CHAPTER 13

For a week she didn't see Keith. Robin was more attentive than usual if that was possible. She was grateful but she knew eventually she'd have to confront her ex. She couldn't walk around nervous and afraid all the time. Part of her wanted to believe that he'd received help and that he was better but the other part of her – was just unsure. On Thursday afternoon she met Mary and Emma at the diner for lunch. They sat in a booth close to the door and Regina could see Robin cooking in the back. They ordered their lunch with Ruby; a BLT for Mary, a chicken club sandwich for Emma and soup and a salad for Regina. They talked mostly about work and they also flirted with the idea of going to "The Rabbit Hole" on Saturday night. The door to Granny's Diner chimed and Regina looked up – Keith strolled inside and their eyes immediately met. He walked to a booth in the back of the restaurant and Regina let out a breath "Shit, I knew this would happen eventually."

A few minutes later Emma stood "He's coming this way," she told Regina.

Keith stopped at their booth "'I'm sorry to interrupt . . ."

"Then, maybe you shouldn't," Emma said.

"Nice to see you Emma and Mary," he replied.

"What do you want," Regina asked.

"I'd like to talk to you," he said.

"She doesn't want to talk to you," Emma said getting in his face.

He ignored her "Regina, please can I just have a minute?"

"Fine, it won't take long," she told her friends. She stood and went to sit with him at his booth "Make this quick."

"I don't want you to be afraid of me and I get the feeling you might be. I bought a house here and I'm not going anywhere. I like this town and if we're going to live in the same place – we'll occasionally run into each other and I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"Keith, you hit me and when I broke up with you . . . you still pursued me even though I was in love with someone else. I know you broke into our apartment and you've never admitted it."

"I loved you Regina. I didn't want to lose you."

"I don't care. Did you hear what I said . . . you hit me and I wasn't going to let it happen a second time."

"Yes, but I know now that I went about things the wrong way. I should have never touched you – that way."

"I think you mean to say you never should have hit me Keith. You hit me."

"I know and I'm truly sorry for that."

"You claim you got help. That you're getting help but you chose to live in this town. You could have lived anywhere in the world but you're here. Which tells me one thing – you're still sick."

"You're wrong. I'm trying to make a better life for myself."

"Well, if that's true then I'm glad for you – I really am but I will say this again; I want nothing to do with you and I meant what I said . . . stay the hell away from me and my family."

"Is that you're husband? The man you were with?"

"That is none of your business and this conversation is over." She stood and went back over to Emma and Mary. She plopped in the booth and Ruby brought their food. They watched as Keith walked out and Regina let out a breath "What an asshole," she whispered.

"Robin tried to come out here but Granny stopped him," Emma said.

"Good. I needed to talk to him alone and find out his intentions but I really don't know what he wants. He claims he's getting help and that he's starting his life over."

"That's bullshit. I don't trust him at all," Emma said.

"We can't be quick to judge," Mary added.

"I know what you mean but . . . I don't trust him," Regina said. "He asked if Robin was my husband."

"What did you say," Emma asked.

"I didn't deny it. I just told him to stay the hell away from me and my family."

"Damn . . ." Mary said. "Regina, but Robin doesn't live with you."

"I know but I don't want Keith to know I live alone. I hate feeling this way. I'm afraid." They all held hands and then continued to eat.

"I've made a decision we're upgrading your security system at the house. David and I will come over on Sunday and we'll put cameras in."

"Emma . . ."

"Don't Emma me . . . I don't trust that son of a bitch. Make dinner. We'll all come over. It's happening," she said matter-of-factly.

Regina watched as Robin came out of the kitchen and approached their table "Hello ladies. Babe, will you sit with me while I eat my lunch," he asked.

She smiled "Sure." He went to a booth nearby and she put down money for her food. Emma and Mary took care of the bill and then headed out. She sat with Robin while he ate his burger and salad. He gave her a look and she snapped at him "I'm fine."

He smiled "I was going to say you look beautiful as always."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"Granny wouldn't let you come out," she said.

"Nope; she said you needed to handle it on your own."

"She's right. Not, that anything was resolved. He's not going anywhere. He assured me he got help but when I confronted him about breaking into the apartment years ago he wouldn't admit it. There's something else Robin . . . he asked if you were my husband."

Robin looked up and took a sip of his soda "What did you say?"

