Chapter 10: 'His real face'
Elena entered their bedroom. Their room was dark. A dim light further away on the balcony sneaked it way through the closed curtains, enough for her to see the back of a tall figure a little away from her.
"Hey," she greeted.
He turned around. His eyes still seething. There was something so different about him. It scared Elena. His eyes warmed up soon as he saw her. The ghost of a smile crept up on his face but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Elena bit her lip. "I am sorry," she whispered.
His red rimmed eyes held a lot of emotions. It was like he had cried a lot. "I know I was careless but…"
"You have no regard for my feelings, Right?"
"Jer needed me."
"Rose did say she would send someone to bring him over here didn't she? You didn't need to risk your life just like that…" he hissed.
"Yes. She offered but Jer is my brother. He is my life. I love him more than life itself. I don't care what your ex could have done in that brief amount of time I was outside without 'Bodyguards'. Besides I have a life other then you. I don't need to inform you every time I go out and I certainly don't need your permission. This is MY LIFE." She said.
"I am just trying to keep you safe," He submitted.
"You're suffocating me," she replied.
She regretted it immediately because his face twisted in agony. She could see the excruciating pain evident on his face. Damon pressed his lips and fell on bed, his hands hiding his face. "I am sorry I have just never felt like this. I have been numb for too long. No emotions at all. Be it love or hate. Not only did you make me feel again. You killed the pain that always comes after I start feeling. I am just scared that everything will blow up in my face."
She bent down on her knees and tried to jerk away his hands from his face and she wanted to kill herself for causing him so much pain. "Do you have any idea how it felt when Rose called me and told me you were gone, that there was no trace of you." he said, looking up at her, his red rimmed eyes now filled with unshed tears.
"I. I-,"
"I jumped to the worst conclusions immediately and you weren't answering your phone." he said. He tried his best to control his emotions but he couldn't. Tears rolled down his cheek and then came one of the most heart wrenching sob she had witnessed. "I thought someone took you from me, I thought I lost you,"
She looked at him with her gleaming eyes filled with love, care, devotion and guilt and brought him to her warm embrace. He sank his face into her chest as if to ask her to never let go as he put his arms around her.
Usually it was him who provided her with the feel of protectiveness but tonight it was Elena. Elena trapped Damon in her never ending warmth ensuring security. She kissed his hair whispering apologies.
"You know you make me feel safe Elena. You're my world. I'm really scared that you will be ripped away from me. The thought of you not with me physically pains me. I know I don't have any right to interfere like that in your life but I will literally kill myself if something happens to you." he said in a shaky voice.
"I am so sorry. I didn't mean it like that Damon. I love you a lot. I guess I was just mad because of the whole permission thing. I love you so much. You have every right on me. I was so stupid to just lash out on you like that. Please baby forgive me?" She pleaded kissing different spots on his face over and over again.
He pecked her lips once. She moaned and smiled. She rose up, sitting on his lap as he wrapped his arms around her waist, falling on the bed. She crawled on top of him murmuring how much she loved him.
In about thirty minutes they were panting in after coital bliss. Her naked body wrapped up with his. "So, what's up with Jeremy?" he asked.
"Really? Like right after mind blowing sex you want to talk about my brother's issue?" Elena replied in between panting and giggles.
"I am just curious as to know what was so important that you had to run off like that?"
"Do you remember I told you about Jer's girlfriend?"
"Yeah. Anna. That was her name right."
"Yup. Turns out she did more than stripping at those shady clubs. She was-is a prostitute," Elena said, her head resting on his chest.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"Yeah. It's just. Didn't Jer know?"
"No. He didn't. Now he feels betrayed and hurt." Elena replied. "but he loves her so he shouldn't make any haste decisions. Yes, he has been deceived. Not only did Anna crushed his trust but she also risked his health for the whole time being, they have been together, but I just can't help but think that she must have had some really strong reasons if she chose that profession." She continued.
"Why do you always do that?"
"What?"
"Look good in the worst kind of people."
"We all do some terrible things in our life. We all consider ourselves high and mighty when it comes to morality but the reality is different. It's easy to look at people and make quick judgments about them, their present and their past. But you would be surprise at the pain and tears a single smile can hide. People show a smiling face when in reality their heart is lined with scars and wounds that go all the way deep to their soul."
She took a deep breath, rolling on top of him. She cupped his face. Vulnerability visible in his eyes.
"You see a terrible person and you start hating them which is wrong because you don't know what made them like that. Something in their past completely broke them. They put on a strong face but they are the one who are scared the most. So when you come across that type of person, you shouldn't hate them, you should reach out to them and fix them even when you know they are beyond repair. Everyone should be given second chances."
"What if? What if someday you find out something really terrible about me? Will you ever be able to forgive me?" he didn't know why he just said that.
"Just because I know that you want Jer to forgive her." he added when she looked at him suspiciously. "If it were you in his place would you find it in your heart to forgive me?"
"I know you were a man slut before. I looked past that didn't I?" she replied with a chuckle.
"What if you find something really terrible about me? What if you find out that I have been lying to you from the start just like Anna lied to Jer."
Elena flinched.
"Why would you say something like that."
"Just for the sake of argument."
"Are you hiding something from me because, Damon, you promised no secrets."
"That's not the answer to my question,"
"I guess I will take time. But I would come around once the initial shock wears off but I promise you I'll forgive you,"
"You didn't forgive Matt,"
"I did forgive him. I just realized in the time we were away that I was never in love with him in that way,"
"What way?"
"This. Us. What I felt for him isn't even one half of what I feel for you. You just consume me." she replied.
"I have demons, Elena, terrible demons."
