Thank you all for your continued support with this fic. I've spent the last month traveling for work, so some writing happened. This may be the longest update I have ever posted for any of my fics! I couldn't find a place to end it…so I included many things in this chapter. That shows you how much I love you all and how much I love doing this. Please sit back and enjoy this one.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Two and a Half Months Before Damon's Arrest
"Olivia, Bonnie and Tyler will be here in a couple of moments to talk about a deal. I need you take what they say seriously," Damon met Olivia's jade eyes across his desk. He hated delivering that news, but there were no more cards to play. The forensic accountant's report was pretty straight forward. There were no surprises, no smoking guns, nothing but financials that were already disclosed. Bonnie's firm would sign off on it any day now, he was sure of it.
"But he's not willing to give up any percentage of Lockwood Industries?" Olivia's voice sounded defeated.
Damon saw the disappointment in her eyes and he felt bad about it, but there was really no other way to explain this to her, "We will make one last pitch today, but I don't want you to get your hopes up."
"I deserve that much Damon."
He was sympathetic to her. Olivia gave up her career for the last name Lockwood and Tyler betrayed her. Betrayal was something that could change a person. It could make the sweetest person into the evilest. It could destroy relationships, "I understand."
There was a pregnant pause and then Olivia continued, "Luke's coming into town in a few days, I told him not to call you anymore but he just wants this over with. He hates that this is still going on."
Damon sat up straighter. If he didn't know better, he would think that Luke was the wronged party here, "Olivia, I work for you and no one else. Luke may have asked me to help you, but once we signed the agreement—I became your attorney and no one else's."
"I know Damon and I appreciate your help. Luke just feels guilty because he pushed me to marry Tyler. I know that this can't be easy. Tyler is an asshole and I know he's pushing his lawyer to be unreasonable."
Damon stood up and walked over to where Olivia seated kneeling down in front of her, "I promise you that you will get what you deserve, don't doubt that…ok."
"I don't, I trust you Damon," she nodded her head as if she was giving herself courage for the meeting that would occur in a few minutes.
"Thank you, I appreciate that and I will take care of you."
Olivia breathed deeply, "I believe you," she whispered meeting Damon's eyes.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
The elevator doors chimed as Bonnie and Tyler stepped off and onto the marble floor outside of Damon's office suite. Damon Salvatore, Attorney at Law was etched in silver lettering on the wall by the glass double doors. After all of these months, this was the first time she was seeing his base of operations. A couple of months ago, this moment would have felt like going to war but after the developments between she and Damon, it actually felt more like a negotiation. They both were willing to fight for their clients, but there was a different dynamic between them.
"I still don't understand how she can afford this guy," Tyler snorted from her left side, "she's probably using my money for this."
Bonnie's gaze shifted towards Tyler, "Remember, we are here to reach a settlement and one that Judge Johnson will accept. We will not go in with guns blazing, I already feel uncomfortable doing this without signing off on the forensic report…"
"Why?" Tyler snapped, "I told you and the courts all you need to know. Look Bonnie, if you can't represent me the way you are supposed to—there are numerous attorneys at your firm and others around the city that would fight for the chance to represent me. I told you everything that you need to know, so let's get this over with. I have things to do and it doesn't include dealing with my bitch of an ex-wife much longer."
In that moment, Bonnie's eyes narrowed and she wished that the rumors about Sheila were true. She would've loved to set this asshole on fire right in the middle of this marble hallway, "I will do my job Tyler," she answered through gritted teeth opening the door and stepping into the office.
"Ms. Bennett, Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Salvatore and Mrs. Lockwood are in the conference room down the hallway, let me escort you," Rosa stood up with a wide smile. Bonnie noticed Tyler's eyes travel the length of Rosa's pencil skirt and she felt repulsed. What an asshole, she blanched as they made their way into a conference room. As they walked along the hallway of the office space, Bonnie noticed two empty offices. As far as she knew, Damon was a solo practitioner and had no intention on sharing his kingdom. As they approached the conference room, she could hear Damon's voice and it actually sent a jolt through her body. The change in their relationship had definitely caused her to react differently to him. There would be moments when she was sitting at work and something would remind her of a conversation they had or a look he had given her. She felt like a teenager. Damon had a way with words and a way with his body. She lusted after him and she craved everything he was giving her and not just the physical.
After what happened with Kol, she wouldn't admit it to anyone but when she found out he cheated, her self esteem took a hit. Any woman's would. She wasn't a perfect girlfriend or fiancée, but she treated Kol good and she never thought about cheating on him. The fact that he cheated on her in his own police station and that everyone knew about it, sent a dagger through her heart. Then there were the secret insecurities that she had, which people would consider the dreaded 'Daddy Issues'. She wondered why she wasn't enough for him? What she could have done different? Or worse, was there a Bennett curse that left all of the women in the family alone. Her current relationship with Damon was slowly undoing some of the damage from her break up with Kol, but it was too early to tell what she and Damon could actually be.
She stood in the doorway with Tyler and Damon turned his gaze from speaking with Olivia. The blues darkened a little as he gave Bonnie a subtle smile before standing up, "Bonnie…Tyler…so happy that you could finally join us," he walked around the table holding out his hand to Bonnie, who took it with a wry smile. He turned to Tyler who just stared at his outstretched hand, "well that's lovely," he quipped drawing his hand back.
"My client has been busy working, he has a busy to run you know," she answered taking a seat at the conference table across from Damon with Tyler sitting beside her.
"Oh we are very much aware," Damon countered with his eyes twinkling at Bonnie, "and I look forward to you signing off of the forensic report, so this can quickly come to a friendly and equitable end."
"We will be signing off very soon, don't you worry."
Damon smirked, "Right, so you have rejected our previous requests…so we have a new agreement…"
"I hope this one is more realistic," Bonnie spoke in an unwavering voice.
"We want 10% of Lockwood Industries and $15,000 a month in alimony," Damon offered.
Tyler snorted next to Bonnie bitterly, "There will be no percentage of Lockwood Industries going to Ms. Lockwood," Bonnie answered.
"I helped you by being your wife, I deserve some of your company!" Olivia exploded focusing on Tyler, "I deserve to reap some of the benefits."
"My father worked hard for the company and there is no way I would just give it to someone that was only around for a few years," Tyler argued.
"We agree to the alimony, but not to any percentage of the company," Bonnie stared at both Damon and Olivia.
"Come on Bonnie, it's only 10% hardly a majority," Damon sighed.
