Chapter 9: 'I can't let anyone question my power'
Leaving the building he couldn't help but smirk at the fact that torture room was specifically designed by Rebekah, his then girlfriend or fuck buddy. She enjoyed the pain of her victims. She taught him how inducing pain on a helpless victim represents dominance, how it brings dark pleasure and how it would help killing his humanity.
She showed him using an innocent tax officer girl.
He remembered flinching through the whole session, he had to grit his teeth to to restrain himself of any overwhelming reflex. Poor Rebekah. She had to taste her own bitter medicine.
It was her who showed him how to use the torture tools to inflict pain and enjoy it. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought she would end up dead here.
Killing her wasn't unreasonable.
She was trouble with big T. And she hurt Elena. His Elena. Why would she do that? Elena didn't deserve it. Elena was so kind and caring. She cared about every fucking molecule on earth. She would even cry watching the Save a Child Ad. Her heart was filled with love.
She even loved plants. He adored how she watered the plants in the garden of his house.
She even named some of the potted plants he specifically bought on her insistence. Why would someone want to hurt her?
She cried her heart out when she lost a patient. She loved saving lives. She was "that" type of person. Why would anyone want to harm such a kind hearted person? No, he did the right thing by killing Rebekah. Rebekah shouldn't have hurt Elena. No one should hurt Elena. She had suffered a lot since her childhood. He will make sure no one ever hurts her. Life wasn't a bed of roses but he will make sure her life was all rainbow and roses.
She was his humanity, his sunshine, his one shot at happiness. A white picket fence ending with Elena was like a dream. A dream that would be reality once she marries him. She will be his forever. She doesn't know about the other side of him but what she doesn't know won't hurt her right? Right? Yes!
He cleaned his hands once again with cold water. Making his way toward his car. Elena would be waiting for him. The damage was already done. Rebekah must have told her something. He hated lying to her. But he didn't have a choice. It was too late to tell her the truth anyway and he couldn't bear the thought of Elena leaving him.
"Took you long enough to finish this one off." Rose voice startled him.
He didn't reply.
"Funny how torture room was designed by her," Rose said with a snicker.
"I was just thinking about that," he replied.
"She gifted this building to you, didn't she? When was that? Eight years ago?" Rose asked.
"Yup, the very week I joined Zach,"
"She made you do the first kill right?"
"No. Well, technically I did my first kill when I was fifteen or something,"
"She loved torturing her victims. She literally got off on it. I mean I remember my first night here. She killed that Ralston guy who didn't pay Klaus back in time. I think she used an electric chair or something. Fried his brains out. I vomited for days," Rose said, making a disgusted face at the memory.
"Can we not talk about how Rebekah loved murdering people?" he asked, wearily.
"Someone is snappy."
"Elena is hurt and I don't know what Rebekah told her about me …"
"She will be okay. We will keep her safe. Besides It's just Kol we need to worry about now. Elijah wouldn't dream of messing with you,"
"We have to keep her safe. I can't lose her."
"you won't," Rose promised.
"Did I ever mention how much I love you?"
"Nope. Not enough,"
"Come on! We have to get home now!" she added.
..
..
"Come on Elena!" Caroline whined.
"What's up?" Damon asked worried. Elena further hid herself using her comforter.
"Go away," she ordered.
"What's wrong babe? Did I do something wrong? Are you in pain? Does it hurt?" he asked, panic evident in his tone.
"Of course, It hurts! Your idiot! Your ex scratched her face. She literally broke her jaw, she got her hair pulled out and she still has finger prints of your ex on her cheeks!" Caroline hissed at him.
He ignored Caroline and climbed on the other side of bed.
"Elena! Baby! What's wrong?"
"I don't want you to see me like this," she replied from under the comforter.
"Why?"
"Because I look ugly," she replied.
"What?"
"She went to the washroom and saw herself in the mirror, she had been hiding her face ever since," Tyler informed. Damon felt his heart drop.
"Baby! Come on! Show me your face," he insisted, lovingly.
"No! I look terrifying. Everyone get out of my room," she replied in a tone laced with insecurity and vulnerability.
And that right there made him want to bring Rebekah back to life and kill her over and over again.
"I am supposed to get married in like two weeks. I will be like the ugliest bride ever." she almost broke into sobs.
A couple of minutes ago she insisted on going to washroom. Caroline and Tyler helped her. She insisted on going all by herself. Once she was in. She looked at herself in mirror and shrieked on top of her lungs. Her face was badly bruised. Her left eye was swollen and barely open, her cheeks battered and scratched. Her jaw line was swollen and had somehow turned greenish. Her beautiful hair was disheveled from being pulled out so roughly. She grazed her finger tips lightly on her face as if to confirm it was really her face. She whimpered as soon as her fingers touched a bruise. Tyler had to carry her to the bed when she refused to move from her spot.
"Baby! These will heal. You're beautiful," he comforted her as he tried to pull the comforter away.
"No I am not. I don't know how anyone can stand to look at me now. I look terrifying," she replied.
"It's not that bad Elena. I mean we can hide it with makeup." Caroline comforted her.
"You don't need to hide anything! baby! You're perfect!" he said as he struggled to remove the comforter she clutched to.
"I think we should give them some privacy," Rose suggested.
"I couldn't agree more," Tyler added.
"They can stay for the night. Can't they Damon? It's already too late," Rose asked.
"Sure. Give them any of the guestrooms," He said, without looking at them.
"I will see you tomorrow Lena! And YOU (glaring at Damon) you better take care of her," she spat.
"I will," he replied.
Once, they were gone he jumped to Elena's side.
"Let me see you," he insisted.
"I don't want you to see me like this I look really ugly," she whispered.
"That's not possible," he replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Show me your face!" he ordered, softly. The grip on her comforter loosened. He slowly removed the comforter.
Tears were rolling down her injured cheeks even though her eyes were lightly shut. Every tear that rolled down was thrusting a knife in his heart in the most painful way. His fingers traced a cut under her lip, probably due to Rebekah's scratching.
She winced and his eyes narrowed. He could actually feel her pain. He wanted to take it all away.
