Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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It was chilly where they were. The blanket fell to the floor as I rolled into his embrace. His hand rested on my lower back, grasping me as close as he could get me in his sleepy state. I nuzzled my face against his chest, waking up slowly as he continued his rhythmic breathing. I reached up to wipe the sleep from my eyes and glanced up to watch Damon. He was beautiful while he slept, peaceful and quiet. He looked young as he slept a soft smile on his lips.

I smiled against him as I remembered my dreamless sleep. I hadn't gone so long without a nightmare or a bittersweet dream of happier times. His presence comforted me and offered me a peace I hadn't felt since I was sixteen. He groaned softly as he shifted me in his arms, his hand falling to my hip.

We had made love for hours, rising only to eat briefly and even then he pulled me down to the kitchen floor. I knew he had been with many women in the past few years but he seemed desperate as he made love to me. He was gentle but insistent, passionate yet controlled. He was a masterful lover and he made sure I was aware of his prowess. His control was phenomenal as he pleasured me until I begged for him to finish, my voice hoarse from my soft cries.

His body was riddled with small bruises as I had made sure to mark him. He had fallen under my full control only once during the night, pleading with me as I withheld his pleasure. I leaned over to kiss one of the marks on his collarbone, and watched as his eyes tensed. I felt him beginning to wake up and I rested my chin on his chest. He opened his eyes and glanced down at me, his blue eyes catching the morning light. His fingers trailed up my body until they grasped my face. He pulled me up to him suddenly and I sighed against his lips. His kisses were drugging and I was perfectly okay with becoming an addict.

"Good morning," he whispered against my lips. He let his head drop against the pillows as I crawled up to lay beside him.

"Good morning."

"I should make you breakfast."

"What a weird thing to say when we're naked."

"I could make you breakfast, while naked. I would be perfectly okay with you sitting on a stool while ogling my masculine perfection."

"Adonis-like features..."

"Baby, I'm hotter than Adonis." He actually looked insulted at my words. I pulled him in for a kiss to soften the blow a little before sitting up suddenly. I stood up and tossed a pillow at his head. He caught it before glancing up at me questioningly.

"I want some of those incredible blintzes you made before. If they're good then I'll give you a little something later." He sat up gently and reached out for me. I giggled as I danced away from him. "Nah uh! No touching until I have a blintz in my belly."

"Mmm...I guess I'll have to get right on that then. We only have four more hours and I tend to rock your world a few more times."

"Damon, we could have recorded a full-length concert with how many times you rocked my world last night," I said as I leaned towards the bed. He made a grab for me but I avoided his fingers. "Nope, Baby. Feed me and then you can touch me."

"God you're no fun," he sighed as he stood up on the other side of the bed. He stretched with his full body, arching his lower back as he put his hands behind his neck. My eyes dropped to his prominent arousal. He really was flawless and infinitely beautiful in the way only a man can be. My eyes darted to meet his smirk when he chuckled lightly. "I know I'm sexy but do you want your blintzes or not?"

"Oh I want and I tend to get what I want," I said playfully. My fingers trailed over my breasts softly before I turned and skipped out of the room. "Come on Baby, my breakfast won't make itself."

I heard him grumbling behind me as he followed me. There was something immensely freeing about running through the house naked. I had never felt quite as free as I did right then. I felt safe and warm, even though it was chilly, and I felt like I was finding comfort for the first time in so long. I turned to face the reason behind my feelings and smiled as he walked into the open kitchen.

Ever since he had cooked for me I couldn't get enough of his food. He was an amazing cook and I knew he could be a professional if he desired. He made my cooking taste like cardboard in comparison even though he claimed I was severely mistaken. He had kissed me and asked me how I could question my skills in the kitchen when my food made him come home those first few nights. It hadn't been his daughter or the ravishing woman before him. It had been the food. Such a man! It was one of the first things which he noticed about me.

"Strawberry or blueberry toppings?" he asked as he began to gather ingredients. Unfortunately his bare ass distracted as I ogled shamelessly. He turned to face me and smirked, his eyes dipping to my breasts for a moment. His eyes darted back up to mine as he licked his lower lip.

