The pale light filtering in from the window compliments her gorgeous body. They stumble into his hotel room after spending a long afternoon at the beach. Damon was truly rendered speechless by the sight of her incredible bikini clad body. He can't wait to get his mouth and hands on her ample breasts. Just imagining those curvaceous legs wrapped around his middle does wickedly sinful things to his body.

As soon as he pushes the door shut with her body, he cups her face and drops his mouth to hers, taking her lips in a scorching kiss. After parting, their chests are heaving but they don't waste anymore time, immediately tearing off each other's clothes, her ragged breaths do scandalous things to his body already tortured by desire... for days now.

He's no saint but he's usually not this desperate in his nocturnal adventures either, he can always find a decent woman willing and eager to engage in an occasional one-night stand, no strings attached. But now, he's not even sure what he's doing here, with Elena. His usual caution, rigid control is gone. He completely ignores the little warning voice inside his head, the one that always reminds him to be careful? He feels her hot little fingers slipping into his boxers and fights the urge to just bend her over the closest armchair and have his way with her fast and hard.

"Damon...," he can hear her sighing into his ear, her lips touching it as they move. "I need you..."

He's a goner.

He bends his head to suck on her neck and shoulder and can feel the goose bumps erupting on her skin. She's soft and smells so nice... He practically rips the top of her bathing suit off. His hands slide down immediately, pushing down on her skimpy bottoms to expose her beautifully sculpted behind along the way. The feel of her bare skin against his is exquisite and he falls to his knees helping her to step out of the black string trifle. His face falls forward to breathe her in for a few moments. Everything about her is magnificent. When she urges him upwards, he lifts her in his arms and sits her down on the table, stepping between her legs.

Without pause he enters her and muffles her cry with a deep sensual kiss. He's never known such wildness... or freedom. The primal urges he's feeling are making his head spin as she fills his every sense. He just can't stop and soon he's bending her over the armchair as he imagined earlier. She doesn't complain, holding onto the piece of furniture, biting the back of her hand to stay quiet.

Damon's aware he needs to slow down or all the pleasure will be his and he won't, he can't be selfish with her. His hand slips between her thighs bringing her closer and synchronizing the movement with his hips, teasing her in the process. Her body jerks and he drinks in the sight of her spine arching like a bow. She's not able to stay silent anymore and the sounds she releases pushes him closer to the precipice...

His carnal desire is reaching a fevered pitch inside of him. It's new and glorious and all her. With a change of angle and a few flicks of his skilled fingers, he drags them both over the edge.

After a few moments when their breathing is almost normal and he can feel his limbs again, he helps her straighten up and both of them fall on the bed, exhausted by their intense intercourse.

"You okay?" he watches her curl up next to him.

"I am. More than okay," she smiles sweetly and her eyes shine like stars. "You...?"

Is there a bit of uncertainty? Doesn't she know he's absolutely... blown away by her mere presence, let alone making love? Was it? Making love? He's not sure because he's never felt like this. The thought isn't exactly pleasant but it is what it is, he's not able to change it. So he brings her closer and gives her a kiss on the forehead.

"I am too. You're incredible. Can you stay? I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands to myself for long..."

Elena giggles happily and throws herself onto his chest. "I think you'll have to show me..."

He starts kissing her and... Was that a ring? He scrambles around for his phone trying to shut it up. "Sorry, Elena, I'm going to turn it off..."

"Elena?"

As he slowly comes to his senses he's aware something is very wrong. He's holding his phone and the silence on the other side is deafening.

"Hello?" he tries carefully.

"It's me Damon."

Vanessa. Crap.

"Hey, Ness, I'm sorry about that."

"Well.., you didn't call back last night, I was worried."

Her voice is different, he can tell. Crap. Crap. Crap.

"I'm so so sorry honey, it was a horrible evening. It didn't go well and I had a few drinks..."

Vanessa's immediately full of concern. "Oh, it didn't go well? She doesn't want..?"

"Nope, she wants to talk. I have no idea why but I'm afraid I'm going to have to hear her out. I'm sure she will sign but for now I can't do much, you know? Luckily I have no lecture today so I'll see if she's available to get it over with."

"Alright Damon, I have classes to get to, talk to you later?"

