"I came to see Caroline." He said folding his hands in front of him.
"She is a bit busy right now. Anyways, isn't it early for you to be here already? The Gala doesn't start for awhile." Elena stalled him.
His eyes traced the outline of the threshold. She watched him figuring he had not yet been invited into the house. She had remembered Damon had warned her of who she let in especially if he or she was a vampire. Knowing now that he had yet to be invited in, she wanted to keep it that way. He was never going to get that invitation.
"I'm sure she won't mind." Stefan assured her with a smile.
"Look," Elena listened for any sign of Caroline approaching and took a quick glance over her shoulder. "I swear if you hurt her, again I will make sure you pay for it."
"You mean my brother will make sure of that." He corrected her.
Her blood was boiling with anger. "You're not coming in. You can wait until she is ready and you will take her straight there. No detours and no trying to sneak your way in."
"Elena," Stefan bowed his head. "What I did to Caroline was wrong. I wasn't in the right mind. I am truly sorry for that, but I can't change it. I promise you I am not going to hurt her. However, my brother might hurt you."
"Excuse me?" She asked confused. His apology was unexpected.
"I know of the lifestyle my brother leads. He may say he has it all under control, but he doesn't always." He explained in a low voice. "I'm not trying to scare you. I'm trying to tell you before anything happens."
She wasn't sure if she could believe him. When she looked at him all she saw was a monster and a liar. All this stuff about Damon hurting her was a joke. He swore to her he would never do that and she was pretty sure that he wouldn't. However, he was a vampire and his need for blood was lustful at times. No, stop it! She screamed to herself. Damon was safe in his own twisted way. He wasn't going to hurt her. She wouldn't let it happen.
"Thank you, but I can take care of myself." She told him sternly.
Stefan's stare on her was uncomforting. His eyes were piercing into her like a sharp knife. As she looked back at him she swore she saw pain in them. This pain she had no idea where it came from, but suddenly she felt remorse for him. Was she being compelled?
"Are you compelling me right now?" Elena growled.
"What? No!" He looked shocked. "You just remind me of…never mind."
"Elena, who is it at the door?" Caroline asked from the top of the staircase.
"Leave." She whispered to him.
"Stefan?" Caroline stood on her tiptoes to see and she came rushing down the stairs. She pried the door out of Elena's hands and a huge smile came upon her face. "Well don't you look handsome? I thought you said you be here later."
"I thought I stop by now to surprise you." He told her knowing Elena was scowling him.
"Aw," She swooned over him. "You are so sweet."
Elena felt sick to her stomach listening to Caroline fall over him.
"Why don't you…" She began, but Elena cut her off. Stefan was not going to get in this house.
"Come back. I'm sure you don't want to be bored with watching her get ready." Elena chimed in.
"Why don't we let Caroline decide that." Stefan said giving all of his attention to her.
Caroline stood up straight and pushed Elena back. "Watch me, do whatever you want with me. It doesn't matter. Come in."
No! The smirk upon his face grew with pleasure as he stepped past the threshold and into their house. Her heart was racing and she feared everything in her sight. Caroline took Stefan by the hand and led him upstairs. The glare she gave him burned into his soul. Her worst nightmare had just happened. Now there was no safe place for Caroline to hide.
Chapter 31: The Gala Pt. I
Closing the door, Elena leaned back against terrified that Stefan Salvatore was in her house. Despite his sudden plea for forgiveness and his claim he would never hurt Caroline like he had before, she had difficulty believing him. The haunting image still betrayed her of a helpless and bleeding Caroline stumbling to the ground the night he had attacked her. It was memory she could not erase and every time she saw him it resurfaced.
Laughter that belonged to Caroline traveled through the house and the gut wrenching feeling to become sick swarmed her again. The protection she wanted to be able to provide to her as a best friend she could not do. She was no match for a vampire. All she could do was hope for the best, after all Caroline was happy with him. Maybe, just maybe he wasn't as bad as she assumed. Then again, he could be a whole lot worse.
With the feeling of defeat overcoming her, Elena opened the front door again and stepped out. The skies were clear and the warm sun shined down on her exposed skin. The gold on the dress twinkled under the sunlight making her glow. At a time like this she wished Damon could be able to read her mind near or far. She needed to lean on him even though he wasn't the shoulder to cry on type.
Elena took in a long deep breath of fresh air and closed her eyes. How did my life become so crazy?
It was only weeks ago she was the same old Elena Gilbert making mends meets and working her waitressing job. She was living day to day worrying about the little things and now she was worrying about things she never even dreamed of. The excitement that came with agreeing to see Damon Salvatore was thing after the other. Her life was beyond different and even though she wanted to scream, kick, and yell with the things she couldn't control there was one thing for sure she couldn't live without now, Damon. She knew she shouldn't be thinking of him to run to when things got tough, but who was there to run to? Caroline usually was the person she would go to with any situation she needed an opinion on or help with, however she was part of the problem now. Damon was her only hope and he was all sort of messed up she never knew what sort of reaction she would get out of him.
