CHAPTER 10

Kol felt undeniably smug when he woke the next morning. Not even the noise of his phone ringing could disrupt his peace. How could it when in spite of everything, he had made some progress with Bonnie? Thanks to his impulsive nature Matt would no longer be a problem. Sometimes, Kol forget what a joy it was to be rich, but yesterday had reminded him.

Lazily, he answered the phone. "This better be an emergency."

"Is that any way to speak to your mother?" Esther's voice cut across the line and he could all too easily imagine her look of cold disdain.

"I stand by the statement," he checked the time on his Rolex. "It's not even seven in the morning, mother."

Esther sighed. A sign, he was trying her patience.

"I shall cut to the chase since you are apparently in a mood. I expect you at the family gathering this weekend. Your new girlfriend as well given the spectacle she has caused."

Kol didn't bother asking how Esther knew about Bonnie. She always knew everything worth knowing.

"This weekend?"

"Well as soon as I heard you had returned from your mysterious trip, I scheduled it."

"Very well."

If he tried to keep Bonnie away from his family, his mother would assume he was hiding something. She would keep digging and inevitably, she would learn about their deal. Kol had promised Bonnie the rest of his family would never know. It was a promise, he intended to keep.

"Good. We leave tonight at eight sharp."

Esther hung up before he could argue or suggest, he and Bonnie travel to New Hampshire without his family.

Kol groaned realizing any progress he had made with Bonnie would likely be destroyed by his family.

"Who was that?" Bonnie mumbled sleepily.

She snuggled closer, sighing in content. She was warm and soft, making him want to stay like this forever.

"My mother, unfortunately."

"Oh," she looked as if she was about to fall back asleep. "Why is she calling so early?"

"She wants us to join the rest of my family in the Hamptons for the weekend."

"T - t- the rest of your family?"

"Yes," Kol said with an apologetic grimace. "And it gets worse."

"How?"

Kol resisted the temptation to draw Bonnie back to him when she sat up. She hugged her knees to her chest. Right on schedule, his mother had ruined his perfect morning.

"We leave tonight."

"Oh my God. Tell her no."

"I tried," Kol said feeling helpless. "Mother like the rest of my family does not respond to reason."

"I did wonder where you got that from," Bonnie said with a look of exasperation.

Kol shrugged and smiled. He winked at her and enjoyed how she blushed. "Will you accompany me, please?"

"I guess. Do I really have to?"

"No, you don´t have to do anything. However, I can promise you this weekend will be painfully dull without you."

Bonnie eyed him suspiciously. "That's it? No big security concerns? Worries about Damon Salvatore?"

Kol smiled crookedly. "You caught me, beautiful. I was planning on leaving you with half of my family's security team."

"Oh my God! That's literally so excessive."

Kol took her hand and turned the palm up. He traced patterns on the inside of her hand and felt how she relaxed. Slowly, her anger slipped away and he knew the precise moment because her breathing hitched. He looked down to hide his smirk. Bonnie may not ever develop real feelings for him, but at least she desired him.

"Come now, it may even be fun. What can I say that will convince you to go with me?"

Bonnie eyed him in a way that implied she doubted that, but a smile tugged on the corner of her lips all the same.

"Fine, you talked me into it the second you mentioned your private security team."

"I´ve an idea. Why don´t you spend some time with Bekah today?"

Bonnie need not know just yet that Rebekah was no doubt spending the day at the spa followed by a new wardrobe. After yesterday, Kol was aware the offer would be misconstrued by Bonnie. Likely she would refuse, but if it was a surprise, she would be furious yet unable to decline. And Kol desperately wanted to do something to make it up to her. Especially as she no doubt would be even less fond of him after she spending the next forty-eight hours with his entire family.

"I guess. I think she kind of hates me."

"She doesn´t hate you. Bekah is only jealous she is no longer the only girl in my life."

Bonnie snorted. "Because the myriad of strippers, who work for you don´t count."

"Employees do not count."

"Uh-huh."

XXX

Bonnie was still not convinced spending the day with Rebekah was a good idea, but since Kol was already in the process of driving both her and Rebekah downtown it seemed too late to complain.

"Where are we going?" Bonnie asked as she glanced out the window.

She was stuck in the backseat because Rebekah refused to ride anywhere except in the passenger seat. Unless it was a limo. And Bonnie wasn't interested in fighting with any of Kol's relatives if she could help it.

"He didn't tell you?" Rebekah drawled then shot Kol a nasty look out of the corner of her eye. "Of course, he didn't. Honestly Kol sometimes you are so inconsiderate."

Kol rolled his eyes and turned the music up, but Rebekah went right ahead and turned it back down. As terrifying as Rebekah was Bonnie did genuinely like that, she was the only person, who was as impossible toward Kol as he was to the rest of the world.

"That still doesn't answer my question," Bonnie muttered.

"It's a spa day, darling. And like any decent day it starts with shopping."

Bonnie glared at the back of Kol's head. The amused look he sent her in the mirror told her, he saw. Yesterday she was a gold digger and today he was taking her shopping? Way to prove that wasn't how he viewed her.

Kol parked in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, a shopping district downtown where all of the designer and luxury stores were located. The closest thing there to a department store was Saks Fifth Avenue.

"I have a personal shopper here," Rebekah said and held her hand out to Kol with an expectant look.

Kol handed her his credit card as easily as he had done Bonnie. Unlike Bonnie, Rebekah happily accepted it. Demanded it even.

"Remember -"

"Purchase items for Bonnie as well even if she says no," Rebekah said with an eye roll.

Kol looked as if he had more to say, but Rebekah had already slammed the car door shut on him. She got out her phone and huffed impatiently every few seconds. As if Bonnie was not already acutely aware Rebekah was waiting.

"You're kidding? Do you really think I want a shopping day sponsored by you right now?"

Kol sighed. "No."

"Then what the hell?"

Kol cupped her cheeks and rested his forehead to hers. "Allow me to make amends, baby."

Baby – Kol hadn't called her that since he freaked out about Matt to begin with. Maybe he really was sorry. It was hard to stay mad at Kol especially when his fingers stroked her face so lovingly.

