Battle for Royalty

by Lilacsandorangeblossoms

Caroline Salvatore has come back to New York City to run her company full time but her father had other ideas and tries to overthrow his daughter. Meanwhile she was not looking for love but that's when she meets Conrad Fisher who gives her a piece of herself she had long buried. A relationship that heals both of them.

4. The regatta

I am so happy people are loving this story as much I love it. This is my favorite story and favorite relationship to write.

Disclaimer: I don't own the vampire diaries or the summer I turned pretty.

Xxx

Conrad rolls over in bed and finds her side of the bed cold and the blonde in question is at her vanity in a black lace panty set and a pink sheer floor length robe that has fur around the wrists and the bottom going up the middle it is loosely tied around her waist. It looks like a bride to be robe not a just got out of the shower getting ready for the day robe, it's very old Hollywood. She was fifteen when she bought it, she also has it in multiple colors.

He sits up in bed and puts his arms over his bent knees the blankets falling down to this waist showing off that skinny but muscular physique of his.

As Caroline is finishing her mascara she notices him watching her and smiles at him throw the mirror. His eyes are so beautiful. Every time they look at each other she gets lost in those green eyes. She finishes her makeup and goes over to the bed. Their fingers find each other as they kiss. "How did you sleep?"

"Better then I have in a while."

He smiles at her as she takes a breath and tells him. " I want to show you something that is very dear to my heart."

Their hands only leave each other long enough for him to put his boxers back on and grab a tee shirt. She brings him outside the bedroom and next to the elevator she stops in front of a double door entrance all the doors and walls are white even the chandelier outside the elevator is white. "If you haven't noticed I am very rich."

He lets out a small laugh and motions around them. "I hadn't noticed." You can hear the teasing in his voice.

She laughs and smiles at him continuing. "I love clothes I love going shopping. My friends and I used to go diamond shopping. A couple years ago I was robbed by someone we knew unfortunately, she was even living in the same penthouse not because we wanted her there. She sold everything except for two pairs of custom crystal Disney inspired stilettos that my best friend Katherine had made for me for Christmas. It took a couple days for us to find everything she sold them to thrift stores and yet not everything was returned. Since then I am very protective of my closet and only allow certain people in. Conrad would you like to see my closet?"

He smiles at her and his eyes twinkle in the morning light. He knows this is huge for her and loves that she is letting him in. He nods.

Caroline's closet is huge. When she opens the doors the recessed lighting go on immediately. When you walk in your eyes go to the back wall which seems so far away. All her shoes are on build in shelves to the floor. Her shoes which are all heels mostly stilettos, some pumps, and just to shake it up some boots which have a heel on them too. On each side of the shoe display are built in shelves for her purses and clutches like the shoes are also on display. Unlike the shoes these shelves are only halfway to the floor there are three each long drawers underneath them. One is is purses and one side is clutches. The drawer under her purses is the only one in use and it holds all her sunglasses. Down the sides of the room are glass doors which hold all her clothes. Between every glass door there is a column of drawers which holds her belts.

At the end of the glass doors there is a mirror. Off to the side of the shelves of purses where nobody can see is her glass island which has all her jewelry and that one crystal clutch. The other side has drawers of clothes her mother has given her over the years she doesn't wear. In the middle of this closet there is a crystal tear drop chandelier.

She opens one of the doors and extends the rack. While she is picking out what to wear that day, he is just speechless. First he's never seen a closet this big but its so organized and pristine. Everything has a place. He loves that he is just like that too everything is neat and organized. This closet looks like a boutique his mom and her best friend would go to when they were in Hamptons over the summer. "Wow."

Her cheeks flush as she glances over her shoulder at him. "You are the first person outside my friend group that I have invited in here."

He watches with a glint in his eye and a smile on his face. You can see how much she loves this room with how gentle she is with all her clothes. He loves that she has invited him in, not just to her closet. Over this last month they both have wormed their way into each other's hearts.

She can feel his eyes on her and it brings a smile to her face, as she takes off the robe and puts it back in with her other robes. She pulls on a yellow and black plaid mini skirt slowly just to tease him. He chuckles as she grabs a white tank top with a matching yellow and black plaid blazer. She goes over to her shoes and picks out black louboutin's, and a yellow Gucci purse.

When she turns back to him and notices he hasn't moved from right inside her closet she asks. "Conrad are you ok?"

He blinks he was lost in his thoughts. "Yeah this is breathtaking."

She glances around the closet with a smile on her face she guess for someone who has never seen a closet like this it would be overwhelming. She really hopes he doesn't run.

Xxx

Dorota places a muffin and a cup of coffee in front of Conrad and a bowl of raspberries and a mixed berry smoothie in front of Caroline. "Thank you Dorota."

"I might have to leave early tonight. So I don't have to wake up even earlier tomorrow go back to my place then to the regatta." Under the table his foot snakes up the front of her foot and up her leg.

"Why don't we sleep at your place. I am curious to see where you live?"

His foot continues to move up her leg and she tries to wrap her leg around his. "My place is not as glamorous as this place and we can't stay up all night."

She leans towards him and with a smirk on her face as her hand grabs his toes. "What will you give me?"

He chuckles and tosses his muffin at her, she widens her eyes as it falls into her lap. "Oh you want to play with food?" She chuckles as she calls out. "Dorota do we have any chocolate syrup?"

Their eyes lock on to each other as they smile Dorota comes in and tells her no. She asks her to put it on a list.

Caroline goes over to where he is sitting and leans down lips inches from his and instead of kissing him says. "Here's your muffin."

She goes to walk away and he wraps his hand around her arm and pulls her back to him. He cups her cheeks as their lips touch they both smile into the kiss.

Xxx

"Miss Salvatore the company does not need press of you having mob connections?"

Shock and confusion flood over the blonde, she squints at the board. "Excuse me?"

"Through your father."

Caroline rubs her temple and takes a breath these allegations against her are getting more ridiculous every day first it was she is not professional, then her outfits were inappropriate, she does not have the best intentions for this company etc they go on and on picking on the smallest thing. Now mob connections. "My father is sitting right there." She points to Giuseppe sitting a few seats away from her looking as bored as ever. "Now does he look like he would have mob connections. He doesn't like people and especially if said person has the same last name as him. My step father who I've met twice we don't talk or know each other. My uncles who are father figures in my life do not have any connections at all with any mobs."

Gaspar Cortez speaks up. "Who was the gentleman that entered your office shortly after you came back?"

"I don't know, Jude, Zero maybe Brad although you know them."

He places a newspaper on the table and slides it to her it's page six there is a picture of Caroline and Conrad coming out of the mansion his hand on her back. "This gentleman."

"Do you have camera's in my office?" She remembers when Conrad visited her she hopes they do not sink so low as to blackmail her with a sex tape she didn't know they made. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to blackmail her with sexually incriminating photos. This would be the first video.

"Outside your office."

