A/N – This story is going great so far, most likely because it's AU and there's Regina as the hot, sexy boss. So many follows. So many feedback. It makes my day to post a new chapter and wait for the emails to pour in. I've just got to say that I have the most amazing readers, especially Daffne. Thanks for the inspiration Sylvia! Thanks for sharing this story! And now, on with the show!

Excerpt:

I gasped. "So you're a blood sucker?"

She sighed and lifted off her helmet. "Sweetheart, I enjoy biting during foreplay and actual sex," I swallowed, climbing off the bike. "But I'd never draw blood."

"You never answered my question," she got off and tossed her hair around. "Are you or are you not a vampire?"

"I've marked you, by the way," she began walking towards the house and I followed with wide eyes, "in case you didn't notice. Two places. On your inner right thigh and just upon your right hip. Right here," I was shown through her clothes.

xxx

We had lunch on the Rooftop Lounge of the Hudson Terrace.

Two hours filled with complete awe and private conversation.

Honestly, from the way the staff greeted her along the way whilst coming up, I knew that she was most likely a regular. Probably coming up here to enter meetings with rich and powerful men. Because just in the conference room below the terrace, there was a gathering of some sort. And one of the guys recognized her. So whilst they struck up a conversation, I had a chance to gaze out through the glass windows and see New York from another angle.

Tall skyscrapers, a slice of the Hudson River. Remembering La Marina and hoping we'd go there again. All of it left me in awe.

So you can just imagine my reaction when we finally moved upstairs and the table was shown to us. She sat in the corner next to the wall and I opposite her. Both of us had a clear view of the skyline just outside the terrace. The view was amazing.

An open area. Light wind caressing the place. Overlooking New York during the midday rush. Sitting on the softest pair of caramel colored leather cushions in this secluded corner. Because the area wasn't really occupied. It was supposed to be rented out for private functions. But Regina apparently knew the owner, a man by the name of Larry Fitz from high school. And after making just one call as it seemed, she managed to get what was desired. Friends with benefits.

I was wearing this black pants suit with a green shirt. My hair was tied back into a ponytail, spectacles tucked down the front of my shirt. Whilst she had on one of her killer outfits. This red skirt suit with a black shirt. And oh did the red jacket and red skirt look gorgeous on her. In fact, anything could. With the way she had her shirt buttoned up fully, Regina appeared really like a powerful CEO. She sat like one too, back stiff as a poker, black choppy hair styled to perfection and well-manicured nails.

Is it possible to fall in love more and more every time you meet someone?

"I told them it would actually be a great idea," I sipped some water as she leaned forward slightly. "You and me tagging along to Miami."

"Emma, right now it is too much," her husky voice fluttered my heart. She reached for her glass of red wine and sipped. "I'd like us to have as much time by ourselves as possible."

"Same," I smiled.

"Added to that, there will be time for us to travel, don't worry. I would like to take you to so many places. To share experiences with you." She blinked at me slowly. "Have I told you how stunning you look today?"

"Only like a million times," I felt my cheeks grow warmer. I was smiling like an ass. "You are the definition of sexy, by the way. Everything about you."

"Thank you." We gazed at each other and I couldn't forget yesterday when she was crying in her office. "What?" she frowned. "What is it?"

Shaking my head, I lowered it as the waiter came to deposit our orders upon the table. Always eating light, her plate consisted of a simple garden salad, a small plate of sliced beef and rice. I just had a serving of chicken soup. Don't you dare laugh at me. Because here's the thing. Since our last date, she confessed about liking soups. And I was never the type to savor the dish. So what better chance than to actually taste one? Getting to know what she liked.

"Now tell me, my love," she chewed on a piece of beef, returning her fork to the plate, "what is bothering you?"

She called me her love. I literally felt as if I was melting into the chair. "I'm still lingering on yesterday afternoon. You know, the whole drama and stuff. The meltdowns." I carefully sampled the red wine she had ordered for me and loved it. "I swear, I haven't had a chaotic Thursday like that in a long time. Mostly it's Fridays. Or the weekends. Or even nothing at all. Just plain days. Work, home, work, hang out a bit, studying in between."

"How are your studies going?" she chewed slowly, those brown eyes fixated on me. I realized that talking about yesterday had been sidestepped by her.

"I signed up for summer classes which start next week. I'm trying to take most of my courses now so that I can finish in three years." The rice tasted delicious. Every mouthful was yummy. "My third year begins in September."

"Tell me a little more about your times for classes."

"This semester was Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with classes beginning at 5. So as soon as I get off from work, I'd rush over there. Tuesdays and Saturdays were my free days to study and Sunday too."

Her red wine was sipped and she licked her lips, carefully pushing the fork through another slice of beef. "I suppose I'll hardly get to see you when September comes and your new semester begins."

"I'll make time for you every single day." I told her. "Even if it's fifteen minutes." The fact that she considered us until September was so amazing to me because it was just the beginning of July already. Our eyes met. "I keep my promises. So remember what I told you yesterday about making you feel worth it every single day."

"How could I forget?" her voice took on a huskier tone. She smiled warmly at me. "I read your letter so many times today."

"Really?" I was impressed.

