Hey everyone so here we are with chapter 3! This chapter is pretty long, we get a little bit more Delena and learn some more about Damon's father's business and what he wants with Jeremy. I want to send a huge thank you to all of my readers, and a GIANT thank you to all of my reviewers for encouraging me to keep going. You guys are awesome! Anyways, please enjoy this chapter and leave a review to let me know what you think :)

P.S. OMG I'm totally fangirling over that premiere it was so amazing, especially all the fluffy gooey Delena scenes! I'm sure you fellow Delena fans are happy too, hopefully it'll last a while, fingers crossed!

Chapter 3

EPOV

"Elena what do you think about these shoes?" Caroline asked holding up a pair of chucky light pink wedges.

"They're cute," I mused offering her a small smile.

"You've said that about every pair I've shown you," she rolled her eyes and gave me a pointed look.

"I know I'm sorry my mind's just somewhere else," I mumbled running my hand through my hair.

"What's wrong?" She asked with concern obvious in her voice. "I could tell you've been upset all day. Is everything okay at home? I know you got some sort of emergency call from Jeremy yesterday."

"He got into some trouble," I sighed lowering my voice slightly," and there's something going on between John and the Salvatore's. Jer called me yesterday so I could pick him up from the boarding house and John was there, but when I asked him about it he got bizarre and brushed me off like I had annoyed him. I'm just so confused, I have no idea what's going on at all, and I'm worried."

"Oh my God, is Jeremy okay?" She asked worriedly.

"He's fine he won't even talk to me though," I frowned crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm just confused. All I know is that Jeremy got into some kind of trouble and ended up there and I drove him home. I never went inside I just saw people walking out so I have no idea what happened when he was in the house. It just makes me nervous to see Jeremy and my Uncle John involved with that man, I've heard so many horrible things."

"At least he's okay and he's home safe and they didn't hurt him," she said with a small smile.

"I spoke to Damon Salvatore last night," I blurted out apprehensively. "He was standing outside when I went to get Jeremy."

"Oh my God! You talked to Damon?" Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Well like I said he was outside when I got there," I shrugged trying to brush it off.

"He's like the most infamous guy in Mystic Falls I can't believe you talked to him that's crazy," she gasped shaking her head back and forth.

"He seemed nice it really wasn't that dramatic," I said trying to calm her down.

"He was nice huh?" She raised an eyebrow at me as her lips grew into a smile.

"What are you insinuating?" I asked rolling my eyes.

"Well you need a new boy," she said slowly as I caught on.

"Oh no no no Caroline," I waved my hands in front of her for extra effect. "Do not push me on Damon Salvatore."

"Oh come on Lena the guy is gorgeous and I saw you admiring him the other night," she said with a twinkle in her eye," and I bet he's crazy good in bed, I mean he's walking sex."

"He's also an ex convict and a member of a family of criminals," I whispered harshly.

"Well that doesn't necessarily mean he's a bad guy," she smiled encouragingly. "Maybe if you got to know him you'd see the good. You already said he was nice when you talked last night."

"Yeah but that was for like five minutes and I hardly know the guy," I sighed running my fingers through my hair," not to mention that I'm a 17 year old high school student, what would he want with me?"

"Oh please Lena you're totally hot that's why he probably wants a lot from you," she giggled nudging me with her elbow.

"Well I don't want anything from him," I said defiantly," and those pink shoes are my favorite get them."

"Okay well at least you're being useful now," she said grabbing the shoe to get it in her size. I can't believe Caroline, now she's pushing me on to Damon Salvatore, is she insane? My uncle told me to stay away from him anyways, not that I always listen to what he says, but he obviously knows the guy is bad news. The problem is that I can't seem to get him off my mind. Damon is so different from Matt, or at least on paper. He was the epitome of a good boy, he always had me home on time, he was the star football player, he was always super nice to my parents-and me-so naturally they loved him. He made me happy for a while, but not long before my parents died I started to rethink our relationship. When they passed I was so distraught I spent a lot of time by myself sulking in my room or crying, so I didn't actually break up with him until last month. Maybe this infatuation with Damon is simply that, an infatuation. He's the opposite of Matt, and that excites me. Even when I was happy with Matt I always thought there may have been something missing in our relationship. The problem with Matt was that there wasn't any passion or adventure, but Damon just exudes those things. Just talking to him and being near him sent sparks through me, I don't even know what I would do if anything more happened; I'd probably pass out.

