A/N: Sorry for taking so long to update this one again. I was dealing with a really bad stomach bug and it was preventing me from getting some writing done. But here I am again, continuing on this one and many others for all of your enjoyment! :) I hope you like it. Happy reading and expect more updates later tonight!
Just putting this out there, I suspect all of you who are reading this have read the third-person version of Forbidden Temptations. But if you haven't, I advise you to read that FIRST.
Chapter 19: Emma
I'm relaxed on one of the lounge chairs by the pool. So is Audrey. She is resting on her stomach with her arms criss-crossed underneath her head. Her back was glistening with drops of water. The sun is bright and birds are singing around us as we cool off after our swim.
"Belle seems really nice." I fill the quiet that surrounds us.
"Mhm," Audrey hums, contently. "She is. And she loves her books. Just like my mom."
"At least it's nice to know your mom has one friend she can count on when you're not here." I said, trying not to let the image of Regina being alone in this massive house alone.
I hear Audrey chuckle lightly, "You make it sound as if my mom is some prisoner inside her own house, Em."
Because she is. I frown but say nothing. The last thing I needed was to undergo another fight with Audrey. Considering the last one we had, almost ruined what Regina and I were trying to build and I wouldn't allow for that to happen again.
"And you forget that Belle isn't her only friend. There's also Daniel." Audrey says, and I can hear a smile along her lips. "I'm sure my mom visits him any chance she gets while I'm gone. There's Sidney, who is practically a part of the family. He's been with us a long time."
"Right…" I scoff through my nose to keep it silent and my frown suddenly deepens. "I guess your mom and Daniel really go a long way, huh?"
"Enough for him to have this massive crush on her." Audrey chuckles. "Could you imagine if my mom and Daniel would have ever hooked up?"
No. I couldn't, and I didn't want to imagine it. "If you ask me, I don't see it."
"What do you mean?" Asks Audrey.
I shrug one shoulder, "I don't know. Stable boy just… He doesn't really seem like he'd be your mom's type, that's all."
Audrey turns her head in my direction, her brow lifted.
"What?"
"Stable boy?" Audrey chuckles. "Do you not like Daniel or something?"
"I like him." I shrug once more. I wouldn't be the next in line to want to be best friends with the guy. But, he was okay. He seemed harmless enough. And he obviously worried about Regina's well being.
"Yeah. Why don't you tell that to the jealous streak in your eye." Audrey smirks.
"Come on, Audrey," I roll my eyes. "I'm not jealous of the guy. Although, if you'd like me to be honest, he would seem more like your type than your mom's."
Audrey bursts into laughter then, smacking me on the hand playfully and I am glad we are there. "Me and Daniel? Yeah, right."
The corner of my lip tilts into a small smirk. "You never know. I mean feelings change, right?"
Audrey's eyes are on me again, "Are you saying that your feelings would change for me?"
I chuckle this time and shake my head. "Oh, yeah- for who?"
Audrey shrugs, "I don't know. You seem to like my mom a lot."
My eyes grow wide and I sit up along the seat. "Audrey-" I breathe.
Audrey lets out a laugh that only makes my heart beat a little faster. "I'm joking, Em! Relax. But you can't deny she did look very hot in that blue dress of hers when we went to dance that night."
I think back on that night as Audrey mentions it, Regina rocking the hell out of that blue dress and I can silently agree that she did look hot. And dancing with her had proven to be the most fun I had ever had dancing in a while. That was the most I had seen Regina seem relaxed.
Audrey reaches for my hand again, giving it a light squeeze, interrupting my thoughts. "Hey. Let's go out for lunch today."
"Do you have a place in mind?" I ask, glad we are moving on from the previous topic.
Audrey smiles, "I do."
"Then, I guess, I'll go get ready." Lunch sounded like a good idea. "Could you hand me a towel, please? I want to shower."
Audrey reaches for a towel from the floor and hands it to me. "I'll meet you there in a minute."
"Alright." I dry the bottom of my feet first before stepping inside the kitchen. "Hey, Sidney." I smile at him as we encounter each other.
"Ms. Emma." Sidney smiles and nods. I can see he is preparing lunch.
"Feel free to leave Audrey and me out for lunch. We'll be going out to eat today." I feel the need to inform him. I could tell Sidney worked hard enough as it was. Not to mention I couldn't even imagine what it was like working or someone like Leopold. But, I didn't want him making lunch on our account.
"Very well." Sidney nods before turning his attention back to preparing the meal.
I walk through the house and head up the stairs next, pressing the towel along my wet shirt and chest. I head up the stairs and walk along the hallway when I encounter Regina. "Hey," I give her my best smile.
