AN: And here is Part II! Special guest from Camelot in his chapter ;)
Chapter Three – 87 Days Left Part II
By the time nine o'clock rolled around both girls were ready for their night out. Regina examined her cousin's form through the open bathroom door. She wore a weightless, white BCBG dress that fit loosely but draped over her body beautifully. Each strap split into two pieces of fabric going over her shoulders and crossing over her shoulder blades. The rest of her back was exposed from the design but synched at her natural waist. Her taut skin was freshly tanned from the week's work and the classic salmon Manolo Blahnik stilettos seemed to make her smooth legs extend further. Emma's long honey-blonde locks were now tied in a voluminous ponytail high on the back of her head. Her side part was still visible as a few fly-aways framed her face, refusing to stay in place. The length of her hair fell down her back in large ravenous curls, wild and fierce. Her soft face was void of any blemish or mark leaving only the smoothest of skin. Emerald popped as the blonde had dusted her lids with golds and bronzes, finishing the look with a layer of black gel liner in a winged design. She was gorgeous and glamorous but Regina could tell her confidence faltered. Emma was out of her element here and forcing her to a nightclub was a risky move.
Regina had to admit, she worried about her cousin more than she would ever let on. She was afraid Emma didn't even know how to have fun. She was twenty-five years old but acted as if she were twice that age. No girl in her mid twenties should be worried about loan equity or capital gain. Regina feared once Emma took over David's title her life would be completely consumed with work, as if it wasn't already.
"Should we head down there?" Regina was staring at the wall when her cousin finally spoke. Emma now stood in the doorway looking at her expectantly.
Regina rose from her seated position at the foot of her bed and straightened her Stella McCartney, high-waisted skirt. The body of the piece was a vivid blue but it was accented with white and black intricate designs down the middle and sides. It was almost a mix between a tribal and paisley pattern. The black crop top the brunette worn covered her shoulders and chest but ended a few inches above the skirt showing the world a strip of the her tanned skin at the top of her rib cage. The younger Mills stood just as tall as her cousin as black, laced oxford-styled A Detacher wedged covered her feet. Regina's dark russet locks were released from their previous up do and now waved down her shoulders freely. The hue of her hair was rich and bright, tinted slightly auburn, courtesy to the California sun. Vibrant chocolate stood out from her golden skin as her eyes were framed with gray smoky shades. Her liner had more of an exotic cat eye look to it compared to her cousin's clean elegance.
"This place is associated with your company?" The judgment in Emma's voice was barely masked as the four stood in front of a crowded building on a busy LA street. Regina slyly jabbed her in the side as they took in their surroundings.
The line in front of them ran five blocks down the street and was filled with twenty-somethings dressed in their most expensive outfits. The bright red sign above them illuminated the words 'Jolly Roger" in loopy cursive. Loud, fast music could be heard blaring onto the streets whenever the stocky bouncer opened the heavy metal door for the people praying they were on the exclusive list.
The ride to club was relatively comfortable. The men had pulled to the front of the hotel in a large, blacked-out Cadillac Escalade, Killian behind the wheel. Again, Regina took the reins and handled any of the perturbing questions involving the girls' back-story. Emma stayed silent, for the most part, feeling childish in the backseat. Regina sat on the driver's side, giving Robin the perfect angle to turn around and talk to her.
The girls had yet to explore any of Beverly Hills or the surrounding areas so Emma quietly sat on the comfortable leather, staring at the nightlife flashing by her. The busyness of Southern California was nothing like her quaint home back in the Boston. She lived out in the country with her parents, just on the outskirts of town. The commute to the office was about 45 minutes, but the views were worth it. The rolling green hills, the beautiful wildflower fields and a sky so clear she could swear they were closer to the stars. She didn't think any place in the world was like it. And just by her view from the backseat, she was sure California wasn't even close.
"It took a while to convince Brennan and Malcolm, but this place paid for itself within the first month." Killian said, appearing behind her suddenly. She could feel the heat radiating off of him.
Hmm, maybe Emma's initial reaction was hypercritical. It apparently was a moneymaker for their company. But still, a nightclub? How tawdry. She was surprised Brennan would put this name on anything of the sort. Emma was sure her father would get a kick out of this.
