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She held the wine glass in her right hand while standing on the balcony. The sound of the falling water and the chirping of birds soothed her spirits, along with the red wine. Here, it was easy to forget or ignore everything in the outside world. Everything thing except peace and him.

She sighed when his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her slightly to his side, a natural reaction, she thought with a smile. She leaned into his side, placing her head on his shoulder. "I love it here," she revealed, relaxing even more in his embrace.

He hummed and kissed her head, tenderly. "So, do I."

"It's easy to forget the world outside." She smiled, feeling his fingers brushing her side through the baggy shirt she'd changed into when they arrived along with jogging pants. He too had changed into black jogging pants and a loose shirt, something comfortable and unbinding.

"It's easy to forget everything, especially when I'm with you," he remarked, huskily.

She laughed, straightening only to finish the wine. She set the glass on the wooden bar in front of them and turned to wrap her arms around his neck. "Flatterer."

"Still too smart to be seduced by it?" he teased.

She nodded twice, sharply. Her hands stroked his hair, and she searched his eyes with so much light in them, he felt humbled. One hand trailed to his cheek and stroked the scruff along his jaw. "I love you so much, Niklaus Mikaelson."

He inhaled sharply, pulling her tighter against him. "I love you just as much, Caroline Forbes."

"Do you really?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.

"More than I ever thought I could." He lifted one hand to her face, threading his fingers through her tender curls. "After Camille, I thought love was something for the stars, but you showed up with your plain clothes and snarky attitude I couldn't stop my heart from aching to be yours."

Tears blurred her eyes and Caroline lowered them to his chest, dragging her hand to rest there. "It was all a defense, as you know, but I couldn't stop my heart from leaping in my chest whenever you came into view."

"How far we have come," he stated, softly.

"Indeed," she returned, smiling. "What is your plan for the moment?"

He leaned forward, brushed his lips over hers, and smiled as it deepened before he pulled back. "I have a movie ready in the living area and some snacks if you would like."

She hummed, wrapping her arm around his waist, and walked with him. "Sounds like a plan."

He chuckled, kissing her temple. She was such a treasure, and he still couldn't believe she had chosen him to be her love. When he awoke this morning, he wondered if it had all been a dream. If her love for him was an act, but when he entered the office, he knew it wasn't. The light in her eyes, only for him, made his heart leap and his breath catch in his throat. She was ravishing and all his. She was polite to others, but for him, she was passionate.

Settling on the couch, he heard her giggle as she noticed the movie menu on the screen. He shrugged when she gave him a curious look and lifted the remote.

"It's a classic."

She hummed. "It is, but I never thought you would choose this."

"What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing. It's one of my favorites." She studied him closely. "Is that why you chose it?"

"No," he replied, honestly. "I happen to enjoy it. As you know, love, I am a romantic at heart. Besides, I always fancied myself like Prince Edward. Someone searching for love and wanting to marry for it, instead of a political marriage. Someone who searches tirelessly for the woman who stole his heart after one beautiful night, and tries to win her hand."

"Really?"

He smiled, touching her face, gently. "Really. Although, I have already found her, and won her love. I won't lose her."

"You won't," she whispered. "Hit play, darling," she remarked, kissing his lips, gently.

"At your request," he whispered, returning the kiss, and hit the play button without looking.

A magical afternoon began as music from a timeless tale rang through the room. Caroline shuddered at the scenes involving the wicked stepmother, but with Klaus' arm around her, she knew she was safe.

A movie such as this would have been a trigger for some who had endured such torment, but Caroline looked at The Slipper and The Rose as more of a triumphant tale, along with other renditions of Cinderella. A young woman endures so much but finally overcomes it with the help of a fairy godmother and the love of a prince. Love, she knew, was a powerful emotion, and it was because of love that Cinderella overcame the trials of her life and found a happy ending. No, she didn't need a man to make her strong, but the love and support of her friends and him helped. She chose to go to the ball. She chose to return to him. She made the choice of marrying the prince. No one took that choice from her. She made it.

Caroline wiped a single tear from her face when Cinderella's rags transformed into a beautiful gown. A scene that gave her such empowerment when she was a child. When Timothy moved in, this movie helped her endure such horror. She watched it with her mom and Bonnie on the days when she could escape, and it was the dream of escaping, maybe not to a castle, but to a whole other place that gave her hope.