Phew they don't have a sex tape of her and Conrad. Although they probably have her and her step brother arguing. "That is my…. Friend." That felt weird to say he's so much more than a friend. They are not dating but they both know this is more then a booty call, more intimate then a fling.

"This is a business not a place for you and your friends to socialize."

Xxx

"Nora I will give you a raise if you have alcohol in this office in under an hour."

She doesn't hear Nora's voice instead she hears another voice. "Nora didn't feel good this morning so I am filling in for her. A blonde who is in a black pencil skirt, a white blouse and a turquoise blazer with black heels is standing at Nora's desk.

" Who the hell are you?"

"Mary Louise, Nora's wife."

"Ok Mary Louise I will give you a hundred dollars right now if you get alcohol in this office within the hour."

"There's…." Caroline cuts her off. "Fine one fifty, I prefer vodka or tequila, but I'll drink anything but no champagne we're not celebrating anything."

Caroline pulls out her Chanel wallet and easily pulls out one fifty like it's nothing. And to her one fifty is nothing that's pocket change.

When she does go into her office she is surprised her mother is sitting on the couch going through the new applicants. "Mom what are you doing here?"

"I'm having a fashion show and I need models. Plus I'm here to celebrate my children's birthday."

Caroline takes a breath and closes her eyes. "That's in a couple weeks. Unless there is something you haven't told us."

"This should be good, what haven't I told you or your brothers you already met my new husband." Liz Forbes formally Salvatore now McCreary looks like her daughter. While Caroline took after her mother and the Forbes side of the family her brothers look more like Giuseppe and the Salvatore side of the family they got darker hair.

Caroline crosses her fingers and looks up at the ceiling. "That you and Giuseppe are not my parents and I'm uncle Sawyer's daughter it would explain things."

Liz side eyes her daughter and lets out a breath, seriously her daughter can be so dramatic sometimes but it is a family trait. " No unfortunately you were born into the Salvatore family with multi billion dollars to your name and a father who uses you and your brothers for publicly. What do you mean that would explain things."

"Uncle Sawyer is my comfort person. If I'm about to cry I go to him, if I'm sad I call him, if I have a problem I call him. I've sent him money, I bailed him out of jail that one time. I was the one that got him out of Australia."

Liz rubs her temple, she always knew Caroline and her brother Sawyer shared a close family connection but she didn't realize the extent. She is happy her daughter has someone like that, she knows Caroline has a lot on her plate always has and it's nice that she has someone who she can breakdown down in front of. A part of her wishes her daughter confided in her when she is sad. Unlike her ex husband Liz never put every responsibility on her children. She only asked that they would please wear her clothing free promotion. "How is the mansion?"

"Amazing, I'm living there and couldn't be more relaxed, although I did have to fire someone for calling me a bitch." Of course a moment of vulnerability between mother and daughter and back to business. This is why Caroline doesn't open up to her parents, they are business first family second. Their father is worst then their mother at least she cares about her children and checks in on them. She did buy the mansion for her children and their friends to live in when she thought of divorcing their father.

"It is hard to find good help."

The younger nods as she sits at her desk. "So do you want the regular models, or do you want new ones?"

"My regulars."

"Ok I will tell Brad and Zero. Brett is still touring with Katherine. I will give them a call."

Liz gets up to go but before she does Caroline calls out to her. "Mom I know you haven't spoken to Giuseppe since the divorce but can you maybe find out why he is here. He's driving me crazy."

"I haven't spoken to your father in five years. But for you my only daughter who I am proud of sure."

"Thank you mom. Oh just wondering your new husband Paxton does he have any mob ties."

Caroline rubs her temple she hates to ask that but she needs to cover all her bases if the board is coming after her with claims of mob ties she needs to know. "I don't know he doesn't talk about his drug lord stuff with me but I would assume so. Although they are probably more connections then ties."

"Is there anyway you could divorce him or talk him into a new profession?"

Liz looks at her daughter and sits back down what is going on here, She has never seen Caroline not in control of a problem. Her children have always been very independent and she has always been proud of that. She knows that independence is from being raised by housekeepers while her and Giuseppe were in Europe doing business.

"No. What your step father does should have no effect on you. You barely know him."

Xxx

She is getting ready to leave when her phone rings and it's a text from Conrad giving her the address of his apartment. She smiles down at the text and can't remember the last time someone has made her smile this much. She is brought out of her happy bubble when she hears.

"It took 3.5 million dollars for you and Chadwick to breakup. Now since you seem to actually like this company 5.5 million." He is so confident that she will take the money. She did once before why wouldn't she take it again it's more.

The blonde scoffs she knew Colin trying to bribe her a the other week was not his idea. That had Giuseppe written all over it. She puts a hand over her heart and tells him. "I was a weaker person back then." She stops the pretending and tells him straight up. "Your right I do like this company. My favorite thing about this company is it's mine it had nothing to do with you. I had the idea to start it, I found Zero, I called the photographer, I sent the photos out, I got the phone call that Zero had landed his first billboard and the selling point was my idea for the last picture. It was me who got him into mom's fashion show. It was me on the cover of that magazine with Zero and Brad presenting the company to the world. You only found out about Royalty because Mr. Parker showed you the magazine and he wanted to know if you Giuseppe Salvatore 'father of the year' knew that his teenage daughter was on the cover of a magazine in a short dress with hot shirtless men biting her. Even then when you came to the city to confront me about this you said you took credit for the company and called a shell company. You also tried to buy it from me then too. I'm never giving my business to you. Doesn't matter how much you give me."

Xxx

Conrad lives in a tall apartment building down the street from her old penthouse apartment. The buildings are similarly layout, there is a doorman, bar, receptionist. She gets in the elevator and it takes her to the private residences front desk.

"Are you visiting someone? Or moving in?"

"Visiting Conrad Fisher."

The guy at reception nods and doesn't even look up. "Apartment 4"

"Thank you."

When the elevator doors open into his apartment it's not what she would expect considering what he wears. She's noticed he loves to be comfortable, jeans, hoodies, tee shirts, and long sleeve plaid shirts, occasionally there will be a long sleeve hooded sweater. Last night was the first time she saw him in a polo shirt. This apartment looks like it would be owned by some financial guy on Wall Street or even one of her friends this just doesn't seem like his.

He comes over from the bar with a beer and a glass of tequila. He places a kiss on her cheek as he hands her the tequila. "This place is… wow."

"Tell me what you really think."

It's an open one floor apartment, the living room is huge, with three floor to ceiling arch way pained windows, the walls are tan. There is a bar on one side, next to the pool table. In the middle of the room there is an orange couch, with a couple chairs and a rug underneath the table. And a tv on the wall you can see into the kitchen.

They sit down on the couch and she looks around. "It doesn't feel like… you."

"Your right, it never has." he swallows he always get choked up when he talks about his mom. He takes a sip of beer and takes a breath. "After my mom died. My father found out mainly me but my brother too a little don't like him very much. His solution to everything is money so he bought me this apartment. He bought my brother a home too."

