Songbird
Summary: She asked for his protection. He gave it to her. But with Klaus Mikaelson everything came with a price and into his web Caroline Forbes went. However that was only the beginning. Mafia!Klaroline AU/AH.
Chapter IV: The Deathless Death
I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife
Offer me that deathless death
...
Μystic Falls
October 2009
She kept thrashing against her bonds to the point where she thought that her bones would break. But it was of no use. She could not get free. The limb restraints would not give. She was trapped on that damn hospital bed. The last thing she remembered was Logan hitting her on the head and then everything went dark.
When she opened her eyes again she was restrained on this bed. She knew this place. It was the psychiatric clinic just outside Mystic Falls. Logan's sister used to do volunteer work here some years ago and Logan was founding them and calling it charity.
She turned her head when she heard the soft click of the door. A nurse came in holding a syringe. Meredith Fell also came in and her brother followed. Caroline shook her head in trepidation realizing that everything was spinning every time she even slightly moved her head.
"Don't do this," she implored the nurse but the woman simply injected the drug of the syringe into her IV.
"It is for your own good sweetie," Logan said looking at her sympathetically and the nurse smiled at him kindly.
Caroline grunted and tried to get free one more time but as the sedative started invading her veins her whole body felt lighter and her strength ebbed away slowly.
Once the nurse was out of the room the atmosphere changed. All pretenses of civility were not gone as Meredith looked at her brother with a hard look.
"She has a concussion Logan and two broken ribs. Soon enough people will start asking questions," she reprimanded her brother.
"The room is private under another name," Logan said with a shrug. This was becoming a pattern for him.
"Her mother was the Sheriff. You can't keep doing this to her and think it will go unnoticed. I can't keep falsifying the hospital's files! I do not even work here Logan!"
Caroline tried to focus on their conversation but she could barely keep her eyes open now. Her movements against the restraints were fading as she groggily tried to move her wrists and her head.
She didn't want to go to sleep. She had to stay awake. She knew they would start pumping her with drugs and she tried to stay alert. But it was impossible.
As she struggled to stay awake Logan's fingers threaded her hair.
"You should really stop fighting Caroline," he whispered in her ear and then moved his head so to kiss her lips.
Her eyes fluttered closed. She was unable to move. The last thing she thought before unconsciousness claimed her was that this was the end of the line. She could not take this anymore. She would do whatever it took. Even in the expense of her own life she would set herself free. No matter the cost.
She would make Logan stop even if she had to kill him or kill herself. It was either him or her.
...
Chicago
Today
Once they got outside of the precinct the cold air that hit her heated face was most welcomed. She shivered but she didn't mind. That room had been suffocating and her interaction with agent Vaughn had taken a toll on her.
But what hurt the most was seeing Matt Donovan again. She wanted to bury her past but the past kept haunting her. Especially now that Logan was on the loose she could not stop the painful memories from coming back to her.
She had been with Klaus for two years now and Logan was nowhere to be found. In her mind what kept her safe was the web of protection Klaus had created around her.
Her heels clinked on the pavement and she noticed that some meters away Stefan was waiting for her and Elijah in his car. She could also see more familiar faces on two bikes and another car. All Klaus' guards.
She turned her head towards Elijah while they walked towards the car.
"Thank you for coming Elijah," she expressed her sincere gratitude to him and another shiver past through her as the breeze around them became colder.
Elijah took out his jacket, wrapped it around her shoulders and she smiled at him gratefully.
Elijah Mikaelson. Always a gentleman. Always enigmatic. The ice to Klaus' fire. He and Klaus were creating the perfect balance.
He had always been nice with her. At first she felt uncomfortable around him but after a while the silence between them grew to be comfortable and she liked being near a man that seemed confident and yet calm and reasonable.
When she was anywhere near Klaus she always had growing palpitations and she always felt as if the world kept spinning and spinning; and then abruptly stopping and standing still but only whenever he was really close to her. It was like she was in the eye of the storm.
But when she was near Elijah she felt a weird tranquility and at times she was grateful for it.
She was not deluding herself however. She knew that Elijah was dangerous. He never exploded like Klaus and he never spoke a lot but whenever his eyes would darken everyone knew to stay away.
The Mikaelson siblings could be terrifying. In all their aspects. And yet she had never felt safer in her life. She might not be their family but she was part of their lives now and being tied to Klaus Mikaelson and his family was a terrifying but endearing commitment.
"Of course Caroline," came Elijah reply. She knew that once they would get into the car and eventually at Klaus's mansion he would ask her to tell him everything that transpired in that interrogation room in every detail over and over again.
"Klaus freaked out didn't he?" she asked. A bit of humor and understanding coloring her voice.
"He has not been pleasant during your absence," Elijah confirmed with a knowing look and Caroline tried to hide her smile without any success.
"He is not in the car with Stefan is he?" she questioned even though she knew the answer. She didn't know why she wanted Klaus to be there for her in person more but lately she did. It was as if she craved his presence more.
"He awaits for your return at the house. Not an easy achievement but necessary," the eldest Mikaelson told her and she knew that it was a matter of prestige.
The King of Chicago would never go anywhere near the feds especially for someone as unimportant as her. Being Klaus' mistress for most meant that she was nothing more than his toy. A toy he would keep in his possession and demonstrate but not one that would put him in a situation where he would have to mingle with those beneath him or one that would make him show any traces of genuine interest or worse…fear. And in public he was to act accordingly as should she in comparison with how they acted behind closed doors.
Aside from their connection however and aside from the fact that Klaus knew how much the FBI wanted to take him down even if that meant using the people close to him, people like her, Klaus also knew how much she hated these places so she was certain that right now he was already shouting and screaming to his own people to make sure that she was returned to him before the end of the hour.
She just did not know how much of it was pretending however. She knew that Klaus cared for her yes. In his own way. But she did not know if he cared for who she really was or who he expected her to be in his life. Did he really care for her or for his trophy?
She tried to shake away the thoughts of anger that were born from this. A part of her still cared about what other people thought and she hated that she had to present such a demeaning image to the public.
She sighed just under her breath realizing that she was losing more and more pieces of who she used to be and of who she once wanted to become.
Seeing Matt again made everything more real. The downward spiral that seem to have no end.
"Caroline wait!"
Caroline closed her eyes in exasperation at the sound of Matt's voice. He had followed her and Elijah. He was running to them.
Elijah placed his hand gently on her elbow and halted their movements much to Caroline's dismay. She could not handle this right now. She was just so tired.
"Is there a problem officer?" Elijah let his question drop in a tone that balanced between coldness and formality.
However Matt did not even bother looking at him. His eyes were fixated on Caroline while Caroline preferred to look at the pavement underneath her high heels.
"Caroline we need to talk," Matt implored and she grabbed the lapels of Elijah's jacket tighter for a moment wrapping the material around her body more.
"I afraid that's not possible officer," came Elijah's unrelenting rejection but Caroline took a deep breath and turned her gaze on the eldest Mikaelson.
"It is okay Elijah. Matt is an old friend," she softly said and almost flinched at the hard expression that graced Elijah Mikaelson's features. He seemed displeased.
"And a deputy," he stated and Caroline smiled bitterly as she looked at Matt with something akin to sadness.
"I know. My mother was his Sheriff after all," she said with a low voice and Matt gave her a sweet knowing smile.
Elijah towered over her and gave her a warning look.
"Klaus won't like this Caroline."