The two owners guided the women to the front of the line towards the important looking black man wearing a suit and a headset, holding a clipboard. When the man finally registered who was standing in front of him he quickly dismissed the group of young women in front of him. "Mr. Locksley, Mr. Jones! What a pleasure it is to see you. We had no idea you would be making an appearance tonight." The man was genuinely exciting to see Killian and Robin. He took the time to greet each heir was a modern handshake and a shoulder bump. "Lance, its been a long time mate, we're staying in the area for the summer so I'm sure this won't be the last time you'll be seeing us." Robin grinned. "That's always good to hear Mr. Locksley, are these gorgeous ladies with you gentlemen?" Lance asked turning his attention to the observing women slightly out of the conversation.
At the mention of their accompanying dates both Killian and Robin placed their hand on the small of Emma and Regina's back, edging them forward. Regina didn't seem to mind the sudden close proximity with the tall Englishman, but Emma couldn't control the stiffening of her spine and the fierce glare she shot up at Killian.
Lance nodded, opening the large door for his employers.
The beat coming from the ceiling tall speakers rocked Regina to her core. She loved everything about the atmosphere inside the Lounge. It was dark and mysterious, the exotic mix of liquor and sweat overwhelming her. She often found herself in similar places around New York, looking for a stress reliever after a long week of university and the office. Without saying a word, the brunette turned to her awaiting companion.
The dim lighting only enhanced his rough features. His European skin illuminating under the strobe lights. He was dressed in classic, skinny khaki pants that he rolled just above his ankles, showing off his faded cognac leather Armani oxfords. A Ralph Lauren blue and white plaid dress shirt was tucked into the pants, showing off the matching leather belt, as a casual navy blazer finishing off the natural look. He was effortlessly handsome, and the sinful smirk on his pale lips only furthered that statement. Regina's ebony eyes darkened at the sight of his attractiveness and grabbed hold of his forearm, leading him towards the moving bodies on the dance floor.
Watching this entire exchange, Emma only rolled her eyes are her cousin's actions. She was notorious for pulling something like this. She never had to worry about Regina getting involved with alcohol or drugs but a good-looking guy and catchy music? She was a goner. Not wanting Killian to get the same impression of her, Emma silently pushed her curled tresses off her shoulder and headed towards the bar.
The traces of a headache were creeping up Emma's long neck and she rolled her shoulders in irritation. Why had she agreed to this? Trying to make the most of it she caught the eye of the young cute bartender and smiled sweetly at him, her graying eyes hooded in shadows. As he smirked and made his way over to her, she held up four fingers, "Patron," and slid a fifty-dollar bill across the smooth counter.
Just as the man returned with her four shot glasses, limes and a saltshaker the fit brunette showed up next to Emma. Without even a glance, Emma lifted the shaker to the back of her hand and poured a pinch onto it, "This ones on me." She spoke lowly as she raised her hand to lick the salt, tipped the glass, filled to the brim with clear liquid, to her full coral lips and threw her head back. Placing it politely down on the counter again, she took the second just the same. Finally turning to her company, she took a wedge of lime to her lips and bit into it, heat flaring behind of her smoky jade eyes.
Killian curiously watched the blonde's actions as the flash in her eyes mirrored distain, but was instantly gone once her gaze left his cerulean orbs.
Emma was impressed by his fashion sense as he had put together a fairly refined outfit. Hugo Boss gray slacks covered his powerful legs as a the sleeves of his crisp white Dolce & Gabbana dress shirt and Theory black cardigan were pushed up to his elbows. His feet were covered with taupe leather Sperry Topsiders boat shoes giving the entire ensemble a very New England-y vibe.
"Well…?" She asked expectantly looking between him and the two full glasses still in front of them. Realizing they were for him, he downed them both without aid from the salt or lime. Unimpressed by his alpha move, Emma snorted, quirked a brow and walked off towards an empty booth on the sidewall.
No woman had ever disregarded him like that.
She was staring off at the dance floor, a blank look on her face, when he slid into the booth across from her. "So where are you from?"
