Crimson Fate (R-M)
Chapter 4 - Red Dress (Magic!)
Bonnie was a teachers aid for one of her classes and had been grading papers in a classroom alone for a while during the teachers down period. She was sitting alone, with the door open, looking over papers, when a student walked by, and caught her attention. He pursed his lips together and whistled. Her eyes snapped up. "Stefan?"
"Rip."
"I'm not calling you that. We've been friends since... Babies. So, yeah." She lifted her eyebrows letting her eyes shift to the side, taking a sarcastic tone.
"Why? It's what I go by now."
"Ya know. Before there was an Elena, it was you and me. And I never called you Rip. Not even when the boys in the club did. You are Stefan Antonio. You will always be Stefan Antonio. Maybe I should go back to when we were five and call you Steffy."
"Please, don't call me Steffy."
"Why?"
"Because it sounds too much like Steffy Poo. Which is what Elena calls me. And I hate that nick name." They both paused briefly and laughed.
"Yeah, well... you made sure to go for the popular girl, who was wanted by every guy, who was used to having everyone's attention, and her way. Love her to death, but, you knew what you were getting yourself into with Elena."
"You're best friend."
"No. She's my good friend. I don't call everyone a best friend. You, and Lexi are my best friends. Well, Caroline, is kind of moving in on your territory."
"Oh no... not my territory." A huge smile hit his face, and he walked up on her tickling her.
"Stefan, stop. Stop it. Please." She laughed.
"Does Caroline know your tickle spots, and how you sleep with a bear known as Ms. Cuddles?"
"No. She doesn't know those things. In all fairness, Ms. Cuddles was a gift from my dad years ago, and she's missing an eye. And I lost her."
"Still... I knew this."
"Then you grew up, and started liking girls, and eventually got with one of the most popular girls in school. You became the man, overnight and Lexi left, and now..."
"Me? You are one of those popular girls. You grew into this... this..." he looked her up and down, and paused, and she waited for him to speak. "You really grew up overnight. All these guys want to date you. You make me look like chump change." She felt like he wanted to say more, about how gorgeous she was, but refrained. "We're still friends Bonnie."
"Yeah. Friends... we were best friends most of our lives." She sighed.
"You're my best friend. You always will be."
"Anyways, it's not important. What's important, is your idea to join this glorified thug life. This bike fraternity."
He turned his face in despair. "Stop. Don't start with me."
"No, Stefan I will. I'll tell you the truth because you need to hear it."
"Bonnie-"
"You're gonna get yourself killed."
"No, I won't-"
"Stefan, you were getting yourself deeper and deeper with all of this and I just don't know how you can be okay with being in danger. And Elena? She wants more than this from you. You lie to her about being able to balance the club and a relationship..."
"I care about Elena, I can do it."
"No, Stefan. We both know-"
"Bon, I tried to end things with her. I told her that it would be difficult and she said she'd stand by me. I warned her and she understood. Suddenly she's acting like she forgot. I need the support to get me through. And you hate the club. So we know you aren't going to be my support."
She shook her head slowly, wishing he could understand what she understood, about the club. Or what she thought she understood. Which was that, the club took her father from her, and claimed her brother already. Stefan was now being taken, and she had no luck with men, and the MC. "As my best friend, you should understand, why I can't support it."
She had lost every man she loved to the club. Her father. Her brother was losing himself. And now her best friend was down for whatever cause, crazy enough to get him killed.
"I think, you're blaming the club for it, but everyone makes their own choices."
"And you choosing to walk yourself into a trap that could kill you? Stealing a bike Stef... is your choice."
"You don't get it."
"I get that you want to do what your dad and brother do. You don't want to disappoint them. But what about leaving the neighborhood? Moving past the fucking club?"
"B, why are you so fucking judgmental?"
"This is me being judgy? No! It's me being afraid for you because you're not even afraid of the consequences of such reckless behavior."
"I love you. But I can't live my life for you B. I have to do what's right for me."
"Full of shit! This isn't for you. It's for the name. SALVATORE. You want to live up to G and Damon's names but you're not them!"
"Fucks that 'spose to mean?"
"You're not them. You're you. And I don't think you're cut out for the life."
