I wish I could say that pretending your problems didn't exist was easy. But the truth was, they weren't. Every time I began to feel myself settling down, or even enjoying myself, something...or someone, appeared to make it worse. The next week was probably one of the most uncomfortable weeks of my life. And I'm not exaggerating.

I appeared in work every morning, hoping that Damon was going to appear and decide it was time we had a talk. But he didn't. It was like he was nowhere to be found. He was ignoring my message and it was beginning to piss me off. Making matters worse, my hopes in forgetting about Klaus' creepy message failed as he continued to torment me.

It all started again on Monday when I was leaving work and seen the first text. 'They say it's rude to ignore people. You're not starting to let LA rub off on you are you, Lauren?'

Despite the little shiver it gave me, I was able to brush it off. It wasn't like he was being threatening in it. He was just irritating. I didn't bother telling anyone either. The last thing I wanted was the face the wrath of Moira. I'd rather tell Damon myself then him feel forced to talk to me because of this.

Tuesday's text was a little different.

'How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?'

I scanned my eyes over it a number of times, only getting more confused as I read it. At first, I thought he was genuinely asking me this question, and I was tempted to write back. But after a while, I realised he was quoting something. Why this quote though? What was he trying to suggest? I deleted the text after failing to answer his question.

On Wednesday he was just speaking plain rubbish. 'Answer this. Why does the Easter bunny carry eggs? Rabbits don't lay eggs.'

He was being annoying on purpose and I wasn't going to let it get to me. I didn't even bother deleting that one. Partially because it made me laugh a little.

It was Thursday now and I was on my lunch break. Lafayette was talking about how he had a date with Jesus, and I didn't know if he was kidding or not so I nodding along, whilst checking my phone to see if my mom had arrived yet. I had a text waiting and I opened it, without any hesitation.

'My brother is a bloody idiot not wanting you.'

My heart skipped so fast it could have went unnoticed. I bit my lip and felt my face tinge red. I knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to seduce me by hitting me where it hurt. How did he even know about Damon and me? It's like he's a secret agent that is everywhere and knows everything.

I tucked my phone away, not wanting Lafayette or Moira to sense anything suspicious. I focused back in on the topic of conversation, ignoring the message in my pocket. "Do yo think a gold jacket is too much fo the first date?" Lafayette asked whilst peeling potatoes.

"I think it depends what impression you want to give." I replied and he looked at me intrigued. "I mean, do you want an innocent date or do you want to go home with him?"

Popping his hip, looking too sassy to be a chef, he quirked an eyebrow at me. "Does it look like I've been gettin' any?" He asked and I giggled. If he had no hope with men then there was no hope for any of us. "Speakin' of gettin' some. Elena, what do yo think? Gold or no gold?"

"No gold. Never gold." She smiled at him, and I nodded in agreement, picking at my lunch which I was struggling to finish. "Lauren, Mr. Salvatore has requested to see you in his office."

My stomach flipped. He wasn't avoiding me. Lafayette looked at me and winked, suddenly reminding me that he promised he'd have a word with him. Oh God, what did he say? I walked out of the kitchen and headed up stairs, trying to think of all the questions I had for him. Every other day I was ready for this moment, yet now I felt like this was a punishment rather than him doing what I'd asked.

I reached the door and knocked, stomach turning when I heard his voice asking me to enter. Maybe I should just turn back and forget about it. Shaking my head, I walked into the room looking up to find him on his phone. He held his hand up, and signalled to the seat. I sat down, remembering the last time I was in here.

He was speaking harshly down the phone, and I wondered if I'd caught him at a bad time. Or maybe he was always like that with his employees. Oh, wait...I am an employee. He hung the phone with no goodbye, and then he was staring at me. "Lauren."

"Damon." I replied.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly, and I raised an eyebrow. I didn't like small talk, and I'm pretty sure this wasn't the reason he called me up here. I nodded in response and I heard him sigh. He seemed more nervous than me. "You wanted to talk."