"I am so sorry, baby. I wish I could take your pain away. I really wish I could." He said in a voice just above whisper.
"and you're wrong. You're still as beautiful as ever." He added, lovingly.
Her eyes fluttered open. She looked at him, intently. Vulnerability visible in her eyes. "Oh come on! You don't have to lie to me. My eyes are swollen. My cheeks have cuts all over them and my jaw looks like Quagmire from Family Guy," she joked.
He bit his lower lip, smiling sadly at her. "Come here" he said as he got up. "What?" she asked, eyes narrowing before he scooped her in his arms. He walked toward the dresser and helped her stand on her own feet, standing behind her, staring just at intently at her as he was staring a few hours ago when she was getting ready for dinner with her friends.
"You're staring," She complained.
"No. Just lost in your eyes." He replied.
He was looking at her in awe. " The simplest glance, that smile, the way you talk, the way you light up my world just by smiling, that's what makes you perfect in my eyes. Your beauty is incomparable. Listen to me OKAY. I'm in love with you. I love you every second of the day. I've never loved anyone like I love you and you. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
"and it's not just your physical beauty or your body, Elena. I love our late night talks and the way you fall asleep on my chest when we watch movies. I love how you laugh even when my jokes aren't funny and your smiles make my day brighter and sweet."
"When you are not around, I feel gloomy and sad. I can't even breathe properly without you. You are perfect. You make me feel like a human again. If I could take your pain away I would have taken it in a heartbeat. So this is how I feel about you. Who would you believe this mirror or the eyes of the man who only see's you in room of people?" he ended huskily, smiling at her.
"that was some speech…" she chuckled.
"you make me a jello-legged-idiot who is always talking about his feelings," he replied rolling his eyes.
She laughed and he smiled, almost reflexively.
"I love you," she declared.
"you do?" he asked, as if he didn't know that.
"Yes, I love you so so much…" she said, kissing him lightly.
"Well that is a wonderful coincidence. You see my lady I am too in madly love with you,"
That comment earned him a giggle.
He scoped her up in his arms again earning a squeal. He dropped her on the bed lightly.
"Damon!"
"Yeah baby,"
"Rebekah. She said you got Klaus in jail, what's that all about?" she finally asked.
He swallowed thickly, avoiding her eyes as he replied, " I did tell you about that, he was doing illegal stuff in the company. I just helped the police getting him caught," he replied.
"Yeah you did tell me…" she said, lying on his chest.
"there is some other stuff she said," she added after a minute.
"What? You know you can tell me anything…" he asked.
"Um…She said that you hurt Elijah cut he came to meet me in your absence, she is lying right?"
He nodded. Technically, he didn't hurt Elijah, he ordered Rose to beat the shit out of him.
"and something about killing Kol?" she added, uncomfortably.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing. It's ridiculous." She discarded her thoughts as if Damon could ever kill someone.
"Damon!"
"Hmmm…"
"I forgive her for whatever she did. I mean yeah her attacking me was very sucky of her but I forgive her," she stated, feeling him stiffen.
"I don't want you to hurt her Damon. Her attack doesn't question your honor or your love for me. She is psychologically disturbed and I can actually understand how she felt when she attacked me I mean losing you would suck," she reasoned.
"She shouldn't have done that. She shouldn't have brought you in this," he said more to himself then her.
"Yes she shouldn't but you're not going to hurt her okay? Promise me you want harm her in anyway?" she said, making him look at her.
"I promise," he replied. Technically, he can't ever hurt her because Rebekah was dead now.
"Good. Thankyou,"
He didn't reply as he tightened his hold on her.
"you're wrong you know?" he said, after a while.
"What?" she replied, half sleepy, face in the crook of his neck.
"You will be the most beautiful bride in the history of all brides," he declared.
"You're so sappy Damon," she said giggling.
"Only for you baby,"
..
..
The next three days passed in a blur. Elena's face swelling reduced and the scars started to become slight purplish symbolizing healing process had started. When the weight on her bed shifted she knew he was awake but she still didn't open her eyes.
She felt him hover over her, his fingertips tracing the scars and bruises on her face, examining them. When she didn't flinch at his touch he sighed in relief. Elena's eyes fluttered open, she smiled as she noticed his intense gaze examining her scars making sure none of her wounds were getting infected.
"All ok?" she asked, smirking.
"Yeah. Dr Hampton told me to look out for any yellowish areas that would mean they got infected. Tell me when I touch you does it hurt?" he asked, touching a bruise under her eye.
She didn't flinch even though it stung a bit.
"No,"
"Don't lie to me Elena. This is not something to joke about. Be serious for once," he said in his most serious tone.
"It doesn't hurt. It just stings a bit,"
"and this?" he asked, lowering his finger tips to the deep scratch under her lips.
"Umm…No," she replied. It didn't hurt at all.
He ran his fingers through her hair almost massaging her scalp but she knew he was examining the rough bruises from three days ago.
"I am ok," she whined.
"Sure you are,"
"Get off me," she said, pushing him off her even though his weight was barely on her.
"Let me remind you I am the doctor of the house," she added, winking.
He huffed, annoyed at her non-seriousness.
"I'll be late tonight. I have a meeting with a foreign delegation," he informed as he jumped out of bed.
"Okay."
"A friend of mine Enzo, he will be here to keep an eye on things and I am leaving Rose here too," he informed further, buttoning his shirt without looking.
She smiled as she saw him struggle with them. She rose up, walking up to him.
"I don't need babysitters," she said, swatting his hands away and buttoning his shirt herself.
"I will be coming really late. Maybe after midnight."
"I will be fine. All these security measures I mean you already doubled the number of people on our house security team. We have CCTV cameras in every corner of the house except our bedroom and washrooms. I have you and Rose and Sage following me around all day 'inside the house'. Even the queen doesn't get security protocol that I am getting," she said in an annoyed tone.
"The queen didn't get attacked by a psychopath in ladies room three days ago! We are trying to keep you safe so just go with it!" he pleaded.
"Ugh, Fine. What kind of name is Enzo?" she asked, laughing as she jumped on the bed again, him hot on her heels.
