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Emma’s Reckless Dating Game

Emma’s head was pounding the moment she opened her eyes, a loud groan escaping her throat. She heard her roommate in the kitchen, the saccharine sounds of humming that should be illegal this early in the morning.

How much did she drink last night?

She can’t honestly remember after the fourth shot of tequila. They had been celebrating her best friend’s upcoming wedding to Emma’s brother, David.

Back in her freshman year of college, she remembered meeting Mary Margaret and immediately realizing she was the perfect match for her older brother. Of course, she was right, the two fell for each other almost at the first meeting. M’s couldn’t stop talking about how funny her brother was, how cute his eyes were when he laughed, or how much she loved the little curl at the back of his neck.

It was all disgusting and so very perfect.

If she hadn’t been so happy for them, she would have been nauseous. Though perhaps it was more from being jealous of what they had. Emma hadn’t exactly had any luck in the boyfriend department, in fact, if she were being honest, her dating life had pretty much been a disaster. Honestly, she couldn’t even lie to herself to make it seem any better.

If Mr. Right was out there somewhere, Emma was sure that by now he must have gotten lost or hit by a bus, because he sure wasn’t interested in finding her.

“It’s about time you got out of bed.”

Emma groaned, sitting down at the kitchen table. “I know you drank about as much as I did last night, how are you still so cheerful this morning?”

“I didn’t drink half as much as you did, but I have always held my liquor better than you.” She added cheerily.

“I guess I’m just not as lucky as you.” She said with a frown.

“Don’t start that, one day you’re gonna find someone, the perfect…”

“I know, I know, M’s, the perfect person who comes along at just the right moment, yada yada yada. You’ve been telling me this for years.” She drank her coffee as her friend simply rolled her eyes.

“It will happen for you; you just need to be patient.”

“I’m tired of being patient, I’d prefer a mind-blowing orgasm.”

“Emma.” Her friend reprimanded her.

“Don’t tell me it isn’t true, I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being in the next room when my brother comes over to cheer you up. It still haunts my nightmares.”

“Oh God, you never told me you could hear us.”

“David isn’t exactly quiet. Oh baby, sing for me.” She mimicked in a deep voice as her friend’s cheeks reddened and she buried her face in her hands. “Don’t worry, I’m a big girl.”

“All you have to do is ask David, I’m sure he could set you up with one of his friends.”

Emma laughed loudly. “I think I’ll pass. David has terrible taste in friends.”

“Don’t judge everyone based on your feelings about Killian Jones.”

Killian Jones…

Her brother’s best friend and her constant nemesis.  If Emma were in a superhero movie, she was sure that Killian Jones would be the villain trying to take her down and destroy the world, hellbent on revenge for his terrible outlook on life. At least that’s how Emma saw him, the rest of her friends were blinded by his blue eyes, persistent demeanor, and his ridiculous sarcastic quips.

Killian and David had been friends since elementary school, back when Emma was still wearing pig tails and braces. Her first memories of Killian were of him tugging her hair as he called an annoying brat. When he first started coming around, Emma thought he was cute, he had a pair of blue eyes that made her blush when he would stare at her, but as soon as he opened his mouth, his voice always dripping with sarcasm and insult, she quickly tired of him.

“I’m not dancing with him.” She announced angrily.

“Emma, it’s a tradition that the maid of honor and best man share a dance. You’ve danced with worse men than Killian.” She teased.

She groaned. “No one is worse than Killian Jones.”

~*~

10 years ago

“That’s a nice dress, though it would look better on my floor.” Emma rolled her eyes in annoyance at the man seated across from her at the bar. She had been set up with Walsh two nights ago by one of her college friends. He came from money; she could tell from the way he talked down to the waiter and basically anyone they had come into contact with that evening.

“This is only our second date; pretty sure I’m supposed to give you something to look forward to for next time.” She joked.  

“I could imagine a lot of things to come back for.” His hand pressed again her thigh as she felt his fingertips slip under the hem of her dress. She slid her hand under the table and stilled his movement.

“Slow down there, Romeo.” She joked nervously as his hand retreated, a flash of anger in his eyes before it was gone, and a smile spread across his face.

“Let’s order some wine.” He lifted his hand, calling over the waiter to order something in French. He was quick to tell her how rare the wine was, one bottle cost more than three payments on her Volkswagen, a fact that was more disgusting to her than impressive. When they arrived at his place hours later, her head swimming in drink and chocolate, she shifted nervously on the couch as his fingers tried to invade her body. She pushed him back, trying to stop the attack of roving hands.

“Don’t fight it Emma, you know this is meant to be.” He growled against her ear. Her heart was pounding, her eyes looking wildly around the room for an escape.

“Bathroom.” She said quickly. “I need to freshen up.” She said as she stood from her spot on the couch, his hands gripping her arm so tightly she was sure it would leave a bruise. “I want to look my best.” She added, forcing a smile onto her face.

Locking the door behind her the moment he let her escape, she quickly dialed her brother’s number.

“You’ve reached David Nolan, I’m not available right now…”

“Dammit.” She growled, punching in her best friend’s number.

“It’s Mary, I’m not available, leave a message and have a blessed day…”

Emma ran down her contact list, each person either unavailable or someone she was no longer speaking to. She settled on the last name on her list, the one person she had no interest in seeking help from. Dialing the number, she held her breath.

“This better be important.” The voice growled into her ear.

“Killian?”

“You’ve got him, who’s this?”

“It’s Emma. Emma Nolan.” She said quietly.

“Emma? What the bloody hell are you calling me for?”

“Trust me, you were my last choice.” She said with a groan. “But I can’t reach David, and I need…I need a ride.”

“Do you know what bloody time it is?”

