Chapter 13
Rose
The morning light creeping beneath the heavy curtains beckoned me from sleep. Sunlight had been such a rarity growing up in the moroi world that the opportunity to bask freely was far too much of a temptation to resist, especially now that we were at the beach. I smirked slightly already envisioning myself on the beach, slipping from Lissa's bed quietly, careful not to disturb the sleeping occupants. Christian was curled around his pillow at the furthest side of the bed- away from where Lissa and I had slept, curved slightly into each other's sides. The house was still and silent, my watch told me it was just a little past six in the morning. Four and a half hours of sleep was pretty impressive for me, all things considered. I knew that even though we would be keeping to a human schedule, the moroi would take advantage of sleeping through the morning, preferring the evening hours. Tiptoeing out of their room and down the stairs I nearly tripped over the canvas ice chest that sat outside my door.
Cursing quietly underneath my breath having stubbed my toe, I bent to retrieve the note that had slipped off of the top.
"Little Dhampir, don't come back until you are sun kissed."
I grinned, refolding the note. Upon further exploration the cooler contained a flask nestled amongst the ice of what smelled like champagne, a container of orange juice, and a stainless-steel tumbler. He'd even thought to include a few bottles of water. I had to roll my eyes, even though a smiled bloomed more broadly across my face. Mimosas on the beach was so Adrain.
I made quick work of gathering a beach bag together before finally unsealing the bags Lissa had given me. I had three new bikinis to choose from, all of them obviously chosen for different levels of practicality. There was a black and gold halter top and high waisted set that would offer fuller coverage -ideal for beach volleyball and playing in the surf, I put that one aside for later my eyes straying to the two others- a dark maroon string bikini that looked like it would be held together mostly by hopes and dreams and the slightly more modest strapless deep blue bikini that would be ideal for what I had in mind for my morning, sunbathing.
Changing quickly, I donned my new bikini loving the color in contrast with my tanned complexion- knowing that the red would be even more flattering. I smirked at my reflection; Lissa had really known what she was doing.
Throwing on an oversized white button up over my new swimsuit I slipped quietly from the house the ice chest and a beach chair in tote. Guardian Petrov and Novak had been seated in the breakfast nook sharing quiet conversation over coffee, but hadn't paid me much mind letting me escape without comment for which I was thankful- having a conversation whilst bikini clad with Alberta wasn't a prospect I relished in.
The morning sky was painted with fading hues of pink and gold, a breathtaking canvas that beckoned me to the beach. The allure of the sunrise had always been a familiar comfort, they were filled with new beginnings and hope.
I slipped through the glass doors of the back patio, my bare feet sinking into the cool sand. The soft lull of waves brushing against the shore was a gentle symphony that guided my steps.
I quickly unburdened myself of my load, deciding to walk along the water's edge seeking solace in the rhythmic melody of the water. Against the wide expanse of the gulf, my problems were small. With each step, the weight of yesterday's tangled emotions seemed to lighten.
As the sun continued its ascent, casting a golden glow across the horizon, I returned to where I had left the ice chest and beach chair, removing my coverup and settling in to bask under the sun's warm embrace. The serenity of the moment was both grounding and bittersweet.
As the morning sun continued to warm, I smeared myself in sunscreen and slid on my shades. Feeling emboldened by my newly found freedom, I even fixed myself a drink from Adrian's thoughtfully composed surprise.
The mimosa and the sunshine did something for my spirit that was not easily encapsulated by words. I felt the warmth radiate down through my bones settling amongst the sadness. I smiled to myself, Lissa had truly known what she was doing with this trip.
Lost in the beauty of the unfolding morning, I hardly noticed the soft footfalls approaching. It wasn't until Dimitri's voice broke the tranquil spell that I turned, surprised by his presence.
"Good morning," he greeted, his voice carrying a calmness that mirrored the serene seascape.
I returned the greeting with a nod, my heart fluttering at the sight of him. The complex tangle of emotions from the previous night returned, a whirlwind I wasn't prepared to face.
But here we were, two souls brought together by fate's intricate dance, under the watchful gaze of a rising sun that promised both hope and uncertainty.
"No speedo?" I questioned, bringing my sunglasses down slightly to appraise his board shorts.
