"Darling, tell me how handsome I am," Kol said with a smirk, his voice teasing as he stood on a small podium. A tailor fussed with the edges of his custom-made suit, taking every care to ensure perfection for their upcoming date. Kol, ever the showman, would never deign to take Holly out in jeans. "I'm not some kind of savage, you know. I may be a psychotic maniac, but I also have standards—especially when it comes to clothing."
They were in Milan, of course. Having left Mystic Falls just yesterday and unceremoniously tossing Klaus's coffin into the depths of a lake, they'd fled to Italy before some new catastrophe had the chance to chase them down. On the way, they'd made a brief stop in New York, where Kol's centuries-old vampire associate, Massimo, had updated him on his finances.
Massimo had been managing Kol's wealth for centuries, especially during the periods when Kol was daggered by his darling brother. Kol had always been the most independent of his family, refusing Klaus's money at every opportunity. Even after being daggered repeatedly, Kol had made it abundantly clear he wouldn't accept so much as a penny from Klaus or Elijah, determined never to let anyone think the years of betrayal and pain could be erased with gold.
Instead, back in 17th-century Italy, Kol had turned a renowned banker—Massimo—into a vampire, ensuring the man's loyalty with the promise of endless wealth. Since then, Massimo had overseen Kol's fortune, and when the New York Stock Exchange opened in 1792, he had positioned himself just around the corner, becoming one of the city's unseen financial titans. Yesterday, after greeting Kol like an old friend, Massimo had boasted of tripling Kol's fortune during his most recent daggering and handed him new identification and a sleek driver's license.
And that's how Kol found himself driving a brand-new yellow BMW M5, a model eerily similar to the one they'd used back in New Orleans. For all his millennia of life, Kol was still a boy at heart, and Holly couldn't help but think the car was utterly perfect for him. Which is why they'd opted to drive from Geneva to Milan instead of apparating in an instant. Sure, Holly could have snapped her fingers and had them there in seconds, but she wanted Kol to savor the joys of the 21st century. And what could be more quintessentially modern than roaring down the highway in a gas-guzzling beast of a car with 700 horsepower? Kol, of course, had driven like a man possessed, shaving their journey time from four hours to a mere two.
Now, Holly sat comfortably in one of Milan's most exclusive tailoring shops, her legs crossed and a flute of champagne in hand. She watched, half-amused, half-enchanted, as Kol posed in front of the mirror. The tailor had fitted him into a pair of perfectly tailored grey checkered trousers that hugged his form in all the right places. Kol was right—jeans would never do him justice. Holly bit her lip, fighting the urge to get up and feel just how firm his backside really was. Of course, if she were being honest, there were other parts of him she was curious to test for...firmness.
Kol's voice interrupted her wandering thoughts.
"What was that, love?" Holly blinked, startled.
Kol, noticing her distraction, chuckled softly, a knowing glint in his eye. He'd clearly caught her staring at his backside, and the mischief that sparkled in his gaze told her he wasn't about to let her off easily.
"I said," he repeated, voice dripping with amusement, "tell me how handsome I am, darling."
Holly's heart skipped a beat, and there was no mistaking the way Kol's grin widened at the sound. He'd heard it too.
"You're so handsome," Holly began, her voice betraying a slight tremble, "that every time I look at you, my panties grieve for their sole existence and want to commit suicide."
The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them, and in an instant, she slapped a hand over her lips, horrified. Where in Merlin's name had that come from? She glanced accusingly at her glass of champagne, as though the golden liquid itself were to blame for her unfiltered confession.
Kol threw his head back and laughed—a full, unrestrained belly laugh that echoed around the room. He was clearly delighted by her candor. Holly, meanwhile, felt like the floor could swallow her whole.
"Oh, darling," Kol finally managed between breaths, wiping a tear from his eye, "there's a simple solution to that. No panties." He shot her a wink through the mirror. "I know I'll be forgetting about that particular piece of clothing with you around."
Holly took a long sip of her champagne for courage. She stood from her chair, her heart racing as she moved toward Kol. The tailor was still fussing with the final adjustments on his suit, but Holly barely noticed him. She waved him away with a flick of her hand, dismissing him without a second thought. This moment was hers, and she wasn't in the mood to share.
Kol stood tall on the podium, his back to her, watching her approach through the mirror with a knowing glint in his eyes. His lips curled into a teasing smile, but his body remained still, a silent invitation for her to do as she pleased. The tension in the air between them crackled, thick with anticipation.
Holly stepped onto the podium behind him, feeling suddenly dwarfed by his height. Kol was so much taller than her that her head barely reached his shoulder, making her feel both small and powerful at the same time. His presence was magnetic, and the proximity sent a thrill through her, an irresistible pull that had her standing closer than she'd intended.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering just above his back, before finally allowing herself to touch him. Her hands slid across the fine fabric of his jacket, feeling the firmness of his body beneath. His back was strong, broad, and she couldn't help but marvel at how solid he felt. There was a subtle shift in his breathing as her hands moved lower, tracing the lines of his muscles with deliberate slowness. Kol may have been standing perfectly still, but she could feel the tension coiled beneath his skin, the way his body reacted to her touch.
