A/N: Here is another chapter. Hope you like it. Thanks to those who took time out to review: shadow's secret (yes I will make Kennett happen), jessnicole, MissJayde, Leah, shihnaz, Klata, mylove4klaus, sydkiwi and all who continue to favorite and follow this story.

Chapter 10

Klaus, Kol and Elijah where in the warehouse where the shipment was currently being unloaded, "well done brothers!" Klaus told his brothers clasping both their backs of both his brothers. "Now all we have to do is deliver the shipment to our partners in the east coast. Kol this will be your priority, make sure this is done under a week. I think Donovan has proven himself, time to expand his participation." With this statement from his brother, Kol saluted then went to exit the warehouse leaving Elijah and Klaus.

Klaus turned to Elijah, "since you will be out of the country in a couple of days, I will oversee the transfer of funds and talk to our partners and suppliers myself." Eying his brother, "is everything set?" Elijah nodded to his bother, "yes, the papers and contacts are on your desk. Thank you brother, see you in a week." With a handshake between the brothers, they parted ways.

That same night, Silas and Damon where together at a bar owned by Silas, "Salvatore, I just had word that the Mikaelsons successfully moved the Gilbert merchandise. That means Gilbert is solidly behind the Mikaelsons now. If I read Klaus correctly, his next move will be in our real estate interests. We shouldn't allow them to gain a foothold in the industry more than they already have."

Damon was only partially listening to Silas. His mind was more focused on fueling his anger for being treated by Silas as if he was one of his underlings. He realized this was how things would be from now on since he, in truth had made a deal with the devil, signing over to Silas 80% of the Salvatore interests in real estate and banking. With this arrangement, he was flooded with cash, protected from partners he had screwed with bad deals but in reality, he had no real power left. His purpose was to stand behind Silas as a Salvatore, his name was all he had left.

Silas suddenly threw the bottle of scotch across the room angrily pointing at Damon, "You're not even distressed by any of this. Are you really as stupid as everyone says you are?" Damon was challenged from the insult, "the fuck you come here and rant about the Mikaelsons, off course I care. But didn't you say that you where in charge now, this happened under your watch. You hold controlling interest in this partnership. I should be questioning your judgment!"

Silas lunged for Damon and cocked his gun at Damon's temple, "You got millions from this deal. You should be very careful what you say. Remember, if something happens to you, everything reverts back to me, as surviving partner. You are not as indispensible as you think you are."

The next morning, Caroline was early at the Café and was surprised to find two dozen white roses in the inner office. Curious to find out who the flowers were for, Caroline eyed the card and read the short message.

To the loveliest girl in the Café,

I will pick you up at 7 tonight, no excuses.

Fondly, Kol Mikaelson

Caroline raised an eyebrow. The Mikaelson brothers really knew how to woo women. She was excited for Bonnie. She knew her friend was hesitant when it came to Kol and usually she would agree with her friend. Kol was used to playing the field. But she also believed Klaus when he said his brother was acting different with Bonnie. So she promised to give her friend a gentle push toward Kol. She also noted that she would have a conversation with Kol very soon, she had to be loyal to her friend too and make sure that Kol had nothing but honest intentions.

Before the lunch crowd started, Bonnie had arrived at the Café. Both Kat and Caroline were watching Bonnie as she paused a few steps from her desk glancing at both Kat and Caroline questioningly, "don't look at me, it's not mine. And Kat checked, it wasn't from Mr. Big Shot Publisher too."

Kat stood up and gently pushed Bonnie the last few steps toward her desk, "come on, the only way to find out is to check the card."

Bonnie looked suspiciously at her friends, "why do I have the feeling both of you already read the card?" Caroline pretended to be offended.

"Hey, we were only looking out for you." Kat snatched the card from the basket and all but pushed it into Bonnie's hands, "come on read." Bonnie proceeded to do what was asked, her expression turned from curious, to frowning and finally to angry. "The nerve of the guy, and you seriously both approve of this?" Caroline and Kat glanced at one another, then at Bonnie and simultaneously nodded.

"Hmmp," was all Bonnie could come up with.

