Disclaimer: I do not own VA and thank Richelle Mead for writing such an awesome series.

I know...I know...another late update…but can you blame me with Easter, two little kiddies and having to deal with hubby's bday?

Week 5 of the competition is wrapping up…time to wow the judges.

Week 6 = Food truck challenge…so…

LITTLE HELP

What do you think would be appropriate food for food trucks (up to 3 choices per cuisine) for the following cuisine types?

Turkish
Russian
Italian
Thai
Indian
Japanese
French

Answer via review or PM me… :P

Gracias (Spanish – thank you)

PS. I know you have all been patiently waiting for some proper interaction between Rose and Dimitri and it will happen!

And please note the AN at the end of the chapter!
_

Two rival restaurants and chefs – what happens when love joins the menu?

Restaurant Wars

CHAPTER 16

Rose POV

"Oh God…Dimitri…don't stop…"

A soft moan left my gasping lips as I felt large, warm hands caress me reverently. My eyes kept rolling into the back of my head as my body experienced foreign sensations and I felt molten desire flood my core.

I needed to look at him…I needed to take in his body… his face…his lips

But every time he came into my vision another wave of pleasure caused my eyes to slam shut as I shuddered and writhed below him.

I felt something long and hard rubbing against my hot thighs and I wanted to move it closer to my straining core. I suddenly understood the plight of a thirsty wanderer who comes across a mirage and every time he reaches for it, it alludes him!

"Make love to me Dimitri…please…I want you…I need you….I….I….love…"

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

My eyes snapped open from the offending sound and reality crashed around me. My room came into focus and I realised that I was alone and what I had just seen (so vividly) was all a dream!

Tears pricked my eyes and it didn't take much for a small sob to leave my lips. I curled into myself while my mind continued its torture, making me yearn for Dimitri's arms while whispering all the sweet possibilities that could have been if he was in fact lying here in bed with me.

The sexual frustration had been building over the weeks and culminated into something dangerous the night of the best dessert challenge.

It was Sonya teyze's birthday and we had closed the restaurant early that night for a close friends and family party. Everything had already been set-up by the time baba and I had reached the restaurant. With the front doors closed we had left the back door open for the guests to enter. As people trickled in, the festivities commenced.

Food was distributed amongst everyone as traditional Turkish music thumped through the stereo system. I don't know what came over me – maybe it was the dimmed lightening…maybe it was the swarm of bodies on the dance floor that reminded me of the night at the club – but suddenly the music took over my body. I had already changed for the party (opting for a simple knee length dress) and could feel the gentle breeze from the air conditioning caress my slightly sweaty thighs like gentle fingers. Eyes closed, I soon forgot that I was swaying in my family's restaurant. Instead my mind recreated the night I met Dimitri and I imagined I was dancing with him again on the dance floor. I remembered how he had held me, how his body had moulded to my own, how his hands had explored my curves and how those gorgeous lips had worshipped my neck.

A part of me knew this was highly inappropriate – I was surrounded by family and friends and yet I couldn't stop my mind from reliving that night, which in turn made me sway and touch myself in a sensual manner causing me to be just as turned on as I had been that night.

Thankfully anne came and shook me awake before I became too aroused.

"Are you still doing your little dance for you aunt sweetie?"

It took me a while to register anne's words and then I recalled a promise I made to Sonya teyze a few months ago where I had said that I would do a small performance at her birthday party. Well I guess a promise is a promise, so I nodded and headed to one of the back offices to change into some belly dancing gear we normally kept on site.

There had been a brief period in my early teenage years when I took up belly dancing, thinking it was a good way to learn about my Turkish heritage and get some good core exercise. When I had asked my parents I thought anne would have minded I hadn't wanted to learn traditional Scottish dancing, but she didn't seem to care either way. My baba, on the other hand, was over the moon his little girl wanted to learn something from her paternal heritage. When I became busy with the restaurant and culinary school I stopped attending the classes, but by then I had learned everything there was to know. So even though it had been years since I had 'performed' in front of people, I still knew my stuff as I practiced whenever I got the chance at home.

As I came out wearing an Arabian princess costume with a tinkling belt, I noticed the music had stopped and nearly all of the lights had been turned off. I felt Eddie's hand on my arm, as he led me to the spot from which I was to start my performance. Giving me a quick kiss and wishing me good luck, he disappeared into the darkness as I got into position and I tried my hardest to calm my thundering heart.