"Strawberry," I whispered. He pulled the container of strawberries out of the fridge and began cooking. He moved methodically through cooking. Each ingredient was thrown in with no measurement necessary. He knew how to cook and he knew how to cook well. He reached out and offered me one strawberry, grasped carefully between his fingers. I took it from him, my lips kissing his fingers gently as I sucked the berry into my mouth. My tongue darted out to lick the stray juices on the tips of his fingers and he groaned softly. "It's good."

"Mm hmm...now I need you to sit there and look pretty while I finish these. You are much too distracting," he said as a grin erupted across his face. I knew he would have me soon enough, maybe stretched across the counter. We hadn't tested the counters yet and I had noticed him eying them last night.

"So about Mystic Falls..." I trailed off.

"It's your decision Elena. I just wanted to offer my support and let you know I would be there with you."

"I want to go Damon. I want to see my little brother again. I want to see them for Christmas and let them know I'm okay," I paused for a moment as I considered my next thoughts, "I want them to meet you and Katie. I want to share my happiness with them."

"Then we'll go Sweetheart. We'll rent a room or something at an inn and we'll spend Christmas with them," he said as he loaded my plate with a few blintzes. He sprinkled strawberries on top of them as he moved behind me. The plate was placed in front of me as he stood just out of reach. "Taste them."

I lifted one up to my lips and tasted it, biting into it softly as I moaned at the flavor. They were perfect. He definitely deserved a reward for this wonderful breakfast. I reached out for him and pulled him closer. As he edged forward I swiveled in my seat, until he was between my thighs. I reached up and pulled him down to me gently. Our lips met easily as we slid together. His hands lifted me against him as he slid in effortlessly.

This was easy for us, magical but real. We fit together so well and I watched him greedily. He threw his head back in pleasure and I watched as his brows grew knitted, his eyes shut as he sought his pleasure. His hands held me tightly as he moved again and again, his thrusting rhythmic until he shifted suddenly. We really were insatiable and I wondered what it would be like to be back home, with Katie. He would be disappointed in our sexual freedom.

"God Elena!" he moaned as he sought my lips in another drugging kiss. I heard myself squeal as he pressed himself more intimately against me. I cried out as he kissed me again, my release washing over me. He grunted softly as he clutched me closer. My legs relaxed as I held his body limply between my thighs. He kissed my forehead, cheek, lips, ears, neck as he came down from his high.

"Mmm...breakfast is getting cold."

"Who cares?"

"No more today."

"You're cutting me off?" He asked incredulously as his hand dropped to my hip.

"Just for now. We have to pack and get going. You need to talk to Katie about the dance and I need to take her shopping. If you're a good boy tonight then we can make love in our bed," I whispered to him.

"Our bed...I like the sound of that."

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DPOV

I was sad to say goodbye to the cabin, to watch as it grew smaller against the backdrop of the mountain. This place had held memories for me, some painful and some beautiful. After the past two nights I would only remember this place as where a woman had loved me. She hadn't asked me for anything when I made love to her. She didn't ask for my heart or my promises. She asked for me to be with her.

Even now she was reading her book, her legs propped up on the seat in front of us. I stared at her as she pushed some of her hair behind her ear. She was beautiful and I knew those walls I had built around my heart were thawing. She was getting inside of me and oddly enough, I wanted her to be there. She made me want to protect her, to make her happy.

I had dreamt of her the past few nights which wasn't a stretch since she was curled up in my embrace. I had awoken in the middle of the night, holding her gently as I contemplated the meaning. In some dreams she was my wife, others she was pregnant. Some they were older and she was getting ready for their grandkids. My favorite had been a wedding. She had been flawless in white and she had come to me with a smile on her lips. I had known it was a smile just for me.

She glanced up at me then, that smile gracing her features. Her book dropped to her lap as she reached out and placed her hand on my thigh.

"You are thinking so loudly," she said as she leaned up to kiss me.