"Okay we can go," Caroline walked towards me with her shoes bought and paid for pulling me from my thoughts.

"So what's the new outfit for?" I asked her as we walked back out to her car.

"Can't a girl just do some shopping without being asked a million questions?" She huffed unlocking the door.

"Okay sorry," I mumbled getting into the passenger seat.

"No I'm sorry I just snapped at you I'm being a bitch," she sighed shaking her head a little. "The guy I'm talking to sort of invited me to a party this weekend."

"Okay so what's the problem?" I asked confused. Caroline loves parties, I can't imagine her ever not being excited about going to one.

"Well he's different from other guys I'm used to seeing," she said as she drove towards my house. "He's older, and a bit of a bad boy. He invited me to a party at this warehouse on the edge of town, and I've heard of those parties they're pretty crazy, and most of the people that go are a little shady."

"Why are you talking to someone who hangs around shady people?" I asked her worriedly. "Is he some sort of criminal?"

"No, well I mean he got arrested a few times when he was a teenager for stupid stuff and he told me all about it," she said defending her new boyfriend. "He was having a hard time because his father died, and he got involved in drugs kind of like Jeremy. He just hangs around with a crowd that's different from ours."

"He doesn't do drugs now does he?" I asked her concerned.

"No he went to rehab a few years ago," she said biting her lip a little embarrassed. "I know it doesn't sound great, but I really like him. Plus, I did a background check and as far as I can tell he isn't some sort of cereal rapist or ax murder."

"You did a background check?" I giggled rolling my eyes in amusement. Sometimes Caroline can be so dramatic.

"Hey a girl can't be too careful," she said defensively. "I mean he obviously isn't perfect, but I just get a good feeling about him. I don't know how to describe it, do you get what I mean?"

I completely understand what she means because it's exactly how I feel about Damon, and he actually does have a criminal record. Even after everything I know about him I can't help but feel this connection with him, it's something I've never experienced before. Even just talking to him for a few minutes got my blood boiling, and even though my brain keeps telling me he's a dangerous criminal, I get this vibe when I'm with him that tells me I'm going to be okay. He doesn't scare me, and neither does his past. Even after everything I know he's done I feel something for him, and we've hardly even met.

"Hello Elena," Caroline waved her hand in front of my face pulling me out of my thoughts. "You drifted again."

"You're right I'm sorry," I said apologetically," but I know what you mean, you should trust your gut, and if your gut says he's a good guy then go for it."

"So you aren't worried about his history?" She asked curiously.

"I'm not judging after what's going on with my brother," I shrugged. "I get it. People make mistakes, at least he got help and he's got it under control now. I'm just surprised you're into someone like that, but you can't help who you fall for."

"I know it's a little surprising for me too," she blushed nervously," but he's really sweet."

"Well I'm glad you're happy Care," I said as she pulled up to my house," I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay bye Lena," she said pulling out of the driveway. I walked inside and found Jeremy sitting on the couch watching TV; at least he left his bedroom.

"So are you done acting like a jerk?" I asked sitting next to him with my arms crossed.

"Sorry I snapped at you last night," he said with a deep sigh. "I was just stressed and I had a lot going on, I shouldn't have acted like an ass hole."

"Okay fine I get that," I nodded," but can you please tell me truth? What happened at the Salvatore house?"

"I can't say," he said looking at me earnestly. "Look, just know I'm fine. They didn't hurt me or force me into anything I didn't want so please stop worrying."

"Do you know what's going on between them and John?" I asked curiously.

"Like I said Lena I can't talk about it with you," he said apologetically. "Just don't worry about it."

"How can I just let it go though?" I asked him nervously. "Those people are dangerous and I don't know what I would do if I lost any more family members."

"Lena you're not going to lose me," he said seriously," and you won't lose John either. We're both fine I promise the Salvatore's are harmless, the things you've heard are just stupid rumors, you know how this town can be with gossip."

