Rose
"Maybe next time you'll reconsider before challenging me," he teased, his eyes sparkling mischievously as he watched yet another spray of sand fall from my hair.
I met his gaze with a grin, abandoning the futile attempts to tame my beach-tangled hair. "Worth it," I quipped, relishing the playful camaraderie that had enveloped us. The tension that had stalked us in the previous days lightened significantly after our little encounter amongst the waves.
With a mock eye roll, Dimitri effortlessly hoisted the beach gear over his shoulder. "Come on, Hathaway. Before you get us into more trouble," he joked, leading the way back toward the beach house, our laughter trailing behind us.
My reality became disjointed in that moment, disorienting me momentarily, and I knew that this is what our life would have looked like had Dimitri never left. The thought stole the breath from my lungs. How happy, carefree, and relaxed the morning had been...
"So, same time tomorrow?" I quipped faltering only slightly, if he noticed the slight hitch in my voice he didn't show it. The playful grin evident in my voice as I tried to mask the uncertainty lurking within. It was reckless, I knew, to blur the lines between us, a boundary I had always struggled to maintain, but especially now amidst the upheaval he had brought with his return. There was no way to simply 'just be' when it came to Dimitri, there never had been. Gravity itself seemed to slam us together, today's little foray just further proof of that. I would need to figure something out, and quickly if I ever expected to make it out of this trip with any semblance of dignity. What happened today shouldn't - couldn't happen again because when he left again... I shook myself slightly as he groaned in response, but a flicker of a grin lingered in his eyes. An unspoken understanding hung in the air, neither of us dared to voice the possibility of a 'next time', aware that the repercussions would be more than either of us bargained for.
I sighed, trudging along behind him, and leaving what could have been behind us.
As we reached the beach house, the lively banter of our friends welcomed us. All of the on-duty Guardians were accounted for and ready for the day's already unfolding events. Tasha had made plans for a twilight beach yoga session, aiming to start defense lessons for any interested moroi, but until then the moroi were not interested in outdoor activities until the sun's intensity lessened. Adrian suggested an indoor golf driving range that had most of the guys interested.
Lissa had already planned our much-needed mani-pedi session at a local spa and extended the invitation to both Mia and then Tasha, with a questioning gaze back in my direction before doing so. I shrugged, resigned, it was clear that I wouldn't be able to avoid Tasha and I might as well embrace it. Tasha, however, declined the invitation, liking Adrian's idea and the subsequent drinks that would come with the driving range. Plans made, we agreed that we would meet with the larger group for shopping and a brief stop for blood for the moroi after our appointment.
"So, what's the plan, Rose?" Lissa nudged me playfully as the group began to disburse in various directions, sending a cascade of sand down my back and onto the floor as she tugged at the towel I had wrapped around my hair.
"A shower," I answered with a sigh. Sand coated my body, and I knew I would have to shower before being able to set foot in a spa much less Alberta's SUV, if her critical eye was any indication.
Mia and Lissa shrugged agreeably, following me into my room, both taking time to gawk at the luxurious space. I didn't know much when it came to bed sizes, but I knew with certainty that the bed that occupied the majority of the room was even larger than the average king-sized bed. The room was tastefully decorated in soft blues with accents of gold throughout which threw the room into a brilliant array of colors as the early afternoon light streamed in from the double doors that led to the courtyard. Forgoing the chaise lounge and accompanying armchairs in the seating area at the foot of the bed, both Lissa and Mia dove into the still unused large bed, luxuriating at the feel of the downy filled comforter and massive pillows.
I spared them an indulgent grin, leaving them to it before quickly finding my way into the equally spacious and opulent ensuite bathroom, not bothering to shut the massive white doors behind me. Too anxious to remove the itchy sand and hopefully the lingering heat from Dimitri's hands with it. I bit my lip at the memory of his hands, calloused and firm, as he gripped me to him. I shook my head, attempting to dislodge the memory. Focus, Rose. Shower, pedicure, shopping. I chanted to myself as I stepped under the hot spray of water, repeating the mantra through the entirety of my shower.
