Author's note: The response to this story continues to blow me away. We're coming into the back half of this, lots of fun stuff to go. This one's a little shorter than the last, but still over 10,000 words. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Hell and no.
Chapter 7
The light burned his eyelids, making him groan. He squeezed them shut, not wanting to wake up just yet. Killian rolled over, but didn't find the warm body he expected. Cold sheets rustled under his fingertips and he frowned. Where was Emma?
Squinting, he managed to open one eye, which confirmed what he'd felt. She wasn't in the bed with him. He sat up, the sheet pooling around his waist. Sun streamed in from the balcony, the wall of glass that separated them from the outside. One of the doors was open about halfway; Killian could hear the ocean, usually a soothing sound.
Lately, it wasn't as soothing without Emma by his side.
Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Killian climbed out of bed, reaching for a pair of boxers left discarded hastily on the floor. He pulled them on, finally getting a glimpse at the wall clock. It was after ten. Killian hadn't slept that late in a while. Although, considering their activities the night before, he shouldn't have been surprised. They had quite a bit of time to make up for.
Killian sighed and stretched, arms high over his head, working out some of the stiffness. "Now, where are you, lass?" he muttered, heading for the ajar door.
He found her on the balcony, clad only his button down shirt from the night before. Her long golden hair streamed down her back in soft waves, the ends curling in the humid air. Her back was to him; she leaned over the railing, his shirt riding up enticingly. He grinned wolfishly, striding over to her. He placed his hands lightly on her hips, fingers gently caressing her hipbones.
"Good morning, my love," he murmured, burying his nose on her hair.
Emma shivered, humming happily. "Hey."
"I missed you when I woke."
"Sorry. I didn't have the heart to wake you up. You looked so cute."
Killian huffed. "Cute? Humph."
"What? I thought that would appeal to your vanity."
Killian's hands slid up under his shirt, gently pulling her hips back toward his. "Is that vanity, princess?"
Emma hissed softly, grinding her ass into his hardening cock. "Hmm, maybe you did miss me after all."
His hands slid higher, shirt bunching around his wrists, his thumbs brushing the underside of her breasts. He nuzzled her neck, lips brushing her skin. "I always miss you, Emma," he whispered. It was true. When he wasn't with her, there was a dull ache in his chest, one he was afraid to examine too closely. There was still so much they had to learn about each other.
Emma moaned softly, her hand coming up to thread through his hair. "Again?" she whimpered, her voice breaking with desire.
"I just can't seem to help myself, love," he said, spinning her around. He pressed her back against the rail, kissing her deeply. His hands came up to cradle her face, fingers of his right hand weaving into her hair, twisting and tugging. He groaned as her soft hands caressed his ribs, sending frissons of want down his spine. "Emma..."
She silenced him with a kiss, nails scratching his chest. "I really hate you sometimes," she mumbled.
"And why's that, darling?" He kissed and nipped at her neck, pulling the collar of his shirt aside so he could lick her collarbone.
"For...oh..." Her hands circled his waist, dragging his hips closer to hers. He could feel her heat, grinding into him. "For...god, right there," she hissed, his teeth scraping the sensitive spot below her ear.
He started unbuttoning the shirt, lips kissing every inch of exposed flesh...and there was a sharp knock on the door of their suite. Killian growled, still kissing and licking, unwilling to let her go.
"Killian..."
"Sod it," he mumbled, biting down gently on her nipple.
"Can't," she moaned. "I...ordered us...breakfast."
Killian grumbled, kissing the swells of her breasts. It was so hard to let her go once he had her in his arms. "Bloody hell," he cursed. "Fine." He set her on her feet and stepped away, trying to get his desire for her under control.
Emma kissed his lips briefly, fingers fumbling with the buttons. "I'll be right back."
Killian nodded, and moved to sit at the small glass table, breathing steadily. They had all day to be together; he could be patient. Gradually, he calmed, listening to Emma's gentle but slightly breathless—he grinned, proud to know he was the cause of that—voice with the staff who'd brought their breakfast. The cart clanged into their suite and Emma thanked their waiter. She pushed the cart out to the balcony herself, smiling when she saw him.
"Feeling better?" she asked with a sly grin.
Killian shrugged. "Not as well as I could, but well enough, lass. What have we got?"
"A little of everything," she replied. "I didn't know what you'd be hungry for."
Killian looked her up and down. "Well, I can definitely say it's not food, love."
Emma swatted his shoulder. "I promise I'll make it up to you," she said, giving him a little pout. It was very cute. Of course, it made him want to suck that pouty lip into his mouth, but he could control himself.
"I'm gonna hold you to that, lass."
She leaned over and kissed him. "I wouldn't expect anything else."
Seeing that dazzling smile directed at him...his heart clenched. He couldn't really put into words just how hard he'd fallen for her, how much she meant to him. He wanted to tell her, to see the look on her face when he said the words. But their fight was still too fresh. She'd forgiven him, but he still wanted to make it up to her, to prove how much he cared for her before he told her.
Emma pulled up the chair next to him, getting them plates and piling them high with waffles and eggs and sausage. Killian reached for the toast, slathering them with butter and jelly, just the way Emma liked. There was coffee and juice, a veritable feast. They laughed and teased; Emma got a huge glop of jelly on his shirt when she tried to shove a piece of toast into his mouth.
"Still clumsy, lass," he chided, cleaning it with his thumb. "Hmm."
"I wouldn't have been if you weren't so stubborn."
He kissed the corner of her mouth. "I think we're both a bit stubborn, my love."
Her eyes softened the way the often did when he said that. That look gave him hope that she felt as he did, that she loved him too. "At least we're not boring."
"Aye. So what did you want to do today?"
"You mean aside from the obvious?"
Killian nearly choked on his waffle. "If you want to stay inside all day, I'll not argue. But I do recall seeing one of those lovely bikinis in your bag."
"Looking through my things now?" she teased.
"Is it my fault you left it open?"
"Maybe I left it open on purpose."
"And yet you're wearing my shirt."
Emma shrugged. "It's comfy. Do you want it back?"
Killian laughed and shook his head. "All my clothes look much better on you, lass. Although, if you keep this up I shall have to get a whole new wardrobe."
Emma blushed. "Sorry. I guess I do steal them, don't I?"
He took her hand, squeezing her fingers. "I don't mind. Truly."
Emma leaned her head on his shoulder. "Well, I was hoping we could explore today. Maybe you could show me around? Then we could go to the beach."
"Didn't see much when you flew in, did you?"
"I was too tired. I didn't realize how long of a flight it was."
Killian curled his arm around her, stroking her arm. "Why'd you come here, Emma? To Hawaii, I mean. You could have gone anywhere."
