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The morning light played with her as she stood in the kitchen. So much happened yesterday, she wasn't sure if she dreamed it or it was real. It couldn't have been a dream. Not from this morning, when she awoke, not in her apartment, but in the bedroom, she claimed at the cottage.

Nor could she say it was a dream when she awoke with a smile on her face and the tension from two days ago eased in her mind.

Caroline sipped from the coffee mug and sighed. Klaus was not up yet, which was a good thing. She enjoyed the quiet moments of the morning before everything stirred. She replayed the moments of yesterday and wondered if she had done the right thing.

Should she really have held back her feelings? She came so close to saying the three words, but somehow, the timing didn't fit. Changing their relationship was only a first step, not exactly an 'I love you' step. Though she did love him. Oh, did she love him.

She smiled, thinking how sweet it was she didn't have to hide the feelings anymore. She knew he felt the same. That made the step all the more appealing and accepting to her. She wanted his love and now, she had it.

It wasn't wrong. It was right. For the first time in her life, Caroline's actions were right. She could have danced in the kitchen. She could have shimmied and swayed with such joy, but instead she calmly sat at the table, sipping her coffee.

Timothy still weighed on her mind. Wherever he was, she hoped he never found her. He was resourceful, but she was careful. Moving out of state, ensuring her calls to her mom were no longer than a few minutes, but with todays technology even a minute on the phone could possibly be tracked. The GPS on her phone was never turned on. No apps or any kind of maps were activated. Nothing she did would allow him to track her.

She took all the precautions with the help of her mom and Bonnie. She had no Facebook. No Tumblr. No Twitter. No form of social media. Any of those could be used to track her. The amount of time she spent online was minimal and work related. She had email, but it was only for work. She did watch YouTube, but never signed in. She never subscribed to Netflix or any form of digital entertainment. She did have an Amazon account, because let's face it, everyone was ordering online.

The thought he could use that account to trace her, worried her, only a little. It wasn't unheard of for hackers to hack into anything and Timothy could find a hacker, if he wanted to or he could even do it himself.

Another thought was Camille. Though she was hurt Camille never listened or wasn't given the information needed to secure Timothy's stay, Caroline wasn't above telling the woman off when she saw her. She could feel sorry for the woman, but Caroline didn't want to. The thought of anyone studying her cousin and finding him sane didn't sit well with her. She could just imagine what she would do when she saw Camille again.

With those thoughts rummaging through her mind, Caroline started breakfast. Though she rarely indulged, she loved to cook, and this morning she wanted to cook for him.

Hearing him stir a few minutes later, brightened her smile, especially when he entered the kitchen wearing jogging pants and a clinging grey shirt. His hair was slightly ruffled, but he was as sexy as anything. He approached her at the stove and brushed his hand over her cheek.

She lifted her face like a water lily reaching for the sun and smiled as his lips touched hers. "Good morning," she whispered when they separated.

"Is it morning?" he asked, moving to the coffee pot. "I wasn't sure."

She laughed. "It is and breakfast is almost ready."

"You didn't have to cook, love."

She shrugged. "I wanted to, besides it's kind of a thank you for not turning me out last night."

"I could never turn you out."

"Well, you never know," she teased, bringing a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon to the table.

He shook his head, approaching her from behind and gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to his chest. "I would never."

She placed her hands over his and smiled. "Okay, you would never."

"Thank you," he replied, kissing the back of her head. "By the way, you look beautiful this morning."

She scoffed, glancing down at her t-shirt and capris with fuzzy slippers. "I look horrible."

"Not in my eyes," he whispered.

She shivered at his husky tone. "Flatterer."

"Is it working?"

The sensual tone produced a laugh. She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Maybe," she uttered, kissing his lips lightly.

"You mean to tell me, I broke through?" he asked, teasingly.

She laughed, brightly. "What if you did? Would you brag?"

His hands caressed her back, lightly touching the skin under her shirt. "Only to you, love."

She smiled, stroking his hair. "We better eat before the eggs get cold," she whispered, refusing to let go. "It doesn't take long for them."