Caroline's fingers slide up his arm. Her touch is sending shock waves through out his body. How is it that the others touch is electrifying to the other. Her heart breaks hearing that his father is horrible too. She can't imagine anyone hurting him he's so precious and kind hearted.

"How did she die?"

He looks at her and she genuinely wants to know, he has no one to talk about this stuff with. He takes the burden upon himself so nobody else has to shoulder it. When he was younger he broke his arm and didn't tell anyone because he didn't want to bother them. His mom saw him in pain later that day and he eventually told her what happened and she took him to the hospital. "Her cancer had come back."

Caroline wraps her arms around him giving him a hug which he wraps his arms around her too. This is their first hug, the first time they have put their arms around each other not in a sexual way either. Her heart breaks for him and his heart is slowly mending itself back together after her death. "I'm so sorry, if you every want to talk about it."

She hears a muffled. "Thank you."

Trying to change the topic he asks. "How was your day?"

She brushes a piece of hair off his face as she answers. "Frustrating. My father tried to bribe me with over five million dollars. His reasoning was I took his over 3 million when he tried to break up me and one of my exes. What he didn't take into account was I like my company more then that boyfriend, and we were already broken up."

He sometimes he forgets how rich she really is then she says something like her father just throwing around millions of dollars to get his daughter to do something. "I was sailing getting everything ready for tomorrow."

"I'm excited for tomorrow, I've never been to a regatta."

"Really?" She shakes her head. "Well then we should get to bed so we are rested for the regatta?" Their fingers have entwined with each other.

Still holding her hand he brings her to his bedroom. She went past the double doors when she was going into the living room. His bedroom is minimalistic, doesn't really show who he is. Two of the three walls are tan the third wall is green and it's all his closet space. There is a glazed wall of windows which you can see from the living room. There's a bed in the middle of the room with tan sheets and blue comforter. That's the only thing that makes this room seem like him, and the couple of sailing trophies on the desk, along with some sailing knots.

He takes his shirt off and she watches him. "I forgot my pajamas I came straight from the office."

He didn't even know she had pajamas, they usually sleep naked after sex. He hands her the shirt he was about to put on his dark blue Hamptons regatta tee shirt. While he goes to get another shirt. She smiles into his shirt as she changes. He gave her the shirt basically off his back.

She is looking at herself in the mirror she's in his shirt over her black lace bra and panty set. He lays down on his bed and is watching her his hands behind his head. She looks adorable in his shirt. It comes to just below her butt. She can not remember the last time she wore a tee shirt she doesn't think she has ever worn a tee shirt. She wore her brother Damon's jersey to cheer him on during a lacrosse game a couple times in high school but that's not a tee shirt.

When they get into bed she snuggles into his side and he wraps his arms around her. After sex they usually do fall asleep cuddling or just looking at each other.

Xxx

Early the next morning his alarm goes off, in their sleep both Caroline and Conrad have tangled their limbs up. Their legs are over the others, his arm is over her body their fingers are entwined. They were spooning. He hates to leave but has to, he slides out of bed as to not wake her up.

He showers and gets dressed before he leaves he smiles down at her she looks like a goddess and can't believe that she is in his life. He sniffles as a thought crossed his mind that his mom would not only love Caroline but love how happy she makes him. That last summer with her he was so broody keeping the secret that he knew her cancer had comeback but didn't want to tell her because she didn't want to tell them and he didn't want to make it real. So he just kept it to himself but the secret affected his emotions and everyone knew something was up with him but he didn't tell anyone. He would just say he was fine. His mom and her best friend thought it was because of his recent breakup. He tried to tell a couple people but always got interrupted and never did.

She rolls over in her sleep towards him. He leaves a quick kiss on her cheek and as he is leaving he doubles back and changes his shirt leaving it on the end of the bed and quickly writes a note that he leaves on the nightstand.

A couple hours later Caroline wakes up and looks around she is alone in his apartment. Even though it does not feel like him in this apartment everything is neat and organized and that does feel like him. She wants to snoop but looks at the time and decides against it as she is putting her clothes back on she notices something on the nightstand. "Good morning, the shirt at the end of the bed I would love if you would wear it to the regatta see you there." She smiles as she reads the note.

Xxx

Dorota hands her a smoothie as she opens the front door of the mansion a black limo pulls up and her two best friends Katerina Petrova, and Rebekah Mikaelson get out with luggage followed by model Brett Talbot. "Oh my god what are you doing here?"

None of the young women pay attention to the paparazzi who are shooting pictures of their reunion. They hug and Katerina or Katherine as people call her too, looks at the blonde up and down. "More importantly what are you wearing?"

Caroline looks down at the white and navy blue stripped long sleeve sweater and capris with navy blue stilettos and a blue Chanel purse. The sweater still smells like him and she likes it. Conrad is the first person she has slept with that she has worn something of his.

Katherine has long brunette wavy hair and brown eyes, she is looking stunning as always in black skinny jeans, black heels, a purple tank top and a black leather cropped jacket. While Rebekah who also has blonde hair and blue eyes is in a pair of skinny jeans, green heels, white racer back tank top and a green leather jacket.

"I would love to talk but I'm going to be late. Can we talk later. I'm so happy your back."

Katherine and Rebekah watch as their best friend basically just ignored them and got in a car and drove off, Caroline was not acting like herself nor is she dressing like herself. They surprised her and it didn't even seem like she was excited to see them. Caroline, Katherine, Rebekah and their forth friend Davina have always been as thick as thieves they used to have a saying sisters till the end. After they graduated everyone separated and went to different schools. Caroline went to Stanford, Davina went to UCLA, Katherine and Rebekah along with Caroline's brother Damon and their friend Enzo plus Brett went to Columbia. "Should we follow her?"

"As her best friends we need to see what has got into our friend. Its our duty."

Brett had put his bags and Katherine's inside for the staff to take it upstairs to their room. He heard the last part of their conversation. "Please do not make a scene."

Katherine glances over her shoulder at him. "Us make a sense please."

He kisses Katherine, he is staying behind at the mansion and going to sleep he has fashion show tomorrow and he is a bit jet lagged from Paris.

Xxx

Bill pulls up to the New York yacht club and there's people all over sailers, and spectators. As she is looking for Conrad she hears people making bets and hushed conversations. When she does find him he's at his boat and not alone but the other people are out of hearing distance, she whistles to get his attention. "What a sexy seaman."

He smiles over his shoulder at her when he goes over to her he towers over her and brushes a knuckle down the side of her cheek. "Hi."

"Hi." She leans into his touch.

"My shirt looks good on you." They both smile at each other.

Since she is wearing his shirt he has on a plain white tee shirt and a pair of jeans on. With a light blue sweatshirt. He leans down and whispers in her ear. "If you think I'm sexy now wait till tonight."