"How is it you know me so well?" She smiled again as she leaned against me, my hand reaching down to hold hers.

"Because I love you Damon. Also, you aren't that hard to read."

"What are you reading?"

"Pride and Prejudice," I paused and reached over for her book. She was reading my favorite book...could this woman do anything more amazing? I reached over and picked up the book.

"Chapter Eight. 'Mr. Bennet had often wished, before this period of his life, that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by an annual sum, for the better provision of his children, and of his wife, if she survived him. He now wished it more than ever.'" My voice resounded in the small space. She glanced up at me for a moment before curling up against him, her legs tucked on the seat. I smiled gently as I rested my head against her and continued.

Three hours later Nick pulled up in front of the apartment building. I had continued reading for the majority of the time and she had been the best audience. She had stopped me every so often to ask questions or make comments. There was also the one time near the city limits where she had attacked me, kissing me gently and then more passionately. She had mumbled something about drugging kisses before sealing our lips together. Finally she had pulled away as we hit traffic and asked me to continue.

"You know you have a sexy voice?" she asked as she rubbed my thigh suggestively. For someone who had cut me off in the bedroom department, she did everything she could to make me want to jump her.

"Everything about me is sexy."

"So cocky."

"Mm...hmm." I glanced over at Nick and he waved us on as he popped the trunk. We would go up and he would bring the bags up momentarily. His family would enjoy a rather large Christmas present for putting up with me and my very loving girlfriend. I tucked her under my arm and she reached up to hold my hand as she leaned against me as we walked.

"The dance is tomorrow, you know," she said quietly. I looked down at her and met her gaze.

"That's kind of short notice, isn't it?"

"Um well I kind of bought the tickets and figured they would just go to waste if you two didn't go," she blushed lightly and I reached down to caress her cheek softly. I kissed the side of her head softly before leaning over to press the button, indicating our floor.

"I'm glad you did. I was thinking about it last night and I realized I need to do this. I don't want to miss out on Katie's childhood like I already have. I want to be a part of important moments in her life. I don't want to miss anything."

"I'm so proud of you, you know? When I met you, I thought you were an ass."

"An ass, huh?"

"You didn't know anything about your daughter. You didn't spend more than fifteen minutes with me before you left me alone with her. On top of that, you knew nothing about the agency I worked for. For all you knew, I was perverted and a danger to your daughter." I spun her in my arms until she was staring up at me. I grasped her chin and tilted it up as I leaned closer to her lips.

"I knew I could trust you the moment I saw you. You held your own against me and trust me, I can spot a criminal. You are no criminal."

"Well thanks for that. I'm glad you gave me the chance."

"Well if you had sucked at it, I would have fired you. Katie adores you now. I couldn't have fired you after those first few days. Our relationship was already much better and I could see it improving more."

"Plus I was hot."

"Yes. That is incredibly important. You know what else is important?"

"Nope."

"That thing you do with your tongue when you..."

"Damon!" She squealed at my suggestion.

"God I love the way you say my name. I like it even more when you're delirious with pleasure."

"Damon, we're about to go inside to your daughter and your mother. Can we not discuss the things I can and cannot do with my mouth?"

"As you wish Sweetheart," I said as I led her to the door. As I opened the door, I heard a squeal and then a little body collided with mine. I reached out to grab the thing against me and realized my little girl was attached to my hip, hugging me so hard I feared for my manhood. "Too hard Katie."

"Daddy! I missed you!"

"Good afternoon son...Elena," Mom said from the couch. She was sitting back against the plush surface with a tea cup in her hand. My mother, always the Englishwoman.

"Good afternoon Victoria." I watched Elena move away from me and take a place next to my mother. She turned towards me, smiled and nodded, gesturing for me and Katie to go elsewhere.

"Katie, can we go and talk about some things?" She looked up at me and nodded slowly. I took her hand and led her down the hallway to her room. Once inside she ran towards her bed and grabbed her favorite stuffed animal.

"What are we talking about?" I moved closer to her and sat down in the armchair near her bed. I often came by this room and saw Elena sitting where I sat now, reading with Katie just having fun. It felt strange sitting in her place.

