A/N: Happy Once Day! I have my fingers crossed for some OutlawQueen moments this week. And mostly why I'm looking forward to watching it this week lol I want to thank you guys for your patience between chapters as well! You are all awesome. Also, HUGE shout out to justfangirlingit on tumblr because I am not sure that this chapter would have ever actually gotten written without her. Seriously guys go sing her praises! A true lifesaver. I'm pretty sure you guys will like this chapter and it will make up for the bit of a cliff hanger I left you with ;) Enjoy!
Regina makes her way up to her room, spends the night tossing and turning in bed, memories of Robin's hands sliding over her body, of his tongue teasing hers clouding her mind. Her rather valiant attempts to ignore the fact he's sleeping just down the hall from her and how easy it would be to slip into bed with him failing spectacularly.
As a result of her sleepless night, Regina is cranky and irritable the following morning and absolutely nothing has changed. She and Robin had kissed yes, had slipped up, but any sort of personal relationship between them is completely out of the question. It's not practical, not to mention the idea scares the hell out of her. Not that Regina will admit that to herself or Robin.
So she ventures downstairs the next morning with her anxiety levels at an all time high and mind going a mile a minute. What is he going to say? Will he bring it up? He's going to want to talk about it, I know it. I should never have let him into our lives, even if I didn't really have much of a choice in the matter. Regina's thoughts swirl round and round in her head.
Stopping short when she reaches the living room the sight that greets her melts her heart. The boys are all curled up on the couch watching a movie together. Roland lies on his side stretched out along the couch with his head pillowed on Robin's lap, his father reclining back into the cushions with his feet on the ottoman, and Roland's tiny fingers curled around the material of Robin's jeans as he watches Woody and Buzz bicker on screen. Her son is curled up next to them, Robin's arm wrapped around Henry's shoulders keeping him close as they watch the characters on screen.
None of them notice Regina standing in the doorway and she takes a moment to absorb how sweet the three of them look together, feels her heart fall just a bit more for the man casually spending the morning with their children. How is she suppose to guard her heart from him when everything he does pulls at her? For a brief moment, she lets herself consider the possibilities of this being their reality, of lazy Sundays as a family and cuddling together on the couch, of spending the day with their sons before curling up in Robin's arms at night. The image is so beautiful it breaks Regina's heart it's not in the cards for them.
Of course Robin's eyes rise and meet her own at that moment, emotions swimming in the dark orbs as they connect with his bright, steady blue ones. And Regina feels like weeping, curses whatever she has done to deserve the cruelty life has brought upon her, the result of which is now keeping her from this man. She wants this. Wants him. Yet, she can't have either.
It's clear from the look in Robin's eyes he can see right into her soul, has no trouble whatsoever spotting each and every one of her fears and insecurities. The truth in that is what makes her worry she won't be able to keep him from continuing to chip away at the fort around her heart now that he's glimpsed the woman she keeps hidden away from the world, now that he knows how much she wants him.
Before her heightened emotions can get the better of her Regina turns quickly around and heads for the kitchen, tells herself she doesn't want to disturb their viewing of Toy Story but the truth is she's just running from her feelings, again.
Robin stares after Regina's retreating form, tries not to let his sigh disturb either of the boys beside him. He's had just as restless of a night. Had lain awake staring at the ceiling into the early morning hours, thoughts of Regina filling his head and refusing to let him rest. The logical part of Robin's brain is telling him to let their little slip up in the kitchen go, pretend it didn't happen and move on. Focus his energy on catching this psycho so he can move on to the next job. One that doesn't involve such an alluring client. His heart, however, is screaming at him that giving up on them would be a huge mistake, what he and Regina feel for one another is far too strong to ignore. It seems even staying away from her is distracting him. So then what's the point in even attempting to when Robin would much prefer to have this incredible woman in his arms?
Her stalker isn't their only obstacle, though, and Robin knows it. Is fully aware Regina is just as much of a barrier as anything. He doesn't know why, doesn't know exactly what it is that's stopping her from opening up to him but all Robin wants is to keep her safe, would never do anything to hurt her. Surely if they stop beating around the bush they can figure something out.