“Yeah I know, but I’m…”

“Look, I’m kind of in the middle of something right now…” She heard a woman’s voice in the background and rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, look just forget I called.”

There was silence on the other end before she heard another audible sigh. “Where do you need a ride to?”

“I was on a date, but I need to get home.”

“Then bloody ask the bloke to take you home.”

“I would but he’s…”

“Where are you?” He interrupted in annoyance.

“I’m at his house.” She whispered as she heard someone approaching the bathroom door.

“Emma, it’s late, how long does it take for you to get naked? I’m getting tired of waiting and I honestly don’t care what you look like right now.” Walsh’s voice boomed through from the other room.

“Who the hell is that?” Killian inquired on the other end of the line.

“Walsh Ozman.” She said quietly. “I um, I’ll be right out.” She hollered to the door.

“What the fuck are you doing at Walsh Ozman’s house?” Killian said angrily.

“Look, I don’t have time to argue with you right now. Just forget it…”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes, just stay in the bathroom.” His voice was flat, annoyance in his inflection, but she could tell that there was no arguing with him as he hung up the phone.

She paced the floor of the bathroom, ignoring Walsh’s building anger from the other side of the locked door. When she heard the doorbell her heartbeat raced. She held her ear to the door, hearing a murmur on the other side. She unlocked the door and slipped into the hallway, listening as Walsh raised his voice.

“I think you’re mistaken, Jones, I don’t believe anyone needs you here.”

“I disagree.” Killian’s voice sounded angry. “Where’s Emma?”

Emma walked quickly toward the door, grabbing her purse from the couch. “Killian.” Emma said with a smile.

“Emma, what the fuck.” Walsh turned toward her, grabbing her by the arm. “Did you call this asshole?”

Emma flinched, looking down at his hand on her arm. “I forgot; I have a test in the morning. Killian offered to take me home.” The grip on her arm tightened and Emma panicked.

“I think we have some business to finish first. I’ll take you home after.” He said through gritted teeth.

“I don’t think you understood me earlier.” Killian’s voice boomed from behind them. “I’m here to take Emma home.” He stepped toward Walsh. “Now.”

Emma yanked her arm free, stepping quickly to stand behind Killian. His eyes never left Walsh as he spoke. “Why don’t you wait by my bike, Swan.” Emma didn’t flinch at the use of the stupid nickname he had for her, she didn’t wait another second as she rushed out the door, speeding down the sidewalk toward Killian’s motorcycle. She waited for what felt like minutes or hours until Killian stormed angrily out of the house, grabbing his helmet before mounting the bike. He looked back at her impatiently and she quickly climbed on behind him as he pulled away from the curb, speeding off into the night.

The moment he parked in front of her dorm she climbed off the bike. “Does David know you went out with him?” He asked angrily.

“He’s my brother not my dad.” She remarked sarcastically.

Killian shook his head in annoyance. “Stay away from Ozman.”

“You aren’t my keeper, either.” She glared.

“Look I don’t give a fuck who you date, but even you should have some sort of standard, love.”

She blew out an annoying sigh. “You’re gonna talk to me about standards. Which bimbo were you with tonight?”

“At least I didn’t need to call in a favor in order to escape from my date.” He glared, stepping toward her. “It’s all just a big game to you isn’t it? Emma’s reckless dating game.”

“Oh, go to hell, Jones.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Ozman’s bad news, Swan. Stay away from him.”

Emma frowned, she knew tonight was bad, her senses had been tingling the moment Walsh drove them back to his place, but Killian Jones was the last person she wanted giving her advice about dating. “Like you stayed away from Milah?” She spat and he stepped back on his heels.

“You know what, Swan, fuck you.”

“You wish.” She shot back.

He stepped into her space, the blue of his eyes almost a darkened black as he stared into her. “Not if you were the last piece of ass on earth.” He narrowed his eyes. “Besides, I don’t do blondes.”

“Please, you couldn’t handle it.”

“Perhaps you’re the one who couldn’t handle it.” He dared as his eyes danced angrily.

Emma squared her shoulders, meeting his eyes in defiance. “You are the biggest asshole I have ever met.”

“Do me a favor, the next time your date turns out to be a dick, call a cab.” He slammed his helmet on his head, mounting his bike and speeding off into the dark.

~*~

Emma pushed the silver stick into her curls, the round pearl sitting on top of one of her golden tresses tucked against her head. She stood back, admiring herself in the mirror. At least the dress didn’t have ruffles, she thought, examining the light pink fabric swishing around her legs.

She heard fussing behind her and turned to see Mary Margaret tugging at her dress. “Stop that. You’re going to rip it.”

“God I’m so nervous.” Her friend said anxiously.

“It’s just David.” She laughed. “And you really like David.”

The ceremony was beautiful, Emma barely registered the look of disdain from Killian as he stood on the other side of her brother, his eyes staring a hole into her head. She returned his glance more than once, defiance in her eyes as she dared him to look away.

She didn’t have time for whatever had crawled up Killian’s ass and pissed him off. She was just happy for her brother and her best friend.

Sitting at the table, she quickly finished her first glass of wine, an injection of courage or tolerance for her upcoming dance with the man who had more than once caused her grief already this evening. The clanging of glasses pulled her from her thoughts as Killian stood beside her brother, raising his glass for his toast.

“David has always been a brother to me, someone I trusted with my life, which was probably good since we seemed to find ourselves in peril many times in college.” Her brother laughed and his wife elbowed him playfully. “David and I were doing quite well on our own, in college we were Gods.” He said, extending his arms wide. Emma rolled her eyes. “When I first met Mary, I knew those days would soon be over.” He smiled at her new sister-in-law. “I tried to be angry about it, but the damned woman is a marvel.” He smiled at her friend. “Who could be angry when your best friend finds the love of his life?” Killian raised his glass, his eyes momentarily locking with hers, the hair on her neck standing on end for a moment. “To finding the love of your life.” He placed his glass to his lips and sipped, glancing down at his brother and Mary Margaret as they toasted each other.

