A.N: Hey Guys!!!
SO here is Chapter 13 and as you can see I did well o my promise as I'm posting this chapter 2 days earlier ( usually it's on Thursday =D)
Anyways the song that Adrian "wrote" it's actually a song called Beautiful by Trading yesterday.
You'll find out more about Chris later in the story don't worry about it.
Well I also posted the link to the necklace Adrian bought to Rose for her birthday on my profile (just above the playl ist for this story) you totally should check it out I find it so so pretty ( since I choose it *wink wink*)
Ok now that it! Please don't forget to review!!! The more review I get the faster I'll update.
P.S Thanks to my spider monkey for beta'ing' this story and for all her witty comments that makes me laugh.
Megan, I hope you'll get your dose of Adrian in this chapter.
Take care
You all rock!!
Xoxo
Chapter 13:
"Ok ready to go?" Asked Christian throwing me my jacket.
"Yep…" I said with a little smile. "And where are we going?"
"I just want to show you something," he said putting on his own jacket and taking his keys from the desk.
"Oh I see! We're going to my top secret birthday party that I don't know anything about right?" I asked with a smirk.
"You suck!" Said Christian escorting me to the door.
"No, I don't but you do!" I said mimicking fangs to my neck with my fingers.
"Ahahah. Very funny Hathaway!" He said trying to sound serious but I could see the laugher in his eyes. "But…your boyfriend too…" He said mimicking the fangs.
"Ok, let's drop it," I said rolling my eyes.
"Yeah, I think that's for the best." He said chuckling. "Act surprised ok? Lissa really worked her ass off on it." He said fondly. He always had a special tone and a special light in his eyes when he talked about Lissa and it was just the same for her.
These two are really made for each other, I thought affectionately.
"Of course I'll act surprised!" I said slightly offended that he could even think otherwise. "I think it's super sweet of you guys to do that. I love you guys so much." I added before realizing it.
Christian shot me a sidelong glance as we entered the guest building where there were some small 'meeting' rooms. "Well…we love you too." he said uncomfortably.
Awww Christian and expressing his feeling…such a pain…just like me. I thought shaking my head. That's probably why we grew so close. We were exactly the same.
As soon as we opened the door I heard the group shout 'surprise' and I didn't have to fake my surprise when I saw the person standing at the far left…my mother!
She sent me an e-mail telling me she would not be able to make it for my birthday, as her charge had a business meeting. It hurt me for I thought we grew a bit closer after the whole Spokane incident but I only heard about her twice in the last 9 weeks so…I thought I made a mistake, but apparently she did make it and I was so happy.
Lissa ran and jumped into my arms. "Happy birthday!!" She said kissing my cheek loudly.
I chuckled. "Thank you girl. This is… this is great!" I said honestly.
There were food and drinks, balloons and everything. It was very cute, very tasteful…very Lissa.
Not a lot of people were there but of course they were the people that really meant the world to me. The only persons that mattered in my world…Lissa, Christian, Eddie, my mother, Dimitri and Adrian of course, I heard that Chris would make it later, which made Christian groan but he was of security duty for now.
They all gave me a hug and Adrian made me blush when he whispered to my ear 'I'd love to do a lot more.'
It was a pretty nice ambiance.
"I'm happy you could make it." I said to my mother genuinely happy.
She smiled tentatively. "Sometimes you have to reassess your priorities," she said evasively.
I nodded pleased that for the first time in my life I came before her duty.
I felt an arm tightening around my shoulders. "So now you're a woman … An adult" said Eddie teasing.
"Yeah well…you want to be the first ass I kick as an 'adult'?" I asked teasingly.
"Ok… So I won't give you your present." He said pouting pretending to get hurt.
"OOH present!! No it's ok…" I said with a grin.
He laughed. "Follow me then"! He said taking my hand walking me to Christian who was holding a little golden package.
"So, we both chipped in as we both thought it was the perfect gift." Said Christian with a smile handing me the box.
I opened it and squealed.
"Told you she would react like that," said Christian to Eddie.
They both chuckled.