"I'm sorry I . . . I didn't exactly deny it. I told him to stay the hell away from my family," she admitted.

He pushed his plate away "Wow . . ."

"Robin, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that but I didn't want him to think I lived alone. I hate feeling like this," she said.

He took her hand "Shush, don't be sorry. It's alright. I'm concerned Regina. Maybe, I should stay with you."

"No, it's fine. Emma and David are going to install cameras and upgrade my security system on Sunday."

"But, we'd both feel better if I was with you," he said as he rubbed his fingers over hers.

"What are you saying? Do you want to . . . move in?"

He kissed the top of her hand "You're right that's crazy. We've only been dating for four months. I'm a loon," he said.

"It's a big house," she whispered as she stared into his eyes.

He leaned closer to her face "Regina, the thought of anything happening to you – it frightens me."

"Maybe, I'm overreacting. Maybe, he did get help," Regina said.

"We're not done talking about this," he replied. "I need to get back to work." Regina nodded and then they stood and she walked him back to the kitchen. He kissed her and she hugged him "I'll call you later," He whispered into her ear.

She walked past the counter and Granny grabbed her hand "Ruby is going to a self-defense class next week at the high school. You should go with her," she suggested.

Regina smiled "Thank you Granny; I'll think about it." She walked outside and headed back to her store. She didn't notice that Keith was across the street watching her. He knew he shouldn't but he wasn't doing anything wrong – he was just admiring.

Saturday night Regina hitched a ride with Mary to "The Rabbit Hole" around ten. They were surprised to find it wasn't very busy. Ruby, Emma, Killian and . . . Dr. Whale were sitting at a table and waved to them "Hi, um hello Dr. Whale," Mary said.

"Ladies, we're having drinks. Please call me Victor."

They all sat and Mary cleared her throat "David says he's going to stop by after his shift is over."

"It's a party," Killian replied.

"Do you want a Corona," Regina asked Mary. She nodded and then Regina walked up to the bar.

Her boyfriend was smiling at her "Hello, milady, what can I get for you?"

She smiled "I would like two Corona's with lime please and a kiss." He grabbed two Corona's and put them on the bar and then he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. She pouted "That's not the kiss I wanted."

"I'm sorry but I have a girlfriend and we're kind of serious and I don't think she would appreciate me kissing you," he teased.

"Oh' how serious would you say is this relationship?"

"That is not something we should discuss here," he said seriously. He leaned toward her "When I go on my break – I'll do more than kiss you. Thank God you wore a dress tonight," he said as his eyes roamed over her body.

"In that case – I'll see you later," she said sending a wink his way. Regina headed back to their table and sent a look Mary's way because Ruby was sitting on Victor's lap. She sat down and whispered "What's with them?"

"No idea," Mary whispered back. The rest of them broke into teams to play pool but Regina and Mary stayed at the table to chat.

"Are you two alright," Emma asked.

"Yup we're going to people watch," Mary replied.

"I'm going to sit here and stare at my boyfriend," Regina added. Emma laughed and walked away to join the others.

"Are you feeling any better about Keith?"

"No, and Robin wants to stay with me," Regina replied.

"Wait, do you mean he wants to move in with you?"

"I don't know. We're talking about it."

"Shit, that's a big step."

"He says he wants to keep his apartment but he wants to stay with me. I don't know we'll see. It's a little insane because we've only been together about four months." A few minutes later; Regina watched as David entered the bar but put a finger to his lips. He came from behind and Regina knew he was going to scare Mary. She jumped twenty feet when David surprised her and wrapped his arms around her middle.

She swatted his arm "You're an idiot but hello husband."

"Hello wife, how are things here?"

"Fine, but I think we could use another Corona."

"I'll go. I want to talk to Robin anyways," he kissed her quickly and then headed over to the bar. They watched as Robin and David exchanged pleasantries and Regina was trying to read their lips.

Mary cleared her throat "What do you think they're talking about?"

"No idea but we're going to ask," Regina replied.

David came over with their beers and sat down "Robin is taking a break soon. He'll be over," he said.

Mary took a few swigs of her beer and said "What were you two talking about?"

"I want him there tomorrow when we upgrade the security system at Regina's."

"Oh' I see," Mary replied.

"Is there something else," Regina asked.

"Nope; that's it," he said. They were satisfied with his answer – for now. A minute later Robin came over and took her hand and she stood "Are you two going somewhere?"