This time it was Caroline's eyes that were filled with coldness. The defiance that sparked inside her was something that Elijah did not expect to see. Not in public. Not outside the police department and certainly not tonight and under these conditions.
Caroline would have laughed at how a simple human reaction from her side could make the everlasting composed and self-assured Elijah Mikaelson to be surprised.
She took off his jacket and returned it to him.
"Let me deal with Klaus, Elijah," she retorted noticing from the corner of her eye how Matt seemed to be impatient to talk to her and how he was inspecting Elijah Mikaelson.
She almost rolled her eyes at that. Matt Donovan did not know with whom he was messing with and she had to make him see reason. She could not have her old friend get in the middle of the Mikaelson chaos. This would not end well and she could not allow this. Yes she wanted to let go of her past life but she did not want to put the people she once cared for in danger. Not good people like Matt. He didn't deserve this.
She turned her attention back to Elijah.
"Now I would like a moment alone with my friend if you are kind enough to allow it that is," she sweetly said and the sarcasm that laced her tone was evident.
Elijah pursed his lips and with an elegance she hardly ever saw to any other man he wore his jacket and straightened his sleeves.
"I am not your jailor Miss Forbes," he unemotionally scolded even though they both knew that Klaus had no problem into becoming one and that in the name of his brother Elijah could simply take her away without giving her the chance to talk to Matt. Caroline suspected that Elijah would hate to make a scene and especially outside the precinct and assumed that she would eventually follow his directions but he was mistaken.
He was not Klaus and even if Klaus was here she would still not allow to any of them to treat her like she was an object. Not tonight. Not now.
"Then stop acting like one," she snapped at the elder Mikaelson that seemed undeterred by her reaction and she sighed realizing that she was lashing out to the wrong man.
"Elijah. I am sorry," she softly apologized, "I didn't mean it this way. I am just tired," she admitted, "I…I do appreciate everything you and your family are doing for me and I am not one to forget my loyalty to your brother," she promised and Elijah looked intently into her eyes before nodding in understanding.
"You have five minutes," He relented. His tone flat and serious and she gave him a curt nod.
She waited until Elijah Mikaelson put some distance between them before she turned to face Matt.
Matt watched with an incredulous expression the interaction between Caroline and Elijah Mikaelson. He could not help but notice how dangerous that man was and then he stared at Caroline with concern.
"How are you Caroline?" Matt tenderly asked her.
"Fantastic Matt. Especially after being dragged down to the police in the middle of the night for no reason," she gave him her mocking reply.
"There is a reason. A big one. You can't simply turn your back on this. You have to make a choice," Matt pressured her and Caroline arched her eyebrow at him.
"I already made my choice," she declared. There was something unyielding in her tone and stance.
"Without knowing all the facts?" Matt asked with an incredulous voice and Caroline rolled her eyes.
"Please. I know exactly what I am doing," she dismissed him easily.
"Klaus Mikaelson is dangerous. He is hurting people Caroline," Matt insisted trying to make her see reason but Caroline simply said nothing. She just gave stared at him with no emotion.
"How can you stand there and do nothing about it," he exclaimed upset.
Caroline barely held back her laughter. Matt Donovan. The white knight set to save the world when he could not even save himself or those that he cared for. An idealist born in the wrong time. Out of place and out of time.
"What would you have me do Matt?" she plainly asked.
"The right thing," Matt persisted and looked at her as if she had lost her mind.
Caroline snorted at that.
"Sure," she laughed out bitterly, "the right thing that as it happens is the worst for me but that does not matter does it? It never did," she retaliated, "as it probably won't matter if I'll have to spend the rest of my life in hiding. From Logan, Klaus, the world!"
"Is it not better than living like this?" Matt questioned looking perplexed by her attitude.
Caroline shook her head clearly showing to her old friend how foolish she considered him to be right now.
"No it really is not," she said sounding tired. There was no accusation in her voice. She was just stating a fact.
She then let the laugh she was suppressing came out. It was about to become hysteric but she controlled herself and noticed how Matt looked at her as if she had gone going mad.
"And even if it was as I have already said I know nothing about Klaus's hypothetical illegal business. I am of no use to the feds," she said dismissively as she stilled her amusement and bitterness.
"Come on Care!" Matt scoffed, "He is keeping you close. You live with him."
Caroline snickered at that.
"Even so Matt. I am his mistress. Not his second in command or one of his trusted men...if he had any that is. I am simply there to warm his bed. Nothing more," she casually said.
Matt then looked at her as if he could not recognize the woman he was talking to and probably he could not. Not anymore.
Caroline smirked at his reaction.
"Why is this so shocking to you?" she asked with a falsely innocent expression.
"I never expected you would do such a thing," Matt admitted confused. His voiced laced with disappointment that caused a cold laugh to escape Caroline's lips.
"What thing exactly? Screw a mafia boss or being blunt about it?" she candidly provoked him.
Matt ran a hand through his hair and looked at her gravely.
"Don't you want to want to start clean Care? To be free from Logan and Klaus?" he insisted passionately. He was trying so hard to get through to her and maybe that would have worked with the old Caroline but the one she had become was not going to endanger her life in order to please others. She had learned this the hard way but she was done being a pushover.
"You know what I want?" Caroline responded with a sigh before she sent Matt an aggressive glare, "people to stop acting as if life is black and white," she spat and raised her hand to the air when he was about to interrupt her and she cut him off by continuing without relenting or backing down, "and you needto get off your high horse and stop acting as if you do not remember or know any better. When I got in the mess with Logan I went straight to the police and I ended up in a psychiatric institution. You didn't help me then," she accused him and saw a flash of guilt appear in his eyes.
"No one helped me then and no one is going to help me now. The only thing the feds care for are to set a trap for the Mikaelsons and I am here to become their collateral damage," she said shaking her head.
Matt took a step closer and grabbed her arms in a desperate move to make her understand.
"I care Caroline!" he promised fervently.
Caroline removed his hands with a look of indignation. She saw that Matt was hurt but maybe it was about time he faced reality. He owed her. Not the other way around. Not when her life was on the line.
"It took you some time," she bitterly mumbled.
"That is not true Care," Matt mumbled without a breath. But he could not even look her in the eye.
Caroline breathed in and looked at him seriously. She hated this. She hated him calling her that way. She hated him being such a hypocrite.
This was getting them nowhere. It was too late for this conversation anyway. It was just too late.
"Look. Thank you for warning me of Logan's escape two years ago but you should not have come here now and I really need you to go. For both of our sakes…especially yours," she cautioned seriously. There was a tone of worry in her voice. Because this was still Matt. Her old friend. She didn't want to him to get caught in the crossfire and get hurt.
"I always wanted the best for you Caroline. I still do," Matt told her honestly.
"If you do you will stay away," Caroline advised him, "I do not need FBI's protection neither yours. What I do need is for you to go back home and to not meddle with this," she insisted.
"Why?" Matt asked her sounding aggravated, "because you know that if I press you with this your lover might put a bullet in my head?" he hissed, "because you know that you are way too deep," he accused her and her gaze this time turned ice cold.
"If so then you should know better than to get in the middle," she bluntly told him off.
"Damn it! You sure now how to pick them! These people are monsters Caroline," he almost yelled at her and then gritted his teeth in exasperation.
"No. Logan was a monster. These people are worse than that," Caroline simply said with a shrug.
Matt's eyes widened in her admittance.