Extricating himself from Henry and Roland he tells the pair he's going in search of snacks and follows Regina to the kitchen. She's absentmindedly stirring her coffee and staring out the window when he steps into the room. The way the light filters in at her back makes her a sort of glowing beauty that causes his heart to clench. "Regina…" his voice is quiet but firming enough to grab her attention as Robin goes to sit across from her at the table in the alcove. "I think we need to talk about what happened last night."
Regina shakes her head, tries not to meet his eyes for too long. "There's nothing to talk about, Robin. It was a long, stressful day, my emotions were a bit unsettled and you were a handy distraction." Regina's voice thickens as she forces the words out. "We got carried away. That's all. Let's just forget it happened."
"What if I don't want to forget it?" Robin counters. He's sick of pretending like he doesn't care about this woman, tired of fighting his feelings for her. "What if I told you that I want to be with you, that I don't bloody care about all the reasons why we shouldn't do this? They don't matter anymore, Regina. I want you. I want this, us. Don't you?"
Robin's eyes are pleading with her and Regina feels the cracks in her heart splinter and tear wider, the shaky cement with which she'd put the broken appendage back together crumbling. "No, Robin. I don't." Regina barely chokes out the words but they have to be said. Clearly he's not going to give up and surely there must be a way to make him see reason, to make him believe the lies she's telling him.
"Bollocks. We both want this. Why are you fighting it? Why won't you let me in?" Robin's voice drips with agitation, frustration seeping into mix with the pleading in his eyes. Then he's grasping her hand, cradling her fingers with his own, rubbing his thumb along the space between her index finger and thumb hoping to make her see reason. "We work, Regina. It's crazy, it doesn't make any sense and it's definitely not the most ideal time or circumstances but I can't help the fact I've come to care for you. I want to be more than just your bodyguard, milady."
Regina closes her eyes for a minute, shakes her head and pulls her hand back to settle on her lap. "I don't want that, Robin. I'm not interested in a relationship with you beyond our professional one." When her eyes lift to his they are clear and focused, even as her heart is breaking.
Silence hangs between them for what seems like an eternity until Robin's voice breaks the void. "Why?"
"I'm sorry?" Regina questions.
"Why are you so determined to act like there's nothing between us? Because the woman I had in my arms last night was damn well interested." Robin huffs. This conversation isn't going anywhere near how he hoped it would and it's starting to grate on his nerves. Trying to get through to her feels quite similar to slamming his body, heart, and mind into a brick wall repeatedly.
"I told you," Regina exclaims, desperate for this conversation to be over, "Last night was a momentary lapse in judgement, nothing more. I'm not responsible for you building it into something greater than that in your head."
Her words sting. He hates listening to her belittle what's between them to a momentary lapse in judgement when what they feel, what he feels at least, is so much more than that. But they aren't making any progress so with a sigh Robin nods, looks down at his hands as he pushes himself to his feet and misses the flash of alarm in Regina's eyes when she realizes he's leaving. She's finally managed to do it. To push him away. And she's an idiot. The brunette makes no move to stop him though, paralyzed in place as his eyes meet hers again.
"Fine, Regina. If that's what you need to tell yourself be my guest. It's not going to change how I feel or stop me from wanting you." Robin's gaze lingers on her face for another second before he turns to leave in resignation, swiping a bag of chips off the counter as he heads back to their sons.
. . .
It is torture. Pure and utter torture having to stand in the background and watch her flirt with another man. Fluttering her way through the room like a ray of sunshine, the light of the party from the instant she had walked in, heading straight to where Graham is tucked away on the sofa in the corner. Oh what Robin would give to have that smile directed toward him. She's been trying to push him away since their kiss in the kitchen and his sorry attempt at convincing her that giving them a shot is a good idea the following morning.
After almost a week of tense and uncomfortable silences and lingering glances on his part Robin is at a loss for what to do, for a way to get past her damn stubborn streak. To top off his banner week of Regina avoiding him, well as best as she's able considering he's with her pretty much constantly, she's had publicity events all week long. Events where she spends the majority of her time hanging on Graham's arm, never once glancing in Robin's direction. Flirting with him even when the cameras have stopped recording, when their interviewer is no longer paying attention, trying to keep up the ruse for his benefit Robin is sure. He knows what she's up to, that she's trying to make him believe she's interested in the shallow actor.
