CHAPTER 15
THIS CHAPTER IS LONG … JEALOUS ROBIN ANYONE?
He stayed with her every night and then Friday came and she insisted he go home and spend time with Roland. Regina should have been stricter and told Robin to sleep at home at least once or twice this week but he was adamant about staying with her. She felt safe with him around and she thought that he felt better about her situation with Keith if he was there with her. So, she let him stay. There were many perks to Robin being around. She liked that he was cooking dinner every night and that they were showering together and at least three times this week they'd made love. They were so good together but when he left . . . her mind wandered. When she was at work she was a little frightened. But, she'd made a new rule . . . no one was to work at the store alone – ever. It meant paying more but she didn't care. Safety came first and she wasn't putting her girls in danger. Regina was preparing for something that she didn't know would even happen but she couldn't take any chances. She headed outside because she forgot a few things in her car. It was still light out. She lingered for a few minutes to straighten up and when she closed the driver's side door that's when she saw Keith's car coming up the road. She knew what it looked like because she had seen it before when she was taking a walk a few days ago with Robin. She started up her walkway and stopped when he called her name. She turned around and he was standing outside his car. He had parked it in the middle of the road. She didn't give him a second. She ran inside and slammed the door and set the alarm. She went to the window and watched as he got back inside his car and headed up the street. Regina knew he wasn't stupid enough to come up to her door – she'd call the police. She was shaking. Why would he do that? He claimed he wasn't trying to scare her but then he pulled a stunt like that? She was angry at herself for getting so upset. She remembered something Granny had said to her in the diner – Ruby was taking a self-defense class at the high school. Regina sent Ruby a text and asked when the next class was. About thirty minutes later she got a response "Tomorrow afternoon. Do you want to go? I'll pick you up." She replied and said "Yes, that would be great. Pick me up at the store." They finished making plans going back and forth and when it was time for her to try to sleep Regina headed upstairs satisfied with her decision to go to the class. She had double-checked the alarm and the cameras and once inside her bedroom she couldn't help but smile at the heap of clothes on Robin's side of the room. It smelled like him in here. It was the first time she really noticed it. She took out an outfit for the self-defense class and then climbed into bed. She sent Robin a text "I'm going to try to go to sleep. I'm taking a self-defense class tomorrow with Ruby so I'll call you after." She snuggled under the covers and not five minutes later her phone was ringing it was Robin "Hi," she answered.
"Hello, I'm glad I caught you before you went to sleep. I just put Roland down."
"How was your night," she asked.
"It was fine. Babe, you're taking a class tomorrow?"
She sighed "Yes, Granny told me that Ruby was taking a self-defense class at the high school. She's going to pick me up at the store tomorrow afternoon and we're going together. I figure it's probably a good idea."
"Did something happen that you're not telling me about," Robin asked.
"No, I just think self-defense is good to know. Something did happen tonight though," she admitted.
"What?" She told him about what happened outside and he didn't say anything at first "I hate this," he whispered.
"Robin, I'm fine."
"I don't care. I . . . I hate that this guy lives on your street."
"I know but what can we do?"
"Nothing I suppose."
"I can't do anything until he does something so that I can file a restraining order against him but I don't even want it to come to that. I don't want anything to do with him."
"I know babe." They talked for a few more minutes about their night and then eventually Regina was so tired she was falling asleep on the phone with him. They hung up and she drifted off easily with thoughts of Robin on her mind; and the smell of his cologne on her pillow.
Another week went by and Regina had actually gone to two self-defense classes with Ruby. She loved them. She loved the instructor too. Her name was Mulan and she was a teacher at the high school. As it turned out Ashley and Ruby were actually really good friends with her and they invited her out to "The Rabbit Hole" with them on Saturday night. Tonight the bar was slammed and Jefferson had to call in another bartender to help Robin out. Regina looked around and it seemed almost all of their friends were there except for Mary and David. Killian wasn't either because Emma had said he worked late at the docks and was exhausted. It was clear that Ruby and Victor were now dating because he was here with them again tonight. They had pushed several tables together and it seemed they were taking up half the bar. Even though he was very busy Robin always found a moment to find Regina's eyes and smile at her – he always knew how to make her blush. She wore a dress again tonight even though she knew he probably wouldn't be able to take a long break. Since being with him; she loved to dress up for him. Robin was constantly watching her and telling her how beautiful she was – he made her feel special and sexy. Tonight she decided not to drink and neither was Emma they were both designated drivers this evening. Everyone was laughing and having fun and that was when Regina watched as Emma's face changed "Shit, why is he here," she said. Everyone turned and that's when they noticed Emma's superior officer enter the bar – Graham Humbert.
