A/N: I know, I know, I promised two chapters and I'm only delivering one. Life got in the way and almost kept me from writing out this next chapter. But, tomorrow I shall have free reign to write more than one. Let's hope more than just one review drops with this cliffhanger. ;) Happy reading and happy weekend, my lovely readers!
After a fight, Emma is the same every morning. She is wrapped around her wife's body like a baby koala clings to its mother. Her head resting calmly on her chest. Even if they each sleep on their own sides of the bed, it's always the same. Emma ends up curled up to Regina. And Regina couldn't complain about that.
Green sleepy eyes meet with fully awake brown ones.
"Hi," Emma murmurs and smiles.
"Hi." Regina adores waking up to that smile she gives her in the mornings. It's her favorite.
Emma nuzzles away at her wife's breasts, which instantly perk up to her touch. Her hand skims its way down her silk nightgown. "What a tempting sight you are," she mutters. "But, tempting though you are," she glances at the alarm clock. "I have to get up." She stretches out, untangling herself from her favorite place in the world to be and rises.
Regina lies back in bed, a smile stretching out on her lips, her eyes feasting on the forbidden beauty that is her wife as she strips for her morning shower. Emma is undoubtedly a perfect sight to see.
"Admiring the view?" She asks, arching a brow.
"It is my favorite view." Regina smirks.
Emma grins and throws her tank top right at the brunette with the goal that it would land on her face, but Regina catches it in time, giggling like a school-girl. With a wicked grin, the blonde pulls covers off, puts one knee on the bed, grabs her wife's ankles, and drags her toward her so that her nightgown rides up. Regina can't help but squeal, watching as Emma crawls up her body, trailing kisses on her knee, her thigh… and… her… oh!
"Good morning, Mrs. Swan," Mrs. Lucas greets Regina.
"Good morning," Regina greets while being handed her morning coffee. She sits on a bar stool right next to a freshly showered Emma. And again, she is a fine sight to see. She is wearing her light gray dress pants, a crisp white shirt, and her gray matching tie. The same one she used on her in the playroom. Their favorite tie. And she is taken back to the day of her graduation. Emma looked so good then in these same clothes and she looked just as good now. Only difference was that she was wearing her hair loose today and not in a neat ponytail.
Mrs. Lucas places Regina's choice of breakfast before her and attends to her duties in the kitchen. But not before giving her another warm smile.
"I may have to go to Seattle later in the week," Emma's announcement interrupts the brunette's eating.
"Oh?"
"There's a gala."
"So, goodbye ties, hello dresses?" She smirks. As much as she loved how Emma usually dressed, she always did love the sight of her in an elegant dress.
Emma smiles. "It'll mean overnight. I want you to come with me."
Regina shakes her head. "Emma, I won't get the time off."
The blonde gives her an Oh-Really-But-I'm-The-Boss stare.
She sighs. "I know you own the company, but I've been away for three weeks. Please. How can you expect me to run the business if I'm never there? I'll be fine here. I'm assuming you'll take Gold with you, but Jones and Fa will be here-" she stops, because Emma is grinning at her. "What?"
"Nothing. Just you." Is all she says.
Then it dawns on Regina. How is Emma getting to Seattle? Flying? Oh, no… "How are you getting to Seattle?"
"The company jet, why?"
"I just wanted to check if you were taking Charlie Tango." Her voice is quiet, and a shiver runs down her spine. That memory, the God-awful memory of the incident that were agonizing hours for her and everyone around her. That was a dark place, Regina never wanted to visit or experience ever again.
"I wouldn't fly to Seattle in Charlie Tango. She doesn't have that kind of range. Besides, she won't be back from the engineers for another two weeks."
Regina smiles, because she loves that helicopter. Just as much as Emma does, in fact. It brings back so many fond memories, especially because it was the first time Emma ever did something romantic- without even knowing it- and it was the first time she ever made love to her. Oh, how far they've come in such little time.
"Well, I'm glad she's nearly fixed, but-" she stops.
"What?" Emma asks as she finishes her omelet. "Gina?" She says more sternly. She knows something is bothering her.
"I just… last time you flew in her… I thought, we thought, you'd-" she can't bring herself to even finish that sentence.
