"Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder"
Mary Margaret knocked on Regina's door, frowning at her. "I'm sorry to interrupt but Gold's assistant just called. He wants to see you in his office. Now."
Regina sighed, minimizing her inbox. She straightened up a pile of papers on her desk before picking up her notebook and a pen. "Did she say what it was for?"
"No. I doubt Gold told her," Mary Margaret replied. "Do you think it's bad?"
"You never know with him. Wish me luck," Regina said, rushing past her assistant and friend as she headed toward the elevator. Mary Margaret yelled the sentiments after her as the doors opened, letting Regina onto the carriage to head up to Gold's office.
Once she got up there, his assistant ushered her right inside. Gold sat at his desk, writing something, and barely looked up as he waved a hand toward the chairs in front of him. "Have a seat, Regina."
"Is everything okay?" Regina asked, running through all her accounts to figure out if something had gone wrong.
Gold looked up at last, frowning. "Why would you think something is wrong?"
"You don't often call us up here to give us good news," Regina pointed out, sitting down and crossing her legs. "So let's have at it."
He chuckled, capping his pen. "Well, it's good to know that you all have a healthy amount of fear about messing up. But I promise you, Regina, this is good news. Potentially."
She raised an eyebrow. "Potentially? What does that mean?"
"It means we're courting a new client. Have you heard of Victoria Belfrey?" he asked, leaning forward with his hands clasped on his desk.
Regina racked her mind for anything associated with that name but nothing came up. She frowned, shaking her head. "Can't say I have. Who is she?"
"She's a rising star in Seattle property. And she's looking for someone to handle her next marketing campaign," Gold said. "Naturally, I want that to be us."
"Naturally," Regina agreed, feeling excited. "And you want me to go woo her?"
He nodded, grinning at her. "I would only send my best. My assistant will work with yours to make all the travel arrangements."
"Thank you," Regina said, excited to go out to the West Coast. She didn't get to travel there often for her job as most of their clients were located on the East Coast and often chose to have teleconferences with them. It would be fun to go to another city for a few days.
She started to jot down some notes. "How long do you anticipate me being out there?"
Gold didn't answer right away and she lifted her head, curious. He had a serious expression as always but she thought he looked a bit guilty. "I was hoping you could stay for an extended period."
"What do you mean by that?" Regina asked, narrowing her eyes as suspicion filled her.
"I was thinking maybe you could stay out there for a couple months, maybe to the New Year, to really work with her," Gold said. "You know, rather than teleconferencing."
Her stomach sank. "Two months? You expect me to upend my life and move out to Seattle for two months?"
"The company would provide you an apartment and a car," he started to explain but she held up her hand.
"What about my husband? He can't just up and leave his company for two months," she pointed out. "And we're trying to adopt a child. How would it look if I just up and left for that long?"
This was strange for her. She had never balked at doing anything for her job before—she was willing to go wherever they needed her, do whatever it took to get the client and then to make sure they were more than satisfied with their work. However, their business trips had never been so long—her longest to date had been a week. While she could do a week, she couldn't just up and leave Avalon for two months. She was willing to go the extra mile for Gold and her clients, she now gave her family an even higher priority and she couldn't just forsake her responsibilities to Robin and to Queen.
When he didn't say anything, Regina nodded and closed her notebook. She started to stand and said something she never thought she would ever say. "Maybe Zelena would be better suited to this assignment."
"Do you mean that?" Gold asked, challenging her with his steely gaze.
She wasn't going to back down, though, and nodded. "I do."
He blinked first and sighed, motioning for her to sit down. "Okay, fine. Let's see if we can work something out that works for both of us."
"You mean it?" she asked, surprised as she slowly lowered herself back into the chair. She hadn't expected him to cave but to rather agree to send Zelena. This was new ground for her.
"Zelena would clash with Victoria Belfrey, I just know it," he said. "But I think you two would connect. So I want you to at least make the first contact with her. We can then send someone else out there to deal with the day-to-day stuff until the New Year. Do you think you can do a month?"
She frowned, shaking her head. "That still seems too long for me to be away from my family. What about two weeks?"
He sighed, nodding. "Fine, two weeks. Then we'll figure out someone else to send after that—if you think it's necessary."
"Thank you," she said, sincerely. She appreciated that Gold was willing to work with her and understood how much that meant he believed she could land this account. His last words also told her that he was going to put a lot of weight into her opinion when it came to this one. "When do you want me to leave?"
"By the end of the week, if that's possible," he said, waving her off. "My assistant will make all the arrangements with yours, as I said earlier."
Regina nodded, standing up. "Thank you, Gold, and I promise you won't be disappointed."
"I better not be," he said, picking up his pen again and resuming his work.
She was dismissed.
Regina packed her bag, trying to figure out what she would need for two weeks. She also had several suits and dresses in a garment bag but she was worried she would need another one. "How many bags can I check?" she wondered aloud.
"One," Robin said, entering the room. "Depending on the airline you're flying. You definitely are over."
She sighed as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Hey, hey. The company is paying for all of this, right?"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can spend a lot of money," she replied with a sigh. "I guess I'll figure this all out and make adjustments for when I'm in Seattle."
