The Long Con

9. Masquerade

Caroline couldn't believe Rebekah had convinced her to go to a masquerade party in New York. There were so many people and Rebekah seemed to know all of them. Caroline's head was swirling as she tried to remember names and faces. As they were making their rounds, Caroline spotted a familiar face. 

"You know it's a masquerade, right?" She teased as she walked up to Klaus and Stefan.

"I tried to tell him." Stefan shrugged, ruffling his friend's hair. "He thought he was too cool." Stefan pulled Caroline into a hug and kissed her cheek. "You look gorgeous." He complimented.

"Why thank you, Mr. Salvatore. You don't look too bad yourself." She winked. "Would you like to dance?" She asked holding out her hand for Stefan. They both ignored Klaus' glare as they walked toward the dance floor. 

"Shouldn't you be dancing with him?" 

"I like to make him work for it." Caroline grinned as Stefan twirled her around, catching Klaus' eye as she did. "I didn't even know you guys were coming. I guess it makes sense though."

"Marcel invited Klaus who brought me," Stefan explained. "I'm assuming Bekah brought you along?" 

"Wouldn't take no for an answer." Caroline laughed. The song ended and Klaus tapped Stefan's shoulder. He stepped away and Klaus took his place, dancing with Caroline. 

"You look ravishing, Love." Klaus grinned, taking in her appearance. 

"You can thank your sister for that." 

"I was thinking I'd have to thank your mother." Caroline rolled her eyes but blushed. She happily chatted with Klaus until she noticed a brunette who looked oddly familiar. 

"Will you excuse me?" Klaus frowned as she pulled away. 

"Have I done something to upset you?" He asked surprised by her desire to leave. 

"Nothing like that." She assured him. She could tell he didn't believe her so she leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheeks. "I'll be back in a few. Save me a dance." She made her way through the crowd, stopping when she got to the brunette. "Elena? What are you doing here?" The woman turned around and crossed her arms.

"As if." She scoffed, crossing her arms. 

"Ka-What are you doing here?" Caroline blurted out.

"Keeping you out of trouble. Plus I'm handling the Rebekah situation. Now get back to Klaus before you draw attention to us." Katherine ordered pushing her back towards where Klaus was waiting. 

Rebekah noticed Caroline had ditched her for her brother a few minutes after their second dance. The other blonde had gotten bored of discussing business and was hoping to loosen up. She walked over to the bar and grabbed a drink.

"Bekah, I'm surprised you came. I didn't know you were back in the city." Rebekah internally groaned as she turned to face Marcel. She greeted him politely, kissing his cheek. 

"I'm never one to miss a party." She said with a forced smile. 

"Are you staying?" He asked and she was surprised by the hint of hope in his tone. 

"I'm staying in a hotel with Caroline tonight. We will be heading back to Chicago tomorrow. I will be by to get some of my stuff before we go." She informed him, earning a sigh.

"Bekah, this is ridiculous. Come home." 

"The fact that you think I'm being ridiculous shows me exactly why I can't." She placed a hand on his cheek and quickly pecked his lips. "I will call before I come by." She promised before walking away. Caroline was still wrapped up in Klaus so Rebekah wandered around alone, hoping to bump into someone she liked. 

"Looks like you need a friend." Rebekah smiled thankfully and took his hand.

"Thanks, Stef, I owe you one."

Katherine watched from afar as everything fell into place. Until she felt a pair of eyes on her. She turned around quickly to keep Klaus' prying eyes away. She spotted a man standing alone and grabbed him, pulling him into a kiss. The man returned it and wrapped his arms around her. After a few minutes, Katherine pulled away and glanced over her shoulder to see Klaus had returned his attention to Caroline. 

"Ex-boyfriend?" The man asked as Katherine turned to face him. 

"What?" 

"Well usually when someone randomly kisses a stranger it's either a game of truth or dare or they are trying to make an ex-boyfriend jealous." He explained. "And by the look you were giving that guy, I'm guessing the latter." 

"Something like that." She shrugged. Katherine started to walk away but the man grabbed her hand. 

"ah, ah, ah. I think you owe me a favour." He insisted. She rolled her eyes but she was curious about what he had to say. "One dance?" 

"That's it?" She scoffed. "I was expecting more." 

"What can I say? I'm a little nervous." He chuckled, holding out his hand. "You're like really pretty."

"I know. Let's get this over with." She placed a hand on his shoulder and took his hand in her other. 

"So is Klaus Mikaelson your next target?" He whispered, chuckling as her whole body tensed. "I'm a huge fan of your work." He commented.

"Who the hell are you?" She asked wondering who had discovered her identity. 

"Kai Parker. And you are Katherine Pierce, the baddest bitch of all." He smirked proudly.

"Kai?" 

"Short for Malachai." He informed her.

"Who names their kid Malachai?" She asked mockingly.

"I know, it's like they wanted me to be evil." He added with a laugh. 

"And are you?" 

"I guess you'll have to stick around to find out." Katherine looked at him skeptically, suddenly intrigued by the mysterious Kai. 

Caroline pulled Klaus outside, feeling suffocated by the number of people inside. Once they got outside, Klaus slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. 

"Are you alright, Sweetheart?" 

"Yeah, It was just a lot in there." Caroline sighed. "You can go back in if you want."

"There's no place I'd rather be." He promised. "I think I've been a pretty good date so far. Why ruin it now?" 

"You've been perfect. It's infuriating." 

"Why don't you just give me a chance, Love?" Caroline turned to face Klaus and he was giving her puppy dog eyes. She smiled and shook her head before kissing him. When she pulled away he had a stupid grin on his face that she had to admit was adorable. 

"One date."