Chapter 22:

DPOV

I got a call later that night when I was on patrol from one of the matrons in guest housing. Apparently there was a complaint coming from Adrian's room. I was asked to check it out. I was eager to do so. Anything I could do to get back at that annoying royal.

I don't know what it was about Adrian that affected my control so much.

Actually scratch that, I did know. Adrian kept checking out Rose like she was a piece of candy to be licked. He had more money than God and he was above any rules. He could do whatever the hell he wanted. But I have dealt with Royals my whole life, I didn't know why this one was any different. He wasn't the first one to check Rose out. Mr Zeklos certainly hadn't gotten under my skin as much and he practically eye-fucks her everytime he gets. Although, he does annoy the hell out of me.

But there was something about Adrian that just rubbed me the wrong way.

So I was looking forward to some good old fashion pulling rank on school grounds. But when I came close to his door and knocked, I already felt that familiar pull I always did when Rose was around. What was she doing here. She was the one who opened the door.

She already had a smile on her face. No doubt she felt me like I had felt her. That moment of joy I always had when seeing Rose quickly morphed into anger. Her smile just grew as she took in my clearly agitated state.

I knew Rose would not cheat on me with Adrian, but why was she here? She opened up the door a little more and I saw that Rose was not the only guest that wasn't supposed to be here. Lissa, Christian, Eddie and Mason were sitting there.

I stepped into the room, well suite. Damn Royals.

They were all sitting on the ground with drinks in front of them. That had better be soda. I knew Adrian had a lot of alcohol, apparently 'helping' him with the side effects of Spirit. But if he was distributing that to minors he would be in trouble. I secretly wanted him to have given them alcohol, so I had legitimate reason to hall if to Kirova's office and have him forcibly removed from the school.

I almost laughed at the hypocrisy in my own reasoning. I was doing a lot worse to a minor than just providing her with alcohol. It was Rose that got me out of my train of thought.

"Don't be a party pooper, we were just having a little fun. Innocent pg-13 rated fun."

"Rose, I had a complaint from the matron. All of you need to go back to your dorms, it is past curfew."

I saw Rose look disappointed. It had been a while since she had any teenage fun. Since she was fifteen all she had done was protect Lissa and deal with the darkness, now that she was somewhat stable and back with her friends, did I really want to break that up? But there was already a complaint from the matron. They didn't know who was up here, and I needed it to stay that way.

"Oh, Belikov, don't be such a tattletale. If it makes you feel better you can stay and supervise?"

Adrian. God, he got on my nerves. He gave me a grin. I knew if I called it in he wouldn't be the one in trouble, it would be the rest of them, and Rose couldn't use any more marks against her. I also knew if I made them leave now, they probably would be back later. He knew this too. So I had no choice but to stay and 'supervise' as he so called it.

I lifted my hand to stop everyone from talking while I signaled over the walky talky that it was all clear and just Adrian playing his music to load and I stepped inside.

I stood against the door, with my feet crossed at the ankles and my arms folded across my chest. At least I could enjoy the sight of Rose with a smile on her face.

RPOV

We had been at Adrian's for an hour now. We were playing some games when Dimitri was at the door. If it had been any other guardian but Dimitri we would have been screwed. Also I didn't miss the angry and jealous look in his eyes when I opened the door to Adrian's apartment. Of course I had known it was Dimitri at the door. I could always tell when he was near. So I decided to play the jealous boyfriend card to get him to stay in the room and let us play some more. Ideally he would join us, but I would pick my battles carefully. Unfortunately Dimitri was still sulking against the wall. I knew Adrian pissed him off with his blatant flirting in my direction. I had seen the same in Mason. I could use that to my advantage though.

"That had better be non-alcoholic drinks in those cups." He said from the wall a little too harshly.

"Theirs are, mine is not. Although it would be a lot more fun if they were. We could be playing some interesting games. I'll have you know I am amazing at never-have-I-ever. I almost always have to drink and still come out as the most sober at the end of the game. I guess I just have that much stamina."

He said the first part to Dimitri, but the last part to me, lifting his eyebrows suggestively. Although I doubt Adrian could match Dimitri in that form of stamina. The two were completely different. With Dimtiri's Guardian training, he could go all night long...

Dimitri's grunt got me out of my day-dream. Obviously Dimitri didn't believe Adrian either. Oh this pissing contest between the boys is fun.

"You are a non- believer Belikov? Maybe you should prove me wrong then."

Oh dear God. Adrian was challenging Dimitri to see who could drink more. I hated to admit it, but this was probably the only thing Adrian could beat Dimitri at. And Adrian knew this too if his smirk was any indication. But Dimitri wasn't backing down. If it was anybody else but Adrian he wouldn't have even bothered, but it was Adrian. Somehow Adrian rubbed Dimitri the wrong way and I saw Dimitri agreeing and sitting down in the circle defiantly. I looked down at my watch. Dimitri still had ten minutes left on his shift. So technically he was drinking on the job, even if he wouldn't be able to get drunk in ten minutes. It was still very un-Dimitri like. I think we should have a conversation later about his deal with Adrian.