Most ridiculed Cinderella's tale, but Caroline loved it. She knew first-hand what abuse could do, what Cinderella endured, and how she arose from it. Cinderella's tale gave her hope when she lacked it. It gave her hope that she would find someone to love, and she would no longer have to suffer at the hands of evil.

She raised her face when Klaus stood and offered his hand. Her cheeks warmed as she took his hand, just as Cinderella and the prince began their dance. Caroline felt beautiful at that moment as Klaus twirled her around with such love expressed in his eyes. It didn't matter that she wore baggy pants and a shirt. She was a princess in his eyes, and it was magical.

They continued to dance even when the music stopped for a time, and when "A Secret Kingdom" began to play they slowed and let the music and words surround them. They were in their own secret kingdom, away from the outside world, at least for this weekend, and it was perfect. Their bodies melted together as each note hit a chord inside their souls. They were truly like Edward and Cinderella at that moment.

Though Klaus was more of a beast who had transformed into a prince, Caroline loved him. True, they fit the Beauty and the Beast tale, but in Caroline's mind, they were Edward and Cinderella.

As the music faded, their steps slowed. Klaus lowered his head a fraction and brushed his lips over Caroline's. The kiss deepened with their tongues mating seductively. Caroline shivered against him, pressing her body even closer to his as the kiss carried on with the movie continuing to play in the background.

He pulled back, only an inch, and his breath cooled her trembling lips. Her eyes remained closed for a few seconds before opening to find his lit with desire and love. She smiled and trailed her hands to his chest. His hands rested on her bare skin, just underneath her shirt, and they warmed her in ways she only imagined until now.

"We should finish the movie," he remarked, huskily.

She hummed, searching his eyes. "There is always tomorrow." Caroline stepped back and grasped his hands in hers. "Show me how it feels to be loved, Klaus, please," she whispered, softly.

He swallowed and let go of her hands only to stop the movie. He returned to her, after turning off everything, and picked her up in his arms. He brushed his lips over her forehead and carried her up the stairs toward his bedroom. Gently laying her on the covers, he straightened only to pull his shirt off and drop it on the floor. He joined her as her arms opened for him.

"If this scares you in any way, love, tell me. The last thing I ever want is to frighten you or hurt you."

Tears burned her eyes, and she brushed her fingers over his face. "You could never. You are the only man I could ever want. Love me, Klaus."

He smiled and opened his mouth on hers before rising to take her shirt off with ease. "For eternity," he choked, seeing her perfectly fit body come into view. He bent, kissing her scars while one of his hands rubbed her skin in ministrations that brought wonderful sensations to her body.

She moaned and arched her back when his lips found her breasts and his mouth opened onto her peaks and his tongue traced each nipple in turn. The slight suction of his mouth caused her body to shiver as she nearly came undone with each moment. His lips trailed to her stomach, and slowly his fingers pulled her pants and underwear off at the same time. He kissed her hips, legs, and thighs. There wasn't a single portion of her body that didn't feel his touch.

Pleasure rang through her, and moans and gasps escaped her lips. Her back arched, pushing her body closer to his mouth, and her hands gripped the covers beneath her. She was on fire, and only Klaus could put it out.

"Open your eyes, Caroline," he whispered, firmly.

Her eyes fluttered and she saw him above her. His face was red and his eyes blazing with love and desire. She glanced down and saw his pants had been removed; when he did that, she had no clue. Her hands released the covers and grasped his arms.

"Rock up with me," he ordered, lifting her until they were sitting up.

She gasped, feeling his skin on every inch of her, or it seemed like it. She shifted where he instructed, and when her legs straddled his hips, she bit her bottom lip. This was hotter and more powerful than she ever imagined. The simple touch of his hands on her skin and vice versa was causing her body to shiver, and heat pooled in her stomach.

Her lips found him, and Caroline moaned when her hands caressed his bare back and he continued to make sensual caresses on her body. Her lips moved down his throat, and she clung closer, wanting to finish what they had begun, yet wanting it to last forever.

His fingers threaded through her hair and pulled until her face was close to his once again. Their lips connected, and it was the sweetest kiss they ever exchanged. Slow, steady, and full of promise. He raised her and with ease, he slid inside her.

She cried out, clutching him, as he seated perfectly within her body. Her face was buried inside the crook of his neck, and she shivered as they remained motionless. She understood why he had stilled, but her body shook with need. She wanted motion. She craved it.

"Klaus, please," she whispered, shaking hard. "Please."