"I really want to say no -"

"Come now, I am already paying for yet another wardrobe for Bekah. I might as well do the same for you."

"Oh my God, you bribed her into spending the day with me."

"Perhaps."

Bonnie moved out of his reach. "Ugh, you are such a jerk."

"I have been called worse."

That actually made her laugh. "I bet you have."

Kol leaned forward and he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss caught her off guard and she gasped. She felt his smile and his hand touched her chin.

"Is this alright?" he murmured against her lips. His warm breath fanned her face sending a shiver through her.

"Yeah."

Bonnie blushed, embarrassed by the breathiness of her voice. The way Kol affected her – she had never known it was possible to feel desire like this.

Kol kissed her once more. It was firmer this time yet just as brief. Bonnie lingered, running the back of her hand along his cheek.

"I'll see you tonight, beautiful."

Bonnie nodded. She opened her mouth to answer when Rebekah slammed the palm of her hand against the window.

"Come along now or I go alone."

"Bekah," Kol growled in a warning tone of voice.

"Are you completely insane?" Bonnie said as she got out of the car. Her pledge not to fight with Kol's siblings forgotten.

"I have better things to do than watch you make out with my brother, which by the way is disgusting."

Rebekah did what she always did and strode on ahead. Leaving Bonnie to play catch-up as they entered Saks Fifth Avenue.

The moment Rebekah stepped across the threshold she was swarmed by three sales girls, all dressed in black.

"You look lovely as always, Miss Mikaelson."

"What a pleasure to see you, Miss Mikaelson."

"What will it be today, Miss Mikaelson?"

"We have closed off the third floor as per your request, Miss Mikaelson. Please follow me and Mindy for heaven's sake get Miss Mikaelson and her guest champagne," one of the sales girls said and snapped her fingers at another one, who immediately flew into action.

All the while Rebekah said very little. But they soon found themselves in chairs with a flute of champagne each.

Rebekah had a sip, her eyes closed and she sighed in content. "I absolutely adore shopping here."

"And I adore shopping with you. You know how to do it right," Bonnie confessed having decided to give in and indulge in the luxury.

"Now, Bonnie," Rebekah said eyeing her less than immaculate outfit. "I hope you do not take this the wrong way, but you dress like a spinster hippie and that will not do when you meet our parents."

"How could I ever take that the wrong way?"

"Good then we are in agreement. I trust you will allow me to select your wardrobe for this weekend."

"Like I have a choice," Bonnie muttered.

"You most certainly do have a choice however, I would heed my advice if you would like to transition into our family seamlessly. Otherwise, you can be stuck on the outside for years just as Sage has been. It's a dreadful existence, I assure you."

"You're not exactly making me want to meet the rest of your family."
"Awe, are you scared of being thrown to the wolves?" Rebekah fake pouted. "Good, you should be however, with my assistance mother will love you. And that is the true test of whether or not you belong in our family."

Bonnie's stomach twisted with knots at the mere thought. She and Kol weren´t exactly in the best place. Having to prove herself to Kol's family felt like added pressure, she could not take right now. But she couldn´t tell Rebekah any of this.

"Why does it even matter? Kol and I literally just started dating."

"Uh-huh," Rebekah said with a level stare. "Cut the crap. I am aware you know what our family business is."

"Sort of."

"Yet you're still here. That tells me everything I need to know."

"Guess it does."

Bonnie watched in amazement as Rebekah bossed the shop girls around when they returned. She snapped her fingers and made a lot of requests relating to what style Bonnie was meant to have. Apparently, a more modest version of Rebekah herself was in order. With the exception of an occasional cocktail dress that was far too sexy for Bonnie to even consider wearing, but Rebekah ignored all protests. Just as she ignored any requests Bonnie might have. Finally, when Rebekah began to shop for herself, she also ignored Bonnie's opinions.

"Well that was divine," Rebekah announced once she had bought them both entirely new wardrobes. "Off to the spa, we go."

"We kind of need to pack, you bought half the store," Bonnie said with a teasing smile.

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Bonnie. Must you be so common? I've never packed my own luggage and I don't intend to start now. Don't you know what servants are for?"

"No, I have never had any."

Rebekah groaned, pained by her answer.

XXX

As much as Rebekah was starting to grow on her, Bonnie was somehow more exhausted by the time she returned to Kol's apartment. Maybe it was because Rebekah had a way of turning everything into a mission or maybe it was how spoiled she was, or maybe it was all the hints she kept dropping at how 'dreadful' their family was. Either way, she was she more than a little annoyed.

"Hello, darling. How was it?"

"Your sister is a lot to handle."

Kol smiled as he eyed the suitcases by the front door. "I had noticed. She had the delivery boy lay out your outfit for you."

"She did what?" Bonnie rubbed her temples. She fell back onto the couch. "She does know I'm not a doll or like her new project or whatever?"

"Most likely. In Bekah's defense she always wanted a sister. One she could play dress up with."

"Well she does have good taste, which is the only reason I am going along with this."

"Careful, beautiful. It almost sounds as if you have bonded with my sister."

"She's alright. I guess. Are all the Mikaelsons a handful?"

"Are you hungry?"

Bonnie shook her head, but it didn't escape her notice how he sidestepped her question. "Bekah and I ate. You?"

"I ordered pizza. I wasn't certain how long you would be gone."

Bonnie checked her wristwatch. "It's almost eight. I'll get changed."

"Suppose I shall eat on the plane," Kol said and put his phone aside.

"Wait - were you gonna blow off the family trip?"

"No, I was going to force mother to wait for me."

"Why?" Bonnie asked even though she knew she was going to regret the question.

"My parents are difficult people. Mother in particular feels she can demand whatever she wishes from us whenever she pleases. I for one, tire of these little games and her expectations."

"Isn't that kind of just what parents do? Expect things from us. Graduate high school. Go to a good school and start a family, you know the usual stuff," Bonnie said with a grimace. "Of course, I bet your parents have even crazier expectations. So what do they want you to do?"

"Mother wants me to take over a local branch much the same as Elijah and Finn."

"And you don't want that?"

"I'm twenty-four. It's madness. I'll have the rest of my life to be bored, I don't see why I need to begin now. I have done everything I can think to discourage this notion yet she remains determined."

