I'm really enjoying the feedback, glad to see everyone is still reading and I've almost reached 500 reviews so please keep them coming. If you've read my other stories you'd be familiar with the slow burn. Trust me it will make it sweeter once they get together!
As for some of my legal terminology and processes in this chapter, if they're not correct please forgive me in advance, I'm no lawyer!
On a final note thanks to the lovely nfinneman who voluntarily did a cover for Political Persuasion which I love. You can check out her fine work on her tumblr blog. I promise I will update that story as soon as possible!
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 20: Love is a Battlefield
19 January 2015, New York City, New York 7:43am
"Someone's stressed." Rebekah remarked looking over at her brother who was clearly agitated tapping his fingers incessantly on the table.
"Number one I'm not stressed, I'd actually have to believe in stress for that to be the case sister and number two I didn't agree to have coffee with you so you could psycho analyse me."
"Well that response right there says it all." She quipped taking a long sip from her latte. "This girl must have really done a number on you."
"What makes you say that?" He asked cocking his left eyebrow.
"Well the fact you're asking that answers my question." She said knowingly. "Ever since you've been on this case you've been cagey and frustrated, you usually don't let your opponents get to you like this Elijah."
"She's hardly someone I'd call a worthy opponent." He scowled.
"She must be for you to be so annoyed."
"I've fought people a lot more experienced than Katherine Pierce and won Rebekah." He boasted. "I'll admit though she certainly has a way of getting under my skin."
"It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact she's gorgeous and may actually have a brain hidden under all that dark hair?"
"No." He spluttered. "How do you know she has dark hair? Have you been spying again?"
"Google is a wonderful tool especially when your brothers won't share." She laughed.
"I should have known" He muttered. "Anyway it's purely work related and hopefully after today I'll never have to deal with her again."
"Maybe not, she's Caroline's best friend after all Elijah."
"Last time I checked that was only a pretend relationship." He snorted thinking how ridiculous their arrangement was.
"Maybe so but I have a feeling Caroline is something special, not that I've had the chance to meet her like some other people."
"She seems nice yes, but you know how commitment phobic Niklaus can be, so I doubt it will last."
"Oh yes, but it's not like him to spend this much time on one girl for so long."
"True but she is helping him to get a promotion don't forget." Elijah said. "Any updates from Vail?"
"Yes because Niklaus is all about sharing information about his private life, although I think it's only a matter of time."
"You've never seen them together."
"Sometimes you just know, call it women's intuition."
"You realise that's a myth right?"
"When you're a woman you can comment, until then keep your thoughts to yourself."
"Fine. Anyway just because you throw two people together in one place doesn't mean they're going to suddenly realise they're right for each other."
"Who knows maybe if we locked you and Katherine together in a room you might relieve some of that bubbling sexual tension."
"What sexual tension?" He asked hoping his blush wasn't as obvious as it felt.
"I've never seen a girl affect you like this which means only one thing, you like her brother."
"I do not." He replied petulantly. "I think you should just focus on Niklaus and Caroline and what you think is going on there."
"Deflection hey? That's the ultimate giveaway sign."
"It is not, I'm not interested in Katherine and while we're on the subject I'm not interested in anyone else for that matter."
"You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better. " She teased. "Maybe you need to find the right girl and you'll stop being so closed off Elijah."
"Oh please since when did a relationship have to define someone?" He growled. "Maybe you need to find the right guy if that's the case."
"I asked for that I suppose." Rebekah grumbled. "That's not so easy to do Elijah, trust me."
"And you wonder why I'm not dating. Not only because I could think of nothing more uncomfortable, there's no one I want to date in the City."
"So you're really telling me that Miss Katherine Pierce doesn't peak your interest at all?"
"Oh she does but in all the wrong ways." Elijah said thinking about the first time she stepped into his life and changed it irrevocably.
December 27 2014 New York City New York, 10:27am:
"Mr Mikaelson I have a Miss Pierce to see you." Elijah looked up from his desk at his assistant Rose in bewilderment.
"And Miss Pierce would be…?"
"She's representing Montgomery Chase."