He captured her lips and gradually worked until they were laying on the bed once more. Her long legs wrapped around his waist, as she arched and accepted his deep thrusts. They moved together in perfect union, both struggling to reach the cliff of divine ecstasy. Their names flowed from each of their lips, in a litany that only made them burn hotter for each other. The bed, which was secured to the wall, creaked slightly, but neither cared. They were alone in their world of love, and it was more than they ever hoped. Klaus raised his face with his eyes secured on hers, and at that moment, when they fell into the abyss, it was perfection.

As they shook with pleasure, he pulled the sheet over them and kissed her face. Caroline stroked his face, searching for words or anything that would convey her feelings at that moment. Her hair, matted to her face, was gently wiped to the side by his loving touch, and the tremors she felt were slowly dying away.

A smile touched her face, and she accepted his kiss with her whole heart.

"I hope I did not disappoint, love," he uttered, breathlessly.

"On the contrary, Mr. Mikaelson," she began, just as breathless, "you've exceeded my expectations."

He chuckled, kissing her throat before lifting his head to study her. His smile faded with only a glimmer of light shining in his eyes. She touched his face, smoothing the lines which seemed to appear like an eclipse. She knew why his smile had faded.

Wrapping her leg around his, she smiled, feeling confident in her actions. "I wasn't scared, Klaus."

Four words, which seemed to hold the world, brought peace to his turbulent heart. She shook her head, leaving her hand on his chest. "I could never be afraid of you. I told you that."

"I know you did, love, but this was different." He grasped her hand in his, and brought it to his lips, kissing it with slight passion. "If I had not held my control, I would have frightened you."

"Darling," she whispered, moving until they were sitting against the headboard. "I love your passion. It makes me feel confident, and if anything, the only fear I have is if I don't satisfy you."

"Caroline," he remarked, caressing her face until he cupped her chin. "You satisfy me, and not just now. You satisfy me with your love and kindness. You have a fire that moves me more than I ever dreamed."

"Good," she breathed, kissing his lips. "I'm glad that you are patient with me, and perhaps one day, you will show me that fire you hold back so well. I may rival it when the time comes."

He shivered and pulled her close. "I look forward to it, love," he growled, opening his mouth to hers as he laid her down on the bed once again.

The last sound that could be heard in the room was Caroline's laugh turning to a moan and then a husky sigh.

~X~

Of all the moments in her life she treasured, waking up next to the man who owned her heart was fighting for number one.

After several lovemaking sessions through the night, Caroline had fallen asleep in his arms. Content and more in love than she could ever have conceived. Her fears had been laid to rest with the tenderness he showed her as he worshiped her each time, making her feel loved and cherished.

Her eyes studied Klaus' face, and she smiled, recalling other times she had awoken in his arms. Though, this time was different; it was still the same regarding the warmth encasing her soul. She never wanted to forget this moment or go a day without it.

Sliding out of bed, she grabbed a simple robe from the back of the door and exited the room. After freshening up, she brewed some coffee and sent a good morning message to Bonnie and her mom. Caroline smiled as she folded her arms over her chest, waiting for the coffee to finish and Klaus to find her.

She learned through the night, if she was gone from his arms for a good length of time, he would awaken and find her. Usually, it resulted in his tender loving before they dozed off again. Not that she minded, making love with him soon became her favorite activity. Which should have resulted in a restless night, but she was refreshed and filled with such joy, thoughts of Thomas and the danger were nonexistent this morning.

She giggled, gazing out into the sunrise, and listened as the birds chirped through the glass. It was peaceful here, and full of so much love, she never wanted to leave. For the rest of her life, she would always remember this moment. She would never forget the way it felt to make love to Klaus, and not be afraid of him. She had overcome that fear, and it filled her with such joy, she wanted it to never end.

Klaus was her love and the only man who ever made her feel safe. He brought her out of the darkness and loved her in a way that no one could even fathom. Glancing over her shoulder, her smile brightened when she heard the door to his room open. Turning, she quickened her pace until she was at the foot of the stairs, and nearly leaped into his arms.

He chuckled, catching her, holding her closer, loving the feel of her soft body against his. He swung her lightly in his arms. "Good morning, love."

Her arms tightened around his neck and she pulled back with a laugh. "Good morning, Klaus."

"Though, I don't think it was such a good morning," he began, kissing her lightly on the lips. "I woke up alone."

She laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm sorry, darling."

"Are you really?" he teased, tightening his hold a fraction.