"I'm pretty sure I told you everything I needed to on the phone." I said with a bitter tone I didn't realise was there. He nodded and looked down at the desk. "I'm not going to embarrass myself again with some soppy explanation. I just want to know why."

He looked up at me, our eyes met and I found it hard to keep my wall up between us. The silence in the room felt like carbon monoxide strangling me and I wished he'd hurry up so this could be over with. "You're a great girl, Lauren. Truly one of a kind."

I felt my heart twist and bit my lip to stop from smiling. "Thank you." I murmured.

"But I'm not right for you. I liked flirting with you, and enjoying the innocence of it all." Me too, I wanted to say. But I sat silent. "When you told me you were a virgin, I realised it wasn't the same to you as it was to me." What? Because I didn't sleep around meant that I couldn't enjoy something innocent without looking into it?

"You don't get to make that choice for me. I'm capable of enjoying something innocent. I'm a big girl." I snapped at him, angry at his accusations.

He swallowed, nervously brushing a hand through his hair. "This is complicated enough as it is. You're my employee and I crossed a line. I am not saying you can't have sex without it being a big ordeal, Lauren. But I know it'd mean something more to you than it would to me."

I felt like he was repeatedly slapping me. Like he was patronizing me because of my feelings for him. Just because he was some rich business man and I was a lost little virgin didn't give him the right to make me feel that way. "You don't have feelings for me at all?"

He looked at me with a serious expression. Maybe I'd crossed a line but I didn't care. If he was allowed to be blunt with me then I'd do the same. "Not the kind that you want."

I bite my lip hard only stopping when blood tells me that skin has broken. I open my mouth to gasp for breath, keeping my eyes focused on something...anything...to stop the tears. I felt like such an idiot. I was going to give my virginity to this guy. What is wrong with me? What's happened to me?

I pushed out of my chair, ignoring his call of my name, slamming the door shut and storming down the corridor, desperate to fall back into work and pretend this conversation never happened.

...

I thought escaping from work would have been a blessing, but a phone call from my mom reminded me that the worst was yet to come. She had booked a meal at some restaurant for us and her new boy toy. The thought of having to act civil with two people I couldn't stand just sounded like too much effort for a Thursday night.

Caroline helped me pick out an outfit, which ended up being a pair of black skinny jeans and a loose cream, sleeveless shirt. I put on a pair of heels, mostly due to the fact her boyfriend was a giant and I'd prefer not to feel towered over by him.

I arrived at the place we'd agreed to meet and groaned at how sophisticated it looked. My mom had a thing for thinking she was worth more than she actually is. I'd much prefer to be at the diner we were at for Lafayette's birthday. I walked through the entrance when a black man in a fancy suit directed me to my table.

My mom was already there and when she seen me, she stood up giving her well rehearsed fake smile. "Darling, it's so good to see you!" She exclaimed, pulling me into her embrace. I obliged although I wanted to vomit. "You are looking so well."

She let go and I sat down, ignoring the other presence. "Thanks, Mom."

"Hello, Lauren." Eric said nervously. I think I intimidated him, which was strange for me. It must be something to do with the fact I'm always giving him death glares. "How's LA treating you?"

I wanted to ask if he was really interested, or if he was she being polite so he could get into my mom's panties later. "Fine." I said, paying more attention to the waiter asking if we wanted any drinks. I resisted the urge to order something strong. "Better than San Fran anyways."

He ignored that comment and continued to make friendly conversation. "What exactly are you doing then?" I didn't know if he was intending to be patronising but his question made me feel that way. I narrowed my eyes, and he added more of an explanation. "Are you working?"

I chewed on the complimentary breads, and replied with a simple "yes."

"You didn't tell me that." My mom said, suddenly involved in the conversation. She hated when she was out of the loop, and me neglecting to tell her things was her worst nightmare. I shrugged and continued eating. "Where are you working? Did you get an internship?"

I laughed and shook my head while the waiter appeared with our drinks. Yes, I definitely needed something stronger. "Not quite, Mom." She narrowed her eyes at me, and I knew she wasn't going to settle for less than the complete truth. "I'm working as a cleaner for a rich business man."

