Monday night.
"Hello." The old man barks into the phone.
"Hello, Gold. It's Killian." Comes the voice from the other end of the phone.
"Who would you like tonight, Killian?" Gold asked with indifference.
Killian was a local cop that Gold kept in his pocket. In exchange for Killian helping Gold stay ahead of any police interference, he allowed the corrupt cop to use his girls whenever he liked, as long as it didn't clash with any paying customers of course.
"Not tonight. I have some information for you actually."
"And what's that?" The imp queried, now giving his full attention to the man on the other end of the phone.
"An ex-cop down in Florida has starting looking into you. We came through the academy together in Boston. I haven't seen him in years."
"What have you told him?" He asked as he sat up straighter in his chair.
"Nothing. I just said you were a local business man and that I would look into you to see what I could find, but of course I won't tell him anything."
"Good. What does he do now? Why is he asking about me? What's his name?" The questions pour from his lips, his nerves set on edge because of the inquisitive stranger.
"His name is August Booth and I have no idea what he does now or why he's looking into you, he wouldn't say, but I'll find out. Have you ever been down to Florida?"
"No, I have not been there. But if I ever decide I want to look like a hundred year old prune it's the first place I'll go. Yes, find out what you can and let me know as soon as you know anything."
"Sure thing."
Gold hangs up and sits back in his leather chair before making another phone call.
"Spencer, I need you to look into someone for me. August Booth, originally from Boston, but now he's in Florida, an ex-cop. I want you to look into him and find out everything you can about him."
"Will do." Was all Spencer managed to say before Gold hung up on him, a sure sign that it was a matter of urgency.
Spencer is a dirty lawyer that Gold uses to whenever he has problems with the law or whenever he needs to do something a little unorthodox, like tracking someone down and getting information. Gold knew that Spencer would get the answers much quicker than Killian would, plus he had informants everywhere and had more of an influence.
Gold was an impatient man and hated waiting, but now he had no choice but to sit and stir until he finds out why an ex-cop in Florida was looking into him. He was confident nothing would come of it because half of the local police force was in his pocket, just like Killian, but he still didn't like the idea of anyone poking their nose into his business.
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The weekend was over far too quickly for Emma's liking, she didn't want to say goodbye to the woman who had brought warmth and life to her home over the last few days. They were sitting at the dining table eating the breakfast she had made for them as Regina showered, the pair of them wallowing in the sadness of their separation until they would be back together on Thursday.
"Thank you for staying with me this weekend." Emma blushes and keeps her eyes on her food as she says it. She knows she paid to have Regina with her but the brunette could have said know when she asked her if she wanted to stay, before she placed the call to Gold.
Regina swallows the food in her mouth and looks at the blonde, not understanding why she is thanking her, she had paid very well for it after all. "Thank you for letting me stay. I've had a lovely time with you." Her blush matches Emma's at her gratitude.
The blonde looks up from her plate. "Anytime. Would it be okay if I wanted you to come over more often? Like… not just on Thursdays?" Hopefulness shining in her eyes.
"I would like that." Her smile takes over most of her face at the mention of staying with Emma, her haven, more often. Over the last few days she had grown comfortable enough with Emma to not always be in 'professional' mode. She still wouldn't reveal anything about her life, she was too ashamed and fearful of what Gold would do to her if she did, but they had developed a nice rhythm that worked for them. Regina didn't have to be 'on' all the time and they both preferred it that way.
The last few days had been a delirious blur of fun and relaxation as they made the most of the facilities in Emma's home. They used the pool, jacuzzi, and sauna during the day, and Regina would relax in the fresh air of the garden as Emma used her home gym afterwards. The weather was nice but not good enough to use the outdoor pool just yet. Regina had rekindled her love for cooking, something she hadn't done since her father died. She and Emma would prepare their meals side by side before sitting down at the dining table that held the still fresh roses and now the bluebells too. In the evenings they would go to the TV room and dip into the box of chocolates Emma had bought the brunette. Regina had quickly decided they were the best chocolates she had ever had. The thought had crossed her mind that she should probably join Emma in the gym because she was eating and drinking like she never had before, and was worried she would put on weight, but the chance of sitting in the garden and having time to herself was far too tempting to sway her.
They had become a lot more intimate over the last few days too, without actually having sex. Not once had Emma tried to fuck the escort since she arrived, they had done plenty of other things to satisfy them both but not that.
Emma had wanted to but so much had felt 'off' to her. She knew something wasn't right in Regina's life but she wasn't sure what it was. Her first instinct was with Mr Gold, which is why she was having August look into him. She had considered that if it was something with Mr Gold and his treatment of Regina then she should probably not take advantage of her at all, but each time they had been intimate, Regina had initiated it, and Emma felt too powerless to resist the incredible woman.
