Note: Thanks for your responses to the last part and "Letters from War". Hope you enjoy this part! ~Steph
...The Con: Part 6/9...
Rule #6: Do not let emotion get in the way. Never feel sorry for your mark.
Killian took a deep breath as he stood outside his apartment. He was trying to gain the courage to tell Robin the operation was over and he wanted out of this life. He finally pulled out his key and entered the apartment.
He found Robin sitting at the kitchen table with his laptop, looking through the pictures of the files on Emma's clients Killian had snapped with his phone. Killian walked over to him and closed his laptop.
"Why the devil did you do that?" Robin asked, looking up at his partner.
"I'm done," Killian said.
"Done with what?" he asked, his brow knitted together in confusion.
"Done with this operation, done with this life," Killian said firmly.
Robin shook his head sharply. "Bloody hell, I knew this would happen. I knew it was a mistake to choose Emma as our mark."
"You're right. It was a mistake. She didn't deserve this. But it's hard to regret it because it led to me meeting her. I never would have met her otherwise. She's so far out of my league, but she's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"You're in love with her," Robin stated, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Aye, I love her," he said. "She's given me a reason to change. She's made me believe I can be more, have a better life. And now we need to stop this before we do anymore damage."
"And what about me? I've invested time and effort in this too. This is my life too, Killian."
"It doesn't have to be, mate. You can be more too."
"Perhaps I don't want to be." He paused, sighing in frustration. "Let's just finish what we started with Emma. We've already come this far. And then we can part ways."
Killian shook his head. "No, this ends now. We can't hurt her anymore than we already have."
"What do you think is going to happen exactly? You're going to just leave this life and be with her? You're just going to pretend like you haven't been lying to her from the start? Betraying her with every word that you said to her?"
"It wasn't like that with us. Yes, I've lied, but we've shared many genuine moments together. My feelings for her are true. What we have is real."
"Do you think she'd see it that way if she knew the truth?"
"I'm going to tell her the truth."
Robin laughed caustically. "You're going to tell her the truth? You'll lose her!"
Killian swallowed hard. "I refuse to build a relationship on a lie. I want to start fresh with Emma and that means she needs to know the truth. It's a risk I must take."
"You're a bloody fool. You're going to end up alone and with nothing."
Killian knew there was an extremely good chance Robin was right.
"I'm going to tell her I love her and I want a life with her. I'm going to tell her I'm going straight for her."
"You're going to lose her," he repeated.
"And what if she learned the truth on her own a week from now, a month from now, a year from now? What then? She would never forgive me then. My only chance is to be honest with her now and hope that she will be able to forgive me."
Robin sighed heavily. "I sure hope you know what you're doing. There's more at stake than just your love life, Killian. She could send us both to jail."
Killian shook his head. "I don't believe Emma would do that."
Robin met his eyes. "You don't know what she'll do once she knows the truth."
Killian bowed his head. He was right.
...
"Are you going to keep checking your phone every two minutes?" Belle asked Emma over their breakfast.
"I haven't seen Killian in a week," she said, chewing on her lip nervously. "He keeps making excuses on why he can't see me."
Belle tried to hide her smile. "Well, some guys don't like when the girl they're dating beats them with a golf club."
"Not funny," Emma said. "You know it was an accident."
"Maybe he really is just busy."
"Maybe," she said. "Or maybe he's blowing me off. Maybe he finally lost interest when he realized I don't use my money."
Belle shook her head. "I've seen the way he looks at you. There's no chance that he's lost interest in you, money or no money."
Emma managed a smile. "Thanks."
"He'll call. Don't worry." Belle tilted her head, as she eyed her best friend.
"What?" Emma asked.
"You're in love with him," Belle stated.
Emma smiled and nodded. She hadn't completely admitted it to herself yet. "Head over heels."
Belle patted her hand. "I'm happy for you. You deserve this, Emma."
Just then, Emma's phone rang. Her eyes lit up at Killian's name appearing on the screen. She quickly answered it.
"Hi," she said.
"Hello, love. How have you been?"
"Good. You?"
"Busy, but I've finally carved out some free time and I'd love to spend it with you."
