Hey y'all I'm sorry it's been too long. I want to warn you Giuseppe will be in this chapter and he is an extremely racist man. You will be hearing him refer to people of color with the "n" word. I HATE this word, however back in this era and down south, this word would have been used a lot. I will use this word as least as I can, but just a forewarning that this word/racism/sexism will be in this chapter and most likely any that Giuseppe is in.
Elena's POV
I lay in bed listening to my own breathing dreading the day that was bound to come upon me. The sun was staining the glass, beaming through telling me to get up, but I could not. I knew he would be arriving soon. Pulling the bed sheets over my head, I prayed I would disappear into the mattress becoming part of the bed.
Ever since Mother had told me about what Damon had done to his little sister, I had not known what to do. It troubled me as Damon was nearly the only person as free spirited as I was, and yet, he had been involved in his sister's death... or so I was told.
Damon had come the next day after we had met to join me for riding. I did not show. He had come every day since. I was wondering when he would finally give up.
"Elena?" There was a knock on my door. Emily opened it walking in gently. "He's here.. and he claims this is the last time he will come. Mother told him why you will not come out... he wants to exemplify things to you. What do I do?" She asked sitting on the edge of the bed. I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath.
"Tell him I do not want anything to do with him... it is only for the best. I am betrothed to his brother, and that will be the extent of my relations to Damon," I felt as if a large weight was pushing me down further into the mattress. It was the feeling of giving up. There were no befitting men out there. I knew I wasn't giving him a chance, but I didn't know what else to do.
Doing nothing was all I could do for now.
"Elena... it could be gossip... what if he did not-"
"Emily, please! I need time to think..." I interrupted her with a loud exhale.
"Very well.. I will leave you to your thoughts," Emily sighed. I knew she had gotten up because of the weight that lifted off the bed before hearing the bedroom door close.
Leaving me to my thoughts was nearly inconceivable when only a few minutes later the door opened rather loudly, and I knew it was Mother. Covers were ripped from my body. Cold air pinched every nerve on my skin. I shifted uncomfortably before sitting up and shivering giving Mother a cold stare.
"Elena! You have been in bed all day! It is nearly noon, and you are going to the Salvatore's today," she scolded before adding a smile as if she was giddy.
"What?" I asked.
"Yes! A letter came today from Giuseppe himself wanting to meet you around three for tea," she smiled proudly. I sat up, and a cold sweat ran through my body.
"Must I go, Mother?" I begged. "I have heard he is vile and cruel," I shivered remembering his bellowing voice I heard when I was a child.
"You will do this for your family. This marriage alliance will bring the Salvatore's and Gilbert's closer together and wealthier than ever before. You must go through with this marriage, Elena. Stefan Salvatore is a decent man, and he will bring this family fortune," she smiled.
"He believes I am an object he has won from his brother. He is not a decent man. He is not even a man. He is a boy," I stood from my bed. Trudy walked over handing me a dress for the day. I smiled and began to change behind the changing rack.
"And you are but a girl," she almost scowled. "Elena, you will not start anything with me today, do you understand?" She scolded.
"Will you accompany me to keep me in check?" I snipped from behind the rack.
"You will be going alone this time. Giuseppe has requested a singular audience from you, but you must be on your best behavior do you understand?" She yelled not waiting for an answer before slamming the door behind her.
As I finished getting ready, Emily walked in once more.
"Emily.. I apologize for the way I acted earlier. I am just so overwhelmed with Mother on my case and trying to let the Damon thing sink in-"
"Elena please... don't worry about it. I understand," she smiled sitting on the edge of my bed. I hesitated slightly before sitting down next to her.
"What did he say?" I asked curiously. Her mouth curved into a smile.
"Why did I know you would ask about him?" She asked herself. "He is upset. He wants you to know his whole story and not just some rumor made up by the townspeople. Damon fancies you, Elena... I can tell," she smiled.
"Don't be absurd, Emily! We met once," I shook my head. There was no way he had feelings for me. That never happens. He doesn't even know me.
"I am just telling you what I saw. If he didn't care about you, do you think he would ride all the way on the other side of town for nine days straight?" She smirked. I thought about it as my mother called from downstairs.
"Elena you better be ready! Aaron has prepared the carriage and is waiting!" She yelled from the bottom of the steps.
"I'm coming!" I called back. Letting out a heavy sigh, I turned to Emily. "Father has arranged a marriage with the younger Salvatore brother. It does not matter if Damon has feelings for me," I claimed as my voice almost cracked on his name. How could he have feelings for me? I was just a spoiled little rich girl. Was it my money? Was he desperate for a wife just like his brother? Was he trying to win me from his brother?
