Edited by the wonderful klovec
.
.
.
.
.
.
Caroline sank into warmth. It shimmied over her skin, cocooning her against the horrors of her nightmare. Safe in her bed with Elena asleep next to her, she tried to delay waking up. Heat surrounded her, coaxing from her a quiet peacefulness, like that of being home. She didn't wish this sense of contentment to ever end. To her dismay, the harder she fought, the more wakeful she became.
Heated bands of warmth tightened around her. She snuggled into them, enjoying the comfort that remained of her dream state. Only it couldn't last. She had too much to do. A visit to Elijah, another soul to save before the Devil came.
Her eyelids snapped open.
Klaus stared back at her.
With a shriek, her heartbeat raced into a gallop. Scrambling from his arms, she flew backwards to the edge of the bed and landed on her feet. Her tattered gown started to fall and with a small cry she gathered it at her shoulder. Without looking to see if he followed, she ran towards a gold door centered in a paneled wall.
"I wouldn't, love."
She reached for the handle.
"Don't risk my patience. I have been very kind to you so far."
Chest heaving, Caroline paused. "Kind? You call your behavior kind?" She whirled around to face him. He lay sprawled out on a magnificent four poster bed, draped in dark silk. His head lay on his hand, his fingers in his short curly hair and his eyes, they held the stark blue of the ocean within them. Once again, his beauty struck her. How evil could mask itself in such a tempting form.
Her dress fell from her shoulder and she tied the two ends in a knot to keep them in place. "You have stolen my name, used it to trap me and done horrible, sinful things to me."
"Sinful things that you eagerly participated in. Or was it someone else that kissed me?"
His mocking tone brought blood rushing into her cheeks.
"That was the blood rose in the room. Its scent forced me to do things."
"I have already told you. It does nothing except bring out the desires already within."
Caroline bristled. "I am an Angel of Heaven. I don't desire kisses or intimate contact."
"You lie," he said, his voice flat. "
The accusation shook her. Did she lie? Had she wanted his kisses?
Klaus rose from the bed, taking advantage of her muddled thoughts to join her at the door.
His looming presence shadowed her, waking her from self recriminations. He was so close, his scent surrounded her, manly mixed with magic and something even darker she feared to acknowledge. Her breath died in her lungs and she grabbed the door handle. Rattling it. Free. She would be free. The door started to swing open and her mind screamed at her to run.
She didn't even get a chance to take a step forward before it slammed in her face.
"Don't try that again," Klaus growled, stepping in front of the door.
"You can't keep me a prisoner. I guarantee they are already looking for me and when they find me - which they will, you will face Heaven's wrath." She squared her shoulders, tugged her sagging gown further up over her breasts and backed away from him.
"Do you even know where you are, sweetheart?"
"I - I..." she hesitated and looked around. Black marble flecked in gold lay under her feet, a fire roared in a massive stone fireplace in the corner and various pieces of elegant furniture decorated the room. Paintings with vibrant jewel tone colors hung from gilt frames on the walls. Towards the back of the room was the terrifying bed. The one she woke from, his arms around her. She ripped her gaze from it with a sharp inhale.
"You don't know, do you?"
A pleased, triumphant air radiated from the Devil. It made her mouth go dry. She knew wherever she was, her chances of escape must be very slim for him to be so confident.
"It doesn't matter." She shrugged, faking nonchalance. "They will find me and you will be sent back to Hell where your kind of vermin belong.
His eyes sparkled with mirth and a low chuckle rumbled from deep in his throat. "Don't you sense it?"
Caroline frowned. Her insult didn't even faze him. A flicker of dread sparked to life in her belly. "Sense what?"
"Close your eyes, Caroline." He advanced towards her, until he stood directly in front of her.
"I don't want to kiss you. So don't even try."
