A/N: Alright so, us 50 shades fans know what's about to happen here. But for those of you who have no idea. Brace yourselves. Robin is about to attempt something bad. Emma won't be too happy.
"Daniel, hi! How are you?" She blinks, glad to hear a familiar voice. It felt like she hadn't talked to Daniel in forever.
"I'm fine. Listen, are you still seeing that Swan girl?"
"Um, yes… Why do you ask?" Her brow furrows.
"Well, she was the one who bought all your photos, and I thought I could deliver them up to you. The exhibition closes Thursday, so I could bring them up Friday evening and drop them off. And maybe we could catch a drink or something. Actually, I was hoping for a place to crash, too."
"I'm sure we could work something out. Let me talk to Emma and call you back, okay?"
"Oh. You're… living with her now?" She could hear the seriousness in his voice.
"Yes."
"Okay, well… I'll wait to hear from you, Gina. Bye."
"Bye." She hangs up with a sigh.
It seemed like forever since her and Daniel spoke. She could already picture Emma's stone cold expression once she gives her the news about Daniel wanting to deliver her photos personally and hoping to stay for a night. It was a long drive after all. And it would just be for one night. She's hoping Emma would be fine with that, however, going out for a drink with him would be a different story.
Regina types up the letter quickly, printing it out and rushing into Robin's office. "Here you are, Robin."
"Finally." He snatches the letter from her hand, literally, and reads through it. "This is all wrong. Do it again." He crumbles up the paper, his glare menacing. "I don't know what you're doing out there, Gina, but I pay you to work."
"I am aware of that, Robin." Her brow slightly raises, not appreciating whatever is up his ass today.
"Well, get to work. And get me another coffee." He grumbles, burying himself under his mountain of paperwork once Regina is out the door, heading into the kitchen.
She is joined by Kathryn from Reception. "Can you believe him today?" She groaned, clearly annoyed.
"What is his problem?" Asks Regina.
"Hell if I know." Kathryn shrugged, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"I better get back out there."
Kathryn places her hand on the woman's shoulder, "Godspeed to you, Gina."
"Gina!" Robin snaps, storming out of his office. "Where have you been?"
"Getting your coffee." She hands it to him, which he takes.
"I want my lunch early today. The usual," he says abruptly and stomps back into his office.
This was not her day. Regina scoffs, reaching for her purse and phone as she heads out. She checks her messages, seeing an email from Emma.
My bed is too big without you.
Looks like I'll have to go to work after all.
Even megalomaniac CEOs need something to do.
X
Emma Swan
Twiddling Her Thumbs CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
And there's another one from her.
Is the better part of valor.
Please use discretion… your work emails are monitored.
HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS?
Yes. Shouty capitals as you say. USE YOUR PHONE.
Dr. Hopper can see us tomorrow evening.
X
Emma Swan
Still Pissed CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Oh, shit. And there's an even later email from Emma.
I haven't heard from you.
Please tell me you are okay.
You know how I worry.
I will send Gold to check!
X
Emma Swan
Overanxious CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina rolls her eyes. My Sweet, Overly protective Control-Freak. She dials Emma's phone as she's heading toward the deli, and waiting in line.
"Emma Swan's phone, Ingrid Fisher speaking."
Oh. She blinks at the sound of Ingrid's voice speaking over Emma's phone. This was different. Why was she answering Emma's personal phone?
"Hello? Can I help you?" Ingrid fills the void of awkward silence.
"Sorry…" Regina blinks once more. "I was hoping to speak to Emma…"
"Ms. Swan is in a meeting at this time." Her tone is polite and professional. "Can I take a message?"
"Can you tell him Gina called?"
"Gina? As in Regina Mills?"
"Yes…?" Her brows furrowed, confused by the woman's question.
"Hold one second, please, Ms. Mills."
She can hear the woman place the phone down but can't hear anything past that, except for when a pair of hands shuffle the phone, until Emma's familiar voice answers.
"Are you okay?" She asks, concern filling her voice.
"Yes, I'm fine." She can hear her release a relieved breath. "Emma, why wouldn't I be okay?"
"You're normally so quick at responding to my emails. After what I told you yesterday, I was worried," She says quietly, and then she's talking to someone else. "No, Ingrid. Tell them to wait," she says sternly.
"Emma, you're obviously busy. I only called to let you know that I'm okay, and I mean that- just very busy today. Robin has been cracking the whip. I mean…" Her eyes close, her cheeks flush and she falls silent.
"Cracking the whip, huh? Well, there was a time when I would have called him a lucky man." Her voice is full of dry humor. "Don't let him get on top of you, baby."
"Emma!" She colds at her, shaking her head and she can actually hear her grinning.
"Just watch him, that's all. Look, I'm glad you're okay. What time should I pick you up?"
"I'll email you."
"From your phone," she says sternly.
"Laters, baby."
"Bye…" She stays on the line, listening with a grin so big it hurts her cheeks. "Hang up." She scolds.
Emma sighs heavily. "I wish you had never gone to work this morning."
"Me, too. But I am busy. Hang up."
"You hang up." Emma's smile is so big, it can be heard over the phone.