He kissed her head. "You'll be fine. I'm sure Gold won't mind a few extra expenses if it gets him this client. I mean, he wanted to send you out there for two months. He was clearly ready to spend whatever."
She had to admit he had a point. Gold had been ready to let her live in Seattle for eight weeks. Whatever she spent in two wouldn't come close to those expenses. And if Gold had any problems with her expense reports at the end of the trip, she would be willing to fight him. Especially if she landed the Belfrey account.
Robin stepped away, picking up some items to start folding for her. "Of course, I don't know what I'm going to do without you for two weeks."
"I'm sure you'll find something to keep you occupied," she told him. "I mean, you still have Her Majesty."
He nodded, glancing at the dog lying by the door. "Yes, I do. She's going to miss you, though."
"Me? If she were a person, she'd be a daddy's girl," she replied, giving him an incredulous look.
"She just wants me to take her out, clean up after her and to throw things for her to catch," he said. "She wants you for belly rubs, pampering and cuddles. Her Majesty sleeps on your legs, not mine, because she wants to be close to you."
Queen lifted her head and then rose to her feet, padding over to Regina. She jumped up, pawing at Regina's legs until she crouched down to scratch behind the dog's floppy ear. Her Majesty closed her eyes and leaned against Regina, tail wagging.
Regina picked up Queen, holding the dog close. "I'm going to miss her when I'm in Seattle. I'll miss both of you."
"Don't worry, lovely," he assured her, gently gripping her arms. "I'm sure it'll fly by and we'll be reunited soon enough."
She gave him a soft smile. "I hope so."
"Well, how about we kick Her Majesty out and I give you something to think about during those cold, lonely nights in Seattle?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
Regina chuckled before motioning to the bed with her head. "My stuff is still on it. And I won't have you wrinkling any of it."
He let out an exaggerated sigh before nodding. "Okay, okay. Let's finish packing and then I'll give you something to think about when you're away from me. Okay?"
"Okay," she replied, kissing him. "Just don't wrinkle anything."
Robin saluted her. "Challenge accepted."
In what seemed like a blink of her eye, Regina found herself at the Avalon International Airport. Robin parked the car, helping her with her bags until she was able to check them. Boarding pass and baggage claim ticket in hand, she turned to him as they stood by the escalator that would take her to security and then her gate.
He pulled her close. "You have a good trip, lovely, and I'll be waiting in the arrivals in two weeks for you."
"It still seems so far away," she said, resting her forehead against his. She didn't want to leave his arms and go across the country from him but knew she had to.
"I know," he told her. "But it'll go by in the blink of an eye. You'll see."
She nodded, though she didn't believe him. Rising up on her tiptoes, she pressed a kiss to his lips. "I love you."
"I love you too," he told her, kissing her again before also kissing the tip of his nose. "Now go. The last thing you want is to be caught on an endless security line."
Regina knew he was right. She would feel better once she was through security and found her gate, certain then she wouldn't miss her flight. Part of her, though, wanted to miss it and go home with Robin. To tell Gold to send someone else to deal with Victoria Belfrey and she would handle the fallout later.
However, that wasn't her. She was still a driven career-woman and she wanted to land this account. It would be a boon along with Gepetto's Toys and she could sense a raise in her future if she got Victoria Belfrey. More money would definitely help once they finally were able to adopt.
With one last kiss, Regina gave Robin a tight smile. "I'll text you when I land and then I'll call you once I'm situated in the hotel."
"I'll look forward to them." He hugged her one last time before pushing her toward the escalator. "Now go. The sooner you get to Seattle, the sooner you come home to me."
She took a deep breath and picked up her carryon, blowing him a kiss. Regina then stepped onto the escalator and let it take her away from her husband and toward the plane that would take her to Seattle.
Within minutes of meeting Victoria Belfrey, it became very apparent to Regina why Gold insisted on sending her. She would be the only one who would be able to counter the woman's very strong and demanding personality without insulting the woman or losing her business. Regina felt like she was back in the dance classes she took as a little girl, carefully tap dancing around the room whenever she was with Victoria.
However, she could almost respect the woman. She had fought her way to the top of Seattle's commercial real estate world and had made a name for herself. People respected her and knew she would give them good deals for great properties. Victoria also had big plans for the city and needed their help with the campaign to get support for it.
The main thing that gave Regina pause was the fact that Victoria's plans included gentrifying several parts of the city and essentially pushing out what the woman herself called "the riff-raff." Regina had never been in the position to be someone pushed out by these plans, having been born into a life of privilege and always living in the "right" parts of town. However, she knew how controversial gentrification was and that the neighborhoods targeted were usually full of people of color who were pushed out for white residents.
Regina tended to attract clients who were dedicated to charity and making people's lives better. Gepetto's Toys always donated toys to less fortunate children as well as those sick in hospitals. Graham's animal sanctuary made sure that all children had the opportunity to learn about animals, no matter their socio-economic background. She could go on and on about her other clients. Victoria Belrey would stand in sharp contrast as her idea of charity was to tear down a community garden and put up condos, claiming she was "improving" the neighborhood.
