Thank you for the reviews, follows and favorites! I'm sorry it took so long to update. I had some issues that needed to be resolved first. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Hope you like it :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy.

CHAPTER 38

DPOV

I knew Rose had said she'd stop by on Sunday, but I wanted to see her today, too – even if it was just for a few minutes. Last night, she'd mentioned she had to work today so that was why I was on my way to the supermarket now.

Before I'd left, I'd filled Ivan in about last night. I'd told him I'd kissed Rose and that she hadn't pushed me away or punched me in the face or yelled at me. Just like me, Ivan thought that was good progress, considering she hadn't even wanted to talk to me last week. However, Ivan didn't think it was such a good idea to go to the supermarket. He said I would look like a stalker. He thought it was better to wait until Rose came by tomorrow.

I disagreed. After that kiss, I just needed to know where I stood. I needed to know if she would ever take me back. I hoped she worked the same shift as last week, otherwise I'd have to ask the store manager when she'd be working – or I could call her and ask. But then she would probably get mad at me.

It turned out I didn't need to worry about all those things. When I parked my car in the parking lot and got out, I saw Rose standing near the exit of the supermarket. She was chatting with that redhead again. Even from here I could see the boy was smitten with Rose.

I tried to control the green-eyed monster inside me as I walked over to them. Rose didn't even notice me as I approached; she was still talking excitedly. The red-haired boy did notice me, though, and cleared his throat as he glanced away uncomfortably.

Rose stopped talking and looked up. A look of surprise crossed her face when she finally noticed me. "Dimitri, what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you," I said, stepping closer to her. "It's urgent."

Rose sighed. "If it's about last night, then-"

"Please, Roza," I said, my voice softer.

"Fine," she said, giving in with a sigh.

The guy cleared his throat again. "Do you want me to wait around, Rose?"

She smiled at him. "No, that's okay. Thanks though, Mase."

He nodded, looking a little disappointed. "Okay then. I'll see you next week, Rose."

It looked like he wanted to reach out and hug her goodbye, but then his eyes met mine. I shot daggers at him, silently telling him to keep his hands off of my Roza. He gulped and then changed his mind, turning around and hurrying away.

"Don't look like that, Dimitri," Rose said, sounding annoyed. "He didn't do anything wrong."

I sighed, realizing she was right. "I know. I'm sorry. It's just…" I paused. Shaking my head, I muttered, "Never mind."

Rose crossed her arms and smirked at me. "You're jealous."

For a second, I opted to lie, but then I decided it was better to be honest. "Yes. Of course I'm jealous."

"Why? Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I do! But you're not my girlfriend anymore and now you can date whoever you want to and I don't want you to date anyone but me. And I know I don't have the right to tell you not to date anyone else but me because I've ruined everything, but it would kill me if you'd date someone else so I'm hoping you won't. I'm hoping you will take me back," I said vehemently. I knew I was rambling now, but I didn't care. "Because… I love you, Roza. I always have and I always will. And if you'd just give me another chance, I'll prove it to you."

"Okay," she said.

I stared at her, stunned. Did I hear that right? "Okay?" I repeated dumbly.

"Okay," she said calmly. "I'll give you another chance."

I was still staring at her, speechless, waiting for her to say she was only joking, but she didn't. "You… You're serious?" I said, starting to get excited when she nodded. "Oh my God, you're serious."

Quickly, I closed the distance between us and swept her up in my arms. I spun her around, laughing. Her arms wrapped around my neck and when I put her back down, she looked up at me and smiled. I realized only now how much I'd missed that smile.

I started to lean in and when my lips almost touched hers, she pulled back. I looked at her, frowning slightly.

"Before that happens," she said, referring to the almost kiss, "you need to know that if you ever doubt me – and then dump me – for no reason at all again, I won't be coming back again."

I nodded eagerly. "I won't. I promise. I'll-"

"I'm not finished yet," Rose cut me off. "And if my mother ever shows her face here again, I want you to ignore whatever she says to you. And if whatever she says – or someone else says – about us makes you have doubts, then you come to me."

"I will," I promised.