"Yup. Don't come looking for us Sheriff," Robin said as he winked at his friend and then practically dragged Regina outside.

She laughed "Robin, where are we going?"

He unlocked the car and opened the door for her "Get in," he whispered as he kissed her quickly. She did as he asked and then he walked around to the driver's side and got in. He started the car and then simply drove around the building to the back. He hid the car in the alley and then cut the engine. He locked them in and then leaned his seat back "Come here," he said as he tugged her on top of him.

She laughed "You can't be serious?"

"This isn't the first time we've done this," he teased. "Plus, I'm just going to kiss you." He ran his fingers through her hair "Kiss me Regina," he begged as he pulled her mouth down onto his. She did as he asked. She kissed him. She didn't care that he smelled like bar food and whiskey. His fingers were gripping her nipples through her dress and she moaned as his tongue coasted over hers. She shifted more comfortably on top of him and he groaned. She could feel how hard he was and she wondered how he was going to go back to work like that. He didn't seem to care because he lifted up her dress so that her underwear was now rubbing against his jeans. She couldn't help herself she began to grind on top of him "Shit, I want to fuck you right now," he whispered against her lips.

"Robin, we can't . . ."

"I know but I want to . . . God you make me feel so alive," he admitted. She felt his hand reach down and she moaned as he placed a finger inside of her "Oh' baby you are so wet for me."

She crashed her mouth down on his and she couldn't help it – she began to ride his hand "Robin, I want to come," she begged.

"What my lady wants – she gets," he said as he stuck another finger inside her. She moaned as he fucked her with his two fingers. She felt sexy as hell and she couldn't remember a time she had ever done anything like this in her life. She couldn't think. She closed her eyes and moaned as his other hand rubbed her ass coaxing her to move faster. He was kissing her neck also and she wondered how the hell he could do all these things to her at the same time – he was a spectacular lover.

She was lost in ecstasy and began to talk; the words spilling out of her mouth before she could stop them "I love . . . Oh' my God," she was practically panting.

Robin leaned toward her ear "What do you love? Tell me baby."

"I love it. I love it," she said moaning even louder now. "Robin, I . . . I love you," she said so softly he barely heard her. "God, I'm going to come," she yelled. He crashed his mouth on hers and she moaned as he took her over the edge. She was bucking on top of him and then she fell onto his chest. He carefully pulled his fingers out of her and then began to rub her back. She was breathing heavily and there was no question – he was rock hard. He didn't know how he didn't come in his pants. He tried to control his breathing and to calm himself.

He whispered in her ear "Are you alright?"

"Yes. I . . . I'm fine," she replied. She carefully untangled herself from him and moved back over to the passenger seat. She pulled up her panties and re-adjusted her dress. Robin watched her and then leaned over and grabbed her head. He kissed her hard and then he released her mouth with a pop and hugged her tightly.

"You won't have time to eat," she said.

"I don't care. Are you coming home with me tonight?"

"Hell yes," she replied. He laughed and kissed her again and then started the car. She re-applied her lipstick quickly and ran her hands through her hair. Robin pulled the car around the building to where he was parked before.

They got out and he took her hand and once inside he kissed her again "I'll miss you," he whispered sending a smile her way.

"I'll be right over there," she teased.

"I'll see you in a bit." They parted ways and when she headed back over to her table everyone was now sitting down and staring at her as she approached.

Emma whistled "Where have you been?"

"None of your business," she replied.

"Okay, I don't want to know," David said. "Who wants to play a game of pool with me now?"

Regina glanced over at Mary "How many beers did you have while I was gone?"

"A few; I'm a little trashed."

"Mary, you're a horrible drinker. Why do you do this?"

"I haven't drank this much in a while. I wanted to. So, sue me? Where were you," Mary asked.

Emma was sitting the game out and was in on the conversation "Were you making out with Robin in his car?"

Regina smiled "That . . . is none of your business."

"Holy Shit," Mary said.

"You're lucky I'm off duty," Emma replied.

"Why? Would you have arrested us," Regina teased.

"Damn you two are nuts about each other. Aren't you," Emma said.

Regina smiled "We are." A few minutes later; the pool game ended. Ruby and Killian were the winners so Victor yelled over to Robin that he needed shots for their entire table and that it was on him. Everyone came back over and David sat next to Mary "You might want to keep an eye on your wife. She's a little tipsy."