A flash of something dark gleamed in his eyes, only to disappear quickly as it appeared. "You will." He tugged one of the loose curls that lay on her breast, bringing her face close to his. His breath fanned over her cheek and she stilled, her heart ceasing even to beat. Heat flared under her skin and her mouth went dry. His lips feathered over one corner of her mouth, a butterfly touch that sent her insides fluttering. "In time, you will beg for them." He moved to press his lips to the other side of her mouth. His body pressed against hers, hardness to softness and she stiffened, denying the urge to sway into him. His hips rocked against her gently, one of his hands lowering behind her back to move her even closer against him. She must have sighed, made a sound because he smiled against her lips. "You will cry out for the release that only I can give you. For me to spread your pretty white thighs and fuck you."
She sucked in a shocked breath of air. To her shame, heat flared low in her core, his words sending tingling sensations to every one of her nerve endings. What was wrong with her? She tried and failed to smell blood roses in the air. Tears welled in her eyes.
Klaus released her curl to circle his body behind her. His hands slid up her bare arms, leaving goose bumps in his wake. She tried to flee, but he moved tight against her. "Close your eyes," he whispered in her ear.
Caroline shook her head.
"Are you always this stubborn?"
"Only with you," she shot back.
"Good. It pleases me."
Speech failed her and he took the opportunity to stroke his hands upwards from her shoulders to cover her eyes. She had no choice. Her eyelids shuttered.
"Let your mind go blank."
Caroline pared her thoughts down. Only, she couldn't rid herself of all of them. Not with the Devil against her back, not when she could feel every one of of his sinewy muscles through her gown. His body seared into hers, sending her pulse thundering in her ears.
"What is the first thing you sense?"
A flash of white light surrounded her and she embraced it. It flowed inside and out of her, finding and washing away the grayness that tinged her aura. Only, with each stain it removed the light within her seemed to dim until it flickered like a candle placed in a gust of wind. Darkness crept close, moving up her body until she floated in a starless sky. It sapped her strength, paralyzing her. Red hazed her vision and fire burst around her, it nipped at her, tongues of crimson that wrapped like vines around her. She was drowning, suffocating in the flames of Hellfire.
Caroline's eyes flew open, horror bringing her to her knees on the floor. She gasped, panic swelling her lungs so tight, she couldn't draw a breath. Tears ran down her face and sickness flooded her stomach. "You've brought me to Hell."
"Yes. I've brought you home," he purred.
Her prayers fell like ash from her mouth, disintegrating to dust on the marble floor.
Klaus kneeled before her and Caroline attempted to scurry away, only to be grasped and pulled into his arms. Her tears turned to sobs.
"Don't cry, love." He smoothed circles on her back, attempting to soothe her. "Please me and I promise I will be good to you. Haven't I shown you mercy?"
Caroline cried harder, her tears soaking his shoulder. He brought her to Hell, stealing her from home, from everything in the world that made her happy. She cracked, her fists beating at his chest.
"Caroline...shhh."
She pummeled her rage at him and he didn't move, holding her even tighter in a loving embrace. Seconds turned to minutes and still she continued to grieve.
"That's enough crying." Klaus caught her thin wrists in his hands, stopping her assault of him. "You will make yourself sick."
"What do I care? I would rather be sick than forced to be your whore," Caroline retorted, her vulgarity surprising her.
The lines around his eyes hardened. "I have honored you above all other's."
"It is an honor I don't want!"
He released her fists, to grip her chin in his hands, forcing her to look at him. "It is an honor you shall bear. And if I wish it, you shall be at my side for all of eternity."
Caroline yanked her head from his grasp and laughed. She laughed until she cried again. "An Original Devil with one of the Holiest's own Angels as his mistress. You're insane. It will never be allowed. You will force the Divine's hand."
"Insane or not, you remain here until I tire of you. God be damned. I will live by my own desires."
Her hand went to her mouth at his oath. "You shouldn't speak such things."