Later in the day, Kat was all but flying out of the Café saying she was ask by 'Mr. Salvatore' to approve the final lay-out of the feature article about the café therefore she had to go so as not to be caught up with traffic.

Bonnie for her part resigned herself to her "date" tonight with Kol, she had gone home midday to get more suitable clothes for the date which now hanged in the small inner office they all shared. She had not been able to do a lot of work that day, having been consciously glancing at the clock every hour dreading the time. Caroline had been watching her friend just be more anxious as night time approached.

"Hey Bon Bon, relax, it's just a date. It's not as if you're getting married or something. Besides, I'm sure Kol must be sweating with anticipation. He practically had to bully you into a date with him, so make him work for it. This can turn out to be fun for you," Caroline lifted her eyebrows repeatedly at Bonnie.

Bonnie let out a heavy sigh, "you're right. I'll make him regret he every asked for this date! Serves him right, bully!" Caroline smiled at her friends' reaction. Come on, it's time for you to change. Let's make Kol salivate for you."

"Eeww, Caroline," was all Bonnie could get out.

Elijah was back at his office double checking some documents that he needed to forward to his brother in the morning. He was leaving the next evening to 'get married' so he had to make sure that they could function without him, or he could deliberately screw up the documentation so his brother would be left to scramble and do the documentation himself. Let him experience the value of Elijah to the empire, how easy he made difficult paperwork seem easy. The phone on his desk vibrated, Elijah scowled before answering. "What is it now?"

Across town Klaus was winding up his last meeting for the day signaling Alaric to bring around the car. This was truly a pleasant day for him, working with both his brothers had been something that he had deliberately not been confident about in the past acknowledging the world of difference between Elijah and him. Kol understood him and he understood Kol, Elijah was always another matter. Several times, he had chosen to work with people outside of family over his older brother, but maybe times are changing. He had looked for his brother Kol early evening but found his work area suspiciously empty, maybe he thought Kol was getting ready for the shipment that was to be moved tomorrow or meeting with Donovan. Either way, Kol had been suspiciously absent since the shipyard that morning. Channeling his thoughts to Caroline, he was conflicted how much of what he was doing he would eventually disclose with her. She was living under his roof now, he practically demanded it a few nights before without really thinking what that impact would have on him and his family. He was always the one brother who put the business interests of the family above everything else. Sure he had women, flings, affairs, and more than a few of them hinted that they wanted to be more than what they were they were, angling for a Mrs. Mikaelson position. Klaus frowned at this, was he really thinking those thoughts finally with Caroline in mind. He was changing a lot of his beliefs and practices for her, but could he go all the way with her. She was his complete opposite. So fresh, full of light, still looking at the world with rose colored glasses, he had practically dragged her into his world, even if it were the right thing to do, he was not going to give up what they had right now. Nice and slow, she was his 'girlfriend' now, thinking he actually never had one before. His face hardened thinking she can be used as a target to get to him. More than his brothers and mother who were born to this life, she would be defenseless and innocent.

Kol had arrived at the Café promptly at seven, he was surprised to find that he was both nervous and anticipating this 'date', thinking this had never happened before. He actually never even 'dated' before. Having been an expert at pick-ups to curb his frustrations, much like his brother. Earlier, he had practically spent the whole afternoon just planning out the date. As he entered the Café searching for her, he frowned thinking she better appreciate his effort at the same time cursing the girl. He spotted Caroline instead sitting down in one of the stool by the counter. "Well hello Sweet Caroline." Kol said mischievously.

Caroline rolled her eyes at this, "Mr. Mikaelson, you and I will have a little talk before I inform Bonnie that you are here," eyeing Kol, "you clean up well, I see you made the effort. That's good because Bonnie did the same. Now," pointing at Kol "do not mess this up. She is my best friend, and I am only consenting to this because you are Klaus' brother so I know you won't dare to play with her."

Kol raised an eyebrow at Caroline, "so, you are going to use my own brother against me?" Before Caroline could respond, Bonnie stepped out of the inner office attracting both her and Kol's attention. Kol could only stare at Bonnie until Caroline nudged him, "cat got your tongue, loverboy?"