Bonnie found herself crossing the room and putting her arms around his neck. His hands went to her waist and he drew her in closer. He buried his face in the crook of her neck. She played with his hair at the nape of his neck.

"So just tell her no. Playing games won't solve anything."

Kol's arms tightened around her and he pressed his lips to her pulse line.

"Perhaps however, they are amusing."

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to and that includes living up to your parent's crazy expectations."

Kol's smile was lopsided. "Perhaps not however, I don't see much choice. I'm not certain I gave you enough warning, but I should have. My family business isn't something I can ever leave."

Bonnie felt her heart break in that moment. She had suspected that was the case. That once you tossed your lot in with organized crime there was no going back, but hearing it spoken aloud made it real. It was also the moment Bonnie realized she had been living in a fog. She didn't remember when her mind last felt clear much like how she couldn't remember the last time, she felt safe until Kol came into the picture. But she felt clear now and if she was going to be with Kol, be a part of his family then she couldn't do half-measures.

"I know," she touched her forehead to his. "But I wish you could."

Kol's fingers caressed her cheek. His touch sent little waves of warmth through her.

"For you, I would if it were possible."

Kol kissed her then. It was just a light brush of his lips against hers and she sighed in content. She pressed herself closer. His arms encircled her waist and he deepened the kiss. It was still soft, tentative, exploring and warmth surged through her. Her toes curled.

She withdrew and blushed when saw the heat in his eyes.

"I should get changed."

Kol tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. With another blush, Bonnie hurried away to the bedroom.

There she changed into the outfit Rebekah had chosen for her. In spite of how difficult Rebekah could be, Bonnie believed she genuinely wanted her to fit in. That this particular outfit was something that would allow her to make a good impression.

And even if it wasn't Rebekah's intent to welcome her, the outfit was gorgeous so it was a decent consolation. The baby pink shirt was finely made and it hugged Bonnie's figure in a way that was both flattering yet modest. She left the two top buttons undone and tried not to think about how much the shirt alone had cost. Then she pulled on the dark blue skinny jeans. Finally, she put on the pumps. They were the same pink as the shirt.

Bonnie took a moment to study her reflection before putting in the diamond earrings from Kol. She grimaced at her reflection when she picked up the purse Rebekah had selected. It was a Birkin bag, which meant it cost more than most people made in two months. The worst was, Bonnie looked like something she wasn't. She looked like a spoiled trust fund brat. She looked like a rich bitch – at least that's what Katherine would say. But if she was going to be with Kol, she supposed she was a rich bitch now.

Bonnie sighed and decided to focus on the fact that the outfit was flattering. The colors and cut suited her. So if nothing else, Rebekah wasn't trying to make her look dowdy or unattractive. The way she sometimes, suspected Elena of. Elena had a knack of choosing unflattering items for Bonnie when they went shopping, so much so that sometimes Bonnie wondered if it wasn't on purpose. But she shook those thoughts off too.

When she returned to the living room, Kol was packing away his laptop with a distracted expression.

"Everything alright?"

"Nothing to worry about. Just a few things I needed to do before I can leave town."

"Right," she grimaced. "I packed a few textbooks. I don't have any pressing lectures or seminars, but I can't fall behind."

Kol grinned. "I'll see to it you have some time to study."

"Really? How busy are these family trips?"

"Not overly taxing, but I imagine Bekah will attempt to monopolize your time unless mother can beat her to it."

The more Bonnie heard about the trip the less thrilled she was. In her mind's eye, she pictured Kol's mother as some kind of terrifying ice queen. Any woman, who helped run a criminal organization must be twice as scary as a man in the same position. Otherwise, how would she stay in power?

Or maybe that was a position Kol's father secured for her. It was difficult to wrap her mind around, but it was probably how it would work for her and Kol too once they were married. Any status she held in the criminal underworld would be a result of Kol's power. The only problem was, she didn't want status in the criminal underworld.

"What's your mom like?"

"She's -" Kol grimaced. "A lot like Bekah actually."

Bonnie's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How scary is your mother?"

"Oh, she's a walk in the park. It's father you must watch out for."

Bonnie took a step back. "What?"

"It will be fine. I promise father will not be a bother, but best to avoid him like the plague."

"I am starting to think this is a really bad idea."

"I promise you, it will be fine."

Bonnie took a deep breath. "I'm just nervous."

"My family is a terror, I'll admit however, I promise it won't be all bad."

Kol's arm snaked around her waist and he led her toward the elevator. She leaned into him and tried to relax.

If she was going to fully commit to Kol, she might as well jump in with his family. She liked Rebekah and even Elijah. At least she did when he didn't have a gun trained on her. The more time she spent with Finn and Sage the more she liked them as well. Henrik and Klaus the jury was still out on, but Bonnie really didn't see Klaus growing on her. Henrik might, he was still just a kid.

Kol wouldn't let her help load the luggage into the trunk. She sat tapping her foot and feeling guilty for not helping out. But Kol was like that, he opened doors and held her chair for her. And he never let her carry anything bigger than her purse. If they had dated in high school, she suspected he would have been the kind of boyfriend to carry her books between classes. It was surprisingly endearing except for moments like right now when she could have easily lent a hand.

When Kol finally joined her in the car, he sped out of the parking like a madman. At this point, Bonnie didn't even flinch. Sometimes, she suspected Kol forgot himself and drove like she wasn't in the car. Once when she had asked him about it, he'd asked what the point was of having a sports car if he didn't drive like it. But ever since then he had made a point of driving more cautiously when she was present.

Bonnie was less than thrilled when Kol pulled into April Young's driveway. Henrik was already on the porch with April and April's father. She hadn't seen Pastor Young in a long time and she didn't particularly want to see him again today.

"Pastor Young looks angry. Angrier than usual," Bonnie remarked.

Kol sighed. "That's likely Henrik's doing. Suppose we will have to fix his mess."

Bonnie jumped out of the car ahead of Kol. She wasn't convinced Kol was the right guy to calm April's dad down. So she would have to get over it and handle this.

"Hi, long time."

"Is that little Bonnie Bennett?" Pastor Young said with a bright smile. "Well if April had told me that I would have reconsidered."

