AN: Another chapter because I rock. I'm crying though because this is so unedited it's not even funny. The last chapter comes next.
One month later
London, England
"No matter what, we've got your back," Enzo assured her for the millionth time. Bonnie wanted to say that she was fine but the multiple knots in her stomach said otherwise. Nerves were good. It meant her instincts were sharp enough to recognise danger. Now all she needed to do was make sure that it didn't overwhelm her.
Enzo was MI6 and an ally of Damon's. True to his word Bonnie called a week after her proposal and he found a way to make it possible. Since the other residence of the Mikaelson's was in the UK, they needed someone on the ground to help. Enzo St. John and Damon had worked together on operations in the past and were now heading a joint venture to infiltrate the Mikealsons. Enzo's superiors were even less helpful than the CIA when it came to going after Klaus but they were able to create a trans-Atlantic team with some support. All they told their bosses was that they'd gotten an asset to infiltrate a potential threat. They didn't add that the asset happened to be a civilian.
Bonnie had arrived in London a few days ago after Damon. The official story they came up with was that she had come back to the city to restart once again and perhaps get her old job back. London was where Rebekah preferred to stay and was currently residing so it would be easier to make their preferred contact in her primary residence.
"Looking good Bonnie," commented Zach on her attire. He was their analyst handling everything technical support and their fancy software. With him was Nora, a petite but intelligent MI6 analyst on loan who worked with Enzo. She was more focused on her computer but glanced upwards to give Bonnie an encouraging look.
She smiled despite herself, "Thanks."
She was in a short and tight red dress that made her far too uncomfortable to even stand. Her heels were higher than anything she'd even worn in her life and her cleavage was spilling like the Victoria Falls. All in all, it was the perfect club outfit. According to Instagram Rebekah had planned to visit a nightclub in Chelsea called Poison that evening. The plan was that Bonnie would visit and observe her for now. Nothing more yet.
Damon was adamant that they would need to make every move with careful consideration.
"Not a single mistake can be made." He had said.
The very same man entered the dining area of the flat they'd set up as their base of operations carrying a small box. He did a double take at the sight of Bonnie with his eyes widening in admiration.
"Not bad," He tried for nonchalance but Zach gave him a knowing look. It earned him a swat on the head.
"Ow," the analyst whined, rubbing his head making everyone laugh out.
Damon opened the box and brought out a phone, "This phone and only this phone will you use if you need to make contact with us. It'll also work as a tracking device in case we have to find you so don't lose it. It's also untraceable and the nerds here have made it so that no one can tap your calls."
"I won't," Bonnie assured. She clutched it tightly before putting it into her purse with her other civilian phone.
"Enzo and I will be parked outside the club at a safe distance so you won't be alone," He assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She smiled. During all the preparation and planning for her mission when she went to DC they'd gotten a bit close. It had evolved into a sort of friendship in fact. Unfortunately due to the nature of the assignment they would have to maintain minimal contact which meant the phone was most likely the only source of communication they would have for a while.
He had promised he would do everything in his power to make sure nothing happened to her and she believed him. Now was the time they'd put everything into practice.
"I trust you," She said confidently.
The last time someone had trusted him she ended up with her throat slit open. History would not repeat itself. He would protect Bonnie.
Bonnie didn't tell the others but this would be her first time in a nightclub. In college she'd had the opportunity once when some study buddies dragged her one night. Entry was barred when her fake ID didn't hold up. After that there was never much interest in visiting one again. Now it was obvious she wasn't missing much. Loud thumping music that made her teeth grind, leery looks and itchy fingers ready to grab any bit of her and watered down drinks. Madonna shrieking away.
The entirety of club culture had greatly exaggerated its allure.
At least the drinks came free.
Damon and Enzo were parked about a mile away. She sent a text once she got into Poison reassuring them of her position. She was seated on the bar nursing a club soda eyes darting towards the entrance while simultaneously turning down the attentions of a few drunken suitors.
Finally, an attractive blonde around the same age as Bonnie arrived at the club. Rebekah Mikealson. She was wearing a silver backless dress that stopped around her thighs. Two men in black shirts followed discreetly. Those were the bodyguards. They all made their way to the VIP area passing by Bonnie to climb unto the velvet area. She typed a quick message.
She's here.
Damon replied instantly. Be careful and watch.
Inhaling deeply Bonnie took another sip of her club soda. She wished she could get something stronger but she needed all her senses sharp. A few people joined Rebekah at the VIP area. A man in a red shirt and another girl who seemed vaguely familiar. A mid-tier model or something. The bodyguards stood behind them scanning the area for any suspicious threats. Rebekah herself seemed to be having the time of her life laughing loudly and taking sips of champagne. The man, who Bonnie assumed was her date, whispered something in her ear interlocking his hands with hers. She then turned to her bodyguards and said something before walking off to the dance floor with her partner where they enthusiastically grinded each other. Bonnie had been focused on watching them that she'd almost missed seeing the girl in the booth skillfully drop something into the glass of champagne Rebekah had been drinking.