God. Was he really about to make awkward small talk with her? Ugh. Resisting the natural urge to roll her eyes Emma remembered she was going to give this a shot. For Regina. "Boston originally. But we moved around a lot." She only turned her head slightly in Killian's direction, her emerald orbs watching the faceless bodies on the dance floor.
"Why?" It seemed he wasn't going to be satisfied with the superficial answers tonight.
"My father's work. It involved traveling and my mum didn't fancy being away from him." Apparently she was telling more truths than she expected.
"And did your father's work bring you to Florida?" Confusion flashed over Emma's eyes, but thankfully they were still avoiding Killian's stare. Then she recalled that moving here from Florida was apart of her and Regina's back-story. Maybe she should have been paying more attention to those conversations.
"No, I was tired of New England and I wanted to do something spontaneous. And Regina is the queen of spontaneity. It was like living in MTV's Spring Break." If only that had actually been true. Instead, she had spent most of her life, up to this point, in boarding schools and business meetings. No time for something as trivial as spring break. No time for friends. No time for boys. If it hadn't had been for volleyball she might have ripped her hair out.
Maybe her father and Henry sending her here was a blessing in disguise. She could genuinely relax for the first time in a very long time.
"Nothing tying you to Florida?" Emma's vision blurred slightly as she felt a sudden rush to her head. She felt her shoulders loosen as she gazed lazily back to the handsome man across from her.
"Just wanted another change of scenery. And what better a scene than California?" She could feel the heat just under the surface of her skin now, the tequila coursing through her. The dim up-lighting on the walls played with the shade of emerald, morphing it into an ashen gray. They flamed and burned with intensity, staring Killian straight in the face. Gaining courage, she no longer felt like divulging anymore of her pseudo personal information.
Full coral lips slightly twitched as Emma's gaze ran down the brunette's tanned face, "So what is it really like being Killian Jones?" His name rolled off her tongue in smooth ferociousness, looking right through his sapphire eyes.
Before he could even think about censoring his response, he replied deadly, "I am a slave to my father and the company." Realizing what he had just said, Killian turned his stare away from the striking beauty across from him. He was unsure if his retort was due to the alcohol or the woman's uncanny power over him, but he never spoke of Brennan like that.
Out loud at least.
Emma was obviously taken aback by Killian's truthfulness but she knew it must have been a slip of the tongue by the way he turned away, discomfited. Trying to lighten the mood, Emma ruffled the curled strands of her ponytail and smirked, "Slave huh? So if you could choose anything else for yourself, what would it be?"
Sensing the shift in mood, Killian turned back to the wildly attractive blonde. Her thick tresses hung fully over her shoulder, shining in the faint light. She was far more relaxed than their initial ride in the car, but he credited that to the two shots of liquor.
"I would probably just sail." Emma's sassy smirk softened as her manicured eyebrows furrowed slightly, urging him to continue. "My mother taught me how when I was a lad and I have loved it ever since. If I could, I might just sod off to the Virgin Islands and never come back." Killian's tone was even and sincere, his eyes never faltering.
Emma knew little of Killian's mother, only that she died a long time ago in a tragic plane crash. David and Henry rarely talked about her and the girls knew not to ask.
"For someone who wants to float off to another country, the tabloids sure do make you look like you're having a good time on land." A condescending smile met Emma's lips as she flicked her hair behind her.
"I mean, there are jollies to being me, love." A cocky smirk replaced the sincerity of Killian's face. Emma couldn't help but laugh at his overconfidence. This was exactly why she knew he was no real competition to her family or their business. "You are so egotistical." She continued to laugh in disbelief, "If you weren't so good looking and filthy rich I doubt you would be able to get any girl."
"Good looking, huh?" Killian grinned smugly and wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.
Emma dramatically rolled her eyes and snorted, "Oh look what I've gone and done; now your head is so big I don't think we'll be able to get out of this booth."
They both laughed as Emma grudgingly realized she wasn't having a horrible time. A casual smile still played on Killian's lips, "So I've spilled about my life, what about you? What do you do when you're not serving drinks poolside?"
