Author's note: Lots of plot threads to juggle, hopefully they will all make sense as the story progresses. If you wanted ex drama...you got it. ;) Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I am not the master trolls, Kisowitz.
Part 4
"You look amazing, love," Liam said, handing her the coffee mug. "Very professional."
"What's the occasion?" Killian asked, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
Emma smoothed down her skirt and perched on her stool. "Well, Robin's court martial starts today. I thought I'd go down there for some moral support."
Liam frowned. "I thought Reynolds said you wouldn't have to testify."
"He said I probably wouldn't testify. It's not a sure thing. And they still haven't found Gisbourne." She sipped her coffee, feeling the caffeine take effect. "If these things are anything like civilian trials, it could take weeks. I just want to be there for Anastasia."
"I think it's very kind of you, Emma," Killian said, glancing at Liam.
She smiled gratefully. "It'll probably just be today, unless I really do need to testify. I still have a couple open cases."
"We can all ride together then," Liam said, serving breakfast. That sparked renewed talk of them acquiring their own car, effectively changing the subject. Emma's one regret was that she'd have to sell her Bug back in New York. It simply was too expensive to have it shipped over. She and that little car had been through a lot together; over the years it lost its unfortunate connection to Neal and became hers.
They took a cab to the Navy building; each of the boys kissing her goodbye before leaving her to drive on to the Strand. The court martial was being held in the More Building. Emma got her visitor's badge and headed for the second floor. She found Reynolds, Robin and Will already waiting outside the courtroom, heads bent in quiet conversation. Will spotted her first, grinning.
"Emma! We weren't expectin' to see ya!" He head out his hand, which she shook, utterly bemused by his greeting.
"I thought I'd drop by. See how things were going."
Robin held out his hand too; they shook. "Reynolds told me about your investigation, Emma. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."
"Thank me when this is over, okay?"
"There will be a bottle of very high quality wine," Robin replied with a smile.
"Make it rum and you've got a deal."
"Rum it is!" They laughed. She and Will got caught up as they waited for the judge. When it was time, they all moved into the courtroom. It was much more...ornate than any she'd been in in the past. Everything seemed to be made out of wood and not that fake Formica crap. The dock was to her left; she watched with a frown as Robin was put into it. He truly was lucky to be out on his own recognizance rather than in the brig.
Emma was becoming quite adept at all these naval terms, if she did say so herself.
She and Will sat in the visitor space behind the wooden barrier. Anastasia was already there; she was dressed in her uniform, hair pulled back into a tight bun. The younger woman smiled faintly when she saw Emma.
"Hello," Emma said quietly. "How are you holding up?"
"Alright, all things considered. Commander Reynolds says you found out who broke into my flat?"
Emma nodded. "I think so. The Navy just has to find him. Asshole seems to have dropped off the map." Anastasia looked worried. "They'll find him," she assured the other woman. "And if they don't I'll just take the case." She knew Reynolds didn't want her doing that, but until the Navy's investigation provided some actual answers, she thought it was wise to keep the option open.
Will pointed out some of the other people, witnesses from the Sherwood, the lead prosecutor. That guy was tall and handsome, with dirty blonde hair and gray eyes. He had a lot of ribbons on his chest and a medal she didn't recognize. Not always a sign of competence but Reynolds mentioned his adversary a few times, seemed to have a lot of respect for him.
The court martial was called to order and the room fell silent. The judge was wearing the wig that always made her giggle, but she managed to keep her mouth shut. It just looked so ridiculous, even though she knew it was the custom, thanks to many hours of British television.
As Emma expected, it was pretty slow going. The case had a lot of moving parts. The prosecutor—Commander Dorsey—was good; Emma knew Robin was innocent and he even had her questioning that for a second. The handful of witnesses that testified weren't very damning, Reynolds managed to question their reliability. That first day was spent establishing that something very bad had happened under Robin's watch; it sounded like a lot of posturing to Emma.
They adjourned earlier than she expected; it was only about three in the afternoon. Emma declined Will's offer of a drink, but she didn't want to spend any more time in the pencil shirt and blouse than she had to. She wasn't really in a mood to work either, so she decided to head home. She sent the boys a text to let them know and caught a cab back to their place.
She changed into a tank top and shorts; it was June now and starting to get hot. Maybe they could plan a trip to the beach soon. It had been too chilly during their first trip to Brighton, but she wouldn't say no to another. Emma liked it because they could go there and not have random people staring at them. And splashing around in the water with her boys did hold a lot of appeal!
She was at a bit of a loss for something to do; the boys wouldn't be home for a couple of hours. She decided to make the bed and do a load of laundry; the sheets needed to be washed after their...energetic weekend in bed. True to their word, they kept her there until Monday, only leaving it for the bathroom or food. She had never been the lay about type before them, but strictly speaking they didn't just lay around. They burnt fair amount of calories indulging each other's desires.
The door to the attic was down the hall from Emma's bedroom, next to the other bathroom door. She'd never been up there, not in all her snooping. Liam said it was cold and drafty; they didn't have much up there anyway. Since Emma wasn't keen on freezing her ass off, she hadn't explored. Well, she didn't have anything else to do anyway...
With a grin, she opened the door and climbed the stairs. The first thing that hit her was the smell. Their townhouse had a lot of modern conveniences, but the building itself was at least fifty years old. Emma thought it gave the house a lot of personality; it felt the way she always imagined a home should feel, warm and inviting, a place for its occupants to truly be themselves. She'd found that with the Jones brothers; they accepted her completely, even as they discovered new things about each other.
There was an old dresser in one corner; Emma couldn't tell if it belonged to them or had come with the house. Faint light came in through the lone window, illuminating the boxes that littered the floor. Emma got the impression that Liam had been fibbing a bit about not having much up there. She spotted about ten boxes of various sizes. She plopped down on the floor and opened the first one.
She didn't feel bad about snooping because they had no secrets. When she first arrived, the boys had given her free reign over the house; she spent a good amount of time during those first few weeks just looking through the house. While they had moments of friction, they trusted each other completely. It was quite a thing for Emma, given her past, but they'd given her no reason to doubt them or their love for her.
The first box had the photo album they'd looked through a few weeks ago. She stared at the picture with their father in it for a long time, wondering again how he could just leave his family like that. The boys never said why their dad left; Emma didn't know if they even knew. She understood it was a painful topic—for Killian especially since he was so young at the time. Any mention of his father made him angry and snarky; it took Emma's comforting kisses to bring him back. She hated seeing him like that; he looked like a lost little boy and her heart ached for him. And poor Liam had needed to grow up much faster than he should have; if she ever met the eldest Jones she just might have to punch him in the face for hurting them.
The rest of the box had a few old toys; it was impossible to tell whose they were. She smiled at the old soccer ball; that was Killian's. She could just picture him as little kid kicking it around. She moved on, peaking through the boxes one by one. She found a box filled with records—actual vinyl—and started coughing at the dust. Most of the them were artists she didn't know and looked to be from the seventies. Had they belonged to their mother?
She thought she'd looked through all the boxes until she saw one tucked in the corner, behind the top of the staircase. When she went to investigate, she found two boxes, one stacked of top of the other. Intrigued, she pulled the first one open.
