Pulling up to Bonnie's and my apartment Klaus comes around, opens my door and helps me out. We walk in silence as we approach the stairs to the upper level. He still hasn't mentioned the outburst of passion that exploded in the elevator. But his dimpled smile throughout the car ride says that it has affected him too. I absentmindedly touch my lips which are still swollen from that earth shattering kiss. God that has to be one of the best kiss I've ever had.
Walking up the flight of stairs , the door suddenly swings open and a young dark-haired man with his mischievous expression comes into sight .
Klaus let out a sigh and lean in to whisper "I apologize in advance."
I furrow my brow in confusion.
"My, my, my ...is this Sweet Caroline?" The young man asks , eying me up and down. "Hello darling I saw you last night at the party but we weren't properly introduced."
Clearing his throat , Klaus introduce me to his brother, "Caroline , this is my brother Kol . Kol this is Caroline."
"Umm, hi" I greet him , smiling somewhat hesitantly.
"You look like a tasty - little thing." He says smirking at me.
"Say another word and I'll tear out you liver , Kol" Klaus bit out.
Kol just mockingly gasps , "Again with the liver threat Nik . You need something new , and I was merely complimenting our Sweet Caroline." He says raising his eyebrows at me.
Wait, who's Nik?
"Seriously ! Stop talking as if I'm not here" I spat.
"And a feisty too . I like her already ,Nik. But your friend Bonnie has already bewitched me so now I'm a taken guy." Kol says grining at both of us while klaus was busy giving him a very dirty look.
Suddenly we are interrupted by Bonnie . Thank heavens ! Because it was getting really awkward for me to handle this two Mikaelson's
"Hi Care." She leaps up to hug me , she was glowing and has the most un-Bonnie-like ridiculous grin on her face, and she looks mussed up in a sexy kind of way. Wow , it look like she really get lucky last night . Damn you Bennett!
"Good morning, Klaus." she says turning to Klaus, and her tone is a little hostile.
"Miss Bennett," he says in his stiff formal way.
"Really Nik! Her name is Bonnie. You need to stop hanging out with Elijah." Kol grumbles , rolling his eyes at Klaus.
"Bonnie" Klaus gives her a polite nod and glares at him "Kol , We'd better go" Klaus says mildly.
"Sure big brother , but first let me say goodbye to my Bonnie lass." He turns to Bonnie and pulls her into his arms and gives her a long, lingering kiss.
Jeez … get a room.
I stare at my feet, embarrassed. I glance up at Klaus and he's watching me intently. I narrow my eyes at him.
Why can't we kiss like that?
Kol continues to kiss Bon , sweeping her off her feet and dipping her in a dramatic hold as he kisses her hard.
"Laters, baby." Kol grins , and Bonnie just melts. I've never seen her like this before . She must really like him and maybe Kol is not so bad afterall.
Klaus rolls his eyes at their PDA and looks down at me with an expression that is hard to read, though there may be a hint of amusement.
He gently tucks a stray strand of my hair behind my ear, causing my breath to catch. I lean into his touch as he runs his thumb across my lower lip, sending a rush of heat through my veins. And all too quickly, his touch is gone.
"Laters, baby," he murmurs, and I have to laugh because the particular pet name was odd coming from Klaus and yet so modern compared to his typical Love and Sweetheart, but no less sexy and endearing . Despite his irreverence, the term stirs something deep within me, leaving me both amused and touched by his unexpected gesture.
"I'll pick you up at eight." He turns to leave, opening the front door and stepping out onto the porch. Kol follows him to the car but turns and blows Bonnie another kiss, and I feel an unwelcome pang of jealousy.
"So, did you?" Bonnie asks as we watch them climb into the car and drive off. The burning curiosity evident in her voice.
I sigh at her question. "No Bon, He was a complete gentleman ... well mostly."
"Did he at least kiss you?" I nod yes, flushing at her question.
