The next day Robin informed Regina that the hotel they were staying were having a masquerade ball and that they would be attending.
"But Robin, I don't have anything to wear for something like that," Regina said as Robin just smiled at her as there was a knock on their hotel room right then.
"Perfect timing," Robin said as he walked over to the door and let in several women who started measuring Regina. "I'll be back in a few hours." He said as he left the room and went to go finish making some plans for their evening.
Once they had her measured they brought in several dresses and had her start trying on dresses. Regina picked a black A-Line/Princess One-Shoulder Floor-Length Chiffon Dress With Ruffle Beading Sequins Split Front. She also picked out a black masquerade dress that matched it perfectly. She took a quick shower and started getting ready for the evening, she finished her makeup and her hair, before she put on the dress and mask. She was just checking herself once more when she heard the door open and in walked Robin in a tux with a black mask on as well.
"You look stunning, Regina. You've always managed to take my breath away," Robin said as he came up to her and kissed her lips deeply. His arms were around her form, pulling her close to his body. In his mind he smiled, upon hearing her moan deep in her throat. If everything went according to plan and Regina was ready, he meant for tonight to be their first time together. He pulled back enough just to press their foreheads together, as his hands were on the sides of her face.
"And I must say you look quite handsome as well," Regina said as she took her fingers and removed her lipstick from his lips.
"Ready?" Robin asked as she nodded, but then moved to the mirror once more and reapplied her lipstick and then they were off. They left the room and got on the elevator, Robin had his left arm sitting low on the back of her waist as they exited the elevator. They made their way to the ballroom of the hotel and entered into a mystic and magical room, that was full of colors, mostly golds, greens and rich purples in the room.
"It's beautiful," Regina said as she looked around the room. Robin put his arm out and she linked hers with his as they made their way around the room. Both grabbed a flute of champagne and a few items to snack on.
"Can I have this dance?" Robin asked.
Regina nodded and placed her hand in his, let his fingers enfold hers as he led her onto the large dance floor. His other hand rested on her waist, warm and large, his fingers splaying across her hip.
The music was playing a low, lazy tune, something you only needed to sway to. Regina kept her gaze focused on Robin's handsome face. They were closer than six inches apart this time, and this was no boring waltz. She could feel the heat from his body, inhaled the tang of his aftershave. He was a great dancer, he swayed well, his movements languorous, even sexy, his sure hands guiding her to his own lazy rhythm.
"I know I may be partial, but I do think that my fiancee is the most gorgeous lady in this room," Robin said.
"Well, I also have to admit that my fiancee is the most handsome man here tonight," Regina said, causing Robin to smirk as he looked down into her eyes.
"I like the sound of that," Robin said as he pulled her closer again so that their hips gently collided once again, sending a shaft of agonizing awareness low through her pelvis.
"As do I," Regina said.
"So how long are you going to make me wait?" Robin asked.
"For what?" Regina asked, as she wasn't sure what he was referring to exactly.
"For our wedding," Robin said. "Now what else could I be referring to?"
"Oh, nothing," Regina said. "But to answer you, how long are you wanting to wait for?"
"How does tomorrow sound?" Robin asked.
Regina let out a laugh, as she looked up at him. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, why not?" Robin asked.
"I thought we might have a little time for our engagement, our family and friends have time to enjoy and help us plan the wedding," Regina said.
"All I want to do is enjoy my time with you, but if you want to wait a little while before we are married, I won't deny you this," Robin said. "Just don't make the engagement too long, please."
"A little eager are we?" Regina asked.
"More, than a little eager. For us to be married as well," Robin said as he let her know exactly what he was referring to. "But the question is, are you ready?"
"I am," Regina answered truthfully.
"I don't want to rush you or make you feel like you were pressured," Robin said.
"You're not," Regina said.
Robin moved his hand to tuck a stray tendril behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her lobe, that little touch possessive and sure. "Well then, the practical idea is for me to do now is seduce you."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Regina asked playfully as he moved them towards the edge of the dance floor. He walked them to the elevator again, once they were on their way up he turned to her.
