There are three sharp knocks at the door before Ruby strides into Emma's place, hands on her hips and dressed to the nines.
"Dear are you ready to make this party your bitch?" Ruby calls out with a wolfish grin. Emma comes out in jeans and a rather cute metallic top.
"No, Emma for fucks sake just no. Killian Jones' parties are amazing you simply cannot wear jeans," Ruby explains as she pushes Emma back into her room. Emma just sighs and sits on her bed while Ruby rummages through her closet. There is absolutely no point in fighting Ruby, say what you want about her, but she knows what she wants and frankly Emma doesn't care that much about what she's wearing.
"I didn't even know that you knew Jones," Emma muses.
"Yeah I was in a music video of his and we've kept in touch. It's funny he hit on me, I had to let him down and tell him he wasn't my type, that women were. Then I offered to be his wing women and his expression was to die for, anyway we've been friends since." Emma nods as Ruby pulls out Emma's tight red dress from her old days as a bail bonds person.
"I have never seen you wear this, so you absolutely have to wear it!" she squeals, handing it to her.
"No way, I haven't worn that in years!" Emma shakes her head.
"Even better. Now, put this on and no one at the party will be able to keep their eyes off you," Ruby winks at her.
"Why do you want everyone looking at me?" Emma groans.
"You're hot and young. A little bird told me that Killian may have a little crush on you," she smirks as Emma accepts the dress.
"Wait what?" Emma asks, pretending to be confused.
"You heard me, so put on that dress. You're going to dress to kill."
"Ruby, I've never met him. How on earth does he have a crush on me? Is this high school?" Emma says as begins to take off her clothes. Ruby is currently looking through her jewelry.
"I thought it was sweet. Jones is a little old fashioned in that way. Not to mention he's hot, there is no denying that. Give him a chance," she shrugs. Emma pulls on the dress. True to herself Emma doesn't answer to Ruby's request.
"Look, I know what jewelry to wear with this. Pick out shoes for me please. I'll make no promises about him," she sighs. She pulls on gold bangles and a gold clip for her hair, which she slides back into place. Ruby hands her stilettos at which Emma shakes her head. Ruby comes back with a different pair that aren't as high which Emma accepts.
"Much better, now let's go!" Ruby cheers. They clamber into Ruby's car.
"What no Dorothy tonight?" Emma asks.
"She's on location somewhere in the Bahamas this week. They go somewhere the week after, so I'm lonely and since I'm not getting any I'm making sure you're at least getting some," she smirks.
"Who said I was going to jump into bed with Jones?" she glares at Ruby.
"I never said it had to be Jones, you're thinking about him apparently," she says with an all knowing look, that absolutely annoyed Emma. As it turns out Killian doesn't live that far from her place, which will be easier for future dates and events.
The party is a star studded affair to be sure, but it's not what Emma expected it to be. There's also a fair amount of people she assumes are friends or family. It's a good party, Regina knows what she's doing Emma will give her that because Jones could not have done this on his own at short notice. Ruby cranes her head looking for Jones in the crowd.
"The ass isn't even hosting his own party. Grab a drink, I'll find him, and introduce you two love birds," she says with a wink before disappearing. Emma rolls her eyes and grabs herself some whisky. She makes her way outside, where the air is cooler than inside the house. A guy with rugged, sandy blond hair approaches her.
"Would you by chance be Emma Swan?" he asks her with an accent as well. Does Jones only have friends from England?
"I would, who would you be?" she asks, knowing she's seen him somewhere before.
"My apologies, Robin Locksley. Pleasure to meet you," he says sticking his hand out. She grabs it and gives it a firm shake.
"Oh yes you're the drummer in Black Sails, right?" she says loosening up a little bit.
"Yes, none other," he looks around before speaking again, "Don't look too worried you've met Killian before." he comments, make her eyebrows furrow.
"Excuse me?" Emma panics, how could he possibly know that? Was this going to get out and ruin her career?
"I'm privy to your arrangement, one of the perks of being married to Regina I'm afraid. I know this is odd to say the least, but Jones is a good guy beneath the leather and booze," he jokes and she smiles. Her panic lessens and her heart rate decreases.
