Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, profit from this story and all creative rights to the characters belong to Richelle Mead.
The original content, ideas and intellectual property of this story are owned by Ms. Belikov. Please do not copy, reproduce, or translate without express written permission.
Previously on Open your Eyes...
Dimitri was over in a flash, blocking my path to the door.
I glared up at him.
"I will sleep on the ground outside the hallway. You are pregnant and I will not have you sleeping on the couch. Take the bed."
"Have it your way." I slid under the covers. "And make sure you shut the door behind you."
He nodded slowly, his brows knitting together. "I…I'm sorry, Rose—"
"Go." I turned off the light, lay down, and rested my eyes.
"Goodnight, Roza." Dimitri whispered.
"Goodbye."
The door shut softly behind him.
RPOV:
Punching a pillow, I flipped over on the bed for the thousandth time and growled. It was a quarter to three in the morning and I still hadn't gotten a lick of sleep.
Dimitri. That name came to my brain instantly, just like it had all night. He'd been all I could think about. The picture of him in my brain was as clear as daylight.
I needed my fiancé. Now. So did Ivan apparently, because he was doing flips in my stomach and kicking my ribs. The baby was just as restless as I was because he wanted his daddy next to me, with his large hand on my belly, protecting the both of us.
Climbing out of bed, I tugged my favorite fleece blanket around my shoulders and tiptoed to the door. Opening it, I found my fiancé just outside in the hallway, his face literally inches from the door.
Talk about overprotective. But I secretly loved it.
Dimitri's eyes flew open, as if he sensed me there. "Is everything okay?"
When he started to get to his feet, I shoved him back down by his shoulders and told him to stay. Then I awkwardly got to my knees and laid down, snuggling up to his warm body.
"Everything is fine. Don't worry." I whispered, careful not to disturb Lissa who was snoozing on the couch. "I just couldn't sleep."
He turned on his side so that he could face me. Despite the fact that it was nearly pitch black in the apartment, I was still able to see his chocolate-brown eyes.
"Me neither." Dimitri said. "Thank you for coming out here and being with me."
I nodded.
"Do you want to go back to bed? I will carry you."
I shook my head.
"Are you comfortable here?"
Again, with the head nod.
"Would you like anything to drink? Water, juice?"
"No. I just want to sleep here…with you by my side. Ivan misses you."
The flare of white in the black told me that he smiled. "I missed him. You too. So much…"
A burst of happiness sparked in my chest as I smiled and stuffed my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling that wonderful crisp scent of aftershave. Oddly, I felt home again.
"Goodnight, Dimitri."
His arms wrapped around my body as he pulled me closer to him. He tugged the blankets over me and kissed the top of my head. "Goodnight, Roza. I love you."
When he put a hand to my belly and started humming something in Russian to Ivan, I was out like a light. Strangely, lying on the hard ground by my fiancé was much more comfortable than being in that cold bed without him.
The next morning, I stirred awake and found myself in the comfortable recliner. That would explain why my neck and back weren't killing me. Confusion settled in and I wondered how I got there and where Lissa had gone. The flush in the bathroom told me the answer. Pregnancy could be a nagging bitch to bladders.
"Dimitri?" I called out, my voice raw and harsh from sleep. I cleared my dry throat.
He came out of the kitchen a moment later. Even though he was a little rough around the edges and his black eye was swollen shut, his beauty was still something sent from above.
"Is everything okay? Are you all right? Let me help you up."
I had to smile. "I'm fine. Will you ever stop worrying about me?"
"Not as long as I'm breathing."
"That's the answer I like to hear," I said. "What is that wonderful smell?"
His brown eyes gleamed. "Breakfast. I'm making it for you. And I know you're wondering how you got in that recliner. I carried you there this morning after I woke up. I couldn't stand to see you all uncomfortable on the ground."
"I will never get tired of saying this: You are badass. In every sense of the word."
He took a sip of his mug and winked. I cursed the pregnancy hormones for letting them get my body all worked up over that one little gesture. But damn…he looked so good today. Those hard muscles fitting so well to his military uniform. His damp hair tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His face fierce and clean shaven. Oh, God. I could smell that incredible aftershave…
The bathroom door opened, making me jump and snap out of it. A moment later, Lissa came out looking well rested, refreshed, and glowing like a star at the top of a Christmas tree. My best friend was dressed in a pair of my old orange sweats and…"Hey, that's my favorite T-shirt!"