"What?" She snapped. I looked over the menu, ignoring her and then ordered my main course. "Tell me you're joking. What happened to all your plans?"

"They didn't work out." I said with a tone that suggested it didn't bother me. It evidently did but I didn't want her to know that. She'd probably try and force me to come home, and that's the last thing I wanted. "I have to earn money, Mom. I couldn't live off Caroline's income."

She sighed, and I looked over to Eric. He looked really uncomfortable, and I enjoyed it a little too much. "If you had told me..." She started, and I knew what was coming. She was going to rant about how she could have helped me. The truth is, telling her would have been pointless. My dad would have been more helpful, even when on one of his benders. "I could have sorted you out with money, or a real job."

I groaned at her last comment. "A job is a job." My voice started to rise and I sensed the couple next to us glancing over. I hated her snobbery. If she had worked a day in her life, she'd know how much work people in the cleaning business do. "I didn't tell you because I knew you'd look down your nose at it.

"I'm not-"

"Are you not?" I questioned and she instantly quietened down. "I know I disappointed you and dad with failing at getting into college, but it's not all my fault is it. I wouldn't be in LA if it wasn't for you." I reminded her and Eric shifted in his seat.

"Maybe we should change the topic." He suggested and my mom nodded. Of course we were going to change the topic. You couldn't have a deep conversation in my family without them brushing it off as though it's nothing. Hence why things turned out so well.

I bit my tongue, trying to fight back the one question I wanted to ask, but it couldn't stay unsaid. "How's dad?"

My mom looked at me like I had just punched her. Anger flamed from her eyes and I knew I'd crossed a line. I didn't ask to cause an argument. I honestly just wanted to know how my dad was. Her insecurities about how I have taken 'his side' were showing. "Your dad is the same as he always is."

"And how is that?" I asked, sipping on my soda. Clearly her impression of my father was different than the one I had off him.

"Drunk." She said bitterly and I clenched my fists. I hated when she spoke about his...problem like that. She was the reason he was practically jobless and living off booze. But she could take no blame. "If you want to know about your father you are going to have to talk to him yourself, Lauren."

"I would, but he doesn't even have a phone so..." I tried to respond harshly but my voice cracked and I looked away, not wanting to show she had upset me.

There was silence among us for a moment and I took great pleasure in it as I knew it wouldn't last long. "I'll tell him you asked for him." I heard her murmur. I glanced at her in surprise and she smiled. I didn't feel it appropriate to thank her so I just nodded.

The tension started to ease as a few minutes later the waiter appeared with our food. My hunger took over and I relaxed into enjoying my meal. That was one good thing about these fancy places. They always lived up to their status with their delicious food. I was so lost in my meal that I hadn't heard Eric speak.

"Your mom actually has some news she wanted to share." Of course she did. I stopped eating and looked at her. She was grinning and it made me feel uneasy. I swear to God...if she is pregnant. Is that even possible?

I nodded for her to tell me and she took a breath before starting. "Eric and I are engaged." She said like a giddy school girl who just got her first boyfriend. I didn't even bother getting mad about it. I didn't even respond. She could do whatever she wanted because I no longer cared. Nothing surprised me anymore, and they are better off with each other."

"Congrats." I said, lifting my glass in a cheerful manner.

"Lauren-"

"Excuse me, Madam." The waiter appeared, breaking the awkward moment that was about to develop. I looked up to find he was talking to me. I smiled politely, though confused. No one had ever called me a madam before. "This is from the gentleman at the bar." He said, setting down a blood red cocktail.

I looked over, fear striking over me instantly. Klaus was right there. Sitting facing us, holding his drink in a way of greeting me, while smirking in a way that said 'I found you.' My throat closed over as the waiter walked away. I didn't even bother questioning how he knew where I was. Like I said, he must work for the CIA.

I turned away from him, focusing back to the table, and staring at the drink he'd left. It was like poison and I wanted to taste it.