"Yes of course, I'm sorry. I promise I won't forget again?"

He falls back on the pillow once he ends the call, still in shock... how did this actually happen?

After a long sleepless night Elena is feeling a little surly this morning. Having spent so many years with her, Enzo knows her too well, every quirk, every idiosyncrasy, every mood. He's already finishing breakfast when she storms into the kitchen. He must have snuck out of the bedroom when she finally dozed off. When she slams the cupboard door after pulling out a mug, he barely looks at her. She pours herself a cup of coffee and takes a swallow, their eyes meeting when he pulls out his phone and hands it to her.

"What's that for?" Elena asks but still takes the phone and puts it to her ear. "Elena speaking?"

"Hey, Lennie."

Elena sighs and gives Enzo a nasty look. "Mom?"

"I just called to check up on you. Enzo mentioned that you didn't sleep well last night. I wanted to make sure you are alright."

"I am mom. I promise. I'm just overworked and... Well, you know these interviews, promotions and next there will be premieres to attend."

"You should clear your planner and come home for a few days. Ask, no I changed my mind, you tell your manager to arrange it."

She can see her mother's smiling face in her mind and that's all it takes to make her feel better. "I will mom. I'm not going to pay him when all he does is annoy me." She looks at Enzo who feigns offense and knows he once again has her back.

"Alright, baby girl, let me know when you're coming, I'm looking forward to seeing both of you."

"I suppose the weekend will work. Bye mom. And thanks!"

She hands Enzo his phone, walks around the chair he's sitting on and embraces his shoulders from behind. "Thank you..."

Enzo squeezes her hands and nods. No more words are needed.

Feeling the sun bathe his face, Damon slaps his forearm over his eyes. Damn, he forgot to make sure the curtain was closed tightly. Slowly he pulls his arm down and turns his head to glance at the clock on the bedside stand, he must've dozed off again.

He breathes a sigh of relief that he didn't have another erotic dream staring his wife instead of his fiancé. If he had said her name while in bed with Vanessa, he shudders to think what would happen. Lazily he drags himself out of bed. After calling room service to order breakfast, he showers and gets dressed, finishing up just as his food arrives. Knowing what he has to do afterwards, he takes his time eating and enjoying the pot of coffee. Finally he can delay it no longer so he picks up the phone and hits her number. He releases the breath he was holding when she answers.

"Damon?"

"Good morning, Elena."

"No sense beating around the bush, are you free today?" she pauses waiting for his reply.

"I am and I couldn't agree more, we need to get this over with."

"You can come here anytime it suits you, I'm not going anywhere."

She tells him the address and ends the call without delay. Damon already feels irritated, although he can hardly hold her responsible for the erotic dreams he's been having. He suspects they're the primary reason for his rather jumpy mood. Dreams like that aren't exactly the best thing to have on his mind when they need to do some heavy soul-searching. He already anticipates the conversation being brutal.

The taxi takes him to Malibu. When it pulls to a stop at the address she gave him, he's quite stunned by it's grandeur. It's a two story brick laden exterior. He suspects the ocean front view is even more luxurious than what he can see from here. There are huge windows, a three car garage, it's simply opulent, that's the only word that comes to mind. Walking up to the front door, he pushes the bell and waits for a few minutes till the door finally snaps open. Elena in all her glory stands aside and lets him in. He feels strange to say the least, walking through her home, their house, unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't belong here.

The place is big and spacious, the rooms huge. There's a sitting room with a big fireplace, chairs and a table surrounding it. There's a spiral staircase and he's surprised to see a pool table.

"Do you play?" Damon asks, nodding his head towards the pool table.

"A couple of times."

Elena smiles at him. He's simply mesmerized when she smiles like that, it's like falling, arms flailing helplessly as he drops into the looking glass. He takes her hand and leads her over to the table. After handing her a cue, he racks the balls. She gestures for him to go first. With a wink he does so, pocketing two of them before missing his next shot. Damon steps aside so she can have her turn. She promptly runs the table. Knowing that he's been had, he can do nothing but take her in his arms and kiss her senseless.

When he hears his name, he snaps out of his reverie. She points on the left and leads the way through the house to the patio. Of course, there must be a pool. A pool when the Pacific Ocean is just a couple hundred feet away. And then there's Enzo stretched out on one of the lounge chairs, sun glasses and a drink in his right hand.

