His Love

Chapter 22

Tara's POV
My heart was pounding as I sat on the bed, replaying Klaus's words in my head.

"That's why I love you."

I pulled a pillow over my face and let out a muffled scream. Klaus was in his office, thankfully, so he didn't hear my outburst.

Flashback
"That's why I love you."

Klaus's eyes seemed to pierce straight into my soul. I couldn't bear to look at him, so I turned toward the window instead.

Klaus chuckled softly and kept driving. As soon as we pulled into the circular driveway, I bolted from the car, racing into the courtyard, up the stairs, and straight to our room.

Flashback ends

⸻

Klaus's POV
I could hear Tara's rapid heartbeat from the other room, and it brought a smile to my face. She was clearly flustered, likely over our earlier conversation.

Still, I turned my attention back to my work. Running a wine business was tedious, but necessary. While my family had more wealth than we'd ever need, maintaining a steady profit was essential for our legacy.

After finalizing a shipment order headed to Mystic Falls, a knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I called, my voice tired.

"Sir, dinner is ready," one of the maids announced.

Nodding, I rose from my desk and headed downstairs to join my family.

⸻

Tara's POV
I was already seated at the dining room table when I heard footsteps approaching. My heart leapt, and I could feel a blush creeping up my neck.

Klaus walked in, exuding confidence as always. He sat at the head of the table, his seat right next to mine. I focused on my plate, trying not to stare at him.

The maids moved around the table, offering their wrists to refill everyone's cups except Klaus's. When a maid approached him, he shook his head, refusing.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched him.

After dinner, the plates were cleared, and everyone left the table except for Klaus, Elijah, and me.

Klaus stood, pulling out my chair. "Do you want to watch a movie?" he asked.

"Sorry," I replied with a small smile. "I told Elijah we'd start a new book tonight."

Klaus's expression darkened as he looked from me to Elijah. "Fine," he said, his jaw clenched. "I'll see you after you're done reading."

He leaned down, kissed the top of my head, and left the room.

Elijah stepped closer, a warm smile on his face. "So, are you ready to explore the wonderful world of Atlas?" he asked, his excitement contagious.

"Definitely," I replied.

We walked to the parlor and settled on the couch, each of us engrossed in our books. I was so absorbed in the story that I didn't hear Elijah calling my name at first.

"Tara."

I looked up to find him watching me with an unreadable expression.

"It's midnight," he said gently. "I think we should stop here for tonight. We can talk more about the book tomorrow."

My eyes widened in surprise. "It's that late already?" I stood, clutching the book to my chest. "Goodnight, Elijah. See you tomorrow."

As I left the room, I thought I heard him mumble something under his breath, but I couldn't make it out.

⸻

Back in the bedroom, Klaus was lying on the bed, his eyes closed. I sat beside him, reaching out to run my fingers through his hair.

When I stopped to climb into bed, Klaus grabbed my hand and pulled me over his shoulder, making me fall onto the other side of the bed.

He wrapped an arm securely around my waist.

I giggled. "I thought you were asleep."

"How could I ever sleep without you?" he murmured. "If you'd stayed down there any longer, I would have come and dragged you back myself."

His words sent a flutter through my stomach, and his grip on my waist tightened. He kissed my head softly. "Sleep," he whispered.

⸻

I woke up to the sight of Klaus stepping out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. His wet hair and toned abs made him look even more handsome than usual.

He caught me staring, and I quickly looked away, my cheeks burning. Klaus smirked and walked over to kiss my cheek.

"Come, love. Get dressed," he said.

I nodded and got up to start my morning routine. Once ready, I headed downstairs, where I found Klaus and Freya deep in conversation. They stopped talking the moment I reached the bottom step and turned to look at me.

⸻

Klaus's POV
After telling Tara to get ready, I went to the dining room and asked one of the maids for a blood bag. She handed it to me, and I drank it in one swift motion before handing it back.

As I turned to leave, Freya approached me, her expression tense.

"Klaus, I think you should tell Tara about her powers, even if she doesn't remember everything," she urged.

"If she can't remember, then she can't use them," I argued.

Freya sighed in frustration. "What if something happens again? What will you do then?"

Her words struck a nerve, and I glared at her. "Fine," I snapped. "When she comes back from school, help her with her powers. Teach her to control them. Happy now?"

Freya opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, I heard Tara coming down the stairs.

We both turned to see her smiling at us.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

I smiled back and took her hand. "Of course, my love."

⸻

Tara's POV
At school, I walked into class and saw Davina and Josh already at their desks. I sat down and half-listened to the Professor lecture, my mind wandering.

When the day finally dragged to its last class, I took my seat and watched the students filing in.

The professor took attendance. She called my name, and I responded absently.

Then she called the final name.

"Damon Salvatore."

A sudden flash of something unfamiliar tore through my mind, and my head started pounding.

The next thing I knew, I was screaming, the sound echoing in the classroom.

*********************
Is Tara memory coming back?
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