Hi OMG you're taking prompts : ) "We're assigned to this mission in which we have to pretend to be a married couple, but I'm actually really in love with you."
Thank you! I could never say no to you Cassie, like ever! Awesome prompt and I hope you enjoy it…It sort of took on a life of its own and is longer than expected (story of my life).
Till Death Do Us Part:
Sedona, Arizona
"He just doesn't understand me, Alehzon," Caroline murmured, looking deeply into his eyes. "I've invested so much in this relationship and Klaus hasn't said he loves me in years."
"Is this true, Klaus?" He asked softly.
"I have a busy career, and excuse me if I work long hours," he muttered. "A career that pays all your bills, I might add. If that isn't love, I don't know what is."
"You see what I have to deal with everyday," she sobbed, leaning across the table to help herself to a tissue, making sure she flashed extra cleavage for their therapist's benefit.
"And you see what I have to deal with every day," Klaus shot back, sending her a dirty look.
"Okay, I can see we have a lot of work ahead of us," he soothed. "How about we take a break and reconvene in a few hours. I've organized a couple's massage for you in the mean time."
"A couple's massage?" Caroline asked, the words spilling out before she had a chance to stop them. The thought of being semi naked in front of him making her tingle in all the right places unfortunately, not that she admit it to him of course.
"Yes, sometimes we are so focused on our emotional difficulties that we forget about our physical well being. A massage is a great way to work through some of those physical kinks, and in turn improve your minds."
"Sounds okay to me," Klaus replied shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, but she could see his eyes darken at the prospect.
"Thank you, Alehzon," Caroline murmured, wiping away some stray tears with the tissue. "It means so much that you're here to help us with our marriage."
"It's what I do Caroline, but more importantly it's my pleasure," he smiled, placing his hands in hers and giving them an affectionate squeeze.
"I'll bet it's his damn pleasure," Klaus hissed as they walked out of the room and into the open air.
Originally from Florida, Caroline had never been to Sedona before, and realised just what she was missing. The landscape was so beautiful and untouched, the surrounding rocks a rich shade of red, contrasting with the green from the few trees that were dotted around them.
"I might need to go and wash my hands," she winced, hoping she hadn't caught any germs in the process.
"I'm surprised he could look you in the eye given how much time he spent perusing your chest. I mean, could you wear anything lower cut?"
"Well there is this dress I have…"
"It was a rhetorical question."
"This is all part of the plan Mr grouchy pants, and you know it. We don't have a lot of time and we need to capitalize on every creepy moment with this guy."
"Tell me about it," he groaned. "So what was with that fake crying?"
"I may have studied some drama in my time, and I'll have you know it wasn't fake, that was real water."
"I'll bet drama was your best subject."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean drama seems to be your thing," he teased. "I've never seen anyone relish in posing undercover as much as you."
She'd been working undercover for the Phoenix Police Department for a year now and never found a case too difficult, until a certain arrogant ass had waltzed through the door.
Yes, like many of her female colleagues had noted, he was gorgeous with those sexy crimson lips and that dark blonde hair that curled over his ears, not to mention his soothing English accent. His personality however, hadn't lived up to all that hype. He was rude, cocky and a smart ass, amongst other things.
She'd heard stories in the locker room that his parents were extremely wealthy and his trust fund was so excessive he'd never have to work a day in his life. If it was true, Caroline wondered why someone that rich would bother working, especially in the police force with its hard work and erratic hours.
Their Station Captain, Alaric Saltzman had decided, for whatever ungodly reason, they had to work together on this latest case. Alexander Deveraux, other wise known in the spiritual world as Alehzon, had been a well-known felon in Phoenix with an extensive rap sheet. He'd spent time in and out of jail for petty crimes, including shoplifting, arson and firearms possession, but was released five years earlier.
As part of his parole conditions, Alexander was kept under strict surveillance, until that period had ended and they hoped they'd heard the last of him. Until the station had received some unexpected intel from an informant about a scam involving millions of dollars.
Word was that Alexander was posing as a new age healer, specializing in marital rejuvenation and repair. He had moved to Sedona under his new name and started a married couple's retreat for some of the wealthiest people in the state.
The con didn't end with a fake name and career though, Alexander had managed to scam substantial sums of money, especially out of gullible wives fooled by his charm. Unfortunately, a long-term investigation was out of the question because the informant had also told them he was planning on fleeing the country with his amassed wealth in just over a month.
Not wanting to take any risks, and given time was running out, Alaric has insisted on an undercover operation to take him down before he could leave the country.
Caroline had worked undercover before so she wasn't concerned. The problem was it involved them posing as a married couple to infiltrate the enemy camp. She could still remember how outraged she was when Alaric suggested it.