"Yes," she fished inside the pocket of that red jacket after wiping her fingers carefully. And she pulled out a folded yellow page. I couldn't believe it. She had it on her all the time and tears formed in my eyes.

Watching Regina unfold my letter left me breathless because it was a first for me. In my life so far, no one, and I mean no one had ever treasured stuff I did like that. I don't mean to bring the guys in but they didn't either. They didn't understand how deep a person I was. How I loved to write and read and find meaning in words and the simpler things in life. They never could see me and my depth when speaking about things like nature and love and romance. But here she was, for the first time, making my heart melt by unfolding that bit of paper.

"Do you mind if I ask you to read it for me?" our eyes met and I blinked back tears. "Out loud? I'd like to hear you say every word. I want to remember you saying those lines to me. More than likely, forever."

I took it from her, and tried to compose myself. Then after sipping on some red wine, she did the same and I cleared my throat.

"Regina, I just want you to know first that you are the very first person I have ever fallen in love with. So much, that I can't sleep without dreaming of you ever since we met. And even when we didn't meet, I'd often sit at my desk and wonder how gorgeous you must be in person. Because at work, they all told me how horrible you were. But still I never believed a word of it."

Her eyes were on me and I was finding it hard to breathe.

"From the first moment we met, I've got to say that without exchanging words, I really felt something between us. I walked past you and my heart stopped because somehow we connected. Even as I'm writing this letter right now, I still can feel you. I can hear your voice and I keep seeing your face over and over again. And I've never felt better in my life from loving someone so much."

I looked up and saw her lips parted, and that look on her face that suggested that she was totally captivated by every word.

"But the best part of all is knowing that I've met someone who I can be myself with. I've never had that. Even with my parents, it was always a show. With you, I can be as weird as possible and you never ever judge me. It's like you see past my crappy hairstyle and my awful work clothes, my baggy pants and slack shirts, and there's just me. Because that's how I see you too. I see everything about you. From the way you're hurting, to how broken your heart is. To the way you react when certain things are done. I can know exactly when to say something and how to touch you. I know you, I think, even before we met."

A tear trailed down my cheek and I reached up to wipe it.

My throat ached so bad. "And this is why I hate when you constantly ask me about our age difference and if it makes me regret being with you. Because it doesn't. I love your maturity, your strength, the way you are so composed but you allow me to see your weakest points. I love how you handle your job and the fact that you're a mom. Everything about you. How you pulled through that horrible time in your life and still came out alive. Because I don't think I could have pulled through if I were you. You're really the most wonderful person I have ever met. And your age doesn't matter to me because you've aged like wine."

She was sipping her wine at that moment and licked her lips so cutely.

"Being with someone mature, someone who could keep me up. Someone like you. Because you complete me. You're like the one person who gives me hope and makes me feel safe. I love you. So..." I moved the letter aside and allowed the tears to fall, "...please don't give up on us because I don't think I will ever get over you for as long as I live."

My lips were bitten and I couldn't look at her just yet. I was so vulnerable in that moment, so weakened by my own words. The truth was raw. So taking my bunched up tissue, I wiped my eyes, finding it hard to breathe still.

"So now I..." her voice trembled, "I can read every word again and again and memorize your voice attached to it. Emma..."

"Yeah?" I sniffed, playing with my food, eyes lowered.

"Look at me..." she said hoarsely.

I did. And when we locked eyes, she made my chest feel so weak, the tears didn't come hot now, but easy and without me realizing it. The way I was looked at. As if the very sight of me made her heart beat and she couldn't live without my presence. I wanted to kiss her so bad, my head ached slightly. It was like she was my drug and holding back would drive me insane.

New York carried on with it's hustle and bustle below. A plane flew by overhead. There was the tinkle of glasses as the barman came in and rested them somewhere. Light chatter behind closed doors. I recalled laughter downstairs and someone speaking loudly as more laughter ensued. Then there was the beating of my heart. Every single beat made me weak. Every time she blinked her eyes, I noticed. The way she chewed slowly, handling her cutlery with grace. Everything was cherished by me in detail because that's exactly the kind of person I was. And even days after, I could still remember stuff.

"I kept thinking about every angle last night," she said eventually whilst I finally began to eat again, "the simpler things were magnified by me. And I couldn't sleep even past midnight."

"What kind of things?" I admired how her red lipstick stayed on even though she was eating. She had that kind of skill.

"Mind you, I have never thought so intently about anyone else in my life," she pointed out. "But last night, I even thought as far as -"

"Marriage," I stared at her.

Regina stopped chewing and stared back with widened eyes. She blinked. "Yes." Her head was slightly inclined. "How did you..."

"Because I was thinking the same thing last night. And we think alike. Only your thoughts string along and make more sense whilst mine are just...jumbled up."

Apparently, she was still shocked from me completing her sentence. She gazed at me in silence.

"I'd marry you right now, honestly," I confessed to her. "And I used to think people who got married in like less than a week into knowing each other were weird. But now I know what it feels like to have you and know you and feel this way. It's like -"

"You wish to feel like this for as long as you live."

I smiled at her. "Yeah."

"Emma," she shifted in her seat and blinked two times, "perhaps you believe in...soul mates? I know it is rather...imaginative and considered fictitious but do you believe that two people could be deeply connected?"