"All the more reason to come with me now," he pled with her.
"No Matt. All the more reason for me to stay," she refused and then smiled. A dangerous smile that obviously in Matt's eyes must have seemed so foreign. "Make no mistake. I am not the same woman anymore. I am not wearing any blinders and I am exactly where I want to be. If Logan wants me then if he dares let him come. Let him try," she spat with a challenging look before she turned her back to him and left without expecting to hear his reply.
She heard Matt calling her name desperately but she was done with him.
"If anything I am sure I am going to enjoy our reunion much more than he will," she said more to herself than anyone else as she walked to the limo.
Elijah opened the door for her and she never looked back as she got into the car.
When they finally returned back to the illuminated estate she noticed the commotion even from the windows of the limo. Everyone, the staff and the guards, seemed to be on edge running around in the gardens in panic.
She smirked amused and Elijah raised his eyebrow at her reaction as he helped her get out of the car.
Stefan Salvatore got out of the car also and gently bowed in front of her.
"Have a good night Caroline," he politely said to her and she rolled her eyes. This whole charade was a bit tiresome no matter how it was part of her life and of her safety. Stefan had become a tentative friend of hers during her stay to this place.
However whenever a Mikaelson was near her Stefan was acting like a robot and not a person.
"Good night Stefan," she said to him in a sweet voice that revealed her gratitude as Elijah led her from the lit gardens to the grand entrance of the mansion.
The guards opened the doors for her and she could not help the mocking smile that appeared on her face.
She smirked at how the guards had pale faces and how the personnel of the mansion still kept scurrying away making room for her to pass as if they were in front of the presence of a Queen. It was ridiculous but part of her relished in the power of it all.
Klaus was corrupting her and she was enjoying it.
"I could swear Miss Forbes that with every passing day you resemble my brother more," Elijah commented seriously as they entered the foyer and Caroline giggled catching him by surprise.
The sound of her laugh was rich as she received his remark like a compliment and the only sound that interrupted that sound was the mocking cadence of a voice all too familiar for both Caroline and Elijah.
"You make me sound like quite the bad influence brother," Klaus sarcasm reached her ears as he was already climbing down the marble stairs with a glass of scotch at hand.
He hurried to welcome her by leaving his scotch on the top of the newel post and going straight to her.
"It depends on how you look at it," she playfully mumbled with a low voice as Klaus stood in front of her and inspected her from head to toe as if he wanted to see if she was okay. He titled her chin up with his warm finger as he inspected her and she shivered. He was searching into her eyes as if he was looking for something and only once he found it he let her go.
She could see Klaus' eyes burning already. There was so much tension in there. Rage and insanity and power. A combination that could tear down the world to ash and cinders.
Caroline could see how people were shivering and trembling all around him ready to fetch his precious mistress back to him even at the cost of their own lives. And they were doing that every time Klaus would command anything from them. How much more when it came to something he really wanted.
Klaus Mikaelson's temper tantrums and his unspeakable rage were frightening people to death -and for good reason- and yet he never targeted his anger and his menace against her. He never laid a hand on her. He never used force against her. Their relationship had always been a game of manipulation and emotional control. A pull and a push. A game that left both of them breathless and unhinged. And no matter how twisted it was she felt safe whenever he was close. Even when he carried his gun warm under his coat and had his hands tainted with blood she felt safe. And that was enough for her. Despite of what Klaus and everyone thought part of her was giving him her loyalty and devotion not because of their deal but because of the safety she felt whenever he was near.
He was dangerous. But not for her.
...
Detroit.
March 2013
Loup Rouge had closed its doors to everyone aside those that were invited for Rebekah Mikaelson's private birthday party. There was a lot of commotion and noise and smoke. Alcohol kept pouring and everyone working in the club made sure to not notice all the guns people kept carrying with them.
Caroline had sung for the most part of the night and was now waiting to the bar to get her drink. She had her red dress on tonight and she put her brightest smile to her performance. Rebekah wanted everything to be perfect for her night and Caroline for the first time saw all the Mikaelsons gathered together.
She already knew Klaus since he was coming more and more often to Loup Rouge to listen to her sing. But it was the first time she had seen all the family united. They were presenting themselves like the royal family and Caroline didn't know if she wanted to roll her eyes at that display of power or be impressed.
However she could hardly notice the rest of the Mikaelson family when it was Klaus' intrusive and penetrating gaze that kept following her every move.
She would have liked to say that she was immune to the way he looked at her but she was not. Every time she felt that flaming desire in his eyes bathing her from head to toe. It was making her blush and it was making her smile.
Ever since November she had been seeing him regularly. And every time he was trying to charm her with his stupid dimples and alluring accent. He kept sending her gifts which she kept returning and he kept trying to win her affections no matter her constant, and most often than not, blatant rejection. He was just not taking the hint!
She had never seen such a stubborn man before in her life. He was so persistent and infuriating. He was always trying to make her laugh and to give him a chance. It would seem as if he could not believe that a woman would not fall for his charms. His ego was almost as massive as his megalomania and that said it all.
She glanced towards the direction of Klaus' table and saw Rebekah laughing at something he said but it was as if he had felt her eyes on him. He turned his gaze to her from afar and raised his glass towards her direction smirking and she quickly averted her eyes ashamed that he caught her sneaking a peek at him.
She cursed under her breath at the way he would probably look all smug and satisfied right now.
The barman finally came back and smiled to her as he served her drink.
"A glass of cherry wine for the lady."
Caroline smiled at him as she took the glass.
"Thanks Jerry."
"Loved your performance tonight by the way," Jerry praised her with a wink and Caroline laughed as she took a sip from her drink.
"Thank. Let's hope the boss liked it too," she joked pointing subtly towards Rebekah and Jerry laughed with her.
"Goodnight Jer," she said as she turned around ready to go to her dressing room.
She stumbled back clumsily as she almost spilled her wine to a man that was standing really close to her. She didn't even notice how he came so close to the first place.
He was tall and overly muscular and was shamelessly checking her out; something in the way he looked made her mouth go dry. Being so close to this guy made her feel threatened somehow. It was the same unsettling feeling she was getting to the pit of her stomach as a danger signal back in Mystic Falls whenever Logan seemed to be getting angry.
She gulped and smiled politely. She looked around quickly. The place was filled with people. She would be fine. And Rebekah's security always made sure that no one would harass her.
However the party was private and every guest was invited so she didn't want to make a big deal out of this and how much more when this uncomfortable feeling was just that. A feeling and nothing more. Sure this was only in her mind.
"I am sorry. I didn't see you there," she carefully said and the man gave her a salacious smile all teeth.
"No problem blondie," he drawled and she nodded and tried to leave. But before she could the man stepped in front of her blocking her way.
She held her breath and gripped her glass tighter.
"How about you keep me some company? You almost drenched me in wine after all" he laughed as he licked his lips.
Caroline tried to not grimace and she took a step back as he moved closer.
"That would be a no," she coldly said and tried to walk past him once more but yet again he blocked her path with his body.
She took a sharp breath and pressed her lips. Her hand was itching to throw her wine to his face even though tingles of fear were already running up and down her spine.
"Are you sure doll?" he insisted as he took yet again one more step forward.
This time Caroline stood her ground.
"Positive," she said frustrated and tried to walk around him but he only chuckled and didn't let her move.