"then I'll take you with your demons. I will love you despite what you have done in past and with all the demons you have still."
"I have done a lot of terrible things. I need to tell you stuff that might change your views about me forever."
"but that's your past right?"
He nodded, avoiding her eyes. He lied again. He hated himself for that but the love and adoration in her eyes would disappear the moment he tells her about him. He couldn't even bear to think that. Now that he knew her love felt he couldn't live without it.
"so, it doesn't matter." she replied kissing him.
"I still want to tell you something." That's it he had made his mind. He would tell her everything. Now.
"Don't,"
"Why?"
"I don't care what you did in the past. All that matter is what you are now."
"but."
"no buts. I can see you're still not ready. You can tell me when you feel comfortable enough."
"I think I might never be ready to tell you that."
"I am okay with it."
"Aren't you curious?"
"I know you will tell me when you're ready. I don't want to push you. You never pushed me to tell you my story. I am giving you time. I already know there is something more to you that I can't quite pinpoint but we are getting married soon, we have a long life to explore each other completely. We have forever." she replied yawning.
"Promise me you will always love me? You will never leave me?" he asked, he knew she was very sleepy.
"I promise I'll always love you. I promise I will never leave you." she replied in her sleepy tone.
"We will stay together forever." he added.
"till death do us part," she replied chuckling.
"till death do us part,"
..
..
Two weeks passed in a blur and now here she was standing in front of a dresser in one of the most luxurious room of the resort hotel they have booked, well, he had booked. It was Caroline's idea. She was abusing the credit cards Damon had provided her to pay for all the preparations of their wedding. She was after all the event manager and maid of honor.
A week ago, Caroline had officially taken her from her house. She wanted the last week with her friend plus she thought Damon and Elena should go traditional and not sleep with each other for at least a week to make their wedding night more special. Of course, Damon had flat out refused but Caroline won the argument when Elena took her side.
The couple had a fight when Elena decided she wanted to stay in her old house with Caroline, Tyler, Bonnie and Jeremy even though Jeremy wanted to stay at the mansion. He liked the luxury and the hot girls of cleaning crew. But Elena insisted she wanted him to be a part of her wedding preparations. She wanted to be normal before she became the wife of a business tycoon (and mob head but she didn't know that). Damon let her go after Elena accepted to take Rose, Jake and Sage with her for her 'protection'.
She noticed how paranoid he got whenever she wasn't in line of his sight. She was thinking that after their marriage she would suggest counseling sessions. She doesn't want him to be dependent on her. She made sure they spent time apart too. She made him go out a couple of times with Tyler and Enzo on a guy's night. Even though she noticed there was thick tension between Enzo and him. It was like Enzo was scared of him.
This was not surprising though. Somehow, everyone was afraid of him. His staff, his friends even Rose, who was apparently a sister to him. She had seen some men from his work tremble from his mere stare and the very fact disturbed her. Was it something to do with his past? Was he still somehow involved with those people he mentioned he was involved with a few years ago. Surely he would tell her if that was the case.
No matter how bad he was before. He was a changed person now. She saw how much he loves her. Almost obsessively. Surely that kind of love came from something good right?
The fact about Matt's visit a week ago worried her too
..
..
Flashback
..
..
"Elena, you can't fucking marry him,"
"Matt, I already told you to leave me alone on that matter."
"Elena, I have searched up a lot of things about that guy. There is so much stuff shady about his past. Did you know his mother committed suicide and that his father was killed eight years ago?"
Elena was quiet for a moment. She did know his parents were dead but he didn't exactly tell her details. Then again only a week ago he told her he had demons and she did promise him time.
"I know." she lied
"Elena, I can see your lying. Don't do this to yourself. I don't quite have proof but I can assure you he is bad person."
"Matt! Get out!"
"I am just looking out for you. What's the rush anyway?"
"Matt! I can look out for myself and I have a lot of other people to look out for me. I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP." Elena said, irritated.
"Ok. What about Rebekah his ex?"
"What about her?" Elena asked brows raised.
"She just randomly disappeared. Her brother Elijah reported her disappearance yesterday. She didn't come back after the day she attacked you. Coincidence? I think not. Someone attacks Damon Salvatore's girlfriend and that particular someone disappears overnight?"
"Are you implying Damon is involved."
"Well. Obviously. The man is obsessed with you. He seemed unhinged when he saw you on the bathroom floor. I am sure he had locked her somewhere." Matt said.
All Elena could see was red now.
"That crazy woman attacked me and you're feeling sympathy for her. She tried to kill me. Damon might have been involved with her and her drug dealer brother ages ago but Damon is innocent. He didn't harm her and he won't harm anyone. He loves me."
"You're so blind, Elena, you can't see what's wrong and what's right." Matt growled.
"You're accusing my fiancé of serious felony without any proof."
"that's because he leaves no proof,"
"Matt! I think you're only doing this because you're jealous. You can't see anyone happy." Elena hissed.
"Yes. I am jealous! Yes. It kills me to see you with him but this isn't about that. I am a cop I know a criminal when I see one and he is really fucking dangerous. Normal women would run from the country if they find out they have got a mobster obsessed with them."
"Matt! One more word and I will break your jaw. You're calling my husband a mobster. These are real serious accusations."
"You're not married yet."
"We are getting married. I know that you're fucking lying. My Damon isn't like that. He is respectable and a decent citizen. He follows all the rules and I will thank you not to spread lies about him. Whatever the fuck you're saying are all rumors. Rumors spread by his rivals."
"Fine. I wish you a good life Lena. Even if it's with a cold hearted psycho murderer."
Slap.
"Get the fuck out."
Matt smiled sadly at her.
