Warning: Will eventually contain mature material. Language. Lemons. Some spicy limes. Maybe full-blown things. ~_^

And here is chappie 13! Remember to rape the play button of the playlist I gave you in the previous chappie and sit back and enjoy! I think this chappie is absolutely beautiful! I want a date like this! I want a man like this! WWAAHH! Also, sorry about the delay. I was corrupting my best friends with a Once Upon A Time marathon! Enjoy!

A Salvation Called Love

-Chapter 13-

-BREAKING AWAY AT YOUR WALLS Pt. 5: Dinner and Paparazzi-

[Mr. Gold]

I left work early in order to head home. Instead of leaving at 5 I left at 1 in order to beat the rush of traffic. It would take four hours to get there and four back in time to make our reservation at 10. I'd rented the restaurant for the night so they'd said they would keep it open for an extra hour, giving me and Annabelle 2 hours to dine. I had also secured a pianist and a cellist for the music tonight. Also, I didn't need to buy a dress for Annabelle because I'd already had one made for her about a week and a half ago. Or I should say, I made it. It was absolutely beautiful and I knew that when Annabelle wore it no one would look more stunning tonight than her. The dress was a dark sapphire blue and was silk. It had an empire waistline and fell to the floor in a gentle bellow of pleated fabric. I was excited to see her in it.

When I pulled up to the house I quickly got out and walked to the passenger side to pull out Annabelle's dress. I'd kept it with me so that she would think that I'd bought it instead of used magic to make it. I grinned, anticipating her expression when she saw it. I quickly walked up the front stairs and swung the door open with a wave of my hand. I almost expected Annabelle to be waiting for me on the staircase but she wasn't. I knew where she was. I dropped my cane and sat my briefcase down on the foyer table and even though I was tempted to run up the stairs I simply walked quickly.

Knocking gently on her bedroom door I waited for her to answer. She called out to me. "Come in, it's unlocked."

I slowly opened to door and walked in, shutting it behind me. When I turned I didn't find her in the room. There were sounds in the bathroom so I knew she was there. I walked over to the chair beside the bed and sat down. "Annabelle." It was a few seconds before she walked out of the bathroom. My heart must have stopped a million times over as she walked towards me, unbelievably in a matching pair of blue, lacy undergarments. I'd guessed right when I'd picked blue as her favourite colour. I was having trouble breathing as I watched her. Her skin was beautiful and glowing. It was smooth and alabaster. Her hair fell like an auburn halo around her body as she stopped in front of me. She was too perfect. "Tha thu bóidheach." I could barely speak.

She gave a small smile as she blushed. She reached out and gently ran her fingers through my hair as she stood in front of me. "I wanted to see that look on your face, my handsome Mr. Gold."

I swallowed nervously and slowly reached up to wrap my fingers around her waist, pressing them in against her soft skin. I slowly stood and stared down into her now seductive blue eyes. "I think you just secretly wanted to give this old man a heart attack."

Her smile grew and she moved to stand on the tips of her toes, pressing her warm lips against mine gently before pulling away. "Were you able to get me a dress?"

I slowly nodded and backed away from her, bumping against the chair in the haste to prevent myself from touching her any more than needed right now. Otherwise I didn't know if I could stop myself from ravishing her. "Here." I slowly unzipped the bag that held the dress I'd made for her and slowly pulled it out to reveal its beauty. A beauty that couldn't rival her own. I held it out to her so that she could take it.

I closed my eyes when her soft fingers touched mine as they took the dress from me. "Oh." She stared at it and I almost thought I could see tears at the corners of her eyes. "Dominic…" She looked up at me and the look on her face was raw. Raw love, raw desire. I felt goosebumps break out along my skin and felt silly but happy all at the same time.

"Do you like it?"

She nodded quickly and turned away from me, but she wasn't fast enough and I saw a tear slip down her cheek. "It's…. It's so amazingly beautiful."

I felt my heart begin to flutter with happiness and a smile spread across my lips. "I'm glad then."

I watched as she unzipped it and slowly stepped into it, pulling it up so that she could drape the shoulder straps against her beautiful shoulders. She peered back at me over her shoulder and gave that tiny smile again. "Would you zip me up?"

