Chapter Text
One thing was for certain: Emma was not an early riser. For the past two months, she had managed to arrive late nearly every day at her new job. Here she was again, on a Wednesday morning, struggling to do her morning routines in the usual rush. It was about an hour ago when she silenced her alarm hoping for a few more minutes of sleep. A decision she was currently regretting as she was about forty-five minutes behind her pre-work prep. 'Really Swan? Had to get another five minutes of shut-eye in?' She internally cursed shoving her hair back into a semi-neat ponytail with a toothbrush protruding from her mouth.
"Looks like someone slept in again?" A cocky grin greeted her from the hallway. Giving a sideways glance to acknowledge Ruby's presence, Emma finished wrestling her hair into the elastic band and plucked the toothbrush free.
Spitting the minty liquid out, she turned her attention to her roommate. "Rubes, as much as I know you enjoy teasing me on my sleeping habits I would appreciate some help here." She pointed to her blue blazer hanging from the doorknob. "I have to be at a mandatory meeting in 33 minutes; traffic is going to be a nightmare on the 17." Grimacing, she splashed cold water on her face trying to wash away the tired look and the residual toothpaste from her lips.
Collecting the blazer from the knob Ruby gave it a quick shake and once over. "Let me guess, the CEO and the other EOs are gonna be there, and this is a make or break moment for this job of yours?" Ruby's tone dripped with teasing sarcasm. She passed the blazer to Emma who gave her trademark eye roll in response.
"Something like that." She let out a sigh and shucked on the blazer smoothing out the wrinkles in the sleeves. Fetching her glasses from the sink countertop, she cleaned them of any smudges and put them on. She finished buttoning up the last button on her petite white dress shirt and took one last glance in the mirror for any imperfections. "Wish me luck," She said giving her best friend a quick hug.
"Good luck, you are really gonna need it." The lanky brunette giggled letting go and allowed Emma to make her exit.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Traffic was a nightmare. Of course, there an accident in the HOV lane blocked most of the three left lanes. Highway patrol diverted all traffic into the two right lanes. No one paid any mind to the traffic notification signs alerting everyone to the accident up ahead. The whole ordeal added seven minutes to her now twenty-two-minute trip to work.
Speeding down the residential street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph, she made a screeching right turn into the call center campus. Swiping her bag at the gate, she ignored the speed limit on campus making sure to avoid running any of her co-workers over in the process. The site was huge, with an ever-expanding parking lot that surrounds the immense structure. Getting a spot at her department's entrance was always a struggle as most of the morning account managers, who operated the phones, arrived 5:00 a.m. Luck though, was on her side as there was an open spot in the reserved parking.
Ignoring the reserved sign she poorly parked her Mitsubishi Lancer and scrambled into the building. Patiently waddling with the turnstile security door, she glanced down at her phone noting the time with a clenched jaw. 7:59 a.m. 'Just barely on time' she let out a sigh of relief exiting towards her cubicle.
Mary Margaret, her team supervisor, was looming over her desk working on what appeared to be last minute touches to the department's presentation. "Hey M&M, do you know where this meeting is supposed to be?" Startling the young supervisor, Emma gave a nervous smile.
Composing herself, Mary Margaret snagged the USB from the computer tower. "Jeez Emma, not the day to be late." She grimaced. "It's in the auditorium by HR. Considering your inability to navigate this building I would be happy to lead the way." She gave a genuine smile and exited their team's work area.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thankfully, there were plenty of other employees still entering the room. Waving Emma off to sit with the rest of her team, Mary Margaret headed over to the podium to sit with the other supervisors and department heads. Finding a seat at the end of the row, she was greeted by a charming smile from her team Coach Killian. "Good morning, love." The two had gotten close over the past two months since she started working with him. Spending many late nights at work finishing up projects they would frequent the local pub to blow off steam. Neither would admit it, but both of them wanted to take that next step away from their work appropriate relationship.