Dimitri grinned down to me, the sight almost as blinding as the sun, "I thought it might be prudent to ease you and the rest of the world into seeing my upper thighs." He teased. "May I?" he questioned, gesturing to the open space next my ice chest.
I nodded, adjusting my sunglasses back into place. "Prudent, indeed." I agreed with a contradictory frown as he spread the towel he was carrying out beside me, earning a chuckle in return.
Dimitri settled himself gracefully down onto his towel, still clad in his t-shirt- something that I was simultaneously thankful for and disappointed by. His gaze lingered on me slightly longer than was typical as he removed the bag he had carried from his back. I was abruptly reminded that I myself was clad in a bikini, a skimpy one at that, and I was thankful he wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the flush that now heated my body from the flush from the warmth of the sun.
I pretended to look away as he removed his shirt, my pulse accelerating all the more.
Sweet, Jesus. Get yourself together, Rose. I admonished myself, my mouth going dry at the sight of a shirtless Dimitri.
I had never had the pleasure to see him without clothes on in the sunshine and the sight was truly breath taking. If at all possible, he was even more breath taking in this setting. With his wind swept hair teasing his jaw line and his chiseled chest and washboard stomach glimmering in the sunshine... Taking a sip of my drink, I closed my eyes with a sigh leaning my head back against my chair trying to pretend that I wasn't practically lying next to Adonis himself.
Dimitri clearing his throat brought my attention back to him.
"I thought you might be hungry," he offered, digging through his bag and bringing out a sausage biscuit wrapped in a paper towel. How was that fair? Handsome and thoughtful? The universe was truly teasing the bounds of my self-control. My throat bobbed watching the muscles of his back and chest work as he sorted through the bag's contents. I fanned myself slightly, taking another sip of my drink, pretending that the heat of the warming morning was getting to me. My internal monologue panting.
"Thanks," I managed, taking the wrapped parcel and handing him my drink as he extended his hand to help me free up my hands for eating.
Dimitri smiled easily, taking the drink and bringing it to his nose in a brief sniff. Chuckling, he raised an eyebrow back at me. I returned his smile with a smirk of my own, "Help yourself." I offered, taking a bite of the breakfast he had brought me, only moaning slightly in the ecstasy of food not having realized how hungry I was.
Not one to back down from a challenge, Dimitri did indeed drink from the cup resting back on his elbows as he looked out to the rolling waves.
We sat in companiable silence as I continued my breakfast, Dimitri passing me a second sandwich as I finished my first. I smiled, only slightly abashed, taking the sandwich from him graciously.
"What? Like I would offer you food and not come prepared?" He questioned teasingly, sipping from the mimosa.
Warmth fluttered slightly in my chest at the remark. It was nice to be known, even if it were only for my gluttonous tendencies.
Dimitri
I had to bite down on the groan that threatened to escape my lips at the slight moan Rose gave as she tucked into her breakfast. Watching her savor the food with such evident pleasure was simultaneously distracting and endearing. The way her eyes fluttered closed, lost in the flavors of her meal, made my heart skip a beat. It was a simple, candid moment that revealed so much about her, and I found myself utterly captivated.
I glanced away, sipping from her drink and pretending to admire the horizon, attempting to compose myself. Rose had this innate ability to catch me off guard, even in the simplest of moments. Her unfiltered enjoyment of something as basic as a breakfast sandwich had a way of redefining what I found beautiful and captivating.
When she moaned slightly again, lost in the taste of her second sandwich, my focus wavered. I had to wonder if she wasn't doing it purposefully. I glanced over at her, eyeing her from the corner of my eye. She was breath taking in that bikini. I shifted, forcing myself to look away again, these boardshorts did not allow for discretion. It was a sound that should have been entirely ordinary, yet with Rose, it took on a different meaning, stirring something within me that I struggled to place. It wasn't just the allure of the sound itself but the fact that it came from her—a mix of authenticity and unguarded pleasure that seemed to define her essence.
I cleared my throat, willing my thoughts back to the serenity of the gulf, hoping the waves crashing against the shore would ground me. Rose, entirely oblivious to the effect she had, enjoyed her meal with an enthusiasm that was both entirely innocent and somehow erotic. It was moments like these that made me appreciate the simplicity and authenticity she brought to everything she did and how desperately I wished that I had spent the past year teasing those sounds out of her myself.