Bonnie stared at Damon and Olivia for a few moments before leaning over whispering in Tyler's ear. Damon watched her intently for a few moments and then switched his gaze to Tyler who looked as if he was fuming hearing what Bonnie had to say. The way the vein in Tyler's neck pulsated as Bonnie continue to whisper told him that she was working some magic. Bonnie may be a tough opponent, but one thing that Damon believed she was—was fair. If he already didn't feel strong feelings for her, they would have doubled at this moment.
"5% of Lockwood Industries, $14,000 monthly in alimony along with the residence in Key West and the condo that she is living in now," she offered without any hint of room for a negotiation.
Damon raised an eyebrow leaning over to Olivia, "This is a good deal Liv, if the judge approves it…you will be well taken care of," he whispered, "you got a portion of the company, you will have a voice."
Olivia looked over at Damon, "Are you sure?"
"Trust me," he whispered back.
Olivia looked over at Tyler who focused on his cell phone and Bonnie noticed how her face crumbled when she finally realized that this was all over. Turning to Damon with a look of determination she nodded.
"Ok, Bonnie…we have a deal bending the judge's blessing in a couple of weeks."
"Great, I will draw up the papers for you to review with your client," Bonnie stood up along with Tyler.
"I will look forward to them; I am pleased that we could come to an agreement today."
Bonnie gave him a smirk as she placed documents in her bag and headed towards the conference room door with Tyler, "Oh Bonnie, a word please," Damon called after her.
"Tyler, I will meet you downstairs in the lobby."
"I have a lunch meeting to get to, I will have my assistant call you for a follow up conference," Tyler stated and with that, he brushed pass Bonnie and out of the office suite.
"Olivia, do you want to wait in my office while I speak to Miss Bennett?" Damon touched Olivia's arm. The way he spoke to her was in a gentle, sympathetic tone that stirred something up in Bonnie. It was actually what she would describe to herself as jealously.
"Thanks Damon, I will wait there."
"Ask Rosa to get you some water or something, we have some things to go over," Damon smiled.
Olivia nodded before walking out of the conference room.
"Well you really know how to soothe a woman's heartbreak," Bonnie commented while Damon closed the conference room door.
Damon said nothing as he grabbed her hand and leaned her up against the conference room door, so no one could see them inside, "That negotiation that we just had made me hard for you," he whispered looking down at her, "if I didn't have to meet with Olivia, I would take you back to my place and have my way with you Counselor."
"Damon…" she warned.
He pressed further into her body, "Do you feel me?" he asked her in a husky voice.
She immediately felt the dampness escape her body as she looked up at him. Her body was moving into the territory of being absolutely ready for anything and everything to go down in this conference room, "Why are you starting something that you can't finish?" she teased.
"I will finish tonight, 8pm…my place," he stated before bending down and bringing her into a kiss, "don't wear any panties, but then again…I think you make it out of here wearing them anyway, kind of uncomfortable right now—huh?"
She gasped. Not just at what he said, but because he was partially right, "Whatever Damon."
He chuckled as he moved away from her opening the door, "8pm…my place," he whispered before leading her out of the conference room. Bonnie may have been victorious over him today, but he would be victorious over her that night.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
As soon as he opened the door to his condo, they began to devour each other. He picked her with his hands cupping her round bottom, "You didn't wear any…" he whispered in her ear.
She chuckled and then whispered in his ear, "Well you were right today."
Damon immediately felt his pants become a little tighter as he moved towards his bedroom, "And you know exactly what to say to me."
"And you know exactly what to do to make me wet for you," she whispered.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDB
"Oh my God!" Bonnie gasped as Damon collapsed next to her on his bed. It had been the longest 8 hours of her life after leaving Damon's office that morning. Her brain had been filled with what they planned to do each other when they finally met up that night. Damon had promised her and he definitely delivered.
"You see what happens when we come to a nice and equitable agreement?" he peered down at her, brushing strands of her hair out of her eyes.
"You just get off on lawyering."
"I get off on you," he kissed her.
Bonnie moaned into his kiss, "So are we doing this for real? I mean, the agreement is almost done. Judge Johnson will sign off on it and then we are done with being opposing counsel. Are we going to make a go for this relationship?"
"Is that what you want?" Damon focused on her. Their sex was unbelievable, their conversations dug deep and they enjoyed each other's company, but boyfriend and girlfriend hadn't exactly been discussed previously.
She rose up to rest on her elbow staring down at him, "I had a bad break up months ago, I thought that I wouldn't find anyone I clicked with so soon. Then we found each other online and we've been in this court war, but I do believe that we could be good together Damon. Of course, we should take things slow and keep our relationship under wraps for awhile—but I do want you in my life as so much more than a colleague."
"I'm glad you finally came around to seeing it my way," he kissed her forehead as she rested her head on his chest.
They were quiet for a few moments with just the sound of his black and white clock ticking on the wall. Candles were still burning around the room and the wine that they drank earlier was still chilling on the night table. Bonnie drew circles on his chest opening her mouth and then closing it a few times before finally speaking, "Do your parents have a good marriage?" she asked breaking the quiet in the air.
Up until that moment, Damon had been relaxed. He had one of the best orgasms of his life and he was perfectly content lying in bed with Bonnie and sinking into an abyss; however, her questioned jolted him from his peaceful oasis. His mind immediately went into overdrive. Why was she asking him that question? Was marriage on her mind? Did she think he would be like Giuseppe? His mind raced and he felt his mouth go dry.
"Damon?" she asked again sitting up slightly, "is that too personal of a question?"
"Umm…no…no…I just…well…" he stumbled over his words, "my father worships my mother. What Lily Salvatore wants, she gets from him—no matter what. Do I think it's a good marriage? Debatable. But it works for them. I think the only time I actually see my father smile genuinely is with my mother. Maybe that's what makes him happy, her happiness. And she loves him, despite all of his flaws and the fact that he is an asshole—she loves him, she sees something that most of us can't."
Bonnie's eyes displayed something that he hadn't noticed before and she opened her mouth, "Maybe that's how it is for people who are truly in love with each other, you see things in each other that others can't," Bonnie stated and then went on, "my parents…I don't think my father ever worshiped my mother. I think they loved each other at one time, but I don't think they ever truly were in love with each other, you know."
