First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you who have been following this story. You all amaze me. Also, I want to clear out for those of you who are just starting to read this story. My stories are focused on SQ. If you ship Daniel with Regina or OQ, I respect that, but I'm sorry to say I only write for SQ. I respect all ships, so I kindly ask that you respect mine. :) you are in for a wild ride with this chapter guys, buckle up! ;)
Emma and Lily rode into the night, as they would many times before when they were teens. They didn't make it back home until much later, which had a very angry brunette pacing back and forth in her bedroom all night, mumbling things to herself out of jealousy.
Both the blonde and Lily were walking their way up to the house, Lily being all smiles after spending the whole day with Emma.
"Thank you for today, Lily. I really needed it." said Emma flashing the girl a smile, hands tucked into her jeans pockets..
"I'm always here for you, Em. You know that." replied Lily as she soon stopped the blonde from walking any further as she grabbed the blonde's arm, "Emma. I know how lonely you've been. I know Regina doesn't even give you the time of day-"
"Lily-" Emma quickly spoke, but was interrupted by Lily just as quickly.
"Hear me out. Please. It really does kill me that you are giving your all to someone who doesn't even care for it. Who doesn't care for you. But I want you to know that I'm here. For whatever you need. And I do mean whatever you need. Now, I know you don't feel the same for me. But I don't care." she shrugged as she looked into the blonde's eyes, "I don't. Because all I want is for you to have a slight bit of happiness. And if you let me…" Lily's hand reached for Emma's face, resting on her cheek, "I can give you that. I know you're married, but I don't care. If all I can offer you is a moment of pleasure, I'm all for that. If you want it."
Lily was actually offering herself to Emma and if that wasn't bad enough, Regina was now standing outside her window and had heard such offer. This had the brunette literally seething with rage in a matter of minutes.
She scoffed and saw red as she went back into her room, wishing she had never looked outside of her balcony, "Unbelievable." she said to herself as she once again began pacing back and forth. Her feet could literally tear a hole in the floor from all the pacing.
Emma spoke bluntly, "Lily. I appreciate your offer. I really do. But as bad as things are between Regina and I… I can't bring myself to do this to her."
"Well. If you ever do change your mind. You know where my room is." replied Lily as she took a few steps forward towards the blonde (who had kept her hands in her pockets the whole time) and placed a soft kiss on the blonde's lips then and there.
Unfortunately, Regina had gone back out into her balcony and saw that kiss happen before her very eyes. This had her storm back into the room, as Emma made her way back into the house.
Regina was jealous now. Clearly. She was beyond jealous. She began pacing and talking to herself once again, "She is really a piece of work. Saying she loves me, when she's kissing her. Her! Of all people!" she chuckled as she shook her head, "Oh, but she's going to hear me out."
She had heard the blonde's footsteps passing her bedroom and going into her own bedroom at the end of the hall, when without warning, Regina stormed out of her room, all the way down the same hallway and just barged in without any warning into Emma's bedroom, demanding an explanation of what she had just seen, "Just what-" Regina's words caught in her throat as her eyes grew wide at the sight of the blonde's toned stomach, along with perfectly sculpted arms.
Emma was changing into her sleeping clothes when Regina had stormed into the room, she had left her black bra on and was just reaching for a shirt when the blonde's head turned in surprise towards the door, seeing a very angry brunette in front of her, "What the hell?!" shouted Emma in surprise.
Regina stood frozen, her eyes traveling down to the blonde's stomach. The brunette knew from their first and only night together that Emma took well care of her body, but my God she was not expecting for it to be this perfect before her eyes now.
"What the hell are you doing, Regina?" asked Emma still startled by how her wife entered the room.
Regina shook herself of the trance she had been in because of Emma's body, "Can you put a shirt on, please?"
Seeing the blonde's body before her now in the clear light of the room did things to Regina. She needed for the woman to put a shirt on for her to be able to yell at her.
"Not until you tell me why are you suddenly barging into my room." demanded the blonde.
Regina spoke, keeping her eyes to Emma's this time, "You know, you are really something. Claiming you love me, when off you go horseback riding with Lily. And here I am wondering what the hell you are out there doing with her! And when I look out my window, the first thing I see is you kissing her!"
"Is that what this is about?" asked Emma. She would love nothing but believe that this woman was finally jealous. But, she didn't want to get ahead of herself.
