Note: Thanks for the responses to the previous part. I hope you enjoy the last part! ~Steph
...The Con: Part 9/9...
Rule #9: Rules were made to be broken.
Three months passed. Emma tried to get Killian out of her heart and mind, but it was an exercise in futility. Sometimes she'd go almost a whole day without thinking about him, but then someone would say or do something that reminded her of him. She wanted to move on, but she was starting to wonder if that was even possible.
"Your 3 o'clock is here," Belle said, snapping Emma from her thoughts.
"Thank you. Send her in."
Emma looked down at the file on her desk. This was always the worst part. She hated having to confirm a spouse's suspicions of an affair. She hated removing that last shred of hope from their eyes.
Kylie Geiger sat down across from her. She was close to Emma's age, but had been married ten years and had two kids with one on the way. She was beautiful, with fair skin and red hair. She sat down in front of Emma, her fingers on one hand tapping nervously on her knee, while the other rested on her growing belly.
"Mrs. Geiger, so nice to see you again," Emma said.
She laughed nervously. "Wish I could say the same. I know if you found nothing then you probably would have said so over the phone."
Emma grimaced. She had hired her to investigate whether her husband was having an affair with his legal assistant. He kept working late and canceling plans. His shirts sometimes smelled of perfume. She confronted him about her suspicions, but he told her they were simply working closely on a big case.
"I'm afraid you're right," Emma said.
She leaned forward and handed her some photos she had taken. Some were of them kissing in his car. Then holding hands on their way into a motel."
Kylie's eyes filled with tears as she stared at the photos. "I think I had convinced myself that he was telling the truth."
Emma sighed. She understood that need to protect herself. If she hadn't caught Neal red handed then she would have done the same. When she realized Killian's betrayal, deep down she wanted to believe there was another explanation.
"I'm sorry."
Kylie stared at her with tears streaming down her face.
"What am I supposed to do? I'm a stay-at-home mom. This baby is due in a month. I can't do this all on my own."
Emma nodded. "Give yourself some time to process the information."
Kylie's eyes flashed with anger. "It won't change anything. I can't believe this. We were college sweethearts. We met as freshman and married the year after graduation. We were so happy. How did we end up here?"
"It's not your fault," Emma said. "You love him. You trusted him."
"I don't know what to do," she repeated. "What would you do?"
Emma's eyes widened. "It's not my place to say."
"I'm asking your opinion. I'm assuming I'm still being charged for your time, so I think I'm entitled. Have you ever been betrayed?"
Emma swallowed hard. "Yes, I have. Twice in different ways. But I wasn't married. I didn't have children to consider."
Kylie wiped at a tear on her cheek. "I think the worst part is I still love him."
Emma stood up and came around her desk. She sat down beside her and took her hands in hers.
"Listen, a lot of women would say there is no choice. Your husband has cheated on you, he's broken your trust, you have to leave him. But I know that's not so simple when you love someone, when you have a family with them. You need to speak to your husband and decide if there's anything left to save. Decide if you can forgive him and trust him again. Decide if he still loves you. And then you need to do what's best for you and your children."
Kylie nodded. "Thank you."
She slowly stood up, her protruding belly making it difficult. She moved to leave and then turned back to her.
"What did you do after you were betrayed? Did you stay with him?"
Emma shook her head. "My fiancé cheated on me at my wedding rehearsal with one of my bridesmaids."
"That's awful. I'm sorry."
"But the difference is I realized he didn't love me. He never did. There was nothing to save."
"You said you've been betrayed twice. What happened the second time?"
Emma swallowed hard. "He broke my trust. He lied to me. Lied about who he was."
"Do you believe he loved you?"
Emma stared at her. "Yes, I believe he did. I believe he still does."
Kylie nodded in understanding. "This one is still fresh, isn't it?"
Emma bobbed her head. It wasn't like her to speak about personal matters with a client, but Kylie had struck a nerve.
"Yes, it is."
"Do you still love him?" Kylie asked.
Emma slowly nodded and whispered, "Yes."
"But you don't think you can forgive him? You don't believe there's anything left to save?"
Emma shook her head. "It comes down to trust."
Kylie nodded. "Yes, it does." She sighed. "We'll, thank you again. For what it's worth, I hope everything works out for you. For both of us."
