Angelica strode through the doors of the office building that contained both her event planning business and her room staging business. After making sure that there were no problems that required her immediate attention, she practically threw herself in her office door and sat down heavily in her desk chair after throwing her briefcase on the floor. She then rubbed her temples and tried not to think of the major headache she had. She thought she'd be able to tough it out without taking any sort of medication to help, but that ship had sailed once she'd pulled into the parking lot. She wouldn't be able to play nice with anyone if she had a throbbing head and that was that.

And if the headache wasn't bad enough, she'd barely slept at all. It was just the latest in a series of sleepless nights since she and Klaus Mikaelson had parted ways.

At the beginning, making him wait for an answer to his ridiculous proposition seemed appealing because there was nothing like having power over a man, especially one like him. But what she hadn't considered was how that meant she was punishing herself too, that as good as she was at masturbating, that just didn't meet her needs anymore.

Since they'd shared that kiss, it was as if her body wasn't her own. She was hot and horny all the time, and had turned into some sort of orgasm addict. She'd ordered enough vibrators and other toys that Valerie was beginning to ask questions and she could only hold her nosy sister off for so long. Not that the vibrators did nothing. They weren't his lips, or his hands, or his muscular body…they weren't Klaus Mikaelson! And because of that, she hadn't slept in a week! She knew she was seriously sleep deprived and if she didn't swallow her pride and surrender to the inevitable, something terrible might happen.

Rubbing her temples and groaning when the motion did no good, she pressed the intercom button and called for Cecelia.

"Yes, Miss Morningstar?"

"Would you bring me two aspirins and a double espresso please? And hurry as fast as you can!"

"Right, I'm on my way!"

Angelica then sat back in her chair to wait. She could count on Cecelia. Now all she could do while waiting for her to come was dwell on her own stupidity. If she'd just refused Klaus to begin with, she wouldn't be in this situation. But at the same time, she wasn't sure she wanted to refuse him because she knew he could be trusted and if she rejected him, she'd just be stuck looking for men in bars who would probably try and drug her again to get what they wanted.

And if she had to be totally honest, she knew in her heart that no other man would kiss her the way Klaus had. If she tried to go after another man out of spite, it wouldn't be as good as it had been with him, and she'd be at square one all over again: needy, horny, and alone.

A knock on the door that was slightly ajar caused her to cry out in surprise, and a sheepish looking Cecelia entered. "I didn't mean to frighten you," she said. "I apologize. I have your medicine along with a glass of water and some coffee and cream. Do you want it on your desk?"

"Yes, please," Angelica nodded and then swallowed the pills and water. "Oh, thank you," she said. "You're more of angel than I am, Cecelia." She paused. "And would you take the cream back with you? I think I'll just take the espresso without it to keep myself awake."

"Yeah, I understand," Cecelia nodded and put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you stressed because the Japanese deal hasn't been signed yet?"

"What?" Angie asked, nearly spitting the espresso out. "Oh, the Japanese deal? No, no. I'm not worried about that. This is another deal that will have a big impact on my life."

"I see," Cecelia nodded and tried not to smile too much.

"What do you see?" Angie asked irritably. "Why are you smiling so damn much?"

"Well, I've watched you debate the pros and cons of this deal for a week now and…I know it's none of my business, but if it's heart related and you haven't been able to reject it outright, maybe you should give it a try."

Angie gave her a look and cleared her throat. "Thank you, Cecelia. That will be all."

Sensing that for once, she might have crossed a line, Cecelia nervously rubbed her hands and backed up toward the open door. "I'm sorry if I've offended you," she apologized. "I do that sometimes. Offer my actual opinion about things when I shouldn't."

Angelica shook her head. "No, you're right. I've been dragging my feet when I know deep down I know the only way this is gonna go."

"Right, well, if you need anything else, you know where I am." Cecelia left then, shutting the office door gently behind her.

Left alone, Angelica drummed her manicured nails on her desk while thinking about how she wanted to proceed. Although there was a desperate need on her part to go through with this deal, she had to come at it from a place of strength like she did with any other business deal. It wouldn't do to go to Klaus Mikaelson sniveling and begging.

Sighing in frustration, Angelica picked up her phone, and pressed Klaus' contact number, two. She hoped it would take him long enough to pick up that she could hang up and she wouldn't have the shame of listening to him mock her because she called. But unfortunately, he picked up after two rings.

