Hey guys, back again! You need to thank a bout of insomnia for giving me the time to write this chapter, I'm sure some of you know how hectic the last year of school is, and I really appreciate all of your continued support and most of all your patients. Just to let you know, I am publishing this as I have finished it, so it hasn't been betaed, I wanted to get it out there ASAP, I'll re-publish it after it has been betaed though. On the topic, I would like to give a MASSIVE thank you to my beta, ItaSaku1, who designed my cover, it's so lovely. Oh and Last thing, I have a poll up on my profile about this story, so vote, review or PM me to have your say.
That's all, so enjoy chapter 14! xx
I slept most of the journey, resting against Dimitri; one of his arms wrapped around me, holding me close. The flight was only short, and I was soon woken by Dimitri, stroking some strands of hair that had fallen in front of my face behind my ear and whispering my name. I opened my eyes just as the doors to the plane were being opened. I had to blink as my eyes adjusted to the bright mid afternoon sun which streamed into the cabin through the open doors. I sprang from my seat, eager to be on solid ground, behind wards; safe. Dimitri stood as well, heading down the aisle behind me, followed by the rest of our party. As we emerged from the plane, rapturous applause broke out, a welcome party stood to the side of the runway where we had stopped. I large number of guardians and dhampirs stood clapping, accompanied, more surprisingly, by an even larger group of Moroi, hiding from the sun under large umbrellas. Even Lissa stood there, of course her umbrella was being held by one of her 'minions'. I descended the stairs as quickly as I could; sitting still for a couple of hours had made my muscle ache that much worse. Lissa, noticing my discomfort, met me half way, her umbrella holder hurrying to keep up with her. I would have found the whole scenario funny as hell if I wasn't so full of relief. When I got to her, I had no time to react before she flung her arms round me, almost crushing my in her embrace. "Oh God Rose, I was so worried," she leaned back, slapping my arm, "never do that again!" she scolded, before crushing me to her again. "Whoa Liss, mood swings much." I joked, hugging her back. We pulled away again, Lissa giving me a once over, her expression of relief turning into one of concern. I knew what she was thinking. "I'm fine Liss, I just need some rest." She simply nodded, before looking behind me, "Dimitri," she called as he walked forward, limping slightly, to stand beside me. Lissa hugged him as well, shocking many of the onlookers. I knew Lissa was still protective of Dimitri, and that they had grew to be friends, but hugging was a new development on me. Judging by the shocked look on Dimitri's face, it was on him too. Remembering that we were in public, Lissa moved back, standing straight and saying "It's good to have you back Dimitri," Smiling up at him. "It's good to be back Your Ma- I mean Lissa." He amended, seeing the look that Lissa sent his way. As always, it didn't take long for me to slip back into my old role of protector. "We should probably head inside; the sun out here is really bright Liss." I said. While I was thoroughly enjoying the unseasonal hot sun, which I seldom got to see, I knew it would be getting very uncomfortable very quick for the Moroi who were gathered outside. "I think that might be a good idea. Besides, I need some sleep, and God knows you two will too. You and Dimitri go get some rest and I'll catch up with you on Monday."
"Monday? Liss, it's only Tuesday night, you can't expect me to stay-"
"That's exactly what I expect," she cut me off, sounding authoritative and regal. "You need time to recover, relax. Besides, you are due some time off anyway. That applies to Dimitri as well. Now, go get some rest and I'll see you later." With a wink, she turned and left, dragging a very tired and grumpy looking Christian with her, cutting off any argument I may have had, like time off being the last thing on my mind. But I must admit, a little alone time with Dimitri was a hard thing to pass up. As if on cue, I felt a strong, gentle arm snake around my waist, resting his hand on my hip and placing a tender kiss on the top of my head. "So a full week of huh?" he asked, his thumb rubbing circles on the hollow of my waist as we walked slowly towards our apartment block. "Yep, I won't know what to do with myself."
"I have some ideas." Dimitri whispered in my ear. I turned to look at him, before looking away from the intensity of his gaze, unable to steer my imagination away from the erotic thoughts that were threatening to bubble over; a crowded airstrip was not the right place for that to happen. The heat in his eyes was undeniable, though seeing him be intimate, not to mention suggestive, in such a public place came as a shock; he was usually so private in his affections. Feeling like a wanton women under Dimitri's molten chocolate gaze, I changed the subject, trying to ignore the burning desire low in my stomach. "You don't have to carry both our bags you know." I said motioning my head towards the two duffle bags he had slung over his shoulder. "Yes I do." He replied casually, as if it was the most obvious and natural thing in the world for him to do, looking at the path ahead as we walked; it was good that one of us was.
