A.N: Hey guys!

So here the chapter 9, I really hope you will enjoy it. Just so you know, next chapter will have a M part but it will be clearly stated so be ready next Thursday *winkwink*

Now concerning the poll on my fanfic page there is a perfect tie between the Stefan story and the 'other 'VA story'. I will leave the poll for one more week. Vote, vote, vote!

I also wanted to thank my friend Kelly for proofreading this chapter as my beta Jessa had some internet issues this week.

Also I wanted to say how mad I was against the person of copied the story 'My Milaya' written by Maximoose. It was one of the only story I truly enjoyed reading…URGH.

As for the one who are emailing me to ask me if it's a Rose and Dimitri or Rose and Adrian story you know I can't tell you that right? It would spoil part of the plot sorry guys.

Oh another small thing, some of you are literally threatening me if I don't make it a 'Rose & Dimitri' and I'm like: really people? It's only good to piss me off.

Anyways I'm done rambling. Don't forget to review and tell me what you think.

Take care,

Steffy2106

Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Academy it is Richelle Meads' (lucky her) the song is 'More than Anyone' Gavin DeGraw

Chapter 9:

When I woke up to the shrieking sound of the alarm clock I groaned cursing every single living creature on this planet. I was actually glad to be stuck in a plane for the next five hours. I would be able to sleep for a little as I barely slept last night; not even three hours because I spent most of my night looking at the ceiling thinking about everything that was happening around me.

I didn't know if it was because I was leaving Lissa behind when nothing was settled at the Court yet, or because I was scared she would be mad at me for secretly going after a sibling she didn't know anything about. It could also be because I kept fighting with Dimitri or because Adrian didn't sleep with me last night or even maybe the Queen's Letter. Maybe even a mix of all that…I just didn't know anymore.

The Queens' letter that Lissa had given me was not actually written for me. She made a copy of the letter she wrote for Adrian, simply pinning a post-it to it that stated: 'Rose, I don't have much to say to you except that I'm sorry for everything. You need to read the letter I wrote to Adrian, you need to see how much he loves you.'

I already knew how much he loved me, at least I thought I did. I never thought Adrian was a fighter, but he kept fighting for me over and over again. He was a lot braver than I gave him credit for.

My dear nephew,

I'm pretty sure you are very surprised to be my sole heir and I know this will bring you the animosity of the other members of the Ivashkov clan. I'm very sorry about that. You are, sadly, one of the only people who loved me without ulterior motive and I know that whatever you'll do with the money and assets, it will never be to blackmail or force anyone in a choice they wouldn't make for themselves. Be careful though, always keep an eye on the vultures. Not many people can be trusted, and if you really have to have blind faith in someone, do it with the person you gave your heart to.

Rose might be seen as being reckless, I even saw her as a liability, but I know she would rather die than see you get hurt.

I understood only too late the depth of your love and devotion for her. I never thought that, always being an obstacle to your relationship with her, would hurt you so deeply.

I'm not a naïve woman, I knew you were smitten but I really understood how you felt the night of the Death Watch ceremony, the night you brought Rose down causing that polemic.

I won't deny that, at the time, I thought, like everyone else, that you did it in one of your usual rebellious strike. I never thought you were serious.

But afterward you explained to me why you took her with you, that you wanted her to know that she was a part of your world, that she was the only constant you wanted.

Do you remember the question I asked you then? I asked you 'Is she really worth it? Are you sure she is what you want? Are you sure she loves you as much as you love her?'

And your answer, your answer changed everything. You told me: 'Rose is worth so much more, she is the most loyal, caring and loving person I've ever met. She acts tough, but I can see through her pretense. I know she doesn't love me as much as I love her, she never pretended otherwise but I think that, one day, she could. One day, when she'll realize she belongs with me, that nobody could love her as much as I do, she will let all her walls down and let me in, and I'll fight until my last breath to keep that place in her heart. I will not make the irremediable mistake to let her go. Rose is not only the one I want, she is who I need! I never felt more at peace, more whole than when I'm with her. She keeps most of the insanity, darkness and hurt at bay. Just a look into her deep brown eyes and I know I'm home. And it just hurt me that you, one of the person I love the most, keep being a barrier to my happiness. You are making it just so much harder than it ought to be but I won't give up on her…on Us. Not now, not ever. I just can't do that.'