"Mary, I think you've had enough," David said.

"Thanks Regina. I'm fine honey."

"You can't hold your liquor," Emma added.

"Oh' shut up! Who asked you," Mary snapped. They all glanced around and that's when Robin came over with a tray of shot glasses for all of them. Regina grabbed Mary's out of her hand and downed it "Hey! What the hell!"

"You don't need anymore," Regina said. She grabbed her own shot and downed that as well.

Robin moved around the table and quickly kissed his lady "Feeling alright," he asked.

"Yes, "she replied. He kissed her again and then headed back over to the bar.

"I don't feel well," Mary said to Regina.

"Good grief; are you going to be sick?"

"I don't know," she admitted.

"David you might want to get your wife home," Regina said.

David looked over at Mary "I think you're probably right. Can you tell Jefferson we'll pick her car up tomorrow?" One by one they all headed out. Ruby left with Victor and it was obvious she was spending the night with him. Emma and Killian also left together and Regina sat alone – waiting for Robin. She watched him as he yelled "LAST CALL" and he smiled and winked at her. Jefferson came over and asked if she wanted to sit in his office for a change. He told her she could watch the T.V and she agreed. Robin kissed her quickly as she walked by the bar and then she settled on the small sofa back in the office. Jefferson offered her a blanket and she pulled her legs up and got comfortable. She took out her phone and browsed social media since she had a few minutes and that's when she realized she had a "friend request" on Facebook. She clicked on it and it was from Keith. She declined it immediately but then curiosity got the best of her and she checked out his page. He'd recently changed his city to Storybrooke and then she saw the picture. He was standing in front of his new house and it was captioned "I'm in love and I'm home." Regina recognized the house "That son of a bitch," she whispered. She knew that house. It was on her street. It was across from hers and a few houses down at the end of the cul-de-sac. She couldn't believe it. He knew what street she lived on. Why the hell did he need to buy a house on her road? She was angry. No, she was pissed and she needed to tell Robin.

She yanked open the door and went out to the bar "Hi baby. I was just coming to get you. What's wrong," he said.

"I'll tell you what's wrong – he bought a fucking house on my street," she yelled.

Jefferson looked at Robin, "Um, I can finish here mate. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, go ahead," he said.

Regina was pacing and Robin nodded "I might pick up another shift this week if you don't mind."

"Yeah' sounds good. I could use the help."

Jefferson showed them out and Robin grabbed her hand "Not now," she said. "Can we just go home?"

"Yes, we're going," he said as he opened the car door for her.

On the way home he noticed she was wiping her face "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted that way."

"Regina, how did you figure out about the house?"

She took his hand "He requested me on Facebook which I declined but then I clicked on his page and saw a picture he posted of his new house." Once they were in Robin's apartment; they changed and slipped into bed. She cuddled against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her "I need to confront him about this."

"Are you sure," he asked.

"Yes, and I want you with me."

"Whatever you need," he whispered.

"I need you to be honest with me about something," she said.

He was rubbing her scalp "Okay."

"What were you and David talking about at the bar?"

"Don't be mad but I asked him to do a background check on Keith."

"Really?"

"He didn't find anything. He's squeaky clean."

"I don't care. He didn't have to buy a house right down the road from me."

"Try to relax," Robin whispered.

"I am. You calm me Robin. Thank you."

"I care about you Regina and I meant what I said . . . if you want me with you. I'll stay."

"What about Roland? What will we do when he comes?"

He turned toward her and leaned on his elbow and she did the same "We'll stay here when he comes."

"I don't know," she whispered.

He kissed her quickly and then cupped her face with his hand "I heard what you said earlier in the car and I don't care if it was in the heat of the moment or not. I want you to know . . . I'm already there too."

"Robin . . ."

"Don't say anything," he said as he leaned in and kissed her. He pulled away slowly "I just want you to relax and sleep." He pulled her against his chest again and she sighed as he continued to rub her scalp with his fingers. Eventually she drifted off but Robin couldn't sleep. They'd basically admitted to each other in not so many words that they already loved one another and he was terrified because at this moment he couldn't imagine his life without Regina in it. Eventually, he fell asleep also but the fact of the matter was – he was scared for her. He vowed he would protect her with everything he had.