Her fingers drifted around his sides, brushing lightly against his ribs before settling on his chest. She pressed her palms flat against him, testing the hardness of his pecs. He was firm, just as she imagined, a wall of muscle that made her feel dizzy with desire. The closeness, the heat of him—it was all intoxicating.
She bit her lip, feeling a surge of boldness as her hands moved lower. Holly's curiosity got the better of her, and she allowed her fingers to travel down the sculpted lines of his torso, sliding over his waist before finally reaching their destination. Her hand came to rest on his backside, testing its firmness with a slow, deliberate squeeze.
Kol's breath hitched audibly. He remained still, but there was a tension now, his muscles taut under her touch. Holly's heart raced. His body was a marvel of strength—his backside firm, sculpted, as if carved from stone. The sensation sent a wave of heat through her, igniting something deep within. Her fingers lingered there for a moment, savoring the forbidden thrill.
"Darling," Kol growled softly, his voice low and dangerous. "Do not start something you cannot finish."
Holly grinned, leaning closer to him, her lips brushing the back of his neck as she whispered, "Who said I don't want to finish?"
His knuckles whitened as he fought to maintain control. His reflection in the mirror showed his eyes darkening, his amusement mingling with something far more primal. "You're playing with fire, love," he murmured. "But let me take you on a proper date first. What would the Daily Prophet say if the great Savior couldn't resist me before we've even had dinner?"
Holly laughed softly, the sound low and husky, but her mind flickered to something else—something she hadn't thought about in a long time. The fanfiction.
It had all started years ago. The first time Holly came across one of those stories, it was in a magazine for young witches. At the time, she had been completely shocked. How had anyone even come up with the idea of pairing her—the Chosen One—with Kol Mikaelson, an Original vampire? Nobody knew they were soulmates. It was supposed to be a well-guarded secret, something that even she was still grappling with.
The truth was, it had begun as an innocent joke. Greta Catchlove, a fellow member of the Chocolate Frog Card Club, had seen how Holly's search for Kol was wearing her down. In an effort to lift her spirits, Greta had penned the first piece of fanfiction, sending it off to Witchy Weekly as a lighthearted prank. It was supposed to make Holly laugh, to distract her from the grueling task of finding Kol.
But what neither of them had expected was how quickly the story took off. Readers were enchanted by the idea of Holly and Kol together. Within weeks, fan submissions began flooding in—stories that paired her with Kol in all sorts of romantic, dramatic, and increasingly explicit scenarios.
At first, Holly was horrified. The idea of anyone imagining her in such intimate situations with Kol was enough to make her want to disappear into the ground. How could anyone write such things? The explicit detail in some of the stories was shocking, leaving her flushed and embarrassed whenever she came across one. Yet, she couldn't stop the flood of fanfiction—there was no legal reason to intervene, and to the public, it was all just fantasy.
But then, a few years ago, something changed.
Holly had grown weary. The weight of her role as the Savior, the isolation that came with always being looked up to but never truly understood, had begun to gnaw at her. She was surrounded by people, yet always felt utterly alone. One late night, when she stumbled across yet another fanfic, something inside her shifted. She hesitated, then began reading.
It was scandalous, graphic even—detailing moments between her and Kol that were far more intimate than she had ever imagined herself sharing with anyone. And yet, she couldn't look away. In a way she didn't quite understand, the story pulled her in. It made her feel seen, desired, and understood—things she hadn't felt in years.
She didn't stop at just one.
Soon, those stories became a quiet escape for her. They allowed her to experience a version of herself that wasn't burdened by prophecy or fate. In those fantasies, she wasn't just the Chosen One—she was a woman desired by someone who could match her strength, someone who truly understood her. In those stories, Kol wasn't just a fantasy; he was real, close, and tangible.
Eventually, Holly started writing her own.
It began as a one-off, something she never intended to continue. She needed an outlet for the emotions she had been bottling up for so long—the yearning, the loneliness, the frustration. But once she started, she couldn't stop. The stories she wrote were far more explicit than anything she had read before, each one dripping with her own raw longing and need. She poured herself into them, every secret desire, every fantasy she had ever suppressed.
It was her private indulgence, her way of feeling connected to Kol in a way that reality never allowed. In those stories, he was with her, touching her, holding her—things she could only dream of.
If Kol ever found out, she would die of embarrassment. There was no way he could ever know about the fanfiction. Especially not the ones she had written herself.
"Well," Holly said aloud, breaking the heated silence between them, "if they only knew the truth."
Kol turned to face her then, his expression softening. His hand reached out to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear, his touch unexpectedly tender given the heat that had been simmering between them moments ago. "Let them find out," he said, his voice low and steady. "I'm not ashamed to be yours."
He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Now come on, darling. We've got a reservation in two hours at La Bullona. I've heard the seafood is spectacular. Plus, I fully intend to show you off."
Holly raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I'm not just some trophy, you know."
Kol's grin widened, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "No, love. I'm the trophy. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."
