Blearily, she rubbed her eyes, sitting upright as she glanced around her. She couldn't figure out where she was.

A sleek apartment with modern industrial furniture and decor surrounded her. She sat up quickly, gripping her head when the world spun around her.

"Careful, love," a voice came from behind her, and she spun, clenching her eyes closed as the dizziness threatened nausea.

When she was sure the spinning had stopped, she opened her eyes and was startled by the beautiful man who suddenly appeared before her. Green eyes flecked with amber bored into her, studying her closely.

"You have beautiful eyes," she surprised herself by saying it out loud and tried to hide her blush by ducking her head.

His voice had a musical lilt with his accent as he asked, "Who are you? There is something about you that is so intriguing."

Bella studied him back just as intensely, suddenly admiring the blonde curly mess of hair he'd attempted to control with gel. As she slowly gained some clarity, she stuttered, "Umm, I-I, I can't t-tell you that. I don't know you."

Bella met his stern gaze as his eyes weirdly, noticeably dilated.

"Tell me who you are and what you are running from."

She blinked and squinted up at him. "I don't know you. And something about you is telling me I should likely run in the opposite direction." The corners of his mouth turned down as he scowled.

"But…" she added quickly, "Something else is telling me to trust you. After all, if you were going to eat me, kill me, or drink my blood, I would already be dead. Right?"

Needing to stretch her muscles and move around, Bella stood carefully. She crossed the room slowly, wincing a little at the lingering yet fading stiffness in her limbs, to the edge of a granite island, and leaned against it. She turned to look at him, then blinked, startled as he stood beside her, as quick as a flash.

Sounding intrigued, he asked, "How did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Refuse to answer me?"

Bella couldn't hold back a smirk. "Oh, are you trying to use thrall on me? That doesn't work. I have a locked-up mind. That's what sparkle dick told me." She tapped her temple with her finger.

He barked a surprised laugh, "Sparkle Dick?"

"My ex, who is a toxic, narcissistic asshole."

"And his dick sparkled?"

Arching an eyebrow, Bella gave the man a sage look, "The rest of him sparkled. Why wouldn't his dick?"

The incredulous smirk on his face stressed the sharpness of his jawline, and his eyes brightened with humor. She found him exceptionally attractive.

Bella unconsciously licked her lips and tilted her head, asking, "Who are you?"

"Niklaus Mikealson at your service," he said with a slight bow. "My family calls me Klaus."

"Which should I use?"

"Klaus is fine, love."

She shook her head slightly and looked confused. "I think I hit my head in that wreck."

Standing up straight in alarm, she exclaimed, "Oh fuck! That wreck. I have to get my stuff and set it on fire. No one can find it. They can't run my prints. I can't- they can't- my dad- I just! FUCK!"

He settled his hands on her shoulders and whispered, "Whoa, love. It's okay. Calm down. Let me explain."

He waited until her breathing was back to almost normal before continuing. "I was in the bar and saw you bolting like your back was on fire. It worried me, so I followed you. I saw you punch the guy in the throat. Nice shot, that," he said with a wink. "Ryan is fine by the way."

Moving back from Bella, he said, "I saw you spin out of control and the car rolling down the embankment. I got you and your bags out of the wreckage. Then, made sure the car caught fire. Nothing tied to you was intact, I assure you."

Bella blinked at him, confused by his effort. She took a calming breath. "But you don't know me. Why would you do that for me?"

"I have a sister. If she were in whatever trouble you are in, I would want someone to help her, too."

"I've already transferred your bags, except for the small overnight bag, into a car I bought for you this morning. There are a few IDs with different names and a passport in case you need to leave the country. I added a few stacks of cash to get you by for a while. And there's a burner phone with my number programmed in it."

She was stunned. Had Klaus truly helped her simply because he had a sister?

"So, I remind you of your sister?"

"Thankfully, no. But if I can convince you to hang around for a bit, perhaps you can make it worth my while." His eyes darkened to an impossible shade of black, and she could see his lust spike.

Bella dipped her head, looking at the floor, considering the options. She could take his offer and have some unforgettable sex–she knew it would be so good. There was just something about him that screamed sex appeal, predator, and safety, which confused the hell out of her. She felt like she could breathe for a short time anyway, but she would always look over her shoulder–for Victoria and her gang, the Cullens, and God only knew what other enemies were after her now.

Taking another deep breath, Bella met his gaze, "How long would this arrangement last? I can't promise I won't have to run again."

"That's the beauty of it, love. There are no strings attached. You get to say when we are through. And if you have to run, just let me know via the burner phone."

