A warm gentle breeze brushes against her chest, persuading her body to scoot further into the warmth. A soft moan stirs in the back of her throat as she snuggles into the hot air that's surrounding her. Another moan rattles against her chest, but she knows it's not her own voice.
Her eyes slowly peel open to find a mess of raven tangles in disarray across her chest. She instantly smiles to herself, knowing she somehow managed to trick this astounding woman into bed. Her arms tighten around the tiny frame that is pressed into her side and she sighs, feeling fully satisfied for the first time in a long time.
She presses a tender kiss to the crown of her head, cautious not to wake the sleeping beauty nestled in her arms, but nonetheless she stirs. Regina's long legs stretch against her own, forcing her toes to play footsie beneath the sheets. Emma smiles, a pathetically goofy grin and flexes her feet to meet the woman's. The brunette hums mindlessly and Emma is not quite sure if she's fully awake yet, but the woman's smooth mound presses into her hip suggestively.
Emma slowly rolls the gorgeous woman onto her back and takes a moment to appreciate the unguarded, makeup free, flawless face below her. Regina really is absolutely breathtaking and she has no idea what this astounding woman is doing with someone like her.
The back of her fingertips lightly grazes the high cheek bone, inspiring warm cocoa eyes to flutter, but never truly open and reveal themselves. "Good morning," Emma whispers as her hand opens and her palm cups a warm cheek, but Regina still doesn't move. "Good morning," she whispers again and holds the woman into place as she brushes her lips lightly against the swollen flesh below.
"Mmmmm," Regina moans, her lips finally awakening and pressing firmly against Emma's. "Good morning to you, too," her raspy voice croaks out, and the sound of her morning voice after sex instantly becomes Emma's new favorite sound.
"How long have you been up?" She accuses, playfully narrowing her eyes. "Were you pretending to be asleep?"
"Never," the sleepy woman retorts, that sexy voice filled with pure sex and hoarse from screaming Emma's name all night, sending shivers down her spine.
"Liar," she muses while rolling onto the warm body and pinning her arms into the warm sheets below just above those messy, inky tresses. Regina smirks salaciously as her teeth sink into her swollen bottom lip and her hips buck off the mattress mixing her thick arousal with Emma's. She can't help but laugh knowing they both only have one thing on their minds. "So, last night was fun," she seductively drawls, rolling her hips against a smooth core when her lips whisper the word fun.
"Indeed it was, Miss Swan," Regina breathes heavily, the sound of her arousal evident in her tone and causing Emma's body to shiver in delight.
Emma leans dangerously close into her ear and whispers as her hips gyrate against her center once again. "I like when you call me, Miss Swan."
Regina reacts immediately, stretching her lips forward to enclose the gap between them. She kisses her with the same urgency Emma felt the night before and she easily reciprocates the feeling.
Her heart flutters in her chest while her clit starves for more attention from the brunette bombshell below her. Her fingers press into the back of Regina's hands and she quickly squeezes right back. A chill runs down her spine again and tingles deep in the pit of her stomach, sending a wave of electricity to shock her bundle of nerves.
Emma's mouth parts to slide her tongue into her mouth, absorbing all the soft moans that keep breaking for her sassy mouth. Regina's dripping core rubs firmly against her own and they both cry out from the intense pleasure coursing through their limbs. She doesn't think she has ever experienced an intensity during sex quite like this and she's already becoming obsessed with the sensation.
Emma's forehead falls to Regina's as she peers deeply into those enchanting eyes while she attempts to catch her breath. Their bodies are already slick with sweat as they slide effortlessly across one another searching for a quick release. Her heart hammers harder than she has ever felt before and she knows it has everything to do with the way this woman is gazing up at her. Regina nudges her nose, just as she did last night, silently begging to be kissed once again.
So, she obeys, kissing her feverishly, their tongues instantly meeting for a dance they are quickly coming accustomed to. They both moan together, their passionate love making uniting them as one. She feels her mind slipping away while she breathes heavily through their rough kiss. The intensity is almost too much and she's not sure if she wants to push her away or pull her in closer.
"Emma...don't...stop...just like...that," Regina pants absentmindedly as her hips continue to ruthlessly grind into her, pulling out her own orgasm along with Emma's.