At first Bonnie was not sure she'd seen it – the loud music and neon lights could be altering her senses – but the drink was still bubbling suspiciously despite the calm look on the girls' face. The bodyguards didn't seem to notice as their eyes were focused on Rebekah and her date dancing. Now Bonnie was torn. She wanted to text Damon but she knew he would tell her not to interfere. On one hand it seemed logical to let the situation play out as it would if she wasn't there. But on the other hand she couldn't exactly turn a blind eye to a woman being roofied even by another woman.
Before she could make up her mind, Rebekah was dragging the man from the dance floor back to the VIP section. Without thinking Bonnie grabbed her arm as they passed in front of her earning the attention of a very confused and irate blonde.
"Excuse me?" Rebekah questioned.
Bonnie stuttered letting go immediately, "I-I-I'm really sorry but I couldn't live with myself if I don't say anything."
"Say what?" Rebekah seemed less confused and more threatening now. The bodyguards were now making their way towards then. Oh gosh. She hoped she'd made the right choice.
"The girl you were sitting with. I think she put something in your drink," Bonnie stated nervously as the bodyguards had now arrived. The woman in the booth looked over at them confused at the commotion.
"What? Are you sure?" Rebekah probed. "Be very sure." The threat was underlying but very present. Bonnie swallowed and nodded her head, "I saw her do it." Her date looked uncomfortable all of a sudden.
"Ruben, Andrei, get me Beverly please. I'd like to speak with her outside," her tone was icy. Bonnie hoped it wouldn't be directed at her. They both complied and went to grab the woman, Beverly, who was less than agreeable.
Rebekah addressed her, "You girl will come with me. I'm going to find out who's lying." Bonnie didn't seem to have much of a choice as Rebekah grabbed her. They went into the alleyway where Beverly was struggling against the hold of Ruben and Andrei.
"What the fuck is going on Rebekah?" She snapped still trying to pull away.
Rebekah was the picture of stoic, "You tell me Beverly. This lady apparently saw you putting something in my drink." Her attention turned to Bonnie and if looks could kill she would have been ash.
"She's lying! Why would I do that?" Beverly denied vehemently.
"You tell me," Rebekah walked closer assessing her. Bonnie remained stuck in her spot wondering if Damon and Enzo could see her although she doubted it. They'd gone through the backdoor into the alley. "Why would you roofie me?"
"I didn't," Beverly pleaded. "This psycho is obviously lying for some reason, maybe to get your attention."
"Alright I'll just have one of the boys here bring the drink and if you can take a sip then we'll put this whole thing behind us," Rebekah proposed. Beverly didn't look so enthusiastic about that idea which everyone caught immediately.
"You stupid bitch," Bonnie was taken aback by the pure anger radiating from the blonde. "You thought you could drug me? What was your plan?" there was no answer so she backhanded her. The imagined sting made Bonnie wince and she wasn't even the one who was slapped. It seemed violence did run in the family to an extent.
"Marco was supposed to sleep with you and then record it," Beverly tearfully blathered quite quickly after that. "Then we were going to blackmail you for money." Not a bad plan in the grand scheme of things. If Bonnie hadn't been there to foil it they might have actually succeeded.
"Entrapment of course," Rebekah said bitterly. She motioned one of the men, "Go grab the other idiot. We're going to the police station to report this mess." She then turned to Bonnie, "It seems I owe you a great deal of thanks, stranger."
"Oh no it's fine. We girls have to watch each other's back," Bonnie played off.
Rebekah gave the sobbing Beverly a hard look, "Clearly not all. I'm sorry but you might have to accompany me to the police station to make a report. We can't let this go unpunished." She tried not to panic seeing as this an absolutely deviation from the plan and Damon would definitely flip.
"Uh sure, lead the way," Bonnie smiled shakily. She managed to quickly shoot Damon a vague message hoping that he wouldn't jeopardize everything by doing something rash.
"By the way I'm Rebekah Mikealson. What's your name?" Rebekah introduced stretching her hand forward.
Bonnie complied, taken aback by the powerful grip and handshake, "Bonnie. Nice to meet you Rebekah."
"That wasn't the plan," Damon angrily hissed over the phone.
Bonnie huffed running her fingers through her curly locks, "Well things changed and I had to adapt." She was back in her flat after a rather uneventful time at the police station where she gave her statement narrating the events. Rebekah had insisted on dropping her off as a show of gratitude. She also made sure to get Bonnie's phone number.
Damon had called merely a few seconds after she closed the door and peeked down her window to make sure the Mikaelson girl and her bodyguards had indeed gone.
"Anything could have gone wrong," He insisted.
"But it didn't. In fact everything went right. She's grateful to me and that's a step in building a friendship," She unzipped her dress and let it fall down to her ankles. Damon couldn't exactly argue with that. But he hoped there would be no other surprises.
"It'll be ok," Bonnie stressed with a softer tone. "I know what I'm doing." They both knew that was a lie. But she had done well so far and hopefully it would continue that way. After the call Bonnie fell into bed vaguely noting the clock on her nightstand shone 3am. She wasn't sure how long she'd slept for but woke up to the sound of her main phone buzzing loudly.
Groaning at the disturbance, she dragged it off the charger answering without looking at the ID, "Hello?"
"This is Rebekah."