"You don't even know me."

"That doesn't frighten me, love."

She held her hand out to shake his, "I'm Isabella. You can call me Isa."

Bella's hands shook as she showered, knowing what was to come. She was nervous but anxious in a good way.

As she used the wash rag to wash away the dirt of the last couple of days, she took a moment to breathe and appreciate her savior, who, though not human, at least wasn't a cold one. And rather than ask questions as was her wont, she went with the flow. Asking questions and investigating things hadn't worked well for her in the past, and she refused to fall into that trap again.

When clean, she shut the water off and reached for the towel. Drying quickly, Bella pulled on the t-shirt Klaus had set out for her. She held the collar to her nose and deeply inhaled the spicy scent of man, sandalwood, and musk.

She stepped timidly from the bathroom, the hem of the too-big shirt twisted in her fingers nervously. She was not innocent by any means, but something about Klaus that said this would be different.

"Don't be nervous, love," he whispered.

Stepping close into her space, he cupped her cheek and caressed the soft skin with his thumb. Sliding his other arm to her waist, he tugged her closer and leaned down to rest his forehead against hers.

"You smell divine." His deep, husky voice sent a shiver of anticipation through her. "Are you sure about this? It's not too late to back out now, Isa."

Instead of a verbal answer, she stood on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. His hands gripped her, pulling her closer, and she pressed her body against his. His mouth opened against hers, and she responded, exploring each other fully.

Bella's hands went to the buttons on his collared shirt, and shakily, she undid them, one by one. She wished she had the strength to rip it from him. Bella could feel the well-defined muscles beneath the fabric. Growing eager, she wanted to trace her fingers over the dips and grooves and watch as his eyes grew darker with lust.

As though in tune with her desire, he let go of her, grabbed the edges of his shirt, and pulled it from his body. The buttons popping off and skittering across the floor were the only sound in the room besides their heavy breathing. He tugged his slacks down his hips and stepped out of them. Bella took the moment to admire the beauty of the man before her. His hardened muscles and the planes of his chest, the firm biceps, the thick thighs corded with muscle and firm, swollen appendage between them.

Klaus stepped back over to her and grabbed the hem of his shirt before pulling it over her head. His hands slid up her sides and smoothed down her back. She ached for him to touch her everywhere. She wanted his body pressed against hers, his hands all over her.

His voice was gravelly as he whispered, "Isa, tell me what you want."

She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, hesitating before briefly pressing her lips back to his. Bella whispered, "I want to feel you all over me."

Her breath hitched as he smirked and pulled her flush against his body.

"I want your hands all over me. And-" Bella's voice cut off when he trailed his fingers over her breasts to stroke her nipples.

Klaus teased, "And?"

Breathlessly, Bella continued, "I want you to take me over and over again. Burn the memory of you into my mind, Klaus." Her knees felt weak, and with a whimper, she added, "Please?"

His genuine yet lust-filled grin left her blushing, smiling back as he lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, trailing kisses over his jawline, neck, and shoulder as he carried her across the room to the bed.

Klaus laid her down gently and worshiped her like no one else had. Fingers and lips burned fiery paths as he branded himself on her skin. His soothing ministrations left no room for nervousness or anxiety.

Before long, she was pleading with him, "Please, Klaus. More. I need more." No one had ever left her begging, gasping for breath with mere foreplay until now. She didn't know if anyone else would ever compare to Klaus.

Sliding slowly into her slick heat, he hissed, "Fuck, Isa…" When he was fully inside, he kissed her deeply, then gradually began working himself in and out, slowly building a pace. Bella's fingertips dug into his back and buttocks, urging him on as she lifted her hips to meet him. He quickened his pace, increasing the force of his thrusts until she cried out beneath him.

"Oh God! Klaus! Yes!"

His pace never faltered as he reached between them to stroke her there. Holding her gaze, Klaus grinned as she came, yet never slowed. His hands continued to roam, his kisses and other ministrations bringing her to release again and again. When she felt sated, unable to take anymore, Klaus let himself go, coming over her with a roar and one word falling from his lips.

"Isa!"

Klaus fell onto his side beside her with a contented sigh as Bella panted, catching her breath as the overwhelming sensations faded.

Bella no longer assumed that anyone else could compare. Klaus blew everyone she'd known out of the water.

When they could move, he pulled her up the bed and cuddled her into his arms, snuggling her close. She closed her eyes as she buried her face into his shoulder.

Closing his eyes, content, Klaus whispered, "That was amazing, love."