Emma shook off the odd sensation forming in her gut, looking away from Killian to collect her thoughts before it was her turn to speak.

“See he’s not such a bad guy.” Her friend whispered in her ear. “That was quite lovely.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Anyone can say nice words after a few drinks.” She teased as she stood from her seat. “Well, I’m not sure I can follow such a moving speech.” She said sarcastically, a small smirk on her lips as Killian’s eyes met hers. “I grew up my whole life around boys.” She smiled. “My brother and his friends tortured me endlessly.” David winked at Killian. “When I met Mary Margaret, I thought…finally, finally I have an ally.” She laughed. “Turns out she wasn’t just the person I needed to find, more than a sister I could share my secrets with, she was also destined to find her true love, with the man who would permanently make us sisters. I couldn’t have hoped for a better person for my brother, I hope you are both happy for the rest of your lives, no one deserves it more.”

Emma leaned over and hugged her friend. “I guess I have to share her now.” She laughed as her brother stood and hugged her.

The lights dimmed as the dancing began, she watched her brother and her best friend take to the floor arm in arm, a beautiful first dance as man and wife. When she heard her name announced over the speaker she stood and sighed, looking over at the man on the other end of the table.

“Come, love.” He held out his arm and she brushed past him, ignoring his gesture and storming toward the dance floor, turning once she reached the edge of the floor.

“Let’s get this over with already, Jones.” She complained with her arms crossed against her chest.

“As you wish.” He groaned, pulling her into his arms. “Relax, love. This doesn’t have to be painful.” He rolled his eyes.

“Trust me, it’s already painful.”  He wrapped his arm around her waist and Emma felt the warmth as he pulled her against his chest.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head, I’m actually an excellent dancer.” He said with a smirk. “Unlike your two left feet.” He looked down between them as she tripped over his shoes.

“Whatever, dancing is stupid.”

“Dancing is simple, there’s only one rule, pick a partner who knows what he’s doing.” He guided her around the dance floor, nodding to her brother as he glided them past the couple dancing in the center. Emma tried to ignore the way it felt being held by Killian Jones, the man who had brought her nothing but anger and annoyance for years.

She watched the way his eyes flitted around the room, never landing on hers, almost as if he were purposely avoiding her gaze, yet the hand at her waist firmly gripped her, fingers hot against the flesh at her back. She wasn’t sure if it was the dance or his touch that was causing her body to overheat. When the song ended she stepped away from him quickly. “I need a drink.”

“Aye.” He responded. “I think I’ll join you in that.”

She expected to hate his company, to find him his usual abhorrent self, but the festivities seemed to have him in a mood that was at least tolerable. The next hour was spent taking turns downing as many shots as they could handle, almost as if they were challenging the other to stop. When Emma took her last shot, she felt the world around the man in front of her blur. Blue eyes swirling in her vision. “I uh need…” She placed her hand at his chest as she tried to stop the world from spinning.

“What do you need, Emma.” He asked, his voice deep and full of innuendo as the corner of his mouth turned upward in a smirk. Emma could feel herself leaning toward him. His tongue darted out to wet his lips and Emma felt the urge to pull his mouth to hers.

“Bathroom, I need a bathroom.” She stuttered, slipping off her stool and stumbling quickly away from the man at the bar who’s eyes she felt still on her as she turned the corner.

She stood in front of the mirror staring at her blurry reflection. “He’s Killian Jones. Asshole extraordinaire.” She warned herself. “Even you don’t need to get laid that badly.” Sure, it had been a few years since she’d had a really good orgasm given to her from anyone besides herself, but whatever Killian Jones could provide her would not be worth the headache it would cause later. Squaring her shoulders, she splashed water on her face and reentered the reception hall.

As she turned the corner she saw her brother standing next to Killian, lost in conversation. As she got closer to them, she could hear their voices.

“Come on man, I’ve seen the way you look at Emma.”

“Piss off, she’s a pain in the arse. I only think of her as an annoying child. She’s never been anything but trouble.”

“So that’s why you’ve always been the one to run to her aid whenever she finds that trouble?”

“Twice. I’ve only done that twice.”

Emma furrowed her brow. Twice, she could only remember one time he had come to her aid, the night with Walsh.

“Yeah well if it wasn’t for you she might still be with that asshole, Cassidy.”

Cassidy? Emma thought. That didn’t make any sense. Killian barely even acknowledge Neal much less assisted her with anything when it came to him. Suddenly her brother noticed her approaching and he patted Killian on the shoulder. “Well, I better get back to my wife.” He said with a bow, leaving Killian at the counter. As he passed he nodded in her direction. “Don’t drink too much, sis.” He teased.

Killian turned toward her as she approached. Emma sat down at the counter, picking up her glass and downing the liquid before turning toward him.

“What do you think happened to Walsh?” She asked suddenly.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Walsh, you know that guy I went out with right out of high school.”

“Why the fuck do you care what happened to him, please tell me you aren’t interested in reacquainting yourself with him?”

“I dunno, I guess I’m just being a bit introspective seeing as we’re at a wedding and I’m still not married.”

“Trust me, you didn’t want to marry a guy like Walsh Ozman.”

“I bet he’s got a shit ton of money now.” She laughed.

“Never known you to give a fuck about money, Swan.”

“I was always curious, but I never asked. What did you say to him after I left the house that night?”

She recognized the obvious flinch, but he refused to look at her. “What?”

“To Walsh? You stayed in there for a while after I left, what did you say to him, cuz anytime he saw me on campus after that night, he ran the other direction.”