Emma laughed. "Would you believe I forgot my passport?" She scooted closer, arm going around his waist. "Remember me telling you about my mother?" Killian nodded. "We were talking about this charity thing. Okay, technically, she was talking and I was pretending not to listen. It's an annual thing that Neal's dad hosts and I hate going to it." She sighed. "I just...couldn't take it anymore, I guess. I packed some things and got on a plane. When I landed in LA, I realized I wasn't far enough away."
"But you didn't have your passport so..."
"I wound up here, yeah."
Killian kissed the top of her head. "Well, I am very glad you did, Emma. You've definitely livened things up around here."
"Says the guy who could lose his job for dating me."
"That was my choice to make, love. I knew what I was getting into. Well, okay, maybe I didn't at first, but I don't regret it. I could never regret you."
"You say that now."
"And I'll be saying it a long time from now, Emma. You'll see."
They stayed like that for a while, quiet, watching the ocean. When it got too warm for her in his shirt, they decided to change and head into town. Killian wanted to show her some of his favorite places, maybe take a walk through one of the little markets.
Their first stop was a little hole in the wall called the Rabbit Hole, the closest thing to a proper English pub near the UH campus. He got to introduce her to fish and chips and good English beer, which made her laugh.
"I didn't really understand what the 'chips' were when I was a kid," Emma said, picking through the paper.
"The meaning seems to have gotten lost on its way across the pond," Killian agreed. He sipped on his beer. "The newspaper is what makes it good."
"So you keep saying." She clinked her bottle with his and took a sip. Her face twisted into a grimace. "Is this supposed to be good?"
"Of course!" He smirked. "Perhaps it's an acquired taste?"
"Like a certain Englishman I know?"
Killian tapped her shin with his shoe. "Admit it, Emma. You liked me from the very beginning."
She smiled coyly. "Maybe. Which time are we talking about?"
"Both?" he said hopefully.
"You wish." Then she grinned. "I have to admit this trip is a lot more interesting than I expected."
"In a good way?"
She leaned up across the table and kissed him. "Yeah." She winked at him, then stuffed a chip in her mouth. "So why'd you become a mechanic?"
Killian took a long pull from his beer. "When I had to start taking Mother to the hospital, she...couldn't work. So I started taking odd jobs around the estate. One of the older gents...had a garage. He started teaching me, taking an interest in me. I knew I would need a way to support myself when I went to university, so I did what I've always done. Applied myself, learned everything I could. Given what happened to Liam...it felt appropriate."
Emma threaded her fingers with his, and he appreciated her gentle support. "I think that's really great, Killian."
He smiled softly. "Aye, well, seems I have a talent for it. Robin often says I'm the best he's got."
Emma's brow crinkled in thought. "Robin? Tall guy, sandy brown hair? Talks like you?"
Killian laughed. He'd nearly forgotten that Emma had met his boss already. "Aye, that's him. He told me that he fixed some tires for you?"
Emma blushed. "Right. I didn't want to call you because you were working on your thesis. Sorry?"
"Nothing to forgive, darling. I know you can take care of yourself." He wasn't threatened by her; in fact, he loved her spirit, her yearning to be her own person. "Do you think we should all get together soon? I know Robin would love to meet you. Properly. Again."
"You told him about me?"
"He was the one who urged me to tell you the truth about how we met."
"He was nice. And smart," she said pointedly, giving him a little teasing grin. God, he was glad they could tease each other about it now. He hadn't realized just how heavily it had been weighing on him until it no longer was. "But I think that's a great idea. I'd like to meet your friends. Elsa too."
"Of course she's included, love. She seems like a lovely lass."
"If she ever tells you about the time she got some of her hair singed off, it wasn't me."
"I'll keep that in mind, darling."
After they finished lunch, they swung by the UH campus, walking hand in hand. It wasn't very busy, with only the summer classes in session. Still, they had fun as Killian showed her the dorm where he used to live, some of the places he liked to hang out, do some reading. They stopped by the bookstore; Killian jokingly made a show of buying himself a couple of new t-shirts since Emma kept stealing his. She just rolled her eyes at him, but he caught her smiling.
He stowed the bags in his Jeep before they headed for the park. "You said you rebuilt your Jeep?" Emma asked, as they headed down the street.
"Aye. There's a junkyard, I'm friends with the owner. She was a rusted out chassis when I first got her. Spent my weekends my first semester fixing her up."
"And you couldn't resist painting on a skull and crossbones?"
He ducked his head, a bit bashful. "Perhaps I'm a pirate at heart, love."
Emma bumped his shoulder. "I think I can see that."
"Are you fond of pirates, sweetheart?"
"Maybe." She had an adorable blush that looked like it belonged on a much younger woman. He wondered what she was like in high school, before she'd been hurt and frustrated by her life. Would she have even given him the time of day back then? Did it matter? She was with him now. And he intended to keep her as long as she let him.
"Oh, this is amazing," she said, cutting through his thoughts. "Look at that!"
Killian looked in the direction she was pointing. There was a fountain down the street in the direction they were walking. On either side of the street were a series of little shops and stands; it was one of his favorite places. "I thought you'd like this," he replied, tugging a little on her hand. "Shall we have a look around?"
"Sure."
It was mostly tourist trickets and whatnot, but there were a few real jems. Emma found a little boutique that she spent over an hour in; they came out with Killian carrying a fist full of bags. She was wearing a new hat, made of wicker and flopping, ringed with flowers.
"Are you sure all this is going to fit on the drive back, darling?" he couldn't help but tease.
Emma pushed him, making him stumble. "If it's too much for you..."
Killian caught her around the waist, ducking his head under her overlarge hat. "I'm only teasing, love." He kissed her cheek, then stole another from her lips, just because he could. "Am I forgiven?"
She bit her lip...and poked him lightly in the ribs. "You're lucky I lo-like you so much, Killian."
Once again, he didn't call her out on her near slip. "I know, lass."
At the next shop, they stopped, browsing. It was a place that carried homemade jewelry; necklaces, bracelets, rings, all kinds of things. Silver, gold, stainless steel. A charm on a leather thong caught his eye; on closer examination, it seemed to be swan? Perhaps. If you squinted. He held it up; he liked the way the painted enamel caught the light.
"What do you think about this one, Swan?"
Emma turned, crossing the tiny space. "It's pretty."
Killian held it up against her pale skin. "It suits you." He turned to the young lady manning the register. "I'll take it."
"Killian, you don't have to..."
"Hush now, sweetheart. I can buy my girlfriend a pretty necklace if I want to." The young cashier just grinned conspiratorially at them before handing Killian his change. He pocketed it, then turned back to Emma. "Now turn around." Emma did so and he looped the leather around her neck, tightening the clasp. "There."
