He didn't understand her.. This girl, this woman, his Belle. She was a complete mystery to him. Everything he expected from her in words and actions, she always ended up doing or saying the exact opposite.. He had to put a stop to it, he couldn't afford to put his guard down, not even for her. No matter how badly his heart secretly wanted to.. He didn't, couldn't trust her or anyone..

When she began to raise her hand, he stopped breathing. He jumped back abruptly. Speaking quickly to her, and in a louder then nessasary tone.

How foolish. To allow himself to be thrown off... He didn't know what she was up to.. All he thought to do now was move on quickly, get to work, and watch her closely. If she was up to something, anything, (as he was quite confident she had to be) he'd be sure to find out.

With the moment past, and realizing that she needed to get ahold of herself, she cleared her thoughts of what transpired. Locking them away for a later time. Taking a silent breath she approached the desk taking in all the items across it. Papers, books, vials, forgien ingredents, and strange utensils she had never seen before, let alone know what they were even used for.. But what was at the center of the table is what caught her attention. And was most likely what he was about to point out to her. She inquired to the already obvious.

"Rose petals?"

"Ah yes. But not petals from just any rose." "No. These petals are a bit more, sspeciall." He gestured with a wicked grin.

Even she could see the truth in that statement. These were not from the like of any rose she had ever laid eyes on shade was the color of a deep crimson but the bases, where the petals broke off stem were as black as night. Where a normal rose petal would look and feel as soft as silk, these appeared sharp and lightly ridged. They looked as if they would draw blood at the slightest touch. And the feeling they gave off, by no means felt pure..

"They look.. Dangerous."

"Ahh right you are Dearie! They are indeed quite dangerous. But also very valuable."

"Where are they from?"

"Somewhere you'll never see my dear." He replied, as he turned and walked over to a nearby shelf containing multiple knick knacks, items, and books. Pulling off a seemingly heavy, old, golden trimmed volume and carrying it back toward the desk placing it in front of her. She began scanning the cover which on it was simply written, Wonderland.

"So these roses are from this.. Wonderland?"

"Indeed they are." "And from the backyard of the very Queen of Hearts herself!." He snickered.

She was intrigued. She wanted to hear more about this Wonderland, and this Queen of Hearts. And partly because she wanted to hear more about it, from 'Him'.

She was simply enjoying the fact that he was even sharing these things with her.

"The Queen of Hearts?" She inquired.

"The Ruler of Wonderland." "An evil little soul, much like yours truly." He said with a wicked grin, as he dramatically gestured to himself. Placing his clawed hand over his chest, raising his head, and now closed eyes toward the ceiling. Giving off a scene of great pride. Taking a moment of silence in his dramatics.

She couldn't help the smile beginning to creep across her lips as she watched.

Finally, still in the same statured position. He opened one eye to look at her.

"Buuuut, Not nearly as lucky." He continued. With his teasing grin and alittle wink in her direction for good measure.

She couldn't stop her creeping smile from turning into a genuine laugh.

Belle's light laughter always made his heart twist in excitement. As of late, he'd been making more and more efforts just to hear the wonderful sound spring from those lovely lips. How he loved making her laugh.

When she had first come to live with him, he must admit, to do so was never his beginning intentions. He enjoyed having everyone in fear of him, he wanted her to fear him. Always. It started off that way.. Throwing her in the dungeons, making evil quips to frighten her, keep her on edge, and so forth.

But now.. All he seemed to ever want to do was make her smile. See her eyes light up at his humor, hear that beautiful melody of her bright laughter.

He didn't understand himself.. He always prided himself on being the Dark One. Making all others, men, women, and children, tremble in fear of him. But with her it was different. And he completely refused to admit to his hearts attempt at reason. No matter how badly he wanted to, he still didn't trust her..

He always knew what to do or say to make her laugh. When she came to live at the Dark Castle she was convinced she would never be able to laugh like this again. Let alone even smile. And here, the one who took her away from her home, her family and friends, the one she believed would be the source of her complete and utter misery, was the one who brought out the laughter, and the smiles to her face everyday.. She had never been more confused with her own feelings.

"Soo, your suggesting that this 'Queen of Hearts,' is not as lucky to be as wickedly evil as you. Am I correct? She asked with a playful little smile. She couldn't help that his teasing nature was becoming contagious.

"Quite so my dear. quite so." He said. With his grin still in place and a overly dramatic wave of his hand.

"Hmm, I don't know.. Perhaps, for a time, I should work as Her caretaker, to find the truth in that statement." She teased.