Alertness seeped in making Bonnie sit up. The curtains were closed but some light peeked in. "Oh hi Rebekah. Didn't think I'd hear from you so soon." She cursed how hoarse her voice sounded.
"Well why wait? If you're free this afternoon I have reservations at the Arcadia for lunch, on me of course. I thought it was the least I could do after you saved me from being a tabloid laughing stock. Again." For someone who'd been drinking all night the woman sounded incredibly put together.
There wasn't much she was supposed to do today. Maybe pretend to look for jobs. But this was more productive and an opportunity falling right into her lap.
"Uh sure. I'm not super busy right now. What time do you have in mind?" Bonnie hopped off the bed.
"In about an hour. I'll send a car to come get you." the line cut before she could even object. She checked the time. It was already noon. At least she got a heads up. Bonnie performed her ablutions and did a quick Google search on Arcadia before picking an outfit. No surprise it was as high end as it could get. The dining options did say semi-formal for lunch so she hoped the grey short sleeved jumper and white strappy sandals she picked would suffice.
A black Range Rover appeared right on time. The driver uttered nothing to her for the entire drive only wishing her a good afternoon once she arrived. Arcadia was gorgeous; the sort of place she'd only have been able to afford if she saved for a year and ate only ramen. The hostess led her to a private room. There was a different bodyguard standing outside. Rebekah was already inside looking like she'd stepped off a Vogue photo shoot. She wore a billowy white blouse, shapely jeans and nude toe covered heels.
Semi-formal had been a good dress choice.
"Bonnie!" She cheerfully greeted standing up to give her two air kisses on the cheeks as though they were already close friends.
"Thank you for lunch," Bonnie smiled, taking a seat.
Rebekah waved her off, "It truly is the least I can do. Lord knows what those two had planned." She shuddered at the thought. "Unfortunately it means I'll be partying less for the meantime."
"At least you're safe," Bonnie offered fiddling with the tablecloth. Rebekah opened the menu glancing through, "Feel free to order whatever you'd like. They do a wonderful Kale Salad with mint vinaigrette here."
Bonnie opened her own and was not surprised to see the prices absent. It was probably for the best. She didn't need a heart attack. In the end she ordered a grilled salmon with dill butter and chunky vegetables. Rebekah had something called a chateaubriand.
"So what do you do when you're not saving girls in nightclubs Bonnie?" Rebekah asked casually. Her knife cut into a thick part of her beef. It oozed red and stained the potatoes. She'd never been a fan of rare meat. "I assume you recently moved here being American and all."
Bonnie shrugged, "Nowadays I'm not really up to much. I actually used to live here about a year ago but I moved back to the States. Now I'm back in London once more hoping to restart my life again."
The best lies held a modicum of truth, Damon had said. Constructing a whole new personality was complicated and left room for mistakes. Adding parts of the life you already lived made it more authentic for them to believe and by extension you.
"Ah, what drove you away from your old life then?" Rebekah took a sip of her wine watching Bonnie intently.
"A bad breakup," Bonnie answered morose. Sometimes clichés exist for a reason. It was certainly something Rebekah could relate to because her expression softened afterwards. The disastrous ending of a relationship was a universal experience that would never be questioned.
"Well only a man to make you leave an entire continent behind," Rebekah piped out making both women chuckle out. The conversation from then on took a lighter quality with both women bonding over mutual interests in movies, books and everything else that intersected. Not the worst lunch Bonnie had ever had in her life.
"Do you normally go clubbing?" the blonde inquired.
Bonnie shook her head, "Last night was a rare occurrence. Didn't have much going on so I decided to hit the club."
"I have to ask; did you know who I was when you helped me last night?" Her voice was quiet. A hint of vulnerability escaped. Bonnie held the stem of her glass wondering exactly what to say. The peppered truth then.
"Not really. I mean your name sounded familiar when we introduced ourselves but it wasn't until I got home that it really hit," Bonnie took a careful bite of her salmon. Rebekah looked contemplative.
"I wish I could say last night was an odd occurrence but it isn't really," She confessed with a sad smile. "Most people who come around me feel that there must be something to get from me one way or another. Makes it hard to make a genuine connection." It was a language Bonnie knew well. Perhaps not in the exact same way. Rebekah had grown up in opulence and wealth. She'd surely had her fair share of gold-diggers vying for a piece. But the gnawing loneliness was all the same. Sure Bonnie liked her own company but how much of it was preference and how much was a skill borne of adaptation?
"If it makes a difference I think I'd have enjoyed your company all the same," Bonnie tried reassuringly.
Rebekah grinned, "You too Bonnie."
In that moment she knew she had her in.
Rebekah and Bonnie's friendship grew gently over the course of a month. She checked in with Damon once a week. The team had arranged for her to get a cover job at a travel agency which gave good breathing time away. Rebekah was funny and interesting. Certainly more intelligent than the Daily Mail made her out to be. She did have a degree in Russian Literature from her family's alma mater after all. Her company was so pleasant that most days Bonnie forgot she was doing a job. The distinction had to be reminded several times. She was doing this to get justice, to avenge Katherine. A woman she'd known for all of 32 hours.
She had yet to come into contact with any other Mikealson apart from the blonde.
Until one afternoon.