"Well..." Robin smiled and brushed another stray tendril of hair behind her ear. His fingers didn't even linger this time. Yet it was still enough for Regina to expel a breath in a ragged rush she couldn't quite control. "Perhaps," Robin murmured. "I should start by kissing you." Regina swallowed. Audibly. "This time," he told her, touching her chin with his fingertips. "you'll see exactly what I have in mind."
Robin kissed her, finally, and it was as unlike the last time as anything Regina could have imagined. There was nothing tentative about this kiss, nothing tenuous or tender or hesitant. This kiss was hot, hard, a searing brand that told Regina more than anything Robin had said or done just what he wanted to do. What he would do. That she was his.
They arrived on their floor, and before she knew it they were in the hotel room. Robin wasted no time and captured her lips once again, Regina opened her mouth under his, and she gasped aloud as his tongue plunged inside, an erotic mimicry of what would surely come later. And even though Robin didn't move his hands or body or touch her in another way, Regina was on fire. Liquid fire, her insides melting, her hands reaching up to grasp the lapels of his shirt, pressing closer to him, reveling in the feel of his body next to hers, hard against soft.
Robin broke the kiss with a smirk. Regina felt his lips curve against hers. "Oh, no, Regina," he said softly. "We're not rushing this."
He called this rushing?" Regina's face was flushed, her breathing already ragged, as if she'd just done a sprint. Or ten. Her hands were still fisted in his shirt. How could he look so unruffled? So in control?
But then Robin had always been in control. He was certainly calling the shots now. She was at his mercy, under his command.
"Fine," she managed, shaking her hair over her shoulders. "Take your time."
Robin laughed softly." Oh, I will," he assured her. "I will." He moved around her, his head cocked as if he were studying her. Underneath that steady, assessing gaze Regina felt suddenly vulnerable, conscious of the skimpiness of her form-fitting dress, the black silk hugging her rather generous curves. What was Robin thinking? Why was he looking at her so...thoroughly?"
"You're beautiful," he said. The words were spoken with such simple sincerity that Regina quivered. She'd been told she was beautiful before, Daniel had told her many a time. She'd accepted it, taken it for granted even, yet she hadn't really felt it. Believed it. But she did when Robin told her in that honest heartfelt tone. His voice echoed through her, filled her up to overflowing.
"Thank you," she whispered, because she didn't know what else to say. "You're not too bad yourself."
Robin laughed softly. "Takes one to know one," He stood behind her now, and she felt his breath tickle the back of her neck. She tried not to shiver, but she could not suppress the urge, and when Robin pressed his lips to her nape she gasped aloud. She hadn't expected that, or for his hands to span her waist, sliding over the silk of her dress so he fitted against him, and she leaned back, yielding to his touch.
She really did feel beautiful, sexy, wanted. She'd never felt so desired before, and it was the most intoxicating and powerful feeling in the world.
Slowly, savoring each bit of skin, he kissed his way from her neck to the sensitive curve of her shoulder, his hands sliding upwards from her hips. The sensation was achingly exquisite, almost too much, and they'd barely started.
"Robin..." She gasped, but stopped because she didn't know what to say. What to think. She could just feel this glorious spiraling inside of her, rising upwards, needing to be sated. Slowly, Robin slid his hands down to the hem of her dress, sliding it slowly, sensuously over her thighs. His fingers snagged on the tops of her stockings and he let out a chocked laugh.
"God help me, you're wearing garters?" Robin asked.
Regina could barely think with his thumbs skimming the bare flesh of her thighs. "They're ...they're sensible," she finally managed.
Robin slid his palm along the tender, exposed skin of her upper thigh, his thumb easily unhooking the garter. "And I thought you didn't like sensible," he murmured. "Although it you call this sensible..." He moved around to her front and knelt before her. Regina watched, transfixed, as he slowly unrolled her stocking, his hands sliding along her knee and then calf and ankle until the stockings were crumpled on the floor and her leg was bare.