The water did little in terms of erasing my memory of the morning, but it was more or less effective with the sand. Even if it did take me rinsing and washing my hair for a third time to remove it all.
When the shower was taking longer than anticipated, both Mia and Lissa traipsed into the bathroom hopping up on the counter. The frosted glass of the large walk-in shower hiding me from view. As they waited, Mia filled us in on what she had been up to since last summer. She was taking online courses at a local community college while working part time at Court. She hoped to save enough money to transfer to a larger university in the upcoming semester but was enjoying her time at Court living with her father in the meantime.
Finally finished, I stepped from the shower, wrapping the large plush towel Lissa threw to me around my body using another to begin drying my hair, complaining under my breath the whole way at having to rinse my hair for the third time. Lissa laughed.
"How'd you get so much sand in your hair, anyway?" Lissa questioned, an amused smile lingering at the corners of her mouth.
"Don't ask." I grumbled, doing my damnedest to keep this morning's escapades with Dimitri firmly out of my mind.
"Dimitri was awfully sandy too," Lissa observed slyly, smirking.
I rolled my eyes willing the flush away from my cheeks, deciding to answer her question with a partial truth rather than have her jump to the all too correct conclusions. "He pushed me into the water, and I repaid the favor with wet sand," I answered with a shrug as if this was an entirely reasonable response, not altogether able to keep the lingering grin from my lips.
Lissa squinted, examining me more critically. "If you say so," she eventually conceded, amusement glittering fervently in her gaze.
"Oh hush." I groused, as both Mia and Lissa laughed successfully making me blush.
The SUV ride to the spa felt oddly surreal—I wasn't in an active-duty role for this outing. Darren and Alberta saw to all the details, hardly consulting with me about any of it, other than to factor where I would sit in the spa in relation to the two moroi that were accompanying us. I wasn't one of them during this trip and they treated me as such. I felt disconnected from my usual role, which only furthered my disorientation with this new reality I found myself living in. It was quickly decided that Darren would remain outside of the spa, seated on the bench outside- the perfect picture of a boyfriend awaiting his girlfriend. Alberta would remain in the waiting area as if she were simply a client waiting to be called for her appointment. It all fit together seamlessly. I did, however, hesitate to take the proffered champagne as it was offered upon entering the spa. It was only at Lissa's mental nudge through the bond that I acquiesced, having to keep myself from looking to Alberta for her reaction.
The serenity of the spa immediately lifted our spirits as we settled comfortably into plush chairs for much-needed manicures and pedicures.
Being that it was Monday after lunchtime, the spa was nearly empty save for our group. As far as safety measures went, it was an ideal situation. I was able to relax more fully at that realization, even accepting a second glass of champagne much to Lissa's approval.
The appointment had been going well, the three of us sharing in light banter and reminiscing about former classmates and where they were now. Lissa and I were getting caught up on all the latest Court drama.
It was at a lull in conversation when Mia's mischievous grin had turned to me, sending off alarm bells that spelt danger for me.
"So... Rose," Mia hedged, her grin growing ever wider, unease settling in the pit of my stomach, "about the beach this morning... that little scene with Guardian Belikov... quite the spectacle," she baited with feigned nonchalance, throwing the tantalizing information out to see what would bite. Even going so far as to flutter her lashes at me innocently as the nail technician continued to massage lotion into my calloused palms.
Lissa sat up straighter in her chair, a shameless grin spreading across her face in the presence of the salacious gossip Mia presented.
I fought to keep from squirming in my seat. How had she known? Panicking internally, I tried not to let it show outwardly without knowing that she actually had anything on me.
"I wouldn't know what you are talking about, Rinaldi." I sniffed, pretending to examine my new fire engine red manicure.
"Rose," She started dryly, not for a second buying my façade. "My window overlooks the beach."
My heart sank as a wave of mortification washed over me. "You saw that?" I squeaked, hoping against hope that Alberta hadn't heard.
Lissa leaned in further. "I knew it!" She crowed in delight, "What exactly were you two up to?" Lissa demanded, her grin downright feral now.
