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I'm finally back with another chapter! The awaited Christmas dinner party ~
I do apologised for taking some time over this; I had my 21st party and a family trip since my last update. To top that all, I've tweaked this chapter for more times than I could remembered in hopes that this won't disappoint. I also made this chapter extra long, so hopefully it'll make up for my tardiness :p
I like to take the opportunity here to point out that I'm not a huge fan of Carenzo, I like them as friends and all, but not a couple…hence, I won't be incorporating smut for the pair. Sorry goldenhummingbird I know this isn't the response you were after :(
Au courant: Yes, Damon is Louis. I'm glad you enjoyed it ;)
I would also like to thank the rest of you lovelies for all the reviews from last chapter. They truly make my day and I can't thank you enough for the support. Thanks Ellavm18, jessnicole, Yvie325, klaroline4everlove, Veronicayoung, Angelikah, MrsLeaMorgan, Chelseab95, tippy093, Kjsama, xxXAlwaysandForeverXxx, Venus88, GossipGirlVampire, ashleytorres24, kieckykiecky, KC- KlarolineJunkie, nicolS29, meigs37, MissAlexandria, and shes-guilty-by-design.
I'm honored that you've all been enjoying this! Without further ado ~
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Chapter 6: A Night To Remember- Part 1
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22 December 2014 06:30am
Caroline Forbes bolted up of bed hot and bothered and trembling with desire. As if seeing him during daylight hours weren't bad enough, Klaus Mikaelson had invaded her dreams constantly for the past few nights.
She could tell it was bad. It was as if her subconscious was trying to her something. Something she herself wasn't entirely prepared to accept. She blinked her eyes trying to shake off the vivid dream. Damn it, her nether regions were already aching with unfulfilled desire.
"Aargh," she groaned grabbing a pillow to muffle her voice. Why was this happening to her? "Of all men, Klaus, really Caroline!" It wasn't because she was sexually deprived either.
Unconsciously, her thoughts flew back to the dirty X-rated dream she just had. In her dream, they were both still married and were having a picnic by a secluded beach. They were talking and laughing when he cupped her cheek and kissed her. She kissed back feeling the charge of raw sexual energy.
His board shorts and her bikini were torn off soon enough and he laid her down on the blanket staring at her naked body fondly. Naked in his arms, Caroline pulled Klaus down with her as her lips greedily attacked his. The kiss changed from a gentle, loving merging to a hungry and savage one as both were clouded with lust.
Her skin was burning up as his hands swept over her body and grabbed her ass to lift her against his naked body. She whimpered as her stomach came in contact with the hard column of his erect cock.
Klaus lifted her higher and she wrapped her legs around his hips. His cock fitted so perfectly between her legs, sliding along the outside of her slick nether lips teasing her. He sucked her neck as his fingers found their way in front of her wet heat. He swallowed her wanton moans as he slipped a long finger into the soaping entrance. "Please," she begged, his thumb rubbing in gentle circles around the taut bud of her aching clit.
When he had entered a third finger in her she cried out fisting on his hair tightly. She was on the verge of a climax when he finally slipped his cock into the entrance of her slick heat. Her breath caught as she waited for the delicious sensation of his hard cock filling her to the hilt, and then before it happened, he was gone and she had woken up.
Despite her constant denial, it was clear her body wanted him. Her pussy was left throbbing and she could tell her panties were damp from arousal. Klaus had been so desirable in the dream. And it was indeed only a dream. How could you be so affected by a dream?
Her heart was racing and she kicked the covers off of her. She stared at the clock on her bedside table. The digital numbers read 6.35.
What the hell Caroline? Fantasizing about Klaus is unacceptable. She took a deep breath reminiscing how great they used to be together. The way his dick seemed to fit perfectly in her vagina and filled her so completely. She had great sex before with other men since their separation but nothing came close to the mind-blowing sex they shared. Stop it.
Curling into bed once she was calm again she tried falling back to sleep. However, each time she tried closing her eyes, the image of him filling her flashed through her mind. Reluctantly resigning to her fate, Caroline stood by her bed and prepared herself for a shower hoping the water could wash away her dirty thoughts.
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22 December 2014 09:30am
"Care, what on earth are you doing at this ungodly hour?" Katherine slumped tiredly by her bedroom door. She was woken up by the horrible sound of their vacuum cleaner.
"It's nine past," Caroline deadpanned as she continued to vacuum the living room. She had been awake for more than three hours. After her scalding hot shower, she had made herself a cup of coffee and drank it while looking out at the beautiful sunrise from her living room.
"On a bloody Saturday morning. I need my beauty sleep, honey. Why are you even cleaning anyway when I'm the one on duty this week? And what did you do to this place?" The brunette mocked staring at a spotless living area.
"I clean when I'm stress remember," she let out knowing her roommate didn't need her elaboration. She contemplated whether to tell her best friend about the dream she had but quickly thought better of it. Caroline was fully aware of Katherine's perception of Klaus and this added news of her having a sex dream with her ex- husband would only infuriated her best friend.
"Why are you even stress? It's just a company dinner. One that you've been to numerous times need I remind you." Katherine shrugged staring pointedly at the busy blonde unable to comprehend what the fuss was about.
Caroline huffed annoyed deciding to let her in on her concerns. "I ended the tryst with Enzo."
"What?" Katherine bellowed pushing herself off from the doorframe. "When? Why?"
"Weren't you the one that insisted for me to end things?" She raised an eyebrow while using a cloth to vigorously wipe their coffee table after spraying some disinfectant.
