He held her as she sat on his lap. They were over his parents' house and Bonnie figured that since they barely liked her anyway—his mother to be more specific, she wouldn't bother to mind her manners. She was glad that Stefan was on her side because instead of looking at her oddly as he usually does, he held her. She smiled proudly on the inside. She tried to make conversation, but nothing ever stuck so she gave up and it's now dead silent.
Stefan cleared his throat then opened his mouth gaining her attention before he closed it shaking his head with his eyes closed making her chuckle. He smiled as she copied him a minute later and they laughed a little. Bonnie ignored her vibrating phone but frowned when Stefan took it and she watched him watch the name on the screen. She wasn't sure who was calling, but she could bet her grandfather's gold tooth that it was Enzo. He answered it assuring her guess was right.
"Hello."
"Is Bonnie available?" She and more than likely everyone else heard him ask.
"No, she's not actually. Bye." He ended the call.
She took her phone back chewing on the inner part of her lip and asked him with her eyes if he was mad at her. When he turned away she got her answer.
"Trouble in paradise?" Mrs. Salvatore inquired.
Bonnie closed her eyes exhaling through her nose but said nothing. Woosah, she repeated to herself. Stefan gave his mother a look but didn't speak a word.
"So how's work, son?" Mr. Salvatore decided to speak.
"Pretty well."
"I heard Theodore finally signed on about a month or two ago. How'd you manage that?"
"Bonnie, actually. She talked to his wife about it and she convinced him to sign on."
"Nice work, Bonnie."
"Thanks, I try to help out whenever I can."
"My wife over here didn't want anything to do with the business except for the money." He laughed and she tried not to but couldn't help herself.
"Oh shut up, Harold."
He winked at her causing Bonnie to smile even more. "It's true! I can't be honest?" He looked over at his wife who rolled her eyes. "All I'm saying is, son, be appreciative."
"I'm very appreciative, father."
"There's gonna be hoes or whores or gold diggers that come your way, probably already have. Just think of Bonnie like I thought of my Glenda and you will have no problems."
Stefan nodded. Bonnie looked away with tears in her eyes but forced a smile when he kissed her hand. Harold noticed the silence then narrowed his eyes at his son. Stefan watched his eyes before looking away swallowing some, sinking lower in his seat.
Their heads turned hearing the oven beep and they made way into the kitchen. Harold grabbed his son's arm as Bonnie went to the bathroom. "Is there something that you want to tell me?"
"No, Sir." He stood tall.
He watched his eyes before walking away. He clenched his jaw then followed behind his father into the kitchen. Bonnie shortly joined his side, sitting next to him.
"Your wedding anniversary is coming up, right?"
"Has it been another year already?" Stefan smiled over at her.
"Almost." She smiled back.
"What the plan? Five years is it?"
"I was thinking about a surprise," Stefan said to somewhat drop the conversation.
"A surprise sounds nice."
He nodded. His head snapped over to Bonnie as her phone vibrated again. Before he could reach for it, she took it in her hands then stood, "I'm sorry, I actually have to take this," she walked out the kitchen. "Hey…"
Stefan frowned but turned his attention back to his food.
"She's not having an affair is she?"
He sat his utensils down. "My lord, no, mother, she is not."
"You can't get mad at me for assuming so after you hung up on that man that called after nearly five seconds."
"I have my reasons and her cheating isn't one of them."
"Well, who is she talking to?"
"I don't know, mom, I'm not omniscient. Can we just drop it please?"
Glenda drank her wine as he ran his fingers through his hair. His breathing started getting heavy and he closed his eyes trying to stop it but he knew he needed Bonnie in this moment and she wasn't here. When is she coming back? Who was she talking to, what if she really is having an affair but is just as good of a liar as he was?
"Are you okay?"
"I'm… I'm fine."
What if she was planning her escape? What if she was talking to that guy right now planning their life together? He doesn't know the extinct of their relationship but he knows that they love each other. And that day, when he came over as he was away on business, proved that; that and the fact that they are sexually attracted to each other. He's learned Bonnie is an open drunk so if she took her shirt off, who knows what she could've said.
"Babe,"
He blinked staring into her emerald eyes.
"Hey,"
He blinked again the cursed under his breath. She hugged him and he felt his heart slowing to normal speed. "I'm sorry, it was my dad," she explained whispering.
He hugged her back then she moved her head to kiss him a few times.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better,"
She kissed him once again before hugging him. "Stefan,"
"We'll talk about it later, okay?" He said knowing what she was going to say.
"Okay," she pulled away and met their foreheads. "Do you want to go home?"
"No, I'm OK."
She nodded then pulled away grabbing his hand under the table. His parents wore faces of concern but remained silent.
...