"I will see you on your wedding," he spat as he left.
"No. Don't bother."
..
..
Over
..
..
Her face that still had scars looked flawless as ever with the help of makeup. Her long brown haired flowed down in curls decorated with white flowers hair wrath. And finally her dress. The dress had a sweetheart neckline, sheer long sleeves, beaded crystal bodice and a long fuller skirt. "How do woman wear these. It's so difficult to manage." She huffed as she tried to walk in her high heels, lifting up her skirt a bit.
"Good thing it's your one and only wedding." she heard a chuckle from behind. She turned around and was stunned as she saw him. Not that she hasn't seen him in suits before but this time it was different. He was dressed in black. Black vest, black tie, black jacket, black shirt. He looked out of this world.
"Keep gawking. Really helps growing the already incredibly large ego." he broke her stance.
"What the hell are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here. Seeing the bride before the wedding in the dress brings bad luck and you're taking a huge risk…" she was cut off by a kiss.
"You look stunning if it isn't obvious." he complemented in a dazed state.
"Caroline will kill you if she sees you here." Stupid. This was the only thing that came to her mind.
"I will risk it." he circled his arms around her waist.
"How the hell did you even get here?" she asked.
"Window."
"It's the tenth floor," she nearly shouted.
"It wasn't dangerous at all I swear. My room is right next to you Lena. All I had to do was jump 3 feet to your side of the balcony."
"Really? You couldn't wait 30 more minutes." she hissed.
He smiled.
"I wanted to be the first one to see you in this dress."
She smacked him lightly on the head. "You're crazy."
"Only for you baby."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "So getting cold feet?" she asked.
He raised one of his eyebrow. "I jump from my balcony which is three feet away from yours. One slip and I could have died. Just because I wanted to be the first one to see you in your wedding dress and you still think I have doubts about marrying you. Woman! you wound me."
She giggled.
The door bust open and Caroline entered talking about the flower decorations. She screamed when she spotted Damon.
"What the hell is he doing here?"
Damon grinned. "Told you I will see her first."
"Ugh! Rose! ROSE." she shouted on top of her lungs.
Rose came inside wearing her red long dress. "Is everything alright?" she asked in an attack stance.
"I told you to keep him out, didn't I? You know Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu and you still couldn't manage to keep this jerk away from her for two hours." Caroline hissed.
"For goodness sake I thought she got attacked or something. Your sister-in-law is so dramatic." Rose huffed to Damon as she made a grab for his arm and dragged him away.
"Tell me about it." he huffed. Caroline considered Elena sister thus making her practically family too, so he tolerated her shit too.
As he was dragged by Rose to his room, he spotted Stefan in a corridor, practically sulking. Stefan arrived a night before. He kept to himself from distance and never participated in any of activities. Everyone noticed the lack of relatives and friends from Damon's side.
Yes, a lot of business colleague slash his friends from darkness, his brother and some friends were there but they were a lot less then Elena's friends and family.
Time passed painfully slow and finally the ceremony started. Damon was standing at the alter. His palms were sweating. Why was he nervous? He closed his eyes and tried to picture Elena in her gown.
But then he snapped back to reality. Stefan was on his side glaring at him. "You still have a chance." Stefan murmured.
"of what?"
"Tell her the truth about yourself." Stefan replied. His eyes were red rimmed. He was getting tortured here.
"I tried. She doesn't want to know." he replied under breath. The truth was, that was what he told to his conscience to kill the guilt.
"Buddy! Calm down." Tyler stood on his left.
"You're sweating bullets dude. Calm down! BTW I can help you run away if you're getting cold feet. I am sure there are like a tons of guys here who would want to swap places with you." he joked.
Damon glared at him.
His breath roughed a bit. "Damon!" Stefan finally murmured.
"Hmm…"
"Elena is the warmest and the kindest girl I have ever met." he added.
"I know."
"She doesn't deserve this. She doesn't deserve a person like you but even I can see how crazy in love you are with her. I wish you all the happiness. I hope she changes you into a better person. I hope for her sake you stop all your 'activities'. I hope you change for her." he added slyly.
Damon was shocked. Before he could answer, he heard music announcing the arrival of bride. Here it was, he looked up. Caroline was practically beaming as she walked ahead with Bonnie. People stood up. Here she comes. Elena walked down the aisle, hands linked with her father who looked on verge of tears. And though Damon had seen her in the dress just a while ago he still couldn't take his eyes off her. Even Stefan's gasp didn't ruin his moment.
Elena didn't look up. She was concentrating very hard on walking right now. She was nervous as hell. Everything happened so fast. One minute he was the stranger she kissed on the airport to get her mom off her back and the next minute she was marrying the very man. It all happened so fast. She prayed hard that their marriage work. She prayed hard that they live a happily ever after. This was it. She was getting what she always wanted. She was getting her white picket fence with the man she loved.
She didn't know when she reached the end of aisle. She didn't even look up when her dad hugged her, murmuring prayers and wishing her good luck before she felt Damon tightly grasp her hand. For the first time she glanced up looking direct in his eyes. Her heart raced terrified of the strong emotions his eyes held. There was so much love it almost scared her. Almost. It was like nothing else mattered it was them both. He mouthed I love you to her and that calmed her down a bit.
The ceremony passed quick until it was time for their vows.
"Oh shit! I forgot my vows." he cursed.
"Damon! We are standing in the chapel. You can't swear here." she hissed.
"I was just kidding," he joked.
"Guys! Everyone is looking," Tyler whispered.