"I want to talk about Elena."

"Is she leaving?" Katie looked terrified at the thought and I reached out to grab her hand.

"No Katie. Elena's not leaving. Things are going to change and I want you to understand them."

"What things?"

"First of all Elena won't be sharing a bathroom with you anymore."

"Why? Is she moving?"

"Yes. She's moving down the hall," she looked downright confused and I smiled lightly. She truly was confused."

"But there aren't any bedrooms there. It's just your room and your office."

"Yes. Elena is moving into my room."

"But I thought only people who were married shared a room," Shit. I was messing this up.

"Yes but it's also for people who care deeply about each other. I want to spend a lot more time with Elena and I want to wake up with her in the morning. I want to share my life with her."

"Will she share her life with me too?" It was such a wise question from such a little girl. I paused before answering her, thinking about the best way to answer the question.

"If you are willing to share your life with her then I think she would be willing to share." She smiled a little as I said that and I realized she already loved Elena. It wasn't just respect she gave Elena, it was love.

"Do you love her?" Her question was quiet, her eyes cast down at the comforter.

"I don't know. I really don't. All I know is I want to be with her and I want her to want to be with me."

"So you and Elena are going to share a room...then who's going to use her old room?"

"I think your grandmother will be staying here for a while. She'll move in there and share the bathroom." She looked away in the same manner Elena did and I was struck by how quickly Elena had become a part of both of our worlds. I could only hope my relationship wouldn't hurt Katie too much if it ended. I, of course, am an idiot.

"Is that it?"

"No," I said before taking her hand in mine. "Katie would you like to go to the Father-Daughter dance at your school tomorrow?"

"Really?"

"Mm hmm. Elena can take you shopping later and I already have the tickets." She didn't say anything for a moment. She just stared at me as if she was trying to understand me, as if she was weighing my offer in her mind. She bit her lower lip as she considered her options and for a moment he saw her mother. She had always done that when she was considering her answer carefully. Katie reached up and pushed her hair behind her ear, a move Elena used all the time. She was picking up both habits and I wasn't sure if it was good or not.

"When can Elena take me shopping?

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It was brown or what Elena called mocha. The skirt was poufy and covered in little black embroidered flowers. Around the waist was a bow and it was sleeveless. The shoes had little matching bows on them and the tights were nude, a more grown-up choice I was told. Her hair was back with a clip, a bit of the same flower I was giving her attached to it.

"You look beautiful Katie." She blushed a little at my words before twirling around as my mother commanded. Flashes went off as two women snapped pictures mercilessly. Katie twirled around before slowing when I grabbed her hand.

"If you'd stop spinning, I can give you your corsage."

"What's a corsage?"

"It's like a flower bracelet," I said as I kneeled down next to her.

"Damon, do it slowly. We want to get a picture," Elena said before giggling lightly. She was enjoying turning this into a production. It had started hours ago when she had taken pictures of us getting ready. She had taken pictures at dinner. She had taken pictures of us unpacking. When asked, she claimed she wanted to make memories and she wanted to have pictures. With the way she was going, they'd have to buy a warehouse to hold the prints.

I took the flower corsage out of the box and slid it onto Katie's slim wrist. After I slid it into place, I pulled her wrist to my lips and kissed the underside of her arm. Katie giggled softly as she cried out, "That tickles!"

Finally after a hundred more pictures I had escorted Katie to the elevator. Once loaded into the back of the car with Nick pulling into the busy streets, I realized I had no idea what to expect at this dance. Was it just dancing? What about the other fathers? What was the proper way for us to behave? I had never been to one of these things and what if I embarrassed her in front of her friends? I distinctly remember being embarrassed by my parents when I was in school.

"What are your friends' names?"

"Abby, Melanie, and Emma."

"And what are they like?"

"Well Abby likes to read. She's always writing stuff down in her notebook. Her dad's an accou..accoun..."

"Accountant."