"Elena!" Mother yelled again.
"If I do not go now, Mother will lecture me on the importance of time management," I rolled my eyes taking a stand.
"I wish you the best of luck," Emily smiled.
"Thank you Emily," I smiled walking near the door.
"Oh and Elena?" She stood. I turned around.
"Yeah?"
"When have you ever let anyone control you? Especially Father?" Emily asked with a small smirk. "If you have feelings for someone other than whom Father has arranged a marriage with, you know he will do anything to please you.. you're not trapped," she nodded. I walked out the door and down to Mother who was crossing her arms and tapping her foot looking like an extreme cliché.
"Elena, your tea with Giuseppe is in fifteen minutes, and it is a ten minute carriage ride there. What have I always told you?" She snipped.
"Being on time or later implies unimportance," I sighed before mumbling to myself, "which it is to me.."
"What did you just say?" Mother scolded.
"Nothing. I will tell Aaron to hurry," I nodded before walking out the door, giving Aaron a look of annoyance and stepping into the carriage.
The carriage ride over seemed far longer than it actually was. In about ten minutes, the carriage came to a halt.
"We are here Miss Gilbert," Aaron opened the door and held out his hand. I reached for it gently stepping down onto the gravel. We were in front of Madame Charbone's, which was a tea and pastry restaurant and shop for the wealthy.
"I am not sure about this.." I said more to myself than Aaron.
"It is alright, Miss. You will do just fine, and if you need me please.. I will be right outside," his voice was extremely reassuring, so I nodded taking a step into the restaurant. A woman from the wait staff came up to me.
"Reservations?" She asked. Elena nodded. "Name?"
"Gilbert, Salvatore," I replied as her eyes bugged.
"M-Miss Gilbert. It-it is truly an honor meeting you. Mr Salvatore says he will be a minute or two. He is dealing with business at the moment. Would you like me to show you to your seat?" She asked. I shook my head.
"I think I will look around at samples for a bit. Have my camomile tea and sugar ready for me when I return," I nodded.
"Right away Miss," she claimed nearly jogging to fetch my tea. In the back of the restaurant, there was a small shop for specific kinds of teas. Emily loved tea, and her birthday was coming up rather quickly.
I had kept busy for almost twenty minutes before someone grabbed my arm. I jumped and turned.
"Damon?!" I nearly yelled.
"Keep your voice down, Elena!" He whispered pulling me closer to him. The hair on my neck stood up.
"Do not touch me!" I hissed at the raven haired blue eyed man pulling away from him.
"Elena listen to me!" He almost yelled at me. I cowered away facing the opposite direction trying not to cry. "Give me ten minutes to explain.." I let out a deep breath calming myself and turned to face him.
"Get on with it then," I snipped. We were in a public space, so he would not harm me in any way if the rumors were true.
"About eight years ago, my sister, Giana passed away. She was only four years old. Stefan was nine and I was fourteen. She was the most beautiful child I had ever seen. Giana looked like me in little girl form.. but cuter, and that's saying something," he chuckled. "She has curly black, long hair, ice blue eyes, and an attitude like no other. She was so full of life, so adventurous.." he looked down before back up again.
"July 17th, 1856. It was a clear day, and about a week before, my father had fired the stable boy and put me in his place. Do you remember me telling you about that?" He asked.
"Yes I do. You were in your father's study.. so he punished you," I nodded in remembrance.
"That is right. Because I was working the stables for punishment, that left Stefan as Giana's sitter. It was summer... so it was hot. Stefan wanted to go swimming. He had remembered my father teaching us boys how to swim at a young age. Giuseppe had thrown us in the nearby pond and waited for us to start treading on our own. Stef-Stefan tried to do the same with Giana that day, not knowing any better. My father was strong, so when he threw us in, it was closer to the middle or deeper end of the pond. Since Stefan was nine, he didn't throw Giana very far. She was fully submerged before Stefan had begun seeing the bl- the blood..."
Damon paused trying to gather himself to tell the rest of the story.
"That's when he began screaming. I was the only one close. My father was in his study doing business with a client, and my mother and the maids were cooking lunch. I ran as fast as I could to the scene. I dove in the water searching for my little sister until I found her body. She hit her head on a rock at the bottom of the pond, and drowned. I tried to revive her.. I did... but it was too late. She was gone," his eyes were glistening, but no tears fell.
"Damon..." I whispered almost crying myself.