Regina crossed her arms in annoyance at how calm Emma seemed to be, "It's a good enough reason."
"Really?" Emma took a few steps towards her wife, "So, you were worried about me leaving with her, and you saw us through your window, kissing?" the blonde chuckled at her own question.
"What may I ask is so funny?" Regina asked, seething. Was Emma seriously laughing at this matter?
Emma shook her head in amusement, "Had I know this is what it took for you to come into my room late at night, I would have done it a long time ago."
Regina rolled her eyes at the blonde's smirk, "Can you please put a shirt on?"
"Why? I think you like what you see." the blonde's eyebrow quirked.
On the outside Regina was keeping up appearances, but on the inside she was screaming to Emma how right she was about appreciating the view before her, "What is wrong with you? Is everything about sex to you?" she asked Emma.
"Well if you want me to be honest, I have been dying to be with you again." Emma murmured as she began taking a few more steps towards the still angry brunette.
"Oh really? Is that why you kissed Lily?" asked Regina as she took a few steps back.
"She kissed me and it meant nothing. Besides, she's the only one offering me any kind of affection around here, since my wife can't seem to stand me." said Emma.
"Oh, you poor thing. This is exactly why I literally can't stand you." said Regina, now in a sarcastic tone.
She seemed jealous. Emma has had her fair share of jealousy to know what it looks like by now.
"Then, what are you doing here arguing about a kiss that meant nothing to me?" the blonde asked.
Regina grew annoyed once again, "Because I am trying to get you to understand that while we are married and I am living here, I deserve a little respect." she said firmly.
"Oh. Like the kind of respect you show me by thinking of someone else all the time?"
Emma was right, and Regina knew it, but she wasn't about to back down from this challenge, damn it.
"Well, Daniel is gone. I no longer have him or will probably ever see him again. You on the other hand have her living with us, and I have to cross paths with her everyday. What's worse, you kiss her just outside my window." the brunette replied.
Emma nodded, "I'm glad to know that you've finally given up on him."
"Maybe. But, it doesn't mean I've stopped loving him." Regina replied coldly this time. It was wrong of her to say, but she was hurt by what she had witnessed.
Emma stood quietly to the brunette's words as her green eyes stared directly into brown ones.
"Good night." was all the brunette said as she saw there was no getting through her, but just as Regina began to walk away, she felt the blonde pull her back to where she was. But before Regina had a chance to say anything she felt Emma's lips then press hard and hungry on to her own.
Emma could feel that Regina was jealous, so she took the risk to kiss her then and there. Maybe she still had some feelings for Daniel, but she was also starting to get jealous over Lily. And for that short while, it gave Emma hope.
Regina struggled to get away from the blonde's embrace, but the more she struggled the more Emma held on. Under other circumstances, Regina would have gladly returned that kiss. But Emma had just kissed Lily, and there was no way she was about to kiss her after seeing that.
The blonde groaned in pain as she felt the brunette bite down on her lip. As they backed away from one another, Emma touched her lip which had a small red pearl of blood. Regina had bit her hard. She was that mad.
The brunette's eyes grew dark with rage, "I told you! You are never touching me again."
"Then you have no right complaining about Lily. From now on, you have a problem with her. Deal with it." said Emma.
"Good night, Ms. Swan." that was all Regina said as she stormed out of the room. But not before her eyes took one last quick glance at that toned abdomen.
At the sound of the door closing, Emma sighed in frustration, "Fuck."
By morning, Emma had a noticeable cut on her bottom lip. Mary Margaret soon took notice as they ran into each other in the hallway as Emma was coming out of her bedroom, "Good morning." said Emma.
The older woman smiled at her daughter, "Good morning, ma'am." her smile soon disappeared as she became concerned for the cut on Emma's lip, "What on earth happened to you?"
The blonde shook her head, "Nothing to be concerned about. How's Regina this morning?"
Mary Margaret smiled again, "She's fine, ma'am. She had breakfast, said she was going to shower."
"Thank you." was all Emma said as she headed down the stairs.
Graham was walking into the living room area as he too took notice on Emma's injury, "Your lip." he was quick to say.
"I know." was all the blonde said, before he could ask questions, she informed him, "Regina."
Graham simply nodded in understanding, as Lily then came into the living room, noticing the cut on the blonde's lip.