"Do you like it, mamacita?" She did a twirl, smiling like crazy. "No wonder it's your favorite. This fabric is amazing and incredibly soft. Not to mention the little penguin on the front. He's just soooo cute. Don't ya just wanna squeeze his adorable, tiny brains out—"
"You and Christian are back together, aren't you?"
"OMG, yes!" A hand flew to her heart as she exhaled dreamily. "He is the romantic king. Dear God, I'm hopelessly in love with him. And I just find it nearly impossible to stay mad at him for very long. Especially when he, uh, he, uh…" Lissa blushed a deep crimson. "Christian came here last night, like super late, and well…I won't get into details, but, let's just say that you'll probably need to disinfect the top of your washing machine."
As I made sounds of disgust and horror, the front door flung open with no warning whatsoever.
Christian. It was Christian.
One glance at his pregnant woman and he looked like a kid that was going to Disneyland.
He had Lissa up in his arms and out of the apartment in a flash.
When the door slammed shut, I told Dimitri, "Boy, it takes them awhile to kiss and make up, huh."
Glancing toward the kitchen, I found him staring at me. His eyes were so intense on my face it was like someone had pitched a tent and started a camp fire between us.
"Is something on my face?" Self-consciously, I patted my mouth and cheeks, then my forehead and hair.
The God reincarnate took a sip of his hot cocoa, making me want to scream at the perfect picture of calm and control he'd created. "I had a dream last night."
The tremulous note in his voice made my feet plant on the ground on their own accord. The fear in those bottomless brown eyes brought me forward as if someone had tied a rope around my waist and yanked hard on it.
"Tell me about it." I grabbed his hand and gave a reassuring squeeze.
His thumb ran soothing circles over my skin. "I don't want to worry you. It was just a dream, really. Nothing to sweat over."
"You know I don't believe that anymore than you do. Tell me. Please. I don't want our relationship built around secrets and lies."
The slow smile that tugged at his lips made my heart flutter. "I like the way you say our."
"I'm sorry about last night." I blurted. Ivan kicked a second later, almost as if he was encouraging me. "I shouldn't have been that mean to you, but still, you had no reason to do that to my friend."
"I know." His face slipped into his General mask. "That is something I deeply regret. But…"
"But what?"
"I'm going to apologize to Adrian and make it up to him."
"Make it up to him? What do you mean?"
"You'll see." Dimitri rinsed out his mug and placed it in the dishwasher. "When that man has the biggest grin on his face, you'll know it's because of me."
"You giving him your favorite watch?" I asked. "The one he's always loved?"
He nearly choked. "No."
"I think you should. He would love it." I smiled. "You know, a little get well present. I'm sure it will get his spirits up."
"Do you realize how much I spent on that watch?"
"Do you realize I should leave you for what you did?"
Dark brows came down as a growl came between his teeth. "Not fair, and you are well aware of that."
"Who ever said I played fair?" I leaned my hip against the counter. "I've never followed by the rules. I like to start trouble. I'm dangerous. And I think that's part of the reason you fell in love with me when I was your student, wasn't it? I made you want to yank your hair out. I brought excitement to your life. Admit it, General," I looped my fingers in his camo pants and yanked him against me. "I am the fire of your life."
"You always have been." He said in that intoxicating Russian accent. "You've always driven me completely wild. You still do. And I love it."
Grinning like someone who'd just gotten away with robbing a bank, I said, "So you're going to give Adrian your watch?"
Dimitri grimaced. "Correct."
"And apologize to him?"
"I will make everything better. I promise. No matter what I have to do, I will fix what I have screwed up."
"Good boy." I patted his cheek and pulled away.
"Tease."
"Sex on legs." I shot back.
"Where are you going?" Dimitri growled playfully. "I haven't even gotten a kiss. I need one, Roza."
"Like you deserve it," I headed for the bathroom. "And I'm taking a shower. Want to help soap me up and rinse me off? I think I need some assistance and you've got big, strong hands…"
Dimitri steadied his palms against the counter, and like the awesome ninja he was, hopped over the island and landed gracefully on his combat boots. His eyes met mine with a predatory, possessive gleam, and he came towards me at a dead run.