"Hey." Emma's expression softens. She caresses her wife's face with her thumb, stroking away at her cheek. "That was sabotage." A dark expression crosses her face, and for a moment Regina wonders if she knows more. If she knew who was responsible.
"I couldn't bear to lose you," Regina murmurs.
"Five people have been fired because of that, Gina. It won't happen again."
"Five?" Her eyes grow wide.
Emma nods, her face serious.
"That reminds me. Why do you have a gun in your desk?"
Emma frowns, her eyes looking away.
"Emma?"
She sighs. "It's Lily's," she finally says.
"Why do you have it? Why not give it to the police?" Asked Regina.
"She was in enough trouble."
"It's fully loaded."
"How do you know?" Emma's brow furrows.
"I checked it yesterday."
She scowls at her. "I don't want you messing with guns. I hope you put the safety back on."
Regina blinks. "Emma, there's no safety on that revolver. Don't you know anything about guns?"
Green eyes widen. "No." Her head turns to Gold as he discreetly clears his throat. "We have to go," she says to Regina. She stands, distracted, and slips on her light gray matching jacket.
Regina follows her into the hallway. Suddenly Regina wonders what has become of Lily. Last she asked of her, Emma had informed her that she was living with her parents again. But after that, she's known nothing more.
"Good morning, Gold," Emma says.
"Good morning, Mrs. Swan." He turns to Regina and smiles with a nod, "Mrs. Swan."
"Good morning, Gold." Regina smiles.
"You should ask Gold to teach you how to shoot," Regina says to Emma as they are in the elevator, traveling down toward the garage.
Emma gazes down at her wife, amused. "Should I now?"
"Yes. Or… I could teach you a thing or two," she smirks, proud of herself for learning, thanks to her father.
Emma snorts. "I despise guns, Regina. My mom has patched up too many victims of gun crime, and my dad is vehemently anti-gun. I grew up with their ethos. I support at least two gun control initiatives here in New York."
"Does Gold carry a gun?"
Emma's mouth pressed into a thin line. "Sometimes."
"You don't approve?" She asks as she's ushered by her wife out of the elevator and to the ground floor.
"No," she says, tight-lipped. "Let's just say that Gold and I hold very different views with regard to gun control."
Emma holds the foyer door for the brunette and they head toward the vehicle. She hasn't allowed Regina to drive to work alone since the Charlie Tango incident. Jones smiles warmly at them, holding the passenger door open for them to climb in.
"Where is Lily?" She as Emma gazes out of her window.
"I told you. She's in Connecticut with her parents." She turns to gaze at her.
"Did you check? After all, she does have long hair. It could have been her following us in that Dodge that day."
"Yes, I checked. She's enrolled in an art school in Hamden. She starts this week."
"You've spoken to her?" Regina whispers, her heart coming to a halt at the thought.
Emma's head whips to the surprise and panicked tone in her wife's voice. "No. Hopper has."
"I see."
"What?"
"Nothing."
The blonde sighs. "Gina. What is it?"
"It's nothing." Regina assures her, putting on her best mask. She doesn't want to admit to still being jealous of Lily- not out loud at least. It was stupid to still be jealous of her. Especially when her wife hasn't even talked to her or seen her. But, she couldn't help it.
Emma continues, knowing well what her wife's worry was. "I'm keeping tabs on her, checking that she stays on her side of the continent. She's better, Gina. Hopper has referred her to a shrink in New Haven, and all the reports are very positive. She's always been interested in art, so…" She stops, her face still searching her wife's.
And at that moment Regina suspects that Emma is paying for her art classes. Does she want to know? Should she ask her? She knows Emma has a kind heart, and she cares what happens to people. And my God, it isn't like she can't afford it. She's paying for Gold's daughter's schooling, so why not Lily's too? But what Regina can't understand is why does Emma have to feel obligated to help her?
Emma reaches for her wife's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't overthink this, Gina."
Regina returns her sign of affection with an equal gentle squeeze of her own. She knows that her wife is only doing what she thinks is right.
By mid morning Regina has a break from meetings. She is on her computer when an email alert from Emma pings on her screen.
Mrs. Swan
I have received three compliments on my new haircut. Compliments from my staff are new. It must be the ridiculous smile I'm wearing whenever I think about last night. You are indeed a wonderful, talented, beautiful woman.
And all mine.
Emma Swan
CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina's heart melts as she replies.