He laughed nervously and took a drink of his beer. “I don’t remember.” He deflected.

“Bullshit.” Emma spat and Killian pulled his drink from his lips.

“Perhaps I told him that it was in his best interest to forget your number.”

“Interesting…”

“Not sure if it was interesting, but he forgot it, didn’t he?” He said with a tap of his bottle against hers.

“So, that’s it huh, you told him to forget my number and he did? I don’t believe you.”

He chuckled his usual sarcastic laugh, the one that got under her skin when he didn’t want to deal with her. “Why not?”

“Because I think you said something to him, to scare him, which doesn’t make any sense to me at all.”

“The guy was a creep, Swan. You weren’t the first college student he had harassed, manhandled, or worse.” He added softly, a look of seriousness suddenly settling over him.

She shrugged. “Like you cared what happened to me anyway.”

“You were David’s baby sister, I couldn’t exactly let anything happen to you, he’d never forgive me.”

“So, you were looking out for Dave?” She hiccupped, the alcohol was really starting to go to her head.

“Look, it’s not my fault you kept calling me in the middle of the bloody night when you found yourself with irreputable men.”

“Kept calling?” She laughed. “I only called you once.” He paused as if he had said something he hadn’t meant to, taking another gulp of his drink, and turning away from her. She narrowed her eyes in his direction. “Killian, I only called you once.” She repeated.

He reached around the bar, grabbing a bottle of rum from under the counter and sliding off his stool. “I’m beat. Enjoy your evening, Swan.” She watched as he walked away from her, the bottle hanging from the hand at his side as he walked slowly toward the elevators.

Emma wandered lazily toward her friend, her feet felt heavy, her arms slightly numb. “There you are.” She said as Emma plopped down in the seat beside her.

“Was it everything you hoped for?” She tried not to slur her words.

“And more. But something tells me you’re having more fun than me.” She giggled and Emma held up her beer in a toast to her friend before taking another drink.

“Are you still drinking?” Emma looked up to see her brother approach.

“Don’t lecture me, dad.” She joked.

“Very funny, but you should probably slow down.” He sat down next to her. “Where did Killian go?”

“Probably drowning himself in his bottle of rum.” She laughed. She turned toward her brother. “Can I ask you something?”

He laughed, “You just did.”

“Whatever happened with Neal?”

He frowned, “Why are we talking about that asshole on my wedding night?”

“I don’t know, alcohol makes me nostalgic.” She shrugged. “I was just curious, you know, what happened to him after that night.”

“Which night?”

“You know that night.” She raised her eyebrow. “After I called you.”

“Emma, the last time I saw that idiot, was when you left on that trip to Tallahassee. I was so happy you came back alone, that I never wanted to ask you what went down.”

“Stop playing around, I called you, I told you where Neal was, and you sent me that cab to take me home and Neal never bothered me again.”

His brow raised and Emma could see he was considering his words. “Emma, I can honestly say I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Then who sent the cab?”

~*~

5 years ago

“Neal, what’s in the bag?”

“Stop asking questions, dammit.” He shouted and Emma flinched.

“I just don’t understand what we’re doing.”

He advanced on her before he paused. “Look Ems, I just need you to do what I tell you. Can you do that?”

Emma shook her head anxiously. “Yeah, fine.”

“Good.” He brushed his hand against her hair before he fisted it into her locks, tugging her head backward. “And don’t question me again.” Her heart raced when his mouth attacked her neck, biting at her flesh before he tossed her back against the floor. “Now put the bag under the bed. I’m gonna grab us some food. Don’t fucking touch anything.” She shook her head nervously as she watched him rummage through his drawer, tucking something in the back of his pants before turning back to face her.

“How long are you going to be gone?”

“What did I just say?” He groaned. “Look, I’ll be back when I get back.” He yanked her off the floor by her arm, pain searing at her shoulder.

“That hurts.” She cried out before his hand cracked against her cheek.

“Just do what I told you to do, dammit.” Suddenly his face softened, and he pulled her closer to him. “I’m sorry baby, don’t make me do that again, ok, I don’t like having to hit you.”

“I’m sorry.” She answered quickly, rubbing her palm on her cheek.

“Be a good girl, I’ll be back soon.”

Emma stared at the bag on the bed for what felt like hours, debating whether to open it and look inside. She knew the moment she did, it would be the moment it all became real, she would have to make a choice. She walked closer to the bed, staring back at the door. She took another step before reaching for the bag, tugging at the zipper, and yanking it open.

“Shit.” She cursed to herself, staring down at the bundles of money, red stains on a few of them, gold watches littered between the bills. She reached in and moved the bundles around until she felt the cold butt of a gun. She was in over her head. She wasn’t aware of what Neal had been doing at each of the stops on their trip, but now she had a pretty good idea. She couldn’t live like this, it wasn’t her. She had thought that when Neal told her he wanted to start a new life with her in Tallahassee that he was done with all the petty thief stuff. All these months, she convinced herself he would change for her, that if she loved him, that it would be enough. But as she stood in the room, a pile of cash in a bag, blood smeared in Neal’s fingerprints on the bills, it was never going to be enough.

She picked up the phone and dialed her brother’s number. She needed to tell him before she chickened out. The moment the phone picked up she started talking, desperate to tell him everything.

“David, I need your help. I’ve screwed up. I know I told you that Neal had changed, that he was legit, but I’m in trouble. Neal…he…I need to get away from him now. I’m at a hotel in Florida and I’m scared. I’ll send you the address, but I need your help, please I…I just want to come home, I’m so sorry.” She sobbed.

“Emma…”

“Don’t talk, I don’t want to hear the disappointment in your voice. I’ll send you the info, I’ll change, I promise, it’s over with him, I…I promise. Just get me home and we never have to talk about Neal Cassidy again.”

