A/N-One last month of Outlaw Queen. This is dedicated to Jordan and my godchild-Nathan. Special thanks to Bekki boo for beta reading these. Every new chapter will be a new city around the world. So pack your suitcases and see where we go...
(ATLANTA)
Robin Locksley looked out of his office window in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. He'd been on the phone for the last hour talking to a witness. It was already pitch black outside and according to his watch, it was only six. The sun set at four thirty these days, so it felt like it was already midnight. It was three days before Christmas and he realized that he needed to get a move on or he wouldn't make it to the mall in time. He had to go shopping for his best friend and his family. He was working on a case that had him out of town for the week and he had dropped the ball on shopping. They were having him over on Christmas day to celebrate the holiday with them.
He hit the remote start on his car and started to close down his office. He worked as a Private Investigator after retiring from the Special Ops branch of the Military. With the money he saved, he managed to set up a nice place in the Southside of the city and hired two other PIs. He'd been running the business for almost two years and it has been going smoothly. Their caseload was picking up every month. They had all different types of cases but lately it was cheating spouses and cold case murder investigations that the families wanted answers to. Everything was going to have to wait until he was back in the office on Monday. He gave his people the holiday off and he was joining them.
Slipping on his coat over his thick sweater, he walked to his truck. Most of the snow that had hit hard on Tuesday had already melted, so it was nice and dry. There was more snow expected on Christmas day, but for now it was a dry, brisk night. He was hitting up the nearest mall because it had several stores to choose from. He hoped to all hell that he could knock out all his shopping at once.
He didn't have any family, so all he had to get was three gifts, one for his best friend, his wife, and their son. Robin had never known his bastard father, even though he knew of him. He was married when he messed around and had Robin. He had a half-sister that he had never met in person but knew everything about. She was married with a kid and living in Belgium with her husband. Her parents divorced when her mom found out about the other two kids he had with someone else. They knew about him but decided he wasn't worth getting to know. Not that he gave a fuck, but it made the holidays lonely until his buddy had a family. Now little Liam and his wife was Robin's family, too.
He was starting to feel envious of him and his good fortune. Robin hadn't dated in several years because he didn't have the time or patience, but it was wearing on him as he watched Killian's life do a complete one-eighty. Every night going to bed feeling the love and security from a loving woman was what Robin wanted. He was now twenty-seven and in the new year, he would start looking for the future Mrs. Locksley.
The trip to the mall took longer than expected because traffic was a nightmare. When Robin finally made it to the entrance of the parking lot, he was stuck again. There were people pulling in and out of parking spots. Not afraid to walk far, he parked at one of the furthest spots. He had less than two hours to shop, so waiting and circling the lot wasn't an option.
Robin texted Killian earlier to find out what they all wanted and, of course, he said nothing at first, but when he told him that he wasn't going to take no for an answer he gave him a few sizes but really no ideas. The Disney Store was where he was going for the little man. Robin thought he was the easiest to shop for since, really, all he needed to focus on was the age requirement and get him anything for a one year old. Well, he was almost one, but he was a smart big boy already, so he was looking for something for a baby.
The mall was crowded. Seriously jammed packed with people doing their last-minute shopping. He knew tomorrow would be worse and the reason why he was doing it tonight. There was no way he could tolerate a bunch of people in a mad dash to find the gifts they needed to get.
Robin walked into the Disney Store, and they had a whole display of stuffed animals and characters from their cartoons. Liam was way too young to see these movies or shows, but they were plushy and one day he would grow to love a lot of them. He scooped up about ten of them and a couple of tee shirts and tossed them into their store shopping bag. The line was long, and it wrapped around the store. Robin closed his eyes because this was part of the battle. They had four cashiers so the line was moving quickly, but it was going to be at least ten minutes.
He was standing around a display of Star Wars toys when he saw a Santa display through the entrance. It was all decked out for a photo op, but the beautiful display wasn't what he was paying attention to; it was the brunette little elf. She looked pretty young, but he would say at least twenty. Well, he hoped she was an adult or he was going to be in serious trouble. The sexy Santa's little helper had on a Christmas green dress that barely covered her ass with a pair of candy cane tights. Her elf hat didn't detract from her beauty like most would believe. She was one of those women who could wear any hat and make it sexy. Robin was definitely going over there to talk to her as soon as he got out of this store. Robin shook his head and thought he would just make a trip tomorrow.
All he knew was that he couldn't let her get away without knowing everything about her. That was the most seductive elf costume he'd ever seen. Not that he saw a lot, but uber sexy wasn't appropriate for little kids to be seeing. When he looked at how long that line was, Robin noticed there weren't as many young kids as there were teenage boys and grown men. He mentally snarled at every one of them. He wanted to shove them into the fountain, then snatch her up and out of the mall. She turned as though she heard his thoughts and gasped when she made eye contact with him. Robin was huge at six-two with broad shoulders, so she couldn't miss him, even with all these people passing in between. She hadn't taken her eyes off of him and that was a very good and very bad thing. Her dark eyes popped brighter with her green dress and his cock paid close attention to it. He noticed everything about her, even the catch in her breath when he gave her a smile. Over the years, he'd learned to read people, even from a distance. And one thing was for sure, she was into him, too.
Robin's line was taking forever to get through, and he didn't know how long that Santa get up was going to last, so he was getting more agitated by the second. He wanted to drop the items and just go see her, but he looked at his watch and it was only seven forty-five. Even if it ended at eight, he still had fifteen minutes to get over there. The line started moving faster which made him happy, but that left him with one huge problem; he couldn't see her anymore. His view was blocked by the large wall behind the registers. As he waited, he thought about how he was going to make his move. It had to go perfectly because there was something about her that was playing with a part of him he never gave women—his heart. It was jumping out of his chest harder than when he was in battle or on a covert assignment. The thudding in his chest was so strong that he couldn't hear the woman calling him to step up to her counter. The woman behind him tapped Robin on the shoulder that shook him out of his sudden stupor.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought."
"No problem. It happens especially when you've been waiting in line," the cashier said. "Wow. You've picked out a lot of these. Many kids or a lucky few?"
"Just one. He's still little so I thought it would be a good gift."
"How old?"
"Almost one."
"Wow. Usually it's the mother's out shopping for Christmas."
"He's not my son." Robin could tell where she was going with this. She was curious if it was his kid. He saw that she looked at his hand. Many women played that same game with him. He just wasn't the type to give in. Learning to read them made them less desirable. Not because they were boring, but he knew what they were after, babies and a family. Until he saw Killian's happiness and got to know Emma, he had no idea women like her existed anymore. It looked like his new year's resolution was going to be starting sooner than later. He wanted the little elf and he was going to get her as soon as he got out of this line.
