CHAPTER 19

The work week went by rather quickly and Regina put in a lot of hours at the store so that Tink could have a few days off. She was by herself a few times but she hadn't heard from Keith since the night at the bar and she was feeling more comfortable. Robin was working double shifts because he wanted to start paying toward the house bills even though she told him it wasn't necessary. Mary came to cover and close the store on Friday afternoon. Regina worked until Robin picked her up at two. She slid in the passenger seat and he reached over and kissed her "Hello my love. Are you ready?"

"Yes, you stopped for coffee? Thank you," she said as she took a sip. It took them about an hour and half to get to Marian's house. She lived close to the resort her parents owned. Sometimes, Roland slept at the house and other times he and Marian stayed at the resort. When they were fifteen minutes from their destination Robin stopped for another cup of coffee and Regina asked for tea. They used the bathroom and then he bought a few 'munchkins' for Roland. Fifteen minutes later they pulled up to the house and Robin parked on the street.

They got out and she leaned against the passenger side door "Stay here babe; I'll be right back," he said as he kissed her quickly. Just when he was about to walk up the driveway Roland came running out of the house carrying a few bags and yelling for Robin.

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Regina "Hi, you came with Papa," he yelled.

She squatted on the ground and hugged him "I missed you," she said.

"I missed you too," he said as he wrapped his arms around her neck. "Papa, I think Mama wants to talk to you."

Robin squeezed Regina's hand "I'll be back. Roland strap in please." They got in the car and Regina watched as he went to go talk to his ex-wife. She handed Roland the "Dunkin Donuts" bag and he thanked her for the 'munchkins'. She watched as Marian handed Robin a few more bags for their son and then she took a step forward to grab his hand. He backed away and Regina swore she saw him say "No, I already told you I love her." She tried to reach for him again but Robin shook his head and then turned around and headed back toward the car.

Regina glanced in the back seat and Roland was holding up a donut hole "You want a bite Regina?"

She reached back with her mouth and that's when Robin opened the driver's side door and got in "Are you feeding Regina a munchkin? I didn't get one," he pouted.

"Papa, do you want one," he asked.

Robin bit the other half and smiled at Regina "Let's get out of here," he said. He took her hand and Regina looked out the window. She watched as Marian stormed inside the house and slammed the door. She wondered if maybe she shouldn't have come for the ride with Robin.

When they arrived at home; Robin took Roland up to his room and they unpacked. He explained that the same rules applied here that did in the old house and his son seemed to understand. He really was a smart kid. Regina headed up the stairs but lingered in the hallway when she heard them talking. They were putting clothes away and Roland finally said "I know Mama is sad. She doesn't know that I've heard her crying at night."

Robin let out a breath "I'm sorry to hear that."

"What can I do Papa?"

"Roland, you're six. I'll talk to your mama," he said.

"I don't know Papa."

"You hang around with adults too much. We're going to the center tomorrow so you can spend time with your friends. Let me talk to mama," Robin said.

Regina thought now was the perfect time to interrupt "Hi, how is it going in here?"

"Hi Regina, we're just talking," Roland said.

"Well, I don't know about you two but I think we should go grab dinner at Granny's – my treat," she said smiling at Robin.

"Papa, I want to see Granny and Ruby can we please go!"

"Alright, but go use the bathroom first and then go downstairs and meet us in the family room."

Roland took off and Robin hugged Regina "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. Do you think he will like it here?"

"Are you kidding me? Yes, I do."

"You know you can thank me later by giving me a back rub. I'm a little sore," she admitted.

He kissed her and rubbed his nose against hers "Your wish is my command milady," he said. Regina's stomach growled and she rolled her eyes "It sounds like my lady needs dinner. Let's go."

Granny and Ruby were so happy to see Roland. Robin let his son sit at the counter while he and Regina sat at a nearby booth. Roland loved chatting with Ruby while she waited on customers at the counter while he colored. He ate a grilled cheese and Granny made sure she gave him some broccoli with his fries. Robin ordered a burger and she had a club sandwich. After about an hour Roland climbed into the booth with them and snuggled against his father. He asked for ice cream but Robin reminded him that he'd had munchkins earlier.

He promised they'd go for ice cream tomorrow and then when it seemed Roland was getting really sleepy Regina went up the counter and paid the bill; Ruby grabbed her arm "Hey, I just wanted to let you know that Mulan is cancelling the class on Monday. She had to go out of town."