After they had finished their breakfast, Regina went upstairs to change into the clothes she had worn when she came over on Thursday night, freshly laundered by the blonde and hanging up in her closet. When she came back downstairs Emma was sitting in the lounge, mindlessly staring out of the window.
"Hey," she said as she leant against the doorframe of the lounge, "I should probably get going."
Emma was startled from her thoughts and looked at her watch. "Oh crap, I should probably get ready to go too." She gets up and walks over to the brunette in her red dress and knee high boots. "Are you sure you don't want to borrow some of my clothes to go home in?" She didn't want to make the brunette uncomfortable by saying she was concerned about her footwear and the bruises they would aggravate.
"No, I'm fine. Thank you." She couldn't tell the blonde that Gold wouldn't appreciate her lack of professionalism by turning up in her clients borrowed clothing. She knew Emma probably thought she was just going home to her own apartment where she had freedom, and not to her prison at Gold's. She would love to take one of Emma's soccer jerseys that she had become accustomed to wearing to bed, so that she could feel close to the blonde when they were apart but she knew it just wasn't possible, Gold would find out, he always found out everything.
"How about the rest of the chocolates, want to take them with you. And the flowers?"
"Can I keep them here until next time?" She didn't want to upset the blonde by saying she couldn't take them with her, Gold would just make her throw them. "I like seeing them when we eat." Her face drops for a split second when she realised what she had just said, but then she quickly puts a smile back in place. She had no right to assume that things on Thursday would be like they had been this weekend, for all she knew things would revert to their normal Thursday night routine, no TV and eating chocolates, just sex.
"Yes, of course." The blonde smiles widely, happy that Regina wants to continue with the way things had become between them. She walks the brunette down the hallway to the front door. "I'll keep the chocolates for when we go to the TV room. Oh… I almost forgot, wait here a second?"
"Of course." She waits as the blonde goes to her home office.
Emma jogs back, a wad of cash in her hand. "Here, this is for you."
Regina is speechless, Emma has just put more money than she has ever seen in her life, into her hand.
"What's this for?" The brunette questions as she looks at the bundle of notes.
"I always give you some before you leave, and I owe you for last time."
"This is way too much." She doesn't want to take it. She feels like she should be paying the blonde for the amazing time she has had, but on the other hand she knows it would make her life easier at Gold's when she gives it to the bastard.
"Please take it." It's much more than she usually gives but she was hoping that maybe Regina wouldn't have to work as much if she gave her money, maybe she could stay away from Gold for a bit, until Emma found out more about him. Also, she was hoping she wouldn't have to go with other punters, that was more out of jealousy though. She still had no idea that Regina was under Gold's thumb twenty four seven, and that he would send her out to as many clients as he could to make as much money as he could from her.
The brunette drops the bundle into her purse and gives a small nod of her head.
Emma cups the side of her face and kisses her deeply, a sweet, slow promise of their soon to be reunion. "I'll see you soon, Regina, but until then I'm going to miss you." She opens the door for her and watches the brunette leave without another word.
Regina didn't trust her own voice, she was sure she would break down if she had to say goodbye to Emma, even if it was only for a couple of days. So she gave a small smile and left before her emotions could get the better of her. Emma was going to miss her! She knew she was going to miss the blonde but she couldn't believe that Emma was going to miss her too.
When she arrives at Gold's, Regina is escorted to his office by one of the goons. Normally whoever was driving her back would just take Emma's tip off her and hand it into Gold, but today she was told that he wanted to see her in his office. Her stomach turned and her mind ran through all of the possible reasons he could have to want to see her but she came up empty.
When she entered the office Gold was hunched over doing some paperwork. Without lifting his head he held out his clammy paw. "Hand it over." He demanded.
Without even having to think, she dug into her purse and handed over the wad of notes. He immediately looked up with a tight lipped smile at the weight of the money in his hand, it was a much more substantial amount than Emma usually gave.
"Well, well, well, what did you do to deserve this?" It was a rhetorical question and she knew it. During the car ride over she had thought about keeping some of the money but she knew it was a stupid idea because Gold often had his goons search all of their possessions. It wasn't for the sole purpose of looking for any money the girls may have kept, because they really didn't get tipped very often, with the exception of Regina whenever she was with Emma, it was more because he wanted complete control over them and didn't want them sneaking anything in without his permission.
Regina said nothing and stood there awkwardly, the slightest of pain still radiating from underneath her feet as her stomach continued to twist.
"I trust everything went well with Emma then." He continued as he started counting the notes.
"Yes, I believe she may want to increase our appointments." She offered, hoping to appease him.