She hung up the phone and waited until there was a honk outside the hotel. She peered out the window to see a cab waiting. She grabbed her stuff and ran through the door, never looking back.

~*~

Emma stood in front of the large ornate door, Room 515. Her head was still spinning when she pounded on the wooden frame. She stood impatiently until it flung open, Killian Jones stood in front of her, his hair a mess, wearing only a pair of boxers and a white t-shirt. “Couldn’t stop thinking of me, eh Swan?” He jeered; the half drank bottle of rum in his hand.

“Tallahassee.” She said firmly, pushing past him as she entered his room.

“Do come in.” He groaned as she heard the door shut behind her. “What do you want?”

“I know it was you that I talked to you that night, but how?”

He shook his head as if trying to clear the cobwebs or something. “Sorry, lass, I’m not following, what night?”

“I called David from my hotel room that night, but he swears he never talked to me. Yet someone sent me a cab, someone got me home.”

He shrugged. “Haven’t the foggiest idea what you’re on about, love.”

“Bullshit.” She stepped toward him. “Tonight, you said I kept calling you in the middle of the night, but I only called you once, because of Walsh.”

“I must have misspoken.” He shrugged, tossing himself down on his bed as he sat on the end of the mattress.

“I can tell you’re lying.” She glared as he reached up and touched the tip of his ear with his finger. “There. You do that thing with your ear when you’re either lying or nervous.”

“You’ve barge in my room in the middle of the night, interrupt my solitude, and start accusing me of lying about sending a cab to some damn hotel room in the middle of podunk Woodville, Florida, you can’t blame me for being foggy.”

Emma flinched and her eyes sought his from across the room. “I didn’t say where I was staying. I just said Tallahassee. How did you know the hotel was in Woodville?”

He shrugged, “I’m drunk lass, lucky guess.”

“I knew it was you.” She exclaimed.

“Fine, you caught me, I sent you a fucking cab, but to be fair you’re the one who told me not to talk that night.”

“But I called David, I know I did.”

He chuckled. “Aye, you did, but he was passed out drunk that night.”

“You never told him what I said on that call? Why?”

He laughed loudly. “Figured he didn’t need to know what his baby sister had gotten herself into, seeing as you were telling me you were done with it, I didn’t see the point. As long as Neal was out of the picture, it wasn’t necessary to break his heart.”

“So, you sent a cab, and just brought me home, no questions asked.”

“Aye.” He still wasn’t making eye contact with her. He wasn’t telling her the full story, she knew it.

“So, David never talked to Neal then.” She paced the room in front of him. “But Neal knew where I was, and yet he never came after…”

“He damn well better not have, I swore I’d tear him apart with my own hands.” Killian growled and Emma felt the room spin slightly.

“What did you just say?”

“That dumb fuck tried to square up to me like I couldn’t beat his ass, I swear he cried when I burned that fucking cash in front of him.” He swirled the bottle in his hands before tipping it back again to down the liquid.

“You came to Florida?”

He looked up and bit his lip. “I uh…What?”

“You just said you burned his cash, the cash was in Florida, in the hotel.”

“It’s late, I’m drunk, I think…” Emma walked over and grabbed the bottle out of his hand, throwing it across the room as it smashed into the wall, liquid and glass exploding at the contact. “What the bloody hell…”

“Tell me the truth.” She yelled. “Did you go to Florida?”

“Of course, I went to Florida, who else was going to keep that bastard from coming after you?” He stood up, staring at her as he shouted, and Emma felt her cheeks flush.

“But why?”

“Because he touched you. I saw it, the bruise on your cheek, you think I was just going to let him hit you and walk away?”

Emma sucked in her breath. “How, how did you know that?”

“I needed to make sure you got home. I waited outside your apartment, I saw the cab arrive, watched you get out. As soon as I saw your face, I knew he needed to be stopped.” He walked toward her. “So yeah, I went to Florida, to the address you had me send that cab to. Asshole was still there, waiting for you to come back.” Emma couldn’t believe what she was hearing, all these years she thought David had helped her out of the situation and then did as she said, and never spoke about it again.

“You burned his cash?”

“Enough to tell him I was serious. If he ever came back for you, if he so much as tried to contact you…”

She stepped backwards, but he followed her until her back hit the wall, his eyes staring into hers. “Why? Why did you care at all about Neal?”

“I didn’t give a fuck about Neal.” He yelled, as he placed his hands on either side of her head, leaning toward her. “Don’t you get it Emma. It was you. It was always you.”

His mouth was on hers in an instant and Emma could barely catch up to the fact he was kissing her, Killian Jones was kissing her. She should be repulsed but in the moment all she could feel was the heat of his body pressed against hers, his fingers gripping her hair, pulling her against his mouth as her entire body hummed in excitement.

Without a second thought she pushed back, her hands against his chest, fisting in his t-shirt, her head falling back as his mouth explored her neck. She could barely contain the moan as his tongue slid against her jaw. She didn’t registered the moment they both stumbled across the room, his hands at her back, clawing at the zipper low on her hips. When they tripped against the bed, the straps of her gown pulled down her body, he stared at her with eager eyes. Emma couldn’t believe this was happening, things weren’t making sense. All these years, all the anger toward each other, the teasing, the torment, suddenly they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

He was Killian Jones. The man who had tormented her thoughts for years, Killian Jones, the man who had come to her rescue the night with Walsh, who had also apparently saved her from a terrible mistake with Neal. She was confused, overwhelmed, and incredibly horny, she realized.

“Swan…” His voice vibrated against her ear. “I think we should…”

Emma pulled away from him, looking at him as he swayed in front of her. “What?”

“I’m fuck as drunk.” He laughed. “Aaand, I’m pretty sure you’re having a difficult time standing on your own right now.”