Regina's eyes look spooked as they see me. As if I were the devil himself, reincarnated. Her eyes are as wide as I'd seen them get since I've been here, looking at me up and down. "You're dripping water all over my carpet, Ms. Swan!" She snaps.
I follow in the direction Regina's long manicured finger is pointing to and I see three drops of water along my bare feet. Nothing to get overworked about. "Sorry, I was just-" Regina storms by me, brushing along my wet shoulder in the process. My eyes are wide, but my brows soon furrow at this behavior that suddenly took over her. "Okay?" I look over my shoulder at her, seeing her storm down the stairs. "Regina?"
What was that about? I blink as I enter Audrey's bedroom. Had Leopold done something to upset her? Surely not, because he hasn't even been home. My eyes grew wide, had I done something else to upset her? No. That was impossible. What could I have possibly done to upset Regina? Especially when I promised her that I would never break her trust ever again, or give her a reason to hate me. And I meant to keep every bit of that promise.
Laying the towel around the back of my neck, I quickly gather some clothes, settling for a pair of jeans and a shirt and head toward the bathroom, shutting the door. Then it comes to me. Could it be that what upset Regina was the fact that I had saved her cell number in my phone and messaged her without permission? Surely that was stepping over our line of friendship… Was it? She didn't seem to mind last night, or else she would have told me. And I did promise her that I wouldn't have her number until I asked. So surely, it couldn't be that.
What then? I sigh to myself, removing my wet tank top from my body. Suddenly, Audrey's assumption that I would leave her for her own mom made me chuckle to myself. I shake my head at the thought. Not because I think the idea was a crazy one. Regina and I together… Was it crazy? Age was never a bother for me. Nor an impediment of any kind. Thanks to my own mother and David, I grew up believing that love strikes you when you least expect it. And once it did- there was no getting rid of it. You had to give into it.
As my good mother once said to me, 'you love who you love and there is never anything wrong with that. Age, race, gender- it doesn't matter when it's about matters of the heart.'
'All that matters, kiddo… Is that whoever you love, loves you equally if not more.' That was David's advice to me.
And how right they are. David is two years older than my mother, and even they have proved to be soul mates. Of course, there's a huge difference between being with someone who is two years older than you, than being with someone who is sixteen years older than you. Assuming Regina and I would ever- wait- what? I shake my head, chuckling to myself again as I remove my underwear and step into the shower.
I turn the hot water knob, adjusting it according to my liking. I allow the cascade of warm water to fall over me, drenching my hair, my body. My eyes close and I am no longer here. I'm there- back in that club, dancing with Regina. I see her clear as day, smiling, happy, looking absolutely stunning in that blue dress that I could admit my eyes couldn't peel away from for the entire night. I can hear Rihanna's Only Girl (In The World) playing inside my head, echoing along with our exchanged conversation before, during and a little after our dancing. Or at least, my very own idiotic response of 'Um…' once She Will Be Loved by Maroon Five started to play soon after.
God, I couldn't let that go! I moved too slow, but the last thing I wanted to do was spook Regina if I moved too fast, too quick. Did I want to dance that particular song with her? Yes. I very much did. My own question that night was: Would she have danced it with me? If I know Audrey any better, I know she wouldn't have cared. She loved the sight of her mom having a good time and even more that I was providing it.
Audrey loved that Regina and I got along almost as much as I did. She pushed for me to try with her dad, which she could forget because I had no intention in trying to befriend him, let alone be in the same room with him. Because let me tell you something, here and now- Leopold and I… We have sealed our dislike for one another. If Audrey was too naive to see that, oh well. But I knew Regina saw it and that was enough for me. More than enough.
Regina. I smile as I shower. Despite our small argument, I was glad to be back here. Even if I had to face Leopold. But the thought of being Regina's friend just gave me purpose. Yes, I was here to have a good time with Audrey and I intended to do that. But ever since arriving and meeting her mom, I was overcome with this sense of protectiveness toward her. Maybe because I did the same for my own mom and I just knew how to handle situations such as the one Regina was living in. Maybe because I felt a connection to Regina from day one that I couldn't quite explain to myself just yet. But I would.
Whatever the reason was that drew me to Regina, I would make sense of it.
My shoulders stiffen upon feeling a pair of hands caress their way along my wet skin. I relax as soon as I look over and realize Audrey is now in the shower with me. "Hey," I smile.
Audrey says nothing. Instead she leans in, pressing her lips against mine and I give in. My hands land against her wet hips while Audrey's arms pull me as they wrap themselves along my neck. And once we part, our eyes locking into one another, I can't help but realize how much Audrey's eyes resemble that of Regina's. It was like looking right into them, but not. Because they belonged to Audrey. Whereas Regina's eyes were a little more reserved. Secrets were locked behind them beyond my knowledge while Audrey's were like an open book. They always let me know how and what she was feeling in the moment.
