"Are you feeling any better, sweetheart?" Gold gently stroked Belle's hair. Her head was settled on his chest and she was holding onto him tightly.
Her body eased up a little at his words. "The drink and aspirins you gave me helped. I think the headache's almost gone, but I'm still afraid to move."
"It's OK, darling. You stay here as long as you like." Gold felt bad for her. He knew that she probably hadn't had that much to drink the night before, but her body did not handle it well. He was surprised that he hadn't felt the effects of the previous night himself. Maybe he hadn't had as much to drink as he'd thought.
Belle's body relaxed more and she seemed to doze off again.
Gold was happy that they'd decided to take the two days before the wedding off. They really didn't have a lot left to do. The whole idea had been to give them a chance to unwind before the big event. If Belle wanted to stay in bed all day, then so be it. The only thing they couldn't miss was the party that Moe was throwing for them tonight.
Gold closed his eyes and dozed off himself. He awoke to find Belle's beautiful blue eyes staring up at him. They were clearer than they'd been earlier.
"Good morning, handsome." She smiled at him.
Gold smiled back. "Good morning, gorgeous." He kissed the top of her head. "I take it that you're feeling better."
"Much. It all suddenly disappeared. Thanks for being so patient with me." She kissed his chest.
"You don't think I mind spending my day in bed with you, do you?" He chuckled. It was 11:30am, which was very late for them, but he would have been happy to lie there with her all day.
"No." She giggled. "But I think you like it better when I'm more myself." She slipped her hand under his pajama top to caress his bare skin.
Gold's cock stirred. They'd managed to get through another night of abstinence without any problem. He knew that wouldn't last.
Her hand slowly moved over his abdomen and stomach and up his chest until she reached his right nipple. She stopped to rub her thumb back and forth across it. His cock sprang up. How he wanted to make love to her right now.
"I want to show you some of the presents I got last night." Belle smiled brightly at him. It was obvious that she was back to her old self.
He knew she was dying to torture him. "I see you're feeling much better." He couldn't refrain any longer. He tickled her to let her know that he was well aware of what she was up to.
She shrieked. "Why did you do that?"
"You know perfectly well why." He wasn't about to let her get away with anything.
She giggled. "I'm anxious to try out some of the gifts. It's too bad we have to be good until the wedding."
Gold gave her a dirty look. "And whose idea was that?" He bent down to press his lips against hers. She opened her mouth to let his tongue in. The moan that escaped her made his cock stiffen more.
"Mmmmm…I missed you last night, Rum."
"I missed you too. I thought about you a lot… I even bought you something." He couldn't wait any longer to give her the earrings. He would wait until after they were married to give her the charm.
"You did?" Belle's eyes filled with tears.
"Yes…" Gold leaned over to retrieve a small box from the nightstand. "Why don't you open it over breakfast? I think you should probably eat something as long as you feel up to it."
Belle took the box in hand and examined it. "This is so sweet, Rum. I can't wait to see what it is." She kissed him. "Plus I'm dying to hear about your night out."
Gold smiled at her. She was finally becoming more comfortable about accepting gifts from him. It made him know how far they'd come.
"Well then let's get you downstairs. I'll make whatever you'd like."
Gold helped her out of bed and into her robe. He'd removed all of her clothing last night except for her panties, and whereas last night his only thought had been getting her comfortably settled, today the sight of her naked body was a bit more distracting.
As he tied the robe around her, Belle reached up to rake her fingers through his hair. An electric jolt raced through his body. This denial was taking its toll on him.
Belle, still slightly unsteady on her feet, allowed him to help her down to the kitchen. He suggested that they eat in the dining room, but she wanted to sit at the counter to watch him as he prepared breakfast for them.
"Should we start with some tea and toast and see how you do?" Gold was still worried about her. She'd been so pale earlier.
"That sounds good." She smiled at him. "You're going to be such a good husband, Rum."
He loved hearing her refer to him as her husband. "I promise to do my best."
He turned to the task at hand and brewed the tea for them. "Would you like more tomato juice? It seemed to agree with you this morning." Gold had served her an old tried and true concoction to help battle her hangover symptoms.
"Yes. Just plain juice this time. I don't need the other ingredients."
Gold placed the tea, juice and toast on the counter in front of her and then sat beside her. They faced each other with their knees touching.
