Blonde Ambition 13
Disclaimer: Not gonna happen.
"Rebekah," Marcel whispered against her lips. "I need to go."
"Stay," she sleepily pled, keeping her arms wrapped around his neck as he tried to get out of her bed. She loved sleeping with him, his body keeping hers warm.
"Klaus could come busting it at any moment," he reminded her, freeing himself from her arms.
Rebekah pouted.
Marcel leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips after he gathered up his clothes around the room. "When you have your place, things will be different."
Her smile was big as she thought about it and watched him. She loved Marcel and she wanted to spend a night with him when they weren't sneaking around. She found a place and Elijah would be setting up a bank account on Monday for her so she could make a deposit and furnish her apartment.
"I love you," she said softly when he reached the door.
"I love you," he told her just before he slipped outside.
Bonnie and Elijah were once again up and having breakfast in the dining room.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Marcel in his underwear sneaking down the hallway.
"Elijah!" she yelped, capturing his attention, "I heard about your secret admirer. Any new gifts?" she asked, putting a playful hand on his arm to be sure her brother got away without being noticed. He'd never been so careless before and it could get him killed.
Elijah coughed and looked at her hand on his arm until she removed it shyly. "Am I to take it that you have some interest in me as well Ms. Bennett?"
Bonnie smiled as she picked up her cup of cafe au lait, made to her specifications by the cook. "I'm not interested in men who are already taken," she told him with frank appraisal in her eyes. She had seen Damon a few times since their lunch date and they had a dinner date planned Sunday evening, but that didn't mean she couldn't flirt with the handsome and cryptic Mikaelson.
"Any man would be very lucky to have your attention," he said delicately with his own small smile.
As a matter of fact, Elijah did consider himself taken. He hadn't seen Katherine since he told her about Klaus' interest in Rose, but he continued to receive messages from her. He was trying to resist checking for them, but he was afraid she would ramp up her attempts to see him. He knew he'd have to see her in person, convince her to visit Los Angeles or Tangiers, anyplace that was not New York. He still had to go to Mystic Falls to follow through on Klaus' request to see what Rose had been doing there. Maybe Katherine would follow or at least know he was serious about her leaving. He'd book passage for Monday afternoon.
.
.
.
Caroline woke first, not disturbing Klaus by her side. Slinking to her bureau, she pulled out a pair of pajamas. It was a silk pant and shirt set in a beautiful Oriental pattern. It was one of the only instances where pants were fashionable for women.
Looking over at the man stretched out in her bed, Caroline admired him, a smile coming to her lips. He looked good there. He looked right.
Creeping out into the bathroom, she jumped into the shower when the water warmed, quickly washing her face and body. Her face was a mess with her smudged eye make-up. Climbing out of the shower, she wrapped a towel around herself and brushed her teeth. With wet fingers she tried to tame her hair as best she could then returned to her pajamas feeling refreshed.
Barefooted, she padded into the kitchen and rooted around to see what they had. It was after noon, but she was looking for something breakfast-like.
"Good morning," Davina rumbled behind her.
Caroline turned with a smile then she burst out laughing.
Davina had tied Klaus' tie around her head like a headband. He'd forgotten it on the couch the night before.
"It's going in my column, Davina," she said with a grin. "New ways for the women of today to adopt menswear."
Davina laughed and untied the material, draping the tie around Caroline's neck, even tying it correctly. "I used to do this for my dad," she said softly. She reminded herself to go and visit her parents, she missed them.
Deciding on a bagel, Caroline pulled out a knife and sliced it as best she could in two, turning on the oven's broiler to toast the slices. The bagel was too thick for their toaster. "Do you want one?"
"Please," she said, pulling out glasses and juice.
Caroline added a second bagel to the baking sheet.
It wasn't unusual for the friends to meet for brunch in their kitchens while their rooms held male guests. Sometimes the guests joined them, but more often than not it was time for them to chat. The best thing about having a roommate was the companionship.
"Let's talk about him," Caroline said with an arched brow as she accepted the glass of orange juice from Davina.
"Klaus? Yes let's."
"Seriously? I mean Thierry," Caroline said with a huff, setting the tray in the oven and keeping an eye on it.