“Wait a minute?” She said incredulously. “The Killian Jones, sex God extraordinaire is saying he’s too drunk to fuck?”

“Sex God?” He laughed. “Ok I don’t know who you’ve been talking to, but anyway…I’m just saying…maybe we need to hit pause; besides I can’t exactly feel my lower half.” He stepped back, looking down at his boxers. “And I think I need to sit down.” He stumbled backward until his legs hit the bed, falling over until he was lying on his back.

“Seriously?” Emma sighed, watching as the man stilled, soft sounds of snoring filling the room. Maybe it was for the best, it’s not like it was smart for her and Killian to sleep together. She was Emma Nolan and he was Killian Jones, enemies since childhood. One drunken night couldn’t change that. Perhaps he was right, she needed to go back to her room, get some sleep, and wake up with a clear head before she made a mistake she wouldn’t be able take back.

~*~

She woke to a banging on her door that wouldn’t stop. “Good God.” She groaned, sitting up in her bed and stumbling toward the door. She yanked it open and stared angrily at whoever was making the noise.

“You look like shit, Swan.” Killian smiled at her in a way that no man who drank a bottle of rum should be smiling at a person, at whatever time it currently was in the morning.

“What do you want?”

“Brought you breakfast, figured you might need some dry toast.” He held up the white bag in his hands and she dropped her arm, letting him enter her room.

“Why are you so cheerful this morning, you drank half the bar last night.”

“I guess I hold my liquor better than you.”

“Why does everyone say that? Besides, I’m pretty sure I’m the one who left you passed out in your bed last night.”

“Ah, that.” He shrugged. “Perhaps that was for the best.”

She stared at him, watching as he looked everywhere around the room except for at her, avoiding her eyes. “Maybe.” She opened the bag and pulled out the toast, taking a bite and swallowing before speaking again. “Did you threaten Walsh also?” She asked with a shrug.

“Are we back to a Q&A session, Swan? What does it even matter?”

“Because it doesn’t make sense. You hated me, you used to tease me mercilessly. You never even called me by my first name, making up that stupid Swan shit when I turned 13. So why, why would you care at all about my relationships?”

He exhaled loudly. “You want to know why I call you Swan?”

“You already told me that a long time ago, it was because I had a long stupid neck.”

He laughed. “You believed that shit?”

“Why wouldn’t I? You said it to my face.”

“I thought you could tell when I was lying.” He chuckled.

“Then why? Why do you call me that?” She asked in frustration.

“Because right before my eyes, you had grown into the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on. You went from this silly little girl in pigtails and braces to this gorgeous beautiful swan I couldn’t keep my eyes off of.”

Emma’s world stopped. “What? No…that’s...”

“Crazy? Yeah well, I’ve been crazy about you for as long as I can remember, so welcome to my world.”

She laughed loudly. “You had a funny way of showing it, between the redheads, the brunettes, the…”

“But never blonde.” He added seriously.

“That’s not true, there had to be one or two that were…” She stopped and thought about the women that Killian had dated throughout the years, were there really no blondes?

“They wouldn’t have been you.” He answered the question she didn’t dare say out loud.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” She implored.

“You had a type, usually idiotic moron, but it was still a type. Who was I to interfere with your ridiculous choices? Besides, you were my best friend’s little sister.” He paused before taking a step closer to her. “Would it have mattered if I did?”

Emma felt her heart skip as he stared down at her, her legs suddenly feeling unstable. “I don’t know…you’ve always just been David’s annoying friend.”

“Always?” He asked as his brow rose. “So, you never thought about it, you and I? Not even late at night, when you were alone…” His voice reverberated in her mind.

“No, of course not?” She laughed, the sound getting caught in her throat the moment his hand touched her cheek.

“Are you quite certain about that, love?”

“I…I don’t know.” Her mouth was dry as she thought back on her life, she had always found Killian attractive, and he found a way to get under her skin more times than she cared to admit, but there had been times when she was alone, times when she thought about the man in front of her in ways she knew she could never act on. She had always passed the feelings off as just needing to get laid. He was gorgeous after all, no one would deny that. “Maybe if you weren’t always such an ass all…”

Her words died in her throat the moment his mouth was on her neck, his hands at her waist pulling her against him. “You were saying…” She felt the arrogant smirk against her skin.

“You’re an ass.” She groaned, letting her hands slide against his neck as he continued to pepper kisses along her jaw until their lips met in a fiery explosion. She had to admit in the light of day, without the alcohol fogging her brain, that kissing Killian Jones was an entirely different yet exciting experience. It was like her body craved him in ways she had never admitted even in the darkness of her own solitude.

Tiny details suddenly came to life in her brain, the way he looked at her the night he came to get her at Walsh’s. Protective, possessive, almost feral, because of her.

Emma pulled him closer to her, desperately tugging at his hair to bring him closer, as he intoxicated her every sense. Emma had to admit she had wondered what kissing Killian was like, had thought about what his mouth could do, but experiencing it was a whole different thing. She felt his hands at her hips, fingers slipping under her shirt as his palm met skin searing a warm trail that caused her flesh to pebble under his touch.

As if a sudden desperation overtook her, she found herself gripping his shirt, pushing it up his chest as she explored the hair hidden beneath with her fingertips. “Perhaps you’ve imagined it a few times.” He teased, pushing her pajama bottoms over her hips, shoving them toward the ground.

“Shut up and take this off already.” She growled as he pulled his shirt over his head. Emma gulped, staring at his chest. She had obviously not spent enough time admiring this man for all his glory.

“Impatient, love?”

“Just curious if you live up to your reputation.” She teased.

“I can assure you; you won’t be disappointed.”

“That’s a mighty large assurance, considering I’m used to being disappointed.” She tore the button to his pants open, hoping to speed up the situation.