"I was still doing CPR until my father and mother came to the scene from hearing Stefan wailing. My father knocked me over and began doing CPR himself until he realized she was dead. My father asked me what happened, and I was too traumatized to even speak. I broke down, and he assumed I did that to her. He beat me until I passed out. My mother said he almost killed me, and she had to pull him off of me. He broke my left arm, my collar bone and three ribs on my right side from kicking me so hard. Father's client witnessed the entire thing, and from then on out I was the boy who drowned his sister on purpose. I loved my sister. I wish she was here today. She would be twelve years old right now," he smiled to himself before shedding a single tear.
He wiped the tear away rather quickly and gathered himself, hiding his emotions.
"Stefan never told the truth, and even if I did, my father would never believe me and killed me. Stefan is his favorite child, so he could never do wrong.." he mumbled.
"I was sent off to military school the next week and came back around four years ago, yet the rumors still run rapid," he looked down. "Every year on July 17th, he beats me. Every year on April 3rd, he beats me. April 3rd is... was her birthday," Damon mumbled looking down.
"Is this the truth?" I asked. He nodded, and I knew he was telling the truth.
"Elena you mustn't tell a soul. My father would literally kill me.." he trailed off with no overstimulation in his voice.
"Why are you telling me then?" I asked squinting my eyes.
"I am not really sure, Elena... I have kept it in all these years, and I think I owe it to myself to tell someone. Plus, I figured you are good at keeping secrets," he curved his lips into one of the smallest smiles she had ever seen before making it disappear.
"But why me?" I asked still in shock Damon poured his heart out to me. "I mean surely you must have friends.."
Damon looked down.
"Oh my God you don't have friends?" Now I was utterly shocked.
"Well... I got the blame from my sister's death. Not a lot of people were jumping out of their seats to be my friend," Damon shrugged before looking down. "You are pretty much it," he nodded not looking up to her eyes. "Other than my drinking friend, Alaric Saltzman, and my uncle," Damon smirked. "And the ladies of course," he winked adding to his smirk. I rolled my eyes ignoring the last comment.
"The town drunk?" I chuckled.
"Hey, he believed me, and he's an interesting man. He has a lot of stories. Alaric is a traveler," he shrugged.
"Or on the run from the police," I let out a laugh that made Damon smile.
"You have a great laugh, Elena," he nodded before raising his hand slowly brushing hair out of my eyes and tucking it behind my ear. The touch alone sent shivers down my spine. I looked up into his eyes and smiled warmly. He let go of my face and looked down. "Well... uh I should get going. See you tomorrow morning for riding?" I nodded. "Good luck with my father." His eyes grazed me up and down before exiting the store.
I let out a huff of air as my cheeks heated. Why was this man so intoxicating?
"Miss Gilbert?" I heard an older man ask. I jumped and looked to where the voice came from. "Hello, I am Giuseppe Salvatore. What are you doing?" He asked crinkling his brow.
"Oh.. uh the waiting staff said you would be a minute because you were in a business meeting.." I said with a nervous chuckle. "I was just looking at herbal mixtures as a gift for my sister's birthday coming up," I smiled.
"You mean that negro sister of yours? Yes, well, why don't we sit down and discuss your marriage to my son?" His face lifted in a polite smile, but his attitude remained cold and full of disgust.
"I would prefer if you didn't refer to my sister that way. Her skin color does not matter. We are all unique in different ways.." I nearly scowled.
"I did not come here to be lectured by a woman your age on matters such as slaves. Please have a seat," he gestured to the seat across from him. I sat as my blood boiled through my veins. "Tell me a bit about yourself, Elena," he raised the tea cup to his lips sipping lightly before setting it down.
"Well," I calmed myself. Stefan and Damon were not their father or so I hoped. I could tolerate this man. I could do it. "I am eighteen years old and was born right here in Mystic Falls. My father owns-"
"I know the basics, Elena. I want to know you. Tell me your hobbies.. your goals in life," he smiled.
"Very well. When I was a child I enjoyed exploring. I still wish I could beyond all of my daily chores around the house, however my time is limited. I enjoy animals.. mostly horses and cows. I find them fascinating. My brother Jeremy taught my sister and I how to read when I was young. I enjoy cooking, though I am not very good at it," I chuckled.
Giuseppe glared at me.
"My goals are to travel the world, be a genuine and kind person, to have a large family and make my life an adventure," I smiled.
"Your goals in life need to be adjusted my dear.." he chuckled darkly taking a drink. My smile disappeared.
"Excuse me?" I asked with a squint of my eyes. I hadn't been sure if I heard him correctly.
"You need to learn how your life goal needs to revolve around Stefan. Be the perfect wife. Learn how to make food, clean, have children. Make Stefan happy. Your wifely duties to my son are extremely important, Elena. He cannot have a rambunctious and uncontrollable wife when he has a business to uphold." I looked down feeling not much more than shame for myself. "He plans on meeting with you next Tuesday. You need to learn how to be a loyal and proper wife that will honor my son, or else I will find a different eligible bachelorette for Stefan," he waved for the check, paid and left me sitting there utterly alone and broken.