I shrugged, trying to dismiss their interest in the whole situation. "It was..." I floundered for an explanation, coming up short on how to explain how being captivated by the sun dancing on the waves as Dimitri's head was thrown back in laughter one moment had turned into me bringing his mouth down against mine "...nothing." I finally answered, knowing that the blush heating my cheeks was betraying me.
Mia's snort of amusement told me that she had took my answer as a challenge and was about to hand me my ass in the form of gossip, but before I could open my mouth to even shush her she had shot back, "Your legs wrapped around Dimitri Belikov's waist first thing in the morning in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico looked like a lot more than 'nothing' to me."
"We weren't in the middle of the gulf," I whispered back waspishly, forgoing all pretenses and shooting a fugitive glance in the direction of the waiting area. "And lower your voice!" I snapped, exasperatedly.
"Fine, I'm sure you're right," She teased, unbothered by my tone, "He was simply providing mouth to mouth restoration as he brought you into shore..." she trailed off waggling her eyebrows impishly at me before she and Lissa dissolved into peals of laughter.
So, she had seen then. I groaned sliding down further into my seat, mortified, praying to any higher power that was listening that Alberta hadn't heard a word of any of it.
"Rose!" Lissa gasped out between bouts of giggles, shock and humor coloring her tone, "Spill it. What happened on the beach?"
I shifted uncomfortably. "It was innocent, just a silly water fight that got out of hand," I muttered, feeling my cheeks burn hotter with every word.
Mia's scoffed, grin widening. "Innocent?"
Lissa raised a sardonic eyebrow, not buying it. "Dimitri was involved; it couldn't have been just a splash fight."
I sighed, caught red-handed, resigning myself to the interrogation. "Fine," I relented, giving them a watered-down version of my morning on the beach with Dimitri, trying to downplay the whole thing. "Things got a little...out of hand. Thats all." I hastily summarized.
"I don't know, Rose," Mia sniggered when I had finished, seemingly satisfied that she had worked the story out of me in the end, "It seemed like Guardian Belikov had his hands pretty full..."
"Mia!" I gasped aghast, unable to suppress the shocked laughter that burst from me. Spotting a foam pedicure toe separator within reach, I grabbed it and sent it sailing through the air, aiming for Mia with exaggerated accuracy. "Maybe you should keep your blinds closed!" I groused, a mix of embarrassment and amusement coloring my words.
We dissolved into laughter as the foam separator hit Mia squarely on her nose. Mortified, I buried my face in my hands. Wasn't what I had done already bad enough?
Was it bad though? A small part of myself wondered. Was I really so wrong for being swept up in the moment when Dimitri himself hadn't pulled away? Dimitri certainly hadn't seemed bothered… but should he have been? Was the kiss as heavy on his mind as it was on mine? Should I regret it? Did he? A small knot of anxiety started to twist in the pit of my stomach. This was why it was important to keep Dimitri at arm's length… but here I was, less than 24 hours into our beach trip and I had made a mess of it already. I groaned into my hands. Would I ever learn?
Taking pity on me Lissa sent soothing waves of calm through the bond, but it was hard to ignore the tinge of humor that came with it. I could see that she was entirely delighted by my little morning escapade, it had seemed almost inevitable to her as she thought back over her observations of Dimitri and myself over the last couple days. The tension she sensed between us was palpable, and she felt none of the confusion I did over the situation- to her it simply made sense.
At least that made one of us. I sighed, smiling in her direction before sticking out my tongue, making her laugh. "Oh, real mature, Guardian Hathaway."
"Not for the next two weeks I'm not." I answer succinctly, reminding her, taking a long sip of my champagne and sinking further back into my chair. My manicurist finally gave up on making my hands smooth and switched her attention to my feet that had been left to soak in the foot bath.
"Honestly, maybe I'm just jealous," Mia teased, her tone different than before, the shock of what she had witnessed finally having settled down, "Mimosas on the beach at sunrise is pretty romantic." She reflected with a soft smile in my direction.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smirk that crept up my face. It had been a good morning, regardless of the tangled emotions I felt now.
