CHAPTER 26
After a difficult and tearful interrogation at the police station; Regina insisted they go see Tink at the store. Her friend nearly knocked her down at the sight of her and explained she shouldn't come back to work until Monday. She'd handled everything and she would continue to do so. They stayed for about an hour. Robin could tell Regina was getting tired so he insisted they go home so she could rest. After a really long hug goodbye and a few tears Tink let them leave. Robin wanted to cook Regina an amazing dinner so he made meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and homemade rolls. After changing her clothes; the smell brought her downstairs. She stood in the doorway and basked at the man standing at the counter. Robin was wearing his usual white tank top with his favorite dark green pajama pants. Her stomach turned and she smiled – he was beautiful. She'd missed him so much and was afraid she'd never see him again. His hair was slightly messy and she wanted to run her fingers through it. He didn't notice her. He was concentrating on the task at hand. He started mashing the potatoes and she couldn't help but stare and smile as his muscles flexed in his arms. God, he had nice arms. He finally must have sensed her watching him because he glanced up at her "Hi babe. Dinner should be ready shortly," he said.
"It smells wonderful," she replied.
"You look refreshed. How do you feel," he asked as he added butter and sour cream to the potatoes.
"I'm alright," she replied as she stood behind him and placed her arms around his waist. She couldn't help the few tears that ran down her cheeks. She wiped her face on his shirt and whispered "I was so afraid I was never going to see you again."
He let out a breath "Emma and David did not rest. They were determined to find you. They weren't going to let that happen."
He finished with the potatoes and she sat on the stool behind him; he turned around "I can't explain to you the state I was in while you were gone. It was the worst thing I've ever been through in my whole life." He wiped his face and let out another breath "It's over Regina. Thank God it's over and we can move on with our lives . . ."
She interrupted him "Marry me."
His mouth fell open "What?"
She smiled "Are you hard of hearing? Marry me," she repeated.
He bit his lip and grinned "I'm supposed to do this. I'm supposed to buy you a ring and get down on my knee," he teased.
"I beat you to it" she said seriously. "So, what do you say?"
"Regina . . ."
"Robin, I could have died. He could have killed me. I love you. All I could think about was getting back to you," she said.
"I'm getting you a ring. I need to do this right," he said.
"Robin . . ."
"Don't Robin me. I'm getting you a ring. It might take some time."
"I'll wait," she said.
He wrapped his arms around her "Not that I'm complaining but where did this come from?"
"I told you – I love you. While I was away from you it was like part of my heart was missing. I need you," she said softly. The timer went off and Robin took out the meatloaf and put it on top of the stove. Regina set the island for them to eat and he finished the carrots, potatoes, gravy and put the rolls in the oven. He worked quietly and Regina simply sat and watched him. He washed a few of the pots he used and then wiped the oven and counters down. She poured them each a glass of wine and then the timer went off for the rolls. He took them out and turned around to face her "Would you be mad if I told you I wasn't hungry right now – for food," she said. He licked his lips and she came off the stool and took two steps toward him. He grabbed her quickly and picked her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and crashed her mouth on his. Her legs came around his waist – they were devouring each other. Regina pulled back slightly to catch her breath "Make love to me," she said breathlessly.
Robin placed his forehead against hers "I missed you so much."
"You'll never have to miss me again – I promise," she said. He started walking up to the bedroom and she kissed the side of his neck and he laughed "What is it" she whispered.
"You're distracting me. I don't want to miss a step."
"You won't," she said as she sucked harder.
"You're going to leave a mark," he yelled.
She laughed "So, what?"
"My little minx," he said as they finally got to their bedroom. He dropped her on the bed and she giggled. She pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor. Robin followed suit and she pulled her pants off and motioned with her finger for him to join her. He clumsily stepped out of his pants and she laughed as he almost fell over. He climbed on the bed and lay next to her "So, my beautiful fiancé has requested I make love to her. What do you want," he whispered. He leaned down and teased her nipple with his tongue. He licked and sucked and she closed her eyes as he tortured both breasts with his mouth and his fingers. She was thrusting her hips upward and he placed a hand on her leg to calm her. His lips moved down her belly and she began to run her fingers through his hair.