She shared her concerns with Gold during one of her calls to report in. He listened before humming. "It will be hard to spin her plans in a positive direction," he agreed. "We might be stepping into a controversial minefield we don't want to deal with. See if you can guide her into softening her approach or at least encourage her to do at least appear to want to really improve the neighborhood for the current residents."
"I'll do my best but she's pretty set in her ways and very stubborn," Regina replied, glancing out the spare office she was given to make sure Victoria wasn't walking by. The woman seemed to have supersonic hearing, especially when it came to anything that could be considered critical of her or her business.
"That's why I sent you," he told her. "You're just as stubborn but you won't push her until she breaks. Try to work your magic, Regina. Keep me updated."
They ended the call and Regina took a deep breath, readying herself to head into battle with Victoria Belfrey. She definitely deserved hazard pay for this.
Regina took to exploring the neighborhood to get a feel for it. It was a vibrant community full of different ethnicities working and living together, all sharing their cultures. Many of the buildings had fallen into disrepair and some of the businesses had closed during some of the harder times, but the people wanted to see their neighborhood return to its former glory. (They also had the tendency to call her "Roni" for some reason as well). Regina tried to convince Victoria that focusing on fixing up the buildings and focusing on bringing in new businesses would be better than putting up expensive apartment buildings—especially given her connections and ties to commercial real estate.
Yet all her suggestions to do so were met with sharp dismissal and pivots back to Victoria's plan to gentrify the neighborhood. She refused to soften her stance on her plans for the community, insisting that the neighborhood needed a complete overhaul. "It doesn't need a community garden," she told Regina. "It needs high class, respectable people. The good sort of people."
The way she said "good" made Regina's skin crawl and she tried not to show her discomfort. "I just think you need to look at it a different way," she tried to tell Victoria.
"I think I'm looking at it in the right way," Victoria replied, her European accent (maybe a posh British one? Robin would know if he were there) starting to grate on Regina's nerves. She then said pointedly: "You just need to start seeing it that way as well."
Regina frowned, realizing that Victoria was someone who was used to giving orders and having them followed. She wanted what she wanted and wasn't going to accept any suggestions otherwise. It made her wonder if they would be a good fit for her after all. Perhaps it would be best if Victoria kept her marketing in house but she wouldn't suggest that just yet. Gold sent her out there to try and get Victoria Belfrey as a client, so she wasn't going to wash her hands of the woman just yet. Not until she was truly certain there was no way she could work with the woman.
She trudged back to the apartment, wanting nothing more than a good bowl of macaroni and cheese followed by a bubble bath. Maybe she would call Robin and have a nice, sexy conversation with him. It would be a poor substitute for the real thing but would help take the edge off.
Regina opened the door and was greeted by the delicious aroma of roast beef. Her mouth began watering as she stepped inside, closing the door. She wondered who was making the amazing meal she smelt and if she could get them to share it with her.
"Welcome home," Robin said, surprising her. Her eyes widened as she turned, finding her husband exiting the kitchen with two glasses of wine.
She gaped at him, wondering if she had fallen asleep and was dreaming. "Robin?"
He grinned, setting the wine down on a table before holding his arms open. "Surprise!"
"Oh my god," she sobbed, stepping into his waiting arms as happy tears rolled down her cheeks. He wrapped them around her and held her close. She pressed her nose to his neck, breathing in his familiar woodsy scent. "I've missed you so much."
"I missed you too. So Mary Margaret arranged for me to fly out here and surprise you," he said, kissing the side of her head.
She smiled against his neck before their beautiful Boykin terrier popped into her mind. "What about Queen?" she asked.
"No doubt being spoiled rotten by your doting father," he replied, rubbing her back. "Though she's missed you, just like I said. Will sit by the door until she realizes you're not coming home and then she goes to curl up on your side of the bed, whining."
Regina felt her heart break a little. "She misses me that much?"
"Of course she does. As much as I missed you. I just didn't feel comfortable bringing her on the plane." He leaned back, brushing her hair way from her damp face. That's when she realized she had started crying. "Why don't you go get changed and I'll get dinner on the table? You look like you've had a long day."
She sighed, nodding. "You have no idea."
"That Victoria Belfrey woman still being a pain?" he asked, moving back toward the kitchen as she headed to the bedroom.
"I honestly don't think it will work out," she said, finally glad to voice it out loud. "But I can't tell that to Gold yet. Not until I can get him to make the decision."
"Doesn't he respect your opinion? Wouldn't he listen to you?"
She pulled her Knights jersey over her head as she considered her answer. "Gold does respect my opinion, but he still likes to think he's making the final decision. So I have to lead him to making the right one. Or get Victoria to make it. Either seems unlikely right now. I'm constantly playing mind games with them."
Robin appeared in the doorway, leaning against the jamb with his arms crossed. "So it's all psychological?"
"I guess it is," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Good thing I dabble in psychology and am the daughter of a brilliant psychologist."
He nodded, running his fingers through her hair. "The brilliant daughter of a brilliant psychologist."