Porn.
Emma stifled a giggle, even though she was alone. She'd found someone's porn. No wonder the box was tucked away, out of sight. Curious, she opened the other...both men had chosen to hid their treasure in the same place! She did laugh then, utterly amused by the whole thing. Why did they think they needed to hide the porn from her? She wasn't that naive. Hell, she sometimes watched porn! Most of it was utterly cheesy and overacted, but it provided the spark for an orgasm or three. It wasn't anything to be ashamed of. She looked through the titles, examining the cover art. Some of the titles were hilarious, like Ame-do-us, Great Sexpectations, and Robin's Wood. Who got that job, to create titles for porn?
She wasn't surprised to see a few girl on girl ones; they were guys after all. Most porn was geared toward men. In the bottom of one box there were some very old Playboys. Liam's, maybe? She dug deeper into the boxes, finding some pretty interesting stuff. She only blushed once or twice; it was more difficult to embarrass her these days. They had a pretty open and adventurous sex life already.
"Emma?!" Liam's voice came from a long way off; they must have just gotten home. Should she show them what she found? Definitely.
She grabbed a few of the DVDs and took them downstairs with her. "Hey guys. Good day?"
"You're home early, love," Killian replied, smiling into her kiss.
"I told you I was coming home."
"What were you doing?" Liam asked, also getting a kiss. "You're filthy."
Emma looked down at herself; she was smudged with dirt and dust. "Oh. I didn't even notice. I was in the attic, poking around."
"Were you that bored, lass?" Killian asked, shrugging out of his uniform jacket. "There's not much up there."
"I wouldn't say that," she replied with a coy grin. "I found some very interesting things."
Liam's eyes widened. "What do you have in your hand?"
"Which one of you bought Good Will Humping?"
The color drained out of their faces; all they could do is stare at her. "You...you..." Killian stammered. "Fucking hell, woman, you found porn?"
She grinned. "Y-y-yeah. So?"
Liam found his voice. "You found porn?"
She looked from one to the other. "What's the big deal? It's just porn." She paused. "Were you trying to keep it a secret or something?"
"No!" Liam replied quickly. "At least I wasn't. I forgot it was even up there, to be honest."
Emma looked to Killian. "If I'd have known you'd be this interested in it, love, I'd have shown you a long time ago." He was regaining his composure a lot faster than Liam was. "But that particular one isn't mine."
Liam snarled and tried to snatch it out of her hand. She dodged him. "Oh no. We have to watch it now."
"What?"
"We have to watch it," Emma said calmly. "It'll be fun!"
"Emma..." Liam still appeared a bit reluctant.
"Hey, we've gone to sex shops together," she said, reaching for his hand. He smiled at her touch. "Even when I was embarrassed, you guys showed me it could be fun and there was nothing wrong with it. There's nothing wrong with this either. But if you really don't want to, we won't."
She stroked the delicate skin of his wrist, right where his pulse beat strongly. He squeezed her hand, soothed by her understanding. "I just never expected sharing something like that with you, love. But aye, I think it could be a very enjoyable activity."
Emma threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. He wound his around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. Liam's hugs were enveloping and warm, as he was so much taller than her. She was still in her bare feet; she had to stand on her toes. She kissed his stubbled cheek. "Love you."
"And I you." He leaned her back for a kiss, ignoring how dirty she was. She melted into him, her free hand combing through his soft curls. Liam groaned softly, squeezing her even tighter against him; she could feel the air starting to crackle around them.
They broke for air, Emma kissing the corner of his mouth. "Patience, okay?"
"Aye." One final brief kiss and he let her go. "We should all get changed, yeah?"
"And I should clean up."
Liam headed up to change, but Killian advanced on Emma, backing her into the wall with a feral grin. She thrust her chin back at him, unafraid, a little jolt of desire shooting down her spine. God, she loved how uninhibited Killian was, how much he just wanted. "Want to watch porn with us, hmm?" He stroked her cheek with his finger. "You are so bloody perfect, Emma." Before she could respond, his mouth was on hers, tongue sliding in. Emma moaned, dropping the DVDs with a clatter so she could hold him. His hands slid under her shirt, stroking her back, her stomach. Emma hitched her leg up on his hip, trying to get him closer.
"Killian," she gasped, pulse quickening. "Oh my god."
He groaned, thrust his semi hard cock against her clothed core. "Soon," he gasped. "Soon, my love."
They broke apart and Killian retreated for his bedroom. Emma picked up the dropped DVDs and took them to the living room before going to her room to change her dirty clothes and wash up. She had gotten really dirty up in the attic, but she enjoyed herself. She felt closer to them, seeing bits of their childhood. She only had a few small trinkets from her past; many of them didn't have very positive connotations. One day she hoped she could share them.
By the time she returned to the living room, the boys were already there. To her surprise, there were a couple more porn DVDs. "Might as well do it properly," Liam said, smiling at her.
"I don't think there's a way to watch porn properly," Emma retorted.
"And you would know this how, my dear Emma?" Killian asked.
Emma's cheeks went pink. "I've watched porn. Seriously, hasn't everyone at some point?" She thought about her friend Mary Margaret. "Wait, I take that back. Nevermind."
They all chuckled. "Shall we then?" Liam said.
"Sure. You pick." Emma settled on the couch, patting the space on either side of her. Killian sat on her right, arm sliding around her waist. She snuggled into him like it was a regular movie night for them. Liam slipped the disc in the player, than settled on her other side, fingers threading through hers.
Emma waited with bated breath for the movie to start. It had been a while since she'd actually watched any porn herself. But she knew from their initial forays into recording some of their sexual encounters, how tantalizing it could be. And she was genuinely curious as to what they liked.
"Who's is this?" she asked quietly.
"Mine," Liam said. This one was fairly simple, a guy and a girl, in an...office? Yes. The set up was ridiculous but most porn was. It only took about ten minutes to dispense with the crappy set up and get to the good stuff. The girl was giving her...very well endowed boss a blowjob. Very enthusiastically. She felt Liam stiffen slightly beside her and she leaned over to kiss the spot on his neck the made him groan.
"It's okay," she whispered, so Killian couldn't hear. Liam relaxed. She coaxed his head into her lap, fingers combing through his curls. Liam hummed, pressing a sweet kiss to her thigh as the scene continued. The girl was up on the desk now, legs spread, dress pulled down to expose her nipples. The guy finger fucked her while sucking and lick at her breasts; the girl's moans ad cries were too loud to be genuine, but her arousal was real enough. Emma squirmed slightly, recalling how incredible it felt for one of her boys to take her that way.
Clothes were shed on the screen, the guy pressing his partner up against the glass of the office window. She spread her legs as he took her from behind, crying out as he fucked her without mercy. Emma bit her lip, arousal pooling low in her own stomach.
"Does that feel good, love?" Killian whispered, his hand slipping her her shirt. "When we have you that way?"
Emma exhaled shallowly. "Yeah. It's one of my favorites."
"Hmm." Killian started to nuzzle her neck, gentle kisses peppered her skin.