"Thank you, Killian. It's really sweet." She kissed his cheek, then tucked her arm through his. "Ready to go?"
"Aye. I do believe the beach is calling our names, Swan."
They spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach, after dropping off Emma's bags at the hotel. It was right on the beach, so they could walk easily. Emma's bag seemed to weigh a ton; he couldn't imagine what she had in there. "Love, we're relaxing on the beach, not storming it. What's in here?"
Emma squeezed his bicep. "These feel real enough. You sure you're feeling okay?"
Killian jerked her to him, making her stumble a little. "I feel fine. Perhaps you'll get a demonstration later, yeah?"
"I better."
"Is that a challenge, love?"
She grinned. "Maybe."
"Bloody minx." He kissed her, right there in the middle of the sidewalk, stealing their breath. "You just might be the death of me, Emma."
She stroked his neck, fingers teasing the hair at his nape. Killian had to bite back a moan; those little affectionate touches always got to him. "I hope not. I happen to like you, right where you are."
Killian smiled, kissing her nose swiftly before moving them down toward the beach. "Come on, you said you wanted a surfing lesson, lass."
It was a warm day; the beach was busy. There wasn't time for their antics of before, too many prying eyes. Killian groused quietly when she pulled a wet suit over her bikini—purple with polka dots, very 1950s—for them to try a hand at surfing. They rented some boards and paddled out, holding hands as they rode the swells.
"Now you don't have to stand up right away, Emma," he advised, his leg bumping hers in the water. "Just get the feel of it."
"How many times have you done this?"
He shrugged. "Only a handful or so. Not really my thing."
"God, this was such a bad idea."
"Oh come now, love. You came here to get out of your comfort zone, right? Live a little."
"Promise you won't laugh?"
"Promise."
Well, it could have been worse. It wasn't so much Emma's lack of coordination as her fear getting the better of her. Still, she only missed standing up by a little and no, he didn't laugh. He enjoyed seeing her have fun, even when she was coughing and spluttering in the salty sea. They got into a splash fight, returning to the beach soaked and laughing.
"Think you'll want to go out again, Swan?"
Emma started peeling off her wet suit. "Maybe, perhaps without the boards though. I want to see if you can catch me."
"What do I get if I do?"
"A kiss?"
"But I get those for free."
"Well, you're so good at it." She flopped down on her stomach, then leaned in to kiss him. She tasted faintly of salt, the water still clinging to her skin. "Hmm, see? I just can't stop."
"I guess it's a good thing I like kissing you then."
"Seems to me like you like a lot more than that."
He waggled his eyebrows at her. "I'll not deny it, love. But we're not really in the proper place for that. Unless you want us to get arrested?"
"Nah. Torturing you is much more fun." She ran her fingers through his wet hair. "If you win, then you can have me any way you want," she said, low in his ear.
"Guess I better not lose then, eh?"
Emma smirked. "No, you shouldn't."
It was a sweet kind of torture, hanging out there on the beach. Emma stretched out on her towel, sunglasses covering her emerald green eyes, book in her hand. Killian copied her, hoping for a distraction from all her pale perfect skin. It worked...sort of. Except for those times they had to pause to reapply sunscreen and he got to feel her gentle touch massaging lotion on his body, soothing and arousing at the same time.
He was completely addicted to her.
It wasn't until the sun was low in the sky that she suggested they have their race. Killian even gave her a head start, watching as she ran into the water, drying hair streaming out behind her. He counted to twenty then followed, ducking around a giggling four year old as he ran. He dove into the water, swimming after her. He came up for air, scanning for her; he found her off to his left. Killian got doused by a wave, distracted, then growled. He took a deep breath, diving under the water so she wouldn't see him coming. Killian caught her legs and pulled her under lightening fast, then came back up, to her coughing and gasping.
"You cheated!"
"How can I cheat when you let me win?"
Emma clung to him, still catching her breath. "Why would I let you win?"
"Because you want me?"
"Think a lot of yourself, don't you?"
Killian slid his hands under her thighs, drawing their hips together, her legs went around his waist automatically. She was weightless in the water. "I don't have to, I can see it in your eyes, sweetheart."
"Have I mentioned that I hate you?"
"No, you don't."
"No. I don't."
"Ready to go back?"
She grinned. "Yeah."
"Why don't you go ahead and shower?" Killian said, when they got back to their suite. "I'll order us something to eat."
"You're not joining me?" He swore he heard a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Hmm, as enticing as that would be, Swan, I've got other plans for you."
"Do I get a hint?"
"Life's full of surprises, love. Go on." He swatted her ass as she walked away, just because. God, it was gonna be so annoying to go back to work tomorrow. He just wanted to spend all his time with her, making her smile, holding her, bringing her pleasure until neither of them could stand. He sighed and picked up the phone, ordering them some dinner...along with a few extra things. After Emma finished her shower, he took one of his own, washing all the sand and salt off his body. He came out, towel slung low on his hips, not bothering to dress. Emma wasn't much better, splayed out in one of the chairs wearing another of his shirts...and nothing else.
"Did you bring any of your own clothes, love?"
"You said I looked better in yours."
"So I did." He bent down to kiss her, getting lost in the feel of her lips on his. They were still kissing when there was another knock on their door. He grumbled only a little when he pulled away to get it. He didn't want anyone else seeing his Swan like this, barely dressed and wanting. Not again.
"What's on the tray?" she asked when he wheeled the cart in.
"That's for later," he said with a smirk. His eyes drifted to the mirror on the opposite side of the room. They were in a place designed for indulgence; Killian planned on taking full advantage of it.
"You're up to something."
"Well, you did give me free reign, Swan. Unless you're rethinking that?" He would never do something she wasn't comfortable with.
She smiled up at him. "I trust you, Killian."
Hearing that after everything they'd been through...it was more than he deserved. He wanted to tell (again) that he loved her, but he settled for kissing her instead. "You're the most extraordinary lass I have ever met."
"You don't get out much, do you?"
"I'm not an idle flatterer, love. You should know that by now."
She nodded silently, a bit of flush on her cheeks. "So what do we have, aside from the mysterious tray?"
He'd ordered them a New York style pizza, or as close as they could get outside of the actual place. He knew he'd made the right choice when he saw her eyes light up. It was good to know that not everything about her home brought annoyance and frustration. She probably missed it the same way he sometimes missed London. That he couldn't just step out his door and feel the pulse of the city, hop in one of the infamous black cabs and head to Piccadilly or Trafalgar Square. Lord knew it wasn't the weather he missed, all damp and rainy, gray. He wondered if Emma would like to go there with him. He hadn't been back in seven years, had no reason to.