Belle took a bite of toast and a sip of tea. "This is perfect."
Gold watched her as she continued to eat. It became apparent that her appetite was back. "What else can I get for you, sweetheart?"
"Maybe a little more toast and tea. I'm starting to feel much better."
Gold was relieved. He hated to see her not feeling her best. "So was the party last night worth being sick this morning?" He, too, was anxious to hear all the details.
The sound of her giggle gave him his answer.
"Yes. I had the best time…" She giggled again and gave him a naughty look. "I was right when I told you that we were both going to enjoy the gifts I got."
Gold's cock hardened again as he remembered what Nolan had said about the handcuffs. He tried to hide his grin as he looked expectantly at her. "Well?"
"Well…" She paused for effect. "We got all types of fun things… bubble bath and bath oils, candles, massage oils… a gift certificate to the Rose Cottage Inns and the Bayberry Restaurant…"
"Those sound lovely, Belle. I think your friends were very generous." Gold was surprised by some of the gifts. It was obvious that everyone truly liked Belle.
"There's more." Belle bit her lower lip.
Gold wanted to bite it himself. "Go on." He encouraged her.
"We got some other gifts that might be even more fun."
Gold knew where this was heading.
"We now own hand and ankle cuffs, and flavored gels and glow-in-the dark body paint."
Gold grinned. "Hand and ankle cuffs? Do your friends really think we're going to use them?" He was already thinking about how and when.
She giggled. "They do now."
Gold looked at her. "Belle?"
"I think I let a few things slip last night after I had a couple of drinks." She bit her lower lip again.
"I'm not even going to ask. I think it's better if I don't know." He groaned to himself thinking of Ruby's knowing smile last night. It would be worse when he saw her when she was sober.
"That may be best." Belle ran her hands up his thighs.
Gold stopped her before she got too far. This talk was evidently exciting her.
"Do you want to know how I plan to use the hand and ankle cuffs?"
Her question made him forget everything else. "Please tell." His eyes locked with hers.
She took his hands in hers. "I'm going to make you take all of your clothes off for me one night while we're sitting in the library so that I can look at you and touch you until you can't take it any longer."
Gold's cock hardened. "Am I going to be touching you?"
"No, I'll be completely dressed and off limits." She placed her hands back on his thighs.
Then I'm going to lead you up to the bedroom where I'll seat you in the chair that has a nice view into the bathroom. I'm going to cuff you that chair and then I'm going to rub that glow-in-the-dark body paint on my favorite part of your body." Belle moved her hands up his thighs until they were touching his cock. She gently cupped him through his pajamas. He cock stood upright.
"Belle…" His voice was husky. He needed her now.
"I think we'd better cool off a little. You're not in any condition to hear the rest of this." She removed her hand from him and he whimpered. "This is really difficult for you, isn't it?"
"Yes…" He looked pleadingly at her, praying that she'd somehow take pity on him.
"I'm tempted to put you out of your misery, but I really want to wait until after the wedding." She looked torn.
Gold felt guilty. He knew she really wanted to wait. "It's OK, Belle. You just have that effect on me no matter what you do. My body can't help responding to yours."
"I know." Suddenly she giggled. "I got another gift last night that might be better to talk about."
Gold was willing to hear anything that would help his body cool down.
"Granny sent me a shower gift. I thought it was incredibly sweet of her."
Just hearing Granny's name mentioned made Gold's situation slightly better.
"She gave me a lasagna pan and her secret lasagna recipe so that I can make it for you whenever you want." She could barely contain her giggle.
Belle was right. Gold's condition became much less acute. "Very funny, Miss French." He wanted to pull her onto his lap, but he didn't want things to get any more out of hand than they already were.
"I'm not kidding, Rum. I'm telling you the truth." Belle could not stop laughing.
"I don't know if I believe you. If you're lying I'm going to have to spank you."
Belle stopped laughing and placed her hands back on his thighs. "I may have to toss that gift so that we can both get what we want."
Gold looked at her. He could tell she wasn't lying. His cock responded. He didn't know how he was going to wait until Saturday. His voice was hoarse as he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "I promise to give you anything you want once we're married…" He nibbled on her earlobe. "…and I'd do it sooner if you'd let me."
