HELLO, HELLO EVERYONE…THANKS FOR THE GREAT REVIEWS..YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST EVER. JUST A HEADS UP…WITHIN THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS, I WILL BE
GOING IN A DIRECTION THAT MAKE SOME OF YOU MAD OR SAY 'OH! COME ON' JUST PLEASE TRUST IN ME….IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE THIS WAY…IT'S IMPORTANT
TO THE STORY… AS ALWAYS..I DON'T OWN DIMITRI, ADRIAN, CHRISTIAN, ETC. BUT, DO YOU THINK RICHELLE MEAD WOULD LET ME BORROW THEM? ;-) I WANTED
TO SLOW DOWN THE DRAMA A BIT..SO THIS IS A NICE, EASY CHAPTER..ENJOY!! PLEASE REVIEW.
CHAPTER 17
ROSE'S POV
I woke this next morning with Adrian's arm around my waist and his hand resting on my belly. I don't think his hands have moved from my stomach since last night. We were both amazed at what
the baby accomplished several hours ago. He kicked me and it hurt, like hell. I wasn't prepared for that one. What can I expect, with this kids genetic make-up. Lord have mercy, with this baby having
both mine and Dimitri's traits; My charming wit, our combined tempers; God that there is enough to scare me to death, and not too mention the killer good looks; yep, this kid is going to be gorgeous.
I had to laugh at myself for the way I get lost in thoughts of the baby. I just can't wait to meet him and hold him as soon as he is born. I felt Adrian stirring beside me as if he sensed I was already
awake, always looking out for me. I loved the idea of him protecting me, but let's face it; he couldn't do much, considering I'd be the one kicking ass if we were ever threatened.
I rolled over to face him as he gently brushed my hair out of my face. " Good morning beautiful." He smiled at me. I knew he was so happy I had forgiven him, I was too.
"Morning, Lord Ivashkov." I laughed because I knew he hated it when he was referred to by his given title.
He gave me a sly, sexy smirk. "Don't make fun. You will be Lady Rosemarie Ivashkov someday." He chuckled at the thought of my response.
I straight-out snorted. "Oh yeah! That will go over well, Lady Rose. I can see Queen Bitch clutching her chest and dying right on the spot." It gave me an idea and I gazed at Adrian with a mischievous
grin. "Maybe we should get married today." He burst out laughing at me. "You're pure evil, Little Dhampir." I stuck my tongue out at him.
Trying to put on my most offended face. "Please, Don't pretend that you weren't thinking the same thing." I accused him, knowing I was right.
"Whether you're right or not, I will never admit it. I am in that old bitches will and believe me, I am not messing that up." He chuckled, trying to make it seem like he was only half joking.
I lightly smacked his arm. "Who's evil now?" He really had no argument. "Adrian? What time is it?" I ask while jumping out of bed. " You're going to be late for work."
Adrian grabbed my hand pulling me back into bed, as I landed on top of him. "I am not going to work today. I have a better plan in mind."
I ran my fingers through his hair and gazed into those gorgeous eyes. "What kind of plan?"
"Well, I was hoping we could stay in bed and make love all day." He gave me a slow smile, hoping I would agree with him. I was really liking the sound of his plan, but I was starving and food came before
sex. At least it does when you're pregnant. " As much as I love the sound of your plan, I am starving. Maybe you could take me to lunch and then we could follow your plan later tonight." I pressed my lips to his,
making him groan. "AHHHH! Rosemarie, You win! Go get dressed and I will call Caitlin and let her know I am not coming in today." I turned and glared at Adrian. "Rose, you have nothing to be jealous of."
"Humph, Like I'm jealous. I am NOT jealous." Adrian pulled me close and kissed my cheek. " Well, Okay.! You don't have anything to worry about. You stole my heart the first day I saw you and no one
could ever change that. You know, maybe Tatiana is trying to get you to doubt me; by having Caitlin work with me. Don't let her win. I will always be faithful to you. Damn, just look at you." Waggling his
eyebrows at me.