"Good," she said, seeming pleased. I leaned in again, wanting to kiss her so badly it hurt. But once again, she pulled back. "One more thing. I might have forgiven you and I might have given you a second chance, but that doesn't mean I'm done punishing you." A small smile spread across her face and I groaned. "Don't look like that, comrade. It's your own fault."

"I know." I made a face. "So, how are you going to punish me?"

Rose grinned. "Oh, that's easy. No sex until further notice."

I tried to keep a straight face this time. "And how long exactly are you going to keep on punishing me?" I asked, hoping to appear casual.

"Hmm," she said, thinking this over. Then she smiled again. "I guess until I decide you've been punished enough."

I shrugged. "Fair enough."

"So you agree with my conditions?" she asked.

"Roza, I'll do anything if it means I get to be with you," I said earnestly.

She just smiled. She hadn't said anything about kissing so I figured I was allowed to do that, but maybe it was better to ask first.

"So, um, can I kiss you now?" I asked, a little hesitant.

Her smile widened and she nodded. "Yes, you can kiss me now."

I didn't waste another second and pulled her to me, bringing her lips to mine. I wrapped my arms firmly around her waist, afraid she might change her mind again. But when she responded to the kiss with a passion that matched mine, I was certain she wouldn't change her mind. I tangled my hands in her hair as I deepened the kiss, still holding her close to me.

Suddenly, someone whistled and we both pulled away, gasping for breath. Rose glanced behind me and her cheeks flushed red.

"Um, maybe we shouldn't be doing this here," she murmured.

I nodded. "Let's go somewhere more private, then."

I took her hand in mine and laced our fingers together. She didn't try to pull away from me, which I was more than happy about. When we were in my car, I could no longer stop myself from kissing her. She was barely seated before I pulled her face to mine and pressed my lips against hers. Her arms wrapped around me and I pulled her onto my lap so I had easier access to her lips. She let out a soft moan when I gently bit down on her lower lip and then she parted her lips for me. I slipped my tongue inside and explored her mouth. I'd almost forgotten how sweet she tasted.

"What about foreplay?" I asked huskily when I pulled away at last, allowing her to take a breath. During our little make out session in the car, she'd been teasing me mercilessly. So much so that I was sporting a tent in my pants. "You didn't say anything about that."

Rose smiled sweetly. "Oh, didn't I?" I shook my head and her smile widened. "I guess I forgot to mention that."

"Does that mean-"

"No foreplay, comrade," she said, grinning now.

I let my head fall back against the headrest and groaned. "Please tell me you're kidding."

"No, I'm not. And if you want your big problem solved," she said, motioning to my pants, "you're going to have to help yourself. I'm not doing it." She grinned wickedly and pressed her lips to my ear, "It's part of the punishment plan."

I let out another groan. Chuckling, she kissed my cheek and moved out of my lap.

"Can you drive me home now?" she asked sweetly. "I'm tired of all the working today and I'm going out with Adrian and Christian later."

I nodded and, with a sigh, started the car. "You're not going to get drunk, right?"

She glanced at me and frowned. "No. Why are you asking?"

"Because Ivan saw you once in a bar and told me you'd been drinking," I told her, a little hesitant. We'd just gotten back together and I didn't want to ruin it again, but I also didn't want her to get drunk and then have something bad happen to her.

Rose shrugged. "I had a bad day."

"Okay," I said, deciding to let it go. I felt a little sad she wouldn't be with me tonight, but I guess it was better to give her some space. "You're still coming over tomorrow?"

"Sure," she said. I dropped her off at campus and she pecked my lips before getting out. "Thanks for driving me. See you tomorrow."

"Bye Roza," I said as I watched her walk away. Slowly, a smile spread across my face as I backed out of the parking lot. I had her back. I finally had my Roza back.

RPOV

"You've been chipper all night," Adrian noted as we walked out of the dancing. He eyed me curiously. "I wonder why."

"Me too!" Christian piped in. "So please enlighten us."

"Do I need a reason to be happy?" I asked, trying to hide a smile.

"No, but-"

I cut Christian off. "There's nothing to tell. I'm just happy. That's all."

He snorted, but let it go. Adrian, on the other hand, kept speculating as to why I was so cheery tonight.

"Did you meet someone?" he asked.

"No," I said. This time I did smile.

"Did you turn in a paper that is exceptionally good?"