"Do you know him, Lauren?" My mother asked, clearly amused by a man showing interest in me. I nodded without thinking, desperately hoping she didn't ask for details. Last thing I wanted was to mention my complicated relationship with my boss and his family. "Invite him to join us."

"What? No!" I half shouted, but it was too late. The waiter had already informed him and he was making his way over, looking half surprised and half...aroused. Oh God. This was not happening right now. I could not be seduced by a criminal with my mom sitting right there. I took a large gulp of my soda, and tried to compose myself.

"Lauren." Klaus greeted me, lifting my hand and kissing my knuckles. What the hell is he doing? Am I living in the 20th Century? I pulled my hand away as though it had been burnt. He smirked and turned to my mom and Eric. "Thank you for allowing me to dine with you. My name's Klaus. I'm a...friend of Lauren's."

I looked to my mother, and noticed she was staring at him with sparkling eyes. Oh no! She was falling under his spell. At least I knew it wasn't just me. "Nice to meet you, Klaus. I am Lauren's mother."

He took her hand, kissing it in the same manner as he did me and I could have sworn my mom giggled. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs Owens." He said smoothly, then shaking hands with Eric. The seat beside me was now occupied and I wished they had got a table just for three. "Please, don't let me interrupt your meal. I just noticed Lauren from the bar and I couldn't stay away."

"How do you two know each other?" My mom asked and I shot a warning glance at Klaus. He ignored it, smiling and I felt my stomach tighten.

"Oh, you know...friends of friends." He turned to look at me and winked. I blushed and returned to finishing my meal. I needed to get out of here as fast as possible. "I've been trying to get this one to spend an evening with me for ages. But she's hard to persuade." He joked.

"I'm busy." I said through mouthfuls of food. I heard my mom clear her throat in disapproval. "Work takes up all my time."

Klaus stared at me intently, his smile not disappearing even when I gave him a pleading look. He loved this. He loved making people uncomfortable and...controlling them. "I am sure you could find some time for this lovely gentleman, Lauren." My mom suggested and I rolled my eyes. She didn't even know him and she wanted me to go out with him? "There must be days when floors don't need polished."

I groaned and decided to ignore her. I didn't want Klaus to witness us arguing. God knows what he'd do with that kind of information. "Oh, trust me, Mrs. Owens. I know your daughters boss and he drives a hard bargain. I trust she's telling the truth." I looked at him in surprise. Why was he defending me? He broke our eye contact to finish. "Or maybe I'm just hopeful she isn't turning me down."

My mom laughed and I forced a smile. "And I suppose us stealing her away on a night off doesn't do much for you."

I finished my food regretfully, wishing I had something I could focus my energy on. I started playing with the breads again. "I'm afraid not." Klaus laughed and the sound sent shivers through me. It wasn't how I expected it to sound. It wasn't menacing or frightening. It was just a natural laugh. "I seen an opportunity tonight and I just couldn't turn it down."

I tensed when I felt him move closer to me, clearly becoming more comfortable with his company. "My mom's only in town for one night."

"Oh, hush." My mom started and I wanted to kick her under the table. Please don't tell me she was going to force me into his arms. I needed her to be on my side here. "We'll have deserts and you are free to go, darling. You have a life here and we'll be back soon."

I mentally cried, but nodded and smiled. I looked up and caught eyes with Klaus. The sight of the Indian Ocean was overpowering me as he grinned, knowing that as soon as my mom left, I wasn't going to be table to get away from him. At least not without him getting what he wanted.

...

The white chocolate cheesecake was mouth watering, but nothing could save me from what I was experiencing right now. I ate mouthful after mouthful, slowly, allowing more time to build so I could avoid getting closer to that moment I knew I'd have no choice but to deal with. Eric was discussing British football with Klaus, with my mother chirping in random comments to impress every now and then.

They were being won over by him and it terrified me. My mom would never let me live this evening down. I scrapped the last piece of chocolate off my plate, crying as the waiter appeared to take it away, leaving only the bill and my ever-growing anxiety.