"What the hell happened to your lip?" she asked to which Emma then grew annoyed by that question already. Regina sure knew how to leave her mark.
"It's nothing! Can we just eat?" the blonde asked.
Lily nodded, "Of course. Everything is set."
Emma just made her way into the dinning area, as Lily looked over to Graham for an explanation to Emma's lip injury. She knew if anyone knew anything it'd be him. But the man simply shrugged at her and followed right behind Emma.
As dinner time approached, hours later, Emma and Graham had taken a break from working and shared a few shots. The blonde had been outside working the fields. She liked it. Even if she had money now, she didn't mind getting her hands dirty.
Emma winced as she drank the shot down, from the alcohol burning her cut.
"She's a vicious one." Graham said, making the blonde chuckle.
"Yeah."
"Maybe you should try approaching her another way, Em." he suggested.
"I've tried many ways, Graham." she soon changed conversation, "You know, Lily offered to sleep with me."
The man's eyes grew wide at his friends words, "Seriously?"
Emma nodded, "Last night."
"What did you say?" he asked in surprise.
"I turned her down. I couldn't do that to Regina." replied Emma.
"You're not the least bit tempted?" he asked, curious.
"I'm not going to say she isn't attractive, she is. But my loyalty is to Regina. Even if she doesn't love me." the blonde replied with a sad tone this time.
"Shit. You really do love her, don't you?" the man asked, as she nodded. He knew of a few girlfriends the blonde had had in her teen years, but that was still kid stuff. She was never serious about anyone the way she has been about the brunette.
Mary Margaret was on her way up the stairs to see Regina in her room when she had heard their conversation.
The brunette was sitting on her couch when she heard a knock at the door and saw the older woman walk right in, "What's wrong, Mary?"
"I'm sorry, ma'am, you're going to think I'm being nosey, but I just heard Ms. Emma and Graham talking. It seems Lily is trying to get Ms. Emma to… you know."
Regina chuckled, "I can only imagine. Emma already kissed her." she informed the shorter woman.
Mary Margaret was shocked and angry, "What?"
Regina nodded, "Last night, right outside my window. Emma says Lily is the one who kissed her, but I'm not sure what to think."
The pixie haired woman soon took a seat next to Regina, "Ms. Emma is loyal to you. I just heard her telling Graham that she turned Lily down after she made such an offer. But I know people like Lily, ma'am. She won't stop until someone puts a stop to her."
"What can I do?" Regina asked.
"You're Emma's wife. You can do a lot more than you think in this house. You have every right as much as Emma does. Now, if I were you; I'd start taking an interest in things around here. Enough to show Lily who's the real Queen of this castle and who Emma belongs to. Claim what's yours. It's only my opinion." the woman shrugged, "Do with that, what you will."
Regina's brow raised in interest. She knew what Mary Margaret had told her made a lot of sense. She was married to Emma after all, so it was safe to say that Emma is hers. Maybe it was time for her to start taking an interest in things after all.
After a while, Regina headed into the kitchen then, as Eugenia was preparing dinner with Mary Margaret's help.
Both women smiled as Regina walked in, "Good evening, ma'am. Lily already told us what Emma wanted for dinner tonight." said Eugenia.
"Cancel that." said Regina, "I was thinking of cooking dinner for Emma tonight. I want to surprise her."
Both women smiled widely, Mary Margaret feeling like a proud mama bear in that moment.
"That is a wonderful idea, ma'am. What do you need?" Mary Margaret asked.
Regina smiled proudly, "Everything to make the perfect lasagna."
Not a lot of people knew this about the brunette, but she was fascinated by the idea of cooking. She was really good at it too. She just never had a chance to do much of it while living under the same roof as her mother. You can't ever lower yourself. A lady must remain classy. She would say. But now that she was away from her mother, maybe that could change and hopefully she could impress Emma.
The meal was ready in no time, the smell taking over the entire kitchen as Regina took it out of the oven.
"That looks just as good as it smells." Mary Margaret said, mouth watering over a piece.
Regina smiled at the compliment, "Thank you. We are all having a piece. I just hope Emma approves."
"That girl can eat anything, ever since a small child. She'll love this." Eugenia informed Regina.
Heads turned at the sight of Lily entering the kitchen, "What on earth is taking so long with dinner?"
"There's been a change of plans." Eugenia informed her.
"What change of plans?" asked Lily.