"I didn't think you would listen," she offered. "Is this because of him?"
"No," she spluttered with indignation.
"Care, please." Katherine could tell the blonde was lying. Her best friend's voice tended to rise a little every time she was being untruthful. "I know this obviously has something to do with the British asshole."
It was futile to keep anything from her though the dream was another matter entirely. "It's complicated. It's not just because of Klaus," she muttered in a soft whisper.
"Uh,huh," the brunette brushed off not believing it. "Tell it to someone who isn't your best friend," Katherine said in a knowing tone.
"It's not just because of Klaus." She insisted trying to sound convincing.
Knowing that this would be a lengthy conversation, the brunette settled herself down on their couch despite the blonde's glare. "Why else then?"
"I don't know what to do Kat. How does one stay friends with an ex? And he isn't just an ex-lover, he's my ex-husband for crying out loud," she dropped the cloth she was holding and stare at her best friend.
"I'm seriously the last person you should be asking in that department," she bit her lip. "You know me. I don't do that sort of drama. I keep my affairs and flings clean."
"Kat… I don't need a lecture on my bad choices in life. And I'm not just stressed about Klaus, Enzo asked me to be his girlfriend." She stood up to start dusting their mantelpiece.
"WHAT?" The brunette shrieked rushing to stand in front of the blonde.
"That's why I broke it off. I couldn't take advantage of his feelings for me," she replied while getting rid of the dust accumulated on their mantelpiece.
"Why didn't you say anything before?"
She turned to her best friend giving the brunette her full attention. "I needed some time to sort out my feelings. You were right, it wasn't possible to maintain a friends with benefits pact."
"Oh..Care, I was only looking out for you." It didn't sit well with Katherine that she was yet again right. For once, she didn't want to be right. She only ever wanted her best friend to be happy.
"Enzo and I are over. I guess I sort of expected it," she trailed off lamely.
"Tell me the truth, does Klaus have anything to do with this?" She asked with much hesitance. Katherine didn't one to force her roommate to face her feelings but keeping it bottled up wasn't a healthy option. Even a blind man could see how affected she still was by his presence.
"You could say that." Caroline was still having a hard time accepting her ex- husband once again into her life. Seeing him on a daily basis had started to stir up some memories that she had willed herself to forget. Both good and bad memories. And the sex dream only added to complicate things.
"You're not thinking of going back to him, are you?" She asked with much scrutiny. Klaus was bad news and she wasn't going to just stand there and let him hurt Caroline again. Once was enough.
"Of course not. Klaus is my past and it shall remain that way." She wished it were true though deep down she knew he was starting to get under her skin. Again.
"I should hope so. As your best friend, it is my duty to protect you and I would rather kill that bastard than let you reconcile with him," she pressed, her face serious. She would never let Caroline suffer through the pain of heartbreak again.
"Ending things with Enzo had nothing to do with him. I just didn't want to lead him on," she murmured polishing the sides of a picture frame. "Enzo is a great guy. He deserves someone that can reciprocate his feelings and most importantly appreciate him. I don't think I'm capable of that, not when I'm trying to sort out my feelings." Parts of it were true; she honestly couldn't let herself to lead Enzo on, however Klaus did played a huge part in her decision.
"Just be careful. I don't want to see you heartbroken over him again. Once is enough." Katherine inspected the blonde carefully wanting to believe what the blonde said was true.
"Don't worry Kat. Klaus and I will never get back together. We have too much history. Besides, he isn't the Nik I had fallen for. He's different now," she answered feebly wiping droplets of sweat that had gathered on her forehead.
"I know you have a weakness for trying to fix broken things, but you can't do it this time. Not for the sake of both our sanity. Klaus is broken beyond repair. You can't fix him," Katherine said tersely watching the blonde's reaction.
Caroline nodded followed by a shaky laugh. "I know. I'll stay away from him." I'll try.
"Alright then. Just stay away from him if possible. He's bad news cupcake."
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"What's been up with you these few days?" Klaus drawled frowning at his friend. It was only ten in the morning yet Enzo had already started drinking himself into a stupor. It so wasn't like his friend to drink at the early hour.
"Klaus my buddy," he slurred incoherently.
"Please don't tell me this is from last night? You do know we have a work dinner tonight right? I doubt appearing drunk would be appropriate." Klaus picked up the empty bourbon bottles and dropped them in the nearest trash. He had driven over to Enzo's earlier to watch a game together, though it seemed his friend had forgotten about their prior arrangement.
"Oh right, the game," Enzo smacked a palm on his forehead finally remembering their previous arrangement. "Why couldn't we do this at your place again?" He stood up to grab himself a much-needed glass of water. The alcohol had made him dehydrated.
"My baby sister is staying at my place. Let's just say she isn't exactly the most appealing company," the Brit admitted. Rebekah's impromptu shift of status to his roommate had been annoying him to no ends the past week. She was a hawk watching his every move and the nosy questions about his love life she kept throwing at him was enough to last a lifetime. It was bad enough he wasn't feeling comfortable at his workplace with her there; he really needed his solitude at home but his sister was proving it to be hard.
"Hmm. Siblings, you can't choose them but you have got to live with them," Enzo hummed glad that he was an only child.
"What's even got you so messed up anyway? You've only had two cases this week and they're both housing court."
"I got rejected," he stuttered feeling the beginning of the familiar hangover.
The Brit immediately had a bad feeling as to where the conversation was bound to head.
"I told Caroline that I like her and she called it quits right then and there. She thinks I'll hurt her…something along the lines that she's been down the road before," Enzo continued his rant shifting on his seat.
