Regina would never, ever admit it. To anyone. But that damn pirate definitely had a way with words. Despite her protestations when out with Emma and Snow that she would not be reading his ridiculous novel, she had been unable to resist a quick flick through the pages marked by Ruby as especially interesting.
And somehow she had found herself drawn in to the world he had created – a world that certainly borrowed from their native realm – full of adventure and love and, if she was honest with herself, mind-blowing sex scenes. And if she had felt a pang of jealousy towards Emma as a result, well she wasn't going to be admitting THAT to anyone.
She shouldn't be surprised, she supposed. The man certainly had a lot of years of experience to draw material from and she had no doubt he had been a hit with ladies no matter where he had been.
Still, it was hardly behaviour befitting a queen to be all hot and bothered by a dirty novel. Though when Robin had tried the thing on page 235….
Emma and Killian were well aware that their friends were now very familiar with the book – they had become accustomed to the odd sideways glance and suggestive questions from the ladies of their acquaintance. Ruby had made dropping actual quotes into general conversation into a fine art, in all honesty, and they often found themselves in hysterics at home as they remembered some of her particularly creative attempts.
But it was one evening in Granny's when they realised the appeal had reached beyond the female population of Storybrooke.
They had been enjoying a quiet dinner when Ruby appeared with a beer and placed it in front of Killian. He looked up in surprise.
"Thanks, love, but I didn't order a drink."
Ruby grinned, "Actually, it is from the gentleman in the corner." She gestured to the end of the bar, where Will Scarlett alone sat nursing a glass. He raised it in Killian's direction, cocked his head and grinned. Slightly bemused, Killian raised his glass in return as Belle slid on to the stool next to Will, tucking her arm into his and planting a kiss on his cheek.
"Wonder what that was for?" Emma asked. Killian shrugged and took a sip of his beer. Scarlett was an odd character, but he would take his drink, no matter what the reason.
When Granny appeared with a glass of her best rum some time later, they were no less confused. Killian looked at Granny questioningly and she snorted. "From the handsome gentleman at the dart board," she said as she indicated Robin Hood. Killian gave Robin a confused wave of thanks and the outlaw, in return, took a courtly bow. Coupled with a decided smirk.
"I don't know what they are bloody on about," Killian said, "But Robin didn't skimp on the rum so I'll take it." They went back to their dinner, soon oblivious to all but each other. Quiet moments were something they worked hard to find and they were determined to enjoy this one.
Emma was finishing a slice of apple pie, with Killian stealing little bites from her plate when the opportunity arrived – dessert, pirate style, he called it – when Ruby returned once more, this time with the bottle that had previously taken pride of place on Granny's top shelf, two glasses in her other hand.
"What's going on, Ruby?" Emma could hold her curiosity no longer. "Clearly we are missing something."
Ruby grinned widely and cocked her head towards Victor, who had come in to wait for her shift to be over. "A gift from the good doctor," she smiled, "In appreciation of services rendered." She leaned down and gave Killian a kiss on the cheek.
"And that's from me – for the same. Now I am off to render a few of my own." She winked lasciviously at Emma and turned to go, but before she had taken a step, she looked back at them. Seeing that all was still not clear, she shook her head and spoke as precisely as she could.
"The boys really, REALLY like the book."