The walk to our apartment was uneventful, apart for the odd 'good to have you back' from passing Guardians. Once in the apartment, Dimitri threw our bags unceremoniously onto the floor, before rounding on my and backing me into the door we had just entered through, kissing me as my back hit the cold wood. One hand tilted my head back at the nape of my neck, finger tangling into my hair, while the other explored my body. I was vaguely aware that my own arms had wrapped around his neck automatically, and I had to remind myself that he was injured. When he moved his hands to my thighs, ready to pick me up, I pulled away, regaining some of the discipline that he had taught me. "No, Dimitri. You're hurt." Ignoring my statement, he moved his lips down my neck murmuring "I missed you Roza" into the soft flesh behind my ear before gently kissing his way down my neck. "I'm serious." I said, trying to his attention back to his wounds. I heard him sigh slightly into my hair muttering something that sounded suspiciously like "temptress", before stepping back and walking though the bedroom and into the adjoining bathroom. I trailed behind him mentally making a tally of all the aches and pains that I had, before a muffled groan drew my attention back to Dimitri, who was trying to lift his shirt over his head without it hurting his bandaged ribs. From his hiss of pain a moment later, it wasn't working. I hurried to him, carefully peeling the shirt up over his head. "Thanks." he said a little gruffly, looking embarrassed. I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest and fixing him with a level stare "You need to swallow your big male pride and ask for my help when you need it comrade," I told him, my voice softening at the end, "you're hurt and I wanna help." He seemed reluctant, not liking the idea of being cared for by the person he was constantly taking care of. Sighing again, I removed my own t-shirt, putting it on the floor on top of Dimitri's. He sent me a questioning look, but made no move to stop me, which didn't really surprise me. "Before you get any ideas, I'm only helping you in the shower." He opened his mouth to protest, pushing up from leaning against the sink's counter top, but I cut him off by holding up a hand. "I'm helping, end of discussion. Now raise your arm so I can take off that bandage. I'll fix a new one when we're clean." I told him in what I hoped was a no-nonsense voice. Dimitri obediently lifted his arms away from his sides so I was able to slowly un-wrap the bandage, trying not to jolt him, but knowing that the wound would hurt regardless once the bandage was gone and the pressure holding the cracked ribs in place eased. My thoughts were confirmed when I heard a low hiss come from Dimitri, otherwise remaining quiet as I undressed him, then myself and followed him into the shower.
I gave him a wry smile while rubbing soap onto his arms and chest, noting his continued muteness. "You're not happy with me." It wasn't a question, more of a statement but I had to say something, I couldn't take his silence anymore. "I don't like you taking care of me when it should be the other way around is all. Not to mention that you are stood naked in front of me, soaking wet after I've not seen you for days, and you're forbidding me to touch you." I had to laugh a little at that; seems I'm not the only wanton person here. "I never forbade you from touching me. I just didn't want you to pick me up or do anything... strenuous." I said, feeling his arms snake around me before I had even finished the first sentence. He pulled me a little closer to him, yet not close enough for the scenario to spiral out of control; as it often did when we showered together. Today though, Dimitri seemed to be adhering to the boundaries I had put in place, for which I was grateful; my self control was starting to wear thin. "I really have missed you though."
Our shower after that was relaxed and deliciously intimate, gentle kisses and touches promising more was to come. After we got out, I rewrapped Dimitri's side as well as redressing his head wound best I could, while Dimitri distracted me with gentle kisses on my hands, wrists, anywhere that was within reach while I worked. "Finished." I announced, running my hand down his cheek, feeling the stubble from him not shaving for a few days. He seemed to notice where my attention was and ran a hand down his other cheek. "Not quite, I still need to shave."
"I like it. You look rugged and sexy."
He rose one eyebrow at me "you didn't think I looked sexy before?" he asked, his expression turning to one of mock horror, though his eyes shone with amusement. I laughed at his dramatic sigh, revelling in these moments with the light hearted carefree Dimitri I so rarely got to see. He sobered a little, passing me his razor, "you do it." he said, before moving to sit on the lib of the toilet seat, waiting patiently while giving me an expectant look. I moved towards him, feeling a little nervous, but secretly flattered that he trusted me so much. When I finished, without cutting him thank god, I stepped away to admire my work. "What?" I asked, tilting my head to the side and raising my eyebrows at the indecipherable look he was giving me. "I love you." He said simply, a small smile gracing his otherwise serious face. He stood, once again towering over me, and took the razor from my hand, replacing it with his own warm callous hand, and led me to our bedroom. He removed his hand from mine as we reached the bed, Dimitri moving around to the other side, removing his towel and sliding under the covers. I had to admit I was a little disappointed, even though he was doing as I had wanted. I too removed my towel, throwing it in the general direction of the laundry basket before sliding under the covers with Dimitri. As if instinctively, Dimitri wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him, fitting my back flat against his chest, our bodies fitting together perfectly. Although sex was off the table, at least for tonight, skin to skin contact was a relief. I had stopped trying to count the amount of times we had nearly lost each other, in one way or another; instead I tried focussing on the feeling of being with the other half of my soul when we had moments of peace like this. In some ways, these moments made all the struggling and heartache worth it, and guaranteed that we would never take our relationship for granted. I sighed contentedly, snuggling further into Dimitri. He hugged me closer with his arm, while whispering in a dangerously seductive voice "If you want me to honour your wishes, you're going to have to stop wiggling against me like that." At that, I ground back into him a little, only to have Dimitri grab hold of my hip, growling "woman" in a warning tone, making me laugh; which was cut off by a gasp as Dimitri lay smouldering Kisses down my neck. Just as quickly as the passion had started, Dimitri pulled away from my neck, kissing the top of my head, and murmuring "Sleep, Roza" into my hair. I relaxed into him once more, feeling a little sexually frustrated, but exhaustion overtook me other feelings, lulling me into peaceful, welcome darkness.
I know, I know, nothing really juicy happened, but just to let you know, the next chapter with have a lemon quite early on, so stay tuned.
Gina xx