And then she was gone. Emma returned to her desk. She looked down at her phone and flipped to the pictures. She found a selfie of her and Killian at mini-golf. She smiled as she ran her finger across his face.
She realized that every moment they spent together was a happy one. That the moments they shared were genuine and not tainted by lies. She had opened herself up to him, told him things she had never told Neal. Why was that, she wondered.
Was there anything worth saving? Wasn't love always worth saving?
But then Emma remembered that she had considered giving him a second chance. And he blew it when she realized he wasn't trying to change. She doubted he ever could.
Emma knew one thing for sure. She couldn't be with a man who conned people for a living, no matter how much she loved him.
...
"This is rather nice," Robin said, as he looked at Killian and Liam while they sat at a cafe eating lunch. "The three musketeers together again."
Liam laughed, as he bounced Seamus on his knee. "But my how things have changed."
Robin shrugged. "Speak for yourself."
Liam patted his brother's back. "My brother has certainly changed. How's the new job?"
After speaking with Belle, Killian knew he had to make an honest effort to change for the better. He knew he probably wouldn't win Emma back, but he also knew it was his only chance. More than that, he knew it was something he needed to do for himself. He didn't like the man he had become. But he liked the man he was when he was with Emma. Those moments when he stopped lying and manipulating and was just himself. That's who he wanted to be. He wanted to be a man she could trust, a man she could be proud of, a man worthy of her love.
Killian shrugged his shoulders. "It's honest work."
He had taken a job as a security guard at an office building. The irony was not lost on him. But he figured it was something he would be good at given his experience as a con artist. Of course, that wasn't exactly something he could put on a resume.
Liam patted his brother's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Killian. I know going straight isn't easy, but I can promise you it's worth it."
Robin nodded. "I'm proud of you, too. Perhaps you'll inspire change in me as well."
Killian nodded as he looked down at his grilled cheese and onion rings. They weren't as good as Granny's but they would always remind him of Emma.
"Have you spoken to Emma?" Liam asked.
Killian shook his head. "It's been more than three months. I'm quite sure she has no interest in speaking to me."
Liam shrugged. "She might be interested to know about your new job."
Killian sighed. "I hardly think holding an honest job for a couple of months will make her change her mind about me."
"If she truly loves you it might," Liam said.
"I spoke to Emma after everything that happened," Robin said.
Killian nodded. "I know. She told me."
"I wanted to apologize. And I wanted her to know that you really love her and want to go straight. That you really want to be a better man for her."
"Thank you," Killian said. "But I don't think Emma will ever believe that."
"Then prove it to her," Liam said.
"How?" he asked.
"Actions speak louder than words, brother. Show her you've changed."
Killian stared at his brother for a long moment, considering his words.
...
Killian entered the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel. It was the same ballroom where he'd first met Emma. This time, he didn't sneak in through a kitchen entrance. He walked in the front and showed his ticket. He was a legitimate guest, paying $200 for his ticket to support a literacy charity. It was one Emma supported and he was fairly certain she would be there.
His gaze scanned the ballroom, his eyes finally landing on Emma. A smile spread across his face at the sight of her. She was wearing a champagne colored gown that looked like a second skin. Her hair was gathered in a slinky ponytail that trailed down her bare back.
Killian moved about the ballroom, but never took his eyes off Emma. He grabbed a glass of champagne off a serving tray and was just about to take a sip when Emma turned to look at him. Their eyes met and held and Killian watched a smile twitch at the corners of her lips. He waited with bated breath, hoping she would make her way over to him. Instead, she turned away from him and continued her conversation. Killian felt his heart sink.
Emma could still feel his eyes on her. She wanted nothing more than to go over to him, but she knew she needed to resist. She wondered what he was even doing here. She flashbacked to the night they first met right here in this ballroom. She remembered the spark she instantly felt. But she hadn't known she was being conned. Emma wondered if Killian was here to find his next mark.
She subtly turned her head and eyed him out of her peripheral vision. Her eyes widened at what she now saw. A woman in her late sixties was speaking to him. Emma recognized her from other galas she'd attended. She knew she was wealthy. Knots filled Emma's stomach. Deep down, she wanted to believe he had changed, but she knew he hadn't. He was simply setting up his next con. Emma knew she couldn't allow another woman to go through what she went through.
She excused herself and made her way over to Killian.