With a shared glance full of unspoken promises, they stepped out of the tailor's shop, leaving behind the luxurious confines and stepping into the golden streets of Milan. The night stretched ahead of them, full of anticipation, excitement, and the tantalizing prospect of what was yet to come.
Holly was surprised. She had fully expected to walk into an empty restaurant, perhaps with compelled waiters moving like clockwork around them. But to her astonishment, everything seemed so... normal. La Bullona was far from the eerie, hushed atmosphere she had imagined. The place was alive, bustling with energy. The warm, amber lighting cast a soft glow over the sleek, modern décor—clean lines, polished wood, and marble floors that gleamed under the light. Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their golden crystals reflecting the light in a way that made the room shimmer.
Every table was filled with patrons, dressed to the nines in fashionable evening attire. Conversations and laughter mingled with the clinking of silverware and the occasional popping of champagne corks. Waiters in crisp, white shirts moved with precision through the crowd, balancing trays laden with vibrant dishes—fresh seafood, rich pastas, and charcuterie boards brimming with artisan cheeses and cured meats.
The aroma was intoxicating—truffle oil, garlic, and rosemary mixed with the scent of fine wine and espresso. Holly could hear snippets of Italian being spoken around her, the melodic cadence of the language adding to the ambiance. It was hard to believe that this was just another night for the locals, not something orchestrated by Kol's vampiric influence.
Kol must have noticed the puzzled look on her face, the way her eyes darted around, trying to reconcile the normalcy of the scene with her expectations. He leaned in, his voice smooth and measured, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Surprised, darling?" he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "I thought you might enjoy something a little more... authentic. No compulsion needed here. Just the best of Milan on a regular night. Boy meets girl, they like each other...," he said, gesturing subtly to the bustling room.
Holly, almost without thinking, interrupted him. "Sex."
Her heart dropped into her stomach the moment the word left her lips. Damn it. What was wrong with her today? She was going to need some serious alone time with her fanfiction after this, maybe even write a few new chapters just to take the edge off. Though, the real issue was the hotel. She and Kol had rooms next to each other, and Holly, well... she wasn't exactly known for her silence during moments of, shall we say, climax. Kol would undoubtedly make some snide comment about it over breakfast, maybe something along the lines of, "I never expected you to be such a screamer, darling."
So no. Absolutely no sexy time for Holly tonight.
Kol's lips quirked into a wicked smile. "That's exactly the second reason I chose this place. I need people around so I won't be tempted to take you on the table. Did I mention red is my favourite on you? This dress... delectable."
Holly wore a silk halter midi dress, the fabric clinging in all the right places. The asymmetrical cut revealed just enough leg to be daring, and the back plunged low, skimming just above Kol's mark on her shoulder. Little did she know, if Kol caught sight of his mark, his restraint would have shattered.
Kol led her to a secluded table that still offered one of the best views in the restaurant. He pulled out her chair with an ease that made the simple gesture seem almost intimate. Despite having spent the last few days together on what Kol had affectionately dubbed their "non-dates," Holly felt a ripple of nerves as she sat down. She couldn't quite put her finger on why. Perhaps it was because Kol had made such a point of this particular outing. Whatever it was, she appreciated his effort. He clearly didn't have many opportunities to do things like this in the past, and that made the gesture all the more meaningful.
They ordered their drinks and food, falling into the easy rhythm of their familiar banter.
"So," Kol began, his tone casual but with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "I know the broad strokes of your life up until the Battle of Hogwarts—thanks to your autobiography, of course—but what happened after? That part's a bit of a mystery."
Holly arched an eyebrow. "Is this another round of your 'five questions' game?"
Kol shook his head. "No, I'm just trying to get to know you better."
"My life after the battle was... not that interesting," Holly said, trying to downplay it.
Kol looked unconvinced. "I find that hard to believe."
"Really. After the battle, I was restless. I spent the next couple of years hunting down the remaining Death Eaters. I was more... ruthless than before. I'd tasted violence and crossed lines I couldn't come back from. But the Ministry wanted to return to the old ways—light spells, using fear to control them. It drove me mad. Two years after the war, everyone was acting like nothing had ever happened, so I left."
Kol leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. "I couldn't help but notice... you've never mentioned Ron or Hermione to me."
Holly's lips tightened slightly. "We... drifted apart. They wanted me to settle down, started setting me up with Ministry friends for dates. They wanted me to join the Ministry, become a light-hearted Auror again. But that wasn't what I wanted, and they couldn't understand. I suppose I can see their point of view. For seven years, their lives revolved around me, and when it was all over, they wanted me to follow them for once."
"But life doesn't work like that," Kol summarized quietly.
"No, it doesn't," Holly agreed. "We argued more and more. Especially as I changed. I became darker, more cynical. They still saw the world in black and white, and I... I saw the grey. I even got rid of the Elder Wand and the Resurrection Stone, but they came back to me. I knew Ron would blow a gasket if he ever found out, so I kept secrets. Lots of them. Our friendship stopped making sense. How can you be friends with people when you're constantly keeping things from them?"
Kol regarded her for a moment. "I'm sorry. They were good friends once. Or at least Hermione was."