I stood there for a second wondering if it was a good idea to do as she asked. I took a deep breath and walked forward until I could touch her. I reached down and slowly began to pull the zipper up. Just before I got to the top I leaned down quickly and pressed a kiss in between her shoulder blades, making her giggle. I stepped away quickly when I was finished and watched as she turned around to face me. It fit her perfectly and complimented both her skin tone and her soft auburn curls. "I think you're going to put everyone to shame tonight, Dearie." She blushed again and hid behind her hair. I took that moment to quickly wave my hand, letting a small brooch I'd designed for her fall into my palm. It was gold with a thumb size sapphire in the middle surrounded by a diamond of black pearls. "Annabelle."

She peered up at me through her hair. "Yes?"

I slowly crooked a finger at her, beckoning her forward. "Come here for a second. I have something else for you."

She glided over to me and smiled up at me, waiting. I reached up and quickly unpinned the back of the brooch and slid it into the folds of the fabric that sat just below her bosom. I touched the sapphire gently after I pinned it closed and then looked into her eyes again. She reached up and ran her fingers along the pearls, brushing against mine. "It's beautiful."

I smiled and reached up to cup her cheek. "I'm glad you like this gift as well." I moved away from her reluctantly and walked backwards to the door as she watched. "You should finish getting ready. I still have to change before we leave."

She nodded. "Come get me when you're done."

I left, closing the door behind me and this time I didn't hold back as I practically flew down the hallway and up the stairs. I didn't have time to waste.

[Annabelle - One If By Land, Two If By Sea]

The car ride into town was very silent, full of nervousness and tension. I sat in the passenger side, wrapped up in a cute little white lacy jacket and watched as the sky began to darken and the cars pass by us. But the only thing on my mind was the man sitting beside me. When he'd come to pick me up from my room he had blown my mind probably just as much as I'd done to him when I walked out of the bathroom in my bra and panties. He was wearing a white three piece suit with gold pinstripes skillfully woven into the fabric. His shirt was silk and black. His tie was a shiny sapphire colour. It made him extremely handsome, extremely sexy. When we'd left he'd grabbed a cane that wasn't his usual. It was white as well with a gold handle. There were tiny blue swirls here and there on the body of the cane. I'd asked if he always enjoyed matching everything. He'd laughed and said he did.

"Where are we going?"

Dominic flashed me a smile, watching me for a second before looking back at the road. "It's a quaint little place. It's called One If By Land, Two If By Sea. I've been there a few times."

I reached across the space between the seats and slid my hand on top of his where it rested on the automatic gear stick. "Thank you."

He flashed me another smile but kept his eyes on the road this time. He turned his hand upside down and laced our fingers together. "No need to thank me, dear-heart."

The rest of the ride progressed in silence as we held hands and I had no problem with that. I was still trying to get over the fact that I was fixing to be thrown into the public light of the media world on the arm of Mr. Gold, probably one of the richest men in the world. He'd kindly informed me that photographer's liked to stake out fancy restaurants in New York City to see who they could catch. They didn't have respect for privacy really, but Dominic told me not to worry too much so I figured I'd believe him… or at least try to.

"Dear-heart, we're here." His thumb slowly ran circles against my skin.

I slowly looked at the window as I peered down the beautiful street that the restaurant sat on. There were tall trees leaning out over the road, like a canopy of green, and there were flowerboxes lining the sidewalk. From what I could see of the entry way it was beautiful. There were white blocks surrounding the doors. There were two small ones and a set of double doors, the wood used just as beautiful as the stone. We hadn't parked in front of the restaurant so I'd get a better chance to see the street and building as we walked the short distance to the doors. I waited as Dominic walked around the car and opened my door for me, leaning on his cane as he held his hand out to me. I smiled and took it as I slid out of the seat. The heels that I was wearing put me almost eye to eye when I was finally standing and I grinned at him. "Thank you."

We both didn't get the chance to say anymore as three guys swarmed towards us. Flashes from their cameras blinded me and I rocked back in my heels as Dominic wrapped his arm around my waist. "Mr. Gold!" "Mr. Gold, who is the woman with you?" "What's your name?" "Are you sleeping with him?" "Is he your boyfriend? Lover?"

I looked at Dominic pleadingly and his hand just tightened around my waist, pulling me in against him. He just stared at the photographers as they flashed their cameras and asked their questions. "We're here on a date, gentlemen, so if you would excuse us we'd like to get to the restaurant before it closes."

He shoved past them and walked with me up onto the sidewalk. They followed, persistent. "How long have you two been together?" "Come on, Mr. Gold, don't just leave us hanging! We've been hounding you for juicy tidbits into your private life for a long time!"