"My brother Nik's asked me to invite you to a party on Saturday," Rebekah nonchalantly informed her one evening. They were in her flat eating takeout and watching The Office. Her bodyguard was parked downstairs. Bonnie froze with her spoonful of moo shoo pork halfway into her mouth.
"A-a party?"
Rebekah peeked at her bemused, "You know a fete, celebration that sort of thing."
Bonnie shoved her playfully, "I meant why would he invite me?"
Rebekah shrugged turning back to the TV, "I've been spending a lot of time with you and my family would like to meet you. They know I don't have a lot of friends." And find out exactly who you are, went unsaid.
A wave of apprehension washed over her. This was what she wanted but struck with the reality of having it so close turned her stomach. Rebekah mistook this solely as nerves and gave her an encouraging side hug. The girl loved to hug. "It'll be alright. Nik can act intimidating sometimes but he'll ease up for me."
"Sure," Bonnie agreed with a tight smile before shoving a forkful of rice into her mouth. The very next day she arranged a meeting with Damon at Piccadilly Circus station. She topped up her Oyster card then waited until he stood next to her pretending to contemplate what I heart London keychain to buy.
"This is good. This means we're getting closer," Damon spoke with a hint of annoyance. "So what's the problem?" Nowadays he seemed more impatient. He'd been pushing her to get closer with Rebekah by any means possible.
She sighed, "It's just that I'm not sure what to expect. I don't want anything to go wrong."
"And nothing will," He assured. She tucked his reassurances deep inside her when she went to bed that night. The next day saw Bonnie rifling through her closet to find something appropriate for a fancy garden party. In the end she settled on a knee length polka dot blue sundress and white wedge heels. She combed her curls until they bounced and wore pink lip gloss. As was her style, Rebekah sent a car to pick her up for the party.
The Mikealson home was a sprawling estate that stood majestic. It took a full minute for Bonnie to remember how her legs worked before woodenly making her way to the entrance of the house where a woman in a starched suit led her through the foyer and past the gigantic staircase to the garden where everyone was congregated.
The garden was beautiful and surrounded with equally beautiful people all laughing and chattering away. Bonnie fidgeted with the gold bracelet on her wrist and bit her lip desperately looking around to see Rebekah. She recognized a few people from their pictures online; Elijah Mikealson, the older brother, in a trim fitted suit was conversing with a tall beautiful woman in a white sari. He looks approachable enough but carries himself rigidly.
The oldest brother Finn was seated next to a red head while they whispered with each other seemingly unaware of everyone else. He is the recluse of the bunch content to remain sealed from the public eye. The only information she'd gotten on him was that he was a lawyer for the Mikaelson Foundation.
"Bonnie!"
She could have cried in relief as the blonde made her way to her, hugging the daylights out of her. it's never good to be the lone wolf at a party. "So happy you could make it!"
Bonnies' smile was bright, "Well I did tell you I was coming."
"Still though," Rebekah grabbed two glasses of white wine from a passing waiter and handed her one, "Best way to get through this is to get drunk." Bonnie chuckled in agreement. She took a sip of the wine moaning at the cool massage on her tongue.
"You don't like these kinds of parties?"
Rebekah made a face of disgust, "Not at all. They're just excuses for my brothers to suck up their business partners. Speaking of which, here comes the most annoying one now."
"Now who do we have here?"
Bonnie was sorely mistaken in thinking she was prepared for this. Nothing could really prepare her for seeing him up close.
There he was.
Klaus Mikealson sauntered up to them, one hand in the pocket of his pants, the two top buttons of his dress shirt open, a lazy smirk gracing his lips. His blue eyes were just as sharp as they'd been all those months ago in Berlin. Everything about him overwhelmed her. Her knees wobbled. It was a mystery she hasn't toppled over. Behind him was a brunette man with what seemed to be a permanent frown.
"This is Bonnie Bennett," Rebekah introduced proudly. "She's my friend so you better play nice. Bonnie, this is my brother Klaus and his assistant Tyler." The grimace on the man – Tyler's – face clued her to the fact that he didn't like the title. The blonde just smiled sweetly.
"Nice to meet you," Bonnie reached for a handshake trying to play off the shakiness in her voice. Klaus grabbed her hand and kissed it instead. Her skin tingled from the feel of his red lips and the slight graze of his beard. She wondered if he recognized her but understands that he must not have. In his world staff and employees are nothing but faceless bodies with no purpose but to fulfil his demands.
"Not sure if the feeling is mutual for now. My sister tells me you saved her from some vultures in a nightclub," He stated dropping her hand. His lips curl to one side. Her breathing pauses for a mere second.
She forces herself to gather her wits before answering, "Yes. Lucky I was in the right place then."
He hums, "The right place for who I wonder." His sister shot him a warning look. Tyler could barely hide his smirk. Klaus paid attention to none of them. "Tell me Miss Bonnie, what exactly brought you over to this side of the pond?"
"Oh uh I used to live and work here. I went to New York for a bit and then decided to come back." She explained.
"London does have a certain draw," His eyes raked over her body. She squirmed. He smiled as though that was the outcome he wanted. "I much prefer New York myself. Much grittier in my opinion."
