Regina wasted no time putting her plan into motion. She knew Emma was serious about proving herself, but she needed to see just how much she was willing to endure. This wasn't about revenge—well, not entirely. It was about trust, about control, about making sure Emma understood the weight of what she had done.
She sent Emma a message later that afternoon: Meet me at my house at 8 PM. Don't be late.
Emma felt her heart pound as she read the message. She had no idea what Regina had planned, but she knew one thing—she would not let her down again.
When Emma arrived, she found Regina waiting for her in the dimly lit living room. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting golden hues across the room, adding warmth to the air thick with unspoken words.
"You're on time," Regina murmured, swirling a glass of wine in her hand. "I appreciate punctuality."
Emma swallowed hard, her gaze locked onto Regina's. "I meant what I said. I'll do whatever it takes."
Regina smirked, setting down her glass before stepping closer. "Then let's see if you truly mean that."
The tension in the air was electric. Emma's breath hitched as Regina reached out, brushing a hand against her cheek before dragging her fingers down Emma's jawline. "You hurt me, Emma," she whispered, her voice like silk and steel combined. "Do you even realize how deeply?"
Emma nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. "I do. And I swear to you, Regina, I will make it right."
Regina studied her for a long moment, then, with an almost imperceptible nod, she turned, walking away toward the stairs. "Follow me."/p
Emma hesitated only for a second before obeying, her steps quiet as she climbed the stairs after Regina. The moment they entered Regina's bedroom, Emma felt the shift. The space was intimate, draped in elegance and warmth. Regina turned to face her, her expression unreadable.
"If we do this," Regina said slowly, "it's on my terms."
Emma exhaled, stepping closer until she was mere inches from Regina. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Regina's lips curled, but instead of responding with words, she closed the distance between them, capturing Emma's mouth in a searing kiss. Emma melted into it instantly, her hands gripping Regina's waist as their bodies pressed together.
The kiss deepened, turned desperate, years of tension unraveling in the space of moments. Regina's fingers found their way into Emma's hair, tugging just enough to make Emma gasp. The sound sent a thrill through Regina, who pushed Emma toward the bed with purpose.
"I want you to understand something, Emma," Regina murmured against her lips. "This isn't just about desire. This is about you proving to me that you belong here."
Emma shivered at the weight of Regina's words. "Then let me show you."
Regina didn't hold back. She guided Emma onto the bed, her hands tracing every curve with deliberate intent. Their clothes disappeared between fevered kisses and whispered promises, leaving only heated skin against skin. The world outside melted away as they moved together, lost in each other, in the love neither had dared to claim before.
Hours later, tangled in silk sheets, Emma held Regina close, pressing a lingering kiss to her shoulder. "I meant every word," she whispered. "I'm yours, Regina. Always."
Regina, for the first time in a long time, let herself believe it.
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Regina's bedroom. Emma stirred, the warmth of Regina's body against hers anchoring her in place. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt whole.
Regina was awake, watching her with unreadable eyes. "Morning, Sheriff."
Emma grinned sleepily. "Morning, Your Majesty."
Regina smirked, but there was a tenderness in her expression that hadn't been there before. "So, what now?"
Emma reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from Regina's face. "Now, I prove to you every day that this wasn't just a moment. This is real."
Regina searched her face for any sign of hesitation, but there was none. Slowly, a smile spread across her lips. "Then let's see if you can keep up, Swan."
Emma chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to Regina's lips. "Challenge accepted."
