Chapter 1: Dominance
Pairings: Bonnie x Elijah
Warnings: Dom/Sub Relationship Undertones, Lots of angst
A/N: Hi again. Can you tell I've been inspired lately? Thank you all for the reviews on my other fics. I appreciate every one of you. If you're reading any of my other works, I've taken just a small break to bring you a new fic I've been working on. I've finally been able to let Klonnie breathe for a bit to focus on Bonlijah. I went down a rabbit hole after posting the last chapter of Burned By Desire and it led me to this. I hope you enjoy it. As always, I own no rights characters, poems, or lyrics mentioned. The inspiration for this fic came from several songs. Most notably, Streets by Doja Cat and the entirety of the Urban Flora EP by Alina Baraz & Galimatias. Give those a listen to get into the mind frame of this fic. Or don't, I can't tell you what to do. ;)
As always, please let me know what you think in the comments! Happy reading!
Perhaps it was Bonnie's keen attention to detail that allowed her to excel in every position she's acquired. Her first 'big girl' job was as a part-time front desk clerk at The Renaissance Hotel, and within three short years, she'd worked her way to Guest Service Manager. Working always gave her a sense of identity and self-worth, so Bonnie poured countless hours and dedication into perfecting her craft. With her title came added responsibilities, including administering luxury amenities to the company's VIP guests.
One in particular was their Lifetime Elite member, Elijah Mikaelson who managed to captivate everyone's attention each time he visited. Always polished and immaculately dressed, Mr. Mikaelson was both mysterious and intimidating. They've certainly seen their share of entitled travelers, and while Mr. Mikaelson never went out of his way to be unkind, there was an unspoken understanding between him and their staff that his room was always in pristine condition before his arrival.
Ironically, his reservation requests always came through on Bonnie's shift but she never minded. His requests were simple but opulent; a custom bottle of Whispering Willow Aged Whiskey and lavender-scented candles, complete with a handwritten welcome note on linen stationary (Bonnie's signature touch).
Each visit, Mr. Mikaelson arrived with a striking woman on his arm, each one more gorgeous than the last. There were many speculations about the company he kept but the staff agreed that the women had to have been models with an escort agency. Still, company policy required them to operate under a certain code of ethics, and gossiping about their clients was strongly discouraged.
While she may have managed Mr. Mikaelson's visits for years, the company's system allowed her to fly under his radar efficiently, limiting her interactions with him aside from courteous greetings and farewells, along with the occasional 'small talk' during check-in.
Though she always yearned for a glimpse inside the world of Mr. Mikaelson, as did most of the women at her job, Bonnie was grateful that he seemed to stay in his own world. Most of the men who checked in were creeps, offering to change the lives of whoever had the misfortune of handling their check-in. She'd been on the receiving end of several unwanted advances and though she fantasized about it once or twice, Mr. Mikaelson had never crossed that line, and truth be told, she wouldn't know what she'd do if he did.
As it happened, Mr. Mikaelson was due to check in today, and it was while Bonnie was composing Mr. Mikaelson's personalized welcome card that Matthew Donovan appeared in the doorway of her office.
"Bonnie? Mr. Mikaelson called from his room. He specifically requested your assistance in his suite."Startled, she smeared the ink on the stationary before it dried and groaned, though she couldn't focus on that. Panic washed over her as she stared wide-eyed at her colleague.
"What do you mean he called from his room?" She was stunned. They always joked about being able to set a watch for Mr. Mikaelson's arrival. He always appeared in the lobby approximately fifteen minutes before standard check-in time yet, the one day she was running behind schedule, he chose to arrive early.
"Why didn't you warn me when he checked in?" Matt stared at her like a deer in headlights.
"I'm sorry, I assumed you had everything in place and I didn't want to keep him waiting. You know how intimidating he is." She did know; as it happened, she was usually the one to facilitate his check-in and after years of practice, she'd finally managed not to shake like a leaf every time he approached the desk.
"Jesus Christ," Bonnie muttered as she stood to her feet. Bonnie discarded the now-ruined note and smoothed the wrinkles of her uniform.
"You picked a good day to wear that skirt," Matt teased. She slapped his shoulder with a notebook within her reach.
"My pants are in the cleaners, and this is the only black skirt I have that meets our dress code." The skin-tight pencil skirt she wore flirted with the boundaries of the company's dress code, but she had no time to focus on that now. She checked the mirror to make sure her lunch hadn't lingered in her teeth and stole the master key hanging from Matt's blazer. "You're in charge until I get back," she said sternly. Though annoyed, she held no malice towards him. They'd grown up together, and thus she was used to his brainlessness.
"I'm on it," he assured as Bonnie made her way to the elevators.
Once inside, the master key allowed her access to the penthouse floor which Mr. Mikaelson kept on reserve to come and go as he pleased. She inhaled and exhaled deeply to shake the nerves building within her as the digital numbers ascended until she reached the top floor. With a chime, the door opened and she was greeted with the familiar view of the immaculate vestibule. Her eyes gravitated to the large Rembrandt replica mounted on the wall but had no time to stop and admire it this time.
As she rounded the corner into the living space, she spotted Mr. Mikaelson standing with his back to her holding a glass of whiskey. She'd managed to place all of his requested items in the room but had dallied when it came to writing the welcome note. The note wasn't a requirement yet, she always provided a personal touch; a testament to her perfectionism.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Mikaelson. You requested my assistance?" She wanted to cut straight to the chase so she could leave the lion's den in one piece.