I can still hear you speak these words in my head Adrian, I want you to be happy, I never wanted anything more for you. You are the son I never had. I saw in your eyes that you were happy just thinking about her and I could see Rose was really who you needed in order to be whole, and truth be told, you could have found a lot worse than Rose Hathaway.

I really hope you two find a way to be together, I think the inheritance might help you , not to gain Rose because she is probably the most disinterested person I know, but it will probably help you smooth some of the obstacles standing in your way.

Don't do like me, don't lose your way and fight for what is right, what matters to you. Don't be as clueless as me as far as your heart is concerned, but I think you are already braver than me there, you just need to show Rose she needs you too.

I wish you both happiness and love.

Your aunt,

Tatiana.

I had closed my eyes after reading that letter. I felt so unworthy of Adrian it almost made me sick. He had such faith in me and yet I betrayed him every time I went to Dimitri, every time I was hiding to Adrian the depth of my confusion and hurt.

I decided, in one of the many resolutions I took during my insomnia, that I would be open with Adrian while in Vegas. I would tell him how I exactly felt and if he decided to dump me I couldn't blame him.

When I walked to the tarmac, I was surprised to find Tasha in apparent deep conversation with Liam and I couldn't help but feel suspicious. It was hard for me to trust people, I did have some major trust issues I knew that and I couldn't even believe all the things I told Liam. Sure I didn't tell him about my involvement with Victor break out of jail, but except that, I had told him basically everything.

I sighed walking straight to them. It was true that he risked the thing that counted the most for him to save my sorry ass. Plus, as he told me, except for Abe, I was his only family and it seemed to mean a lot to him. I didn't have much choice anyway, if I wanted to make sure Adrian was safe without looking suspicious, I had to take a guardian with me, and of all the guardians present at the Court, Liam was my safest choice.

"Hey!" I said as I reached them.

Tasha hugged me quickly.

"Wow you look like hell," said Liam with a small smile

"Thanks Guardian Trent, I tried to step down on my looks to match yours."

Tasha chuckled as Liam grinned approvingly.

"So…what are you guys talking about?" I asked trying to sound nonchalant.

Tasha shrugged dismissively. "Nothing much really, I wanted to make sure my guardian would be safe."

I threw a quick suspicious look to Liam before concentrating on Tasha again.

"I'll be good, I'm not doing something dangerous." Stupid and hopeless yes, but dangerous I didn't think so. I looked around frowning. "But where is Adrian?"

Liam and Tasha snorted simultaneously…it was freaky.

"What?"

"He is already in the plane making sure everything is set." Said Liam pointing to the plane.

"He is about to spend some time away with his girlfriend, did you expect any less?" asked Tasha with a wide grin.

I chuckled. "No not really. Adrian is very….very Adrian." I smiled fondly. "Tell Lissa I'll call her once we reach the hotel okay?"

"Sure thing." She reached up and rested her hand on Liam's bicep. "It was nice to meet you guardian Trent."

Liam was looking down at her hand like it was an alien. "Su-sure" he said before clearing his throat.

"Rose!" I heard Adrian shout from the plane. "Come on my little dhampir I can't wait to get away."

I laughed waving to him. "I'll be right over."

"Better go Hathaway."

"Sure thing Trent," I said mimicking his tone.

Tasha smiled throwing a more or less discreet look toward Liam making me smile.

"She likes you I think," I said as we walked toward the plane.

"I saw the suspicious look you threw me Rose. Did you really think I was going to tell anyone about what you told me?"

I knew it was his perfect way to change the subject, but I also knew he was hurt.

"Never doubt a promise I make to you." He added seriously. "My word is all I have."

"I'm sorry," I admitted sheepishly. "It's just that-"

"I know, trust is not in our genes," he said patting my shoulder probably in an attempt to show me it was okay.

"My Rose," said Adrian with a big smile pointing to the seat by him. "I saved you a seat."

I laughed as Liam took my duffle bag to put it in the luggage case. The plane had fifteen seats and their were only three of us.

"Thanks Adrian, I might have had issues otherwise." I said seating beside him.

"Your welcome," He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed me softly. "You know that I always find you stunning my little dhampir but you really look tired," he said trying to sound teasing, but I could hear the real concern in his voice. "Is there something on your mind?"

I shook my head, now was clearly not the time to share my concerns. "No I'm fine, maybe I just missed you by me," I added with a wink.

"I hoped you would say something like that," he beamed. "I know you are humoring me but it's good to hear anyways."