"Dad please let me go. It's just a few days."

"Yeah, be cool," Henrik added.

Pastor Young looked askance at Henrik in a way that implied he wanted to curse.

"Are your parents going?" Pastor Young fired the question at Kol as soon as he had caught up to them.

"Of course, they wouldn't dream of allowing Henrik to go on holiday without them."

Bonnie glanced at Kol out of the corner of her eye. She had the strangest feeling he was lying. And it wouldn't surprise her. The Mikaelson family seemed to be anything except traditional and from what she had seen, Henrik was allowed to run as wild as he pleased. At least he was when Elijah and Kol weren't around.

"Good and there will be separate bedrooms I presume?" Pastor Young grunted.

"Anything else would be inappropriate. They are children."

"We are not!" Henrik protested.

April scoffed, but no one paid them any attention.

"I suppose it would be alright if April went with you as this trip will be chaperoned," Pastor Young said slowly. "A fact she failed to mention."

"My apologies," Kol said. "One of my parents should have rang you."

April picked up her suitcase and started inching toward the car before Pastor Young could protest.

"Take her bags, Henrik," Kol said.

"Why?" Henrik asked with a sulky look at his older brother.

"Honestly, Henrik can't you just for once behave as if you have manners?" Kol asked barely disguising his exasperation.

Henrik took the suitcase to the car muttering under his breath the whole way there.

"Me? I'm the one without manners? You can't knock, can't drive. Boss people around."

Bonnie stifled a smile. Sometimes, she kind of liked Henrik even if he was an idiotic teenager.

"We'd best be on our way then."

"It was nice seeing you again, Pastor Young," Bonnie said.

Pastor Young cleared his throat and looked at her with a pained expression. "Your father is missed."

Bonnie nodded and hurried away. She didn't care if it was rude, but seeing Pastor Young was difficult enough. The last time she had seen him was at her father's funeral. He had read prayers over Rudy's coffin and thanked everyone, who came. Seeing him brought back memories she would prefer remain buried.

"Bonnie?" Kol asked as he caught up to her. He put his hand on her lower back and opened the car door for her. "Everything alright, love?"

"Yeah, I just don't like talking about my dad."

Kol tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. In that moment, any lingering doubts she may have been wrestling with about Kol disappeared. He might be a criminal, but he was a good guy. Those two concepts were so opposite she wasn't sure how she could reconcile them now. In the past, she never would have been able to.

She got in the car and watched as Kol loped around to the driver's side. Henrik and April were whispering about something in the backseat, which she was trying really hard to overlook. Whatever they were talking about, Bonnie was pretty sure she didn't want to overhear because then as a responsible adult she might have to do something about it.

An attitude Kol was apparently going to take the opposite view of. He eyed them in the mirror as he put the car in drive.

"What are the two of plotting? And for heaven's sake don't lie to me. I swear Henrik -"

"It's nothing. I can't have one ounce of privacy?"

Kol growled, but fell silent. Bonnie decided to just stay out of the whole thing. Henrik was his brother and she didn't have it in her to deal with him being a teenager.

Was I that annoying? Bonnie wondered. If she was, she wished she could apologize to Rudy and Sheila.

"Thank you for the ride, Kol," April said in what was likely an attempt at alleviating the tension.

Bonnie put her hand on Kol's. He smiled and laced their fingers together.

"Thank you," Kol said absent-mindedly. "Have you ever been to the Hamptons before?"

April was about to answer when Henrik interrupted. "Listen, sweetheart when I turn sixteen I'm getting a car just like this."

Kol shot Henrik a look that made Bonnie seriously doubt Henrik would get a Maserati for his sixteenth birthday. Most adults didn't even have a car this nice, for a teenager it was ridiculous.

"How do you like school, April?" Kol asked as he shot Henrik a disapproving look.

"It's alright," April said with a nervous smile. But after a few more casual questions from Kol, the mood in the car grew more relaxed and soon they were all chatting comfortably.

The tension that had left Bonnie on the drive over returned in tenfold when they reached the private air strip. Bonnie barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes when she saw the jet waiting for them. Of course, the Mikaelsons couldn't fly first class. They had their own plane. Like Bonnie didn't already carry enough guilt from her own carbon footprint, now she was about to set foot on a private plan?

"Do you have any idea how bad for the environment that thing is?" Bonnie asked Kol in an undertone.

"I have an inkling," he replied with an easy smile. He slung his arm around her shoulder. "Simply to try to enjoy this weekend, won't you, my sweet?"

"I will, but seriously private plans are for douchebags."

Kol chuckled. "That would certainly explain why my family has a small fleet of them."

Bonnie grimaced and barely resisted the urge to groan. But she was not going to allow this to throw her for a loop. This trip was about finding some kind of balance with Kol and meeting his family. Nothing was going to get in the way of that. But she realized she and Kol would have to at some point discuss what sort of lifestyle they were going to lead.

All Bonnie knew was that as much as she appreciated everything Kol had done for her, she was not comfortable living like the one percent. It was a strange position to find herself in and she wished she could talk to Katherine about it because she felt sure Katherine would understand.

Kol took her hand gently in his. He led her onto the plane after barking at Henrik to take April's carry-on. Once again, Bonnie found herself tamping down on a smile. In some ways, Kol was too good.

When she followed him onto the plane, she saw that Kol's attempts to make them late had been successful. They were the last ones there and a glance at the older woman seated with Elijah was enough to tell her Mrs. Mikaelson was not happy about this delay. Next to her and older man was typing away on a laptop, appearing oblivious to the entire world.

"Kol," the woman said getting to her feet.

Bonnie caught her glimpse of the woman, who helped rule the world's largest criminal organization. It was an intimidating sight. Esther was tall and well-groomed in a way that Bonnie was certain she herself never would be. Not a single hair was out of place in her shoulder-length bob. Her makeup was understated and subtle yet it accentuated her looks perfectly. She wore a grey pantsuit that was tailored to her figure. She eyed Kol in a stern and disapproving way.

"Mother," Kol said with a chipper smile.

Bonnie was certain he would pay for his casualness and no sooner had she thought it before she was proven right.