"An iPod touch!! Really?? Oh my…guys!! You rock!! I love it!!" I said hugging them tightly.
"And we did put some songs on it already! Mostly your favorite…" Said Eddie proudly.
"Aww thank you. It's so sweet." I said to Eddie and then I narrowed my eyes and looked at Christian. " 'Mostly' huh?"
He shrugged. "What did you expect?" Said Christian with a grin. "I'm your smartass friend… I had to add some of my witty self in the machine."
"Uh huh…" I said looking at the box. "Well, I hope you didn't put the songs of YOUR all time favorite." I pretended to be smug. "You know the one you make me listen every night? What's the name already…Miley Cyrus? I don't like it."
Christian's mouth popped open as Eddie burst into laugher.
"Oh, you found your master baby Jedi!" I said with a wink.
"My turn!!" Said Lissa jumping up and down excitedly. "Here!" She said giving me a little rectangular velvety box with a red bow on it.
I was speechless. It was a very tasteful golden charm bracelet with a little angel with crystal wings charm on it.
"You're always keeping an eye on me, protecting me, keeping me safe." Said Lissa emotionally. "You're like my guardian angel." She kissed my cheek took the bracelet off the box to lock it around my wrist. "So you know…I wanted you to have that so you'll never forget what you mean to me and that I pray for you."
"Awww Lissa…" I said hugging her tight. "I love you so much," I said in her ear.
"I love you too Rose." She said breaking our hug. "Ok Happy!!!" She said quickly drying her tears.
"You're an angel that's for sure," whispered Adrian behind me.
I turned around with a smile, he was smiling too.
"I thought I was a little devil." I said with a hush tone.
"Only when it's fun," he said with a wink.
I shook my head and laughed.
"I'm sorry," he said sheepishly "I didn't get you anything for your birthday. I…I didn't know what to get you."
"Oh, don't sweat it! That's just fine!" I said sincerely. I was not the one to care about present or anything like that. Plus he was so wealthy that I wanted his present even less than I wanted the one from the others. I wanted to show him that the 'man' was enough.
"I really didn't expect anything and…I'm just happy with what you give me." I said leaning in to make sure no one could hear. And by no one I meant my mother and Dimitri as I knew we'd be in trouble.
"I still want to give you something special… What would you like? …Anything!" He said putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Well, I do have an idea I would really like if you---" I started
"Excuse me Lord Ivashkov… Rose could I have a word with you please? I have my plane in less than an hour," said my mother a bit stiffly from beside me. I didn't even see her walk to us.
"Oh… OK…" I said a bit confused. "Yeah… I'll see you later Adrian." I said quickly glancing at him.
He nodded warily keeping his eyes on my mother as she had her eyes locked on me.
As soon as we made it outside, at the back of the building just near the woods (It was a very quiet place to talk. I knew that for a fact as Adrian and I sometime sneaked out there to have some 'us' time .)
"This has to stop Rose," said my mom crossing her arms on her chest.
I looked at her completely lost. "Ok…umm what are you talking about?" I asked warily.
"You and Adrian Ivashkov." She said pursing her lips showing her reprobation.
I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Not that again!" I said with exasperation. "I mean come on mother! He put his hand on my shoulder he didn't-"
She hushed me with a gesture of the hand. "Don't insult me! Don't lie!" She said really furious now, "or explain to me what you did with him in the cabin last Sunday huh? You are not that discreet!" She added so harshly that I thought she was about to spit.
"I… How on earth did you…" I was getting dizzy. I hadn't been paranoid last week someone did see us. "You know rumors…"
She had a humorless laugh. "I warned you! At the lodge I told you to stay away from him, but no!!" She shook her head. "You are so smart! You had to go and sleep with him! If you think he even cares!" She said spiteful.
I snorted but it hurt me as it did hit home I needed to defend him how stupid that it was. "You don't know who he is… There is much more to him than these stupid stories."
"I know all about Adrian Ivashkov and believe me it's not pretty." She said narrowing her eyes. "The guy is a shame! A phony! A lying manipulator! He will abuse you… make you his blood whore and once he'll be done with you he'll throw you away!!" She added so sure of herself.
