Chapter 19

Emma knew that the only way forward with a scumbag like Gold was to hit him where it hurt - what they needed to do was cut of his trade! Gold was smart, always one step ahead of EVERYBODY! The fact that no one ever saw him and that he had managed to work effectively from the shadows was a testament to his intelligence and skills.

Sitting on the edge of the bed in the morning light allowed Emma to really take in the sumptuous guest room. Like the rest of the apartment everything was superbly decorated and expensive! The ensuite was bigger than her kitchen in her apartment - another thing that emphasised the giant chasm between hers and Killians lifestyles.

It felt strange being cared for by Killian - it had been so long that Emma had forgotten what it felt like . Yes - She had colleagues and 'friends' but none of them had gone to the lengths Killian had! If she took the time to really think about it she would admit that she found the whole protective thing very sexy. That aside, Emma hated not being able to tell Killian the truth and therefore show him just how capable she was of taking care of herself. Emma smirked as a mental image of her physically showing Killian her moves entered her head. It would definitely satisfy the alpha female within her and curb some of her more basic urges. She was by no means a virgin but men were fleeting and something she used to satiate her basic needs. The 'flings' were always quick, in the dark and most importantly - on her terms.

Killian ignited something in her that she wasn't quite sure she'd ever tasted before. It wasn't a pleasant feeling to be so unnerved by someone - especially when she had spent so much time working her rules out.

Being in his space was slowly ramping up her hormones and if there was one thing that could screw the fragile balance of her life - it was him! She needed to close this case and put as much distance between her and Killian as possible. Things were fine in her life and that was how it was going to stay!

Glancing around from her position on the bed, the dim light filtering into the room told Emma that it was still quite early. She hadn't bothered undressing last night and now her clothes were wrinkled beyond repair. A small pile sitting neatly on the dresser caught her eye and she easily reached out to investigate. A worn cotton shirt and oversized sweat pants had obviously been placed there for her. Emma caught a faint whiff of what she identified as Killian's scent as she pulled the clothes on. Her heart warmed slightly at his thoughtfulness but her head pushed the feelings aside as she noted that it was because of him she was here.

She loved these types of comfy clothes and quickly scraped her hair up into a messy bun.

'Done!' She thought proudly to herself. A shower and perfecting herself could come later.

Moving quietly downstairs, Emma had a quick peek around. It was eerily still, the silence defeating as she realised Killian must still be asleep.

An image of his dark, unruly hair and toned body relaxing in bed flashed unbidden through her mind. A quick flick of her head and the image disappeared.

Emma made her way down an unfamiliar hallway that branched off the living room. She pushed open several doors before striking gold.

True to his word, Killian had set up an area in which she could work and therefore didn't need to leave the apartment. The room was kitted out with printers, laptops, external hard drives and portable tablets. There was also several piles of files neatly stacked on the edge of a desk.

'When did he do this?' Emma thought curiously. It obviously paid to be powerful - everything at ones fingertips. It took Emma at least 1 working day to get any resources delivered to her office at the bureau. The delay wasn't too much hassle and was something she had leant to deal with but when you wanted to get cracking on a case, it could feel like forever!

Work was her top priority at the moment so she pushed aside her grumbling belly and set to work.

Emma wasn't sure how long she had been engrossed in her work before the hairs on the back of her neck started to stand straight. She felt like she was being watched! Glancing up Emma caught Killian's eyes watching her intently.

His hair was tousled, his torso bare and his pants were slung dangerously low around his hips. Emma felt her heart jump and her breathing hitch. She tore her eyes away and tried to focus on something else - only the did she notice he had come bearing gifts. Killian held 2 steaming mugs in his hands, the smell telling her it was beautifully brewed coffee!

"I am sure you have not taken a break?" Killian's voice came out huskily and Emma mutely shook her head.

He moved forward and gingerly placed the coffee mugs in a small free spot on the desk. Emma went to open her mouth but Killian held up one finger to silence her. He gave a quick grin before ducking out of the room.