Robin paid for his stuff and hurried out of the store. The line was still pretty long. He saw the sign say that it ended at nine. That gave him an hour to make his move, but why wait? The line was too long for him to wait in. He had no intentions of sitting on Santa's lap. Robin wanted her on his lap. When he started walking on the red carpet, he caught some shit from some guy in line with his kid. Robin got he was frustrated, but he wasn't cutting in front of him, really. He was after the side show.
"The back of the line is over there."
"Do I look like I'm going to sit on his lap? I'm not here for Santa, so chill out." Robin walked past him because he wasn't going to get into a fight over nothing, especially in front of kids.
She stopped mid-sentence to look at Robin. The mother that she was speaking with turned to see what caught her attention. When she saw him, she said something to Robin's little elf. "Holy hell. Where can I get one of him?" It was loud enough for Robin to hear. He tried not to laugh when a red tint struck his woman's face.
"Excuse us," Robin said to the woman. She opened her mouth to say something, but she decided it was better to close it and grab her son. He thanked her and turned to his little green sweetheart.
"Hello, beautiful. What's your name?" Robin asked getting closer than she was comfortable with. She blushed, but she didn't try to step away from him. He could feel the energy passing between them. The chemistry was there, and he wasn't going to let her try and fight it.
"It's Ellen," she remarked, pointing at her name tag.
"Ellen the Elf? Don't lie to me, sweetheart. I want to get to know you and I'm going to hold up the line, especially for that jag off right there, if you don't tell me the truth." Robin pointed at the guy who was being a dick to him.
She laughed softly. It was super freaking attractive. Her face was even more beautiful close up. "Well? What's it going to be?" She bit her lower lip nervously.
Robin wanted to kiss those smiling, plump, glossy lips.
"It's Regina," she whispered, swaying her hips just a bit. There was something innocent about her. It wasn't just the costume or the scenery. She had a softness inside that was visible from the outside. He wondered if it was because she was young. Hoped to fucking hell she wasn't too young.
"How old are you, Regina?"
"I'm twenty-three." Okay. She was legal and his for the hunt.
"Give me your number," Robin demanded. "I knew from the moment you looked at me that you were interested. It was my job to read people, and you, sweet thing, are an open book. So give me your number."
"Are you going to hold up the line?" she asked, shaking her head and smiling.
"You got me there." Robin shrugged. He was going to do just that. A man needed to stick to his guns. He wasn't going to punk out. He wanted her more than he thought possible. He wondered if this was what Killian went through when he first saw Emma. The uncontrollable need to stake his claim flowed through him. He felt insanely territorial at the moment.
"Fine, then." She rattled off the number to Robin which he put in his personal phone. Then he pressed talk. He had to make sure she wasn't trying to play him with a fake number. Robin was surprised when her ass started ringing to All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey. She had pockets on that tiny dress.
"You have a man?" Robin asked, closing in on her space even more. He didn't give two shits if she did, but he wanted to know what kind of woman he was dealing with. She didn't flinch. Instead she stepped closer, trying to be tougher than she was. He found it to be adorable, especially in her little outfit.
"No. I gave you my number, didn't I?" Yep. Regina was adorable.
"That doesn't stop everyone." There were too many who wouldn't think twice to give him their number even if they were married. Several of the clients that came in were just as shady as the husbands they asked him to investigate. He never took any of them up on their offer, but that didn't stop them from trying.
"Does it stop you?" she asked, arching her brow and twisting her lip.
"I don't do cheating, love."
"Can we continue already?" that jackass said behind them.
"Sure, go ahead," Robin said to the grumpy fuck.
Handing the bucket of candy canes to the camera elf, Robin pulled her away from the scene. "What time are you done with this nonsense?"
"In an hour," she said, pointing to the sign.
"I've got some shopping to finish, but once I'm done, I'll be waiting for you."
Robin walked away so she didn't get yelled at in public, because he'd have to choke a motherfucker who spoke to her like shit.
"Why?" she asked curiously.
"So I can make sure you get home safe," Robin offered. It was what he had planned, but that didn't mean that he wasn't aiming for much more.
"Okay," she said.
"Promise?" Robin asked.
"Yeah," she said. Robin walked back and grabbed the bucket.
Robin looked right at the other elf and the Santa and said, "Don't give her any shit about this." Then he walked away. He still had some shopping to do. If he got to spend more time with her, he was going to manage his time right and make sure he finished all his shopping tonight while she was busy. Besides, he had a new person to buy something for—something special.
For the next hour, he rushed around the mall hunting for gifts. He found all their gifts and rushed out to put his things in the car. Hurrying back into the mall before they closed the doors, he walked up to the display that was now empty. Shit, they had cleared up for the night. He looked around and there she was coming back with her bag in hand. "Damn, I thought you ran out on me."
"No, I figured if you were serious you could wait until I got back." Wow, she had confidence and sass now. He liked that, too. It seemed he liked everything she did. He had to be careful. He was falling for her and really fast.
Robin's phone rang. It was Killian and he forgot that he sent him a text to call him. He was probably too busy fucking his wife to talk to him. That was the only time he dragged to call him. Holding up a finger asking her to wait, he answered the call. "Hey, Killian."
"Sorry it took me so long to call back. Is everything okay?"
"It is, but I wanted to ask about gifts. I already finished shopping. I'll call you tomorrow." He was lying because he was standing next to Emma.
"Everything good?" he asked, knowing that he couldn't talk about why he originally called. He wanted his opinion on how to tie this one down.
"It's great," Robin assured him.
"Okay, bro. But call me if you need anything." He hung up, seemingly distracted. Robin bet he wasn't done with Emma yet but felt guilty for not calling him. The man couldn't get enough of his wife. Looking at Regina, Robin finally understood unshakeable instant attraction, chemistry, and last falling hard for someone quick.
Robin turned back to her and took her hand in his. "Sorry about that. I had to take that call," He remarked sheepishly. For the first time, he wasn't interested in talking with Killian. All Robin had on his mind was getting Regina to want him the way he wanted her, which was more than he had ever expected.
"No, it's fine," she said, looking at their hands.
"Are you uncomfortable with this?" Robin asked.
"No, it's just…" she didn't want to tell him that she really was uncomfortable with the situation not his hand.
"I'm moving fast as fuck. I get that, but when I see something I want I go for it."
"I don't even know your name," Regina stated bluntly. She had a point.
"It's Robin, Robin Locksley."
"How old are you, Robin?" Fuck him, his dick was stiff on the spot. Never had hearing his name been such a turn on and never without sex involved.
Robin swallowed hard, trying to remember her question. "Oh, I'm twenty-seven." They walked to the exit of the mall in silence, only saying goodnight to the security guard who was waiting to lock the door. He knew she was more than unsure of them that she was letting on, but he would fix that. "Have you eaten dinner?"