"Angel!" He exclaimed. "Long time no hear and no see! It's been a while since I heard from you and I was beginning to get concerned. Tell me, how have you been sleeping lately? Has it been hard for you?"

"Don't pretend like you care, and even so, what does it matter to you how I sleep?" She snapped.

"I care deeply!" He exclaimed. "You know, if you need me to help you in any way, all you have to do is ask and I'd be more than happy to oblige!"

Angelica scoffed. "I'm sure you would! No, I promise you my sleep hasn't been affected. The caffeine really helped!" She then spoiled the effect with a huge yawn.

"Yeah, I'm sure it has," Klaus agreed, even though she heard the laughter in his voice. "You know what helps with sleep? Orgasms. And I'm incredibly good at those."

"I know they help," Angelica replied. "I can have orgasms on my own, thank you. I don't need your help!"

"Of course. A new sex shop opened in the city. Did you go and make yourself up a nice little toy box?"

She closed her eyes as her hands became fists. She stayed silent to catch her breath and then finally found the strength to speak to him.

"Klaus?"

"Yes, love?"

"I won't play this game with you. I won't!"

He chuckled. "You think we aren't playing it already, love? Ever since we first saw each other at the ATM? Though I am surprised how long you lasted before you called. Is it because of all the toys you bought? Why don't you bring some of them with you when we see each other? We could have fun with them together. Can't wait to see you tonight."

Angelica sucked in a breath. "Are you done? And who says I'm seeing you tonight?"

"Oh, love, I'm so far from being done with you. We'll keep going tonight!

Angelica scoffed. "And maybe we won't."

Klaus clicked his tongue. "You know, Angel, I worry about you. Soon, this lack of sleep is going to start affecting how you run your company. I wouldn't want to be responsible for such a thing so why don't you take a load off my shoulders and let me help you release the tension. Stop you from being, you know…cranky!"

"Oh, fuck you!" Angie cried. "I hate you so much!"

"See!" Klaus said in a tone that just screamed the fact that he was grinning. "You're cranky!" He paused. "And speaking of fucking me…have you thought about it?"

"I have," Angie nodded. "And I think…I would like to add some conditions."

"Oh, all right. Color me intrigued, Angel."

"Once a month, we'll meet, and-"

He burst into laughter and she was momentarily shaken but soldiered on. "All right, once a month, then. I can't be in your bed every night for Grandpa's sake!"

"Why not?" Klaus asked. "Are you afraid of a scandal?"

"No, but I have a life and a business, and-"

"And all your toys," Klaus interrupted.

"If it'll get you to shut up about my toys, I'll come by when I'm not too busy."

Klaus chuckled. "Goodbye, my Angel. See you tonight. And wear see through lingerie. It's my thing."

"Whatever. And goodbye!"

Angelica drove the jeep up the driveway of Klaus' house and parked it, taking the key out of the ignition, glad she'd chosen to arrive at Klaus' house under cover of darkness. It had been bad enough last time, going to Klaus' house and leaving in the same clothes. Over her dead body would she give the neighbors another chance to gossip about her.

She settled her shaking hands in her lap and took a deep breath. "Get a grip on yourself. You'll be fine. This is just a business deal like any other. And there's nothing to fear about a business deal." That made her feel a little better and she took a deep breath to stabilize herself, then gave herself some light and looked into the rearview mirror to make some last adjustments to her hair and apply makeup.

Even though 'it's just a business deal' had become a mantra, she was still a wreck and she hated herself for it. She also hated that she'd left work early to get a fresh manicure and pedicure, and a new set of lingerie (and transparent, just like that jerk Klaus had requested). Not only that, but after getting her lingerie, she'd walked past a store with the most beautiful white linen dress in the window that went perfectly with a pair of wedge sandals she'd seen in another store. It was insane! She never spent money like this. And if that wasn't enough, after all that extravagance and expense, she'd gone home to the mansion, showered, and covered herself with perfume and the Tahitian vanilla oil he loved so much.

She had no idea why she was doing this. It wasn't a date. She had no need to impress him. It was just a business contract, and she wasn't this much of a kiss ass to even her most valuable clients.

But on the other hand, as she'd looked at herself in the mirror, both then and now, she felt beautiful and strong. And wasn't that the point of any war? To be stronger than your adversary and win?