Caroline looked around and noticed how the guards of the club were doing nothing to help her this time. It was probably because this was one of Rebekah's honored guests.
She was starting to feel extremely threatened but the man didn't seem to mind. He didn't seem to be taking a no for an answer either.
He came closer and leaned over. Their chests were almost touching as she felt her back hitting on one of the stools of the bar table.
"And why does it seem to me that you are from those chicks that by no they mean yes?" he lewdly laughed and Caroline tried to move away again but once more his body seemed to be like a brick wall meant to stop her getaway.
She was starting to panic now. She left her wine on the surface of the bar and looked at the man straight at the eyes with as much seriousness and anger she could master.
"Let me pass," she said trying to keep her tone clear and strict.
The man snorted and grabbed her by the arm bringing her closer.
"Or else?"
Caroline was ready to knee him in the balls when a voice from behind the creep that was manhandling made her hold her breath.
"You heard the lady. She's not interested."
The man that was holding her immediately let her go as Klaus stepped in. Caroline breathed in relief and rubbed her arm with her hand at the place that idiot had grabbed her.
When Klaus saw that his eyes darkened and a muscle on his jaw clenched. Somehow she felt her blood turn to ice as Klaus' lips turned to a thin line. He turned his attention to the unknown man but Caroline was sure that Klaus knew him.
"Hey man I didn't know she was yours," the man immediately apologized and stepped back raising his hands on the air in surrender.
Klaus didn't say anything but Caroline swallowed hard at the way he placed himself in front of her and put his hand on the man's shoulder. It seemed like a friendly gesture but she could feel how the awful guy that looked all threatening and powerful moments before was now cowering before Klaus.
People around them had stopped talking or even moving and simply watched. The man that was harassing her some moments before now stood immobilized as Klaus smirked and leaned over to whisper something to his ear.
Whatever it was it made the other man's face go pale and she trembled on her spot.
Caroline blinked as Klaus gave a slight nod to his own men and they came towards them. The gaze Klaus gave to his people seemed to be a form of code or a silent communication of sorts. Because they came at them looking certain of what Klaus wanted. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion now.
Before the man could even say anything Klaus' men had grabbed him and were pulling him towards the back exit as he was screaming for Klaus to forgive him.
Caroline gave Klaus an incredulous look as she looked at how his all in dressed black men were dragging the man that was frantically calling out for mercy.
Soon enough his voice got lost in the music and Klaus cast to people around them a deadly glare and suddenly everyone was minding their own business again and acting as if nothing had happened.
Caroline opened her mouth to speak but realized that no sound could come out. She was in shock.
What had just happened?
Klaus looked at her and his finger grazed the part of skin on her arm she had previously rubbed.
Caroline dropped her gaze and followed his finger with her eyes as shivers were born in her body. She glanced up and noticed how Klaus looked at her. With worry and affection.
"Are you alright love?" he tenderly asked her and Caroline got a whiplash by how his mood had changed. The formidable man that caused terror just moments ago had disappeared and the charming gentleman was back.
"Uh…yeah...thanks…. I guess," she muttered confused and Klaus smiled.
"No problem sweetheart," he said and helped her sit on one of the stools. She was shaken up a bit but not because that man had harassed her. Everything that transpired seemed so surreal.
She had heard the rumors about the Mikaelsons and about Klaus but it was another thing to have suspicions and another thing to watch without doubt all the rumors coming true just before your eyes.
Caroline looked at the direction Klaus' men had taken the man. This was not right. She did not want anyone to be hurt in her name…or worse.
"What is going to happen to him?" she quietly asked and Klaus shrugged dismissively as if her question was irrelevant.
"Nothing for you to worry about."
She gaped at his audacity and calm demeanor.
"Like hell it isn't!" she angrily protested and Klaus raised his eyebrow impressed by her reaction.
"Seriously! What's going to happen to him?" she urgently pressed Klaus who sat on the tall stool opposite to her.
His lips curled in amusement.
"Nothing tragic sweetheart. He will simply learn how to treat the fair sex better," he simply said and Caroline huffed in exasperation.
"By men that I am so sure are the poster boys for feminism."
Klaus laughed but the sound was not pleasant to her ears. She wanted to scream at him now.
"You are impossible! And you didn't even have to do that. I had it handled," she accused him and Klaus gave her a gentle smile.
"I know."
Caroline blinked at how sincere he sounded for a moment there.
"I am not joking Klaus!" she lashed out and Klaus' smile grew wider.
"Neither am I," he honestly responded.
"Then why-"
"Why I stepped in?"
Caroline nodded and Klaus took her palm into his hand. He leaned over and kissed the inner side of her wrist without taking his eyes away from hers.
His scent had enveloped her and everything around them disappeared.
"In what universe would I see you in any kind of danger sweetheart and I would not come to your aid?"
Those words were enough to break the spell he had created between them and she yanked away her hand from his. The place his lips had touched her skin burned but she also burned inside from an anger that was born years ago. She refused to be weak. She refused to allow to men to become the villains and the heroes to her story. And how much more men like Klaus that aimed to be both.
"I do not need a savior," she coldly said as she put her walls up once more.
Klaus narrowed his eyes. He was looking at her as if he was searching for something.
And what scared Caroline the most was his ability to read people. And the fact that somehow he seemed to have found in her eyes what he was looking for.
She opened her mouth to tell him goodbye as she wanted to get away from him but Klaus interrupted her even before she had the opportunity to speak.
"Then maybe we should just even the score. Repay me for my not needed help?"
His eyes sparkled with mischief and Caroline felt almost drawn to that feeling too.
"You overstepped. I did not ask for your help," she dismissed him with a voice full with indignation and Klaus held back his laughter.
"Well sweetheart I promise that I won't give you my help again unless you ask," he seriously told her with a curt nod and then smirked.
"However no matter how unwelcome my help was tonight when it came to your persistent admirer it was given. And from the looks of it you do not seem the kind of a woman that wants to own favors to men," he playfully stated and she rolled her eyes.
"Of course you would ask something in return. The Devil always does," she sarcastically mumbled and Klaus arched his eyebrow at her.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It was not meant to be one," she denied in a childish manner that had Klaus laughing as if he had no care in the world.
People around them looked at Klaus in surprise. As if they were not used to hear him laugh in that way. As if his genuine response was something new to them. It was not a cruel laugh and not an ironic one. It was not a signal of danger. It was just him laughing.
And all Caroline could think was how enticing that sound was. So boyish and carefree and she somehow doubted that Klaus was used to laugh that way. Or at least she was willing to bet that he had forgotten how to do so.
"I know sweetheart," he said, mirth dancing in his eyes.
Caroline looked at him and compressed her lips in an attempt to stop herself from smiling since his amusement seemed to be contagious.
"So what do you want for saving the damsel in distress," she grumbled with suspicion.
"Just a drink love," Klaus asked and reached for the drink she had left on the bar.
He twirled the liquid inside the glass and smelled it. Caroline watched him with a furrowed brow.
"I am sorry what are you doing?"
"You love cherries sweetheart?"
She nodded and Klaus raised his hand calling Jerry. The barman immediately came to take Klaus' order.
"Mate how about you get a Marasca Fizz for our lovely singer here and a Krug Grande Cuvée for me?" he said and gave to Jerry her glass to take back.
Caroline crossed her hands in front of her chest.
"Seriously? I already had a drink!" she complained as Jerry quickly brought them their drinks. The bartender now seemed serious as he strived to impress Klaus and Caroline refrained from rolling her eyes.
