Title: The Con

Author: Steph aka CaptainSwanLuver

Rating: PG

Pairing: Killian/Emma

Characters: Killian, Emma, Belle, Robin

Category: Romance/Drama/Humor

Spoilers: Nope!

Summary: Killian Jones is a con man who, along with his partner Robin, swindles wealthy women out of their money. Emma Swan is an heiress and owner of a security firm. Killian settles on Emma as their next mark. He has always followed rules to run the perfect con, but he'll quickly learn that when it comes to Emma, rules are made to be broken.

Note: This is my new AU. Something to read while we all anxiously await tomorrow's episode and the aniticipated CS goodies! Hope you enjoy it! ~Steph

…The Con: Part 1/9…

~Rule #1: Never approach a mark. Let her come to you.~

Killian Jones and his best friend and partner, Robin, sat at a little cafe in downtown Manhattan, the morning newspaper spread out before them. It was the first Monday of the month and they had a first Monday of the month ritual.

On that Monday, they would scour the newspaper for their next mark. They were con men and damn good ones. They always ran the con together, with Killian taking the lead. He was more experienced and a natural charmer, so Robin was more than happy to allow him to lead the con, while he gathered intel.

They always looked for specific things in the articles, mostly focusing on the lifestyle, local, and obituary sections. They looked for single, wealthy women. If a rich man was listed in the obituary section, then they always checked to see if he had a widow they could swindle. They were usually older women and certainly not Killian's favorite marks. No, he preferred the young, beautiful, wealthy women.

Robin was combing through the obituaries today, while Killian searched lifestyle. Robin tapped his finger on a name.

"Walter Pettigrew, CEO of some big advertising agency just died. Leaves a widow and no children. Perfect. No children to grow suspicious of your motives."

But Killian didn't hear him. He was too busy staring at a picture of the most stunning woman he had ever seen.

"Killian? Did you hear me?" Robin asked.

Killian swallowed hard and then tapped his finger on the picture. "No, it's her. She's our next mark."

Robin leaned over and looked at the picture and accompanying article. "Emma Swan?"

Killian nodded, his finger sweeping across her face. "She's an heiress. The article says her parents perished in a car accident when she was 5. They had no other family so she was raised by a nanny. They left her their entire fortune. They made their money in oil for generations. The article is about a foundation for orphaned children she just started."

Robin winced. "I don't know, mate. Do we really want to con a lass who's trying to help disadvantaged kids? There has to be a line."

"She's the one," Killian whispered, unable to take his eyes off her face.

Robin stared at him for a long moment, then read the rest of the article. His eyes widened.

"Whoa, hold on a bloody minute. It says she owns a security firm that specializes in private investigation."

Killian shrugged. "So?"

"So?" Robin said, his eyebrows lifting. "Killian, it's her job to sniff out people like us. She'll see us coming a mile away."

Killian tore his eyes away from Emma and flashed Robin a grin. "You know I love a challenge. Plus, she must have wealthy clients. We can gain access to her records and then use the information on future cons. It's a win-win." Killian paused, his gaze moving back to Emma's picture, as his voice softened. "She's the one, Robin. It's settled."

"But I-..."

Killian cut him off "She's holding a fundraising gala tomorrow night to launch the foundation. We're going to be in attendance."

Robin opened his mouth to respond but snapped it shut when Killian folded the paper up, threw some money down on the table, and got up. With a heavy sigh, Robin followed.

...

Emma Swan squeezed her eyes closed and rubbed at her temples.

"Did you hear me?" her best friend and assistant, Belle French, asked.

Emma opened her eyes. "Yes, I heard you. I will mingle in a minute."

Belle tilted her head. "That's what you said fifteen minutes ago."

Emma sighed. "You know I hate these things, Belle."

Belle nodded. "Yes, I do. But these people paid $200 a plate to be here, so you need to show your appreciation by actually acknowledging their presence."

"These people are so stuffy and snobby and fake. You know I can't stand phonies."

Belle sighed. "It's one night. You can stand them for one night. If you want them to open their checkbooks to help the foundation, then you'll plaster on a smile and pretend that whatever they are saying is endlessly fascinating."

"So basically be as phony as them."

"Precisely. For a good cause, of course."

"Fine," Emma said with a roll of her eyes. "I'll mingle."

Killian and Robin slipped into the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel. They were very adept at finding their way into places they were not invited to. The kitchen staff at these places was always underpaid and usually less than vigilant. It was easy for them to step in through an employee entrance that had been propped open while a truck unloaded supplies.

"How do I look?" Killian asked, as he glanced in a mirror and adjusted his bow tie.

"Must we do this every time?"

"I believe we must."

"Devilishly handsome," Robin muttered. "You look devilishly handsome."

Killian grinned in the mirror, as he cocked an eyebrow. "I do, don't I?"

"Well?" Robin asked as Killian finally tore his eyes away from his reflection.

"Well what?"

