And here we are at the Chapter where you find out what Liam has been holding on to for so many years and why he is the way he is. Your reaction to this chapter will be curious. Read on...
Chapter 13
New York City
Liam rubbed his hands over his face and glanced over at Killian sitting on the sofa, wondering if he should tell him the whole contemptible story. Perhaps if he could show his brother that he did know what he was talking about, he would listen to him. He wanted nothing more than for Killian to move to New York City alone and for them to recapture the closeness they used to share. Here it goes, he thought, as he prepared to share his sordid secret for the first time.
He took a deep breath and started talking, "I met Lily in a pub one evening when we were on leave in Devon. Several of us wandered into The Lamb Inn that night and this beautiful woman with dark hair and dark eyes instantly captivated me. The fact that she ignored the enlisted men, yet couldn't seem to get enough information about me and my rank should have caused me concern but, alas, I was besotted. She spun a sad tale of how she had been raised in an orphanage in the States and after getting into a little trouble as a teen decided to start anew. I was so enamored by her sweet face that I didn't think to question her story. After a few more trips ashore and falling more in love with her upon each visit, I married her, not even telling our parents for several months. And before you ask why I married her so quickly and why I didn't tell our parents about her, I can't give you an answer. For months after she was no longer a part of my life, I asked myself the same question over and over again. But the sad answer is…I don't know. I've often wondered if it's because I worried that mum wouldn't have approved. But," he shook his head trying to clear the images that kept playing in front of his eyes, just like a picture show, "who really knows?" he finally continued. "The truth of the matter is that I loved her and I really wanted to believe that what I had with her was the same type of love that our parents shared. Does that make any sense to you?"
Killian hummed in agreement, "Aye, Liam I get that as I want the same thing. And I remember that night you called to tell our parents about your marriage. Mum was beside herself when she hung up after you broke the news. I don't believe I'd ever heard her use quite the vocabulary before." He grinned at the memory.
"Must be where we get our temper," Liam remarked before going on with his story. "Life was good, or so I thought. We found a small apartment and whenever I could get home life felt perfect. I thought we had it all and Lily, she made me feel like her king and we talked about everything as we planned our future. And then after a six months stint at sea, our parents were killed and I was granted leave, and when I returned unexpectedly I could see that our relationship was very different. The spark that had always been between us was missing. I was left feeling bereft, not just because I had lost my parents, but because I had lost something special with the woman that I had thought was my future. I tried to find answers, but when none were forthcoming, eventually ended up making excuses and filed it as a cost of too much time apart. I also assumed that because of my grief for our parents, perhaps I was the one who was acting differently. And without solving anything I ended up back on the ship. At least there, I didn't have to make excuses or figure out situations that I couldn't control. Life had returned to a level of normalcy for me and then, eight weeks later, I received a surprise letter from her telling me she was pregnant."
He looked up and Killian could see tears swimming in his brother's eyes and had to swallow hard to clear the lump in his own throat at seeing how reliving the past was tearing his larger than life brother apart piece by piece. "Go on," he encouraged.
"As you can imagine, I was thrilled, as when we had first gotten married we had talked of having a lot of children. I thought perhaps this was our second chance to really learn to be a family. It took a few days, maybe even a week, but I made plans. Without calling or writing her back, I took leave and rushed to her side to surprise her, but, well…the surprise was on me."
Killian watched Liam wipe his hand across his mouth as if there were a bad taste lurking behind, until he locked his fingers together as if trying to gather the courage to continue.
While Liam was telling his story, Killian noticed his body language and that the farther he got into it, the smaller he seemed to become. It was as if he were becoming that shell that had been inhabiting his brother's body. When Liam's knuckles turned white from being held together too tightly, Killian knew the next part was going to be bad and leaned forward to squeeze Liam's shoulder, silently giving him support.
After a moment to regroup, Liam began speaking again. "When I opened the door to the apartment, it was a mess. There were clothes strewn everywhere, empty containers littering the counters and dirty dishes stacked in the sink. I heard noises in the bedroom that I knew didn't belong to a sight that was meant for my eyes, but…I had to see, and," he closed his eyes but the pain on his face was real. He took another deep breath and swallowed before continuing, "I pushed open the door and all I saw were several others in the room, all without clothing. My eyes might have skimmed over the others, but all I saw was my wife in a compromising position with not one, but two men and without saying a word, I turned around and headed for the front door."
