ATTENTION: THE AUTHOR IS POSTING THE LAST CHAPTER ON MAY 5. TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE READ HER STORY, SHE IS ALLOWING THE ENTIRE STORY TO BE PUBLISHED UNTIL MAY 22.

THIS BOOK OR ANY PORTION THEREOF MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT PERMISSION. THE SCANNING, UPLOADING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF THIS BOOK VIA THE INTERNET OR VIA ANY OTHER MEANS WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

MANY TIMES IN LIFE, Robin thought, things didn't go as planned. You get knocked down a few pegs, you get back up. That's just the depth of it. If you don't get up, you let life rule you. Life is a continual pull and tug. You give and you get. You live and you learn to adapt to what comes, what is.

As he lay relaxed staring out the window, the snow falling, the sun shadowed behind the swarming pending storm, Regina breathed deeply beside him. In his haste to be angry and fearful of her whereabouts, he'd failed to see through to the heart of her emotions. When he was out of his mind, he hadn't seen. Not until she'd wrapped around him and wept.

Glancing at her, he could see the strain under her eyes even in sleep. He'd been up, showered, eaten breakfast, and seen his mother off. At that time, he'd been careful to be as quiet as possible. The more rest she got, the better she'd be suited to face the day. Her phone had been buzzing all morning. He'd powered it down, knowing that whatever would be waiting when she was ready.

Now, he was propped up, ankles crossed, glasses on, engrossed in a book. Reading was an escape, a way of extricating himself from the world around him. Entering other lives, other places, other troubles. As he came to the end of a chapter, she shifted and opened her eyes.

Setting his book aside, he tossed his glasses and turned on his side. "Morning."

With wary eyes, she watched him, dark circles were no longer dark. The strain was still there, the guilt, the sadness reflecting in her eyes. "Hi."

He brushed his knuckles along her cheek, lifted her chin, and touched his lips to her forehead, lingered. When he met her eyes, she darted hers away, "I'm sorry."

To please himself and soothe her, he sank his fingers into her hair, softly brushed her scalp, and tugged her into an easy kiss. Her arms came around him, turned the kiss into an embrace, and held on. He comforted her with the brush of his hands along her back. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He couldn't see her face. "Not right now."

"Okay. What do you want to do today? We don't have much time left in London." She shrugged her shoulder. "How about we stay in?" He shifted her to see her face.

"Sounds perfect, I'm tired."

"I know."

"Amelia?"

"Left about two hours ago. My dad was feeling good this morning. I talked to his nurse."

"What time is it?"

"Doesn't matter. Are you hungry?"

"Yea."

"You stay here, relax. I'll make you something. Eggs?"

"Please. Robin…"

"Hmm?" He looked into her eyes, tucked stray hairs behind her ear.

"Thank you for last night."

"It was nothing."

"No…" She rested her eyes on his chest for a few moments before lifting them to his, "I didn't mean to worry you. I was upset and a little pissed. I should've told you where I was. I just…I needed some time to myself. That's no excuse to worry you or Amelia."

"Hey." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Stop. I was out of my mind, but it's understandable after what you went through." He hugged her closer, held on tighter. "You were more than upset. I don't think I want to see you like that again. It does things to me when you cry." He rested his brow to hers.

"What is it with men and tears?" The smirk on her face lifted the heaviness that had settled deep within him.

"The hell if I know. It's our flaw, I suppose. I can't stand it."

"Then, I guess it's lucky for both of us, I rarely do." She brushed his bottom lip with her thumb. Lifted her chin and kissed him.

"Stay here, I'll be in the kitchen. Take a bath, read, do whatever. Relax." He kissed her cheek and edged off the bed. One last glance over his shoulder, he saw her turn over and tuck the covers under her chin.

REGINA WALKED INTO THE KITCHEN to the smell of coffee, bacon, and the sound of jazz. Guilt crept in life a clinging fog. He stood with his back to her, spatula in hand. He turned the omelet from the skillet to a plate, set it down, and turned. "Perfect timing."

Sliding on the stool, she took the plate he offered, added bacon and sausage, and took a sip of the coffee he'd poured. It warmed her belly and filled an emptiness. As she took bites, the warmth increased. They ate in companionable silence, though she could only guess that he was giving her time to come to him.

