OMG you guys I am so sorry that I haven't updated this story for a while. Not only have I been busy with exams and assessment BUT my computer couldn't connect to any form of internet so I haven't had in about a week! It's been so weird but I got it fixed and so I am all back! Yay!

Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed and haven't given up with the story. I'm really happy that you guys are still with this :)

Sorry for any mistakes and I hope you enjoy :)

Chapter ten

Belle laid panting on the silk sheets, Gold's body covering her own as he placed open mouth kisses along her chest and throat as they both came down from their high. Belle was no virgin when she met Gold, but none had made her fall apart the way he did.

"I don't know how we are going to stay awake tomorrow," Belle commented once she got her breath back, carding her fingers through Gold's hair.

They had come back to the city on Sunday morning and were spending the rest of their afternoon with one another before they had to return to work the next day. Dinner had long been consumed and they had made it to the bedroom but had yet to sleep.

"I, for one, know that it was for a good cause," Gold smirked impishly against her skin.

She giggled and snuggled up to Gold as he finally laid beside her, pulling her into his arms. "A very good cause," she agreed. "You make it very difficult for me to want to leave this bed."

"Oh sweetheart, you have no idea," Gold murmured into her hair. He couldn't himself and skimmed his hand down her warm flesh.

She sighed at the touch and wiggled further into his embrace. "We really should get up." Even as she said it though, she made no move to actually take her words.

Ruby watched as her friend yawned once again. She had come down to see Belle, to get some research and to ask how her weekend went. Since Ruby had stepped foot in Belle's floor, the girl had already yawned seven time. By the time she reached Belle's desk she was yawning yet again.

"Busy weekend I see," Ruby smirked. "Go on then, tell us what you did?"

"I got out of the city," Belle said. "Just to get away from everything that happened."

"Why so tired then?" Ruby wondered aloud.

Belle shrugged but Ruby could see a hint of blush seeping into her skin. "Just didn't sleep that well last night."

Ruby didn't buy this but didn't press the matter. "I need some research on wolves."

"Wolves?" Belle asked.

"Yes, there is a hunting group that is trying to kill them off. An environmental group is trying to save them and want some research on them."

"No problem," Belle said, nodding. "I can have that to you buy lunch."

"Great!" Ruby beamed. "Then you can tell me who you met over the weekend."

Belle face dropping made her smirk and turn on her heel and walk away.

All morning Belle fretted. Ruby believed she had met someone and there would be no changing her mind unless she had cold hard proof which she didn't have. She was not embarrassed by Gold. She cared for him like she no other before and he made her feel special. She could, however, tell that nobody would understand how she could when they could not see what she saw.

She didn't know what to do. As her lunch hour rolled around, she bit her lip nervously and thought of any excuse to escape while she could. However, Ruby was anticipating this and came to her floor before she Belle could escape.

"Ready for lunch?" Ruby asked with a bright, almost devious smile.

The phone rang, a loud shrill, and Belle glanced at it. "Give me a moment." She picked up the phone and greeted the other person on the other line.

"Yes, my name is Jefferson," came the other voice on the other line. "I have some valuable research I would like to donate to the Enchanted Forest. I'm a…friend of Mr Gold's."

"Of course, Jefferson," Belle smiled. "You can email me or post it to me if you like."

"It's rather sensitive information," Jefferson explained. "I would rather you come pick it up in person. Gold has recommended you highly."

A pleased blush spread across her cheeks. "Thank you. Of course I will come pick it up."

"Would now be okay?" Jefferson questioned. "Only that Mr Gold would like to have it right away."

This gave Belle the excuse to get out of lunch with Ruby. "Yes of course, I'll be there as soon as possible. What's you address?"

Jefferson gave her the address and they said their goodbyes.

"Sorry, Ruby," Belle said, hanging up the phone. "I'm not going to be able to do lunch today. I have to go meet with a client."

"Okay," Ruby said, but narrowed her eyes at her. "Don't think I'm giving up. You are going to tell me who you met."