A spotlight fell on me and a new piece of music started, one that I had danced to numerous times. It didn't take me long to get swept into the rhythm and I forgot I had an audience. I don't know why I did it, but my eyes kept wandering to the Belikov's restaurant and it was in one of those moments that I discovered the audience before me weren't the only people watching my dance. A flash of light from a passing vehicle had briefly illuminated the large windows at the main entrance and a familiar silhouette was briefly outlined before being engulfed by the darkness. My nerves tingled with excitement at the realisation that Dimitri was standing across the street, watching my performance and it didn't take long for my mind to throw me into another world.

My moves became more seductive and daring – I was no longer dancing at a family birthday party, no, I was dancing for the man I was falling in love with (or maybe even was already in love with). Even though I couldn't see him I could imagine his heated gaze. I stared in his direction convinced our eyes were locked. Every sway of my hips, wave of my belly, twirl of my arms – it was for him. I felt uncharacteristically sexy, as I tempted and seduced my mate to come and claim me. I was getting very hot and it had nothing to do with the dancing!

Thankfully the music ended and the boisterous applauding snapped me out of my self-induced spell. Realising what I had done, my face turned beet-red. Giving a short bow of appreciation I quickly made my way to the restroom, hoping to calm my excited heart. Locking myself in, I inhaled a few deep breaths and took in my frazzled reflection. I didn't recognise the woman who stared back at me – she looked wanton with need with flushed cheeks, a heaving chest and dishevelled hair – in other words, a complete mess!

"What is happening to me?" I whispered to my reflection.

I knew one thing though – I had enough and it was high time I did something about these feelings. Standing tall, I decided there and then the next time I saw Dimitri I would confess my feelings. I just prayed Dimitri felt the same way, otherwise… well, I didn't even want to think what it would mean if he didn't.

WEEK 5 CHALLENGE – END OF WEEK FILMING

For the first time since the competition had commenced I was nervous – like really nervous.

And it had nothing to do with the competition!

Today was the day I was going to tell Dimitri how I felt about him (or at least get a read on his emotions).

You might freak him out if you corner him and confess your love to him…

My inner voice warned. And even though I hated listening to that little voice, in this instance it made sense. This was a delicate situation and considering we had barely had a 'civil' conversation since the night we spent together, dropping any kind of heavy emotion could be disastrous. Unfortunately, this wasn't the only problem I had to contend with – there was also the issue of trying to have this sensitive conversation without our fathers finding out AND I also had to deal with a little weasel by the name of Jesse!

I have no one to blame but myself ...no, actually a part of the blame would be on Dimitri. If it wasn't for his shameless flirting with that Avery bitch, I wouldn't have become so insanely jealous and latched on the next available male who showed me any interest – which happened to be Jesse, Adrian's grade manger. I was so busy trying to quell my jealously and if possible, make Dimitri jealous as well (since I had noticed him glaring our way), that I hadn't noticed Jesse was taking my light-hearted flirting the wrong way. When he boldly caressed my cheek after tucking some hair strands behind my ear, I finally listened to the warning bells that had been ringing in my head. But by then the damage was done. He was smitten and clearly wanted more but before he could say or do anything baba was thankfully on his way back so I was able to pull away without causing a scene. But the parting promise of wishing to spend more time with me and the creepy wink told me I had to now keep an eye on Jesse.

As we were busy setting up, I scanned for the Belikovs, my mind going a mile a minute trying to figure out when and where I could have some time to talk to Dimitri without being overheard by someone. I could see their workstation wasn't empty (so the father/son duo were here) but no amount of subtle searching resulted in me finding them. Instead, I found Adrian and his helper for the week, Avery. Remembering the alternating set-up Adrian had for his helpers, a part of me was happy that Jesse wasn't here, but my heart sank at the thought I would have to endure Avery all over Dimitri again.

Trying to reign in my emotions (so I wouldn't do something stupid again) I shifted my focus unto setting up our workstation. I was so absorbed in the task that I hadn't noticed Avery making her way to our area until she stood right next to me.

"Hi, I didn't get a chance to introduce myself last time I was here, my name is Avery".