"Now you're just trying to butter me up," she replied, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. "And you don't have to. You just flew across the country for me."
"Good point," he said before smiling. "Now, no more talk of work. It's you, me, dinner and wine. Come on."
She took his hand, happily following him into the kitchen for a good meal and light conversation with her husband.
Regina closed her eyes, almost purring as strong fingers gently massaged her scalp. The soft smell of roses wafted up from the warm and bubbly water surrounding her body, relaxing her sore and tense muscles. She was braced against his firm chest and she ran her own hands over his legs, enjoying the moment with her husband.
"Tilt your head back, lovely," he instructed gently. "I'm going to wash the suds out of these gorgeous curls."
She obliged, leaning her head back and feeling him pour warm water through her hair. He repeated it a few times as he ran his fingers through her hair, making sure to get all the shampoo out. Robin then pulled her back toward him, kissing the side of her head. "There. All clean."
"Well, not quite," she said, settling into his arms. "I still have to wash my body."
"I can handle that," he replied, kissing her neck as he reached for the loofa she had brought with her from home.
She hummed before running her toes up and down his leg. "Can you clean the dirty thoughts in my mind?"
"Probably," he whispered, nipping at her ear. "But I don't want to. Not yet, anyway."
"Oh?" she asked.
He hummed this time, pouring her shower gel into the loofa and getting it nice and sudsy. "Oh yes. I think we're going to need a shower in the morning after what I have planned for you."
Something hot coiled deep inside her and she bit her lip. "Oh? And what is that?"
"You're just going to have to wait to find out." He kissed her neck again as he ran the loofa over her arms.
Regina tried not to groan. "You're going to torture me, aren't you?"
"Only because it's fun." The loofa now ran down her chest, right between her breasts. She held her breath, waiting for it to dip lower but it never did.
Instead, he shifted in order to run it down her right leg and then back up her left. One of his hands cupped her breast as she gasped as his thumb toyed with her nipple. She gripped the edge of the tub to resist the urge to rise out of the water, trying not to get the floor wet. "Robin…" she whined.
"Shh," he replied. "Just feel this. Don't think, don't worry."
Her loofa was abandoned, floating amongst the bubbles still left, and she watched his hand slid down her slick stomach. Robin's lips were pressed to her ear again. "This is just the start of what I promise will be an amazing night."
"Less talking," she whispered, "more action. Or tonight won't be as amazing as you promise."
He chuckled and she gasped as his finger brushed against her clit. Robin kissed her neck. "Like that?"
"Yes," she moaned, sinking into the water as he added another finger against her clit. He rubbed small circles against it, sending waves of pleasure through her body. She tried to find something to grab on to, but her wrinkly fingers made it almost impossible. Her body was free to buck as it wanted.
Water splashed over the edge of the tub and hit the floor as her hips bucked against Robin's hand. He picked up speed, almost matching the wild pounding of her heart as she began to pant. "Faster."
"In good time," he said, kissing her neck. "We're going to make this last."
Her toes curled and she grabbed onto his legs for support as her first orgasm crashed over her. "Robin!"
"That's it, lovely. Let it out." He slowed his rubbing as she rode out the rest of her orgasm.
She turned, not caring how much water she splashed onto the floor in the process. Regina straddled him, pushing him down gently. "Who says you get to have all the fun?"
"I thought you were having the fun," he replied, leaning back as he raised an eyebrow. "You're the one who just orgasmed."
Regina hummed, wrapping her fingers around his hard cock and slowly pumping. "True. But there's a reason my favorite holiday is Christmas."
"Oh?" he tried to ask but it came out sound more like a groan.
She nodded, smirking at him. "I love to give rather than receive."
"Oh god." He really groaned that time as she increased her rhythm, her thumb toying with the tip of his cock.
Regina kissed him—once, twice, three times. She lingered longer each time and he tried to keep her from pulling back. "Tease," he whispered.
"And proud of it," she said, bumping his nose with hers. "Now, I think you're almost ready. But as for me…"
She didn't have to finish her thought. His fingers found her clit again, still sensitive from the attention paid to it earlier. Regina groaned as she pressed her forehead to his, feeling her body start to tremble yet again.
"I think you're readier than you thought," he told her, kissing her.
Regina braced herself on his shoulders, sinking onto his hard cock until he was buried to the hilt inside her. She kissed him again, moving against him and he met her enthusiastically. Water sloshed around them, small waves created by the bucking his hips against her body as he pumped into and out of her.
His lips closed around one of her nipples, his tongue teasing it as she dug her fingers amongst his hair. She gasped as her rhythm grew erratic, feeling herself grow closer. "Robin," she moaned.
"That's it, lovely," he said, nuzzling her neck. "Let go. Again. I'll follow you."
Regina gasped out his name as her second orgasm hit her body, eyes closing as she tilted her head back. Her back arched as she felt Robin continue his thrusts. She rode out wave after wave of pleasure and he came with a groan shortly after her.
She collapsed against his slick body, head nestled in the crook of his neck as she panted. "Wow."
"That was just the first of many wows, I assure you," he told her, rubbing her back. "Why don't we get out of this tub before we turn into two prunes and relocate to the bed?"
