A/N: Thank you all sooooo much for the reviews! It means the world to me.

My Beta didn't edit this chapter, thanks to my impatience. So for any mistakes, I take full blame!

Disclaimer: Richelle Mead owns Vampire Academy. I just own this plot :)

Chapter rated T for strong language. M scenes will be marked.

RPOV:

I was so giddy to get to morning practice that I was practically dancing around in the shower while scrubbing watermelon shampoo through my hair.

I was so happy and relieved after "making up" with Dimitri yesterday that he was all I could think about. I was glad that we were back on good terms again. I couldn't wait to get back to our playful banter and teasing again.

I waved my hands in the shower and dunked my head under the faucet, allowing the hot water to wash out the soap.

"I want to stand with you on a mountain!" I screamed. "I want to bathe with you in the sea!"

Yeah, I was so head over heels in love that I was singing "Truly, madly, deeply" by Savage Garden. Right now, it felt like that song was written for Dimitri and me.

"I want to lay like this forever, ohhh," I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair. "Until the sky falls down on meeeeeee!"

I was caught off by someone laughing. I immediately froze.

In that moment, I was so grateful that Dimitri had purchased me a new "under the sea" shower curtain. It was a dark blue with all sorts of colorful fish. The whole point of it was to give me some privacy because Dimitri knew I hated the standard see-through shower walls here at St. Augustine's. You wouldn't be able to get a glance of my naked body unless you peeked your head through.

"Who's there?" I shouted.

"The police," I recognized that snarky voice straight away. "We've received a few frantic calls at the station; all claiming there were loud screams coming from this room. They reported hearing a dieing animal. Ma'am, can you please tell me where you are hiding this distraught animal?"

"Get out of here, Christian!" I said. "I'm going to tell Lissa that you're perving on her best friend in the shower."

"Oh, please," he snorted. "I'd rather cut my dick off before I saw you in the nude. I just came by to drop off these shoes."

I saw his pale hand peek above the top of the shower. There was a shiny black box in his palm with the words JIMMI CHOO on the side.

I screamed. "Get out of here!"

"Don't worry, Physco. I'm not trying to look at you," he laughed. "I was sent by ma' lady to return these high-heels that she borrowed from you. She was unable to do it herself because she's working."

"Place them on the toilet," I said. "And get the fuck out!"

"Alright, alright. Don't need to be so snippy. Their on the toilet," he said. "I'm outta here. Tip for next time: Don't leave your door unlocked so strangers can come wandering into your room while you're in the shower."

"Bye." I turned off the faucet and wrapped a towel around my body.

"Oh, and by the way," I heard his cocky voice from the door way. "I was kidding earlier when I said that I was a police officer. But your singing really does sound like an animal being tortured."

I flipped Christian off and slammed the door shut on his laughing face.

After drying off, I slipped into some black yoga pants and a tight red tank top. I didn't bother putting on a bra. Yeah, I was playing dirty today. I applied some lip gloss and my favorite vanilla lotion, locked my door, and headed off to the gym.

I paused at the door, hating myself for being so weak. I just kept remembering those heart wrenching words Dimitri had said. I could practically hear him whispering them into my ear now…

It should have never happened.

There never was an us…

I used my inhaler twice before plastering a confident smile on my face and opening the doors.

"Howdy, Comrade!" I said in my best accent—which was no doubt, absolutely horrible.

Dimitri arched an eyebrow; those brown eyes glinted in amusement. "Howdy?"

The smile in his voice made me giggle. "Yep, that's how all the cowboys greet one another. Right?"

"Occasionally, yes…"

"Well howdy, then! Wait no, no…" I said. "Howdy, you little Russian cowboy!"

Dimitri's full lips quirked. His tone was light and playful. "Little?"

"Well, if you would like to prove me wrong," My eyes flashed down to his crotch area. "Then by all means, pull down those army pants and show me whatcha' got—"

Dimitri hissed something in Russian. "Get to stretches now, Rose!" he scolded.

I held up my hands. "Jeeze, no need to get so defensive. If you are lacking in that certain area, there is no reason to be insecure about it. Some girls don't care about size. However, in my book, size means everything."