Damon heard the tone in Bonnie's voice shift, "I saw how Elena's parents loved each other and I was always a little envious. Caroline's parents were never together, so I guess she was worse off than me. Sure my parents could put on a show when they needed to, but more often than not, I watched them…act like two people are expected to act in a marriage. It wasn't natural. I see that now that I'm older and want to know something else?"
"What?"
"I think I mimicked my parents in my relationship with Kol. He was good to me or appeared to be. Everyone got such a kick out of the cop and the lawyer, we played it up…Law and Order…you know…I found myself starting to put on a smile because I was supposed to not necessarily because I wanted to."
He listened as she went on, "I loved him, but when I found out about him and his partner, there was a second…a millisecond… when I was almost relieved. I guess because I felt like I didn't have to pretend anymore."
"Wow," Damon looked down at her. He was expecting her to confess anything close to that to him.
"Yeah, shitty right?" she chuckled humorlessly, "but what I am trying to say is that what I feel between us is authentic. I don't feel as if this is a game or like I am pretending."
"I think we have pretty much always been real with each other Bon, even when you were snapping at me."
"Especially when I was snapping at you," she laughed.
"But I want to see where this goes with you because I realized a long time ago that people who challenge every fiber of your being in a good way…you don't let them get away from you," he stated locking his gaze with hers.
"No, you don't," she whispered with a gentle caress to his cheek and a soft kiss to his lips.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Three days later, Bonnie walked into her office suite with a smile on her face. She just settled a divorce case that she had been working on for 8 months and it was settled amicably—which was a rarity in her business and because of that, she felt like she was floating on air. "Miss Bennett, there are some new documents on your desk for your review," Allison, Bonnie's temporary assistant jumped up from her desk.
"Thank you Allison," she smiled heading into her office. Allison was nice, but she missed Jenna and couldn't wait for her to come back from maternity leave. There was something about Allison that seemed a tad 'off'. She spent at least half of her day on the phone arguing with her boyfriend and more than once, Bonnie had to ask her to get off the phone to do something for her.
She entered her office glancing down at the stack of papers on her desk and took a seat reviewing the documents and her eyes suddenly fell on an interoffice envelope from Fred. Her heart immediately dropped into her stomach and her throat went dry slowly picking up the envelope.
"Bonnie…I'm glad you're back," Alan appeared in the doorway.
Bonnie looked up from the envelope, "Alan, hi...two visits within a matter of months, please take a seat."
He smiled sitting across from her, "I wanted to speak with you because I received a copy of Fred's report this morning."
"Oh…I haven't had a chance to look through it yet," Bonnie picked up the envelope starting to open it. Alan lifted up from his seat and gently placed his hand on Bonnie's with a smile, "No bother, I reviewed it earlier. There's nothing for you to worry about."
"What do you mean?"
"The report matches the filings to the court," he assured her.
"Maybe it does, however, I would like to look through it and…" she looked down at the envelope.
"And I've already signed off on the forensic accounting report," Alan cut her off, "you may proceed with drawing up the settlement documents."
Bonnie blinked feeling as if she was being overruled, "You signed off on the forensic accountant's report? I'm the attorney of record…"
"And I'm the supervising partner on this case."
"But I want to look through the report to make sure that there are no surprises and if there are, we need to discuss a new settlement."
"Tyler told you that he declared everything, correct?" Alan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"I can assure you there is nothing in that report that wasn't reported, so there is no reason to focus on that report any longer, Bonnie," Alan narrowed his eyes as if he gave her an order—instead of a suggestion.
"Oh but that tells me that there is something else," Bonnie argued.
"Bonnie, I told you all you need to know. Proceed with setting up the court date and get those settlement papers drawn up," Alan stood up from his chair, "Tyler wants this divorce settled quickly and so do I. Get it done and then we can discuss your pending partnership. Oh and I wouldn't attempt to read that report now. If you know that there is some…unfortunate information in there, wouldn't you be forced to tell the court? Then you would have to tell them that I, a named partner, signed off on a report that you should have signed off on? I don't think that's the best thing for your career as an attorney in this town. Leave it alone, let that report stay sealed and proceed with a settlement."
Bonnie's jaw clenched as she watched Alan turn and walk out of her office. She stared down at the interoffice envelope and slammed her fist down on her desk.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
After spending another hour at work fuming and trying to concentrate on her other cases, Bonnie played the conversation with Alan over and over in her head. By the time she got home she had worked herself into an angry frenzy. She slammed her apartment door carrying her work bag along with Fred's report. Alan's words still echoed in her mind. Between ordering her to let it go and ignore whatever Fred's report said and signing off on the report without her knowledge, she was beside herself with anger. She was literally shaking with rage and there was very little she could do to calm herself down. She'd tried every calming exercise that Caroline taught her and Elena during her Yoga instructor phase.
Gripping her counter, she willed herself not to cry. If Alan signed off on the report, that told her that there was something in Fred's report that render the settlement agreement void.
She walked over to her refrigerator and pressed the water button, filling a glass with the clear liquid. She was trying to lay off the wine, so having a nice glass of water had to soothe had at this point. As she gulped the water down, her cell began to vibrate on the counter. From her position in the kitchen, she could see her father's face fill the screen. In a fit of rage, she called her father for advice and he didn't answer. She left a long rambling message and she was sure that he was returning the call then.
Snatching up the phone, she tried to return her voice to one that she recognized and pressed the green button, "Hi Daddy," she plastered a smile on her face.
"Bonnie, I got your message and I spoke with Alan."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Bonnie's smile faltered, "Did you?"
"Yes and he told me that he gave you an order and you seemed hesitant."
"Daddy, he's telling me to ignore a piece of our case and I know that it's because he knows that some thing is not right."
"It's a forensic report right? Alan would never sign off on something was untrue. He's your managing partner Bonnie, you really should listen to him."
"Daddy, he signed off without me knowing. Doesn't that tell you that something isn't right."
"Bonnie, your job is to represent your client. Alan is helping you, take the help."
"It sounds like you were called to give me this talk so I would fall in line," Bonnie gritted her teeth at the thought that her own father wasn't on her side, "and how is that even possible?"
"Bonnie, I've practiced law for a long time and Alan asked for my consultation, you know that the firm has a relationship with mine. I know what's best. Just let it go and represent your client to the best of your ability."
"Fine," she stated in an even tone. At that moment, she had nothing else to say to her father.
"Ok Baby Girl, I will talk to you soon. I have to go," Rudy began wrapping up the call, "Love you."