Killian's unconscious intake of air stopped the story long enough for Liam to look up at him with tortured eyes and a slight nod of agreement before finishing. "Somehow or other she saw me and caught me just as I reached the door. I remember pulling it open so hard that it bounced off the wall and all the time she was crying and screaming. While there were a lot of words coming from her mouth, nothing she said registered. Maybe I was in shock, I don't really know, but I remember that I didn't raise my voice, just simply told her that I was leaving, but that I loved our child and for her to expect to hear from my Counsel. I must have suspected something because I told her to expect paperwork requesting a paternity test as soon as possible." When he stopped talking, he buried his face in his hands and his shoulders heaved with grief, but somehow, he was able to get himself back under control. He walked over to a small desk in the corner and pulled a file from a drawer, holding it in front of him like a shield. "Eventually the test results were completed and, as I had suspected, the child wasn't even mine. She had been shagging others all along. But you know, Killian, that wasn't the worst thing I learned that day. I learned that if you can't trust the woman who holds your heart, who can you trust? She took my love and what could have been my child and basically just ground them to dust under her heel."
Killian wasn't sure what to say but settled for the obvious, "I'm so sorry, Liam. And what became of the child?"
"That's another part of this tragic love story. I had decided that I didn't care if the child were mine or not, that I would claim it and give it our name. I didn't realize how much I wanted that until I found out that the child had been stillborn. I had nothing left and so I buried myself in work until Nemo convinced me I needed a change. I moved here to try to put the past behind me, and also for you, Killian. I made a vow that I would do what I had to in order to protect you, because I didn't want you to become the same kind of man that I saw when I looked in the mirror each day. So, there you have it, little brother. There is the sordid truth about women like Lily and Emma, two peas in a pod, and why you should never marry a woman like her." He dropped the folder he had been holding onto the table in front of Killian. "I trust you will see yourself out," and then saying no more, he turned and disappeared down the stairs.
They say that you never truly understand a person's behavior until you walk in their shoes, but would he behave the same way if he were in Liam's place? He didn't believe that there was any way that Emma would behave in the same manner as Lily had. But if his heart were broken, would he become bitter like his brother? He didn't think so but he didn't really know. The loss of love affected people differently and while he didn't plan on making excuses for Liam, learning his story had been eye-opening, to say the least. At least now he understood where some of Liam's behavior stemmed from, however that still didn't explain it all.
His eyes were drawn to the folder that Liam had tossed on the table, wondering what it contained and if he should read it. He also wondered about Liam's insistence that Lily and Emma were the same, but how could he have known their backgrounds were so similar? He certainly hadn't shared her story with anyone, for as far as he was concerned, it was hers to share.
Hoping to get some answers, he hesitantly picked up the folder and opened it. One part of him expected what he saw, but looking at it still took his breath away, making him feel like he had been punched in the gut. He still had a difficult time believing his flesh and blood could be so vindictive, but after hearing the horrible secrets Liam had been keeping, he somewhat understood. He flipped through several papers at a time, not surprised by the report before him, starting with Emma's beginnings and leading up to a few reports of events they had attended as a couple. There was even a picture of Emma and Henry, and also one of himself and Henry with a note sticking to one picture that said, "Her love child perhaps?"
Boston, MA
Lunch was completed, and Henry and Emma continued their walk the rest of the way to the Boston Aquarium. Since they had started spending time with Henry, trips to the aquarium happened several times a month. Henry and Killian, being the competitive males they were, loved standing in front of the great tank and seeing who could name the most species of fish. What had been funny was that the first time they brought Henry, he had beaten Killian so soundly that Killian spent hours studying in preparation for the next trip. Now they were quite evenly matched and it was rare when one really outdid the other. She had decided to not even try to outdo either one of them, as the more they competed, the more it became 'their' thing. Secretly, she found it very cute when Henry did something accidentally that he had seen Killian do and when she pointed it out, Killian's ears turned red, endearing him to her even more.
