Chapter 23 - Lost control

Present day - March

Rose POV

I stretched out my limbs and I was relieved that I was feeling slightly better. Usually the fever and the aches came in waves, and right now I felt pretty good. I got up with some effort and walked out to the kitchen to grab something to drink, and saw that both guardians were outside. I downed a bottle of water, thankful for the relief it provided.

Knowing that I was alone in the cabin I looked around, trying to find ways to escape if it came to that. I still didn't know what to think of them. I opened the door to the smaller bedroom and noticed that they had carried their stuff inside, but neither bed had been slept in. Used clothes were scattered all over the left side, on the bed and the floor, but the right side of the room was spotless except for Dimitri's duster neatly placed on the bed.

I swayed a bit when I inhaled deeply. I faintly recognized Dimitri's scent, in combination to something else that was calling to me almost as much as Dimitri.

The throbbing sensation in my stomach was back with a tidal wave, and I knew that I needed to lie down again. Fast. I heard the door open behind me and turned around to see douchebag, no Spiridon, enter. When he noticed me standing in the door opening to their room he stopped and took a few deep breaths.

Something in his demeanor changed. He lost his easy-going smile and became instead focused, serious. Almost predatory. The hairs on the back of my neck raised in warning as I sensed the danger. He took a few steps closer and I saw that his pupils dilated, the gray in his eyes almost entirely replaced by black. He was tense, and I mirrored him and stood completely still. I wasn't sure what I wanted. I was afraid, but also in a desperate need to be closer to him. I needed to lie down, and as shameful and scary it was to admit to myself a big part of me needed his proximity. It was a battle of two instincts, and I wasn't sure which one was going to win.

He seemed to move without his own permission and he took another step, closing the distance between us. He licked his lips as he watched me like a hawk, solely focused on me. He was the predator, and I was the prey. He was breathing heavily and he clenched and unclenched his fists over and over again, his arms rigid to his sides.

His hands moved to the front of him and started to pry open his belt, and images of Moore flashed before me. I gasped at the comparison.

That made my survival instinct win over my overwhelming need for something, my need for him, and I took a few steps back. I wasn't watching where I was going, so I bumped into the door of their bedroom. Door, close the door Rose, hurry. With my last strength I quickly took two steps into the room, and with shaking hands I pulled shut the door behind me. My step faltered as I backed further into the room. I tumbled down and hit the bed before I landed on the floor, curling up as my lower stomach throbbed. It felt like my fever came back in full force as well, unexpectedly so. I hadn't experienced this kind of intensity and unexpectedness before, usually the waves came over me in a more predictable and controlled manner.

Just as the door to the bedroom opened, it was closed abruptly, as if someone pushed it back shut.

I heard them through the door. "What are you doing?" Dimitri asked.

"Get out of my fucking way," Spiridon snarled back. The door opened a few inches before it was slammed shut again. I heard thuds and it was clear that it had evolved into a physical altercation.

They were yelling to each other and I heard several thuds and crashes. I didn't have the energy to focus on everything that was said, but from what I heard Dimitri wanted Spiridon to calm down and Spiridon wanted Dimitri to fuck off. I was afraid and I tried to get up from the floor, but only managed to curl up more. I hated how helpless I felt again, and vowed to myself to change that in the near future.

Soon their voices were further away and it was clear that they weren't right outside the bedroom anymore.

"Let's just get some fresh air" was the last thing I heard Dimitri yell before the sounds stopped.

"Rose."

I heard Dimitri enter the room, and I stirred and groaned. The cold floor had initially been a relief, but now it was only making me uncomfortable. Someone's clothes were like lumps underneath me, and my back was sore. I felt his presence all over me right before he lifted me up in his arms. I sighed, content again, and my skin tingled from his touch.

I didn't want to open my eyes. The feeling of his strong arms wrapped around me and carrying me was like heaven, and the swaying motion was soothing me. It felt like he only took a few steps before I was laid down on a bed, and with a quick glance I noticed I was back in the bedroom I'd been sleeping in. He immediately recoiled and backed towards the door. I whimpered and rolled to my side, not wanting to be alone.

"Did he hurt you?" Dimitri asked in a strained voice. It took me a moment before I realized who he was talking about. I shook my head, not sure where my voice was. Dimitri left the room without another word, gently closing the door behind him.

I had almost fallen asleep again when the bedroom window creaked, and I opened my eyes. I was startled to see Spiridon on the outside and I barely contained my shriek. His hand was pushing the window open and for a moment I thought he was going to force his way in. But he didn't make any attempt to actually get into the room, instead he stayed on the outside with a look of concern and shame. I noticed traces of blood underneath his nose, and it looked like a bruise forming on his left side of the cheek.

"I'm really sorry, I hope you're okay," he said in a low voice. It was almost heartbreaking seeing his usual carefree self gone, replaced by this man of regrets and fear. I felt the need to reassure him. "I'm okay, just feels like someone punched me in the stomach but nothing you did," I murmured, fighting to keep my voice light despite the truth in my words.

He chuckled slightly, but the smile never reached his eyes. "Well, if it makes you feel any better I feel the same. Only I was actually punched in the stomach. By an angry, freakishly big Russian fellow."

I tried to smile but failed miserably. It was hard to believe that Dimitri had actually fought Spiridon in order to protect me.

"Anywho, I'm sorry and I hope you feel better," he said and started to close the window.

"Thanks douchebag." I was rewarded with another smile. This time it seemed more genuine.

Author's note: We are almost at the end of part 1 (two more chapters - part 1 is in total 25 chapters).

Part 2 is still in the making, and we will take a break before we start publishing again. We'd rather have most of part 2 ready before we begin with regular updates instead of doing it sporadically. Alesha is getting married next week and both of us will be busy with summer plans and traveling. So this story will most likely continue after summer.

Again, we thank you all for your kind words and notes. It means the world to us.