"What are you thinking?" Emma asked, wiping grease off her hands. "You looked far away."
Killian shrugged. "Home, I suppose. I haven't been back in a long time."
"Do you still think of it as home?"
"Sometimes. Then I think about leaving here...I have to say I'd be torn. Not much I could do with my degree back home." Not to mention that he had no family back there. His father was...somewhere, maybe. Not that he cared. He'd given up on that a long time ago.
Emma looked at him, opened her mouth then shut it again. Almost like she wanted to tell him something, but changed her mind. "I have trouble imagining you there."
Killian laughed. "Sometimes I do too. I've made things work here. Found a few other ex pats like me. Maybe it's an island thing."
"I'm not going to be able to understand any of you where you're all in the same room, am I?"
Killian cleaned off his hands, tossing the napkin on the nearly empty cart. "Depends. Are you fond of my accent, love?"
She shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not."
Killian reached over and caught her fingers in his, drifting down to brush her fluttering pulse. "Oh, I think you are," he said, laying it on a little thicker than he usually did. "I'm not sure I want you exposed to those limey bastards. Might be more than you can handle."
Emma got up and stood in front of his plush chair. His shirt fluttered around the tops of her thighs; he was certain it didn't cover her ass. "Nope, not affected," she said softly.
Killian leaned forward, loosening his towel, letting it fall open so she could stand between his legs. "I think you're lying," he said, kissing one of her exposed thighs. "I think you like hearing all the dirty things I'd like to do to you."
Her pupils dilated, just as he expected. "Like what?"
"Lick every inch of you until you're begging me to take you," he replied, hands sliding up the backs of her thighs. "Bring you to the brink over and over again until you can't stand it. Bend you over my desk, make you scream my name."
Emma let out a shuddering breath, her hands curling over his shoulders. "Killian...oh god."
Killian chuckled low in his throat. He hitched his shirt up her body; her stomach muscles were trembling. He kissed her there, wet open mouthed kisses, tongue circling her navel. "Does that turn you on, Swan?" he murmured in her skin. "Are you wet for me?"
Her hips rocked in his hands. "Why don't you check?"
"I want to hear you say it."
"I want you," she said, licking her lips. "I want you to do all those things to me."
He squeezed her ass, jerking her bare mound closer to his mouth. He was so close to her he could smell how much she wanted him. "That's not what I asked, love."
"Christ, I'm soaked alright? All I can think about half the time is how much I want you."
"Is that so? Have you touched yourself, thinking of me?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation.
"Would you show me?"
Her eyes snapped to his. "Is that what you want?"
"Oh, this is just the beginning, Swan." He kissed her hipbone. "I've got lots of plans for you."
She nodded, once. "Okay."
"Sit back in your chair, darling." She did as he asked, crossing her arms and removing his shirt. As sexy as he found her in it, he liked the sight of her flushed pale skin even more. Emma scooted down in the chair, propping one leg up on the arm, exposing her wet pink cunt to his greedy gaze. He watched in fascination as she skimmed her palms over her breasts, teasing the hardening nipples. Killian moved to kneel in front of her, his towel falling away completely. His cock was already painfully hard, but he didn't want her to stop. "Beautiful," he muttered.
Emma smiled faintly, tongue wetting her lips. "I thought about this," she said. "Touching myself with you watching."
He kissed her knee. "Don't stop."
Emma plucked her nipples, a soft moan escaping. "Oh." Her right hand drifted over her stomach, fingertips skimming down through her wetness. Killian swallowed, curling his hand around his cock, needing some kind of relief from the ache. Emma gathered moisture on her fingers, moving to circle her clit. She moved with sure strokes, knowing exactly what she liked. She spread her legs wider, dipping two fingers inside, lightly fucking herself.
"Bloody hell," Killian breathed, riveted. "Make yourself come. I want to see it."
Emma nodded wordlessly, fingers moving faster, plunging deeper. She shuddered when she found her sweet spot, moaning loudly. Moments later, she crashed over the edge, body trembling, walls clenching around her fingers. When she calmed, Killian brought her fingers to his lips, licking them clean. She tasted sweet and tangy. He loved it.
Killian stood, cock bobbing against his stomach. He dragged the chair over to where the mirror sat, propped against the wall. It was large and ornate, with a gilded antique frame. "What are you doing?" Emma asked, still a bit breathless.
"Having my dessert," Killian replied, grinning wolfishly at her. He bent down to kiss her, tipping her chin up. "You."
"Oh my god."
Killian went for the covered tray, bringing it to where Emma sat. He laid it on the floor, tossing the cover into his now empty chair. There was a small bowl of strawberries (Emma's favorite) and bottle of chocolate syrup. He snagged a condom out of his pants, not wanting to fool with it when the time was right. Perhaps they should have a talk about that soon.
"Would you like a strawberry, love?"
Emma sat up, just a bit. "Yes, please."
Killian picked one up, placing it in front of her lips. She kept her lust filled emerald gaze on his as she opened her mouth and bit down, a little juice dribbling down her chin. Killian smiled, leaning in to lick at it. Emma swallowed then caught his lips before he could pull away, kissing him hard.
"The princess enjoys this little game, eh?" he smirked, rubbing his free thumb over her kiss swollen lower lip.
"You have no idea how much I want you right now."
"Oh, I think I do." He glanced down, Emma following his eyes. His erection had only dwindled briefly, but now it was back and it hurt. "But I like playing with you, lass." He fed her the rest of the strawberry, licking his fingers clean. He reached for the bottle, pulling the cap off. "Lay back, Swan."
She had as he asked, skin flushed prettily with arousal. Killian tipped the bottle over, watching as she jerked. "That's cold!" she hissed, chest heaving.
"Or perhaps you're just hot," he teased, leaning down to lick a stripe up her stomach. Chocolate smeared over her pale skin; it was sweet on his tongue. "Hmm." He poured more chocolate, over the swells of her breasts, dripping over her puckered nipples. Killian picked up another strawberry, trailing it over her skin, smearing more chocolate. He popped it into his mouth as she watched with wide eyes. "Would you like one, Emma?"
She squirmed in the chair, fists clenching. "Yes."
Killian prepared hers the same way, bringing it to her lips. She moaned as she bit into it, eyes falling closed. "Good?"
"Mmhmm."
"I wonder if you taste as good." He lowered his head to her chest, licking at the smeared chocolate. Emma moaned as he teased her, tracing her nipple with his tongue, lapping at her skin. He wrapped his arms under her back, drawing her closer as if he was going to devour her. Emma cursed and mewled, her fingers in his hair, tugging sharply whenever he got to a particularly sensitive spot. He'd been careful with the chocolate, knowing her body well, wanting her writhing and pleading.