"Indeed, I have," he confirmed, noticing she ditched her usual niceties. He decided to follow her lead. He turned on his heels and sipped from his glass as he slowly made his way across the room.
"How may I be of service?" Bonnie ignored the way his eyes glimmered with a hint of mischievousness at her choice of words; must have been the lighting.
"I find myself in quite the dilemma," he began, placing his attention solely on her. Bonnie managed not to squirm beneath his gaze. "I must attend a Gala tomorrow night and I find myself without a date. I recognize this request extends beyond your job description but I would be in your debt should you decide to assist."
She felt the little bit of confidence she brought with her fly out of the window behind him. Her breath caught in her throat as she tried not to allude to how much his request caught her off guard. Her mind raced as she tried to come up with a viable reason as to why this was not a good idea.
"I'm flattered Mr. Mikaelson, however—"
He held his hand up to stop her. "Let me assure you that in no way do I intend to be inappropriate. I do intend, however, to compensate you handsomely for your efforts." He added in efforts to sway her decision when she began what sounded like a polite decline. "It's one evening. You'd be home by midnight and I can arrange transportation to pick you up at the address of your choosing." Bonnie had to admit that along with her indignation, she was ashamedly intrigued by the opportunity of glimpsing inside the world of Mr. Mikaelson.
She felt the air in her lungs escape as he moved closer. He carefully read her expression as he finished the remainder of his drink. Gently, he set the glass on the mantle just above her head and she barely contained the urge to flinch at his nearness. She'd never been this close to knowing what he smelled like but it was intoxicating; spicy, crisp, and bold. He smelled like designer.
"I'm sure you could find any woman in this city," she began, her voice more confident than she felt. "Why me?" She needed to know the motive behind his selection.
"For this particular event, I need a woman of discretion; one with a knack for detail and someone who can easily blend in, yet can garner attention when necessary." If she were taller, she'd probably be able to taste the expensive whiskey on his breath. "You've handled my requests for years, Miss Bennett, therefore I trust you."
Bonnie swallowed the tension in her throat. "What would you have me do?"
"Decorate my arm, smile and make eye contact," he began to list. "Be at my side to ensure things run smoothly," he paraphrased a bit cryptically. "You do that while I handle the rest." Bonnie mulled over his proposition. If she were to be honest, money wasn't the motivation, though she was sure for anyone else it would be. She was curious about the life of Mr. Mikaelson and despite her company's strict "no fraternization" policy, she was willing to risk it, this once, for a glimpse into his world.
"Okay," she whispered before responding with more finality. "I'll do it." Elijah smiled for the first time since she's known him and her heart skipped several beats.
"I am forever in your debt," he said before reaching out to touch her arm affectionately. She flinched slightly but kept her face trained. "Take tomorrow off," he instructed as he reached into his shirt pocket and procured an all-black, titanium card. Stunned, Bonnie accepted the card as he handed it to her without a second thought. "I've scheduled an appointment at The Sanctuary on the anticipation you'd accept. Your appointed time is seven am," he began. "They'll take care of your nails, hair, and waxing—should you accept." As if he could read her mind, he continued. "I've taken the extra measures to ensure they are equipped to care for your hair texture." He noticed her shoulders relax and continued. "The spa has been taken care of. The card is for clothing and other accessories you deem fit. You may help yourself to anything else you may want; consider it a gift. Should you find yourself overwhelmed, you may use my stylist, who will accompany you."
Overwhelmed was an understatement. Bonnie stared at him for longer than necessary before remembering that he expected her to engage. "I don't know what to say." The card felt like a brick in her hand and her intrusive thoughts began to drum up a thousand and one scenarios of her losing or misplacing it.
She tightened her grip.
Mr. Mikaelson said nothing as he walked out of view, appearing several seconds later with a phone in his hand. "This has my number programmed into it, along with your assigned driver and stylist," he instructed. "I'm aware of your company's policy so it would behoove you not to use your personal phone." He explained. "It's yours to keep." His nonchalance nearly gave her whiplash and though she'd only been invited into his world less than ten minutes ago, she already felt swept up in the tides of him.
"Uhm," she stammered. "Thanks."
"Are there any other questions you'd like to ask?"
"What time is the event tomorrow?"
"Eight. White-Tie," he emphasized, answering her next question of what she should wear. "Text your driver the address of where you would like to be picked up in the morning and rest assured that whatever you share with him stays with him." If Elijah knew nothing about the opposite sex, he knew how vigilant most women were about their privacy. Given the history of men, he did well to stay within their boundaries. Scandals were distasteful and once labeled a predator, it could never be retracted.
"I appreciate that," she said honestly. "I'll see you tomorrow evening then?"
"Tomorrow evening," he confirmed with a nod. "Thank you, Miss Bennett." The gratitude in his tone made her stomach flip.
"You're welcome, Mr. Mikaelson."
.xXx.
On her 12th birthday her grandmother, Sheila Bennett, splurged and took her to a spa called Pure Indulgence. It was Bonnie's go-to whenever she wanted to treat herself with a spa day and she always left feeling luxurious and properly pampered. Pure Indulgence had absolutely nothing on The Sanctuary.
The entrance alone was one for the books. A giant wall of water set the tone of relaxing you subconsciously as you entered. She was greeted by two lovely doormans who operated the insanely large doors upon entry. From the moment she walked in, her hands were rendered useless as everything was done for her, something she was not used to.