Regina looked down at Lily, "I made dinner."
Lily couldn't help to chuckle, "You?"
"That's right. I made it especially for my wife." replied the brunette.
Lily spoke unimpressed, "Yeah? What's in it, poison?"
"Lily!" Eugenia exclaimed at the girl.
Regina's eyes looked over at the older woman, "It's alright." she turns back to Lily as she's cutting a piece of lasagna as she placed it on a plate, "She's right." the brunette then walks up to the girl with an evil smirk this time, "I made this one especially for you."
Regina was the sweetest, but in that moment she looked like one of those villains from one of those fairy tale's the kids read about before going to sleep. Even Lily froze in place, eyes nearly coming out of her head in fear.
"What's wrong, dear?" asked Regina, while Mary Margaret and Eugenia tried to keep in their laughter. "Mary?" voiced Regina as she handed the same slice to Mary Margaret, who happily took a bite of the piece. "Excuse me." was all the brunette said as she made her way out of the kitchen with plates in hands.
Emma and Graham were sitting at the table, for Lily had told them that she would happily bring them their food. Both were surprised to see Regina come into the dinning area with plates of food for all three of them.
"Good evening." said the brunette as she sat the plates on the table, "I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of changing tonight's dinner."
"Lasagna?" asked Emma as she looked at the plate in front of her.
"It's very good, if I do say so myself. Everyone in the kitchen loved it." replied the brunette.
Emma's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "You made it?"
Regina nodded with a smile, "Do you mind? If you don't like it, I can always-"
Emma quickly interrupted, "No. No, it's… it's fine."
Regina soon took a seat next to Emma at the table, "Well, I hope you enjoy it as well."
Emma blinked in surprise, "You're eating here?"
"Well, I am your wife. Shouldn't I eat here?" asked Regina.
Emma was completely taken aback by all this, "No, of course. It's just… surprising."
The brunette chewed on a piece, as Graham already began to eat himself. Emma still staring at Regina in surprise slowly brought a piece to her mouth as she chewed on it slowly, letting the taste hit every single taste bud on her tongue.
Regina eyed Emma with a hopeful look in her eye, "So? What do you think? It's my own recipe."
Emma couldn't talk, it was a mixture of still being in shock by what just happened and eating this delicious meal.
"I certainly do love it. It's very good. I've never tasted one quite like this." spoke Graham as he flashed a smile in Regina's direction.
Regina mirrored the man's smile, "Thank you, Graham. I also wanted to apologize to you. I realize I was really rude when you got here."
Regina meant it. She really did want to try after all.
Graham simply shook his head, "It's water under the bridge."
They both shared another smile with each other, as Regina's gaze turned a still quiet Emma, "Emma? You're too quiet, dear."
Dear? Ok, now the blonde felt like there was something up.
Emma cleared her throat, "Everything is… really good. Thank you."
Regina flashed her wife a smile, "You're welcome."
Emma could swear that in that moment there was no hatred in Regina's eyes any longer. Of course that little moment was ruined once Lily came into the dining room.
"I'm sorry, Em. I didn't know the dinner was going to be changed." said the girl.
"It's alright. Have a seat." said Emma.
Regina stiffened, "I'm sorry, Emma but, you know I have a problem with her sitting here."
There was that tension again.
"We discussed this." the blonde murmured.
Regina's hand rested on Emma's to prevent her from taking another bite of her meal, "May I speak with you in the other room, please?"
Emma sighed but stood up from the dinner table and stepped into the living room area along with Regina.
"Emma, you know how I feel about her." said the brunette, using a firm tone of voice this time.
Emma's hands rested on her hips, "And I thought I told you to deal with it."
Regina wasn't going to step down that easy anymore. Mary Margaret was right, she was also head of this house.
"May I remind you, that I am also head of this house. And as your wife I would like to eat with you and our guest, alone."
Emma's brows furrowed in question at the sudden change of the brunette, "What's really going on here, Regina? Why are you so interested all of a sudden in fulfilling this role? You never cared before."
Of course Regina couldn't let Emma see that she was starting to care a little bit for her, "What, is it bad now that I want to start taking an interest in everything around here? You should be happy."
The brunette was suddenly taken by surprise once again as Emma stepped into the very little space they had between them, her green eyes looking deeply into Regina's brown ones, "Everything?" Emma murmured.