Mrs. Swan
I am trying to work and don't want to be distracted by beautiful and delicious memories.
Is now the time to confess that I used to cut my father's hair regularly? I had no idea it would be such useful training.
And yes, I am yours and you, my dear, overbearing wife who refuses to exercise her constitutional right under the Second Amendment to bear arms, are mine. But don't worry because I shall protect you. Always.
Regina Swan
Editor, New York Book Publishers
Emma smirks.
Mrs. Swan
I am delighted to see you have spoken to the IT dept and changed your name. :D
I shall sleep safe in my bed knowing that my gun-toting wife sleeps beside me.
Emma Swan
CEO and Hoplophobe, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Hoplophobe? She's afraid of guns? This warms Regina's heart. Emma, her wife who is brave for many things, is afraid of guns.
Mrs. Swan
Once more you dazzle me with your linguistic talents.
In fact, your talents in general, and I think you know what I'm referring to. ;)
Regina Swan
Editor, New York Book Publishers
Three minutes later.
Mrs. Swan
Are you flirting with me?
Emma Swan
Shocked CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina chuckles.
I'm sorry. Did I give you the impression that I was flirting with someone else?
Regina Swan
Editor, New York Book Publishers
A minute later.
Grrr. NO!
Emma Swan
Possessive CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina replies.
Are you growling at me? Because that's kind of hot.
Regina Swan
Squirming (in a good way) Editor, New York Book Publishers
Emma's brow raises.
Flirting and toying with me, Mrs. Swan? Beware.
I may pay you a visit this afternoon.
Emma Swan
Shifting Uncomfortably CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Regina loved flirting, but nothing beat a good flirt by email with her wife.
I'll behave. I wouldn't want my boss's boss's boss getting on top of me at work. ;)
Now let me get on with my job. My boss's boss's boss may fire my ass.
Regina Swan
Editor, New York Book Publishers
Needless to say, this was Emma's favorite type of flirting as well.
Believe me when I say there are a great many things she'd like to do to your ass right now. Firing you is not one of them.
Emma Swan
CEO and Ass grabber, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Her response makes Regina laugh.
Will you go away?!
Don't you have an empire to run?
Stop bothering me.
My next appointment is here.
I thought you were always more of a breast grabber…
Think about my ass, and I'll think about yours…
I love you. X
Regina Swan
Now Wet Editor, New York Book Publishers
She can't help to be a little gloomy on Thursday morning as Jones drives her to the office. Emma's trip to Seattle has happened, and though she's been gone only a few hours, she already misses her. Regina turns on her computer, and there's an email waiting for her. From Emma. It lifts her mood immediately.
Mrs. Swan
Miss you already.
You were adorable this morning.
Behave while I'm away.
I love you.
Emma Swan
CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
As much as her wife's adoring email makes her heart melt, it also makes it ache at the reminder of her absence. This will be their first night sleeping apart since their wedding. She has made plans with Belle for a few cocktails after work, which she's happy about, given that they haven't seen much of each other lately. And that should keep her from feeling completely lonely.
Impulsively she emails Emma back, even if she most likely won't reply to her given that she is still flying.
Let me know when you land- I'll worry until you do.
And I shall behave, I mean how much trouble can I get into with Belle?
Regina Swan
Editor, New York Book Publishers
Around lunchtime, Regina starts manically checking her email and her phone for a text. Where is she? Has she landed safely? She can't help to worry. Kathryn asks if she wants lunch and given that she was turned away, she offers some to Jones, who's she's taken quite a liking to. Lunchtime or not, Regina can't think about eating. Not until she knows her wife has landed safely.
It's then her office phone rings, startling her.
"Regina Swan."
"Hi." Emma's voice is warm. She loves to hear the sound of her wife's voice.
"Hi." Regina is grinning from ear to ear. "How was your flight?"
"Long. What are you doing with Belle?"
"We're just going out for a quiet drink."
Emma says nothing.
"Emma, I don't want you to worry. Jones and Fa are going to come along with us," she offers.
"I thought Belle was coming to the apartment."
"She is after a quick drink."
Emma sighs heavily. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Regina groans, mentally kicking herself. "Emma, we'll be fine. It's only a quick drink." She waits, but Emma says nothing. She knows she's not happy. "I've seen her only a few times since you and I met. Please. She's my best friend."