"You're supposed to be watching."
"I am. I'm watching you."
"Well, stop it." But her demand had no force. Wasn't that the whole point of this? Watch porn and have dirty sex after? With effort, she looked back at the screen. The girl now perched on the desk, legs spread as the guy drove into her over and over. When she came, the guy pulled out and jerked off until his seed spurted all over the girl's trembling stomach.
Liam got up and changed the disk, returning to his perch in Emma's lap. As the next movie started, Liam tugged her hand down to his crotch; he was hard under her palm. She lightly stroked him as they watched. Killian gave up paying attention entirely, his hand sliding up Emma's shirt. He teased her breasts, gently, slowly, making her sigh in pleasure.
"This one's mine," he whispered in her ear. "I bought it after we met you."
It didn't take her long to see why. It was a threesome, two guys and a girl. The girl was with one of them, but his friend showed up. She served them beer and snacks in a skimpy little outfit, the men's hands occasionally skimming over her skin. Eventually, one of them pulled her down into his lap and spread her wide for the friend to eat. They had done that, Emma thought. Right there on this couch. As the movie progressed the actors arranged themselves in a variety of positions, some of which Emma didn't think she was flexible enough to pull off. But that didn't stop her from being highly turned on.
"We should try that one," she said, shocked at the sound of her own voice. It was throaty and rough; the brothers groaned. On the screen the girl was perched in the lap of one man, reverse cowgirl style while the other stood on the cushions and fucked her mouth with his long cock. Emma wanted to know what that felt like.
"Christ, love," Killian growled beside her. He tilted her head toward him; their lips met in a fierce kiss. Liam nipped sharply at the skin of her thigh before falling to his knees. He began to tug on her shorts; Emma broke away from Killian with a gasp to raise her hips. Liam got her shorts off, cursing when he saw she wasn't wearing anything underneath them.
"Spread your legs for me, sweetheart," Liam said, nudging her knees.
Emma slid down in the couch, ass hanging off as Liam kissed a path up her leg. Killian managed to get her shirt over her head and gone, leaving her naked and exposed. He knelt over her, kissing her, long sloppy kisses that made her burn. She could still hear her counterpart in the movie crying out in ecstasy, but she was too focused on her own pleasure.
Killian moved to her breasts, sucking a nipple into his mouth the precise moment Liam licked her sodden flesh. Emma keened loudly, hands clutching at the couch. It always felt so good to have their warm wet mouths on her, driving her higher and higher.
"Too fucking hot," Killian complained, releasing her with a wet pop. Emma mewled in complaint but nodded furiously as he started to strip. Shirt gone over his head, shorts unbuttoned and kicked to the floor. Emma's mouth watered at the sight of his cock bobbing against his stomach, core clenching tight. Liam growled and raised his head. Emma yelped as his hand came down on her bare cunt, the loud smack echoing in the room.
"Oh fuck," Emma swore, the sting almost instantly melting into pleasure. Her hips rolled and he did it again.
"Like that, Emma?" Liam said, his voice low, shooting right to aching clit.
"Fuck yes," she breathed.
"And what about this?" He spanked her again and she cried out. It felt incredible, just the right amount of pleasure and pain, making her even wetter.
"Bloody hell," Killian cursed. He was leaning back on the arm of the couch, fist wrapped around his cock. "Again, brother." Liam spanked her again. And again. And again. Emma whimpered and moaned, loving every stinging slap of her wet flesh. It felt so much better than when she did it to herself; Liam's hand bigger and rougher. He spanked her until she was screaming, perilously close to orgasm.
And then he stopped.
"Liam!" she cried. She was so fucking close! It wasn't fair.
"You wanted to try something," he reminded her, his face smug. She wished she cared about how much she liked being at their mercy, even when it frustrated the hell out of her.
"Evil bastard."
Both boys laughed. Killian gently picked her up, settling them in the middle of the couch. "What was it you wanted, Emma?" he asked, his cock cradled in the crease of her ass.
"I want you two to fuck me," she hissed. "Now."
"So demanding." Killian kissed her shoulder. "I love it." He tapped her ass gently and Emma raised her hips. "Slide on, lass, that's it...fuck that feels...so tight and wet. Christ." Emma groaned, her back arching.
"Oh god yes," she panted, rising up a bit and sinking back down. Their hips swayed in sync, Emma chasing him every time he withdrew from her. She wanted him inside, filling her.
"So hot," Liam murmured. "So fucking hot."
Emma looked at him, his shorts bulging painfully. "Liam, please. Need you too."
He nodded mutely, still watching them. Slowly he stripped, exposing his gorgeous body. He stepped between their spread legs and kissed Emma deeply, she moaned into his mouth, her rhythm faltering. Killian found her clit with his fingers, rubbing her, her walls fluttering.
"Come," Liam said, guiding her hand to his cock. "Come, Emma."
Her head fell against his chest as she came with a soft cry; Killian didn't stop, riding her through it, groaning loudly as she squeezed him. "Now, Liam," he said, his voice strained. "Fuck."
Liam nodded, pushing Emma back into Killian's chest. Then he climbed up on the couch, his thick cock level with Emma's mouth. She ran her tongue over it, hand fondling his balls. Liam groaned low in his throat, a hand in her hair. "Suck me, love. Put that pretty mouth on me."
She sweetly kissed the head before doing just that, taking him deep in her mouth. Killian rocked into her from below, Liam fucked her mouth from above. It was a tad disorienting, but otherwise felt incredible. Liam moaned her name when he hit the back of her throat; Emma breathed through her nose, relaxing her throat, trying to take him deeper.
"Fucking hell, Emma," Liam moaned. "Don't stop."
Meanwhile, Killian rolled his hips under her, adjusting the angle, hands rolling and pinching her nipples. Pressure built low in her belly again, winding her up for another orgasm. "Come with me, love," Killian grunted, hand sliding down her stomach. When he touched her swollen clit she jerked, moaning around Liam's cock.
"You feel so good," Killian murmured. "Wet, so hot, darling. God, I'm so close. Come on, Emma." His words did her in; she feel over the edge again with a strangled moan, body spasming in Killian's lap. The vibrations sent Liam over the edge too, his seed spilling down her throat. Killian pumped his hips twice more, trembling as he let go completely.
Liam got off first, panting. Emma sagged against Killian's chest, gulping down air. That position left her a little light headed. Killian reigned kisses over her shoulder, murmuring praise into her skin. Liam got out the bearskin rug, stretching it out in front of them. Together, he and Killian eased her onto it, then Liam went to get a washcloth. He let Killian clean her up while he shut off the TV.
"What'd ya do that for?" Emma mumbled.
"We don't need the porn for round two, sweetheart," he said gently. "And I think we could all use something to eat."
"Ugh, fine." Actually, she was hungry; she was just too stubborn to say so. Liam came back, rolling her onto her stomach. They rubbed her back as they decided what to get for dinner; it felt so good that she dozed a bit until the food arrived.
"Wake up, Emma," Killian said, shaking her shoulder. "It's time to eat."
"Hmm, I can smell it. What'd we get?"
"Your favorite, Chinese."