"Mr. Mikaelson has an itinerary set for you but informed us that you may have other requests. How would you like to proceed?" Bonnie's mind went completely blank. She'd googled The Sanctuary Day Spa but could find nothing outside of the basic services offered. She decided to go along with what Mr. Mikaelson intended to save herself the embarrassment.
"What did he have in mind?" The clerk made a few quick taps on the tablet screen. "All services start with either an assisted or non-assisted bath, or shower. From there, he's scheduled a full-body massage along with a full-body facial treatment which includes waxing. He's having lunch catered so you may take a break before the second half, which includes a premium-level mani-pedi with a reflexology session added on. From there you'll go to the salon for your hair and facial."
"Sounds good," Bonnie said with a smile, though her mind was spiraling out of control at the lengths he'd gone through. "Though, I must insist on the non-assisted shower." The thought of a stranger scrubbing her body spiked her anxiety.
The woman nodded and led her to the back where she'd take her second shower for the morning. Once done, she wrapped herself in the cashmere robe and melted at the feel of it on her skin. She accepted the glass of mimosa a waiter provided before being ushered into a room where she would receive—hands down—the best damn massage of her life.
.xXx.
Bonnie left The Sanctuary feeling envious of the past version of herself who knew nothing about a life of luxury. Knowing she'd never again experience anything like that in her life made her a bit sad, but having had the opportunity inspired her to work that much harder to get what she wanted out of life.
She'd opted for an elegant up-do after googling the requirements for a white-tie event. The dress code was much stricter than anything she'd seen on TV and Bonnie realized that despite working for a luxury hotel brand, she knew virtually nothing about the ins and outs of the upper echelon. As they approached the first store, Bonnie felt her heart palpitate as the Bergdorf Goodman sign came into view.
"Holy shit," she whispered to herself as the black SUV came to a stop. The driver, whose name she learned was Tyler, came to open the door and usher her out onto the sidewalk where a beautiful blonde woman approached them. She was impeccably dressed and her red lip made Bonnie stare longer than necessary.
"Hello. I'm Caroline, one of Mr. Mikaelson's stylists," she said offering her hand with a smile. One of?
"You mean he has more than one? How many people does it take to help him pick out one black suit from another?" Bonnie joked before she could stop herself. To her relief, Caroline laughed.
"Well, they're not just any black suits. All of them are bespoke and he even wears navy from time to time." She teased, earning a grin from Bonnie. "We work with many designers on the quality and stitching for each of his garments. We also help design his companion's dresses as well. Bergdorf's the best we could do on such short notice."
"My goodness," Bonnie muttered. She was not used to such obscene wealth and she began to feel a bit intimidated; as if Mr. Intimidation himself was standing directly behind her. "I'm Bonnie by the way," she said, scrambling to finally accept Caroline's hand. She smiled when Caroline's smile grew larger. She wasn't sure what it was but she instantly felt at peace and knew she was left in good hands.
"Nice to meet you, Bonnie." Though she expected Caroline already knew her name. "I'll do my best to try to catch you up to speed. Thankfully, White-Tie events are very strict so that limits our decision fatigue. Here, we'll find a floor-length gown, white gloves, and a fur stole if you choose. We can look for a clutch and shoes here as well but I have another place in mind for that," she said with a wink. "Trust me, you'll want to go there instead." Bonnie grinned and felt herself relax as Caroline took her under her wing.
After a few questions and measurements, it didn't take long for Caroline to pinpoint the exact dress for Bonnie which, ironically would not have been the first pick she'd make for herself. Everything about the dress screamed 'princess' and though Bonnie was averse to being the center of attention, she also couldn't deny the way the dress made her feel. Standing in front of the grand mirror, Bonnie took time to admire the Swarovski Crystals that decorated the soft pink dress. The color made her newly waxed and pampered skin look radiant and the white mink stole made her eyes dazzle.
"Red may have been too bold and I get the sense you would rather not stand out at your first white-tie event" Caroline surmised correctly. "But your eyes are beautiful and deserve to stand out so I thought a soft pink would do you justice. Boy, was I right." Caroline said with a twinkle in her eyes as she stared up at Bonnie who stood on the platform. "I'd pay actual cash to see his face when he sees you," Caroline grinned. Bonnie chuckled as well.
"His face never moves so save your coins, girl." The two of them laughed.
"You're right about that," Caroline relented. In the two hours since they've known each other, they fell into an ease that made Bonnie feel as though they were friends for a lifetime.
With a dress procured, their attention shifted to accessorizing and Caroline did not disappoint. The second store was a boutique that adorned some of the most outrageously priced items she'd ever laid eyes on. "Jesus," Bonnie muttered when she saw a handbag she knew for a fact had at least two commas on its price tag.
"Flashy, I know, but don't let that intimidate you," she assured. She led her to a back room where a team of immaculately dressed employees gathered, seemingly waiting on them.
"This is Miss Bennett," she introduced. "Take her measurements and fit her for a pair of stilettos she feels comfortable in." Caroline then turned to her. "They'll take care of you but be completely honest. If the shoe hurts, tell them, they'll find another. If you like something, they'll set it aside but make sure you have a good selection. I'll help you narrow it down later. I'll be right back." Before Bonnie could object Caroline slipped past the threshold leaving her at the mercy of the store's staff.
"Right this way, Miss Bennett."
.xXx.
A couple of hours later, Bonnie had everything she needed for tonight. She was excited to have Caroline ride back with her to her apartment. Their conversation was more relaxed now that they'd gotten acquainted and it helped that every store they visited offered a glass of champagne.