Klaus took their drinks and offered her the one he chose for her.
"Yes but is not champagne our thing love?" he observed with a seductive voice as Caroline took the tall flute that was filled with chilled champagne and a blend of maraschino and sour cherries in her hand. She was willing to bet that Jerry had used the same champagne for her drink as the one Klaus had requested for himself.
"We do not have a thing," she disagreed promptly and Klaus gave her a taunting smirk.
"Don't we?" he challenged and clanked his glass with hers with a knowing look.
Caroline took a deep breath before she brought the rim of the glass to her lips.
Klaus followed her every move as the heavenly flavor of the bubbly champagne hit her tongue. She almost moaned as she savored the unique taste that exploded in her mouth and soon ran down her throat already creating a slight dizziness.
She didn't take her eyes from his as he took a sip from his own champagne.
She lowered the glass and played with the crystal in her fingers twirling the glass slowly in her hand.
She licked her lips before she drained the remaining alcohol.
"So obviously the rumors are true," she said in a low voice. Her tone was revealing simply an acknowledgement over a fact and no hint of accusation.
Klaus stared down at her until she raised her gaze to meet hers.
"Which rumors would that be sweetheart?"
Caroline gave him a knowing look accompanied by a bitter smile. She already knew who Klaus was even though she had never asked him before and Klaus was not an idiot. He already knew what she was talking about but he wanted her to be direct.
"Those that say you are dangerous," she clarified, her gaze defiant and fearless.
The smirk that highlighted his dimples was not playful or charming this time. It was dark and it made her heart pound faster. She gripped her glass.
"Well?" she insisted wanting from Klaus to give her a direct answer also.
Klaus took the glass away from her hand and set it aside before he gave her his full attention. There was something unyielding and serious in the way he looked at her but most of all honest.
"Yes," he simply admitted. He did not have a hint of shame or remorse in his voice. He was simply stating a fact and Caroline felt an ominous portent of danger surrounding them both.
Why was she not running away?
Klaus took her hand into his and entangled his fingers and with hers.
"But not for you."
Caroline held her breath but she did not remove her hand from his. Instead she squeezed his fingers. She didn't know why she believed him but she did. She probably shouldn't but somehow she trusted him.
She never learned what happened to the man that harassed her. But after that night no one dared to make a move at her ever again.
Caroline looked straight in Klaus' blue eyes and noticed how tensed he seemed and she nodded slightly as he rubbed her upper arms with his warm hands. Their slow communication seemed to take away Klaus' tension even though he did not take his eyes away from her for a long moment.
He seemed to be in the grip of a powerful emotion when Elijah cleared his throat awkwardly.
Klaus took a step back and Caroline hated the way he seemed to raise his walls again. She understood it but she did not like it.
"We will take this to my office Elijah," Klaus said strictly and Caroline realized he was dismissing her. She wanted to stomp her foot down but she understood that in front of Elijah this was not the Klaus he was used to be around her behind closed doors. And after what happened tonight she was certain that she did not want to push Klaus's limits.
"I will wait for you," she simply said and Klaus smiled and kissed her forehead gently as she turned around and walked towards the stairs in the foyer leaving the two brothers alone. Behind her people seemed to be on edge. Ready to serve her and to make sure she was fine.
She sighed and took the glass Klaus had left on marble post. She drained what was left from it and only wished it had been something less bitter.
After taking a hot bath and washing all the day's events away from her she waited in her bedroom for Klaus to come and find her.
Claudia wanted to pamper her as always but instead Caroline sat on her vanity and watched her reflection on the mirror. Without all the make up on she felt a little bit exposed. It seemed as if she had created certain shields to protect herself from the world. A dash of perfume, some red lipstick and dark eye shadow kept her anxiety well hidden from the world and at bay.
Now as she sat on the French vanity stool wrapped in her cream silk short robe all she could do was comb her hair in silence as Claudia was fixing the sheets and the pillows on her bed making sure that she would be comfortable in her sleep.
All this attention really irritated her lately. At first it seemed awkward and funny to her and honestly which girl would not like to be treated like a princess? But at the same moment it was as if Klaus had made sure that eyes devoted to him would follow her constantly.
She was never alone. Not even in her personal space and this was far less about her security and much more about Klaus' insanity and need to show to her who she belonged to. He was such a control freak. Even compared to her and that said a lot.
The atmosphere changed.
She looked through the mirror the tall figure that strode in her room. She noticed how he did not bother closing the doors behind him and how his posture seemed tense. Obviously his discussion with Elijah did not sooth his nerves.
Caroline let her silver brush on the table in front of her and she rolled her eyes as she noticed how Claudia immediately dropped what she was doing and looked at Klaus with fear and utter mindless obedience.
Caroline wanted to scream at her that Klaus was not royalty and was not the King of the world no matter how much he believed he was.
Klaus however didn't seem to even notice what the girl was doing. He had caught Caroline's gaze through the mirror. Assessing her.
"Leave us," he dismissed Claudia without even bothering to look at her and the girl hurried out of the room as respectfully and as fast as she could.
When Claudia closed the doors at her exit Caroline swirled around and arched a brow waiting for him to ask.
Which of course he did.
"What did they want love?" he casually asked and she held back her smile at his predictability and the paranoia that was vibrating in his tone.
Obviously Elijah had told him everything. Everything she had told him in the car and even everything about her encounter with Matt. And for that she had to keep Klaus distracted. Matt was involved with the Feds now and she didn't want Klaus to send them a message through her old friend. And she had to make sure of that.
So instead of rushing to give him an answer like everyone else would Caroline simply checked Klaus out.
Her eyes roamed over his body.
He had taken out his suit jacket. He was only wearing a crisp white shirt. The collar of the shirt was open and the first top buttons were undone revealing the necklaces he wore underneath. He had rolled the sleeves up to his elbow and from the looks of his unruly curls he must have been running his hand a lot through his hair tonight.
His appearance should seem disheveled but instead he looked sexy which was totally unfair. She ran her tongue over her upper lip and shrugged.
"Didn't Elijah tell you?" she avoid giving him a straight answer while she gave him most innocent smile. Klaus narrowed his eyes and gave her a warning look.
He took some steps closer to her and she crossed her legs revealing to him the skin of her leg up to her thigh. All was fair in love and war after all.
His eyes sparked at the seductive alluring way she sat. Ever since they had slept together this game of theirs never ended. Where she pulled he pushed. A siren's game of temptation from both sides. Hungry, demanding and never ending.
She had never felt such passion before. Klaus had managed to take down all her walls. After Logan she was afraid to give herself to another man. To let another man touch her. But having sex with Klaus Mikaelson was empowering. He was all about dominating her but he was also all about surrendering his control. Having such a man coming undone only by her touch was making her fall deeper down the rabbit hole.
Klaus Mikaelson had touched her wounds and tried to heal them with a lot of patience and a lot of passion but no matter their deal he also waited and gave her a choice on this.
So now all she wanted was to give in to the pleasure and the need she felt. Giving in to Klaus had been unavoidable but she was enjoying the outcome.
They never gave their hearts but their bodies were singing a different tune. A tune that had turned Klaus more possessive and more attentive and now he wanted to make sure that she would still remain by his side. He wanted to eliminate every doubt he had and he wanted to make her understand that she could not leave him. And yet she could tell that she was distracting him.