"Killian," she panted. "Please. Fuck, it hurts."
Killian raised his head, kissing her brow. "What do you need, sweetheart?"
"I need you inside me. I need you to fuck me."
Her broken tone sent shivers down his spine. His cock throbbed with barely restrained need; he wondered if he'd ever get enough of her. "On your knees," he growled.
He moved so she could get off the chair. There were still a few stray trails of chocolate down her torso, but it only made him want her more. Killian licked his lips, fumbling on the floor for the condom. He ripped the pack hastily and rolled it on, moving to kneel behind her.
"I want you to watch us," he said, kissing her shoulder. "Can you do that?"
Emma nodded, eyes locked with his in the mirror. He'd never seen her more beautiful, pupils blown, chest heaving and flushed, lips kiss swollen. Killian ran his hands down over her chest, her stomach and she shivered.
"You're so soft, love," he whispered, kissing her neck. "You like when I touch you?"
Emma leaned back against him, grinding her ass into his erection wantonly. "God yes."
Killian hissed, fingers squeezing her hips. "Spread your legs." She did so, nudging her ass back toward him. Killian reached down and guided himself in, both of them sighing at his intrusion. Emma gasped and moaned, grinding her hips down, taking him in as deeply as she could.
"Oh fuck," she breathed, her head lolling.
Killian rocked his hips a little, moving just a little in her. "Does that feel good, Emma?"
"Yes," she whimpered, "so good."
He placed on hand on her stomach and one lightly around her neck, forcing her to return her gaze to the mirror. "Watch." Her eyes dropped from his to where they were joined. Emma moaned as he slowly started to take her, long rolls of his hips, the pace agonizing but so, so good. He watched too, the sight incredibly erotic; Emma bowed in front of him, legs spread as he drove into her. His hand slid down her stomach, reaching for her clit. Emma's back arched as he touched her, a small cry tumbling from her lips.
"Let me hear you, lass." he whispered in her ear. "Don't hold back."
Emma nodded and cursed, a hand reaching back. She turned her head, capturing his lips in a sloppy kiss. "Fuck, you taste like chocolate," she gasped, fingers still in his hair. Her eyes squeezed shut, a shudder wracking her. "Close. So close."
Her walls were fluttering; he could feel it. Abruptly, he bent her over; Emma's hands hitting the carpet with a dull thud. She barely braced herself in time. She cried out as he took her with more force, the angle deeper now, hitting her just right.
"Fuck!" she screeched, nails digging into the carpet. "Yes!"
Killian curled himself over her, arm under her stomach. "Come, Emma. Come."
He felt it the moment she exploded, walls gripping him like a bloody vice, the powerful orgasm ripping through her. She screamed incoherently, arms giving out. Killian held her to him as he pushed through it, chasing his own pleasure. It washed over him in a rush, hips rutting into hers until he was spent.
He had just enough presence of mind to roll them onto their sides before he gave out completely. His arm throbbed where Emma fell on it, but he didn't care. Not when she was sated and panting in his arms. Killian brushed a line of kisses over her damp neck, combing his fingers through her hair soothingly. She hummed appreciatively, leaning back into him. He pulled his arm gently out from under her before it could get numb, rubbing patterns into her back. He wasn't sure how long they stayed like that; the floor wasn't exactly comfortable, but he didn't want to move.
He peaked a look in the mirror, over Emma's shoulder. Her eyes were closed, a tired smile on her face. Her breathing was evening out; it appeared she would drop off any moment. Killian smiled, pleased that he had made her feel that way. He kissed the shell of her ear, then knelt to lift her into the bed. Once she was settled, he padded to the bathroom to clean up. He had dried chocolate in his beard; he washed, the cold water like a chock to his system. Killian cursed lowly, not wanting to wake Emma. She still had some chocolate on her too, but they could shower in the morning before they left.
He cleaned up the tray and food as quietly as he could, pushing the chair back into place. There was a rather large brown stain on the off white cushion, oops. He must have gotten a bit carried away. Emma would find it funny, no doubt. Chuckling at that, he went to join her in the bed, grunting when she sought him out, snuggling into him. He dropped a kiss on top of her head, feeling that familiar ache in his chest.
"I love you," he whispered. Killian held his breath, stunned that he'd said it out loud. Seconds ticked by and Emma didn't stir. She was fast asleep. He didn't know if that was better or not.
But he'd tell her. Soon. He only prayed she felt the same way.
Emma adjusted the earbuds in her ears; they kept coming loose. She was running on the treadmill in the resort gym since it was too wet out for her usual run. After they returned from Honolulu, the North Shore got doused with its first real soaking rain since her arrival. It had been raining for four days now.
She only hoped the weather improved. Killian's friend Robin had invited them all over for a cookout on Friday night. Emma would never admit it out loud, but she was a bit nervous. Will flat out didn't like her; although, he'd promised to be civil. That was before the fight; Emma didn't know if that still held up. Robin, on the other hand...well, he was Killian's boss which was a whole other complication. Since Killian had told her the truth, they'd been more circumspect, since she didn't want him to get caught.
She'd offered to move somewhere else, but Killian had refused. The damage was already done, he argued. They'd been lucky so far, perhaps their luck would hold. It was only for the summer. Emma was selfishly glad; if her project had a prayer of getting off the ground, then she was going to need the goodwill of the resort staff. That would be easier to get if she was an actual paying guest.
She felt a twinge of guilt, since she still hadn't explained any of this to Killian. She tried to rationalize it by telling herself that she was still working on it, but she knew that was a lie. They'd been in a really good place since their fight; she didn't want to bring work into it. But she'd have to. Soon.
Besides, she really wanted to hear what he thought. He was the expert, after all.
She finished her run, nodding to some of the other guests as she went to collect her things. She went back to her bungalow and showered, trying not to think about Killian. If she did that, then she'd just wind herself up and he wasn't there to ease her ache. She didn't know how, but the sex had gotten even better since their fight.
She felt it every time they touched, that soft buzz of electricity, warm and heady...loved. She felt loved when they were together, even if all he was doing was holding her. She caught him staring at her once or twice, when he thought she couldn't see. The tender adoring look on his face that Elsa talked about. God, she needed to tell him. It was on the tip of her tongue...all the time. But the last time she thought she loved someone, they hurt her. Badly.
Killian's not Neal, she scolded herself. You know that.
