A/N: The next chapter will pick up right where I left off, with Bonnie dancing. Stay tuned! Reviews are always appreciated.

I DO NOT OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter Eight:

I slept most of the flight to New York. Elijah was an awesome traveling companion, not that I expected him to be anything else. It was relaxing. We took our time. We didn't have to rush to get anywhere. Alaric gave me more than a weekend off. I had the week to spend with Elijah in his home-state. It's definitely a change of pace, but not in a bad way.

The energy is different here. It's more electric. It's fascinating. It's definitely not a small town, like Mystic Falls, not that I'm complaining.

"There's someone I want you to meet tonight." Elijah told me, as we set out bags in his penthouse. I nodded as I took in the view from his windows. It's so beautiful here. I doubt I would ever get tired of this view. It's almost as nice as looking at Elijah. "My younger brother, Kol, has been dying to meet you." He explained. I nodded, again.

"Okay," I gave him a soft smile. He returned it and walked over to me. He placed his hands on my hips and gently pulled me in for a kiss. I relished in the warm feeling it gave me. "That's fine." I told him, pulled away, just enough to look up at him.

"He's a little… eccentric." He apologized. I laughed.

"Is that your way of apologizing for your brother in advance?" It was his turn to laugh this time. He nodded.

"You know me too well." He admitted.

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Kol was definitely… different. I think it's safe to say that he reminds me more of Klaus, than he does of Elijah. He doesn't seem like a bad guy, but there's just something about him that puts me on edge. I can't really put my finger on what it is, exactly. Maybe that's what Elijah was apologizing for. I'm not sure… But the way he keeps flirting with me, is making me feel uneasy.

"Do you two have dinner plans already?" Kol asked us. I looked at Elijah, but I honestly didn't know if we did or not.

"Nothing concrete, what did you have in mind, brother?" Elijah asked his brother. An easy smile spread across Kol's face.

"Actually, a friend of ours invited me to come and have a meal with him at his new establishment. I'm sure he'd love it, if you two came as well." Kol explained.

"We'd be delighted." Elijah answered for both of us. I nodded, too, but the look Kol was giving me made me feel like maybe it wasn't such a good idea. I'm probably just making something out of nothing. I'm sure it's no big deal. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?

We got out of the car and met Kol at the front of the restaurant. It seemed like a swanky place. I wasn't sure if I was underdressed or not. I kept fidgeting with the bottom of my dress.

"You look lovely." Elijah whispered in my ear. I fought the blush that was reddening my cheeks, but smiled, nonetheless.

"I'm so glad you could make it!" Kol beamed. We both smiled at him.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Elijah replied, easily.

"There's the man of the hour, Marcel." Kol introduced us to his friend. It must be his restaurant.

"I'm so glad that you could make it. I admit that I was a little surprised, when Kol said that the two of you would be joining us. It's not every day that a lady will willingly dine at a place like this." Marcel directed his attention to me. That growing sense of dread kept growing in my gut. What kind of place is this, exactly? Elijah seemed to be concerned, too. Marcel opened the front doors and let us inside. As soon as the doors were open, I could hear the seductive dance music. I knew exactly where we were – a strip club.

"Is this supposed to be a joke?" I asked Kol. He chuckled and Elijah looked pissed. I don't get it. Don't get me wrong. I'm not ashamed of my job, but this… I don't even know how I'm supposed to take this.

"I just thought that since your dear Bonnie was a stripper in Mystic Falls that she'd like to see how the New Yorkers do it." Kol shrugged. Marcel's jaw dropped and Elijah looked like he was about to hit his brother.

"It's not a big deal, Elijah. It doesn't bother me." I told Elijah, trying to calm him down.

"I didn't mean anything by it, brother. Well, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't want to see that hot girlfriend of yours strip out of her clothes." Kol added, with a wink. I sighed. I guess we're back to this.

"That was uncalled for, Kol. Apologize." Elijah told him quietly. Kol looked at me lazily and picked up my hand with his.

"I'm sorry, darling." He mused, as he pressed a kiss to the back of my hand. I didn't say anything.

"Well, we're here… we may as well eat." I spoke up. Marcel's smile was back in place, easily.

"Actually, I realize that Kol's heart was in the wrong place, but my best dancer, just came down with the flu and had to leave. Is there any chance that I could persuade you to come and dance for me, just for the night? I've been calling all of my ladies, but no one is willing to come in, with it being so last minute. I'd pay you handsomely, of course." Marcel propositioned me. I shrugged, but nodded. Maybe it'll be easier for me to get back out there here, instead of at home, where the attack happened.

"My undergarments stay on. That's nonnegotiable." I told him.

"Of course," he agreed, respectively.

"You have security here? The last time I danced, I was attacked." I admitted, feebly. He nodded, but his entire demeanor changed.

"If it's too soon… you really don't have to. It's honestly not a big deal. I just saw an opportunity and decided to take it." His words seemed genuine, but that didn't change the fact that I wanted to do it. I felt like I had something to prove. I need to be able to get back out there. I don't want to give those guys anymore power over me than they have already. They don't deserve that. I can't live like that anymore.

"No, it's okay." I told him, shaking my head.

"Are you sure?" Elijah asked me, softly. I nodded.

"Don't worry, I won't give any private dances." I teased. He smirked and kissed me, before Marcel lead me to the changing rooms. Well, here goes nothing.