Chapter 11: The Rules of Engagement

A/N: Hello my sweets! Sorry for the long delay: life. suck. blah. ANY-CHUCKLES - As promised, here is the next installment. Full of lots of goodies. Rated M and a little beyond. Please be 18 if you're reading this (honor system folks, if you're not, please don't tell me.) See explicit warning below if you feel you may possibly need a better explanation of warning, if not, bypass due to tiny spoiler.

TONS AND TONS OF HIGH FIVES TO EVERYONE WHO HAS READ AND CONTINUED TO FOLLOW ALONG, INCLUDING ANONYMOUS GUESTS THAT MAKE MY WORLD GO ROUND. Y'ALL ROCK.

MASSIVE THANKS to the bestest beta, Trogdor19, who is so tender with my ego, but wonderfully tough on my words. *Hugs*

Episode Point of reference: We have left the episode behind, and we are into the night between 4x02 and 4x03. Feel free to hit back to refresh on how Elena ended up in a certain bedroom. Enjoy!

EXPLICIT WARNING: Okay, so we are rated very M in this chapter, including the presence of anal sex. If this offends, that is not my intention. Ever. Feel free to skip ahead until you see "He lays still, struggling for breath." after it starts and you'll be in the clear.

ELENA POV

The Rules of Engagement

"Shoes…" he breathes, his words carried towards me by the breeze sneaking in through the open balcony door.

"I'm sorry?" I smile though I know he can't see. His eyes are still closed.

"Take off your shoes before you get in bed, I don't want dirt in the sheets. Unless you're going to stand there all night."

I try not to laugh as I slip off my Converse and pull back the sheet to climb in with him. As soon as my weight shifts to the mattress a long arm falls over my waist and pulls, curling me into him with my back against his chest. His arms are locked around me in a comforting hug, his face buried in my hair and nuzzling my neck.

"Couldn't sleep?" he whispers.

"Didn't try…"

"Hmm…" he rumbles, breathing deeply. "Why were you drinking whiskey?"

"I don't know," I shake my head. "I just…I needed to. I still left some for him, I promise."

"It's fine, Elena. Don't worry about it," he sooths. "But if you're gonna drink, I'd rather you be here when you do," he teases, nibbling on my ear. "That way I can take full advantage of your lowered inhibitions."

"You wouldn't…"

"You sure about that?" he asks in the husky voice that makes my knees weak, pulling me tighter against him.

I nod confidently and he chuckles, but I'm not sure if it's because I'm right or I'm wrong.

"You're not mad?" I ask him a minute later.

"No, I just don't like you drinking alone in a cemetery in the middle of the night when there are big bad vampires roaming the woods."

"Maybe I was the big bad vampire in the woods," I say and I feel him brush my hair back before placing a kiss on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry I woke you," I say softly. "I guess I wasn't as quiet as I thought…"

"Elena, you can wake me up like this anytime you want," he says happily, his body shaking with soundless laughter. "And if I was anyone else, they would never know. Sweetheart, you weren't even breathing."

"Then how did you know I was here?"

"How do you know when I'm in your room?" he counters.

"I don't…"

"Yes, you do," he says quietly, the smile evident in his voice. "Your heart starts racing before I even scare you."

"Jerk."

"How do you know, Elena?"

"I…I feel you," I confess. "I can't explain it, but I know. Even if you're just outside, I know you're close."

"Hmm," he rumbles again, nuzzling my neck and breathing deeply.

I take a breath with him and let his scent flood me, bleeding out the tension from my muscles and the stress from my mind. I listen quietly as our heartbeats blend, pooling into one slow and steady rhythm.

"Tired?" he murmurs and I nod my head. "So go to sleep…"

"I can't…I shouldn't," I say with disappointment.

I want to go to sleep. I'm so comfortable that I've hit the place where I can't feel my body as it stills in peace and I know if I move I'll lose this perfect position. But I'm not supposed to be here and I can't be found, for all our sakes.

"Which is it really?"

I don't answer and I don't have to. He already knows. His arms tighten.

"Stay with me tonight, Elena," he says quietly.

"Damon…"

"He won't be back before dawn," he says in such a whisper that I barely hear it. "It's just…today was a really bad day and I'd feel a lot better if you were close. I want you with me, Elena. All of you."