"True," he whispered, touching his nose to hers, lightly brushing it.

Her body shivered, leaning closer. "Klaus."

"Should I stop, love?" he asked, sensually.

His nose moved over her face, lightly grazing her skin until he could feel her body shaking with his. No amount of civility could stop him from replacing his nose with his lips, touching her skin. He held her for a few moments before pulling back, seeing her beautiful blue-green eyes melt with desire.

She licked her lips and dragged her arms down, resting her hands on his chest. "This is dangerous," she muttered, unsure of where to go next.

He smirked, caressing her face with one hand. "I promised we would go at your speed, Caroline, and I keep my promises."

"I know, but I've never felt this way before. I…I never wanted…"

His fingers stopped her words. "I know, love, but I will say this," he began with a glint reflecting in his eyes. "I will keep showing my affection unless you tell me otherwise."

"I don't want you to stop, but I'm," she confessed, lowering her eyes to his throat. "I'm unsure of where to go or what to do. This is new for me."

"For me too, love," he revealed, catching her eyes. "I've never shown this side of myself to anyone, but you. I said it last night. I don't want to lose you, and I meant it. I don't, and I will do whatever I can to ensure I don't frighten you, but be warned, my level of attraction can be dangerous."

She laughed at his words and expression, stroking his scruffy cheek with a light sparkle in her eyes. "So is mine, but thank you for understanding."

He winked before escorting her to the table and helped her eat the simple breakfast. He watched her during the meal and a warm feeling surrounded his heart with each bubbling laughter from her as she told tales of her childhood before the darkness entered her world. As she confessed her joys and her passions, he found himself falling more and more in love with her spirit than ever.

She was a vision. An angel. A woman who touched him in ways he never imagined nor wanted. Now she had secured her place in his heart and he never wanted to let her go.

Never.

~XXX~

"I take it all went well?" Bonnie inquired when Caroline dropped her bag in her room.

Caroline sighed and twirled to face her friend. "Well is not the word I would use."

"Oh," Bonnie remarked, slyly. "Do tell."

"What is there to tell?" Caroline remarked, lifting her arms up before dropping them.

"Don't you get coy with me, Caroline Forbes." Bonnie shook her finger at her. "Did you tell him you loved him?"

Caroline blushed, glancing away. "Not exactly," she responded, entering the kitchen.

"What do you mean?" Bonnie asked, climbing on one of the stools. "You didn't tell him?"

Caroline sighed, placing her palms on the counter. "I started to, but something held me back." She smiled. "I don't know, but it didn't feel right."

"What did you say?"

"I told him I wasn't alone."

"You're not." Bonnie watched her friend and smiled. "Oh, you mean, you told him that…" she trailed off watching closely. "Oh, Caroline, what did he say?"

"He feels the same."

"I told you!" Bonnie exclaimed with a clap of her hands. "I knew he felt the same."

Caroline laughed. "Yes, you were right, but," she began, lowering her eyes.

"Oh, no, what's the 'but'?" Bonnie groaned.

"We're taking it slow."

"Slow?" Bonnie asked, raising her brows. Understanding dawned for a moment and she smiled. "Caroline, that's great."

"Is it?"

The scared tone urged Bonnie to grasp her friend's hands. "Timothy scarred you in ways I don't fully know, but Klaus seems to, and for him to agree to take it slow is a huge step in the right direction."

"He doesn't want to scare me, Bonnie."

"And that's good because that means he cares more than I or you ever dreamed of."

"I don't want my fear to dictate my life anymore, Bonnie. I told Klaus as much last night and he understood. But what if the fear comes back full force?"

"There are no guarantees in life, Care, only the knowledge that you survived and you have people in your corner ready to fight for you." She smiled, squeezing Caroline's hands. "Including Klaus."

Caroline's cheeks flushed and her mind agreed with Bonnie's words. For the first time in years, she was at peace with her decision and with the people who surrounded her. "I need to call mom."