"I thought we could help conserve a little water." Audrey smirked. Her hands roaming free along my own waist.
"How considerate of you." I tease, hearing her chuckle as our lips come together again.
After our heated moment in the shower, I find myself getting dressed with the clothes I'd chosen for the day, while Audrey is already ready and sitting along the bed with her laptop open. She's looking at apartments for us.
I liked the idea of my own apartment, sure. Who didn't? But I always figured I would get to have my own place first before deciding to move in with anyone. And it wouldn't be just anyone. It would have to be someone special. Not that Audrey wasn't special in her own way, but… Something was missing. I just couldn't quite place my finger on it.
I mean, Audrey was great company and she was fun to be around. We had a lot of fun together, and she really did love me. And I loved her. I did. I just wasn't a hundred percent sure I could see myself with Audrey still in five years or even for next year. As great as she was. There just wasn't that security there, that sealed deal that told your heart she's the one.
When Audrey and I met, there was instant attraction. Boy, was there attraction. Just as there continues to be. But was there that spark that everyone talks about? That moment that freezes over and makes you feel like you and that person are the only two people standing in the middle of the entire world, gazing, smiling, drinking the moment in?
Honestly?... No. I didn't feel that with Audrey.
But I wasn't in any hurry to say that to her now. Why bother when we were still having such a good time? Besides, whether Audrey knows or feels it now or not, I'm sure she would agree once the time was right that we shouldn't even be moving in together just yet.
"What's the matter?" Audrey asks, taking me by surprise and shattering my thoughts for now.
"Nothing. Why?" I ask, making my way out of the closet where I hadn't realized until Audrey spoke, that I had been standing there, staring at her. Lost in thought.
Audrey glares playfully, "I can practically hear your thoughts, Em. And I know that look of when you're deep in them." She glances down at the screen of her laptop before her as I stand near.
I chuckle as I sit along the edge of the bed. "Nothing's wrong. I just… I guess I just can't believe we will be getting a place together." Once again, I found no reason to tell her the truth just yet about me not wanting to move in together.
I mean, come on. The last thing I wanted was for Audrey and I to fight, let alone have Regina hear about it and give the poor woman something else to stress over. She had enough with living in this house.
Audrey beams, none the wiser. "I know! Isn't it great? I've already chosen some for us- come have a look." She scoots aside.
Once again, I feel things moving too fast all of a sudden. If and when I decided to live with someone, I wanted it to be a mutual decision. Something we could seriously discuss between the two of us. Not on a whim decision.
I scoot along the bed and help myself to a look. A look couldn't hurt anyone, right?
"Audrey," my brows furrow at the sight of the luxurious apartments. They were lofts, and way too expensive for either of us to afford. August's dad could even pay me double for the work I do for them in their repair shop and I wouldn't even afford this. "We can't possibly live here."
"What do you mean?" Audrey frowns. "You don't like them?"
"No, I do. Believe me, I do. It's just-"
"It's just what?" Audrey looks at me expectantly.
I've always wanted to live in a loft type apartment. I've wanted great things for myself. I had dreams I wanted to follow and accomplish one step at a time. But this was way too much money than I could afford right now. Reason why I was still living under my parents' roof. I made enough working for August and his dad from time to time, but it wasn't a permanent job either. I only did it to help the poor guy out, really. And yeah, the money I gained from it didn't hurt either.
But once again, a loft home I had in the back of my mind as a place I would buy with my hard earned money for myself and whoever was with me. And truth be told, these weren't ideal to my liking. These came already furnished and were worth a lot more than I had in mind.
"Well, I don't know about prices. I mean…" I motion to the price range. "Isn't that a little more than we could afford?"
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that." Audrey smiled, playfully slapping my thigh. "I already talked to my dad and he said he would help us just until we are up on our feet."
My eyes go wide, my mouth practically drops. "Absolutely not." I shake my head.
"Emma, come on-" Audrey frowns.
"No, Audrey. I am not having your dad help us pay for a place that we could afford in a couple of years time." My frown deepened. There was no way I would ever owe that son-of-a-bitch anything. I'd rather jump off that balcony I was looking at on the computer screen instead before I let him pay for anything that could be rightfully earned by myself.
"But, he won't mind. Besides, my dad doesn't want me living in just any apartment. Or what, do you have a better idea?" She asks.
"What about August's apartment complex?" I think quickly on my feet.
"What about it?"
"You've been to his apartment before. You went on about how nice it was. It's quiet, it's along the beach. You love the beach." I smile. "We could get our own place there and when we've both saved up enough money, we'll buy our own loft."