"IMAX today?" She knew the answer before she even asked, and so his eye roll was expected. "You know you're getting quite good at that and you're not even a teen."
Henry smiled and shrugged a shoulder. "I've been told I'm preco, uhm, preco, uhm, precochus." He beamed with pride at coming up with the right word.
"Precocious. And where did you hear that?" Emma smiled down at him as they moved up in line. "Galapagos or Great White?" she inserted quickly, as she knew he would have to think over his answer.
"Not both?" He raised both brows.
"Sorry, kid, not today. We don't have time." Her painting had taken more of the day than she had thought but the knowledge that her painting was going to be Killian's wedding present and would someday hang over his desk excited her. "Anyway, whom were you listening to who referred to you as precocious?"
Henry ducked his head and kicked the toe of his sneaker back and forth on the ground. "I heard Blue telling someone on the phone," he mumbled quietly.
"Henry," she put her hand on his shoulder to take the sting out of her words, "probably not a good habit to have."
"I know, Emma." He pressed against her side. "Next time I'll make more noise." Which he had when he came looking for her in Marion's office earlier in the day.
Emma's heart turned over at his show of affection and she had to swallow a couple of times before she felt her voice would come out normal. "Good idea." Once she had their tickets they entered the aquarium and bypassed several other exhibits as Henry was making his way directly to the shark and ray tank.
She sat down on a bench and watched Henry as he walked around the tank, periodically stopping to peer inside and then moving a little farther down. Eventually, she saw his face light up with a huge smile as he ran up to one of the workers and they started talking, using their hands and pointing toward the tank a few times. Emma's curiosity grew until she couldn't stand it any longer and she walked over to see what was causing all the interest. "Henry? What's so exciting?"
He and the girl stopped talking and immediately turned toward Emma. "Emma, this is Paige. The last time we were here, Killian and I noticed one of the rays behaving funny."
Paige turned them all toward the tank where she pointed at a large ray swimming languidly along the bottom close to the sand, and right next to it two tiny ones, obviously mother and children. "Henry was the one who noticed she was having difficulty the last time he was here. But thanks to him they are all happy and healthy. Good work, Henry."
She walked off leaving Emma and Henry standing there watching the three swim lazily around in the tank. "Look, Emma, they're just like a real family."
His words caused her to startle as she realized once the foster parent process was completed that's what they would be, a family. Not willing to say too much, she simply put her arm around his narrow shoulders. "That they are, Henry. That they are." She told him softly.
Saying goodbye to Paige, they moved into the IMAX Theater and found a seat. As soon as the lights went out and Henry became engrossed in the movie, Emma scooted down in her seat and leaned her head back, allowing her thoughts to float. Checking the time, she wondered if Killian and his brother were on speaking terms and if they had cleared the air. She couldn't wait until he was back home and in her arms once again.
Experiencing the Galapagos through Henry's eyes was a treat, no matter how many times they watched the same video. He loved the 3D aspect, which gave Emma a headache, and giggled when the fish swam toward him or the birds flew right at their heads. Emma enjoyed the fact that as the film progressed, Henry never lost his enthusiasm. He loved the iguanas just as much as he loved the tortoises, the sharks as much as the birds and the scenery as much as the wildlife. No one part was more important than another and seeing life through his eyes was a new experience and a joy.
After the movie ended, they made their way out of the theater and over to the giant ocean tank so they could see Myrtle, the giant loggerhead turtle, who was the star of the show and who had lived at the aquarium for over forty years. She was always a sight to behold, swimming among the other ocean animals. The ocean tank included eels, sharks, rays as well as just about every other colorful reef fish imaginable, making it a truly relaxing place to sit and watch the world swim past.
"Henry," Emma called his name to get his attention, "ready for ice cream?" which was just about the only thing that could tear him away from his current position.
A smile lit up his face and he bounced over, took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Let's go. I'm ready for some Rocky Road."