Bonnie nodded, releasing her friend's hands. "I'll get supper ready."

Caroline listened to the line ring as she settled against the headboard of her bed. Her brow furrowed as a few rings began to worry her until a rushed hello came through.

"Mom?" Caroline breathed, shakily.

"Hi, sweetheart, I'm sorry. I was in the kitchen and forgot to bring my phone with me."

Caroline sighed with relief. "I was beginning to worry," she admitted, lowly.

"I'm sorry, dear."

The tone was gentle and full of sorrow. Caroline breathed out. "It's okay, mom. I was just calling to check on you."

"I'm fine. The goon squad is within my sights every hour of every day."

Caroline laughed. "Goon squad?"

"Well, that's what I call them. They never leave my side, even on duty. The mayor went all out."

"That's nice of her."

"I think she feels guilty because her husband didn't believe us in the beginning."

"Yeah," Caroline whispered, lowering her eyes. "At least they believe now, or the mayor does."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I stayed with Klaus last night, mostly talking," she added, not wanting to give her mother the wrong idea.

"I figured," Elizabeth remarked, tongue-in-cheek. "He's a good man, or seems like one."

"He is, mom," Caroline agreed with a smile. "We've, uh, taken a step."

"Oh, my dear, I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks," Caroline laughed. "There is something else." She licked her lips. "Klaus' ex was one of Timothy's doctors."

Elizabeth inhaled sharply and Caroline could see her mother's uncertainty and pain on her face. "How did you find out?"

"He told me. She showed up at the office and revealed everything to him. She wanted some advice or something. He told me afterwards."

"Are you alright?"

"I think so."

"Caroline."

There was that tone. The tone children hate to hear from their parents. The tone that tells them their parents hear more or knows more than the child tells them. "I'm hurt, mom, and angry. Angry at the people who never revealed the details the doctors. They should have. Why didn't they?"

Elizabeth sighed. "I may know the answer to that." Caroline inhaled, holding her breath until her mother spoke again. "It seems the head of the hospital was told to withhold the information."

"Why?" Caroline croaked, fearing the worst.

"A bribery," Elizabeth answered, solemnly. "It was revealed that a bribe was sent to the administrator and he withheld the trial notes. He's lost his job, in a way."

Caroline's arm shook. "He's dead, isn't he?"

"We found his body underneath his car in the driveway. He'd been run over a few times."

Her blood ran cold and her body trembled. Everything was tumbling around her. What was happening? "Timothy did it."

"I suspect so, but there isn't enough evidence to prove it."

"There doesn't have to be evidence!" Caroline raged. "He did it!"

"I know that, but it could have easily have been someone close to Timothy. Everyone in town has been on alert. I'm being watched. Everything will be fine."

"How can it be fine, mom?!" Caroline wailed, running her fingers through her hair. "Timothy will find a way. You and I both know the lengths he will go."

"I know, but you don't need to worry. Let Klaus know and stay safe. I have to go, sweetheart." There was a pause and Caroline wiped the tears from her eyes. "I love you, Caroline."

"I love you too, mom." Caroline ended the call, and just as quick, she dialed another number. "I need you," she cried, when the ringing tone ended.

"I'll be right there."

Caroline held the phone as tears fell down her cheeks. Arms surrounded her and she wept on Bonnie's shoulders. Everything crashed down around her, leaving her weeping, and shaking. What was she going to do?

There was no ringing of the doorbell, but there was no need. Bonnie heard part of the conversation between Caroline and her mother, and knew Caroline needed Klaus too. After the second call, Bonnie text and told Klaus the door was unlocked.

The second he entered; Caroline cried harder. Her arm wrapped around him in an embrace that was shared with Bonnie. In the silence of the room, Bonnie and Klaus held the woman they both loved with tears in their eyes and heartache filling their souls.

~XXX~

"It didn't take you long to get here," Bonnie stated, handing Klaus a cup of tea.

It was hard on them both, seeing her in such pain. They weren't sure how to comfort her, but knew she needed it. So, they offered it, staying with her until she drifted to sleep.