"It's actually Lorenzo but he prefers Enzo," he said, jumping on the bed snuggling with her.
"Aren't you suppose to get ready for work?"
"I am not leaving till 12 so we have about 3 hours," he replied.
"Great! We can watch a movie," she squeaked, jumping to get the remote.
"No fair! It's my turn to pick the movie." he protested.
"Please. Let me pick the movie this one time," she said, pouting, batting her eyelashes.
Bruised face, slightly swollen eye, scratched cheeks and she still looked the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen.
"You win! I am going to go get you some breakfast," he said, kissing her temple before he left.
She skimmed through the movie list and selected 'I am Sam'. Tragedy was after all her favorite genre. She heard Damon's humming as he entered the room with a tray.
"Pancakes" she said, smiling.
He placed the tray in front of her, setting the napkin on her lap. She literally attacked her food, munching fast.
"Can I join?" he asked, tempted by the delicious aroma of pancakes.
"Nope. High BP. Remember!" she reminded as she took another bite.
He picked up his fruit salad bowl with a gruff.
"What are we watching?"
"I am Sam,"
"Aha," he said as he picked up his phone, searching movie details on internet.
"Tragedy? No fucking way! We aren't watching this," he nearly shouted, switching it off.
"Damon! What the hell? I wanted to watch that," she protested.
"You always end up crying and it takes me hours to cheer you up again," he reasoned. "No! We aren't watching it. Pick something else,"
"But it's a good movie,"
"What part of 'No' did you not understand?"
"Fine, you choose then?" She asked, drinking her orange juice.
"What are we watching?" she asked, after he selected the movie and grinned.
"SAW."
"It's a horror movie. Isn't it?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
He nodded, grinning.
She huffed. In about thirty minutes she was hiding in his chest as he laughed at a horror scene.
"It's supposed to scare you not make you laugh," Elena said, as she peeked a bit and then closed her eyes again in disgust.
"The blood flew like fifty miles away from the murdered lady, like what the hell! And babe, it's just a movie,"
"I will have nightmares for days now,"
"I will protect you…"
"Remind me why I am marrying you again?" she asked, annoyed.
"Because you love me,"
She flinched a bit looking at the scene and closing her eyes again muttering some prayer.
"Reminds me of our third date, when I took you out to watch a movie?" he said.
"Yeah. The conjuring 2. It's was the scariest movie I have ever watched."
"I made you watch it on purpose so you will snuggle up to me just like this."
"You're so mean," she said, looking at him angrily before smirking.
"I know," he replied, smirking.
"Elena!"
"huh,"
"We still haven't discussed children?"
"What brought this on?"
"It's been on my mind since the dinner but for obvious reasons I delayed this conversation,"
"Well! You already know that I do want children. Someday."
"Someday?"
"Like I have my residency to complete for now,"
"and how long will that be?"
"four years,"
"Too long! Don't you think?" he replied frowning.
"I still think we should wait at least one year to settle down properly before, we, you know, get pregnant,"
"We have everything. I am financially stable. I have huge house and we are both healthy. Why wait then?"
"because a baby is huge responsibility. We need to be sure about everything."
"I thought you wanted children? The perfect white picket fence, the whole nine yards like novels," he asked.
"Yes…I do. I want kids but it's not the perfect time. I want to be there for my baby all the time. I will probably stop working for the initial years of "our baby". I am not comfortable with nannies or daycare. We will need to discuss hell a lot of things from religion to who is going to do night duty? So let's just take time. Maybe in a year or so," she explained.
"Valid points. Fine!" he agreed.
"but just for you know, the sake of argument, how many kids do you want?" he added, slyly.
"two. Hm, so they could keep each other company when we are busy otherwise," she replied, kissing him once.
"I was going to go for four,"
She smiled. "I'm sure you will change your mind after I make you change diapers,"
"I'll hire someone to do it for me,"
"Nope, I don't care how much money you have. We will both personally do all the baby duties,"
"Fine by me," he said, smiling looking into her eyes.
They were both smiling at one another as they looked at each other in the eyes. Her eyes warm and passionate. She drew him with her eyes, he dove in capturing her lips. She moaned. He rolled on top of her, what started as slow and tender turned into desperate and hungry, her one hand on the side of his face and other running through his dark hair, earning her a purr.
A harsh knock startled them, separating them.
"WHAT?" Damon growled.
"Mr. John is here to see you," he heard Brad, one of the cleaning crew team.
"Who the hell is Mr. John?" he asked Elena.
Elena shrugged.
"Oh right Enzo!" he said, biting his lip, remembering,
Elena giggled.
..
..
"Don't stare at her face," Rose instructed Enzo.
"Why?"
"That will probably bug him a lot,"
He huffed in annoyance. This girl could be the most beautiful girl in the world and it wouldn't affect him, he had his eyes set on someone else.
He smirked when Damon appeared holding hands with a brunette girl. He knew immediately why Rose had warned him not to stare. Though she was very beautiful, her face was badly battered and bruised. There were scars all over her cheeks and her eye was slightly swollen. He looked away immediately as he saw insecurity flash across her face. He didn't quite miss the adoring looks Damon was giving her. As if she was all he could see.
"Okay fine I won't make you watch scary movies again. God, woman! You will kill me with all the nagging,"
"How do I look?" Enzo heard Elena whisper from the end of hallway.
"You're with me of course you look good," Damon replied.
"Cocky much?" She said in between a giggle.
"Come on! Admit it I am hotter than that Spanish guy you love so much," Damon said, eyes on her.
"Enrique Iglesias?"
"Yeah whatever. What's so good about him anyway?" he said with a huff.
"He is handsome and his voice is magical," Elena replied.
"He uses makeup to look like that I on the other hand am all natural, baby," Damon replied rolling his eyes.
"You know you getting all teen fervent over that guy really annoys me," he added, almost pouting which she thought was really adorable.
Elena giggled. "He is just my favorite singer,"
"then why did you have that dream about him doing you four years ago?" he asked, brow raised.
"How do you know about that?" Elena asked, blushing furiously.
