AN: Thanks as usual for all the kind words and such! Sorry this took longer than usual. I hope you enjoy! Please review!
Chapter 19
Hand in mine, into your icy blues
And then I'd say to you we could take to the highway
With this trunk of ammunition too
I'd end my days with you in a hail of bullets
I'm trying, I'm trying
To let you know just how much you mean to me
And after all the things we put each other through and
I would drive on to the end with you
A liquor store or two keeps the gas tank full
And I feel like there's nothing left to do
But prove myself to you and we'll keep it running
But this time, I mean it
I'll let you know just how much you mean to me
As snow falls on desert sky
Until the end of everything
I'm trying, I'm trying
To let you know how much you mean
As days fade, and nights grow
And we go cold
Demolition Lovers by My Chemical Romance
Damon's POV
It's been two days sine I got that note from Layla's mother. Stefan has gone around town a few times trying to find unfamiliar faces, to no avail. I've been staying by Layla's side in case the woman shows up here. I try not to seem too on edge since my companion is oddly observant; I think she analyzes every emotion that crosses my face.
We're all immersed in a game of darts at the grill when my phone rings. I excuse myself to answer the call, the screen flashing 'Original asshole'.
"About time you called me." I race out of ear shot of all the vampires I was with.
"Yes well I'm a busy man." For being such an evil son of a bitch he sounds chipper most of the time.
"Have any information for me?" He chuckles darkly.
"I might. Although I don't see how it will benefit me to tell you." Fuck him! I should have known he'd want something in return. What could he want? I have one idea….
"How about I deliver you a certain blonde all tied up in a big red bow?" He laughs again.
"Well mate if you can manage that I'll tell you anything you want to know." I hang up without saying another word.
Now to convince little Miss Mystic. I send the blonde a text and tell her not to say it's me who wants to see her. She comes to the town square a few minutes later out of view of the Grill.
"What could you possibly want to ask me?" I don't think I can ask her to do this without telling her the truth. It seems like I keep digging myself a bigger fucking hole when it comes to Layla.
Again I recount her story. Caroline stares on with big eyes and an open mouth.
"Oh my God! She really had to go through all of that? It's so sad. Poor Layla." She actually has tears in her eyes. Damn sentimental woman.
"Yea. I didn't ask you to come here so you could start sobbing. I need a favor." She nods her head a tear leaking out. Damnit.
"I need you to go on a date with Klaus or something so he'll tell me what he knows about Layla's mom." She doesn't quite look as infuriated as I expected.
"Fine. But you owe me." That was way too easy…
"No screaming and yelling?" She finally shows signs of bitchiness. That signature hand on the hip.
"Do you want me to freak out? I'm not doing it for you, I'm doing it to protect Layla. I really like her; I don't want her hurt either." If only she knew how much people care about her and how no one cares about her past.
"Well then, guess you better get a move on." Her eyes roll but she walks away with a determined look on her face. I have never asked for this many favors in my life.
I wish I could just take Layla home and keep her in bed for the next year or so unfortunately that's impossible when you live in Mystic Falls. Happiness has a steep price.
I hear a throat clear behind me before I can head back to the Grill. I turn around reluctantly. Just from the uppity feminine sound of her throat clearing I know who it is.
"My favorite evil bitch." Katherine stands there trying to look all too innocent. Nothing about her is innocent. That manipulative all knowing twinkle is in her big doe eyes. I really wish I could have killed her.
"Mmm. At least I'm your favorite." How could I have ever believed that this self absorbed woman ever loved anyone but herself?
"I'm not really in the mood to talk to you right now. In fact I can't believe you'd come anywhere near me after threatening Layla." She struts towards me. She has no idea what personal space is, she drags one hand across my collar bone.
"Haven't tossed the new toy yet? I'm disappointed Damon, it's very unlike you. I have to say I'm a little jealous." I grab her wrist and stop her downward traveling hand.
"Jealousy entails actually feeling something. We all know there's nothing inside that chest of yours. Although I'd be more than happy to reach in just to prove my point." She smirks in a way that's very similar to mine. I hate that look.
"Cruelty has never suited you Damon. You were always the sweet one. I really do like the new and improved you much better" I take a few steps away from the arrogant bitch.
"What the hell do you want?" She puts one manicured finger to her lips.
"I have some information you may find useful. I'm in the business of helping out old flames." She had brought me Klaus's blood when I was dying and had been a little too helpful when it came to bringing Stefan back. What was up with her?
"Well spit it out Katherine!" I follow her over to a bench. Seeing her sit still is odd, this woman never sits still.
"That woman, Andrea, your girlfriend's mommy…" She trails off just for dramatic effect and to annoy the shit out of me. There was seriously a time when I wanted to spend eternity with Kat?
"Can you not be a gigantic tease for once in your way too long life?" She looks at her nails as if they're suddenly interesting. Her eyes flick back to mine, a very unKatherine like frown on her face.
"I told you before that I made trips back to Mystic Falls a few times over the years." I nod my head. If I open my mouth I'll just end up screaming for her to hurry the fuck up and get to the point.
"Well about sixteen years ago a witch friend of mine told me the next Petrova doppelganger was born in Mystic Falls of all places. So I came back here for a visit, she was only two at the time so there wasn't much to see." Katherine scans over the surroundings for a moment, like she's making sure nobody is watching us.