"You are late," Esther said with pursed lips. "That is entirely unacceptable. Where have you been? Do not give me that look. Where have you been?"

"Picking up my delinquent brother and his girlfriend," Kol replied easily.

"Oy," Henrik protested. "The only delinquent brother in the family is you."

Esther's pursed lips implied she thought they could both smarten up.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Mikaelson. It was my fault," Bonnie offered in attempt to ease the situation. "I wasn't aware I would be travelling today and I was unprepared."

The tension in Esther's lips eased a little. But the coldness in her eyes remained.

"Bonnie was the victim of a burglary attempt," Kol interjected. "Naturally things are a little up in the air at the moment on our part."

Esther shot Kol a disbelieving look. "A burglary you say? You poor dear. You can rest assured you will not be accosted by anything so unpleasant on this trip. Please, have a seat. Make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Mrs. Mikaelson."

"Mother," Kol said with a sardonic smile as he passed her. "Father."

"Boy," Mr. Mikaelson said without as much as glancing up.

Yet Bonnie could have sworn she felt his eyes drilling holes into her back once they had passed him. It was an uncomfortable sensation that sent a tingle of alarm through her. Although it could have just been lingering nerves from Kol's warning about his father. She hoped that was all it was.

Kol led her to the back of the plane. She sat down next to him. Back here they had their share of privacy. There were four seats facing each other, but no one else occupied this section.

A few rows down Elijah was seated with Henrik and April. It did not look as if Elijah had noticed the teens. He was intently focused on his laptop and if Bonnie had to guess it was more of their illegal business.

Rebekah was sitting with her father. She was talking Mikael's ear off and he nodded occasionally, but it didn't look like he was really listening. Esther was seated next to Finn and Sage. Nik was in a row of his own at the front and he was too far away for Bonnie to get a look at what he was doing. Instead, she found herself focusing on Esther and Sage's strained interaction. If she concentrated, she could just make out their conversation.

"How did you enjoy your trip to Europe, Mrs. Mikaelson?"

"It was delightful. It's always lovely to have a break from the common people," Esther replied evenly as she flipped through a glossy magazine.

Sage's nostrils flared and her smile was tense. She was fighting to remain calm.

"Really? I find money can't buy class."

"Well you would know, darling," Esther replied with a breezy laugh.

"Mother," Finn cautioned. "Sage is my wife and -"

"And I am your mother. Last I checked I was still the matriarch of this family and I will speak to your wife however, I see fit."

Bonnie leaned back in the chair and tried to relax. No wonder, Rebekah was so adamant she gain Esther's approval.

"You are out of line," Finn persisted.

"Enough," Mikael said in a tone of voice so cold it even chilled Bonnie. "We have guests. Now is not the time for petty squabbles. Would you be so kind as to lend me your expertise on this matter, Sage?"

"Certainly," Sage said.

She moved to join Mikael. Their conversation was too quiet then to allow for eavesdropping. Instead, Bonnie returned her focus to her textbook on animal behavior.

It would have been easier to remain focus if Kol had not put his arm around her and fallen asleep. It drew her attention to him. She kept shooting looks at him out of the corner of her eye. He always looked so different asleep than awake. Gone were all traces of his sardonic smirks and the lazy way he moved with the assurances that no one could ever get the drop on him.

Asleep Kol looked young, innocent even. Especially right now when his hair fell into his eyes. Her fingers twitched to brush it aside and finally, she gave in to the impulse. Gently, she brushed it aside.

Kol's eyes shot open and he flashed a lazy smile. Startled, she jumped, which only made him smile and laugh. It coaxed a smile out of her.

"Don't do that," she protested. "You scared me half to death!"

"I'm a light sleeper, beautiful."

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "You are paranoid that's what you are."

That only served to broaden Kol's grin.

April cleared her throat and they both looked up to see her hovering nervously in the aisle.

"Is something wrong?" Kol inquired with manners she hadn't known he possessed.

Kol usually didn't ask people what they wanted in a friendly way. Normally, it was rude or downright hostile, but he appeared to like April.

"Henrik is feeding Fluffy and it is seriously grossing me out. Can I sit here in the meantime?"

On instinct, Bonnie drew her feet onto the chair. Kol drew her closer and chuckled.

"That's right, you don't care for snakes, do you, darling?"

"Have a seat, April," Bonnie said. "You can stay here as long as you want."

"I'll see to it that Henrik puts it back in its cage once it has fed," Kol said getting to his feet. He kissed the top of Bonnie's head.

April stifled a giggle and shot Bonnie a meaningful look. One that made her blush.

XXX

The Mikaelson manor in New Hampshire was not exactly what Bonnie had been expecting when they arrived there. When she had ridden with Kol on the way here, the neighbors' homes had been nice, large and definitely wealthy yet nothing as boastful as the Mikaelson's vacation house.

The mansion had at least four separate wings that she could see. It stood three stories tall and the white exterior contrasted greatly with the lush green grass of the surrounding garden. In the distance, she spied the ocean and possibly a beach.

The inside was even grander than the outside. Although it attempted to give a casual beach vibe, it was the furthest thing from it. The ceilings were high and the soft light from the chandelier should have made it feel more relaxed, but instead only made the space seem more formal.

Just when Bonnie had decided it might not be as showy as she feared she looked more closely around the foyer. Not only did she see several classic works of art that must have cost a fortune each – she didn't even want to contemplate how much the entire collection had cost, but she caught sight of a ballroom.

She was quickly distracted by the remainder of the Mikaelson family shuffling in. Henrik and April looked as if they were trying to be inconspicuous. Which could only mean they were going to sneak away from the adults and do something they shouldn't.

Klaus strode past the teens without a second glance even though they were clearly planning something. It was first then, Bonnie noticed the toddler sitting on his shoulders. That must be his daughter Hope. She had a sweet, cherubic face and gold curls just like Klaus.

"Hey, April. C'mon our room is this way," Henrik said in a whisper that wasn't quite a whisper.

He took April's hand and started dragging her toward the staircase on the left-hand side of the foyer. Briefly Bonnie wondered if she should say something before deciding it wasn't her place. After all, Henrik wasn't her little brother. Instead, she settled for nudging Kol and nodding toward the teenagers. Kol's expression of pure exasperation and annoyance came as no surprise.