"Yeah that. Mellie's dad is a lawyer like Uncle Stefan. She likes to act things out. She's going to be in the winter play. Emma is more like me. She likes to draw and she's working with paints now. I asked Elena if I could have paints but she said we should wait until the spring so I can paint on the patio," she sighed heavily and I suddenly remembered the plight of kids whose loved ones didn't always understand them. She wanted to paint now but Elena had tried to talk her down.

"It's because of the white carpets Katie. If you want to experiment with the paint then it's better to do it on the concrete patio. That way we won't have to replace the rug."

"I'm not messy Daddy. I'd be careful."

"Well I'll talk to Elena about it and maybe we can see about Christmas."

"Silly Daddy, I mailed my letter to Santa last week. Elena helped me with the stamp and everything."

"A letter to Santa huh?" Where did those letters go? What happened to all the letters addressed to the North Pole? Millions of kids must have written letters and mailed them so what happened to them?

"Yep."

"And what is it that you want?"

"I want an easel and a dollhouse and I want a pet."

"A pet?"

"Yeah. I wanted a puppy but Elena told me it would be hard to have a big dog in the apartment. She told me I should ask for a kitten or a fish. She thought they would be better." Elena really had all her bases covered in this household. She had every little detail planned and made things easier for everyone, especially me.

"Well we'll just have to see what Santa brings, okay?"

"Okay."

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It was a madhouse. That's the only thing that popped into my mind as we walked into the ballroom of the ritzy hotel. There were little girls all over the place, dragging their hapless fathers after them. Some girls were dancing, others whining, others arguing. Everywhere I turned there were little girls. I suddenly flashed back to my cousin's birthday party all those years ago. There had been a thousand little girls tugging me all over the place at that party. I had sworn off girls forever after that. That vow had lasted until I was 15 and suddenly realized how much I appreciated feminine curves.

"Daddy, I'm going to go show Mellie and Emma my dress. They're over by the drink table," she pointed across the room and I nodded dumbly. Was it okay, I was scared shitless about being left alone in this room? She was gone before I could ask her.

"Damon Salvatore?" I turned and saw a man a little older than me approaching. He looked familiar but for the life of me, I couldn't place him.

"You don't recognize me, do you?" No I definitely did not. He had short brown hair, an impeccable suit, and the airs of an important man in New York society. He offered his hand and I shook it firmly.

"No I can't say that I do."

"Elijah Moreau." Of course. He was from the Fournier Group and his father had once had dealings with our firm. I'd only met him once but I obviously had made more of an impression than he had made on me.

"Yes. I remember you now. You'll have to excuse my lack of memory since I am so rarely invited to the grown-up table."

"Yes your father is an intimidating man and quite the control freak." He pulled a cup of punch from a nearby tray and offered me the nearly offensive pink drink. "It's not as bad as it looks."

"Yeah I may have to take your word with that."

"So what brings you here Damon?"

"My daughter, Katie."

"Ah you're Katie's father. Emma has been talking about her for a few weeks. Did you have trouble at her last school?"

"Yes. They didn't think my girlfriend was a suitable topic for a role model report." Elijah turned to face another person for a moment, shaking hands and promising to meet up with them later. He turned back to face me and took another sip of the pink drink.

"A secretary?"

"A nanny. She's Katie's nanny specifically."

"Ah. Isn't that a little...inappropriate?"

"Maybe to some. I personally feel it's our business."

"Of course. I actually approached you to discuss business."

"What type of business?"

"I'm branching out from the family business a bit. I'm planning to open a chain of restaurants and I need a man who is good with investors. You have a good reputation with clients. I was wondering if you'd be interested in branching out and getting out from under your father's thumb?" It was an interesting offer, one I had never considered before. My money was safe due to my trust fund as well as holdings in my father's company. I wasn't under contract to him and could break free. I could break free from him...but what if I couldn't hack it?

"We'll talk over lunch sometime after the holiday? We'll be leaving in a week for a lengthy holiday out of state. I wouldn't be able to discuss it until then."

"That would be fine. I'll draw up some plans to show you. Should I call your office?"