He parted her legs with his knee and then quickly moved down the mattress and placed his face between her legs. She moaned as Robin began to suck and tease her folds with his lips. Regina cried out and begged him to fuck her with his mouth. He was happy to oblige as he pushed his tongue deeper inside her and sucked on her clit. He groaned when she yelled out that she wanted his cock inside her; so he wasted no time and moved on top of her. In one swift motion he was placing her wrists above her head and making love to her. She whispered that she wanted it harder and faster and he did as she commanded. Regina reached back and gripped the headboard and it was knocking against the wall. With every knock she screamed his name and finally they both came – spent and exhausted. It was fast, hot and passionate but they didn't care. They needed this right now. He carefully rolled off her and she cuddled against his side "So, Mrs. Locksley – huh?"
She smiled "I like the sound of that."
"Good because so do I," he said.
"So, Mr. Locksley; I'm hungry now."
He pulled the blanket off and smacked her ass "Let's go! I'm starving!" She laughed as they each threw on a shirt and pants and then headed downstairs. Regina was never so happy to be home in her life. She had everything she needed.
They decided to keep their engagement a secret. Robin was adamant about getting her a ring and doing things proper. She couldn't help but notice in the weeks that followed he was working a lot more hours. She didn't mind. She knew the kind of man he was and it was evident that he was in a hurry to buy her a ring and announce their engagement to their friends. Graham would eventually go on trial and she would have to testify. He was denied bail. Regina knew it would be a long process but she knew he was going away for a long time. She was still in shock over it and at first she had nightmares but it was getting easier. There were a few nights where she would wake up crying out for Robin. Sometimes she wasn't really sure where she was and she'd start to scream. He would hold her in his arms and eventually she would go back to sleep. At first; it was very draining for the both of them but as time passed the nightmares went away. Roland was finally able to come back for visits and she actually cried when she held him in her arms again. She'd missed him so much. She could tell he missed her also. The owner of Robin's old building wanted to re-build and when they were driving by one day Roland asked if they would move back into their old home. Robin informed his son that they would definitely be staying with Regina and would that be alright? Roland was excited because he loved Regina's house so of course he was fine with it. About a month and a half after the kidnapping Regina found herself at "The Rabbit Hole" with Emma, Killian, Mary, David, Ruby and Victor. Robin was of course tending bar and Jefferson had already brought their first round of shots. Conversation flowed nicely like usual and after a few minutes the door opened and Keith Allen walked in.
He sat at the bar and Regina watched as Robin came over and shook his hand. A few seconds later her fiancée' placed a soda in front of Keith and then looked straight at her. She nodded and understood she owed her ex an apology and definitely needed to talk to him "I'll be right back," she told her friends as she headed over to the bar where Keith was sitting. She cleared her throat "Keith can I join you for a minute," she asked.
He smiled "Sure, Hi Regina. I heard about what happened and I'm so sorry," he said. "It was very shocking."
"Thank you. Yes, it was awful. Keith I owe you an apology."
"Well, thank you but I can understand where you were coming from."
"I hope that you can forgive me?"
"Absolutely," he replied. Robin dropped a glass of water in front of Regina and took off to the other end of the bar. Keith sipped his drink and then said "I'm actually seeing someone now."
"Really; that's wonderful. Who is she?"
"She just moved to town recently her name is Zelena," he said.
Regina took his hand "I hope I get to meet her. I'm so happy for you," she replied.
"Thank you and I'm happy for you as well," he said.
She stood and walked back to her table and David sent her a look "Everything okay?"
"Yes, I owed him an apology," Regina said.
"How are things at home," Mary asked.
"Great. I'm starting to feel normal again. For a while there I was waking up with nightmares but everyday gets easier." Killian, David and Whale went to play darts and left the women to chat.
Emma spoke first "So, nothing new you want to tell us," she said.
"No, why do you ask," Regina replied.
"Nothing at all," Ruby added.
"No, what's wrong with all of you? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Killian can't keep a secret," Emma whispered as she leaned in closer.