Gold felt the shiver that ran through Belle's body. He chuckled. Let her suffer a little.
Belle ran her hands further up his thighs and then under his pajama top so that she could caress his bare skin again. Her robe had loosened and he could clearly see her pert little breasts. His cock throbbed.
"I like waiting, Rum. It does things to me." Her hands continued to caress him.
"Come sit on my lap." Gold knew he was asking for trouble, but he needed to have her closer to him.
She drew her hands out from under his top and did as he asked. She circled one arm around his neck to steady herself and placed the other on his shoulder. Gold enfolded her in his arms and kissed her head. His cock ached but he didn't care. He wanted to be close to her. "I love you so much, Belle. I hate being apart from you."
"Me too." They began to kiss like two teenagers who couldn't get enough of each other.
When they parted lips, they were both breathing heavily and their eyes were dark with desire. They looked deeply into each other's eyes.
"Help me, Belle." Gold was the first to speak.
Belle raked her fingers through his hair. Then she giggled. "Would you like to see the lasagna pan?"
Gold laughed. "You're very naughty, Miss French."
"I know." She wiggled off his lap and removed her robe. She was naked except for her panties. Gold's cock felt as though it would burst.
"I think I deserve at least one little spanking." She leaned over in front of Gold so that her firm little butt was jutting out at him.
He wanted to pull her panties off and take her right then and there. Something had to give.
"Go ahead, Rum. I deserve it." She wiggled her butt at him.
Gold could no longer resist. He got down off the stool and stood behind her. "Let me get a better look, sweetheart." He slipped his fingers under the elastic band on her panties and pulled them slowly down until her butt was bare before him. His cock wanted to push into her.
Instead he slowly and tenderly caressed her butt until she was moaning loudly. His cock was dripping. He thought he might come without her even touching him.
"You sure about this, darling?" He had to ask.
"Yes..." Her answer was almost a sob.
Gold pulled his hand back and up and then brought it back down with moderate force to spank her butt. Belle jumped slightly at the contact and then moaned loudly.
"Are you OK, sweetheart? I didn't hurt you, did I?" Gold was not good at this. He caressed her butt tenderly.
"That was good, Rum. I'm a very naughty girl who needs a spanking every now and then."
Gold moaned and pressed his cock against her butt. She pushed back and rubbed herself against him. He knew he should pull away, but he didn't have the willpower. He let her continue longer than he should have. It felt so good. Finally, he placed his hands on her hips to slow her down, but he was too late. Her last movements created just the right amount of friction to push him past the point of no return. His seed flowed out of him.
"Rum…" Belle felt the wet on her skin.
"I'm sorry, Belle." Gold was mortified and sheepish. "I didn't mean for that to happen."
"It's OK." Belle turned to face him. She placed her arms around his neck and kissed him. "I know you needed that."
"Oh, sweetheart." He kissed her. "I wanted to wait."
She giggled. "I'm not convinced of that. Do you think you can make it until Saturday now?"
"I'll try." He couldn't even promise. He was completely incapable of controlling himself with her.
She kissed him tenderly. "I love you so much and I love how responsive you are to me. You never have to apologize for that."
Gold felt slightly better. She knew his weaknesses and had a way of accepting them as strengths.
"What about you? Can you wait?" Gold knew that she was also in a heightened state of arousal.
"I'm trying my best. It's not easy for me either."
Gold hugged her. "Say the word and I'll do whatever you want."
"I know, Rum. Thanks. But I still want to wait."
"I really admire you, sweetheart. You're a much stronger person than I am."
"That's not true." She combed her fingers through his hair. "You're just as strong as I am... I don't want you to forget that." She smiled at him.
"Thank you for believing in me, Belle." His eyes teared up as he leaned down to kiss her.
"We believe in each other. That's important." Belle always managed to get to the heart of the matter.
Belle brushed a strand of hair from his eyes."I suppose we should try to get a few things done before we have to get ready for tonight."
"Just tell me what you need me to do. I'm completely at your disposal."
They commenced to clean up and then they went upstairs to shower and get dressed. Belle removed the gifts she had received from their wrappings so that Gold could see them. "Oh, and now that you're not feeling as tense as you were earlier," Belle giggled, "I might as well mention that we also got vibrators and a sexy nightie for me." She giggled again. "I'll hold off on showing you the nightie until after our wedding. I wouldn't want to do anything to precipitate any other incidents." She bit her lip to try to stifle her laughter.