"I might have read that in your journals from 2012 July when we were moving your stuff here," he admitted shyly.
"Damon! What the-? My journals are supposed to be private." Elena said.
They were both completely ignoring a very amused Enzo and an annoyed Rose standing. It was like they didn't exist at all.
"BTW I agree Selena could do so much better then Justin. Selena would look so much better with Nail from One Direction," he said, smirking, reminding her of an entry in her journal, annoying her.
Elena flushed. Her eyes narrowed before she could reply. Rose coughed snapping them out of their little bubble.
"Now that I have your attention! We are getting late," Rose reminded him.
Enzo waved, smirking. He had never seen his best friend so playful and relaxed.
Damon rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Nice of you to finally acknowledge us I was beginning to think we were invisible," Enzo commented.
"Dick!" Damon replied.
"Elena! I would like you to meet my best friend Enzo. Enzo meet my soon to be wife Elena,"
"Hey!" Elena said, smiling, extending her hand.
He accepted her handshake, smiling.
So this was Bonnie's childhood best friend. He thought.
"It's so nice to finally meet the girl who turned this man-whore into sappy needy puppy," Enzo commented.
"Ah. The compliments. Keep them coming. That is exactly what a guy would want his fiancé to know about him." Damon replied.
"I mean really Elena? From what I have heard you are radiant, independent and clearly really beautiful girl and you fall for this guy? He had even made out with the mother of the warden our student housing in college,"
"I am not ashamed. I was desperate and I needed contact," Damon replied.
"He slept with half of LA. Are you sure you want to marry this guy?" Enzo added.
Elena laughed in response.
"You are officially uninvited from my wedding," Damon said, annoyed.
Elena elbowed him. "I like your friend. I think we will get along pretty well," Elena said, looking at him.
"And I have a lot and by a lot I mean a lot of things to tell you from our college days that might make you rethink the whole marriage thing," Enzo added looking at Elena.
"Can I cut his balls and feed it to him?" Damon said, looking to him. Elena laughed. "No you may not. I like him."
Damon huffed.
"Don't get too cozy," he said, pecking her.
Elena smiled.
"I will be back soon. Don't forget your meds. Eat on time and call me if he bugs you too much," he said, kissing her forehead once.
"Love you," Elena said, kissing his nose, making him purr in content.
"Love you more."
"Isn't this cute?" Enzo said, snickering.
Damon smirked. "I will be back soon. Bye,"
"Bye," Elena said waving at him. Damon signaled Enzo to follow him. Enzo nodded.
..
..
Opening the door of his car, Damon turned back to look at Enzo. "I am trusting you with the someone most precious to me, more than life itself. If I come back to less than perfect condition that I left her in, there would be consequences."
Enzo looked bored, listening to him.
"You can't keep her caged up forever Damon. She will have to go out someday," Enzo replied.
"Hopefully we will catch and kill Kol by then," Damon said, absentmindedly.
"Don't worry about her. She is safe with me. And I am doing this for Bonnie more than I am doing this for you," Enzo added.
"Yes, about that. I would literally stub your eyeballs out if she finds out about Bonnie or about this side of me," Damon threatened.
"The only reason I allowed you and Bonnie to move back to city and work in my Base is because you guaranteed Bonnie would stay away from my Elena. Don't make me regret my decision. Being my best friend doesn't give you the leverage to disregard my orders I won't think twice about killing you,"
"Elena stays inside the house. No one other than her friend Caroline and Tyler are allowed to meet her. I will be back by midnight or by tomorrow," Damon continued.
"Ok." Enzo accepted, Damon was after all the boss.
..
..
When Enzo came back to the living room, Elena had already retired to her room. He paced a bit, rethinking telling Elena about Bonnie. Bonnie was the love of his life. He would gladly bleed to death if she asked for it. Bonnie really wanted to meet Elena, her only friend, and he wanted to give what she wanted to her.
He sat on the couch, taking his shoes off. His phone vibrated.
From: Bonnie
Time:01:20PM
Did you meet Elena?
He smiled.
"Yes," he texted back.
She texted back immediately "How is she?"
"Just like you told me," he texted back.
"Did you tell her about me?" Bonnie texted back after half a minute.
"She is in her room. I didn't get any chance." He texted back.
"Is this true? Is she really marrying him?" She texted back after five minutes.
"Yes! But he is crazy about her. You should see him. He grins like an idiot just being around her. She is safe with him," he texted back.
"Damon doesn't deserve her," she texted back.
"No, he doesn't." he replied back, agreeing.
"When will you tell her about me?" She texted back after another five minutes.
"As soon as I get the chance but are you sure? Damon really doesn't want us to be involved with her. We already know what he did to Becca," he texted after a while.
"Yes I am sure. It's not like we want to harm her. We won't tell her about him just yet." She replied back.
..
..
Elena hummed as she wrote in her journal. Her phone vibrated.
"Jeremy Calling."
She picked up immediately, smiling.
"Nice of you to call back finally," Elena said.
He didn't reply.
"Jer!"
No reply.
However, she did hear a poorly stifled sob.
"Jeremy! Honey? You okay?" Elena asked, alarmed.
"She lied to me Elena!" she heard Jeremy say in between sobs.
"She, who? Jer, you're scaring me. Are you okay?" she asked, frantically.
"I was so stupid. I fell for her and she played me like an idiot I am," she heard him say.
"Honey! Jer! Calm down! Ok? Where are you?"
"Denver"
"It's an hour away from my house but wait for me I will be right there. Send me your location." Elena ordered.
"Ok," he replied in between sobs.
"Oh! Hon! Don't cry! I am on my way," Elena replied. She got up from her bed, running to her closet. She picked the first thing she could get her hands on and slipped it on. Her red shirt and her washed out jeans.
She grabbed her shoes from the closet and put them on, calling Damon at the same time. She cursed when she was directed to voice mail.
She went out of her room, rushing to main door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Sage said, blocking her way by standing in front of her.
"Oh, great! Sage, we need to go to Denver. My brother just called. He seemed really upset." Elena said as she tried to move past her.
"Does Damon know about this?" she asked.