He cocked a dark brow. "Oh, believe me. I have absolutely nothing to be insecure about."

I think my jaw just hit the ground.

Dimitri clapped his hands together. "Laps, now!"

=X=

"But, but, Comrade!" I whined on my fifth mile, my feet pounded loudly on the shiny hardwood floor. "I'm used to four miles, not six. My legs feel like they're on fire!"

"Good," He said, effortlessly jogging beside me, sweat glistening his tan skin. "They're supposed to."

"That's all you got?" I puffed. "A four-word response? You're not much of a chatter."

"Never have been one."

"I can tell," I snorted.

"You know, if you didn't talk so much, you'd save a lot of energy." We crossed the 6th lap. That meant we were half way done with the last mile. Yippee!

"I know I would," I gasped. "But I'm pissed and I want you to know."

"Believe me, I do." Dimitri chuckled. I glanced at him. Those dark eyes were focused on the trail ahead of us, but he was smiling. His long legs moved back and forth gracefully, those muscular arms were following his lower body. God, was there ever a time this man didn't look good?

"You're funny looking!"

He outright laughed. "You talk too much."

"Yeah, well," We passed our 8th lap. "You're stupid."

Wow. Where were my good comebacks? I blamed the lack of oxygen being sent to my brain from the excess amounts of running. I usually excelled at making people feel horrible about them selves.

"Ouch, that hurt," Dimitri said. "But, at least I have an attention span longer than that of a goldfish."

"Hey!" I punched him in the arm and attempted to shove him, but he shoved me right back and I fell straight on my ass.

Dimtri didn't wait for me to recover. Instead, he smiled cockily and continued to run as if nothing had happened. I huffed, stood up, and reluctantly joined him.

I was so happy when we'd finished our last lap.

"Twenty chin ups," Dimitri started his cool down stretches.

"Chin upsssssss?" I dragged out the words in the most annoying voice. "Those are hard!"

He ignored me by pulling out a western novel and parking himself on a nearby chair.

"Dimitri!"

"Hmm?" he didn't take his eyes away from the page.

"I don't want to do them."

"You have to."

"But Comrade," I stomped my foot on the ground. "My arms feel like jelly!"

"Just do them."

"Are you even listening to me?"

"Just do them," Dimitri repeated, completely fixated on the page he was reading.

"I want to jump your bones. Right here. Right now. Up against the lockers. Me, plus you, minus our clothes."

No response.

Yeah, he defiantly didn't hear me. Damn that western novel.

"I'm pregnant. Adrian and I are going to get married…move somewhere far, far away and live happily ever after."

Dimitri flipped a page.

"Ah, damn. Never mind." I grasped the handle bar. "I'll just do the chin ups."

=X=

"Movie night, movie night!" Lissa bounced all over my room, squealing like an excited animal.

"MOVIE NIGHTTTTTTT!" Christian roared, and then did a back flip—knocking over my mug that was placed on my desk in the process.

"Damn it, Christian. You wasted all of that Dr. Pepper for nothing." I dabbed at the stain in the carpet with a dirty shirt. "What the hell are you so excited about? I didn't know you were into silent movies."

"I'm not," he shot Lissa a wicked grin. "But it gives me an excuse to feel up ma' lady in the dark."

The two of them started full on making out—groping, moaning, pulling on hair—right in front of me.

"Christian." Lissa gasped pulling him closer. He responded with a loud groan.

"Oh, come on!" I fake gagged. "At least wait until we get there."

"Sorry," Christian pecked Lissa's rose-stained cheeks four times on each side before pulling back. "It's just…when I get around Lissa, I forget that other people are around. Her beauty is so mesmerizing—"

"Blah, blah, blah, blah. Just shut up." I clicked off the lights and pushed the happy couple out of my dorm. "Let's go."

We walked into the mess hall—which had been transformed into a movie theater. The tables were folded and propped up on nearby walls, there were couches and blankets everywhere, students huddled by their friends and boyfriends, munching on popcorn and anything else the cafeteria offered. But what caught my eye was the giant screen up in the front. Yipee!