"But you definitely got lucky last night." I say trying to divert the attention off of me , giving my friend a sadistic grin.
"And I'm seeing him again this evening." She claps her hands and jumps up and down like a small child, unable to contain her excitement and happiness.
"I'm happy for you Bon."
I really am...
"I know, but now it's your turn" She says grinning at me.
"What do you mean?"
She rolls her eyes at me , "I mean, are you seeing him soon?"
"Umm, yeah we're going out tonight."
"Where?"
"He didn't tell me."
"Oh! So do you think you will then?"
"I hope so."
"And you like him?"
"Umm...yeah."
"So you like him enough to ...?"
"Yes." She raises her eyebrows .
"Wow ! Caroline Forbes, finally falling for a man and it's none other than Klaus Mikaelson - hot , sexy billionaire."
"Oh yeah—it's all about the money." I smirk, and we both fall into a fit of giggles.
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Despite being busy, time seems to creep by slowly at Clayton's. We've hit the summer season, so I have to spend two hours restocking the shelves once the shop is closed. The mindless task leaves me with too much time to think, which I haven't had a chance to do all day.
With Bonnie's dedicated and somewhat pushy guidance, I have flawlessly shaved my legs and underarms, plucked my eyebrows, and I'm all set for my night out with my arrogant yet sexy billionaire.
Exiting the shop at the end of my shift, I notice an unfamiliar figure standing nearby.
"Good Evening Miss Forbes." His voice is polite and very professional .
"You must be Elijah , right?"
"Indeed I am , Please this way." He says as he opens the door to the Black SUV .
Slumping into the passenger's side of the car , I strapped myself in.
"Umm , so where is Klaus?"
"Well, Mr. Mikaelson is waiting for you at the heliport?"
Heliport! Where the hell is he taking me tonight?
The drive to the heliport is short and, before I know it, we arrive. Elijah pulls up to a secluded spot near private aircraft, parking next to a white jet emblazoned with Mikaelson Enterprises. He gets out of the car and opens the door for me.
As I step out of the car, I am greeted by a familiar figure standing in front of his company helicopter, dressed in a sharp navy blue suit. Damn! He always looks flawless.
"Good Evening , Miss Forbes. " He says charmingly.
"Been waiting for long." I playfully ask him.
"You've no idea." He says gazing into my eyes and giving me his signature smirk.
Smug ass.
"Milady, may I introduce you to my helicopter, Charlie Tango." He proudly says opening the cockpit door and directing me to one of the seats at the very front, as he climbs in behind me, and slams the door shut.
"Are you ready for this?" He asks me.
"Umm... you're gonna fly this thing?" I nervously asks him.
He chuckles at the uncertainty of my question. "Don't worry love , I've been a fully qualified pilot for four years. You're safe with me." He gives me a wolfish grin. "Well ...while we're flying." He adds, and winks at me that sends a surge of warmth to my nether regions.
Oh god!
Before securing his own harness, I'm strapped in mine. Reaching over for me, he accidentally brush my left breast with his elbow, causing me almost to convulse. He then, reaches between my legs and fastens the belts of the four-point harness ,clicking them into place and tightening the straps to secure me in place. His closeness makes me squirm with the desire to touch him or be touched by this gorgeous man, while his intoxicating scent overwhelms my senses. I find myself unable to move as he looks up at me.
"No escaping now" he whispers. "Breathe, Caroline." he adds softly.
Reaching up, he caresses my cheek, running his long fingers down to my chin , which grasps between his thumb and forefinger. He leans forward and plants a brief ,chaste kiss, leaving me reeling from the unexpected thrill of his touch.
"I really like this harness." He says tugging on the strap.
what?
Getting situated in his own seat, he buckles himself in, puts on a pair of headphones , begins the task of checking the gauges and flipping a bunch of switches making lights blink and turn on. He hands me headphones of my own and the rotor blades start.
"Ready, love?"
