I don't have any words of wisdom to share today, I'm afraid. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter because the next one might not be that much fun.

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy, just this story line.

Chapter 17

RPOV

It was terrifying. I really didn't need Dimitri showing up like that, out of nowhere. I had to admit I expected it on some level but I had hoped he wouldn't as much as that pained me.

The confrontation with Adrian, the broken me, the tears and then Dimitri protecting me, comforting me, making a promise he might not be able to keep – it had all been too much in a very short time. I was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of contradicting emotions.

After I fixed my make up, we left the building. One tail, courtesy of Adrian and family was still in the car park and my control snapped, again. I walked back into the building, Dimitri following me without a word but raising an eyebrow in question. The main area receptionist and one of member of the security team were huddled together, no doubt gossiping about the eventful day they'd had, and my bad mood spiked to a whole new level.

"Turner, I don't pay you to chat all day. Get off your ass and go check the black SUV and its occupants. They've been there all day. I want to know as much as possible about them but don't let them leave the premises. Keep them busy." I snapped. "Alicia, call the police. That car has been following me around for days." My sharp tone seem to get them moving faster than anticipated and although I despised my waspish demeanour, I kind of felt like they deserved it too. I made to leave the building but Dimitri's warm hand on my elbow pulled me to a stop.

"Rose, where do you think you are going? Stop for a minute and breathe! You need to calm down, milaya." If it were anyone else telling me what to do, I would have no doubt given them a lashing; Dimitri, however, had always been able to calm me down. Sensing there would be no argument, Dimitri turned me towards him completely and started rubbing from my shoulders down to my fingertips and then back up, repeating the process again. I concentrated on the feeling of his touch and paced my breathing with his until I could feel some of the tension leaving my body. Dimitri's fingers gently brushed my cheek, "Rose, you don't think clearly when you are so worked up. Talk to me, milaya. What are you thinking?"

"We need to lose those clowns, comrade. I was doing a very good job making them follow me to the most boring places and wait around before you showed up but I don't want them following us around. What I am about to tell you has to be for your ears only."

"So you are using the cops as a diversion?" Dimitri laughed, the sound sending little shocks of warmth somewhere deep inside me, waking up something long dormant, making me smile in response. "Amazing," I thought, "I am happy after everything that I've been through today and in the last thirteen years and he's only been around for a day. How is that even possible?"

"They are hardly going to arrest them but they'll keep them busy long enough for us to lose them." I pulled out my mobile and pressed 3 on my speed dial. He picked up on the second ring. "Eddie, I need a favour. Get Sydney and meet me in the small waiting area down at reception... Yes, five minutes ago." I grinned and disconnected.

"More diversions?" Dimitri laughed again. "Oh, that's just like old times. You haven't lost your touch." There was a mixture of mischief and appreciation in his voice. A piece of the iceberg inside me broke off and I could have swornthe internal temperature of my soul rose well above freezing.

The lift doors opened, interrupting my musings, and Eddie and Sydney joined us. I threw my car keys at Eddie. "We are swapping cars around, Castile. It's your lucky day, you're getting mine. You are leaving when the cops turn up and our friends over there aren't looking to see who is getting in it. Park it at the airport and get a cab home after that. Sydney, I need you to move your car to the back of the building. Make sure you tell Turner the boss send you to run an errand and is waiting for you." I wink at them and we all grin. "Ewan, we can go to your hotel so you can check out and pick up your things. Do you have anything to pack?"

"Nothing major, I pretty much leave out of a suitcase when I travel and I was in my room for only a few hours before I came here." He shrugged nonchalantly but the meaning was not lost to me; some things never changed, I guess, no matter how much time had passed.

"I'll pack while you check out if you don't mind. We can't afford to waste any time."

"Do you want me to cancel the other arrangements I made earlier, Rose?" Sydney was all business as usual.

"No, as far as you know, my plans haven't changed. Can you drive Mr Freeman's rental there and arrange for it to be picked up tomorrow? I'll find him another car to drive while he's here."

"Sure thing. Call me if you need anything else. See you at the back when you are ready."

I watched as she walked out of the building and could hear her speaking loudly to Turner while he was bullshitting the private investigators in the car park. Ten minutes after she left a patrol car made a turn in and Turner waved them over.

"Your turn, Castile, don't screw this over!" I slapped Eddie's back.

"I love you too, Rose..." was his only response as he left. Dimitri and I made our way to the back door as fast as possible. Sydney was already there, car doors open and keys at the ready.

"Good luck, you two. Be safe!" She handed me the car keys with one hand and took Dimitri's with the other. "I moved the seat as far back as possible but you might still feel a little cramped up, big guy," she grinned. "I'm not sure they made that model with giants in mind."

"I think I'll live, Sage. Thanks for everything. You are OK when you are not intercepting phone calls at your desk." Dimitri and Sydney grinned at each other and I burst in laughter. "As much as I enjoy watching your friendship bonding, it's time to go. Later, Sydney!"

As soon as Dimitri folded his frame somewhat comfortable in the low car, I stepped on the gas. "I see you still drive recklessly," Dimitri observed. "Do I need to start praying?"

My eyes narrowed but never left the road. "You can talk, Dimitri, seeing as you were the one who taught me how to drive like this." Then in a very immature manner, I simply stuck out my tongue at him. I had only been in his company for a day and I could hardly recognise myself. There was something warm and fuzzy building inside me, expanding in my chest. I looked in the mirror and noticed my lips were curved in a smile. "It's him. It's only Dimitri and being close to him that can do that to me. I'm happy because he's here. What will happen when he leaves in a few days? How will I let him go?" My whole being recoiled from that thought, groaning in protest. He was my air, he was my sun. I had been suffocating in the dark for thirteen years without him. How was I supposed to let him go again?

I shook myself mentally, trying to snap out of my dark thoughts as I checked the mirrors before turning into the hotel's car park. I'd have enough time for a pity party after he had left. At that moment he was here with me and we had a lot of catching up to do, so I'd better get moving.

"Just like old times..." I turned the engine off and pecked his cheek.

"A good luck kiss?" I nodded in agreement. His lips found mine, just as soft and demanding as I remembered. "Here, that's how it is done." My heart was beating as fast as the wings of a butterfly in my chest and I was slightly dazed when I jumped out of the car. "Room 302, I'll meet you by the car as soon as I check out. Good luck, Roza!"