Emma's smile widened. "I'd love nothing more."
"How does a trip to the beach in Long Island on Saturday sound?"
Emma nodded. "Sounds great."
"I'll pick you up at noon," he said.
"I'll see you then," Emma replied and hung up the phone.
Belle offered her an I-told-you-so smile, which Emma returned.
...
Killian knocked on Emma's door and she opened it right away. She didn't even greet him. She just grabbed him by the collar of his t-shirt and pulled him to her lips. He smiled into the kiss, his hand coming up to tangle in her hair. She nipped at his lower lip before releasing him.
"I missed you," she said.
"I missed you, too," he replied.
She gnawed on her lip nervously. "I was beginning to think you were blowing me off."
Killian managed half a smile. "Never, love. Just been busy and wanted to allow time for my nose to heal a bit."
Emma reached up and caressed his nose, which was still sporting a bruise. "Aw, poor baby. You look a lot better than the last time I saw you though."
Killian nodded and really looked at Emma for the first time. She was wearing a black bikini top and some barely there white shorts. The top hardly contained her breasts. His eyes traveled over her flat, toned stomach to her shorts, as he imagined what was beneath them.
"See something you like?" she asked.
He nodded and kissed her again. "I like everything about you."
Emma smiled and looped her arms around his neck. "I like everything about you, too."
Killian dropped his eyes, knowing that by the end of today she could feel very differently about him. He pulled back and took her hand in his.
"Ready to go?"
Emma nodded and grabbed her beach bag from the table with her free hand. "All set."
...
It was a beautiful summer day and the beach was crowded. It took Killian and Emma a while to find a little piece of sand where they could have some privacy. They went about laying their towels out once they did.
Emma watched as Killian removed his shirt, revealing his toned chest sprinkled with hair. Her eyes swept across him and he blushed a little at her gaze.
He watched Emma slowly peel her shorts off, knowing that his eyes were on her. Her bottom was just as tiny as the top. It was held in place by two little bows at her hips that Killian itched to untie.
They lay down on their towels and faced each other. Killian brought his hand up to caress her cheek.
"You're so beautiful, Emma. I don't know how I got so lucky," he said softly.
Emma smiled, as she covered his hand with hers and then brought it to her lips, placing a kiss on his knuckles. "I feel like the lucky one. I said I swore off men, but I think I was just waiting for the right one to come along. I think I was waiting for you, Killian."
Killian pushed down his feelings of guilt. He was determined to have a wonderful day with Emma. He wanted to tell her he loved her at sunset. And then when they returned to her apartment he would tell her the truth. He only hoped this would not be the last day he ever got to spend with her.
Killian leaned forward and placed a kiss to her lips. His hand trailed down her bare skin and Emma felt her body heat up, but it wasn't from the sun.
She pulled back, her eyes closed and her forehead resting on his. "I think we need to cool off."
Killian smiled, his tongue swiping at his lip to get another taste of her.
"Race you to the water," he said.
Emma laughed as they both jumped up and ran to the ocean. Emma got there first, but Killian encircled her waist with his arms and pulled them both down into the water.
They laughed and waded out farther until they were not close to anyone. Emma snaked her arms around his neck and he looped his around her waist. Her eyes scanned his face before she pressed her lips to his. Killian pulled her body flush against his, her breasts pressing into his chest. She wrapped her legs around his hips, as she felt his tongue slip into her mouth.
Killian pulled back and met her eyes. He saw the desire in them, always had, but this time he also saw love. He pushed her wet hair back from her face and kissed her again.
...
Killian and Emma lay on their towels, enjoying the feel of the warm sun on their skin. Emma reached over and linked her fingers with Killian's as she turned to her side, propping her head up with her free hand.
"Can we just stay right here like this forever?" she asked.
Killian wished he could freeze this perfect moment, live in this perfect day with her forever. He knew that after today he might never get to share a day like this with her again.
"I would like nothing more," he said with a sad smile.
"I used to dream of perfect days like this spent at the beach when I was kid."
"You never got to come to the beach as a child?"