•••••
I cried the entire way home in the carriage and when my mother asked me about the tea with Mr Salvatore.
She hounded me on what went down of course. I slammed my bedroom door nearly in her face and hid under my covers. Not a few minutes later, the door opened softly. A dip was made in the bed from someone sitting, and the covers were pulled from my head.
"Father?" I asked curious.
"What is the matter my darling?" He asked raising a finger to dry his tears. He must have just come home from work due to the suit he was wearing and brief case by his feet.
"You cannot make me marry into the Salvatore family! They are racists! They hate Emily! I will not be married to someone who hates my family!" I yelled as tears rolled down my face.
"You must have met Giuseppe today, then," he shook his head in disgust. "That man is good at making business deals, and he is wealthy. However, I could never be friends with such a crass man," father tucked my hair behind my ear and poked my nose.
"Why would you marry me into that family, then?" I sobbed.
"Because, my darling.. he is a wealthy man. He is the only one in his family that treats people of color that way. The boys have different opinions. They were raised by a black woman when Lillian was extremely ill. She had been ill with some kind of disease for most of their childhood, so their maid, Nandi, helped raise the boys.." he explained.
My crying had ceased, and I was calm enough to listen what he had to say.
"I am not supposed to tell anyone this, so do not mention it to your mother. Giuseppe is very ill. He has not long to live, so he is trying to marry his sons off quickly," he nodded.
"Do Stefan and Damon know?" I asked.
"I am not sure, but it would be best if you did not mention this to them.." Father patted my hand.
"So, I assume you switched the marriage agreement with Damon to Stefan because of what happened to their sister?" I asked.
"Yes. I will not put my daughter in any danger, no matter if the rumor is true or not," he sighed answering my question.
"In fact, Father, you have done quite the opposite.." I stood.
"What do you mean?"
"I know the truth about the death of Giana Salvatore. Stefan threw her in the river. Damon told me," I raised my chin. My father stood.
"Elena... please tell me you are not talking with that older Salvatore boy. He is nothing but trouble!" My father's voice was raising.
"Father, you know my ability to tell when people are lying. Damon Salvatore was not. Do you trust me, Father?" I asked grabbing his hand.
"Of course I trust you, my angel. It's just... I am only concerned for your safety. That is all," he nodded.
"I want to be clear. I do not think Stefan Salvatore is a cold hearted murderer. He was nine, and it was a mistake that will haunt him the rest of his life. However, because of his dishonesty and craving for affection from his father, he let Damon take the fall. He is Giuseppe's favorite child, and in all honesty... after what Giuseppe was telling me today, I believe he will do anything to make his father happy. I do not trust Stefan, but I do trust Damon.." I nodded.
My father crinkled his brow, pondering on what I had just told him.
"Do you have feelings for this Damon Salvatore?" He asked. I shook my head.
"I barely know him, but I do know I can trust him. He has not lied to me so far, yet Stefan has and has made non-gentleman-like actions towards me without my permission. Damon has treated me as a person, whereas Stefan has treated me like a business gateway for his father," I let out a sigh.
"What would you like me to do, Darling?" He asked.
"I would like to switch Salvatore brothers if I am to marry someone so quickly."
•••••
I was up early the next morning. Damon and I planned on going riding today, and I couldn't have my father find out. My father did not want me to marry a Salvatore. Even though he trusted me, he didn't trust Damon and especially not Stefan. I told him about Stefan kissing me after the meal, and he nearly flipped a table he was so angry. Father did not want to risk my own safety with the death of Giana Salvatore.
As much as my father wanted me married off, he did not want to hear about a boy kissing me or risk my safety. I was his little girl.
Was it so wrong to keep this from him? I mean it is not as if Damon and I are secretly together. He only wants to show me how to ride a horse and have fun... right?
Walking down the stairs at nearly dawn, I was in a dress, but grabbed Father's boots to wear for riding. Opening the door, Damon was sitting on the porch steps.
"I've been waiting, oh beautifully late one," he smiled taking a stand. Looking me up and down, Damon squinted. "Good luck trying to swing your leg over the horse. Good news for me, is that I get a little peep show," he chuckled. I hit his arm letting out a small laugh.
"This is all I have, Damon! Have you met my mother?"
"Yes.. sadly," he shook his head.
"What do you mean sadly?" I asked getting a little defensive.