"Yes, yes. I am late, but not fashionably so." She adjusted her glasses nervously. "Lucky me, I managed to steal a parking spot in the reserved area." She could tell he was going to make some comment and quickly cut him off. "Before you go saying anything I will be moving my car after the meeting." She tried to avoid any rebukes from the devilishly handsome Coach that would lead to a long and drawn out policies conversation.
"Seriously? No one gets that lucky." Left with little to go on he resided for a bit of jealousy mixed in with slight disbelief. "Hopefully for you Swan, it wasn't anyone important that laid claim to the spot." Killian managed to get in his word of caution before the whole auditorium's audience was directed to the back of the room.
The CEO, Mr. Hyde, made his grand entrance to the sound of cheers and applause from his employees. The music queued up with "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida, which had been edited to be HR appropriate. As the beloved CEO headed down the center aisle to the podium, he was followed by other Executives who were all smiles and waves to the staff. The music faded out allowing Mr. Hyde to soak in the applause for a moment longer before hushing the crowd. "Thank you, everyone! It was a great year for 2015! Lots of progress was made in expanding our credit card division and gaining twenty-seven million more new customers!" Applause punctuated the statement of his excitement.
As the applause died down, the CEO continued with the previous years progress. Emma couldn't help but notice the sound of the of the exit door opening. Being the curious person that she was, she wrenched her neck around to see the most beautifully intimidating woman stalk down the very same entryway. The woman was noticeably angry as she stormed up to the front and took her seat right behind Mr. Hyde. Emma was no longer interested in how well the company was doing and turned her attention to the brunette with deliciously red lipstick who seemed to be staring down the entire room. Something had obviously perturbed her, and she seemed to think it was an individual in the crowd.
"Hey Killian," Emma whispered nudging him on the arm with her elbow. "Who's the chick with the "if looks could kill" stare?"
"That's our department's Director, in charge of all things Consumer Lending and Bank Options: Student loans, deposit products, personal loans.... everything bank. Regina Mills aka The Evil Queen." He grimaced.
"Evil Queen?" Emma raised a skeptical brow. "What do you mean by that?"
"Trust me, love, if you want to work here officially, avoid her at all costs. She's the one that likes to bring the ax to our department whenever we aren't hitting our goals." He empathized his statement with the appropriate hand gesture suggesting head removal. Satisfied with his answer she sunk into her chair wanting not to stand out any more than anyone else. Though she felt intimidated, part of her felt a little more intrigued to know more about the Evil Queen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
After the meeting was over Emma made her escape back to the parking lot to move her car. Plopping down in the driver's seat, she started the car and noticed the sign that sat in front of the space. It didn't read "reserved" like she first thought. This space was reserved for "The Director of CLBO." Dread set in, her grip on the steering wheel was turning her knuckles white matching her complication as all the blood had drained from her face. "Shit."
Finding a spot out near the perimeter of the fence, she legged it back to the building taking nearly six minutes to complete the trip. Swiping her badge to get back into her department she swallowed hard imagining all the different ways her exit meeting could go for parking in her Director's space. Gathering her composure, she headed back to her cubicle avoiding all eye contact with anyone; paranoid her guilt shone on her forehead in neon lights.
Killian and Belle hovered by her desk having what seemed like a pleasant chat. Emma's stomach turned. That's the last thing she needed was them lingering by her desk talking about gossip while all of the corporate Execs were near. "Guys, please go back to your desks and work." Her voice strained to make the weak request.
"Emma, what's wrong?" Belle, being the caring person that she was, wouldn't leave without knowing if her coworker was alright.
"Yeah, Swan are you okay? You look like someone just stole your Xbox and your MT Dew." His tone was teasing, but he was sincere in his usual fashion.
Slinking down into her chair, she dropped her head onto the desk staring at the cubicle wall past the two. "I parked in the Director's spot." She flatly stated.
"Yikes, which Director?" Belle asked kneeling down next to her friend.
