A/N: Hey y'all, I'm back with a new chapter! I'm so sorry I didn't get to update last week. 2019 has not been particularly kind to me thus far and I got a little punched in the face by stuff in real life. I hope you guys will forgive me! This chapter is the much anticipated aftermath and also a transition into the wedding from hell lol so I hope you guys like it! Only a couple chapters left! Big thanks to @superchocovian who was the most wonderful, helpful, awesome beta ever for the project, and thank you thank you to my wonderful Wondertwin @artistic-writer who also beta'd this and made all the wonderful art that posted with it! And thank you to every single one of you for reading and commenting, I'm so so glad you all are liking this story. Here we go!

Chapter 10

She woke up alone. It wasn't anything new, but somehow the bed felt colder without Killian next to her, despite the already rising temperature of the day. She rubbed her hands over her face and sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest, though there was no one around to see her nudity on display. She rocked backwards to sit up and something crinkled behind her. A sheet of paper folded in half lay behind her and she picked it up.

Emma,

I didn't have the heart to wake you. You are absolutely breathtaking in the morning, especially in peaceful slumber. Come downstairs when you wake, and I will have your coffee waiting.

Yours, K

Emma smiled softly and she was surprised to find that she didn't regret what had happened the night before. She stowed the note in her bag as she fished out a white cami and dark jeans, along with some underwear and made towards the bathroom to take a shower.

She stripped down, unable to remove the smile from her face, humming softly to herself. She didn't think she'd ever felt this good the morning after. Which should have been strange in and of itself, but it wasn't. She turned around and caught her reflection in the mirror and her jaw dropped almost to the floor.

She looked like she'd been attacked. There were trails of dark elliptical shaped bruises down one side of her neck and across her clavicle. A cluster of them lie at the edges of her breasts and there were even two smaller lighter ones on her ribcage. She looked down at herself in shock. Killian Jones, male escort, professional sexpert, and pretend boyfriend on holiday with her family and his brother had marked her up like a teenager at a make out party.

She looked her body over, trying to remember everywhere his lips had been (which was pretty much everywhere) and discovered another series of bruises on her inner thigh. Now she knew why he really didn't wake her this morning. He didn't want his ass kicked.

David would kill him if he saw these. And there was no way she could explain them to her son. She wondered briefly if she could get away with wearing a turtleneck in June. She didn't even know where to find a turtleneck, let alone attempt to wear one in this heat. She scrambled for her phone, which she had set with her clothes on the counter and fired off a quick text to Ruby.

ES 9:37 am

Bring makeup to upstairs bathroom in 20 mins. Emergency!!!!!!!!

She jumped in the shower after hitting send and scrubbed herself as quickly as she could. As she was stepping out and wrapping a towel around her, rapid knocking sounded at the door.

"It's me!" Ruby stage whispered on the other side. Emma wrenched the door open, hiding her body behind it as Ruby scurried inside, large zebra print makeup case in hand. "What happened? What's the emergency?" she asked, digging through the kit to make sure it was all in there. Emma turned around slowly and Ruby looked up, her eyes blowing wide almost immediately.

"Holy shit," she blurted, her smile widening by the second.

"Help me fix it before someone sees!" Emma hissed at her friend.

"David is gonna kill him," Ruby said, her grin not lessening in the slightest.

"Which is why I need your help here!" she replied, stamping her foot.

"Okay, okay," she fake grumbled and turned to dig through her kit for the items she needed. "I have to admit, when you ran upstairs so quick last night, we all thought you were gonna freak out. But I'm glad to see you got your freak on instead," Ruby said with a wink making Emma groan.

A half an hour later, Emma felt like she had about a hundred pounds of makeup on her visible skin, but at least the hickeys were mostly covered. She ran back to her room and slipped a light flannel over her cami, hoping the collar and layers and layers of foundation would be enough to camouflage the damage, before heading downstairs.