"Yeah," Holly murmured. "But don't pity me. I've made new friends since then. And kept one from the old days. Care to guess who?"
"Let me think..." Kol's lips twisted into a smirk. "The old friend? Has to be Luna Lovegood. She's the only one crazy enough to stick with you."
Holly laughed, tossing a shrimp from her appetizer at him. Kol caught it effortlessly in his mouth, winking at her. "You're right," she admitted. "You menace."
"And the new friends? Slytherins, I bet. They're the only ones who could understand your... nuanced view of the world."
"That's unfair! You've read my autobiography. It's cheating." Holly pouted, but her eyes were twinkling.
"You can always read my brother Elijah's journals," Kol teased. "Though I must warn you, they're terribly dull. Not much about me in there, either."
Holly shook her head, smiling. "I'm not that desperate for reading material."
Kol leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Don't tell me... you're friends with the blonde ferret?"
Holly grinned. "How could I not be? There's something oddly comforting about having a nemesis. I never appreciated it during Hogwarts, but after the war, I realised how much I missed it."
"It's called hormones," Kol deadpanned.
"Don't be jealous, Kol. I and Draco we went through our crush stage, sure, but nothing ever happened. He's happily married now. Has a son, Scorpius—an exact copy of him, really."
"And who else?" Kol pressed.
"Narcissa Malfoy," Holly said, surprising him. "After I testified on their behalf and kept them out of Azkaban, she... took me under her wing, I suppose. Helped by the fact that I was close with her sister, Andromeda. They taught me how to navigate the world of pureblood politics, the things I never learned because I lost my parents so young."
Kol's eyes softened. "You've done well for yourself, haven't you?"
Holly smiled, looking down. "I've learned a lot. From Narcissa, from Andromeda, even Blaise Zabini—he's married to Luna, you know. He's my lawyer and advisor now. Funny how life works out, isn't it?"
Kol chuckled. "And to think I was worried you'd befriended Crabbe and Goyle."
Holly burst out laughing. "Merlin, no. I don't think even you could stop yourself from killing them."
Kol leaned forward, his expression turning thoughtful. "But tell me something. With all your power—the Resurrection Stone, the title of Mistress of Death—why don't I see the people you've lost walking around?"
Holly sighed, her expression growing more serious. "It's not that simple. With my parents... they've been gone for so long. Bringing them back would attract too much attention. Besides, when I became Mistress of Death, I was already grown up. What would our relationship look like? The same goes for Sirius, Remus, and Tonks... they've all made their peace with death. The only ones I've brought back are... well, one you've already met. Dobby. As for the other..." She smirked teasingly. "I think I'll keep that one to myself for now."
Kol pouted dramatically. "Not fair."
Holly smiled softly. "You'll figure it out, I'm sure."
After their meal, they stepped out into the crisp night air, and Kol guided Holly toward his car. The streets of Milan were alive, yet there was a tranquil charm to them. The soft glow of street lamps reflected off the wet cobblestones, and as they neared the Duomo di Milano, Holly couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur.
The Duomo stood like a colossal monument of time and faith. It was a breathtaking sight, its façade gleaming in the moonlight, the white marble almost glowing under the night sky. The spires—nearly 150 of them—rose like frozen flames, each one tipped with a statue that watched over the city. The intricate carvings along the cathedral's surface told stories of saints and angels, their stony faces both serene and solemn.
A grand piazza stretched before the cathedral, its square filled with the murmur of late-night tourists and locals enjoying the cool evening. In the center, a man sat at a grand piano, his fingers dancing across the keys, playing a hauntingly beautiful melody that drifted through the night air like a soft lullaby. The music echoed off the cathedral's towering structure, creating a surreal atmosphere, as though the city itself had slowed to listen.
Kol and Holly stood there for a moment, side by side, both silent as they took in the scene. The air was heavy with history, with the weight of centuries of prayers, hopes, and dreams that had been whispered within those ancient walls. It was a place of beauty, power, and mystery—much like their own tangled story.
Kol bowed low to Holly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he extended his hand. "May I have this dance?" he asked, voice smooth as velvet. Holly, with an eager grin, slipped her hand into his without hesitation.
They twirled into the center of the bustling Cathedral Square, where life hummed around them, but for them, time slowed. Above, the stars flickered in the inky sky, casting a soft glow over their forms. A cool breeze, still bearing the memory of the heatwave from earlier, swirled around them, cooling their flushed skin.
After a while, they ceased the playful twirls and settled into a gentle sway, their bodies pressed close. The music from a nearby pianist seemed to fade as they lost themselves in the moment, savoring the warmth of their touch, the familiar scents of each other, and the unspoken connection that tethered them together.
Kol broke the silence first, leaning in to whisper, "You know, I tried some magic this morning, and nothing happened. It comes and goes... like a whisper on the wind. It's maddening. I lost it a thousand years ago, and now it seems to be within my grasp again, but not really." His brow furrowed slightly, the admission heavy with frustration.
Holly, ever ready to lighten the mood, responded with a smirk. "Well, I tried using vampire speed to shave my legs, and let's just say I gave myself a few extra cuts for my trouble."