New York City
Killian blew out a breath and tossed the folder aside, causing the pictures inside to scatter across the table. What now, he wondered just as his phone buzzed to announce the arrival of his ride to the airport. He sent a quick text to the driver that he was on his way and, gathering the papers, sent them through the shredder he found next to the desk. In his haste one of the pictures fluttered to the floor and as the last of the file was fed into the shredder, he bent and picked it up. It was a picture of him and Emma taken at the Faces Through Time Ball from the previous December. Unable to send it to its demise, he tucked it into an inside pocket and took his leave. He had a fiancé waiting for him in Boston.
On his way down in the elevator, Killian was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that his brother had gone to such lengths under the auspices of protection. And now that he knew what was done, he was between that rock and proverbial hard place and wasn't sure how it should be handled. He didn't like keeping things from Emma, but neither did he see anything positive in causing her pain. Could he trust that Liam had given him the only copy? Could he trust that Liam would keep what he had learned to himself and not embarrass Emma when he came up for graduation? He hoped that Liam's love for him would surpass Liam's hurt and bitterness over his past. Was there anything that could be done?
As the car made its way across the Williamsburg Bridge, Killian watched a small sailboat flying across the water, taking advantage of the breezy day. Several sizes of motorboats powered their way also, reminding him of his promise to Henry to take him sailing this summer. Thoughts of Henry brought back the images of them in the file and the question on the small piece of paper. No, not Emma's love child at all, but if all went well before the end of the summer, a part of his family and someone that Killian would take strong measures to protect. Another situation too unstable for his comfort.
When he was dropped off at LaGuardia, he quickly checked in and made his way to the security line. He still had a while before boarding and planned to grab a bite and contact Emma. If he knew his girl, she would be watching Henry and friends play one of the games they loved so much. He wished he were there with them, but by the look of the security line, it would be a bloody miracle if he made his flight. "Bollocks," he muttered to himself just as the line started to move.
Boston, MA
Emma smiled at the sight of Henry and his friends playing a game of Guitar Hero on the PlayStation 4 that Killian had given to the Home not long ago. It had become a ritual for them that after she and Killian spent the day with just Henry, they would pick up a couple of pizzas and hang around to eat and play games with the other kids, too. Emma wasn't sure if Killian bought the PS4 for himself or for them, as he seemed to enjoy playing it just as much as they did. And whenever they all descended on the Home to spend time with the kids, he and Robin were the biggest ones of all.
Feeling her phone vibrate, she knew who it was before she ever looked at the text.
Killian: Hello love. You hanging with Henry and friends?
Emma: Yes, but how did you know that?
Killian: I know my girl. I've boarded so I should be back home in a couple hours.
Emma: Good. Don't get lost.
Killian: No chance. I can't live without my heart.
Emma: Of course, you can't silly. It's in your chest.
Killian: Not that heart Emma; you. You're my heart.
Emma blinked rapidly to clear the mistiness that clouded her eyes whenever Killian was sweet and romantic.
Emma: Oh Killian. Hurry home. I'll be waiting.
Killian: Good. Be careful getting back home. I love you.
Emma: I love you too.
She clicked off the phone and pocketed it, turning toward Henry as she heard him call her name. "Emma," he never looked in her direction as his eyes were focused intently on the screen, "can you play drums for Wyatt while he goes to the bathroom?"
Emma lifted a brow, "You know I suck at this game, right?"
"Yeah, I know," he lifted a shoulder, still not taking his eyes off the screen, "but it seems we don't have a choice."
"Gee kid, you really know to make a girl feel special."
He giggled. "I know. Come on"
Emma put her hands over Wyatt's, taking the drumsticks as he moved aside and ran down the hall. As the song Rock and Roll All Night by Kiss played and the colorful buttons sent her signals, she tried her best to keep the beat, only making a few mistakes before once again relinquishing the sticks to Henry's friend.
Once the boys were engrossed back in the game, Emma found herself at loose ends, wondering why she hadn't asked Killian about his meeting with Liam, and more importantly why he hadn't said anything to her. Absentmindedly, she picked up the empty pizza boxes and plates and carried everything to the kitchen where after spending so much time in the Home's kitchen, she knew her way around. Just as she was putting the last dish in the dishwasher, Blue walked in. "Emma, I didn't realize you were still here."
"I was just leaving," she told her as she dried off her hands and put the towel away. "Let me say goodbye to Henry and you can walk me out."