Liam cleared his throat loudly.

"Yes…" Said Adrian with good humor. It seemed like nothing could bother him when we were together. Was it only my presence that made everything alright?

"I- Not that I don't enjoy your lovey-dovey crap- but I will go and sit by the pilot. Beep in case you need anything." He said already taking the direction of the cockpit as the engines started to hum loudly.

"It's just the two of us now my little dhampir," said Adrian with a cheeky smile as soon as Liam closed the door of the cockpit behind him.

"Uh huh, but don't expect to join the Mile High club Ivashkov" I said fastening my seat belt, getting ready for the take off. "I'm way too tired to even pretend." I looked at him suspiciously. "Have you already joined the Mile High club?"

Adrian just rolled his eyes and looked out of the window. That was so not Adrian-like to avoid a conversation and a good sexual bragging.

"So?" I tried.

"Whatever I did before, was before I met you Rose. Can't we just focus on the present and future?"

"Is that a yes or a no?" I insisted.

He sighed heavily "Does it matter?"

I shrugged "No, not really," I admitted, "but I'm curious."

"Would you like me to ask you about your past sexual experiences?"

"There ain't much to say," I blurted out before I could even stop myself.

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Like…"

"Like….If you won't answer I clearly won't either." I looked away trying to muffle a yawn.

Adrian chuckled taking off his seatbelt since now the plane was in the air. "We'll talk about that some other time. You're tired Rose lets take a nap okay?"

Since it was some super private jet we could put the seats totally down making it into a sort of bed, narrow, yes, but comfy.

Adrian took out a small cover under his seat before laying down. "Come on sweetheart," he said opening his arms invitingly.

I joined him down resting my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat had the calming effect of a lullaby, it was nice. He wrapped the soft cover around me, I liked this side of him, this tender protective side.

"Tell me something," I said eyes closed. I liked to ear him talk, feel his chest rumble with his deep voice.

"What do you want me to tell you?" He asked gently caressing my hair.

"Your mom said you studied Art, what exactly?"

"Mostly History of Arts, but I also took music as a minor."

"You play an instrument?" I asked and I could hear myself that my voice was groggy.

"Uh huh, piano mostly."

"Can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course."

"Would you play for me one day?"

He kissed the top of my head before resuming to caress my hair. "There is nothing I wouldn't do for you Rose. Yes I'll play for you." I don't know if he added anything more because I slipped into unconsciousness.

When I woke up, I was alone on the seats and I couldn't help but feel disappointed that Adrian had left his spot by my side.

"So much for wanting to be with me every minute." I grumbled before hearing an angry hiss coming from behind the curtain at the rear of the plane.

I stood up carefully as my curious side had the best of me.

"Really mother do you think I care?" I heard Adrian whisper angrily. "So what if tomorrow is my birthday?"

Fuck! I thought angry with myself for ruining yet another birthday and I was angry at Adrian for not telling me. After mine and Lissa's, Adrian's day was ruined too. Was it a curse our group had to go with?

"Oh right they organized a surprise party," he chuckled humorlessly. "Nobody gave a shit about my 21st birthday but now my 22nd is important? Tell me mother what changed? Oh yes now I'm the richest Ivashkov…I forgot," he said sarcastically and I knew he was hurt.

If I could I would shield him from these horrid vultures that only wanted his money. I would put him out of harms' way and do everything I could to keep the Spirit madness away. Did it mean I loved him? I just couldn't answer that question yet, I was way too terrified to figure that one out.

"Well I had already planned it with Rose sorry…Yes, of course it was planned! Call me a liar while you're at it!"

I closed my eyes. I knew Adrian was no saint, but I hated him lying to help me.

"Yes, Yes it's enough. I told you before mother and I meant it, as long as Rose is with me, it will be a fantastic birthday."

I tiptoed silently back to my seat not really wanting to hear more. I was already super aware I was messing everyone's life I didn't need a reminding.

"Adrian?" I called pretending to just waking up.

"Yes little dhampir, coming right up." He said before coming with a bottle a water. "I thought you might be thirsty."

I smiled, "Thanks. Are we going to land soon?"

Adrian looked at his watch, "about an hour," he said coming to seat beside me again. He took my hand brought it to his lips and kissed the inside of my wrist. "I know it's sort of a business trip, but I'm happy to spent some time alone with you." He added locking eyes with me.

"Me too," I said and I meant it.