Wanting her was his Achilles heel. It was clouding his mind. She could tell and that made her heart beat so much faster. She wanted him to want her like that. Damn the consequences.
She could tell that he was enjoying her sight right now. He always preferred her like this. With clear skin. No make up. Wrapped in fine silk with her curls loose framing her face.
And yet his resolve didn't break. She held back a sigh.
"I would rather if you were to tell me love," he suggested with a low voice that created heat waves to erupt just underneath her skin. Other would feel dread. She felt feverish instead.
"Information about you," she simply replied and Klaus smirked as he reached her. For a moment he stood close and his penetrating gaze travelled slowly over her form taking in every detail. His fingertip trailed the curve of her shoulder. The cool silk slightly moving on her flesh making shivers run down her spine. He let his nail graze the pulse on her neck making her breath turn erratic.
"How disappointing. I expected at least some more ingenuity," he mocked as eventually his hand leisurely threaded her blonde locks. She titled her head up and let her head fall back a bit as his fingers massaged her head; his thumb drawing patterns behind her ear. She took a deep breath in and almost purred at how this simple gesture created her to relax and feel all tense at one.
She could hardly focus. He was standing too close and she had a very long day. All she wanted was to let go and let his hands do wonders on her body. And to have him stop seeking answers she did not want to give like a bloodhound.
However instead of closing her eyes and allowing herself to enjoy Klaus' manipulative touch she stared up at him.
"They offered to get me into the witness protection program," she revealed promptly and noticed how his body stiffened at that momentarily. He let go of her hair and gave her a dashing smirk.
Those stupid dimples would be the death of her.
"Did they now?" he asked trying to sound nonchalant which caused Caroline to give him in return a wicked smile.
She got up and slowly approached him as he pushed his hands inside the pockets of his black trousers.
She played with the open collar of his shirt as she tried to straighten it with slow movements. Klaus eyes never leaving her face.
"Yup. To get me far away from Logan's grasp," she delivered her response as if this was something completely uninteresting.
She immediately noticed how his lips curved in a slow humorless smile.
"And from mine," he noticed softly. His tone slightly mocking but the mockery didn't reach his eyes. She let her hands drop and their gazes locked.
His had turned dark. The blue shade that adorned his eyes shifted to a black shadow. She could not help but look at those eyes all mesmerized. But the hint of instinctual fear that rushed through her veins reminded her that no matter what Klaus was still a man that was not to be trifled with.
Times like these she felt like Klaus' prey and she knew how much he enjoyed the hunt.
And yet every time that she challenged him. Every time that she was taking that dangerous dare she was feeling alive. And she wanted to feel alive. She wanted him to make her feel alive again.
With her past this should scare her but deep down she knew that Klaus would never hurt her. Not physically.
"Yes," she nodded and almost took a step back at the way he clenched his jaw.
She gave him a stare meant to hide a supposedly veiled rejection and she almost laughed at the way he glared at her.
She tried to walk past him but before she could his hand abruptly grabbed her upper arm and drew her closer to him. His hold was made of steel. It was not bruising but it was hard.
She lost her step and placed her hand to his chest in order to find her balance and not fall on him.
He remained silent and she gulped as his scent made her dizzy. She wanted to lean in. To touch those raspberry colored lips and feel his skin on hers. She waited for him to make a move but he didn't.
The connection between them grew as did the tension that was almost magnetic but he was standing still. His eyes were fixated on her.
He was waiting to hear more.
She tried to get her arm out of his grip but he didn't let go. He was not hurting her. But he was not letting go.
"They are ready to give me a new name, a new life," she taunted him knowing how she was pushing his limits now that his eyes glittered with madness.
She knew the rules. His rules. Like everyone else she was living by them.
No one would ever even dare to take anything from Klaus Mikaelson and nothing that belonged to him would ever dare to abandon him but she continued playing with fire as she stood up on her toes and let her face reach closer to his, "to take me somewhere where you won't be able to ever find me," she whispered and flinched as his fingers dug inside the flesh of her arm before he let her go.
She stumbled back but his hand wrapped around her waist. Her body crashed on his and she put her hands on his shoulders.
"Such a place does not exist, love," he warned her and quiet menace laced his tone, "even if you run to the far ends of the world I will still find you. You are mine Caroline," he reminded her and stark possessiveness marked his gaze.
The heat that was seeping from his body ignited the need inside her and she felt tingles of pleasure spark on her lower belly.
"I know. That is why I didn't accept," she quietly told him sounding almost resigned and noticed how he smiled pleased and she gave him her own smile as she wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug expression away from his face, "no matter how tempting the offer was," she let the irony fall between them and saw with satisfaction how he pressed his lips.
He hoisted her body up with his hand still wrapped around her waist and she almost yelped as she felt her feet leaving the floor and instinctively she wrapped her legs around his waist.
She gave him a glare of indignation as she tried to support herself by holding him tighter.
"You like playing with fire don't you?" his voice was a soft whisper of temptation as his other hand pulled on her hair. She groaned and the flame in her eyes grew.
"I only learned from the best," she taunted with mirth enjoying how his eyes shone with pride. He walked towards her bed and she let her hands find their way to the nape of his neck enjoying how smooth his hair felt on her fingertips.
They fell on her bed and his body covered hers. He was careful not to crush her as he settled on top of her.
She squeezed him with her legs as she needed to feel him more. The weight of his body was welcome and his finger grazed the exposed skin of her neck before he pushed the one side of her robe to the side revealing her right shoulder and the top curve of her breast under the lace of her black revealing bra.
She tried to reach for his lips but he pulled his head back before he pushed her hands up above her head and pinned them on the mattress.
"Do not dare to betray me love. You would not like the consequences," he simply said. He didn't have to turn his tone to threating. He was simply stating a fact. Having her so vulnerable underneath him should be enough to intimidate her but she didn't seem to be bothering with his display of dominance and sexual aggression.
Caroline snorted and Klaus once more understood why he was so attracted to her. His infatuation still stood. He could not get her out of his system.
Even like this. Even right now that he had her under his body trembling with need she regarded him as an equal. She knew who he was and what he was capable of and yet she refused to fear him. Something that frustrated him but also made him respect her like he had never respected any other woman before.
She also knew the power she held over him and this weakness was driving him crazy. Almost as much as she did.
"As long as you keep me safe I won't have a reason to," Caroline retorted and Klaus let her hands go. He placed his palms flat on the mattress on either side of her head and looked intently at her defiant eyes.
"Ah yes. You always like to remind me of our little deal don't you?" he bitterly let out. Every time he was trying to get closer to her. Every time they had a disagreement. Every single time. And he hated it.
He looked down and arched his brow as she let her hands sneak between their bodies and started unbuttoning the rest buttons of his shirt.
"As you always like to remind me that I belong to you," she threw back at him with equal distaste and she hastily pulled his shirt out of his trousers before harshly pushing the material open and back on his shoulders.
His necklaces fell forward and dangled on the valley between her breasts. He had to pause for a moment in order to take in the beauty that Caroline Forbes was. A beauty capable of breaking him.
He had broken bones and lives and he was still incapable of understanding how it was possible for anyone to have tried to break her.
To break her body and her spirit. Maybe this was why she was resisting him with tooth and nail. But that didn't mean that he had to like it or that he would not try to change it.
"And you that you belong to no man. What kind of deal do we have to strike for you to give up on that irritating notion of yours?" he seductively challenged her as she almost tore away the shirt from his body.