Mary Margaret was cleaning in the kitchen, getting the cabin ready to close back up until the Fourth of July when they would come back out here again. Leo was sitting at the table drawing a picture, looking quite sullen.

"Good morning," Emma said, walking into the kitchen. She walked over to her nephew and ran her hand over his brown hair, her brow creasing in concern. "What's wrong, buddy?"

"We had a little… mishap this morning," Mary Margaret said cautiously, stepping around the island and handing Emma a cup of coffee.

"What? What happened?" Emma asked, accepting the cup and meeting her sister-in-law's eyes. She looked around the room. "Wait, where's Henry? Is he still asleep?"

"Ah, no," Mary Margaret said evasively, picking up her own mug of coffee and taking a sip before continuing. "He was playing with Leo-"

"It's all my fault!" Emma looked down in surprise at her nephew's wail. She cupped his head and hugged him to her waist, her fear level rising, shushing the small boy as Mary Margaret looked on sympathetically.

"Hey, it's okay, I'm sure it wasn't that bad," she said, trying to convince herself as much as Leo.

"It really isn't," Mary Margaret assured her, coming over to pull her son into her arms. "Leo and Henry were playing in the living room before breakfast and Leo mentioned that he liked Killian, but uh, he… called Killian Henry's new dad." Emma froze, her hand stilling in its carding through Leo's short hair. "Henry got a little upset."

"Where is he?" Emma said, struggling to keep her voice even.

"He's on the dock," she replied, setting her son back in his seat and Emma looked up at her alarmed.

"Alone?!" she shrieked, heading towards the kitchen exit immediately.

"Of course not, Emma, honestly." Mary Margaret tutted, making Emma pause with the door half open. "Killian is with him." Emma's heart started beating faster and she darted out the door, not caring what Mary Margaret thought about her rush.

She could see the two figures sitting side by side at the end of the long platform as she walked briskly across the yard and onto the sand separating her from the wooden planks. Killian and Henry looked deep in conversation. Killian's forearms were resting on his bent legs and Henry was sitting cross legged throwing a collection of rocks at this side into the lake water. She decided calm and cautious was the way to go about this, so she stepped lightly onto the platform and made her way down to the end.

"I don't want you to be my new dad. I like my dad," she heard Henry say and her heart cracked a little more at the words coming from her son's mouth directly.

"I'm not going to replace your father, lad," Killian replied gently. "What your mother and I have… well, I care for her very much. And I care a great deal for you as well, Henry. I'm not trying to be your father, but I'd like to be your friend, if you'd let me."

Henry blinked up at him with big hazel eyes, Emma still remaining a decent distance behind them, unnoticed. Killian smiled down at him warmly.

"But you're a grown up and I'm just a kid," he said, breaking eye contact. Killian placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You're not just anything, Henry. You're a very bright lad, with a big heart, and an excitement for life. I'd be a fool not to want to be your friend," Killian said. Henry looked back up at him and a bright smile crept over his cheeks.

"Okay. We can be friends," Henry agreed, the lightness back in his tone. He paused for a moment to pick up another rock and throw it into the water. "Do you love my mom?"

Emma felt her heart jump into her throat and she coughed, gaining their attention. Killian smiled softly as his eyes met hers.

"That's a conversation for another day, lad. Seems someone's come to check on you," he told the boy, holding Emma's gaze.

"Everything alright out here?" she asked carefully, not wanting to reveal how much she had heard. She walked towards them and they both stood, Killian with a groan.

"I'm okay, Mom," Henry said and moved into his mother's arms, wrapping his tiny ones around her waist. She cradled her son's head against her stomach, bending to place a kiss on the crown of his head.

"Okay, good," she said against his hair. She cupped his cheeks "Why don't you run inside? We've got to pack up and get on the road soon."

"Alright, Mom," he said grudgingly, not wanting to leave their little piece of paradise so soon.