"I know," she husks, recapturing her lips for a passionate kiss that causes both of them to tumble over the edge.
They both cry out into each other's mouths as they reach their highest climax together, something Emma has never experienced before with another human. Green eyes slam shut as the world spins hazardously around her from the buzz rippling through her bloodstream, making her feel high. She rests her head against Regina's while they both struggle to suck in as much air as possible.
"I don't know how...I'm going to leave this bed to work on Monday," Emma confesses, prompting Regina to pull her into another heated kiss.
As their breathing regulates, she falls next to Regina and she quickly scrambles on her side, so they can face each other. Their legs intertwine, as their arms drape across one another's midsections. Their nails drag against each others backs and she's finding herself in a foggy haze.
"Well, luckily today is Saturday, so we have today and tomorrow to be lazy before you need to help my parents on Monday," Regina smiles the most adorable, goofy grin that Emma swears she hasn't seen just yet, and she scoots in closer to her face.
"And then you leave Tuesday," Emma pouts, her hand curling a wild strand away from Regina's face and behind her ear.
"I do," she mutters, falling to her back and staring hopelessly at the ceiling.
Emma's not quite sure, she has only known this woman for four days now, but she swears the brunette is avoiding her eyes because those brown orbs are growing glossy without her permission.
"Regina?" She softly coos and presses her lips against the bare shoulder before her.
"Hmmm?"
Emma gazes up through her long lashes, her lips still lingering against the silky flesh, but Regina refuses to look back at her. "Are you alright?" She nervously questions, knowing damn well she is not.
"Yes, just fine," she coldly remarks before turning on her other side and facing the wall.
Thin lips twist and turn as Emma tries to navigate through these treacherous waters, that she's fairly certain she stirred up by mistake. Her instincts are screaming for her to ignore the woman's pouting, climb out of this bed and run for the hills, but her heart somehow feels connected to Regina's and she finds herself scooting closer.
Tentatively, she wraps her arm around the small frame and blindly finds Regina's hands tucked underneath her chin. Emma wedges her fingers in between hers and pulls her as close as humanly possible. She inhales the sweet aroma of lavender shampoo and kisses the back of her head, silently expressing that she is there with her, whether Regina would like to talk or not. Sometimes a person just needs someone to hold them and chase those haunting thoughts away.
If Regina wants to express her gratitude or not, Emma's not quite sure, but the brunette's full bottom squirming against her sticky center is enough of a thank you for her. Through the comfort of their embrace, they somehow drift back to sleep, never once discussing Regina's heartache.
XXXXXX
"Girls, I'm doing a load of laundry. I need everything you two have stashed away in there," Cora calls out through the door as she jiggles the handle, instantly waking the sleeping women hiding away in a mess of bedding.
"Oh shit," Emma curses into Regina's hair, that's slowly invading her face and attempting to suffocate her. "Regina, wake up. Your mom's outside," she whispers, swatting those messy locks away from her face.
Regina groans, half-asleep and stretches her tired limbs. "Why are they so nosy?" She grumbles into her pillow and pulls the thin sheet over her bare shoulders, prompting Emma's mouth to curl down into a frown, already missing the tanned, exposed skin.
"Girls, open up. It's one in the afternoon," Cora bellows, rapidly pounding on their door, inspiring Emma's sleepy body to jump into action.
She tumbles from the bed like the klutz she is and scrambles for a pair of shorts and a tank top to throw on. "Regina, get up!" She whisper-shouts, but her roommate continues to ignore her. "I know you're awake, you already let your secret slide this morning." The adorable brunette has the audacity to chuckle into her pillow, but never once does she open those big brown eyes. "Fine," she huffs in annoyance and quickly tosses the quilt over Regina's very naked body.
She attempts to tame her unruly hair, slamming her palm against the crown of her head while tucking chunks in disarray behind her ears, but she knows there is no point.
"Girls!" Cora shouts once again just as Emma swings open the front door, wide-eyed and breathing heavily from sheer panic.
"Hey Cora," she squawks in a pitch that is far too high for her true tone as she awkwardly folds her arms across her chest and leans against the frame. "What's up?"
Cora's eyebrows transform from angry and agitated to judging and then to somewhat amused. "Emma darling, what took you so long to answer?" She interrogates while her nosy eyes sweep across Emma's slightly trembling body, assessing the situation that's presenting itself.