"No! I will call him on the way." Elena replied, absentmindedly.
"We can't we go until he permits you," Sage declared.
"Permits me? Excuse me! I don't need his permission. My brother needs me. If you don't want to go with me that's fine by me," Elena said, frowning.
"You're not going anywhere until Damon calls me and permits me to take you to Denver. We have strict orders to keep you inside the house at all cost," Sage explained, harshly.
"What kind of non-sense is this? I am not his slave. I don't need his permission. Let go of me," Elena ordered, shrugging her hand away.
"Miss Gilbert. You're not going ANYWHERE. I suggest you go back to your room right now." Sage said, harshly.
"What's going on here?" Rose asked, coming from the kitchen.
"I need to go to Denver. It's an emergency. She says I need Damon's permission to go out of the house," Elena informed her rolling her eyes, thinking Rose would share her thoughts about how nonsense the situation sounded.
Rose looked uncomfortable.
"Sage! Let go of her."
"but"
"Elena! Sweetheart. You really need to go back to your room. I am sure that emergency can wait," Rose said, rubbing her arm.
"Rose. I really need to go! It's about my brother."
"I will send someone else to check up on him but you will spare us hell a lot of trouble if you just wait till Damon is back," Rose said, sweetly.
"No! I don't need Damon's permission. This is a free country. I am a free independent person. Yes, he is my fiancé. I should inform him but I don't need his permission for anything. I am going to see my brother now, excuse me," Elena replied, harshly this time. She was already very worried and their insistence of her staying was annoying her.
"I am sorry love, but you can't go," Rose said, firmly.
"This is ridiculous. Rose,"
"Sage! Be a dear and take Lena back to her room," Rose asked Sage.
"What? No!" Elena said.
"Miss Gilbert! Please. You haven't fully recovered from the incident that happened a few days ago. You were advised strict bed rest for a week." Sage said, as she held Elena's arm.
"Let go of me now." Elena shouted.
"Please Elena! No tantrums again." Rose said, wearily.
Elena huffed in annoyance and rage. She took out her phone from her purse. She called Damon again, she was directed to voice message since his phone was switched off.
"Listen up you jerk! I need to go out to meet my brother but your security team won't let me out. According to them I need your permission to leave my own house. They say that you have given them strict orders to keep me captive inside the house. I DON'T NEED YOUR PERMISSION I AM GOING OUT ANYWAY. AND YOU HAVE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING FOR YOU WHEN YOU COME BACK HOME BECAUSE I AM REALLY PISSED!" she shouted on phone.
Rose was grinning. The idea of her cousin also mob boss getting threatened by his own fiancé was hilarious. No one could dare talk to him like that.
Elena tried to move past Sage but she easily held her arm and dragged her to her bedroom. "I am sorry Miss Gilbert," she apologized.
"What the hell is this?" Elena growled.
She was fuming when Sage left without answering. This was insanity. They couldn't just lock her in the house. She paced around in her room frantically.
"and the poor girl was locked up in the castle by the beast. " she heard Enzo say, snickering.
"You think this is funny. This is really insulting. I always make my own decisions. Even my parents never questioned my decisions. They want me to wait for him to grant me permission to go out. How ridiculous is that? This is not 1864 This is 2016," She growled.
"Elena! This is his house and these people here get paid to obey his orders. You shouldn't be mad at them. You should be mad at him for keeping you caged up." Enzo riled her up more.
"You're right. I mean, yeah I understand that he is worried about my safety. He has made a few enemies and he is scared that they will hurt me but I can't just stop my life and lock myself in the house. I have a life. I have ambitions and dreams. I have had enough of this whole, 'keeping-me- safe-thing'," Elena said, pacing in her room as Enzo watched her in amusement.
"Yeah but can you blame him? You got attacked by his crazy ex three days back. He was already over protective of you. This particular incident must have fueled his desire to protect you even more." Enzo said.
"Okay fine. Yes! I was attacked by his crazy ex and yes! That scared him but she wasn't going to kill me. But like you told me, awhile ago, he had slept with half of LA. He must have countless women pining after him. I can't hide from all of his crazy ex-girlfriends," Elena replied.
"Point."
"I really need to go to Denver. My brother is waiting for me. He needs me," Elena pleaded.
"I can take you there but he will be really pissed about this." Enzo offered.
"Why is everyone so scared of Damon?"
"He is scary when he wants to scare people. You haven't seen his scary side yet." Enzo replied, eyes flashing.
"He is a marshmallow."
"He is a wild tiger Elena. He acts like kitten JUST around you." Enzo said, smirking.
Elena eyebrow raised. "So are you going to get me out of here or what?"
"I will but I have two conditions." Enzo said pressing his lips.
"and what might that be?" Elena asked, frowning.
"I want you to meet someone very special to me." Enzo said.
"Your girlfriend? Why would you want me to meet her?"
"You'll know! And second condition, your fiancé is really going to be upset about me taking you outside without acknowledging him first and me making you meet my girlfriend. I want you to arrange our accommodations here I want you to keep us close to you as much as possible. He will try to get rid of us but you are the only one to convince him. Can you do that?" Enzo asked.
Staying close to Elena was his safest bet after he goes through his plan. He could kill two birds with one stone.
One, he could fulfill his promise with Bonnie and reunite the two friends and second he could get an upper hand on Damon and ensure his and Bonnie's security.
He knew Damon wouldn't dare to harm them in Elena's presence and risk exposing his reality to her.
"Sure. It's a deal," she answered, immediately. He felt bad manipulating this girl but he was doing it for his love. His love for the girl in his apartment. Bonnie Bennett.
..
..
"Jeff! Andree needs your help in the backyard. I'll cover the CCTV camera room." Enzo told the fat security head.
Jeff nodded and left.
As planned, Elena silently left, dodging a female guard. She bent down, hiding from Sage, moving toward Enzo's car in the parking lot, making sure no one saw her. Enzo smirked when he saw her enter the backseat.
"Andree says he didn't need me at all." Jeff complained, startling him.
"Oh! My bad." Enzo said picking up a rod.
"What are you doing?" Jeff asked, brow raising.