He paused just in front of the doors and turned us to face the three men. He smiled and I followed suit. Wouldn't want to be seen frowning. "Miss Annabelle and I have been together for a long while and we'd appreciate privacy for our date tonight." I sucked in a sharp breath as Dominic practically glared at them. "And my private life is my private life for a reason. I'm a man who has the luxury of keeping it that way. If I find you still waiting outside when we leave I'll make sure to ruin your careers."

With that we turned and Dominic held the door open for me as I walked in. I was amazed at how smoothly he'd handled those guys, even if it was a little mean to threaten them. "Do you do that regularly with women?"

He grinned at me as he slid his arm around my waist again and shook his head. "You're the only one, Dearie."

A finely dressed young man walked up to us and smiled. "Welcome. We have your table ready, Mr. Gold. If you'll follow me?" We both did and we walked through the very beautiful restaurant. It was warm and cozy and very romantic. The chandeliers were absolutely beautiful as well. When we got to the far side, the waiter pulled out a chair at a small round table that was facing towards the big windows that faced out towards a garden that had been lit with lanterns. "Ma'am."

I smiled at him and let go of Dominic to walk over to the chair and sit. The young man did the same with my date who was handsomely smiling over at me. The young man offered us both menus and left us to decide. I peeked over the top, unable to stop smiling. "Well, Mr. Gold. What are you planning on having?"

He gave me a tiny smile before he snapped his fingers. I jumped, confused at the action until I heard a piano start to play softly. It was followed by the haunting sound of a cello. I turned, following the music, and found the piano occupied by a pretty young lady and a cellist who was wearing a fedora. "I thought we'd have something soothing played tonight."

I turned back to stare at him opened mouthed. "Have you been planning this for a while?"

He nodded. "And now I have you here, having dinner with me and listening to beautiful music." I just continued to stare at him. "And I already know what I'm going to get so you should find something, anything, that you'd desire to try. But of course, it has to be three things because I want us both to enjoy the three course Prix Fixe."

I slowly nodded. "Aren't you just full of surprises… Mr. Gold."

"Dominic."

"Mr. Gold." I laughed as he sighed.

"Fine, Mr. Gold then." He sighed. "Even though I enjoy hearing my name being called by you, dear-heart."

I blushed and hid behind my menu. "Dominic." I smiled to myself as I heard him chuckle and then focused on the menu, trying to find something that sound good.

When I decided I peeked over my menu and found that the young waiter had returned and was posed with a pad and pen. "What can I get for the both of you?"

Dominic waved his hand at me and smiled. "Ladies first."

I gave him a fake glare and then looked over at the waiter as he smiled, waiting. "I think I'd like to try the Maine Lobster Bisque as the appetizer then. And the Buttermilk Poached Chicken as the entrée." I gave the dessert menu a last glance over before settling for something that sounded absolutely divine. "And for dessert I would really love to try the Coconut Bavaroise."

The young man smiled and wrote everything down. He looked up after a few seconds of writing. "Can I get you anything to drink, ma'am?

"Oh." I grabbed up the menu again and looked for the drink options. Beside each one it described what was in each of them. I found one that sounded just as divine as the dessert I'd ordered. "The Coupe D'Amour."

"A very fine choice, ma'am." After taking my menu he turned to Dominic and took his as well. "The usual, Mr. Gold?" Dominic nodded and left to give the chef our orders.

I crossed my arms on top of the table and leaned forward to watch Dominic watch me. "Why do you come here so often?"

He shrugged. "Business meetings mostly. Other than that I just like the place."

"Sounds just like you."

His hand slowly snaked forward and tugged one of my hands towards him. He gently played his fingers across the top. "Tell me about yourself, Annabelle, why we wait for our food."

I frowned at him. "Why?"

He shrugged, not looking at me. "I don't know how to do this… dinner thing very well."

I laughed and moved my hand upside down so that our hands were pressed against each other. "There isn't much to talk about really. Most of what you know about me is all there is to know about me." He stared up at me finally. He just watched me as I sat back but kept my hand against his. "I'll tell you what. Let's make a deal."

A grin spread across his face. "A deal? You sure know how to catch my attention, dear-heart."

"If you promise to tell me about yourself… ALL about yourself, then I'll do the same. Even if there isn't much."

He was silent for a long moment as he stared at me intently. "Why do you want to know about me?"

I blinked at him and arched a brow. "If I'm going to be staying with you for a long time, can't I at least get to know you?"

He slowly pulled away from me and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "It's not that interesting."

I sighed. "Let me be the one to decide that."