He was known as one of the tougher cops around town and even Jefferson seemed annoyed when he walked in. It was busy and the bar was making money and he didn't need the cops chasing away the customers. Even though Emma was a cop – she was a regular and it was different. She had been coming here before she was a police officer.
Regina rolled her eyes "Shit, whenever he sees me I swear he's undressing me with his eyes."
"You did hang out a few times," Emma said.
"Yes, but you know how that ended," Regina replied.
"Don't worry he won't try anything – not with all of us here," Victor said.
"Thanks, but I can handle Graham if I have to," Regina replied. They watched as he walked up to the bar and ordered water; it was given to him immediately by Jefferson and then Graham scanned the room.
He walked toward their table and Emma groaned "Fuck," she said quietly.
Graham smiled as he stepped up "Hello Doc, Swan, is everyone enjoying themselves?" The seat next to Regina was empty and he sat down "Can I sit here," he asked.
She smiled "Sure. I take it your off duty Officer Humbert?"
He winked at her "Yes, David is working the overnight shift."
"Lucky you," she said. She knew she shouldn't flirt with him but part of her wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine.
He smiled "Yes, lucky me indeed. I've missed seeing you Regina."
She laughed "Really because the last time we hung out you didn't talk to me for a month."
"I'm sorry. That was wrong of me," he replied.
"It was and you should be sorry. It's unfortunate . . ." she said as she took a sip of her drink.
Graham reached for her hand "Maybe, we can try again? We were really good together," he said as he moved a strand of hair away from her face and ran his finger over her cheek.
She smiled, took his hand and leaned closer to him "I need to use the restroom. Excuse me," she whispered. She motioned for Ruby and Emma to follow her and the three ladies walked away from their table. Regina could sense Graham's eyes on her and she didn't care. Let him take a good look because he was never having her again - ever.
Once inside the restroom Emma turned on her "Regina stop flirting with him. It's dangerous."
"I agree. Graham can't be trusted," Ruby replied.
"I know but he used me for sex twice and I let him like an idiot. He deserves to get brought down a few notches," Regina said.
"He's a player," Emma said.
"Robin was watching and he looked pissed," Ruby added.
"I know I'll explain to Robin don't worry. I'll set Graham straight when we get back to the table. I have a plan. What he did to me was wrong and he needs to know that." They waited another five minutes and then headed back out to the bar. Everyone else was over by the pool table so Emma and Ruby joined them.
Regina sat down with Graham and he smiled "Alone at last. Regina you look beautiful. You always do," he said.
"Thank you," she replied.
"Why don't you let me take you home," he asked.
She shook her head "That's not going to happen."
"Why not," he asked. "You know how good we are together. You couldn't have forgotten already."
"I'm not stupid. Graham we hung out twice and both times we ended up in bed and you never called me after. You used me."
"Now, that's not true."
"Then, why didn't you call me?"
He sat back in his seat "I'm sorry I know I didn't handle both of those times the right way but . . . I don't do well with commitment and I was nervous."
"So, you didn't just use me for sex?"
"Regina, I'm sorry if you thought that."
"But, here you are asking if you can take me home when you know damn well I wouldn't be able to resist you because you're right – we were really good together."
He took her hand and raised it to his lips; she panicked for a second because she saw Robin watching "Give me another chance. I'm begging for it," he whispered. "I never beg but for you . . . I'll do anything. Let me take you home," he said as he continued running his mouth along the top of her hand.
She shook her head, cleared her throat and nodded toward the bar "Do you see the man behind the bar?"
He let go of her hand and she placed it on her lap "The Locksley bloke . . . Yes what about him?"
"I'm his," she said seriously.
He looked genuinely shocked "You're dating him?"
"Yes, I've been dating him for about five months and we're very happy. I'm sorry Graham but you don't know how to treat a lady. You don't fuck them and then don't talk to them for a month," she said angrily. "It's just not right."