"Maybe it's for the best," Klaus tried to keep his voice light.
"How could you possibly think that? She's something else, someone that I can see myself with. I would stop fooling around for her," he said solemnly running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Come on, I'm sure this is just a phase. Your interest in her will die down soon enough. It always does with women," Klaus spluttered as he tried to keep himself from being so tense.
"You don't get it Klaus." The senior partner shook his head while he moved his fingers to massage his temples. He had been trying to drown himself the past night with alcohol to numb the sting of rejection. He had known confessing his feeling was a risk and he had believed it was worth the gamble, though he hadn't been expecting for her rejection. She had basically flat out struck him down.
"It's just a temporary infatuation," he cajoled. "I'm certain you'd forget this whole ordeal by next week."
"No mate, this time is different. I'm serious. I haven't felt this way for a very long time. Not since Maggie passed away in that accident," he shuddered at the memory that still tormented him on occasion. It had been almost a decade ago. He had been driving his girlfriend Maggie back home when out of the blue; a car driven by a drunk frat boy collided with them. Maggie had died on the spot whereas he was lucky to have survived with broken ribs, though he had always regretted being the sole survivor. He had failed to protect her.
"We can go out after the lame dinner. I'm sure that will cheer you up. All you need is a good lay."
"I'm going to try talking to her again later tonight. It'll be easier to get her attention considering she agreed to be my date," Enzo continued ignoring Klaus's suggestion.
Klaus was shocked by his friend's persistence in pursuing the blonde. It wasn't because he thought Caroline wasn't worth Enzo's affection, it was because his buddy was renowned for his short attention span with women.
"That doesn't sound like you at all," he surmised in a grim tone. In all honesty, Enzo's infatuation towards his ex-wife did not sit well with him. Not one bit.
"I know that it's hard to believe but I can't explain it. I never imagined myself to ever fall for a woman again after Maggie, but Caroline Forbes has found a place in my heart."
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22 December 2014 05:15pm
"Woah, you look fantastic!" Katherine Pierce gushed at her best friend. "Enzo wouldn't know what hit him."
Caroline fiddled with her charm bracelet, "I'm not dressing up to impress him." It wasn't Enzo who she had in mind but she was afraid to admit it, even to herself.
"Whatever you say, though your outfit says otherwise," the brunette winked coyly thinking it was for Enzo.
"I'm not joking Kat, maybe I should change into something different," she stood up from her dresser moving to peruse her closet.
Caroline had opted for a cherry red silk mini dress by Roberto Cavalli for the evening. The silk gown had a sweetheart neckline accentuating her cleavage and the bow tied at the back complimented her fair skin tone beautifully. She had paired the festive dress with a pair of black and sliver glitter peep toe heels by Jimmy Choo. She had left her blonde hair hanging in loose curls around her face and applied some shimmery eye makeup with a final touch of red lipstick to embrace the festive mood.
"Nonsense, I will not allow you to change out of this gorgeous number." Katherine pulled the blonde away from her walk-in- closet giving her a no- nonsense look.
"I don't want him to get the wrong impression. It's bad enough I have Klaus to face at the work place, I really don't need our work dynamic being affected because of this," she sighed clipping on a pair of diamond chandelier earrings from Swarovski as she sat back at her vanity table.
"From what you've told me, Enzo seems to hardly be a guy willing to settle down. This might just be a little phase," Katherine folded her arms in a helpless shrug.
"I certainly hope you're right. I really don't want things to be awkward between us."
"So is he coming to pick you up?" Katherine asked glancing at the time on her mobile.
"Uh huh. He's picking me up at half past, not too long now," Caroline murmured checking the current time.
"Hmm, maybe this date you have could make the son of a bitch jealous. Serves him right for hurting you and letting you go," the snarky brunette snorted already forming a scenario in her mind.
"Kat!" Caroline admonished. "This is sooo not about him. Why do you keep bringing him up?" They just had this conversation in the morning, not again.
"You must know there's nothing more I would rather do than watch that bastard suffer. He doesn't deserved happiness not after what he had put you through," Katherine continued her anger rising at each flashback. She had lost count the number of nights her best friend had cried over the asshole. They were just too different and her best friend deserved better.
"Katherine, Klaus is nothing but the past," Caroline remained adamant on the issue. She didn't need the brunette giving her more reasons as to why she needed to stay away from her ex.
"Sure honey," Katherine mocked without even bothering to hide her truth feelings on the topic.
"Kat, I really don't want to do this with you again—"
The ringing of their doorbell cut off the blonde.
"Your date's here!" Katherine shouted turning the attention away from herself, the subject left aside for the time being.
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22 December 2014 06:15pm
The Rocks, NYC
"Care, you've truly outdone yourself," Bonnie gushed walking in the rooftop open bar restaurant the firm had booked for their company dinner. The venue was fancy perfect for a year end Christmas party.
"I second that," Elena chimed in right on her friend's tail.
"The both of you look stunning," Caroline murmured taking it their choice of wardrobe. Elena was wearing a simple black lace that accented her poise and perfectly formed slim body.
"You look great as well," Bonnie replied with a bright smile.
"Green is definitely your color Bon Bon," the blonde teased eyeing how the emerald green evening dress seemed to only accentuate her colleague's olive green eyes.
"Thanks Caroline, red is undoubtedly yours," she winked seeing Enzo walking towards them with two flutes of champagne.
"Your date's here," Elena giggled shooting her eyebrows.
"Ladies, looking fabulous tonight," Enzo nodded with a wink towards the both newcomers.