"Like there are layers in an individual," I started to explain, "and most people reach only so far. But with us, we moved deeper than anyone else has ever gone before?"

"Yes," she smiled. "You do understand then. Like Chad's video games that have levels."

"Or like the earth, right," I tried to explain another way, "most people dwell on the surface but certain people manage to get down to the core. The real you. The place where you're vulnerable and your truest self."

"Correct again. And now I have to ask the universe in out loud," she gazed up at the sky, "why was my soul mate born so late? Why couldn't I have met her in college and before that horrible demon walked into my life?"

I smiled because that's exactly what I had been thinking this morning at my desk after hearing The Poni-Tails 'Born too Late' on Ruby's radio.

"If I met you in college, then I would have most likely failed my Degree." She locked eyes with me and listened. "But all the same, people meet at the right time."

"And you love me because I'm older."

"Not older," I corrected her with a smile. "More mature and you've been through life."

"When you're in your sixties, I'll be close to my nineties," she scrunched up her face, "if I live that long."

"Regina, I don't care about age, okay?" I reminded her warily, "and there you go again reading my mind because I was thinking about us both being gray. And growing old together."

"Two old women wrapped in each others arms on a beach in Miami?" she smiled widely, and I was so happy to see her like that. "Sipping on Martinis and chewing on wheat chips?"

I laughed. "Yeah and both of us wearing two piece bikinis. But obviously you'll have the better looking body."

"Me?" she gestured to herself, "what about you with the body of a superstar model?"

"Well you've seen all of me," I smiled wickedly at her, "so I'll take your word for it. And I've seen all of you. So..." her smile disappeared and was replaced by a look of shock that obviously had her thoughts drifting off somewhere. "When will I see you again? All of you?"

"Emma..." she croaked, her lips parted.

"It's been a week now," my voice was hoarser. We stared at each other. "I don't think I can survive the afternoon until we're alone again."

"Patience, dear." Her fingers twitched upon the table. "All in good time."

"After the past couple of days, especially yesterday, I really don't think patience will work."

We stared at each other. A stare became an intense gaze. And I watched her crumble.

Her chest heaved and she rose up, our plates empty. I didn't even to be asked. Following her, we entered a room beside the bar and went down a hall. An internal room was some kind of a hangout spot too, filled with caramel colored cushions with glass windows. The washroom was sought out and pushing the door, she went in before me. Even before we could enter a stall, I took a hold of her right shoulder. Turning her around on the spot, we gazed at each other, already breathless.

"Just a kiss," she said, her voice so husky, pulling me into the enclosed space. "Leave the rest for a passionate Friday night."

Crushing our lips together, I ran my fingers through her soft hair as she moaned. Tasting wine and savoring it, every second. She was so sweet and soft, every time we brushed lips, Regina trembled. Her entire body was on fire and so was mine. I could feel how she was burning up. Her skin becoming slightly damp. Sucking on her jawline and moving in again. And when I tried to move my hand between her legs, she took a hold of it. Stopping me. Really attaching herself to tonight.

"If you start touching me there," she said in a whisper, warm breath flushing my face, "you'll have to take me back to work in your arms."

"I can do that," I said before pulling up her skirt. She gasped, me feeling the softness around her inner thighs. Stockings that were always intrusive. Ugh.

We kissed slower then. I fought with her grip around my wrist and pulled the dreaded article of clothing just enough to gain entry. Feeling my way without seeing. Feeling how wet she was through her panties. Marveling over lace kissing my fingertips. And when my two fingers entered her, brown eyes grew unfocused. Biting her bottom lip softly, I pulled and rested our foreheads together. Choking on air. But I couldn't stop. I began to thrust into her slowly, every move trembling her body until she grew weaker and weaker. Arms wrapped around me, fingernails digging into my shirt. We were literally soaking up our clothes, beads of sweat tickling my face.

Balled fists pressed into my chest when I hoisted her up slightly, moving faster and rougher. I had to muffle her hoarse cries as she still tried to stop us from going further. Red lipstick was smudged, tears wet brown eyes, her mouth opened as she tried to breathe but couldn't. And even though it took every remaining energy, Regina still managed to slip her hand between us. Matching the same rhythm through my pants. A finger sliding between my legs as I began to reach exactly where she was quicker than ever.

When we both came hard, I felt all of it around my fingers buried deep inside her. Kinked fingers that stayed where they were. Our free arms wrapped around each other as our hoarse cries were muffled. Faces buried into shoulders, gasping for air and shaking, over and over again. Riding every wave of pleasure out, together.

Time was closing in and we both needed to hurry back. So standing in front the large mirrors in that caramel colored washroom, she reapplied her makeup whilst I did nothing really. I fixed my clothes. I was sweaty and sticky. I was still breathless and when our eyes locked in the mirror, we couldn't look away. We just couldn't do it. It was like looking into a painting and becoming so captivated by it, you could really feel the person's work. Every stroke of the brush, every line. An intense gaze drew us nearer and we both kissed each other slow and deep.

I smudged her lipstick again. I laughed. She did too. And then we finally left to return to the office.