"I know today was overwhelming, but hopefully it'll be something you get used to," she said with a knowing grin. Bonnie laughed and sighed.
"Nope. This is my one night to be Cinderella then it's back to reality." She corrected. Caroline gave a disappointed pout.
"Well it was nice," she said, refraining from comparing her to the other women Mr. Mikaelson usually sent to her. They were either uptight, entitled, or just plain stiff. She had fun with Bonnie. "This world can get a bit stuffy so it's nice to meet someone I can relate to." Unlike most of the people in their world, Caroline grew up from humble beginnings. Having Bonnie around was a breath of fresh air.
"I knew you were normal," Bonnie teased and Caroline laughed. "Everyone else are robots."
The car came to a stop and Tyler came to open the door. "I'll have Tyler bring your items up for you," she informed.
"It's only a few things, I think I can manage," Bonnie declined but Caroline wasn't having it.
"About that," she started. "If you ruin your nails, I'm out of a job and also, you have more than a few things."
"What do you mean?" Caroline gave an easy smile.
"Mr. Mikaelson instructed me to buy whatever you looked at."
"He did what?" Bonnie's heart began to race. "Caroline…" Bonnie's tone was low and cautious. "I looked at a lot of things."
"Mmhmm," was all Caroline said. Bonnie blinked as her mind tried to process what she was saying.
"I tried on a ton of things."
"Mmhmm," was all Caroline said again.
"Caroline."
"Consider it his thanks," Caroline said with finality. Bonnie wondered how this was possible. "He'll write it off at the end of the year if that makes you feel better." She wasn't sure that it did.
"I don't know what to say," Bonnie said. The man in question was nowhere around so she couldn't confront him and tonight would not be the best setting. "What's his angle?" Bonnie asked. "He does this for all of the other women?"
"To this level? No. Though none of them seem to measure up to you," Caroline complimented. Bonnie couldn't fight the blush from her cheek. "Have fun tonight. Someone will be by to touch up your hair and apply your makeup."
The sound of the trunk slamming brought her out of her trance and Bonnie watched as Tyler struggled with massive amounts of garment bags and shopping totes.
"Thank you for a great time, Caroline," she said before turning to leave, still too stunned to react.
"Bye, Bonnie."
.xXx.
The day's events looped in Bonnie's mind as she prepared herself for the night ahead. There wasn't much to do except freshen up and relax until it was time to go. Tyler shared his location with her the moment he began the route to her place and Bonnie began packing her clutch with necessary items which seemed to be her keys, the phone Mr. Mikaelson had provided for her, and her emotional support chapstick. When Tyler arrived, so did the makeup artist Bonnie had forgotten about. The artist, Luke, gave her an extremely judgmental look when he realized that Bonnie had planned to go to the event bare-faced with nothing but Carmex coating her lips and a bit of mascara. Bonnie nearly laughed at his look of disgust yet even as he judged her, she didn't feel out of place.
"May I see what's in your bag?" He asked with his hands out, leaving no room for argument. Bonnie slowly handed her bag over and watched as he threw her battered Carmex tube across the room.
"Hey!"
"No ma'am." He said replacing it with a golden tube of YSL lipstick. "Please get rid of that thing when you get back," he said, a small chuckle on his lips. He proceeded to do her makeup with skill and precision she'd never witnessed, using items from his makeup kit that seemingly had the correct foundation colors to match her tone. Her mind drifted to Elijah's earlier efforts at the salon and knew instinctively that he'd had something to do with this as well. Luke gave her a once over and smiled briefly, though it faded as a thought came to mind. "Did you buy jewelry?"
"No, I have my own." Luke stared at the ceiling and sighed before sending a quick text message.
"The beautiful ones are often the most clueless," he tsked as he finished her look with a mist of a beautifully fragrant perfume.
"Thanks, I think?"
"Don't mention it." He walked behind her and gathered the bottom of her dress. "Getting you out of here might be a bit of a challenge." He muttered. Before she could ask what he meant, she was swept off her feet and carried through her threshold.
"I'm fully capable of walking, thank you!" Though, as she complained, she held on to him for dear life while he carried her to the ground floor, thanking the doorman on the way out. Once he placed her on her feet, she took a moment to appreciate the stretch limo in front of her.
"Is that a Bentley?" Tyler didn't fight the chuckle as he opened the door. His usually stoic face had relaxed and though they hadn't had much interaction today, her kindness had loosened him in her presence.
"It is," Tyler answered.
"I didn't know they made them this long!" Bonnie didn't bother to hide her excitement. She was impressed. Both Tyler and Luke helped her inside of the limo, careful not to ruin her dress.
The ride to their destination was just under forty-five minutes outside the city. There was a chilled bottle of champagne with a bow on it that Bonnie assumed was for her and though she was nervous, she didn't partake. She didn't want to run the risk of ruining her dress before the event started. Still, she wished she had something to take the edge off.
Bonnie mentally rehearsed all the pointers Caroline had given and was grateful to have met her. Her basic googling couldn't quite grasp the importance of her fork placements, or when and when not to make eye contact with someone. When this was all over, Bonnie would have to find a way to thank her.
The car came to a stop and Bonnie gaped at the view. The sprawling estate came complete with a gorgeous lake with a fountain island in the middle. Giant white swans swam about and the lawn was meticulously manicured. The châteaux itself was grand in every sense of the word and Bonnie could only stare in awe as the car came to a complete stop. The door opened and Tyler and Luke helped her out of the car. She barely had time to appreciate the massive lake that served as the property's backyard before she noticed Luke gathering the hems of her dress.