Gold could see that she was going to be her usual naughty self and milk his 'accident' for all it was worth. She was not that unlike her father or Nolan or Neal in that regard. "You're begging for more spankings, Miss French." He grabbed her from behind and pulled her against him.
"I'm glad you're getting the message." She reached up and behind her to rake her fingers through his hair.
Gold closed his eyes and bit his tongue to keep himself from envisioning their earlier encounter. He could not trust his body to cooperate.
Belle must have sensed his difficulty because she decided to show him some mercy by changing the subject. "You didn't tell me about your night at the casino yet."
"I'll fill you in while we run our errands… which reminds me… you didn't open your gift yet."
"I didn't forget. It's just that we got distracted." Belle bit her lip again and fished the box out of her robe pocket. Her fingers shook a little while she tore through the paper.
"These are gorgeous, Rum." She held up the earrings to get a better look at them.
"They match your eyes." Gold smiled happily at her. He could tell she was pleased. He couldn't wait to give her the charm and to buy more gifts for her.
"I feel so spoiled. I'm going to wear them tomorrow night for the rehearsal dinner… Thank you." She took his hand in hers and kissed it. Then she looked shyly at him. "So you thought about me a lot last night?"
"I'm always thinking about you, sweetheart. I miss you when we're not together."
They spent the next half hour teasing each other and engaging in affectionate behavior until they were both ready to go. Gold was in the greatest mood. He and Belle were going to be married in two days. It was all he could think about.
They spent the afternoon picking up gifts for Neal and Ariel, their best man and maid of honor, and for Moe and Dr. Hopper. They also picked up the special favors Belle had ordered from a boutique on the Storybrooke waterfront.
They had a little time to spare so Belle suggested that they sit on a bench by the water and watch the boats arriving and departing.
"Something happened this morning that helped me finish writing my vows." Belle shared with him.
Gold's eyes met hers. "It was the same for me." Gold had struggled with his vows… not because he didn't have enough to say… he had so much to say that he didn't know how to condense it into a few sentences that could convey everything he felt for her.
They held hands.
"I'd love to exchange vows right here." Belle laid her head on his shoulder. "I'd like to sit here and tell you everything that makes me happy about you and why I love you so much. I can't say everything I want to say in front of an audience. So much of it is just for me and you."
Gold squeezed her hand. "I feel the same way, Belle. But we have to know that we have our whole lives to share those things with each other."
"I know." She nestled closer to him. They sat in silence for quite a while.
"I suppose we should head home so that we can get ready for tonight. I think it's going to be a fun time."
Gold didn't quite share her sentiments. He was very nervous about the approaching evening. He hoped that it would turn out well and that Belle wouldn't be disappointed. In his mind, it could go one of three ways. They could have a lot of well-wishers show up who had come to know Belle and were truly happy for her, they could have a lot of guests who were there simply because they were getting a free meal and wanted to get a better look at the woman who would be foolish enough to marry him, or they could end up with just a handful of people because nobody wanted to stop by to wish him well. He prayed for her sake that it wasn't the latter. It would break his heart to know that it was his fault that the party had not been successful.
Belle got up and extended her hand to him. "What's wrong, Rum?"
She had a way of seeing right through him. "Nothing… I just hope the party turns out the way you're expecting."
She squeezed his hand. "I'm sure it will… in fact, I have a feeling that we're going to be surprised by the number of people who show up."
Gold wished he felt as confident.
"Don't worry, Rum. We'll have a good time no matter what happens."
She always made him feel better.
They returned home and got ready for the party. Belle wore a lovely red dress that was both modest and extremely sexy to him at the same time. He was sure the rumors would start up again when they saw him with someone so young and beautiful.
"You look very handsome, Rum." He was wearing one of his many perfectly tailored suits. His tie had a red design that matched her dress. She reached up to straighten it.
"And you're stunning as always." She was more beautiful to him every day.
"Thank you." She smiled sweetly at him. "Are you ready?"
"As much as I'll ever be." He offered his arm to her and she hooked hers in his.
"I promise we'll have fun, Rum." She stroked his forearm.
"I'm sure you're right. You always are."