"I suppose we better get going." My mum said, sounded disappointed and I thought about begging her to say. "We have an early flight tomorrow."

Everyone stood up, saying their goodbyes. I avoided interacting with Klaus as he politely hugged my mom, kissing her cheek and shaking Eric's hand. I walked with them to the door, not wanting to be left alone for a second longer than I had to be. We reached the entrance and Klaus was beside me.

"It was good to see you, Mom." I lied and she hugged me, before exiting and getting into the cab waiting. Now it was just me and him. I walked forward, ignoring his presence when I felt his grip on my arm.

"Not so fast." He said, whispering into my ear. When did he get so close? Did he get more English? "Come with me." He commanded, letting go off my arm and taking my hand as he walked me to a secluded part of the restaurant. We entered a dark room, that had more of a bar feel to it. It was filled with couples, and people spending one on one time. This was the last place I wanted to be.

Klaus interacted with some man before reaching a table and ushering me in. I slid in hesitating as he moved in, right beside me. A man appeared with two of those cocktails and I looked at Klaus in confusion. "Bloody Marys." He exclaimed. "It reminded me of our first meeting and the dress you were wearing."

I blushed red at the memory. He remembered what I was wearing and I couldn't even remember what I had for lunch yesterday. I pushed it away but it didn't seem to bother him as he sipped on his in delight. Bored with the pretend friendship, I turned to face him. "What do you want?"

"I've told you." He said simply and I quirked an eyebrow.

"No, you haven't." I argued and he smiled. Why did everything seem to turn him on? Like someone fighting against him gave him pleasure. Maybe I should start agreeing with everything he says.

He turned completely to me, one arm slotting over the back over the dark, leather couch. "Come on, Lauren. A smart girl like you...I thought I'd made my intentions very clear." He said without an expression. I think I preferred the aroused smile. I swallowed and he continued. "I want you."

"Why?" I replied instantly.

He laughed louder this time, like I was asking him something absurd. My expression didn't change. I was still confused and scared. But...I don't know. Intrigued maybe. "I have an innocent kink." He said honestly and my eyes widened. Oh, God. He wasn't into bondage or something was he? "And I like to have what my brother wants."

I knew it had something to do with Damon. The mention of him stirred something inside me. Like I needed to protect him from Klaus' harm. "Damon doesn't want me." I replied, and it was true. He was going after something that Damon had no interest in.

He raised an eyebrow and sat forward. I moved back. "Oh, he does." He said fiercely and I swallowed loudly. "And I want to make sure he doesn't get it."

What was he talking about? Why did he want to make sure Damon didn't sleep with a random girl? Why was that so important? None of this made any sense. I couldn't sit here and pretend that it did. "But why? What do you get out of it?"

He took a moment before responding, looking at me like he was assessing me. Like he was wondering if I could be trusted. I doubted he trusted anyone. But something told me he wanted to find someone to trust. "What I've always wanted." He said and I titled my head to the side. "Revenge."

My throat tightened. He said the word with so much venom you knew how serious he was about it. He wanted to hurt Damon. He wanted to get back at him for something that's happened in the past. And he wanted to use me to do it. The thought made me feel sick. I didn't want any part of this. "Can't you two just move on?"

I expected him to get angry, but he smiled and finished his cocktail, moving onto mine. "No, Lauren." He turned his attention straight back to me. "God, you're so sweet." I blushed red and looked down. His fingers titled my chin back up to look at him and I swear, I thought he was going to kiss me.

"Damon's trying to move on." I told him and he scoffed. "I don't understand your relationship."

"How much has Damon told you?" He asked, and I didn't respond. I didn't want to put anyone in a dangerous situation with him. "Probably not enough to know the half of it. Do you know that we were business partners?" I nodded and he continued.

"Once upon a time, me and my brother were like two peas in a pod. We did everything together. Even creating our own company. For the longest time, we were equals and we confided each other in everything." I nodded as he spoke, even though I knew this part of the story. "But one day, things took a turn and Damon became...arrogant. Suddenly, he was the man of the hour and I was nothing but his co-worker."