"You honestly don't have to carry me again… okay," Bonnie said with resignation once he lifted her from her feet for the second time that night. She laughed at the absurdity but allowed herself to be doted on. It was only one night, what could it hurt?
As opposed to entering through the front, they entered through the back as if they'd done it a million times. Bonnie stared in confusion as they passed through parts of the estate she would probably have never seen.
"Is the event not taking place here," she asked when she'd yet to see anyone other than the two of them and various groundskeepers peppered throughout each room. Luke placed her on her feet and smoothed her dress.
"Oh no, darling. This is where Mr. Mikaelson lives." He ignored the strangled look on her face as he left with a smile. "He'll be down shortly!"
Bonnie could hear her heart beating wildly in her ears as her mind began to race. Before her thoughts could send her off a cliff, Mr. Mikaelson himself appeared dressed even more spectacularly than usual. The tux he wore fit him so well that Bonnie had to bite her lips to keep from moaning. Her thoughts came to an abrupt stop as he neared her and her breath left her lungs as he invaded her personal space to place a delicate kiss on her cheek as a greeting.
"The enchanting Miss Bennett." The approval in his tone made her chest swell with pride. "You are exquisite." He complimented. Bonnie's face flushed with heat.
"Thank you, Mr. Mikaelson."
"Elijah," he corrected. "If we are to spend this evening together, it'd be much more relaxing if you refer to me as such." He explained.
"Only if you agree to call me Bonnie," she countered. Elijah nodded.
"Fair enough." He agreed. The room they were standing in was a large study with bookshelves that extended beyond the first floor. She barely had time to admire her surroundings before focusing on Elijah who pulled a black velvet box from his pockets.
"I hope you don't mind the detour. I planned to meet you at the venue, however, both Caroline and Luke informed me that you didn't have adequate jewelry," he began. Bonnie winced, recalling her back and forth with Caroline. She'd already spent more than enough money and didn't feel comfortable buying jewelry on top of that.
"Yes. You didn't give me a budget and I'd already splurged on this dress and stole," she explained, trying not to think of the price tag on either. The stole alone could pay her rent this month.
"The words 'budget' and 'splurge' should never leave your lips again, understood?" Bonnie was taken aback by his brazenness. Elijah lifted a brow and Bonnie stammered upon realizing he expected an answer.
"Understood," she muttered; though she was a bit put off for reasons she couldn't quite explain. His assertion of dominance outside of a work setting awakened a fire inside of her that she tried to grapple with. She didn't want to ruin their… what relationship did they have, exactly?
Elijah could see the fire in her eyes threatening to come alive and shamefully, it excited him. It was wrong of him to toy with her but she made it so easy for him to get under her skin. The corners of his lips turned ever so slightly as he moved to open the box.
"White-Tie Events are strict and not as flashy as others, however, we still have ways of establishing our wealth. It's all superficial but we do what we must to uphold the status quo." He explained. "These earrings may not seem like much upon first glance but they date back to 15th century France." He delicately placed the earrings in her hand and Bonnie moved towards the floor-length mirror to put them in. She admired the way the diamonds shimmered in the light
"These are beautiful," she said, praying to every god in existence that she didn't lose them before the night was done. "And heavy," she noted. "Are you sure you trust me with something so valuable?" She bit her lip. "Speaking of valuable," she reached into her clutch to retrieve the card but Elijah turned away from her, halting her movements.
"Hold that thought," he said as he revealed another box. "Remove your stole, please," he instructed. Bonnie set her bag to the side and did as she was told, briefly wondering when she became so agreeable. With her shoulders bare, she felt exposed as she stood before him. The dress's neckline left her shoulders on display. Caroline informed her that this dress required gloves since traditionally white-tie events called for women to cover their shoulders. The white gloves she wore were velvet and Bonnie couldn't help but feel like Audrey Hepburn each time she looked into a mirror.
"You have a beautiful clavicle." Bonnie released a breathless chuckle.
"Thank you." She didn't know what to say, truthfully. It was the first she'd received such a compliment.
"I planned to have you wear this necklace but it would do you no justice." Bonnie eyed the necklace in his hand and balked.
"That is gorgeous," she said, mourning the necklace as he set it aside absently.
"Your neckline is more beautiful," he commented offhandedly, taking the time to admire the length of her neck. He'd always been drawn to a woman's neck and Bonnie had one of the most stunning profiles he'd ever seen. Everything from her sun-kissed skin to the mole above her shoulder blades made him want to sink his teeth into her.
Bonnie tried to ignore the way her stomach somersaulted as he studied her. Elijah was hard to read yet, something about the way he gazed at her made her mouth go dry, and her insides rearrange. She admired his suit once again and did all she could to ignore the dirty thoughts that popped into her head as she watched him walk toward the room's entrance.
"We should be on our way," he mentioned and Bonnie moved to follow him. She was relieved when, instead of sweeping her off her feet as Luke had, he extended his arm to her. Bonnie grabbed her clutch and looped her arm with his, sinking into his side immediately as if she'd done this a million times.
"Please don't let me forget to return your card to you," she brought up.
"Hang on to it," he said nonchalantly. "If everything goes well tonight, I may ask for your help with other events." Other events? She panicked.