"Ah… I, Damon Salvatore, take you-ahh-what was your name again Ok! Ok! I am just kidding. I, Damon Salvatore, take you Elena Katherine Gilbert to be my wife, my partner in life, my best friend and my one true love for life. I will cherish our friendship and will love you unconditionally. I promise to protect you. I will trust you and honor you, I will always make you laugh. I will laugh with you and I will cry with you. I promise my love to you through the best and worst, through difficult and easy. As I have given you my hand to hold I have given you my life to keep, I will be by your side, 'till death do us part,"
She was crying but she had huge smile plastered on her face.
"You're so sappy."
"Only for you baby,"
"Your vows?" the minister looked at her.
"As I stand before you, I see all the things I fell in love with, You're my world Damon (sob) I Elena Gilbert, take you Damon Salvatore to be my husband. I promise to love you faithfully. I promise to be your strength, I promise to be with you forever, I give you everything that I am today, I give you my heart, my body and my soul, I promise to be with you for all eternity, 'till death do us part,"
"Rings,"
They exchanged rings.
And after the I do's.
"You may now kiss the bride."
They had kissed countless times before. But this was different. When he leaned in her heart was racing. The light veil was lifted and she felt his warm lips cover hers. Their lips moved slowly, both of them trying their best to keep the kiss PG-13.
He didn't seem like he wanted to let her go, she had to slightly push him to remind them of their location. He pouted and she smiled. "Later" she whispered.
"I love you," she added in a whisper.
"I love you more," he whispered back.
..
..
Cameras flashing, everyone congratulating the new couple, tears, laughs. The rest of the night was a blur. Damon had never seen Elena so happy. She was holding his arm throughout the ceremony introducing her husband to her friends, her relatives and the rest of Mystic Falls that adored his wife.
When it was time for their first dance, she hopped on her feet following his lead. Caroline had made sure their dance was perfect and choreographed. Tyler and Caroline entertained the guests. Time flies when you are having a great time.
He was talking to Elena's middle school teacher when he felt someone tug her away from him. His head shot in that direction.
"Need to take her away to change for the flight," Caroline whispered in his ear before she took Elena away.
The reception finally came to an end.
Elena and Caroline reappeared in hotel lobby an hour later. She was dressed in a yellow sundress that reached down to her knees. Her hair was free of the ornaments and flowers now. Make up removed to an extent since he could still see the lightened scars and nail scratches. She walked toward him smiling. He changed into black button down and jeans too in the meantime.
"Finally," he said as he exhaled.
She smirked. She walked toward him, circling arms around his neck. "Can't believe we are going to spend our wedding night in a flight," she whined.
"You can always try toilet sex. Although they aren't comfortable," Tyler suggested.
"Nope. We will be waiting till we reach our destination. I refuse to have our first time after marriage in a disgusting toilet," Damon replied, making a weird face.
Elena pouted.
"Nope," he pressed.
"Fine. I am tired anyway," Elena huffed.
Tyler stared laughing, "You're already acting like an old married couple."
Elena spotted her parents near the bar. "Let's meet my parents before we head out," she said, grabbing his hand and dragging him with her.
"Mrs. Salvatore," her dad greeted her smiling widely.
"Mr. Gilbert." Elena replied smiling.
"You're still crying. Oh mommy." Elena rushed to her mum.
"It's nothing. It's just-, you were this little girl and now you're married. I can't believe it." Her mum replied within sobs.
"Mommy. Oh come-on. This is college all over again,"
"Mrs. Salvatore. Leave my mother-in-law alone. Go get our luggage." Damon said, untangling her hands from her mother slowly. "I will deal with her," he mouthed. She nodded.
"Miranda! Oh come on! I am not that bad," he joked as he circled as his arms around the older woman.
"It's just, she is so weak. She always looks good in people. She isn't very good at character judgment and now she is married and I know I am not making any sense," she replied within sobs.
"I will protect her. I promise you I will keep her happy. I won't even let anyone look at her the wrong way," he promised.
"Damon, I trust you. She loves you a lot. She has never loved like that before. Not even Matt. Never ever hurt her. Promise me?"
"I promise. I will spoil her. I will keep her so happy she will forget all of you." he replied smiling.
Miranda smiled. "Good luck with that,"
"When will you two come back?" she added, finally unwrapping her arms from around her son in law.
"In a while." he didn't want to lie. They were never coming back. At least she wasn't. Until Kol was hunt down and killed.
"Long honeymoon?"
"Yup."
"I wish you two all the happiness and blessings." she said.
"Thank you."
"Ready Mr. Salvatore? It's time for our flight" Elena said, as she walked toward them, Jake, hot on her heels carrying their luggage.
"Yes. Mrs. Salvatore! I managed to cheer your mum up."
Miranda smiled.
"No surprise there. Damon is too good with ladies." Elena replied.
"You should be worried about that." Damon said.
"Please. I have you wrapped around my pinky," Elena said, smirking,
"Oh really?" he asked, eyes narrowing.
"Yes." she nodded playfully.
"It's time for your flight," Rose informed her. There was something about that look she gave Damon that made Elena uncomfortable as if there were more to the plan.
She nodded. "I love you Mom. I love you Daddy."
"We love you too Sweetheart. We'll miss you." Grayson replied.
"I'll miss you too."
She hugged them again.
"Take care of my baby girl." Grayson ordered Damon.
"I will."
"Lena!" Jeremy stepped forward, hugging his sister.
"Call me daily," he ordered.
"Yes Sir,"
"and Damon, you're awesome but if you ever hurt my sister I will hunt you down and kill you with my bare hands," Jeremy threatened with a sweet smile. Dangerously sweet.
His eyes widened in amusement.
"If I ever hurt her I will let you kill me willingly," he replied.