Kol easily loped up in the middle of Henrik and April. He grabbed the back of Henrik's shirt and pulled.

"Oy! You bloody psycho!" Henrik complained.

"Your room is in the opposite direction, genius," Kol growled.

"I was just showing April to her room!"

Bonnie barely contained a scoff at Henrik's blatant lie.

"Come along, Bonnie. I'll show you to your bedroom while Kol acts like a maniac," Rebekah said with a smile that was almost friendly.

"Thanks, but what about -"

"Avril?" Rebekah drawled. "I suppose she can come with us. Come along, Avril."

"It's April," the teenager muttered.

Even if April was insulted it did not stop her from following them.

Rebekah navigated the labyrinth of hallways with an ease Bonnie could not fathom. The manor appeared to have several wings. Rebekah pointed each one out as they passed them.

"Bonnie, you'll stay in the south-east wing. Obviously, that is Kol's wing."

"Obviously," Bonnie said.

Her mind was only half-way on the conversation she was having with Rebekah. Her eyes were continuously drawn to the sculptures and paintings that lined the walls. It probably would have felt like she was at a museum if it weren't for the thick Persian rugs that covered the floors. It softened their steps and prevented that loud, echoing vastness that museums inevitably had.

"Some of the artwork is Nik's doing," Rebekah remarked when she noticed what had Bonnie's attention.

"Oh? He's interested in art?"

Rebekah's laugh was breezy. "Oh, no darling. He's a two-bit artist. I forget, which paintings are his though."

April had stopped in front of a dark and desolate landscape. She turned to look back at them.

"This looks pretty talented to me."

Bonnie moved closer and saw the righthand corner was signed 'Nik M' in a fluid scrawl. She took a moment to study the painting. It was dark and warped yet it had a haunted beauty to it.

"It's kind of macabre, but beautiful in its own way," Bonnie said as she tilted her head to the side to get a better look.

"All of dear Nik's work is so dreary. Which would be well and fine if he ever included some violence. Something more than just depressing landscapes," Rebekah sniffed.

Rebekah swung her shiny, blonde hair and strode along. That left Bonnie and April scrambling to catch up.

Once they reached April's room Rebekah threw the door open. Waved April in and took off before April could muster as much as thank you.

"I'll see you later," Bonnie said with a smile hoping to make up for some of Rebekah's rudeness.

Then she had to half-run to reach Rebekah before she disappeared out of sight.

"Keep up, Bonnie. I don't have all day to play tour guide."

"No one asked you to," Bonnie said as she slowed down.

Rebekah rolled her perfectly lined eyes. "I did not see anyone else offer. Anyway, I have decided you simply must wear the light blue dress to dinner tonight."

Bonnie nearly groaned in complaint, but managed to stop herself just in time.

"Why do you insist on dressing me in pastels?"

"Because they suit you, dummy."

Bonnie blushed. "Well thanks, I guess."

"You guess," Rebekah snorted. "I swear you Americans have absolutely no sense of propriety."

"Us? Have you met yourself?"

"I have and I am delightful," Rebekah came to a stop in front of a door. "This is your stop. I'll see you at dinner. Toodles."

Rebekah gave a little wave with her fingers before vanishing around a corner.

Bonnie shook her head and gave up the idea of ever trying to understand Rebekah. She opened the bedroom door and was not surprised to see one of the most gorgeous rooms she had ever seen in her life.

The walls were a soft blue with white trim. Beautiful paintings of the ocean hung on the walls. The closet and vanity were ornate and old-fashioned. The windows were large, letting in a lot of light to the sitting area. The hardwood floors added an extra touch of elegance and the large canopy bed looked like heaven after the last several days."

There was a knock on the door. She opened it and saw a butler outside with her luggage.

"Your things Miss," he said bowing politely.

Bonnie flushed. No one had ever bowed to her before – at least not in a way that wasn't joking.

"Please come in," she said stepping out of the way.

She had teased Kol about having servants before and now she was relived he didn't have any. At least it spared her that awkward conversation with him because she was certain she could never get used to strangers in her house.

He started to unpack for her and she hovered in the doorway.

What the hell do I do now?

The butler must have noticed her staring because he smiled at her over his shoulder.

"It'll be only a moment, Miss."

"It's Bonnie," she said still unable to move out of the door.

She cringed when he put a pair of her pajamas away.

Where the hell was Kol?

Bonnie really wanted to kick the butler out, but that might be rude. Actually, she was fairly sure it was rude to kick out a guy, who was just trying to do his job.

"You found the bedroom, alright then?" a smooth voice asked.

Bonnie turned around and grimaced at Kol. She nodded her head in the general direction of the butler. She really, really hoped Kol would take the hint. Maybe he knew the polite way to ask staff to get hands off her clothes. He flashed her a teasing smile that somehow managed to be reassuring as well.

"Excuse me, we rather enjoy our privacy."

The butler immediately stopped what he was doing. He turned around and bowed to Kol.

"Certainly, Mr. Mikaelson. I will take my leave at once, but I must inquire if there is anything else I can do to make your stay here more enjoyable?"

"Yes, you can ask the rest of your staff to keep out of this bedroom. Unlike the rest of my family I do not care to have people in my private quarters."

Bonnie thought she saw the butler's lips twitch. At first, she couldn't tell if it was out of anger or something else. Then she glimpsed the glimmer of respect in his eyes. The butler must like that Kol was not interested in having a staff to wait on him hand and foot.

"Of course. I will see to it you both have the utmost privacy."

As he left, Kol slipped him some money discretely. Bonnie wasn't sure she even would have noticed if she didn't know firsthand just how discrete Kol was when slipping money to the help.

Bonnie wondered if Kol still thought of her as the help?

Most likely. Which was such a depressing thought she shoved it firmly aside.

Kol chuckled and fell against the door. He took her hands in his and swung them playfully. He pulled her closer.

"You can ask the staff to leave if you do not feel comfortable with them in our room."

Bonnie chewed on her lower lip. "It just feels so rude."

Kol looked as if he was struggling not to roll his eyes. Instead, he scoffed. "Believe me, they are more than happy to be out of sight, love."