I want to say yes, I need him close to me just as much as I know he does.

But I need to say no. I should say no.

I roll over in his arms, laying my head over his heart as our legs tangle beneath the sheets.

"What about tomorrow?" I dare to ask.

I'm hoping he'll tell me that tomorrow will be simpler, that all the reasons and all the problems will just disappear.

But I know he won't. We both know better.

And I wish I could tell him that if I stay with him tonight, then I'll be in his bed for all the nights to follow.

But I can't promise him that. I don't know that.

As much as I want to be here, I don't know what the future holds because I already decided that I wasn't deciding anything right now. And when I do say yes to him completely, I need to be ready to say it forever. I won't risk doing to him what I've done to his brother.

"It'll be the same as it was yesterday," he tells me gently, his fingers twirling my hair while his other hand rubs tiny circles on my back. "You'll still be with him and I'll still love you."

"I can't do that to you, Damon."

"You can if I'm asking you to. It's okay, Elena."

"It's not okay," I say, trying not to succumb to the tears I'm sick of crying. "How can you even say that?"

"Because I remember what it feels like to have the whole world change. It's scary and overwhelming and I'm not going to push you now," he says softly. "I asked you to make a choice you weren't ready to make and it didn't exactly turn out in my favor. So I'm not asking again until I already know the answer and tonight is not that night."

"I'm sorry," I whisper, ashamed.

"It's all right. But I have to accept the possibility that it may always be him, so all I'm asking for is one night. No boundaries, no obstacles, no restraint. Just a few hours of us, alone."

"Won't that just hurt more?"

I can't imagine that he would ever be able to watch me with his brother if I give in to his request. I don't know how he could ever survive that.

"Yes and no. I'm not going to deny it won't be hard, but I'm a big boy, Elena. I'll be fine. And I do love you," he adds with a kiss to my hair.

"How can you love me?" I whimper. "I'm cruel and I'm selfish."

"Lest we not forget stubborn," he teases.

"I'm serious, Damon."

"Elena," he says with a tired sigh, "you're not perfect and I don't want you to be. You drive me insane and you piss me off, but…ugh," he grunts and lightly tickles me. "I can't believe you're making me talk about my feelings."

I don't say anything, just smile again as I wait for him to continue.

"There are a hundred reasons why," he says seriously. "It's who you are and who I am when I'm with you. It's how you've changed me and who I want to be for you. But it's mostly for the reasons I can't explain. This is it for me," he says with a gentle squeeze and unfiltered honesty. "Even if it'll never be for you."

"Damon…"

"And if you want to go, I understand. I just don't want you to. I know it's selfish, but tonight…I need you, Elena."

"I know," I whisper, because I do.

If I say yes, leaving will be one of the hardest things I'll ever have to do. I know I'll hurt him and I'll hurt me too, but I can't find the will to say no to him. And at least this time I'll have every opportunity and all the freedom I need to try to make it up to him beforehand; to make him feel as loved as I can while I'm able. It won't ever be enough, but I have to try.

"Yes," I agree quietly.

"Elena, are you sure?"

I nod.

"Then I need you to promise me something."

I'm instantly terrified, so I don't say a word.

"You already know how I feel, where I stand. I can't pretend I won't tell you again, but no matter what I need you to not say it back, even if you want to."

"What?" I ask in shock, sitting up to look at him fully.

"Promise me," he says again steadily, contradicting the need in his eyes.

"Why?"

"Because tomorrow will be hard enough and I can't take that on top of everything else."

"Then I should go…" I say and turn away to leave his bed. I won't cause him this much pain. I've already hurt him too much.

"No," he commands and pulls me back so I'm pinned underneath him, his weight pressing me deep into his mattress where I can't escape. "I want you to stay, but I just can't hear it. Not tonight, not yet. Please, promise me, Elena."

I search his eyes as I consider. I don't want to agree. I want him to know that he's loved and I do love him. But how am I supposed to make him understand when he's begging me not to say the words?

I can't believe he's asking me this, but at the same time I understand. When I do tell him, I don't want him to question whether it was because I was caught up in a blood rush or in the haze of sex. He deserves to have the certainty that it's nothing but the absolute truth.

And if I were to tell him tonight, there's no guarantee that he can hear it tomorrow. He has every right to know that I'm only saying it to one of them.