It was his turn to laugh. "Why? Your God forsook you the moment I laid eyes on you. There will be no saving you now." Klaus smiled, cruel satisfaction in the curve of his mouth. "You should never have involved yourself in the stealing of souls that didn't belong to you. Maybe then you would still be free."
"I did Holy work. Orders from the Divine to save those who would repent."
"Those souls belonged to Hell."
"They repented," she argued. "That means they should have a chance at Heaven."
Klaus stood to his feet and held his hand out for her to join him. "You cleansed from them sins that made them mine."
Caroline ignored his effort to help her up and stared at him, trying to understand the sequel of events that led her here. "Then my capture is justice? Someone must pay for taking what belongs to you and that is me?"
He stared at her, his gaze heating a tingling path from her bare toes, to linger over her hips and breasts before stopping at her face. Caroline tugged at her gown, trying to hide as much of herself as she could. She could only guess what a mess she looked, her hair falling over her in snarled curls, her white angelic gown bloodstained, ripped and knotted at her shoulder.
"If only it were that simple." His voice roughened and his eyes shone with hunger.
"Please. It can still be. Let me go," she coaxed.
"Don't ask again, sweetheart. I would hate to have to punish you."
Rivulets of fear trickled through her veins. She couldn't tell if the idea pleased or angered him from the way his gaze continued to linger over her.
"Let's start over, shall we?" Klaus smiled and strode over to a white, linen covered table on which sat what looked like a wine bottle and several crystal goblets. "You will let me give you a drink and we shall introduce ourselves properly to each other."
Caroline wondered at this new madness of his.
"You will enjoy this." He popped the cork on the bottle and poured the dark, red liquid into two crystal goblets. "My family has the only recipe that exists for brimstone wine. It is one of the luxuries to be found and made here in Hell. There is nothing like it in all the world."
"I don't partake of alcohol."
"Such rudeness. See, now is that the best way to start our new friendship? I expect better." He waved a full goblet at her. "Come here."
A command she didn't dare disobey. With wobbly legs she stood up and walked towards him.
"Try this. You will like it."
Caroline took the sharp, crystal glass in her hand. The brimstone drink swirled against the edges of the goblet. Dark as blood, it had the consistency and thickness of a fine wine.
"I know we haven't been properly introduced but I am Niklaus Mikaelson of the Original Family, Prince of Darkness and heir to the throne of Hell." He took a sip of his wine, then looked to her expectantly, waiting.
Her grip on the wine glass tightened until it felt like it might crack. He was heir to the throne. Not just a Devil, or a member of the Original Family, but the one in line to be King. King of evil, king of everything cruel and sinful. She would have swooned to the floor if not for the rage and frustration already clouding his expression at her refusal to partake in this charade.
She cleared her throat. "Caroline. I am Caroline, one of the Divine's Anointed Angel's," she couldn't help adding, hoping the title would force him to see the insanity in her capture.
"Was that so hard, love? See we can be pleasant with one another." He took another drink of his wine and motioned for her to do the same.
Caroline lifted the goblet to her lips. She took a sip, letting the slightly dry, sweet liquid sit on her tongue before swallowing. It hit her then, the fire. The wine burned a path down her throat, flushing her with heat. She coughed and sputtered, the liquid racing like quicksilver into her stomach. It hummed in her veins, pounded in her heart and throbbed directly into her soul. A weightlessness filled her and she trembled.
Klaus chuckled. "The first time always hits you hard. By the second glass you will know no pain and by the third you will enjoy brimstone more than any other drink."
Her vision clouded slightly for a second. This was more intoxicating than sugar in tea and very dangerous. Just like him. She needed to get away. There must be someone sane she could appeal to. Someone who would recognize how wrong having her in Hell was. Her gaze roved the room, looking for some kind of weapon. Ensconced in such luxurious conditions she could find nothing of use.
"How do you like the wine?"
"Strong. You are right. It is like nothing I have ever tasted." She looked towards the door, calculated how fast she could reach it if she ran now.