"No, I haven't, but it's getting late," she looked at her phone. It was an older model Samsung Galaxy, maybe an S3 or S4. He got that she didn't have a well-paying job, but from what he could see she wasn't a wasteful person. That also told him that she wasn't a gold digger either.
"There's a couple places still open." He took her hand and led her to his car.
"The parking must have been bad." It was dark out except for the lights in the lot. His car looked so far away now that the lot was almost empty.
"I was in a hurry, so I didn't want to search for a spot closer." Robin felt guilty that he parked at the end. She was still wearing her outfit and it was cold. Thankfully, she had a coat and hat on.
"That makes sense. I'm glad I don't drive or getting here would have been hard."
His eyes bugged out and he scanned her body up and down. "You took the bus dressed like that?" He shook his head in disbelief. There was no way that was safe.
"Yes. It's a little cold, but I needed the job."
"Let's get something to eat then I can take you home. There's a Denny's right here. It's probably the only place open late."
"That works for me…" she paused when she saw his gun under his jacket. He caught her scared expression. He pulled his PI license out of his pocket and handed it to her.
"Don't freak out, Regina. I'm not dangerous to you. I'm so used to carrying a gun I don't think twice about it anymore. I'm sorry for frightening you," Robin said, running the back of his hand down her cheek.
"Sorry, I usually don't jump into strangers' cars."
"I'd like to think not. It's not safe. So why did you with me?" Robin was curious because he wasn't as nice as most men who would approach her.
"I can't say. Something about you makes me feel safe. Which is crazy because you're a giant man. I should have been running in the opposite direction," she confessed. Robin chuckled because that was true. There was something special passing between them. Something bigger than either of them knew.
This was insane. She was on her way to have dinner with a complete stranger. In his vehicle and he carried a gun. Granted, he was a private investigator, but that didn't mean anything. She should be frightened, but she wasn't. The feelings she was facing weren't negative at all. In fact, for the first time in two months, she felt safe. She'd just been harassed by two teenagers before they were escorted out of the mall when she felt someone staring at her. It lasted longer than she expected, but she was afraid to turn around. After having so many men ogling her today in this tiny outfit they gave her at the temp place, she was worried. When she got the strength to turn around, she gasped. He was stunning. Tall, a large build, and undeniably handsome. He had a shopping bag with several stuffed animals so part of her was annoyed thinking he was a married man with kids. The woman behind him gave her a wink and pointed to her ring finger and mouthed "Single" to Regina. She smiled at her, but she lost sight of him.
She was busy when he came out, but it didn't stop him. The first words from his lips sent shivers down her spine in such a delectable way. Now, they were pulling into a Denny's. He turned off the engine then twisted his body to look at her. "Are you okay with this place?"
"Yes. Are you having second thoughts?"
"God, no. I just want to be sure you're good."
"I am. I have a taste for pancakes and eggs right now." She was hungry since she hadn't eaten the entire day. Thanks to her sister, she was about to be evicted, there was no food in her place, and her bank account was dry. She'd robbed Regina blind and she had no way of getting back on track in the next month. There were ways she said, but there was no way she was becoming a stripper or prostitute like she suggested, the lousy bitch. Regina couldn't believe she would say that to her as her sister.
"Well then, let's get our grub on."
They were seated right away, and it wasn't long until they both picked the same meal. "So, who did you buy the stuffed animals for?"
"My best friend's son. He's not even one, so there isn't too much to get him that he doesn't have already."
"That's sweet."
"When you see him, you'll see that he's so lovable you want to give him everything."
"I doubt I'll meet him," Regina informed him. She wasn't going to take this date as a lifetime commitment. Besides, she had nothing to offer in the relationship. At least he had a good job.
"How long have you had this gig as the cute, mall elf?"
"I started today," she said taking a drink of water that the server set at their table.
"Really? A bit late in the season, no?"
"I lost my other job not too long ago and I just found another." She was embarrassed by it, but he just acted like it didn't matter.
"Do you have to work tomorrow?"
"Yes, but only until six."
"Good, so we can spend the holiday together. I don't have to work until Monday, so I have the next four days off."
"What if I said I had somewhere to be?"
"Then I would like to be your plus one," he replied right back.
"You don't take no for an answer, do you?"
"You haven't given me a no, yet," he answered. He was right; She hadn't really given him any objection. They finished dinner in the next hour but decided to have some coffee before he took her back to her place. It wasn't the nicest and he had a hard time leaving her there. Regina understood his concern, but she couldn't go home with him, even when he half-joked about it.
"I want to kiss you," he said.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Regina replied. If he kissed her, she might ask him to come in. The man captivated her to the point that she would probably do whatever he said. She was a trusting person, but she never let anyone into her life, especially a man.
"You're right because I don't think I'd be able to stop. But I will be kissing you tomorrow, Regina. I'm going to kiss you like you've never been kissed before," he replied, stepping back down from the top step.
"I look forward to it." She walked into her apartment, closed the door, and pressed her head to it. Her heart was so unbelievably happy and excited. She didn't know how she was going to get any sleep.
Leaving her had been hard to do. Robin wanted to be by her side and have her in his bed. She lived in a shit hole on the Southside. He hated it, but they had just met. As much as he wanted to take control of her life and fix all her troubles, it was ultimately her decision. When he got back to his house, Robin did a quick background check on her. He knew why she lost her job. He didn't know if she was willing to tell him. It was fucked up and he hated that she was a victim to her sister's behavior. He'd get the information from her, but he wanted her to feel comfortable to tell him anything. Once he found her sister, Robin would make sure she could never do any damage to her life again.
When he went to bed, his mind was clouded with thoughts of her and their life together. As she sat across from him at the restaurant laughing, Robin knew he wanted to stare at her from across the dining room table for the rest of their lives. Killian had been right. When you found the right one, you'd know. Robin knew, alright.
The next day, he dropped her off at the mall around ten and he would be there to pick her up when she got off. There was no more taking the bus for her.
The whole day Robin spent at home working on dinner plans for them both. Robin had no idea what she really liked other than pancakes and eggs, but he had a feeling a nice chicken dinner would be doable. Everything was set up for dinner. He called Killian and Emma and they both gave Robin a million tips and teased about her. They couldn't wait to meet her. Emma was all about judging her character, but Killian wanted to meet the woman who made him forget work.
Robin had her present wrapped and under the tree. He had another one to get when he got to the mall. He hoped it would fit, but she needed a very special gift from him.