"Love you too," Bonnie answered ending the call with her fists balled up. She glanced over at the report again, "Assholes!" she shrieked, not sure if she was including her father in that or not, as the sound of someone knocking on her door distracted her, "Great, who could that be?" she mumbled heading over and flinging the door open to reveal Damon standing there with a bouquet of flowers, a smile and a take out bag from their favorite Italian place.
"Good evening Miss Bennett," he wore a smile that actually cooled her down a little.
Her heart softened a little, "Hi Damon," she left the door open walking away from him.
"Hey…I thought you settled that case today and that you would be in a good mood…what's wrong?" he asked sitting the flowers down on the counter and joining her in the living room. He placed his hands on her cheeks and studied her face, "that doesn't look like a face pleased with a victory."
She shook her head. She should just tell him; but she couldn't. Whatever happened with Tyler's case was privileged and one of the major rules of their relationship was that they don't break the rules regarding the privilege of their clients—no matter how reprehensible.
"What's wrong, did something happen? The ex boyfriend call you again? Something wrong with your dad…your mom…your grandmother?" he asked concerned ticking off the list of everyone she cared about, "Elena…Caroline…what's wrong?"
"No…nothing's wrong, I just had a rough day in the office. Nothing serious."
"Good because I brought food and some wine and I plan to spend the evening putting a smile on your face and keeping it there," Damon kissed her quickly on the forehead.
Bonnie looked up at Damon with her arms wrapped around him. She gazed up at him for a few moments and her heart willed her to tell him about the report and what Alan had done, but all she could say was "Thank you."
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
"So it looks like I've managed to put a small smile on your face," Damon softly caressed Bonnie's cheek splashing the water and bubbles around, gently caressing her cheek leaving a trail of bubbles behind on her tawny skin.
She was leaning back onto his chest watching the bubbles move around her tub. The fact that he brought dinner, wine and then they ended up in this tub did wonders for her attitude. She wasn't sure if she would listen to Alan and not read the report, but she was willing to relax in this bath with Damon and enjoy being with him.
Over the last couple of weeks, Damon did bring a smile to her face. He was the person that she looked forward to speaking with and being with. It was scary for many reasons, but it also felt right.
"You know, after that day in the parking lot after you found out that I was Olivia's lawyer—I kind of thought that you would hate me and that we would just be battling out in court," he softly kissed her shoulder.
"Well I was settled on that honestly. When you walked into that courtroom and you were so fucking arrogant…"
Damon chuckled, "But you like my arrogance."
"Yeah, yeah whatever," Bonnie she laughed softly.
"But I'm glad that you got to know me, it's been a long time since I've been this honest and open with anyone," he touched her chin guiding her head to look at him, "from the moment I walked into Pietros, I knew that we would have a connection of some kind."
Bonnie looked up into Damon's eyes and they were sincere. It was the sincerest she had ever seen him look. They were almost translucent, "So you decided then that you would try your best to make me fall in love with you," she whispered.
"Or give a damn good effort," he answered closing the space between them with a kiss.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
The next morning, Damon danced his way into the kitchen humming a tune with his towel wrapped around his waist. Bonnie was still in the shower washing her hair after a morning spent in bed and then under the spray of her shower head. The moment he walked into her apartment the previous night, he could see that something was wrong with her. He wasn't sure what was wrong exactly, but he wanted to make her feel better and he had. The way she looked at him, the way she responded to his touches—it was much more than he ever could have imagined with Bonnie. He had dated and slept with one or two women since he arrived in Mystic Falls, but it was really just a way to past the time. He kept coming back to his attraction to Bonnie and his want for Bonnie Bennett and now, he had her.
Drawing his eyes to her coffee holder on the counter, Damon twirled the carousel, "What kind of coffee does Miss Bennett have?" plucking one of the k-cups from the holder, he placed it in the Keurig, waiting for it to brew. He glanced around the apartment for a few moments. It was perfectly put together and that didn't surprise him. He glanced down at the counter and noticed a stack of papers. His eye caught the stack of documents on top, 'Forensic Investigation Report for Tyler Lockwood Assets, Completed by Frederick Armstrong on 9/2'. "Forensic Report completed a couple of days ago…hmm…why would Bonnie's law firm do their own investigation?" Damon whispered glancing towards Bonnie's closed bedroom down the hallway.
Damon glanced down at the documents for a few moments and then walked away. His coffee was done and most of all, he trusted Bonnie. She was a good attorney and she would never hide anything from the courts, so whatever was in that investigation report had to be similar to what was already reported. He trusted her and that meant that she needed to be able to trust him.
"Hey, is the coffee done?" Bonnie asked walking into the kitchen area with her hair wrapped up in a towel.
"It is and I made it extra sweet, just the way you like it," he winked, walking over and handing her a cup.
"You know me so well," she grinned as he wrapped his arm around her and they started to head back to the bedroom, but were disturbed by someone ringing the doorbell.
"We should ignore it," Damon leaned her against the wall kissing her on the neck.
Bonnie closed her eyes as she felt Damon's fingers travel between her legs and gently caress her center. As the knocking persisted she debated whether to do just that.
"Your doorman said you were in there Bonnie, so open the door!" Sheila called through the door.
Whatever wetness and horniness that Bonnie felt, evaporated at the sound of her Grandmother's voice. Damon took a deep breath removing his lips from her neck, "I should go get dressed, huh?"
"That would be a good idea," Bonnie grimaced tightening the towel around her body and letting him go. Damon sighed heading down the hallway and closing the bedroom door.
Bonnie took a quick look in the mirror by her foyer to make sure there were no tracings of any lust, she was pretty sure her grandmother would be able to sense it. Bonnie plastered a smile on her face and opened the door to Sheila and Abby grinning from ear to ear with balloons, a white bakery box and gift bags, "Happy Birthday Baby!" Abby stated bringing Bonnie into a tight hug.
Realization dawned across her face, "Thanks Mommy," Bonnie smiled slightly distracted as she held onto Abby. With everything going on with the Lockwood case and this new relationship with Damon, she pretty much forgot on some level that her birthday was coming up and she knew exactly why, her birthday wasn't exactly her favorite day of the year.
"What took you so long to come to the door," Sheila walked in looking around setting down the bakery box.
"Umm, I was in the shower Grams," Bonnie prayed that Damon would just stay in the bedroom.
"Right."
"So what are you doing today?" Abby asked as she placed flowers down on the counter.
"I was planning to go into the office."
"Absolutely not, its your 28th birthday and you will not spend it in that office," Sheila shook her head.
