"Would you like to come in?" Facilier asked. She wanted to. His voice was smoldering and Regina could hear it dripping with dangerous intentions. Her history with Facilier was extensive, and their relationship had always been layered. It had been a long time since she had a loving relationship with anyone, but she was unsure of his agenda. She immediately declined and was surprised when he told her that she could do as she wished. She threw caution to the wind and followed him into the apartment, not being able to resist his charm.
Facilier smirked as Regina followed him and felt a warm sensation grow in his abdomen. She was the epitome of everything he wanted in a woman. An elegant queen that was as intelligent as she was beautiful. He took in a deep breath as he drunk in her dark features. In the center of the room was a large fireplace. The soft flickers of the burning flames danced on her hair and made her skin glow.
"Can I get you something to drink? Apple cider perhaps?" he smirked knowing that it was her favorite drink.
"Yes, thank you," she replied staring downward at the floor.
He poured the drinks carefully, wiping the edges of the glass with a white cloth before handing the glass to her.
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" he asked.
"It's just been a long time, I'm a little bit nervous," she replied hesitantly.
Facilier motioned for her to sit on his couch in front of the fireplace. "Here, let me make you more comfortable." Regina stared at him briefly before apprehensively sitting on the sofa.
"So now that we're being honest with each other, why did you come here?" Samdi asked.
"I don't trust you. I want to know why you're here," Regina replied.
"I think you know," he smirked leaning in closer for a kiss. However, he paused just before their lips touched silently asking for permission. When Regina didn't pull away, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"I missed you," he whispered before kissing her again.
Regina allowed the kiss to deepen placing a hand gently on his face. He moved his hands slowly towards her blouse and undid the top button before peppering kisses along her neckline.
"Wait," Regina objected. Samdi stopped immediately looking unsure of what happened. "I need to know...that you won't hurt me or take advantage of me."
"Regina, you have known me for a long time. You know that I have never done anything to hurt you or take advantage of you. Why do you think that this is my intention now?"
"People change," was all she replied.
"I am here because I want you, and I will do anything to make you realize that."
Regina thought for a second. She debated explaining her current situation to him. She wanted to trust him, but it had been a long time since they had seen each other. However, part of her suspected that he already knew everything that was happening anyways. "My son...he is in trouble."
"The curse?"
"Yes, he could die," she whispered. She wiped a fallen tear from her eye as she explained the situation with her son to Samdi.
Samdi placed Regina's hands into his own and looked her directly in the eyes. "I promise nothing will happen to your son."
"But...how?" she asked.
"Let me handle the details," he smiled. "I have many friends that can help us." He opened his arms embracing her into a hug. They stayed there for a long time before either of them said anything more. Regina missed having someone to hold her and confide in without judgement.
"I just wonder if I will ever have true happiness one day. Without curses and constant heartbreak."
"I believe that you will. But for right now, let me help you relax. Let me make you truly happy tonight."
Regina's eyes lit up at his request and she replied with a deep kiss. She started to unbutton his shirt when he stopped her. "Wait, let me take care of you tonight." He motioned for her to turn around and removed her jacket. Regina then felt his large, warm hands on her shoulders rubbing soothing circles along her shoulder blades.
"You don't have to do this, Samdi. You have already charmed me enough," Regina replied half-jokingly.
"I know, but I want to. I want you to know that I am here for you and that you can trust me." With that he kissed her shoulder gently and continued rubbing small circles down her back.