"What about me?"

Killian gave him a cursory glance and then patted him on the back. "Not half bad, mate."

Killian walked on as Robin trailed behind. "Not half bad? I am forced to stroke your ego with a devilishly handsome compliment every time and all you can manage is a not half bad for me?"

Killian didn't even hear Robin. He stopped so suddenly in his tracks that his partner slammed into his back.

There she was.

Killian's eyes locked on Emma. She was standing across the room, a glass of champagne in her hand, as she chatted with a guest. She was even more beautiful in person, he thought. Her golden blond hair fell in waves down her back. A strapless, red gown hugged every curve of her body. She took his breath away.

"Killian?" Robin called.

"That's her," Killian said, as he nodded across the room.

Robin followed his gaze. "So it is."

"I'm going to introduce myself," Killian said, as he stepped forward.

Robin's eyes widened as he quickly came to stand in front of him, placing a hand on his chest to halt his movement.

"What in bloody hell are you doing?"

"I just told you. I'm going to introduce myself to the lady."

Robin shook his head. "You know that's not how this works. Killian, you came up with the rules and you always follow them to the letter. Rule number one: Never approach a mark. Let her come to you."

"Rules were meant to be broken, mate," Killian said.

Killian tried to sidestep him but Robin stopped him. "Must I remind you how the rules first came about?"

Killian sighed heavily. "Do I have a choice?"

"No, you do not. It was our very first con 12 years ago. You approached this wealthy widow at a gala much like this one. Her son also happened to be there. It took him all of one hour to figure out you had set out to con his mother. And so the rules were born."

"I appreciate the walk down memory lane."

"The rules have served us quite well over the years. I see no reason to abandon them now."

Killian looked back over at Emma. He was drawn to her the moment he saw her picture. He desperately wanted to meet her, but he knew Robin was right.

Killian nodded. "You're right." He paused and then offered his best friend a crooked grin. "I doubt it will take her long to notice me anyway. I'm a diamond in a sea of cubic zirconia."

Robin's brow furrowed in confusion before he glanced around the room and understood his meaning. Most of the men in the room were past 50 and clearly hadn't seen the inside of a gym in a long time.

Robin was Killian's wingman of sorts in these situations. If the mark didn't approach Killian quickly enough, then Robin would swoop in.

It went like this: Robin would pretend to be a bit tipsy and bump into the mark, spilling his drink all over her. Naturally, she would head to the bathroom to clean up. Killian would be waiting around the corner. He would time it just right so they would bump into each other in one of those meet-cute situations you always see in romantic comedies.

Killian's sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile on a handsome face, paired with a charming personality, was always enough to hook the mark immediately.

Killian and Robin moved about the room. They sipped champagne and ate more than their share of food. Two hours passed and Emma hadn't so much as looked Killian's way.

Killian popped a stuffed mushroom in his mouth. "I do believe it's time for plan B."

Robin nodded and snatched a glass of champagne off a tray one of the servers was carrying. Emma was talking to a woman in her early 60s and trying desperately not to look bored. Robin made sure to wobble on his feet a bit as he approached her. When he was a couple of feet away from her, he pretended to trip. His champagne went flying all over Emma's dress.

Emma gasped, as she stared down at her dress.

"My apologies," Robin said, as he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and attempted to dab at her dress.

Emma stepped back, as she held up her hands. "It's okay. I'm fine."

"Please, let me help. It's the least I can do."

"I said I'm fine," Emma reiterated firmly, as she attempted to move out of his reach.

"Is this guy bothering you?" Robin suddenly heard coming from behind him.

Emma lifted her gaze and met that of Killian's. She felt her breath hitch in her chest at the sight of him.

Robin's eyes widened. What was Killian doing? This was not a part of the plan. Fortunately for him, Robin was an expert at improvising.

"Back off, mate," Robin said. "I'm trying to help the lady."

"It doesn't look like she wishes to have your help."

"I'm fine, really," Emma said.

"I believe she has made herself quite clear," Killian said.

"Perhaps you should mind your own business!" Robin said, making sure to slur his words. "Come on, darling, let's get you cleaned up," Robin added, as he attempted to guide Emma by the elbow.

"I really don't think that's-…" Emma began.

"The lady asked you to leave her be," Killian said.

Their voices were growing louder and by now a crowd had gathered around them.

"And if I don't? What are you going to do about it?" Robin asked.

"This!" Killian replied, as he brought his fist up and it connected with Robin's jaw.

Robin's eyes widened and he went flying backwards, landing on the ground with a thud. Killian felt his hand throbbing. He hadn't really considered the pain that might follow as a consequence of hitting Robin. He bit down on his tongue in an effort not to curse.

Emma gasped, as she turned to Killian. "Was that really necessary?"

Killian's brow rose in surprise. He figured the rescuing a damsel in distress routine would work. But the truth was, he just couldn't wait a moment longer to meet her.