"We'll come back soon," she said with a laugh and pushed him gently towards the end of the dock. As he ran off towards the house, Killian came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, placing a soft kiss to her shoulder.

"I can't sit like that anymore. At least, not after a night like last night," he chuckled. Emma furrowed her brow and turned in his arms, slapping him on the shoulder, but not pulling from his embrace. "Ow! What was that for?"

"You know exactly what that was for, you asshole," she said, trying and failing to sound cross with him. His grin widened as his arms folded on her lower back, drawing her closer.

"I have no idea what you are referring to, my love," he said, making Emma's heart skip a beat at the possessive addition to his frequent endearment. He flicked her hair over her shoulder and let his gaze dip to her neck, letting her know that he absolutely knew what she was talking about.

"I had to ask Ruby make me look like I wasn't involved in a car crash this morning, and you have 'no idea what I'm referring to'?"

"I suppose I got just a tad carried away."

"A tad?!" she exclaimed, wrenching down the front of her camisole to expose the inner skin of her cleavage and the several bruises left there that they didn't cover. Killian's eyes darkened rapidly at the new exposure of flesh and the sight of his marks on her otherwise unblemished skin.

"More than a tad?" he offered, eyes glued to her chest. She smacked his shoulder again and he looked up at her with a flinch and a grin. "Alright, alright. If you're looking for an apology, though, I'm afraid I have none to offer." His grin turned salacious as he leaned in towards her ear. "But if you need to have the rest of your wounds inspected, I'd be honored to take on the responsibility, being the sexpert in this situation." He winked and Emma groaned.

"I think I have it covered, Captain Innuendo," she quipped and pulled from his embrace, beginning her walk back towards the house. "Coming?" she called over her shoulder after him. He jogged up beside her and grasped her hand.

"I hope to be soon," he said with a kiss to the back of her hand. Emma smirked and didn't offer a response, letting their joined hands swing between them.

As they approached the kitchen door, a soft sound from around the corner to the back yard caught Emma's attention.

"Did you hear that?" she asked Killian, who paused beside her to listen carefully. The sounds of the outdoors were all around them, birds calling, water splashing occasionally, the wind in the trees. But nothing other than that. "Guess it was nothing." She shrugged. Just as she made to open the door again, she heard it once more, a little louder. Her eyes darted to Killian's to confirm he had heard it to and his nodded brusquely. They went towards the corner of the house to investigate.

What she didn't expect to find was Elsa pressed up against the wall being basically devoured by Liam.

"Oh my god," she blurted out, clapping a hand over her mouth as the words escaped.

Elsa and Liam jumped apart, eyes wide and lips red from the heavy petting session she and Killian had just stumbled upon.

"Good morning," Killian said with a delighted grin.

"Uh, we were just… talking…" Elsa stammered out. Liam looked at her and nodded before looking back to his brother and Emma. Emma looked between the two of them and back again, glancing up to Killian to make sure she was really seeing what she was seeing. Sure, she knew there was some pretty significant heat between them, but she didn't expect to walk up on them necking like teenagers.

"I'm just- we should go," Emma said, flustered. Killian looped his arm around her waist and held her tight to his side. She squirmed, not uncomfortable at his proximity, but at being forced to face the sight before them.

"Secret trysts aren't so bad after all, eh, brother?" Killian said and Liam turned a beet shade of red as the the younger Jones turned, steering Emma back around the corner with a laugh.

It was hard to realize that the real world was waiting for them after the wonderful weekend they all had just had, but waiting it was, so they packed their things and said their goodbyes. The drive home was uneventful, besides Killian asking her at least a dozen times if she wanted him to come home with her. She declined each time, needing to put some distance between them before the wedding weekend after how close they had gotten.