I laughed. "No. I do that all the time so there's no need to be happy about that," I joked.

"Yeah, right," Christian scoffed, which earned him an elbow in the ribs.

"Alright then. Did you get laid?" Adrian asked.

"Adrian!" I said, outraged.

Christian glared at him. "Dude, that's none of your business."

"It isn't your business either," Adrian shot back, smirking.

"I didn't ask!" Christian snapped.

"Guys, don't fight," I said, exasperated. "I already have a headache. I don't need you to make it worse."

"Hmm," Adrian mused. "You have a headache and you're still so cheerful."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not-"

Adrian eyes lit up. "Oh, I know!" he exclaimed.

I looked at him. "Yeah?" I said dryly.

He started grinning. "You got back together with Dimitri."

Christian let out another snort. "Sure. Like that is ever going to happen."

I stayed quiet and tried to hide my blush.

"I think you're wrong, Christian," Adrian said smugly, looking at me. "Right, Rose? He's wrong, isn't he?"

I didn't say a word, which led Christian to think Adrian was right – which, in fact, he was.

"Rose!" Christian scolded. "Why would you do that?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said, walking a little quicker.

"Uh, yeah you do!" Christian said, following me. "You got back together with Dimitri!"

He looked at me accusingly as we continued walking. We finally reached the car and I waited for Adrian to unlock the doors. But he was far behind us; sauntering his way to us with a smirk on his face. Goddammit, Adrian, I cursed silently.

"So, what? Is that a crime?" I finally responded.

"It might as well be!" Christian said. "That guy broke your heart. You were miserable for months because of him and now you're telling me you took him back? Are you crazy?"

"I'm not crazy," I said softly, looking down at my feet. "I just…" I sighed. "I love him, Christian. I tried to get over him, but I can't."

"Then try a little harder!"

"And he's sorry," I continued, ignoring Christian's comment. "He really is. So I decided to give him a second chance. His last chance," I added quickly when I saw the look on Christian's face. It was clear he wasn't happy about this. I let out another sigh. "What if you broke up with Lissa and then realized you made a mistake? Wouldn't you want her to give you a second chance?"

"Yes, but I wouldn't be dumb enough to make that mistake," he scoffed.

"You don't know that. Maybe you will. Only you don't realize it's a mistake," I said softly. "Just like Dimitri hadn't."

"Whatever," Christian muttered. "I just hope you aren't making a mistake in taking him back."

Adrian finally caught up to us and unlocked the doors. Christian didn't speak the entire drive home and when Adrian parked his car in the parking lot, Christian practically jumped out of the car and strode to his dorm without uttering another word to us.

"It seems to me he's a little pissed," Adrian remarked.

"A little?" I said, raising my eyebrows.

"Yeah…sorry. I guess it's my fault," Adrian apologized.

"No, it's okay. He would've found out anyway," I said with a shrug. "How did you know anyway?" I asked curiously.

"It was just the way you looked," Adrian said shrugging. "It reminded me of the time when you just got together with Dimitri. You had this...glow. You have it now, too. Like a pregnant woman." He made a face. "I hope you're not pregnant, though."

I laughed. "No, I'm not."

"Good," he said, looking relieved.

My laughter dried up quickly as I thought of Christian again and how mad he was that I'd gotten back together with Dimitri.

"Look," Adrian said softly, "I don't know Dimitri that well, but from everything you've told me about him I can tell he's a good man. I'm sure he never meant to hurt you and that it was all an honest mistake. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone deserves a second chance. So just ignore what Christian says and enjoy being with Dimitri."

I smiled at him gratefully. "Thanks, Adrian. That means a lot to me."

He smiled back. "You're welcome."

"I guess I'd better get inside and get some sleep. I'm really tired," I said. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Good night, Adrian. And…thanks again."

"Good night, Rose," Adrian murmured.

I gave him a parting smile before walking back to my dorm. Avery was already in bed when I entered my room so I quietly changed into my PJs and then crawled into bed. I was so tired, I think I fell asleep before my head hit my pillow.

Rose finally caved and gave Dimitri a second chance. Hopefully, he won't ruin it again ;)

Please leave a review and let me know what you think. Have a nice weekend! :)