Killian's mouth hung open as Emma suddenly fled the ballroom. He chased after her, catching up with her right before she entered the bathroom.

"Apologies, love. I just can't stand to see a lady treated with anything less than the utmost respect."

Emma stopped in her tracks and turned around to face him. "I can take care of myself, you know."

A smile curled Killian's lips, as he came to stand before her. He got to look at her beautiful features up close for the first time. "I'm quite sure you can."

Emma sighed, her expression softening. "But thank you for trying to help." She paused and held out her hand. "Emma Swan."

Killian slipped his hand into hers. "Killian Jones."

Killian realized his mistake the moment the words slipped from his lips. He never used his real name when running cons. He always assumed the identities of the deceased. During this con, he was supposed to be a man named Peter James. Emma was throwing him off his game.

He allowed his hand to linger longer than necessary in Emma's. She looked down at his red knuckles, which were already starting to turn black and blue. She ran her fingetips across his hand.

"You're hurt," she said softly.

Killian felt his heart speed up at her gentle touch.

Emma eyed him carefully. To say he was gorgeous would be an understatement.

"Such is the dangers of being gallant," he replied.

Emma smiled as she slowly released his hand. "So, how did you end up in this place with a bunch of rich, old snobs?" she asked.

Killian chuckled. "My uncle is a rich, old snob. He took ill tonight so I came in his place."

Emma's smile widened as she looked at him. "Lucky me," she said her voice lowering an octave.

"Oh, I do believe I'm the lucky one," he replied, his eyes flickering across her face.

Emma blushed at his appreciative gaze. She swallowed roughly. "Don't tell anyone, but I hate these things."

"I've never been particularly fond of them either, but my feelings for them are starting to improve."

"Why?" Emma asked.

"Because I met you," he replied softly.

Their gazes held for a long moment.

Emma finally hooked her thumb behind her, as she licked at her lips nervously. "I…uh…really need to get cleaned up."

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Emma," Killian said.

Emma reached into her purse and pulled out a card with her contact information on it. She stepped forward, coming so close to him he could smell her perfume.

She placed the card in his breast pocket and then whispered in his ear, "The pleasure was all mine, Killian."

She then turned on her heel and walked into the bathroom. Killian felt his heart racing beneath the pocket that held the card. Emma leaned up against the door of the bathroom, as she tried to steady her breathing. She had never felt such an immediate spark with anyone before.

Killian slid into the passenger seat of the car. An annoyed Robin shot him a glare, as he held a frozen bag of peas up to his bruised jaw.

"Where did you get the peas?" Killian asked.

"Convenience store across the street," Robin answered.

"Did you get one for my hand?" Killian asked, as he held up his bruised hand and winced.

Robin gave him a look that should have left him dead. He ignored the question. "Of course, I would not need said bag of peas if someone had stuck to the plan."

Killian shrugged. "You were taking far too long."

"And you had to hit me because?"

Killian tried to hide his smile. "It seemed gallant."

"I'm not sure you understand the meaning of that word."

Killian grinned, as he pulled Emma's card out of his pocket. "It worked, didn't it?'

Robin smiled. "I suppose it did." But his smile quickly faded. "Are you going to be able to handle this?"

Killian's brow creased. "What the devil do you mean?"

"I mean, are you going to be able to keep yourself from getting personally involved with this woman? You've been acting off ever since you laid eyes on her picture."

"I'm a professional," Killian said with as much conviction as he could muster. He paused and then added, "Although I did have a bit of slip-up during our encounter."

"What kind of slip-up?"

Killian averted his gaze to the steering wheel. "I gave her my real name when I introduced myself."

Robin threw his head back on the headrest and groaned. "Bloody hell." He shook his head. "We need to abort."

Killian's eyes widened in panic. He couldn't stand the thought of never seeing Emma again. He had never felt so drawn to any woman before.

He thought quickly. "I actually think this could be a good thing."

Robin arched an eyebrow. "Please explain to me how our mark knowing your true identity could be a good thing. I can't hardly wait to hear this."

Killian licked at his lips. "Well…Emma owns a security firm. It's quite possible she'll run a background check on me. If she does, then she'll find that Killian Jones has a perfect record. Never had so much as a speeding ticket."

"You've never been caught running cons. You've gotten lucky."

"Perhaps or maybe I'm just that good. Regardless, there won't be any red flags. She'll see that I dabble in real estate and various entrepreneurial ventures. If she ran Peter James, she'd see he perished ten years ago. I'm not sure she'd buy I'm a ghost."

Robin sighed heavily. "Perhaps you're right. This could work to our advantage."

Killian slapped him on the back. "I'm always right."

Robin wagged his finger at him. "But this is it now. No more breaking the rules."

Killian nodded his agreement. "No more breaking the rules."

But something inside of him told him that rules don't apply when it comes to Emma Swan.

End of Part 1

Thanks for reading! I'd appreciate any feedback you'd like to give! ~Steph