"Such language my beautiful Regina; I meant what I said before – I genuinely wanted another chance with you but it looks like I'm too late. Locksley is a lucky man." He kissed her cheek and then stood from the table "Goodnight and I really am happy for you," he said.
"Graham . . ."
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have spoken to you like that . . ."
"No, you're right. What I did to you was wrong. I'm sorry. I meant what I said . . . I'm happy for you," he said. He turned around and walked out of the bar. Regina let out a breath and noticed Robin was talking to Jefferson. He looked angry. The others were watching from the pool table and Emma had an "Oh Shit" look on her face. Robin was coming toward her and yes he looked very mad – jealous even.
She took a sip of her water and when he reached the table he took her hand "Can we talk," he said.
She stood and he pulled her to the back to Jefferson's office. He slammed the door and faced her "What . . . the bloody hell," he said slowly.
"Don't get excited."
"Don't get excited? That guy was all over you Regina and you let him," he yelled.
"I can explain."
"Hurry up," he said through gritted teeth.
"That was Graham Humbert and he's a cop. He works with Emma. We . . . at one time were involved."
"Crap," Robin said as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"He treated me like shit. He . . . we slept together twice and both times he never called me. The second time was stupid I was drunk and I just didn't care. I was lonely and . . ."
"You let him touch you and you were smiling at him . . . flirting even," he yelled.
"I know and I shouldn't have but he needed to be taught a lesson Robin. He can't treat women like that and I let him know it. I told him that I'm yours," she admitted.
"You said that?"
"Yes, I did."
"What was he saying to you?"
"He wanted another chance and I told him no and that I'm happy – with you."
Robin turned around and walked over to the desk and then leaned against it – he was trying to calm down and catch his breath "I almost came over there. When he touched you – I almost lost it," he admitted.
"I know and I'm sorry your working and I shouldn't keep coming here and getting in the way but Graham is a total player and an asshole. He deserved to be brought down a few notches. That's all I was doing. I promise. I'm going to leave. I don't want you to get into trouble with Jefferson," she said. He stood up straighter and pulled her toward him roughly and grabbed the side of her head; she gasped when he kissed her. His arm came around her back and he molded their bodies together. Their kisses were hard and fast and Regina heard herself moan as Robin was practically assaulting her with his mouth – it turned her on. She tried to pull away but he wouldn't let her. They kept kissing and kissing until they were out of breath and then he roughly pushed her away. She stumbled a little and then leaned against the door.
He glared into her eyes "I don't know why you have this effect on me but I wanted to kick the shit out of that guy," he said seriously. "I don't like feeling jealous. So, don't flirt with anyone else. You hear me?"
"Yes, Robin I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing." He walked back over to her and she wrapped her arms around his neck "Do you know why I'm acting so crazy," he said as his fingers drifted through her hair. "Jesus, because I'm already falling in love with you – you consume my thoughts. I'm crazy about you Regina. Now, get that sexy ass back out to your friends. I don't want you to leave. I want you to come home with me," he said as he kissed her again. When their lips popped he grabbed her arm "Are you coming home with me," he asked.
"Yes, but I have to drive a few people home," she replied.
"Then, I'll come to your house when I'm done. Is that alright," he asked.
"Yes," she said softly. He opened the door and she walked out. She nodded at Jefferson and walked back over to their table – everyone was staring at her. "He'll be alright he was just a little . . . upset."
"A little . . . he looked really pissed," Emma said.
"See, he's already back out at the bar," Regina replied. The truth was she'd never seen that side of Robin before. He basically had just admitted that he loved her. It was all confusing and fast and . . . she felt the same way. Mulan, Ashley, Ruby and Victor played a game of pool while Regina and Emma sat at the table. When that game ended Emma wanted to take on Regina and even though she hadn't played in a while she decided to take a chance. They were doing well and it was a tight game but Regina had to get one of her solids in and it was a difficult shot. If she sunk it then all she had to do was get in the 8 ball – and she'd win. But, in order to make this particular shot – she'd have to sit on the edge of the table and wearing a dress that was impossible. Now, half the bar was watching their game and she was not about to give a show. Not after what happened with Graham "Emma, I can't make that shot unless I sit on the table."