He spat the last word out and I noticed his eyes had gotten darker. He really did have a lot of hatred towards his brother and it was worrying. "I won't bore you with the numbers but I was getting pathetic shares. And still doing half of the work. Of course, I confronted him about it. But Damon said I was being aggressive and threatened to throw me out of the business I half created."

"Just sounds like poor miscommunication to me." I said without thinking. His eyes burned into me, but he ignored my comment.

"I ended up out of the company, and I was fucked off about it. Can you blame me?" He asked and I shook my head, feeling like I had no other choice. "My family sided with my brother and I was left with nothing. My girlfriend broke up with me because I was now unemployed and I was living off money I'd been left from college. I had nothing."

My heart twitched with sympathy, recognising how he felt. "I've been there. I am there." I told him and his angry expression started to relax.

"Things got bloody disastorous with my family." He said bitterly, like he was trying to forget the memory, but he couldn't. I couldn't blame him for hating the rest of his family. They seemed easy to hate. But things could have been resolved between him and Damon. "And then there was the accident."

"Accident?" I asked, intrigued. Is this why he ended up in jail? I thought.

He looked at me, frowning. He didn't want to tell me and I wasn't sure if I wanted to know. Sometimes being unaware can be a heaven send. "There was an altercation with me and my other brother, Finn. I turned up at the office, looking for Damon but he wasn't there and Finn was being a sodding bastard." He took a breath before continuing. "I was looking for Damon because I wanted to sort things out. I needed help and the brother I knew would have been there for me. But I never got to fix things."

"Why?" I asked, like a robot.

"Because there was a fire." My eyes widened in shock. A fire? He went to jail for starting an accidental fire? This is the man I'm supposed to fear? "I was arguing with Finn in Damon's office and it was getting stressful. I needed a smoke but I didn't know. I didn't-"

"What didn't you know?" I asked, reaching out to touch his arm tenderly. He stared at me, almost mesmerised. This guy really was lonely. "It's okay. You can tell me."

He cleared his throat before continuing with his story. "It was an accident. I lit up and I swear, it was an accident. I wouldn't have done it if I'd known. They were installing gas..." I tensed, knowing where this was going. "Finn was so mad he must have forgotten to tell me. Before I knew it, the alarms were ringing and everyone was being evacuated."

The memory was shown through his expressions, like it was still haunting him. Like he still felt the guilt. "The entire back of the building was burnt to the ground." So that's what Damon meant when he lost half of his business.

"Was anyone hurt?" I asked nervously, and I could sense the hesitation in his eyes.

"Yes." He whispered and I felt shivers run through me. "Finn, he-uh...he always had difficulty with his lungs as a child. I tried to make him leave but he said he couldn't without making sure everyone was out. He was the good one. The carbon...it was too much for him. He had an asthma attack and there was no one there to save him."

"He...he died?" I stammered, trying to his my shock. He was the reason his brother died. And he went to jail for it. It was an accident and he's had to live with this. Maybe he just wanted his family to understand. He nodded, looking regretful and I placed my hand over his. "I'm sorry."

His exhaled loudly, and I could feel the intensity of his emotions. Everything about his was intense. He felt everything to the extreme. It was terrifying and electrifying all at once. "Why do people say sorry when it's not their fault?"

I smiled, because it was always a question I asked myself. "I think they just want to sympathise."

"Then they should say something less cliché." He said with a groan, ordering something I couldn't make out. Maybe a drink would do me good. This was the last thing I'd expected from this evening. "It seems to me I'm not the only one with a complicated relationship with my family."

I narrowed my eyes at him and he laughed. So he was watching my awkward interaction with my mom. Great. I shifted in my seat, pulling away from him so I could gain composure of myself. "I don't want to talk about that."

"What do you want to talk about?" He asked instantly and I shrugged. He really loved odd questions. Two drinks appeared in front of us and I could smell the vodka. Taking a sip, my face screwed up at the overpowering alcohol. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he wanted to get me drunk. "Are you in love with my brother?"