I groaned internally. Down boy.
Once she had finished her meal, I was happy to pass her drink back to her. She snorted lightly, accepting the much lighter cup back.
I felt a twinge of disappointment as I passed the drink back to Rose. Holding onto the cup had been a flimsy excuse for connection, a fragile tether to a moment I didn't want to end. I'd enjoyed those brief seconds of sharing something so trivial yet surprisingly intimate.
"Thank you," she said, her voice playful, completely unaware of the effect she had on me.
I nodded, suppressing the urge to say something I might regret. Instead, I turned my gaze back out at the gulf, trying to regain my composure. Rose continued basking in the sun, her laughter filling the morning air, completely relaxed and content.
A sense of longing mixed with the serenity of the moment. I'd grown accustomed to boundaries and protocols, but being around Rose seemed to erase all those barriers. Her carefree spirit was infectious, tempting me to cast aside caution.
I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, not just physically but on a deeper, emotional level that had been dormant for far too long. Try as I might to push those thoughts away, to focus on the waves and the rising sun, they lingered, entwining themselves into the fabric of the morning.
I caught myself stealing glances at her, mesmerized by the way her hair danced with the wind, the sun caressing her skin, and the way her laughter lit up everything around her.
I sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of frustration and fascination swirling within me. The contrast between the simplicity of the morning and the complexity of my emotions left me feeling unsteady.
"It's no big deal, Comrade." Rose said, finally commenting on all the fugitive gazes I had been casting her way, "There's more in the ice chest, I can fix us another drink." She promised, smiling at me winningly.
My heart clinched around that one word, us. Not letting on to where my thoughts had strayed, I offered her a playful smile in return. "Maybe later, but, right now, I am in need of cooling off." My tone holding multiple implications, but I'd leave that to her to sort through. I stood abruptly, no longer willing to test the limits of the flimsy boardshorts. "I think, I'm going to take a dip," I said, nodding towards the crystal blue water, "You should join me." I added as an afterthought, wondering if I'd regret the offer. Rose bikini clad in the sunshine was one thing. Rose in a bikini admits the crystal blue water? My palms itched at the thought.
I didn't wait for her response as I waded into the surf until the tide was breaking gently against my waist, I was hesitant to go deeper, weary of the height difference between Rose and myself.
It wasn't long before I could hear Rose enter the surf behind me, apparently forgoing a new drink to keep me company instead. I laid back to float as she continued to approach, languidly watching as the swells jostled her as she moved. Her hips sashaying into the waves mesmerizing my attention until she was right next to me. My eyes rose to meet hers and I knew I had been caught, but it was to my ever-growing surprise that she only laughed, splashing water playfully in my direction. "Eyes up here, Belikov." Rose teased. I ducked beneath the water quickly in attempts to cool my rapidly heating body. Reemerging again a few paces away, I returned her smile and her splash, laughing as she squealed.
Motivated by sunshine and mimosas, I swooped down behind her, knocking Rose's knees from beneath her. For a fleeting moment, she was cradled against my chest before I sent her flying into the deeper water just a few steps away. For one glorious moment Rose was airborne, limbs askew as she shrieked flailing until she splashed into an incoming wave.
There'd be hell to pay I knew, but, in this moment, I couldn't suppress my delight, watching her sputter and splash, a mix of outrage and amusement on her face as she swam back toward me. I had definitely expected retaliation, but what I hadn't anticipated her to do was outright tackle me, sending us both crashing back down under the water.
As we surfaced again, our shocked silence gave way to laughter. Not noticing as a large wave crashed behind us sending us both under once more. But this time as the surf settled once more, Rose was nowhere to be seen. Before panic could truly set in, however, something wet and decidedly mushy made a moist smacking sound as it hit my back. Surprised, I turned then to find Rose poised, ready to fire another round of her sea-floor concoction, a mischievous grin on her face.
"What do you say, Belikov? Truce?" she teased, her grin widening.
"Not on your life, Hathaway," I retorted, matching her grin. It was game on.