A high pitch-curdling scream met her ears and Elena perked up. All her reflect senses kicked in and she busted through the door and up the stairs. Caroline was standing in the hallway looking into her room. Her body was pressed against the wall and there was pure terror across her face.
No! Elena crumbled as she knew something awful was unfolding through the doorway to Caroline's room. Where the fuck was Damon when she needed him…again?
"Caroline!" Elena gasped and rushed over throwing her arms around her shoulders to protect her.
"You're fine," Stefan said in a calm voice. Peeking through her half closed eyes expecting to see a wild and vampire transformed Stefan, he was still in his normal state. Wait, if Stefan wasn't blood thirsty and ready to attack then why was Caroline frightened nearly to death?
"It's harmless." He said bending down with a piece of paper and scooped up a black eight-legged creature. A spider? She was freaking out over all of this because of a spider. Elena detached herself from her friend and felt foolish.
Stefan opened the window and shook the paper letting the spider fly off into its rightful place. He shut it and turned around looking from an overreacting Caroline to her. She had assumed too quickly that the horrified scream coming from Caroline was because of him, when in reality it was her true fear of the creep crawlies that had upset her.
But she had a right to assume didn't she? Damon wasn't the only one messing with her state of mind, now it was Stefan too. All she saw was evil, but there was a tiny amount of remorse shining through as well. This had to be an act. There had to be an alternative motive for him to be sneaking around with Caroline all of a sudden. It just didn't add up.
"Are you okay?" He asked withdrawing his pleading look of despair away from her.
"Ugh, I just hate spiders." Caroline cringed and lunged herself at him. "Thank you for getting rid of it even though I much rather you have squashed the thing."
"Just because it looks scary doesn't mean it is." Stefan said feeling as if he wasn't just talking to Caroline or just about the spider. "The things we fear the most sometimes are only in our heads. It's until we have an understanding is when we can accept to not fear
it anymore."
Discomfort and hatred filled her as he spoke. He was trying to make her feel guilty for believing he was the bad guy. She didn't want to deal with this, not now. Letting them share their tender moment, she left and locked herself in her room until Damon would arrive. She hoped he wouldn't take much longer.
Withdrawing her phone, she typed his name and conjured up a message that would surely get him moving.
MR. SALVATORE, I DO NOT LIKE TO BE KEPT WAITING. HURRY UP AND GET YOUR FINE ASS OVER HERE, she typed and pressed send.
Moments later she heard her phone ding and a blinking red light indicated she had received a message back. It read: MY FINE ASS WILL BE AT YOUR REQUEST SOON. MIND YOUR TONE, MISS GILBERT.
A girlish smile smothered her face as she laid on her bed and continued to her sarcastic messages back to him. However, this time there was no response and she grew anxious as every moment passed without hearing from him.
Finally after what felt like forever, the doorbell rang and this time she was happy to open it and see who was on the other side unlike before. The hem of her dress skipped down the stairs as she calmed herself before opening the door. She brushed out her curls and checked her reflection in the hallway mirror. She was ready.
"Hello, Mr. Salvatore." She said in an innocent voice and courtesy.
Dressed in black from head to toe, he looked stunning. His hair was pushed back off his face and he was spotless, even this shoes shined. He bowed his head and his bright blue eyes peered up with a devilish smile. "Miss Gilbert." She stepped aside to let him in the house.
"You look…" Elena began, as she wanted to show her affection for his polished appearance, but was whisked away before she could finish. He tugged her arm and they dashed through the living room, into the kitchen and finally stumbling into the tiny bathroom downstairs.
"What are you doing?" She asked wildly.
Damon closed the door quietly and pressed his finger up to her lips. "You invited my brother into your house?" He whispered.
"No! Caroline did." She whispered in return. "Why are we whispering? They are upstairs."
"Vampires have the ability to listen in on conversations that are within the realm of them if they please." He informed her in an irritated tone as he waved his hand around in the air. "He probably sensed me before I even stepped foot in the house."
"This really isn't helping me feel better about him being with Caroline." Elena sighed.
"From what I can tell he is on a good track right now. He won't hurt her." Damon assured her still keeping his voice low. "I just wished he wasn't invited in. It would have guaranteed a safe house for the two of you if he wasn't just in case."
"It was bound to happen considering," Elena said crossing her arms and rolling her eyes.
"Elena," He touched her bare shoulders grasping them with intensity and she focused in on him. "I promise you I won't let anything happen to you or Caroline. I promise."
Still accepting the truth of the matter, she nodded her head and erased all thoughts of fear. Tonight was supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. Even though every thought that crept up on her was inevitable, she looked back at the man before her and told herself this night was about him and her. He may be the cause of all this, but becoming lost in his blue eyes and wanting to nip at his bottom lip she knew she could slip away into the bliss of him.
"You ready?" He asked with his hand on the doorknob.