"Oh really? She obviously has a problem making appointments." He muttered thinking how interesting this was going to be.
Montgomery Chase was a multi-millionaire playboy that treated his wife with contempt and by all reports had a roving eye. Elijah wondered why she was even bothering to visit his office given how strong his client's case was. "Well send her in I guess."
He heard his door open and lifted his eyes completely shocked by the sight in front of him.
Katherine Pierce was exquisite, there was no denying that. His eyes roamed over her body taking in each and every curve. Her black skirt suit and crisp white shirt was immaculate complimenting her long chestnut waves flowing over her shoulders, her big brown expressive eyes looking at him expectantly. She was younger than he'd imagined and Elijah wondered just how long she'd been practicing law and what experience she had.
"Mr Mikaleson?" She asked curiously.
"Ah yes." He replied eventually coming out of his trance. "Miss Pierce?"
"Yes." She smiled taking a seat across the desk. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Well making an appointment wouldn't go astray." He muttered unable to help himself about her lack of decorum.
"I was in the neighbourhood." She answered quickly. "I've come to talk about the…"
"The Chase case?" He asked. Elijah was trying to concentrate but her intoxicating perfume was distracting him. "I'm confused, what exactly is there to discuss Miss Pierce?"
"Well the settlement terms for starters..."
"We won't be negotiating on the terms." He interrupted not bothering to let her finish her sentence.
"My client sees things differently." She bristled.
"Then I'm afraid we have a stalemate." He countered trying not to stare at her for too long worried he'd get lost in her chocolate eyes. "So I'm not sure why you even bothered coming Miss Pierce."
"Your client is asking an exorbitant amount Mr Mikaelson, and Mr Chase has already generously agreed to a substantial multi-million dollar settlement and that's not inclusive of the New York penthouse, the Los Angeles mansion and three of their cars."
"Well considering Mr Chase owns ten properties, two seems rather mean don't you think?" He asked. "Mrs Chase would like the properties split fifty-fifty, including ownership of the London townhouse and the Hamptons beach house."
"Your client is quite greedy given she's never worked a day in her life and contributed to any of the costs."
"Last time I checked Miss Pierce raising three children is a fairly sizeable contribution to a marriage."
"Yes and that's something Mr Chase was involved in too as their father."
"Oh yes between his business trips and whatever else he got up to while away."
"I'm not sure what you're inferring but whatever it is you're stepping on dangerous ground Mr Mikaelson." She warned.
"Fine, I'll retract that, for now at least." He said begrudgingly. "There's also the matter of custody of the family dog."
"A dog that Mr Chase bought and has primary care for, as far as I understand Mrs Chase has never shown any interest in Tully."
"Well it would be in your client's best interest to say that wouldn't it?" He asked tipping back in his chair slowly.
"And yours not to." She shot back without pausing.
"True." He conceded. "Anyway it seems like there's nothing more to talk about."
"Well I guess I was trying to be helpful, something you seem to know nothing about."
"I resent your assertion, I can be very helpful when I want to be. "
"Yes when you want to be." She bit back. Elijah had to admit she was brave to challenge him.
"Look Miss Pierce my client is not willing to settle on the terms end of story, there's nothing more to discuss." Elijah had to admit arguing with his opponents had never been this fun before; she was certainly feisty and very cute when she got worked up.
"That much I've gathered." She said abruptly standing up and placing her bag over her shoulder. "I guess I'll see you in court then."
"I'm not sure how long you've been practicing law Miss Pierce but the general idea is to settle out of court, the clients like it that way so they don't have to pay us lawyers so much."
"I've been around Mr Mikaelson and you're the last person I need lecturing me about what I do and don't know." She baulked. "My client has attempted to be civil but it seems as if you and your client are unwilling to budge which is unfortunate."
"We won't be budging, that's a promise." He reiterated.
"That's fine Mr Mikaelson, my client has more than enough money to challenge this settlement and doesn't care how long it takes." He couldn't believe the nerve of this woman challenging his authority. Elijah had been around a long time and wasn't about to be schooled by an inexperienced lawyer on a power trip.