"I find that it can be just as gritty here," Bonnie crossed her arms.
He took a swig of his bourbon. "I find myself an unbeliever in coincidence."
"How so?" She questioned.
"What an absolute coincidence the girl you saved from being drugged happens to be from one of the richest families in the world. Were you expecting to receive your due by wire transfer or check?" His smile was sardonic.
"Stop it Nik, I told you she's not like that," Rebekah half snapped and pleaded.
"Do shut up Bekah," Klaus coldly commanded. His eyes are still trained on Bonnie. "Your history proves your ability to read people is lacking." She bristles at the claim letting out an annoyed whine. Tyler looked on with unconcealed glee.
Bonnie clears her throat feeling wobbly with sudden confidence, "Like I said right place at the right time. Rebekah and I are friends. I haven't asked for anything nor will I. I apologise if you find that hard to believe." She noticed that they'd garnered a small audience. Elijah looks on in curiosity as do a few other guests.
"Friends?" He looks amused. "How sweet. How do you find time to entertain my sister with your quaint travel agency job? She tells me you used to work as an interpreter. Definitely a step down love."
Bonnie grinded her teeth together. All previous feelings of anxiety are not replaced with barely concealed rage. The grip on her wine glass tightened. "Is that supposed to be an insult Mr Mikealson? I don't really see how working like a normal person classifies as quaint. I guess living in a golden bubble will do that to you."
For a moment he looks surprised. Like he didn't think she would actually retort. Now Bonnie feels nothing but sympathy for Rebekah. The poor girl tries so hard to stave off loneliness with no help from a controlling brother and gold-digging opportunists. The look goes as quickly as it comes and Klaus covers it with a smirk instead. "You'll have to do better than that love."
"Don't call me love," She rebuked sharply. "I didn't come here to be insulted. I came here because Rebekah asked me to."
Klaus feigned a look of shock, "And here I thought you were trying to sniff around for a wealthy bachelor."
It doesn't occur to Bonnie what she'd done until she hears Rebekah's shocked gasp, sees Tyler's murderous look and the wine dripping from Klaus' shirt. Everyone at the party joins in being flabbergasted. Klaus though, had an unreadable expression. Bonnie decided not to try to decipher it. She'd had her fill of socialising for the day.
Without stopping to think she turns to Rebekah handing her the empty glass. "Thanks for the invite. I'll call you later Beks." Then whooshed out of the garden without giving anyone else a single look behind.
It was only after she'd gotten into an Uber and sent Rebekah a reassuring text that the magnitude of her actions comes in full force. That certainly was not a good impression to make. Damon was going to be furious. An understatement in fact. She cringed and clawed her herself. Throwing wine in his face, how Julia Roberts of her.
Rebekah certainly didn't agree with her.
"That was hilarious!" She shrieked over the phone. "I love my brother but it is so good to see him being brought down a peg."
Bonnie laughed depreciatingly laying on her bed. "I'm pretty sure he'll tell you to never see me again."
Rebekah scoffs, "As if. He didn't say anything after you left. In fact, I'm pretty sure he was a bit impressed. He's used to everyone kissing his arse. You are a breath of fresh air."
If only that would help my mission, she thought. That night she sleeps fitfully. Katherine appears once more this time crying tears of blood, asking Bonnie why she didn't save her. She woke up the next morning with tears of her own and a bed soaked with sweat. After brushing her teeth and taking a long shower in which she contemplated how to tell Damon about the events of the party, there was a knock on her door.
It certainly wasn't Rebekah as the blonde always texted before her arrival. Damon and the others would never risk coming to her flat. Quickly towelling off and wearing the first thing she could find, she tiptoed to the door warily looking into the peep hole.
It's Klaus. She didn't expect that. How did he get her address?
Carefully, she unlocked the door but kept the chain lock in place. "What are you doing here?"
"Good morning Miss Bennett," He greeted cheerfully. It was 8am on a Sunday. What kind of person is cheerful then? Oh right, a murderous sociopath.
"Again I ask, what are you doing here?" Her tone was more forceful.
"Unless you would like your neighbours to witness our encounter then perhaps it would be better to let me inside," Klaus said breezily. She frowned knowing he had a point and reluctantly let him inside. He strolled into her flat looking around. It seemed so small suddenly with him inside.
"If you're here to tell me how quaint my place is, then don't bother," Her tone was acerbic.
He laughed it off. "Nothing of the sort. In fact, I am here to apologize to you."
Bonnie narrowed her eyes, "What?"
"For my conduct yesterday," He explains further. "My dear sister pointed out how…unfair I was being."
"That's a nice way of putting it," Bonnie said dryly. She managed to appear nonchalant but the apprehension still covers her like a thin coat. It doesn't escape her that she's alone with a dangerous man. "How did you find my place?"
"I employ Rebekah's driver," He pointed out.
"Apology accepted. Now you can leave," Bonnie said with a fake smile. It occurred to her that for a man deeply suspicious of everyone who wants to come around him then the best measure to act as though she couldn't desire to be farther from him. Men like him always want to grasp what seems to elude them. Even now she can see him calculating, wondering what her catch will be. He's getting his hook ready to sink.