"Sorry, buddy." Enzo said before hitting him with all his force knocking the man out.
"Too easy." Enzo said, snickering.
He stalked out of the control room, passing proudly from the guards toward his car.
"Where are you going?" Rose asked.
"An errand for don Damon! I will be back in a while." Enzo said in the most serious tone he could muster.
Rose nodded, allowing him to go.
..
..
"Just one more floor." Enzo said impatiently as the bell chimed, indicating their destined floor. He guided Elena to an apartment in corner. For a second, Elena was afraid. She barely knew the guy but she shrugged her fears off. She could trust him; he was after all Damon's best friend. Surely, he wouldn't harm her.
Enzo tapped his foot impatiently as he knocked the door.
"Coming." A sweet voice answered.
The door opened.
A dark skinned, curly haired girl with one of the most beautiful smile stood in front of her. Her eyes widened when she looked at Elena. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Elena instantly felt insecure. Maybe the girl was looking at her scars. Instinctively, her hands raised up to hide her face.
"Elena?" the girl almost whispered.
"I promised you didn't I? That I will stop at nothing until I reunite you two?" Enzo said proudly.
"Thankyou." She whispered in awe.
"I am sorry, I don't recognize you." Elena said ashamed.
"Please come inside." the girl invited her warmly. Elena looked at Enzo who nodded.
"What would you like to have tea, coffee or juice or a beer?" Bonnie asked, excitedly.
"I am in a hurry. I-uh-I have to meet my brother." Elena added uncomfortably.
"Oh! Brother? Oh you mean your cousin?" Bonnie asked.
Elena eyes narrowed.
"I am sorry. I am rambling, ain't I?"
"Bonnie! Calm down! Let the girl breath!" Enzo said with a snort.
"Bonnie?" Elena murmured, that name ringed bells.
"I am just so happy to see you after all this time." Bonnie said, hugging her.
Elena was taken aback. After a while she hugged her back awkwardly.
"I'll give you two some privacy." Enzo said as he left.
When Elena felt tears on her shoulder she pulled back. Bonnie's eyes were rimmed, filled with tears.
"I need to explain a lot I know." Bonnie said in between a sob and a snort.
Elena smiled a bit. She didn't know what was going on but she didn't want to push the already vulnerable girl.
"Elena! I am Bonnie Bennett. Remember me? We use to be roommates and best friends back in orphanage in Germany before I got adopted by Millers." Bonnie said, calmly.
Elena was silent for a minute before she launched herself at Bonnie, arms wrapping around her as she hugged her friend tightly.
"Bonnie! OH MY GOD! BONNIE! Oh God! Is this real?" Elena said, excitedly laughing and crying at the same time.
Bonnie smiled nodding as she hugged her friend back.
"I looked you up years back but there was no trace of you. I even called the Millers but they told me they gave you up." Elena explained.
"I missed you a lot, Len." Bonnie said.
"I missed you to Bonnie." Elena said, wiping her tears.
"I can't believe this is real!" Bonnie said, smiling widely.
"How long have you known about me, Bon? Why didn't you meet me sooner?" Elena inquired.
"Ladies! Sorry for interrupting your reunion but we are on tight schedule here. We can talk on the way to Denver and Elena! the damn security team already knows you aren't in house." Enzo informed.
"Let them come! I will deal with them." Bonnie said, firmly.
"No need Bon! We have to get out of here anyway. Your brother would be waiting for you." Enzo said looking at Elena.
Bonnie looked at Elena as to inquire what was this about.
"Long story."
..
..
While Bonnie really wanted to blurt the truth about Damon to Elena. Enzo had strictly forbidden against it. Elena was their only ticket to life. They have done everything Damon had warned them against. He didn't like people who disobeyed him. His only weakness was Elena and the fact that Elena wasn't aware of his real face.
Her phone buzzed for the twenty eighth time. Rose, Sage, Jake, Jessica even Paul the gateman had called her continuously when they found out she wasn't at home. She didn't answer the phone to deliberately worry them.
On their way Bonnie and Elena told each other how life treated them after they were separated. Elena explained Katherine's death and Matt's betrayal and Damon's life changing arrival in her life. Bonnie told her about how she was dumped into another orphanage after the family that had adopted her gave her up, how she had to steal to eat, deliberately leaving out the part that presently she was working as a professional killer for a mob that was led by Elena's fiancé and her fiancé's uncle.
Bonnie couldn't help but notice the last eleven years hadn't changed Elena a bit. It was like last eleven years never happened. And then came the guilt.
As Enzo stopped the car in front of the bar, Elena's phone chimed.
"Damon Calling."
Elena didn't answer.
"Shouldn't you let him know you're okay?" Bonnie asked.
"Nope!" Elena answered stuffing the phone back in her pocket. "Should have thought that before he appointed people to lock me up in my own house." Elena muttered under breath earning a chuckle from Enzo.
"so where is your brother?" Enzo asked.
"There he is," she pointed at a guy in his mid-twenties in the corner of the bar, sulking.
"Jer!" she said as she walked toward him.
Jeremy looked up, eyes watering.
"Elena?" he said, then his eyes widened as he saw her face.
"What the fuck happened to your face? Did he hit you? I swear I am going to kill him," Jeremy said in the angriest tone she had ever witnessed.
"No! No! Damon didn't do this. It was his ex. Long story. I will tell you about that later but what's wrong with you? You were crying on phone. You scared me." Elena said, touching his hair.
Jeremy swallowed.
Agony filled his face. His eyes glistened with unshed tears. "She lied to me, Lena." he said as he hugged his sister.
"Oh! Hon! Honey? Tell me what happened?" Elena said, fingers running in his hair as she tried to sooth her younger brother.
"Anna is a prostitute." Jeremy blurted in between sobs.
"Now that's not a very nice thing to say." Elena scolded him.
"No! Lena! She is literally a hooker, a prostitute, whore, sex worker, whatever you call it." Jeremy said in between sobs.
"I…I…" Elena didn't know what to say.