"Damn!" His brows raised and his blood started to boil. "Tell me how you really feel."
"How I really feel? You're gonna get yourself killed. You could've got a ball scholarship. Had a real life. Can't I want that for you?"
"You can want anything you want, but it's not about what you want. It's about what I want."
"And if you die? If you get hurt or killed? You promised me, you'd never be the guy who worried me over this?"
"Yeah. I was a kid then."
"Still a kid."
Stefan hated how close-minded she'd become. "Yeah, well if I die... don't fuckin come to my funeral." He snapped.
"Why would you say that?" Truth was, he didn't know why he said it. After knowing what those words could do to a girl who's lost her dad to murder as a club member. He just felt that she allowed more than the club to create a wedge between them. He tried to speak, but stopped himself, shook his head, and walked out on her, having left the words on the floor. "Stefan?" She called out, but he didn't turn around, or come back. Bonnie couldn't concentrate on grading paper the rest of the period.
The way her life was, she felt like she'd never escape the club as long as Marcel and Stefan were apart of it.
...
Stefan left school early that day. Headed to the clubhouse, and waited for Damon to get back from handling some club issues. He was heated, and his temperament was one of the rare occasions he decides he's going to be reckless. Stefan didn't show reckless all the time, but when he did, he was willing to do anything to calm himself down. He had no idea, why Bonnie's disapproval got under his skin the way it did. Maybe they'd been friends for so long, he just hated to disappoint her. Maybe it was the fact that the MC was her family too, and she disregarded how they'd always been there for her and her mother. But the fact that her disapproval caused him stress, confused him, and bothered him.
"Yo, what's good? Why you look like you wanna tear shit up?" Vince said as he watched Stefan pace back and forth outside.
"Just... I don't get it. Bonnie-" he tried to speak, but he couldn't get the words, and Vincent was Bonnie's uncle, and he wasn't sure Vin was the right person to vent to. "Nothing. I just- I need to get this anger out of me right fuckin' now, and I don't know where my brother is."
"Well, number one, why aren't you in school?"
"Kidding me. It's my last year, my schedule is lax."
"Yeah, but you know you are tryna get your prospect patch. And you can't even get a membership patch til your eighteen... if you make it."
"You know, I'll make it, bro!" Stefan's eyebrows pinched at the center. How could Vin doubt him, when he was basically a legacy. His father was a founder.
"I mean, I don't know... you ain't complete the first mutha fuckin mission."
"The bike? Bro, those mother fuckers were standing out there... you wanted me to get shot?"
"I would've expected you to wait it out." Stefan couldn't really say anything because he knew it was true. He knew it was what a member would do.
"Fine. I'll do it right now." Vin's eyes widened at the shock, and the challenge at the same time. "I'm serious. Let's go. Be my back up, right now, and I'll fucking take the bike."
"Aww shit. That's whasup." Vin grabbed his leather vest, and threw it on over his shirt, and grabbed his sun glasses, and his faded and tapered, faux hawk accented the tattoos on the side of his head. VINSANITY, his nickname in ink. "Let's go."
"Forreal, right now? Without my brother?" Stefan never made any major moves without Damon. Damon was always there to make sure nothing ever happened to Stefan and ready to kill anyone who touched him. But Stefan knew he had to man up. So, he didn't even call Damon on this one.
"Forreal. Prove yourself Rip!"
Stefan nodded his head... he'd almost shocked himself. Rip... short for Ripper. Stefan was quick. He stole shit, and got in and out quick. He could rip people off, without them even realizing it. That's how he got his nickname. A thief in the night, who once covered it up with his high school jock persona. "Fuck it. Let's go."
And that was all it was. They left the clubhouse, just the two of them. Damon, didn't even have a clue what his brother was up to.
...
Damon and Marcel rode out to the other side of town, with Gino trailing them. Something they did rarely in the daytime. Damon was stuck on the safety of both Stefan and Bonnie at this point. Stefan being gung-ho to steal a bike for a prospect patch, and Bonnie being one of the most valuable pieces of a puzzle that the Mongrels would go after to hurt the club. And yet, they hadn't come across each other in the social setting.