Belle smiled at him as they proceeded to the car.
Belle managed to distract him as they made their way to the diner by having him tell her about his boys' night out. Belle enjoyed hearing about his evening and his confessions about how much he'd missed her. He also took the opportunity to inform her that she owed him for having to endure so many hugs and kisses from her father.
Belle giggled. She loved how affectionate her dad was with Rum, especially when he'd had a little too much to drink. Rum was still uncomfortable with it and it struck her as very funny.
"Maybe your little incident this morning makes us even." She giggled again.
If he hadn't been driving he would have pulled her over his knee. It was evident that she wasn't going to let this go anytime soon. Unfortunately, her naughtiness was a major aphrodisiac to him and she knew it. She seemed to be enjoying his 'little incident', as she called it, a little too much.
"I know what you're doing, Belle." His tone was accusing.
"Me?" Her attempt to sound innocent failed miserably.
"Yes, you. I know what you want, darling, and I may make you wait a good long time to get it if you keep torturing me."
Belle could not contain her laughter. She reached over and ran her fingers through his hair to appease him. "I'm sorry, Rum. I promise to try to be good until our wedding."
Gold's cock hardened. He knew full well that the word "try" had been used intentionally. She'd left herself an out... an out that made him wonder what she might be up to. She'd also promised to try to be good only until the wedding. That meant that she had no intentions of being good after the big event. A million thoughts raced through his brain... none of them appropriate for the night ahead of them.
He pulled up to the diner and turned to her. "Come here."
She scooted over next to him so that he could put his arm around her. He settled his free hand on her thigh where it wandered slowly up and under her dress.
She whimpered.
"You're going to be Mrs. Gold in less than two days, sweetheart, and I'm going to have my way with you any way I want after that." He allowed his fingers to lightly stroke her through her silky panties.
She moaned softly and arched her back to make more direct contact. The fabric of her panties was damp.
Gold pulled his fingers away. "I'm afraid not, darling. We wouldn't want you to have any 'incidents', would we?"
"No." She said reluctantly, while her eyes said otherwise.
"Good." he chuckled. "Because as much as I'd like to rip those panties off of you and suck on you until you scream for mercy, it's going to have to wait."
"You're evil." Her tone was reprimanding.
"I know, darling. But I'm nothing compared to you." He grinned.
Belle giggled and he tickled her. "Now, now, Miss French. The playing field is finally even. Let's try to keep it that way."
"OK, you're right." She reached up to entangle her fingers in his hair. He lowered his head to kiss her. It was a sweet slow kiss filled with his sense of satisfaction that he finally had her where he wanted her.
He gradually broke the kiss. "I guess it's time to face the inevitable."
Belle kissed him again. "Yes."
He let himself out of the car and walked around to open her door. Once they were both out on the sidewalk in front of Granny's she giggled again. Instead of Granny's usual "All You Can Eat Lasagna" sign, there was a sign announcing the party to celebrate their upcoming marriage.
Gold braced himself as they entered the restaurant. Belle squeezed his hand.
"There they are!" Before Gold could even get his bearings, Moe rushed over to capture the two of them in one huge bear hug. Gold grimaced. It was as though last night had never ended.
Belle entwined her fingers with his.
Moe pulled away to survey them. "You look gorgeous, sweetheart." He kissed his daughter on the cheek.
"And you're not bad yourself, old man."
Gold gritted his teeth. He was hoping Moe would forego the 'old man' moniker for one night.
Belle looked around. "This is lovely, Dad. Did you do this yourself?" The restaurant was festively decorated with flowers and ribbons.
Moe guffawed. "You know better than that, sweetheart. Mary Margaret, Ruby and Ariel were good enough to come to my rescue."
Belle caught Ariel's eye from across the room. She was engaged in conversation with Ruby and Archie. Belle smiled and waved.
"Dad!" Neal had come up behind Gold. He wrapped one arm around him and shook his hand. Then he leaned over to kiss Belle. "I'm glad you're here. A lot of people are starting to arrive."
For the first time since he'd entered the diner, Gold had a chance to look around. Neal was right. There were already more people than he'd expected and the party hadn't even started. Evidently the free food and curiosity factor had prevailed.
"Yes... I can see."