"I want to talk about you." He took another sip of his drink, drawing her attention back to him and smiled charmingly at her. "What are your hopes and dreams?"
Klaus waited her her to answer and she looked down at the bottle on the table.
"Take a chance, talk to me, get to know me. I dare you."
It struck her like lightning, the obvious solution. She returned his smile, tossed her hair. "I am too smart to be seduced by you." She pretended to take another drink of the wine.
His eyes sparkled and he finished what remained in his goblet. "That's why I like you."
Caroline smiled at his light flirtation. "Are there any other reasons you like me?" She set her glass down and picked up the bottle of brimstone wine and walked closer to him. His gaze followed her movements, his eyes darkening with pleasure when she leaned over him to refill his glass.
"Several," he murmured, his voice husky. He picked up his goblet to take a drink.
She didn't hesitate, swinging her arm back, she struck him in the head with the brimstone wine bottle. The bottle thudded, shattered in her hand and she ran.
"Caroline!" he roared.
Heart bursted through her chest, her pulse screaming in her head while her bare feet slipped over the marble floor. Reaching the golden door she flung it open. A wall of cool air hit her. She almost paused, but Klaus's footsteps behind her gave her the rush of speed she needed. Looking both ways in the corridor she chose the left and ran straight smack into another body. Caroline slumped to her knees on the ground.
"What in Hellfire do we have here?" Said a very cool, composed female voice in front of her.
Caroline looked up to find one one of the most stunning women she ever saw. Blond hair pulled into a chignon, icy blue eyes in a delicate, sculpted face. Her navy blue gown gown with silver embroidery complimented her coloring and figure to perfection. Someone with dark hair coughed and stepped out from behind her. It was another female in a black dress with a white servant's apron. She carried what appeared to be a pile of clothing.
"Rebekah."
At Klaus' hard tone, Caroline's stomach plummeted to her feet. Fear deflated her courage and she closed her eyes in defeat.
"Nik," Rebekah cooed. "How fortunate. I was just on my way to see you when your little project ran right into me. Almost threw me to the floor. Thankfully, it seems you have already taught her what her place is."
Caroline's head flew upwards, very much aware of the woman's hidden meaning. "An Angel never belongs at the feet of anyone but the Divine."
She scrambled to stand up and promptly found herself with Klaus's arm around her waist, tugging her towards his rooms.
"I apologize on her behalf. Now if you don't mind we have business to attend to."
Rebekah smiled at them, her amusement at the situation obvious in the laughter barely hidden in her eyes. "No need to apologize. I am quite sure you have the most urgent of business to take care of, but before you do you must accept my help."
"Help?" Klaus bit out.
"Yes, and it seems the sooner the better." Rebekah narrowed her eyes at Klaus. "You're dripping" She delicately sniffed the air. "And is that brimstone wine I smell? Did you decide to bathe in the stuff?"
"That is none of your affair."
"What did your little Angel do to you?"
Tired of being discussed like she wasn't present, Caroline spoke up, "I broke a bottle on his head." Klaus' fingers dug into her waist and she flinched.
For the first time, Rebekah focused on her. Caroline expected a reprimand, a sound of anger from the woman. Instead, Rebekah burst into laughter.
"It's not that funny," Klaus said between clenched teeth.
Rebekah laughed even louder, her hands holding her sides. "Yes - yes it is."
"That enough. Now, if you will excuse me, I have plans."
"I'm sure you do," Rebekah said with one last laugh before focusing again on Caroline. She smiled, her gaze sharpening while she dissected every aspect of Caroline appearance. Feeling like she had failed some kind of inspection, Caroline lifted her head proudly, while attempting to straighten what remained of her bloody, ripped dress.
"How thick headed are you, Nik?" Rebekah asked, tsking under her breath and clearly not expecting an answer.
"Rebekah."
The curt threat in the way he said her name, and the lack of affect it had on the woman surprised Caroline.