"If our information is correct, Deveraux is set to flee the states in a month." Alaric explained to the small group of officers. "That's why we need to act fast. The problem is our informant is refusing to give an official statement, which means we need to get information another way."
"So what's the plan, boss?" Caroline asked.
"The plan is for you to infiltrate his inner circle. A long term stakeout would be preferable and have a higher chance of success but we don't have that luxury."
"What do you need me to do?" Caroline asked, just as Klaus did the same thing. She'd been trying to pretend he wasn't in the room but now he was front and centre in her mind. She looked over questioningly, trying not get lost in his blue eyes which were only accentuated by his blue shirt.
"You two are going to get married."
"We're going to do what?" She shrieked.
"I don't mean legally; you just need to pose as a married couple."
"I think even that's a stretch for blondie here," Klaus quipped, his eyes firmly trained on her. Caroline had to ignore the shiver reverberating through her body. Why did his lips have to be so, red?
"Excuse me?" She asked. "I can do anything, last time I checked you were the new one around here."
"With three more years of experience, sweetheart," he shot back.
"Well, you already argue like a married couple," Alaric interrupted. "This is going to be perfect."
"How do you figure that?" Caroline asked.
"Well, what better place for an arguing couple than a marriage retreat."
"A marriage retreat?" They both asked.
"Oh, you even have that cute couple tendency of saying things in unison, next thing you know you'll be finishing each other's sentences," Alaric joked. "What better way to get to know him than letting him counsel you on your failing marriage?"
"So you think he'll tell us about his plans over trust exercises, group counselling sessions and singing kumbaya around the fire?" Klaus asked incredulously.
"Oh ye of little faith, anyway kumbaya is more of a camping activity, Klaus," Alaric said for his benefit. "He's also got a soft spot for pretty blondes with big bank accounts."
"This calls for some flirting and extremely fitted clothing." Caroline murmured, choosing to block out their mindless chatter.
"See, your wifey here gets it," Alaric joked earning a dirty look from his employees. Fast forward a week and they found themselves in the picturesque town of Sedona at Soul Quest Retreat.
The one thing Caroline was thankful for was they were pretending to be an unhappy couple so public displays of affection weren't necessary. Even with all her acting experience, she couldn't trust herself with Klaus.
"Just in time for your massage, will you follow me?" One of the employees asked, cornering them on the terrace. Caroline was hoping she could get out of this massage, but it looked like no such luck.
It was bad enough having to share a room with him, Caroline had of course insisted he sleep on the floor which he'd begrudgingly agreed. Although it didn't help that he slept semi naked, his muscular arms on show in his fitted grey singlet. She, on the other hand, had chosen to wear as many clothes as possible, even if she was stifling under the covers.
Another thing she hadn't counted on was how gorgeous he looked, even first thing in the morning with his hair rumpled, his sexy stubble and his blue eyes full of sleep. She'd just to have to keep her eyes downward, that was the only way.
After stripping down and wrapping the fluffy white towel around her, Caroline emerged from the change room. Unfortunately, it was at that exact moment Klaus walked in with his towel lazily hanging on his hips and his bare chest on full show. She was aroused enough when he was in a singlet, now she was a goner.
She cleared her throat nervously, noting his amused expression as his eyes raked over her curves appreciatively.
"Let's get this over and done with," she muttered, finally tearing away her gaze and walking towards the treatment room, trying to ignore the burning sensation between her legs.
Whoever said a massage was a relaxing experience had obviously never had one with Klaus Mikaelson. She stuck to her plan, keeping her gaze downwards on the massage bed. Although she couldn't help but imagine that he was the one running his hands slowly along her back. The burning feeling between her legs threatening to explode into something much more pleasurable.
It didn't help that she'd heard Klaus moan a few times and it had done nothing to dampen her arousal. Just knowing he was partially naked on the neighbouring bed was enough to evoke explicit images in her head.
"You're finished," the lady murmured before walking out of the room, leaving just her and Klaus, alone and partially naked. Caroline attempted to move but the relaxing feeling she'd created was making that difficult.
Caroline knew she needed to focus on the job at hand. She was a professional, after all. They didn't have much time to crack this case and she knew it would take a bold gesture. One that she was willing to do, for both the case and her sanity.
"I'm going to speak to Alexander alone," she said, looking over towards him for the first time.
"Are you sure that's wise?" He asked, his voice muffled from the towel beneath him.
"We need to get this guy and fast," she replied. "I'm going to put on my most fitted dress and work my magic."
"Your most fitted dress?" He baulked, his head shooting up immediately, his gaze meeting hers.
"It's our best option right now."
"I think we need to work together, if you go to him this soon he'll suspect we're up to something."
