Chapter 7


Dinner had dragged on for too long. The paparazzi had been trying to harass him and eventually they had been moved to another table. It had been a good move as he had been distracted by Emma on a 'date' with Neal. He couldn't see them from the new table. Out of sight, out of mind.

Killian waited until the drive home to pull out his phone. Miranda was all over him, her hands inside his shirt and her lips all over his neck. Leaning off to the side he shot a quick text message off to Emma.

'Smee will pick you up 7am.'

It took only moments for a reply to flash on the screen.

'Not needed.'

Killian couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Emma Swan was one stubborn female. He liked it.

'I insist Swan.'

This time the reply was delayed, as if she were weighing up her options.

'Okay. Will you be accompanying me to the airport?'

Killian stiffened at the text message. Was she afraid to be alone with him? Feeling his withdrawal Miranda pulled back and pouted at him. "What are you doing Killi?"

He hated the nickname but plastered on a smile for her benefit.

"Nothing! Just tying up some loose ends at work."

A seductive gleam entered Miranda's eyes and Killian couldn't help but compare them to Emma's bright green ones. He quickly typed back a curt, 'No,' to Emma and deposited his phone back into his pocket. He would enjoy the rest of this night before the long and tiring flight in the morning.


Emma felt relaxed as she strode into the airport. Everything seemed to be falling into place. David was thrilled at her progress – the fact that she seemed to not only be gaining Killian's trust but also that she was roping Neal Cassidy in.

Smee had picked her up in a beautiful Mercedes and she had spent the half hour ride to the airport chatting with Killian's chauffeur. William Smee was charming and full of information but anything that pertained to Killian Jones and his private life seemed to be a no-no.

Emma stopped trying to pry information from the driver and instead decided to sink into the plush leather seats and enjoy the ride. Things were organised and for the first time since she had started this 'job' the anxiousness concerning her performance had vanished.

Checking in was a breeze and Emma soon found herself heading for the first class lounge. She was used to travelling economy and never had the opportunity to enter these specialty facilities. The lounge had spectacular views of the tar-mac and beautiful furniture was strategically placed.

"May I help you ma'am?" The concierge questioned her with a smile.

"I am looking for Killian Jones."

Emma watched the woman's eyes light up, "He is at the bar."

'Of course he is,' Emma muttered to herself as she took the escalator up to the next level. Vertical gardens filled the space; the flowers emitting a wonderful fragrance that made everything seem less sterile.

There were many people in the first class lounge but it only took one cursory glance for Emma to spot him.


Her eyes were drawn to him instantly, lounging against the side of the bar and dressed much more casually than she had ever seen him. Emma blinked really hard several times, not trusting her eyes. Killian was wearing jeans and a deep blue business shirt that emphasised his eyes. What capped it all off was the several buttons he had flicked open and the peek of dark chest hair that were showing.

He was sipping a small tumbler of amber liquid - Emma knew he had a penchant for rum but it was still early in the morning. She preferred her drinks after a long hard slog at the office.

"Swan," his accented voice greeted her.

"Do you always start every morning off with a bang?" Emma questioned coquettishly.

His instant smirk alerted her to the double entendre of her words and she winced.

"Depends which type of bang you are referring to, love." His response caused her cheeks to redden so she rolled her eyes at him to draw his attention. Killian let out a small laugh and pulled out the stool next to where he was standing. Neither of them spoke and somehow it wasn't awkward but comforting, knowing that they needn't say anything to the other.

Emma was aware that she had a whole long weekend in which Killian would be her main source of company. David had been urging her to get closer to the CEO but that would involve letting go of her own secrets - something she wasn't sure she wanted to do.

It was one of her undercover rules - always keep the truth close to the lie. If she could keep her cover story as close as possible to her actual life then it was easier for her to keep track of everything...she couldn't get caught in a lie. Killian was a smart guy and if he even cottoned on to her lying about something her whole cover could be in jeopardy and things did not need to start unravelling. Emma knew that he had a rolodex full of private investigators and security experts, the name of the game she supposed. Emma was going to have to decide what to disclose to Killian...but either way she felt she was going to tumble down the rabbit's hole.


"You're catching flies Swan," Killian's voice came from behind. Emma could hear the smile in his voice and turned her head to glare at him before promptly shutting her mouth.

First class was a whole new experience! More like a whole other world. They each had their own private compartments filled with little luxuries that Emma didn't even know she had needed until now. Lounging back in her large leather seat, she dined on gourmet food and sipped Dom Perignon champagne. The other half definitely knew how to live.

This was Emma's first glance into Killian's world outside of the office. He had not seemed affected by the opulent compartments, simply sitting and pulling out a newspaper to peruse. The disparity between their two living conditions could not be any more apparent. Killian had these luxuries...this lifestyle that she could never imagine she would ever have.


Emma had organised for a driver to pick them up from King Shaka International Airport in Durban. She may not be the best at paperwork but she was one hell of an organiser when it came to being out in the field. The porters took care of their luggage and they slid into opposites sides of the car.

The car travelled north up the M4 motorway towards Umhlanga. It was a little out of the way but the motorway meant easy access to the city. Killian did say he liked the best.

Emma risked a glance at him and saw that Killian was staring aimlessly out of the window. Killian had been rather subdued throughout the flight and though she had tried to initiate conversation, he had been reluctant to chat. Emma had seen several sides to her 'boss' but she had yet to encounter this side. Killian was always arrogant and blatant...not subdued.

She had let him be for the most of the flight and had hoped he would perk up when they arrived but enough was enough.

"Are you going to tell me why you are sulking?" Emma questioned slowly.

Killian's brows furrowed and he stared straight into her soul. "I don't like to discuss it."

The only thing that had changed with him was their location.

'Was it something about Durban?

"What happened in Durban?" she asked softy. Talking things through wasn't something she was used too or comfortable with but she'd seen it work before.

"Swan..." his tone was telling her to back off but when did she ever back down? If she wanted him to open up maybe she needed to offer him something in return.

"I know what it's like to keep things bottled up inside...It builds and festers until it spills out everywhere...washing every one, everything away." She whispered.

"Maybe sharing..." Emma trailed off with a small shrug.

Killian looked like he was struggling with something and Emma tried to put her finger on it – Guilt? Anger? Remorse?

He took a large breath, "My brother died in Durban."

To Be Continued.