"Your mother... I'm sure loves you and you love her, but she holds you back. She wants you to be everything a well-brought-up lady should be. The truth is... you need freedom. You want to be adventurous and spontaneous and unique. Not just another housewife," he smiled offering his arm to begin walking to the carriage. I took it before staring at him. "What?" He asked.
"How do you know so much about me? You barely know me.." I breathed.
"Because, Miss Gilbert," he opened the carriage door letting me in and climbed in after me. "You and I are the same. I was you growing up. I didn't want to be rich because I knew I didn't want the responsibility of taking over my father's company. I didn't want my entire life planned out for me, so I try to live life to the fullest," he smiled.
"Who's driving the carriage?" I asked realizing it was moving.
"My father's new stable boy, Jamison. He wants me to get used to the realities of being a wealthy man. We do not to grunt work, apparently. Father thinks we have blood made of gold most of the time," he paused with a sigh. "Plus, he has arranged a marriage he wants me to make time for. He had to scurry after John, your father, switched you to marry my brother. I know why too..." he looked down.
"I have to tell you something.." I looked to the ground.
"Yes?" He asked with a small intake of his breath.
"I honestly would like to marry you more than Stefan if I was to pick." His eyes whipped up to the side of my face. "I told my father of what Stefan did the day we had lunch, and how I am not comfortable marrying someone who treats me as an object instead of a person," I looked back up to him.
"What did John say?" He asked as his icy blue, intoxicating eyes melted into mine. He looked almost intrigued as if he greatly wanted to be married to me.
"My father said he would get me out of my engagement to Stefan, but would not let me marry you because he does not trust you.." I huffed.
"Because of what happened to Giana.." he looked down before jerking his head up. "This is exhausting. This Giana situation was completely blamed on me. I am done being pushed around because I am too scared and Stefan is too much of a goody-two-shoes to admit to what he did. My life is being planned out for me due to something that happened when I was fourteen. Life is not looking good for me. All my father could manage for a marriage was one of the girls he found working as a seamstress when my brother gets the gorgeous billionaire's daughter. I do not get to inherit my father's business. I always get the worst hand. I am done," he raged. "I am telling my father today," Damon nodded.
It nearly terrified me, but at the same time it sent a wave of exhilaration through my body.
"I do not only think of you as the billionai-"
"I know, Damon," I smiled.
"I am sorry I did not mean to snap in front of you," he apologized.
"Damon, you are okay. You make me feel dangerous.. not in a way that scares me, but a way that thrills me," I smirked. The carriage came to a slow halt.
"Oh really?" He smirked back. "You like danger?" Damon moved closer. His mouth coming closer to mine. I did not move. I could not move. I have never kissed anyone before. My heart began to pound extremely loud in my ears. I closed my eyes waiting, but nothing happened. Instead I heard the click of the door as his arm brushed my own.
I let out a breath opening my eyes. He was leaning in to open the door on my side.
"Just wait until you get on a horse. Full of danger, full of adventure and freedom. As the wind blows in your face, you will begin to feel as though you are flying..." he paused abruptly. "Are you alright?" He asked as my eyes turned to face his.
"Yes, just a head rush," I smiled with a small laugh. Although, I didn't have a head rush. For the first time ever, something consumed me. Something I had never seen coming or felt before.
It was Damon.
Damon Salvatore in his entirety had consumed my every nerve.
I wanted him to kiss me so bad, but what was I to do? It was not as though women could make the first move. That was the man's job, however, all I wanted to do was grab that incredibly chiseled jawline and shove my lips on his.
"Elena?" He asked grabbing my attention.
"Yes?" I asked.
"We're here," he nodded to a shop.
"I do not see your stable with horses, Mr Salvatore. All I see is a shop," I sighed.
"You are not riding in that dress. My tailor will fit you properly for a riding outfit and boots that fit," he pointed to my feet where my father's large boots were.
"You mean I have to wear pants?!" I almost yelled in a whisper.
"Yes, Elena. Your mother will kill you if she finds your expensive dresses ruined from riding. Then you can have no more adventures. We would not want that now would we?" He asked.
"I suppose you are right. I do not think I have ever worn pants in the entirety of my life.." I mumbled actually wondering what it was like. It was extremely frowned upon for a woman to not be in a dress. I even wore a night dress to bed. This was going to be strange.
There's always a first for everything," Damon smiled opening the door. Hesitantly, I walked in. A hand brushed my bare upper back, and I shivered. "You know you can walk in right?" Damon smirked as he stood by my side.
"Damon!" The elder tailor walked up to him with a smile. "What brings you in today, good sir?" He asked with a smirk before looking at me. "Is this the lady you were telling me about?" His smile grew. Damon's eyes got slightly bigger, and I swore I could see him blush.
