SAYS WHO?

ELENA'S POV:

"What the fuck, do you think you're doing?"

It was all clear to me now. The taunting approaches, the kiss, the smashing of the Bluetooth, the teasing and the way he had me on his bed and in this compromising position were all part of his plan. It was his way of bringing Antonio here. I heard a click and Derek instantly rolled off the bed to the floor before the trigger was pulled. He was on the floor while I was on top of him. He looked up at me, with his expression giving absolutely nothing away. He moved me away so I was the one on the floor alone, and rose to face none other than Antonio. Didn't even hesitate to bring out his gun at Leo. I knew they were having an eye-to-eye combat down.

"Didn't we warn you not to lay your filthy hands on her again?"

"Yeah, but she came here with Damon's permission, didn't she? Under my roof, I get to do anything I want."

Leo tossed the gun away and lunged towards Derek. Their combat was intense.... really intense. It was at that point that I noticed Augusta come in. She was about to lunge at Leo but Jessie came from behind and caught off guard. Their back and forth continued and it was then I noticed how skilled Jessie actually was in combat because Augusta was no newbie herself. I needed to get out of here. I rose and moved towards the entrance.

Yes, in my handcuffs. Fortunately, there were no guards whatsoever and I managed to slip through the combat even though I caught a glimpse of Derek's eyes on me. I knew I was a coward. I'd promised to get to Derek, but I messed it all up again. Why did I keep messing things up for all of us? I ran down the stairs even in the cuffs and rushed towards the door, but it was locked... security locked. Fuck. What the fuck was I supposed to do now?

It was obviously a trap to get us all in here but then, Antonio wasn't here. I would have smiled in relief if not because well...I'd messed things up and I was handcuffed. Antonio would certainly not be pleased with this. I looked around, trying to find an escape route but this mansion was too big to even see any other doors. I turned left and ran towards the window, maybe I could break it but screamed when I saw a figure leaning on it. The figure lifted his head and revealed his face...eyes. He wore a mask. My driver was in here? I'd never seen Antonio hire a driver before. The man walked towards me and had a scar on his left eye.

"Let's get you out of here." He stated and clicked something. He was responsible for the lockdown. I followed as he walked out of the mansion.

"Who are you?" I questioned and he stopped in his tracks.

"I was only hired to protect you. Who I am, is nobody's concern. The boss is waiting in the car." He said and that made me gulp. Waiting. He said...waiting. I knew I was dead meat but I followed anyway. When we reached the car, the driver opened the door for me and I hesitated to get in. Antonio raised his gaze before cocking a brow that did nothing other than question my hesitation. I slowly got in.

"He touched you again didn't he?" He asked and I could only wish it hadn't happened.

"I promise I didn't permit him to," I said, but he said absolutely nothing, took out his iPhone and began to type something on it. The driver entered the car and turned on the engine. "Wait, what about Leo and Jessie?"

"They'll be fine." He said in a low tone as the car moved. The rest of the journey was very quiet and tense. I wanted to know what was going on in his head but as I said, I was somewhat scared about what he would do. Was he okay? Was he disappointed? Was he annoyed or frustrated?

I know he wouldn't harm me or raise his hand on me or abuse me as my father and uncle did but just this demeanour of his alone, was enough for me to feel awkward and weird. I moved closer to him and touched his hand. He wasn't expecting that obviously, for a man who has had no experience with simple gestures like a hug or a touch, like this, it should be expected that of course there was going to be a reason for his reaction. He looked at our hands and looked at me. Well, we've touched so many times, but never this way, and it felt so foreign I must say. My hand gripped his hand tighter. His eyes seemed to have a conflict of emotions, but they were gone as fast as they came.

"Do you need something?" He asked with a slightly tilted head.

"I'm just worried about how you feel. I mean I didn't do this mission well, I understand that I didn't but, I don't want you to be mad at me. It terrifies me." I said and he chuckled but was somewhat hesitant because...well my gesture. He was foreign with it as well and I didn't blame him for that. I didn't hesitate this time, I moved towards him and sat on his leg. "I really want to know what you're feeling." He looked at me but said nothing. He just patted my back a little. I was trying as much as possible to calm him down. His eyes were on mine for a while and to be honest I'd never seen him look at me like that. Maybe flickers of the look but never this evident. He was tough all his life, to be soft felt really weird to him. He was showing me this side of him, a softer side and I loved it when he was tough and rough but this side of him made me feel warm, and cozy with him. His hands brushed my cheeks.

"You don't have to worry. I'm not angry. I expected it to happen." He let out and well to say I was shocked was an understatement. He had never not been angry with anything.

"Are you sure?" I gave a sheepish grin.

"When have I ever not been sure?" He questioned.

"I mean you've always, I've always messed things up for you and I just..."

"Trust me, you didn't mess anything up." He said. "You did better than I expected."

"Wait...what?"

He pulled me closer to him so that our lips touched.