"Damon."

"Enzo," he tries hard not to let his disgust for this guy show.

Elena looks between the two, knowing full well they would come to blows if she leaves them alone. "I'm going to get something to drink. Damon? Enzo?"

Damon waves his hand, "The usual."

"I'm good," Enzo grimaces, "I'm just leaving." Elena nods and disappears into the house.

Enzo collects his things and gives Damon a mocking salute. "Professor." Damon would gladly give him a 'fuck you' gesture but Enzo would certainly laugh at him so he resists. Elena's back in no time her hands full and when Enzo passes her on his way into the house, he caresses her arm as a show of support. For some reason the gesture makes Damon feel sick inside. Hence he's more abrupt than intended when thanking her for the drink.

He wishes he could just knock it back but he'd already imbibed in a couple before he left the hotel. It would hardly be wise to have this conversation with less than a level head. He casts a stealthy look at her. She's not even nervous.

She hands him his drink and after sitting down herself, she takes a sip and then shifts in her chair so she's facing him. "Who's the lucky girl, Damon?"

Damon's taken aback by the sudden question, although he should have expected it. "Ehm, does it really matter?"

"I suppose not, but she must be extraordinary if she inspired you to pursue another marriage? You're not an impulsive man."

"I wouldn't say that... It's Vanessa. Vanessa Monroe."

"Your assistant?" the surprise in Elena's tone is evident. "Oh, I suppose it makes sense."

For the love of God he can't figure out why it makes sense to her. "Exactly what are you suggesting?"

"Well, she is pretty as well as being a member of the scientific community like you. The two of you have always been thick as thieves and have worked together for years now. It's a natural turn of events given your history with her and of course she adores you. She's a safe choice, I suppose," Elena shrugs, not giving away all of her thoughts on that matter.

Damon snorts, "You can hardly blame me for choosing wisely this time around. And yes, she's been always loyal so..."

"You don't need to explain, I was just curious."

"How have you been?" the question is out before he can give it a thought.

"I've done a few movies and TV appearances, received a Golden Globe for 'Tomorrow'. Have you...?"

Damon shakes his head 'no'.

"It's a...," she hesitates before she continues, "it's a historical romance, taking place in Eastern Europe. World War II to be exact..."

"Ah...hm hm," Damon's not quite sure what to say to this, he didn't see it after all.

"Otherwise we have a new house," she looks around, "we're not done with reconstruction yet.. But neither of us particularly enjoy having people working when we're here so mostly the contractors show up when I'm shooting or on location. Enzo is doing most of the supervising and if we're both gone, then my housekeeper, Angela takes care of it."

"What am I supposed to do with your things?" he blurts out because he can't listen to her small talk for another minute.

"You still have my stuff? Wow." she pauses, taking a long swallow. When she sees him staring at her, she sighs, "You can either throw them away or donate it to the Salvation Army or Good Will, maybe a women's shelter. I would have thought that you would've gotten rid of my belongings years ago."

"They're at the loft somewhere. I just wasn't sure what to do with them, I didn't know if you'd want them or not."

"When I was leaving... I took the things I considered important."

"Of course you did..." Damon mutters under his breath. Elena doesn't seem to be offended though.

"When I left, I thought I was done with it and everything else for good."

"Yes, because it's so much easier to run away than face your problems."

"I was doing you a favor, you wouldn't even look at me after... blaming me for what happened."

"What are you talking about, I didn't blame you for..."

"Really, Damon? Are you sure? Because that's exactly how it looked to me."

Damon wants to tell her she's wrong but the memories are already flooding into his mind and it hurts too much. He can't go there, not again, not after everything. "Why the fuck must we talk about this?"

"Language, professor," she almost smiles but then it starts squeezing her insides, she feels small and smaller and the knot in her stomach tighter and she bites her lip to make it stop. Damon doesn't seem to notice her turmoil and she gets it under control soon. "We... don't have to talk about it now, there was more to it anyway," her voice trails off for a moment as memories again bombard her mind. As soon as she regains her train of thought, she looks at him again. "Why do you think I left you?"