She was not expecting the reaction she got. His teasing smile completely vanished. Eyes narrowed, growing a shade darker giving the look as though a storm was brewing behind them. He just looked at her.'What had she said wrong?' She was speechless as he just continued to stare at her with that expression for another moment.

Then as quickly as his teasing smile disappeared, it suddenly reappeared, but, it was different.. He then let his mouth fall agape as he took on a look of mock offense, placing his hand over his heart.

"Ooh how you wound me my dear! Suggesting to leave my employment to take on another?" He closed his mouth another smile crossing his lips. But this one was more.. menacing then teasing..

He knew she was jesting when she suggested it. But something in him just snapped, something clawing at his insides, something making him remind her that no matter what, that she was his. His to possess. Forever. And no one else, will ever, ever have her.

"No deal." "You belong to me."

At that. A jolt of something she was not expecting coursed through her. Not of fear or anything you would expect. But of excitement. Hearing the tone of his voice, his reference to her with such a strong sense and feeling of possession, made her heart race uncontrollablly. Her breath hitched in her throat.

His expression, though cold, intimidating, and dark, She could read something else in the lines of his features. She didn't know what it was.. Fear?, Uncertainty? But she could see it. Buried deep beneath the darkness. She was sure he was unaware of it.

She was his, yes. But he didn't realize that he.. he was also hers. Her Rumpelstiltskin... With that thought, her heart suddenly hitch in her chest. And she realized, her feelings for him ran much deeper then that of a master and servant. How did she not notice til now?

All the hours she spent missing him whenever he left, she first believed it to be only because she was lonely being by herself in this massive estate. But that wasn't it. She really did just miss 'Him'.. She had no idea what to do now with this new relevation..

Different expressions were waring across her face she wasn't looking at him anymore, she wasn't looking at anything really. Her eyes were towards the floor, mouth slightly open. He could tell her mind was racing. How he wished he knew what was going on in that little head of hers.

He then made a swift turn towards the high windows, looking out towards the end of the forest.

"My my, did the terms of our little deal those many months ago just fully dawn on you?" He inquired in a lightly wicked tone.

The sound of his voice broke her away from her thoughts. She looked up at him startled. As if from a deep sleep.

"W.. What?

He turned around to face her. Hands clasped behind his back as he slowly strolled toward where she stood. Tilting his head to the side "Forever is a long time Dearie, did you forget, Hmm?"

"Of course not!"

"Rrrreally? Are you quite certain your not regretting your little act of heroism that sealed your fate to the Beast?" He smiled widely, exposing his darkened fangs. Undoing his clasped hands bringing them forward and figuratively clawing at her in an animalistic gesture.

'This again?' Placing her hands on her hips, looking at him sternly. And saying it without hesitation. "No." She wanted him to know she'd never regret her sacrifice. Especially now.. When she was discovering her growing feelings for her captor. "And I never will."

His heart twisted at her words. Those strong feelings of conviction, sacrifice, and love weren't for him.. But how he wished.. 'No. No.' He began shaking his head at the thought, wishful thinking is for the weak and powerless. He didn't need any of it..

"Ah Yes. One girls misery in exchange for the salvation of a kingdom. Small price to pay on their account." He was being cruel now, he knew. But he couldn't stop himself.

"I'm far from suffering."

He glanced at her in disbelief but saw pure honesty in her eyes.

"I'm quite content here." She continued. Turning her head towards the windows, looking out at the setting sun. A genuine smile in place. She wanted him to believe that she didn't regret any of it.

"Besides.." She suddenly had the urge to tease him. Wanting to wipe the serious expression from his face, and lighten the topic. "Your bark is worse then your bite, oh mighty Rumpelstiltskin." She gestured making a tiny curtsy, keeping her playfully smile in place as she watched to see how'd he react.

She couldn't help laughing aloud, his expression was priceless. His jaw dropped at her teasing. He looked like a fish out of water. She loved the feeling of throwing him off guard for once. Taking advantage of him being speechless she continued.. "Well, we've spent what little day light we had. And I'm afraid we have no work to show for it.. I'm sorry for that.. But tomorrow's another day, if you'll let me attempt to.. to assist you again? I promise to try and not distract next time.." Suddenly feeling shy again with her request.

Before he could even answer she was making her was towards the exit. Trying to cover her wild thoughts, with ideas for dinner. and leaving him to his own. As she all but ran down the stairs.

I just wanna say a big THANK YOU to all who R&R on my very first chapter and attempt story! It means alot to me! ;)

Thats it for chapter 2! I'm not really sure where I want this story to go yet... But i'm just going with it!

I hope I didn't let you down with this chapter!