She sat up, tucking her legs under her. "Technically, it's my second favorite."
"Ah yes, those grilled cheese things," he replied with a grin. "That would have required cooking."
"So?"
Liam handed her a carton, then a glass of juice. "No motivation to cook when you want us the moment we get home, love."
"Um, oops?" She took a bite of noodles. "Although, in my defense, I didn't find the porn on purpose. It was an accident."
"Where was it?" Killian asked.
"In a couple of boxes around the corner at the top of the stairs."
Killian looked incredulously at Liam. "You put yours in the same place? Bloody hell, Liam!"
"How was I supposed to know that box was yours?" Liam hissed. "It wasn't marked 'Killian's wank kit,' little brother."
Killian scowled, tossing an empty carton at his brother. "You're an utter wanker, Liam."
"Always so dramatic," Liam teased. But Emma put a hand on his arm. She didn't think Killian was in the mood for his brother's teasing. It got under his skin more and more lately, even though Liam was trying to treat him more like an adult. Like every step forward led to two steps back.
"It's not important," Emma said. "What could be interesting is finding out my boyfriends' taste in porn."
That got them to smile. "Or," Killian said, rubbing his thumb over her bare calf, "we could consider making our own."
Emma stared at him. "Really?"
"Why not? You, love, are no stranger to performing for a camera, if memory serves."
"But that was..."
"You didn't enjoy it?" Liam asked.
"No, I did." She flushed little, remembering how wet she'd been as she rode that dildo for them.
"No one would ever see it but us," Killian reminded her. "You'd be bloody brilliant, lass."
She thought about it, munching on more noodles. "You know, I never was like this before you guys."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Liam said.
"It's not bad!" she assured him. She didn't know quite how to explain. "I guess...I'm just learning new things about myself. Even on those nights I wished I wasn't alone, I never dreamed of anything remotely like this."
"You wished you weren't alone?" Killian said in a small voice.
"Pretty dumb, right?"
He shook his head. "No, never." He gathered her in his arms, holding her, kissing her hair. She wasn't sure what was going on with him, but she held him too. "I love you so much," he murmured into her hair.
"Me too." She pulled back and kissed him, cradling his face in her hands. "We're stuck with each other for a long time." She reached back for Liam, who hugged her from behind. "All of us."
The idea of forever no longer scared her.
Emma went back to work the next day. Reynolds informed her that he would call if her testimony was required. She worked on the deadbeat mom case; it wasn't that hard. The woman had an affinity for younger men, convincing them to buy her lavish gifts. By the end of the week, Emma had caught her and handed her over to Wyvern at Scotland Yard. So she was surprised when the Detective Inspector called and asked to meet for another lunch.
They met at a cafe near Scotland Yard. After ordering some tea (Emma was growing rather fond of it, even though she still liked coffee in the mornings), Emma got right to the point. "So what's this all about?"
"I did some digging into your background."
Emma didn't like the way the other woman said that. "So?"
"It's an admirable feat, getting on the good side of the law after nearly a year inside."
"Those records were sealed."
"I'm a cop, Miss Swan. Can you blame me for wanting make sure you were legit?"
That was a fair point. But the jail thing still bothered her, especially since she hadn't even committed the crime she'd been convicted of. "No, I guess not," she said at last. "Curiosity satisfied now?"
Detective Wyvern frowned. "Sorry. I've gotten us on the wrong foot. I didn't mean to step on any sore places. I've never been very good at small talk."
Emma snorted. "Neither am I."
Their tea and scones arrived; Emma decided not to bolt, despite the rough start. It was a bit stilted for a while, but Emma soon realized why that was. She and the detective—Lily, as she insisted to be called now—shared similar pasts. Whereas Lily had been adopted as an infant, she never felt like she belonged and committed petty theft as a teenager. After college, she worked her way up, becoming one of the youngest detective inspectors at the Yard. Emma was impressed.
It was almost like looking in a mirror. Almost.
They were on a second cup of tea when Emma's phone buzzed. She nearly spit out her tea when she saw it was a video sent via text. From Killian. He had joked about surprising her one day out of the blue, at least she assumed he'd been joking.
"Sorry," she mumbled to Lily. "I gotta take this. It's my boyfriend. Be right back."
Emma didn't see the subtle frown on Lily's face as she hurried to the bathroom. Once inside a stall, Emma slotted her earbuds into the phone and pressed play.
It looked like he was in a closet or something. Wherever it was, it was dim. Killia must have noticed too because he stepped toward the light. She could immediately see better, the picture zooming in on exactly what he wanted her to see.
His cock, hard and red, poking out of his pants. Emma bit her lip, a flush creeping up her neck. He sent her a dirty video while at work. "Oh my god," Emma whispered to herself. She swallowed, riveted by the sight of his fingers dancing over the straining flesh.
"Can't stop thinking about this, love," Killian mumbled over the video. "Wish I could see your face right now."
Emma squirmed, desire pooling in her belly. He moved so slow, pumping, murmuring dirty things. Emma licked her lips, her head falling against the door of the stall. If this was how they felt when she sent them her video, no wonder they'd come home so quickly.
"Know you love to watch, darling," he said, his hips rocking into his hand. "Watch what you do to me."
Emma hastily unbuttoned her pants and shoved her hand inside her panties. She was wet, so fucking aroused watching Killian pleasure himself. Thinking of her. She moaned softly, index finger rubbing her swollen nub, hips rocking into her touch.
"Are you touching yourself?" Killian asked. How did he know? She thought. Because he knows you, knows every dirty thought in your head. "Love watching you play, so hot."
"Fuck," Emma hissed, praying no one else entered the bathroom. She couldn't have stopped if her life depended on it. She slid two fingers inside, seeking friction, sighing as she got it. It wasn't him, but it would have to do. The door to the stalled rattled as she rode her fingers, watching Killian chase his own high.
"Emma," he moaned. "Oh god, I'm close, so bloody close...Emma!" He cried her name as he came, thick ropes of cum spurting from his cock. Emma pumped her fingers faster, on the edge of her own orgasm, letting out a little cry as she fell, walls clamping around her fingers. She sagged against the door, stunned by what she had just done.
It took her some minutes to get her heart to slow and her breathing to return to normal. She shoved her phone in her pocket and buttoned up her pants. Then she left the stall to wash up. The mirror showed her flushed skin, bitten, swollen lips, glassy eyes. Was this how she normally looked after an orgasm? She couldn't deny the moment had been very erotic, particularly with the added danger of getting caught in the very public restroom. Killian may not have known about that, but he'd appreciate it when she told him.
Hands dry, Emma disconnected her earbuds and stuffed them in her pocket. Then she fired off a text to Killian before exiting the bathroom.
"Is everything okay?" Lily asked when she came back.
"Yeah, he just wanted to know if we needed any groceries," Emma lied. "No big deal."
Lily looked suspicious but didn't call her out. They finished their tea and Emma headed back to her office. She was in the cab when Killian replied to her message. How was your meeting, love? Emma could almost see his feigned innocent smile.
Fine. Got better at the end.
Glad to be of service. ;)
Emma rolled her eyes. When will you be home?