"Oh I left one of your gifts in the car, I will be right back," Abby stated heading towards the door and closing it behind her.
"Well Bon Bon, should I just take off my clothes again or…" Damon announced walking into the living room dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Bonnie's heart leapt into her chest as Shelia focused on Damon standing between the kitchen area and living room. His eyes were wide as he looked from Bonnie to Sheila.
"Well, well, well," Sheila smirked walking around the kitchen island, "now I see why you were delayed in answering the door," she looked at Damon from head to toe, "was he your birthday gift?"
It was then that Damon looked around and saw the birthday balloons, he looked down at Bonnie, "It's nice to meet you Dr. Bennett. I'm Damon Salvatore," he stated meeting Sheila's gaze, "I was just leaving, umm…I will talk to you later Bon."
"Damon, can we talk for a moment," Bonnie managed to get out with Sheila studying them both, "let me just put on some clothes…excuse me."
Bonnie tightened her towel and headed towards her bedroom. Damon stood in the middle of the floor going back and forth between wishing he could be swallowed up to being disappointed that Bonnie didn't tell him about her birthday. He thought that they were making progress, but apparently it was only progress made physically.
"You know, I could tell something was different about her when she answered the door," Sheila moved closer to him, "she had a happy glow about her. Can I assume that you are the cause of that?"
Damon smirked, "I'm not quite sure how to answer that."
"It's ok. I take it, she didn't tell you today was her birthday?"
Damon shook his head, "No, she didn't."
"It's ok, Bonnie's not big on her birthday anyway. We make a big deal, she doesn't…it brings up some unpleasant memories," Sheila grimaced, "so don't take it too personal that she didn't tell you, she probably wanted the day to pass completely—but we don't allow her to."
Damon nodded.
"Now, since she didn't tell you about the birthday, you have a short amount of time to find a gift. You should go and find one, make it something special," Sheila winked.
Damon smiled, "Ok, I will do that. Thank you."
"I will handle Bonnie; I will tell her you got a call. We will be gone in a couple of hours," Sheila gave him a devilishly smirk.
Damon nodded as he headed towards the door just as Abby opened it, "Umm hello," she smiled.
"Hi, I was just leaving," Damon slid out of the door.
"What was that?" Abby asked.
"That was Bonnie's little boyfriend that she hasn't mentioned," Sheila stated as Bonnie appeared back in the living room.
"Where's Damon?" she looked around.
"He left, you didn't tell him today was your birthday?" Sheila questioned.
"No…so he's upset, isn't he?" she sighed.
"Nope, I smoothed it over. You need to tell us about that new development though over these sticky buns," Sheila stated opening the bakery box.
Bonnie slowly took a seat at the counter, "I didn't know you guys were coming over."
"You knew we wouldn't sit out your birthday," Abby wrapped her arm around Bonnie's shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah tell us about the man," Sheila interrupted.
"Well you know his name and you know who he is…"
"Yes, we do but I thought this all ended at a plane ride?" Sheila asked.
"I thought it did, but it actually started with the plane ride. We've spent some time together over the last couple of weeks and I like him. I really like him and he makes me feel…we have a good time together. It's something that I've missed. He makes me laugh and smile and we talk, its good."
"I like the smile on your face when you speak about him," Abby smiled.
"So do I, which means he must be doing wonders to your…"
"Grams," Bonnie warned.
"Mind," she continued, "so what about the court case, you two can be in this relationship without causing problems?"
"Not exactly, it's not ideal and we're not flaunting it at all."
"Ahh, so this is a secret relationship?" Shelia clarified.
"It's discreet."
"I hope you know what you're doing Baby Girl, I mean. I love the smile and brightness on your face right now, but I hope that this doesn't hurt your career at all."
"Me and Damon understand the boundaries," Bonnie answered.
"Ok, enough about that. Let's open up your gifts," Abby clapped as she placed the gift bags in front of Bonnie.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDB
"She didn't tell me about her birthday," Damon complained as he drove towards his condo.
"Elena did mention that Bonnie's birthday was coming up, but maybe she didn't want to make it seem like she was trying to get a gift from you," Stefan offered up.
"Well her Grandmother, who is something special I might add, said something about it being a hard day for her or something."
"So there you go and I guess from the way you sound, you and Bonnie are getting closer."
"We are making some strides, but things are under cover. We don't need any problems regarding this Lockwood case."
"Well so far it appears to be going well."
"It is and I care about her Brother. I will admit, when we first went out on that internet date, I was just doing research on my case. I didn't expect her to be this woman that she is. She challenges me, she's beautiful and she's smart…maybe even smarter than me," Damon went on, "she's good and I know that I don't deserve her."
"Wow Big Brother," Stefan said in awe, "sounds like you really like Bonnie Bennett."
"I do…I do and that's why I need to find her a gift that sets me above the rest," Damon stated.
"I'm sure you will, why don't you call our mother for ideas?"
"That would be a no, her choice would be an engagement ring and we ain't there yet."
Stefan laughed, "Sounds about right."
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDB
While Sheila and Abby put up some of the new artwork they bought her for birthday, Bonnie chatted in the kitchen with Rudy, "I sent you a gift in the mail, it should be there today."
"Thanks Daddy," Bonnie nibbled on one of the sticky buns.
Rudy was quiet for a few moments. Bonnie was well aware that her father felt some sense of guilt for the way Bonnie felt about this day, but he would never say it out loud.
"So how's the case going?" he asked changing the subject quickly.
"You know how it's going."
"Just take Alan's directive Bonnie, everything will work itself out."
"I don't want to talk about work today," Bonnie smiled, "it's my birthday and my mom and Grams made it extra special."
"I'm not surprised. Maybe next year, we can spend your birthday with each other. Just you and me," Rudy spoke up in an almost tentative tone.
"That would work. I think it would be fun. I could come to DC and we could spend the day there."
"That sounds perfect. You know I love you Bonnie and I only want what's best for you," Rudy stated.
"I know."
"You are the one thing in this life that I am 100% sure I did right."
Bonnie's eyes filled with tears, "I know Daddy."
"And I want you to have the happiest of birthdays," he replied.
Bonnie smiled as a text message came in, 'So my surprise had to come later…tonight…Pier 34…where something nice. ~Damon'
"I think it is shaping up to be one of the best," she smiled replying to Damon's text.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
"I can't believe that you've been seeing Damon behind our backs!" Caroline whined plopping down on Bonnie's bedroom chaise.