The three motorcycles pull up to a location outside of the designated meeting area. Damon pulled up he got off his bike scoping the place from all angles before heading deeper into the hidden locations meet to the two men waiting on a park bench in the middle of a run down and abandoned park on the south side.
"Anything dirty?"
"Nah. Just the two bikes. It's pretty wide open unless they got a sniper. I'll stay back here if you want. Keep a look out. I got my piece on me."
"Yeah." Marcel said. "I think one of us needs to stay dropped back. Just in case, have other club members on stand by."
"I agree about dropping back. But no one else on standby right now." Damon said.
"Why?"
"Because, I'm out here on my own shit. This beef between us and the Mongrels was quiet for a while. Soon as my pops left the country shit started goin down."
He gave Marcel a knowing look. Gino understood perfectly well what Damon was getting at but he remained mostly Damon's eyes and ears.
"So, What... you think unc is pulling some shit over G's eyes?"
"That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying... Vin almost got my brother killed. And there's a reason behind it."
"Now you think Unc is trying to scheme?" Marcel asked both amused and shocked.
"Cel, you're not listening to me. Vin..." he paused to think his words carefully. "Vin has been calling shots since my pops went out of the country. He's my VP and I back his decisions, but I have to start questioning the motives when I think that shit becomes reckless."
The words were familiar to Marcel. Reckless came out of Damon's mouth a lot lately, as if he'd forgotten the Savage bastard he was himself.
"So, you think he's not telling us something?"
"You could say that. Now whether it's because he's trying to protect us, or he's playing foul, I don't know. But I'm here to make sure this shit stays away from everybody else. My ma. Your mom, your sister... don't you want to make sure this shit stays far far away from the neighborhood?"
"Yeah, But-"
"But what?"
"Vin finds out your acting on accord without his approval, it's not gonna be a good look."
"I'm not scheming Cel. I'm just gonna figure out why they shot up the high school."
After little thought, Marcel sighed. "Aight bruh. I got yo back. But I hope this shit don't blow up in our face."
"It won't. I won't let it."
...
After school, Bonnie didn't even stay long to socialize with the girls. Her conversation with Stefan had her in tears after he walked out on her in the classroom. She went about her day, without letting anyone know, what happened. Elena and Caroline both spoke to her not realizing she was upset, because she covered everything pretty well. "Hey, Bon, what's up? Wanna chill after school?"
"Naw, not today. I have to work."
"Fuck. Well... I feel like our last year, you'll be working a lot."
"Yeah, well, I need to fucking pay bills, and eventually get away from Crimson. I just can't keep being afraid of this life."
"Bon, Marcel will be okay. He wouldn't be back if he thought it would be dangerous for you or your mom."
But it wasn't just Marcel. It was Stefan too. She hadn't the heart to make Elena feel afraid for Stefan, and she hadn't the heart to tell the girls she was worried about club members. "Yeah. Listen, I can't even talk. I need to get going."
"Sure. Why don't we all catch up later?"
"Yeah, of course." Bonnie hurried to her car to escape her life. She needed to immerse herself into her job right now, she was going into Jame's world for a while. A place where she spoke few words, and all she had to do was clean, half naked, and make money.
Money.
That was the endgame she had.
...
Two men sat at an abandoned park bench ready for what could end good or bad. The tensions were obviously on the high rise since the shooting of the high school, and although there were no causalties, the gesture was breaking a common rule. Endangering families.
Damon wasn't ready to forgive what happened in any way, especially after it endangered Bonnie, but Elijah Mikaelson was probably the most reasonable of the clan of siblings who ran the Mongrels. This was Damon's chance to get answers without his VP present. And also to keep his father, the president out of it, while he was in a high stress situation dealing with other charters.
"Savage... what do we owe this pleasure?"
"Pleasure? I don't know about that. I'm here on business. This is truce territory. And we need answers."
"Yeah. So, tell me what brings us here to meet face to face?"
"Eli... you are probably the most reasonable in your psychotic family. What the fuck is going on, that has your guys shooting up the high school?"
"You tell me. I've had to move my girlfriend to another town because my place was broken into. Regardless of the past, women and children were out of bounds."