Why, Emma, do you have plans for us?
She thought about what he'd said the other day about making their own little movies. I think it might be time we do some shopping, don't you?
We'll be home by six.
They decided to make it a dinner and shopping date. Liam was a bit subdued at first, but Emma coaxed some smiles out of him, holding his hand and whispering that she'd love to get a video from him too someday. He actually blushed and tightened his hold on her, murmuring a vague promise.
They did their shopping first, wandering through three different stores. They had to hurry out of the first store, as one of the clerks tried to flirt with Emma, which the boys did not take well. Emma merely laughed, quietly enjoying the small flares of jealousy they showed. It was dumb and childish, but she liked knowing she belonged to them and they to her.
"Ruddy wanker," Killian grumbled as they left.
"It's not entirely his fault. It's not like we're wearing rings or anything," Emma pointed out. "But I think you scared him sufficiently." She wrapped her arm around his. "You know I'm yours."
Killian brought her hand to his lips, kissing the back. "Aye."
"How would you feel if a lady tried to flirt with one of us?" Liam asked, cocking his head at her.
"Like I should punch her in the face," Emma replied honestly. "The two of you belong to me."
In the end, they found a nice video camera, complete with a tripod. No one was the wiser as to what they wanted it for, as Liam made up some nonsense about taking it on vacation. Emma had to suppress a laugh. Bag in hand, they stopped by a new Italian restaurant that Liam heard about.
"Heard anything from Reynolds yet?" Liam asked, after ordering them a bottle of wine.
Emma shook her head. "It's only the end of the first week though. Anastasia hasn't even testified yet."
"Robin's getting anxious, according to Will," Killian said. "Even though there's no need."
Emma frowned. "That Dorsey guy is good. All Reynolds needs to do is raise reasonable doubt, and Anastasia's testimony should clear him."
"But Robin's also charged with dereliction of duty and that's tougher," Liam said solemnly. "It's more down to what the board considers to be negligent."
"But he wasn't!" Emma cried hotly. "Anastasia saw someone tampering with the gun."
"I don't doubt it, love. But how did that person get on board? That's a tougher case."
"They need to find Gisbourne. I'm sure he knows," Killian said. "Robin didn't do anything wrong."
"Let's hope the board agrees."
"What else have you been up to, Emma?" Killian asked. He pulled on a roll, slathering some butter on it. "Aside from wanking in the restroom?"
"Killian!" Emma hissed, her face getting hot. "Seriously?"
"What? I was quiet."
She smacked his wrist; he feigned pain. "I wrapped up a case. Robin's has been the only real challenge so far." She sipped her wine. "Does that sound like I'm complaining?"
Liam chuckled. "Only a little. Perhaps you might consider broadening your horizons?"
"Hmm, maybe. People jumping bail just isn't a epidemic here," Emma replied with a grin.
"What was your latest case, love?" Killian asked curiously.
Their food arrived; Emma's chicken Parmesan smelled heavenly. "It was pretty standard. Only instead of a deadbeat dad, it was the mom. Left her ex with over 5000 pounds of overdue child support. Oh! And she liked younger guys, which was even weirder. Well, not weird. Cougars are a thing, even here, I guess."
Killian went still for a long beat, his blue eyes glancing away. Then he gave a very forced laugh, listening as Emma described how she caught her prey. He seemed to be back to normal by the time they got home so Emma didn't think anymore about it.
"How are you, girl?" Ruby asked, giving Emma a sideways hug. Emma was getting used to her friends' affection, returning the hug.
"Okay, I guess."
"Just okay? Are those boys of yours slacking?"
Emma laughed. "No, I wouldn't say that." She didn't get to elaborate, as Mary Margaret arrived for lunch.
"Did I miss anything?"
"Nah, I just got here too."
"I wonder what it says about me that I'm always the first one here," Ruby grumbled, retaking her seat.
"Well, you kinda have your own schedule," Mary Margaret pointed out. "How is Granny?"
"She's fine. Cranky as ever."
"Have you talked to her about making more time for your art?"
Ruby frowned. "Not yet. Victor thinks I should."
"I'm sure she'd understand. Don't you, Emma?" Mary Margaret asked.
"If you want to go for it, I say do it," she replied. "Maybe you have some vacation coming up or something? Ease her into the idea?"
"That's brilliant!" Ruby cried. "If I could sell some pieces, then she'd have to take me seriously."
They chatted all through lunch, mostly about Mary Margaret's upcoming wedding. They still hadn't decided whether to have it in the UK or back home in the States.
"I told David that nearly our entire wedding party is here," Mary Margaret said, stabbing her salad rather viciously with a fork. "You guys shouldn't have to leave just for the wedding."
"Everyone except James and Jack, right?" Emma said. She wasn't especially fond of either of them, but James was David's twin. It would be weird without him.
"Why don't you just fly to Vegas and come back?" Ruby asked.
"I've dreamed about my wedding since I was a little girl," Mary Margaret said brokenly. "And I want you guys there."
"Oh I'm sorry," Ruby said, rubbing her friend's back. "Want us to work on the stubborn ass?"
"I bet Liam and Killian could talk to him," Emma offered. "They're friends."
"I couldn't ask..." Mary Margaret said quickly.
"You're not asking, I'm offering. They know something about keeping their girl happy and life long commitments."
Ruby's brow knitted together. "Did I miss something? What happened?!"
Emma couldn't contain her smile. "Um, we might have signed some papers last week..."
"But you can't..."
"Get married? No. But we made everything as legal as it can be, given the circumstances."
Mary Margaret was grinning too. "I'm so happy for you, Emma. You guys deserve it. Although I am tad jealous you got there before me!"
Ruby dropped her fork. "You knew already?"
"Liam asked David for advice on a family lawyer," she admitted. "I didn't want to ruin the surprise." She looked at Emma. "Was it supposed to be a surprise?"
Emma shrugged. "It wasn't a secret or anything. We just didn't want to make an announcement." There were still large parts of their relationship they kept very private.
"I should mention it to Victor. Might light a fire under him," Ruby said thoughtfully.
"Didn't you guys just move in together?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, but Mary Margaret's engaged. You guys are...whatever you want to call it..."
"Ruby, are you jealous?" Mary Margaret cried, shocked. "Victor adores you!"
"I know that. Doesn't mean I don't want him to ask me."
"Maybe we should give him some incentive," Emma replied conspiratorially.
"What'd you have in mind?"
After lunch, Emma did something she had never imagined herself doing. She took her two new friends to a sex shop. Ruby squealed happily and didn't hesitate to head inside. Mary Margaret hung back.
"I don't know, Emma."
"Come on. We'll find something nice and sedate for David. Then maybe Liam and Killian won't have to gang up on him. You can just use your feminine wiles!"
That earned her a dry chuckle. "I just don't think it's...me. You guys should have fun though."
"Huh uh," Emma said, shaking her head. "Just this once. If you really hate it, we'll never mention it again."
Mary Margaret sighed. "Okay."
They headed in, finding Ruby examining a row of vibrators. "This is the best place ever," she declared.
Emma laughed. "You should have seen my face the first time they took me to one."