"What about him, Caroline?" Caroline didn't often try to mother Davina, but she did have those maternal instincts that came through on occasion. Often Davina was grateful for them, but not always.
"I thought you liked him."
"I do like him."
Caroline rephrased it. "I thought you liked him more than anyone else, more than Stefan."
Her roommate looked down. "I might, but…"
Caroline pulled out the bagels when they were golden brown. Spreading cream cheese that slightly melted on the warm bread, they carried them on plates to the table. "I know it's a thing not to be settled and it's how I've lived for sure, but if you like him, really like him, maybe even love him, it's ok to just be with him. You aren't turning in your party girl membership if you just come home with him, to him."
Caroline had been thinking about it. They looked down on the women who got married right away, relying on men to take care of them, but there were also successful, sexy women who were in committed relationships. The women she met at the Algonquin Round Table the night before were perfect examples. It was possible to have both and Caroline hadn't really considered that. It seemed something far out of her reach where she was in life. When she thought of what she told Tyler about believing in love, and how she was getting really possessive feelings towards Klaus, she thought she could find a way to make it work if it's what she really wanted.
"I don't know that I want to get married, Caroline."
"So don't get married." Caroline sighed. "Wouldn't it be nice sometimes to have that one person who always has your back?"
Davina coughed and Caroline laughed.
"Someone who you could also make love with, Davina?" she asked with a teasing smile.
Davina shrugged. "We can try it one time, see how it goes."
Caroline cracked up and Davina did too, thanking the spelled doors for not waking the rest of the apartment.
"What if it's not what Thierry wants?" Davina asked softly as she chewed. She liked Thierry, but never thought about how much. Her relationship with Stefan wasn't deep. They were friends who had sex.
"You'd only know by asking him, but is that what you want?"
"Is that what you want?" Davina looked at her closely, realizing Caroline could be talking about herself. "Do you want to stick to one guy, Caroline? Settle down?"
Caroline chewed and thought about it. "If I loved him, yes. That's exactly what I want. It doesn't mean getting married or staying home every night to have dinner on the table with an apron tied around my waist. I want to keep working and going out. If I had a man I loved, he's the one I'd want to come home with or home to." There was a level of trust and intimacy developed over a relationship that she'd been shunning by keeping things casual. She didn't share her hopes and dreams with guys she'd just sleep with and not see for a few weeks. That was much too much vulnerability. "Isn't being liberated supposed to be about being given a choice, not caring what the choice you make is?"
Davina smiled at her gently. "I like that idea, but are you talking about Klaus?"
"I don't know," she answered honestly. "Maybe? I don't think I love him, not today anyway. I don't know a lot about him, but what I do know I like. I really like him. I like being around him and when I go out with other guys, I'm thinking about him. That never happens."
"What about his reputation? People don't whisper his name because he's a great guy. We're all supposed to be terrified of him."
"I haven't seen it."
"Yet."
"Yet," Caroline had to agree. She had to learn more about Klaus. It would start with how he dealt with the new issue of the magazine coming out. She thought it wasn't a problem and maybe it wouldn't be, but she'd know in a few days. Speaking with Bonnie might be an option. Most of all, she wanted to spend more time with the man himself.
Changing the subject, "Do you want to go to Coney Island tomorrow? It's been so long, Davina." Maybe a step back with her best friend was in order. "Let's go to the beach."
"Yes! Too long since we went there. We're still going out tonight, right, with April and Liv?"
"Of course."
They talked about their plans for the rest of Saturday. Davina decided on an impromptu visit to her parents. Caroline had less specific plans, thinking she might want to do some cleaning, which soothed her, and go for a walk and see about new places she'd visit for her magazine. A thought struck her, sending the others flying, and she decided to buy a typewriter so she could get back into writing for herself at home. The women the night before had been encouraging. Klaus too.
With new purpose, Caroline stood up and put her dirty dishes near the sink, taking Davina's too since they were both finished eating. She would wash them later, but she wanted to go check on Sleeping Beauty.
Opening the door of her bedroom, Klaus was still laying in the same stretched out position, taking over most of her bed. His morning erection made the view especially enjoyable. The sunlight came through the open windows, sending slashes of color across his body. He was David. He really was beautiful.