"Really?"

"Truly," Kol assured her. "All employees breathe easier when the boss leaves the room. You my darling are one of those bosses."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her even closer. His touch was tentative as if he was trying not to spook her. It made sense. They weren't exactly on the best of terms right now. Bonnie for one felt unsure of her footing with Kol and hurt. Kol wasn't stupid, he would notice their argument had not been forgotten.

Yet Kol's smile was so ruefully, she had no choice except to return it. The smile must have emboldened him because his arms tightened around her and he pulled her closer until their body were touching. She could feel his hard muscles and his warmth. She glanced up and blushed at the way he was looking at her.

"I'm no one's boss," she breathed. Even as she tried not to breathe too deeply that movement was too much and she found there was no space left between her and Kol.

"Strange," he murmured and drew her arms around his neck. "As I don't think there is anything, you couldn't ask me to do."

Bonnie blushed away and looked away. She turned her head to the side, but she left her arms around his neck. She wished Kol really did care about her. The way she could care about him, if she let herself.

Then she realized, she wasn't fooling anyone least of all herself. She did care about Kol. A lot and in such a short amount of time, it was almost frightening.

How could she have started to fall for him already?

In the past, she had never developed feelings quickly. It always took time and made her wonder what was wrong with her.

Why was she always hesitant about men?

Now it was the opposite and it had questioning how it could happen so fast? Was she broken and clinging to the first thing that came along? Was she like those women, who fell for their doctors because they saved them? Or worse was she like those women, who married convicted serial killers? Kol might not be a serial killer, but she knew he had killed at least one man and she would have to be stupid to believe it was the first time.

Before these thoughts could drive her crazy, Kol touched her chin. He brought her face to his and his lips brushed hers. It was gentle and hesitant in a way Kol's kisses never were. At least they hadn't been in the past. Until their fight at the hospital, he had always been so sure of his advances. Aware of his skill and knew just how to coax her.

Now, he was asking for permission. Was being so gentle, she could have easily broken out of his arms if she chose. But she didn't want to. She wanted him to touch her the way he usually did. She tried to signal this to him by pressing closer, tightening her arms around him.

Instead, Kol withdrew. He touched his forehead to hers while his thumb caressed her cheek softly.

"Is this alright?" he murmured in a husky whisper.

"Yes."

Before Kol could doubt the truth of her words, she kissed him again. She couldn't fully explain it, but she wanted Kol to touch her. It was as reassuring as it was exciting. It may just have been her overwrought mind, but she found they communicated best when no words were spoken.

Kol seemed not to need any more encouragement. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his hips. She could feel his growing hardness and she rocked into him, making her moan in his mouth. He carried her across the room and held her against the opposite wall.

His lips roamed lower, his tongue traced patterns on her neck. An electric feeling spread everywhere he touched her. She threw her head back against the wall, breathing heavily as her eyes drifted closed. She was close to going out of her mind with ecstasy and her breath was coming in ragged pants. His hands roamed lower to her backside and squeezed. A low guttural moan tumbled from her parted lips then and she felt him smile.

"Do you like that, baby?" he whispered. His breath ghosted along her damp skin, making her shiver.

Bonnie nodded. She ran her hands through his hair and rocked her hips into his. "Please, Kol. Keep going."

"Anything for you," he whispered.

The sound of his voice filled her with heat. She tried to unbutton her shirt, but Kol's body was pressed too closely. Still, he knew what she had been trying to do and took over for her. He pressed his lips to hers and this time, the kiss was harder, stealing her breath away. She broke away, letting her head fall against the wall as she gasped for breath.

Slowly, Kol undid each of her buttons. He kissed her throat the entire time. His kisses moved lower until his tongue was tracing patterns on the top of her breasts. When her shirt was entirely undone, his hand reached up to cup her breast. He kneaded and massaged, coaxing noises she did not recognize as her own from her.

Her hands roamed his back and came to rest on his shoulders. She clung to him, wanting and needing his closeness. Warmth was spreading through her like a wildfire and her core ached.

"Kol," she moaned.

He kissed her again then. It was just a light brush of his lips against his. Yet she felt his smile. When Kol had first told her, he needed her to be his, she hadn't fully understood. But she did now. He needed to know she was with him for real. And with the things he was doing to her body, she couldn't resist. She surrendered.

Bonnie shrugged out of her shirt. It felt too heavy on her too hot skin. It was like a fever was spreading through her. Kol flashed a smile and kissed her again.

"You're beautiful," he murmured between kisses.

Bonnie sighed and wrapped her arms tighter around him. She never wanted to let go and she needed him to know that.

Kol's hand travelled up her back. His fingers traced teasing patterns along the way that made shivers run down her spine and she squirmed into him. His other arm was firmly around her waist, holding her to him. Finally, he reached her bra and he unhooked it.

Bonnie tried to squirm out of her bra, but Kol did not loosen his grip on her. Instead, he used one hand to discard it. She stared up at him in surprise and felt herself blush when she met his intense gaze. His normally hazel eyes had gone black with desire.

Her core throbbed in a nearly painful way. She tried to press herself against him, needing the friction to alleviate some of her tension before she exploded. Yet Kol continued to hold her in place either unwilling or unable to let her go.

Raising onto her toes, she kissed his throat. She ran her tongue along the sensitive spot between his neck and collarbone. His pulse skipped a beat and she smiled. The smile disappeared as soon as she felt Kol's fingers on her zipped.

"Is this alright?"

Bonnie nodded.

Kol undid her zipper and pulled her jeans off. He kneeled before her as he pulled them all the way off. She helped him, kicking the pants aside. There was a part of her so inflamed with lust, she couldn't comprehend what she would ever need jeans for or clothes in general for ever again.

With a teasing smile that promised wicked pleasure, he kissed along her inner thigh. His warm breath danced along her damp skin. The tip of his tongue traced patterns in a way that made her shiver and moaned. She fell back against the wall and closed her eyes. Her fingers tangled into his hair.

"Kol," she moaned.

From her lips his name was a prayer.

Slowly, he moved higher until he was so close to where she needed him most yet not close enough. She felt him smile when she whimpered in complaint.