"Enzo." They greeted in unison.
"I'll be right back gorgeous," Enzo whispered as he spotted another senior partner near the bar. He knew better than to interrupt their girl bonding time.
"Yeah sure." Caroline murmured offhandedly taking a sip of the champagne he brought her.
"I thought you two were only fuck buddies?" Elena asked the second the man was out of earshot.
"Elena," Caroline admonished at how blunt her friend was being in public.
"Spill it hon," Bonnie pressed ignoring the heated look from her.
"This is a one time thing and we ended our friends with benefits arrangement."
Elena looked at Caroline with wide eyes and asked in a suppressed whisper. "Why? I thought you said the sex was good?"
"Lena," Bonnie reprimanded on behalf of Caroline. Even if Bonnie herself was curious to this new development, she knew better than to shoot questions during a company dinner. You never could underestimate the amount of prying ears.
"I'll tell it to you both later. Not here," Caroline clenched her teeth looking around in relief that no one else was paying attention to them.
"Oh look, there's slutty Hayley right there," Bonnie nodded her head in a particular direction to divert their attention from Caroline's sex life.
"Which poor bastard is her date tonight?" Elena drawled looking at the pointed direction. "No fucking way."
"What?" Caroline peered towards the same direction only to regret her decision. The woman had her claws wrapped around Klaus as she pressed herself closer to the Brit. She couldn't explain the surge of anger that began to stir inside of her as she watched Hayley leaned against her ex.
Caroline tried to focus her attention elsewhere by admiring how good Klaus looked in his smoke-grey suit that he had paired with an ice blue dress shirt and matching tie. There was no doubt that Klaus looked good in a suit.
"I thought he had better taste than that," Bonnie Bennett scrunched her nose in apparent distain than quickly recovering remembering whom their new colleague was to Caroline. "Care-"
"It's fine," Caroline forced a small smile. "He's more than entitled to do whatever he wants and date whomever he pleases."
"Just slutty Haley..really?" Elena supported her fellow associate's disapproving tone. "I'm sure any other female colleagues in our firm would have been a better date option."
"Well, at least we know someone's getting laid tonight," Bonnie taunted glaring at the unwelcoming sight.
"I guess I should have expected it," Caroline tried to sound unaffected. "Hayley has been quite aggressive and persistent about how she feels for him." She tried her best to look unbothered at their display of affection.
"Ugh, what a bitch," Bonnie lamented at the sight of Hayley placing her hand on the new senior partner's chest.
"Come on Care," Elena turned the blonde around away from the nasty sight. "Let's get some food. I heard the cinnamon rolls are to die for."
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"I'm really glad you asked me to be your date," Hayley hummed as the pair stepped into the event. "Though it would have been fantastic if you didn't ask at the last minute. But I'm still glad you asked me."
"Hmm.." he murmured disinterested. The only reason Klaus even caved and brought a date was because he didn't want to see Caroline cozying up to Enzo for an entire night. Having a date could at least help distract him though it already started to seem like a mistake.
Hayley was one annoyingly flirty woman as she kept batting her eyelashes and touched his arms. He wasn't receptive to her attentions. Her touch didn't spur him on, not at all. It was starting to become plain annoying and they had only been standing together for over thirty short minutes.
"To think the girls thought you had no interest in me. The joke is on you sweet Caroline," Hayley sneered her eyes catching sight of the trio that were looking over at them.
Klaus peeked up and his eyes immediately landed on her familiar blues. She was breathtaking in the little red dress that only served to show off her womanly curves to perfection. The color reminded him of the first Christmas they had spent together. The younger Caroline had worn a similar color dress when he went over to celebrate the holidays with her and her mother.
That particular Christmas was the first holiday season they had spent together. They had only been dating for five months then and it was the first time he had stayed over at her place. It had been a memorable evening where he learnt a lot about her likes, dislikes and her childhood memories. He remembered helping her decorate the tree, they made some eggnog and even ended up building a snowman.
"Bitch," Hayley bit out louder than she intended.
"Hayley," Klaus warned, his eyes unmoving from her sight. She looked beautiful as usual but even more tonight in the beautiful dress. The silver heels she wore also accentuated her long lean legs and he couldn't help but wished to have those pair of toned legs wrapped around his waist. She was elegant and stylish and he was afraid he was openly drooling for his ex- wife.
Hayley rolled her eyes at him. Was he seriously protecting the stupid blonde? She had always despised the former paralegal- little miss perfect was just an annoying control freak.
He noticed her frowned a little at both him and his company before following her friends away from his line of sight.
"Get me a drink will you?" His secretary cocked an eyebrow and asked in a sultry voice letting his earlier respond slide.
"Sure." It sure seemed like a better option than standing beside her though she wouldn't know that he had no intention of returning to her side, not just yet.
He left for the bar where he spotted the other senior partners from the firm. He headed towards the direction of the friendly face. "Enzo, I see you've clean up nicely."
"Klaus mate," Enzo grinned patting him on the back. "I'll get a scotch on the rocks for my buddy here ay," he placed an order to the bartender while gesturing his friend to take the vacant seat next to him.
"Thanks," Klaus nodded taking the seat beside him at the bar.
"You should try masking your obvious distaste for the party," Enzo took a sip of his bourbon sensing his fellow colleague's miserable expression.
"Uh- huh."
"I guess your choice of date is also another disastrous factor," he acknowledged eyeing Hayley's choice of wardrobe. The secretary was wearing a skintight gold dress that seemed more appropriate for a nightclub than a dinner work function.