She threw her head back just as his lips touched her neck. "Klaus," she squealed, leaning more into him. Happiness filled her soul, and when his lips moved to a certain spot on her neck, she moaned, allowing the pleasure to engulf her once more.

He smiled against her skin and clutched her tighter. She was a vixen, and only he knew. He loved it. He inhaled her scent and just stood in her embrace. It was heaven to be in this moment with her. "I love you," he whispered, as she relaxed in his embrace even more.

Her eyes searched his, and her fingers lightly touched his scruff. "Klaus, I," she paused, licking her lips, "Love doesn't even begin to cover the feeling I have at this moment. I'm happy, for the first time in so long. I'm so happy."

He hummed, brushing the back of his hand over her cheek. "I know. I feel the same way."

"How can we be this happy? Is there a law against it?"

He smirked, his face crinkling just under his eyes with a dimple forming on his cheek. "I hope not."

She laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Well, if it is, I know a great lawyer."

"Do you?" he asked, quirking his brows.

"Yep," she responded, popping her lips at the last letter. "Your brother," she added, slipping out of his embrace. Laughter escaped from her as she ran from his predatory gaze with a growl in his throat.

She ran through the cabin and almost made it to the back door when arms encircled her. She laughed, feeling the familiar warmth surrounding her.

"You should be punished, Caroline."

His husky whisper sent shivers through her, and she leaned her head back. "What kind of punishment did you have in mind?"

He whirled her around but kept her encased in his arms. "Oh, I don't know, love. What do you suggest?"

Her arms wrapped around his neck; her eyes sparkling with light. "You know, there was a time, I would have screamed when arms surrounded me from behind."

His smile dropped, as his eyes searched hers. "I wasn't thinking of that, Caroline."

Her fingers twirled through his hair and she hummed. "I know. I'm just saying, I wasn't afraid of you. I knew it was you."

"My love," he whispered, brushing his lips over her forehead. "If only this could last forever."

"Perhaps it can, if we hang onto it," she whispered, breathlessly, relishing the closeness of his body and the feel of his arms around her.

Klaus tightened his hold on her, allowing the memories of the night and morning to surround him. For so long, she carried the pain and fear of her past with her. Now, she was letting go and becoming a strong, independent woman who loved and accepted him. He would never let her go. He was sure of it more than ever.

She was everything and made love like an angel. She gave him such pleasure, in and out of bed, that he could not imagine living without her, even for a moment.

"Have you thought of a punishment?" she asked, lightly.

He smiled, pulling back, touching her face with a tender brush of his fingers. "There is no punishment."

"Why?"

The expression on his face told her enough. Tilting her head to the side, her fingers brushed over his scruff, and she leaned forward to kiss his lips tenderly. "The coffee should be ready."

He hummed, letting her lead him toward the kitchen. He accepted the coffee and watched her settle on top of the counter. "Have you thought about what you would like to do today, love?"

She shook her head. "As long as I'm here with you, I'm perfectly fine."

He smirked, showing off his dimples, and continued to drink from his mug. "I'm flattered, but surely, there is something you want to do."

Her face contorted in thinking prose, which made him smile. She was adorable when her face wrinkled in thought. "We could finish the movie."

"Think we can," he inquired, quirking a brow.

"I hope so, but it might help if I put on some clothes, besides a robe."

He hummed, placing the mug on the counter behind him, and approached her with a soft expression. His hands rested on either side of her and he gazed into her eyes. "Leave the robe on, love. You'll just have to take it off later."

She sighed, wrapping her legs around his waist, holding him in position. "Doally think so?"

"I know it, darling."

"Insatiable, are we?"

"Uh hmmm," he answered, kissing her neck, trailing down to the opening at her chest. He lifted her and carried her, blindly towards the living room. How he made it without tripping, amazed her. When they made it to the couch, he settled her down and began setting the movie, which thankfully, started where they had stopped the night before.

She settled into his side, with his arm wrapped around her. The movie continued with Edward searching for his true love, trying, relentlessly. A moment of pure blessing when Cinderella found the slipper and began to dance with it in the field, allowing a moment for the prince to find her.

Caroline sighed as Cinderella turned and told her stepmother and sisters, she forgave them. It was this moment; she always had the hardest time. Though forgiveness was essential for moving on, she wasn't sure if she could ever forgive Timothy for all the horror he placed in her life. It was a strength, she knew, but this strength, she hadn't achieved. Perhaps, with Klaus' help, she could.

The heartbreaking scene came soon, and she wiped her eyes, hating the moment when the prince and Cinderella were separated once again. Klaus reached for a Kleenex and wiped her face. She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.