"Ours." She closed her eyes. Both Killian and Belle audibly cringed.
"Well, it's not like she knows it was you who parked in her spot, right?" Killian was trying to be reassuring, but even his voice couldn't hide the sound of dread. As if on cue her email chimed with a new message. Lifting her head up just a bit she faced her computer screen looking at the email's topic: 'Meeting at 10:15'. Letting out a resigned sigh, she clicked her response as 'accept' and turned back to the two. "Well Swan, it was nice knowing you. Maybe we can grab drinks sometime." Killian gave a weak chuckle making an effort to dash back to his desk as if the plague had set in and Emma Swan was patient zero.
"I don't think you have anything to worry about Emma; this meeting might just be your monthly review. When Ms. Mills is here, she sometimes likes to give the reviews herself." Belle gave a quick encouraging squeeze to her hand before heading off to her cubicle by student loans.
Emma dropped her head back onto the desk wishing this day to end and began to whisper prayers to whatever god would listen. "Emma? What are you doing?" Mary Margaret stood over her with a slightly puzzled look on her face.
Sitting upright, she gave the best fake smile she could muster. "Oh just trying to figure out where I am supposed to go for my 10:15 meeting." A cringed look tugged at her lips.
"Oh jeez, Ms. Mills's office is upstairs next to Credit Card Services. Don't you worry, I walk you up there." She gave a genuine smile and motioned for Emma to follow. "I will make sure to print out a map for you when I get back to my desk. Hopefully, then you can finally figure out where everything is." She teased in a friendly manner.
"Yeah, if there is a next time." Emma quietly mumbled walking past her supervisor.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Margaret lead the way upstairs, taking them to the big office at the back with large cherry oak double doors. Knocking on one of the doors she waited a moment before entering, "Ms. Mills, I have Emma Swan here for the meeting."
The very same woman from earlier with the 'deadly' look, sat on the other side of the equally intimidating desk. "Ah, Miss Swan. Thank you, Mary, for bringing her up to me." She stood up greeting them both with a warm smile. She was immaculate in her business attire, a black pencil skirt that fit her figure like a glove with a matching blazer that hugged in just the right places. She accented her outfit with a red blouse which wasn't buttoned all the way leaving just enough skin on display. 'Keep it together Swan; you're drooling.' Swallowing the hard lump that was slowly suffocating her, she moved forward offering her hand. "It's a real pleasure to meet you, Miss Swan." They way her last name fell from her boss's delicious lips made her heart stutter. Taking the young intern's hand, she gave her a firm shake.
"Likewise, Ms. Mills." Emma braved through the vice-like grip barely allowing herself to register the soft warmth that encompassed her hand. Her eyes transfixed on chocolate depths that threatened to consume her. Part of her had hoped Mary Margaret would stay for the meeting, being the cage that protected her from the shark that smelled blood in the water.
"Well I will get out of your hair, I am sure you have much to discuss with our talented intern." Mary Margaret stated with little hesitation, like everyone else she wanted to leave no room for error when it came to the Evil Queen.
"Thank you again, Mary, for the opportunity to evaluate Miss Swan. I will thoroughly go through the notes you have highlighted and send her back once I finish." It was apparent that Regina had focused her attention on the young supervisor, but she had yet to release her grip on Emma's hand. Feeling her ever impending doom draws near, with the last glance of her boss leaving the room, Emma shifted on her feet nervously.
With the door shut Regina's grasp freed itself from Emma's hand, but now she found herself frozen in an intimidating stare. "Have a seat, dear." The words were no less a command that Emma quickly followed sitting in the chair opposite of Regina's and held her breath. "I hope you don't mind, but I work better on my feet." The Director said picking up the manila folder from her desk and opening it.
"No by all means, whatever works best." Emma politely stated feeling like a butterfly pinned in place.