"I'm glad someone close to him knows, hopefully it will make it easier. In all honesty, am I going to regret this?" she asks before taking a sip of her drink.
"Not if everything goes to plan," he answers. She nods. Not everything has gone to plan in her life, so she'll have to be careful with Jones.
Ruby finds Killian upstairs in his room, avoiding everyone.
"You know you actually have to show up at your own party, right? You cannot sulk here all night. Especially when I brought a rather attractive blonde with me, who I happen to know you have a thing for," Ruby teases him.
"Oh bloody hell, can Locksley keep his mouth shut about who I happen to find attractive," he grumbles, knowing he has a part to play in all of this.
"Jones, she's a good one. You fuck this up in any way and I swear the internet will see that video from Vegas," she threatens. His eyes widen.
"You wouldn't," he says sternly.
"You know I would, so get your ass downstairs," she commands. He takes a deep breath and follows her out. When they make it down stairs Ruby finds that Robin's found her outside.
"Oh maybe some competition for you," she teases. Killian rolls his eyes.
"Yeah right. We all know he only has eyes for Regina," he scoffs, sipping the rum they picked up on their way down.
"Damn Jones lighten up, I was joking," Ruby says with a frown. Just then Ruby and Jones walk up to Emma and Robin.
"Oh lovely you've found Robin! Killian, this is my good friend Emma Swan. Don't worry she doesn't bite unless you're into that," she winks.
"Ruby!" Emma exclaims, a flush coming to her cheeks. Dear god, she's beautiful. That dress, showing every curve the lass has. She'd look good in anything though, fuck she'll be the death of him.
"Anyway, Robin I have something to talk to you about, so let's leave these kids alone." Ruby takes Robin's arm and all but drags him away. Killian can tell she's uneasy, her shoulders are tense. Hopefully she can learn to relax around him.
"Not subtle is she?" Killian asks a drink in his hand as well. Damn him he looks so good again. Another black v-neck, but black leather pants this time. Does he own another color or is everything black? She wonders to herself.
"No she's never been though. You have a beautiful house," she compliments him.
"Even though it's a monstrosity?" he teases her with an eyebrow raised. She chuckles softly.
"Yes, even though it is a monstrosity," she smiles, "Your eye has healed nicely."
"Aye, that it has," he confirms, touching it gingerly, "Do you mind if we sit somewhere and talk, there are some things I want to ask you," he says quietly, so no one around them will hear. She nods. He leads them to corner of his patio unoccupied, they settle into an outdoor loveseat. Emma made sure there was some space between them.
"What do you want to know?" she asks unsure where this is going.
"Well I don't know much about you, but how about we start with why the hell are you doing this? That's been rattling around in my head the past couple of days. You're career isn't hanging on by a thread, so why?" he shrugs. She's taken aback by the question, but figures she owes him an answer to the question. After all they are in this together as much as she wishes they didn't have to be.
"My career isn't in jeopardy, but I can't get cast in a movie that doesn't involve a car chase or an explosion. I want more than that. I want something with more substance. My current situation isn't helped by the fact everyone in the media calls me the Ice Queen, who can't keep a man around. So, you're stuck with me until they see I'm capable of more than some action stunts," she explains and downs the rest of her drink.
"Well I wish you the best then. Any new projects on the horizon?" he asks, still trying to process what she's told him.
"Actually yes. Can you keep a secret?" she asks and he nods, "Nothing official yet, but you may be looking at the next Bond girl."
"Ah congratulations, a step in the right direction?"
"Still an action movie, but yes it is." He stands at those words.
"Well then we must have a celebratory drink. You wait here, I'll be back with some libations," he says with a waggle of his eyebrows. She just laughs and rolls her eyes. This may not be too hard after all he's nice and good looking. He comes back with drinks and they talk about nothing of consequence. He moves closer to her on the couch and she raises an eyebrow.
"Don't get too offended, love. Regina told me a few of Hollywood's gossips would be here. In fact one is looking at us now, but don't look," he warns her, so she just keeps looking at him and his blue eyes, "Don't be too alarmed I'm going to touch your leg," he warns her as he places a hand on her knee.