Kol glared at Caroline, he wanted to strangle her but off course couldn't not only because of his brother, but because she was Bonnie's bestfriend. So he just approached Bonnie who had he arms folded infront of her.

"Hello beautiful." Kol greeted Bonnie. "Really, that's what you're going with?" Bonnie practically fumed at Kol. Trying to rectify the situation, Kol took Bonnie's hand and kissed it, looking into her eyes, "I look forward to tonight."

This was exactly how Klaus found them, as he entered the Café to fetch Caroline for the night. Looking at the situation, Klaus stepped forward "so this is where you were at brother" eyeing Kol before walking toward Caroline. Having been caught by his brother, Kol let go of Bonnie's hand, giving his brother a fierce look then softening his expression again to gaze back at Bonnie saying, "ready to go?"

Bonnie looked at Caroline who encouraged her with her eyes then back at Kol, "okay, let's get this joke over and done with."And with that marched toward the door saying," coming Kol."

Both Caroline and Klaus suppressed smiles seeing Kol scuttle after Bonnie. Caroline turned to Klaus, "did you know about that?" referring to Kol and his date with Bonnie. Klaus shrugged, "no. but I'm not actually surprised. I think he was more surprised that I actually caught him."

Caroline put her arms around Klaus, "he isn't going to hurt Bonnie is he?"

Klaus exhaled, "I think my brother knows well enough that playing with your friend is a little close to home, so I hope not. Let's go, we should have dinner out ourselves."

"Where are you taking me?" Bonnie impatiently asked Kol.

Goading Bonnie, "I'm kidnapping you. You will never see your family or friends again." "Stop the car, I mean it." Turing to Kol, you may be used to playing this kind of games with your women, but I will not be one of them. I told Caroline I will give you a chance, but you are practically on my last nerve. So, stop the car, I'm getting out."

Kol eyed Bonnie narrowing his eyes then exhaled, "fine, I'm sorry." Pointing to a sign post outside the window of the car, "we are almost here, I wanted it to be a surprise." The car slowed down to a stop with Kol getting out then taking Bonnie's hand to help her out of the car.

Bonnie glanced at Kol suspiciously, "why is there no other car but yours here?" Kol rubbed his neck looking around before looking back at Bonnie, "I know the owners, and told them I wanted to place exclusively tonight so they closed it just for us." Bonnie narrowed her eyes at Kol then looked back at the restaurant, "impressive."

Kol felt butterflies at his stomach at the compliment Bonnie gave, "well you are a hard woman to impress." Bonnie walked toward the foyer of the restaurant. "'Dillinger's', this place is legendary, I've always wanted to go to this place. Well Mr. Mikaelson, so far you've been earning brownie points, Let's go inside." Pleased with Bonnie's reaction, Kol escorted them inside where they were greeted by the owner himself.

"Good Evening Mr. Mikaelson, Miss," turning to Bonnie, "I hope you enjoy your night here, the staff are your disposal and we would like to start you off with wine, if you will chose from our selection," gesturing for a water to bring bottles forward.

After Kol had selected a bottle, the owner once again glanced at Bonnie, "ah excellent choice of wine. I will leave you now to enjoy." But before he could step away, Bonnie spoke, "it's nice of you to allow Kol to have this place all to ourselves tonight."

The owner turned to Kol then back to Bonnie, "but off course, the Mikaelsons are old family friends, we go way back, I hope this is not the last time you visit our place. You are always welcome to come back with or without Mr. Mikaelson." then bowed.

Kol handed Bonnie her glass of wine before saying, "I hope you don't mind, Caroline informed me you loved French cuisine so I preselected our entrées." Bonnie raised an eyebrow, "ok impress me with your choices."

It was a surprisingly enjoyable experience for Bonnie, not only was the food to die for, the effort Kol exerted to get them a private restaurant plus the obvious attempt to keep himself in check had Bonnie thinking she might have to change her mind about Kol. Off course, being just an ordinary girl who was not used to this wine and dine experience should be overwhelming. She even got to know Kol a bit, sharing some of his growing up stories with his brothers. Bonnie sensed he was guarded with information but maybe it was because they were obviously from very different worlds as Caroline herself had pointed out to Bonnie with regard to her and Klaus.