"Whipped!" Rose commented.
"Shamelessly." he replied.
"Oh. Let me know how everything went. Call me daily." Caroline said, hugging Elena almost crying.
"It's not like I am going forever. I will be back in a few days."
"Take Care of yourself Elena. Call me if he troubles you much." Bonnie added, looking harshly at Damon.
A few days' back Damon had made a deal with them. He wanted silence in exchange for Enzo's and her life. She had to agree. She couldn't risk Enzo's life further. He had already done so much for her. So, she let her friend marry a mobster. She was disgusted by herself. But she could see he was crazy about her. Still, Elena didn't deserve that. She deserved someone normal and nice.
"Sure. Bonnie. You can still stay in my house and you can call me anytime. Rose please take care of my friend and her boyfriend for me, will you?"
"Yes. Mama." Rose replied, winking.
"We aren't getting late," Damon said getting her attention back to him.
"Shouldn't you say goodbye to Stefan?" she reminded him.
"He left after the wedding,"
"Oh. Okay. We will meet him after we comeback."
He nodded, smiling.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
..
..
Elena huffed as she walked towards the dresser. He was late again. This was supposed to be their honeymoon but he was always busy with his work. But then again, their honeymoon was finished two months ago. Why were they still here? She wanted to go back. She wanted desperately to start working again. She hated sitting all day.
She had everything she wanted. A devoted husband who worshiped the ground she walked on, a big house and a town full of very loving people. She could go out alone again without bodyguards even though Damon insisted she still keep them close to her.
But there was something seriously wrong. Whenever she brought the topic to go back home, Damon would act cold or what push her up against nearest wall and kiss her senseless until she forgot what they were talking about. He explained that he had work here which was very important so they couldn't go plus they get to have a longer honeymoon. So she extended her leave, again.
But enough is enough. She would talk to him today. They needed to go back.
She saw him enter room and smile at her. She ignored him and didn't smile back. Elena noticed him walked closer toward her, gazing at her in the mirror. Damon was behind her now, kissing her neck as he nuzzled in her hair, sighing in content.
"I am sorry," he whispered.
"That's something I have been hearing a lot." she said as she pushed him away from her and walked towards the bed.
"I had this really important meeting, baby,"
"When will your work here finish, Damon, because we need to go back to U.S. I have a life there they will cancel my residency application If I don't show up till next month," Elena hissed.
"Just a little more time baby," he replied, pouting.
"I miss everyone. I miss Jer. I miss mum. I miss Care." she said.
"I know. Just a little more time," he almost pleaded as he got close.
"You always say that," she huffed.
When he nuzzled her neck, she smiled. "I am sorry." he whispered.
She sighed. When his lips touched hers she welcomed him. He was like a drug to her. She wanted him. Before her hands wandered to his pants he pulled back. "Dinner?" he said.
She smirked. "Hungry?"
"Too much,"
She smiled as she got up.
..
..
"Say it!"
"No way!"
"Say it! Say you're my kitten." Elena said as she tickled him, sitting on top of him.
"I MOST CERTAINLY WILL NOT SAY THAT." he replied as he tried to get her off him.
"Say it!" Elena said, nuzzling his neck.
"No…" but his voice was weak.
"Say it and I will let you be on top for a week," she offered.
"Fine! I am your kitten." he replied in a low tone, embarrassed.
"Again and louder." she said huskily.
"I AM YOUR KITTEN."
He heard a hysterical laughter come from kitchen. "What on earth?" he muttered as Elena got off him.
"Told you I can make him say anything," Elena said loudly. Rose entered the large living room, grinning.
"You win. Here is your thirty bucks." she handed Elena money.
"Rose…What? What the hell are you doing here?"
"Zach's business." she replied and he nodded.
"Why didn't you tell me she was here?" he looked at Elena, eyes narrowing playfully.
She grinned.
"You're more whipped then I thought Salvatore," Rose commented.
"I am going to get you for this Lena," he growled playfully. She giggled when he ran towards her. She dodged him.
"Come here," he ordered but she shook her head and ran toward her room.
"You can run but you can't hide,"
"Got you," he murmured as he caught her right in the middle of his room. He shoved her on the bed and crawled on top of her. "Door." she whispered.
"I will close it,"
"Rose." she reminded
"Can wait…" he completed, before kissing her. He kissed her senseless until they were both panting.
"If Rose is here then that means we can go back home?" she said in between kisses.
"No. We are staying here." he said as he straddled her.
"Damon. Rose can handle everything here. We should go back home. You promised me two weeks ago that you just needed a little more time to finish your work off. I think two weeks is more than enough," she said her hands on his chest.
"We can't go back."
"You can't but I can. I have work Damon. I need to go back and report for duty or they will have struck me off." Elena said, pushing him off her.
"We aren't going back Elena. I have been shifted near Brescia." He answered.
"What?" she growled.
"I have been appointed as Director here in our Brescia branch." he informed her in a cold tone as if her opinion didn't matter at all.
"So, What… I… what do you mean?" she asked.
"We are staying here, Elena." he added firmly.
"but my work, my family life, everything is in U.S."
"One, you don't need to work anymore. Two and three, I am your family and your life now so now everything is in Italy. Problem solved." he said as he got up straightening his shirt.
"No. No. No. No. No. I am not staying here."
"Like hell you are." he growled turning back at her.
"You have got another thing coming at you if you think I will stay here. Everything that means to me is in the U.S and I am going back tomorrow whether you like it or not." she growled.
Next thing she knew, she was pinned to her bed, he was on top of her, her hands were on her either side tightly held by his. His face was too close but there was no love in his eyes. They were cold and scary.