"I guess that sounds like a good idea." She sat up, letting him get out of the water first. The level lowered until only her legs were covered and she began to shiver from the loss of his warmth.
Robin stepped up to the tub, holding out a towel for her. She stood and he wrapped it around her, holding her close. "Are you relaxed?" he asked.
"Very much," she replied, pressing her forehead against his cheek. "You?"
"The same." He kissed her forehead before picking her up to carry her bridal style. "I've really missed you."
She laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her into the bedroom. "I really missed you too, Robin. I knew we couldn't go two weeks without each other."
"Well, we could…we just didn't have to." He laid her down on the bed before climbing next to her, stretching out beside her.
"True," she allowed, resting her head on his warm and bare chest. She smiled as she played with some of his chest hairs. "And if I had the choice, I would spend time with you rather than without you."
"Of course you would. I'm amazing."
She rolled her eyes. "Did your humility wash down the drain too?"
"I'm just being honest," he replied, "and you know it. Admit it. I'm amazing."
"Keep it up and I'll kick you to the couch since there won't be enough room for me, you and your ego in this bed."
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her as he kissed her forehead. "You don't really want to kick me out of the bed."
"No, I don't. But I will." She snuggled closer to him though, removing her towel and letting it fall to the floor. She would pick it up in the morning.
Robin carded his fingers through her drying hair. "Let's just get some rest and then we'll see about round two."
"Round two sounds nice," she sighed, feeling sleep pulling at her between the warm blankets and Robin's body.
It was everything she had missed for the past week and a half.
Regina slowly returned to consciousness from a dream she could barely hold onto now. Not when she felt featherlight kisses being trailed down her back as a warm hand cupped one of her ass cheeks. She smiled against her pillow, keeping her eyes closed as she turned her head. "Robin?"
"Yes, lovely?" he asked, the kisses stopping.
"Round two?" she asked in response.
He chuckled, giving her ass a squeeze. "I'm hoping for that. Do you feel up to it?"
"I'm not necessarily the one who has to be up for us to have a round two," she sassed him, opening her eyes at last.
Robin grinned at her as he knelt next to her. "Very funny, lovely."
"I thought so," she replied, pleased with herself as she sat up. "Shall we see how ready you are for this?"
He batted her hand away as she reached out for him. "Not yet. There's something I want to do first."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Lie back down and let me do all the work," he told her, positioning himself between her legs.
Anticipation filling her, Regina did just that. She got herself comfortable with the pillow propped just right under her as she opened her legs. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"
"Nope," he said, pushing her legs until they were bent at the knees. "I think I can do this well enough on my own."
She chuckled, closing her eyes as his tongue licked her clit. It was still sensitive from the two orgasms in the bath and she gasped as her hips bucked. "Oh god…"
"I like that sound. Let's see if I can draw it out again." He teased her clit with his tongue, causing her to wine as waves of pleasure radiated through her.
Regina moaned as he continued to lick and lap at her, making her wetter and wetter as she writhed on the bed. She gripped the pillow and her back arched off the bed, her toes curling as Robin continued. "I missed your tongue," she moaned.
He responded with another broad lick that had her almost screaming with desire. "Fingers," she demanded. "Now."
Robin groaned, a deep sound that she knew meant he was even more turned on and she smirked. She was lucky to find the one man whose kink was her being bossy in bed.
"Yes," she hissed as his finger teased her entrance, slowly inching into her. She was also lucky to find a man who catered to her every wish as well. He lazily pumped his finger in and out of her, curling it just so inside her to brush against her g-spot. It made her heart speed up and her breathing come faster.
He lifted his head and kissed the inside of her leg as he kept pumping. "Do you want another finger?"
"YES!" she shouted.
"As you wish." Robin added a second finger and she moaned as stars began to appear before her eyes.
His lips returned to her neglected clit, sucking as he continued to pump. The onslaught had her keening over the edge with a shout as the stars exploded. She rode out her third orgasm of the night on his tongue as he slowed his fingers.
Regina panted as she laid there, her body feeling like jelly. "Oh god, I love what you do to me."
"I can tell." He pressed kisses over her stomach and then up her chest, landing in the valley between her breasts. "It's so easy to worship you."
"Is that so?" she asked, amused as she opened her eyes to find him hovering over her.
He nodded. "You're a goddess come to earth."
"Well, you would know as a demigod," she replied, cupping his cheek as she craned her neck to kiss him.
Robin broke the kiss, nuzzling her hair. "We're the perfect pair then."
She hummed, reaching down to wrap her fingers around his half-hard cock. "It's your turn for some attention."
"I can wait," he told her. "This is about you."
"And I've missed you as much as you've missed me. This is about the both of us then." She began to stroke his cock lazily, just getting started.
They did have all night.
Regina kissed him again and he cupped one of her breasts, teasing her nipple with his thumb. He slid his knee between her legs, gently pressing against her wet and sensitive sex. She began rutting slowly against it, building friction against her clit to send little jolts throughout her body once more.