"It appears Robin confided something to him," Mary added.
Regina rolled her eyes "It's no one's business and now I have to yell at my fiancée'," she said.
Mary screamed and then put a hand over her mouth – half the bar was looking "Sorry," she said.
"So, it's true," Ruby asked.
"Technically yes," Regina replied.
"He's saving for a ring isn't he," Emma asked.
"Yes, he's adamant about getting me one as soon as possible," Regina replied.
"Is that why he's laying it on thick with that chick at the bar," Ruby asked. They watched as a woman smiled at Robin, pulled a bill out of her bra and then put it on the counter and pushed it toward him. He smiled and winked at her and then she blew him a kiss and walked out. Robin pocketed the money quickly and then rolled his eyes. Regina saw red. They noticed Jefferson shove Robin and then glance over at them. He realized they'd all seen that little exchange.
Jefferson laughed "You're in trouble mate," he said.
Robin sighed "I'm trying to save for a ring," he replied.
"If you keep flashing that smile you'll make a lot of money but I don't think your lady will appreciate it."
"I know but shouldn't she understand? I mean this is very important," Robin said.
"Look at her mate. She's throwing daggers your way. You're busted. Here she comes," Jefferson said.
Regina walked up to the bar and smiled "I need another round for my friends please and I'd like to know why you told Killian our little secret . . . AND if you ever flirt and smile at another woman like that again – you'll sleep in another room. After all there are several other bedrooms in our house Robin Locksley. Now, if you wouldn't mind bringing our drinks over as fast as possible we don't like to be kept waiting," she said. Regina stormed back to her table and Robin began getting their drinks.
Jefferson slapped him on the back "Damn Mate you better watch yourself," he said laughing.
"I need to make tips," Robin said seriously.
"That doesn't matter to her. You better listen or else," Jefferson replied.
"Women," Robin said shaking his head. He was busy for the next two hours and didn't get a chance to talk to her.
Emma came over and cashed out at the bar with Jefferson and then approached Robin "Hey dumbass she wants me to drive her home."
"Alright, tell her I want to talk to her before you go," he said. "For the record; I'm not a dumbass I just want to get her a proper ring Emma."
"You're an idiot if you think she cares about that. She's pissed you openly flirted with another woman in front of her. How is she supposed to trust you when she isn't here?"
Robin leaned close to her and said "I love her and I want her to have a ring. She knows there will never be anyone besides her but sometimes as a bartender you have to flirt to make a little extra money."
"What if it were her up here," Emma challenged. "Then, how would you feel?"
He hadn't thought of that "Point taken. Alright, I'm a dumbass. I get it," he said.
She slapped her hand on the bar "I'll tell her you want to talk to her before we leave," Emma said. Robin nodded as she walked away and then started cleaning up and helping some of the other customers at the other end of the bar.
Fifteen minutes later Regina sauntered over and sat on a stool; he walked up to her and she said "I'm mad at you and Emma is driving me home."
"Babe . . ."
"Don't babe me," she said.
"I understand why you're mad and I'm sorry," he said.
"You wouldn't like it if I was standing up here and flirting with every guy that walked through that door to make money – would you?"
"No, I wouldn't," he said. "I said I'm sorry and I'm sorry I told Killian about our engagement but it was killing me. I didn't know he had such a big mouth."
"Well, he does," she said softly.
"Do you forgive me? You're really not going to make me sleep in another room are you?"
She smiled "I guess not." He grabbed the side of her face and pulled her in for a searing kiss.
She laughed and then turned to leave but he pulled her back again "No, wait," he whispered as he took her mouth again. Some of his regulars at the other end of the bar started whistling and they both started laughing.
She rubbed her nose against his "I better go. They're waiting for me," she said.
"I love you Regina – only you. You know that right?"
"Of course I do," she said. "I love you too. I'll see you at home?" He smiled and gave her one more peck on the lips and watched as she headed out the door. She heard him yell at his customers to settle down and he said "That's my future wife so you lot better shut it." They all hooted and hollered at him and that's when he screamed "LAST CALL." His wife – she liked the sound of that.