"Excellent. No one pays quite like Miss Swan." He answered as he finished up counting the bundle and put in in the drawer under his desk. "She has become a lot more valuable and I don't want you screwing it up. Have you go that?" His voice turning sharp at the last part.
"Of course, Mr Gold." She stammers out, hoping he wasn't going to try and make his point with anymore punishment.
"Good. Now run along, I have a few appointments for you later."
"Yes, Mr Gold." She answers before hot tailing it out of there and making her way to her own room.
"Regina!" The blonde squeals as she jumps up from her bed to greet her friend that had just walked into their shared room. "I've been so worried about you."
"I'm okay, Kathryn." She hugs her friend back. "I've been with Emma." The smile on her face brightens up the room.
"What? Since Thursday?" Kathryn looks confused at her friends statement.
"Yes. She didn't want me to leave on Friday morning so she called Gold and paid an extortionate amount of money just to keep me with her."
"I knew it!" The blonde states triumphantly.
"Knew what?" The brunette asks, confused at her friends excitement.
"She likes you. I knew it. I called it first."
Regina playfully shoves her friend. "She's so sweet Kathryn. I had the most amazing time."
Regina tells Kathryn all the details of their time together, from Emma helping her to swim, their intimates moments that were devoid of sex, baking, watching TV, all the amazing food, sitting in the garden, and even Emma discovering her bruises and comforting her without any pressure. She even tells her that Emma said she would miss her. Regina had smiled throughout the telling of her story and barely stopped for breath. She was so happy to share it with someone, it made seem more real somehow.
"Oh Regina." She engulfs her friend in another hug. "I'm so happy for you."
"It's not like we are in a relationship, Kathryn. She's just a client." For the first time since stepping into the room her smile falls as reality hits her. This is her real life, this room, Gold, her other clients. That is her life when she isn't with Emma once a week. Their weekend had been an anomaly, it had never happened before and would probably wouldn't happen again. Sure Emma had asked her if she was okay with them having more appointments but that could just mean an hour here or there. Emma was a busy woman, too busy to spend any real time with her. Just like that all of her optimism escapes her.
"Hey, don't you dare, Regina Mills. Don't you dare go in to that dark void of yours. Emma obviously likes you. Stop trying to second guess things and just go with it." Kathryn knew Regina very well, well enough that she knew the brunette was letting negative thoughts seep in and take over her happiness..
"Sorry. It's just hard to stay positive."
"I know, Sweetie. Now, tell me more about this giant box of chocolate." She nudges her friend, making her smile as Regina goes into minute detail about all the different shapes and flavours, as if it were the most incredible thing to happen to her.
XXXXXXXXX
Wednesday evening.
Emma was relaxing in her giant bathtub after a double training session that day, when her phone started to ring. She grabbed a towel off the railing next to the bathtub and dried her hands so she could answer the phone. She didn't know whether to be pleased or not when she noticed who was calling her. "Hello, August."
"Hey, Emma. How are you?"
"I'm fine. What did you find out?" Her manners have once again gone out the window because of her worry.
"I'm fine too, thanks for asking." He mocks her abruptness.
"Sorry." She says with embarrassment.
"It's fine," he laughs softly down the phone, "nothing to be honest. I'm still waiting to hear back from a couple of guys but he seems clean. No one has said anything about his escort business but I don't know if that's because he runs it like I run mine, you know, keeping it safe and off the streets, so they don't really go after him."
"So, no criminal record? Nothing dodgy?" She feels relieved to hear that maybe he runs his business the same way August does, even if he is much greedier than August.
"Not even a parking ticket. But I will let you know when I hear more. I have one guy digging a bit further and another is out of the state at the moment but hopefully I should hear from them both soon."
"Thanks August." She breathes a sigh of relief and hangs up before relaxing further into the warm, bubbly water.
She felt reassured by what August had found, well, more like what he hadn't found. It still meant she didn't have any answers to the few things that had been bugging her about Regina's behaviour and her bruised feet and cut eye, but whatever it was, at least it wasn't the worse case scenario she had in her mind. She thought maybe it was one of Regina's other clients and Regina had felt too ashamed to admit it. She even wondered if Regina had a partner that was mistreating her. She really didn't like the thought of that so she decided to let it go for now and wait until August had spoken to the couple of people he was still waiting to hear back from. Emma knew she could be overprotective, especially when it came to Regina. The more time she spent with the brunette, the more she wanted to take care of her and cherish her, the way a woman like Regina deserved.
Thursday afternoon.
Spencer had made the trip over to Gold's to share the information he had managed to find about August Booth.
"He took early retirement after an injury on the job a few years ago. He doesn't seem to work but that could be because of the compensation he received…"
"Yes, yes, I know all this. Tell me something I don't know!" Gold interrupted with his impatient demand.