When they walked back into the front room, the boys had finished the game and were busy putting away all the instruments. Emma helped store the wires and switch the TV off the game mode and after a last look around, hugged Henry. "Killian and I will see you after graduation next week, right?"
Henry hugged her back and peeked around her at Blue, who nodded her head in agreement. "Yes! I can't wait. Thanks for everything and be sure to tell Killian hi and about the ray."
"I will. Night." She turned to Wyatt and George. "Night, boys." As soon as the boys had disappeared up the stairs, she turned to Blue. "You heard they won't do the family evaluation or home inspection until after we move to New York, right?"
The older woman put her arm around her shoulder as they walked to the door. "I heard about that, but it makes the most sense. You don't even have a place big enough here to fit all of you."
"I know," Emma heaved a sigh, "I just hate the idea that we have to go off without him. I don't want him to feel as if we deserted him."
"What does he know?" Blue asked her quietly, keeping an ear open for any sign there might be little listening ears, as Henry had shown a propensity for.
"He knows Killian and I are graduating and moving to New York, but I think in his mind he still assumes we will see him every Wednesday evening and spend Saturdays together." She looked toward the stairs thinking she heard a sound. "But he doesn't know we are getting married and going on a honeymoon, as that just happened and we want to tell him together."
"Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. I am thrilled with the news." She squeezed Emma's hand. "Henry will be fine and will be happy with the idea of being a part of your wedding and your family. Children are more resilient than we adults give them credit for sometimes. He knows that you love him and that Killian does also. I've never seen three people more deserving of being a family."
Emma wiped her eyes and hugged the woman who was partially responsible for making her the person she was today. "You always know exactly what I need to hear. I'd better run so I can beat Killian home." As she walked down the steps of the home, a gust of cool air blew her hair across her face causing her to shiver, and look into the shadows. In the past she would have wondered if it was an ominous sign, but tonight she shook it off, calling herself silly. What could go wrong anyway? Her life, for once, was perfect.
cs~cs~cs
Emma looked up from her sketch pad just as the door opened and Killian stepped through holding his hand over his forehead. "Killian? What happened?" She tossed the pad aside and grabbed a tissue on her way to the door.
He winced when she pulled his hand away. "Who's the bloody person who hung a torture device from that big tree out front, Swan?"
She gave him a lopsided grin and pressed the tissue against his head, where she could see a slight cut. "I'm not sure as it wasn't there when I left. Maybe Sarah?"
"Aye, that sounds like her. Waiting and watching for unsuspecting souls to shed a bit of blood."
"Oh, stop." She removed the tissue and tossed it in the trash. "There, I think you'll live. Need anything else?"
Without giving her time to think, he pulled her flush against his body and covered her lips with his. Emma went up on her toes and wrapped both arms around his neck, holding him close and giving him what she had been thinking about before he walked in the door.
His hands cascaded down her back in long, smooth strokes bringing her skin alive beneath his touch. He pushed up the long t-shirt she was wearing and cupped her behind in both hands, using them to pull her hips against his, creating a friction that had Emma's thoughts taking off in other directions, and making her hope his hunger could be slacked with something other than food. She moaned in appreciation. "When you kiss me like that, I forget what I was going to say."
"Then don't say anything," he sighed against her lips, covering them with his once again.
His mouth moved over hers, sensuously, pulling her further and further under his spell. His lips caressed her, catching at her upper lip, pulling it outward, then sucking it farther into his mouth before releasing it and moving to the corner of her mouth. The feel and smell of him consumed her until she wanted nothing more than for him to carry her to the bedroom and love her, but she shouldn't be selfish, thinking only of her needs. She framed his jaw with her hands, creating just enough distance to utter, "Do you want something to eat while you tell me about your day?"
His lips trailed along her cheek to her neck where he sucked gently, then used his tongue to remove the sting before moving to another spot and repeating the process. "No," he murmured, "later. Right now, you are all I want." His voice was husky, the low growl making her knees weak. He pushed her hair off her shoulder and nipped at her earlobe as his thumbs made lazy circles up and down her sides.