"Are you sure?" I asked him anxiously.

"Yes Lena I'm sure and if I need help I'll come to you," he said with a small smile.

"Okay fine," I said dropping the subject. It's not like he'd tell me anyways, and I'm sick of fighting with him. I just can't shake the feeling that something more is going on.

DPOV

"So you want me to oversee your drug trade, since when did you even have anything to do with drug?," I asked my father as we sat in his office Wednesday afternoon.

"After the incident with you're pal Vaughn a whole new industry opened itself up," Giuseppi said leaning back in his desk chair. "All of your old gang is either dead or in jail so I took advantage of the opening and I've decided to make some extra money off of it. I've always had a hand in the global side of drug trade, but recently I've been employing local dealers to sell the product. That's what Klaus has been doing."

"So that's why you want the Gilbert boy," I mumbled angrily. "You want him to do some of your bitch work?"

"I'd appreciate a little respect Damon," he shouted angrily. "I'm asking you to oversee the guys I have out on the streets. This means you decide where the Gilbert boy goes and what he does, same with Klaus. I thought you'd be happy about this. I know you know about this side of the business, but now you get the control."

"I don't want the control and I thought you were above this," I said shaking my head. "Grandpa never would've used the business to get kids involved in drugs."

"Are you really playing the morality card right now?" he asked chuckling. "Come on Damon I know about your past. You were high on everything that could possibly be considered a drug when you were the Gilbert kid's age."

"Yeah I had a drug problem I get it no need to remind me," I shook my head in annoyance," but I got clean and I've stayed clean. As for the dealing, I did it because I needed the money and now that you asked me to work for you I thought I left that life behind, and I never sold to kids like him."

"You have left it behind Damon I'm not asking you to deal anymore," he said getting up and pouring himself a drink. "I don't want you on the streets so that's why you're on the other side of that now. If you don't want to deal to kids you don't have to, as long as you're bringing in a profit I could care less who your clients are. You can send the guys to Richmond and have them only sell to hopeless old junkies, I really could care less as long as the stuff is sold."

"Oh, but it's cool to have a 14 year old kid doing your dirty work?" I asked him in disbelief.

"Why do you care about Jeremy Gilbert?" he asked sitting back in his chair with his scotch. "What's that kid got to do with anything? He's just some junkie who also stole from me, be glad I didn't punish him further."

"Oh but forcing him into a life of crime isn't punishment enough?" I asked him sarcastically.

"Would you rather I had Luca enforce his usual punishment on the kid?" He smirked and I scowled.

"You'd really do that?" I asked glaring at him.

"I do what I have to do Damon," he said raising his glass. "Anyways, I have a meeting in New York tomorrow and I'm leaving now so I'll be home on Thursday. Until then I want you to speak with Logan about however you want to distribute."

"So Logan is in charge of what exactly?" I asked frowning.

"Logan is the one who gets us the product and then we distribute it," he said standing up," but I have to go I have a helicopter waiting for me. I'll see you Thursday son."

"What's going on with dad?" Stefan asked when I walked back out into the parlor after Giuseppe left.

"Did you know he was dealing drugs?" I asked him ignoring the question.

"Well with all the mysterious guys bringing packages into the basement and that kid coming over last night I figured it out myself," he shrugged sitting down on one of the long leather couches.

"I just don't get it I thought dad wasn't into this side of things," I shook my head in confusion.

"Dad never ceases to surprise me I've learned to expect the unexpected," he chuckled rolling his eyes.

"Yeah well he wants me to oversee all of it," I said pouring myself a drink.

"Well what's wrong with that? I mean you already know about that stuff it's why you were in jail," he smirked shrugging his shoulders.

"I know I guess I just feel kind of bad for that kid," I responded looking down at my drink. "He's only 15 and his parents just died, now dad's got him under his fucking thumb."

"I don't pretend to like all the shit dad gets away with Damon," he said seriously," but it's not like we can do anything about it. At least if you get to be in charge you can help the kid out a little, maybe take him under your wing or something."