"This is Elena Gilbert. She is betrothed to Stefan," he explained.
"Ooh... the girl that flipped brothers. Why didn't you stay with the elder brother? This guy's the real deal," He asked with a slight chuckle.
"You mean Damon?" I laughed. "Women do not have voices in this world, Mr..?"
"Salvatore. Ooh you're feisty. I like you already," he smiled. I looked at him funny before looking to Damon. He stuck his hand out, and I shook it.
"Pleasure," I said politely.
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Gilbert," Mr Salvatore smiled bowing his head slightly.
"This is my uncle, Zachariah.. or Zach. He is really the only Salvatore that still cares for me other than my mother at times," he shrugged. "He knows the truth, and he's almost like my actual father," Damon smiled squeezing Zachariah's shoulder.
"Oh stop, you're making me blush," Zachariah shoved Damon playfully.
"Don't be a dick," Damon laughed shoving him back.
"Language, Mr Salvatore," I chuckled.
"My apologies, Miss Gilbert," he smirked at me making me shift uncomfortably where I was standing.
"Well.. shall we get you fitted for a riding outfit?" Zachariah asked with a smile to break the silence.
"Yes," I cleared my throat breaking away from Damon's enticing stare.
"I'm going to warn you, measurements for your pants may be uncomfortable. If you do not want to go through measurements, I can try to guess and go from there," he suggested.
"The second option may be better," I nodded with a gulp. I wanted this to be less stressful than it had to be.
"Very well, I will go in the back and grab a riding outfit," he smiled with a nod.
"You know getting measured is uncomfortable for everyone," Damon chuckled.
"Okay, but I am a lady. Having a man I met two minutes ago sliding his measuring string up the inside of my legs is not something I look forward to," I crossed my arms. He nearly looked me up and down while I was talking about my legs.
"You think men enjoy other men sliding their measuring string up our legs? We don't, but we do it to stay classy and elegant," His chin lifted slightly showing off his ego and not to mention sass.
"At least you don't have to wear corsets," I huffed.
"At least you don't have to take them off, men have to do that," he rolled his eyes.
"What are you talking about our servants do that?" I asked confused.
"Not all the time," he said with a wink and a sly smile.
My jaw dropped open.
"Mr. Salvatore, I do not wish to hear about your intimate times," I nearly choked out awkwardly.
"Oh don't be blushing now, Miss Gilbert. Surely you've had a few of your own being as scandalous and free as you are," he chuckled.
"Just because I have a free soul, does not mean I spend it on the pleasures of men. I am perfectly fine and do have boundaries, Mr Salvatore," I snipped. "I would appreciate you not thinking of me in such a vulgar manner," I huffed as Zachariah came back out with a riding suit.
"You're a-" Damon began.
"Changing rooms are back there, Miss," he pointed to a small area where a curtain would cover everything but my ankles and lower calves.
"Thank you, Zachariah," I smiled taking the suit and sauntering over to the changing area. I got there and froze.
Well shit.
"Damon... would you mind undoing my corset?" I asked not looking him in the eyes. I would not ask Zachariah. I barely knew this man. Then again... I barely knew Damon.
"Of course," he claimed. I could almost feel his smirk. Getting away from prying eyes, he untied my dress in the back before kneeling and sliding it up my body. I shivered as he said, "up," in a husky, yet demanding tone. I lifted my arms, and he slid my dress off. I slid my corset cover off myself, as I knew how to do it myself. I could hear his breath stagger as my upper back was completely bare other than the slim straps of my chemise which was a long, thin dress under my corset that showed rather too much of my skin.
"No looking," I said rather quickly.
"No promises," he chuckled darkly from behind me.
"Damon!" I scolded.
"How do you expect me to take this off with my eyes closed?" He asked. I was silent. "That's what I thought," Damon's fingertips grazed my back briefly before finding the strings to untie my corset. The touch alone caused my belly to heat. What was this feeling? In nearly twenty seconds, my corset was completely untied. "Done," he said. I turned holding my corset to my chest. His eyes were still locked on my skin.
"That was quick."
"Lots of practice," he claimed smugly looking back up to my eyes. I could feel my cheeks heat in embarrassment.
"Behave yourself, Mr Salvatore," I warned with a raise of my eyebrows.
"Of course Miss Gilbert," he bowed his head briefly. As he was walking towards his uncle, he looked back as his eyes grazed my skin once more before looking away.
Entering the dressing room, I closed the curtain behind me. I undid the rest of my dress including my crinoline, chemise and drawers.
Pretty soon I was naked looking at the new outfit. Knowing how to put boy clothes on from helping teach my younger brother, I slid my pants on with ease before grabbing my corset once more.