She looks up at him and he winks at her. She lets out a little laugh as they both smirk at each other.

A curly haired blonde guy comes running up them with a long haired brunette woman interrupting their moment. "Good luck man." He and Conrad hug then Conrad hugs the young woman.

They notice Caroline and the first thing the brunette says is. "Who are you? And why are you wearing Conrad's shirt?"

Caroline and Conrad share a look. "This is my…Caroline." They really should figure out what this is, they are not dating but more intense then a fling.

"Good luck." Caroline meant to kiss him on the cheek but he turned his head and she caught him on those soft lips. They both smile into the kiss and he pulls her closer she so wants to deepen the kiss but remembers they are in public when they hear the curly haired guy clear his throat. Caroline goes to say something and Conrad leans down to hear her say. "Tease."

Xxx

"Giuseppe."

"Liz."

Liz and Giuseppe are sitting at the bar in the lobby of his building. It's tense and neither one wants to be there. The only thing that they ever had in common is the triplets. "I would ask how you are but we both I don't care and I know."

"I would ask how your new husband is but we both know I don't care."

Liz takes a sip of her martini and looks at her ex husband. "I'll get to the point why are you interfering with our daughters business?"

"She is incapable of running a business. I had to step in and save the day as always."

Liz rubs her temple and finishes her drink signally to the bartender for another. "She has been running her business for four and half years without your say so. Without you even knowing it was a company she got a model into Paris fashion week, made a billboard deal, sold photos, found two models and had many photoshoots. Plus magazine covers, and planned a coming out announcement. I don't think she needs you. You don't like that you were not told about this and now your trying to take it from her. We both know you don't care about Royalty, the models or even our children."

Giuseppe doesn't answer at first then he takes a sip of his bourbon and says. "Do you still live in Spain and Paris?"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

He finishes his bourbon and signals for the bartender to get him another. "I just need to know so when I call the FBI and tell them I know where one of their most wanted drug lords is I would hate to send them to the wrong country."

Liz glares at him hatred seeping out of her. She knew it was a risk marrying Paxton McCreary knowing who he is and what he does. Plus she is a famous fashion designer she was worried that would tank her career but it didn't if anything it made her clothes more popular. A fashion designer with a drug lord husband and they actually have a healthy and loving marriage. "You wouldn't."

"I would don't threaten me. I have plans for Royalty and for our daughter."

Xxx

Katherine and Rebekah have pulled up to the regatta and are looking for Caroline when they spot her leaving a handsome guy by a boat and she is smiling. They both look at each other this is weird in their friend group Caroline is the one who is stressed all the time by solving every problem she not the happy one. They notice two other people walking with her.

They both look at each other they don't know what to think of this, this is very strange for Caroline to be at. They don't know if they should go ask her what she is doing here or just go back to the mansion and wait for her. They don't want to ambush her she is clearly having fun which is rare for her. Plus Brett did say don't make a scene.

Xxx

"I'm Jeremiah Conrad's brother and this is Belly…. Isabel my girlfriend and Conrad's ex girlfriend."

"Caroline Salvatore, nice to meet you."So this is the brother that Conrad mentioned he's cute but she still would pick Conrad over him any day. She is surprised about Isabel though he never mentioned her the way Belly keeps looking at Caroline's shirt with disgust on her face. The can tell she is jealous she knows that look well she has got that look all her life.

The gun goes off to start the race as the boats start to sail out. Isabel turns towards Caroline. "How long have you known Conrad and your already wearing his clothes."

"A month." Her phone interrupts her when she looks at the caller Id she looks back at belly and Jeremiah. "It was so nice meeting you. I would love to talk to you more but I have to take this call." "Oh my god its about time I've been trying to get ahold of you for almost month Damon."

Damon smiles and shakes his head same old same his sister hasn't changed. "Nice to talk with you too. Why have you been calling me?"

Caroline had excused herself from the table they were at and has found a private area to have this conversation. "Giuseppe is back and making my life hell, but actually I wanted to delegate a problem to you. Some woman you slept with named Aimee Bradley has written a book about her time with you. Its up to you to stop it."

"Is that all. First I have to say I'm proud of you for delegating. Second don't you usually solve those problems."

"Damon I have enough on my plate I don''t need your ex flings writing tell alls. Destroying them would be a full time job. From running and trying to keep Royalty and now exploring new feelings and letting myself be happy I don't have time to destroy tell alls."

Damon reaches the top of the mountain and turns his Bluetooth off and puts his phone on speakerphone. As he takes his backpack off searching for a water bottle. "Back up exploring new feelings and letting yourself be happy. What have you done with my sister?"

"Very funny and before you ask I'm not telling you anything about him."

"One question?"

The blonde looks out onto the harbor and can't tell which boat is which. "Fine one question."

"What is his name?"

"His name is Conrad."

Both brother and sister hear a annoyed British exhausted voice say. "Oh look the bitch has a heart."

"Damon! Do not tell me I am speakerphone."

Damon picks his phone up and glares at his friend who is laying down at the top of the mountain. "Not anymore. Seriously thought he was over you. He hasn't mentioned you in years. Did you hear Giuseppe wants a family meeting when we are all back in the city and he wants it at the penthouse are you going to be ok?"

She had not heard that although she is ignoring all calls from Giuseppe maybe she should have Nora answer everyone and give her the highlights. Her father is actually trying to kill her she can't go to that penthouse. "I can be there for five traumatizing minutes."

"Well this should be fun I'll bring plenty of vodka and tequila." Damon's friends phone rings and he answers then puts his hand over the phone and tells him. "It's your father?"

He puts Caroline back on speakerphone. The other guy puts Giuseppe on speakerphone too. "Mr. MIkaelson I am glad you finally picked up I have been trying to contact you for a while. I want you to get back together with my daughter. A Salvatore Mikaelson union would be great for press. Currently the press is filled with pictures of Caroline parading this mystery bum out of the mansion. You could correct her get her back on the right path. When you were dating she didn't dare think of starting a company or disobeying me she was out of the press and she would be fulfilling her role as a socialite."

Caroline can't help the scoff that comes out of her mouth. Giuseppe hears her. "What was that?"

The friend glares at that phone knowing Caroline can hear him. "Damon brought a girl back to the place we're staying at she is a real bitch and I hate her."

"Mr. Salvatore your daughter and I hate each other, she does not want me back and I do not want her back. Her exact words were you were holding me back."

Giuseppe is disgusted that he has to go down to the lobby because his assistant is banned from the penthouse. "Great after the triplets birthday I will announce your engagement and the press will eat it up."

Giuseppe hangs up and Caroline and the friend say at the same time. "This is not happening there is no way."

"I am not getting back together with a cold hearted bitch."

"I can still hear you dumbass." This is not the first time Giuseppe has set up for her to marry someone for his gain or have her date someone for public image. This is the first time she is of age. "Damon take me off speakerphone."