"This is going to be fun! There are so many people here already!" Belle's reaction was almost the direct opposite of his. Gold decided that if she was happy, then he would try to be happy too.
Moe guffawed at the look on Gold's face. "Let me give you a hug." This time he released Belle so that he could concentrate all of his attention on Gold. "Cheer up, old man. Belle's right. This is going to be fun."
"Dad, let me have Rum back." Belle intervened and managed to get him free.
Moe laughed. "OK, darling, I know you two hate being parted from one another. I'll let you mingle. I know a lot of people want to talk to you. I'll get you some drinks."
With that he disappeared, leaving them alone with Neal. They barely exchanged a few words before Leroy appeared before them with a tray of hors d'oeuvres in his hand. He was dressed in a white shirt, black slacks and a bow tie. Gold groaned. He quickly realized that Granny had enlisted Leroy and his six housemates to work as waiters at the party.
"Hi, Belle." Leroy smiled from ear to ear. "These are delicious. I wanted to make sure you got first pick." He held the tray out to her.
"That's so sweet of you, Leroy. I didn't know you were going to be working the party. You look so handsome dressed like that."
Leroy beamed. Gold ground his teeth and pulled Belle closer to him. She giggled. It was obvious that he was jealous.
"You should have one, Rum. These are delicious." She didn't want him to feel left out.
Leroy begrudgingly offered the tray to him. "You should take one of these." He pointed to the hors d'oeuvres that were situated in the middle of the tray. "The others may be too hot for you." Gold was not about to take his advice. He wasn't sure what he was insinuating with his comment, but he was sure it was something. He purposely took one of the others. "These look better to me."
"Suit yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you." Leroy's tone irked Gold. He popped the morsel into his mouth and bit down on it. The intense heat almost choked him.
He was lucky that Moe was just returning with drinks. He grabbed a glass and gulped down his champagne.
"Gold!" Moe objected. I was going to make a toast.
Belle giggled. Jealous Rum was so very cute to her. He made her laugh.
It took Gold a minute to respond. He had trouble recovering his voice.
Neal chuckled. "I didn't know you were the jealous type, Dad."
Gold gave him a dirty look. Belle wrapped her arm around his waist and kissed his cheek.
"I think it's adorable."
"Of course you do." Neal replied snidely and Moe guffawed.
"I hope you know what you're getting into Gold. Belle's a beautiful young woman. She's always going to have a slew of men flirting with her." Moe added.
"I'm not jealous. I ate something that was much spicier than I expected."
"Whatever you say, Dad."
Moe doubled over laughing. "It's OK, Gold. Belle thinks it's cute."
Gold chuckled. He wasn't going to win this battle. Yes, he was jealous. He did not like Leroy blatantly flirting with Belle while he stood by.
Moe retrieved another drink for Gold. "There. That's better."
The crowds continued to pour in and make their way over to speak to them. It was uncomfortable at first, but after the initials greetings, most pretty much ignored Gold and spoke directly to Belle. That was just fine as far as he was concerned.
Just as he was beginning to relax, Moe made an announcement that caused his heart to seize.
"Cora just walked in… with Regina and Sidney Glass."
Gold could feel Cora's eyes on him. He pulled Belle closer to him, alerting her to the fact that something was amiss.
Belle looked up to meet his eyes. Then she instinctively turned her eyes to the entrance.
"What's she doing here?" Gold heard anger in her tone, a rarity for Belle. He also sensed a protectiveness in her. She wasn't concerned for herself. She was concerned for him.
He watched her with renewed admiration. "Which 'she' are you referring to?"
"Both of them. They'd better not be here to mess with me or you."
This was a side of Belle that Gold had never seen. He knew she could handle Cora and Regina based on her own account of her previous meetings with them and theirs. Now he was seeing her in action firsthand.
"Belle, sweetheart." Gold tried to reassure her.
"I'm fine, Rum." She squeezed his hand. "Are you OK?" Her tone softened.
Gold smiled at her. "I am now."
"Gold, what's she doing here?" Moe insisted on getting an answer.
"I'm sure she's here to irk me, Moe, but I'm not about to give her the satisfaction and neither is Belle. Right, sweetheart?"
"Right." She tightened her grip on his hand and smiled at him.
Gold chuckled to himself. Her smile was sweet, but her eyes were like steel. The woman was truly amazing.