With a smirk, Caroline climbed on top of him. His bright blue eyes popped open, uncertain at what was happening, immediately alert. He'd slept well snuggled against Caroline. Letting himself sleep so deeply in a strange place was not usual, but he'd been comfortable with her.
His hands gripped the slick material at her hips as he was welcomed by her smile.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked with a teasing smile.
"Too well if you got dressed," he said with a smirk that made her giggle. "Natural beauty," he said, getting to see her without her makeup on like he wanted. Her eyes were vivid even without the black eyeliner around them. Her skin was clear. There were freckles across the bridge of her nose he hadn't seen before and they enchanted him. Her hair was drying in waves.
Leaning down, she kissed him.
"I even had breakfast," she told him when she leaned back. "We have bagels and toast if you'd like some."
His fingers stroked his tie she wore around her neck. "Are you kicking me out, sweetheart?"
"Nope, but there is something I need to go get today, although staying here is tempting too. I just thought maybe we could build towards something more than one night," she explained, killing his dream of spending all day in bed, but elating him with her talk of more. Staying in bed with Klaus sounded wonderful, but delaying them having sex a little while longer wouldn't be bad. Would he want to see her after they slept together? She started to roll off him, biting her lip, but he kept her in place. When she looked up, she said, "Do you…I mean…you could come with me." She shrugged, trying to make the offer optional and not obligatory.
His grin was huge and it made her roll her eyes with a smile. He really relished anything she gave him and it made her feel really good, even if she rolled her eyes at him a lot. "Yes, I'd like to come with you." Then he looked sheepish, which she had come to love. "I'd like a bagel too."
"One bagel coming up," she agreed as she slid off Klaus which made him groan.
Caroline was back with a toasted bagel with cream cheese in a few minutes after doing the few dirty dishes during which time Klaus had gone to the bathroom, using toothpaste on his finger to brush his teeth, sliding a hand across his stubble, and he'd pulled on his pants. She made him a cup of coffee and a second one for herself.
He was buttoning his shirt when she returned. Setting the bagel and coffee on her vanity for him, Caroline slipped out of her pajamas, feeling Klaus' eyes on her as she dragged a slip on over her head. Then her garter belt and nylons went on. A kelly green dress was slipped over her head next. A matching green and black polka dotted scarf was tied around her neck, the ends falling down past her hips.
Klaus leaned his hip against her vanity as he watched her. After he took a bite, "Can we stop at my place for a change of clothes? I can't have you looking that much better than me," he said with a flirty smile as she walked over and sat down at her vanity table, drinking her coffee.
"Would a new suit really make that much of a difference?" she asked with a sassy smile as she began her routine, adding only a light layer of powder and a red lip. She even sipped a nip of vervain from the bottle on the table that Klaus didn't think much of.
Klaus merely smiled and finished his bagel, sitting on her bed to pull on his socks and shoes.
"Kohl, kohl, kohl," she sang, looking amongst the variety of items scattered around, wanting to take the time to clean it up, "where are you?"
Klaus looked up, paralyzed, "Kol?"
The way he said it made Caroline look over at him. He was caught mid-action. It sent off all of her alarm bells and she narrowed her eyes at him, disappointed that maybe she was right all along about him using her, but she turned back to her vanity. "Right under my nose," she exclaimed slyly when she grabbed it, adding a thin layer around her eyes. "Yes, my makeup," she told him tightly. Caroline stood and was ready to make up an excuse to not spend a few more hours with Klaus.
He saw the change in her demeanor, not sure where it came from, but seeing that sparkle was missing all of a sudden. It happened every time he jumped on something she said without explanation he realized.
"My brother's name is Kol," he admitted. When he shared with her, he saw that she responded. Opening up was the way to win her over. He didn't like people looking too closely, especially good people like her. They'd see his ugliness and run.
"What?" Caroline asked, whipping her head around.
"When you mentioned it, I thought of him." He gave her a look, standing himself once his shoes were on. "I did it when my sister read the column in your magazine to me too."
"Oh," Caroline said, feeling most of the anxiety slip away. He had a brother named Kol? What a crazy coincidence.
"Are you ready?" he asked her, slipping on his coat and stuffing his tie that he reclaimed into his pocket.