"… and a little impressed, Hathaway. Guardian Belikov? There must be a story there." Mia added as an afterthought, making me laugh softly at the reverent way that she and most people who had seen Dimitri in action spoke of him.
"You could say that." I answered vaguely, only for Lissa to snort in response.
"You can't just have the hottest…" My pointed glare interrupting her as she glanced back at the waiting room, smiling apologetically before continuing in a hushed tone, "You can't just have the hottest make out session with him and just pretend that it's no big deal, Rose!"
I groaned, there really was no use in hiding it. Not after the little show we had put on, but still I hesitated, there was an intrinsic part of me that would always try to protect what I had with Dimitri even now that there was no need to hide it. Not that there was much to hide...
I sighed, and Lissa reached out from her chair to pat my arm. I smiled ruefully at her, I had already done the harder part of this by admitting the truth to her, what was letting Mia in on what she had clearly already guessed?
"It's complicated…" I hedged, but Mia saw straight through it all and asked the one question I had not given myself permission to think about.
"Do you have feelings for him?" she asked softly, her gaze open and kind and not at all judgmental.
I looked away, clenching my jaw, and distractedly playing with the champagne flute in my hands. I kept my eyes on the thousands of rising bubbles in the glass as I answered her.
"Yes, no. Probably… but I shouldn't." I admitted with a frustrated snort.
Lissa's soft chuckle served to dampen my irritation at myself for having feelings. I brought my eyes back to my friends, offering a rueful smile. Mia was still contemplative as she considered me.
"Does he have feelings for you?" She questioned in return. I closed my eyes, leaning my head back into the pillowed backing of the spa chair, "I don't know." I whispered back, refusing to think too deeply into anything Dimitri did or didn't do. It was the only way I had been able to survive this past year.
"Not that this is any of my business," Mia began, a smile clear in her voice. "But, Rose, it's pretty damn clear to everyone except you that that man clearly feels something for you. Guardian Belikov doesn't strike me as the casual type."
I laughed dryly, opening my eyes to see Mia smirking once more.
"She's not wrong," Lissa shrugged, only rolling her eyes as I scoffed. It wasn't something that I could afford to let myself think about, not without undoing everything I had worked so hard to maintain these last ten months.
"Can we drop this, please?" I begged, desperate to dislodge the heavy feelings beginning to sink through the champagne.
Lissa chuckled. "Alright, alright. We'll let you off the hook... for now."
She winked and gave me a playful shove through the bond. "You minx." She teased privately, the delight on her face and genuine joy she felt for me warmed something in my heart, and I returned her smile with one of my own. "I just have to ask one more thing then I swear I'll drop it..." She thought tentatively, still speaking to me through the bond. I sighed, giving her a patient look before inclining my head slightly- mentally steeling myself for whatever it was that she wanted to know. "Who started it?", she questioned, downright gleeful. I couldn't help but smile, despite rolling my eyes, but nonetheless indulged her and pointed a casual finger at my chest earning a squeal in return. I smirked in return effectively ending our silent conversation, before redirecting the conversation, steering it away from the beach incident. The embarrassment lingered, but the distraction of girl talk and laughter eased the tension, at least temporarily.
It was to my ever-growing surprise that I still didn't feel any worse for wear after what had transpired between Dimitri and I earlier. I felt strangely disconnected from it all, like it wasn't something that had happened to me and I had only witnessed it in a dream. Almost as if it had happened in a different lifetime... there was no way for my mind to make sense of this sub reality. A part of me worried that it would be my undoing, but so far, I couldn't see anything wrong with what had happened. I had no reason to regret our moment of intimacy, well maybe outside of the fact that we had accidentally put on a show for the west side of the beach house... I cringed internally at that, but it had felt reckless and wild, and I relished that. It was something I hadn't felt since before leaving the academy and the novelty of it was enough to quiet that anxious voice in my head.