"You don't think I know that?" Damon glared. "Listen I don't know who hit your spot, but it wasn't my guys. We don't fuck around on that territory of ole ladies and kids."
"But it is your MC's specialty."
"Fuck Yeah. We are thieves but shit we do is legit. Home invasion? Come on bro? What would we get out of some fucking tv and toaster type shit. You know we deal big shit."
"My home had some very valuable fortunes inside of it." Elijah spoke with a straight face. "One of them was taken, and I believe it's someone who's been watching me and my lady for sometime."
"Eli- I assure you my crew hasn't been approved on no hit in the fucking Eastside. We've had our beefs before but shit like that... nah. Was your lady home?"
"She was, and luckily, she can use a rifle like nobody's business. Shot one of the robbers. He still got away."
"There you have it. None of my men are or have been injured. You got somebody else. My advice to you is to jump off this crazy train you're driving... because we've got eyes on you from every angle."
"That supposed to scare me? We don't back down from a fight."
"Fucking listen, I have multiple charters getting word on this shooting. You know we hold clout from the the West side to the North. And past those jurisdictions. I'm trying to keep shit at bay."
Damon assumed the position of peacemaker no matter how hard it was for him to do. And with that being said, he'd normally shoot anyone for questioning his strict adherence to the rules of respect.
"D-12." Elijah said to Damon.
"The fuck does that have to do with shit?"
"Unsettled feelings from how you got one of those 12 kills."
Damon paused. The Mikaelson family was sure he'd killed one of their own as a part of this on going war between the two MCs.
Damon's silence rang louder than any words spoken.
"We can focus on the past every fuckin day. It'll get us no where. In these streets it's kill or be killed. Think what the fuck you want, but a number of mutha fuckers out here were ruthless enough to kill him. And one thing I don't fuck with is a rapist. Now, someone in your family is a fuckin rapist. We can argue facts and figures all day. But facts are, you hurt a woman or a child I will come for you." He paused. "Who ever you are. Where ever you are. I will hunt you down. And I'll enjoy every second of it."
Elijah couldn't speak on the situation further, as the man who couldn't verbally defend himself was a known but unspoken, rapist. He terrorized women everywhere but when it hit the west side that he'd gotten one of their own. Damon went hunting like a shark. His confirmed kill helped to earn him one of his highest honors in ink, D12.
Damon pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The situation called for one.
"The school was a warning. You step on my turf breaking a code, I do the same. My lady was found safe, which is why I didn't allow them to take any casualties at the high school. But had it been different, there would've been a massacre."
Raven haired and blues-eyes Damon pulled his cigarette from his mouth and spoke. "We won't fuck with you, if you pull your men back now. We call a temporary truce so shit can calm down." Their feud was to deep to just forget it, but it had gotten out of hand recently.
"Fine. I'll take your word for it, that your men didn't hit my home. But the next slip up, I can't take anymore chances with the Kings. I go full force. Slowly, one by one. I need your word, your men back the fuck off."
"You have my word. My boys will pull back."
Both men looked on another in the eye. Damon tossed his cigarette while Marcel looked on. Quietly, like he was supposed to. A cigarette then flee from Damon's fingers to the disgusting piss puddle near the rusty trash can. They connected with a handshake and called a truce.
In his mind, it has to stay this way for everyone's benefit. And mainly keeping the neighborhood safe was his main concern. As the four men quickly parted ways Marcel allowed his concerns to be voiced.
"Whelp. That was a fuckin earful. Whatchu thinkin?"
"I don't know. Home invasion? You know that's not our style no more. That was small time shit back in the day."
"Yeah but... unless they got some other enemies- he still thinks that shit was us."
"We need to figure out who the fuck in the area got shot recently."
"Nah. Let that shit go. If someone else has beef with Mongrels, we need to keep this shit out of our house. You managed to call peace with them. Even if just for a minute. We can't fuck it up. For B's sake we need to stay out of it."
"I just hope shit's not happening under my nose and I don't know about it."
"And if it is... you know I got you." Damon heard his best friend's words but hated how his club had become a big question mark lately. He started his bike quickly to head back towards Gino. This temporary peace should buy him time to figure out how to deal with Bonnie and keep her out of harm's way.
...