"You know grandpa was probably the scariest guy I ever met," I said changing the subject and smiling to myself," but I still think he was a good man in the end. He only ever hurt people who deserved it, he always told me not to let innocent people get hurt because of our actions. He was adamant about that."

"Yeah he had that chat with all of us," Stefan said smiling at the memory.

"Don't you think he'd be pissed about what dad's been doing with the family business?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows.

"Yeah I know he wouldn't be cool with involving kids with the drugs," Stefan nodded in agreement," but grandpa's dead and dad's in charge now. That means dad gets to make all of the decisions. Besides, didn't you deal to kids when you worked for Vaughn?"

"No I used to sell to the douchy frat guys and stoners at Whitmore College just outside town," I said taking a sip of my bourbon.

"Oh well I guess you could do that again," he said sheepishly. "I don't know Damon. If I could help you I would, but I don't have control over dad, I'm not even 18 yet."

"I know I don't want you involved anyways," I said patting him on the back. "I just wish dad was different sometimes."

"I know me too," he nodded looking down at his hands.

"You know mom would blow a gasket if she was still here," I gulped staring into the bottom of my glass.

"Yeah, but mom didn't like the fact that dad was involved in any criminal activity at all," Stefan said looking up at me.

"Well dad was different before mom died," I said woefully. My dad has always been a fairly intense guy, it's how he was raised, but after my mom died he just became hard and cold. He was a completely different person.

"I've never been opposed to most of dad's business before," I said thinking about it more. "I mean the embezzlement and control over corrupt CEO's and the casinos, at least those people were criminals too. They were bad people so knowing that he messed with them never bothered me, but now with this Jeremy kid and the drugs I wonder where he draws the line."

"So are you just going to bail?" Stefan asked nervously," leave town, not work for dad?"

"No I wouldn't do that," I said shaking my head. "I'll take the job. I guess I just never really knew he'd take things so far just to make money. We already have more than enough, that's why he needs John Gilbert for laundering all of it. Unfortunately, until he dies that's his money not mine, so unless I want to end up living in a box I have to take the job. It isn't like there's an abundance of job openings with decent pay for an ex con who barely made it out of high school, and my trust fund from mom is going to be drained fast if it's all I have to live on."

"I really don't want you to leave again big brother," he said with a half smile. "I mean I just got you back from prison, I'd rather you didn't leave again anytime soon."

"Don't worry little brother I'm here for the long haul," I said handing him a glass of bourbon with an encouraging smile. Sometimes I get angry with my father and start to resent my family, but then I look at my brother and remember why I'm doing all of this. You don't let down your family.

EPOV

"Oh come on Elena please," Caroline pleaded with a pout on her face as we sat in her bedroom Friday evening. She asked me to come over and help her get ready for her date with Klaus, but now she's trying to convince me to go to this party with her.

"No Care I'm not going to some party and third wheeling it with you and your new guy," I huffed crossing my arms in annoyance.

"Oh come on it'll be fun and maybe you could meet someone," she grinned with a twinkle in her blue eyes.

"I don't need to meet anyone Caroline," I rolled my eyes and groaned," and you asked me to come over so I could help you get ready, so that's all I'm doing."

"Come on Lena I'm just nervous and I'd like to have a friend close so I don't have to go by myself," she said giving me puppy dog eyes. She knows I always feel bad for her when she pleads, and I'm a total martyr when it comes to my friends and family.

"Even if I wanted to go I'm not dressed for a party," I said starting to waver.

"You can borrow clothes Elena," she replied smiling hopefully.

"Ugh fine," I said rolling my eyes effectively giving up. I do think it would be smart for her to have a friend close when she's going to a strange party with a guy she hardly knows.

"Yes!" She shrieked jumping up and down excitedly. "This is going to be so fun!"

"Go with the pink crop top and patterned skirt since it matches the wedges," I said pointing at the outfit at the end of the bed.

"Okay and I have the perfect outfit for you," she grinned walking over to her closet.

"You better not make me look like a whore," I shouted while I heard her fidgeting through her hangers.

"This isn't whorish at all," she smiled holding up a black flowy tank top and black ankle boot heels. "You can even keep your jeans on."