Regina was drained as the day was coming to an end. There were at least double the kids today. Having been thinking about Robin all night, she hardly got any sleep. When she was on her break, she called Robin. He was going to be at the mall soon. He claimed he had a bit of shopping left to do. She got greedy and wanted to see him sooner, but she couldn't. The next hour dragged on and she was happy that it was finally over. She had to leave her outfit with the cleanup crew, so she brought a change of clothes. The temporary changing room was outside the security office and right next to the exit doors. She got into the cramped space, glad she wasn't Santa. Randy wasn't a small guy and if she had a hard time, she knew he would. He didn't need the stuffing to play the part, but the man was cool.
Regina was getting dressed when someone knocked on the tiny changing room. "Yes?"
"Someone named Tony is looking for you out here," Elvis, the other elf, said. He had been the camera person for the last two days.
"Okay. I'll be right there." Regina ran out because her sister knew she shouldn't come looking for her. She warned her not to bother her anymore. Zelena burned that bridge when she got Regina into so much trouble for nothing and she left her with nothing. She didn't want the police coming after her again, trying to ruin her life.
Regina stepped out to the front exit, and she was met by two police officers. Shit. She closed her eyes and prayed that Robin wasn't around to see her humiliation. Zelena had gotten her arrested before for possession of a Schedule I drug, heroin. She was taken to a lockup before being released the next day when it was proven that it wasn't her who it belonged to. The bitch left her high and dry to fend for herself. The smaller of the two officers said, "Miss Mills, we need to have a word with you regarding your sister."
"I don't know where she is," Regina blurted out. This wasn't happening; She couldn't believe she got her in trouble again.
"We know. Turn around."
"No," Regina replied. She didn't know why she was being cuffed, but they didn't care. They spun her around roughly before cuffing her hands. They rushed her out of the mall and to an unmarked car. That wasn't right.
"I didn't get my things," Regina said.
"You don't need them," one of the cops said with a laugh in his voice. She didn't get to grab her bag, but she slipped her cell in her pocket right before she stepped out of the room. At least she was changed in jeans and a long sweater. They drove away in a rush. That was when she was sure they weren't who they said they were. she wiggled it out of her pocket and pressed the last number. It was Robin's number. She hoped he could at least help her.
"I didn't do anything, why would you cuff me? Where are you taking me?" Regina called out.
"Because you lied. We know you were just talking to her today," the biggest of them said.
"I don't know where she is. I swear." The air got thick and she knew this wasn't going to end well for her. "You guys aren't cops, are you?"
"Your sister needs to pay. The only way that'll be is with a life. Yours or hers."
Robin saw her being pushed into a car with cuffs on. He ran after her but only caught part of the plates. He jumped in his car and went after them. He had the make and model. Then just as he was going to call in a favor, she called him. Fear ran through him because he knew immediately that they had no idea she had the phone on her. If they found out, she could be killed. Robin listened because he knew she'd just been kidnapped. Uniformed officers didn't use unmarked cars. Those were for the plain clothes officers, narcs, or detectives.
"…Yours or hers." Robin took a deep breath all the while letting the phone pull up a trace. He was glad he looked into her background, so he knew who possibly took her. It was one of her sister's drug dealers. The man was a leader of a gang and after her sister; she was payback. But there was no need in killing her without sampling her. He had to find her before it was too late.
Robin called in a couple of detectives he was cool with and the one working the drug bust, Detective Hunter. He gave them the details and they told him that a dirty detective used that car. He heard about the case from Graham before.
Within minutes, the police had a beat on them. The Crown Vic was stuck in Christmas traffic and lovely Atlanta construction. For the first time, he loved the ever-present road construction. Thinking no one was on them they sat in the traffic jam. Robin caught up with the police and was only a block behind them. He wanted to jump out of his car and run, but they could kill her if they saw him coming.
At the intersection, the stupid shits were surrounded by cops that came in from every angle. They jumped out of the car and darted into a large crowd of people. The car wasn't put in park, so it started rolling until it hit a pole across the street with Regina still in it. He ran as fast as he could to get to her. She was being helped out of the car by two officers. "Miss, are you hurt?"
"Not really, but these cuffs are hurting my shoulder," she said. Robin was standing outside of the car as they undid her cuffs. As soon as she had them off, she rushed into his arms. "Robin, you came for me," she sobbed against his chest. If he'd left the jewelry store sooner, she wouldn't have been taken in the first place.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there on time, Regina." He squeezed her tight. She was his to protect and he had messed up. Never again.
"You saved her, man. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be able to find her until it was too late, if ever," Graham said as he approached them.
"Miss Mills, I'm sorry that you were involved in this, but I'm glad you had the smarts and bravery to act." She looked up at him with soft eyes and the jealous beast in Robin wanted to deck him. Graham Hunter was a young stud who made detective in two years. He was brilliant and a tough guy, so he moved up the ranks faster than most.
"Thanks, but I swear I don't have anything to do with my sister and her crimes. Last time…" she paused, pushing away from him, looking ashamed. "Last time, she led the police to my place and I was arrested for her drugs."
"I know," Graham and Robin said simultaneously.
"You do?"
"I looked into your background. I didn't like where you lived, and I wanted to know why you were living there."
"And yet after finding out the truth, you came back for me?"
"Your sister is the piece of shit, not you."
"Thanks for saving me."
"Don't thank me, yet. I told you I was going to kiss you today," Robin growled, closing the distance between them and capturing her lips with his. It was a deep and passionate kiss that was ended with a loud cough from Graham.
"I didn't know you were seeing anyone, Locksley," Graham said with curiosity, giving Regina a subtle smile.
"We started dating last night," Robin responded gruffly.
"Really, the way you're acting, you could've fooled me," he said with a smirk. Robin was a man possessed, that he understood. He never felt like that before. So strung out for a woman that he was irrational and ready to beat someone just for looking at her. He calmed himself down mentally before he went all caveman on Graham. He barely gave her a gentle smile, something most detectives would do when meeting with a victim.
"Well, when you know, you know." She looked at him in shock at what he publicly confessed. He pulled her tight to his side and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Graham shook his head, then addressed Regina. "Miss Mills, I need to ask. Do you know where your sister is?"
"Like I told them, I don't. She called me from a blocked number. It wasn't like I called her. She didn't tell me much except to be careful and that she owed some people a lot of money."
"Yes, I believe she does," Graham responded.
"Do you think she's going to be alright?" she asked him anxiously. Sometimes it was too hard for people to let go of those that are toxic to you when they're family.
"I can't say right now. Until we know how to contact her we won't know how to protect her."
"We'll mention an attempted kidnapping on the news and hopefully it'll lure her in to contacting you." It was a good idea and maybe it may even keep the fuckers from looking for her.
"Okay."
"Is that all you need for now? She's not dressed to be out in this weather." Her coat and everything was still at the mall.
"Yes, I'm sorry, Miss Mills. Stay warm. And, Robin, call us if you have anything. Don't play with this. We're so close to nailing the detective. We can't risk it."