"I promise," I agree, cupping his face with my hands.

"Thank you," he sighs, his eyes closing in relief as he rests his forehead against mine.

I wrap my arms around him, leaning up so I can rub my cheek against his.

"Sorry," he whispers. "I can go shave."

"No," I insist quickly, leaning back to smile at him. "I like it," I tell him and he lifts an eyebrow in surprise, smirking at the truth I know he sees in my eyes.

I feel a tug behind my knee and we blur, his speed amazing me even with my heightened senses. I find myself sitting up, my legs around his waist and my hands in his hair.

"I'm not going to hold back," he whispers, kissing my cheek and making my whole body melt into him.

"I don't want you to."

I sigh as his lips slowly travel to my jaw and down my neck. I feel the tip of a deadly fang trace the vein that he's entered before and I wait impatiently for the pleasure from his bite. It doesn't come.

"I may not be gentle," he says, his voice rougher.

"Good," I gasp between strangled breaths, his breath trickling down my shirt and in between my breasts.

Hands that were on my back move to my hips, forcing me closer so I can feel how much he wants me. His mouth brushes my ear, his words a nearly silent growl that sends shivers down my spine.

"I am not him."

I take his face in my hands and make him look at me.

"I never wanted you to be," I promise with quiet conviction.

His mouth finds mine and our agreement is sealed.

I give myself completely to his lips, touching them with my tongue as I ask for permission to enter. He admits me, parting them with a groan and filling me with the only air I ever want to know.

I can't seem to remember my name as I focus on his touch, his fingertips grazing the skin just above my jeans. They tickle and brush me as they crawl their way up my sides, taking my shirt with them as they climb. He pulls it gently over my head before tossing it aside, his mouth reclaiming mine the moment I'm free.

I need to taste his skin so I do, nipping and kissing my way down to his shoulder so I can bite him with blunted teeth. I feel him unhook the clasp on my back, slipping his hands under the straps and sliding them forward off my arms so he can throw my bra away. I have no idea where it landed, but I couldn't care less.

We blur and I'm on my back again, my arms and legs enclosing him as I pull and beg for more. His mouth is demanding all of me and I want him to take it all and leave nothing left. I realize I'm still wearing my jeans, but this time I won't let anything come between us. I reach to undo them but before I can, he captures my wrist, stopping me.

"That's my job," he growls into my ear.

"Then what are you waiting for?" I pant eagerly.

"Patience, Elena," he laughs wickedly against my neck.

"Since when are you patient?"

"I have plenty of patience," he scoffs. "In the right circumstances," he adds in a whisper, laying a kiss over my heart.

"I'll believe that when I see it."

"Oh, you will," he says playfully and takes my nipple into his mouth. He sucks and pulls, hardening it further before pinching it between his teeth.

I gasp at the sensation and he pulls away with a smug grin. I want him to do it again and harder, but he's just watching me. His eyes slightly narrow as something crosses his mind, but before I can ask what it is he's crawling up and over me, reaching to turn on the lamp on his bedside table.

"What the matter?" I tease, running my hands over his toned chest. "Going blind in your old age, Grandpa?"

"Grandpa?" he asks incredulously. "You're gonna pay for that one, Elena," he nips at my ear.

"Careful, wouldn't want you to break a hip."

"The only hips," he mumbles, kissing his way back down my chest. "That I'd be worried about," he presses into my stomach. "Are yours."

My giggle cuts off as I feel a seam rip on the side of my pants.

"Damon!" He bites and growls against my hip and I can't remember what I was saying. I feel the seam split further and suddenly I remember. "You can't rip my clothes off," I laugh.

"Sure I can," he smiles innocently. "And don't act like I can't just buy you more."

"And how am I supposed to get home without pants?"

"Who says that wasn't part of my plan?" he cocks his head at me, but I hear the button on my jeans come undone and I gasp before I can help it.

Damon's eyes widen as his hand covers his mouth, throwing me the most exaggerated look of fake shock that I've ever seen. I'm in glorious trouble.

It's clear he has every intention of only going at his own maddening pace and I'm completely at his mercy. I'm not entirely sure of all that I've signed up for and I'm not sure I even care as long as it means that I get to stay.

But whatever it is, it won't be over quickly.