Emma knew she obviously couldn't tell him about the business textbooks she normally reads or the meetings she attends so she quickly had to go with the one other thing that consumed her little free time. "I'm fairly obsessed with baseball." She admitted, pushing a loose strand behind her ear. Most Europeans did not waste their time with American sports, especially baseball so she doubted this conversation would last.
Surprisingly, Killian pounded his fists on the table, "Now that is something I can get on board with! Who is your team?" Not expecting this reaction, Emma looked at him as if he were crazy, then answered, "Like I said, I am from Boston. The Sox are best team in baseball," as if it were obvious.
Killian's striking face then froze, "Uh oh."
Emma furrowed her eyebrows and looked at his with confusion, "What?"
The ebony haired man clenched his teeth together and sighed, "I don't think this friendship is going to work out."
Realizing what he was meaning, "Oh no. Don't tell me."
"Yankees." They both said the word at the same time but the sound of it came out much differently. Emma more or less spat it out. Her face then went stone cold and she stood to leave. As she took one step from the booth Killian reached out a hand and brought her back.
A small smile cracked on her face lightheartedly, "Ok but really? They are awful, like seriously the worst."
Killian judgingly crossed his thick arms over his chest; "I mean which team made it to the playoffs last year, lass?" Emma mirrored his movement, "And what team lost in the Wild Card game last year Jones?"
Raising his large hands defensively, "Oi! This year is our year, ok!"
Rolling her bright orbs, "Yeah right. You guys used all your money to buy talent and it still didn't work! But I'm sure the Mets will let you use their park when you guys go bankrupt."
As they continued to banter about American sports, Emma reluctantly realized Killian actually wasn't so bad. He could take a joke and fired back at her with more wit than she expected. Most people couldn't keep up with the Nolans in that sense.
"If you're going to try and convince me that Castillo was worth the 72 million dollars I'm going to need another libation. Beer?"
As Killian walked off towards the bar, a small smile stayed on Emma's lips subconsciously. She drew her attention to the other occupants of the nightclub and moved her gaze around the room.
Without notice, Emma caught the eye of a tall man. As she rested her cheek against her fist, Emma spotted a stranger making a beeline straight for her. He was good-looking but definitely more Ruby's type. His long mousy brown hair stuck out slightly and hung in his dull brown eyes. The smile vanished from Emma's lips and she cautiously watching him as he approached.
Stopping mere inches from her at the edge of her booth, a large smile covered the man's mouth as her stared down at Emma, "Hi."
A mix of confusion and annoyance clouded Emma's pretty features, "Uh, hi?" she replied. "I'm Walsh." He then stated, reaching out a pale hand, which he probably expected her to shake.
Emma only stared at it then back up at the man, "Hi Walsh." She scooted slightly back towards the wall, putting more space between her and the stranger.
"What is a pretty thing like you doing sitting here alone?" Walsh leaned his arm against the back of the seat, caging Emma in. Sensing this guy just wanted to flirt, Emma thought she could probably play along until Killian returned, "Oh you know, just enjoying the music." Her voice was condescendingly chipper and she twirled a piece of hair around her finger.
Feeling that the waters were safe, Walsh then ran his large hand down Emma's bare shoulder, "Would you like some company? I can make it even more enjoyable for you." Pulling her shoulder away from his touch, Emma got the feeling he wasn't just talking about listening to music.
"You know, I think I'm ok." Still trying to be polite, Emma smiled mockingly.
"Oh come on honey," This time he raised his hand as was going to touch her face. But dodging out of his way, her hand intercepted his and moved it away. "Please do not call me honey." Emma had lost her niceness and was now just irritated.
Narrowing his pale brown eyes, a sneer met Walsh's lips as his thumb and pointer fingers grabbed hold of Emma's chin, "Honey, that's the attitude that got you sitting here alone in the first place."
Pure malice ran through Emma's veins and she stared daggers up at the man before her. She forcefully slapped his hand away from her and balled her fist in expectancy. Then suddenly there was a familiar voice next to her, "Is there a problem here, mate?" Killian had returned, carrying two bottles with him. He had clearly assessed the situation and could feel the thick tension radiating off of Emma's form.