Audrey's frown deepened and I knew we wouldn't come to an agreement. First sign that made me think, maybe we shouldn't do this. "Well, what's wrong with this one?" Audrey turns the laptop more toward me, and my eyes fall on the pictures of the loft. First off, it was made entirely out of marble. After staying here, I don't think marble is a good look for me to be living in.
"I was thinking more of wooden floors. You know? And besides, you are looking at all of the lofts that are in Boston."
"So?"
"So… You know my plan." I blink. Did she seriously forget? "I want to move to New York in the future."
"New York- but, Emma- what of our plan?" Audrey asks, clearly not happy.
"Audrey, you've known this about my plan since day one." I said.
"Yeah, I know, but… I just thought…" Audrey's words die on her tongue as she shuts the laptop. "You know what?" She puts on her best smile. "Let's eat. We don't have to talk about this now, right? I'm sure once we have gone out, cleared our heads, we can discuss this a lot more calmly."
"On that we can agree." I smile, letting the topic go and jumping off of the bed. Of course, we could discuss it however way Audrey attempted to sugarcoat it for me. I was still planning on moving to New York.
Audrey takes me by the hand as we head out the bedroom, leaving her laptop along the bed. "But, you should at least think about that one apartment for us, Em." I roll my eyes but put on a smirk. "I'm telling you, Em, I think that apartment will be perfect for us- hi, dad!" Audrey beams as she lets go of my hand to run over to her father, greeting him in a hug.
I frown and my eyes look over to Regina's, who are looking back at me. She is obviously displeased with his return just as I am. I watch as she silently scatters away toward the kitchen and I wonder what has her deep in thought. Since running into her along the hallway, I noticed something different about her. Something I couldn't quite understand. My eyes- having a mind of their own- do the same thing they did that night Regina came down those stairs, looking beautifully stunning in that blue dress. They looked and took in the swift and elegant movement of her curves as she walked.
Don't judge me. You would look, too.
"I'm so glad you're finally home. I was worried about you last night." Said Audrey, breaking free from her embrace with her dad.
She was the only one who was glad he was back.
"Stop worrying so much. You know I'll be fine." Leopold smiled and gave Audrey a light squeeze along her right shoulder before his eyes turned to me. There was a frown there, and I didn't give a shit about it. The feeling was incredibly mutual. "Ms. Swan, glad to see you are well and back on your feet." He said, keeping it curt.
Are you? "Thanks." Is all I say.
"Well, while your mother prepares me a meal, I think I'll go shower." He clears his throat.
"Are you staying home for the rest of the day?" Audrey asked him, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet with glee.
"Of course, sweetheart." There's another smile stretched along his lips. A small one, but it's there. "I'll be in my office for an hour or two, I have a call I need to make, but I'll be here."
"Great!" Audrey grinned. "Well, Emma and I are going to head out for lunch today. There's this place I want her to try."
My frown deepens upon realizing that he would be alone here with Regina, and suddenly my heart starts racing.
"Sounds good, sweetheart." He smiles and Audrey and I head to the door. But before we could reach the door, "Oh, Ms. Swan-" He calls.
I abruptly turn to face him and wait.
"If you wouldn't mind…" He scratches along his scruffy cheek. "Before you leave. Would you wait for me in my office, please? There's something I'd like to discuss with you if I may."
Of course you would. My jaw tightens but I immediately compose myself. Not wanting to give my hatred for the man away in front of Audrey. At least not yet. But the time would come where I would no longer hold back on it. I knew it. "Sure." I say plainly, not breaking eye contact with him for a split second.
He nods in what I want to believe, is in gratitude. However I suspect that Leopold White has never thanked anyone for anything in his life. "I'll see you in five minutes." Was the last thing he said before heading his way up the stairs.
Audrey and I exchange a quick look and I shrug with an apologetic smile. "I guess we aren't leaving yet." I say to her.
"It's fine, go, don't make him wait." I'd rather make him wait. Audrey places a quick kiss along my lips and heads upstairs. "I'll go look at more apartments for us in the meantime to add to the list."
The smile I shared with Audrey before she sprinted up the stairs in excitement of the idea of us living together as soon as we drove back to Portland was gone once I stood at the foot of the stairs alone. A sinister feeling ran down my spine as I headed into the direction of Leopold's office. I hated that place. The rest of the house was okay, and what very little light feeling it had to each room, I knew it was because of Regina's presence. But Leopold's office was the stuff out of a horror movie.
To make matters worse, I had no idea what the asshole wanted to talk to me about now. Could it have something to do with Regina? That was my first thought. My second thought aimed directly at Audrey and us living together, maybe. But only one way to find out, wasn't there?