"Well I wasn't supposed to tell anyone really," Bonnie turned to admire herself in the mirror. Since Damon's text earlier, she'd been in a fashion frenzy calling Caroline and Elena over for some help. She came clean about her relationship and it felt good. The smile that appeared on her face when she spoke about her time with Damon was one that she hadn't had in a long time. She didn't care that it wasn't exactly the best move of her life—she was happy and that's all she wanted to concentrate on at the moment.
"And now you told us and we are very, very happy," Elena beamed as Bonnie slid into her shoes.
"Do you think this dress is a little much?" Bonnie smoothed her hands over the royal purple bondage dress that fit her body like a glove.
"No, I think its exactly right. It's your birthday, you deserve to look amazing and you do," Caroline stood up fluffing Bonnie's hair.
"And we're happy you decided to actually celebrate your birthday," Elena handed Bonnie her earrings.
"Well you know, I was perfectly happy with it passing me by."
"Yes, we know," Elena rolled her eyes.
"But you're not and that's all that matters," Caroline hugged her.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
"Mr. Salvatore, is this room to your liking. We did the best we could with limited time," Phillip, the general manager of Pier 43 restaurant stood next to Damon in the doorway of one of their private dining rooms.
"It is."
"I was happy to do this for you after you helped my son with that case," Phillip walked over to the table set for two smoothing out the tablecloth.
"It was nothing, your son made a mistake," Damon shrugged.
"Your guest will be here soon?"
Damon nodded, "She should be."
"Special woman?" Phillip inquired.
"She very much may be soon," Damon smiled.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Bonnie drove into the parking lot of the Pier 43 Restaurant parking her car and taking a moment to stare in the mirror fixing her make up. Between spending the day with Damon, her mother, Grams, Elena and Caroline, she almost forgot about Fred's report and the fact that she hadn't bothered to even read it. The fact was, she didn't know what to do. Alan had played her and he had played her well. If she did read the report and find out something, she would be forced to confess to the court and that would not only put a bull's-eye on Alan and as a result, one on her. If she told on a partner of one of the most prestigious forms in Mystic Falls, she could kiss her career goodbye and she had worked hard to make a name for herself. Then there was her relationship with Damon. One of the major issues they had for so long was honesty. If she found out what was in that report and said nothing, she would be lying to him and he would probably never forgive her.
"What a shitty mess," Bonnie mumbled, "but you have to be smart about this," she whispered before flipping her car mirror up.
She slipped out of her car and headed towards the restaurant. She'd only been to Pier 43 once and it was one of the most majestic places in Mystic Falls. One of the walls consisted of a large fish tank, with tropical fish swimming about. It was a place that you only went once or twice in your lifetime because it was pricey. It was interesting how Damon was able to get a reservation so last minute. She walked inside and looked around to see some of the affluent Mystic Falls citizens sitting around having dinner. "Miss Bennett, how are you?" the host came up next to her, "may I direct you to the room where you will be dining?"
"Room?" Bonnie asked as she followed the host up the stairs to a private room. The host opened the door and Damon was inside, he immediately stood up to smile at her making his way over.
"I will leave you two, the waiter will be in soon," the host announced before slipping out of the door.
Bonnie looked around, "Wow, this must have cost a fortune."
"Well the owner owed me a favor," Damon shrugged, "and we're being discreet, so I couldn't take you to just any restaurant."
"You didn't have to take me anywhere."
"And have your Grandmother think that I'm just partaking in your body and not romancing you…no way," Damon looked down at her, "you look gorgeous by the way," he leaned down kissing her on the lips, "that dress is definitely a distraction."
Bonnie smiled, "It's the first time I've worn it actually."
"Then I am honored," took her hand kissing it while pulling her closer to him for a longer, deeper passionate kiss. They didn't stop until someone cleared their throat from the door, "Excuse me," the waiter looked slightly embarrassed, "can I take your drink orders?"
Bonnie looked up at Damon and laughed.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
"You know, I don't usually make a big deal about my birthday, that's why I didn't tell you," Bonnie spoke up in between bites of her lobster, "its usually a day that my mom and my Grams go overboard and when they don't, Elena and Caroline do."
"Why? Did something happen?" Damon sipped his drink. He had been slightly curious as to why she hadn't told him about her birthday and he couldn't let it go any longer.
Bonnie's smile faltered a little as she took a large gulp of her champagne, "Umm, yeah. When I was 16, I had this grand party. My mom and my Grams spent a year planning it. It's a Bennett Family tradition, along with keeping the Bennett name amongst the women…"
"What is up with that?" Damon asked.
"Don't ask," she waved her hand, "anyway, they planned this huge party and there were years of my parents barely keeping it together. They were nice and all to each other, they would act like a married couple in public—but I could always feel the animosity between them. I could see how my mom would get so hurt at my dad and his selfishness with his career and his…persona, I guess you can call it. So on my 16th birthday, his assistant came to the party bringing a gift. She left her cell phone in the kitchen, my mom thought it was hers and let's just say she read some interesting text messages between my dad and his assistant, Melissa. I don't know what happened that day, but my mom snapped. She yelled, she screamed and I was thankful that most of the guests were gone by then—there were still a few around, Elena, Caroline, Matt and some others from school. But it was pretty bad. My dad moved out the next day and headed to DC within a few weeks. I was so angry at him for so many things, hurting my mom, tearing apart our family…hurting me. It was a long time before we could speak again and we didn't really start to bond again until I decided to go to law school."
"Wow…what a birthday."
"Yeah, but new memories and all," Bonnie shrugged.
"So I guess I have to let go being angry that you were just going to let the day past and not tell me?"
"Sorry, I was just happy and content spending the day doing whatever we planned to do," Bonnie stated.
"So should I take back the gift I got you?" Damon asked.
"You didn't have to get me a gift."
"It didn't exactly break the bank, but I hope that you like it," he removed a rectangular box from the pocket in his suit jacket and handed it to her.
"Damon, what is this?"
"Open it."
She flipped open the box and inside was a simple white gold chain with a pendant with the word 'Spark' on it.
"You remember when I said I probably named my plane after you. Wildspark. I wasn't necessarily kidding, you have a spark about you Bonnie that intrigues me. You're beautiful in so many ways. I won't say that I've been a hermit, but what I will say is that this…what we have…is worth it. Your spark inspires me, challenges me and makes believe in the possibilities of us. You are so much more than what I thought you would be and I am sorry for underestimating you," Damon looked at her sincerely.