"I'm sorry," the woman said to him. "I didn't catch your name."
"Killian Jones," he said.
Emma stopped beside him, surprised to hear him use his real name. She crossed her arms over her chest. "What happened? Figured using your real name worked so well during your last con you might as well continue doing it?"
"Con?" the woman said.
Killian shook his head. "Emma, it's not-..."
"This man is a con artist. He conned me and he'll do the same to you. I know he's got a pretty face and a charming personality, but he's only out to get your money."
The woman stared at him for a long moment and then turned on her heel to walk away without a word. Emma came to stand in front of him.
"You have a lot of nerve showing up here."
Killian shook his head. "Emma, I am a legitimate guest. I paid my $200." He pulled the ticket out of his pocket. "Here, see for yourself. My name is on the ticket."
Emma examined the ticket. "You could've faked this."
"I didn't."
She met his eyes. "Then why are you here if not to run a con?"
"I wanted to see you," he said. "I hoped you might be here."
Emma shook her head. "Well, then you just spent $200 for me to tell you there's nothing more to say."
She began to walk away from him, when she felt his hand gently encircle her elbow. "Please don't go, love," he whispered.
Emma turned back around to face him. "What do you want, Killian?"
He licked at his lips nervously. "I want you to know that I've changed. I've gone straight."
Emma arched an eyebrow. "Why should I believe you?"
Killian pulled his wallet out and held up his work i.d. "I have an honest job, Emma. I'm working security for a building downtown."
Emma laughed bitterly. "That seems like the perfect con to me. You would have access to all kinds of information you could steal, all while pretending to do your job."
Killian sighed heavily. "It's not like that. It's a real job. I've even given them advice on how to improve security. Obviously, I am in a unique position to provide insight into weaknesses in their security."
Emma's gaze scanned his face and then settled on his eyes. She studied him carefully, looking for any hint of deception. Over these last few months, she had replayed every interaction they had ever had. She realized that whenever he had lied to her, he usually did something that indicated it: an averted gaze, a nervous biting of his lip. She saw none of this now.
"I don't know what you want me to say."
Killian stepped closer to her and she sucked in a breath. "I didn't just change for you, Emma. I changed for me. I didn't like the man I was. But I liked the man I was when I was with you. I wanted to be a man I could be proud of, a man deserving of you. I know you don't owe me anything and I know I don't deserve a second chance with you. You may never forgive me, you may never be able to trust me again, but I needed you to know that I can be the man you thought I was."
Emma felt the sincerity in his words. She wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss him, but she knew she needed to fight that urge. She licked at her lips. "I'm glad you've changed."
Killian cocked an eyebrow, a small smile upon his lips. "You believe me?"
Emma slowly nodded. "I do."
"Thank you, love."
She dropped her gaze, her voice softening, "But it doesn't change anything."
Killian felt his stomach tighten. He lifted his hand to her chin so she'd meet his gaze again.
"I miss you," he whispered.
Emma felt tears spring to her eyes. "Killian."
"And I know you miss me, too," he added.
Emma shrugged. "Okay, so I miss you. I miss spending time with you. I miss how happy I was when I was with you. But it wasn't real."
"Aye, that it was. Every happy moment we shared was real, Emma. We can have that again. I love you and I always will. I know you love me, too."
"Love isn't the problem. Trust is."
He nodded. "Trust is earned. Give me a chance to earn yours back. I promise you won't regret it."
Emma swallowed hard. "Killian."
He held his hand out to her and suddenly said, "Dance with me."
Emma stared at his hand for a long moment before slipping hers in it. He led them to the middle of the dance floor. Emma looped her arms around his neck and he placed his hands on her waist. They stood apart, like two awkward sixth graders at their first dance.
Killian's hands slowlt moved to her bare back and Emma felt goosebumps appear on her skin at feeling his touch again. He pulled her close to him, her body pressing up against his. Killian sucked in a breath at feeling her so close to him again. Emma closed her eyes and lay her head on his shoulder. They swayed back and forth, as Emma enjoyed the feel of his arms around her.
The song slowly came to an end. She lifted her head from his shoulder, but didn't meet his eyes. Killian brought his thumb and forefinger to her chin and lifted her head so her gaze met his. He could see the love and desire still present in her eyes. His eyes scanned her face, looking for any signs of hesitation as he slowly lowered his lips to hers. Emma sighed into the kiss, as his tongue swept into her mouth. She had missed kissing him. His hand slid up her bare back and cupped her ponytail, as she nibbled at his lower lip.