"Yes." She strained to smile and followed him out of the bathroom.
Upstairs was quiet and she hoped Caroline was in no harm. She was bold and defensive when need be, but it was the male species that made her become like mush. Saying a silent prayer that every thing would be fine and hoping tonight would end wonderfully, she walked a step behind Damon all the way out of her house. Her head shot up as a parked black Cadillac caught her eye. The sunlight made it glistened and it screamed money.
"You never cease to amaze me Mr. Salvatore." She shook her head and the forced smile before became natural.
"I only want the finest Miss Gilbert." Damon returned his witty charm on in his reply.
Sliding into the car as Damon opened the door for her, she felt the smooth leather underneath her. It smelled of new car and she shook her head once again as she studied the interior. Surely he didn't just purchase this car for the occasion or maybe he did. He did like to flaunt his money around. "How many cars do you own?" She asked as he took his place next to her and shut the door. The middle-aged man in the driver seat took it as his cue to back out and they were on their way to the Gala.
"Four." He answered.
"Really?" She was amazed by his response. "I thought you were going to say more."
"That would be unreasonable." Damon smirked and reached into the inside pocket of his tuxedo jacket. He cleared his throat and slightly turned to face her. "I got you something."
He pulled out a long slender black box and ran his thumb over the top of it. He handed it to her and she held it delicately in her hands. She stared down at the unmarked box and felt sick to her stomach. Whatever was inside of the box was expensive she already knew it. She hated how much he was throwing his money around just for her. She didn't deserve any of this.
"Open it." His excitement in his voice made her even less thrilled with the gift.
Slowly removing the top of the box a sparkling gold diamond bracelet twinkled before her. It laid on top of a pair of black silk gloves. It was beautiful. By far the most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever seen and now it was supposedly hers? She couldn't accept it.
"Do you like it?" Damon asked pleased with his taste of fine jewelry.
"I can't accept this Damon." Elena shut the top back on the box and threw it in his lap. Disappoint and confusion swarmed his face leaving it to droop. "I mean thank you, but seriously you have to stop doing this. You can't just throw your money around like that, not on me. I have nothing to give you in return for things like that."
"I don't want anything in return." He replied with a look of sadness. "If you really don't want it at least wear it for tonight."
She didn't like this side of him all sad and defeated. It came out rarely and it almost gave off the vibe that he didn't seem good enough. His gesture had failed and so did he, at least that's how she portrayed him to feel. Quickly wanting to turn the mood around in the car, Elena snatched the box back and placed it in her lap. "Only for tonight and no more gifts. Promise me." She told him sternly.
"I can't promise that. If I want to buy you something, I'm going to do it Miss Gilbert." Damon's edge in his voice was returning. "I don't think you realize how much money I have. Letting myself buy you things isn't going to put a hole in my wallet."
He was so stubborn. Right when she thought she had won, he came back at her with even a lower blow. If he wasn't going to promise her that, she had to think of a way to repay him. The light bulb flicked on and she turned over her wrist. Her eyes flicked to the driver though. What she wanted to give him had to be private. Her mind raced of when she could give him a taste of her tonight. She looked up at him touching her wrist and his eyes glanced down. A mischievous smile popped upon his face.
"I know what you're thinking Miss Gilbert. You don't hide your true emotions well." He stated.
"It's the only way I can think of returning the favor." She lowered her voice knowing the man in the driver's seat could hear them.
"I am dying to taste you again." Damon growled and brushed the knuckles of his fingers across her neck. He stared at her flawless skin above her collarbone and as she watched him become bloodthirsty his eyes diverted back down to her wrist. "Only if you agree though."
Elena was fine with the idea of him biting her at least not on the neck yet. It was the only thing she could offer him in return for all the luxuries he gave her and she was happy to know he was becoming more accepting to the taste her willingly instead of fighting it. However, this was a private recreation. They were not alone and she could see Damon begin to transfo
rm.
"What about…" She whispered nodding her head toward the driver.
"He knows." Damon told her with his fangs out and ready to puncture. "Don't worry he won't mind. He wouldn't dare tell a soul."
The driver was compelled clearly. His eyes stayed on the road before them, but it still bothered her that they weren't alone. She raised her wrist to him though closing her eyes trying to not think of what surrounded her. Damon's lips were wet as he kissed her fragile skin and parted them further apart and slowly sunk his teeth into her. The initial pain was awful and Elena moaned as she felt her blood leaving her rhythmically. She trembled a little as the pain pulsed, but quickly subsided. As soon as it faded, she leaned back in her seat and watched with hooded eyes as Damon enjoyed every ounce of it. His eyes were crimson red and they were filled with lust. He looked up at her as her chest heaved up and down and pulled his pointed fangs out of her. They retracted back and his face became normal again. Not a drop of blood was spilled, he made sure of it. He withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped away the small stains of blood on her wrist.
Fifty Shades Of Dark - Damon Salvatore Page 20
