the black SUV.

We started walking towards our car when I realized someone was following us.

Riley.

I decided to ignore it, for now, maybe she was just going to check something before going to the van. However, that was unlikely.

Dimitri opened the door of the van and looked inside, clearing the van before allowing Christian and Lissa to go in. Jo took the front seat. While they got comfortable Dimitri went in and presented his hand in front of me to help me up. But I didn't get to take it. Riley took the hand almost shoving me aside to do so and jumped on the van. Dimitri was a bit surprised and I was… Well, I was pissed, and of course Christian was laughing his ass off while Lissa elbowed him in the ribs trying to make him stop.

"What are you doing?" I said doing my best to control and not let my anger show. I tried my best to put my guardian mask on but it wasn't as easy as Dimitri made it look.

"Getting in the van" she answered. She didn't do it but I could see her rolling her eyes with the tone she had just used. The words 'isn't it obvious' were definitely hidden there.

Breathe Rose, Breathe.

"I can see that, but now I want you to get down."

"Why?" she asked. This time, I was shocked. How could she disrespect me like that in front of everyone? I was her captain, she wasn't allowed to question my orders, and she needed to obey.

"Because I said so" This time my annoyance was probably visible.

"Well Liss said I could ride with you guys" she talked back again, this time giving me a smug smile and taking a seat next to Dimitri who had sat down while I dealt with the issue at hand.

"That's enough" I grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the car. By the time she realized that she was already out of the car while I had jumped in. In our position, I could easily slam the door in her face and leave. But she had really pissed me off and she needed to understand once and for all her position.

"What the hell?" she screamed.

"Jo, do you mind taking Riley's luggage to her car?" I asked. Jo had been with me since the begging of this team so he knew exactly what I was about to do.

"Sure, anything for you, love" he smiled at me, showing me he approved my next actions. He jumped down from the car and did as told, Riley resisted a bit before Jo managed to snatch it out of her hand.

"Where's your partner?" I asked ignoring her previous outrage.

"Why does it matter?" she responded again.

"Answer the damn question Riley!" I said through gritted teeth. Her attitude was really starting to get on my nerves.

She hesitated again and then pointed to the van a few meters behind her.

"There"

"Right so why are you here?" I asked

"Because Liss said-"she started again.

"Riley" I cut her off "Now you look at me and you listen very clearly because this is the last time I'm going to say this." She looked shocked by my tone but frankly I didn't care. "First of all, while you are on duty you will refer to your Queen with her title"

"Rose" Lissa scrolled, while Riley gave me another smug smile.

"No Liss she clearly doesn't understand yet so until she does she will follow all the rules to the letter." That cut Lissa off and whipped the smile away from Riley's face. I face Riley again. "Secondly, you answer to me and not to the Queen. You are a part of my security team. Which means you execute what I say, you don't ask questions and you do not give me attitude. I am your captain and I expect you to treat me with the respect I deserve. Do you understand?" My voice was scarily calm.

"Yes," she said looking at the ground.

"Yes, who?" I asked.

"Yes, captain." She answered again.

"Better. Now, what were your orders?"

"Stay with your partners and go unpack before our meeting in one of the meeting rooms."

Jo came back at that time and smiled again. I smiled back.

This was payback bitch.

I spoke into my earpiece.

"Austin, you may go,"

Riley smiled triumphantly as Austin drove away with the rest of the team.

"Now then Riley I will see you at the meeting," I said shutting the door. She looked shocked and interrupted my movement.

"But the buildings are a few miles away and the meeting is in less than an hour" she protested again.

"Did I not just tell you to not ask questions?"

"But I'll never make it in time" she tried again.

"Then I guess you should start running," I smiled smugly at her and this time slammed the door at her face.

I sat down next to Dimitri as the van started and sighed loudly. I never knew a friend would ever do this to me. It made me question whether Riley and I were really friends.

Surprisingly Dimitri started laughing.

"What?" what could he possibly think was funny in this situation?

"Nothing," he said.

"Tell me" I elbowed him.

He hesitated.

"Well she kind of reminds me of someone" he answered looking at me. It took me a few second to understand what he was saying.

"She does not!" I almost screamed. "I am nothing like her." This was outrageous.

"Yes, you are nothing like her." I smiled but that smile went away when he added "Now"

"What do you mean?" I said looking menacingly at him.

"Well, you have to admit you had the same attitude when you returned from your escapade in Portland."

"I did not!"

"You kind of did" Lissa jumped in.

"What?!"

"Don't be mad, it's just a fact. But I have to admit you've improved a lot since then, you've shown that countless time. You even proved it here by staying calm and not ripping her head off. You handled it almost as well as I would have." Dimitri said quickly after.

"Almost huh?" I said placing myself on his legs. I leaned forwards so no one else could hear the next few words I was going to say. "Then I guess I'll almost make you come tonight then" He coughed and buried his head in my hair to hide his embarrassment, but I could still see the blush on his face, making me laugh. That was the Dimitri I knew.

Tonight was going to be fun.

So, I'll probably be doing an M scene in the next chapter, if that's okay with you. Tell me now or forever hold your piece. Haha, this is wrong. And the shopping trip.

Things are getting tensed between Riley and Rose. I wonder how that's going to end.

REVIEW PLEASE.