She did, god help her she did, but it was still scary. She hadn't felt like this in a long time and even then it hadn't felt like...this. They rarely went more than a few hours without speaking, or sending a simple text. And unlike when she was with Neal, they were never demanding or accusatory. Killian wasn't checking to see where she was or who she was with. He just wanted her to know he was thinking of her. He wanted to tell her a joke or share a story. Or, her personal favorite, he wanted to flirt shamelessly, often making her blush in public, while Elsa laughed.
She was still her own person with Killian. She was happiest when she was with him, but he flat out encouraged her to spend time with Elsa. Emma adored him for it. Elsa went on a tear, dragging Emma up and down the coast, ducking into nearly every shop they could find. Rain, her friend declared, was the perfect shopping weather.
Emma almost missed her ringing phone; she was blow drying her hair. She shut the dryer off hastily, smiling when she saw Killian's smiling face on the caller ID. "Hey."
"This a bad time, love?"
"No, I just got out of the shower."
Killian groaned. "Emma..."
"You asked, buddy."
She heard his put out sigh and bit back a laugh. "Anyway," he said, "I was commissioned to check and see if we were still on for tomorrow evening."
"At Robin's house? Yeah, as far as I know."
"Excellent. Robin will be happy to hear it. He's been annoying me about it all morning."
"Oh." That wasn't exactly helping her nerves.
"Not to worry, lass. Robin sometimes acts like an old mother hen. You'll get used to it."
"He's not that much older than us, isn't he?" Granted it had been dark, but she wasn't an idiot.
"Well no, but he's got a son. Roland, who's four. Been raising him by himself since his wife died."
"Oh, that's so sad," Emma replied softly. No wonder Robin was so kind to Killian. He also knew what it felt like to lose someone he loved.
"He's doing better now, but still likes to meddle," Killian said, chuckling quietly. "He's all in a bother about this little party."
"He doesn't have to make a big deal," Emma said quickly.
"Afraid you're too late for that. But it should be a laugh. Oh, before I forget, you like Star Wars, right?"
Emma's brow crinkled. "Yeah, why?"
"Rumor has it we'll be watching it."
"Food and a movie? Damn." She chewed on her lip. "Should we bring anything? Is that a thing people do?"
Killian laughed. "Occasionally, but you don't have to, lass. Robin should have enough to feed a small army."
"Are you sure?" The last thing she wanted was for Robin to think she was some stuck up rich girl like Will apparently did.
"Positive. I'll swing by and pick you and Elsa up around four, okay?"
"Okay. Miss you."
"Miss you too, darling. I'll see you tomorrow."
They hung up and Emma went back to drying her hair. When she finished, she found Elsa. "Hey, let's go out."
Elsa cocked her head. "I know that look, Emma. What for?"
"I want to get something to take to Robin's tomorrow."
"Okay. Such as?"
"Well, how about some wine for us. And...well, Robin's got little boy. I just thought it would be nice if we brought him something."
"Oh, that sounds like a lovely idea. And we can pick up that painting I got for Anna. It should be framed by now."
They had a very fun afternoon scouring the area for a toy for Roland. Emma kept dismissing things, changing her mind. Finally, she settled in a Jolly Roger playset, complete with Captain Hook and Jake the Neverland Pirate. Nothing too extravagant and age appropriate. Elsa bought a stuffed reindeer for Kristoff as a gag gift, which made Emma laugh.
"Why a reindeer?"
"Well, you know he's from Norway, right?" Emma nodded; she had a vague recollection of Anna telling her that. "He grew up out in the middle of nowhere, learning to skate on the fjords. Anyway, he told me a story about this reindeer that used to come around. He saw it so often, he gave it a name, Sven. So this is to remind him of Sven."
"Remind me to thank him for getting you here. How'd he do it anyway?"
Elsa tucked the reindeer back into the bag. "Actually, he smuggled me onto the Rangers' private plane to Los Angeles. They were going there for the finals."
"The Stanley Cup finals?" Emma didn't know a lot about hockey, but she did know that.
Elsa nodded. "Anna goes to all the home games. When I told him I needed to see you, he pulled a few strings. He's a really good guy, Emma."
"If I didn't know you better, I'd think you had a crush."
Elsa wrinkled her nose. "No! Kristoff's sweet, terrific for Anna, not me. But I'd definitely call him my friend?"
Emma grinned. "Friend is good. Especially if he and Anna are, you know, serious. He could be your brother in law someday."
"Serious like you and Killian? Might I have two brothers in law?"
"Elsa!" Christ, she hadn't even told him she loved him yet and Elsa was taking about marriage.
"I keep telling you, Emma. I know that look on his face. I've seen it on yours. He makes you happy. Happier than I've ever seen you. And you love him."
"We've only been together for like six weeks! You can't base a lifetime on six weeks!" Then she clapped her hand over her mouth in horror. God, how could she be so thoughtless. "Elsa, I am so sorry...I didn't mean that how it sounded."
When they were in college, Elsa had a boyfriend. His name was Edward. Good family, funny, handsome. Adored Elsa. Then he got sick. Degenerative heart defect. He needed a transplant, but never got it. He died in the middle of their junior year, during Christmas break. Emma had just started to see Neal; she'd felt so guilty for being happy when her best friend was miserable and grieving.
So much death around her. Elsa withdrew after Eddie's death; she finished school after taking a semester off, but never went to parties or any of the socializing that she'd done before. Anna started replacing her at Arendelle family charity events and the like. Eddie's memory was why Elsa had fought so fiercely for Emma when she saw the path Emma was going down with Neal.
She would always be grateful to Elsa for that.
Elsa looked away, then sighed. "I know you didn't. Honestly, it's okay. It's been almost four years, Emma."
"But you still miss him."
"I do, but Eddie's gone. Seeing you here, seeing you with Killian...I'm jealous. God, I am so jealous of you, Emma. And of Anna. Does that make me a bad person?"
Emma took her friend's hand. "No. You are one of the best people I know, Elsa. You're gonna be happy too, you know. You'll see."
Elsa smiled wistfully. "Maybe. Just...think about what I said, okay? About you and Killian. Life is precious, Emma. Don't waste it."
"I won't," she promised.
Killian picked them up promptly at four the following afternoon. Emma greeted him with a kiss, little more enthusiastically than she normally did when Elsa was present. Killian didn't seem to mind, kissing her back eagerly.
"Perhaps we should spend more time apart if that's the welcome I get," he teased when she pulled away.
"Don't you dare."
His lips touched her temple. "I wouldn't dream of it, sweetheart. Hello, Elsa."
"Hi, Killian."
"Are you ladies ready to go?"
"Yeah, let me just get our bags."
Killian frowned. "I told you you didn't have to bring anything, Emma."