His hands dragged her closer as he started undoing the belt of her robe. Sensually. Slowly.
He was undressing her as if he was unwrapping a gift.
His breath hitched at the ivory skin that was revealed as he opened her robe. Her black lacy underwear left nothing to imagination and he felt himself instantly becoming rock hard.
He leaned down and let his teeth graze the column of her neck. She arched her back so to give him more access to her body before her hands reached for his face. She cupped his cheeks and demanded his attention.
"What you are asking does not come with a price," she breathlessly said as his hand found its way to the inside of her leg. He trailed her inner thigh making her whole body tremble.
"I know. It is invaluable. Just like you," he acknowledged seeking her lips once more.
She gave in to the demanding kiss and she undid his belt with urgent moves.
"Our deal never said anything about…love," she panted between their kisses as his hands travelled on every curve of her body. She was getting lost in wild desire.
Klaus laughed as he tore her panties away from her body in a harsh move that made her bite her lip.
"Love?" his tone sounded amused will dripping with irony and distaste as he ripped her bra away too and changed their position so she would come on top and straddle him. Her robe was thrown away from her body that now pressed against his in all its naked glory.
He sat up and held her by the hips as she wrapped her legs around him sitting on his lap.
She moaned as he pulled her closer and let his hand find its way between her legs. Both of their naked bodies rocking together as he was building her need up with expert strokes.
"Love is a fickle emotion sweetheart," he admonished while nibbling her ear. She held on to him for dear life as she felt her orgasm coming closer.
"I do not crave your love. I want your mind. Your soul," he whispered and his other hand pushed her hair back from her face. He wanted to see her eyes. Her crimson cheeks. Her swollen lips. He gripped the back of her neck and brought her face closer to his. His eyes glistened with desire, hers with need. Perspiration ran between their bodies.
The moment he slid into her he moved agonizingly slow. Inch by inch. Taking in her every reaction. The way she heaved. The way her skin flushed. The way she gripped his shoulders and how she pushed her nails into his skin. How her eyes pleaded him to go faster as she tried to ride him but he rolled them over again trapping her body beneath his. He pushed inside her a little bit more ignoring her pleads to go faster.
"I want to get into that little head of yours and explore every single desire and secret you hide from me. I want you to give yourself to me without holding back," he tempted her with a hoarse voice as he was trying to control himself and ignore how strained his body was becoming at the sensation of her muscles clenching around him. She was so soft. So wet. So hot. All he wanted was to lose himself inside her until there would be nothing of them both left to this world.
"But until then I am quite satisfied with having you writhe underneath me in ecstasy moaning my name every night," he let his voice become melted honey that made the flames on her skin erupt into fire. He craved nothing more than to hear her scream his name. He needed her in his bloodstream like a drug and he needed to know that she needed him in the same way.
He started pushing strongly into her taking in every moan her lips spilled as she pushed back and forth in sync with him just as hard. Both of them were getting lost in delirium.
"Do you know why?" he growled as he surged forward making her scream his name. "Because every time I am inside of you our deal means nothing," he rasped unable to control himself any longer as he buried himself deep inside her, gliding in and out. Skin slapping on skin. Bodies entangled in one as she dragged her nails on his back and held on to him for dear life.
"Time stops and nothing else exists for you than me. Isn't it so my…love?" he let the word linger as she closed her eyes and gave herself completely to him as she screamed her release. He thrust harder into her. Faster and with no more control left as her body stilled gripping him and she looked into her eyes that looked at him with something he could not name before he grunted her name as he came undone.
Usually after exhausting themselves in each other's arms they would both relax in their mutual embrace basking on the afterglow that would follow every heated encounter. Moments of intimacy where she would finally relax as Klaus' fingertips would slowly draw patterns on her sweaty skin.
This time was different. The warmth was missing. Both of them were tense. Caroline was taking deep breaths as Klaus' steady heartbeat echoed on her ear now that her head was resting on his chest just above his heart. And yet that sound was not a humming lullaby now. It felt like the drums of war.
She hardly even blinked when Klaus rolled them over and he wrapped his hand around her neck. Her body was pinned against the mattress underneath his weight. Skin on skin and the friction caused shivers to erupt to her body as his fingers pressed around her neck in warning. He was not hurting her. But his grip was strong and unrelenting.
"What else have you forgotten to tell me love?" he asked her as his eyes scrutinized her. His rich voice brought her chills and she knew that this tone was one of calculation. He was using his intimidation tactics on her and how much more now that there were no barriers between them. At a point where anyone else would feel vulnerable and exposed. But she only rolled her eyes and exhaled angrily at his interrogation. Of course Klaus would not let go. When did Klaus let anything go?
She detached herself from his arms in frustration and he let her. She sat up and pulled on the sheet that pooled around Klaus' hips. She wrapped herself with it and glanced at Klaus that didn't seem to mind his nakedness at all.
"Leave him out if it Klaus," she warned him as she glared at him.
"Leave who out sweetheart?" he played with her and she gritted her teeth resisting the urge to slap his stupid face and the stupid dimples.
Instead she threw him her pillow which Klaus' caught it on air before it hit his face.
"You know I saw Matt," she bit out as she hastily got out of bed.
"Without Elijah present," Klaus added with a low voice as he sharply looked at her.
Caroline lifted her chin and looked at his eyes without wavering.
"Yes," she admitted with confidence that made Klaus' lips compress to a thin line. He got out of the bed pulling his pants on.
"And?"
His tone was conveying his usual paranoia and she huffed as she rearranged the sheet better under her arms.
A paranoid defensive Klaus was just one step away from her getting a persistent headache.
"He wanted me to agree to the witness protection program. I refused," she simply told him with a shrug.
"Is that all?" he pressured as he prowled over to her.
"The rest do not concern you."
Klaus titled his head to the side. She saw the change in his demeanor. The aggression that was slowly building up inside him. And yet she stood her ground.
It was not so much her instinctual need to face him as an equal as it was the fear of telling him that Matt wanted her to leave him no matter the cost. If Klaus knew that and if he had even the slightest suspicion that Matt could influence her against him or put ideas in her mind about leaving him he would retaliate and the outcome would not be pleasant for her friend.
Klaus was a menace and a force of nature when it came to keeping the things he wanted.
That kind of power was what made her ask his protection in the first place and she knew the consequences of dealing with a person like Klaus but she only wanted to use that power against Logan. Not against people she cared for.
She would not allow Klaus to hurt her friends.
However Klaus did not have any boundaries when it came to defending his right of ownership over what he believed to be his. The day she signed away her freedom in the exchange for her safety she knew all too well where she was getting herself in. Klaus never pretended to be anything else and he was always honest and straightforward when it came to what he expected from her and what he would do to if he would feel threatened or displeased to anything concerning their deal.
Klaus only cared for his family and for keeping her at his side by his rules. He considered everything else to be collateral damage and he was ready to make anyone an example in order to establish, maintain and impose his authority.
Caroline raised her gaze at his as he came close. His scent enveloped her and she felt feverish. She clenched her fists.
"You knew I would not like you talking alone with your ex boyfriend and you did it anyway," he growled unable to hide the hint of jealousy from his voice.
Caroline looked at him with an incredulous expression.
"Matt is a friend!"
Klaus' features hardened.
"That's irrelevant. You knew I would not approve!"