When they finally parted, Killian's lips slipped into a smile. But Emma dropped her eyes.
"I can't do this," she whispered, as she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away.
Killian's eyes widened, as she turned on her heel and ran from the ballroom.
"Emma!" he called, as he took off after her.
Killian thought she was headed for the bathroom, just like the night they first met. But as he left the ballroom, he saw her head for an exit. He followed her and found her standing on a patio that was designated for smokers.
Her back was turned to him, as she wiped at her face with her knuckles.
"Emma," he said.
"Please just go," she said.
He came to stand before her. "Is that what you really want, love?"
Emma took a deep breath, the fall night's chilly air filling her lungs. "I don't know what I want," she whispered.
Killian stepped closer to her, as he brought his thumb up to her cheek to gently brush a tear away. "I think you do."
She shook her head, as her throat tightened with emotion. "I can't go through this again, Killian. I can't give you my heart and give you the power to break it. I can't give you a chance to betray my trust again. It hurts too much."
"Emma, I know you're frightened and you have every right to be. But I want to be a man worthy of your love and trust. I want to be the man you fell in love with. I just need you to give me a chance."
Killian watched a shiver shake Emma's body. He quickly removed his tuxedo jacket and came to stand behind her, as he placed it around her shoulders. His hands lingered on her shoulders, as he brought his face close to hers.
"Thank you," she whispered, as she tilted her head up to meet his eyes.
Killian's handed remained on her shoulders. He reluctantly began to pull them away, but she brought her hand up to cover his and stop his movement.
"You," she said softly.
Killian's brow furrowed. "What?"
She offered him a tiny smile as she turned around to face him. "You're what I want."
Killian felt a grin spread across his lips, as his heart sped up. "Are you sure?" he asked softly.
"I'm sure," she replied. "The happiest I've ever been was when I was with you. I want a chance to be that happy again."
"Emma, I don't want you to feel pressured to say what you know I want to hear. I don't want you to have any regrets in the morning."
Emma smiled and then cupped his face in her hands. "Just shut up and kiss me already."
Killian grinned and replied, "Gladly," as he brought his lips to hers.
...
The next night, Killian took a deep breath as he raised his hand to knock on Emma's apartment door. Emma stood on the other side of the door, as she tried to calm her own nerves. It felt like a first date despite everything they had been through. In a way, they were starting fresh.
She finally opened the door and was met with a smile.
"Hello, love," he said.
"Hi," she replied.
He stepped forward and placed a kiss to her lips. "Are you ready?"
Emma nodded and grabbed her jacket. She slipped her hand in his as they exited her apartment. They headed for Granny's first to pick up dinner before continuing to Bryant Park for movie night. It was the last one before it became too cold. Emma had mentioned on their first date that she had always wanted to come to a movie in the park and Killian remembered.
They found a nice spot away from the others and Killian laid a blanket out. They sat down and ate their grilled cheese and onion rings, enjoying the simple act of being together again.
"This is my favorite movie," Killian said, as the movie began to play on the screen.
Emma arched an eyebrow. "The Notebook is your favorite movie?"
He nodded. "Aye, it's romantic." He paused and then added. "It's about love and hope. And it made me believe in second chances."
Emma smiled, as she moved closer to him and placed her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her.
"I love you," he whispered in her ear.
Emma linked her fingers with his and allowed the words to slip through her lips. She had longed to say them again for three months, longed to hear him say them to her. "I love you, too."
Killian smiled. He wasn't sure he'd ever hear those words come from her lips again.
...
~One Month Later~
"Do you think he liked me?" Emma asked, as they entered her apartment.
Killian chuckled. "How could he not? Emma, I think my brother adores you."
She smiled as they sat down on the couch. "I'm glad I got to meet him and his family. It made me understand you better."
Killian nodded. "My brother helped me believe I could change, Emma. I saw that he did it and it made me believe I could too. I wanted his life. An honest job and the love of an amazing woman."
Emma smiled, as he brought his hand up to her cheek, his expression growing serious. "Thank you."
"For what?" she asked.