I managed to put the knowledge of our accidental voyeurism from my mind as we wrapped up at the spa, the third glass of champagne going a long way in helping with that endeavor. Once both our manicures and pedicures were complete the three of us stumbled slightly out into the sunshine giggling with cheeks flushed, an indulgently irritated Alberta following. Amused, Darren assisted the three of us into the backseat of the SUV ensuring that we were buckled in before continuing with the day's agenda, having to ultimately buckle Lissa's seat for her. Peals of laughter ringing out as he closed her door.
With plans in place to reconvene with the others, our next destination was set: a brief stop to ease the moroi's need for blood. The moroi's blood supply task was a swift necessary but uneventful interlude. It wasn't long before we were on our way again, my stomach gurgling audibly. Having just fed, the moroi were not very interested in lunch but indulged us dhampirs regardless. It was at a sub shop that we reunited with the rest of our group. After a quick but satisfying stop it was there that we decided who would be going where.
Our group size was impressive, but it didn't turn out to be an issue. Mia had decided that she had enough of the sun and the day out and was eager to try out the pool at the beach house. Eddie and Tasha were inclined to join her, having had a few too many cocktails at the driving range. Guardian Novak took their group and the second SUV. Leaving Lissa, Christian, Adrian, Dimitri, and myself with Darren, Alberta, and Randall. As the group piled into the SUV, I found myself sandwiched between Lissa and Dimitri, with Adrian on the opposite side. It was a tight fit that had us squishing into the third row of the vehicle, but the drive to the mall was short and the champagne had made Lissa and I giggly enough that no one truly minded. Well, maybe Adrian minded. However, close quarters did nothing to deter him from engaging in his usual antics, though he did little to hide the subtle annoyance in his eyes when Dimitri was within his line of sight.
"Champagne suits you," Adrian commented, craning his neck around Lissa to talk to me. I didn't miss Dimitri and Lissa's soft snorts but didn't dignify either with a response.
"Thank you for the surprise this morning," I answered, returning his smile.
Adrian shot Dimitri a pointed look before turning his attention back to me. "And I see that you made good on my request," he said, shooting me a wink as his gaze swept me over. "Looking nice and golden, Hathaway."
I glanced down at myself, not seeing much of a difference in my complexion after my morning but knew by the end of the week the sun will have made the most of my Turkish heritage. I smirked, imagining myself in the maroon bikini. I loved the beach. There was something about it that suited my personality. Wild, carefree, a little reckless, and somehow relaxing all in one. The possibilities seemed limitless here. I marveled slightly at being in the open world once more, and had to wonder if this was how the moroi and humans felt all the time? Maybe it was just the champagne, but I was downright giddy.
"Gotta admit, I'm impressed, Ivashkov. You managed to surprise me, and that's saying something."
Adrian grinned, but there was an undercurrent of tension. "Well, surprises seem to be the theme of our little group here, don't they? You never know what I might have up my sleeve."
I didn't miss the cynicism his tone carried, and I narrowed my eyes ever so slightly at him silently warning him to knock it off. He threw up his hands, laughing it off.
Dimitri, ever the silent observer, sat quietly next to me, his expression impassive. I tried my best to ignore the heat of his body being pressed warmly into mine. If he caught Adrian's glances or tone, he didn't let on, but I could sense the subtle tension between him and Adrian grow. The beach escapade had only heightened the unspoken competition between them.
Giving an internal sigh, not feeling up for navigating their testosterone fueled rivalry, I shoved my shoulder into Lissa's changing the direction of the conversation entirely.
"Speaking of the beach, seems like someone took some liberties when they were shopping for my swim wear." I teased.
Liss laughed softly, "Don't lie and tell me you don't love them." She returned with a smile, knowing better.
"I love them all," I confirmed unabashedly, not bothering to deny her genius, "But by the way that red bikini is held together, something tells me you like chaos." I teased, raising my eyebrows. Her pale face flushing further in mirth.
"That is the right time and right place type of swimsuit, Hathaway. Choose wisely." Lissa warned sagely, winking.
I snorted. "Who's the minx, again?" I accused, only to be answered by a diabolicalgiggle to which I rolled my eyes.
Dimitri shifted and coughed a quite laugh, bringing my attention straight back to him and our proximity.