Belle grabbed her purse and hurried out. "Sure, we'll talk later."

Belle looked up at the beautiful building and as she stepped inside it was like stepping into a fairy tale. The building was old and so full of history that Belle could of happily spent the rest of the week in there. When she came in, Jefferson, was already waiting for her. He was dressed in a tailored suit of purple and greeted her with a smile.

"You must be Belle," he said as she approached him. "Gold's description of you is nothing short of perfection."

"Why thank you," Belle said, blushing that her Rumple had mentioned her. "Have you known him for long?"

"For a while now," Jefferson confirmed. "We went to school together. Hence why I only trust giving this information to him. But first, come join me for some tea. I'm sure Gold won't mind if I steal you for a moment."

He gestured for her to follow him. The building was only two stores but seemed to tower with it's magnificent. Jefferson took her to the second floor, leading her to his office where he had some tea waiting for them. She took a seat, smoothing her clothing and watched as she was poured some tea.

"So what exactly is the information you are giving me?" Belle wondered.

"Something in another language," Jefferson explained. "There are only a few who can read it but those who can will do some damage with it. Especially to our economy."

"And how did you come to get this information?" Belle wondered, hoping that it wasn't obtained illegally.

Jefferson smiled. "I travel a lot and in my travels I happen to come across a few things here and there."

Wisely, Belle decided not to question it.

"But," Jefferson continued. "I am more interested in you interest in Gold. We both know that he isn't the most popular man."

Feeling her cheek heat up, Belle shifted in her chair. "I know that he has some issues with others," she said carefully. "But I don't see that. Gold is a genuine person and I am very fond of him."

"And he of you the way he talks about you," Jefferson laughed.

"He talks about me?" Belle asked, surprised.

"Usually he is a private man but I managed to get it out of him that he was seeing someone," Jefferson said. "He never talked about his first wife the way he talks about you."

"And, you approve?" Belle asked meekly.

Surprising her, Jefferson let out a great laugh. "I wholeheartedly approve, darling. Gold can be a bastard but he can also be a great man to those he truly cares for. As far as I'm concerned you are good for him."

"Thank you," Belle smiled shyly. "I really do care for him."

They sipped their tea in companionship, making conversation until the tea was gone and Belle said she had to get back to work.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Belle," Jefferson said, kissing her hand. He handed her an envelope. "Take good care of this and make sure it gets to Gold straight away."

"Of course," Belle said, nodding seriously. "I promise it is in good hands."

"Of that, I have no doubt," Jefferson said, caressing her hand before releasing it. "I do hope we meet again soon."

"Same," Belle smiled and with her another round of goodbyes, she headed back to the Enchanted Forest.

"Safely delivered," Belle grinned, placing the envelope on Gold's desk.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Gold smiled warmly at her.

"Jefferson is wonderful," Belle said, perching on the edge of his desk. "A little…"

"Mad," Gold supplied.

"At times," Belle giggled. "But overall a nice man. I can see why you are good friends with him."

"And just what did you talk about?" He questioned.

Smiling coyly, Belle shook her head. "Nope. That is between Jefferson and me."

"Tease," Gold grinned impishly at her.

"Well, well, well. Gold, I didn't know you knew how to flirt."

Both turned to find Regina standing behind them, looking entirely too smug.

Belle slid off the desk and tried to hide her burning face. "Regina. I'll just be going."

"Oh no need to stop on my account," Regina said breezily, a smirk still on her lips. "I'm here to just drop of a summary of the company's intake this month. Enjoy your afternoon." With one last smirk she left the two of them.

"Oh," Belle said weakly. Slowly, she looked around to Gold where he was sitting, staring after Regina with a scowl on his face. "I'm…I'm sorry."

Gold's face morphed from a scowl to something softer. "Nothing to be sorry about, sweetheart. Best you get back to work."

"Oh, okay. I'll see you tonight?" Belle asked uncertainly.

"Tonight," Gold dismissed.

Well, know Regina knows! What's going to happen next? You'll find out soon. Please review and happy reading :)