"Jones," she says in a warning tone. All the while keeping a smile on her face, simply for the fact that someone is watching them.
"Swan, you heard Regina and David we're going to kiss at some point you're going to have to get used to the fact that I'm going to be touching you," he whispers while moving his thumb in a circular motion on her knee. Which she would like to add is quite distracting. It's not that she really minds his touch, but my god a little more warning would be nice.
"How about next time you ask?" she says, wanting to take his hand off her. Simply for the fact his movements are driving her up the wall and she wants his hands other places on her body. The next second he takes it off her. It's like he knew what she was thinking, especially with that damn smirk on his face. Just then she notices there is a scar on the back of his left hand about two inches wide, the skin slightly raised and pink. How had she missed that?
"Quite right, love. I should've and I will in the future," he nods.
"Alright," she releases a sigh and sees him grimace, "It's nothing against you, I just don't know you."
"You know we can change that. I will do whatever you need to be comfortable with this," he tells her.
"Really?" she says surprised and he nods, "Thank you."
"Of course and don't take offense, but you're an actress shouldn't this be easy?" he asks her, curious and wanting to know more about her. Reading her isn't difficult, hell she's an open book, but hearing what she thinks about this is what he wants.
"David said the same thing," she scoffs, "Acting in front of a camera is easier, I get to slip into someone else's life. This is my life, my friends, my career. There's more at stake and this feels like lying," she explains.
"Aye, that it does," he sighs.
"Robin mentioned that he knew about us, does your other band member know?" she asks.
"No, so I understand what you mean about lying. If he finds out he'll hate me for lying and Robin too," he says frowning. Emma can tell his band members mean a lot to him.
"I wouldn't mind if you told him. I mean you're doing this for your career, your band right? I wouldn't want to come between you guys," she shrugs. She knows it's a risk, but she can't ruin his life. This arrangement is temporary she can't drive a wedge between him and his band.
"Really? You'd be alright with that?" he asks, thrown by what she offered.
"Yeah, I can't be the reason that Black Sails breaks up," she says, finishing her drink. He laughs at this.
"Oh yeah, you like the band?" he asks.
"I might own all your albums…" she trails off, a blush raising in her cheeks. She sips her drink to avoid saying anything else.
"Swan, I had no idea. You know how to flatter a man," he winks.
"There's no denying you're talented, don't let that go to your already inflated ego. You better get going on the next album," she commands him with a joking smile.
"As you wish, love," he smiles, if she stays around he's sure that won't be a problem. The rest of the night goes on much like this at one point they both leave to mingle and talk to others. Although as the party winds down they make sure they are seen together, cosy on a couch inside the house. Ruby gives Emma a hug when she leaves.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," she whispers in her friend's ear.
"And what would that be?" Emma teases her, pulling back.
"You got me there," she winks and says goodbye to Killian. It takes a little longer for the rest of the crowd to leave, but eventually they do. When the last person leaves Emma release a sigh of relief. Killian does another sweep of his house making sure they're alone.
"All clear," he announces coming back into the living room, where he finds Emma asleep on the couch at an awkward angle. She can't sleep there, but he doesn't want to wake her. Gods she's beautiful. Gently he scoops her in his arms and carries her upstairs. He lies her down on the bed in his guest room and drapes a blanket over her. Turning off the light he leaves.
When Emma wakes it's still dark out, but won't be for long. Soon it will be dawn. She looks around and realizes that this isn't where she remembers last being. She was on the couch waiting for Killian to come back and thought she'd shut her eyes for just a minute. Now she's in one of his many guest rooms with a blanket over her, still in her dress. Killian must have brought her up here. There's no point in going back to bed, so she gets up in search of some water. Emma makes her way back down stairs and hears a soft melody coming from a hallway off the kitchen. Curious she wanders that way and finds Killian with her back to her playing the piano. It's truly beautiful whatever he's playing, his head is bent over in concentration, but he's humming along to the music. This must be where he practices there are a couple of guitars scattered against one of the walls.
She clears her throat not wanting to spy on him any longer. He stops playing and turns to see her.