I turned around to see her standing there, hand extended with a friendly smile. She annoyingly looked sexy in her casual attire of tight black jeans and a clingy t-shirt. Schooling my face to look semi-friendly, I took the offered hand and gave a short shake.

"Rose".

We stared at each other awkwardly, both unsure how to proceed. As I took in her slim model-like figure, I felt the green-eyed monster stirring within me again and before I could stop myself, I asked her the question that had been burning in my mind since that day I saw her and Dimitri together.

"So… hmm, are you and Dimitri…like going out or something?"

Avery gasped in surprise before laughing heartily.

"Why would you ever think I was going out with Dimitri? I only met him for the first time the first week I came to help Adrian out…"

I felt stupid for letting my jealousy ask such a foolish question. Looking away in embarrassment, my eyes scanned the room again for Dimitri and I sighed in frustration when I still couldn't locate him. I felt like I was going to burst from the feelings that were brewing under the surface and I didn't know what I would do if couldn't speak to Dimitri today!

A gentle throat clearing brought my attention back to my companion. Avery watched me with an amused look, and I had to work hard to stop my cheeks from colouring in shame.

"Hmm…I guess I just assumed… when I saw you two that day… you two seemed really friendly… so I thought you were going out or something…"

I coughed and looked away, really annoyed and embarrassed for putting myself in such an awkward situation. I sensed her move closer before I saw it with my eyes, and my breath caught in my throat as I registered just how close Avery was standing next to me. With a sly smile, she leant in and while gently tucking a strand behind my ear, she whispered.

"I bat for the other team Rose… I was just being friendly with Dimitri… There is someone who has caught my eye in this competition… but it's definitely not him…"

My mouth fell open and only got wider when the subtle hint behind her words filtered through my mind. And just like Jesse, she winked but with an added stroke of her hand down my arm before she pulled away and sauntered back to her workstation.

"What the hell?" I whispered, as I narrowed my eyes her way.

I'd like to think I was good at reading people and I was certain what she was doing with Dimitri was definitely flirting, and yet here she was, telling me she likes girls and if I understood her insinuations, it was me she was interested in. As my mind processed it all, the hair at the back of my neck tingled in familiar manner and I turned just as Dimitri walked out of one of the Green rooms.

God, he looks good…

I swooned internally, since baba had returned to the workstation. Dimitri's eyes briefly met mine and I saw some intense emotions in those beautiful chocolate brown eyes – they were probably the same ones I was feeling myself. He took a step towards our station but caught sight of baba pottering around me, just as I saw Victor coming out of the other Green room and nudging Dimitri to make their way to their workspace. Our eyes met one more time and with great reluctance Dimitri followed his father. Sighing in frustration I sat back at the workstation, suddenly wanting today's filming to go by really quickly.

But time rarely flies when you are desperate for it…

After sitting through the painful process of introduction and one-on-one interviews (to see how everyone was progressing and feeling about the competition), Galina finally revealed the Mystery Ingredient, which we had already been advised the day before.

"Ok everyone – time for the big reveal. As you know, this week's challenge is the Mystery Ingredient. So without further ado, here is the ingredient which you will need to showcase in your dishes today…"

Galina had been standing in front of a covered table and with a dramatic flourish she removed the cover to reveal eggs – in different shapes, sizes and colours. And I was certain they weren't all chicken either.

"EGGS!"

She shouted in excitement – just in case we hadn't figured out what was before us.

Everyone 'ohhed' and 'ahhed' appropriately – some of us really getting into the 'acting' side of things. I kept my face impassive, but my eyes did flick towards Dimitri and even though he too was holding a neutral face, his eyes subtly rolled at the theatrics around us. I couldn't help but feel my lips twitch at our secret conversation, amused both by the reactions around me and Dimitri's take on the matter.

After another round of one-on-ones, where Galina asked the chefs what they were thinking about making, the final line-up for the day was revealed on the big screen.

Turkish – Menemen

Italian – Creamy Italian baked eggs

Japanese – Tamagoyaki

French – Cheese soufflé

Russian – Reuben egg roll

Indian – Kolhapuri egg curry

Thai – Baked Thai chicken egg rolls

Having gotten so far in the competition, everyone felt the pressure to make it to the next challenge, so it didn't take long for the chefs to get into the cooking.

My normally scattered brain was able to focus today, and I pushed back the feelings and the desperate need to talk with Dimitri to the back of my mind, as I helped baba with the dish.