"Mr. M—Elijah," she corrected. "You're aware of our hotel's policy," she reminded. "While I'm flattered and grateful that you chose me to accompany you tonight, I'm not sure if this can be a repeat offense." Bonnie wondered if she sounded as idiotic as she felt as she clamored to establish some semblance of a boundary.
"Are you always this corporate when a man tries to court you?" Bonnie's heart stopped as her mind struggled to come up with something, anything, to say in response. His eyes roamed over her once again and she felt as though she'd been plunged into a bed of lava. Elijah grinned for the second time since she'd known him. "Come, now. No more discussions about work," he instructed. When she tried to protest, his brow raised, daring her to challenge him. When she relented, the whispers of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and Bonnie couldn't help but wonder if he got off on her submission.
.xXx.
The event turned out to be the actual Crystal Gardens Ball. It was an event widely talked about and was by invitation only. Completely out of her league, Bonnie opted for silence, speaking only when spoken to while using her smile to her advantage. To her delight, Elijah remained at her side for most of the night. The women in attendance, though courteous, all sized her up with looks of curiosity, envy, or at times, complete disdain.
"Well done, Elijah. I was beginning to think you had no taste," Both Bonnie and Elijah turned towards the speaker, and Bonnie's brow raised with appreciation at the man before them. He was every bit of tall, dark, and handsome, and the woman on his arm was drop-dead gorgeous.
"Bonnie, this is my baby sister Rebekah and her fiancé Marcel." Bonnie's eyes danced between the three of them. Elijah's sister was a beauty to behold. Her frame was enviable, and Bonnie felt warmed by the happiness radiating from her. She had an enviable joy, and in the recesses of her own heart, Bonnie wished she could experience it for herself at least once in her lifetime.
"Bonnie," Marcel smiled and kissed her extended gloved hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Rebekah leaned in to kiss both sides of Bonnie's cheek.
"Charmed to meet you as well," Bonnie said, extending the greeting to the two of them. She was relieved to find only curiosity in Rebekah's eyes when she pulled away. As Elijah and Marcel began to engage in conversation, Rebekah focused on Bonnie.
"Walk with me?" Though she posed it as a question, Bonnie realized she didn't have the option to decline. Rebekah's arm looped around hers and Bonnie fell into step next to her. "My brother usually attends the Crystal Garden Balls alone," Rebekah began. "He's never mentioned you before so naturally I'm curious."
Bonnie struggled to align what Elijah told her about 'suddenly' being bereft of a date with what Rebekah now revealed. Her mind thought back to his earlier statements about courting her and she decided that her best bet was not to think about any of those things.
"I wouldn't get used to my face," Bonnie assured. "I'm simply helping a friend." It was the best way she could summarize their arrangement even though now, she had no clue what they were to each other. They'd officially surpassed client/employee relations and were beginning to venture into uncharted waters. Rebekah stood still as she pilfered a glass from a waiter; Bonnie followed suit.
"My brother does not have friends," she said matter-of-factly as she tipped the champagne flute to her lips. Bonnie's face flushed.
"Well then, I misspoke," Bonnie clarified. "Elijah is a guest at my hotel and asked me to accompany him tonight. I can't say why he chose me and though I agreed, I have a feeling he wouldn't have taken no for an answer," Bonnie said, finally expressing her thoughts aloud.
"That sounds about right," Rebekah clarified as she took another sip from her flute. Bonnie mimicked the action, hoping the alcohol would calm the sudden spike in anxiety. "You seem benign, which is more than I can say for most of the people in attendance tonight." Rebekah tilted her head and eyed her. "I like you." Bonnie bit her lip to keep from smiling. It shouldn't matter if his family liked her, given this would be the only night she'd ever be in any of their presence, yet she couldn't help but feel proud.
She'd try not to remind herself of this moment when she would inevitably have to draw the line in the sand.
"Thank you," Bonnie stated genuinely. Rebekah regarded her with those curious eyes of hers before speaking up.
"You're in good hands," she assured. "But my brother can be," she paused, searching for the right word. "Intense. Don't let him consume you so easily." Bonnie's chest tightened and the temperature in the room suddenly increased. "Have fun," Rebekah winked with a dazzling smile. She finished her glass and curtsied graciously before leaving Bonnie alone to ruminate over her 'warning'. What could she have possibly meant by that? She was tempted to follow the younger Mikaelson but her thoughts derailed when she felt someone come to stand next to her.
"I must say, Love, my brother will have a hard time filling your shoes," Bonnie turned to see a strikingly handsome man. "Niklaus," he introduced. "Mikaelson." Bonnie blinked before remembering to extend her hand to him. With tenderness she could only compare to his brother's, Niklaus graciously accepted her hand and kissed it delicately and she tried not to imagine how soft his red lips would feel against her skin. Guiltily, she pulled her hands away.
"There's always someone prettier," she teased. "But thank you."
"I don't think there's many in your case," he continued. Bonnie chuckled. The whole family had an unbeatable game.
"Laying it on thick, I see," she said with a smirk.
"The thicker the better," he teased. She couldn't contain the laugh that erupted from her.
"I see wit and good looks is a Mikaelson family trait." She said. "Which sibling drew the short end of the stick?"
"That would be Kol," Nikalus immediately offered. "No brains, no brawn, and as far as looks are concerned, he could do better."
"Well, then I guess that leaves wit for him."
"Barely," Niklaus countered which earned another laugh. "My brother must have been keeping you under lock and key. How is this the first time I've met you?" Before Bonnie could answer, she felt the brother in question's presence from behind. Elijah placed a hand on the small of her back and she felt a shiver course through her. His commanding presence made her entire body ignite.