Bonnie laughed at her father's dance moves. After Stefan's parents' house, it was time for Bonnie's parents. Music was playing as they stepped in and they both wore smiles seeing Mr. and Mrs. Bennett dancing together. Mrs. Bennett danced over to Stefan and against his protest forced him to dance with her as Mr. Bennett grabbed his daughter who willingly wanted to dance with him. She laughed to the ceiling at her father's moves and turned her head smiling watching Stefan twirl her mother.
When the song ended the men gave their dancing partners a dip and a kiss on the cheek. Mrs. Bennett smiled and hugged her son-in-law then grabbed his face in her hands asking how he was doing.
"Much better now."
She smiled watching his eyes then went to go hug her daughter as the men shook hands. They made way to the couch and Stefan held out his hand signaling her to sit on his lap which she did.
"Are you two hungry?"
"I'm not. We ate over Stefan's parents' house."
"How are they doing?"
"Pretty good, I'd say. Quiet."
They nodded. "How's the marriage?"
"I'd say it's going pretty well, what about you?" She wrapped her arm around the back of his neck.
"I mean she could cook more, but other than that- Ow," he laughed some when she hit his arm.
"Shut up."
"Oh yeah, and the hitting is getting a little out of hand." She growled.
"Reminds me of our relationship." Mr. Bennett commented.
"Shut up." His wife responded causing the males in the room to laugh.
"So that's where Bonnie gets it from," he realized causing Mr. Bennett to nod regretfully.
"Since we're pointing out flaws," Mrs. Bennett started.
"Who's hungry?" Her husband interjected standing up.
Bonnie laughed along with Stefan as he scurried into the kitchen. "I missed you guys," Bonnie frowned.
"We missed you too, you too, Stefan. Are we not cool enough for your parties?"
"Well since you said it- Ow! Babe. Ow," he chuckled through some of the pain as his mother-in-law hit him too. "Dad, help, I'm getting attacked out here!" He called for backup.
"I'm coming, son," he jogged back in with a sandwich in tow.
He sat his wife on his lap to be able to somewhat control her movements. They smiled as he fed her a bite of his sandwich.
"She was just hungry, my apologies," he caressed the top of her head.
Stefan chuckled a little then held his wife close as she got more comfortable. He kissed her when her head turned towards him. "I love you."
"I love you too." She kissed him again then moved more to her side and closed her eyes. He moved his other arm around her and rested his head on hers.
...
He held her body close as she sat straddling his lap, moving her hips within him. He kissed her breathlessly then took the time to look into her eyes then lips that he decided to kiss again. They rolled and interlocked their fingers as her left leg wrapped around his waist.
"Ah, fuck," he pumps into her faster as she bit his ear.
She's on all fours next with her breasts in his hands. He licked the side of her neck sending tingles down her spine.
...
He woke up with her head resting on his chest asleep. Her arm lazily around him which he stroked in thought. Too many things are on his mind that he can't keep up with it. He needs a break, a break from it all to get his mind twisted back on tight. A vacation of some sort but he's not sure how he can pull that off without Bonnie thinking that he's cheating. If she suspects something, he's scared that something may happen between her and Enzo and he can't stomach the thought.
He looked down as she kissed his chest then rested her head back down. "I think we should get away for a little."
She looked up at him. "What do you mean?"
"A vacation or something like that. I need to clear my mind."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"You don't want to come with me?"
"It's not that I don't want to come, I just… things are getting better and I don't want to mess it up." She sat up. "You said you have a lot on your mind. Maybe you need your space to think without me there."
"Maybe you're right,"
She smiled a little then leaned in to kiss him and smiled as he grabbed her leg to move on the other side of his hip.
She couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Things were going smoothly and she doesn't remember a time where she was this happy. She decided to stay dressed in one of his shirts and pulled some shorts up her legs. She bit her lower lip as he grabbed her from behind and kissed the side of her neck. "I'll see you tonight,"
She nodded then turned in his arms to kiss him repeatedly. He grabbed her ass walking towards the door. "Visit me today," he kissed her along her neck.
"Okay," she smiled.
He kissed her twice before he truly had to go. Bonnie exhaled blissfully walking towards the phone to call her best friend. "I feel like I'm walking on clouds," she exhaled.
"Details!" Caroline demanded.
"We went to visit our parents last night and while we were over mine, we were more flirty because my parents are more let loose. So I'm sitting on his lap and he looks at me and he tells me that he loves me. I tell him so back and I rest my head on his shoulder and he leans his head against mine. We get home and have sex and again this morning and he tells me to visit him at work before he left. He never asked me to do that before so I'm just," she exhaled, "happy."
"I love that, Bonnie. You deserve to be happy."
"Thanks, Care. So how are you?"
"I was about to call you, actually, I'm about to take a look at the few pregnancy tests and I wanted you here,"
Bonnie sat down. "Wait, FaceTime me!" Bonnie hung up then waited for her friend's call.