"I will." They walked away and jumped into his car. They had to get back to get her things and then they were off to his place. There was no way he was taking her back to her apartment. Who knew what was going on there. They could be waiting for her or her sister there.
Regina didn't say a word in the car. As they got out of the car, she asked, "Are you really going to tell him if she calls?"
"Not everything. I read people really well, but with Graham, I can't trust his motives. He's been aggressive in getting the man all the time. I don't know what pushes him to succeed and how far he's willing to go to win."
"Thank you."
"You know that you can't stay at your place, right?"
"Where am I supposed to go?"
"You're going to stay with me. And that's not a suggestion. I was freaking losing my shit when I saw them pushing you into the car. I got to my car as fast as I could, but, fuck, they were out of the parking lot quicker than I thought."
She gasped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out."
"You didn't freak me out. They scared me. I was just glad I saw it when I did."
"It was pure luck that you did."
"It was fate because we were meant for each other." She arched her brow at him, doubting him. She'd see that he was right. They were perfect for each other.
She was still shaking when they got to the mall. She had to get her things, but just being at the place sent a shiver up her spine. Robin opened his jacket to give her a glance at his piece. He loved that he could read her so well. It did help to know she had a badass man as her protector.
He opened the door to the mall and held her hand tightly, squeezing it any time she shivered. "It's going to be okay, Regina. I know you're scared, but I'm not leaving your side."
"Thank you, Robin."
"It all sounds good hearing my name coming from your lips." They were almost to the location the mall security told them to go when he stopped them. Pulling her into his arms, he lowered his head and kissed her. It was a soft, sweet kiss that made her knees weak. Fear left her, and desire took its place.
"Miss Mills." They turned to see the head security guard speaking to them. "We're truly sorry about what happened today. Your things are in the main office. Once you sign for them you can go." They followed them to the office and made quick work of getting Regina's things. Once they were back in the car, Robin grabbed her bag from her.
"I need to see it for a minute." He pulled something out of the back seat. It looked like a phone, but it wasn't. He swept over her bag and the light on the device flashed red. Unzipping the bag, he ran the scanner thing over the area that beeped. He pulled out her name tag that the temp agency gave her with her costume. What the hell? She left that on the dress when she took it off.
"What is that doing in there? I left that on the costume."
"Someone is tracking your movements. This is bigger than the drug dealers that nabbed you. This is a police issued tracker. What does your sister have to do with that crooked cop?"
"I don't know. What are you going to do with it?"
Robin needed to make a call; he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Hunter, this is Locksley. We've got a trace left in her bag at the mall." She couldn't hear what Graham was saying, but Robin added, "Okay. Do you want me to wait or should I just take her home? No, of course not her home. Okay. I will."
As soon as he hung up, Regina asked, "What's going on?"
"We need to wait for Graham. He wants to bag the evidence and take a look at the cameras. Someone planted it in your bag. It was probably there from the moment you got the job and probably why you got the job."
"Why me?"
"It's all your sister, sweetheart. This ties to her. She must know something that could damage someone." She leaned over the console and laid her head on his chest. Robin wrapped his arm around her shoulder and rubbed her arm. This was too much for her. She didn't know how much more she could take. Being in his arms was the only relief she felt.
"Here he is. Wait inside the car." He stepped out and it only took a minute for them to talk and for Graham's partner to put the name tag in one of those evidence bags. Robin hopped back into the truck with a smile and all the world was right again. How was it that just seeing his face took away her dread? They drove to his house and she was so relaxed and worn out that she passed out. The last thing Regina remembered was talking about a Christmas tree.
Regina was talking about not having a real Christmas and wanting a pretty Christmas tree and then all the sudden it turned to babble. He knew she was passed out without even having to look. She was going to have to wait to see the tree in the morning. His poor, sweet little elf was exhausted.
Once they got in the house, Robin would lay her down on their bed before making some necessary calls. He had to find her sister, one way or another. She could get her killed. It was her fault that they tried to take her away.
Robin hit the security gate before he got to it and it opened for him and closed as soon as he got passed it. Parking in the garage, he grabbed her bag from the back, then scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the house. She was so sleepy, he wondered if she normally slept like the dead or was it being with him that made her feel safe enough to sleep.
He carried his precious sleeping elf up the stairs into the bedroom. Laying her down, he started to take off her shoes and coat. He didn't want to do any more without her permission. He may have sounded like a dick when it came to saying they were a couple and that was that, but he wasn't going to take anything she wasn't going to hand him on a silver platter.
His cell buzzed, so he left her there with the door open. Pulling it out of his pocket, he saw it was Graham. Robin walked into his home office and closed the door.
"What's going on, Graham?"
"We got her. Zelena has been arrested. The videotape showed her go into the security office to ask them questions about her, just after she disappeared. My office pulled the serial numbers for all the traces out. The tracker was taken signed out to her three days ago."
"I want her head on a chopping block."
"She will be. This was just the icing on the cake."
He told Robin more about the case before they hung up an hour later. Robin was about to check on Regina when his phone rang again.
Robin answered it as he walked into the living room. "What's up, Killian?"
"What happened at the mall? Tell me you didn't kidnap her. They said a female elf employee was kidnapped tonight."
Robin had to laugh at that. "No, I didn't, but it's been one hell of a night so far. She's lying in bed right now. Massive shit hit the fan, right as I picked her up." Robin went on to tell him about their eventful night, but right now fatigue was hitting him, too. He hung up and went to check the security. Once everything was locked and secured, he joined her in the bed.
"Sleep tight, love. I'll watch over you. Always." Robin whispered into her ear.
Regina woke up in bed overly heated and really uncomfortable. From what she could feel, Robin was trapping her with half his body resting on hers. That should upset her since she didn't remember coming into his home, let alone in his bed. What was worse was her bra digging into her sternum. She needed to take it off. Regina opened her eyes and tried to move his arm without waking him up. She slowly attempted to lift his buff arm, but it was too heavy for her to budge.
"Morning," he said sleepily, smiling at her with his eyes still closed. Regina blushed right away because the man made her giddy with a smile greeting.
"Morning. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to wake you."
"I know you weren't. I could feel you sneaking away." He rolled to the side, letting go of his hold on her.
"I was just uncomfortable." She wasn't trying to get away from him at all. In fact, she rather liked having his arm around her.
"I'm sorry," he said. "Was I too heavy for you?"
"No. It's okay. It's my clothes. Sleeping in them isn't really comfortable. What time is it?"
He looked at his alarm clock on his side of the bed.
"A quarter to six. I didn't want to strip you without your permission."
"Thanks for that. What time do you have to go to work?"
"Not until Monday," he said with a grin.