Finally, she put her hair up in a loose bun and secured it with a clip and put on some pink lipstick before taking one last look at her mascara. It was all perfect. Then everything went in her overnight bag and she zipped it up, glad she'd chosen an outfit she could go to work in tomorrow and not feel like a paid escort.

Feeling confident, she got out of the jeep and locked it behind her, then walked to the door, her heart pounding in her chest. What was that? What was wrong with her?

As she reached the door, she shut her eyes tight to gather strength, and then knocked, timidly at first, and then stronger. "You better get out here!" She yelled. "I don't like to be kept waiting!" That made her feel a bit more confident. But the door didn't open. Not for a few seconds. She was about to knock again when it did, and she found herself face to face with Klaus. Barefoot, with an open white shirt and linen pants, his curly hair still wet from his shower.

He looked her over, a grin on his lips. "Sorry, love. I was just…getting out of the shower."

"You knew I was coming and you couldn't have waited a little while to do that?" She asked, giving him a little pout and again, asking herself what in the world she was doing, He didn't look half bad either. Would it be bad manners to jump his bones right there on the doorstep?

He said nothing, just reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. She wanted to grab his hand and nibble on his fingers or kiss his palm. She wanted that very badly.

But instead she stared at him. And he stared at her. The neighbors would probably yell at them for being indecent in front of children if it went any further since the sexual tension between them was palpable.

"We match," he whispered against her ear. "White. Because we're so innocent?"

This made her laugh because both of them were anything but.

He got close enough for his stubble to rub against her cheek, then gave her a wink and gestured for her to follow him inside the house. She gave him a timid smile and followed him in. Then she couldn't help but freeze and let out a small, nervous squeak as the door closed behind her with a very final sound. She'd passed the point of no return and there was no going back now.

She got through the door and down the front steps of the entry way before freezing. She was looking into a spacious living room with a large couch. The couch. The one where she'd…oh, the thought of the video of it still made her sick. And angry. She shook her head to try and make the image go away. The night wouldn't go anywhere if that was all she could think about.

She started a little, feeling his fingertips on her bare shoulder as he grabbed her bag and put it on a chair, then he grabbed her around the waist from behind his chin resting comfortably between her neck and shoulder for a little bit before he let her go and she turned around to face him, appreciating the comforting smile he gave her.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," she returned, grinning and putting open palms on his chest.

"You look beautiful," he complimented, moving a loose strand of hair out of her eyes.

"You clean up pretty good too, Klaus."

"Thanks," he nodded. "Nice to know I managed to meet your standards, milady!" He gave her a smile and strode to a bar where he pulled some champagne out of the contraption where it had been chilling. "Would you like a glass? I promise it's very good."

"Why would we be drinking champagne?" She asked. "To celebrate my decapitation?" She wrapped her arms around her shaking body.

Her words made Klaus burst into laughter. "How I've missed your sense of humor, Angel. One week without it and you was much too long." Then he unwrapped the silver wrapper around the neck of the champagne bottle to make the cork pop.

Angie jumped and let out a cry before she realized what the noise was and burst into childish laughter.

"I like seeing you laugh, love," he complimented. "It lights up your whole face. And is that…is that a new dress?"

Angelica looked down at it as if she'd never seen it before and then met his eyes. "Oh, this old thing? Nah!" But she hoped he wouldn't notice her blush.

He chuckled. "You know that when you lie, your left eyebrow goes up? There's no shame in admitting you wanted to look special tonight. I'm not going to tease you. I'm actually touched you did it for me." He gave her a wink and brought her flute of champagne. "Let's drink to a beautiful night, and to…to this very wonderful business arrangement!"

"We'll see," she told him, but clinked glasses with him anyway, and then raised her glass to her lips to drink some of the bubbly alcohol. "Oh, this is good!" She exclaimed in surprise. "I like it!" Then she took another gulp.

"Yes, it's good and I thought you would enjoy it, but—" he gently took the flute from her hand and placed it and his on the counter. "What do you say you go easy on the alcohol, huh?"

"Rude much?" She asked with a wink. "I mean, I know what you're saying, but what could be worse than me getting drunk and doing what I did on your sofa?"

He chuckled and put a hand under her chin. "You know, Angelica Morningstar, you really are something else!" Then he pulled her into his arms, his hands trailing down her back until they cupped her bottom. Then he whispered, "and by the way, what you did on that couch was what kept me going during our week apart."