"Looks like we're late," Lissa whispered. "Everyone's already here."

"I know, let's hurry up and get our snacks." I ran over to the food table.

Ethan smiled. "Popcorn, Ms. Hathaway?"

"Yep."

"What size?"

"Extra large, please."

While he was busy filling up my order, I snatched up two cream soda's, a box of dots, and a package of peanut clusters.

"Here," he handed me the giant tub. "I hope you enjoy the movie."

"I probably won't," I said. "But I can guarantee you that I'll enjoy the snacks."

Lissa and Christian grabbed a medium popcorn and a package of good and plenty.

"Yuck," My nose scrunched up.

"Don't like licorice, psycho?" Christian smirked.

I shook my head.

"Well, you should," He slid one into his mouth. "I like my licorice bitter and black—just like your heart."

I flipped him off.

"May I have everyone's undivided attention, please?" That authoritative voice rang loud and clear throughout the cafeteria. Everyone quieted down and turned to face Dimitri, he stood at the front by the movie screen.

"As you all know, this is the annual monthly Rockin' the Silent Era movie night."

I snorted. "What a stupid name."

Dimitri shot me a look.

"Whoops," I covered my mouth. "I apologize for interrupting you, General Belikov."

"Anyways…" his face was annoyed, but his eyes glinted with laughter. He turned his attention back to the students. "Tonight we will be watching a movie made in the late nineteen-twenties called The General," he paused to grin. I rolled my eyes.

"I know this night is meant to unify St. Augustine's cadets and staff, to make them feel as one, like a family. But please, keep it down. That means no talking, using the house phones, and please, if you get up, do it quietly. We are trying to make this night as pleasant for you as possible. So without further ado, here is the movie. Enjoy."

Dimitri pressed a button and the black and white flick snapped on.

"Oh, and one more thing," he jabbed a warning finger to the students. "If I catch any female and male cadets interacting in inapt ways—hugging, touching, kissing—then I will punish you. And it will hurt. Allot."

A part of me wanted to believe he was kidding, but I just couldn't tell. He probably was serious.

Without another glance, Dimitri walked over and sat down on the couch positioned in the far back corner. Of course he'd want to keep an eye on everyone to make sure no monkey business was going down. God, this man never relaxed.

=X=

About halfway through the painfully boring movie, my backside started to fall asleep. And to make matters worse, Lissa and Christian—who were sitting on the floor beside me—couldn't seem to stop sucking faces.

The smacking and moaning noises were really starting to bug the fuck out of me.

I jabbed Christian in the ribs. He turned to face me, looking a little annoyed that I had interrupted. Good.

"What do you want?"

"For you to stop shoving your tongue down my best friends throat!" I whispered, careful not to disturb nearby cadets.

"Not gonna happen," he smirked before turning his attention back to his girlfriend.

"Lissa!" I hissed.

"What?" she pulled away and smiled goofily at me, apparently dazed from Christian's kisses.

"Stop kissing him and watch the movie," I ordered.

"What?"

I rolled my eyes and sighed tiredly. "Dimitri said no female/ male interactions. You're going to get in trouble!"

"Oh, believe me." Christian murmured. "If we were going to get in trouble, we already would have. Belikov can't say shit about us because Lissa works here." he grinned widely. "Although, I have caught his eye a few times…and he looks pissed. I don't think he's happy about not being in control."

Lissa glanced back at the couch. "Is that him? In the shadows?"

"Yep." Christian confirmed.

"He's staring right at us!"

"Don't worry, babe," he nibbled on her neck. "We just bruised his ego a little bit. He'll get over it."

"But, but…" Lissa bit her bottom lip. "That's mean. We should go apologize."

"Shh," he placed a finger to her lips. "Do you know what I love about you?"

"What?" An angelic smile lit her face. Yep. She'd forgotten all about Dimitri. I guess Christian had charm. He obviously had power over her.

"How caring and sweet you are," Christian traced a finger along her jaw.

Lissa closed her eyes in indulgence. "Tell me something else you love about me."

"Does it have to be one?" He stared at her intently, those ice-blue eyes focused on her innocent face, as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him.