He proves me right as he unzips me; my heart racing steadily faster as he slowly and deliberately unlocks each metal tooth, one by one. By the time it's finally open, I'm struggling for air.

"Breathe, honey," he whispers, kissing the lace front of my exposed panties and sending my pulse up even further. "Elena, do you want me to stop?" he asks gently.

"No," I shake my head, tilting my hips up in permission for him to continue undressing me.

He tugs on my pants, but they don't move they're so tight. His whole body shakes with laughter as he folds the top over, peeling them off and down my legs before tossing them to the floor, inside out.

"How do you even put those on?" he smiles at me, his tongue and teeth tasting the inside of my ankle. I can't help but shiver as he explores me, his hands massaging my leg that's propped on his shoulder.

"Practice," I wink as his mouth crawls up to my knee, making my desire pool brazenly.

"Mmm," he rumbles, satisfied with my response and beginning to kiss the inside of my thigh.

"Damon?"

"Hmm?"

"Rip my underwear and you'll be a dead man walking," I warn and I've never seen him laugh so hard.

He looks completely at ease, casually propping his head up on one elbow between my open legs, his hand idly petting the trail he just kissed.

"Little late for that one, sweetheart," he chuckles. "Proud card-carrying member of the undead race for 150 years, give or take."

"You pop a single thread and that card will be expired," I tell him, pointing my finger at him threateningly.

He prowls his way back up my body, his eyes locked on mine while he hooks my leg high around his hip. His kisses are deep and unhurried as his nails trail back down my skin, slipping through the small space between us and under thin lace. One confident finger slides against me, parting me gently and teasing me with the faintest touch.

"Elena, repeat after me," he whispers, pausing at my entrance.

I'm already trembling from the release that he's so masterfully building and I squirm, impatient for more and straining towards him. He doesn't move.

"American Express Black," he grins and dips into me, curling his long fingers and grazing his thumb over my clit.

My back arches clear off the bed, my whole body contracting and my inner walls squeezing him.

"Scream, baby," he growls and I do, too lost in ecstasy to fully comprehend the unfamiliar sounds that are pouring out of my mouth.

He thrusts his fingers into me with the smallest of movements, stroking me in perfect harmony with the waves of my orgasm.

I can't find the end and I don't remember him stopping, but I'm returned to reality as cold air hits me and I know that I'm now bare. I catch the faint tickle of his hair brushing against the inside of my leg and his lips surround me, kissing me where I want him most.

His tongue touches me and he moans, the vibration commanding a single wave of pleasure to ripple through me.

"Damon…I can't," I stutter as his fingers enter me again.

"You can," he whispers, his breath caressing my over-stimulated sex.

He builds me up again slowly, languidly drinking in my want and taking his time enjoying me. My screams are even louder than before as he lightly bites my clit, making me come with so much force it borders on painful.

When his lips finally pull away I'm relieved when they don't leave for long, immediately back against my skin as he kisses his way up to my mouth. His hands are everywhere; cupping my breasts and pinching my nipples, squeezing the skin at my waist. I tremble under his nails scraping over my bottom and down the back of my thighs as he wraps my legs around him.

The head of his cock brushes against me and I moan into his mouth, grabbing at him wildly in a plea for him to connect us. He pulls back and looks at me and I nod.

"Please, Damon, I need you," I beg and grip him harder, drawing lines of blood from his back.

He arches under the pain from my scratches, his hips curling forward and his swollen head entering and stretching me. I've never felt anything so right. Having him inside me is like finally coming home after never even knowing that you were ever lost.

His eyes roll back with a groan as he rocks further into me, but he still hasn't given me all of him yet. I'm sure he can tell how tight I am and despite what he said, I know he's trying to be gentle.

"Damon…"

"You okay?" he whispers before kissing me softly.

"Don't hold back," I tell him breathlessly.

His eyebrow lifts as he grins, kissing me roughly and I bite at his lips. He pulls back too soon, sitting up and letting his eyes rake over me. I wish I had the courage to ask him if he likes what he sees, but I don't need to. His approval of my body is as evident in his smile as it is from the steel cock that's resting against my thigh.

He catches me off guard when he grips me behind my knees and yanks me towards him, my back sliding down the sheet and leaving my arms behind to extend over my head. He spreads my legs further, opening me to him before he slams all the way into me.