"You're awake," he states.
"So let me get this straight, you play the guitar, can sing, and play the piano, let me guess you're a wonderful dancer too," she says leaning against the door frame. He smiles.
"Why actually yes I am, Swan. Although it's not whatever the kids are doing these days," he tells her.
"Then what kind of dancing is it?" she asks, rather confused.
"Ballroom dancing." Her jaw drops.
"No way."
"Yes way," he mimics her, "I'll have to treat you to a dance sometime."
"Oh no you don't want to dance with me. I have two left feet," she says as he stands to face her.
"You just need a partner who knows what they're doing," he says in a deep husky tone. One that sends a shock right down to her groin, oh this arrangement may be more difficult than she thought. Especially if he keeps looking at her like that. Like he could jump her at any minute. Because she definitely wouldn't stop him if he tried.
"Hmm perhaps, but I can't promise I won't step on your feet," she says quietly.
"I'll have to take my chances then." There was a shift in their conversation and somehow they are talking about a different kind of dance altogether. He takes a step back from her, that can't happen. This is business and he'd ruin it. Then Regina would definitely kill him.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asks in a completely different tone. She nods.
"Did you carry me upstairs and put me to bed?" she asks, looking anywhere but at him.
"Aye, I hope that's alright," he nervously scratches his ear and she looks at him with a smile.
"It's fine, just- um thank you," she says.
"Some coffee perhaps?" he asks, gesturing out of the room. She nods and follows him out. What she didn't notice about the room is the song lyrics scribbled across a sheet of paper.
He makes both of them some coffee and she awkwardly sits at the island. She doesn't know when she's allowed to leave, when the paparazzi will catch her leaving. She needs to leave soon because god being here with him is just too much, she needs to distance herself. At the same time she has so many questions. She wants to know more about him, which scares her. Out the patio she catches the sun rising, the pale orange and pink stretching across the sky.
"Creamer, sugar or both?" he asks her.
"Neither, thank you." He smirks and passes the mug to her. She gladly accepts it.
"Gonna burn a hole through your stomach with that stuff, love," he teases her, even though she notices he takes it only with a little sugar.
"Damn right," she smirks, taking a sip, "Can ask you a question?" he frowns a little, but nods.
"You play piano beautifully, why don't you play for the band?" she asks, unsure if he'll even answer her.
"I'm sure you've noticed the scar," she nods, "I damaged some of the nerves and if I play too much or every night on tour it hurts. One night my hand cramped on stage, so I don't play as much anymore." He tells her with a tone of sincerity she had not expected. She didn't even think he would answer.
"I'm sorry to hear that," she says matching his tone. They share a long glance and he can tell that there is no pity in her words, just honesty. She's first to look away, back to watching the sun rise and he joins her in admiring the view. Both of them sipping on coffee and saying nothing.
About an hour later Killian gets a call from Regina, he doesn't say much just listens. He leaves the kitchen and comes back a few minutes later with a white button up shirt in hand. He hangs up and gives her an apprehensive look.
"Regina wants me to wear your shirt?" she asks, unamused.
"Aye, I'm afraid so," he sighs, hands her the shirt.
"A little cliched if you ask me," she mumbles as she puts on his shirt and he chuckles.
"That it is, but Regina knows what she's doing. If you'd like a car is here and ready to take you home," he offers.
"Yeah sure. My phone's upstairs I'll be right back," she says, leaving her now empty mug on the island. She steps into the in suite bathroom and cleans up her make up as best she can. When she finds it suitable, she gathers her small clutch and heads downstairs again. He's waiting for her by the front door.
He sucks in a breath, she looks good in his shirt and it's affecting him more than it should. This whole arrangement is affecting him in ways he'd rather it didn't. He finds her rather too funny, charming, and attractive for someone who he is simply pretending to date.
He opens the door and even from here he can hear the shutters of the paparazzi's cameras at his gate. They say goodbye and she walks out. Just before he's about to shut the door she turns back to face him, a smirk on her face.
"Forgot something, Swan?" he asks and she shakes her head.
"You really want to give them a little something to talk about, Jones?" she asks with a mischievous grin on her face. God, she was going to be the death of him.