I wish someone would look at me like that. Love me the way Christian loved Lissa. I wish I had a boyfriend who was my best friend. Who would tell me all the things he liked about me. Tell me how much he loved me. Someone who would call out my name, hold my hand, and kiss me in public without being ashamed of it.

The heated feeling that rose in my stomach was jealousy, and I immediately scolded myself for it. My best friend had every right in the world to be happy.

"No," she giggled and shook her head. "Just tell me anything you love about me. First thing that pops into your head."

I watched the interaction between the two with a smile on my face.

"Hmm, okay. First thing that pops into my brain," he traced her chin with his finger tips. "I love your naturally pink cupid's bow lips. They're so soft and sweet. I love to run my fingers through your silky hair and soothe you to sleep. I love when you're wrapped safely in my arms. I love your silly jokes. I love to make you smile and laugh."

I started sweating. The air suddenly got thicker and harder to breather. I felt like I was witnessing something I shouldn't be. Their conversation was too intimate for my liking.

Christian continued on. "I love the scent of your raspberry perfume. The color of your nails. And your perfect little toes," He slipped off her flip flop and tickled her feet. He smiled when she began to giggle.

"More," Lissa beamed at him. "Tell me more."

"I love it when you tell me how much you love me. I love the way you look at me when we're making love. And the way you call out my name—"

"Okay, that's enough." I abruptly stood up and stomped off.

I don't even think they noticed me leaving because they were so wrapped up in their own little perfect world.

I walked outside to get some fresh air and cool my body down. I was sucking down my inhaler when Dimitri opened the doors and walked over to me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," I placed my inhaler back into my pocket. "I'm fine, just getting some fresh air."

Dimitri nodded and stared up at the sky. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

I craned my neck to look up. "Yeah, really beautiful."

It was beautiful. The bright stars were scattered across the deep blue sky, as if God had taken a bucket of diamonds and sprinkled them over the universe.

For a few minutes, we stood there in a comfortable silence, simply enjoying each others presence. I felt his hand brush my arm. "Come on, let's get inside. You must be freezing."

I shrugged. "Not really. I've always enjoyed the cold."

"I'd give you my coat if I had it." Dimitri said.

I chuckled.

"What?"

I tilted my head to gaze at him. He smiled at me. "Why are you in such a hurry to get inside? Can't handle the cold, Comrade?" I grinned audaciously.

"I can handle many things, Roza." His smile turned into a suggestive smirk. "Cold being one of them. I am from Siberia, remember?"

"Oh, that's right." I laughed. "The Arctic wasteland. How could I forget?"

Dimitri shot me a playful glare.

"Do you visit your family often?"

He cast me a wistful glance. "Several times a year."

"How do you get there?" I asked. "Do you ride in on a heard of reindeer? Hitch a ride from an Eskimo?"

This got a disdain eye roll. "I fly. On an airplane. Sometimes I take the train. What century are you living in, Roza?"

I loved when he called me 'Roza'. It meant he was feeling affectionate towards me.

"Obviously not in the same one you are."

He held out his hand to me. "Let's go inside. The movie will be over shortly."

I was tempted to take those long, graceful fingers into my hand and feel the warmth of his scratchy palms. But I didn't. Using every ounce of self control I could muster, I glued my hand to my side. "What if I don't want to go in?"

Dimitri smiled dangerously before reaching into his pocket and flashing me the black radio. "I could always make you."

"Oh, God no!" My eyes widened. "Please, I'd like to keep my door, and my mirror, a-an…and what ever else you could possibly take. Just put the radio down and I'll go with you willingly."

He chuckled before slipping the black device away.

We walked back into the mess hall silently.

Dimitri led me to the back of the room, where the couch he'd been sitting on earlier was. He gracefully sat down and crossed his legs in one flowing motion.

"It's so dark back here," I noticed. "I can barely see. I'm afraid I'm going to slip and fall on my ass."

"Please, do so," he whispered. "It would highly amuse me."

"Just so you know," I said. "I'm flipping you off right now."

"I know. I can see everything you are doing perfectly clear."

"Creepy," I said. "How about this? Can you see this?"