"I don't know, because you wanted to pursue your career? Because you realized that family life... a life with me wasn't enough? What was I supposed to think? We had problems, we had fights, yes, but what couple doesn't? Those things happen and most normal people don't just up and run away when they have a disagreement with their spouse. And then," he gestures all around at the magnificent house, "your smarmy boy toy marches into my house, collects the bags you'd already packed and you just... run away with him?"

"Don't you dare to bring Enzo into it, he had nothing to..."

"He was, is your lover."

"Is that what you thought?"

"He's still here sharing a house with you and I haven't seen my wife for three years. What would you think if the shoe were on the other foot?"

"And it's your business why? You have a fiancé at home lying in wait for the moment I sign the damn papers."

"And why don't you? Elena? There's nothing left in this marriage? It was one big incredibly foolish mistake!"

Elena's taken aback by the venom in his tone. She's sick and tired and beginning to question why she started this or thought it was even necessary.

"There is something left in this marriage... you and me and a pile of unanswered questions."

They won't get anywhere today, he knows. They're both too wounded and agitated to continue this conversation.

"I can't do this anymore. I'm going to go back to my hotel." He gets up and when their eyes meet he's shocked to find a broken look in there. "I'll call you tomorrow. I have lectures in and around LA for the next two weeks. I hope it's enough for you to be satisfied."

It's harsh, but he can't play nice now. All she has to do is sign and then they'll never have to see each other again. He doesn't wait for her to show him to the door. He quickly throws back his drink, slams it down on the patio table and goes back into the house, meandering his way through it till he finds the front door. On the way he calls a cab and nods to Enzo when he sees him sitting at the kitchen table. He gives him a dark look but Damon can't deal with it right now. He slams the door behind him, walking to the main road to wait for the cab, luckily he doesn't have to wait long.

When the vehicle turns back towards LA he casts his eyes at the house one more time. He's not sure if his eyes are deceiving him or if she's really standing behind the curtain, watching him leave.

Damon feels strangely calm after he has another glass of his favorite bourbon, calls Vanessa and takes a shower. It felt good to wash away this horrible day. He sits on the couch and lifts his legs on the armrest, leaning his head against the back rest and closes his eyes. The images aren't pretty but he knows he won't silence them tonight. The images of the worst time of their marriage will follow him into his dreams.

"Damon I can't just drop the movie before the end. There are contracts and terms that need to be met."

"Yes, but when you signed it you weren't five months pregnant. There must be a proviso for it."

"Even if there were, how could I throw over the people I've worked with for months? It would cost millions of dollars for them to put the project on hold and even then there's no guarantee that they'd finish it. A lot of these people are counting on those paychecks."

"So you'd rather risk our daughter's life and your own."

"I talked to the doctor, he said there's no reason to worry, everything's going smoothly and there are just two more weeks left of postproduction. I'll be back before you know it."

Damon frowns and feels betrayed, disappointed that she won't even consider his wishes, not even if it's for her own good. This is not what she promised. This is not how a marriage, their marriage is supposed to work. Is her career that damn important to her?

He shakes his head, "No matter what I say, you're going to do it anyway." It's not a question, more like a statement.

Elena hardens her gaze. "I'm sorry, I need to do this." The door clicks behind her with finality.

48 hours later he got the phone call. There was an accident, Elena fell down a flight of stairs. She was in surgery for 6 hours. Their daughter didn't survive.

Let me caution you not to jump to conclusions about the reason for their breakup. There are more layers of the onion to peel back. Their story is both more complicated and more simple than the end of the chapter seems to suggest. Chapter five may provide a few more clues...

For the anonymous reviewers, I cannot reply to you personally. I will tell you that Eva and I always write our stories to or near completion before I ever start to post them. That way Eva and I can work at our leisure, free of the pressure to update and our readers always get to see a completed story. I have enough pressure in my career, I don't want pressure stemming from something that is enjoyable for me.

Thank you all, you're the best in the DE fan fic universe. Eva and I are so in awe, overwhelmed really, by your kindness and support. We are 18 chapters into writing the new story with no end in sight ;)

Chapter title: 'Hurt' by Johnny Cash.

Eva, I love you dearly, you're my better half, thank you for being on this journey with me.

I hope you all have a safe and phenomenal day and or evening wherever in the world you may be.