A.N: Hey guys!

So here the chapter you have been waiting for. For the Dimka's Lovers he'll be around in next chapter.

Don't forget to review and tell me what you think. I absolutely ADORE reading you.

Take care

Steffy

Chapter 12:

"Come on Rose you can't just drop a bomb like that and continue walking like nothing happened," snapped Adrian as we reached the room I shared with Liam.

"That was not something I could say in the street," I replied following Liam in the room.

"Well we're not in the street anymore," said Adrian coming to stand in from of me, eagerness written all over his face.

"It was so clear, I had all the elements…How blind can one person be?"

"Damn it Rose, you said that already," Adrian rested his hands on my shoulders and locked eyes with me. "Rose?"

"It's Jill!" I said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Jill is Lissa's sibling."

"Jill?" He asked frowning with confusion. "Jill I-" His eyes widened with understanding. "Jailbait?"

I nodded.

"Jill Jailbait?" Asked Liam confused.

"Mastrano…Jill Mastrano," I told him.

"Oh right of course! Now I totally get it," he said with sarcasm. "Since I know everybody on the planet and all…"

Adrian raised one of his hands keeping the other secured on my shoulder. "Just…Give us a sec. Rose, how did you even think of her?"

"Come on Adrian, her mother is a dancer, Jill has the blond hair, jade eyes of the Dragomir. Plus you know where they live now? No? Detroit and look!" I turned the paper in my hand. "The final destination of the money is Detroit!"

Adrian let go of my shoulder with a weary sigh taking the paper out of my hand. "Not that I want to crush your enthusiasm Rose, but how many single ex-dancer mothers are there in Detroit?"

"Ninety-five percent of the local strippers?" Tried Liam.

Adrian burst into laugher as I glared at Liam.

"That was a very productive comment. Thanks, thanks so much." I snapped.

"Well at least I'm showing interest," he said with a slight shrug.

"You know sometimes I regret the tight ass part of you."

"Awwww Rose…you don't mean that."

I let out a grunt looking at Adrian again. "Okay let me rephrase that, I don't think there is a lot of single Moroi women ex-dancers that live in Detroit."

"Okay I will give you that one," Adrian admitted sitting heavily in a chair and ran his hand in his hair like he did every time he was worried. "And how do we that? We find her and go 'Hmm sorry Mrs. Mastrano did you have Jill with Eric Dragomir?' yes I'm sure she will be receptive."

"Maybe with a smile…" Liam added this time even managing to make me smile.

"No, there is some easier way to-"

"I won't compel her." Said Adrian cutting me off.

"I never asked you to! Did you hear me asking you to do anything? No." I shook my head. "It would just push her to mistrust the Royals even more."

"Would she be wrong?" Asked Adrian. "I mean really Rose we both know the world we live in is full of corruption, lies and betrayal. Do we really wish that on the kid?"

I sighed. It was true that Jill was just a sweet and innocent kid. "It's not like we have much choice Adrian and you know that. We need Lissa on the Council to get things moving, but if you have any other way to get passed the Quorum law I'm all ears."

Adrian stayed silent for a little while. "No," he finally let out reluctantly.

We both turned to Liam. He was older than us, maybe he knew something we didn't.

"What?" Asked Liam looking from me to Adrian.

"What do you think? What should we do?" I asked him.

"Oh your asking me? I'm sorry I didn't know, I was way too busy to listening to Sophie's Choice…Heartbreaking."

"You're an ass." I turned to Adrian. "I was thinking about sending an email to Jill, tell her we will be in Detroit very soon. I'm sure she will invite us over. Maybe we can hint to her mother on the fact that we know the truth."

"Oh yes, I'm sure she will be eager to share her secret with three strangers, a secret she worked so hard to keep." Said Adrian shaking his head like it was the silliest thing he ever heard.

I crossed my arms over my chest, in a defensive position. I always hated having my inconsistencies pointed at me. "Any better ideas Almighty Ivashkov?

Adrian sighed heavily as each time he knew it was pointless to argue. "No, nothing you would approve of."

"Okay! I'll send the email to Jill now and take care of the check-out downstairs. You guys get ready here."

"You want to leave…today?" Asked Adrian apparently taken aback.

"I…" I frowned with confusion. "Is there anything left to do here?"

"Yes plenty!" He said like it was obvious. "Gambling, having a bit of fun." He shrugged dismissively. "We have so many things to do here."

"Are you serious?" I shook my head. "Do you think we have time to lose with that?"

"I think we should enjoy ourselves yes." He replied challenging.

"I only have two weeks to do everything I have to do before leaving with Tasha! You knew," I pointed accusingly. "You knew it was not a leisure trip Adrian. I…" I took a deep breath, I was getting so mad! It was like he didn't understand what was at stake here, or maybe he just didn't care.

"Rose I-"

"You know what, stay here if you want to." I snapped walking the direction of the door, needing fresh air and distance before I said something I would regret.

Adrian caught my wrist. "You know that's not what I meant," he said with a small voice. "I just-"

I turned around to look at him. "Once I'm in New York, you'll be able to have your fun."