Emma shrugged. "My nanny took me a handful of times, mostly to stop me from asking constantly. She would sit in a chair fully clothed the entire time. She never went in the water. Never played with me in the sand. I might as well have been all alone. After a while, I stopped asking to come."
"I'm sorry you have memories like that."
Emma smiled, tightening her grip on his hand. "I used to wish for someone to share a day like this with."
"I'm glad your wish finally came true," he replied softly.
"Thanks to you," she said, leaning forward to kiss him.
...
The sun began to set and the beach became deserted except for a few who stayed to watch the sunset. Emma and Killian had spent the rest of the day swimming and sunbathing and enjoying every moment together. Neither wanted the day to end.
They moved to the sand. He sat down first and Emma settled in between his legs. His arms wrapped around her, as she rested her head against his chest.
They sat in a comfortable silence, watching the sky transform into a canvas of purple, pink, and orange.
Killian looked down at Emma. She felt his eyes on her and lifted her head to meet his gaze.
He licked at his lips nervously before saying softly, "I love you, Emma."
He held his breath as he awaited her response, praying she would return the sentiment. He hoped this wouldn't be the only time he got to tell her he loved her.
A smile spread across her lips and reached her eyes. "I love you, too," she said.
Killian felt his lips twitch into a grin and his heart jump in his chest at her words. He lowered his lips to hers in a soft kiss. As they kissed, Emma maneuvered herself into a position so she was facing him, her hands linked behind his head.
When they parted, he met her eyes. "I know it's fast, but this time we've spent together has been the best of my life."
Emma nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Mine too."
He needed her to know how much he loved her, that his feelings for her were real, that the moments they shared together were genuine.
"I think I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you, Emma," he said.
Emma smiled. "I've never felt this way about anyone before, not even Neal. It is fast, but I think when you know you just know."
Killian bobbed his head and kissed her again.
...
Killian and Emma arrived back at her apartment. They had stopped for a romantic dinner by the water. It was one of the best days of his life and he didn't want to ruin it, but he knew he needed to tell her the truth.
"Do you want to come in?" she asked.
"For coffee?" he said.
"For dessert," she replied, her tone and the look in her eyes indicating she didn't mean a sweet treat.
Killian swallowed hard against a lump that had taken up residence in his throat. "I actually want to talk."
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Talk? We've been talking all day...among other things."
"There's something I need to tell you," he said.
Emma grew anxious at the serious look in his eyes and the tone of his voice. "Should I be worried?"
Killian bowed his head. "Let's just go inside."
Emma unlocked the door and led them to the couch. She turned to face him.
"Okay, what is it?"
Killian inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to gain the courage he needed. "You changed my life, Emma, the moment you walked into it."
"You changed mine too," she said.
Killian took his hands in hers. "But I'm not the man you think I am."
Emma's brow wrinkled in confusion. "What?"
"You deserve better than me, Emma. I-..."
Emma brought her hand up to his face. "If this is about money, you know I don't care about that. Unless..." Her voice trailed off. "You care about it. Maybe you don't want to be with me now that you know I don't use my inheritance."
Killian shook his head sharply. "No, Emma, I don't care about your money. We come from different worlds. I-..."
She cut him off again. "I don't care about your family background, Killian. I only care how you make me feel."
"Emma," he said.
"Please just listen to me. After Neal, I never thought I could open my heart to another man, trust someone again. But you changed that. I feel safe and loved when I am with you. I know I can trust you with my heart."
Killian lowered his eyes, as he felt them fill with tears. He hated himself in that moment. Hated what he had done to her, hated that he didn't deserve her trust. But most of all he hated how his courage evaporated at her words. He couldn't tell her the truth. He knew he would lose her. He didn't think he could stand the thought of never seeing her again.
"I'm sorry. I kept interrupting you. What did you want to say?" she asked.
Killian shook his head and pulled her into his arms. "Nothing, love."
Emma pulled back and met his eyes. She pressed a kiss to his lips that quickly grew heated. He felt her clawing at the back of his t-shirt. He wanted nothing more than to make love to her, but he couldn't. He couldn't become one with her knowing the secret that he had. He hoped that maybe he would gain the courage to tell her the truth another day. He knew once she learned the truth, he may never get the chance to make love to her. But he couldn't take this step with this lie hanging over his head. He only hoped he would get the chance to make love to her one day with no lies between them.