She smiled when they were face to face. Bonnie tried to not bite on her nails watching her friend walk towards the bathroom. Caroline held her breath as she peered over her iPad then Bonnie covered her hand over her mouth when Caroline let out a breath. Her eyes were wide now staring at her best friend. "Wh—"
"I'm pregnant!"
They screamed and cheered together. Bonnie expressed her many congratulations and wishes badly that she could hug her right now. "I'm so fucking happy for you, Care. You'll be the best mom ever, seriously."
"Thank you, Bonnie, I'm just so nervous and excited and-" she shook her limbs. "I have to think of a way to tell Christopher."
"Go on YouTube or do a Google search, there tons of ideas out there. If you need help, I'll look too."
"Thanks, Bonnie B." She exhaled. "I'm so lucky you're my friend."
"No, I'm the lucky one." They smiled. "I'll try to drop by tomorrow so I can hug you and kiss our baby."
She chuckled some. "Sounds like a plan to me. I'll see you later, babe."
"Bye, I love you."
"I love you too."
They waved before ending the video call then Bonnie went upstairs to get ready.
...
She wore his favorite dress of hers then headed to his office. It was a little into the lunch period so she hopes that she didn't miss him. She knocked on the door as she opened it then paused at the threshold seeing him stare at a computer screen with breasts right beside his face. He looked over and the woman stood up and placed her hand on his chair like she was claiming him.
"Oh, Bonnie, this is my-" he exhaled, "Jordan, this is my wife, Bonnie." He stood and walked over to her.
"Hi," Jordan greeted.
Bonnie repeated such back adding a wave.
"Hey," she looked into his eyes then relaxed a little more when he placed his hand on the side of her face before kissing her once.
"So what are you two doing?"
"Just checking out some statistics. Did you want to grab a bite?"
"I don't want to disturb you two."
"You're not, come on," he grabbed her hand. "You know what to do, right?" He directed at Jordan.
"Yes, Mr. Salvatore."
He nodded then closed his door.
"You trust her in there? Last time you did all but added another lock to your door."
He chuckled shaking his head. "She's my assistant. Don't you remember seeing her last time?"
"I guess I wasn't paying much attention to her. So wait, she went to Texas with you? It was just the two of you?"
"Bonnie," he stopped her from walking and turned her to face him as he ran his hands slowly down the length of her arm. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but I didn't want you to go insane." Too late for that. "I want to build us back up, okay, no more games, no more secrets."
She nodded then closed her eyes as he kissed her twice. They held hands continuing towards the elevator. This time he held her chest against his and moved her arms around his neck. He had one arm wrapped around her frame while the other on the lowest part of her back. She smiled when he met their noses before kissing her there. Bonnie smiled and allowed herself to relax a little.
"What are you craving?" He asked in her ear.
She couldn't help but feel he meant that as a double entendre. "You," so she said.
"Yeah?" He asked pulling away to look into her eyes.
She nodded biting on her lower lip. "And a chicken sandwich,"
He chuckled then kissed her twice. "Come on," he grabbed her hand leading them out of the box.
"You seem different."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Happier?"
"Only because you're here."
She smiled as her heart melted. He took her to Wendy's because he knew they had her favorite chicken sandwich then took them to a place with a little more scenery. "Come here," Bonnie straddled his lap. "I want you to come on vacation with me."
"Stef,"
"I know and I get your logic, makes perfect sense, but," he ran his hands up her thighs, "would it really be so bad if you came?"
"You just want me there for sex."
"I told you you're the best I've had."
"I better be," she leaned in kissing his lips.
"Wait, now that I think about it, you said I'm in your top three. Who's the other two and what order?"
She pulled the lever making the seat fall back then removed her dress. Stefan knew what she was doing but couldn't resist her this time.
Bonnie narrowed her eyes getting out of her car as she walked up to her door. "Enzo?" She removed her sunglasses. She decided that after she and Stefan finished their lunch date that she go for a drive to clear her head and now she regrets taking so long because she doesn't know how long he's been waiting for her. "What's up?"
"I need your help with something. Can I come in?"
"Yeah, sure." She pulled out her keys and led him to the kitchen. "Want anything?"
"A sandwich?"
She looked at him, glad that he chuckled.
"So remember my big dancing date?"
"Yeah, how did it go?"
"She stood me up."
Her mouth dropped. "What? Really?"
"Yep. I tried calling, no answer. What should I do?"
"I mean, I don't know," she sat down next to him exhaling. "It's strange, especially since you two have been out before."
He sighed. "I really liked her, man."
"Sorry, babe. But who knows, maybe she has a good reason? An emergency could've popped up or something."
"I guess."
"Have you tried calling her again?"