"Yeah, look at me….I am fat!" I pouted. "Beautiful." he clarified, ignoring my previous statement. "Go get ready!" He said while smacking my butt.
ADRIAN'S POV
What a great day! Finally, we can start getting life back on track. You have no idea how relieved I am that Rose forgave me. I wasn't sure it was going to go that way. But, I have to hand it to her, She will not take
shit from anyone. That point was made perfectly clear last night. It may not appear manly to admit this, but at one point last night, I was scared as hell to even try to interrupt her. My lady is not afraid to put me
in my rightful place. I love that she is a strong woman and I wouldn't have her any other way.
While she was getting dressed; I picked up the phone and dialed my office. "Caitlin? This is Adrian, I will not be in today. Clear everything on my schedule and I will be in tomorrow."
She breathed into the phone, trying to sound seductive. "Why are you taking the day off? I'll miss seeing you. Are you feeling okay, Adrian?"
"Yes, I am feeling fine. I will be spending the day with Rose. Why?" I ask her, like it was any of her damn business.
"Rose? I thought she would be mad that you didn't go to the Dr's appointment yesterday?" She paused between her words; suddenly realizing that she had said something wrong. "I'll clear your schedule." She said; quickly
hanging up the phone. What the hell! How did Caitlin know about the appointment? That Little Bitch! She did it…That Bitch did it! I'll fucking kill her. No….I'll keep my friends close, but my ENEMIES closer. I'll let that
bitch hang herself. She will regret the day that she messed in my relationship with Rose. She better pray that Rose doesn't find out and grabs a hold of her neck. If she does, I definitely want front row seats.
Right on cue, Rose came out of our bedroom, dressed and ready to go. It was surreal to see her pregnant. I mean Rose, the girl with the body all the guys would kill to touch and if they tried; she had the ability to knock
them on their asses. I never really gave it much thought, but this is a really big change for her. As much as I hated to admit it; Christian was right, Rose has been through a lot and I had the perfect idea for the both of us.
I took her hand into mine and smiled at her. "Ready to go eat?" She rolled her eyes in true Rose style. "What the kind of stupid question is that?" She nudged her shoulder into my arm.
"Yeah, I guess it was a stupid question. I have yet to see you turn down food." She opened her mouth with mock devastation, pointing to herself. "Me? Yeah, you're right. So, shut up and feed me." I lead the way.
ROSE'S POV
While we walked the streets around Court; I couldn't help but be amazed, the beautiful lanterns hanging outside the shops, large urns filled with colorful flowers, maroon colored awnings over each store entrance. And
the most obvious; the stares, as Adrian Ivashkov proudly held hands with his pregnant, Dhampir fiance. I tried to not let it get to me, but it was hard not too! "Adrian, everyone is staring at us."
He looked down at me. "Really? Huh! They most be admiring your beauty." I snorted. " You're such an ass." laughing at him. "Rose, Let them look. I don't care what these people think. All I care about is this." He
raised our joined hands. "You and me, The three of us. The hell with the rest of them." Shrugging his shoulders; signifying his indifference to the Moroi's denunciation of us.
We took our seats and ordered our lunch, while continuing our conversation. "You know this baby will be treated differently, cruel even." Worry evident in my voice. Adrian reached across the table, taking my hand.
"It won't happen. I WON'T let it." Making me a promise I knew he can't keep. Sensing my doubt, he squeezed my hand. "Rose? Remember when I told you about Tatiana's future plans?" I nodded my head.
"Well, She wants me to be her predecessor. I am quite sure people will be terrified to torment the King and Queen's son. Look how much I get away with, and I am only a great nephew." He chuckled from embarrassment.
"Wait! I vaguely remember that from the other night. You are sure she wants that? I am not Queen material.. really Adrian.. think about it!" I looked at him with disbelief. "Oh I see! And I am the poster child for a King…NOT!"