Xxx

That afternoon, there was a meeting with a designer who came all the way from France. He was taking photos in New York and wanted Regina to choose some outfits best suited for the summer edition. The guy wheeled the entire rack of clothes past our desks and this tall blonde model followed, chewing gum. She gave Ruby a look as if her head was high in the clouds, full of pride.

Ruby scoffed. "I would take her on any day for a photography competition. Bitch." She rolled her eyes. "Her skin is too pale. She's like a walking vanilla stick. These girls these days," I was glared at, "all of them are starving themselves. I mean, I could never, ever run on one meal a day. Can you?"

"No way," my head was still in the clouds. I kept remembering the Hudson Terrace.

Her phone rang and she sighed. "Yeah, sure." She turned to me, "Emma, Miss Mills wants you in her office."

"What? Why?" I stared.

She was already dialing someone else. "Something about getting your opinion on choosing outfits. She wants..." Hickson, the other graphics design dude, and Marlene walked past us, "there you are! I was just ringing you!"

"Yeah well," Hickson gestured at the door, "I was summoned."

"You sound like we're in a Harry Potter movie," Ruby joked.

"Aren't we? I'm on my way to see Snape," he winked at me.

Ruby laughed. "Nice one. Go on in, Hermione," she waved at me. "Before she bitches."

Getting up from my desk, I snatched a green pen and a notepad that I occasionally scribbled in. Then my jacket was taken as well because inside her office was like a freezer. And I wasn't going to sit there and tremble like a leaf.

I had no idea why she would call me in though. This was a first. These kinds of things weren't in my line. Because in case she didn't notice, I wasn't really a fashion piece. My taste in clothes was what I felt comfortable in. I mixed colors wrongfully, it should have been against the law. At first when I stepped in there, Hickson smiled and offered me a chair. He was this bald guy with spectacles. Marlene wasn't exactly on the slim side. She was round. She was from Mexico. And she loved to eat Lays Potato Chips.

"I just need two selections," Regina didn't even look at me when I got in. She waved a hand warily at the designer, this dude with blue streaked hair, dressed in studded black pants, a plain black jersey and tattoo sleeves. "Show me your two best choices."

"This," he gracefully took an outfit from the rack and swept it forward, "is one of them."

It was ugly. No really it was. And that's coming from me. How the hell does a blue sequined tank top fit with green camouflage printed cargo pants? Plus the red belt looked so out of place, I glanced at Hickson. He apparently was sharing the same thought as me. Marlene looked bored.

"Are you serious?" Regina stared at him. I bit my laughter in, eyes lowered. "Is that your best piece?"

"Uh, yeah," he was lanky and obviously gay.

"Why the hell would I put that in my magazine?" she was getting sassy. I could tell. "Sales for the August issue would fall flat on the floor if anyone turns the page and casts their eyes upon..."

Hickson snorted and coughed it away, trying to look less obvious. "Perhaps if we see it on the model then we'd get a general sense of what this outfit has to offer?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "Hurry up and dress her." She gestured impatiently at the blonde woman Ruby hated. "I'm already sickened. And tired. And pressed for time."

Moving behind the rack, the model quickly slipped on the outfit and stepped around for us to see. Marlene laughed.

"Now I see it. It's for the hippie chicks."

What the hell? I frowned at her as if she was some kind of a weird person about to do something crazy.

"This is a joke," Regina's head was lowered. She massaged her forehead. "Emma..." I instantly jumped out of my skin and stared at her with wide eyes but she wasn't looking, "what do you have to say about that...outfit?"

I swallowed. Hickson threw me a glance. The designer was waiting, obviously pissed. The model stared at me with green eyes.

"Um..." I shrugged, "I don't see how the blue fits in. It's not a something I'd wear. And I mix colors like crazy. But blue and green are two contrasting colors. Even red would look better."

"I was aiming for a bold look," the guy said to us.

"Well I'll boldly tell you this," Regina looked at him, "get it out of my eye sight before I sue your ass for wasting my time. And if your next outfit isn't better, then I'll call security."

He swallowed hard, eyes bulging. We watched him paw through the rack, debating with the model on what choice should be made. They argued but their words were in French. Hickson cast Regina a glance and brown eyes fluttered close. I caught myself gazing at her. Like really gazing. And somehow her senses tingled because I was finally looked at. When we gazed at each other, her fingers curled upon the desk. Obviously the Hudson Terrace moments were relived in that powerful mind of hers.

"This," the guy said finally. I tore my eyes away from her. "Is the piece I will put next."

"Would you wear that, Emma?" Regina sounded severely pissed, eyes squeezed shut. "Please warn me before I have a look."

I stared at the rainbow colored dress and absolutely loved it. Somehow it reminded me of Gay Pride Weekend, and Demi Lovato's song 'I Really Don't Care'. But to put in a magazine like Dazzle? I didn't believe it would fit in well enough. Dazzle was all about classy women styles and Gothic looks. Ranging from choice selections snipped from Dolce and Gabana's darkest colors. Something as colorful as that would never cut it between the pages. But it would stand out. However, I wasn't going to take the chance.

"It's too colorful," I said.

Hickson snorted.

"What. Who is this Emma?" the dude asked, scowling in my direction. "Is she important enough to make choices?"