Maybe another round of chess for him to lose to. I chuckled at that. I actually hope another game of chess was involved within whatever topic of conversation he wanted to discuss. I sure would love to beat him again at a game Audrey claims he was superior at. The stone-cold look on Leopold's face the last time I beat him still lingered in my mind. It was that look and him alone that told me I couldn't let my guard down before him. And I wouldn't. Especially after confirming my suspicions against him being abusive toward Regina to be true.
I wonder if this is how Claire felt upon stumbling into Chief Irons office. I lick my lips as they suddenly became very dry.
Focus, Emma! Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths. Inhaled in and counted to five, exhaled out and counted to eight, and inhaled in again, counting to ten before walking in a little deeper into the office. Except instead of welcoming myself to a seat this time, I felt free to explore his shelf of books, surprised to even see any in here.
None of the books captured my interests, not really. But anything was better than staring at that stuffed angry wolf pouncing on that deer.
My head tilts as I check out the books resting on the very top shelf. It was too high up, even for me, so I made no attempt to reach for one. It was when my eyes lingered on the fourth shelf that my attention was caught by a picture mounted along an empty space, surrounded by books from left to right. As if it was meant to stand out. In the picture I could see a much younger Leopold, his hair salt and peppered, barely getting that touch of gray, his arm was wrapped along a young girl's with gentle blue eyes and blonde hair like mine. Short pixie-haircut, not long like mine. She was smiling and he was… halfway smiling.
I lean in a little further to inspect, feeling a frown form along my brow-
"You're here," Leopold's voice catches me off guard a little as he enters. "Good. I like punctuality, it shows your interest." There's a smirk to him as he moves over to his desk to sit. "Do sit down." He motions toward one of the empty chairs of before.
As I help myself to a seat I watch him open one of his top drawers to pull out a long cigar.
"They don't bother you, do they?" He asks, holding the cigar between his middle and index finger, while I notice his free hand hovered over the drawer handle.
"Not at all." I shake my head. The truth? I detested smoking, thanks to my father. He used to smoke and if I thought hard enough, I could still pick up the scent of his camel cigarettes lingering all over our apartment at the time. I could always find a pack or two hidden along one of the kitchen drawers. My mom hated that.
'Best cigarettes on the market!' That's what he would always say upon pulling out a brand new pack from his breast pocket. I remember he always had a sinister grin about him as he placed one between his lips and lit it with a lighter shaped like a gun. His favorite lighter.
Click! I hear Leopold's lighter click and see the flame from it come alive and it pulls me away from my thoughts, my eyes rapidly blinking back to the now. Only Leopold didn't have a lighter shaped like a gun. He had one of those rustic brown zippo lighters with the initial of his first name engraved on its side.
The smoke Leopold exhales takes over my oxygen space and I almost want to exhale sharply along with him to not breathe in the scent myself. I knew he was trying to trigger something in me, but he wasn't going to achieve whatever goal he had in mind. He wasn't going to intimidate me.
"So, Ms. Swan…" Leopold began, with a calm and collected voice. His eyes focused on his cigar before he locked them into mine. "I'm sorry, would you care for a drink?"
"I'm good." I shake my head, rejecting his drink that I knew wasn't at all from the goodness of his heart. I just wanted him to get to the point of whatever the fuck this was and be done with it. The less time I spent sitting in here, having to tolerate his presence, the better.
"Would you mind?" He motioned to his mini bar. Clearly he was in no hurry and enjoyed watching me squirm. But I wouldn't squirm.
"Not at all." I look over my shoulder to allow my eyes to follow him. I watched him pour himself a drink before looking in the direction of the picture again I had discovered along the shelves. Who was that girl?
"Carol." Leopold's voice remained as calm as his walk was walking back toward his desk.
"She's beautiful." I wait a beat before I dare to ask my next question, "Your niece or granddaughter?" For all I knew, the asshole had another son out there who had a daughter. Or a brother who has a daughter, although I never heard Audrey mention an uncle. Did Audrey know?
"No, I was an only child." He answers truthfully, sitting back in his chair.
"Oh." I blink, feeling a little disturbed by the picture all the more as I decide to look away from it.
"She's my daughter." Leopold says, and I wonder if he could tell how disturbed I was. Probably was enjoying it, if he could.
Another daughter? My eyes grow wide, unable to hide my shock. "So-?"
"Audrey's half sister." He finishes.
Audrey had a sister? This was new to me. Audrey must not know, otherwise I'm sure she would have told me. But did Regina know?
"But, Audrey-"
"She doesn't know about her. No one does. She doesn't need to know." Leopold says without a single care in the world. This shocks me. How could he possibly keep this from Audrey? It dawns on me that if he kept this from his own daughter, he probably keeps it from Regina as well. Probably this other girl, too. She probably doesn't know about this other life he leads now or the type of man he is. Or maybe she does. All unanswered questions.