"Okay fine that works I suppose," I sighed walking towards her.

"You suppose," she rolled her eyes as she handed me the top and shoes. "Lena you're going to look hot."

"This about you not me," I said as she sat down in the chair so I could curl her hair.

"I'm really nervous," she said biting her lip anxiously as I wrapped a strand of her hair around the curling wand.

"Don't be nervous Care you're going to look great this guy won't know what hit him," I said smiling at her through the reflection in the mirror.

"I just hope everything works out for the best," she said with a sad smile. "I could really use a good guy after my horrible break up with Tyler."

"I know," I agreed with her. I really do hope this guy is good for Caroline; she deserves to be with someone who makes her happy.

After we both finished getting ready I drove towards the party on the outskirts of town. Apparently these happen all the time, which surprised me because I've really never heard of anything like this. When I pulled up I immediately felt out of place in my Ford SUV surrounded by all these amazing old restored classic cars. This was definitely not the usual post-football game party at the Lockwood's that we were accustomed to.

"What is this some kind of car show?" I asked Caroline when I found a spot to park.

"I don't know maybe," she said as we got out. There's people everywhere running around in the open dirt lot or sitting on the hoods of their cars, and a huge warehouse with all of it's big garage doors open where I could hear music and see people dancing. It's like a scene out of Fast and the Furious. I couldn't help but wonder if the police ever knew about this, how did they get away with doing this so often?

"So where are you supposed to meet Klaus?" I asked her as we walked through the warehouse. It's crowded, but open enough that you can still walk, I like it. It's different from any other party I've been to. It's kind of like a big half-outdoor nightclub without any rules.

"He's by the bar," she said straightening out her top and bringing her hair forward.

"Care stop freaking out you look great," I said with an amused grin. She sent me a grateful smile as we walked towards the bar. I don't know what Klaus looks like, but I noticed a blonde guy walking towards us who I'm assuming must be him.

"Caroline love you made it," he said in a thick British accent taking Caroline's hand and kissing it softly, a move that surprised me. I didn't think guys still did that.

"This is my friend Elena," Caroline said gesturing towards me as her cheeks went red.

"Lovely to meet you Elena," he said shaking my hand.

"Nice to meet you too," I said shaking it back.

"Would either of you like a drink?" He asked politely.

"Uh I'll take a vodka tonic," Caroline said smiling.

"Elena?" He asked turning to me.

"Oh I'm fine thank you," I said and he nodded going back towards the bar.

"Okay he is really sweet Care," I said encouragingly," and super hot."

"I know isn't he," she gushed excitedly as he walked back over handing Caroline her drink. We talked for a while, and from what I can see Klaus is a pretty amazing guy. It's nice to see Caroline light up around someone in a way I've never seen before. We were able to chat for over an hour, and he tells really interesting stories.

"Do you mind if I ask your friend to dance?" Klaus said turning to face me a little bit later.

"No go ahead," I smiled encouragingly as they walked hand in hand towards the dance floor. Unsure of what to do next I started walking around a little checking the place out for myself. I didn't recognize very many people; a lot of them look older like they might be in college, or at least out of high school. I leaned against one of the many open garage doors looking out into the forest and the clear night sky before stepping outside. I could see a few people standing around smoking or talking, and even a few cars rocking back and forth with the windows all steamed up, which made me laugh. Caroline's mom is home tonight, which means she has a curfew to keep and I'm expecting a call from her soon so I walked a little further towards my car deciding to wait for her until she's done with Klaus. I hoisted myself up on the hood to sit down and pulled out my phone to check and see if she tried to text me.

"Elena Gilbert," I heard a familiar velvety voice say from above me bringing my face up from my phone as my breath got caught in my throat and my eyes grew wide when I saw him again, Damon Salvatore. Those blue eyes even bluer than the last time, if that's possible.

"Damon," I mumbled a lot more breathlessly than I had intended as my heart rate sped up.

"I thought I recognized you and figured I'd do the polite thing and say hello," he said as a smirk spread across his lips. "I didn't really expect this to be your crowd."

"I'm here with my friend," I shrugged nervously tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Are they invisible?" He asked sarcastically as he walked closer to me.