I watched as his thoughts flashed across his eyes and he slowly flicked out his tongue to wet his lips. I'm sure it was an unconscious gesture because I'd seen it before when he thought, but it was very sexy. He finally gave a small nod. "I guess I can divulge a little information about myself. What do you want to know?"

I gave him a small smile and leaned forward again. "Well… this first thing has been on my mind a lot lately, but I've been wondering why you never settled down and had a family. Surely the business didn't stop you, did it?"

He tensed during the question and I watched his fingers tighten against the sleeves of his suit. "Why such a question, Dearie?"

I'd touched sensitive ground. "It's just… well… you're not as bad of a man as you want others to think and I know that you loved that Belle, why not marry her? Or get married after? Surely you wanted a family didn't you?"

We stopped talking as the waiter came and gently put out drinks down in front of us. Neither of us touched them as the waiter left.

Dominic closed his eyes and swallowed loudly before he answered. "I was married before I met Belle."

My eyes widened in disbelief at his words. "Really? Like really, really?"

He gave a sharp nod. "But it was a really long time ago."

"What… what happened?"

"She… died." His answer was just louder than a whisper.

"I'm sorry." I slowly played with the tablecloth as the silence built.

He was the one to break the silence this time. "I also had a son... Baelfire. He was my joy in life after my wife had died."

"Do you get to see him?"

His shoulders slumped downwards and he gently shook his head. "He died too, a long time ago."

I fought back the lump in my throat as I tried not to cry. He sounded so alone, consumed by pain. I stood up and quickly scooted my chair over until it bumped his and then I sat down, sliding my arm through his and laid my head against his shoulder. "I'm sorry I asked. I didn't mean to bring up memories that would hurt you."

He looked down at me and gave a weak smile, shaking his head. "Don't worry, dear-heart. If we're bound to be together then you'd have to find out sometime."

I smiled and ran my free hand up and down the sleeve of his jacket, feeling the smooth texture. "When I was five my mother passed away. She'd been driving to one of my piano recitals and her car stalled at a four-way. A drunk driver wasn't paying attention and broad-sided her. After that it was just me and my father and I had to take care of him most of the time." I smiled as I remembered the fun times I'd had with my father. "There was this one time that he tried to cook for me. I think I was 12 at the time. He ended up almost burning the place down and I was dying with laughter. He never tried to cook again after that. I still tease him about it… or I did, until I left for college."

Dominic's hand gently reached up and stroked against my hair. I closed my eyes and relaxed against him. He smelled so wonderful. His voice rumbled through his body as he spoke and I felt it tickle against my skin. "Why did you choose Florida?"

I shrugged. "They had an amazing music program."

"Was that all?"

I shook my head and moved to reach across the table to get my drink. I took a sip of it and hummed my approval. I could taste the candied rose petals and it was like a smooth explosion in my mouth. "I also wanted to travel the world, see the sights. I wanted to be a grown woman on my own."

He chuckled. "And now you're stuck with this old man."

I pushed myself away from him and smacked his arm hard. "Mr. Gold! How dare you call yourself old!"

He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "I'm old enough to be your father, Dearie. Why else would I call myself old?"

I gave a small laugh and took another sip of my drink just as the food arrived. The waiter didn't mind that I'd moved my chair over to sit next to my date. When everything was settled and ready to eat he asked if we needed anything else and when we declined he nodded and left. I leaned over my food, staring at it in awe. It looked almost too good to eat. "This is just amazing!"

Dominic laughed and picked up his fork to dig into one of the two plates that sat in front of him. It didn't look that appetizing to me. I didn't even want to speculate as to what it was but Dominic didn't miss my disgusted look and grinned. "It's a sea urchin, Dearie."

I stuck my tongue out in disgust and gave a fake shiver of grossness. "It's gross!"

His grin grew and held a forkful out to me. "How do you know if you haven't tried it?"

I blanched and attempted to scoot away from him. "Never!"

He dropped his fork and grabbed my arm, pulling me into a hug as he laughed, his whole body shaking with it. When he could take a breath and talk again he patted me on the arm and allowed me to sit up. "I won't force you, dear-heart. To each their own."

I stuck my tongue out again and picked up m spoon in order to dig into my own appetizer. The Maine Lobster Bisque was so smooth and rich I wanted to squee with happiness. I held out a spoonful of it to Dominic and gave him puppy eyes. "Would you like to try my not-gross-looking appetizer, Mr. Gold?"