"Very sensible," she said breathlessly as Robin started on the other leg. His head was bent and the light caught the light glints of his hair amidst the brown. He was the most exciting man she'd ever met. "Garters are more comfortable."
"Comfortable and sensible," Robin murmured. He tossed the stocking and garter to the ground. "You sound as if you're speaking of orthopedic shoes, not black lace garters." He glanced up and Regina's breath dried in her throat at the look in his eyes. They blazed. She'd never seen Robin look so ferociously intense, so amazingly passionate...about her. The thought thrilled her, shook her to her core in a way that was both wonderful and a little frightening. She felt so much.
She was conscious then of her bare legs splayed out before her, her dress rucked up nearly to her waist. Slowly Robin slid his hands up her bare legs. Ankles, calves, knees. Regina had had no idea how erotic a touch to the leg could be. And when his hands came to her thighs and rested there possessively, fingers spread, as if he were taking ownership of her, she felt herself sway, Robin's hands, firm and sure, steadied her.
"Robin-" she said again, because she wanted his hands to slide upwards still. She wanted it desperately.
He smiled. He knew what she wanted. "No rushing," he reminded her, and then, still smiling, he slid his hands upwards and let his thumbs brush the silk of her underwear. Regina's knees buckled.
He was barely touching her, but it was enough. More than enough and yet she sill wanted more. Robin knelt before her, his hands still strong on her thighs and, leaning forward, he nipped at that scrap of lace with his teeth. Her hands fisted in his hair, half to draw him to her, half to push him away. She didn't know what she wanted. She wanted more, and yet part of her felt the intense vulnerability of having Robin before her like this, touching her in a way no one else ever had.
This wasn't just sex. This was a pure form of communication, elemental, essential. They were talking with their bodies, with hands and lips, and it was a language that was far more powerful than any words they might have spoken.
Robin must have sensed something of her struggle for he reached up and took her hands in his, wrapping his fingers around hers, and then placed them on his shoulders, anchoring her, so when he leaned forward again and pressed his mouth against her, she was actually using him to steady herself. Regina's eyes closed, her body filled with a hot, restless yearning that was painful in its pleasure. It needed to end. She needed release.
Still holding her, he stood up, his body sliding against hers. Regina sagged against him, weak with desire. Robin easily scooped her up in his arms, leading her to the bedroom.
He sat her down on her feet at the edge of the bed. He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers, and guided it to his chest. "Touch me." There was a raw note of pleading in his voice, an unexpected vulnerability that spoke to Regina's heart and she realized just how much she wanted to touch him.
She laid her palm on his chest, spreading her fingers so his heart beat under her hand. She looked up and saw the longing in his eyes, and it nearly undid her. She's had no idea how emotional this would be. The connection was as intimate as anything they were doing with their bodies, and just as new.
Slowly, she drew a breath and then laid her other hand on his chest. "No rushing," she reminded him, because now she was the one who needed to take her time.
"No rushing," Robin assured her and, taking a deep breath, Regina started to undo the buttons of his shirt. Her fingers snagged on the studs of his tuxedo and she fumbled with the clasps, laughing a little bit as she realized unbuttoning his shirt was not going to be easy as she'd hoped. So much for seeming experienced or sophisticated.
"Sorry," she mumbled and Robin stilled her hands with his own.
"Next time I won't wear a tuxedo." Robin promised.
Next time. The words sizzled through Regina's body, fried her mind.
Quickly, Robin undid the studs and then shrugged out of his shirt and cumber bun, revealing the broad brown expanse of his chest. Regina laid her hands against the warm, taut skin, reveling in the feel of it. Of him.
She risked a glance upwards, saw Robin looking at her with almost a pained expression, a frown furrowing his forehead. She snatched her hands back. "What? Am I-"
"I've just waited a long time for this." He reached for her hands, laughing softly. "I'm starting to want to rush a little bit."