Apparently, Killian was not on board with that notion and she saw him nearly every day leading up to the event. He would stop by in the morning with coffee, or come by with a movie and pizza (which Henry loved), he even faked a flat tire on the Jolly Roger to steal her away for lunch. And what was more, Emma was actually enjoying her time with him. Affection was free and frequent with Killian, a peck on the cheek to greet her, a stolen moment pressed up against the wall of an alley, a hand at the small of her back or laced with hers as they walked, but it never went beyond that. Killian didn't suggest it and Emma didn't either, both of them seemingly knowing that it would be too soon for that again. Emma was grateful for that, knowing they would be sharing a bed together again all too soon.

Before she knew it, it was Friday again, and they were pulling up to the hotel where they were staying and where the rehearsal dinner was being held. The wedding would be in a large church down the street, and then straight back here for the reception. Emma felt like she was going to throw up at the sight of the hotel as they pulled up at the valet in the Jolly Roger. They had taken Killian's car at his insistence when he had shown up at the apartment that morning to leave and Emma was shaking so bad she could barely fix herself a cup of coffee. Henry's eyes lit up excitedly when he saw the car. Of course he was already bouncing off the walls when Killian had arrived about the wedding, which did little for Emma's state of mind, but still put him in an easily excitable state. This was going to be a long, long weekend. Emma knew it would be, but it was different to stare the beast in its face.

And speaking of beasts, naturally it would be the case for Killian, Emma, and Henry to see Neal and Tamara speaking to the front desk as they walked in. Emma stiffened immediately. This would honestly be the longest point in time she had ever spent in the company of Neal's girlfriend. Killian sensed her apprehension and leaned down to whisper a brief "it's alright, love" into her ear and pressing a firm kiss against her hair before he guided her towards the happy couple's waiting gaze.

"Dad!" Henry cried out, dropping his small backpack on the floor and running towards his father, who stooped down on one knee to catch his son in a hug. Neal's eyes never left Killian through the motion, obviously sizing him up. Emma wondered if this wedding was going to be open bar.

"Hey, buddy!" he said as Henry collided with his chest and stood up with him in his arms giving an exaggerated groan. As soon as he set Henry back on his feet, Tamara stepped into his side, clearly staking her claim. Emma's nose wrinkled. She wouldn't have taken Neal back at this point if she was paid to.

"Hello, Henry. We missed you so much," she cooed to the boy, reaching down to cup his cheek. Emma wanted to punch her for touching her son, but she realized that would be highly irrational. Too many witnesses.

"Missed you guys, too," Henry chirped. "Mom brought my suit!" He turned back to his mother as if expecting her to present it.

"Killian's got it right now, kid. We will put it on tomorrow, like we talked about." She smiled down at her son as steadily as she could under the watchful eye of her ex. She kept the same slightly crazed looking smile on her face because it was honestly all she could muster when she looked up at Neal. "Hey, Neal, Tamara. Congratulations." she said, her voice getting tighter by the second. Killian put a comforting hand on her back, rubbing circles there.

"Thank you, Emma," Tamara said, like she was pleasantly surprised at Emma's words. It was entirely passive aggressive but Emma let it roll off her back, especially since she saw the way the brunette couldn't take her eyes off of Killian.

Yeah, drink it in, I upgraded, she thought unfavorably.

"Yeah, thanks, Ems. And you must be Kevin," Neal said and the flash of smugness that passed through his gaze told Emma the misstep was intentional.

"Neal, a pleasure. It's Killian, by the way," he said with an edge and reached out to shake the man's hand. Emma looked up and Killian's eyes were flashing dangerously. She could tell how agitated he was when he restricted his contact with the man as little as possible. He turned and politely shook Tamara's hand as well. "Tamara, congratulations," he said warmly.

"Thank you, Killian," she replied, seeming a little flustered. "I gotta go check on the catering for tonight, I will see you guys there in," she checked her watch, "two hours and thirty seven minutes." Giving Henry a little parting hair ruffle, and several (unnecessary) kisses to Neal, Tamara made her way back to the room on the side of the lobby.

"Tamara is a little busy today and tomorrow," Neal said. "But that's okay! Me and Henry can hang out for a little bit, what do you say, bud?" He gave Henry a few fakes air punches and Henry grinned.