"She told me she worked as a nurse in a hospital. I was in love with her Lena. She lied to me. My friend saw her with some dude a week back. When I confronted her about that she confessed that she is a prostitute. A fucking prostitute. She cheated on me! That's what part of me keeps thinking. Another part of me is just disgusted that she would do something so low and debasing as having sex for money." Jeremy rambled.
Elena was in shook. She hadn't met Anna but she had talked to her on phone, she seemed like a nice girl. Anna didn't look anything like a hooker.
"Jer. Listen to me…" she tried to calm her enraged brother by rubbing his palms.
"No! Elena! I am disgusted, humiliated. I feel so…"
"Jer. You knew she came from an abusive home, dropped out of high school when she was 16 and supported herself by stripping at a very shady club, she was in a very desperate situation back then. Who are we to judge her for doing what she had to do to get by? You're not overreacting, but you need to confront this now. It's huge she told you." Elena completed.
"She didn't tell me. I busted her." Jeremy said.
"but you still love her or you wouldn't have been so upset."
"I do love her but you can't expect me to over pass this…"
"You have every right to feel betrayed, sickened, and disgusted. For now, I want you to seek out the context that drives her actions. Don't cut her loose unless you're sure you don't want her in your life. And if you decide to stay together, forgive her unconditionally, and let go of any resentment. And if you don't you still need to get consoling to get through this and If I were you I would get myself tested, " Elena added, slyly.
"I feel so hurt." Jeremy said in between sobs.
"Come on! You can crash at my place." Elena said as she helped him up.
Bonnie rushed to her, helping her hold a very drunk Jeremy.
..
..
When the fifth time his cell rang Enzo finally answered.
"Where the fuck is my fucking fiancé?" he heard Damon growl.
"She is with me and Bonnie, safe and sound-for now," Enzo replied.
"I swear if-,"
"Shut up. SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU BLOODY BASTARD, if you don't want her neck snapped," Enzo threatened, smirking.
He heard a snarl on the other side.
"Enzo. Enzo. Get her back home now."
"I would, but I have some conditions,"
"Enzo, I swear to God,"
"Damon! If I tell her now who you really are I am sure she would beg me to take her as far away from you as possible. Unless you don't want me to do to that I urge you to accept my demands," Enzo said, snickering.
"Fine." he heard Damon gritted through his teeth.
"First of all, lose the tone, I would be extra nice to me now, knowing that I have your weakness on the palm of my hand," Enzo retorted.
"Don't push it Enzo." he heard Damon speak in dark tone.
"I will boil her eyeballs out in vat of hot water if you don't immediately agree to my conditions," Enzo threatened.
"I will skin you alive if you say that again, Enzo. I am not kidding. You surely know what happened to Rebekah. Don't you? I WILL KILL FOR HER."
"Yes. But I have leverage. I have your weakness." Enzo replied.
"What the fuck do you want?" he asked.
"Firstly, you won't harm me and Bonnie and second Bonnie gets to stay with Elena. We don't mean any harm Damon. I didn't have any choice she wanted to meet Elena so badly." Enzo added.
"Fine! I give you my word that I won't harm a hair on your or Bonnie's head." he declared after a while. Enzo could sense the conflict in his words and thoughts. Damon didn't like to be disobeyed. He hated when people demanded something from him. He always got obeyed and feared. Enzo knew Damon would have never agreed if it wasn't Elena's life on stake.
"We are on our way then," Enzo said, cheerfully hanging up.
..
..
The car stopped in front of Damon's house. The guards immediately opened the door. Sage was standing near the front door literally seething. Rose on her left, glaring Elena to death. Elena felt guilty immediately. Enzo supported Jeremy as Jeremy jumped out of the car, drunk.
Bonnie stood with Elena holding her arm, glaring back at Sage. She always disliked the red head woman.
"Don't be scared! I can beat the ever living shit out of them both if they so much as touch you," Bonnie whispered in her ear making her smile. "I am so happy that I have my childhood best friend back Bon. You're staying with me, Right?" Elena asked as they walked together.
"Sure. Just Ask your fiancé first?" Bonnie replied.
"He will agree to whatever I say." Elena muttered back, making Bonnie smile. Bonnie looked at Elena in awe, her friend had the most dangerous person wrapped around her pinky.
Damon was waiting inside, rimmed red eyes holding a glass filled with what Elena guessed bourbon. He gave her a tight-lipped smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He rose up, slowly moving toward her. There was something about him that scared Elena a bit.
"He is scary when he wants to scare people. You haven't seen his scary side yet, he's a wild tiger." Enzo voiced boomed in her ears.
"Jeremy had a rough day. I needed to see him." Elena said, informing him.
"and it couldn't have waited for an hour or so." he hissed.
"Don't talk to her like that" Bonnie growled at him.
"and I met Bonnie she is my best friend from the orphanage I use to live in, back in Germany. Can you believe that? and all this time she had been working for you? I mean what are the odds!" Elena squealed happily totally forgetting that he was mad at her.
He gave her a genuine smile this time, seeing how happy she was.
"I asked her to be my maid of honor. Although there won't be much for her to do. My other best friend Caroline is handling everything. From my bridal shower to my dressing fitting," Elena said turning around to Bonnie.
"and she is staying here with me till our wedding," Elena said, turning around facing him again.
"I hope that's not a problem…" Bonnie stated.
"Sure. Any friend of Elena's is always welcome at my house," Damon replied, unable to cut back venom in his tone glaring at them, Enzo and Bonnie.
They were using her for their selfish motives. They wanted a way back in his most trusted circle. They were using her as a leverage to save their own necks. Bonnie was selfish. She was bringing Elena further into their dark world. It was bad enough she had a mobster fiancé now she had a killer best friend too. And then there was also the threat that Bonnie could spill the beans about his reality any moment. Damon thought.
"Great. I am going to go check up on Jer." Elena said walking toward a guest room.
Once she was out of earshot. He smirked looking at Bonnie and Enzo. Oh! They were in some deep shit trouble.
Enzo looked around the mansion. There were men and women hidden behind pillars and dark hallway holding all type of arms, from M1911 Pistol to stun guns.
"Look around Enzo! With one click of my finger you both are dead." Damon said darkly.