"Maybe I want to be Adrian Ivashkov's whore!" I snapped back. "You have no right to say anything. It's not like you really cared about my education did you?" I finally realized why she was here. "I get it! You didn't even come for my birthday!" I was so miffed by that. "You just came to tell me about me and Adrian!"
"Well, it's not like a birthday is priority!" Said my mom coldly but I could feel a very light embarrassment.
"Oh yeah, but my love life is?" I asked, even if it was the confirmation she was waiting for. "I'm 18 and I do whatever I please and Adrian is what I please!!"
"When you put dirt on our name and your reputation, yeah it is my business!" She said standing even straighter she made me feel so insignificant. "Nothing good can come out of this story! NOTHING!! He'll hurt you and make fun of you... You were just a challenge. He'll get bored soon enough! And don't wait for me to feel sorry for you, to console you-"
"Like you ever did!" I said with a grunt but my eyes were getting wet. Damn it Rose! Don't cry!
"You know little girl, it's not because you're 18 that-"
"Rose?" Called Adrian showing himself. "The guys are waiting for you." He seemed as haughty as he usually was, but I could see in his eyes that he was beyond infuriated.
My mom took a deep breath to look calm… Ahhh the appearances… Always saving the appearances!! Screw that!!
She looked at Adrian. "Just one more minute, Lord Ivashkov," said my mother very politely. "If you could excuse us."
I expected Adrian to nod sadly and look at me with an 'it will be ok' look, but nope.
"No, I don't excuse you Guardian Hathaway." He said stiffly.
"What?!" Both my mother and I asked.
"You're the one who is excused Guardian." He said standing straight. "I won't tolerate this kind of talk when I'm around and especially behind my back."
He walked up to her "and if you have anything to say I'd rather you talk to me directly." He added so calmly, and if she made me feel insignificant, I could see that he was doing his best to make her feel insignificant. "You do not know me and you clearly don't know Rose!" He said pointing at me.
I could see my mother nostril flaring, but she had a lot of self-control… she wouldn't hit him… would she?
"Now you can threaten to tell about us to anyone you want, I really couldn't care less. What I care about is you upsetting Rose and that's…" he took a small step forward crossing his arms on his chest. "That's unforgivable."
"Like I want the world to know that my daughter is soiling herself with you," she hissed.
He sniggered. "Yeah…right." He shook his head and walked to me. "You may go now Guardian… You're excused."
And of course following the protocol when excused by a member of the royal family my mom nodded. "We're not done Rose," she said looking at me before going.
"I think you are!" Added Adrian even colder standing beside me.
After she walked back into the building Adrian hugged me for a while, stroking my hair to soothe me.
"Are you okay my Rose?" He asked kissing the top of my head.
"Yeah… I am." I lied. "How much did you hear?" I asked a bit embarrassed of what had been said.
"I think I've heard everything." He said hugging me tighter. "Both Lissa and me got worried so we followed you when she heard the beginning she got back inside, but I stayed. I'm sorry I intervened, but I couldn't keep seeing you getting hurt without doing anything… It's not who I am. I want to protect you… I don't want you to be sad if I can prevent it."
I got out of his arms to look into his eyes cupping his cheek in my hand. "I know that and I thank you for that."
"And she was wrong you know… Everything she said was just lie," he said very softly leaning down to kiss me. "I really care about you…A lot."
"She wasn't wrong on everything you know," I said thinking on how she said that this affair was doomed.
"What was she right about?" He asked really worrying now.
I shook my head. "You know what that's a discussion for another day. Today it's a happy day… It's my birthday… You are not a criminal anymore," I added with a wink.
"Sweeeeet," he said grinning kissing me a bit harder than before.
"I need to tell Lissa I'll be back later," I said ready to walk in the building but he stopped me by taking my hand.
"It's not necessary. I told you she knew you would need soothing. She is not expecting you now I promise." He said kissing my hand.
"Why didn't she stay to do that?" I asked curiously. "Not that I'm complaining that you stayed but…"
"I don't know if you noticed, but your mom is pretty scary." He said with a chuckle. "I think she just chickened out."