"Don't rub it in," Klaus growled taking a huge gulp of his scotch. It was reckless of him to have called Hayley to be his date. It was done on a moment's whim, which he was regretting deeply.
"I'm glad I'm having a much better success in that department," Enzo couldn't help but grinned in a cheeky manner as he stared off to the place where he had last left his date. "Doesn't she look stunning in that number?" He leaned against the bar enjoying the view.
"I supposed." Klaus tried to sound as normal as possible, however it was gradually becoming challenging to pretend he wasn't still attracted to his ex. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Seeing her in the flesh was starting to stir up all the good times they've had together. She had always been a rare gem in his eyes. She was real compared to most superficial girls out there. Furthermore, he couldn't even begin to describe how amazing their sex life was. Ultimately, he was stupid to have let her go. He could tell he had lost her for good.
Enzo downed his remaining drink quickly and stood up. "Can't keep my lady waiting then," he winked and left Klaus to nurse his own drink.
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It was nearly an hour later when Caroline excused herself and headed to the bar for a much-needed drink. Enzo's inability to stop throwing her with compliments was slowly starting to take a toll on her mood. Why couldn't he take a hint? It was evident he wasn't willing to let her rejection slide just as she wished he would.
She was mildly surprised to find the bar empty at the moment except for a familiar figure. She was just about to turn around and leave when he called out to her.
"Sit." The person called out to her retreating back.
"Oh, it's okay," she brushed off without glancing up.
"I insist," Klaus said calmly. "Can I get a martini for the lady please," he told the young male bartender, ordering her favorite drink.
"Thanks." Caroline cautiously took the seat next to him while keeping what she assumed was a safe appropriate amount of distance. Seated in such close proximity with him reminded her of her dream. Her cheeks flushed heating up as she tried to imagine his hands on her, touching her intimately like how he had did those years ago.
The pair stumbled into an awkward silence, neither knowing what to do or say in their current predicament.
"So…" Caroline started when she finally couldn't stand the uncomfortable silence.
"Hmm?" He barely bothered looking up as he swirled his fourth cup of scotch. He had been sitting there for the past hour quietly enjoying his drink while avoiding his disastrous date. Hayley had tried persuading him to join her but he had shooed her away telling her he wasn't in the mood. She had stomped off in fury barely ten minutes ago annoyed at his complete disregard of her.
"Why aren't you with your date?" She acknowledged the topic first. Caroline herself wasn't sure why the question fell from her lips. It was just the first thought that came to her.
"What?" Klaus glanced up at her direction.
"Hayley, your date? Why are you here drinking alone?"
He blinked stupidly. "Um, I don't know. I'm just not in the mood."
"Oh." She took a sip of her beverage as they went right back into the uncomfortable silence. Caroline hated awkward silences.
"Why aren't you with your date then?" He asked after a quiet pause looking out to examine the crowd.
"I just needed some alone time, I guess," she shrugged playing with her fingers absentmindedly. A habit of hers when she was nervous.
"I heard about you and Enzo," he trailed off hesitantly.
"Klaus—"
"You should give him a chance." He cringed inwardly as he said those words. They felt like acid on his tongue, however he knew it was the right thing to do. Caroline was free from his self-destructive ways, she deserved happiness. If his friend was capable of making her happy, he wouldn't let himself stand between that. Despite admitting that he still felt something for her, he couldn't be selfish again, not with her. He couldn't ruin her, not after everything that has happened between them.
"What?" Caroline uttered in a breathless plea. She had thought he would have disapproved, the naïve part of her still thinking that there was still some part of him that cared for her. Like she still did for him. Part of her believed they could still salvage what was left of their relationship though it seemed it would never be reparable.
'Who are you even kidding,' she thought. Katherine was right as usual! There was still a part of her that still held out for him. She didn't want to admit it but she did in fact dressed up to impress him. Not Enzo. But Klaus. She wanted to look good for him, to impress him.
How did she mess up so badly? It's been four goddamn years but here she was still affected by him. Nothing had changed, which was starting to scare her. She didn't think she could survive if he broke her heart again.
Seeing him and Hayley together was the confirmation she needed that she had been in denial for the past few weeks. Your heart wouldn't have been hurting if you were over him, you silly girl,' she chastised herself mentally.
Her mother once told her that she would never forget her first love when she was a young teenager. She had laughed it off at that time but now she saw the truth in those wise at the same time cruel words. What he did to her was a long time ago but she never forgot what he did, and she never forgot him. He was special- he was her Nik- her first love and that was what made it so unique.
She had loved so hard, so deeply and so intensely because she had believed he was her world and she did not know any better. She had nothing to compare it to and it was the best- until it all ended. Then, she felt that hurt, that loss, which she had tried to prevent from ever happening again by closing herself off from any men. She was afraid to put herself out there, scared of being that vulnerable. Hence why all her previous relationships had failed, she had been living in the past. A past which she wasn't entirely prepared to let go.
'Perhaps its for the best,' her inner voice told her. 'He broke your trust and you broke his.'
"Enzo is just a friend and colleague." She didn't want him to pursue the subject further, afraid that he would figure the truth out. The truth about her perception of him. He always knew how to read her.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
It felt good to hear that but Klaus was still not convinced. He was worried that Caroline had only dismissed her feelings because he was on the one asking. Caroline was a romantic. She would never have continued a fling if she wasn't emotionally attached to the person which begs the question if anything she said was true.
"He's a great guy and he seems to genuinely like you," he croaked hoarsely. It sickened him to say those words but he knew he had to. For her sake. If she was happy, it would be enough for him. It daunted on him how things hadn't seemed to change. He was still willing to do anything to make her happy even after everything.