"Oh' thanks for letting me know," she said.

"Did you get the punching bag for the basement yet," Ruby asked.

"No, too much has happened. It's on the back burner right now," Regina admitted.

"I get that."

"I really want to get one though. I better go," Regina said as she followed Robin and Roland out the door of the diner. They were walking down the sidewalk all three of them holding hands and when they almost reached Robin's car a dog darted out into the street "Lady," Regina yelled. The dog turned around and headed toward them at the sound of her name. She went right up to Regina and then they all started petting her "She's Keith's dog."

"She doesn't seem to be hurt," Robin said.

"She's lost," Roland said matter-of-factly.

Just then they heard a voice calling Lady's name and Keith started coming up the sidewalk holding a leash "Oh' my God! There you are! Come here girl," she ran toward her owner and Regina stood up straighter. He clipped the leash on her "Thank you," Keith said as he headed toward them. "She saw another dog and got away," he explained.

"She's pretty," Roland said.

"Her name is Lady. She's my best friend," Keith said.

Regina bravely approached him "Keith, how are you?"

"I'm better now that I found her," he said.

She cleared her throat "No, I mean how are you doing?"

He smiled "I'm fine Regina." He turned toward Robin and was careful with his words because of Roland "They questioned me but alas – I had an alibi. I think you should be careful," Keith said.

"Why is that," Robin asked.

"Because I had nothing to do with what happened."

Regina grabbed Keith's hand and he was slightly surprised "Tell me the truth – swear you had nothing to do with what happened."

He held her hand a little tighter "Regina, I told you I came here to start over and I meant it. I swear to both of you that I had nothing to do with it and if I didn't then . . . who did," he said seriously. "Be careful. C'mon Lady let's get you home." Regina let go of his hand and then they watched as Keith headed down the sidewalk.

Robin picked up Roland and grabbed her hand "Babe, c'mon let's go home," he said. She nodded and they headed toward his car. Keith's words were blaring in her head "I had nothing to do with it and if I didn't then . . . who did?" She gripped Robin's hand a little tighter; If Keith hadn't set the fire – who the hell did?

Robin gave Roland a bath and then Regina read him a story while he sat on the floor. Roland seemed comfortable here. When they tucked him in Robin gave Regina a smacking kiss on the lips and thanked her for his new monkey nightlight. She turned bright red and Robin whispered that the Locksley men obviously were smitten with her. Once Roland was asleep they were finally able to settle down themselves. Robin took a shower while she checked in with Mary and then Tink. Regina decided she was going to work a few hours while Robin went to the club with Roland the next day. She took a shower after him and came out wrapped in a towel. He was sitting on the edge of the bed on his phone but when he glanced up and noticed her he tossed it on the nightstand. Robin laid back and watched as she dropped her towel and then got dressed. She blushed and said "Stop staring."

"I can stare at the woman I love – can't I?"

She laughed and bit her lip "Stop flirting with me," she said.

Robin pulled down the blankets "Today was interesting."

She sat in front of him and crossed her legs "Was Marian upset I came for the ride?"

He cleared his throat "Marian is confusing me and I need to take a step back from her. I think she was surprised and caught off guard but it's too damn bad. She's picking Roland up Sunday around four – here."

"Okay . . ."

"I think she didn't think that I'd fall in love again and that I'd want to go back to her. I think she's in shock."

Regina looked away from his face and said "It's just . . . she's Roland's mother. I don't want to be in the way."

Robin ran a hand through his hair and then grabbed her face and forced her to look at him "Don't say that because it will piss me off."

"Robin . . ."

He stood up from the bed "No, I want to be with you Regina. I love YOU. My son can already see how special you are to me."

She smiled "I won't bring it up again."

He sat back down "Good, now roll over because I promised I would rub your back." She lay down and he carefully straddled her and moved his hands over her back "Do you have any lotion," he asked after a minute or two.

"Yes, in the top drawer in the bathroom."

He went to get the lotion and when he straddled her again he whispered "Take off your shirt."

She lifted her head up "Lock the door first." She felt Robin stand and then she ripped her shirt off and tossed it to the floor. She shrieked when he pulled her shorts off – now she was naked "Robin your son is not that far away," she said sternly.