She used this to her advantage.
Klaus ran a hand through his perfectly trimmed curls, "Now that's not very nice. Where's all that southern hospitality I've heard so much about?"
"We're not in a south," She answered flatly. Bonnie leaned against the wall facing him. "I've accepted your apology. What else do you want from me?"
He walked closer to her deliberately encroaching on her personal space. Fear clouded her expression. His remained unchanged. Their noses were nearly touching when he said, "I'd like to offer you a job."
That was not what she expected. Bonnie blinked, "A job?"
"Yes," Klaus appeared thoughtful, "As a translator. You see my work requires plenty of travel abroad and I would find it beneficial if I'm able to communicate more effectively with my associates."
"You don't even know what languages I speak," She pointed out.
"Well what languages do you speak?" He asked, amused. Bonnie rolled her eyes and listed off French, German, Dutch, Spanish and Swedish. Klaus makes the usual impressed noises.
"Someone like you in my repertoire would definitely be an asset. The pay is generous and the benefits are numerous, so what do you say love?" his eyes gleam with unending promise. For a moment she forgets once again who she is and why she's doing this. The tendrils of her dream still grip the edges of her mind. Bonnie wonders if this is how it feels to make a Faustian bargain. The charming seduction that promises everything your mind could ever conjure up for just a tiny taste of your soul.
"You don't even know me," Bonnie tries as a last resort. He cocks an eyebrow, "Think of this as an opportunity then. I generally have good instincts and they are telling me you would very much be an asset, Miss Bennett."
"I'll think about it," She replied finally. The corners of his mouth twitch. They both knew that by tomorrow she would be calling to say yes.
Damon listens to her recount with grim acceptance. He wants to feel happy that Bonnie is getting closer than he's ever gotten but the worry about how close she's drifting to the lions' den remains. Enzo makes sure to remind him how important what she's doing is. In the end he reminds her to take her emergency phone with.
Their first stop is in Barcelona. The private jet impresses Bonnie very much even though she tries not to show it. Rebekah made sure to take her shopping the previous week for work appropriate clothing. They're accompanied by Elijah who is his COO and Tyler whose position is head bodyguard and a mediator of some sort.
They don't tell her much but stick to only what is completely necessary. It is understandable, she's still on probation. Elijah passed the time by politely asking her questions about herself. She sticks to her half-truths once again telling him about growing up in Virginia and her wanderlust. Tyler glowered at her the entire time. For some reason he didn't like her much even though she'd tried her best to be inclusive and polite. Rebekah said he was suspicious of anyone around Klaus.
"If I didn't know any better I'd think he was completely in love with Nik," She had said during their shopping trip.
Klaus doesn't say much. He watched Bonnie and Elijah as they conversed, taking periodic sips of bourbon and glancing at the documents on his lap. He was still trying to unravel her. With how intensely he stared she almost thought he knew about what she was really doing but rationality pushes the thought aside.
If he did she would not be alive.
Once the plane arrived in Barcelona they went off to the hotel. Bonnie had only a second to marvel at her suite before changing her clothes and heading down to the car for the meeting. There were two cars waiting once she arrived. She moved to the one Elijah is already seated in before Klaus grabbed her elbow. "I'm afraid you're riding with me."
"Ok," She said, playing at being unaffected.
There was plenty of space in the black SUV but his knee still brushed against hers. "Is this your first time in Barcelona?"
Bonnie nodded, "Been dreaming about coming here for a while. It's beautiful."
He studied her. "Indeed."
There was silence until they arrived at their destination.
The meeting went well; Bonnie translated flawlessly and the associates took to her very well. She couldn't help but marvel at how Klaus worked. Even with the difficulty of a language barrier the man was able to effortlessly negotiate and charm his way into a favourable deal on his end. She could see why he seemed to win every time.
The conversation was very mundane all things considered. They spoke about acquiring land to build and making payments. There was no mention of guns or weapons though. She noted it all anyway.
"You're very beautiful," One of the men told her. "Would you like to accompany me later tonight?"
"T-thank you but I have to decline," Her cheeks burned red. Klaus noticed but said nothing until they were on their way back to the hotel. "What did he say to you?"
"What?" She asked.
He eyed her sharply, "What did he say to make you blush?"
"Oh," Bonnie looked down embarrassed. "He asked me out. I declined." His jaw clenched and he remained silent. She wondered why there was such a reaction.
The next day breakfast is wheeled into her suite before she can even order it. "Courtesy of Mr Mikealson," the room service waiter told her in a thick accent. She thanked and tipped him before opening the tray. Pancakes, cinnamon buns and sweetened coffee. It was food fit for a queen.
"Thank you for this morning," She said quietly once they were on the jet back to England. He looked up from the phone he was furiously typing in to regard her. She was sitting opposite him. Elijah was making a call some seats away while Tyler had gone to the bathroom.
"That was nothing," He played off.
"Well no one's ever done that for me." Bonnie continued, fumbling with her hands. She felt jittery admitting this to him of all people.
"Then it was my pleasure love," Klaus gave her a brief and rare smile before returning back to his phone.
Back in her flat, she regaled everything to Damon over the phone. She left out his reaction to her Spanish suitor and the breakfast in her room. Damon promised to go over the details of the meeting for any potential flags.