"Oh," she fakes a laugh, pretending to be casual even though her heart is beating violently in her ears. "We were still sleeping. We were out late last night. That bar was a lot of fun."
"Really? Because I heard you two stumble in around twelve, not too long after you two ventured out to begin with," Cora investigates even further with her eyes narrowing, pinning Emma into a corner.
"Oh...uh, really?" She weakly replies, her arms locking even tighter across her chest while a sweat breaks along her skin.
"Mmmhmmm," the older woman hums as she takes a step forward and brushes right passed Emma. Cora inhales sharply before Emma distinctly hears the woman sniff and her body deflates to her own mortification. "This rooms reeks of sex, the least you two can do is at least attempt to be subtle," Cora scoffs, bending down to clear away their dirty laundry scattered across the floor.
Emma's blood runs cold, her entire body growing weak and she's fairly confident she's about to faint from embarrassment. "I...what?" She mumbles as her mind trips over excuse after excuse, that she can toss out at this point in hopes that Cora will accept one.
"Oh, I'm no fool my dear," Cora mocks as her hand lightly pats Emma's cheek in the most condescending manner. She flashes Emma a shit eating grin and turns on her heels to collect more discarded clothing. "Better you than that imbecile Robin."
"Mother," Regina finally groans from somewhere under her cocoon of blankets and pillows.
"Oh, so you are awake?" Cora teases, seeming to know Regina's little game as well.
"Yes mother, now stop embarrassing Emma, the poor girl is going to faint," she mumbles against her pillow, still yet to open her damn eyes.
"I am not," Emma quietly defends while Cora chuckles in return.
"You're a sweet girl," the older woman states, cupping Emma's chin before she roughly rubs the bottom lip with her thumb. "Regina, do you have to wear such dark lipstick?"
Emma quickly swats the older woman away, cringing with utter embarrassment as heat disperses like an open flame through her body.
"Mother," Regina groans once again.
"Okay, okay, I'm leaving." Cora waves her free hand in the air while the other holds tightly onto the laundry she just gathered from around their room. "Lunch is ready if you two would like some sandwiches."
"I think, avoiding you for at least a week would be in my best interest," Emma so bluntly quips, creating another deep chuckle from Cora in return.
"Nonsense, I knew you two would hit it off," she laughs to herself just before she slips out the door and softly closes it behind her, leaving Emma completely flabbergasted and speechless for a few moments.
"You," Emma growls when she finds her voice again and rips the comforter from her roommate's body.
Regina yelps, hopelessly clinging onto the thin sheet like it's her lifesaver. Emma's fists ball the soft linen in a death grip before yanking and tugging the material away from the naked form.
"Emma!" Regina shrieks, but that doesn't stop her from pulling.
Regina somehow maneuvers the sheet beneath her body like a mummy to keep Emma away. So, she climbs onto the edge of the bed and jumps onto the woman's back, producing a mix between a giggle and a squeal from Regina's mouth.
"You and your mother are out of your damn minds! How could you leave me hanging like that and pretend to be sleeping?" She taunts in Regina's ear causing the brunette to squirm violently underneath her body.
"Oh, you're just fine. Stop being such a baby!"
"Me?" Emma shrieks and digs her fingertips into the prominent ribs, ruthlessly tickling the brunette. "You are a brat," she husks into her ear before biting down on the shell.
"Emma!" Regina squeals between a painful cry and a harsh giggle. Her body flings about, thrashing like a fish out of water until the game isn't so fun anymore and the back of her head collides brutally with Emma's mouth. "Ow!"
"Fuck!" Emma groans, hastily rolling off the brunette while gripping her mouth tightly, desperately trying to control the throb pounding in her teeth and lips.
"Shit Emma..." Regina scrambles to her knees and rubs her head furiously while her free hand reaches out for her. She gently tugs on Emma's wrist as the sheet finally slips away, exposing the naked form once again. "Let me see, are you bleeding?"
Emma winces in response because she honestly has no idea and actually she's fine with other people bleeding in front of her, she just can't handle her own blood.
Regina carefully pulls her hand away from her mouth and inspects the wounded area. Her gentle fingers hold Emma's head still as her soft thumbs soothingly sweep across her flushed cheeks, filling Emma's heart with so much adoration for this woman.