She sighed and melted into him, lifting her chin to give him better access, and wanting to feel man instead of leather, pushed his jacket off his shoulders, when he suddenly stiffened and backed away from her. "Killian?" She wavered, disoriented at the sudden shift in his mood and had only a few seconds to wonder what was wrong before he reached into his pocket, pulling out a black velvet box.
His eyes bore into hers, sending chills up and down her spine and when he pushed the lid of the box up so she could see the sparkling diamond ring inside, she felt her eyes go wide. Never taking his gaze off her, she watched him take the ring out of the box, holding it up so the diamond shone brilliantly. Emma swallowed hard, feeling the tears already welling up in her eyes. "There's something I feel I've been waiting my whole life to do, and then," he winked and gave her that sexy grin that made her lock her knees to keep from falling, "you may continue with your ministrations."
She nodded her head, telling him without words that, yes, he could continue what he was doing and, yes, she would go back to what she was doing because standing there staring into his blue eyes with such love in them was completely taking her breath away. Feeling a fine tremor work its way through her body, she reached out to him for support but found that he was shaking just as much as she. This moment in time was something she had been waiting for her whole life and now that it was here, the feeling so overwhelming that no words would present themselves.
Killian held the ring, using it to emphasize his words, "Swan, I know there are parts of our immediate future that are uncertain, but I want you to be sure of one thing. And that is, I will always, always be by your side. And so, Emma Swan," he knelt down on one knee just like in all the greatest romance novels and movies and held the ring up toward her, "what do you say? Will you marry me?" His voice trailed off as he stayed on his knee, already knowing her answer but the look on his face said that he wasn't taking anything for granted.
He looked at her with so much love that her fine tremors took on a life of their own and her legs no longer holding her, she knelt down in front of him, meeting him head-on. Putting her hands on his shoulders, she answered simply, "Yes."
The little giggle he gave when she said yes would have melted her heart if it hadn't already been a puddle. She watched him as he slipped the ring on her finger and, unable to hold back any longer, she reached for him, sliding her hands up over his shoulders. Her fingers inched toward his neck until one hand cupped his nape and tugged him closer, hips against hips, chest against chest. She nibbled at his lips until he couldn't take the teasing and tugged her even closer, sealing their lips in a kiss that was both tender and sweet and sexy and so very romantic that Emma was convinced that if she opened her eyes there would be fireworks exploding over their heads. Her heart was beating fast and her breathing shallow, and although they had made love hundreds of times something told her that with the ring on her finger making their engagement official, it would feel like the first time. When their lips parted, and she looked into his eyes, she didn't have to say anything, as their bodies were communicating in a language all their own. His slight nod told her all that she needed to know, and keeping her arms locked around his neck, she held on for the ride.
Killian gazed at her shining eyes and thought she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Her face shone with love and the light from the room surrounded her blonde head giving her an angelic glow. She was his everything and he didn't know how he had gotten so lucky to find her, but he was going to do everything in his power to keep her happy and safe. She was his angel, his heart and his life and his goal for now and always was to fulfill her heart's every desire.
The pride he felt as he slid the ring on her finger was unlike anything he'd experienced before and looking at her made him feel like he was Captain Bloody Marvel, who could accomplish anything. He wanted to take on the world with her by his side and the joy and love inside of him felt so grand that had her hand not anchored him, he wasn't sure if his feet would have stayed on the ground.
Killian pulled her to her feet, his lips never far from hers. She tasted so good that if it were the only thing he could have, he would have been content to go on kissing her forever, but her sexy moans, swollen lips and wandering hands were setting his body on fire. Holding her in his arms and sliding his hands up and down her side, her barely-there T-shirt and tiny panties were the only things between him and the woman beneath, and he wanted her now. When she went up on her toes and tightened her arms around his neck, pressing her breasts against his chest, he was done waiting.
He groaned softly and with a sweep of one hand down over her behind, lifted her against him. Her legs parted around his hips fitting her heat right over his hardness and when she moaned with pleasure, he grabbed her hips and pressed them harder against his hot length. As he carried her toward the bedroom, he crushed her mouth in a ravaging kiss. Lost in the sensation of holding her, he felt nothing, heard nothing and thought of nothing except the woman who was his entire world.