Bella made no reply as she was already fast asleep.

One day became two, then a week, and then three weeks or four. Before Bella knew it, she had broken her one rule well. She had been in Dallas with Klaus for close to three months.

And it was incredible. Peaceful. Bella had nowhere to be, no need to run, and if anyone bothered her or seemed a threat, Klaus took care of them. She didn't ask how because she was afraid of the answer.

Frankly, Bella was worried she'd taken up with a mobster.

He came and went from the penthouse at all hours of the day and night, which was odd. Yet, curious still were phone calls she pretended not to have overheard. Someone called Marcel was supposed to dispose of evidence and 'take care of the problem.' Another person named Elijah was supposed to use brute force or fatal means if necessary. Bella was suspicious but dared not question these things.

Because, despite all of that, Bella was never afraid of Klaus. She never believed he would hurt her or renege on his agreement with her. He treated her with nothing but patience and tenderness.

Bella could feel her time there growing short. She could see herself falling in love with Klaus. He was a gentleman and kind to her. He cuddled her even when they weren't making love, seeking comfort in her presence. And the sex–the things he could do to her body would make any other woman weep with desperation at her lack of experiencing the same.

Klaus pampered her, bringing flowers, chocolate, and her favorite foods once he figured out what they were. Even better, he quickly discovered her love of reading and showed her to his library. She had found several strange tomes in ancient scripts she didn't understand and more. Still, she had cracked open a few, read a paragraph, and placed it back on the shelf. She didn't want to learn more about the supernatural world, and some tomes detailed werewolves, shapeshifters, witches, and more. Her silent suspicions grew.

Needing a nap, Bella began reading a history of Constantinople, assuming it would put her to sleep. As the words blurred, the ringing of her cell phone startled her.

Pulling it from the pockets of her jeans, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, love," Klaus's voice sounded over the line. "I know you hoped to sleep, but I canceled all plans. What would you say to spending the day with me, exploring Dallas, and eating wherever you choose?"

She was skeptical when she questioned, "Anywhere I choose, Klaus?"

He sighed dramatically. "Anywhere, even if it means Whataburger."

"Maybe we could get that for a semi-late lunch? It's only 1:30, then we could gallivant to your heart's content and eat at a fancy place you like?"

"Are we compromising, Isa?"

"I think so, Klaus. What time will you be here?"

"How fast can you be ready?"

"Twenty minutes?"

"See you then."

She ended the call smiling and hurried to their room to change. She threw on tight black jeans and a low-cut red halter top. Her black leather jacket and chunky boots completed the outfit. She quickly applied her makeup, only enhancing her eyes and painting her lips a dark red.

Klaus loved her in red, and she loved leaving red rings on certain parts of his body.

She grabbed her purse, contemplating where she could leave her lip prints next, when the elevator doors dinged, signaling his arrival. She turned to face him, and his reaction was all she'd been hoping for as he bit his knuckle and closed his eyes with a sigh.

"Isa, I swear you are trying to kill me."

"No, just keep you on your toes," she replied, tossing her long dark locks over her shoulder.

They went to Whataburger first. Klaus's reaction to the food amused her greatly. He was wary at first, but once he'd swallowed his first bite of the bacon burger, he'd quickly devoured it.

Klaus took her to a bookstore. It was small but held a plethora of treasures. She found several books she wanted, but her favorite find was a first-edition print of Dracula. She thought it was funny that she found it, but couldn't wait to read the familiar classic.

They visited a few other places, and Bella enjoyed Klaus's company immensely. He was attentive and sweet.

They had just reached the door of Bellisimo Italiano when she heard, "Bella?"

She closed her eyes and clenched Klaus's hand with everything she had inside her. That voice–the bells and musical quality it held–still occasionally haunted her dreams. She slowly opened her eyes, hoping she was just dreaming. It was unfortunate that he'd found her.

"Can we talk, Bella, please?"

The proof of his vampirism and immortality were undeniable. Despite so much time, he was still eternally seventeen. He had the same pale white marble skin and rust-colored, intentionally disheveled hair. The crooked smile Bella used to find so irresistible graced his features but no longer made her weak. Looking at him then, she couldn't fathom what she had found attractive about him. Especially not when compared side by side with Klaus.

Glancing at Klaus, she gripped his elbow with her free hand, trying to keep herself grounded. Of all the days, the times for Edward to appear, it had to be when she had found a little peace.

Following him, without thought, she let Klaus keep her slightly behind him as they stepped into a surprisingly empty, dark parking lot.