"For giving me...us...a second chance," he said. "I know it wasn't easy, but I am so grateful you did. And I am going to spend the rest of my life making sure you never regret it."
Emma stood and came to sit on his lap, as she looped her arms around his neck. "The rest of your life, huh? That's a long time."
Killian cocked a brow. "Not nearly long enough when it comes to being with you, love."
Emma laughed, as she brought her lips to his. His tongue slid against hers then ran along her lower lip. He trailed his mouth down her throat and Emma closed her eyes, as she threw her head back.
He pulled back and touched her face so she would look at him. "I've wanted to make love to you for a long time, Emma. But I didn't want to do it with my lies between us. I just...I wasn't sure I'd ever get the chance."
Emma brushed his cheek with the back of her fingers. "Make love to me, Killian."
A smile spread across his face, as he pulled her closer to him. She straddled his hips and his mouth moved to her collarbone. She pulled back for a moment to remove her sweater and bra. Killian looked at her, his eyes filled with awe.
"You're a beauty, Emma."
She smiled as she made quick work of his shirt, her mouth moving to kiss his shoulder. The rest of their clothes were shed quickly. Killian cradled Emma's head as he laid her down on the couch and hovered above her.
She felt tears spring to her eyes and his brow furrowed in concern. "Are you okay, love?"
Emma nodded. "I've just never been this happy before," she said.
Killian smiled. "Neither have I," he said.
He entered her a moment later and Emma gasped, her fingernails clawing at his back. They set a steady rhythm, amazed at how perfectly they fit together.
Killian finally collapsed on Emma, his head resting on her chest. She brought her hand up to stroke his hair.
"I used to believe it mattered how two people met," she said.
Killian lifted his head and met her eyes. "And now?"
"Now I know that what really matters is learning how to stay together. Dealing with the ups and downs together and coming out on the other side stronger."
Killian smiled. "I couldn't agree more, love."
...
Belle poked her head into Emma's office, a smile on her face. "I've never seen you this happy."
"I've got a lot to be happy about and I have you to thank. Killian told me that you made him realize he should prove he was capable of changing to me."
Belle shrugged. "Well, I'm a rather wise person."
Emma chuckled. "You certainly are and I am lucky to have you."
Belle looked behind her. "Oh, your 12 o'clock is here."
Emma smiled. "Send him in."
Killian appeared in her doorway a moment later. "Hello, love. Ready for lunch?"
Emma shook her head. "Not yet. Have a seat," she said gesturing to the chair before her.
Killian's brow furrowed as he sat down across from her. "Should I be concerned?"
Emma shrugged. "That depends."
"On what?"
"On how you feel about having your girlfriend as your boss."
Killian's eyes widened. "I'm not sure I understand."
"I want you to come work for me, Killian."
Killian shook his head in disbelief. "Now I'm certain I don't understand."
Emma smiled. "I am proud of you for getting an honest job, but you are too smart and resourceful to be a security guard. I may not like how you got your experience and knowledge, but it's valuable nonetheless. You can be an asset to this firm, Killian. You can help expose weaknesses in our clients' security. And I know you can do private investigation. I think you'd be a perfect fit."
Killian licked at his lips nervously. "You would trust me with your business?"
Emma stood up and came around her desk. She sat on the edge of it. "I trusted you with my heart again. My business is nothing compared to that." She paused and asked, "So what do you say?"
Killian stood up and moved between her legs. He placed his hands on her hips, as he met her eyes. "I think everyone is going to be jealous that I get to sleep with the boss."
Emma chuckled, as she linked her fingers behind his head and brought her lips to his. When they parted, she leaned her forehead against his.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you," he replied. He paused, his eyes sparkling. "So how much vacation time do I get?"
Emma arched an eyebrow. "Vacation time? You haven't even started yet."
He nodded. "I know, but I was hoping to take my girlfriend on a trip to Hawaii for Christmas. She deserves it."
Emma smiled. "I'm sure she does. She sounds lovely."
Killian brought his hand up to caress her cheek. "She's the most amazing woman I've ever met. She deserves only the best. I'd give her the world if I could."
Emma tilted her head. "I'm willing to bet your girlfriend already has everything she needs."
Killian smiled as he placed another kiss to her lips. "As do I," he said.
...THE END...
Thanks for reading this story! I'd appreciate any feedback you'd like to give one last time! ~Steph