"Damon?" I called.
"Yeah?" He replied.
"Could you help me put my corset back on?" I asked sheepishly peeking my head out. Damon walked over to me.
"I just took it off," he complained.
"I had to take everything under it off. I need you to put it back on," I claimed turning around and holding the front of it to my body. I would not have nothing but a shirt covering my breasts. I needed some sort of support especially since my chest wasn't small.
"Quite the scandal," I heard him muffled behind me. His hands were a bit shaken up as he touched my corset, and I knew I made him nervous.
"Excuse me?"
"Well, I usually have to pay to see this much skin on a woman," he suggested.
"Quit being so vulgar, Damon. You are merely helping a friend," I suggested as my face heated.
Once he began tightening my corset, I felt not as overwhelmed or exposed.
"Thank you," I smiled when he was finished.
"Finish getting dressed and we can go riding," Damon smiled walking back towards his uncle. I rolled my eyes.
After I had finished getting ready, I walked out feeling very strange and exposed. My pants were rather tight, however, Zachariah claimed it was supposed to be that way. My long-sleeve shirt hung over my pants for more coverage, and my riding boots nearly reached my knees.
"Why can I not wear a woman's habit again?" I asked shifting rather uncomfortably.
"Because, riding with both legs over one side is not living. It is following society's morals. Did I not tell you I would show you how to live properly with fun in your life?" He asked. I nodded. "It takes danger, adventure, and the thrill of being caught," he smirked grabbing my hand and whisking me into the carriage. "Did anyone ever tell you how fetching you look in men's clothing?" He asked nearly looking me up and down. The pants weren't skin thought, but a decently tight on my thighs. His eyes lingered there a bit.
"Where are we going riding today?" I asked sitting uncomfortably in the carriage.
"You'll see," was all he would tell me the entire way there.
After what seemed as an eternity, the carriage stopped.
"Where are we?" I asked looking out.
"Elena," he warned for the twentieth time.
"Right," I nodded. Opening the carriage door, I stepped outside, and my breath caught. "Beautiful," I breathed.
The carriage had stopped on a rather large hill, which seemed like a mountain. Below the hill was a beautiful open valley surrounded by the greenest of trees. I could see deer grazing in the open meadow from afar beside a lake. The sun shone on the water so beautifully, it looked as if the lake was a giant diamond.
"Where are we?" I asked one last time.
"I came here after what happened with Giana. I took one of my father's horses in the middle of the night, and I was planning on running away. I rode west, until I landed to this very spot. Behmer, the horse I had stolen," he pointed to the chestnut one with a black mane on the carriage, "hurt his leg. Once he began limping, I got down to help... but I was caught off guard. The moon was shining down on the lake, and I could see the entire valley. It was full of night animals. Deer were prancing around, eating. Owls and crickets were making sounds. All of a sudden, a rush of warmth came over me. I knew what happened. I could hear a soft angelic voice. The voice whispered something that changed my life forever. It said, "stay."" He paused looking over the valley. "It was Giana's voice."
I looked to the valley at the wild life with a small smile.
"I knew she wanted me to stay for something, but I haven't figured it out yet.." he looked down.
"Are you sure you heard a voice? It wasn't your mind playing tricks on you?" I asked folding my arms. He smiled quietly.
"I'm sure," he said before pausing. "Why don't we ride?" He asked with a sly smirk. I nodded, probably looking like a mad woman. Damon offered his arm taking me to the horses connected to the carriage.
"Which one am I riding," placing my palm on the black horse.
"Not him," he laughed to himself.
"What's wrong with this horse?" I asked dragging my fingers through his silky mane.
"Pharaoh is a two year old trouble maker. He is still in training to be a riding horse. Why don't you take his dam, Debutante," he nodded to the black horse next to Pharaoh. "She's nearly ten years old, and she is a well behaved broodmare," he smiled.
"Very well," I agreed as the new stable boy helped me prepare her for riding. "Thank you Jamison, for all of your help," I said with a smile.
"Of course, Miss Gilbert. Mr Salvatore, if either of you need anything please let me know," he nodded walking to sit at a tree's base with a small book.
"Need a boost?" Damon asked.
I didn't say a word, I merely put my foot in the stirrup, held on to the horn and boosted myself up swinging my leg over to the other side. Damon chuckled.
"Never mind," he nodded looking up to me before getting on Pharaoh. "Okay, to get the horse to walk, you click your tongue twice and tap their stomach once. Tap twice to trot and three times to run," he instructed with a demonstration of the first one.
I copied him telling Debutante to begin walking, and she began strolling next to Pharaoh. We walked for a while talking before he gave me a look.