"Fine. I will be quick, so you can get back to whatever plans it was you had." Rebekah gestured to the woman Caroline assumed was the servant cringing fearfully next to her. "As usual, it seems you have not completely thought out your plans. Good thing, you have my help."
"I don't need your help."
Once more, Rebekah ignored his threat. "I had Margaretha assemble a few gowns for your guest."
"That is not necessary. I will provide what Caroline needs."
Rebekah eyed Caroline up and down again in disdain. "And, you are certainly doing a good job of that."
"I don't want you meddling in this."
"It is far to late for that, don't you think?"
"I have already engaged Dimina's help with that. "
"You will have her looking like a hag. The woman has no fashion sense whatsoever. Besides it is just a few gowns. You can't wish for her to walk around like that." Rebekah looked at Caroline. "Tell him you wish to have the gowns. He won't refuse."
Klaus ground his teeth together.
"Caroline, tell him you don't want to run around looking like an car accident victim." Rebekah tapped her foot on the floor, waiting impatiently for an answer.
Surprise shook Caroline. This woman knew her name. The one thing that was most precious and holy to all Angels.
"Which by the way, is not the way to woo a woman. Caroline, answer me." Rebekah slowed her speech. "You want the pretty dresses, don't you?"
"I am not a child, Rebekah," Caroline retorted, using the woman's name to put them on equal footing. She might be a prisoner and stuck in Hell, but she refused to be condescended to. "Of course, I would prefer clothing that isn't stained and falling apart."
"See!" Rebekah smirked coyly at Klaus. "I knew she would want them." She walked towards Klaus' chambers, her servant following. "We really should get out of the hallway. What will people think if they see her like that? It won't do at all."
Caroline looked up at Klaus, he looked like he had been hit by an unexpected hurricane. For a moment, she worried he would refuse. She wanted to say something, to beg to be allowed to change into something hopefully more appropriate. Thankfully, she didn't have to. With an exasperated sigh, he tugged her towards his rooms.
Rebekah eyed the room as if looking for something. She must have found it because she stalked towards a large mirror on the far wall. Two plush, tapestried chairs sat nearby. "Set the gowns there." She pointed at the nearest chair. Her servant rushed to obey. "Nik, you should really get cleaned up."
Klaus started to protest.
"Don't worry. Caroline will be safe with me. She is not going to go anywhere." Rebekah turned to stare hard at Caroline. "Are you?"
Caroline looked to Klaus, he seemed about to hesitate. She couldn't let this opportunity pass. "I will stay here."
Rebekah's nodded at her approvingly. "See, I told you." She waved her hands at Klaus. "Now shoo and let us girls have a moment."
"Fine," he practically spat. Letting go of Caroline's waist, he cupped her chin and leaned in to murmur, "I am not an Angel like you, sweetheart. My forgiveness must be earned. And earn it you will."
Caroline shivered at the warning. A threat wrapped in a sinful promise of seduction.
Releasing her, Klaus strode to the opposite side of the room, disappearing behind a hidden door in the wall she had not noticed before.
"Come, Caroline." Rebekah motioned her forward with barely contained impatience. "Stand in front of the mirror."
With trepidation she did as told. She looked nearly white, her blue eyes stark in her face. Her smooth curls hung in tangles and her Angelic dress would never be pure again. It would be forever tainted in blood. A knot formed in her throat.
"I knew you were blonde so I guessed what colors would look best on you." Rebekah rummaged among the dresses on the chair. "I had Margaretha make up one in green, red and yellow. Which color would you prefer?"
Caroline swallowed dryly. "White. I have never worn anything but white."
"How excruciatingly boring. Then this will be a treat for you." Rebekah held out the red one. "This would look look nice, bring out the pink in your cheeks."
Made of fabric the color of blood roses, it made Caroline sick to her stomach. She shook her head.
"Maybe you are right. It is a bit bold. It is probably more fitting for a party." Rebekah turned her attention to the green one. "This will do. It will bring out the color in your eyes. Plus, it is more understated." She waved Margaretha forward and handed her the dress. "Now, let's get you out of that rag."