"No. Call my home number." I gave him the information before excusing myself to find my daughter. I found her quickly enough at a table, eating a cupcake. I reached out to pull a bit of frosting off her face. She smiled at me before continuing her dessert.

"Not too much Katie. Elena won't like it if you come home bouncing off the walls."

"Daddy, can we dance when I'm done?"

"Yes. How are your friends?"

"They're bored. Emma said her dad is talking business and Mellie said her dad is arguing on his phone." Why come? Seriously, why get their daughters all dressed up and then ignore them?

"After we dance a little, I'll dance with them if that's okay with you."

"They'll like that. They think you're cute." That was me, Damon Salvatore, girl charmer.

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EPOV

They hadn't been gone all that long but it was still strange to be alone in the apartment. I mean, I wasn't really alone since Victoria was nearby but it wasn't the same. It was like withdraw. Damon had been with me for so long and if he was in a meeting then Katie was holding my hand. I felt out of place here sometimes.

"What are you doing Elena?" I turned to see Victoria in the doorway, her cane clicking against the hardwood floor in the hallway.

"I'm packing."

"Are you leaving? Oh don't tell me that bone-headed boy of mine did something?"

"Quite the opposite Victoria. He asked me to move into his bedroom." There was silence behind me as I slid some more of my clothes into a box. Was there any place for me to put my things in there?

"He asked you to share a room with him?" Victoria suddenly was beside me, folding my clothes gently.

"Yes. He asked me this weekend." She reached out and grasped my hand gently.

"You're good for him. He's never asked a woman to share a room with him. Even with that woman, they only shared a room for a weekend away. He doesn't like to share his personal life," she said quietly. "Give the boy some time. He doesn't understand how to love. He didn't have the best examples growing up and then when he finally let himself feel something deeper, she left him. And now, he has this daughter he never got to see before now. He missed out on seven years of that girl's life and he's afraid to love anyone."

"He loves Katie. I know he does. He can't say the words but I see it in his eyes when we talk about her. He really is an amazing father but he's so hesitant to try."

"Damon's never done well with failure. Unfortunately it causes him to not branch out, to not take risks. You and Katie are the only risks he's taken in eight years. I like seeing him this happy," she said with a smile. Once the clothes were fully packed they moved into the closet and began to pack the few pairs of shoes and jewelry I had laying out. There wasn't much to pack in the long run since I didn't own much. The majority of my things were school related or the clothes I wore every day.

Soon enough we were carrying them down the hall and into Damon's room. Victoria wasn't able to carry anything too heavy but she managed a few small bags. I placed the suitcase and box on Damon's...our bed. Now I just had to find places to put my things.

"It looks like Damon cleared a few drawers for you. Oh and there is some space in the closet for you," she said. I stared at the open drawers and the space in the closet with surprise. He had really planned it out. There were extra towels out in the bathroom and there was even a table space for my school work. He really did want me in here and it wasn't spur of the moment.

"I think I love him a little more for this," I said as I gestured to the care he had taken to make me feel at home.

I pulled my clothes out of the boxes and arranged them throughout the spaces while Victoria sat down on the divan. She watched me move around, unpacking and then closing drawers and doors. She watched as I set up a small work area for my computer. My finals were early this week and I needed to study. Lucky for me Victoria could help with Katie while I studied.

"Now dear, I normally wouldn't ask but why did you two run off so quickly the other day?"

"We...we wanted to go up there sooner," I stuttered. I hadn't expected her to question the reasons why we left early. It was only hours ahead of schedule and for all intents and purposes, we wanted to have our romantic getaway.

"Now Elena, I know that's not true. You two had fun at that cabin but it's not the reason you two left," she said firmly before continuing, "My husband left the retreat only minutes after the two of you. He left no explanation before leaving. What did he do? Did he say something?"

"He...said some things."

"That's not all but what did he say?"

"He said I was a gold digger, that I was just using my body to get what I wanted. He was sure I'm a whore."