I nod wide-eyed .
"November 1-2-2-4 Charlie Tango, ready to depart."
"Roger that , Charlie Tango . Your flight plan from Portland to Seattle is cleared."
"Oh my god! Seattle? That's where we're going." I exclaim with excitement as he smiles warmly at me.
"Roger, tower, Charlie Tango set, over and out. Here we go," he adds to me, and the helicopter rises slowly and smoothly into the air.
Portland fades from view as we enter U.S. airspace. All I can manage to do is nervously smile at him, my stomach feeling queasy with excitement.
"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" I mock him with sarcasm earning another one of his charming dimpled smiles.
"Yes Miss Forbes." He chuckles. "Like I said I'm a fully qualified pilot, now relax and enjoy the ride . We'll be there in less than half an hour."
*
The soft lights from the instrument panel gently illuminate his face as he focuses intently on the dials in front of him. I admire his features discreetly, taking in his beautiful profile with a straight nose and square jaw. I find myself wanting to run my tongue along his jawline, and his unshaven stubble adds an extra allure to the idea. Hmm … I'd love to feel how rough it is beneath my tongue, my fingers and against my face.
"It's so dark, how do you know where you're going?" I ask, trying to get a grip on my hormones.
"This computer is linked to an electronic compass which has our position. It's equipped for night flight so all we have to do is enter coordinates and then it takes us there. Now Look, over there." He points to a small pinpoint of light in the far distance. "That's Seattle."
"Do you always impress women this way? 'Come and fly in my Helicopter' ?" I ask genuinely interested.
"I've never brought a girl up here, Caroline. It's another first for me." His voice is quiet , serious.
My mouth drops at his admission.
"So...are you impressed ?" He finally asks.
"I'm awed, Klaus." He smiles.
"Awed?"
I nod. "You're just so … competent."
"Well ,thank you, love," Another genuine smile from him and my heart melts.
Enthralled by his lips and reminiscing about our elevator encounter, all I desire is to feel his lips on mine. Why am I drawn to this man is a mystery to me , but in all honesty I want him to be mine.
We ride in the dark night in silence for a while. The bright spot that is Seattle is slowly getting bigger.
"You really enjoy this , don't you?" I murmur.
"What?" He glances at me.
"Flying." I reply.
"It requires control and concentration … how could I not love it? Though my favorite is soaring."
"Wow!" Expensive hobbies.
" Perhaps, I'll take you up sometime."
"I think I'll like that." I respond , earning another smile from him.
Damn! I'd love to trace his dimples with my tongue.
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So, here we go , we're descending and hovering over his building . The lower we get , the more anxious I become. Almost feeling like I'm going to faint, I continue taking deep breath and grip the sides of my seat .
Caroline Forbes , You can do this !
The helicopter slows and hovers, Klaus sets it down on the helipad on top of the building and switches off the ignition , stopping the rotor blades.
"We're here." He says softly.He unfastens his seatbelt and reaches over to unbuckle mine. His face is inches from mine.
"Caroline, You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. You know that, don't you?" His tone is so earnest, desperate even. He takes me by surprise.
"Umm, I'd never do anything I didn't want to do, Klaus." I reply .
He eyes me warily for a moment.
"Come."
As we step out of the helicopter, the strong wind hits us on the thirty-story high landing pad. He quickly wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close before leading us to a nearby elevator to escape the wind. He punches a code into the keypad, and we start descending. After a short ride, the elevator doors open to reveal a beautiful all-white foyer adorned with a small wooden table, flowers, and paintings on the walls. Beyond a set of double doors lies a spacious living area, but what catches my eye is the wall of glass leading to a balcony with a breathtaking view.
Taking in my surroundings I notice a huge metallic modern fireplace already lit with a low flame, a U-shaped leather sofa big enough for ten. Near the kitchen area, in front of the glass wall, is a dining table surrounded by sixteen chairs. And tucked in the corner is a full-sized, shiny black grand piano. Oh yes … he probably plays the piano, too. There is art of all shapes and sizes on all the walls. In fact, this apartment looks more like a gallery than a place to live.