"They took you?" Ruby said, almost dropping the demonstration model in her hand. Then she shook her head. "No, I don't want to know what you three get up to."
"You don't?" Emma teased.
Ruby laughed. "Oh, I so do, but I value our friendship too much to ask. But since you're practically glowing every time I see you, I'll assume it's all amazing."
Emma blushed. "I do not glow," she protested.
Mary Margaret disagreed. "You definitely do, Emma. They make you happy."
She nodded. "They really do. And I never expected that."
"That's what makes love so incredible," Mary Margaret said wisely. "It comes when you least expect it, changing your life for the better."
This time it was Emma who got to tease a blushing friend with silly things in the sex shop. She didn't want to pry into anyone's sex life, but surely one or two little toys couldn't hurt. Ruby bought several role playing outfits, including one that made her look like a slutty Little Red Riding Hood. Emma spent a long time looking at variety of paddles and floggers, considering her options. It was an area they hadn't explored yet, but Emma knew she wanted to. She chose one of each and hoped for the best.
They managed to coax Mary Margaret into buying some edible underwear, to much blushing. They had a very fun afternoon together, Emma reflecting on how great it was to have some girl friends to hang out with.
When she got home, Liam was the only one there. "Where's Killian?" she asked, kissing his cheek.
"I dunno actually. Left not long after you did."
"Hmm." That was weird. They usually tried to keep everyone abreast of their comings and goings in case of emergency. "How was your day?"
"Alright, missed you."
Emma smiled, dropping her bag and cradling his cheeks in her palms. "Missed you too." She kissed him, humming happily against his lips. "I might have a favor to ask of you though."
"Oh? What's that, love?"
"David's still being stubborn about the wedding."
"He does have a point, Emma. Have you ever looked into all the hoops foreigners have to jump through to get married here?"
"Well, no. Wait, have you?"
"Might have crossed my mind."
Emma frowned, sitting beside him on the couch. "But we can't get married. It's not legal for me to marry both of you."
"I was merely exploring it as an option, Emma. I swear."
Her face softened. "I know. I like things the way they are."
"You must think it so selfish of me to want to show everyone that you belong to me, to both of us."
Emma crawled into his lap, straddling his hips. "If you're selfish, then so am I. Remember that time we went for pizza in New York?" Liam nodded. "I was so jealous of those girls who were looking at you. I want you guys all to myself."
"You are cute when you're jealous, sweetheart."
"Shut up."
"Make me."
Emma rolled her eyes, but kissed him anyway. It started sweet and tender, a loving back and forth, Emma rocking gently in his lap. She combed her fingers through Liam's thick curls, massaging his scalp.
"Emma," he murmured, hands resting on her hips.
"What?"
He rested his forehead against hers. "Bloody hell, it's so easy to want you, love. To feel you wrapped around me."
"Maybe we could entice Killian to come home from...wherever he went."
"Like you did with me?" Liam asked, his fingers teasing the hem of her top.
"Uh huh. Would you be up for that?"
Liam rolled his hips up into her core. "Poor choice of words, love."
She smiled. "Or maybe, it's the exact right choice, sailor." She leaned in and sucked on his earlobe, earning her a groan. "I'll even let you spank me."
"Fuck, I love you." He jerked her back to his lips, kissing her hard. Then he lifted her up, legs around his waist as he carried her to their bed. He dropped her onto it with a bounce and Emma giggled. It wasn't often that Liam just let himself go and feel. She crooked her finger at him, and bade him to join her. He did, gathering her in his arms and rolling them so she was straddling his hips once more. "Let's get this off," he said, tugging on her top.
Emma crossed her arms and pulled, tossing the offending cloth away. Then she dug her phone out of her pocket and handed it to Liam. "Go on." He snapped a picture of her cleavage, with Emma palming her silk clad breasts. She moaned softly, turned on by the idea of Killian finding her with Liam. Liam sat up, pulled the cups down with his teeth. He feasted on her flesh, licking and suckling as Emma picked up the discarded phone and sent the picture to Killian.
It vibrated in her hand a moment later. Started without me, love?
She smiled. Maybe you should get home, tiger.
She rolled her hips, grinding into Liam's cock, and pulled his face back to hers. She kissed him deeply, sucking his bottom lip into her mouth and nibbling. "You've got too many clothes on," she murmured, fisting his shirt in her hand.
"So do you," Liam countered, flicking her bra open. It fell to the floor as he attacked her breasts again, pushing them together and flicking the nipples with his tongue. Emma hissed, snapping another picture for Killian's benefit.
The phone went off again. Are you naked yet?
No. But I want to be. She moaned again, desire flaring in her core.
Let me see you.
"Oh fuck," Emma hissed. "I need to strip. Now."
Liam growled into her skin. "You'll get no argument from me, lass." Emma tossed the phone aside as she scrambled out of Liam's lap. He watched hungrily as she peeled off her pants, taking her underwear along with it, leaving her nude. Liam pulled her in between his legs, mouth hot on her stomach, hands drifting over her skin.
"We need...oh god...we need to..." She pulled Liam up by the hair, stealing a needy sloppy kiss. "We need to take a picture first."
"Lay on the bed, darling." Liam said, panting. Emma did, arranging herself in what she hoped was an alluring pose. Liam took several pictures and then showed her, handing her the phone so he could go back to touching her. "Beautiful."
"Hmm." She chose the one she liked best and sent it to Killian, with one word. Hurry. Then she gave her full attention to Liam, yanking on his shirt. It was over his head in a blink and Emma pushed him down on the bed, mouth hot on his skin.
"Fuck, Emma," Liam moaned, dragging her hand to his crotch. She palmed him through the fabric, short even strokes. She kissed a path down his stomach until she was nuzzling his hardness. Deftly she opened his pants, mouth on him before she even had the cloth clear. She loved the way he groaned, the low rumble going straight to her clit, making her ache for him.
"Love this," she said quietly, pausing to swirl her tongue around the head. "Love the way you feel, the way you taste, love doing this for you."
Liam shivered. "Lemme taste you, love. God."
Emma kissed his tip, then moved, straddling his face. His warm tongue lapped at her and she keened. "Oh yes." But his cock was there, teasing her, so she bent over and started to lick him, to take him deep in her mouth.
That was how Killian found them, Emma crying out as Liam worked her toward orgasm. Again. "Don't stop," he said, cradling Emma's cheek. "Unless..."
His thumb ran over her swollen lower lip, Emma sucked it into her mouth. "Join us," she said, biting back another moan. Liam was entirely too good with that mouth of his. Her back arched, Liam sliding three fingers deep inside her. "Fuck!"
"Make her scream, brother," Killian said, hands sliding down and teasing her breasts.
"Oh god, oh god, oh god!" Emma did scream, her second orgasm ripping through her. She'd barely come down before Killian was kneeling beside her, kissing her hard.
"How many have you had?" he asked.
"T-t-two," Emma muttered, still breathless.
"Should we test your limits? Or just ride you until you can't stand?"
"She's getting a spanking," Liam said, coming out from under her. "She promised."
"Did she now? Well, I wouldn't want to spoil your fun."