"Damon, you didn't have to do this," she stared down at the pendant with her eyes watering. It wasn't so much the gift, but the words behind it. It touched her. It made her heart flutter and for the first time in a long time, probably since college, she felt love. She felt it bubbling inside of her chest like butterflies trying to get free. She looked up at Damon and that's when she realized its, she was falling in love with Damon Salvatore.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Their bodies moved in a rhythm as the moon shone brightly in Damon's bedroom. Damon lifted Bonnie up as she faced him as they continued making love. She looked over and caught a glimpse of their bodies moving in sync together while she gripped Damon around his neck as she moved her hips slowly in a circle.
"Oh is that what you learned for your birthday?" Damon chuckled.
"Maybe you didn't deserve it until…now…" Bonnie gasped as he thrust into her almost rendering her speechless as he lowered her down on the bed with his movements quickening. Bonnie felt like she was teetering on the edge of ecstasy as she wrapped her arm around him tighter, she closed her eyes as she felt her orgasm coming and she quickly found herself calling out his name as he did the same, collapsing on top of her. Damon kissed her one last time on the lips before moving to the side, covering his body with the sheet.
"Happy Birthday Bon," he whispered turning to stare at her meeting her emerald eyes that shone brightly.
She stared back at him for a few moments and then she opened her mouth to speak, "I'm falling in love with you," she whispered. As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it. He wasn't supposed to know how she felt. Not this early. Not today. She wasn't ready to admit it to him, but she was floating on a cloud of sex brain and she couldn't exactly think straight.
"Ahh…what did you say Miss Bennett?" Damon asked with a smirk that made her want to slap him.
"Absolutely nothing," she turned away from him.
"Nuh, uh, you don't get to take it back," Damon turned her around, "you said that you are falling in love with me."
"I said lust," she clarified.
"No…no…I have perfect hearing Counselor and I believe I heard love. There's no need to deny it…" he placed his hand on her cheek causing her to look up at him, "because I think I've already fell pretty damn far for you, Bonnie."
She smiled widely, "You have made this a very good birthday."
"And I'm not done," he whispered settling on top of her lacing his hands through hers.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Bonnie breezed into the Mystic Grille looking around for Elena and Caroline. After her birthday two days previously, she had been boggled down in work. The firm assigned five more cases to her list and she had been busy doing work on them. She was starting to get her rhythm back. However, there was the forensic investigation report that crept up sometimes in her mind when she was with Damon. She hadn't read it and she hadn't decided if she would read it and confront Tyler. If Alan signed off on the forensic accountant's report without any input from Bonnie and after reading Fred's report, there was something in that report that he didn't like and that meant, that it was definitely something that could blow their case apart.
"Bonnie, are you ok? You don't look well," Elena brought her out of her thoughts.
"No, I'm ok. I'm just coming to the end of this case and it's just taking a lot of me. The partners are on my ass and its just becoming a bit much, that's all. I'm tired and it's just getting to me that's all."
"Aww Bon, it's almost over right?" Caroline frowned.
Bonnie took a deep breath, "Hopefully, the settlement is pretty much done and we have a court date in a couple of days, so it will be over by then."
"Good and then you will be partner and everything will be perfect," Caroline smiled encouraging Elena to join her and Elena eventually did.
"Perfect, right…"
Caroline looked around and then her face changed into a frown, "Your night is about to get a little worse," she mumbled into her wine glass.
"What…why?" Bonnie turned around to see Kol walking in with Alaric, one of the other detectives in the Mystic Falls Police Department and immediately her heart fell. Kol was definitely not who she wanted to see today. His eyes met hers and he made a beeline over to their table.
"Hello Ladies," he smiled sticking his hands in his pockets. It was a nervous tick he had when he was either unsure of a situation or he was lying.
"Kol," Caroline and Elena answered in unison with a lack of emotion.
"Hi Kol," Bonnie greeted him.
"Is this the monthly dinner that you ladies have. I remember how you three would get together, talk about your men and drink wine…still doing that huh?"
"Kol, can we help you with anything?" Elena asked tiredly.
His eyebrows narrowed. He wasn't used to Elena acting like this towards him, "Wow…ok, didn't realize that we couldn't be cordial."
"Not after you cheated on Bonnie with the whore in the police station," Caroline hissed, "and why don't you stop coming around, Bonnie has a new man and he doesn't particularly want you buzzing around."
Bonnie's ahead whipped around to face Caroline. While that was true, she didn't exactly want Kol knowing anything about it.
"Oh Bonnie, didn't realize you were attached to anyone," he focused on her.
"A lot of time has passed," she answered.
"I see…well you three have a great dinner, see you around Bonnie," he stated coldly turning on his heels and walking away.
"Caroline!" Bonnie whispered lowly.
"Hey, I needed to say something to get him away from you and another man will always do the trick," she shrugged.
"Thanks," Bonnie deadpanned as her phone beeped on the table. Come see me at the office-Damon
She quickly texted back, At dinner with the girls, maybe another hour and a half?
I will be here, he answered.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Damon finished drafting a motion for one of his upcoming custody cases. It was a nasty one, but he was sure he would win. The father was a real bastard and had spent maybe 1 hour a day with the kid since it's birth. It was one of the cases that he loved and hated, family law always put a drain on him. It wasn't as if he got emotionally connected to the cases; he just hated that sometimes it never seemed to end.
"Knock, knock," Bonnie smiled coming into the office, "Rosa's gone for the day, so I thought I would just come on in."
"It's fine, I was just filing a motion…" Damon tapped a few more keys and then grinned, "and I'm done," he stood up from his desk smiling at her.
Bonnie drunk Damon in, his suit jacket was slung across one of the guest chairs in his office, his tie was loosened and he had his sleeves rolled up. There was never a time before this that she found him sexier than at that very moment. She had a smile on her face and Damon raised an eyebrow, "What's going on?"
"Nothing, I was just admiring the view," she walked over to him.
"Oh me?" he asked picking up the remote to lower the blinds in his office.
"Yes you," she smiled placing her hands onto his chest and gazing up at him.
"You have that twinkle in your eye, did you have a nice dinner with Elena and Caroline?"
She nodded, "Yes, it was a good dinner."
"I didn't eat at all," Damon frowned.
"Oh really?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Nope, but then again…I'm not really hungry, but I think you can help me build up an appetite," he held onto her hand as he backed up taking a seat in his chair, pulling her down to sit facing him with her legs resting on each side of him.