Adrian grinned and walked to the liquor cabinet and pulled out all of his bottles. He had a lot of them.

"Well choose your poison, Belikov."

I saw Dimitri scan the bottles until I saw his eyes lit up. He pulled a bottle from the back and placed it in between the two men. I couldn't read was on the label. It was in Russian in those weird cyrilic letter they use. I assumed it was Russian Vodka. I could see a small smile creep at his lips. Maybe I had underestimated Dimitri.

Adrian poured himself and Dimitri a shot. He downed his own and I could see him flinch. Russian vodka was strong. Dimitri did the same, not showing any sign of discomfort. But I could not tell if that was just his guardian mask, not allowing him to show weakness in Adrian's presence or if the Vodka really didn't bother him. If it was the latter I think Adrian might actually be in big trouble and Dimitri and I will have another conversation.

The rest of the gang looked at the two men in awe. Only Lissa seemed to understand what was going on here. She kept eyeing me with a big smile on her face. She told me through the bond that she thought it was romantic. Two men fighting over me. I smiled back at her. I half expected Mason to join in as well. Although I prefer them actually fighting over me. Then it would be no contest as to who would win. But as the two men kept drinking their vodka I had to admit Dimitri was holding his own. After both men had 5 shots they paused.

"Well, just drinking is boring. Let's play 'never have I ever' Belikov. It would be in your advantage. There aren't many things or people I haven't done."

The last bit got another grunt from Dimitri. But Dimitri wasn't fazed.

"Oh that sounds like a good idea, but we come up with the questions, because otherwise we don't have anything to do." I said, Also I could steer questions away from the topic of Dimitri and I, no doubt Adrian would have a field day with that.

"Fine" Both men said in unison, not leaving each other's gaze. Men, why don't they just pull their dicks out and measure who has the bigger member and be done with it. Although Dimitri would win that too. I giggled mentally. Although truth be told, I had no idea what Adrian looked like down there.

I turned around and faced the others. We would take turns asking a question. I went first.

"Never have I ever… hotwired a car." This was perfect. I would be able to see how much of a goody two shoes Dimitri was. I guess I had nothing to worry about. Adrian would be drinking a lot more anyway. I would be surprised if Dimitri even got drunk.

Well that plan went out the window when I saw Dimitri take a shot but Adrian's hands remained on his legs.

"Comrade, You can hotwire a car?" I asked, a little impressed.

He looked at me and just shrugged. Maybe it was part of standard guardian training. You know, being able to escape any situation. But somehow I doubted that. Lissa went next.

"Never have I ever… worn women's clothing." I heard both men grunt at that one. Both taking a shot.

We all looked at them for an explanation.

"Crazy party." Was Adrian's reply. He had a weird look on his face as if reminiscing about that particular event.

Then we turned to Dimitri. Five sets of eyes were on him. "I have sisters and I was five. That is all I will say about it." Dimitri said. Oh I jumped at that one.

"What were you wearing? What were you playing? Are there pictures?" The last one got me a bit of an angry look from Dimitri. I guess I would have to ask his mother sometimes.

Christian decided to move on and asked his question.

"Never have I ever… fantasized about Rose in the shower." Oh Damn, he did not just do that.

Adrian grinned widely at Dimitri and proudly drank his shot. Dimitri gave him a death glare that surprisingly didn't terrify Adrian. He was braver than I gave him credit for. But then Dimitri sighed heavily but took his shot as well.

I was blushing. Christian was snickering behind his hand. Mason looked murderous and Eddie just smiled. But that meant nothing. I knew I was in the fantasies of a lot of boys here on campus. And it made me feel a lot better, that Dimitri would think of me like that in the shower. Damn Rose, now I was thinking of Dimitri naked in the shower, while doing stuff while thinking of me and it made me warm all over.

Eddie went next.

"Never have I ever… been to a stripbar."

Well, we all knew Adrian would take a shot. But I saw Dimitri take one as well.

I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him a bit agrily. If I wanted to hide my relationship with Dimitri, this wasn't helping..

"Well comrade, care to explain."

I didn't think Dimitri was that kind of man. I mean, he didn't need to be. Women were throwing themselves at him left and right.

"I was guarding Ivan."

I guess that made sense. If Ivan went in he would have to have followed. I doubt he had very much trouble with it. I mean if women wanted to please men for money, who am I to judge. And why shouldn't the men look?

After that the questions were a little less embarrassing. I did learn a lot about Dimitri. He wasn't such a goody two shows as I thought. He and Adrian were pretty close.

It was Christians turn again. I hoped this time he would let the whole Rose thing go. But when he turned to me and smiled I knew we were in trouble, big trouble.

"Never have I ever… had sex with Rose." Christians eyes never left mine. God he knew about us and wanted us to admit it. Or maybe he thought something was going on between me and Adrian. But I doubted it.