The delight that shone in her eyes told me that was just as she hoped as she lobbed the muddy mixture at me once more before diving away beneath the waves, gathering more ammo. I laughed as it splattered against my chest, too amused to dodge her playful assault. Reemerging, Rose's eyes lingered just a moment too long as the muddy mixture began to run down my chest trailing down to my abdomen. My chest reflexively tightening in reaction to her attention. I laughed again, taking advantage of her distraction, relishing the notion that she seemed to be just as distracted by me as I was by her, and diving into the deeper water before she could lob her next shot.
Acting fast, I used both hands to scoop up the sandy mixture and swam resurfacing behind Rose, catching her off guard. She never saw it coming as I opened my hands above her head, the goopy mixture coating her hair and back. "Eyes up here, Hathaway," I teased, echoing her earlier comment.
Rose shrieked in both outrage and sheer shock as the mud ran down her back. I laughed loudly, forgetting to duck as Rose spun around to face me, her hands still full. Taking full advantage of my moment of distraction to cup my cheeks in her mud caked hands, rubbing my face vigorously between her palms all the while.
It happened slowly then all at once. My head was tipped back in laughter and then suddenly my mouth was brought down to meet hers, her hands still cupping my face. Her lips were soft, parting slightly beneath mine and I froze slightly in incomprehension only for Rose to begin to pull away all too soon. Before either of us could truly comprehend what was happening, my body belatedly catching up with the situation at hand, I quickly brought my hand to the base of her neck securing her mouth back to mine returning her kiss and parting her lips effortlessly with my tongue, deepening our kiss. Rose moaned melting further into me, sending my thoughts into a further frenzy. I was met with no resistance as I instinctively moved my other hand so it splayed on the small of her back, drawing her all the closer ensuring that our bodies were pressed firmly together.
"This doesn't have to mean anything," Rose gasped, nearly pleading, breaking the kiss suddenly to pant against my neck, her hands roaming down my chest grazing teasingly along my obliques,
"No, it doesn't," I agreed, groaning breathlessly as she ground herself closer to me.
Of course, that couldn't be further from the truth and we both knew it, but in this moment beneath the sun and amongst the waves we were just two souls crashing back together in a momentary lapse of control. It had been an inevitability since the moment we had laid eyes on each other two days ago. There was so much unsettled business between the two of us, this, our physical connection, being the least of them but by far the easiest, certainly the most enjoyable, to address. There was a certain desperation that ran through both of us as we clung to the other, and in this moment it had little to do with deep seated feelings that we both hoped the other harbored. This was more heady, our bodies calling out to the other and us both finally answering that call.
Dropping my head back, I searched the clear blue sky, searching for some level of clarity before I took her right then and there. "Roza," I gasped as her lips found the sensitive juncture between my neck and collar bone. "Do you want me to stop?" I asked, my hands trembled as I awaited her response, holding my breath, willing blood to rush back to my brain if only for a moment. "Please don't," she all but whimpered.
That was all the confirmation I needed, growling slightly as her nails bit softly into my shoulders drawing me back down to her. I hungerly claimed her mouth with mine once more and moved my hand further down so it cupped her ass hoisting her higher against me. Her moan sending a thrill of pleasure down my spine. We drank each other in, the kiss far from gentle as we tumbled together. Bringing her impossibly closer, I secured my other arm around her back ensuring that our bodies remained pressed tightly together as I walked us back to shallower waters until I was kneeling, her legs wrapped tightly around my waist.
"Fuck," we moaned together, my hands moving so that I held her ass in both of my hands, supporting her weight effortlessly as the waves lapped around us.
Electricity crackled at each point of contact between our bodies and our hands were becoming bolder. I needed to maintain somewhat of a sense of focus because I knew we'd both regret it if we went any further. Rose seemed to be coming to the same conclusion as her mouth began to reluctantly slow against mine. The kisses becoming more lingering, less desperate, until she pulled back entirely leaving one last lingering kiss at the corner of my lips. Slowly, we disentangled sharing a bittersweet smile as we finally parted. Rose plopped down into the surf, sitting cross-legged and leaning back slightly, her hands digging into the soft sand as the waves slowly dragged it from between her fingers. I sighed, following suit. Stretching my legs out before me and sliding closer so that our shoulders brushed, the waves jostling us together. We sat that way for a while, staring contemplatively out the horizon.