Kol chuckled, but there was a glint in his eye. "Funny you mention that... It's like my magic only kicks in when I'm furious or emotional. Actually, scratch that. I'm irritated right now, and still—nothing." His gaze dropped teasingly to her. "I mean, I tried to vanish your panties a minute ago, and judging by your lack of reaction... well, let's just say it didn't work."
A grin spread across Holly's face, playful and wicked. Without a word, she cast a not-notice-me charm, and in one swift, graceful motion, she steadied herself on Kol's arm. With a daring glint in her eyes, she bent down, reached under her dress, and slid her red panties down her legs, stepping out of them. Before Kol could react, she tucked them into the pocket of his trousers.
Kol's jaw dropped, utterly dumbfounded. He had never imagined Holly could be this bold. His brain seemed to short-circuit, leaving only one part of him fully functional—his arousal, which now pulsed insistently, begging for attention.
Holly noticed his expression and feigned innocence. "What?" she said with a teasing shrug. "If you wanted my panties, all you had to do was ask."
Kol's voice dropped to a husky whisper, "Darling, we're adding 'on top of a piano' to the list."
Holly raised an eyebrow. "What list?"
"The list of places I'm going to have my way with you," he murmured. "So far, we've got a restaurant, a rose garden... and now, a piano. You owe me for all the times I wanted you, but couldn't act on it."
Kol was hanging by the thinnest thread of control. He knew he should stop, let this moment simmer instead of burn, but Holly was impossible to resist. He could feel her damp panties in his pocket, a searing reminder of what she had just done.
Their intimate tension was abruptly interrupted by the shrill ring of Kol's phone. He groaned, half-relieved, half-annoyed by the intrusion. A date where he was the perfect gentleman was what he wanted—especially for Holly, who had yet to experience true physical intimacy. She deserved to be wooed, cherished, not rushed. Yet Holly was driving him mad with her boldness, and his control was slipping.
With a soft sigh, Kol fished his phone from his pocket, briefly apologizing to Holly with a glance before accepting the call. "Elijah," he answered brightly. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Kol." Elijah's voice was calm but laced with disapproval. "I see you've left Mystic Falls in quite a state."
Kol smirked. "No, I distinctly remember tidying up before I left."
"Enough with the games. You've turned two members of the Mystic Falls group into vampires. Mr. Donovan has already slaughtered everyone at the Grill before I managed to intervene. Mrs. Gilbert is not handling her transition well, and you know Niklaus won't be pleased. If I were you, I'd hide the daggers and flee to the other side of the world. You've also killed the Bennett witch and scarred the Salvatores for life. They were trembling like leaves when I arrived, babbling incoherently about Klaus's coffin. I assume that's your handiwork. Now, give me our brother, Kol."
Kol's grin widened. "How about… not a chance in hell? Finders keepers, Elijah. You had your shot but chose to look the other way, too distracted by the doppelgänger to seek revenge for our sister. So, why don't you go to hell and leave me be?"
And with that, Kol hung up.
Elijah always knew how to push Kol's buttons, hoping his younger brother would react rashly and make a mistake. But little did Elijah know—the days of Kol being the impulsive one were long gone. He had Holly to thank for that.
"Bloody hell," Kol muttered, rubbing his temples. "Just the sound of his voice sets my teeth on edge."
Holly grinned. "I think you might have pushed a few of Elijah's buttons yourself. He doesn't sound too happy. Does that make you feel better?"
Kol shrugged, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "A little. But you can make me feel even better with a kiss."
Holly, emboldened by the champagne and wine they had shared earlier, wrapped her arms around Kol's neck. She pulled him down, meeting his lips with a force that took his breath away. Kol's hands found their way to her hips, lifting her so she was level with him. As their tongues danced to the rhythm of the piano melody still playing nearby, Kol's thoughts flashed to the fact that Holly was now bare beneath her dress—a thought that shot straight to his core.
Holly's fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently until the need for air broke them apart. They stood, foreheads pressed together, panting softly.
"Come on," Kol whispered, his voice thick with desire. "Let's get out of here before we draw even more attention."
"I charmed us, remember?" Holly murmured, breathless.
Kol chuckled. "I think you dropped the charm somewhere between then and now. We've definitely earned a few jealous glances. Let's go before someone invites us for a threesome and I end up eating them."
Kol set Holly back on her feet, sliding his arm around her waist as they began to walk towards the Navigli District. They moved in comfortable silence, though the electric tension between them was palpable. The night was warm, the city alive with the pulse of evening, but all Kol could think about was Holly. His mind warred with itself—wanting to be a gentleman, to give Holly the experience she deserved, but unable to ignore the bold move she had just made.
They arrived at the canals, where Kol bought a bottle of wine and two glasses. Compelling a boat owner to offer them privacy and leaving the man a generous tip for his trouble, they stepped aboard a covered gondola, just the two of them, secluded from the world. But before Holly could sit beside him, Kol pulled her gently onto his lap, a playful smile dancing on his lips. He poured them each a glass of wine, handing one to Holly before taking a slow sip from his own.