"Thank you again Bonnie," He said sincerely. You're welcome was stuck in her throat. She wasn't sure why.
For the next few weeks, Bonnie becomes more involved in the business of Klaus Mikealson. They didn't always travel; sometimes he met with people in his gigantic office. Sometimes he just wanted her there whether or not he's meeting anyone. She has her own little office in the same building. Bonnie thinks it's to keep an eye on her. Elijah was always gracious and cordial towards her. Tyler remained as cold as ever. She'd officially been listed as an employee on the roster and earned more than she'd ever gotten in her life.
"You can move out of your flat now," Rebekah suggested during their spa outing one time. Every time she wasn't working or reporting back to the team seemed to be spent with the blonde. Bonnie didn't mind it. It was nice to have a friend. Even if said friend was a sibling of the man she was meant to be undercover to expose.
Bonnie supressed a moan from the enjoyable massage she's receiving, "Are you dissing my flat Beks?"
She laughed removing the cucumbers from her eyes, "No I'm not. I'm just saying that it would be nice for you to get something more spacious. Even you have to admit it's cramped." Rebekah was right but Bonnie still didn't budge. It was still too early to give into all their whims now. She needed to bide her time.
"Sorry to disappoint but I like my cramped flat."
Rebekah sighed sitting up with her hand firm to keep the towel, "I'll be honest. Nik asked me to convince you."
Bonnie stiffened. "Why would he do that?"
Rebekah shrugged. "Said something about how it reflects on him as an employer. It was more of a suggestion really." The conversation swiftly changed course but it still prodded at the back of her mind.
Her next meeting is a week later at a museum. There's an exhibit on Hellenistic Art at the Tate Modern and Klaus asks, well more accurately, demands her presence. He doesn't give her any details annoyingly. The only clue she gets is when he sends a dress to her apartment. It was a fitted long green silk thing with a halter that leaves her entire back bare. She'd never seen anything more lovely in her life. She almost forgets to wear it with how much time she spends admiring it. The dress fits her like a glove hugging all her curves and blended wonderfully with her golden brown complexion.
To Bonnie's surprise, he was waiting in the car that picked her up. Upon seeing her, Klaus took her hand and kissed it gently. Goosebumps overwhelmed her. "I knew that dress would be absolutely decadent on you."
She blushed, "Even I can admit you have good taste."
He chuckled and she's taken aback for a moment. If he looked handsome on a regular basis wearing cashmere sweaters and suits, then in a tux he was something else entirely. "Good taste is what I'm known for."
"It makes your arrogance more bearable," She quipped.
He raised an eyebrow, "Have you been speaking with my ex-wife?" The insinuation made them both chuckle. There wasn't much she knew about his ex-wife. Even Rebekah was tight lipped about her saying that the divorce was sufficiently earned. She wondered if Katherine had somehow fit in there too.
They arrive at the museum and Klaus places his hand on her bare lower back to guide her up the stairs. His hand remains there as he leads her through various introductions. She graced them all with appropriate nods, shakes and smiles.
Bonnie was sipping a glass of champagne when a tall dark-skinned man approached them. "Mr Mikealson, wonderful to see you."
"Vincent," Klaus simply greeted. "I assume your client is here."
"We're waiting to congregate," Vincent answered. His eyes flit over Bonnie. "And your associate?"
"Miss. Bennett will be joining us. She's my translator," Klaus said firmly. The hand on her back tightened for a moment. Vincent led them to a room far away from the party. This was the real meeting. Inside were two men also wearing tuxedos sitting behind a large circular table.
"Gentlemen," Klaus greeted shaking their hands. One of them speaks rapid-fire French and he looks at Bonnie expectantly. She translates that he's eager to begin the meeting. This one goes about as similar as the previous meeting but instead they talk about agricultural equipment. Klaus was buying some to sell to a company in India. Her ears perked up at that detail remembering all about Trident. Frustratingly enough, he doesn't mention the name of the company. Vincent appears to be the middleman.
"We shall convene again one week from now," Klaus stated and Bonnie translated. The men seemed to agree to the terms. They all shook hands before leaving. Vincent and Klaus whispered something to each other before he was once again leading her back to the main exhibit.
"You did wonderfully back there. I'll admit those two have always been a pain in my arse," Klaus complimented.
"Glad to be of help Mr Mikealson," Bonnie smiled.
"And here I thought we'd moved past the need for such formalities," He muttered. She didn't even realize how close he'd gotten until she felt his lips near her ear.
"You called Miss Bennett earlier," Bonnie breathed out. His hand dangerously moved lower, stopping just at the curve of her bottom. She held onto her clutch for her dear life.
"That was to Vincent. I'd hardly consider him a friend," Klaus scoffed. "I suppose we should be leaving now that our business is over."
It only occurred to her to ask once they're inside the car and driving off to ask what he meant. "Would you consider us friends then?"
He gave her a long look. One that penetrated somewhere deep inside her. Bonnie swallowed feeling parched all of a sudden. "Bonnie," her name rolls off his tongue, as smooth as butter "We're not going to be friends."