I giggled and squealed when he scooped me in his arms, kicking the bathroom door shut behind us. "You are mine." He cupped the back of my neck and crushed his mouth to mine.
I wrapped my arms around Dimitri's neck, just as greedy as he was to get down to business. "Always will be."
CPOV:
"You never told me about that dream, you know." Rose said, piling her tray high with Pizza, frosted brownies, blue Jell-O, and two cartons of strawberry milk.
Dimitri eyed her food choices with distaste, looking like he wanted to chuck the red tray across the staff cafeteria and replace it with a new one filled with nothing but healthy stuff.
I knew exactly how he felt. Always wanting to protect your woman. Worrying constantly about her and the baby in her belly. Having the urge to lock her away to keep her safe. Not wanting anyone or anything near her but yourself.
Yeah, it was damn stressful. Lissa was on my mind constantly, 24/7. And I had a feeling Dimitri was the same way with Rose.
"Tell daddy to tell mommy about the dream, Ivan. He's not listening to me." Rose clutched her swollen stomach and bumped Dimitri's arm with it. "Did you hear that, Comrade? Ivan says tell mommy. Now. He's very impatient."
"Just like his mother," Dimitri fought his smile, but lost and broke out into a loving one. He grabbed both of their trays, brushed Rose's arm as he directed her to a nearby table, and helped her get seated, making sure she reached the highest level of comfort possible.
"Should I get the banana or chocolate pudding?" Lissa nibbled on her bottom lip.
"Whatever you want, babe." I pulled her to my side, sliding my hand around and resting it on her beautiful stomach. "Get both."
"No. I'd feel like a fatty if I did that." She shook her head. "I just want one."
Tucking a lock of blond hair behind her ear, I said, "Well how about this?" I grabbed a plastic bowl and spoon, then grabbed the two containers. "We'll mix the two together and make it one."
After stirring the brown and yellow together well, I placed it on her tray and scooped a bite in her mouth. "Good?"
Lissa licked her lips, smiled, and nodded. "Wonderful. Thank you."
"Problem solved. Do you want anything else? Hey, buddy! Got a problem?"
"You're holding up the line."
"Keep it moving! I didn't superglue your shoes to the floor, did I? Don't look at my wife like that either." The staff worker passed by us with a scowl.
After paying for the food, the two of us took a seat across from Rose and Dimitri, who were looking especially grave.
"What's got you so blue, Rose? You know that color doesn't suit you well."
She simply shook her head and stared down.
"Eat." Dimitri nudged her tray.
"Not hungry."
"For the baby, please." Lissa grabbed her hand, jade-green eyes incredibly kind. "Don't make me scarf down both of our trays. You know I can. Baby Rose didn't inherit your name for nothing. The girls got an appetite."
Rose smiled, a little. But it dripped with sadness. She looked as if she was about to burst in tears and Lissa immediately became concerned.
Dimitri leaned over and whispered in Rose's ear. A few moments later, he pulled away and kissed her cheek.
After taking two deep breaths, Rose picked up a triangle of pizza and bit in. Dimitri looked relieved.
"Tell him about your new job, babe." Lissa said to make conversation and ease the tension coming from across the table.
"I'm her boss."
Rose coughed. "Really?"
"Yep. She answers to me. And only me."
"No." Lissa rolled her eyes. "He's my assistant."
A grin broke out on Rose's face. "Ha ha. That's awesome. I wish I could be in charge of Dimitri."
"You are." He winked at her.
Giggling, she rested her head against his shoulder and smiled up at him. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly.
"Anyways…" I cleared my throat as I absentmindedly ran my fingers through Lissa's hair. "I make about as much money as she does. The job's easy. And I get to spend the entire day with my honey. What more could I want?"
"I don't know…college maybe?" Rose said.
"Nah. I hated school when I was forced to go. You think I would actually go now? Nope. College ain't for me."
Beside me, Lissa frowned and poked at her food.
"Okay, okay. Maybe not now. But one day."
My girlfriend perked up instantly, shining brighter than any star in the sky. "Really? You'd consider it?"