"Don't...go," Emma said, reaching for their hands. "I need you." They were the only ones that could satisfy her.
"I'll be right over here, darling," Killian assured her, kissing her palm. "I'll fuck that pretty cunt soon."
Emma nodded, letting him go reluctantly. Liam dug out their box of goodies, pulling out the cuffs. Emma felt her clit throb in anticipation. "Up by the headboard, love. Hands and knees," Liam ordered. It was his Captain's voice and she shivered. She obeyed quickly, pressing her thighs together as he cuffed her to the headboard. Liam's rough hands skimmed down her back, over her ass as he hummed in appreciation. Then he took the rope and tied each of her ankles to the bedposts, spreading her legs almost as far as they would go.
She was completely helpless and exposed.
And god help her, it made her burn.
"Now what should I spank you with?" Liam said, his hands smoothing over her ass. She almost mentioned the paddle that lay in the bag downstairs, but she wanted to save that for a special occasion. "My hand, perhaps?" A sharp crack sounded and Emma moaned loudly. She had no idea how fucking incredible it felt to just let go and feel until she met them. "Or the riding crop?" There was another smaller but more precise sting on her other cheek; Emma squirmed, inhaling sharply. "Or...perhaps this?" There was another sting as something hard and...wooden struck her.
"Bloody hell, Liam," Killian said from across the room. "You bought a paddle?"
"Course I did. You know how much she loves this." Liam smoothed his hand over her warm stinging flesh. "Don't you, Emma?"
"Yes," she panted, head falling into the pillow. "That's what I want. Please." Just earlier that day she'd been fantasizing about giving a spanking, and now she would receive one.
Liam kissed the dimples of her lower back, hand soothing her rounded cheeks. "Remember your safe word, love?"
Emma nodded. "Cheetah."
"Very good. I'm going to give you ten and I'd like you to count them."
She nodded her understanding. Liam, the bastard, made her wait a seemingly long time for the feel of the paddle, the wood smacking her hard. But not too hard. Liam was tall and strong; he had no trouble picking Emma up like she weighed nothing. But he cherished her too much to truly hurt her; Emma enjoyed a little pain with her pleasure. The sting melted into warm bloom on her skin and she moaned. She remembered at the last moment to count, breathing out "one" with gasp.
More slaps of the paddle came in a steady stream, the air whispering just prior to striking her flesh. Emma could feel the heat and the burn on her skin, wetness sliding down her thighs. She heard Killian moaning softly from somewhere behind her, perched in the armchair. Liam slowed his strokes, soothing her with his hand. He never hit the same place twice, making sure her entire ass was a nice rosy pink.
Emma was panting harshly as she counted off the last slap, desperately needing some relief from the ache between her legs. Her hips rocked fruitlessly with her legs splayed by the restraints, her swollen wet arousal on full display for her lovers.
"Such a lovely sight, darling," Liam murmured, lips caressing the small of her back. "Pretty and pink. Do you want me, Emma?"
Emma pulled on her cuffs, the bed rattling. "It hurts," she breathed. "Fuck, I need..." Her words got cut as she let out a strangled moan, Liam's thick cock rubbing against her, giving her much wanted friction. He slid over her, through her slick folds, not entering her, until she was whimpering with need. She begged and pleaded but he was stubborn, teasing her clit with the head of his cock, murmuring curses.
The pressure built and built, she thought she might come from teasing alone until he took her at last, sinking in with one smooth motion. She was so fucking aroused that she took him all at once, all the way to hilt, nearly screaming with relief. Liam wasn't gentle, fucking her with deep firm strokes, exactly the way she liked. "God yes!" she cried, pushing back as best she could. "Just like that."
"So bloody tight," Liam snarled, shoving into her, forcing himself deeper. "Fuck."
Emma cried out, feeling so full, so wonderfully used as her got closer and closer to her climax. Liam reached around, just the barest brush of her clit and she fell, fell hard, screaming something incoherent as he continued to pump into her, a strangled moan on his lips. Emma felt him pulse inside her, roaring out his own climax then collapsing across her sweat slicked back.
Liam's arms around her middle and the restraints were the only things holding her up, her body slack. Liam rolled off and untied her, allowing her to sink to the mattress gratefully. By the time he uncuffed her, Killian was there, easing her between his spread legs. He'd stripped at some point and they were skin to skin; he was deliciously warm and solid. His cock was cradled between her cheeks, hard and heavy, but he made no move to take her. Yet. He kissed the red marks on her wrists, hands sliding over her damp skin.
"Catch your breath, love," he murmured in her ear. "You were so amazing."
She hummed, turning her head, making the effort to raise her mouth to his. He sighed into her kiss, stubble scratching her cheek. "You're here."
"Aye." He kissed her again, sucking lightly on her tongue. "Miss me?"
"Always." Her perfect world had both of her boys beside her, making love to her. If that made her greedy and selfish, then so be it. She guided his hand down her body; together they began to lightly finger her abused flesh. "Hmm."
Killian chuckled low in his throat. "Such a greedy girl, love."
"I like sex," she mumbled. "Sex is good."
"Indeed." They slowly teased her clit, Liam stretched out across the bed watching. He was still flushed from their earlier play, blue eyes slightly glazed over. He looked sated and happy, which made Emma smile.
Emma wiggled a bit, her hips rocking back, wanting to give him as much as he was giving her. Killian groaned. "Love, you don't..."
"We can go slow," she said. "I just want to feel you."
Killian nodded and kissed her, twisting her in his arms, their joined hands still stroking her. She shivered in his hold, feeling the desire build once more. One of these days they probably would test her limits, but this was good. Better than good. She urged him on as he dripped two long fingers inside her wet sheath, biting her lip.
"Do you want to come like this?" he growled in her ear. "Liam watching me finger fuck you?"
Emma nodded furiously. "Please."
"Spread your lips wide, let him see," Killian demanded. Emma did as he asked, her fingers pulling on the sensitive flesh. She looked too, her lover's fingers disappearing inside her body. Emma licked her lips, her hips moving faster, helping him fuck her. It was still slow, still steady, but Jesus Christ, did it feel amazing. Having his cock would be even better.
"Fucking gorgeous," Liam rasped, eyes flickering up to hers then back.
Emma hissed, her thumb brushing her exposed clit. The swollen nub could be plainly seen, the hood pulled back as she spread herself. "Oh god."
"Make yourself feel good, love," Killian murmured, kissing her neck. "Squeeze my fingers."
Emma nodded, rubbing her clit faster and and faster. Killian curled his fingers, easily finding her g spot and the dual stimulation had her bucking in his arms, body awash in pleasure.
"Jesus," Emma swore, her head resting against Killian's chest.
"Can you take more?"
He was still painfully aroused behind her, digging into her ass. "Fuck me, Killian."
Killian groaned, sliding them down the bed a bit. To her surprise, he remained behind her, lifting her leg up. He slid into her quickly, her orgasm making her extra slick. They groaned in unison, relieved to be joined once more. Emma loved this angle, feeling his thick cock drag along her walls, spearing her. She groped for his head, fingers skimming through his hair, bringing their mouths together in a needy kiss.