“As I said love, you have terrible taste in men, but I don’t intend to let you down.” He threw her bra behind her, his mouth suddenly pressing against one of her mounds, his tongue darting out to flick against her pert nipple.

“Oh God.” She cried out at the contact. “My taste in men has led me to this, so perhaps you have a point.” She groaned.

“Perhaps this is the first good choice you’ve made in a while.” His slid down her body his tongue tracing a line down her stomach, poking at her navel as he slid her panties down her body.

“We’ll see about that.” She said before moaning when his tongue slid closer to the area she needed him. “Fuck.” She growled looking down at him as he stared up at her.

“Something you want, Swan?”

“How can you be so irritating and yet so…” She clenched her teeth as he stood, pulling her naked toward the bed and sitting her on the mattress.

“So…?” He pressed her to continue as she lay back on the mattress. “Irritating yet devilishly handsome?” He smirked before settling between her legs. “I am quite dashing, aren’t I.” He pressed a kiss to her thigh.

“I’m going to be dashing you right out of this room if you don’t…” The heat of his tongue against her center caused her head to fall back and the words to die in her throat. She ignored the smirk she could feel form on his lips, he had a right to be cocky with the expertise use of his tongue that had set her on fire.

When his fingers slipped inside of her, hitting the spot she so desperately needed, she reached down and gripped his hair, pulling him against her until she felt the feeling build, an explosion unlike any she had experienced before, causing her to scream out, his name escaping from her lips before she could stop it.

He glanced up at her with a look that told her he knew how good he was, he was confident in his ability, she would give him that. “Holy shit.” She said breathlessly.

“Perhaps all you really needed was one really great orgasm to unwind that…”

“Are you going to just talk the whole time or?” He slid up her body, his mouth devouring every inch of skin he passed until she felt like she was ready to pass out again.

Why did he have to be so goddamn talented with that mouth of his? Because why wouldn’t Killian Jones, the man who could work her into such an angry frenzy that it left her shaking in frustration, be the same one who could give her the best damn orgasm she had ever had in her life.

Killian fucking Jones, she thought as she felt his erection against her thigh. He hesitated and she opened her eyes to see his trepidation. “You don’t happen to be carrying a condom with you, do you?”

Emma laughed. “Don’t you carry one everywhere you go? My brother always told me you were the…what did he call it?”

He rolled his eyes. “The Saint of…”

“Sexual preparation…yes that’s it.” She finished smugly. “Always prepared, like a boy scout.”

He groaned in frustration. “If you must know, it’s been a while, love.”

“I have a hard time believing that.” She snorted. “But since I’ve known you for almost my entire life, and since I’m protected already…”

“Look at this face, have I ever lied to you?”

She took in the sincerity in his crystal blue eyes, the genuine smile spread across his lips, and she was taken aback suddenly by the situation she was in. Lying naked in a bed with Killian Jones, a man she had known almost her entire life. Suddenly the entire thing felt safe to her, she had never had that before with a man, trust had been rare in her life.

Killian had been many things to her, an enemy, her brother’s best friend, but one thing he had never been, was a liar. In fact, she now realized that he had protected her all those years. All the times he had made comments about her reckless behavior with a man wasn’t because he found her annoying, or because he didn’t like her, in fact, he said them out of concern for her wellbeing. It was all overwhelming to think back and realize that perhaps his behavior was out of jealousy instead of disregard.

“Are you with me, love?”

Emma looked at the man staring at her with concern in his eyes. Lifting her head, she pressed her lips to his, a soft kiss that meant so much more to her that she could have thought. She was here, with him, in every way that mattered. Suddenly she wanted so much more than just knowing what it was like to have sex with Killian Jones, she wanted to be with Killian Jones.

She pulled back, staring in his eyes. “I’m right here.” She whispered. He dipped his head, their lips touching once more, but this time there was an urgency, a need that he returned with such emotion it overwhelmed her.

In one motion, he slid inside of her, filling her in a way she had never experienced before. She felt connected, not only by their bodies but by the way he was watching her, his eyes soft yet intense, never leaving her own with each thrust. It was as if suddenly his mouth stopped speaking but he was still saying so much.

He would always be there for her, protecting her, caring for her. She knew it somehow, could feel it in the way he moved. How had she not seen it all this time?

“Emma…” He whispered her name like a prayer in the air, so reverent as if it was the most valued word he had ever spoken in his life. She could feel the crescendo building inside of her with each heavy thrust, as his body glided against hers giving her all the friction she needed to reach the level she was seeking.

“Oh God…” She moaned, her body starting to shake as his mouth pressed against her ear.

“Come with me Emma…” His voice, full of sincerity, laced with pure desire was the only sound she needed to guide her to the high she so desperately sought. Her body tensed as she gripped him, her teeth grazing the flesh at his shoulder as he moaned her name over and over until they both had stilled, exhausted, and completely sated.

“Well, that was…” She paused with a sly smile. “Unexpectedly better than I imagined.”

“Why Swan, I thought you never imagined…” he smirked, causing her to shove him backwards on the bed, climbing onto his waist as she looked down at him.

“Are you going to continue being this cocky, or…”

“Have you ever known me to be any other way?” His brow rose playfully.

She rolled her eyes, leaning over to place her lips against his mouth, the heat between her legs already pooling in anticipation of repeating the act they had just completed.

Suddenly the door to her room swung open and Emma’s eyes widened as she flung herself onto the mattress, pulling the covers over their bodies.

“Emma…David and I were just…”

“Mary has a key to your room?” Killian asked with a groan. “Good to know.” His voice trailed off.

“I get locked out a lot…” She could hear her friend’s voice getting closer as she approached them and she threw the covers over Killian’s head the moment her friend entered the room, she sat up suddenly. “Are you still in bed?” Her friend exclaimed. “Check out is in two hours!”