"No she's dancing right now," I said as a nervous smile crossed my face.

"Ah I see," he smirked knowingly. "Can I take a seat?"

"Sure," I murmured softly watching as he hoisted himself up next to me effortlessly. I know he's trouble, and I know John told me to stay away from him, but when I'm with him he consumes me to a point where I can't refuse if I try.

DPOV

God this girl is so gorgeous I don't even understand how it's possible. Especially right now, like this, under the moonlight. She's officially rendered me speechless, which doesn't happen to me. Talking to girls is something I'm actually quite good at, but she's effectively weakened my skills. I can't help but think about how much I wish I had my car so I could take her in the backseat, but then I realized that she isn't that kind of girl. I actually want to get to know her; she intrigues me like no one ever has before.

"So what's with all the old cars around here?" She asked breaking the silence.

"Most of the people here are into street racing," I shrugged answering her question and trying my best to sound cavalier.

"What about you?" She asked looking up at me under her thick lashes.

"My car is way too perfect for drag races," I said cockily.

"Oh and what kind of car is that," she asked smirking and biting her bottom lip. God this girl is going to be the death of me.

"A blue 1967 Chevy Camaro," I said proudly," but I didn't drive it tonight."

"That's too bad," she said as her smirk widened. Is she coming on to me? No, there's no way.

"So how's your brother?" I asked changing the subject.

"He's okay I guess," she said sighing nervously. "Truthfully I have no idea what's going on with him and it really worries me."

Now she's just tugging on my heartstrings, and inducing me with immense feelings of guilt. I know she must have her suspicions about what happened with Jeremy, and now I'm the person who could tell her everything she wants to know, but I can't.

"I'm sorry," I found myself saying as I looked at her sadly.

"You don't have to apologize," she smiled softly as she shrugged. "I'm sure he got himself into whatever mess he's in. I just wish he could go back to the old Jeremy; believe it or not he used to be happy. I know I probably sound like a total mom right now, I just care about him."

"No I get it," I shrugged with a knowing smirk. "I have a little brother too. That's just how it is being the older sibling. After our mom died I felt like it was my job to look after him, so that's what I've always done, or at least for the most part."

"What do you mean by for the most part?" she asked looking up at me slightly confused.

"I had some issues when I was a teenager," I said running my hand through my hair. "I was into hard drugs and a bunch of bullshit. After graduation my buddy and I moved to New York for about a year and a half. We spent most of that time high out of our minds and I hardly spoke to my family. I finally got clean and moved back here when I was 20, and I had a lot of catching up to do when it came to my family."

I still feel guilty about leaving my brother behind when Klaus and I took off for New York after high school. It's something that's always bothered me, and I don't really like to talk too much about him because it just makes me feel shitty, but for some reason I really trust this girl. I almost never trust people, with the exception of Klaus and my family, but here she is tearing down my walls and we hardly know each other.

"You shouldn't let it get to you," she said looking up at me with her brown doe eyes. It's like she can read my mind, and for the first time in a long time I feel something other than anger and resentment and guilt. Her eyes are so perfect, milky brown as she looked up at me under her think lashes.

"Elena there you are," a voice said pulling our gazes up and I saw a blonde girl walking towards us with Klaus. What's he doing here?

"Damon?" Klaus said confused.

"Wait you two know each other," Elena asked looking between Klaus and I with a confused expression on her face.

"He's my roommate," I said hopping down from the hood of her car as Elena did the same.

"What a small world," the blonde said with a smirk on her face.

"Right, well Care I should get you home before your curfew," Elena said getting out her car keys as the blonde kissed Klaus goodbye and got into the car.

"Bye Elena," I smirked at her as she waved before getting into her car. Klaus and I watched as they drove off. I need to see her again as soon as possible.

"And you were the one teasing me about being into a high school girl," I said wiggling my eyebrows at him.

So what do you think? Damon and Elena are getting to know each other a little more, and Klaus is involved with Caroline. I'll post the next chapter soon, in the mean time leave a review letting me know what you think! Also don't forget to check out the outfits on my polyvore, the username is "emgaspp".