As Kol was driving back Bonnie to her apartment, he ventured to ask her what he had been dying to ask her the whole night, "would you go out with me again, next week? I have to go out of town for business for a few days but I will me back mid week next week, say Friday?"

Bonnie took her time to answer, preferring to glance out the window until the car stopped in front of her apartment building. A little surprised to find that Kol had known where she lived, "how do you know I live here?'

Kol just shrugged, "I try to make it my business to know everything about you. I apologize if this is a bit stalker lik." Kol grinned, "you know you still have not answered my question."

Bonnie opened her door to get out then glanced back at Kol, "fine, see you next Friday."

Klaus and Caroline walked into their bedroom with Klaus practically pushing Caroline against the door as it closed. "I had been wanting to do this all night." Kissing her neck earning a moan from Caroline, he proceeded leave a trail of kisses just above her breast ripping her dress down the middle.

The cold air suddenly felt by Caroline brought her back to her senses, "Klaus". Klaus paused to look at Caroline noting what he had done to her dress, lifting her by her ass he brought her to their bed saying, "sorry sweetheart, I'll buy you a new one." Continuing to rip the remainder of her dress and throwing it to the floor. Guiding her to lie on her back Klaus carefully unhooked her bra molding his hands to her breasts for a moment hearing her breath intake before letting his hand slide down her sides toward the straps of her lacey underwear which he then proceeded to very slowly remove.

"Race your legs love" Caroline did as Klaus had asked, when Klaus had finally removed her last piece of clothing, Klaus parted her legs and once again kissed his way from the tip of her toes all the way to her center. "I love the way you taste," Klaus all but moan at the juices his tongue was lapping before inserting a finger inside her folds then another, "Oh God Klaus!" Caroline shouted before placing both of her hands on Klaus' hair.

Caroline was glancing down and locked eyes with Klaus for a moment. The site of Klaus between her legs, with his tongue extended out ready to lick her folds and his fingers inside of her with his thumb massaging her clit pushed Caroline to the edge, "Ohhh Klaus, I'm about to…..".

"Come for me Sweetheart." Klaus encouraged still at ready to taste her juices. When she finally let loose after Klaus further pressed her clit, she could hear and feel Klaus lapping on her juices as if it was the most divine taste he had ever had.

When Klaus finally left her heat, she missed his tongue and gawked when she felt him licking her stomach and blowing cold air on her belly button. Caroline once again looked down at Klaus, "Klaus, I think you are over dressed, let's get you out of your clothes."

Caroline went on her knees on the bed with Klaus letting her remove his tie, then his shirt as he hand spanned his chest muscles, Klaus' breath hitched as Caroline finally touched his belt buckle. Not wanting to waste another second, he stepped off the bed then proceeded to remove his pants then his boxers before sliding back on to the bed.

He practically yelped when Caroline abruptly straddled him then bent forward to kiss him on the lips with her hands still exploring his muscles. When Caroline proceeded to begin kissing a path toward his massive cock, Klaus stopped Caroline, "My love, I might not be able to stop myself if you continue to do what you're doing. I would rather have me inside of you."

Caroline looked at Klaus teasing him by licking her lips, "I want to taste you first." Then took the tip of his cock inside her mouth, Klaus couldn't help the grunt and groaning sounds he made while Caroline took all of him inside her mouth and went up and down, up and down. When her fingers went to massage his balls, Klaus was caught by surprise when he unsuspectingly released inside Caroline's mouth immediately alarmed at what Caroline may be feeling.

Trying to sense any discomfort from Caroline, he was shocked to feel her sucking on his cock milking it of all its fluids. Klaus grabbed Caroline by her shoulders and pinned her underneath him enclosing both her wrists above her head with one of his hands. He kissed her with everything he had in him, only coming up for air when he was practically breathless. "Caroline, look at me," he commanded before plunging into her heat.