Caroline's hands shook while she untied the knot at her shoulder. The gown might be unsalvageable, but it tied her to her home. Removing it sliced a wound in her heart.
"Come, come. This isn't a strip tease." Rebekah rolled her eyes and turned her back to Caroline. "Just take it off. I won't look. Margaretha will help you into the dress.
The slip of muslin slid to the floor in a puddle. Caroline avoided looking at her nude body in the mirror. She didn't dare. She already walked the fine edge of vanity by replacing her gown and caring what she looked like. She stepped quickly into the gown Margaretha held out to her. The smooth satin whispered coolly over her skin. It felt unlike anything she ever experienced. Her Angelic gowns were made of muslin and while it wasn't rough, this fabric slid over her body like a caress.
"Margaretha, do up the back for her." Rebekah now faced her, walking to stand next to her in front of the mirror. "Hold your breath, Caroline. It has a built in corset."
Caroline didn't get a chance. The gown tightened around her, shoving the air right from her lungs. It must have laces of some type, because the servant kept pulling at the back of her dress, squeezing everything into place until she reached her waist.
Rebekah clapped her hands together, clearly pleased.
"I can't breathe," Caroline murmured, pressing her hands to her chest.
"You will get used to it." Rebekah shrugged. "Besides look at what it does to your figure in the mirror."
Having avoided looking at her reflection, Caroline wished to continue to abstain. Unfortunately, her curiosity won out over strength of will. She stared into the mirror. The reflection that looked back at her was a stranger to her. The green of the gown contrasted with the gold in her hair and gave her eyes the color of the sea. It fit like a glove, smoothing and tightening all of her curves. Her breasts were pushed high and the tops peeped out from the décolleté. The satin gown held no decoration, only sleek folds of fabric that billowed to a full skirt. She no longer resembled an Angel in any way and she wanted to cry.
"You will do. But we have to do something with your hair." Rebekah turned to Margaretha. "Go get one of Nik's brushes." The servant shrank back in fear at the request. "Oh. Please. He will not mind. Now go."
Margaretha scooted across the room, coming back with the requested brush. Ivory handled and trimmed in mother of pearl with fine bristles it was as exotic and luxurious as everything else the Devil owned.
Rebekah pointed at Caroline with a sigh and the servant rushed todo her bidding. Lifting Caroline's hair in her hands Margaretha began to pull the brush through her curls.
Memories of Elena brushing her hair assaulted Caroline and she welcomed the painful tugs on her hair. Anything to not focus on the misery in her heart.
"Now that I have seen you, I can have Margaretha create a wardrobe for you."
"That isn't necessary. The one dress is fine."
Rebekah pouted. "Don't be ridiculous. You will need clothes if you are to be at Nik's side. Besides it will give me something to do."
A wisp of wistfulness clouded her petulant tone. Caroline gazed at the woman's reflection in the mirror. Beautiful as she was, she carried within her eyes a heaviness of spirit. Caroline wondered if she could reach it, get her to understand and help her plight.
"Please." Caroline turned to Rebekah, Margaretha having finished her hair. "You have to help me escape. I am an Angel of the Divine. What Klaus has done in capturing me is an abomination and perversion of Heaven's rules. You must see that?"
"My brother has never never been one to follow the rules. I think he actually takes delight in flaunting them."
"You're - you're his sister?"
Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Of course. Who else would I be?"
"Then you can understand why you have to help me escape. When they realize what your brother has done, there will be repercussions. He will be punished."
"I would like to see them try," Rebekah replied with a short laugh.
Caroline walked towards Klaus's sister, letting her eyes show her desperation. "I am begging you. Free me, before it is too late."
"You don't get it do you?" Rebekah's mouth twisted into a smirk, much like her brother's. "You are here because I want you to be here. It is my magic that allowed Nik to trap you above and bring you to Hell."