Damon puts his phone up to his ear. "I am not marrying that asshole. Second for the first time in my life I am happy. Conrad makes me happy. With that asshole and Chad I was going through the motions. Playing the role everyone wanted me to play. I'm done playing a role don't I deserve to be happy."

"Fine I will talk with Giuseppe and call Aimee Bradley. You have to do one thing for me. When we are all back in the city I want to meet Conrad."

The blonde sighs. "Is that necessary your going to go all protective older brother even though there is only four minutes between when you were born and when I was born."

"Yes I've never heard you say you are happy I want to meet the guy who made you happy. I promise I won't be intimating." Damon forgot his friend was his sisters ex and said that only remembering when he feels eyes glaring at him and a scoff.

Xxx

After Caroline is out of earshot Jeremiah turns to Belly. "Really?"

"What?"

"Stop asking her about his shirt she clearly means something to him. For real Bells no offense we haven't seen Connie like this in years."

Xxx

Katherine and Rebekah go back the mansion their luggage has already been placed in their rooms. They take the elevator up to the top floor and begin snooping. The room is pristine so at least that hasn't changed. Katherine finds the note and shows Rebekah.

"First she blows us off, then is wearing a stripped sweater and blue jeans, third she is smiling and happy now this secret admirer is leaving her notes. Who is this guy?"

"Dorota would know, she knows all."

They quickly go find Dorota who is ordering the weeks flower arrangements. When she's off the phone Katherine asks. "Have you noticed Caroline acting different lately."

"No the only thing different is I'm sometimes I am picking up two sets of clothes from places around this home."

The two young women look at each other. "He lives here?"

"If your referring to mr. Conrad no he does not live here but he does spend his nights here."

Xxx

After the phone call Caroline is angry she is shaking, she wonders if there's anything to drink here she could really use a shot of vodka right now or maybe the whole bottle. Just as she is trying to calm herself Jeremiah and Isabel find her. Isabel goes to open her mouth and Caroline snaps at her some of her old self coming out. "Look I'm sorry that seeing Conrad happy with someone else must be hard for you. Even more that we are not even dating and have known each other only a short while but seems like more. He asked me to wear this shirt not my fault if when you were together he never gave you his clothes."

Jeremiah and Isabel look at each this outburst reminds them of someone. "I wasn't going to ask that. We noticed you were important to Conrad and you left abruptly we wanted to see if you were ok? You seem a little uneasy."

"It's nothing, nothing at all."

Jeremiah and Isabel look at each and he lets out a little chuckle. "Oh yeah you and Connie were made for each other."

"Connie?"

"Conrad's nickname. You and Conrad seem to make each other really happy. It's like you didn't even realize we were there."

Caroline looks away and let's out a smile truthfully they had forgot people were around. When they are together it's just the two of them nobody outside them matters.

"It's easy to fall in love with him it's harder to admit it."

Before she can ask what they mean the gun goes off and the race is over. The seemed short but was actually a couple hours.

Conrad wins and once he is back on land the first person in his arms is Caroline who is so happy for him. He spins her around and she laughs. All the worries leaving her. When he stops they look at each other and are just smiling he is so happy and she is so proud of him. Softly he says. "Hi."

"Hi."

He lets go of her and hugs his brother and Belly. He is handed the trophy and his photo is taken Caroline is next to him while his brother and Belly are on the other side of him the trophy in front of him his hand is around Caroline's waist while her hand is on his back which is wet she can't tell if its from water spray or sweat.

"Bill can take us back to the mansion when your ready unless we can go back to your place."

"We can go back to the mansion." If he's being honest he prefers the mansion over his apartment. The mansion feels more like a home. He tosses his keys to his brother. "Here you will need these if your staying at my place tonight."

Jeremiah catches them and looks between Conrad and Caroline how close they are they both have an arm around each other and she is pressed up against his side. Whatever was bothering her earlier has vanished and they both are smiling at each other and whispering to each other. He's never seen his brother this happy. Their mom's death was so hard on both them they both were so close to her. While he is the fun life of the party brother Conrad is the quiet neat takes the weight of the world onto his shoulders so no one else has to bare it. He is happy Conrad found someone who can not only make him smile but can help him take the weight off his shoulders.

"Where are you staying?"

"Caroline's."

Caroline's eyes widen with an idea her friends and her used to do this every weekend but since they went to college they haven't had a chance to do one and it's not the same with two people. "You should come over for brunch tomorrow. Here's my address… you can't miss my house it's a limestone six floor mansion and there are paparazzi camped outside."

Jeremiah and Isabel share a look did this woman seriously just say there were paparazzi outside her home. "Excuse me?"

"Steven would get a kick out of this."

Xxx

Since they left Caroline has been quiet and looking out the window Conrad's hand touches hers and it brings her out of her thoughts. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing I'm fine. I'm so proud of you today. You were amazing."

"I can tell something is bothering you, I could tell when you came up to congratulate me. Talk to me."

She swallows she hates and likes how he can get her to open up. She wants to share with him it's just how much should she share so he doesn't run away. "I want to kill my father. He is arranging a marriage for me for Image reasons his own reasons surely. To my ex boyfriend doesn't matter that we both hate each other, or that he's on a mountain somewhere with my brother or that I'm happy here. Giuseppe is going to push this and make it happen. No matter how much I fight it."

He wraps his arms around her and her head snuggles into his neck. A moment later he feels a wet spot on his neck and he knows it's not from her tongue it's a tear. He does not want her to be married and especially to someone she hates. He is happy with her. The moments they share are the bright part of their days.

"We can postpone tonight."

Still in his embrace she pulls back and looks at him like he just offended her. "No tonight has gotten me through since that phone call." She needs something to take her mind off how her father is literally ruining her life.

Xxx

Katherine and Rebekah are finishing getting ready to go out, when they hear the front door open they run to the stairs to find out why Caroline was being dodgy this morning and not excited to see them. Although Caroline is not alone. They can't really make out what they are saying. Rebekah is on the forth floor while Katherine is on the fifth and Caroline and Conrad are on the first floor. "I'm going swimming."

"You didn't spend enough time in the water today."

Conrad has an arm around her waist pulling her back to him as he leaves kisses up her neck as they walk to the elevator. "That was competition, and you didn't even get wet. Plus it might relieve some of this tension."

Caroline smirks at him over her shoulder teasing him. "Who says I'm not already wet."

He raises an eyebrow and lifts her up putting her over his shoulder she squeals. "Conrad!"

He puts her down when they are in the elevator and he presses the ground floor. As the doors begin to close Caroline exclaims. "Wait we forget something!"

She rushes out of the elevator he follows her. Katherine and Rebekah can hear giggling coming from the kitchen. When she turns back from the fridge he laughs. "You were the one who started this."

He towers over the blonde both smiling at each other and looking into each other's eyes. They are going to have so much fun tonight and forget all about the problems of future them.