Once again, Dimitri and I both showcased the dishes for our teams to the judges, though when Dimitri walked out, I noticed his jaw was locked in a tense manner. I then remembered the Thai chefs had made a form of egg rolls as well and I wouldn't be surprised if one of the judges had commented on the 'similarity' of the dishes.

Even though it wouldn't be conducive to us winning, a part of my prayed that the Belikovs wouldn't be penalised for having a dish similar to the Thai – that if of the two, one had to be sent home, it would be the chefs from the Thai restaurant. I really didn't want Dimitri to leave – at least not yet.

But it seems I was worrying for nothing.

"Unfortunately tonight we say au revoir to the wonderful chefs from Palais de Merveille. You did a great job for making it this far and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours!"

Galina paused briefly while everyone said their farewells to the French chefs before she continued.

"... And then there were 6…You guys are going to loveeeeeee next week's challenge! It will be very different to what has been happening so far… Firstly, there will be no eliminations and secondly, you will be paired into three teams!"

"What the fu..." I barely stopped myself from cursing, feeling baba tense up beside me. The announcement had shocked everyone speechless as some of us stared open-mouthed towards our bubbly host and smirking judges. Galina carried on once they had deemed our shocked silence had gone on long enough to capture 'some drama' perfect for ratings.

"The judges have decided on the pairings and I will announce shortly which restaurants will be working together. But before I do, I wanted to 'show' you what your challenge entails. So everyone, follow me!"

Feeling like lambs being lead to slaughter, we all shuffled out of the studio, the cameras already set-up to capture our reactions both inside and outside. What we saw outside caused everyone to let out audible gasps.

A big, shiny unmarked food truck stood there, gleaming under some spotlights, since the sun had already set.

"TA-DA! Next week's challenge is FOOD TRUCK! Now the set-up will be a bit different as well, since you won't be coming into the studio to cook, but we will let you know the details later. The food trucks will be stationed near Manly beach and you will be given one camcorder per truck to film off-camera/downtime moments… Oh, its goes to be soooooooooo much fun!"

As Galina giggled and squealed, the rest of us watched each other, trying to keep our faces placid but secretly seething. What the hell were they thinking? How is this competing with each other, if suddenly two restaurants are supposed to work together?

My eyes flicked towards Dimitri as his gaze found mine and I could tell we were both wondering if the goddesses of fate had us paired together. I think we both would love that (I know I would) but I could see our fathers blowing a gasket on the matter.

"Ok…Ok…let's put you all out of your misery – I know you want to know who you will be paired with…So…Italian is paired with Indian…Japanese is paired with Thai and the Russians and Turks are going to work together!"

I head the sharp intake of breath from baba and braced myself for the eminent explosion. I could see a vein throbbing in Victor's forehead, as he too tried to keep calm while we were still filming.

I tuned out Galina's wrap-up as my mind tried to comprehend what the hell was happening around me. Feeling light-headed, I really wanted to run to the restroom and splash some cold water on my face. At the end of the coming week I could be spending some quality time with Dimitri! …Though it would be awkward to flirt or do anything while our tense fathers were around.

My internal scheming was paused the moment the production manager yelled "Cut!" as chaos ensued!

"What the hell is going on here?! I demand to speak to Eric or one of the judges – no way will we be working alongside the Mazurs!" Victor all but shouted to whoever was willing to listen. The poor production manager quickly made her way over to calm the situation before it escalated.

I could see baba seething in anger as well, but he was keeping a façade of calm to avoid causing a scene but I would imagine he would be having a severe word with someone too!

While Victor was being placated, Alberta, Hans, Eric and Rhea came over to our little group. Alberta's expression made me think they were expecting this blowout so I wasn't surprised when she took charge and laid down the law.

"Mr. Belikov, I understand you may have issue with this pairing but the decision is final. If you or Mr. Mazur complain too much or refuse to partake in the challenge, we will consider it as you forfeiting the competition and you will be 'eliminated'. This pairing in non-negotiable, so you might as well accept the decision and find a way to work together".

Thankfully, Victor kept quiet, though he was still boiling with anger, while baba gave an exasperated sigh. Satisfied with the small peace, Eric addressed the 6 remaining restaurants...