Regina then felt nervous as she knew what Emma had meant with that one word, shooting a glare directly at the blonde, "Not that. Look, I'll agree to eat with you from now on. Morning, noon and night with the condition that you make her eat elsewhere."
Emma stood in silence before Regina.
"Please." said the brunette with an eyeroll.
Emma then returned back into the dining room, Regina following her close behind, the blonde's eyes fell on Lily, "Lily. I want to ask you that you don't eat here anymore."
It worked. Emma gave in. The blonde would love nothing more than to please Regina after all, and this proved it to her.
"Why?" asked Lily who was obviously surprised by the sudden change.
"Just do as I ask." replied Emma.
"I'll do anything you ask me to do, Emma. But I think I deserve an explanation." said Lily.
"Regina is going to be eating with me every day now, and it seems you two can't get along, so-"
A scoff came from Lily, "So, I have to leave? Why can't she leave?"
"Regina is my wife and this isn't up for discussion." a firm voice came from the blonde.
Lily grew mad and Emma knew it, "As you wish." said the girl as she walked out of the dining area, but not before throwing a deathly glare at Regina, who smiled brightly at Emma, pleased that she was able to get her way as the blonde took a seat back at the table.
The silence soon was gone by a clearing of the throat from Graham, "I've got good news, Em. I set up an interview for you with our chosen candidate for the job. He will arrive in a couple of days."
"That's fantastic news. Thank you." replied the blonde.
"Unfortunately. I have to go out of town for a couple of days. So, I won't be here with you through all that process." Graham informed his friend.
"Everything will be just fine, you go. You've helped me out a lot already." Emma smiled, "When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow morning, actually." said the man.
All three talked during dinner. Regina had actually learned a lot about Graham that night. She actually grew to like the guy, which had Emma surprised but as long as the brunette was smiling, she was feeling pretty pleased.
Once Regina had gone up to her bedroom, Mary Margaret went up to keep her company while the brunette brushed her hair.
The older woman was smiling proudly, "Emma looked so surprised tonight. You did so well."
This brought a smile to Regina's face, "Well, I should thank you. You are the one who convinced me to do something different."
Mary Margaret sat on the bed, while she watched the brunette brush her hair, "I just didn't want someone else coming by and taking Emma away from you. You two have chemistry."
Regina chuckled, "I was just happy to beat Lily at her own game."
The pixie haired woman smirked, "Was that really the reason, or is it because you are starting to have some feelings for Emma?"
The brunette turned to look at her as she placed the hairbrush down, "Why are you so interested in getting me to fall in love with Emma?" she asked, curiosity in her voice.
"You two are right for each other. The circumstances may not have been the best for either of you but, I believe things always happen for a reason. And, I can tell you, that if you wanted to; Emma would be on her knees for you."
Regina couldn't help to let out a laugh at the idea of that being true, "Don't be silly! You've seen her yourself. Emma likes control."
Mary Margaret nodded, "You're right, she does. But so do you. And I can tell by the way she looks at you, that if you wanted to, she would let you have all the control."
As weird as this conversation turned for Regina, she couldn't help but enjoy the pixie haired woman's company. She made sense to her and was easy to talk to.
"Why do I get the feeling that this conversation just took a sexual turn, Mary?" the brunette asked cautiously. Afraid of the answer. Sure, Emma was beyond hot, but she was being careful not to make it so obvious of the looks Regina now started giving her.
The older woman had a smug look about her now as she shrugged, "I have eyes. Let's just say… I've seen those glares you give her sometimes. Ma'am."
Crap! She knew. Just play it cool, Regina.
The brunette told herself, as she tried exactly that, "And what look is that according to you?"
Mary Margaret simply smiled, "I'm sorry, but it's late. I should turn in for the night."
"Mary!" shouted Regina as the older woman simply walked out without another word, leaving the brunette alone with her thoughts. And those thoughts went back the night of their wedding. How Emma had been with her in their most intimate moment. Every detail of that night flashed in every corner of her mind. The way Emma touched her, the way she kissed her, how she made her crave for more.
Regina's legs turned out to be crossed together, thighs firmly squeezed together as she woke up from those thoughts. She hadn't realized it but she was even biting her lip.
Get a grip, it wasn't that good!
The brunette thought as she shook those thoughts away. But, why hide it anymore? It was good. It's true she hadn't had anyone else before Emma, but after having her… she didn't desire anyone else anymore.