Click clack. Click clack. That's the only sound bonnie heard walking through his house, on his freshly waxed white floors. His floor were so shiny she could see her reflection in it, as she walked around with a thong, under her unbuttoned dress. Her bra, was non-existent. Her heels were red today. Her dress was black. Her ankle socks were white and frilly. Her breast, were once again, visibly displayed. She wore a short cropped wig today, and she spent time cleaning his windows. His house had large windows overlooking the city. The view was breath taking. She lost herself in the idea of what it was to live somewhere so far away from the bullshit, that you could just see it from your living room window.
"You seem lost today." He spoke from behind her in his chair. She snapped out of her trance.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"You seem lost. What's on your mind?"
His question surprised her. They usually had small talk and didn't get too personal. "Uhh, nothing, I just- someone was on my mind."
"Oh." He paused. "Boyfriend?"
"Ahh, no." She smiled. "Even though we're very close. He's just my friend."
"Ahhh, I see. You like him, or...?"
"I'm worried about him. He doesn't alway take my advice, sooo..." their sentences ended with the last word being drug out for a couple minutes.
"Well, I know we don't talk much. Buuuuuut... I'm a good listener." She turned to him, and the face he had that never smiled, gave a smirk. Then went back to a straight face.
"It's no big deal. I may be overreacting. I just want better for him. And he accepts less. Anyway. I should use the stepping chair, to get the top of the windows. Is it in the utility closet?"
"Uhh, yeah. But, let me get it. I wouldn't want you walking in that closet and getting hurt." And although Bonnie was a tough girl, there was something about James, treating her like a delicate flower that she liked.
"Sure." He stood from his chair, and headed for the small step ladder. He brought it back out to her, and opened it. "Thanks." She smiled, and stood on it, before he took several steps back. She got up carefully and started wiping down the windows. She was now nervous that he was so close to her and watching her.
"Be careful okay."
"Always."
He watched her feet carefully, while the heels were trying to find comfort in the steps. He looked at her clean, and his eyes made their way under her dress when she bent over. She heard his feet take two steps towards her, on his immaculately polished floor, which echoed in his house. He was getting close, and she had to ask herself, if she could trust his distance.
"So, maybe talk to your friend about their choices, and how it affects you."
"I did. He stormed out on me. Told me not to go to his funeral." She joked.
"Wow." Sounds a bit dramatic. He must be your age."
"Yeah, unfortunately."
"Is it, unfortunate? You don't like guys your age?"
"He's just a friend, kind of like a brother." She re-iterated.
"Oh. That's right?"
At this point she felt the direction of the conversation shifting. The dynamic between them was becoming more comfortable for her. He also, seemed more at ease, then he did in the beginning. She saw him looking at her feet, and she turned back to the window, before stepping down. "I should move the ladder to the other side."
"Don't worry. I'll move it." He moved it quickly, and stepped away from her again. No touching, was the policy. "So, what does your loved ones think about your profession?"
She paused unsure of what to say. He noticed her pause, and look at her hand to think.
"Sorry. Too personal. I didn't mean to pry, I just-"
"Uhh, my profession is only my business. No one else's. But, I only speak to my best friend about it." She caught herself, and pinched her eyes shut.
"You speak about it?"
"Uh, not in detail ya know? More or less... when I come to work, she knows." Bonnie was having trouble in her footing, and trying to balance herself out as she cleaned. James kept watching her feet. "I'm not a child. I don't need to run things by anyone." She had no idea why they'd gotten personal today. She felt a little vulnerable answering him, because he was intimidating, with his blank expressions. "Anyways, I'm probably done with the windows, so-" her voice hitched when she realized that her heel was stuck between the step and the side of the small ladder, and she squealed when she fell backwards, only to feel large hands grip her thighs, as he broke her fall, and caught her midway. "Oh fuck." She breathed heavily. "Oh... um, I'm sorry for cursing." She said, when his arms moved up, wrapping around her and holding her. It was the first time they'd touched. A man was touching her body. And the instant need fell on her to want more of that feeling.
There was a long silence, and neither of them knew what to say, and neither jumped out of position. She let him hold her body, and he felt so strong against her, from behind. She could feel his hard chest, and couldn't help but to wonder who the lucky woman was that got to know him, on a personal level.