"Niklaus," Elijah greeted. "On the prowl early tonight, I see." Bonnie eyed the two men to assess their dynamics. Despite their niceties, she could tell there was tension between them.
"I was just wondering how you've managed to keep our lovely guest of honor hidden for so long," Klaus said with a devilish grin. Though he was cordial with her, she could tell he could and would turn this place on its head. What a show that would be.
"My relationship with Bonnie doesn't concern you or any of the other piranhas in attendance," Elijah stated coolly. His firm tone churned Bonnie's inside. She a comforting hand on his arm and offered a warm smile to ease the tension.
"Shall we dance?" Bonnie didn't give Elijah much time to decline. She turned to Niklaus as she took Elijah's hand to lead him away.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Niklaus. Enjoy your evening," she said with a curtsy, leaving before either gentleman could cause a scene. Without much of a rebuttal, Elijah took her hand in his while placing the other on her back. Bonnie tried not to panic upon realizing that he actually intended to dance with her.
"Thank you," he said, finally taking his eyes from his brother's retreating form to focus on her. Bonnie stared up at him and nodded as the current song ended and the next began. Her heart rate increased.
"You're welcome," she said quickly. "Though I must admit, I don't know how to ballroom dance." She confessed. Elijah's eyes burned with amusement.
"Follow my lead," he instructed. Bonnie had no time to ask what that meant before he began to lead them in a waltz. Bonnie tried to remember the steps of the video she'd watched the night before but began to overthink things. "Bonnie," Elijah called out. Her eyes met his and she was suddenly struck by how beautiful they were. His whiskey-colored eyes were so dark she could see herself in them. "Relax," he commanded. Bonnie nodded and forced herself to forget everything except for him. She relaxed into him and followed his lead which turned out not to be as confusing as she thought. When he stepped forward, she stepped back, and when he went right or left she followed. After stumbling over her feet only a couple of times, she finally fell into sync.
The dance ended with Elijah's shoes intact. For a brief moment, he left her side to discuss matters with an associate and Bonnie used that moment to people-watch. She was quite adept at it. She noticed two people in particular who kept stealing glances at one another. She'd been introduced to her as Katherine Petrova. Katherine had a twin sister named Elena who was engaged to Damon Salvatore, however, Damon and Katherine clearly had 'something' going on behind the scenes. Katherine, for her merit, was betrothed to Damon's brother Stefan. Poor Stefan and Elena seemed clueless about what was happening around them. Bonnie felt her chest ache. She knew that pain more than she cared to admit.
She also noticed that Damon had been throwing curious glances at her all night but Bonnie was uninterested. It seemed as though he had enough on his plate as is.
Rebekah and Marcel seemed to be the picture-perfect couple. The way they stared at one another like no one else existed was something Bonnie longed for. She thought she'd had it with her late fiancé, Enzo, but that fairytale ended the night his car went into a ravine. It'd been three years since she lost him, though if Bonnie was being honest with herself, she lost him long before that night.
Bonnie's eyes scanned the crowd taking in the faces she'd been introduced to along with some she hadn't until they landed on Elijah. She still couldn't believe she was here, of all places, but she was happy for the experience. Not many people could say they'd gone to the Crystal Gardens Ball and though she couldn't exactly take pictures, she'd have the memory forever. She even felt inspired enough to go home and paint. She could even make it a series. The view from The Sanctuary this morning, the lake in front of Elijah's châteaux, and the harvest moon currently dazzling over the Gardens of Crystal. Yes. Definitely a series.
Her mind drifted back to Rebekah's earlier warning not to be consumed by her brother. She wondered what his sister had seen to deem it necessary to give her a heads-up. It wouldn't matter anyway seeing as though after tonight, she'd more than likely go back to being a blip on Elijah's radar, though something in Bonnie's gut felt like her life was about to take a sharp turn. For better or worse, she wasn't sure, but she hoped to God it was better.
"What goes on in that brilliant mind of yours?" Bonnie blinked and realized that though she was daydreaming in his direction, she hadn't seen when he'd left his companions and made his way over to her once more. Bonnie smiled at him and took the glass he offered.
"Nothing, just people watching." She smirked.
"And what did you find?"
"Nothing much. Except the four of them should consider the pineapple life." Elijah laughed and Bonnie instantly became obsessed with the sound.
"So you've noticed." His teeth caught his lips to hide his grin and Bonnie stared longer than necessary. "I knew you'd be perfect for this role," he praised. Her cheek flushed at the praise, ignoring the satisfaction she got from impressing him. "What else have you noticed?" For the first time since the ball began, she noticed she had his complete attention. It was intimidating yet captivating. Bonnie peeled her gaze from his and scanned the room.
"For starters," she began as she honed in on the violinist who'd been stealing glances at Elijah all night but opted against starting with her. Instead, she focused on the blonde bartender staring at his brother Niklaus. "The bartender has the hots for your brother though, I don't think she's landed on his radar, yet. His whiskey glasses are always served with a generous pour," Bonnie pointed out. She'd taken a mixology class in college to help pay her tuition, and upon graduating with a business degree, she also minored in psychology at the Whitmore Bar & Grill.
Elijah's eyes sparkled with interest as he took note of what Bonnie relayed to him. "Go on," he goaded. Bonnie watched as a smile tugged at his lips and tried not to focus on the way his Adams Apple bobbed along his throat.