"Then, you lose and I win," her friend teased.
"This just isn't fair. I'm wearing a dress I can't sit on the edge."
"Make the shot," some guy yelled from a nearby table. That got everyone's attention and Regina shook her head. She glanced over at Robin and he was definitely watching.
Emma grabbed the large stick from under the pool table "I can't remember what you call this thing but you should use it. Kilian taught me. Just line your stick on top of it and attempt the shot."
"I'll never make it."
"It's either that or show your ass to the whole bar and I think that would take the bartender over the edge," Emma said seriously.
Regina straightened up "You're right." She took the stick from Emma and lined up the shot. She took her time and didn't rush. She really wanted to win but it was a long shot. She leaned over the table a little and bit her lip. She hit the cue ball and . . . she missed "Fuck," she whispered.
"Sorry," Emma said as she leaned over the table and easily shot the 8 ball in for the win. She hugged Regina and whispered "You wouldn't want to piss off your boyfriend even more. You did the right thing."
"Yeah, you're right. Good game."
"You should have sat on the table gorgeous," the man said as they passed.
"Alright, enough," Emma said as she pushed Regina back over to their table.
"Good try," Victor said.
"Thanks," Regina replied. Ruby and Victor decided to play against each other and they left the table. The rest of them settled in with their drinks and chatted. Regina could feel Robin's eyes on hers and he winked at her. That hopefully meant he was feeling better about what happened with Graham. A few minutes later Emma stood and glared toward the door "What is it now?"
"It's Keith. He's here," she said.
"This is not a good night," Regina said. They watched as Keith approached the bar and Jefferson waited on him.
"Is that him? The one you were telling me about," Mulan asked.
"Yes, but this is a public place. As long as he stays over there and doesn't approach me. It will be fine," Regina said.
Emma was on high alert and Regina touched her arm "Em, he's not going to do anything here. I know he won't. If he says he's getting help then I have to believe that until he shows otherwise."
"Yes, but I don't trust him and you said he stopped on your street the other night."
"I know." Victor and Ruby came back over and everyone was a little tense "I'm sorry if this has ruined everything," Regina said.
"It hasn't. It's getting late anyways. Maybe, we should call it a night," Mulan said. "This was fun. Thank you for inviting me," she said to Ruby. They all stood and Regina walked over to the bar to tell Robin they were going.
He looked at Jefferson and then pulled her back into the hallway "Are you all leaving?"
"Yes, everyone is tired and . . ."
"Is it because Keith showed up?"
"No, but it put Emma on edge."
"She's not the only one," Robin admitted.
She leaned up and kissed him "Promise me you won't do anything crazy. I know you've had a rough night and I'm sorry. You'll let yourself in when you get to the house?"
He smiled "Yes, but if you're tired don't wait up," he said as he kissed her and held her in his arms for a second longer. They walked back out to the bar and Robin began working right away.
She grabbed Jefferson's arm quickly "I'm sorry if he . . ."
"No, Regina – don't be sorry. I meant what I said I take care of my regulars. Drive safe," he said. She kissed his cheek and then they all headed out of the bar. She walked by Keith and his eyes bore into hers. He smiled at her and raised his beer and actually sent a wink her way. She shook her head as Emma grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the bar. It was obvious – Keith Allen was playing with her.
She fell asleep. She stripped off her dress and climbed into bed naked. She wanted to wait for him but she was so exhausted that she drifted off. She didn't hear him come in or climb the stairs even. But, she heard him go into the bathroom. She closed her eyes and wondered what he would do. Would he wake her? Would he let her sleep? Was he still angry? She needed to re-think these nights at "The Rabbit Hole" when he was working she didn't want to get him into trouble even though Jefferson valued him as an employee. She heard the bathroom door open and then he got into bed. She turned around quickly and when she faced him her eyes bulged out of her head – it wasn't Robin. It was Keith. Regina sat up and gasped and pulled the sheet over her body "What the hell," she said. "How did you get in?"
He smiled and ran his fingers through her hair "I always find a way Regina. You will be mine again," he whispered. She tried to get up but he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. She screamed and then . . .