"I…" She trailed off as he kissed her forehead and her hands slid down his arms. "There's no reason for you to be insulted or anything. I just needed time to think."

"And you wanted to drive us both mad while keeping us separated."

Angelica chuckled. "Something like that." She bit her lip to keep herself from laughing and gently kissed his neck. Fuck, she thought. She couldn't keep her hands off him anymore; the smell of his aftershave was so wonderful it was maddening!

"Oh, Angie," he whispered as he nuzzled her neck in return. "You smell delicious too." He then gently bit the skin of her neck so some blood would run, her squeal of surprise turning into a moan as he slowly licked the blood up. "And may I say, love, that you taste even better than champagne." He then brought her chin up and kissed her deeply.

A loud moan escaped her lips as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He was way worse than alcohol. He was a fucking addiction!

In a matter of seconds, he'd sped them both over to the opposite side of the kitchen where there was a small table. He lifted her up onto it, his eyes mad with desire as he ripped the dress apart so that it fell down her shoulders and exposed her body.

She let out a cry of indignation at first but then he silenced her with a kiss. She felt the need in his body and it stunned her. No one had ever showed this much passion for her and it was making her combust right there on the table.

Then he lowered her bra straps down and took one of her nipples in his teeth. She let out a whimper. She'd dreamed about him touching her this way, but what she'd thought…that was nothing compared to this.

"Klaus!"

He stepped away for a few seconds and she was abruptly jolted out of her fantasy.

"Don't leave me," she whispered, her words sounding more like a prayer than anything she'd ever asked her grandfather.

He turned and looked at her in surprise. "What? Oh, no, Angel." Klaus took her face in both hands and kissed her deeply. "I've only started tasting you, love. We have all day and all night. I'm far from being finished!"

Angelica blushed for a second and Klaus began to worry whether or not he'd gone too fast. Then a wicked gleam shone in her eyes and she ripped his shirt open, buttons flying everywhere, before running her hands down his bare chest. "Good," she said and bit her bottom lip. Her hands continued downward toward his belt buckle and as she clutched it for a moment, Klaus felt his bulge straining impatiently against his zipper. "Someone is happy to see me."

Klaus chuckled. "That's more like it," he told her. He cupped her breasts and kissed her hungrily, then moved his hands down her hips and waist before sliding his hand under her skirt, pulling off her thong and tossing it aside. "I need to come inside you now," he breathed. "Are you ready? Will you part your legs for me?"

"Yes, but…now?" Angelica asked.

"No, not here." Klaus shook his head. "I'm a gentleman. We'll do it in my bed, at least the first time." He paused. "For now, I just want to taste you."

"Yes," Angelica breathed.

He knelt in front of her and slipped off her shoes, his lips traveling from her ankles to her knees to the inside of her thighs as she tightly gripped the edge of the counter to keep her balance, her gaze heavenward as sounds came out of her mouth that she didn't even know she could make.

A loud cry escaped her as he began to taste her between her legs, and she found herself clutching tufts of his curly hair to pull him closer as she rocked back and forth like a madwoman. She had no idea where he'd learned this, but she was awfully glad he had.

"You're driving me mad rocking your hips back and forth like that on my mouth, woman!" He growled before gently entering her with his fingers. "And Angel, you taste as sweet as sugar."

To be frank, she wasn't sure what reality was at that point. If she was there, or if she had left her body completely and this was some sort of wonderful, desperate dream. "Oh, god," she swore as she climaxed fully, her fingers gently stroking Klaus' hair.

Grinning, he pulled away and rose to his feet. "Hi," he said. "Are you all right?"

"Hi," she returned. She knew her face was flushed. "Yes, yes I am. Thanks to you."

He kissed her gently and she could still taste herself on his lips. "See how perfect you taste?" He asked.

"Klaus…" she whispered and shut her eyes.

"After all that, I feel it's the time to mention that someone is feeling neglected," he told her with an exaggerated sigh.

"Oh," Angelica raised an eyebrow, running to grab her glass of wine and down the rest. "And who is it?"

He grinned and finished his too. "Wee-wee." He then picked her up and put her over his shoulder as she giggled. "Up to my bedroom we go so I can have my turn."

"You know, Mikaelson, you really are crazy!"

Klaus chuckled as he made his way up the stairs. "I could say the same for you, Morningstar."

