I was escorted to my room by Tyler. He had explicit instructions to make sure I was safely in my rooms before he dealt with the man who had ogled me. I tried to talk him out of it but Tyler would not discuss the matter. Damon had demanded and Tyler would deliver. I was expected to be waiting for him, probably thighs spread in longing.

I seethed at the picture that painted as I threw my dress against the hamper. I'd fix it later to stop Carol from having to bend down and clean it up. I sped to the dresser, slamming drawers as I searched for my least provocative sleepwear I had. My options were limited between the sheer white gown that was at least floor-length or the dark navy baby doll number. Both had been gifts on various holidays but I rarely needed them. Damon usually ripped my clothes off before we'd fall asleep. He thought lingerie was only good for the seduction.

I stripped down and tugged the floor length gown on, cursing when I ripped the one tie. It wouldn't matter in the slightest if Damon decided to rip the rest of it off but I had hope we would just sleep. I went into the bathroom and performed my nightly ritual without my usual scented moisturizer. Maybe I could convince Tyler to buy some for me in the next few days. It had to be when Damon wasn't paying attention.

By the time I was sitting at the dark wood vanity by the windows brushing my hair, Damon was coming in the front door. I listened as he closed the front door and walked up the stairs, whistling the whole way. I recognized the tune as his favorite classical piece. He was more a rock and roll kind of guy but occasionally he could surprise me.

I heard him enter his room down the hall and sighed in relief. He would crash in his bed and I'd have one more night of minor freedom before he invaded. My therapist claimed he bulldozed me, overwhelming me until I could hardly think. I caved in the presence of such a strong personality and he used it to his advantage. My turning, or my past as I explained it had been so traumatic I allowed him to steamroll me.

"I thought you'd be asleep," he said suddenly. I dropped the brush as I spun to face him. I hadn't heard him enter the room but he was already slinking towards me. He was wearing a pair of black boxers and his short, black robe. It had been a Christmas gift from me when guests kept showing up at odd times. The humans in town tended to get nervous when a naked vampire showed up at the door, sometimes with blood on his lips.

"I...I usually am at work," I explained. He nodded quickly before bending down to recover the brush. He motioned for me to turn back to face the mirror. I closed my eyes and turned back unsure of his intentions. I felt his hand on my shoulder before it slid up to tilt my head. Before I could make a sound I felt the brush in my hair.

"You look tired," he commented as he brushed my hair gently. "We'll sleep in."

"If you want," I replied as he continued his slow, relaxing strokes. My thoughts drifted as his other hand moved down to stroke my back. I felt myself relaxing into his motions as the murmuring lessoned to soft whispers in my head. It was comforting when it did that so I could just be.

"I got you something," he whispered next to my ear.

"Hmm?" I murmured.

A heavy clinking sound was made by him putting the object on the vanity. I opened my eyes are reached out for the ornate, heavy key. It was old iron and went to one of the heaviest locks in the house I was sure. I lifted the key to my nose and smelled it to determine where it came from.

"The cellar?" I asked surprised. It went to the lock on my cage. I held it tightly as I spun to face him. For the first time he looked almost sheepish as he stared down at me. His one hand still clutched the brush while the other hung down his side. He wasn't touching me at all and for a moment I felt as though I could think without him influencing.

"I won't lock you up again," he said finally. "You were terrified earlier."

"You promise," I whispered hearing the wistfulness in my voice. The tears were close by when I thought of all the nights I spent in there, alone and crying out for mercy.

"I promise," he replied. "You can do what you want with the key."

I sat the key down on the vanity and turned back to stare at him. He watched me closely as I sighed. I met his eyes and promptly began to sob. He made some sound like a man getting ready to run but I launched myself at him. He caught me as I knew he would and I held onto him. I had no idea why I was here, why I was needed after so long, but I knew one thing. He was trying to appease me in the only way he could.

No Cage.