Things were calm between Emma and Regina lately. Sure they had differences every now and then, especially when it came to Lily, but Emma was more calm about it as well.
A few days went on with things pretty calm between them. Regina kept her word and would join her at the dinner table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Regina would keep to herself from the blonde at times, not wanting to let her know everything about her just yet. She was too scared to admit to these feelings she had developed for the blonde. It all happened so sudden that it frightened her.
After all, she went from loving Daniel to being forced into a marriage she didn't want to be a part of, and then falling harder for this woman who was now her wife. It was almost sad, because she couldn't even remember when was the last time she even thought about Daniel Her thoughts were now constantly on Emma.
Emma who had a hard time trusting in every word that would come out of her mouth due to her wanting to leave her before. Another reason why she couldn't bring herself to tell her just yet, she wanted to know how to deal with this big change herself, and then figure out a way to convince her wife that what she felt was more real than anything she had ever felt before.
Regina was still sleeping one of those mornings, her thoughts kept her up at night. While Emma was looking over some of her books and writing down what she's spent on machinery and products. It was quite a busy morning for the blonde. Today was also the day she would interview the new man for Robert's job. She'd finally be rid the creep.
There was a light knock at the door, Emma's head looked up at Robert who was stepping inside her office, along with whom she assumed were the two new workers. The blonde stood to her feet.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Emma, but these guys said they are here for a job interview." said Robert, to which the blonde nodded.
"Thank you, Robert. You can close the door on your way out." she said firmly as the man stepped out, with anger spelled all over his features.
Emma smiled at the two men standing before her as she extended her hand in greeting towards the first one her eyes landed on, "You must be Gregory Myers. I'm Emma Swan."
No other than Daniel himself was shaking Emma's hand in greeting as he looked right into her green eyes, staring at the woman who had stole Regina from him.
He had figured out where to find the brunette. He found out Emma owned this ranch and was looking for a good worker. As luck would have it, a couple of muggers down the road to Emma's place had killed the man who was supposed to have this very same interview. Daniel witnessing the events along with his friend Neal, decided he would pass under the name of the deceased man and find a way to take Regina with him as soon as he was able.
Sure, it was a crazy plan, but he couldn't back out now. He was here, standing before her. Under a different name, but here regardless. He just needed to find Regina to let her know of his arrival.
"That's me." said Daniel as his eyes never left the blonde before him. He had to admit, she was very beautiful.
"I've been expecting you. Graham told me great things about you." said Emma, clueless to who was standing in front of her.
With so many things happening around their line of work, Graham kept putting his investigation towards Daniel on hold. Emma honestly had forgotten all about it, ever since things were calm with Regina.
"I've heard a great deal about you. We finally meet." replied Daniel with a small hint of coldness to his voice, as his eyes now looked over to Neal, "This is my friend, Neal Cassidy. I hope it's alright that I brought him along. I can assure you, he's a good worker."
Emma gave them both a warm smile, "Welcome. Please, sit down." she moved to her side of the desk as Daniel and Neal sat opposite her. "Graham showed me your work history. Frankly, I could use someone like you to work for me. I need people I can trust."
"I'm your guy. Whatever you need. You just give us a chance to prove ourselves and I can assure you, you won't be disappointed. I've worked in just about anything these days." replied Daniel.
Emma gave another smile, "I like your confidence already, Greg. The pay is good, so you won't have to worry about anything while working for me. There's a guest house just around back. You can do with it as you please. I never use it."
Suddenly, Daniel was taken aback to how nice and kind Emma was being. That was who the blonde was after all, but he didn't know that. He had only had the impression of her that she was as evil as Cora was.
"I appreciate that. Thank you."
"No thanks needed. I grew up here, working just like everyone else. They are my family. And now you will be a part of that family. So…" Emma stood from her seat, "I'll have Robert show you to the guest house. I'll have some food and clothes brought out to you. Get settled and familiar with the books and work around here, then report back to me. Any questions, just ask."
Daniel stood, staring at her in shock, "Just like that? We get the job?" he asked.
Emma provided him with another smile, "I studied your resume. I know every corner of it. I know people and you look like a good guy. I'll give you a shot and see how you do."
"I really appreciate it." he replied still in shock.
"Follow me." said Emma as she walked outside with Daniel and Neal following close behind.