"I was a little embarrassed to, but I guess I should." He took out his phone. He glanced up at Bonnie who nodded then sat up some. "Hey, it's Enzo…"
Bonnie watched him now wishing that she asked him to put it on speakerphone. She would just listen in but she felt a little wrong doing so.
"Yeah, I understand, it's just some communication would be nice, you know," she placed her hand on his. "Okay, bye."
"What happened?"
"Her mom fell down the stairs and was rushed to the hospital."
"You can't get mad at her for not calling you. The last thing I would think about is my date of that ever happened to my mom."
"I'm joking to make my feels be less hurt. She broke up with me, I guess."
"Did she say why?"
"Not really. It doesn't matter."
"Why do you men always do that? Of course, it matters, she hurt you."
"I should go,"
"Enzo," she frowned as he stood. "Babe, come on, you can talk to me." She cupped his face with gentle hands.
He watched her eyes before shaking his head. "Bonnie, I really should go,"
"Why?"
He exhaled. "I can't be your friend anymore."
She narrowed her eyes. "What why?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"No, I mean-" he grabbed her face and pulled it towards his meeting their lips.
Her heart started beating slowly. She felt weightless like she was being sent off to heaven. She knew it was impossible but she swears her feet were no longer on the ground. "Wow." They pulled away hearing a voice then turned towards a stern face.
"Stefan, I—"
"You know what, Bonnie, I don't even blame you."
"It's not her fault, man, I—" he sighed when he just walked back outside. "Bonnie, I'm sorry."
She just stood there breathing before running out to him. "Stefan it wasn't what it looked like,"
"Dude, it was my fault, I-"
"Enzo, I think it's just best if you leave." Bonnie stopped him.
He respectfully nodded then got in his car.
"Stefan," she started again once he drove off.
"It's fine, Bonnie, it's completely fine. I was just using you anyway."
She blinked confusedly. "What?"
"You know. Acting like I was in love with you, in real love with you even when no one was around. I was just pretending so I wouldn't have to work so hard to fuck you." She took a step back. "I told you I'm done with cheating and I really am, it's exhausting and it gets boring after awhile. Getting you to fuck me has been the easiest thing that I had to do."
"Please tell me you're joking. That you're speaking out of anger."
"You would like that, wouldn't you? I mean you said it yourself today, did I deny it?"
Her heart sank in her stomach and she took steps back.
"Come on, Bonnie, deep down you had to suspect it, right? How could I switch from barely loving you to loving you consistently so quickly? I mean you're hot but that's pretty much all you got going."
"Please stop talking."
"Put on one of those dresses I bought, we have guests at eight." He said walking back up to the house.
"I'm not doing this anymore, Stefan."
"Watch."
Her mind was everywhere. What just happened? A part of her didn't want to believe him but on the other hand, she knew he was being completely honest. She thought they were improving, that they were working on their connection again, but it was all just a game to him. A stupid, twisted game and she was playing right along without even realizing it at all.
She sat right where she was standing letting it all sink in then she cried. All the pain, all the hurt and the lies, she cried away not caring who could hear or see her. All she wanted was to build her marriage back up again, all she wanted was to be happy again and loved by her husband, the only person that she couldn't picture being without, but that picture is starting to become clearer and clearer as the weeks go by.
She sucked up her tears and stood walking back into the house knowing what her next moves had to be.
...
Bonnie sipped on champagne as Bill rambled on like he always does. He could spot a bird and talk about it for two hours straight. He had to admit that she was impressed, she saw it as a talent; an annoying talent, but a talent nonetheless.
She turned her head hearing her name being called seeing that she was being summoned over by the girls. She squeezed Stefan's arm letting him know in her way that she was leaving. He watched her before turning back to his colleague.
"Thank you for saving me," she greeted causing them to giggle.
"I swear I don't know how Rossan does it. Her husband can just go on and on and on over the simplest of things. I would hate to have an argument with him." Anna said rolling her eyes. "Anyway you and Stefan seem a little distant than usual, did you two have a fight or something?"
She sighed thinking that was the only reason they wanted her over here. To snoop. "We did actually." She sighed. "I have this male friend and he has feelings for me, that I was obviously clueless about and he thought that he'd express his feelings towards me by kissing me." The ladies gasped. "As I was going to push him away, Stefan walked in and saw it and he's really angry at me. And it sucks," she looked over at him then back at the girls frowning.
They all somewhat sighed. "Well, you know what, he can, will and damn right should forgive you and get over it. We as women put up with so much of men's shit and as soon as we break a nail, we're the most awful species in the world. And I for one am sick of it."
Bonnie smiled with wide eyes not expecting such a response. The ladies chimed in on their agreements and she was surprised that they were the ones to make her feel better. They all dispersed after a few minutes, talking to other people and scaling at their husbands. Bonnie chuckled a little then spotted Stefan alone so she figured that now was a good time.