Four years of separation and a messy divorce still amounted to nothing. He was stupid to believe he was able to shut his feelings out around her, as it was clearly not working. She was still able to stir those pesky emotions in him. Those emotions he had buried since he left her.
'Love is a weakness,' he repeated the chant unconvincingly.
"Stop, just stop." She couldn't help but shout. "You have no right to say this to me! Do you even see how inappropriate this is? My ex- husband worried about my love life?" She let out a dry laugh. Couldn't he detect that she wasn't interested in Enzo. It was difficult as it is to pretend she held no feelings for him, he was making it harder by trying to push her towards Enzo.
"I thought we agreed to be friends," he stated clenching his jaw to resist raising his tone. Couldn't she see that this was painful for him as well? He wanted her back and it was tormenting him to restrain his feelings in.
"This still doesn't give you a right to involve yourself in my love life. You are the last person on earth I would ever talk about this. Stop pretending to care for me. I don't want your pity," she continued finishing her drink in a go. 'Go away,' she pleaded internally.
"This isn't pity."
"Of course it's pity. If I knew you would react to the news of my miscarriage this way, I wouldn't have told you. I don't need your pity. It's all in the past," she whispered harshly, loud enough for only the both of them to hear.
"I know I don't have any right to tell you what to do—"
She stopped him from continuing. "You're right, you don't. Why can't you just leave me alone? I can handle my own affairs," she huffed pushing her glass towards the counter for a refill. He infuriated her. How dare he! Something must be seriously wrong with her to still have feelings for him.
"Caroline love…"
"Stop it," she hissed shooting daggers at him. "Stop with the endearments. You can't call me that." Stop bringing up memories of our past if you don't want me.
It was truly the worst timing for Enzo to enter the picture. "Is everything alright here?" He placed his arm around the blonde's shaking shoulders.
"It's fine," she nodded controlling her simmering anger. She didn't want Enzo apart of it.
"Hmm, trouble in paradise huh?" A jovial voice jumped in eyeing the three.
"Not now Damon," Enzo said not catching on.
"Everything's fine. Go and mingle. I just need another drink," Caroline insisted pushing her date away from the bar. Enzo had no idea about her history and she wasn't going to let him find out about it here. It wasn't the right place or the right time.
"The poor bastard still doesn't know," Damon chuckled finding the whole situation amusing. It was most definitely the most interesting scandal the office has had in the year.
"Don't do it. Please." She turned to Damon when she saw Alaric striking up a conversation with her date.
"You need to tell him. You can't keep this away. He'll find out soon enough." The raven-haired lawyer sneered at the Brit before leaving the two alone.
"Can we go somewhere private where we can talk properly?" Klaus asked after a thought.
"Alright," she sighed thinking it was best to discuss on how they were going to break the news to Enzo. "There's a restaurant bar a few floors down. Let's head there."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
They sat at a quiet corner of the fancy restaurant with another glass of scotch for him and martini for her. The lawyer cleared his throat, breaking the silence first. "You look beautiful tonight."
"Thanks," she mumbled, her eyes downcast. "What did you want to talk about? If this is about Enzo knowing about our past, I'm still waiting for the right moment to tell him."
"I know this may seem hard to believe but I still care about you. If you're happy with Enzo, don't let me hinder your happiness." He caught her gaze as he said it hoping his eyes would be able to convey his sincerity. Klaus had made up his mind that he was going to ignore his growing feelings for her. He was bound to hurt her again and he really didn't want that.
"Can we please not do this again because Enzo and my relationship has nothing to do with you," she bit out crossing her arms over her chest, forcing her breasts upward and accentuating her cleavage.
His eyes fell to her chest and he swallowed thickly at the perfect view. "The least I can do is tell him about our history together. I understand we agreed to keep our past to ourselves but the circumstances doesn't look possible anymore."
"You care about me?" She murmured bitterly. "Is that why you cheated on me?" She asked looking directly into his eyes. Since finding about the truth that uneventful morning Caroline had been reminiscing about her married life often. She found herself doubting if it was just Sophie that he had kissed. It wouldn't have surprised her if he had betrayed her more than once. Klaus was impulsive and had a volatile temper and when he assumed she had started developing feelings for someone other than him, he was more than likely ready to lash out.
He was quite taken aback at her harsh tone. 'Just maybe she was still affected by him as he is by her,' he thought hopefully.
"It was a mistake. I know my inebriated state is no excuse, I'm sorry." Klaus had regretted kissing the girl the moment his lips landed on hers.
"You're sorry because Kat saw you or that you didn't even bother to tell me? Scratch that, how many others were there?" She narrowed her eyes at him accusingly. This was why she couldn't let herself fall for him again. You're only bound to get yourself hurt, she reminded herself.
"It was just that one time. I didn't tell you because I didn't one to hurt you," he justified ignoring how lame it sounded.
"Not telling me hurts more than me knowing the truth. To think all that time, I had felt bad for not being able to spend time with you," she muttered the latter part to herself. What Klaus didn't know was that she had even reconsidered her plans for college to instead attend Yale with him. She had contemplated foregoing her plans to attend Whitmore for him. She had felt the separation between them and was willing to move to Connecticut to save their marriage. Though she didn't get the chance to tell him before everything went south.
"An apology won't change anything but I'm truly sorry for not telling you the truth," he treaded carefully unsure on what she expected of him. She had been cold and distant with him for quite some time and he had believed it was because she wanted nothing to do with him. Could she possibly be angry because she still genuinely cared for him?