Caroline crossed her arms in front of her chest as she blew away from her face a stray lock with an angry huff. Her expression now was as angry as was his.
"So what? Your deal got you a mistress not a slave Klaus!"
Klaus pressed his lips and took a threatening step towards her but Caroline narrowed her eyes in a challenging manner. She was provoking him and he wanted to lash out and destroy everything around them. Yet again this infuriating woman was bringing up their deal.
She always loved to reminded him how she was not his by choice. How it was the circumstances that led her to him and how what united them was not their connection but their…deal.
Klaus towered over her and the irrational part of himself took over. The one that always destroyed everything good he was trying to build. The part that wanted to hurt Caroline as much as she was hurting him with her words.
Klaus let out a mocking laugh that made Caroline flinch.
"Out deal yes," he pondered as his finger grazed the exposed curve of her breasts just above the sheet she had wrapped herself in. Caroline was following his movement with cautious eyes now and he felt the thrill that came at the uncertainty that filled her eyes.
"No objections on how well you fulfill the role of my mistress love," he spat with an ice cold tone that made Caroline take a sharp breath, "diligently and with vigor may I add. I certainly have no complaints at how eager you are. Job well done love," he taunted and the moment he saw the flash of hurt in her eyes he regretted his words immediately.
Caroline took a step back and his hand fell to his side. He sighed and tried to get closer to her but she looked at him with furious eyes.
"Well since I am so good at my…job…," she slowly said with distaste, "why don't you drop the rest of the dictatorship crap you have going on? They don't work on me. I am not one of your minions that run around ready to satisfy your every whim!" she fiercely yelled at him and Klaus titled his head and racked his hand through his hair as he saw the how her eyes sparkled with anger and pain.
He huffed and tried to reach her but she shook her head and took one more step back. She looked at him with so much distaste at that moment that it felt like a physical blow. She looked wild and untamed wrapped in the wrinkled sheet with her hair tussled and her gaze turned into a bitter glare.
Caroline was never afraid of him and she never looked at him like every other person did but in moments like these he could see the same level of hatred and rejection his own family directed at him.
But from Caroline….it hurt more. Much more.
He wanted her respect and he wanted her to be safe. Having the feds using her to get to him and her ex coming back to the picture made his blood boil. Elijah told him everything that transpired tonight and Caroline's stubbornness was fueling his anger.
He could see that she cared for this…Matt…and that made him see red.
His instinctual reaction was to hurt her and now he wanted to ask her to forgive him but he could not do that either. She had made him weak but he would not allow to himself to show her this weakness.
Caroline was standing her ground now. Her eyes were warning him to stay away. Her features had twisted into a scowl and she was looking as if she was about to murder him.
He pressed the bridge of his nose.
"Get out," Caroline let her breath out slowly and Klaus opened his mouth to say something but then he closed it.
He stared down at her.
"No," he simply said and saw how her shoulders tensed up.
"Why? You want me to fulfill …my duties again tonight? Sure I guess. It is in my job description after all" she sourly conceded and then looking as if every emotion was snuffed out of her she got near him and tried to kiss him but Klaus held her by her upper arms and pushed her back without letting her go.
"Caroline…I am-," he sighed and Caroline pushed his hands away.
"Oh my God! You can't even say it can you? Caroline I am sorry! This is how it goes!" she yelled at him and Klaus looked at her feeling restless and awkward.
"Sometimes I swear you are like really really slow!" she blurted out enraged.
Klaus could not help but smile at how cute she sounded as she tried to offend him and how she looked as if she wanted to claw his eyes out.
Caroline turned around to put some distance between them as if breathing the same air with him was unbearable but Klaus grabbed her by the arm and turned her back to him.
"Now sweetheart how can I acquit myself here?" he asked as he bent towards so that his lips would be against her ear.
Caroline huffed and detangled herself from his embrace.
"Sure Klaus. Put the charm on because that has worked so good with me in the past" she mumbled annoyed and looked at him up and down looking offended and disappointed.
She then pushed her finger to his chest and he looked down at it with both of his eyebrows lifting on his forehead.
"Newsflash! Your charming words are not going to gain you any points! You can't seduce your way out of this! Your temptation techniques do not work on me!" she let out the torrent of words all at once as her face lit up with fury and Klaus beamed at her.
"That is why I want you," he declared and Caroline hit him on the chest with her fist. Hard.
"Ouch," he playfully complained before he picked her up leading them both back to bed. Caroline cursed and struggled against him as he put her to the bed and kept her there no matter how much she tried to get up.
"You really are an ass! Let me go!" she yelled at him and he held her by the waist and pushed his body back to the bed and pulled her on top of him until she straddled him again.
"You drive me crazy you know that?" he whispered and cupped her face with is hands. He felt the fire that was starting to stir inside her again and he saw the wonderful blush that spread on her cheeks.
"You do not need me for that," she mumbled with a sullen expression and he laughed at that.
He tried to kiss her but she pulled her head back.
She looked directly into his eyes.
"Never again," she warned him and Klaus noticed how serious she looked and he nodded understanding what she meant. Lashing out to her like this was not something she would allow again and he would not risk losing her and especially not because of his ill-mannered temper.
"I promise," he sincerely told her and Caroline got off him and lied back to the bed next to him watching the ceiling with a blank expression.
Klaus turned to his side and pushed his elbow to the mattress as he rested his head to his hand. He watched Caroline closely. The way her chest heaved up and down.
It was not from desire. It was not from anger or disappointment either. It was something he never wanted to see in her eyes.
It was worry.
Caroline turned to the side and faced him with desperate eyes.
"Klaus," she whispered and the sound was so low that he would have missed it if his attention was not already fully on her.
He saw the fear in her eyes and he hated it. He didn't want her to be afraid. Of anything. Not even of him. She could frustrate him beyond belief and she would push him to his limits more often than not and he knew that he was prone to losing control but if there was one person in this world that was safe with him that was Caroline. She would always be safe with him.
She didn't know it yet but all she had to do was ask anything of him and he would do it. Whatever it was. As long as it would make her happy.
"Tell me sweetheart," he gently encouraged her as he pushed a stray blonde lock behind her ear.
"He is free."
Klaus's gaze hardened as he pulled her to his arms. Caroline's body was rigid inside his arms as he hugged her and kept her close. She hid her face to his chest. The top of her head touching his chin. Her smell there to taunt him but her warmth was missing. It was rare for Caroline to express her worry and admit her fear. But she was reaching her breaking point with this waiting game.
"No one is going to touch a hair from your head Caroline; anyone that dares to try will have to get through me first," he promised her with a hoarse voice and kissed the top of her head. She snuggled closer to him and he wrapped his hands around her in an even more tight hold. She was secure in his arms. And he was going to make sure she was going to stay there. Forever.
"Besides him being free is a good thing," he said with a menace that he kept only for the kind of enemies that would pay for their crimes against him only with their blood and the blood of everyone they ever met and loved.
Caroline lifted her head up and her eyes widened as she looked at Klaus as if he had gone insane.
"Why?" she asked with a trembling voice. The dangerous glint his eyes making her shiver and bringing chills all over her body.
Klaus's lips turned into a smirk that reminded her exactly why people were so afraid of the man that was now holding her in his arms.
"No prison lies between me and him now love. It just became much easier for me to bring you his head."
...
My lover's the sunlight
To keep the Goddess on my side
She demands a sacrifice
Song: Hozier - Take Me to Church