Klaus shook his head. "Something told me she needed me," he answered, quietly.

"I'm glad because she did need you and still does."

"What happened?"

Bonnie sighed. "I only know what little I overheard. It has to do with Timothy. Apparently, he killed someone."

Klaus inhaled, sharply and shook his head. "He should have been imprisoned."

"I agree, but in the town, we lived, the people refused to accept it."

"Why didn't the state try him?"

Bonnie shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure. No one really knows. Unless some of Timothy's friends bribed the judge or something."

"That bad?"

"Yeah, it broke Caroline's heart when they sent Timothy to the hospital instead of prison," Bonnie remarked, hate flashing in her eyes. "Our so-called friends didn't seem to understand. They ridiculed her for years until the truth was revealed."

"How was it?" Klaus asked, hating the idea of someone hurting the woman he loved.

Bonnie sighed. "I'm sure she told you about the night at the bar." She waited until he responded with nod. "Even after the stint in the hospital, they still believe, but that night, they saw the damage for themselves. A few came out and saw Caroline on the street, bawling and in such pain," Bonnie explained, tears falling down her face with remembered pain. "Her shirt had risen up and they saw the wounds." She glanced away towards Caroline's room. "They were still fresh. I never saw so many shocked and ashamed expressions in my life, but the damage had been done. We never trusted them again."

Klaus' jaw clenched. Anger coursed through him. How could anyone treat a wonderful woman with such cruelty? It still burned him every time he thought about it.

"You haven't seen them, have you?"

Klaus jerked, realizing the anger clouded the outside world. His mind registered the words and he shook his head. "I've respected her privacy. I'll see them when she wants me to."

Bonnie smiled. "I'm glad you're this way with her." Her smile dropped, sadness generating in her eyes. "Timothy was cruel beyond anything anyone could imagine."

"You know what he did to her?"

Bonnie nodded. "I know enough." She fiddled with the cup. "Whenever I saw him, I knew by the way he looked at her." She paused, leaving the rest for Klaus to figure out.

"Did he?"

She shook her head. "No, he never raped her, but he did want her. I imagine if I hadn't shown up that night, he would have."

"What stopped him?" he asked, a bitter taste covering his tongue.

"His mother. That was one-line Harriet refused to cross," Bonnie answered, simply.

"So, when he killed his mother," he began, lowering his eyes.

"It gave him free rein to attack Caroline."

"That son of a bitch."

"I couldn't agree more," Bonnie remarked, firmly.

Klaus finished his tea and rose from his seat. "I'll go check on her."

Bonnie nodded. "I'll make up the couch for you."

Klaus paused and saw the understanding in Bonnie's eyes. "Thank you."

"She needs both of us, but I suspect she'll need you even more now."

Klaus left her in the kitchen and headed towards Caroline's bedroom. He sat next to her, raising his right leg on the bed, watching her sleep with a simple blanket covering her. Her eyes opened and she sent a wan smile. His hand brushed a strand of hair from her face and he returned the smile.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," he answered. "Do you need anything?"

She nodded but said nothing.

"What?"

She raised her arm, taking his hand in hers. "Stay with me."

He bent and kissed her. "For as long as you need me."

"Well then, I hope you stay for a long time."

He chuckled, moving her over only to hold her as they settled deeper in the embrace. Caroline's head rested on his chest and his arms encircled her.

"Damn anyone who tries to hurt you again," he whispered, touching the top of her head with his lips.

She snuggled closer, loving the sound of his voice and his words. She smiled. "You'll protect me," she returned in a breath of a whisper.

He smiled. "Damn straight."

~XXX~

"I'll be in later today, Kol." Klaus ran his fingers through his hair. "She's fine for the moment. I know. I'll check on it later." He turned and winked at Caroline and Bonnie, who smiled, brightly. "Send it to my email. Thanks, brother." He groaned, ending the call.

"If you need to go to the office, I can watch her," Bonnie offered.