"Would you care for a drink?" He asks .
"Yes please." I respond softly, grateful for the extra boost of confidence.
As I continue to observe my surroundings, I can't help but feel like a fish out of water. The extravagance and opulence surrounding me are beyond anything I ever imagined or considered achievable. I simply don't fit in here.
"Here, Sweetheart." He hands me a glass of wine. I take a sip, and find the wine to be light,crisp and delicious.
"You're very quiet, and not even blushing. This is possibly the palest I've ever seen you, Caroline," he whispers. "Are you hungry?"
I shake my head, "It's a very big place you have here."
"Big?"
"Big."
"It's big," he agrees , and his eyes glow with amusement.
I take another sip of wine. "Do you play?" I point my chin at the piano.
"Yes."
"Of course you do. Is there anything you can't do?"
"Yes … a few things." He takes a sip of his wine but doesn't take his eyes off me. I feel them following me as I turn and glance around this vast room.
"Would you excuse me for a moment, love?" He suddenly asks me and disappears through a wide doorway on the far side of the room. He's gone for a couple of minutes and returns with a document.
"This is a nondisclosure agreement." He shrugs and has the grace to look a little embarrassed. "My lawyer insists on it." He hands it to me.
I'm completely bemused. "What does this agreement mean?"
"It means you cannot disclose anything about us. Anything, to anyone."
I stare at him in disbelief.
"I wouldn't talk about us to anyone anyway. Even Bonnie. So it's immaterial whether I sign an agreement or not. If it means so much to you, or your lawyer … whom you obviously talk to, then ,Okay. I'll sign."
He reluctantly passes me a pen.
"Sweetheart , aren't you even going to read it?"
"Nope." He frowns.
"Caroline , you should always read anything you sign," he chastises me.
" Seriously Klaus ! You need to stop ordernig me around." I lavishly sign on the dotted line of both copies and hand one back to him. Folding the other, I tuck it into my purse and take a large swig of my wine. I'm sounding so much braver than I'm actually feeling. Out of habit I'm bitting my lip again ,which gets his attention.
"Caroline, please stop bitting your lip . It's very distracting for me."
Finishing my drink in one swift gulp, I feel my confidence growing.
"Ah, so what you gonna do about it Mr. Mikaelson. Scold me, Kiss me , or are you gonna make love to me."
Holy shit ! Did I really just say that.
His mouth slightly falls open in surprise at my sudden boldness , well, he's not the only one.
"Two things ; first, I don't make love. I fuck...hard." My jaw drops in shock.
Fuck hard! Holy shit, that sounds so undeniably arousing.
"And the second thing?" I asks , gazing at his lips.
"Come , I want to show you something." he says as he stands and extends his hand for me, and guides me through his apartment until we reach a door.
I cross my arms and gaze curiously at the door.
"It is just beyond this door."
"What is?" I ask, intrigued.
"My playroom" he announce and look closely at me.
Wait! why are we looking at a playroom? I'm mystified.
"Like your X box and stuff? Aren't we little old for video games." He cracks up at my sarcasm.
"It's not quite for that purspose" he replies.
"Then what is it for?"
"Caroline , you can leave anytime. The helicopter is on standby to take you whenever you want to go; you can stay the night and go home in the morning. It's fine whatever you decide."
"Why? What is in there?"
He takes a deep breath and retrieves the key from his pocket, " I meant what I said."
Feeling a bit apprehensive, I take a deep breath and cross my arms over my chest.
"Klaus , just open the damn door."
He opens the door and stands back to let me in. I gaze at him once more.
Taking a deep breath I walk in. And it feels like I've time- traveled back to sixteenth century . Examining a bit closer my jaw drops in shock as realization sets in.
HOLY FUCK.