The revelation hit Caroline like a thunderbolt. She tried to speak and nothing came out.
A door opened and Klaus strode into the room. "Are you finished yet? Caroline is not a pretty doll for you to play with."
"Of course she's not," Rebekah retorted. "Or at least I hope not after what you did with the last doll I had." She leaned in to Caroline to share a confidence. "He cut off her head and put it under my pillow to find. I never did locate the body. Brothers are the worst."
Caroline's hand went to her mouth in horror.
"Turn around, Caroline. Show him how perfect my taste is."
Rebekah gave her a little push and Caroline somehow managed to turn.
Klaus stopped in his tracks. His gaze swept over her and his eyes widened with what looked like awe.
Caroline's nervously smoothed her hands over the tight gown, very aware of how low the dress sat over her breasts.
"You look very beautiful." He shook his head, waking from a daze. "Not that you weren't beautiful before."
Rebekah let out a squeal of joy. "I told you that you needed me." She pranced with pride towards her brother and patted him on the arm. "I will leave you two alone to get acquainted. And Nik -"
Klaus turned his head to look at her.
"Be nice."
Rebekah waved a three finger good bye at Caroline and left the room in a rustle of skirts, Margaretha scrambling after her. The door slammed shut and Caroline's heart thudded in fear. She wanted to call to Rebekah to come back, even though she had proven to be an enemy. Anything not to have to be alone with such a monster.
Klaus prowled towards her and she instinctively started to step back, only to stop. Where did she have to go? She couldn't outrun him, couldn't hide from him Puffing her chest with courage, she faced him. A smirk tugged his mouth for a moment, like he guessed her thoughts. He started to circle her and she stood taller, ramrod straight.
"Rebekah has dressed you like a Queen."
Spoken like an observation, Caroline didn't know if he approved or not.
"She likes you." He moved behind her, sweeping her curtain of gold curls away from her shoulder. "I will have Margaretha make you more gowns. Would you like that?"
"I need only the one. I won't be here long."
Klaus buried his face in her neck, chuckling against her skin.
"Are you willing to gamble on that? I would hate for you not to have something to wear if something were to happen to this dress." He fingered the satin at her waist. "It tears easy."
"You may order more - if it pleases you."
"It does. Very much so. I will have Margaretha come later for measurements."
Klaus placed scorching a kiss to her neck and Caroline bit her lip to keep from shivering. She needed to stay in control of her emotions, her sinful reactions to his touches. She needed a plan.
He inhaled deeply of her skin.
"Your smell, it intoxicates me." His hands slid over her hips and she nearly stumbled backwards into him.
"Earlier, you spoke of getting to know me." Caroline turned abruptly to face him, her hands landing between them. She rested them on his muscular chest, creating a barrier between their bodies.
"That was before you broke a bottle on my head."
His flat tone, sent her anxiety spiraling. "Yes, I probably shouldn't have done that."
"Is that your an idea of an apology?"
"No...yes...I don't know." Caroline tilted her head up. "I know what you want from me and it isn't just kisses. You want to...to," she halted, flustered by the thought.
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "I do, love. And I will."
Caroline's held her breath, trying figure out how to formulate her thoughts into words. "Wouldn't it be better if we knew each other? If we had an understanding between us?" She tried to read his features, they were impassive and told her nothing. "I mean...what if it was real?"
Klaus' hands went around her waist, drawing her closer. "My desire for you, the way you kiss me back, your little gasps and sighs when I touch you, that is all real."
She tried to stop the blush already creeping into her cheeks. "Maybe I want to know you."
He tensed and she felt a strange pounding against her hand where his heart lay in his chest. "Your hopes and dreams."
"You don't need to know that for me to take what I want from you," he snarled, slamming his body into hers.