Daniel's eyes wandered all over the land. It was a huge place after all, but really he was on the lookout for one brunette in particular. He had to keep playing the part.
"This is a big place. Is it just you here?" he asked Emma.
"No. You'll meet my wife soon, I'm sure. She's sleeping right now." the blonde replied.
"Your wife?" that wasn't meant to be a question. The title alone made the man jealous, but of course he couldn't show it. It would blow his cover in front of Emma.
Emma turned to look at him in question now, "Is that a problem?"
"Not at all." Daniel hated to admit it, but Emma had a glare that could make you want to step down.
Emma walked into the guest house with both of them, showing them around the small living area, "This is where you'll be staying. Make yourselves at home. I'll have some meals brought out to you and some clothes. I'll also inform Robert to come and collect you so you can look over all that needs to be done and be familiar with everything his position requires. Report to me when you're ready."
This was going to be harder than Daniel thought. He wasn't expecting for this woman to be this fucking nice. I mean, come on.
He simply nodded, for it's all he could do in that moment, "Thank you, Mrs. Swan."
Emma then did something he didn't expect as her hand patted him on his shoulder as she gave him another smile, "Just Emma."
"Emma." he echoed as he stood frozen while the blonde walked out, giving them some privacy.
Daniel turned to look at neal with a surprised look, as Neal spoke, "This is crazy. You're going to get caught. We should just go."
"I can't go now. I have to see Regina." was all Daniel said as Neal simply shook his head, knowing that this couldn't possibly end well.
Emma was entering the house when she spotted Lily, "Lily, the two new employees just arrived today. They will be staying in the guest house out back. Could you please, get Eugenia to prepare them a meal, and could you get some extra clothes and take it to them?"
Lily smiled at the blonde, "You sure are a much better boss than James ever was. You have such a big heart." she complimented.
This brought a smile to the blonde's lips, "That's my intention. I want to make a difference."
"Well you are doing a great job at it." a hand cupped the blonde's cheek, "One of the many reasons why I love you so much, Em."
A throat was heard being cleared as Regina walked into the living room area, "Good morning." she said while throwing glares at Lily.
Emma had talked to Lily about doing her best at staying out of Regina's way, which the girl did so as she soon left the room, but not before throwing a glare back Regina's way.
"Good morning. I'm glad you're here. I should inform you, that the employee I was expecting has arrived today. So, don't be surprised if you see him around here." Emma informed her wife, neither of them knowing that that man was Daniel himself.
Regina shrugged but took an interest as she has been for days in what's been going on in Emma's life, "That's fine, Emma. Does that mean that you will soon fire Robert?"
Emma nodded, "That's my plan. I'm just waiting on Greg to get familiar with everything around here first before I do that."
"Good." Regina murmured, almost with a sad tone, which Emma took notice in.
"Are you alright? You look like you have something on your mind."
The brunette shook her head, "Nothing to worry about."
Emma then took her wife's hand into her own as she spoke, "Regina. You can tell me. I'm your wife, I'm interested in everything that goes on with you."
Regina could see the honesty in her words, in her eyes even. Truth is, these past days that they were starting to get along more, Emma had been her sweet self with her again that Regina couldn't help but fall for her more.
"I just… I miss my father. I've talked to him, but from what my mother tells me, he hasn't been doing so well. I was hoping… maybe I could go visit? I'd really like to see him." Regina said in a pleading tone of voice.
The blonde let go of her hand, as Regina now saw a worried expression on her face, she knew that the idea of Regina traveling to Chicago meant that she would be in the same place as Daniel again, but she couldn't keep her from seeing her father. That's not who Emma was, and Regina has been changing with her for these past few days, she deserved a chance to visit her family.
Soon they agreed that they would both make that trip together. Regina figured that by allowing Emma to accompany her, the blonde would maybe trust her more and see that she no longer had anything to worry about.
Emma trusted her, but when it came to Daniel it was still a little hard for her. But, this was the final step the blonde had to take to see that maybe now she could have a chance with Regina. Maybe now things could be different between them. They could be better.
"Go get beautiful for your father, I'll wait for you outside with the car ready." Emma told Regina.
Regina smiled at her wife in thanks, "Thank you." she quickly gave the blonde a kiss on the cheek as she hurried upstairs to get ready for their trip to Chicago.