"Well she must be important if I invited her to sit in," Regina sassed, her head dancing. "She reflects the same group of young women who will be parading the beaches during Summer Break. College students. High School students. That," she gestured at it, "reminds me of my son's coming out birthday cake."

"It's not Dazzle's style," Hickson agreed. "We need darker tones. Something with lace, Chris."

"I give up," the guy said, throwing up his hands. "Summer is about colors and fun. How can darker tones cut it?'

"Darker tones cut it in Dazzle. So if you wish to make a break through, then get your head in the game," Regina said stiffly. "Since you've given up, it saves me time." She sighed, eyes lowered, fingers pressed upon a stack of papers. "Good luck with the Christmas issue."

"But it is so hard for -"

"You're dismissed," she said warily. Chris stared with wide eyes. "Hickson, remember to get me the three sheets from Versace by tomorrow. I'll be in until midday."

I watched Chris roll his eyes and the model glared at Regina. Then when they obviously had no better come back line, both of them strode out, pulling the rack after them. Almost bumping into me, he didn't even apologize. A glare was enacted and the blonde said something in French, I was certain she swore.

Chad rang the phone as soon as my butt hit the chair. I picked up, laughed when he pretended to be President Obama and signaled to Ruby that it was okay. Because most times my phone didn't ring. And when it rang singly, she panicked, believing that someone important had gotten the wrong internal extension.

"Emma. The beach. Fuck." There was the sound of music in the background and someone laughed. "I wish you guys were here!"

"I know," I pouted, hanging my head and clicking away on the keyboard, trying to check my email. "It would have been so fun."

"Definitely next time, don't worry. We've got this whole set up, like a condo Kay and I are staying in with Ron. A mini fridge packed with chocolates. I think dad's trying to bribe us or something. Because his name is on the bill and stuff."

I frowned. "Does your mom know about that part?"

"You mean him paying?"

"Yeah," I checked and there were no new emails.

"Nah, she has no idea. Do you think I should tell her?" he sounded as worried as me.

"That he's trying to bribe you guys? Why not?" I sat back and relaxed, noticing Ruby chatting away on the phone and studying her nails with a smile. Had to be Archie calling, this guy she was seeing. "The thing about your mom is that she's really into details. She wants to know stuff. And if you don't tell her then she'd feel really bad."

"Trust me, I know," he sighed. "Reminds me of when I came back with a mild injury and I didn't tell her. Something in my back. When she found out, mom flipped. It's just that...I don't want to upset her as it is right now, you know?"

"She's been through a lot for real," I played with the blue Papermate pen on my desk, twirled it around. "She's now relaxing a bit."

"Thanks for trying. You're doing a great job."

"It's not really a...job." I didn't see it that way. "It just comes naturally for us. Being together seems to make her feel better. And we talk, we bond and stuff."

"Among other things..." he laughed.

"I do not want to go there with you," I said smiling. "No way."

"No, no! I know, dude! Last time I saw Zelena, mom's sister, I was a bit bitter. Asked her if she was fucking him for the money. She said yes."

"Oh shit."

"And that's not the worst part, dude," I heard Kay talking in the background and another guy, "the bitch is my aunt and all of that, but she's really...wicked. Envious, and bitter sweet. She's like one of those witches from those movies that lure you in with a sweet smile and then fuck you over with poison or something."

"Sounds like a Lifetime movie if you ask me," I said. "Sister moves in on husband and sucks his money then leaves."

"Or poisons him and takes all the wealth," he pointed out.

"But that's the thing. Sure Robin has wealth, but he doesn't own the company. It's a family thing. So most likely, Zelena must have shares or something."

"Look at what grandma is doing to mom," he reminded me. "Cutting her out the will as we speak I bet. Already called me to tell me how my mom is a disrespectful and utterly a shameful disgrace to our family by coming out as being gay. So Zelena has it in for wealth one way or the other. I think what's going to happen is this: she'll drain dad's funds and then replenish hers. Cut him out completely. Shit," he sighed. "I really hate dad right now but he's in for some shit."

"Well at the end of the day, he's still your dad," I said, "you can't just turn against him. I mean, without him you wouldn't be here."

"Mom said I wasn't even planned. So..." he laughed. "Doesn't matter to me. There's just mom. She was there for me throughout my entire life. Taught me how to drive when he should have. She taught me to cook, to be brave and stuff. Whilst he had an affair and was hardly home. The times she just suddenly started to cry when we were together, it hurts me onto this day. We'd be doing something and she'd start crying."

"And Kay?" my eyes burned from imagining Regina crying.

"Kay was always away at boarding school. But when she came back home, they never really got along. She and mom. Somehow they grew distant and Kay became independent enough to never need any of us."

"I just hate it when she cries and she hurts," I realized that my voice was unsteady. "It's not right."

"It isn't. She's the most amazing woman and someone like her isn't supposed to be hurting at all. She's supposed to be so happy and laughing. Forever. Not with someone like him. Thank goodness it's over. I even pushed her to divorce him."

"You're such a great guy," I picked up the pen and squeezed it.

"And from what I heard from her this morning, you're the best too. She loves you so much. You should hear how she speaks about you. And her voice always trembles slightly when she does too. She could be sassing me out and then I mention you. And it's like she just collapses."