His excellent bargaining skills usually meant he didn't have to go to court at all. The longer it dragged out the worse the outcome for his client and Katherine Pierce knew it. He wasn't willing to entertain her threats though and give himself away.
"Fine I suppose I'll see you then." He replied lazily finally tearing away his gaze disinterestedly.
"Well I'd say it's been a pleasure Mr Mikaleson but we both know that isn't true." She said sarcastically before sauntering out of the room. Elijah looked up getting a view of her wiggling backside as she left, her remnant smell of vanilla filling his nostrils and making him feel dizzy.
Elijah couldn't believe she'd called his bluff, especially someone who seemed so young and inexperienced. He knew court wasn't his preferred option so now he had to make it look like he was open to discussions.
A few days later with no compromise in site, Elijah organised what he called a pre court briefing, something which didn't turn out as he'd hoped. Katherine Pierce and her client were unwilling to meet their terms and by the end of the meeting he was pretty sure whatever he found attractive about her had disappeared, even if she did look stunning in her navy pant suit.
Elijah had an impressive win-loss record and he wasn't about to let Katherine Pierce ruin it with her opinionated and bossy nature. Usually he had to stop his clients from physically clawing each other's eyes out but this time their counsel was doing it instead.
He had to admit the fire she got in her eyes when they were arguing was damn attractive and there were points during their meeting when he was trying to decide whether he wanted to scold her or take her right then and there on the boardroom table.
Elijah had never felt this way about anyone and he was confused to say the least. When she appeared on New Year's Eve, a vision in red, Elijah was struggling to control his emotions, and seeing her talking to other men wasn't sitting too well with him either.
After the party he'd attempted to instigate another meeting hoping they could avoid court but she'd been elusive, not returning his phone calls and refusing to bother with anymore discussions. Elijah started to wonder if he wanted a meeting for his client's sake or his.
"Elijah hello?" Rebekah asked waving her hand in front of his face.
"What?" He growled coming out of his trance.
"I said sometimes when things are so wrong they can be right if you know what I mean." She commented wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"I'm not having this discussion with you sister." He said shaking his head and standing up. "I have a court case to win and I'm sure you have a party to plan somewhere."
"What I do is a lot more important than party planning." She drawled rolling her eyes. "At least I make people happy and not miserable like some people."
"Last time I checked divorce settlements make some people very happy." He argued thinking about his current client as he strode away purposefully.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Klaus felt the bed sink as Caroline awoke, padding towards the bathroom and closing the door behind her. He opened his eyes knowing the coast was clear and he wouldn't have to risk seeing her. He knew if he even took one quick glance of her blonde waves, creamy skin or pink mouth the erection he'd been struggling to contain all night would return.
Too late he thought feeling it rebelling against his wishes. It seemed that just thinking about her was enough to cause a reaction. He'd barely slept the night before, her impromptu strip tease replaying over and over again in his mind.
Klaus knew he was to blame after his actions the day before, after all she was there helping him and he had to take advantage of the situation. He hadn't meant to kiss her but she looked so beautiful lying there like a snow angel in a white haze. He'd resisted for so long and no longer had the willpower to fight it anymore.
He knew he liked kissing her already, but the intensity of their connection was something that took him by surprise. Klaus wasn't expecting the overwhelming desire that flooded over him not to mention something else he couldn't quite identify.
He was so frustrated by the interruption but on reflection sex in the snow probably wasn't the best idea, given the possibility of frostbite and all. That didn't mean he didn't want round two but this time somewhere more private without any interruptions.
After his behaviour the previous night Klaus wasn't sure whether he'd get another chance. She'd called him on the kiss, something he wasn't expecting, and if he was being honest his snap reaction wasn't the way he saw it going in his head.
Yes they did have a sexual attraction but it probably wasn't the best way to approach things. She caught him by surprise and he had reverted to his arrogant banter, something he did when things became too close for comfort.
Klaus could tell she was struggling to control her urges too just like him but his attitude wasn't helping things and he knew it. He decided it was time to take another approach because there was no way she would escape his embrace again.
"Knock, knock." He heard at the door making him smile, their morning wake-up call had become a daily occurrence, even though Jen had tried to stop them. Not that he minded at all, they were pretty cute.