"You gave me your word."
"I gave you direct orders, Didn't I?" he growled.
"Yes. but she wanted to go."
"It's not about Elena. My men immediately followed you from your apartment. You wouldn't be alive talking to me right now if it weren't for my fiancé with you in your car." Damon informed him.
"You dared to threaten me." he added, disbelievingly.
"Damon. We didn't mean her any harm," Bonnie interfered. "She is like a sister to me I love her,"
"Your boyfriend here threatened to boil her eyeballs in vat of hot water." Damon informed her.
Bonnie glared at Enzo. Enzo looked away, embarrassed. "I wanted to ask you. How the fuck did you muster the courage to defy my orders?" Damon continued.
"I warned you just in the morning that being my best friend doesn't give you the leverage to defy me. I am still the boss around here." he continued darkly, stepping toward them.
"but Elena is safe and sound. We wouldn't have let anything happened to her regardless of the fact that Kol Mikelson is out there for her blood." Enzo argued.
"She was safe with us." Bonnie added.
"It's not about ELENA. It's about my orders, my ego…I can't let anyone question my power. When I give you orders you obey me or you die. You failed to comply hence earning yourself a death sentence." he finished, emptying his drink.
"You wouldn't dare to kill us here. She would know." Enzo pointed out.
"There is thing called Silencers. She won't hear a thing."
"These are the rules Enzo. We listen to the boss or we get sentenced to death." he said putting his glass on the table.
The door of the room where Jeremy was staying opened. Elena walked out carefully closing the door. The men that had been openly directing guns at Enzo hid in their spots.
"What's going on?" Elena asked, sensing the situation looked serious. She walked toward Damon. There was something odd about him. It was like he was this whole new person. He was seething that much she could sense. Of course, he was angry. But as soon as Elena touched him. He relaxed a bit. His eyes were still cold and cruel though.
"Umm. Enzo and Bonnie have some really important stuff to do. They are saying they can't stay baby" Damon said, faking a pout.
"Oh No! I am not letting this girl out of my sight and as for you Enzo. You're staying here whether you like it or not…This is the bride's order." Elena declared, holding Bonnie's hand.
Enzo smirked.
"Well. I can't say no to the bride," Enzo agreed.
"I have a lot to catch up with Bonnie but for now I am feeling kind of tired we will catch up tomorrow. You two can use my old room." Elena declared.
"If it's okay with Damon?" Enzo pointed.
"This is my house as much as it's his." Elena said rolling her eyes.
"Damon! They can stay right?" she asked, cheerfully.
Who was he to ever say no to her?
"Sure baby." he replied, with tight smile.
Elena smiled pecking him once. "I will be right back," she whispered to him. She motioned Bonnie and Enzo to follow her. They both walked past him, smirking. Damon suddenly felt a strong urge to kill them both in front of her. To scare her too. She was literally undermining him in front of everyone. But the sane part of him, the love struck part of him, the crazy and obsessively in love with his fiancé part of him stopped him from bloodshed. Everyone here knew Elena wasn't aware of anything. They kept their mouth shut.
She was more important. More important than his pride or his power. Unknowingly she had the power to make him drop on his knees and worship her. He wouldn't scare her. He would let this one go. She wanted them both. He could allow that. He would allow it until their marriage.
"What now?" Rose asked.
"I can't do anything until they are out of the house." Damon said with a gruff.
"They denied to obey Damon. People here would question you if you don't act now." Rose argued.
"We will deal with them afterwards. We will strike a deal with them for now. Their silence in exchange for their life to be spared." Damon said as he walked toward his room. Rose following him.
"People here will question your leadership Damon. Next thing you know everyone will use Elena as leverage to get what they want out of us. We can't have that." Rose argued.
"I can't lock Elena up all the time. Look what that got us into. She literally used the dangerous way out of here. She could have gotten hurt. Anything could have happened. It was a smart move on your behalf to have some guards follow her from Enzo's apartment to keep her safe. Anything could have happened on her way to Denver with those two idiots and I swear to God. If anyone so much as try to harm a single hair on her head I will rip their skin off."
"You're losing your mind over this."
"I can't help it. She makes me crazy." he replied. He looked like a hurt puppy now.
"This is crazy. We will lose our lives and power if you continue being a softie." Rose growled
"I am trying my best to hold it together as much as I can." Damon spat.
"You will get us both killed. You know, if you continue being like this. One of our men will turn against us and kill us for the power of the city. You know only the most powerful gets to be the boss." Rose reminded him.
"I AM MOST POWERFUL." he roared.
"No. you're just a whipped ass freak show who is so desperately in love. you have lost your ability to think." Rose roared back.
"Tell me. What should I do. Because I can't do anything with Elena being here. She will hate me if she finds out about me I can't have that. I will kill myself if she leaves me,"
"Relax. I have suggestion"
"Anything."
"She gets to keep her freedom and you get to keep her." Rose said.
"What?"
"Move to Italy. After getting married take her away from this place. We literally own that place. She can be out in the midnight and we won't be constantly afraid about her safety. Plus, No Mikelson. No Zach. No Enzo or Bonnie."
"but her family is here Rose. She works here. I can't take that from her and I don't think she will ever agree to move with me."
"I will handle that part Damon. You will have to do hell a lot of traveling but your family, Elena, your possible future children. Everyone will be safe there. On the contrary, you can't have your dream white picket fence life here with Elena. You will be constantly worried about her safety and eventually she will find out about us."
"You're right but her family, her friends. I can't take that away from her."
"What's more important, her life or her feelings?" Rose asked.
"What about passport arrangement?"
"As your wife, she can't be denied citizenship. Leave all the paperwork to me." Rose answered.
"Then it's decided. I am taking her away from this place. I am taking her to Italy."
..
..
Here is this thing. Just because Damon is in love with Elena, doesn't mean he will suddenly want to redeem. Yes, he is guilty he feels bad but this is what he is. He can't just turn his back on his nature. True he had reasons for turning to this life but you should know as Klaus once mentioned 'Don't underestimate the power of darkness. Even the purest hearts are drawn to it'
He will redeem but in later stage
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