"My husband is not the most rational minded man out there. Don't let his words harm you. I learned a long time ago to let him say what he wants. You get your revenge in other ways." She chuckled lightly. I was struck by how surprising she was. No one looking at Victoria Salvatore would see a strong, fierce woman. They would see an older woman with a cane, voice quiet, and stance fragile and weak.

"That's not everything Victoria," I said when I decided she should know what had happened. "He...he tried to...I mean he..."

"He what?"

"He tried to...attack me..."

"Wait! He tried to force himself on you?"

"Yes but he...failed. I fell and hit my head. When I woke up, Damon was there." She rose from her seat, fists clenched and chest heaving. She sunk back against the cushions suddenly as if the fire in her had died out. She reached out to grasp my hand and I watched her calmly.

"He has fallen even farther than I realized," she murmured. "Giuseppe used to be a good man until he took over that company. I've seen what that damn company does to people. I've tried to convince my boys to get out of there. They should do what they love and neither of them loves that company. Elena you mustn't let him get to you. You never have to be alone with him and you owe him nothing. If he wishes to speak to you again, make sure Damon or Stefan or myself is with you. He thinks he can get away with things with you because you are not a Salvatore or..."

"Ridiculously wealthy?"

"Yes. Giuseppe doesn't like those who aren't of money. We have old money and that makes him respect you more. I hope you won't let Giuseppe's horrid behavior harm your relationship with Damon. He is not his father and he would never do anything to hurt you. He is a gentler man than his brother and his father."

"No I won't. I love Damon and I wouldn't let this effect me."

"Good girl. Now I'm getting tired. That little girl tires me out. I'll retire to my room now and I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Victoria," I murmured as she left the room, shutting the door behind her. I turned to look at the place where I would sleep for the time being. It was a beautiful room. I inhaled slowly, savoring Damon's smell. He was all over this room and I loved the comforting scent. I stood slowly and lay on the bed. His bed was plusher than mine. The pillows were soft and fluffy, the sheets cool and luxurious. As I stretched on the sheets I realized how I could show Damon my appreciation.

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DPOV

Thank god that was over! I had somehow become the go-to dance partner for all the girls. It became apparent after Emma and Mellie, the other fathers had no interest in dancing with their daughters. Katie immediately offered my services to each of the girls who wanted to dance and I found no moment of peace. Katie hung out with the other girls while I danced each girl around the floor.

The last dance was for Katie, of course, and she was pink and smiling at the end of the night. It had been fun for a while and I had improved my relationship with Katie with just a few hours. She was the belle of the ball when all the girls realized they could dance with an attractive man who was willing.

I caught Elijah's eye at one point when I was twirling on of the girls around. He smiled and toasted me with the disgustingly pink drink before turning to discuss business with another father. Somehow an innocent Daddy/Daughter dance turned into a business meeting. The daughters were merely arm candy for the cut-throat fathers.

Katie had been exhausted when we finally met Nick outside. He opened the door quickly and ushered us inside from the cold. Katie fell back against the seat and promptly fell asleep. I covered her with my coat and turned to stare out at the never-sleeping city. Sometimes I hated it here. There was no quiet, no sense of peace. The only time I could find utter silence was to venture to the mountain or some other retreat.

Nick pulled up in front of the apartment and rushed around to open the door. I lifted Katie into my arms, nodded to Nick, and carried my sleeping daughter to the elevator. Minutes later I had coaxed her into pajamas before tucking her into bed. She had whispered a 'thank you' before beginning to snore softly. I chuckled a little while I watched her pick up my old stuffed animal and cuddle it close. I reached out and let my finger brush some hair from her face. My daughter...my little girl.

I walked towards the door, turning the knob and shutting it behind me. Next would be my...our room. I hoped she was settled in and I hoped she found the spaces I had left for her. I wanted her to feel comfortable in there since I knew I wouldn't want her to leave. I had been fantasizing about having her in my arms all night.

Nothing had prepared me for what I walked into. There were candles lit on the nightstand, soft jazz playing in the background, and a half naked girl in my bed. Elena was stretched out on the sheets in only a black lingerie set. Her skin glowed in the candlelight and I could see how smooth it was. My fingers itched to touch her and I began to shed my clothing.