"Elena. I have had enough of this childish attitude of yours. I will give you everything you want. Much more then you could have ever dreamed of. You want to work here I don't have any problem with that. But you need to get this through that pretty head of yours WE ARENT GOING BACK. You're staying here," he whispered to her.
She flinched at his tone. She was scared of his cold eyes. His grip loosened as he realized what he had done.
"I am sorry," he whispered almost scared of her reaction.
"Get away from me." she shouted.
She pushed him off her. He didn't resist. She ran off her the room. Eyes filled with tears. He followed her, a thousand apologies on his lips.
"Baby! I am so sorry." she heard him.
She closed the door on his face, sobbing hard. He knocked. "Elena, open the door! Right now!"
She sobbed hard, sliding down the door.
How could he do this to her?
He lied to her.
He felt his heart break into million pieces when he heard her sob. He had promised her that he will never make her cry. He broke the only promise he was sure he could keep.
"Baby! I didn't mean it like that. I am so sorry if you open the door we can talk about it," He pleaded.
"Go (sob) away." she said.
He was upright harsh about it. It was like he wasn't the person she married. He was completely different.
"I am not going anywhere. I will stay here even if I have to stay here all night," he replied.
"What happened?" Rose asked him. He looked broken.
"I was harsh. I told her about my decision to move here." he accepted his mistake.
"Damon! Really?" Rose growled at him.
"I don't know what the fuck got into me. She was talking about leaving and I snapped." he whispered.
"I will talk to her." Rose whispered.
"Elena! Sweetheart. Open up! It's me…" Rose said.
She wiped her tears and opened the door. "Four months in and you're both already fighting," she said as she came in closing the door before Damon could come in.
She hugged the fragile brunette girl.
"He shouted at me…"
"I know darling. That was really rude of him and we are going to punish him for that" Rose cooed in her ear as if she was a child.
"Rose. He didn't even ask me once before moving here. I have a life in states. My work, my family, everything."
"Darlin, I know but we just opened a new branch here and Damon has to stay until the branch is stable. You will have to stay here for a year." Rose reasoned.
"It's not fair. He didn't even tell me once,"
"He had just been appointed a week ago. Trust me he had no idea." She lied.
"But this isn't an excuse. He accepted that offer without consulting me. I am not okay with this. I am his wife; he is supposed to consult me when making big decisions such as moving to another country." Elena spat.
"It wasn't an offer Elena. It was more of an order…" Rose reasoned.
"This is unfair. I can't stay here."
"You can always work here."
"I can't until I get citizenship."
"Yes. As Damon's wife you won't be denied citizenship. I have some contacts. You will get your citizenship in about six months."
"and my family what about them?"
"We aren't keeping you captive here. You can go visit them whenever your heart desires." Rose said.
"Don't be too harsh on him. He was really upset about that. He couldn't muster up the courage to tell you this. It's just a year honey. You'll both move back afterwards," Rose assured her.
"I am still really pissed. I don't want to talk to him just yet." she said.
"Take your time hon. I will tell him to stay away for a while."
..
..
"Flowers." she huffed.
Her living room was filled with flowers. Apology cards. Usually that kind of gesture made her swoon but today it made her even angrier. She refused to talk to him after that day. It's been two days. He kept his distance but it seemed like he was running out of patience.
Rose informed her that he hasn't eaten since then. He was torturing himself to get her attention. She kept to herself because she wanted him to know she would not take this kind of shit again from him and he should keep his temper in check in future disagreements.
She felt his breath against her neck when she was touching the card. She spun around. Damon's face was closer then she expected. She took a step back, keeping her face firm.
"I know that I was harsh and I should NOT have talked to you like that I am really sorry," he apologized holding her hand.
"Please forgive me" he added.
"You should have told me that you had an ultimatum. We could have discussed it."
"I don't know. I was stressed. We had a little crisis and then… I am sorry Elena."
"Do we really have to stay here?"
"I… I have to. You can go if you want." He said sadly, knowing he was guilt-tripping her to stay. He hated himself but what was one more lie.
"I'm not leaving you." She said as if it was obvious.
"I'm sorry I shouted at you. Please." He said holding her hand.
She smiled and nodded.
"Thank God," he said as his lips crashed on hers.
"Please can you two take the reunion back to your room?" Rose voice boomed from the combined kitchen.
"Everything was so much better when you weren't here, Rose." Damon said, scooping his wife in his arms.
"The only reason she is talking to you is because of me. You should be thankful to me!" Rose huffed.
"I will love to chat but I have a wife to satisfy sexually."
"Ew."
"but prior to that. Baby, I really need to eat something. I am STARVING." he whined.
..
..
Caroline had flipped out when she found out Elena wasn't coming back. Her parents had been worried too. But she comforted them. She told them she was happy. And that her husband had to just stay max a year until the new branch of his construction is stable enough. She wanted to be there to support him. She obviously had to freeze her session at Medicare residency. She would have to do a lot more hard work next year to be up to date.
But it wasn't like she sat free all day doing nothing. She volunteered as a nurse at a children shelter close to their house. Their marriage so far was beyond perfect.
An explosion coming from kitchen startled her. She ran toward the kitchen. Covered in floor, hair stuck up, shirt stuck to body due to sweat, he looked adorable. "What the hell?" she growled at him.
"I was just trying to bake some cookies for you. You told Rose you're missing your mother's cookies so I got Miranda to send me the recipe. They aren't as easy to make as the video tutorial your mother sent suggested." He rambled as he tried to clear the mess he made on counter.
"Baby! That's very sweet of you but how many times do I have to tell you to stay away from my kitchen," she said as she walked over to him, helping him clean the mess.