Bella was a little worried about what was going to happen. Months after he left her deserted in the forest, she still wanted Edward to return. Back then, she had not grown and changed enough to hate him. Now, she hated the fact that he had found her. Releasing her grip on Klaus's elbow, Bella anchored herself into his embrace. She hadn't even realized she'd been biting her lip until she could taste a tiny drop of blood on her tongue.

Eyes flying open, she tried to push Klaus away, but he was immovable. She turned to look up at him, but he wouldn't meet her gaze, instead keeping a steady watch on Edward's every movement. Bella turned to look at her ex, and as she did, she could see he was refusing to breathe, and his eyes had turned black. He was barely controlling himself, appearing every bit the predator he was.

She told Klaus as much with a single gasp of alarm and froze, and he took the sudden change in her demeanor seriously. Suddenly, Klaus lunged for Edward, his body moving so fast it flashed before her eyes.

Edward met him blow for blow, but in the end, Edward was no match for him. The fastest Cullen was still slower than Klaus. Before she knew it, Edward was in pieces, and Klaus was piling them up. He lit a match and dropped it on the writhing pile of limbs, then hurried to Isa's side.

Bella was in shock. She could feel that her eyes were too wide, mouth agape, but she couldn't pull herself back together at that moment. She'd just watched her lover destroy the boy who brought so much drama, pain, and terror to her life.

Bella almost felt as if she were having an out-of-body experience. She was there and witnessing it, but a part of her wanted to detach herself from the situation and pretend it never happened. Another part of her wanted to check Klaus for injuries, hold him close, and kiss him soundly.

Feeling his hands on her face, stroking her cheek and urging her to return from her dazed, frozen state, woke her up.

Bella blinked up at Klaus and asked, "Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor?"

Smiling sweetly at her, he answered after a delicate kiss to her lips, "No, love, I'm alright. Just worried about you. How are you?"

Bella paused, searching for the right words before answering, "I'm alright, just sad."

Klaus's brows hitched up, and he looked at her skeptically. "Sad? Over the narcissistic ex?"

"No. Not over Ed. It's just that if he found me, so can they. I was enjoying my time with you. But I think that was the end."

He frowned, disappointed. "Are you sure, Isa? You know I can protect you."

She smiled a bittersweet smile, feeling the same. "I do not doubt it, but you shouldn't have to. I know I'm a weak little human, but I can't always rely on someone else to fight my battles. I will have to figure out how to stand on my own two feet eventually." She hated to leave but knew she couldn't stay. The wrath of the Cullens raining down on Klaus wouldn't do him any favors. Neither would placing him at the forefront of the Volturi's attention.

Klaus pulled her closer, lining their bodies as much as he could. "I know I said there would be no strings, but I can't help but be sad about this ending. Can I convince you to stay with me one more night?"

He met her gaze straight on, and it was all she could do to resist him, but his last plea, a whispered "Please, Isa?" had her folding like a bad hand of cards at the casino.

"Then let's not waste any time here with dinner. Let's go back home, Klaus."

That last night contained lovemaking filled with an intimacy unlike anything she'd known before, even with Klaus. It was the kind that would haunt her dreams and leave her searching for years to come. She packed her belongings after Klaus fell asleep and then slipped back into the bed. She needed sleep if she hoped to drive anywhere the next day.

When she woke a few hours later, there was a new phone with a note that said, "Call me when you need me. I'm always on your side. - Klaus"

Her eyes welled with tears. Bella clutched the note to her chest and whispered a small thank you, even though he wasn't there to hear it.

The kitchen counter held a plate with a breakfast sandwich and fresh fruit beside a steaming mug of coffee. Once again, she felt the need to whisper a quiet thank you.

After eating, she looked around the penthouse one last time, committing it to memory. Bella went to grab her bags but only found her purse with another note telling her that Klaus had taken them to the car for her already. All she needed to do was go. It reminded her that she could stay with him, but she couldn't.

Gripping the note, she dug inside her purse, finding a small notebook and pen. She wrote to Klaus, thanking him for taking her in, protecting her, and being her friend when she desperately needed one. Before she could continue and talk herself into staying, Bella left the note on the counter, slipped into the elevator, and pressed the floor key for the garage that housed her car.

She kept his number in mind but prayed she'd never need to use it. She knew he could handle himself, but while he'd made quick work of Edward, it wouldn't be right to rely on him for everything. And he hadn't offered that.

She cherished the memories of those peaceful three months as she resumed her escape, constantly looking over her shoulder.