Chapter 22

Killian had felt uncomfortable the entire car ride to the benefit. Miranda had been chatting incessantly, her fingers roaming and groping. He'd pushed her hands away more than once, not missing the way her eyes narrowed.

Killian did feel guilty for using Miranda for his own purposes but she was also using him. There was a lot of benefit to being associated with someone of his status and she had reaped them. In the past his current woman would be invited to this benefit as it gained the most publicity. He had made a promise to Miranda and he would stick by it.

Miranda was one woman in a string of many that he used for sexual gratification and to keep his playboy status intact. In the past he easily explained away his indulgent lifestyle by playing up the single, rich, carefree persona...telling himself that it kept Gold away.

It was a half truth.

Since meeting Emma Swan he had stopped several times to question his motives.

Was he being fair?

The answer was a resounding...No.

Killian kept pushing his attraction on to Emma but he needed to look at it from her perspective – He was saying one thing but doing another. He kept saying that everything was for show with Miranda but it wasn't entirely true. Maybe he needed to start acting like the man he wanted to be and not this fictitious bigger than life persona he'd gotten stuck being.

He had promised Emma that he would fight the attraction between them...bury it...but could he do it? Could he ignore the sizzling chemistry between them? Or his need to learn every little detail he could uncover...no matter how hard she tried to conceal them? Could he ignore the way his fingers itched to touch her skin, her hair?

God.

Killian ran a hand through his hair as the bright lights of the city blurred past. He needed to get his head together and get through tonight. This charity was important to Liam – one of the few things Killian had learnt about his brother. Liam had talked passionately about veterans and had given his complete support and so Killian had continued on in his brother's name.

"How long Locksley?" Killian questioned Robin. He wanted nothing more than to have this night over and done with. If it had been any other event...

"We're in the line-up now." Robin told him, eyes never shifting from the road. Miranda had been steadily devouring the cold champagne on offer and Killian hoped she wouldn't appear too tipsy on the red carpet.

The line-up of arriving guests progressed quickly and it wasn't long until Robin was pulling the car up. Killian's door was opened and he quickly slid out, offering a gracious hand to Miranda. The flashing bulbs of the paparazzi were blinding as security led Killian and Miranda up the red carpet. He plastered on his charming playboy smirk and tried to dazzle the spectators and the cameras. There were the obligatory interviews with the press but he knew how to charm the presenters and Miranda was happy to show off her dress and hang off his arm. The questions were quite tame and Killian was relieved that none seemed to be aware of the turmoil happening in both his professional and private lives. Killian was eager to push the charity so kept the topics centred on his passion for such a noble cause.

Walking the red carpet had never felt so unsatisfying and he wondered if the blonde sitting in his apartment was the reason. Would he feel differently if she were the one accompanying him?

Killian felt his eyes soften and mouth quirk as he pictured the fight Emma would put up if he tried to get her to play a submissive role at these events. She was a headstrong woman and would be herself, others be damned!

Never boring.

The thought crossed his mind as he pictured long conversations about nothing, fiery disagreements and legs tangled together.

His mood lightened as he gave a small chuckle at the thought.


Calling David had been something Emma had been putting off. Graham had been in contact with her boss but she knew from experience that it was not enough.

Killian would be out for a large portion of the night so she would be able to arrange a quick meeting with David. A quick but terse phone call and she had organised for David to come over to Killian's penthouse. This was the best option as Killian still had beefed up security guarding the apartment. Graham had been notified to collect David and escort him into the apartment as he was a trusted bodyguard with access.

"What the hell is going on?"

David's commanding voice bellowed through the entrance foyer as he strode purposefully towards her. Emma was never one to cringe before her boss but the confusion and disappointment etched across his face made her feel guilty.

It didn't take Emma long to catch David up on everything.

Everything

He wanted her to tell him every detail from the beginning even though he knew most of it. It was slightly irritating but she had expected him to want to confirm details.

Emma was pleased that she had developed the case further and happily informed David that there was a mole in Killian's company.

"This goes deeper than we suspected." David mused, rubbing his chin in concern.

Emma nodded, "It's also far more complicated and personal."

"Personal?" David questioned her curiously.

She hated that she needed to divulge information that Killian had trusted her with but it was the only way to make David understand the importance of this case.

"Killian..." Emma paused, "Mr Jones has been locked in a blackmailing feud with Gold."

David narrowed his eyes and indicated for her to continue. Emma told him about Liam, about Killian's father and about the threats. She trusted David and knew that their conversation would never leave the room.

"Wow!" David exclaimed.

"Is there more?"

Emma bit her lip in hesitation.

"I may have become a target."

David seemed to take the news well, not pushing for Emma to explain herself.

"I believe that I need to be removed from this case..." Emma whispered. As much as she needed to complete the investigation, the situation between her and Killian was so muddled and confused that she didn't know if she could perform her job properly.

"Emma!" Graham spoke for the first time, her name sounding like a plea for her to reconsider.

David held up one finger at Graham, indicating that he be silent.

"Have you been compromised?"

Emma shook her head.

"Then there is nothing else to discuss. You know your job...now do it!"

Emma could see that David was aware of how far she was pushing the boundaries – both the professional and the personal ones.

"Emma. You are getting the job done. Follow your gut, it has never failed you."

David's words resonated deep within her. She had always followed her instincts and it was what made her so great at her job. David had a way of giving words of wisdom at just the right time.

"Okay. I need to know that you have a plan B if I need to be pulled."

"In place." David told her without revealing the exact details.

Emma wasn't sure it was a great idea remaining on this case. She hated that her emotions were beginning to cloud her judgment, making her doubt her abilities. She wanted...no needed to follow through for not only her sake but for Killian's.


The night had been progressing too slowly for Killian. He was eager to leave but there was etiquette at important events like this one. The press were not permitted into the event itself so Killian had felt himself relaxing once he entered the ball room.

Miranda had barely left his side all evening, plying herself with as much alcohol and hobnobbing with those far above her class. Killian had been instantly cornered by George King, an irksome old man who seemed to rub him up the wrong way during every one of their encounters. Killian had been rescued by a group of elderly women patrons who had seen his distress and to whom Killian would be forever thankful.

Halfway through the evening, Killian excused himself from Miranda's side and went to find himself a stiffer drink. Servers had been circling the room with trays of appetizers and champagne. Those with a taste for something heavier such as rum could order or simply head to one of the many bars set up throughout the room. Sitting at the bar gave Killian a much needed time out as he slowly savoured his drink.

A gentle tap to his shoulder was accompanied by a soft, "Excuse me Sir."

Killian swivelled around to face the male server. A folded piece of paper was handed to him with a short bow. Killian pulled the paper open and quickly read its contents.

I am always watching.

Is she safe?

Was this a sick joke?

Killian's eyes shot to the crowd and began scanning furiously. It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for.

Gold was standing on the opposite side of the ballroom. His beady eyes staring straight through Killian. As if sensing Killian's gaze he gaze a small calculating smile and raised his wine glass in a salute.

Killian felt the stomach drop through the floor. Uneasiness instantly spread through the rest of his body like wildfire.

I can get to those you love

The words had haunted Killian for years and were now on instant replay in his head.

Emma

It was a warning. It had to be. Killian stood quickly, the alcohol rushing to his head. He looked back to where he had seen Gold but there was just an empty space.

He needed to leave...Now!

Killian dragged his phone out of his pocket and hit his speed dial.

"Get me out of here."

TBC