"Oh yeah. I forgot. Okay, then I'll just get a little more comfortable." She hadn't wanted to take her bra off if they were leaving. She pulled her arms out of her sleeves and worked her bra off, tossing it onto the chair in the corner, then climbed back into bed. He was looking at her funny. "What?"
"Nothing, I've never seen a woman take her bra off like that before."
"I didn't always have the privacy I needed. Besides, I wasn't taking it off for your pleasure," Regina threw out, trying not to be jealous about all the women he saw naked.
He growled, "Do you take it off for other guys' viewing pleasure?"
Hmm. It seemed he was jealous, too. "Says the man who just told me his other women didn't take their bras off like that."
He opened his mouth to say something, but didn't. Smart man. Regina wasn't that sure of them as it was. He was a great guy in terms of physically protecting her, but there was a difference between that and protecting her emotionally from himself. He seemed sincere, but she was still scared to truly give her heart to him this soon.
"Fair enough. Come back and lay down with me." Robin opened his arms and she climbed back into bed. She wanted to be by him. He was everything a girl could want in a man; strong, loving, protective, and unbelievably sexy, plus he had a nice ass. She cuddled into his hold, pressing her face into his chest and they stayed quiet, just absorbing the feelings coursing through them.
The silence was broken with the sound of his phone vibrating on his bedside table. Unwilling to let go of the hold he had on her, he rolled them over and grabbed the phone. "Locksley," he answered. She was so close that she could hear the other guy on the line and Robin didn't hide the call from her.
"It's Hunter. Bring your girl to the station. She's going to have to say goodbye to her sister. She just confessed and is going to be arraigned later onto today for taking part of three murders on behalf of Detective Hamilton." Regina swallowed hard and pushed out of his grasp. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she ignored Robin calling her name. She drowned out all other noise, rocking herself and shaking her head. How could she? Her tears fell hard and hot down her face. Nothing could fix what was happening. She wasn't going to be able to see her, and right now she wasn't sure I wanted to. She killed people. Not the same way Robin had, that was different; it was war. This was greed, drugs, and corruption.
Regina felt his arms slip around her. She was automatically warmed from his touch. "I'm sorry, Regina."
She pressed her head against his bare chest, listening to his heart for comfort. "I don't know what to say or do about this. I want to see her, but at the same time I don't want to see her again."
"As much as you don't want to, I think you should. There's only one chance today. If you don't go, you may regret it later."
"You're right." He held her for another minute before he got up and stuck out his hand for her.
She freshened up in his bathroom. It was neat as could be. Washing up, she had to put the same clothes on. She hoped they could stop at his house to change, or maybe since the threat was gone, she could probably just go home. Strangely, she didn't like the sound of that.
"Do you want to stop at your place after we see your sister?"
"Please. I would like to go home."
And like that, she found herself pinned to the bedroom door, his strong body covering her gently. She wasn't intimidated and that wasn't what he was going for either. Robin placed a kiss on her neck and whispered, "This is your home now. I know you think I'm moving fast, but we're perfect for each other. Okay?"
Regina moaned a "Yes"; she was barely able to think when his mouth was on her. His knees parted her legs and he lifted her up and around his waist. They kissed hard while he ground his hips into hers, letting her how pleased he was with her answer.
"Let's get going before I take off your clothes and show you how good I'll make you feel." He set her down on her feet while she reluctantly complied and let go of his hold on him.
"I promise we'll have time for it later, my little elf." It was Christmas Eve, and she hoped that he'd show her tonight. That would be a great Christmas gift for her.
Regina walked out of the bedroom and was surprised to see the living room completely decorated for the holiday. There was a seven-foot tree in the corner that was spectacularly decorated in silver and gold. It looked like a winter wonderland in there. She turned to him. "Wow, I'm sorry I missed this last night. It's perfect. You did this yourself?"
"No, I let Emma come here and deck the hall with all that damn jolly she wanted. She may have gone overboard," he said.
"I think it's fabulous. She has great taste. I can't wait to meet her now."
"She's looking forward to it. I'm sure she had to be calmed down. When I told her about you, she was jumping up and down and she's pregnant again."
"Why's she so excited?" Regina wondered what he had told her about her that got her all giddy.
"Because she wants me to be happy and you've done that with ease."
They left the house and she was surprised by how warm it was out today. The sun was shining brightly in the morning sky. The snow on the ground was starting to melt, which was fine by her since she didn't like snow anyway. Regina smiled at him before he opened the car door for her. It prompted him to pull her to him and kiss her hard. "You're fucking beautiful. I can't stop from kissing you. I can't wait to see that smile as I make you come."
He helped her in the car before going around to his side. The man was part caveman, part gentleman all rolled up into one.
They got to the station, and after signing in, Regina went in to see her sister. She was locked to a chair in the interrogation room and she sat on the opposite side of the table. Robin watched from the other room because it was supposed to be as private as possible.
"How could you, Zelena?"
She was scratching herself like crazy and Robin knew exactly how she could do it. She was an addict, doing anything she needed to get her next fix. Even let her sister take the wrap for her and let her die for her.
"What do you want me to say, Regina?" She slammed her fist on the table. "I'm fucked in the head. Too much drugs or maybe it was our fucked up parents that I took all the bad habits from. All I know is that I'm going out of my mind without more." She continued the scratching. The sores on her were starting to bleed. Robin didn't like Zelena near Regina.
"Nothing, Zelena Don't bother. One day when you're clean, please call me. Despite everything, I still love you." She got up and walked out of the room without glancing back or saying another word.
Robin met her in the hallway and hugged her to his chest. "I'm sorry, Regina."
"It's okay. I think this will be good for us. Her life is ruined, but maybe she can find some peace and learn from what she's done." Robin doubted that, but let her think that. Robin would be there to hold her when she cries for her sister.
"Let's get out of here. I still have go to drop off presents for Liam, Emma, and Killian."
"When are you going over there?"
"We've been invited to go any time we feel like it today. They just moved to the suburbs, so it'll take about an hour to get there from here."
"Okay, I'd like that. I just want to get away from my past."
"That's good. Let's go get some breakfast. Then we can head out to their house."
"Did you wrap the presents?"
"Actually, I had their gifts wrapped at the mall before I went to meet you, so they are in the back of the car."
"That's nice." Her voice sounded off. She seemed a bit nervous about it. Robin got it. They were his very well off friends and she had just come from saying goodbye to her sister who was going to prison for murder.
"Are you worried?" Robin asked, pulling her hand into his.
"Yes, you are too damn perceptive," she grumbled, tugging her hand away and crossing her arms after she buckled her seatbelt.
"Sorry, love. I thought we discussed this already."
"Can you tell I'm getting cranky because I'm hungry?"