"Hey, babe,"
She smiled then stood on her toes to whisper in his ear. "I'm leaving you tonight."
It took him a few moments to process her words. "What?" He pulled away to look in her eyes.
"I just thought it would be easier for me to tell you instead of you catching me in bed with my suitcase."
He smiled a little but it faded quickly. "Wait, you're serious?"
"I'm leaving tonight, I just have to pack a few more things," she moved to walk away but he grabbed her arm.
"Wait, wait, baby, let's- let's talk about this first, yeah? I'll kick everyone out if you want me to, but I think—"
"No, Stefan, it's alright. Enjoy yourself." She smiled then kissed him on the cheek before leaving him.
He started to get hot and he got a weird feeling in his heart that he couldn't explain. She couldn't be serious, could she? He thought before sneaking away upstairs to see for himself. He took a deep breath before opening the door and his eyes grew wide because she was serious. Completely, one hundred percent serious. Three suitcases lined her bed. He tried calming his heart but was finding it more and more difficult. He walked up to her bags and started unpacking.
"What are you doing?" She caught him as he was finished with the second bag.
"I'm unpacking for you."
"I didn't ask you to do that." She walked up to him.
"I know but this isn't what you want, right?" He looked into her eyes. "You really don't want to do this to me,"
She chuckled. "So it's all about you, Stefan."
"I didn't mean it like that. I was just—"
"Stefan, I don't care. I've tried and tried and tried and every single time you proved to me time and time again that you give zero fucks about me or my feelings."
"Is this about what I said earlier? Baby, you know I didn't mean that" he chuckled some placing his hands on the sides of her face. "I was upset and hurt, I always say things I don't mean when I'm hurt, you know that." He looked worriedly into her eyes. "Baby, come on,"
"I'm done, Stefan." She started towards the door.
"Wait. Just- who's gonna calm me down, only you can do that, I'll die without you."
"You should've thought about that before you went screwing around with my feelings."
He sighed in defeat. "Babe, wait, wait, wait," he chased after her when she kept walking. "I'm sorry. I am so fucking sorry."
"You finally admitted it. I think I see progress." She patted his shoulder then continued down the stairs returning to the party.
...
She tried to not worry when Stefan never made it back down after an hour but she dismissed everyone letting people know he suddenly caught a stomach bug and apologized for the inconvenience. Once everyone was out she hoped to not find him paralyzed somewhere. She took off her shoes and hurried up the stairs stopping herself from calling out his name. She listened then ran to his room hearing the shower running. She opened the door then shut off the water as she got in with him. He was fully dressed just standing under the cold shower head.
"Stefan," she couldn't stop her tears. "Stefan," she breathed deeply then went to grab some towels to warm his body. "I was just joking, I'm not leaving, I swear." She turned the water hot and hugged him close crying onto his shoulder. She pulled away after a moment and got him undressed as best she could.
She wanted to call for backup but as long as his heart was beating she would hold off. She shut off the water and used all her strength to get him out of the tub and dried him before dragging him onto the bed. She cried wrapping him in sheets then ran to grab the ones off her bed and got under those as she hugged him trying to give him as much of her body heat as she could. She ran to turn on the heat before joining him on the bed again.
"Bonnie," he barely got out.
"I fucking hate you, Stefan." She cried hugging him tighter then made their lips meet.
She stared into his pale eyes as she scratched his scalp as he looked back into her eyes. She exhaled feeling his cold palm meet the side of her face and watched as he hesitantly moved in to meet their lips. She kept her eyes closed as he pulled away. "Did you do it on purpose?"
"I don't know." He answered truthfully.
"This can't change anything."
"But you said you were just joking,"
"I only said that hoping you would snap back sooner. I wasn't even sure if you would remember."
"Just give me one more chance. One more fucking chance, I'll —"
"I've given you countless amount of chances. I'm all out of chances."
"Bonnie,"
"The only thing that I'll do for you is go with you to a psychologist. I think there's something deeper going on and I can be there for you when you find out."
"I'm not going to see a psychologist."
"And that's your choice. I'm making one of my own. I won't leave tonight but by the end of the week, I'm gone."
"If I go to a psychologist will you stay?"
She shook her head. "No. Unless it's something that you can't one hundred percent be alone for."
He closed his eyes. "I… tell me what to say. I'll say anything."
"Stefan, I'm done. I'm so sick and tired of playing make believe. None of this is real. Not what mattered the most anyway."
"Which is why I need one more chance,"
"Stefan were running around in circles. It's not happening." She got up from the bed.
"Baby, wait, where are you going?" He sat up.
"You need some sleep." Was all she said before closing the door behind her.
...
Bonnie closed her eyes exhaling through her nose as his arms moved slowly around her and his chin rested on her right shoulder. "Stefan,"
"I have until the end of the week to change your mind."