It isn't working though and Robin is definitely not buying her act, he's come to know her too well for that.
No matter how much she would like him to believe she's suddenly developed an interest in her costar he knows it's all a lie. She feels something for him and she can try to run from it all she likes but it's not going to just disappear. Whatever it is that's happening between them is real and despite her best efforts it is only growing stronger the longer they spend in each others company.
The bodyguard is falling in love with the star.
It's every cliché he can think of, except she's falling for him as well. Hell, he might already be there, head over heels in love with this stunning creature. Robin doesn't know yet what had happened in her past to make Regina so guarded, although the more he's thought about it over the past several days he would bet a lot of it having to do with whatever had happened to Henry's father. He's yet to get that out of her, hasn't broached the subject again since he'd asked her about it that night on the couch, hasn't wanted to push her to share something she's not ready to but Robin isn't sure he has much of a choice if that's what's keeping her from giving them a chance.
Until he's ready to bring the subject up with her though he's stuck here watching her flirt with that idiot and trying to avoid him. Robin knows he shouldn't let it get to him but if Graham puts his arm around her waist and pulls her close to whisper in her ear one more time he might very well end up doing something incredibly unprofessional, like breaking his hand.
Across the room Regina leans into Graham's touch, grinning playfully at his suggestion of what fun they could be having were they not in a room full of people and pretends her stomach isn't in knots. If Robin doesn't stop staring at her she is going to combust. He is only doing his job, she is paying him to be here, to monitor everything going on around her but there has been no escape this week when she's needed it the most. Trying to keep her emotions in check has proved far more difficult than she anticipated. How can she be expected to keep from jumping him when he's always around? Especially now that she knows exactly how he tastes, how it feels to have his body rubbing deliciously along hers. Now that she knows he is just as enamoured with her as she is with him. Regina's been trying to distract herself, and Robin, with Graham for days now.
She thought perhaps if he saw her flirting with another man he'd quit looking at her as if he wants to swallow her in one big gulp. It doesn't appear to be having the desired effect, however. In fact, just the opposite if the way he's eyeing Graham is any indication.
Regina needs some air, anything to get her away from Robin's unrelenting gaze. Disentangling herself from her companion Regina makes her way through the crowd of people toward the back of her manager's house where she knows she will likely find a quiet, dark room where she can collect herself for a few minutes.
Alone for no more than sixty seconds or so before the door creaks open, letting the noise of the party happening in the rest of the house in, Regina's head turns toward the door before it is closing and the party becomes a distant, dull sound once more. Robin stands just inside it, watching her and she lets out a groan. Is there nowhere she can get away from him? "Robin, what could possibly happen to me in an empty room? I just want a few minutes alone."
Slowly he steps further into the room, closing the distance between them. "You never know, milady, it's my job to ensure nothing happens to you, even if you are alone. There are quite a few people at this party. Who's to say your admirer hasn't found a way in?" Robin almost regrets bringing it up as the wariness in her expression deepens but he will not let anyone hurt her, even if it causes her discomfort. Nor is he one to pass up a prime opportunity to try and reason with this insufferable woman.
Robin stands directly in front of her, his hand moving to cup her chin, in what is now quite the practiced move, and bringing her gaze to his. "Robin…" she breathes, feeling a little off kilter at his proximity. Why are they always drawn together like magnets? The thought filters through her head as she looks into Robin's deep blue eyes. They haven't been this close in nearly a week and despite what Regina has told herself she's missed his touch.
"Are you not enjoying the party? You seem to have quite the admirer." Jealousy seeps through Robin's tone and god she is stupid. Trying to keep him away by using Graham as a distraction had been a futile notion, one that has only led them here and with the way he is looking at her Regina isn't sure she has the willpower to deny either of their needs anymore. Robin leans his head down to whisper in her ear, just as Graham had done earlier, only this time Regina doesn't have to fake the shiver that trembles down her spine. "Is he not enough for you, milady? You've made quite the showing that he's what you want the last few days. Changed your mind have you?"
Her mind feels fuzzy as Robin's lips lightly trace their way across her cheek, the stubble on his chin tickling her skin until he pauses at the corner of her mouth and pulls back a hair's breath, just enough that Regina can meet his eyes and she knows he's seen completely through her ruse. Damn him.
