A/N: I've been holding on to this chapter hoping it would give me more but, Damon and Elena were determined. Here you go.
Many thanks to Reilly Black and I. love. being. loved. by. you. for all their help. I wouldn't have made it without you both.
Chapter 4 - Now
Moments or hours later the desperate need fades to a slow burn. Grasping his collar I drag the jacket off his shoulders, drawing him forward to slide it down his arms, before whisking it aside to land on a chair. Moving my gaze to his face, I let my hands trace its contours. A shadow of a beard brushes against my palms. Somehow, it lends Damon a more rakish demeanor, something I didn't think possible. His quiet smile as I take in the sight of him reminds me so clearly of the first morning we spent in his bed. Happy. Peaceful. A truly rare and precious sight.
Damon draws me from my scrutiny with, "I'm sorry, Elena."
I'm puzzled for a moment, "For what, exactly?"
Placing his hands over mine, he gives me a serious look. "For hurting you."
"Damon…" A whispered protest as I stroke his jaw line soothingly. "Don't do that. You're here now. Nothing else matters."
Feeling the need to lighten the mood, I tease, "Besides, I knew you'd give in eventually. You find me irresistible."
A sharp laugh erupts from his throat. "Irresistible, huh? I thought that was my line." An intense smolder renders me breathless. "Maybe you could be… enticing?" Trailing his palms lightly up my arms. He pauses, as if considering, before he utters his next words. "Possibly, alluring?" His thumbs skim over the straps of my tank top. "Desirable?" The graze of his fingers runs a shiver down my spine, as my favorite knowing smile grows on his lips.
"Desirable, hmm? I can live with that." I lean back, giving him direct, passion-filled eyes. His darken with hunger and I find myself looking up at his face. The couch stretches out beneath us, as he hovers over my now supine form. My knees cradle his hips. Warm hands hold me to him at waist and throat, as my hands cling to his neck and thread into his hair. He lingers, a mere inch away, hot breath caressing my lips. I stare, in growing anticipation, as he closes the distance. The tip of his tongue appears to moisten his parted lips.
He's suddenly rigid in my arms. All the teasing is gone, replaced by a look of naked desperation and love that strips away all my careful plans. I can see the question written in his clear, blue eyes. I know precisely what he needs from me.
Now. He's ready now.
"I love you, Damon."