"Yep, I'm driving now." They stopped at a local diner and had a meal before driving to the suburbs.
Her mouth dropped open when she saw their house. It was gorgeous and very big with an immaculate yard. "She is one hell of a decorator."
"Yes she is, but since she doesn't work outside the house, she has plenty of time. Although with two kids, I don't think she's going to be that energetic."
"She sounds amazing."
"She's pretty nice and she loves my friend, so that makes her awesome in my eyes."
"I hope they'll like me," she admitted.
"They'll love you." Robin almost told her then, that he already did.
They got to the door with the presents in hand. The door popped open before they could ring the bell. Emma ran out of the house and hugged Robin before turning to Regina. "Yay. I'm so glad you're here," she squealed.
"Hi," Regina said to her.
"Emma, this is Regina. Regina, this is Emma. I didn't know you could have coffee when pregnant, but it seemed someone is wired."
"Haha. I'm just excited to see you with someone, but with that attitude, I'm going to have to teach her how to handle you."
"Oh shit, you're in trouble now," Killian said. "How about we let them come in the house? It's getting colder by the minute."
"Oh, yeah. Sorry," she apologized, then grabbed Regina by the arm and dragged her in.
"Wow," Regina blurted out.
"You thought our house was decked out, but this is Santa's workshop." Robin said.
"Oh hush, Robin," Emma hissed. A cry ripped through the baby monitor. "Uh-oh. Someone is up from their nap. Come with me, Regina, and we'll get Liam."
They stayed at Emma and Killian's all night. The women spent most of the time in the kitchen cooking dinner. Emma already had a large meal planned out even though it was only them. She was big into the holidays because of her terrible childhood. Robin understood and he was sure so did Regina.
"So, tell me, man. How's everything between you? You look happy as fuck and so does she after she got over the awkwardness," Killian whispered, looking at the kitchen door to make sure the women didn't come out.
"She was really nervous, but she's pretty awesome. I'm in love with her, Killian."
"That's freaking obvious. Just so you know she looks the same. I'm happy for you."
"Thanks, I can't wait to claim her completely," Robin grumbled. He wanted nothing more than Regina, himself and a nice big bed. Or shower, wall. The list was never ending.
"Well, it's a good way to welcome Christmas day." He slapped his knee and said, "Speaking of that, I have to go find the missus. I need a couple of kisses to hold me over until we toss you out."
It was after ten thirty when they called it a night. They loved their gifts and the little man kept diving into the pile of stuff animals. They took tons of pictures and Robin couldn't wait until it was their turn to celebrate their baby's first Christmas.
First things first, Robin had to bury himself deep inside her.
They just got home from visiting Killian and Emma. Regina loved playing with the baby. He was absolutely adorable. Seeing their family together made her ache for Robin and her to have their own family. He turned on all the decorations after they walked in and took off their outer wear. He walked into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of wine. "Come and sit down on the sofa with me."
Regina joined him on the sofa and took a glass of wine. They sat there staring at the tree as the lights twinkled. It was magic to her. She hadn't had this growing up and here she was spending Christmas with a man who made her feel special in her life. He played with her hair while she ran her hand up and down his chest.
"Regina," he sighed. She looked up at him and he captured her mouth. Their kiss intensified until she was on top of his lap with her sweater over her head and tossed to the side. She started to grind on his lap, moaning as he kissed her neck.
It had just struck midnight on a Christmas town clock that was on his fireplace mantle. "Merry Christmas, Regina," he whispered in her ear, tugging on it slightly with his lips.
"Merry Christmas, Robin," Regina replied.
"Damn, it sounds perfect coming from your lips," he whispered against her lips.
Regina found herself laying on the floor with the rest of her clothes thrown to the side. He made quick work of his, too. The Christmas tree lit up with its beautiful lights illuminating the room and his face. Robin leaned over her with a look of hunger and desire in his eyes. Regina let out a little whimper as she felt the edge of his cock pressed against her clit.
"My dear Regina, I have to have a taste of some Christmas pie." Slowly he kissed his way down, making sure to leave little marks all over her flesh. She could barely breathe, excitement ran through her knowing what he was going to do. He placed some tiny little kisses over her mound then on to her thighs before rubbing his face against her core. She moaned from just the feel of his scruff against her heat. His tongue slipped out and, like that, she was crying out for more as her first orgasm came over her like a wave of intense pleasure. Regina screamed his name out loud as she felt the finger push inside her "Oh my gosh. It feels so good." Working his tongue up and down her wet slit, he continued to fuck her core with his finger.
"Give me more, Regina. You can come for me again."
She clutched the carpet, holding onto it for dear life as he continued to eat her like he couldn't get enough. Her hips bucked pushing her wetness into his face. Her hands had a mind of their own. She gripped his hair, moving his head around to get what she needed. He growled, then sucked her clit hard. She came harder than the first time, shaking uncontrollably
.
"Robin, oh Robin," Regina moaned over and over again until her body was spent.
He slowly climbed up her body, kissing every bare inch of her skin. He pushed up so that the tip of his cock entered just past her entrance. She knew he was bracing himself, but so was she.
"Relax, my love. I want to make you mine, but you're so tense," he grunted out. Regina calmed down and stared into his beautiful blue eyes that caught her notice from the start. He reached between them and teased her clit. She moaned and was back with him. She arched her back and he took the opportunity to take her nipple into his mouth and suck hard at first then traced circles around her breast. She was sighing and ready to come again when he pushed all the way through
His eyes were full of heat and a smile crept over his face. "I'm a lucky man. Thank you, Regina." He leaned down and kissed her lips. "Mine," he muttered against her cheek, resting his body on hers. She felt so full. His cock stretched her. It had been awhile since she had been with anyone, and she ached as much as she needed more. Robin grunted, thrusting into her faster and faster with each pass. She ran her hands over his strong arms that were flexed. His muscles were tight and big, like everything on him. His body was turning her on so much that she was about to come. He grabbed a hold of her hair and tugged it back, pressing his lips to her neck and sucking on her racing pulse. She was done. She came so hard, crying out his name. As she shook out her release, Regina heard him let a roar rip through him as his hips pumped faster and harder into her. She felt the first spurts of his cum against her walls, coating her womb. When they came together, a new feeling coursed through her—fear.
He looked into her eyes, and she had to turn away because she knew he could read her mind. "Look at me, Regina," he commanded. She reluctantly looked back at him. "Don't be afraid of what you're feeling. I love you, Regina."
"I love you, too. Don't hurt me," she confessed. He had the power that no one else had. She was afraid he'd break her heart.
"That's something I could never do," he uttered, kissing her again. "Thank you for my Christmas gift."