Luckily, she is saved from having to admit her foolishness over the last few days as the door to the bedroom swings open at that precise moment.
Mal stands in the doorway, one eyebrow lifted as she studies the two of them, her arms folded across her chest, a blood red nail tapping against her bicep and watching as the pair spring apart, rather reluctantly on Robin's part. "There you are, Regina. People are asking for you. Surely I don't need to remind you how important it is to mingle with these folks, to keep up appearances, dear." The blonde studies Robin's scowling face and grins wickedly. "Perhaps it would be wise for you and you're bodyguard to continue your little tête-à-tête at a more convenient time."
In that moment Robin could happily strangle Regina's manager for interrupting them. She'd been yielding to him, leaning into his touch. For a brief second there Robin had believed she'd been about to give in to him, to quit with this preposterous game they are playing. Now she's standing several paces away glowering at Mal and him in equal measure.
"I'll be back out there in a minute." she tells the woman firmly.
Shrugging one shoulder Mal turns to leave. "Do hurry, dear, Graham's waiting for you." the woman can't help the smirk that crosses her face at Robin's low growl behind her as she shuts the door and exits, leaving Regina and Robin alone in the dimly lit room again.
Regina turns to face him and the look of rage on his face is almost comical. He's not the only one frustrated by the interruption, even if she is grateful Mal's kept her from doing something stupid. Her hormones are on fire and another couple of seconds there and Regina wouldn't be surprised if they had ended up going at it on the bed behind them. Desire still thumps in her veins, distracts her long enough that Robin's taken a step closer to her again, one Regina halts with a hand on his chest. "Please, just let it go, Robin."
She doesn't wait for a response, quickly leaving the room to return to the party. This isn't over though. Robin isn't going to let her run from him again, not this time. He just has to get her alone again.
. . .
"Regina, we have to talk." They've barely made it through the door before Robin pounces on her. She'd been expecting it, had read the look in his eye as he'd watched her for the rest of the night clearly enough. Honestly, she is a little surprised he hadn't cornered her on the car ride home, but he'd remained silent for the most part, until now.
"I'm tired, Robin, it's been a long night and there really isn't anything to say." As Regina turns to walk up the stairs she's startled as Robin strides quickly toward her, circling her wrist with his fingers and pulling her body against his, tension in every muscle. Her eyes lift to his in surprise but the desire and frustration within them is so apparent she knows she's been caught. There's no more running from him, from this.
"Fine then, we won't talk." Robin's head dips down, capturing her lips and pulling her even closer to him. Their tongues and mouths battle for several minutes that way, each of them lost in the feel of the other, unable to deny themselves this pleasure any longer.
Robin backs Regina up several steps until she feels her back hit the wall at the bottom of the stairs, Robin's mouth never leaving hers as he maneuvers them. It's when his lips trail down and begin sucking at her pulse, just where her neck meets jaw and he wedges his thigh between hers that the doubts start to creep back into her mind, even as she rocks steadily against his leg, seeking any sort of friction to ease the sharp ache between her thighs. She breathes his name and he hears it, the protest on her lips but Robin lifts his head, looking directly and steadily into her eyes and says, "No, Regina. No more running. Not this time." His left hand rises and lightly traces his fingertips down the apple of her cheek, sliding over her bottom lip and Regina groans. "Just let it happen, milady. Let me love you. I promise you're safe with me."
She cries out, locking her arms around Robin's neck and drawing his mouth back to hers then. His words pull at her heartstrings and Regina knows he means what he says. And she does feel safe with him, has from almost the moment she'd met him and if there's one thing she doesn't have to question it's that Robin would never intentionally cause her pain. So for one night she will silence her fears and take what they both want, each other.
"Make love to me, Robin." she whispers against his mouth openly as they catch their breath from the kiss. It's all the permission he needs and Robin's hands move to slide around her body, down to her ass where he hoists her up, Regina instinctively wrapping her legs around his waist as he cradles her in his arms. Robin begins making his way up the stairs and Regina giggles as he attempts to navigate the steps and balance her in his grip, the way she's peppering kisses over his neck not helping his focus in the slightest.