"I'm just rubbing your back and we'll be quiet," he said. He started rubbing the lotion on her upper back and then moved down her body. Regina closed her eyes and let Robin work his magic with his hands. She moaned when his fingers moved over her backside. Robin even massaged her calves and then down to her feet. She was so relaxed – she fell asleep. He could tell she was sleeping after a few minutes. He pulled the blankets over her body and kissed the top of her head. He was the luckiest man in the world. He shut the lights and scooted in bed next to her. It took a few minutes but he fell asleep too. Life was good.

Regina couldn't believe how fast time went by. They'd spent the weekend with Roland and Marian picked him up on Sunday but she didn't want to come to the house – they met at the diner. It was quick and painless thank goodness. She was glad for Robin. They blinked and it was Saturday again and Robin was working at 'The Rabbit Hole'. Regina wanted to go for drinks and even though Emma was working Mary, David, Ashley, Ruby and Victor agreed to meet up at the bar. Ashley picked Regina up since she always waited for Robin to finish. When they got there no one else had arrived yet so they grabbed two tables and then Ashley went up to grab a beer for Regina and a soda for herself. Regina watched as Robin came around the bar and hugged Ashley and then fixed their drinks. She smiled as she watched them talking and laughing and then a minute or two later her friend came over with her Corona "Robin says you look sexy and he's pissed because he probably won't be able to take a break tonight."

"Good grief," Regina said laughing.

Ashley giggled "I think it's adorable. So, how is it going; living together?"

"No complaints from me. He's wonderful," Regina said.

"He seems to worship the ground you walk on."

Regina smiled "He's amazing so the feeling is mutual." Everyone else arrived and came over to sit down. Victor went to the bar and ordered a few drinks while the ladies sat and started talking. Regina had a sick feeling in her stomach and she couldn't figure out why. It wasn't very busy for a Saturday night and that baffled her. She looked around as she sipped her Corona and the door opened and Graham walked inside "Shit," she said as she looked over at David.

"He's off-duty. He better behave," he said.

"He's an asshole," Ruby replied.

"Alright but he's a decent cop," David said.

"I disagree – he's crooked," Ruby said.

"Ruby, that's a serious accusation."

"I know but he can't be trusted David," she said. Regina let out a breath when Graham looked over at their table.

"He's coming over here," Mary said quietly.

Graham smiled as he approached their table "Hello enjoying your evening?"

"We are," David replied.

He looked right at Regina "Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you Graham."

"Can I talk to you," he asked.

"You can talk to her right here," Ruby said.

"What are you – her babysitter?"

"Fuck off Graham," Ruby said as she stood from the table.

"Ruby, stop it," Mary said.

Regina stood "Alright, that's enough." She walked with Graham over to the bar and made sure Robin could see them "What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to say how sorry I am about the fire," he said.

"Thank you. That's very nice of you," she replied.

"I'm glad you weren't there. If anything had happened to you . . ."

"Yes, well David has assured me that you all are working hard to find out who is responsible for the fire."

Graham sighed "We are Regina but I hope Robin is capable of taking care of you because if he's not – I most certainly am." Regina's eyes widened and what Graham didn't realize was that Robin was right behind him.

Robin cleared his throat "I'm capable mate," he said.

Graham turned around and smiled "Are you sure because it seems your building was burned down and you might have been the target."

"You don't know that and this isn't about that – stay away from Regina. Don't look at her or you'll deal with me."

Graham got in Robin's face "Are you going to assault an officer Mr. Locksley?"

"You're off the bloody clock," Robin said. They were face to face now and Regina called over to David.

"If you hit me – I will press charges. She doesn't belong to you and I had her first. She'll get bored and I'll be waiting with open arms," Graham said. Robin lunged at him but David was now in between them.

"Stop it," Regina yelled.

"That's enough you two," David said.

Graham was laughing "You'll see – you're a nobody; and she's mine. Or, at least she will be again."

"Over my dead body," Robin yelled.

"That can be arranged," Graham replied.

"Fuck you," Robin spat. Jefferson came around the bar and pulled Robin away. He sat him down at a nearby table and told Graham to get the hell out of his bar. David made sure he left and Robin stood and high-tailed it to the back room. Jefferson stopped Regina and told her to give him a few minutes to cool off.