"I'd offer to scoot over, but…" Dimitri joked, wiggling his shoulders slightly to illustrate his point, jarring us softly as he smiled down at me.
"Here, let's try this." He offered kindly, bringing his arm to rest along the top of the seats and behind Lissa's and my head. The intended effect was accomplished and there was a small breath of space created for Adrian who was jammed against the furthest window, but instead of being pressed into his shoulder I was now flush against his side. Blushing slightly, I breathed deeply only to be enveloped in the mouthwatering aroma of the combination of his aftershave and cologne.
I gulped inaudibly. "Worse things have been known to happen." I blurted out damning the champagne as a blush fully bloomed across my cheeks.
Lissa barked out a surprised laugh, having to bite her lip and look away to contain her hilarity.
Dimitri's eyebrow rose in amusement, a slight grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Really, Belikov, that's not necessary. I was perfectly comfortable." Adrain insisted grumbling.
Christian decided then to turn around, his phone in his hand, "Smile!" the camera clicked, and Christian laughed. "You all are a cozy bunch." He laughed again, flipping the screen so we could see the picture he had taken. Lissa and I had managed to smile in time, use to Christian's surprise pictures by now, but it was Dimitri and Adrian's expressions that I lingered on. Adrain's arms were crossed haughtily over his chest as he looked to Dimitri in annoyance, and I could see why. Dimitri's gaze was still on me, his amused smile lingering, the look in his eye softening the otherwise hard lines of his facial features. It twisted something deep in my gut to see him look at me that way. I looked away forcing a smile for Christian's benefit. I sensed if I were to look back, I'd still find those warm brown eyes trained on me.
Lissa sighed, patting my knee, and offering me a small smile, somehow knowing.
"I have a list of things we need for the week." She said, grabbing her purse from Christian and producing said list. "We need to set up the grocery order so that it can be delivered this evening, I thought we could do smores on the patio tonight." She rambled, passing me her phone so I could start the grocery order as she called out items. The bond was silent, and I was thankful for the menial task to distract me from my crowded thoughts.
We grocery planned the rest of the way to the mall, even Adrian's grumbles had subsided by the time we arrived.
As the SUV pulled into the bustling parking lot of the mall, my excitement bubbled up inside me. A shopping spree had always been the answer to life's most difficult trials in the past, and that proved to be no different this time.
Exiting the vehicle, we were greeted by the warm breeze of the late afternoon. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the sprawling mall complex. With a quick exchange of smiles and excited chatter, we headed towards the entrance, eager to explore the myriad of shops and boutiques that awaited us. The Guardians had quickly made tactile plans and disbursed accordingly. Darren was our close Guardian this time. He fit in with Dimitri and Adrian's addition to our group and had toned down his wardrobe for this outing so that he fit seamlessly in with our group. Randal and Alberta had made themselves scarce and I did my best not to look too closely for them in case I were to give away their positions, but the instinctual part of myself was as aware as ever. It was impossible to turn it off entirely, and I knew Dimitri felt the same as his eyes continuously made sweeps of our surroundings.
Stepping inside, we were immediately engulfed by the hustle and bustle of shoppers, the upbeat music playing from the speakers overhead adding to the lively atmosphere. My eyes widened as I took in the array of stores lining the wide corridors, each offering its own unique treasures waiting to be discovered.
As we moved from store to store, our shopping bags steadily grew heavier with each purchase, the mood remained light and carefree. We tried on countless outfits, sharing laughter and playful teasing as we helped each other find the perfect ensemble. Lissa had even convinced me to buy another bikini- black this time. The bottoms barely covering my ass and the top connected by a French knot in the middle. It was subtle but so sexy, that I wasn't sure that I would even be brave enough to wear it out, but Lissa swore that if I didn't get it, she'd just sneak it into my Christmas gifts for me to open in front of everyone. I relented and couldn't help but notice how Dimitri's eyes had trailed me from the rack of clothes to the cash register. A shiver running down my spine, Lissa shot me a wink noticing the same thing I had and shared a conspiratorial laugh.