"Yeah! Mom, can I?" He turned his big hazel puppy eyes on her.

"Yes, of course, kid. Go have fun with your dad. We will just be upstairs unpacking," Emma said. It was the first time Henry had gotten to see Neal in two weeks, and though he got to talk to him on the phone every night except that last weekend, Henry was certainly glad to be back in his father's presence. Emma would never deny her son his happiness as long as it was within reason. Unfortunately, Neal fell into that category, so she had to make nice. For Henry.

"It's good to see you again, Emma, you look good," Neal said as Henry latched onto his arm, starting to tug. She felt Killian's arm slip around her waist again immediately. "Killian, have a good time. She's a great girl."

Before Emma could respond, Henry was actively tugging him away. That didn't stop the roiling anger from rising up in his belly.

"So," Killian began, breaking the tension. "That was your ex."

"Yup," Emma replied, popping the P on the end and where was the damn bar in this place? They picked up their bags and Henry's forgotten backpack and made their way to the front desk to check in.

"Charming," he said flatly, a distasteful grunt accompanying the word. "That lass, would I know her from somewhere?" he asked, throwing Emma off.

"How would I know?" She looked at him, puzzled.

"I mean, would she have her picture somewhere, like on a realtor's sign, or an ad of some sort? Perhaps she's been on the telly?" he continued, a far off look in his eyes as if he was trying to remember something.

"No, she's a journalist or something. Maybe you read one of her articles?" Emma suggested as they waited in the short line to the desk.

"Maybe. I have the damndest feeling I know her from somewhere," he mused for a moment longer and Emma's heart sank.

Had Tamara been a client?

"I know what you're thinking, love, but I keep accurate records of all my clients, in case of… well, just in case. She definitely wasn't one of them." He pressed a reassuring kiss to her cheek.

"I believe you," she said, looking up at him. He smiled softly at her faith in him and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her lips.

They checked in without trouble and took the elevator to their room in silence, Emma tucked into Killian's side the entire five floors, her head resting on his shoulder. It wasn't tense, but it wasn't comfortable. Neal getting married weighed heavily on her mind and she just couldn't shake it.

Once they reached the room, Killian dropped their bags immediately and pounced on Emma, seizing her lips in a fiery kiss and pushing her against the door.

His tongue probed at her lips until she opened for him and he drank her in. His kisses were firm, demanding, possessive, Emma had no idea where this came from, but they didn't really have the time. They had to get back downstairs soon.

"Killian, fuck, slow down," she gasped as he kissed down her neck, his lips and teeth worrying her skin already. "And don't you dare leave another mark. The other ones have barely healed. What's gotten into you?"

He pulled back, eyes lidded heavily, looking about halfway to gone already, and licked his lips.

"I'm just making sure that you've forgotten all about inferior men. And I won't leave another mark," he said, his eyes flicking back down to her neck briefly before meeting hers again. She narrowed her gaze at him.

"What did you do?" she asked, pushing him back away from her slightly. His hand came up to scratch behind his ear (which was pinkening swiftly along with its twin) and Emma ducked under his arm and walked towards the mirror in the bathroom. There, just above her collarbone at the curve of her neck, was a small chiclet sized red mark. Nothing like he'd given her before, but still noticeable. She could easily explain it away, but still.

She looked back at the sheepish man watching her carefully from the doorway and she felt her heart melting.

"The warning came a little too late, love. I'm sorry," he said, not looking sorry at all, but at least a little chastised. She smiled at him. How could she not, as he stood there looking so boyishly proud of himself for the mark on her skin. It may have been childish, wanting to mark her when he knew her ex would see, but maybe it served Neal right. And she couldn't deny how much the marks secretly turned her on.

"Let's just get ready to go," she said with a smirk, flipping her loose curls over her shoulder to expose the love bite even more and Killian grinned and followed her.