Regina darted up in bed she was breathing heavily and sweat was beading on her forehead. She glanced around and realized she was alone. She looked at the clock on the nightstand and it read 1:30. Robin would be home soon. She stood and grabbed her black silk robe that was on the edge of the bed. She put it on and then decided now she was up and headed downstairs to make a cup of tea. The nightmare had her shaken. It was obvious Keith's presence in this town was having an effect on her. She grabbed a few cookies and sat with her tea at the island. She heard a car pull up and glanced at the clock on the wall – Robin was home. Rather, he was here because this wasn't his home. She rolled her eyes at her own stupid thoughts and waited for him. She heard him come in and re-set the alarm. He must have seen the light on in the kitchen so a few seconds later he entered "Babe, why aren't you asleep," he asked.
"I was," she admitted. "I had a bad dream. A nightmare really and I decided I needed a cup of tea. Would you like one?"
"No, I'm fine. Do you want to talk about it . . . the nightmare?"
"Not really. How was the rest of your night?"
"Uneventful it was packed tonight. I made decent money," he said.
"That's good," she said softly.
"What's wrong? Is it the dream?"
"No, I was just thinking that maybe I should take a break and stop going to "The Rabbit Hole". I don't want to be a distraction."
"That's not necessary. This is the first time in what . . . five months that something like this has happened. It's not your fault. I get what you were trying to do with that Graham guy."
"Robin . . ."
"No, it's over so stop talking about it," he said as he sat on the stool next to her. "Maybe, we should go up to bed? You'll go back to sleep if I'm holding you." She slid off the stool and he caught a glimpse of her ass "Are you naked underneath that," he asked.
She smiled "Yes, I was waiting for you but I fell asleep."
"Oh my . . . I think sleep is out of the question now," he teased as he pulled her toward him. He kissed her and whispered "I want to carry you upstairs. Wrap your legs around my waist." He picked her up and Regina held on as Robin walked up the steps.
She giggled as he ran his hands over her ass "You're tickling me," she whined. He walked slowly and even though it was dark he found his way to her bedroom easily and then once inside he kicked the door closed. He placed her on her feet and he untied the robe and let it fall to the floor. His eyes moved over her body and she could feel her face flushing "Robin, don't be gentle. Take me," she whispered as she began to unbutton his jeans. He ripped his shirt over his head and she helped him with his pants. Once he was naked he picked her up into his arms again and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He pushed her against the door and then placed a finger inside her – she was already wet and waiting for him "Oh' God," she said as she kissed him "Take me. Take me right here," she begged.
He was hesitant "Condom," he whispered.
"No, I should have told you this – I'm infertile. Just . . . take me please. We'll talk after. I want to feel you," she begged. Robin wasted no time. He lined his cock up with her folds and pushed inside. She moaned as he moved in and then out. His lips found her neck and he held her as he fucked her against the bedroom door. It felt amazing and now with nothing between them – it was fucking bliss. The pleasure was intense. She couldn't help the words that were slipping out of her mouth – she didn't care "Robin, Oh' my God, my body . . . I love it. I love you. I love you. Don't stop baby. Don't stop," she said as he continued to ram her against the door. Robin was groaning and she knew he'd probably come soon. Regina wrapped her arms around his neck and he held her tighter. He pounded into her and when he hit the right spot she tightly closed her eyes and yelled. The orgasm hit her hard and then a few seconds later he was groaning and coming inside of her. She couldn't catch her breath. She felt tears rolling down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away. Robin pulled out of her gently and then he carefully put her down. He held her and then grabbed her hand and they went into the bathroom. He started the shower and they got in. They cleaned one another and he washed her hair "I should have told you," she said as he rinsed her hair.
"Regina, it's alright. Not now," he said as he kissed her slowly. They got out and dried off and they didn't even bother with clothes. They fell into bed and Robin pulled her against his chest "Did I hurt you," he asked softly.
"No, not at all," she replied.
"Good," he said as he kissed her forehead. "I thought I might have. Regina . . . I . . . I love you too. I swear I think I've loved you since the moment I first saw you. I'm sorry if that sounds lame."
She laughed "No, it doesn't. It sounds beautiful," she said as she wiped her face.
"God, I'm so tired," he whispered as he pulled her tighter against his chest.
"Me too," she admitted. They both drifted off to sleep rather quickly. Declarations of love lingering in the air . . .