"I want to show you something," she bit her lip, unsure. She trusted him, but Katherine's stories were getting to her. He was kind and gentle with her, but Katherine's tales of the past she'd had with him and the fear that had shown in her eyes… She couldn't help the small doubt that had bloomed inside of her. She couldn't help the hesitation that showed clearly upon her face.
"What is it, Love?" his eyebrows knit together and his eyes glimmered with hurt. She sighed heavily, his knuckles touching her cheek. His thumb brushed her cheekbone and his hand began to splay against her face. He caressed her jaw, and his touch held nothing but careful affection.
"I have heard stories about your past from-,"
"Katarina?" her eyes cascaded down. His hand moved to the back of her neck, her hair softly flowing over the back of it. He pulled her closer, and her hands pressed firmly against his chest but not to distance them. His breath was a gentle touch against her forehead.
"I would never hurt you," he promised in a whisper, his lips pressing delicately against the top of her head, at her hairline. His hand had snaked back to cup her face and his thumb was rubbing her cheek tenderly once again. Slowly, they began to melt together, conforming to fit like two puzzle pieces. Her head tipped back and their foreheads touched.
"I love you, my darling Cassandra Salvatore," his voice was genuine, adoring, and steady. The doubt washed away and the words slipped out just as heartfelt and openly honest as his. It felt like instinct, her feelings and she knew by the sparkle in his eyes, he was in awe as she opened her heart and took him in.
"And I love you, Kol Mikaelson."