I laughed loudly, only realising it was a serious question when I looked up at him. "No. I barely know him."

"Don't fall for him." He grunted at me, clearly disgusted with the idea. I didn't know if it was jealousy or hatred. He looked at me again, almost assessing if he should say whatever it is he wanted to. It never held him back before. "And do not sleep with him."

I rolled my eyes and took another sip of my drink, regretting it after. "That's not going to happen." I didn't mention because Damon had a problem with virgins.

"Hmm." He moaned, showing his lack of faith. It was like he knew something I didn't. Maybe he's seen this before. Hopefully not with Moira. I shuttered at the idea. "You really shouldn't underestimate people, Lauren. Especially in this town. You are much too sweet to allow it to swallow you up."

The only person that had the ability to make me feel swallowed up was him but I didn't dare tell him that. "That's for the advice, but I think I'll survive."

He smiled and nodded, taking large gulps of his drink. I wondered what his liver was like if he could take his drink like that. Maybe he isn't actually human, and that's how he knows everything. "Stop over thinking things."

"I'm not." I argued. Even though I was.

"Then why are you scrunching your face up?" He asked and I raised an eyebrow. How did he know that? This was getting beyond creepy now. Maybe he's a psychologist or something. Maybe he could be my therapist. "It's adorable, but transparent, sweetheart."

The vocative made my stomach tingle but I did my best to hide it. His hand fell to my knee, trying to keep it innocent, but his intentions were obvious. I looked down and watched his fingers tingle my clothed knee. "Do I make you nervous?" He asked and I nodded. "Why?"

I was staring directly into his eyes, and I began to feel woozy. Like the room was spinning and I needed something to hold onto. "Because I don't know your intentions." I told him, honestly. "You're a closed book."

"I've told you." He said furrowing his eyebrows, clearly frustrated that I wasn't able to grasp what he wanted.

I shook my head, trying to reach the words in my head that were struggling to make sense the more he stared. "No. I mean, I know you want revenge. But why do you need me to do it?" I asked and he showed no interest in responding. "There are bigger things you could hurt him with. And no matter how hard you try, you know I'm not going to do it."

"I don't know that, actually." He smirked, but didn't move from his close proximity. I narrowed my eyebrows at him, pissed off. How dare he think I have such low self control? He didn't even know me! "You wouldn't still be sitting here if you weren't slightly interested."

"Maybe I'm just too scared off you to leave." I snapped back.

He pouted slightly, then smiling. God, he was beautiful. "You're scared of me?" I rolled my eyes because I doubt this is the first time a female has ever admitted the strength of his presence. "Good. You should be."

He sat back and finished his drink, setting it down with a clink. I looked at him, confused as he stood up, signalling he was ready to leave. He held his hand out but I ignored it, walking past him towards the exit. I didn't understand him. He was warning me off him but he thought I was going to give into him? Wasn't he contradicting himself?

When we reached the door, I felt his grip on my arm. I turned round to pull away, colliding with his chest. I stumbled back and he held onto me, keeping my balance. "Don't keep hiding from me."

"I'm not hiding." I replied and he shook his head, not wanting to argue. "You just aren't doing a very good job of finding me."

"Don't you understand, Lauren?" He asked and I raised an eyebrow. Because, no, I really didn't understand. I didn't understand anything at this point and it was starting to leave me extremely frustrated. Everyone was a fucking riddle. "I don't let things go. If I want something I'll get it. You are better off just accepting that."

I didn't bother questioning what he wanted. He seemed to think he'd been clear but maybe my innocence was keeping me from understanding. I stared at him and he let go off me. I felt suddenly cold by the loss of contact. A car pulled up in front of me and I slid into it. I rolled the window down to say goodbye, as he leant down.

"Don't tell anyone about this." He said, kissing cheek before turning to walk down the street. I traced the line where his lips had been with my fingers, closing my eyes hoping everything would make sense.

...