The thought that her touch could inflame him so much was incredible. Incredibly powerful. Regina splayed her hands on his chest, let her fingernails scrape his skin. She heard Robin's rush of breath and smiled. "Good things come to those who wait," she told him softly and Robin gave a laugh that sounded more like a shudder.
Regina let her hands drift down his chest, reached the waistband of his trousers. She felt powerful and a little shy. This was still Robin- Robin and she could hardly believe any of this was happening.
"Regina..." Her name was a whisper, a hiss.
"Patience, remember?" Regina reminded him, her voice husky. Her heart had started to beat fast against as she slid Robin's trousers down his legs. She'd felt so replete moments ago, but now desire was pooling deep inside her.
Robin helped kick off his trousers, so all he wore was a pair of black silk boxers. Regina trailed her hands up the length of his legs, the crisp hairs tickling her palms. Taking another breath, she let her hand slide along the silk of his boxers, her fingers wrapping around the hard length hidden underneath before she continued to skim upwards, sliding along the hard, muscled wall of his chest, reaching for his shoulders.
Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him. His mouth slackened under hers for an instant before he took control of the kiss, as she instinctively knew he would. She surrendered to it, to him, as his arms came around and he lifted her easily to the bed.
"Wait," Regina whispered out causing Robin to pause.
"Do you wish me to stop?" Robin asked, as much as his body was screaming at him, if she changed her mind he would stop for her.
"I have to do something first," Regina said as she moved one of her hands to her wrist, where her bracelet was. Daniel's bracelet. She undid the clasp and removed it, placing it on the nightstand as she returned her attention to Robin.
His hand tugged at the zip of her dress and he slid it off her easily, far more easily than she had managed with his own clothes. She lay on the bed, the satin duvet slippery under her, and felt a blush heat her body as Robin gazed at her. She wore only a skimpy black lace bra and thong, which seemed sexy earlier but not felt indecent.
"Incredible," Robin whispered and bent his head to her breast. Regina stopped thinking. Her fingers threaded in his hair as he continued his relentless onslaught, his lips moving over her skin as he undid her bra and slipped off her underwear. She felt him shrug out of his boxers and they were both finally naked.
The feel of his body against hers was another onslaught as every pressure point came into sharp and exquisite focus. Regina hooked her leg around his to draw him even closer, her arms wrapped around his shoulders, her mouth finding his again and again.
Now there was rushing, sweet wonderful rushing, as the need became too great to ignore, the desire too strong to resist.
"I've longed for this," Robin whispered as he slid inside her, and she felt her body open underneath him and accept him, and it amazed her in that instant how good it felt, how surprising and yet how right.
It was wonderful.
And then she stopped thinking again, at least coherently. Thoughts blurred like colors and she felt her body arch in acceptance and deeper need as she pulled him closer still, matching him thrust for thrust, her face buried in the curve of his neck until the colors burst and they both fell back against the slippery pillows as if they were stars falling to earth, and the night exploded around them.
Neither of them spoke. Regina closed her eyes, her body replete, her heart full. From that fullness she acted, her arms coming around Robin, drawing him to her. Smiling, she kissed him, a soft, gently kiss of both promise and gratitude. Still smiling, Regina snuggled against him, fitting her body to his, and slept.
Robin felt Regina relax in his arms as her breathing evened out. She was asleep. Asleep in his bed, in his arms. He finally had what he wanted, and it was wonderful. Regina had been as sweetly generous with her body as she was in every other aspect of her life. Giving, honest, and artless, and so very thrilling.
He thought back to her removing the bracelet, to removing any ghosts from their future. He looked forward to the day and night when he would be her husband and her his wife. He wanted them married as quickly as possible. He took her left hand and kissed it, where his ring rested on her finger. She was his fiancee, his lover, and his soon to be wife.
She was...his lady.