He forced himself to pull back from her. Her eyes were blown wide with desire and her lips were swollen. "I just want to hold you, Emma."
Emma's eyes grew wider. They had declared their love to each other so she assumed the physical aspect of their relationship would be taken to the next level too. But she liked that he wanted to wait. She liked that he wanted to take this part of their relationship slowly.
"Okay," she said, as he sat back and put his arm around her.
She lay her head on his shoulder and placed her hand on his chest. Killian dropped a kiss to her hair.
...
Killian returned home late to find Robin gone. He moved to the kitchen table, his eyes widening at what he saw. Robin had written out a plan to break into Emma's office again and use the password cracker to steal her client info. He had purposely gone against Killian's wishes.
Killian grabbed the papers and tore them, his eyes filled with rage. He felt his fists clenching and unclenching as he waited for Robin to return. A few minutes later, he heard the key turn in the lock and Robin appeared.
"Hey, mate. You still up?" Robin asked.
"I just arrived home. Where have you been?"
Robin didn't realize he had left the papers with his plan on the table. He looked at the shredded paper and then back at Killian.
"It appears you already know the answer to that question."
Killian came to stand before him, his jaw clenched tightly. "How could you? I told you we were calling the operation off."
"I couldn't let the work we've done go to waste. I knew you were going to tell Emma the truth tonight, so I figured this was my last chance. I would get what I needed before our cover was blown."
"I didn't tell her," Killian said.
Robin's eyes widened. "Why not?"
"I tried, but I lost my nerve. I was afraid you were right. I was afraid I would lose her."
"I am right. If you have any hope of holding onto Emma, then she can never learn the truth."
"I can't live like that. I don't want to build a life with her based on lies."
Robin shrugged. "You can either do the right thing or you can be with the woman you love. You can't do both."
Killian sighed and shook his head. "Give me the flash drive with the information you downloaded off Emma's computer."
"Do you think I'm a bloody fool?" He shook his head. "I put it somewhere safe."
He then walked into his bedroom without another word. Killian slowly sank down onto the couch and covered his face with his hands.
...
The following morning, Emma walked into her office. She flipped open her laptop, her brow furrowing at what she saw. The words BREACH ALERT were flashing in red across the screen.
Emma had installed a fail safe program. Anyone who attempted to use a password code breaker on it would immediately trip a breach alert without realizing it. The program allowed the perpetrator to believe they had cracked the password when really it routed them to some useless files and then downloaded them.
She stood quickly and headed to security.
"Glenn, I need you to pull up the tapes for my office last night, a little before 9."
He pulled up the tapes and Emma watched the outer office. She saw nothing happen for five minutes. Then Emma noticed something. The clock on the wall outside her office read 8:50 then 8:55 after 5 minutes. Then it went back to 8:50. Emma fast forwarded and the same thing happened over and over again. The feed had been looped.
She hurried back to her office and sat in front of the laptop. Emma had also installed a program that made her laptop camera go on the moment a breach was discovered. This way the culprit would be caught on tape. Emma entered her password and went to her video files. She clicked on one that was dated last night at 9:00.
A man appeared in front of Emma on the screen. Her brow furrowed. She knew him. He was the man from the gala who had spilled his drink on her. Emma leaned forward, studying him more closely. He seemed more familiar to her, like she'd had a conversation with him. She squinted her eyes, imagining him with glasses and blonde hair. Emma's mouth dropped open. It was Killian's business partner, Robin.
Emma's mind was racing. The man at the gala that Killian had intervened with was the same man he had brought into her office. It hit her like a ton of bricks. It was all a scam. Robin bumping into her, Killian intervening and meeting her at the bathroom, then hiring her.
She felt tears fill her eyes as she realized Killian had targeted her. He had chosen her to seduce and swindle. How could she have been so stupid? How could she have let herself trust another man who had betrayed her?
...
End of Part 6
Thanks for reading! I'd appreciate any feedback you'd like to give. ~Steph