My eyes pop at the glorious feeling of having him buried so deep. And I love that he doesn't hesitate as he fucks me; his hands gripping my hips hard enough to bruise and I still want them tighter. He wrenches me against him as he thrusts into me with no restraint and he doesn't stop and he doesn't slow until I'm screaming his name in shameless pleasure.

I don't get a chance to settle before he leans back, swinging my left leg in front of him while throwing up my right, crossing my ankles and resting them on his shoulder. I'm tighter in this new position and I marvel at seeing how good I feel to him; his head falling back with a moan while he wraps his arms around my legs to anchor himself inside me.

His strokes are slower, more concentrated, and I lose myself in feeling every inch of him as he moves and swells inside me. I don't want to know anything else but this.

He doesn't let us stay here long, uncrossing me and smoothly ducking under my left leg in a blur, switching it to his other shoulder before I even know what he's doing. I'm happy to let him command my body and he drops my right leg so it wraps around his waist, ramming into me deeper now that I'm more open to him. His swollen head hits my g spot and I try my best to contain it, but my restraint shatters violently when he begins to rub my clit.

He's still driving into me when he takes my ankle closest to him, bringing it to his mouth and pressing his lips against it. I'm not sure what he's going to do next, but I'm so pleased at his understanding that he can do whatever he wants.

I gave myself to him for tonight and I'm all his to enjoy, a concept he seems to be taking full advantage of. I know because he smiles at me just before he strikes, sinking his teeth into my vein and making me come again.

I've never had an orgasm this strong and I lose more time with each throb of release. My body is jerking with spasms and I can't open my eyes, but I don't care. I want him to have it all. To drain me dry and fuck me into nothing because there can never be a better death than this.

I hear my pounding heart and I learn I'm somehow still alive. And I'm not sure when, I don't remember, but he must have moved me. I find myself on my side, his warm body lined up behind me.

"Come here, baby," I hear him whisper as he lifts me up. It's just enough so he can slide a strong arm under me, wrapping it back over my chest and holding me to him. I find his other hand lazily trailing down my side, gliding over my breasts and stomach before parting my knees so he can enter me from behind.

His strokes into me are slower now and he's caressing my whole body as he kisses and bites at my neck and shoulder. I could make love like this forever, utterly relaxed with him taking his time as he holds and feels me everywhere he wants to. I've never felt so cherished.

I'm unconsciously lost in his rhythm, my hips moving with his in perfect harmony. I tilt further back to bring him deeper, but he slips out and brushes my forbidden entry. I gasp.

"Sorry," he whispers, but I'm so wet I already know he didn't do it on purpose.

I've never done that and I never considered I would, but the sensation was delightfully overwhelming and I can't help but to be intrigued. I rock back once more and slide him against me and this time he's the one that sucks in a breath.

"Elena?"

I don't speak. I just concentrate on the tingles that I feel from the rush of the taboo.

"Sweetheart, have you done this before?" he asks gently.

I shake my head.

"Okay, I'm going to go slow, but you have to tell me if you want to stop."

I nod, but I'm not worried. Damon would never do anything to hurt me and I would never feel secure enough try this with anyone but him.

"Try to relax, honey, and concentrate on my hands," he instructs me, so I do.

The arm across my chest is cupping my breast and playing with my nipple, rolling it and pinching in the most delicious way. His other is sliding down my belly and between my parted thighs, petting me softly but careful to avoid my clit. I'm so mesmerized by his fingers I almost forget the reason I'm focusing on them, until he brushes against me.

He's not pushing, just letting me get used to the idea and the feel of his firm length here. I'm so tight that he doesn't enter but he still thrusts slowly, leaving me periodically to rewet himself with my want. Everything he's doing feels dangerous and dirty and sexy, but it's also beautiful and incredibly intimate, all at the same time. He's claiming a part of me no one has ever reached, a place that will only ever be for him.

He touches my clit and delicately bites my shoulder and I feel his head slip inside. It hurts a little at first, but he's careful and he doesn't go too deep. I've never felt anything so intense and a part of me wonders why anything that feels this good could ever be thought to be so wrong. I don't care what people would think. It's Damon and he loves me and he never lets me feel anything but beautiful and adored.