Finally, he makes it to Regina's bedroom door and Robin pauses for a minute, using the wall beside it to support her as his tongue slides over the hollow of her throat, causing Regina to moan appreciatively. They need to be quiet, particularly here where her son is sleeping just several doors away but the desire pulsing through her body makes rational thought rather difficult. She wants him. Now.
So Regina's hand slides down Robin's arm, stealthily twisting the knob of her bedroom until the door swings open and Robin grins up at her, tightening his hold around her again and leading them into the room. He stops just a foot from her bed, letting her slide down his body and stand before him. Leaning down he kisses her softly. Time seems to stop for just a moment and Robin can't believe his luck to have found this woman. Whatever the circumstances he is infinitely grateful to have her in his arms right at this second.
Robin's hands are in her hair, carding his fingers through her silken locks and he groans into her mouth at the feel. Her hair has been taunting him since he'd met her with the desire to feel it slide between his digits. Their lips press and release against the others, tongues peeking out to explore. Robin traces the edge of her mouth with his, begging entrance as Regina opens hers to him, seeking that extra layer of sensation. Her mouth is warm and velvety and Robin could happily drown in it, in her.
His hands aren't quite sure where to touch first, sliding from her hips and up her back, down again until they are coasting over her rear and gripping, kneading the flesh between his hands and pulling her closer to him. In all his life Robin has never wanted a woman the way he wants Regina Mills. He thinks maybe they should slow down, but she is finally in his arms and she's not fighting him about it, is embracing him just as fervently and desire grips him by the throat.
Robin's lips trail from her mouth down the side of her face to suck lightly at her pulse point once again. She tips her head back and lets out a low moan, he's obviously already discovered how much she enjoys that particular spot. And Robin wants nothing more than to give her every bit of pleasure he can.
His hand keeps her head in his grip as he feels her blood pound beneath his tongue. It's arousing as hell to know he can have her this worked up already, this breathless as she moans his name.
"Mmmmmm..." Robin murmurs against her skin "I want to taste every inch of you, milady." he whispers. His lips tease their way down the column of her neck to pepper kisses along the open expanse of her collar bone, fingers slipping the first button on her shirt loose, then another, a third until her lovely breasts are on display. She's wearing a deep rose colored lace bra and she's gorgeous, stunningly so, is all Robin can think as he traces a finger over the swells of her breasts, enjoying Regina's quiet gasp. "You're so beautiful."
Robin's eyes lift to hers and the emotions shining in them cause Regina's breath to catch in her throat. There's desire, yes, but something else as well, something she thinks might be love. Only one other man has ever looked at her with that emotion in their eye and before she can let the fear of what that might mean scare her from following through on this Regina smiles and shimmies out of her shirt, lets her hands grip the hem of Robin's and pull it over his head, tossing it away as she admires his chest.
The man is rather spectacularly built after all, and right this second he's hers. Regina doesn't want to let anything distract her from that right now. Robin's hands slide up from the small of her back to unclasp the hook of her bra, letting the straps slip down off her shoulders before he draws it away. Desire flashes in his gaze as her rosy nipples are revealed to him and he immediately dips his head to take one in his mouth. Sucking on it lightly, Regina moans and her hands slide over Robin's back as she enjoys the attention. Robin's tongue circles her nub for several minutes, alternating between firms sucks and quick nips of his teeth before he switches his focus to the other breast. Her skin is soft and warm and the most delectable thing he's ever tasted. Regina is helpless to the moan that escapes her as her head tips back. The man is very, very good with his mouth.
After awhile though she wants more, wants to feel more of him. So Regina takes a step back until she flops back on the soft mattress, bouncing slightly as she grins up at Robin and opens her arms to him. Following her eagerly he crawls over her body until he's hovering over her and his head falls to kiss her again. His erection presses against her hip as he rocks his against her and Regina smiles into the kiss, her hands moving up and down his back until she moves them around his waist, reaching for the button of his jeans.
Shaking his head, Robin breaks their kiss and grins down at her mischievously, dimples winking out and that alone is enough to have desire pooling even more where she is slippery and aching for him. Regina has a horrible weakness for those dimples of his. Moving slowly down her body Robin licks a line from her collar, down between her breasts, teasing the side of one of them with a swirl before he is moving lower. He dips his tongue in her belly button briefly, causes Regina to squirm and then he's unhooking her pants, pulling them slowly down her legs.