Caroline opened her mouth. "I am perfectly capable of watching myself, and besides, I can go to work."

Klaus shook his head. "Not yet, maybe tomorrow, love, but right now, you need rest."

"I've been resting for two days. I want to go on with my life." She threw her arms up. "I've lived in fear for years. I'm not going to let it rule me, especially when I've got so much to live for."

Klaus smirked, kissing her quickly. "Yes, you do."

"Well, since you've got Klaus here, I'm going to run to the bookstore. If you need me, text, or call."

Caroline hugged her friend and sighed as the door closed. "She's a great friend."

"Yes, she is."

"So are you," she responded, wrapping her arms around him.

"Am I?" he asked, raising his brows.

She smiled, biting her lip before kissing him, gently. "And more."

"I like the 'and more' bit, love."

"I thought you would."

He chuckled, stroking her face, tenderly. "How are you feeling today?"

She sighed. "Better, but I would feel a lot better if Timothy were caught."

"I would feel better if he were dead."

She stroked his face, smiling sadly. "I know, but he isn't and no matter what I still can't wish him dead."

"But you would be safe and at peace."

She understood his meaning, holding his eyes. "I am safe and I'm at peace, especially with you. There is nothing that's going to change that."

"I won't let anything happen to you, Caroline, and I promise he won't touch you again."

Her face conveyed a soft expression. "You don't know Timothy."

"But I know me, and no one hurts those I…care for."

She read between the lines and pressed her body closer to his. "I care for you too, which is why I want you to be safe too."

He sighed, burying his face into her neck. He whispered her name, pressing his lips against the skin. She moaned, holding him close, feeling his fingers brush her bare skin. Her skin burned from his touch. Her legs shook and she tried to keep from falling to the floor. She was so lost; she didn't think as his fingers brushed the long scar on her side until reality crashed in her mind.

She stiffened and pushed away. Her eyes widened when his caught hers. "I…"

He shook his head, lightly touching the scar on her side. "I won't look and I won't ask or push." He pulled her shirt down and rested his hands over it. "It's up to you."

She relaxed, hating the idea of pushing him away or stiffening when she burned to have his hands and eyes on her. She knew he wouldn't push her away or find her revolting. He cared too much and promised to never hurt her, but still, she couldn't because she didn't trust her own reaction. "I'm sorry."

He brushed his lips over her forehead. "Don't apologize, Caroline. When it's right, you'll know."

"Will it ever be?"

He smiled, shining a light in her eyes from the glow of his. "What do you think?"

She didn't have to think. Instead she embraced him, tightly, and tilted her head to whisper in his ear. "It will. Someday."

With that, he smiled. "Someday."

Please be kind!

I hope you enjoyed it! I wanted Caroline to have a bit more of a reaction with Timothy in this chapter and I hope I handled it well. Sometimes, it takes a while before something like this either goes away or becomes a faint memory. At least she has Bonnie and Klaus with her.

The poll is still up, and this story is looking to be completed by the end of this month. *crossing fingers* So far, "Family Undercover" is in the lead, so I hope you all will vote soon. You have until the end of October! (2020)

A little preview of the next chapter:

"Explain once again why I'm doing this," Caroline inquired, facing the board.

Klaus smirked, standing behind her. "Because you wanted to learn and this is the best therapy I know of."

"Really?"

He kissed her temple and hummed. "Yep, I painted every time I needed a break from Mikael and everything else."

She heard the pain and turned to kiss his cheek, lightly. "Okay, what do I do first?"

He gripped her wrist with the paintbrush. "We'll start with the strokes."

Her heart picked up and her breathing picked up as his touch wreaked havoc inside her. His thumb brushed over her wrist, sliding to her hand in a sensual manner. "I...thought," she cleared her throat. "I thought you were teaching me to paint."

He chuckled, kissing her temple and trailed his lips to her cheek. "I am."

"It doesn't feel like a lesson," she remarked, breathlessly.

"Doesn't it?"

She moaned and leaned back before breathing his name.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Until Next Time...