After a few seconds, Bonnie turned towards him, and her breast were now against his covered chest. And she felt his pectorals moving against her chest as he held her body, til she slowly slid down. She thought damn, and she swallowed, making eye contact.
Fuck.
He was scary. In his own way. Those blue eyes, were so dark. They lacked general warmth. They were cold, and she felt like the prey for once. "Uh. Uh- I should... I mean-"
"Yea. I'm sorry. I- didn't mean to touch you-"
"It's okay." They were both stumbling over words.
"I just, was worried about you falling so I stayed near, but I really, didn't mean to-"
"It's okay, James. I mean... Mr. Westgate. Sir." She quickly pulled away while he stood her up, and she adjusted her clothes. "Well, I should get ready to go."
"Oh. Okay. Time went by quickly today." He looked at his Rolex. Then he felt his pockets for something he needed which wasn't there. "I'm going to check in my office really quick."
"Sure, I need to go shower and get dressed anyway." She didn't usually shower at clients houses. But his house. He offered her the opportunity right away. Especially if she had to go somewhere after work. After everything, she got herself together, and showered. When she headed out, he waited in the kitchen like always. "I'll see you soon Sir."
"Yes. Thank you." He handed her an envelope, and this time, he grabbed her hand, to speak.
"I just want you to know, that... I appreciate you. You're a lovely woman." She stare at his hand a while, as it held hers and then she looked at him, realizing, he wanted to touch her skin, as his thumb moved back and forth over her hand. But to hear him say he appreciated her, was something she wasn't used to.
"Thank you." Their hands slowly pulled apart as Bonnie walked away, and left. She headed for her car, and like always didn't check her envelope until she was blocks away. Four hundred and fifty dollars. "Holy shit." As well as a note from him.
To show my appreciation for your hard work and kindness. I have reserved a night for you at Espionage, tonight. A bar uptown. When you arrive, don't worry about showing I.D. It's a very exclusive place. Let them know you're a personal guest of mine, and they will treat you and a couple of your friends to a beautiful evening. It's a very classy establishment, like you. So, wow them with your beauty tonight.
Sincerest regards,
James.
Ps. Wear red!
"He wrote his first name. What does that mean?"
The past week she'd been tipped nearly a thousand dollars. And that still wasn't her paycheck. Tonight was a good night to get out and celebrate with her friends.
...
"Thanks Bon. To what do we owe this pleasure?"
"Well, Elena I just figured, it's our last year, and I should get out more. So, I wanted to treat you guys to a little fun."
"Well, how did you manage to get us in here?"
"I just know someone, is all."
"What the hell? Who?" Elena asked. Caroline gave Bonnie a knowing look, and Bonnie responded with a keep your mouth shut look.
"Just a client, who's house I clean."
"Oh, okay." She smiled. "Well, this place is nice. I've never been in such a fancy place." All of the girls dressed with subtle sexiness, and kept it classy. Bonnie of course in her short red dress, which she bought using the money she made in tips. She wanted to look expensive. As did the other two. But, the three of them felt so out of place. Three girls from the the other side of town, who weren't used to such lavishness. They walked up to the host and spoke.
"Hello, I'm... a personal guest of Mr. Westgate."
"We've been expecting you. Here... right this way." Bonnie was surprised how easy it was, and turned to her girls raising a brow. All three of them couldn't believe their eyes when they walked in. The place was decked out in crystal chandeliers, and dimmed lighting. The seating was all privatized, and there were rooms surrounding the actual club. Private rooms, with curtains, that could obscure the view of the middle of the club, or be kept open, so the middle of the club could observe the private fun, happening in the private rooms.
"Oh... my... god. How in... the hell? Bon! This is fucking amazing." Caroline said.
"How do three teenagers from the west side, get to enjoy this club in the Hills?"
"Shh. Elena. We are twenty-one, as far as anyone here knows. So, keep it classy."
"Wow. So what... is this guy a boyfriend?"
"Absolutely not. He's a client. He just, giving me this gift for my hard work." As they were escorted inside, they saw several champagne glasses. Martini glasses, and a personal bartender.