My chest heaved. I couldn't breathe. Because her office door was opened and out Regina stepped, most likely on her way to the washroom. Tucking black hair behind her right ear, she walked past. But not before allowing our eyes to meet. I was offered a smile even before I enacted it. Ruby saw and raised her eyebrows then returned to the call.

Chad disconnected eventually.

I watched Regina linger near Wendy's desk, a pregnant employee and they exchanged words. Then after staying there, as if conscious of me gazing, we locked eyes briefly and then she moved away.

Xxx

That night we had a definite plan, to continue where we left off from midday.

It was supposed to be a lot of US time, but she wanted to go out. To relax and be somewhere else instead of indoors. In other words, fresh air was needed. Was craved for. So after putting on my usual red, plaid, long sleeved shirt and a pair of faded blue jeans, she pulled up below on the street. From my window, I gazed down and watched her slip out that iPhone. Obviously about to dial me.

"Miss, you can't park there!" I shouted with a huge smile on my face. And when she peered up, I hid behind the blind, barely showing myself. "It is against the law to do that!"

Laughing from where I stood, she glared up.

"I'm calling the cops!"

"Oh fuck you," I heard distinctly from below, that hoarse voice of hers reaching all the way up to my window. "Pathetic twat."

I doubled over from laughing.

"What's that?" someone else called out, and my eyes flew open. "What did you say to me?" Oh shit! It was this meth addict from next door. "Babe, look at you, all sexy on that machine. Come up here and show me how you ride a bike."

My cell rang and I answered it in the calmest tone ever.

"Get down here," she hissed, "or I will find this asshole and scratch his eyes out."

"What asshole?" I was smiling like a lunatic, moving to the door.

"This guy!" she sounded really pissed. "Some lady yells at me because I parked here and then he's hanging out his blasted window. Obviously stoned. Asking me to ride his bike." Her sassiness always made me smile because when others were afraid of it, to me she sounded really cute. "Do I look like I'm prepared for this, Emma? I do not wish to ride any male anatomies ever." She growled. "Disgusting. Men."

"Not all of them are bad, you know," I was already stepping out of the elevator, helping this old lady from floor ten to gather up her bags.

"If you're referring to your three overly grown super babies, then spare me."

"Have a good night, Miss Karen," I patted the lady on her back and she smiled. "Be careful out there, okay?"

She smiled warmly, smelt like cats and bacon. Jogging to where Regina was parked up, I was glared at. Studying her face, she gave away nothing but just sat there looking gorgeous, dressed in a pink frilly short sleeved blouse and black jeans. Hugging the extra helmet, I took a tentative step closer and tilted my head.

"Okay, what did I do now?"

The glaring continued. Dark, choppy hair fluttered in the wind. "I know it was you. You idiot."

"What?" trying to appear oblivious to it all, the helmet was reached for and she snatched it away. "Aw, come on! Don't go into tiger mode on me."

"You told me not to park here," her chest heaved. "How dare you."

"I didn't -"

"I sat here and I counted the floors and windows to your flat. So don't play smart with me. You find it funny, don't you?" Her head swayed as she turned on some attitude, appearing more cute. "To tease me from above and have that...thing..." she gestured above us, "shake his hairy chest at me. He had on no clothes! It was like a gorilla smirking at me!"

Pouting, I moved in closer again and was still deprived of retrieving the helmet from her grasp. She held onto it and fought with me. Pulling and growling.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do it. Now give it to me." I tugged and she arched her eyebrows.

"Give it to you?" Regina smirked. "Here?"

My neck obviously grew warmer as I fitted the helmet on. "Wasn't that the plan earlier?" Throwing a leg over the bike, she was hugged from behind. The engine roared to life.

"I'll give it to you," she muttered. "Wait and see."

Blinking a couple of times, I stared at the back of her head as we pulled out onto the street and smiled. She accelerated so much, everything moved by in a blur. Lights were joined together, the wind licked my neck and I held on tighter than ever.

When we turned into this dirt trail and headed south, I had no idea what to make of it. Suddenly there was this forest in the middle of New York and never before had my eyes rested on this particular place. Speeding down the track, the trees swayed and leaves rustled. All of it tingled my senses because I absolutely loved nature. I loved it. So you can just imagine my face when the crash of waves upon land somewhere in front of us was heard for the first time by me.

She parked the motorcycle next to this wrought iron gate. At first, that was all I saw. The double gates with forest stretched out around us. So when this guard came out and opened the damn thing, my eyes were wide. Because suddenly, I noticed the looming mansion up ahead. This four floor place looking like one of those cribs from L.A planted in the middle of nowhere. The walls were a dark shade of green. And most likely, that's why I didn't notice it at first because the trees surrounding the place made the looming building blend in.

"Where are we?" I hugged her. She rode down the path slowly without saying a word.

I was scared. But felt protected by being with her. Because from the barely illuminated windows of the mansion, it appeared really haunted. Suppose she was about to take me to this ritual or something. Watching too much LMN movies on Sundays messed with my mind. These rituals that officially bonded you to someone or a group. I didn't want to get my palm sliced to contribute blood and I wasn't about to mix potions with anyone.

Maybe she was a freaking vampire!