Emma forced a yawn. “Not everyone gets up with the birds, M’s.”

“Not everyone drank as much as you did either…”

“Hey, he’s not in his room either.” Emma groaned as her brother’s voice sounded at the door, entering her room. “You’re still in bed? Check out is in 2 hours, I don’t want to get charged for another day because you sleep past noon.” He paused, looking around her room. “Jesus, did you have a party in here?”

“Hey, you know, this is real fun, but I haven’t even had my breakfast yet so…”

“Oh, right.” Her friend said excitedly. “I was just dropping off your key so you can water the plants while we’re gone. Killian will have a key too so I hope the two of you can watch the place without killing each other or burning our house down.”

“Great. Ok then, have a good trip.” Emma tried to rush the conversation. Her brother was already staring at her when suddenly his face drained of color.

“We should um…yeah…perhaps we should leave, darling.” He took his wife by the hand. “I think Emma would prefer to spend her morning doing other activities.” He winked and Emma died a little inside, but not nearly as much as when she felt Killian’s hand trail up her thigh. She jumped with a loud squeak.

“Other activities, she’s still in bed, David…” Emma squeezed her eyes shut.

“Yes, and from the looks of things, she was quite enjoying that.”

Emma tossed a pillow toward her brother. “Get out.”

“I don’t…” Her friend’s eyes widened. “Oh my God.” She scanned the bed, finally taking notice of the extra bump in the bed. “Good for you Emma, I know it’s been a while…” She said with a happy whisper but not quite low enough that the sentence was not heard by Killian whom she felt pinch the inside of her thigh. She leaned over onto him, driving her elbow into his chest causing him to grunt loudly through the comforter.

David dragged his wife toward the door, despite her desire to stay and discuss this new revelation with Emma. She gestured toward her as she was leaving. “Call me…” She giggled before David stopped in his tracks, staring at something on the floor. His mouth turned up in a grin before he looked back at Emma.

“Hey uh, you haven’t seen Killian have you?” He sang with a devilish smile.

“Have you tried the bar?” Another pinch to the inside of her thigh. “Ouch.” She exclaimed loudly as her brother continued to stare at her.

“Ok well, I’ll leave his key here.” He held the key up in his hand, dropping it on the table by the dresser.

“Sounds great, not sure when I’ll see him, but you know, I can take care of the place on my own anyway.” She smiled.

“Yeah, ok, well when you see him, you might want to let him know that the hotel has been trying to contact him.  Apparently someone ran over his bike in the parking lot.”

“Bloody hell.” Killian exclaimed loudly from under the blankets and Emma groaned as her brother’s knowing smile grew on his face. “How bad is it?” Killian emerged from the comforter and Mary Margaret’s mouth opened wide.

“Oh God.” Emma squeezed her eyes shut.

“Anyway…” David continued with a grin, “See you when we get back. You and I need to have a little conversation about your intentions with my sister.” He warned with a wink, dragging Mary Margaret from the room, questions flying from her mouth until the door shut behind them.

“Oh God.” Emma sunk down into the bed, pulling the covers over her head.

“Do you think he was serious about my bike?”

Emma yanked the covers away, staring at Killian. “That’s what you took away from that entire situation?”

“Do you know how much I paid for that bloody thing?” He exclaimed. “He was joking right?”

“You don’t care that David and M’s just walked in on us, that they know that we had sex?”

He shrugged. “No, David thought we had sex years ago.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“He figured that was the reason you were always so hostile toward me.” He grinned and Emma’s mouth opened and closed like a fish trying to breathe.

“I was hostile to you?” She asked incredulously. “I’m pretty sure it was the other way around, you used to pull on my hair.”

He rolled over on top of her. “Because I thought you were adorable when you were mad. Your ears get red and…”

“Are you serious right now? You were trying to make me mad?”

“Let’s be honest love, it wasn’t a difficult task.” Emma’s eyes widened but he cut off her response with a kiss that removed all other thoughts from her mind. His body pressed against hers in all the right places, making her ache to feel him inside her again.

She squealed. “Check out is in…”

“I don’t bloody care when check out is.”

“If my brother finds out you made him pay for an additional day in the room to fuck his sister, he might…” Killian groaned, rolling over and pulling the sheets from her naked body. Emma frowned. “Where are you going?”

“Get up, we’re leaving.”

“What? But I didn’t even eat my breakfast…”

He threw her clothes at her, a pile landing on her head and around her body. “Let’s go love, lots to do. Plants to water, rooms to explore.”

“What are you talking about?”

He leaned over, pressing his lips to her neck. “Are you always going to be this gloriously impossible?”

She melted into his touch, the feeling of his hot breath against her ear. “Have you ever known me to be any other way?” She purred.

“I’ll take you any way I can get you, Swan.” He growled in her ear, and she felt her entire body shiver, pressing her legs together to calm the aching need that was growing.

“How fast can you drive?” She asked, meeting blue eyes filled with as much desire as she was feeling.

“Depends on whether or not my bike is destroyed in the parking lot because that bug of yours won’t make it home before dinner.” She slapped his arm playfully, before he captured her lips with his, causing her heart to speed up.

“We’re not really going to defile my brother’s house are we?” He bit his lip, staring at her with eyes that made her entire body quiver. Hell, she’d let him take her right on the bike outside the hotel if he kept looking at her like that. “Fuck it, I think we still have time before check out.”

He had her on her back before she could finish her sentence.

By the time David got the bill for 3 extra days at the hotel, Emma and Killian had become inseparable. They still fought, and he still got on her nerves at least twice a day, but there was no one that had her back the way he did.

In fact, Emma was sure that she would never find another man who loved her as fiercely as Killian Jones.