When I arrived home, Caroline was nowhere in sight and I seen it as a blessing. I didn't want to lie to her, but Klaus' words were burning in my mind. He didn't want anyone to know, and part of me didn't ether. People would taint it with their words.

Dropping my bag on the floor, I rested my head on the kitchen counter. I was beginning to question whether I should leave the house anymore. I either ran into problems, or crazy ex criminals. I thought back to the explanation Klaus had given me about his past. He seemed to sincere, clearly still broken by it. I couldn't hate him for it, especially since he'd told me more about it than anyone else bothered to.

He was definitely dangerous. But the more I thought about it, he was more of a danger to himself. He was wrecked with guilt and it drove him to do things that were harming his relationships. He and Damon could easily sort their problems out if they stopped fighting against each other.

Lost in thought, I was snapped back as someone knocked on the door. I answered, thinking it was probably Caroline. I didn't expect it to be Damon. "What are you doing here?" I glanced at the clock, it was almost 11. Surely you don't casually turn up at your employee's apartment at this time of night.

"I came to apologise." He told me, and I waited. He didn't continue so I moved backwards, inviting him inside. Of course this was happening, I thought. I spend the evening with his brother and he turns up with an apology. Why am I involved in some crazy triangle? Is this Gossip Girl?

"Do you want a drink?" I don't why I asked, but it seemed the polite thing to do.

He shook his head, and slid his hands into his pockets. He looked nervous, like he'd rehearsed this moment. The thought made me smile. "I'm not really good at this kind of thing." Evidently. "I don't like to admit when I'm wrong, which is more than often. But I was wrong this morning, Lauren."

My mind blanked. What part was he referring too? Wrong about his feelings? Or wrong about how he was so blunt with me? I nodded for him to continue and he sighed. "What I meant to say was I'm attracted to you, and I like you. You are...refreshing."

"But..." I said, knowing that it was coming.

"We barely know each other." He said with a whine. I frowned, because it was true. Maybe I was overdramatic. I didn't expect him to confess all these feelings for me, but I expected something more than he gave me. "I don't have time, or the concentration for females. But I feel like I could for you."

My stomach did a mini flip. Actually, it was more like a hurricane. My eyes widened at his honesty and I had to take a minute to remind myself of what he'd said. "I don't- I don't- what about what you said? About employee's.

He laughed and took his hands out of his pockets, more relaxed after getting through the difficult part. "I'm my own boss. I make my own rules." He said with a grin. I pretended not to be affected by how hot it was that he had all the control. He could do whatever he wanted. It was exciting. "I'm not saying that I want to be your boyfriend. But I want to get to know you."

I stared blankly. Was this really happening or was this entire evening just some crazy dream? I was going to wake up and be in San Fran, wasn't I? "Are you sure?" I asked, desperate to make certain that this wasn't my mind playing tricks with me.

He walked forward, smiling, stopping directly in front of me. I felt his hand play with my hair, cupping my neck and stroking it softly. I didn't even care that I hated people touching my neck. He could touch me wherever he wanted at this point. "I'm pretty sure."

"I'm not going to sleep with you." I blurted out, remembering Klaus' words from early. Don't fall for him. I shook the words away. I was only going to get to know him. It was innocent.

He nodded and stood back, my neck feeling suddenly lonely. "We'll take it slow. Get to know each other." I nodded, and bit my lip. I shifted on my feet, trying to hide my child-like grin. "When are you free?"

"How about now?" I asked with a tinge of hope in my voice.

I watched as his face lit up, and a smile blessed his beautiful mouth. I wanted to kiss it, but held myself back. "It sounds perfect." And we walked into the living room, settling with a close proximity on the couch and began our learning session.

A/N: Another update. Must have the writing bug. Hope it lasts. Although, I doubt it. I love writing Klaus, and it was fun to get some information out. Though that's not the half of it. Can you feel the tension rising? Hahahaha. No proof reading cause I'm a lazy bitch.

I don't own anyone but Lauren. And the quote Klaus says is from a Nicolas Sparks novel.

REEEEEEEEAD, REVIEW.