He moved his lips to her neck, easily finding the one spot that had her limbs turning back to liquid. She loved how well he knew her body and how he worshipped her, as he called it. Regina dug her fingers into his damp hair, her nails lightly scraping his scalp as her other hand continued to pump him.
She flicked her thumb over his tip, spreading precum with it. Panting, she said: "I think you're ready."
"Probably," he replied, nipping at her ear. "But I think we can wait a bit longer, don't you?"
"I can wait. Can you?" she asked, turning her head to rub her nose against his.
He chuckled. "I guess we'll just have to find out."
She kissed him, giving his cock a couple more pumps. His body shuddered against hers and she smiled against his lips, feeling a bit victorious. Yet she had married a man as stubborn as her, so she knew that if he thought he could wait, he would endure anything to prove it to her.
Pulling away, Regina looked in the eyes. "What if I don't want to wait? What if I want you inside me right now?"
"Do you?" he asked, voice husky as he continued to hover over her.
She nodded, bucking her hips so her wet sex rubbed against his leg again. "Can't you feel it?"
He moaned but pulled back, making her frown. "What are you doing, Robin?"
"Making sure you're really ready," he said, his fingers grazing her clit and making her groan. "I don't want to fall down on my job."
"Your job?" she asked, panting as he lavished more attention on her overstimulated clit. She feared she would come again just from what he was doing.
He smirked as he watched her writhe under him. "Ensuring you are thoroughly pleasured and have no complaints."
"Oh," she gasped. "Well, then, I say you're a star employee."
"Good." He then groaned. "God, you're so fucking wet…"
She hooked leg around him and pulled him closer to her, the tip of his cock pressed against her entrance. "Then I'm ready."
He chuckled, leaning down to kiss her as he slowly entered her—inch by infuriating inch. She was tempted to push him in but told herself to be patient. It would be worth it in the end, she knew.
Regina gasped as he fully entered her. Her hand flew back up to his head, digging into his hair. "Oh god…"
"Does it feel good?" he asked, voice husky as he pumped in and out of her.
She groaned. "Very, very good."
He hummed, hooking his arm around her leg and lifting her knee even more. She cried out in pleasure as he sank deeper inside her. Robin picked up his speed, hitting a spot deep inside her that made Regina scream. Her toes curled and her body rose from the bed, her fingers unable to clutch onto the sheets.
Regina met his every thrust. His lips found her breast, sucking as he knelt back with her straddling him. She grabbed onto him, trying to brace herself as her body trembled beside his. Pleasure overwhelmed her and she knew she was going to explode.
She panted, her nails scratching at his stomach as his muscles moved with his every move. "Robin…"
"Are you close?" he asked, his hand massaging her neglected breast as their sweat-slicked bodies pressed together.
"Yes," she gasped. "So close…yet…still…"
He laid her down again, pushing her knee back again as he cupped her head. "I know what you need."
"Please," she begged, wishing for the release she had already felt twice that night.
Robin slid his hand through her hair, down their torsos until it reached her sex. His thumb pressed against her clit, the final ingredient needed. She shouted his name as she climaxed, falling over the edge with an arched back and eyes closed.
He lasted only a few more thrusts before spilling inside of her, groaning her name in her ear as he came. They rode out their orgasms together before falling together, a tangle of loose and sweaty limbs.
She lay there, panting as she turned her head toward where she felt Robin's hot breath. He kissed her forehead as his fingers began to comb out the knots in her hair. "I love you, lovely."
"I love you too," she murmured, sliding a hand over his chest until she stopped over his rapidly beating heart. "Thank you for coming out here."
"I did it mostly for me," he replied, kissing her forehead. "I just wanted to hold you."
She hummed, blindly positioning her head until it was pillowed on his chest. As she wrapped herself around him, she whispered: "I'm going to hold you first and never let you go."
He kissed her head one more time before she felt him sit up. The blankets were pulled over their bodies as he laid back down, letting her get settled again against him. As he wrapped his arms around her, she gave into sleep's siren call.
Regina reported to Belfrey Tower for her last attempt at convincing Victoria to change her mind about her campaign and to go with Gold and Associates for her marketing needs. She felt relaxed as she checked in with security, a result from a night spent with her husband. Robin had made her breakfast as well and they had shared a very enjoyable shower together before she had to leave. He told her he would make plans for their evening and she couldn't wait.
She just had to get through the rest of the day.
Her good mood evaporated slowly as she sat in one of the conference rooms having a conference call with her team back in Maine. The focus group results for Victoria's preferred campaign had come in and they were very bad. "People prefer the campaign we want her to do," August said. "They at least want to be fooled into thinking she's going to actually help the community rather than destroy it by selling overpriced condominiums to her wealthy, elite friends."
"Social media has already gotten wind of it despite our NDAs," Belle added. "We're already seeing a backlash and I can't imagine Victoria's people aren't."
Regina rubbed her forehead. "I don't think she cares about what the 'little people' think. Unless someone powerful and rich tells her it's wrong, she's not going to stop or change course. I can't see this being a win."
Her team was quiet before Belle asked: "What are you going to do?"