"Gina, I don't want to keep you from your friends. But I thought she was coming back to the apartment."
"Okay," she acquiesces. "We'll stay in."
"Only while this lunatic is out there. Please."
"I said okay," she rolls her eyes.
Emma snorts softly down the phone. "I always know when you're rolling your eyes at me."
Regina scowls. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I'll tell Belle."
"Good," she breathes, her relief evident.
"Where are you?" Regina asks, wanting to change the subject.
"Heading out of the airport now."
"So you just landed?"
"Yes. You asked me to call the moment I landed."
Regina smiles. "Well Mrs. Swan, I'm glad one of us is punctilious."
Emma laughs. "Mrs. Swan, your gift for hyperbole knows no bounds. What am I going to do with you?"
"I am sure you'll think of something imaginative. You always do."
She grins. "Are you flirting with me?"
"Yes."
Emma's grin only grows. "I'd better go, Gina, do as you're told, please. The security team knows what they're doing."
"Yes, Emma, I will." She sounds exasperated again.
"I'll see you tomorrow evening. I'll call you later."
"To check up on me, no doubt?"
"Yes."
"Oh, Emma!" She scowls at her.
"Au revoir, Mrs. Swan."
"Au revoir, Emma. I love you."
Emma inhales sharply. "And I love you, Gina."
Neither of them hang up.
"Hang up, Emma," says Regina.
"You're a bossy little thing, aren't you?"
"Your bossy little thing."
"Mine," she breathes. "Do as you're told. Hang up."
"Yes, Ma'am." Regina hangs up and grins stupidly at the phone.
A few minutes later a new email from her wife appears in her inbox.
Mrs. Swan
You are as entertaining as ever on the phone.
I mean it. Do as you're told.
I need to know you're safe.
I love you.
Emma Swan
CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
Belle looks absolutely gorgeous in her white tight jeans, red camisole and black leather jacket. Of course, that jacket belongs to Ruby. Regina recognized it from her wearing it at the bar when Emma was able to have her white knight in shining armor moment and come to her rescue. Things still seem to be going very well with Ruby and she was happy for her.
Belle is chatting away with Kathryn when Regina joins them.
"Gina!" She cries, scooping the brunette up in a hug. "Look at you! You look so… sophisticated!" She grins. "Who would have thought, huh?"
"It's good to see you, Belle." Regina settled in wearing one of her black skirts, and a purple sleeveless blouse.
"So, where are we going?"
"Emma wants us to go back to the apartment."
"Aw, really? Can't we sneak a quick cocktail at the Bunker Club?"
Regina's eyes move to Jones, who is bringing the car around, with Fa in the passenger seat.
"Please? Just a quick one." Belle pleads and pouts.
What could it hurt? It's not like Robin would dare to try anything in a bar filled with people.
Regina grins. "One." She holds up a single digit, linking arms with her best friend as they head out the door, where Jones is holding open the door for them to mount the vehicle.
Jones and Fa both look like something out of a Men in Black movie with their matching black suits and white crisp shirts and ties.
"Jones, can you take us to the Bunker Club, please?"
Jones looks at the brunette with some level of discomfort. "Mrs. Swan instructed us to take you straight home."
Oh, for heaven's sake. "Well, Mrs. Swan isn't here. I am. So, Bunker Club, please." Her voice is almost menacing.
Jones and Fa share a glance, as the man nods. "Yes, ma'am."
Belle gapes at her best friend, her mouth hanging open. She always knew Regina was tough, but she had never seen her be this assertive. The door closes and Jones pulls into the evening traffic.
"You know the additional security is driving Mary Margaret and Ruby crazy," Belle says casually.
Regina gawks, baffled. "What are you talking about?"
"The security that Emma set for all the Swan's." Belle's brows furrow. "You didn't know?"
"No." Damn it, Emma! "Do you know why?"
"Robin Locksley."
"How do you know all this?" Regina's heart starts pounding. Why does Emma keep these things from her?
"Ruby."
Of course.
"Emma hasn't told you any of this, has she?"
Regina suddenly feels a ping of anger. "No." Her eyes move to Jones, who's blue eyes meet hers through the rear view mirror. Clearly he knows what's going on, too, and of course he won't tell her. This is ridiculous. She needs to know these things.