Emma shook her head in slight amusement before continuing her work. Killian reappeared in the doorframe holding a tray loaded with fresh fruit and pastries. The smell tickled and enticed Emma's senses and her stomach let out a large rumble. He had also taken the time to slip a cotton shirt on.

Killian gave a small laugh and made a space on the floor for a breakfast picnic. Emma could feel herself being sucked back into Killian's orbit.

"Have you found anything?" He asked her as he handed over a large pastry.

"Maybe," Emma told him as she bit off a huge chunk of food. Killian's raised eyebrows urged her to continue and explain her findings.

"I think I have uncovered most, if not all of Gold's holdings that are operating through your business."

"Really?" Killian questioned, sounding slightly surprised.

Emma took a huge swig of her coffee and nodded enthusiastically.

"He may be intelligent but he is also arrogant! The one thing he trips up on is his calling card."

The smile that beamed from Killian's face was dazzling. He knew where she was going with this, so she decided to let him inform her...a little test.

"He can't help himself from naming all of his companies something to do with 'Gold'!" Killian told her.

Emma nodded.

"After cross referencing with your database...it wasn't hard to find what I was looking for." A small grin graced her face as Killian's happy mood seemed to infect her.

"All we need to do to bring him out into the open is cut off his shipping routes."

The smile on Killian's face widened even more.

"You are bloody brilliant!"

Emma ignored his compliment , fearing the feelings it could dredge up.

"A quick trip down to the docks will ensure we effectively block any shipments that..." Emma rambled on before feeling a rough hand cup the side of her face.

Her eyes shot up and connected with brilliant blue orbs. Killian's body was leaning closer towards hers and she could feel the heat radiating between them.

It only took a fraction of a second for Killian to close the distance between them. His lips quickly closed over hers and all rational thought left her head. The kiss was bold and demanding, his tongue immediately seeking entrance.

She tried to hold back, fight his possession but when the kiss turned soft Emma felt her resolve weaken.

It felt as if a dam had burst, feelings rushing over her like a tidal wave. Her hands quickly became active and sought out the hard planes of his stomach underneath the hem of his shirt. Killian's short grunts and groans indicated that he like her movements and she became bolder.

Killan felt the exact moment Emma surrendered and wanted nothing more than to worship her body. She was however like a skittish animal, if he pushed her too fast then she would flee.

He tentatively pushed her backwards until he was towering over her body - a body which was now spread all over their paperwork.

His mouth never left hers but for small nips and licks of her jaw and neck.

Emma's small pants urged him on and his hands were running all over her delectable curves.

She was wearing his clothes and the arousal that shot through him when he first saw her in them was so strong that it had shocked him. He edged the shirt up and began running his fingers over her stomach.

"Killian," the breathy moan of his name spurred him on. He was just getting ready to take the shirt completely off when a door slammed loudly.

The noise shattered the silence and they both froze.

"Killian!" Robins voice called out from the front hallway. Emma gasped and began pushing at his chest.

"Get off!" She hissed. Turning instantly into a little hell cat.

Killian still slightly dazed pulled himself away and straightened out his clothing. Emma quickly sat up and pulled her shirt down.

Killian watched in slight amusement as she attempted to erase what they had been doing. It was impossible - her cheeks were flamed, her lips red and puffy and her hair was a mess!

"Killian!" Robins voice called out again.

"In here mate," Killian replied as he pushed himself off the ground. Robin was in the doorways moments later. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the scene laid out in front of him.

Killian gave a discrete cough, "Can you organise extra security...now?"

Robin gave a curt nod, "What for?"

"Miss Swan may have cracked our problem wide open."

Emma cringed at his use of her surname.

"Call Graham in please." She asked and was not happy with the look Killian threw her way.

"We need to go to the docks. We are going to shut down Golds trading once and for all...get the slimy bugger out into the open." Killian told Robin.

Emma had a bad feeling churning on her gut and for once she couldn't tell if it was because of the case or because of the feelings she had for Killian.

If all went to plan...this could be wrapped up very soon and she would be on to her next case.

To be continued