And Kol knew, deep down, that tonight, control would be the last thing on his mind.
"If I were you, darling," Kol whispered, his voice thick with suggestion, "I'd cast a privacy charm. We wouldn't want the poor fellow rowing the boat to catch a glimpse of... anything too intimate. And besides," he continued, leaning closer so his breath brushed against her ear, "you should enjoy the view of beautiful Milan. It's quite a ride."
But it wasn't the cityscape that caught Holly's attention. The moment his lips grazed her neck, trailing heated kisses down to her collarbone, her entire body responded as if set aflame. His beard brushed her skin, igniting a tingling sensation that shot straight to her core, leaving her breathless. Holly's arousal bloomed, the scent of it filling the air. Kol, ever attuned to her, growled lowly in her ear, deepening his kisses, his hand drifting to her thigh. His touch was firm, possessive.
Holly moaned softly, her body instinctively trying to shift against him, but Kol's grip on her hip held her firmly in place. She tilted her head back, resting it on his shoulder, granting him even better access to the sensitive skin of her neck.
"I said enjoy the view," Kol murmured teasingly, his lips brushing her ear.
"I'd much rather enjoy the ride," Holly breathed, her voice heavy with desire.
Kol chuckled darkly. "As you wish, darling."
His lips claimed her neck again, suckling gently at the pulse point beneath her jaw, his fingers ghosting over her inner thighs. Slowly, deliberately, he spread her legs, exposing her to the cool night air and heightening the scent of her arousal. Her legs, resting against his, gave him full control over their position. Kol's right hand moved with purpose, finding her clit with expert precision. Holly gasped, a loud moan escaping her lips as her body bucked instinctively against him. His left hand kept her firmly in place, allowing him to toy with her mercilessly.
Kol's fingers moved in slow, torturous circles, drawing out her pleasure until Holly was trembling in his arms. He slid his other hand between her legs, finding her wet and eager. A wicked smile curled his lips as he dipped his fingers into her slick heat, withdrawing them only to taste her. His eyes darkened as he moaned at her flavor, a growl rumbling deep in his chest.
"Darling, I can't wait to drink straight from your pussy," Kol whispered against her neck, his voice dripping with lust. "You taste... exquisite."
The words sent a fresh wave of heat through Holly, her body responding with even more urgency. Her juices coated his fingers as he eagerly dipped them back into her entrance, savoring the taste of her again before pressing two fingers inside her. Holly cried out, her back arching against him, her hips grinding down on his hand.
Kol wasted no time, pumping his fingers in and out of her with increasing speed, his thumb still working her clit in maddening circles. Holly was on the edge, teetering between pleasure and release, her moans growing louder with each passing second. Sensing she needed more, Kol took a gamble. He nipped at her pulse point, just enough to leave a mark but not break the skin. At the same time, he slapped her clit firmly with his other hand.
That was all it took.
Holly screamed Kol's name, her orgasm crashing over her with the force of a tidal wave, her body trembling uncontrollably in his arms. She squirted her release, soaking the boat beneath them. Kol watched, captivated by the sight of her coming undone, her body glowing with a sheen of sweat, her skin flushed and radiant in the moonlight.
Panting heavily, Holly's head lolled to the side, and Kol captured her lips in a searing kiss, letting her taste herself on his tongue. She was magnificent, more than he could have ever imagined. If this was Holly, inexperienced and new to pleasure, he could only dream of what awaited him when he fully introduced her to the depths of desire.
With a sly grin, Kol took her panties, using them to wipe away the remnants of her release before tucking them back into his pocket.
"I'm keeping these," he whispered seductively in her ear. "You are... magnificent, you wicked little temptress. I wanted to behave tonight, but you just had to push me, didn't you? You're lucky I only slapped you once. Next time, your pussy won't just sting from my hand... it'll be red from my cock. And trust me, darling, my hand will be far too busy spanking that delicious ass of yours to show mercy."
Holly shivered at his words, her body still tingling from the aftershocks of her release. She knew she had submissive tendencies, had fantasized about moments like this in her writing, but nothing compared to the reality of Kol's commanding presence, his dark, magnetic energy that pulled her in and left her wanting more.
"Let's get you back to the hotel," Kol murmured, his tone softening. "I don't want you catching a chill."
With ease, he scooped her up, carrying her off the boat and back to the car. Holly's legs still refused to cooperate, her body spent from the intensity of their encounter. They drove back toward Château Monfort, the night still pulsing with the unspoken promise of more to come.
Kol escorted Holly to the entrance of her hotel room, his hand resting lightly at the small of her back, a subtle reminder of the connection that still hummed between them. They stopped outside her door, the tension palpable, almost electric, lingering in the air despite the shared release they'd found earlier on the boat. Neither of them seemed ready to break the moment, as though they were suspended in time, hovering between the past and whatever came next.
Kol's thumb brushed over her wrist, a deliberate, slow motion as if memorizing the softness of her skin. He sighed, a mix of satisfaction and something darker—regret, perhaps. "Darling," he began, his voice soft but edged with something that sounded like restraint, "though the night had an unexpected turn, you teasing vixen, it was... magnificent."