Our last stop was a trendy boutique, its racks filled with the latest fashion trends and statement pieces. Lissa immediately gravitated towards the racks of flowing sundresses and colorful swimsuits with me in tow; her excitement palpable as we began to browse through the vibrant array of clothing. Most of the clothing was impractical for my day-to-day needs and I had earned Lissa's ire at each stop today by refusing the selections she made for me.
"Rose." Lissa snapped through clinched teeth finally losing her patience with my practicality; I bit my lip in efforts not to laugh- impressed that she had lasted this long.
"Yes?" I answered, feigning cluelessness, and continuing to browse the closest rack of clothes- choosing a royal blue tank top to add to my pile to try on, most of what I selected today could also be used for my training sessions once we returned home.
"One dress won't kill you." She groused, shoving the dress I had handed back to her onto the rack.
"It might." I answered in a sing-song intonation, still fighting to hide my laughter from her.
Christian and Adrian had wandered off to explore the men's section, their conversation drifting between casual banter and criticism from Adrian at Christian's lack of enthusiasm for clothes shopping. Dimitri, ever the stoic presence, lingered nearby, his gaze scanning the store with a quiet intensity. His eye catching mine briefly, before nodding his head in the direction of a rack of skirts and surprising the complete hell out of me when he said, "What about a skort?" he asked, contemplatively fingering the cool material of the tennis skirt.
Dimitri took my mouth popping open in shock for confusion. "It's a skirt with shorts. Best of both worlds." He shrugged as if this were a reasonable thing for Dimitri Belikov to say. I shook my head, wondering if my vision would correct itself.
Nope. That was indeed Dimitri holding a tennis skirt in his hand with the same beguiling expression he had when he taught me the best way to hold someone twice my size in a headlock.
I sputtered uncomprehendingly, "How do you know what a skort is?" I demanded.
He snorted derisively picking up on my tone, "What? I have sisters." He shot back defensively, bringing out the navy-blue tennis skort to show me.
"See! Even Dimitri gets it!" Lissa said, coming to investigate where I had gone. Taking the skort from his hands and adding it to my pile without question. "Come on, Rose, it's time to try on."
I let her drag me off but couldn't help glancing back at Dimitri who laughed lightly at my expression.
Eventually, we made our way to the accessories section, where rows of sparkling jewelry and chic handbags awaited us. My eyes lit up as I spotted a pair of sunglasses, immediately reaching out to try them on.
"Those are perfect for the beach," Lissa exclaimed, her own eyes drawn to a delicate necklace displayed nearby.
With a nod of agreement, I added the sunglasses to my growing pile of purchases, deciding that I had my fill of shopping for the day. Just as Lissa had made her final selections Christian had wondered over to find us so we headed towards the checkout counter. I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Retail therapy had indeed managed to do the trick once more, and yet I couldn't help but admire Dimitri from the corner of my eye. I would forever be surprised at how comfortable and at ease he seemed regardless of where he was. Whether it was fighting strigoi or clothes shopping in sunny Florida.
Just like my thoughts, he was never far behind. He had made a few purchases throughout our trip, mostly new shirts, a pair of jeans or two, and other basics, if one could call Dimitri Belikov selecting boxer briefs basic, but he had surprised me by buying a few new collared shirts and even a new pair of swimming trunks, maroon- I couldn't help but notice.
"She'll also need this and this." Adrain said offhandedly, coming up from behind, surprising me from my reverie by thrusting a cropped white camisole and an accompanying pair of frayed high waisted white jean shorts onto the counter on top of my other selections as I waited for Lissa and Christian to complete their purchases. He fingered the lace edge of the black bralette I picked out with Lissa, how he could have possibly noticed was beyond me, but Adrian did seem to have a sixth sense for all things lacey and boob related.
"Pardon?" I questioned batting his hand away, my eyebrows raised.
"Wear that pretty lacey number under that." He continued examining the rest of my purchases with a critical eye and gesturing to the camisole instead of answering, giving an approving nod to the skirt that Dimitri had picked out. He winked, finally raising his eyes to mine while dropping his credit card on top of my purchases and sliding them over to the bemused cashier.