They woke up wrapped in the sheets in their bedroom. He looked down at her satisfied and sleepy face. He couldn't get over the night before, how this little elf had changed his life just like that. He looked at his alarm clock and it was still Christmas morning. He had a gift to give her. Robin jumped out of bed to get the gift he placed on the tree. Shit, it was cold when he was naked. He'd better give it to her after he warmed up under the covers. Can't have her thinking it's not as big as she remembered. Robin walked into the bedroom and she was still asleep on her belly. He fucked her really well and he couldn't wait to get in her again.
Robin pounced on the bed, flopping and making her bounce up. His eyes saw a bit of a jiggle from her tits. "Ah," she screamed. "You scared the shit out of me," she hissed, tossing a pillow at his head.
Robin started laughing, flipped her over and trapped her under her. "Sorry, babe," He apologized, trying not to laugh.
"You're not sorry."
"Nope. I got to see your tits jiggle when I landed. Can't say that would make me sorry." His cock was stiff again. "Well, I am sorry you weren't lying on your back. That would have been a show," he confessed, pressing his erection against her core.
"I'm sorry you missed out," she moaned, lifting her hips up. The tip slipped in her and he couldn't stop from pushing all the way into her depths. "Glad you didn't jump on the bed like this," she panted. She opened up for him, but it was still super tight. She groaned as he rocked his hips into her.
She cried out his name. "Robin." His cock pulsed with the sound purring from her voice. Her hands moved into his hair, scratching his scalp. It felt so good that he moaned over her lips.
"Say my name again, Regina."
"Robin," she moaned. He felt his balls tighten and sweat building and sliding down his back. "I'm going to come," she cried out. Her body tensed up and her core clenched a hold of his cock and came. He thrusted into her over and over again, pulling her hair and emptying his load into her.
"Regina," he roared, filling her with his cum.
"I love you, Robin," she said, pulling his body down on hers.
"I'm too heavy for you," He warned her.
"It feels wonderful. I feel safe with you around me," she muttered against his ear, kissing his neck. This woman was going to get him started all over again. His cock throbbed every with her affection.
"I love you, Regina, but I need to get up." She sighed. She let go of her hold and he pulled out of her sweetness. He hated it, but she needed her gift.
Robin walked to the dresser where he dropped the gift and scooped it up. Walking back to the bed, his cock bobbing so much that she was distracted from what he had in his hands. "You didn't get enough, sweetheart?"
"I guess not. But I want to shower first."
"Not yet." Robin knelt down on the bed and handed her the small present.
"You shouldn't have.
"
"Just open it."
She unwrapped the pretty small square box. When she pulled the case out of the box, she gasped. "Open the box," Robin demanded. He was so nervous. He knew she was his woman to keep, but he didn't know if she wanted to marry him. She lifted the case open and saw the three-carat solitaire. She covered her mouth in shock.
"I know this is very soon, but I can't help the way I feel. Will you marry me, Regina?" He asked anxiously while looking deeply into her eyes.
"I…yes," she said, nodding her head vigorously. Her smile had to be as wide as his. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. Taking the ring out of the box, he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, what luck.
"Wait, when did you buy this?" she asked, staring at the ring
.
"I was putting it in my car when you were abducted," he confessed.
"Could you be any more perfect?"
"I'm going to try. I never wanted anything more in my life than you. I had to snatch you up before someone tries to take what's mine."
"Silly man, I'm not interested in anyone else."
"That's my plan. I knew you were the one since I first saw you."
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him. And like that he was inside her again, celebrating forever with his precious Christmas gift.
The snow was falling hard all night. When Robin woke up, he saw there had to be at least a foot of fresh snow. He was making coffee when Killian showed up with the present and the entire brood. They decided to spend Christmas together after they had moved closer to each other.
Regina waddled down the steps and greeted Emma, who was as equally round. They were about to pop in a few months. They'd been married for almost four years now and were on their third baby. Robin hoped he got his little girl this time for Regina's sake. She wanted a little princess to spoil, and, truth be told, he did, too.
Killian held onto their presents for the boys because it would be too obvious what it was, and they'd have to get it before Christmas. Their boys were going to be so happy with the present they got them. "It's under the tree," he said, giving Robin a hug.
"Thanks, man. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas. No problem. I can't wait for them to see it. The boys just ran upstairs to go wake the kids up."
"Here goes the quiet," Robin muttered, looking back at the staircase. They moved into a much larger house in the suburbs after their first baby was born. Little Roland needed to have space to run wild and they wanted to be closer to Killian and Emma. Regina and Emma became besties and started hanging out together more often than not. He liked it because that meant she wasn't staying home and being bored. A bored housewife was an unhappy housewife. He couldn't live with himself if Regina regretted their rushed life.
"Tell me about it. They've been excited to come here. They didn't even want to open their gifts at home. They wanted to do it here with their cousins."
"It's great. The coffee will be done in a minute."
They heard the pattering of little feet down the stairs. "Let's go in there before they start without us."
For the next twenty minutes their surprise remained a secret, but it seemed the little pup got excited with all the noise around him. He started to bark.
"Papa, the tree is barking," Roland said, looking at us strangely then back to the tree.
"I don't think it's the tree, Roland. It's that box," Henry said, pointing to the box with hole shaking.
Roland walked to the box and dragged it out before tossing the lid. He started jumping up and down. "Doggy, doggy, doggy. Papa, mommy, it's a doggy." All of them were smiling like crazy and, of course, Emma had her camera out taking some video. "It's mine?" Roland asked excitedly.
"It's for you and Henry."
"Henry! We got a dog!"
Robin Locksley's life was perfect, he thought to himself as he looked at his family. He had no idea that a last-minute decision could change his life. Four years later and Regina was still his best Christmas gift.
"I have something for you." Regina whispered to Robin as looked into her dark eyes, loving eyes.
"You've already given me everything I could ever want." Robin said back to her.
"Well there's one thing we don't have yet." Regina said. Robin looked at her with a confused look on his face.
Regina told Killian to hand her the little bag that was under the tree with Robin's name on it. "Here, just for you." Regina said with a huge smile on her face.
Robin smiled as he opened the small bag, his fingers brought up a small little onesie….in pink.
Robin looked over to Regina with a question on his face. "Does this….does this mean?"
"It means, get your shotgun ready, Daddy. Our little girl is on her way soon." Regina said with tears in her eyes. She had her precious little girl now.
Robin smiled and bit his bottom lip, as he leaned in and kissed his wife's lips. Next, he lowered his mouth to his wife's precious baby bump, kissing it, then whispering to it. "Hello, my darling little girl. We have wanted you for so long, I can't wait to hold you."
Robin looked back into his wife's adoring face. "I love you." This woman had brought so much joy into his life, their boys, their family, and now his little princess was soon to arrive.
Robin Locksley was indeed a fortunate man.