When his knees came in contact with the bed, he let her slowly slide down his body until her feet touched the floor. "I love you, Swan." he whispered softly as his hands skimmed over her rump, bringing with it the tail of her shirt, which he pulled over her head, tossing it on the floor behind him. She lifted a brow and looked down at herself where she was standing in front of him wearing only tiny panties while he was still fully clothed. Her reply was to reach for the buttons on his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders, so she could smooth her hands through the light covering of hair on his chest. When she leaned forward and placed a tender kiss in the middle of his torso, sending a slight shiver through him, he tugged the side bows on her panties until they slid down to pool at her feet.
He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her back, cupping her arse, allowing his fingers to dip between her legs, where she was warm and wet and wanting. Not lingering in any one place for long, his hands moved around her hips, up over her stomach, his fingers grazing her firm breasts, his thumbs caressing the hardened tips. Taking a fistful of hair in one hand, he guided her head back so that he could latch onto her neck, needing to taste her and mark her as his. A seductive moan escaped her mouth and unable to resist, he captured her lips in a heated open-mouth kiss, exploring, tasting, and showing her with the movement of his tongue what he was desperately craving with his body. Emma moved closer, straddling his leg, and as the kiss continued, the steady motion from her body pushed his to the limit.
Releasing her lips, he lifted her onto the bed. "Hold on, love," he murmured as he lit a few candles they kept close to the bed. Not ready for their lovemaking to be over, he toed off his boots, leaving his jeans on. The image of her body awash in candlelight halted his breath as his gaze moved restlessly from the tips of her pink painted toenails, to her tightly clenched thighs, over her taut stomach to her breasts with their tightly pebbled tips begging for his kiss.
"You have too many clothes on, my love." Emma's hands reached for his hips, pulling them closer so she could bury her face against his hard body, almost changing his mind about taking things slow and steady.
Killian cupped Emma's head as she blew a hot stream of air that caused him to harden more than he thought possible. With a knee on the bed, he covered her mouth with his, stretching them out on the bed, his hands plucking, playing and strumming her body as if it were his guitar and he was playing a love song. As if she were his love song and he was going to play her all-night long.
He shifted her onto her back and slid down her body to capture one sweet bud in his mouth. For endless minutes he tugged on the tips, laving them gently with his tongue then sucking harder, before licking them all over again. He hummed in appreciation as he was loving her and felt goosebumps raise and her body shiver. As her nipples became harder and her movements more erratic, she fisted her hands in his hair attempting to get him to move lower. Smiling internally, Killian continued his worshipping of her breasts as her body started to tremble and her hips began rocking in a steady motion. He slipped a knee between her legs, allowing her to ride while he maintained a steady suction, moving from tip to tip, never allowing one side to go too long before it was treated to the same service. Sucking, licking, nipping, creating a relentless hunger in him that he knew she was reciprocating, but this one was for her and her alone. She was panting, her hips moving faster against him. "Let go, Swan. I've got you," he whispered, until finally she found her release and rode the wave before relaxing against his naked chest.
As she once again regained control of her breathing, Killian pushed himself up and smiled down at her. Allowing herself to get lost in his blue eyes, Emma cupped his cheek, running her thumb back and forth along his scruff, "That was..."
He arched a brow and smirked, "I know." His voice was decidedly smug.
"But you didn't," she hesitated a moment, "or did you?" She squinted at him, trying to read his mind.
Both of his brows went up this time as he exclaimed, "I'm not a bloody teen, Swan. That was my choice."
"Oh, well," she began, running her fingers up and down his chest, each time getting a little closer to the waistband of his pants that were barely containing his straining flesh. "Do I get to do something for 'just you' now?" She asked, as this time her fingers glided across the tip, that even through denim it felt so good eliciting a quick inhalation as he closed his eyes, his body shuddering with the need to hold back.
"Later," he promised. "But…," his voice dropped an extra pitch, "I need you now."
Emma popped the button on his jeans and lifted the tab, but before she could slide it down, Killian put his hand over hers, "wait here."