He put his fork down and reached up to gently wrap his hand around mine, dragging it upwards to his mouth. I watch intently as his lips closed around the spoon and he slowly pulled it out with both of our hands. I was breathing a little heavier as I watch him lick his lips, his dark pink tongue darting out to catch any remaining soup. I didn't object when he took the spoon from me and sat it down on one of the napkins before reaching back up to pull me forward. His lips were gentle as they pressed against mine and I could still taste the smooth taste of lobster bisque there. I gave a small groan as allowed him to deepen the kiss. He only stopped when we absolutely had to take a breath. "Delicious." His Scottish brogue was thick like honey and rumbled against my lips making my heart beat so fast that I thought it was going to jump out of my chest.

I swallowed roughly around the pulse in my throat and sat back unsteadily in my chair. I couldn't believe the effect he had on me every time he kissed me. I was becoming addicted to his kisses. "I agree."

He gave a hearty laugh and picked up his fork again. "You best finish your food before it gets cold."

I nodded and reached for my spoon so that I could finish the soup. I closed my eyes at the taste of it and all I could picture was his lips pressing against mine and his tongue playing inside of my mouth as if he'd eat me alive.

[Mr. Gold - An Hour Later]

Tonight had been the best night I think I've had in hundreds of years. Dinner was regrettably over but it wouldn't be leaving my memory for a very long time. Currently we were on the way back home after finishing up. In fact we were almost there. We'd laughed and joked around the entire time, feeding each other from our plates and Annabelle had drank three of the Coupe D'Amour's. She'd made it back to the car perfectly fine, leaning on me in order not to trip over her high heels and now she was asleep in the seat next to me. When we'd gotten onto the highway leading back home I'd taken her hand in mine and held it as I drove. She was so beautiful when she slept. As we passed through Northville the lights bounced off of her hair and again it looked like she had a halo surrounding her. She was like my guardian angel. Or saving angel. Something along that line. Even if she didn't know it herself she was slowly changing me for the better. I smiled and pulled her hand up towards me in order to press a kiss against it. I gently laid it back against her leg as I turned on to the road leading up to the house. When we got to the gate I waited for it to open and then drove through. I parked and turned the car off, getting out in order to walk around the car to get Annabelle out of the car.

Sliding my arms underneath her back and legs I quickly picked her up and tucked her in against my chest. Her eyes fluttered open and she stared up at me, the alcohol she'd drank fogging her sight. "Mr. Gold?"

I smiled down at her as I kicked the car door closed behind me and began walking up the front stairs. "It's Dominic, dear-heart. How many times must I tell you that?" She gave a soft giggle and clutched at my shirt as walked through the door, using magic to open and close the door. I'm glad she was too drunk to understand what I was doing. I knew I'd tell her eventually who I really was, but tonight wasn't the night. Soon though. I knew that much. When I was outside of her bedroom I opened the door with magic and walked in. I held her tight in one arm as I pulled the covers back on the bed and gently laid her down. She didn't want to let go of my shirt. "Let go, dear-heart. I have to get you undressed so you can go to sleep."

She shook her head and clutched at my shirt harder. "Don't go. I want you to stay with me tonight."

I sighed and shook my head as I slowly pried her fingers away from my shirt. When it was free I gently scooted away so that I could take her shoes off. "I'm not going anywhere, dear-heart. I'm just getting you ready for bed."

She grumbled but lay still so that I could get her shoes and stockings off. She'd been wearing black lacy thigh-highs and my hands had been dangerously close to her most private area. My pulse jumped in my throat at the feel of her soft thighs. I finished pulling them off and stepped away in order to get my thoughts in order. I didn't want to take advantage of her while she was drunk. When I felt like I could continue without the risk of ravishing her I decided to use my magic to get her into her pajamas. I couldn't risk seeing her naked, not at a time when my thoughts were as crazy as they were. I tucked her under the covers and made sure she was asleep before slipping out of the room for a little bit. I had to change out of my suit so that I could go to sleep as well.

It didn't take long for me to get ready for bed and when I was one I silently slipped back into Annabelle's room and slid under the covers opposite of her so that I could spoon against her, tucking her in against my body. She mumbled in her sleep but didn't wake up. I snuggled in against her back and laid my chin against her shoulder so that we were both comfortable. I tightened my hold around her waist and relaxed. It had been such an amazing night. I whispered against her neck, knowing she was too deep asleep to know what I was saying. "Thank you for tonight, Annabelle. Thank you."