Protection - d. belikov

Chapter 15

After a quick car ride, the group found themselves parked outside of a club. Kat could feel Dimitri's unease through the bond and she tried to send positive feelings to him. She was scared of what could be waiting for them when they entered the club. Clearing all of those negative thoughts from her mind, she got out of the car, the others in tow. She moved into Dimitri's side and his hand settled comfortably on the small of her back, the other going to his hip – where his stake was.

"Why are we here?" Lissa questioned her fellow spirit user.

"This is just a stop along the way. I need to meet with someone to verify the whereabouts of the scholar. And maybe have a drink." His words were met with silence. "Guys, it'll be fun." Adrien led them into the club and the bouncers let them through without a fuss. They greeted him as if they were old friends. Kat's nerves were skyrocketing and she second guessed her choice to come along. Dimitri felt her unease, and pulled her tighter against his chest. He rubbed her hands over her arms and she calmed down slightly. Her attention was drawn when they reached another door.

"Muscles stays out here Ivankovich. You know the rules," a Moroi at the door said. Dimitri looked at the three Moroi that he was in charge of protecting and shook his head. "No, we're leaving."

"Dimitri, this is the only entrance to this part of the club. We'll be fine," Adrian comforted as he walked through the door. Lissa peaked in, "We'll stay for a drink and then we'll go. Make that two," Lissa said and joined Adrian. With their departure Dimitri pulled Kat closer to him. Kat – seeking comfort – moved into his side.

"You're staying out here with me. I'm not letting you out of my sight." After a few moments of silence, Kat asked, "Can we dance?"

"I don't know Printsessa. I can't keep an eye on our surroundings if you're moving that body in that way."

"Please Cowboy?" Kat pleaded giving him her best puppy dog eyes.

"That's not fair. You know what that does to me," Dimitri said as he led her to the dance floor. She instantly started moving her body to the beat, and Dimitri just stood there.

"Dance with me Cowboy," Kat said as she moved his hands to her hip. He took a deep breathe, taking her in. She had never looked more beautiful than in this moment. Her hair was loose and she looked free. Unable to deny her anything, he pulled her closer to him – his hands moving down – and he moved his body in tuned with hers.

"I love you."

"I love you too Cowboy."

"Dimitri! We have to go!" Rose yelled. "Strigoi!" Lissa and Adrian had returned and they were running after Rose. Dimitri pulled Kat behind him, his hand never leaving hers. She was terrified. As they were running, she made eye contact with one of the red eyed Strigois. Making her heart beat faster. They quickly ran to the car, Rose sitting in front with Dimitri. Dimitri sped away from the club, making the people in the back fall on top of each other. Kat was pushed into the door, her ribs taking the grunt of it.

"How did you know?" Kat asked her friend.

"I just knew, okay. Let's just get home."

"We can't go home. We still need answers," Adrian complained.

"It's not safe. There was just a Strigoi in that club. It could be on our tail," Kat said.

"It's not. I would know," Rose answered. Dimitri and Kat made eye contact in the rear-view mirror.

"Are you okay?" Dimitri asked into her mind. She shook her head, and he could see the tears that she was trying to hold back.