Katherine looks down at Rebekah who looks up at her. They hear the elevator doors close. Whoever this guy Caroline brought home is, is making her act different. They've never heard her giggle or squeal or the pure joy in her voice. The guy with her had the same pure joy in his voice.

The elevator doors open and the first thing that comes out is his hoodie, followed by his shirt that she was wearing. Her legs are wrapped around his waist as she holds the chocolate syrup in one hand and the other is around his neck. He kisses her as he holds her up. She places the chocolate syrup on the bar and both hands go through his hair as their lips connects.

Xxx

Katherine and Rebekah skip the line at Augustine and go straight in they also have with them Katherine's boyfriend of five years Brett. Brett is 6'3 and has brunette hair it's buzzed on the sides and in the back but longer on top, he is one of the few models at Royalty that has tattoos; roses, a dragon, thorns. He's in jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt that has says your the Coco to my Chanel. Katherine bought it for him a couple weeks ago in Paris as a joke. They were traveling all day, he didn't want to go back In his suitcase so he just threw it on. It's soft and comfortable, jokes on her he likes it. Katherine is in a short black strapless dress while Rebekah is in a red short strapless dress. Enzo comes up and kisses everyone on the cheek.

"Enzo you need to do something about that crowd out there, they are just awful insulting anyone who comes in." A blonde haired waitress comes over to them to hand them their drinks. They are busy in their conversation to notice who the woman glaring at them.

"I know but waiting outside a club they know they won't get into gives them purpose and makes the club looks more exclusive. Plus it gives the less fortunate another reason to hate us."

"They do love to hate us no matter our age." Rebekah takes a sip of her cocktail.

"Before anything I have an announcement Jason and I are married." Enzo shows them the gold ring on his finger. All three hug him they are so exited for him. They can't believe this. "Last time we talked you mentioned a proposal what happened?"

"Jason and I were talking about it and figured with everyone off doing their own thing and even the friends I do have in the city I haven't seen in almost a month. Why wait and plan a wedding we love each other plus neither of us are one of the four richest families so press won't be disappointed. We went down to city hall last week and said I do."

Xxx

Under the water both Caroline and Conrad grab onto the others forearms as their eyes stare into each other. They float up to the surface of the pool. He pulls her naked body closer to him as she wraps her legs around his waist and her arms go around his neck his arms are around her waist under the water.

"Did you enjoy the regatta?"

She smiles at him they are naked in her pool and yet they are just having a normal conversation it's not sexual or anything. They care about each other.

"I did, I liked watching you in your element. Plus meeting your brother and friend it was nice….Connie."

You can hear the teasing in her voice. He raises an eyebrow and splashes her with water they both laugh. Only two people called him Connie, his mom and his brother once in a while his mom's best friend would. "What about you do you have any nicknames?"

"Loads do you want the people that like me nicknames or the people who don't like me."

He chuckles as he pulls her even closer. "The people that like you." He does not understand how people could not like her.

"Caro, mostly, I've gotten my queen, sis."

He likes Caro, it suits her, my queen seems a little condescending. As his thumb brushes over her the skin on her hip he says. "I want to take you sailing."

Her eyes widen her fingers stop running through his wet hair. "Excuse me?"

He leans up and pecks her on the nose he smiles at her, she looks so cute when he surprises her. "You heard me I want to take you sailing."

She is quiet for a couple moments then reveals. "I've never been on a sail boat, or anything shorter then a yacht and that didn't end well; drunken hookups."

"I promise no alcohol and it will be fun." He leaves a trail of kisses up her neck and she moves her head so he can get a better angle.

Xxx

Katherine puts her martini down and leans over to Enzo. "You said you haven't seen Caroline in almost a month?"

He nods. "I think she's happy with someone."

His eyes widen in shock he's never heard Caroline and happy in the same sentence. "Caroline as in Caroline Salvatore our friend, younger sister of Damon and Stefan, nicknamed the ice queen and been called heartless multiple times is happy?"

"Unless she is faking the joy in her voice which I wouldn't put it past her she was always the best at faking it." Rebekah looks out into the crowd of people dancing in the club.

Katherine finishes her martini. "Does your sixth step mother still own the Vegas male strip show?"

He nods and she gets a devious smile on her face. "I love Caroline she is my best friend, my sister, I want to know if this is an act or not. I miss taking down bitches with her."

"What if this act is permanent and she is actually happy with this guy?"

"I've been with Brett for five years I love him he loves me and yet we haven't changed drastic. If this act is permanent then Caroline is not the person I thought she was."

Xxx

Caroline dripping wet from the pool goes over to the juice bar and grabs the chocolate syrup on the counter and pops the top open.

When she comes back to the pool area Conrad is sitting on one of the lounge chairs dripping wet and still naked. She straddles him and his hands immediately go to her waist his thumbs rubbing circles on her skin. She smiles down at him in a teasing tone she says. "Let's play a game. What tastes better?"

He laughs as he traces her nipple with his tongue the vibrations of his laughter sending sparks through out her body. His eyes lock onto hers and it's written all over his eyes he is game and they both are turned on. She can feel him under her getting harder.

Caroline pours some of the syrup down the right side of her chest down her breast. He licks it up as he looks up at her he says. "You."

She drips the syrup down her left side and he licks it up and says. "The syrup." They both can hear the joking tone in his voice.

"How can one I taste better on one side and then the syrup taste better on the other side?"

"So I shouldn't tell you I liked the syrup better."

They both laugh knowing the other is joking their laughter echos through out the entire floor. "Shut up…. It's my turn."

His thick dick is now fully erect and she can feel it. And this is going to make him even more erect she smiles to herself they both have this effect on each other. She drizzles the syrup down the left side then down the right side. The feeling of her tongue moving down his chest and circling his nipple licking up the syrup is making him even more hard he shifts multiple times in the chair.

At one point she looks up from licking his torso and jokingly asks him. "Is everything ok, your moving a lot?"

Conrad smirks down at her as he brings her face back up to his when their faces are inches from touching he says. "Your a tease."

A devilish grin spreads across her face and even reaches her eyes she breaks the distance between them and kisses him he can taste the chocolate and himself on her. She does pull away and tells him. "I like the syrup better."

He jokingly scoffs they both know she is teasing him, she loves the way he smells and tastes. He smells of the ocean and tastes like a sunny beach day.

Conrad flips them over and he hovers over her their chocolaty chests touching. Their lips connect as he thrusts into her he swallows her moan her messy hands scrape up his back leaving chocolate marks on his back. While he cups her cheeks leaving chocolate hand prints on her face as he thrusts even harder into her making her moan and he grunts.

Mid thrust he stops and pulls out, she opens her eyes as she watches him get off the lounge chair and go over to the juice bar she leans up on her elbows. "Um excuse me what are you doing?"

He looks over his shoulder at her with a smirk on his face. "Trust me." He goes behind the bar hoping it is here. Luckily for him it is. There is a mini fridge full of ice and fruits.