It seemed that he gave her more room than most. It was still hard to lean on in, to know that he would be there. That he was solid. When you live a life where you're easily walked away from, you tend to expect it. Glancing at him, she wondered when he'd do the same.

It was irrational, she knew. He'd never given her the belief that he'd abandon her like her mother, but the fear was ever-present. Swallowing the last bite of egg, she put her fork down, finished her coffee. Before she could get up, he rose and took her dishes to the sink. "Want to take a walk?"

The air was cold, the wind a bit frosted, but the sun was shining dully providing the little bit of warmth they needed. Wrapped in a coat, gloves, and a scarf, he rested an arm around her shoulders to add the extra bit of warmth. To form a connection, she mused. "So, tell me."

Emotions raw, she sighed, "It was exactly as I'd expected." The bitterness was thick in her voice. "At first, I thought maybe things would be different. But sitting there listening to Zelena and my mother carries on a conversation like there wasn't this bomb ready to go off…" Her cheeks were pink, her eyes full of despair. "It was too much for me to handle."

They walked along the sidewalk, people waved occasionally, they weaved around cars and around the corner toward the neighborhood park as she explained what happened in detail. Leaves were gone from the trees, the snow stuck to the branches, along the ground. They walked across frosted grass and sat down at a picnic table under a large gazebo.

When they settled, she looked at him, "Am I a horrible person?"

"No." He had his arm still tucked around her; he rubbed her shoulder in comfort. "You stuck up for yourself. You told her what you thought and how you felt. It needed to said. Pretending otherwise isn't healthy for either of you."

"Zee is pissed."

"She'll get over it. You'll stop being pissed at her in your own time. She should've been upfront with you about your mother's intentions. The fact that she kept it from you, only proves she wanted to protect both of you. So, you'll get over being pissed at her."

"Maybe."

"You will."

They sat a few minutes in silence. "I wanna go home. I'm glad that I could be here for you, meet your parents. I love them."

He kissed her temple, "They love you too. We'll get home and you'll start to feel better once you get back to work. You needed this vacation."

"It didn't feel like one some of the time." It was true, they'd been through the emotional wringer. It tested their relationship and proved it was pretty solid. But there were things that they were dealing with.

"Better than what you've allowed yourself before." That was true.

"Yea, but I'm eager to start on the Mueller case. To get my hands busy. Aren't you?"

"Yea, but I'm not looking forward to leaving my parents. My dad," he corrected.

She took his hand and the guilt of her keeping secrets clawed in her again. "I know."

"It's cold, we better head back." To hide his emotions, he took her hand and they walked back to the house. They spend the day together, watched a movie, strategized work, talked about their plans once they got back.

At dinner, Amelia was telling them that Jordan was feeling well and they were lost in conversation when Regina's phone rang. In the other room, the distant sound drifted. "Excuse me."

When she walked into the room, she picked up, "Hello?"

"Good evening, I'm looking for Regina Mills."

"Yes, this is she."

"Ms. Mills, I apologize for calling so late, but this is Sheila Burns. I'm a nurse working for Dr. Whalen. We've received your test results and would like to bring you in tomorrow morning to discuss them."

Glancing over her shoulder, Robin eyed her. "Is something wrong?"

"I can't divulge anything over the phone. Can you be here at nine?"

"I…yes." Her mind was reeling. "I'll be there."

When Robin walked in the room, he watched the worry etched on her face.

"I have you down. Please, ensure that you don't cancel. It's imperative that we meet with you."

"I understand."

"Good night." The phone clicked off. She set the phone aside, slid down to sit on the edge of the bed.

He lifted her chin, met her eyes, "What is it?"

"Nothing," she lied. It felt like rats were eating her stomach. It frustrated and angered her that she could lie so easily. "I… Excuse me."

Escaping, she went into the bathroom with her phone and sat on the toilet. She laid her face in her hands.

HE FINISHED DINNER WITH HIS MOTHER and waited until Regina had exited the bathroom. When he saw her sitting on the edge of the bed, he didn't go to her. He helped his mother clear the table, wash dishes, and put the food away. "She's keeping something from me."

Amelia turned to put the food in the fridge, "Is she?"