So, she was never mad, in fact now she's been in a playful mood. Regina grins, shaking her head, because she loves playful Emma. She bites her lip.
"You're biting your lip."
Regina's eyes grow wide. How the hell does she know this?
"You see, you think I don't know you, Regina. But I know you better than you think." Emma grins, because yes, somehow, someway, she knew when Regina would bite her lip.
The brunette's legs go weak at the knees and she becomes instantly wet with how low Emma's voice sounds.
Ugh!
"Emma, I'll talk to you later. Right now, I really wish I hadn't left this morning, too."
"I'll wait for your email, Ms. Mills."
"Good day, Ms. Swan."
Hanging up, she leans against the cool glass of the deli window, cursing herself silently for ever leaving this morning when Emma looked so happy this morning. And so gorgeous, lying nakedly glorious in bed with her golden hair a clear sign of fucked all night evidence.
Robin is in no better mood once Regina returns.
"Is it alright if I go to lunch now?" She asks.
"If you must," he snaps. "Forty-five minutes. Make up the time you lost this morning."
Her brow furrows, "Robin, may I ask you something?"
"What?"
"You seem highly upset about something today. Have I done something to offend you?" Asks Regina.
"Close the door on your way out." He grumbles, staring intently at his computer screen.
Regina turns on her heels, relieved to be out of his sight, honestly. She gathers her purse, her iPad and headphones and leaves again to enjoy a peaceful lunch. Once she reaches the deli, she decides to sit there, and be as far from Robin as possible. She puts her headphones in, and listens to Emma's playlist, tapping on repeat on the song Try by Nelly Furtado. It makes her smile. Every time.
As she's enjoying her lunch, her mind drifts off, losing itself to the words of the song. Her mind drifts off to Emma. Her beautiful, gorgeous, kind, sweet but broken blonde. She certainly comes with a lot of baggage, but then again, no one can be perfect. Still, she couldn't help to fall in love with her more and more. Especially after last night, when Emma broke her most sacred barrier of all with her, allowing her to touch her. It was with baby steps touching, but Regina would take all she could get. Especially when Emma was trying.
Okay, so the Lily thing was a shock, and the image of Emma bathing the poor broken girl still stung her more than it probably should. But, nothing beyond that happened. She just helped her get washed up when the girl's entire family turned their back on her. And Lily was no Dragon Lady.
Mrs. Regina Swan… or would it be Swan-Mills? She shakes her head with a smile, glancing at her engagement finger on her left hand- empty of course. But she wanted to try so hard to picture a ring on it. She certainly never imagined Emma to be the marrying type. Could that really be her? Could she actually say yes and marry Emma? Be with her forever? Wake up to the sight of her every morning, sleep tangled up in her body every night. Make love to her any time she desired. Well, they didn't have to be married for that. She grinned, her mind swimming with all the places they have already explored together. And just think of what more is to come by her side. She tells herself.
Maybe Dr. Hopper could help put things more into perspective for her.
She glances down at her watch and heads back to across the street to work.
By four o'clock, her office phone rings and it is Kathryn from Reception.
"I have Ivy Swan on the line for you."
Ivy? "Thank you, Kat." She smiles, speaking sweetly, "Hi, Ivy."
"Gina, hi. How are you?" Her excitement is evident through the phone.
"Good. Busy day. You?"
"I am so bored! I need to find something to do, so I'm arranging a birthday party for Emma."
Emma's birthday? Why didn't she say anything? "When is it?" She asks.
Ivy rolls her eyes, "I knew it. I knew she wouldn't tell you. That's so Emma. It's this Saturday. Her parents want everyone over for a meal to celebrate. I'm officially inviting you."
Regina shook her head, smiling, "Well, thank you for the invite, Ivy."
"I've already called Emma and told her, and she gave me your number at work." There's a pause from Ivy, "And maybe sometime next week we can go out for lunch?"
A girl's night out with someone else would be fun. "Sure. How about tomorrow? My boss will be away to Seattle."
"Oh, that would be great, Gina. What time?" She can hear her smile over the phone.
"Twelve forty-five?"
"I'll be there. Bye, Gina."
"Bye." She hangs up.
Her mind is in a whirlwind. Emma's birthday. What could she possibly get the woman who already has everything?
She's startled by Robin's sudden presence behind her, arms crossed, glaring down at her. "Robin. Is there something you needed?"
"Personal calls on your own time, okay?" He snarls, rushing back into his office. Still fuming.
Regina scoffs, opening up a new window and typing up a new message to Emma.
Dear Ms. Swan
When, exactly, were you going to tell me?
What shall I get my megalomaniac CEO for her birthday?
Perhaps some new batteries for her hearing aid?
R x
Regina Mills
Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers
Emma's eyes look up from behind her desk onto her computer screen, smiling at the sight of Regina's name and email.
I proudly take that title, Ms. Mills.
Glad you are alive and kicking.
And that Ivy has been in touch.
Batteries are always useful.
I don't like celebrating my birthday.
X
Emma Swan
Your Megalomaniac CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
My megalomaniac. Regina chuckles.