"She loves him so much," she whispered, brokenly.

"She does, and he loves her just as much."

She snuggled closer and waited. The Fairy Godmother's appearance made her smile followed by the wedding. True love conquering all the obstacles made her warm. She sighed and waited. The ending gave her hope, and the hope was rewarded. Here she sat next to the man of her dreams. A little rough around the edges, but she wouldn't trade him for anything.

Feeling bold as the credits rolled across the screen, she rose moving to straddle his lap. The robe fell to the floor, and his hands darkened with desire.

As the music played in the background, she began her dance and showed him that he was her prince, and she, was his princess. The couch became t own oasis as they moved together and found pleasure in each other's presence.

Sweat covered their bodies as the dance brought them to a high, they discovered the night before, and when she collapsed in his embrace, shivering, he held her close, kissing her wet hair and body.

"You were right," she remarked when she found her voice. "I didn't need to change."

He chuckled and rolled until they were side by side on the couch. "I'm afraid, you won't need clothes for the rest of the weekend, love."

She laughed, sleepily, pressing closer to him. "I believe you're right."

He smiled, holding her close, lifting his eyes to the ceiling, and sending a prayer to the heavens that he could keep this angel in his arms for the rest of his life.

~X~

The news came as they were packing up to head back to the city from a friend of Klaus.' His tensed body and voice caused Caroline to halt on the stairs as he rubbed his hand over his face.

"Are they sure it was him?"

Caroline gripped the railing, waiting, hoping the fear coursing through her body would abate and not freeze her on the stairs.

"Well, why can't they get an I.D.?" Klaus demanded, his voice rising. "Call Damon and get his opinion on it, Stefan. I don't care what it takes. We need to know." He turned and caught her eyes. He groaned. "This is important, Stefan. For her sake and mine, we need to know." He closed his eyes and nodded, as if Stefan could see it. "I know you are. Run it by Kol and the others. I should be in the city this afternoon. You can find me at Caroline's. Yeah, I know." He caught her eyes once more and sighed. "On second thought, come out to the cottage when you find something. I'm taking her there. Send word to Rebekah. She'll know what to do. Thanks."

He lowered the phone. Approaching her, his eyes expressed sadness and anger.

"Timothy?" she breathed, as he reached her. Her hand reached out, touching his chest, drawing strength from him.

"I'm afraid so, love."

"What happened?" she remarked, stepping closer. Her voice shaking.

Klaus hated the slight fear in her voice but knew she would overcome it. She had to. He would have to ensure she did. He did not want his angel to fall into the pit of darkness once again.

"Klaus, please," she requested, placing both hands on his chest.

"Caroline," he began, grasping her hands. He licked his lips, unsure of the next step. "They found Richard."

"Richard?" Her head shook, trying to comprehend. "What do you mean they found him?"

"He's dead, love."

Her eyes widened, and she gasped as her blood turned to ice and paled her cheeks. "Dead?" she breathed. "How? When?"

"They are not sure, but he was found last night at the park just outside the city."

"Timothy?"

"That's what they are trying to determine."

"Why kill Richard? He was Timothy's best friend, in a way. Why kill him?" she ranted, shaking her head. "He's found out about me, hasn't he? He's found me."

"We can't be sure of that, love," he responded, cupping her face in his hands. "All we know is Richard was killed sometime last night, and, as far as we could tell, he had no contact with Timothy before then."

"Who else could it be, Klaus?" she asked, roughly, tears streaking her face. "I'm not safe here. Not anymore. I can't," she began, gasping, roughly.

He tightened his hold on her face and stared into her eyes. "No, you are not leaving. You are not running away. You have come so far. Too far to turn away from this. You have so much to live for, and you know it."

"Klaus."

"No, love, if Timothy has somehow tracked you down, we will deal with it. I won't abandon you." His eyes softened as he watched her face melt into understanding. "I love you. Forever and always."

She dipped her head and stepped fully into his embrace. "I love you too," she whispered, holding tight to him. "Never let me go."

"Never, darling, never," he whispered, kissing her shoulder, and holding her tighter.

All the while, thinking how much he could turn back time and this weekend could just stay them. Making love, watching movies, and just being them.

Klaus and Caroline forever.

But he knew, as he held his precious angel, that they would not have that precious moment until Timothy was taken care of, and if it took his last breath, Klaus would ensure Timothy was out of Caroline's life, forever.


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