Several hours after, Klaus was still wide awake with Caroline tightly enclosed in his arms. He finally accepted that for the first time in a long time, he feared for someone beyond his family. His Caroline had now become the most important person in his life, and he swore to himself to protect her. He experienced trepidation at what Caroline would say when she finally found out who he really was and what business he was in. Would she leave him, would he wake up one day with her gone? With that thought, he embraced her more tightly against him. Mentally planning in his mind how he would tell Caroline about his world.

"Really, a plain gold band?" Haley glanced at her wedding ring.

Elijah scoffed, "it's not a real marriage so you should expect me to go all out."

Haley stared at Elijah for a few seconds, "well now that's over. We have three more days of honeymoon time, might as well use that time to build our Europe alliances."

Elijah just walked away from Haley, "you do that."

This got Haley to fume, "Mikaelson, this is a partnership. Dammit, we need to do this together."

Elijah confronted Haley, "you got the Mikaelson name attached to yours that all you need. Now leave me alone!" Haley leered at Elijah, "well Elijah, I think you gave me too little credit. Don't think I won't resort to extraordinary means, we do not have a pre-nup so whatever happens to you, I get everything you own plus my inheritance. So I suggest you make yourself presentable and meet me in the lobby in ten minutes."

Kol had sent Bonnie a dozen roses consistently everyday until starting the day after the 'date' all the way to the day before their next date. He even texted Bonnie the day he arrived back to inform her he was back. Bonnie had received a lot of teasing from both Kat and Caroline who both were delighted to find out how Kol had planned out the date. Bonnie had almost regretted that she told her friends about how her date went, almost but not really regretted, she was just not used to being swept of her feet by her dates.

The three of them were having a quiet lunch at a corner of the Café each sharing stories about their lovelife, it was hard to imagine that just over a month ago this was not what each one of them expected. Caroline worded Bonnie's thoughts exactly.

"Could any of us all have thought that we would all be this happy, we have the Café, each other, and we all have men who we love in our lives," eying the protest building from her two friends, "uh uh uh, you do not get to deny this. Stefan has been making every excuse about the feature article to get you to always meet up with him Kat, or you both may be just using the article as an excuse. You my dear Bon Bon, have someone who practically is singlehandedly responsible for ensuring the flower shop down the corner survives with the amount of flowers we get. "I just love it!"

"Let's have a girl night slumber party at my place!" Kat suggested excitedly. "It's been ages since we last had that." Bonnie and Caroline looked at one another, "ok let's!"

Bonnie however suggested, "But I think we should have it in Caroline's apartment since it's practically empty, we can trash the place." Caroline punched Bonnie gently, "Hey, that's my place."

Kat stood up from the table but before doing that, smiled "then it's settled. Tomorrow night at Care's apartment, no men allowed."

Kol was back from his mission and was updating his brother about what transpired the last few days. When he noticed that Klaus was distracted, "brother, are you even listening to me."

Klaus glanced at Kol changing the topic, "Caroline told me you continue to pursue her friend."

Kol frowned at his brother, "you have never cared about my relationships in the past brother. Or is this about Caroline. Did she ask you to talk to me?"

Klaus chucked, "no need to be defensive brother, she was actually happy that you were getting along with her friend." Klaus sighed, "they are suppose to have a 'girls night' tonight, Caroline and her friends at her apartment."

Kol looked at his brother, "are you worried, about their safety I mean? Bonnie did text me not to bother her tonight saying the same thing."

Klaus got up and poured himself a glass of scotch, "not really, I have had a apartment secured since last week."

Kol understood what his brother was concerned about, "you're thinking about what Caroline would do if she found out about the business we were into. I don't blame you, I been thinking about that myself." Kol sat down beside his brother, "by the way, have you heard from Elijah?"

Klaus was amused by the question, "he informed me he got married a few days ago and that he would be back tomorrow. He wanted to set up a lunch with mother to formally meet this Marshall girl."

Kol grimaced at his brother, "do we have too." Klaus smirked, "we will have to, we have to watch Elijah and assess this Marshall girl." "But isn't that Haley, the girl you know already." Kol raised his eyebrows at his brother.

"Not a very smart girl, that one. She attempted her charms on me, as if I could read between the lines. All she wanted was a foot in the door, which she got with Elijah."