"Call Gold," Regina replied, leaning back. "Talk this over with him and hopefully we can agree on something before I have to go present to Victoria."
"Good luck," August said and Belle echoed the sentiments before Regina ended the call.
She took a moment, closing her eyes as she put together what she was going to say to Gold. Belle and August had provided her with a lot of good data, something she knew Gold would put value in. He no doubt also knew of the backlash already so she figured that would work in her favor. She pulled the phone back toward her as she prayed the conversation went as easily as she knew it should be.
"Ms. Locksley?" One of Victoria's assistants stood in the doorway looking very nervous. "They're ready for you."
Regina bit back her groan as she nodded, gathering her belongings. She stepped closer to the woman. "Lead the way."
"As you can see, data and focus groups support the campaign focusing on rejuvenating the community. People want to feel they are part of something bigger. By leaving the community garden intact, sponsoring local businesses and other investments, Belfrey Development will attract goodwill and clients interested in purchasing or renting condominiums," Regina finished, standing in front of Victoria and her officers.
Victoria frowned, crossing her arms. "What about the other campaign, the one that focuses on attracting the target clientele?"
"It didn't test well, Victoria," Regina replied. "And there's already a backlash on social media. No one is going to want to touch such a project."
One of the officers nodded. "She's right, Victoria. Our PR department is trying to do damage control as we speak."
"What do you meant 'trying'? How hard is it to explain that we want to transform this neighborhood from something rundown and disgusting to something new and beautiful?" Victoria asked, snapping at him.
Regina sighed. "I've spent time in Hyperion Heights. It's already beautiful. The city doesn't need new. It needs someone to preserve what's already there and help nurture it. People want a community, not a status."
"Then they're not the right people we want," she argued, looking at Regina like she was an idiot. "The other campaign will attract them. Who cares what the rabble think?"
"You'd be surprised," Regina replied coolly even though she felt ready to strangle the woman. "I really can't recommend that campaign. We can work to find a compromise."
Victoria grew stern. "I don't compromise."
They had reached an impasse and Regina's heart pounded in her chest. She had arrived at the moment she had been dreading—the moment where she had to admit this wasn't going to work out. However, she still couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. There had to be some platitude she could give that would by her time to return to Maine so Gold could be the one to deliver the bad news. It seemed only fair.
"Thank you for your time, Ms. Locksley, but I think it's best if we keep our marketing in house," Victoria decreed. "That way I can make sure the right message gets out."
Regina received the message loud and clear, nodding. "Well, thank you for your time. I wish you the best of luck."
She gathered her things and left the conference room quickly, though she could feel Victoria right behind her. Therefore, it came as no surprised when the woman said: "I think you need the luck, Regina. I can't imagine Gold will be very happy when you return without the account. I know I wouldn't be."
"Gold understands how our business operates," Regina said, turning around to face a smug Victoria. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You just pick yourself up and keep moving."
"How trite. Do you hang inspirational posters in your office, Regina?" Victoria asked, taunting her now.
Regina took a deep breath, knowing she had to walk the high road to walk away with her dignity intact. "Have a good day, Victoria. It was a pleasure meeting you."
She turned away but Victoria wasn't done. "You're from Avalon, right? There's a famous psychologist from there who has written several books I think you might find interesting. Her name's Dr. Cora Mills."
"I'm very familiar with Dr. Mills' work," Regina replied, smirking as she approached the doors. She glanced over at Victoria. "And I must say, I think my mother would find you absolutely fascinating. Goodbye."
Victoria's surprised look made Regina grin as she approached the elevators, pressing the down button. She knew she would have to call Gold with the bad news but she was going to revel in that moment for a bit longer…at least until she got to the lobby, she figured as a red down arrow blinked at the far right elevator.
The doors opened and Regina was nearly knocked down by several men in suits. She pressed herself against the wall, waiting for them to all exit before she jumped on the elevator as the doors started to close. It descended, bringing her down to the lobby of Belfrey Development.
Her phone rang and she sighed when she saw it was Gold. Pressing the green button, she brought it to her ear. "Hello?"
"Well? How did it go?" Gold asked, sounding impatient.
The elevator doors opened and she stepped out into the lobby with a sigh. "She's decided to keep her marketing inhouse. She has some control issues."
Gold cursed. "How hard did you sell it?"
"As hard as I could've and even more," she answered. "Look, Gold, this was not going to work. We would've clashed with Belfrey on every campaign and you would've been complaining all the time. Besides, we were already getting negative attention for just courting her. You saw that, right?"
"Belle may have dropped off a copy of her research to me," he grumped. Regina knew that meant yes, he had.
She sighed. "Look, I know Belfrey would've been a big get for us but I do believe she would've cost us more than we would've gotten from her—both in time and money. This is probably for the…"
Regina trailed off as the elevator opened. Men in suits and jackets who were wearing holsters with badges surrounded an irate Victoria Belfrey and led her through the lobby. Her arms were behind her back and Regina caught sight of something silver when she turned to yell behind her. Handcuffs.
"Call my lawyer!" she shouted before turning to the men. "This is humiliating and unprofessional. I will have all your badges."