It didn't take long for Klaus to reach his bedroom and shut the door with his foot before gently tossing Angelica onto the bed. She felt his eyes on her and bit her lip on a smile as she rolled over onto her stomach and then got on her knees, removing her torn dress and bra so that she was completely naked before him and incredibly grateful that it wasn't making her blush. Even though she knew he wouldn't mind, the thought of appearing less than confident in front of this man would kill the mood for her. She took a deep breath, swallowed, and met his gaze at last.

He gave a low whistle and then murmured, "fuck me, Angel. You're so beautiful!" Then he pulled her hair out of its loose bun and let it cascade over her shoulders, running his fingers through its softness and inhaling the scent released into the air, some sort of coconuts and flowers.

She shook her hair out and gave him what she hoped was a very sexy grin. "You're not so bad yourself," she returned the compliment. "It maddens me how not so bad you are." Then she grabbed the waistband of his pants to pull him closer and slowly undid his zipper.

She rubbed him, first gently, and then harder, loving the power it gave her over him. "Say my name," she murmured. "Does this feel good?"

"Oh, yes, Angel," he murmured, his eyes shut tight. "Almost too good. Tell me honestly, will I go to hell for this?"

"Maybe," she grinned. "But don't worry. If you do, I'll make sure to torture you personally!"

She gave him a wink and rubbed him a little more before he grabbed her hand and pulled it away before sliding her onto her back.

As she looked up at him, her eyes were wide with surprise. "What did you do that for?" She asked. "I thought wee-wee needed attention."

"Oh, he does," Klaus nodded. "I mean just look at him. But he…he wants to be inside of you. Deep inside of you." He reached out and rubbed her a little as her breath picked up. "And I do too, honestly. I can't take much more of this."

Then he removed his pants and boxers, nearly climaxing just from the look on her face as her tongue slid slowly over her bottom lip and how her hands went right to her breasts, and she was glad she was on the pill because she had a feeling this would be a wild time.

When he couldn't take it anymore, he got in bed with her, parting her legs and getting close enough to feel the warmth that was radiating from her body. "Just to warn you," he told her. "When we do this, I'm not going to be gentle with you. I won't be gentle or caring this time. I'll fuck you hard because it's what we both want. Am I wrong?"

"No," Angelica shook her head. "Please don't hold back on my account." She then closed her eyes and arched her back to meet him halfway, then wrapped her legs around his waist and slowly pulled herself up, hands going up his chest until she reached the nape of his neck.

It didn't take long after that for him to bury himself inside her and realize just how wet she was, and as promised, he didn't hold back as he thrust over and over inside of her, causing her to cry out in both pleasure and pain. But it was a good pain. A soothing pain, if there was such a thing. It almost wore her out but she didn't mind. He was finally inside her, something wonderful she'd denied herself for so long.

"Fuck," he muttered as he paused and looked at her with something like awe as they both tried to catch a breath. "You're so tight and wet…everything I hoped you would be." He brushed some hair out of her eyes, which were shut tight. "How about you open your eyes, Angel?"

She opened her eyes and stared at him, a shy smile on her lips. "Hi."

"Hi." He returned her smile with a chuckle. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "Yeah, I think I am. But to be totally honest, I'm shocked the bed is. I thought it would break any minute."

He chuckled. "It's got reinforced parts that make it more solid for situations such as this. It's not my first rodeo, Angel."

He waited for her to be worried or offended or tear into him, but instead she just nodded. "That's good," she said. "I like a man with experience."

"Good, good," Klaus nodded. "You know, I was thinking…"

"There'll be other times for that," she interrupted as she dug her heels into his ass. "Now will you stop talking and thinking and just fuck me hard?

Klaus chuckled. "I thought you would never ask," he told her, kissing her deeply and resuming his powerful thrusts as she shrieked and laughed underneath him.

The only light in the room was the moonlight shining on them through the slightly open window. Angelica took a deep breath and grinned as she ran her fingers through Klaus' curly hair. He was on top of her and his weight felt good and safe against her body, like the most comfortable weighted blanket. From time to time, he would plant a kiss between her breasts or run his hands over her side, hips, and thighs, making her shiver as she remembered how close they had been not too long ago.

It seemed like the word 'taboo' was not in Klaus Mikaelson's vocabulary, which meant that for probably the first time in her whole life, Angelica felt totally free to be herself.