"What? Can't I do something nice?" Adrian demanded when I didn't lift my hand from my pile of intended purchases so I could be checked out. Lissa paid me an adequate salary. I did not need the help of the shiny gold credit card that Adrian had already slid towards the boutique employee.
"I'm sure it happens." I answered dryly at the same time Christian said "No."
Adrian spared him a withering glance before returning his attention back to me. At my unfaltering look, Adrian sighed. "Just let me do this. Consider it back pay for all the mean things I've said and will say."
I considered, knowing already that it was fruitless to argue with him, and that it probably wasn't worth my time or energy to figure out what he was up to, but I also wasn't quite ready to give in just that easily, I narrowed my eyes further and crossed my arms over my chest. "Fine, but what's with the white outfit? I am not joining a wet t-shirt contest if that's what you're getting at with all of this…" I warned. Adrain laughed.
"One could only dream little, Damphir." He answered with a roguish grin. "No, unfortunately for me, all it is an exclusive paint party that I've managed to get us into."
The cashier gasped impressed, "The party on The Wharf?" Adrain turned the full unrestrained charm of his green eyes on her, and I watched as she blushed prettily under his gaze. I snorted softly under my breath. The man never knew a moments rest.
"I heard some guys talking at the driving range this morning and turns out I have a few connections through family," I knew what that meant, there was some kind exclusive royal adjacent party happening at some swanky beach place that Adrian had gotten an invite to. Royal-human party apparently since blondie seemed to know about it. "Will you be there, Gorgeous?" I couldn't manage to hide my eye roll this time, and the girl shot me an annoyed look to which I returned with a smirk. "I might." She teased, smiling winningly back to Adrian. If the look in her eye were anything to judge by, if she hadn't been going before she'd be there now and ready to climb Adrian like a tree.
"What do you mean us, Ishvashkov. Us who?" I cut in, earning the blonde's ire further. I was not going to a snotty royal party with Adrian. Those days were behind me. "Simmer down, Sweety. Believe me, there's plenty of Adrian to go around." I told the girl as she huffed in annoyance but continued to scan and bag mine and Adrian's purchases racking up a pretty impressive total to which Adrian didn't even blink.
Adrian sighed mockingly, offering an apologetic smile to the cashier as he slid his card closer in her direction. "Us as in our fabulous little posse." He said gesturing to Lissa and Christian waiting by the doors of the boutique with Darren not far behind and to where Dimitri waited patiently behind us in line, ladened with a pair of white board shorts and a tank top of his own. I raised my eyebrows at him, this time in amusement.
He did the same in return, a smile hiding in the corner of his mouth.
"Everyone's accounted for," Adrain assured, his tone conveying that he wasn't all too pleased by this detail.
As Adrian's words hung in the air, I couldn't help but feel a little intrigued. The idea of a paint party sounded fun, but the thought of spending more time in Adrian's company was less appealing. However, I knew better than to underestimate his ability to make any event entertaining.
"Paint party, huh?" I echoed, arching an eyebrow skeptically. "Sounds messy."
Adrian chuckled, undeterred by my skepticism. "Oh, it'll be messy, all right. It's the mess that makes it fun. It's going to be legendary. Trust me, Rose, you won't regret it."
I shot him a skeptical glance, suppressing a smile at his inuendo. "I'll hold you to that, Ivashkov. I hope this party can live up to the hype."
"Challenge accepted," he said with a playful wink, clearly unfazed by my skepticism.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. Adrian had a way of making even the most mundane activities seem exciting. Plus, the prospect of spending more time with my friends, including Dimitri, was appealing despite Adrian's antics.
As we left the boutique, the warm evening air greeted us, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of saltwater and sunscreen. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue over the horizon, perfect time for the moroi to venture out and explore the beach.
A/N: And there it is, another light fluffy chapter for your amusement. I had the weekend to myself and took the opportunity to finish up this chapter. More beach fun to come in the upcoming chapter!
As always, let me know what you think. What do you think will happen next? Any ideas?
Happy reading!
Blue