How did he know her body better than her? But that thought led down a rabbit hole of all the women Kol had been with before her. And she didn't want to go there right now so she shoved it firmly aside.

Kol ran the tip of his tongue along the length of her inner thigh. Heat exploded within her. She arched her back and stifled a loud moan.

"Do you want me, beautiful?"

Bonnie pulled on his hair in frustration. She nodded fervently when he looked up at her with a self-satisfied smirk.

"Stop torturing me. It's mean."

Kol took her hands gently and rose to his feet. His thumb moved under her chin and turned her face up to his. His lips brushed hers and he rested his forehead to hers.

"Is that what you think, beautiful? Am I being mean, baby?"

"Yeah," she sulked.

"Do you honestly ever believe I would ever be cruel to you, sweetheart?" he coaxed.

Kol kissed her again. He sucked on her lower lip until he drew a whimper from her.

"You're being mean now," Bonnie complained as she pulled away.

One of Kol's hands cupped the back of her neck while the other caressed her cheek gently. He drew her back to him. He kissed her softly and he ran the tip of his tongue along the bottom seam of her lip. Bonnie gasped and he took advantage of that gasp to deepen the kiss. It was still soft and gentle, he kept going until colors danced behind her eyelids and she was clinging to him.

Then he drew away and smiled at her. He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered, sending warmth through her. He kissed her forehead.

"I would never do anything to hurt you, beautiful."

"I know," she murmured. What she was about to say next, she wasn't sure she should. She didn't want him to know how much he meant to her when she had no idea how he really felt about her. But then again, maybe that was why he needed to hear. Especially with what he had just told her because that much she knew was true. "I really like you, Kol."

The answering smile that lit his face was dazzling. He grinned at her and winked. She flushed, wishing she hadn't said anything at all.

What had she been thinking?

Kol was arrogant, he didn't need to hear she liked him. He was hot and rich, he could have anyone. In spite of his crime family, he could have anyone. She would be crazy not to like him.

Kol kneeled in front of her and hooked her leg over his shoulder. He ran his tongue along her slit. Even with her panties on, it was sheer bliss. She rocked her hips into him, needing more and he didn't disappoint. He ate her out greedily.

Stars danced behind her eyelids. Warmth spread through her and there was a tightening starting low in her stomach. One that made her feel as if she might explode at any moment. He kept going, his movements firmer and more demanding with each lick of his tongue. When he sucked on her clit, she cried out and shattered.

Bonnie came with a strangled cry she didn't recognize as her own. The pleasure was almost too intense. Climax crashed through her like a tidal wave. Her body twitched and her breath was coming in heavy pants.

Sated, she fell back against the wall. She gasped for breath and a content mewl spilled over her lips. Kol released her leg and smiled up at her. He rose to his feet and she may well have collapsed, if he hadn't caught her.

He kissed her then. It was deep and hard as he restoked her passions. She tasted herself on her lips, her cheeks heated and she clung to him. He was tall and broad, so well built it felt incredible just to press herself against him.

"Are you ready for more, beautiful?" he murmured against her lips.

Bonnie nodded fervently. "Yes."

Kol picked her up. Her legs coiled around his waist as she undid his shirt. She started to unbuckle his pants when she almost lost her balance. Scrambling to keep upright, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

The only response she got from Kol was a deep chuckle as he tightened his grip around her. She blushed realizing, he had pretended to lose his grip on her on purpose.

"You jerk," she complained although she hid her laughter poorly.

Kol kissed the tip of her nose lightly. "I'm only teasing, beautiful. I would never let you fall."

Against her better judgement, she smiled. "You are such an idiot."

Kol's chuckle warmed her and made her toes curl.

Quickly, he grew serious again. He captured her lips with his. The kiss was slow yet firm, it coaxed a sigh out of her as she melted into him. His hand travelled her back, fingers playing teasingly against her skin, he tugged lightly on the tips of her hair. It coaxed a mewl from her lips.

He pulled her closer still and she ground into him. A shiver of excitement coursed through her when she felt his hardness pressing against her. He rolled his hips and his cock grazed her in just the right spot. Her head fell back against the wall and she moaned softly.

Kol's eyes filled with warmth at the encouraging noise. He rocked into her, rubbing up against her in a way that almost felt as if he was inside of her. Her eyes fell closed and she met his thrusts, noises she did not recognize as her own spilled over her lips. Warmth was spreading all through her body and she clung to him.

Something – she had no idea what, but something disturbed her, felt wrong. Bonnie's eyes flew open and she saw Mikael standing in the doorway. He was just staring them at them, the look in his eyes chilled her to the bone.

Kol nuzzled her neck, oblivious to his father's presence. He ran his tongue playfully along her pulse line.

"What's wrong, beautiful?" Kol's voice was just a soft murmur. He must have sensed her tension.

"Your - your dad," Bonnie whispered horrified.

Kol glanced over his shoulder and his eyes darkened in an instant. He put her down, careful to shield her from view with his body the whole time. He shrugged out of his unbuttoned shirt. Then he carefully draped it around her shoulders and wrapped her up in it.

"I'll take care of this, baby."

Bonnie nodded. Her cheeks were scalding and her insides were ice cold.

What was wrong with Mikael?

Why didn't he say something or leave when he saw what he had walked in on?

Instead, he had stood there like – like – like he enjoyed it. He was sick.

Kol kissed her forehead softly. That spurred her into action. She put her arms through the shirt and ran into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and locked it.

Thank you to everyone, who has read, followed and reviewed this fic! I love the positivity for this fic and that the kennett shippers are still going strong! Let me know what you thought of this chapter. Do we love Bonnie and Rebekah bonding? What do we think of the kennett and was that enough smut for all you dirty birds?

- Izzy

Guest: Thank you for reading and thank you for leaving a review! Actually, there is a lot to their friendship as children and a reason Bonnie doesn't remember much. You'll find out in a chapter or two.

Guest: Gahh, thank you! I'm thrilled you liked the flashbacks and the honest conversation between Bonnie and Kol. Not gonna lie that was a bitch to write, lol. As for Timeless I am hard at work on the next chapter.

Guest: Thank you!