"I don't know." He leaned against the counter and kept his voice low. "She's been distant, taking calls in private, disappearing on me. I feel it. I just don't know what to do about it."

"Do you trust her?" His mother knew what questions to ask. How to ask them so he'd consider all options and scenarios.

"Yes."

"Did you consider that she's a woman who is used to dealing with things on her own?"

"I've considered it." Too many times, he thought bitterly. It upset him and hurt him more than he wanted it to. He wanted her to come to him, but she didn't. Rarely did.

"Seems to me," she smiled, "You've gotta show her you're dependable. Maybe show her that she can lean on you."

"I thought I was."

"Robby." She laughed and patted his arm. "Try harder. She's a woman who needs some stability. It takes longer than a couple of months to show her that. Wait until you have a bad argument. That's when she'll expect you to dash out. Will you?"

"No."

"How do you know? How does she know? From what I've gathered, she hasn't had many who haven't walked out of her life. She's proud."

"I know it. I figured that out on my own. I just wish she'd come to me."

"She will." It was a fact, he thought. His mother dealt in facts. "Give yourselves some time. For now, give her the room she needs. When she's ready, she'll come to you."

"I guess."

"Don't guess. You love her."

"Yes, I do."

"I've seen it. She's in love with you too, Robby. So, in love with you, I've seen it scare her. She told me about Daniel."

"Yea?"

"Young love isn't the same as what you have. Daniel was sweet on her, they grew up together, discovered what love could offer. But there wasn't that deep-seated love that has roots, that grows, and sticks. You have that, Robby. If you nurture it, it'll take root. It'll stick. You have to water it first."

He rolled his eyes, "I hate when you use analogies."

"Men." She threw her hands up in annoyance. "Water it. Enjoy what you have, don't smother it. Give her time before you expect things of her. She doesn't expect anything but the worst."

"That's not true." He glanced at the bedroom and pondered that. "Is it?"

"Take your time. Now, you helped me clean the kitchen. Get out of her and go water your tree."

Suddenly, he understood her comfortability of the analogy. "Mom." His cheeks burned.

"Are you uncomfortable with sex, Robby?"

"I'm not talking about my sex life with you."

"Fine. Go have one." She turned him and pushed him toward the bedroom with a laugh.

When he walked in the room, he closed the door at his back and locked it. He sat beside her, kissed her temple. "Tired?"

"Yea." She was in her robe, ready for bed.

"Wanna tell me what's got that look on your face?"

"What look?"

"I can't focus on anything else when you look sad, Regina."

She met his gaze, "I'm not sad."

Her eyes told a different story, he thought. She was one of the saddest women he knew. "Yea, you are. I'm gonna try and change that."

She eyed him warily, "Don't make too many promises to me, okay?"

He wrapped his arms around her, "Why?"

"They make me uncomfortable."

He rested his brow to hers, "I know. Sooner or later, you're gonna have to trust me."

"I do."

"Not quite." Fire flared in her eyes. "You will. Why are you all riled up?"

"I…" The lie stuck in her throat. So, she went with a half-truth. "I saw one of the doctors last week when you were with your dad. I keep getting these headaches. They want me to go in the morning. They drew some blood. I'm sure it's nothing."

"Then why do you look so worried?"

"I hate hospitals and doctors. They make me edgy and they scare me. What if…"

"Hey." He brought her closer, wrapped around her, and soothed. "Relax." She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. When he pulled her back, he kissed her.

He meant to leave it at that. To soothe, to keep it soft. But her lips parted, and her mouth eagerly moved against his. Her arms came around him and he simply sank. Her body was warm, soft, and inviting. When he tasted her, she shifted onto his lap and wrapped her legs around him.

His hands tangled in her hair, tilted her chin, "I love you; you know that?" Her eyes were wild, dark, and on edge.

"Yes, I know. I love you too." Her hands glided, slid under the fabric, and lifted his shirt up and off. Her arms locked around him, her hips rocked.

His entire body went aflame. He held her tightly against him, devoured her willing mouth. "Regina." He tried to pull back and slow things down, but each movement of her hips sent shocks of pleasure through his system. Her emotional state was fragile, he knew. The buzzing in his head almost sent him into a wild rage of lust.