He lifted her hand to his lips, placing a kiss on the back of it, his eyes never leaving hers. "Never doubt that I want you," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her jaw, her cheek, until his lips finally found hers in a slow, tender kiss that left them both breathless.
"Kol..." Holly whispered, her words almost a plea, though she wasn't even sure what she was asking for.
"I know, love," he replied gently, but there was an undercurrent of tension in his tone now. He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers, as if weighing the decision he had already made. "Good night, darling. I'll see you at breakfast."
He kissed her one last time, quickly, before he could change his mind. As he pulled away, Holly caught a glimpse of the struggle in his expression. It wasn't that he didn't want to stay—he did, desperately—but something else was driving him. He needed space. Space to think, to breathe, to remind himself of the boundaries he'd set for them both. If he stayed, he feared he'd lose control, let the passion between them spiral into something more than she was ready for. Not tonight. Not yet.
With a final, longing glance, he turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving Holly standing at her door, still feeling the warmth of his kiss.
Kol stepped into the shower, the scalding water pounding against his skin, but it did nothing to drown out the overwhelming desire twisting in his gut. Holly's scent still clung to him, the memory of her body pressed against his so vivid it felt like she was still there. The thought of her—soft, warm, and completely his—consumed him, and before he knew it, his hand was trailing lower, seeking relief.
His breath hitched as his mind wandered back to the gondola. The way Holly had been sprawled across his lap, her body trembling as his fingers expertly teased her, driving her closer and closer to the edge. He could still feel the way she writhed against him, desperate, her breath coming in ragged gasps as he brought her to the brink of pleasure. She had been so responsive, so utterly lost in the moment. The memory of her hips grinding against him, the sound of her moaning his name—those images blazed in his mind, stoking the fire of his arousal.
Kol's strokes became more urgent as he recalled the moment she couldn't hold back any longer, the way she had arched against him, her body surrendering to a wave of pleasure so intense that she had squirted onto his thighs, her cries echoing in his ears. She had been so beautiful in that moment—completely undone, her fingers gripping him as if he was the only thing anchoring her to the world.
His breathing grew heavier as the fantasy intensified. He imagined Holly beneath him, her eyes locked onto his as he finally entered her. The tightness, the heat—everything about her was perfect. He could almost feel her nails digging into his shoulders, her legs wrapped around him as he plunged deeper, her voice growing hoarse from screaming his name.
"Kol... Kol..." The sound of her calling out to him, her voice trembling with need, sent a jolt through him. He imagined the way her body tensed around him, the way she surrendered to the pleasure that only he could give her.
The water poured down his back, but it did nothing to cool the burning heat inside him. Kol's body tensed, and with one final stroke, the wave of release crashed through him, his muscles convulsing as he let out a low, guttural moan. His grip on the wall tightened as his orgasm ripped through him, the fantasy of Holly's body still vivid in his mind.
For a few long moments, he stood there, panting, the water continuing to beat down on him. The tension had lessened, but it hadn't disappeared completely. His thoughts were clearer now, sharper. But the frustration was still there, lurking beneath the surface.
Stepping out of the shower, Kol dried off and put only sweat pants, though his mind was still racing. He glanced at the candle on the bathroom counter. There was magic inside him, he knew it. He could feel it, faint and elusive, but there. Holly had brought it back, in fleeting moments, just like this.
He reached out, his hand hovering over the wick. The memory of her voice still echoed in his mind, spurring him on. His fingers twitched as he focused, trying to summon the power he had once commanded so easily. For a moment, a tiny flame flickered to life—a brief, fragile thing, but it was there. He watched it, willing it to grow stronger, to burn brighter. But just as quickly as it appeared, the flame flickered out, leaving him standing there in the dim light.
"Damn it," Kol muttered under his breath, running a hand through his damp hair. The magic was still just out of reach, taunting him, refusing to bend to his will. He could feel its presence, teasing him like Holly's touch—so close, and yet always slipping away.
A knock at the door broke his thoughts. He opened it to find Holly standing there, freshly showered, her robe loosely tied around her, looking uncertain. Without a word, he took her hand and led her inside, his mind still buzzing with the frustration of his lost power. He glanced at her as she hesitated, clearly searching for the right words.
Then, she noticed his soulmark—the mark of the Deathly Hallows over his heart. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she seemed to lose her train of thought. Kol watched her, intrigued by how she seemed just as affected by the connection as he was. He could feel it too—the marks drawing them together, as if their very souls were intertwined.
"You asked me earlier what I did after the Battle of Hogwarts," Holly began, her voice unsteady. "I gave you the edited version. The truth is... after the battle, I discovered this tattoo on my shoulder—a fox, with a name written in an ancient language. It took me years to decipher what it meant, and more years to understand who it was referring to." She swallowed hard, her gaze meeting Kol's. "Translating a dead language is no easy task. When I finally found out, I spent the last decade searching for you. Or rather... for your brother, because I'd heard you were dragged along like baggage. I was terrified of finding you. I could've tracked Klaus down in a matter of months, forced him to release you, but I didn't. I was afraid, Kol. Afraid that when I finally freed you, you wouldn't want me. No one ever wants me for me... only as the savior."