Letting out simultaneous sighs, we laughed softly.
I looked down to her, slightly afraid of what I might discover, only to find her already looking up at me from beneath her lashes- looking almost shy. Her cheeks were flushed from the moment we shared, and her kiss swollen lips were quirked up in a slight smile. She had never looked more beautiful. Our eyes holding a myriad of unspoken thoughts and emotions as we held each other's gaze.
"Well, that was..." I hesitated, floundering for a description of what happened.
"Hot." Rose supplied succinctly, "That was incredibly hot." A tinge of amusement and lingering desire colored her words, as though she couldn't deny the thrill of our shared moment.
She groaned slightly, the sound sending remnants of pleasure echoing through my body.
I nodded my head, "Yeah, yeah it was." I agreed, my exasperation evident.
Rose chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to ease the tension lingering between us. "But we should probably, you know…" she trailed off, gesturing vaguely between us, her expression a mix of amusement and uncertainty.
I nodded in agreement, my mind spinning with unspoken questions and feelings. "Right. We should probably talk about..." I paused, struggling to find the right words. "About what just happened."
She looked away, her gaze fixed on the horizon, and I sensed her hesitation. "Yeah," she murmured softly. "We should, eventually. But not now."
Relief washed over me at her words. "Not now," I echoed, finding that I was surprisingly grateful for the reprieve. The weight of our unspoken history hung heavy between us, but neither of us seemed ready to unpack it in this moment.
"So... friends?" Rose suggested tentatively, glancing back at me.
"Best friends, I'd say." I agreed waggling my eyebrows slightly, eliciting a delicious sounding giggle from her lips. A genuine smile forming on my lips. It felt like a small victory, a chance to move forward without complicating what had transpired between us. We had enjoyed ourselves, there'd be no point in denying that, but it didn't have to be more complicated than that. At least not yet, not in this moment. We had time.
We leaned back, shoulder to shoulder, a comfortable silence settling between us. The waves continued their rhythmic dance against the shore, providing a soothing backdrop to our unspoken thoughts.
Eventually Rose stood, the morning having turned to early afternoon, "We should go," she said, offering her down to me more in gesture than any real offer to pull me to my feet. I smiled, accepting her hand and standing. The others would be up soon, if they weren't already, it was marvel in itself that Eddie or likes hadn't wandered down to find us.
We made quick work of righting our clothes and drying off before once again donning our outer wear. I was only slightly disappointed to see Rose's bikini disappear underneath her coverup. There wasn't much we could do about the now dried sand concoction that had coated our hair and swim suits from our sea-sludge battle.
I smirked at Rose's grumbled annoyance as she attempted once more to fruitlessly drag the towel through her beach tangled hair, sand sprinkling everywhere as she did.
"Maybe next time you'll reconsider before challenging me," I taunted jovially.
Rose appraised me, as she gave up twisting the towel around her hair instead, sending a thrill through me as she looked me up and down before smiling unabashedly, "Worth it."
I rolled my eyes in mock exasperation, throwing her chair and ice chest over my shoulder. "Come on, Hathaway. Before you get us into more trouble." I laughed lightly, making my way up towards the dunes and back to the beach house, Rose following her laughter trilling behind me.
"So, same time tomorrow?" She joked to my retreating back, the smile in her voice clear as she hurried to catch up to my longer strides.
I groaned, but gave her a sidelong grin in return nonetheless, unsure of whether I hoped she was joking or not.
Our gazes locking once more, we silently acknowledged the unspoken truth: a 'next time' between us would be to play with fire, and that wasn't something either of us could guarantee the other that we could return from- a fact neither of us dared to articulate aloud.
The comfort of our playful banter offered a temporary respite from the impending conversation. It was easier to relish these moments of ease, to revel in the laughter and camaraderie, than to face the uncertainty that lay ahead.
A/N: Honestly, I have no explanation for myself other than there was just a vague feeling that chapter 13 should be smutty. Even I didn't see that one coming. Hope it didn't disappoint. The good news is that chapter 13 was broken into two chapters as result of my little foray into smut. Now onto more angst, beach antics, and bonding.
Please share what your favorite part has been so far! Whether it is something in this chapter or a previous one. I genuinely love hearing from you all so much.
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Happy reading!
Blue