I'm rewarded for my bravery as he leaves and wets himself once more, this time entering me easily now that I'm more relaxed. He continues to stretch me slowly, lovingly; distracting me with his touch and nibbles on my skin until he's able to enter me fully. His groans are primitive and deep as he slides into me and I find myself arching back, wanting him to fill me every way he can.

I reach behind me, threading my fingers through his hair and pressing harder against him until his pace matches mine; plunging without fear or control but never hurting me. His fingers enter my vacant entry and I'm almost complete, the only other thing I need are his teeth in my skin.

"Bite me, Damon," I whisper. "Please…"

I feel his fangs pierce my shoulder and I'm screaming and quaking and coming, squeezing his fingers in one entry and his cock in another. I can feel him trembling as he thrusts one final time, grunting loud and harsh before spilling into me.

He lies still, struggling for breath. I do too, nowhere near the point that I can comprehend all that just happened. I feel him slide out and his fingers leave me, but he doesn't move away. I snuggle back into him as he drapes his arm over me, kissing me sweetly everywhere he can while he rests behind me.

I never want to move again. I just want to sleep forever, protected by Damon's arms and exhausted from the pleasure that only he can bring me. I've never felt safer than in his bed and my mind can only think that I hope he doesn't make me go back to my house now.

I feel him get up and leave the bed and I strike my arm out to reach for him. I don't want him to leave, I need to have him beside me. He must have seen me panic because before I can call his name he grabs my hand and kisses it, leaning back over the bed and down to me.

"Stay here and I'll be right back," he whispers and kisses me, then he disappears.

I hear him start the water for a bath and I begin to fall asleep, the gentle thunder steadily lulling me into darkness. My mind slips as a dream begins and stops. It's interrupted as warm hands slide under me and lift me away from soft sheets. I gladly curl into his chest as he carries me, not caring where we're going as long as I can stay here.

Warmth slides over me as he dips my toes in the water, lowering us both carefully into the tub. I'm dreamily breathing in the rich aroma of the salts he used when his hands prop me forward and I'm confused as to why he's pushing me away, but I'm too tired to question him.

A deep sigh of relief leaves me as he combs his hands through my hair, gathering it at the base of my neck and twisting it up. Plastic scrapes my scalp and I feel the weight drop as my hair tries to fall, but it can't because he actually clipped it up for me.

No one takes care of me like he does. I don't think I even want anyone else to try, because there's no way they could do it as perfectly as him. What kind of man remembers things like this? He sets an impossibly high precedent and I doubt he's even trying.

I'm more in awe of him than ever.

"Thank you," I mumble as he leans me back against him, water and soap slick between our skin. "Why do you have hair clips?" I murmur, my voice tired and slurring.

"Because," he says quietly, running bubble coated palms all down my arms. "Someone likes to leave her stuff all over my house."

"Sorry," I smile and lightly laugh.

"You can only apologize if you stop," he breathes into my ear. "Elena, do you know what the best part of my day is?"

I shake my head, watching our hands. He has them in front of me in what reminds me of a prayer, his fingers threading over and through mine so they're encased by his.

"When I come downstairs in the morning and your lip gloss is on my coffee cup in the sink."

"Your coffee cup?" I tease, raising my eyebrow and turning slightly so I can see him.

"You only use the black one that has a chip on the bottom," he tells me, taking both my hands in one of his. "Which happens to be mine," he growls playfully, tickling my side and getting me to giggle and squirm just like he wanted.

I should probably be shocked that he knows exactly what cup I like, but somehow it doesn't surprise me one bit. He always seems to know little things like this about me.

"Why do you keep it if it has a chip in it?" I ask with a yawn, snuggling back against his chest and letting my eyes droop in comfort.

"It's complicated," he chuckles, kissing my temple.

"Tell me…"

"Sometimes," he sighs and wraps his arms around me so I'm nestled in his hold. "I'd rather have imperfection. I'm sure that doesn't make sense but-"

"No, I understand," I tell him, because I do. I love this cup for this very reason. It reminds me that everything is breakable underneath and that's what makes life so precious.

I want to ask him something else, but I don't want to upset him. I need to know though, I have to be sure.

I hate the idea that he could have just made love to me and never have been completely sure who was in his bed. She's fooled him before and I'm sure she'll try again.

"Damon, can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?"

I'm sure he hears how fast my heart is racing because his just began to speed up too, my worry making him nervous along with me.