He raised his head, locked eyes with her, and rested his arms lightly on her chest. "What was it, Angel?" He asked.

"What was what?" She asked, moving loose curl out of his eyes that was driving her nuts.

"What made you attracted to me?" He elaborated.

"Well, let's see…" She pretended to think really hard. "Your dimples for one thing. Although I suppose your huge ego is first, but I bet you wanted to hear about other things."

"Right," Klaus nodded and tousled her hair. "Please continue."

"Well…your dimples, and that sweet, crooked smile, even if it's there to tease me like I know it is right now."

They both chuckled and as she slid her thumb gently over his bottom lip, he grabbed her hand to kiss her fingers. "And that hair," she continued. "I just love to run my fingers through it."

"As you can tell, we have something in common there," he told her. Then Klaus sighed.

"What?" Angelica asked.

"And all this time, I thought Wee-wee was part of the charm," he shook his head in fake sadness. "He's going to be so disappointed!"

Angelica chuckled and leaned against him. "Well, you can assure him that he's a very solid second place. I hope that helps him feel better."

Klaus cheered. "I promise he'll be very happy to hear that." He then began tickling her and kissing the tender skin of her neck.

"Stop it!" She cried, laughing and squirming so much that she could barely breathe.

"It seems like you're ticklish, Miss Morningstar," Klaus chuckled and kissed her lightly. "Finally, a weapon to use against you!"

"Oh, I think you have more than one, Mr. Mikaelson!" She rolled her eyes and smiled.

He raised an eyebrow and nuzzled her. "I do? Tell me more."

"Well, I think it's obvious that your best weapon against me is yourself. It's obvious I'm powerless in comparison."

Klaus snorted. "Oh, you're anything but powerless," he said as he ran his thumb over her lower lip. "And if you don't mind, could we refer to each other as Partners in Crime?"

"Yeah," Angelica smiled and stroked his soft hair. "I like it!"

"Ask me," he requested out of the blue.

"Ask you what?"

"Ask me what attracted me to you."

Angelica blushed. "I don't think it's fair to ask you such a question; There's nothing special about me." She then let out a squeal as he spanked her. "Hey! If we're switching over to spanking now, you could at least give me some warning first."

"We're not," Klaus shook his head. "I just don't want to hear that self-pitying nonsense come out of your mouth and I will spank you until you stop it. Understand?"

"Well, all right," Angelica conceded. "But it's just that I'm not as confident as you are, Mr. 'I've-gone-to-bed-with-everyone-in-the-city'!" She meant it teasingly, but he spanked her again.

"Geez," Angelica winced. "I was only kidding! When did you lose your sense of humor? I'm not trying to annoy you. It's just the way I am. I mean, you spend your life as the wallflower daughter of one of the handsomest, most outgoing forces of nature in the world, then get back to me!"

"And yet, your being away made me have to jerk off in the shower for a week as I thought of your face and…other things," Klaus pointed out. "Was it some sort of thrill, making me wait?"

"Not a thrill," Angelica corrected. "I just knew I would be more exciting to you if there was more of an air of mystery, and I didn't just come when you called."

"Right," Klaus nodded and rolled off her to face her. "Because seeing a beautiful woman pleasure herself on my sofa does absolutely nothing for me."

"Oh, don't you talk about that," Angelica cried, her arm over her eyes. "It's so damn embarrassing!"

"You were so sexy and you aroused me more than anyone else has in my whole long life!" He confessed.

"Oh, shut up and stop lying," Angelica scoffed. "That can't possibly be true!"

"It is," he told her. And to her amazement, he seemed serious.

"But how…I'm a pain in the ass!" She pointed out.

"True," he nodded. "Yet here you are in my bed."

"Yep," she nodded and closed her eyes.

"Angie?"

"Yes?" She stayed still as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"I want to assure you that you'll always have a safe place here. No judgement, no smart remarks. Hopefully you'll always feel you can be yourself inside my walls."

"You promise?" She asked, pushing her body into the mattress, her eyes still closed.

"I promise," he said. "Am I boring you?"

"No, sorry," she yawned. "It's just that while I was playing coy, I didn't get much sleep. And in case you forgot, we just did it three times."

"Four if you count when you were on top of me, cowgirl," Klaus reminded her. "Those hips of yours know how to do my little friend a lot of good."