"You're not bleeding, but we should put some ice on that lip, so it doesn't swell," she dutifully explains in her most professional doctor tone, despite her nakedness.
"Maybe I should hurt myself more often if that means I get a peep show in return," she flirts, her lust-filled eyes drifting down toward those perky breasts on full display.
Regina quickly shoves her body with enough force to knock Emma down into the mattress. "I was worried about you."
"You should be, you almost knocked my teeth out!"
"Well, you shouldn't have been tickling me like that," she snaps right back as Emma reaches for her dainty wrists and pulls her cool body down on top of her.
"But you were being such a brat," she pouts innocently, earning herself a mean scowl in return. "You hurt me, kiss it better," she whines in her most pathetic baby voice, while brown eye rolls in annoyance, but Emma knows Regina is desperately trying to keep her smile hidden.
"Shut up, Swan." The brunette wiggles from her clutches, but Emma holds on tight.
"One kiss and I will follow the doctor's orders and find some ice to apply," she bargains.
"Fine."
Regina encloses the space between them and when Emma tries to meet her halfway, puckering her lips, she is reminded of just how much pain she is truly in. Luckily, Regina very softly pecks her lips, but pulls away far too quickly.
"My lip actually feels like it's swelling by the minute," she confesses, her fingers lightly tapping all around the inflicted area.
"Come on, let's get you inside."
XXXXXX
After lunch, a lunch in which Regina forced Emma to hold an ice pack to her lip all the way through, they showered, dressed and headed out to the barn so Regina could spend some time with her horse.
"Have you ever been on a horse except for that one time..." Regina trails off and allows her words to hang in the air while she strokes Rocinante's long snout.
"Nope, just the pony," she playful cheers to avoid her true embarrassment.
"Would you like to go for a ride?" Regina quietly offers while her main focus is on the large beast she is escorting out of the barn.
"Uh-I don't know," she shrugs and kicks the hay that's scattered beneath her boots as she feels fear prickle up her spine.
"Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'get back on the horse'? This is quite literal in your circumstance."
"I know," she murmurs mostly to herself and shoves her hands into her back pockets to hide her nervous energy.
"I'll even put on a saddle, just for you," her roommate mocks, provoking Emma's cheeks to blush profusely.
"You don't use a saddle?"
"Not usually with Rocinante, but with other horses I do." Regina peeks over her shoulder to gauge her reaction. "I'll ride with you, he can handle us both," she assures as she lightly pats her big brown horse.
"Do I have a choice?"
"Not really," she sternly states before gathering all the equipment she needs, and Emma breaks out in a cold sweat.
Emma studies the woman before her, acknowledging how her demeanor quickly changes when they are in the real world and not hidden away from the protective barrier of their room. She's free and playful with her parents, but when anyone else approaches, she closes herself off just the slightest bit.
Regina works diligently as she prepares Rocinante for their ride. She focuses hard on her task at hand and Emma can only assume how much time and effort she pours into her education. She wonders if her life back home is slowly suffocating her and that's why she almost broke down this morning after sex.
She can't blame her the least bit, considering she, herself, ran away from her own problems back home as well. That's one thing she can guarantee they share in common.
"Ready?" Regina questions, absentmindedly stroking the beast behind her. Emma can't help the pained look that twists in her face, when her nose crinkles and her upper lip quivers in distaste. Regina laughs lightly before she points to the stirrup at the bottom of the saddle. "Place your foot in here to hoist yourself up and swing your other leg over the top."
Emma blows out an exaggerated breath, so the other woman knows just how apprehensive she is about the entire situation. Regina ignores her small tantrum and waits patiently for her to decide when she is ready. Green eyes roll dramatically before she slips her foot into the stirrup. She summons all her energy to lift herself up, shaking and stumbling along the way, but finally she swings her leg over Rocinante.
There was not one move that was graceful about her climb.
Emma sneaks a peek down at Regina, who is smirking, and holding her lips together to keep her laughter at bay. Emma rolls her eyes once more and decides to really amuse her.
"Elegante?" She questions in terrible Italian which only prompts the brunette to chuckle even more.
"Come sempre," she replies fluently as she hoists herself upon the horse.
"What does that mean?" Emma questions, peering curiously over her shoulder.