"To make a secure future for you and Little Rose? Of course. I'd do anything."
"That makes me happy."
"That's my mission."
"And you've just accomplished it." Our lips met and mingled, dancing together slowly and wonderfully.
Stan walked over and greeted Dimitri with a respectful nod. "General Belikov."
Dimitri returned.
Ahem. "Common courtesy, folks. You wanna stick your tounges down each other's throats? Fine. But do it another time." Stand said.
Lissa chuckled and pulled away, placing her hands over mine to keep me from giving the asshole the bird. She knew me so well.
"Oh, Tiny. Come on. Give the kids a break." Alberta smiled as she came up beside him, their arms brushing slightly. "General Belikov. Miss Hathaway and Dragomir. And…Cadet Ozera."
I grinned. "Stop it, Sergeant. I'm blushing. I can't believe you remembered my name."
"It's kind of hard to forget, considering all the stunts you pulled during your four years at the high school campus." Alberta said dryly.
"By the way, it's not cadet anymore. I'm chief of medical staff at the clinic."
"He's my assistant." Lissa corrected immediately.
Amusement sparkled in Alberta's eyes. "Ah, very nice. Well, I just wanted to see how you kiddo's were. I've got to get back to patrolling the grounds. It's my watch." She glanced at the clock. "Nice talking to you all. Come on, Itty Bitty. Let's go. No pouting this time either."
We had to laugh as they walked away, Stan dragging his feet behind her like a child about to go in for an unpleasant dental appointment.
"So, movies tonight?" I bit my ham sandwich. "We'll buy popcorn and candy if you two bring soda—"
"I kind of just want to go home and sleep if you don't mind." Rose said. "I'm feeling really tired and kind of sick."
"What's wrong?" Lissa asked. "You want me to have a look at you?"
"Headache, that's all." Rose stood up. "Actually…I think I better go lay down now. I'ma skip class."
"Okay," Lissa nodded, clearly worried and wanting to do more to help her best friend. "I hope you feel better."
"Thanks."
Dimitri was up in a heartbeat, grabbing both of their trays and leading Rose out of the cafeteria.
"That was weird." I tossed a few Doritos in my mouth.
"Something's up." Jade-green eyes narrowed. "And whatever it is, I don't like it."
RPOV:
"How are you feeling, baby?" Dimitri asked, pressing a palm to my forehead, checking for a fever.
"Fine. Just worried."
"There's nothing to worry about, Roza. It was a dream. That's all." He cursed and rubbed his eyes, like he had a headache. "I know I shouldn't have told you about it. You don't need all of this trouble. It'll put stress on Ivan."
"The baby is fine, and I'm glad you told me about it." I laced our fingers together and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "Thank you for being honest. I wanted to know."
Dimitri closed his eyes for a split second, nodded, and murmured something in Russian.
"What did you say?" I smiled.
"Just a prayer for my wife and our child." he said. "My grandmother used to say it to me and my sisters every night before bed."
"I miss Yeva."
"Me too, Roza. Me too."
"Want to lay with me and watch a movie?"
Leaning down, he pressed his lips to mine and nodded. "That would be nice."
After rubbing cocoa butter on to my swollen belly, Dimitri popped some popcorn and slid a disk into the DVD player.
"Я люблю тебя, Dimka."
He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me. "I love you, Roza."
APOV:
"You know what would make me feel better?" I asked as Sydney slipped on my shoes. Her blond hair was incredible as it tumbled over her slender shoulder.
"Hmm?"
I groaned a little in pain as I hopped off the bed. My girlfriend helped steady me as she hooked my good arm around her and balanced the majority of my weight against the side of her body. Tough girl. Damn, that was a turn on. After twenty-four hours in the hospital, I was happy to find out that Captain Winky still worked and was very awake in my pants. That was pretty much the only thing on my body that didn't ache, well at least not in the bad way.
"A huge chocolate sundae." I said. "With hot fudge and a cherry at the top."
She smiled brilliantly. "I think I can make that happen."
As we hopped along to the desk at the front of the clinic, I asked, "And how do you feel about wearing a nurse outfit and serving me until I am of full health, future Mrs. Ivashkov?"
"It's good to know that your ego nor your perversion was damaged in the fight."