"Ladies, have a seat. Whatever you want for the next few hours... we are at your disposal." Bonnie bit her lip, in both shock, fear, and excitement. She'd never imagined her life would lead her here. But she was ready to enjoy it. They were sat on white leather sofas, and then three servers came inside. One for each girl. "So, food, beverage, sustenance... what can we get for you?"
Caroline's eyes widened, and she gave Bonnie the look, that meant this is the real deal. Bonnie couldn't believe her ears, did she understand right? "Sustenance?"
"Yes, ma'am. Candy. We have lollipops, gum drops, Strawberry Devine, cotton candy-"
"I get it. Yeah. Thanks. Uhh, well def, just take some champagne right now."
"Yes ma'am."
They poured the girl's drinks, and walked to the back of the room until they were called on again. Caroline leaned towards Bonnie, and whispered. "Just so we are clear, they meant-"
"Yes. Exactly. Let's just play it cool though, okay. I'm... still feeling this place out."
"Yeah."
"Oh hell yeah. This... this is where I belong. And this is fucking delicious." Elena spoke out drinking champagne. "Here let's toast. To Bon."
"No. No." Bonnie interrupted. "To us."
"To us." The girls toasted, and proceeded to enjoy the night. After a couple drinks, the concierge called James.
"Sir. Your guest has arrived. Any requests?"
"No. Just give her... whatever she wants. Everything is on me." He said. "Is she enjoying herself?"
"Very much so. She is with two female friends now, in a private suite, laughing and drinking."
"Okay. Take care of her, and see to it, she gets homes safely."
"Yes. Sir."
The conversation ended, and James texted Bonnie.
Mr. Westgate : Did you make it?
Ms. Bennett : Yes. Thank you. This is... amazing
Mr. Westgate : I'm glad you like it. Enjoy yourself. No questions asked. You're night's taken care of. I will make sure you and your friends get home safely.
Ms. Bennett : You didn't have to
Mr. Westgate : Yes. I did. You were sad today.
Ms. Bennett : Well, thank you
Mr. Westgate : Anytime. Look forward to seeing you next week.
She paused, not sure what to say. She took a minute, champagne in one hand and phone on the other. Biting her lip, she took a minute before responding with.
Ms. Bennett : Me too ;)
And as simple as her reply was... it was all he needed to change the course of things... subtly, but surely. He smiled, and put his phone away. Bonnie on the other hand sat there a while watching her friends enjoying themselves, and trying to figure out what it all meant. Hopefully, it was just a friendly gesture. But a seventeen year old girl, and a forty year old man, had different train of thoughts. And even if he thought she was twenty-one... she knew she was seventeen, and she needed to talk to someone about it all, without giving too much away.
She and Stefan had fought. Her and Marcel weren't talking. That left Tyler... she needed his advice soon, about James. But then she didn't want to leave a look of concern on her friends faces. Or for Tyler to speak too much about it to anyone else. Who the hell could she talk to, that didn't particularly care for her, and wouldn't be able to read her thoughts?
Damon.
Hell no. He was the last person she needed advice from. For now she'd keep James to herself. No one could know details about James. He was the one stress free factor in her life.
He showed her that life outside of the club and the neighborhood existed for her. She just had to want to leave it bad enough.
The three friends promised that what happened in the Hills stayed in the Hills. No one could know, because Bonnie wouldn't risk James.
A/N Quickly, uhh, EVERY character is flawed in this story. This is an original story turned into Bamon. The only actors I kept in mind were Kat, Ian, Charles, and Alexander. Everyone else was definitely added in. I mentioned a while back they aren't based on TVD. And Marcel and Bonnie is the second most important dynamic in this story. They still have a ways to go to get to a better place. With their family secret. But, just know they will both have some "What the fuck?" Moments to come. Again, THANK YOU much for supporting this story and me as a writer. This story isn't a sunny one, BUT it's filled with GOOD, BAD, UGLY, and BEAUTIFUL moments.
Ps. For anyone who didn't understand the end reference in the last scene about candy, it was drugs. Lol And NEXT CHAPTER, Damon's not gonna take too kindly to Bonnie being gone all night.
xoxo ~ MaNiQ1