"Since the trucks are small, we recommend that only 2 chefs work in the truck so you should select the person who will be representing your restaurant for the duration of the challenge. The challenge will be running over three days – so everyone needs to get here first thing Friday morning, around 5am. This is so you can prep the food truck to your liking and we can make sure it's stocked with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. We also encourage you to collaborate together beforehand and come up with a name for the food truck and the menu you will be serving over those three days. We are hoping everything will be done by 11 so you can drive the trucks to Manly by 12pm and set-up for the lunch rush. We will be asking the public to vote for their favourite dishes as well – so in the end it will be a combined score of public votes and judges critique that will determine the winner. You will be expected to stay at a nearby hotel – we have organised 3 studio ocean view rooms at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach and we would like you to stay the Friday and Saturday night, so you are close to your trucks, which will be parked near the hotel. You are welcome to use the personal video recorders to journal your experience etc. And as you may have figured out, you will resume your food truck challenge on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm till the food runs out/you get tired. You will have direct lines to our suppliers in the food trucks so you can replenish your ingredients when you need to – we suggest you let them know with as much advance notice as possible. As I said before, you have the coming week to plan out your dishes and strategy. Even though no one is getting eliminated, you are still competing against each other and the winning team will win a special prize, which will be revealed on Sunday night. If you have any questions about the challenge, please let us know".

Having done his announcement, Eric and his little posse turned and walked away. We all nodded solemnly at their retreating backs and the restaurant pairs broke off to talk to one another. A small shudder went through by body when I noticed Avery smirking my way before she gave me another loaded wink. Seriously, how did I not pick up the 'lesbian' vibe?

I watched carefully as baba and Victor reluctantly shuffled closer, while Dimitri and I followed behind out fathers respectfully.

"So I guess we are stuck working together, huh Victor?"

I knew baba was definitely not happy with this pairing, but seeing Victor squirm and hating this seemed to entertain him somewhat. Victor's death glare would have killed baba in an instant, but the man had taken the moment to compose himself and not be baited.

"Yes, I guess we are Abe. I think it be best if we let our sous-chefs run the show – that way they get first-hand experience on running something on their own and with the added bonus of us not having to work together in a close environment".

Baba bristled at Victor's automatic 'take charge' approach, but I knew he wouldn't object because he would have been thinking the same thing. But unlike Victor, my baba cared about the opinion of his sous-chef/offspring.

"Are you ok with this Rose? You will have to spend the entire time with Dimitri and stay in the same hotel suite…"

Baba's eyes narrowed at the thought, suddenly remembering the sleeping arrangement. Even though I assumed we would have our own beds, ultimately we would be sharing the same room. I could see him about to object with the suggestion and volunteer to take my place to work next to Dimitri.

Oh hell no!

Keeping a straight face, I quickly answered his question – to not only calm his concerns but to prevent him from changing the line-up.

"Yes baba, I'm fine with this set-up. And don't forget, I was raised with 3 boys. I'm sure I can manage 2 nights with Belikov".

Our eyes met briefly, and even though Dimitri kept the same expressionless face he always wore for the competition, I could see the swirl of excitement and mischief shining through. Victor suddenly sobered up as well (probably remembering the type of guy Dimitri was) and clearing his throat, he reluctantly asked the same question to his son.

Dimitri gave his father a curt nod without any further elaboration (guess none was needed) and it was decided that we would contact one another later in the week to discuss food, strategy and name for the truck. Since nothing else needed to be done, we decided to call it a day and Dimitri and Victor gave us a quick goodbye and left.

I was disappointed that I didn't get the chance to talk to Dimitri today, but then I almost jumped with glee as I realised that it would be just us for 2 nights and 3 days.

I was sooooooooooo looking forward to next week's challenge!

Google translate

Sonya Teyze – Aunt Sonya

Finally we will see some proper interaction between our fav couple next chapter! How do you think it will go?

The reaction and Alberta's comments were inspired by the 'trials' in VA when Rose blew-up about getting paired with Christian and Alberta told her she had to accept her allocation or not graduate.

Can you imagine working alongside the Russian hunk in a hot, tight kitchen *fans herself*…and let's not forget they are sharing a room for two nights!

I was thinking about naming the three food trucks and would LOVE to hear your ideas on what would be good names (Keep the pairings in mind!) Let me know via review or PM.