"Yes," she agreed, rethinking Klaus again, slipping on a black cloche hat and grabbing her purse. "Will you tell me about your family?"
Picking up the plate and cups, Klaus nodded and put them down alongside the sink when she directed him. The living room was empty as they walked through it to the elevator. Davina already left to see her parents. Stefan was gone too.
"I have a younger sister, Rebekah. She lives with me currently, but she's in the process of moving out."
Caroline smiled at the face he made. He clearly wasn't very happy about the idea.
"My older brother, Elijah, lives with me. He owns The Original along with me."
"You're the brain. He's the brawn?" she asked when they were in the elevator.
Klaus chuckled. "The opposite is more accurate. Elijah is lethal, but he's quiet about it. He's more methodical than I."
"You like the drama," she said with a nod, figuring that out.
Klaus tucked his hands behind his back with a smirk. "I have two other brothers, Finn and Kol."
"Where are they?" she asked as doors opened on the ground floor.
"Indisposed," he answered cryptically as they walked through the lobby, nodding to the doorman. "I had a younger brother who was killed."
The way he said, it was clear to Caroline that his death effected Klaus deeply. "When?"
"Right before my mother turned us into vampires," he said as he opened the car door for her.
When he started the car, he looked at her, seeing the compassion there. It encouraged him to open up. "We were out to watch the local werewolves turn on a full moon. My brother was killed by one of them."
"Werewolves are real?" she asked, shocked as he pulled out onto the road.
It wasn't funny, but it made him smile. "Very real. I'm half werewolf myself."
"What?" she squeaked as they pulled up in front of his place. It was a beautiful building.
"My mother had an affair with a werewolf resulting in me. At least it gave an excuse for my stepfather's abuse," he revealed as he got out of his car, coming to her side to open the door.
Caroline touched his arm to keep him from walking away. "He's the man you killed? The one you mentioned at dinner the other night."
"Yes, sweetheart. I killed him myself," he said with a triumphant smile that slightly unnerved her. "He chased us for a thousand years, trying to right the wrong our mother cursed us with. We were on the run for a ten centuries, always staying one step ahead. I wasn't his true son and he hated me for it."
"Wow," was all that Caroline could think to say, words failing her. "Parents should never hurt their children, any children," she said fiercely, her eyes blazing when she thought of what that would have been like. "I'm sorry that happened to you."
"He was a monster." Caroline was one who stood up for those who needed it. Would she have stood up for him? Did he deserve an avenging angel? Wouldn't an angel turn her back on him?
They stood looking at one another for a moment. It was broken when Klaus was bumped from behind. He glared at the man who did it, but Caroline tugged his arm, ready for him to go up and get changed.
Inside, Klaus nodded to the butler and Caroline admired the furnishings in the home. It was really beautiful and ornate, the new art deco style reflected everywhere. She noticed portraits of who she guessed were Klaus' siblings, his sister sharing a close resemblance to the man next to her. There was no one in the living room, but Caroline could hear voices from elsewhere in the home. She followed Klaus to a closed door.
"Do you want to come in while I get changed?" he asked her with a sexy smile, tempting her.
Caroline tipped her head to the side, considering it. If she went inside, she might not get to the store before it closed because she'd jump Klaus. If she stayed outside, she might run into his siblings. She wasn't sure about that option either.
"The store will be closing in a few hours, Klaus. I'm inspired by something, someone. Can you hurry?" she asked sincerely. The stores would be closed Sunday, so if she didn't get her typewriter that day she'd have to wait until Monday. Handwriting was an option but it didn't appeal in the same way, not when she was so used to the typewriter at work.
He nodded. "I know what it's like to be inspired."
She stayed outside while he whooshed into his room.
Wandering back into the living room, Caroline walked through it, fingers trailing along the furniture. It was done in the modern and sleek art deco style. There weren't many personal touches other than the paintings. Maybe that's what had to happen with you lived with your siblings and they had different styles. Did they all live there? She only knew of the one sister who was moving out.
"Excuse me," a formal voice asked, "can I assist you?"
Caroline turned and saw the handsome man that had been at her work the other day, Klaus' brother.
"No," she said politely, crossing her arms over her chest, a position she often adopted in an uncomfortable situation.