A limo was waiting for us by the plane to drive us to the Witching Hour Hotel.

"You guys go relax, I'll check-in," I said gesturing to the valet with our bags. "One room for you and one for Liam and me."

"But I-" Started Adrian apparently not happy.

"Lets make things proper, Officially." I said in pressing the word 'officially' hoping he would understand.

"Ah, yes," he said reaching for his wallet giving me his platinum card. "I did book two rooms on the top floor," he came closer whispering his card number pin code to my ear, it didn't even surprise me that it was my date of birth.

"But it's only suites on the top floor." I remembered

"So?" He shrugged." Take one for you guys and one for me." He grinned "but you need to pay in advance when it's the top floor….Ivashkov or not."

I nodded. "See you in a bit," I said taking the direction of the reception desk.

"Reservation for Adrian Ivashkov."

The young Moroi behind the desk eyes me curiously. I almost asked her is she expected to see a monkey get out of my butt any second, but I kept it shut however I still gave her my best glare.

She cleared her throat. "Two suites on the top floor." She said looking up her computer screen.

I nodded but she was looking behind me.

I quickly turned around. "You are looking for…" I tried concentrating on her again.

"Well I'm sorry, but the hotel policy is that you have to pay before check-in and-"

I gave her Adrian debit card, "yes I know."

"You know the pin code?" She asked apparently surprised.

"Nah I hoped you did," I said sarcastically. I sighed extending the card once more.

"Okay it will be $ 6,800 for the first night."

I punched in the code without wincing, it was not my money.

"Can I have the name of the persons occupying the suites full time except Mr. Ivashkov?"

"How come? You need the guardians name?"

"Yes I'm sorry, but it's-"

"Policy?"

She nodded.

"Of course…Rose Hathaway and Liam Trent."

She looked up surprised, but didn't say anything that was rather smart of her.

I gave a twenty to the valet as he was going to put the bags in the rooms.

I looked toward the bar, but Adrian was nowhere to be found. I groaned, I really didn't want to go in the gambling room.

Where r u? I texted Liam

Reception room 2 he wrote back.

"What the f…" I started looking around.

I walked into a room and found Adrian sitting on a piano bench, his back to me.

"Okayyyyy," I said trailing off looking toward Liam who just shrugged.

"You said you wanted me to play for you." Said Adrian turning on his seat to look at me.

"Oh yes I did," I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with Liam standing by me. "But I didn't mean now."

He shrugged. "Now or later…it doesn't change anything." He turned around starting to play.

"Oh dear Lord," I whispered loud enough for Liam to hear.

You need a friendI'll be around

Don't let this end

Before I see you again

What can I say to convince you

To change your mind of me?

I'm going to love you more than anyone

I'm going to hold you closer than before

And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free

I'll be free for you anytimeI'm going to love you more than anyone

Look in my eyes, what do you see?

Not just the color Look inside of me

I grimaced, even if Adrian had a very nice voice, I didn't like that. I quickly glanced up to Liam who had a small smile on his face.

I'm going to love you more than anyone

I'm going to hold you closer than before

And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free

I'll be free for you anytime

I'm going to love you more than anyone

Free for you, whenever you need

We'll be free together baby

Free together baby

I'm going to love you more than anyone

I'm going to hold you closer than before

I was both mad and terribly embarrassed. I sighed with anger. "You take care of him I need to go for… I just need to go." I shook my head. "You guys go to sleep," I gave him two key cards. "From tomorrow we'll deal with a human schedule," I said hurrying out not even stopping when Adrian shouted my name.

I didn't know what to do anymore, I was just so tired being pushed in one way or another. I didn't need Adrian to remind me every single minute how much he loved me, it hurt me to hear that.

I looked at all the lights outside, people laughing and joking. The young people really had all their life in front of them, they didn't have a whole future chosen for them, they didn't have the life of someone depending on them 24/7, no matter what.

I closed my eyes for a second before starting to roam around the shops trying to find something for Adrian's birthday. He might push me to secure our relationship, but he was a good man and really deserved the best.

Most of the shops were already closed so the only thing I could really do was the hotel gift shop or wait tomorrow.

I took the way back to the hotel.

"Well, well, well Rose I thought I would have to wait for you forever," I heard a voice call me from a dark alley.

I turned around and couldn't believe my eyes as my interlocutor moved in the deem light.

"Victor?" I tried incredulous.

He grinned. "Have you missed me?"