Caroline bit back a cry. His hardness pressed into her and even in her innocence she understood he could take her virginity now, force her to submit to him right here on the floor. Terror nipped at her and she racked her brain for the right thing to say. "You're right. You can force yourself on me. But once it is over, then what? You want a body to relieve your lust? You can get that anywhere. You want me for more than that or you wouldn't have kidnapped me."
"I want nothing but I what I find between your legs. Don't ever believe there is more than that to it."
"Fine, then." Caroline didn't even stop to consider the wisdom of what she was about to do. She could only hope she read things right. Fisting her hand in his shirt she yanked his head to hers and kissed him. This time, it was her turn to control, to tease.
His mouth opened to hers and she didn't hesitate. She tapped into that part of her, the sinful one that she wanted to pretend didn't exist and let her desire take over. Caroline's tongue swept over his, enticing him. She could taste the brimstone wine in his mouth, the dark magic that lay within him and she took it all in. The kiss deepened, became something she couldn't control. Fire thrummed through her, sending vibrations racing in her blood stream. Somehow her hands ended up threaded in his silky curls. Too much. It was all too much and it terrified her.
With a moan, she pulled her mouth from his and lay her head against his neck. She tried to catch her breath. His unique scent surrounded her and it became hard to remember what the plan was, what she needed to say or do next. Her brain, still caught up in the passion of their kiss, refused to thing logically.
Klaus' arms went around her, his hold gentle.
"Let me know you," she whispered. "Let this be real."
His chin rested on her head and she fell further into his embrace. For a moment, she thought she caught a glimpse of peace.
"No matter how beautiful you are I will not allow myself to be made a fool of." Klaus thrust her from him.
Caroline faltered on her feet, nearly falling.
"You seek to play me with your false words and pretended interest in me."
"I'm not pretending." Caroline voice shook, yet she tilted her head and caught his gaze. In his eyes, deep with the abyss gleamed what seemed a yearning. It struck her, cut straight through her manipulation. It forced her to recognize her own cruelty and she tried not to feel anything in her heart for this evil thing.
Klaus advanced on her. "You lie."
His harsh voice shredded her last remaining hopes at delaying the inevitable. There would be no rescue in time to save her. Tears swam in her eyes.
"Don't think I will be swayed by your crying. Not this time."
Caroline covered her face, trying to stop from sobbing. How had this happened to her? Was it her pride, her sins that had brought her to this? Had God forsaken her? Left her to be ravished and punished for her weakness of the flesh?
"Come, love. Don't be shy. Not after that kiss," he purred, tilting her head up.
Her hands fell to her sides, revealing his cruel, smirking face. A red haze blotted Caroline's vision and somewhere deep within something snapped.
"Fine! This is how you want it to be?" She turned and stalked across the room to jump into the bed. Landing in a pile of satin, she didn't bother to straighten her gown. She spread her legs with exaggeration. "Take me then. Force your will on me. But, I promise you, I will hate you with every breath I take. Your kisses and touches, they will mean nothing. I will lay here still as a corpse now and every time you come near me."
Caroline lay her arms at her sides and stared up at the ceiling. Anger surged through her with every beat of her heart.
For once, Klaus said nothing. He didn't even move.
She waited, her flesh pricking with nervousness.
With a growl, he stalked towards the edge of the bed. "Fine. You have a day, maybe two before I bore of this game of yours."
"You will let me get to know you? Make this real between us?" Caroline asked, sitting up in the bed.
He nodded, the movement an angry jerk.
Caroline exhaled, rivers of relief crescendoing in her.
"Rest, now. I will return later."
She noticed he didn't say when he would be back or why he was leaving, but she didn't care. She had been blessed, given the greatest gift of time.
Klaus held out a warning finger. "Don't even try to leave. I am posting guards at the door." Turning on his heel he strode out of the room, the door slamming so hard behind him the walls rattled.
.
.
.
Thanks to everyone who is still here with me. I appreciate your reviews so much. Sorry for any mistakes. I posted this in a bit of a rush.
If you have any questions you can find me on tumblr under my pen name.