"No, this douche bag was just leaving." Emma exclaimed as she crossly pushed the creep's chest back with her fingertips.
An angry flash lit up Walsh's coffee eyes and he stepped forward again and gripped Emma's upper arm powerfully. Just as quick as the pain was there, it was gone. Killian took hold of the man's wrist and twisted it expertly into letting go of Emma. He then pushed the man back a few steps and moved between him and the occupied booth. As Walsh was recovering and rubbing his sore wrist, Killian made eye contact with a security guard and signaled him over. A beat passed and Walsh was now wheeling his fist back and aiming it right at Killian's sharp jaw. Before it reached it's destination, Killian caught his hand and turned it again; this time a satisfying snap echoed to Emma's ears.
The Englishman then pushed Walsh into the chest of the awaiting bouncer behind him.
Emma was still uncertain of what had just happened but she knew she needed to lighten the mood. Killian finally turned back to the blonde behind him when he heard the sound of the beer bottle's top being popped off. After a long drink Emma looked back up at him,
"Where did you learn that? Mr. Miyagi?"
Killian returned to his previous seat across from her, concern furrowing his complexion "Are you ok, lass?" He noticed the section of her arm Walsh had grabbed was still red with the man's imprint. Emma waved her hands in dismissal, "I'm fine, you know I was just about to beat him up but then you showed up and stole my thunder."
Before he could question her any further, Chris Brown's 'Strip' came on over the speakers. Feeling light and daring the blonde grabbed Killian's forearm and widened her eyes, "Oh my god! I love this song!" Without a reply, Emma dragged him out of the booth and towards the dance floor.
Emma lost herself for a few moments as the music overtook her. The crowded area fueled her rebellion as the sense of responsibility washed away from her mind. Killian or Robin or her hotel were of no importance now. The only thing that concerned her was keeping her body moving. The seconds dragged on but the blonde did not pay them any mind.
Then, a strong arm snaked around her stomach and pulled her back to the land of the living. She was now completely aware of the fool she was making herself out to be. She had played her cards close to her chest until now. What had changed? A little bit of alcohol and a good beat threw her inhibition out the window? That sounded more like Regina's MO than her own.
As she flipped her way expertly out of Killian's loose grasp, she turned to face him. The natural, genuine smile gone, replace with a practiced mask.
"You are a very interesting lass." A sly smile still played on his gorgeous lips, obviously not realizing her change in demeanor.
"I could say the same about you Mr. Jones." Jade narrowing in amused suspicion. Before she allowed him to continue whatever it was he thought was going to happen on the dance floor, she searched the room pseudo-distractedly, "Have you seen Robin or Regina anywhere?"
The two never left the back of Emma's mind, but seeing the realization dawn on Killian's face he clearly hadn't given the pair a second thought after their separation. It did not take long for them to find the couple, rip-roaringly drunk and falling over each other in laughter. In their inebriated state it was not hard convincing them it was now time to go. Even if they had objected, they literally had no power to protest.
The large SUV was waiting for the foursome on their arrival to the curb. Robin and Regina were piled into the backseat, still whispering and giggling to themselves. Emma hoped drinks were the only thing Regina shared with the Englishman.
"Where shall I drop you off, love?"
"The Plaza." Emma replied lazily as she stared out the window at the passing lights.
"Graveyard shift?" It was apparent Killian now sensed the distance between the blonde and himself again.
"We're actually staying there. Some clause was written into our contracts that room and board would be included in the transfer."
The rest of the ride consisted of thick silence with an occasional hum from the fools in the back seat. Emma did not move her tired olive eyes from the blurred pictures through he window. Her mind was clouded with judgment and confusion.
It hadn't even been a week and already this man had broken down some of the tall walls she had built up around her her entire life. She was inwardly embarrassed of her actions and ashamed of how she presented herself. Although the blonde probably seemed like a normal twenty-five year old to Killian, she was not. Hell, besides an occasional glass of wine at company functions, she rarely even drank. She agreed to Regina's plan but after tonight her guard was even higher than before.