"Do not take me to be too forward," she forewarned with a bite of her lips. She hefted her chin in the direction of the violinist. "I believe you have a history with the violinist." Elijah's gaze fell on the violinist in question and if anyone noticed she missed a note, they were gracious enough not to call attention to it.
"Gia," Elijah offered wistfully. "Your intuition is spot on," he confirmed. Bonnie ignored the fleeting feeling in the center of her chest; a feeling she could only describe as rejection.
"Am I correct to assume that it wasn't one-sided?" Bonnie wasn't sure why she asked or why she anticipated his answer. When he didn't answer, Bonnie nodded. "Lucky girl," she teased, though she wondered what it would be like to gain the affections of a man of his caliber. She was tempted to ask if Gia was the reason he was bereft of a date tonight but figured she'd tortured herself enough.
"Gia is spoken for and it would be poor form of me to continue this line of conversation," he said, marking the end of that discussion. Bonnie watched as his openness slowly waned. Her eyes shifted away from his as she focused on her gloved hands.
"I apologize; I didn't mean to overstep." Her body went stiff when his fingers curled under her chin, lifting her head to meet his gaze.
"No need to apologize," he assured her as his thumbs brushed beneath her lips so faintly, she wondered if it was accidental. All thoughts of Gia left her mind as he leaned in close to her ear.
"We should make our way to our seats," he suggested before taking her hand into his. He led them to the dining hall and Bonnie allowed herself to be swept off her feet, figuratively this time.
.xXx.
Elijah studied Bonnie as one of many courses was set before her. He'd been watching her like a hawk and while anyone could figure out the order in which to use their utensils, he was impressed that her knowledge went beyond the basics. When she wanted to skip a course she knew where to place her utensils and the same called for when she was finished eating. His father had always taught him that his fork would always give a person away and whether Bonnie knew these things from prior experiences or had she researched them the night before, he was impressed by how well she did.
Apparently, so was everyone else at their table. His world was filled with pretenses. A bunch of made-up rules to keep people they deemed as 'less than' out. He'd taken a huge gamble inviting her to such an elite event but it'd paid off. True to his naturally dominant nature, he began searching for ways to show his gratitude. She wasn't a woman easily impressed by material things but one of the things he noticed from years of watching is that, though she never did things for credit, she loved praised.
He wondered if that extended to all aspects of her life.
As detail-oriented as she was, he noticed she relished in him taking notice of her efforts. He'd been visiting The Renaissance for years before she was hired, yet it wasn't until she became his concierge did he began to receive handwritten welcome notes. Each note was tailored to his visit and he noticed that over the years she'd learn to distinguish which of his trips were for business and which were for leisure. He was a creature of habit, yes, but that level of attention piqued his interest. That along with her impeccable penmanship is what placed her on his radar. Cursive writing was a dying art and her generation seemed to have all but laid it to rest. Handwritten notes were becoming somewhat of a rarity and he took satisfaction in knowing that there were people that still appreciated the simplicities of life. Still, he wondered what she'd say if she learned he kept every one of her welcome cards. Speaking of…
"I noticed you didn't leave your calling card this visit," Elijah waited for Bonnie to catch on and nearly smirked when recognition sparked her features.
"About that," she began. "You arrived earlier than I intended," she confessed. "Unfortunately, you check out the day I return to work so I'm afraid I'll have to make it up to you." Elijah didn't hide his amusement.
"No need, this more than makes up for it." He assured, dropping his tone on purpose. He watched as Bonnie hid the way her cheeks flushed. He felt like a hawk watching its prey. Each time he touched her subtly he watched as she fought to maintain her composure. He also noted how she tried, and failed, to stave off her jealousy once Gia became the topic of conversation. As trained as she was in her work setting, he noticed that his presence tended to throw her off her a-game and it excited him.
"My coworkers tease me about my notecards but I think it's nice. Everything is digital now. A handwritten note is much more personal." He noticed that she refrained from revealing that he was the only guest who received one from her. On a hunch, he tested a theory and was proven correct when one of his assistants—after checking in under a false name—revealed the generic hotel-generated welcome card with only Bonnie's signature on it. Excitement danced in his eyes as he took a bite of his caviar. From where he sat he had the perfect view as Bonnie's now lovely hand, moved delicately as she buttered her bread. The tops of her breasts shimmered in the light with whatever body shimmer she'd chosen. He watched as her clavicle shifted with each of her movements and he suddenly regretted not approaching her years in advance.
"I appreciate your notes," he told her without revealing his little secret. "You have beautiful penmanship."
"Thank you," she responded, meeting his gaze. Their eyes locked, and Bonnie felt the heat of his gaze throughout her body. She boldly held his gaze, and sensing a challenge, he decided to ruffle her feathers a bit.
"Some men prefer lingerie, but perfect penmanship can have the same effect," on him, he failed to add. He held her gaze a bit longer, smirking when she finally looked away to drink from her glass. When she pulled away from her glass, he wasted no time sweeping the beads of champagne from her lips with his thumb. It took every ounce of restraint not to bring his fingers to his lips. The moment was interrupted when a waiter whispered in his ear, delivering news about something behind the scenes that required his attention.
"If you'll excuse me," he said to her before standing. She watched his retreating figure, exhaling only when he was out of sight. She barely had time to relax when her eyes met Rebekah's, who sat at the opposite end of the large round table, chuckling at her expense. Bonnie gulped.
She needed to get away from this family as quickly as possible.