"How is Ruby?" She asks, changing the subject.
Belle grins stupidly. And that answers all of Regina's questions.
They are on their fourth cocktail, and engraved in a much needed conversation.
"So, how does Ruby know Zelena?" Regina asks, taking a sip of her cocktail. The bar is intimate and cozy and it makes Regina not want to leave.
Belle groans, rolling her eyes. "Don't talk to me about that woman!"
Belle's reaction makes Regina laugh.
"I feel the same way. Don't worry."
"You do?"
"Yes. She was all over Emma."
"She had a fling with Ruby." Belle rolls her eyes.
"No!"
She nods, her lips pressed together in the patented Belle French scowl. "It was brief. Last year, I think. She's a social climber. No wonder she has her sights set on Emma."
"Emma is taken. I told her to leave her alone or I would fire her."
Belle's mouth drops open, stunned. Regina nods proudly and both friends lift their glasses in salute, beaming.
"Mrs. Regina Swan! Way to go!" They clink glasses.
Five drinks and counting…
"You don't think we should eat something?" Asks Regina.
"No, we should drink. I don't hardly see you anymore, Gina. Honestly, who knew you would marry the first girl who turned your head?" Belle smirked.
"I know, it all happened so fast."
"I honestly thought you were pregnant." Belle jokes, laughing along with the brunette.
Regina chuckles. "God, even my mother came to think that. Can you imagine if a woman could impregnate another woman? With the sex Emma and I have, I would have been knocked up by now."
"Does Emma want kids?"
Regina frowns. "I don't know. She says someday, but… I don't think it's in the cards for her. It's like she's scared of the idea of being a mother. You know, her upbringing wasn't… the most pleasant one." She pauses.
"But?" Belle presses on, knowing well there was more.
Regina bites her lip. "I tried. There was this procedure my doctor talked to me about, she told me it had high chances of working." She chuckled, "I actually went behind Emma's back and tried for it. Because I want so badly to be a mother. And it angered me that she didn't."
"And?" Belle's eyes sparkle.
Regina frowns. "Turns out I can't have children."
"Oh, Gina." Belle frowns, her hand reaches across the table for her friend's hand, giving her a gentle squeeze.
After taking Belle home, and driving back to the apartment, Regina glances at her phone and her heart stops. Five missed calls from Emma. Shit. And an email.
Regina
Jones tells me that you are drinking cocktails in a bar when you said you wouldn't.
Do you have any idea how mad I am at the moment?
I'll see you tomorrow.
Emma Swan
CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.
In the elevator, Regina finds herself alone with Jones and decides to press him for information.
"What time did Emma call you?"
"About nine thirty, ma'am." Jones says, standing in front of her in the elevator, his back to her.
"Why didn't you interrupt my conversation with Belle so I could speak with her?"
"Mrs. Swan told me not to."
"Shit," Regina mutters under her breath, her eyes momentarily closing. She was in so much trouble.
As the elevator doors part open, Jones's eyes scan the apartment as he makes his way out, Regina behind him, she removes herself from her heels, allowing them to drop on the floor in their bedroom. She flicks on the lights, taking notice that the power is gone. Odd. It didn't rain.
A shriek escapes her as she suddenly feels a hand grab a hold of her mouth, preventing her from screaming. Her body pressed against a male's body that was holding her in place. She felt a cold metal object being pressed to her throat, a sharp metal object. A knife, when Robin's familiar voice whispered in her ear.
"You're going to be a good girl, Regina. And we're going to go to the elevator. Nice and slow. Or I will slit your throat, do you understand?" He whispers.
Regina nods, tears make their way down her cheeks. It was hard for her to breathe with Robin's gloved hand over her mouth and nose. She could just feel him pull her out of the bedroom and into the great room.
"Mrs. Swan?" Jones called out, his jacket removed from his body. His hand instinctively made its way behind his back as he entered the great room. His blue eyes grow wide as he pulls out his glock, aiming it right at Robin. "Mrs. Swan! Let her go!" He barked menacingly.
Robin moved the knife right near the brunette's kidney, his eyes not leaving Killian's. "Go ahead. Take the shot. I'll kill her, I swear to God."
Regina's eyes stung with running tears, her breathing was as muffled as her whimper as she kept eye contact with Jones.