Indecent Proposal

Prompt: They practice at being a loving married couple and share a first kiss.

He told himself he was doing this for authenticity's sake. They were married now and it had to look real. It had to look like they were a couple in love. After all, if the investor and potential future business associate believed otherwise… than the whole thing would blow up.

So yes… for the sake of the deal and Belle's… this had to look real.

"Come again?"

He had asked Belle to meet him at the pawnshop. They were in the process of getting her moved into his house and were figuring out what she will bring and not bring with her. To Belle, she thought this was another discussion before it was official. She wanted to talk to him about her apartment. After this deal was over she wanted to be able to move back in with no problems. Then he ambushed her with the need to make their marriage real.

"I'll say it again," he said with a sigh. "We need to make it seem like we're in love. Living together doesn't equate newlywed bliss."

"I know but the terms were specific. In public we will hold hands, smile at one another, a kiss on the cheek—"

"Yes all very well but also platonic. There is no passion, no love. How can we nurse this image that you suddenly left your brawny fiancé for me?" Gold spread his fingers across the glass counter as he levelled a gaze at her. "We need to be convincing. Don't forget… your bookshop is hanging in the balance, and your future wedded bliss."

He was right. Damn him… he was.

Gold smirked inwardly, knowing he won this matter. He was afraid he would have to push her to agree in some shape or other. At least she conceded to the notion rather than fight him on it. Although, a little fighting might have put some rosy color to her face, even a little dash of hatred would have sizzled things. Yet, she was complacent and he didn't like that she gave in so quickly. Before… he had seen her in her anger, the way her blue eyes would spark with such indignation. He mentally shivered at the recollection when he first announced his deal to her. That was the Belle he longed to see again.

But that Belle wasn't here today.

As soon as he moved away from the counter and was standing in front of her, he frowned at the expression on her countenance. There was hesitance in her eyes and reluctant acceptance for whatever he had in mind. He knew she wouldn't be jumping for joy, but did she have to look like she was about to face her execution?

Knowing he was treading deep waters here, Gold set his cane against the counter and raised his hands to cup her face. He had done the same during their wedding ceremony and as soon as the Judge declared they were husband and wife… he had kissed her chastely on the mouth, ignoring the obvious shudder that went through her. Now, at his touch, she flinched, probably dreading another repeat like before but swallowed her pride as she knew it must be done.

He didn't like that but he made his bed when he came forward with this deal. He knew what he was getting into and it was up to him to follow through, regardless of his personal feelings.

Wanting to put her at ease, his thumb stroked the smooth curve of her cheek in methodical circles. As soon as he felt her loosening up and relaxing, he forced himself to look into her eyes so she would see there was no reason for her to fear him. Yet, Belle was stunned to see the insecurity that flashed briefly in his eyes. Then, as if it never occurred, determination set in as he lowered his face to hers—his lips a breaths inch away.

Belle's body stiffened, her breathing stopped as she waited for the next move, which she didn't have to wait for long. Slowly, he brushed his mouth over hers—just a mere graze—and then a second sweep. This time he lingered so she could get used to the pressure and proximity. Finally, he hovered as if waiting for permission to continue.

She didn't know why he would stop, but the gesture was appreciated. Despite his earlier claims for authenticity, he didn't want to do this against her will. He was giving her a choice to back out and end this if she wished. It was perplexing… this seemingly contradiction of words and actions that Belle wasn't sure if this was kind of test or him making up to be a gentleman after everything he put her through. Whatever his reasoning or motive, she strangely enough wanted him to go on.

Maybe it was to get it done so next time would be bearable. Or easier. Or something else entirely. Whatever it was Belle was ready thanks to his soothing caresses and the warm press of his body, stirring the butterflies in her belly. Not to mention, his lips looked quite soft…

She didn't know what possessed her, but she gave a slight nod and it was all the answer he needed to his unspoken question as he sealed the distance, closing his lips over hers in gentle strokes.

The instant touch sent a shockwave through her legs and Belle nearly lost her balance. Thankfully, it was the secure hold his hands had on her that prevented her from falling. Time was lost as they stood in the silence of the shop with only the wet, clinging noises of kisses shared echoing around them.

And, like that, Gold broke away to catch the remaining air in his lungs while his heart thumped against his ribs. Belle's eyes were firmly shut, her mouth parted with slight pants, until she realized he was no longer kissing her. Eyelids flying open, she could only stare at him with some unreadable emotion within them.

"I think we got it," Gold murmured, his voice hoarse and raspy.

Belle nodded. "Y-yeah. I think we do."