Jefferson yelled "Show's over. Let's get back to the drinks." He started tending bar again and Regina walked back over to their table.

Mary hugged her "Are you okay?"

"No, I should have never started talking to Graham," she replied.

"He's so fucking sleazy," Ruby said. "He was totally trying to get Robin to hit him. Don't talk to him anymore Regina. It's not worth it. Something is up with him lately. He's acting strange."

Mary shook her head "Ruby's right. Graham was definitely goading Robin."

"I better make sure he's alright." Regina headed to the back and Jefferson didn't stop her. She knocked on the door and then opened it. Robin was sitting on the sofa with his head in his hands "Robin . . ."

"Yeah babe," he said.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm just trying to cool off."

"Do you want me to leave? I can get a ride home," she said.

He looked up at her "No, come sit with me?" She sat next to him and he put his arms around her "You look beautiful."

"I wore this for you tonight. I only dress for you Robin."

"I know," he replied as he kissed her forehead.

There was a knock on the door and David came inside "You two alright?"

"Yes, actually I need to get back out there," Robin said.

"I need to talk to you actually – alone," David said. Regina kissed him quickly and then headed back out to the bar. She thought about eavesdropping but decided it probably wasn't a good idea. Once she was back at the table she informed her friends that Robin was okay and David was talking to him.

They all surmised that something was going on but Victor made a good point "We should stay out of it. If the police are involved it might be dangerous." They watched as Robin returned to the bar and Jefferson went to the back to speak with David.

Mary eyed Regina "Something is definitely going on," she said. A few minutes later; David came out and informed them it was probably a good idea if they leave.

He was tired and then he glanced over at Regina "Robin wants me to take you home," he said.

"What; I always wait for him," she said.

"Not tonight," he said.

She glanced over at the bar "Give me a minute," she said. Regina headed over and waited for Robin to finish with a few customers and then he kissed her quickly "I always wait for you."

He smiled "I know babe but I have to stay late tonight. But, we'll talk when I get home," he said.

"Alright, Robin I'm sorry about what happened."

"Don't be. I love you and lock the door and set the alarm when you get home," he said seriously.

"I will." She walked out with her friends and she could tell – something wasn't right.

She was pacing. It was three in the morning and he still wasn't home yet. She knew Emma was working the overnight so she had called her best friend and told her what happened. They'd talked for a long time and then Regina made a pot of tea. She finally heard a car pull up and she looked at the window – he was home. She sat on the sofa and watched as he came inside and removed his shoes and his jacket. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her in the family room "Baby. Why are you up?"

She stood "Where the hell have you been? I was so worried. It's late," she said practically yelling.

"I know. I'm sorry but I couldn't talk about it at the bar. C'mon let's go upstairs. There's something I have to do," he said. He took her hand and they went into the bedroom. She sat on the edge of the bed and watched as Robin started moving around the room and touching things.

She had a strange look on her face "Robin, what are you doing?" He put his finger up to his mouth and continued to move around the room. When he reached her dresser he placed his hand under it and then pulled something from underneath. He placed it on top of the dresser and then said "Mary isn't feeling well so we're going to stay with her tonight. David is working," he said. "Can you pack a bag for us?"

"Yes, of course," she said. Regina worked quickly; putting clothes and toiletries in a bag for her and Robin. She figured out what was going on. Her house was bugged. She didn't say anything. She heard Robin go outside and she figured out that he was calling David. Regina went downstairs and they headed out and set the alarm. Once they were in his car she turned toward him "Robin . . ." He cut her off and slammed his mouth on hers. He kissed her like his life depended on it.

She pulled away and he said "We'll get whoever this is. I promise."

She placed her forehead against his "I'm afraid," she admitted.

"I know. Let's not talk now." They drove to Mary and David's in silence and he held her hand the whole time. Her friend met them at the door and showed them to the spare room. Once they were settled Regina snuggled into Robin's arms "My car is clean but David and Emma are going to check your whole house and your car tonight. Try not to worry. We'll figure this out."

"Are you helping them," she asked.

"Technically yes and I didn't tell you because it's not really allowed. But David trusts me," he said. "We'll get this sick fuck Regina I promise you. He's coming after the wrong woman." Regina closed her eyes and fell asleep with Robin's fingers drifting through her hair. But the fact of the matter was she was terrified.