She took a deep breath, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "So I wasted a decade—because I was too scared to face the possibility of rejection. I'm so sorry, Kol. I should have done better. I should've fought harder for you. But now… I don't want to waste any more time. I've spent too long pretending, hiding. Please, let me stay with you tonight."
Kol's breath caught. Her confession was raw, unfiltered, and it hit him harder than he expected. No one had ever searched for him. No one had ever fought for him. And now, standing before him, was Holly—offering him everything, despite her own fears.
"Holly..." he began, but his voice faltered. He was speechless, overwhelmed by her dedication, even if it had been reluctant. And then she did something that took his breath away completely. She turned, letting the robe slip from her shoulders, revealing the tattoo on her skin—his name, written in his native language, a fox curled beneath the words.
Their soulmarks. The tangible proof that they were fated to be together.
Kol stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind, his hands gently resting on her hips. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the mark on her shoulder blade, the one that mirrored his own. "You, as my queen, never need to ask or beg for anything," he whispered against her skin, his voice husky with emotion.
As his lips traced the delicate lines of her tattoo, something stirred between them. A warmth, a pulse of energy, as if their very souls were awakening to the connection they'd always shared. Their marks began to glow, a soft green light that spread across their skin. Kol felt a tingling sensation, not just on his chest but deep within him, as though the magic that had been dormant was stirring, responding to her presence. Holly gasped softly, her body trembling in his arms as the power surged between them, their soulmarks feeding off each other, strengthening the bond they had only just begun to understand.
For a moment, it was as if the world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them and the magic that coursed through their veins. The glow from their marks intensified, brightening with every breath they took, the light swirling in sync with their heartbeats. Kol's grip on her tightened as the connection deepened, and he could feel the raw, untamed power of their bond igniting something within him.
Suddenly, Kol pulled away, his eyes wide with realization. The magic—it was back. He could feel it, surging through him like a river finally freed from its dam. Without a word, he sped to the bathroom, his mind racing. He needed to try again.
The candle. It had been such a small thing, but now he understood—it wasn't just about his magic. It was about their connection. Their marks.
Standing before the candle, Kol closed his eyes and focused, feeling the magic flow from his fingertips, this time without resistance. Instantly, a flame sparked to life, steady and strong, casting a warm glow across the room. He stared at it, a slow grin spreading across his face. The power was there. He could feel it—thanks to her.
Holly appeared beside him, her vampire speed just as quick as his now. She looked at him, then at the candle, and a slow understanding dawned on her face. "We're sharing it," she whispered. "Our magic… our strengths. It's all connected."
Kol nodded, still marveling at the flame he had created. "It seems we're not just fated to be together," he said, his voice filled with awe. "We're meant to be more—stronger, more powerful than we ever were alone."
The thrill of it coursed through him, the sheer joy of having his power back, and of sharing it with her. For the next few minutes, Kol played with the flame, letting it flicker, grow, and dance in the air, reveling in the feeling of control. He conjured sparks from his fingertips, watched them float around the room like fireflies, his eyes alight with childlike wonder. Holly laughed softly beside him, watching him with a fond smile, her heart swelling at the sight of him so unguarded, so free.
But as exhilarating as the magic was, it was also exhausting. They had tapped into something far greater than either of them had anticipated, and it was beginning to take its toll. Kol's movements slowed, his energy waning, and Holly could feel it too—a weariness settling over her, pulling at her limbs.
Finally, Kol extinguished the flame with a wave of his hand. He turned to Holly, his expression softening as he took her hand, leading her back to the bedroom. Wordlessly, he pulled back the covers and lay down on his back, making space for her beside him. Holly slid in eagerly, curling into his side, her head resting on his chest, the rhythm of his heartbeat soothing her.
Kol wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. They lay there, embracing each other, the warmth of their connection still humming between them. He kissed her slowly, passionately, but with a control that surprised him. This wasn't about lust—it was about something deeper, something more profound. He wanted her to feel the magnitude of his emotions, the depth of what she meant to him, without needing to say a word.
As they held each other, the exhaustion from the day's events, from the intensity of their newfound bond, finally caught up with them. Their bodies relaxed into each other, the weight of everything fading into the background as sleep began to claim them.
Before she drifted off, Holly managed to whisper, "Kol…"
"Yes, darling?" he murmured, his voice thick with drowsiness.
"You promised me a boring date," she said, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "It wasn't boring. Now I get to have another one."
Kol chuckled quietly in response. "You'll get thousands of dates, love. But I promise, none of them will be boring. Not with me."
"You're lucky I like you," she mumbled, her voice already fading as sleep pulled her under.
Kol pressed a kiss to her forehead, his eyes closing as he whispered, "I'm going to tell you a secret, love. You're going to love me. But I'll let you pretend for a little while that you don't already."
And with that, they drifted off into sleep, entwined in each other's arms, their souls—and now their magic and vampire powers — forever intertwined.