"Are you a vampire?" I pressed my lips to the side of her helmet. "Because if you are, I know where I want to be bitten."

I could already see her smiling inside there. "Where?"

"Not my neck because that looks like it hurts like hell," I cringed at the thought of it. "Maybe my arm."

"I prefer your inner thigh," she said as we slowed down in front of the entrance to the house. The crunch of gravel filled the night.

I gasped. "So you're a blood sucker?"

She sighed and lifted off her helmet. "Sweetheart, I enjoy biting during foreplay and actual sex," I swallowed, climbing off the bike. "But I'd never draw blood."

"You never answered my question," she got off and tossed her hair around. "Are you or are you not a vampire?"

"I've marked you, by the way," she began walking towards the house and I followed with wide eyes, "in case you didn't notice. Two places. On your inner right thigh and just upon your right hip. Right here," I was shown through her clothes. "Where are we?" arms outstretched, she was breathless.

"Your lair," I watched her walk forward. Regina twirled around on the gravel, knee high leather boots twisting the bricks.

"Remember I mentioned a good friend of mine that offered me a job?" my right hand was taken and I was pulled closer. We locked eyes. "Well she lives here."

"She's a vampire," I stared back.

"Oh cut it out, will you?" Regina sighed. "Get your head out of Twilight and focus." She blinked. "On me. Your breathtakingly sexy girlfriend. I'm not a Bella Swan. I'm way better. And you know it."

I snorted.

"By the way," I was pulled to the front door of the house now, "I hate vampires. I hate cockroaches. Grasshoppers. Moths. Absolutely adore witches and werewolves."

She had to be a Harry Potter fan. Had to. But before I could ask, the freaking black doors to the place opened up. I jumped back and stared at it. Look, if I was about to be sacrificed or something, then let it be painless. Because hell yeah I'd do anything for her at that point. However, getting drawn and quartered or bitten and chewed, ripped to pieces; that wasn't going to happen. Unless her life was in danger. Then I'd barge into a pack of werewolves to save her. I'd give her a lung if I had to.

"In we go," she tugged at my hand and I stayed where I was. I was stared at. "Don't be shy. She only feeds on Sundays."

I stared back in horror.

Laughing hoarsely, she managed to pull me inside and into the dimly lit hall. At first the winding staircase was noticed. Polished floors, a massive chandelier, nice dark brown walls and this guy apparently came with the place. He was tall and pale, like seriously as slim as a post. Bowing, a hand was held out in the opposite direction. Regina immediately cast her eyes that way and moved in that direction. Obviously I had no choice but to follow. That's after I stared the guy down because he looked lifeless. He looked...like a freaking vampire.

"Do my eyes deceive me?" came a woman's voice from within the room we entered.

"No, my dear. I've come as promised." Their heels clicked upon the floor as they walked towards each other and embraced like old friends.

I stared at the older blonde woman dressed in a green sequined dress and couldn't take my eyes off her cleavage. She had too much and exposed most of it for people like me who hardly had a handful to envy. But apparently Regina loved my boobs, and every other part of me. So I didn't care about my body image to that extent anymore.

"And this must be Emma," I was approached, a smile plastered on her beautiful face. Embracing me, a kiss was pressed on either of my cheeks. I hugged back because that's what you're supposed to do. And we stepped away from each other. Her gaze roamed me like if she was checking out a sculpture on display or something. "Regina, you have struck gold with this darling of a woman!"

"Emma, this is Mally, a childhood friend of mine. She's the owner of Flames."

"The magazine," her friend pointed out with a smile, "not the flicker in my fireplace. Although, my intention from the beginning was to burn out Dazzle. Spitting fire into the market and eating up sales."

My hand was taken and I was led closer to my girlfriend who owned a bike and had marked me. Wrapping a hand around my waist, Mally gazed at us.

"Perfect," she clapped her hands. "Perfect. I love it. I can already see a long future filled with happiness, success and children."

That's not something we discussed. Somehow I don't know if it was just my imagination but Regina stiffened up beside me. Knowing why, I immediately took her hand and squeezed it. Our eyes met and she sent me a slightly worried look.

"Oh don't let one slip discourage you, dear," Regina was her focus now. "I've had two but we must move on. Or else, what have we to look forward to in life? Robin," her footsteps led to a staircase and we followed, "is a fuck. Not a good one. But the kind that must feel like being poked with a toothpick."

My hand was squeezed and I felt her tense up. His name was mostly avoided since yesterday.

"Shagging him must be very upsetting, is it not?"

I cleared my throat, wrapping my arm tighter around Regina, "Mally, I really love your mansion. Especially the chandelier in the front hall."

"Bought it in from France," she said, turning to me with a smile. We reached upstairs and I was presented with this mini bar, an open space, a pool table and glass doors leading outside. Beaded green curtains caught my attention, hanging near the doors. And when the entryway was opened and the crash of waves met my ears, I literally melted inside.

The tinkle of glasses couldn't even tear my attention away from the sounds of nature outside. Moving to the glass doors, the wind kissed my face and I stepped out. It was a balcony, large enough to seat like ten people with green leather chairs and a glass table. The railing was iron and mounted upon the two corners were two black painted dragons in different positions but facing the water. Speaking of the water, I had a full view of the shore, waves moving in. And up to this day, I still cannot remember ever finding out what river that was. Couldn't be the Hudson because we were more than a mile away from it. But it could be. I didn't even know a forest existed in New York. So if that was the Hudson then it would come as no surprise.