She forced herself to nod feeling stupid all of a sudden, "Because you're my boss. I'm sorry for asking that -,"
"We both know that's not it," He interrupted with a knowing look. His thumb brushed against the silk of her thigh. She knew.
Bonnie wasn't stupid. There was a light tension between them. Subtle looks and oh so innocent brushes. Their talks on the jet, just the two of them whenever Elijah and Tyler were indisposed. A part of her knew it might come to head soon. In what way, she was unaware. The other part of her felt mutual shame and excitement at the prospect.
The car stopped at her flat and she hesitated for only a moment before asking, "Would you like to come up for some tea?" It was a bold move. Very uncharacteristic of her. But a flame had been lit and it was only going to get fanned from now.
Klaus seemed to truly contemplate. It felt like the longest pause in her life. Bonnie was ready to jump out of the car and run away when he gave her a foreign look, "Of course."
She felt his eyes on her all the way from the elevator to the front door where her shaky hands nearly dropped the keys twice. Finally she unlocked the door and they both entered inside. Bonnie tossed her purse on the couch heading to the kitchen, "Make yourself comfortable." This was the second time he'd been in her flat.
She was filling a kettle with water when a hand on her waist made her jump in surprise. Klaus stood behind her unperturbed by her reaction.
"Jeez you scared me," Bonnie laughed nervously.
"Did I?" His voice was husky as he completely eradicated all distance between them by pressing his chest to hers. Her breath hitched as his lips found their way to her collarbone pressing a slow and long kiss before he looked up at her. "We can't have that now, can we?"
"No we can't," She breathed. Her hands of their own accord slowly wrapped around his neck bringing him closer. Their lips hovered inches away. "Are we really doing this?" Klaus chuckled, the sound vibrating through her body. An unnecessary question. This was definitely going to happen.
I'm doing this because I have to, she told herself over and over again. Bonnie needed to believe it. She had no choice. It would be easier to explain that she was giving herself to his desire for the sole purpose of bringing him down. That it had nothing to do with how her body ached for more when she felt his touch earlier. She could live with that.
A moan escaped Bonnie once his lips finally pressed against hers. Klaus wasted no time diving into her mouth, taking all he wanted without asking for permission. A hand caressed the nape of her neck pushing her closer and tilting her head back to expose her neck. Pulling away he attacked her neck with kisses, teeth pressing into some places that made her shiver with pleasure. His groin was pressed against her front eager to escape its fabric prison and into her.
"Bedroom," Bonnie managed to get out before Klaus whisked her away,
He found it without asking. Removing his jacket and tie, he set them in her chair. The look in his blue eyes promised some primal that no longer laid dormant. She wanted it to consume her with every inch of her being. "Take off that dress before I rip it off you," He commanded roughly.
Quickly, Bonnie complied. His eyes never strayed as she carefully unzipped it letting it pool down to her ankles and stepped away. She felt self-conscious just standing in her underwear but the way Klaus stared at her was enough to abate any feelings of low esteem. He helped her take off her bra, lips covering a brown nipple much to her delight. Bonnie could feel herself getting wet as Klaus gave her other nipple the same attention.
She gasped when he bit gently, looking up so his eyes met hers. His hands massaged her bottom feeling the lace material of her underwear. Klaus set her down on the bed pulling down her underwear before tossing it off into some part of the room.
"You're so beautiful," He groaned pushing apart her legs. Two fingers entered her folds causing her hips to snap immediately. Klaus brushed his thumb against her numb setting every ending in her on fire.
"Fuck," Bonnie cried out. His fingers pistoned in and out of her. He watched her, drinking in every show of pleasure from her lovely face. A sheen of sweat covered the valley of her breasts so he leaned closer to lick it up. He removed his fingers much to her displeasure sucking them with his eyes closed like he was trying to burn the memory of her taste in his skull forever.
"You make me feel beautiful," She sat up pulling him closer until he knelt in between her legs. He was still clothed and made no attempt yet to rectify that. It was a show of power to remind her of her place. To remind her that he held all the power. Instead, Klaus unzipped his trousers releasing his cock into her view. Bonnie whimpered feeling the head of his impressive length at her entrance. He pressed into her without warning causing a shout to escape from her lips.
There was nothing soft about it; it was pure animalistic fucking. Klaus ravaged her pussy without mercy leaving Bonnie a screaming sobbing mess of a woman. The pain and pleasure melded as one but it made no difference. She craved them both. She said his name over and over again, fingers buried in his hair. Her orgasm came fast and hot nearly blinding her in the process. Her legs shook and she cried out as the hot white pleasure enveloped her.
"That's a girl," Klaus praised feeling her tighten around him. Close to his finish, he pulled out furiously jerking himself over her until he painted her belly with ropes of cum. They both panted lightly saying nothing, just watching each other.
Bonnie broke first closing her eyes and releasing a sigh. She didn't know what was next. All she was sure of was that she'd reached a point of no return. The worst part was that she wasn't sure if she did want to return. She was more tired than she'd thought because sleep took her almost immediately. She was unaware of Klaus cleaning her up before stripping himself and lying beside her. Not sleeping, just watching her. He stroked the side of her face admiring the view.
Yes, what a good beginning, he thought.