Author's Note: Hey all, sorry it's been a little while. Here's a chapter for ya. Enjoy.

I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter Seven:

I keep looking over all of the time that I spent with Alaric – I don't know how I was that stupid. It just doesn't add up. I'm smart. I know how to read people… he just didn't seem like the type to do something like that. But, then again… can you really tell if someone will hit you?

All those times he seemed angry… I never thought he'd actually hurt me. But, he did – he did hurt me. He can't take that back. The ring doesn't change anything. He still tried to corner me after I destroyed it. I just don't understand it.

"Bonnie!" I looked up to find who was calling my name. It's Alaric. I shrunk back and started walking away as quickly as I could. Where's Damon when you need him? Hell, where are Caroline and Tyler? They're always around here, somewhere. I didn't think spending my free period in the library could be dangerous. My definite bad. "Just give me a chance to explain, please. Two minutes, just give me two minutes." He pleaded. He grabbed my arm. I turned around and yanked myself free.

"Don't you dare touch me." I growled. "You lost that privilege when you assaulted me."

"Bonnie, please. I wasn't myself. The ring – I couldn't control my actions. I would never hurt you, willingly. I'm sure some part of you must know that. I should have known that a ring from Isobel would be corrupt."

"I don't give a damn about the ring. You did hurt me. I destroyed the ring so I could stall to get away from your psychotic ass. You didn't change after it was gone, Ric. Don't feed me some bullshit line."

"Bonnie, I'd worn it for so long… it just needed time to wear off. I'm not asking for forgiveness, or for you to take me back. I'm just asking for you to think about what I said. I know that I don't deserve it, but please, just think about it. I don't want to lose you. You gave me something that I haven't had in a long time. I care for you. I know you don't trust me…. Just consider it, please." He pleaded. I couldn't even look him in the eye. The nerve. He did that and he just expects me to let him pawn it off on a ring.

I left the library before Alaric could say anything else. Everything is a jumbled mess in my brain. I don't want to trust him, or give him another chance. He doesn't deserve it. I hate that he can make me doubt my own logic. He doesn't have the right.

I didn't even realize that I was driving over to Damon's until I got there. I let myself in. I'm sure that he's used to me showing up, now. Caroline and Tyler are both at school, so there's no point in going over to their places. I just don't want to be alone.

"Hey Judgy, couldn't get enough of me, huh? It's okay, it can be our secret." Damon winked and patted the couch next to him. I didn't move but he beckoned me closer. I gave in and sat next to him. He put an arm around me, casually.

"Ric talked to me at school."

"What?" Damon asked through his teeth.

"I'm fine. He didn't try anything. He kept saying that it was his ring that had him so out of control, but that just doesn't sound right. Even after I shattered the ring, he didn't change. I don't get it, Damon." I whispered.

"I don't either. If you go back to him, I will kill you. You can't take that chance. You're too…"

"Give me some credit Damon." I cut him off. "I know that I deserve better, and I'm really not in the mood for what happened to be repeated. I couldn't forget it if I tried."

"Well, actually, you could." Damon said, slowly. "I can't believe I didn't think of it before."

"How?"

"I could compel you to forget."

"Your compulsion doesn't work on me… and if I forgot, what would keep me from going back to him?"

I woke up with a start. I blinked and tried to make sense of my surroundings. I'm in Damon's room, with him. I don't remember falling asleep – it's becoming habit. Spending the night here is just so easy. I have no idea why, and I couldn't explain it if I tried, but Damon makes me feel safe. I've grown to crave that, lately. It's the only place that I don't have nightmares every time I close my eyes.

Author's Note: Alright guys, I know it's short, BUT it's something. Next chapter we'll have some Bamon moments. :D Reviews are awesome!

Xo Xo
Anneryn