The jacket was tossed over a chair, the shirt across a dresser, and the shoes by the door. I didn't care where they landed as I approached her. She opened her arms to me and gestured for me to join her. I was in her arms moments later.

Her kisses were deep, her caresses teasing. My lips fell to her neck before meeting her lips once more. Her body arched up against mine, her breasts teasing him. He could feel the hard, pebbled nipples and he wanted nothing more than to worship them.

"Thank you for the drawers and closet space."

"Mm hmm. I want you here and I'll do whatever I need to make you happy."

"You already are."

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"You seem calmer today." The good doctor had been making statements like that for a while now. I think she was hoping to finally get some real answers but I wasn't really in the mood. Katie was home sick and Elena was running herself ragged caring for her. She hadn't come to bed last night for hours, opting to sit with Katie in the bathroom. Mom had gone with Nick to get medicine early this morning but I had to leave before they got home.

"Perhaps I should amend my previous statement. You seem calmer with me although you seem to want to run from the room. Why is that?"

"Katie's sick."

"Ah is this the first time she's gotten sick since coming to live with you?" I remained silent and she irritatingly decided to jot some notes down.

"Yes."

"Are you worried?"

"Yes and no...," I started, "I know she'll be fine since it's just a cold. I'm worried about Elena."

"Elena? Why are you worried about Elena?" She put her pen down and even her clipboard as she learned forward slightly.

"She's worried sick. She didn't sleep last night since she was up with Katie. After all that, she still got up after 45 minutes after coming to bed to cook breakfast for everyone. She's so stubborn."

"Mmmm...and you worry about her?"

"Yes." She stood suddenly and moved towards the small refrigerator and sink in her office. A few moments later she turned, offering me a cup of coffee. I took mine black so I waved her off when she offered me milk and sugar.

"So are you two sharing a room now?"

"What?"

"You said coming to bed, not going to bed. That would indicate she is sleeping where you are."

"I asked her to move into my room last weekend." She smiled a little and reached for her clipboard. That was the moment I heard the incessant ticking of her wall clock. Only twenty more minutes...

"And how has that been going?"

"Well. I love having her there. I love waking up with her in the morning and going to bed with her."

"I'm going to ask a question and I think you may have trouble with it but I want you to be prepared."

"Shoot away Doc." She drew it out now. She sat quietly, writing things down while I sipped my coffee.

"Are you happy Damon?" The words echoed in my head, happy. Was I happy? What was happy? Could I ever be happy? What did it feel like...happiness? For so long I hadn't questioned it, I hadn't believed it was possible. Then the answer hit me. It was like an arrow piercing my skin and I shivered for a moment. "Damon?"

"I think...I think I am happy. I smile all the time and I...enjoy waking up in the morning." I stared down at the table as I considered things. Elena and Katie had entered my life at a time when I had given up. Get up, go to work, come home, and repeat. It was the same thing every day. Occasionally I would sleep with a woman or go drinking but at the end of the day it was the same. I woke up alone and I continued on alone. Now those girls were always there...my girls.

"You find a great comfort in Elena."

"Yes."

"Do you love her?" That stupid question again. Why did everyone question my feelings? Why did everyone have to know?

"I don't know." It was the truth. I didn't.

"That must be difficult for you. A man like you always knows where he stands. You always know black and white, good and bad, right from wrong. Your decisions are concrete but this one question, you can't answer it."

"No...I can't." She leaned back against the chair again as she paused to phrase her next question. I could see it in the tilt of her jaw, the gleam in her eyes. She had another question, something more to analyze my feelings.

"What do you see when you look at her? What is it that you feel when you look at her?" That question was easy. I could answer that one perfectly. I looked up at her and smiled a little, my eyes meeting hers.

"When I look at Elena, when I think of Elena, when I dream of her, I know what I'm seeing. I'm seeing my soul."

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So there you have it. More Daddy/Daughter time and a little more therapy for our poor Damon. Next up, a visit to Mystic Falls.

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