I dry humped the air.

"Rose!" he hissed. "Do not make such vulgar gestures."

I grinned before sauntering off to the snack table.

=X=

I plopped down on the soccer ball bean bag beside Dimitri's legs. "Wow, comfy. This certainly beats sitting on the cold and hard tile floor."

He didn't speak for five minutes, and I thought that he might have not heard me. Finally, he spoke in a voice that was barely a whisper.

"Come up here."

My head whipped around. "What?"

"Come up here," he patted the spot beside him. "This couch is far more comfortable than that bag of beans."

I laughed before sitting next to him. In that moment, I believed love seats were the greatest invention known to mankind.

Our legs touched, our arms brushed. And when I was hit with the crisp scent of his aftershave, I was sent to heaven and I never wanted to come back down.

Clearing my throat and banishing all of the dirty thoughts from my brain, I offered him the bucket. "Popcorn, Comrade?"

"No, thanks," Dimitri said, concentrating on the movie scene.

I grabbed three pieces and shoved them into his mouth, shivering when his hot and wet tongue met my fingertips.

"Rose," he grunted in surprise. "What the hell did you just do that for?"

I shrugged and tried to hide my smile. "Didn't want you to miss out on this amazingly delicious popcorn. Ethan makes it good, doesn't he? It's salty and buttery, but not too buttery. I hate that."

Dimitri went deadly silent for a few moments. "I suppose it isn't too bad…"

"See? I told you!" I whispered. "Would you like some more?"

Instead of politely asking for the popcorn, he snatched it out of my grasp and popped a few into his mouth. I saw the white glow of Dimitri's smile.

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "You're welcome."

Once half the bucket was eaten, I yawned and lay back on the couch.

"Are you tired?" Dimitri whispered.

I nodded. "A lil'"

I let out a shocked gasp as I felt his arm slip behind me and pull me closer to him.

I stared up at his masculine face. "But, but…but…"

"Shh, just relax and enjoy the movie." Dimitri smiled smally.

"But what if someone catches us?" I asked.

"They won't," he assured. "It's too dark. Now, watch the movie."

After a few more stunned minutes, I snuggled up to his body. My legs tangled their way into his while Dimitri stroked my hair soothingly. I closed my eyes and let the smell and warmth of his body take me into a world of complete tranquility. I felt so safe in his arms, like I was at home. A home in which I belonged.

"Thank you." he whispered.

I wanted to ask him 'For what?'…but this moment was too perfect and I didn't want to ruin it by talking.

I started munching on popcorn again, and when a piece fell from my hand and dropped down my tank top; I laughed and went to retrieve it. But something stopped me.

I felt his warm hands cover mine; he took them and gently placed them into my lap. "Allow me."

I didn't see it. But I felt it.

Dimitri's fingers brushed along my collar bone, down the line of my cleavage, and into my tank top. My breathing hitched.

His dark and fiery gaze practically glowed in the dark. Without breaking eye contact, he placed the piece of popcorn into his mouth and chewed.

The lights suddenly flickered on, signaling the end of the movie. I jumped.

Dimitri hastily stood up. "I-I…I'll see you at practice tonight, right?"

"Right," I gulped and nodded my head like an idiot. "Practice tonight. I'll see you then."

He gave a sharp nod and walked off.

=X=

At dinner time, I was still reeling from the memories of the movie when Adrian strolled up to me. I took one look at him and immediately became concerned. He looked tired, really tired. There were black circles under his eyes, his eyes were blood shot, his bronze hair a tangled mess, and his clothes were all wrinkled.

Though I will admit, I liked his t-shirt.

It read:

It's an unfair life,

So many girls,

So little time.

"I need to talk to you about something." He leaned down to whisper in my ear. "I think there's something you should know. Meet me at my room."

And then as mysteriously as he appeared, he was gone.

I tried not to get overly worried, but my stomach twisted in fear. I glanced at Lissa who was giving me a peculiar look.

"What was all that about?" she asked curiously.

I shook my head and stood up. "Nothing, nothing," I gathered up my tray. "He just wants to talk about something."

"About what?" Mason asked. I heard the tinge of jealously in his tone and I didn't like it one bit.