"Fuck, Killian, feels...god, so good...don't...fuck...don't stop."
Killain groped her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers. Emma keened loudly, back arching. In, out, in out, the wet slide of them echoed in the room; their groans deep. Emma got lost in how it felt, as his cock hit her in all the right places.
"Fuck, such a greedy dirty girl, you are," Killian hissed in her ear. "Needing both of us to fuck you. You like driving us wild for you, don't you?"
Emma moaned loudly, gripping his hair in her fist. "Yes!" she cried, hips rocking into his madly. "Yes!"
His hand slipped between her legs, pinching her clit viciously. Emma's back arched as she came suddenly, muscles taut as she squeezed him mercilessly. She was still riding her high when he rolled her onto her stomach and sank back inside, riding her until he was coming too, pulling out and shooting his seed all over her ass.
He was gone too soon for her liking, but she did need to breathe. Her face was half buried in the pillow, body limp from exhaustion. Liam picked her up lovingly and took her to the bathroom to clean her up. Killian was gone when they returned, which made her frown. But he was soon back, declaring dinner on the way. Emma hadn't even noticed what time it was. She snuggled between them until their food arrived.
Emma had noticed a subtle shift in their home since their shopping and dinner date a few days ago. In Killian specifically. He wasn't home very much, disappearing mysteriously. And when he was there, Emma felt a certain distance from him, like he wouldn't—or couldn't—look her in the eye. Even when they made love, he rarely looked at her, preferring to touch her.
Emma didn't like it at all.
She tried to talk to Liam about it, but he assumed there was a perfectly rational explanation and Killian would tell them when he was ready. They weren't fighting and Emma felt bad for being suspicious. She trusted Killian implicitly, but she missed him. She missed his teasing and jokes; she missed him loving her with his eyes. He ran a bit hot and cold with her and she wondered why.
Finally, she decided to just ask him about it. She would just drive herself crazy if she let it fester. And she wasn't that person anymore.
Liam had gone up to bed, but Emma waited down in the living room for Killian to get home. She flipped through channels randomly, pausing on another news report about the Underground. Nothing new, just more of the same. She sighed and changed the channel again. She was watching a nature documentary when the door opened.
"Emma? Liam?" Killian called softly.
"Just me," Emma called back.
Killian came in, standing by the couch, scratching behind his ear. "It's late, love."
"I didn't want to sleep."
"Why not?"
She switched off the TV. "I wanted to see you."
Killian smiled cheekily. "'M right here, darling."
"Are you though? You've been out a lot in the last few days."
Killian sighed and sat next to her. "I've been...thinking about some things, Emma."
She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "What things?"
"The past mostly. Coming back to haunt you when you least expect it."
Emma frowned. "I don't understand."
Killian stared at the floor for a long time. "Blimey, this is harder than I thought."
She reached over and took his hand between hers. "Hey, you can tell me. It's okay."
Killian laughed hollowly. "That's just it, it might not be okay."
"Killian, I promise. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. As a family. Just don't shut me out."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Remember that case you had? The deadbeat mum?"
"The McKinnon case? Of course."
"I know her."
"You know her?!"
He looked away again. "Rather more intimately than I wish I did."
The wheels turned over and over in her head. What did that mean...oh god. "Is she your...?"
"My ex? Aye. Milah."
Emma blinked, not having the slightest idea what to say. "Um, wow. That's...wow. Small world?" When he didn't smile at her poor attempt at humor, she frowned. "Killian, what happened?"
He pressed his lips together. "I've no right to ask, but would you hold me?"
Emma didn't hesitate, opening her arms for him. They stretched out on the couch, Emma holding him tight, her hand rubbing his back. Whatever happened, it was enough that he wanted her comfort. "I was young," he began haltingly. "I'd just turned twenty-one, was still at the Academy. Me and a few mates snuck into a party. Milah was there. Dark haired, beautiful. Older, obviously." Emma stiffened slightly, remembering what Milah looked like,especially as a woman in her forties. No wonder she had younger men falling all over themselves. "She seemed to like me, bought me a drink. We danced." He let out a dry laugh. "By the end of the night I found myself half in love with her. Or thought I did."
Emma kissed the crown of his head, understanding that feeling all too well. She'd fallen for Neal dangerously fast too. Still, she didn't need him to spill details. The idea of either of her boys with another woman—even an ex—made her a little crazy. "How long?"
"Three months, I think? Perhaps four. I don't remember exactly. It was toward the end of my third year. She wanted me to resign from the Navy, be with her."
"But you didn't."
"That decision got much easier when I found her on someone else's arm."
Ouch. Emma stroked his hair, hugging him tight. "I'm so sorry, Killian." Still, it hurt that he hadn't confided in her, that he tried to keep it a secret. "But I'm still a little mad at you."
"Depending on what's left, you may be more angry, love."
"There's more?"
"Well, you said she had a son?"
Her eyes widened. "Oh god." She did some quick math in her head. Killian was twenty-nine, a few months older than her. Milah's son was ten. "No, Killian. He's not yours."
"But..."
Emma forced him to look at her. "Milah's son is ten. You were with her eight years ago. She'd already abandoned her husband and kid. As far as I can tell, she left him in his father's care soon after he was born."
Killian exhaled loudly. "It's all I've been thinking of. Hoping I wasn't that bloody stupid, then feeling guilty."
"Guilty?"
"Because I didn't want him to be mine. I didn't want anything to muck up what we have. I'm so terribly selfish, Emma."
She coaxed his head down to her chest. "We've never talked about kids," she said quietly. Even though she'd known them for a year, their relationship was still pretty new. Committing to each other was easy in comparison to raising a child.
"Do you think we should?"
"Probably. Liam needs to be here though. Something like that affects all of us."
"I never meant to keep this a secret, Emma," Killian murmured. "I truly never thought I'd see her again. But then...there she was and I didn't know how to tell you without sounding like a complete wanker."
"You were barely more than a kid. You didn't know she was a Mrs. Robinson type." Killian chuckled dryly. "It does sting that you felt like you couldn't tell me though."
He looked up at her, those beautiful blue eyes sad and apologetic. "I am so sorry, Emma. I should have trusted in us rather than pulling away. Can you forgive me?"
Her own eyes blurred with unshed tears, her heart clenching. She loved him so much. "Promise me something?"
"Anything."
"Talk to me. Even if you think I'll be upset. That's better than missing you."
"You missed me?"
She smacked his forehead lightly. "Of course I did. I need both of my sailors."
"I love you so bloody much, Emma."
"I love you too. But don't be surprised if I get a little...rough with you next time we play."
Killian smirked. It was like the sun coming up. "As ever, I shall accept any punishment my mistress sees fit to bestow."
Emma shivered, possibilities already running through her head. Then she grew serious. "Does Liam know?"
"I've never told him. I was too ashamed."
"We have to tell him."
Killian swallowed. "Aye, I suppose we do."
"I'll be there with you. He'll understand."
"Perhaps."
"He will. We've all got pasts, and not all of them are pretty. But we love each other."
"I hope you're right."
Emma gently kissed his lips. "Come on. Let's go to bed."