Her panties go next and then she is bare before him. Robin takes a moment to admire the spectacular view in front of him before his head dips down and swipes his tongue up her slit, tasting her desire. Regina moans and lifts her hips upward to meet his mouth. Were she able to see the pleased with himself grin on Robin's face Regina might have tried to stifle the strangled sounds of pleasure that are coming from her but it is buried between her thighs and she is far too preoccupied with enjoying his actions. His tongue flickers in and out of her rapidly before Robin switches to suck at her clit steadily, two of his fingers moving to pump steadily in and out of her.
Over and over again Regina repeats to herself that she can not scream, her child is sleeping down the hallway and she will not scream, will not wake him up with the sounds of her pleasure. She will not scream. But as Regina climbs higher and higher and Robin's ministrations never relent on her now overly sensitive nub she feels herself climbing to that peak of bliss. It's in her grasp, she can feel it and as her cries grow a bit more desperate Robin works her harder with his mouth. Spreading her thighs apart he licks and sucks at her until Regina is exploding on his tongue, quaking as the force of her orgasm carries her in a hazy bliss.
With one last final swipe of his tongue Robin rises from between her legs and grins down at her, the stubble on his beard damp with her own desire and his need shining in his eyes. Regina smiles up at him a bit deliriously and Robin chuckles, "Bloody hell, Regina, you're gorgeous." He drops his forehead to hers, "I want you so damn much."
Lifting her arms to wrap around his neck Regina smiles against his mouth, "Then take me, thief."
Robin needs no more encouragement than that. Hastily kicking his boots and jeans to the floor at the foot of the bed he groans when Regina's hand reaches out to give his hard length a few strokes. She enjoys the smooth feel of him, of his veins straining against his skin. The little drop of liquid peeking out of the head. She swirls it with her thumb and Robin lets out a moan of gratification. As much as he loves feeling Regina's hands on him he wants to be inside her, to feel her stretch around him as he slides in and out of her. And he can't wait any longer.
He wraps his fingers around her wrist, bring her arm above her head, one and then the other, until he can lace their fingers together above her. Robin rocks against her for a minute, letting her wetness coat his member, before he maneuvers his hips until he is lined up with her entrance. The head of his cock settling right at her opening while he pauses, waits for Regina's eyes to find his, for that last bit of permission to keep going. Robin lets every ounce of love and desire he feels for this woman rise to the surface. He knows she sees them in his eyes when she nods almost imperceptibly and he slides all of the way inside her, letting out a joint gasp of pleasure.
Leaning down to press his lips to hers Robin begins moving, sliding in and out of her slowly and languidly. She's tight and warm and it's the most wonderful thing he has ever felt in his life. Being one with Regina surpasses anything he's experienced before. The force of the knowledge is overwhelming but he only tightens his grip on her hands as he pumps into her, her moans of pleasure reaching his ears as he picks up the pace.
They find a rhythm that works for them both and with each stroke Robin is pressing against her clit again. Regina feels herself climbing toward that peak once more, her legs are wrapped around Robin's hips, pulling him even closer to her with every thrust. She feels every movement of his cock in her and with each push into her she feels the invasion deep inside her but she welcomes every minute of it, relishes the sensation of being so close with him and she wants to be even closer to him, wants nothing to be between them. Regina arches her back, pulls him closer as her hips rise off the mattress to meet his thrusts.
A few more strokes and Regina is tightening around him, her walls clamping down on his hard length. Clenching and releasing over and over again, she feels the fluttering sensation spread from her womb through every inch of her body and she moans and moans. She cries out once more when with a final hard jerk of his hips she feels Robin's release as well as he buries his face in the side of her neck. She's gasping for breath and running her fingers through his sweat slicked hair plastered to his head as they both come down from their high.
Never has she felt so whole with someone before. Regina certainly hasn't been with hordes of men but even in regards to the few she has been intimate with she has never felt the way Robin makes her feel. What on earth is she going to do about it now?
Robin presses a few light kisses to her neck before he grunts and rolls off her, quickly dragging her body over his until her head is resting on his bare chest and his arms are wrapped around her, cocooning them in a warm, post-coital bliss.