"Who's there?"
"Lettuce."
"Lettuce who?"
"Lettuce-in!" Lucy cried as he opened the door seeing their cheeky faces behind it.
"I think that might have been your best one yet Lucy." He complimented making her grin madly; Caroline told him yesterday she was pretty sure the little girl had a crush on him.
"What's on the schedule today then?" He asked putting on his jumper in readiness for the day ahead.
"Breakfast." Georgia announced. "We're having pancakes today."
"Mmmm my favourite, especially with jam."
"Jam? Sugar is my favourite." James piped up.
"So what's happening after pancakes?"
"Skiing, maybe tobogganing too." Georgia said her eyes wide with excitement.
"Then we're all going out for dinner to Blue Moose Pizza." Lucy said. "It's my favourite."
"Correction the Taylor's are going out for dinner and Caroline and Klaus are going to have some well-deserved alone time." Ben said appearing at the door with a frustrated look on his face.
"Why dad?" Lucy asked looking up at him curiously.
"Well because they are a couple and they need some quality time together without us around to bother them." He stuttered trying to explain to his youngest daughter about relationships.
"What he means Lucy is they want to get kissy kissy, like they did in the snow yesterday." James winced obviously thinking about those horrible girl germs again.
"Something like that James." Ben said shaking his head at his use of words. "Now go and get washed up for breakfast." They scurried away, albeit reluctantly.
"Sorry about them, we've told them to leave you alone in the morning but they get up too early for us to keep an eye on them." He apologised.
"No need to apologise, they are great kids."
"They may be great but they are also annoying when it comes to new things, including people." He laughed. "We're going to dinner then catching a movie so you should have some reasonable time together tonight."
"That's really not necessary, but thanks." He said thinking how great that sounded, him and Caroline all alone in the chalet. What on earth would they do with all that free time?
An idea came to him and he followed Ben out the door hoping to corral three little Taylors in helping with his plan, this way Caroline couldn't say no.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Elijah jumped out of his taxi and walked towards the Family Court on Lafayette Street in Lower Manhattan.
He was fairly sure this would be the last time he'd have to deal with this case and see her again something he wasn't sure if he was happy or sad about. As frustrating as Katherine Pierce was he was going to miss their epic arguments.
"Hi Elijah." Lucinda said standing up from the nearby bench.
"Morning Lucinda, are you okay?" He asked sincerely. Most people thought he was emotionless but when it came to his clients he was far from it. Divorce was tough, he knew that after dealing with it every day, and he made it is priority to help them as much as he could through the bad times.
"Well as okay as I can be for having to see Montgomery today." She groaned. "Let's just get this over and done with, then I never have to deal with him ever again."
He walked into the familiar court room with Lucinda at his side, spying Montgomery and Katherine at the front in what seemed like deep discussion. They stood up upon hearing them enter.
She looked flawless as usual, her hair was tied back in a low bun emphasising her slender neck, with pearl studs her only accessories. He tried not to notice how well her belted black dress hugged her curves; keeping his composure was going to be difficult.
"Mr Mikaelson." She said by way of greeting her eyes flickering over his immaculate black suit and white shirt combination.
"Miss Pierce, a pleasure as always." He said thinking back to their initial conversation knowing that remark would get under her skin. The fire stirring in her brown eyes was enough to tell him he'd succeeded.
"You too." She shot back their eyes locked in defiance. Lucinda and Montgomery held each other's gaze briefly like two opponents before battle.
"All rise court is now in session, the Honourable Judge Mason presiding." The officer said as she entered. Elijah knew Emily Mason was tough but luckily had some successful cases with her under his belt so would use that to his advantage."Please be seated."
"I have before me the case of Chase vs Chase. I call now for opening submissions." Judge Mason looked at them expectantly. Elijah was about to speak before she interrupted, hardly surprising he thought.
"If it pleases the court, I'd like to request an adjournment in proceedings." Katherine interrupted looking at Judge Mason. Elijah looked at her in shock, why didn't he know anything about this?
"I object Your Honour." He stood and asked before the Judge could reply.