I saw hurt cross his face and regretted my words straight away. I didn't mean to let it out like that, but it was too late to take back my words.

Adrian let go of my wrist right away like I burnt him. "I'll go prepare my bag, I'll meet you downstairs in an hour," he added his voice cracking.

"Adrian!" I called just before he got out.

He stopped but didn't turn around. "It's alright Rose. It's…fine," he let out with a sigh before closing the door silently behind him.

I bit my bottom lip looking at the closed door. Why did I keep hurting him? He was so different than I was, I couldn't get mad at him for seeing things differently than I did. I was blaming him for not understanding but I knew he was trying…trying hard and it was bitchy to always pick on him.

I turned toward Liam who was still sitting awkwardly probably trying to disappear in the background.

As soon as I opened my mouth he raised his hand to stop me. "If you are about to talk about anything related to our trip to Detroit I'm all ears, if it is about what I VERY regretfully witnessed please forget I'm here."

I nodded. "What if I need you?"

He stood up and gave me an awkward hug. "That's all I can give you Rose. I'm very bad with feelings and relationships. I wouldn't know what to say…I'm sorry."

I smiled. "That's enough, thanks though."

"You go down, do whatever you have to, I'll get the stuff ready." He said already moving around the room.

I threw the few stuff I had out back in my bag.

"Leave it here I'll bring it down." Said Liam

"Thanks." As soon as I got out of the room my cell rang and the ID said Lissa. I winced but I couldn't ignore her call, it would worry her way too much.

"Hey Liss!" I said trying to sound as cheery as I could.

"Hey Rose, how are things going in Vegas?" She asked cheery too, but I could feel a small edge in her voice.

"Great...Why?"

"I know you well but…" She stopped and I could imagine her chewing on her bottom lip

"What is it Liss?"

"Well you know, there are rumors that….just making sure…"

"Come on, spill it."

"You're not there to marry Adrian are you?"

I almost chocked on that. "What?" I squeaked. "No! Of course not!"

She sighed with clear relief. "Yes I didn't think so."

"Told you she was not that crazy," I heard Christian shout behind her.

"Tell Emo boy to can it!" I sighed too, "but did you really think I would do something that radical?"

"Sorry," she mumbled with clear embarrassment. "It's just–just."

"I can't even believe you actually asked that question Liss. But no, Adrian and I are not getting married, not today nor tomorrow." And the way things are going these days I'm not even sure we'll still be together when we come back I added to myself. It was like having sex with him breached our relationship instead of making it stronger.

Lissa laughed but I could hear it was forced. Could she read through my pretenses or were things even more tense than I thought they were. "Yes it was very silly of me to consider that."

"Well to your defense it's not like Rose has never done anything radical and stupid before." Said Christian, very close to the phone clearly wanting me to hear his snide comment.

"Bite me Fire boy!" I said before wincing knowing I gave him material for a practical joke. Sometimes living in this world sucked. It was the only place where the 'bite me' and the 'you suck' could be taken literally.

"You wish Rose, I know you dream of my fangs," I heard him followed by a 'ouch' and a whiny 'it's not fair she started it!' which made me chuckle.

"Shhh, just go sit on the sofa for a minute." Said Lissa with such a motherly tone that I could almost picture Christian's 'what the fuck' face.

"You really are a mother to him," I said trying to sound as serious as I could.

"Don't start Rose, not if you don't want me to go motherly with you too."

I simply grinned, what could I say I really welcomed the distraction and it was possible that, in the end, Lissa wouldn't even want to talk to me anymore.

"Lets just drop it okay? So how are things back at the Court?"

"Things are…tense," she said and the way she said that led me to think it was an understatement. "Some days are easier than others." She added evasively, but I knew she was talking about Dimitri. "Well Rose, I have to go…The little boy is getting restless. But don't be a stranger okay? Oh and say 'hi' to Adrian and Liam will you?"

"Of course and I'll give you a call tomorrow. Bye, take care and …"

"And?"

"Well as much as I hate to admit it; try to follow Dimitri's advice if he ever gives you any. He is…was reasonable and he is concerned by your safety." Only your safety and God knows I hate him for it. I added to myself.

Lissa stayed silent a second too long, just enough to make me realize she was hiding something from me. "Sure Rose, no problem," she said as smugly as she could, but I decided to go visit her thoughts once we were on our plane to Detroit.

We said our goodbye just as I reached the lobby computer. I sent a quick general email to Jill telling her that Adrian and I would be over tonight as we are touring the US and that he wanted to go visit Belle Isle. I had no idea of what it was exactly, but I heard it was one of Detroit's most popular tourist attractions.

After emailing Jill, I hurried to the reception to check-out.

"Oh Guardian Hathaway there is something for you," said the receptionist as soon I gave her my name.

"Okay…" I trailed off confused when she handed me a long narrow flat box about six inches with a small white envelope. I couldn't help being irritated imagining it was Adrian trying to pull the jewelry stunt on me again. I really cared for him, but I couldn't help being aggravated by this part of him that thought that pricey gifts were always making everything better. It was probably like that in his world but it was certainly not like that in mine.