"You know, I'm not real good with suspense," he teases when I don't say anything.

"And here I thought you were the master of patience?" I turn my head and nip at his jaw.

"Nice try," he laughs. "And I'm still waiting."

I take a deep breath and try to gather my courage. I'll never feel right about tonight if I don't ask.

"How do you know I'm me?"

I feel and hear him take a deep breath. He leans down, placing a gentle kiss against my neck.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers, shaking his head. "I should have known that night."

"It's just-"

"You want to know how I know?"

I nod my head. I need him to tell me.

He nuzzles my neck, his breath sweeping over my bare chest. My skin instantly turns red in a warm blush, my heart beating faster.

"That's how I know," he whispers.

He extends my right arm, turning it over palm up. His fingertips graze a nearly invisible scar on the heel of my hand that I've had since I was a kid. I smile.

"And this…"

He brings my arm back so it's draped around his neck. His nails glide back down my arm, stopping to rest the pad of his finger on a freckle that lies between my breasts.

"And here…"

His hand drops lower, sliding against my wet skin and down between my thighs.

"I know who you are, Elena," he whispers and enters me.

I believe him and I'm so relieved I asked. I leave worry and questions behind, drifting through a haze of assurance and devotion. He touches me so reverently, like I'm the only person he ever wants to feel.

I need to feel him too. I sit up and turn, straddling his hips and sinking myself down onto him. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing him unable to control his reaction to me, black veins snaking around his eyes and hearing the satisfied groans leaving his lips.

I bring his hands up from my hips and lay them on my breasts, guiding them to caress me as I lean back and ride him. My body is tired and I don't have much strength, but I don't have to go fast and it doesn't take long before I feel the tingling sensation of release building again.

I'm so overwhelmed with all that's happened today. I can't help but relish in how magnificent it's been to finally be open and free with him.

A tear falls when I realize that too soon I'll have to leave and I'm heartbroken.

I don't want to go.

Damon doesn't miss a thing. His hands cup my face and guide me to him, kissing me more tenderly than he ever has before.

"Elena, look at me," he breathes shakily. "One day we will figure this out. I promise," he says, wiping my tears and pressing his mouth back against mine.

I'm trembling on top of him, but I don't know if it's because of his words or my slow, pulsing orgasm. I don't care and it doesn't matter. The only thing I need to know is that he's as close to me as possible so I can drown in the feel his heartbeat and how it matches mine.

I fall forward completely drained and he catches me, he always does. And it doesn't frighten me when he stands with me still wrapped around him, because I know I'm safe as long as he's near; my trust in him implicit. I still hold on to him with all my strength, but it's not even necessary. Damon always holds me tighter.

He doesn't take us far, setting me on his counter. He steps back to reach for a towel and I panic again, unwilling to lose him even for a moment. I dig my heels into his waist, pulling him back to me.

"Don't leave me," I whimper, burying my face in his neck.

"I'm not leaving. I'm right here," he sooths, his fingertips tracing the line of my spine.

He gasps as I reach between us, guiding him back into me. I'm exhausted but I still need him and I know he's not done and I want him to feel as wonderful as I do.

He scoots me forward so I can have all of him, his thrusts forceful in his passion.

I know he made me promise, but I can't help it. I need to tell him, he has to know the truth.

"Damon…I…"

"I know," he tells me, still refusing to let me say the words.

He pushes faster, harder, giving in to all he feels and taking what he needs from me. His hand finds mine and our rings lock, his other securely supporting my back as he drives deeper into me.

He throws our hands up against the mirror, shouting my name as he comes.

I hear it explode as our rings strike the glass, jagged reflections raining down all around us.

I wait to feel them cut my skin, but I never do.

Damon is leaning over me, breathless and completely sated. I let my eyes take in my demon savior and his flawless skin is shimmering, wet from the bath and beading with sweat and sparkling from the threat he shielded me from.

My vision slides and shifts as tears take my eyes. I blink them away, refusing to allow them to steal this from me because I've never seen anything so beautiful in all my wretched life.

A/N: All righty folks, AND WE'RE STILL NOT DONE! I have one final chapter planned, so stick around.

Thank you all so much for reading and following and favoriting and reviewing...just, thank you. All. Big love.

-Goldnox