"Do you play pools, my dear?" the beads created this soothing sound as Mal peeked outside.

I shook my head. "I do but I'm not really good at it to be honest."

She smiled and gestured inside. "Well come on in and witness your girlfriend bend her back whilst using that stick."

That woman. She had a way with words just like Regina. Every single line said by her was somehow interesting. But the most interesting thing of all about her was the green color scheme of the place. I could pinpoint like twenty something objects that were green in that area alone. From the green leather decoration upon the bar wall to the green paintings depicting scenes of forests.

"So how did you two meet?" I gazed at Regina whilst she took the first shot, aiming like a pro and averaging.

"She was getting her head stuffed down the toilet in 3rd grade and I was her superhero. Bad Mal, they used to call me in school," she focused her eyes on me whilst the balls scattered upon the green carpeted surface.

"Why were they chucking your head down a toilet?" I frowned at Regina. She looked at me and sighed.

"I was a little rich nerd with the fanciest of things. Thin as a rake and really smaller than most of the children in my class. So naturally, I was easily picked on."

"But she fought back," Mal said to me, her eyes widening. "She was a feisty little one. I was about five classes above and immediately adopted her as my little sister. Regina used to try to fight them off but she was too small in size."

"Aww," I tried to imagine it and couldn't. She scowled at me.

"Had a tankful of sass though!" Mally took her turn and scored big time. "She still uses it generously."

"How small was she?" I smiled. Regina bent her back gracefully, dark hair falling into her face. She tossed it to the side, lips parted.

"I'd say that around the age of ten she wasn't even five feet tall as yet. Through college, she was lanky and tomboyish. People used to ask if we were seeing each other. But of course she was chasing after her books."

The balls were hit. The game went on, Regina won and then we retreated outside onto my favorite place so far. The balcony. Draping herself across a leather chair like a cat, Mal gazed into the night and sipped on Bourbon. Regina had chosen that too. I took orange juice.

About five minutes after sitting apart from each other, she got up and came over. Then sitting next to me on my right in one of those long lazy boy chairs, her head rested upon my chest. Reaching for my hand, she entwined our fingers and felt so warm like a blanket, my eyes fluttered close. Savoring her body so close, the smell of that apple and wild orchid body wash. Pressing a kiss onto black, soft hair and holding her close.

"The two of you're making me feel quite lonesome," Mal said eventually. "I wish Max was here to even up the pairs."

"Where is Max now?" Regina's every word vibrated through her chest and made me tremble.

"The Caribbean, as usual, business." She sighed. "I was supposed to accompany him but couldn't. Lily is acting up again. She just wouldn't stop getting into trouble."

"Lily," Regina said, upturning her face to look at me, "is her daughter. Around the same age as you."

I sent Mal a look and she smiled back.

"She's in University too, studying Criminal Law. But Lily...is a rebel. Very wild. I tried to tame her but my efforts have proved unsuccessful. Most times, when the calls come in or she's brought here with a police car, I just pay the bribe. But recently she's been mixed up in a bad crowd that might really place her in danger."

"You're referring to Jeanne Di Rosa?"

"That awful girlfriend. So awful." Mal sipped her Bourbon and scowled. "She could have done better instead of winding up in drugs. Why she couldn't find a decent young woman like Emma's kind, I have no idea. Very few young women remain that have their head on and keep some dignity. All of them are throwing themselves around without care."

"That's why she's my one and only," Regina said in that husky voice of hers, smiling up at me. "My love."

After gazing at her for a few seconds, we pressed our lips together, eyes fluttering close. Living in that moment, feeling the passion between us flicker. Knowing that there was more between us than we ever felt for anyone else. And the urge to hold on was stronger.

"How about we go for a late swim?"

Both Regina and I stared at her in disbelief.

"Mal, the weather is chilly."

"The pool is ready downstairs. I can heat up the water, make it nice and warm for us. Of course I wouldn't suggest soaking in water cold enough to chatter your teeth, my dear." Mal rested her glass upon the table.

I didn't see how that was possible since neither Regina or I had on swimwear.

"Oh no worries," Mal said as if reading my mind. "As your girlfriend can tell you, my pool is private and one only swims in one's underclothes. As kinky as possible, anything is accepted. Of course, she always wears flimsy lace so you shouldn't worry."

THANK GOD I DID NOT WEAR MY HELLO KITTY UNDERWEAR.

"Are you okay with that?" Regina pressed her lips upon my ear. "Or do you want to sit and watch me get all wet in front of you?" I swallowed hard, my eyes wide. "Without having a chance to touch me?"

"I'm...in," I said, finding it hard to breathe.

"She's in," Regina alerted Mal.

"Great!" rising up from her seat, so did my teasing girlfriend.

"Let's go," she said softly, taking my hand and pulling.

I moved through the beaded curtain and couldn't wait to see her strip down.

Xxx

A/N – Hope you liked it! REVIEW and let me know! Follow me on Twitter ( KarlieMaria) and Tumblr (karlitaswriter)!