Spencer clears his throat before continuing. "I looked into everyone you deal with, employees, (that was a nice way of putting it), and clients, from all your business'. There was only two connections that I made. Gold leans in closer, desperate to know of the two connections. "The first is Killian, but I'm guessing that he's the one who tipped you off about August, seen as he uses your girls."
"Yes, he is. Now tell me, who is the other person?"
"Emma Swan. She played for the Tallahassee Tigers before she came to Storybrooke. I have no proof that she and August know each other but I can't find any other connections, but I still have some of my people looking into things."
Gold was livid. If he had known August was in Tallahassee he would have already put two and two together and come up with Emma. He wondered whether Regina had spilled his secrets to the soccer star, surely she wouldn't be that foolish, especially because now more than ever she knew what he was capable of.
"I want you to look into this further. Find out if they really are connected somehow."
"Will do. Is that all?"
"Yes, yes. Now go." Gold dismisses him with a wave of his hand as he rubs his chin with the other, trying to formulate a plan.
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Regina wished away every second between leaving Emma's on Tuesday morning and going back there on Thursday night. She fucked every client Gold had managed to arrange for her after cancelling all of her punters the week before when her life was almost over. She ate the boring, bland food served from the kitchen, finding the tastes to be even worse now that she'd had so many wonderful meals and treats. She got through every day with a little more hope inside of her than she had ever had before.
It had only just gone eight and she was already dressed with her hair and makeup done to perfection in preparation for going to Emma's. She sat excitedly on her bed, looking at her phone to check the time every few minutes. Her excitement vanished when Gold pushed open the door to her room, Neal standing just behind him. In her bubble of happiness thinking about the blonde she hadn't heard them coming down the hallway.
"Regina, I am going to ask you a question and I had better believe your answer or everything that happened to you last week will pale in comparison to what I will do to you. Do you understand me?"
Regina feels like she's going to throw up and just about manages to nod her head, fear written all over her face.
"What have you told Miss Swan about me?" He spits out his question.
"N-n-nothing, Mr Gold. I promise. I haven't said anything." Tears start to form in her eyes from sheer panic. "She saw the bruises on my feet but I just told her it was from new shoes. I didn't say anything, I swear."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I don't want to mess this up. I know you gave me a second chance and I promised you I wouldn't mess it and I haven't. I didn't say anything. She doesn't know anything." Her throat felt like it was closing up as she struggled to breathe normally.
"I believe you." He really did, he knew none of his girls were stupid enough to blab to anyone. "But I'm going to need a little reassurance that you know who you belong to. Pass Neal your purse." She does as she's told and shakily hands it over to the brute who then snatches it from her. "Neal is going to place a small camera on your purse, it won't be noticeable. I want you to record every time Emma fucks you. I need that reassurance from you so I know you are on my side. Understand?"
Now she really felt like she was going to throw up. "Yes, Mr Gold." She agreed but she had no idea if she could go through with it. She was being made to betray the sweetest, kindest person she had ever met, one of only a handful of people that had ever treated her like she mattered.
"Good girl. Make sure you get her deepest, dirtiest fantasies and make them come true and record them all. I need some insurance against Miss Swan. Don't think about tipping her off, because if you do, well, I'll just have to make her disappear too." Gold knew he couldn't do anything like that, she was far too famous for him to have her killed but Regina didn't know that in her world of fear.
When Neal had finished attaching the tiny piece of technology to her bag he showed her how to switch it on and off and where to point it. Then he grabbed her arm and pushed her out of the room before walking behind her to the limousine that would take her to Emma's.
Regina didn't know what she would do, if she betrayed the blonde they could both lose everything. She would lose her safe haven with Emma and the blonde could lose her career and all her sponsorships, everything she had worked so hard for, not to mention be publicly humiliated. If she didn't, Gold would take her life and Emma's, she didn't feel like she had any choice. Maybe she could ask Emma to let her go for a bath. She could lock herself in the bathroom and swallow everything in the medicine cabinet, at least that way Emma would be okay. Apart from having to explain the dead hooker in her tub of course. She had to think of something quickly but her thoughts were all muddled with fear and panic.
All the excitement she had felt for the last two days had left her, she shouldn't have listened to Kathryn and her speech about optimism, nothing ever turned out well for her. She took a deep breath as she arrived at Emma's and got out of the, before receiving a final warning from Neal.
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What is Regina going to do? We've had a bit of fluff so it's time to visit angst land again. Just to let you all know, I am going away in a couple of days (Vancouver to visit Storybrooke again. Yay!), so I may not update for a couple of weeks. I'm not sure if I'm going to bother taking my laptop or not. Hope you all enjoyed this.