"As always," the softest whisper tumbles from plump lips before placing a sweet kiss to her shoulder. "Are you ready?"
"No. I believe that word is universal."
Regina laughs wholeheartedly and nods along as she slips the reigns between Emma's fingers. "Hold onto these, but relax, we won't go too fast. Just a slow trot. Alright?" Emma just nods because as soon as she feels the reigns, her body breaks out into a full-blown panic once again. Regina's fingertips lightly brush away the golden locks from her shoulder, allowing herself better access to her ear. Her warm breath tickles, sending that wonderful chill to run down Emma's spine again. "I promise, you're safe," she vows into her ear and places another gentle kiss just below her ear, against the most sensitive spot on her neck.
"You're lucky you're so damn hot," Emma scoffs, generating another carefree laugh that she adores maybe a little too much.
Regina lightly taps her feet against the horse, kick starting his enormous hooves and immediately Emma stiffens the second he steps forward, but Regina is right there with her, wrapping her arms around her stomach to keep her safe and feeling absolutely protected.
Her warm embrace is enough to settle Emma's anxious nerves, while her gentle fingers draw random patterns against her stomach to distract her mind. The warm summer breeze caresses Emma's face and brushes back her hair as they slowly ride along some dirt trail that she hopes Regina knows well enough by now.
Who is she kidding...Regina knows everything.
"There's a gorgeous field that opens up and gazes out above the town, would you like to see?" Regina questions, still very cautious and caring with each word spoken, knowing Emma is petrified inside. She simply nods in return inspiring those fingers to splay firmly against her abdomen. "Breathe," she instructs, coaxing Emma to inhale sharply and slowly release a ragged breath. "Talk to me," she encourages in the most soothing tone Emma has ever heard.
"We can go to the field," she mutters as she tries to solely focus on the hands against her stomach.
"Good. Tutte le paure possono essere superate," she husks seductively into her ear and Emma's sure this amazing woman is whispering dirty Italian slang.
"What does that mean?"
"All fears can be overcome," she whispers before her lips briefly brush against Emma's temple.
Rocinante takes his time, enjoying vibrant green trees, the smell of fresh air and the bright blue sky above, most likely just as much as her and Regina are. When they finally cross the break and trot to the center of the wide-open field, Regina leads Rocinante toward a cliff. She keeps a safe distance, but it's more than enough to see the breathtaking city from above.
"This is gorgeous," Emma breathes, her eyes taking in the sight before her, and her mind vowing to never forget this moment, but her thoughts are interrupted when Regina carefully shifts from behind her. "What are you doing?" She blurts out, her insecurities creeping toward the forefront of her mind once again. And she's not quite sure how, but this tiny woman slides across her thigh and slips into the spot in front of her, coming face to face with her shocked eyes. "Are you insane?"
"Relax, I'm fine. I know what I'm doing," Regina confidently declares as she readjusts herself. When she is finally comfortable and secure, she cups Emma's cheeks tenderly and inspects the bruised lip. Her thumb cautiously sweeps around the swollen area, careful not to actually touch. "The swelling has gone down," she confirms, her hands slowly slipping away.
"I'm fine. I promise," she vows while interlocking their fingers and resting them in the small gap between them. "As I recall, we made a deal, you're supposed to be naked when you check my injuries."
"You're impossible," Regina huffs and rolls those gorgeous eyes, but they are twinkling with mirth.
"If I wasn't so horrified right now, I would show you just how impossible I can be," she taunts.
"Emma, what the hell does that even mean?" Regina simply laughs before leaning forward and capturing her lips in the gentlest kiss. However, Emma quickly pulls away as a thought flashes through her mind like a bolt of lightning. "What?"
"Just checking to see if you're wearing lipstick. I don't need your mother calling us out again when we return."
Regina playfully snarls one side of her upper lip as she buries her fist into Emma's tee and yanks her closer. "Shut up and kiss me, Swan," she demands and reconnects their lips.
And Emma knows if she didn't have a puffy lip at the moment, this woman would have slammed their mouths together for a biting kiss.
XXXXXX
When they arrived back to the farm, Henry was barbecuing outside with his wife sipping a glass of wine by his side. The couple were both completely speechless when they saw Emma on top of Rocinante, but thankfully neither one made anymore teasing comments.