However when I saw my name sprawled in very elegant script I knew it wasn't Adrian, it was a writing I learned to recognize. It was Victor Dashkov's.

I retreated to a discreet corner, to read the note since I knew better by now. Walls didn't only have ears, they had eyes too.

Dearest Rose,

Your words yesterday broke my heart. The fact that you think Guardian Belikov doesn't love you anymore is a crime against nature.

I couldn't help but snort loudly to that getting some curious glances from some gamblers passing by. Me? Breaking his heart? Who was he kidding? He didn't care about me and even less about my relationship with Dimitri. I shook my head but continued reading.

I'm not sure if you believed his words, but I surely don't so here is a present. It's a charmed bracelet that I infused with earth magic. It's a bit like the lust charm I infused the necklace with… Sorry about that (but I'm pretty sure neither of you truly regretted that).

I didn't but right now I was pretty sure that Dimitri did.

Anyways, if you decide to wear the bracelet, know that it won't have any effect on you. However, it will affect the person touching you by letting go of his inhibitions, his pretenses. If, like I think, he is still in love with you; he wouldn't be able to stop himself from sharing his true feelings for you.

Of course, you are totally free not to use it and I wouldn't be hurt if you simply discarded it. You are in a relationship already after all.

I just want you to be happy,

Your friend

V.

My friend? My ass! I thought bitterly looking shrewdly at the letter in front of me. I knew he had an ulterior motive. Victor was many things but altruist was not one of them. I knew he expected something to happen, something bad. I sighed opening the box. The charm bracelet was silver, really refined and pretty tasteful. I knew I should discard it right now, not even thinking about it but I just couldn't help myself and slid the box in my leather boot and folded the letter in the back pocket of my jeans.

"Rose?" I jumped swirling around to see Adrian coming from behind me.

"I-Hey." I smiled reaching for his hand.

He pecked my lips softly; apparently he was not hurt anymore.

"Where were you?" I asked peeking behind him curiously. There was only a bar and jewelry shop there and I could smell from his breath that he didn't drink so I figured he went to give the ring back. I didn't want to marry him, or anyone else for that matter, but I couldn't help this little, tiny winy part of me to feel disappointed to see him bring back the ring. Stupid Rose!

"I just had a couple of things to do," he said shrugging dismissively keeping my hand secured in his. "Did you check out?"

I nodded. "Yes, did you organize the plane?"

"Yes we could be good to go in about 2 hours and I also reserved the hotel rooms in Detroit. Am I not productive?" He asked with real pride.

"Of course you are," I replied squeezing his hand. "I never thought otherwise."

"Liar!" He said jokingly pulling me into a hug and kissing the top of my head.

"Well maybe I did before, but not anymore and that's the truth." I wiggled out of his embrace. I had never been very hot for PDA. "So where did you book?"

"MGM Grand Detroit."

"I never heard of it," I said as we started to walk to meet with Liam that was waiting in front of the reception with our two bags.

"Oh Rose, your ignorance of this kind of things makes me love you even more."

No its okay…no more love I thought but simply smiled. Well I would have been lying if I said that I didn't like the idea of him loving me unconditionally because, as tough as I wanted to act, seeing myself through his eyes helped me deal with a lot of rough things. However some guilt sustained the part of me that kept shouting that I didn't love him as much as he deserved to be loved and without knowing if I could ever love him as much as he wanted me to, as much as he deserved to be. He kept saying it was alright, that we had time, that it was the way he wanted us to be but the day would come when he will start to want more? Will he want it to me? And if he did, will I be able to give him more than what we share right now? Unlikely and I'll have to let him go then or he will be the one to stop fighting and I wouldn't blame him. I thought it before and I confirmed it today, I was always bound to lose the men I loved.

"Rose? Are you with us?" Asked Adrian, standing by the open door of a black and sleek car.

"I, yes of course!" I replied wondering how long I zoned out but seeing the worry in Adrian's eyes and the questioning in Liam's I presumed it was more than embarrassing.

"Where were you Rose?" Adrian asked taking the seat beside me at the back as Liam sat in the front, beside the driver.

I sighed, "not really sure."

"You'll keep me posted?" he asked taking my hand and intertwining our fingers.

"I will," I said resting my head on his shoulder, painfully aware of the bracelet in my boot and letter in my back pocket.

"Can I check my email?" I asked Adrian pointing to his laptop as we sat in the jet.

"Of course!" He transferred it from his table to mine. "What's mine is yours Rose, never forget that."

I simply pecked his lips quickly. If it had been any other guy I would have laughed replying something like 'ohhhhh even the bank account? Nice!" but it was not the kind of joke I could make with Adrian because he would certainly go 'sure!' and add me to his bank account the next minute.

I smiled as soon as I opened my email box.

"What do you know…" I said cheerily.

"What is it?" Asked Liam sitting across from us.

"We're invited for Dinner tomorrow night at Jill's house. Tomorrow we'll know."

"Yes," said Adrian with a small smile.

"Yep," confirmed Liam before closing his eyes and letting his head fall on the headrest.

I also closed my eyes to enter Lissa's mind and find out the source of her discomfort.