"I came across this man, very good looking. His eyes were a prettier green than Stefan's. I tried to charm him; it was out of boredom really. He didn't take to me like I wanted, said he was happily married. Much to my surprise he called me about a week later asking to meet up. I go out to the falls to meet him, expecting some kind of illicit rendezvous and instead I'm greeted with a stake to the chest dangerously close to my heart. Apparently he knew what I was from the beginning. That damned founder's council has always been a pain in the ass. So being me I wanted revenge. I went to his home and found his pretty wife and adorable daughter. They invited me in their home; I told them I needed to use the phone. I compelled them to stay still; the council wasn't as big about vervain then because there weren't any vampires here at the time. When hubby got home I compelled the mother to stab the daughter, I wanted him to watch. He was a genuinely nice man just trying to protect his family. He offered himself up in exchange for his daughter's life. I was feeling generous so I did as he asked and drained him dry. I really couldn't stand the stupid brats screaming so I made her forget it all."
I really don't see why she's telling me this but from the smirk on her face I know she's about to wrap it up.
"The man's name was Bradley Aston, husband of Andrea, father of Layla." You've got to be fucking kidding me? Too small of a damn world. Jesus Katherine.
"And Andrea is after Layla and not you because?" She twirls a strand of hair around her finger idly.
"She's crazy. After her husband died she lost it. I guess a part of her always wished it was her daughter that died instead. The rumor goes that she turned her humanity off almost instantly after she conned some sucker vamp into giving her their blood on the night she killed herself. As we all know the humanity switch is far from fool proof. Her first emotion…rage. She blindly blames Layla for her husband's death. Rationally she should know that her daughter had nothing to do with it, it was all me. I happened to hear your exchange with the Forbe's girl earlier. If she also blames Layla for her getting to the point of wanting to be a vampire it would explain more of the anger towards her, she should hate vampires and I'm sure deep down she still does. It probably doesn't help that Layla is now in a happy relationship with a vampire."
Fucking hell. This is why I hate people. Emotions are crazy to begin with, add in the heightened emotions of a vampire and they're doubly crazy. This lady needs to be put down.
"I definitely won't be telling Layla that story. I don't need to give her another reason to hate your guts. Knowing her she'd come at you with a stake. I like her in one piece." She laughs even though I wasn't trying to be funny.
"I figured you might as well know the story behind her madness. Maybe I'll show up when you confront her for the shock value. I'm sure she'd just love to see me." Crazy bitch numero dos…who am I kidding she'll always be number one when it comes to that. She's just not really a threat right now.
"I'm sure you'll be booking it any minute now. You never stay close to Klaus." She tilts her head to say I'm right.
"I hope you don't get yourself killed Damon. Remember what happened when you and Stefan tried to save me? Both of you ended up dying. Love might feel pretty great but when it comes down to it it's a distraction and weakness you just can't afford to have." She walks away quickly and gracefully. Her words are true; I'd told Stefan and Elena both this. Just like Stefan said I was a liability when I loved Elena so much. Feelings get in the way when something has to get done.
My phone rings, it's Layla asking me where I am. And hearing the sound of her voice makes everything Katherine just said fly out the window. Because love really does feel great.
Layla's POV
Damon seems distracted when we get home. He hasn't spoken a lot and he's been texting someone almost non stop. Is everything ok? I decide that I can divert his attention from whatever it is that's bugging him.
"Come take a bath with me." He looks up from his phone as I'm pulling my shirt over my head. That familiar glint in his eye appears as I slowly pull my pants and underwear off of me. His grin returns full force.
I walk away from him to start filling the tub. I feel his eyes on me as I bend over to turn the water on. Next thing I know bare skin is pressed to my back, arms wrap snugly around my naked body. One hand trails down to the center of me. I inhale sharply when two fingers enter me quickly. A growl rumbles against my neck. "So wet already and I hadn't even touched you yet."
Water splashes over the sides as we sink into the hot water and I sink onto Damon. We moan in unison. I feel beautiful and powerful as he takes my breasts in his hands. I roll my hips slowly, enjoying the blissful feeling of being connected like this.
He's being gentle and tender, allowing me to set the pace. It's strange because I expect his hands to grip my hips hard and for him to push up into me fiercely. I know he likes to have control. I know he wants to claim me.
I bounce a little faster. I need him to push me over the edge. "Please…" He kisses me passionately, our tongues in sync with the movements of our bodies.
"I'll get you there sweetheart. You never have to worry about that. Just enjoy the ride" I can't help but smile at the corniness of that last part. I'm moaning a second later, he's found just the right spot.
I bare my neck to him but he shakes his head. "I want you to come for me Layla. I need to feel you tighten around my cock. Let go princess." Oh I let go. I moan his name so loudly that I know anyone else in the house vampire or not are probably cringing right now. I can't handle how hot he sounds when he's breathing words like that into my ear.
"You're not done yet. You're still aching for me. Fuck, it feels so good when you ride me." Oh God. My libido is right back to where it was before.
His thrusting is staring to get frantic, now his fingers are gripping my hips, pulling me down with enough force to knock the breath out of me and send water splashing out of the tub.
His hand goes to where our bodies meet, applying the right amount of pressure to my clit to send me flying. "That's it, fuck!" Damon roars out his completion as I ride out my own orgasm.
Damon kisses me once more and then he starts laughing. "I really needed that." I smile at him. It seems whatever was bugging him earlier has vanished. I guess I really needed that too.