Elijah put one hand in his pocket and strode towards the stranger in his living room.
"Who let you in?"
"I did," Klaus said behind them. He'd gotten cleaned up and was in a tan summer suit with a vest. The color made his hair appear even lighter. He looked very handsome to Caroline.
"I'm Caroline Forbes," she said, extending her hand, not waiting for Klaus to make the introductions. He did move to her side though.
"Elijah Mikaelson," he responded with a shake of her hand, unaccustomed to shaking a woman's hand.
"We're in a hurry, Elijah," he said with a smile for Caroline.
"It was nice to meet you," Caroline said and then she walked to the door, giving Klaus a moment with his brother.
"Niklaus, while I appreciate your guest is occupying your time…"
"That's right. She is. You'll manage a day without me, brother," Klaus said as he walked away, leaving Elijah flummoxed, one of Klaus' favorite things to do.
Opening the door for Caroline, they emerged back out onto the sidewalk and walked to his car.
"Where to?" he asked when they were seated and the motor was started.
"Vesey Street. The Underwood Typewriter Company."
Klaus pulled out into traffic and before long they pulled up in front of the building.
Inside, Caroline was in her element. They had cutting edge typewriters that put the ones at the magazine to shame. There were also simple ones for home use. Her fingers itched to punch the keys down and transfer ideas into black ink.
With a smirk, Klaus sat back and watched her.
A salesman came over and Caroline found the one she wanted. The model was known for being reliable and wasn't overly complicated. Ribbons were also sold. All Caroline would need was paper and her imagination.
Klaus pulled out his wallet when the order was rung up.
"Klaus," she said, turning to him quietly. "I can afford this." She didn't want him to buy her something so expensive…again. It was an expensive purchase, but she could manage it.
"Caroline, this is from your poker winnings. You doubled my profit," he reminded her.
"Oh yeah," she said with a blinding smile. She turned to the salesman who was watching them with interest. "I won him some money last night," she told him proudly, using her thumb to point at Klaus behind her.
The money was set down on the counter and Caroline beamed at her new typewriter. Klaus picked it up and brought it to the car.
"Are we stopping for paper?"
"Well…" she sang with a hopeful smile and he spotted a store that would have it nearby. He ran in and got her some as she fanned herself as she waited. It was hot outside, but it was hotter inside.
Caroline clapped as he set down the paper next to the typewriter in the car.
"Care for a lemon soda?" he asked her.
"Yes, Klaus, thank you," she said, accepting the arm he offered to her. Walking near St. Paul's Cathedral they entered a shop and sat inside, away from the beating sun. They ordered the lemony drinks.
"What are you looking at?" Klaus asked, turning his head behind him. She'd spotted something in the display case.
"Nothing," she said, taking a sip of the refreshing drink.
"Caroline."
She tipped her head to the side. "I like when you say it like that," she said with a smile. "As if you really know what I'm thinking, but, Klaus, I don't have to tell you."
His eyes twinkled. "Which one was it? We'll share."
Caroline gave in, a habit with him. "The pineapple upside down cake."
His hand went up in the air and a waiter came over and Klaus ordered a slice for them to share. It was delicious.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?" he asked her as they ate. "Other than trying your new typewriter that is?"
"Davina and I are going to Coney Island and the beach. I have a new bathing suit."
Klaus' head went back and he closed his eyes with a smirk and she laughed, knowing he was trying to picture her in her bathing suit.
He hadn't yet been to the Nickel Empire and Caroline told him all about it. She told him about the beach too and the boardwalk.
Outside, they walked around the area. Klaus pointed at the Woolworth Building nearby and Caroline smiled, remembering it fondly. Soon enough they were back at the car and Klaus drove her home. He carried the typewriter up for her. She carried the ribbons and paper.
Davina opened the door for them when she heard Caroline put her key in the door. Their neighbor Grandma Louise was carrying in a shopping bag. Caroline smiled at her.
"Hey guys." Davina's hair was in rollers.
"Hey," Caroline said, leading Klaus into her room.
"Hello, Davina," he said as he followed Caroline, setting the typewriter down where she made space on the vanity. She looked around and saw that she'd need to find a small writing desk that she could put her new typewriter on. She'd set up a lamp there too. She was inspired to pull up a chair and write what was on her mind.