"What do you have in mind?"
"A little goodbye kiss?" He takes a deep breathe, "Don't worry, just a peck on the cheek." She takes another step closer and he wraps an arm around her waist.
"Have at it, love," the cocky bastard says, enjoying this more than he should. She leans in and her lips graze across his cheek. She pulls back and his arm drops.
"See you later, Jones," she whispers in his ear. Emma smiles then walks toward the black town car, sliding into the backseat. He watches the car roll away before he shuts the door. Once shut, he leans against the door. A tingling sensation is present where her lips touched him, they're playing a dangerous game.
In the car her lips are tingling, she absent mindedly brings her fingers to her lips. Yeah, this is definitely going to be harder than she thought.
It doesn't take long for the pictures to get out and they are everywhere. Ruby calls her later that day.
"My my you two certainly have everyone's attention," she says when Emma answers.
"We certainly do," Emma confirms. She's seen a few of the pictures she doesn't look half bad.
"So how was it?" Ruby asks her.
"Oh come now, you know I don't kiss and tell," Emma teases her friend.
"Emma, that's just mean and you know it," Ruby whines.
"Ugh fine. It was amazing," she lies, "Is that what you wanted to hear?" Emma says acting like Ruby had to drag it out of her.
"Yes it is. Now when are you seeing him?" she asks.
"Who said I was?" she challenges her friend.
"Emma, I'm not blind I saw you two at the party this wasn't a one time thing for you or him," she explains.
"You're right it's not. He has my number I'm sure he'll reach out soon."
"Oh he will," Ruby reassures her before telling her she has to go. Emma hangs up. She hates lying to her best and one of her only friends, but perhaps when this is all over she can tell her the truth.
-KEKE-
Killian heads over to Robin and Regina's house shortly after Emma left that morning. The front door swings open and Robin is standing there surprised. Killian just gives him a look and Robin lets him in. The door shuts and Roland runs up to Killian hugging his legs.
"Hey Roland," Killian smiles.
"Killy, did you come to play?" he asks looking up, letting go of him.
"I did not lad. I've got to talk to your papa and Regina, but how about I come find you after," he tells Roland, who's face lights up at this.
"Okay," the kid nods. Robin scoops him up in his arms.
"I'll get him settled and I'll join you and Regina. She's in her office," Robin tells him and Killian nods. Killian makes his way to her office in the back of the house. He knocks softly before entering.
"Jones, why are you here?" Regina asks with an eyebrow raised.
"I need to talk to you and Robin, he's on his way," Killian tells her. Regina's glaring at him at this point.
"For fucks sake Killian. You slept with her didn't you?!" Regina yells.
"What? No, I didn't sleep with her. Why did you jump to that?" Killian shouts back. That's when Robin comes in.
"Cause you got this guilty look on your face mate," Robin claps him on the back, "Glad you didn't fuck it up though."
"Emma and I were talking about the contract last night and she said it would be alright if we told Will about this situation. I wanted to know what you two thought," Killian tells them.
"What brought this on?" Regina asks.
"I don't like that Robin knows and Will doesn't. Feels like we're lying to him. I don't want this contract coming between us. He'd sign whatever confidentiality agreement you wanted. I'm doing this for the band he deserves to know," Killian shrugs.
"He's right Gina," Robin confirms.
"Alright, tell him at practice this week. I'll draw up the paperwork," she nods. Both men know they are dismissed when the phone rings. Once the door shuts behind them Robin turns to him.
"What did she say to you exactly?" Robin asks.
"She doesn't want to do anything that would jeopardize the band and I mean he'd figure it out eventually. He'd be angry as hell," Killian says.
"That's true. How do you want to tell him?" he says was they walk away from the office.
"Tell him and say Regina told you, so mostly the truth," Killian says.
"Alright, but he'll still be mad," Robin warns him.
"Yeah, but less mad than finding out later," Killian says as they walk into the living room where Roland is watching a children's show. Killian and Robin settle in with Roland for the rest of the morning.
I loved everyone's responses to the first chapter. I can't wait to see what you guys think of the rest of this story!