When Conrad comes back he hovers over Caroline and takes one of the strawberries in his hand and slides it down her chest between her breasts circling each breast. The strawberry juices are running down her body making her shiver from the cold sensation. It's making her hornier wondering if he's going to continue with the strawberry or go back to thrusting.

Once the strawberry is coated in chocolate left on her chest he places it between her lips. Their eyes never leaving the others. She opens her mouth and he places the chocolate strawberry on her tongue. She sucks his finger before eating the strawberry. As she is swallowing he thrusts back into her and she lets out a squeal she was not expecting that. He genuinely smiles down at her. Covered in chocolate syrup and strawberry juice and yet she still looks like a goddess.

She takes the other strawberry from his hand and runs it down his chest through the chocolate the cold strawberry makes his back arch as he thrusts into her. She pops the strawberry into his mouth and he comes as her fingers are recoiling out of his mouth.

Caroline flips them over and she begins to ride him her hands slide up his chocolate chest and press into his shoulder blades. While one hand goes to her hips the other goes between her legs. Moments later her hands press even harder into his shoulder blades as she comes. She bends down and kisses him on the lips.

He brushes a piece of hair off her face and leaves a chocolate mark on her forehead. He chuckles at her and she raises an eyebrow. "What?"

"I've never seen you dirty, you look cute."

"Cute? If I'm cute then your adorable." She jokingly scoffed at his cute comment.

They both laughs as she reaches up and leaves chocolate on his nose. "You know I don't get this dirty just for anyone."

He raises an eyebrow. "Really, neither do I."

Caroline leans up and kisses him again before saying. "Although we do need to shower the staff will hate it if we make a mess."

Xxx

Caroline stands up and they entwine hands as she pulls him up. As they get up they don't notice the chocolate and strawberry mess on the white fabric of the lounge chairs.

They let go one hand but stay connected with the other as she brings her hand over her shoulder and he follows her to the little one person blue tiled shower. There is a black build in bench for towels taking up half the shower making it only for one person.

"It's a tight squeeze."

"Such a shame this home couldn't invest in bigger showers."

They both laugh as he leans down and kisses her. They continue to kiss as they walk into the shower her walking backwards him guiding them. Her hand reaches back and tries to find the knobs to turn the shower on but keep missing them.

Conrad pulls back from the kiss and smiles down at her as she turns around to turn the water on and it rains down on them. He leaves kisses up and down her neck as he sucks on her ear she leans back into him and moans. She can feel him getting harder he called her insatiable but she is starting to think it's him or at most both of them. They just can't seem to get enough of the other.

As the water is raining down on them chocolate is going down the drain. "Let's get you clean."

"Ladies first."

She raises an eyebrow and smirks at him. "Be my guest."

Conrad reaches over and right above the built in is a little shelf of shampoo, conditioner and rose body wash. He squirts some lavender shampoo into his hands and starts massaging it into her long blonde hair.

She closes her eyes this is the most relaxing massage she has ever had. It is taking everything in her not to lean her head back on his shoulder. The way his fingers are moving through her hair is so soft and sensual.

He leans her head back to wash the shampoo out puts a hand at her hairline to block the water from going into her eyes.

Like with the shampoo he massages the conditioner into the bottom of her hair and washes that out too.

Instead of grabbing the pink loofah he squirts the rose body wash into his hands and lathers them up. He begins with her arms massaging as he goes. She can't help the moan that escapes her lips. When both hands come up her neck he cups her cheeks his thumbs moving over her cheeks he passionately kisses her. When she goes to wrap her leg around his thigh he pulls back and smirks at her. He is such a tease, although they both like to tease the other.

His fingers slide down her chest he outlines her breasts as he runs his thumbs over her nipple sending shivers down her back. He gets down on his knees as he washes her legs his motions sending shockwaves through her body. His soft lips on her inner thigh she can't help but run her fingers through his wet hair and moan. She can feel him smile against her inner thigh.

As the water washes the soap off her she closes her eyes and leans back into him. Conrad leaves kisses up and down her neck as his fingers glide across her stomach. Right here in this moment Caroline feels peace. There's no drama with Giuseppe or Colin or anything its just Caroline and Conrad.

She leans up and leaves a kiss on his cheek and whispers in his ear. "Its your turn."

He extends his arms dramatically but since this shower is not big, one palm is against the blue tile and the other is sticking out of the shower. She laughs as she lathers up her hands in the lavender shampoo. Since he is taller then her he has to lean down, their faces are inches apart and he leans in and kisses her. Her immediate reaction is to put her arms around his neck. While they kiss she massages the shampoo into his hair its difficult she is distracted. When she is pretty sure she has got all of his hair shampooed she tilts his head back.

After they wash out the conditioner, she lathers her hands up with the rose body wash. Her mouth waters every time she sees him naked he is just so gorgeous. She begins at his broad shoulders and her fingers are sending sparks though his body. He accidentally body rolls when her fingers are washing his torso.

As her fingers get closer to his dick it begins to twitch she smiles her fingers slide down it getting it all soapy. As he move as his hips into her touch she removes her hand and continues washing his legs.

Conrad smirks down at her and she smirks back at him.

Xxx

They are just laying in her bed cuddling his arms are around her. She had her head on his chest his scent is intoxicating to her he still smells of the ocean and tastes like a sunny day at the beach even after using her rose body wash.

They have spent almost every night together for the last month. Both of them have shared things with the other that they have never shared with another person. They have never had such an intimate relationship before. They are not dating but it's more intense then a fling. Friends with benefits don't even cover it.

"My twenty first birthday is in two weeks and we are having a black tie masquerade party, do you want to be my date?"

It's dark in the room the only light coming in is from the moonlight shining in from the French doors. Conrad genuinely smiles down at the blonde on him. They both care for one another just are not ready to admit it yet. "I'd be honored."

Caroline leans up and pecks him on the lips quick but passionately. All their kisses have a lot of feelings in them. They may not be able to vocalize their feelings yet. Their kisses and actions say it all.

She lays her head back on his chest and in the silence he hears. "I should mention that my protective brothers, all my friends and possibly two at least one for sure of my ex's will be there too."

Conrad swallows she is throwing him in the deep end although he did the same thing today when his brother and ex showed up at his regatta. She handled it like a pro. He probably won't talk with the ex.

He squeezes his arms around her and she leaves a kiss on his peck. She is happy he is coming to her birthday.

Xxx

Caroline and Conrad walk into the breakfast room and the table is a full brunch spread, waffles, muffins, fruit, bagels, cereal. Katherine, Rebekah and Brett are deciding what to have. Katherine looks up and sees them. " Finally I was about to send Brett up to come get you."

Caroline scrunches up her face she had totally forgot Katherine and Rebekah were here. "I was busy last night I'm sorry we didn't catch up."

Conrad can't help the smile he tries to look away. Brett looks Conrad up and down and then glances at the blonde. "I can see you had your hands full."