"I know, but I chose to ignore you. Besides, I wanted to." She squeezed his fingers. "Don't worry, it's just some wine and little gift for Roland."
"That's very sweet of you, lass."
"I think you'll like it too," she teased, helping Elsa with the awkward box. They got it loaded into the back of the Jeep, wedging it in with Elsa. Emma kept the wine up front with her, nestled between her legs.
"Sorry, lass," Killian said to Elsa. "I'm not used to ferrying this many people around."
"It's okay. We're not going far, right?"
"Should be there in ten or fifteen minutes."
"Perfect."
They got to Robin's in twenty minutes; Killian had to take a detour around a fender bender. However, they arrived in one piece, with only mild grumbling. More from Killian than Elsa, as it happened. Emma suspected that for all his bravado, he was still a little wary when it came to Elsa. Emma understood how he felt; she was feeling it in that precise moment, that urge to be liked by the people important to the one you love.
"Let me get that for you, lass," Killian declared, climbing out of the Jeep and reaching for the box. Emma was an old hand as disembarking from the high car, even in her more sturdy heels. It was trickier for Elsa, having to duck under the cage and around the pushed forward seat.
"Um, that's quite a step," Elsa said, giving a little laugh.
Emma grinned. "You get used to it actually." She was very fond of Killian's Jeep. "Everybody ready?"
Killian sidled up next to her, box under his arm. "You'll be brilliant, love," he assured her softly, deftly reaching for her hand.
They marched up to Robin's door, but it burst open as they climbed the stairs. "Killian!" a small boy screamed. Emma hardly had a chance to take in the adorable dimples and dark brown hair before he lept into Killian's arms. Killian had to let her go and drop the box to accommodate his little friend, picking him up with a little oomph of surprise.
"Well, hello there, Roland," Killian said, grinning. "Are you hiding from your papa again?"
Roland giggled, smiling happily. "Yeah. Will you hide with me, Killian?"
"Perhaps later, lad. Right now, I'd like you to meet someone." Killian set the boy down in front of him, hands on his little shoulders. "Roland, this is my friend Emma. Can you say hello?"
Emma knelt down on the step, offering her hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Roland."
Roland eyed her for a moment, then broke out into a toothy grin. "Hi," he replied, giving her fingers a shake. "Are you Killian's girl friend?"
Emma exchanged looks with Killian, who shrugged. "You're very smart," she told Roland, blushing a little. "Yeah, I am."
"Cool." Then to her surprise, Roland launched himself into her arms and hugged her tight. Emma blushed harder and hugged him back; he was really cute. "Who are you?"
Emma pulled away, realizing Roland had seen Elsa. "This is my friend Elsa. She's here all the way from New York."
Elsa knelt to look Roland in the eye as well. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Roland."
He cocked his head at her. "Are you Killian's girlfriend too?"
Elsa laughed. "No, no. I'm just Emma's friend."
"Would you be my girlfriend? You're pretty."
All three of them laughed. "Thank you," Elsa said, blushing. Good grief, if Robin was half as charming as his son, they were all in trouble.
"Roland," Killian cut in, "the ladies brought you a gift. Would you like to open it?"
"Present!" Roland screeched, suddenly ignoring them completely.
The front door opened again; Emma recognized a very hassled looking Robin. "Roland!" the older man scolded. "What did I tell you about running out of the house?"
Roland looked a little ashamed. "Sorry, Papa. Killian's here!"
Robin smiled exasperatedly. "Yes, I can see that." He flipped a towel onto his shoulder. "I apologize for Roland's exuberance. We've been playing hide and seek while I got things ready." He held out his hand to Emma. "Emma, I presume?"
She grinned and shook. "Yeah. Hi. Again."
"It's good to meet you properly, Emma. Killian's told us a lot about you."
"Has he now?" She looked askance at Killian, wondering what fresh trouble he'd gotten her into.
"All good things, I assure you."
"We'll see about that. Robin, this is my friend Elsa."
Robin stood up a little straighter. Elsa had that effect on people; she had a very regal presence. "How do you do, milady?"
Elsa smiled. "Very well, thank you. It was very kind of you to invite us into your home." And there was Elsa, the hostess, the veteran of so many social functions. Emma had missed that about her friend. She was far better at it than Emma. Far more gracious.
Robin looked over at Killian. "I just thought it was time. It's been a very interesting summer so far, don't you think?"
Killian rolled his eyes. "Stuff it, you," he said warningly. He turned to Emma and Elsa. "Don't mind him. He gets a bit full of himself, delusions of grandeur and whatnot."
"Papa, can I open my present now?"
Robin looked at Emma, who got a bit nervous. Hopefully, she hadn't overstepped. "Only if you promise to thank Emma and Elsa properly."
"I will!" Roland practically dived into the bag, pulling on the box awkwardly. Killian knelt down to help, giving Emma a knowing look when he saw what was in it. The boys tore the box open, revealing the small version of the Jolly Roger and its tiny crew. "Look, Killian! It's the Jolly Roger! Just like the movie!"
"Aye, lad. Now what do you say?"
Roland jumped up and launched himself at Emma again. "Thank you!"
Emma hugged him. "I'm glad you like it."
"It's the best!"
Once Roland calmed down, the adults helped him haul his new prize inside. Killian got detained by Roland in the living room, while Robin showed Emma and Elsa around his home. It was bigger than Emma expected, light and airy, with an open concept main floor. Stairs led to the second floor, where the bedrooms were. There was a lot of wood, but it wasn't dark.
"I was always running about the forest when I was a child," Robin explained, getting the girls something to drink. "It might have stuck a bit."
Emma accepted the beer. "The closest forest we know is in Central Park," she replied. "New York's not really an...outdoorsy kind of place."
"No, it's filled with lots of pompous buggers who think they're better than everyone else," a new voice cut in. Emma groaned inwardly when she recognized Will's voice.
"Will Scarlet," Robin scolded. "Be nice."
"Who are ya? Me mother?" Then he turned to Emma. Elsa was standing beside her, a bit nonplussed at Will's attitude. "Sorry, love. Couldn't resist. We have an understanding, don't we, lass?"
Civil, Emma. "Yeah, something like that." She looked at Elsa. "Elsa, this is Killian's friend Will. Ignore everything he says. He's all hot air."
"Hello," Elsa said to Will, nodding curtly.
"Great, another blonde," Will groused. "Seriously, mate, where do you find them?"
Elsa scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. "And what's wrong with blondes?"
"Nothin' if yer inta havin' yer heart ripped outta yer chest."
"Will," Robin interjected. "Why don't you take these out to the patio? Make yourself useful for once." He shoved a pile of paper plates and cups into the man's hands, looking exasperated. Will accepted his task gracelessly, snagging the beer that was supposed to be Elsa's in the process.