Regina walked around her desk reading the monthly review to herself. Moving towards the front of her desk, she rested her posterior against it. Adjusting her glasses and swallowing back another lump, Emma found her eyes fixated on the floor. It was taking everything in her body to will herself still. Her eyes began to wander on their own accord up and over Regina's black Stiletto heels. She waited patiently for the Evil Queen to begin but struggled to fight back the pounding sound of her anxiety-ridden heart.
Licking her red painted lips she set the folder down, "Miss Swan, you have been with us for two months, and in that time I have seen numbers go up. Progress." She crossed her legs at the ankles and rested back on her hands. Emma lifted her head up to meet eyes with the Director. "You are talented, beyond a doubt with all the praise listed in Mary Margaret's notes." Pausing the brunette took in a deep breath and leaned forward in a predatory manner her eyes narrowing in on her prey. "I like what you have to offer, Miss Swan." Her voice was even, though Emma could hear the beginning of a but. "I will see to it no one will even consider hiring you here after your internship is up. You embarrassed me. Because of you, I was late to the company's annual progress meeting." Her words were sharp.
For the second time today the color drained from her face as she was paralyzed searching for something to say. Something about the way the Director held herself made Emma feel weak, but also annoyed. 'Who does she think she is?' Balling her hand into a fist, she felt like knocking the woman down to reality. She gained some strength and pressed forward, "I get being upset, but mistakes happen. You're no better than me." Emma snapped back defensively not thinking before she spoke.
Raising a questioning brow, Regina found herself speechless. She uncrossed her legs and shifted her weight drawing Emma's eyes downward again. 'Shit.' Regina was obviously weighing a choice in her mind. The Evil Queen couldn't help the feeling of desire rising in herself to crush the blonde's will beneath her stiletto heel. An appalled scoff purposely fell from her mouth as she shifted against her desk.
Emerald eyes were studying sculpted legs, 'Great job, yell at the one person who can send you packing without having to pass the request through HR.' Emma could feel the blood rushing up to her ears as the room's temperature rose a few degrees. 'Staring at her legs isn't going to save you either, no matter how much you imagine them wrapped around you.' She tightens her jaw trying to focus on the awkward silence that now filled the air. Emma heard shuffling and saw the blurred shape of a hand reach out towards her. Soft digits tightened around her chin lifting her head upwards forcing her to meet brown pools of a hungry stare.
"I don't think you understand your position here." The Evil Queen's grip squeezed in an almost bruising strength holding her locked in place. "You are my subordinate and will answer to me as such. Yes ma'am, no ma'am. Is that clear?" The air around them hummed with electric waves emanating from the brunette. She studied the intern's body language gauging her compliance.
It took a moment to register what was happening as there was an overwhelming surge of heat that flowed through her leaving pinpricks of cold in its wake. "Yes, ma'am." The words were devoid of confidence and fire that had been present earlier.
A devious grin etched its way across the Director's red lips, "Good girl." She hadn't released her hold on Emma's chin, but she let an elegant digit stray tracing the curve of the blonde's bottom lip. "No more outbursts and forgetting your place." Biting her lip in an enticing manner, she played with a dangerous thought.
This time Emma wasn't swallowing a lump in her throat, she was her pride she almost choked upon. "Yes, ma'am." As much as she wanted to turn the tables and put Regina in her place about sexual harassment, she couldn't. Every bit of her was craving her boss's attention, but she couldn't help feeling like it was her mind warping the events. 'Is this really happening? Is she making some pass at me?' Feeling a chill at the back of her, neck she let out a shuddering breath.
"Now then." Releasing the blonde, she leaned back straightening out her skirt, "Continue with the good work, and maybe you will have a position in this department at the end of the year." It was business as usual; the Director gestured towards the door signaling their meeting had come a close.
Sucking in a breath, Emma stood up her eyes lingering on the Evil Queen trying to make sense of what had taken place. She wanted to say something, working her jaw to form the words but chose silence. Tearing her eyes off of the woman she was left conflicted and confused. 'What the shit?!'