"You won't."
"I like a challenge." She tried to stop her smile. "I didn't mean it, Bonnie. I swear I was just upset. You were kissing him."
"He kissed me."
"You kissed him back, I saw it. And I get it, but I thought- I thought we were getting better and I just couldn't wrap my head around that." He let her go as she turned to him. "I love you. You're my wife and after all the fucked up things that I've done, I want you over all of it. I don't want to be single, I don't want to date anyone else, I want you. I need you." He moved his hand up to her face to stroke her cheek with his thumb.
"This isn't about you, Stefan. It's about me and my happiness. Thank you for saying those things, but it's a lot easier for you to erase the past than it is for me. I was the one who was lied to and broken. I was the one who was depressed, not you."
"Tell me what to do and say and I will do it and say it. I want us to be better."
"Honestly, I don't know what you can say. I can't take another heartbreak."
"It won't happen, I swear. I'll go to work then come right home, I swear. I won't go out with the guys, I won't work late, I'll be dedicated to you and only to you."
"That's not fair,"
"Yes, it is. I want to spend more time with you, I want to go on vacation with only you so we can learn more about each other. I want you to love me again. Please." He begged looking into her eyes.
She sighed indecisive then was saved by his ringing phone. She expected him to answer it but he didn't and kept looking at her. She had to admit that she was completely shocked. "Stefan, I don't- I-"
"Just think about it, okay? I have to leave for work, but just think about it." He kissed her then opened his mouth to her as he held her close causing her knees to bend. He kissed her deeper then pulled away to stare into her dizzy eyes. "I love you."
Bonnie felt herself being lifted on the counter before he backed away. He knew her knees weren't strong enough to hold her steady. She was finally able to breathe as she heard the door close and she grabbed her heart trying to calm it. She hated the way he made her feel and though a part of her is screaming to stay, she knows that she needs to leave. She needed to prove to herself that she's strong enough to stand up for herself and stick to the promises she made to herself. She always had a one and done policy when it came to cheating but for some reason this one was different.
She wonders if it was their marriage, their union and vows to be together through thick and thin. But what was the point of vows when the main one is already broken?
She gasped at the suddenness of the phone and went to answer the call from Caroline. "Hey, friend."
"Hey," she sang. "I told Chris about our baby."
"Really? What did he say?"
"He's so excited, I wish I recorded it. He understands that he's parent number three, and promised to respect those boundaries." Bonnie chuckled. "What's wrong?"
"No, this isn't about me right now. I want to hear more about-"
"Bonnie, come on. How many times have you stopped talking about yourself for me? I know I lost count."
She smiled then sighed. "It's just that I told Stefan that I was leaving him yesterday at a party and he go upstairs to my room and sees the bags on my bed and starts unpacking. Meanwhile, I'm downstairs forcing a smile when I notice he's not there so I excuse myself and race upstairs to see him unpacking. I ask him what he's doing and blah blah blah, we go back and forth and I just leave him upstairs. Cut to an hour or so later he still hasn't come down so I'm panicking on the inside. So I kick everyone out and say that Stefan caught a bug and I didn't want to leave him alone and guess where I found him."
"Where?"
"In the fucking shower with the cold water running still dressed in his suit just standing there."
"Oh my god,"
"So I'm crying at this point and I tell him that I was just joking, that I wasn't leaving and all that and I switch the water to hot and I hug him. I then strip him down and pull him out the tub and dry him off before wrapping him in our sheets."
"Holy fuck, Bonnie."
"I turn the heat up and just hug him until he comes back and he says my name and I tell him how much I hate him then kiss his stupid ass."
"I can't even imagine. So what's the situation now?"
"I told him that I would stay for the rest of the week just to make sure that everything is OK. He's trying to convince me to not leave at all but I think I owe it to myself to."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he cheated on me and he said that he didn't love me all the time. He told me that he was only pretending to be in love with me because it's easier for him to get me to have sex with him."
"What?"
"Of course he said that last part after he caught Enzo and I kissing-"
"Wait, what?!"
"Enzo kissed me, I may have kissed him back."
"And he walked in on you two,"
"Yep. It's my fault, I could've pushed him away as soon as it happens but a part of me wanted him to kiss me, you know. It's been building up for months and I don't know, I wanted to see how it felt."
"How did it feel?"
"Amazing," she breathed. "Yet so, so wrong that it masked that feeling. I love Stefan, I'm with Stefan and kissing him it wasn't right. I don't see how Stefan could've cheated on me like that. If Stefan didn't walk in, I would've had to tell him eventually."
"You're a woman, Bonnie, he's a male. Things are a lot different in your mind than it is in his. That's just the way it is."
She sighed knowing that she was right. "Help."