"Well, he's not so little," Angelica chuckled.

"I thought you'd never admit it to my face, but you did," Klaus smirked. "Thank you!" Then he watched as Angelica relaxed, gave a soft moan, and slowly shut her eyes.

He softly kissed her forehead and waited for her to roll away from him and take comfort in her own space on the bed like his partners usually did, but to his surprise, she wrapped her arms and legs around him like a little koala in a tree!

"Klaus," she murmured, a smile on her lips as she relaxed against him.

He wrapped his arms around her and smiled. It was new for him to be a place of safety for anyone, but…he liked it. He liked being that for Angelica. He liked it a lot. And he knew that for the first time in his long life, he would feel another heartbeat and warmth against him that felt more permanent than anything before, and that he wouldn't be so completely and utterly alone.

When Angelica woke up the next morning, Klaus' side of the bed was empty. How he'd managed to untangle her from himself without waking her was some sort of miracle. She showered and dressed, then grabbed her bag, hurrying to the kitchen. As she crossed the threshold, she noticed Klaus by the coffee machine, filling a to-go cup for her. "Good morning," he said with a smile. "Do you need to be on your way? If so, here's a cup of black coffee you can drink on the way to work. Do you like it black?"

"Yeah, black's good, thank you," Angelica nodded as she took the cup and slid her bare feet into her sandals. "You're an absolute prince!"

"That dress looks just as lovely in one piece as it does in two," Klaus remarked with a wink. "And at your service as always, milady!"

Angelica just grinned and rolled her eyes before sitting at the table. "So, how exactly does a Casanova such as yourself fill his days?" She then let out a cry as he pulled her to her feet and held her close, kissing her soundly.

"Well, while I wait for you, it's Rosie at ten and Emilie at eleven," he joked.

She playfully punched him in the arm. "Good to know you're saving the best for last!"

He kissed her and grinned. "Believe me, Angelica Morningstar. You're enough for me to handle by yourself. And though it may surprise you, I do work. I have a few companies run by very competent teams and when I can't be there in person, I use zoom and email to keep things in order."

"Wow, I'm impressed," Angelica got out, hoping she didn't sound sarcastic.

Klaus smiled. "I knew you would be." Then he carefully stepped away from her to grab a gift bag that was on the table. "For you," he said as he handed it to her and gave a small bow.

"Oh, what is it, what is it? Let me see!" Angelica grinned as she pushed some of the tissue aside after taking a seat on the sofa.

"Wow, that's a first," Klaus grinned. "No 'how could you do this'? 'I won't be bought', or 'It's not part of our agreement'."

"Well, I love presents!" Angie replied, hoping it came out as reassuring rather than greedy. "And if someone gives you a gift, it's bad manners to throw it in their faces."

She was grinning like a little girl as she pulled out a lace bra and panties set from the JABY. It was then that her face fell just a little. "Oh, panties." She looked at him questioningly. "Why?"

"It's not any sort of bribe, if that's what you're wondering," he explained. "I knew that in my enthusiasm I might rip or tear your panties and I thought it was only right to get you a replacement."

"Oh, all right," Angelica nodded. "That's fair. Thank you." Then a grin curved her lips. "Does that mean I'll get a new set every day then?"

He chuckled. "Good point. Having to explain a large panty fund to my accountants would be a bit awkward so I'll try and be gentler in the future."

"Then…" Angelica stood up, sliding her hands up his chest. "I'll wear them tonight. If it's all right with you." She blushed. "Unless you want a break. I promise I'm usually not so needy."

"Oh, it's more than okay," Klaus grinned and gave her another kiss. "It gives me something to look forward to. How do you feel about lasagna and garlic bread after a long day? And I could get wine if you want?"

"You don't need to go to that trouble if you have soda or juice or something like that already," Angie shook her head. "But thank you. And I'll try to finish work as early as possible because who wants to work when you have lasagna and sex waiting for you!" She grabbed her tote and gift bag and gave him a wave. "Until then, Partner in Crime!"

He winked back. "Until tonight, Miss Morningstar! Don't be late or I won't hesitate to come get you and put you over my shoulder!"

"Well, there's no need for threats like that!" She assured him after getting a firm grip on her two bags and coffee. "I promise you won't." She then stepped out of the house and shut the door behind her, the biggest grin on her face as she made her way to her car.