Chapter 11

"We're not staying for long. We can't risk it. We get in and then we get out, got it?" A round of heads nodded as Abe talked. There wasn't a single mist of playfulness amongst the group as we headed out. I looked back on Lissa and Christian watching us with grim faces as we began to leave and my heart seemed to halt as my eyes settles on Leina, bundled tightly in Christian's arms. I feel a firm squeeze of my hand and turn to see Dimitri's eyes staring encouragingly down at me. I knew it took more or him to leave her than it did for me so I smiled up at him and gave Leina one last glance before turning with him to leave.

We passed the others who were filing into theirs cars and organizing themselves into groups and walked up to Abe. He was barking orders to each of the guardians around him and he finally turned to us and gave us a swift once over.

"Belikov you're with Dalia and Stetson, Rose you're with Jason." I felt Dimitri stiffen as the words seemed to fall from Abe's lips with a smooth calamity that seemed out of place in this situation.

"Mr. Mazur-"

"Now."

"No." I asserted and began to pull Dimitri my way. He seemed hesitant but quickly followed in my direction.

"Ro-"

"Nope." I pointed Dimitri towards the back seat doors as we got closer to a waiting Jason.

"ROSEM-"

"Nuh uh." I climbed into the passenger side and slammed the car door shut. The car was quiet with the absence of Abe's words and we all sat in silence. I felt Jason and Dimitri's eyes on my skin and I finally turned to acknowledge them. They both burst into laughter. I blushed as Jason high fived me and I caught eye of an angry Abe stomping towards his car. We soon drove off following the trail of cars away from the estate.

...

When we walked into the store I was faced with Abe's scowl. I smiled at him and he only turned away and the groups began to split once again.

"Foooood! We're on food!" I sing songed and Dimitri just chuckled.

"We'll get your doughnuts soon enough Rose, don't you worry," Jason said. I caught Dimitri's side eye but dismissed it and motioned the two to follow me down the aisle of the Wal-Mart. After 15minutes and two carts full of food we started to make our way towards the lines. It was only then when I spotted it and I felt as if I was being compelled. In my mesmerized state I let go of the cart and slowly made my way towards my sudden obsession.

"Rose where are you-" Dimitri began but my ears stopped listening. A bundle of plush pink accessories tied neatly with white bow. My hand ran over it as I felt the soft fabric of a pair of baby slippers. Dimitri's firm arms wrapped tightly around my waist and his lips brushed gently against my neck. His familiar scent engulfed me before his words but my gaze never faltered.

"She would love that, my love," he whispered. I nodded slowly and reached cautiously for the basket, grabbing it like delicate cargo.

"Yeah?" I muttered. He turned me to face him and rested his forehead against mine.

"She will."

"She's a baby."

"She's a baby who loves you and would love anything you give her. Do you see the way she treats your last gift? Roza-"

"Alright, alright," I chuckled wiping away a tear that had fallen down my cheek. He tilted my head back slightly and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

"Oh look at this," Jason's voice broke through. We turned and my laughter grew as I read the onesie Jason held in his hands.

"'I'm cute, my mom's hot, and my dad's lucky'? Are you calling my Roza hot?"

"I mean…"Jason wagged his eyebrows. Dimitri rolled his eyes and we all broke into laughter. Jason ran to grab a basket and we spent the next ten minutes picking out baby things for Leina and my the end we had two baskets full of various baby things.

"Grab a cart these are heavy," I complained. Dimitri and Jason both rolled their eyes and went to grab the baskets each settling to come away with one. We head towards the line and there stood an infuriated Abe. I slowed leading the boys towards the line, looking down to avoid his eyes. Abe gave us a once over and stayed I glanced up to see that his expression had softened.

"Bring it through," he muttered. I walked through and he rubbed my back once before helping the guys throw stuff on the belt. 'Tracy' rang us up and looked at the basket in my hands.

"You want a bag for that?" she grunted.

"No," I said responding quickly. "I mean… I would rather hold it," I said regaining my composure. We grabbed the carts full of bags and headed back out to load the cars.

...

"I'm sorry," I blurted as I walked up to Abe. He shook his head and pulled me into a hug. Neither of us spoke but as I helped unload the groceries in front of the estate I swore to myself.

"Well shit," I muttered.

"What?" Abe asked concern written on his face.

"Oh, uh, I forgot doughnuts…" he laughed along with Jason and Dimitri.

"I remembered," Dimitri said.

"Here," Abe said.

"I've got you," Jason said. The three spoke at the same time each extending a box of variety pack donuts. I smiled and giggled, collecting the boxes as the guys scowled at each other. The laughed at the sight of me towered by donuts and Dimitri grabbed the boxes carrying them in.

...

"She loves you," Dimitri said as he squeezed me in his arms. We lay on the bed watching adjacent to Leina, who sits supported by her doughnut like pillow. I sit in Dimitri's lap and Leina covers her eyes with her hands. We play peekaboo and she smiles hard even dropping her pacifier once.

"Oh stop,"

"No really, I think she might even love you more," he teases.

"She can't love anyone more than she loves her daddy."

"Well she does," he feigns being hurt. I turn from Leina for a second to give Dimitri a look and he laughs at me. We hear a gurgling sound and I turn my eyes back to Leina just as I feel a tiny hand on my leg. My eyes widen as I see her crawling into my lap and reaching up for me. I grab her in my arms and hug her tight as she lays her head on my shoulder.

"Did you-"

"I told you she loves you more." I grin and stick my tongue out at him. Leina sits in my lap and smiles up at me. My smile beams down at her and Dimitri's arms tighten around us. Her smile made my heart swell. It seemed to give me hope. We would get out of this, I would make sure just for this little girl. SO I could see her smile forever.

...

Hey guys, I hoped you enjoyed that and I can't wait to hear what you think. I'm actually going to be uploading two chapters today! I love you guys and to see Leina's Christmas present from Rose visit my blog I love you guys! Happy reading.