Was on vacation for 5 days now I'm back! And because of all the sweet reviews, here's chapter 9 earlier than I planned. Enjoy and review!

Chapter 9

Damon continued to stare in worry as Elena's sobbing refused to let up.

'How could I be so selfish and stupid?' he questioned himself.

Leaning down and sitting next to her, he gently put his arm around her shoulder. She didn't look up.

"Elena, sweetheart, please look at me," he gently pleaded with her.

Still no response to him.

Sighing and getting more uncomfortable by the minute, he decided to just let it out.

"Elena, I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking about what I was doing to you."

Elena's head lifted a little; he could see one of her eyes peeking out from between her arms.

"I'm so sorry; this wasn't how I wanted any of this to go. You were so mad and angry with me, I just wanted to make you desperate so that you would be more obedient. But good lord, you are as stubborn as a mule!"

Elena lifted her head fully, Damon's heart breaking a little at her red, puffy eyes.

"I know you don't want to hear this from me right now, but I really do like you. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen before in my life. Your stubbornness is kind of what attracted me to you in the first place. I love that wild streak in you; I just wanted to tone it down a bit and make you not want to hit me," he continued.

Elena looked up fully and was looking at him with an inquisitive look now.

"And I'm so sorry I starved you.

"Look, I know I can't apologize enough for being so horrible to you, but let me explain. You were so angry and hateful towards men, and mostly towards me. I thought if I made you desperate enough, you would begin to obey and listen to me. Obviously I was wrong—you are as stubborn as a wild horse!"

She smiled a little at the comment. Indeed she was a stubborn, wild thing.

"Elena, I promise I have no intention of controlling you. You will have all sorts of freedom still even though you are married to me. All that I ask is to be respected as your husband. I want us to have an equal partnership, an actual relationship," Damon continued, searching her eyes for her reaction.

For the first time since her breakdown, she looked up into Damon's bright blue eyes. She realized he was waiting for her answer.

"Ok Damon. I'm sorry for how I've acted, just you have to realize I never wanted this. I was forced to marry you against my will just so my sister could choose somebody."

His eyes held sympathy for her. "I understand that now, I'm sorry I was such a stupid caveman and forced you into this."

"No Damon, it's ok now. I understand where you're coming from as well. And to be honest, I actually like you for your exciting behavior. I've never met such an exciting and confident man before," she smiled at him before continuing.

"I'll be better—it may take a bit but I'll be better."

Damon brushed the remaining tears from her cheeks with his thumbs.

"How about we start over? I won't be such an insensitive prick this time. What do you say? We will still be married but just get to know each other?"

Nodding, she agreed. He returned her smile before hugging her, glad that she forgave him and that they would start over again. And he would make sure he did it right.

…..

Damon led Elena to the kitchen and gently put her down on one of the counter chairs.

"What can I make you darling? Just name it and it shall be done!" He smiled at her, gently brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.

She smiled light at him.

"My God you are so thin, I am so sorry," he gave her a sad look.

"It's ok Damon, nothing happened to me," she spoke, questioning his concerned look.

"Yeah, but I could have caused you heart failure, kidney damage, God knows what else!" he screeched at himself.

Getting up, she walked over to him and hugged him. He sighed into her hair.

"How about we order in pizza then?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Reaching behind him, Damon smile reached his ears before he dialed the pizza number.

….

Elena was in the bathtub, enjoying the relaxation it provided. The bubblebath Damon had made for her was the best luxury she had had in all her life. And she had never had a man take care of her before.

She felt like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders today. She had finally gotten through to Damon and she felt he really understood her now. Granted she was still a little mad about what he had been doing to her by starving her, but she understood why he did it now.

She felt bad for being a total bitch to Damon in the first place; and he told her all he wanted was a little respect. Well, she could do that. As long as he didn't dictate her or her decisions and remained faithful, he was content. And she made him promise the same in return.

She felt both to them would get along and get to know one another eventually.

….

Elena exited the bathroom a few minutes later, dressed in a pair of her favorite pajamas-a blue camisole and short blue shorts.

Damon was waiting for her on their bed. He smiled when she came out.

"Elena, you look absolutely stunning!"

"What? They're just pajamas," she laughed, getting into her side of the bed.

"You look adorable in them nonetheless. And I promise I won't wake you up this time," he smiled when she lay down, gently pulling the blankets over her shoulders.

The minute her head hit the pillow, her eyes closed and she felt her body shutting down for the night. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was Damon leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Sweet dreams cara mia."