"I don't know," I snapped. "But even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. It's none of your business."

I immediately regretted my words when I saw the hurt expression flash across his freckled face.

"I gotta go," I said hastily. "I'll talk to you guys later."

Without another look back, I dumped my tray and ran out of the cafeteria.

APOV:

Two nights ago…

I struck the match and pressed it to the tip of my clove, igniting it into a small cherry-red nub. I inhaled the familiar and comforting bitter and rich flavor into my mouth, allowing the nicotine that I craved for to seep down into my lungs and relax my body.

It was later in the evening, so most of my friends were locked away in their dorms, playing video games or working their used and abused left hands until they developed carpel tunnel syndrome. Good. I didn't need to be bothered right now. What I needed was to be alone with my Russian Vodka and a pack of Cloves.

Thanksgiving dinner with my parents had been brutal. I'd all but been interrogated by them. It consisted of nonstop questions about my future: What I planned to do in the next ten years. How I was going to take over the family business. When I was going to settle down with Sydney. How many kids I wanted to have.

It fucking fried my brain. I took five shots and tipped off the glass of red wine before heading out into the cool, windy November air.

A walk. Yeah, a walk was just what I needed to clear my head.

I tugged my gray coat tighter to my chest, shoved my hands into my pockets, and took my usual serene trail in the woods. I paid special attention to the dark dirt, twigs snapping under my shoes, and the crisp aroma of the pine trees.

As I walked, I thought of Sydney—the one girl that owned my heart and always will.

I pulled at a picture of her from my wallet. I smiled as I gazed at her smiling face. I still remember running my fingers through her blonde hair and staring into those hypnotizing copper-brown eyes.

"I can't wait until I see you again, baby." I kissed the photo and placed it back into my wallet.

Sydney was the only person who motivated me to do good, to push myself to try harder, to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Life without her had been utter crap and I couldn't wait until gradation. I already had it all planned out. Move to Greek, study architecture with my girlfriend, and spend the rest of my life with her. Simple as that.

Anyone who disagreed could fuck off. Love conquered all. I didn't give a damn what they thought.

The only reason I wasn't with Sydney right now was because I wanted to graduate and be a better man for her. I wanted her to be proud of me.

Figuring I was getting too wrapped up in memories, I shook my head and took a long drag of my cigarette. I attempted to form a heart of smoke but when that failed, I opted for a dozen small circles.

The alcohol must have kicked in because I found myself stumbling and chuckling for no apparent reason. I heard the roar of an engine coming from behind me, headlights illuminated the forest trees, temporarily blinding me.

The SUV slowed down as it pulled into the parking lot of the staff apartment complex. I watched as the car died down and the lady in the passenger stepped out. She was petite, with a skimpy little tight dress, and long black locks. Ugh—completely not my type. I liked a girl with some curves and a little bit of weight on her. I didn't want to be in fear of breaking her every time I touched her.

"Holy shit," I laughed in bewilderment "It's Tasha."

I ducked behind a tree for cover—God knows why—and waited for the driver to get out. Sure enough, it was the cradle robber.

Dimitri looked around briefly, like he was paranoid and suspicious, before grabbing Tasha's hand and leading her towards his apartment.

I followed at a safe distance, more curious than anything else. When Dimitri got to the door, he picked Tasha into his arms and started hungrily kissing at her neck. She closed her eyes, curled her fingers into his hair, and pulled him closer. Soft moaning noised sounded throughout the night air.

Anger spiked within me. How could he? Didn't that fucker have it bad for Rose?

Maybe not bad enough.

Or maybe too bad.

Once he disappeared inside his apartment, I pursued his trail.

At his bedroom window, I found the smallest crack in the drapes, allowing me a full view of the bed. When I got there, I peeked in the crack and found they were already naked. Apparently, Dimitri didn't waste any time.

I gritted my teeth to keep from cursing. How was I going to break this to Rose?

How do you tell a friend who is deeply in love with a guy that that guy is fucking around with another chick?

I guess I was going to find out tomorrow.

I stayed around a bit longer, just to see if he really was going to do the deed. What he did next confirmed my suspicions.