She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "It doesn't matter, it's all in the past. I shouldn't have brought it up."
His earlier doubts were erased with her quick response. A clean rejection. How could you possibly think that she still likes you? You were a douchebag during the time you were married to her. You hurt her and even cheated on her.
"Right, no point making a big deal out of it." His tone was not angry. It was simply cold and detached. "We should head back up," he swirled the remnants of the scotch in his glass.
This conversation had been a wakeup call for the senior partner. He had one goal when he relocated to New York and it was to be a respectable named partner in a high-end world-renowned firm. He couldn't afford distractions or worst weaknesses. And that was exactly what she was to him. A blonde distraction and a weakness. A weakness he'd sworn never to feel again. Ever.
The fact that mere moments in her presence had completely eradicated his carefully crafted control he perfected in four long years terrified him. Infuriated him. She was supposed to mean nothing to him. She had crushed his heart and his trust but still he was still beginning to pin for her. He needed to stop feeling like this. And the only way was for her to hate him. He needed her to hate him so he could push her away without any second thoughts.
Caroline frowned catching on his impassive demeanor but nodded in agreement. They had left the rooftop party for more than a good hour; her friends and date would have started to worry about her.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
By the time she had gathered her clutch and her coat, Klaus was waiting for her at the entrance, the bill already paid. When she neared him, he began walking without her.
"Wait Klaus," she called quickening her pace confused at his change in behavior.
He didn't bothered stopping as he continued towards the direction of the elevators.
"Klaus!" She grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
"What more do you want from me woman!" He turned sharply glaring at her. The sting of what he perceived to be rejection hurt more than he wanted to admit. He was such a fool. How could he let her wheedle her way into his heart once again? He needed it to stop. She was better off without his presence in her life, he brutally reminded himself.
"Niklaus, what's gotten in to you?" Caroline exploded shouting in his face. She couldn't understand why he was turning into such an ass.
"Nothing," he snapped taking his frustration out on the elevator button by furiously pressing on it repeatedly.
"It sure doesn't seem like it," she continued wanting answers. He had no right to throw a tantrum, not when he was the one who went off kissing someone other than her- his wife. She was entitled to be angry, not him.
He remained unfazed, instead choosing to ignore her. Klaus was in no mood to argue with her. The five glasses of scotch was finally starting to take effect.
"Are you ignoring me?" Caroline scoffed shaking her head at how unbelievably immature he was being. He was turning twenty-seven for crying out loud nonetheless he was acting like a child.
"I'm not in the mood for this," he growled entering the empty open elevator. He was about to press the floor button when she blocked him off and pressed a variety of different floors instead.
"What the bloody hell are you doing?"
"You're not going up in this state. Now why are you being such an ass?" Caroline cocked her head, hands on her hips. She was unable to accept his attitude any longer.
"I told you it's nothing," he glared at her closing the elevator doors.
"I don't believe you. If it's anything, I should be the one upset not you."
"Just leave me alone would you?" He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Frustrated with how ridiculous long the elevator was taking. He just needed to be away from her, before he did anything stupid like pulled her into a punishing kiss. God, he wanted to kiss her. To taste her again after four long years apart. To lose himself in the sweetness of her taste.
Klaus was feeling the full force of his celibacy and her heaving breasts only tested his control. He was exercising all his restraint to keep those lustful thoughts to himself.
"Talk to me,' she tried coaxing him by gingerly setting a hand on his arm.
"No." He pushed her arm away from him ignoring the instant spark he felt. Could the goddamn thing go any slower? It was stopping at each bloody floor it ascended. Damn her.
"This was why our marriage didn't work. You never try to tell me anything. You choose to close yourself off like what you're doing now. You don't connect with people, because you don't even try to understand them," she sighed shaking her head. Why did she even bother?
He's planned response was cut off when the elevator ascended to their desired floor- the rooftop. Without a glance, Caroline pushed past him and joined the party. She deserved better than being treated with his bullshit. He could go and fuck himself with that attitude, she thought.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"Gosh Caroline, where the hell have you been?" Elena exclaimed eyeing the blonde with worried eyes. "Bonnie and I have been looking everywhere for you. Where did you disappear to?"
"It seemed so unlike you to just leave the party like this," Bonnie added with the same concern.
"I had a chat with Klaus at the restaurant downstairs."
"Isn't that a little obvious?" Elena frowned peering over the blonde's shoulder to see Klaus irritated expression.
"I should have said something before I left. I'm sorry," Caroline apologized choosing not to answer Elena's question.
"We're glad you're fine," Bonnie cut in with a smile. "Enzo's been worried about you as well," she nodded her head in the last direction he was in.
"I'll be right back." She departed in the direction Bonnie pointed. "Hey," Caroline tapped his back gently.
"Caroline, where have you been?" Enzo asked with a worried glance.
"I just went to get some air," she replied in a tight smile.
"Alone?"
Caroline debated whether to tell him the truth right then and there. But ultimately she didn't felt it was worth the risk; afraid he might cause a scene. "With Klaus actually. He wanted to go over some stuff on our case."
"He needs to loosen up. A party is supposed to be fun not occupied with work- related subjects," Enzo hummed placing a hand on her back. "Though I have a feeling he's just doing it to avoid his date," he remarked with a smirk.
"He's avoiding Hayley?" Caroline asked evidently surprised. Klaus had seemed to enjoy Hayley's company when they arrived earlier. She had assumed finding him drinking alone was just a temporary distraction tactic from Hayley's overbearing personality.