"I'm willing to take that chance," she replied confidently, even if she didn't feel it.
xxxxxxxx
"Caroline," Alexander murmured, his eyes not even bothering to hide his lust. She'd poured herself into the most fitted red dress she owned which left little to the imagination.
"I know we said one o'clock but I wanted to come and see you on my own, if that's okay?"
"Oh really, why's that?"
"I just wanted to reiterate how grateful I am to you for helping us through this difficult time," she purred taking a seat and crossing her legs slowly, much to the enjoyment of their therapist.
"Anything to help you," he grinned, his eyes lingering on her legs for much longer than necessary.
"I'm willing to do everything it takes to make this marriage work," she promised, leaning forward to showcase her assets for his benefit. She noticed him gulp, realising she might have had him, well she hoped anyway.
"That is admirable, Caroline," he smirked, finally tearing his gaze from her ample cleavage. "I don't want you to give up hope, nothing is over until you say it is."
"So, what can I do?" She asked helplessly, fluttering her eyelashes at him shamelessly.
"Well, the therapy helps but we have a few other packages that might increase you chance of success."
"I'm will try anything, Alehzon," she whispered, emphasizing his name for extra effect.
"It's going to cost a little more."
"Trust me, money is no object," she shot back, never losing eye contact.
"Sorry I'm late," Klaus interrupted, looking between the two wearily and taking a seat next to his 'wife'.
"I didn't expect you so soon," she stuttered, trying not to lose her patience. This was all part of their plan and he was doing his best to ruin it.
"I was restless, and looking forward to this session," he implored. Alexander cleared his throat, removing his gaze from Caroline for the first time and going into professional mode. "I've even signed us up for a couple's trek this afternoon, I'm that willing to make things work."
"Uh, okay, so why don't we pick up where we left off, then," Alexander began awkwardly, Caroline doing all she could not to strangle Klaus.
xxxxx
"I think the point of a couple's trek is that we talk about things," Klaus said, as they walked up a steep hill, taking in the impressive scenery.
"Oh really, you want to talk about things now," she shot back, turning around quickly and making him momentarily lose his balance. "How about sabotaging my conversation with Alexander, let's start with that."
"I was worried."
"You were worried," she baulked. "About what, Mikaelson?"
"He's not to be trusted, I just thought I could lend a helping hand."
"I have been doing this a long time, I do not need to be wrapped in cotton wool," she growled. "I was actually making headway with him and you had to go and interrupt."
"Who knows what this guy is capable of, Caroline," he spluttered.
"I'm not naïve Klaus," she sneered. "I know what this takes, unlike a trust fund baby, this job means something to me and it's not all fun and games."
"Excuse me? Oh really? I'm a trust fund baby," he scowled. "I'd be interested to know where you got such reliable information from."
"It's from other sources…" she replied feebly, knowing that she didn't have a leg to stand on.
"Oh, so now you can't name these reliable sources, funny that. You know what Caroline I don't have time for these pathetic arguments, especially given you don't know what you're talking about."
"I do know," she hissed.
"It's a bit late for that, you know I thought you were different, Caroline. Just forget it." Before she could reply, Caroline felt her footing loosen on the rough surface and she fell scarily close to the edge of some rocks.
Within an instant he'd grabbed her by the arm and was pulling her to safety, his eyes never leaving hers. If she was being honest it was the safest she'd ever felt in her life. As he pulled he up they held each other's gaze, the chemistry between them only igniting once again.
"You saved me," she replied her breath shaky, after her feet had hit solid ground.
"I think that's an overstatement," he murmured, humbly, his eyes refusing to leave hers. "Are you okay, love?"
"I'm fine," she murmured, unable to keep her distance from him if she tried. After a few moments she spoke. "I'm sorry I judged you, it's the last thing I ever wanted to do."
"Not that I owe you an explanation but the reason I wanted to be a police officer so badly is because my father was one."
"Your father?"
"Yeah, for thirty-three years, that was until he died in the line of fire." He choked out and Caroline immediately wanted to throw her arms around him comfortingly, he looked that vulnerable.
"I'm so sorry," she shared, willing him to continue.
"I guess I wanted to try and finish what he started. My mother comes from a wealthy family, yes, and of course she didn't agree with my wishes at first, but she's come around slowly."
"I think that's admirable," she murmured. "I know he would be so proud of you right now."
"Except that I almost ruined an undercover operation because of my jealous tendencies."
"It's not ruined," She said, choosing not to comment on his jealous remark, even though it filled her with hope for what could be.
"Let's just get this bastard, and then I'm taking you on a date, one of many by the way, where no one can interrupt."
"You're on, Officer."