"Lady, I don't think you understand how much trouble you're in," one agent said.
Another nodded. "You have the right to remain silent. Please exercise it."
Victoria scowled as she was led out of her building. The press surrounded her, camera flashes going off as reporters shouted questions at her while the agents placed her in an unmarked black car.
"Regina?" Gold's voice was loud in her ear. "Regina, what just happened?"
"Victoria Belfrey was just escorted out of her building in handcuffs by men wearing jackets with every letter in the alphabet represented on them," she told him. "Good thing we didn't make that deal with her, huh?"
"I'll talk to you when you get back. You and Robin enjoy Seattle." He ended the call without another word.
She rolled her eyes but smiled as she placed her phone in her bag. Gold would never publicly thank her for keeping them from a bad deal but he would crow about how he knew Belfrey was bad news while giving Regina a nice bonus. They would never speak of it again.
With Victoria gone, the press had left as well. Regina stepped out of the building onto an empty Seattle sidewalk. She took a deep breath, ready for a relaxing weekend with her husband.
"Was that Victoria Belfrey being led out in cuffs?" Robin asked, drawing her attention to where he was leaning against the building. He approached her, kissing her hello.
She smiled into the kiss before pulling back. "Yes, it was."
"So I'm guessing you didn't land the account?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, but I don't think Gold is going to mind once he calms down," she replied, taking his hand. "Now we have the entire weekend to ourselves."
He grinned. "Good. There's this lovely pub around the corner with a very interesting owner."
Curiosity piqued, she asked: "Oh? How so?"
"You know the theory that there are seven people out there who look just like you? I found one of your doppelgangers," he said.
"Would her name happen to be Roni?" she asked, starting to piece the puzzle together.
He gave her a confused grin. "That's what the pub is called. I don't know if it's named for her. Why don't we go ask her?"
They headed down the street together, hand-in-hand.
Regina's doppelganger was indeed named Roni and the two found their similar appearances remarkable. Her hair was shorter than Regina's and she didn't straighten her curls. She was wearing a CBGB tank top with tight jeans, something Regina would fantasize about wearing but never have the guts to wear in real life. Roni served them herself, talking with the two. She revealed that her janitor was one of Robin's doppelgangers and when they caught sight of the man at work, they had to agree.
(Later, both Robin and Regina agreed they got the feeling their doppelgangers were at least attracted to each other if not romantically involved. They guessed attraction to each other was also something in their DNA).
As they ate, Roni also gave them information about Victoria Belfrey she had picked up from her patrons. It seemed that one of Victoria's overworked, underpaid and very abused assistants started to gather proof of her underhanded dealings with contractors and city officials. She waited for the right time to release it. Regina learned that Victoria had been so intent on demolishing the community garden because her purchase of the lot hadn't been on the up and up. She had also bribed the building commissioner to overlook it and issue her permits anyway. Concerned citizens worried that Victoria was going to ruin the neighborhood had discovered it. With the information the assistant provided, they went to city, state and federal agencies. Victoria was facing a lot of charges.
"Ding dong the witch is dead," Roni cheered. "We're celebrating all day. You're more than welcome to stay."
"Thank you but we have a lot planned for our remaining time in Seattle," Robin told her, taking Regina's hand.
Roni grinned at them. "Well, have fun. And don't be strangers."
Cora picked them up from the airport Sunday afternoon. She hugged Regina tightly before hugging Robin. "Did you have a fun weekend in Seattle?" she asked.
"Yep and it started by watching Victoria Belfrey get arrested," Regina replied, watching the carousel for her suitcase. "She definitely was something."
"From what I've heard on the news, I'd agree," her mother said as Robin pulled off their luggage.
She drove them to their house, where Queen greeted them enthusiastically. The dog let out little barks as she jumped around their feet, her tongue hanging out and her tail wagging fast. Regina picked her up, holding her close as she kissed her head. "Did you miss us, sweetheart?"
"Yes, she did," Henry replied with a smile. "Whenever she wasn't out on a walk, she would just lie on the couch with a wistful look on her face as she watched the door."
"Sounds like what she would do here," Robin replied, scratching behind the dog's ear.
Cora headed toward the kitchen. "Come on. Let's have dinner. I'm sure you're all starving."
Regina carried Queen in with her, unwilling to put the dog down. That night, Queen would curl up on her legs as Regina lay in Robin's arms. She would sigh and slip off to sleep, completely content.
Be it ever so humble, there definitely was no place like home.
A/N: I am so, so, so, so, so, so sorry that it's been months since this has been updated! As many of you know, my laptop died in September and I lost the chapter I had been working on. After I started to rewrite it, I decided I didn't like where it was going so I shelved the prompt and decided to jump to this one instead. I thought it was going to be quick and easy.
That's a laugh now.
I'd like to thank shippinguntilinfinity on tumblr for the prompt. I hope you enjoyed it!
I promise the next chapter will be up next month as it will be Christmas themed. And I'm going to take another stab at the prompt to have Robin and Regina interact with his little cousin Daisy (and her sister Lucy).
Thank you all for your patience. You all are the best.
-Mac