"Not even your wife?" I ask a little more calmly.
After taking a puff from his cigar and a drink from his glass, Leopold sighs, "No."
I'll admit that I wasn't even prepared for how big the skeletons in Leopold White's closet would be. If Audrey and Regina didn't know, then why share this fact with me? He could have lied and said the girl in the picture was someone else, belonged to someone else but he didn't. He was telling me the truth. Which brought me back to my question: Why me? I knew there was an angel at play here.
"Regina and Audrey never come in here." He tells me as if reading my damn mind. He is breathing out of his nose and I see a visible cloud of smoke puff out of his nostrils. Another thing that reminded me of my father.
"So, why tell me?" I ask, bluntly and straight to the point.
I can see the amusement build up in his face. "Why you… That's the question, isn't it?" He twirls his cigar with his index finger and thumb quite expertly. I can tell he has done it before. His eyes never leave mine as he says, "Do you want to know why I decided to confine in you, Ms. Swan?" He points at me using his cigar. "Because you are very observant." He takes a small sip from his glass. I hear the ice click against it as he does. "You know things- things that others don't- and you see beyond everyone else's knowledge. That's something to admire." He places the cigar back between his lips and spins it with his index and thumb.
He admires something about me? I almost want to chuckle at that. He was so full of bullshit, I could smell it a mile away. No one would dare tell you a deep secret about themselves that no one knew for nothing. No one like Leopold White, that is.
"Tell me, have you ever thought about going into business? Running a company?" He takes another sip from his drink after.
"No." I answer truthfully.
"That's a shame."
Alright, I've had enough. "Look, why don't we just cut the bullshit here and you ask me what you really want to know?"
Leopold's brow lifts as he brings the cigar back to his lips, taking a while to inhale before puffing out the smoke calmly. "And how could you possibly know I want to ask something of you?" He asks.
"You wouldn't have asked me to come here if you didn't." I shrug.
He smirks as he taps his cigar along the ashtray on his desk. Putting it out. "As I said, 'observant.' "
The corner of my lip tilts into a small smirk itself. "You know, you're right." I cross one of my legs over the other casually, shifting in my seat. "I honestly can't decide if that's a gift or a curse that God has bestowed upon me." I try for humor, of course.
He chuckles, his adam's apple bobs as he swallows down whatever liquid lingered inside his mouth. He stands to serve himself another drink. "Are you religious?" Another question he asks that takes me by surprise.
My mother raised me to be Catholic. My father hated it. David? He loved and respected everything my mother did. As a little girl I was taught to say a small prayer of thanks before every meal and before bedtime. Lately I've forgotten to give thanks before every meal, but I always said my bedtime prayers.
So, was I religious? Sure. Did I believe in God? Yes, I did. But I also knew and respected others beliefs that differed from mine. Alas, there were two things I never entered into discussion about with anyone. Politics and Religion. For me, it was an agree to disagree type of thing. And you would never be able to please everyone. Besides, I found that there were always better things to argue about.
"Catholic." I shrug, keeping my eyes on him at all times.
"You sound unsure." Leopold takes his seat once more, helping himself to a drink and a puff from his cigar.
"Well, that's what I grew up practicing. My mother is catholic, so she taught me her religious beliefs."
Smoke puffs out of Leopold's nostrils before he says, "And yet you are what you are- even though Catholics are against homosexuality?"
It's my turn to puff out a sharp huff from my nostrils, "My mother is catholic, but she allows me to be myself in whatever way that is. She doesn't judge me by what I am, but by what I do. And I haven't given her a reason to be ashamed of me."
"I'm sure you haven't." He picks up his cigar again and twirls it within his lips.
"And excuse me for saying so, sir, but I don't particularly see you carrying around a bible to look at homosexuality as a sin. And if you do- well… I can clearly observe you to be a man who tosses the stone but hides his sinful hand behind his back. Given that you freely judge me for being a homosexual, but when it comes to Audrey- you prefer to turn the other cheek."
I'm proud of myself for that one. Especially after he frowns. He bore that same frown and disappointed look when I beat him at chess.
"And correct me if I'm wrong, but people are more accepting about homosexuality nowadays, no matter the religion. In the end it comes down to family."
Checkmate. I smile.
"Yes, of course, you're right." Leopold sighs- in defeat no doubt- scratching along his scruffy cheek.
"You didn't ask to talk to me due to the topic of religion. Did you?" I ask, wanting him to get to the point. I wasn't here to measure dicks, I knew who's longer. Metaphorically speaking.
"You're right again, Ms. Swan," he clears his throat, pulls open a drawer and from that drawer I see him pull out a manila colored folder. "I asked to speak to you because I want to know one thing." There's a pause before he asks, "Just how in love are you with my daughter?"