"Sure, mate."
Elsa looked stunned, but made no protest. "I think I'll go see how Killian and Roland are," she said, leaving Emma alone with Robin.
"Bloody hell," Robin cursed. "I don't know why he's being such an arse." They watched as Elsa ignore Killian and Roland completely, following Will out onto the patio. "Um, is she gonna be alright?"
Emma burst into laughter. "Trust me, Elsa's a lot tougher than she looks. She can handle him." She took another pull on her beer. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Robin shook his head. "No, I think I've got things under control, lass. But thank you."
Emma hesitated, torn. She wanted to go find Killian, see how Roland was with his new toy. But this could be the only moment she got alone with Robin. As Killian's boss, he might have some insight into how to get her project off the ground. "Robin, may I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"How well do you know Regina Mills?"
Robin looked like was about to choke, but he went along with it. They talked for so long, they lost track of time.
"Hey Robin, are we planning on eating any time soon?" Killian asked, entering the kitchen. "I'm bloody starving."
Robin broke off and nodded. "Yeah. I was just taking the meat out to the grill." He picked up the platter and moved out toward the patio.
"What was that about, love?" Killian asked.
Emma leaned in and kissed his cheek, just because she could. "I'll tell you later. I was just asking Robin something about his boss."
"Regina? What'd you want to know about her?"
"It's complicated. But I will explain, I promise. Let's enjoy the night with our friends?"
Killian grinned. "Fair enough." He pulled Emma close, hugging her. She buried her head in his shoulder, feeling the lingering tension from meeting his friends going out of her. She felt completely safe in his arms. "Better, darling?"
Emma smiled into his chest. "Yeah. Thanks."
"I told you there was nothing to worry about."
"Unless Will and Elsa kill each other."
"She did appear to be in a fit state earlier. Do I want to know?"
"The usual. No big deal." At least she hoped not.
"Perhaps we should go check on them then." They each grabbed a drink and headed out in the direction of all the voices. No one was shouting so that was a good sign.
Emma came up short when she saw them. Roland was busy, playing happily with his new toy, oblivious to the adults. Robin waited by the grill, a bemused expression on his face. Will and Elsa, on the other hand, sat across from each other at the picnic table, having a heated but civil discussion. Will was gesturing wildly with his hands and Elsa was trying not to laugh at him. When she made her counterpoint, it was quiet but firm, actually trying to reason with him.
"How long have they been like that?" Emma asked Robin.
"A good while now, lass. And Will's still sober."
"Isn't that interesting," Killian said, chuckling. "Come on, let's go see if we can mediate." He tugged on Emma's hand, leading her over to their friends.
"But it's a bloody puck, lass," Will was saying. "How can they even see it? I'll bet it hurts like the dickens too."
"It's black, Will. It stands out on the ice. Why do you think they were so much padding?"
Emma sat down, confused as to what they'd stumbled in on. "Sorry, but what are you two even talking about?"
"The merits of hockey over soccer," Elsa said matter of factly.
"I've told you," Will groused. "It's football. Bloody Yanks."
"You know the word soccer was used by the English first," Elsa pointed out. "Besides, we need to distinguish it from our football."
"Are you hearing this, mate?" Will cried to Killian. "Not bloody football. Honestly."
"She's not wrong, you know. I do it sometimes too, especially when I go to the games."
"Oh, you've been to the University of Hawaii games?" Elsa asked eagerly.
"Aye. They're pretty good. It's a nice way to spend a Saturday."
"How do you even know about hockey?" Emma asked Elsa. The Elsa she knew wasn't a big sports fan.
"My sister's dating an actual NHL player, remember? I've been to few of their games. It's hard not to absorb something."
"Oh. Okay."
"So we're supposed ta take the word of a hanger on?" Will demanded. "Fantastic. I'm tellin' ya, it's not a sport."
"They play it in England, you know. Do those people think it's not a sport?"
"It was invented by Canadians," Will said stubbornly.
"Because Canada is the root of all evil," Emma joked.
"Could be," Killian said. "Does it do anything there besides snow?"
With that, they were off, talking about the various English speaking countries and their sports. Robin came by with a few helpful anecdotes of his own as the best traveled of the group. It went better than Emma could have hoped, despite the rocky start with Will. When it was time to eat, she was surprised to see Will helping Elsa with her plate. Perhaps she'd been right before and he really was human. Deep, deep down.
Robin explained to Emma later that he'd grown rather fond of the American tradition of barbecuing and since she and Elsa were Americans, it seemed appropriate. For once Will made no complaints, diving into his burger with a gusto that surprised her. She admired how well the three Englishmen had adapted to their new home. She was grateful that Killian at least was here; she'd have never of met him otherwise.
After dinner, Robin put Roland to bed while the others cleaned up. Killian opened the wine, pouring them all a glass before moving into the den. "We usually watch matches in here," he explained to Emma and Elsa. There was a large screen on the opposite wall. "Make yourself comfortable."
Elsa perched in one of the chairs in the front, wine glass in her hand. Will flopped into a round bean bag chair in the corner, toeing off his boots like he owned the place.
"Don't mind him," Killian whispered to Emma. "He always does that." He guided them to the couch along the back wall, perfect for cuddling, she couldn't help but notice. They smiled at each other and clinked their glasses in a silent toast. Emma tucked her feet under her, sitting as close to Killian as she dared before the movie started. Once everyone was distracted, she'd scoot closer.
"Ah, there you all are," Robin said, relieved. "I've got the movie all queued up." He settled in the other armchair next to Elsa, punching some buttons on a remote. In moments, the lights went down and the screen was black. The familiar fanfare blared and the crawl to Star Wars began.
Emma only half paid attention to the movie; Killian was far more interesting. She could tell he'd seen the movie many times, often mouthing the words as the characters spoke them. Emma joined him, whispering some of the dialogue into his ear, pleased when he shivered.
"Swan," he hissed. His arm was around her, fingers digging possessively into the soft flesh of her arm.
"What?"
"You know what that does to me, you minx."
"What? This?" She set her empty wine glass aside and leaned in to kiss his cheek, lips sliding back toward his ear. She licked the shell, adjusting her seat so she could reach him better. Killian let out a shuddering breath, his free hand pulling on the hem of her shirt.
Emma moved again, climbing directly into his lap, kissing him deeply. As fun as the evening had been, nothing compared to kissing him. Killian responded with enthusiasm, sucking her bottom lip, his hands in her hair.
"Oi! Get a room you two!" Will hollered.
Emma and Killian broke apart, laughing. After the movie was over...they did just that.