He pushed off the bed and carefully unzipped his jeans, leaving them hanging open so she could see his boxer briefs that said, "Here lies a pirate's booty." He was so hard that the normally snug fit was even more pronounced as they stretched across the front.
Emma stretched out her leg and ran her bare foot and slightly contracted her toes across the cotton material that covered his hard, but very delicate flesh. "Do I have to wait?" she pouted. "What if I'm not in the mood to wait?" Killian's eyes widened when her voice came out sounding more breathless than normal and a predatory grin lit his face, causing a shiver to run through her body.
He didn't move away, but pushed his hardness against her foot. Emma inserted a single toe inside the placket, hitting warm flesh that was soft and silky and was growing harder by the second. As her toe continued its journey up and down his hard flesh, his pupils grew larger, and his nostrils flared as he struggled to maintain control. "Help me out here, Swan."
She pushed herself up on her knees and, hooking her hands in the waistband of his boxer briefs, pushed them down over his firm behind. She wrapped her hand around his hard flesh, sliding it down slowly and leaned in, opening her mouth for a taste when he broke.
"No more, Emma. I'm dying here." He ground out before his lips were on hers and he was kissing her as if she were the only thing between him and death. Her heart raced and his hands and lips on her were the sweetest treat she could have been given. Every sweep of his mouth brought new heat and new need. She arched against him, begging for more, and the more he tasted and touched her body, the greater her anticipation.
Feeling him shudder with need, Emma knew that no matter what he might say, her man was holding on to his willpower by a thread and that it was unraveling, ready to combust, and when it did she wanted, nothing more than for them to do it together. Bringing their bodies flush and sealing their lips, the kiss consumed them both, sending their hearts skyrocketing.
Emma kept her hands busy stroking, touching, squeezing her way up and down Killian's body, pushing his willpower to the limit. His moans and periodic shudders showed her what he liked and where she might need to pay extra attention. Over and over she licked, sucked, nipped and loved until she couldn't push him any further.
"Emma," Killian's shudders came closer together, "I don't know," he was almost panting now, and Emma couldn't make either of them wait any longer.
"Where do you want me, Killian?"
He growled low in his throat, "You know bloody well where I want you."
She slid up his body and leaned down, placing a soft kiss upon his lips and gently started lowering her body onto his, but Killian's patience was gone and with one strong push, they were joined, locked together in a dance as old as time, his yin to her yang, his push to her pull, his ebb to her flow. Together they moved, faster and faster, both reaching for the culmination and wanting to reach the place together; their movements intense, their breathing quick, their heartbeats in accord until a slight shudder went through Killian and Emma let go, pulsing around him, which was all it took for him to follow.
Unsure how long it took for him to regain his equilibrium, Killian wrapped his arms around Emma and rolled them over to their sides. The room was starting to cool and he could feel the breeze from the ceiling fan blowing across their bodies. A fleeting thought of his conversation with Liam floated through his mind, but unwilling to allow anything to interfere with this moment, he pushed it aside. "You okay Swan?"
She hummed in agreement, "Perfect. You are perfect. We are perfect. Shall I go on?"
He smiled and hugged her a bit tighter, but suddenly something made him feel the need to be serious for a moment, "Emma?"
She must have heard something in his voice because she pushed back and looked up at him with not only concern in her eyes but a frown between her brows. "Killian, what is it?"
"Emma, I just," he swallowed overcome with emotion, "I just want you to know that I love you." He kissed her quickly, but thoroughly, before continuing, "Just remember that there is nothing that we can't overcome together."
She cupped his face. "I love you too, Killian. I cannot wait to be your wife." Their kiss was sweet and romantic, a meeting of lips and minds and feelings.
As their lips parted, Killian felt Emma's body relaxing into sleep. They rearranged themselves slipping under the bedding, and Killian pulled her back snug against him, tucking his chin against her ear, surrounding her with his warmth, protecting her with his arms. "Sleep, Swan." As he concentrated on the rhythmic cadence of Emma's breathing while she drifted to sleep, and the soft whirling noise coming from the ceiling fan, Killian drifted off.
So what did you think? Surprised? Or had you guessed? Stay tuned for Chapter 14 next week. I believe that your emotions will run the gamut as you read it.