When her hands lowered to the hook of his jeans, he grabbed her hands, slid his fingers through hers, and held them behind her back. "You're upset and hurt." He saw tears spring to her eyes; she moved her shoulders. "Don't do that. Don't cry, baby." When he wrapped his arms around her, she tried to slip away.

"Let me go," she pleaded. The sorrow in her voice wrecked him.

"No."

They struggled and she lost by burying her face in his shoulder and letting the sorrow swallow her. When she was calm, he shifted her. Framing her face with his hands, he used the pads of his thumbs to wipe the tears away. "You can count on me. I'm right here."

"I…"

"You're not used to having people be there for you when you need it. I get it. But you have to let me be here. Don't you shut down on me." When she tried to turn her head, he held his grip and gave her a little shake. "Don't you look past me."

"Robin stop it."

"No. I won't. Christ. You promised me."

Her brows creased, "Promised you what?"

He swallowed. "I told you that I couldn't get into something like this again. I fell in love with you and you're not gonna rip my heart out. I won't let you."

Tears flooded her throat, "I'm not trying to hurt you. I'm sorry." With shaking hands, she wrapped around him. "I love you, Robin. It scares me to death."

"I know but you can't let your fears get in the way." He rested his chin on her shoulder. "We're both going through a lot right now. I'm leaning on you, so lean back." He took her shoulders and pulled her back to face him. "I need you to."

Brow to brow, she sighed, "Okay." They sat like that a few minutes. She turned her head and pressed her lips to his. They lingered on it; her taste seeped into him. He wasn't sure who took the plunge. Who had moved a soothing kiss into this desperate clinging? He didn't realize his body had come back to life hot and hearty.

"Let me touch you." He fused his mouth to her neck, scraped his teeth along her jaw, and up to her ear. "Let me have you."

"Yes," she hissed. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her mouth to his. He devoured, slipped her robe from her shoulders, and brushed his thumbs over her nipples. Her moans, groans, and guttural hums turned him on and made him a little crazy. He took the edge of her shirt and lifted it to expose the flesh.

"You're stunning." He lifted her enough to close his mouth over her causing her to gasp. His teeth bit into the bud releasing a delightful pain. As he closed over her again, his hands slid the light fabric from her hips. His mouth moved down her torso, leaned forward to lay her on the bed. He moved down to her navel, lingered.

Then his tongue dipped into her hot center and she combusted. Her body rocked, she trembled and jerked, she fisted a hand over her mouth to muffle the cries. When he was satisfied that she'd had enough, he rose up the bed and brought her mouth to his in a steamy kiss.

Her hands moved in frantic desperate strokes, relieved him of his jeans, and slid beneath the fabric of his boxers. Her hand wrapped around him, he grunted. His hands tightened on her hips, he rocked into her hand. "You're so hard." He expelled a long breath as she stroked.

"I won't last long if you keep doing that," he warned. Her eyes lifted and her lips curved flirtatiously. "Regina." He moaned when she lowered her head and kissed the tip. He gasped when he felt her tongue slide long him. When she took him into her mouth, he nearly lost it. For a minute, he let her take him.

"Stop, baby." He pushed her shoulders back and she released him, he grabbed her face and sunk into her mouth. He trailed his lips along her jaw, down her neck. He bit down on the dip of her shoulder, "Ready?"

"For what?"

"This." He rolled onto his back and pulled her atop him. With a slow patience, he guided her over him, she sank onto him. They paused and held the moment, the beating of their hearts loud in their ears. He guided her to rock slowly but soon found he had little patience for slow. He rolled them over and rocked into her.

"Oh, God." They rocked in slow waves then he increased his pace until she was gasping out sobs. "Yes."

Robin could feel her body trembling, felt her tighten around him, "Come on, baby." When her body tightened, he took her hips and gyrated his into hers over and over before she was nearly convulsing around him, she choked out his name as she shattered. She held him so tightly with her arms and legs.

She was like a vine, secured around him. When he took his release, he felt like his heart was about to explode. He lay wrapped up in her for minutes before he pulled her to his side. He lifted the covers over them. He kissed her temple. When their breathing normalized, she rested her head on his shoulder and soon slept.