"An objection so early." She drawled. "Please be seated Mr Mikaelson, what is the nature of this adjournment request Miss Pierce?" She asked looking down her glasses at Katherine.
"We've had some unexpected evidence come to light and would like to adjourn so we can consider it Your Honour." Elijah looked over curiously, what evidence?
"Miss Pierce you realise it has to be very strong evidence for me to grant an adjournment." She countered.
"Yes Your Honour." She agreed. "What we have is considered to be very strong evidence relevant to this case. "
"Your honour, I object." Elijah said standing up again. "This is the first we've heard of this supposed evidence."
"Thank you for your input Mr Mikaelson." She replied dryly. "What evidence is this Miss Pierce?"
"Well I'd rather not say at this time Your Honour."
"I object again." Elijah cried. "If Miss Pierce has this evidence she claims why can't she share it with the court?"
"Your honour I resent the inference opposing counsel is making." She shot back as Elijah tried to interject.
"Order." She interrupted knocking on her gavel. "Might I suggest counsel retire to my chambers to discuss this further."
Elijah made his way to her chambers Katherine by his side, trying not to inhale her vanilla scent; he needed to be on his game especially given this new and unexpected development.
"Might I remind you both this is a court room and not a public street, we have standards which must be met, something you both should know." Judge Mason barked.
"My apologies Your Honour, but this is the first time we've heard about this supposed evidence."
"I just informed the court about this very real new evidence." Katherine argued. "Last time I checked that wasn't against the law."
"Yet you refuse to produce it." He shot back trying hard not to lose his cool with her.
"Enough you two!" She cried. "Last time I checked this was a court of law not a kindergarten. I suggest you both listen and stop interrupting." They were both silent knowing they'd gone too far with the Judge.
"Okay." She said calmly. "If you can produce this new evidence Miss Pierce then I'll consider your adjournment request."
"Certainly your honour." She agreed producing a piece of paper from her briefcase. Judge Mason consulted it briefly before passing it to Elijah for his perusal.
His eyes scanned the page desperately trying not to show his initial panic. It was a bank statement in Lucinda's name showing a number of money transfers from their joint account. During arbitration joint assets were supposed to be frozen until an outcome was reached. Something it seemed that Lucinda had been doing but at the same time demanding a bigger settlement.
"I'll approve the request for adjournment until next week, Monday 26 January at 11am." She said simply. Elijah felt too sick to argue knowing this evidence was quite damning for his client.
"Thank you for the consideration Your Honour." Katherine smiled triumphantly standing up to share the good news with her client.
"Just remember that when you both return next week my court is not a circus and any behaviour like today will not be tolerated, understand?" They both nodded before walking out of her chambers.
"This isn't over Miss Pierce." Elijah spoke defiantly, finally finding his voice. She'd decided to fight dirty and Elijah had no qualms in doing the same, starting with Montgomery's well-documented history of adultery.
"Glad to hear it Mr Mikaleson, there's nothing more I love than a good fight." She replied sashaying towards the court room. This meant war!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So you all understand your roles in this plan?" He asked pacing back and forth between the siblings. They'd been tobogganing and had returned home for some hot cocoa. Caroline was on the phone giving him the perfect opportunity to ready his three pupils for the plan.
"Yes Klaus." They replied in unison. Klaus had been excited ever since he was told about their family night out but at the same time he was unsure whether Caroline would insist on going given her attempts to resist him, including the night before.
The Taylor kids were his secret weapon in giving Caroline no choice but to agree to a night alone with him. He'd told them he'd do anything they wanted the rest of the trip if they helped.
"So what are you doing?"
"We are going to tell Caroline that we want to spend time alone with mummy and daddy tonight." Lucy and Georgia recited. James looked on slightly annoyed.
"What's wrong James?"
"Girl germs." He groaned making Klaus laugh. Give him six or seven years and he'd be singing a different tune.
"Exactly why you don't want to be here tonight." He chuckled ruffling his hair. "So we're all set."
They nodded and Klaus mentally jumped for joy knowing this was going to be a night he was going to remember, as long as Caroline played along nicely. After their battle the night before he sure as hell hoped she was willing to cooperate.