"What?"
"Want to try trotting?" He asked. I nodded. "Lift your butt off the saddle slightly. It hurts like a bitch when they trot, and you are sitting down. Too much bouncing," he sighed. "Tap your heels twice and click your tongue, get off the seat and lean forward," he instructed before nodding indicating to do as he told.
I breathed in deeply. Yes I wanted to ride a horse like a man. I was all about adventure, but I was rather frightened.
"You're okay, Elena. If something happens I'm right here," he nodded. I looked straight forward again down to the pasture and followed his instructions. The horse did as she was told and began trotting. Damon was right. This was rather rough.
"Letting the horse run is so much more smooth than trotting," he sighed. My eyes rushed over to his. "Oh, no we will not be running today. Baby steps, Elena," he chuckled.
"Maybe I want to run," I shrugged. "Take a leap of faith, Damon. I am handling this better than other people would, don't you agree?" I asked. He nodded before looking me up and down.
"Im serious Elena, I am not sure how you look so dashing in men's clothing, but you do," he smiled.
"I know," I said with a wink.
Okay maybe I shouldn't be flirting, but I couldn't help it. Damon was a very attractive gentleman. I was being spontaneous today, so I had a right to flirt.
"Did you just wink at me Miss Gilbert?" He chuckled.
"Maybe," I smiled with a slight shrug of my shoulders.
"Don't be giving me the wrong idea, now. You know I'm attracted to you, so you doing that stuff is only going to make this worse for me," he shook his head raising the corner of his mouth.
"And why do you say that Damon?" I asked.
"Because I know I cannot marry you," he said bluntly before nudging his horse one more time and letting out a sharp "ya!" The horse took off in a dead sprint. Damon looked back expecting me to follow. I repeated his action, and my horse began to sprint. The feeling was incredibly free.
Then I thought for a second, what was stopping me from marrying him. Other than Jeremy, he was the only man who understood how I worked and without a question. Damon and I clicked well, and if we did marry, I knew it would be the most free I would ever be in my entire life. No other man would let me be free, run on the clear outside of the norms or even ride a horse as I was now. I mean I did not love Damon, but I knew it would be a good match.
I nudged Debutante, and I was off. My heart fluttered at the immediate increase in speed. It was not in fear, but in the thrill of the moment. This was one of my favorite feelings in the whole world.
The wind that hit me was immense and beautiful, like I would imagine flying would be like. As I caught up to Damon's horse, he looked surprised as if I wouldn't have Debutante run.
He proudly nodded to me, and then focused on the field. The horses ran, chasing the grazing deer around the pasture for about ten minutes. The horses slowed down and began walking to the lake for a drink.
"What do you mean you cannot marry me?" I asked avoiding all possible eye contact. It was a while before he responded. He was more than likely looking for the right words to say.
"We were engaged before you and my brother were. We are more alike than you are with him, and my brother is not ready for such a commitment quite yet. Have you not thought the same?" He asked.
"Oh I knew I wouldn't marry Stefan. He is too immature for me, and we are nothing alike. I will not be treated any less than a person. He treated me as if I was an object he won from you," I scoffed.
"He is a good kid. Stefan is too blinded by my father's overbearing need to be a dick and his business. He'll learn it's not all about business and success, but rather love and adventure that matters," Damon gave me a small smile.
"As for marriage I am the one who tried to make the brother swap with my father. You and I are alike, and I know you will treat me as a person, not an object which is more than most men your age would do. You allow me to push my boundaries and help me in the process, and I really appreciate that," I smiled at him. "Plus you are handsome, charming and mysterious," Damon nodded looking down. Red flushed his cheeks, and he looked away.
"I didn't know you felt that way.." he nearly mumbled.
"I mean we haven't known each other for long.. I'm only saying I would like a husband like that, which is why I told my father to make the switch," I chuckled nervously. "Anyways... who is this fiancé I've heard about?" I asked giving him a smirk.
"No need to bring that-" Damon was cut off by Jamison running and yelling towards us. There was another man waiting on a horse at the top of the hill.
"Elena!" He yelled. "Elena!" He yelled again before reaching us.
"What is wrong Jamison?" I asked worried.
"It's your sister, Emily.. she was killed."
Hey y'all I'm back. Life is hard man. College is hard, but I have not abandoned you guys. Sorry for that ending I love Emily and I was gonna build her character but I decided it would be different to kill her off. The real question is... who killed her? Leave a comment to who you think killed Emily. Otherwise I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter and yes this is the longest chapter of any story ever I have probably written but oh well. Anyways, leave a comment, ask questions etc love y'all -Syd
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