"Oh really, how do you think I can do that?" she whispered while he slowly worked her suit jacket off throwing it on the floor.
His hands worked their way up to her round bottom and he squeezed, "I…uh…think there's a few ways," he stated huskily before kissing her. The kiss was slow at first and then it picked up intensity, clothes and buttons started flying around the office with Bonnie shimmying out of her panties and settling onto Damon's lap, the sound that he made when she lowered herself onto him was one that made her want to go faster. All of the emotion, passion and attraction that they'd felt over the last couple of months culminated in this moment. She gripped onto him as he whispered in her ear promises and affirmations. He gripped onto her, "You're driving me crazy Bennett."
"Sometimes crazy is good," she answered.
Two Months Before Damon's Arrest
"Allison, I have to go down to the 7th floor for an emergency meeting, I will be back in about an hour and a half. Can you please monitor the phone, Judge Johnson's clerk is supposed to call with a time for our hearing tomorrow for the Lockwood divorce," Bonnie checking her blackberry heading out of her office.
"Yes, Bonnie," Allison glanced up from her phone for a quick second causing Bonnie to roll her eyes and sigh before getting on the elevator.
Five minutes later, the elevator doors opened and two black boots stepped off making a beeline for Bonnie's office door, "Good afternoon."
The blond haired assistant looked up and smiled, "Hi."
"Hey, is Bonnie around?"
"No actually Miss Bennett is in a meeting…can I help you?" she asked leaning back in her chair checking out the dark-haired man in front of her.
"I was wondering if I could leave these in her office as a surprise," he tipped the red roses towards her, "a belated birthday gift. I was out of town and I wanted to make it up to her."
"Oh…I don't know. Bonnie doesn't like anyone in her office while she's not here. I can take them for you."
"Well I kinda wanted to write her a note, you know. A nice one…you know how it goes," he winked at her.
"Umm…well…ok, I'm stepping out to lunch so if anyone asks who let you in, it wasn't me…ok," Allison grabbed her purse.
"Of course, you can trust me…I have a badge," he gestured towards his hip where his badge shone brightly.
Allison's eyes lit up, "Oh…ok," she grinned standing up from her chair and heading away from the office.
Kol smiled as he headed into Bonnie's office. He had visited her at her office plenty of times before, but this time was different. After seeing her in the Mystic Grille and finding out about her new relationship; he realized he needed to do something more to let her know that he was still interested and loved her. Kol walked over to her desk placing the roses across the keyboard and sat down at her desk to write a quick note, when he noticed a file labeled 'Lockwood Investigation Report'. He was well aware that the Lockwood divorce was the case she was working on with that new hot shot lawyer that all of the women in the courthouse were after. Damon Salvatore. The one that Bonnie had been seen at lunch with over the last couple of days. He picked up a pen and began to write his note, when a cell phone vibrated by his arm and he noticed it was Bonnie's iPhone. He glanced at it and saw the message 'Send me a picture, I'm in court completely bored…' it read. The name attached to the message was D.S. Kol's eyes went wide as a feeling of complete anger and jealously washed over him. He grabbed the phone and keyed in Bonnie's passcode as he remembered it and that's when he saw Mr. Blue Eyes staring right back at him. His finger swept up and he began to read. The text messages between the two…explicit…funny…encouraging…loving. Pictures exchanged. His jaw clenched as he quickly wrote down Damon's cell phone number and then looked over at the Lockwood case file on her desk.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Bonnie walked into the conference room on the 7th floor and she felt uneasy about the entire meeting. When she opened the door and saw Alan, Tyler and Barbara, one of the other partners, she knew that what this meeting was about.
"Welcome Bonnie, please take a seat," Alan smiled causing Bonnie to be even more uneasy.
She sat across from Tyler who looked back at her with a smirk across his face.
"Bonnie, we understand that you will be meeting with Judge Johnson tomorrow morning to discuss the divorce settlement," Barbara spoke up.
"Yes."
"And we also know that you've had some uneasiness about the forensic accountant's report and the one that Frederick completed, correct?" Barbara continued.
Bonnie smiled, "I only have some uneasiness because the report was signed off without my knowledge."
Alan chuckled along with Tyler, "I didn't realize that my words were humorous," Bonnie looked over at Alan and then at Tyler, "Tyler, does the report contain information that you didn't declare in the filings?"
Tyler shrugged.
"Bonnie, all that matters is that we signed off on the forensic accountant's report that stated the filings were accurate and truthful…which they were," Alan spoke up.
"But if we knowingly lied or misled the court or the opposing party…"
"Bonnie, this is a non issue and you know this. You are an associate here, not a partner. You don't call the shots, we do and we are telling you to do your job the way we tell you to and that's to present the settlement," Alan looked at her unflinchingly.
Bonnie stared daggers across the table at the blank faces in front of her, "Anything else?" she stated in an even tone.
"Nothing else," Alan answered.
Bonnie stood up from the conference room table and walked out of the room with a feeling of unmitigated fury taking over her. She marched towards the elevators slamming her hand against the button. She stepped onto the elevator and breathed deeply trying to keep the burn in her throat from overtaking her. Her eyes were filling with tears and she blinked rapidly to keep them from falling. She felt as if the walls were closing in on her as the elevator doors opened. It was at that moment that she realized that she had been an idiot. Maybe the finances that Tyler reported were correct, but there had to be something else. Something that he hadn't told anyone. She took off running towards her office. She breezed into her office and searched her desk for the Lockwood case file. She had it on her desk before she went to the meeting. Bonnie picked up the stacks of papers on her desk and the report was nowhere to be found. She picked up her phone and dialed Frederick, "Hello, you've reached Frederick Anderson…I am out of the office and will not return until…" Bonnie slammed down the phone. She plopped down in her chair searching all of her drawers for that report.
BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD
Damon walked out of Courtroom 660 as his phone began to beep rapidly. He fished it out of his jacket pocket and saw that he received 10 messages from a number he didn't recognize. He slid the message to the right and the first text message popped up, 'She's been lying to you…using you…' the message stated and below those words was a picture…a picture of a white sheet of paper and it read 'Forensic Investigation Report for Tyler Lockwood Assets, Completed by Frederick Armstrong on 9/2'.
Well…let's just say that someone is screwed and not in a good way. The unraveling begins…
If you are still reading, if you are enjoying please let me know and share your interest. I appreciate your comments, theories and support.