He pulled out a condom wrapper and ripped it open. Although my insides were boiling with anger, I admired the fact that he used protection—lord knows how many times I had forgot, resulting in Sydney having a few pregnancy scares.

"Fuck." I cringed and shut my eyes. I saw it. I officially saw the Russian in the raw. That image burned into my brain and would probably stay there...forever.

This is for Rose. She deserves to know the truth. I kept reminding myself.

The things I did for my friends…

Dimitri kissed Tasha on the lips hard once, before pushing her away. She pouted; looking like she wanted more, but Dimitri pushed her down onto the bed.

I felt the sear of blood rushing to my groin area. Was I seriously becoming aroused watching a man have sex? I was one sick son of a bitch.

Think of Sydney. Think of Sydney. I chanted.

I may have messed around with a few girls over the years, but for the most part, I was faithful to her. Well faithful, as in having occasional casual sex without telling her about it. But what she doesn't know, won't hurt her. Sydney was well aware that she was number one in my heart.

****Start of M scene****

Dimitri licked a trail from the bottom of Tasha's breast—which were nothing to write home about—all the way up to her neck with his tongue. Tasha arched her back, slamming her bare chest against his.

Apparently satisfied with the reaction and the affect he had on her, the Russian directed her to get on all fours. Tasha seemed to be okay with having him in control, because she happily complied with his orders.

I lit another cigarette. Goddamn, a tiny part of me was enjoying watching this. I was completely disturbed.

The initial thrust Dimitri gave made Tasha cry out in pleasure. He didn't waste anytime in being gentle with her, he went straight to work. Driving in and out of her with a rough pace, his gaze—hungry, needy, desperate—was on the union of their bodies.

I had to admit, I was envious—and a bit insecure—at the way Dimitri moved his body. His movements were graceful and skilled. He knew what he was doing.

Sex was my game; it was what I was born to do. But seeing Dimitri right now, in all his fierce action, I'd say that he might give me a run for my money.

Constant moans and screams erupted from Tasha's mouth, she looked like she was having a difficult time holding herself upright from Dimitri's powerful thrusts. Her small breasts jiggled and she had a fulfilled smile on her face.

Sometime later, the Russian started talking dirty to her. Having reached her peak, Tasha screamed out his name in ecstasy—so loudly that I cringed—and fell forward panting. Dimitri let out a growl of pleasure and cursed in Russian. When he pulled out and dropped to his side on the bed, I knew I had to get away from his window. I had all the information and evidence I needed.

I booked it back to my apartment.

****End of M scene****

I paced back and forth in my room for hours, nervously biting my nails and contemplating if I should tell Rose or not. Telling her was the last thing I wanted to do, I absolutely hated seeing her in pain, but she deserved the truth. And the truth she would get, I just had to wait for the right opportunity to tell her.

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. "How am I going to do this?"

=X=

RPOV:

In the present…

I arrived at the college campus and pounded my fists against Adrian's door.

He opened it immediately, as if he'd been waiting for me. "Hey, Little Cadet. Nice of you to come by and see me."

"Cut the crap, Adrian," I shoved passed him. "Tell me why you wanted me to come here."

"Shall I make tea first?" He started walking to the kitchen but I stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"Spit it out already," I said. "You're making me worry."

I took a step back and crossed my arms. Adrian shoved his hands into the pocket of his jeans. Oh boy, Adrian Ivashkov was nervous. My stomach dropped with dread. I knew I wasn't going to like whatever he had to say.

"First of all, I want to say that you look absolutely stunning," he said. "You're really fitting into St. Augustine's uniform quite well. No other female cadet would have been able to pull it off with as much class and grace as you have. Hell, even I don't look as good in my uniform as you do—"

"Tell me why you wanted me here!" I screamed. "No more rambling."

"Tasha fucked Dimtri."

The feeling that came over me was horrible. It was a wave of horror that made me so nauseous that I had to fight the urge to throw up. In that moment, it felt like the end of the world. Dooms day.

"What?"

"Dimitri and Tasha had sex."

As always, I'd love to hear what you think!

-Breanna