Kol rationalized, "didn't she get what she wanted in the end then?" Klaus cryptically told his brother, "only time will tell."

Lunch with the Mikaelsons was a formal affair. Klaus wanted Haley to feel out of her depth as possible. He instructed his mother to pull out all the stops. Intimidation was what Klaus wanted. So as Elijah and Haley walked into the massive dining hall of the Mikaelsons, Haley hesitated a moment eyeing Kol, Klaus and the Mikaelson matriarch who were all seated.

Klaus did not bother to stand up and just addressed Elijah, "Brother I guess congratulations are in order? Please sit down," practically ignoring Haley.

Elijah cleared his throat before introducing Haley, "Mother, may I introduce my wife, Haley. Haley, this is my mother, Esther." Esther's manners and natural breeding took precedence over whatever she was feeling toward Haley, welcoming Haley with a hard embrace, "welcome to the family, my dear." Elijah then took Haley's arm then pointed to his brothers, you off course know both Klaus and Kol."

Haley just smirked at both brothers before she allowed herself to be escorted to a chair by her husband. "The marriage was sudden. I didn't even know your where seeing Haley brother." Klaus spoke.

Suppressing a grunt, Elijah explained, "we were, very quietly. It was not really in the best interests of our family, our relationship."

Kol butted in, "that's about right. In fact, I expected much more from you brother. Ending up with someone so beneath us is almost shameful."

Haley seethed at the obvious gibe of Kol. "Don't hold yourself so high above everyone else, you Mikaelsons are not God. You can't really choose who you fall for."

Klaus challenged, "Am I to believe that you are in love with my brother then?" Haley tried to get under the skin of Klaus, "he's the best Mikaelson after all."

Klaus looked at Elijah, "well brother, you made your bed, you might as well enjoy what's in it too. Just thought you would settle for more class."

Elijah was getting tired of the conversation, "Enough dramatics, let's eat so this can be over and done with."

Kol couldn't resist a last taunt, "I see marital bliss suits you brother."

Klaus was thankful dinner was over in less than an hour with Elijah making up an excuse for Haley and him to leave early. He really hated being forced to grace family gatherings even if it was private. He was lost in his thoughts speculating his brother Elijah's intentions when the door to his study opened.

"Is the coast clear? Your mother said you were in here." Klaus opened his arms to invite Caroline to sit on his lap. "Sorry about tonight my love, Elijah was being a bit dramatic and wanted a private family dinner to introduce his new wife. I would have invited you but you might not have been comfortable. Besides, Kol informed me that Bonnie told him you guys had inventory to take care off tonight."

Klaus saw the disappointed look on Caroline's face, reading the look correctly, "maybe I should have asked you if you wanted to join us for dinner?"

Caroline stood up from Klaus' lap and walked toward the window, "it's just that, I don't know who are what I am in your life. I know I'm with you but only until a certain stage. I want to share everything with you. Maybe I'm expecting too much, maybe this is not what you want."

Klaus stood up and wrapped his arms around Caroline from the back, bringing her to his chest. "I want you in my life, not just some parts, all of it." He paused a bit and let out a nervous breath, "it's just that I'm scared that you might not want to be with me anymore when you find out what kind of man I am."

Caroline turned around and wrapped her arms around Klaus' neck, "I know what kind of man you are. You are a caring brother, a loving son, a devoted boyfriend, but I want to share more with you. You practically know everything about me."

Klaus brought his forehead forward to touch Caroline's, "will you love me, through all my faults and shortcomings. Be beside me through all my struggles? I have never had someone like you in my life. I'm afraid to lose you."

Caroline kissed Klaus tenderly, after the emotional outburst of Klaus, she wanted to reassure him of what she felt. "Don't put me in a pedestal my love. All I ask is for you to trust me, open up to me, let me get to know all of you."

Klaus carried Caroline back to the sofa, "just be patient with me my love, this is all new to me."

That's it for Chapter Ten. The drama is to unfold during the next chapter with character deaths. So this is just a bridge chapter to build up storylines. Next update will probably be in two weeks hopefully sooner, depends on how the next two weeks go.