"I slave two hours for you and this is the appreciation I get." he huffed.
"Damon, baby, I love you but look at the mess I am going to clean now." she said as she scrubbed.
"Least you could say is thank you."
"Yes, babe, thank you for destroying my kitchen." she said.
"What's that smell?" Damon said, sniffing,
"Oh, fuck. You left the gas on," Elena squeaked.
"Shit." he ran to open windows.
"Don't turn any switch and don't turn the burner on." she screamed instructions.
"Really? Because I was just going to do exactly that. I want my house burnt to ground with both of us in it," he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"With the kind of pea brain you are. You might just do that." She spat back.
"Pea brain? Who says that?"
"Fine. Fucking brainless scumbag. Better?"
"That's not the way one talks to their husband," he warned playfully. The doors and windows were open; the stove was turned off. The smell of the gas grew weak.
"Lose the tone or you will lose that status," she warned.
"Oh. We will see about that." he said as he launched himself on her. She squeaked and giggled. In between kissed and tickling, Elena somehow managed to get on top of him. Straddling him, she kissed him hungrily. Taking control, she clasped his hands and held them above his head.
She bit on his lower lip, dry humping at the same time.
He wasn't one for submissive positions. He flipped them over immediately. She smirked at his impatience when he tore open her shirt.
..
..
"How about this one?" She showed him pink halter dress.
"Baby! Just pick one." he groaned.
They were supposed to get groceries. God knows how they ended up in shopping mall. She had been upset because he had been busy throughout the week with Zach's work. Pressing matters had risen, Tyler Lockwood had been messing with Zach again. Zach was losing patience. Damon's life was chaos but whenever he was with his wife everything just turned back to normal.
He promised her to take her to grocery shopping. She liked to do all their house chores herself even though he could buy her a lot of help. She only agreed to keep a cook and two guards on his insistence. He didn't know what God was kind enough to bless him with her. She was perfection. She was light. And frankly he was getting tired of his double life. But it all seemed to worth it when he got these moments with her.
"Baby! Which one royal blue or baby pink?" she showed again.
"No. Buy all of them." he declared.
"I have already abused your credit card enough. I just need one dress for the function at shelter." she said.
"I like both of them. I want you to have both of them," he insisted.
She sighed. She had long given up arguing with him when it came to buying her things. "I will go pay for it." she said.
"I can always gift one of it to Rose," She added.
"Rose is fat, won't fit her."
"Damon." she warned before she left, smirking.
"Excuse me?" a boy of about 19-year-old stopped him.
Normally he didn't like to talk to just anybody. But Elena's presence always cheered him up to a whole new level.
"What?"
"If you were buying a jacket for your girlfriend," He said, "what would you get?"
"A bulletproof one," Damon replied said. "I'm married."
"You have got that one right buddy." Elena replied.
"Don't mind him…" she added.
"I will help you out," she offered. Ever ready to help people in need. That's what he loved about her the most.
He handed the bags to Kevin who standing behind him, smiling as he gazed at her from a distance.
Kevin took the bags, no questions asked. He still couldn't believe a girl like that would ever live with his ruthless boss but then again the girl didn't know a thing. It was quite surprising for all of Kevin's colleagues to see time and time again how happy she was with him. Personally, he wouldn't want to stand in the same room with his boss if it weren't for the job. Everyone noticed Damon's smile and his attitude whenever his wife was around. They all took advantage of the fact. They made sure they informed him of their screw ups whenever Mrs Salvatore was around because then Damon wouldn't cripple them for their nuisance. He even joked around her. They all helped cover up his boss's secret from his wife. They all dreaded the day she finds about him. They knew if she left him this will push their boss off the brink of sanity. He sighed praying for the kind hearted girl who was the one thing that was holding his boss from completely turning insane.
..
..
"What's this?" Damon asked, eyeing the art and crafts material spread on their bed.
"I am making glow jars for the kids in shelter, Tyson and Kiara, the kids from my shelter tried to sneak off last night to catch fireflies in a jar. Imagine that. They could have hurt themselves so I decided I will make them some glow jars," she explained, chirpily.
He smiled. She was so kind and loving. Oh! What did he ever do to deserve her.
"Need help?"
"Sure…" she said, smiling brightly.
"So how do we do it?" he asked.
"I have already cleaned the jars. All you need to do is pour this glow stick liquid in the jar. Add some glitter. Close the lid. Wallach! Elena Salvatore's Glow jars. Simple as that," she explained steps.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that and smiling like an idiot? Is there something on my face?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
"No. It's just, you're adorable."
She blushed.
"We need to at least make ten jars. Start working." she ordered.
He smiled and started helping her.
..
..
Damon had been busy all week. He looked so strained and stressed. He had been gone and would return late night. But today was different, today was the one-year anniversary of the day they first met. She was getting ready to surprise him at work.
She checked herself one last time in mirror. Red shirt, leather jacket, skinny jeans and knee length boots. Hair flowing down because her husband liked it that way.
She decided to ditch the driver he left and took a cab instead. It gave her a sense of independence. These six months had been amazing. He was perfect. Everything was perfect. She had the white picket fence she had already dreamt of.
She reached his office in about thirty minutes. She had never been here before. She knew none of his staff here knew her. She smirked. A game play coming to her mind. She walked gracefully to the reception.
"I'm here to meet Damon Salvatore," she informed.
The woman eyed her from head to feet. "He is married. He doesn't do hookers anymore." she said as she looked away,
Elena mouth hung wide open. "Even if he did, he doesn't like them so much covered up either," The woman added.
She was just going to give her a piece of her and inform her she was his wife but she bit her tongue. She was here to surprise him and she will surprise him.