He straight-out laughed at me. "Don't laugh, I am serious." I smacked his hand. "I am serious, Rose. I'll probably have a dozen of assassination attempts in the first week alone." He laughed again, taking nothing seriously.
I said with complete and utter seriousness. "I would NEVER let someone hurt you…I'd kill them first. Pregnant or not." He smiled a genuine smile in my direction. "I am so glad you're on my side." Leaning across the table,
kissing my lips. There were audible gasps from the Moroi seated around us. "What the hell is wrong with you people? Never seen a Moroi and Dhampir in love, kissing? Well, in our case; get used to it." Adrian said
loud enough for all to hear, while taking my hand. "Come on! Let's go take a walk by the lake." I turned to him in shock. "I can't believe you just said that to a restaurant full of Moroi." His eyes widened. "Why? It's about time
someone puts those self-righteous assholes in their place." I sighed. "Adrian, you are definitely a man after my own heart." He smirked at me. "You have no idea, Little Dhampir." We walked the rest of the way in a
comfortable silence.
We finally reached the lake, and we took a seat on one of the benches. Adrian took a breath and let it out. "What's on your mind…Adrian?" I ask knowing damn well he was up to something. "I was thinking." I smiled at him.
"Well, see right there is scary thought." He gave me a sideward glance and continued. "I was thinking; maybe we need to get away for a while." Surprised, I ask. "Where did you have in mind?" He had given some thought
to the my question. "Well…I was leaning towards the idea of taking you to meet my family. My mother and sisters are dying to meet you. The famous Rose Hathaway. The only woman able to tie this stud down." He laughed
at himself. "You really do suffer from low self-esteem; you know that, right?" I ask in my sarcastic tone, mocking him. "Yeah! well… you do have to admit; I am pretty sexy." Shaking my head while speaking. "Okay, I'll give
you that one. I noticed that you said your mother and sister are wanting to meet me, what about your dad? Is there something I should know before I agree to this trip?" If his dad was anything like Tatiana; I knew I was in
trouble. He looked upwards, choosing the correct words before he spoke. " My dad is an ass! He would never disrespect you. He's different…old school….He'll come around. You don't need to worry about him. He'll play
nice, I promise." I didn't know the real reason why he would be nice to me, but Adrian did….ABE. "Okay, I'll go. They have to meet me sooner or later. Let's get it over with." I said rolling my eyes. He wrapped his arm around
my shoulders. "Let's go home." Kissing my cheek.
We made it home and I was wanting a shower.. I got undressed and let the warm water relax my muscles, as my thoughts instantly went to meeting Adrian's family. I didn't know anything about them. I knew he had sisters, but
I didn't know much beyond that. I was nervous about them liking me; I knew it was going to be difficult to win them over. If they didn't like me, then it's their problem. Realizing there is not much I can do about it. I need to take
lessons from Adrian and stop giving a shit about what people thought. I got out of the shower and put on the pink, baby-doll nightie I bought while we were out today.
I stepped into our bedroom, taking in the sight of Adrian. He was relaxing on the bed with his back against the headboard; For a Moroi, he was a sight to see bare chested; with a strong, defined chest and stomach. He was
wearing loose fitting, plaid pajama bottoms. He gazed over my body while taking in the sight. "WOW! You look amazing." He said raising from the bed and pulling me close. "You know you promised me something earlier today."
I looked in to his eyes. "Oh yeah, What was that?" I breathed.
He kissed my eyelids, each cheek, the tip of my nose, and then finally finding my lips. "Don't you remember?" He whispered against my lips.
I smiled and teased him. "Why don't you jog my memory.."
"My pleasure." As he explored my mouth with his.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER..PLEASE REVIEW AND MAKE ME HAPPY…HAPPINESS LEADS TO FASTER UPDATES….: D
TERRI