"Yeah, but you didn't," I said in a awe. "You were so brave!" I circled his waist with my arms. "I mean you're one of the only who's not terrified by the big bad Janine Hathaway." I said with a smile.
"Honestly I was terrified but… I needed to save the princess from the dragon no?" he whispered to my ear.
I laughed. He was really had the way to make me feel better. "Thank you," I said tenderly.
"Anytime my Rose… But you know the woman didn't like me much before…" He grimaced "I think it's even worse now."
"Well as long as the girl likes you…" I said with a wink.
"Yeah…" He said slightly displeased.
I frowned about to asked him what was the problem, but he spoke first.
"Anyways you were about to tell me about the present you really wanted before we got so rudely interrupted," he said quickly pecking my lips.
"Oh yeah!" I said happy for the change of subject. "Follow me," I added mysteriously.
As we walked to the teaching building, I couldn't help to think about what my mother said. How on earth did she find out about the cabin? Nobody knew about that… Well obviously someone did and I needed to find who.
I sighed under the questioning and concerned look of Adrian.
I smiled tentatively and walked into the music room.
"Okay…" he said confused looking around. "I certainly didn't expect that!" He said chuckling. "What can I do for you my Rose?"
"Well, you told me once that you loved to play piano and guitar and that you even write songs sometimes." I sat down and smiled "I really want to hear you play for me… A song you wrote." I added sincerely.
"Oh…" I swear I saw him blush slightly. "Okay…" he nodded. "Okay."
He took the acoustic guitar sat in front of me and smiled. "Okay, this is a song I wrote a long time ago alright? Just know that…no pressure…" He added evasively.
"Yeah…that's fine." I said sniggering and wondering why he was so nervous plus I didn't see why he did specify it was an old song.
He looked at me for a little while longer ready to play. He was like assessing something I just didn't know what.
I started to have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach like each time he was trying to read into my soul. "Come on lover boy play for me." I said trying to lighten the mood.
He laughed his guttural laugh and nodded. "Here we go…" He said taking a deep breath.
When he started I got completely lost in his eyes as he kept them locked with mine. It was… magical.
And time stands still beneath the air of waiting hours
To touch, just to feel a love that seems to overpower me
She's all I'll ever need
And you know her love just hypnotizes me
'Til All I see is beautiful
At night I dream that you were sent to me from heaven
My life, it seems so lonely here without your presence
You could change my everyday
And I could never think of love without your name
As you remain ---
I looked at him mouth wide open I understood now why he said the song has been written a long time ago and honestly deep down… I didn't believe it.
Beautiful--- like the summer rain to wash away the winter stain
Beautiful--- like the morning sun inviting the dawn to break
Beautiful--- like the joy that comes when the love you've longed for has just begun
Beautiful--- making everything brand new
Beautiful you
Did he… Was it for me? I thought so stunned. A part of me secretly wished it was and I wanted to slap that part.
And all this time you're changing me to something better
A love so high that everyday that we're together
I will leave the world below
Until your heart become the only thing I know
All I know is---
Beautiful--- like the summer rain to wash away the winter stain
Beautiful--- like the morning sun inviting the dawn to break
Beautiful--- like the joy that comes when the love you've longed for has just begun
Beautiful--- making everything brand new
Beautiful you
When he was done he set the guitar aside and looked at me, but I was speechless. Who was I kidding? Of course I wanted that song to be written for me. I wanted that so bad!
"Was it that bad?" He asked trying to joke but I could see the really wonder in his eyes.
I gulped. "I…When did you write this song Adrian?" I asked honestly clasping my hands together.
He looked at me for a second and shook his head. "You don't want to know that." He affirmed nicely.
"I think I do." I said with a smile.
"Well… It was about…" he pretended to think for a while, but I knew he was scared of crazy Rose. "I wrote it about…last Sunday night." He said looking down.
He did write it for me. After we made love! That was the most beautiful present for sure. Damn! I was getting all weepy and emotional! Be Rose damn it!!
I stood up and went to sit on his lap. He was pleasantly surprised and wrapped his arms around me.