Speaking of inspired, "Klaus, what did you mean when you said you know what it's like to be inspired?" She sat down on her bed and he joined her there.
"I'm an artist."
Caroline smiled at learning more about him. There was more to him than being a nightclub entrepreneur. "You are? What medium do you use?"
"I paint mostly."
"Wait. Did you do those paintings I saw in your home? The portraits?" His chest puffed up and she knew she was right. She looked at his hands. Those were artist's hands. "They were beautiful. The details in your sister's dress were lovely."
"You belong in a painting."
"I'm more of a woman of action," she said with a flirty grin, sliding closer to him on the bed.
"Too late. I already painted you."
Her eyes were huge. "You did? Can I see it?"
"When I'm finished. Or I could just keep painting you over and over, preferably nude," he said, leaning in to speak against her lips.
Unable to resist him so close, Caroline grabbed his head and kissed him. She laid back against the bed and he followed to settle himself on top of her.
Pushing on one shoulder, she maneuvered him into laying down on the bed next to her so she could climb on top of him like where she'd been a few hours earlier.
"I didn't say it before, but thank you for inviting me to that poker game last night, Klaus. It was really thoughtful. Those are people I admire very much."
"I met Franklin when I'd only been in New York a few weeks and I enjoy his crowd."
"I'm getting sick of saying thank you all the time to you," she teased.
"I'm not getting sick of hearing it," he said with a smirk and she laughed.
When he leaned up, she leaned down and they met in the middle, kissing again. His hands cupped her ass and her hands kept his head in place.
Before his hands could slip under her dress, there was a knock on the door.
Klaus gave her a look. "I thought the door was spelled."
"It is, but if you touch it, the noise comes through, like knocking. Otherwise she'd just open it which is much worse," she said with a raised brow. She kept her door cracked when she didn't want privacy, otherwise she kept it closed when she was sleeping or entertaining.
Climbing off him, Caroline opened the door to Davina. "It's the phone, Caroline. Your mom."
"Thanks," she chirped, getting up. "I have to get this," she told Klaus by way of apology. She ran into the living room and picked up the receiver and held the base on her hands as she sat on the couch. "Hello, mother."
Caroline spoke a few minutes to her mom and then her dad. She kept it brief since Klaus was waiting, but it was hard for her parents to catch her, so she gave them a chance to check in on their little girl.
Klaus stood up and began to pace, not liking Caroline's attention being taken from him, but when he heard that it was her mother he was a bit envious that she had a mother who apparently cared for her, making sure she was ok. He was at least glad she had it.
The thought settled in his chest. He wanted good things for Caroline. Things he didn't have himself. He was rarely that unselfish. This blonde vixen was really getting to him.
"Sorry," Caroline said with a grin when she returned to see him. "I keep apologizing or saying 'thank you,' Klaus."
"So stop," he said easily, opening his arms and she walked towards him.
"When will I see you again?"
Her words boosted his confidence. "I'll be at The Original tonight."
"I'm not sure if I'll stop by. I'm going out with the girls tonight. Tomorrow we're going to the beach, recovering from the night out I'm sure, like beached whales."
"Tomorrow night, can I take you to the movies?"
Caroline nodded and Klaus kissed her again. She walked him to the front door.
"Klaus, it's been one of the best 24 hours I've had in a really, really long time," she said, shutting the door behind her.
"Me too, sweetheart." His hands slid behind her back to pull her close. "I'd like to see you tonight, but in case I do not, goodnight, sweetheart."
His tongue slid into her mouth and she groaned, thinking of Klaus sliding into her. She liked him more than she did before. Her feelings were growing and she wanted him to stay, but without giving too much away. "Goodnight, Klaus."
Her hands went to her swollen lips and she watched him walk down the hall.
Like before, Klaus remembered something and whooshed back. With his lips to her ear that made her shiver, he whispered, "Your breasts are magnificent."
He was gone in a flash, deciding on taking the stairs, and Caroline grinned.
Turning, she tried the door, but it was locked.
Knocking, she heard Davina's footsteps and then laughter when the door was opened.
"He's that good of a kisser," she said with a grin as she danced her way into the bathroom to set her hair.