Dear Ms. Swan
I can imagine you pouting as you wrote that last sentence.
That does things to me.
R xox
Regina Mills
Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers
Emma sighs, typing up her next message.
Ms. Mills
WILL YOU USE YOUR PHONE!
X
Emma Swan
Twitchy Palmed, CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina rolls her eyes, wanting to reach for her phone, but Robin's been on her like a fly on a piece of manure that she couldn't risk him seeing her on it.
Dear Ms. Swan
Ah… your twitchy palms can't stay still for long, can they?
I wonder what Dr. Hopper would say about that?
But now I know what to give you for your birthday- and I hope it makes me snore…
;)
R x
Regina Mills
Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers
Emma inhales deeply, feeling a shock run through her body, all the way down to her very core.
Ms. Mills
I don't think my heart could stand the stain of another email like that, or my pants for that matter.
Behave.
X
Emma Swan
CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina smirks.
Emma
I am trying to work for my very trying boss.
Please stop bothering me and being trying yourself.
Your last email nearly made me combust.
X
P.S. Can you pick me up at 6:30?
Regina Mills
Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers
Emma smiles.
Nothing would give me greater pleasure.
Actually, I can think of a number of things that would give me greater pleasure, and they all involve you.
X
Emma Swan
CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina flushes, smirking as usual after reading an email from Emma that causes her mind to wander. She closes the emails and gets back to work.
By six fifteen, the office is alone, except for Regina and Robin. He had asked her to stay a little later, again of course. She has everything ready Robin will need for his trip to Seattle. His cab would be ready and waiting at the airport. All she had to do was hand these documents over to him and she could leave.
As she heads into his office, she knocks lightly, seeing him look up from his desk, his hand beckoning her to step right in. Which she does.
"Here is everything you'll need in Seattle."
"Gina, have a seat." He motions toward the chair at the other side of the desk, moving to sit up on his desk so that he is towering over Regina.
"Is there a problem?"
He sighs, his eyes locking on Regina's. "Do you like it here?"
She blinks." I- of course. Of course I like it here- I love it here. This is my dream job."
Robin nods. "Because I'm just not seeing the effort in you."
What? She blinks again. "Robin-"
"Gina, I think you have a lot of potential, but I also know that there are a lot of other qualified candidates who would kill for your position." The look on his face is puzzling. "Do you get what I mean?"
"I have read more than you've asked me to read, I've been staying late when you ask me too, Robin."
Robin inhales deeply, as he bends over to stand to his feet. He walks toward his office door and shuts it.
The echoing sound of the door shutting makes Regina get an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Unless, of course, you would like for me to compete with Emma Swan… for your… attention." He walks over to her, and she's standing up to her feet.
"I'm sorry that Emma was so curt with you the day you met. Is that what this is about?" She watches his smirk grow. It is sinister. She quickly moves out of the way, "Look, whatever your problem is with my work you'll have to take it up with HR."
Robin's hands slam against the door, on each side of her, making her gasp, his eyes dark, his stare buying itself into her memory. "I just think… that somehow… your girlfriend is involved in all this. In fact, I've been thinking that for quite some time. So I began doing a little digging, and do you want to know what I found?" His face is inches away from hers, she could practically feel his breath. "I found a lot of emails coming from your personal account. And, I thought, where are Swan's emails? There were none."
Regina's breath hitches. "I don't know what you're talking about, Robin-"
He hums, inhaling her scent too close for her liking, "You see… I always think that if you're going to fuck your bosses, it should be with one that makes you smarter. Not richer." He whispers. "And besides… I promise you, I could make you come like no one else has. Not even Emma Swan."
Oh, God, no… She struggles to get away, feeling the man pin her body against the wall. "Robin, stop, please."
"What's wrong?" He chuckles, holding her against the wall, pulling her to him then, "Look at you. You're so turned on, aren't you? You've been leading me on since day one, Gina. You want me. Admit it."
She can feel his lips brush against her cheek as she turns her head, she can feel his erection pressing up against her as he presses his body quite possessively, his hand is about to cup her breast.
"No!" Suddenly, Regina's instincts kick in, all that self defense her father taught her, kicked in. She twisted his hand back, making him scream and back away from her enough for her knee to meet his groin. "Don't you ever touch me again!" She snarled, running out of the office and out of the building, hearing him groan in pure anger.
She ran and didn't stop until a pair of arms caught her, that instantly made her feel safe.
"Gina, what's wrong?" Emma's look was alarming, her eyes wide. "What happened?"
"Emma." Regina breathed, tears streaming down her face, "Robin, it's Robin, he-"
"He what?"
"He tried to…" Her voice was shaking. "He tried to touch me- he…"
Motherfucker. Green eyes grow impossibly dark, Emma's face turns to stone. "I'll kill him." She snarls, rushing past Regina, only to be pulled back by her.
"No, no! Please," she hugs her tight, wanting to bury herself in her arms. "Just stay with me. Please, stay here with me."
"Gold." She nods over at the man and Gold immediately runs into the building. Her blood was burning like lava inside her body. She wanted to kill the bastard herself, but she knew Gold knew what to do.