"I'm afraid I'm useless in this situation. I mean I could tell you what I think, but I know that this is a journey you need to take on your own."
"Damn you." Caroline chuckled. Bonnie sighed, "Anyway I'll call you later. I need to think."
"OK, friend."
They ended their calls and Bonnie went to plop down on the couch. She groaned hearing the doorbell ring then went to answer it.
"Bonnie Salvatore?"
"Yes?"
He smiled. "These are for you." He handed her a decorated bouquet of flowers in a clear vase.
"Thanks," she said searching for the card. She stayed by the door as the man drove off and tugged on the white card and flipped it over so she could read it.
"I love you," she read aloud frowning that it wasn't signed.
She had every reason to think that Stefan was behind it because that's what he told her just before he left her, but a part of her couldn't stop the thought of her thinking that it was Enzo. She doesn't think he'd be bold enough to send her flowers, but at the same time, she's unsure what he would do now. He did kiss her after all.
She bit her bottom lip then decided to take the flowers upstairs into her room and hope that Stefan mentions them later and if he doesn't, she'd know that he didn't send them. She pulled her cell phone out her butt pocket as it vibrated and started at the contact for a few seconds before lifting the phone to her ear.
"Hey,"
"Hey. I'm glad you answered."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"You know. With everything that happened."
"Yeah-"
"Look, about that, Bonnie, I was an idiot kissing you in your home. It should've been somewhere private, I mean I shouldn't have kissed you at but still. You're with Stefan," she ignored his slight pause giving her the signal to jump in and tell him that they're getting a divorce, "and I'm sorry."
"It's OK. I felt like it needed happen."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it made me think a little clearer."
"And?"
"And, I still need to think."
He sighed. "Okay."
"I'm not stringing you along,"
"I know. But I'm waiting anyway. I should go."
"OK,"
"Bye," he ended the call.
Bonnie sighed. If she was honest she wasn't even thinking about leaving Stefan for Enzo, but he practically threw himself in the pot. Now she can't stop thinking about it. She moves out then moves in with Enzo. She has a strong feeling that he won't cheat on her and has another strong feeling that they'll be engaged quickly. Stefan'll crash the wedding and whisk her awa— she shook her head grunting then decided to go outside for some fresh air and a break.
...
Stefan entered his home and tossed his keys to the side having them land on the table. "Babe?" He called out flipping through the mail. He paused not hearing a response. "Bonnie?" He waited a little longer before he quickly set the mail to the side and raced upstairs to her room. He went straight to her closet then allowed himself to breathe seeing her clothes still there.
Deep breaths he took then moved to her window seeing her walking up their driveway. He headed back downstairs and resumed his previous position acting as if the past minute didn't happen. He listened out for the knob twisting then called out again. "Baby?" He narrowed his eyes turning his head as the door closed. "Where'd you go?"
"It was supposed to be a quick walk but then I stumbled across the mall and it's all a blur."
He smiled then walked up to her moving his arms to her hips then kissed her. "Did you like my flowers?" He asked against her lips. He spotted them on her nightstand.
Her mind was spinning and she kissed him back and he took that as his answer. "I thought I had a secret admirer."
He smiled. "Yeah?"
"You didn't sign the card."
"I didn't think I had to."
"You didn't but I'm just saying." Her eyes closed as his head turned to her neck, nuzzling his nose there before his lips kissed her there. "Stef,"
"Baby," he moved his head up again to kiss her, moving his hands down.
"Caroline is pregnant."
"Send her my congratulations."
"Do it yourself, we're having dinner with them tonight."
"Whatever you want." He leaned in but ended up smiling when she moved her head back. "What?"
"You heard what I just said, right?"
"You and I, Caroline and Chris are having dinner together tonight."
"And you're okay with that, even though I didn't give you a day's warning?"
"As I said: whatever you want." She smiled biting her lower lip. "Aw shit, bad idea."
She shook her head. "Good idea,"
"Good idea?" He bit his lower lip as she nodded then lifted her in his arms making her giggle as he carried her over to the couch.
He grabbed her face kissing her deeply as his other hand attended her lower lips. She could barely focus on kissing him but he wouldn't let her face go until she came.
She breathed deeply getting hotter than before as sweat beaded her forehead.
"You're so fucking sexy, baby." He got on top of her then kissed down her body until his head was between her legs.
She grabbed onto the sheets letting out a moan. She's glad that they took things into her room because she'd be tearing the couch apart right now. "Daddy," her eyes rolled some as his head lifted and licked his lips. "I want you."
She linked her arms around his neck as he slipped into her and they kept eye contact throughout it all. They swapped air as he met their foreheads moving faster within her then stiffened emptying out inside her. "Oh fuck," he let out a breath then rolled beside her catching his breath. He finished her off by sitting her on his face and she laid the opposite direction that he is. He lifted his head up some seeing her with her eyes closed. He decided to move having their faces side by side now. He placed his hand on the side of her face and kissed her gently once before wrapping her in his arms.