I blink, wondering to myself what the hell kind of question was that to ask?
If Leopold was a concerned parent, like I knew Regina was, I would understand where he was coming from with such a question. But let's be real… This wasn't about concern.
"I mean, you and Audrey have been together for quite a while now." He says this as if I didn't already know that.
"That's right." I nod. I watch as he takes his cigar from his lips to twirl the mouthpiece side around in his drink. It was a way to get drunk faster. My dad used to do that, except he wouldn't dip his cigarette inside his beer bottle. Instead he would tap the last bit of ashes from the bud of the cigarette into whatever was left of his beer. Guaranteed rush. It worked every time.
Leopold looks down at his cigar before sticking the end back into his mouth. He sucks it, savors it and takes his last puff before putting the other end out along the ashtray. "So, I'll ask again… Do you love her?" Even as his voice is quiet, there's something in his eyes I can clearly see.
Territory.
"Of course." I answered without hesitation. It was true. I did love Audrey.
"Are you sure?"
"I'd say that's pretty obvious." I say, hearing another chuckle erupt from his chest in response.
"So, then I don't need to worry about you if, say… I were to leave with Audrey for a couple of days?" His eyes glare right into mine. "Do I?"
Why would he need to worry about that? Is he assuming I would go out and cheat on Audrey?
"I'm sorry, but I frankly don't see how you should be the one worrying about whatever it is you are believing I will do. It should be Audrey. And I'll have you know, she trusts me implicitly." This time I frown.
Was this guy serious?
"I don't mean to offend, Ms. Swan." He holds up his hand.
"Of course, you don't," I chuckle. "Why would you ever want to offend me?" I give Leopold a look that he can clearly read, judging from the smirk that takes over the corner of his lip.
"Audrey just seems to be getting pretty serious with you, and, as much to my displease," yes, yes, get on with it. You aren't my biggest fan and who are we kidding? I don't like you either. "I have to accept that she loves you. Dearly."
All things I already know. As if you would know love. I keep that bit to myself, trying my best not to vomit at his attempt to appear a concerned father to Audrey.
"And I already told you. I love her. No questions about it." There's my poker face. I could put on a good one as much as this guy could. I wasn't lying, of course. I did love Audrey. But did I see myself with her in say… five years from now? Truthfully? I didn't. And I don't think she saw herself with me either. And that was okay.
"No question about it?" He asks and chuckles as soon as I shake my head in response. "Good. That's very good to know. In fact, that makes me happy."
"I'm glad to hear you say that." I say collectively.
"Because you see, family means everything to me." Sure it does. "My daughter means everything to me." He glares my way and I'm beginning to feel a little insulted by his assumptions. "And if anyone- anyone- would ever hurt her…" He doesn't bother finishing his sentence. Instead he moves onto, "With that being said-" he clears his throat and adjusts in his seat. "I need to go away on business for two weeks, maybe three. To Colorado. Have you ever been?"
"No, but I don't think this is your way of an invitation, is it?" I grin, trying my humor again.
Leopold laughs a little. Just a little. "No, no, this is strictly business, I'm afraid."
"And yet, you want to take Audrey." I state.
"Yes, you see," he loosens the tie around his collar. "Last summer- I don't know if Audrey told you- but, I couldn't spend any time with her, and she was devastated."
I remembered. "She mentioned it." I nod.
"Well, I want her to come with me, as a surprise, just for four, five days." He shrugs. "By going away, I would be leaving you alone with my wife." Ah. There it was. Wait- what? "Now, as I said before, you are clearly observant, and I know you've noticed some things."
"Things?" My brow lifts and I have to bite down on my tongue to prevent me from chuckling.
"Let me be blunt," he clears his throat. "I know that you saved her life that night, after the party. I saw you through the window."
He saw? My blood runs cold because what kind of husband sees such a thing and does nothing? My jaw tightens in anger, however I don't let it overcome me. Not yet.
"And believe it or not, I will be forever in your debt for that." He pauses, taking the folder in his hands. "My wife… She's a very confused woman. She doesn't know much about life."
So this was about Regina? "Yeah. I gathered that." I say coldly. I feel my anger rise to my throat like bile. Bile that I'm forced to swallow down. Although what I'd really love to do is reach over this desk and strangle this asshole with my bare hands.
"I'm sure you did," he points his finger at me and gives a proud and sinister manner.
"So, you saw me jump in after her? And you did nothing?" I ask through clenched teeth.
"I couldn't believe my eyes." He was being sarcastic, however I don't think he cared how he came off as anymore. Not before me, at least. "And as grateful as I am that you saved her life that night, my wife may get confused by it." My brows furrow at this. "So, I'm simply, sitting here, telling you, to not allow her to get confused. I know you want to be friends, and fine," he shrugs. "I'll allow it."