"Mmm, I don't get why he even brought a date when he mentioned he had no interest in bringing one just a couple of days ago," Enzo hummed as his eyes sought for the said senior partner. He found Klaus standing with Hayley at the far corner.
Caroline followed his gaze catching sight of the said couple. Hayley plastered herself against her ex in an entirely wanton manner. She was evidently putting in too much effort in trying to keep Klaus interested in her.
"Poor bastard."
Caroline chose to remain silent on the matter. Klaus looked miserable. Serves him right for being such a dick earlier!
"Enzo, I'm just going to order another drink," she told him before she headed for the bar. Caroline was still angry from her spat with Klaus earlier and she didn't want to take out that residual anger on her date. A drink was what she needed to ease up.
Before she knew it, Caroline had finished off her third glass of martini. "Are you sure you want another one?" The bartender peered at her curiously.
"Yes please," she slurred a little, the effects of the alcohol starting to hit her.
Bonnie and Elena had left to mingle with the other associates after having a drink with her. Caroline wasn't in an overly chatty mood hence why she decided to remain at the bar. Enzo had left the party roughly thirty minutes ago, after receiving a phone call from his neighbor that his apartment was leaking. Something about a broken pipe.
He was hesitant to leave without her at first, but after reassuring him that she could find her own way home, he left with much reluctance. Caroline was quite glad to how the night was turning out to be. She could use some space to sort out her thoughts and feelings.
"I think you've had enough." The familiar British lit murmured plucking her glass from her grip.
"Oh really?" She hummed reaching out for the unfinished glass.
"Come on, I'll get you home." The party was winding down seeing as most of the attendees had started to leave the event. It was almost midnight.
Hayley had tried to seduce him before for a ride though he had quickly rejected her proposal. He wasn't interested in fucking her even if she was all too willing. She had stormed off after he somewhat told her that he wasn't interested in her. Truth be told, Klaus had barely paid her his attention throughout the remainder of the night. His sight was focused on a particular blonde. He kept his eyes on her while she sat at the bar drinking.
The senior partner was filled with growing guilt at his earlier behavior towards her. Her words rang repeated in his mind. You don't connect with people, because you don't try to understand them. Instead you choose to close yourself off from others.
It was the truth. He did have a habit of shutting himself off to protect himself. The particular trait of his that Caroline had tried to change while they were together. Without much success unfortunately.
"I'm fine," she told him flatly. Seriously, he had a major attitude problem. If she hadn't known him any better, she would have assumed he was suffering from some form of personality disorder- like Hyde and Jekyll. One moment he tries to charm her and the next he's pissed off at her.
"Come on, I'll accompany you back home. Your date has left. It's not safe to be out and about in such a late hour." Regardless of his fuzzy brain, Klaus knew he needed to at least escort her home. He wasn't willing to risk the chance of something bad befalling on her especially in that red dress she had on.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Klaus managed to drag an unwilling Caroline from the party and into the awaiting elevator.
"Let go of me. I don't need you to see me home," she pouted leaning against the wall and hung on the handrail.
Her tipsy state wasn't comforting. Klaus was used to having alcohol in his system. Although his brain was fuzzy and light, he was still able to walk in a straight line.
"Your current state says otherwise," he let out a throaty chuckle.
"Stop being nice to me." She straightened her back to convey her bottled up feelings. "I can't take the sudden change of behavior," she stomped her foot to emphasize her point. "One minute you're hot and the next you're cold."
"Caroline—" He raised his hand about to touch her.
She shook her head flinching from his touch. "I get that you hate me because of the baby. You blame me but it wasn't my fault entirely. I don't deserve this bullshit from you. You weren't the only one hurt I was hurt too. If not more."
"I don't hate you. I admit I was angered that you thought of raising our child by yourself, but I don't hate you," he spoke out quietly. "And you're right. I'm as much to be blamed for the lost."
"Then why are you treating me like this?" She cried out scared to meet his gaze.
"Because, like you said I don't connect with people. I choose to lash out instead," he admitted solemnly. "Most importantly, I'm terrified of you," he spoke in barely a whisper.
"What?" She breathed out, thinking she must have heard wrong. Did Klaus just say he was afraid of her? Why? It seemed unlikely when she was the one afraid of him. She was already falling for him besides how well it ended last time.
He thought for a moment if he should let in her. If he should confess how he felt. However, the mindful part of him was aware he had to keep things in perspective. Even if he did tell her how he felt, nothing could come of them.
But was it so wrong to just tell her how he felt for once? She was intoxicated and would most likely forget the entire conversation by tomorrow morning. Taking a risk and a deep breath, he continued. "I'm still very much attracted to you." It was not the entire truth but it was what he was willing to share. He knew he was more than just attracted to her, he wanted her back, he wanted their previous life back but he couldn't tell her that.
He waited for a lecture but none came. Instead he was met with a mop of blonde hair. He didn't know how it happened but one moment she was avoiding his gaze and the next, she had barreled into him and threw her arms around his neck. He was most definitely not prepared when she crushed her lips to his.
Klaus was too shock to respond. When she finally released him, the only word that he could muster was her name. "Caroline?" He gazed at her, his eyes full of confusion.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
T.B.C
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I know ending on cliffhanger sucks but I didn't want the chapter to be too long. It's already close to 10 000 words, the longest I've written for this fic. Fret not, I've already completed half of the second part to this and I promise it'll be up in the next couple of days. Prepare for some smuttiness, I'll make it worth your while ;)
Anyways, let me know your thoughts on this as usual! You know how much I LOVE receiving feedback. It helps motivate me :p