The blonde chuckles and a little blush comes to her cheeks. "I've missed you. Conrad meet three of my best friends Katerina Petrova, Rebekah Mikaelson and Brett Talbot.. Guys this is my… Conrad."

Katherine Rebekah and Brett caught that my Conrad introduction. They have never heard Caroline introduce someone as my then their name. Before they can reply the doorbell rings and Dorota goes to answer it welcoming Jeremiah and belly in Katherine and Rebekah forgetting about the my introduction. Katherine leans over to Rebekah. "We came back just in time."

"Yeah they clearly are not neighbors they don't even look like they would be allowed in Tiffanys."

Brett leans over and tells them. "Probably not the girl but the guy knows style."

"Do you think…?"

Brett nods.

Everyone is eating and when Katherine puts her elbows on the table to ask something Brett notices her and whispers in her ear. "Wait."

"I need to know."

"Wait till we are in the car and then you can ask. You know you won't get the truth if you ambush her in front of everyone."

"I hate when your right." Brett smiles and pecks her on the nose. "I know."

Rebekah however leans forward both Rebekah and Katherine have been watching Caroline and Conrad interact and how they are soft with each other and make each other smile. Caroline is talking with Jeremiah currently.

"How long did you and Isabel date?"

Conrad coughs caught off guard and Belly swallows hard, Caroline puts a hand on Conrad's arm he places a hand over hers.

"How do you know we dated?"

Katherine and Rebekah share a look now they really know they are not from here. "It's obvious you keep stealing glances at him and when you came in and saw how close Caroline and Conrad were you swallowed hard. It's body language 101."

"Um we dated for almost a year. We broke up shortly after his mom died." Belly, her brother Steven, Jeremiah and Conrad grew up together their moms were best friends, they summered together, he was her first will always be apart of each other's lives.

Caroline entwines their fingers and silently asks if he's ok. He squeezes her hand and they smile at each other.

Caroline's phone rings and its a text from her mother. "WHERE ARE YOU?"

"We have to go, Brett I need to get you to a fashion show."

Conrad stops Caroline in the hallway Conrad stops Caroline in the foyer in front of the little nook that has two curved benches a mirror on the wall and a table with a vase. There are also two large vases on each side of the nook. The Foyer has a bunch of vases ranging from small to large. "Are you going to be ok?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The other day you said you wanted to kill your father and then yesterday you were at the regatta all day is he going to be at this fashion show?"

Caroline genuinely smiles up at him nobody has ever cared for her like this. She cups his cheek as she tells him. "I'll be ok. My father never liked these things when he was married to my mother he's not going to be attending them now that they are divorced and she is remarried."

He leans into her touch and leaves a kiss on her palm. Katherine pokes her head in. "We are going to be late."

The blonde leans up and passionately and quickly kisses him. Before she pulls away she whispers. "Thank you for caring."

As she is leaving she turns back around. "Are you ok? I felt you get tense when she mentioned your mom."

"I'm fine." She knows all to well I'm fine means your not but she also hears her name being called from outside and knows she has to go.

Xxx

On the way to the pop up fashion show Katherine can't hold her tongue anymore. "We need to address the elephant in the room. Conrad makes you happy."

"Yes, it might be weird for you to see it's definitely weird for me to feel happy."

"I have one question?" Caroline raises an eyebrow and Katherine continues. "Do you like him like actually like him for real not fake like, or image like, feelings involved like."

"Yeah I do."

Katherine moves in her seat in the Mikaelson limo. "If he makes you actually happy I will learn to accept the weirdness of you being happy."

Caroline and Katherine share a smile and hug, these two have been through thick and thin. Katherine being forced to move back to Bulgaria for a little while Caroline and everyone else dealing with a devil woman. These two have always had each other they are each other's sister. Since Katherine moved in with Caroline, they also brought Katherine's housekeeper over and made her apart of the Salvatore household.

Xxx

Conrad comes back to the breakfast room as his brother is drinking the milk from his cereal out of a bowl. "Jere seriously."

He puts the bowl down and looks over at him. "What?"

Conrad rolls his eyes as he motions towards the bowl. "You have to stop slurping the milk."

Belly smiles watching the brothers this is how it's always been. The brothers, and her the only thing missing is her brother. "Is she your sugar mama? This is not you Conrad."

Both brothers sharply look at her she did not just say that. "Bells."

"I'm older then her. Caroline and I have fun and enjoy each other's company…. I'm thinking of showing her the house." Dorota and Katherine's housekeeper Nadia have come in and are taking empty dishes away. Dorota and the brunette wavy haired women who looks like she could be related to Katherine share a look.

Everyone at the table knows what house he is talking about. "Isn't that a little presumptuous you don't even know if you'll be together in the summer."

"Maybe I'll take her before summer. Just the two of us."

Jeremiah smiles at his brother he's never heard Conrad talk about someone this way. Not even when he was with Belly. "Hey man if your happy then I'm happy for you."

Conrad nods and the brothers hug.

Xxx

Caroline finds her mother running backstage like a chicken with her head cut off. She is always like this before a show. She hands her a cup of coffee Dorota prepared for her.

While Caroline is making sure her guys have their outfits which are just suits. Zero is in a white suit, Brad is in a black suit and Brett is a plaid suit when her mother comes up to her frantic. "You need to get into hair and makeup and change. One of my models got sick so your taking her place."

"I'm here for support not to model."

Liz rushes off to make sure an outfit looks just right on another model. Caroline bites her lip she hasn't modeled in five years when her and her friends did her mothers New York fashion week show.

"You can do it." Caroline looks over her shoulder and Brad has comes up behind her. He is shirtless under his suit jacket. She smiles back at him his Australian accent never fails to make her smile.

"I know I can do it, my modeling is a little rusty."

"Picture everyone naked." Caroline side eyes Zero who is buttoning up his dress shirt. Who flashes her a perfect smile. She loves these guys. There would be no Royalty without them.

Caroline changes and gets in line she is finishing the show, Brett spins her towards him. "You look beautiful." He leaves a kiss on her cheek.

Katherine, Rebekah, Enzo, Jason and Jude are in the front row. Jude finds it weird that Colin is sitting behind them. Why would someone who is trying to take the company go to a fashion show for their competition's mother which has three of the models of said company.

Enzo whispers over to Katherine. "What took you guys so long?"

"We met Caroline's new guy…It's real."

When Brad, Zero and Brett strut down the catwalk they got louder applause then the other models. It's Caroline's turn and she takes a breath and struts out there like she owns that catwalk in her blood red ball gown this dress is all ruffles except for the corset. Her necklace is five red roses, her heels which you can't even see under all the ruffles are red. To finish the look her mother has paired it with a little red clutch, and her hair is in a bun. Her eyeshadow and lips are red too. When Caroline gets to the end of the catwalk she puts a hand on her hip and poses for the cameras. Everyone claps for her.

At the end of the show Liz comes out with all her models and she receives a standing ovation.