Allow it? I have to bite down on my tongue again to keep me from laughing. Who did this guy think he was?
"Regina could use a friend who she could confide in and that I know will keep all of her secrets locked away." I become angry at the look in his eye, because I know what he's trying to tell me. But for Regina's sake-
"Fair enough," I replied, my voice low. But why stop there? If he's making his statement clear, I needed to make mine. "But, I'll have you know that while I'm here… You are never laying another hand on her again."
Leopold smirked, as wide as I'd ever seen him do. He clearly likes a challenge, but so did I. "You have fight in you. I like that." Suddenly he is up from his chair and making his way around his desk until he is standing behind me. All I can do is sit still, but I am prepared for anything. Or at least I thought. "Of course, what could I expect from a girl who sent her own father to the hospital and placed him in a coma?"
Flop! The folder drops on the desk before me and my mouth dries. I didn't need to open it to know what it was. Because of course, he had me checked out. That was the type of man he was. No one could tell me any different.
"Go ahead, open it- don't be shy." He takes his place on his side of the desk again, obviously gloating at my shocked look. As I open it, to indulge him, he continues, "We're simply two people, sitting opposite of each other, with secrets marking our pasts. Aren't we?"
Everything was in this folder. Where I'd gone to school. Who my mom and father were, even David. What David did, what my mom did, where I was attending college, who my friends were- everything.
"Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but he's alive, isn't he?" His voice startles my anger, but not enough. It's one thing to look into my life, I didn't give a shit about that. But if he so much as tries to intimidate me by using my family, that I would not allow. "Where is he now?" He asks as if he doesn't know the answer to that already.
"I think you know." I seeth through clenched teeth. And try my best to control my anger before him.
He chuckles, "Yes, I do. He is locked away, far, far away from you and your mother." He leans in. "Now, Ms. Swan, I ask you… Do I need to worry about you?"
Was he afraid of me now? Good. I chuckle. "Cheating on Audrey with anyone else, or about me kicking your ass?" I ask bluntly, hearing another laugh escape this asshole.
"You know, I changed my mind, Ms. Swan," as he stands, he walks behind me again and this time I feel his hand land along my shoulder. "I may just like you after all. I mean, who would have thought that just at sixteen years old, a child like yourself had the capacity and strength to do what you did? And to your own father."
"So… What's your point?"
"My point, Ms. Swan…" He moves back to his seat, his eyes trained on mine in that cold, sinister glare that won't intimidate me. "Is that you keep what you've observed a secret, take it to your grave, bury it deep within your soul, your heart- wherever the hell you want to bury it- and I won't expose you to Audrey. Because I doubt she knows about this gray part of your life. Or does she?" He smirks. "And at least I know now I can trust you to remain in this house with my wife without having to worry about you, because you are deeply in love with my daughter."
Blackmail? Even that won't work on me. And that little trust he feels he can have in me is about to be broken as soon as he steps out of this damn house. Frankly, I wouldn't care if Audrey did find out about that part of my past that my mother and I have kept our own. Along with David. I wasn't afraid of that. The skeleton in my closet didn't compare to the ones this guy clearly had in his. But again, for Regina's sake and peace of mind, I discovered then and there that I was willing to go above and beyond for.
I chuckle at his pathetic excuse for intimidation and blackmail or whatever the fuck this was. "You know, ever since I first met you, I knew there was something off about you. Sick, even. I don't know how you think you have everything figured out, because let me be the first to tell you that you don't." He lifts a brow and it's my turn now to say it like it is. I stand and hover over his desk, my eyes glaring into his. "And no, Audrey doesn't know anything. And you don't have to worry because I'm not going to tell her anything, and it's not to spare you, and make you look like a saint- which you clearly aren't. So, whatever this is," I wave my hand along the open folder. "Shove it up your ass. If I'm doing this, I'm doing it for that poor woman that you abuse and rape whenever you please." He frowns and I pause. "If you want to come at me with something, make it count next time."
As I smirk, his frown deepens and I'm heading toward the door. My hand reaches the knob when-
"Ms. Swan-" He calls out, I can see him standing as I look over my shoulder at him. At his angry state. "You once asked me, why the gray wolf? Because it's the most territorial of all. And when they mate, they mate forever."
"So do Swans." I say matter-of-factly. The corner of my lip curls into a small smirk upon seeing another frown take over him. "You mind your wife in front of me, and no skeletons will be coming out of your closet."
With that I walk out, with no intention of looking back. I hear a rustling of papers behind me but even that isn't enough to stop me from leaving that eerie office space.