Lissa punched him in the arm and silently apologized for Christian through the bond.

But now all eyes were on the men. Adrian kept his hands still. I had half a thought he would take the shot regardless and start a whole lot of rumors. But I guess he wants to live. Dimitri would have killed him for it.

I saw Dimitri look at me as if asking what to do. The whole point of the game was to tell the truth. Not taking the shot would mean forfeiting to Adrian. Something that wasn't in his nature. Because Adrian knew we had been together. But outing us because of a stupid game was also not ideal. I trusted the people here, but it would be hard for Mason to hear. But I signaled to Dimitri that it was okay. He shouldn't lose to Adrian because of stupid Christian.

Dimitri closed his eyes, let out a deep breath and slowly moved his hands towards the shot. He hesitated for a moment but eventually took the shot glass and chugged it down.

I heard gasps coming from Mason and Eddie, a grin from Adrian.

"I knew it!" Christian practically shouted.

I gave him my best death glare but he was too victorious to care. But when Dimitri turned around towards Christian he did back down a little.

I faced Mason trying to see his reaction. He kept glancing from Dimitri to me and back. He finally landed his eyes on mine and I could see the pain clear in them. It hadn't been that long ago that he had confessed his love for me and I should have been honest with him that there was someone else. My seven year old mentor someone else. But I hadn't. I had been a chicken and now Mason was paying the price.

Mason got up and stormed out. I was trying to follow him but Eddie stopped me. His look was a little bit more gentle. He might not have known about Dimitri and I but he could understand why I had been reluctant to tell Mason, or anyone for that matter. But I had also hurt his friend even if I didn't mean to.

"Don't, just give him some time. I'll follow him to make sure he keeps his mouth shut." Eddie departed with a small thank you from me.

I walked over to Christian and punched him hard. He winched.

"What the hell Christian!"

"I knew something was going on between you two. I knew there had to be a reason he refused my aunt. And if you really look, it is quite obvious. I mean he is the only person you listen to."

I looked panicked at Dimitri. If Christian had figured it out, we really weren't being careful. And the more people knew the more danger we were in. But I must admit, it would be nice not having to lie to my friends.

"That is all deliciously revealing and all but I have a Russian to humiliate. Let's forgo the game element and just take shots and see who lasts longer."

They did just that and after another hour of shots Adrian finally passed out. While Dimitri was good and drunk he was standing, well sitting, still quite okay. I looked at him shocked, pleading for an explanation.

"What? I am a six foot seven Russian. The little prick never stood a chance." I laughed at that.

And with Adrian passed out and half of our party gone we have to go back to our dorms. But when Dimitri stood up, he did sway a lot and had to support himself on the desk chair. I came over there to try and help him. He leaned into me and smelled my hair.

"Pretty Rose, you smell so good. Like flowers and rain."

That made Christian giggle. If he hadn't outed us before, Dimitri's close proximity and the way he held me and my hair would have been a definite give away.

So Dimitri was drunk. Not tipsy, not intoxicated, but undeniably wasted. He looked a little green too. Dimitri had certainly overdone it. I guess I wasn't the only one would could lose control.

"I guess I'll have to escort him back to his room. If someone sees him like that he could be in big trouble."

They nodded. They placed Adrian on his bed with a bucket besides his bed and made sure his face was facing sideways, in case he vomited.

I walked out of guest housing with a very drunk big Russian clinging to me.

"Pretty Lily, you so pretty, no wait that's not right. Ivy, no Jasmine? You look like a Jasmine, all middle eastern and exotic. Wait no" He thought about it for a moment and it seemed to actually strain his brain to think that deep. The site was comical if you aren't counting the two hundred and fifty pounds of dead weight I was carrying. "An herb not a flower. Ha, you are an herb!"

I groaned. He wouldn't hear the end of this for a very long time. But I had to laugh a little too.

I got him to his room unseen. I knew his schedule and many of the other guardians. We had a need to avoid them, although mostly the reason we had to avoid them was a lot more pleasurable than me dragging a drunk-ass Dimitri back to his room . I placed him on his bed and took off his boots, shirt and pants. I left his boxers on unfortunately. I placed the covers over him but he grabbed my hands.

"Stay Rose." Oh, so he did remember my name. And at that moment he looked quite sober again. I knew what he was asking. He was too far gone to have sex but he wanted me to sleep here tonight. We had had sex a multiple of times now. But we always had to leave right after. I never got to actually sleep with him. Something I longed for. Tomorrow it would be Sunday so I didn't have class and I knew he didn't have a shift. No one would be looking for us.

I took my clothes off except my panties and looked through Dimitris' drawers to find a shirt to wear to bed.

I climbed in next to him and he was hot from all the alcohol he consumed. But he pulled me towards him. His head in my hair and I could hear him snoring only moments after. I chuckled a little but soon found my sleep on top of his chest as well.