"Oh! He will do me. Just inform him the girl from the airport wants to see you." Elena said.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No but…"
"Madam! No appointment. No meeting! Besides he isn't here anyway. He is at the warehouse."
"Warehouse? OH. Can you please tell me where that might be? I have to meet him it's rather urgent. I have a message about his…his wife." she said.
"Elena Salvatore?"
"Oh yeah."
"You're related to Mrs. Salvatore?" The woman's tune changed immediately. It seemed as if she was famous.
"Nope. I am the private eye he hired to keep a watch on her. Mr Salvatore thinks his wife has an affair." Elena joked but she saw the woman nod and that surprised her.
"That man must have a death wish if he is messing around with Damon Salvatore's wife." the woman scoffed. "He'll rot in mud faster than hippie's steal money,"
"So, can I get the address of that particular warehouse?" Elena asked, amused.
"Sure…" The woman agreed handing her a card.
Elena giggled as she got out of his office. Either she was very smart or the staff was incredibly stupid.
..
..
It was weird place. No sign of any type of life. Almost at the boundary of the town. There stood a large building but it looked more like as if no one had been there for years.
It was difficult to walk on the rough ground because of high heels. She managed to stalk down toward a side door instead of main door. It crept her out that a lot of armed guards were standing near the main door.
Dimmed lights through the hall way. It was scary. Elena almost decided against her idea and turned back. Why would Damon ever come here? Then again he worked for a construction company, maybe they wanted to bring this place down and build something better here.
She took off her heels when she stumbled once. A loud cry for help startled her. Her breath rate quickened. "What the hell?" she muttered.
"YOU BETRYAED ME. HOW FUCKING DARE YOU?" she heard a dangerous growl. Her heart raced. She could recognize that voice anywhere. Damon. Her husband. But there was something different about his tone. His voice was always so filled with love and adoration that this cold tone sent shivers down to her spine.
She hurried toward the end of hall and what she saw next was something she could have never expected in her wildest dreams.
..
..
Standing before the man that had betrayed his trust and had put him in grave danger Damon was fuming.
"I am sorry he just offered a lot of money and I-I got tempted. It was a huge mistake." Mason muttered apologies, sobbing.
"YOU GOT HIM OUT. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SCHEMING IT TOOK TO PUT KLAUS FUCKING MIKELSON INSIDE JOINT FOR LIFE AND NOW HE IS OUT. FREE." Damon shouted.
"He just… he offered a lot of money and I admit I committed a mistake. I am so sorry." Mason begged.
"What else did you tell him?" Rose inquired.
"That-that-,"
"Say it DAMN IT." Damon shouted.
"that you killed Rebekah," Mason blurted.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH." Damon shouted as he beat the already tied man recklessly. Mason didn't try to defend himself.
"Now. Now. Damon, I already told you rash decisions are always wrong decisions. but you-you were so blinded by that girl's love that you didn't even think once before you killed her mercilessly," Zach said.
"Now the wrath of Klaus Mikelson awaits us. He will stop at nothing-," Zach added.
"Plus. Ordering people to beat Elijah to death. You're a very jealous man." Zach added with a chuckle. "All that bloodshed for one girl."
"Don't sweat it Zach. We can easily catch him and kill him. He has no power, no money. Right Damon?" Rose asked.
"Damon! You better deal with this. You made this mess you deal with it. Frankly I am tired all three Mikelson. It would be so much better if you just mail me their skulls by next Sunday." Zach said.
Damon was practically shaking from anger. Not only Klaus was out but Klaus had called him last week and threatened him that he would kill him and everyone he ever met starting from his darling wife.
He was paranoid. Klaus constantly tortured him on calls telling him exactly what his location and what he was doing. He immediately knew there was a traitor in his BASE. It took him a week to figure out that the traitor was none other than Mason.
"So. What should we do with this scum?" Rose asked, gesturing towards Mason.
"Kill him." Zach ordered. "No traitors in my BASE." he added.
Damon smirked. "Gladly."
With that he held his gun up, pointing to Mason's forehead.
"Please. Please…" Mason begged.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
Mason lifeless body fell on the floor.
..
..
Elena watched terrified as her husband shot one of his bodyguards. Mason's lifeless body fell on floor. She didn't know how but she screamed on top of lungs attracting attention from all the people present in the hall.
"Elena," Rose gasped.
..
..
Damon spun around and watched his wife's standing near the entrance of the hall way. Her face was pale. She was panting and sobbing. He felt life drain from his body. His hands were dirty from Mason's blood and he was sure she had heard and saw everything they said and did.
..
..
She saw Damon's face pale. She noticed the gun in his hand. Her husband had just killed someone. HER HUSBAND. HER DAMON. His hands were dirty from the blood. She noticed him try to rub his hands as if cleaning them would mean cleaning his act.
She saw guards glare at her. She was scared, hell scared and then she did the first thing that came into her mind. She ran like hell. She ran away.
She ran toward the cab waiting outside. She could hear her husband and Rose scream orders at people to stop her. She could hear her husband's pleas but she didn't care. She just saw him murder someone. She ordered the cab driver to make a run for it. The car drove away fast
..
..
To Amazing Aisha: Yes, there are going to be lots of changes from this point onward. Thank you for your support.
To Italygirl: There are a lot of mistakes in 'The Jealous Ex Boyfriend' but if you still want to read I'll mail it to you. However, I'm reediting Fatal Attraction so you best read it here. Thank you and do review?
Damon wouldn't be a softie like a previous version for sometime, he'll be more badass, psychotic and cruel in this version.
Alright guys, do review!