"Oh, please, baby. Nothing could hurt that. Not in this life or the next. This is me until the end of time and you better get used to it." I grunted, fresh sweat breaking over my skin from the energy I was using.
"I told you we should have used the wheel chair."
"Never. And don't look at me like that. It's my pride's fault. He wouldn't let me use one because he said that I'm a man. Besides, I've only got a broken arm and a roughed up face. S'all good under the hood, baby."
"I think you forgot about the spleen that was removed, you idiot. Gosh, you are so annoying and stubborn sometimes."
"Yeah, I know. But you love me."
"Right now...I'm not so sure."
"Oh, come on. I know you feel me. Admit it. You want me. You. Love. Me."
Sydney rolled her eyes as a smile unleashed on her face. "Shut up and sit down while I go sign you out."
"Happy to oblige, ma'am."
Minutes later, I spotted Rose in the clinic, wobbling along as she clutched her stomach. Those chocolate-brown eyes were searching. Searching for something. Me.
Lifting my good arm in the air, I waved and called out her name.
She ran over. "Oh, my God! There you are. Are you okay? Holy crap. Look at your arm!"
"Easy there, Little Cadet. I don't want you to go into early labor."
"I'm so sorry! God, Adrian, I'm soooo sorry! Will you ever forgive me?" Rose wiped under her eyes, like she was crying.
I grabbed her hand and gave a reassuring squeeze. "I'm fine. Honestly, I am."
"This should have never happened. Dimitri should have controlled himself."
"And I should have never gave you that Clove. No matter what. So the two of us learned a damn good lesson, huh?" I smirked. "I just want to say damn, you've got a good protector."
"You mean Dimitri?"
"Hell, yeah. Excuse my French, but that fucker knows how to fight. And he's scary as hell. You should have seen him when he came after me, all growling and bulging muscles and shit. I think I'm going to call him The Russian Hulk from now on." I laughed. "And don't even get me started on the guards. When they pulled me away from him, I was all in pain you know, but it was awesome watching him taking on seven grown men and swatting them off like flies. Hot dayum. Good show. Good show."
"Yep, you're back to normal." Rose giggled.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you talk too damn much. Much like you always do." she said. "How is your arm feeling?"
"Hurts like a biotch, but at least I got some awesome drawings on my cast." I said. "My little artist over there spent all night working on them. All it took was a Sharpie, a hand, and tons of love. Amazing, huh?"
"The drawings are so cool. What is that? A skeleton pirate?"
"No. It's a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it."
"With a parrot on his shoulder."
"A ninja skeleton parrot."
"And the biker skeleton is shooting out ninja throwing stars. That are on fire."
"What do you think?" I asked.
"The first word that comes to my mind? AWESOME. That is completely frickin' awesome." Rose said. "I'm tempted to go break a bone just so Sydney could draw something like that on my cast."
"I'd have to charge you. That magic of hers doesn't come free."
She took the seat beside me. "Did Dimitri come and talk to you?"
I had to laugh in satisfaction at the memory. "Hell, yeah. He did."
"And did he...apologize?"
"Oh, yeah." I said in the Kool-Aid Man accent.
"Did you forgive him?"
"Of course, Little Cadet. I couldn't stay mad at him. He's like an older brother to me. A really, really scary taller older brother."
"And did he give you anything?" Rose asked.
I thought of the watch I'd refused to take from him, though I'd wanted it so badly because it was a collectors item. "Nothing materialistic, but he defiantly did repay me."
"That bastard. He didn't listen to me. I told him to give you his favorite watch." she exclaimed. "How did he repay you?"
"I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."
Brown eyes narrowed. "You know I don't like secrets."
"Not a secret. Just think of it as a bond between two men. And one of those men, let's call him D, owes the extremely handsome younger man a favor. And that handsome young fella, let's call him A, can use that favor anytime he wants. Wherever he wants. Whenever he wants. Understand?"
"But-"
"And Sydney comes to save the day. Hi, baby. Are we all clear?"
"Hi, Rose." My girlfriend waved. "Yes, I signed you out. You're good to go."
"Wonderful." I kissed her. "Talk to ya later, Little Cadet."
Grinning, I gave Rose one last glance and leaned against Sydney for support, walking out of the clinic.