...
Bonnie woke up to his light snoring and smiled moving her arms around him. She wondered how long this act would play out, eventually, he'd go back to his old self, but she was going to enjoy this Stefan for as long as she could.
She smiled closing her eyes as he kissed along her neck. "Baby?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
He smiled. "I love you too."
"You promise?"
"I swear." He looked into her eyes.
She watched him before lifting her head to meet their lips. "We should probably get ready."
"You were serious about that?"
She chuckled. "You thought I was just testing you?" The look he gave her made her know her guess was right. "Haha,"
He growled but smiled when she laughed some getting up. He let her shower alone as he got his mind right. He only asks for a day's notice because he has to be mentally prepared for a gathering with anyone. He closed his eyes and breathed going through talking points but stopped when he realizes that he has no idea what the talking points will be. Christopher is in sales, what the hell could they discuss? His hands started to sweat and he ran them through his hair. He started to panic.
"Babe," he opened his eyes seeing his wife there then felt her hands on the sides of his face. "What's wrong?"
"What are we supposed to talk about?"
"Normal stuff,"
"Normal?"
"Yeah like, talking about how your day was, plans for the weekend, of course, Cares pregnancy. Uh, possibly some talk about work but nothing in too much detail."
"So like basic things,"
"If that's what you want to call it then yeah." She offered a smile then kissed him once. "It's ok, babe, just try to relax." She hugged him and exhaled as he hugged her back. "Come on, I'll cater to you in the shower."
He stood as she pulled on his arm and followed behind her into the bathroom.
...
Caroline smiled watching the two in their own little world. She could finally see what her friend saw in Stefan thanks to dinner because she learned that he's quite funny. She got to see a side of him which she hadn't before, the calmer and laid back Stefan and not the snooty rich guy side. The side that loved her best friend and treats her like a queen and not the one that simply ignores her.
"Stop," Bonnie said under her breath as he kissed her neck.
They were seated on a loveseat with her sitting on his lap and her legs draped around the armrest. His arms were around her when he leaned in.
"Why?"
"Best behavior."
He kissed her once more before pulling away. She stilled when her phone rang and quickly held it up to her shoulder as he tried to peek to see who was calling. "Who is it?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does," he reached for it and growled when she raised it in the air. "I can easily take that from you."
"Stefan,"
"Who is it?" He asked Chris who had a clear view of her screen.
He opened his mouth to tell but his wife butted in. "Don't you dare." He looked back at her then back at Stefan. He sighed. "Sorry, man."
He took the distraction and pulled her hand down and read the name. He answered it and blocked her hand that tried to stop him. "Hey," Bonnie watched him closely. "No need to apologize, you did what you did." She closed her eyes knowing to was Enzo. "You obviously don't give a shit so I don't care about a fake ass apology."
"Stefan," she grabbed her phone then ended the call.
"Let's get a drink, man." Chris offered and Bonnie stood so he could and watched the two step outside.
"Thanks for having my back."
"What are friends for?" Caroline walked up to her then hugged her.
"I wonder how he's going to act now. Since things are...different, I wonder if he'll just go back to hating me or what,"
"What was it like before?"
"Is it bad that I can't remember?"
"Kind of, yeah," Bonnie chuckled rolling her eyes. "But seriously, I highly doubt he'll just let it go, he's going to be upset but in the morning it'll go away. That's how it's like with us."
Bonnie sighed running her fingers through her hair.
After her gargle of mouthwash, Bonnie stepped out of the bathroom but paused seeing him there. He held out his hand and she took it and followed behind him into his bedroom. He closed the door behind them and let go of her hand. Bonnie figured that he wanted her to sleep in here tonight. She got in bed then turned off the lamp on her side then shortly felt his arm move around her then his front against her back. He may not be speaking to her, but he still wants her to be there.
The car ride back home was silent and everything that followed. She wanted him to talk and tell her what was on his mind, but at the same time, she thought it was best to do the talking tomorrow as his anger settled.
She woke up to him absent from the bed and she turned seeing the light on in the bathroom. Bonnie rubbed her eyes then sat up just as he was opening the door. He walked over to her and kissed her before he continued getting ready. She got up from bed then headed into her room to grab her robe before going downstairs to make the coffee. She yawned watching it pour and closed her eyes.
Stefan came down and opened his mouth but paused seeing her asleep standing up. "Bon," she popped her head up then straightened herself out. "Go back to bed,"
"No, I'm up and we should talk."
"We'll talk later, come on," he took her hand and lead her back upstairs and tucked her in his bed. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you."
She mumbled such back before she faded away.
A/N: Do you think Stefan convinced her to stay yet?