Together the four of them enjoyed a family dinner and talked lightly over the finger licking meal. Henry can always make a great meal on the grill, but nothing compares to Cora's home cooked, Italian style food.
Regina and Emma were finishing up with the dishes while Henry and Cora poured themselves an after-dinner drink. Cora with her red wine and her husband with his scotch, neat.
"Regina darling, even though it's a Saturday night, I was hoping you would hang around this evening," Cora requests as she spins the stem of her wine glass between her fingertips.
"I was thinking a good game of Monopoly," Henry chuckles to himself while Emma smiles at how sweet the couple is, especially with their daughter around. She can only imagine how much they miss having her around.
"Well, I will be out of your hair now," Emma vocalizes while placing the last dish back into its designated area.
"What? Why?" Regina quickly grills her, those dark eyes narrowing.
"Because, you hardly ever see your parents, I'm sure they would like to spend some time with you before you leave again," she explains.
"Oh nonsense, dear," Cora waves her hand as she stands from the kitchen table. "You are a part of this family now."
A large mass quickly develops in the back of Emma's throat as hot tears spring to life. Maybe it's from missing her own family or maybe it's because of her past, either way those words hit her like a ton of bricks and knocks the wind right out of her. And she is left standing shell shocked and speechless in the Mills' kitchen with all eyes on her.
"Thank you," she croaks out, doing her best to hide the tears and emotions bubbling far too quickly to the surface.
"Now, sit down you two, let's have a nice game of Monopoly," Henry smiles cheerfully as he sets down the game and pops open the box with amusement.
"Alright, but I'm the banker this time," Regina firmly announces as she slides into her regular seat.
"Come along, dear," Cora encourages Emma's feet to finally move from where she rooted herself from too many emotions.
"Right," she mutters and follows the older woman back to the table.
Emma slides into the spot next to Regina and does her best to avoid those questioning eyes so Regina doesn't see how damaged she truly is.
XXXXX
"That will be fourteen hundred my lovely husband," Cora taunts with sarcasm dripping from her words while her greedy hand stretches forward, waiting for the last of Henry's money.
"How? How is that you always land Park Place and Boardwalk while I'm stuck with all the shitty purples," Henry sulks, reluctantly counting out his money while Emma tries to hide her laughter.
"I swear she's cheating, daddy, this happens every time we play," Regina jumps on board to call out her mother, but Cora is smirking confidently still with her hand waiting for the money.
"How can I cheat, dear? You demanded to be the banker this time," Cora quips as Henry smacks the colorful bills into her hand. She smiles wicked and begins tucking her money beneath the board game.
"I don't know, but I know you are cheating," Regina defends, scrutinizing her mother.
"I've been paying attention, and not once did I see her cheat," Emma declares with all the confidence in the world.
"Thank you, dear," Cora smugly grins with a curt head nod in her direction.
"What are you the sheriff of Monopoly?" Regina deadpans only causing Emma to laugh in return.
"Sheriff Swan," Henry muses. "I like that. You're hired. Keep an eye on sticky fingers over here," he retorts, hooking his thumb in Cora's direction.
"Why do you always insist on playing this game if you are such a sore loser," Cora questions, cruelly counting her money in front of her husband, practically rubbing her win in his face.
"I am no such thing," he harshly defends, but the scowl on his face says otherwise, especially the way he crosses his arms like a stubborn child.
Cora laughs maliciously as she slips from her seat and slides behind her husband's chair. She glides her hands down his chest and whispers something in his ear.
"And this is our cue to leave," Regina quickly announces, her hands fumbling to clean up the game as quickly as possible.
"So early?" Cora asks innocently.
"It's two in the morning, mother," Regina deadpans, placing the money back where it belongs.
"But look how cute they are," Emma gushes, placing all the houses and hotels back into the box.
"Oh you shush, they are not cute," Regina scolds, shoving the top back onto the game.
"Almost as cute as you two, darling," Cora teases, igniting a terrible heat to burn Emma's porcelain cheeks.
"I don't know what you are talking about, mother," Regina firmly states as she stands tall from her seat. "Now let's go, Swan," she demands, heading for the door, persuading Emma to jump to her feet and follow like a dog on a leash.
"Yes dear, you have no idea what I speak of," Cora muses as they quickly slip out the door.