I kissed him tenderly. "Thank you," I whispered against his lips. "You couldn't get me a more beautiful present."
"You are very welcome." He said kissing my forehead. "But… I think I can beat that," he said with a chuckle.
"Oh I doubt that," I said resting my forehead against his.
He gently helped me down and stood up. "Well, let's say goodnight to the others and go back to my room."
I laughed. "Oh right… Well ok. I do love the idea but still…"
"We'll see…" he said taking my hand while rushing to the guest building.
"So eager to get me into your bed?" I said jogging beside him.
"You have no idea!" He said laughing but I knew there was much more to that… for the first time I started to believe that Adrian did want me for me…All of me.
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I woke up the next day the first thing I saw were his emerald eyes looking at my face.
"Hello beautiful," he said leaning down to kiss me.
"Ummm hellooo," I said pushing him slowly back on the bed to snuggle against his chest. I didn't want to think about anything right now I just wanted to live the moment. Just him and me…nothing else.
I felt so safe here with him. We were both naked, in each other arms and I didn't feel embarrassed. It didn't feel wrong or bad, as my mom was trying to make it sound. It was nothing like that. It was honest. Truthful.
I kissed his chest. "Ok it was amazing, but…sorry it can't top the song." I said teasingly.
Adrian chortled and kissed the top of my head. "Wow, how can you hurt my ego? It topped the Universe to me."
"Aren't you charming." I said still hugging him tight.
"Why yes I am, but it's just for you… I need to show you something," he said loosing up his embrace. I let go reluctantly.
"I'll be right back," he said getting out of the bed, quickly putting a pair of pajamas bottom. "Did you really think I didn't get you anything? For your birthday?" He asked walking into the living room.
"Well, yeah…" I said looking around and spotting his button up shirt on the floor where we discarded it last night.
I took it and put it on. It was long, like a summer dress, and it smelt just like him, I thought closing my eyes as I smelt the collar.
I joined him in the living room. "But I don't need any presents you know…" I said sincerely seeing him looking for something in the corridor closet.
"I know you don't," he said walking back to me with a little black shopping back. "You're so not interesting about my money or name. It's shocking."
"Well, give yourself some credit Adrian… You, as a person, are worth much more than all that," I said looking to my toes as I was giving some of my feelings away and that was still hard… Geez I had more issues than a magazine!
"Happy birthday my Rose!" He said handling me a very luxury square box.
"Adrian really… It's not necessary I loved the song! It's more than I could have asked for." I said keeping the box in between my hands not able to open it.
He put his hand on top of mine. "Please Rose…Open it."
I nodded and opened the box. "Holly shit Adrian are you insane?" I said with wide eyes looking at the necklace. "I… No I can't accept that!" I said shaking my head vigorously.
"Why?" He asked sincerely sadden by my reaction "Don't you like it?"
"Of course I do!" I said reassuring him. "It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen but…but it's too much, it's not me! I can't… No! I enjoy being with you… I don't want your money or crazy presents like that!" I said feeling really uncomfortable I mean if those were diamonds (and I was pretty sure they were) well it was at least $50 000 if not more. Geez! I could buy a house!!
"It's for the Ball Rose… I really want you to wear it." He said opening the lid again "and just so you know it is not that expensive." He said reassuringly. "It's not diamonds but crystals. Pretty well done right?" He asked kissing my forehead.
"Crystal?" I asked skeptically.
"Yeah," he said kissing the top of my head again.
"It's still expensive I bet," I said with a slight pout.
"Not that much for an Ivashkov," he said grinning. "Please Rose… Just please."
I looked at him and smiled. "Yeah of course!" I said closing the lid putting the necklace on the table before jumping into his arms wrapping my legs around his waist. "I'll wear it, with pride, at the ball."
"Will you go there with me?" He asked expectantly.
I kissed him hard on the mouth as I didn't want to answer the question. "I need to be gone in an hour lover boy so, you've got a choice. We talk or you show me your…endurance."
He chuckled. "Well, I presume we can talk later," he said walking us back to the room.
That was a close one I thought as he crashed his lips on mine.